Tales of a Harem Slave
Prologue
She moved swiftly, if awkwardly through the night. Tired she struggled against the pain that threatened to overwhelm her, along with the storm. She both blessed and cursed the sudden squall. It slowed her progress, while providing much needed cover.
After what seemed like days she made it out of the swamps. She stood drenched and shivering, doing something she'd never done before.
She prayed.
When the headlights grew from the mists, she cried out in thanks. Stumbling she raced to the approaching car. Her body wide, ungainly as she squirmed into the cab of the truck. Wiping water, and sodden hair from her eyes, she turned to her savior and wailed.
Mal' smiled, she whimpered backing against the door. The viciousness in that smirk enough to burn her heart. He spoke, mockingly. "Did you really think you'd get away, Cat'. Really, you should know better."
He reached out slowly, stroking her cheek," Come, now. It's only balance. Think of the thousands you yourself have slaughtered with glee. The innocent blood you've bathed in, in ecstasy. And you did it with a smile on your face and a song in your heart."
Cat'tiva turned away huddling against the door, eyes shut tight against the flood of memories. Memories that didn't entirely disgust her.
Mal' laughed harshly. "Now your good. I don't think so. No, you've got other motives for wanting those brats of yours to survive," he said placing a clawed hand on her rounded belly. "No matter. You can't escape us. We're family, sis." She rode in silence, withdrawn into herself.
Months passed as she sat alone, locked in her rooms. No visitors, no help, no hope. Left to grow mad in isolation. Alone and anything but broken. A mage warlock of the highest caliber. Art and skill learned in black magick, honed in bloodletting. She'd lived thousands of years, killed ten times as many, human and demon. No. She was not broken.
She was thinking and waiting.
When the first contractions started she climbed from her bed quickly. Knowing they'd be coming. She would be ready. Magic swirled through the air strong, and thick. Power that had gone unused for months.
The spell weaving itself slowly, intricate and deadly. Despite the urgency, she worked carefully, plodding. There must be... there would be no mistakes.
Ignoring the wrenching cramps, she dropped to her knees drawing runes on the floor, burning them into the wood. When the last symbol was done, she cut swiftly letting the blood run from her fingers onto the glowing insignia. She waited--a predator for its prey.
She felt them before she saw them, a wave of malicious power. She was ready. When Mal' stepped through the door, she stood serene-undisturbed. Her brother circled her; a cat toying with a trapped mouse, as the others gathered around. "No sense, pretending. We know the brats are coming. They'll die so that we may live."
Still she said nothing, merely turning her back on him. "It is for the best daughter. We are eternally evil. We would not survive their coming of age," said Mal'ig, reaching for her daughter, who avoided her touch. And still silence.
"Enough," cried Vis. "She knows the prophecy. The twins of night and day can not be born." The elder stepped forward; his foot knocking aside the rug, as he reached for Cat'tiva.
Mal's eyes locked on the signs then shot to his sister's. His eyes widened, as she grinned wickedly. "No!" his voice rang out, startling everyone but it was too late.
Cat's hands clamped down on Vis, as an ancient chant rose from her lips, "Domine Deus, Adiuva Me. Factum est illud, fieri infectum non potest." Crimson silver flames leapt into existence surrounding them. Vis struggled in her grasp as she sucked power from him. As the flames leapt higher forming a dome over her--she thrust Vis away, and soon was swallowed by the crimson silver fire.
Her triumphant laughter rang through the house as the flames exploded outward, sweeping over everyone. When the flames died there was nothing left but the smell of blood and ashes.
An anguished scream shattered the silence, as lightening split the sky. Silver crimson fire shot across the desert sand, scorching the ground. The flames died away leaving behind a battered body.
Shards of almost unbearable pain lanced through her; the night echoed with soul-tearing shrieks. Straining, she fought the urge to push as she stumbled along the deserted highway. Contractions ripped through her tiny frame. Struggling she kept moving, as something broke.
Agonizing pain ricocheted through her, and she collapsed as blood ran down her thighs. Sobbing, curled into a fetal ball she awaited death.
Cat'tiva woke slowly, dazed and disoriented. She focused suddenly, beginning to panic when she realized her babies were gone. She fought vainly to sit up but couldn't move.
Then hands were stroking her brow. "Shh," said a soft voice echoing with power.
"My babies!! Where are they? Please," she sobbed.
"Hush the little one's are fine. So you truly care for them?" the voice asked curiously.
"Yes, they're MY babies. I love them don't hurt them... please."
A flash of silver caught her eye as something passed by her. Then she could see. The creature curled around her and the babies. Half feline, half dragon, and all deadly.
An Elemental, one of the strongest but most neutral of the three main branches of magic. Weak she knew she had not a chance against such a creature.
"No. I will not. The Powers are in turmoil over you kits, and I care not a whit for either side. My kind have existed since before time, and we will exist after it. But when one such as you--and yes I know who you are Cat'Tiva--but as I said when one such as you changes, sacrifices, not for power, wealth, or position but for love... I feel for you. I give you this, my strength to hold you in this realm a little longer. So you may say your good-byes with assurance that I will send the kits somewhere far from here. Where they will be hidden from those searching for them."
Almost instantly she felt strength returning to her body. Scrambling up she raced to her children. Sobbing she held them close, feeding them for the first and last time.
"Oh, my babies. I'm sorry... so sorry. Love you so much... so much. My precious ones. My darling boy... my sweet girl. I give you this may your hearts find true love and finding it, keep it for all eternity. I don't wanna leave you, even though I have to... be safe my lovies," she wept, heart broken.
Pulling off her amulet--she whispered a simple spell--splitting it in two, before placing one in each basket.
A wave of numbness rushed over her, as she slid slowly to the ground. Darkness beckoned behind her eyes, even as she fought it.
"Hush, now. There is no need to be frightened. It is time to rest, child. Let go. Rest."
Cat'tiva's eyes drifted shut as her heart slowed. Her last breathe an exclamation of love, “good-bye, my babies."
Cat'Tiva Maverick: Mage Warlock 1st level. Destroyer of Innocence, was no more.
Sunnydale--Present
Spike slouched against the counter, stunned by the amount of rampant stupidity in the watcher's apartment. He watched them time and again dismiss the boy, despite the fact that he'd saved them all. The longer he listened the angrier he got.
Bloody stupid chit. Actually thinks she defeated, Tepes. Spike smirked, time to yank the blonde's chain. Sod it all, if it even compliments the whelp.
"Slayer. How'd you get Vlad's fangs outta your neck?"
Buffy scowled at the vampire. "He got distracted."
"Un-huh and 'ow was that?"
Buffy shifted, uncomfortably. "Xander might have helped."
Spike turned to look at the whelp, certain one of his patented goofy grins would be spreading by now. But no grin. Wat’s this then?
Xander sat staring off--obviously not listening. His hands moving, as he twisted the ring he wore around and around.
Spike's brow wrinkled. That's new.
"Well, yes Xander helped," said Riley, "but he got us into trouble in the first place."
Spike didn't even bother to respond. It'd be useless to tell Iowa boy that if Xander had been strong enough to throw off Vlad's mind control long enough to distract the vampire--then he'd probably not been under his control at all. And that idea definitely intrigued the Brit.
He ignored the others, caught up in watching Xander. Who was becoming more and more agitated. Before anyone could speak, he was up and moving to the door. "Listen. I'm sorry I got in your way Buffy, but I gotta go." Then he was gone.
Willow shook her head, sadly. "He's just gets more and more incompetent. I'd hoped he wouldn't turn out like the rest of is family."
Spike bit back a vicious snarl, heading to the door," Oi, 'ow the lot of you can be this fucking stupid is beyond me. Wit out his incompetent ass you'd be up shit creek. Stupid bloody fucking..."
The door closed, muffling the still cursing vampire.
Spike hurried down the dark, deserted streets. Before long he'd caught up with Xander. Silently he followed the preoccupied mortal, certain he was headed the wrong way.
Unless he's not going home.
Xander shuffled nervously down the street; he could feel Vlad calling him. And he was suddenly a lot less certain than he'd been last night. But then he'd been saving his friends lives. He snorted softly. Pausing, he stared back at Giles'--remembering what landed him in this mess.
After their first disastrous encounter with Vlad, he had noticed something. The vampire seemed to completely ignore him--no matter what. It was as if he was the immortal's blind spot. He'd tried to use that advantage last night, but for some reason it hadn't worked. He'd fallen prey to the vampire's traps like the others.
Or so he'd thought. It wasn't until later that he realized he was the only one who hadn't been fooled by the vampire's tricks. Tepes had mesmerized the slayer, after distracting Giles with the sisters and leaving Riley to wander around aimlessly. He'd been the only one not to succumb to the vampire's illusions. It had seemed like hours, before he'd finally made his way through the maze like house. Armed with only a cross, he'd gone looking for Buffy and Vlad.
That's when it all went fucked. Xander shivered as the memories dragged him under.
--Earlier--
Vlad held the slayer close, reveling in the heady taste of her blood. She lay limp, unresisting in his arms. As her heartbeat slowed, something itched along his senses distracting him from his feast. He'd started to ignore it then it was just there. Sweeping over him, pulling him under, taking him in. A wave of magic so powerful... so sweet... it nearly brought him to his knees. Vlad dropped Buffy, moving towards the door waiting.
Xander slunk quietly through the halls--grateful he hadn't run into anyone. Sensing Tepes behind the doors, he gathered his courage and walked in.
The vampire froze, awed by the beauty before him. His thoughts raced like quicksilver, as he tried to understand how he could have overlooked this splendid creature. Magic radiated from him like light from the sun. His entire being glowed with life.
They stood staring at each other; both hesitant to break the silence. Vlad stepped over the slayers still form, hand held out to Xander, "Come to me. Come to me, child."
Backing against the door, Xander held up his cross, "No way. Not having the urge to be a happy meal."
The immortal glided a few feet closer, before the cross snapped back up. "No beauty. You'd be mine forever. Now. Come to me!"
Xander shook his head, "And still I'm thinking... no."
Dracula stood stunned, "That is the second time you've refused me without hesitation. How? No mere mortal..." Vlad stopped sniffing the air, shifting quickly he flowed around Xander, a white mist.
Xander swiped at the clinging fog, then stared as it reformed into the vampire only a foot away. Tepes looked as if someone had told him he'd won a lifetimes supply of slayer blood. He considered saying so, but survival instincts kicked in. Still, he couldn't help saying something, "Don't we look like the vamp, who drained the blood-bank."
The vampire smiled softly, and he shivered. "You want to save your friends, yes?"
Xander nodded," That would be of the good."
Tepes began circling him, a shark like grin on his lips, "Then you and I will strike a deal. Give yourself to me willingly and I will let them go and leave this place."
Xander’s eyes threatened to fall out of his head, shocked would be an understatement. Don't ask. Don't ask. Don't ask. "O-o-kay. I see what I get out of this but what about you?" Oh-h-h just brilliant up there. Give the guy a chance to change his mind.
Stopping in front of the mortal, Vlad stared into his eyes. Almost mesmerized by the dark gaze, the vampire watched as intelligence, power, and life swirled within them. "You are... different. I would know why... but I would learn with your surrender. Do you agree?"
Part of his mind shrieked warnings about deals with the devil, while the rest just wondered.
"Agreed, on conditions," he said, quietly. Knowing it was the only way.
"Excellent. I will let them think I've been defeated. Do not let them know of our agreement or..."
He nodded as Vlad walked back to the slayer, lifting her with ease. "I'll let them think you were my bug eater. You can stumble in and distract me." Vlad laughed, the sound a seductive caress. "I do so love to play games. This one shall be...interesting." Xander turned to leave, pausing when the immortal spoke again.
"Soon, Beauty."
Then Buffy seemed to wake up. Soon, she and Dracula were trading blows. After she'd defeated him, they'd gathered near the mansions front door. The smug smiles on Buffy and Riley's faces had been the final slam, on his already frayed nerves.
He'd had it and wanted everyone to know it. When he finished venting, he glanced up and had to bite back a snarl. Nothing... it was like they hadn't even heard him. They acted as if his anger was nothing... less than nothing.
As he'd sat listening to them at Giles' he'd grown more and more disturbed. The only person, who seemed to even notice his contribution was Spike. Spike. William fucking 'The Bloody'. Soul-less, blood-sucking, well... ex-blood-sucking fiend. Something was seriously fucked with that picture. Shaking his head, he started heading toward Vlad, again. Not as if I've got anything else going for me Shrugging, he resigned himself to his fate.
The vampire stood waiting at the edge of the cemetery, lips curved in a wickedly sensual grin. "I knew you would come, Beauty. Let us be gone from this place."
Xander jumped back, "Woah. Woah now, Bat-boy. Hold up. That was not our agreement."
Vlad snarled," You agreed to give yourself to me."
Spike fought to keep from rushing to the mortal's side. He'd known that something was going on, but for the boy to have given himself to Vlad Tepes was... unthinkable.
Now just why is that? Shut up.
It just was. He couldn't let the boy do it. He'd have to stop it somehow.
"Yeah. On conditions," he shot back.
"Fine, shall we say a year."
Xander paled, "Umm, I was thinking more like a five...ten minutes, you drink me. Maybe try not to kill me."
Vlad shook his head, "Not enough time, Beauty. Six months."
Xander sighed, "How bout four days, Drac."
"Three months."
"A week."
"A month."
"A month."
Xander reached to shake Tepes' hand, and was knocked aside by a very angry Master vampire.
"No! Vlad, he's mine," hissed Spike.
"William," said Vlad slowly, "It's been ages. But now is not the time to renew our acquaintance."
Spike moved in front of Xander, before answering, "Fuck you, Vlad. This is a challenge. The boy's mine."
Xander turned a brand-new shade of red--all the while stuttering incoherently.
"Excuse us," he said yanking Spike back. "What the hell?"
Spike glared at the mortal. "Saving your ass, Chubs."
Xander's embarrassed shock faded--quickly replaced by a wave of anger. "I don't need to be saved, Fangless. I'm not helpless. You really...hold on... Why the hell do you care anyway? And don't give me any shit about Buffy, cause you know and I know you don't give a damn about what she thinks."
Spike shrugged, unable to explain. He just couldn't let Tepes have him. The whole idea was just wrong. But there was no way he was telling the boy that.
So what are you gonna tell 'im.
Finally, "Bloody hell. You're the only git I can stand 'round 'ere. Leave me wit Slutty, and her puppies and I'll 'ave to stake me self to keep from going as loony as Dru."
Xander smirked, he'd known that they shared the same sense of humor, but he'd never expected the Brit. to admit it. Even if he'd seen the vampire smirking whenever he'd made some off comment. Never mind how often he'd had to bite back a grin, when the vamp started in on slut...Buffy. "Ok I amuse you. You'll find someone else."
Spike shook his head, looking everywhere but at the mortal. "Too late, whelp. Challenge issued an' all that."
"Just forfeit, renege, whatever."
"Don't think you want me to do that, pet. I forfeit it's your life."
"WHAT! Spike... how... you... I..." Xander grew more and more incoherent as he yelled.
"Calm down, Chubs. You'll give yourself a heart attack. I know what I'm doing," said the smirking vampire.
Xander paused in the middle of his rant, forcing himself to at least appear calm. "I don't know why or how, but I know you did this on purpose."
Spike grinned, turning back to Vlad, "Why would I do that Nummy?"
Leaving the still sputtering mortal, Spike faced Tepes. "Here, now. And no gypsy mojo. Just you an' me."
A nasty grin spread across Tepes face. "Done."
Watching the two immortals sizing each other up, Xander backed away slowly. "Not good... this is so not good."
The vampires circled each other, slowly.
Tired of posturing, Spike struck first--going on the offense. They fought with an animal intensity. Nothing like, the dance Vlad led Buffy through, or even the street fighting Spike often resorted too. Nothing but claws, fangs and brute strength. A violent descent into pure savagery.
Leaning against a tree, Xander debated his choices.
I could take off. Leave 'em here to beat each other senseless. Get Will to do an un-invite for Spike but that'd only last as long as the 'rents are sober. So, nope. Stake 'em while their distracted. Nope can't stake... Did I not say no going there? Sorry.
Glancing up at the fighters, Xander winced as Spike delivered a particularly painful blow. He couldn't decide whether he wanted to cheer the blonde on or not.
Vlad hit the ground hard, but managed to catch Spike's booted foot before it reached his head. Yanking he dragged the younger immortal down with him. For a minute, nothing could be heard but harsh grunts; the sound of tearing flesh as they fought in such close quarters.
No quips, no fancy moves. Just the single minded and desperate attempt to destroy the other. Then they were rolling away from each other. Vlad gaining his feet faster, backhanded the younger immortal.
Xander moaned in sympathy as the vampire hit the headstone shattering it. Nervously twisting the crimson ring around, an ‘round. Mentally urging Spike on, he sighed in relief when the vampire rolled--dodging Vlad's leap.
And then he was up and moving in fast. His demon enraged at the thought of losing his mate taking over. He moved, living death. Tearing at Vlad, beating him into submission. Blood flew, as Spike tore into Tepes.
Xander flinched as blood splashed across his face. Half repulsed, half awed at the lethal rage of Spike's attack. The vampire's unrelenting fury appealing to him deep inside. Torn between happiness and fear at the depth of emotion such passion seemed to show.
Howling in triumph, he moved in for the kill. Then roared in outrage when Tepes vanished. Vlad quickly gained the upper hand, vanishing and reappearing faster than Spike could follow. Striking fast and vicious, Tepes began tearing into the struggling vampire. Not knowing what he intended to do but powerless to stop, Xander moved towards the battling vampires.
And screamed when Vlad appeared behind Spike severing his spine. The mortal and immortals screams mingled and merged in agonized harmony, as Spike collapsed.
Vlad stood, grinning smugly down at the still snarling vampire. "Did you really think I'd let you win? Honor is for fool's, boy." Tepes said mockingly, as he dug his claws into the vampire's chest. Spike bit back, a scream.
Instead growling, he said "This isn't the end, Vlad..." Tepes laughed.
"For you it is." The immortal screamed as Vlad's claws punched through his chest.
Terrified Xander raced towards Spike--only to stop frozen as Vlad tore into the vampire's chest. Eyes wide, he struggled to breathe his heart threatening to shatter if....Nononononono. Suddenly he was moving and screaming, "Nooooo!"
Vlad looked up just as wall of silver slammed into him.
"Spike. Spike... please be all right." Dropping to his knees beside the broken vampire, Xander pulled him onto his lap. "Spike. Spike... c'mon." Staring at the ashen vampire, Xander sobbed. Fighting off hysteria, when no response came.
He hadn't thought about how he'd feel if the vampire was gone. He hadn't expected to feel this wild sense of despair. "Fuck, Spike. Don't do this to me." Fighting the urge to scream his hands danced over the still vampire.
The sudden pulse of glowing crimson, caught his eye as he brought his hand to the vampire's chest. He froze staring at the strange amulet with the winking ruby eyes. Desperate he pressed the ring against Spike's chest, praying to whomever would listen to him. Silver waves of light flowed from his hand into the vampire's chest. Stunned he watched as silver streaks of lightning sealed the tears, leaving behind unbroken flesh.
Spike woke slowly, vaguely disoriented, as something worried at his conscious. A familiar heartbeat pounded beneath his ear. He lay, mind racing as he tried to figure out why Xander was holding him.
He shuddered as his memories returned in a painful rush. His eyes flew open, but he made no move to leave Xander's arms. He lay still--not wanting to alert Vlad to his awakening--as he scanned the cemetery and nearly died laughing when he caught sight of Tepes. He watched amused as the vampire raged inside a silver sphere--trapped several feet off the ground. He looked extremely pissed.
And Spike thought that was just bloody wonderful. The vampire's laughter seemed to break the spell.
Xander shook himself slowly, as the bubble collapsed dropping Vlad on his ass. Spike started to speak, but stopped when Xander shook his head. Knowing somehow that he wanted to wait until Dracula was gone. Vlad shot to his feet, stalking towards Xander and Spike. Spike tensed--struggling to stand--but was stopped by a grinning Xander. "I've got this. Look Bat-boy. You lost... deal. No one won, well I did. So, be gone or I'll drop a house on you."
Vlad gazed at the smirking mortal; wanting nothing more than to claim him. But the aura of power radiating from him, had more than doubled. He posed more of a threat to him, than any other had in centuries. Vlad snarled, flashing his fangs, "Till next time, Beauty."
Xander watched as he shifted floating away. "Not if I see you first." Sighing, he reached down helping the weakened vampire to stand. Silently making their way to Xander's.
Spike watched as Xander paced aimlessly around the basement. He had several questions for the boy; he'd give him a chance to calm down first. Xander stopped, facing him. "I don't know."
He eyed the nervous mortal. He could see what had attracted Vlad. Something seemed to glow from him. He'd sensed it in small quantities before; now it practically blazed from him. Life, power, heat seemed to roll off him in seductive waves. And the smell....
Spike shuddered forcing back his game-face. "You don't know how you helped or why?" he said slowly. Xander shrugged.
"Both. Sorta. I mean... I guess... Hell, you were gonna help me. Even if it was for your own twisted reasons. Besides who else could I share my sparkling wit with," he said quietly.
Spike grinned, happy with that small acknowledgment. "They say great minds think alike."
"God, I hope not." Spike moved, allowing Xander to flop onto the other end of the sofa. "Nough, chit-chat. What do you know...or think you know?"
Xander was up and pacing again. "Look I got a theory, but it's out there. Then again this is Sunnyhell..." he said voice trailing off, as he grew more agitated.
Spike watched letting him pace for a few minutes. "Out wit' whelp. Can't be that far out." Xander stopped staring at the vampire, fidgeting with the ring.
"No interruptions. I get this out now or not at all." He paused as the vampire nodded.
"I can't remember a time when my parents were proud of me, ever. For the longest time I didn't really care. Because I had this whole world made-up in my head. About how I was special and they'd stolen me from my real family. Pathetic... I know. It kept me going. The whole fantasy revolved around this ring," he said quietly, looking anywhere but at the vampire.
"I'd had it for forever, and whenever things got really bad, I'd take it out of my hid--special place and just hold it. It always made me feel better. One day I was... careless my father saw it. I tried to hide it but it was too late when I came home from school the next day it was gone... just gone." He stopped--ignoring the sympathetic looks from the vampire--taking a steadying breath.
"He never said anything. I knew he'd taken it. Figured he'd pawned it or something. But last year--day before graduation--I was searching for my favorite jeans. Wanted something cool to die in," he smirked.
"Found them but they were dirty, had to wash 'em. Went through the pockets and there it was. I wore it that day. Gods... did I feel great. Next morning I couldn't find it anywhere. It was like losing it the first time, all over again. Then it showed up again, just before that whole Adam bit. This time something made me hide it, and then I forgot about. Hadn't thought of it in months then..."
Spike stared at Xander; his entire frame nearly vibrating with energy. Power spilled from him in waves. Engrossed with this new Xander, the vampire missed the last bit of his story.
"Didn't catch that bit, Xanpet. Say again." Xander glared disapprovingly at the immortal.
"I said after meeting Dracula and having him ignore me, I figured I'd do a little surveillance. Expect something made me put on the ring. Suddenly Bat-boy's all over me."
Spike snarled remembering the possessive look in Vlad's eyes. "What’s so special about the ring?"
Xander glared at Spike again. "If I knew that, would I be talking to you."
Spike shrugged, "Maybe. Let me see it."
Reluctant to part with it, Xander held his hand out to the vampire. Spike's eyes flew open, and he caught Xander's hand in a bruising grip. "Bloody hell... this ain't some cheap parlor magic Xanpet. This is a warlock's 'effin ring."
Xander paled. "A warlock's ring. How'd I get it and please tell me he's not coming to get it back." Spike pulled a panicking Xander down beside him on the couch. "Relax, pet. I don't think she's coming for it. Not after twenty years, besides there's something weird about it."
"Weird."
"Yeah. Look I don't know much 'bout gypsy mojo or magic. But anyone that's got any survival instincts knows 'bout warlocks. At least enough to make sure you don't cross 'em. They are entities like no other."
"What..."
Spike stopped him, placing a finger over his mouth. "This time no interruptions from you pet." Xander nodded.
"The master didn't get stuck by accident like the Watchers say. It was pay-back from a warlock he'd betrayed. Angelus told us about it to make sure we were careful not to offend them. Warlocks are human but their born with unbelievable amounts of power. Blood like ambrosia."
Spike shuddered, "The master killed a warlock. Caught him at a weak moment, plus he was a young one." Xander started to ask a question, then stopped.
"Right pet. He did die. His wife-- a mage warlock, who was even more powerful-- cursed the master. Nothing happened, so everyone forgot 'bout it. Till he tried to do magic, then whoosh he's suddenly a cork in a bottle. And later he's slayer bait. Angelus told us what to look for. Cause mostly they look human. But there are tell tale signs like; their eyes-sometimes you can get trapped in them, auras--generally give'em away, or amulets--pins, rings, circlets an' the like. Really powerful warlocks have amulets that are familiars."
Xander yelped--trying to snatch off the ring. Spike held his hand tighter. "Pet, stop that. It won't 'urt you. It would've by now, believe me. Now I don't know the 'ole story but their s'possed to act as identifiers in the supernatural world. Heirlooms, often representing status, rank, family, power... whatever the wearer chooses. Angelus said that the most powerful one's have amulets that are sentient. And I think this one is."
Xander and Spike stared down at the crimson ring--wrapped around his finger. It flowed around his finger, like blood warm and vital. The ruby eyes of the feline, stared up at him. Shimmering as if it knew something he didn't. Xander struggled to sort out his cluttered thoughts. "No sense panicking. Specially since it looks like the rings 'elping you."
Xander sighed knowing Spike was right. His theory supported it; that didn't mean he wasn't still uncomfortable with the whole idea. Deep in thought he never noticed Spike settling them onto the fold-out. He fell asleep--still thinking-- in Spike's arms.
Anya stopped at the bottom of the stairs, mesmerized by the sight before her. Xander lay cuddled against Spike--despite being two inches taller than the vampire. Spike's arms curled possessively around the mortal. When Xander whimpered slightly, Spike hugged him closer.
Anya bit back a sigh. At least now she wouldn't feel so guilty. Fingers clutching her newly returned amulet, she made her way to Xander's desk. She wrote quickly and decisively. Putting the note on the television where he was sure to see it. Turning to leave, she paused beside the mortal and the vampire. Leaning forward, she brushed a kiss across his forehead.
Spike watched her from beneath half slitted lids as she paused again at the bottom of the stairs.
"Take care of him for me, Spike. He's the only person who's ever given a damn about me, demon or ex-demon." And with a whisper the chip was in her hand. "Hurt him and you'll spend what's left of you unlife learning what pain really is."
With that the vengeance demon disappeared. Spike lay stunned, mind whirling trying to comprehend the rapid changes. Then Xander whimpered again, and the vampire forgot everything to comfort the boy.
Xander blinked slowly, as sleep faded away. Feeling better than he had in years, he stretched only to find himself trapped. His eyes opened slowly, and he had to stifle a squeak before he could move.
This is not of the good. We're warm and safe, what's not good? Umm, maybe cause it's with an evil demon. Not that evil. See now that's what gets us in trouble. So he's the big bad your--friends. We won't dignify that with a response.
Xander froze as the vampire shifted beneath him. OK, everybody shut up til I get us outta this. Xander slowly began moving out of Spike's arms, again. This is why Will called us a demon magnet. Who cares he's so--fuckable. Where the hell did that come from? .... .... No one's owning up to that one, huh?
Xander stilled, as he shifted again.
"Pet, could you quit thinking so loud. Let a bloke rest."
"Umm, Spike you do know where you're at right?"
"Sure, Xanpet. On your lumpy excuse for a bed. Now let me sleep."
Xander struggled to say something anything. "Spike, you have to leave before Anya gets here."
"Chit's already been 'ere."
Xander shot up. "What?"
Spike sighed, finally getting up. "Demon girl left you a note its on the telly."
The mortal stared at Spike, trying not to panic. Shuddering he moved to the T.V. anticipating threats of painful vengeance. He'd read the note five times. It still wasn't sinking in. He collapsed on the couch--staring at it. The vampire reached over, snatching it from his fingers.
"Mind if..."
Xander shrugged, maybe it'd make it real somehow.
Dear Xander,
I have never written a Dear Jane letter before, so I don't know how it's supposed to go. Well, anyway here's how I'll do it.
1. I got my powers back, and I was figuring out how to
break it off.
2. I'm glad your not going to be alone, because that would've
made me feel bad.
3. I still love you, but you deserve someone who loves you the
right way.
4. I never would have thought it would be Spike, but hey it's all
good.
5. I hate your friends, never did like them. And not just cause
they didn't like me.
6. I know this is clichéd but I still want to be friends.
There's an incantation on the back to summon me whenever you need
help or just wanna talk.
Love, Anyanka
Ps. Don't freak cause Spike's a guy, your stupid parents
are wrong.
pps. Oh, the reason they're not all eviscerated corpses is
because I knew it'd freak you out.
"Always did like that chit," said the vampire grinning. He tossed the note onto the table. Xander slowly beat his head against the back of the couch. "C'mon, pet. I'm not that bad am I." Xander stared at him.
"Your a vampire. I don't do vampires. Vampires are of the bad--as such undoable." Spike shook his head.
"Ah, pet. You know you like me. I'm very shaggable. And we all know you're a nummy treat."
Xander grinned, then frowned. "I don't do guys--let alone vampires. Why are we even having this conversation?" Suddenly a wave of sadness and relief swept over him. He sighed softly.
"Pet?" The dark-haired man looked at him sadly.
"I did love her. It's just something wasn't quite right." The vampire eased closer to the mortal boy. He ignored the demon screeching in his head to keep quiet.
"So, pet. Am I right?" Xander watched him from the corner of his eyes, as he thought about the vampire's question.
Now is where you say NO! What harm could there be in telling the truth? Listen just stop right there. Anya saw something, you know it had to be obvious for her to see it. Just let it go. What have you got to lose? Respe-- lov-- dig-- ok umm.... See, nothing. .... ....
No more comments from the peanut gallery? Hey, voice of reason? Umm, he's right.
OK when reason agrees with insanity its time to give it up.
"Maybe," he said softly.
The vampire smirked, yanking the taller man closer. Mouths met one hot, one cold. Tongues twisted, plunging, and stroking inside a warm chocolate flavored cavern. Plundering, caressing, darting over sharp fangs. Xander's mind went blank, protests forgotten.
Instead he leaned greedily into the kiss taking as well as giving. Drowning in the cool, slightly tangy taste of the vampire. Spike pulled back slowly, as he lay panting for breath.
"Least we know we're compatible pet," said Spike grinning. Looking up at the smug vampire, all he could think of was getting closer.
"Not quite sure about that. Maybe we should try it again. Just to be sure."
Xander bounced into the magic shop, grinning madly. His world had been turned upside down in less than a month, and he couldn't be happier. Ok. There were a few problems but they seemed so insignificant.
Who cared if his friends couldn't tell when something was wrong with him. So what he was having a couple of bad dreams. He had Spike. Maybe their relationship was....
Xander paused mid bounce. Little help here, guys. Indescribable. Certifiable. Either way it's good. Shaking his head, he wandered further into the shop. "Hey, G-man." Giles glanced up from his inventory.
"Hello, Xander. You seem well. And I've told you not to call me that." Xander nodded, and went back to poking through a stack of books.
"Got my own place. Great job. All is of the good. Was wondering if you had anything on warlocks?"
Giles dropped the book he was reading, turning to stare at him. "What did you hear something? Or..."
"Don't go postal, Giles. Just thought it'd be cool to hear about a little hocus pocus." The ex-watcher sighed, impatiently.
"Really, Xander. That is inappropriate. I thought you'd learn by now."
Xander shook his head. "Not doing magic. Just needed something to do since Anya's gone... and I finished the shelves, an the stuff for the training room," he said, looking pathetic. Giles looked at him sympathetically.
"There should be something in that pile over there, " he said waving dismissively. Xander went through the large pile quickly, picking out the ones Spike had named and a few that called to him.
"Thanks, G-man." he called as he left. Giles never looked up from his books.
Buffy sat cuddled up with Riley on the couch. He'd been quiet since he'd come back from his talk with Graham. She sighed softly, maybe he still missed his friends from the Initiative. She'd have to spend more time with him.
Spike sat up cursing.
Bloody. Fucking 'ell.
The vampire stumbled to his feet, heading for his stash of JD. Tipping the bottle, he downed a good fifth. Letting the fiery liquid burn thoughts of the slayer out of his head. Why she'd suddenly appeared instead of his Nummy he couldn't understand. Especially since for the past month all he'd thought about was Nummy.
He straightened suddenly, feeling the presence of another vamp. Turning he grinned at his dark goddess--pushing aside his doubts.
His princess came back because she loved him, not because she couldn't stand to see him happy with his kitten. He ignored the disturbing thoughts. Certain he still loved his dark princess. Instead he concentrated on one wonderful fact. He was once again the Big Bad.
Drusilla grinned at her Spikey. The stars had whispered someone was taking her place. She'd come back to make sure that wouldn't happen. At first she'd thought it was that nasty slayer, that's why she'd given her daddy the bad dream. But now she knew who it was. The little kitten. She'd just have to fix it.
"We have to make them hurt for being mean to daddy. We shall water the ground with their blood, and it will grow such pretty thorns." The vampire grinned, ready for the bloodshed his demon howled for.
"Sure, princess. But we're going to do this carefully. Don't want the slayer knowing, I'm all better now. That's why we let her think the chip was still in, Princess." Dru pouted.
"Why can't we just kill them, Spikey."
Spike sighed. "Because, Ducks we come on all brawn and no brains, we'll get staked. And I got plans. Starting with Iowa boy."
The wicked grin, promised a great deal of fun, at least for Spike.
Dark eyes stared up at the gray sky.
So cold... why is it always so damn cold.
A bitter laugh spilled from the too young mouth, tainting the obscenely husky voice. When the snow finally fell, the slender form shivered in resignation before heading across town. Hand poised to knock the twelve year old froze, disgustedly forcing back tears. A slew of emotions slid across the child's face... anger - hate - disgust - finally, a tired resignation.
Stop it... just stop it. Fucking deal and move on.
The pounding was quick and decisive.
The door swung open, and bright gray eyes stared down at the child. A younger, healthier version of Santa grinned at the kid. Shuddering in disgust, the skinny form darted past the older man into the warm house.
It's only for a little while. He'll stop after he's....
Choking back tears, chocolate brown eyes fixed on the hall-mirror.
Gasping Xander shot up, his body jerking wildly.
Broken shards of glass sprayed out, as his glass hit the floor. He stared numbly at the spreading stain, as the urge to vomit rose. Fighting back sobs, he raced to the restroom. He hugged the john, as his stomach tried to climb out of his throat. Sliding to the floor, he drew in great gulps of air.
Remembering the caress of the phantom hands--had him hugging the bowl again. Climbing to his feet, he stumbled out of the stall. He moaned, trying to get rid of the images that invaded his mind.
I don't need anyone else's pain. Have enough of my fucking own.
Slowly he moved towards the sink, needing to rinse his face. Glancing up he froze, staring into the eyes from his dream . . . his own.
Shadows crept across the sky and the skinny twelve year old crept outside with a sleeping bag.
Please don't rain... please.
Whimpers spilled from the too young mouth, pain tainted the husky voice. When rain drenched the bag, the slender form bit back a sob before heading down the street. Hand poised to knock the child paused, thin fingers swiped at wet eyes. He didn't like crybabies. Patterns of moonlight danced across old scars, making them glow sliver in the dark.
Not fair. Why don't they love me?
The knock was quiet but insistent.
Blood-shot eyes stared down at the thin frame, huddled on the door step. Booze, and stale cigar smoke floated out into the night. Shivering in shame, the kid bolted into the dry house.
Bad... so bad... my fault.
Stifling sobs, chocolate brown eyes fixed on the mirror across the hall.
Jade screamed, eyes flying open. Stumbling from the bed, she raced to the bathroom. Tears dripped down, as she crouched over the commode. Sliding to the floor, she choked back ragged cries. Feeling the hands again, had her retching harder. She moaned, as the images refused to leave.
Don't want this... buried it... a past best forgotten.
Strong hands lifted her away from the john. Holding her close Mikhail pulled her to the sink. Glancing up she froze, staring into the eyes from her dream... her own.
Xander slid back into the booth, ignoring the hungry gazes. The nightmare images, forcing their way beneath his lids. A wave of revulsion swept over him as he remembered the hands on him... except it couldn't have been him. Not unless he was a woman, and no one had bothered to tell him.
Gods please tell me I'm just trying to distance. That... please don't let this have happened to her.//
Still, he knows that's not it. He knows it's happened to him... to her. Shaking himself, he stood heading back out to hitch a ride closer to LA.
Need to find her... girl with my eyes. Tell her... tell her she's not alone. Make it better.
He shoved open the door, stepping out into the light.
"Hun, wait up."
A voice heavy with sex called to him. Xander turned, looking for the woman that voice had come from. He stared, disbelievingly at the woman before him. She was plump and bubbled with giddy energy.
A battered Tiger's cap, covered a scruffy ponytail. Onyx eyes, twinkled with an inner joy, from behind coke-bottle glasses. Every time she moved they slid down her face, to rest precariously on her nose -- til she pushed them up again, unconsciously.
"Listen, hun," she said moving to stand in front of him. "I seen ya hitchhiking, an' I don't think that's such a good idea. I mean you being so pretty an' all. Now, I'm headed tuh LA, but not til later tonight. Got a job I gotta finish up. If you can wait, I'd be pleased as punch to give ya a ride."
Xander stared at the woman -- dressed in a faded U of M sweat-shirt, jeans, and raggedy tennis shoes. She looked like a plump elf, disguised as somebody's big sister. He looked around the dinner. He really didn't want to catch a lift with any of the truckers--not with the way they'd been leering.
"Sure, I'd really appreciate it," he said -- voice low, husky. Moving in closer to her body. She held up a hand, stopping him.
"Ya ain't got to do that, hunny. My offers free of charge. You just lay low, an' be here when I come back round here bout 12:00 a.m."
Xander blinked several times. He couldn't believe she didn't want anything. "Are you sure, " he asked--eyes downcast, voice soft and hesitant. A flicker of sadness, dimmed the elf eyes for a moment.
"Baby, not everyone wants tuh hurt you." She said running her fingers down his cheek. "I'll see ya later." Her grin was back, as she bounced out of the diner.
Xander watched her, stunned, certain this good thing was just another way to hurt him. Like everything good in his life had done. He jumped, when she stuck her head back in.
Here's where life kicks you in the slats. Again.
"Name's Shadith, hunny. Your's?"
"Alexander, but my friends call me.... Xander."
"Xander it is then."
Jade paced restlessly around the bedroom. Mikhail watched her, his eyes filled with concern. She hadn't had the nightmares in almost three years. He didn't like them coming back. Not now. Not when everything was so right. Jade glanced up--dark eyes wide to hold back the tears.
"Oh, my love. It's all right to cry." Mikhail reached out to her, only to have her dodge his arms. He blinked slowly, hurt filling his eyes. She'd never avoided his touch before. Not even in the beginning when she had every right to fear him - hate him. He stopped, forcing back the uncertainty... the hurt.
This wasn't about him... it was about her, and whatever was hurting her. But he had to ask.
"Jade? Was it something I did? Did I make you think of... then... or.. --"
She cut him off, shaking her head. "No... no its not that. In fact, its not anything to do with my life. Past or present."
"Then what..." he asked, voice trailing off, as she resumed pacing. She stopped; staring at him but through him.
"I don't know," she said distraught. And she was moving again. Finally she stopped in front, of her changing table.
"Someone's hurting him... hurting him." Mikhail winced as her voice grew louder, "Hurting him. "
And louder.
"Hurting him. Like they hurt me."
Until she was screaming, "LIKE. THEY. HURT, ME. LIKE. THEY. HURT, ME."
Dodging the objects that had begun to fly through the air he reached for her. This time he doesn't let her get away. Yanking her close, he rubs her back in slow soothing circles. Murmuring gently to her.
"Shush, darling. Nothing can hurt you now. Shh. Shh. NO ONE will ever hurt you again. Hush...now, my heart."
Jade slowly began to calm down. "W-we have to find him, Mikhail. We have to make it better... cause somehow I know he's still hurting. We have to.. he's so alone," she sobbed.
"We will darling. We will." He pulled back to look at her. Her chocolate brown eyes were red with tears, wide with another's pain. She looked like the scared little girl she'd once been. "But not tonight." Jade started to object, but stopped when he placed a large hand over her mouth.
"Not tonight, m'srdce. Your exhausted, and drained. Not up to your usual. And I know you want to be at your best, when you look for him. No spells until tomorrow. Promise?" He moved his hand away from her mouth, catching her chin. He tilted her face up. Rebellion flickered, then disappeared. The cold logic that had helped her survive asserting itself.
"Tomorrow. I will find him... and Nothing will stop me." Crimson flames flared in her eyes, blotting out the chocolate orbs for an instant.
Shadith moved through the crowd with a predatory ease. All the bubbliness gone, silent and seductive she stalked her target. The body that was plump in jeans and a sweatshirt, was voluptuous in the indigo velvet sheath. She snuggled into the big man--batting heavy black lashes freed from the glasses.
Senator Jonathan Stone grinned down at the piece at his side, then whispered in her ear. She giggled, voice like silk sheets, and nodded. The married politician turned, pulling her with him. She followed -- making sure no one saw them leave together.
She watched him, waiting for a twinge of something-- a conscious, maybe. When nothing happened, she shrugged. She didn't know what she'd expected, maybe something other than the intoxicating anticipation.
Must have just been the kid.
The senator guided her into the room, locking the door behind them. She grinned, ferally. He was making this too easy. The sound of footsteps made her swing around. Eyes wide she watched the second man size her up.
"Why Jonathan, you brought us a little toy."
Jonathan grinned, pulling her towards the bed. "Well, Phil ... I just couldn't let this little peach get away."
As they collapsed onto the bed, she rolled staying on top. Phil climbed on behind them, hands grasping her breasts. She straddled the senator's hips, the velvet inching up her thighs as his hands roamed. He stopped looking puzzled, as his hands brushed leather.
"What's that?"
A dark light, flooded her eyes--the man beneath her shuddered. "Your death," she crooned. Before either man could react, she whipped the blade backwards, then down. All in one smooth practiced swing.
Phil clutched at his throat, dazed as she plunged the knife through Jonathan's heart. He stumbled back, falling as he tried to scream, feeling the blood fill his throat. The senator stared up at the dark-eyed woman.
"Why? What did I ever do to you?"
Shadith shrugged. "Why does everyone think it's me?" she pouted. "I'm just doing my job. Can I help it if I enjoy my work?"
She sat waiting as he drew his last breath, eyes tracking Phil's crawling form. Hopping up she stalked over to him, yanking him backwards. She read the question in his eyes. Laughing wickedly, she leaned down licking the blood from his neck.
"You weren't part of the hit . . . just icing on the cake," she whispered, plunging the knife into his chest.
With a content sigh, she watched the life drain from his eyes. A sweet lassitude filled her, as she stretched, satiated for the moment. Leaning down, she cleaned the crystal blade on his shirt. After one last contented purr, she quickly made her way back to the party. The indigo of the dress hiding any blood stains.
"Everyone I give you Senator Stone."
Shadith looked around, as bewildered as anyone when the senator didn't appear. As security rushed through the hotel, she moved swiftly down the front staircase. Striding outside, she waited calmly for the valet to bring her car around. Smiling flirtatiously at the valet, she accepted her keys. Climbing into the car she blew him as kiss, before gunning the engine as she speed off.
Xander glanced up as the bell above the diner's door jingled. He let out a sigh of relief, as Shadith bounced in.
"Hey, hun.Ya weren't worried were ya?"
He shook his head, "Nah... not really."
She grinned at him.
"C'mon, let's blow this joint."
Shadith stared over at the boy beside her, concern filling her normally blank face. He whimpered softly, crying out at some unseen threat. She couldn't believe anyone would hurt someone so sweet. It made her want to track whoever it was down and rip their hearts out.
"Spike. . . don't please. . . what did I do."
Her hands tightened on the steering wheel--knuckles whitening from the pressure. He'd been crying out about this Spike almost since he'd fallen asleep. She'd hurt him first. When tears began to slide down the pale cheeks, she couldn't take anymore. Reaching out she shook him gently. He woke quickly, jerking away from her.
"Easy there, hun. You're safe."
Xander forced himself to calm down.
"Listen, hun. I know its none ‘ah my business. . . but what's eating at ya had best be talked 'bout before it hurts ya even more."
Xander laughed bitterly. "It couldn't hurt anymore."
Shadith growled, repressing the urge to do something violent. "Tell me anyway."
Xander stared out the window. "My boy. . . this guy. . ."
"Hun, got no problem wit’ ya having a boyfriend. Nah, go'n an tell me the whole thing."
Xander sighed, but started again. "My boyfriend, Spike, left me... which wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't left me for this guy who'd hurt him before, Riley." Xander paused, breathing harshly.
"Even then I wouldn't have cared if, if he'd just paid the littlest bit of attention to me. I'd have taken anything he was willing to give. But he wouldn't talk to me--ignored me. I'd have done anything for him... and he didn't even care. I don't understand why," he sobbed.
Rage boiled through Shadith, as she wrapped her arm around the crying boy. "It's ok, baby. It's ok."
Xander buried his face into the curve of her neck. "No it's not. It'll never be ok. It's my fault."
She stroked his back slowly, "No it's not, baby. But tell me why ya think so."
Xander shook his head. "You'll think I'm crazy."
She gave a throaty laugh, "Baby, I don' seen some weird shit. Ghosts, vampires, Hell hounds. Ain't nothin ya go'n say, go'n shock me." Xander stared up at her, tears glittering in his dark eyes. She nodded at him.
"It started after Vlad showed up."
Xander stopped, as she jerked. He knew he shouldn't have said anything. Shadith fumed. "That bastard owes me uh 100 quid."
Xander's mouth dropped open in shock. She smirked. "I told ya, ya can't suhprise me. Nah, go'n."
Xander snuggled into her again. "He wanted to take me. Said I was different. I got him to back off after he tried to kill Spike. Actually the ring did all the work," he said waving it in front of her.
Shadith gasped, grabbing his hand. "Oh my. That's a warlock's ring. I ain't see on of them in almost two decades. Not after Cat'Tiva disappeared. She was one of the best a that lot. Was sorry for her when her husband died, broke her heart it did."
Xander bounced up excitedly, tears forgotten. At least for a moment.
"Youknowaboutwarlocks?Tellmeplease. Idon'tknowwhereIgotthisringandthebooksarenohelpandI'vebeengoingnutsand. . ."
"Calm down, hun. Breathe. Nah, could ya repeat that."
Xander forced himself to settle down. Taking a deep breath he began again. "You know about warlocks? Tell me please. I don't know where I got this ring and the books are no help and I've been going nuts and. . ."
Shadith shook her head. "Hun, I don't know that much. I try to avoid that lot--like the plague. I'll tell ya what I know but it ain't much. Basically there's two types of magic. Creatures that are magic -- elementals, fey... whatever. And creatures that learn magic -- humans, demons... so on. Warlocks are a breed of their own. Completely human, yet almost infinitely powerful. Rare."
She stopped as if trying to see something she'd forgotten a long time ago. "True ones are born. Some never gain more power than what their born with... some gain more as they grow older and some are simply power in human form. Those are the rarest. The closest this world has ever come to anyone of that power are one or two of the old ones... and a few born very close to that level. Which is a good thing for humanity. Cause warlocks are evil. Oh there are some good ones, but their a very, very small minority."
A delighted smile, settled on her face as she remembered. "Cat'Tiva was one of the three born with that much power. I met her about fifty - sixty years ago. Doing a job I was, an we crossed paths. As evil as they come--got on we did. Stayed in touch. But then some vamps killed her husband. Nah, he was a good one. Don't know how they got together. Her vengeance was swift, and deadly. I helped. After that she went into mourning."
Xander sat listening, speechless as the woman he'd thought was human continued speaking.
"Sometime later she disappeared. Around the same time something wiped out a whole slew of warlocks. I only heard about it when I went to see her. It'd only been about twenty years, but there was no one at her old place. And the only person who'd talk to me kept babbling on about the Twins of Night and Day. Didn't make no sense, so I just paid my respects and moved on.
"Haven't thought about Cat'Tiva in a while--but something 'bout that ring that reminds me of her. Like it used to be something else." Shadith shook her head as if clearing away old and painful thoughts.
They rode along in silence for a while. Xander shook his head, slightly. "You're not human are you?"
Shadith laughed. "Sure am, hunny. Did a job for one of the old one's. Got 'gifted' with a type of immortality. Nah, enough 'bout me. Finish ya story, hun." Xander shuddered, remembering what they'd been talking about. She reached out pulling him close again.
He spoke quickly, as if the faster he said it the less it would hurt. "After Vlad, I started having dreams... nightmares. At first they were about this woman--eyes like fire, hair like liquid silver. She's beautiful but she's so scared. Terrified... always running, but she can never get away."
He stopped breathing heavily. Shadith watched him, knowing somehow that this was what had started it all.
"But the worst part, " he whispered. "The worst part is she turns into this little girl and... and... bad things happen to her." Shadith cooed gently at the sobbing boy, urging him silently to finish it.
"After one really bad one... when he's touching her," he stopped gagging at the remembered touch. Shadith rubbed his back gently.
Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to finish. "I went to find Spike. I wanted... I needed... "
"Comfort."
Xander nodded. "Yeah, even though he'd been ignoring me for the past two weeks. I thought... I hoped... but he and Riley. He was... they were..."
Growling softly, she hushed him. "Tell me where this Spike guy lives. Maybe you could talk."
Xander began to whimper. "No. Not gonna... hurts... just wanna go lick my wounds."
Pulling him closer, she glanced down before turning back to the road. "Ya don't have to do anything ya don't wanna do. But I do wanna know where ya from... cause I'm just plain nosy."
Xander yawned as the sleepless nights caught up with him finally. He snuggled in closer before answering, not even stopping to think about it. "We live in Sunnydale. Spike's got a crypt in Northwoods cemetery."
She smiled down at the boy falling asleep against her side. She was going to have to pay this Spike a visit.
Xander woke abruptly--something invading on his first decent night's sleep in weeks. He looked around sleepily, before realizing the car was no longer moving. Neon lights shone into the interior of the convertible. Sitting up he glanced around, vision blurry. He jumped when Shadith stuck her head in the window.
"Sorry," she grinned. "Didn't feel like driving anymore. I got us a room. We're 'bout fifty... sixty miles outside a LA. Didn't wanna deal with early morning traffic either. I figured we could wait till 'bout 11, 12 before heading back out. That ok wit' ya?"
Xander nodded wearily. "C’mon ya dead on ya feet." Xander climbed out of the car, following the bouncing woman into the hotel room. He collapsed onto the bed.
"I wanna have a look around. I'll be in--in a while."
Dead to the world before he could even say thank you--he didn't hear her. Shadith shook her head, then pulled the cover over the still form before leaving.
Dawn had begun to creep across the sky by the time Shadith returned to the hotel. She rolled her shoulders--a lazy bone deep contentment filled her. She paused, hand hovering over the doorknob, listening to the silence. Moving quietly she slipped the nine from the curve of her back, before opening the door.
Eyes adjusting quickly, she focused on the dark shadow hovering over the boy. Cursing vehemently, she kicked the door shut. The intruder straightened with a jerk, turning to her.
"You," he hissed. Shadith sighed, slipping the gun back into place.
"Nice to see you too, Vlad."
"What are you doing with the child?"
She grinned up at him before tossing her blood-stained leather jacket onto a chair.
"Question is what are you doing with him," she said heading into the bathroom. "Heard he kicked your ass but good, Sugar."
Tepes snarled. "That was an aberration. I was not prepared. It will not happen again."
"Damn, right," she called from the bathroom. She stuck her head back out, looking at the mortal on the bed. She sighed in relief, when he only snorted softly. "He's dead to the world, still. Ya do that?"
Vlad shook his head. "Was like that when I came in."
She rolled her eyes, going back into the bathroom. Her voice floats above the sound of running water. "Ya can't have ‘em, Sugar."
"Why not? Because you want him? He'd be more fun alive or undead." Splashing water is the only sound for a moment.
"Not gonna kill ‘em. I like ‘em"
Tepes eyes widened in shock. "YOU like him? Not just your usual spot of bloody fun and violence? Isn't he the type you usually . . . play with? You're not going to kill him. Did I miss something? I mean isn't that what serial killers normally do?"
Shadith pouted, as she entered the room. "I am NOT a serial killer. I AM an assassin and I do not play with my targets." She paused, tugging at her bra. "Ok... maybe a little. But I always do the job right before amusing myself."
Vlad snorted. "Serial killer. Assassin. What's the difference?"
"There's a difference," she said, haughtily.
"What? You kill for fun. You pick your victim... Sorry target. By your own admission. What's the difference?"
Shadith glared at the vampire before yanking her underwear off. She sighed, staring at the blood stained items. She'd really liked that set. "A serial killer has no restraint, and doesn't get paid."
Shrugging, she tossed them in the trash. Vlad stared at the nude woman, as she rifled through her bag.
"Psycho. You're just psycho."
Pulling on the clean underwear, she grinned at him over her shoulder. "Didn't say I wasn't, Sugar."
Vlad cursed again, before dropping into the other chair. "Why do you want him? You've never had much to do with anyone besides yourself. Why this one? Why the sudden interest?"
Shadith stopped tugging at the leather pants. "Cat'Tiva"
Vlad shuddered at the name. "What does that evil bitch have to do with him?"
Fastening the leather, she chuckled. "You're just mad cause she bound you to me all those years ago."
Vlad nodded sharply. His voice losing it's genteel accent, the angrier he got. "Damn right. Bad enough I'm addicted to your blood, but to be... to be.. under your control."
She leaned over petting his check. "It saved your life. She was enraged when Alzaeer killed her husband. Just trapping him wasn't enough. She killed a lot of his offspring. And pretty much anyone she felt was even vaguely responsible. If I hadn't asked..."
Her voice trailed off as she turned back to the suitcase. "Anyway, " she said looking through the bag. "I don't ask for much. I let you do your thing, and I do mine."
Vlad sighed. The conversation was an old one. It never changed.
"What's your deal with the child?" he asked pouting. He'd given up on any chance of getting the boy. Fate apparently had it in for him.
She pulled the leather halter over her head, then turned. "I want you to kidnap him."
Vlad blinked, then stared up at the grinning woman. A mischievous sparkle, gleamed in the onyx eyes. "What?"
Shadith calmly began tucking weapons into her outfit. "You're going to kidnap him. I'm going to be the helpless chit that witnesses it. I'll run to Sunnydale to tell his friends. Then his boyfriend, this Spike will come rescue him."
Tepes shook his head. "I don't think that'll work."
She shrugged, making the jet black hair swing around her shoulders. "If it doesn't... I'll just kick his ass and drag him back to Xander."
Shadith sighed, "Might have to kill this Riley guy, first. But hey we all have to make sacrifices."
Her grin widened, wickedly.
"Yeah, sacrifices. I'm sure," snorted Vlad. "Why all of this for him," he said gesturing at Xander. Tucking the last stake into her pocket--she moved to stand in front of the vampire.
"That ring something 'bout it bothered me. While I was blowing off some steam, it came to me."
Reaching down she caught Vlad's hands. "That's Cat'Tiva's amulet. It's changed drastically, but still something of her lingers. I can feel it. I.... I owe her. She did so much for me. And one of those things is you. She gave me you. Yeah, I know you hate it, but I don't. I need... I need... at least one constant in my life. I--"
Vlad stopped her, reaching up to place a finger over her lips. He pulled her down onto his lap. "I understand. We are creatures outside time. We need something that does not change. I'm not really angry.... at least not at you," he said smiling gently at the tense form.
Shadith stared into his eyes, her own wide with rare emotions. Reaching out she grasped his neck, pulling him forward. "Drink, my lover. My enemy, my friend. My companion through time.... drink," she whispered.
Vlad groaned burying his fangs in the warm flesh of her throat. Her head dropped forward, as the vampire suckled greedily.
"I would not stop for death, but he gladly stopped for me," she whispered before passing out.
Sunlight beamed through, the open curtains. Bathing the room in a bright warmth as rays of light inched across the bed. Shadith squinted against the annoying presence. Blinking she sat up, hand automatically touching her neck. No wound as usual. Glancing at the empty space on the bed, she shook her head.
Always so very impatient.
Moving to the open curtains, she yanked them shut, ready to catch a few more z's. She cursed feeling the vibrations, from the silent pager. Glancing at the number, she reached for the phone dialing quickly.
"You pick ‘em. I stick ‘em." She laughed delightedly at the shocked silence. Gods, I'm so morbid.
Across two continents and an ocean, tempers flared. It wasn't a pretty sight.
Shards of glass glittered in the pre-dawn light. Remnants of the shattered antique mirror, that lay smoking on the stone floor. The crumpled mass, all that's left of the viewing mirror after her spell failed again. Mikhail glanced down at the twisted heap, then back at Jade. She was pissed.
Royally pissed, in fact. He laughed, softly at his pun. Quieting quickly when the crimson eyes locked on him. Not good, he thought staring into the enraged gaze.
A scream shattered the silence. As the blonde learned of the slayer's triumph. There had to be a way to get ride of the little bitch. Even if she had to do it herself. She needed that key.
Drusilla watched Spike brood. Spikey was pissed. Enraged would be more like it. She couldn't understand why. Slowly she drifted to stand beside him.
"Princess wants to know what's wrong? The nasty green man who put the chip in daddy's head is gone," she paused remembering what fun they'd had. The screams had lasted for hours, and the blood flowed so prettily. "The icky slayer doesn't know you did it. She even thanked you for saving her. And the kitten's gone..."
Blood trickled from her split lip. Spike stared at the cringing vampiress--barely aware he's knocked her across the room. He hadn't seen Xander in weeks then the slayer'd told him he'd skipped town several days ago.
He wasn't happy.
He'd been so wrapped up in his plans to destroy the scooby gang from the inside, he'd pushed his pet aside. Not because he didn't care but because he cared too much. There was no way in hell he was letting anyone hurt his kitten. Not the slayer... not his parents... not even his princess...
Now Xander was gone, and he didn't know where or why.
No. He wasn't happy.
"Hello, Beauty."
Xander shot up, staring around wildly.
Why me?
"Drac, nice to see. Sorry about before and all."
Way to go. Yes, let's remind him about his humiliation while in his clutches. Clutches.... Shut up.
Xander looked around warily. "Hey! Where's Shadith? If you..."
Tepes moved closer. "She's fine. In fact, she asked me to show you around. Take your mind off things."
Xander paled.
Please don't let her have told him about....
"Spike's a fool."
There's that hope.
"Anyone who can't see what a treasure your are, doesn't deserve you," the vampire whispered easing closer.
Xander squirmed away, then stopped staring into the eerily seductive eyes. "Really?" he asked hesitantly.
Oh, no--we don't sound pathetic... Want Spike. Both of you shut up./
"Truly Beauty if not for your face, then for the gentle soul that shines from within you." Vlad settled onto the bed beside Xander.
"I will not force you to stay. Shadith and I are... old acquaintances. She thought you needed a vacation--a little mindless lust."
Xander blushed, eyes dropping to his lap. Vlad grinned. "I'm willing to supply both. But if you only want one I can do that too."
Xander smiled shyly up at the vampire. "I'd like that. I mean the vacation part--not that you're not... I'll shut-up now."
Vlad stood, moving to the door. "You have the run of the house. Please feel free to come and go as you like. It's morning so I’ll be retiring, just ask the servants for anything you need."
Xander sat staring at the empty doorway. Demon magnet. Shadith wasn't a demon. So she said. At least she didn't eat you. Vlad wants to. -disgruntled silence- Sorry.
Xander slid out of the huge bed. There were things to do.
Vlad cringed. She was going to kill him. Maybe he could just disappear for awhile. No he wouldn't do that to Alexander. He couldn't leave the boy to his fate. There was no telling what would happen to him.
Sighing, Vlad opened the link between him and the immortal woman. Feeling her presence, he shifted impatiently waiting for nightfall. She was going to pitch a bitch.
Shadith sat back with a contented sigh, watching the patterns the slowing flow of blood made. He'd been the best she'd had in weeks. He'd fought well, if futilely. Stretching she stood, then froze. Someone was out there. Easing away from the rapidly cooling body, she crouched ready.
She frowned, as the vapor began to shift.
What the hell is he doing here?
Vlad tried not to cringe as she glared at him. She couldn't know.. could she?
"What the hell are you doing here?"
She didn't know. He couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not. Not. It meant he still had to tell her. He thought about moving back, but didn't. There was no distance large enough to escape the immortal woman's fury. Taking an unneeded breath he began to explain.
"Xander's been kidnapped."
Shadith stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "No, duh. Ya kidnapped him."
Vlad shook his head slowly. "No. I mean he's really been abducted." He paused. "By the Kil'rath slave traders."
Her eyes narrowed. "Ya not shitting me. Are ya?"
Vlad shook his head again.
"How the fuck did ya let that happen?" she snarled.
"It was during the day. My regular driver fell ill, the company sent another guy. He was working with the slavers."
Vlad twitched as she began to pace, fingering the stake in her hands. "Where?"
Vlad growled in distaste. No self-respecting vampire would go anywhere near the area. "He dropped Xander of in LA's version of Hell. Less than a block away from the Dead streets."
She froze, staring at him. "The DEAD streets."
He nodded.
"FUCKING HELL!"
The vampire waited to see what she would do.
"Did ya find him? NO! Obviously. What about the driver?"
Vlad grinned nastily. "He's currently roasting over a hell pit awaiting my return. Apparently no one told him who or what he was working for."
"Good," she snapped. "Find out when and where the next pick up is. Then follow on foot if you have to. Track the boy. Find out where their keeping him and when's the next auction. Come to me as soon as it's done."
"Where are you going to be?"
Her mouth twisted into a vicious snarl. "I gotta see a slayer about a vampire."
Cursing she strode to the door.
She stopped looking back at him. "Vlad, don't fail me."
Mikhail sighed, as the very familiar sound of glass shattering filled the throne room.
Tenth mirror this week. At least...
High pitched ringing sounds, danced through the air. Mikhail cringed.
No... there goes the crystal.
His wife had been searching non-stop for over two weeks. Still nothing. She was not happy, and when Jade was unhappy . . . no one was happy. She didn't do it intentionally--but somehow no one could help being upset if she was. Mikhail shook his head, sadly. Nothing was going to get accomplished. Not when she was like this.
He stood, drawing every eye in the room towards him. Despite the continuing sounds of fury coming from somewhere in the palace.
"Today is not a good day, My people."
Like there's been any of those lately.
"We will adjourn until... sometime later. You are dismissed."
Mikhail left--thoughts all ready on how to calm his love.
Tossing crown and robes onto the bed, he headed to Jade's workroom. Broken glass littered the floor as smoke rolled across the ceiling. And Jade... Jade stood staring out the window.
Eyes shadowed, crimson flecks smoldered in her gaze. The normally full mouth pressed thin, strain lines beginning to form. He could see how close to the edge she was.
"Hey, love."
Only silence greeted his words. Moving further into the room, he stood just behind the tense woman.
"Look, darling. You have to stop this. Your only hurting yourself."
She opened her mouth to object. He stopped her, biting at her lower lip.
"Your viewing spells aren't working. Neither are the seek and find spells. There has to be a reason. But your so focused on getting it to work that your ignoring everything else."
Mikhail stopped, turning her to face him.
"You need to stop and think. So you're going to relax. I want you to visit the harem. You haven't been in weeks. Everyone misses you."
Jade pulled away, looking stubborn.
"Ah-ah. Just go... shoo," he said pushing her out of the room, before closing the door behind them.
The blue-eyed wolf watched as a group of young humans and demons were herded onto the floating ship. It ignored the stench of death, tainting the air. The wolf snarled softly. Anyone looking would have sworn they saw contempt in it's eyes.
An urge to rip open the offensive creatures had him moving unconsciously, before he caught himself. He'd waited four days already, he would not throw it away now.
Hiding in the shadows, the wolf eyed the transport ship as it was locked down and spelled tight. He growled, knowing there was no way he could get in. But unwilling to return empty-handed to Shadith.
When the ship began to fade he did the only thing he could, he leapt. The animal hit the deck hard, knocking him unconscious. The limp form skidded across the smooth surface, landing behind a stack of boxes.
Shadith strode toward the Magic Box; her persona altering dramatically as she approached. Anxiety rolled of her in waves as she knocked at the door.
When an older-looking male answered, she stared up at him with huge worried eyes.
"E-e-excuse me, sir. Are you Giles?" she asked timidly.
A slight frown flickered across the ex-watcher's face as he stared at her, before nodding.
"Yes, but we're very busy at the moment."
She stepped forward forcing him to step back.
"I need your help. Xander's in trouble."
Giles stopped sputtering and ushered her into the shop.
"Everyone this young woman has information about Xander."
Buffy shot up, knocking her chair over.
"You mean that coward who bailed on us."
Willow made a half-disgusted sound.
"I never thought he'd actually cave."
Tara nodded, agreeing with the red-head as always.
The silent young man with a chiseled jaw uttered one word.
"Failure."
Tuning out the still ranting slayer, Shadith's eyes wandered around the shop.
She watched as the female member of a group of brunettes huffed loudly, and was silenced by the brunette vampire. She turned hearing a low snarling sound. Coming face to face with an icy-eyed blonde.
Shadith shifted nervously under his intense stare, playing her part. She turned as Giles tried to quiet everyone.
Buffy just would not shut up.
"And anyway why should we care? He didn't care enough to stick around. Besides good riddance. He was a useless, idiot."
Shadith's eyes narrowed, dangerously. She started to speak, then her jaw snapped shut.
"Excuse me," she hissed, leaving without another word.
Spike's gaze followed the dark-haired woman as she stormed from the shop. Something was familiar about her, but he couldn't figure out what. Not that he had time to concentrate. What with trying not to slaughter the gang.
His eye's narrowed, focusing on Slutty. She still hadn't shut up and if someone didn't shut her up... He was going to reach out and rip her lying tongue from her head.
"Oh, will you shut-up, Buffy." cried Cordelia, finally.
"You act like Xander's never done anything right. When we all know he's managed to save your oblivious ass."
Angel shook his head at Cordelia, quieting her before she could really get started.
Shadith stood outside panting harshly.
Not going to kill them. I'm not. Xander needs help. Killing them won't help.
Looking down at her outfit, she sighed.
This is not working at all.
Shrugging, she yanked off the sweat-suit--gathering the mass of black hair into a tight bun. Her entire persona shifting. Gone was the anxiously worried big sister. In her place a disturbing nothingness.
Spike glanced up, attention locking on the woman striding in. His curiosity was aroused. This wasn't the woman who had first entered, yet it was. Her aura screamed killer.
Like 'er.
"Where's Riley?" she asked loudly.
Buffy stopped bitching, and started sobbing. Graham got up to comfort the slayer, as the witches cooed soothingly. Giles just pinched at the bridge of his nose.
Willow turned, radiating fury.
"Riley died because of Xander. A vamp..." she stopped abruptly.
Too late. The assassin's curiosity was peaked.
Opening the rarely used bond between her and Vlad, she stared into the young witch's eyes. Willow jerked puppet-like, speaking mechanically.
"Riley went out on patrol alone the night Xander left. He was slaughtered by a vampire. He was tortured, raped, then drained. Someone left his body on Buffy's porch."
Stunned silence followed her confession. Then Buffy wailed louder as the others began shouting.
Leaving Spike unnoticed by everyone but her. She stared at the vampire, forgetting the still open bond.
A wicked grin was spreading across Spike's face. His eyes were closed as if savoring some unforgettable moment.
Remembering that night, the vampire couldn't help smirking. The ex-solider had come crying to him about Graham. The commando had ended their relationship, unwilling to compete with the slayer.
He'd proceeded to comfort, and pleasure his new friend then he'd pleasured himself.
Shadith moaned as the flood of images swamped her mind.
blood spilling across torn flesh as a whip flew. a glittering blade sliced through a heavily muscled chest. his mouth open in a terrified scream, as a brunette vampiress let the bloody cock fall from her lips. same vampiress licking blood-stained fangs. red liquid gushing as he struggled uselessly between the two as he was drained.
Spike was moving before she was even fully aware. Reaching for her throat, only to be thrown back. Screams and cursing filled the air. Shadith watched impassively as they took up defensive stands.
Her eyes locked with the blonde's, as he stalked forward.
"Vlad," he hissed stopping just short of the energy vibrating from her.
"I beat Dracula," said Buffy arrogantly.
"You beat, Vlad. No way. You barely stopped me," said Angel.
Buffy scowled, not believing him.
"I did too. Even after Xan screwed up."
Spike ignored the arguing group.
"You stink of Tepes. What did he do with my Xanpet?"
She smiled.
Not so indifferent, huh? If Xan hadn't....
Head cocking to the side, she stared into the vampire. Eyes widening.
Aww! Fuck all. He loves him. I'll be....
She sighed deeply.
Silly, child.
"Everyone calm down," she began.
Spike pressed closer.
"I want an answer. Now!"
She shook her head cutting off the bond. She hoped it would calm the enraged vampire.
"Please. There's been a misunderstanding. Truce and we discuss this like civilized individuals," she asked looking pointedly at Spike.
He nodded, then turned to the still arguing slayer.
"Shut the fuck up and sit," he roared.
Staring at the vamped out creature the others settled quickly.
"You," he snapped "talk."
Nodding she hopped onto the counter.
"It's simple. Xan was hitching--gave him a lift. We got to talking. He told me bout how y'all treated 'um."
Her eyes shifted locking on Spike.
"And how a certain someone ripped his heart to shreds."
Spike growled fighting the urge to apologize to the accusing eyes. He'd never meant to hurt his kitten. But the urge to make the slayer pay, the need for vengeance, and the old instinct to please Dru had blinded him. He'd never expected him to leave.
"Thought it'd be good for him to relax. Mindless fun and sex... among other things. So I called Vlad."
She snickered at the various shocked gasps, and the murderous glare from the blonde. Not exactly how it happened. But she liked her version of the truth.
"Something went wrong. Vlad finds me a couple weeks later. Tells me Xan's gone."
Spike hit her before she finished. No shield this time--she landed hard. Still she was on her feet, moving before the others could react. Spike flew at her, then howled.
Legs buckling, he collapsed as she snatched the blade back out. Angel leapt up, followed by Wesley.
Shadith looked up from where she knelt by the blonde vampire.
"No one move!" she screamed.
The crystal blade glittered dangerously in her grasp. What had Spike and Angel worried was the gleaming wooden one in her other hand.
"Don't move. An no one gets hurt."
Everyone stilled.
Three sets of brown eyes watched her every move as she crouched beside Spike.
"Listen to me, sugar. Vlad didn't want anything to happen to Xan. The Kil'rath are working with humans. He was taken during the day, when Drac couldn't help. But... he's searching now."
Spike stopped growling, and stilled. The worry in her voice finally sinking in.
Staring into her gaze, he tried to size her up. She looked back letting him in. Shadith knelt, absolutely still beside him. Eyes an empty, dead black. Reminding the vampire of a sharks'. Like a shark they belonged to what appeared to be a living weapon.
Yet she was trying to help his Xanpet.
Wouldn't need to help if she 'adn't got 'im into trouble. Though 'e probably would've gotten into it anyway, thought the vampire as he studied her.
"Truce," he snarled.
The entire room seemed to sigh in relief.
Shadith stood backing away from the creature.
"Does anyone not get what's going on?"
Buffy raised her hand.
What a surprise.
Cordelia giggled, until Wesley elbowed her.
"Xander's been taken by slavers. We need to rescue him. End of story."
Dark eyes flicked to the slayer, who still looked puzzled.
"Yes, slayer?"
"Who are you?"
Spike forcibly stopped himself from reaching out and strangling the blonde ditz. Angel groaned quietly. Embarrassed to have ever wanted the poster child for dumb blondes.
Wesley exchanged sympathetic looks with Giles, who just cringed slightly.
She stared at the bewildered slayer.
"Not too bright are ya?"
Buffy screeched lunging up. Yelping in surprise when Spike shoved her back down.
"When and where is Vlad," he spat. "Supposed to meet you."
"I had a question," said Buffy.
Spike glared at her until she quieted.
"Anything not directly involved wit rescuing Xan is irrelevant."
Buffy muttered. Pouting sullenly, when almost everyone agreed with Spike.
"He's supposed to contact me."
She surveyed the group in front of her.
"I'm in charge. Anyone disagree?"
Seeing the murderous gleam in Spike's eyes made Buffy remain quiet.
"Good. Two groups. Spike. Angel," she stopped waving at the two brunettes.
"Wesley."
"Cordelia."
"Your with us too. Giles takes everyone else. I'm going on the assumption this is going to be an assault. Unless Vlad tells us something to change it. Til then we wait for Vlad."
She held up a hand silencing Spike.
"Know ya don't wanna wait. But it's useless to even consider entering the Dead streets. You two," she said gesturing at the vampires, "are too well known. Humans would either be killed or... well no need to get into that."
She stopped looking at the slayer again.
"What, slayer?"
"Umm, what are the dead streets? And why can't we just use magic?"
She stared at Buffy then turned to Giles.
"Does she know anything?"
This time Wesley snickered, until Cordelia elbowed him in retaliation. Taking pity on the confused slayer, she explained.
"The Dead streets are controlled by demons. LA's version of Hell, if you like. As for magic.... Think, child. Their capturing humans and demons. Magic is being used to catch them and control them. So any magic--unless extremely powerful--would be useless."
"Willow..." began Buffy.
"Is a child pretending to be a Wiccan. She has no control and very little power compared to these creatures."
Through explaining, she turned back to Spike.
"Vlad will be back as soon as he finds anything. Til then we wait."
The noise level was deafening as she pushed through the doors of the harem. Jade smiled sadly, as they crowded around her. The oldest, Lynn, shooed the others away tugging her to a couch.
"Sit, Mistress. Relax."
Collapsing onto the couch she watched as Lynn ordered everyone around. Marc snuggled against her side.
"Why don't you come down anymore? Did we upset you?" he asked worried.
"No, love. I've just been preoccupied. Searching for someone who needs my help."
Nick stared up at her from where he sat at her feet.
"You'll help him--like you helped us," he said certain.
Marc just burrowed closer.
"Hey, Munchkin. What's wrong?"
Marc’s chin quivered.
"Is he gonna take my place?"
Jade shook her head quickly; pulling the boy onto her lap.
"Your mine. No one will ever take your place. Here your free. You can stay or leave when..."
She stopped staring bewildered, when he wailed and buried his face in her chest. She looked to Lynn-- who reaching out, slowly stroked the quivering back.
"He's worried, Mistress. You've not been to see us in weeks. He thought he'd done something to displease you. And that you'd send him back to the streets."
Lynn shrugged.
"It's still new to him... to a lot of us. You know the life we had. Suddenly we're safe. Cared for by you and Master. Treated like royalty."
Jade made as if to speak.
"No, Mistress we are. I'm from this country. I know how other provinces are run. Your not like that. You treat us like treasured gifts. Taking nothing we do not eagerly give."
Justin nodded.
"We are not merely a breeding ground or pleasure pit. We are educated and trained until we are the best. Then you let us leave, or stay. The other kingdoms aren't like this. And we love you for it," she finished leaning forward to place a kiss on her forehead.
Nick nuzzled his face into her thigh before speaking.
"When those things snatched me from the streets in New York, I thought I was dead. And I was glad. It meant I'd never have to go back home. Let her hit me, or him fuck me. Then I realized I was going to be sold. I was terrified," he paused staring up at her.
"Then you bought me. Making the last three years of my life Heaven. But for the longest time I was so scared. At first that you'd hurt me... then later.... that you'd get tired of me and make me leave. Marc's only been here a couple months. It'll take time for him to believe."
Rick plopped onto the divan behind Lynn, kissing the older woman on the back of her neck.
"Especially since here he's never abused or ignored. Doesn't have to sell himself for food or shelter. Which is wild since we live in a harem."
Lynn giggled elbowing the bouncing young man.
"He doesn't get it yet. That you know all about that shit... and just wanna help us. He thinks if you don't hurt him or fuck him he's done something wrong. But like Nick said he'll learn in time."
Jade sighed her lost ones were so fragile.
"You know I love you, right?"
The nods were slow, but they came.
"Nick?"
"We know, Mistress. But you did stay away so long."
Jade reached out stroking his cheek.
"I'm sorry. Won't do it again."
"Good," he said.
"Lynn's right. We aren't like other harems. However, that doesn't mean you won't learn what everyone in a harem should know. We'll teach you but not till we think your ready. Partly to combat the bad experiences; partly to teach you something pleasurable," she said staring into space.
"I learned all this stuff a long time ago. I was taught how to be the perfect harem slave. And it's helped a great deal. When I was first...." her voice trailed off.
With an excited squeal she leapt off the couch, scattering the slaves left and right. She whirled around giddily.
"That's it. That's it. Damn and Hell! I've been so blind."
Marc eyed her warily.
"Mistress," ventured Lynn.
"Slavers. The Kil'rath. The only one's who could possibly block my spells. Warlock enforced shields."
She frowned.
"Knew I should have let that old warlock teach me but.... Damn! He gave me the fucking creeps!"
Marc gasped, while the others giggled. Their mistress rarely cursed. Said it was for the ill-mannered.
"Weird... he's a little old to be taken. Whatever," she muttered.
"I'll be back later, darlings," she yelled over her shoulder as she ran from the room.
Shadith sat meditating--Indian-style on the counter. She hadn't had a kill in days, and was stressed. The assassin was never stressed. Not over something as simple as inactivity. But they were driving her insane.
Her eyes drifted open as the slayer and the others entered. She was going to snap and kill someone soon. Preferably the slayer.
Be doing the world a favor if I got rid of her. No you won't.
Her mouth fell into a slight pout, as she argued with herself.
Why? Xander needs them.
She heaved a put-upon sigh.
Oh, all right. And Vlad thinks I have no restraint.
Watching the group from beneath lowered lids, she began listing her targets in order of difficulty. Attempting to distract herself from thoughts of gutting the whining blonde. Shadith shuddered, closing her eyes again. So much stupidity in one being unnerved her.
"Giles, it's been four days already. We can't keep doing nothing."
"Buffy, she said it would take time. So..."
"Shut yer yap," snarled the blonde vampire--who stalked over to the silent woman.
She never moved. He growled low in his throat, but there was still no response. Angel watched his childe trying to intimidate the mysterious woman. He didn't see it happening. Four days and aside from her initial speech she'd remained silent and unmoving.
There was something going on between his childe and the woman. What he didn't know. He intended to find out.
Spike stared at her, intrigued and infuriated. When she arrived she'd smelled of death and blood. Now she smelled of... he leaned forward sniffing at her. Repressed violence an impatience. He couldn't help grinning at her moxy, he knew she was aware of him.
In fact, he was certain she knew the moment he and his sire had come in. She wasn't quite human, regardless of how she appeared.
Bored. Bored. Bored. What to do... what to do?
Her eyes flew open startling him. He jerked back from the intense gaze. Onyx eyes stared at him, sparkling with mischief.
"Was it good?" she asked voice low, naughty.
Spike blinked, confused.
Smiling savagely, she whispered, "Riley... was it as good as I saw?"
The look of stunned panic on the vampire's face made Shadith giggle.
"Someone's been a naughty boy," she said leaning closer. "I wonder if I could still taste him on your lips."
Spike growled, backing away.
"How the 'ell?"
The wicked grin spreading across her face, told him he wasn't getting any answers.
This is fun.
Shadith fixed her eyes on the sulking vampire. Wondering what else she could do to stir him up.
Not as fun as killing... but nothing is. Well... maybe sex. O-o-oh now there's an idea.
Before she could really start in on the vampire, a familiar tingle at the base of her spine distracted her.
Her eyes snapped to the door, then back to Spike.
"Remember truce," she said sliding off the counter. All eyes followed her to the shop's door as Vlad entered.
"Lose something, William?" asked Tepes.
Spike hissed. Vlad smirked. Spike lunged for him, stopping short of the wooden blade as Shadith stepped between them.
"Enough! Vlad you will behave. Spike you will calm down if you want to save Xander."
She gave them both a look before settling back on the counter.
Tepes moved to stand beside her.
"The auction is on the upper east side. There is no way we can get in uninvited. Too many wards, too many guards. It's locked down. Storming it will only get some of us slaughtered. I suggest we wait for the auction."
"What if someone buys 'im first," snarled Spike.
Shadith grinned nastily.
"Then we take him."
Spike's grin was just as evil.
"I like you."
Ignoring the others the three, threw themselves into battle plans.
"Hurry up, Mikhail."
The green-eyed man stuck his tongue out, then went back to packing.
"Are you sure he's at this auction?"
Jade nodded as she hurried by.
A few minutes later both were ready to go.
Mikhail closed his eyes, jaw clenching.
Jade giggled.
"After five years you'd think you'd be used to this by now," she said grabbing her husband's arm. Laughing silently, she uttered the spell that would take them to California.
"You three are gonna flank us," said Shadith. "Vlad. Spike, and I are going in. If we don't get him... we'll mark whoever does. You attack from the front; we'll come from behind."
Angel nodded. Watching the three of them plot and plan had stretched his nerves to the breaking point. Now all he wanted to do was take his family and go home.
But he couldn't do that until he helped his childe, and if that meant going along with three very unstable persons--so be it.
Jade prowled outside the slave pens. He wasn't in any of the normal holding areas.
Ril'vian demons stood outside the entrance to the reserve pens. Harmless looking creatures at first glance, which was usually the on-lookers last. Whipcord thin, an unassuming beige even their skin was deadly. Used by demons to terrorize their own.
She moved passed them, dismissing their presence as she made her way to the special cells.
The smell hit her hard. Slamming her into a past long buried.
dragged from the abandoned building. legs lashing out, drawing blood, breaking free. panicked running... caught, held down. blaze of crimson flames...
Screams, smell of burning flesh... running again... tall, thin man with kind blue eyes... pain like a branding iron.
black lightening... silver engraved with runes... cold so cold... terrified lashing out... power rebounding... agony like no other as her power turned against her. stench of death, fear... white whip, red with blood... torn, weeping.
Gasping she wrenched herself out of the remembered pain. And there he was. She moved to stand in front of his cell. Isolated from the others. Like she'd been. A lesson and a precaution all in one.
The broken body suspended from the ceiling no real surprise. His chains could have been the same ones that had held her. Long, glittering shades of silver. Etched with ancient runes guaranteed to hold a young or untrained warlock.
He'd struggled hard, despite them. Like she had. She could see the lash marks--making her wonder if the whip was still white. She shuddered.
His defiance was both good and bad. Good in that it meant he probably hadn't been subjected to the repeated rapings--they'd be to afraid of him escaping to risk unbinding him for pleasure. Bad because it meant he'd only be available to those with the power to control him.
Not that it really mattered. If she couldn't buy him, she'd take him.
The guards watched her leave. Her very presence making them uneasy. The smile that lit her face put them on edge. Making well-honed instincts scream to get away.
"Don't worry... love. Gonna get you outta here."
Eager to be gone she hurried back to Mikhail. Missing the dark-eyes that stared after her.
"Found ‘em. I should level this whole fucking place," she hissed.
Mikhail watched her pace. Thinking it better for her to get it out now.
"I can't. Shit! Too many warlocks in one place. Two, three, I can handle. Hell... eight even. Twenty'll only get me killed."
Mikhail let out a sigh of relief. Sometimes his wife was occasionally a little too 'damn the consequences'.
"Could've done it if I'd let Versan train me. Wouldn't of learned anything, though. He stank of evil--couldn't stomach him."
When it seemed she'd run out of steam, Mikhail asked the question that had been plaguing him since the beginning.
"Why are you drawn to him?"
Jade gave a half-hearted shrug.
"Don't know. He's a warlock but from what I could tell he's like me. I could sense tremendous power despite all the wardings and enchanted bindings. And as far as I know that could be it. I mean I've never heard of another warlock with power equivalent to my own."
Concerned Mikhail pulled her close.
"Then how are they--"
"Keeping him here? I don't know. When I was younger... any warlock could have beaten me," she paused a look of hate flashing across her face.
"Now... those chains wouldn't hold me. Hell, they couldn't even get ‘em on."
"Is it possible he's untrained?"
Jade shook her head.
"I'm don't know. I'm untrained and..."
It was like a light went off in her head.
"But if he's never used them... if they were dormant. He wouldn't know how. I've been using them for as long as I can remember. Little things. But when I was caught my magic went wild reacting to my emotions... a lot of power but with no training. Easy prey for any real warlock."
He hadn't wanted to tell her but there was no way out now. Turning her slightly in his embrace he pointed to a slender young man with soft blue eyes.
"We might have a problem," he said.
Her eyes flew wide, and a credible growl rumbled from her throat.
"I'll fucking kill ‘em," she cried lunging forward.
Mikhail's grip on her the only thing keeping her from cutting a bloody path through the crowd.
"We don't have time for you to trip," he said hugging her closer.
"Trip! That bastard nearly killed you and..."
Flames began rising in her eyes. Several people standing near them started edging away.
"I'll burn this place to the ground. And kill everyone here before I let him have him."
Mikhail eyed his normally gentle wife, watching the crimson burn out any hint of the innocent brown eyes.
This could be bad.
"You know they're going to make our lives miserable."
Wesley and Angel nodded.
"You couldn't have stopped the three of them from doing what they did?"
Angel and Wesley shook their heads.
"Just checking."
They waited for the inevitable giggle.
"I wonder what Buffy's mom'll say, when she finds them tied up like that."
The brunette woman was quiet for several minutes.
"Angel, why are we here again?" asked Cordelia hovering between her lovers.
The vampire sighed. He wasn't sure how to explain it any better. He'd already tried several times before.
"Spike asked," he said finally.
Cordelia snorted.
"The same Spike who used you for a live pincushion."
Wesley could sympathize with his annoyed lover. However, he also understood why Angel--and subsequently they--were helping.
"Cordy. Spike is Angel's childe. Soul or no. If he needs him, as his sire he'll be there."
Cordelia glared at him.
"And you agree with this... ridiculousness. After what he did?"
Wesley shook his head.
"No, but I understand. It's how it is Cordy. You don't need to understand, just accept," he paused looking over at Angel. "That's not to say that if Spike ever tries that trick again I won't make what he did look like child's play."
Cordelia sighed.
"This is some weird vampire thing, right?"
Both men nodded.
"Fine, but he tries that poker thing again--I'll ram it up his ass."
Angel grinned at his lovers. They were more than he deserved, and everything he needed.
Shadith watched the auction eyes narrowed. She ignored the urge to firebomb the whole damn place. Slavery was one of the few things she actually believed was morally wrong. She couldn't help grinning at her own twisted logic when a familiar feeling drew her attention.
Eyes darting around the room, she searched for the source. There. Near the slave pens. Moving forward she tried to see past the man blocking her view. Her eyes flew open in surprise.
Cat'Tiva.
The ebony-haired woman moved forward unconsciously.
It can't be her. Can it?
It took Vlad a minute to realize the immortal had disappeared.
Damn, schizoid woman.
His eyes darted around the room, searching for her.
There she is.
Vlad froze.
It can't be.
Spike was enraged. Every slave he'd seen had been used. The vampire was having a hard time keeping from slipping into game-face. His head snapped back towards the stage at the MC’s next words.
"All right, folks. We have a real beauty here. A chocolate-eyed, ivory-skinned warlock."
Xander hung suspended in mid air, blood dripping from his torn back.
Spike was unaware of the patrons who scattered out of his way, as he stalked to the stage. He howled stopped short by the shield surrounding the stage.
Fuckin' hate magic.
Suddenly aware of all the eyes on him, he forced himself out of game-face. Only to drop back into it when he realized Shadith and Vlad had disappeared.
Mikhail gapped. The resemblance was uncanny. Same ivory skin, same dark-eyes. Features almost identical down to the full lips, that had first caught his eye.
Even the hair was the same. The colors were different granted. Jade's being a blood-red streaked with silver but it was obviously the same texture. Lush, thick and silky.
He didn't know how... but this man was his wife's twin.
Mikhail glanced over at Jade to see how she was taking it.
"S'rdce, he looks just like you."
"You think? No. Maybe the eyes," she said vaguely.
Mikhail began to worry. She didn't seem to see the resemblance. It wasn't like her not to see things.
Maybe after we get him out of here.
Vlad caught Shadith's arm.
"It's not her."
"But..."
"C'mon, we have to get Alexander."
The crowd watched the three parties. The tension between them thick and deadly.
"1 billion," hissed the blue-eyed warlock, Serpe.
Spike nudged Vlad.
"Can't that's more than I have instant access to."
The three looked at each other.
"Then we wait."
Jade eyed him debating over whether she could get away with killing him.
"1.5"
"2"
"2.5"
"3"
"Fuck it. I will match Serpe's final bid and double it."
An audible gasp made it's way through the room.
"6 plus a year of my services."
The crowd held it's collective breath.
"Useless if your dead."
The auctioneer eyed the flame-haired beauty.
"What do you mean?"
"The boy's a warlock. The minute he gets out of those bindings he'll slaughter the lot of you. You know that. That's why your selling him to other warlocks. But Serpe won't be able to handle him. Not right out of the bonds. He'll need to expend some energy before Serpe can transport him."
Jade smirked nastily.
"Guess where he's going to expend it? You'll all be flash-fried. I on the other hand can transport him the instant his bindings are gone."
"Kalen is this true?" asked the auctioneer turning to the young elemental soothsayer.
The reptilian-eyed, and feathered creature nodded.
"He'd probably kill almost everyone here. ‘Cepting a few."
"Is she one of those few?"
Kalen nodded.
"Sold to King Lysan for 6 billion."
Shadith and Vlad exchanged worried looks.
"What," hissed Spike.
"We might not have a chance," said Shadith slowly.
"Bloody 'ell! Now you tell me."
"I'd put myself up against almost any warlock. But that one she... We have to regroup. I've got nothing here that can handle her."
"No," snarled Spike.
"She's not leaving wit 'im," he roared stalking off.
Vlad glanced at Shadith.
Stupid mortals. That's what I get for being concerned.
She sighed then shrugged. She tilted her head at Vlad before heading off after Spike.
Mikhail eyed his wife warily.
"Do you think it was wise letting the other's know how strong you've gotten?"
Jade shrugged, uncaring.
"Not a matter of how strong I've gotten. I've always been more powerful--they know it. They're not worried. They have no cause to be. They know I'm not trained. So while a serious threat to a few, I'm not dangerous to the whole."
She glanced up at her husband. Seeing the worry in his eyes she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"It's a dangerous balance, I know. Eventually it will come crashing down. I'm gonna make damn sure we don't."
Jade hissed pulling herself lose from her husbands arms. The boy was even bloodier than before.
"What did you do," she cried hovering beside his still form.
"He killed some of the guards when he was caught. Just making sure he wouldn't do it again," said the smirking vampire.
"You harmed my property," she screeched before letting a bolt of crimson lose.
No one said anything about the smoldering piles of ash as Mikhail typed in his account number.
Carefully Jade eased the chains off the unconscious male. So focused on him she never noticed the commotion behind her.
Mikhail's quiet whisper was the first inkling she had of something being wrong.
"Jade."
She looked up eyes flashing when she saw the dark-eyed woman with the blade to her husband's throat.
"We don't want any trouble just give us the boy, and we'll be gone," said Shadith quietly.
Jade shook her head.
"You let Mikhail go and I'll kill you quickly."
Tired of the waiting, frustrated and unable to think of anything but getting to Xander the blonde attacked.
It could have ended a lot worse. Would have if Xander hadn't regained consciousness.
Their long dormant bond snapped open. And Jade was filled with love, worry, and fear for the vampire's safety.
The deadly flame lost some of its intensity. Only throwing the blonde backwards. Tired, confused and pissed Jade barked out several phrases in Latin.
Angel stared down at the heap of unconscious bodies. He didn't want to run into whatever was capable of taking out Spike, Vlad and the mysterious Shadith all at once.
"What are we gonna do with them?" asked Cordelia.
"Make them work for us until they can pay back the money we spent," said Wesley half-seriously.
"We bring them back with us. Something tells me this is a lot more complicated than we thought."
Cordelia and Wesley nodded in agreement.
"I'm gettin' the truth outta me darling Wil, if I 'afe ta beat it outta 'im."
Shadith moved to stand in front of the blonde. Lifting shaky hands, she cupped his face between them.
"I'm sorry, Spike. I just can't."
When the vampire made as if to turn away she held on. Staring hard into the golden eyes burning with rage.
"I like Xan. I do. And that's rare. Ask Vlad," she said trying to make him understand.
"Haven't liked anyone in a very long time. I want to help. I do really. But this is too much."
Her grip tightened.
"She wiped the three of us out without breaking a sweat. We're alive cause she spared us. There's nothing I can do to help."
Releasing him, she stepped back.
"The magic I do know... not enough. The contacts I have... would vanish. And my immortality would be non-existent. I'll not risk the wrath of such a creature," she said moving to the door.
Pausing she looked back at them. Cordelia eyed her with disgust; Angel had already dismissed her; and Wesley looked at her with a inkling of understanding.
"If it helps... I don't believe he'll come to any harm. I know evil and she isn't it. He'll be fine."
She sighed softly.
"Vlad can stay or go. Whatever."
With that the assassin walked away. Vlad looked from one face to another until his gaze settled on Spike.
"William, I..." he shrugged unable to finish.
"Go," roared Spike as he struggled not to vamp out.
Tepes paced silently beside Shadith. Her eyes locked on the stars never wandered. After several minutes of quiet he gave in.
"Why didn't you tell them what you suspected?"
She shrugged.
"Would it have helped? If they are or aren't Cat's children... he's gone."
Silence descended again as they moved deeper into the city.
"You aren't really scared. Are you?"
She stopped looking at him then back to the sky.
"I really was, Vlad. I've been immortal a long time. Very few things could actually kill me. I was taking a chance with the warlock's last week. They may or may not have been able to kill me. But for Xan I was willing to risk it."
She started walking again.
"I know, I know... if I'm immortal I can't die. Truth is few things are really immortal. Vampires, demons... Hell, even gods can be killed. Yet they're called immortal."
"Warlocks are with one or two exceptions. Young ones are extremely vulnerable. However, if they make it to their twenty-third birthday they've cleared all but two major threats. Elementals.. though not really a threat cause their neutral. But the other is their own kind."
She paused in her movement shuddering.
"I've seen them slaughter each other at will. No law but Darwin's."
"Survival of the fittest," he said.
A sudden understanding made Vlad freeze.
"If a warlock more powerful than the one who gave you immortality was to attack you... You could..."
"Die," she finished quietly.
"It's been millennia since I've seen anyone as powerful as Cale. But her gods it practically spilled from her in waves. Serpe, evil fuck that he is, might have been a threat to me. I was willing to risk it though. Her, no chance."
Vlad moved to stand beside her.
"Still, that wasn't the only reason, right? You wouldn't have just left Alexander without a fight." he half asked, half stated.
She grinned at him. He knew her almost as well as she knew him.
"You mean aside from the not wanting to die one," she nodded moving away again.
"Two others. First, he's better off with her than anywhere else. The kid's got power but it's screwed up. She can help him... teach him. Second, he's safer with her."
Vlad nodded.
"Other warlocks," he said.
"Serpe," she hissed.
"Twisted fucker. Yeah, most warlocks tend to get rid of the younger one's but theyd've usually reached their 23rd. Not really a match. Not really innocent any longer either. But him..."
Shadith's mouth twisted in a disgusted sneer.
"He hunts for those whose powers sometimes haven't even manifested yet. Children more likely than not. Usually tries to capture 'em. Then uses, rapes, and drains 'em. Been doing it for centuries."
"Why haven't..."
"The others stopped 'em," she shrugged.
"They might not condone it but they don't care. Personally, I'da thought they'd be worried bout the power he gains from draining 'em. Must not be much though cause he's not much more powerful than the last time I saw 'em."
Shadith walked on a pensive look settling over her face.
"He's been doing it for a long time. Cat always thought he was backing the slavers. She figured there was no way they'd be able to get away wit what they did wit out a warlock's help."
Vlad eyed her then pulled her into his arms.
"She's not Cat."
Tears trickled down the assassin's cheeks.
"I know... just wishful thinking. But those are her kids. I know it."
Vlad nodded.
"Wouldn't doubt."
Suddenly she pushed herself away from the vampire.
"Gahh! Look at me. Getting soft," she said dashing the tears away.
"Enough! What is, is. If Xan needs me he'll call. Till then life goes on."
Her voice fading away as she strides off into the dark, leaving Vlad to do as he would.
"Angel," yelled Cordelia. "Hurry you guys! You have to see this."
Leaning down the brunette turned up the volume as the others crowded around the TV.
Jade shrieked loudly. Limbs thrashing as she struggled to breathe. Her feet kicked helplessly as she slowly calmed down.
Mikhail watched her. Shaking his head he couldn't help grinning.
She's lovely when she's malicious.
Jade sat up slowly wiping the tears from her eyes. Unable to control herself the reporter's solemn tones kept causing her to break out in giggles.
Mikhail shook his head.
"That's why we're still in this god forsaken country?"
She nodded then leaning forward turned off the television. Silencing the reporter's comments on the mysterious fire on the upper east side.
"Couldn't let Serpe think I'd forgotten about his ass. Plus there's nowhere to shop in your godforsaken country," she said smirking.
Mikhail pouted.
"I thought you liked my godforsaken country."
She shook her head, grinning wickedly.
"Nuh-unh. Like who runs the godforsaken country."
Mikhail grinned back, then pounced. Knocking them both back onto the bed. Staring down at her his humor fled, replaced by a familiar hunger.
She lay sprawled beneath him. The heavy mass of crimson, sliver hair split across the black sheets like blood and moonlight. Ivory flesh gleamed against the midnight silk.
He bent to kiss her only to find himself flat on his back. Staring up at her, literally. His eyes followed her movements as she landed gracefully beside the now open bedroom door. His gaze never wavered as she looked everywhere but at him.
"I've got to... go. I forgot... There's... I have to pick up some things before I take us back," she finished quietly.
"I thought you said you'd finished," said Mikhail sitting up.
"I just remembered some things. I'll be back later." she muttered before scurrying out the door.
Mikhail collapsed back onto the bed with a heavy sigh. She'd been avoiding him for the past month. Anytime he attempted to touch her she withdrew. And recent events were only making it worse. Knowing it was only resurfacing memories making her reluctant to make love, didn't make it any better.
Fuck. Knew this was gonna cause problems but... Should've just... Just what idiot?
He shrugged restlessly. Unsure what he could've done to make it easier on her. He pushed himself away from the bed. There was no use lying there berating himself. Sulking never solved anything. But pacing always helped.
Jade hovered over the still sleeping male. Tentatively she reached out carding her fingers through the mink brown hair. Already showing hints of silver. Her fingers traced the oddly familiar features.
//Why does he seem so familiar... not just the memory sharing. It's like we're the same. Could Mikhail be..//
Her thoughts cut off abruptly. Refusing to deal with anything remotely connected with her husband. The peaceful mood destroyed she hurried away. Leaving Xander to his healing sleep.
She paused outside the suite doors. Knowing Mikhail was just on the other side. She hadn't meant to upset him. She just couldn't deal with it right now. Shuddering at the old memories she turned and fled the hotel.
Winter green eyes tracked the path Mikhail was wearing in the floor.
He'd been called by his master who then proceeded to ignore him. When he started to go cross-eyed he figured it was time to interfere. Reaching out he caught Mikhail's arm.
"Look as attractive as you might look brooding an' all--your making me dizzy, Master."
Mikhail looked over at the red-head. He looked nothing like the boy Jade had first rescued.
"What did I tell you about that, Scott?" he asked slipping an arm around the trim waist.
"You've been here what five, six years now... told you to call me Mikhail."
Scott laughed dragging him over to the bed.
"Now, what kind of example would I be setting for the newbies," he said pushing him onto his stomach.
Strong hands began kneading at the tight knot of muscles in Mikhail's back. He moaned in pleasure. Scott paused looking down at his master.
"You obviously called me for something. Jade's not here so sex is out. To tense to spar. Which begs the question why?"
Scott's brow furrowed as the muscles beneath his hands immediately tensed back up. Mikhail grunted at the steady pressure.
"Jade," sighed Mikhail pillowing his head on his arms. "She doesn't want me touching her and I understand after what I did but--"
Scott leaned forward, quieting the flow of words with a finger over his lips.
"She doesn't hold you responsible."
Mikhail was silent for a moment.
"I know. We worked this out a long time ago. But now..."
Scott began kneading again.
"All this has brought back a lot of painful memories. And it's a bitch."
He nodded. The worry on his face evident. Scott paused locking eyes with him. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Decision made.
"You know there's things she's never told you. And I can't... won't...tell you either. Partly cause it'd be a betrayal of trust and partly cause you could never know what she's survived."
Mikhail sat up, knocking Scott over.
"What's not to understand? She was abandoned, left to fend for herself, raped and abused. Before she was finally sold into slavery. She's been through hell and I'd give anything for her to never have suffered."
Scott sighed.
"I'm sorry but.... Understanding isn't knowing. Tell me do you still hate the scars on her body."
Mikhail turned away hissing.
"Yes. I don't see why--"
"She won't just make them disappear," finished Scott.
"It's because you don't know. You can understand, sympathize but you don't know. They're not just scars. Or an ugly reminder. They're proof that she's survived. That she couldn't be broken. That despite it all she's fucking here. "
He moved to face Mikhail.
"She could make them disappear with a thought. Wipe away the evidence that any of us ever suffered. But we wouldn't want that. They're a testimony to all we've endured."
Mikhail dropped his gaze.
"I understand. You want your wife back. The one who turns to you without fear."
He nodded.
"I can't tell you what to do. Jade's hell is her own. But as someone who's been through the same shit--I can tell you what I know."
"Please."
"I remember.... being helpless. No control over my own damn life. Fighting to make it one more day."
Scott began pacing.
"Fucking humiliated, demeaned. Used by anyone and everyone. At the whim of whoever had the power. Treated like less than shit. Bent to the whims of whatever twisted fuck had me!"
He froze. Squeezing his eyes shut he struggled to regain control.
"You have no idea what it's like. You've never been powerless. No idea how it feels to finally gain safety and spend every moment wondering whether it's going be snatched away," he whispered.
Mikhail moved forward wrapping his arms around him.
They stood together as Scott's bitterness slowly faded away again.
"For the longest time I worried about losing this. I know now I won't but that worry will never completely leave. I'm betting that's how Jade feels. She's suddenly powerless, again."
"How do I make her see..."
He shrugged.
"I don't know. But there has to be something behind this fear besides old memories. Find and fix it; the rest will follow."
Turning he made his way to the door, he stopped when Mikhail called his name.
"I'll need your help."
"Everyone, ready?" called Jade from where she stood at the front of the room.
Scott quieted and soothed the new slaves as he made a head count.
"Glen cut that out," he said before turning to Jade. "All accounted for and ready to go, Mistress."
Lynn settled the various packages more securely then gave her a thumbs up.
"Good to go, love," said Mikhail from where he stood beside an unconscious Xander.
Her eyes darted past him, returning to the rest of the room.
"Be still."
Was the only warning the group had before the room began to dissolve around them.
Xander woke slowly. He stretched feeling better than he had in ages. He froze as memory flooded back in. Lying still he let his senses reach out into the room.
The lack of chains and the feel of silk making the largest impression on him. He sat up, eyes widening at the view.
Damn. Must of ended up with somebody wealthy.
"You finally decided to join the land of the living."
He whirled hands up and lighting flying before he'd even seen the intruder. Scott grimaced as he glanced down at his singed clothing.
"Shit. This is my favorite outfit."
Xander blinked wondering why his attack hadn't had any effect.
"Listen. You've probably got a ton of questions. And I've got the answers. So just let me explain without interruptions. If your still confused we can have a question and answer after the lecture."
Xander nodded slowly. Grinning at the confused look he waved at the closet.
"There are clothes in there. But your free to stroll around au natural if ya want."
Xander blushed then darted for the closet.
Xander stared in disbelief at the overflowing wardrobe.
"You can't really expect me to wear this," he said. His face turning a bright red as he held up the silken pieces of cloth.
Scott sighed, shaking his head. It never failed. Everyone balked at the outfits.
"It's standard wear for concubines," he said gesturing at his own attire.
For the first time since Scott had entered Xander's eyes focused on him. He gawked briefly before yanking his gaze away. Scott grinned at the embarrassed young man.
"Your just so cute."
Xander began sputtering uncontrollably. Until Scott finally decided to put him out of his misery.
"Don't worry. New slaves are strictly off-limits though..." he paused his eyes traveling leisurely over the body before him. "I'm certain that won't be for long."
Smirking at the thoroughly flustered look on Xander's face he turned to leave.
"Change and meet me downstairs," he said glancing down at his ruined shirt.
"She coulda warned me about the propensity for magic," he muttered walking away.
Xander froze staring down at the land stretched below them.
"Beautiful isn't. Wasn't always like this. Oh, the land was always there but the beauty... Jade brought it."
Xander cast an incredulous glance at the older man. In the hours they'd spent roaming the grounds he'd learned alot about him, and his new prison. His instincts told him the man was easy going but quick-tempered, sarcastic, perhaps a bit too cynical but above all honest.
So it surprised him that he could praise the woman who'd bought them like they were nothing more than property.
"How can you be so enamored of someone who owns you... uses you for sex. I mean a harem for god's sake. She's as bad as the rest."
Scott hissed softly fingers clenching before he caught himself.
"You have no idea what your talking about," he snarled. "I know what it looks like but Jade buying you is the best thing that could have happened to you. I'm gonna give you some advice."
Moving closer he held Xander's gaze.
"Don't say shit like that where the others can hear you. Cause some of them don't have the restraint I do. And any insult to Jade will not be tolerated."
Scott stepped back sighing at the incomprehension and disbelief on the younger man's face.
"I'm gonna show you the harem but we're gonna go in invisible. Maybe that'll help you understand."
Xander watched the older man struggling to put aside his anger. He hadn't meant to upset him. Despite everything he'd found himself liking him.
"I've never been a slave before," he said quietly. "It's put me off my game. Why don't you finish showing me around?"
"This is the harem," he said quietly voice husky after several hours of showing off.
"Normally, with this many slaves Jade would be here to train them. But..." his voice trailed off as he considered just what to tell his mistress's new acquisition.
He knew Jade had a special interest in him. He also knew he wasn't to be placed in regular training. Which led him to believe Xander'd end up being as close to Jade as he himself was if not more so. Decided Scott lead Xander over to an isolated corner of the main room.
"Normally, Jade herself would conduct the majority of training but this whole thing with you has thrown her for a loop. Mikhail decided to kidnap her. They left me in charge."
"How could I throw of somebody like her," he asked as he avidly watched the other occupants of the room.
Scott shrugged. That was something he didn't fully understand.
"Might be because of the memories you were sharing. Or the fact that you look like identical twins. Your like a male version of her."
They stood quietly letting the flood of new information settle in. Half aware of the struggles Lynn was having trying to rein in the younger ones. Each man lost in his own thoughts.
"So you gonna give me a hard time about this or what?" asked Scott breaking the silence.
He didn't have to many options. In truth, he wanted nothing more than to go home to Spike. But he was nothing if not a realist. And it didn't look like he'd be doing that anytime soon. So...
"When do we start?"
"You can't go," said Angel for what seemed like the thousandth time as he pulled his ax out of the duffel bag.
Spike said nothing. Just continued re-packing what Angel kept taking out.
"Maybe he should, Angel," said Cordelia. She'd been watching the two vampires for the last hour. They'd been doing the same thing the entire time. If something wasn't done she was going to get whiplash.
"Your not helping Cordelia."
"But she might be right." Wesley ventured. "We've been searching for months and we've got bugger all. Yes, going back to Sunnyhell will be dangerous but its the best chance for finding Xander we have."
Angel shook his head.
"She'll stake him. One of us should go."
Cordelia snorted.
"Un-unh. It's not like she's that fond of us at the moment."
Wesley nodded in agreement.
"Spike stands the best chance. You can't go because you don't have an invitation into his place. Cordelia--"
"Isn't pissing off Bitchy without serious backup," she finished.
"And none of us have any idea where Xander could have put the note," he said moving to pull Angel away from his childe. "Leaving him as best suited for the job."
Angel sighed. They were right Spike was the best choice. He could get in Xander's, find the note, and be back with the least amount of fuss. But he still didn't want his childe anywhere near the volatile slayer.
"You don't go near Buffy or the others."
Spike snorted.
"As the idiot slayer would say duh, Peaches."
His terse reply lacked any real heat or concern. Which was exactly why Angel was even letting him go through with this ridiculous plan. The vampire had lost the fire that had always seemed to burn behind the crystal blue eyes.
No one suggested it might be a futile endeavor. That Xander might not be alive. Or that he might not want to be found. Not in Spike's presence. At the least he tended to react... badly.
The vampire was broodier than Angel. With a helluva shorter fuse. There was no way he would let even the slimmest chance escape him.
Cordelia and Wesley looked at Angel then each other.
"We'll be ready in fifteen."
"Oh my God!"
"It's not that bad."
"Oh my God!"
"We can fix it. We did the spell, we just have to... fix it."
"We?! What we?! We didn't read that book. I told you not to play around with that thing."
"Alright then me.... me, me, me. I read the book. I did the spell and I'll fix it."
"How?! You have no idea what your doing. I only know basic spells. Which is why I said this wasn't a good idea in the first place. So tell me how?!"
"It's simple. We'll just have to find another spell or something."
"There goes that we again. Not me, I am outta here!"
"Fine! Desert me in my hour of need!"
Scott sighed. Trying to avoid the kicked puppy-look. It's what got him into this mess in the first place. He should have just said no. But he'd looked so sad... and he could understand the need to see his lover--three months was along time--so he'd mentioned Jade's workroom.
That's when it all went FUBAR.
"Alex, you can't use magic to clean up magic. It'll just cause a bigger mess and..." his voice trailed off as a familiar feeling made itself known.
"Oh, no."
Xander looked up from the decidedly large hole in the floor.
"What?"
"They're back," he hissed.
"You said they wouldn't be back for at least three more months. That's what you said."
"How the hell was I supposed to know they'd cut it short!" yelled Scott.
"They aren't supposed to be back. That's why I wanted to do the spell. I didn't want to wait that long to see Spike. They're not back."
"Alex, I love ya but your on your own."
Xander watched slack-jawed as his partner in crime made a hasty retreat.
"Wimp!" he yelled before turning back to the mess he truthfully had made on his own.
Guess, I'll see just how much of what Scott's been telling me is real.
Xander settled on the only still whole piece of furniture in the room to await his fate.
Jade paused just inside the castle’s foyer. Scent of magic and taint of fear reaching her several floors away. She gave something between a sigh and a snort. "Mikhail find Scott and bring him to my workroom."
Used to his wife's clipped speech and abrupt ways he merely nodded before heading in the opposite direction.
Xander looked up warily, staring into the eyes of the woman who actually owned him. An eerie silence filled the room as they locked gazes. Jade moved closer, almost hesitantly, words frozen on her tongue. She reached out tentatively; Xander mirrored the gesture.
Flames danced across her palm, pulsing in time to the flashes of lightning that skittered over Xander's fingertips.
The silence grew impossibly louder as they drew closer. Crimson, silver bands of glittering energy wrapped around the two. Pain, longing and a flood of images swamped them as the whispers from a breaking heart filled the air.
'Oh, my babies. I'm sorry... so sorry. Love you so much... so much. My precious ones... my darling boy... my sweet girl. I give you this may your hearts find true love and finding it, keep it for all eternity.'
Skin crawled beneath the warm rush of desperation tinged power. Unbearable sadness, need. Unbidden thoughts of warm sweet kisses mingled with the tingling bite of fangs.
'I don't wanna leave you, even though I have to... be safe my lovies.'
Wet slide of warm tears, hurricane like storm of unending love, brush of lips soft and nurturing. Glint of light off of something shiny. Icy void... terror. Separated... alone... alone. Screams... screams.
"Jade! Jade!"
Her head snapped back and forth as Mikhail shook her. She stared somewhat dazed at her husband; slowly coming out the grip of whatever had just held her... them. Turning she looked at her brother. Her twin, Pr'es C'ast, her other half. Xander lay in a similar position, held by Scott. His eyes already turned to her.
A slow smile slid across the handsome face.
"Sister," he said softly, awed.
"Brother," she answered just as softly.
Bleary red-tinged eyes stared at the group of people on her porch. She vaguely recognized the blonde one from when he'd stayed with her errant son.
"Whaddya want? Alexander's not here," she muttered already moving to close the door. Spike snarled ready to kill Xander's drunken sow of a mother. Cordelia elbowed him sharply, stepping forward.
Mrs. Harris frowned a vague memory stirring in the pickled recesses of her mind. The girl was familiar, too.
"Mrs. Harris we know Xan's not here but umm... we need something from his room. It got left."
The woman cut her off, her liquor soaked brain supplying her with answers.
"Your Alexander's little girlfriend, right? Well get whatever it is you've left and go," she said turning away. Wesley clamped his hands over the seer's mouth before she could protest the woman's erroneous assumption.
Once invited in Spike didn't bother wasting any time. He strode through the familiar surroundings intent on the one thing that would bring his Xanny home.
"And I'm learning this because," Xander snapped, eyeing his sister in disgust. She rolled her eyes, tugging the pants back in place.
"Because it's what I know. Besides it's proved invaluable. The sheer magnitude of patience needed to learn and develop the skills of a harem slave is only the beginning."
When he looked as if he would protest again, she held up a hand.
"Trust me."
Still he pouted. Mikhail eyed the two wondering how his wife could even deny that pout. Natural immunity. Probably cause she's got one just like it.
"Anyway you might as well learn something while you wait," she said grinning.
Mikhail tensed; waiting for the inevitable. The enforced separation from his lover was the only thing the two siblings clashed over. He frowned in confusion when the usual round of cursing and screaming didn't surface.
Instead the tiny shy grin his brother-in-law got whenever he thought about the blonde vampire crept out.
"Did I miss something," he asked eyes dancing between the two.
"William has found away to come after Xan," she said looking smug. Xander frowned at the look; her decision was still a bone of contention.
"He shouldn't have to prove himself to you--so we can be together."
Jade sighed, forcing herself not to snap. Things were going too well and she didn't want to ruin the moment.
"I'm not making him prove anything. He needs to do this for himself as well as for you. He needs to feel like he's not helpless or unable to protect you. Plus... well damn!"
She paused waving one hand at him emphatically.
"You are going to be a target. Even if the other's never put two and two together and realize who... what we are. Your young, untrained and as much of a liability to him as he is to you--if you don't let me see what I need to work on with the both of you," she said voice restrained.
Noticing the effort she was putting forth to remain civil, Xander still buoyed by Spike's recent success, decided to let it go.
"C'mon. I think I got it this time."
Grinning he lifted the veils into place. Jade turned the music back on. Mikhail sighed contentedly, settling back to watch one of the most erotic sights he'd ever seen, as the twins commenced their belly-dancing.
Anyanka growled as she dropped onto the bed, dead tired. She'd forgotten how tedious the job was. Her replacement being an incompetent ass hadn't made it any easier. She ignored the almost sub-audible hum of her summoning mirror. Dragging the pillow over head, she let sleep take her.
Angel lay petting Wesley's thigh as Cordelia snored softly beside him. Wesley caught the restless hand, stroking softly.
"How long has he been at it?" he asked quietly.
"Three months non-stop. I'm afraid."
He stopped, clutching the ex-watcher tighter. Wesley burrowed into the larger man, running soothing hands down the broad back.
"He'll be--"
He stopped himself unable to even finish the well-intentioned lie. Xander had been gone for over half a year, not even counting the time he'd spent with the slavers. It ate at the younger vampire, wearing him down.
"He's never been like this. Xander is..."
Angel's voice trailed off. Unable to put into words what Xander meant to his childe. And truly afraid for him when it finally became apparent to his childe Xander was gone.
Spike ignored the whispered conversation between his sire and his bed-mate. Their worries meant nothing to him. Instead he lit the candles again, tossing the handful of herbs in the chalice, and began the summoning chant again.
"Fire in the hole," bellowed Jade as she hit the ground, followed by Xander. Frightened screams rang through the palace.
Mikhail closed his eyes. Counting to ten... twenty... thirty. He gave up after fifty when he still hadn't calmed down. Ignoring the panicked crowd, he moved to the large bay windows of the audience chamber.
He didn't have to look far. Crimson and silver flames blazed from a gaping hole in the roof of the turret at the other end of the castle. Exactly where Jade's workroom used to be.
Cringing at the amount of destruction, he turned back to the gathering with a sigh.
Audiences had turned into a spectacle lately, and it was quickly becoming bothersome. He really needed to talk with his wife about that.
Jade sat up brushing debris from her hair. She cast an eye at Xander. Who smirked. She bit down on her lip trying to keep the amusement at bay. Xander glanced up at the still burning remains of the ceiling.
"Does your insurance cover acts of stupidity?"
Jade choked, then let go. Her laughter rang through the room, soon joined by Xander's.
Mikhail glanced down at the laughing pair waiting for them to calm down. Jade glanced up at her husband, her eyes wide with feigned innocence.
"Sorry, Miky. Didn't think that would happen," she said batting big brown eyes.
Xander snorted, then glared when she elbowed him. Mikhail ignored his wife knowing that any straight-forward answers would come from her brother.
"Alexander, what?"
Xander stood pulling Jade to her feet with him.
"Seems together we kick ass."
Mikhail rolled his eyes at the half-answer.
"Will someone please...."
Jade moved away from Xander to run a calming hand down her husband's back.
"Shh, luv. It's easy enough to fix. And what happened is simple," she said tugging him away from the lingering flames.
"Xan's come so far in his studies that he's nearly at a level with my own. He's already better than a lot of warlocks."
She pushed him along gently but firmly.
"Cause he's doing so well, I wanted to see how we'd work in concert. I pushed when I shouldn't 'uve."
She shrugged sheepishly as they moved through the hall-ways trailed by Xander.
"Both of us are not used to working in tandem plus Xan only being newly initiated. Throw in our immense powers... Well it was just a bad combination all-around."
She only slowed down long enough to shove open the harem doors, giving him a little nudge inside.
"Don't you worry. We've got everything under control. You just relax," she said quickly shutting the doors, before he could protest. The siblings turned heading back the way they'd come.
Xander paused glancing back at the harem.
"You think he noticed the flames weren't anywhere near dying down."
"Nah!"
Anyanka crashed onto the bed groaning at the thought of all the messages waiting for her. She considered ignoring them in favor of catching some serious down time, but didn't. Three months of ignoring the thing was a bit much. Half-way through the summonings fear crept into the vengeance demon's heart.
Cordelia watched the silent blonde, wishing her men would hurry back. She worried nervously at the hem of her shirt. Something was coming. She could tell. Call it women's intuition, whatever.
The sudden blinding flash of light had her diving for the cross-bow Wesley kept beneath the counter. Her head snapped around as she swung the bow up even as she tried to blink away the spots from her eyes.
"Why have you summoned me, girl?" snarled Anyanka, worry making her temper flare as she searched for Xander's presence.
"Not her Anyanka, me." Spike said moving into view.
"Why?"
"Only Xander," moaned Anya shaking her head in disbelief. "What can I do, Spike? I'm no match," she said sadly.
"Don't 'ave to be. Just find 'im an' get me as close to 'im as you can get," he said pacing back and forth. Anyanka nodded. She could do that. Still....
"You do know..."
Her voice trailed off as his eyes locked with hers. In the crystal depths she could see. What she saw was so beautiful it hurt.
"Done."
"Again."
Xander bit back a curse. He loved his sister but she could be such a hard ass. He climbed to his feet, dropping back into the crouch she'd taught him. This time the foot didn't catch him off-guard. Hands snapped out, twisting even as he backed away.
Jade flew back, Xander winced in anticipation of what would be a hard landing.
"No fair." He pouted as she bounced on a cushion of air a few bare inches from the floor.
Jade grinned from where she lay hovering above the floor.
"Is too. Combat training. Gotta learn how to handle both the mystical and physical aspects."
She bounced up like she had springs.
"You *must* learn focus and control in a fight. We're going to train until you can do both without thinking."
She stopped pacing and faced him.
"Again."
Spike ignored the other demon's in the bar, as he pretended to focus on the drink before him.
Anya had only been able to narrow down Xander's location to somewhere in Russia, more specifically the hidden valleys in the Siberian plains. He'd been in this frozen wasteland for over a week, waiting.
He let it slip that he was searching for somebody with power for a profitable venture. Nothing specific just enough to catch the attention of the local grape vein.
Xander moaned softly, settling back between his twin's thighs.
"Now, I understand why Mikhail likes this so much."
Her fingers worked against skin. Xander moaned again; Jade giggled.
"Feels good, dunnit. Always liked it from that end. Never figured I'd like it from this one too," she said tapping his nose. Xander caught her hand putting it back.
"More."
"All right, pushy."
She resumed running the brush through the lush mink waves, making sure to work from the scalp down to the very ends. Her movements slow and steady as she brushed her twin's knee length hair. It was another startling similarity, her husband thoroughly enjoyed. Xander'd made the same deal as her. To let his hair grow if someone else took care of it once it got past his shoulders.
She could see why Mikhail liked her's long. There was something almost Zen-like about brushing the long tresses. Pulling the hair into neat rows she quickly braided it into one long plait.
"Done. Now do me."
Xander began tugging the comb through the thick red hair silent for a moment.
"Can we...."
She nodded.
"But this time you do it. Remember focus."
Xander paused still needing to, at least initially, focus only on the working. The large mirror above the dresser wavered, colors swirling wildly inside the frame. Before steadying as the picture took shape. Jade grinned.
"He's close. Only the next kingdom over."
Xander frowned waving a hand at the scene.
"Isn't that Grendel's land."
Jade nodded; poking him in the leg until he began combing again.
"Aren't you enemies?"
Jade nodded again, relaxing into the strokes. Xander glanced at the mirror again.
"Be careful, Spike."
Spike cursed as he raced through the woods. Ignoring the urge to turn and fight. It galled him to have to run even though he was outnumbered. And his pursuers were exceptionally pissed bout the four guards he'd dispatched.
A slow grin lit his face at the memory of the shock on the faces of the remaining guards after he'd ripped through the first few when they'd tried to capture him.
Soddin' pricks like to see 'em try and stick me in an 'effin harem.
The vampire hurried towards what he hoped was the borders of the next kingdom. Said kingdom belong to one king Lysan and present location of his Xanny.
Intent on escape the vampire missed the shapes slipping up on him until darkness descended with a muttered, "Aww... fuck!"
"I DON'T CARE!"
Xander howled almost snarling as little flicks of multi-hued lightning arced over him. His eyes flashing silver. Mikhail and Scott looked from one sibling to the other, then at each other. As one they stood and beat a hasty retreat.
"He needs help," growled the dark-haired male.
"Interference would be considered an act of war," barked Jade tired of trying to be reasonable.
"They'll kill him."
She looked up then, locking eyes with her brother.
"So be it."
An outraged scream shattered the palaces' unnatural silence. Jade straightened slowly--shaking off the daze. Her eyes tracked from her brother to the wall with newly acquired spider web pattern of cracks from where her body had slammed into it. Crimson began to seep into the brown eyes.
"Why you..." she hissed.
Xander growled scrambling up from the floor and trying ignore the ringing in his ears. The pain from hitting the ceiling was doubled by the hard impact with the floor. Angry, frustrated cries rang through the air as the two warlocks clashed.
Mikhail cringed at the thought of the damage the two would undoubtedly wreck upon his poor home.
"C'mon, Scott."
The slave glanced back at the door.
"Shouldn't we?"
He gestured helplessly.
Mikhail shook his head.
"Never get between bickering siblings. They'll turn on you."
Xander raged inside the crimson sphere, she'd trapped him in; too upset to appreciate the irony of the situation. The red-head lay panting on the marble floor. Sweat-soaked hair clinging to her neck. Her robes torn, a couple parts singed. He stopped suddenly, collapsing into sobs.
Jade dropped the bubble, crawling over to her distraught brother.
"Sorry, Xanny. I sorry," she muttered over and over cuddling him close. "He'll be okay. He will. He will."
He was buggered.
No if, ands, or bloody fucking buts about it, Spike thought as he paced the cell.
However, a hundred odd years of life... unlife wouldn't let him give up. As the daylight hours faded a desperate solution presented itself to the vampire, in the form of another prisoner's advice. By nightfall he'd resigned himself to the nearly non-existent chance.
He felt the restraint he showed in not attacking the guards, who dragged him from his cell, should have been commended. Before he could be sentenced the vampire invoked challenge rite. It being a condemned slaves right to battle for his freedom in a warrior's ritual.
Grendel eyed the vampire before him demanding challenge. He'd just decided to deny it as the vampire was an outsider when Vilnel, Chief Commander of the Guards, stepped forward.
"Since the creature deems himself as equal with his betters I demand the right to face him in challenge--to avenge the deaths of my men."
The crowd rumbled with muttered approvals. Grendel eyed the loathsome commander, knowing of the plotting between Vilnel and his heir against him. Maybe he'd get lucky and they'd kill each other.
"We approve."
Spike waited head bowed, sword unsheathed in a lose grip. He'd passed the trials of intelligence and skill with ease. Leaving only a battle of strength. The vampire wasn't worried. The commander may have been larger, stronger--he smirked and uglier. But Spike was smarter, meaner.
They danced around each other: testing skill, limits, strengths. Spike easily deflecting the majority of the larger demon's blows. He knew he'd have to end the fight quickly, because his opponent had the superior size and reach. If he drew it out too long Spike knew he'd eventually tire and slip up.
He had no intention of letting that happen. Subtly maneuvering the larger man around the room, he grinned catching site of the enormous chandelier. Launching himself upwards, he was followed by Vilnel but not before he'd managed to force the steel of the blade mostly through the moorings of the huge fixture.
Vilnel went on the offensive hounding the vampire. Spike let himself take the blows, tumbling to the floor below. The commander bore down on him even as the vampire rolled away, coming up in a crouch.
The larger man loomed over Spike grinning in triumph. As Vilnel hefted the weapon for its final descent, Spike flung his straight up.
The hall rang with laughter as they watched, what they assumed was acceptance of defeat. A horrendous shrieking tore through the room, as Spike flung himself backwards.
The noise making those unprepared grab at their ears as the huge light tumbled to the ground. Spike clambered to his feet, smirking as his opponent was pinned beneath the fixture. He stalked over to crouch beside the feebly struggling Vilnel.
Slipping the switchblade out of his boot, Spike grinned down at him. "Ta, mate."
Spike growled as he paced the guest room. He'd won and fucked himself but good. Still it'd be easier to escape from the rooms than the dungeons. He had no intention of putting in an appearance at the banquet in honor of his freedom.
First things first. Getting outta this bloody room.
Mikhail glanced up as Jade muttered beneath her breath from where she sat watching the mirror.
"Oh, that's just not cricket! Locking him in with magic. We'll just see about that."
"Fuckin' stupid gyspy mojo shit," howled the enraged vampire after kicking at the door for the thousandth time and it still refused to open. He froze staring in disbelief as it swung open slowly.
He glared around wildly when a voice just like his Nummy’s whispered in his ear.
"Hurry! They'll know someone's been using magic."
Spike didn't take the time to question the voice. He hauled ass.
Everyone was too preoccupied with the on-going preparations to notice the departure of their guest of honor until it was too late. The vampire having slipped across the borders long before his guards had begun trying to find him.
Xander opened sleepy red eyes to see Jade perched at the bottom of his bed. She gave him a brilliant smile.
"He made it."
He blinked once... twice... then whooped loudly, swinging Jade off the bed into an ecstatic bear-hug. She laughed as Xander danced around the room. She couldn't help the smug grin as she told him, "He'll be here soon. Don't you wanna get ready."
Spike had no doubts where Xander was. Even if he hadn't felt a pull deep inside--the palace, just visible from his two night hike, was the only place he could be.
Spike prided himself on his lurking abilities after all he'd learned from the best, even if he was a great pouf. So the git suddenly appearing beside him mid-skulk definitely put him off his game. His reaction or lack of one could be excused.
Scott grinned appealingly at the blonde vampire. Xander had excellent taste.
"Mr. Bloody, King Lysan requests your presence. If you would follow me," he said taking Spike's arm as he lead him to the floating carriage. Spike's eyes bugged as it glided towards them flinging open its doors.
Scott bit back a laugh, merely tugging the vampire in with him as he directed the carriage back to the palace.
"Is this really necessary," whined Mikhail, tugging at the neck of his formal robes. "I mean really."
"Shhh! We're just having a little fun," said Jade straightening Xander's harem pants. "After all he went through he deserves a little treat."
She grinned cheekily at her brother. "Riding in to save Xander like a prince in a fairy tale. All he needs is a white horse."
She wrinkled her nose at the image. "Maybe black."
Xander ignored her moving to stand in front of the mirror, giving one last glance at his appearance.
"Relax! You look simply edible," she said moving behind him.
And he did, Mikhail had to agree.
Knee-length mahogany-colored locks had been brushed until they shone; the strands of silver, that had appeared with the manifestation of his powers, glimmering in between the darker tresses.
The outfit he wore was the softest Chinese silk money could buy. Ivory skin stood in sharp contrast to the midnight black cloth. Even the jewels Jade picked out seemed to emphasize the male's beauty, the onyx and rubies glittering with a life of their own
Mikhail's eyes flicked from Alexander to Jade.
It's a good thing he's coming to get his mate cause it just now seems possible to overdose on beauty.
To be cont.
Feedback: It would be nice.
Shadith...