The Viking Hunter
By JamesChick
Chapter Nine
Spike wandered through town keeping in the shadows trying to find Xander or at least one of the vamps that beat him up the other night so he could follow it. So far no such luck. Thor must be keeping a low profile in town. Spike was guessing he was avoiding having the slayer learn of his presence, he must not know that Spike was a part of their little do-gooder brigade.
After a few hours of wandering around and finding nothing Spike decided to go to Willy's and see if he was aware of the new power in town. Maybe he could find out where Thor was staying. Willy was nothing if not informed. For a snivelling, pathetic little human, Willy knew how to stay alive living on the mouth of Hell. Never choose sides and gather and give information to whoever was your biggest threat at the moment. Most demons wouldn't think twice about killing Willy if he wasn't so well informed. Spike would bet money that Willy knew what colour the slayers knickers were today.
It took Spike about a half hour to get to the bar and in that time he thought about what he would do if it turned out Xander was a vampire. He could warn the boy, get him out of town before his friends cursed him like they did to peaches last time Angelus made an appearance, or he could drag him back to the shop and restrain him until his friends cursed him. He wouldn't stake him. Not a chance in Hell. He finally decided to talk to the watcher first, if they could change the curse, no loop-holes, then he would help them re-soul the boy. Otherwise he would tell the bugger to run, vampires - souled or not - should not be forced to live without sex. Killing - whether it was for food or sport, fucking and fighting were the main attraction of their existence. Angel could do two of the three, but without the sex look at how bloody miserable he was. He wouldn't inflict that on Xander. One broody brunette in his unlife was more than enough.
Spike knew something was up with Willy the moment he entered the bar. The greasy little man paled visibly and scurried into the back room. Spike was never a patient vampire so instead of waiting at the bar like a good little vamp, he went after him.
Willy was waiting in the store room for Spike, he knew he would follow him in here and to tell the truth he was glad to see him. He wanted to deliver the message to him and get him and the letter out of his bar. For some reason ever since Xander had been in earlier that night his clientele, especially the vampires, had been acting on edge.
"H hey Spike."
"Willy. Some reason you're hiding from me?"
"Not from you, look I was hoping you'd follow me in here okay?"
"Look, you're not my type mate. Can't blame ya for finding me attractive though. I am a handsome bloke."
"Uh...okay? I have a message for you. Here, now please leave."
"What's this then? Who's it from and who gave it to you.?"
"It's from the same person who gave it to me. He was here earlier and wrote it at the bar. He asked me to give it to you tomorrow when I drop off your blood. Seeing as your here now you can take it and leave. My customers have been acting strange all night, I'm surprised you haven't noticed anything."
"Oh I have, there's a sense of power hanging in the air here, just that I'm a master vampire. Things like that don't bother me much."
Spike examined the envelope in his hand, he immediately noticed the blood on the upper corner. He sniffed at it and then touched his tongue to the stain. He tasted power and age in the blood, but also youth and sadness. It was a strange sensation. He realized that the blood was probably the source of the fledgling vampires agitation.
"You tell me who gave you this, and then I'll leave and take the source of your customers aggravation with me."
"Xander, okay. The white knight is now the black knight. He came in here for a beer tonight, we talked. He asked me to give you this. Now you have it. Leave please?"
Spike stopped listening to Willy as soon as he'd heard him say the message was from Xander. He looked at the small white envelope in his hand, rather he looked at the drop of blood staining the corner of the envelope. It was a very personal thing to do, leave your blood on a message. It allowed the receiver to know things about you on an intimate level. Had Xander known what he was doing when he marked it?
Spike thrust the envelope into his pocket and left the bar. Willy sighed with relief, hopefully his customers would calm down and business would return to normal.
Spike wanted to be alone when he read over Xanders message, he couldn't go back to the shop without seeing the others and as they had no respect for his privacy the crypt was out as well. That left the one place that he was sure he wouldn't be disturbed. Xanders.
He got to the apartment building as quickly as he could while still being on the look out for trouble from Thor and his boys. Once inside he sat on the sofa and drew the letter from his pocket. He tore the envelope open and drew out the single sheet of cheap lined paper. He read.
Hey Spike,A funny thing happened to me on the way to LA. I kinda died. Anya's dead too but not in the running around snacking on people way that I am. Look, first off let me say that I apologise for every crack I ever made about your chipped state, I understand the bloodlust a whole lot better than I ever wanted too. Also while I'm on a roll here, Angelus and Dru. I get it now. My Sire, geeze I never thought I'd say that, I hate the bastard! He killed me, let one of his greasy minions eat Anya and then introduced me to the wonderful world of male/male sex. Not something I really wanted to explore as one of the pulse-bearing, breathing types. So yeah, I get it now. I'm sorry I was such a bastard to you.
I think something went wrong with my turning, actually I know something did. I still have my soul Spike. I don't know why or how. I do however know that sex is not an issue so I must not be cursed like Angel. I sort of hope you can smooth things over with the guys before they see me and go stake happy.
The other reason why I'm sending you this message is to warn you. My Sire, his name is Thor, if that means anything, is hunting you. The other night when those minions grabbed you was just a test. He was watching, seeing how you fight. I was there, I don't know if you saw him or me but I got him to let you go. What happened when we got home....let's just say you owe me pal! Okay, so no use trying to convince another vampire that sex is a chore, you would never buy it. But still you owe me for shortening your beating.
I'm going to try to get away from him but it won't be easy. I have a soul but he's my Sire. I know you can understand this. Running won't help you Spike. He expects it, wants it even. He loves the thrill of the hunt. He's old and powerful and unlike any vampire I've ever heard about. He feeds mostly from willing donors, and hunts master vampires for sport. Be careful.
Don't show this letter to anyone okay? The sex part will probably freak them all out. Well you can show it to G-Man if you have to but make sure you tell me the look on his face when he reads it! Take care of my girls for me. If I never see them again it won't be for lack of trying. I will come back if I can.
Xander.
Spike folded the letter up and put it back in the envelope. He tore the bloodstained corner off and then shoved the envelope back in his pocket. He looked at the stained scrap of paper in his hand. Closing his eyes he put the tiny fragment in his mouth and let it sit on his tongue for a long time before he swallowed it.
Chapter Ten
Spike left Xander's apartment and headed for the shop. Giles and the witches would most likely be there still researching Thor. Well he had all the proof he needed that he was in trouble, a warning from Xander.
When Spike entered the rear door of the Magic Box he slipped into the small office and waited for Giles to come in. He didn't have to wait long, Giles had been watching for him.
Spike looked up when the door open and the watcher stepped into the room.
"Did you find anything Spike?"
"Yeah, more than I was expecting mate. Here read this then we'll talk"
Spike retrieved the letter from his coat and handed it to Giles. Giles opened the envelope and withdrew the sheet of paper. He sat down in shock as he realised who the letter was from. Spike watched with some amusement as shock, sadness and even humour played across the man's features. When he was finished he handed the letter back to Spike who put it back in his coat.
"Dear lord."
"'Bout sums it up."
"How did you get this?"
"Willy. Seems Xander was in earlier this evening and left it for me."
"Do you think it could be a set-up? His saying he has a soul? A way to trap you for his Sire?"
"No. Not Xander, 'sides I could tell from his blood."
"Blood? What blood Spike? I didn't see any blood!"
"That's 'cause I ate it. It was on the envelope, he marked it with his blood. The boy's smarter than you lot ever gave him credit for. He knew that I would be able to sense things from tasting his blood. I guess it was a way for him to prove himself. To me anyway. Look Rupes, I believe him and I know more about vampires than you do."
"You're right. Now we must figure out how it is that he has his soul, and whether there is a chance that he could lose it."
"Been thinking about that one too. Ask the witches. Red there is probably responsible, whenever something strange is going on she's usually the reason behind it. Dangerous little chit, she is."
"Again, good idea. How is it that you know so much about us and yet Buffy beat you every time?"
"Lack of patience mate, that and nothing else. You lot would have been dead and buried years ago if I had any patience at all."
"Well then, lucky for us that you're such a hyper vampire then isn't it?"
"That it is. When are you gonna tell the birds?"
"I should wait until Buffy returns from patrol. Willow, Tara and Dawn are still researching Thor."
"They find anything?"
"Nothing that we didn't already know."
The two men went back out to the front of the shop and joined the others. They continued their search for information on Thor but were greatly unsuccessful. Other than a few paragraphs here and there reporting a sighting or describing a particular 'hunt' with another vampire, there was nothing. Buffy returned an hour later and flung herself into one of the chairs.
"How was patrol Buffy?"
"Grrr. I ran into a Pl'thar demon in the park. I had to chase him for four blocks before I caught him. Then I broke two nails while fighting with him. I killed him but he slimed my new jacket. Then I ran into some of Spike's new friends. Let me tell you, those aren't weak fledges. Definitely stronger than your average bear. They got away. Sorry. Then I finished my route and here I am."
"How many of them slayer?"
"Huh?"
"Minions! How many?"
"Oh, four of them. Why?"
"Well, it took six of them to get me is all."
"Spike! This is hardly the time to compare abilities with Buffy. Children, I have some rather bad news."
Giles told them about Xander's being turned, about Thor being his Sire, that Anya was killed, and that they believed that Xander had his soul. He mentioned the letter that Spike had received and that yes he had read it and no Buffy could not see it. He told them that Xander did not want them to read it, that it was a personal issue and he would not budge on this.
The girls all had a good cry, Tara held Willow while she sobbed in her arms and Buffy and Dawn held each other while they cried. Eventually Dawn was transferred to Spike who sat with her in his lap while she clung to him so that Buffy and Giles could speak in private.
"Giles, this is no longer just Spike's problem. It became personal the minute that bastard killed my friends! I would have staked him anyway for coming after Spike, but now he's going to die painfully!"
"Buffy, do try to calm yourself. This isn't helping anyone. Thor is old. Older than the master by centuries! If you go running off half-cocked all you will succeed in doing is getting yourself killed. We need to plan."
"I know, I just hate this! Xander was my friend, and I was even getting used to Anya and her blunt ways. I miss them. I should have saved them, I'm the slayer that's what I do."
"You can't blame yourself Buffy, you can't guard them twenty-four hours a day."
"I know, but it hurts. I don't want to lose anyone else."
"Xander is still with us, he has his soul. He may be changed but he is still Xander and still your friend."
"Yeah, but how do I get him back? Thor isn't going to just let him go."
"No he isn't. We'll find a way."
Giles held Buffy for a few minutes while she tried to collect herself. Meanwhile in the other room a sobbing Willow finally started to calm down. Tara continued to try and sooth her girlfriend. Spike held Dawn and stroked her hair while she sniffled against his chest. Suddenly Willow sat up.
"Xander has a soul? OH MY GOD! IT WORKED!"
"What worked witch? What did you do?"
Giles and Buffy heard Willow yell and ran into the room just in time to hear Spike ask her what she had done.
"Yes Willow, do tell us what you did."
"Well, I, um, remember when Dracula was here? How he wanted Buffy and made Xander eat bugs?"
"Yes."
"Well after that I started thinking about what would happen if someone like him came around again. You know that I've been studying Angel's curse Right? Well I came up with a way to secure a persons soul to their body in case they were turned. If Xander had died his soul would have left, like anyone else but the spell made it so that if he was turned, his soul would be permanently anchored. He can't lose it like Angel can."
"Willow! Although I am pleased that Xander is still essentially Xander, what you did was wrong. Did you even think to ask him if he would want this? Who else have you performed this spell on?"
"Um, everyone."
"WHAT?!?"
"I was trying to help! We all know too much about each other and Buffy! If any of us were turned than we would be a very big threat to the rest of the group. Do you think that if Xander didn't have a soul that we would be sitting here right now? NO! He would have told Thor all of our secrets, and they would have attacked by now! Buffy, I'm sorry but Dawn is the key, just because Glory is dead doesn't mean that the threat to her is over. Someone else, a wizard or a Demi-God or just about anything could learn of her blood. I was trying to protect her as well."
Willow's speech shocked everyone into silence. They hadn't considered the implications of one of them being turned before. She was right, they would turn on the rest of the group if they became a vampire. Spike was the first one to find his voice again. The idea that Dawn could still be in danger was what got to him.
"You did good Red! It makes sense. Hell if I still had my bite that's what I would do, it's what I was gonna do actually. You remember that night in your dorm room? There was no choice, I'd have turned you."
"I know. That was when I started working on Angels curse. I was hoping to have something permanent to use, just in case. But then after Dracula, I realised that we wouldn't have time to do the curse after it had happened so I started working on ways to do it before it happened."
"I'm sorry I yelled Willow. It's just, I don't like having things done to me without consent."
"I understand Giles. I should have asked first."
Meanwhile outside across the street two vampires were watching the emotional display with avid interest.
Chapter ElevenIt had been almost two weeks since Xander had been turned. The gang was planning their attack on Thor, Spike had questioned Willy every time he showed up to delivered his blood and Thor's minions continued to watch Spike from a distance.
Xander had learned a lot in the past two weeks. He could now feed on his own without worrying about taking too much. Thor had taught him how to fight, something Xander found he was quite adept at now. He was strong, stronger than he thought he was. He also learned a great deal about money, how to invest it, where to invest it, what banks to use, that sort of thing. Thor set up accounts for him, credit cards, properties and the like. He encouraged him to go shopping, taking him to LA to buy a new wardrobe. Xander was having a good time in spite of himself. He really missed his friends and Anya but he couldn't think about them right now. There would be time for grieving later. He was trying to keep Thor occupied in the hopes that he might give up his quest to kill Spike. Xander still wasn't sure how he felt about the bleached blond vampire but he wanted a chance to find out.
One night after a vigorous training session, Thor had six of his minions fight Xander at once, he was called to the library to speak with his Sire.
"You are almost ready Alexander."
"Ready for what Sire?"
"The hunt of course."
"You want me to hunt with you?"
"Yes. Very much so. I haven't had a worthy hunting partner since my beautiful Katrina was killed four hundred years ago."
"Katrina?"
"She was my second Childe. A slayer got her when she was travelling on her own. My first Childe, Gabriella, I made when I was barely two hundred. She and I were together for almost three hundred years. She betrayed me and I killed her. I loved her, and she betrayed me. It was the worst time in my life, I mourned her for over one hundred years. But this is not something you want to hear about. Now, back to the hunt. We will start tracking our prey tomorrow night. The minions have been keeping an eye on our William. It seems he has taken up with the slayer and he has a group of humans he protects, should make things more interesting don't you think?"
"Um, yeah I guess."
"Do not be afraid, you are more than a match for William or the slayer. You have the strength of my blood running through your veins. I would not let you fight if I wasn't sure you could beat them."
"Oh, okay. I was going to go out tonight is that alright with you?"
"Of course Alexander. Just remember to avoid the slayer and William. And do feed before you leave."
"Of course Sire."
Xander hurried to his room and showered and dressed. He fed from two of the servants that were cleaning the upstairs and then hurried to Willy's.
The bar was relatively quiet that night, just a few fledges who left moments after Xander walked in, and a few assorted demons playing cards at a table near the back. Xander went to the bar and ordered a beer.
"I assume Spike got the message?"
"Oh yeah, same night you were here. He stopped by so I gave it to him."
"Good. I need you to deliver another one. Tonight."
"Uh, sure. No problem. You need paper?"
"Yeah, pen and an envelope too."
Willy set the supplies in front of Xander and left him alone to write. Xander sipped at his beer as he composed his message.
Spike,
Thor is taking me 'hunting' with him tomorrow night. We're just going to be tracking you from what I understand. He knows of your association with the slayer and the fact that you protect a group of humans but I don't think he knows about the witches. Could be used to your advantage. I hope you're taking good care of my girls for me. I miss them, Giles too. Hell I even miss you. Haven't had anyone to trade insults with. Although I guess I'm going to have to be more creative now that all the undead ones apply to me as well! Oh well, there is still your peroxide fetish to exploit. That and your love of dead cow skin.
I learned a couple of things about my Sire that might help. He's had two Childer before me, both female. Gabriella was the first. He killed her for betraying him. She was about 300 or so then. He said he was around 200 when he made her. Katrina was his second. A slayer got her about 400 years ago. He said he mourned Gabriella for a century, so If he turned Katrina after the mourning period, he would have been 600 years old at that point. He said she died 400 years ago so that puts Thor at least 1000 years old, more depending on how long Katrina lived. Christ Spike, this is bad! I hope to hell you guys are ready for this. Maybe you should call in the LA guys. I know, I hate the bastard too but if he can help you have to do it! You have to make sure he doesn't get to the girls.
I can't promise to be much help. I won't hurt you or the others, but I don't know if I can go against my Sire. I hope you can explain that to the others. I don't really understand half the instincts I have, but when I try to picture myself staking him, I feel like shit. It hurts. Do you understand this? Or is this part of my soul-having experience? Then again Angel staked Darla so I guess not. If I ever get out of this, you and me going to have a chat. I have some questions to ask and some apologies to make. But I refuse to say sorry to deadboy! I draw the line there.
Look Spike, I don't know what else to tell you. If I hear anything else I'll get word to you through Willy. He is quite the toady isn't he? Take care of yourself and be careful. I mean that Spike. I
don't want you dusted.Xander.
Xander folded the letter and stuck it into the envelope. He sealed it and once again placed a single drop of blood on the upper corner of the envelope. He finished his beer, handed the envelope to Willy with the instructions of delivering it right away and then left.
Chapter Twelve
Spike and Giles were just leaving the Magic Box when Willy approached them. He looked behind him nervously and motioned toward the door. They stepped back inside the shop and locked the door.
"Wasn't expecting to see you again tonight. What brings you by?"
"I have another message for you. He said it had to be delivered tonight. Here take it."
Willy handed the letter over to Spike and made for the door. Giles put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"How is he doing? Does he look well?"
"How should I know? He looks like a vampire! He creeps out my customers when he comes around and frankly the guy gives me the creeps. I'll take my chances with the slayer any day thanks."
"Well I'll be sure to pass that on to Buffy. She'll be happy to know that you're not scared of her."
"Hey! No need to stir up trouble. I got enough of that on my own. Can I just please leave here? You are aware that there are vamps outside watching you aren't you? I'd like to get out of here in one piece. this place got a back exit?"
Spike had enough. He wanted to get rid of Willy and read the message from Xander. He opened the door threw Willy into the street and hollered into the night.
"Here you go boys, have at him!"
Willy didn't stop to look around, he just ran for his car and jumped in. If you were listening you'd have heard him cursing as he peeled away.
Back in the shop Spike strode over to the stairs and tore open the envelope. Before he read the letter he once again tore off the stained part of the paper and placed it in his mouth. Verifying that it was indeed Xander's blood, he opened the letter and began to read.
Giles watched as Spike read through the letter, he didn't miss the significance of the bloody paper being tasted before hand. It was akin to a signature in vampire culture. Even though he wanted to go over and rip the page from Spike's hands so that he could read it he waited. He knew that Spike would share any relevant information with him. Besides, from the look of wonderment on the vampires face he gathered that this letter had been personal as well.
Finally Spike stuffed the letter back into the envelope and placed it in his coat pocket. He looked at the ex-watcher with a sad smile.
Time to go home mate, I'll explain it to ya when we get there. You got anything stronger than tea there?"
"Yes, I'm assuming it isn't pleasant news then?"
"Not by half, Rupert. Not by bloody half."
An hour later found Spike and Giles sitting in the living room sharing a bottle of scotch. Spike told Rupert the information Xander had gathered on Thor and his Childer, his worry about the girls and how he missed them all. They had decided to call in Angel, against Spikes protests of him being a 'bloody poof ' and ' a guilt ridden nancy-boy caped avenger ' and that Spike didn't need any help from the likes of him. Giles had said that while Spike may not need Angel's assistance, Buffy and most certainly Xander would. That ended the discussion and the two were now waiting for Angel to arrive from LA.
It didn't take Angel long to get underway. He had been packed and ready to go since that first phone call two weeks ago. He left a note for Cordelia telling her that Spike needed him and that he would be back soon. He asked that they not follow him as this was "Family Business" and not their concern. He was sure that Wesley would explain enough about the Sire/Chide relationship to her that she would respect his request.
The very fact that it had been two weeks since Thor had targeted Spike for a hunt and hadn't yet faced him confused Angel a great deal. He could only figure that teaching Xander was keeping him quite busy. Why anyone would want to spend eternity with Xander Harris was mind boggling to the dark haired vampire. That would be like spending eternity in the seventh circle of Hell as far as he was concerned.
As the 'Welcome To Sunnydale' sign, which someone had creatively spray painted 'Hell' over 'dale', loomed up in the distance, Angel got the feeling that something bad was going to happen if they all weren't very careful in the next couple of days.
"God I hate this town!"