Thanks to my wonderful beta, dreamsofspike

~*~

Scotland, 2009 – Slayer Command Central

The trio had been immersed in research since Willow’s failed attempt to open the portal. Even Spike, who usually avoided research like the plague, pitched in, determined to do whatever was needed to bring Buffy back. Thus far, all they had learned was that bridging dimensions by magical means was best left to experienced witches, and that targeting a specific dimension was akin to finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.

“Tell me again, Red. How exactly was the spell you did supposed to work?”

Willow rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Spike, if explaining it for the hundredth time would do the trick, I would gladly tell you.”

He gave her a hard look. “Let’s just pretend that it will, then.”

She relented with a sigh. “When you sensed Buffy, I added a little more of Dawn’s blood to the portal and cast a spell to connect it to Buffy’s dimension.”

“An’ that’s it?”

“Well, it sounds simple, yeah, but that’s only because we had a link to her through you, and we had Dawn’s blood.”

“So, you used their bond to connect the two dimensions?” Dawn clarified.

“Yes!”

“How?”

“What do you mean how? I just told you!”

“Yes, yes, you cast a spell,” Spike dismissed impatiently.

“I think what the Bit an’ I are askin’ is how? What in your spell uses the bond to connect, an’ how?”

Willow furrowed her eyebrows. “The incantation to join the two dimensions.”

Spike and Dawn exchanged thoughtful looks.

“What? Dawn’s blood was supposed to widen the portal, and the incantation was supposed to focus it on Buffy’s dimension.”

“Maybe more than an incantation’s required,” Spike offered thoughtfully.

Willow considered the possibility. “Like what?”

“Didn’t it say somewhere that in order to open a portal to a specific dimension you need something….like an anchor?” Dawn asked. “That’s right. Something that acts as an anchor in the other dimension.”

“Ok, we’re just going around in circles here,” Willow pointed out, clearly irritated.

“Wait a second; I think the Bit’s onto somethin’. Think about it, Red. An anchor. The bond told us where she is, but we might still need somethin’ physical to connect.”

“I understand, Spike. That’s the reasoning behind the bond; it spans both dimensions i.e. it’s a bridge – or in your terms an anchor – except in both places.”

“Yes, but it isn’t physical, right? An’ maybe you need somethin’ material, just like you need Dawn’s blood to open a portal.”

Even before he finished his sentence, Willow caught on. She jumped up from her seat, waving her hands, face flushed with excitement. “Oh, oh, I think I know how to make it work!”

“How?” Spike and Dawn asked in unison.

“You’re right – we do need something material.”

“And that would be?” Dawn prodded impatiently.

“Spike’s blood. Since he and Buffy have a blood claim……” She trailed off as she saw their eyes widen with understanding.

“Blood,” Spike snorted. “’s always about the blood, innit?”

“Wait…you used my blood, and Buffy and I are literally blood-related, right?” Dawn reminded her. “I mean, I’m made from her – that’s what the monk said, and Buffy used her blood to close Glory’s portal. So, the spell should’ve worked.”

She looked at Willow questioningly. “Why didn’t it work?”

Willow’s hopefulness faltered as she pondered Dawn’s observation. “I don’t know, Dawnie.” She gave a half-hearted shrug. “Maybe ‘cause the incantation was specific to the bond, and I used your blood for widening the portal?”

Dawn, though clearly not assured by the explanation, didn’t push any further.

“Look, we’ve been at this for hours and this is the first real solution that’s occurred to us. I think it’s worth a shot.” Willow looked at the vampire anxiously. “What do you think, Spike?”

Spike shrugged and stood up. “Can’t think of anythin’ else m’self.”

“What if you use my blood in addition to Spike’s?” Dawn offered after a moment’s pause. “Just to be on the safe side. It can’t hurt, right?”

Willow grimaced slightly. “Only one way to find out, I guess.”

“Bit, you’ve already given –”

“Save it, Spike. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get Buffy back – just like you,” Dawn said, forestalling his objection.

At the obviously troubled look on her friend’s face, she softened her tone and smiled. “It’s no big deal, really. It doesn’t even hurt much.”

After a slight hesitation Spike nodded, and the three of them started preparing for the spell.

~*~

Sunnydale, 2001

Riley Finn was more than a little agitated over the latest turn of events. Not only was this future version of Buffy tight-lipped as ever about their relationship, but she seemed almost protective of the vampire menace hanging around.

He just didn’t understand it.

The others, of course, were oblivious to it, given their penchant for ignoring the obvious. Riley, however, caught the surreptitious looks the older slayer threw in the vampire’s direction when she thought no one was looking.

No, he didn’t like it one bit.

As was typical of him, Spike was lounging around, intermittently issuing smart aleck comments, and not really contributing to the ongoing research effort. The same was partially true of Buffy as well. Both Slayer and vampire were better suited to pursuits of the physical kind, as opposed to the mental.

“Spike, care to spar with me?” Buffy asked, restlessness finally overcoming caution.

YBuffy had gone home to be with her mom and sister, and the others were up to their eyeballs in research. Giles and Tara assured her that it wouldn’t be long before they were ready to perform the locator spell. So all that was left to do was wait – and that, she was lousy at. Besides, Riley’s not-so-subtle attempts at prying for information about the future of their relationship were beginning to wear on her nerves.

To say the vampire was taken aback at her request would have been understating it, his recent ‘sparring’ with YBuffy still fresh in his mind.

“Wondering whether she’s looking for an excuse to stake you, Evil Dead?” Xander smirked.

“Wouldn’t his chip prevent him from sparring?” Willow asked.

“Not if there’s no intent to harm,” Spike answered, though his eyes remained trained on the Buffy.

What’s her game, he wondered. Only one way to find out, mate.

Besides, an opportunity to dance with the Slayer was never something he would pass up.

He extended his arm towards the training room, head inclined. “Beauty before age, pet.”

The brilliance of the uninhibited smile she gave him left him gobsmacked, and he watched, transfixed, as her figure disappeared into the training room, hips sashaying provocatively.
Riley glared at the vampire’s retreating form.

What is it with Buffy and those creatures anyway?

Spike reveled in watching the sheer exquisiteness of the Slayer’s fluid motions as she effortlessly parried almost his every thrust. If he didn’t know any better, he would have guessed she could read his mind, anticipate his moves – hell, sometimes it seemed like she moved to defend against a punch before he even initiated it.

Not one to linger analyzing, Spike simply gave in and danced….and dance they did. This time around, it was nothing like that dreadful night in the alley. They sparred like two people openly acknowledging the thrill of the fight. There were no pretences, and no ulterior motives.

Just fists and fangs, Slayer and vampire.

Fifteen minutes later, the ‘dance’ ended with the Slayer feinting a move and sweeping his legs out from under him. She immediately straddled his hips, effectively stilling his motions.

Spike was more than happy to concede defeat if it meant having Buffy atop him, and his demon visage melted away in acknowledgement of her victory.

Bad Buffy! Rubbing against yummy vampire’s groin does not constitute ignoring him.

Buffy couldn’t help the tiny sigh of longing that escaped her traitorous lips, any more than Spike could prevent the bulge in his pants from swelling to full size at her proximity. Their gazes locked and something passed between the two of them – an understanding of sorts.

“Buffy?”

The duo’s heads snapped towards the source of the voice.

“Riley!” Buffy squeaked, hurriedly pushing herself off Spike, and stepping towards Riley in an effort to give the vampire some privacy to cover himself.

The fury simmering in the ex-soldier’s hazel eyes did not escape her notice.

Great! Just one more thing I have to worry about – jealous Riley.

“Is there something you wanted?” she asked.

“They’re ready to do the locator spell,” he told her, although his steely gaze was trained on the vampire behind her.

“Finally! Let’s go” she exclaimed, smiling a bit too brightly, and propelled him towards the door by his arm.

She threw Spike a hesitant smile over her shoulder before disappearing from the room.

A couple of minutes later, a more-or-less composed Spike left the training room.

~*~

The locator spell led them to Sunnydale Memorial’s wing for the mentally ill, where to her alarm, Buffy found Jeffery. He was sedated and strapped down to the bed.

Riley’s inquires told them that Jeffery, like the others before, had likely suffered some sort of trauma, leaving him mentally unstable and completely incoherent.

Buffy knew instantly that it could only mean one thing – Glory had gotten to him. What remained to be determined was whether she knew about Dawn, and if she did, why she hadn’t come for her yet.

“Riley, call Buffy and let her know that Glory might have found out that Dawn is the Key -”

“- Just do as I say, ok?” she said, when he appeared ready to question her reasons. “Tell her that she needs to take Dawn away from here, now. Glory is far more dangerous than any of you realize. In my time she didn’t find out until later – when we knew a lot more about her.”

Riley stared at her a moment, before nodding and heading for the nearest payphone.

Buffy made her way to a payphone herself. She rang the Magic Box and told Giles about Jeffery and her fears that Glory might be coming for Dawn. Giles agreed that the most prudent course of action would be for the younger slayer to take her sister and leave town immediately.

“Giles, she’s not going to want to leave – not with Mom scheduled for surgery tomorrow.”

She could picture Giles pinching his brow. “Perhaps, if you could persuade her to leave? Tell her that you will look after Joyce?” he suggested.

Buffy bit her lip in consternation. She wanted so desperately to spend time with her mother, but was a little hesitant at the prospect of reliving one of the worst days of her life, even knowing the favourable outcome of the surgery itself.

“I guess I can do that.”

When she hung up, Riley was waiting for her. “She wants everyone to meet her at the house.”

~*~

The living room of the Summers’ residence was packed when they got there. Save her mother, who she assumed was resting in her room, everyone was there.

Dawn looked frightened, and her eyes were puffy as though she had been crying. Buffy guessed that she had been told about her Keyness. She walked over to the young girl, who was observing her with both curiosity and suspicion.

“Hi Dawn. I know this is incredibly difficult for you right now. Your whole world has been turned upside down, and you’re questioning your very existence.” She stroked the brunette’s long hair reassuringly. “Honey, no matter what you think about who you really are, you should never doubt that your sister loves you. She, and the others.”

The teen’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her chin quivered as she fought to maintain control. She smiled uncertainly at her sister, who promptly gathered her into a tight hug, mouthing a silent ‘thank you’ to Buffy.

Buffy sniffled, willing herself not to cry. She stepped back from the pair, her eyes automatically drawn to the pale figure reclining against the archway.

Spike’s lips curled slightly into a smile.

Instinctively, she smiled back.

Riley didn’t miss the exchange.

“Spike, what’re you doing here?”

“Blood Sucker thinks he can help,” Xander scoffed, glad there was at least one other person he could count on to object to Spike’s involvement in their affairs.

It was YBuffy who surprisingly spoke in Spike’s defence. “He’s here because he’s the strongest person other than me and Joan. Deal with it.”

“What if he’s in cahoots with Glory? Do I have to remind everyone about his deal with Adam?” Xander said, unconvinced.

“The last thing we should be worrying about is Spike,” Buffy told them, unable to keep the irritation out of her tone. “Glory's the real threat.”

She directed her next comment at YBuffy. “You need to take Dawn and leave – get as far away from here as possible. I’ll hold down the fort.”

“I’m not leaving Mom,” YBuffy stated in a voice that brooked no argument.

“You have to. Leave Mom to me.”

“I can’t,” she said, her voice catching in her throat.

“No! I’m not going anywhere – not with Mom in the hospital,” Dawn wailed, her expression mutinous.

Buffy’s face and tone both emphasized how dire the situation was. “Trust me when I tell you that you will lose to Glory if you take her on right now. You’re not prepared. She isn’t just a powerful demon. She’s a god. A hellgod, to be more precise.

There were several gasps around the room. “A god, you say? That would mean she’s immortal,” Giles mused, immensely disturbed by the ramifications of her admission.

Buffy was severely torn. Things were spiraling out of control, fast. If she didn’t tell them what she knew, someone could die, and if she did, the same result was possible. Either way, her future might depend on it. If she only knew which option was correct….

“Buffy? I mean, Joan? We could really use some help here,” Willow pleaded.

Even Tara weighed in, somewhat nervously. “Willow’s r-right. You said things are happening differently. You’re worried about your future – all our futures – but the truth is, it m-may be beyond our control.”

“Yeah, Buff. If Glory’s all hell-bent – pun intended – on getting to Dawn, and she’s as dangerous as you say, she’ll kill anyone who stands in her way. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want that on my conscience,” Xander said, meaning well, although he came off a bit righteous.

“Damn straight,” Anya chimed in, her perky countenance not subdued in the slightest, despite the direness of the situation.

Spike rolled his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. “Can’t believe I’m sayin’ it, but the Whelp’s got a point.”

Buffy sighed heavily and relented. “I’ll tell you what you need to know in order to defeat her.”
She told them about Ben being Glory’s human host, and that she was vulnerable when she assumed his form. She briefly explained that Glory sustained herself by sucking out the energy from people’s brains, leaving them in a vegetative state, and that she needed Dawn’s blood to open a portal that would allow all manner of dimensions to pour into one another, in essence creating hell on earth.

A stunned silence greeted her revelations, broken only by the growl emanating from the vampire. “Always about the blood, innit?”

“I think it’s a good idea for you to take Dawn and leave, Buffy,” Riley said. He gave her a reassuring smile as he promised her that they would take care of her mother.

“Ben must be killed,” Giles declared, wearing a regretful, yet determined look.

“I’d offer to do it m’self if it weren’t for this soddin’ bit of plastic in my noggin’,” the irate vampire spat out.

“Spike wants to kill a human – why am I not surprised?” Xander remarked with heavy sarcasm.

“Giles is right,” Buffy said, ignoring Xander. “And I’ll be the one to do it.”

Her calm declaration evoked several raised eyebrows, and one somewhat indignant objection. “We don’t kill humans!” YBuffy folded her arms across her chest in a gesture of determination. “There has to be another way.”

“Trust me – there isn’t,” Buffy told her resolutely. “And as I said, I am going to do it – not you.”

“Giles?” YBuffy implored her Watcher for support.

Giles adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “Uh, I’m afraid I’m with Joan on this one, Buffy.”

“What happened to the rules, Giles? The one that says Slayers don’t kill humans?” she asked in an accusing tone.

For a moment he floundered, unable to meet her eyes. Then, he reminded himself of what needed to be done and why. “In this case, killing Ben would be the lesser of the two evils, wouldn’t you agree? It’s either that, or consign who knows how many others to hell and other atrocities.”

“So, you won’t even try –”

“For god’s sake! You guys hound me for information, and now you won’t take me seriously,” Buffy exclaimed angrily. “Listen to me – other ways lead only to badness. Been there, done that. Believe me, when I say you don’t want that to happen.”

Spike’s hackles rose as he considered her words. All sorts of terrible scenarios blazed through his mind – visions of Buffy dying, his Bit bleeding to death, hell on earth, and him unable to stop any of it because of the blasted chip in his head.

“Fine. Dawn and I will go to Angel’s.”

YBuffy’s declaration was met with a distinct growl from the vampire and a “No way!” from Riley.

“I have a better idea. I still have contacts in the military. I’ll make a few calls and you’ll be out of here in a couple of hours. With the kind of resources they have, protection shouldn’t be a problem.”

Spike was even less pleased with Riley’s suggestion. Given a choice between his sire and those ruthless military wankers, he’d choose the Poofter any day of the week. Suddenly, his senses sprang alert, signaling him of an approaching presence.

“Speak of the devil…”

~*~

A/N: When I first started reading Spuffy fan fic, I couldn’t understand why Angel so often made an appearance. Now, here I am, introducing him myself, lol. Anyway, I should warn you – there will be no Angel-bashing in this fic. I like the guy for the most part and usually don’t care for how he’s bashed in Spuffy ficverse.

Finally, this will be my last update until the first week of October. Some real life goings-on will be taking precedence over all else for the rest of September. I realise some of my readers may be disappointed, but I hope you aren’t mad. Rest assured, I will return and finish the fic. I am enjoying it far too much, to not do so. Thank you for understanding. :D