Disclaimer: I own nothing here. Joss owns it all. He’s the rich and famous one, I’m merely a cheap imitation.

Author’s note: This is the conclusion of the story. I hope you enjoy. Please send feedback!

Rating: PG-13

The Ties That Bind…

Part Six~

Buffy stood there staring at Quentin Travers. He had a calm look on his face as he watched her. He seemed to be studying her response to him intently. She was giving nothing away.

“So. You’re the mastermind behind this little caper? What the hell is it that you want? Do you always treat your Slayers like this?” She asked angrily.

“You aren’t our Slayer.” He said calmly. “But I suspect you already know that.”

“Wait. You know I’m not the Slayer?” She asked, surprised that he was informed of her status.

“Ms. Summers, we have known about this for quite some time. Years, in fact. When you perished at the hands of the Master, the Slayer Kendra was immediately called. Imagine our surprise when Rupert called and informed us that you were not in fact dead, but very much alive. So much so, that you were able to defeat the Master single handedly.” He explained, careful to keep his distance from her.

“So you’ve known all along that I wasn’t the Slayer? And you didn’t say anything?” She asked incredulously.

“We didn’t know. Well, not at first. We were thrown. No such thing has ever happened. We looked into the matter and realized that it was likely the result of a vampire infection. A rare, nearly unheard of condition. At that point, Kendra was already dead and Faith was on her way to join you. We decided to allow you to continue believing you were the Slayer, closely monitored, of course.”

“All of the tests you put me and Faith through? That was monitoring?” She asked, suddenly realizing how obvious it was that they hadn’t trusted her for a long time.

“Partly, yes. I admit, when we received word that there was a wayward and possibly dangerous Slayer on the loose, we all expected that it was you. Faith surprised us. We had high hopes for her. But her dark decent and resulting incarceration left us no choice but to allow you to continue your work. We needed a Slayer, and frankly, you were our only option.” He said with a shrug.

“Great. So I got to be the honorary Slayer. Lucky me. Tell me then, if you’ve known all along about what I was, then why the sudden kidnapping? If you had something to say, you could have called. Don’t they have phones in England?” She asked pacing around him angrily.

Her movements were making him a tad nervous, but he kept his icy demeanor.

“Yes, well, your powers have increased now. Mutated into something rather extraordinary.” He explained.

“Mutated? The only thing that’s mutated is your view of me.” She snapped at him.

He shook off her comments and continued his explanation.

“Be that as it may, your death and subsequent resurrection made these drastic measures necessary. Frankly, your situation is rather unique. A creature such as yourself is not something we are familiar with. We are not entirely sure what you may be capable of.” He explained crossing his arms in front of his chest.

She walked up to him and got into his face. He stepped back uncomfortably.

“I am not a creature. I’m a person. And if you want to know what I’m capable of, then keep me here against my will. You’ll get a real good idea of what I’m about.” She hissed angrily at him.

Willow and Tara rushed into Xander’s apartment carrying an armload of spell books and a bag of magical ingredients.

“Took you long enough. While you two were out gallivanting around, Buffy could be dead by now.” Spike told them irritated.

“Back off, Spike. They had to get the stuff together.” Xander said putting his arm on his shoulder and shoving him down onto the couch.

“W-we came as fast as we could. We were missing some ingredients. I, uh, borrowed some things from the magic shop.” Willow said looking at Anya.

“Well, you are going to pay for them aren’t you?” Anya asked curiously.

“I guess.” Willow said looking at Anya strangely.

“What? I can’t just give things away.” Anya said defensively, noticing everyone else also staring at her.

“Will you just shut up? I can’t believe you’re haggling over money.” Spike told her impatiently.

“Hey. Don’t tell me to shut up. Xander, you’re not gonna let him talk to me like that are you?” Anya asked upset.

“Anya, please. Now is not the time. We need to find Buffy. Sooner rather than later.” Xander said exasperated at the situation.

Anya started to say something but Willow held her hand up.

“Stop. We have the ingredients for the location spell. We just need to get things set up. That requires concentration. So everyone, shut up.” Willow said glaring at them all.

Everyone shrank back and let Willow get her things together. Tara laid a map out on the coffee table and Willow sprinkled some herbs over the paper. She recited the incantation and dangled a crystal over the map.

A small plume of smoke started to materialize, hovering above the map. It slowly took shape and snaked its way over the paper. It suddenly stopped moving and shot down into one spot on the map, causing a blackened, burned circle to form around the correct location.

“This is it. The trail stops here.” Willow said leaning over to examine the map more closely.

“That’s down by the docks. It’s probably a warehouse or something.” Spike said, rising to his feet.

“Or it could be a boat. She could be on her way to China by now.” Anya offered, trying to be helpful, but failing.

Everyone looked at her and rolled their eyes.

“That’s a comforting thought, Anya. Thanks.” Xander said sarcastically.

“I’m sure she’s not on her way to China. We need to get down there as soon as we can though.” Willow told them.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Spike said heading for the door.

“Wait, Spike. We don’t even know what we’re heading into. We need a plan.” Willow said seriously.

“Great. You can sit here and plan, meanwhile, I’ll go get Buffy.” Spike said agitated.

“Spike, it’s still daylight out. You won’t get very far without getting extra crispy.” Willow told him matter of factly.

“Give me a blanket then. I’m not just gonna sit here and do nothing.” He said angrily.

“Spike, calm down. What are you planning to do anyway? If this is the same group that ambushed you guys, we’re dealing with people, not demons. You aren’t gonna get very far with that chip of yours.” Xander told him pointedly.

“I don’t care if my bloody head implodes. If I have to kill every single one of them just to get to Buffy, then I’ll bloody do it. Chip or not. This is Buffy we’re talking about.” Spike yelled angrily.

“I know that. But we can’t just run in there and start popping caps into people’s asses. They aren’t demons. These are human beings. We can’t just kill them.” Xander said shaking his head.

“Yes, we can. For all we know, they’re planning on killing her. Maybe they already have. Don’t you bloody get it yet? Not all monsters are demons and not all demons are monsters.” Spike said seriously.

Everyone stood speechless for a moment, absorbing his words. Finally Willow spoke up.

“Spike is right. We have to be prepared for anything. Human or not. We can’t get all touchy feely now. We have to do whatever is necessary.” Willow said with a quiet confidence.

“So, what? We just run down there with guns blazing and start offing people?” Xander asked incredulously.

“That’s not what I said. I-I only said we need to be prepared. W-we have no idea who these people are or what they’re capable of. If they are hurting Buffy, then I’m not seeing where hurting them is of the bad.” Willow said logically.

“That’s right, Red. At least someone here gets it.” Spike said glad for the support.

“You might not have a problem with killing people, but I do.” Xander shot back at him.

“Right, cause killing people is wrong. But vampires and demons? That’s just a fun night out on the town. Wake up!” Spike told him heatedly.

Xander lunged forward and grabbed Spike by the collar.

“Vampires aren’t people. It doesn’t count.” Xander said angrily.

Spike stared him directly in the eye.

“We’re not people? Have you forgotten about Buffy? Guess she doesn’t count anymore either, huh? Maybe we should just let her die.” Spike said calmly.

Xander released his collar and shoved Spike away. He ran his hands through his hair agitatedly. Suddenly the magnitude of what Spike had said hit Xander like a ton of bricks. Reality slapped him right in the face and he tried to fight back tears. The rules of the game had changed, and he knew it. Suddenly the world seemed just a little bit scarier. He looked at Willow.

“Fine. I’m on board. Whatever it takes. We just need to get Buffy back.” He said resigned.

Buffy stared Quentin down. Her mind was racing. She couldn’t believe that he was behind this. Well, actually, she could, she just hadn’t expected it. Suddenly her mind wandered to Spike.

“What happened to Spike? What did you guys do to him? Is he here?” She asked.

“Spike? You mean, William the Bloody?”

“Yes. Where is he?” She asked impatiently.

“I don’t know. He wasn’t our main concern. I suspect he still remains undead .” He told her with a look of disdain.

Buffy hoped that he was telling the truth. If the Council treated their former Slayers like this, she doubted they’d go out of their way to make sure Spike was safe.

“So what are you planning on doing with me?” Buffy asked, trying to keep control of the situation.

“Well, first we will take you back to England where we can observe you. There will be tests involved. We’d like to see what your capabilities are and what your weaknesses are. We want to explore your nature. We also have some grave concerns as to where your loyalties might lay. Being so closely rooted in demonic energy no doubt has caused some changes in your behavior.” Quentin explained to her.

“You want to know where my loyalties lay? Well, I can tell you that. They don’t lay with you or your stupid Council.” She scoffed at him.

“We are aware of your distaste for our rules. But we need to know that you are still fighting for us, and not against us.” He told her seriously.

“I’ve never fought for you. I fight for myself.”

“Well, that sort of attitude is what disturbs us.”

She walked over to him and folded her arms across her chest.

“You know what disturbs me? You. You think I’m some sort of guinea pig you can lock in a room and perform tests on? I can tell you right now, it’s never gonna happen.” She said circling him like a predator.

He shifted uncomfortably at her decidedly evil demeanor.

“You don’t really have much of a choice in this, I’m afraid. You cannot be allowed to roam free.” He said coldly.

“There you go again talking like I’m some sort of animal. Roam free? What is that? Hello? I’m a person, not wild buffalo.” She said angrily.

“You have no idea what you are, Ms. Summers.” He told her angrily.

“I know what I’m not. I’m not a science experiment. And I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“If you don’t, I’m afraid you’ll leave us no choice.” He told her seriously.

“What? Are you going to kill me?” She asked disbelieving.

“We will do whatever is necessary.” He said with resolve.

“That’s good to know. Nice to see you’re thorough. Now, you can kill me if you want. But I might just keep coming back. I’m funny like that.” She laughed bitterly.

“We are through talking for now. We’re leaving in a few hours. I suggest you warm up to the idea now.” He said trying to regain his dignity.

Suddenly, she whipped around at an inhuman speed. Her hand grasped his throat and she bared her fangs at him with an evil glint in her yellow eyes.

“If you try to take me anywhere, only one of us will leave this room alive. I’m fairly certain it isn’t going to be you.” She hissed at him, tossing him into the heavy door.

He stumbled back with a quiet look of terror on his face. He grasped the door handle and exited the room quickly. She rushed to the door just as the locks were being bolted back into place. She kicked the door and let out a growl.

The frustration and anger were almost reaching the boiling point for her. She had to calm down a little. That little demony display she had put on had been purely controlled. She was trying to use it to her advantage. It actually felt freeing to watch him squirm under her gaze. She wasn’t trying to hurt him, only scare the crap out of him. It seemed to have worked, but unfortunately, she was still locked up.

Spike, Xander and Willow, walked down to the docks. Anya had to look after the magic shop and Tara had stayed behind to look after Dawn. She had been distraught when she learned about the disappearance of Buffy, but they had all tried to assure her they would take care of everything. The sun had just set a half and hour ago and the air was becoming colder. Willow looked at the map and motioned for everyone to stop.

“This is it. She should be right in there.” Willow said, pointing to an old warehouse right on the waterfront.

“Okay. Let’s go in.” Spike said anxiously.

“We stick to the plan. We try scaring and subduing first, then if we need to get nasty we will. Hopefully we won’t. Spike, I know your chip will help keep you in line, but don’t get carried away. If your head implodes, and you die, Buffy might get cranky.” Willow told him seriously. He nodded silently.

Willow knew they had gotten close, but she didn’t know for sure how close. Either way, she knew that Buffy wouldn’t want anything to happen to him. Especially if he got himself killed just because he wasn’t thinking clearly.

“Okay. It’s show time.” Willow said taking a deep breath.

They walked up to the doors and stood silently for a moment, getting into character. Xander and Spike carried battle axes with them, slung over their shoulders. They were hopefully not going to have to use them, but they looked pretty menacing. That was what they were aiming for. Willow chanted a quick spell and a gust of wind blew the doors off their hinges.

Xander and Spike marched in confidently, trying to act like they had everything under control. Willow merely floated into the warehouse, with her eyes pitch black and wind flying all around her.

They came upon a group of four men, sitting around a table.

“What on Earth is that?” One the men asked, staring at a suspended Willow.

“Dear God…It’s the Slayers gang.” Quentin said distastefully, but with some fear.

“Hey. I know you.” Xander said pointing at Quentin.

“Who is he?” Spike asked.

“Watcher’s Council” Xander said incredulously.

“You don’t say? I guess they’re not much for hospitality.” Spike said sarcastically.

Willow floated over towards the men sitting at the table. They were still numb with shock at her appearance.

“Where is she?” Willows voice echoed around the vast warehouse.

Spike and Xander approached the table quickly then. They raised their axes menacingly. Two of the thugs attempted to stand up, but Spike and Xander shoved them down. It apparently wasn’t enough to set Spike’s chip off, and he was relieved. He knew he may be in for a long and painful fight. They held the men off with their weapons.

Willow made her way over to Quentin who was standing ineffectually behind a pillar. He suddenly began to rise until he was suspended above the ground. Willow had managed to magically grip his jacket and lift him up. She shoved her hand forward and he slammed backwards against the pillar. He remained magically pinned against the hard concrete, with a look of fright on his face. She repeated her question.

“Tell us where she is!” Willow bellowed.

“I’m in here!” Buffy called out, as she kicked at the metal door.

Buffy had heard the commotion outside and was silently relieved when she heard Willow’s booming voice echoing around the room.

Willow took notice of Buffy’s pleas. She allowed Quentin to drop to the ground and raised her hands into the air again.

“Release!” She shouted, and the door that held Buffy captive, was ripped off it’s hinges and tossed aside. Buffy rushed out.

“Buffy!” Spike shouted, extremely relieved to see that she was still alive.

At that moment, one of the thugs took the opportunity to elbow Spike in the ribs, sending him flying backwards. The other two thugs, jumped into action and began throwing punches at Xander. Quentin merely shrank back from the spectacle and tried to shield himself.

Buffy was also relieved to see that Spike was still of this world. At least Quentin had told the truth about one thing. She ran over and joined the fight, grabbing one of the thugs off of Xander and hurling him aside. She had her demon face on and Xander looked startled for a moment. He’d never seen her like that before and it was a little scary. Scary but also really cool at the same time. He could get used to this, he thought. He smiled at her approvingly.

Willow had grown tired from the powerful magic and dropped to the ground. She struggled to her feet, in time to see one of the thugs grab Spike and hold an axe to his throat. Spike glared at him.

“I hate vampires.” The thug hissed in Spike’s face. “We left you there for the sun to claim you, but I guess you got lucky. Too bad your luck has run out.”

Buffy turned around sharply when she had sensed something wasn’t right. She quickly kicked one of the men she was fighting, sending him flying across the room. Without ever taking her eyes of Spike’s situation, she flung her arm back and knocked the other thug out, as he was sneaking up behind her. She raced over to where Spike was being threatened.

“I’d let him go if I were you.” Buffy growled at Spike’s tormentor.

The man looked at her and noticed her demon for the first time. He hadn’t been aware of it before. He was told she was a Slayer, not a demon. He also noticed that he was the only one of his men still standing. He held his ground though and continued to press the blade of the axe against Spike’s throat.

“Maybe you didn’t hear me the first time. I said, let him go.” She insisted more loudly.

“I don’t take orders from demons.” He said angrily.

Quentin then stepped out of the shadows and cleared his throat.

“But you do take orders from me. Release him.” He ordered.

“But he’s a vampire. Is it not our job to kill them?”

Buffy interrupted.

“That’s my job. And that there, is my vampire. If you kill him, I’m liable to get a little angry. I don’t think you would like me when I’m angry. Isn’t that right, Quentin?” Buffy asked wickedly.

“For god’s sake, let him go.” Quentin yelled angrily. He was none too pleased at the appearance of her friends. This changed everything.

The man released Spike and shoved him aside, completely confused by the turn of events. Quentin stepped forward slowly.

“Quentin, you remember my friends, don’t you?” Buffy asked him, with a now human smile.

“Yes, I remember them quite well.” He said softly.

“Good. No need to waste time with introductions, then. But now you see, you can’t just mess with me. Because then you’re messing with them. And by the looks of it? We’re not people you want to piss off.” She told him confidently.

Xander, Spike and Willow all moved forward to stand beside Buffy. Spike put his arm around her shoulder and smiled at her. She squeezed his hand tightly and stepped forward again to face Quentin.

“Clearly not. But, you have more than proven that you are a danger. You are highly unpredictable. You’ve dispatched several of my men, not to mention threatening me with bodily harm.” Quentin protested anxiously.

“What can I say? I like to be unpredictable, it’s part of my charm. Plus, this is a dangerous business. Sometimes things can get a little ugly. Even me. Now, tell me this. Do you want me on your side, or don’t you? Cause I’m a much better friend than an enemy.” Buffy told him.

“I’ll vouch for that.” Spike spoke up.

Buffy turned to him and smiled. Then she faced Quentin again with a cold stare waiting for his response.

“I’m beginning to see that.” Quentin said, uncomfortably. Then he cleared his throat. “Tell me then, what is it you want me to do?”

“It’s pretty simple, really. We can do this the hard way. Which is you continue to stalk me and try and make me your lab rat. Which, let’s face it, can only end unpleasantly. Or we can do this the easy way. And that’s, you let me go. You stay away from me and my friends. And in return, we’ll continue to save this world that you’re so intent on living in. Which is it?” Buffy asked, relishing in the power she had over him.

She had felt this way before, the last time she had faced him. But now, she had even more confidence. The power that had been building inside of her, just came spilling out. It felt liberating. She waited for his response.

“Well, uh, Ms. Summers, you have a point. But we are still not certain what you are or what you’re capable of. The tests—.” He began to explain softly.

“No. No tests. I hate tests. And furthermore, I know what I am. I’m the Slayer.” She said calmly.

“But you aren’t the Slayer anymore.” Quentin interjected.

“I never stopped being the Slayer. Maybe I don’t get to carry the official title anymore, but it’s still who I am. I don’t need a scared birthright to tell me that.” She said proudly.

“It’s what we all are.” Xander spoke up, putting his arm around Buffy supportively.

“Yeah.” Willow said, stepping forward as well. She looked at Spike and motioned him forward.

“Uh, yeah. Me too, I guess.” He said, awkwardly stepping forward.

“So there you go. We have a witch, a vampire, one really cool guy who can build stuff, and me. We might not always play by your rules, but we get the job done. Maybe we weren’t born into this job, but it’s a job that still needs to be done, right? You need a Slayer and well, here we are. We’re your Slayers now. But only if you play by our rules.” Buffy told him with a smile.

She felt so much love from her friends right at this moment. Their display of solidarity moved her deeply. All of the negativity that she had felt before was gone. All of the doubts she had about whether or not they’d ever be able to accept her the way she was now, melted away. The people who stood by her now, were the people she knew would be there forever. Through thick and thin, until the end of the world.

Quentin looked at her and sighed. He wasn’t going to win this. The girl had clearly proven her point. He may be skeptical of her, but her intentions appeared to be pure. She may be threatening to him, but she didn’t appear to be a threat to humanity. Without another Slayer to take her place, they were still left in the same situation as before. He had run out of options and he knew it. He felt he had no choice but to concede to her demands once again.

“Fine. You may leave.” He said tersely.

“I will. And if I find out that you or your hired guns are lurking about, I might not be as accommodating as I am now.” She smiled cockily.

Quentin’s gaze remained unflinching, but inside he was more than a little unnerved by her. Also, he was greatly impressed. Her determination was definitely admirable, though he’d never admit that.

“Point taken. Good luck to you, Ms. Summers. You and your merry band of misfits.” He said distastefully.

“Thanks. You know, I thought we were understanding each other the last time. Let’s hope I don’t have to clarify my position again. For your sake, anyway.” She said with a satisfied grin.

Buffy turned around and walked towards the mangled door. Everyone else turned and followed her. Once they were out of the warehouse, Quentin turned to the other men who had begun to pull themselves together.

“What the hell was that?” One of the men asked stupefied.

“That was the Slayer.” Quentin said softly.

The gang walked silently away from the building. They were still running on pure adrenaline. Once they rounded the corner, Buffy stopped and turned around to face everyone. She let out a deep breath.

“I am so glad you guys showed up.” She said hurriedly.

Xander and Willow both grabbed her into a hug.

“We were so freaked out.” Willow said softly.

“I was a little freaked myself. Did it show?” Buffy asked nervously.

“No way, Buff. You kicked ass. I mean, you were awesome. It was even better than the last time you ripped him a new one.” Xander told her with a smile.

“You think? I mean, I thought I saw him quaking in fear, but I wasn’t sure.” Buffy said thoughtfully.

“He was terrified. I mean, when you went all ‘Grrr’ on those guys, I thought he was gonna cry.” Willow said excitedly.

“Well, what about you and your amazing wind and levitation act? It was brilliant.” Buffy said with a laugh.

“What about me and my battle axe? We made a menacing pair too, didn’t we?” Xander asked a little dejectedly.

“Totally. Yeah, you were really scary.” Willow said trying to stroke his ego.

Xander smiled proudly then turned to Buffy again.

“Man, Buff. I’m just so glad you’re okay.” He told her, hugging her again.

“We all are.” Spike said softly.

He had been standing back a bit, letting her bond with her Scoobies. He felt a little out of place. He had openly declared his loyalty to her and her friends tonight, but it still felt a little off. Like he still didn’t really belong with them. His reunion would have to come later.

Buffy turned at the sound of Spike’s voice. She walked over to him silently. She had serious look on her face and then she smiled at him. She was so happy that he was still alive that she leapt into his arms. He caught her readily. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him passionately. Willow and Xander watched uncomfortably, until they both felt like they should look away.

“Are they?” Willow whispered to Xander.

“Unfortunately yes.” He said shaking his head.

“And you knew?”

“I contributed money, in fact.” Xander said sadly.

“What?” Willow asked confused.

“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later.”

Willow looked at Xander curiously and shook her head. Then she looked back over at Spike and Buffy who had not come up for air yet. She cleared her throat.

“Um, guys? Can we go now? It’s cold out here, not mention icky and it smells like fish.” Willow asked loudly, trying to get Buffy and Spike’s attention.

They released each other and Buffy smiled sheepishly.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” She said softly.

Spike put his arm around Buffy and held her close as they all walked back to Buffy’s house, where Anya had joined Tara and Dawn. They walked inside the house and Dawn immediately ran into Buffy’s arms. Buffy kissed her cheek softly.

“I was so scared. I am so glad you’re okay.” Dawn said with tears in her eyes.

She had feared the worst when she found out Buffy had been kidnapped. She hoped that they would come through and be able to find her before anything bad happened.

“I’m okay. Thanks to the gang. I don’t know if I could have done it without them.” Buffy said softly, looking over to her friends.

“She’s being modest. She didn’t need us. We were just the half time show. Buffy was the Superbowl.” Xander said with a smile.

“Tell us what happened. Who kidnapped you?” Anya asked curiously.

Buffy sighed and sat down on the couch. Spike sat down next to her and draped his arm around her shoulders. Everyone else found their own seats. Buffy told them all what had happened. When she was finished, Dawn looked at her curiously.

“They were gonna kill you?” Dawn asked shaking her head.

“He certainly implied that. I can’t believe Giles even works for these people. He is so not like that. I don’t think Quentin Travers has an emotion in his body.” She said shaking her head.

“Are you sure they won’t come after you again?” Anya asked.

“I seriously doubt it. The way Buffy squashed him like a little bug? I think he may have wet his pants at one point.” Xander said with a smile.

“We should call Giles, don’t you think? I-I mean, just to let him know what happened.” Willow said to everyone.

“Yeah. I’ll call him..” Buffy said quietly.

“Y-you don’t think he knew about this, do you?” Willow asked softly. She knew Giles would never do anything to hurt Buffy, but he did still work for the Council.

“No way. Giles is gonna flip. He hates Travers just as much as I do.” Buffy said shaking her head.

“You’re right. I-I just wonder if he’s gonna keep working for them. You know? After this?”

“I don’t know, but I think it’s safe to say he’s not gonna be happy.” Buffy said shaking her head.

Buffy got up and retrieved the phone. She dialed the number and waited for Giles to pick up. A groggy Giles answered the phone.

“Yes?” He muttered sleepily.

“Giles, it’s me.”

“Buffy? What’s wrong? Do I need to get on a plane?” He asked, suddenly more awake.

He had worried about her constantly, and questioned his decision to remain in England on a daily basis.

“No. You can relax. We took care of it. I think you’d be proud.” She smiled into the phone.

She proceeded to tell him the details of the situation and Giles listened intently. He was stunned and furious.

“I can’t believe they’ve stooped this low. It’s unconscionable.” Giles fumed.

“I know.”

“Well, I can assure you, as soon as our Mr. Travers gets his sorry behind back here, he will be getting a piece of my mind. As well as my resignation.” Giles told her.

“You don’t have to quit on my behalf.” Buffy told him softly.

“Do you honestly think I’d work for them now? I went to them for information in confidence, and they twisted it around. I’m ashamed to hold the title of Watcher. No, Buffy, you have the right idea. There is work to be done in this world, and I believe I can do my part better without them.” He told her.

“That’s the spirit, Giles. Anarchy for everyone.” She teased.

Buffy finished their conversation and hung up the phone. She walked back into the living room and looked at everyone.

“Well, he’s resigning.” She told them.

“That’s good. No more consorting with the enemy.” Willow said with a smile.

“Yeah. We don’t need no stinkin’ Watcher’s.” Xander said with a goofy grin.

Buffy smiled at him warmly then looked at everyone.

“I’m starving. You know they didn’t even offer me bread and water while I was being held captive. Isn’t that a rule or something?” She asked thoughtfully.

“I think we know now that the Council makes their own rules.” Xander said still irritated at everything that happened.

Everyone nodded silently. Buffy eased the tension.

“So, does anyone else want something to eat? Or do I get to pig out sadly by myself?” She asked with a smile.

Everyone nodded their heads and admitted to being hungry.

“I’ll go get some munchies. I’ve also got a frozen pizza, I think.” Buffy said, heading for the kitchen.

“I’ll help you.” Willow said hurrying after her.

Once inside the kitchen, Willow looked at Buffy and raised her eyebrows. She crossed her arms and leaned against the counter.

“So? Anything you want to tell me about?” Willow asked innocently.

“Huh? Like what”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about the fact that you and Spike practically swallowed each other’s tongues down at the docks.” Willow said giving Buffy a look.

“Oh… that. Uh, yeah. Well, we’re sort of involved.” Buffy said quietly, as she unwrapped the frozen pizza and stuck it in the oven.

“Why didn’t you tell me? We’re still best friends, aren’t we? Becoming involved with Spike is kinda front page news stuff. It isn’t something you bury on the page with the farm report.” Willow said a little hurt that she hadn’t known about this, and Xander had.

“Will, I’m sorry. It hasn’t been going on that long. I just didn’t know what you guys would think.” Buffy told her.

“Xander knew.”

“What? Xander knew?”

“Yeah. He said he contributed money, whatever that means.” Willow shrugged.

Buffy gave her a strange look. She had no idea what that meant, or that Xander had known. She sighed and shook her head.

“I don’t know how Xander knew, unless Spike told him. And I know I should have said something to you, but we haven’t exactly been that close since I’ve been back.” Buffy said softly.

“You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?” Willow asked, suddenly feeling her guilt over Buffy’s fate again.

“Truthfully? A little. I’ve been avoiding all of you. I just had a lot going on. At first, I was angry. I admit that. I felt betrayed by everyone. Everyone but Spike. That’s kind of how all of this happened in the first place.” Buffy admitted.

“Buffy, I’m so sorry. I know you probably still hate me for bringing you back…” Willow said feeling a tear spring to her eye.

“No. I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. I’m okay with all that now.” Buffy said holding Willow by the shoulders.

“But then why the avoiding?”

“Well, I was afraid. I didn’t know what you all really thought about me and my new fangs. I was afraid you guys were freaked out.” Buffy said softly.

“Well, I was a little. But not so much anymore. It’s no big, really. You’re still you. Only you’re a little sassier now. I-I just felt like it was my fault you were like this. I thought I’d ruined your life.” Willow admitted softly.

“No. You didn’t ruin my life. You just gave me a new one. One that I think I’m finally coming to terms with. It’s scary though. I mean, I have this thing in me that I don’t understand yet. I’m getting there though. Spike is helping me.” Buffy added with a smile.

“So, you and Spike, huh?” Willow asked with a laugh.

“Strange, isn’t it?”

“Actually, in light of everything else that’s happened in the last few months, it’s really not so strange anymore.” Willow laughed.

“That’s true. So you’re really okay with all this?”

“You and Spike? Sure, I guess. I mean, it’s not really as icky as it once might have been. I mean, now that you guys sorta have stuff in common. You know, the fangs and everything.” Willow shrugged.

Buffy laughed and gave Willow another hug.

“I’ve missed you, you know?” Buffy said sincerely.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Things are gonna be okay again. I think I just needed a little time to figure stuff out. I was afraid that I didn’t fit in with any of you anymore. But the way you guys stood up for me tonight? That meant a lot.” Buffy told her sincerely.

“We all still love you, Buffy. We never stopped.” Willow said emotionally.

Buffy hugged her close.

“I want us all to be close again. Like before. We’re a team. One for all and all for one.” Buffy said with a grin.

“One for all and all for one.” Willow repeated happily.

Later that night after everyone else had left, Buffy, Dawn and Spike sat on the couch together. He sat in the middle with his arms around each of them. He still wasn’t sure where he really fit into the whole Scooby gang picture. He wasn’t sure they’d ever allow him to be a card carrying member. But that was okay. Sitting on the couch with his arms around his girls? That was where he really belonged. Nothing else really mattered.

“I’m really glad you’re home.” Dawn said softly to Buffy.

“Me too. It was a little touch and go there for awhile, but I handled it.” Buffy smiled.

“You more than handled it, you were bloody brilliant.” Spike told her sincerely.

“I wouldn’t go that far. But, I’ve dealt with these guys before. I know their game. They’re really just a lot of talk. They like to intimidate people. But they apparently forgot who they were dealing with. I don’t intimidate easily.” Buffy said proudly.

“I’ve noticed that.” Spike laughed.

“I think I’m gonna head off to bed. I’ll see you guys in the morning.” Dawn said with a smile, as she got up off the couch.

She leaned over and gave Buffy a hug. She looked over at Spike and embraced him as well. It caught him a little off guard but he smiled at her warmly.

“Goodnight Sweet Bit.” He told her.

“Night Dawn.” Buffy smiled.

“Try not to get kidnapped again, okay? I sort of need you around.” She told her sister. Then she looked at Spike. “Both of you.”

“I promise.” Buffy said softly.

“I won’t let it happen again. I’ll keep her safe.” Spike promised.

“I can keep myself safe.” Buffy told Spike as she rolled her eyes.

“I know, but still, I’ll be watching your back.” He said told her. “Among other things.” He added with a smirk.

Buffy groaned and Dawn laughed.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Dawn said rolling her eyes. She headed up the stairs, then stopped and turned. “I love you guys.” She told them softly.

She then turned and headed back up the stairs. Spike’s heart swelled with affection for the girl. He’d never known that sort of love before. An innocent and pure type of love. It was foreign to him, but it felt so right. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was.

He had a family. A real family. He had the woman of his dreams, a child, and the wacky neighbors in the form of the Scoobies. He had the whole package. It was unreal. Life was really good for once.

Buffy looked over at Spike then and scooted closer to him.

“She’s taken quite a liking to you.” Buffy told him, breaking him out of his thoughts.

“Well, it’s my amazing wit and charm.” Spike said with a smirk.

“Right. That has to be it.” Buffy said mockingly. “Are you sure you don’t have thrall? It would explain a lot.”

“Nah. I just have a way with women, is all. Summer’s women, anyway.” He laughed.

“You kinda do, don’t you? I mean, my mom actually liked you too.” Buffy said a little perplexed.

“Funny isn’t it?” He said with a smile.

She leaned over and kissed him softly. He stroked her hair lovingly.

“You know I was really afraid today.” She admitted softly.

“So was I. When I woke up and realized you were gone? It felt like my whole world exploded.” He said quietly.

She touched his face softly, then she rested her head on his shoulder.

“I didn’t know what happened to you, either. I was afraid that they might have killed you.” She whispered.

“I did almost catch the sunrise, but I managed to make it in one piece. Never thought I’d be so happy to see Xander.” He chuckled.

“Speaking of Xander, how does he know about us?” She asked curiously.

“What?”

“Well, Willow said he knew and that he contributed money. What’s that all about?” She asked raising her eyebrow.

Spike laughed.

“Well, I sorta had to borrow fifty bucks from him, you know, for the date?” He told her sheepishly.

“You went to Xander for money?”

“Yeah.”

“And he actually gave it to you?”

“It’s a shocker isn’t it?” He laughed.

“I can’t believe he didn’t kill you.” She laughed, shaking her head.

“It’s my wit and charm, I tell you. Even he can’t resist.” Spike joked.

She smiled at him and laid her head back down on his shoulder. They sat there silently for a moment, just enjoying the closeness of being together after everything that had happened. Buffy finally spoke up softly.

“I had another dream while I was there.”

“An unpleasant one?”

“Angel was in it.” She said softly.

He felt himself tense up at the mere mention of his name. He tried to stay calm.

“Well, then it was definitely unpleasant.” He scoffed.

She ignored his bitter tone and continued to tell him about the dream.

“Only it wasn’t really Angel. It was Angelus. He said that he was in me. He said that I was just like him.” She told him quietly.

“Well, you’re not. He was a sick and twisted bastard. Just because he had a part in making you what you are today, doesn’t mean you’re like him.” Spike assured her.

“I know. I think I realized that today. I mean, I was so scared and so angry. I felt the demon trying to unleash itself. But I held it back. I mean, I used it, but I didn’t let it use me.” She explained.

“That’s good. I told you that you’d learn to handle this thing.”

“I learned something else too. I learned that everybody has the capacity for evil. It’s in everyone. I mean, those guys who took me were human. Though the jury’s still out on Quentin. He may be some sort of machine. I’m not sure.” She joked. Then she continued. “The point is, they were supposed to be the good guys. And they kidnapped me, and planned to do God knows what to me.”

“Do you think they would have really killed you?” He asked her quietly.

“I’m thinking yeah. It wouldn’t be the first time they’ve had to get their hands dirty. And that’s what’s so creepy. Here they are, a bunch of stuffy, innocuous, British guys in suits. You would never suspect them. People can surprise you. Evil doesn’t always come in a package marked with a skull and crossbones. I know that now.” She explained to him.

“Then you’re learning a lot.”

“I’m getting there. It’s kind of a long road. Accepting what I am, is still gonna take some time. I know I can lose control. But then again, so can anyone. People go postal all the time. I can handle it. One thing I do like about all of this, is the power. I really, really enjoyed making Quentin squirm.” She admitted with a grin.

“Power is always fun. When I watched you today, you were amazing. You were menacing as hell, but you kept your cool. I almost started applauding. It was a real turn on.” He said with a seductive smile.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed.

“You like strong women, I take it?” She asked.

“It’s why I’m with you.”

“Is that the only reason?” She asked raising her eyebrow.

“Well that, and those tight pants you wear.” He joked.

She poked him roughly in the ribs and glared at him.

“Wrong answer.” She said huffily.

“Don’t poke me.” He said, poking her back.

Suddenly, it became an all out attack. She pushed him back and straddled his legs. She started tickling his ribs.

“Stop it!” He cried, as he laughed at her look of determination.

“What’s the matter? Is the Big Bad ticklish?” She teased him as she continued her assault.

“No. You’re just annoying me.” He said trying to keep a straight face. He wasn’t able to keep it up though. He started laughing again.

He grabbed her arms and tossed her back into the couch cushions. He descended upon her, and quickly began to tickle her in retaliation. She burst out laughing.

“Stop!” She laughed.

“Why should I stop? You started it.”

“I give up! You win! Just stop.” She cried, out of breath.

“If I’d of known that tickling you would make you this helpless, I would have tried it a long time ago.” He joked with a smirk.

She grabbed his arms then, and tried to push him off. They ended up tumbling to the ground together. She lay on top of him now, out of breath from her laughter. He stared back up at her with a smile. She touched his face gently.

“I love you.” She whispered.

She had never actually come right out and said the words to him before. She had implied it, but this was the first time she had actually said it. His heart was soaring.

“I love you too, Buffy. Forever. Not even death could take you out of my heart.” He told her softly.

His words moved her deeply. She almost felt a tear spring to her eye. She kissed him softly.

“This is real isn’t it?” She whispered.

“Very real.”

“Are you sure you can handle me? I can be a kind of a pain in the ass sometimes. Especially if I’m on a power trip.” She said to him with a smile.

“I already know that quite well. But, then again, I’ve been told I’m a bit of a pain myself.” He said with a laugh.

“I’ll probably annoy you a lot.”

“And I’ll annoy you.” He replied.

“And we’re gonna fight.”

“Yes. And we’re gonna make up.” He told her.

“I’ve got a lot of issues. There’s still a lot I don’t know about myself. I’m sort of a work in progress.” She told him.

“We all are. That’s what makes life interesting.” He said with a smile.

“You know, I might live another hundred years. That’s a long time to be stuck with the same person.” She said thoughtfully.

“A hundred years with you still wouldn’t be long enough.” He said sincerely. “Besides, I’ve done the hundred year relationship before with Dru. I’m a pro at it.” He joked.

“Ugh. Let’s not mention the ex okay?” She said rolling her eyes.

“You’re the one who brought up your Angel dream.” He said pretending to be offended.

“It was a nightmare.” She groaned.

“Any dream with him in it is a nightmare.”

“Spike, shut up.” She told him with a smile.

“Make me.” He said with a smirk.

She laughed and kissed him again, effectively shutting him up. Their kisses grew in intensity, and soon they weren’t thinking of anything else but each other.

Buffy had learned a lot about life in the short time she had been back in this world. She had learned that sometimes things are thrown at you that you’d never dream you could handle. Things like finding out you’re a part of the very thing you fear the most.

She could have spent a lot of time moping over the unfairness of it all. She could have wished for death again. She could have let her entire world collapse, and allowed herself to slip into the darkness. But she realized now that life was worth fighting for. It was worth the pain.

Darkness was in everyone. Not just her, or Spike or others like them. It was a struggle that every person on this Earth dealt with each day. Just because she had a demon in her that may have a taste for destruction, didn’t mean she had to give in. She was stronger than that. But she knew she couldn’t do it all alone.

Her friends were like her anchor. They kept her grounded. If she felt herself slipping, all she had to do was think of them. And Spike. In such a short time, he had gone from enemy, to friend, to lover. He was the glue that had held her pieces together. When she had needed someone the most, he had been there.

He offered her the kind of love and understanding she never knew she’d be lucky enough to find. He understood her, now more than ever. They were two halves of the same whole. No one else could give each of them what they needed.

They both needed someone to love them unconditionally. They needed someone who wouldn’t leave them if times got rough. They both needed someone who was willing to call them on their mistakes, but love them anyway. They also needed someone that they could laugh with. Life was already too full of tragedies. If you couldn’t laugh at yourself or the world, then what did you have left?

They had found each other. It hadn’t been easy. Neither of them ever expected it to happen this way. But life was funny like that. Love was funny like that. Sometimes the greatest things in life are the things you’d least expect.

Death truly had been her gift. It wasn’t in the in way she had thought though. Death had led her to this place. If she hadn’t of died, she knew that things wouldn’t have turned out like this. She wouldn’t feel this strong, or powerful. She wouldn’t be feeling the kind of peace that she was feeling now. For the first time, maybe ever, she felt content with her role in life. And without her death, she probably wouldn’t be here with Spike either.

He had once told her that dying had made him feel truly alive for the first time. She thought he was just talking nonsense, but now she knew what he meant. She did feel alive for the first time. The First Slayer had told her love would lead her to her gift. But in the end, her gift had led her to love.

The End~

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