Life on the Hellmouth -- a.k.a. Sunnydale, California -- has always involved a steady parade of demons intent on ruining Buffy Summers's nightlife. Staying at the top of her game means Buffy's racked up some powerful enemies.

Now an old nemesis has returned: Ethan Rayne, a college "friend" of Giles's, has arrived in Sunnydale, and this time he actually wants Buffy's help. Not surprisingly, he's run afoul of The First -- an ancient evil that predates humankind. And now The First has made Ethan a deal he can't refuse: ultimate power. All he has to do is lure Buffy into battle.

With their sanity on the line, the gang is going to need all the help they can get. Enter Spike and Faith...