The Viking Hunter

By JamesChick

Chapter Five

Buffy watched Spike from the corner of her eye. He seemed to be waiting for something, edgy almost. It suddenly occurred to her that he probably expected her to throw him out before he put the rest of them in danger. Not too long ago she would have too. Things change, she had changed. Life was short, no matter how many times you get resurrected, and good friends and allies are hard to come by. Spike was a Scooby now, mind you he would never admit it, but he was. She wouldn't let him go off on his own to be hunted down like some animal. He had proven his worth too many times in the past couple of years.

"Spike?"

"Yeah slayer?"

"Just wanted to let you know that I'm not going to throw your ass out or anything. Willow and Tara have offered their help with the magic, and I'm offering my help as well. If this Thor thinks he come to my town and mess with my friends, he's got another thing coming."

"So, you consider me a friend then do ya?"

"Um...well, oh hell! Yes Spike. I consider you a friend. But if you tell anyone I'll tie you up and torture you."

"Oooh, sounds like fun, I might have to take you up on that one. After we deal with this Thor wanker."

Just then there was a knock at the door of the shop. Buffy grabbed a stake and headed to answer it. She pulled the shade down a bit to peak out side.

"Willy? Why are you here?"

"Look, can you open the open door? It's bad enough that I have to be here, I don't want anyone to see me. It's bad for business to be seen socializing with the slayer and friends."

"Fine, come in. Now why are you here?"

"Spike. I am here because of Spike. Here, take this so I can go already."

"Er, what is it mate? I ain't touching it until I know what it is."

"Oh for Gods sake. Didn't Angel call you? Why the hell am I even doing this if you didn't know?"

"Angel? What the hell does that wanker have to do with this?"

"Oh you mean besides calling and threatening me? Look, he told me I get to live with all four limbs attached if I provide you a steady supply of human blood from a reputable source. So, here it is. Can I go now?"

"Steady supply huh? So when can I expect you again?"

"Every other day. Here. preferably just after sunset."

"Ta mate. I'll be sure to let Angel know if you don't come through."

"Yeah, whatever. Slayer, a pleasure as always."

Willy hurried past Buffy and out the door. Spike picked up the Styrofoam cooler off the counter where it had been set. Inside were about 20 bags of human blood. He wondered when the watcher had called Angel, and what he had told him. The poof must have heard of this Thor bugger if he was suddenly concerned enough to make sure he was fed well enough to gain back his strength.

"Giles, did you call Angel?"

"Yes Buffy, while you and Spike were on patrol. I had a suspicion that it was Thor we were dealing with, Angel confirmed it."

"So that's why he sending Spike 'Blood-O-Grams' hand delivered by our resident snitch?"

"It would appear so."

"Okay. Just wanted to know."

Willow had been searching the internet for any clues on this Thor guy, so far she hadn't found anything that had to do with vampires. She did find several sites having to do with gay porn, a costume store, and a history of the Norse culture. Deciding that she might find something there she bookmarked it to come back to and continued her search.

Giles and Dawn had no luck what so ever with the watcher diaries. There was very little mention of Thor in them at all. Apparently because he rarely killed his victim, and spent most of his free time hunting other vampires, the slayers and watchers let him alone.

Tara had given up the search through the diaries when Willow had offered magical help to Spike. She
currently sat with several spell texts piled in front of her making notes on which ones she thought would be the most useful. She wondered where Xander and Anya were, they should have come by now. Then of course she realized that they were probably having sex and that was why they were late. She blushed at her thoughts and concentrated on the book in front of her.

Xander was trying to figure out the best way to get a message to the Scooby's. He needed to let them know he was alright. But was he alright? Now that he thought about it he wasn't so sure. He had managed to get Thor to call off his boys by whispering to him that he wanted to go home and be taken to bed. After a very rigorous session with his Sire, he was now relaxing in the very large tub in his private bathroom. How Spike could live in a crypt with no access to water, especially hot water, he'd never understand. If he had learned one thing about being undead, it was that a hot bath was almost equal to great sex.

Great sex, that was another thing that had surprised him. As a mortal he had never considered sex with a man. The whole idea squicked him. He wasn't opposed to homosexuality, it just wasn't for him. Now, it didn't bother him. Sure the first time he was nervous, scared even, but he wasn't disgusted. He assumed it was because Thor was his Sire and because of that he bound to him. But that didn't explain the erotic dream he had about Spike. Nor did it explain the fact that while he was having sex with Thor a little while ago he was picturing Spike behind closed eyelids.

He really wanted to know why he was for all intents and purposes he was a soul-having freak of a vampire. Obviously it was not Thor's doing or he would have mentioned it. Also he would not have worried about Xander possibly killing that servant girl. So how did this happen? It couldn't have been the Scooby's, they didn't even know he was missing. Besides, the sex would have broken the curse. So what the hell happened?

Frustrated, Xander climbed out of the bath and dried off. He slipped into a pair of chocolate brown silk pyjamas and lounged on the sofa in front of the fire. He didn't want to be here, he wanted to see his friends, and he wanted to make sure that Spike was okay. He wanted to know if anyone had found Anya's body, if there was even a body to be found. In Sunnydale there was always something that would take care of a body no questions asked. He wanted to go home and surround himself with her things and cry. He couldn't do that here, he couldn't even let himself think about Anya for more than a minute, otherwise he would fall apart and he would never get away.

---

Back in the magic shop Willow had given up on her computer search. Even the Norse history had provided very little information. Thor was believed to be a Norse God, the fact that he was a vampire was no big surprise to her, many ancient cultures had worshipped demons and vampires as false Gods. She learned nothing more than the usual Viking God stuff. None of which pointed to him being a vampire. For all she knew they weren't even the same person. Maybe this Viking vampire just wanted a cool name, or maybe he was making a point by naming himself after a God. She closed her laptop and picked up a spell book. Maybe she would have more luck helping Tara find spells.

Buffy decided it was time to take Dawn home, she did after all have school the next day. So after saying goodbye and having a quick conversation with Giles she left. The witches decided to call it a night as well but promised to continue to search for spells to help Spike. Spike grabbed his coat and the cooler and was headed for the door when Giles stopped him.

"Spike?"

"Yeah mate?"

"Er, where are you staying tonight?"

"My crypt. Where else."

"Oh, uh do you think that's safe?"

"Probably not, but s'where I live innit?"

"Yes well, I was thinking that perhaps, just until we deal with this problem, that you might consider staying at my place again."

"Really? I suppose that would be safer wouldn't it?"

"Yes quite. Buffy would have offered but she is concerned about Dawn being too close to this."

"Alright then, grab yer stuff and let's go then. You look like you could use some sleep."

Spike and Giles left the shop and climbed into the watchers car. They didn't notice the vampire that was watching them. As they pulled away and headed back to the apartment complex they were followed by the same vampire, he took notice of where Giles lived and the fact that Spike had entered without an invitation and headed back to his master to report in.

Chapter Six

The following day found the group back at the Magic Box. Giles was somewhat concerned when Anya didn't show up for work. The fact that neither she nor Xander had shown up for the meeting the night before wasn't a big concern as they all figured they had probably just gotten home rather late or were other wise occupied in the bedroom. But for Anya to miss a chance to make money was almost unheard of. He left a message on the answering machine and waited for her to either call or show up. Buffy had gone down to the construction site to check up on Xander and find out if maybe Anya was sick and unplugged the phone.

Willow and Tara had an early class that day but came by afterwards, they were currently explaining the many spells they had thought might help to Giles. Spike was sitting on the stairs enjoying his fourth mug of warm human blood of the day.

Buffy came back from Xanders work looking rather freaked out and motioned for Giles to follow her to the back room. Giles asked the girls to watch the shop for a few minutes and followed Buffy. Spike looked as though he were ignoring the lot of them but he was listening intently to the conversation going on in the back.

"Buffy, what is it?"

"Xander never showed up for work today."

"Oh. That's rather strange. Perhaps they didn't make it back from their trip last night."

"No. I went by their apartment. The car was there, and when I knocked on the door no one answered."

"Perhaps we should see if we can get inside. Have a look around."

"Willow has a key, Xander gave it to her for emergencies. I just don't want to freak her out."

"I understand that Buffy, but we need to go over there and make sure everything is okay."

"I know. I'll ask her for the key. Maybe I should take Spike with me just in case. You know all those vamp senses could come in handy."

"Yes of course, just don't mention that to Willow, find some other reason to get him to go with you."

"What, like he's not listening in on this whole conversation? Please."

"How very silly of me. Of course he is."

Out in the other room Spike smirked and finished off his mug. Buffy and Giles walked back into the room and Spike winked at them. The slayer and her watcher exchanged an amused knowing look and then smiled at Spike. It was enough to slightly throw him.

"What?"

"Oh nothing."

"Bull. What are you smiling about slayer."

"Just that I've got you figured out. I know all your sneaky little tricks."

"Not all my tricks luv, but anytime you want a demonstration, you just let me know."

"Ewww! Spike you are such a pig!"

Spike just nodded at her and left the room to rinse his mug. Buffy took a deep breath and approached the counter where Willow and her lover were talking softly about some spell they had found.

"Hey Wills? Do you still have a key for Xanders place?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Could I borrow it? I just want to pop over and check on Anya. She must be really sick to miss out on making money and inappropriate comments to others."

"Oh, okay. Do you want me to come with?"

"Nah, you stay here and work on the spells, I'll ask Spike to join me."

"Why?"

"Uh, Anya and him have some strange demon friendship thing going on, maybe he can cheer her up describing some of his bad old days."

"Bleeeck! Not what I'd want to hear when I'm sick, but then this is Anya we're talking about."

Buffy got the key from Willow and Pulled her car up out back in the alley. Spike grabbed his blanket and lied down in the backseat under it. When they got to Xanders Buffy parked in the shade as close to the door as possible. The two of them then made there way up to Xanders door. After knocking once to be polite Buffy put the key in the lock and opened the door. Spike scented the air.

"I don't smell any blood, but there's no heartbeats either."

"Okay, maybe they aren't here."

"Only one way to find out."

Buffy walked into the apartment and looked around. When she was out of sight Spike stuck his hand through the doorway. There was no barrier. He had never been invited inside Xanders new place. He pulled his hand back just as Buffy reappeared.

"Spike, why are you still out there?"

"Never been here before luv, can't come in."

"Oh. Xander will probably kill me for this, but come in Spike."

"Ta luv, don't mind if I do."

They searched the apartment and found nothing. Spike suggested that Buffy search the car as well. See if their luggage was still in it. They locked up and went back downstairs. Spike was able to jimmy the lock on the passenger side door as it was in the shade and Buffy climbed into the car. Other than the usual soft drink cans and twinkie wrappers there wasn't anything in it. She popped the trunk and climbed back out.

In the trunk were two large suitcases. She dragged them out and over into the shade. Spike opened one while she did the other. The suitcases were full of clean folded clothes. Nothing had been worn. This left Buffy with the obvious conclusion that Xander and Anya never made their weekend away. Whatever had happened to them had been three days ago.

Spike already knew of course that the ex-demon and the boy were dead. He wouldn't have been able to enter the apartment otherwise. He had a bad feeling about the whelp, one he wasn't up to sharing just yet so he kept his mouth shut. Buffy put the suitcases back in the car and locked it up. They got back into her car and she dropped Spike off at the shop before heading to the school to pick up Dawn.

Three days her friend had been missing. Anything could have happened in that time. She was scared for Xander and Anya. To be missing in Sunnydale for three days was a sure sign of trouble. She only hoped that when they found them they were still alive.

Chapter Seven

Spike slipped silently into the shop and hid in the back room. He needed some time to think. He knew that the boy and his ex-demon bint were dead but what he was unsure of was if they were they walking around dead or rotting corpse dead. He was willing to place bets that at least Xander was among the walking around.

He tried to recall every image of the previous night, it was kind of hard considering he was having the piss beaten out of him at the time. He thought about the brunette who's face he never saw. The fact that he had been released after the brunette whispered something to the blonde vampire. And then there was the striking similarity between the vampire and Xander. He couldn't be a hundred percent seeing as he had no idea how being turned would have changed the whelps scent, not to mention how the younger vampire was literally covered in the scent of his Sire. But it was just too bloody convenient not to be true.

"Soddin hell. Xander's a vampire! And he ain't mine! God damn friggin soldiers, I'd have turned the boy and red years ago if it weren't for this bloody chip. Angelus gave that boy to me and now some friggin Viking has him. It's bloody unfair I tell you."

Spike continue to mutter curses about the unfairness of his predicament, and the initiative soldiers in general. Giles came into the back and caught him muttering.

"Oh, Spike. I hadn't realized you were back here."

"Yeah, just needed some time to think is all."

"How did things go at Xanders?"

"Not good mate, bloody bad to tell the truth."

"Oh. Were they ah. There?"

"No. Place was empty. We checked the car, suitcases all nicely stored in the trunk. None of the stuff had been worn Rupert. They've been missing since Friday night I'd wager."

"Oh dear."

"There's more."

"Are they..."

"Yeah, but the slayer don't know that."

"Then how....?"

"I've never been invited into the new place. Today I put my hand through the doorway, no barrier. Buffy didn't see me do it. I played stupid. I couldn't tell her."

"I understand Spike but she needs to know."

"There's one other thing watcher. I'm pretty sure that Xander is the vampire from last night. The brunette Childe I described to ya. This is gonna tear them apart."

"Dear lord. How am I going to tell them?"

"Don't. Not yet anyway, let's wait 'till we know for sure hey."

"You're right. We need to be positive before we say anything. Perhaps you could patrol tonight. Maybe get a better look without getting caught?"

"I'll give it a go. You want to inform peaches? See if his bint has had any helpful visions?"

"I'm sure he'd have called but it can't hurt to try."

Spike left the room so Giles could call in private. He wandered into the front area of the shop just as Buffy and Dawn came in. Buffy looked at Spike in question. He shook his head sadly and she sighed. She went to Willow and slid the key across the table to her.

Willow looked up at her and Buffy nodded toward Dawn before shaking her head and heading for the training room. Willow squeezed Tara's hand and then got up and followed her.

Spike and Tara sat at the table with Dawn while she started on her homework. Tara looked up at Spike and he gave her a sad look. Then they heard Willow start to sob loudly from the rear of the store.

"Best go see to your girl luv."

Tara nodded and barely succeeded from running toward her lover. Dawn looked at Spike and knew something was wrong.

"Spike what's going on?"

"Yer sis will explain it to ya in a minute nibblet."

"It's bad isn't it?"

"Yeah luv, It is. Go on and talk to her pet. I'll hold down the fort."

Dawn wearily headed toward the rest of the group in the training room. She spared one last look at Spike. He looked as though some one had kicked his puppy, or his best friend had died. Well the only way she was going to find out what was going on was to walk through that door. The part of her that wanted to be one of the grown ups demanded that she do it while the part that still wanted to be a little girl wanted to go home and climb into bed with mom and believe the world was a safe and happy place. Unfortunately her mom was dead and she knew the truth about the evil that lurked in the dark. Preparing herself for more bad news she pushed the door open and stepped inside the room.

Giles had just hung up the phone with Angel when he heard Willow start to cry. He hated this. He never wanted children, had never married to ensure that he was never tied down with more responsibility than his slayer. Funny how life throws you curves. He ended up with four children that he considered his in every way that counted. Buffy, Willow, Xander and Dawn. They were his world now. And now he had lost one of them. He felt the loss of Anya as well, her and Tara had earned their place in his family and his heart as well. In truth even Spike was family to him now, like the brother who never grew up and camps out on your sofa and drinks all your beer and never goes away. Still family no matter how annoying he is. Angel had been saddened as well, once again offering to come to Sunnydale. Giles had reassured him that his presence was unnecessary. That there was nothing he could do for Xander or Buffy for that matter.

He had inquired as was his purpose for the call, whether Cordelia had perhaps had any visions pertaining to this matter. He was informed that no, unfortunately they knew nothing more than what he himself had told Angel. They exchanged promises to keep each other informed of any new developments and then rung off.

Chapter Eight

It didn't take long for the group to re-emerge from the training room. All of the girls looked as though they had had a good cry. Dawn went to Spike and buried her head in his chest. Buffy cast him a grateful glance for caring so much for her sister. Spike nodded in return and wrapped his arms around the youngest Summers woman who earn a place in his unbeating heart.

Willow and Tara were looking up a locator spell to use on Xander and Anya, Giles was looking for someway to mess to up with out their knowledge. If Spike's suspicions were true and Xander was indeed a vampire it would destroy Willow. He didn't want to see what foolish magic she would undoubtedly use in her grief.

As soon as the sun went down Buffy was out the door to patrol. She really needed to kill some bad guys tonight. Spike settled Dawn in with the witches and headed out to track down Xander. He only hoped he found Xander before Thor and his boys found him.

Xander was feeling restless. He hating being trapped inside. When you grew up in a house like his you learned early on in life to love the great outdoors. And now that he no longer needed to fear the creatures that bumped in the night he wanted out. He wanted out now! So as soon as the sun had set he went looking for Thor to beg him if necessary to let him go out for a while.

Thor was in the library when Xander came in. He noticed the rigid way his Childe held himself. The tension poured off of him in waves. He wanted to know why he was so tense, if there was anything he could do to alleviate it.

"Alexander. You are troubled."

"I...well I feel as though I'm suffocating. And yes I see the irony of that statement coming from a vampire. Seriously Sire. May I go out for a few hours?"

"Of course. I see no harm in that. I would ask you to
feed first. This town is home to a slayer and I do not wish to draw attention."

"Of course. Um, who should I ah...bite?"

"Oh, Alexander you are truly a delight. Sit, I shall call Cassandra and Amelia. You should feed from both of them as I have not given you my blood this day."

After feeding Xander left the estate, it was the only acceptable description of the house, if Angels place was a mansion then this place was truly an estate. He had thought about going to the Magic Box but he wasn't sure if he was being followed. That ruled out the Bronze or any other place his friends went to. Sighing in disgust he headed to the only place left to him, Willy's bar.

The room fell silent when Xander walked into the dimly lit demon bar. The other patrons could tell that while he was newly made, he was very strong. Xander ignored the assorted demons and eventually they all went back to their business. Xander plopped himself on a stool at the bar and waited for Willy to come to him.

"Hey kid, tough break. It was bound to happen sooner or later hanging around with the slayer."

"Yeah. It was always a possibility. Give me a beer alright."

"Sure thing kid. Look, I gotta ask ya, who's your Sire?"

"Kinda personal don't you think."

"Well it's just, there's some weird shit going on the last few days, a lot of new vamps in town, Angel harassing me from LA to deliver blood to Spike at the watchers shop, and you come in here tonight not even dead a week and more powerful than Angelus himself. I'm just trying to figure out if I should be scared or not. You understand."

"Yeah I do. Did you say you were delivering blood to Spike?"

"Yeah. Every other day. It's going to ruin my reputation."

"I need a favour. In return I'll answer a few of your questions. Deal?"

"Deal. What do you need?"

"A pen, some paper and an envelope to start. Then I want you to deliver the envelope to Spike with his blood shipment. If you snoop, I'll find out. You don't want to cross me. What I'll do to you will make the slayers attentions feel like a lovers caress. Understood?"

"Yeah. No problem. I'll be seeing him tomorrow right after sunset. That soon enough?"

"It'll do. Now, paper, pen , envelope?"

Willy rushed off to find the requested items for the newest powerful vampire to fuck with his life. He started to seriously consider relocating off the mouth of Hell. It attracted all the weirdoes and power-hungry demons.

Willy places the items on the bar in front of Xander along with another beer and hurried away. Xander wrote a brief but detailed account of his turning, including his theory of having a soul. He Also informed Spike of Anya's death. He sealed the envelope and placed a small drop of blood on the top left corner. He then motioned for Willy to return.

"I'm finished. You still want answers?"

"Uh, yeah I guess."

"Don't guess. Do you or don't you?"

"I do."

"Good enough. First, let me say that I will not name my Sire. I will tell you that he is not here to cause trouble with the slayer, he has no designs on the Hell mouth nor are we staying for any length of time. I don't know what Angels deal is, but I doubt it has anything to do with us. He's been kept in the dark about Spike's.....problem, most likely he just recently found out and this is his attempt to make it up to him and alleviate his own guilt. That's all I'm going to tell you. Now, is that sufficient to ensure that my message gets delivered?"

"S sure. no problem."

"Thank you. What do I owe you for the beers?"

"On me. Sort of a welcome to how the other half lives. Or doesn't I guess. Take your pick."

Xander nodded his acceptance of the offer and swallowed down the barely cool liquid. He stood, turned on his heel and left the bar. Hopefully Spike would take the letter for what it is. A warning. Since waking up a member of the fang club Xander had come to understand Spike in ways he never thought possible. He hoped that if they both survived this they might become friends. At least.

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