Buffy stepped out of the room for a minute and opened the note in her hand.

"Buffy -

It seems every time I convince you I would never hurt you, I wind up doing exactly that. I'm sorry, love. I think you know the impulse to kill you was not my own. I will fight this thing, and I'll win. Until then, I need you to stay away, as much for my sake as for your own. I never want to feel that way again, and I never want you to see me as you did before. I love you more than anything. Try not to worry.

Spike"

Buffy reread the note a few times, resolving to end this forced separation as soon as possible. She returned to the dining room, and sat next to Giles. She looked at him, conveying with her eyes her intention to defeat the hell god. Giles nodded, knowing that look. They waited patiently for Maggie and Willow to return, Khai remaining in the basement with Spike. Maggie bustled through briefly before heading that way herself.

"How you doing?" Maggie asked Spike as she reached the bottom of the staircase.

"Well, I felt sick to my stomach while you two were chaining me, but it got better. Now I'm - not feeling so well again," he said in a confused tone, having been fine when she asked. Maggie and Khai approached him worriedly. Spike slumped to his knees, groaning, dizziness blurring his vision as his siblings bent over him. Khai propped a pillow behind his back, trying to make him more comfortable. They had moved the air mattress against the far wall so Spike could at least lie down, the chains limiting the mobility of his arms and legs. Maggie reached out to stroke his cheek. Spike doubled over as the nausea nearly overcame him, his stomach cramping in pain. Maggie stopped, her face an inscrutable mask. She backed up toward the stairs, seeing the tension ease in Spike's face. She strode quickly toward him, only to see it reappear. Khai watched her experiment, realization dawning on his own features. Maggie immediately removed her self from the basement.

When Magistra finally entered the dining room, Giles and Willow began to speak, only to stop when she raised her hand. Knowing she was talking with her brothers, they waited. Eventually, she turned toward them, a grim expression on her face.

"It's begun," she said simply.

The Scoobies looked at her in alarm, realizing what she was saying.

"What - how? We're supposed to have almost two weeks," Xander said desperately.

"What else has happened?" Buffy asked Maggie, knowing she had returned upstairs a different person from the one who'd descended them.

"I can't be around him either," she explained. "Your presence makes him violent, mine makes him violently ill," she said ironically. "It appears his response to me began shortly after the incident with you, Buffy. None of us realized it because Spike thought it was emotional fallout from hurting you. I realized it a moment ago when he became ill the moment I stepped in the room, his symptoms intensifying the closer I got to him. When I came upstairs just now, Khai confirmed Spike was feeling better. I then spoke with Spike, and though he had no negative response to my presence in his mind, I will only communicate with him through Khai from now on. I don't like that our mental link wasn't included in whatever this is, it's too obvious an omission. If he wants access to me, it won't be through the mind of my brother - either brother. Khai and I are limiting our connection as well. The Guardian has now been separated from the Light and the Love - there is little doubt the timeline has been moved up, starting with tonight," the Witch said seriously, looking at everyone to make certain they understood.

"Rupert," Maggie said. "We need the rest of the prophecy. If I remember correctly, Araknal made his impromptu appearance the night we received these diaries - there's got to be a connection. There was nothing out of the ordinary until those arrived. Either it's dad's interpretation of the prophecy, or it's the diaries. Either way - it's got him freaked."

"Could it be both?" Dawn asked, looking from Maggie to Giles. "I mean, even we didn't know about the connection between you, your dad and Khailan. Maybe he didn't know either," Dawn said nervously, realizing everyone's attention was focused on her.

"Dawn - you're brilliant!" Maggie whooped as she hugged the teenager. "That's it! I know it is! I may not know how yet, but I know!"

"Let's do as Buffy suggested the other day," Giles said. "Pretend we only have the basics - what do we do - what do we think?"

"He must have the second part of the prophecy," Buffy conjectured. "Think about it," she cautioned, sensing the objections forming amongst her friends. "We had one part of a two-part prophecy, written in a language that hasn't been spoken since a few years after the initial event itself. The only person who knew anything damaging about it that existed outside of a hell dimension was a wandering nutjob. Araknal plays everything cool until we make the connection with Khailan - then he freaks. The second part must throw a wrench in everything - making him act as soon as he knows we have the means to figure it out. He doesn't want us to know what it is, so he set everything in motion now. The second part is the key Giles - that's how we can destroy him," she said, her conviction striking the heart of everyone there.

"I agree," Maggie said. "Willow and I still have some things to figure out. Let's focus everyone's attention on the last half of the diaries, and we'll talk first thing in the morning," the Witch arranged.

"I'm going to spell Khai for a bit," Giles said as everyone left the table. He winced slightly as he stood up, Maggie not missing any of it. "Xander - would you accompany our resident stubborn ass?" she asked sweetly, her look not lost on Giles.

"No problem," Xander agreed, actually thrown by his empathy for Spike. Dawn went too, thinking her presence may help with the sense of isolation he was most likely feeling.

"Guys," Buffy stopped them." Make sure you don't tell him anything," she directed, Dawn looking at her as though she had just staked him. "If he knows, then so will Araknal the next time he pays a visit, whether Spike wants him to or not," Buffy explained, looking at Dawn. "If he doesn't know anything, then he can't have it taken from him. Let him know we won't be updating him for now and why - and tell him I love him." They nodded, understanding her point.

Khai joined her, Willow, Maggie and Anya at the table. "Is he okay?" Buffy asked, searching the demon's gentle face.

"As much as he can be, given these circumstances," Khai said honestly. "A large part of him is devastated at being separated from the two of you. He is angry it was done so easily .He is impatient to act, but doesn't know what to do. I told him to concentrate within, try to isolate the god's presence within him in order to know the ways in which he can be affected. He is desperate to remove the connection, so he may discover something useful. I showed him some techniques that could help."

Maggie brought him up to speed, then retired to her room to complete her own research. Willow did the same, kissing Khai goodnight, knowing he'd want to stay near his brother. The rest focused on the diaries, reviewing the last recordings first. Giles and Xander eventually joined them, saying Spike was trying to get some sleep. Dawn gave Buffy the thumbs up sign before turning in. They continued to research in silence. Buffy finally looked up when the words started swimming before her eyes.

"Khai," Buffy asked, needing a break from reading. "Araknal can't affect you the way he can Spike because you've never been part of the Dark, right?" Khai nodded. "Yet the Kashnuk bound your spirit with Spike, so doesn't that mean part of the Dark is within you too?"

"Only in that part of me that is Spike," He said, seeing the confusion in her face. "Our spirits are bound, but they are still separate. Unless I concentrated on projecting only Spike's essence while suppressing my own, it is apparent to anyone with power that I have never been of the Dark," he explained.

"Could that help him?" she asked. "Could he concentrate on projecting your essence - would that have an effect on Araknal's power over him?"

Khai remained silent, pondering the possible ways the Kashnuk could help Spike. "I'm not sure," he said finally. "I don't know how the projection would work internally, if it would do anything against the beast. It is worth a try though. Perhaps by using the bond of the Kashnuk to both go within Spike's consciousness, we can find a way to release him," he suggested.

"Would you be in danger?" Buffy asked seriously, not wanting Khai to risk being placed in the same situation Spike was in.

"I will be perfectly safe," Khai reassured her. "Araknal cannot affect me through using the scying pool. He can only impact someone with a connection to the Dark. We'll try it tomorrow, after we've had some rest - or I should say today," he said, noticing the early morning light shining behind the blinds.

"I believe we could all use some rest," Giles said, tiredly rubbing his eyes. "When we wake up, we won't rest again until we've found at least something helpful, Buffy. I promise," he said seriously. Buffy smiled at her friends as they stumbled to their beds, Xander and Anya camping out on a pile of sleeping bags on the attic floor. Buffy sat on the couch, exhaustion stealing through her limbs as she fought the urge to lie down. She knew the minute she closed her eyes she'd be too aware of the emptiness beside her to sleep anyway.

"I was given strict orders to cover you up with this," Khai interrupted her thoughts, holding up Spike's duster in front of her. He made her lie down, firmly tucking the coat in around her. "He said you know the rest." Khai patted her hand and left the room. She did know the rest. She was supposed to stop worrying, get some sleep, and know that he loved her. Buffy inhaled deeply, Spike's scent surrounding her, bringing her comfort. Within seconds, she was asleep.

Buffy stared at the clouds overhead, the blackness invading the brilliant puffs like a cancer, striking at the center and spidering outward until nothing of their former selves remained. The world around her turned a sickly gray, the unnatural blending of light and shadow causing an eerie silence in which the slightest sound echoed loudly and chillingly. She looked down at the remains of the school, the shadows of the crippled buildings appearing to reach upward like fingers on an arthritic hand. There was no movement, no signs of life coming from the compound of the demons.

"What are we doing here, luv?" Spike asked as he appeared beside her.

"I'm not sure," Buffy said simply, continuing to look at the school.

"Looks deserted," he observed.

"It's all on the inside," she responded.

"Did we win?" he asked.

"We will," she assured him confidently.

"You figure something out, pet?" he asked excitedly, turning to look at her.

"Here, I'll show you," she promised. Calmly, and without hesitation, Buffy raised the broadsword that appeared in her hand and cleanly removed his head from his body.

"Took you long enough," Spike said as he again appeared beside her.

"He wanted to play," she replied, shrugging her shoulders as they stared down at the decapitated corpse at their feet.

"True," Spike confirmed. "How'd you know?"

"You know how," she answered.

"I can't stay," he said.

"For now," she clarified.

"Remember, luv," Spike said, staring her in the eye. "Believe in me," he said simply, his words echoing around her as he faded from sight. The headless corpse began to shake violently, its movement reminiscent of a snake shedding its skin. A shape began to emerge from the neck, its color darker than black, as though it sucked the pigment from everything around it ands became the absence of color itself. Buffy watched calmly as the shape continued to spew forth from the dead body, becoming larger and larger until it towered over her.

"You had your turn," Buffy said menacingly. "I decide when we play next!" She raised her head and looked him in the face.

Buffy's eyes flew open, her mind trying to orient to time and place. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest. Though she had no conscious memory of what she'd seen after raising her head in the dream, her racing pulse was telling her it wasn't something pretty. She committed as many details as possible to memory in order to update the gang. This had been a prophetic dream, the Slayer within her begging to be heard. She knew they'd figure out all it was meant to reveal. She stretched out, tucking the coat firmly around her again, and nodded back off to sleep, a small smile of relief on her face.

THIRTY-FIVE

"Any ideas?" Giles asked everyone when Buffy had finished describing her dream.

"Well," Dawn said. "I think the need for you to believe in Spike is a pretty clear theme," she offered, trying to be helpful.

"The real Spike," Anya clarified.

"That was definitely one of the creepier parts," Xander said, motioning as though he was decapitating someone, then waving at an imaginary person standing next to him.

"How did you know, Buffy?" Willow asked. "Do you remember how you knew it wasn't Spike?"

"Because I felt it," Buffy realized out aloud. "I knew it wasn't Spike because it didn't feel like him," she said in reflection.

"Didn't you say something about it all being on the inside?" Dawn reminded her. Buffy nodded.

"It's all on the inside … believe in me … it didn't feel like him … " Maggie muttered repetitively under her breath, deep in thought. "Willow, what did you find out about the scying pool?" she asked suddenly.

Willow grimaced in response. "I couldn't find anything that would explain Araknal's ability to use the pool to affect Spike this way," she said in frustration. "There's nothing. The pool can only be used to project one's consciousness through dimensions. The thrall was stronger last night because Araknal's consciousness was present, but he's not supposed to be able to do anything more than inspire his groupies - you know - make with the Dark tinglies. I'm sorry, I've looked at everything I could think of," she said dejectedly.

"How brilliant!" Maggie said in admiration, a slow smile spreading across her face. The others looked at her in confusion, wondering if she had heard a word Willow had said.

"That black hearted son of a …" Maggie shook her head ruefully and looked at each Scoobie in turn. "He pulled one over on us," she said simply. Seeing their confusion deepening, she explained.

"Let me start with a question," the Witch began. "Buffy, at any time after the attack last night, did the Slayer attempt to reach inside Spike - feel what was going on?" Buffy shook her head. "Neither did I," Maggie admitted. "I told you I would be able to feel if Araknal touched one of us - he would leave a kind of shadow behind. He did this with Spike after connecting with the Dark in him. What I never bothered to find out is where he left that shadow. If I'm right, what he's done with Spike is nothing more than a game of mirrors."

"How so?" Giles asked, sitting forward in his chair, the others unconsciously following his lead.

"What Araknal did was no more than inspire the Dark that remains in Spike. I believe he placed the shadow between the two parts of Spike's spirit. He stirred up the Dark side, knowing the being Spike is now would turn to the Light. The shadow is acting like a mirror. The more he moves toward the Light - myself and Buffy for example - the more the Dark is thrown back at him. When he was evil, his primary obsession with Buffy was to drain her. If he had met me at the time, he literally would have felt nauseous if he spent more than a few minutes in my presence - a pretty little side effect that occurs in lesser demons. So there you have it - Araknal is not controlling Spike - it's all just smoke and mirrors. Spike will be fine," she finished.

"But, what about Khai?" Willow asked. "I mean, why didn't Spike react badly toward him?"

"My being and Spike's are intertwined," Khai explained. "My presence would have no more effect than him being in a room alone."

"So, how does Spike get rid of the shadow?" Buffy asked, trying to stifle her excitement.

"By basically doing what Khai suggested last night. Now that he knows what he's looking for, he'll be able to diffuse its power - see through it basically. From what I understand from Khai, he was planning on taking a trip inside with Spike to day anyway, so he can show Spike how to guard against something similar happening in the future. Araknal took advantage of Spike's newness. A few months down the road, his training would have prevented this."

"Then what?" Dawn asked. "Will the shadow be gone, will it stay inside him looking for another way to hurt him? Will Araknal know we figured it out - do we want him to know? I know I sound nuts, but it seems like the only thing we get with answers is more questions."

"Fun being a grown up, isn't it?" Buffy teased.

"The shadow will remain, but it will be harmless, eventually disappearing. As for what we want Araknal to know - that's a good question. We basically let the Rachni believe nothing had changed last night. If he believes Spike was immune to his ploy, it could intimidate him a bit, make him worry about how powerful Spike is. On the other hand, it could make him try again," she said ominously.

"If he does that, Spike could be ready for him," Xander suggested.

"No!" Buffy said decidedly. "We're not setting a trap for Araknal using Spike's spirit as bait. It's too risky - he could be lost forever."

"I didn't mean … I meant ready for him when he gets here physically, not in there mentally," Xander explained. "He had to break in to get to him before, after finding a weak spot. What if this time we make the weak spot?"

"It's worth further thought," Giles agreed. "As long as Spike isn't put in any unnecessary danger, of course," he assured Buffy.

"Khai," Maggie said, seeing the restlessness in him. "Go get started with Spike. Let us know if you need anything. There's blood in the crockpot - hot and spicy just the way you two like it."

"What's in the other crockpot?" Xander asked, turning pale.

"What other crockpot?" Maggie asked innocently, laughing outright when Xander covered his mouth. "I'm just teasing, honey. My homemade spaghetti sauce is in the other one. Not to worry - only Khai and Spike are able to find their stash - no chance of you stumbling across it. I really am a thoughtful person you know," Maggie smiled at Xander, patting his hand.

"Did you find anything out with your research, Maggie?" Willow asked. "Hopefully I was the only one who struck out."

"But you didn't, Willow," Maggie corrected her. "You gave me the answer. If you hadn't confirmed the uses of the pool, we would have been completely focused on helping Spike - which is probably exactly what Araknal wanted, now that I think about it," she said, looking speculatively at Giles.

"You think it was an attempt to distract us from the diaries," Giles observed.

"I believe I do," the Witch confirmed. "Separating Spike from the Light was obviously a big reason for being here the other night. But I believe the other benefit was in distracting us from discovering anything new."

" How does he know we haven't - discovered anything new, that is?" Dawn asked.

"Because we haven't done anything," Anya said bluntly. Seeing Dawn's face flush in embarrassment she added, "It was a good question, Dawn. It means whatever we might find is so huge we'd act on it immediately. Since we haven't, he knows we don't know."

"True," Giles said after a moment of attempting to find an appropriate response to Anya's description. "Maggie, what did you find out?" he asked her in a transparent attempt to move on. The Witch blew him a kiss in response.

"I checked on the date of Araknal's death," she explained. "It falls on an obscure feast day of a wood nymph queen - at least in this dimension. In his dimension, it's the culmination of a three-week Hellfest. And guess what one of the traditional ways of celebration is?"

"Let me," Buffy said. "A scavenging raid on other dimensions?" she asked, remembering how Khailan had first met Briduna.

"Exactly," Maggie confirmed. "During the festival, which takes place every 250 years here, the barriers between that dimension and others become traversable, hence the arrival of the Rachni. The rules of the festival prevent the competition from beginning until all of the Rachni who left their dimension are together. I think it's safe to say the challenge this year is going to involve opening the hell mouth. The hunt will most likely involve us."

"So, why'd he wait five hundred before coming after Khailan?" Xander asked.

"I'm not really sure," Maggie admitted. "I do know time passes much more slowly there. It could be he was still too angry by the time the next festival occurred. Who knows, maybe it was that reminder that made him start planning his revenge," she offered.

"Is there something special about this festival that can help him open the hell-mouth?" Buffy asked. "I realize it's time for it, but what makes him think he can return to this dimension just because it's rolled around again? Why does he think the binding spell can be broken now?"

"Therein lies the crux of the matter," Maggie said quietly. "I'm still trying to figure that out. Unfortunately, I don't have many connections to a world where the Light doesn't even exist. Everyone I do know is trying to find out what they can, but I'm not sure if we'll ever know the answer to that."

"What about going through the back door?" Willow asked. "Not Araknal - us. We take a look at all possible spells they could have used on him, and review the ways those spells could be broken. I know it's a long shot, but … it may be all we've got!"

"Good thinking, Willow. I'll motivate the forces," Maggie said as she went in search of her horn.

"Shall we?" Giles said, indicating the books. Groans filled the air as everyone assumed the position.

"I'm going to call Jake, find out how the plan is going," Buffy said. "Hopefully, he'll give me some more good news," she muttered as she left the room.

THIRTY-SIX

Buffy stared at the page in front of her, having reread it five times and still not comprehended a word. Glancing at the clock, she noted it had been two hours since she'd spoken with Jake and informed everyone that things were set for tomorrow. It had been three hours since Khai had gone down to the basement. The tension had been growing in Buffy ever since, her stomach a mass of knots. She couldn't concentrate, couldn't even pretend to anymore. For at least the thousandth time, she glanced toward the basement.

Her breath caught in her throat as she met his eyes. He stared at her, his expression softening as he tilted his head slightly to the side and smiled apologetically. A strangled cry ripped from her throat as she launched herself at him, jumping into his arms and holding him tightly. Without warning, she started to cry like a baby. Spike held her, carrying her into the kitchen and setting her on the counter, whispering words of comfort into her ear.

"I feel so stupid," she muttered against his shoulder. "I've been away from you less than a day and I'm a puddle. What have you done to me?" she sniffed.

"The same thing you've done to me," he assured her, lifting her eyes to his. They stayed like that, looking at each other, into each other, until finally their lips met in a searing kiss.

"One down, one to go," Maggie said lightly from the doorway. "If you puke on me, you're cleaning it up," she warned, walking toward them with her arms open wide. Spike swept her up and hugged her close, kissing her affectionately. "Thank you," he told her in a low voice heavy with emotion.

"You are welcome," Maggie said, kissing his forehead. "How you feeling?" she asked seriously, reading his features.

"I'll be all right now," he said, pulling Buffy close and grabbing Maggie's hand. "But he's going to pay!" he said menacingly.

"Would we ever argue with you?" Buffy asked innocently, receiving the familiar growl in response.

"No offense brother, but do you mind if Buffy and I take a little look inside you?" Maggie asked. "Something we obviously should have done earlier?"

"Feel free," he said, stepping back.

"I'm done," Maggie said immediately. Buffy looked at her in shock, having not even begun the process yet. "What did you expect? I swear sometimes you people forget who you're dealing with," she muttered, smiling as she walked away. "Come talk to me when you're done, Buffy."

Buffy looked after her in awe until Spike cleared his throat, reminding her of the task at hand. Moments later, Buffy found herself back in the garden with Spike, his expression peaceful, looking at her as he had before, demon face and all. Buffy concentrated, noticing the subtle differences of the scene around her. The
sun was casting shadows throughout the garden, it's bright light somewhat dimmed as though a cloud was passing under it. Buffy stared into Spike's eyes, noticing flecks of yellow appearing in the blue when his demon face emerged. He smiled at her, love still flooding his expression. She smiled back at him and closed her eyes.

Buffy's lids fluttered open to see Spike staring at her, concern in his eyes. She smiled at him reassuringly. "I'm going to go talk to Maggie. Don't worry," she admonished, kissing him quickly. "Go in and see everyone, we'll be there in a minute."

Spike looked at her sadly, knowing something was different. "Remember luv," he said. "No secrets, no lies - you promised." Buffy nodded, acknowledging his point as he went into the dining room.

Buffy went in search of Maggie, finding her upstairs in her room. "So what do you think?" Maggie asked immediately.

"He's different," Buffy observed slowly. "But I don't how bad it is. It could just be the effects of the last day, like getting over a cold, or … what do you think. You're the expert here."

"He's been damaged," Maggie said bluntly. "I think this hit him a lot harder than we realized. But that could also be a good thing. 'That which doesn't kill you …" she quoted, seeing the question on Buffy's face.

"Makes you stronger," Buffy finished. "So, it isn't Araknal's presence then? This is something Spike can turn to his advantage?"

"No - and yes," Maggie said emphatically. "It isn't Araknal, just the results of his trick. But he'll need to get his ass in gear if he's going to make sure the hell god can't use it to his advantage. This set Spike back, almost to the point of his rebirth. He'll need to spend a lot of time with Khai if he's going to regain what he's lost. Plus, he needs to attain even greater knowledge of his powers. 'Course, it helps he knows his primary calling now," she added reflectively.

"Ha?" Buffy asked, trying to regain the Witch's attention.

"Sorry," Maggie said with a smile. "Let's go down stairs so Spike can explain."

"Spill," Spike said the moment the two entered the dining room. The two immediately relayed their conversation, realizing his determination.

"That work for you brother?" Spike asked Khai, seeing the nodding reply. "Good. Bloody wanker," he spit out through clenched teeth. "He never should have come near me. He'll find out why soon enough." Spike narrowed his eyes in anger, his demon face emerging briefly before quickly receding. The gang sat silently, the heat of Spike's anger meeting no resistance.

"What did Maggie mean, about knowing your calling?" Dawn asked tentatively a few moments later. Spike looked at his brother, suddenly feeling awkward.

"Spike didn't need my assistance to correct the balance within him," Khai explained. "When I got to the basement, he was already at work. I joined him as an observer. Dislodging the shadow of Araknal from its original position was very tricky, but Spike knew instinctively what to do. He knew everything, the moment he went within. Given that, his calling became clear," Khai said, smiling at his brother. "Spike's calling is Truth."

"Now why doesn't that surprise me?" Buffy asked, kissing Spike proudly.

"Because he was always throwing it in our face when we didn't want to listen?" Xander suggested jokingly.

"That must be it," Dawn agreed, smiling.

"Congratulations, Spike," Giles said sincerely, shaking his hand.

"Thank you, Rupert," Spike said, embarrassed by the attention.

"It doesn't make you any less of a pain in the ass," Maggie said pointedly. "In fact, it's probably going to make you more of one."

"I'll try to just focus on you, sister dear," Spike promised, grinning.

"Can we talk in front of Spike now?" Dawn asked, looking at Maggie and Buffy.

Maggie nodded. "Since it wasn't actually Araknal's presence taking hold in Spike, the chance of revealing our secrets is the same for him as for all of us. He can know everything we do."

The group quickly brought Spike up to speed, including the police attack on the Rachni scheduled for the next day, and the Hellfest celebration.

"I'm going to call Clem," Spike said. "He may have some connections to the hell god's dimension - he knows everyone."

"Have we gotten anywhere with these damn things?" Buffy asked, pointing at the diaries after Spike left to make his call.

"Still looking," Giles said, striving for an optimistic tone.

"Damn," Buffy uttered as she dropped the note pads she had been perusing, looking for anything useful.

"Clem will let us know if he finds out anything," Spike said, returning to the room.

"Hey - so not fair!" Dawn protested, looking at one of the notepads Buffy had dropped on the table. "When did you old people learn our code?" she asked accusingly.

"What?" Buffy asked, looking at her sister. "And who are you calling old? They might be old," she said pointing at the two demons, the Witch and the Watcher, "But I am not old!" she said indignantly.

"Thanks ever so," Giles said mockingly, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Told you," Spike grinned at her.

"Our code," Dawn repeated. "When we write notes in school - we write them like that so if the teachers intercept one, they can't figure out what it says."

"Show us," Maggie said excitedly, handing Dawn a notepad.

"Okay," Dawn said, realizing from their reactions she may have found something big. "The teachers would look at this and read, 'extreme loss the fail shall ploy their.' In actuality, it says, 'Their ploy shall fail, the loss extreme.' See?" she asked showing them the pad, indicating with her pen the reading of the words backward.

"Ohmigod!" Buffy shrieked, hugging her sister. "Dawn, you did it! You figured out how to find the rest of the prophecy!"

"I did?" Dawn asked, blushing at her praise.

"Excellent Dawn, simply excellent!" Giles gushed, gathering the texts and notepads to him in an attempt to put them in order.

"You may have just saved our lives, Bit," Spike said, tousling her hair. "Bloody hell, not just our lives, but the world itself. Not bad for a delinquent, eh?"

"Unfortunately, it doesn't appear as though many notes were taken," Giles said, looking over the pads of paper. "I assume it didn't make sense to, after we couldn't find a pattern similar to the one Spike recognized. I suggest we start over from the beginning, employing Dawn's approach," he looked up only to find everyone seated and reaching for a diary. "Well this is a bit unsettling," he admitted as everyone wordlessly opened their books and began to write down anything useful. Giles smiled, strangely pleased, and set to work.

"That's the last one," Maggie said several hours later as she placed her book on the pile. "Rupert, I suggest you go through and organize everything. From what I can figure, bits of the prophecy are scattered throughout all of these, so only a few sentences at a time make sense. Putting them in order will probably take a couple of days. As for the rest of us, I think it's patrol time."

The group stood en masse and went to gather their weapons. They waved good-bye to Giles and Dawn, and left the house. Spike stopped near the sight of their battles. "Tell your Master he underestimates who he's dealing with. He comes near me and mine again, and it's his world that will suffer, not ours. Consider yourself warned." His voice reverberated in the silence, his meaning clear. They listened for any response, their extended senses detecting no movement. Angrily, Spike whirled around and began striding back to the house, his duster billowing out behind him. The others followed, no one saying a word.

" I need to beat something," Spike said as they neared the house.

"Join the club," Buffy agreed.

"You want to join Khai and me at the Magic Box? You too, Willow? It could be our first double date," he teased.

"Have I mentioned how twisted you are?" Buffy asked. "You want to take us on a date to a sparring match? How did we get so lucky?" Buffy swooned, clasping Willow's arm.

"I think there may be some things you find … interesting," Khai mused, winking at his brother as Spike invited the other couple.

"Gosh, though it sounds like tons of fun, I think An and I are just going to turn in early. Spend some quality time together, " he said, smiling broadly as he hugged Anya close.

"Goddess preserve us from things that go bump in the night," Maggie quipped, walking into the house. They stopped briefly inside to change and for Khai to grab his duffle bag. They set out, thanking Anya for the loan of the key and promising to be careful.

"You two stay out here until we come and get you," Spike said. The brothers went into the workout room, leaving Willow and Buffy in the darkened shop.

"It's kinda cool in here in the dark, isn't it?" Willow asked, looking around the familiar shop.

"Ya," Buffy said. "You can feel it - the energy. All that power lying dormant, patiently waiting to be of use again. You'd think it would feel, I don't know, darker?" she suggested, searching for the right word.

"You'd feel more of that by the section over there," Willow explained. "Anya and Giles really did a great job in here. If they hadn't known what they were doing, this place could have become a vortex for Dark magic. As it is, they've balanced everything, making it a beautiful testament to all three forces. It's a reflection of life, really."

Buffy watched the emotions playing over Willow's face as she talked about magic. Her friend had changed, she realized, not for the first time. Obviously she had changed since the Nog had been instituted, but Buffy realized greater changes had taken place just within the last week.

"You're really happy, aren't you Willow?" Buffy asked quietly.

"Yes, Buffy. I am," Willow replied, smiling brightly. "For the first time in a long time I feel like I finally fit in my own skin. I'm okay with just being myself, and taking things as they come. I know my own strengths and weaknesses, I don't need to prove anything. I finally like Me."

"Just so you know," Buffy said, smiling at her friend. "I've liked you for a long time. I'm really happy for you, Wil. I'm glad you finally know the person who's been my best friend for so long. I've always thought she was amazing," she whispered, hugging her friend close.

"Thanks, Buffy," Willow said, hugging her back. "What about you? Are you happy?"

"I think I'm well on my way, Wil," Buffy replied honestly. "It's not just Spike, though he's obviously a pretty important part of everything. I don't know. Since they've been here, things have started to make sense. I feel like everything is so much more important than it used to be, but the pressure I feel is less. Does that make sense?" she asked, almost confusing herself.

"Believe it or not, yes!" Willow laughed. "I think it's because we've finally experienced first hand what we've been fighting for all this time. I mean, we're facing one of the worst threats we've ever come up against, but I've been having the best time!"

"Exactly!" Buffy agreed. " I don't just mean how much we've laughed lately, I mean even experiencing the bad things too. All of it - Life! I've been having the best time because I've been living every moment of life," Buffy said in amazement, looking at Willow. The witch laughed and hugged her friend excitedly, cheering at her words.

"We are so lucky, Buffy," Willow said seriously. "All the times we took things for granted, and we received this amazing gifts, these amazing people in our lives. They're not just part of our family, we're part of theirs! Do you have any idea how important they all are to life itself?"

"Well, I know how important Maggie is," Buffy stated. "As for Spike and Khai, I know they're important, I'm just not sure how. I mean, I thought their job was to back Maggie up, fight beside her. Am I wrong?" she asked her friend, suddenly nervous.

"That's part of it," Willow acknowledged. "You do realize Spike and Khai will be the next leaders of the Thangh Doh clan, don't you? They're heirs to the throne, Buffy!"

Buffy stared at her uncomprehendingly. "Okay," she said a few moments later. "I get that Masters Zo and Thom are the clan leaders. I get why Spike and Khai will eventually take their place. But Willow, we'll be dead and buried by the time that happens. They live for centuries remember? Master Zo is at least 1000 years old."

"Buffy," Willow said in mild exasperation. "Now that the heirs are assured, they're two of the most hunted beings in every dimension. Why do you think all of this has been happening? The legacy of the throne wasn't certain until Spike came along. An awful lot of demon realms thought the Thangh Doh were on their way out, meaning their place in the Light would be forfeited. Now that a new Guardian has survived the trials, everything out there is going to try to kill him. Spike's the key, Buffy. If they kill Khai, it's not an end to the throne. It's only with Spike's death that the threat becomes real. It took them a thousand years to get Spike. If he dies, who knows how long it will be until the next one? They could be wiped out in the meantime."

"How?" Buffy asked. "I mean, they're immortal, right? So how could the Thangh Doh die out? They'd just have to make more babies, wouldn't they?"

"Haven't you and Spike talked at all?" Willow asked. "Have you spent all your time …"

"Hey - we haven't exactly had as much time alone together as some people - who happened to figure things out between them more quickly than Spike and I did. Oh, plus - he wanted to kill me whenever I got near him," Buffy pointed out. "That doesn't exactly encourage heart to hearts, you know!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting so long," Khai said as he and Spike appeared in the doorway to the training room. "We needed to get Spike started on his recovery, and he's more ambitious than your average trainee," the Healer explained.

"Got more to lose," Spike commented, bowing before Buffy and offering his arm. He waited until Khai had done the same with Willow, then proceeded to lead the way to the back room.

Buffy and Willow gasped at the difference in the room. Candles had been lit everywhere, the only source of light. A circle had been drawn in the center of the room with translucent blue sand, glowing brightly in the darkened room. Jars with oils and other sands surrounded the perimeter of the circle.

"What's all this?" Buffy asked quietly.

"We thought the two of you would like to take a trip inside with us," Spike explained. "It's a simple bonding ceremony, allowing us to remove all fears and doubts regarding the other person. There's no danger," he assured them both, seeing the concern on their faces. "You two can go first - Khai and I will only follow if you're comfortable with us being there."

"But, we already trust you," Willow said. "We don't have any doubts. What else will it do?"

"Nothing, pet," Khai assured her. "We'll just be even closer."

Buffy caught the reference as she looked meaningfully at Willow. "So, we'd become part of you then?" Buffy asked, trying to avert their attention.

"Oh yes," Spike breathed, moving toward her. "More than you can possibly realize."

Buffy saw Willow's motion across her throat as the Slayer gripped one of the hand weights behind her. "Perhaps it will be more than you realize," she said sexily, striking out with the weight as the demon bent toward her, knocking him backward into the other one. Willow muttered a brief incantation and the two burst into flames in front of them.

"What did Maggie say," Buffy asked as the two began searching for the real Spike and Khai.

"She said they're trapped, probably in web ropes," Willow responded, turning the lights on full force. Seeing nothing, the two looked around desperately. Buffy withdrew inside her self, trying to find Spike. She opened her eyes and rushed to the far corner of the room, where extra mats had been piled against the wall. Willow joined her, throwing the mats aside until they came to the sticky webbing that housed their boyfriends.

Don't touch it with your skin," Willow admonished. "Maggie said it contains a type of muscle relaxant in its threads, rendering it's victims basically immoveable."

"Okay," Buffy said, grabbing a towel out of Khai's duffel bag, as well as one of the short swords he patrolled with. "Remind me to tell Khai I love his need to be prepared at all times," she grinned as she began hacking and pulling away at the web that entrapped the brothers. Willow followed her lead with the other towel and short sword, until finally the two were free.

"Maggie says they're okay," Willow repeated what the voice in her mind was telling her. "They'll become oriented in a little bit."

The girls waited anxiously for the brothers to speak, already having moved them to sitting positions against the wall. They both kissed them out of relief, willing them to respond. They didn't have long to wait.

"Bloody … Ick!!!" Spike yelled in frustration, grabbing at imaginary web strands on his face.

"Agreed, brother," Khai said, doing the same.

You two okay?" Buffy and Willow asked in unison, grabbing their hands.

"Thanks to you," Spike said, kissing Buffy roughly as Khai thanked Willow in a similar fashion.

"What happened?" Buffy asked.

"We were bloody stupid, that's what," Spike gritted out. "We weren't taking the proper precautions. We were too busy making things perfect for you two to keep our senses extended after meditation. They nailed us with the web the moment they entered the room," he said disgustedly. "So much for my earlier challenge," he muttered angrily. "Now they know it was all talk."

"Not true, brother," Khai said sternly. "They will fear your words even more now, because they realize it's not just you they need to fear. Because they failed tonight, they'll assume we'll be coming for them."

"And we will," Spike said determinedly.

"So, do we have this to look forward to on all of our future dates, or can Willow and I request a movie next time?" Buffy teased, kissing Spike with relief.

"I don't know," Spike teased. "Seems awfully predictable …"

"Fine," Willow said, laughing. "All we're saying is, you two owe us a date! 'Cuz on a scale of one to ten, this one never left the launch pad!"

"We need to get home," Khai said seriously. "The Rachni don't have the power to do this - to take on our image. I don't believe Araknal does either. That means something else is at work here - he's got help," the demon finished ominously.

THIRTY-SEVEN

The four quickly made their way home, unspoken questions on their faces as they entered the dining room.

"Maggie's already on it," Giles assured them. "I take it you've realized the situation?" Seeing their nods, he continued. "Obviously, Araknal has more than just the Rachni helping him on this side of the hellmouth. Given the fact they were able to project the guise of Spike and Khai, I'd say we're dealing with a witch or warlock. Maggie said for you to go to her immediately. Each spellcaster leaves an imprint of their identity behind. She wants to see if she can lift that impression off of you." Khai and Spike immediately left to join their sister.

"Do we know anything more?" Buffy asked with concern.

"Not really," Giles said. "It makes sense he would have employed a user of magic this time around, given the fact he was vanquished by such users last time. Hopefully, we'll get a better idea of what we're dealing with when Maggie gets back."

As if one cue, the three siblings entered the room. Maggie's expression was dour as she sat down.

"We're in some deep doo-doo, kids" she began. "The warlock that cast the spell is Alondus. He has power, but its nothing I couldn't handle. The problem is, I can't risk using my power to defeat him. The Hellfest is entering its last ten days. The Rachni will probably be at full force by tomorrow, meaning the competition can begin - once that happens, I can't be certain my powers won't be sucked by Araknal. He will be present through the scying pool at all times the moment the hunt commences. With Al's powers being at their disposal, and ours being limited, they could do some heavy damage. That's probably why he revealed himself tonight, so he could taunt me with my limitations. Course, he also tried to gain control over Buffy and Willow."

"I was curious about that," Xander said. "Why didn't they kill Spike and Khai when they had the chance? Or Buff and Willow for that matter? What were they trying to do?"

"Our previous battles with the Rachni had to do with self-defense and revenge, until Araknal's little game last night. The competition allows for them to set the stage for the hunt, but not to actually begin it. I think they were probably trying to plant something within Buffy and Willow's subconscious minds that could be used to their advantage later. They didn't try it with Spike and Khai because their powers are too great, and also because I have a feeling the three of us are reserved for Araknal himself."

"Sounds like you've been busy since we've been gone," Khai remarked.

"I started getting messages the moment I got back," his sister acknowledged. "My grapevine has started making wine. Apparently, the Rachni used to brag about their home and the festival when they came on their raids - at least before Khailan absconded. These things were recorded, but it took a while to find the references, given the fact they haven't really been accessed for about 750 years. Hopefully, I'll keep getting more information."

"I need to call Jake," Buffy said suddenly, jumping up.

"It's late, Buffy. Why now?" Giles asked.

"Because if Maggie's right, Araknal and his thrall will be present for tomorrow's attack. Plus, I'm worried about that part of the prophecy Dawn translated. What if it was referring to this ploy? I want to give him everything we've got, in case he decides to back off," she explained, going to the phone.

"He's going to pitch it to the squad," she said upon her return. "He said they really want this to happen, but he'll make sure they know what they might be up against. He'll go along with whatever they decide. We'll know tomorrow."

"Is this how it's always going to be?" Willow asked quietly, breaking the silence that had descended as everyone thought of Jake and his officers. "Will they always come after you so fiercely?" she inquired, hugging Khai's arm close.

"I think the reason things are so complex is because Araknal has a personal grudge, in addition to the standard animosity anything Dark feels about the Light. We will face challenges, but hopefully this one will be the most intense," he tried to reassure her.

"What are you talking about?" Xander asked, his confusion mirrored on many of the faces around him. Willow updated them on what she had told Buffy earlier.

"Okay, so what's the answer to Buffy's question? Why don't they just make more babies?" Dawn asked.

"Because only those Thangh Doh who were alive at the time of my father's turning can reproduce," Khai explained. "All children born to them were sterile until Spike was turned. The process of reproduction in the clan hinges on the Guardian. Now that Spike has been turned, we can have children. If he is killed, we will become sterile again until the arrival of the next Guardian. There are not many Thangh Doh left that are my father's age. Time and the battles for the Light have taken their toll. We lost many of them a century ago in a war against the Dark. We needed Spike to really be able to replenish our numbers. I only have one or two students at a time. When I was trained, there were between thirty and fifty of us being taught in various classes. The Dark forces will be trying to eliminate Spike to prevent as many conceptions as possible."

"I'm happy for the Thangh Doh," Buffy said. "But I think it's kinda cruel, considering Spike is the key for all of your fertility, when he's sterile himself."

"That's all right, luv," Spike said, squeezing her hand. "I kinda like this uncle thing," he teased, winking at Giles. Maggie and Khai looked at him in shock. "What?" he asked, seeing their faces.

"Spike," Maggie said cautiously. "You're not sterile."

Buffy and Spike's eyes widened as the meaning of her words sunk in. They looked back and forth from each other to his siblings, no sounds coming from their mouths.

"I am sorry brother. I thought you knew," Khai said, trying to hide a smile.

"B … but, I, he … we didn't use anything, and I haven't exactly been regular at taking the pill!" Buffy cried, nearly panicking.

"Buffy, I swear, I didn't know," Spike said desperately.

"What if I'm pregnant?" she asked fearfully. "I can't be pregnant. I don't want to have a baby, Spike. I don't know if I even want human children, let alone …" Buffy stopped as she saw the look on his face, realizing her babbling had hurt him.

"'S'alright, pet," he said in a low voice. "You can always get rid of it. It's your body after all," he said as he strode angrily from the room.

"Shit!" Buffy said in frustration, staring after him. "I didn't mean all that," she said to everyone, trying to explain. "It was just never a possibility before. I …"

"Maybe we're not the ones you should be talking to about it, Buffy," Giles said, nodding pointedly in the direction Spike had gone. Buffy nodded dejectedly and went after Spike. She found him sitting on the basement steps.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly as she sat down next to him. "I didn't mean it. I just freaked. I never thought about the possibility with you before, that's all," she said lamely. His head was bent, his pronounced cheekbones evidence of a clenched jaw.

"Does what I am disgust you so much?" he asked emotionally.

"Spike, no," she said, turning his face to her. "No" she said more forcefully, looking him in the eye. "I was talking about me, about my abilities to be a mother. Look at how much I've messed up with Dawn, and she's almost grown. My life is dangerous. What kind of damage would I inflict on a helpless baby? And if it's part demon, what if I screw up and it turns evil because of me? I didn't mean to hurt you Spike. It wasn't about you," she tried to assure him, trying desperately to convey the truth of her statement through her eyes. "Spike, I would never abort your child," she promised.

"You would be an amazing mother," he said, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "You would protect it with your life, and you would love it with your whole heart. No child could ask for more," he said sincerely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as he searched her face.

"If I am pregnant, how would you feel about it - honestly?" Buffy asked him, touched by his words.

"If you are pregnant with my child, I would fear for my life," Spike said honestly.

"What?" Buffy asked, crushed.

"I would fear for my life because no being deserves so much happiness to be awarded in one lifetime," he clarified, seeing the relief his words brought her. "I can't think of anything that would touch me as much, Buffy."

"Okay," she said, kissing his hand. "If I'm pregnant, we deal. If not, we'll wait until we can plan it better. Agreed?" she asked.

"Agreed," he said, kissing her.

"I really do love you Spike," she said seriously. "And I would love having your baby, too. Believe me?"

"Yes," Spike said softly, holding her close.

"Buffy" he said suddenly. "You said something about not taking the pill regularly. Why would you be on the pill?" he asked as he pulled back, raising an eyebrow in question.

"You mean besides all the men I've been having sex with?" she teased. "Because some cramping is part of my Slayer senses. They triple in intensity when I have my period. I started taking the pill to lessen their intensity. You were jealous there for a minute weren't you?" she asked, seeing the look of relief on his face.

"Well, ya," he admitted. "Not that I could blame you. I was gone, and I hadn't exactly left under the best circumstances. I wouldn't have blamed you for moving on. You deserved to."

"I never had the desire," she said honestly. "I just wanted things to be simple for a while. Everything was so crazy, and I never felt right with how things ended with you. Time just passed."

"Then I come back and everything becomes complicated again," Spike said ruefully. "I'm sorry, luv."

"I'm not," Buffy said sincerely. "I'm really living again, Spike - not just existing in limbo. I wouldn't trade that for anything."

"I'm glad," Spike said, kissing her again. "'Spose we should head back up."

"Yeah," she agreed, letting him pull her into a standing position as they headed back to the dining room.

"Just for the record," Maggie said as the two returned, hand in hand. "You're not pregnant, Buffy. I can sense a pregnant woman a mile away. It's good you two had that talk though, wasn't it? And I suggest being more consistent with your birth control," the Witch teased, seeing the surprise on their faces. "Now, I'm going to turn in. I suggest the rest of you do the same. It's going to be a big day tomorrow." The rest of the group followed her lead, all heading to their respective bedrooms, Buffy and Spike curling up on the couch.

The next day broke brightly, a stark contrast to the cloud of tension that seemed to hover over the small group as they waited to hear from Jake. When Buffy had called upon waking, he was in a meeting. The next time she tried, he was out of the office, and unable to be reached. When she left her name, the desk sergeant told her Jake had left a message for them. They were supposed to sit tight until they heard from him. Three
hours had passed as they tried to wait patiently. Spike and Khai used the time to meditate while Giles continued to try to organize the prophecy. Maggie and Willow were researching possible binding spells. The rest played board games A sharp knock on the door made them jump.

Buffy raced to answer it as Spike and Khai emerged from the basement, joining Giles as he entered the living room. Buffy threw open the door only to have Jake collapse inward, a bloodied and charred heap in her arms. Spike and Khai rushed to help her, while the others made room on the couch. Khai immediately set to work, the energy around him glowing fiercely.

"They must have figured it out, they were waiting for us," Jake finally ground out, the effects of Khai's ministrations beginning to take effect. "We got there and started planting the last of the explosives. All of a sudden, it was like the lights went out. Everything went dark, and then they attacked. They got over half my men. The rest are at the hospital. We were able to blow most of the charges. We got at least three families, plus the hell-mouth looks like a junk heap. Their ambush didn't work, we got them anyway," he finished.

"Khai?" Buffy asked worriedly.

"He'll be fine," Khai assured her. "I think I should go to the hospital, see if I can help."

"I'll drive you," Xander said, heading to the garage.

"Be careful!" Willow called after them.

"You do like making an entrance, don't you mate?" Spike joked, shaking hands with Jake.

"Spike," Jake greeted him. "Seems I'm not the only one making a splash around here lately, Mr. Guardian."

"What can I say, Jake? Your side was having all the fun," Spike quipped. "I'm sorry about your men," he said, his tone turning serious.

"Me too," Jake nodded. "But they wanted to do this. They got to go out fighting - it's what they would have wanted," he said solemnly. "Plus, we were successful. Adding this count to the damage you and your group in LA has already done, they're standing at less than a hundred left. Not bad odds, considering."

"Thank you, Jake," Maggie said seriously. "You have our sincerest gratitude, and the sacrifice of your warriors will not be overlooked. You have struck a masterful blow for the Light this day. It will not be forgotten." Maggie smiled brilliantly at him, a momentary white light flashing between them. Jake looked momentarily dazed as he stared at the Witch in awe.

"I would gladly place my sword in your service at any time - you need but ask," Jake said formally, kissing her hand. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to check on my men."

"Were you trying to make me jealous?" Giles asked Maggie incredulously, as the group watched Jake shut the door.

"Rupert!" she said in exasperation. "My position does require expressing gratitude when a battle has been fought for the Light. You do remember that, don't you?" she asked challengingly.

"Of course I do!" Giles said defensively. "I was only going to say that if you were, it didn't work!" he said quickly, returning to the diaries as he strenuously cleaned his glasses.

"I knew that would get him," Maggie whispered, winking at the others in the room.

The others shook their heads, smiling as the Witch headed for the kitchen, dropping a kiss on Giles' brow along the way.

"I need to train," Buffy said to Spike. "I haven't beaten anything in days. You up for going a few rounds with me?"

"We are talking about fighting, right luv?" Spike asked suggestively, his eyes slowly scanning her up and down.

"Yes, you pervert," she said, pushing him in the chest. "And I'm going to kick your ass!" she said tauntingly.

"Let's go!" Spike agreed, chasing her to the basement.

THIRTY-EIGHT

"I feel so much better!" Buffy exclaimed as she returned to the living room after showering. "Thank you honey!" she said perfunctorily as she kissed Spike soundly on the mouth.

"Anytime, luv," he assured her. "You're a natural, you know. But if you really want to learn, you should have some sessions with Khai. That's actually what we had planned for you and Willow last night. Khai was going to show you how to use some of our techniques."

"Can anyone learn them?" Xander asked, his interest peaked.

"Absolutely," Khai said. "Feel free to join us tomorrow if you're interested - all of you."

"That's actually a good idea," Maggie said. "Many of those techniques could come in handy …" Maggie stopped suddenly, the color draining from her face as she reached out to steady herself.

"Maggie?" Giles asked, helping her to a chair. "Maggie?" he said again when she didn't answer. She held up her hand to show she heard him, closing her eyes to concentrate.

"The competition has begun," she said finally. "Araknal's presence is here through the scying pool. And he's pissed. You two should start feeling it soon, you too Buffy. He's pushing through hard. Rupert, we need that prophecy. Why don't all of you see if you can help with putting that puzzle together, Willow, come with me."

Spike and Khai suddenly went into game face, Buffy's knees nearly buckling a second later as they felt the force of the Hell-god's anger.

"I'd say pissed is an understatement," Buffy said, looking around at the others.

"He's strong," Spike confirmed, his human face re-emerging to show his jaw clenched in determination. "But we're stronger. We just have to be prepared for anything. Rupert, let's get that prophecy figured out!"

"What have we got?" Maggie asked as she and Willow approached the table an hour later, her tone serious.

"This is what we have so far," Giles said:

The beast begins the Guardian's test, to fire hatred in his breast. Though the first of challenges three, his response to this shall be the key. A young girl's heart, and our beloved Light, their loss shall cause his lack of sight. Truth will be the gift he finds, and with them both he realigns. Dark forces will devise a scheme, their ploy shall fail, the loss extreme.

The second of the challenges three will be to set the hell-god free. You must beware the traps this act entails, or forever hear the victims' wails. Do not be fooled by prophecy, nor trust the Truth he'd have you see. Believe instead in what you know, there's one more test before you go.

The third of the challenges three consists of taking your life from thee. His thrall is strong, your powers weak, within lies the strength you seek. Look to your heart and to the Light, the three together shall win this fight. Trust in what you know is real, if you cannot see then simply feel. Remember, you are one and two, the beast won't know which one is true.

The friends make up the Guardian's core, and they shall fight a noble war. Heed my words, do not despair, your deeds shall lead you to his lair. Once there unleash your stalwart plan, and the beast will be forever banned. Your bonds are strong, your knowledge true, use your gifts to see it through.

One last request I make of thee, if you survive the challenges three. With Bashivel's gift his death commences, the powers combined destroy his defenses. Only after these tests are done, will this chance finally come. When he lies in painful torment, tell him from whom this gift was sent. My love and I in peace will be, if you survive these challenges three.

"We think that's the accurate order," Giles said, rubbing his eyes.

"Excellent, you guys. Truly," she said warmly, rewarding them all with a brilliant smile. "A lot is starting to make sense, wouldn't you say?"

"Indeed," Giles agreed. "I take it you know what he's referring to regarding Bashivel's gift, but unfortunately that doesn't solve our current problems. We know Spike has passed one of the tests. We just don't know what the other two are going to consist of. Araknal obviously can't be killed until all three are completed. Bloody hell I need a drink," Giles burst out in frustration. "Anyone else?" he asked politely as he went to the kitchen.

"I think we could all use a little something," Spike said as he went to help Giles.

"You all right, Rupert?" Spike asked as he poured the scotch in the glasses Giles held out.

"Somethimes I hate bloody prophecies, Spike," Giles admitted bitterly. "We've been searching like mad through those books, in a race against time. When we finally crack the code, and get the words in the right order, all we find are a mass of cryptic clues shrouded in bad rhyme. We all stand to lose the people we love most, and the only one who seems to be offering anything useful amongst the group of so-called experts in there is a bloody TEENAGER!" he nearly shouted.

"Feel better?" Spike asked a few moments later, clinking his glass against Giles'.

"Yes quite," the Watcher replied, his outburt having successfully relieved his tension. He and Spike both drained their glasses before refilling them, bringing the bottle and several beers with them back to the table.

"Can we go back to the beginning?" Buffy asked as everyone reached for something to drink. "That seems to be the approach that's helped us the most so far. So, we find out this hell-god is going to try to re-open the hell-mouth, and he's already sent some minions ahead to help from this side Why? He can't do it from his world because he lost a battle to the forces of Light, and his access was barred. Why did he try to enter in the first place? Revenge. How was the hell-mouth sealed? Some sort of binding spell, the particulars of which no one knows. Why is he coming back now? A couple of reasons - he still wants revenge, it's the 250th anniversary of the last time he tried it, and it's Hell-fest time again, which started the problems to begin with. What's he planning? Primarily, to take down Spike after breaking the seal on the hell-mouth, thus exacting his revenge against the Light. What else do we know? We have one page of a prophecy saying Spike will have to make an unmakeable choice, and a newly translated second page that hints at victory for our side, as long as we don't get killed in the process. Anyone else want a piece of this rant, because I'm well on my way to looneyville," Buffy finished, looking around.

Giles stared at her. His body was motionless, but Buffy could almost see the wheels turning.

"Giles," Buffy prompted, " Were you planning on spilling it soon, or did you think we needed even more suspense?"

"Hm? Oh, sorry," Giles said, emerging from his reverie. "I just realized - the puzzle of Khailan's diaries is in no way the rest of the prophecy."

The room was momentarily silent until everyone erupted at once.

"He's right," Spike said, his unexpected agreement quieting the room. "Think about it. If Khailan wished only to communicate the original prophecy, it would have been a simple matter of regurgitation - like the first part I picked up on. 'Gotta admit, that's about as straightforward as a nut can get. What we translated is Khailan's own prophecy - which means Araknal doesn't have a clue what it says. He may have page two of the first prophecy, but we've got him with Khailan's. And if he's already running scared at us having the rest of the original prophecy …" Spike cocked a questioning eyebrow at the group.

"Khailan was a Seer," Khai confirmed. "It makes sense his last words would convey this gift," the demon said solemnly.

"So we'd have a huge advantage, if we could figure out what it means. Of course! God forbid we woulnd't be able to figure out something that's so - VAGUE!" Xander said in exasperation.

"Does anyone else's head hurt?" Dawn asked weakly, messaging her temples with her fingers.

"Yes!" They all shouted at once. A moment later, the laughter began, chuckles turning to giggles to outright bellows. They were thankful for the much-needed release.

"Okay," Maggie said soothingly. "I'll copy Khailan's prophecy for each of you to study individually. Write down anything that comes to you. We won't talk about it again until everyone thinks they've come up with all they can. While I'm doing that, I think you should all have a session with Khai. It looks pretty certain there will be times ahead when we're separated from each other. When that happens, what you learn from him will really come in handy." Maggie and Khai discussed different techniques to review while everyone else changed into sweats and t-shirts. "Use the living room - the basement is still a little torn up for a big group. I'll leave you in peace," the Witch said as she went into the kitchen, sheets of paper in hand.

"Maggie and I decided it would be best to teach you telepathic techniques, in case of separation. She can communicate with any of you at any time, given her abilities," Khai explained. ' Spike and I can send you thoughts, but we cannot receive yours unless you remove the barriers willingly.'

'Like this,' Spike demonstrated.

The group jumped in surprise, realizing Spike and Khai hadn't spoken the last statements out loud.

"Why haven't you done this before?" Buffy asked.

"Not polite to just show up in someone's mind without asking first - too invasive," Spike replied.

"The technique I'm going to teach you is how to allow yourself to communicate telepathically, while still preventing someone from invading your mind entirely," Khai continued, this time speaking aloud. "I will also teach you to close your mind to those you do not want there - such as Araknal. As long as Maggie and I do not exert our powers of Light, he can have no effect on us. Only by twisting our expended energy and using it against us could he cause us harm. This is not the case with any of you. Because your essences are
different from ours, you are susceptible to him.You already know why Spike is. I will take you in and out of this exercise repeatedly, so as to increase your ability at maintaining your concentration even when not in a meditative state. I will also teach you some calming techniques, for obvious reasons. All right, let's get started."

For the next two hours, Khai held their rapt attention as he led them through a series of mental exercises, showing them how to block their thoughts, release them, and direct them toward someone else. By the time he ended the session, they were able to exchange some thoughts outside of meditation, though only with a concerted effort.

"Excellent," Khai congratulated them. "You've done very well. Just remember, I don't recommend doing this unless absolutely necessary. You can damage yourselves as well as others if you don't have the proper
control. You also need to remember to approach one's mind gently, as you won't necessarily know what they're doing at the time. You could divert their attention in battle, thus making them vulnerable. We'll continue improving your abilities in future sessions, if you'd like." They nodded their agreement.

"Khai," Buffy said. "Thank you. That was - amazing. You were amazing. Your students are very lucky."

"Yeah," Dawn agreed. "Can I do home school with him as my teacher, Buffy?" she asked pleadingly.

"Face it Dawnster," Xander said, seeing Buffy's negative shake of the head. "Every teenager has to suffer high school - you just won't be messed up enough if you don't!"

"Besides," Buffy teased. "We like Khai. It's bad enough he has Spike as a pupil, let alone adding you to the mix."

"Standing right here!" Spike protested as everyone laughed.

"Dinner's ready if you are," Maggie announced as she entered the room. "Then it's patrol time. Spike, could you see if Clem could stay with Dawn tonight? Since it's the first night of the hunt, we should be at full strength."

"On it," Spike said, holding his phone to his ear as the rest went to load their plates. "He's on his way," he said a few minutes later, tucking the phone back in its case. "He's taking the sewer."

"Why can't I come with you?" Dawn asked. "I'm not who he's looking for, remember? I could help!"

"Not this time Dawn," Buffy said. "What you felt the other night in the basement was nothing compared to how it will be now. We don't know enough about Araknal's plans to be sure he wouldn't try to use you somehow. I'm sorry, but it's going to take everything we have to face this. I'd feel better knowing at least one of us is safe."

"Fine," Dawn said resignedly. "But the next apocolypse I am so there!" she said with determination.

"Deal!" Buffy said, chuckling.

Once Clem arrived and they had finished dinner, the group got ready for patrol.

"Everyone stay on your toes," Maggie said seriously. "We don't really know the rules now - if there are any. Stay close, I don't have a very good feeling about this," she said warningly as they headed out.

They'd made it to the end of the third block when the attack hit. Maggie's voice sounded in their minds just seconds before the fear struck them. It was overwhelming, sheer terror freezing the limbs of the humans. Buffy fought against it with everything she had inside, finally overcoming it in time to keep Xander and Anya from being clawed. They flew backward into Willow and Giles, the jarring motion breaking the hold
of the thrall. The siblings were already in the thick of things, their movements a blur. Buffy quickly
dispatched her opponent, noting the recovery of her friends. The Rachni fought fiercely, hatred coming from them in waves, the presence of their Master fueling every blow. The battle remained a stale mate for a while, until finally the visitors began to be overcome.

"More are coming!" Maggie's words whispered through their minds. Moments later a second family descended, ignoring the presence of the first. Before the first weapon was raised, the gang found themselves and the first family frozen in place. They watched as the second group split into two sections, the first going to Buffy, the second to Maggie. A figure in a hooded cloak approached the Witch with one of the Rachni. The cloaked figure was Alondus, and the other could only have been the head of the family, Araknal's presence within him making his red eyes glow brighter with hatred. The beast raised all four arms, lashing out at the Witch's head as he delivered four heavy blows in quick succession, until the only thing keeping her upright was the spell. She had been knocked unconscious. The captain standing in front of Buffy sunk his pincer into her, the pain unbearable as the poison raced though her veins. Unable to move or cry out, she screamed in silence. The leader waved an arm, signaling his soldiers to carry the two women and follow him. The others were left frozen, the only sounds the light rustle of leaves as a slight breeze whispered over their skin. Five minutes later, the spell was broken.

Spike and Giles screamed aloud the names they'd been screaming in their heads, killing the Rachni they'd been fighting when the spell had been cast. The rest of the group had the same idea, quickly removing the final barrier preventing them from going after their friends. Spike began to run after the kidnappers, only to stop, hearing his brother's warning about separating from the group. The demon in him roared in frustration, the underlying pain echoing the feelings of all those standing there.

"Let's head back to the house," Khai said, clasping his brother's arm and pulling gently. Willow put her arm around Giles' waist and steered him in their direction, as the Watcher continued staring, unseeing, misery stamped on his face.

"Aren't we going after them?" Xander asked desperately.

"Not yet, but soon" Khai promised grimly.

"Will they kill them?" Anya asked softly.

Spike whipped his head to the side and looked at his brother.

"No," Khai said firmly. "He needs them as leverage against Spike. He's begun the second test."

The group slowly made their way, each footstep falling heavier the closer they got to home

THIRTY-NINE

Buffy tried to overcome the panic rising in her chest, the paralysis making it difficult to breathe. She knew she was being carried on the shoulders of some of the Rachni, but she couldn't feel or see anything except the unchanging night sky above her. She had a good idea of where they were headed, her thoughts confirmed when eventually she saw a doorway pass overhead and smelled what must be the charred remains

of the battle with Jake's men earlier in the day. The distance between her and the ceiling grew as she was lowered to the floor a few minutes later. She heard the clanging of a door being shut, and then nothing. Concentrating, she was able to detect the sound of Maggie's breathing, relief flooding her that they hadn't been separated. The Witch's breath was somewhat labored, causing Buffy to conclude her nose was probably broken. Continuing to concentrate, Buffy reached out with her mind in the way Spike and Khai had taught her earlier. "Spike," she called mentally, trying to reach him. "Can you hear me?"

"What happened?" Dawn asked, surprised at the early return of the group. She saw the looks on their faces as they entered the house and her heart dropped.

"They took Buffy and Maggie," Willow explained as she watched Giles head immediately for the scotch, Spike joining him. She told Dawn what happened and why they hadn't followed.

"What are we going to do?" the girl asked in a strong voice, her wide eyes betraying her concern.

"I'm going to face him," Spike said simply, downing the two fingers of scotch in his glass.

"Yes," Khai agreed, surprising everyone. "But not before we review some things. Willow, if I'm right, Maggie had a feeling this might happen, didn't she?" he asked, looking at the redhead.

"Yes," Willow replied simply. "She knew Araknal would have to use her and Buffy against Spike. She just didn't know exactly how or when. She wasn't purposely trying to keep it from you, Giles - she didn't want you to worry until she had more information. She told Buffy to keep her eyes open."

Giles nodded at her words, sipping his drink. "Why did they have to hurt her like that?" he said roughly, closing his eyes against the vision of her being struck repeatedly by the beast, her bloodied face slack in unconsciouness.

"She's too powerful," Khai explained. "Even paralyzed, they wouldn't be able to stop her abilities. They had to shut down her mind."

Spike motioned at his brother, his body tensing. Both faces of the brothers took on the familiar look of communicating mentally, relief flooding Spike's eyes.

"It's Buffy," Anya said, realizing what was happening. Giles grabbed Spike's arm anxiously, searching his face.

"They're both alive," Spike assured him. "She said they're in the school somewhere, probably close to where the library was. Maggie is still unconscious, and Buffy thinks her nose may be broken. She doesn't know anything else. They were left alone as soon as they got there."

"Tell her … you know what to tell her," Dawn said, looking anxiously at Spike.

"I will, Bit," he assured her, walking into the kitchen to have some privacy.

"I told her the paralysis usually lasts for half a day, but for her it will probably be less," Khai explained.

"How's she doing?" Willow asked him.

"Much better now that she knows we can hear her," Khai assured her, smiling gently. "Her powers are quite remarkable, really."

"He can't do the sucky thing on her though, right?" Xander asked.

"No," Khai confirmed. "Though our telepathic abilities, and Buffy's, are connected to what we are, we do not need to access our powers of Light to use them. We would still possess the ability if we had no powers at all."

"While Spike is communicating with Buffy, I suggest we do as Maggie asked, and see what we can come up with regarding the prophecy. Clem, why don't you take a look as well?" Giles asked, his control regained.

"Sure," Clem agreed amicably. "Anything to help."

"Giles?" Willow said a few moments later after distributing the copies Maggie had made. "There's something here for you," she said, handing him a large manila envelope.

Giles took the package and turned it over, recognizing Maggie's handwriting. He opened the seal and looked inside, seeing a letter written to him and several sealed envelopes. He removed the letter and began to read.

"What does she say?" Dawn asked.

"That she had a bad feeling about tonight, and realizes if I'm reading this that she and Buffy have been taken. It's her thoughts on Khailan's prophecy, plus some additional information she learned from her network. She has a plan, but doesn't want me to say anything about it until we've all discussed our own ideas," Giles said, shaking his head in amazement over the woman that had his heart. "She does keep one jumping, doesn't she?" he asked rhetorically.

Right then," Spike said as entered the room from the kitchen. "Buffy's good, but pissed. No change with Mags. I told Buffy to rest, this stuff being as draining as it is - she needs to save her strength. I told her Khai and I would keep her updated, it being a lot easier for us. I heard you say Mags has a plan. Let's see if what we come up with will improve it. One last thing - we go in tomorrow. No more waiting," he said, looking around for any objections. Hearing none, they got started.

"Oh, hey," Clem interrupted a while later as they finshed comparing notes on their interpretations. "I almost forgot. I don't know if this helps any, but a pal of mine was playing poker with a couple of those spider guys the other night. He said their boss is freaked because some prophecy says he can be killed by some mind-object thingy'. Said he just found out you guys had a way to figure out what it was, and he got real anxious about it - could hardly wait for this hunt of theirs to begin so he could put his plan in action. He was gonna wait for some anniversary, but changed his mind."

"Anything else?" Giles asked.

"Just that he couldn't use the portals because he's too big - I figured you knew that already. They said it's gonna be a hell of a party when he gets out!" Clem said, wincing at the bad pun.

"Did they say how he plans on getting out?" Khai asked.

Clem shrugged. "Not sure, but they had no doubt he was going to. They've never been able to open the hell-mouth from their side. He never even thought about coming here himself until last time. Back then, the spider guys could do it from here with a little ceremony, but some Witch put a stop to that right away. She made it so only forces of Light could open it to their world. I don't know how he's gonna get enough Light energy to open that bad boy," Clem finished, shaking his head in doubt.

"I do," Spike said calmly. "Clem, you gave us exactly what we needed - thank you," he smiled at the demon. "So, now we know. His plan is to force me to use my powers of Light to open the hell-mouth. If I don't, he kills Mags and Buffy. But I think we may have been wrong about something, Rupert," he said, looking at the Watcher.

"What's that?" Giles asked.

"Either way, Spike will be taken back to the Dark," Khai responded, reading his brother. "Either he opens the hell-mouth and willingly joins Araknal, or he allows Maggie and Buffy to be killed, thus raising the level of Dark in him to the point where Araknal can turn him back completely. Either way, he is lost to the Light."

"Not necessarily," Giles said cryptically. He picked up the letter Maggie had written him. "Maggie thinks there is a way around the original prophecy. She believes this is what was meant in Khailan's prophecy regarding the second test. I'm afraid a lot of the responsibility lies on your shoulders, Willow. She left an envelope for you, explaining everything. She left one for each of you. This is what she proposes," he said, and began telling them about her ideas.

Maggie didn't move as she came to, choosing instead to maintain the guise of unconsciousness. She knew Buffy was near, and began speaking to her mind, telling her about the plans she had left with the others. Buffy listened, Maggie being able to tell from her increased heart rate that she had the Slayer's attention.

'Think you're up for it?' Maggie said when she'd finished updating her.

'I will be by then,' Buffy assured her. 'Do you think it will work?'

'It has to,' the Witch replied simply. 'I don't know how long I have before they knock me out again. I'm too tired right now to talk with the boys. Let them know I'll be ready when the time comes, no matter what. Have them tell everyone else I know they can do this - I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't truly believe that. Remember, Buffy, you're the anchor here. We need you. Just remember your dream …' the Witch reminded her as she drifted off to sleep, exhausted.

'I will,' Buffy promised as she too gave in to sleep, her energy drained.

"Maggie's conscious," Khai said suddenly, he and Spike cocking their heads to the side as though trying to overhear a conversation. "She's not speaking to us - she must be talking to Buffy. She's in pain," he said as it was reflected in his own eyes."

"They're both asleep now," Spike said a couple of minutes later. "They're exhausted. Maggie's energy is very low - I have a feeling they loaded her with some of that pincer poison too."

Khai nodded in agreement. "They'd want to keep her physically incapacitated as well. The effect of the poison is severly limited on her, however. I'm not sure if they're aware of that."

"I'll bet that's what she's banking on," Spike observed.

"She isn't … they haven't beaten her more, have they?" Giles asked hoarsely, his agony apparent.

"We don't know, Rupert," Spike said, compassionately. "I doubt it, since Buffy would have heard it while Mags was still unconscious, and we'd have felt it if she were awake." Giles nodded, a small smile of gratitude on his face. "Okay," Spike continued. "We all have our assignments - you know what to do. Khai and I will be in almost constant training from now on, but if you need us - don't hesitate. Everyone get some rest, we're going to need it."

"Xander?" Anya asked, resting her head on his bare chest, still feeling the after effects of their lovemaking. "This time is bad. Really bad. I don't know if we'll make it," she said honestly.

"I know, An," Xander said, pulling her close. "But we're stronger than we've ever been. We beat Glory - we can beat this guy," he said confidently.

"But Buffy died then," Anya reminded him. "How many will die this time?"

"I don't know," Xander said soothingly. "But I do know you're not going anywhere without me, and since I don't plan on going anywhere, you'd better plan on sticking around too. I just got you back. And when I say I intend to spend the rest of my life loving you, I'm referring to decades, not days. Deal?"

"Deal," Anya said, snuggling closer.

"How'd it go?" Willow asked Khai as he slipped into bed beside her, fresh from the shower after training with Spike.

"It's amazing how strong he has become," Khai observed, lying on his side to face her. "Realizing his calling seems to have removed any difficulties he was having. That, and his determination to get Buffy and Maggie back safely."

"And you," Willow asked gently, bringing his hand to her face. "How are you feeling about all this? Are you okay?"

"Yes, Willow," he assured her. "I'm worried, of course. I'd feel better knowing how Maggie is really doing, and knowing more about what we're walking into. I'd feel better if you weren't going to be in danger," he whispered softly, caressing her face. "And I'm pretty sure I'd feel better if I was making love to you right now."

"Well," Willow said teasingly. "Anything to heal the Healer."

Giles tossed and turned fitfully, unable to get the images of Maggie's bloodied face out of his mind.

"Rupert I'm all right," he heard the Witch whisper in his mind.

"Maggie," Giles responded with relief, realizing he wasn't making it up.

"There's nothing you could have done. Now stop fussing and get some sleep."

"I love you, my dear," Giles told her.

"Thank Goddess you do. I'd be lost in this without you, Rupert. I need you. Now sleep, please. If you don't calm down I'll never get the rest I need. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Maggie." Giles pulled up the covers, and was asleep in seconds.

Spike lay staring at the ceiling, restless energy coursing through him. He'd always hated having to be patient. His first battle with Buffy was because he couldn't wait anymore. Now he was possibly facing his last battle, this time the two of them on the same side. Finally alone with his thoughts, the weight of tomorrow settled heavily on him. So much had changed, so much was better than he'd ever believed possible - and he could destroy it all, along with the world, with one false move. 'Course, he could also pull it off. He liked this train of thought much better. He hadn't gone through everything he had so some wanker with a grudge could take it all away. Wasn't going to happen. He knew his place now, and it was here - with them -and with Buffy. Satisfied, he closed his eyes and rested peacefully.

Dawn slept the sleep of the innocent, the all-too-familiar threat of impending doom outweighed by the call of her pillow. She had no idea the importance of the role she would play.

FORTY

The Scoobies found themselves in a flurry of activity from the moment they opened their eyes. Spike and Khai spent the day in isolation, preparing for the challenges ahead as best they could. They communicated with the two captives, outlining the final plan and noting their suggestions. Assuring the bothers they were fine, Buffy and Maggie updated them on what had occurred since last night. The Rachni had checked on
them twice since their arrival at the school. Each time Maggie had stirred purposely, and feigned immediate unconsciousness in response to the blow they delivered to her head. Having already separated her conscious mind from her body, Maggie felt no pain, and her abilities remained intact. She pretended to be knocked out with the first hit in order to cut down on the ferocity of the beatings, as she would need to reconnect with her physical self for the showdown. In the meantime, they thought she was subdued, and she was free to concentrate on more important things. Buffy's mobility had slowly begun to return around sunrise, but she, too, continued to maintain the appearance of paralysis, wanting to keep the Rachni as ignorant of their situation as possible. She had been doing some training of her own, knowing Maggie would warn her in plenty of time should the demons return. Though not pleased with the need for Dawn's participation, Buffy acknowledged she was their only alternative.

Close to sunset, the group gathered to battle the Rachni and their master for the last time. They looked around at each other, seeing the tension and determination they each felt reflected back at them in the faces of their comrades in arms.

"You okay with everything, Bit?" Spike asked, looking the teenager in the eye.

"I want to help," Dawn said firmly. "Is this what they mean by being careful what you wish for?" she asked with a grin, receiving smiles and light chuckles in response.

"Before we leave, if you don't mind, I would like you to join me in a tradition of my clan. Though not physically present, Maggie and Buffy are here. If we could join hands and form a circle, it won't take long," Khai explained, waiting until everyone was in position.

"In our existence, we are blessed. In our calling, we are rewarded. In our duty, we are freed. May the Powers That Be guide us this day as we oppose the enemies of our precious Light. May they bestow might to our swords, strength to our spirits, and joy to our hearts. If we do not return, may our ancestors be there to greet us on the other side. Should we prevail, may we give thanks for the gift of life renewed in us this day, and celebrate it fiercely in all the days to come."

The group remained silent, strongly moved by the words of the battle rite. They each said their own silent prayers, squeezing the hands they were holding before releasing them.

"Now let's go kick some ass!" Spike said menacingly as he swept out the door.

They pulled up to the school in the van Giles had rented, noting the area looked deserted.

"Are you sure we shouldn't have done this during the day?" Dawn asked, looking around her apprehensively. "This looks like Buffy's dream must have."

"It looks exactly like her dream," Spike confirmed, opening the back doors of the van. "And just like her dream, that wanker of a warlock would have made it night anyway, just like he did with Jake and his lads."

"Speaking of Jake," Giles said, pointing at the squad cars pulling in and parking beside the van. They watched as Jake and his companions joined them.

"I told the Master Witch my sword was hers. They feel the same way. Hope you don't mind if we join you," Jake said as he shook hands with Spike.

"More the merrier, mate," Spike said. "I take it Rupert filled you in on everything?"

"He did," Jake confirmed, greeting Giles and the others. "Thanks for the call. If you'll notice, the only tie to the job is the transportation. The force is not involved in any official capacity. This is personal - thanks for letting us be a part of it."

"Thank you," Khai said. "The parts we must play are crucial, but doing so would leave some of us vulnerable. You will help even the odds."

"As a member of the vulnerability brigade, I thank you too!" Xander said gratefully.

"Right then," Spike said as the group finished arming themselves. "Let's get to it."

They followed him to the makeshift entrance to the school and watched as he threw the flimsy doors to either side. The subtlety of his entrance thus established, he headed for the hell-mouth. The remnants of yesterday's explosions were everywhere as the group carefully picked their way over splintered wood and shattered concrete. The wall of terror struck as Spike's pace remained unchanged. Willow gasped loudly, as though gripped with fear, then exhaled slowly. As the breath left her, the thrall was dissolved, and the rest of the group quickly caught up to Spike, Khai and Jake. Giles squeezed Dawn's shoulder in recognition of her control before Willow's spell had been cast. She smiled her thanks at him.

Spike entered the former library in much the same way he had the building, announcing their presence loudly. He stopped just inside the entrance, waiting for his companions to join him. What had been the library was nearly unrecognizable. It was obvious this room had been the focus of the clean up efforts after yesterday's battle. All rubble had been removed, as had all enclosures except berring walls. The area surrounding the entrance to the hell-mouth was open to the sky. All three remaining Rachni families stood facing them, Maggie and Buffy lying motionless in their midst.

"You have some things that belong to me," Spike said cockily, "and I've come to collect them. You either give them to me now, right peaceable like, or you die. It's all the same to me, you understand. Either way, they're coming back where they belong," he finished his challenge, his stance deceptively relaxed.

"And what about where you belong, William the Bloody? Is that not the real reason you're here?" Three Rachni spoke as one, the darkness of the voice penetrating to the very beings of the forces gathered there.

"No," Spike said in a patronizing voice. "I'm here because some pillock thought it would be fun to kidnap my sister and my girlfriend. Then, he's so afraid of them, he keeps them in this condition. Quite the bloke you are mate, running scared of a couple of girls," he mocked, Khai and the rest of the men following his lead.

"Do not attempt to patronize me!" the god shouted through his minions. "I am no mere fledgling to be goaded by your taunts. I AM ARAKNAL - GOD OF HELL - RULER OF RACHNAL - DEFEATER OF THE FORCES OF THE LIGHT!!! Your words have no effect on me."

"Ever heard of Shakespeare in your world? 'Methinks you doth protest too much', Spike paraphrased, the Scoobies et al laughing derisively.

"SILENCE!!!" the god bellowed as the earth shook beneath their feet. "You forget with whom you are dealing. Here is your reminder," with that, the leaders raised one arm in signal, the Rachni surrounding Maggie and Buffy stepping back in response. The cloaked figure from the previous night stepped forward and threw back his hood. Grinning evilly, the green-skinned humanoid raised a hoof in the direction of the captives and muttered something under his breath. Immediately, the two women began screaming in agony, their writhing bodies held aloft by some invisible force. As the Scoobies prepared to fight, the hell-god spoke again.

"STOP!" The Dark one ordered. The group remained where they were when the screaming of their friends stopped, their bodies still dangling in mid-air. "You will do as I command, Guardian," Araknal spit out the last word in hatred. "You will release me from my kingdom, and serve at my side for eternity. If you do not, they die. Should you allow this, you will be with me in Darkness still. Make your choice."

"Don't really like the options, tell you the truth," Spike said honestly. "Tell you what, you can either get out of my world, or you die - your turn to make a choice."

Surprisingly, the demon chuckled, the sound causing tremors of disgust to race up and down the spines of the warriors. "Think I liked it better when he was just pissed," Xander whispered.

"You are bold, Guardian," the god acknowledged. "It is that very boldness that made you great in our cause. But you do not fool me. Your Darkness betrays you - you are afraid. You should be," the demon stated approvingly. "Do you feel me - feel the hunger of your Darkness begging to be released?" The others watched as Spike fell to his knees, clutching his chest as the seductive words echoed within his very being. "You miss your true calling; the carnage, the bloodlust, the power coursing through you - the knowledge of your black magnificence. They made you soft, but you know your true nature. Join me, and you shall rule by my side forever," the demon promised, his words attacking Spike both inside and out.

Spike had never experienced this kind of exquisite torture. Araknal's presence flowed through him, stroking every aspect of the Darkness within him. His words evoked memories of triumphs, of battles long forgotten - of the thrill of the chase and the ecstacy of the kill. Spike writhed in almost sexual pleasure as he saw the future laid out before him, the taste of power drawing him to his beloved Dark.

"Yes," he said passionately, getting to his feet. "I will release you," he promised, his last vision making his choice for him.

"Spike, no!" Dawn cried as Khai and Giles rushed to him. He threw them both backward into one of the remaining walls, his demon face growling at them in warning.

"Do not approach me again," he warned fiercely. He turned back to the three in front of him.

"I do this, you give me what I want. I share in your power, and you release them," Spike said pointing at Buffy and Maggie.

"If that is what you wish," Araknal agreed.

"It is," Spike confirmed. "They twisted me - I want my revenge. I'm the one who gets to kill them," he said darkly.

"So shall it be," Araknal stated. The speakers signaled the warlock to release his hold on the prisoners, and Buffy and Maggie dropped painfully to the ground, their bodies motionless.

"Let's do this," Spike said, approaching the hell-mouth. He stood before the outlined entrance and raised his arms at his side. Dropping his head back, his hands began to crackle with blue energy. The light traveled outward, until his entire body was surrounded with it. A moment later, he aimed his hands at the doorway between dimensions, and blue fire erupted from his fingertips.

As Spike moved toward the gateway, the Scoobies silently moved into position, taking advantage of the fact all focus was on Spike. Willow stood a few feet behind him, Giles and Anya on either side of her, forming a loose triangle. To anyone else, it appeared they were mesmerized by what was occurring. Khai stood near the wall Spike had thrown him into, sadly watching his brother, Dawn beside him. The others stood in a group on the opposite side of Willow, closest to where the Rachni and the hostages were gathered.

The ground began to rumble beneath them, the force of the tremors increasing as more of Spike's energy was drained from him by the beast on the other side. Suddenly the floor erupted, throwing many of the forces on either side to the ground. The gang watched in horror as the beast rose from the hell-mouth, the stench of evil overpowering their senses. The being before them was monstrous, the need for opening the area around them now apparent. Twenty eyes stared back at them, each the size of a fist, glowing red in their animosity. It's head and body were covered with coarse black fur. Araknal stretched his eight arms in delight, flexing his claws like a human cracking its knuckles. A pincer the size of a broadsword was at the end of each arm, his claws the size of a human being. The Rachni immediately fell to their knees, the warlock bowing his head in deference to the emerging Dark Lord.

Willow, Giles and Anya went into action right before Araknal's transistion was completed. Willow began chanting, her eyes turning steel grey in color. She joined hands with the other two as they picked up the rhythm of her words. A silver net surrounded Araknal as the last of his body emerged from the hell-mouth. He screamed in anger as the webbing of the net tightened around him, temporarily stealing his powers.

Alondus reacted quickly, but not quick enough. As he stood poised to attack Willow, Maggie lashed out at him with her power. Taking full advantage of Araknal's temporary impotence, she threw a bolt of white energy at the warlock and watched as it consumed his entire body until nothing remained. It had taken little more than a second. The Rachni responded immediately, enraged at the trespass of the witches against their Master. They rushed Maggie as Buffy jumped to her feet, easily catching the sword Xander tossed to her and cleanly beheading the first three Rachni to reach her. Maggie watched as Araknal began throwing off the restraints of the net, waiting until he reached for the last one.

"Now, Willow!" Maggie shouted, throwing the attacking Rachni aside as she made her way to her student. Willow released the hands of her friends and began rolling one hand over the other until a ball of glittering silver formed between them. As Maggie moved to stand in front of her, Willow threw the orb at Araknal's face, the silver light blinding the demon as the energy formed a wall around his head.

Overcome with rage, the hell-god searched blindly for the Grey Witch to exact his revenge. Bellowing in frustration as he felt the barrier of Light between him and his target, he extended his senses in search of the being that betrayed him.

"Khai!" the Witch ordered her brother mentally, knowing if she said anything else she risked exposing Willow to the power of the hell-god. As it was, he was continuing his efforts to connect with the Dark in her, despite his focus on Spike.

Khai was already moving when he heard his sister in his head, knowing the third test had begun. As previously arranged, he and Spike leapt toward each other, easily covering the thirty feet between them. They met in midair, clasping their hands together as though they were going to arm wrestle. The moment they touched the ground, they began a bizarre series of acrobatics, never loosening their hold on each other. The entire scene looked like a Stephen Kingesque staging of the Cirque de Soleil.

Xander, Jake and company were busy attacking the remaining Rachni, forming a line with Buffy at their center. She caught Spike and Khai's movements out of the corner of her eye, and silently prayed the ruse would work. Giles, Anya and Dawn stood between the two witches and the battle with the Rachni, prepared to stop any attempts to attack the two. The three heads of the families headed in their direction, determined to deliver the Grey Witch to their Master.

Araknal smiled despite his blindness, his senses having located the Guardian. Preparing to loose his power on the betrayer, the god stopped, suddenly sensing his presence elsewhere. Concentrating, the demon realized what was happening. The Protector was projecting the Dark side of the Guardian, making it appear they were one and the same. Without his sight, he was unable to tell which was the true child of Darkness. If he should make the wrong choice, and attack the Protector, his power would be destroyed. Screaming in hatred, the god gathered his Darkest energy and sent it whispering through those gathered there. Only two of the enemy's forces were fully of the Light. His energy would seek out all others, revealing the true Guardian. Then, he would strike.

Buffy barely noticed the shadow stealing over her mind, until the incessant whisperings began buzzing like flies in her ears. The anger and hatred grew in her until she was consumed with rage, lashing out carelessly against the Rachni, all semblence of control gone. Realizing something was wrong, Buffy removed her sword from her latest victim and looked around. The faces of her companions were twisted masks of themselves.

"It's a trick!" Buffy shouted loud enough for her comrades to hear her. "Don't give in to the hatred - he's trying to trick us!" she shouted desperately, hoping they understood before she was attacked by two of the Rachni, their hatred equally amplified.

Hearing Buffy's words, the group resisted the dark feelings rising inside them, eventually regaining control. Silently, Giles was thankful for the momentary insanity, as the three demons at their feet were dead because it. The Rachni, still frenzied by the whisperings of their Master, began to be careless, their need for destruction overtaking any strategy within them.

Without warning, Maggie was thrown from Willow's side by an arm of the Dark Lord as one of his pincers sunk into the Grey Witch's chest. Willow toppled over, striking the ground hard before Giles could catch her. Her skin began to harden like pertrified wood, her body as stiff and cold as the cement beneath her by the time Maggie reached her side. Though still alive and alert, the poison would slowly begin turning the young witch to stone.

Spike heard his love's words, realizing it was too late. Gathering his strength, he threw Khai from him, releasing his hand. His Protector landed on his feet near Maggie and Willow, and bowed at his brother, knowing his reasoning. Khai knelt helplessly by Willow's side, unable to use his powers while the god was present. He moved her to a sitting position, propping her against him so she was facing his brother.

"Enough!" Spike shouted, his words capturing the attention of his group as the last of the Rachni were defeated. They gathered together to face him, the eyes of the hell-god seeming to burn into them as his vision was restored.

"It's done," Spike smiled weakly at them as he turned to face the beast.

FORTY-ONE

"Maggie, what's going on?" Buffy asked fearfully, staring into the Witch's battered face. "What's he doing? Why did he stop?"

"Because Araknal had gained entrance to all of you, including Spike. He and Khai could no longer fool him. If he hadn't given up, Araknal would have continued to invade all of you, eventually driving you mad with hate," Maggie explained.

"So what do we do now?" she asked desperately. "How do we defeat him?"

"We don't, Buffy," the Witch said sadly. "Everything depends on Spike"

"You don't mean …" Buffy looked at her wide-eyed, her heart in her throat."He won't … "

"It's all in his hands now," Maggie said, preventing her from finishing as she turned her attention back to Spike.

"You did well, Guardian," the demon mocked. "Yet still, your spirit betrays you, as you did me. It always will. You cannot run from that which you are. Your Dark side calls out to me, its lust for power begging to be set free. Will you continue your useless resistance, or will you join me?"

"I will join you," Spike said defeatedly, bowing his head.

"Spike, NO!" Buffy shouted, staring at him in shock.

"I have to, luv," he said desperately as he approached her, silently pleading with her to understand. "There's no other way. We did our best, but it's over now. I can't let you die for nothing," he explained, caressing her face. "They still go free - that's part of the deal - all of them," Spike said, addressing the demon.

"The Witch and the others may live, their powers are useless against me," the god said arrogantly. "My minions will make short work of them once I call them forth. I promised them some worthy adversaries to sharpen their claws on. The Slayer, on the other hand," the demon laughed evilly, "may not. Killing her will be your first act of allegiance to me, having failed in your first promise. She is the price you pay for that betrayel."

"I can't kill her," Spike said softly, his voice full of emotion.

"Now, perhaps," Araknal acknowledged. "But once you are turned, you will desire nothing more. Come, stand before me, and bring your victim," the god demanded, his patience exhausted. "I will remain with you as you drain her blood, thus binding you to me forever."

"I love you," Spike said, capturing her lips with his. "Believe in me," he whispered softly before leading her to the demon. "I'm ready," he said, his shoulders slumped in defeat as he faced his friends, his back to the beast.

The group watched as Araknal reared up on his powerful legs and stretched his arms out wide. A thick, black fog streamed from his mouth, pausing momentarily before striking Spike through the center of his back. The group watched as Spike stumbled from the force of the blow, the fog connecting his very being with that of the Dark Lord's. He opened his eyes, the completely black orbs staring at his friends in hatred as his demon face emerged.

"At last, Slayer, you will be mine," he grinned evilly as he grabbed her shoulders, his grip unbreakable. Buffy stared at him, tears streaming down her face at the twisted beast that had taken her love from her. Hoping she was right, she tilted her head, her hair falling to the side, exposing her neck.

"I believe in you, Spike," she said trustingly as she felt his fangs sink into her neck, the beast he'd become greedily drinking of her life force. Overcome by the sensations of pleasure coursing through her, Buffy felt the Slayer within her punch through the wall of Darkness invading her and grab hold of the last part of Spike that remained. A blinding light exploded behind Buffy's eyes as the two essences joined together, the energy bursting forth from the two bodies joined in a death grip. It lashed through Spike's chest and out his back, invading the hell-god himself. Araknal realized this final betrayal too late, his powers already beginning to recede. His body struck the ground heavily, its impact causing the building to shake. He writhed in agony, his screams of torture making the hair on the necks of those gathered stand on end.

Spike tore his teeth from Buffy's throat, his beautiful, blue eyes searching her face. She kissed him quickly, signaling she was okay. He caught her as she stumbled, weakened from blood loss. He picked her up and carried her to the others, joining the circle they had formed around Araknal.

"Powerless against you, ha?" Maggie nearly spit at the beast. "Not so cocky now are we?"

"My powers will return shortly, Witch," he promised menacingly. "I am a GOD! YOU CANNOT DESTROY ME! If you use your powers of Light I shall be restored that much sooner. Your Grey Witch is no more. What hope do you possibly have of destroying me?"

"Ah," Maggie said, smiling brightly at the demon, his screams of pain at the brilliance of her grin pleasing her immensely. "Tell me, oh vain one, when you sent your little darts of Darkness into our midst, was there something that didn't feel quite right? Someone, perhaps?" the Witched teased, seeing the uncertainty reflected in the ten pair of eyes before her.

"NO!" the hell-god bellowed, realizing his mistake too late.

"Oh yes!" the Witch corrected with relish, holding her arm open and signaling for Dawn to join her. "You missed a Key - the perfect balance of Light, Grey and Dark Forces. Something you can't suck to save your life - literally!" the Witch quipped.

"You could have offered me leadership over all the realms of hell, and you still wouldn't have been able to touch what I have," Spike told him in a low voice, his eyes glittering. "You have no concept of what true power is. Yours has been a selfish existence, your abilities false because they were obtained through others' weaknesses. True power results from that which is freely given, not taken by force. You and your kind are nothing but cowards," the Guardian spit out in disgust.

Maggie's face turned ominous, her tone resonating with righteouness. "Hear me, Araknal, God of Hell, Ruler of Rachnal, Enemy of the Light. You have transgressed against the Balance of Forces for the last time. Your presence will no longer be tolerated. I am Magistra, Master Witch of the Light, and Protector of the Balance Between Worlds. As such, I hereby sentence you to death. In the name of my friends and defenders, my brothers and clan, and most respectfully in the name of Briduna and Khailan - your true conquerors this day - I hereby order this sentence be carried out." With that, the Witch nodded at Dawn. The teenager reached inside her shirt and removed the object hanging around her neck. The Horn of Bashivel glowed brightly as miniature rainbows shot from its surface, invading every corner of darkness with glittering colors. Dawn raised the horn to her lips without hesitation, and blew into it three times in quick succession.

A twirling ball of pure energy appeared above the hell-god, gradually expanding until it covered his entire length. They listened to his whimpers without comment while the light surrounded him. The beast was raised into the air, the energy spinning his form around and around dizzily until it attacked from the outside inward, consuming his essence inch by the inch. The light flared brightly as it met in the center, the force knocking the group to the ground. A second later, it was gone, all signs of Araknal with it.

The warriors looked around them, taking in their appearances for the first time since the battle began. Khai immediately set to work on Willow, his healing powers burning brightly around him as he was able to use them at full force for the first time since arriving in Sunnydale. The redhead soon began moving, the poison no match for Khai's abilities.

Xander's arm hung by his side, useless, the claw of a Rachni having nearly ripped it from his body. Anya sat near him clutching her side, blood running through her fingers from the large gash. Jake stood up, cuts and scratches covering every visible inch of him, a large grin spreading across his face. Though he had lost four more men, their deaths had been avenged. He clapped his hand on the backs of his remaining officers in congratulations, checking them for injuries.

"Relieve!" Maggie uttered, pointing at Xander and Anya who immediately felt the pain leaving them. "Khai will be over in a second," she promised them. "Fade!" she ordered, pointing at Jake and his men. Their minor injuries immediately disappeared. Finished for the time being, she turned to Giles. Wordlessly, she wrapped her arms around him, tears filling her eyes.

"What is it, dearest?" Giles asked tenderly, stroking her hair.

"Promise not to make fun of me?" she said into his shoulder. Feeling his nod, she lifted her head to look at him. "In all of the battles I've fought, this is the first time I haven't had to go on alone. I am so grateful for you, Rupert that all I want to do is bawl like a baby. There, now you're the only one who knows how truly sappy I am. If you tell anyone, I swear I'll get even."

"I love you too, Maggie," he said in response as he leaned forward to kiss her. Looking at her, he stopped himself." Uh, Maggie," he said as she looked at him in disappointment. "Not that you could ever look anything but beautiful to me, but are those really necessary?" he asked, pointing to the bruises and cuts on her face.

"Oh!" Maggie exclaimed, having completely forgotten about how she must look. Immediately her face returned to normal. "Better?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Much," he murmured, kissing her soundly.

Spike sat on the ground, Buffy firmly secured in his lap. They held each other tightly, no words able to convey what they were feeling. Tears streamed down their faces, mingling with each other's as they kissed with wild abandon, desperate to dispel every last shadow that had dared to step between them.

Khai quickly attended to Xander and Anya, his powers closing Anya's wound entirely. Xander's injury was more severe, but his tissues had already begun the process of healing. Khai promised him he would be back to normal the next day as he used Xander's outer shirt as a makeshift sling. Acknowledging their thanks with a nod, he returned to Willow.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, trying to read her face.

"Like I'll come back and torture anyone who tries to erect a statue in my honor," she joked, smiling into his eyes.

"I've never felt that helpless before," he admitted, his voice filled with emotion. "I was so scared I wouldn't get to you in time."

"I wasn't," Willow said firmly. "I knew you'd save me. It never even occurred to me you wouldn't - I just knew. You were meant for me, Khai. After all I've done, somehow I'm lucky enough to have you in my life. I love you," she said simply, pulling him close, hearing her words repeated back to her as their lips met.

Maggie broke away from Giles, a bright smile lighting her face."We did it!" she laughed ecstatically, hugging him. "WE DID IT!!!" she shouted triumphantly, spinning around to look at her companions. Her jubilance was infectious as the group let the magnitude of their accomplishment wash over them. They began to laugh and cheer, hug and cry as they congratulated each other.

Maggie picked Dawn up and joyfully spun her around, nearly squeezing the breath from her body. "You were magnificent! I'm so proud of you!" the Witch squealed in delight.

"Wow, am I glad I still have a head!" Dawn laughed in relief when the Witch finally set her down. "Thanks for casting that safety spell on it."

"You're welcome, child," Maggie said sincerely. "And thank you - we never could have succeeded without you."

"She's right, Niblet," Spike said, hugging her close as Maggie went to join Buffy and Willow. "You saved us all."

"You saved us all, Spike," Dawn corrected him. "I know what you did," she said, meaningfully. Spike grinned at her, mussing her hair.

"BROTHERS!" Maggie called, her voice echoing in the air around them. Her siblings turned to look at her, noticing they were all across the room from each other, at least sixty feet separating each of them. Realizing her intention, Spike and Khai grinned at her, their demon faces emerging as they bent forward and placed their hands on their knees. Mimicking their stance, the Witch grinned back at them. Without warning, the three let loose with the battle cry of their clan, each taking two steps and leaping into the air toward each other. As the three met in midair, three hands joined in the center, their bodies circling around until they landed lightly back on the ground. "Enkashnus Alia!" they shouted in unison, bowing low to each other. The two brothers then tackled Maggie, tickling her mercilessly until all three screamed in laughter.

"Kids!" Dawn exclaimed, shaking her head at the siblings. That was enough to send everybody else over the edge, their sounds of joy echoing across dimensions, causing some to grimace, and others to smile. In one dimension, a couple embraced, finally at peace.

"Let's head back to the house and really get this party started!" Maggie said after successfully extricating herself from her brothers. I have a Wapatui recipe you wouldn't believe!" she exclaimed, heading toward the cars.

"Uh, Maggie?" Buffy stopped her. The Witch turned around to see the group looking at her.

"Ya?" Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Did you forget about the little matter of a major clean-up?" Buffy asked, pointing behind her.

"What clean-up?" Maggie said impishly, walking away. The group turned and saw no signs that a battle to the death had just taken place.

"I am so starting to dig this family!" Xander commented. The rest shrugged and followed Maggie's lead.

Two hours later the party was in full swing, everyone buzzing from Maggie's concoction and leftover adrenalin.

"What was that thing the three of you said to each other after your aerial act?" Dawn asked curiously, looking at the siblings.

"Together in Light!" they responded in unison. "It's the motto of the Thangh Doh clan," Spike explained.

"Your clan!" Maggie and Khai reminded him.

"My clan," Spike corrected, his eyes lighting with warmth as he exchanged glances with his siblings.

"If you had any doubts before, brother, you surely cannot have them now. Not after what you did today," Khai said firmly.

"Khai?" Dawn asked. "Before Spike opened the hell-mouth, you looked - you were so sad when you were watching him. Why? You knew the plan - what bothered you so much?"

Khai looked at the young girl in surprise, not realizing he had been observed. His brother was looking at him curiously, as were the others.

"I felt the impact Araknal had on Spike when he was attempting to seduce him back to the Dark. He was reminded of all the things he had loved about his prior existence, tempted by the Dark Lord's promises. Then he saw a vision of Buffy, and all he felt was shame. When he approached the hell-mouth to continue with the plan, he was loathing himself, wishing he had never cursed our lives with his. That was why I was sad, Dawn," Khai explained, smiling at her. "Because my brother was wishing he had never been born. Instead of realizing he was our savior, he believed himself to be our curse. But I guess that's how heroes are, aren't they?" he stated, looking at Spike. "No one else could have done what you did today, brother - no one." Khai stated firmly. Spike accepted the compliment with a brief nod, moved by his brother's words.

"What exactly did that entail?" Xander asked, curious. "I'll admit I didn't have a clue what was going to happen after the thing with Khai failed. How'd you know what to do?"

"He didn't," Maggie said, seeing Spike lower his eyes at the question. "Tell them, Spike. They deserve to know," she said determinedly, knowing he was about to protest.

Spike glanced at the ceiling, unable to meet anyone's eyes. "I knew the game was up when Araknal sent his feelers at us, since everyone but Khai and Maggie would respond to them. They seek out even the remotest bit of Darkness, so there was no way to hide the truth from him. I decided to go with Plan B."

"I don't remember a Plan B," Anya said. "When did we come up with Plan B?"

"We didn't," Giles assured her. "But apparently Spike did."

"I had some ideas," Spike admitted, staring at his glass. "I knew that if we didn't succeed with the ruse, the only way to best Araknal was to beat him at his own game - take advantage of the lust for power that always accompanies the Dark. When he was tooling around inside me, I was reading him too. I had told Khai that we had to keep our hold on each other, no matter what. You probably guessed one of the reasons for doing that was so Khai could feed off the Dark within me in order to sustain his disguise. What you didn't know is that I was feeding off the Light in Khai and stockpiling it. I continued reading Araknal from a distance, and had a good idea of how he'd exact his revenge. So, when he found us out, I made my choice."

"It was a little more than that, though, wasn't it Spike?" Buffy asked softly, the tone in her voice causing him to meet her gaze.

"Yes," he acknowledged reluctantly. "I chose to go back to the Dark in order to save all of you from being hurt," he rushed out, once again avoiding their eyes.

"How so?" Giles asked, glancing at Maggie when Spike remained silent.

"Spike knew the darts Araknal threw would have continued to intensify within you. The more you resisted, the stronger they would take hold until eventually you would have been driven insane, turning on each other and us," The Witch explained, never taking her eyes off Spike. "He was going to sacrifice himself to buy us all some time."

"But, if you had joined Araknal, wouldn't you have been fighting us too?" Xander asked bluntly.

"No," Dawn said forcefully, causing the group to stare at her. "Spike told me before we left that if I saw him change without being connected to Araknal, I wasn't supposed to wait. I was supposed to blow the horn the second the connection was broken."

"What would that have done?" Willow asked, having a feeling she already knew.

"It would have killed Spike immediately, and crippled Araknal enough for us to get away," Buffy said, walking over to Spike and lifting his head. "That's it, isn't it?" she asked softly, searching his face.

"Yes," Spike agreed meeting her eyes.

"That was a hell of a chance you took, Spike," Buffy told him. "Thinking I'd pick up on your clue."

"I knew you'd get it," Spike said confidently. "And if you didn't, no worries."

"No worries except you'd be dead and we'd have a freed hell-god after us," she pointed out.

"Actually," Maggie clarified. "If Dawn had sounded the horn immediately after the transference was completed, it would have rid Araknal of his ability to drain our power. I would have been able to kill him."

"So the only drawback would have been Spike's death," Giles observed, looking at his uncle in amazement, realizing the lengths he had gone to in order to save them all. Buffy stared at Spike in wonder, hardly believing the risks he had taken.

"Okay, what clue did you give Buffy? And what was that light that shot out of the two of you and attacked Mr. Nasty?" Xander asked, wanting everything to be clear.

"After he kissed me, he whispered 'believe in me'. I didn't make the connection to my dream until he had turned. Then I remembered. My dream told me that even though it might look like Spike on the outside, I'd have to go inside to find the real him. That's what told me he had a plan. So I gave in and let him bite me," Buffy explained.

"Khai had told me his belief that the Slayer within Buffy was connected to me above and beyond her own feelings," Spike added. "I figured if the Light I had stockpiled from Khai could connect with the pure Slayer in Buffy, we could beat him. I knew he'd want to be present in me when I killed her," he said.

"How did you know that part?" Dawn asked. "That's the only thing I can't figure out."

Spike stared at Buffy, his eyes softening as he tucked her hair behind her ear. "Because every part of me would have died inside the moment her life was gone. He couldn't have resisted being there at the moment of his ultimate victory."

"How did you know you wouldn't kill her?" Anya asked, fascinated.

"I hid the Light from Khai within the deepest part of me, keeping its power as contained as possible. Because I kept it separate, it wouldn't be affected by the transference like the rest was. I made sure that if the Slayer couldn't reach me, then that Light would make one last surge against the invading Dark. Buffy would have been released, and Araknal would have withdrawn, thus allowing Dawn to sound the horn," Spike finished, lowering his head to stare at his feet.

Silence descended in the room as everything that had occurred became clear. They stared at Spike in awe, realizing everything he had done to keep them safe.

"My friends," Maggie said. "Now you know what a true Guardian is," she observed, the deep meaning of her words betraying the lightness of her tone.

"Here, here!" Giles said proudly as he gathered Spike in a bear hug. The others quickly followed suit, giving him a quick hug or a peck on the cheek in thanks, Xander doing both, much to the dismay of both himself and Spike. The group busted out laughing, raising their glasses in toast.

"Say something, Spike," Buffy encouraged, kissing him deeply.

Spike looked at the people surrounding him, overwhelmed by the joy he felt in his heart. He raised his glass to join theirs.

"It's good to be home!" he toasted simply, and drained his glass of every last drop.

THE END