Spike was so lost inside his own mind that Strife had to lead him back to Crius' temple. A millenia of information was gradually intruding on Spike's consciousness, teaching him about his new job and the role he would play in the lives of vampires everywhere.

When the origins and purpose behind the Slayer's construction became known to him, Spike stopped dead in his tracks, ignoring Strife's attempts to move him along. Spike took the memory apart piece by piece, grinning when it finally became clear to him. Spike started laughing, Buffy was going to shit pink twinkies over this one.

Spike came out of his mind long enough to smile at Strife, giving his lover a searching kiss. "Thanks for that, mate. Bacchus, I mean. You just made my eternity."

Strife grinned back and cuddled into Spike's chest, "Good, huh?"

Spike actually giggled, "The best. Come on, we'd best get back to Crius', don't want to miss the party do we?"

*****

Xander brushed his hand across his face to remove the annoyance that was pushing him closer and closer to waking, and waking was something he just wasn't ready to do. He was warm, comfortable and so completely relaxed he wasn't sure he'd be able to move even if the bed were on fire. But that thing tickling his nose was driving him crazy.

He peeled open one eye and stared in confusion at the soft, blurry white mass before him. It took a couple of seconds, but he finally figured out that what he was seeing were the feathers that made up Cupid's wings. Xander reluctantly opened his other eye and reached out with one hand to smooth the ruffled feathers back into place, snickering quietly, "Ruffled feathers, whole new meaning."

But once he'd touched those feathers, he found that he couldn't stop. They were literally the softest thing he'd ever felt, so soft they were addicting. And the smell...there was no way he could even begin to describe it, but he liked it. He really liked it, and so, it appeared, did the erection swiftly making its presence felt.

Xander leaned forward and buried his face into Cupid's wing, not minding the tickling sensation at all. Cupid was obviously happy with Xander's actions. The God of Love started grinding his naked body back into Xander's, groaning faintly. "Um, Xander, harder."

Xander pulled back and asked, "Harder? What do you mean, harder?"

Cupid rolled his head and smiled sleepily at the mortal, "My wings. Please? I love it when someone plays with my feathers. It feels good."

Cupid could have asked Xander to shave his head at that moment and he probably would have done it. It was literally impossible to deny that smiling face anything it wanted. Xander started gently rubbing his fingers through the down covering the skin of Cupid's wings, and then gradually increased the pressure until he was lightly scratching the skin at the base of the feathers.

Cupid's moans and groans grew louder the harder Xander scratched and rubbed, the involuntary movements accompanying those moans increased apace until Cupid was literally writhing on the bed.

Xander watched in stunned disbelief as Cupid became increasingly aroused, the God of Love's cock riding high against his belly, large pearls of creamy fluid slowly dribbling down the impressive length to pool against the softly furred skin of his balls.

Cupid turned glazed eyes towards Xander, his mouth open slightly as he panted for air. "Xander...please...don't tease me anymore, I can't take it."

Xander pulled his hands away as he'd been stung, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean, I..."

Cupid growled and rose up on his knees, his wings fanned out to their fullest extent, looking over his shoulder, the God of Love said harshly, "Xander, if you don't fuck me right now, I swear I'm going to hurt you. I don't care what your family has to say about it."

Xander's brain melted in the instant he heard Cupid order him to fuck him or else. That mental breakdown had to be the reason he heard his own leaking cock talking to him. 'Hey. Asshole. Come on, get with the program. He wants it, you want to give it to him. Move it already.'

Xander shook his head and slowly moved forward until he was snug against Cupid's back, the head of his cock lightly pushing against the minute opening nestled between the smooth globes of Cupid's amazing ass.

Xander gave an experimental thrust and was startled when he slid into Cupid's body with no resistance at all. Cupid groaned and pushed back into the intrusion, a light sheen of sweat blossoming from his golden skin.

Even the primitive part of Xander's brain gave in to his body's demands and he started moving inside that incredible heat, slowly at first but his thrusts quickly gained speed and strength.

Cupid grasped the headboard with one hand to brace himself against Xander's thrusts, gasping for air as Xander's cock sent jolts of pleasure coursing through his body. Then Cupid screamed as Xander grasped his hips with strong hands and began hammering at that one spot inside his body guaranteed to make him lose his mind.

Xander was so far gone he didn't even hear Cupid's scream. He'd locked all of his attention on a single bead of sweat slowly coursing down from Cupid's hairline onto his neck, trying to keep his orgasm at bay just a little longer. Being buried in Cupid's body felt too good to give up anytime soon.

As that glistening bead of moisture gained volume and momentum it rolled down onto Cupid's back and Xander couldn't resist lapping it up from Cupid's golden skin. The taste of his lover exploded in his mouth and Xander lost his fragile grip on his self control. He could feel his balls tighten and then Cupid's body went into spasms, ripping Xander's orgasm from his body.

A loud, obnoxious banging accompanied by a strong voice finally intruded on Xander's post-sex bliss. "Xander? It's time." Crius shouted.

"Coming!" Xander yelled.

Cupid burst into giggles, "Coming. You said coming."

Xander groaned and pulled a pillow over his face, "I knew letting you watch Bevis and Butthead was a bad idea."

*****

Giles smiled approvingly, the current Pantheon of Olympus, although small by anyone's standards, was ready to do battle. If that battle was to be with Dahak and his warriors or the remaining Titans was yet to be seen, but they were as ready as they could possibly be.

Hera and Hecate wore armour modified by Ares just for this purpose, and for this battle. Giles had to fight back a grin as he looked at his queen and her sister, both Goddess more than vaguely resembled the mythical paintings of Vallejo. The martial regalia did nothing to hide Hera's womanly form, rather it accented the gentle curves and alabaster skin. Giles had resigned himself to living his life alone and lonely, but no more. The faint blush on Hera's cheeks told him that she had picked up on his feelings of pride and desire, she graced him with a smile as she drew her twin, curved swords.

Hecate's armour matched her sisters, but while Hera's was enameled a deep, verdant green, Hecate's was a glossy black that shifted into all colors of the rainbow when the light struck it. The new King of Olympus raised one brow at Wesley. His brother Watcher was so obviously taken with the Queen of the Night and the fact that Hecate had personally placed her mark, in the form of a three headed crow, on Wesley's armour told Giles all he needed to know about her feelings for the young man.

Willow and Tara also bore Hecate's mark, but the young witches' marks were those of Hecate's High Priestesses. Giles was more than pleased by this development, he'd grown very fond of Willow and Tara, but their foray into the darker realms of magic had given him nightmares for months. So many things could go wrong, but with Hecate watching over them, he knew they would be safe.

Of all of them, only Ares had refused to wear some form of armour. The God of War chose instead to wear his customary garb of black leather. Giles had to admit that the Sword of War that Ares brandished was more than intimidating, anything more would be extraneous.

Giles picked up his golden helm and tucked it under his arm, "Are we ready?"

Everyone nodded except Tara. Her face bright red, the High Priestess stammered, "What, what about Bliss? We can't leave him here, can we?"

Ares pointed to the large cushion where Bliss lay sleeping, cuddled up with two of Ares' enormous hounds. "The Dogs of War, trust me, he'll be perfectly safe." the God said, quietly.

Everyone was silent as the implications set in...by the end of this day, Bliss may well be the only God left on Olympus.

*****

Xander was cutting some serious inroads into the huge array of food Eurybia had set before him when Spike and Strife entered the room. Xander choked when he got a good look at the vampire and quickly gulped down a glass of milk to dislodge the lump in his throat.

His chair fell to the floor with a clatter, but Xander never slowed down. He had Spike by the arm and was gently leading him over to the sofa in front of the windows before anyone else could move. "Here. Sit down here, Spike." Xander reached one hand out to the vampire's face, but pulled back before he actually touched him. "Are you in pain? What happened? What do we need to do for you? Do you need blood? Cupid? Where can we get Spike some blood?" Xander very, very gently patted Spike's hand, "Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be able to fix you."

Spike had seen Xander in full babble mode before, but had never had all that nervous energy directly solely at him before. It was rather disturbing. "Harris, what the Hell are you going on about?" Spike asked irritably.

Xander cringed, "Spike...your face."

Spike hurled himself across the room and looked in the mirror hanging on the wall. The reflection staring back at him was a complete shock. He'd changed so much since he'd last been able to see himself in the mirror.

His eyes were still the same blue, but now the pupils were slit like a cat's. Gleaming white fangs extended slightly over his bottom lip and when he turned his head, Spike could see that the tips of his ears had elongated and now ended in points. "Bloody Hell, I look like a bleedin' vampire elf." the vampire muttered to himself.

But the biggest shock of all was his skin. He was still pale, but now his face carried the unmistakable flush of life. Even knowing it to be real, Spike was still amazed at the sight of the pulse beating in his throat. Spike turned and arched his brow, "Why Harris, I never knew you cared about 'lil ol me. I'm flattered."

Xander's face turned red, "Yeah, well, you did save me from the Buffy brigade, and you've kept the baddies from having me for lunch a couple of times." Spike opened his mouth to make a scathing retort, but Xander continued before he could get started. "I know why you did it, but it doesn't change the fact that I'd probably be dead right now if it weren't for you. So I guess I owe you."

"You do." Spike said, snidely, before sighing and returning to Strife's side. "But there's nothing wrong with me, Harris. Strife took me to see Bacchus."

"Wasn't he...?"

"Yeah. Well, the old boy liked me. Asked me to take care of things for him." Spike grinned wickedly, which looked decided odd with his new fangs protruding like that, he reached out and grabbed Xander's hand, holding to his throat. "Feel that, Harris?"

Xander's mouth fell open and he nodded, "Spike, you're alive. But what about...?" he asked, pointing to Spike's face.

Spike released his hand and sprawled back on the couch, "I've been adopted, changed my name and everything." Spike started laughing, "Name's Cruentus now, mate. Lord of Demons, King of Vampires, Son of Bacchus and Consort to Strife, the God of Mischief."

Xander's face turned an alarming color and he started making a funny wheezing sound in his throat. The others finally broke free of the amazement holding them in their chairs and hurried to his side. Cupid reached him first. "Xander? Love? What's wrong?"

Xander sputtered something Cupid couldn't understand. "Xander? What?"

Everyone finally realized that Xander was laughing. Laughing so hard he wasn't able to make a sound and could barely breathe. Pointing one shaking finger at Spike he managed to say, "D..d..deadboy."

Spike roared with laughter, "Oi! Can't wait to see the poof and tell him what's up. Can you imagine his face when he finds out I'm his God?"

*****

Buffy dropped the ax she'd been using on the crystal encasing Anya and once again stalked about the black oval on the floor, pausing every few seconds to glare at the unassuming mark.

Angel just sighed tiredly. They had tried to break, burn, dissolve and shatter the crystal for hours, but the only thing they had to show for their efforts were aching muscles and broken tools. "Buffy, we've been at this for hours, why don't we take a break and try to get..."

Buffy turned on him, her patented 'death glare' burning in her eyes. "You want to give up? Fine. Leave. Go ahead. See if I care, but I'm staying right here and I'm not giving up until I get Anya out of there. And then...then...we'll see if slayage works on Gods as well as it works on vampires.

Angel just groaned and buried his head in his hands, this could, and probably would, get ugly.

*****

Buffy was moving, stake in hand, the split second the Gods materialized in the center of the Magic Box. The Slayer dodged around Giles and Ares, heading straight for Spike. She got within striking distance and stopped, the stake falling from nerveless fingers. "Spike? What?"

Buffy stumbled back and Giles caught her before she fell. "Calm down, Buffy, it's all right."

Buffy looked up at him, her eyes dazed, "Giles, he's alive. How? What?"

Spike knelt down in front of the Slayer, and she reached out with trembling fingers, "Can I?" Spike nodded and Buffy gently touched his face, feeling the heat of his skin through her fingers. "Why?" She whispered.

Spike didn't have to ask, he understood what she was trying to ask. "I met Bacchus, the God who created vampires and the Slayers. He asked me to take care of things for him from now on. I'm your God now, that's what you're feeling."

"I'm sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry." Buffy stuttered as she started to cry.

Spike pulled Buffy into his lap and brushed the tears from her face, "Don't worry, ducks. I'm proud of you, and so is Bacchus. You're what he had in mind when he created the Slayers in the first place. It was only after the Council got involved that everything went wrong, I'll be taking care of that shortly. Come on, we've got a battle to fight, and you're my Champion, I want you fighting by my side."

Buffy nodded and bounced to her feet, suddenly energized and feeling almost light hearted. "I'm ready. Bring them on."

Spike actually laughed. "They'll be here soon enough, but first..." Spike talked over to Angel where was trying desperately to fade into the woodwork. Spike took him by the arm and led him to the far side of the room where they could talk in private.

*****

"Angel."

"Spike."

"Actually, it's Cruetus now, mate. Bacchus changed my name when he adopted me."

"Oh." Angel looked down at this feet, waiting for the punishment he was sure was coming.

"Look at me, Angelus."

There was no denying that voice, Angel winced and slowly raised his eyes, only to be shocked at the look of compassion in Spike's now unfamiliar eyes. "What? You thought I was going to hurt you? Can't say you don't deserve it for some of the things you've done, but you've been punished enough. You're a vampire mate, you're not meant to have a soul. Bacchus created us for a very specific reason...if humans were allowed to exist without some kind of controls, they'd overtake the world and breed themselves out of existence. At the same time, he created the Slayer to make sure that the vampires didn't get out of hand. Checks and balances, life and death, there's a reason for everything. Bacchus may be the father of vampires, but he loves his children as much as any parent. That's why he made sure that when we became his, we would lose our souls. He didn't want us to suffer like you've been suffering. And now it's my job to do something about it."

Spike threw one quick grin in Buffy's direction and then put his hand on Angel's chest. Angel screamed and would have dropped to his knees, but Spike held him up. Buffy shifted nervously, torn between the new found love for her God and the love she had for Angel. Giles hugged her, trying to offer what ever comfort he could, and she smiled at him tremulously.

Finally, Spike stepped away and allowed Angel to sink to his knees. Reaching down, Spike tipped Angel's tear stained face up and smiled at him. "Hello, Liam. It's nice to meet you."

Angel sucked in a shuddering breath, and then another. "I'm alive." He whispered.

"Yeah, you are." Spike said with a huge grin. "But I left the good bits. If you're going to be the Slayer's boytoy, you're going to need an edge. And I plan to have the two of you working for me for a very long time."

Spike rejoined the Gods on the other side of the room, letting Buffy and Angel have a few minutes alone.

"That was very nicely done, Spike. I'm impressed." Giles said.

Spike snarled at the former Watcher. "Weren't me, mate." Spike buried his face in Strife's chest, saying quietly, "Help me. I'm possessed. THAT wasn't what I had in mind."

Strife giggled slightly, "What were ya plannin' on doin?"

Spike raised his head, his whole face reflecting an unholy glee. "See...I thought we could hang her Sluttiness by the hair and use her as a pinata. Ooohhh, and the poof we could keep around to invent new tortures. After we turned him into a girl. Then he'd match his personality."

Spike looked over his shoulder to glare at the two in question. His face turned pale and once again his face was buried in Strife's chest. "Look at em making cow eyes at each other. Bloody dolts aren't even trying to get a good shag in. I think I'm gonna be sick."

Strife patted his consort on the back, "There, there. I'll make sure you get someone to play with later."

The others prudently turned away, Giles having stuffed most of his fist in his mouth to keep from laughing.

Everyone was so busy, they didn't really notice the flash of light until a very familiar voice said, "Hail, hail, the gang's all here."

*****

Ares rushed to his son's side and reached out to his lover, but his hand couldn't pass the circle where Joxer and Xander were standing. "Are you all right?"

Joxer grinned and nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. We're both fine. Crius and Eurybia took good care of us."

Ares looked around, "Where is Crius? Didn't he come with you?"

Xander shook his head, "He'll be showing up later. Unexpectedly." Xander rocked back on his heels, "So...anyone know how long this is going to take? I kinda have plans for later." He said with a grin in Cupid's direction.

A faint whisp of smoke started to rise up from the boundaries of the circle. "Never mind. I think our time is up."

*****

Dahak felt something pulling at him, something old, yet familiar. It had been such a very long time since he'd been called that he'd forgotten the sensation. The slow pull suddenly became a forceful yank, ripping him from his prison and releasing his powers.

With a gleeful laugh, Dahak allowed his mind to separate from his physical form. Following the pull, he found himself on the mortal realm. That was unexpected, good, but unexpected. There was even a sacrifice waiting for him to use.

A little more power allowed Dahak to rip open the mind that had placed the summoning spell. His worshiper was encased in Hecate's power, but that didn't matter, not to him. Dahak slid into his worshiper's body and opened her eyes. The crystal encasing her body gave everything an odd blur, but he could see. Enough to know that the Gods of Olympus were waiting for him to appear.

Dahak was the King of Deception, he knew a trap when he saw one. It didn't take much effort to discover Crius Stormwind laying in wait. Dahak giggled, he owed the Titan some payback for the way he'd been treated by the forgotten God, and he'd take care of that little problem, permanently, just as soon as he got rid of the Olympians.

Dahak stretched and the crystal encasing his new body melted, but the Olympians were so busy keeping an eye on his anchor that they never noticed. 'Gods, how any one so incredibly stupid lasted this long, I'll never know. Only an idiot would take a staked out goat.' Dahak shrugged, trying to get used to his new form. He'd always hated being stuck inside females, they were so 'squishy', but she'd do, for now. Dahak looked over the two men trapped inside the spell, either one would do for a more permanent body, but first, it was time to have a little fun.

Dahak cleared his throat and waited for the chaos to begin.

*****

Ares felt the power a split second before he heard the noise come from behind him. The God of War whirled around, sword held at the ready. Seeing the blond woman with the black eyes smirking at him, he snarled, "Dahak."

The rest of the Gods and the others turned as one, realizing too late that they'd made what could be a fatal mistake.

"How...but..." Wesley stammered.

Dahak, wearing Anya's body, bowed. "It's simple, really. Anyone who willingly calls my name is mine to use as I see fit. I do appreciate all of you coming to welcome me back, and look, you got me presents."

Ares lifted his sword and swung at Dahak's head. Dahak merely yawned and raised a hand, Ares froze in his tracks. "Really, Ares, you should know better by now. None of you are strong enough to fight me. All of you together are barely more than a temporary inconvenience. Now, be a good God, and put down the sword."

Ares fought against the compulsion as hard as he could, but his arm slowly lowered to his side. Dahak smiled, "That's better. Why don't we all sit down?"

Everyone suddenly found themselves sitting on the floor at Dahak's feet. Dahak walked past them and stood at the edge of the spell circle. Looking at the two men, the only ones still standing besides himself, he nodded. "Yes, you'll do, quite well."

He laughed when the two men reached out to grab him, trying to pull him into the circle. "So eager to meet me, how droll. Oh, in case you're wondering, Crius won't be coming, at least not anytime soon. As far as he knows, you got trapped by the spell, but nothing happened. I'm still in Tartarus, or at least, my body is. And as long as my physical form stays there, Crius is stuck. Too bad, for you anyway."

Dahak clapped his hands, grinning widely, "Now, how about some entertainment? I've been so bored lately. Let's see, who shall we play with first? I know...Ares versus Cupid! War against Love, father against son! That should be good."

*****

Xander and Joxer shared a panicked look. "I knew something was going to go wrong, it always does!" Xander hissed. "Can you still feel Crius?"

Joxer nodded, "Yeah, do you think we can reach him?"

Xander looked at his lover and his cousin's husband, "We gotta try or they're dead."

Grabbing each other's hands, the two men cried out as loudly as they could. "Crius!"

Dahak just laughed, "Scream as loudly as you want, it won't do any good. Now, Ares, I think Cupid would look better without the wings, what do you think?"

*****

Crius and Eurybia both heard their grandsons scream. "Something has gone wrong! I can't reach them!"

Eurybia placed her hand on her husband's shoulder. "Calm yourself, Crius. They're Titans, children of our children, it's time that they were granted their birth right."

Crius grinned, "I love the way you think, dear. Join me?"

"Always."

*****

"Astraois! Boreus! Notos! Hear us!" Crius' son and his son's sons immediately moved themselves to Crius' temple.

"Father? What is wrong?" Astraois asked.

"There is no time to explain, Astraois. Join with us. Your descendants need our help." Crius ordered.

The three Titans surrounded Crius and Eurybia, lending their power to Crius for whatever he wanted to do.

The extra boost was all Crius needed to awaken the deeply buried powers inside Joxer and Xander. With a cry that could be heard throughout the universe, Crius announced the birth of a new beginning. "Let the world tremble, for Titans once again walk the Earth!"

*****

Xander and Joxer both staggered when their family's power hit them, but no one else noticed that something had changed. They were too wrapped up in watching Dahak's little show. Ares was doing his best to fight Dahak's orders, but he had Cupid's wings in his hands, and the urge to rip them off was overwhelming. Just as he started to pull, a strong wind slammed through the room.

*****

Xander and Joxer grinned at each other and called out, "Crius Stormwind, we ask for your aid!"

Dahak glared at them, "Shut up already! It won't do you any good!"

"I wouldn't count on that, Dahak." Crius said as he rode his wind into the room. "I told you before, upstart, you don't mess with my family." Throwing his arms around his grandson's shoulders he led them out of the spell circle. "Allow me to introduce my grandsons, Tornado and Typhoon."

Dahak's mouth fell open in shock, but he quickly regained his equalibriam. Fleeing his worshiper's body, he pulled his physical form to the mortal realm and called his warriors from Tartarus. "Kill them! Kill them all!"

The black armored warriors attacked, but a single word from Joxer held them back. "Stop."

"Put down your weapons." Xander added.

Joining hands with Crius, they said, "Return." Dahak's warriors wavered and then vanished.

*****

Hades felt the veil between his world and the mortal realm rip open. With a curse he followed the escaping souls, "I hate it when this happens."

*****

Hades was just zeroing in on the escaped souls when he felt them return to Tartarus. The God of the Dead was suddenly overcome with an incoherent rage. How dare someone play with his souls like that? Hades continued to the source of the disturbance, there was going to be Hades to pay.

*****

Joxer walked over to Ares. The God of War still had his son pinned down to the floor, but he had stopped trying to remove Cupid's wings. Joxer ran his fingers through Ares' hair and said quietly, "Dahak has no hold over you, Ares. Release Cupid."

Ares jumped up and pulled Cupid to his feet. Hugging his son tightly he asked, "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

Cupid grinned and shook his head, "Nah, I'm fine."

"But you're not going to be." Xander said to Dahak, and then scrunched up his face when he got a good look at the God. "Eeewww. No wonder you steal other people's bodies. Dude, you are like, way ugly."

Dahak opened his maw and snarled at the young Titan. "It doesn't matter to me who you are! I'll still kill you!"

Joxer stepped up next to Xander and shook his head, "I don't think so."

Once again linking hands, they stared at Dahak, not saying a word. But a cold wind started swirling around Dahak's deformed body. It grew stronger and stronger, until Dahak was having trouble staying on his feet.

Xander pointed at Dahak saying, "Hail" and large chunks of ice fell, pounding Dahak and battering him to his knees.

Joxer pointed and said, "Rain" Torrents of wind driven rain appeared, stinging Dahak's eyes and making it difficult for him to breathe.

With a final look at their enemy they said in unison, "Tornado", "Typhoon". Cyclones appeared, wrapping themselves around Dahak's supine form, tugging and tearing at his flesh.

Holding out their hands, palm up, Joxer and Xander said, "Quiet." The storm raging in the center of the room vanished as if it had never been, leaving behind Dahak's broken body.

Crius looked at his grandsons, impressed with their control, but asked, "Why did you stop? He's not dead yet."

Xander shook his head, "Killing him didn't work last time, we need to make sure he can't ever come back. I don't want to have to do this again."

Ares shook his head, "He wasn't killed last time, Hercules just forced him into Tartarus. But you're right, killing his physical body won't do the trick. We have to find a way to bind his powers."

A wave of power crashed through the room, Ares whirled, sword in hand, ready for more of Dahak's warriors. A very surprised Hades jumped back from the Sword of War. "Would you watch where you're pointing that thing, Ares? I don't want to be skewered!"

Hades' mouth dropped open in shock, "Ares?" He asked incredulously, finally realizing who he was talking to.

Ares nodded with a smirk, then pointed to the other side of the room. Hades turned to see his sister, Hera, Hecate, Cupid and Strife standing with several mortals, each bearing the sign of their chosen God. The man standing next to Hera made Hades' eyes grow wide. He could see the Lightning Bolt hovering over him, marking him as King of the Gods. Hades staggered but strong white hands caught him before he could fall.

Hades turned his head to thank the person and found yet another God standing behind him. "Who are you?" The God of the Dead asked irritably.

The God grinned at him, "Cruetus, son of Bacchus, but you can call me Spike."

Hades slumped down on the floor and buried his head in his hands. "I'm having a nightmare. That's what it is. I've been working too much. I'll open my eyes and I'll be back in my bed, not that I've seen my bed in weeks, but this can't be happening!"

Hera knelt down next to her brother and pulled his hands away from his face, "Hades? This is happening. Open your eyes and look at me, Hades. I have so much to tell you."

Hades opened his eyes then reached out to touch his sister, just to make sure she was real. Feeling soft, warm skin under his fingers, Hades surged to his feet, "How long, Hera? How long have the Gods been back? And why didn't anyone tell me?!"

Ares rolled his eyes, Hades could be such a drama queen. "Hades, we'll explain everything later, but for now we have bigger problems to deal with."

Hades glared at his nephews, "No kidding. Who let him out?" Hades asked, pointing at Crius. "Do you realize the problems this will cause? As if I don't have enough souls to worry about, you let one of the Titans loose!"

Crius started laughing, "Calm yourself, Hades. I won't be staying here. I know where my place is now. Besides, there are new Titans for this age."

Black flashes of light sparked around Hades' head. "New Titans? What new Titans?!"

Crius pulled Joxer and Xander forward. "This is Joxer, Ares' consort, and the Titan Typhoon." Ruffling Xander's hair he continued, "And this is Xander, lover of Cupid, and the Titan Tornado. I believe one of Bia's get is also on this plane. We'll need to find her soon, her powers will also be awakening."

Ares groaned, "Wonderful. Xander, do you know where she is?"

"I do." Angel said quietly.

Ares nodded, "Good. Spike, I need to borrow your follower. We need to get to Faith before she completely loses control."

Spike nodded, "Alright. But be careful. She's a wild one."

Ares sighed, "They always are." Grabbing Angel by the arm, the God of War and his guide vanished.

*****

Dahak used the distraction provided by Hades arrival to heal the damage the Titans had done to his body. Fools. They should have killed me when they had the chance, I won't underestimate them again. Now, to get out of here before they pull their heads out of their asses.

*****

Xander felt the hair on the back of his neck standup and turned in time to see Dahak blur, then vanish. "Oh shit. Guys, we have a little problem here."

"What is it, Xander?" Giles asked, a little unnerved by the waver in Xander's voice.

Xander pointed to a dark smudge on the floor, "The bad guy went bye-bye."

Hades groaned, "This is all I need, Dahak running around loose." The God of the Underworld poked Giles in the chest. "Do you have any idea how much trouble he can cause? Do you? Tartarus is already overflowing, I've got souls stuck in every spare corner I can find. Hell is even worse. Lucifer is actually considering letting some of his go into the Void, he can't handle any more. And most of it can be directly traced back to Dahak. I've got some of the worst souls you can imagine joining forces and trying to take over Tartarus, Cerebus refuses to come out of his cave, and Thanatos has more work than he can handle. If I lose control over the gates, all Hades is going to break loose. Literally."

Spike started laughing, and Hades turned to glare at him. "Do you think this is funny?"

Spike shook his head, "Light bulb."

"Excuse me?"

Strife giggled, "He means he has an idea." Strife nuzzled Spike's neck, "What are you thinking?"

Spike grinned, "I'm thinking we need a vacation. In Tartarus maybe. I'm sure between the two of us, we can keep everyone too busy to bother Hades over there."

Strife grinned at his uncle, "Can we, Hades? Please? Please, please, please?"

Xander looked up from where he'd been checking on Anya. She was still alive, barely, but he didn't think she would be for long. "Um, Hades? I think I have someone who could help too."

Hades threw up his hands, "Now what?"

Xander pointed at Anya, "This is Anya, used to be Anyanka, you know, the Vengeance Demon? I'd bet if you asked, she'd be more than happy to give Thanatos a hand."

Hades eyes went wide, "Anyanka? What is she doing here?"

Xander shook his head, "Long story. Well, what do you think?"

"THANATOS!" Hades yelled.

Death appeared, not happy to be summoned that way. 'What do you want, Hades, I'm busy.'

Hades pointed at the woman on the floor, "That's Anyanka. Would you be willing to work with her?"

Thanatos grinned, causing everyone in the room to shiver, 'Anyanka would be a worthy assistant. I accept.'

Thanatos touched Anya's forehead and she screamed. She thrashed for a moment, then went still. Xander checked the pulse in her neck, "She's dead." He said quietly.

Hades nodded, "After a fashion, watch."

Thanatos leaned over and whispered something in Anya's ear. No one could hear what he said, but they all felt the chill of his voice sweep over them. Anya stirred and then opened her eyes, smiling when she looked into Thanatos' dead eyes. He helped her up from the floor, and she turned to look at Xander. She looked sad for a moment, and started to speak. Thanatos put his hand over her mouth and shook his head. 'You must not speak aloud. Even Gods can be injured by the sound of our voices.'

Anya nodded, scrunching up her face as she tried to mindspeak for the first time. 'Xander, sorry. Thank you.'

Xander grinned, "You're welcome. I hope you'll be happy."

Anya ran her hand down the edge of one of Thanatos' black wings, 'I think I will be.'

Thanatos bowed to Hades and took Anya's hand, they vanished without a trace.

Hades turned to Strife, "I'll think about your request, Strife, but now, could someone please tell me what has been going on?!" Hades asked, his voice steadily getting louder.

Everyone looked at Giles and he sighed, "Very well." Taking Hades by the arm, he led him over to a couple of chairs. "You see, it all started with a statue..."

The End

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