Greed

“Willow’s in the hospital?” Xander asked.

Cordellia nodded. She knew this was hard for her boyfriend, not that she’d ever tell, but it was hard for her, too. The bond she shared with the girl was definitely playing with her mind. She wanted to pass out into the nice black oblivion…where there was no pain. Faith had explained why she couldn’t allow herself to do that, but still it was tempting.

“Faith is here to keep us safe from Angel?” Xander asked.

Again the cheerleader nodded. She wondered how many times she’d need to explain things before he really caught on to what was happening.

“Spike and Buffy went to find Angel and Dru and what exactly?” Xander asked.

“Stop things before they start,” Faith said as she entered the room.

Xander nodded at the girl. “Why aren’t we going on this little hunt? I want Angel dust…I’ve always wanted Angel dust.”

“It’s not safe,” Dawn said, “Buffy wants everyone to stay safe this time.”

The things he wanted to say refused to come out. He knew she felt badly about Jenny Calendar, and he knew she was trying to redeem herself this time around. However, he didn’t think she could stake him. He wanted to have faith in his friend, believe that she could be stronger this time, but he couldn’t. Buffy would always have a soft spot when it came to the dark haired vampire.

“At least Spike is with her,” Dawn said, “He’ll dust Angel.”

A smile spread across Xander’s face. That was true. Spike had never liked Angel with or without the soul. Maybe things would turn out ok this time.

“What are we going to do about Willow?” Cordy asked.

No one had an answer. They all wanted to do something useful.

Waiting for something to come and get them wasn’t exactly something they were good at doing. They were people of action.

“Oz is with her, and for now…there’s nothing we can do,” Xander said resignedly.

“I’m way tired of feeling useless. I’m a Slayer. I kick demon ass, here I am coolin’ in my heels waitin’ for something to come and get me,” Faith groused.

“Kids?” Joyce called from downstairs, “Come down and have some hot chocolate.”

The group exchanged smiles. Joyce was trying her best to keep everyone calm. She was just as worried, if not more worried, about her daughter and her mate. Nevertheless, she was a mother first. And in the short amount of time Joyce had know about her daughter’s true nature, her friends had all become a part of the family.

“This is quite disturbing,” Giles said, “I can’t think of anything that could cause Angel to loose his soul. It has to be caused by a moment of true happiness.”

“Broody doesn’t exactly have happiness to spare,” Faith said.

“Exactly,” Giles said, “It could, perhaps, be some other sort of magic. It would have to be very powerful, and very old.”

“What does Angel’s soul and Willow being in the hospital have to do with each other?” Xander asked.

Giles removed his glasses and began to polish them, “I’m not sure, Xander.”

“I think,” Faith began, “Whoever is working the magic knew Willow could return his soul. Take her out of the game … instant advantage.”

“We need to do something to help Buffy. I can’t let her go through this alone…again,” Dawn said.

“I agree,” Joyce said softly. She didn’t want her daughter forced to run again. If she stayed by her side this time, perhaps her daughter wouldn’t shut her out. She was beginning to like being so connected to Buffy…she didn’t want to loose that.

“I know!” Cordy exclaimed, she was happy to finally have something to contribute to the group, “If we can figure out a way to bring Willow out of her coma, maybe we can find the demon thing that is causing all of this.”

“That might work,” Giles said.

“Of course it will work,” Cordy said, “I’m allowed to come up with solutions too ya know.”

“We know, baby,” Xander said.

“Whatever we do,” Faith said, “We gotta do it fast. Willow’s not doing so hot.”

Cordy nodded her head. She was using Xander for support.

With a goal in mind, the group set out to work. Giles retrieved all the books he thought would be necessary from the library and handed each person a nice little stack. Xander went out at once for donuts and coffee. No one was expected to spend hours reading duty old books without some sort of sugary substance floating around.

“There’s nothing in here,” Cordy said hours later, “I mean sure there’s stuff, but not useful stuff.”

“Maybe it’s not a demon,” Xander said.

“What else could it be?” Faith asked.

“Demons aren’t the only nasties in Sunnydale. Maybe it’s some sort of spell or trace thing,” Xander said, “Remember Amy?”

“Of course,” Giles said, “Why didn’t I think of it before. It is entirely possible that both Angel’s lack of soul and Willow’s recent hospitalization are both the outcome of the same spell.”

“Who would wish for such an awful thing?” Joyce asked with wide eyes. It was one thing to realize that your worst nightmares, and everything you knew lived in the closet but chose to blissfully ignore was coming to life; it was another to think that someone would wish for such things.

“The dis-invite is still in place, isn’t it?” Giles asked Joyce.

“Wha?” Joyce said looking up at the man, “Yes, yes of course.”

“In that case, no one invite anyone in,” Faith said, “I’m going to patrol.”

“I don’t think that is wise,” Giles said.

“I can’t stay cooped up, Giles,” Faith said, “I’ll be back.”

Giles nodded his head. There really wasn’t anything he could say to stop the girl. She was very much like Buffy in that sense. Once one of the girl’s got an idea in their heads, nothing, short of Spike, could stop them.

“Will she be alright?” Joyce asked.

“I’m sure she will. Faith just has a lot of energy to use up. It’s night and the Slayer in her is demanding that she go fight something. It’s in her make-up.”

“Can’t she just like turn it off for a couple of nights. Ya know, until the scariness has gone on vacation,” Xander asked.

Giles just shook his head at the boy. Honestly, sometimes he wondered about him.

* * * * * * * * *

“I sent you to hell once,” Buffy said, “I’ll do it again.”

“Ah, Buff. I didn’t come here to fight,” Angelus said in mock sincerity.

Spike rolled his eyes. Peaches would never change.

“You spoiled my party,” Dru said, “My nice pretty packages…all for nothing.”

Buffy ignored Dru, “Angelus, this is your one chance. Take Dru and leave town. Stay away from me and mine.”

The brunette vampire pretended to ponder her offer. Everyone knew he wouldn’t take it, but he had to admire her for offering. She’d grown up in the past year.

“I don’t think so,” he answered, “I’m going to throw a party for Dru. You and all your little friends have to be there.”

“Why?” Buffy asked.

“I’m going to end the world. I want you to have a front row seat,” Angelus said.

Buffy rolled her eyes, “Again? Is that like all you ever think about?”

‘Luv, don’t push him. He’s got somethin’ planned. Somethin’ big.’

‘I know. He just…grr, ya know?’

‘Yeah, I know.’

“SPIKE!” Angelus roared using his Sire voice, “Come with me, boy.”

Buffy watched mutely as her Mate walked over to Angelus. There was blankness in his eyes that she didn’t like. She could barely feel him anymore. It was as if their connection had been severed, but not completely broken. All at once, the world seemed to close in on her. She felt alone for the first time.

“Now, Buff, don’t look like that. You are welcome to join him. I wouldn’t keep you from your Mate,” Angelus said.

Buffy’s eyes flashed and she lunged at her former love. She had no thought for her personal safety, only that of her Mate.

Angelus was laughing as she tackled him to the ground. This was what he liked best about the girl. She always had such a fire when she fought, when she wanted to fight. It was like that the last time they’d met. Such righteousness burning in her eyes, such a love for the kill.

Catching his jaw with her fist, Buffy sent Angelus flying backwards. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Spike watching her. She couldn’t tell what was going through his head, and that really bothered her.

“Willie, you really need to get your girl under control. Can’t have her attacking me, now can we,” Angelus said.

“No, Sire,” Spike answered, “We can’t.”

Before she could react, Spike was upon her. She struggled effortlessly in his vice like grip. When she dared to meet his eyes, she saw amber. There was no tenderness, no love, no Spike. A shiver of fear raced through her body. She could feel herself trembling and could do nothing to stop it.

“Shh, luv,” Spike purred, “Stop fighting him. I’d hate to have to hurt you.”

Buffy looked up into his eyes, “Really? I doubt it.”

Spike smirked. She’d always been a spitfire.

Without taking time to think about it, Buffy kicked Spike off of her. Jumping to her feet, she flew across the room and punched him in the nose.

“Bloody hell, Slayer,” Spike said as he reached a hand up to his tender nose.

‘Spike?’

‘Pet?’

‘Angelus was doing something to you. He used you to keep me from attacking him.’

‘Bloody hell. He’s using Sire voice. It always works, too.’

‘Even against your Mate?’

‘If the Sire is strong, which well, Peaches is, then yeah.’

‘We have to fight it. You can’t turn on me, Spike.’

“Sunshine tells him secrets. Nasty secrets,” Dru said, “No tea for her.”

“Now, now,” Angelus said as he moved closer to Spike, “We’ll not have you keeping secrets. It’s not very nice.”

Buffy moved closer to Angelus, effectively positioning herself
between Spike and his Sire. She pulled a stake from God only knows where and placed it against Angelus’ chest. Just before she could slam it home, Dru launched herself at Buffy causing the stake to roll away.

“Buffy!” Spike yelled.

It was too late. Dru already had her claws elongated and had
slashed Buffy’s chest.

Nothing else in the room mattered. His Mate was injured…badly. Spike threw himself at his ex-love. He pinned her to the ground and let out a ferocious growl.

Dru whimpered from under him, “Don’t hurt Mommy. She only did what the pixies told her. It was so shiny, so pretty. Had to have it, it held such promise. Dark secrets, tea for everyone.”

“I told you those bloody pixies would get you killed someday, Dru,” Spike said indifferently.

“Killing me won’t safe the little witch,” Dru said smugly.

“Neither will keeping you alive,” Spike said

Angelus’ eyes widened in horror as he watched Spike plunge Buffy’s abandoned stake through the heart of his favorite Childe. He went to finish off his insolent Childe, but Buffy stopped him.

“Stay out of this, Slayer,” Spike said.

Buffy opened her mouth to protest.

‘Luv, let me finish this. It’s my fault. Dru came back to Sunnyhell for me. Please, I don’t want him to hurt you.’

‘You stupid vampire. I don’t want him to hurt you either. And what makes you think it’s YOU they came here for?’

‘Either way, please, let me do this.’

Unable to deny her lover his request, Buffy nodded her head. She moved over to where Dru’s ashes lay. Something shiny had caught her eye. Normally, when a vamp dusted, everything dusted. This, whatever it was, remained. She’d take it back to Giles and see if he could make anything of it.

“I’m going to take great pleasure in killing you both slowly,” Angelus said.

Spike didn’t respond. He needed to keep his focus on the fight. There was no time for witty banter, he’d safe that for sparing with his girl. He looked over and made sure that she was still abiding by his wishes. Once he was satisfied, he moved toward Angelus.

“You’ve been the bane of my existence for far too long,” Angelus continued.

Spike landed a right hook to his Sire’s face.

Buffy watched through dazed eyes as the only two men she’d ever loved fought across the room. Every time Spike was hit, she could feel it in her gut. She wanted nothing more than to pick up a stray piece of wood and throw it into Angelus’ back and scatter his worthless ashes to the wind. Her promise to Spike kept her from acting.

An evil laugh filled the empty diner. Then silence.

Buffy was afraid to look up. Afraid to see what would be there. A hand touched her shoulder as she immediately sent the body attached to it across the room.

“Easy, luv,” Spike said as he stood to his feet.

Relief was apparent on her face as she threw herself into her Mate’s embrace.

“Shh, it’s ok now luv. They won’t bother us anymore,” Spike whispered into her hair.

Buffy pulled back sharply and hit him on the shoulder.

“Ow!” Spike whined.

“Don’t ever do that to me again! Tell me not to help you fight, then when it gets bad, shut me out! That’s not fair and I don’t like it. I was scared, Spike…so scared,” Buffy’s voice began to tremble, “Scared that I’d loose you. I can’t loose you.”

Spike pulled the girl closer to him. “Let’s get you home, pet.”

Buffy nodded against his chest and allowed him to carry her back to her house.

“Is she alright?” Giles asked as he saw Spike enter the house carrying Buffy.

“Yeah, just a bit tired,” Spike answered, “I’m puttin’ her to bed.”

“No,” Buffy protested.

“Pet, you need to get some kip,” Spike said.

She squirmed out of his arms. “I need to show Giles something.”

Giles looked expectantly at the young girl.

Buffy pulled the necklace Dru had been wearing from her pocket and handed it to Giles. “Dru was wearing this. It didn’t dust when she did.”

“How interesting,” Giles said as he took the item from Buffy, “I’ll have to research it.”

“Better put a rush order on that, Rupes,” Spike said, “Think it might be what’s affecting Red.”

Buffy looked at him questioningly.

“Somethin’ Dru told me,” Spike said, “’Killing me won’t save the Witch.’”

“Dear Lord,” Giles exclaimed.

“It’s pretty. When we’ve found out what it does, can I have it?” Cordy asked.

“Sure. Then maybe the evil shiny thing will suck you into Hell. Sounds great,” Xander replied.

Cordellia glared at the boy, “We don’t know it sends anyone to Hell. God, over-react much?”

“As interesting as this is to watch, shouldn’t we be more focused on…oh say, Willow?” Faith asked.

Both people looked properly abashed and mumbled a barely audible apology.

Faith nodded triumphantly and turned to Giles, “To the books?”

“I suppose so,” Giles said, “Buffy, is it safe to wander to the library.”

Buffy looked up at him, “Safe as a Hellmouth.”

After what seemed like hours of research, most of the libraries occupants had fallen asleep. Cordy and Xander were curled up on the stairs. Buffy and Spike sprawled out in the office. Joyce had taken Dawn home. Only Faith and Giles remained awake.

“You really should get some sleep, Faith,” Giles said, “This has been trying on all of us.”

Faith looked at Buffy and Spike. She really couldn’t imagine what it was truly like for them. She’d felt a bit of it through the claim, but the majority of it was foreign to her. She’d never felt a love toward anyone. At least not one that was strong enough to want to keep them alive above all else.

“I’m five by five, Giles,” Faith said, “I want to get Willow out of that hospital. Buffy needs the rest more than I do.”

Giles nodded at the girl and turned back to his book.

“Here it is!” Giles exclaimed, “I’ve found it!”

“Found what?” Buffy asked groggily.

“It’s the, the, uh, symbol of, of Anyanka,” Giles stated.

“What’s an Anyanka? And how do I kill it?” Buffy asked.

“Um, Anyanka is a, sort of a Patron Saint of Women Scorned,” Giles answered.

“What’s she do?” Spike asked.

Giles removed his glasses, “She grants wishes.”

“Bloody hell,” Spike mumbled, “Dru must’ve wished for sometin’.”

“What?” Buffy asked.

“I don’t know,” Spike answered.

“Giles, can we summon this thing?” Buffy asked.

Giles re-opened a book and began to read, “’In order to defeat Anyanka, one must destroy her powercenter. This should reverse all the wishes she’s granted, rendering her mortal and useless again’ You see? With out her powercenter, she’d j-just be a-a-an ordinary woman again.”

“Great, what’s her powercenter?” Buffy asked.

“It uh, doesn’t say,” Giles answered.

“Why don’t I just put a stake through her heart,” Faith offered.

“She’s not a vampire,” Giles answered.

“Hm,” Faith said, “Be surprised how many things that’ll kill.”

“I don’t want to kill her,” Giles said, “Well, not until we know what she did.”

“Let’s start with the chanting then,” Xander said in a chipper voice.

“Right,” Giles scurried around the library and gathered the necessary ingredients. “Oh…Anyanka…I-I beseech thee…Um…In the name of all women scorned…come before me.”

Everyone looked around the library for this Anyanka. She’s nowhere to be found. Maybe the spell didn’t work. Maybe you can’t just call for her and expect her to come.

“Do you have any idea what I do to a man who uses that spell to summon me?” Anyanka asked from the upstairs stacks.

The group watched as the demon sauntered her way down the steps.

“Do you have any idea what I do to demons?” Buffy asked.

Anyanka paused, sensing a powerful force.

“Especially ones who do things to my friends?” Buffy moved so that she was face to face with the demon.