Part XIII - Consequences

Title: Inhuman Hearts

Pairing: B/S

Rating of the entire story: NC-17

Rating of this part: PG

Spoiler: Up to Normal Again.

Disclamer: I don't own them. Not mine.



Part XIII - Consequences

Buffy stood there, with her mouth open trying desperately to inhale, but she felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room and she was left there to suffocate. Willow’s last words kept ringing so loud in her ears that she could hardly hear the rest of the explanation.

“Buffy?” Willow called out “Please don’t go all zombie on us again.” She pleaded.

“Slayer!” Spike tried to snap her out of it by shaking her to the core.

Buffy was brought back to reality by the feel of strong arms holding her from behind.

“How?” she asked unemotionally, her eyes stone cold.

“I checked for the meaning of the word Gyali, which I thought translated into has, which-which it does but…” Willow paused trying to get a grip on her emotions and then continued “it turns out that in older scrolls it can also mean to have, as in to bare, you know, to-to be born.”

Buffy looked at her friend confused and Willow decided to cut to the chase.

“The correct translation would be… He who possesses an inhuman heart… born from the Slayer’s… blood.” Willow exhaled sharply as she finished speaking.

There was complete silence. All four stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Suddenly Spike lunged across the room in It’s direction.

“Where is she?” he growled in a low and chilling tone as his grip tightened around the demon’s neck.

“Me-“

The vampire didn’t even give it anytime to answer strangling the creature till it couldn’t breathe.

“Spike, stop it! You’ll kill It!” Willow shouted trying to pull Spike off It.

“Where is she?” he continued snarling, not paying any attention to the witch.

“Tara do something!” Willow begged as she saw the creature turning bluer and bluer in the hands of the vampire.

“Separate!” as Tara said the word Spike and the Khind’Ara demon were thrown in opposite directions across the room.

It coughed uncontrollably, bringing its scrawny hand to rest on its throat. As the normal complexion of the creature returned, it was able to speak:

“Me…” cough “want to help.”

“Start speaking.” Buffy ordered.

“Me no know.”

“Wrong answer!” Spike roared making his way towards the creature with threatening eyes.

Buffy turned around and stepped in his way. She looked up at him and spoke in a low and strangely calm tone:

“Sit.” She turned to face the creature taking the dagger that had been tucked in her jeans in her hand. “Do you know this?”

It looked at the weapon and stuttered:

“Master want that. Master order men to get.”

“You’re master ordered who?”

“Tall, black face.” It answered.

“The same men that-that attacked us back at the Magic Shop.” Tara recalled.

As the image of the men’s masks flashed in front of Buffy she remembered the symbol carved into them.

“Willow, there was something carved in their masks, remember?”

The witch nodded.

“We have to check the books back in the Magic Shop.” Buffy offered.

********************************

“That’s it.” Buffy pointed at the symbol sketched in one of the pages of the large book.

“That’s the symbol of the Climes.” Willow informed as she read.

“Does it say anything else. Their habits, anything special about them?” Buffy inquired.

“I’ll have to read more on them.” Willow informed.

“Maybe there is something in this one.” Anya suggested carrying a large volume in her arms.

“Let me help.” Xander offered.

“Alexander Harris, sit your butt down.” Anya ordered dropping the book on the table. Xander obeyed sitting back down.

Everyone picked up a book and started reading, except for It who sat in a corner, chained to a pillar. Hours passed and nothing. Willow raised her eyes from the stuffy volume she was skimming through to look up at Buffy.

“Don’t worry. They can’t do anything to her if they don’t have the dagger.”

“I know.” She spoke coldly and unemotionally, her eyes never leaving the book in front of her.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine.” The same distant voice came from her.

Willow gave up and returned to her researching.

****************************************

Sunny morning came, was replaced by dusky afternoon and still they sat around the table reading through the dusty pages. Xander’s head was slumped over his book and his drool pooled from his mouth over the yellow page.

“Honey, wake up.” Anya called tapping him lightly on the shoulder.

“Huh, what?” Xander looked around like a lost puppy.

“You’re ruining the book.”

“Hum… Sorry.”

Tara yawned as she flipped through the book for the fifth time.

“You better rest for a while, luv.” Spike suggested as he noticed the deep dark circles around the Wicca’s eyes.

“I’m ok, Spike.”

The vampire nodded and returned to his own book.

“She hasn’t moved from there since we arrived.” Tara commented with Willow, pointing towards the tired Slayer sitting on the stairs reading through a book. “She hasn’t said a word about Dawn. She ju-just sits there flipping through the pages.”

“I know. I tried to talk about it with her but she avoided me, saying that everything would be fine, but she-she seems so… distant.” Willow whispered with sad eyes.

She had never seen her friend like that. In total Slayer mode she was icy-cold and machine like. Willow stood and walked over to her friend.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” Buffy greeted back, her gaze still buried between the pages.

“Don’t you think you should get some sleep. It’s been over a day, you must be exhausted.”

“I’m fine.”

“Buffy, look at me.” Willow waited for her friend to raise her head, when she did the Wicca continued. “Are you sure?”

Buffy smiled weakly and uttered in a phoney joyful tone. “I’m fine, Willow.” And turned her attention back to the book on her lap.

The redhead sighed and made her way back to her seat.

************************************

The hours passed and night fell around them. Under the artificial light of the various lamps scattered around the Magic Shop the gang continued incessantly skimming through the old books.

In the training room, Buffy relentlessly kicked the punching bag, the dagger ready in her hand. She was so engulfed in her practice that she didn’t even notice Spike walking into the room.

He watched from afar as she massacred the bag. Her eyes were fuzzy and void of any emotion. A chill ran down Spike’s spine at the thought of how much she reminded him of the Buffybot. At that moment, even the robot seemed to have more life and humanity than the mound of muscle and skin shaped into the Slayer that stood before him.

“Trying to tire yourself out, Slayer?” he asked.

She was a bit startled by his presence, but soon she returned to her state of indifference.

“Wouldn’t you rather kick something that might fight back?” he asked stepping closer to her.

“You” punch “offering?” kick.

Spike nodded and she immediately stopped kicking the bag, tucked the dagger in her pants behind her and turned to face him. Without giving him any warning, she swung her leg high in the air and her foot connected with his face. Loosing his balance, Spike landed on the floor, staring up at the Slayer.

The vampire was about to protest, but realised that it was useless. Instead, he jumped to his feet and threw a punch that hit Buffy straight in her stomach. She bent over from the force of the impact. After a few seconds she looked up, her hands covered her sore belly.

What Spike saw in her eyes brought a mixture of angst and calm over him. Is that a spark of rage? Spike wasn’t able to answer his the question before the hint of emotion in her eyes vanished. She stood there, immobile and lifeless once more.

Spike’s leg flew up for a back kick, which Buffy easily blocked grabbing his foot and pushing it against him, causing him to be propelled across the room. Spike stood up once more and lunged at her. They fell to the floor together, rolling a few times before she ended up sitting on top of him throwing quick jabs at him. But contrary to what had happen weeks before in the dark alley, Spike didn’t lay there taking it, instead he grabbed her wrists and flipped her over. It was his turn to straddle her; her arms tightly secured over her head and her legs trapped between his. She struggled to free herself but it was useless. For some reason the vampire was too strong this night.

“Had enough?” he hissed with a serious face.

She answered by relentlessly trying to free herself.

“Slayer!” she continued to struggle. “Slayer!” he shouted loud enough to be heard in the entire Magic Shop.

“What was that?” Xander asked getting up and heading towards the training room.

“Xander, sit down.” Anya ordered.

“But Spike’s-“ he tried to explain but the ex-demon intervened once more.

“Xander, for once butt out of Buffy’s business.” Anya hissed. He had no choice but to sit back down when he saw Tara and Willow’s faces.

Back in the training room Buffy continued to struggle under Spike’s tight grip.

“Slayer!” he shouted once more, banging her arms on the floor over her head. “Bloody hell, look at me woman!”

At the sound of his angry voice she stopped struggling and looked up at him.

“You are too tired. You have to sleep. If these Climes guys come lurkin’ around here you won’t be able to fight them. You’re too weak.” He spoke calmly, but his concern was evident.

“Please let go of me.” She asked automatically.

Spike sighed and let go of her arms. The moment she felt his grip loosen she pushed him off her. The vampire lay on the floor facing her as she hovered over him.

“I’m fine.” She spat out turning around to leave.

In a fraction of a second he was up and standing in front of her, effectively blocking her passage.

“Stop saying that.” He hissed.

As a response he received a strong punch in the face that made his head fly back. After the initial shock he returned the pleasantry by jabbing her twice. They resumed sparing, none of them holding back.

“Give it a” punch “rest” punch “Slayer!” kick, kick. “Stop” jab “acting like” punch “a bloody zombie.”

At his words Buffy doubled the frequency of her punches, but they seemed to loose strength. Fatigue, the lack of sleep, her fears over Dawn took their toll on her.

Spike saw the change in her. Her eyes welled up with tears and her punches gradually became weaker, until Spike stopped fighting back.

“How didn’t I know?” Buffy cried out, as her fists hit Spike’s chest. For a normal guy that would cause them to fall to the floor in pain, but for a vampire her assaults filed more under rough caresses. “I should have know. I was so stupid.”

“You couldn’t have known.” He whispered, standing there taking every hit she threw at him.

“I-I…” she tried to speak. Buffy felt an onslaught of emotions take over her and she couldn’t keep the tears from streaming down her face.

The sight of the crying Slayer caused a conflict inside Spike’s mind. On one end his pride and his bruised ego pulled him away from her, on the other his bashed heart begged him to forgive her, to whisper in her ear that everything would be ok. It took only seconds for the battle to end and for the former to be deemed the loser party. In the blink of an eye he his hands held hers, pulling them towards his chest. Slowly his arms curled around her tiny waist, holding her steadily against him.

As she felt him surround her, she allowed herself to break down and slowly slump to the floor, dragging Spike with her.

They sat on the cold wood; he cradled her head on his chest as she sobbed uncontrollably. She forced the air into her lungs but her stiffened throat wouldn’t allow it, so he started gently caressing her hair as he rocked back and forth.

“Shhhh…” he tried to calm her down.

Eventually she was able to control her breathing. She clung to his shirt, nuzzling her face on the rough cloth, mumbling muffled and confused words as the fear subsided and sleepiness settled in.

“I should…” sob “…known.” Snivel “I…”

“Shhhh… Don’t think about that now. Just go to sleep.” Spike’s soothing words echoed in her ears as she slowly drifted into slumber.

********************************

“Shouldn’t we go and check on them or something.” Xander suggested for the six time that night.

“Go to sleep.” Anya mumbled tightening her grip on her lover. They lay sprawled on the floor, while Tara and Willow continued to research.

“But…” he insisted, but when he saw Anya’s annoyed glance in his direction he decided it was in his best interest to shut up.

Willow smiled at Tara. They had gotten a few hours of sleep and now it was their turn to keep watch. The Wicca scribbled a little note and passed it to the brown-haired girl.

“Do you think they’ve made up?” Tara read and wrote her answer on the same piece of paper.

“I hope so. They’ve gotten back to their usual bickering and they are sleeping all cuddled up.”

As Willow read the answer she looked up at Tara, a frown settled on her eyebrows. “Not Anya and Xander.” She whispered and pointed to the training room as she added. “Them.”

“Oh, them! I don’t know! At least they stopped shouting, I think that’s a good sign.” Tara smiled sweetly and Willow felt her hear melt.

*********************************

In a dark room, a hooded figure walked slowly towards a marble altar, where Dawn’s feeble body lay motionless. Around them men chanted in an ancient language. As the man reached his destination the young teenager started waking from her tired slumber. She opened her eyes just in time to see a dagger coming down on her chest.

“BUFFY!” she cried out as the blade cut through her tender skin.

Part XIV - Realisation

Title: Inhuman Hearts

Pairing: B/S

Rating of the entire story: NC-17

Rating of this part: NC-17

Spoiler: Up to Normal Again.

Disclamer: I don't own them. Not mine.



Part XIV - Realisation

“BUFFY!” she cried out as the blade cut through her tender skin.

“DAWN!” Buffy sat up, heaving uncontrollably, tears streaming down her sweaty cheeks as the gruesome images still played out in front of her eyes.

“Buffy, it’s just a dream.” A familiar voice whispered from behind her.

Startled, she turned to see the vampire sitting next to her, his hand lightly caressing her back.

“God, it was horrible!” she breathed as her heart raced in her chest.

Spike moved in closer as he noticed Buffy’s new stream of salty tears run down her face. He cupped her head in his hand and brought it to his shoulder.

“I can’t just sit here and do nothing.” She said weakly.

“They can’t harm her if they don’t have the dagger.” Spike explained.

Buffy immediately went for the blade tucked in her pants and clung to it as if to life itself, rocking back and forth cuddled up in the vampire’s long arms. She inhaled sharply taking in his scent; the familiar mixture of cigarettes and alcohol assaulted her nostrils and she couldn’t help nuzzling against him. She moved her nose up, down and back up his chest until she reached the tender and pale skin of his neck.

A jolt of electricity run down Spike’s back as he felt her dry lips brush against his neck. Buffy’s left hand let go of the dagger, that was sill trapped in her right one, to slip in between the buttons of his shirt. As the tips of her fingers caressed the soft fabric of his white t-shirt, she gently pushed his chest down to the floor. Spike resisted at first, but soon he lay on the floor, Buffy’s warm body moving snake-like over him.

Buffy’s lips ran along his jaw line until she found his dry ones. Her hair fell around his face as she opened her mouth and sucked in his lower lip. Spike remained motionless under her weight, as the intensity of the moment overwhelmed him. In his mind, the war between his ego and his heart raged once more, as Buffy’s legs parted and took his between them.

Unconsciously, Spike parted his lips, giving her full access to plunder his mouth. And so she did. Her moist tongue slipped in, sluggishly exploring every inch of him, until it connected with his own. At the feel and taste of him, Buffy felt something inside her break free.

Slowly the battle in Spike’s mind subsided and his hands were free to roam over her body. One slipped behind her back under her shirt, while the other took its place over the nape of her neck as he hungrily opened his mouth to deepen the kiss.

As their tongues danced and battled, Buffy’s fingers struggled to unbutton his shirt. Eventually, she succeeded and proceeded with undressing him by slipping her warm hand under his t-shirt. She gasped at the feel of his hard muscles under her.

Spike moved his own hand up her back, dragging her grey t-shirt with it. They broke the kiss for a second as they slipped their shirts over their heads. When the uncomfortable items were out of their way their lips met once more.

Their bare stomachs lightly brushed over each other and Spike moaned into her mouth. His hand travelled up and down her back until he found her braw. It took him a second to unclasp it, move his fingers over her shoulders and down her arms dragging the straps with them and take off her braw.

The feel of her erect nipples pressing against his chest made him gasp and suddenly his jeans were getting a little too tight, biting into his swollen cock.

The pain faded away as Buffy moved her hand between their bodies and started undoing his jeans. She slipped her fingers in, slowly stroking him. The vampire growled, lightly nipping her lips. He tugged at the edge of her pants, pulling them down.

It didn’t take long for Spike’s jeans to be taken off too and soon he lay naked under her. As the vampire now tugged at her panties, Buffy returned her small hand to his groin, moving at a slow and steady rhythm. As the thin layer of cotton came off, Spike could feel the heat emanating from between her legs. All he wanted to do was bury himself deep inside her, but he knew she needed to do this at her own pace.

Her hand abandoned his swollen member as she moved to position herself over him. She moved in an agonizingly slow way and he released his frustration by ravaging her mouth.

She parted her legs, setting one on each side of his thighs, her wet opening hovering over his throbbing cock. His hands rested on her thighs and Spike resisted the urge to push her down.

Buffy broke the kiss and as she raised her torso, her hips came down. He was able to strangle a cry in his throat as he felt her heat envelop him, but as he opened his eyes and saw her, naked, sitting on top of him with her head fallen back, a groan escaped his parted lips.

She sat there for a while, adjusting to his size. Then, she slowly started moving up and down, her hands resting on his stomach.

She was absolutely breathtaking. Her perfect milky skin, bathed in the faint moonlight, possessed gaudy shades of blue. His hands travelled from her hips, up her waist and over her round breasts.

Buffy moaned at the feel of his fingers brushing over her erect nipples, and increased the pace. As the pressure inside her built she felt the need to be touched harder. His stroking was light as a feather and so she brought her hands over his, instructing him to roughly cup her breasts. He obeyed and she felt a small chill travel from her round globes straight to the sensitive nub between her legs.

Noticing she was nearing her release, Spike’s left hand abandoned her breast, moved down her stomach and rested in front of her mound of curls; his thumb slipped under it. There it found her swollen clit. Buffy gasped at the contact, but as he started moving his finger in small circles, she felt her whole world cave in. Her head flung back once more, as a powerful orgasm took over her body. Her hips bucked uncontrollably and her inner muscle contracted at a frightening pace causing Spike to loose control. His body jerked upwards as his own release came in small spurts.

As Buffy came down from her orgasm, she suddenly felt her whole body grow numb and she let herself fall on top of Spike, covering his chest with hers.

******************************

Buffy woke to the sound of rustling clothes. With great effort she forced her eyes to open. She was laying on the floor, her naked body covered by the her t-shirt and pants.

“Time to wake up, Slayer. You’re chums may come in any minute.”

She sat up, using her t-shirt to cover her chest and looked in the direction of Spike’s voice to see him finish buttoning his jeans.

“Spike…” she whispered, but he cut her off.

“Better hurry.” He said exiting the training room, leaving her sitting on the cold floor.

Buffy felt as if someone had just punched her right in the stomach. She tried to ignore the choking feeling in her throat and started gathering her clothes and putting them on.

******************************

Spike entered the room to find Willow and Tara asleep on the floor and Xander and Anya sitting on the table looking through two large books.

Xander looked up and was about to say something, but as he opened his mouth all that came out was a strangled cry of pain, as Anya’s heel connected with his calf.

“Morning, Spike.” She greeted with a forced smile.

Spike frowned, he couldn’t believe his senses. Had the ex-demon just kicked her lover to stop him from saying something inappropriate? Anya, miss I don’t know when to keep my mouth shout so I always end up with my foot in my mouth?

“Anything?” he asked.

“Nop.” She answered with a sad face. “There doesn’t seem to be anything unusual about the Climes.”

“Guess they’re just normal folks with very bad religious choices.” Sarcasm dripped from each words that came out of Spike’s mouth.

“Hey, Buffester.” Xander called out as he saw her walk in.

“Hey.” She answered automatically. Her eyes searched the shop for the vampire and they found him crouching next to It, giving him some pizza leftovers.

When she made her way in his direction he stood up and went back to the table.

“Any reason why they always sport this all black, mask with white symbol look?” Spike asked pointing to a sketch of a Clime.

“Not really.” Willow’s hoarse voice was heard. They turned to see the Wicca rise from the floor while rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. Yawning, she dragged her tired body to the table and sat in a chair. “I read a passage about an oath they made on the day of Aronh’s death. Something about never feeling the warmth of the sun until their master had been reborn.”

“That means they have to stay underground.” Spike rationalized. “Well, that’s a start.”

“Spike, there are a million places under the city. This is the Hellmouth!” Buffy walked up to the vampire.

Spike ignored her comment moving away from her.

“Well, what do they say about their numbers?”

Everyone looked at Spike questioningly. What was he getting at?

“How many are they nowadays?” he rephrased. “If they’re a lot of them there aren’t many caves around these parts big for a big group.”

“Well, it says here that they were pretty numerous back in the day, but I don’t know about now.” Willow offered.

“Well, let’s assume their numbers haven’t changed much. Considering they think they’re getting this Aronh guy back, they must have all come to see it, right?”

Everyone nodded, including a sleepy Tara who had just woken.

“Anything else on them?” Buffy asked.

“Not much more.”

“What about the ritual?” Spike inquired.

“Well, they need to tear the fabric between the earth and limbo. So they’ll probably pick a spot where the space between the two worlds is already very thin…” Willow trailed off as it dawned on all of them; Xander was the only one to say it out loud:

“The Hellmouth!”

Part XV - Surprise

Title: Inhuman Hearts

Pairing: B/S

Rating of the entire story: NC-17

Rating of this part: PG-13

Spoiler: Up to Normal Again.

Disclamer: I don't own them. Not mine.

Part XV - Surprise

They stood at the entrance to the old high school, or what was left of it. A heavy silence fell around them as all the memories assaulted their senses.

Buffy’s mind raced as she remembered all the smiles, tears and blood that those crumbled walls had witnessed. On one hand she thanked God that the building had burned down, at least this way Dawn could go to a semi-normal high school, further away from the actual Hellmouth. “Dawn…” She shook away her uncertainties and fears over what might be happening to her sister and spoke:

“Everyone remember the plan?”

They all nodded, including It, who was still tied with a chain that dangled out of Spike’s hand.

“Cross us and I swear you’ll regret ever being born.” The vampire hissed.

It’s gaze immediately fell to the floor in fear.

They walked between the rubble and wreckage as they made their way underground.

“God, this is creepy.” Anya whispered.

“You can say that again.” Xander spoke as he jumped over a large hole in the ground.

“Well, what do we do now?” Willow asked. In front of them the tunnel divided into two different paths. “Left or right?”

“How about right. Right is always good.” Anya immediately suggested.

“Wait.” Spike ordered. Everyone turned to face him as he sniffed the air around them. “Something smells funny.”

“I can’t smell any- Oh, vampire, right!” Xander reminded himself.

“It comes from there” he pointed to his left. “It’s…” sniff “rosemary.”

“Rosemary?” Xander and Anya said in unison.

“Why would these guys want rosemary?” Buffy asked.

“The Climes believed rosemary had cleansing properties. They used it to bathe their…” Willow hesitated. “their sacrifice victims.”

Silence surrounded them once more as everyone feared for the young teenager’s life. Buffy was the one to break it.

“That means we’re close. Everyone ready?”

They nodded and waited for Buffy’s command.

“We’ll stick to the plan. You guys go right, me and Spike will head left.”

As they parted ways, Willow approached Buffy and whispered before giving her a light peck on the check: “Good luck.”

Buffy nodded and walked away into the darker tunnel. Spike quickly followed her.

******************************************

“We’ve been walking for hours, I don’t think we’re under the high school anymore.” Xander complained.

“I get the feeling we’re walking around in circles.” Anya joined in protest.

“Shhh.” It’s screeching voice was heard. “Me hear something.”

Everyone strained to hear but none of them did.

“I don’t hear- wait don’t tell me, demon right?” Xander said and then added in a low, childlike grumble: “I wanna have special powers too, no fair. Buffy gets to be the Slayer, Spike’s the vampire, Willow and Tara are the powerful-“

“Shhh.” It hissed loudly.

“Great I’m being shushed by a short anorectic version of ET.”

“Xander!” Willow finally stepped in.

“Don’t worry honey, I don’t have any special-“

“Anya!!” Willow almost shouted.

“Fine, shutting up now.” The ex-demon grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Thank you. What do you hear, It?” Willow turned her attention to the small creature next to her.

“Singing pray.” It answered.

Everyone was left scratching their head until Tara offered:

“Ch-chanting? Is it chanting.”

It nodded frenetically.

********************************************

Spike and Buffy walked around in excruciating silence as they followed the now powerful scent of rosemary.

“Spike?” Buffy started to speak, her heart pounded against the walls of her chest.

No answer. Spike’s eyes looked straight ahead, concentrated in pursuing the odour.

“Spike?” she called again.

Once again she had no answer.

“Spike!” she finally yelled, turning him to face her.

“Will you shut your gob? They can hear.” he hissed freeing himself from her strong grip.

“We have to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Spike snapped looking at her with knifes in his gaze.

“What-“

“Nothing. It was just a bloody slip up. You were vulnerable, needed some comfort, I was…” he swallowed hard and added in a venomous tone: “convenient.”

“Spike-“ Buffy was cut off once more, but this time by Spike’s strong arms pushing her aside.

She hit the floor and as she looked up she saw Spike laying on the ground, over him stood a hooded figure with a long spear pointed straight at the vampire’s throat. The Slayer shook her head and lunged at the attacker, pushing him to the floor.

A struggle ensued, Buffy’s fists flew, hitting the masked man at a frenetic pace, she was blinded by rage. It was clear she had the upper hand until she suddenly felt an invisible force pull at her and throw her against the wall. She lost awareness for a few seconds and when she came to two large obsidian eyes stared at her from under a black mask.

Buffy tried to get up, but an overwhelming pain took over her and all she could do was lay on the floor and stare at the spear coming straight at her.

The blade stopped inches from her face as Spike pulled the lance from the man’s hands and drove it through his chest. The hooded figure hit the floor lifeless almost as quickly as Spike’s hands reached his head.

A strangled cry came out of the vampire’s lips as the sharp pain in the back of his neck took over all of his actions. It grew in intensity and it didn’t seem to ever stop. Eventually, he fainted as it became too overwhelming.

“Spike!” Buffy called out, standing over him.

When she didn’t get any answer she kneeled next to the wounded vampire and tried to shake him into consciousness. Minutes passed and nothing. She was starting to get worried. Why didn’t he wake, was he- “No, it can’t be. He’s not dust.” She reminded herself and restarted pushing and pulling at his shirt, but Spike seemed to refuse to wake up. “Maybe the chip did something to him and now he can’t…” Buffy pushed the painful thought aside.

“Spike…” she whispered with a trembling voice. “Spike, please wake up.” She begged as her eyes welled up with tears. “William…”

He stirred as reality slowly sunk in.

“Hum…” he moaned sitting up.

“You ok?” she asked concerned as she brought her hand to rest on the nape of his neck.

“Hey! Watch the head, Slayer?” Spike protested pushing her arm away and standing up.

He walked over to the immobile body sprawled on the floor and motioned to it as he spoke:

“Is he…?”

“Yes.” She answered coming to stand next to him.

“Good, we can go on now.” He said in a low voice and moved away from her.

“Spike.” She called after him, but he didn’t seem to listen, so she shouted. “I’m sorry, ok?”

He stopped dead in his tracks.

“I’m really sorry.” She whispered.

He inhaled sharply as he pushed back the urge to turn around, run to her and tell her he didn’t care, that no matter how many times she pushed him away, he would always come back to her. But instead he put on his haughtiest grin and turned on his heels to face her.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about, Summers. I told you, you needed a good shag, I was- well I always am - horny, and that was that.”

His words left his mouth and punched her straight in the stomach.

“What?” she asked with a faltering tone, seeing him come closer to her.

“It was… an accident.” he said arrogantly. “A very good accident…” his eyes narrowed as he approached her and ran his fingers along her collarbone. “If you’re ever in a mood to repeat it, I’m always… hum… up for it, if you know what I mean.” He bit his lip as his index finger made it’s way towards the hem of her shirt.

“Wh-What is this?” she continued asking shocked by the way he was acting.

“Wha’, don’t feel like having a roll in the hay?” he hissed venomously.

“Why are you saying-?” she replied pushing his hand away from her chest.

“I guess with the whole Dawn thing it’s best not to, huh?”

“Why are you doing this?” rage started to take over her. “Is this a revenge thing? Is that it? Are you trying to get back at me?”

“I think I finally got over this ridiculous infatuation for you, Summers.” He spoke with his chin raised up high and his eyes staring down on her. “I guess you were right all along.”

She swallowed hard as she tried to push back the tears. “What?”

“You heard me, Slayer. You were right, it was just… a whim. Just curiosity.” He shook his shoulders. “I guess I wanted to know what it’s like to shag the Slayer. And I must tell you, luv, it’s quite a ride. On a scale of-“

Her open hand connected with his cheek, causing him to turn his face.

“Don’t. Ever. Speak to me. Ever again.” She hissed and pushed pass him.

Spike stood there watching her as she walked away, as a heart wrenching pain took over his body. He felt as if he was suffocating, even though he knew the fact that he was a vampire meant that he didn’t need to breathe. Slowly, he let the tears, he had been holding back for so long, stream down his face.

“I guess you’ve lost her for good, mate.” He said to himself.

**************************************

“Where is he taking us?” Anya asked in an annoying tone.

Xander was about to comment when suddenly they realised that ten or more hooded men surrounded them.

“Huh, Xander?” Willow asked.

One of the men stepped forward and grabbed the witch by her throat.

“Let go of the chain.” He ordered. She obeyed dropping the shackles that restrained the Khind’Ara demon.

The man dropped Willow to the floor and she coughed uncontrollably.

“Honey, are you ok?” Tara asked concerned kneeling next to her lover.

“Where is the dagger?” the hooded man asked.

“We don’t know what you’re talking about.” Xander replied bravely.

“Slayer and vampire have dagger.” It answered happily.

*****************************

Part XVI - The Plan

Title: Inhuman Hearts

Pairing: B/S

Rating of the entire story: NC-17

Rating of this part: PG-13

Spoiler: Up to Normal Again.

Disclamer: I don't own them. Not mine.

Part XVI - The Plan

“Where are they?” the hooded man asked.

“In tunnel, me show.” It squealed, rubbing its scrawny hands together.

“You miserable little-“ Xander yelled but was cut off when a strong fist connected with his nose.

“Xander!” Anya called out, kneeling next to him.

“I’m fine.” He reassured her. “I knew we couldn’t trust a demon.”

“You will take me to them. But first we must go back and call our brothers.”

They walked for a few minutes until they reached a large cave. Soon, ten other men, dressed in a similar way, joined them.

“Take them and put them in the cell.” The man ordered. Then pointing to five of his men he added: “You watch the girl.” They nodded and left the room and he motioned to the rest of the group: “You come with me, we need that dagger. Time is running out.”

Xander struggled a bit but in was useless and soon they all found themselves in a small chamber where the only way out was a steel bar door.

“What now?” Tara asked concerned.

“We wait and see what happens.” Willow whispered clinging to one of the bars as she looked at the large stone altar covered with blood in front of them.

****************************************

In the meantime, Spike and Buffy continued to roam the empty tunnels after the scent of rosemary. They walked in silence for what seemed like hours.

Suddenly the vampire stopped and turned to face her.

“Buffy…” he whispered.

Even though the sound of her name on his lips made her knees weaken and her heart jump a beat she continued walking.

“Buffy…” he called again, but she didn’t stop.

The excruciating pain that had settled in his chest since he had said those venomous words to her took over his entire body and he felt his legs falter under him as he tried to catch up with her.

“Buffy.” He practically shouted as he turned her to face him.

“Let. Go. Of. Me.” She harshly punctuated each word as she tried to control the anger inside her.

“What I said back there…”

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” She spat out.

“I didn’t mean to…”

“I know very well what you meant. I don’t wanna hear it.” She pushed him away as she tried to free herself from his grip, but it was no use, he held her tightly and forced her to face him once more as he reached with his other hand and grasped her free arm.

“Will you listen to me, for once in your bleeding stubborn life?” he yelled, pulling her closer to him, crushing her chest against his.

Buffy felt her heartbeat accelerate and her breathing become shallow. She hated that he always had this effect on her, no matter how angry she was at him.

“I didn’t mean to hurt me, it’s just that…” he swallowed hard as he took in the scent of her. “Why can’t you just admit there is something strong pulling us together? Why don’t you just give into it?”

She breathed heavily as they stared at each other. Suddenly she snapped out of her trance and broke free of his grip.

“Even if there was something between us, it’s gone. You saw to it.” She spat in anger.

“You just pissed me off with your indecision. One day you’re hot, the next you’re cold. You can’t keep doing this to me!” he yelled.

“Do what?” she shouted back.

“You can’t keep coming to me and then leave whenever one of your scoobies show up.”

“What did you want me to do? Wake up, merrily strut my way to Dawn’s room and just say: ‘Hey, how are you today? Sleep well? I’ll just be off making you breakfast, oh and by the way, I’m shagging Spike!’ Is that it?” she bellowed of the top of her lungs.

“No!” he hissed, closing his eyes as he searched for control. “I just wanted…”

“I can’t tell them!”

“Why the Hell not?” he shouted annoyed.

“Because this is wrong!” she cried out as tears drowned her blue eyes.

“Ha! I thought you’d never come around to saying.” He exhaled sharply. “I guess we’re back to the same old bleeding song, ey? ‘You’re evil, you’re a disgusting evil thing.’ Isn’t that the way it goes?”

“It’s not-“

“Save it, Slayer.” It was Spike’s turn to start walking away and Buffy’s to stop him.

“Spike, will you just hear me out.” She shouted.

He turned to face her. His eyes were red and glassy with tears.

“I don’t want to hear it all again.” He spoke softly but, as he continued, his tone grew as the anger built up inside him and eventually he was shouting. “I know that I’m a monster, that’s all you see. That’s all you’ve ever seen in me. An evil, disgusting, worthless vampire.” He spat out.

“Spike-“

“Don’t! Let’s just get this over with and save Dawn.” He turned to leave when Buffy grabbed him by his arm.

“Spike, we need to talk about this.” She begged.

He was about to answer when he heard a loud cry coming from deep inside the tunnel.

“Dawn!” they both said in unison.

************************************

They ran as fast as they could in the direction of the scream until they reached a large cave. Various torches spread across the room illuminated it. In one of the darker corners sat Dawn, trying to straighten her torn and dirty clothes. Five hooded men surrounded her.

“Dawn!” Buffy whispered as she tried to run to her sister.

“Slayer.” Spike called in a low voice, grabbing her by her arm and forcing her to hide in the shadows with him. “We can’t take them out.”

“What do you mean?”

“Human, chip.” His index finger motioned from the men to his head. “I can’t help you, remember?”

“They’re only five of them.”

“Well, we don’t know if there are more of them.” Spike tried to reason. “Plus, they have a touch of the Magic, if you recall.”

Buffy sighed. “What’s you’re plan?”

“We wait till they leave. You know we need the wiccas for this.”

Buffy nodded and sat down in the shadows. Soon enough, as the men left the room leaving only one to look after Dawn, Buffy saw her chance and went for it. Not giving Spike any warning she lunged at the hooded figure and curled her arm around his neck, squeezing it until she felt him falter and fall to the floor unconscious.

The young teenager raised her eyes to see Buffy kneeling next to her and wrapping her arms around her.

“Oh, Buffy. I knew you’d come.”

“Are you ok?” the Slayer asked concerned as she ran her hand along Dawn’s body looking for any sign of injury.

“I’m fine.”

Bringing her arms around her sister once more Buffy cradled her head on her shoulder.

“We better hurry, this guy will soon wake up and the others might come back.” Spike spoke out.

Buffy stood helping Dawn up, but she stumbled.

“You’re hurt, what happen?” she asked as anger grew inside her.

“It’s nothing.” Dawn hesitated as she tried to pull her torn skirt over her bruised leg.

“Let me see.” Buffy insisted, pushing the fabric away to reveal a deep gash along her thigh.

“Who did this to you?” Spike growled when he saw the wound.

Dawn remained silent.

“Nibblet, tell me.” Spike spoke calmly but it was clear that deep inside his blood was boiling with untamed rage.

“They… They needed my blood to wash th-the sacrificial altar.” She stuttered; her eyes glued to the floor.

“I’ll kill them.” Spike hissed making his way to the tunnel the other men had disappeared into.

“Spike, don’t. We’ll deal with this later, first we’ve got to get Dawn to safety.” Buffy reminded him and he sighed, swallowing hard as he tried to get his emotions under control.

“Let’s go.” He simply said. When he saw Dawn’s effort to stand up he knelt down next to her. “Lemme help ya.”

He put one arm around her tiny waist and the other under her knees and lifted her smoothly. Instinctively, the little girl curled her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. They started making their way back out when Buffy remembered.

“Willow and the others.” She whispered. “Do you think they went ahead with the plan?”

Spike looked around and answered: “Looks, that way. The place is too empty.”

“Dawn, did something happen out…er of the usual around here?” Buffy asked.

“Yeah. There were about ten men in this room, then another one came in and called them and they left. After a while there were only five, which is strange cause all the time I’ve been here there’s always been at least ten men around me.

“I guess It did his part then.” Spike sighed.

“That means Willow and the others are probably trapped.” Buffy concluded. “When was this, Dawn?”

“About half an hour ago.”

Buffy paused for a while and then added: “You go on ahead and get Dawn to safety and I’ll look for them.”

“No, I won’t leave you here.” Spike protested putting Dawn down and pulling Buffy away from the tired teenager.

“We have no choice. We have to get Dawn to safety.”

“Buffy-“

“Go.”

“Fine, then you take Dawn out of here and I’ll look for them.” Spike suggested distressed.

“And if you run into our hooded friends you’ll do what? Annoy them to death?” Buffy asked with a sweet smile over her lips. It was amazing how sometimes he forgot that she was the Slayer and that she could handle herself. Well, most of the times.

Spike looked at her, desperation was the most evident emotion in his glassy eyes. Finally he realised that arguing with her would only put all of them at risk.

He felt tempted to run his fingers over her jaw line and pull her into a kiss, but he new better, instead he whispered: “Be careful.” And walked away, picking up Dawn and making his way back were they had come from.

Buffy watched as they moved and disappeared into the shadows. She sighed and made her way to the other tunnel. Soon, she was in a different room. On one side was an altar red with blood. Buffy shivered at the thought of what could have happen to her little sister. On the opposite side was a larger cage and…

“Willow.” Buffy sighed with relief at the sight of her best friend and ran to her. “Are you ok?”

“We’re fine. What about Dawn?” the Wicca asked.

“Spike’s got her, his getting her out. We better get you guys out of here before they return. Step away from the door.” And with that Buffy backed up, took a deep breath and started running towards the steel door. It gave in and broke open as the Slayer’s foot connected with it.

“Buffster, I’m impressed.” Xander joked nervously as he made his way out of the cell and hugged his friend.

“What about It?” Buffy asked.

“I guess the little guys really came through for us there. He must have them walking around in circles right about now.” Xander explained with a grin.

“Good, we have to get out of here.” Buffy offered.

“You’re going nowhere.”

Buffy turned around to see a sea of hooded men in front her. One of them had an unconscious It hanging by his neck.

Part XVII - In The End

Title: Inhuman Hearts

Pairing: B/S

Rating of the entire story: NC-17

Rating of this part: PG

Spoiler: Up to Normal Again.

Disclamer: I don't own them. Not mine.



Part XVII - In The End

“Where’s the dagger, Slayer?” the man spoke coolly.

Buffy felt the sharp blade graze the tender skin of her lower back and cursed herself for not handing it to Spike.

“I don’t think you’ll be needing it anymore.” She tried to seem calm about it all, but deep inside, her heart raced and her stomach was tied in stiff knots.

“And why is that?” the masked figure asked.

“The girl is gone.” A man coming from one of the tunnels shouted.

“What?” the leader inquired. His tone changed immediately as he took in the information. “What do you mean she’s gone?”

“She’s no longer in the west cave.” The minion said in a faltering tone.

“She can’t be gone, we don’t have much time left.”

“Darn those pesky rituals. They always seem to have a deadline, don’t they?” Buffy mocked. “There’s always something about the planets, or the moon, the tides, the-“

She was forced to shut up when an invisible force smashed her against the wall. “So much for witty remarks.” She thought as she stumbled to her feet.

“Where is she?” the leader turned to face the Slayer.

Buffy stood in silence, refusing to answer.

“You will bring her to us or you’ll die.” He retorted.

“Been there, done that.” She said flatly.

Seeing that threatening the Slayer wasn’t enough he turned towards the Scoobies. He motioned in Willow’s direction, and in an instant she was thrown up in the air. As she freefell her face stopped inches from the floor. The leader pointed skywards and Willow flew back up and hovered over all of them at a frightening height.

“Willow!” Tara shouted.

“I’ll ask you once more, bring her to us!” he hissed in anger.

“Let her go.” Buffy demanded.

“The girl first.”

Buffy reached for the dagger and wave it in front of the masked man.

“Let her go, or the dagger’s history.” Buffy ordered with a steady tone.

The man seemed to ponder for a while and then let out a powerful laugh.

“You think you can destroy the Dungherjahar Ashesh?”

“You won’t believe how good I am at breaking stuff.” Buffy force a smug grin.

“Grab her.” The leader ordered.

In an instant, Buffy was surrounded by three hooded figures. As they tried to hold her down she swung her left leg and her foot connected with one man almost at the same time as her fist knocked the second one out.

Pretty soon, two of the men were unconscious on the floor, which left only one more. He hesitated before lunging at her, they tumbled to the floor and the man landed right on top of the sharp blade.

Buffy gasped as she saw the man slump next to her; the dagger buried deep in his chest.

“You will pay for that.” As the leader spoke Willow started to freefall once more and it was clear that this time he wouldn’t stop her.

“Willow!” Xander cried out as he saw his best friend fall to her death.

“Avolare!” Tara chanted and Willow stopped inches from the ground. Buffy sighed in relief.

“A witch!” the leader shouted.

“We prefer Wicca, if you don’t mind!” Tara mocked.

“Get them!” he shouted.

And with that all Hell broke loose.

Fists flew left and right as the sea of hooded men attacked them. Xander desperately tried to keep Anya from getting hurt, swinging his arms at everything that moved.

In the middle of all that pandemonium, It stirred as consciousness returned.

“Ick!” It squealed as he opened his eyes to meet utter darkness.

A lump formed in his throat at the thought of him being back in that godforsaken place, that… nothingness. As his eyes adjusted, he realised that he wasn’t and that the blackness came from the long black cloths that the men around him wore. He wiggled his way between them and was finally met by a very tired Slayer.

In one hand she held the dagger while the other clung to her right arm. From between her short fingers thick drops of blood streamed down to her elbow.

Buffy looked out of the corner of her eyes and realised that they were all in big trouble. There was no way they could fight all of them. She had only one choice - destroy the damn dagger, but how? She didn’t have the strength to break it with her bare hands. She needed some hard surface to smash it against. She looked around but was distracted by an agonizing cry.

She turned around to see Tara surrounded by a bright red light. Her arms were wide open, her head thrown back and an excruciating frown settled on her face. It was clear she was in pain as her whole body jolted every once in a while.

At her feet lay a waking Willow. As realisation washed over the Wicca, Buffy saw her best friend’s eyes turn black and she knew what was to come.

In a blink of an eye, the Slayer crossed the room and was standing next to the cage where the Scoobies had been imprisoned minutes before.

“Willow, no!” she shouted, then she turned her attentions to the man that was causing Tara’s suffering. “Let her go!” she yelled off the top of her lungs.

Everyone turned to see the Slayer. The blade of the dagger she held was now positioned between two of the steal bars that formed the entrance to the confined space.

Silence invaded the room as everyone froze to see what would happen next. Finally the leader’s cool and deep voice was heard:

“If you do that we all die.”

“Really?”

“The dagger encloses the powers of the ancient people, if you destroy it’s blade the energy released will be so great that it will cause the walls and ceiling to fall down upon us.”

“Let her go.” She repeated, breathing heavily.

The leader obeyed and Tara’s limp body was dropped to the floor. Willow immediately crawled her way to the Wicca and cupped her face in her hands.

“Tara… honey? Are you ok?” she asked concerned. To her relief Tara forced her eyes open and nodded. “Oh, thank God!” she sighed covering her lover’s face with soft kisses.

“Anya, Xander, help Willow and take Tara out of here.” Buffy ordered, her eyes never leaving the leader’s masked face. “It, go with them and show them the quickest way out.”

“What about you Buff?” Xander asked as he helped Tara up.

“Just go, Xander!” Buffy commanded.

“But-“

“Now!” she finally yelled and Xander understood it was best to do as he was told.

He picked Tara’s frail body in his arms and limped his way after It and out of the cave. Anya followed close behind. Willow, though, didn’t move, she stood in her place and glared at the black masked man.

“I’m staying!” she said in a cold voice, wiping away the salty tears that ran down her face.

“No, you’re not! Now go!” Buffy ordered once more.

“I’m not leaving you here!”

“Willow, GO!!!” the Slayer finally shouted, her eyes left the man to look at her best friend. As she saw the hurt and battered Wicca she forced a weak smile on her lips and added: “Please, I’ll be right behind you.”

Willow stared at her friend; she could always tell when she was lying.

“I promise…” the Slayer finally whispered.

Slowly, Willow turned around and headed towards the same dark tunnel the others had left before. Before she disappeared in the darkness she gave Buffy one last glance.

“Guess it’s just you and me.” She looked around to see the rest of the masked man that still stood behind their leader and added in a mocking tone. “Oh, and you guys of course!”

“You won’t get away with this.” The leader shouted and raised his hands in the air.

Buffy frowned when she saw the rest of the groups join in and imitate his movement.

“I call on the dark forces of ancient gods and ancient worlds. I call on the dark forces of ancient gods and ancient worlds. I…” they all started chanting. “Let the veil between this world and the darkness be lifted. Let the darkness prevail, let all lose form and become nothingness.”

Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a dark cloud grow over the thick walls and slide it’s way to her. Only then did she realise what the Climes were trying to do. She couldn’t let the cloud approach her or else she would be trapped in limbo and then they would have the dagger. Her mind raced, as she was sure not enough time had passed for the Scoobies to find their way out of those caves. If she broke the blade now they would certainly be trapped amongst the rubble, if she didn’t…

“I call on the Dark Lord Aronh.” The leader finally chanted.

“Uh-uh there will be no calling any dark lord.” She mocked one last time and pulled at the dagger, forcing its blade to break in two.

In a flash the entire room was lit up as an intense red light emanated from the two pieces of metal that now lay on the floor. The ground started to shake beneath her feet and deep gashes travelled over the walls, splitting them in half. Soon after, the ceiling began to crack also and a rain of stones and rocks fell upon them just as the leader had predicted. She took one last deep breath as she saw a large piece of the ceiling come straight at her. There was no way out.

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