by Rob Sorenson

The hotel room was surrounded by silence. No one had a word to say at the moment, lost in their own thoughts. When Buffy, Faith, Dawn and Xander had arrived there had been furious activity for a few moments; Spike moving anxiously toward Buffy, the blonde Slayer waving him away and beckoning for Willow to check out her sister's leg.

Buffy was relieved to hear that Dawn wasn't badly hurt. Her jeans had lessened the impact the her flesh, and stitches were not required. She now sat on the hotel bed in a pair of shorts that exposed the bandaged thigh.

Once she'd been attended to, the four who had been in the tunnel were quickly introduced to Katzenbach, who now sat in a chair in the corner of the room, perhaps unconsciously staying as far away as possible from the rest. He felt a bit silly in his Epcot uniform, especially now that it had been for naught. The Slayers had found out any information he could've provided them without his help.

For their part, they barely acknowledged the German's presence. Once Buffy had dealt with the immediate concern of her sister's injury, she'd simply leaned against the wall, silently refusing Spike when he offered her his seat on the bed.

Very slowly, Buffy had recounted the events in the tunnels, omitting nothing. No one had even bothered to interrupt with questions; clearly this wasn't the ordinary Scooby crisis meeting.

It was bad enough for Spike to witness his love so clearly troubled; it was downright creepy that Harris hadn't uttered so much as a cough since they'd arrived. It felt...unnatural. He understood better once Buffy reached the climax of the story. Martineau had presented them with a problem that didn't remotely resemble anything they'd ever faced.

Thus the total silence of the last five minutes. No one had a thing to offer. Finally Angel raised his voice.

"Ok, we need to come up with a plan of some kind. Anyone have thoughts? Ideas?"

Again there was complete silence. After about 15 seconds Angel stood and faced the group.

"All right then, let's look at scenarios here. One is we call his bluff. Who here thinks he wouldn't go through with it?"

Buffy gave him a long look before answering.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he'll do everything he said he would." She glanced at the three other witnesses for confirmation, and all three nodded in agreement. Angel noted their responses and moved on, now addressing Buffy only.

"One scenario eliminated then. What about an attack? Can we move on them before tomorrow night?"

"We could, but he has cameras all over the park from what I could see in that control room. I knocked out the hallway cameras that lead into their headquarters and that drew them out, but Angel....there are twists and turns in there that we didn't get a chance to see. Besides, they knew we were coming before we went in there. The only reason Faith got in undetected is all eyes were on us," she reasoned, nodding toward Dawn.

Angel sighed. "There must be something we can use. What do we know? Let's run it down. How many men does he have at his disposal?"

The blonde Slayer looked away, apparently lost in thought. Katzenbach was about to offer his best guess when Xander spoke for the first time.

"Three squads. There was only one squad down there at the time, and he said his other two were in the park. A squad is made up of roughly ten men in the American Army; it varies more if they're British. In this case I saw a total of ten guys along with the Colonel himself. Based on that I go with a total of thirty-one."

Angel nodded at Xander with approval.

"Ok, good, that's something we can use. Thirty-one guys against us is really no big deal."

Faith was shaking her head.

"Angel, have you been tuning out everything B said? We can't get to them. These tunnels are their home turf. They're armed like you wouldn't believe. We'd be picked off one by one."

Angel looked to Willow. "What about teleporting Martineau out?" She shook her head.

"I can't teleport anyone above or below the Earth."

The champion was getting frustrated. "Could someone try to be helpful instead of shooting every idea down? Am I the only one who doesn't want to come up with an answer that doesn't involve our death? I mean, outside of his people killing thousands? Because right now, that's our only alternative."

This got Buffy's attention. "You don't honestly think we're going to let him do that, are you?"

"We can't very well just march in there and do what he wants. If we die the whole world falls under the Council's control again. The next Slayer is called, and the whole cycle just restarts itself. We all worked too hard to--"

Xander got up. "Just so I can be clear on this, you'd rather we let him slaughter a bunch of people so we MIGHT have a chance to survive? I can't say I'm liking the sound of that plan."

"Xand, let him finish," Faith said. He looked at her incredulously.

"Let him finish? Let him finish talking about throwing a few thousand innocent people's lives down the drain like they're nothing?"

Faith stood and faced him. "He never said that."

Xander threw his hands in the air.

"Are you honestly going to tell me that you think it's ok to just allow people to be shot, blown up or God knows what else!?"

She matched his pitched tone.

"I don't think any of this is ok, Xander! You know something? People are gonna die here one way or the other. I just don't want it to be us. Is that so hard for you to understand?! This is the friggin job. You gotta make the tough choices sometimes."

Xander laughed bitterly. "Oh, that is just priceless coming from you."

Faith's eyes widened. "What the Hell is that supposed to mean?"

Buffy tried to intercede. "Xander--"

"I knew that Martineau would have men in reserve in that tunnel. He's a military man, Faith. I have some knowledge of the way these guys think. There's always a reserve to cover his back. I tried to tell you, but you weren't going to listen to me. You ordered me to stay back out of sight and just rushed forward!"

Faith took an involuntary step back as Xander went on relentlessly, pointing at Buffy.

"She would've listened. Buffy would've let me watch her back because she's learned to use everything she has....even me. THAT'S the job. Instead, I was focused on you taking off, and they got the drop on me. If you had worked with me for fifteen seconds, we could've taken out his backup first and probably eliminated that whole squad, and the Colonel could be a hostage. We might have had something to work with. Instead we're having a conversation about allowing a mass murder. So do me a favor and don't lecture me about the harsh realities, ok?!"

The shocked silence was deafening. Faith held his gaze for moment longer and abruptly made her way to the door. Xander took a deep breath.

"Faith, I--."

She ran out before he could finish, slamming the door behind her. Before anyone could stop him, Xander gave chase.

Angel watched them go, a confused _expression on his face.

"I didn't mean to--" He trailed off as Buffy gently shook her head.

"Whatever that was, it was about more than what you said. They'll work it out. Let's just move on. We need to come up with more ideas here. I'm open to anything at this point."

Dawn spoke up.

"I can't deal with watching other people die so that I might live. That is not an option to me." She looked at Angel, voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry, Angel, but I'd rather die instead."

Angel held up his hands. "I wasn't advocating anything like that, I was just...Hell, I don't know what I was trying to do." He leaned back against the wall, shaking his head.

Spike took Dawn's hand. "No use gettin' ahead of ourselves, Bit. We'll find a way."

Angel couldn't stop himself. "Spike, we don't have much time. If my watch is right, we have 27 hours. If we're going to find a way, we need to do it now."

"Ah, of course. Right then, since your suggestions have been so bloody brilliant..." He snorted.

"I haven't heard anything of use from you yet, Spike."

"Interesting, init? Could be that I've nothing to say because I don't just spout off about every silly thing that comes to mind, like some of us."

"At least I'm making an effort. What are you doing to help, exactly?"

Spike stood up. "Why don't you sod--"

"ENOUGH!!"

Everyone turned their faces to Willow in shock.

"This is getting us nowhere. Let's all just get away from each other for a couple of hours so we can think. We'll meet back here."

Angel frowned. "Willow, like I said, there isn't time--"

"I heard what you said. I can't think clearly with everyone fighting each other. We know the situation. Let's give ourselves a chance to work things out."

Buffy spoke gently. "Will--"

The Wicca stood, hands on hips.

"Let me put it another way. If you people aren't out of my room in thirty seconds, I'll send you to some very unpleasant places." She pointed, resolve face in full effect.

"Go. Now."

Buffy rubbed her hands over her face and took a deep breath as Dawn began to rise. Willow held out a hand.

"You stay, Dawnie. This is your room too. Plus, you should rest that leg. Everyone else...shoo!"

Slowly everyone shambled toward the door. As the door closed Wesley came out of the bathroom, looking from Willow to Dawn.

"Did I miss anything?"

Spike fell in step with Buffy as they left.

"You all right, luv?"

"No. You?"

"Can't say I am. Wanna go back to the room?"

She took his hand and faced him.

"You go ahead. I need some time to myself."

He tried not to look hurt as he nodded. "Right, then. Back here in a coupla hours."

She smiled thinly and walked away. Spike fought the impulse to follow her and headed in the opposite direction.

*******************************************************

Katzenbach had left as silently as the rest; little attention had been paid to him. He wasn't terribly surprised. After all, what could he possibly do to make things worse for them at this stage? If he were a spy, he was a rather pointless one.

He found himself making his way toward a certain section of the hotel without consciously making the decision. He was mildly amused by the idea, really: there was an imminent threat against the world's safety, and no one had a clue how to prevent it other than allowing a massive amount of innocent bloodshed. What

was the response of the erstwhile Chairman of the Watcher's Council?

He needed a beer.

Windows on the World was a high class lounge located on the top floor of the Contemporary, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the Magic Kingdom. It was a remarkably well kept secret; the place was unerringly

quiet every time he'd been there, and this was no exception. Due to force of habit he took a quick glance around to make sure no off-duty Security Council members were present. <As if they would care at this point,> he thought wryly as his eyes fell on a familiar face..

He'd studied the current Slayers' profiles for years, of course. As a Watcher's Council member, it was a requirement; unquestionably it was even more important to him in this case since these had been Rupert's charges.

It had been a nearly interminable wait for his turn to come; but through the unfortunate death of Merrick (who'd been a decent sort, really), Giles finally had his

Slayer...and what a Slayer she had been. Perhaps the finest of them all, with the possible exception of Katzenbach's own...and one would never know what

she could have become.

Therefore, knowing the habits of the current warriors, he wasn't the least bit surprised to see a Slayer seating herself at a corner table, as isolated as possible from the other patrons.

He just hadn't expected it to be this one. After a moment's hesitation, he came to a decision and walked toward her table.

"Miss Summers? May I join you?"

Buffy stared at him for a moment, briefly uncomprehending. She'd been so out of it since they'd come back to the hotel that she barely recognized the old Watcher guy Willow had introduced her to. Finally shrugging her shoulders, she silently indicated the seat across from her.

"Eight years I've been thinking about how alone I am. Yet it never seems to really happen." She snorted ruefully, a slight smile tickling her face.

"One can be lonely in a roomful of people rather easily. Yours is a lonely calling. It's understandable to feel isolated."

"I suppose."

Neither spoke for a few moments. The waitress approached them.

"G'd evening, my name is Kerrie. What can I get you tonight?"

Katzenbach forced a smile. "Good evening, Kerrie. Might I have a Heineken, please?"

"Coming right up. And for the lady?"

Buffy considered a moment. "What the Hell. Gimme a Heineken too."

"ID, please?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I need to see some ID. Rules, ya know. Sorry to have to ask, but..."

"No, it's ok. Hang on a second." Buffy dug through her purse and found her virtually unused California driver's license, thereby showing that she was the required age for imbibing in America. The barmaid nodded her approval.

"Right. I'll only be a moment."

She walked away to retrieve their beers. Buffy watched her go.

"Australian," she said, apropos of nothing.

"Yes. One thing about Disney World. There are few cultures that aren't represented in some way."

She simply nodded, and silence fell between them again. Buffy stared out the window down to Cinderella's castle. Using her enhanced vision she focused on a little girl eating popcorn as a musical revue took place on the stage directly in front of the fairy tale structure. The wide,

innocent eyes widened even further at the wondrous sight of a singing and dancing Minnie Mouse, who had just taken the stage. Buffy smiled as the six year old spilled her snack as a result of clapping so fiercely. Her mommy and daddy, presumably, moved in to salvage as much of the overpriced treat as possible. She spoke without thinking.

"I've died a couple of times already, you know."

Before Katzenbach could respond, Kerrie had already returned with two ice cold mugs.

"Can I get you a menu? Would you like some appetizers?"

Buffy smiled. "No, thank you. Not hungry. Umm.." She looked over at her German companion questioningly. He looked to the pretty Australian.

"I'm not hungry either. Thank you, though."

"Not a problem. Let me know if there's anything else I can get you."

She moved away again as Katzenbach drank gratefully. Buffy merely sipped at hers. She didn't really like beer all that much; for whatever reason this just felt like a good time to have one. Her eyes fell on the old Watcher, really studying him for the first time.

"Are you sure you don't want something to eat? Forgive me for saying so, but you really look like you could use some food."

"Could you eat at a time like this?"

"No. I guess not."

Katzenbach was now staring out the same window. After a few moments he took a deep breath and began to speak without focusing on the Slayer.

"I apologize if that sounded abrupt. In all honesty, I'm unable to keep solid food down."

Buffy shifted awkwardly as he continued, seemingly talking to himself..

"The doctors offered me options, of course. Surgery, followed by radiation; 'aggressive therapy', one of them called it. It's a nice term, actually. Allows the terminally ill to feel as if they're still fighting. Belief can be a powerful force. Unfortunately I haven't been the fighting or believing sort for some time. Certain things are best left alone."

Buffy stared at him, unable to speak for a moment.

"I'm sorry."

Katzenbach shook his head and looked back into her eyes. <My God, she is beautifu,l> he thought. <They are all so beautifu.l>

"You needn't be. In truth, my time ended long ago. What were you saying before?"

Buffy blinked. "Huh?"

"About death."

"Oh. Right. It was nothing, really."

He smiled at her. "Death is many things to many people, Miss Summers. To some it's an ending to everything. To others it's a gateway to a higher plane of existence. In all honesty, I must confess that it is merely a relief for me. Whatever the case, I cannot think of anyone who considers death to be nothing."

Buffy took a longer drink of her beer, eye twitching slightly at the bitter taste. She spoke while staring down at her reflection in the glass table top.

"It was a couple of those things for me. My sister asked me about this earlier, and I kinda brushed her off. I don't think she can ever really understand this, but...."

Buffy hesitated a moment.

"How much does the Council know about my

death?"

"Be more specific."

"The second one."

"Ah. Glory. The portal between dimensions opened and you sacrificed yourself for the world by leaping to your death, thereby closing it."

She nodded. "Somewhat melodramatic, but yeah, that's pretty much it. Anyway, I stood there on top of that demon erector set thingy, telling Dawn that this was the work I had to do. Really wasn't a lot of work when you think about it. Just run and jump and let gravity do the rest."

"I think to say you're being modest is a tragic understatement. Really, Miss Summers..."

He looked at her with disbelief.

She shrugged and went on. "I told her all this nice stuff. How much I loved everyone, how much I needed her to move on without me and live. I told her the hardest thing in this world is to live in it."

"You weren't sincere?"

She shook her head, now looking directly at him.

"No, I don't mean it that way. I was. I meant all those things. All those things are true, it's just....they were hypocritical coming from me."

"How so?"

Buffy took a deep breath before continuing.

"As important as my family was to me, the strain of fighting bigger and bigger evil all the time was just too much. I'd lost my mother a couple of months before,

and I never really got a chance to grieve because Glory was hurting everyone around me. After a while, the loneliness of it all became so overwhelming. When I looked over the edge of that tower, I realized what I had to do.....and I felt so relieved. It was like someone or something was reaching out and telling me that my time was done. My burden was to be lifted. When I ran off the edge, I'd never felt better in my life."

He stared at her for a few moments before responding.

"Yet you returned."

She looked back out the window, her face gently illuminated by the setting sun.

"Yeah. That I did. Wasn't my idea, though. I don't know about the higher plane of existence stuff, but wherever I was...I felt perfect. Completely, absolutely perfect. I don't know any other way to say it. There was this feeling that everyone was ok, and I could finally rest. God, it was wonderful. When I was brought back...."

She hesitated. "This is terrible to say."

"It's all right. Go ahead."

Buffy spoke in a near whisper, as if she thought they might hear her.

"I hated them. I hated Willow, and Xander, and Tara....I couldn't even stand to look at my own sister. I don't even want to think about the things I did when it comes to Spike. What I did with him--what I did TO him--was unforgivable."

"You're being much too unfair to yourself, I believe. I cannot imagine anyone reacting well to that scenario."

She leaned forward, eyes burning into him.

"Here's the thing. All that good I was feeling out there in the Great Whatever? It was a lie. My family was most definitely NOT ok. My sister was on the verge of going into the foster care system. Sunnydale was being overrun by demons because no one was minding the Hellmouth. Everyone was trying to fight in my place, but it was too much for them. Faith was in no position to take over from jail, and no other Slayer can be called unless she's dead."

Katzenbach, thinking she was finished, had opened his mouth to speak when she continued.

"Most of all, they truly thought I was suffering the way Angel did when I had to kill him. They thought I was in pain...in torment. I would've pulled Angel out of that Hell dimension in a second if I had the power to make that happen. How could I blame them for not knowing? What the Hell was wrong with me?"

Katzenbach sat back in his chair, this time finishing his beer before responding, just in case she had more to say.

"There was nothing wrong with any of you. We're all faced with impossible situations at times. That's not exclusive to Slayers or those who choose to fight with them. The stakes are simply higher in your case. You are as human as anyone else, Miss Summers."

She frowned at him. "Do me a favor and call me Buffy, ok? Only teachers, cops and bad guys call me Miss Summers."

"As you wish. Please call me Hans. Now then, as I was saying, you are a Slayer, yes, but still only human. You ask too much of yourself. As I understand it, you have always been this way."

She raised an eyebrow. "Ok, we did just meet, right? 'Cause I have a pretty good memory sometimes, and I'm wondering how you could possibly think you know this."

"Rupert Giles was my best friend."

Buffy's eyes lit up. "Really? He never mentioned you." She grimaced. "Just realized how bad that sounds. Sorry."

He shook his head. "No need to apologize. Truthfully, I'm uncertain whether the feeling was mutual. I was fifteen years older than he was. He was simply the last real friend I made after....a certain point in my life."

"He talked about me, though?"

He smiled broadly. "Oh my, yes. We corresponded regularly, almost always about you. You either frustrated him terribly or made him deeply proud. Usually both at once. He sensed something extraordinary in you

immediately."

She smiled, embarrassed. "Yeah, right. Whatever."

"Buffy." He tilted his head slightly. "I've been speaking to you for fifteen minutes, and I knew ten minutes ago that you were no ordinary Slayer--not that there's anything ordinary about any of you in the first place. Someone like you comes along once in a century....perhaps twice if we're lucky." He raised his hand for Kerrie to bring him a second Heineken.

"Twice? Do you mean Faith?"

"I haven't spoken with Faith. I only know what is written down, and what Rupert told me."

"You should find some time to talk with her. It's an experience."

"So I have heard. Perhaps I will after tomorrow."

"Assuming there is an after tomorrow."

This caused them to be silent for another minute. Buffy politely declined another beer as Katzenbach took a sip of his fresh one.

"So who's the second one?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You said only two Slayers like me come in a century. If you didn't mean Faith..."

He took a deep breath and looked at the table. Buffy's eyes softened.

"Oh. I should've realized. You had your own Slayer, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. I seem to be messing up a lot tonight."

He merely waved his hand, dismissing her apology without looking. She spoke gently.

"What was she like?"

He said nothing for a moment, and Buffy quickly jumped in again.

"Wait, it's ok. I didn't mean to bring it up. Let's just forget it."

"No, it's all right. I haven't spoken of this in so long. It's habitual for me to be on guard when it comes to her. The only time I've ever mentioned this at all is with Rupert, and that was extremely rare. He didn't care to talk about her much either, I imagine."

"Giles knew your Slayer, too? Did you guys work together?"

"We did. He was at....how do you say this in English?" Katzenbach thought for a moment. "He was at a crossroad in his life at the time. It was before you were born, actually. A rather long story."

Buffy looked at her watch. "Well, we have to be back in Willow's room in an hour and thirty-six minutes. Keep it under that and we'll be fine."

He looked at her a moment. "All right, then." Hans Katzenbach proceeded to tell her everything.

****************************************************

Xander jogged up to the door of his room. Faith had outdistanced him with ease, of course; she'd practically sprinted away from him. He'd barely managed to spot her going into the room as he rounded the corner of

the hallway. After hesitating a moment to catch his breath, he slid his key card in and entrance was granted.

Faith was sitting cross legged on the bed, arms folded. She faced the wall away from the door. She spoke in a barely controlled voice.

"Get the Hell away from me."

"Faith--"

"I'm serious, Xander. You don't want to be around me right now."

"Why, are you going to hit me?"

She snorted and shook her head. Xander walked to the back of the room to face her, but she wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Well? Yes or no? You want to hit me?"

"I'm not gonna waste the energy to hit you."

"Ok."

Xander hesitated a moment, unsure how to proceed.

"Look, I realize I was kind of harsh--"

She looked at him then, eyes like lasers.

"Harsh? Don't flatter yourself. That was nothing."

"Right. And you took off because..."

"I can't deal with listening to your stupid shit, that's all. I got bored."

He sighed heavily. "Ok. I'm gonna go back to Will's room." He moved toward the door. "Let me know when you're ready to talk."

She stood up and faced him then.

"Talk? Is that what was going on? I could've sworn you were yelling at me."

"I shouldn't have--"

"You want to hear something funny?"

He simply stared at her, waiting. She walked toward him slowly, pointing a finger at him.

"I think it's funny when people try to tell me what my job is. Especially people who don't have a clue." She laughed bitterly.

"Faith--"

"NO! You wanted to talk right now, then we're damn well gonna, but it's my turn. You got to say plenty in front of everyone." She was close to him now, and he willed himself not to move backward.

"You wanna know what harsh feels like? Here's a little taste. I find it so damn hilarious that a guy who would probably get his ass kicked by Andrew is trying to tell me how to fight. You hung out with the Slayer for

a few years and you got it all figured out, is that it?"

"That's not what I was saying--"

She grabbed his shirt and backed him into the wall.

"Shut up! Just...do the world a favor for once and shut up, would you? God, I cannot believe how much you can piss me off."

She turned away from him, moving quickly to the other side of the room, clenching and unclenching her fists. Xander stayed against the wall as if she had nailed him to the spot as she went on.

"My job is the worst joke. I mean, honestly. One day I wake up hung over and used up, and someone--" she waved her hands in the air--"from somewhere decides that I got a job to do. It was like, 'Hey Faith. Wait'll you hear this one. You know that world that's been shitting on you since the day you were born? You have to go risk your life against all kinds of horrible things to protect those people, ok? Including those guys who offered you five more bucks so you could take it up--"

Faith stopped herself. Xander closed his eyes. She gathered herself and continued.

"I guess you get the picture. Point is somebody threw all this ability to kick ass at me and I was supposed to just learn how to use it overnight. Yeah, they tossed a couple of Watchers my way, but I guess we know what most of them are worth now, don't we? Shit."

She faced him again, eyes hard.

"Now we're what? Six, seven years down the road? I did some stupid things, and I paid the price. Nine months in a coma. Three years in the joint. Yeah, I did a real bang up job as a Slayer, all right. And yet, hey...look at me now. I'm workin' my way back. A little bit at a time, I'm starting to turn a corner, you know?"

He spoke softly. "I know."

"You don't know shit. You have no clue what it is to try to dig yourself out of a hole like that."

"It wasn't all your fault."

She tilted her head at him. "Tell me something I don't know."

"I love you more than any other woman I've ever known."

She turned away from him, hugging herself as if she felt a chill.

"Don't say that. Don't even try that shit with me."

"You're right. I have no clue what it means to be a Slayer. I'm also aware I'm not much of a fighter. Can't argue with that....but that doesn't mean I can't contribute. You need to stop trying to protect me from everything and let me help you."

She lost it then. Faith was in his face in an instant, shrieking.

"I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!!"

Tears poured from her eyes, but she didn't care any more.

"You were hurt so bad, and then you were gone! You left me, Goddamn you! You're the only man who has ever mattered to me, and for ten days you just checked out! I had nothing again. NOTHING!! You selfish son of a bitch...telling me that I'm supposed to just throw you out there to get killed right after I had to sit with you in that hospital.." She trailed off, crying too hard to speak clearly.

Xander tried to pull her into him, but she resisted, stiffly holding an arm out against his chest. She swallowed hard, her voice changing from hysterical to feather soft.

"They told me I'm supposed to protect the world, and I can't even protect you. I can't even do that."

Xander shocked her by slapping her arm away and cupping her face with his hands.

"Let me tell you something. The job will always be there, Faith. I committed to this stuff long before I ever met you. At the risk of pissing you off again, your job as I see it is to protect the world...any way you can. That includes utilizing everyone you have. I'm not much, but you'll get everything I can give you."

She made no effort to break away, now covering his hands with her own, whispering.

"You weren't made to do this, Xander. It's just a matter of time before your luck runs out. Then I'll be left alone again."

He shook his head. "No you won't. You have a whole family now, Faith. Most importantly, you have yourself. You've always had yourself. Look...we all have an expiration date doing this. That's pretty much a given. If that means I die tomorrow...I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be than next to you. Plus, the Xandman ain't goin' nowhere any time soon. Count on that."

She looked hard into his eyes. "I don't want to die. I feel like I was just getting someplace, ya know?"

"You and me both, honey."

He looked down at his feet.

"I'm sorry I was such an ass in front of everybody."

She said nothing. Xander looked back into her eyes, frowning.

"You're supposed to be telling me that I wasn't that bad and it's ok."

"Oh, I'm supposed to lie? This relationship thing is really complex."

"Bitch."

"Damn straight."

They shared a brief smile. Faith's faded quickly.

"Is the job always going to be between us?"

He shrugged.

"That's up to you. As far as I'm concerned, your job is just a part of us. Just like mine is. Look at it this way: you kill evil things, and I back you up as much as I can. I build and fix stuff and you..."

Xander hesitated a beat.

"Well, you don't really know how to help me do any of that, actually. Tell you what: I'll let you do some of the heavy lifting. Then we're even Steven."

"I'm scared."

Faith couldn't remember making that admission to anyone in her entire life. Xander stared at her for a moment, aware of its significance. He'd give anything to calm her soul. All he had to offer was his trademarked crooked grin.

"Well, duh. You'd be crazy otherwise. Let me tell you something. We're not done yet, baby. Wills has an idea."

"She does? She didn't say anything."

"She gets this look in her eye. Trust me. We probably oughta get back over there."

Faith shook her head. "Not yet. I just need...."

She buried her face in his chest, finally allowing him to wrap his arms around her as she started crying again.

"I hate this."

"What?"

"This getting all upset crap. I don't do these things."

"Maybe you do now."

She looked up into his eyes.

"You could hurt me so bad, Xander. You have no idea."

She put her face back against his shoulder, naked before him without removing a stitch.

******************************************************

Buffy sat back in her chair, unconsciously distancing herself from the old man. Katzenbach couldn't fault her for that. He deserved far worse.

"What on Earth convinced you people that endangering someone's life for no reason was a good thing? Someone who was fighting for her life every night? That's the part I've never understood. Could you explain that to me?"

The German looked at her. He was exhausted from relating the experience after such a long time...but it felt like something he needed to get out.

"I would like to think the Council had their reasons. I must say I haven't a clue what they were. The Cruciamentum was instituted in the Middle Ages. It was inhumane to say the least."

"And Giles helped you? He actually put the lock on that door himself?"

Katzenbach held her gaze with some difficulty. "He did."

"So....after he helped you...and she died...all those years later, he still did it to me?"

He nodded. "You may blame me for that if you wish. He detested the idea. I advised him to go on with it as much as possible. I was so caught up in the idea of an unconventional Slayer changing things that I lost sight of you as a person. Some people never learn, I suppose. In the end, Rupert invalidated the test, yes?"

"Yes. The vampire got loose and Giles told me what he did. It was too late...but he did try. I had to go in there anyway to save my Mom. Travers tried to be all nice to me after he fired Giles right in front of my face.

Asshole."

For the first time in several minutes Katzenbach smiled.

"You were being observed at the time, you know."

"Well, yeah. I mean I assume Giles was called a Watcher for a reason."

"You misunderstand me. You were both being watched. The Council observes all interaction between a Watcher and his Slayer. That's why Travers felt the need to force me to comply with the Cruciamentum. At the time, I felt he gave me no choice."

Buffy considered for a moment. "Well...he didn't, really. He said you'd be replaced otherwise. You couldn't leave her. You loved her."

The old man stared at her for a long time before he shook his head.

"Oh, Buffy. That's lovely for you to say, but it simply isn't true. I should have left her precisely because I loved her. If I were replaced, as Rupert was by Wesley, I could have remained a part of her life...prepared her for the Cruciamentum at the very least."

"Hans, the more I learn about Travers, the more I'm convinced that he would've killed you if you'd tried to do that."

"As he would have killed Rupert in your time...and possibly you. The situation was somewhat similar when you turned eighteen, Buffy. If Rupert had simply refused to perform the test, your lives would have been in danger."

It was Buffy's turn to stare at him. "They pretty much were every week anyway."

"Yes, but wouldn't you say the demons are enough?"

"Got me there, I guess. Wait a minute, a couple of months after that I quit. Why didn't they just come after me then?"

"The Slayer line hasn't run through you for years, as you know. Two Slayers at once had never occurred prior to this. Their attentions were entirely focused on Faith at the time. They found her more...acceptable.

Your actions were an annoyance to Quentin, but not a top priority."

Buffy spoke quietly.

"So Giles knew how much danger he could have been in when I told the Council to shove it? He never said a word to me. He just...stood with me. He stood with me over a guy who had killed the woman he loved."

"He loved you as a father would, Buffy. More than he could properly express over the phone or in his letters, but....if you knew Rupert, it was obvious."

Buffy's eyes misted. "I miss him so much. Things...didn't end very well between us. I'd do anything to see him one more time."

"He loved you until his last breath. You must believe that."

"He didn't approve of me with Spike."

Katzenbach looked at her for a moment. She had an anxious look on her face, almost as if his opinion on the subject was vital to her.

"Buffy, Rupert was one of the bravest, most decent men I've ever known. This does not mean, however, that he was perfect. As I said, he loved you as a father would, and therefore would not be easy to please. He wanted what was best for you, and he decided a vampire didn't qualify as such."

She stared hard at him. "How do you know all this?"

"As I said, we corresponded regularly."

"So what do you think?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes."

He took a moment to try to find the right words, staring out into the well lit darkness.

"Let me ask you a question first. Have you any doubts about this man?"

Buffy answered instantly. "None. Not any more."

"Does he, as far as you know, have any reservations toward you?"

Buffy considered her response for a long time.

"I think most of his reservations are about himself. The traditional human relationship isn't possible. It's the reason Angel left me....well, that and the other little matter. Marriage..children...not gonna happen. I think he's afraid that I'll feel the need for that eventually."

"Will you?"

Again the answer was instant. "Again, no. When am I going to have children with this job? I won't say I don't feel that hole, but no child of mine will live in my world...unless I'm no longer a Slayer. That isn't likely to happen. As far as marriage goes, in the end it's a piece of paper that legally announces that you're partners for life. That nice, but....I don't really need it."

"Have you told him this?"

She said nothing, turning her head to stare out the window. Katzenbach licked his lips and spoke.

"I was told many years ago that I was not allowed to be with someone, and I believed those people. They were more experienced than I. They should know, yes? Therefore my mind refused to allow what my heart was screaming for. As a result, I helped to kill the only woman I've ever loved."

His lower lip quivered, and he barely got the next words out.

"Twenty eight years ago, any useful part of me died when she did. Take some advice from a sick old man, Buffy: it means absolutely nothing what anyone else thinks. Your heart will tell you everything you need to know. You have so many things in your life that are painful. Allow yourself to be happy."

Buffy smiled through her own tears. "Thank you."

"Thanks aren't necessary. Another beer, however, might be."

She laughed.

"This one is on me." Buffy looked at her watch and back up at him apologetically. "I know we have another hour, but I feel the need to go see someone first. I might have hurt his feelings a little earlier."

"I've seen William the Bloody in the same room with you for about fifteen minutes, and I can tell you without hesitation that he will forgive anything when it comes to you. Reminded me of some better days. You should

take advantage of whatever time you have left."

Buffy shook her head. "Don't give up on the Scooby Gang just yet. We have a way of pulling things out at the last second. Plus, Willow has an idea."

"She does? She didn't say anything."

"She doesn't have to. It's this look she gets; she just needed some quiet time to research it."

She stood, left some cash on the table despite Katzenbach's resistance, and leaned over, gently brushing her lips against his cheek.

"You're a good man, Hans. I'll see you in an hour, 'kay?"

"Of course."

Buffy smiled at him once more as she walked out. For a brief second there was a familiar echo in his heart; the old Watcher's mind flew dizzily backward to better days.

Lost in the tender gaze of the Slayer.

*********************************************************

"He's dying."

Wesley looked up to Willow from his seat on the bed.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes. It's right here in the Council medical records," she said, indicating her computer screen. Dawn moved to look over her shoulder. The Wicca turned her head slightly.

"How's the leg?"

"It's cool. It was like a paper cut. Stung and bled a lot at first, but it really isn't bothering me now. It looked a lot worse than it actually was. So what's wrong with him?"

"Liver cancer. It was advanced by the time he got it checked out. It says here patient refused treatment."

Wesley spoke up. "How long ago?" Willow scrolled down.

"Eight months." She turned to look at him. "He's on borrowed time as it is."

"I thought as much. When I searched him...it was disturbing. Skin and bones. I don't see how he can function."

"I don't either. He's too lucid to be on any kind of useful medication at this stage. The man has to be in terrible pain."

Dawn walked away, lost in thought as Willow clicked over to the window that discussed Disney World's history. The Key turned back around to face the redhead, arms folded.

"So what's your idea?"

"Excuse me?"

"Willow, you SO have an idea. You don't act like you did before otherwise. Going to share much?"

"Not yet. I think everyone should be here at the same time for this."

Wesley rose and stretched his legs.

"It must be a good idea if you're holding out on us."

Willow turned and held his gaze.

"It's actually an awful idea. Thing is, it's so awful it just might work."

******************************************************

Spike was stretched out on the bed, grumbling to himself. He'd forgotten to stock the refrigerator, and he felt the need for a drink. On one level, he knew it was too much to expect Buffy to spend every waking minute with him; it would smother her. Still he had the insatiable urge to be near his Slayer all the time. Whenever she pulled away, even for a short period, there was a hole left behind.

He was checking his watch when he heard the key card slide into the door. He smiled to himself and his dormant heart did flips.

At least that's how it felt to him.

Buffy entered without saying a word, walking slowly in front of their bed and looking down at her feet as the toe of her tennis shoe scuffed the carpet. Spike was amused by her awkwardness, and fell in love with her all over again. His magnificent little princess warrior.

"I want to tell you something."

Spike nodded. "All right, then."

"Assuming we get through the next day with our lives, I'm here for the long haul. You're going to live a lot longer than me, Spike. I'm going to be gumming oatmeal in a nursing home while you're going to remain the most beautiful man I've ever seen. As of this moment, whatever insecurities that caused me to hold back are gone. I officially don't care."

She crawled on the bed next to him.

"You mean...everything to me. I used to think how nice it would be if we could go to the beach together in the morning and watch the waves roll in. How we could stay there all day and make love in the afternoon heat.

Maybe go parasailing in Mexico...or Europe. See the French Riviera. I'm not going to lie to you; it bothered me on some level that I could never do those things with someone who couldn't walk with me in the sunshine."

Spike's face spoke volumes, and he opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him with a forefinger to his lips.

"You know what? We're still going to the beach, William. We'll just watch the moon rise instead. We can stay there all night. If I want to make love in the heat we'll find a sauna, and I swear to you I'll find a way to make a dead man sweat. We can take a boat to Europe; Cannes must look gorgeous under the stars. I don't like heights all that much, really...who needs parasailing anyway?"

"It comes down to this: twenty four hours outside with any human won't be half as wonderful as twelve hours in the dark with a vampire who makes my heart beat faster just by walking into a room."

She leaned in, inches from his lips.

"You've already seen so much of this world. I want you to show it to me someday. I love you, Spike, and I always will... and I don't give a damn if anyone else doesn't like it."

He kissed her fiercely and rolled on top of her, unable to contain himself any longer. Just as she'd expected. Just what she needed.

**************One Hour Later ***************

Faith and Xander walked into Willow's room, hand in hand. Willow raised an eyebrow. The last time she'd seen them it looked like World War III was on its way. Now Faith, of all people, was showing Xander a public display of affection. That wasn't her normal way.

Dawn, for her part, had a big smile on her face. She still had a childlike need to see people she loved getting along. Her needs were met further when Buffy and

Spike walked in, faces flushed and hair slightly askew. Normally Buffy wouldn't be caught dead like this...but Dawn got the distinct impression that Buffy just didn't give a rat's ass.

All in all, things could really change in a couple of hours.

Angel came in a few minutes later and sat down heavily. Clearly he still felt the tension of the previous get together. Spike sat next to him.

"Where did you go, then?"

"Roof."

"Of course. The bloody roof. What is it with you and the sodding roof? You're always on someone's roof."

"Just shut up, Spike."

"Angel."

Something in his tone made the dark haired vampire look up to meet his eyes.

"You said what needed saying, mate. Not going to get anywhere unless we hear all the scenarios, now are we?"

"Honestly, upsetting Xander is something that doesn't surprise me. I've never seen Willow like that, though. I wasn't expecting that."

Spike nodded his agreement.

"She tends to get more forceful these days, that one. Give her an idea and she'll chase it down like a basset hound."

"She had an idea?"

"Oh yeah. Gets this glittery look in her eye. Almost looks like the one she gets when a man has to cover himself up, if you catch m'drift."

Angel couldn't help but smile. Katzenbach had quietly slipped in and re-took his position in the far corner. Buffy gave him a welcoming smile as he passed by. Once everyone had appeared to settle themselves, she addressed the group.

"Ok, let's give this another try. We've had some time to think..."

She hesitated a moment as her eyes fell on Xander, who raised an eyebrow, looking at the hair, and back to her eyes. Buffy raised an eyebrow right back.

"Some of us have had time to think really hard."

Spike didn't even bother to hide his smirk. Angel sighed and shook his head.

"What was I saying? Oh, right....serious danger. Willow, why don't you spring the idea you've had for the past couple of hours on us?"

The Wicca frowned. "How did you--" She looked out to the group, saw everyone's _expression and cleared her throat. "Ok, then. I want to warn you guys that this is a little crazy."

Faith tilted her head and spoke.

"Christ, Red, nobody else has come up with anything. Just spit it out already."

Willow took a deep breath. "Ok. We need to find a way for Disney World to close the park tomorrow."

No one spoke for a moment. Dawn found her voice first.

"That's it? That's your big idea?"

"Yes."

"Does Disney World ever close? I mean, they're open every day, right? Holidays are actually their biggest moneymakers, so Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's....I'm lost here, Willow. How would this work?"

"I've been looking over the archives. Since 1971, Disney World has closed it doors--so to speak--twice. Once was a couple of years ago on the morning of September 11th. As a precaution they completely evacuated the park. It was empty in two hours."

Angel interrupted. "Are you suggesting we tell Disney Security the truth? Or at least call in a big bomb threat? Would that work?"

Willow shook her head. "I was coming to that. When Disney gets bomb threats--they get them all the time, by the way--the general public is not allowed to know. They're all handled on an individual basis to prevent a possible panic."

Xander kicked in here. "That makes sense. Most of them are BS, anyway. If they kept emptying the park every time some crank called in, it'd be a mess."

"Right," Willow agreed. "So that's not a viable option."

She took yet another deep breath. Buffy and Xander stirred a bit. Whatever this was....

"There was one other time when Disney World didn't open its doors in the morning...and I think I can work with that."

Buffy moved over to Willow, sensing her enormous discomfort.

"Wills, it's just an idea. It's not going to hurt anyone. You're all we've got right now. Just say it."

After another long moment Willow closed her eyes tightly.

"Ok."

And she told them.

******************************************************

Col. Anthony Martineau had a big smile on his face as he spoke to the new arrival.

"Enjoying your vacation, then?"

"I had been. South Beach is a lot of fun this time of year."

"Had a few shark attacks there recently, as I understand it."

"I can't imagine why."

Martineau laughed out loud. Finally he took a deep breath, the smile leaving his face.

"In all seriousness, I'm sorry we had to call you in...but I needed every available resource for this operation. The stakes have never been any higher for this organization."

"Apocalypses don't count as the highest stakes any longer?"

"I'd like to think that destroying this group of Slayers will prevent an eventual apocalypse. They don't have the stomach to do what is necessary."

"Slayers?" Eyebrows raised. "Did you say Slayers?"

"Yes. Not to mention two ensouled vampires and the single most powerful witch on the planet. Plus a couple of former Watchers and two rather weak and pointless humans."

"If they run with this crowd I wouldn't expect them to be weak or pointless, Tony."

"It is of no consequence. I expect them to come in without a fight."

"Are you serious? We are speaking of Buffy Summers, are we not? I haven't had the pleasure...but her reputation precedes her. Not to mention the rather dangerous reputation of the one known as Faith."

"Faith has lost her edge. Quentin and I had great hopes for her...but alas, she's been tainted by this group. She must be eliminated. As far as them coming in without a fight goes...let me brief you as to where we stand at this time."

Martineau explained the plan to the Council's Director of Special Projects.

"So, you see...there is really no alternative. They will come to me, and the Council will be reborn."

"Old Quentin is really dead, then?"

"All signs point to it."

"I must say I'm not terribly disappointed by that."

"No, I imagine you wouldn't be." Martineau smiled again before he continued. "As I was saying, I doubt you will be needed, but I like to cover my bases. I need my strongest fighters at the ready."

"Well then, I'll just relax for a day or two and head back to South Beach, yes?"

"Of course. I'll even approve lengthening your vacation as recompense for your trouble."

"You're a prince, Tony."

Martineau smiled slyly. "There is one more little tidbit you should be aware of. Might make things a bit more interesting for you personally."

Silence.

"If you'll recall, I said two former Council members had aligned themselves with the Slayers."

"Your point being?"

"One of them is Katzenbach."

After another, more pronounced silence, there was laughter.

"Well now," Inge the Slayer Vampire said, "that IS most interesting."

- End Chapter Twenty-two