By Ghostface999

I walked down the Sunnydale streets with discomfort. People here seemed strange at times. Not looking at their surroundings. They hid within themselves to avoid the painful reality. Not only did they live to serve others, but also they suffered in the process of their own destruction. Others did not. As long as they didn't know, they did not care. People laughed and enjoyed themselves. Not me. I could not afford to do that. Not as long as I were what I am. Yet, happiness has reached the poor soul that writes these words. That is what keeps me going.

I entered the college campus and lost myself in the crowd. My girl has told me that I looked exactly like a College graduate. That helped sometimes. It helped me mingle. No one would imagine that they are bumping to a 2000-year-old demon. I walked slowly, trying to perceive everything in my surroundings. I than made a right turn and headed toward the dorms.

*****

As I walked through the crowded building, I could see the typical college life. People partying around, drinking or studying. The sound of people fornicating was also audible in certain places. I smiled at the attitude. Thinking they are so in control of their lives when they are all helpless in this odd world. Soon I found the room I was looking for. 214. I knocked on the door and waited.

"Who is it?" was what I heard from inside. The voice seemed small, yet strong.

"I am looking for Buffy", I said.

"May I ask who is looking for her?" the girl asked.

"An old friend", I answered back at the closed door.

The door slowly opened and revealed a young girl. She was rather small but very much alive. Her short red hair seemed to shine in the moon's spotlight. She wore gray sweat pants and a red t-shirt. A large crucifix hanged from her neck.

"I know most of her friends", the girl said as she stood still near the door. "And I don't picture you in the group".

"We met in the summer", I explained. "My name is Nikon"

"I am Willow", the girl said.

"So", I started. "We could talk here all night, or we could do it in the comfort of this dorm room".

"Ok", Willow said stepping away from the door and walking towards the bed. I frowned. This girl was not stupid. I tried to enter but the invisible force kept me out.

"You know what?", I said. "Maybe I should look for her. Do you know where I could find her?"

I could sense the girl did not trust me.

"Buffy tells me everything", she said with an innocent smile. "I am quiet sure she would have told me about a guy she met in the summer"

"Let me in", I said. "I am a friend".

"No", she answered back..

I looked at both sides of the hall. Everyone had disappeared. No one was in sight. All of the sudden two set of arms grabbed me from behind. The door in front of me closed shut. I looked at my sides and saw two armed individuals dressed in gray and black military outfits wearing black masks. I rapidly twisted my arms and grabbed their heads. I than smashed them together. They seemed dazed but not out. I confronted the one on my right. I high kicked him in the face. The guy staggered as I followed with devastating round hog kick. I than turned my attention at the other one. I pulled him to his feet and threw him right across the hall just as another one appeared. He wore the same outfit as the first two. Except without the mask. He seemed to be in his twenties. He rushed at me taking me down. He than slammed his fist on my jaw. For a moment stars was all I could see. Soon they were gone. Just in time. I saw the guy getting ready to give another solid right. I blocked the punch grabbing hold of his fist and squeezing with all my strength. The young man screamed in pain. I than lifted my foot and kicked him in the chest. The guy flew from his original position and crashing into room 214. I heard Willow scream inside as the guy tumbled into the room.

"Riley?", she asked.

I had no time to react. I quickly got up and headed toward the exit. No sooner had I stepped into the emergency stairs when I was forced to whirl around. A right hand punch crashed into my face forcing me down the stairs.

"Nikon?", I heard a female voice say.

"Yep", I said in pain looking at the blonde slayer. "It's me".

"I am so sorry", she said. "When I saw.... and the door...."

"It's ok", I said. "I'll pay for the door".

"What are you doing here?", she asked me helping me up

"Looking for you", I answered rubbing my head. "But it seems you found me first"

"Come up to my room", the slayer said. "Tell me everything".

As I followed her, I could see the men that had jumped me were gone. As Buffy entered and invited me in I could see the place didn't do much for her. It was a regular room with two beds and two closets. Two windows let anyone check the courtyard outside. I than looked at the guy fort the first time. He was as tall as me. He looked a little pumped up. I had no idea what he hid. He closed himself shut without even looking at me. Than again women were a lot easier.

"This as an old friend", Buffy said as she pointed at me. "This is Willow and Riley"

"I believe we met", I said looking at Willow. She tried to avoid my eyes. I sensed a lot of discomfort in her heart. A lot of pain.

"I met him during the summer", Buffy said. "During one of my patrols. He than disappeared".

"I left for L. A.", I said. "An old friend waited for me there".

Riley suddenly looked at the time. "I have to go", he said all of the sudden.

"Wait", Buffy said looking worried as she followed him outside.

I rapidly looked at Willow with stern eyes. "What do you know about the Initiative?", I asked.

"What?!", she exclaimed. "How did you..."

"That is not important", I said. "Your Buffy´s friend, so I have to tell you".

At that very moment, Buffy entered the room with a big smile on her face. That' s when I really noticed her. She was wearing a long red skirt with a white blouse. A black jacket finished the outfit. I also noticed something else. I could not believe it. She was happy. Her heart soared with joy at the thought of a normal life. She made her way to the bed and looked at the ceiling. I could sense affection. All of the sudden she stood up and looked at me.

"I am sorry", she said as she hugged me. "How have you been doing?"

"Great", I said. "Meeting new people. Killing demons. Normal stuff."

"How's Mary?", the girl asked happily.

"Listen", I said as my smile disappeared. "Mary would like to talk to you. Can we meet tomorrow at the student hall".

"Sure", Buffy said. "Whatever. I'll see you than".

"Great", I said. "Would you mind if Willow here showed me the way out of the building. I kind of got lost".

"I'll do it", Buffy said.

"No", I stammered. "You must be tired from your day. I sure Willow won't mind".

"I'll be happy to", Willow said.

"Good night", I said grabbing Willow's hand.

Willow than signaled she would be back as we made our way into the hall. "What is all this?", she asked.

*****

"Sorry about that", I said as we reached the bottom floor. "Rumors have reached certain places", I said. "Demons are aware that Sunnydale´s hell mouth is controlled by another force that is not the slayer. Humans dressed in military outfits. Capturing demons and vampires".

"Riley is one of them", Willow said. "They know about Buffy".

"I was afraid of that", I said getting worried.

"What?", Willow asked. "Not that I trust you or anything"

"You have to", I said. "Could you just tell Buffy to watch herself. You know, a friend's advice. We don't know anything about these guys"

"Who are we?", Willow asked.

"There are lots of us", I said. "Not only you guys fight the darkness"

"How do you know?", she asked.

"I keep my ears open", I said as I started to walk away. "I hope to see you tomorrow".

*****

Every Sunnydale cemetery is always menacing. The dangers change every time you enter it. I could feel the dead look up to me. Ready to steal my very soul. I had to watch myself. As I kept on walking I could see in the distance a brown haired girl. She seemed to be looking through the bushes. I smiled at myself. Mary was up to something. I stopped for a moment as I admired my girl. She wore all black. Black boots, pants and jacket. I approached very slowly.

"What are we looking at?", I asked.

Mary looked up and smiled. Than she turned her attention at a young man opening a tomb. His black trench coat reached his knees. His short curly blonde hair got dirty as dust spread rapidly through the air.

"Spike", I whispered at Mary. "What is he doing here?"

"He is playing", Mary said with a smile. "You know Spike"

"Should we surprise him?", I asked as Spike entered the dark grave.

"Lets", Mary said stepping into the open.

I followed her and looked inside. Spike seemed to be measuring the place. I entered quietly and tapped him on the shoulder. "Have you no respect for the dead?", I asked.

Spike turned around and looked at me in the eyes. He than looked at the doorway, seeing Mary blocking the way. "Well, well, well", he said in his deep accent. "If it isn't the famous love birds".

"How you been doing Spike?", Mary asked from the doorway.

"Could be better", he said sitting in a large coffin. "What about you?"

"Running around", I said. "I heard that Drucillas dumped you for a better deal"

Spike's chin tightened. His anger flared through his own body. That was a button that should remain untouched. He than smiled. The feeling was gone. "Hey", he said as he pulled out a box of cigarettes. "It's her loss".

"You hungry?", Mary asked. "We were ready to get something. You could join us".

*****

Mary laughed at Spike. I smiled at the vampire's misfortune. What surprised me was the demon's good mood about it. He seemed comfortable with us.

"At least I got a good look at them", he said. "But it seems that is not enough for some people. A lot are not satisfied".

"You have no idea how lucky you are", I said as I signaled Willy for more blood. Willy's place was packed today. Many vampires with no mind. Just looking for a place to rest. Demons that needed to patch up. The usual.

"What do you mean?", Spike asked getting serious.

"From what Mary has heard", I started. "You are the fifth demon to escape that place. The first vampire of them all".

Spike looked at Mary for verification. "That place is strange", she said. "They seem to capture demons for a reason that is not extermination".

"What is it than?", Spike asked. "Do the military boys talk to us until we turn into humble puppies? Because that is what they did to me".

"That is just a phase", I said. "Sam believes that they restructure the demon to turn him into a complete guard dog. Loyal to the master yet vicious to the enemy".

"What are you saying?", Spike asked. "This whole thing is national security hocus-pocus".

"Maybe", Mary said. "Others have a signed permission from the secretary of defense to do whatever it takes to control these demons and have them working for the proper hands".

"You mean I am a military weapon?", Spike asked.

"Not really", I said. "Right now you are just a failed experiment".

Mary giggled. "You are so pathetic", she said. "You were trained by a vicious killer. You have killed two slayers and you were caught by measly humans".

"Well", Spike protested. "They played dirty".

"Like you usually play", I said with a smile.

"Yeah", he said.

"By the way", I said. "I haven't forgiven you about those two slayers".

"I didn't ask", he said.

I reached to grab his collar. I pulled him towards myself and right hand punched him across the face. Spike tried to recover as I pulled him from the chair and threw him to a near by table. He rapidly got up and tackled me by the waist. He than slugged me across the chin. I stumbled just in time to see his fist encrust itself into my gut.

"Hey guys", Willy said. "Take it outside".

But Spike and I did not pay any attention. We simply kept on going. All of the sudden, Spike and I were thrown into the far wall by an invisible force. From what I saw, every demon in the room was encrusted to the sides of the large place. As I turned my eyes into the center of the room, I saw Mary standing with her arms outstretched. A golden aura surrounded her. Her eyes were red like fire.

"See what you did", I said. "She is angry now".

*****

"To me" I said as we walked into the cemetery. "You will always the second most hated being in the planet".

"Who is the first?", Spike asked.

"Angel", I answered back. "He is pure evil".

"Angel is a good guy", Mary said.

"Not according to the books", I said.

"You wrote the books", Mary retorted.

"I know", I said.

"You were always jealous of the guy", Spike said. "I remember when he told me about you".

"He is my sworn enemy", I said. "The problem is I can't kill him now. Still that doesn't mean I do not desire to end his miserable existence"

"You are jealous aren't you", Mary said.

"I am not", I said.

"I don't get it", Spike said. "You already have a nice bunny hanging around with you. What does Angel have that you don't?"

"My point exactly", I said pointing at the blonde vampire. "I simply hated his vicious ways. It is not jealousy"

"You are so full of crap", Spike said as he lit another cigarette.

"Those things could kill you", I said with a smirk as I put my arm around Mary.

"What doesn't hurt me", he said as he blew the smoke at me, "won't kill me".

I held back myself from hitting him. It seemed like old times. Me and him always getting in a fight. Mary standing there. Waiting. I looked at the sky and than at the vicious killer.

"We are home"; he said as he opened a small montelium. "If you can, come visit me sometime"

"We sure will", Mary said with a smile. "It is always great to see old friends that are worthless now".

"Hey", he said. "I may be evil, but I least I am loyal to my kind". We both looked at him with knowing eyes. "Ok", he said. "I am not. But you guys aren't either".

"See you later Spike"; I said as I guided my girl away from the place. "See you around".

"Lousy bastards", was the last thing I heard from him as he entered the dark grave. Than only the silence of the cold dark night.

*****

I looked at my drink in front of me. It seemed to swirl in my head as the liquid conformed itself and turned into nothingness. The room I was in was made of purple and red gases. The table seemed to be made of air. Nothing seemed real. Yet the unreal took solid shape. At my side Mary admired the surroundings herself. In front of us, Faith smiled. "Thank you for coming", she said. "This place sucks without company"

"Who has visited you?", I asked.

"Buffy, Angel, the Mayor and many others", she said. "Sometimes all at the same time"

"What about the thing that keeps you captive?", Mary asked.

Faith's face darkened as she pointed at a black chain at the bottom of her leg. "I have battled and lost", she said.

"The fact that you lost the battle, doesn't mean you have lost the war", Mary said.

"Yes it does", she said. "I mean, many people come through my head. All claiming to be my friends and yet, no one stays to help me".

"Don't you get it?", I asked. "This thing is about you. It is about you being at the top. You have to defeat this. If you don't, you will live miserably forever".

"No", she said. "All I know is that there is only one person who can help me".

All of the sudden from behind I saw the devilish being. The same physical appearance of the slayer. But it wasn't her. Those red eyes bore into mine like power drills. Suddenly the being morphed itself. After transformation, the being took form of a familiar person. I could sense in Faith's mind that he was her savior. The man hugged her from behind and kissed her on the check.

"You do not need them", he said with a smile. "You got me".

"Don't listen to him Faith!", Mary said. She stood from her chair and looked directly into the slayer's eyes. "Don't you see he is controlling you? Snap out of it".

Faith looked blankly at Mary. She than grabbed my girl by the throat and pulled her of her feet. I stood up rapidly but something stopped me. I than was hurled back to reality. I awoke from the trance and looked at Mary. She seemed ok. Only a bit shook up. I looked at the slayer that remained still on the bed. She had serious trouble.

*****

Buffy smiled at Mary's joke. She seemed to enjoy her company. I looked around. The place was packed. Since it was Friday, people just assumed that it was time to relax. I than turned my eyes towards the couple in front of me. Riley had his arm around Buffy lightly stroking her hair. He seemed to love the girl. But Buffy seemed more perky than usual. She was actually enjoying life. She had this attitude I never felt before. I had to talk to Angel about this. I than looked at Mary who rattled on about the friends she had in other colleges.

"So", I said turning my head towards the mortal pair. "You two keep the streets of Sunnydale safe".

"Buffy does, most of the time"; Riley said.

"Riley has to have fun with his buddies", Buffy said innocently.

"I bet", Mary said. "All men are like that. In the site of true soul stealing danger, men are nowhere to be found".

"I recent that!", Riley and I said at the same time.

The girls just laughed at us. I looked at Riley for support. He of course looked at me with the same purpose. "I guess we lost", he said.

"You can't beat women can you?", I said as I looked at the door. Willow had just entered the place. She seemed to be looking for us. I signaled her over. "Riley", I said looking at the muscular guy. "Willow is here, so why don't we go get drinks at the bar".

I saw at that moment that Buffy gave Riley a nudge of encouragement. Riley goT up at the same time as I did and said: "sure".

We walked towards the bar just as we passed Willow. She had this cute red outfit. Long skirt and orange blouse. "We will be there in a second", I said. What would you like to drink?"

"Me?", she asked. "Oh… just water".

"Great"; I said. Riley and I than continued our way to the bar. He gave the order to the guy and waited. I looked at him intensively trying to figure him out. He had these beige pants and a gray sweater, yet no emotions.

"So", he started. "You are a friend of Buffy´s".

"We met not long ago", I said. "In the summer"

"She mentioned something like that", Riley said.

"What about you?", I asked.

"I met her here", he said, looking at her. "She doesn't talk much about her past does she?"

"What would you like to know?", I asked. "I could fill in some details".

"Stuff like…. Well…. Why is she capable of doing this or the things she has done? I mean I am totally in the dark".

"I know man", I said as the bartender came with the drinks. "Give it time. Besides, you do not want to drown in to much information".

"What do you mean?", he asked.

"Don't ask Buffy to sign checks you guys cannot cash", I said.

"Are you saying that Buffy has something that could affect me even though the time has passed".

"What I am saying Riley", I stated as I grabbed two drinks. "…live the moment. Be happy. You got a wonderful girl by your side. You love her and she loves you."

"There is something that doesn't add up", he said as we walked towards the table.

"Do you like literature?", I asked.

"What!?", he exclaimed.

"I am doing a piece on Buffy' s life", I said. "It is still not finished, but you could have the first edition".

I felt Riley pull my shoulder towards him "What?!, he exclaimed.

"Calm down man", I said. "That is my job. I catalog everything".

Riley relaxed bit as he let me go. We than walked towards the girls. I could feel Riley's discomfort as we made our way through the crowded place. Just as we reached the table, Mary burst out laughing at what Buffy had just said. We sat down and I looked at Buffy for an answer to the event she just remained silent with a shy smile.

"Buffy had a little trouble with Sunday", Mary said.

"That is reasonable", I said. "Sunday is not your average demon"

Mary looked at me knowingly. I looked at Buffy and Willow for an explanation. "I had a bad day", she said. "I was adjusting".

"See", I said to Mary. "She was adjusting".

"Enough about me", Buffy said. "I know you guys. You are here for a reason. Spill it out".

"Fine", I started. "Even though he doesn't mention it, I have been in contact with Giles. For researching purposes of course. He told me about Willow here, and he wanted for me to give her this." As I finished saying that, I pulled out a small brown book from my jacket pocket. I was like a diary.

"What is it?", Willow asked as she took the book and started to flip the pages.

"It is a spell book", Mary said. "It contains recipes and curses and all that stuff that witches all over the world have used for the past 2000 years."

Willow looked in admiration at the book. She flipped through it's pages as if life depended on it.

"It also contains some words of wisdom from experienced witches", I said. "Kind words they wanted to pass on".

"Thank you", Willow said gratefully as she held the book close to he heart.

"You are welcome", Mary said with a smile on her face.

"Now for the bad news", I said with a grin.

"I knew it", Buffy said. "You guys are so predictable".

"It is nothing to be afraid of", I said. "Two packs of vampires are coming. They are mortal enemies. I assume that they are coming here to gain control of this hell mouth. I am pretty sure they are just going to kill each other".

"So you want me to chaperone?", Buffy asked.

"It is your town", Mary said. "Besides, we will be here for a few days. We will help you".

"When are they coming?", Riley asked.

"In about twenty minutes", I said calmly.

Buffy´s mouth drooped opened. "What?", she asked. "You couldn't have told me this yesterday".

"We didn't want to ruin your night", I said calmly. "Besides things are not going to get violent."

Mary looked at Riley throwing him one of her brightest smiles. "Buffy tells me you like music", she said to him. "I bet you are a great dancer". She than pulled him up from his seat and took him to the center floor, just as a dance tune began to play.

"So", I said to Buffy. "Did you tell this guy about us?"

Buffy shook her head. "Are you kidding?", she said. "If I had said something I would have to explain a lot stuff I'd like to keep secret. I only told him that you were old friends that have helped me in the past. That you write certain books. That's all."

"I assume you like this guy", I said with a smile.

"He is nice", Buffy answered shyly.

"He is more than nice", Willow said. "He is super nice. He is the nicest guy of all".

"Will….", Buffy said.

"Sorry", Willow said. "I usually do a lot of… that….you know".

"I bet", I said.

"It's just that….", she started. "…. He is what I need. You know?"

"I know", I said holding her hand. "It's better when you feel the guy's heart beat".

"When I am around Angel", she said. "I feel so much pain. The heart aches".

"Deep down you know it's not going to work", I said.

Buffy fought to keep the tears from rolling from her eyes. Willow hugged her softly. "Would things be different if he were human?", she asked.

I twitched at the question. Angel and I had talked a few weeks ago, and he told me interesting stuff. Things I could not bare to imagine. "Yeah", I said looking away. "Things would be different". I could sense Buffy's stare. I felt her thoughts trying to bare into mine. With time she would dominate the skill. I feared the worst.

Willow felt the tension. "So…", she started. "What other stuff have you written?"

"Most of my books are related to demonology", I answered. "Only five can be archived under witchcraft. Although, I have a large collection thanks to the good people I have met".

"Why is it…", Buffy started out of the blue. "That I feel this strange vibe when you are around?"

I looked at her with a smile. "Maybe", I said. "It is because you desire me so much, your heart cannot withstand every second that passes without your lips touching mine".

From the moment the words left my lips, the seconds were endless as I waited for that particular reaction. Than it came. Never had I heard the girl laugh so hard in the small periods of time I had been with her. Willow giggled with her friend. Suddenly Mary and Riley came out of nowhere. "Did he just say the desire part?", Mary asked with anticipation.

Buffy and Willow nodded at the same time between giggles. Mary smiled as she looked at me. "Are you trying to pull something behind my back?", she asked.

"Hey", I said with a laugh. "It was worth a try"

Mary smiled and looked at Riley. "My guy just put the moves on your girl", she said with a giggle.

"I guess we should take outside than", Riley answered following along with the joke. We all calmed down as the couple sat down. I looked at my watch and realized that it was almost 11.

"It seems that we should be going", I said to the group.

*****
"So Riley broke the box", Buffy said. "And I screamed to the top of my lungs".

"That sums it up", Riley said.

"You should have been here", Willow said. "These guys were hideous. You know. Not human".

"I never got a chance to see them", I said. "I had only heard about them". I looked around. This cemetery was perfect. The gangs would be here any minute. We had to be ready. Suddenly Mary appeared. She had in her hand a large backpack.

"OK", She said as she placed the bag on the floor. "I got the stuff and one of the gangs has entered the cemetery by the south entrance ".

"How many are there?", Buffy asked as she kneeled beside the bag.

"15 to 20", Mary said. "I assume the other gang has that number".

"Shouldn't we call for back up?", Riley asked

"Don't worry", I said as I pulled a crossbow from the bag and handed it to Riley. "The gangs are going to kill each other. We just have to take care of the leftovers".

Mary pulled out a thick blue candle and handed it to Willow. "We are going to need a clouding spell", Mary said.

Willow smiled as she held the candle. "Clouding spell?", Riley asked.

"Yes", Willow said. "It is used to disorient the opponents. It creates a blue fog around the whole battle area".

"The problem with it", I said. "Is that we have to trust all our senses. We can't see through the fog either".

"I can do that", Riley said.

I observed our stuff. Willow had a big cross around her neck. Luckily for Mary and me, we were immune since we had witnessed the crucifixion. Buffy and Riley had crossbows while Mary and I held some stakes. We than walked toward the south entrance path. The battle was about to begin.

*****

"….so that is why vampires fear the cross", I said as we all waited for the other gang to show up.

Riley looked at me confusingly. "So you are saying that the vampires who witnessed the crucifixion do not fear the cross?", he asked.

"Vampires fear anything related to true good", I said. "Vampires who were there that Friday didn't even think about the gracefulness. They just searched the blood".

"And speaking about drawing blood", Buffy said. "There is the other gang".

We all turned our heads to the place she pointed. At least a dozen of vampires walked towards the first gang.

"This isn't right", Riley said. "Since we are all humans shouldn't they smell our blood circulating"

I looked at Mary suddenly. Than my eyes lit up. "No", I answered. "Vampires do that when they activate it. Right now they are to busy to thinking about the battle." I than turned my head and looked at Buffy. I looked at her green eyes. She than mouthed the words thank you with her lips. I just nodded. I turned and saw the gang leaders face each other. I knew both of them only by name. They were two brothers of four. The other two had been exterminated. They seemed to be twins. Long blonde hair with matching leather black pants. The first one was named Hedge and led the TRIAD clan. They were savages all over southern Europe and loved to control most of North America. The other was named Phristian who led the HALING clan. They were the exact opposite. They controlled Northern Europe and Asia.

"FINALLY, HEDGE HAS COME TO SUNNYDALE!!", Hedge exclaimed as he met his brother face to face. "I see that you brought forth your man"

"You have done the same", Phristian answered back. "I remember when I first fought you. I was just a student. Now I am the master. The pupil has become the teacher".

We all looked at what they pointed. Two vampires who seemed to be quiet strong and capable of managing everything. Each had a strange symbol on the back of their hands. It had three arms. Two of them pointed at opposite sides. The other went right through the middle. The symbol itself seemed familiar to me. It meant something.

"Your servant will never make it alive", Phristian said. "He will die tonight".

"And you think yours will make it?", Hedge asked ironically. "In a thousand years when demons rule the world again, Evil beings will still chant my name". As his words left his lips, his gang started to chant his name. "HEDGE! HEDGE! HEDGE!"

Phristian looked at his brother, than at the gang behind him. "Tonight I will have the privilege of killing you and my gang will have the opportunity to exterminate your clan", he said evilly.

"And how do you insignificant beings plan to carry out such a task", Hedge asked.

"Well…", Phristian started.

But at that moment Hedge interrupted. "IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW YOU THINK YOU CAN EXTERMINATE US!!!! The point is that the Triad clan will kick your ass from here to the depths of the infernos". After saying that Hedge tackled his brother and the battle began. Both clans pulled swords, knifes and axes. Anything that could cause damage. They than turned towards each other so the massacre could begin. They ran towards each other and both groups of vampires crashed right than and there. The swords clanked loudly. Cries of war were heard.

"Now?", Willow asked.

"Not yet", Mary said. "Wait until the numbers are depleted".

I had never seen such savagery. It was like a The Crusades all over again. I didn't have time to see blood. All that was really present was dust. It took some time though. These vampires were warriors. They were careful. I looked at my side and saw Riley tense at the scene. I bet this was an event he would not forget any time soon. The vampires growled in hatred at each other. They tried to exterminate themselves to the very end. Soon I only saw six vamps. They were tired from the battle. They fell to the ground exhausted. The leaders were still alive, as well as the chosen ones. The other two just seemed to be lackeys.

"Now", I whispered to Willow.

Willow nodded and lit the candle. I looked at Buffy and signaled her to follow me. Riley headed with Mary to the other side. Soon a blue fog surrounded the area. The vampires seemed disoriented. I calmly headed towards one and pulled him to his feet. I than smashed my fist on his face. I pulled out the stake and rammed through his heart. I looked up and saw Buffy do the same thing. They were down. I turned towards the other four. They were scared now. At least it would be a fair fight. Suddenly the fog disappeared. I pulled Hedge to his feet and punched him in the gut followed by an uppercut to the chin. As he was in the air I grabbed his body and slammed his back hard on the ground. I looked at Riley who had take upon his liberty to take on Phristian. The tired vampire staggered as the human kicked his face. Riley than punched him in the chest and retaliated with a foot sweep. The vamp was on the ground as Riley prepared for the kill. I assumed that was it and turned my attention on Buffy who was having a hard time with the Triad's chosen one. The vampire dodge the slayer's every attack. Blocking and ducking. Luckily Buffy did the same. As the vampire attacked with outstanding speed, the blonde girl seemed in control not letting anything go by. Mary had the same trouble with the Haling's chosen one. She attacked viciously at her opponent only to find a well-structured defense. But because of her attacks, the vampire had no opportunity to launch an attack of his own. I turned my attention on Hedge again who was standing up.

"Who are you?", he asked.

"I am the one about to kill you", I said as I pulled out the wooden stake.

"You have no idea what you are getting yourself into", he said as he tackled me.

The stake flew from my hands as I hit the ground. Hedge wasted no time as he planted a solid right across my face. Again, stars was all I could see. By instinct I placed my foot on his chest and kicked him away. I turned to see Riley who had trouble of his own. Phristian had him pinned on the ground ready to encrust the crossbow through the guy's chest. Suddenly Willow appeared and jumped on to of Phristian's back. That gave Riley the opportunity he needed. He punched the vampire squarely across the face followed by a blow in the gut. He than took the Crossbow and rammed it through the heart. The Vampire turned to ashes and Willow fell, as she embraced nothing but emptiness.

I looked at Hedge and stood up quickly. The pain in my face was still there but it did not matter. I ran toward the villain and kicked him in the chest. As he retaliated from the blow I smashed my foot under his kneecap. I hear a braking sound and than a scream in pain. Finally I rammed my fist directly into Hedge' s heart. The evil demon turned to dust. I turned towards Riley and Willow. "You guys ok?", I asked.

The humans nodded and turned towards the action still taking place. Mary stood back and breathed hard. "Nikon", she yelled. "This guy is not letting anything in".

"Same here", Buffy yelled as she tried to hit the guy with a high kick.

I looked at Willow and Riley with a shrug. "I guess I have to intervene", I said. I headed towards Buffy' guy and tried to hit him. The guy simply blocked my punch. After that, faster than lightning he fired a punch catching my face. The pain was anguishing as I held my face hoping it wouldn't crumple to pieces. Buffy saw her chance. She jumped and kicked him on the chin. The vamp staggered as his defense was flawed. The blonde slayer than punched him in the stomach, than the chest and finally the face with her right fist. She than span and hit him with a backhand punch.

"Thanks", Buffy said as she kicked the vampire in the chest.

"Don't mention it", I said as I slowly stood up and walked toward Mary's opponent. She still had not found the flaw in the vamp's defense. I just stood there waiting for my just deserves. Didn't wait long. The vampire saw me and planted a swift kick on my chest. He than hit me with an uppercut right on the chin. I flew from my original position and landed next to Riley and Willow.

"Thanks hon", Mary said as she planted a solid kick on his face. She than punched him on the stomach followed by an uppercut. The vampire fell on the ground. Mary jumped and landed on his chest. The demon yelled in pain. The brunette picked him up and gave him a round hog kick followed by a right hand punch. The vampire staggered but seemed to be recuperating. Mary fired a left punch but the vampire blocked it. He than kicked her in the stomach. Mary staggered just in time to block the right hook the vampire fired. She wasn't fast enough though to block a round hog kick that landed on her face. She grunted in pain as she fell to the ground. The vampire smiled evilly at her and lifted her up by the hair. She smiled as she grabbed the demon's arm, twisting it. She than jumped up and hit the twisted arm with the knee. The sound of braking bones was heard along with a harsh scream of pain.

Meanwhile Buffy controlled the fight very well. She had a big smile on her face. She smashed the face of her opponent several times with right jabs. She than foot swept him causing for the demon to land on his back. Buffy than lifted her leg and brought it down hard on the vampire's chest. She repeated the move again, this time striking the face. She lifted her foot one more time and brought it down. This time the vampire caught it and twisted it. The slayer yelled in pain as her ankle suffered certain damage. The vampire used his hands as leverage and flipped himself up. Buffy slowly got up ready to keep on fighting. Still, her speed was affected. I could see that as she tried to kick the vampire in the shins. The vampire simply lifted his leg up and hit the slayer in the face following the blow with a kick to the chest, than an uppercut to finish the fight. Buffy hit the ground hard. The air was knocked out of her. No sooner had the girl landed on the floor when Riley jumped the being brought from hell. The vampire just flipped him over and kicked him in the chest.

I looked around for a weapon while I watched both sides of the fight. Mary had regained control and Buffy was ready to pounce on the distracted vampire. At that moment I saw what I was looking for. Two swords abandoned during the battle. I crawled towards the fallen weapons. As soon as I had them in my power, I threw them to the slayers.

"Girls!", I yelled as the swords were in the air. What I saw next was unimaginable. Each slayer grabbed hold of each weapon. Then they twirled around and hit each vampire on the neck with the deadly blade. As soon as the vampires turned to dust, a white blue light emerged from where they were standing moments earlier. The light entered Buffy and Mary at the same time. Both slayers cried in pain as that mysterious power entered their bodies. It lasted about ten seconds. Than it was over. I looked at my sides and saw both Buffy and Mary on the floor. I stood up and made my way towards Mary. I knew she still lived because She hadn't turned to dust. She was just groaning. "You ok baby?", I asked as I stroke her hair.

Mary nodded slowly. I turned my head and saw that Riley was beside Buffy. "How is Buffy?", I asked.

"She is fine", he said. "Just a little shaken. What was that?"

"I don't know", I said as I helped Mary up. She was somewhat woozy. From what I saw, Buffy was in the same conditions. Mary and walked towards the fallen slayer who was now cleaning herself up.

"That was shocking", she said with a shy smile.

"Uh guys", Willow said. "I don't want to intrude but I think that was not there before".

We all looked at the place she pointed. Behind Buffy's hand the strange symbol we had seen before was visible. I held the hand closely. Yes. It was the same. It had three arms. One in the middle and two on each side. I than turned and saw Mary's hand. There was the symbol again. I had never seen that symbol before.

*****

Giles came back to the living room with a stack of books. I grabbed a handful of them and passed them on to Willow, Riley, Buffy, Mary and a kid named Xander. After the incident in the cemetery, we had made our way to Gile's place. The search was on for the strange symbol.

"Are you sure you have never seen it?", Giles asked me.

"No", I said. "If I had, I would know which book to search in".

"Are you sure these are the rarest books you have?", Mary asked.

"Ah…. Yes", Giles stammered as he flipped the pages of one of his books.

"Here", Xander said as he placed the book on the coffee table. We all looked. There it was. It was a strange symbol. I looked at the book and immediately concluded it was not mine. The language was unusual though. It was an old dialect. I started to read.

"Nikon?", Giles asked. "Do you recognize the dialect?".

"Yes", I answered. "The symbol is an invitation. It is placed on several demons every thousand years. If the demon is killed before the event, the invitation passes on to the assassin"

"What is the event?", Buffy asked.

"It is an ancient tradition", I said as I grabbed one of my books and started flipping through the pages. "Every thousand years, few demons are chosen to enter a contest. It is to see who is the most powerful. The winner gets a key. With it, the demon can change the world as he pleases. With it he could create more demons to be his followers. Destroy the world, you name it".

"How is it stopped?", Giles asked.

"Usually a few of our guys track down these demons", Mary said. "We met one who did. He was in the contest and retrieved the key. Since he didn't it use it, the world stays normal"

"Are you saying that this always happens and there is always someone who stops it?", Buffy asked.

"Yeah", I said. "But I was told this was not my department. It is always taken care of by someone".

"What happened this time?", Willow asked.

"We screwed up", Mary said. "We were supposed to intervene in destroying both clans. We weren't supposed to kill those last two vampires".

"I know nobody wants to hear this", Xander said. "But where is this thing going to take place?"

Mary looked at me. She knew this was not a typical mission. This was something else. Something different. "Hell", I said.

A silence so deep filled the room. "What?" Giles asked softly.

"I am sorry", I said as I flipped through the book. "I am sure there is a way to remove the seal"

"I don't wanna go there", Buffy said.

"You won' t", I said. "Where is it? Ah here…There is a page missing in this book"

"Impossible", Giles said as I handed the book to him. "That is peculiar. It is missing"

"So what do we do now?", Willow asked.

"I am not sure", Mary said. "A portal is opened in front of the person that carries the seal. If you do not enter it within ten seconds, it sucks you in"

"Which means there is no escape" Buffy said.

"I am sorry", I said flatly. Never have I felt this bad about something.

"Oh well", Buffy said. "What does the key look like?"

"Your not planning in going are you?", Riley asked.

"Do you think I want to?", Buffy said. "This is just another day in Buffy' s life"

I turned and looked at Giles. "This is not supposed to happen", I said. "It is a game of survival. It is to see how many demons can you kill".

"How long will the girls be in the depths of that world?", he asked.

"I am not sure", I answered. "Time runs in different levels. For us it would be minutes. But for them it could take days".

"Nikon", Mary called. "I have an idea".

"What is it?", I asked.

"Let Willow help", she said. "A protective spell. Something to help us in that place"

I looked at Giles searching for an approval. He nodded. He than made his way to the table looking for certain book. I on the other hand looked in the one I had in my hand. There it was. The Map. I walked towards Buffy and showed her the map. "Let this guide you", I said.

"This is good", she said. "This is very good".

*****

Hell is divided in seven circles. Each contains a different prison for the demons and human souls that still look for salvation. They suffer eternally in that place. No hope is found. That is what you feel as you cross the River of Blood. After crossing it, you will meet Krad Legna. The gatekeeper. He shows the poor souls where he is supposed to serve penance. If he is defeated, the victor is allowed access to all the circles. In each circle a guardian is found. They must be defeated to reach the center of hell. There is located the final challenge. It is a minotaur. If that demon is defeated, the award is given to the victor and the exit of the Infernos is shown. During their adventures to the place of no return, you will find beings with the same purpose. They all search for the same treasure. Their objectives are to be the first to reach that place.

*****

"You all got it", I said as I finished describing the situation. All agreed. "Now", I continued. "Both Mary and Buffy will stay in that world for only a few seconds. If all goes well, the portal will open and close and open and close again. If Buffy and Mary take to long, it doesn't mean what you all think. It just means that another door will have to be opened. Questions?"

All of the sudden, a purple vortex appeared from nowhere. It flipped over a table and the couch. We all stepped back. It was a bit early I thought to myself but I remained silent. Mary hugged me tightly as she kissed me. I looked up and saw that Buffy did the same with Riley. That was it. They both jumped inside the vortex. It closed instantly. I heard a small beep. I looked at Xander who had activated a stopwatch.

"Now we wait", Giles said.

I felt the seconds go by like years. Time crawled on a different level. I felt the heartbeat of everybody in the room go at different speeds. I felt the seconds would never end. It was endless. I felt a drop of sweat crawl slowly by my temple…as I waited for an answer… that would never come….

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