Lissie

Buffy crouched down on her sore knees, looking up at the ceiling. Her eyes streaming tears of joy, she whispered "Thank you." Struggling to stand up, she leaned on the hospital bed for support. Running her hand over the pale grey sheets, she laid one on the slowly moving chest of Angel. Feeling his heartbeat grow stronger, she felt a smile grow on her face. Which slowly
died when she saw the small pile of dust on the floor. Deep sobs emitting from her body, she laid her throbbing head upon Angel's chest. Feeling a timid hand stroke her golden hair, she looked up and into the weary brown eyes before her. "Hey" Angel said weakly. "Hey there." she replied. Gathering the last bits of strength she had, Buffy pulled Angel out of the hospital bed, and looked back at Dawn. "Dawnie, I'm going to get Angel down to the car. Can you see if you can get something to put -- S ... Spike in?" she whispered, choking back sobs. Dawn nodded her tear-streaked face reflecting the somber mood. Both walking out of the hospital room, Dawn waved to Buffy and Angel's retreating forms, and grabbed a bag she saw sitting on a table of medical supplies. Walking back into the dreary hospital room, Dawn's mouth dropped open. What was left of Spike was gone. Looking up, she saw a hospital matineance worker dumping dust and ash out the window. "What are you doing?" Dawn screamed, her tone impatient. "I'm cleaning the room for the next patient." the person replied matter-of-factly. A horrible feeling surged up in the pit of Dawn. Letting out a large scream, she stamped her foot hard. The nurses working busily outside stopped when they saw a bright green flash emit from the hospital room. Running out the door, Dawn pushed through crowds of people, avoiding looking back. The worker who was in the room with Dawn sat dazed on the bed. Collecting himself, he picked up the wastepaper basket
and continued to dump the ash out the window, in the awaiting dumpster below. Turning his head and walking out the door, the worker missed the bright green flecks falling slowing to the ground, mixed in with all the dust. Crying softly, Dawn ran towards Buffy. "Spike's gone." she whispered, just loud enough for one with superpowers could hear. Noticing Dawn's empty hands, Buffy realized what she meant. Pulling her sister into a hug, she softly said, "Everything is going to be all right. Spike will never be gone. He might have died a hero's death, but he shall always be remembered." A smile shining through her tears, Dawn replied he is a hero, isn't he?" Buffy smiled back. "Yes. He always was a hero." Buffy walked around the car, and closed the door. Sitting at the driver's wheel, she looked back at her sister, and smiled when she saw her cradling
Angel's head on her lap. Starting the engine, they drove back home.
A loud rumbling could be heard from the dumpster outside the hospital. A bright flash of green light occurred, blowing the dumpster to pieces. Garbage strewn everywhere, a small pile began to move. A pale hand burst through a hole, and a head peeked out as well. A large body clambered out, covered in torn clothing. Looking up towards the moon, yellow eyes smiled along with a sharp mouth. "Well, well, well" it whispered, it soft accent echoing through the night. "Look who's back. Chipless, soulless, and has a yankering to see, no wait, kill the slayer." Spike took off into the night, heading in the direction of Buffy's house.
 
  Next Part