Twists Of Fate
(13) Wheels in Motion
By Tasha and Athenewolfe
(Athenewolfe)
Previous Chapter Summary: Big time confrontations happened in Chapter 12 between Buffy and Angelus. Spike also came face to face with a woman from his past, Cecily. Now Halfrek, a vengeance demon, he found out that she was the one who removed the chip. Willow was given notice that she and Amy were to vacate the house to "new" owners.
Current Chapter Summary: Giles, in his overprotective and misguided fashion, tries to make things "easier" on Buffy. He's really trying to do it make his own life easier because he's frustrated with everything. Spike and Buffy come to separate realizations about their lives and each other. Angel is unaccounted for, probably licking his wounds somewhere.
Disclaimer: All characters originally created by Joss Wheadon and Mutant Enemy belong to them by all rights. I just sneak them out of the vaults to play with them whenever I can. I do not make any money off of this. I have only the satisfaction that others enjoy the creativity and storylines that I come up with for our heroes, heroines, and villains.
'Single' quote marks surround thoughts in this story. "Regular" quotes are around spoken words.
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Giles ran his hand through his hair. He couldn't believe that he allowed the Council to manipulate him like this. Only one day remained until he was supposed to be out of this god-forsaken country, when the Council pulled enough strings to rearrange his travel. He was quietly informed that he must remain long enough to get Faith settled in Sunnydale. Then he would be allowed to return to Council headquarters. They offered him a new position doing research in the Council libraries, and a first class ticket to England that left in another eight days.
To be fair, it was an excellent deal. Faith would be released tomorrow, and he was expected to pick her up and bring her back to Sunnydale. The remaining time would allow him to investigate Anya's anxiety about Willow's magic usage. Willow's lack of control, or care for the consequences, was clearly escalating if the former vengeance demon was concerned.
There was also the whole issue of Dawn being taken into protective services by the state. Clearly that wasn't acceptable. Dawn was still a magical key, and the state could hardly be expected to protect her adequately. Either Dawn had to be retuned to Buffy ... or perhaps the Council could take custody.
Giles wouldn't tell the Council that Dawn was the key. Perhaps if he mentioned that the Slayer would be more effective without a younger sibling to look after, they would agree to his terms.
Dawn could be quite useful in the Council. She was already becoming proficient in a variety of demon and foreign languages. She seemed to be a natural linguist. If they encouraged her to undergo Watcher training it would be advantageous to both Dawn and the Council's future. Who knew what powers the key might have?
Giles picked up the phone, after he crossed the room, to start some preliminary research. He needed to find out where Dawn was located. Then he needed to know if child services would be willing to release her to "family", as long as it was not Buffy.
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Spike awoke as the sun began its downward turn for the evening. This was quickly becoming his favorite part of the day. As the sun was setting he would linger in bed. The treated glass allowed him to enjoy the fleeting remnants of the sun as they played on Buffy's face.
Spike never thought he would experience the feel of the sun on his face, and it was one of his worries about Buffy transition into her new life as a vampire. Yet, it seemed that every fear he held about Buffy's turning was disappearing as time passed. Even his dismay at taking the sun away from her seemed to be inconsequential. While they could never sunbathe on the beach, they could on the porch.
As time passed, and Buffy ingested more Sire and human blood, she would grow stronger. Her abilities to withstand the sun, the desire for night hours, and raging hunger would pass. Already she had a sense of control that surpassed a level that many fledges took years to accomplish. She made a beautiful demon and a magnificent Childe. It was only right that once she was past the fledgling stages, she would adjust her hours to suit her own personal desires.
Buffy's ability to become a Master Vampire was rapidly becoming apparent, and he was proud. Her successful battle against Angelus, and her iron-clad control around Dawn and Tara contributed to this theory.
All of the issues he worried about: the sun, her soul, her demon, and most importantly her happiness, seemed to be disappearing. Buffy had adjusted to her life as a vampire, and she seemed to have mostly recovered from the horrible events that surrounded her death. The only true worries that remained all revolved around her friend's reactions to her death and the trauma of her death. 'I wonder if Val knows of any demon counselors?'
As Spike drifted back to sleep, he pondered what the next few days would bring. Now that Angelus had discovered Buffy's vampiric nature, the remaining Scoobies would know quickly. He needed to check with Valerie about strengthening the general protective wards around the family. He wouldn't surprised if the Scoobies were already sharpening their stakes and preparing for battle.
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Giles slammed down the phone. "How dare that haughty woman use that tone with me?" He ground out bitterly. Invoking confidentiality laws and privacy concerns she refused to give out any information regarding Dawn Summers. He hadn't even made it passed his introduction when she had so rudely interrupted him.
Giles wanted to obtain the necessary information from social services. He knew of one way that he could get it. Reluctantly he picked up the phone and made another call to London, England.
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Buffy awoke and stretched out. She enjoyed the last few rays of sunshine that danced across her body. She never would have believed that she would feel this content or happy again, especially as a vampire. Being pulled out of heaven had broken her. It left her feeling lost, and she felt as if her soul had been battered and torn.
Death had caught up with her in the form of a vile human who never deserved the consideration of humanity. She still remembered the feeling of helplessness that had overtaken her. She shivered at the moment of realization that her only survival would be to submit and then escape when the man, no when the creature, who held her lowered his guard.
Buffy never thought that her only true escape would come from death. She never imagined that her salvation would come from a blond vampire who refused to let her leave this world again. Spike was such an enigma, a puzzle to solve that would take her an unlifetime to completely figure out.
Buffy laid in bed, and she mused how the trauma from the previous night had helped her heal in some ways. Angelus had always been her biggest fear. The former love of her life losing his soul and turning against her was a reoccurring nightmare for the young Slayer. Always in her dreams he came, they fought, and she was helpless as her life was drained away from her.
Facing Angelus, and winning, liberated her. Buffy was a powerful slayer, and vampire as well. More than that she was a strong woman. She had faced one of her biggest fears alone, with no back up, and emerged gloriously triumphant. She finally defeated the bastard who first took her innocence. It was almost as satisfying as draining the person who ended her life. 'Almost, but not quite.'
For the first time since her return from heaven, Buffy felt like she was in control of her destiny. She felt complete, and knew she would survive the harsh world she had been thrust back into. She was reborn as a vampire, but she was also a Slayer. Although she originally had no choice in her death, Fate would no longer bend her to its will. She chose to walk back to Spike from the ether.
Yes, Buffy had been reborn a fighter for the cause of good, but nothing was as important to her as the realization that occurred to her with perfect clarity. 'I am no longer just a weapon, a warrior or a friend.' She smiled. 'I am Buffy, a strong woman who has overcome all of the obstacles through my way, and now I have a chance at a new life. I am going to live it how I want to this time around.'
Buffy knew she had not been turned because she still had some mystical powers or an unfulfilled destiny. Spike simply loved who she was. He didn't turn the Slayer, as some would do, in order to gloat to other demons. He turned her because he loved her, all of her.
'No one will control me ever again,' Buffy thought to herself. As her Sire, Spike was able to control her in ways that no one else could before, but she knew that he wouldn't do that. Already, he'd proven that fact to their little family. He wanted her just as she was. There would be times they'd disagree on the right direction to go or what to do, but he wouldn't try to make all her decisions for her because he "knew best for her own good".
'My destiny is my own.' Buffy wept openly. She was her own person now. She had responsibilities, but she would fulfill them out of love not necessity. She was finally free. She hoped her old friends accepted that because if they didn't, she would leave them behind. All she needed was Spike and Dawn. They were everything to her.
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Giles hummed happily as he picked up his bag and headed out the door. He would head up to L.A. tonight and get a motel. Faith was to be released at 8 am, and he wanted plenty of time to get organized. His first stop would be to Hank Summer's residence.
Quentin happily arranged a "meeting" with Mr. Hank Summers to discuss his daughter’s care. His goal was to have Hank sign over guardianship to his old "family friend" Rupert Giles. With his power of attorney he could then expedite the process of obtaining a visa for Dawn. At least that is what Quentin told Giles.
The Watcher thought that he would be taking Dawn with him when he left America in 8 days. Quentin Travers knew better. He'd waited years for a time when he could pull the Slayer and her Watcher apart, and Rupert Giles just handed him the means on a platter.
While Giles felt proud of being an instrument to greatly relieve Buffy of any stress she had concerning the former key, Quentin gloated in England. While Giles was pleased that he was removing Dawn from the social services system, Quentin grinned to himself smugly about the rude awakening Rupert Giles was about to receive.
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Buffy gazed at her Sire. She watched him in his peaceful rest - unaware of the breakthroughs that Buffy had experienced. Her emotions were in turmoil, but over all there was a sense of happiness that she had cast aside the expectations of her former life. The realization that she didn't have to be the perfect Slayer, the perfect sister, or the perfect friend was liberating. She only had to be Buffy. She had fought her demons and won. Perhaps now she could heal from the trauma of everything she experienced right before her “death”.
Buffy pondered a few other thoughts and conclusions. She wasn’t positive that she was completely in love with Spike yet. She knew she cared deeply for him, and she thought she was falling the rest of the way in love with him. She told Angelus that she loved her Sire, but was she completely in love with Spike yet? She wanted to be.
Buffy swore to herself that she wouldn't tell Spike she loved him until she was absolutely positive of her feelings. She had no right to toy with his emotions, and she honestly loved him too much already to do that to him. Rubbing her head she decided that the semantics of the question were too much for her this early in the night. She knew that she was his, and he was hers. That would do for now.
Giving into her urges, Buffy reached across the bed. She slowly stroked the face of her now slumbering Sire. He was beautiful to behold. She leaned over gently, and her soft lips caressed his lips. She loved the feeling of him next to her, of his soft touches and reassuring smiles. She had never felt as safe as she did in her Sire's arms.
Unable to resist the temptation, Buffy bit Spike's lower lip. She sucked it into her mouth as she alternated between suckling and soft bites. She laughed quietly when Spike's arms automatically surrounded her, pulling her even closer as he groaned her name. She had no doubts who and what he was dreaming about.
With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Buffy pulled back and decorated his chest with a series of soft kisses and gentle nips. She ran her tongue lazily around his nipples, and gently bit one then sucked on the other.
Buffy lost track of time as she explored her Sire's body. Hands and lips caressed Spike. With every touch she discovered how powerful she was. She took control of her life, her body, and her destiny with every slight movement.
A soft rumble stilled her hand, and Buffy looked up and met her Sire's gaze. His eyes communicated everything she needed to know. She felt his passion for her, his love, and his fear that he would push her too far. She laid one finger against his lips. "Shhhh, please Sire. Let me do this?"
Spike nodded his consent, and he struggled to keep his demon in control. The sensations Buffy created with her gentle touch were almost too much. He watched as she traced her tongue across his frame: licking him, tasting him, and devouring him with her tongue. This was only the second time they’d touched like this, but this time she was the one in control.
As Buffy’s mouth engulfed Spike’s cock, all thoughts fled their minds but one, “This is glorious”.
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Twists Of Fate
(14) Life In L.A.
By Tasha and Athenewolfe
(Athenewolfe)
Previous Chapter Summary: Giles, in his overprotective and misguided fashion, took steps to make things "easier" on Buffy. He's really trying to do it make his own life easier because he's frustrated with everything. Spike and Buffy come to separate realizations about their lives and each other. Angel was unaccounted for, probably licking his wounds somewhere.
Author’s Note/Summary: The story flowed better to break it into two parts. In part one, Giles goes to LA to talk with Hank and pick up Faith. In part two, you will find out what has transpired in Sunnydale while Giles was away including some delicious Spuffy
Disclaimer: All characters originally created by Joss Wheadon and Mutant Enemy belong to them by all rights. I just sneak them out of the vaults to play with them whenever I can. I do not make any money off of this. I have only the satisfaction that others enjoy the creativity and storylines that I come up with for our heroes, heroines, and villains.
'Single' quote marks surround thoughts in this story. "Regular" quotes are around spoken words.
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Giles double checked the address as he pulled up in front of the stately home. Although not as grand as a British manor house, Mr. Summers home was, nonetheless, an impressive structure. Its two stories held an impressive girth even for the Bel-Air address, and Giles felt a twinge of anger at the concept that this man couldn’t bother to take care of his children. He obviously was not lacking in wealth.
Even considering the frequent trips with his mistress to their Spanish residence, Hank should have been able to clear his schedule long enough to come home for Joyce’s funeral. The sheer callousness of the man’s actions made Giles blood boil, regardless of the fact that Mr. Summers blamed the absence to lack of communication between his Californian and Spanish homes. Giles doubted that the man was even sorry about the incident. What kind of father would be out of contact for that long of a time period? Joyce’s ordeal had taken months. Hank had not called, emailed or wrote to his children until a week after the funeral. It seemed too convenient of an excuse.
Then, there was the obvious issue of a lack of financial support. If the man would help with any of the expenses occurred during Joyce’s hospital stay, or any of the funeral expenses, then Buffy would not be in such dire straights. Even if the man would just pay the child support that he owed, it would have greatly helped the girls keep it together.
In fact, Giles reflected, the majority of Buffy’s problems could probably be laid at Hank Summers’ feet. If Hank had shown more support to his daughters then Giles wouldn’t have to leave for Buffy’s own good. Dawn wouldn’t have been taken away by social services either. Hell, Buffy herself probably would have been stronger and more content to follow Giles direction. His slayer would have been better prepared for everyday life. It was Hank’s fault that she was so selfish that she continuously ran away from her problems and that the only way to make her responsibility for her actions would be for Giles to leave the country. It would be for her own good, and she would finally have to be responsible for her life.
As Giles continued to work up a righteous anger towards Hank, he began to fantasize about the reaction he would get by exerting the Council’s influence. Hank would try to bluff his way out signing the papers because it wouldn’t look good to his law firm. Giles would insist, and then he’d mention the power and influence that the Council welded. It would be a glorious battle of wit and will, but like all intellectual challenges, Giles would emerge triumphant. Before this night was over, Hank Summers would sign away custody of his youngest daughter.
The meeting initially seemed to be going well. Hank welcomed Giles into his home and led him past a beautiful solarium complete with a baby grand piano, and up a winding staircase designed to impress. The staircase naturally flowed into Hank’s home office, giving Giles a momentary twinge of envy. It was completely unfair that Hank had a home office that was this beautiful. The man represented some of the worst scum found in California. It was almost as bad, if not worse, then working for Wolfram and Hart. The man was an intellectual properties attorney at a big-name firm. Demons would be almost preferable to the likes of Spielberg or Lucas. Seriously – how many lawsuits could one man file?
When the subject had turned from polite pleasantries to the subject of Joyce and her daughters, the man’s eyes had grown cold and calculating. Barely constrained fury flashed across his face, and Giles began to doubt that this meeting would continue to go as smoothly as it had been. He was not, however, afraid of the upcoming battle. He would be taking Dawn back to England, and nothing Hank Summers could say would be changing that fact.
Giles began his carefully worded speech, “I will be honest with you Mr. Summers. I want you to relinquish all custody of Dawn Summers to myself and terminate your parental rights. I am prepared to take over all financial burdens, including educational and housing concerns. She would receive one of the finest educations in the world at a private institution in England. I am also prepared to overlook any outstanding debts you may owe to your daughter Buffy for the care of Dawn.”
Giles eyes hardened as he stared down at the man, “However, should you try to fight this, I will see you in court for every penny that you failed to pay. Not only am I prepared to sue you for back child support and lawyers’ fees, but also for the pain and suffering that your negligence caused. You would also be ordered take care of very expensive educations that both Buffy and Dawn will need to complete their studies up to any and all postgraduate degrees. There are legal precedents for this, and I am quite sure you are aware of them.”
“I am also quite sure that your fellow partners at the firm will be very unhappy at the negative attention that I will draw to you. There is a one time offer that I will extend to you. Should you sign this document granting me custody and terminating your rights, then I will not pursue your lack of support in court. I’ll also overlook the compensation that you should be obligated to pay Buffy.”
Giles tirade was interrupted when Hank Summers proceeded to laugh in his face. The gall of the man! Did he not think that Giles was capable of carrying out his threats? “I say sir, your humor is highly inappropriate. I assure you I am fully prepared to back all my threats.”
Hank stood up and walked over to a looming filing cabinet. Removing one slim file from the middle drawer, he threw it at Giles.
“As I told Mr. Travers on the phone” Hank sneered at Giles, “it would be my pleasure to give you all the documents that I was sent at Joyce’s death.
Giles looked confused and began to leaf through the contents of the file. The top form was a medical test on Dawn and Joyce. As he flipped through more legal documents, none which made any sense, he finally came to a penned note.
Dear Hank,
I am resorting to an old cliché; if you have received this letter then I have passed away. I was afraid of this; the doctors said that only one in three patients recovered from this type of surgery – and since I have never been the lucky sort, I knew that I might not survive.
I have some information to share with you that I know you won’t take well. Whatever you do, please don’t tell the girls.
Dawn is not your biological daughter. I have enclosed the blood tests that prove this. Dawn’s blood type is type A, where as I am type O. In case you are not sure what this means, check your own medical records. You are type B. This means that it is physically impossible that you are her father.
I promise you that I did not cheat on you. I was always faithful during our marriage. I do not know how, or why, this has occurred. I’d blame mystical forces, but you probably wouldn’t believe that. Comfort yourself that perhaps she was switched at birth. The important thing is that both Buffy and Dawn believe that you are Dawn’s father.
I would not have told you, but I know how your mind works. I know that you sent an investigator here and that you have been looking at ways to obtain custody of Dawn. I wouldn’t have minded so much, if you had wanted her for herself, bBut I know how your firm views its lawyers.
You want Dawn for the illusion she would give you, respectability as a family man. However, Dawn deserves so much more than that. Despite what you may think it is not as you say, that it’s, ‘the intention that matters.’ It is what you do, and you don’t want Dawn. You want a mantle piece to show off at parties.
Dawn belongs with Buffy. If you commit any act that would remove Dawn from her sister’s custody, my lawyer will contact Buffy and give her all the documentation she would need to fight you. I have never lied to you. I only found out this information after I went into the hospital.
Please don’t cause problems, despite the arguments and fights that we were prone to; they have always loved you and believed in you. Buffy is your daughter and Dawn knows no differently. Please take care of them of them for me, both of them. They will need your support, now more then ever. At the very least do it for Buffy. She has always worshiped the ground you walked on and loves you like no other.
I am placing my faith in you to do the right thing.
Farewell,
Joyce
Giles looked up from the letter, his mouth agape with shock. He couldn’t believe what he just read. Gathering up the files he nodded to Hank, “You said I could take this file?”
Hank smirked, “I told Mr. Travers that you could have all the information that I have received. The blood tests are all compiled in there – including mine. While Buffy might be my daughter, and over 18 I might add, Dawn is not. I will not take responsibility for that child. I just wish I knew that Joyce had cheated on me and that Dawn was not my daughter. I paid twice the child support for years for no reason. How selfish of her! Like anyone would believe either story - switched at birth or strange mystical forces? How stupid does she think I am?”
Hank stood up and stormed out of the room. Clutching the thin folder, Giles followed. His head was spinning. If the Key was not a genetic copy of Buffy, then what would this indicate? And why hadn’t Quentin Travers told him this from them beginning instead of allowing Giles to make himself look like an ass?
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Later that night
Giles cleaned his glasses while he contemplated everything that had been revealed to him. He still couldn’t believe that Dawn was not the genetic daughter of Joyce and Hank. With all the fine detail that went into planning the key’s insertion into their lives and memories, you would think that such an important detail would not be overlooked. He had to notify Buffy immediately and begin the research. He doubted that she would allow Dawn to go to England with him, but perhaps he could persuade her. After all, if she wasn’t really her sister, then who said that Dawn should have to stay in Sunnydale. Surely his custody would be better then the State of California’s.
Cheered up, he settled down for the night. The hotel room was lacking the spacious accommodations he was use to when traveling. However, the mini-bar would more then make up for it. Tomorrow would be soon enough to ponder these new revelations.
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The Next Morning
Faith shielded her eyes from the bright glare of sunshine. It seemed strange to her that she was walking out of the prison a free woman. She had been prepared to serve her time, even though she knew she could have easily escaped at any time.
Catching sight of Giles, she wondered what could possible be going on in Sunnydale that they felt the need to spring her from prison. Not that she was complaining, but it just felt strange, “Hey there, what’s up?”
Faith turned her face upwards to catch the sun while she listened. She knew that she hadn’t been deprived of the sun. All inmates had access to the yard where they could work out and have some recreational time. However, it felt different. She felt different.
An exasperated voice broke into her musings; “Faith are you even listening to me?”
“Sorry G. How about we go get some breakfast, your treat, and you fill me in on the sitch?”
Giles shook his head at the Council’s solution. He couldn’t wait to get home. One Slayer who didn’t listen was bad enough. Now there were two.
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Faith froze with the fork halfway to her mouth, “You’re kidding me G?” “She was in heaven? And you’re leaving?”
Giles gave a small sigh, and he explained once more how it was for Buffy’s own good that he leave. He told Faith how he felt this was the best way to assist Buffy into becoming the strong adult that he always knew that she could be. However, his explanation was cut short by Faith’s mocking laugh.
“Okay once more from the top. Buffy died to fulfill her duty to the world. She committed the ultimate sacrifice that a Slayer can make. Then her friends,” Faith spat out the word, “yanked her straight out of heaven. Meanwhile, you ran off to merry old England to rebuild your life, and you LEFT the hell mouth unguarded except for a robot, a fledgling witch, a neutered vampire and Xander? After years of making Buffy guard it, and then insisting that I stay so she could go to college, everyone thought ‘oh well let the civilians do it’. When Buffy and I wanted to leave it wasn’t okay, but you get to run away and leave it to the demons?”
Giles began to interrupt, when Faith cut him off again, “No I want to make sure I have this right. So Slayer’s have this short life span right? They hardly EVER make it past their 18th birthday. Yet, Buffy and I are the oldest Slayers in history. That is mainly because Buffy died twice, and I have been locked away in prison. So because we are ancient in comparison to the other Slayers – we don’t get a traditional support unit?”
Giles stared at Faith in bewilderment. What should he say to such an accusation? He wasn’t given a chance to say much while Faith continued with her tirade.
“Don’t bullshit me here, G. Wes explained to me that Slayers were traditionally raised by the Watchers Council and not their families. So, if you are so used to yanking the Slayers away from their families and taking care of them, why do Buffy and I have to struggle?”
“Why will you raise Kendra and other slayers, but Buffy and I aren’t good enough? Hell I understand not taking Buffy away from her family, but as soon as you discovered me on my own no one ever offered to help. Oh no, Buffy and Faith can take care of themselves. So you have Buffy ready to crack, with no money and no support, and you are just going to hightail it back to England. You’ll just forget that she will have to get a job, take care of her sister, slay demons and do research in her spare time?”
Faith slammed her fist onto the top of the table. “Gee how long are you expecting her to live like that? Oh I am sure you will come back for her funeral, or one of her friends, but what about day to day support. She needs her Watcher. Hell she needs you, but you are too selfish to see it.”
Faith was livid. “What the fuck am I suppose to do? Get a job? Oh that will work great. Sorry I can’t come in tonight. I have a vampire’s nest to take care of. Are you really an idiot? I suppose you think I should move into Buffy’s house and let her take care of me too or stay in a hotel, which by the way I have no money for. What the hell are you thinking?”
Faith stood up and continued her rant at Giles. The only people who have bothered to come see her in jail were Wesley and Angel, but she still had plenty of fuel. “Obviously your stupid Council needs me in Sunnydale, but I can guarantee you this. Either get off your pompous asses and make provisions for Buffy and I so we can actually do our jobs or I am not going. I am damn sick of being a toy. So you want me back in Sunnydale? Then make arrangements. I need a stipend and a place to live, and then I will be the best damn Slayer that there ever was. Otherwise I am staying in LA and seeing if Wes needs some help. If you don’t want to stay in Sunnydale that is fine, but we need to have research support there. So send another stogy Watcher. I WILL NOT take orders from them, but I will let them assist me and advise me. Funny thing I learned in prison, to stay alive you need to watch your back. I don’t want to die because no one bothered to tell me the details about a demon.
Faith stormed out of the restaurant leaving Giles sitting at the booth. Slowly he lowered his head onto his hands. His head was pounding from too much drinking the night before, but even through that Faith’s words echoed loudly. Was she right? Was he being selfish? He loved his Slayer. He just wanted her to be strong. As his English reserve began to crumble his shoulders shook. He would not cry. Couldn’t they understand that he couldn’t stay? He couldn’t bear to see his beautiful Slayer die again, and with that last thought his reserve crumbled. Silent tears coursed down his cheek. He knew he had a problem. He was finally willing to admit he needed help.
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Twists Of Fate
(15) Life In Sunnydale
By Tasha and Athenewolfe
(Athenewolfe)
Author’s Note: Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 coincide in the timeline. While Chapter 14 concentrates on the events occurring in Los Angelus with Giles, Hank and Faith; Chapter 15 deals with the Sunnydale issues. There may be liberties taken with a supernatural creature that appeared on Angel. If there are any questions, then just assume that Wesley and Angel were confused, as they often were, or failed to research the creature in question beyond their immediate needs.
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Spike and Buffy’s home (While Giles drove to L.A which is an hour before sunset.)
Previously: Buffy lost track of time as she explored her Sire's body. Hands and lips caressed Spike. With every touch she discovered how powerful she was. She took control of her life, her body, and her destiny with every slight movement.
A soft rumble stilled her hand, and Buffy looked up and met her Sire's gaze. His eyes communicated everything she needed to know. She felt his passion for her, his love, and his fear that he would push her too far. She laid one finger against his lips. "Shhhh, please Sire. Let me do this?"
Spike nodded his consent, and he struggled to keep his demon in control. The sensations Buffy created with her gentle touch were almost too much. He watched as she traced her tongue across his frame: licking him, tasting him, and devouring him with her tongue. This was only the second time they’d touched like this, but this time she was the one in control.
As Buffy’s mouth engulfed Spike’s cock, all thoughts fled their minds but one, “This is glorious.”
Buffy was lost in a sensation of feeling. Her mind was clouded with love, lust and longing. Her hands roamed across Spike’s chest. Her mouth engulfed his cock while her tongue swirled around it: licking, tasting and touching. She moaned as a ragged desire built inside her, taunting her with the promise of release and fulfillment.
Buffy needed more. She needed to possess Spike, to devour him and to lose herself in his embrace. As she tasted him, taunted him, and teased him with her tongue he grew bigger. He expanded in her mouth, filling her with a feminine pride and a moist dampness beneath her mound’s curls.
Buffy wanted him. She needed him, but she was still afraid. Could she do this? Could she go through with this? Buffy stopped her explorations and sat up. Looking down, she drunk in the sight of her Sire, sprawled over the bed. His cock was glorious to behold as it bobbed back and forth as it begged for attention. His eyes were smoldering. Yet, he still looked concerned.
Spike felt Buffy’s hesitation, and he started to speak.
Buffy knew he didn’t want to push her into anything, but he wasn’t. Yes she was afraid, but she refused to let that fear stop her from claiming her mate. She would never again allow that scum to intrude into her life, to control her through her fears. He was dead, and she was alive, well undead. She shook her head at Spike, silently communicating that he should not talk.
Smiling seductively, Buffy made eye contact and opened her mind to him as much as she could, instinctively knowing that they were linked to each other. With one hand she touched his cock, sliding her thumb over the glistening tip. Positioning him and herself as best as she could, she eased herself onto Spike’s shaft. Watching as his smoky gaze burned even more brightly, she slowly impaled herself until he was fully sheathed inside of her. He filled her completely. Only then did she close her eyes, amazed at how good it felt to be on top of him, taking control, taking him, and feeling like she had come home.
Buffy was amazed at the sensations she felt. Rocking back and forth she experimented with the angles, exploring this strange link in her mind that connected her to her Sire. She wasn’t sure what had happened or why the link seemed to be so strong, but she could feel his pleasure and desire. Her first assumption was that the Sire/Childe boned was growing stronger with each sharing of blood between them.
As Buffy slowly moved, she enjoyed grinding her clit against Spike. Her limited experience with men had never brought her this much pleasure. She’d never been allowed this much leeway for exploration. A heady thrill coursed through her as she found a new angle that was slowly driving her crazy.
“Please Buffy,” Spike groaned, “Luv…” Buffy nodded and Spike placed his hands on her hips. He moved her faster and faster, increasing the speed and the friction that she had previously set.
Pleasure coursed through Buffy’s body as everything continued to build. Driving her insane with lust, desire, and need, she bit back a moan, “Please Sire… Spike… I need…”
Spike pulled Buffy closer to him, thrusting his hips upwards, and he bit her neck. Unable to control herself Buffy came violently. Her orgasm crashed into her, and Spike’s orgasm swiftly followed.
Exhausted Buffy collapsed on Spike’s chest. Her eyes fluttered shut as Spike whispered the instinctual words to complete their powerful connection. “Mine, always mine”
A whispered, "Yours," drifted past Buffy's lips as sleep claimed her once more.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
1630 Revello Drive (At the same time Giles pulled up to Hank Summers’ home after dark)
Willow eyed the house with a distasteful sneer. How dare they sell her home out from under her feet? She earned the right to live here! All of the hours she spent taking care of Dawn, the time and money spent to bring Buffy back from the dead, the endless research through the years on the latest big bads, and this was how Buffy repaid her?
The air filled with magical energy, crackling like lighting as it rolled over Willow’s skin. Her black eyes penetrated the room; her power expanding to fill the space around her. She was not willing to just accept this, to act like the meek mouse they always expected her to be. She was not willing to play second fiddle to the Slayer anymore. If they didn’t want her help, didn’t want her in their home, then she would show them who they were disrespecting. They would come back to her, begging her to help sort out their lives.
Willow’s eyes flashed once more. Her mouth curled up in a vicious smirk. It was time to have a “talk” with Buffy.
Willow enjoyed the feeling of power that caressed her skin. She didn’t want to put off this confrontation any longer. She drifted towards her former bedroom. The hallway seemed to darken as if the house had reacted to her unwanted presence. She was thankful that everyone had left the house. She hadn’t bothered to notice where – perhaps a hotel, or maybe they went home. It didn’t matter to Willow anymore. It only mattered that she was alone.
Scanning a critical eye across the room, Willow decided it was time to remove all her belongings. With a wave of her hand, everything in the room disappeared with the exception of the drapes and a lone dresser. Was it her fault that she had redecorated while everyone was away? Buffy had never told her that she couldn’t change the room, and who really wanted to live with that depressing interior. If they would have given her more notice she would have kept more of Joyce’s things.
Willow quickly conjured the appropriate materials for a spell and sat down. Enjoying the feeling of calling upon the earth’s energies, she slowly created her power circle. It pulsated with energy, and as the power crackled around her face she knew that it would hold against all outside forces.
Willow would not accept failure in the quest to find Buffy this time. This was no longer about Buffy’s selfish actions or her self-centered slayer personality. This was personal. Everything was going just fine until Buffy came back from the dead. You would think that she would have been grateful. Yes, she was pulled from Heaven, but it wasn’t like she wasn’t going to get back there eventually. Until then she could experience so much – friendship, love, and family. Yet what did she do? She whined, complained and alienated everyone around her.
If Buffy hadn’t returned with an attitude, then Tara would not have gotten upset or moved out. Giles would never have started drinking, and Xander would have kept trusting in her. She could have deratted Amy, and everyone would have been happy. All Buffy had to do was realize what an amazing gift that Willow had given her and been contented to get a job and raise Dawn. The Slayer couldn’t even do that properly. She had to ruin everything and make Willow’s life difficult.
Eyes flashing, Willow started her chant. “I summon thee Dinza, goddess of the lost. Come before me. Leave your tomb, your sacred cave, and enter the mortal world of light and life. I grant you safe passage, of blood and death, to enter this realm and remain for a period of one moon. Taste of this innocent blood, accept this sacrifice and appear before me bound to your task.”
Time seemed suspended as Willow cut a gash in her arm and began to mix it with the innocent blood of the dove whose throat she had cut. She was briefly plagued with guilt, momentarily wondering if she had now gone too far, or if the dry cleaners could get the stain out of her dress. She pushed those thoughts away knowing that Buffy would eventually thank her.
Buffy had come back wrong. Willow knew this even as she used her own blood to bind the demon to her task. The dove symbolized innocence, but true power was needed to fetch a goddess who could only be visited by the dead. Her own blood, her power, could force the demon to remain long enough to complete the task, while at the same time making the goddess able to take form and be visible to the mortal whose blood she was linked to. It was perfect. No living creature could perceive Dinza. Buffy would be unable to defend herself from this goddess of the lost.
Willow smiled as the power and blood loss was making her giddy. She would have the chance to correct her wrongs, to make everything as it should be. First she had to find Buffy. She would then have a chance to fix everything. They would all be happy, and life would return to normal. No matter what she had to do to fix things.
Outside the circle, a vague shape began to take form. Becoming more solid, she hissed in a snakelike manner, “Foolish mortal, why have you summoned me. You violate the rules of nature; I seek death, not life.”
Willow looked triumphant as the blood magic began to take hold… “I summoned thee Dinza to find what is mine. I lost the Slayer. Fetch her for me, and you shall have your reward.”
Dinza slithered around the circle, trying to take another taste of the power that summoned her. “And what my pretty shall be my reward? What will you give you up in order to fulfill your desires? What can you offer me that I will take?”
Willow smiled a mischievous grin, “I give you her memories. A taste of a life you will never have. Once stolen, they are never to be returned. You can guard them in your cave. She has memories of heaven and paradise lost.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sometime after 11 pm in Sunnydale at Spike, Tara, Dawn, and Buffy’s house)
Dawn and Tara walked in the house together. They continued their animated talk from the entryway all the way into the kitchen. After the little love fest started upstairs, Tara decided it would be a good idea to take Dawn out for a little movie and ice cream time together. After they watched a cute little romantic comedy at the cinema, Tara treated them both to a scoop of their favorite ice cream.
Tara was going to have to talk with Buffy and Spike about a soundproofing spell for their rooms. She chuckled to herself at the thought of how embarrassed Buffy would be to know that Tara heard every single detail of the couple’s lovemaking earlier even though she tried not to listen.
“I didn’t see Willow, Xander or Giles at school today.” Dawn bit into a nicely tart Granny Smith apple. “I figured the Scoobies would be all over me today. Do you think Angel actually left Sunnydale instead?”
“I doubt it.” Tara sighed. “I think Spike and Buffy would have been able to tell if he left.” She set a knife and a small bowl of heated caramel on the island counter in front of Dawn.
Dawn carefully sliced off a sliver of her apple, and she swiped the sliver through the sticky substance. “Did anything attack the wards today?”
“Not that I’ve noticed, and that worries me.” Tara picked up her own apple. She cored and peeled hers before she sliced it. “The bank called with verification about Buffy’s house yesterday. Willow would never just let something go like that without a fight.”
“I can’t see Willow being happy about it either.” Dawn frowned. “The calm before the storm?” She questioned.
“I’m afraid so. We need to keep our eyes open.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Spike opened his eyes. He shivered at the realization that his cock was still buried deep within Buffy. The feel of her currently suckling the blood from his neck had him hard as a rock instantly. ‘I could enjoy this kind of a wake up everyday,’ He thought to himself. He tried not to dislodge Buffy’s fangs from his neck when he shifted a little underneath her.
Buffy purred in her sleep. She felt very safe and comforted in her lover’s embrace. His blood infused her with the power and strength of her Sire, a master vampire of the Aurelian Clan.
Spike ran his fingers through Buffy’s long golden mane. When he lightly scratched her scalp, he was rewarded with the sounds of her stronger purring. Awake or asleep, he loved watching Buffy. ‘I can see traces of Joyce in Buffy’s face. I miss Mum.’ He sighed sadly. He considered all of the Summers’ women his family to love and protect.
Buffy hugged Spike more tightly in her sleep. She sensed the grief and melancholy he was experiencing. Even in her slumber she wanted to comfort him. “Family,” she muttered in the first stages of wakefulness.
She was a bit startled by Buffy’s muttered response. “Yes, pet. You and the Nibblet are my family now.” He wasn’t sure if she really heard him or what prompted the declaration from her.
“Mmmm … family …” Buffy continued to pull Spike’s blood slowly from his neck. “… Dawn … Sire …” She jerked away from Spike’s neck fully awake. “Dawn!” She exclaimed loudly.
“Whoa, Buffy. What’s wrong, kitten?” Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy to keep her from falling off the bed. “Bit’s safely downstairs with Glinda right now.” He’d known the moment Tara and Dawn returned to the house.
“Dawn …” Buffy panted, “… I can’t believe I didn’t realize it before.” She licked the remaining blood off her lips. “Those monks were twisted.”
“Pet, you aren’t making any sense at all.” Spike looked up at Buffy in confusion.
“Remember when I said that I thought I tasted Slayer blood in Dawn’s when we tested my control around her?” Buffy waited for Spike’s nod before she continued talking. “It’s nagged at me off and on since then about it.”
“It makes some sense that you would.” Spike sat up a little bit. He rested back on his elbows. “The monks created the Nibblet as your sister. Maybe being the key made her pick up a few things from your Slayer side?” He tried to reason out the information.
“I wish it were that simple, Spike.” Buffy inhaled deeply even though it wasn’t necessary. It was one of the control and calming techniques Spike taught her. What was she afraid of? Was she afraid that she was right, or was she just scared that Spike might not believe her? ‘I’d have to have another taste of Dawn to be sure.’
“I can see the gears turning in your head, Slayer.” Spike waved a finger in a circle in front of Buffy’s face. “Care to share with the rest of the class?”
“Get dressed.” Buffy slid off Spike’s lap. They both sighed from the loss of their joining. Buffy was tempted to climb right back on top of her lover, but she needed to be sure about her assumption. “We have to go down to see Dawn.”
Spike groaned, and he closed his eyes in an attempt to keep himself calm. He knew if he watched Buffy’s naked body wriggle around the room he wasn’t going to be able to stop himself from ravishing her.
“Come on, silly goose. Get that gorgeous ass out of bed, and get dressed.” Buffy slapped Spike’s bare thigh.
Spike growled. “You keep doing that, and the only thing that is going to be happening is my cock pummeling that sweet pussy of yours.”
Buffy blushed and turned away from Spike to hide it. She quivered with arousal, but she figured it wouldn’t be a good idea for Spike to see just how hard his words made her nipples.
Spike misread the action as having hurt Buffy’s feelings. He mentally kicked himself, slid out of bed, and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry, luv. I didn’t mean to be so crude or insensitive. I know you are just finding your pleasure again, but you stir me to distraction and insanity with your beauty and spirit.” His hardened cock nestled itself against the softness of Buffy’s cheeks, even though he tried to will his erection away.
“I’m not upset, Spike.” Buffy turned around in Spike’s arms. Her damp curls coated Spike’s cock with their joint spendings and her arousal. “I want you as much as you want me, but we need to check on Dawn.”
Spike nodded his head in agreement. He smiled in awe at the look on Buffy’s face that had to mirror his own heated one. “Then you’d best get to your closet, and I’ll get to mine.” He kissed the top of Buffy’s head. “I’ll meet you down there.”
“All right.” Buffy sauntered over to the closet in her room and her dresser. She heard the door to Spike’s room open and close a couple minutes later when she was only half dressed.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Spike walked into the kitchen to face two nervous females. Dawn ran over to Spike. “Is everything okay?” She hugged Spike. “I heard Buffy call my name.”
“I wouldn’t let her go up there,” Tara offered as an explanation for Dawn’s presence still in the kitchen instead of upstairs. “I thought Buffy might be having another nightmare.”
“Thanks, Tara.” Spike ran his hand down the back of Dawn’s head and back. “Buffy will be down in a little bit. She’s getting dressed.”
“Was it a nightmare?” Tara questioned.
“More like a revelation it seems.” Spike pulled back a little bit to look at Dawn. “I’m afraid that Buffy and I are going to have you to do something for us.”
Dawn stared up at Spike with a worried frown. “You know I’d do anything I could for you and Buffy.”
Buffy stepped into the kitchen. She stood next to Spike, but her eyes never left Dawn’s face. “I need to sample your blood again, and Spike needs to have a taste too.”
Tara watched Spike, Buffy and Dawn. Their auras were twisted around in a mingled set of colors. She wondered what was going on. Occasionally she’d noticed the similarities in their auras, but that happened sometimes with other mystical beings as well. She assumed that it was because Dawn was Buffy’s sister, and Spike cared so much for Dawn. ‘Why would they need to taste Dawn’s blood?’
“I … I guess so.” Dawn lifted her wrist towards Buffy. “Is something wrong?”
“I don’t think so, but it all depends on how you look at it.” Buffy looked down at the offered wrist. If she was right, everything between them all was going to be changed as a result.
Spike took Buffy’s hesitation as concern over having to bite Dawn again. He rubbed Buffy’s back.
Buffy smiled up at Spike, and then she turned back to look at Dawn. She closed her eyes, brought Dawn’s wrist up to her mouth and bit down as gently as she could. She cringed at the slight tensing from Dawn, but she continued to pull three more sips from the vein until she was sure that she was right about the blood. She offered the still bleeding wrist to Spike.
Spike took the wrist cautiously. He knew that it was best if he suckled the blood from Dawn before the wound healed to avoid a second bite, but he was still leery of tasting Dawn’s blood. His Nibblet wasn’t food.
“Hurry, Spike.” Buffy urged.
“It’s okay, Spike.” Dawn encouraged. She smiled weakly at her friend and protector.
Spike lowered his lips to Dawn’s wrist. The first pull of Dawn’s blood sung in his body. There was strength and power in it. On the second pull he tasted the Slayer blood that coursed through Dawn’s veins. With the third pull he nearly hit the floor. ‘There is no way that tasted like I think it did.’
Buffy watched Spike’s face. She knew the moment he tasted what she’d just realized was in Dawn’s blood. “I didn’t realize it at first because I was still overwhelmed with the whole Sire/Childe thing.”
Spike gulped nervously. He drew a fourth pull of Dawn’s blood into his mouth to be sure that he wasn’t going crazy. There was no doubting what he tasted within Dawn’s blood. It wasn’t the Slayer blood, Summers blood or even magical strength that flowed through Dawn’s body that concerned him. What shocked him was the taste of Aurelian blood that underlined it all. He licked the wounds on Dawn’s wrist closed, and he dropped Dawn’s arm back to her side. “I’m going to rip every one of those wankers heads off if I ever see any of them.” He said angrily.
“You aren’t happy?” Buffy nearly wept at the anger she felt from her Sire.
“Why would I be happy that those wankers made the Nibblet out of the poofter’s and your blood?” Spike snarled. Did she enjoy taunting him with her previous relationship in his family?
“Ewww!” Dawn squealed. “No way!”
Tara’s eyes widened in shock and fear. ‘We don’t need to deal with that on top of everything else right now.’
“You are an idiot, Spike.” Buffy rolled her eyes and clipped Spike upside the head. “Do you really think they’d use Angelus’ blood when that idiot would have killed Dawn the moment he lost his soul again?”
“That was Aurelian blood, pet. I doubt they used Dru or Darla.”
Dawn blinked in realization of what Buffy was implying. “You mean it?” She asked Buffy.
Buffy nodded to Dawn. Then, she held Spike’s face in her hands. She stared directly at him to show him how serious she was about what she was going to say to him. “I don’t taste Angelus in him. I am assuming each Aurelian taste a little different because the bit of Angelus I caught during our fight is different from the blood of my Sire.”
“Yeah, each generation is a little bit different because of the human that was turned to start with but,” Spike paused and then began again, “You’re saying …”
“Yes, Spike. That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Buffy grinned. “The more you fed me, the more fine tuned your specific taste became to me. When I sampled you this afternoon, it finally sunk in.”
Spike hugged Buffy and Dawn to him tightly. “Those bloody monks have a twisted sense of humor, but that’s fine with me.”
“How are we going to know for sure?” Dawn asked with concern. She would be ecstatic to have Buffy and Spike for her parents, but she was worried about what would happen to everyone if they were. “I don’t think Social Services will believe the “I tasted it in her blood” theory. We have to have a way to prove it legally.”
“Valerie’s group should be able to handle the tests.” Tara offered as a suggestion. She finally got the gist of what Buffy was saying about Dawn.
“That’s a great idea.” Buffy beamed. “They handle high end demon things. What gets more demony than the genetic testing of a Slayer and a vampire being the parents to a mystical key?” She laughed.
“You seem right cheerful about this, pet,” Spike stated.
“And you aren’t?” For a moment Buffy feared that Spike was upset about the development.
“I’d be right proud to be the Nibblet’s papa,” Spike said to ease any fears Buffy had. “I never thought I’d have a little nipper after I was turned. That she would be our child makes me even happier.”
“Then what is wrong?” Buffy asked with concern.
“I’m afraid of what the others will do to Dawn when they find out. I’m not letting anyone harm my girls, and with this chip out I’d have to be very careful if the Watcher or the Whelp tried to hurt her.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Buffy squeezed her hand on Spike’s arm reassuringly.
“I think we are going to be all right with Xander and Anya,” Tara spoke up. “I talked to Cordelia Chase earlier this afternoon, and she told me that Xander and Anya asked her to stop by the Magic Box. They said that they’d seen something the other night in the cemetery, and they had a feeling that she’d be able to let someone know that they supported her.”
Spike raised his scarred eyebrow. “I don’t know if I should be glad or scared.”
“Cordy knows how important our safety is to us. If she can keep our secret from Angel, she won’t give it away unless she is positive that it’s safe to do so.” Buffy nibbled on her lower lip as she spoke.
“The Whelp saying he still supported a vamped Slayer?” Spike nearly choked the words out. “Hell has now frozen over.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A few hours before dawn in Sunnydale (Giles and Faith are asleep in their respective locations in L.A.)
Buffy and Spike strolled towards Restfield cemetery, their hands linked and a comfortable silence surrounding them. They were both lost in their thoughts, wondering what the next day would bring, how this would affect their relationships with each other, and with the sister who might be more. They’d placed the call to Valerie before they left for patrol, and the efficient woman would be there first thing in the morning.
Buffy’s thoughts centered on her mother, and she wondered how much the wise woman had guessed before her death. She wondered how the news affected her ailing mother and what her mother would say to her about Dawn and Spike.
It could be centuries before Buffy would be able to rest her head on her mother's shoulders again in Heaven. In the meantime she would go on trying to live an unlife that would make her mother proud. Buffy’s eyes teared up at the thought that one day she would lose Dawn as well. She’d thought of her as her sister, and now it seemed she was her daughter. Either way, Dawn was her reason for dying and for living again.
One day Dawn would die. Everyone would die. She was destined to outlive them all, to protect them, to cherish them, but she’d lose them to things she could not fight. There was so much in the world that could happen to them. Old age, disease or possibly even an accident could take their lives, not to mention the violence of a mugging, murder or a rape like what killed her the third time.
Buffy would fight evil still. She knew that. She may not be the Slayer anymore, but she was a Champion. Spike had shown her that it was possible to lose everything and keep going; to try against all odds, to survive, to fight, and to love. Perhaps he hadn’t meant to, but she understood now anyway. He had fought her demon to help the White Hats. It might have started because of the chip, but that wouldn’t have stopped the demon for long. She felt it’s constant longing for blood, death and destruction. She knew that Spike would have felt that way and, he had chosen to stay and help rather than flee or create further mayhem.
Unconsciously Buffy snuggled closer into Spike’s wiry frame. She found it ironic that a single man had cost her the unfailing belief in humanity and souls that she had clung to, but a single demon could restore her hope and belief in good.
Buffy sighed when they reached the entrance to the cemetery. Now that she had an eternity stretched in front of her, time seemed shorter then ever. She needed to contact Xander and Giles. She owed it to her friends to let them know what is going on. Perhaps they could help Willow sort out her problems. Of course, they also could try to stake her.
The air around them seemed to thicken, and the hairs on Buffy’s arms stood at attention. Something was off, and her world went black
Spike wasn’t quite sure what happened. One moment he was walking with Buffy to perform a quick patrol of the cemeteries. The next thing he knew Buffy had lost consciousness, and this strange bat like lady was fluttering around him. It was the oddest sensation. He knew he should fight, take his mate and run. He was furious and scared. Yet, he seemed to be transfixed. The air felt heavy, and he forced himself to move, to try and fight, “Who are you?”
The old bat woman laughed. She seemed to hiss her words as she slithered around him. “I am Dinza, demi-goddess of the lost; I have been summoned to take the blond girl to the witch, but the game has changed. Yes it has changed. She was lost, alive and lost, but now she is dead, dead and I found her. No more for the witch, not for the witch. I shall take her as mine.”
Spike stared transfixed, paralyzed. What was this creature that held him in such a thrall? Shaking off the strange magical effects she seemed to be having on him, he began to throw a series of slow motion kicks and punches. Dinza just laughed and continued her quirky movements and the endless flutter of wings.
He heard movement behind him, but couldn’t process it. The world started to fade into blackness when he saw Harris and the demon-bint swinging both swinging a tree branch in opposite directions.
The whelp’s branch made contact and Dinza was knocked unconscious. Spike nodded a thanks, “Call Tara…” and he too passed out.
Xander reached down and began to go through Spike’s pockets. At Anya’s confused look he motioned for her to do the same to Buffy. “You think Cordy’s vision could have come with a bit more instructions than cemetery and danger. Like, a phone number to call for Tara, or the lotto numbers for the week. We better hurry; who knows how long whatever I hit will be unconscious.
Anya held up Buffy’s cell phone triumphantly while Xander rolled his eyes in frustration, “Looking for a number, Ahn.”
“Like Buffy wouldn’t have all the numbers programmed in.” Scrolling down the entries, Anya got to Tara’s and pressed call.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning in Sunnydale (While Giles picked up Faith from prison in L.A.)
Valerie rang the doorbell and nervously ran her fingers through her long blonde hair. She was quickly coming to love this close-knit group, but she especially enjoyed her interactions with Tara. She didn’t want anything to interfere with the friendships she was forming, but she wanted so much more than that with Tara. She couldn’t help it. Every time she was around the younger blonde her heart seemed to melt a little more. She couldn’t wait to see her today…
Valerie was startled out of her musings by the site of a large brunette opening the door. She had never met this boy and couldn’t help but to stare since it was obvious he had spent the night. “Hello, Spike asked me to stop by this morning…” Valerie trailed off dismayed. Who was this man and why had he slept there? Was she too late? Had Tara moved on to someone new? ‘I thought she liked women?’
At that moment, Tara came jogging up to the open door, brushing past Xander and engulfed Valerie in a huge hug, “Thank goodness you are here Val! Spike and Buffy got attacked last night in the cemetery and Xander and Anya rescued them. They have been in and out of consciousness, and I don’t know what to do. We don't know why the charms didn't protect them, and why they were affected so badly. Can you come look at them, maybe you can help me figure it out?”
Valerie briefly enjoyed the feeling of Tara in her arms and then turned to the large man still halfway blocking the door. “Xander and Anya?”
Tara looked chagrined that she hadn’t introduced them, “Sorry – this is Xander, an old friend of Buffy’s. His fiancée Anya is the other room. Come on in. I will introduce you and then take you up to see Spike. He has been unconscious for a few hours now, but he has been restless for a while. I hope that means he is waking up.”
Xander finally stood aside and offered a goofy grin to the woman. “Ahn’s in the living room with coffee,” yawning he continued, “Why don’t we join her there? They have this brilliant coffee maker that makes one cup at a time. So, we have different flavors available.”
The group proceeded towards the living room to conclude the introductions and try to brainstorm what could be wrong with the two vampires when Valerie’s shocked voice filled the air. “Anyanka? Is that you?”
Anya looked surprised at the new houseguest and a bit nervous as she tried to place her. She looked familiar. “Yes, and you are….” She hoped it wasn’t one of her old wishers coming back to haunt her.
Valerie broke into a huge grin, “Sorry you probably don’t remember me, and I was a bit younger the last time we met. Valerie Logan from the Logan Station of the Underground. I think it was ‘bout 16 years ago. You got called out on a case in St. Louis and stopped by the house for dinner with the Draculli refugees.
Anya’s face lit up at the remembrance, and she threw her arms around Valerie. “I remember you! You followed me around for three days straight. I couldn’t get a decent wish with you there. So, we went to the mall.”
Valerie nodded, “and you ended up granting the wish to the lady with the French poodle. You turned her boyfriend into a poodle to match the one she already had; something about how he was such a dog anyways…”
Both girls giggled at the memory. “So sweetie - how are your parents? I haven’t seen them in forever! Are they still running the underground, or have they retired yet? I remember they were going to try and visit the world without shrimp and then head over to Europe for a river cruise.”
Valerie froze as she felt a wall of grief rise up. Trying to stop the prickling of tears, she quietly muttered, “They were killed about ten years ago in a Council attack.”
Tara placed a comforting arm around Valerie and guided her to sit down. Anya simply looked stunned. She remembered the Logan’s very well. A tight-knit and extremely loving family, she had been confident that this was one group who would never need her services. Everyone loved them, from the demons they rescued to the humans who lived around them.
Xander looked shocked at the proceedings. “What?” He panicked. The Council only attacked demons, right? “What are you? You look human.”
Before Valerie could answer, Anya snapped at him, taking out her grief on the confused man. “She’s human, Xander. Her entire family is … was … some of the best and most loyal humans I have ever met. How dare the Council do that to you …” Anya trailed off, and her lips started to tremble.
Xander pulled Anya close and hugged her. “I’m sorry, Ahn. I’m still having trouble with those whole humans good, demons bad they fed me.” He took a deep breath, and he turned towards Valerie. “My apologies to you too. I have foot in mouth disease. As in my foot lives there and only comes out to cause problems. So any idea about what is going on here?”
A weak voice called out from the doorway, ‘That’s what I would like to know”. Spike moved towards the couch, indicating he would like to sit, “Do you mind luvs? I’m feeling a bit knackered.”
Jumping up to give Spike her spot, Tara settled him unto the couch, “Buffy woke up, but I let her go back to sleep. The poor thing is exhausted.” He sent a friendly nod to Xander and Anya. “I’m glad you both showed up. Never thought I’d say that to you Harris. Meanwhile, that thing said she was supposed to bring Buffy to the witch. I’d say we have a serious problem in the form of a redheaded witch and some very scary mojo.”
TBC…