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Chapter 3

Back in Sunnydale

Revello Drive was quiet. The house looked empty. It had been three days since Buffy's 'death'. Dawn hid in her room, Willow and Tara stayed in their room , Xander went back to his apartment with Anya and stayed there , cutting themselves off from the rest of the gang.Spike took care of the house , shopping at night to keep the fridge stocked for Dawn and keeping her fed, and cared for her as if she were his own. Each one had come to realise exactly how Buffy kept them all together.She was the glue that bound them together. Without her they just fumbled around aimlessly.
Dawn finally made her way out of her room and went downstairs.She had dealt with her grief on her own, blamed herself and had cried alone, but now she needed comfort . She hovered at the basement door and could hear Spikes sobs and his voice chanting 'It's my fault should've stopped it, should've stopped her, could've saved them both'. Dawn's eyes teared and her throat felt so tight it ached. She opened the basement door and slowly made her way down . Spike sat on the cot, his knee's bent up to his chest, his arms wrapped around them and he was rocking as he cried for his love.

Dawn walked slowly to the cot and gently sat beside him. She reached out to him and stroked his back. Spike was unaware of her at first, too wrapped in a blanket of his own grief to notice. He breathed deeply and let out the roar he'd been holding in since her leap from the tower. Dawn shrieked and drew his attention. The other house mates stopped and stood still at the sound of the vampires grief stricken roars.
Spike wiped the tears from his face and smiled weakly at Dawn, and pulled her into his arms, kissing her on her head.

"Sorry Niblet, just felt like I was goin' to explode.D'int mean to scare you pet"
" Gotta vent right? That's what they say, if you bottle it all up they say it makes you go nuts"
"We gotta go an' get the bot later, then no-one will know your sis is ......"
"Does it have to stay here?"
"Fraid so, but we'll keep it in a closet or something , just get it out when we need it to cover up or slay"

Spike picked at the covers and didn't want to look Dawn in the eyes, he knew as well as she did . Having the bot doing Buffy's job would just be too confusing. It would keep their wounds fresh and it would make it harder for them all to move on.

"Sorry Bit but the Watcher and the rest don' think it's wise to just leave the hellmouth unguarded an' we aint strong enough to do it without the bot. I promise though, we'll sort something out to make it easier on you"
"How can you do that?" Dawn asked , her temper building " You gonna find out where she is and bring her home? I know she's not ..... dead"


Spike narrowed his eyes , without looking at Dawn he answered "Maybe"



London.


The day had been okay as days go, but Victorians had no sense of fun. She enjoyed Williams company, he was actually funny and really sweet, attentive and loving. Anne was sweet .. so much like Mum, but Buffy had no interest in learning how to do needlepoint.
'And to think... tv's won't be invented for another fifty years or something', Buffy thought .

Deciding that now would be a good time to go Angelus hunting, Buffy made her excuses and headed for the door. She put on her hooded velvet cloak and was about to open the door when William came running down the stairs, coat on and ready to follow her out.

"What are you doing William?" like she really needed to ask
"Coming with you love, there are many scoundrels that would take advantage of a pretty one such as yourself. As your husband to be, it is my duty to see that you remain safe"

Buffy sighed "William, do you think that I need protecting after last night?"
"No, no, I don't mean to..... "
"Look, you have that awful party thing to go to tonight, so stay and get ready for that. I'll be back soon "

Buffy tip toed and kissed him on the cheek before running out into the London streets. Determination pushing her forwards. Her goals , find Angelus and his bitches and then to find the Watchers Council.

Buffy had walked for miles. London was not the easiest place to navigate around, and the endless alleys and streets all looked the same.
The hotel that stood in front of her was one that she hadn't come across yet. Looking up at it and seeing the windows shielded from the afternoon sun, gave Buffy hope. As she walked in her slayer senses picked up on the vampires . Buffy pulled her stake out and hunted the hotel for them . She stood outside the room she sensed them inside and took in a deep breath to clam her nerves before she knocked, with three hard bangs on the door, she waited .

"What in the bloody hell do you want", Angelus swung the door open and stared down at the small slayer. "Now I know why I liked the look of the place " he drooled "Slayers delivered to ya doors" he laughed .

Buffy rolled her eyes "We need to talk"
"Talk is over rated , now if you asked about death or maybe even pleasures of the flesh, that would be different"
"Please, you aren't that good" Buffy smirked " We need to talk about tonight"
"Tonight? And what would you need to be talking to me about tonight for ? What could possibly be happening tonight?"

Buffy stepped into the room and Angelus shut the door . Angelus sat on the couch and pushed the corpse off , patting the seat next to him for her to sit down. Buffy grimaced and wrinkled her nose up.

"No , thanks but I think I'd rather stand."
"Suit yourself", he looked down at the corpse and sniggered "She was a feisty one, wriggled as I drained her dry, got me really hard , I wonder if your a wriggler or a screamer?"

Buffy rolled her eyes , 'Angel was such a bastard, she would really love to stake him now but...... William' , "Can you just shut up and listen to me. You know you can't kill me cos of the little present you gave me, but, I know that tonight Dru takes the life of my husband to be and I can't let her. If she agree's she can have him in a few weeks time , but not tonight. If I see her or you anywhere near him I will stake the lot of you."

"So your here to beg for the life of that sorry excuse of a man? He's a bloody poet and soft, why would Dru turn him?"
"Let's just say there's more to him than meets the eye and he will rival you in blood lust and violence"
"Yeah, you know all about me, yet I don't know much about you, tell me pretty one, how is it that you are here? I thought the rumours said that the slayer was in Africa"
"About that.... there's two of us, I need to ask you if you know where the Watchers Council is"
"So, two slayers huh? How? I thought one had to die for another to rise"
"That's true" Buffy thought about Kendra and Faith "That didn't happen but I doubt you would believe how this happened , so for now, just take it that there is two and I'm stood here in front of you asking you where the Council's head quarters is"
"I know where it is , yes. If I tell you and if, I stop Dru from siring your poet, what do I get? Do you really think that I'm going to do it out of the goodness of my heart?"

Buffy should have known better, this was Angelus for heavens sake .

"What do you want?"
"You" she smirked at her and growled "You wear my mark, so your mine. I get one night with you before your wedding"
"No"
"No?" he stood up and walked towards Buffy, morphing into his demon "Then the idiot dies and you, don't get to know where your beloved Council is"
Dru and Darla appeared at the bedroom door, clothed in undergarments and nothing else.
Buffy stood proud in front of Angelus, not backing down. "If he dies then so does Darla and Dru "

Angelus growled and grabbed Buffy by the shoulders, drawing her up to his face, her feet were hanging off the floor.

"You kill them and you will know the meaning of pain. I will kill everyone you know and care about. I will toy with you little girl and drive you as insane as Dru. Once you lose everything there is to lose , I'll turn you. Ever wondered what happens to a turned slayer?"

Buffy shook her head.

"It's a sight, they drive themselves mad. The last slayer that was turned staked herself in a church , in front of the priest. She was begging forgiveness and held a cross, it burnt through the flesh of her hand til it hit bone.I wonder pretty one, what would you do if I turned you?"
" I wouldn't let you get that close. "

Angelus looked at the closeness of their bodies and smirked

"I'm close enough now, and you don't seem to be fighting it"

Buffy swiftly kicked him in his genitals , he dropped her and she went into fighting stance, holding her stake aloft.
Darla rushed forward and stopped at the sight of the stake so close to her lover

"Now tell me what I need to know"

Angelus rolled on the rug , clutching his bruised parts "It's the large building in Threadneedle Street, about a ten minute walk from here" he groaned
"Get up" she sneered "Your taking me there" Buffy looked out of the window "It's close enough to dusk, I said get up!"

Angelus raised himself up, still holding his genitals "I'll take you , but you have to give me that one night I asked for"
"Alright, now get moving, and don't try anything, my stake will be handy at all times, any sudden moves and your dust"

Angelus walked out of the hotel doors and grimaced against the low laying sun , it was close enough to dusk that it didn't threaten him though. He helped her into his carriage and gave the driver the address. The cart rushed through the streets towards the Watchers Council head quarters.


William and Anne were busy getting ready for Cecilys gathering. William worried about Buffy and had a hard time concentrating . He sat writing a poem that he would read to her whilst they were at the gathering. He screwed the paper up and threw it into the waste paper basket and slammed down his pencil.She still hadn't returned and they were due to leave in an hour. Worry etched his face and he began pacing. Since she had confessed her after hours activity he couldn't stop himself .
He had to put his foot down and stop her from being this 'Slayer' once they were wed.

The carriage pulled up outside the Large building and Angelus got out first, helping Buffy down and escorted her to the door. He growled as she pushed him into the foyer and marched up to the desk. The woman looked up and frowned. Buffy poked the stake into Angelus' back making him vamp out. The woman's reaction was as expected , and three Watchers came running, her scream had worked.

"Who dares to bring a vampire onto the premises?" the tallest said in a stern voice.
"A slayer, that's who, now, who is in charge?"
"You cannot possibly be the slayer, she is currently in Rome"

Buffy turned to Angelus "Africa ... phft right, seems your informants are way off base" . Buffy turned to the Watchers and sighed "You won't believe me but I'm a slayer and I came through a portal and I'm from the future. Now can I see the head guy ... please"

They stood there for a few minutes and stared at her and Angelus. Finally a shorter man, that reminded her of Wesley, spoke up "You'll have to excuse us Miss, but we find it very hard to believe that what you have said. Whilst you may be skilled in your hunting of vampires, the evidence is before us, no slayer has managed to capture Angelus and control him as of yet, but the fact remains , portals do not exist and we highly doubt that you are from the future"

Buffy mumbled "Get to jump off a bloody big tower made by crazy people, to your death and end up in this hell hole surrounded by the idiot Watchers , things never change no matter how many decades go by"
It caused Angelus to laugh and this did not sit well with the Watchers .

Maybe this girl was someone that Angelus could appreciate, she seemed to have spirit, something most Slayers lacked.


"Look , I don't know how I can prove it but it's true and I need your help getting back there. I'll undergo tests anything, just help me get back to my time. Please"

The Watcher opened the door opposite him, and ushered her and Angelus through. Closing the door behind himself, he ran his hand through his slightly grey and thinning hair.
"I will need a week to research portals and I will have to contact you after we have sufficient information. Do you have an address that I can call upon "

Buffy gave him the address and went to leave, Angelus growled as she grabbed his arm , marching him back out into the street. The ride back to the house was a quiet one. Neither her or Angelus had much to say. She just hoped that he kept his end of the bargain.

"I'll be armed tonight just in case Dru comes for him tonight, you've been warned"

Buffy leapt out of the carriage and ran up to the door. She watched as Angelus' cart rolled away. The door opened and William stood there.

"We don't have long, where have you been?"
"I had to go and see a... friend about something. I'll be down in a little while, just going to get changed" she kissed William and ran upstairs, hoping that he wouldn't push for more of an explanation.

Once Buffy was in her room she sighed. Tonight would be the main test, would Angelus stop Dru?

She was ready in record time, well for her anyway, and ran back down the stairs. Her dress was flowing behind her and her hair was loose. The stake was concealed in her garter belt,while she hated the contraption, she admitted it was good for keeping her stakes well hidden.

William and Anne waited outside and as Buffy walked out to meet them, she spotted Angelus and the two female vamps . Angelus nodded her way and steered the women into the street opposite.


"Do you know that man? Isn't he the one from the restaurant?" William asked as they climbed into the carriage, he gave her the same look that Spike would.The one that dared her to lie to him.

"It may have been, I didn't get a good enough look" Buffy stared out of the window in the direction Angelus had gone, minutes before. "If it was, he's gone now"

William seemed content with her answer and smiled. Anne sat next to Buffy and took her hand in hers "Tonight, everyone will want to know the girl that has stolen my Williams heart. Some of the people will be very nice and welcome you , but, I'm afraid that some of them are very anti - social. The woman that is holding the gathering tonight, Cecily is one such woman. She saw my William as beneath her and has done her upmost to make him a look a fool in front of her cronies. "

Buffy looked at William and saw the blush on his cheeks. Her heart pounded in her chest and Buffy huffed.

"She won't make William look a fool tonight.If she attempts to then she shall regret it that's for sure"

William looked up at Buffy through his lashes, he smiled and took her other hand. "I love you so much , but please, don't do anything rash on my behalf"
"Trust me, they get what's coming to them soon "
Buffy remembered reading in the Watchers journals, something about a party that the newly sired William crashed and killed every guest.It must have been one of Cecily's, or at least, Buffy hoped it was.

The carriage stopped and they all exited , Anne walking ahead, Buffy took Williams arm and took a quick look around, making sure that there wasn't any vampires around. Content that it was safe, she followed Anne into the house.

The party was just as she imagined, pompous people all swanning around, full of their own importance. Buffy could feel a headache coming on and wished that she had had some tylenol. William proudly showed her off to his aquiantances and for the most part, they were pleasant. Cecily made her way through the crowd and headed for them.

"William, so glad you came." she kissed his cheek and laid her hand over his, pulling him towards the window seat.

She completely ignored Buffy. William looked towards Buffy and mouthed sorry to her. Buffy smiled and walked over to the two of them. William stood and let Buffy sit down in his place, laying a hand on Buffy's shoulder.

"William? Is there something that I should know? " she smiled at Buffy and then looked up at William "Who is this.... this woman?"
"I would be his intended wife" Buffy answered "And who are you?" She gave the woman a cold stare
"I'm Cecily, I'm sure William must have told you who I am. It wasn't that long ago that he asked for my hand."
"Can't say that he has" Buffy looked her up and down " I can see why" Without waiting for Cecily to answer , she got up and lead William out into the garden.

"Buffy that was um.. uplifting but you shouldn't have been so rude."
"And I spose she wasn't asking for that? Look I don't exactly fit in here, I don't play well with others and I can't stand the way she was , is with you. She asked for that and more. Just be glad I didn't punch her"

William raised his brows and took Buffy in his arms.

"Mother has set the date and booked the church, we shall have to sit down and make the rest of the arrangements." He paused "Would you like to take a walk through the gardens?"
"Yeah, please"

William took her arm and lead Buffy away from the house
"Are you sure your well, you seem distant tonight"
"Sorry, just, look I need to be straight with you. " Buffy stopped and turned to face William, she looked back at the house and saw Cecily standing in the doorway.
"Come on" Buffy took his hand and ran deeper into the garden.


They stopped running at the edge of the woods. Buffy watched as William paced back and forth "Tell me what is wrong?"

Buffy sighed and pulled at the corset she was wearing before looking at him, his blue eyes shone in the moonlight and she tried to put them out of her mind.
"When has your Mother booked the church for?"
"A month from now , is that too soon?"
"No, no that's fine" Buffy looked down at the ground "William, I need for you to honest with me. Why do you want to marry me? It has only been days since we met, you can't love me, not yet"
"I feel a connection with you, I cannot explain it. Don't you feel it?"
"I do, I really do"

At least she wasn't lying to him, she did, but the connection was to the vampire that he would become. Buffy took both of his hands in hers and leaned against his chest.

"I went to the Watchers Council today. Watchers are I guess, like my guardians, I went to them to ask for their help "
"Why would you need their help?"
"To fight, they have weapons and books that help with my slayage"

William paced in front of her and ran his hand through his curls, the resemblance to Spike again, was not unnoticed.

"Would you stop this 'slaying' once we are wed?"
"No, I can't, William it's not a job or hobby, it's my calling, my duty, I couldn't"

She could, she already knew that there was another slayer, albeit in Rome.

"I understand " But his heart sank.

Back In Sunnydale


Spike shot up out of his bed and groaned. His head hurt and his heart ached. Something was seriously wrong. He would need to go and see Giles .

Giles was up and was a third of the way through a book on inter dimensional travel. The bottle of scotch sat next to an empty glass, Giles filled the glass without even looking up. He wasn't expecting any visitors and when he heard the knock he mumbled to himself, but he got up and opened the door. Spike stood looking worse for wear and troubled. This did not look good for the Watcher . Giles left the door open and returned to his chair.

"Well don't just stand there you idiot, come in"

Spike walked in and shut the door and began pacing.

"Spit it out, I don't have time to just sit here , researching " he held the book up to make a point
"Right, won't help you Rupes, think I know where our girl is"
"And you would know , how?
"I got memories, memories that I didn't have before, of her, and me , when I was human."
"How could that possibly be, Spike go home, it's probably just dreams or some twisted fantasy that you have, now can you not bother me with your obsessional crap"

Spike looked hurt, but stood still. "S'not crap Watcher, she's gone back in time and she's with me, an' she's in danger if I'm human."
"Say I believe you, what do you propose we do? What do you mean she's in danger?"
"So far the dreams have been a short time before Dru turns me . They're fuzzy, kinda like they are fadin'. But Buffy's there, an' she's staying with me, I know that much. And I have intimate knowledge of her. "
"I knew it, go home Spike"
"Why won't you listen to me.... bloody hell!" Spike paced the room . Giles watched and huffed
"Carry on" much as he didn't want to hear it, it might be the only lead he had.
"Like I said , Buffy's with human me ,it's a short while before I'm turned by Dru. She is staying at my house , with my mother. As far as I can tell Buffy is still a Slayer. "

Spike paused, not knowing if he should tell the Watcher that his human self was planning on marrying Buffy . He decided to keep hold of that little piece of information. There was no need to piss off the Watcher if it didn't happen.

"You say that your memories are fading? Would that be the old ones or the new?" Giles was intrigued
"Old, like they are changing, could just be cos Buffy's there "
"I think it's more than that. If it was just because Buffy is there , then she would just fit in so to speak. I think the girl has meddled with your history. Dear Lord" Giles exclaimed as he realised the implications of such an act. "Why would she do such a thing?"
"To save me from this?" Spike morphed and pointed to his face
"I very much doubt it, if she had then you wouldn't exist now. "
"Then I'm lost Watcher, I'll let you know if anything else changes"

Spike walked out and went back to Revello Drive to check on his Niblet.He hoped that he would sleep and dream of his past that included Buffy, even though it bought back the loss and grief.