A/N Without Deadboy to try to impress I can't see Buffy actually wanting to dress as a Princess, not at her age. So her costume for this Halloween is a lot more badass 8).

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"So, Halloween is this week." Buffy reminded Willow as they headed to class. "My sister is coming to visit and I'll introduce you all and I was right, Mom does want me to take her trick or treating. And since there's a party at the Bronze later that night, I've decided I'm going to get a costume. What about you?"

"Well, I will be going to the party with Oz, so I'll be there. As for a costume, yes, it's a costume party, hence a costume."

"So let's go look for one together after classes let out for the day."

"I'm willing." Willow agreed.

"That reminds me." Cordelia turned to Alex, having overheard the conversation. "We need to get costumes too, since we have our own party to attend."

"Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, you know that, Cor. I love getting dressed up. So, after class?"

"Yes, we'll go to Party Town and find something." The two also wandered down the hall heading for their classes and after class everyone scattered to find costumes for Halloween. Buffy and Willow, conscious of Buffy's allowance budget, headed for a new store called Ethan's and began a careful consideration of the costumes.

"I like this one." Buffy admired a lady Knight's costume.

"Oh and it comes with a sword, in case of, you know, pesky vampires."

"It's a toy, so not of much use and Giles says Halloween is dead for the undead. Still, I really like it and it's kind of what a Slayer is, a lady Knight defending the world. I think I'll get it. So what looks good to you, my Willow friend?"

"Well, I'm dating a musician who's very cool, so what do you think about this 60s hippie costume?" Willow indicated a mostly yellow and flowered top, pants with matching skirting around the knees, with a headband and medallion.

"I think Oz will love it and your hair will clash with it, so I recommend a black Cher wig to go with it."

"Ooh, good idea." Willow agreed and went to find one, after which the two made their purchases and headed to their respective homes.

Meanwhile Alex and Cordelia were at Party Town trying to make up their minds on what they wanted in terms of costumes.

"I like this lady mobster look." Cordelia held up the costume.

"You'll definitely look hot in that." Alex playfully leered. "Hey, I could get the guy version." He pointed at black pants, vest and fedora. Cordelia grinned as her eyes gleamed.

"Good choice! You'll look good in that."

"Spoike," the now very frail, almost mute, Drusilla had a brief moment of lucidity. "Someone new has come, making changes. Inside, outside. The Slayer's weakness. Kill her for me, Spoike. Kill her for your Princess."

"Something that makes the Slayer weak? What is it?"

"Love."

"Someone she loves will be vulnerable? Ah now that is good news, pet. I haven't been able to get anywhere with her this month. The damn minions won't even go out anymore, claim the blood bags tried to follow them. So when will this someone she loves be so weak it'll make her vulnerable?"

"Halloween."

"Nothing happens on Halloween, everyone stays in, Dru."

"Not this time, someone new, changing things."

"So where do I find this person she loves that makes her weak?"

"Having fun. Puppies rend and tear." And the brief moment of lucidity passed and Drusilla went back to staring aimlessly at nothing. Spike frowned, trying to make sense of her words.

"Well, the only people who'd really be weaknesses for her would be her friends and family, right? She hangs out with a little redhead and a short boy. And than there's her mother, so one of them. You useless rats go watch those three, pay real close attention and report back when you see something that makes them vulnerable. Go!"

The minions scurried off and Spike turned to look at Dru, he'd found nothing that could help her. The last month had almost entirely killed his hopes of finding something that could help her get better. She had so little strength left, she was just wasting away in front of him and had resigned herself to her fate. Spike had one hope, Slayer blood was powerful, it could buy her time. So if the Slayer had someone who made her weak on Halloween, then it was finally time to grab her.

"Buffy," Joyce called out to her older daughter. "Could you take Dawn to get a costume? Your father didn't have time before dropping her off."

"Why can't you take me, Mom?" 10, almost 11 year old Dawn, whined. "Isn't it bad enough you're making me go trick or treating with her?"

"Dawn, just do what I say." Joyce said wearily, the weekend hadn't even started yet and her daughters were practically at each other's throats.

"Sure, Mom." Buffy answered. "I'll just take her to the store I got mine at."

A/N Buffy's costume can be found on Amazon, Medieval Lady Knight Costume by California Costumes Store.

Willow's costume can also be found on Amazon, the Smiffy Store's Willow the Hippie costume.

Cordelia's costumes comes from Amazon too, the fun shack store's Lady Mobster and Alex's costume is also on Amazon, the Pixiemain Store, 1920s Mens Costume Roaring 20s Costumes Outfit with Gangster Vest, Fedora Hat and Bow tie.

Dawn's costume can be found at Halloween costumes, Full Moon sassy werewolf costume.