History

A frown became a permeate fixture on the Watcher’s face. The more he read the more he feared for his Slayer. The whole situation was terrible. He knew he should have done more to help Willow with her magic studies, but he’d hoped she’d abandon the pastime for something safer. He’d never forgive himself for that mistake. However, he could not place all of the blame on himself. Willow knew what she was dealing with when she began her studies. More importantly, Anya had told him the demon, Ta’hoffern, would have asked Willow whether or not she wished to become a demon. That was the part he found most disturbing. Willow wished to become a demon.

“Anything, Giles?” Xander asked.

“I’m afraid, nothing useful,” Giles replied.

Xander resumed his pacing. His mind was still reeling from the information his girlfriend had offered him. None of it made sense. His Willow would never agree to any proposition some demon gave her…no matter how “convincing” the demon could be. He’d taken it really hard when Jesse had been turned into a vampire and he’d had to stake him. Now, Willow was a demon. He knew he’d never be able to kill her…no matter what had taken over her body.

“I hope we find something before Buffy tries to kill Lilith,” Anya said conversationally.

“Ahn, Buffy’s not going to kill Willow. I won’t let her,” Xander said.

“Xander, you can’t really stop her,” Anya told her boyfriend.

“We’re going to find something to fix it. Make the demon go away and leave Willow behind,” Xander said.

“But Xander, Willow wanted to be a demon,” Anya argued.

“We don’t know that,” Xander said.

Anya shook her head. Sometimes her lover could be really dense. She’d always known he had a blind spot for Buffy, but now she saw that same blindness was allowed for Willow as well. She’d never felt like a part of the group and in truth, never really cared, but now she did. Oh, not for any noble reason…like caring that Willow was a demon. It was because of Ta’hoffern. The bastard. This was all about her, she knew it. He was still upset that she had lost her powers. It was ironic that the very group of people that destroyed her amulet were the same people she now worked and fought with on a daily basis.

“Yes, we do, Xander,” Giles said sadly.

“What? No! T-that’s not possible,” Xander said in a hysterical voice.

“Lilith can only claim a willing body,” Giles said, “Willow had to agree to be elevated for Lilith to claim her body.”

Xander looked at the two people in the room with wide eyes. This was getting worse by the second.

“I tried to tell you, Xander,” Anya said, “Buffy is going to kill Willow.”

“She can’t! Am I the only one that hasn’t forgotten that it’s WILLOW?” Xander asked.

“Xander, it used to be Willow. She no longer exists. She is dead. Buffy is the Slayer, she has no choice. She must kill the demon, no matter who it looks like,” Giles said in a reasoning voice.

* * * * * * * * * *

“You need to find out for sure, Finn,” Professor Walsh said.

“Yes, ma’am,” Riley said as he left her office.

He walked down the hallway looking for any sign of Buffy. She couldn’t have gotten very far. There were many things he needed to discuss with the girl. Things he really didn’t want to discuss. He’d much rather talk to her about taking moonlight strolls through the streets of Sunnydale or maybe about having another picnic. He knew none of those would be possible if any of the Professor’s theories were correct.

“Buffy!” Riley called.

Buffy stopped and slowly turned to face the voice that had called her.

He hadn’t really expected the girl to stop. Now she was just staring at him waiting for him to say something. At the moment, English was the most difficult thing in the world.

“Riley?” Buffy prompted.

“I wanted to see if you would go on maybe another picnic with me,” Riley said.

Buffy smiled softly, “I’d love to, Riley.”

A smile spread across his lips.

“But,” Buffy began, “My fiancé wouldn’t like it very much.”

Riley paled at her words. This day really didn’t need to get any worse. “Fiancé?”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you?” Buffy asked, “I’m engaged.”

There were no words. Nothing seemed to make any sense to him. The world was very blurry.

“See,” Buffy said as she extended her hand, “I’ve even got the ring!”

Riley stared blankly at the ring for a moment. He blinked a few times and the large silver ring came into focus. It didn’t look like any type of engagement ring he’d ever seen. In fact, it didn’t appear to be a woman’s ring at all. It was big, and very grotesque.

“Engaged?” Riley asked, bewildered.

“Yes!” Buffy exclaimed with a far off look in her eye.

Sudden inspiration struck the soldier, “I hope Willow is back to being herself in time for the ceremony.”

Buffy’s face contorted into a look of deep pain. She glared at the man in front of her. How dare he bring up such a terrible topic while she was being Happy Buffy. Duh! He doesn’t know!

“I hope so too,” Buffy said truthfully.

“Has she been to a doctor yet?” Riley probed.

“This isn’t they type of thing that can be fixed by a doctor,” Buffy answered.

Riley gave her a confused look.

“It’s more of an inner thing. Something she needs to work out on her own,” Buffy tried to clarify.

“Professor Walsh has a list of excellent physiatrists and councilors if Willow needs someone to talk to,” Riley offered.

Buffy forced herself to smile. Riley meant well, but his endless questions were really starting to bother her. “Thank you, Riley.”

Riley stared at Buffy for a long minute. There was something more going on, something under the surface, but he knew Buffy wouldn’t be the one to tell him. She was so closed off, so afraid to let anyone in and that knowledge saddened him.

“Buffy!” a woman called.

Riley watched as Buffy turned to the voice that had called her name. He’d lost his chance. Professor Walsh would not be very pleased with him.

“What’s up, Anya?” Buffy asked.

Anya glared at the man; she could tell Buffy was relieved to see her. That didn’t usually happen. “Giles has some news. At his apartment. For you.”

Buffy’s eyes widened with understanding. She turned to Riley, “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you in class.”

Riley purposely didn’t hide the hurt in his eyes when he answered her, “Are you sure, Buffy? I really want to help.”

“Really, Riley. It’s fine,” Buffy said as she turned on her heel and followed Anya outside.

“Who was he?” Anya asked, “I don’t like him.”

Buffy laughed, “He’s the T.A. for the psych class. He was asking about Willow. I went out with him once…before Spike.”

“He seemed very interested in you and what you were doing,” Anya commented.

“I know. Haven’t quite figured that part out yet,” Buffy said, “Go on ahead, I’ve got to pick up Spike.”

“It’s daylight. Spike will turn to dust,” Anya said matter-of-factly.

“Sewers,” Buffy replied.

Anya nodded and went off toward Giles’ apartment, leaving Buffy alone to fetch Spike. Neither girl noticed the broad-shouldered man watching from the sidelines. Using all the steal training he possessed, he followed Buffy into a local graveyard. Maybe he’d have something useful to tell the professor after all.

Under normal conditions, Buffy would have noticed that she was being followed; unfortunately, she was too distracted to notice. She walked, more like ran, to Spike’s crypt. Without any preamble, she kicked the door open and walked boldly inside. Riley had to remind himself to close his mouth. This was not like anything he’d ever encountered. A young co-ed just bursting into a crypt? The only thing that kept him from running in to save her was the fact that it was still daylight.

Riley waited a full twenty minutes for Buffy to exit the crypt. Once he’d given up hope, he turned and left the cemetery. There were many things he needed to discuss with Professor Walsh. There was no way Buffy was a Sub-Terrestrial, but he wasn’t exactly sure the girl was completely human.

“What did you find out, Agent Finn?” Professor Walsh asked once the boy had returned.

“Buffy definitely knows something. It may not have anything to do with Willow, or the warewolf, but she knows of Sub-Terrestrials. I followed her into the cemetery where she just charged into it, completely unarmed. I waited for at least twenty minutes and she did not leave,” Riley said.

Professor Walsh began to pace her office. This was very unexpected. Civilians were not to know about the existence of Sub-T’s. Further study of Buffy Summers would have to be conducted. She did not know how emotionally attached Riley was to the girl, but she knew her best agent would not disappoint.

“She also informed me that she is engaged. And when the girl came and pulled Buffy away to meet, Giles, Buffy said she needed to get Spike,” Riley said with a confused voice.

“Spike?” Professor Walsh asked, “What kind of a name is that?”

“I assume Spike is the fiancé, and that it is a nickname,” Riley said.

Professor Walsh raised her eyebrow expectantly.

“The engagement ring she wore, it wasn’t…typical. There was no jewel, it was large, ugly…very biker,” Riley explained, “That’s why I think the fiancé is Spike. The name seems to fit the ring.”

Professor Walsh nodded at the boy. She was impressed. He’d revealed more information to her than she had anticipated. She really needed to stop underestimating her underlings.

* * * * * * * * * *

“I’m tellin’ ya, Slayer, there was someone else out there,” Spike ranted.

“God, Spike! Over react much? There wasn’t anyone but me out there. Besides, who would follow me into a graveyard…during the day?” Buffy asked.

There was no argument for that. At least, none he could think of. But, he knew he hadn’t imagined the second heartbeat. So for now, he let it slip.

“I just want you safe, Buffy,” Spike said sincerely.

“I know, Spike. I’m the Slayer…not exactly a safe person to be,” Buffy answered.

“Watcher Boy tell you what this meetings about?” Spike asked, effectively changing the subject.

“I’m assuming Demon Willow,” Buffy answered emotionlessly.

Spike’s unbeating heart went out to his love. He didn’t like the cold tone of her voice, but knew she had steeled herself against her emotions for her friend for a reason. Truthfully, he wasn’t exactly looking forward to having to kill the demon that looked like Red. She was the only one of the Scoobies he could stand.

Throwing the blanked over his head, Spike dashed toward the open door to Giles’ apartment. Buffy relieved him of the protection and quickly patted out the stray flames.

“We really need to find something less combusty,” Buffy said.

“Try moonlight,” Xander dead panned.

Giles secretly enjoyed the banter than went on between the young adults. Of course he had to remain British and aloof to the happenings, but nevertheless, he found them amusing to watch. At hard times, such as these, it was comforting to see the perseverance of the youth.

“I’m afraid I don’t have any good news to offer,” Giles said.

The room immediately felt smaller, like all the life had been sucked out of it. Buffy slumped into the chair she and Spike had spent a good amount of make-out time on and waited for the inevitable. Spike moved over to her and stood like a sentinel behind the chair. His first instinct was to scoop the girl up in his arms and protect her from the harsh reality. That wasn’t what his girl needed. She needed to be strong though this, and for her to do that, he needed to take a backseat.

“I’m beyond hoping for any, Giles,” Buffy said.

The Watcher nodded and removed his glasses.

“Just tell me how to kill it,” Buffy said.

Before Xander could open his mouth to express his hatred of Buffy’s flippant attitude, Anya placed her hand firmly over his mouth. This was not the time for his childish behavior. True, it was kind of endearing that the boy held out hope for his friend, but it was also disturbing that he could condemn Buffy for way her hand was being forced.

“It’s not just a matter of killing the demon, Buffy. She is ancient. Almost as old as The First. While I know you’re not much for research or listening to anything I tell you,” Giles began, “I must insist that you at least attempt to pay attention. Knowing the background of this demon is just as important as knowing how to kill it…maybe even more so.”

Knowing her Watcher meant business, Buffy nodded her consent. It wasn’t her fault she wasn’t the bookworm Willow was.

“Right,” Giles began, “’ Soon afterward the young son of the king took ill, Said Nebuchadnezzar, "Heal my son. If you don't, I will kill you." Ben Sira immediately sat down and wrote an amulet with the Holy Name, and he inscribed on it the angels in charge of medicine by their names, forms and images, and by their wings, hands, and feet. Nebuchadnezzar looked at the amulet. "Who are these?"

‘"The angles who are in charge of medicine: Snvi, Snsvi, and Smnglof. After God created Adam, who was alone, He said, 'It is not good for man to be alone' (Gen. 2:18). He then created a woman for Adam, from the earth, as He had created Adam himself, and called her Lilith. Adam and Lilith began to fight. She said, 'I will not lie below,' and he said, 'I will not lie beneath you, but only on top. For you are fit only to be in the bottom position, while am to be in the superior one.' Lilith responded, 'We are equal to each other inasmuch as we were both created from the earth.' But they would not listen to one another. When Lilith saw this, she pronounced the Ineffable Name and flew away into the air. Adam stood in prayer before his Creator: 'Sovereign of the universe!' he said, 'the woman you gave me has run away.' At once, the Holy One, blessed be He, sent these three angles to bring her back.

‘"Said the Holy One to Adam, 'If she agrees to come back, fine. If not she must permit one hundred of her children to die every day.' The angels left God and pursued Lilith, whom they overtook in the midst of the sea, in the mighty waters wherein the Egyptians were destined to drown. They told her God's word, but she did not wish to return. The angels said, 'We shall drown you in the sea.'

‘"'Leave me!' she said. ’I was created only to cause sickness to infants. If the infant is male, I have dominion over him for eight days after his birth, and if female, for twenty days.'

‘"When the angels heard Lilith's words, they insisted she go back. But she swore to them by the name of the living and eternal God: 'Whenever I see you or your names or your forms in an amulet, I will have no power over that infant.' She also agreed to have one hundred of her children die every day. Accordingly, every day one hundred demons perish, and for the same reason, we write the angels' names on the amulets of young children. When Lilith sees their names, she remembers her oath, and the child recovers."’”

Giles finished his reading and looked around the room.

Buffy’s eyes were wide with shock.

“Bloody hell,” Spike whispered.

“So, we need the amulet,” Buffy said, breaking the silence that had befallen the room.

“Yes, that appears to be her downfall,” Giles said.

“Her power source is the same as that of a vengeance demon,” Anya said.

“Of course!” Giles exclaimed, “It all makes perfect sense. She was cursed based on a form of vengeance. It would only make sense that she was a predecessor to the common vengeance demon.”

“So, crush the amulet and the demon leaves?” Buffy asked.

“We could save Willow,” Xander said hopefully.

“I don’t think it would work the same way with an Ancient,” Giles said.

“It’s a lot better than the ‘let’s kill Willow’ idea that has dominated the discussions,” Xander said hotly.

“It’s NOT Willow anymore, Xander! Why can’t you accept that? It’s not pretty and it’s not easy, but it’s reality. You might want to join the rest of us there,” Buffy snapped.

“She’s right,” Anya said, “Even if the amulet does cause the power, once the power is removed, Willow won’t be the same. Oh, she’ll be mortal and have a soul, but she won’t be the Willow you all remember.”

“Have there been any reports of abnormal baby sickness?” Buffy asked.

Giles polished his clean glasses, “No, not any that I have heard.”

“Why isn’t she attacking infants?” Buffy asked, “I’m not hoping for sick babies or anything, but it doesn’t make any sense.”

“Perhaps her intentions have shifted,” Giles said as he placed his glasses back on his face.

“Like finding out that there was a Slayer in Sunnydale?” Buffy offered.

“Her power won’t be as great if she decides to kill Buffy,” Anya said.

“We need to find out where her power lies. If all she can do is infect infants with icky sickness, then there really isn’t an issue, but I’m guessing she does more than that being Ancient,” Buffy said.

“You’re probably right, Buffy,” Giles said, “I’ll continue my research.”

Buffy stood up and began to pace the small space in front of the coffee table. She could find no logical reason for the new demon in town to come after her directly. Most demons had a reason to engage her…they were ending the world, she attacked, they defended, she won.

The pacing was starting to make his eyes swim. He could feel the tension rolling off the girl in waves. He really couldn’t imagine the turmoil she must be feeling. There was still nothing he could do to help her.

“Giles,” Buffy said, “I need to tell you something.”

This was never good. No goodness ever came from Buffy when it started like that. Xander braced himself for the onslaught of things he probably wouldn’t want to hear.

“Spike and I are going to claim each other,” Buffy announced confidently.

“Oh dear Lord,” Giles exclaimed.

The vampire couldn’t believe his ears. She was going to let him perform the claim and she planned on returning it. Every day he fell a little bit more for the girl.

“Am I the only one saying, ‘huh’?” Xander asked.

Anya shook her head at her oblivious boyfriend.