Bloodlines Book 2 - A Rebirth

Author: P'al Kwai

Dedication: Thank you to my beta readers, Red and Donna. And to Kirsty for all her help and inspiration.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
 
 

~Part: 21~

"So. . .the key is. . .was living energy." Studying books and scrolls, the two Watchers and the vampire were making slow process.

"We really could use more pairs of eyes." Sighing, Wesley put his book down. Hearing voices coming from the back room an idea struck him. "Angel, can't Spike and Djoser help us? Don't they know ancient languages?"

"Djoser knows a few, but William. . . ." Angel shifted uncomfortably. It just occurred to him that he didn't know what his youngest knew or didn't know. "Years ago, languages weren't his strong point. Even if he's improved and has learned some since, I. . . ."

"Take it from me, Wesley." Giles interjected. "It doesn't matter what language the research is in; Spike will be absolutely no help."

"What about your brother. . . ?" Wesley had just gotten up the nerve to ask about Nic when a series of crashes and bangs from the back room caught their attention.

"What the. . . .?" Slamming the book he had been reading shut, Giles half ran to the back room with Angel and Wesley right behind him. The same thought ran through all of their minds, Now what?'

Djoser was strong, and Buffy found that she indeed was being challenged. A blow to her chin snapped her head back causing her eyes to water. Grabbing the second fist that was coming at her, she bent the wrist back while at the same time swinging her larger opponent around, crashing him into the wall.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON!" It had taken Giles only a second to assess the situation.

A raised voice from the normally soft-spoken Watcher caught everyone's attention. The whole room froze.

"Giles." Buffy explained. "Djoser here was just helping me with my workout."

"I can see that!" Ripping off his glasses, Giles was irate. "THIS IS BLOODY OUTRAGEOUS!"

"Giles. . . ." Buffy didn't understand why he was so angry. "Punching the bag was just not doing. . . ."

"Angel!" Cutting her off, Giles turned to the vampire. "I demand that you control your Childer!"

Spike sighed with irritation. {Bloody Watcher was ruining the plan!} "Listen Gramps, don't know why you're so wound up, but you're acting like a real prat."

"And you!" Giles now directed his anger at Spike. "I'm tired of your disrespectful attitude. Angel. . . ." He once again addressed the Father vampire. "Our deal is that you are to help us with Glory and in return we will help develop a cure for Spike. I'm amending the deal to include that you keep your family in check. In fact, now that I think about it, I believe it would be best if we only have contact when a situation arises. We can mainly communicate via the telephone."

"Giles." Now Wesley even objected. No one in the room understood why the Watcher was in such a rage. Controlled combat was a very common training technique. Nothing to get angry about. "That could be very inconvenient. Why exactly are you so irate?"

"We've got some hell goddess ready to end the world, and they're. . .they're here playing games."

"Giles." Again Buffy protested. "We weren't playing. Djoser just thought. . . ."

"I KNOW what Djoser thought! ANGEL?" Giles stared at the vampire, eyes demanding.

"Djoser. William. Let's go." Voice quiet, Angel didn't argue. He too didn't understand the Watcher's irrational rage, but he was willing indulge the human for the moment. He needed Giles for William's cure. "I'll take a few of the books to study. My brother Damon is also quite proficient with ancient languages. I'll have him help me." Appeasement for the Watcher as he motioned for his sons to follow him. "Oh, by the way, I'm moving the Clan back to the mansion on Crawford. If you want us, we'll be there."

Throwing his head back with disgust, Spike reluctantly got up to leave while grumbling. "Fuckin' spoilsport. Sire. . . ." Still protesting as he trailed Angel out. "We were just trying to help the Slayer with her workout. Nothing for anyone to get all t'd off about."

**

Having settled everyone in the new lair, Damon now paced the floor. He was keeping an eye on his new Childe who was chained up on the sofa, watching television. Angelus had promised that he would bring home a human for his son with the hope that human blood would tempt the Childe to eat. Refusing any kind of nourishment, including Sire's blood, the 'baby' vampire was becoming dangerously weak.

Watching the clock, Damon hoped that his brother would hurry.

**

Back in the car, Spike was still feeling the need to defend his brother. He wasn't sure how much his Sire had discerned back at the Magic Shop. "You know, the Slayer has been having problems with that skanky whore, Glory. Djoser was just trying to help."

"It's ok, William." Glancing over at his Childe, Angel was taken aback by the defensive tone in his voice. "I think Giles is just a little. . .stressed. But it doesn't matter. As soon as you're cured, we're leaving Sunnydale."

"Going back to LA then?"

"No." Looking over his shoulder, Angel made a quick lane change. He had decided that he would head for the hospital. "We're going to leave the country."

"WE ARE?" Spike wasn't too happy about that. He hadn't particularly liked South America, either time that he had been there. "We're not going to South America, are we?"

"Germany."

"Germany!" Spike wasn't thrilled with Germany either. "Hate livin' in a country where I can't speak the bloody language."

Djoser couldn't help but look at his brother with disbelief. "You mean, you still haven't learned how to speak German? How many years did you live there and. . . ?"

"I CAN speak a few words. Understand some." Putting his feet up on the dashboard, Spike muttered this antagonistically.

Knocking his Childe's feet down, Angel glanced at him curiously. "How many languages do you speak now?"

"The language I speak is English. And that's the only bleedin' one I need. Understand a little bit of some demon languages, 'specially the phrase I'm going to kill you."

"But you can read some others, can't you?" Again Angel glared over at his youngest with curiosity. "Because I distinctly remember telling that Ventrue teacher to tutor you in the important ancient languages, including our native lang. . . ."

"He taught me to read and write English. OK!" Unintentionally both Angel and Djoser were making Spike feel inadequate. "And if it weren't for a couple of shirtlifters burning him up, he might have lived longer, and I might have learned more."

Spike's brutal point effectively put an end to the conversation, and the next few blocks were driven in silence. Nothing else was said until Angel pulled up to the hospital. "Wot we doing here?" Spike asked.

Contemplating, Angel put the car in neutral. "I was suppose to bring a human home for our new Blood-Childe, but with Giles being a little touchy, I don't think I should risk that. Even though I would have taken some criminal type."

"He gets a human when everyone else has to eat pig or cow's blood? That's bloody unfair!"

"He doesn't eat. Not even Sire's blood. A problem that you should understand real well."

Reaching out a hand, Angel gently touched his son's hair. "So we thought human blood might persuade him to eat. But since I don't want to upset Giles anymore, I guess we'll have to steal some hospital blood."

"It's not human blood that will do the trick." Spike knew what the new Childe's problem was. "Turn around and go back toward the Magic Shop. We don't need to steal blood. I know something that will make him eat."

**

"We'll leave tomorrow at dusk." The tall vampire whose face was mostly hidden by dark sunglasses barely acknowledged the human before him. It was hard enough to associate with humans, but an underling to boot.

"I want to understand the plan." Daniel Webster hated dealing with vampires, and especially Snow. Not only was he arrogant, but he was a lunatic as well. "We can't afford to make the slightest error. We're going up against Angelus AND Damon. Not to mention the other bro. . . ."

"YOU WILL NOT SAY THOSE NAMES IN MY PRESENCE! My ears bleed when I hear those names. We leave tomorrow sometime in the afternoon, so we will be there by dusk, and that's all you need to know." Abruptly said, Snow turned and left.

Watching him leave, Webster made sure that the vampire was well out of hearing range before he mumbled to himself. "Fucking fruitcake!"

**

Sitting on the sofa, Christian couldn't believe that so many found the television entertaining. It was utterly ludicrous. He tried to concentrate on the program that was playing on the telly, but its inanity couldn't overcome the feelings and cravings that were clouding his mind. Hunger, thirst. . .and lust.

His Sire was staying close to him. Never leaving the room. And his presence was causing Christian's groin to twitch. Images of being taken and turned kept flashing through his head. Erotic and seductive. Evil and obscene. The sound of the door and people entering interrupted his thoughts, causing him to heave a sigh of relief. A distraction, if nothing else.

"Hey Mate. Got something for you to eat." Spike was first in the room, carrying a couple of bags.

"Angelus?" Damon looked at his brother questioningly as Angel and Djoser followed Spike in. "The human?"

"He won't eat a human. But I've got something he will eat." Opening the bags, Spike pulled out buffalo wings and an onion blossom.

"WHAT THE. . . ?" Damon's eyes met Angel's. "That's not food for a vampire!"

"No, but if you dunk everything in blood, it is." Pulling out two small plastic cups, Spike handed one to Angel and one to Damon. "We need dipping sauce, Mates, so let's cough it up."

"William!" A low growl to remind his Childe of proper protocol.

"Err. . .I mean Sire and Uncle." Spike amended.

Obeying reluctantly, Damon followed Angel's lead, opening a vein in his wrist, letting his blood flow into the plastic cup. "Angelus, what kind of madness is this?"

"Your Childe still thinks of himself as human. He's hungry, but his brain doesn't see blood as nourishment. Food to him is still this." Spike held up a plate of buffalo wings to illustrate his point.

Damon was still not convinced. "A human is what will entice him to. . . ."

"A human WILL NOT tempt him. You have to wait for his demon to emerge. Make him eat a human now, and he'll be sick." Taking the plastic cup from Angel, Spike settled himself happily on the couch. Handing Christian a plate of buffalo wings, Spike demonstrated dipping the wings into the blood sauce.

"This is crazy! We're vampires. My son is a vampire. How can you say that he wouldn't be tempted by human blood?"

"His demon hasn't awakened yet. Give him some time." Angel quickly tried to reassure his brother.

"When William was turned, he wouldn't feed from a human for. . . ." Trailing off, Djoser had been trying to help, but a look from Angel told him different.

"He's flawed, isn't he? Flawed like. . . ." Damon gave Spike a meaningful glare.

Buffalo wing up to his mouth, Spike had just been about ready to bite into it. "Say it, mate. Tell us all how flawed I am."

"Keeping human traits is NOT a flaw." Angel stated this like a proclamation. "It's a misconception that was taught to us by the Old Master. It's time that we start erasing all his old prejudices. It's time that our Clan begin anew. We've been reborn. A new High Master and a new Blood-Childe." He gave Christian a kindly glare. "The first Tremeren Blood-Childe for more than a century now. A celebratory event for us."

A still black and blue Nic had come in the room during Angel's speech. "I don't believe my fuckin' ears! The Great Angelus, The Scourge of Europe. The Childe who our Sire himself said was 'the most vicious creature he had ever met', is saying that keeping human qualities is a good thing? I must still be delirious."

"It's the soul talking." Giving Christian part of the onion blossom, Spike decided that he would settle this soul or no soul issue once and for all.

"It has nothing to do with my soul. It's the truth, and it's time we the Tremeren vampires know the truth and understand it."

"So. . .Alex did resoul you then?" Taking a mug from a minion who had entered the room with a tray of coffee cups of blood; Nic missed the whole point that Angel was trying to make. He only heard the fact that his brother admitted to being souled.

"Alex did not resoul me." Taking a mug, Angel handed one to Djoser and then took one for himself. He then held his still oozing wrist to his son, offering his blood. It had been years since his oldest had had the pleasure of Sire's blood.

Heaving a sigh of exasperation, Nic rolled his eyes up to the ceiling, muttering. "First he says he's souled, and then he says he's not. Give me strength."

Holding up his hand and shaking his head to refuse Angel's offer, Djoser made his request. "May I be excused, Sire. I would like to retire to my quarters."

"But. . .of course." Angel was thunderstruck. Another Childe refusing his blood.

"Didn't get that many fingerprints on your bleedin' gun." Yelling after Djoser, Spike knew that his brother was going to his room so he could polish up his new toy. "Uncle?" Spike offered Nic some buffalo wings and pieces of onion blossom. A peace offering.

"Are there more?" Christian had finished his plate and was looking for more. He had also finished up the blood dip Damon had given him. Spike's strategy had worked. The new Blood-Childe was now eating.

**

"Childe. . . ." Upstairs in a bedroom, Angel was unbuttoning his shirt while brooding about Djoser's refusal of his blood. "You and Djoser have gotten to know each pretty well since. . .since. . . ." A fact that was like a hot poker stabbing him. Djoser had been the one to rescue his William from Snow, not him.

Lying naked on the bed, hands behind his head, Spike felt full and content. Nothing like retiring to bed with his Sire after gorging himself on buffalo wings and an onion blossom. "Yeah, he watches over me, y'know." Eyes closed, he was listening to music in his head. A trick he had learned from Dru.

"THAT'S NOT HIS JO. . . !" Cutting himself off, Angel realized that his outburst was childish. Pausing a moment to gather himself, his eyes met those of his son's who was now looking at him puzzled. "Would you have any idea why Djoser would refuse my. . .would not drink my. . .Sire's blood?"

Sitting up, Spike ran a hand across his pale, naked chest, pondering. "I-I guess it's better to not taste utopia, then to taste it only to have it ripped away from you again."

Staring at Spike, Angel deliberated his Childe's words. Shrugging his shirt off, he uncharacteristically threw it on chair instead of putting it neatly in the hamper. "He thinks I'm going to abandon. . .you both think that I'm going to abandon you again." His sons' distrust felt like more hot pokers piercing him. Hotter and more painful than any he had ever felt physically.

Seeing the intenseness in Angel's eyes, Spike sighed. He had to face reality again. Buffalo wings could only make him forget for a little while. Make him forget his fears and doubts. Considering first before speaking. For once he chose his words carefully. "It's a fear. Like a lump that sits in your insides and won't go away. . .no matter what. . .what you say, Father."

"And you? You've tasted utopia again. What will you do if it's taken from you for a second time?"

"I don't know." This, Spike admitted with sadness. "Part of me believes you when you say that you'll never leave me again. That we're all home now. But the lump says differently."

Kneeling on the bed, Angel wrapped his Childe in a hard, possessive embrace. Djoser and William belonged to him, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that in some ways they didn't consider themselves to be his anymore.

Running his lips and tongue over Angel's neck, Spike enjoyed the taste of Sire's skin. Slightly salty, he could feel the blood pulsing underneath.

"Go ahead and bite." A quiet order. "Taste my blood. Taste utopia again."

Fangs elongating, Spike bit down hard causing the blood to run down Angel's shoulder and back. With blood running down this throat, Spike felt two hands on his body. One gripping his cock, sliding up and down, causing a sensual friction. The other pushing his legs apart. Withdrawing fangs, he lay back on the bed, savoring the taste of Sire's blood and the feel of Sire's hands.

Biting a finger, Angel used his own blood as a lubricant. Inserting a finger into his Childe, he ran it around the sphincter ring, loosening it, then began searching for the pleasure spot.

Eyes closed, head thrown back, Spike was trying to hold back, trying not to cum too soon. He wanted to prolong the pleasure, but the hand around him was stroking hard and sure. Feeling his prostate being rubbed, he couldn't contain himself anymore. Panting heavily, every body part felt his release as cum began spurting.

Still stroking the cock in his hand lightly, Angel was madly fumbling with his pant's zipper. "Goddamn." He muttered under his breath, as the fingers in his right hand had become all thumbs.

"It's too sensitive. Stop." Pushing the hand off his softening cock, Spike sat up, reaching for the zipper on Angel's pants. "Should have taken these off before you started this. Losing your touch, old man."

Brain muddled with desire and the need to possess, Angel didn't even protest his son calling him old man as he desperately pulled off his pants. Snarling with lust, he threw himself on Spike, pinning the younger vampire to the bed. With his right hand he lined his cock against his Childe's ring, and in one smooth movement, he thrust himself all the way in.

Both vampires groaned in unison as Angel began pumping hard and fast.

"Let me up!" Struggling, Spike wanted to reach up. Wanted to embrace that large, hard body against his.

"Stay still!" Growling, Angel's demon came forth as all his base emotions; lust, jealousy, and possessiveness took control of him. "You're mine, Childe! I am the Sire. You AND your brother belong to me! I WILL be the one who protects you, who cares for you. Now and FOREVER! That is my promise to you."

Angel thrust harder as if pure physical force would convince his son. Not caring that Spike was in poor health, he sank his fangs into a soft neck while driving himself all the way him. Body tensing as he took back his blood, and began ejaculating his seed into the younger vampire. Spent, all the emotions that had been driving him dissipated away as a peaceful inertia set in. Eyes closed, human face back in place, he collapsed his full body weight on top of his Childe.

Chest heaving, Spike didn't even bother to try not to breathe. "Sire. . . ." He panted out. "You're heavy. Can you shift your weight a little?"

Moving off and to the side, Angel slowly withdrew himself. "Who am I? And who are you?" He pulled Spike up against him.

"My Sire. My Father. And I am your Childe."

Contented, wrapping arms and legs around Spike, Angel closed his eyes. His son had answered correctly.

Still just in a light doze, Spike managed to mumble one last thing before he followed Angel into the bottomless sleep of the vampire. "But the lump is still here, Father."

****

Authors Notes: I've gotten a few e-mails lately regarding the definition of a dhampir. The source I'm using is from Melton, J Gordon The Vampire Book, The Encyclopedia Of The Undead: Visible Ink Press, 1999, 196. J Gordon Melton, in turn is using two sources, Gypsy Demons & Divinities' and 'The Vampire.

Dhampir Gypsies believed that some vampires have an insatiable sexual appetite and will return from the grave to have sex with their widow or a young woman of their choosing. The vampire's continued visits could lead to the woman becoming pregnant. The product of such a union, usually a male, was called a dhampir. It was believed that the dhampir had unusual powers for detecting and destroying the vampire - a most important ability. . . .Some individuals believed to be dhampirs supplemented their income by hiring themselves out as vampire hunters.

~Part: 22~

It was afternoon when Spike woke. Wrapped up tight in Angel's arms, he struggled to get a glimpse of the clock. "Damn! Almost time for 'Passions'." Glancing down, he saw that his Sire was still sound asleep.

Wiggling around, he managed to get himself untangled from the larger body. "Houdini would be proud." Muttering this quietly to himself while tiptoeing to the bathroom, he took a quick shower, hoping that Angel wouldn't wake.

Hyper in life and in unlife, Spike had always gotten by on less sleep than most. As a young fledging, he usually woke before anyone else in the household. Sneaking down into the kitchen, he would help himself to whatever human food happened to be around at the time. Alone, he would enjoy the peacefulness of the moment without the fear of repercussions. No Penn and Lucien tormenting him. No Sire staring at him in contempt, ready to discipline him for any small infraction. Getting up before anyone else was a habit he still liked to practice.

Dressing quickly, he tried to sneak past Angel to the bedroom door, but before he could reach it, a hand shot out grabbing him. "Where do you think you're going, Childe?"

"Hungry. Want some breakfast."

"Come back to bed. I'll feed you."

"Feel like cereal. You left some blood for me in the refrigerator, didn't you?"

"Yes, but come back to bed. You can eat cereal later." Angel still needed more sleep, but he didn't want his youngest Childe, the one who couldn't stay out of trouble for more than two seconds, downstairs by himself.

"Passions is almost on. Just gonna eat cereal and watch it."

Squeezing his hand tight to make a point, Angel issued a warning. "You ARE NOT to leave the lair. In fact, you ARE NOT to leave the house. Is that UNDERSTOOD?"

"Yes Sire." Spike was uncharacteristically meek. As soon as the hand around his wrist released its hold, he made a quick exit before a mind could be changed.

Trying to fight off sleep, Angel contemplated waking either Nic or Djoser to keep William company and out of trouble. But Nic was still recovering from the beating he took from the Aleator demons and Djoser. . .he didn't want to place Djoser in any more 'fatherly' roles in regards to his youngest. He would have to just trust the guards to make sure his Childe didn't go anywhere.

Making his way downstairs, Spike could hear someone already up. Disappointed, he hoped it wasn't Damon. He found his new uncle to be a bit of a stiff.

"Afternoon, mate." It wasn't Damon. It was the new Blood-Childe.

"Hey. Your Sire up too?"

"No, still sleeping."

"Then wot you doing up?'

Christian shrugged his shoulders carelessly. "Not used to sleeping all day. Still trying. . .trying to adjust."

"Hungry?"

"Gonna send a minion out for more buffalo wings?" Christian couldn't help but grin at the vampire he would call cousin.

"Nahh, buffalo wings are for dinner. It's breakfast time."

"Breakfast time? It's afternoon."

"That's breakfast time for vampires."

"So what do vampires have for breakfast?" Curious, Christian followed Spike into the kitchen.

"This vampire has cereal." Spike pulled out a box of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Christian blinked in surprise. "Honey Nut Cheerios? You eat that for breakfast?"

"It's good. Crunchy. Especially with Sire's blood. Your old man leave any of his blood for you?" Rummaging through the refrigerator, Spike found the container with Angel's blood.

"Leave blood for me?" Everything was still new to Christian.

"Yeah, for an occasion when he might not be here and you need to eat. . . .this might be it." Pulling out a second container of blood, Spike pulled the cover off and sniffed it. "Not animal blood. Not my Sire's blood. Gotta be your Sire's. Smell." Putting the container under Christian's nose. "Well?"

And Christian, vampire senses now a part of him, could smell that it was indeed his Sire's blood. Surprised, he shook his head yes.

"So-o. . . ." Putting the containers in the microwave, Spike began heating the blood up, as he brought out bowls and spoons. "What's your name? So I know what to call you."

"Christian."

"Christian! That's a fucked up name for a vampire. But then again. . . ." Spike turned to the microwave as it began beeping. "The High Master of our Clan is named Angel, so Christian fits right in."

"Warm me up some blood, will you?" Nic came shuffling into the kitchen, yawning.

"Do I look like your friggin' missus? Warm up your own blood." Dumping the Honey Nut Cheerios into two bowls, Spike rechecked whose blood was in which container before he began pouring it over the cereal.

"Oh yeah. Forgot myself. You're an Heir Apparent. I should be fixing your meal. Forgive me, my Prince."

Glaring up quickly, Spike suspected sarcasm, but the look on his uncle's face was serious and sincere. "DON'T call me that. I'm not YOUR Prince!"

"As the Blood-Childe of our High Master, you are to be respected, honored. As soon as all my injuries are healed, I'm suspecting that Angelus will give me a beating for my disrespect toward you." Sitting down at the table, Nic looked over to see what Spike had given Christian to eat. "What the fuck is that?"

Shoving a spoonful in his mouth, Christian had to point to the box of Cheerios to answer Nic.

"Jesus, the two of you must have cast iron stomachs. The junk you put in it." Leaning closer, Nic sniffed Christian's bowl. "Damon still giving you his blood? You should be eating animal blood like the rest of us. Fuck, I'm going to have another spoiled brat for a nephew."

"Whaddya mean, you'll get beat for disrespecting me? Just because you said that you would cut your head off if I became the High Master? Pfft." Spike had given some thought to the argument he had with Nic, and after some reflection, he had decided that his uncle was right. He wasn't fit to be High Master. Sitting down to enjoy his breakfast, he decided to tell his uncle about the idea he had. "You didn't disrespect me. You were just stating the truth. I would make a rotten High Master. But don't worry. I've got a plan."

"Plan?" Getting up, Nic went to the refrigerator. Hunting around, he was hopeful that he might find some human blood.

"Yeah." Spike swallowed a mouthful of cereal. "Setting up Djoser with the Slayer. Hopefully nature will take its course, and. . .has there ever been a Slayer who bore a Blood-Childe?"

Not finding any human blood, Nic had been staring at the contents of the refrigerator as if he waited long enough some human blood would magically appear. But Spike's words caught his attention. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FUCKING MIND? What kind of fucking plan is that? Setting up Djoser with. . . ."

"If my brother can impregnate the Slayer, then that Blood-Childe would have to be special. No chance that it wouldn't be deemed worthy, and I would be off the hook. Out of the Line of Succession."

"Off the hook?" Christian had finished his cereal and was pouring himself another bowl. "Now I know that I don't understand much what's going on here, but if you're an heir, why would you want to lose that position? From what I know, heirs to power will do just about anything to keep their station. Kingdoms have fallen because of heirs fighting over who would be the successor to the supreme ruler."

"Smart boy." Nic observed as he looked up from the pig's blood in one hand and the cow's blood in the other. He couldn't decide which he would rather not eat.

"Not this heir, Mate. Being an heir means responsibility and duties. I sure the fuck don't want that. Just wanna have some fun. Is that so much to ask? Haven't had any real fun since. . .since. . . ." Spike groused. "Since I killed that Annoying One."

"William! Stop being such a stupid fuck." Nic had already forgotten his vow to be more respectful to his Heir Apparent nephew. "Even if Djoser has a Blood-Childe and you are no longer an Heir Apparent, you're still going to have duties and responsibilities. You're a Blood-Childe, and that's a Blood-Childe's lot in life." Turning to the microwave, he slammed the door shut on the pig's blood he had put in. "And the only way you can avoid what's expected of you is to leave the Clan and your Sire. You've just spent more than a century being Clanless and Sireless. Is that what you want again? Tell me. I'm interested. But don't lie."

"What's it to you?" Wary, Spike didn't want to admit the truth to his uncle.

"Because boy, I've spent most of my unlife being estranged from my Sire and my Clan. And it's fucking LONELY! Weren't you lonely?" Stabbing his fingers hard on the microwave keypad, Nic felt a variety of strong emotions run through him. The strongest being regret.

Spike looked down at his cereal bowl. The strong emotions emanating from Nic were screaming at him. Screaming at him to admit the truth. Both to his uncle and to himself. Head bent, he opened his mouth to answer Nic when Buffy and Dawn entered the room, interrupting the conversation.

"Spike." Anger and worry were evident on Buffy's face. "Where's Angel? I'm wondering if I can leave Dawn here with you guys."

"He's still sleeping. Why, what's up?" Spike wasn't sure if he was happy or sad that the Slayer had interrupted their discussion.

"I'm wondering if I can leave Dawn here for a short time while I go to the hospital." Buffy squeezed her sister's hand tighter. "It's Glory. She struck again. But this time, she got Tara."

**

"Angelus!" A loud voice and a pounding on his bedroom door awoke Angel from a sound sleep.

Recognizing Damon's voice, he immediately bid his brother to enter. "What's the matter? Is something wrong with William?" Angel could feel the urgency and the tenseness in the other vampire's body.

"No, all the Blood-Childer are safe here in the lair. I just received a call from a couple of minions who I have planted in LA. They keep track of any of Snow's followers in LA. According to their snitches, a large contingent of Snow's men is planning a trip here to Sunnydale. . .TODAY."

Now totally awake and alert, Angel swung his legs out of bed. "Those Council hunters must have told them that we were here. They could be on their way here now, so they can hit us by nightfall. Awake the household. Everyone needs to get ready for an attack. I want a couple of minions posted by the expressway exit with a cell phone."

Damon nodded his head slightly at his older brother as he turned to carry out Angel's orders. "It will be done." Before exiting the room, he turned back as another thought occurred to him. "I've been told that the Slayer is here now. Since she's our ally, perhaps you would like to. . .speak with her. See if she'll back us up again."

**

"What's that you're eating?" Leaning forward, Dawn could see the box of breakfast cereal, but was having a hard time believing that a room full of big, bad vampires was eating Honey Nut Cheerios.

"Cereal. Want some?" Tipping his bowl so the teenager could see its contents, Spike grinned at her.

"Eewwww! YOU'RE EATING IT WITH BLOOD!" Dawn was now certain she would never eat Honey Nut Cheerios again in her lifetime.

"Wot other way is there to eat it?" Spike feigned ignorance. Grossing out a young, mortal girl was always good for a laugh or two.

Rolling her eyes, Buffy pulled Dawn away from the table. "Ignore him." She instructed her sister. "Spike, go get Angel up. I need to know if I can leave Dawn here for a short while."

"He's still sound asleep, and I am not going to be the one to wake him. You're the Slayer. You go bother him. The man's an ornery bugger if you wake him before he's ready." Pouring more cheerios in his bowl, Spike was intent on preparing himself a second helping of cereal.

"SPIKE! I don't have time for this. Go get. . . ."

"Leave her with me, Slayer." Nic interrupted before Buffy and Spike broke out into a full-fledged argument. "I'm the chief babysitter around here. What's another one to look after?"

"We-ll. . . ." Buffy didn't know Nic all that well, so she had her reservations.

"Gonna be gone long, Summers?" Spike was now pouring more blood over his cereal. Watching him, Dawn felt nauseated. She wanted to look away, but a part of her was morbidly fascinated.

"No, just a couple of hours."

"Then I don't see any problem with leaving her with us." Spike looked up at Dawn. "You can watch 'Passions' with me."

"Passions?" The name rang a bell in Dawn's head. "Passions is a soap opera, right? Mom used to watch it all the time. Remember her talking 'bout it?" Nudging Buffy, Dawn could feel tears threatening at the memory of Joyce Summers. She so desperately wanted her mother to be with her again. To hold her. To comfort her. To tell her that all the badness that was happening around her was not her fault.

"Well then. . . ." Spike could feel the young girl's pain. "You can watch it with me and think of your mum. When it's over, you can tell her what happened. She'd like that, and it'll make you feel better. I know cos I tell my mum lots of things, and I always feel better afterward."

Eyes glistening with tears, Dawn smiled at the vampire. His compassion and empathy had just won her over.

Buffy stared at Spike a moment. It never ceased to amaze her how this usually brainless, moron of a vampire could have such insight at times. He was a true paradox. "And Angel? Do we need to. . . ?"

"Ahhh." Nic waved his hand in dismissal. "If you're only gone an hour or two, Sleeping Beauty won't even know that either of you had been here. He usually doesn't begin to stir until late afternoon."

"Ok then." Giving Dawn a quick peck on the cheek, Buffy turned to leave. "The sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back."

"Bye, Slayer." Nic grinned as Buffy left the room. Someday he'd have to go back and see his friends. Tell them about the day he did the Slayer a favor by babysitting her kid sister. They'd never believe him.

**

The hunting party had started out for Sunnydale. Seated in the limousine, Daniel Webster shifted nervously. An ominous feeling was sitting in the pit of his belly, giving him a stomachache. Across from him sat his vampire ally, Snow, who in contrast to Webster was perfectly at ease.

The two men had exchanged no more than a few words. And what was unnerving Webster even more was that he could hear Snow humming a tune softly to himself. A show tune!

{When this is all over, I'm going to have a serious talk with Hawkins. Tell him that Snow is even nuttier than we first thought. This vampire is a raving madman.}

**

"Want some?" Christian pushed the cereal box over to Dawn. "You could eat it dry."

Dawn shook her head no to the vampire. "No, I couldn't eat anything now. Too upset."

"What's wrong, kid?" Nic had gotten up to clean up his dishes. "Knowing what I know about your kind, humans your age can eat anytime, anywhere."

"Glory got Tara. And it's all my fault."

"How you figure?" Finishing all the cereal in his bowl, Spike was busy slurping up the blood at the bottom of the bowl.

"Because she thought that Tara was me. She thought that Tara was the key, but. . .but I'm the key. So anything that happens to Tara. . .is 'cause of me!" Dawn's eyes began filling up with tears again. "I'm like a lightning rod for pain and hurt. Everyone around me is suffering. I. . .must be something so horrible to cause so much pain. . .and evil."

"Rot!" Spike said this firmly as he drank the rest of the blood from the cereal bowl. "You're not evil. You wanna see something evil. . . ." He could smell his brother coming. "Take a look at what's coming into the room. Now. . .that's evil."

Djoser, still groggy from sleep came walking into room. Running a hand through his uncombed hair, he felt everyone's eyes on him. "WHAT?"

"Forgot your gun, Mate." Smirking, Spike eyed his half-dressed brother. Not knowing that there was company in the house, Djoser had come down, dressed only in boxers.

"Yeah and you forgot something else." Nic was taking his job as Dawn's babysitter, seriously. "Your clothes. There happens to be a young lady present. A young lady who has an older, extremely strong sister. And said sister would probably taken exception to a. . .vampire waltzing around semi naked in front of her kid sibling."

Giving Dawn a look, Djoser was neither embarrassed nor intimidated. But he was interested. "The Slayer? The Slayer is here?"

"Nope, just missed her." Spike tried to appear casual as he began finishing off the rest of Angel's blood, left over in its container. "But she'll be back shortly."

Opening the refrigerator and grabbing the first bag of blood within reach, Djoser tore it with his teeth and began drinking it cold.

"Ok, I'm going to be sick now." Nic felt his stomach turn. "Two of my nephews are eating some kind of sugar sweetened human food crap, and my other nephew eats his dinner cold. I'm going to have to have a talk with your Fathers. Tell them about your rotten dietary habits."

"What's going on here?" Entering the kitchen, Angel was buttoning up his shirt. Freshly showered, his hair was still damp.

"Just having some break. . . ." Spike began but was cut off.

"What's she doing here?" Angel looked over at Dawn. "And where's Buffy?" Mind occupied by the coming attack, he came off as curt and short tempered.

"Oh wonderful! Some idiot went and woke up his Royal Crabbiness." Muttering this under his breath, Nic was staring up at the ceiling, pretending he hadn't said anything.

Giving his brother a dark look, Angel repeated his question. "Where's Buffy?"

"Went to see a friend in the hospital. We're just watching over little sis here while. . . ." For a second time, Spike tried to explain, but again was interrupted.

"She can't stay here. Call Wesley or Giles to come get her." Already starting to turn toward the door, Angel was in a hurry to talk with Damon again. To make sure all Clan members would be readied and in place. "Djoser, get dressed. Nic, your job will be to look after these two." He waved his hand in the direction of Spike and Christian.

"And why do I have to look after these two when you and Damon are both here?" Nic wasn't stupid. He could feel that something was up. But like everyone else in the room, he wanted clarification.

Stopping, Angel realized he hadn't explained anything to them. "A large group of Snow's followers are on their way here to Sunnydale. My guess is that they want to be here by nightfall."

Nothing more needed to be said as Nic, Djoser, and Spike all exchanged looks. The three of them immediately understood the situation. The hunters were coming, and they were the prey.

~Part: 23~

Warning: Graphic torture.

Entering the vampire lair, Wesley swore that he could feel, almost touch, the heightened tension and adrenaline.

"Looks like they're getting ready for a war." Xander observed as he watched minions scurrying around, moving furniture, sharpening stakes, and readying weapons.

"That's exactly what they're doing." Spying Angel standing across the way, then ex-Watcher began walking toward him. "Getting ready for a war."

"I want more buckets of water filled. And move all the furniture against the windows." Angel was snapping out orders.

"Angel." Greeting the vampire, Wesley handed him a sport's bottle. "Here's the holy water you requested."

Taking the water bottle, Angel eyed it questioningly but made no comment as he handed the bottle to a minion. "Take this to Djoser and help him soak the ammunition. But be careful. Don't burn yourselves with it."

"Master." Genuflecting slightly, the minion turned and ran off to carry out his order.

"And Buffy? Will she be coming?" Expectation written on his face as turned to the two men.

"I. . .err. . . ." Wesley always hated to tell people news they didn't want to hear. "She went off with Willow somewhere. We're not sure where. If she gets back in time, we'll tell her. . .what's happening here, but for now, don't count on her." A moment's pause before he continued with a smile. "But I'm here. Reporting for duty. Xander here, will take Dawn to Giles."

"I'd rather you leave too, Wesley." Angel was now scrutinizing a couple of minions carrying buckets of water and slopping the water onto the mansion's floors. "WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOING! I want that water cleaned up." He barked at them.

"What they gonna do with buckets of water?" Brow furrowed, Xander was puzzled.

"We need to have water accessible, in case they start setting things on fire. . .especially us."

Xander nodded his head. "Of course, fire is one of the things that can kill you, besides a wooden stake, decapitation, and . . . ." Trailing off, he realized that he had just put his foot in his mouth.

"Angel." Wesley protested. "I'm here. I'm ready. Ready to take on Snow and. . . ."

"You'd better serve me by working on a cure for William." Starting for the door, Angel gave Wesley an inquiring look. "Have you or Giles had any time to do any research on. . .William's condition?"

"Actually. . .yes." Wesley and Xander followed Angel out the front door. "We hit a dead end in the Glory department. A problem that, at the moment, we have no solution for. So while we grapple for a resolution with that particular situation, Giles and I did take a look at the information that Djoser got from. . .was it the Toreador Clan?"

"Yes." Angel answered with a sigh as the threesome walked out onto a covered porch. After his Childe was cured, he was considering approaching the Toreadors. See if he could smooth out the situation out between them and the Ventrues; thus, perhaps gaining an audience with the powerful Ventrue Master again. Through the demon grapevine, some Clan members had already heard that Judelin, High Master of the Ventrues, had placed a death warrant out for Djoser. Despite his protective stance toward all Blood-Childer, the Ventrue Master was not about to forgive an act of treason, especially involving one of his own.

"Well, it appears that the information from the Toreadors is accurate. Their data on the first poison correlates with what Giles and I already knew about it. So we can then logically assume that the facts on the second. . . ."

"Wesley. . .just get to the point." Voice filled with impatience.

"We're not working in the dark anymore. We know what the second poison is. We can research if it would react at all with the first. And we can find an antidote."

"You can!" Stopping suddenly, Angel stared at his human colleague. "That's the first good news I've heard."

Walking alongside of Angel, Wesley also stopped, causing Xander, who was busy gawking at all of the vampires to bump into him. Taking a deep breath, the Englishman sighed while rolling his eyes up to the heavens. Making their way across the porch, the three men halted in front of an improvised blockade made out of pieces of furniture. Inside the blockade were Spike, Christian, and Dawn. Standing right outside were Nic, Djoser, and the minion with the holy water.

The six were soaking bullets, loading clips for Djoser's Tech-9, and sharpening stakes. Dawn, the one human in the group was loading the holy water soaked bullets into the clips. She was the only one who could do it without getting her fingers burnt.

"Almost done with that clip, Little Bit?" Spike asked her. "Cos that's the last one. And then I'll give you some stakes to sharpen."

"You know, I don't think that the Slayer wants her kid sister to be playing with knives. In fact, I don't think that the Slayer is going to like that we let her baby sis play with guns and bullets either." Nic was worried. That's all he needed was a pissed off Slayer after him because he had fucked up as a babysitter.

"I've done this before." Dawn lied. She liked helping these vampires. They didn't treat her like some stupid, always-in-the-way kid.

"You did?" Xander didn't remember a time when Dawn had helped carve stakes.

"YES, I DID." Dawn gave Xander a meaningful look. "I'm the sister of the Slayer. Making stakes is one of the first things I learned."

"You need to go now." Angel's voice was quiet, but had such a ring of authority that Dawn could help but immediately stand up. Looking at the tall, dark vampire, she couldn't imagine why her sister had found him so attractive. Stern, humorless, and intimidating. She considered Spike, Nic and even Djoser much more fun.

"Angel. . . . " Wesley couldn't help but steal a look at Nic who was glaring his way, an amused glint in his eyes. "Are you sure you don't want me stay here and help?"

"Damon assures me that even if they outnumber us, our people are so well trained that there should be no problem in defeating Snow's minions. I trust his judgment, so if you want to assist, just find a cure for William. That's what will help me the most."

Nodding his head, Wesley repeated the same words Damon had used earlier when answering to his brother. "It will be done."

**

"Master." One of the Ventrue Master's most trusted envoys had returned. "I'm afraid the news is not good. The Toreadors were attacked by the Council, backed up by some of Snow's followers. And. . . ." The envoy didn't know how to continue.

Staring out the window, Judelin already knew what the bad news was. "And my GrandChilde?"

"Snow and the Council have him." The envoy whispered the last part. The Blood-Childe of the Clan's Heir Apparent. The only Blood-Childe of his generation and a favorite with the High Master.

"Get ready. We are going to mount an offensive assault." Tears welling up in his eyes, Judelin knew that everything he had always worked for was gone. His precious GrandChilde. The well being of his people. The truce with the humans. They were at war once again.

**

Crouched down, Daniel Webster watched the fighting with disgust. They outnumbered the Tremeren vampires almost two to one, but even so, they were getting their asses kicked. "They knew we were coming. They were ready for us." He whispered to himself.

Seeing Snow approach, the vampire hunter straightened up. "We underestimated them. We should have known that one as cunning as Angelus would be. . . ."

"DON'T SAY THAT NAME!" The vampire grabbed the mortal around the throat.

But Webster, angry and fed up with Snow, wasn't afraid. "Why? Cause your fucking ears will bleed again? Like I give a royal shit." Pulling the hands away from around his throat, he spit on the ground. "We need to retreat. Get the hell out of here."

Eyes hidden by sunglasses, Snow smiled. A self-satisfied smile. "We'll leave. But not before we get what we came for."

"Came for? What the hell are you talking ab. . . ?"

"There." Snow pointed to a blockade made out of furniture that stood close to the mansion. "The Childe you're looking for and the one I want."

Peering through the dimness, Webster could see two heads inside the blockade. Pulling out a pair of night vision binoculars, he studied the two figures protected by the make shift fort. One was armed with a crossbow, carefully picking off any opponents within range. The other was armed with a Tech-9 and was expertly firing at groups of enemy minions. The one armed with the gun was his old associate, Christian Shelton.

"They're well protected." Webster observed to the vampire. He could see a couple of vampires fighting, just off to the side of the blockade. He knew that they had been placed there to purposely guard the two Blood-Childer inside.

"I've held a couple of my best fighters back, specifically for. . .them." Snow motioned to a couple of figures who had been hiding in the dark.

"They've just been standing here? While their comrades have been fighting and. . . ?" Stunned, Webster wanted to finish the sentence with the word 'dying', but found the word to be inappropriate.

"Well? Isn't that the Blood-Childe your boss wants?" Long white teeth flashed in the darkness.

Pulling out his 9mm Beretta, Webster began following the two minions, with Snow bringing up the rear. Complaining softly to himself, the Council hunter decided that his first order of business when he got back to LA was to demand a raise.

**

"Damn!" Forgetting himself, Christian had tried to pick up the bullets with his bare hands. He needed to reload the clips, but the bullets burned his fingers like scalding water.

"Careful, mate." Pausing a moment, Spike turned his head to glare at his cousin. "Put those on." Motioning his head toward a pair of gloves.

Reaching for the gloves, Christian looked up just in time to see two, huge vampires running toward them. "SPIKE. New enemy at twelve o'clock." But his cousin didn't move. Just stood paralyzed, looking over to his left. Fortunately Nic who had been stationed right outside the barricade was able to dive into both of Snow's henchmen, bringing them all down into a pile.

After telling his young fledging cousin to put gloves on, Spike took a second to survey the scene. And that's when he saw him. His nightmares becoming a reality. The tall figure with no eyes was coming for him. Straight for him. Fear overwhelmed him momentarily, causing him to become immobile.

"SPIKE! Nic needs help. Shoot one of those bastards." When Christian didn't get a response, he went to grab the crossbow for himself. In the process of trying to wrestle it out of his cousin's hands, when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Christian. Tch. Tch. Helping the enemy. After all we taught you." Spinning around to face Webster, an old friend and co-worker, Christian caught three bullets right in the chest.

His younger cousin being shot roused Spike out of his stupor. He immediately raised the crossbow, but before he could aim a bullet went through his right hand causing him to drop the weapon. Webster was good shot. "And you too. . .fucking vamps!" Raising his gun, he intended to empty it into Spike.

Being held from behind, Nic still managed to deliver a good kick in the face to the vampire who had been trying to rush him from the front and an elbow in the gut to the vampire who held him from the back. Falling to his knees, he felt the vampire's hold on him loosen slightly, and grabbing the enemy around the head, he flipped him over onto his back. "You think I'm just the weak, fuck up of a younger brother. Well, guess again." He muttered this to his opponent, and in a lightening fast move, he pulled a stake out of the waistband of his jeans and plunged it into a heart.

**

Adrenaline up, a stake in each hand, Angel was completely crazed. Giving his demon half free rein, he was letting Snow's followers know that Angelus, Scourge of Europe was still alive and well.

Fighting alongside his brother, Damon was equally violent. Normally, he had a low key disposition, but once riled he became wild. Seizing an enemy vampire by the ears, he ripped them both off. The minion fell to his knees, grabbing where his ears once were. And Angel, fighting in tandem with his brother, delivered a roundhouse kick, decapitating the kneeling vampire. Watching the vampire disintegrate, Damon smiled with pleasure until he felt three sharp pains entering his body. Feeling his Childe's distress, he looked over to the barricade. Seeing the danger, he yelled to Angel. Rushing to help his son with Angel right behind him.

**

Standing up, Nic saw Webster raise his arm. Saw him point the gun at his nephew. His poisoned nephew. Leaping up and over the mound of furniture that was acting as a protective wall, he managed to get his body in front of Spike's just as Webster fired his gun.

Two shots were all Webster was able to get off before he was grabbed from behind by two very strong hands. He never even saw the two vampires coming.

Damon's first instinct was to snap the man's neck and drain the life blood from the mortal he held in his hands. The creature who had dared to hurt his Childe.

"WAIT!" Angelus' voice penetrated the crazed anger that fogged his brain. "The proper death for someone who has assaulted a Blood-Childe is death by torture. DON'T KILL HIM. I want to hear that human scream."

Roaring with anger, Damon threw Webster's body up against the mansion's outside wall. Hitting the wall with such force, the Council hunter was immediately knocked unconscious.

The second of Snow's henchmen was slowly trying to pick himself off the ground when a booted foot landed hard in his solar plexus, and a small sword was held to his throat. "And you, traitor to you kind. You'll scream right alongside your human friend." Opening his eyes, he found himself staring into the face of Djoser.

"Goddamn! Son-of-a-bitch! Haven't been shot in a while, so I forgot how much these fucking bullets hurt!" Rolling off Spike, Nic was pressing his hand tight to his wounds.

"Get the healer here." Damon yelled out as he pulled Christian's body up against his.

"Are you burning?" Angel had taken some of the furniture and had thrown it aside, making an entrance so he could get at Spike. Like his brother, he pulled his Childe up against him, searching for wounds.

"No. Fortunately that hunter hadn't soaked his bullets in holy water." Sitting up, Nic was wishing for a bottle of whiskey. "How we doing anyway?" Getting up on his knees, he peered over the furniture wall. The few Snow's survivors were now trying to flee with the Tremeren vampires in hot pursuit.

"Childe, they hurt, but they can't kill you. Your wounds will heal." Holding Christian tightly against him, Damon was trying to pull the bullets out of his son.

Spike's head in his lap, Angel lifted up an arm, studying the gap in his Childe's right hand.

"Fucker made a perfect hole." Nic commented as he looked at the wound the 9mm bullet had made in his nephew's hand.

Biting his tongue, Angel spat a combination of saliva and blood over the injury. He then licked it, spreading the mixture over the bullet hole like a bandage.

"Sire." Holding Snow's henchman, Djoser had walked up to the group. "What do you want me to do with this one?"

Looking up, Angel couldn't help the satisfied look that flitted across his face. A duet of screams would soon be sounding in his ears. "Have the minions chain him and the human. . . ." He pointed to an unconscious Webster. "Up. . .And Djoser, have them feed the vampire some animal blood. A lot of blood."

Snow's henchman knew what feeding him blood meant. It was prelude to a specific form of torture. Terror ran through him as he began to struggle in Djoser's gasp. "Noo! Please, Master." Looking at Angel, the vampire began pleading. "I'll tell you anything. I'll pledge my allegiance to you, but please don't. . . !"

Angel's demon half enjoyed the fear. "That's right. You'll be telling us all about your master and his plans. . .between your screams. . .and your begging. . .your begging for death, because after I'm done with you, you're going to be welcoming death and hell with open arms. TAKE HIM." He ordered the minions as he stood up, Spike in his arms. "It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure of a good flaying."

**

When Webster regained consciousness, he found himself naked and hanging upside down from the ceiling. "What the hell?" He muttered to himself.

"Finally! Now the party can start." A tall, dark haired demon, arms folded across his chest, was standing in front of him. Hanging alongside of him was one of Snow's henchman. Also naked, the big, burly vampire was sobbing, his mouth stained with blood.

"Gag him." Angel ordered a minion as he gave the captive vampire a look of contempt. "And he calls himself a demon. . . ." Turning to Webster, he addressed him. "And you, human. Did you know that the best way to flay a person is to hang them upside down? The blood pools in the head and chest, keeping the person conscious longer. Because the longer you stay conscious, the longer you'll suffer, and the more I will enjoy it."

Gathering the salvia in his mouth, Webster's intent was to spit on the vampire, but Angel saw the throat and neck muscles moving. Reaching down, he grabbed the man by the face. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You spit on me and your pain will last today AND tomorrow. Behave, and I may have mercy on you and kill you by sun up." Holding out his hand so a minion could hand him a knife. "Childe, come." He turned to look at Christian. "Taste your enemy. Take his blood, his essence, before I send him to hell."

But Christian was still unsure. Webster had been a friend and comrade. But on the other hand, he could still feel the pain and burning from the bullets that his so called friend' had ruthlessly fired in him.

Damon's patience had run out. Grabbing another knife from a minion, he seized Webster by his hair. "You came here purposely looking to take my Blood-Childe prisoner. Shooting him with bullets that weren't soaked in holy water. That wouldn't kill. Planning to torture and then poison him like you did William?" A cut along the cheekbone, and with skill and precision, the vampire began to peel away the man's skin.

Screaming so hard his throat hurt, Webster felt one side of his face combust. "CHRISTIAN, I wasn't taking you back to be tortured and poisoned." Damon had momentarily stopped the torment. He, like Angel, was an expert on prolonging the agony. "FOR CHRIST SAKES, CHRISTIAN. STOP THEM!"

Standing up slowly because of his pain, Christian was thoughtful. "You came here to take me back to the Council. Why? I've been turned now. I belong to my Father, not to the Council anymore. What was the plan?" Approaching Webster, the young vampire remembered his suspicions. The Council had deliberately thrown him into Damon's path. They wanted him to be claimed and turned.

"We. . .we can still save you, Chris." Panting with pain, Webster saw Christian as his only hope. "It's not too late. Get me out of here and. . . ."

Snatching the knife out of his Sire's hand, all of Christian's black doubts began to boil up in him. "SAVE ME? Save me from what?" Holding the knife to the patch of bare flesh, he began flicking at it with the tip. "What big scheme do you Council Hunters have for me?"

Webster tried to ignore the pain from the knife touching his exposed flesh. "We're going to turn you into one of the best vampire hunters ever. A vampire killing-machine. You'll soon eclipse the name Van Helsing."

"By turning me into a vampire?" Hand stilling, Christian was baffled.

"That's just the first step in the process. We plan to turn you into a Daywalker."

"A WHAT?"

Angel had heard enough. Grabbing the man by the hair to hold him still, he began cutting the skin off the other cheek. "I'm tired of listening to this bullshit. This nonsense." He threw the piece of skin that he had peeled off onto the floor, while Webster screamed and jerked. Stopping the torture, he stood a minute waiting for the screaming to stop. "Just what the hell is a Daywalker?"

"Wesley Snipes in the movie Blade." Sitting and watching the proceedings with his uncle, hand throbbing, Spike was trying to dull the pain with a bottle of Jack Daniels that he and Nic were sharing.

Turning to look at his Childe, Angel's expression softened. "Excuse me?"

"Wesley Snipes was this half human, half vampire character. He had the strength and speed of a vampire, but was still human. That's why they called him a Daywalker. Was rooting for the vampires in that movie, but even so, I have to admit that Snipes really knows how to kick someone's arse."

A rumble of disgust. "Hollywood perpetuating more lies." Looking around at Christian, Angel could see misery written all over his nephew's face. "Don't be afraid, Childe." Reaching out a hand, he stroked the fledgling's face. "I've been around for more than two and a half centuries, and I have never heard of such a creature existing. It's just the product of someone's vivid imagination."

But it wasn't fear that had Christian devastated. It was anger. The Council had deceived him. Used him. They had never cared for him as the person he was. They had only cared for what he could do for them. Rage boiled up in him as he began stabbing at Webster. "Bloody motherfuckers! Bloody hypocrites! You betrayed me! You let me die, just so you could have. . .have your. . .killing machine."

The scent and sight of human blood caused Christian's fangs to finally break through. Dropping the knife, he went for Webster's jugular. Human blood filled his mouth and he savored its taste and texture. And he took his revenge as he drank his enemy dry.

Damon's eyes met Angel's as he smiled in satisfaction. His Childe's demon had finally emerged.

~Part: 24~

Peeling the last of the skin off the unconscious but still living vampire, Angel turned to two minions. "Wrap him up and send him to his master. Let him be a warning to Snow and his followers. Let them see what Angelus, High Master of The Tremere Clan is capable of."

"And the human corpse?" The dead and drained Webster was still hanging from the ceiling.

"Send it to the Council. A clear message. I'm not fucking around anymore."

"Angelus." Other than the minions, Damon was the only one who stayed to witness the torture until the end. His rage had abated and reason had taken over. "We might have won this battle, but the war is far from over. This encounter has damaged us considerably. We need to leave. We need to go to Germany and hide. For the sake of our Clan, for us, and especially for our Childer."

"Soon, Damon." Turning to the other vampire, Angel began to reassure. "My human. . .associate tells me that a cure for William might be soon. A few days longer, a week at the most."

"We can't wait even a day. They know we've been weakened. They'll strike again. . .quickly."

Pausing while considering his brother's words. "My Childe. . .my Childe needs to be whole again."

"He can still survive with your. . . ."

"THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH! He's been like this for too long now. The longer it goes on, the more I wonder what permanent damage it may do."

Sighing, Damon paced, trying to find a solution. "The Council. The Council wants my Childe. You heard what that hunter said. They want. . . ."

"To turn him into a Daywalker." Angel was scornful. "They've got their heads up their asses. Thinking they can create some kind of. . .comic book superhero."

"Delusional, I'm sure. But they think they can do it." Damon was becoming agitated. A strong feeling was running through him. A feeling of fatherly protectiveness. "They'll do who-knows-what with him. Experiment on him. Turn him into god knows what kind of . . .thing. I can't. . .I won't allow it." Facing his Master, he wasn't intimidated. He had made his decision. "I'm going to leave. Take my Childe to Germany and safety. I'm also going to take the healer and a few of my favorites, but I'll leave you as many men as I can."

Angel's first impulse was to deny Damon the right to make such a decision, but after a few moments of consideration, he realized that the motivation stemmed from love for his Childe. A compelling and understandable reason.

"Once there, I will offer up sacrifices to our Deities that you, the Heirs, and the rest of our Clan will soon join us in Germany." Staring at his brother, Damon's eyes were clear and sincere.

Nodding his head in agreement. "I too hope that this separation will be short and swift." Turning to leave, he was stopped by one more request.

"When I leave, let me take Djoser with me." The voice was quiet, not a hint of usurpation.

Spinning around, this time Angel didn't stop to consider. "NO! Djoser stays here with me."

"Angelus, your attitude toward your oldest is rather casual, considering he's your Successor. You're protective and caring with William, but you treat your oldest like he's a glorified minion. Out of the three Blood-Childer who are left, he is the most important. The one who should be. . . ."

"Our Childer are not to be ranked. One is not more important than the other like it was in our Sire's days. They are all to be protected equally."

"Then let me protect him. There's a death warrant out for him. He, out of everyone, needs to be hidden away. Besides, keeping him here will only attract bounty hunters of all types, demon and human. Something you don't need now. You've already got your hands full with Snow, the Council, and helping the Slayer with this Glory."

Moments passed as Angel tried to find some excuse to keep Djoser with him in Sunnydale, but Damon's arguments had merit. Sighing in acquiescence, he knew that there would be opposition to this decision. "Don't fail me on this one, brother. I've sent Djoser away twice now, and each time it resulted in a disaster."

**

"To blessed bloody silence." Spike raised the bottle of Jack Daniels in a toast.

When the captive vampire's genitals began being flayed, he had gnawed through his gag from the pain. And that's when the screaming started, forcing Spike, Nic, and Christian to move into another room. Taking another swig from the bottle, Spike looked over at his cousin who was sprawled out on the floor next to him. "You ok, Mate? You look like you're ready to up chuck."

"I don't know." Pensive, Christian was just thankful for the quiet. "Got so many different emotions running through me now that I don't know how I'm feeling."

"Here. . . ." Spike handed the younger vampire the bottle of Jack Daniels. "This will help."

"It will?" Christian cocked an eyebrow in disbelief.

"Sure. Getting shit-faced always helps." Lying back, Spike gazed up at the ceiling. "Always helps me."

"Hey. . . ." Nic was lying on the couch, also relieved that there was now a peaceful calm. "Just make sure you guys keep passing that bottle this way."

Taking a tiny sip, Christian sat up to hand the Jack Daniels to Nic. "Actually I'm ok. I'll be ok. . . .But what about you?" He sat back down next to Spike.

"Ah. . . ." Holding up his injured hand, Spike studied it thoughtfully. "Hurts like a bugger, but it'll be alright. Have my ol' Sire lick it some more later."

"Wasn't asking 'bout your hand. Was wondering what happened to you. . .before."

"Before what?"

"During the battle. You froze. Something was wrong with you."

Sitting up, Nic had been listening to the conversation. Turning, he gave Spike an inquiring look.

"Wasn't nothing." Lying, Spike wouldn't look at either his uncle or cousin. "Just a. . .a. . . ." He was tired, so it was hard to come up with a good lie.

"Just a what?" Nic stared intently at his nephew.

"Just. . . ." Spike had been contemplating hard about what he had thought he saw, and had decided that Snow had just been a figment of his imagination. Their Clan had taken out all of the opposing vampires, and if Snow had been there, he too would have been captured or killed. "A momentary lapse, that's all. Sorry. . . ." He now looked at the other two vampires. "Sorry that I wasn't at my best for you."

Nic didn't like what he was hearing. "I had heard how the new and improved William the Bloody liked to brag about how he was the Big Bad'now. Wasn't one to have a lapse during a battle. What's wrong?"

"NOTHING IS WRONG! Just drop it, okay."

"Drop it? Don't know. Think it's something I should mention to Angelus."

"DON'T YOU DARE!" Spike could just picture what Angel would do with the news that his youngest froze in combat. Shackle them together again, so he could be the laughing stock of Sunnydale as well as LA.

"Hey." Entering the room, followed by Wesley Buffy ended the vampires' discussion. "Guess I missed all the fun."

"Looks like you had fun elsewhere." Spike commented as he took in her battered and weary appearance.

"Willow went looking to go all paybacky on Glory and. . . ."

"Were you able to hurt her this time?" Spike asked this with some impatience. It was hard for him to believe that this Slayer, this Slayer who had kicked his arse in spectacular fashion, couldn't harm one badly dressed ex-goddess.

"No, but Willow did a little damage."

"Losing your touch or what, Slayer?" Spike gave Buffy a hard look.

"I don't know." Falling into a chair, Buffy was tired. Tired of fighting all the time. Tired of being the one who had to save the world. "After escaping from Glory, we were also attacked by some. . .some costumed clowns. Do you think I could get some back up to do a patrol? See if I can track them down and find out who they are."

"Costumed clowns? You were attacked by clowns?" Wesley was trying to picture this while deliberately not looking over at Nic.

"NOT clown clowns. Some men dressed up like. . .like Sir Lancelot."

"Sir Lancelot? Knights? You mean they were dressed up like knights?"

"Yep. Was worried about Willow, so I couldn't really concentrate on them, and they ran away. But I want to track them down. They yelled something like, 'it's the Slayer, the protector of the key' right before they attacked. I don't like the sound of that. I want to. . . ."

"I'll help you, Slayer." Djoser had walked in and had heard the end of the conversation. "I'd like to do a patrol anyway. Just to make sure there are no more of Snow's minions still around."

"You think some got away?" Spike's head shot up, wondering if there was a possibility that he did see Snow. That the renegade vampire was somewhere in Sunnydale.

"No, but I like to be absolutely sure." Staring at the Slayer, the dark vampire had gotten his gun back from Christian. It was loaded. He was ready to go.

"Sounds good." Standing up, Buffy found the presence of Djoser oddly reassuring.

"WAIT A MINUTE." Nic roused himself long enough to ask the important question. "Did Angelus say it was alright for you to leave the lair and do a patrol with the Slayer?"

"I need to make sure there are no more enemy vampires still around." Djoser answered his uncle, but not his uncle's question.

"And who says it has to be you? We have scouts who do that."

"The Slayer doesn't want some lowly minions backing her up. She and I will do a thorough reconnaissance of the town and. . . ."

"She may do a thorough reconnaissance, but not with you." Angel had entered the room. Glaring first at Djoser and then at Buffy, he changed their plans. "I'll send a couple of scouts to do a sweep with you. And you. . . ." Turning to Djoser. "You need to go and pack your things. You'll be leaving for LA shortly."

"Why are you sending him to LA?" Standing up, Spike didn't like what he was hearing.

"You, Childe." Angel looked over at Christian, ignoring the question. "Go to your Sire. You're taking a trip."

"WHERE ARE THEY GOING?" Temper flaring, Spike could feel a tantrum coming on.

"Damon is taking them to Germany. We'll be joining them there shortly." Voice quiet but eyes hard, Angel stared at the occupants of the room, daring any of them to defy him.

Jumping up, Christian hurried to obey while Djoser, not saying a word, spun around and left the room.

"STUPID, SODDIN' TOSSER! Your brains must be in your arse because I can't believe that you're sending Djoser away again. Didn't the first two times teach you anything? He's not suppose to be sent away!"

"Don't start with me, boy! I'm not in the mood." Torn, part of Angel doubted his own wisdom in sending Djoser away. Feeling guilty, he didn't want to discuss the issue with anyone.

"Angel." Wesley too knew the history and was concerned. "Splitting your forces in half? How does that help. . . ?"

"GODDAMN IT!" A strong kick threw a wooden chair across the room. "I AM the High Master here, and no one has the right to question me!"

"Man. . . ." Taking a long gulp of Jack Daniels, Nic couldn't help but mumble. "You'd think he'd be in a better temper after a good flaying."

"Bloody Wanker!" Spike muttered this defiantly, but smartly realized that to say anything more would cross the line. His Sire was in one of his dark moods. A mood that said, the next person who challenges me will truly be sorry. A little off balance because of the bourbon and the pain in his hand, he stumbled out of the room after his brother.

"Djoser." Following the other vampire up the stairs, Spike called out to him. Anger at his Sire was muddling his brain, so he was having trouble thinking of a way to keep his brother from being sent away. The only plan that came to mind was to chain himself to Djoser and then swallow the key. But he realized that that idea was poor at best. Angel was quite capable of breaking apart any type of shackle. "Djoser. . . ." Standing helplessly in the doorway, watching his brother change into clean, all black clothing and arm himself with an assortment of weapons, including the Tec-9. "The airport is not going to allow you in, carrying your gun. They'll have you hauled away for. . .or is that the idea? Get thrown in jail, so. . . ."

"He thinks he can just order me around. Sends me to New York. Sends me with the Ventrues." Rage was boiling up in the vampire. "And now he snaps his fingers and says that I should go to Germany. Never cares what I want! Never even asks. Well. . .I DON'T WANT TO GO. I'M NOT GOING TO GO! WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS?"

Spike was stunned. He had never ever witnessed such rebellion from his brother. Stepping in the room, he carefully closed the door. He didn't want anyone overhearing their conversation and then running and tattling to the Master. "Go ahead and say it, Mate. Our Sire is a brainless, dictatorial Nonce. Something you should have said years ago. Now just what the hell are you planning? Cause if you're planning to run away, then I'm coming with you."

Djoser's head snapped around at his brother's words. "Run away? I'm not planning to run anywhere. You can't leave our Sire. You need his blood. But I'm not going to have him send me away again. My place is here with him, with you. I especially don't want to leave you again."

"But the High Master has commanded. HE'S ordered you to go."

"I'm. Not." Black eyes were determined.

"So how exactly are you planning to stay here when the Lord and Master has spoken?"

"Going to go catch the Slayer now. Make a deal with her. I'll help her with those knights she's worried about, and then she can hide me out for a couple of days. Our uncle is in a hurry to go. He's afraid for his new Childe. He won't wait long. A couple of days, and he'll be gone, and then our Sire won't send me away. He won't chance sending me away without an escort."

"Good plan." Spike was impressed. "But afterwards, you'll be beat. HE doesn't like being disobeyed."

I've been beat before." Shrugging his shoulders, Djoser was unconcerned. "Now go and see if you can get the Slayer to step outside with you, so I can talk to her alone."

"Leave it to me. I'll get her outside for you." This was said with confidence. No one was better at subterfuge than Spike.

**

"Wesley, I think we should go now." Glaring at her ex-lover, Buffy's uncertainties were growing. Angel was certainly acting more like a soulless demon than a vampire with a soul.

"I believe you're right." Wesley too didn't like what he was seeing.

Swallowing hard, Angel controlled his wrath. "Let me send some scouts with you." A peace offering. He didn't want to antagonize his human allies.

"Don't bother." Buffy was abrupt with him as she turned to leave the room. "I can handle this myself. I don't need any help from you."

"Wesley, may I talk to you again about William's cure? Buffy. . .wait!" Angel followed the two out of the room. "My scouts are competent and well-trained. Don't let your emotions overrule good judgment."

Taking a deep breath, she stopped and turned, biting back the sharp retort. His admonishment angered her, but common sense told her that he was right.

Coming down the stairs, Spike heard their conversation. "I'll take you to meet them. You can then pick the ones you'd like to have patrol with you. And I can tell you which ones fight like men and which ones fight like pansies."

"William!" Angel was no fool. He knew his Childe was upset. And an upset William usually always expressed his anger by finding trouble. "YOU are not to leave the lair! Don't even think that you're going to find a way to leave with Buffy."

"I'm not going to leave the lair." Pretending annoyance, Spike heaved a huge sigh. "Just want to give the Slayer a hand."

Eyes narrowed, Angel could almost smell that his Childe was up to something. "He's not to leave the lair." He turned to Buffy. "You are not to take him with you anywhere. No matter what kind of arguments or complaints he has."

Another loud sigh while Spike muttered a single word. "Poof."

"He won't leave with me. I promise." Spike had flashed her a quick, meaningful look, and Buffy knew that the vampire was trying to tell her something, but the last thing she needed was to get involved in their family problems. So her words were not only to reassure Angel, but also to give Spike a clear message. She wasn't going to get caught in the middle of a dispute between a Sire and his Childe.

**

"Tell me the truth, Spike. Is Angel souled or not?" Stepping outside, vampire and Slayer had stopped a moment while Spike lit a cigarette.

"Don't know."

"What do you mean, you don't know? You've been living with him now for almost three months."

Kicking a piece of broken furniture out of his way, Spike inhaled the cigarette deeply. "Mr. Multi-Personality adds another persona to his repertoire, and I'm suppose to know? Djoser and Nic have a daily argument on whether he's cursed or not."

The two walked in silence for a moment. Each contemplating. "What did Giles say?" Wrapping her arms around herself, Buffy looked up into the night sky. "He has a soul, but that friend sorceress of yours cursed him with a weaker one. So a weaker soul can't control Angelus as much."

Spike gave Buffy a funny look. "You humans tend to go by the belief that his demon side is called Angelus and his souly side is called Angel, but that's not right. Angelus is his true, given name. Angel is just the handle he uses now. Not sure why, since it's such a poncy name. . .but I guess everyone was always mispronouncing Angelus."

"But do you think that's right? He has a weaker soul now?" Walking around the house, Buffy pressed the vampire. "I mean, he's been good to you now, hasn't he? He isn't that crazy Angelus. . .err, Angel from three years ago?"

"Yeah . .he's been the Good Daddy lately. . . .But you know that's just a phase of his. He's always played that game. Good Daddy'one day, and Bad Daddy'the next. It's an emotional roller coaster living with him."

Buffy couldn't see Spike's face, but she could still feel his sadness, his anguish. And for the first time since knowing the vampire whom she had branded as the bane of her existence, she felt a deep empathy for him. Having a Father whom was so unpredictable, so untrustworthy. Not unlike her own.

"But as far as if Alex cursed him with a weaker soul, I guess that could be a possibility." Spike threw his cigarette butt off to the side. "Too bad she isn't around to ask."

"So where are they?" The two had stopped in a grove of trees behind the house. The only light came from the half moon above. "The minions I'm suppose to pick from."

"Like I said before, Slayer." Djoser appeared out of the shadows. "You don't want some lowly minions backing you up when you can have a Blood-Childe of the High Master. I'll help you with those knights. And with me, you can be confident that your back will be covered. And in return, I just need a small favor from you."

~Part: 25~

England, 1861

Opening his little attic window a crack, William strained his ears, trying to hear what was going on outside. The Master had come home today after a long absent. Had come home and was now was leaving again. Leaving in a temper.

The neighing of a horse and the sound of hoofs pounding the ground told the young vampire that the Master was gone. Gone without even coming to greet him.

"William!" The door flew open. Djoser always walked quietly. No footsteps announced his arrival, so he caught his younger brother by surprise. "William, come with me. You're to sleep in my room again tonight."

"Wot 'appened ?" William eyed the older vampire. Face bruised, clothes torn, lip split and bleeding.

"The Master wasn't happy. . .wasn't happy with. . . ." The mansion was in shambles. Penn and Lucien had decided to play safari expedition with a group of captured humans. . .indoors. Djoser and Ramose had been out hunting so had not been there to stop the two. The house's state had enraged Angelus, and he had held his Heir responsible. "He'll be back in a couple of days. We're suppose to get everything back in order by then." Stoic, Djoser motioned the younger vampire to follow him.

Descending the stairs behind the man who was the Master's Heir, William was totally mystified. "I dinnah why yer let 'im treat yer this way? Why do yer stay?"

"Watch your speech!" With the Master gone, William had a tendency to lapse into his natural English.

"That ain't the point. . .yer, Git." An annoyed mutter, but the young vampire obeyed. "He beat you for something Penn and Lucien did. T'ain't fair. You're his Successor, his Blood-Childe. He should have you sitting on top of a fuckin' pedestal."

Entering his bedroom, Djoser didn't answer right away. Grabbing a pillow and a blanket, he threw them at William. He refused to allow his younger brother to sleep in the same bed with him. He'd leaned quickly after a few unpleasant experiences involving blackened eyes and a broken nose. "Yes, I AM his Successor and Heir. He expects a lot from me. Expects that I will mind the household in his absence. That's my duty as his old. . . ." The dark vampire began to say oldest Blood-Childe, but then corrected himself, remembering that he was the only recognized' Blood-Childein the family. "As his Blood-Childe."

Settling down in the corner with his blanket and pillow, William was still baffled. It was as if the Master couldn't abide either of his Blood-Childer. He himself wasn't recognized as a Blood-Childe because of his flaw. But why Djoser was treated so shabbily was indeed a mystery to him. "Still. . .you're old enough and strong enough. Why don't you go out on your own? Let HIM take care of his own household for once."

"I'm a Blood-Childe. My place is with my Father. I'm not allowed to leave." Stripping off his shirt, Djoser lay down on top of the bed's coverings.

"Not allowed to leave?" William looked up from taking off his shoes. "Why not?"

Heaving a sigh, Djoser looked over at the younger vampire. He was seriously contemplating gagging his brother. "Don't play stupid! You know our laws. Blood-Childer are tied to their Fathers, so they can be protected and safeguarded."

"Right, Mate." A quiet mumble as William thought about what was just told to him. He actually knew nothing about the Bloodline Laws. It was a lesson that he had absolutely refused to learn from his Venture teacher. "Like He's around so much to protect you. Hurts you more than he cares for. . . ."

"BE QUIET! I want to go to sleep now."

The words and the tone of voice were harsh, but William was undaunted. Djoser maintained a facade of coldness and indifference, similar to his Sire, but his actions contradicted his outward appearance. For four years now, the older brother had his sibling sleep in his room whenever their Sire was away. A protective gesture as it kept the younger vampire from being attacked and raped by Penn and Lucien. This small, kindly act was cherished by the lonesome vampire. Kindly acts were rare in his existence.

"He keeps me prisoner by force and you by your sense of duty. Smart man, our Sire." Hands behind his head, William said this softly to himself as he lay on the floor, head on the pillow.

"WILLIAM!"

"Yeah, Mate." Rolling over on to his side, William closed his eyes, fell asleep, and dreamt. Dreamt that his Sire had come home without the anger. Without the rage. And that he had come up the stairs to the small attic room to greet his youngest son.

**

"NO." Body language communicating her thoughts as Buffy backed away a few feet from the two vampires. "I AM NOT going to get in the middle of you and. . .and your. . .Angel. If you want to run away or whatever, that's your business. But I am not going to hide you out!"

"I'll help you track those knights who attacked you." Djoser took a step toward the Slayer.

"I don't need your help. Angel. . .your Sire has already offered me the services of a couple of scouts. That's more than sufficient."

"Slayer." Another small step toward Buffy. "There are whispers, rumbles regarding your. . .your sister."

"My sister? My sister is not the issue here." An alarm went off inside her. She didn't like this turn in the conversation.

"But she is." Black eyes barely visible in the darkness. "Because she's not your sister."

"No. She's not." Buffy turned to look at Spike. Her explanation was for his benefit too. "She's more than that. She's me. The monks made her out of me. I hold her. . .and I feel closer to her than. . . .It's not just the memories they built. It's physical. Dawn. . .is a part of me. The only part that I. . . ."

"We understand, Slayer, but we might be the only ones who do." Moving closer still, Djoser interrupted her. Like Angel, he had a vast physical presence. "Her blood is your blood. The same blood courses through both your bodies. It's the same with William and myself. We both have our Sire's blood, and like you and your sister, we are joined together by our blood. It's a bond that cannot be broken."

"O-kay." The conversation had now taken such a twist that Buffy was a little lost. "So you and Spike have a strong connection too. That's cool, but. . . ."

"They don't understand the bond you have with your sister like we do. As far as they're concerned, she's not your sister. She's not even human, and her death would solve everyone's problems."

"Just what are you saying?" Buffy didn't like what she was hearing. "And who is 'they'?"

"My uncles, my Sire, and. . .the two Watchers."

Anger and adrenaline began running through her as she took a moment to comprehend what was just told to her. "I'll stop anyone who tries to hurt her. And that includes you. . . ." Looking first at Djoser and then at Spike. "Or your High Master."

"And what about Giles or Wesley?" Spike asked. "You going to 'stop' them too?"

"Anyone, Spike. Anyone." Taking a deep breath, Buffy stepped right up to Djoser, bodies almost touching. Looking up, she could see his face, his eyes. "What do you know for sure?"

"There have been conversations. The Watchers still can't find any concrete way to prevent this Glory from bringing down an apocalypse, so. . . ."

"So the solution would be to kill Dawn." A whisper. A part of Buffy had known that this was coming. There was no doubt that Djoser's words weren't true.

"Help me now, Slayer. Help me to stay here, so I can protect my younger brother like you protect your sister. And to repay you, not only will I help you with those knights, but also, if it should come to pass, I'll back you against anyone who tries to harm her."

"And you can count me in too, Buffy." Head bent, Spike lit a second cigarette. It took a moment with a bandaged hand.

"And Angel? If he should say that Dawn must die, what then?"

Spike carelessly shrugged his shoulders. "We disobey him. Nothing new for me."

"WILLIAM!" A familiar bellow caught their attention.

"Our Sire!" Body tensing, Djoser poised for flight. "Quickly Slayer, your answer."

"You have a deal. I'll help you. But you had both better keep your word." A meaningful glare at Spike.

"Make your excuses and leave. Head back to town. I'll meet you a couple of miles down the road. I need to get away from the lair." With that said, Djoser melted away in the darkness as quickly as he had appeared.

"Come on, Slayer." Grabbing Buffy's arm, Spike began walking. "I know you can be a good liar at times, so let's see how well you can lie to my Sire."

**

Los Angeles,

"Gather some of your men." Snow didn't need an invitation to enter Hawkins' quarters, so he just let himself in. "I've called for more of my followers. We need to hit the Tremere Clan again. Quickly, before they can regroup."

"You mean to fucking tell me that you didn't take them?. . .And what about Chris?" Still in pain, Hawkins lay his head back on the couch cushion, closing his eyes. Roused out of bed in the late hours by the bad news that the Ventrues had attacked some the Council bases along the West Coast of the United States and were now headed for LA. All Council members stationed in LA and southern California had been ordered to leave immediately for New York or England.

"I was the only one who got away. All my minions dusted. And that man of yours. He was captured after he assaulted two of their Blood-Childer. He will be tortured and killed for that."

"Assaulted two of their Blood-Childer? What the fuck was that dumb ass Webster thinking?"

"He was trying to bring you back the new Childe. The one you gave to them." Expression hidden by glasses, Snow still showed contempt.

"Goddamn son-of-a-bitch! Not only didn't I get Chris back, but now I've lost Webster too! Fucking Angelus!" Hawkins said this with bitterness.

"Despite their victory, they've been severely weakened. I want to hit them again and quickly. I've already sent for more of my followers, but some trained Council hunters would help."

"We have to forget Angelus for now." Regret was evident in Hawkins' voice. "The fucking Ventrues are the current problem. That motherfucker Judelin. Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that he's been playing us all for fools? Not trained in combat, my ass! His Clan just went in and wiped out Council posts in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. They're headed here next, so we need to pull out."

Two long strides and Snow was pushing on Hawkins' broken collarbone. "I've finally got HIM where I want him. Cornered. I'm not going to let this opportunity slip by me! Now get up and call your men."

Gasping in pain, Hawkins was able to give Snow a shove. "Are you fucking crazy? What the hell's the matter with you?" Standing up, the Council hunter put some distance between himself and the vampire. "Didn't you hear what I just said? We've all been ordered to leave California. The Ventrues are on their way to LA now."

Staring at his human ally, Snow smiled. A deadly smile. "If we go and attack the Tremerens, the Ventures won't interfere. Judelin is not too happy with them now either. He put out a death warrant for that. . .that freak warrior Blood-Childe."

Hawkins gave Snow a puzzled look. "Djoser? You mean Djoser? Why in the hell don't you just say his name?"

"He was a favorite of my Sire. The Old Master wanted that Childe to be positioned with him at Court. But the Childe's Sire refused. One of the few times that the Old Master and his Favorite disagreed. . .that is until the revolt." Untroubled by the news about the Ventrues, Snow reminisced.

"HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING I'VE SAID, VAMPIRE? The Ventrues are looking for blood. We need to. . . ."

In a flash, Snow was nose-to-nose with Hawkins. "Don't ever shout at me, human. I'm gathering my people. I'm going back to Sunnydale. Now you can either join me, and afterward share the glory of my victory, or you can run back and hide with the rest of those cowardly, weak humans who call themselves The Council'. It's up to you, mortal."

**

"You picked out some minions then?" Standing in front of the mansion, arms folded across his chest, Angel watched Spike and Buffy approach him.

"Nah. . . ." First lie that popped in Spike's head began coming out of his mouth. "She thought they were all a bunch of nancy. . . ."

"I couldn't make up my mind." Buffy quickly interrupted while stepping on Spike's foot to shut him up. Turning her head so Angel could not see her face she gave her partner-in-crime a look that said, 'shut your trap, your lie is lame.' "Guess that fight with Glory really took something out of me. I'm tired. I'm going to go get Dawn, and we'll hunker ourselves down for what's left of the night. After some sleep, I can figure out what to do about those unknown knights. Maybe ask Xander and the gang to do some reconnaissance later today. I'll come back this evening and get some back up."

Eyeing her thoughtfully, Angel knew that the Slayer wasn't being exactly truthful. "I'll still send some scouts to do a sweep of the town before daybreak. If they find out anything, I'll send word to you."

Eyes widening, Buffy turned her head again to look at Spike. The last thing she needed was to have some of Angel's minions getting in her way. "You know. . .maybe Xander, Willow, and the gang are still up. Yeah. . .in fact I know they're up because they're with Giles waiting for me. I'll have them do a sweep. . .you needn't bother sending any minions."

"Yeah, right." Spike jumped in, trying to help. "After that free-for-all with Snow's mates, our boys need a rest."

Side-by-side, the two attempted to look and sound sincere as they stood in front Angel.

"William." Angel held out a hand. "Come here." He knew the pair was hiding something, but since he had no authority over Buffy, Angel decided it was best to not say anything more. Wrapping arms around the smaller body, he pulled his Childe tightly up against him. Holding his son made him feel better. It gave him the physical evidence that there was no chance of William running away to do god-knows-what with the Slayer. "Would you like an escort, Buffy? I can send some minions. . . ."

"Please! Minions walking the Slayer home. I'd never live it down." Giving Angel a glib smile, Buffy turned and began to walk swiftly away before any more questions or helpful assistance was offered. Taking a deep breath, she made a mental note to herself that when the crises were over, and Spike was once again healed, she was going to pound his ass for putting her in a position where she had to lie to Angel. And to make herself feel less guilty for lying, she also made a note that after Spike's ass was kicked, Djoser's would be next.

**

"How's your hand, Childe?" Back pressed up against his Sire's chest, Spike heard the whisper in his ear.

"It's fine. . .hurts like hell." Deciding that his lie quota was used up for the day, he told the truth.

"Come inside, and I'll look at it. Wesley can take a look at it too since he needs to take some blood samples from you anyway."

"Why the fuck does he need blood samples from me?" Spike already knew the answer, but belligerence was always a good defense against Angel. He knew that his Sire was trying to inveigle him out of his anger, and his simple, 'come inside' had sounded like a seductive invitation. Seduction was Angel's second weapon when force didn't work.

"Your cure, Childe. The Watchers are working on your cure. Soon you'll be whole again, and then we can all go to Germany." Arm still around Spike, Angel led his son inside.

"Why are you in such a bleedin' hurry to get to Germany? If you want to go back to the Old Country, why does it have to be there? What about England? Wouldn't mind seeing some of the old stomping grounds. . .oh, but I suppose England's out of the question? Council's headquartered there."

"An abandoned lair of the Old Master is in Germany."

"And what? The Old Goat left it to you in his will, and you want to go and renovate it?"

"An underground lair that's better than a fortress. It's an unsolvable maze with hundreds of deadly pitfalls. Some strategically placed guards and no one could take us."

"If it's this unsolvable maze with lethal traps, how are we not going to get ourselves killed in it?"

"Part of our training was to memorize the maze, and all its dangers. I know it. Damon knows it. And perhaps Djoser knows it too. I remember that we began to teach him the lair, but I can't remember if we taught him the whole maze, before. . .before. . . ."

"You were all kicked out of the Clan." Spike added helpfully.

Now inside the mansion, Angel stopped a moment, tightening his arms around his Childe. "Yes, before I rebelled."

"And why did the Old Goat. . .the Old Master have such a lair anyway? Who was he so afraid of?"

"He always liked to have his lairs underground because he was waiting for the Old Ones to emerge."

"The WHO?"

"The Old Ones. He worshipped them. The lair in Germany was built in their honor, and also to keep other Masters and their Clans out. The Old Master didn't want to share the glory when the Old Ones finally presented themselves."

"Ah-huh." Spike could help the mockery in his voice as he followed Angel into the adjoining room. {So that's why my Sire got his grand notion to awake the Acathla and suck the world into hell. Battiness runs in our Bloodline.}

**

Walking alongside Djoser, Buffy could feel his eyes on her. Uncomfortable, she kept remembering Spike's claim that his brother would make good husband material. The awkwardness stretched on as Djoser remained his usual taciturn self. Mind groping for something to say. Something that wasn't totally inane. But the only thing that came to mind was, 'how 'bout those Dodgers', and that was totally lame.

Sighing, Buffy remembered that the last time she had felt so nervous, so tongue-tied had been with Angel. Certainly she had never felt so with Riley. Giving herself a mental shake for such foolishness, she decided that the best plan was to just stick to business. "There was a large group of them, so I'm guessing that they have a camp somewhere. We should make a circular patrol around the. . . ."

"You don't have to tell me what needs to be done, Slayer. I already know." Djoser interrupted her.

"Self-confident much?"

"As a human child I was trained to be a warrior. I learned how to fight with fists and a variety of weapons. I was taught to battle on horseback, to track. . . ."

"You're not applying for a job here. I don't need a list of your qualifications." Like Spike, Buffy found that insolence could make a good defense.

But instead of becoming angry over her rudeness, Djoser just smiled. And it was his smile that stopped the Slayer dead in her tracks. His human face had a mouth full of perfect, white teeth. His smile was stunning. It lit up his whole face. "I guess you don't care to hear about me or my past."

"No-o, that isn't it at all." Again Buffy felt awkward. "It's just with. . .with Glory, and now these dumb knights, and. . .and Snow. I think we just need to concentrate on the business at hand."

"How right you are." Dark eyes unfathomable. "Business should come first and

then. . .pleasure."

~Part: 26~

"Ya know, this really isn't necessary. I know how to keep my arse parked." Sitting between Angel's legs, Spike was being held tight in a bear hug, while Wesley was taking samples of his blood.

"Yes, I remember quite well how you sat still last year when I had to take blood from you." One tube filled, Wesley quickly attached an empty one to the needle. "Your fist connected with my face, and I went flying across the room."

"You still holding a grudge against me for that?"

"No, but I'm not touching you again, unless. . .unless you're restrained."

Heaving a sigh, Spike looked up at the ceiling, trying to ignore the feeling of Angel's body pushed up against his. Pressed between strong legs, he could feel and smell the beginning of his Sire's arousal which in turn was making his own body react. Deciding that a diversion was necessary, he began harassing Wesley.

"How many fucking tubes of blood do you need, Wes? I think you've got enough." Jerking his arm, Spike tried to pull it away, but Angel, seeing the movement quickly grabbed his Childe's arm to hold it motionless.

"William. Hold still!" A low rumble.

"He doesn't need that much blood, Sire." Spike had had enough. Struggling now in earnest, he tried to break out of Angel's grasp. "He's planning to sell some of it. Maybe to Willy, or to. . . ."

"Spike!" Wesley was now remembering with clarity what a total pain the vampire was to deal with. "I'm not planning to sell any of your blood. So will you just hold still a few moments more? The more you thrash about, the longer this is going to take."

"Soddin' needle is starting to hurt!"

Now it was Wesley turn to sigh. "Stop moving and I'll be done. Besides, you're a vampire. A vampire who has faced far worse than a little needle."

Realizing that there was no possibility of breaking Angel's hold, Spike stopped fighting and sat still. Although he still couldn't help complaining a little. "Hate needles."

"Angelus." Damon entered the room. "Djoser is missing. I went to go tell him that it was time to leave, and he's nowhere to be found."

Looking up at his brother in alarm, Angel tightened his arms around Spike. He had his suspicions. "Where's your brother, Childe? Is he with the Slayer?"

"Damned if I know." Avoiding Angel's inquiring eyes, Spike focused all his attention on Wesley who was withdrawing the needle from his arm.

"William!" Angel was now sure that's what Buffy and his Childe had been so evasive about. But what puzzled him was why Djoser would go off with the Slayer.

Desperately searching for any kind of distraction, Spike decided that the old 'I'm-in-pain' ruse was as good as any. "Hand is really hurting. Wes, would you take a look at it? The bullet went right through it. When it first happened there was this hole that you could actually see through to the. . . ."

"WILLIAM! Where did Djoser and Buffy go off to?"

"I don't know." Spike was able to say this with some sincerity, since it wasn't a total lie. He really didn't know exactly where they went.

Growling in frustration, Angel pushed Spike away from him and got up. "I better go see if I can track the two of them down.

"That won't help." Damon grabbed his brother by the arm. "If Djoser doesn't want to be found, even you won't be able to locate him. Unless of course, you recently drank from. . . ."

"No." Rather embarrassed, Angel admitted this. He had no blood bond with his oldest.

"Childe." Damon now addressed Spike. "You know how dangerous it is for your brother to be away from the lair right now. The bounty hunters may have already. . . ."

"Wait a minute. What friggin' bounty hunters are you talking about?"

"There's a death warrant out for Djoser. That's why I was taking him to Germany with me."

"DEATH WARRANT! Who the bloody hell put a death warrant out on Djoser?"

"The Ventrue Master." Wesley spoke quietly while assessing the situation. "Didn't anyone tell you this?" Turning to Angel. "Didn't you tell your sons this? Didn't you explain to them the reason why you were sending Djoser away?"

"Explain? The Great Angelus doesn't explain. Especially now that he's High Master. He orders and expects everyone to obey without question." Nic had gotten up off the couch to join the conversation.

Staring hard at Nic, Angel fought to keep his temper. Whenever events began to spiral out of his control, his first reaction was to break out in a rage, and his younger brother was not helping any.

"The Clan members who are stationed in LA rang us with this news, but I guess we didn't think. . . ." Damon looked over at Angel. "We were so concerned with the attack that we. . . ."

"I'm not surprised that your Childer are constantly running off." Softly spoken, but Wesley still managed to convey reproach. "You don't communicate with them. They're operating without the knowledge that they need to. . . ." Taking in a deep breath, the ex-Watcher realized that he was personalizing the situation. "It explains why we, at times had difficulties in the workplace."

"That's right." Nic grinned at Wesley. "Tell him. Tell Angelus that he needs to learn how to work and play better with others."

"NIC!" Angel slammed his fist on the mantel. "If you don't have anything constructive to say, then keep your mouth SHUT."

"They went looking to find those knights. Djoser is helping the Slayer track them down." Speaking up, Spike finally told what he knew. "He didn't want to go to Germany, so he made a deal with Buffy. He'd help her with the knights, and she would then hide him out for a few days. He was going to come back."

"I can try to find him." Damon looked at Angel. "He's not going to let you anywhere near him, but maybe. . . ."

"He won't let either of you get near him." Nic interrupted. "He doesn't want to go to Germany, so if he sees you. . . ." Looking at Damon. "He'll take off too. Let me see if I can locate him. He's not intimidated by me. There. . . ." He turned to Angel with a grin. "Was that constructive enough?"

Shaking his head in agreement, Angel found the idea acceptable. "Damon, send some of the best trackers with. . . ."

"I don't want any minions with me." Nic interrupted again. "If Djoser sees me with a group of minions, he'll read that as an aggressive stance on our part and won't let me near him. Let me take Wesley here with me." Throwing an arm casually around the ex-Watcher. "Djoser won't read this human as any kind of threat."

"I. . .I. . . ."Wesley wasn't sure if he had just been complimented or insulted.

"Wesley, I would appreciate it." Feeling better now that there was a plan, Angel's temper had abated, and he presented a calm exterior. And his serenity was seductive. Hard to say no to.

"Of. . .of course. Just. . .let me. . .take care of these blood samples." Feeling the urge to get away from both Angel and Nic, Wesley rushed out of the room. He needed a few minutes to regain his composure.

"Ya know, if I went with them, there wouldn't be any problem at all. Djoser for sure wouldn't run from me, and then we could talk to him." Spike knew that his suggestion would be denied, but he still gave it a shot.

"NO!" In one movement, Angel had Spike in his arms, pulling him down on the couch. "I already have one Childe running around loose. I'm NOT having two. You'll stay here with me. Now. . .let's take a look at your hand."

**

Patrolling the town, the Slayer and the vampire didn't have to look too hard for the enemy. The enemy found them. And even though Buffy and Djoser were outnumbered, their opponents presented them no challenge. Knocking one of the knights to the ground, Buffy got on top of him. Holding a staff to his throat, she pulled off his chain-mail mask. "Ok, let's see what you are. . . ." A flash of surprise as she stared into a human face. "Or who you are."

"One soldier in a vast army."

"What army?"

"The Knights of Byzantium, an ancient order. And now your enemy."

A suspicion ran through Buffy's mind as she pushed the staff harder into the man's throat. "You work for Glory?"

"You think we align ourselves with the beast? You must be mad."

"You're the ones trying to kill me."

"We were fools, three alone. But if it takes a hundred men, we send a hundred men, and if it takes a thousand, we send a thousand."

"A thousand?"

"So long as you protect the key, the brotherhood will never stop until we destroy it and you. You are the Slayer, and we know what we must do. Now, be done with it. Kill us, and let legions follow."

In one smooth move, Buffy stood up, throwing the staff aside and picking up a sword.

Standing up, the knight eyed her warily as she raised the sword, holding it to his throat.

"Kill him." Djoser urged her while the knight turned his head, waiting for the deathblow.

Buffy deliberated for a long moment, before lowering the sword. "Go."

Surprised, the knight wasted no time in edging around her, giving the vampire a wide berth and running off.

Turning to Djoser, she knew that it was imperative that she get to her sister. "We need to get to the Magic Shop and get Dawn. And then get her out of town."

**

"Your blood, Master. Your blood will help the wound." Holding Spike's hand gently, the healer studied it thoughtfully.

"That's your answer?" Spike was contemptuous. "We already know that. Try telling us something we don't know."

"The poison in his system is affecting his healing power, so the only. . . ."

"We already know that too, ya bleedin' idiot. You call yourself a healer? Well then start healing."

A touch on the healer's shoulder from the Master told him to leave the room. "Quite a temper you've got there." Taking Spike's hand, Angel brought it up to his mouth. Kissing it lightly, before licking it slowly with a combination of blood and saliva.

Closing his eyes, Spike settled back onto the couch, savoring the coolness of his Sire's tongue. It calmed the fire in his hand and brought the pain down to a tolerable level. "Yeah, funny thing. Wonder from whom I inherited my bad disposition?"

"Couldn't possibly be from me?" Mock surprise as Angel stopped his administrations for a minute to look his Childe in the face.

"Bad tempered, Poof." A sullen mutter. "And you can stop trying to humor me. It's your fault that Djoser's running around Sunnydale. Like the Watcher said, if you would have told us the situation then . . . ."

"Then what? Djoser would have quietly agreed to go to Germany?" Studying Spike's hand, Angel was satisfied. The wound was covered thickly with the blood and saliva bandage. "Look me in the eye and tell me yes, if that's what you really believe."

Sighing, Spike turned his head, facing away from his Sire. Adrenaline, which had been fueling him the last few hours, was wearing off, and replacing it was pure fatigue. He couldn't fight anymore. Couldn't lie and tell his Sire that yes, Djoser would have left quietly for Germany because he knew that his brother was stubbornly determined to stay in Sunnydale.

"Your Childe needs rest, Angelus." Entering the room, Damon could read the exhaustion on his nephew's face. "It's been a long night for all of us, but especially for one who is ill and now wounded. Put him into a deep sleep. . . ."

"Don't touch me!" Sitting up straight, Spike immediately moved to the other end of the couch, away from his Sire and uncle.

"William, we're all tired. You need to sleep. I can see you fighting it." Moving to sit on the couch, Angel reached for his Childe.

"Forget it!" Standing quickly, Spike was trying to figure out where he could go and hide. "You'll put me out, and while I'm sleeping, you'll send Djoser away. Won't even let me say goodbye to him. I know how you are."

Angel felt like he had just been punched in the face. "You consider me to be that hard hearted?"

"If the shoe fits. . . ." Spike had been slyly inching his way over to the door, figuring he could make a break for it. Where he would run to he had no idea, but most of his existence had been fleeing with no destination in mind. Mindless flight was instinctive when cornered.

But so intent on his Sire, he had forgotten about his uncle. He had barely taken a step when Damon had him wrapped up.

"LET GO OF ME, BLOODY BASTARD!" Kicking and squirming, but the arms around him were like bands of steel.

"William." Grabbing his struggling son, Angel spoke softly, trying to calm. "I promise you that I will wake you as soon as we know anything about Djoser's whereabouts. And I also promise that he won't be sent away. I won't separate the two of you ever again."

"You won't?" Stopping in mid struggle, Spike could hardly believe his ears. "But what about the death warrant and the bounty hunters?"

"Hopefully, we'll be away from here before too many bounty hunters show up. But if some do, then I'll just have to take care of them. Now. . .let me. . . ." Holding Spike against him, Angel began licking and nipping at the tender flesh of his Childe's neck. "Let me help you sleep. Just a short rest until your brother gets back." Not waiting for consent, he gently bit down. His son's blood filled his mouth giving him the power he sought. A push and the younger vampire was put into a deep slumber.

**

"Here's something." Giles was the only one at the table who was still doing anything constructive. The rest of the gang was tired and dispirited. Arms propping their heads, Anya and Dawn, at least, still had their eyes open. Xander had given up any pretense of researching the book in front of him. Face down in the book, the only thing he was studying were the insides of his eyelids. Willow and Tara were sharing a chair with Tara dozing, head on Willow's shoulder.

"It seems that in order for Glory to bring the dimensional walls down, she needs to perform a ritual. And that ritual has to be done at one certain time."

"We don't have to kill her then. We just have to stop her from doing the ritual. . .right? If there's only the one time that she can do it." Besides Giles, Willow was the only one of the group that had a brain that was still functioning.

"Yes. That appears. . .appears. . . ."

"Dawn!" Buffy came bursting into the Magic shop; Djoser right behind her. "Dawn, get up. I need to get you out of town. . .and. . .and maybe all of us need to leave."

"Buffy." Standing up, Giles was not happy seeing her with Djoser. "What's going on? And why is he with you?"

Pausing a moment, Buffy hoped that Giles hadn't had any communication with Angel. "Just acting as my back up." She said casually. "We were attacked by some of those. . .knighty guys. I was able to question one of them. They're an ancient order, the Knights of Bi-zitty men and. . . ."

"Byzantium." Djoser clarified for the puzzled Watcher.

"Byzantium? They're a holy order." Giles had heard the name before.

"Yes and their mission is to stop Glory by. . . ." Breaking off, Buffy looked over at her sister. "Well. . .they're here to stop Glory."

"By killing me." Dawn understood. "Go ahead and say it. If they kill me, then Glory has no way to. . . ."

"THEY'RE NOT GOING TO KILL YOU. NO ONE is going to hurt you." Walking over to Dawn, Buffy grabbed her by the hand. "But that's why we need to get you away from here."

"Germany." The thought struck Djoser. "You can all come to Germany with us. We have a lair there. An underground lair filled with secret traps. Impossible to find your way through it, unless you know it." Looking over at Giles. "If you and that other Watcher were to come, my Sire would have us all leave for Germany. You could work on my brother's cure there."

"Let's think about this a moment, shall we?" Eyeing the vampire, Giles now knew for certain that his suspicions had been correct.

"Come with me, Slayer." Djoser stepped closer to Buffy his voice dropping to a whisper. "I promise you and your sister, safety there."

"Giles, what other option do we have?" A plea to her surrogate father as Buffy looked up into Djoser's face. She finally was able to read some emotion in his face, in his eyes, and it gave her hope. For they conveyed strength, reassurance and understanding.

"Run away then? That's our plan? And what about the store. . .?" Anya was thinking practical as she looked over at a now awake Xander. "Your job?"

"We can't stay here! If those knights don't get us, Glory will." Buffy's mind was now made up.

"Buffy. . ." Giles was still not convinced that going to Germany was the answer. "We all understand the severity of the situation, but there must be another way."

"NO! I'm going to take Dawn away from here. If there's sanctuary in Germany, then that's where we'll go. I believe that all of you are in danger too, and should come. But if you choose not to, then. . . ." Buffy never got to finish her sentence as all hell broke loose in the shop. Rocks and flaming arrows came flying through the front windows while at the same time a group of knights came crashing through the back of the store.

Leading the unit was a big, burly man with a scarred face. Seeing Dawn, he pointed his sword in her direction. "The key!"

~Part: 27~

South America, November 2000

It had been more than 150 years since Nic had seen his sister-in-law. He remembered the sorceress-turned-vampiress as a powerful, confident woman. Heinrich Nest's oldest Blood-Childe, Luc had scored quite a coup when he had turned and bound Alex to him.

"Just about every demon here in South America has heard about him. He makes a spectacle of himself almost every night. It won't take long for the news to travel up north. Angelus will find out about the scam you pulled, and then you can kiss your unlife good-bye." Feet up on the table, Nic studied Alex curiously. "You broke our laws, taking a Blood-Childe away from his Father. You must have heard that Angelus has put a price on your head. Your best bet would be to take William back and beg his forgiveness. He may have mercy because after all, didn't you resoul him again?"

The usually vibrant Alex showed no emotion over the news that the dangerous Scourge of Europe had her on his hit list. "I wasn't able to duplicate the gypsy curse, so. . . ." Turning her back to her brother-in-law, she stared out the window. "I made a mistake by bringing William here. I thought by now, so many years on his own, that he would be more. . .grow-up. But he's still undisciplined, uncontrollable. Even now that Childe needs his Sire."

"So, like I said, take him back to LA." Watching the vampiress' back, Nic caught a whiff of depression and hopelessness.

"No." Alex shook her head. "I will do what's expected of me. I broke a sacred law, and I should pay. You. . . ." Turning back to Nic. "You will take William back to Angelus. As his uncle and. . . ."

"Wait a fucking moment. I'm not going to clean up your mess. You're lucky that I came here to warn you. Don't need to involve myself anymore."

"As his blood uncle it's your responsibility to see that he is returned safely to Angelus. He's out making his usual demon cantina rounds. Find him and take him back to LA."

"For Christ's sakes, Alex. I'm here on business. Don't have time to take that brat back to LA. You brought him here; you can jolly well take him back."

"TAKE HIM BACK, or I'll do something unpleasant to you!"

Nic snorted in disdain. "Yeah. . .take a number and get in line."

The sorceress was done arguing. Standing motionless, her body began generating waves of energy. Pupils dilating, turning red, then black.

Seeing the eyes turn black, Nic knew that Alex was deadly serious. Wasn't going to be some minor hex, like a sleep, or a drunk spell. He took a second to decide whether he should attack, before she was able to cast her magic, but fond memories of Alex stopped him. She had been one of the few family members who had treated him decently. "ALRIGHT! Fucking bitch. Making me do your dirty work. I'll get William back to LA." Mind working furiously as he tried to figure out a way to still finish his business, but get his nephew back to Angelus.

"Don't delay! The Council is planning to double-cross Angelus anyway. If William is back with him, then perhaps the two of them can go into hiding."

"Goddamn it! This is the last time I try and do anything nice for someone. Cause this is how they fucking repay me." Enraged, Nic was grabbing for his coat and cigarettes. He just wanted to get out before Alex thought up more things for him to do.

"Wait! There's also something I want to tell you about Snow. Information that you must pass on to Angelus. His real name is Claude. He was sired by the Old Master. A favorite of Nest, he held a position at Court. But I have some suspicions about him. Tell Angelus to check out Claude's human birth record."

"Yeah, yeah." Listening with half an ear, Nic was already part way out the door, so he didn't catch the vampiress' last sentence. He would dutifully relay the information to Angel, except for the part about investigating Claude's human roots. And that was the key to the mysterious vampire's identity and motivation.

**

Sitting in the dark, Angel studied William's resting form. Never a peaceful sleeper, his Childe now seemed even more agitated. Tossing and turning, he kept muttering something about eyes. Leaning closer, the elder vampire tried to make sense of the mumbling.

"Angelus." Damon, along with Christian, entered the room. "We're ready to leave, but are you sure that you don't want me to wait for Djoser?"

"I've made my decision. He'll stay with me. I'm not going to separate my Childer ever again."

"I understand, but. . . ." Shoving his hands in his pants' pockets, Damon shifted around. His discomfort obvious, as he now was feeling hesitant about leaving. "I took an oath when Djoser was presented to the Clan. As a Clan member and his uncle, it's my duty to help protect him. Perhaps I should wait until he is safely back here in the lair."

"Djoser is my responsibility. You have your own now." Standing up, Angel turned to face his brother and nephew.

"But what if Djoser is in trouble? If you'll need us to help rescue him?" Christian, the ex-hunter protested. He was not used to abandoning an ally, especially an ally who was family.

"I've made my decision, boy! You are never to question my authority, nor that of your Sire." Angel gave his nephew a harsh look. "Already picking up some bad practices from William."

Grabbing his fledgling by the back of the neck, Damon was mortified. "Your opinion was not asked for!" His eyes were apologetic as they met those of his brother's. "He has not been properly trained yet, but hopefully I'll have the time and opportunity in Germany." Fingers tightening at the back of Christian's neck, the vampire gave his son a shove toward Angel. "Give our High Master your respects before we leave."

So young, Christian was still highly intimidated by his Sire and his dominant uncle. Falling to one knee, he took hold of Angel's hand, kissing it. "I was out of line, Master. Please forgive my. . . ."

"It's all right, Childe." Pulling the younger vampire up, Angel ran a tip of a fang across his nephew's angular cheekbone. Lapping at the blood, he waited to see if the fledgling would prove his submission. Knowing that he was being tested, Christian stood absolutely still. "Very good." One more pass of his tongue and then a smile as he pulled his nephew into his arms and whispered in an ear. "Go to Germany and learn from your Father. You are an important Blood-Childe to our Clan. You represent our Rebirth, our hope for the future. Now GO, and may the Fates decree that you will reach your destination in safety."

Nodding his head, Christian was then passed into his Sire's arms.

"May we see each other soon, my brother." Taking Angel's hand, Damon kissed it, ready to take his leave.

"You will tell him farewell for me?" Looking at a sleeping Spike with disappointment, Christian so wanted to personally say good bye to him. Head still turned around as he left the room with his Sire, the young vampire willed his cousin to wake up, but it was not to be.

**

Fire in his wrists, calves, and stomach. A fire so hot and painful that he thought for sure he would combust. Along with the pain, the agonized vampire also felt pure unadulterated terror. Fear of the man who was directing his torture.

In reality, he had been brave and had not made a sound when the spikes had been pushed through him over and over again. But reliving the torment in his dreams, Spike could and did scream. "Your eyes, you bloody trotter. Wanna see your. . . ." Cut off as a big spike was shoved through his abdomen. Screaming in pain, the dreaming vampire sat up, startling himself out of his nightmares. Disoriented and trembling, he looked around, trying to shake the memories. Standing in front of him was the tall figure of Angel.

"Sire. . . ." Blood tears ran down his face. "He doesn't have eyes. . .motherfucker doesn't have eyes!"

Wrapping strong arms around his son, Angel held him to his breast. "Who? Snow?"

Slim fingers wound themselves into his Sire's shirt, clinging tightly. "He was here. . .with his minions. Coming for me. I saw him, but he must have gotten away."

"SNOW WAS HERE?" Rage burned in his stomach. It was an acid that flowed up in his throat and mouth. He could taste it. Bitter, like rancid blood.

"Thought I saw him. Coming up behind that human we tortured. Bloody eyeless nutter."

Puzzled, Angel stroked Spike's hair. "Eyeless? You know, Alex told Nic who this Snow was. A vampire who had been sired by the Old Master. A favorite who held a position at Court. Both Damon and Nic vaguely remember him, but I don't recall him at all. You see, I. . . ." Pausing as his Childe looked at him with curiosity. "I never bothered to notice those who were beneath me."

"You're such a Poofster." Spike couldn't help the jab even though he was still clinging tightly to Angel.

"Yeah." Admitting his arrogance with a smile. "But I'm sure I would have remembered a turned Childe of the Master who didn't have eyes. Unless this Snow lost his eyes after. . . ."

"He's got eyes." Sighing, he lay his head back on the broad chest, enjoying the comfort of his Sire's embrace. "He always keeps them covered by dark sunglasses, so you can't read his eyes. Can't read his expression. And that's what makes him so. . .so. . . ." Deeply ashamed, he could hardly believe that he was admitting to his Father that he was afraid of some lowly, turned vampire who wasn't even original enough to create his own persona. Had to imitate one of those mad, face-covered, serial killers from a teen slasher movie.

"We dusted all his minions and killed the Council hunter. Yet this Snow still managed to escape." Whispering this softly to himself, Angel was pensive. Snow was proving to be a worthy opponent. Too smart and strong to be a turned vampire. Just who was he?

**

Pulling into a parking spot, Wesley stopped the car. "The Magic Shop is down the street. I want to check in with Giles first. See if he's heard anything from Buffy. From there we can patrol on foot."

"Your wish is my command, human. . .oh, excuse me, Mr. Wyndham-Price."

Suspecting mockery, Wesley turned sharply to the vampire, but Nic had the same easy going smile that he wore on most occasions. "Wesley, will do just fine."

Locking up the car, the two started down the street. "Well. . .Wesley. Why don't you tell me how you came to be working with my brother. I'm curious."

"By coincidence, our paths happened to cross in LA and . . . ." Breaking off, he realized that a golden opportunity lay before him. Here was a chance to learn a little real history about Angel, his Clan, his family. Not just the speculations and fantasies of the old Watchers. "You know, how about we have an exchange of information? I'll tell you about my relationship with Angel and you can tell me about. . . ."

"Can't tell you too much. I've been exiled and estranged from my family for more than 150 years now."

"You said that you were banished because of being too human. Could you elaborate on that more?" Attention so focused on the man walking along side of him, Wesley wasn't paying any attention to what was happening directly ahead of him.

But Nic was. Stopping suddenly, he grabbed a hold of Wesley's arm to keep him from walking any further. "I know I've been drinking, but I swear that I see a band of knights ahead. And they're attacking the Magic Shop!"

Vision not as accurate as that of a vampire, the ex-Watcher squinted in the darkness, walking a few steps closer. "What the hell?" He muttered. A large group of knights, complete with horses, weapons, and armor was indeed attacking the shop.

"Must say, Wes. That's a sight you don't see every day."

"They're the knights. The knights that Buffy was talking about. The ones that she and Djoser were tracking."

"Well, I guess they found them because I'm sensing that the Slayer and my nephew are there inside the Magic Shop."

"We need to go get Angel." Wesley couldn't stop staring at the strange scene in front of him.

"Come on then. Let's get out of sight before they spot us." Seeing an abandoned building across the street, Nic pulled the other man with him. "Let's try calling him first. You never know. By some miracle, Angelus might actually have his cell phone on."

**

Parking the convertible in a back alley, Angel got out and signaled to his minions to leave the other vehicles and follow him on foot. Getting out of the car, Spike was careful to keep his distance from Angel. Embarrassed over his breakdown in front of his Sire, he was also feeling worry for his brother and depression because of the departure of his cousin, Christian. "Cold blooded bastard! You should have got me up, so I could have said good-bye to them."

"I was suppose to wake you up for that too?" Glaring briefly at Spike, Angel could feel the hostility, and it baffled him. One moment his Childe was embracing him, and the next he was declaring war. "You didn't even know them that well."

"Yes, but. . . ." Closing his mouth, Spike sighed in resignation. It wasn't worth trying to explain to his incredibly thick Sire about the bond he had made with the new Blood-Childe. He had connected with his cousin even though they had only known each other for a short time. Perhaps it was because they were of the same Bloodline. But whatever the reason, he knew that explaining such an attachment to Angel would be like explaining rocket science to a five-year-old. Even with a soul, his Sire never had a true understanding of emotional relationships.

"But what?"

"Never mind." Another sigh as he lit a cigarette.

"William." Angel searched for the right words, so there would be no chance that he would be misunderstood. "Every time I think that. . . ."

"There's Wes." Spike pointed up the alley, glad that he had an excuse to interrupt. His emotions were a jumbled up mess. So chaotic, the last thing he wanted to do was discuss them.

"Angel." Wesley ran down the alley to meet them. "We just talked to Buffy. Giles has been seriously injured, but Willow was able to put up an energy barrier, so for the moment they're not under direct attack. But now that you and your Clan are here, Buffy is hoping that you can engage the knights from the outside. Keep them busy, so they can get both Giles and Dawn to safety."

"And Djoser?" Reaching the back door of the abandoned building, Angel stopped Wesley for a moment. "Is he inside with them? Is he all right?"

"He's inside, and he's fine. The only one hurt by the initial assault was Giles."

Orders were snapped out to the minions. "I want five guards here at the back. The rest can come with me."

"Oh, I see the cavalry has arrived." Standing inside, Nic had been monitoring the knights through a front window. "Pretty big group of them, Angelus. And they're well armed."

Studying the band of knights, Angel did a quick appraisal. "There's too many of them for us to defeat before sunrise. Will that energy barrier hold until sundown tomorrow? We could take them, if we don't have to worry about the sun coming up."

Shaking his head gloomily, that wasn't the news that Wesley had wanted to hear. "Giles is in a bad way. I don't think he can last until tomorrow evening, but let me ring Buffy again." Turning to Nic, he held out his hand. "If I may? Your cell phone?"

Giving Wesley a roguish grin, Nic handed the ex-Watcher his cell phone. "Are you always so polite, Wes?"

"I'm English. And in general, we, English are courteous." Taking the cell phone, Wesley began punching in the Magic Box's number.

"Really? What happened to William then? Was he absent on the day they were handing out politeness in Britain?"

"Sod off, Miss Manners. You should talk." Sitting on a couple of stacked packing crates, Spike scowled at his uncle. In a foul mood, he was ready to trade insults with anyone, but Nic only grinned at him good-naturedly.

"You need to lighten up, boy. You've been too somber lately. Starting to become like your old man."

"I AM NOT anything like my old. . . ." Glaring over at Angel who was standing close to Wesley, listening to the phone conversation. "Like my Sire. And maybe you should take things more seriously. Djoser's trapped inside a magic shop, surrounded by a bunch of. . . ." Spike looked out the window at the bemused knights who were swinging their swords uselessly at the energy field. "Role-playing rejects."

"Djoser's a survivor. We're all survivors, Childe." Pulling out a pack of cigarettes, Nic offered one to his nephew. "Djoser's been in worse situations than this. I can't think that it's his destiny to die at the hands of some humans who just left a costume party."

Lighting cigarettes, the two vampires tuned their ears to what Wesley was saying.

"Willow thinks that the energy field will last about half a day. Or less, if the knights. . . ." Turning to look out the window, Wesley strained to see through the darkness. "Punch a hole through it?"

"They have clerics." The three vampires with their superior vision could see clearly what the knights were doing. "The clerics are working on reversing Willow's spell." Angel explained this to a puzzled Wesley.

"Damn!" The ex-Watcher swore into the phone. "There's too many of them. And with sunrise coming, it would be suicide for Angel and his people to try to. . .what? You want us to. . .I see. All right, we'll do our best."

"What kind of plan does the Slayer have?" Spike had sat long enough as he jumped to his feet.

"A bluff." Wesley handed Nic his cell phone. "She wants us to back her up on another bluff."

~Part: 28~

Sword in hand, Wesley faced down the company of knights. Angel and his minions positioned themselves a short distance behind him, as they wanted to keep their distance from the knights. They feared the knights would perhaps detect them as vampires and know. Know that shortly the sun would be out, and that their enemy would not be much of a threat.

Shouting at Willow to open a door in the barrier, Buffy, followed by Djoser and Xander stepped out of the shop's front entrance.

Drawing their weapons the knights formed a circle, warily watching the enemy on both sides of them. Holding up his hand, the acting leader, a knight named Dante, looked first at Wesley and then at Buffy. "Speak."

"One of my friends was hurt when you attacked us."

"And ten of my men are dead. Honorable men." Pointing his sword at her, the knight had challenge written in his eyes. "Shall we balance the scale?"

"I'm asking, will you allow him to leave, so one of my. . . ." Buffy motioned to Wesley, Angel and the minions. "Allies can take him to the hospital."

"Give quarter to an agent of the beast? What madness would move me to such action?"

"At least let someone come and help him."

"This is war, Slayer. People die in war."

Temper flaring, Buffy couldn't help herself as she started forward. "I'm done asking."

Seeing her movement, Djoser caught her by the back of her clothing before she could charge the knights who had readied their weapons in anticipation of her attack.

"Whoa, whoa, hey, Buff!" Xander grabbed a hold of her arm. "Attacking them won't help Giles."

Holding his sword up, Wesley stared at it instead of the knights. "If you're saying this is a war, then in any war there are rules. Are there not?"

"We have a hostage." Still restraining Buffy, Djoser looked over at Dante. "A man with a scarred face. He was giving orders. I'm guessing he might be someone rather important to you." Expression stern, his meaning was clear, give us what we want, or your leader dies.

Glancing first at the Slayer and Djoser and then at Wesley, Dante considered. "We'll allow someone to come in, but NOTHING MORE. And you. . . ." Staring intently at Wesley. "You'll take your troops and retreat."

Trying to look reluctant, Wesley nodded his head, trying not to breathe a sigh of relief. They had done it again. They had bluffed, and the enemy had bought it, giving them time.

**

After calling Ben, the young intern she had met in the hospital, there was nothing more for Buffy to do except wait and worry. Pacing the floor, she felt helpless. She so wanted to make Giles better, to protect her sister, to save her friends. After all she was the Slayer, the Chosen One, yet she could do nothing.

"Slayer." Djoser came from the back room. "The enemy has just regained consciousness. Would you like to speak with him?"

Knowing that it was a futile question, Buffy still couldn't help but ask the vampire wistfully. "Do you think we can talk him into ordering his troops to stand down?"

A small smile touched Djoser's lips. "I could torture him. Many times, pain can be very convincing."

"Unfortunately, I'm thinking not in his case." Entering the workout room, Buffy walked over to the tied up knight. "I want some answers, and you're going to give them to me. For starters, what are you supposed to be, some kind of chief?"

The knight met her eyes with a look of scorn. "I'm a general. General Gregor."

Buffy was not impressed. "A general. . .in charge of what, getting captured?"

"You do not frighten me, child." Gregor met her eyes. "We know who you are. The Slayer. The protector of the key. But the key, the instrument of chaos, must be destroyed." Turning his head, he gave Dawn, who had followed Buffy and Djoser into the back room, a contemptuous look.

Already frustrated, Buffy's temper slipped again. Two steps and she had the knight's face between her hands. "Look at her that way again, and she will be the last thing you ever see."

Not daunted in the least, the general just sneered at her. "As we've been told, you protect the key of the beast. You are the Slayer. We are men of God. We do his will by destroying the key. And you, Slayer. You're going to kill men of God to protect the tool of the beast?"

"She doesn't remember anything about being this key you're all looking for. The only thing that she remembers is growing up with a mother, and a sister that love her. What kind of god would demand her life for something that she has no control over?" Like many, Buffy equated a man of God as a good person, a person she could reason with, but seeing the hard expression on Gregor's face, she realized that he would not listen. "Tell your men to stand down."

Defiant and arrogant, he denied her request. "NEVER! The key of the beast is too dangerous."

"Then tell me about Glory. Tell me what you know."

"I do not aid an agent of the beast!"

Losing control, Buffy backhanded Gregor across the face, but the general, after spitting blood, only smirked at her. "You're the Slayer, protector of the innocent. I don't believe that you'll do anything to seriously harm me."

Pulling out a dagger, Djoser decided that a more forceful form of persuasion was needed. One long stride and he had Gregor by the hair, the dagger at his throat. "The Slayer may have reservations about hurting you, but believe me human. . . ." Letting his demon countenance emerge. "I do not."

**

Back in the abandoned building, Spike stared moodily out the window, watching a young man get out of his car and cautiously make his way through the knights to the Magic Box. "Must be the help that the Slayer rang. Any idea who the Git is?" He asked Angel who had just come into the room.

Sensing Spike's uneasiness, the dark vampire put comforting hands on his Childe's shoulders. "You saw Djoser. He's all right. . .and no, I don't know who that man is."

A snort of contempt. "Probably some poor bloke who's hoping for a tumble with the Slayer, so he's willing to make this house call. Looks like a loser."

Angel couldn't help but chuckle as he nuzzled Spike's neck. "You think anyone who has interest in Buffy is a loser."

"That's cause only losers fall for her."

An obvious insult that was ignored. "Come Childe. Come and lie down with me."

"Don't feel like lying down right now. Besides, shouldn't you be getting some rest? When King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table there break through Red's barrier. . . . " Pausing, Spike turned to look at Angel.

Wesley and Nic had gone to get blankets and blood. Their bluff having earned a short break for the vampires. A chance to rest and recuperate. But Spike knew that as soon as the clerics breached the energy barrier, the vampires would have to make a break for the magic shop. Perilous, between the sun and the knights, but the Clan would risk it. Angel would risk it for his eldest and heir.

"I'll rest better if you come and lie here with me." Voice coaxing and enticing.

"You act like you don't care for Djoser at all." Spike could feel the seductive vibes coming from Angel and it angered him. "Fucking wanker! He's sitting there with his bollocks hanging out, and you don't give a royal shit. Can only think about blowing your wad. You are such a plonker."

"William." Holding his hand out, Angel signaled Spike to take it. "You know I've got minions watching. At the first sign that the knights might be breaking through the barrier, I'll be out that door." He nodded toward the building's front entrance. "And don't you think that Djoser the warrior can keep himself from being dusted until I get there?"

Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Spike was finding it hard to hold on to his anger. He could feel Angel's sincerity, his determination. "If I lie down with you, will you sleep?" Taking the large hand, he let himself be drawn in. "To give Djoser any chance at all, you should get some rest because after all you're his. . .his. . . ."

"His what?" Backing up, Angel pulled his son with him to a back corner of a room. Taking off his duster, he lay it down carefully.

"His best hope." Spike admitted the truth. His Sire was a strong, dangerous adversary for anyone: human, demon, and even perhaps a goddess.

"Don't underestimate your brother. And remember that he's with the Slayer. Buffy and Djoser against a battalion of knights. Who would you put money on?" Dragging his Childe down with him, the elder vampire wrapped himself around the smaller body. He kissed hair, ears and the back of a neck, but Spike kept his body stiff and unyielding. "You're still angry with me, aren't you? I honestly didn't know it was important to you to say goodbye to Damon and his new Childe. I'm sorry. And I am concerned for Djoser, but for now there's nothing to be done. When it's time, trust me that I'll be there for him. I won't let him or you down."

Responding with a nod of the head, Spike willed his body to relax slightly. "I believe you. So go to sleep now."

"Who exactly is the Sire and who is the Childe here?" An amused grin as Angel tightened his embrace.

"Listen. . .Sire. . . ." Pressed up so tightly against the larger body, Spike couldn't help but feel a hardness poking him in the back. "Shagging weakens the legs. This isn't the time."

"What?" A short, disbelieving guffaw as Angel didn't know what surprised him more, his Childe's rejection or his strange words.

"It's true. That's why athletes are told no nobbing right before a game or a fight. Weakens their legs."

"Weakens their. . . ?" Throwing his head back, Angel allowed himself a good laugh. It felt good as it eased his tension. "The night you were conceived, I took out a whole village afterward. It by no means weakened my legs. I'd say I was energized, not drained."

"Oh. . . ." Rolling his eyes, Spike couldn't believe his Sire's gall. "You are so full of shit! Like you knew that same night I had been conceived?"

"I knew." Lying back, half smile on his face, Angel thought back to that night.

"Ri-ight." Another roll of the eyes. "A choir began singing letting you know that. . .that you scored a goal. You are such a bleedin' liar. And I must say, it's a bloody pathetic attempt at sweet talking my pants off. Christ, if you're really that desperate for a shag then. . . ."

"William." Speaking in a whisper. "You just don't want to believe anything I say. I'm not lying to you. Now come. . . ." Rolling on his side, he pulled the younger vampire up against him. "Sleep with me."

Docilely allowing himself to be held, Spike was baffled and confused. He knew that Angel was still aroused, but didn't understand his restraint. Sexual self-control had never been a common practice with his Sire. A strong feeling nagged at him. Nagged that he was missing something important.

**

Running hard, but even so the enemy was gaining on him. Protection was just in front of him. His Sire, tall and imposing was running ahead of him. Screaming at his Father to stop and wait for him. To come back for him. To save him. This time the figure stopped. Turning, he opened his arms to his Childe.

"Sire!" Waking up with a start, Spike felt the strong arms of Angel of around him.

"Another nightmare, Childe?" Voice still husky with sleep.

"Yeah, but it wasn't that bad this time. You stopped for me." Twisting his body around, Spike maneuvered himself on top of the larger body. Nuzzling his face into a strong neck, he could almost taste his Sire's blood. So close, just under the skin.

"Go ahead. Drink from me. Feel my power and know. Know that you are safe with me. Your enemies cannot hurt you when I am here."

Tempted, Spike nipped but did not break the skin. "No. I won't take one drop of your blood. You'll need all your strength to defeat those armored nancy-boys out there." One hand seemed to have a mind of its own though, as it began unbuttoning his Sire's shirt. It wanted to feel skin.

Feeling a slim, but strong hand run over his chest, Angel could feel himself hardening. In one smooth, sudden movement, he flipped over, exchanging positions with Spike. "I'm not allowed to have any kind of. . .release because according to you it will weaken my legs, but there's no reason why you can't have some. . .satisfaction." One hand holding the slighter vampire down, the other working on a jean zipper.

"NO! I. . . ." Starting to protest, but then a cool hand began caressing him, stroking his testicles, and then pumping his shaft. "Ahhh. . . ." Head falling back, Spike couldn't help but moan. "Sire. . .I. . . ."

"Shhh. . .just close your eyes and enjoy. Let me pleasure you for once." Pulling back foreskin, Angel bent down, licking around the crown, paying special attention to the Y shaped web of skin on the underside of the head.

Fingers touched Spike's lips, seeking access. Sucking on Angel's fingers, hips pushing up, he tried to press more of himself into the cool mouth that now engulfed him.

Enjoying the feel of the silky organ in his mouth, Angel let it slide over his tongue. Withdrawing his fingers, now wet with salvia, from Spike's mouth, he began fingering his Childe's smooth entrance, searching for that sensitive spot.

Head thrown back, fingers clutching and unclutching, Spike so wanted to make the intense pleasure last, but feeling his prostate being rubbed, he found he couldn't hold out any longer. Groaning, he pushed up, feeling himself swell as his orgasm flowed through him.

**

Carrying heavy blankets and bags of blood, Wesley made his way through the abandoned building, giving one of each item to the vampires. Arriving at the front room where Angel and Spike were stationed, he worried. The vampires would be so vulnerable to the knights. How could they possibly defend themselves and not get burned up from the sun?

Opening the door, he called for Angel. "Angel, I'm wondering. . . ." The sight before Wesley stopped him in his tracks as he felt the blood rush up to his face. His ex-boss kneeling over a slim figure, performing fellatio!

Doing an about face, Wesley leaped out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Standing against the wall, he found himself breathing heavily. Trembling, the realization hit him that the sexual scene he had just witnessed had not repulsed him, but on the contrary, had aroused him.

"Something wrong, Wes?" Coming down the hall, Nic had just finished checking up on all the minions.

"No! Just. . .just. . . ." Flustered, Wesley didn't know how to answer the vampire.

"Everything alright?" Now standing in front of the human, Nic could see his agitation and smell his nervous sweat.

"Fine. Fine. Just waiting a moment. . .just giving Angel a. . . ."

"Did you give Angelus a blanket and blood?" Nic inclined his head at the objects Wesley held in his hands.

"Ahh. . .not yet. Just giving him a few minutes of privacy."

"Privacy? He doesn't need privacy, Wesley. He needs a blanket and something to eat." Nic reached to take the items from the ex-Watcher's hands, but was met with resistance. Wesley found that the blanket was useful in covering the hardness in his trousers.

"Just give him a moment. Trust me." Shifting uncomfortably, Wesley was trying to erase that erotic picture in his head. Trying to regain his self-control. Trying to will himself limp.

Frowning in puzzlement, Nic yanked the blanket from his human ally. "What's got into you, Wes? You know that Angelus needs to have this stuff." Opening the door, he entered the room.

"NO, wait. . . !" Reaching out a hand, Wesley tried to grab the vampire but only came up with air.

The sexual interplay between Angel and Spike did not bother Nic in the least as he lay the blanket and blood on the floor. The only thing he found slightly odd about the whole scene was that his brother, the Sire and High Master was performing oral sex. Vampires in his position were always served. They did not do the serving.

Like a moth to a light, Wesley couldn't resist taking another peek through the now opened door. Again, the eroticism of what was happening in the room hit him like a lightning bolt. Unable to look away, he watched as Angel lowered his head, taking more of Spike in him. Feeling jolts of desire flow through him, while at the same time a separate part of his brain did wonder how the two vampires could continue their pleasure, seemingly unaware of what was going on around them.

"Thought you wanted to give them privacy." Coming back through the door, Nic was grinning wickedly. He now understood Wesley's flustered demeanor.

"Of. . .of course." Turning around so swiftly, Wesley banged his head against the wall. "They hardly seemed conscious of us. They didn't even stop. . . ."

"Why would they stop?" Nic seemed genuinely surprised by the question.

"Why would they stop?" Wesley echoed Nic's question. "If someone were to walk in on me when I was. . .was in the middle of having relations with. . . ."

"Having relations with someone? That's what you call it? Think you're in the wrong century, Wesley." Studying the ex-Watcher from head-to-toe, Nic could see and smell his arousal. "Vampires don't care if someone watches or not. Modesty is not a word in our vocabulary."

"I-I see." Exhaling slowly, Wesley felt the need to be alone. Needing to gather himself, he made his excuses. "I should perhaps go and keep surveillance over the knights. I know it's hard for. . .you. . .you people to be looking out windows in daylight."

"The minions can handle it." Nic was unconcerned as he stepped closer, trapping Wesley against the wall. Reaching out a hand, he began stroking the still semi-hard bulge in the mortal's trousers. "There's a small storage room down the hall. I checked it out. It locks from the inside. . .so you'll have no worries regarding your modesty or privacy."

~Part: 29~

Eyes closed, fingers still clutched tightly, Spike could feel his chest rising and falling with unneeded breaths.

"I think we scarred Wesley for life." An amused chuckle as Angel, so very gently helped his Childe back into his jeans.

"Pfft." Spike was aware of the ex-Watcher's secret desires. "He should come in and thank us. We just gave him an image that he can use to wank off to for months."

"What?" So typical that Angel had no idea that Wesley harbored any secret passions. Moving on top of Spike, he looked down at the pale, angular face.

Spike opened his eyes to see his Sire watching him from above. Stare, dark and intense. "Want me to. . . ?"

"No, Childe. You don't have to do anything."

"Nothing?" He found this unsettling. There was no doubt that Angel was still aroused and needed relief. "Listen, I never leave a partner wanting."

"STOP IT!" A strong hand held him down. "This isn't just some casual sexual liaison you're having here. You're forgetting who I am, boy!"

Sighing, Spike closed his eyes. He couldn't keep eye contact with Angel's forceful glare. "I'm not forgetting who you are. You're my Sire. My Father. I just don't understand what you want."

Relaxing, Angel realized that his son was telling the truth. They were like two people holding a conversation in two different languages, and neither one could understand the language of the other. Swinging his body around, he reached for the blood that Nic had left on the floor beside them. Sitting up against the wall, he ripped a small opening in the bag."I want you to trust me. To believe in me. To let me take care of you."

"You left me. Left me on my own for one hundred years. I can't just forget that. And when we met up again here in Sunnyhell, you allied yourself with the Slayer against me! You're the one who keeps forgetting who we are." Still lying on his back, Spike could swear that there was a magnetic force emanating from Angel. Despite their differences, he so wanted to move closer to that large, protective body.

Taking a large swallow of blood, Angel could only sigh. He had no defense against his Childe's accusations. "I saw you there at the High School, and you had changed so much. You weren't my William anymore. And then you acted like you were happy to see me, but didn't acknowledge me. Didn't acknowledge me as your Sire. As your Father." Voice lowering on the last sentence because he was ashamed. Ashamed of his own small-mindedness. His Childe hadn't immediately knelt down in front of him, so he had lashed out in his typical arrogant, petty way.

"The first few years after you left, I hurt everyday. I kept watching for you, waiting for you to come back and claim me. Even killed me that Slayer in China. Thought you would hear about it and be proud. But you never came back for me, and it never stopped hurting."

"William." Voice filled with pain, Angel set down the empty blood bag, and motioned for Spike to come to him.

Giving in to that force, that force who was Angelus, Spike rolled over, seeking out his Sire. Arm going around a broad chest, while nuzzling his face into a pectoral. "Every night I would tell Dru to recount the story she made up about how she turned me. It was the only thing that made the pain hurt less because I would pretend that that was the truth. Because if that was the truth then we were nothing to each other, and it didn't matter that you had left me. After hearing Dru's account of her siring me night after night, I began to believe it. It kept me from dusting myself."

Stung by the sincerity in those words, Angel sat quietly, contemplating his sins as a Father. "Having Blood-Childer is a rare privilege that few vampires ever know. I was blessed, but I've never appreciated you or your brother. For so long, you were just a means to power and status. It was how my own Sire taught me." One arm went around Spike as a soft purr began rumbling in his chest. "I'm so sorry! So very sorry."

Eyes feeling heavy, Spike was suddenly overcome with drowsiness. Trying to fight the need for sleep, he felt like he was being 'pushed' by his Sire. "Don't know how that's fuckin' possible." He mumbled to himself as he began losing the battle to stay awake. "The Poof didn't drink from me."

**

"Please DON'T." Grabbing Nic's arm, Wesley pushed it away.

"Are you sure, Wes?" Nic moved so that his body was now lightly pressed up to the human. "I can make you feel so very good. I've had a lot of experience. And if you've never been with another man before, you'll want someone who knows."

Feeling like he was drowning, Wesley was desperately trying to keep his head above water. "I'm really not. . .interested. I have a girlfriend, you know." He lied. "Name's Virginia."

"Yeah? I've got a girlfriend too. So what's your point?"

"My POINT is. . . ." One step to the right as Wesley tried to move away from the vampire. "I'm into. . .females. Human females. And you're neither female nor human."

"No, I'm not human, but then neither is my brother."

"Your brother?" The image of Damon popped into Wesley's head. "I'm not following you. How does Damon fit into any of this?"

Nic sighed heavily. "You're usually not this dense, Wes. I'm not talking about Damon. I'm talking about Angelus. I know you're attracted to him, and you certainly don't seem to care that he's not female nor human."

"EXCUSE ME!" Face turning red with outrage. "I'm not sure where you're getting

such. . .such a delusional idea, but I can assure you. . . ."

"I smell desire on you anytime you're anywhere near Angelus. Not sure why he hasn't figured out that you're lusting after him, except he still has a tendency to go around oblivious to everyone except himself."

"THIS IS LUDICROUS! I refuse to continue this conversation." Giving the vampire a shove, Wesley tried to get past him to walk away, but Nic grabbed him by the front of the shirt, pushing him back into the wall.

"What are you so afraid of, Wes? Give Angelus some time. He'll eventually notice you. Notice your devotion, your loyalty and realize how valuable you are to him. But right now, he's all caught up in this I'm-the-New-High-Master-Sire-of-the-Two-Heir-Apparents-Guardian-of-the-Tremeren-Bloodline.' But when he finally figures it out. . .you should be ready for him." Nic's voice had lowered to a seductive whisper. "You should know how to please him."

"That's quite ENOUGH!" Nic's brutal honesty was bringing out all of Wesley's secret fears about himself. Giving the vampire a harder shove, he was able to break the man's strong grasp. "I don't know where you would get the impression that I would ever willingly allow myself to have physical relations with. . .with a demon like yourself."

Taking a step backward, Nic's eyes narrowed. "So the human's true feelings are revealed."

Regretting his harsh words, but not knowing how to take them back, Wesley turned to walk away, hoping that the vampire would call him back. Give him an opportunity to explain himself, but there was only silence.

**

Watching Ben wrap a bandage around Giles' abdomen, Buffy was so grateful for his help. "I know this must seem extra Outer Limits to you."

"This? Naah. I've seen things you wouldn't believe. Although having some big, dark guy, holding a sword, staring at me is kind of unnerving." Ben looked up to meet Djoser's hostile gaze.

"Oh. . . ." Buffy looked over at the vampire who was standing a few feet away from them. "So sorry. Let me talk to him for a minute. . . .Djoser. . . ." She motioned to him to follow her a short distance away from Ben. "Will you chill? You're upsetting the doctor, and we don't want to scare him away."

"There's something not right about. . .him." Djoser wouldn't take his eyes off the young intern.

"Well let's see." Buffy couldn't keep the irony out of her voice. "He's a nice, normal, good-looking, human male. To a vampire that would make him not right."

"Slayer. . . ." Turning his head, Djoser looked directly at Buffy. "That's the problem. I'm sensing that he's not a normal, human male."

"Sensing? How can you. . . ?"

"As a child, I was trained. . . ."

"To be a psychic? What are you, Supervampire?"

At the moment, Tara, who had been sitting quietly in a fetal position since the knights' attack, came alive. Standing suddenly, she was focused on Dawn. "Oh, look at that, look at that. The light! It's so pure!"

Alarmed, Buffy started for her sister who was backing up from an advancing Tara. Ben who had been watching the scene with interest found himself shaking. Shaking so hard that the syringe he had been holding fell out of his hand. It was a familiar shaking. A shaking he knew all too well. Shouting frantically to Willow as he ran to the magic's shop's front door. "Open the barrier. OPEN THE BARRIER. . .NOW! You have to let me out!"

"So beautiful." Reaching Dawn, Tara cooed at her, stroking her hair.

Pulling her sister away from Tara, Buffy felt the situation spiraling out of her control. "Open a door, Will. Let him out."

"NO-OO." Grabbing his head, the man named Ben suddenly morphed into another entity. Stunned, the room's occupants were rendered immobile for a moment as suddenly there stood in front of them, the goddess Glory.

Tara, oblivious to the goddess' presence continued her babble. "Such pure green energy!" Still staring at Dawn, she tried to reach across Buffy to touch the teenager.

Attention caught by Tara's words, Glory smiled widely as she studied Dawn. She had found her key.

**

Shouts, screams, and the sounds of dying roused Spike from his deep sleep. Trying to pry his eyes open, he could feel a flurry of activity in the room. Sitting up, he saw his Sire throw a blanket over himself and rush out the front door. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON?"

Now more alert, he watched as blanketed minions followed Angel out of the building. Jumping up, fear closed his throat as he saw the bodies of the dead knights. His first thought was for his brother as he looked wildly around for a blanket. Not seeing one, he grabbed a passing minion. "Give me that!" Snatching the blanket off the minion.

"WILLIAM!" Intervening, Nic took a hold of Spike's wrists. "You're to stay here." Tossing the blanket back to the minion, he nodded his head slightly, signaling the lower vampire to go.

"My brother and Sire are in danger! If you think that I'm going to just sit here on my arse while. . . ."

"That's EXACTLY what you're going to do. Angelus has ordered. . . ."

"He treats me like such a wet queen! Knob-head, poncy bastard!" Frustrated, Spike began calling Angel every insulting name he could think of. "Wesley!" Seeing the ex-Watcher, extra blankets in hand enter the room. "I NEED one of those blankets. Hand one. . . ."

"HUMAN." For once Nic's voice was serious. "GO. Ignore my nephew and go help your friends. I'm sure they need you."

"Fuck this!" Slipping away from his uncle, Spike lunged at Wesley, hoping to grab a blanket and run, but Nic managed to catch him by the collar of his t-shirt.

"WILLIAM!" Wrestling his nephew to the floor without hurting him was tricky. "Use your thick head for once? You're poisoned. Not only won't you be any help, but you'll be a huge danger for Angelus and Djoser. Instead of being able to concentrate on the enemy, they'll be worrying about protecting you."

His uncle's argument finally sank into Spike's brain. Stopping his struggles, he lay still with Nic on top of him. "Goddamn fucking humans! First the chip and now this bloody poison. They've turned me into a bleedin' nancy-boy." Angry and dispirited, he hated this feeling of helplessness. "Just a fucking burden to everyone. Should just dust myself."

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You survived a lot in your existence." Nic tried to comfort his nephew. "You'll survive this. In fact, you have to survive, Childe. You're the Blood-Childe of the High Master. Our Bloodline depends on you. Not to mention, I think your Sire will totally flip if you were to die. And that's all we need, an out-of-control Angelus tearing up the place."

Quietly letting himself out the front door, Wesley was thoughtful. Listening to the conversation reminded him of his purpose in coming to Sunnydale. Reminded him of what the Host had told him about Angel turning to the dark side if anything were to happen to his youngest Childe. He realized that Spike was careless. If not in severe pain, the vampire had the tendency to forget his condition.

Stepping outside, the ex-Watcher looked up to the heavens. "And if Angel or Nic were to let their guard down for even a moment, Spike would no doubt run head first into trouble. And then. . . ." He muttered to himself. "I need to find a cure for him now."

**

Phoenix, Arizona

"Give me some more fighters." Hawkins looked at the man sitting across the desk with contempt. One of the new breed of men that were gaining positions of power in the Council. Bleeding heart liberals. "If we go and back up Snow in Sunnydale, then there's still a possibility that I can get Chris back. The doctors told me that there still might be some time for him. Our men and Snow stand a good chance of defeating Angelus, and then with the Tremerens out of the way, Snow will be more open . . . ."

"You and your vampire allies are done, Jack." The serious, dark haired man named Coleman stood up. "Your insane plans have put us all in danger. You no longer have any authority in the Council. You're to fly to our offices in New York immediately. There you'll meet with. . . ."

"Meet with? I don't fucking think so." Standing up to face Coleman, Jack knew what the Council had in mind for him. And it wasn't some routine evaluation meeting, complete with coffee and doughnuts.

"Hawkins! You WILL be on that plane today, if I have to personally escort. . . ."

Ignoring the pain from his broken collarbone, Jack seized the Council superior by the tie, yanking down hard, so Coleman lost his balance, hitting his face on the desk. Using his good hand, Hawkins grabbed the other man by the back of the hair, slamming his face down again on the hard surface. "The Ventrues take out a few of our posts, and right away you pussy boys want to back down. I can do what I need to do on my own." Banging Coleman's head once more on the desk, he knocked the man out. "Round up a few of my men, and we can get the job done ourselves." Breathing heavily, he stepped back to watch the unconscious Coleman, blood running from his nose, slide to the floor. Don't need you faggot Council boys holding us back."

**

"Sire." Djoser was trying to explain to Angel what had happened. "Her appearance was that of a human female, but she had strength and speed of a very powerful demon."

"It was Glory." Willow added to the explanation as she tried to pull a catatonic Buffy up to her feet. After seeing the goddess kidnap her sister without even breaking a sweat, the young Slayer seemingly just gave up, falling into a stupor. "And now she's got Dawn."

"Yeah, but how did she sneak in here right under our noses? And especially under yours." Xander looked accusingly over at Djoser. "Weren't you standing guard?"

For once the warrior vampire's expression was puzzlement and bewilderment. "What do you mean sneaking in? This Glory was disguising herself as that young doctor, Ben."

"Disguising herself?" With the help of Anya and Wesley, Giles had managed to sit up. "Do you mean that they're working together? Did Ben help smuggle Glory in?"

"No. I know you were perhaps unconscious, so you didn't see what happened." Djoser addressed Giles. "But that Ben is Glory. They're two entities sharing one body."

"Since when?" Anya asked. The expression of confusion on her face was the same expression that everyone else in the room had.

Frowning, Djoser wasn't sure what was wrong with the humans. "You all saw it! That Ben began to shake. He ran for the door, yelling to let him out, and then poof he turned into that woman, Glory. She grabbed the Slayer's sister and escaped."

Stares of bewilderment were the only response he got, including his brother, Spike who had just come in with Nic. A minion had gone to inform them that there was no danger. "You mean Glory did all this? How'd she get in?"

"BEN IS GLORY, AND GLORY IS BEN! What's wrong with you humans? You saw that Ben change into Glory right before your eyes." Thoroughly exasperated, Djoser was finding that working with mortals was very trying.

"So. . .Ben and Glory. . .are-are the same person?" Willow, after maneuvering Buffy into a chair, turned her attention briefly away from her friend.

"So Glory can turn into Ben, and Ben can turn back into Glory? That's your excuse for letting her get by you?" Xander was still trying to blame the whole situation on Djoser.

"Father." Tired of explaining himself to the moronic humans, the dark vampire turned to his Sire. "I suspected that something wasn't right with that mortal to begin with. I know what I saw. He did change into that female, Glory."

"A spell." Observing Djoser, Wesley could see that he was being truthful. "Glory perhaps cast a spell which would make anyone who saw her transform, instantly forget."

"So why does my Childe still remember?" Watching Djoser closely, Angel turned briefly to look at Wesley.

Shrugging his shoulders, Wesley thought quickly. "Spell only works on humans? That would be my first guess."

"Told you that Git was a loser." Smirking at Angel, Spike loved to point out times when he was right. "What's wrong with the Slayer?" He asked Willow as he walked over to the two women, bending down to look Buffy in the face.

"I'm-I'm not sure. It's like she's not really in there." Willow was scared. Something was terribly wrong with her friend.

"Well if Glory's got Little Bit then she better snap out of it. This is no time to get dainty. Hey, Buffy." Spike grabbed the Slayer by the shoulders and began to shake her. "Rise and shine, luv. Bad guys and goddesses need to be slayed."

"Spike, we already tried that!" Annoyance was evident in Xander's voice.

Not getting any reaction, Spike figured it was time for something more persuasive as he slapped Buffy hard across the face.

"That we didn't try." Anya remarked as Xander jumped to defend his childhood friend.

Jerking Spike away from Buffy, he began yelling at the vampire. "Are you insane? We could be dealing with neurological damage here. You want to kill her?"

"Something needs to be done." Spike pulled himself out of Xander's grip. "Besides, I'm willing to wager, when all is said and done, Buffy likes it rough."

Nerves already stretched, Xander's restraint snapped. Bringing his fist back, he wanted to smash the blond vampire's face in. But before he could even bring his arm forward, a strong hand grabbed him.

"No one is even allowed to touch one of my Blood-Childer, let alone attack them!" Growling with rage, Angel's intention was to throw the young man into the wall.

Eyes dilating, Willow cast a simple spell. "Separate." Stopping the scuffle.

Both combatants had surprise written on their faces as they were thrown apart. But worry and fear had now taken its toll on Angel. Still growling, demon countenance in place, he wanted to take his frustrations out on someone.

"ANGEL! GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!" Wesley could feel that emotions were running high. Order needed to be restored. "We're not your enemy. You know that. Xander!" He turned to the young man. "Help me get Giles to a car. We need to take him to the hospital."

Fighting for self-control, Angel knew what Wesley was trying to do. Willing himself back into human face, he tried to think rationally. "It would be best for me to take my people back to the mansion. We should rest for the remainder of the day."

"I believe we have some time." Giles managed to gasp out as he was stood up, Wesley on one side and Xander on the other. "Before we were attacked, I discovered that the ritual has to be done at a specific place at a specific time. If we can discover where it's going to be held, perhaps we have a chance to stop Glory before. . .before she unleashes hell."

Nodding his head at the two Watchers, Angel signaled his agreement. "And the Slayer?" He looked over at the motionless Buffy.

"I-I think I can do something for her." Willow placed a comforting hand on Buffy's shoulder. "Anya, if you could look after Tara for me?"

The ex-demon nodded her consent while Wesley strategized. After getting Giles settled, he wanted to see what he could do with Spike's cure. "As soon as the sun sets, do you think you could send some of your people to scout out the town?" He asked Angel. "Check out Glory's apartment. See if she's still there."

"I can have them start even before the sun sets. Just give us a few hours to sleep and feed." Angel motioned his minions to the door.

"We'll meet at the mansion at sunset then." Wesley was slowly leading Giles to the door.

"You will help the Slayer, won't you?" Starting to follow Angel out, Djoser stopped in front of Willow and Buffy. Manner intimidating as he sought reassurance from the young woman.

"I-I-I. . .I'm going to try. . .try to reach her through a spell." Stepping back, Willow found the dark vampire most daunting. "Try to get into her mind."

"Well, don't fail, Red." Taking his brother by the arm, Spike grabbed it tightly. He was relieved that nothing had happened to Djoser. "Cause if all you humans think we're going to take on that bint, Glory without the Slayer, you can think again."

~Part: 30~

Arriving at the mansion, Angel immediately turned to his brother. "I want extra guards posted. Whoever is not on watch should be resting or feeding. See that a rotation schedule is in place."

If Nic was surprised that he was given such a duty, he didn't show it as he immediately began organizing the minions.

"You, two." Angel turned to his Childer. "Come with me."

"Djoser needs to feed. He hasn't eaten since last night." Spike didn't like his Sire's expression or demeanor. He had a bad-tempered air about him. The ride home from the magic shop had been done in complete silence.

"I know what your brother needs." Face forbidding, but voice still calm. "Now, don't make me repeat myself. The two of you go upstairs to my room."

Exchanging looks with Djoser, Spike wondered what happened to 'I'm sorry, and I've never appreciated my Childer enough.' Walking up the stairs, nervous because he didn't know what kind of punishment Angel was planning for his brother, the vampire kept arguing. "Djoser should feed, or is not letting him eat his punishment? Because if that's your thought, it's bloody lame. How do you expect him to help fight the goddess of bitches when he's weak with. . . ?"

"William!" A man of few words, Angel found it hard at times to be with people whose mouths didn't stop. "I think you've been hanging around Buffy and her friends too much. Starting to sound just like them. Can't shut up for one moment."

"I. . . ." Opening his mouth to quarrel some more, Spike closed it, outraged. That he would be compared to the Slayer and her fat-headed friends was a gross insult.

"Go and shower." Angel ordered his oldest Childe as the three entered his bedroom. "And you." Turning to Spike. "You're next, so start taking your clothes off."

"I can take a shower in the other bathroom, you know. I don't have to wait in line here." Forgetting himself, Spike once again began his blather. "Actually, why don't you send Djoser to shower in the other bathroom? It's closer to his room." Finding any excuse to get his brother away from their Sire seemed like the best strategy.

"WILLAM." It had been a long night, and Angel just wanted peace and quiet. "Can't you just stop? You're giving me a headache."

"Send Djoser to his own room, and I will." Shirt and one boot now off, Spike stood up, challenge written on his face.

"No. You're both staying here with me. That way, there'll be no running away or getting into trouble."

"What? We're all going to sleep here together?" Eyes narrowing suspiciously as he realized that had never been done before.

"Yes. Now hurry up and get the rest of your clothes off." Hearing the shower turn off, Angel urged his son to undress faster. Now bone weary, the elder vampire could only think about sinking himself into a soft bed, his Childer safe around him.

"So that is Djoser's punishment." Spike stated again. "You're going to make him go hungry. That's not right."

"Childe." Angel closed his eyes, trying to think calm thoughts. "Your brother is not going to be punished. Now, please go and do what I said."

Totally taken aback by his Sire saying please, Spike hesitated while Djoser came out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist. Angel's eldest Childe knew that he had been disobedient, so he expected punishment. It was the vampire way.

"You're not going to be disciplined." Looking over at Djoser, Spike wanted to make sure his brother heard what their Sire had said. "He just told me that."

"WILLIAM!" Angel fought the urge to grab his youngest and throw him in the shower.

"I'M GOING!" One boot on, and one boot still in his hand, he walked unevenly into the bathroom while muttering. "Impatient Poof."

"Where do you want me?" Djoser asked the question with respect. Still deferential to his Sire, although not having one regret for his disobedience.

"By defying me, you put yourself and our Clan in danger. You were always smarter than that. You knew not to disobey your Sire. But now, blatant defiance. Something you've never done. I guess it's because you've been away from me for so many years." Voice barely above a whisper, the elder vampire took a few steps closer to his oldest son. "You've forgotten who I am? Forgotten that you were taught from your human birth that you were always to obey me. Forgotten your duty as my heir."

"You abandon me. You abandon my brother. It was hard not to forget." Djoser's tone was equally as soft as Angel's.

"But I'm back, Childe." Moving unexpectedly and quickly, Angel even surprised the warrior vampire. Pinning his son to the wall, fangs coming forth, he whispered. "And you will remember me again." Biting down into a jugular, he began taking the life-blood out of his oldest.

Feeling himself being consumed, Djoser went limp. Dizziness and weakness overcame him, making him wonder if Angel was planning to drain him into a coma. Right before unconsciousness set in, he felt his Sire's fangs withdrawing, and then a bloody wrist was pushed against his mouth.

"Drink from me, Childe, and remember who I am. Remember that you are my oldest and my Successor."

Sire's blood filling his mouth, running down his throat, flowing through his veins. It had been so long since he had tasted his Father's blood that the dark vampire had forgotten. Forgotten how wonderful it tasted. How powerful it made you feel.

"You are mine again, my son. And you will remember your duty to me, to your Bloodline." Giving Djoser a push, Angel wanted him in a deep sleep.

"And when was the last time you allowed him to feed from you?" Coming out of the bathroom, Spike was pleased as he watched his brother, Angel's blood on his lips, fall into unconsciousness. He had not been lied to. Not only was Djoser not being punished. He was being given the gift-of-all gifts, Sire's blood.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps close to two centuries." Now holding a limp, sleeping Djoser, Angel frowned. He couldn't recall. "Pull the covers back." He ordered Spike as he half-lifted his oldest to the bed.

"He gets the bed! Damn, guess that means I'm on the floor." Affection for his brother still didn't stop Spike from complaining as he moved to obey.

"Floor? What the hell are you talking about now?" Pushing Djoser to the side of the bed against the wall, Angel carefully arranged the blankets over him.

"We can't sleep together in the same bed." Spike waved his hand in the direction of his brother. "Besides, there's not enough space for the three of us. You two big oafs take up a lot of room."

"There's enough room." Turning to his youngest, Angel pointed to the bed. "Get in. I'll join you shortly. Just let me take a quick shower."

"I'm telling you; Djoser won't sleep in the same bed with me."

"And why is that?" Heaving a sigh as his Childe had to have a five minute debate with every one of his orders.

"Ahh. . .there were a few incidents that involved black eyes and bloody noses. But it wasn't my fault. Djoser didn't wrap me up like you do, so I. . . ."

"Get in bed, Childe." Cutting him off, Angel could only shake his head. He knew first hand how his youngest slept. Flailed around like a boxer losing a fight. "Just keep your hands to yourself until I get back."

"Keep my hands to myself. Right. Think I can manage that until you return." For once, Spike was agreeable as he watched his Sire go into the bathroom.

The younger vampire managed to keep his promise for about thirty seconds. Sitting in bed, brother sleeping, Father in the shower, and no telly, he became fidgety. Looking over at Djoser, a thought occurred to him. He wondered if his older brother breathed in his sleep like he did. A small piece of trivia he knew about himself, compliments of Dru.

Spike decided it would be well worth his time to find out. Give him some ammunition to throw in Djoser's face when the older vampire was copping one of his superior I'm-so-perfect attitudes. Bending down close, he tried to determine if air was being expelled out of his brother's mouth. Not feeling anything, he looked around the room wondering if there was any possibility of a mirror being in his Sire's bedroom. Putting a mirror up to the mouth would be one way to check for signs of respiration. Deciding that a mirror was out of the question, he put his hand on a naked chest, trying to ascertain if there was movement.

"WILLIAM!" Coming out of the bathroom, barking his Childe's name, Angel realized he sounded like a broken record. "What did I tell you about keeping your hands to yourself?"

His Sire's shout surprised Spike, as he startled. "Bloody hell! Must you always be sneaking up on people?"

Looking up at the ceiling, the elder vampire could only mutter. "Give me patience." Climbing into the bed, pushing Spike over. "Roll on your side." Spooning up and wrapping arms and legs around his Childe, he sighed contently. Blessed sleep with the knowledge that his Childer were here safe with him.

Spike hadn't thought he was tired, but as soon as he was enveloped in Angel's strong embrace, his eyes became heavy. Nestled in between his Sire and brother, an epiphany washed over him. He was home.

**

Expecting to have to argue and talk his way into the mansion, Wesley was pleasantly surprised to find that, although stopped by the guards, he was immediately recognized and given a respectful passage. A minion directed him to Angel's room where he stood tapping on the door. "Angel. It's me, Wesley. I have something important to talk to you about." Putting his ear to the door, he could hear no sounds from within the room.

"Going to have to go in and wake him, human." Nic came strolling down the hallway. "He sleeps like the dead. . .or should I say the undead." Not stopping, the vampire kept going, passing Wesley. The snub was obvious.

Watching Nic's back as he headed for the staircase, Wesley swallowed hard a couple of times. He had lost a friend. "Angel!" Now shouting with the hope he could wake his ex-boss. He didn't want to have to enter the room without knowing what he'd find. The erotic scenes with Angel and Spike that he had already witnessed were etched in his memory forever.

"ANGEL!" Shouting louder, the ex-Watcher looked around for a minion, with the thought that he could perhaps bully an underling to go and wake Angel. "Where's a vampire when you need one." He joked to himself.

Finally giving up, Wesley straightened himself up and with a determined air opened the door. Deja vu washed over him as he stared at the sight in front of him. Spike, lying on top of Angel, head on his chest. But this time there was an addition to the setting as Djoser lay next to them. Looking at the IV bag in his hand, he swore that he had lived this scene already. Forcing himself to walk over to the bed, his plan was to give Angel a gentle poke to wake him up, but before he even reached out a hand, a knife blade was at his throat.

"Angel." A strangled whisper. "It's just me. Got something good for you." He held up the IV bag.

Angel hesitated before lowering his hand, wanting to make absolutely sure there was no danger. "Wes?" Voice still hoarse with sleep.

"Yes, and I've got. . .is that a Midnight Fang?" Wesley stared at the dagger in the vampire's hand.

"Yeah." Now wide-awake, Angel sat up carefully so Spike wouldn't be disturbed.

"A Midnight Fang. A bewitched dagger forged by vampires." The ex-Watcher muttered this to himself as he peered at the blade fascinated. He had never seen a real one, only pictures and etchings.

"Easier to keep under my pillow than a sword." A small bit of humor. "Tell me some good news. Tell me that's my Childe's cure." Looking pointedly at the IV bag.

"We-ll. . .it's. . .I. . .I'm hoping. . . ."

"Wesley, tell me it's his cure!" Still speaking softly, Angel had a definite growl in his voice.

"Angel, the poisons injected into Spike were never meant to be cured. There isn't some simple, straight forward answer. But let's give this a try and see what happens."

"Is there a possibility that it will hurt him at all?"

"No. I'm fairly certain. . . ."

"Wesley!" A louder growl.

"There's nothing in it that should harm him in any way." Wesley hurriedly tried to reassure Angel. "The worst case scenario is that it will have no effect on him. Now, can you hold him while I put the needle in him? I'd like to do it before he wakes up."

Angel watched the man with whom he had worked with for more than a year, carefully stick the IV needle in his Childe's vein. "Wesley, I like you. I respect you. But make no mistake, if my son dies, I will kill you, Giles, Buffy, everyone. And that's not a threat. . .it's a fact."

**

Waking up, Spike found his arms and legs fettered to the bed. "Bloody hell!" He hated being chained up. Couldn't move and being immobile was the worst torture for the hyperactive vampire. Jerking his legs to test the chains, he saw that his left arm was totally tied down with an IV stuck in it.

Noticing the key to his manacles on top of the bureau, he sniffed the air to determine who was in the room or nearby. The only other person's scent he could detect was his sleeping brother. "HEY! Djoser! Wake the fuck up and unchain me."

No response as the warrior vampire remained in a sound sleep induced by his Sire.

"DJOSER!" Wiggling over as far as the chains would allow, Spike smacked his brother with the only part of his body that he could move. His head.

Poor Djoser was awakened from a sound, refreshing sleep with what felt like a rock hitting him in the face. "Goddamn it!" Sitting up quickly, he moved toward the end of the bed away from the assault.

"Move your arse and unchain me! The key's over there on the chest of drawers." Spike was motioning his head toward the dresser.

Sliding off the end of the bed, Djoser took stock of his younger brother. "Looks like you were chained up for a reason." Walking over, he put his nose up to the IV bag.

"What is it?"

"Smells like blood. Different types of blood mixed together. Sire's blood is one of them. And. . . ." Taking another sniff. "Herbs. Maybe. . . ."

"Okay! I get the bloody picture. Now will you release me?"

Grinning wickedly, Djoser couldn't help but get a little revenge. "Don't think I should. You were shackled here for a reason. Probably need to be totally still until the IV is empty. And then, perhaps a second one has to be hooked up."

"DJOSER! Get the bloody key and open these chains now, or I'll kick your arse."

"That will be a good trick since you're chained to the bed. Think I'll just stand here and see how you do that." Another grin as the dark vampire was enjoying his brother's predicament.

"DJO-!" Spike was interrupted in mid yell by Angel and Wesley entering the room. "Sire! Why the fuck am I. . . ?"

"We didn't want you to pull out the IV. Something, Wesley says, you did a lot of last year." Walking over to the dresser, Angel retrieved the key and went to unlock the chains fettering Spike's legs.

"And what exactly are you pumping in me, Wes?"

"Your cure." Keeping his eyes focused on Spike, since Djoser was standing a few feet away, totally naked.

"Uh huh." Skepticism colored his voice as the fair vampire sat up in bed. "You sure about that?"

"We-ll. . . ." Spike had swung his feet to the floor, uncovering himself in the process. So now Wesley was staring at another naked vampire. Having been raised in a sexually repressed household, the Englishman was having trouble with the vampires' relaxed attitude toward nudity and sex.

"Ahh. . . ." Couldn't look in the direction of Djoser. Couldn't look at Spike. Wesley was finding his options limited as he stammered and sputtered.

"You're not sure, are you? Fuckin' Wanker! If you think, I'm going to let you give me some kind of experimental concoction that you thought up in your dreams, guess again." Spike reached over to pull out the IV from his arm, but was immediately stopped by Angel's grip.

"Yes it is true that Wesley isn't sure about this medicine, but he assures me that it can't harm you in any way. . .and it may help you." Pulling his Childe over onto his lap, Angel held him tightly. "So just let it be."

"If I turn purple, and start blowing up like a balloon, I'm coming for you, Wes." Spike gave the ex-Watcher a threatening look. "And how much longer do I have to sit here?"

"Well. . .I. . . ." Wesley eyed the IV bag, glad to have something to focus his attention on.

"Not too much longer?" Angel's voice had just a hint of worry, knowing that even he, the Sire could only hope to keep his Childe down for a limited amount of time.

"No. . . ." Squeezing the IV bag. "Another five to ten minutes, perhaps. I know that Giles is anxious for all of us to join him and Buffy downstairs. They want to go over a battle plan."

"The Slayer?" Djoser's attention was caught with the mention of Buffy. "She's here and all right now?"

"Yes. Willow was able to work some magic, and snap Buffy back." Wesley had started to turn his head to answer Djoser, and then, again seeing the vampire's naked state, quickly reverted back to staring at the IV bag.

Looking around for his clothes and then remembering he left them by the tub, Djoser started for the bathroom

"Good." Angel nodded his head approvingly at his oldest. "Go take a shower. But I want you in clean clothes before you go downstairs."

Stopping at his Sire's command, Djoser hesitated. He had taken a shower just a few hours ago.

Grinning at this brother, Spike could only roll his eyes at Angel's order. "Yeah Mate, don't want to offend the bitch goddess Glory by showing up for battle in dirty clothes. We have to show the bint that we vampires have some standards after all."

next