~*~*~

Chapter 7:



So I'm sitting.

Watching my fingers as I wiggle them about. Making funny shapes....only not so funny to me anymore. The appeal has worn thin.

Too many days stuck here, watching my fingers move. Kinda getting stone cold crazy here. Stir crazy. View crazy.

Crazy.

So I'm sitting. Not staring at my fingers now, just sitting staring at the wall...wondering what was to come.

I'm really sorry if my jumbled thoughts confuse you, I'm not much on the introspective thing. Searching your soul for the real you, blah, blah..

Don't need it, don't want it.

But kinda have too.

Again.

So I'm sitting.

Thinking how this is all really my fault.

Sure it is.

Trouble always seems to follow me around.

I mean one time when I was six I went to one of my best friend's house, to play, normal stuff. Cuz I'm all with the normal. So we're playing and I used to play on their swing set, seeing who could fly the highest. Normal kid stuff. Only I swung too hard and well..the swing set sorta fell apart. While said friend was high in the air. To make a long story short best friend turned mortal enemy after he broke his arms. Not of the happy.

It was then I sorta realized I wasn't normal. I wasn't the average kid. I was stronger, faster, and smarter. That's right smarter! I inherited all the smart cells from both my parents and though at times you'd never know it they are extremely smart. That is when I started to get into the whole child of the Slayer and William the Bloody.

Big mistake.

I wasn't normal and it took a good while to come to terms with it. Grace helped though.

Whoa, I don't want to think about Grace..I'll be depressed and broody if I do. Believe me you don't want to see that. Start singing Tom Petty songs...

I shudder at the mere thought.

So if that event hadn't have happened I would never have spent the time to learn all I could about my parents. Never learned how much I was missing.

How much we were alike.

Wouldn't have been so broody about it, Gr-well the spell would never have been cast and I'd never have met them.

I'd like to regret it but who am I kidding I love the fact I've met them, talked to them and they love me!

Wouldn't change that for the world.

What I do regret though is the fact they were caught in a spell because of it. Now they've got all kinds of people after them. Not to mention them all wanting to kill me. But then I'm used to that.

Hybrid here, kinda calls for the evil doers or would be's to come out of the woodwork and do me in.

Well as I was saying this is all my fault. I had the need, the desire to see them, know them and look where it has gotten me. Stuck in some room with only glimpses of them and their enemies.

They all want me and I know they'll never get me if my parents have anything to say about it and I'm so overwhelmed by the feelings of love and admiration I have for them both that I don't want to do what I have to do.

What I know I need to do.

Stalling I glance around again and wish for a view, anything to take my mind off this.

Nothing comes and I rise abruptly, rolling my shoulders and jogging in place. Anything to ease the sudden tension I have surging through my body.

I begin to talk aloud.

"So would you look at me? All stir crazy and jonesin' for a spot of violence. What to do?"

I begin the process of shadow boxing.

"I'm a lover not a fighter," I mutter as I feint left and jab right.

"I'm a poet not a killer."

Duck and uppercut to the solar plexus.

"Think you can take me down? Wanna see you try bastard. Watch me; see me..now you don't!"

Moving like lightning, I'm inside, double jab to the ribs, left hook to the head.

I'm a lover not a fighter.

I dance around, dodging imaginary blows.

Ducking, rolling, and swinging.

I stagger back and eye my opponent as I rub my jaw.

"Good one, lucky one though. It'll be your last boyo."

Sometimes I wish I had claws that popped out of my hands. I mean how cool would that be? Skrit and pop go the claws kinda like Wolverine. He's all cool and non-aging. The best at what he does. Reminds me of my dad and that's why I admired him.

Shaking my head and shifting my thoughts, I return to the present and watch my opponent watch me with narrowed eyes.

"Can't beat me," I mutter.

I'm a lover not a fighter.

In and out, I dodge blow after blow.

Punch, duck, punch duck-

"So I was thinking when and if I get back home I'm gonna ask Grace to marry me," I announce suddenly. I look at my opponent to see his reaction.

Getting none, I shrug as I dodge a throw to my head.

"I mean I've been with her for years! Since I was a boy, loved her all this time and there has never been anyone else I would ever ask. I love her. Is that so hard to believe?"

Frowning I, attack with speed and little accuracy as anger burns through me.

"I want to be happy! I want to know my parents, I want to marry Grace and live happily fucking ever after! Is that too much to ask for?! I've never asked for anything at all. Never. All I wanted was to know my parents and now this! All of this for me! WHY?!"

Bitterness consumes me and I attack in earnest now. Using the strength, I was born with to destroy my opponent.

"Do you see me? Do you understand what I want? Why this is killing me?"

No answer and I let out a half yell as I take one wild swing and end up on my butt, breathing heavily I lower my head.

Why does this always happen to me?

Why does everybody want a piece of me?

I'm nothing special let me tell you.

I've got a temper, lit like a fuse.

Little patience.

The desire to be the best at everything.

I'm insecure.

I know, how can he be insecure if he's as strong as an ox, as handsome as his dad is and as cool and controlled as his mother?

I don't know.

I know when people look at me, search me out they're expecting some card carrying member of the white hat community but truth be told I'm neither for or against. Mess with me, and mine and I'll hunt you down and kill you.

The rest of the world?

I shrug.

Can't worry about them, or I'd never make it out of bed.

I'm a lover not a fighter.

"So should I get down on bended knee," I ask as I rise and resume our fight.

Grinning slightly I cock my head to the side and arch a brow.

"Or go all out with it? Some elaborate scheme? Make her fantasies come true? I know what kind of ring she would want. Gotta be a colored stone, preferable a sapphire. No diamonds for our gal. Nope, but that's what makes her so special. She's not normal either."

That's the thing, we aren't normal and all I've ever wanted to be was normal.

There go those pesky insecurities.

I know I'm not good enough, that I'll never be good enough. Never be as good as them.

I wonder why I have all this power, power that I'll never use.

Why me, why not some other sap who deserved it?

Cuz I sure as hell don't.

"Sorry..lost my train of thought for a moment. So on bended knee or sky lettered? Romantic setting in Paris? Walk along the beach? Thing is I was going to do this at the party I was at when all this crap came down. Ask her in front of all our loved ones and then she wouldn't have been able to refuse. The wrath of the Scoobies would have befallen her and that's never good. Anya would have had to go all vengeance demon on her."

That was another thing.

The Scoobies.

They were all so good, fighting evil and most had no powers other than the knowledge there was evil out there.

They had become true heroes and I know I can never be one.

Not in my destiny.

"Well maybe I'll just toss the box out and let it do the talking for me? She'd like that. Leave it on her dresser and go about my business. Have her come to me with the answer. Maybe. This is hard! Who knew all this thought had to go into asking some one to marry you?"

I don't know how long I was at it hours, days..but it seemed forever.

Ducking, swinging, and talking.

I'm a lover not a fighter.

It was kind of like dancing. The rhythm of it all, the flow and give and take of the punches. The waltz of my feet as I moved, always moving.

"You're not gonna beat me! I don't need you," I yell as punch furiously.

Never.

"You can take that and shove it up your-I know what you're thinking, that this is the way it has to be. Well no way! Once was enough and never again you bloody prick! Is this why I'm here? Well if so you're gonna, have a long wait, it's not gonna happen and so..bye-bye. Never wanna see you again. Get outta here!"

It's irrational the anger I feel, the fear that's flooding through my system.

The pounding of my heart and the blood rushing through my head drown out the hollow sounds of my breathing.

If I talk long enough, loud enough I know....

I know everything will be fine.

"So about that ring? No ideas? Where's your father when you need him? Bet he had a hell of a time choosing one. Probably finally settled on his mom's because it was the only one he thought she might like. But there are all kinds of sizes and shapes. Square cut, pear shaped, tear drop-although I don't see, the difference with pear shaped and tear drop to tell you the truth. Circles. All kinds of things. I even thought about giving her a wolf ring. You know like those- of course you do. It would have been special made. But then I thought you know...that's just a little too much Wolfe for one gal."

Images have begun to flicker and play out before my eyes as I talk.

I ignore them.

"Mrs. Grace Shelby Winthrop. Why thank you, she is lovely isn't she? All that black hair and those eyes! Whoo knocked me for a loop the minute I saw her. Gotta have her. She's gotta know I love her. Gotta. She's all I have ever wanted besides my parents. I love her. I need her! Please!"

I shake my head and clench my hands in my hair.

"She's gotta know. Gotta understand. Gotta....gotta..gotta....STOP IT! STOP IT--"

I watch the scenes as they flicker, shift and move at a rapid speed.

The Scoobies, I know I should be happy about seeing them but really, I can't be. After all, they're fighting for their lives and I'm here.

I watch as my mom fights with Mornay.

Xander protects Willow from attacks as she does her mojo.

Giles and Joyce as he ushers her to safety.

Reptilian demons I knew were T'dron, hired helpers slithered throughout the house and I knew they needed help.

Delos appeared, talking to dad.

Flashes.

All flashes.

In a blink of an eye, they were gone and I'm left here.

Trying to deny what I've always known.

What had always been with me.

"This what you wanted?" I ask tiredly.

Hands hanging at my side I drop my head.

My shoulders slump and I inhale deeply.

Biting my lip, I raise my head, square my shoulders.

I'm a lover not a fighter.

"Alright then. Let's get this over with."

My eyes dart around and settle on the spot I am looking for.

My opponent steps out of the shadows and I grit my teeth to keep from changing my mind. I don't want this.

I don't want this.

But I need to do this.

Green eyes locked on green eyes and we stared at each other.

A smirk appeared and he ran a hand through his damp curls.

"Never thought I'd see the day..took you long enough boy," he snapped as he sauntered forward.

"Well..not everyone is always ready to open themselves up to a demon," I snap right back.

I meet his eyes as he stops a few inches from me and loses the smirk.

"She'll know.." he says.

I close my eyes and fling my arms wide.

It's like putting on an old pair of sneakers, all comfortable and well worn. It was like slipping on silk, sliding over me. Seeping inside of me.

My body shuddered, shifted to accommodate this new yet old acquaintance, long desired, but long repressed.

My eyes glow a deep and eerie green as I feel myself falling...

Flying and I hear him whisper...

She'll know you loved her...

~*~*~
 

Chapter 8:

"....Rufus come on you know, like that dog! The big red one," Xander was saying as he, Willow and Oz waited in the living room while the claim process began.

Willow and Oz in turn looked slightly puzzled at Xander's statement.

"With the little girl? The blond girl? I don't think his name is Rufus Xan," Willow said glancing up at the stairs concerned at how long the spell was taking.

"No? Then what is his name? But seriously, who names their kid Rufus? That's just begging for punishment! Woofus, woof...woof woofus! Rufus the big red dog!"

"Clifford," Oz said rising abruptly from his seat on the couch. His body tensing as his ears picked up the sound of movement outside of the house.

"Clifford is that his name?" Xander asked curiously.

Willow watched her boyfriend and cast a quick glance at Xander.

"What is it Oz?" she asked rising too.

"Get the weapons. Giles, Joyce," he called as the windows exploded and glass flew everywhere.

The three dropped to the floor as Giles and Joyce came running in from the kitchen weapons in hand.

"Good Lord," Giles exclaimed as reptilian creatures slowly invaded the house. Pushing Joyce behind him, he lifted his sword. "Everyone stand together."

"What about Buffy?" Joyce demanded.

Giles lifted his gaze to the stairs and swore softly.

"She'll have to fend for herself. We can't-"he broke off as he had no time for words as the demons attacked.

~*~*~



Buffy jerked awake, gasping for air as she felt cold hands around her throat. Her eyes flickered up, into the yellow eyes of Mornay.

Stupid, stupid, Buffy berated herself as she kicked out, catching Mornay in the stomach.

Mornay flew backwards into the wall.

Gasping for breath, Buffy rolled off her bed, swayed as a wave of dizziness assaulted her. Immediately her hands sought out the nearest weapon in the small arsenal she now kept in her room.

She grabbed a dagger from one of her dresser drawers.

Clenching it in her fist, she pounced on Mornay.

"Think you can beat me little Slayer?" Mornay hissed out as she took a blow to the head.

#Buffy.#

Buffy's face contorted in pain and shock as Mornay gripped Buffy's head and banged it against the wall.

Dimly she realized Spike was still in her head.

*Not now Spike, please.*

"You're gonna regret this, Buffy growled as she shoved Mornay to the ground and they rolled together.

#Is that Mornay? Luv, be a good duck and let me handle this.#

*What?!*

~*~*~

Xander positioned himself in front of Willow as she began to reestablish the protection spell.

His eyes were constantly moving, watching, searching for any threat. They came in twos, lizard like creatures with razor sharp claws, a snake like tail and glowing purple eyes.

They reminded him of what Salamanders dipped in radiation would look like. If they were Mutant Ninja Turtles, he might feel bad about killing them. As it was, they gave him, the creeps, which made it even easier to kill them.

"Oz, watch your back," he called as his eyes caught movement behind Oz's back.

Oz turned sharply, reacting without thought, slicing the head off one of the demons.

He turned back to face the one who flicked his tail out, trying to wrap it around him. Hissing in pain as he moved back, but not fast, enough as it flicked his cheek, drawing blood.

His skill had grown tremendously as he fought side by side with Buffy watching her back. Now he used his skill to protect Willow and keep enough away from Xander so he wouldn't be overwhelmed.

What worried Oz was the fact these demons weren't going for the kill. They out numbered them and yet hadn't done more than draw a little blood.

What were they waiting for?

Whatever it was he knew it couldn't be good.

Giles urged Joyce down into the basement and slammed the door behind her.

Turning sharply he lifted his sword and swung with practiced ease at an approaching demon.

It ducked, hissing and slithering back. Another swing and Giles severed its head.

Hearing thuds from above he briefly thought of Buffy. What the bloody hell was going on here? He dearly hoped Buffy was okay and where was Mornay? If she did-

Crying out in pain as on of the creature's tails twisted around his waist and tightened to the breaking point of breaking his ribs.

He struggled fruitlessly.

"Need help G-man?" Xander asked as he appeared in the doorway.

"Much appreciated," he gasped out.

"Where's Joyce?" Xander asked as he chopped at the tail.

"In the basement."

"Should she be there Giles? Sh-"

"She'll be fine. Come we must protect Willow," Giles cut him off as he headed for the living room.

Xander trailed after him after he disposed of the demon, his gaze lingering on the closed basement door.

Willow's eyes were slightly unfocused as the fighting came ever closer.

Muttering the words of the spell, she couldn't help but feel worried about Buffy. From what Giles had said, the spell would put her in an almost catatonic state.

Willow wished she were here with them, helping to defeat these disgusting creatures. The demons were gaining ground.

Her eyes widened and she watched in shock as the demons suddenly stopped and slowly slithered away.

"Wh-why are they leaving?" she asked confused.

"I don't know-"Giles began but broke off abruptly, everyone turned to stare at the stair case as they took in the scene that was unfolding.



~*~*~

#I said.# Spike began again.

*I heard you! Shut up-trying not to die here.*

Buffy tried to block off the sound of Spike's voice as she was thrown through her bedroom door. Groaning as she landed on the shattered pieces of wood that had once been her bedroom door.

A large piece of wood was protruding from her thigh and it hurt like hell. She scowled as Mornay loomed over her.

"Aw is the little Slayer hurt?"

"Bitch," Buffy muttered kicking out gasping in pain as Mornay jumped back and kicked her in her injured thigh.

#Buffy! Just let me-I know her. I can take care of her. Let me help you.#

*How? What the hell is this? Why are you still in my head?*

Mornay looked disconcerted as she regarded the Slayer.

"I'm not in your head," she snapped as Buffy jumped to her feet.

Buffy frowned; she hadn't realized she'd spoken aloud.

*Whatever. Just do it already. I've got trouble downstairs-*

Buffy's muffled exclamation caused Mornay to stare at her in puzzlement.

"What is wrong with you?" she asked. "Have you lost your little mind?"

Buffy's body jerked and Mornay could have sworn her eyes flashed yellow as she attacked.

A flurry of kicks and flying fists had Mornay stumbling backwards towards the staircase.

"Little? There is nothing little about my Slayer...well except her hands and her feet and--she's small not little! Big difference there Mornay!"

"S...Spike?" she stuttered unable to comprehend.

"Well..yeah."

Grinning Buffy tackled Mornay, who made it easy, shocked too much to react.

They tumbled down the stairs and Spike's laughter followed them all the way down.

~*~*~

Wolfe landed with a thud and a loud moan. His head hit the concrete hard enough to make him see stars.

Blinking rapidly he lifted a shaking hand to deflect the light that suddenly shinned directly in his eyes.

"Sir?" a deep voice boomed loud to Wolfe's ears and he groaned.

"Mmpfh," he mumbled his mouth feeling like sand paper.

"Sir I need you to stand sir," hands gripped Wolfe's arms and jerked him up.

"Mom....."

"Your mommy won't get you out of this..I need you to come with me, you're-"

That was the last Wolfe heard as he passed out.

Officer Ben Markum glanced at his partner as he hefted the unconscious young man to his feet.

"Got another drunk Mitch," he remarked.

"Well...that's better than some of those weirdos high on PCP. Let's get him settled in a cell and he can sleep it off."

They placed Wolfe in the back of the squad car and shut the door. The cruiser pulled away from the corner of Revello and Hadley heading downtown.



~*~*~

Delos sipped his goblet of blood a contemplative look on his face. He was genuinely puzzled by Mornay's unexpected visit. He had no idea what she had hoped to accomplish by taking such a risk.

His eyes slid down the length of the table and rested on Spike at the other end.

Eyes assessing, he studied the paler than usual vampire.

"Have a drink William," he ordered softly. Watched as Spike responded immediately.

"I had quite the visit today. Mornay. Yes, filthy bitch thought she was smarter than me! Crawl around in my mind-see what my plans are! I took care of that."

Delos finished his drink daintily wiped at his mouth. Glancing at his watch, he rose.

"If Mornay's daring to go to such lengths to-"Delos broke off his eyes narrowing slightly as s thought occurred to him.

"Perhaps she wasn't here to see me. Why now? Hmmmmm....Spike? To distract me? Take me away from you? So that..."

Delos trailed off let his mind probe Spike's. For any sign of activity. Any sign that he hadn't eradicated every last bit of Spike's psyche.

Pleased when he found nothing, he sighed.

"So....no one has been messing with your mind. What else? Of course, her loyalties lay with the Order. And they want the boy. But I have you so mind games with you William would be ill advised."

Tapping his fingers on his chin, he pondered what else Mornay could have wanted.

Eyes glued to Spike Delos inhaled deeply.

"Everyone wants the boy. Of course, I do too. Where is he? How will any of us find him? The only way is-"breaking off as a thought occurred he frowned and surged toward his window.

Shoving aside the thick curtain, he pushed open the window and sniffed the crisp night air.

"The spell has been dropped," he hissed angrily.

Whirling back to face a motionless Spike he growled.

"Can't have that now can we? It's off to Sunnydale William and there we shall seal your fate."



~*~*~



Buffy watched in amazement as she came out of the fall down the stairs in one piece and proceeded to kick Mornay's ass.

Kick for kick, punch for punch Buffy was always better. Wow she thought, he is one badass vampire.

Buffy let her senses wander, realizing she had higher than normal Slayer senses. Sniffing she could smell where everyone was. Giles and Xander were in the doorway of the living room and Willow and Oz hovered somewhere to her right. Close enough to see but not enough to be hurt.

That was four.

All accounted for exc-putting her nose to use Buffy sniffed some more.

#Stop that, feel like a damn dog! # Spike growled.

*My mom Spike! She's not here! Get this over with now! I need to find my mom.*

Spike tensed and losing concentration, he let Mornay wiggle from his grasp.

"I'll get you Slayer," Mornay snarled as she dived for the door and threw it open.

The Scoobs watched as she raced off into the night.

Giles turned from the door only to find Buffy gone.

"Buffy?" Giles called. "I must say that was quite impressive! I wasn't aware you'd been stud-"

"Where's my mom?! Giles my mom is gone," Buffy yelled in sudden panic as she came charging into the hall.

Buffy watched Giles's face turn ashen and he pushed past her to look for himself.

"Did you guys notice my mom being taken?!"

#Calm down luv. M'sure the Watcher stashed her somewhere safe. Everything will be fine.#

Buffy rolled her eyes.

*Even I don't believe that! Dammit, this all I need!*

Giles walked slowly into the hall his face a mask of fear and anger.

"I was only gone for..a few minutes," he mumbled.

Fear gripped Buffy and she fisted her trembling hands.

*She's gone. My mother is gone.*

"Buffy I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she's hiding!" Willow offered.

"Willow," Oz said quietly.

"So she's gone now? Well where'd she go?" Xander demanded.

"Buffy I'm sorry," Giles said.

Buffy shook her head.

*Spike you need to check in with your body. See if Delos is behind this.*

#What are you going to do?#

*Find my mom.*

Buffy felt Spike's presence leave her and immediately felt the lose, but she ignored it.

"I've gotta go," she muttered already moving towards the door.

"Buffy," Giles called sharply.

Buffy ignored him.

She was going to find whoever had her mother. And when she did they were gonna die.

~*~*~

 

Chapter 9:

"Fuckin' junkies," a muttered voice reached Wolfe's ears and slowly his eyelids fluttered.

His vision swam and he could feel the flow of blood from the two men huddled across the room. Hear the chatter of the precinct. Cars along Main Street.

Smell the stench of his own vomit.

A grimace crossed his face as pain racked him and rolling over slightly, he finally succeeded in keeping his eyes open.

He stared at the bars that currently kept him from the world.

"Great," he muttered.

He could hear the hushed whispers of the men as they watched him sit up and let out a disgusted snort as he glanced at his dirty shirt.

Tearing it off, he rose and tossed it in a nearby corner. Rolling his shoulders, he stretched and grinned.

This was more like it, he thought. The pain of merging with his demon was worth it. What was a little pain when he could feel like this? As if, he could rule the world! Things were looking up.

His gaze settled on the two men across the room from him and he smirked, as he found them staring right back at him.

"I'm sorry...did you want something? Didn't your mothers ever tell you it's rude to stare?" he asked as he sauntered over towards the bars.

He used his hearing to listen for any sounds of guards and when he found none he fisted his hands around the bars.

Hesitating he glanced back at the men. Settled on the one who was nearly his size and jerked his head.

"I'm gonna need your shirt," he commented.

A few seconds later after a slight struggle Wolfe stood on the other side of the bars a shirt firmly in place and a finger lifted to his lips as he shushed them.

"Sorry mates, there's only room enough for one escapee today," he said with a small laugh.

Turning he walked away a spring in his step.

~*~*~

#We're headed for Sunnydale luv. Any clues as to what we're looking for?#

"No clue," Buffy muttered aloud.

#It's not Delos who took her. He's too preoccupied about getting here before things get outta his control. Wait a minute!#

Buffy paused at the insistent tone of his voice. Her eyes scanned the darkened street.

"What is it? Mornay? Angelus?"

#Nah...just got the sense of-never mind. What's the plan? You probably need to get back to the Scoobies. They can't be left-#

*Oz is with them,* she replied in her mind as she realized talking aloud would draw unneeded attention to herself.

She could feel Spike's confusion.

#Who's this Oz fella?#

Before she could reply, she felt him begin to shift through her mind until he found what he wanted.

#Werewolf huh? You trust him?#

*Completely.*

#Haven't got anything to worry 'bout do I pet?# He asked teasingly.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

*Spike! I don't see anyone else in my head do you? That's what I call committed. Now...maybe I should head back. I wasn't thinking clearly, when I left. Maybe there was a note left or-"

Buffy's thoughts broke off, as six men seemed to materialize from the shadows and began to circle her.

"Well isn't this nice Spike? A midnight fight," she said aloud.

#Humans...Must mean we've got more on our plate than we thought. Rufus must be in town too.#

Buffy nodded and lifted her sword.

It was a quick and relatively easy fight as she had Spike on her side. In little to no time, she had all six of the men knocked unconscious.

She stood over them feeling the urge she assumed was Spike's to rip them apart and...eat them.

She shuddered.

"I'm not gonna be eatin' anyone anytime soon Spike," she muttered as she gathered their weapons.

#Now what? I think it'd be wise if we went back home. Check in--#

"Alright. Check in check out. Get a game plan. Okay off we go."

~*~*~

Rufus Travers cast a disinterested look about the main street of Sunnydale. At this time of night, the town seemed to be oddly busy.

He wondered how these bloody Americans could be so foolish as to risk their lives when surely, they were aware vampires and such roamed freely to maim and kill. Stupid fools, he thought bitterly.

But all the better.

They would think nothing of it once he opened the hellmouth and their lives as they once knew them ended.

Things were coming together.

Now that the spell had been dropped he'd set his Witches on the boy's trail and soon he was confident they would have him.

While Martha was busy, he was on his way to the house they had rented on the edge of town to gather the rest of his ingredients before he went to the hellmouth.

His cell rang and he snapped it open answering it with an edge to his voice.

"Yes?" he growled.

"Team one has yet to report in sir."

Rufus gritted his teeth and wondered why he suffered these fools. He should have done this himself!

"How hard can it be to keep the Slayer from interfering?" he asked his patience nearly gone. He had to remain calm so that when it was all said and done he could kill these stupid fools and be done with them. He would even let Martha join in and oh, what fun they would have!

"So the Slayer's still on the prowl then? Listen I don't care if you lose another team I want you all out there looking for her! I want her gone. I do not need her ruining everything. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

Rufus hung up and his face hardened along with his thoughts. No one was going to stop him from doing all he'd planned.

He opened his phone again and dialed.

Things were at hand. There was only one thing left to do.

~*~*~

Martha Travers smiled politely as Principal Snyder rambled on and on about how upstanding and ambiguous Sunnydale High was.

The little toad of a man would not shut up and she was beginning to tire of listening to his voice.

She'd been sent here by Rufus to access the lay of the land so to speak.

"Yes well, here's our library. Our---on hand librarian is on leave at the moment. But I assure you-"

Martha strolled off, leaving Snyder to stare after her. Her eyes scanned the library with keen eyes. Rufus had been assured this was where the hellmouth was located.

"This librarian..what is he like?" she asked curiously.

In her minds eye she was already seeing where everything would go, what she would need to do in order to have everything ready when Rufus arrived.

"He's...." Snyder paused trying to think of a word that wasn't as off putting as all that came to mind. He would not let his dislike for Rupert Giles show. He wanted the profitable donation this woman had dropped hints of giving them for this private tour at such a late hour.

Snyder let out a relieved sigh as Martha's cell began to ring.

Snatching it open, she answered her voice worried.

"Rufus? What's wrong?" she asked waving a curious Snyder away.

"Change of plans darling. We have to begin the ritual immediately. Special Projects has failed to detain the Slayer."

Martha frowned and glanced at Snyder.

She moved further away.

"Okay. Have....you found it yet?"

Rufus let out a frustrated growl.

"No! Call the Witches, I want him found immediately! I've got to go to the house, pick up everything then I'll be on my way there. Have everything ready."

"Of course Rufus. Goodbye," she said quietly.

"Goodbye darling."

Hanging up Martha turned a blindingly bright smile on Snyder.

"I have a proposition for you Principal Snyder...."

~*~*~

Buffy strode into her house only to find Willow and Oz were the only ones there.

Her frustration level rose off the charts and she couldn't suppress the scowl that appeared.

"Where'd Giles and Xander go?" she asked.

Willow clenched her hands together and glanced at Oz for help on how to explain what had transpired while Buffy had been gone.

"Well...Giles decided he needed to go to the library and gather all the books he could on...something or another. Took Xander with him because...well he was the only one who didn't have anything to do."

Buffy strode toward her weapons chest and lifted the lid. She began pulling out various weapons, discarding one after the other.

"You guys stay here. I want you Willow to do a locating spell for Wolfe-"

"I'll need something of his," Willow said quietly.

Buffy frowned as she pulled out a large broad sword.

This will do, she thought as she closed the lid and glanced up at Willow.

"I'm sure my blood will work right? Once you locate him, find him and bring him back here."

Willow hurried to gather Buffy's blood and Oz knelt down next to Buffy.

"What are you going to be doing?" he asked.

"I'm going to find Angelus," Buffy muttered grimly.

Oz arched a brow.

"Why?"

"Because he's the only one stupid enough to do something like this. He wants my attention and now he has it."

~*~*~

"Shouldn't we be looking for Joyce?" Xander asked as he followed Giles from his car.

"Buffy and the others shall look for Joyce. We have things that are more pressing. Like trying to ward off the hellmouth from Rufus Travers."

Xander glanced at Giles as they strode towards the back entrance of the school.

"Can we handle this alone? Shouldn't we wait for the manpower? Buffy?" he asked once again glancing at Giles.

"Must you doubt me? Rufus is hell-bent on opening the hellmouth and if we neglect that very fact, all of us will die by the hands of all the demons that will come out and rule the world! Now do be quiet and hand me the crowbar."

Xander swallowed whatever he was going to say and handed over the crowbar.

However, he was unable to stay that way for long.

"Don't you have a key or something?" he asked.

"Do you honestly think Snyder would trust me with a key? He took it when I went on leave," Giles muttered as he swung the bar and muttered a spell to disarm the alarm as the glass shattered and he reached his arm in.

Pushing aside the glass, he turned to Xander.

"Climb through," he instructed.

"Me?"

"Yes."

Grumbling Xander slowly climbed through the window.

Giles followed.

~*~*~

Buffy made her way into the mansion her sword at her side and a determined expression on her face.

She was going to make this quick.

She could admit to herself that she was nervous and scared. She was really missing Spike's presence. He'd left to go to his body as he and Delos arrived in Sunnydale.

As she entered the room she had shared her one and only truce with Mornay she felt Angelus before he walked out of the shadows.

"Well....what do I owe the pleasure of this Buff?"

Buffy slowly shrugged out of her coat and tossed it aside.

"I've come for my mom," she said calmly.

Angelus strode further into the room a smile on his lips.

"What makes you think I have her?"

"Not much of a leap to make. No one else would be so stupid...so here I am."

Angelus laughed as he rubbed his hands together.

"Well. What's the point in playing games? You've caught me Buff, I've got Joyce here. Give me a sec."

Buffy tensed as he left the room only to return a few seconds later with Joyce in his arms.

Buffy let out a gasp of shock and horror.

"Mom! What have you done to her?" she demanded stepping forward. Angelus clucked his tongue as he tossed Joyce to the ground.

"It's nice to have friends in high places...hiring those T'dron demons was a stroke of genius. Really, I mean you had no idea what they wanted! It was so easy Buff. I'm going to enjoy this. Just like I enjoyed draining your mommy!"

Buffy's thoughts were jumbled, her emotions shredded to only one.

Rage.

"I am going to kill you," she screamed.

#Pet?#

Spike's voice barely registered as she met Angelus's eyes.

*My mom,* was all she could think.

She could feel Spike using his senses to ascertain what was going on.

#She's still alive. Barely. She needs to get to the infirmary.#

*I need you Spike. I need your help.*

With that, she dropped to her knees next to her mom.



~*~*~

Driving was never one of Delos' favorite pass times. He usually had a minion drive him around, but as he was currently out of those, he had settled on driving himself around.

Driving through the streets of Sunnydale, he was angry to note, the streets were almost deserted. It was after midnight now going on three in the morning and he was ashamed to realize he had not anticipated this.

Where was he going to get food now?

Moreover, there was no way he would feed from any of the vagrants that wandered the streets filthy and drunk!

"Well Spike, it looks like we'll have to go hunting. Some one is bound to be about," he spoke aloud glancing over at Spike's still form.

As he glanced at him, he was startled to see Spike's whole body jerk forward.

He could feel the link between them rip.

Splinter.

"Wh-"he began.

Spike's hand reached out, jerking the steering wheel.

The car swerved, as Delos lost control and the car ran head long into a utility pole.

"Hello Delos," Spike said slipping his game face on, he grinned through his fangs.

Delos scrambled out of the car.

Spike followed.

"Where are you going? Can't we talk? Sire to....minion? Better yet lets not and say we did. How 'bout I kill you instead? That works for me," Spike growled as he flew at a stunned Delos.

~*~*~



Wolfe cocked his head sniffed the air and grinned slightly.

"Spells are in the air," he mused.

He was attuned to a state higher than he had thought possible. He could feel the tug of his parents. Torn he hesitated.

Which one needed him more?

"Well...if it isn't Wolfe, the hybrid himself," her voice from behind had him slowly turning.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he took her in.

He'd seen her of course, but in person, she looked as if she could be Grace's twin!

Her brown eyes sparkled with amusement and another darker emotion he couldn't describe.

She looked him up and down a considerate look on her face.

"Mornay," he said with a small nod.

She smiled as they slowly circled one another.

"I see my reputation precedes me. Tell me...how does it feel to be so desired? A means to an end?"

Wolfe shrugged.

"It's always nice to be wanted," was all he said.

She reached out.

He didn't flinch as she trailed her hand down his cheek.

Cupped his chin.

He felt the urge to move away, but the feel of her hand on him tamped it down.

Where it should have been cold...

It burned.

"Ever thought of ruling the world Wolfie?"

"I won't be used to end the world."

"Who said anything about ending the world?" she purred.

"Then what are you suggesting?"

"I'm talking about ruling the world. Together. How about it?"

~*~*~
 

~*~*~

Chapter 10:



They tumbled to the ground.

Spike's growls vibrating through the air.

"You think you can honestly beat me?" Delos asked laughingly.

Spike laughed too.

"I've no doubt," he replied as Delos kicked him off, sending him flying through the air.

Spike landed in a crouched position his yellow eyes glowing eerily.

"What happened for this miraculous transformation?" Delos asked as he charged Spike.

Spike ducked the fist Delos threw but couldn't avoid his flying feet as he flew through the air.

He stumbled as Delos's boots crashed into his chest.

He gasped in pain and smiled through it.

"Oh nothing... Just my Slayer," he grunted out grabbing a fistful of Delos's hair and slamming him face first into a near by tree.

Delos spat out the blood that filled his mouth a few teeth going along as well.

"This Slayer....she'll make a wonderful trophy once I'm done with you William..."

~*~*~



Buffy scrambled over to her mom, heart pounding and fear crawling through her.

"Mommy," she cried touching Joyce's clammy cheeks with shaking hands.

"Aw," Angelus mocked.

Rage burned through her, red blinded her vision and slowly she lifted her head.

Her eyes met his.

A clash of furious green and deadly brown.

She smiled a tight strained smile that felt as if her face were breaking.

"You'll die for this...." she hissed.

"But what about Angel?" he asked clutching his chest. Making puppy eyes at her. "Kill me and you'll never get your precious Angel back."

Buffy gently lifted her mother up into her arms.

"Angel's gone. There is no coming back from this," she stated coldly as she rose.

"I'm not letting you leave here alive Buff. Certainly not with your mommy," Angelus growled as he pounced swinging his sword.

Buffy narrowly avoided getting her head chopped off as she ducked and laid her mother down off to the side. Saying a quick prayer, she rose.

"I'll make it quick," she promised as he rushed her.



~*~*~

Giles and Xander moved quickly down the hall.

"So what're we going to do?" Xander whispered.

"We are going to ward off the hellmouth! Must I keep reminding you Xander?" Giles snapped as they turned the corner and spotted Snyder coming out of the library.

Giles stopped and retreated the way they'd come, shoving Xander along with him.

"....very happy! I can't thank you enough Mrs. Travers," they heard Snyder say as his voice drifted.

Giles and Xander shared a look of complete understanding.

"He's here already," Xander, muttered peeking his head around the corner and seeing it was all clear stepped forward.

"We know that his wife is," Giles said as he joined Xander. "This means we've only got a limited amount of time here. Come, I must prepare some sort of diversionary spell."

They hurried back the way they'd come.

~*~*~

Oz and Willow lit the last candle and Willow began to chant.

Oz studied the map of Sunnydale carefully and smiled slightly as a small hole burned its way into the map.

"Willow we've got him," he said as he gently shook her.

Jostled out of her daze she glanced at Oz and blinked.

"What?" she asked.

"He's here. Look. Over on Hansen by the police station."

Willow glanced at the map, a grin emerging.

"It worked!" she exclaimed.

"Yeh," Oz replied. "Let's go."

"Should we?" she asked concerned. "Maybe-"

"Buffy wants us to get Wolfe. Keep him safe. You can stay here and I ca-"

"No! I can come with. But if we're gonna protect him we're gonna need weapons," she replied quickly.

"You're right. We'll need all the weapons we can carry!"

~*~*~

Delos sailed through the air a slight stunned expression on his face.

Spike stood over him as he landed.

"You know, I never knew loving a Slayer could be this good," he said dragging Delos to his feet.

"I..I don't understand this," Delos muttered as he reared his head back and head bunted Spike.

Dropping Delos Spike staggered, a hand covering his nose he fell to his knees.

"Bloody hell," he yelled. "That hurt! You broke m'bloody nose you fuckin' prick!"

Delos narrowed his eyes and kicked out catching Spike on the chin.

"Seems whatever Slayer powers you had are wearing off," Delos muttered striking out again.

Spike rolled avoiding the blow.

He rose and they traded blows.

"This claim business is a funny thing. Just when I'm thinkin' I'm down for the count....bam! Got m'second wind so to speak."

Delos tried to dodge blow after blow to little avail.

"This can't be due to a claiming," Delos snarled. "No one can gain this amount of power by a claim. There is no way."

Spike faltered slightly at hearing this.

"What?"

Spike couldn't get Delos's words out of his head though.

If this wasn't the claim then what was it?

~*~*~

The sounds of swords clashing echoed loudly as every thrust and parry was met.

"You know....I had so much fun while I drained your mom. I can't wait to do the same to you."

Buffy ignored his goading words and continued her mindless task.

Kill him, he mind screamed over and over.

She wanted this vile creature dead.

Her eyes flickered briefly to her mom and in that moment of weakness, Angelus took advantage of it.

Buffy gasped as his sword slid through her left shoulder.

*Spike! I....need you.*

She continued her assault, her eyes again resting on the still form of her mom and she prayed he had heard her plea.

*SPIKE!!*



~*~*~

Buffy's anguished voice filled Spike's mind and he stumbled.

Blinking he could feel her pain, frowning he was stunned at the picture that shimmered before his very eyes.

Angelus and Buffy fighting to the death.

The Slayer's mum.

The image faded and in its place, Delos stood.

Shaking his head Spike growled.

"Time to quit with the games," he muttered to himself.

Delos didn't know what happened. One minute Spike appeared dazed and confused the next his head was being torn from his body.

Spike didn't even waste time watching Delos's ashes drift to the ground.

Sprinting off in the direction of the mansion, his only thought was of Buffy.

Getting to Buffy.

Saving Buffy.

~*~*~

Wolfe struggled to look away from Mornay's captivating gaze.

She was touching a side of him he had no intention of letting out.

But it was harder than he had anticipated.

His demon was drawn to hers. It was curious as to what she wanted. How far was she willing to go to get it?

"Us rule the world?" he drawled out.

Mornay's hands drifted up to clench in his hair and she pulled him closer.

"Wonderful idea, yes?" she asked.

Smiling he let her edge ever closer.

"Well, see..how would we go about that? Doubt mom and dad would go for it."

"Ah, the little Slayer won't have to worry her pretty little head. As for your father....Delos will take care of him."

Wolfe cocked his head and arched a brow.

"Will he?"

"Absolutely."

"So with both my parents out of commission I'm free to wreck havoc. Quite tempting," he murmured leaning closer.

"Really? So?"

They were almost kissing they were so close.

Their lips mere inches apart.

"So will I join you, betray all that I've been raised to stand for? Let my parents fend for themselves and keep you and the world for myself?"

She nodded.

Mornay couldn't believe he was actually considering her proposition.

Seeing the demon in him had been a surprise as it had been thought he was a white hat fanatic. A surprise but a pleasant one at that.

"Well?" she asked again getting antsy.

Wolfe grinned.

A dangerous glint formed in his eyes. They sparkled and danced with hidden emotions.

"Why not? Never have turned down an offer from a beautiful lady."

Mornay grinned in return and tilted her face up slightly.

Their lips met.

~*~*~

"...officials are saying tonight's jail break was committed by a gang high on PCP. Sources in the department say..."

Mandy Bradley passed by the t.v. store that kept their TV's on twenty- four seven and ignored the news anchors voice her thoughts a million miles away.

She never heard the man who came up behind her and grabbed her, clamping a hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming.

~*~*~



Willow strode quickly along with Oz as they made their way to Wolfe.

"So he's still by the police station?" Oz asked eyes scanning the shadows.

"Yep. Only it looks like he's not alone anymore."

"Maybe Buffy found him," Oz suggested.

"Oh! That would be wonderful, and she's probably found Joyce and everything's alright! Yay," Willow exclaimed bouncing around slightly in excitement.

"Maybe," was all Oz said.

~*~*~

Rufus glanced at the Head of Special Projects and smiled.

"At least you've done this right," he muttered glancing at the girl on the opposite seat who was bound and gagged.

"Yes sir," Penelton said.

Rufus glanced out the window, his thoughts on the upcoming ritual. He had all he needed except the boy but he was sure that would be remedied shortly.

A human sacrifice had been the last specified item and now that he had one, he was on his way to actually being happy!

He called Martha.

"I'm on my way darling, is everything set up?"

His gaze wandered to the window again, rested on the couple who was walking quickly past.

He smiled, said a quick goodbye and told his driver to stop.

He ordered Penelton to retrieve them.

He was back a few minutes later leading one Willow Rosenberg and...the Werewolf the Slayer was fond of, Rufus mused as they took their seats beside the girl.

"Well isn't this nice? I'm Rufus Travers and you'll soon be dead."

~*~*~

Wolfe felt the pull of the spell too late.

Wrapped up in the kiss and all the pretty visions of him killing Mornay playing behind his closed eyes, he was oblivious.

As it was when he opened his eyes, he wasn't on the street but in Sunnydale High's library.

His eyes widened as they took in the scene before him.

Dressed in the ceremonial robes of the Council Rufus stood in the middle of a circle lined with candles, a large leather bound book in his hands.

Bound and gagged Willow and Oz looked on wide eyed and frightened. Next to them was a small fragile looking girl who was currently unconscious.

Rufus lifted his eyes briefly so their eyes could meet.

Rufus's smile was wide enough, cold enough and just the tiniest bit crazy enough to send the first stirrings of terror down Wolfe's spine.

The ground began to shake and all hell broke loose.

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