Bittersweet
 Chapters 21-22


Written by: Tygerlily
 Author's Website





Summary: Set after 'The Gift', Dawn's dies instead of Buffy. Buffy and Spike are shattered by Dawn's death and leave Sunnydale. Angel and the rest of the gang try to bring them home...weirdness insues.
Disclaimer: Not mine! I kinda borrowed them from Joss for awhile...shhh don't tell it'll be our secret.
Author's Note: My first attempt at a B/S fic. So please be kind.
Author's Note II: Ok I was having writer's block, I had no idea where to begin for a B/S fic so I found this Challenge at the BuffySpke Diaries site -- It's Given by Jinxanna and it's Challenge #12.
Author's Note III: {dreams} & //Flashback//
Author Note IV: I am not trying to preach to anyone but I was brainstorming on how I wanted some of Drusilla’s actions and speech to be and this is what I came up with so some of Drusilla’s dialogue is taken from certain text. Please don’t be offended by any of it. I’m not bashing God, Jesus Christ or whoever else nor am I endorsing them I just found a lot of the writings worked into my story for Drusilla’s crazy ramblings… okay I’m finished. (Ezek. 28:17), (Ezek. 28:16), (Isa. 14:13), (2 Cor. 11:14), (John 8:44), (Luke 4:7).
Feedback: Angelusblood@yahoo.com






Chapter 21 – Fragments


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~The thick crimson liquid flowed from her lips and slid down the column of her throat marring the silky, pale skin there. A low purr tumbled forth from her lips as she felt the sweet liquid slid past her mouth and touched her tongue. The body in her arms was cold and limp and she’d never felt more alive than she did right then.

Buffy could feel the darkness pressing in around her, the chaos that was going on inside her head making it difficult to focus on just one thought. She could see numerous images flash before her eyes, some too fast to even distinguish as to what they really were.

Then suddenly everything stopped; she was alone in the dark and the silence was deafening. It began to press in on her and finally her emerald colored eyes look down at the body in her arms and she let out a horrified shriek when she recognized the slack face staring back up at her. 

Cold brown eyes that were dead and unseeing, his soft brown locks fell over his slack face. His lips cold and chapped were parted slightly from the last breath he took as she sipped his life away. Her entire body began to tremble as his still form slipped from her embrace. Wide emerald eyes looked down at her arms and hands and what she saw caused her to scream.

Rivulets of blood streamed down her pale almost translucent arms warming her cool skin. It soaked her flesh and the smell alone was intoxicating. She could feel her face shifting and she couldn’t help but feel her bones shift with the change. Her tongue darted forward to feel her elongated canines nicking herself in the process. She couldn’t help but moan softly at the taste.

The sound of soft footsteps soon filled the space and Buffy turned toward the sound but was still unable to see the person coming toward her. Suddenly the click of heels stopped and a low groan filled the air and then the figure stepped into the light.

She practically floated her way toward the little blonde; a crazed look glittered within her dark blue eyes as her long hair flowed down her back like spun silk. Her skin was as pale as the moon and as cool as ice. She was truly a vision and Buffy was entranced by her.

A long elegant finger traced a path down the column of Buffy’s throat and the tiny Slayer couldn’t help but shiver at the action. The small smile that graced the brunette’s face did not go unnoticed by her companion. Buffy couldn’t help the small intake of breath as she felt gentle hands move to cup her breast.

Leaning down Drusilla’s lips just brushed against the shell of Buffy’s ear and the shiver that throughout the little blonde’s body was the exact reaction Dru was looking for.

“He is the dragon and the serpent; he is also not the only evil spirit active in this world. They all slither and slink the dark, it’s where they thrive, its where the rule” she whispered darkly

Buffy went limp in her arms as she felt a cool tongue softly lick the shell of her ear. Her chest rose and fell with each breath as they pressed up against Drusilla’s cool skin. The little blonde’s head lolled to the side as the gentle touch of icy lips began to leave a hot trail along the column of her throat.

Without ceremony Drusilla’s ethereal features shifted and her human guise slowly melted away. Pulling the tiny Slayer close her fangs descended and pierced the supple flesh of her throat. Warm, spicy blood flowed from her Slayer’s throat and into her mouth. Drusilla moaned at the tasted of it and couldn’t help but shudder at the power of it as it began to flow through her veins.

Small hands began to scratch and pull at her arms, Buffy was now frightened. Drusilla continued to slowly but steadily sip from her throat and she could feel her life slipping away with each passing moment. Then suddenly she slipped from the vampires’ arms. Her usually warm green eyes were hooded and dazed and as she looked up at the dark haired beauty she was sure she didn’t want to know what was going to happen next.

Blood dripped from her fangs and they glistened in the low light. Her face was shrouded in shadow but it was easy to see the saffron colored eyes that were staring back down at her. Even they glowed with the insanity that consumed the seemingly young woman before her.

“Lifted up by his beauty and his influence, he conceived in his heart the ambition to rise further, even to become the equal of God… he has the power to assume dazzling magnificence, becoming an angel of light… I warn you, watch for him or he will consume you…” ~

A crack of thunder and rumbled throughout the darkened room and not too long after a bolt of lighting lit up the sky and for a few moments the room was brighter. The rain continued to pelt the window panes. Buffy rolled over in the bed as she tried to catch her breath. A fine sheen of sweat coated her body and she kicked the comforter down to her feet hoping the cool air of the room would help calm her down, rolling back over onto her back as she remembered the dream that had just recently woken her up from a dead sleep.

Drusilla sat in the corner of the room where Miss. Edith sat in her lap quiet as a mouse. She had made sure that they were both to stay quiet as mice as her little Slayer slept. Miss. Edith was whispering all sorts of things to her; saying things like the naughty Slayer will try and hurt them but Drusilla just told her to hush and that she would have no cake with her tea.

Looking up towards the bed Drusilla was pleased to see that Buffy was awake, though she knew that she was upset by the way her heart pounded beneath her chest and her erratic breathing.

“What troubles you little one?” she asked from the dark

Buffy was startled but only for a moment and then she once again began to relax into the bed sheets though she did eventually answer the vampires’ question.

“I had a dream… it was…” she trailed off still lost in the memory of it

“It was absolutely sinful” she rasped in her ear

The little blonde jumped when she felt Drusilla’s cool unneeded breath against her ear. Turning to face the vampire she was surprised that she hadn’t heard her cross the room so quickly nor did she feel the bed dip with her companion’s slight weight. Drusilla pulled herself closer to the Slayer as one of her hands reached out to cup one of the blonde’s small but very full breasts. Buffy arched into her touch even as she kept her eyes locked onto Drusilla’s. Throwing one muscled leg across her tanned thighs Dru leaned forward and began to leave wet open mouthed kisses along her collar bone while slowly moving down to the swell of her breasts.

Buffy was lost she’d never let another woman touch her this way before but she couldn’t seem to find the words to tell Drusilla to stop though she doubted that the dark vampire would stop anyway. Just as she felt Drusilla’s long fingers brush up against her waist there was a loud bang just outside the door. Two pairs of eyes both darkened with lust turned toward the door and watched with curious eyes as Drake came barreling through the door.

“What is it?” Drusilla demanded

“He’s come for her; Spike is here and he isn’t alone” he panted out

Thinking quickly Drusilla sprang from the bed and made a dash for Miss Edith before ordering Drake to take Buffy and follow her. Pushing back a drapery there she quickly unlocked a door that it was hiding. The three of them passed through with ease only stopping to re-lock the door before moving swiftly down the dark corridor.

Coming to a large room there was a black escalade at the far end and the two vampires quickly made their way toward the vehicle. Drake easily slid Buffy into the back seat where Drusilla quickly followed. Numerous footsteps could be heard as they bounded down the stairs they themselves just descended. Drake jumped into the driver’s seat and with a screech of the tires they were speeding down one of England’s numerous country roads.

Spike and Raz arrived just as they were driving away, the bleached vampire tried to chase after them but they were going to fast and he wasn’t in top form. There was no way he’d be able to catch them. Cursing profusely he headed back to find Raz, Ciro and Oz looking at him with defeated eyes.

“They’re long gone… and I have no idea where she would take her…” Spike said

“We’ll find her” Oz said

Spike said nothing as he turned his eyes back to the dusty road. Dawn would be coming soon and again he’d be greeting it without his mate by his side. Angry tears began to well up in his eyes at that particular thought. Turning on heel he pushed past his companions and bounded back up the stairs from which he came.

Three pairs of eyes look after the vampire after he made his hasty exit and one by one they too headed back up the stoned steps and into the house. They found Spike sitting on the bed a pillow in his lap his head buried in his hands. Sharing a look Ciro was the one who stepped forward and knelt at his feet, her eyes full of sympathy.

“Spike…” she said softly

“I have to find her…” he said brokenly into his hands

“And we will, they were just lucky this time” she said to him

It was quiet for some time when he looked up at her; his face was wet with tears and his eyes were red and puffy. He looked at her with his icy eyes and she couldn’t help but take a step back from the expression that marred his face.

“Drusilla is up to something, I know it. She doesn’t play her games with just anyone and for some reason she wants Buffy. Why I don’t know but something is happening, something not right… I can’t put my finger on it but I know, the air is changing, all those years with Dru I was able to… feel things. I’m nowhere near as perceptive as Dru is but I can tell… something is about to happen…”


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~ The fog was thick and heavy, the sun’s dappled rays tried to break through but it was no use and the land was covered in a blanket of darkness. She was lost again and she wasn’t sure if she’d ever find her way back. Looking down at her clothing she was surprised to find herself in a long white flowing dress. Its silky texture clung to her curves accenting the swell of her breast and the curve of her hips. Her long honey colored hair fell around her shoulders accenting her golden skin.

“A murderer from the beginning…” the voice whispered

Turning around slowly Buffy searched for the speaker but was able to find no one. She continued her search as she looked around her but all she was able to see and feel was the dark.

“… and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him…”

Fear laced Buffy’s heart; she had no idea where she was and who was speaking to her. Though their voice was soft there was an edge to it that made her insides quake.

“… When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it…” it continued to whisper

The voice was closer now and the Slayer continued to scan her surroundings and still came up with nothing. Her heart pounded beneath her chest as her fear of what was to come grew. The dark was becoming heavier and it was becoming harder to think, to breathe, to live… just as quickly as the darkness came it receded and a girlish laugh filled the air.

And there was Drusilla standing before her, demonic visage to the forefront.

“He once said; "If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine". Do you believe it to be true? Do you really think if you worship and worship him alone you will be rewarded?” she asked

“Who are you talking about?” the Slayer asked fearfully

Though it seemed as though the dark vampire didn’t hear her softly asked question for she continued as if nothing had been said.

“One day in the future he will succeed in gaining the worship of the whole world…”

“How…”

“…By signs and wonders that convince the gullible and by coercion that brings foot-draggers into line, he will make the whole world worship his proxy, the Antichrist… now do you know who I speak of?” she asked insanity glittered in her eyes

“Lucifer…” she whispered

“Originally he was Lucifer. But his rightful names now do not credit him with great splendor…” she groaned softly

“Why are you telling me all of this? I mean I don’t understand. What does any of this have to do with me?” she asked fearfully

The vampire’s head swayed to the music only she could hear which floated in and about her head. She began to dance around the Slayer but she still answered her question though just as cryptically as ever.

“All the world is but a stage, and all the men and women are merely players; William Shakespeare said that once a long while ago. And he is right you know. ‘The Powers’ use you and everyone else as pawns in their game of chess with fate… poor lost little lamb, sent out every night into the dark to play with the wolves”

The angry tears that began to well up in the Slayer’s eyes were quickly brushed away as she stared at the dark vampire. She just didn’t understand what all this had to do with her. None of what was being said to her made any sense, not really to her anyway. As if sensing her thoughts Drusilla spoke.

“It has everything to do with you. You are the messenger”

“The messenger…”

Searing pain shot though the diminutive blonde’s body like liquid fire as it wrapped around her heart. Her vision blurred as tears formed in her eyes as she felt her body tremble. She collapsed to the floor and writhed in pain. Drusilla looked on with wide and seemingly innocent eyes.

“Dru…” Buffy tried calling to her but it was no use the pain was too much

Her soft lips parted and soon a thick dark liquid began to spill over past her lips and down her cheeks. It was blood and it flowed freely from her mouth causing her body to shudder and twist on the cold floor. Drusilla walked slowly toward the Slayer that was no nothing more than a mass of nerves. She slowly knelt before her and whispered in her ear.

“… So black and hateful; he’s out to hunt the light and when the light has fled in horror before him the shadows will conquer the world. That is when the emperor will come and the darkness will be forever…” ~

Drusilla looked down with sad eyes as she watched her poor little Slayer sleep restlessly as they continued to drive throughout the day. England was no longer safe for them so it’d been arranged for them to have passage to Paris, France that very night. The air was thick and heavy, it was filled with worry and it was coming for the Slayer. There was nothing she could do to stop it, her mind was already under attack and soon nothing would be left but mere fragments of a once magnificent girl.

Though she wasn’t about to let her go without a fight. She softly ran her fingers through her hair offering her all the comfort she could and as Drake continued to drive down the back roads; Drusilla continued to contemplate the ways she could help this girl whose head lay in her lap.

End of Chapter 21


Chapter 22 – On Wings of Gossamer


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There was no time. There was no space. It was a vast nothing.

“Things are progressing horribly; he has entered the warriors’ mind. And the vampire… she is trying to help as best she can. But she is weakening with each passing day and soon she will be not be any use to the Slayer” a female voice vibrated throughout the expanse of area.

Her brother merely sighed heavily at his siblings words of warning. They’d already pleaded their case to ‘The Powers’ and they wouldn’t be heard. Everything that was occurring had some sort of purpose or so they claimed. Though the two ethereal beings seemed cold hearted and unfeeling at times they continually watched over their favored warriors with loving eyes.

“You think I don’t know these things, I do. I know just as much as you, I also know that as of right now ‘The Powers’ believe that these test as they call them are necessary. For what reason, I have no idea. William is slowly loosing rational thought without his mate. And I don’t know how much longer the Slayer can sustain her sanity let alone her strength, especially with a prolonged separation from her mate…”

The seemingly young woman walked about the space looking on with sad eyes at the images that continually flashed around them. Some were of the Watcher and the Slayer’s friends; others were of her mate and her new family but most were of the Slayer herself and the dark vampire that was now caring for her.

“Everything is all going so very wrong. The darkness that consumes so many is starting to creep its way into our higher ranks. I fear if we loose her, our Slayer. That all will be lost, she alone brought THREE of the world’s most fearsome vampires to her aid; Angelus and both of his favored childer!” the female exclaimed

“So what are we to do, dear sister?”

“Can we really just sit idly by and watch it crumble before us?”

“You know as well as I do, that we are not to interfere” he reasoned

Turning her back on her brother he almost missed her whispered words.

“Perhaps its time we stopped abiding by these old and archaic rules and made some new ones of our own… so what do you say brother. Are you willing to bend the rules so to speak?” she asked with a small smile on her face

And for the first time in millennia her brother cracked a smile and asked…

“Where do we start?”


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~ The sun’s dappled rays shimmered brightly against the cool waters of the ocean. The blonde beauty lifted her face toward the light breeze that was coming in off the waves. Turning her back toward the waters she looked out at the lush greenery and the trees that rustled with the soft wind.

Looking down she as pleasantly surprised to find herself dressed in a navy blue sundress, the soft cotton hugged her slim form in all the correct areas, as it clung to the shape and swell of her breast it fell easily over her curved hips. Her hair was pinned up loosely leaving a few tendrils to fall framing her face.

The sound of the air to her back her began to change, it almost sounded as if wings were fluttering behind her, turning toward the sound she was more than surprised to see Talaria gliding toward her.

“In the beginning God created heaven and the earth… and earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters… and God said let there be light…” She spoke softly as her feet gently touched down on the grass

“Hello young warrior…” she said with a smile

“Hello, Talaria… right?” she said with an uncertain smile

“Yes, you remember well. Now there isn’t much time, so would you like to hear the rest of the tale?” she asked kindly

“Are you talking about God… or something?”

The Ferohers just smiled softly at the Slayer; she knew that this was only going to be a one in a few opportunities when they’d actually get to speak to their warrior. The evil was getting stronger and it was already making its way into the Slayer’s mind. If they didn’t warn her of the danger coming her way she’d have no defense. The human mind has always been a fragile thing; anything overly traumatic could affect it in the worst ways. 

“Yes, I speak of God, though I’m not here to preach to you. I’m here to tell you a story and to warn you. That he is coming for you, he wants you and he won’t stop till he has you. The only way to beat him is for you to fight back with your mind, your heart and soul. To not give into temptation…”

“Temptation…” she said though the question was clear in her voice

“Do you want to hear the rest of the tale?” she asked as if she never heard Buffy ask her question and then without even waiting for the Slayer’s answer the Angel continued.

“… And God said let there be light: and there was light. Then God saw the light, that it was good: and God then divided the light from the darkness. He called the light day, and the darkness he called night. That evening and morning was the first day…”

Buffy listened to the tale in silence but she still wasn’t sure as to what was going on. For some reason she could remember the dark and how it felt deliciously sinful; there was no guilt nor pain but here in the light, it felt better somehow and even though there were so many emotions here in the light, it just seemed to make life better that way.

“It’s a nice story, but where do I come into this. I mean I’m just a Slayer in a long line of them. I mean what makes me so special?” she truly wanted to know

“Because there have been no others like you, you have changed the world numerous times over. You are ‘The Chosen’ and I don’t mean just being the Slayer. You will be faced with numerous obstacles ahead and if you can overcome them all you will be rewarded greatly”

“Why do I not like the numerous obstacles part? I mean being greatly rewarded is always fun but all the work you gotta put in before hand is a bitch” Buffy moaned

“Yes it is but I can promise you, this reward will be worth working for” she laughed

“Okay… so is there anymore left to this story you have to tell me?”

“You actually wish to know more?” the angel asked curiously

“Sure, why not… as of right now it doesn’t look like I’m going anywhere”

“… God then called the firmament from heaven and the evening and the morning were the second day. Then God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also…” ~


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The sun was just setting over the horizon and the twilight was painted in beautiful pinks and blues that streaked the sky. The trio had just arrived at the safe house for the day before they were to travel to Paris that night. Drusilla watched the Slayer sleep with tired eyes; she herself could use the rest but until they reached one of her many homes in Paris she was determined to stay alert.

“I can see them… and they tremble with what is to come” Drusilla whispered

“You can see whom?” Drake asked

“The stars…” she said reverently her eyes glittering with madness

“We’re inside and its daylight, there is no way…” he tried to reason

“My sweet Spike tried to tell me the same thing once, but I can still see them. I’ve always been able to see them even in the bright light of the day…” she explained

“Alright, so what do you see sire?”

Drusilla purred at the name but hesitated in answering her childe’s question.

“A war will be fought and ‘The Chosen’ will stand proudly at the front lines. She will fight hard with the determination of no other. But in the end she will fall and perish underneath the beast’s claws… she will then rise from the ashes of the darkness on wings of gossamer and the light life. The warrior will leave this mortal life behind and ascend to a higher plane leaving all others behind… unworthy…”

Drake looked on with frightened eyes, though his sire’s eyes were now a brilliant hue of gold her face had not shifted to its demonic visage and her fangs had not elongated. But that wasn’t even that disconcerting compared to the fact that her voice echoed; it almost sounded as if it were Drusilla’s voice and someone else’s voice that spoke with her. It was the oddest thing he’d ever seen and even though his time as a vampire has still been relatively short being a childe of Drusilla the mad one saw numerous things no creature alive or dead should witness.

“Sire, we still have a few hours until sunset, you rest along with the Slayer and I will see what I can do about some food… for all of us” and with that he made a swift exit from the room leaving the two women alone once more

Dark blue eyes looked over Buffy’s frail form and she sighed softly. Walking over to the larger four poster bed; Drusilla pulled the thick comforter up and wrapped it around the diminutive blonde’s body but not before crawling beneath them herself. She molded her body around the Slayer’s soaking up the warmth which her mortal body continued to produce and she sighed heavily into her sweet smelling hair.

Honey colored locks were splayed over across the soft pillow and tickled the vampire’s nose but it didn’t seem to bother her at all and she just snuggled closer hoping to rest even if only for a short time. Drake returned a short time later with a wriggling young man for Drusilla and a sack containing a sandwich and a bottle of water for Buffy. Smiling softly at the picture the two women made asleep wrapped around one another, he decided that lunch could wait and placed the sack of food on to the table in the corner and brought the young man into the next room to wait.

They’d both be hungry when they woke.

 

TBC...

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