Chapter 11

While she was waiting for the Scoobies to arrive, Buffy paced up and down the room. She glanced over to where Spike was sprawled on the sofa, one arm raised to cover his eyes, and suddenly felt awful. So frightened at Dawn’s narrow escape from Glory’s minions, she’d yelled at him for having self pity. But who wouldn’t have felt sorry for themselves having lost their sight? Some of the defensive barrier she had built around her heart melted.

“Um, any improvement?” She asked.

Spike was so deep in thought, that he hardly heard her. Why, oh why had he come to sodding Sunnyhell anyway? If he hadn’t met the bleedin’ slayer, he wouldn’t be in this mess and he wouldn’t have killed his dark princess. Buffy was only going to tolerate him at best and at worst, loathe him. Spike could feel terror clawing at the back of his mind, would this blindness be permanent? His eyes felt as though they were filled with hot sand. How the hell was he going to survive in this world? He became aware that Buffy had taken a seat next to him and was holding his wrist.

“What?” He asked vaguely.

“Is there any improvement, you know, with your eyes?”

He lowered his arm and cautiously forced his eyes open. “Can’t see a bloody thing.”

“I’m sorry Spike.” Buffy said simply, stroking her thumb up and down his wrist, trying to comfort him.

He turned his head slowly in her direction and gaped sightlessly at her. “Bloody hell, someone’s replaced the Slayer while I wasn’t looking.”

“Yeah, I know. Not good at the tea and sympathy thing, but you got hurt trying to protect Dawn – that makes a full set of Summers girls you’ve saved, or tried to save, now. I’m grateful, really I am.” She looked at his normally bright blue eyes, which were now swollen and blood-shot and, again, felt herself warming to him.

For once, Spike was speechless. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times and he took a breath but then had to sigh it out, when he couldn’t get his brain in gear.

He heard the smile in Buffy’s voice as she said, “Mmm, I’ll have to thank you again – it seems the only sure way to get you to shut up for any length of time.”

Still without coherent thought, Spike was almost grateful to hear a knock on the front door.

“I’d better bugger off then.” He got to his feet, only to be pushed back down again.

“You’re going nowhere mister. They’ll want to hear what happened.”

“Not from me they won’t.” He said stubbornly.

“Anyway,” she said, not listening to him, “we’ll need your insight.”

He was back to gaping again. This woman would never cease to amaze and surprise him. Was she actually inviting him to one of her exclusive Scoobie meetings? Did he want to be involved? Bloody right he did – if it meant that he’d be sitting next to her and listening to her singing his praises. Well, perhaps not exactly singing, probably more like muttering.... He realised that there were other people in the room now – the Watcher, Red and Harris by their scent – wait, yes also Red’s girlfriend, watsername. He tried to concentrate, which was difficult because when the Slayer sat back down next to him, she grasped his wrist again and her thumb was stroking him comfortingly. She seemed to realise this at the same time, because her fingers were withdrawn and he felt a chill where her warmth had been.

“So, how does Glory know the key is a person?” Giles asked.

“Dunno Watcher, all I know is that they thought it was me.” Spike said sullenly, he’d started to lose his temper after the third time of telling them his story and now was having trouble keeping a lid on his rage and fear.

“So you told them it was Dawn.” Xander sneered.

“No.” Spike said with exaggerated patience. “I told them it wasn’t me and then they thought it might be Dawn.So then I told them it was me.”

“We only have his word about what happened. Why don’t we go get Dawn and ask her?” Xander appealed to them.

“You leave the Bit alone, you wanker!” Spike snarled, getting to his feet.

“Or what? You’ll shake your white stick at me?” Xander realised that the vampire was growling low in his chest, and he felt a wash of fear. Everyone was looking at him strangely. “What? Come on people, have you forgotten what he is? We’ll never get the truth out of him.”

“I think we all know what he is Xander. He’s the one who saved my life, my mother’s life and got blinded trying to save my sister.” Buffy’s voice gave him a chill down his spine and, if he was honest, Xander was glad to have a reason to back down. Spike, even in this state, was looking worryingly savage.

Giles’ voice was calm, “I think we could all do with a break. There isn’t much more we can do tonight. I’ll go and research my books to see if there is any mention of a demon who immolates his victims. I suggest everyone else gets some rest and we’ll meet up again tomorrow.”

There was a chorus of agreement and the tension in the room cleared a little. Spike sank back down – bloody hell he was up and down like a bleedin’ yo-yo.

When Xander finally left, Spike was feeling calmer.

“Ah, this might help.”

Spike felt something being put in his hand.

“What’s this, Watcher?”

“Eye drops. When Buffy told me what had happened, I remembered I still had these from when Willow’s spell went wrong.”

Spike blinked painfully, was that sympathy in the Watcher’s voice? Wonders would never cease.

Then it was Tara’s turn to surprise him.

“If you’d lie down, I’ll put them in for you if you like.” It was almost too much, the emotions he had been fighting all this time nearly spilled over. He was letting these humans get too close. But then, what choice did he have? He realised he was totally in their power, but also that he trusted them. Trusted them? What was the world coming to? He lay down obediently and felt the soothing fluid cool his burning eyes.

“Ta luv.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll put them on the table here.” She pulled his hand forward to show him where the bottle was.

He suddenly realised that this must be what it was like to have a friend and the ever-present lump in his throat threatened to choke him.

Giles and the two witches left shortly afterwards and Spike relaxed a little. All this interaction with the humans had exhausted him. He hated the fact that he couldn’t see their reactions, only judge them by the inflections in their voices.

Buffy warmed some blood for him and, when he had finished it, helped him to the basement door.

“’m all right Slayer, can find my own way.”

“Spike, don’t be so stubborn. Let me do this, it’ll make me feel better.” Buffy felt a bit ashamed of using his feelings for her to make him do as she wished, but it was all in a good cause.

He allowed her to help him down the stairs, without any more objections. After she had settled him down on to the bed, she hesitated. She wondered whether this would be a good time to ask him about the why and how he had saved her. His normally piercing blue eyes, that made her feel he could see right into her soul, were disabled and it was a freeing sensation.

“I’m sorry about what Xander said. He’s such an idiot at times, but he’s only trying to protect me.”

Spike was silent, where was this going?

“Spike, I know you have feelings for me and Dawn and mom, was that why you saved me?”

He sighed and leaned back against the wall. “So you admit that I can have feelings do you?”

“Okay, I deserved that. But everything that I’ve read and heard tells me that Vampires are unthinking, savage, killing machines. It wasn’t so long ago that you were trying your best to kill me.”

He gave his trademark smirk. “Oh, if I’d been serious, you’d’ve been dead long ago.” Then he sat forward leaning his arms across his legs. “Buffy, what I said in my crypt a couple of weeks ago is still true. I love you and I couldn’t let anything hurt you or yours. I told you that I’d kill Dru for you, I just didn’t think I’d have to.” He gave a painful chuckle.

Buffy looked at this creature that at best she should loathe and her heart melted. She bent down and kissed his forehead, hearing his gasp of surprise.

“I think I’ve said this before, but thank you. You have been a good friend to this family – I hope you’ll let us help you now. If you need anything, just shout.” And with that she left.

Spike was stunned. Had she called him her friend? Well, that was a beginning. A smile slowly spread across his face as he settled down to sleep.

Chapter 12

Spike woke and stretched, hissing at the sudden pain of the barely healed burns on his arms. He was steeling himself to open his eyes, and cursing himself for being a cowardly prat, when he heard a noise. Then he tried to open them and found that they seemed to be gummed shut.

“Who’s there?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he knew. “Dawn?”

“Spike.”

“What’s wrong? Some nasties‘ve had another go?” He sounded so worried that Dawn rushed to put his mind at rest.

“No, no nothing like that. I, I wanted to see if you were okay.”

“There’s more to it than that, little Bit. Come on, spill.”

Even without being able to see her, he could still see straight through her, she marvelled.

“I, I’m so sorry that you got hurt.”

“We’ve sung this tune before Platelet; I’ll be okay, no worries.”

“But you’re not okay.” She said with a barely suppressed sob. “You can’t see and you got burned and…..”

“All right.” He said sharply. “Let’s play the blame game. I shouldn’t have let you persuade me to take you to the school. I should have fought better. I should have fought harder to protect you.”

“Okay, okay, I get I get it.” She said quickly and he could detect a smile in her voice. She paused for a long time and, just as he was thinking she wouldn’t say any more, she said seriously. “I haven’t told anyone this, but when Buffy was with mom at the hospital, I sneaked off and went to the psychiatric ward.”

He interrupted, “What the hell for?”

“We met a crazy guy in the corridor when mom was first ill and, when he looked at me, he said “there’s no-one there” and “I know what you are.” It really scared me. I had to know if he was the only one who could see what I really am. I need to know what being the Key means.”

Her voice was so filled with despair that the vampire reached out his arms to her. “Come ‘ere Nibblet.” And when she came to him, he hugged her close – the first time he’d initiated contact.

He could feel her trembling as she continued. “There were at least eight guys there, all strapped down. One of them called me “destroyer”, and another said that the Key is the link – the link must be severed.” She broke down then and sobbed into his chest. “What am I Spike? Am I a destroyer?”

She was astonished as he began to laugh. “Destroyer? No little Bit, you’re as honest, brave and bloody stubborn as big sis, and some day soon you’re gonna be as beautiful. I’m sure Buffy and the gang are working on a plan to keep you safe, even as we speak”

She pulled back and looked at him, this being that she had real trouble thinking of as a vampire. He was still chuckling and she felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her. He always seemed to understand her, had time for her and talked to her as if she were his equal.

“Now, if you could go get me a fresh shirt – this one seems to be covered in snot.” He smiled broadly at her.

“Eew! That’s gross!” She said with a giggle

“Yeah, it is, especially from the inside.”

They both heard a noise at the top of the stairs as Buffy came slowly down.

“Not interrupting anything, am I?” She asked.

“Uh, no Buffy. I was just seeing how Spike was today.” Dawn said hastily. “I’m just going to get him something to eat.” She patted Spike’s arm and ran up the stairs.

“So, how much did you hear pet?” Spike asked.

“How’d you know I heard anything?” Buffy asked innocently.

“I might not be able to see luv, but there’s nothing wrong with my hearing.” He said dryly. “You were up there for some time before Dawn heard you. So what did you hear?”

“Enough.” She said tonelessly.

Spike flinched and tried to think what he’d said to put his little Bit at ease, that had pissed off the Slayer

Buffy was saddened when she caught his reaction, as if he was expecting her to hit him. But, thinking back, other than trying to ignore him, it was her usual response.

“Why d’ya think I stayed up there?” She said lightly. “You seem to know just what to say to her – I just mess it up.”

His face went from apprehension to dawning hopefulness in the blink of an eye. Buffy smiled, she found that she liked being able to make him feel better. As she looked at him, she wondered at how much he had changed. Had he always been so tender and caring, but had just disguised it with the harsh demeanour of the “big bad”? Or was he now developing such feelings through his love for her? Woah! Love? She searched her mind and discovered that now she really believed he loved her – and as usual such feelings made her defensive.

“I’d better get back to the Scoobies.”

His disappointment was almost tangible. Tiredly rubbing at his eyes, he said, “Yeah, you toddle off now Slayer.”

She made up her mind. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Puzzled, he wondered what the hell she was up to now. Then he heard whispering and giggling as his two girls came back down the stairs together. Dawn put a mug of blood in his hand and said “drink it while it’s hot.” Apprehensively sipping at his food, he tried to sense what Buffy was up to. He didn’t have to wait long. When he’d finished, the mug was taken from his hand and he was pushed gently down on to the bed. His mind whirling, he gasped as his eyes were bathed gently. He let himself relax, humming with pleasure, as the warm water eased the pain and stiffness away.

“There, why don’t you try opening them now?” Buffy said softly.

He did as he was told and was rewarded by being able to see blurry shapes. He blinked trying to clear his vision, but he could only just distinguish light from dark – but at least it was an improvement from seeing nothing.

“Well?” Buffy asked breathlessly.

She sounds like she really cares. Spike blinked again, “No diff luv.” He said matter of factly. He wasn’t quite sure why he didn’t want them to know that there was an improvement, small as it was. What he could see was no bloody use to anyone anyway. It wouldn’t do to raise anyone’s hopes, least of all his own.

“Oh, well, it’s early days yet. Maybe tomorrow.” She sounded so disappointed that he nearly blurted out the truth. “Now, I’ve gotta get back to the Scoobies – they’re having a researcharama up there. Why don’t you come with, we could do with the help.”

Again, he felt a wash of pleasure at being included, but he also still felt exhausted from his recent experiences. “Ta, luv, but I think I’ll get some shut eye. Maybe the sleeping will help with the healing.”

He heard them both retreat upstairs and the door shut.

When Buffy came into the living room, all conversation stopped. “How is he?” Tara was the first to speak.

“No change.” Buffy sounded really upset and the group exchanged worried glances. Xander opened his mouth to say something, but hastily shut it again when everyone glared at him. He was still feeling a little ashamed of his outburst yesterday – even Anya had been impatient with his attitude.

“I’m afraid that we’ve not been very successful with our research either.” Giles said regretfully. “I’ve searched all my reference books, but have come up with nothing. It would help, of course, if we knew what this demon – or whatever it is – looked like.”

“If it was a big bad, why did it leave Dawn unharmed? All it did was to burn up the demons that were threatening her. Even Spike was only hurt because he was being held by Glory’s minions.”

There was a long silence as everyone stared at Anya. “Why didn’t I think of that?” Giles said in an undertone. He was staggered that none of them had come up with such an obvious theory – in fact the more he thought about it, the more obvious it became. “Maybe we have an ally instead of an enemy….”

“I like the sound of that!” Xander said eagerly “a big not-so-bad. We should team up – if we knew where, or what, it was…..” He tailed off.

Tara noticed that Dawn wasn’t in the room so, unobtrusively, she made her way to the kitchen and found the teen silently crying. She put her arms round Dawn’s shaking shoulders and said softly, “Oh sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“I really thought he’d be better today. It’s all my fault. Spike says it isn’t, but I know it is.” Dawn said, hiccupping. “He’s more hurt than he makes out and it’s all because of me.”

Tara guided Dawn to a chair and then sat down next to her. “D-did you do it deliberately?” She asked seriously.

“What? No!” Dawn was so indignant she forgot to cry. “I’d never want Spike hurt, like he’d never hurt me.”

Tara raised her eyebrow and Dawn slumped down dejectedly. “Drama queen much? Give it t-time Dawnie, I’m sure he’ll be back to his usual self, soon.”

Dawn smiled sheepishly, leaned forward and hugged her friend. “Thanks Tara. It’s just I’m so used to him being all strong and fighty, it’s hard seeing him like this.”

“Don’t let him hear you s-say that!”

They grinned at one another, imagining his reaction. Yes, Dawn thought, he’ll be back and those demons had better watch out!

Chapter 13

Dawn grinned as her sister leaned over the cooker and poked dispiritedly at a grey-looking mass in the fry pan.

“It looks so easy when mom does this, her pancakes are always yummy. This just looks disgusting! I really wanted to give you something other than takeaway again.” Buffy said disconsolately. “Stupid cooking, who knew it was so difficult?”

Dawn rubbed her sister’s arm consolingly. “Maybe it’ll taste better than it looks?” She said hopefully.

They both stared at the ever darkening lump, chorused. “Nah!” and giggled, hugging each other.

Switching off the cooker and dumping the offending “pancake” in the trash, Buffy was glad she’d had the idea of having a special time with her sister. Earlier, when she’d heard Dawn talking to Spike, she’d been horrified at the despair in her sister’s voice. She supposed she should have been upset that Dawn was talking to, and asking the advice of, a vampire, but he’d made so much sense that she’d been happy to leave it to him. Again, she marveled that a dead, cold-hearted killer could have so much insight and – well – kindness in him.

Her reverie was interrupted by a loud crash, and her heart constricted, as Glory strolled in and looked round.

“So this is where the Slayer lives. Mmmm, so cute I can’t even stand it. Personally? I need more space, but, uh, this is good for you, it’s, it’s so quaint and…”

“What do you want?” Buffy had moved in front of her sister and crossed her arms, willing herself to be calm.

“The Key. Why else do you think I’d come here? See, I think you know where it is, and that’s a good thing.”

Buffy glared at her, “I’m glad you think so.”

“Well, it’s the only thing keeping you alive right now. Because you may be tiny queen in vampire world, but to me you’re a bug. You should get down on your knees and worship me!” The last words Glory yelled so loud that Dawn thought her eardrums would burst.

Earlier, after the girls left, Spike had tried to go back to sleep, but it eluded him. Instead, reluctantly, he thought about what had happened in the last few days. The impact of the way he had dusted Drusilla, had lessened in the last day or so, but it still hurt and he supposed it always would. And now, what the hell was he going to do? It had been bad enough that he was toothless, but now he was also sightless. He couldn’t stay here, a charity case, looked after by his erstwhile deadly enemy, like an old worn-out family pet. Dark depression came down and covered him like a heavy blanket.

He was aware that the Scoobies had left, and had tuned out their annoying goodbye chatter. He heard his girls gossiping and giggling and it raised his spirits a little for a while. Maybe it was better he couldn’t see, then he wouldn’t have to put up with the pity in their expressions that would inevitably develop.

No, he made up his mind; he’d leave – quietly – perhaps tonight, when they’d gone to sleep. He knew the way back to his crypt – blindfold, ironically; he’d be able to make it as long as he didn’t bump into any nasties on the way. What he’d do when he got there, he didn’t think about.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of raised voices upstairs.

Glory ranted on, “You still think it’s neat having Slayer strength. Ooh, big deal! Stronger than humans! Who isn’t? I could crush the life from you as easy as you’d break a nail. But I need the Key.”

Glory seemed to see Dawn for the first time. “Hey, little girl. Come here – I’ll bet you know where my Key is.”

Dawn gasped, and tried to make herself smaller, her heart beating like a drum.

“This is between you and me” Buffy said desperately. “Leave her out of this.”

“No, this is between me and my Key.” Glory sneered. “You just happen to be the thing in the way.”

“Wouldn’t piss the Slayer off, if I were you.” A new voice, cold and hard, startled them all. The three women stared at the dark-clad figure leaning insouciantly against the door frame. Spike sneered at the goddess, his face twisted with hatred.

Glory strode up to him and sniffed loudly. “You have a vampire staying here?” She said contemptuously. “A slayer with her own pet vampire – how deliciously disgusting!” With that she carelessly backhanded Spike, his head snapping back to hit the wall behind him.

He straightened slowly, licking at his cut lip. “Did you hear what happened to your ugly acolytes? I was there when they went up like they were soused in petrol. That was for just touching her little sis. She’s very protective of her friends and family.”

“You let this half-breed boyfriend of yours speak for you?” Glory said incredulously.

“He seems to be doing a good job so far.” Buffy smiled mirthlessly, her heart thumping like a trip-hammer. “Anything else you want to say? Only I don’t want the carpet singed. Maybe we should take this outside?”

Glory glared at them in turn. “Just give me my key, you either have it or you know where to find it. You can’t protect your little friends all of the time. I’ll kill them one by one, until you give me what’s mine!”

With that, she stormed out. Buffy ran to the door and slammed it shut. Leaning against it, she glanced over to Spike, who was looking back at her with a stunned expression on his face. Must be concussion, Buffy thought, and then she suddenly realized that he was looking at her.

“Spike, you can see?”

“Yeah. The bloody bitch did me a favour. Bam! My head hits the wall and bingo! I have working eye balls.” He was grinning like a maniac, when they both heard a small moan.

Dawn had collapsed where she’d stood, her legs giving way when the she-god had gone. Buffy ran across to her and knelt by her side. Spike came to stand next to them, not knowinghow to help, shuffling awkwardly from foot to foot. Buffy gently picked her sister up and laid her on the couch.

“It’s all right Dawnie, she’s gone.” The Slayer smoothed her sister’s hair from her face and tried to smile reassuringly.

“What do we do now?” Dawn asked in a shaking voice.

The Key and the vampire looked at the Slayer expectantly. Oh, great! She was okay with the patrolling and the fighting and the slaying but they wanted strategy. “We should get out of here.” She blurted.

Dawn looked at her with surprise. “Run away?”

Buffy made up her mind quickly, “no, not run exactly, but we should get all the Scoobies together, so we can protect each other and thenGlory can’t pick us off one by one. I’ll ring everyone and get them to meet us at the Magic Box, so that we can plan our next move.” And get some help from Giles, she added silently.

“Strategic withdrawal.” Spike said stoutly and Buffy shot him a grateful look.

Spike sank down next to Dawn and watched the Slayer’s retreating back. “You’re gonna be fine Nibblet, Slayer won’t let anything happen to you. And I’ll do what I can.” The depression, which had lifted when he regained his sight, began to sink back down on him as he remembered the last time he’d tried to protect her.

“Why?” Dawn asked simply.

“What?” Spike had been busy with his thoughts – had he missed something? “What do you mean, why?”

“Why do you care what happens to me? Is it to get to Buffy?” She had been longing to ask the question before, but hadn’t had the nerve.

Spike frowned at her. His first instinct was to tell Dawn what she wanted to hear – that it was all about her. But she deserved better. “Yeah, it was at first.” He said slowly and when he saw tears gather in her eyes he said without thought. “But now it’s because you’re mine.”

Dawn’s eyes widened comically. “Yours?”

“Uh no! I don’t mean in the “I own you” kinda way.” He said hurriedly, “it’s the “I think of you as my little sis” kinda way. You know – family.”

Dawn’s eyes were now like saucers. “Little sister?” she whispered, seemingly unaware of the tears that were now streaming down her face.

“Oh, bloody hell! Don’t cry. I shouldn’t’ve said anything, I’m such a wanker.” How could he think that such a sweet, vulnerable young woman like this would want someone like him as an honorary brother? He must be losing his mind.

He made to get up, but stopped as a small, surprisingly strong hand grasped his wrist.

“That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard in a long time, big brother.” Dawn grinned at him through her tears.

A feeling of relief washed through him. “Bloody hell, I’m never gonna live that down, now am I?” he murmured, as he grinned foolishly back.

Neither of them heard Buffy re-enter the room. When she saw them sitting closely together sharing a smile, her heart lurched. Had she let the vampire get too close to Dawn? Was he now transferring his affections to her? She felt a strong emotion that she couldn’t identify. Jealousy? They both became aware of her at the same time and Dawn smiled.

“Spike’s telling me he’s adopted me as his sister.” Her smile broke into a grin.

The expression on Spike’s face was a conflicting mixture of elation and fear, as he waited for the Slayer’s reaction.

“Sister?” Buffy felt the heaviness lift from her shoulders, but kept her voice cold as the vampire squirmed in his seat. But she couldn’t keep it up for long and had to put her hand over her mouth to try and muffle the giggle that erupted. “I hate to think what that makes me!” She said lightly.

“Oh, bugger! There goes my street cred – straight down the toilet.” Spike moaned, struggling to keep the relieved grin from his face. “Listen –it's not to leave this room! If anyone gets to know about the big bad goin’ soft, I’ll know who squealed.” He could hardly believe it; he thought Buffy would throw him out for sure – if not stake him. He looked at them both and knew now that he wouldn’t - couldn’t leave them whatever happened.

“Come on you two. Get your stuff together; we’re meeting the others at the Magic Box in less than an hour.”

Chapter 14

Buffy called up the stairs “Get a move on Dawn.” She looked over to where Spike was sorting through the weapons in the chest.

“Won’t bother with the small stuff. Couple of good axes should hold off Glory’s mates while you tackle the lady herself.” Spike grunted with satisfaction as he hefted a well-balanced axe.

Buffy paused, “We’re not all gonna make it. You know that.”

He looked at her and grinned, “Yeah. Hey, I always knew I’d go down fighting.”

“I’m counting on you. To protect her.” She said sincerely.

Spike swallowed hard. “’Till the end of the world – even if that happens to be tonight.” His voice tight.

Buffy gave him a small smile and started up the stairs.

Spike looked up after her – it was now or never, he’d probably not get another chance - and blurted. “I know you’ll never love me. I know I’m a monster. But you treat me like a man, and that’s….” His throat closed painfully.

She looked down into his eyes, which were gleaming with sincerity, and felt as though he had winded her. She hadn’t got a clue how to respond and said the first thing that came into her head. “I, I’ll just go and see what’s happened to Dawn.” Then fled up the stairs.

Buffy, Dawn and Spike were the last to arrive at the Magic Box. The others were grouped around the table at the back. They all stared at the three late-comers in silence, Willow seemed to be trying to smile, but she failed miserably.

“Okay, you’re wigging me out. What’s the what?” Buffy asked briskly.

They all looked away and avoided eye contact.

“Giles?” Buffy said uneasily, “what’s wrong?”

“Um, I think that perhaps Dawn would be better waiting in the back room while we discuss this.” Giles spoke slowly, still avoiding eye contact.

“Oh no – if this is about me and my being all key-like, then I’m staying.” Dawn said firmly.

Buffy drew up chairs for her sister and herself and Spike silently squatted on the stairs leading to the upper level.

“I agree, she’s got a right to know what’s happening.”

“Very well, but this doesn’t make easy listening.” Giles pushed his glasses up his nose and looked down at the book that was on the table in front of him.

“We found a ritual text which mentions the Key. Well, I’m afraid it’s um – well Buffy, I’ve read these things really very carefully and there’s not much margin for error. Glory, um, plans to open a dimensional portal by way of a ritual blood-letting.” He made eye contact for the first time.

Buffy had an awful, nauseous feeling that she knew what he was talking about. “Dawn’s blood.” She whispered, as she heard Dawn’s gasp.

Giles swallowed hard, “Once the blood is shed at a certain time and place – the fabric which separates all realities will be …. ripped apart.” He said in a hollow voice. “Dimensions will pour into one another, with no barriers to stop them. Reality as we know it will be destroyed and chaos will reign on earth. I, I’ve studied the rather complex text, and it looks like the ritual will have to take place within the next 24 hours”

Buffy squared her shoulders. “So – how do we stop it?”

There was another long pause as Giles removed his glasses and began to polish them.

“Giles!”

“The portal will only close once the blood is stopped – that’s what the text says.”

“What the bloody hell does that mean?” Spike jumped up and began pacing up and down.

Buffy went on, “Pretty simple math here. We stop Glory before she can start the ritual. We still have some time, right?”

Anya raised her arm, “can’t we just run away and hide until the ritual time is over?”

“Oh, and what? The god-bitch will just give up and toddle off into the sunset, will she?” Spike snarled sarcastically. “Knowing these ritual things, there’s always another time when it can be done – we have to finish this now!”

“I didn’t think I’d ever hear myself say this, but I think Spike’s right.” Giles said grimly.

“And what are we doing here, again? Xander asked, not for the first time.

Buffy was glad that Spike wasn’t in the vicinity – they could do without another full-blown argument at the moment. “If I remember, you said you didn’t care where we went, as long as Spike shut up about it.” (Only he’d used one of his less polite names for the vampire, which she wasn’t going to repeat.)

“Yeah, but that was before I saw this place. It’s a wreck. How are we supposed to sleep here? How do we know that the bleached wonder won't just run off? How do we know he'llkeep to the plan?”

Buffy winced – the plan. Now that they were actually in the disused factory, the plan that they’d concocted seemed ridiculous. This was the same place that she and Angel had tracked Spike and Dru to, when they were constructing a huge demon called the Judge. She shivered as she remembered the flight through the sewers and then its conclusion when she and Angel had made love for the first time. When Angel had turned into Angelus. No, she said to herself, history is not going to repeat itself – Spike is not Angelus – he won’t turn against us.

“Hello, Earth to Buffy.”

She became aware that Xander was trying to attract her attention.

“Where should we set up?” He was smiling nervously and she realised that she was glaring at him.

“Sorry Xand, I was miles away.” She said smiling with an effort.

Glory was incandescent with rage. One of her ugly acolytes was sprawled in a corner, where she had flung him when he’d tried to placate her. His limbs were twisted at grotesque angles.

“Time is running out, you scabby morons! I must have my Key – I will have my Key!”

They all shrank back, not wishing to be the next corpse.

Spike stalked through the dark streets of Sunnydale intent on his hunt. He had already visited the hospital, the school and the campus. Where were the bloody demons when you wanted them? He decided to swing by the Slayer’s house.

He tried, unsuccessfully, to empty his mind and concentrate on the present. But no – his brain went into overdrive and he realised that for the first time in his unlife he was terrified. Not for himself, but for his girls. Having nothing to do but think about the coming conflict, his imagination had flung up all sorts of scenarios. He knew, intimately, how much damage a human, or more precisely a female human, could sustain, and still remain conscious enough to scream and cry for mercy. He had become an expert, revelling in his “research”, through over a hundred years of hunting. Thinking now of Dawn or Buffy in the same situation, made him want to vomit.

This plan they’d concocted was flawed in so many ways, he knew how easily it could go wrong. He hadn’t got a better one, well he wasn’t exactly known for his planning expertise, was he? But now they were committed and he knew what he had to do.

The door to Glory’s apartment opened and Jinx walked in, rubbing his hands together nervously. “We have something for you, oh magnificent beauteous one.” He gestured behind him and another two demons dragged in a bruised and bloodstained vampire, his hands bound behind his back.

“Why the hell do you think I’d want that?” she said scornfully.

“Mmmf.” Spike tried to talk through his gag.

“He is the Key!” Jinx said proudly.

“Impossible. The Key has to be pure - this is a vampire – vampire equals impure. You can’t even brain-suck a vampire, he’s completely useless.”

“Uh, no, oh stunning one.” Murk looked at his fellow demon with angry impatience. “He said he knew where the Key was.”

“Oooh! Now that’s different. Take out his gag and let’s hear what he has to say.”

“Bloody hell, what kind of treatment is this!” Spike licked his dry lips. “I’ve come here to do you a sodding favour.”

“And whywould you do me a favour? You’re the Slayer’s pet vampire.”

“Yeah, that’s the bleedin’ problem. That’s how she treats me – like her sodding pet. I thought, once I’d got my feet under the table, I’d be giving her one.”

Glory frowned at him. “Giving her one of what?”

“Bloody hell, you know, giving her a seeing to – shagging her senseless.” He sighed when Glory still looked blank. “I thought I’d be having sex with her.” He enunciated slowly and carefully.

“You looked at home when I last saw you.”

Spike lowered his head and muttered, “Bloody bitch thinks she’s better'n me. Beneath her. That's what she said, I was beneath her. She wouldn’t touch me – well only to punch me in the nose.” He forced himself to remember that time and looked up and allowed Glory to see the pain and hurt in his eyes.

“So, you’ve come to betray her instead? Why haven’t you just sucked her dry – I’m sure you’ve had plenty of opportunity.” Glory said sceptically.

Spike’s shoulders sagged and he muttered “Soddin’ chip.”

When he explained what that meant, Glory threw back her head and roared with laughter. “Now that is funny.”

Spike watched her carefully, “Now, if you were to find a way to get rid of this bit of hardware they’ve shoved up my brain, well, I’d be very grateful.”

Without warning, the hell-god picked him up and threw him across the room on to her bed. He landed awkwardly and groaned as his shoulder dislocated. Before he saw her move, she was straddling him and putting her fingers to his head.

“Mmmm, let’s see what’s inside here.”

He watched her with astonishment, as she placed her fingers on either side of his head. Then all cognizance fled, as she thrust them in and agony lanced through his brain. It was like the chip effect, magnified a hundred times. He felt a disgusting pulling sensation, kept conscious long enough to see her holding a small glittering thing between her fingers, and then passed out.

He came to, feeling someone slapping his face hard. His head felt as though someone had taken off the top of his cranium, squished his brains around and then jammed it back on again.

He opened his eyes, to see Glory grinning at him. “So, you were telling the truth. A small miracle for a vampire. Now, tell me where my Key is.”

“Do better than that, I’ll show you.” He managed to croak.

A/N Apologies for such a long time between updates – I hope you haven’t given up on me!

Many, many thanks to those of you who sent me feedback – I’m really grateful and I’ll try not to take as long next time (You wouldn’t believe how many times this chapter has been written, re-written and started again – I had such trouble with it for some reason)

You may recognise some dialogue from the original (acknowledgements to Joss Whedon et al) which I stole (ahem, borrowed), because, well I couldn’t resist, its such good dialogue.

Marianne

Chapter 15

The Scoobies had made themselves as comfortable as they could in the old warehouse. Dawn had fallen into an exhausted sleep, much to Buffy’s relief. Xander and Anya had wandered off up onto a gantry, trying to enjoy a little time of privacy. Willow, Tara and Giles were squatting on some upturned boxes and talking in undertones, glancing every now and again at the Slayer.

Buffy moved restlessly about, checking and re-checking the windows and doors which were now barricaded. Suddenly, she tensed, her Slayer senses detecting a vampire – no, she thought to herself not a vampire – Spike. She had no idea when he had become immediately identifiable, but she knew he was there.

Spike swaggered through the only unblocked doorway, his eyes dancing with malicious glee.

“Hello kiddies. Miss me?” He smirked, “Well, don’t fret, I’m back and I’ve brought a big surprise for you.”

He swept his arm towards the door dramatically. His posturing was spoilt a little, when Glory shoved him aside as she stalked in, followed by a group of her minions. Spike gave a manic chuckle as the humans all looked at him with varying expressions of shock and fury.

“Told you, you’d be surprised.” Spike crowed. “The big bad’s got his bloody rocks back – and I’m gonna make you pay for every sodding humiliation you’ve heaped on me.”

“Get on with it, vampire – I’ve no time to waste.” Glory snapped “Show me my Key and you can have all the others.”

“You bastard!” Xander yelled.

“Well yeah.” Spike smirked. “All vampires are bastards – comes from only having one sire.”

“SHOW ME MY KEY!”

Spike put his hands over his sensitive ears. “Bloody hell, can’t a bloke have some fun? Un-bunch your knickers.” He caught Glory’s expression and hastily said, “Yeah, well, it’s her,” and pointed to one of the young women.

“At last!” Glory smiled happily as she strode towards the girl. “Come here my dear, you have a destiny to fulfil.”

As soon as the she-god’s feet passed a mark scratched on the floor, all hell broke loose. Spike launched himself at the nearest two demons and another two fell from crossbow bolts, fired from the gantry where Xander and Anya were hanging over the rail.

Guarded by the watcher, the two witches began chanting, Willow holding up the Dagon sphere, while the magic they were weaving concentrated its weakening effect upon Glory. The hell-god swayed and almost lost her balance.

“Why are you fighting me? I’m only collecting what is mine!” She exclaimed.

Buffy smirked as she hefted the troll hammer she’d confiscated from Olaf. “Oh, you haven’t seen fighting yet!” And swung the weapon into Glory’s face.

Spike whooped with uncontained joy. This was what he missed – the battle – fists and fangs in an all out, no holds barred, fight. He yelled in sudden pain as a cross bow bolt embedded itself in his shoulder.

“Get down here you pea-brained prats! I’m on your bloody side!” He looked up at the gantry at the shocked faces of the two Scoobies.

“Could’ve fooled me.” Xander muttered. But he and Anya snatched up their axes and raced down the stairs, to face the demon acolytes face to face.

Grimacing, Spike pulled the bolt from his shoulder and thrust it into the body of the demon he was fighting. “Bloody ‘urts don’t it mate!” he yelled as the demon screamed and looked down with astonishment at his chest.

Between the magic cast by the witches and Buffy’s attack, Glory was wavering. Just as Buffy thought that she might be defeated, the she-god suddenly lunged forward and snatched the Dagon sphere from Willow’s nerveless hands and, with a supreme effort, crushed it.

“Now that was an unfair advantage.” Glory smiled smugly. Buffy swung the troll hammer towards the hell-god’s face again, but this time Glory ducked, and punched the Slayer on the chin. Buffy was flung high up into the air and crashing to the floor, stayed down.

Spike gave a rage-filled roar and threw himself at Glory, using a classic vampire grasp – one arm round her head and the other across her shoulders - and sunk his fangs deep into her throat. Glory yelled in anger and tried to dislodge the vampire prising at his hands and breaking a few of his fingers in the process. He felt nothing but rage at the attack on his slayer, “drain the bitch, drain the bitch,” was his only thought.

Suddenly, the room was filled with a flash of blinding green-white light and the screams of the scabby demons. Spike already had his eyes shut, concentrating on not being thrown off by Glory. As they had planned, the Scoobies threw themselves down and away from the demon acolytes who burst into flames and fell writhing to the floor.

Through the fog of rage and blood lust, Spike felt Glory stagger and suddenly fall. He automatically dropped away, but found that rather than the blood giving him strength and unlife, it was having the opposite effect. Struggling to stay on his feet, he looked towards where Buffy had fallen and saw her shakily walking towards the Bit, who was looking faint and ill. Thankful that they were at least alive, he collapsed bonelessly.

“You okay?” Buffy asked her ashen-faced sister.

“Is it really over? Is Glory dead?” Dawn whispered.

Buffy glanced over to the other humans, who were slowly clambering to their feet. She called to Tara and asked her to look after her sister. “I’ll make sure of it – don’t worry.”

Buffy and Giles walked towards the fallen demon-god, who was lying motionless where she had fallen. They looked down in astonishment; expecting to see a woman, they saw instead a young man, dressed in Glory’s clothes.

“Who’s that?” Giles asked faintly.

“It’s Ben. How did he get here, and why is he dressed in Glory’s clothes?” They all looked at one another in consternation.

“Glory must have been inhabiting his body. It’s the only possible explanation.” Giles said slowly.

A groan interrupted them.

“Oh bugger.” Spike’s body was reacting in a most peculiar way. His stomach was clenching and, for the first time in his unlife, was rejecting blood. He coughed and then retched.

“Eeew!” Anya stepped back hastily froma rapidly growing pool of red.

“I’m gonna see your eeew and raise you a yeuch!” Xander said disgustedly.

“I don’t feel well.” Spike groaned piteously. His stomach was going to turn inside out, he was sure of it.

“Was I the only one who thought Spike’d really turned against us?” Xander demanded.

“That was the plan.” Buffy said quietly, as she smiled reassuringly at Dawn and Tara who were slowly approaching them. The Slayer crouched down next to the vampire and rubbed his back, as another spasm shook his body.

“The plan? You planned to scare us to death?”

“Look, I’m sorry. We, Spike and I,thought you’d be much more likely to convince Glory, if you really thought it was happening.”

“We!” Xander looked round at the rest of the Scoobies. “Am I the only one who thinks that it’s creepy that you and this vampire were the only ones who knew what was going on?”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Buffy said sharply, suddenly tired of the argument. “Now come on, don’t let’s stay here any longer than we have to. Okay?”

“Um, Buffy, what are we going to do about Ben?” Willow asked uncertainly.

Giles straightened from his position next to the young doctor. “We go home and call the police from there. We could call for an ambulance, but I’m afraid we’d be too late for that.”

“He’s dead?” Quavered Dawn.

“Spike killed him.” Xander said accusingly.

“No, as a matter of fact,” Giles smiled grimly, “I did.”

TBC

Chapter 16

There was a sudden hush, as everybody gaped at the Watcher. The only sound was the vampire groaning in the background.

“You killed him?” Buffy whispered.

Giles put out his hand towards her, but Buffy took a step back. “I can’t believe that you could do that.”

Giles slowly lowered his hand. “Buffy, someone had to – we had no guarantee that Glory was really gone. She could have re-appeared at any time. And, and, well, you are humanity’s champion, I know that you wouldn’t have – couldn’t have done it.”

Buffy shook her head, “Giles, he was human – and an innocent.”

“No!” said Giles sharply. “Not innocent. You can’t expect us to believe that he didn’t know he shared his body with a hell-god. He had to have known.” His voice became quiet. “I was protecting you, your sister and everyone else, the only way I knew how.”

Buffy looked at him silently. She supposed he was right – but to kill a human went against everything she believed in.

Spike’s groan broke the tension, “What the bleedin’ hell is goin’ on? I’m dyin’ here.”

“Already dead, bleach-brain.” Xander replied automatically,

“Oh, stop complaining;” Anya said briskly, “it’s only a touch of food poisoning.”

“Food poisoning?” Xander spluttered, “a vamp with food poisoning!” and burst into laughter.

Willow looked at him disapprovingly, but his laughter was so infectious that she started to giggle, putting her hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle the sound. Anya and Tara stared at their respective partners for a moment, but the urge to join in the hysterical laughter was too great.

Shivering, the vampire glared up at their laughing faces. A flame of pure hatred burned through him. Why had he bothered to save this sodding group of ingrates? He knew he couldn’t have fallen any lower, both figuratively and literally.

Dawn looked towards Spike and his expression stopped her giggles dead. She crouched down and spoke to him.

“Oh Spike. I’m sorry, I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing because it’s really over and Glory won’t be hunting me any more.” She rubbed his arm and smiled softly at him.

He looked from her to the Slayer, who was staring disapprovingly at the others. She caught his look and smiled at him. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and suddenly he knew it was all worth it.

“’s all right Bit.” He managed through gritted teeth. She helped him drag himself away from the already congealing pool of blood. His body was still wracked with spasms and his vision was distorted as if he were peering through the wrong end of a telescope.

He only had a hazy recollection of what happened next or how he got back to Revello Drive. He remembered the whelp saying that he wasn’t going to have a “barfing blood-sucker” in his car. Xander had been firmly overruled by Buffy and, to Spike’s surprise Giles, and they had carefully loaded him into the back of Xander’s car.

When the group finally arrived, they filed into the living room. No-one wanted to voice the question in all their minds, except Anya, of course.

“Well, what was that blinding flash of light and where did it come from?” She asked crossly. “I only just shut my eyes in time – not all of us have accelerated healing powers you know.”

“It was me, wasn’t it?” Dawn whispered. “I caused all those poor demons to burn to death.” When the euphoria of their narrow escape had died down, all she could see in her mind were the screaming and writhing bodies of the hell-god’s acolytes. It was like a living nightmare.

“Poor demons!” Xander exclaimed. “Said “poor demons” were doing their best to annihilate us.”

Buffy rose from the couch, where she’d been trying to make Spike comfortable and went to her sister. Putting her arms round her trembling figure, she hugged Dawn close.

“You saved us all Dawn. I don’t think we had a chance of beating them without that help.”

“You knew?” Dawn pulled back from her sister’s embrace. “How long have you known?”

“Well I thought a lot about the last time it happened, and it was the only explanation. At least I hoped it was the only explanation – we were relying on you getting all glowy.” She smiled gently at her sister, glad that the trembling seemed to be lessening.

The others grouped round the girls and added their congratulations and thanks and Dawn slowly felt the tension leaving her.

“I’m really tired now.” She yawned widely. “I’m gonna get some shut eye.”

“I’ll come up later, see if you’re okay.” Buffy patted her sister’s arm and Dawn impulsively hugged her tight, before running up the stairs.

After everyone except Giles had left, Buffy looked down at the hollow-eyed vampire, who lay sprawled on her couch. She’d offered to warm some blood for him, but it only made him feel nauseous. In desperation, she got him a glass of water, and he’d managed to keep that down – so far.

“’m a sodding vamp that can’t drink blood – it must be some sort of cosmic joke. Oh, bloody hell!” He fought back another urge to vomit. “Stake me, please!”

“Don’t even joke about it.” Buffy said worriedly. “Anyway, it wasn’t just any blood; it was the blood of a hell god. It would be indigestible to any vamp – not that any vamp would’ve done what you’ve done. Did I say thanks?” She knew she was babbling, but how do you console a vampire with food poisoning? Or was it blood poisoning? She really had no idea.

“I’ll go and see if Giles has any ideas. If you need me just shout.” She made her way into the kitchen, where her Watcher was busy making tea. She watched him for a moment and there was an awkward pause. They hadn’t mentioned the death of the hell-god since leaving the factory, neither knowing what to say to the other.

“Giles….”

“Buffy…”

They both spoke at the same time. Giles signaled to her to speak first.

“I know you were right with the, um, Glory-Ben thing, you knew that I could never do it. It couldn’t have been easy for you.”

“Oh, it wasn’t difficult Buffy. I just thought about what that terrible devil god had done to you and Dawn.” He said soberly. “I’d do it again, under the same circumstances.”

They exchanged a smile, both feeling relieved that the other understood.

Buffy sighed. “And then there’s Spike.”

“How is he?” Giles asked.

“Still not good, I don’t know how to help him.” Buffy shrugged helplessly.

“Maybe all he needs is rest. I have never heard of a vampire‘s body rejecting blood – perhaps I should have taken a sample of it from the floor before we left.”

Buffy looked at him with disbelief, “Giles! That’s disgusting!”

“Mmm, what?” He was obviously deep in thought.

“Ugh! You really mean it don’t you. I thought you were putting me on.”

“Well, it’s too late now anyway,” the Watcher sighed. People never did see the importance of research. He decided that maybe he’d better change the subject. “How long are you going to let Spike stay here? After he recovers, of course.”

“I haven’t thought about it really. I’ve been so busy worrying about Dawn and Mom and fighting Glory, I haven’t had time. I think Mom and Dawn would like him to stay forever.” She smiled.

“I don’t think that would be a very good idea Buffy.” When she made to interrupt, he held up his hand. “He really ought to find his own place. You know what he’s like, give him an inch and he’ll take several hundred yards.” Giles smiled humorlessly. “And, I have to say this, what if his chip fails or wears out? What would he do? The most probable action would be that he’d return to type.”

“Giles, he wouldn’t hurt us. I know it.”

“Yes, all right I accept that, but he would be sure to start hunting again and you’d have no choice but to stake him. If you allow him to stay here much longer, it will get more and more difficult to be objective.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Buffy said reluctantly. “But he must be allowed to recover completely before he moves out.”

A sudden crash from the other room stopped all conversation.

Spike lay trying to tune out the voices he could clearly hear from the kitchen. Bloody Watcher ranting on. He’d started to feel marginally better, perhaps he needed to drink more water, although the very thought of it made him shudder. A vampire drinking water! Maybe he’d call Buffy and ask her to get him another glassful. Better still, he’d walk over himself. He had risen shakily to his feet, when the mention of his name made him concentrate on the Slayer’s conversation. He smiled when he heard that Joyce and the Bit would like him to stay and he grinned at Buffy’s defence of him. Then, like a stake to the heart, she agreed to throw him out.

He swayed and fell, catching a small side table and crashing to the floor. The Slayer and Watcher ran to his side and helped him up.

“Perhaps you’d be better off downstairs.” Buffy said worriedly. “I’ll make your bed up.”

Spike allowed them to fuss over him, while his mind tried to assimilate what he’d heard. Buffy couldn’t trust him without his chip – and he no longer had it. What a sodding mess. What the bloody hell was he going to do?

Chapter 17

He sniffed the air appreciatively. A variety of scents wafted his way, but he zoned in on one in particular. The heady mixture of several adolescent girls – he could hear them in the distance, giggling and chatting to each other. He smirked to himself and drifted towards the sound and smell. He spotted them, walking away from the night club, and proceeded to follow. One by one they split off from the group, calling noisily to each other, promising to phone and what all. He chose his prey carefully; she was perfect – just ripe and ready for harvesting. He licked his lips unconsciously as he stalked silently behind her. It was amazing how safe they felt when they were only a few minutes from home – stupid bloody girls.

“Spike”

He let her become aware of his presence. It was much more fun that way, the fear that became terror, just made the chase and kill more satisfying. And she ran him a pretty race, he was grinning wolfishly by the time he was ready to pounce. She screamed satisfyingly as he sank his fangs into her ripe flesh and her hot, sweet blood poured down his throat.

“Spike”

He frowned as he carelessly tossed the body aside, he could hear someone calling his name. Who the bloody hell?

“Spike!”

He opened his eyes with a snarl. Blood. He could smell blood – and could see a pretty girl leaning over him. He coiled, ready to strike.

When Buffy heard some sounds coming from the basement, she was relieved. Spike had been asleep, or unconscious she wasn’t sure which, for hours. Getting a package of blood from the fridge, she warmed it in the microwave and made her way down to the basement.

He must be dreaming, she thought. He was snarling and thrashing about, as if in distress. She called his name a couple of times, but he showed no sign of waking up. Putting the mug of blood down on the floor by the bed, she shook his shoulder and shouted his name.

He woke, starving, ready for the meal which seemed to present itself to him. He reared up and then froze, his astonished gaze locked onto the Slayer’s face. Overcome with horror at what had nearly happened, all he could do was stare at her wide-eyed. He swallowed convulsively, shook off his vampfaceand found his voice.

“Bloody hell!”

Grimacing and shaking, he held his bandaged hands upin surrender.

“Bugger it Slayer, you should know better than wake up a hungry vamp.”

Relief flooded her; she had believed for a split second that he was ready to rip her throat out, but of course that was ridiculous; the chip wouldn’t have allowed him to attack her.

She grinned as she leaned over and retrieved the mug, “So, we’re feeling better are we?”

He squinted up at her, shock and fear slowly receding. Bloody hell, she was smiling at him as if nothing had happened. He had nearly gone for her throat and here she was, calmly offering him blood in a cup. Slumping back to lean against the wall, he felt exhaustion overwhelm him. Having lost so much blood, his wounds hadn’t healed at all and it was all he could do to hold his head up.

“Give us a minute, Slayer.” He mumbled, not wanting to show her how weak he felt.

“It’s okay Spike,” she said gently. “Here, let me help you.” She held the mug to his lips.

He swallowed slowly, fearing the return of the cramps in his stomach. Thankfully, he seemed to have got over the effects of Glory’s blood. He asked if he could have more and the Slayer willingly returned to the kitchen to warm some for him.

He used the time to try and get his disordered thoughts together. He hadn’t had time yesterday to think about the removal of the chip and what it would mean to him now. He was free! He was finally free to be a vampire again, to choose what he did, rather than have his decisions forced upon him. He lay back and rested against the wall again, feeling his body start to heal itself.

He sniffed the air, filled with the scent of the Scoobies, who he could hear chattering and laughing upstairs. Bloody hell, he could have any one of them, suck them dry before they knew what had happened. He fantasized about it for a few seconds, but knew that that was all they were – fantasies. He wouldn’t, couldn’t harm Buffy or her family of course, but he now found that in his mind “family” covered all her friends too. Bollocks, he’d have to go further afield then, to people that Buffy didn’t know. The only problem was, how would he identify people that she didn’t know? Off limits would have to include shopkeepers, students, neighbours – bugger it all, probably everyone in Sunnyhell.

He heard her returning, and managed a smirk in her direction to cover the confusion and dismay in his mind.

Buffy persuaded the vampire to join the small celebration party upstairs. He dreaded seeing them all en masse, but couldn’t think of a good enough excuse to stay in the basement.

“Spike, how lovely to see you.” Xander said sarcastically. “When’re you moving out?”

“Xan, play nice.” Buffy laughed.

Instead of feeling powerful and confident with his now chipless state, Spike felt frustration and anger. The stupid human still thought he could bully the helpless vampire – Spike longed to show him how wrong he was. Taking a deep, calming breath and giving his best smirk, he raised his eyebrow,

“Inviting me to your place are you? Well Harris, I didn’t realize you swung both ways.”

The Whelp’s reaction was reward enough. He coughed and then choked, going red in the face. Anya patted his back, which only made him cough harder. Anya gave Spike an accusing look.

“Xander is my boyfriend and I’m not sharing him with anyone.”

She pulled the now mortified Xander into the kitchen and plied him with water.

The others tried to keep their mirth to themselves; Dawn was doubled over with silent laughter “serves him right” she mouthed to Spike. Even Willow had her hand over her mouth to muffle her giggles.

For the rest of the evening, there was an undeclared truce between the two. Glares were exchanged, but no attacks, verbal or otherwise, were forthcoming. Dawn plonked herself next to Spike on the couch and leaned against him, talking to him softly.

“You saved us again, Spike.” She smiled up at him.

“Nonsense Bit, you were the one that did the saving.” He moved away from her a little, uncomfortably aware of her heartbeat and the blood swishing through her veins. Sublimely oblivious, she moved to lean against him again and reached up to kiss his cheek.

For Spike it was a nightmare – maybe when he’d had time to get used to his new status, he’d be able to relax. But for now, all he could hear was the steady thrum of their hearts, which shouldbe music to his ears, now it was torture.

As soon as he could, he excused himself and fled back down to the basement, cursing himself for being a “sodding poufy coward”.

What the hell was he going to do?

Spike stayed down in the basement all the next day feigning sleep. A couple of times, Dawn had come down to see him but had given up when she failed to “wake” him. In fact, sleep was the furthest from his thoughts, as confusion and bitterness filled his mind. He still couldn’t be a proper vampire, even though the chip was gone – Buffy had taken its place. Maybe he’d have to go far away so he wouldn’t have to face her. But then, what sort of unlife would he have, apart from her? When the long, endless day drew to a close, he quickly donned his duster and crept up the stairs.

Walking down a narrow alleyway in town, deep in thought, his hands shoved into the pockets of his coat, he didn’t see the large group of vampires surrounding him until he bumped into one.

“Bloody hell!” He shouted. “Can’t a bloke have some privacy around here? Sod off!”

None of them moved, so Spike swung round quickly and punched and kicked a path to the nearest wall, where he stood at bay, laughing. Maybe this was the way out – sod the bleeding human race - he’d go down fighting his own kind. A death worthy of a master vampire.

TBC

Chapter 18

Spike crouched ready for the attack, assessing the crowd of vampires to see who would be first. There were about half a dozen of them and they seemed to be waiting for something, or someone. At last, a small figure detached from the shadows and approached him.

“My name is Eon, you are to come with us.” He said without preamble.

“Not bloody likely!” Spike sneered, “Why the hell should I go with you?”

“You do not have a choice, since you are outnumbered - and we are armed.” The other said reasonably.

Spike looked again at the others, who were crowding closer and he could see some grasping swords and some brandishing clubs.

“I don’t think you know who you’re talking to.” Spike puffed up his chest. “I’m a master vampire and I own this town.” It was a slight exaggeration, well, okay, it was an outright lie, but still not fully recovered from his fight with Glory, he knew he’d not stand a chance against so many. “I should clear off right now, if I were you.”

Eon stirred impatiently, “I know exactly who you are – Spike, also known as William the Bloody. Now you can come willingly, or we will force you. Either way, you will accompany us.”

Spike was wracking his brains for a plan, when there was a disturbance at the back of the group.

Dawn had been worrying about her vampire for most of the day. He was sleeping soundly every time she went to see him, so she retreated to the lounge and watched TV desultorily, waiting for him to wake up and come upstairs.

She almost missed him, he crept out so quietly. She just had time to scribble a quick note to her mom, who was busy in the kitchen, before she let herself out and began to follow him.

She wondered what he was doing, going out without a word to anyone. She had felt that there was something not quite right about him last night; he’d seemed so ill at ease. Now he was striding down the street, head bowed and his hands plunged in his coat pockets. He seemed to be oblivious to his surroundings, stalking along, appearing to be muttering under his breath. She grinned to herself, and tried to see how close she could get to him before he sensed her. He’d be mortified if she could creep close enough to tap him on the shoulder. She scurried along behind him trying to catch him up, when suddenly a bunch of vampires appeared from the shadows and surrounded him. Dawn shrank back putting her hand over her mouth to muffle a gasp, what was going on here?

There seemed to be a leader who was talking to Spike. Maybe these were the vamps that he played poker with – no that couldn’t be right, this group looked menacing and threatening towards the blonde vamp. She crept a little closer, hoping to catch what they were saying, when her arms were grasped by two vampires who’d been waiting in the shadows. She cried out in fright.

“Spike!”

The whole group looked over to where she was being held and the leader snapped, “Get rid of her.”

Spike’s expression went from astonishment to fury in a split second. “She’s mine.” He said coldly

Dawn felt relieved – Spike would rescue her.

“Get over here!” He snarled at her, his golden eyes glittering in the moonlight.

The vamps holding her shoved her in the back and she staggered towards Spike. “You bloody stupid little cow!” His face was twisted with rage as he leaned forward, grasped her by the hair and pulled her down to her knees. “What have I told you about following me?”

She had never really been scared of him before, even when he had been trying to frighten her, much to his chagrin. Now he was looking at her with such contempt and fury, she realized that she didn’t know this suddenly savage creature. She felt a cold wash of terror. What was wrong with him? Was it the effect of drinking Glory’s blood?

Shivering with fear, she quavered, “Wwwhat?”

“Quiet!” He roared. “Sodding, bloody, stupid human.” He turned towards Eon, who was looking at him consideringly, and said smoothly, “So, where were we?”

“Who is this?” The other vampire asked coldly.

“She’s mine and that’s all you need to know.” Changing the subject quickly, he said, “If I go with you, what’s in it for me?” He already realized that if they’d wanted him dust, he would have been killed long since.

This time Eon smiled with humour, “There is someone who has a proposition for you.”

Shifting his hold on Dawn from her hair to her wrist, he hauled her to her feet.

“Right then, where to?”

After a limousine ride into the hills, they were escorted up a steep, rocky path. Spike’s bruising hold was like a vice round Dawn’s wrist, she could feel the bones grinding together. Whimpering with pain and fear she lurched along trying to keep up.

The path leveled out and another group of vampires materialized out of the gloom.

“It’s ready my lord.” One of them addressed Eon, who gestured for Spike to precede him. They stopped at what looked like a sheer cliff.

“What the hell? Don’t feel like sodding mountain climbing.” Spike grumbled with irritation.

Eon muttered a few words under his breath and suddenly in the cliff face they could see the entrance to a cave. “After you.” He said coldly.

Stepping inside, dragging Dawn after him, Spike gaped at a shimmering, sparking disc, seemingly suspended in mid-air.

“Bloody hell, you didn’t say anything about a portal.” He swung round to face the other demon. “Which dimension does this go to?”

“You’ve come this far, you might as well finish the journey.” Eon seemed to be enjoying the situation.

Gritting his teeth, Spike stepped through, feeling a sickening lurch as he did so. Dawn gasped as she was dragged through, the hairs on the back of her neck bristled and it felt as though her skin was crawling. The other vampires stepped quickly through and the portal snapped shut.

“Welcome to the estate of lord Savos.” Eon said with a triumphant smile.

Chapter 19

“Welcome to the estate of Lord Savos.”

Spike fought to keep his expression impassive, as bitter and angry thoughts swirled around his brain. Bloody hell, Savos was the bastard who’d had him mojo’d, the one who’d given others complete control over him. The son of a bitch who’d forced him to dust his Dru.

Knowing any sign of weakness would be exploited, he decided to take the initiative. Dropping Dawn’s arm he sauntered forward, examining his surroundings.

“All right, now I’m here, let’s get a soddin’ move on, eh?” Looking around he said casually, “Hmm, not as posh as I expected. I thought he’d be a bloke who liked his comfort.”

They were in a small, unfurnished, stone room with a high vaulted ceiling.

“We are in the portal room at present; Savos’ palace is above us. Eon gestured towards a long flight of stone steps

“Well, what’re we waiting for? Let’s get going.” Spike managed a smirk.

He loped towards the stairs, but was stopped by two large vampire guards. Spike eyed them up and down disdainfully,

“Call off your pug uglies, Neon.”

“It’s Eon – E. O. N.” The smaller vampire protested angrily.

Spike spun on his heel, his coat flying out, smacking against the guards. “All right mate, un-bunch your boxers. I thought you said that someone wanted to make me an offer. Haven’t got all day you know, busy bloke, lots to do.” He said blithely. “Come on, let’s get on with it.”

Eon was obviously not used to being spoken to in this fashion; he seemed to be struggling to contain his fury. He snapped his fingers, the two guards stepped aside and Spike climbed the stairs two a time.

When the portal had closed behind them, Dawn felt as though part of her had been amputated. Numbly, as she glanced back and forth between Spike and the other vampires, despair flooded her – and suddenly nothing seemed real. Disjointed thoughts swam through her mind, this must be, had to be, a terrible nightmare. This couldn’t be happening. Spike would never hurt her, but the throbbing pain in her wrist told her different. She watched in horror as Spike climbed the stairs, leaving her behind. He was the only familiar thing in this terrible world, so with a wordless cry she scampered up the stairs after him – better the demon she knew.

She followed Spike through the door at the top of the stairs and gaped in amazement. They were standing in a vast cathedral-like hall, the ceiling of which, painted to represent a summer sky, soared high above them, supported by intricately carved marble pillars. Between each pillar, hung a large metal cage. The walls were covered with ancient looking tapestries, embroidered with hunting scenes. She then noticed that they’d attracted an audience, several dozen strangely clothed vampires were looking at them curiously. Eon strode forward and barked an order for them to disperse and, as they did so, Dawn saw at the end of the hall, there was a raised dais upon which a large, ornate chair was positioned.

Spike marched forward, but before he reached the platform, Eon grasped his arm, said “This way,” and guided them to the left, towards large double doors in the wall next to the dais.

Eon snapped his fingers, one of the accompanying vampires opened the doors and Spike stepped in, closely followed by Dawn.

“You will wait here.” Eon snapped and the door closed before Spike had a chance to protest. They both heard a key scrape in the lock.

The blonde vampire scanned the richly decorated and furnished room, until he saw another door which he rapidly walked towards. Opening it, he found a large well appointed bathroom.

“In here.” He ordered Dawn and, without waiting to see if she’d obey, he walked in.

She slowly walked into the bathroom and watched as Spike stripped off his coat and turned the shower on.

“Close the door.” He instructed and when she obeyed, he slumped against the wall.

Something inside Dawn broke and she felt rage overcoming her fear. Marching towards the vampire she began to hit and kick him as hard as she could. It was only when she was running out of energy, did she realise that he wasn’t defending himself, just letting her strike him freely.

“Don’t want to hurt you Bit.” He said softly.

“Too frickin’ late!” She screamed at him, lifting up her arm so that he could see the black and purple bruise that now encompassed her wrist. She saw his eyes widen as he caught sight of it, and then he looked her in the eye as he whispered “Bloody Hell.”

“How? How could you do it to me?” she quavered.

“Did it to protect you, platelet.”

“Oh yeah? Well who’s gonna protect me against you?” Taking a deep breath to stop the tears that were threatening to overwhelm her again she said, her chin quivering “what happened to your chip?”

“Oh, bloody hell.” He said again, rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair. “Glory took it out.” He seemed to be having difficulty in meeting her gaze.

She looked at him incredulously, “When?”

He told her about his meeting with the hell-god and his bargain with her. “Didn’t think she’d take it out straight away – thought she’d wait until she’d got her key. Course she didn’t know that I wouldn’t let that happen.”

“So now you don’t have it any more, it means you can hurt me when you like?” She was working up her temper again.

“No Bit, it’s not like that.” He groaned, how was he going to explain this to an innocent young girl. “Look, when you turned up all helpless like. D’you think that if I told them not to hurt you ‘cos you were my friend, they would’ve been all sympathetic, patted you on the head and told you to run off home? No pet, they’d have snapped your neck and feasted on you. I had to tell them you were mine and then act as if I didn’t care a damn about you. To them, you’re my property and until one or the other of them challenges me, you’re safe. Well relatively safe.”

Then Spike put his arm around her waist and guided her to an upholstered chair. Sitting her down, he knelt beside her. “Didn’t plan any of this little Bit.” He said quietly, “’m just playing this by ear.” He sat back on his heels and watched her scrubbing at the tears that were still falling down her cheeks.

“Vamps are opportunistic and exploitative creatures; let’s face it, I should know. If any one of them thinks you mean something to me, they’ll use it against me.” He sighed, “so you’ll have to behave like you’re my property.”

Her chin came up at that,

“what, all yes master, no master. I don’t think so!”

“Bit, it’s a matter of life or death – you have to take this seriously. When we’re on our own, we can let the pretence drop, but while anyone is looking at us, you have to act subservient. Speak only when spoken to and do what you’re told.” He sighed again, “I know it’ll be hard – but what if you pretend you’re in a play or a film and you’re going for an Oscar?”

“What all Halle Berry? No – she gave a terrible acceptance speech.” Dawn managed a faint smile.

“More like Bette Davis, or Gloria Swanson.” He said facetiously.

“Who?” She looked blankly at him.

“Oh, come on Bit, you’ve heard of the glorious Gloria, surely.” He said with mock annoyance.

“Bet they were stars a hundred years ago. You are so old.”

“All right then – Lauren Bacall. She was a feisty, good looking bird, and she got her Oscar in ’96.”

“1896?” Asked Dawn innocently.

Spike had that curious tight feeling in his chest again, like when he was telling her that he thought of her as one of his family. He was proud of the way she was struggling to understand what had happened to her, the bond he felt was reinforced a hundred-fold. Then the tightness became almost unbearable, as he thought about what needed to happen next.

“Um, Bit, there’s just one more thing.”

Dawn, hearing hesitation in his voice for the first time, looked at him fearfully, “What is it?”

There was nothing for it, he’d have to dive straight in “I’ve got to give you my mark.” His eyes darted about, unable to make eye contact with her.

“Mark?” she said curiously and then she realised what he meant. “You’re gonna bite me?” Her voice ended in a squeak.

“If you don’t bear my mark, you’re easy game to any one of them. They’d know I was lying about you being mine. Promise it’ll not hurt - much.”

Dawn took a deep breath, then slowly pushed her hair back and tilted her head, “go on, then.”

“Close your eyes.” He instructed.

“Oh, come on! I’ve seen you all fangy before.”

“Yeah, luv, but I don’t think I can do it if you’re looking at me.” He had bitten and drained countless hundreds of humans in his unlife – without remorse or much thought at all, they had just been food. Now he was having trouble changing to vamp face. Spike winced, what an admission for a master vampire to have to make.

She squeezed her eyes shut and gritted her teeth.

Spike looked at his beloved “sister” and forced his gameface to the fore. He’d never done anything quite as difficult. His fangs slid into her neck and out again before she realised and he licked the wound carefully, firmly shutting out the part of him that screamed for her blood.

“That it?” She quavered, blinking in surprise – it had hardly hurt at all.

“That’s it, my brave one.” He shook off his demon visage and smiled at her.

Dawn put her hand to her neck, where she felt a small wound that had already stopped bleeding. “Wow…..” but before she could say anything else, she saw Spike become ultra alert. He straightened, his nostrils flared and, growling softly under his breath, he quickly pulled off his shirt and dunked his head under the water in the shower.

He strode to the chair, pulled Dawn to her feet and shoved a towel into her hands.

“Dry my hair.” He snarled as he flung himself down where she’d been sitting.

The bathroom door opened, Eon strode in and stared at them. The blonde, irritating vampire and his cow were staring back at him – the vampire had a self-satisfied smirk on his face and the human looked frightened. Eon frowned, he had had someone listening at the door, but they had been unable to hear anything of any interest, over the sound of running water. He sighed to himself, but said as instructed:

“He’s ready to see you now.”

A/N