We arrive at the Summers' house just after midnight. I'm surprised Spike is here - since when did he have a phone?
Buffy meets us at the threshold, her head bandaged and lip cut. Worry cuts through me like a knife. What the hell is going on?
She doesn't even bother to let us in before she states:
"Wendigos. We have Wendigos."
Xander clears his throat, "Huh?"
"Wendigos," she repeats, frustration creeping into her voice, "Skeletal, humanoid creatures with giant antlers. Murderous, insanely fast. Anyone seen one before?"
"I have." Spike and I say in unison. I turn and glare at him. He's leaning against the tree in the front yard, a considerable distance from the rest of us with a cigarette in hand. He is so arrogant.
"Harley? Spike?"
"I met one back in the 1920s, I think," Spike says in that British accent which isn't too different from my own, "You have to cut them up and burn each limb."
"Actually, Wendigos can just be destroyed with fire. A flamethrower, for example." I correct, and relish in seeing that cocky smile fade from his face.
"Smartarse." Spike mutters.
"Are you guys finished?" Buffy snaps, "Look, I just managed to get out of its attack alive but I know there is another out there."
"Did it see you? Did it chase you?" I ask urgently, my attention back on my friend. Wendigos don't stop hunting once they're set on a target. I learnt that the hard way. I'd done my fair share of hunting demons before I even met Buffy - maybe that's why we get on so well - so I know a thing or two about these nightmarish monsters.
"No, but I saw it. I saw it fleeing east."
"Great." remarks Willow, "East isn't much to go on. What should we do?"
The group exchange glances but there's no obvious solution.
"Wait until there are any reports of a sighting?" Xander suggests, shrugging his broad shoulders.
"Maybe. Hopefully there will be one soon." Buffy says.