Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and UPN own Buffy the Vampire Slayer in totality. Joss Whedon and the WB own Angel: the Series. No profit is made from this piece of fiction and no copyright infringement is intended. In other words...Don't sue... I'm way past broke.
Distribution: Your Mission ... Anyone else, please ask. (I'll probably say yes <G>)
Rating: Pg-13 (for now anyway... don't think it'll go past R at the most)
Pairing: Willow/Spike(William)
Feedback: Yes! Please let me know what you thought! I need encouragement to finish this! Those of you who have sent feedback... Thank You! The next part is at the beta reader. <G> If you like it let me know... if you think it needs work let me know (but do it nicely or I'll cry and then Spike will have to take care of me... wait... is that a bad thing? <G>)
Author's Notes: Spoilers.... (this is hard <G>) Through Season 4 and some of 5 ... I took what I wanted and tossed the rest. <G>
Author's Note's 2: I have to thank my super beta reader Kaz!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
"People still find the subject of Jack the Ripper an interesting topic and my lectures on him are always the best attended," the professor announced as she walked in the door of the History of England class. "I see this year is no exception," she added with a smile as she scanned the packed lecture hall.
The students chuckled softly as the instructor began opening her notes and checking role. When she was finished, she smiled again, "As usual when I give this lecture we seem to have several students that I've never seen in my life. Which I don't mind, provided they don't cause any disturbance and they learn something."
Willow glanced behind her; she had, as usual, claimed one of the front row seats. The desks behind her were completely filled, usually only about three quarters of them were occupied. She saw that her best friend, Buffy, actually seemed to be paying attention today and not wearing her 'I'm so bored I'd rather be researching with Giles' look she usually wore during this class. Wills smiled at her and received a quick grin in return before turning her attention back to Professor Evers, who was beginning the lecture.
"Everyone has heard the story of Jack the Ripper. He spent the fall of 1888 committing what many consider to be the first serial murders. You can watch numerous films or read hundreds of stories about him. Even though the murders were committed over 100 years ago... I'm betting half of you know the list of victims." She turned to the chalkboard and quickly wrote five names and dates. Mary Ann Nichols - August 31, 1888, Annie Chapman - September 8, 1888, Elizabeth Stride - September 30, 1888, Catherine Eddowes - September 30, 1888, Mary Jane Kelly - November 9, 1888. "These are the list of Ripper victims that are generally accepted by most people. Some people believe there are up to thirteen more."
Willow was taking notes about the victims she'd never heard of and the reasons many people believe and disbelieve that they were Ripper victims. She listened to the list of suspects and was surprised to hear that there were even a few people who believed that Jack the Ripper was actually Jill the Ripper, a midwife perhaps. Over the next hour, she learned some very interesting information and made note of some of the websites and books Professor Evers suggested. Once the class was dismissed, Willow gathered her notes and books and met Buffy at the door.
"I was wondering something," Buffy commented as they left the class and drew away from the crowds, "and it's probably just 'cause I'm the Slayer and all... but what if Jack was a vamp?"
"Actually I saw a show one time that mentioned that... well, it was a fictional series so I'm thinking they didn't really believe that," Willow replied, "But that's not saying that that isn't an actual possibility. I mean, you know, vampires are real and it would explain how he, or she, could have gotten away so easily." To be honest, she had been wondering about that herself and had even considered talking to someone who had been there at the time. Spike probably was too busy being a vampire to pay any attention, but maybe Angel would know something about it. Of course, that is if they were still in England at the time. She shook away her thoughts as she realized Buffy was staring at her, "Uhm... did you say something?"
"Yeah, detach-O-girl. I said maybe we should talk to Giles about it?"
"Oh, Giles! Yeah! That's a great idea!" Willow exclaimed cheerfully,
"Well... I've got to get to my next class."
"And I have to meet Riley... for study help."
"Sure ... study."
"Willow! It's true. I need some help with psychology. You know we have that test next week," the blonde reminded the redhead.
"Alright, alright. Go, 'study'. I'll see you at Giles' tonight."
"Bye Wills!" Buffy called as she trotted off toward the student union building.
~Part: 2~
After her last class, Willow headed for her room and fired up her laptop. She wanted to do a little research on Jack the Ripper. She went over the list of websites the professor mentioned as having good information on both Jack the Ripper and Victorian England. She cruised the net, jumping from site to site, soaking up all the information she could find. She found tons of stories based on the information and found herself absorbed in them. Several hours later, she glanced at her watch. "Darn it, I'm late!" She exclaimed as she grabbed her 'Hellmouth safety kit' and laptop before rushing out the door and toward Giles' apartment.
##
The sun dropped below the horizon just as she burst through the door, "Sorry... I got a little distracted studying," she murmured as she moved into the room and began to set her laptop on the table.
"Only person in the bloody town that could get distracted studying," the platinum blonde vampire muttered from the corner.
"Oh, hat reminds me!" Buffy exclaimed, earning a shocked and hurt look from Willow. "Not ... I mean... well... the study thing. In class today, we were talking about Jack the Ripper and I got to thinking... well. What are the odds that Jack the Ripper was a vampire?"
Spike got this odd look in his eyes before he turned back to the book in his hands as Giles stood. "It's not a popular theory, but some of the members of the Watchers Council believed it was possible. They, however, had no proof."
"But it's possible?" Buffy asked with a slight grin. It was the kind she always got when she actually knew the answer to a question.
"Yes, Buffy. It is technically possible," Giles told her patiently,
"But at this moment we have more important things to worry about."
Buffy sighed, and then glared at Spike, "Why is he here again? I mean... I thought he was only here when we paid him?"
Willow glanced at Spike and sighed. Buffy could be cruel and self-centered sometimes without even realizing it.
"I go where I want, when I want," Spike muttered as he grabbed a dusty, leather encased tomb and buried his nose in it.
Giles gave everyone the brief description they had of the demon, then set everyone to researching. She listened to the group discussing this demon in amongst the current goings on in their lives as she absentmindedly searched the web for information on the troublemaker.
She noticed Spike seemed distracted and not in the usual 'I want to kill them all' way. She checked to make sure no one was paying attention to her, and then went to the kitchen. She grinned to herself that she knew how to ring the 'chipped vamp dinner bell'. Almost as soon as she opened the refrigerator, Spike appeared.
"Hungry?" she asked as she began to prepare him a mug of blood.
"Sure," he murmured.
"Something's bothering you."
"What?"
"Wanna talk about it?"
"No, not really," Spike murmured. "It's like I can almost remember something... but not. I don't know." He shook his head and sat down as Willow brought him his mug and fixed herself a cup of tea and joined him.
"Is it about this demon?" Willow asked cautiously. He said he didn't want to talk about it, yet he was talking.
"No. It's about Jack the Ripper. We were in London at that time. Don't remember why we went back, but I remember being there. Bloody Hell," he growled. "I've never had any trouble remembering the past. I'm sure it's because of this stupid bloody chip," he muttered as rubbed his temples.
"Maybe, but it hasn't affected any other memories, has it?" She asked cautiously- the last thing she wanted to do was make him mad. Even though he was chipped, he still scared her.
Spike closed his eyes and seemed to be scanning his memory. "Not that I can tell."
"Then I don't think it's the chip."
"Then what is the damn problem?" Spike asked, a suppressed growl rumbling in his chest.
"Don't think about it so hard... maybe it'll come back to you." She glanced at her watch and smiled, "I better get back in there before they notice I'm gone." She rose to her feet and carried her cup back into the living room.
"Yeah," Spike murmured, "I'll try to figure out what I've forgotten."
##
It took half the night to find any information on this demon, and what they did find was rather sketchy. It was called a Gravlok. It was big, dumb and trouble causing but easy to kill. They did find one description that mentioned it was intelligent and weak, but that it held magical abilities. But that was only one mention and the name was spelled differently, Gravaloke, so it was probably a related demon, but not theirs. The group split up and went off in search of their big, dumb demon. Buffy, Riley, and Giles in one group and Spike, Willow, Xander and Anya in the other. They quietly stalked through the town, searching. It was Buffy's group that found the hulking green creature and quickly dispatched it.
"Well that's just ... gross," Xander exclaimed as they walked onto the scene as the creature turned into a puddle of yellowish-green goo.
"Looks like someone blew their nose."
"XANDER!" The group yelled.
"What? Well, it's true," he mumbled, then grinned. "So Bronze now?"
"Not me! I've got some homework to finish," Willow announced.
"I was going to research on the Ripper, but that can wait until I've had some time at the Bronze," Buffy said with a grin. "But first we walk Willow home."
The young ones of the group left Spike and Giles and headed for the dorms to drop Willow off and let Buffy change into some less 'gooey' clothing. No one seemed to notice the shadow following them.
##
A few hours later, the light from the laptop screen glowed in the darkness of the room. Willow's hair gleamed in the soft light as she slowly drifted off to sleep. Once she was sound asleep, a shadow drifted across her window and a soft chuckle was heard.
~Part: 3~
Something stank. That was the first thought Willow had as she began to wake up. The next one was more along the lines of 'what the hell'. She found herself in a room that wasn't hers, in clothing that wasn't hers. "What is going on here?" She whispered as she glanced around the spartan room. There was a large bowl with a pitcher resting in it on a stand across the room. The only other items in the room were a small fireplace with a straight-backed table, the bed and a small trunk.
She checked inside the trunk and found two dresses as well as underclothes. Willow lifted the corset and frowned, "This isn't funny... Spike? Did you kidnap me again!?" She called, almost hopefully. Nothing. No cocky laughter. Nothing. Of course, she hadn't expected him to answer. She headed for the small window and pushed it up. If she thought the inside had smelled bad, she was not prepared for the great outdoors. It almost made her sick to her stomach, and sort of reminded her of the Sunnydale sewers. She leaned out and glanced into the dark and dirty alley. At the end of it she could see a gaslight flickering and in the shadows at the back of the alley she could hear and faintly see two people moving.
There was no way this was Sunnydale. Suddenly, it struck her. This was like a scene from a movie set in Victorian England. "Oh no. I didn't cast a spell. It wasn't me. I didn't do it!" She exclaimed as she pulled back inside. She looked at the chest of clothes and numbly moved toward it. It took her forever to get herself dressed. Who knew a corset was so complicated when you were trying to put it on yourself? Once she was dressed, she slipped on the ill-fitting boots and headed out of the room cautiously.
"Finally decide to wake up?" A young woman's accented voice called as Willow's foot land on the bottom stair.
"I... Um... I wasn't feeling well, but I'm better now," Willow added hurriedly. This girl seemed to know who she was, but she had no idea what was going on. "Uhm, what is the date?"
"What an odd question," the woman replied as she made her way across the room. "Next thing I know you'll be telling me you don't remember my name," she chuckled, shaking her head "Why it's Friday August twenty-fourth, of course."
"Wh- what year?" Willow asked.
The young raven-haired woman stared at her then grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. "What do you mean ... what year? It's the year of our lord, 1888."
Willow felt her world slant, then flip upside down. "1888?" She breathed as she stared at the woman and leaned against the nearby wall.
"Yes, did you hit your head?" She asked, concern filling her face and voice as she raised a hand toward her.
Willow started to shake her head no, then stilled. "Y-yes. I think so. I'm a little lost."
"Oh you poor thing!" The woman exclaimed, slipping her arm around her waist and leading her toward a nearby table. "Should I call a doctor?"
"No! I mean, no. I'm fine. Just a little confused. I'm fine... honest." The last thing Willow wanted was to be 'treated' by the doctors of this time. The very thought of it made her shudder.
"You arrived here last week from America... do you remember that?" The woman asked.
"Vaguely," she murmured.
"You do remember me," at Willow's blank look she continued, "I'm Gwen... I helped you to find a job. You work at the Ten Bells. Do you remember?" Then almost to herself she added, "We should be going or we'll be late."
"The Ten Bells?" The name struck a cord. The Ten Bells, it had something to do with the Ripper Murders. Didn't those women congregate there or something?
"Yes, it isn't the best place to work but it's certainly better than the alternative," Gwen murmured. "And we'd better go before Jonathan decides he doesn't need us to work for him any longer."
"Oh, sure. I'll just ... follow you," Willow replied as she rose and let Gwen led her to her new job. She tried to remember the faces of the victims of the Ripper. Okay, so she never really looked at those grainy, sometimes sickening images, but she had glanced and she remembered the names. If she saw them, she'd warn them. She had to. Of course she also needed to figure out how she got here and how to get home, but for now she'd see what she could find out about Jack the Ripper.
##
If another smelly, drunk 'gentleman' grabbed her butt, Willow was going to scream and maybe use a little magic to make him regret it. Of course, she had a feeling that would get her in more trouble than she wanted to deal with. She sighed as she delivered the drinks to the table of sailors, wincing when one pinched her butt. "Hands off," she snapped as she batted his hand away and hurried out of reach ignoring the lewd comments he was making as she did.
"Do you still feel alright?" Gwen asked as she stopped beside her at the bar.
"I'd be better if men kept their hands to themselves," Willow replied, "but physically. I'm fine."
"That's good. If--"
"I'll let you know if I start to feel worse or something. I promise." Willow assured her as she loaded her tray and turned back toward the customers. "Oh Polly, don't be like that!" A man's voice called as a woman rose and headed for the door.
Willow didn't get a clear look at the woman. Could it be the Polly Nichols? She wondered. She scanned the crowd and noticed a small group of women sitting in the opposite corner. After a moment, she realized it was very likely that there, at that table, were Jack the Ripper's victims. She made her way to the table and asked if they needed anything.
"No, we're fine, Miss," one of the women replied, winking at her.
"Oh, Liz, she don't have any more money than we do, and if she did wouldn't be wanting your attention."
Willow stilled, Liz. Elizabeth Stride, one of the two victims on September 30th. Now how do you tell someone you know they are going to die... without making them think you're crazy or making them think you're the killer. "I know you will think I'm crazy but... will you, all of you, be very careful over the next few weeks? I have... a bad feeling. A very bad one."
"I'm Mary," the girl with the blondish brown hair told her as she stared,
"What did you mean by ... bad?"
Willow was reluctant to tell them too much, after all if they thought she could 'see' things... who knew what they would be willing to do. Especially if they thought they could make money with it. "I don't know it's just ... an uneasy feeling," she explained.
"WILLOW!" Jonathan's voice called out across the noisy bar, "unless you want to be working with those women, get back to work!"
"Gotta go," Willow murmured turning and heading back to the bar. She hoped those women took her warning to heart. She felt her heart sink when she heard them murmuring about how odd she was.
##
Friday August 31, 1888
Willow had been here for a week and she hadn't had another chance to speak to the Ripper's future victims and tonight she was more jumpy than ever.
Tonight would be the first murder, at least the first one that everyone agreed on. She hadn't seen Polly Nichols, so she hadn't had the opportunity to warn her personally. She only hoped her 'friends' had.
The night seemed a bit busier than usual but it was probably just her imagination. That and there was once again a group of sailors that were drunk and pawing at her. As she finished with one particularly 'hands on' patron, she heard one of the last voices she ever expected to hear in this place and time.
"Bloody hell Angelus," the familiar voice complained, "what are we doing back here?"
Sure, Spike mentioned being in England at the time of the murders, but she hadn't expected to actually run into him and certainly not Angelus. She slowly turned toward the voice as an Irish brogue began to reply.
~Part: 4~
"William, my boy, Darla and Dru wanted new dresses and they had to be from a particular maker here in London. So we're here while they play in the better parts of town," Angelus explained.
Angelus leaned toward William and smiled that bone-chilling smile of his. "I think we both will be able to find something to entertain ourselves with here."
William glanced at Angelus then scanned the room. "Most likely," he agreed as his eyes slid over the raven-haired barmaid.
"Seeing something already, me boyo?" Angelus whispered.
"Perhaps," William murmured as he watched the girl.
"W-what can I get for you gentlemen?" a nervous, almost frightened American voice asked.
"Hello, little one," Angelus purred, causing the girl to flinch and stare wide-eyed at him.
William pulled his eyes from the woman he had been staring at and glanced at the girl at his side. Red headed girls didn't usually hold his attention but there was something different about this one. Something that almost called to him, the other girl was forgotten in an instant. He ordered their drinks and when she walked away, he turned to Angelus. "Do you get the feeling she knows something?"
"I'm sure it's nothing, William. Perhaps she'll be your playmate for the evening?"
William frowned, "Perhaps, try not to scare her too much when she returns." Angelus chuckled under his breath and William noticed that his grandsire was giving the young redhead the same smile he used to lure young girls off to their deaths.
##
"This isn't my Spike," she whispered to herself as she hefted her tray onto her shoulder and headed for the table, adding that he wasn't really 'her' Spike. She just meant the Spike she knew. Well, she didn't 'know' him but she - oh forget it. I even babble in my head, she thought with a sigh. She knew she had to keep on her toes or she just might end up being dinner for Angelus or Spike. Oh wait, she had heard Angelus calling Spike 'William'. So this was before he took up the nickname, she needed to remember that. She didn't want to be around them more than she needed to, but she didn't want to tick them off either.
"Here you go, Sirs," she murmured as she slid their drinks onto the table and turned to go as a cool hand closes around her wrist.
"Why don't you stay? Have a drink. Keep us company." Angelus suggested as he tugged her toward him.
For a moment she thought she heard a growl, but not from Angelus. "I- I can't. I have to work. Jonathan doesn't like us to... I mean. I have other customers as well, sir."
"Angelus, let the pretty little thing go. She has work to do," William murmured as he smiled in an almost reassuring way.
She realized that it probably wouldn't be nearly as hard to differentiate between 'Spike' and 'William'. She had to remember that William didn't have chip in his head and he wouldn't hesitate to drain her dry in most circumstances. She smiled back at William as Angelus released her wrist.
"Thank you. Maybe next time I can have a drink with you two," she told them, knowing there would be no way that would happen if she had any control over it.
The two vampires smiled at her with predatory grins but allowed her to walk away with no further attempts to keep her with them. Unfortunately, she was so busy thanking who ever was listening for not letting her become their dinner that she didn't notice her octopus of a customer from earlier. He grabbed her about the waist and hauled her into his lap.
"Hello, luvey. I knew you'd be back," the young yellow haired seaman murmured as he buried his face in her neck.
"Let go!" Willow exclaimed, squirming in the man's vice like arms.
"Don't be like that," he murmured as he nipped at her ear.
"The lady said to let go," William's voice growled and suddenly she was being pulled away and pushed against a hard cool body.
After a moment, she realized that William was holding her and Angelus had freed her. Now she was really confused. This didn't seem like something the pair would do... at least not according to the Watcher's Diaries that she wasn't supposed to have ever read.
"I think the lad and I will be having a talk outside," Angelus murmured as he shoved the sailor toward the door and tossed William a grin as the rest of the table rose to follow them.
Willow saw Angelus' brown eyes flicker gold as he turned away and laughed, causing a shudder to run through her. "It's alright," William murmured as he directed her away from the sailors' table and toward the bar. "I don't think those men will be bothering you again." He smiled as he pressed money into her hand. "Payment for our drinks and a tip for you as well," he whispered and in the blink of an eye had kissed her cheek and headed for the door.
"Looks like you found an admirer," Gwen giggled beside her. "He's a handsome one and a gentleman, too."
"Stay away from him and his friend. They're trouble," Willow told her quickly.
"I doubt you'll be seeing that pair again. Those sailors will be back soon but your boys won't," Jonathan told her with a shake of his gray head.
"Actually I'm almost positive the sailors won't stand a chance," Willow sighed as she got back to work.
~Part: 5~
Willow spent the rest of the evening watching the door. Neither the sailors nor the vampires returned. She wasn't sure if she should be happy or worried. Sure, they were vampires but Angelus would become Angel in a few years and would help them a lot and even Spike would come to be of help in the future. She found herself hoping that the pair didn't get into something they couldn't handle because of her.
"Your gentleman probably didn't want to you to see him after the fight," Gwen told her as she helped clear off one of the larger tables. "I'm sure he is fine."
Willow didn't think the woman sounded too sure. "I know and he's not 'my' anything," she told Gwen with a slight smile.
"Ah, but don't you wish he was," Gwen laughed as she carried her heavy tray away.
"Sometimes," Willow whispered as she hefted her tray and headed toward the kitchen in back.
~~~*~~~
A few hours later as Jonathan ushered the last of the customers out the door, Willow and Gwen began clean the remaining tables. As he began to close the door, a man ran up.
"Jonathan! You're not gonna believe it! A bangtail got butchered over on Buck's Row! It's bloody awful!" the man cried.
"Who is it?" Willow asked as moved to the older man's side.
"Don't know, just some whore, but cor... from what I've heard... it wasn't pretty," the young man said as he turned and headed off into the night. Willow felt sick. She hadn't been able to stop the first murder, but she didn't know who the victim was yet.
"Willow, sit down, child," Jonathan sighed at her.
"I'll finish up then we'll head back home," Gwen suggested as she cast a concerned glance toward Willow.
"I'm fine," Willow assured them as she went back to work. She wondered if she could actually stop any more women from being murdered. Of course, she had not idea what would happen if she did stop him.
Once they had finished cleaning the Ten Bells, Jonathan insisted that he walk them home as the other girls had left hours ago. He left them at their door and told them to be careful coming in the next night.
~~~*~~~
Willow's eyes scanned the Saturday night crowd for the future Ripper victims but didn't see them. She also noticed the sailors from the night before were nowhere to be seen either. However, it seemed like half of Whitechapel had decided to stop by for a pint and of course, the talk was of the recent murder.
A few of her regulars mentioned that she was quiet. She just apologized and continued to make her rounds through the bar. Other than the normal happenings of the bar, nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. Willow knew that couldn't last for long, next Saturday Annie Chapman would die, unless she did something to stop it.
As the night wore on she once again found herself avoiding grabbing hands and ignoring lewd comments. She was getting tired and a bit cranky and Jonathan noticed.
"Willow," he called, motioning her around behind the bar. "You should get some rest. You look like you didn't get any sleep and I thought you were going to take that bloke's head off." With a wave of his hand, he stopped her protest, "I think you'd better go before you ruin all chances of earning any tips from half of your customers."
Willow sighed, "Alright. I'll go. I'll see you tomorrow." She told Gwen that Jonathan gave her the night off.
"Be careful. Keep to the more traveled streets."
"Thanks, Gwen. I'll see you tomorrow," Willow said as she gathered her things and headed out the door.
~~~*~~~
"So William, headed back to visit the maid at the Bells?" Angelus asked as he dropped the body of his evening meal.
"What?" William asked, glancing toward his grandsire.
"The flame haired lass. She's captured your attention," Angelus laughed.
William groaned and rolled his eyes. "She is ... interesting and I'm not the one that took on six sailors because one of them grabbed her."
Angelus snorted, "I just beat you to it, boy. Your eyes were yellow before you were out of the chair."
William hoped that Angelus would leave this be. He didn't understand why he felt the need to protect this mortal young woman. Maybe it was the way she looked at him like she knew him and though he knew she was frightened, she hid it well. "I want a drink," he muttered storming toward the Ten Bells as his grandsire's laughter followed him.
They were only a few streets over from Buck's Row when they heard the scream. Angelus glanced at him, "Shall we see who is in trouble? Maybe cause a bit ourselves?"
William nodded as he took off toward the sound.
"LET GO!" An almost familiar voice screamed. "I'm warning you!"
The vampires turned the corner into a dirty alley to see a flash of red hair in the dim light.
"I'll be takin' what I want," the mugger growled as he shoved the red head against the wall.
William felt his demon push forward and snarl as the grubby human pawed at the girl. He started forward when he saw her close her eyes.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Willow replied.
"Red," he breathed, then stilled when the man flew across the alley. Angelus grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"Witchcraft," the elder vampire breathed.
William nodded, then moved toward the alley. Glancing at the would-be attacker, who was still lying mostly unconscious on the ground, he tried to sound calm, like he wasn't itching to tear the man apart. And he knew he now had to be careful about the girl. She could cast any number of annoying or deadly spells on him if he upset her. "Good evening, my lady. I was going offer my assistance, but it seems you were able to handle ... it without our aid." Even from here he could smell her fear, the sweet smell of it drifting in the night air. There was a tinge of blood in the air as well, it was only a small amount, but it was there. He couldn't help wondering whose blood it was.
"Sp-William, Angelus," Willow breathed as she stared at the pair. "I-he-"
"It's alright, little one. We saw what he had planned," Angelus told her as he moved toward the mugger.
~Part: 6~
Willow knew her heart was pounding and that both vampires could hear it. Half of it was from how close she had come to being killed - the man had held a knife at her stomach. The rest of it was being caught doing magic.
She didn’t think the vampires would have much to say about the magic, but what if anyone else had seen her? She could have been in deep trouble. She wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed. She flinched slightly and pulled her hand away from her right arm when she felt something warm and sticky. Suddenly, William was in front of her.
“You’re bleeding,” he murmured as he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it against the cut.
“I’m okay,” she murmured as she glanced at the cut. It stung a little, but there was no real pain. She cringed when she heard the sound of breaking bones echoing through the dingy alley.
William glanced over his shoulder and quickly urged Willow out of the alley and away from its entrance. “What were you doing out here, alone?”
“I-Jonathan told me to take the night off. I think he was afraid he’d have to fire me if I kept working tonight. I was snapping at everyone,” she explained as she glanced at down at her injured arm. It had stopped bleeding, but she knew she needed to clean it. She had no idea where that knife had been.
“It’s dangerous for a lady to be out alone after dark,” Angelus murmured as he joined them.
“I know. I was thinking about …” she hesitated, she couldn’t say ‘about you two being vampires’, “things,” she finished lamely. She noticed a few of the other pedestrians giving them a wide path. She felt safe for the first time since she got here. What was she thinking? Her brain screamed that these were two dangerous, soulless vampires. She glanced at some of the less than reputable characters walking past her. Was she really in more danger from these two then any of them? Somehow she doubted it.
“Where are you staying? We’ll escort you home and make sure you get that wound taken care of. It could become infected,” William told her, as he glanced at Angelus.
“That’s alright. I’m certain you have things you need to take care of,” Willow protested.
“My dear William wants to take care of you,” Angelus whispered in her ear, the cool air tickling her ear.
Willow felt the color drain from her face as she stared at the elder vampire.
“Angelus,” William growled, warningly. “Ignore him,” he murmured warmly to her.
“I can take care of myself,” she assured them.
Angelus laughed, “I know you can, little one. I saw just how well you were doing.”
“Please don’t tell any--” she was silenced by the dark vampire’s finger on her lips.
“We saw nothing,” he whispered. “Do not speak of it again,” he told her as he glanced toward the church they were passing.
With a nod, she told them where she was staying and quietly walked between the pair of vampires as they escorted the young witch to her lodgings. She wondered if the pair planned to kill her, or something worse. “Well, here we are. Thank you, both of you, for walking me home. Now, I’ll just run inside and get this scratch cleaned up--”
Angelus grinned broadly to William, and then bowed to Willow, “Have a good evening, Miss Willow.”
“Good evening, Mr. Angelus.” Willow replied, as the tall dark vampire strode away into the darkness.
“I should apologize for Angelus--” William began.
“It’s alright, really,” Willow assured him, then started for the door.
“Ms. Willow--”
“Just Willow.”
“Willow,” he conceded, “I would feel better if you allow me to take care of that wound for you.”
“William,” she sighed, “It’s just a scratch. You can’t really call it a wound. I’ve had so much worse before. I mean there was this time that this demon chunked me into a tree and I had this hole in - ” She realized what she was saying and that it probably wasn’t the best thing, so she did her best to back track, “I mean I was riding my horse--”
“Demon,” William interrupted, his eyes boring into her. “You were attacked by a demon?” He asked, pulling her away from the people on the street.
“No, my horse…his name was Demon,” she lied quickly. He couldn’t know that she was terrified of horses; at least she hoped he couldn’t tell that she was lying, “and he got spooked and threw me and I hit a tree--”
“You are lying,” William interrupted her babble as he took a step closer. “When did this demon attack you? Where? How badly did it hurt you?” He had a strange look in his blue eyes as he spoke, one that Willow couldn’t quite place.
“It’s been a while, “ she began slowly, “It was when I was in America and I had a huge hole in my leg,” she explained, at least he hadn’t asked for the date of her injury. She sighed and for a moment pondered if her past injuries were now actually her future ones. She really hated when her mind grabbed hold of a puzzle like that. She shook it off and saw that William still stared at her, like he was looking for something.
“It healed well?”
“Yeah, a little scar … no big deal,” she said with a grin, then noticed the confused look on his face.
“That is … good,” he murmured, and then smiled. “Come, we need to get your … scratch taken care of. This environment is only good for causing infections and I don’t want to think about what he used that knife for last.”
Willow shivered, “Yeah, my thoughts exactly.” She sighed, “I really don’t think it’ll go well if you try to go up to my room. I mean, I’m single and alone and --”
“Tell me what room you are in and I can get there without being seen,” he assured her. Willow sighed, and reluctantly told him what he wanted to know. She smiled a half smile and headed up to her room. She couldn’t believe she was contemplating letting him inside her room. He could, and most likely would, kill her. She jumped when there was a knock at the door. She wouldn’t tell him she knew he was a vampire but she would see if she could make him tell her. She was glad she had found a spell that could keep vampires out of temporary lodgings.
She opened the door and smiled. “William,” she murmured, waving him inside. He took a step forward and bounced off the invisible wall, with a look of confusion on his face. It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
“I was waiting for an invitation,” he explained.
Willow once again waved him in, but said nothing. She hid the tiny smile that slipped through when he shifted uncomfortably outside the door. Then she heard the sound of someone on the stairs and panicked, knowing what people would think if they saw him at her door. “Damn it,” she muttered, “Come in.”
He smiled, then stepped inside and closed the door. “I wouldn’t think a lady such as yourself would use such words.” He headed for the washbasin and poured some water in it. He glanced at her then sighed. “I have no intention of harming you,” he assured her. It was a bit unnerving watching him watch her and she just grew more nervous as he motioned her toward a nearby chair. With a sigh, she moved toward him. She stood staring a moment longer, before he told her to sit. She did so quietly as he cleaned the wound.
“Mind if I … kiss it better?” He asked, as he finished cleaning it and began to look for something to use as a bandage.
“What?” She asked, startled.
“It’s something my mum did,” he explained.
“Really?”
“You’re mother never did that?” He asked surprised.
Willow shook her head. No, her mother rarely did more than tell her she was fine and slap a bandage on it.
He smiled and leaned down planting gentle kiss on it. Suddenly, he licked the injury and stood up. “There,” he said as he quickly bandaged it. “Leave this alone for two days.”
“But don’t I need to change it and check it--”
“No, it will be fine,” he assured her.
“I’m mortal you know. I can get infections, even if you can-cannot imagine that happening,” she added quickly hoping he didn’t realize.
“Should have known a witch would realize I’m not mortal. I’m assuming the door was a test to confirm your suspicions,” he said as he rose and turned away from her. “I’m a demon, pet. A vampire.”
He seemed to be waiting for something, “And so is Angelus,” she replied as she rose and began pacing the room.
“I can’t answer that.”
“It wasn’t a question. It’s a fact. I knew that. I saw his golden eyes last night when he left with the sailors and yours were flecked with gold earlier. I just wasn’t sure who you were angry at then. I was afraid it was because I was a witch, but then I figured you were a vampire and so you really shouldn’t be all weird about me and now I’m babbling so I’ll stop and sit here. If you’re going to kill me just make it quick please,” she requested as she took a seat.
She was shocked by the laughter that followed her lengthy babble. It wasn’t sarcastic or condescending. It was a wholehearted laugh. “Pet, I don’t want to kill you. Don’t know why, that’s usually the first thing I think about when I see a beautiful woman.”
“Beautiful?” She breathed. Spike thought she was beautiful?! He always acted like she was just one of the Scoobies. Someone to be tolerated and that he could talk to if he needed to, but not in the ‘she’s anything special’ category.
“Yes, beautiful,” he murmured. “No one ever told you that before?” He asked, disbelief clearly written on his face when she shook her head no. “Bleeding idiots,” he muttered as he moved to her side and took the bandage off her arm. “Vampire saliva has healing properties.” He licked the wound again then smiled at her, “That should be all better in the morning.”
“Thank you,” she murmured distractedly, wondering why she had never heard of this before. They began to talk about a little bit of everything. Mostly about life here in London, and the places he’d traveled since his turning. When they realized how much time had passed, William rose.
“I should be going. Angelus could be up to eyeballs in trouble.”
“Yeah… uhm, will Angelus kill me?” she asked suddenly.
“No, luv, he won’t,” he assured her with a smile. “Good evening, my lady,” he said with a smile and a kiss to her hand. Then he quickly left a dazed Willow standing in the middle of her room.
“Well, color me confused,” she murmured as she sat down, then leapt up and began pacing her room. “These two are just… not like what they are supposed to be.” She shook her head and continued talking to her room, “William isn’t that old yet, and I thought it was the older ones that weren’t all blood thirsty. Of course, when Spike was first chipped, he said he liked to play the blood lust kinda cool, so maybe that had always been a part of him.”
She shook her head and climbed into bed, she’d try to sort all this out later when her head wasn’t all jumbled with thoughts.
~Part: 7~
William smiled to himself. He had actually enjoyed his time with the mortal. He knew for certain that had his mortal self met her, he’d be spouting poetry and maybe even would have given up on that bitch Cecily. He pushed the demon back, even after nearly ten years he would love to have killed her again. He shook off those thoughts. She was dead by his fangs and he was pleased with that. “Beneath me,” he snorted, “No, Cecily, you are beneath me by about six bloody feet,” he chuckled to himself as he walked into the home they had taken for their stay. It was near the Whitechapel district, but in some ways so far removed that it seemed a world away. He stilled when he scented the blood, lots of it. He followed his nose and entered one of the seldom-used rooms and saw Angelus and the man who had attacked Willow.
“It’s still alive?” he snorted.
“William,” Angelus murmured as he lifted the knife, painted crimson with blood, and glanced at the younger. “I was just about to finish this.”
“I wondered why you had broken the bloke’s back in the alley,” he murmured.
“I felt like having a bit of fun.”
“I see.”
Angelus looked at him again and smiled, “I take it your evening with the witch went well.”
“Yes,” William murmured, then turned his attention to the dark vampire, “She knows what we are. She knew before I went to her room.”
“Well, I can’t say that’s all that surprising. She is a witch after all.”
William just nodded and glared at the bloody mess that had been the witch’s attacker. He smiled when Angelus buried the knife to the hilt in what remained of the man’s chest. He could feel the sun rising over the horizon. “I’ll have one of the minions dispose of tomorrow night.”
Angelus smiled, “Yes, that would be good. I’ll go clean up a bit.”
“I think I’ll get some sleep,” William murmured as he turned and headed for his rooms.
##
“That witch must be something,” Angelus whispered as he watched him go. He glanced at the body and frowned. He hadn’t managed to get all the information he wanted from the man, but it was all the attacker had known. When Angelus was sure his boy was out of earshot, he continued aloud to the empty room.
“Maybe I’ll talk to the girl alone. Something just doesn’t seem … right. Perhaps she can help.” He shook his head and then headed for his own rooms.
~Part: 8~
Sunday September 2, 1888
Willow went about her business at the Ten Bells, and once again tonight she had managed to get the table of young men that miraculously seemed to sprout extra arms every time her back was turned. She wondered if by some chance there really were demons that could do that. Of course, she doubted she’d be able to find the books she needed to use to research that. At least not here and now.
She yelped when one of the squid boys, she wasn’t sure when she started thinking of them as those slimy little critters but she had and it fit, pinched her butt. “Keep your damn hands to yourself,” she snapped, slapping his hand away.
“Oh, come on lass. We’re just having a spot of fun,” one of the creeps purred. Another wrapped his arm around her waist and hugged her to his side, “We just want a little service.” A round of lurid laughter followed that comment.
Willow rolled her eyes and sighed, “Another round?” she asked hopefully. It would at least get her out of their reach. “On me?”
At their enthusiastic cheer, she pulled away and rushed to the bar to get their order. As she waited for the drinks, she rested hear head on counter and sighed. “I’m so tired of men grabbing me.”
“It takes a bit to learn the moves to avoid that,” Gwen chuckled. She then began giving her a few tips to try.
A few minutes later, she returned to the bar after delivering the drinks, “It worked. I managed to side step the squid boys,” she laughed.
“You are an odd one,” Jonathan muttered with a shake of his head.
“Ah, but they don’t get much prettier.” The voice caused her to spin and stare wide-eyed at the tall dark vampire.
“Angelus,” she breathed, heart began to pound when she realized she didn’t see William anywhere. “I--”
“Thank you, is what she was trying to say,” Gwen tossed in helpfully. With a sly smile, she leaned into Willow. “I’ll cover your tables,” she whispered before disappearing.
“You don’t need to be frightened, Sweet. I have no intention of harming you,” he purred.
Her eyes continued to dart around the room, searching in vain, for any sign of William.
A knowing smirk crossed his deceptively handsome face, “He’s not here. He’s … busy right now.”
“Oh,” she murmured. “Why are you here… if I’m not about to die?”
Angelus laughed as he offered her his arm and then led her to a table in the corner away from most of the other customers. “I told you I wasn’t going to harm you. But if it’s what you want, I’d be happy to oblige.”
“No. Thanks. Really. I’ll be fine with the talking,” she assured him, earning her another chuckle. She was still trying to figure out how this was the same vampire that had killed Ms. Calendar and attempted to kill her. This just wasn’t the same man ... demon. She shook her head, and blushed when she realized he had been talking to her.
“Willow? Did you hear me?”
“I—ye—What?” she asked, feeling like a heel for getting lost in her own thoughts again.
“You have to be careful. I don’t think we were the only ones to see your attack in the alley,” he repeated patiently.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve heard rumors,” he told her softly, smiling slightly when she unknowingly leaned toward him. “Vague ones. They flared up after last night, about someone that is looking for a special someone.”
“So you automatically assume it’s me?” she asked incredulously.
Angelus shook his head and sighed, “For several reasons, which I will not discuss here, yes. I do.”
Willow groaned and dropped her head to the table. What had she done to get herself into this?
“Either William or myself will be here to walk you home. Do not leave until one of us is with you. Do you understand, little one?” Angelus’ voice was hard, yet in some strange way compassionate at the same time.
Willow stared at him for a moment before nodding slowly. “Alright. I—I promise.”
Angelus watched her intently for a moment, and then nodded. “I’ll be going now, but one of us will be back soon. Stay inside and with the crowds. I will not settle for your disobedience.”
Willow’s head flew up off the table and she glared at him with flashing eyes. “How dare you!” She growled. “I’m not some little puppy that does what you say.”
He raised his hands and smiled a lopsided grin, “Of course not. Forgive me.”
She snorted; somehow he didn’t seem too sorry about what he’d said. “I’ll have you know I’ll do what you said… but not because you said or threatened or whatever. I’m doing it because I like being alive.”
Angelus rose and laughed again, she still wasn’t used to Angel laughing, “I’ ll be back soon, Spitfire.” And before she could react, he was gone leaving her staring at an empty chair.
~Part: 9~
Sunday, September 9, 1888
Willow looked up and couldn’t stop the smile from flashing as she caught sight of William coming in the door and nodding to Jonathan. It had been a week since Angelus had decreed she was not to walk home alone. She also wasn ’t allowed to walk to the Ten Bells alone. Most evenings the two vampires escorted her and Gwen, but on rare occasions, it was just William and even rarer times when Angelus would fill in. With Annie Chapman’s murder, both Angelus and William had been especially adamant that she stay around others unless one of them were with her.
She smiled as William settled himself at the end of the bar. She returned and gave Jonathan her customers’ order before she turned her full attention to the blue eyed vampire. “So it’s just you walking me home tonight?” She asked, glancing at Gwen who seemed to have found herself an admirer. The young man had been coming in for the last few nights and talking to her every chance he had.
“Yes, Angelus had something he had to take care of. I hope you’re not too disappointed.”
“I’m not. Honestly, he still give me the willies at times.” She smiled at the look he gave her for her choice of words. “You know the creeps? Scares me a little?”
He nodded, “I understand.” He smiled broadly, “You aren’t scared of me?” He asked, pulling her closer to him and allowing his eyes to shift to demon gold.
“Only an idiot wouldn’t be,” she whispered, “But I’m not afraid of you. For some insane reason … I trust you.”
“Good,” he told her as he released her. “Looks like you’re about finished here, pet.”
She chuckled,“More like another hour or so,” she told him as she gathered the drink order and turned to the remaining customers.
##
Angelus stalked through the streets. Another girl had been murdered last night, the news had spread rapidly and it seemed everyone who even looked remotely like the descriptions given of the man last seen with Annie Chapman was a suspect. There had been two slightly different descriptions, and if you squinted, or were scared shitless, almost anyone could match one of them.
As he walked he’d had the oddest sense that he was being watched. It wasn’t the first time. It had been like this all night. Possibly, someone thought he was the killer. More likely it had to do with the fact that he had been seen escorting the witch home almost every night and that he had threatened all the younger vampires in the area with death if they laid a hand on her.
Tonight he intended to find some answers, which meant going to the part of town where all manner of demon could be found. He entered a section of London that few humans ever ventured into, and those that did rarely made it out of alive. It consisted of various demon and vampire lairs. With any luck he could find out who had been watching him, his childe and the redheaded witch.
~Part: 10~
Willow called out her farewell to Jonathan. Gwen had left early and took William ’s offered arm. As they walked through the door, she began to tell him about the man that had walked Gwen home. “That guy Gwen’s been talking to, he’s a inspector.”
“So there is little chance we’ll find her like these other girls,” William replied with a nod, not noticing how Willow paled at his comment. He turned her in a different direction than usual and set off at a leisurely pace.
“Yeah, I guess.” Suddenly, Willow stilled. “Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d take a walk before getting you home.”
“Is that safe?” she asked softly as she allowed him to lead her forward.
“Yes, pet. After all, Angelus isn’t here to stir up trouble,” he told her with a wink. They walked silently for several more minutes before he sighed.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, glancing around. She still found it odd to be here, in London in 1888.
“Nothing,” he assured her with a pat on the hand. They walked a moment more. “It ’s simply … you never speak of your home and family, other than the mention of being attacked by a demon and your mother never kissed your wounds.”
“There is nothing to talk about,” she told him quickly, not certain she should mention that she was from the future and that was why she didn’t talk about that.
“I think there is much to talk about,” he countered, then stilled and sniffed the air.
“What’s wrong?” Willow asked, her voice dropping to a meer whisper.
“Blood. Angelus’ blood,” he told her quickly as he scanned the area. “Stay close and behind me,” he instructed as he began to follow the scent.
The last thing she wanted to do was find a wounded Angelus. She couldn’t think of anything worse. Oh, wait. Yes, she could. Finding the thing that could hurt Angelus, one half of the Scourge of Europe. Where they the Scourge yet? She didn ’t know and that thought quickly left her mind as William led her through the foggy, dark streets. She bit her lip and tried to think of a protection spell that she could do without supplies as they moved down the alley. Just as she remembered something that would work, she bumped into William’s back as he came to a stop.
“Don’t move,” he whispered as he scanned the area and walked toward a large dark lump in the street.
Willow nodded, then realizing that his back was to her added aloud, “I’m staying right here.”
William moved toward the lump as a groan came from it. “Angelus, it will be alright.”
The lump moved and Willow caught sight of Angelus’ blood covered face and she started to take a step toward him.
“No, Willow. Stay back,” William snapped. “He needs blood.”
“Could he take some without killing?”
“I don’t know. I doubt it.”
“Oh,” Willow was a bit surprised when she realized she had been about to offer Angelus some of her blood.
William lifted Angelus on his shoulder. “Stay close,” he told her as he started moving toward her. “Just don’t touch him, and try to stay downwind.”
“Downwind? Why? Oh, never mind,” she murmured, realizing that she’d be a temptation that Angelus didn’t need.