Some Assembly Required

Sunnydale -- September

Staring at the grave, Buffy sat playing with a yo-yo. "C'mon, Stephen. Rise and shine."

Angel quietly slid up, behind her, "Hey."

Buffy gasped, whirling around.

"Is this a bad time," Angel asked. Buffy stared at him speechless, for a minute.

"Are you crazy? You don't just sneak up on people in a grave yard. You make noise when you walk. You stomp or yodel."

Angel glanced around, "So, you alone?"

Buffy shrugged, "Yeah. Why?"

Angel looked away, "Just thought you'd have some one with you. Xander, maybe."

Buffy looked worried briefly, "Nope. No, Xander. Been back to school for awhile now. Still no Xander-shaped person. Will's starting to freak a little. Do you think you could..." Buffy's voice trailed off as she walked beside the vampire.

"Sure." Angel stopped glancing around, "Buffy?"

"Down here." Buffy gagged, "Someone's been digging up corpses. We should go see Giles."

August--New Orleans

Drusilla hummed softly to herself as she set up her pet's prezzie. "Oh, Miss. Edith, he's going to feel such pain. It's such a beautiful red prezzie. Spike would..."

Drusilla's voice trailed off as she tilted her head toward the porcelain doll listening intently. "But Miss. Edith, Spike loves his Drusilla. I'm his princess he'd never hurt me." Drusilla stared at the doll, vamping out. "Naughty! Miss. Edith. There shall be no tea for you. Spike would never take mummies little Alexander away. Now hush. I must finish little daddy's prezzie."

Drusilla floated around the room moving and tugging in various places. "Come now, Miss. Edith. Mummy can't stay mad. I've been having such fun. Maybe we won't tell Spikey just, yet. Yes we'll wait until we go met Daddy to tell him. Then we'll be one big happy family." Hugging the doll close, she slipped from the room, hiding in the shadows of the courtyard she waited for her pet to come home. Never noticing the darkness that trailed after her.

Spike stood half hidden, watching Drusilla as she mumbled contentedly to herself. She'd been disappearing for the last two months. He was tired of it. Especially after she'd come back to their lair smelling of blood and sex. He'd decided enough was enough, and followed his dark goddess into the night to see for himself what she was up to.

I think I'm paranoid. And complicated. I think I'm paranoid. Manipulate it.

Xander stalked down the streets of New Orleans. His body a confusing mix of movements. Half predator, half prey. He moved eyes constantly shifting, searching the shadows for danger.

C'mon, Xan. There's nothing there. Nothing other than the usual ghouls, vampires and.... Ok, scary thoughts bad. Something else... like the fact that you're losing your mind. It was a toy. Only a toy and you have a screaming fit. Yeah but the last one wasn't. Still doesn't make you less nutty. And this conversation... just proves our point.

"That's it all of you quiet."

Spike watched as Drusilla stalked the confused mortal. He wondered idly if she was changing her hunting techniques. When the expected screams, didn't come Spike glanced up. Stunned he watched as his princess spoke to the mortal boy.

"Alexander... Alexander..."

Xander's head shot up, and he froze. That voice....

"Who's there?" His eyes darted around the courtyard, and he clutched the stake and cross. Suddenly she appeared. Brunette waves cascaded around her pale shoulders, as the ivory white dress floated around her ankles. Xander stared at the vision before him. She glowed in the pale moonlight, her eyes shining mirrors of his.

"W-who are you?" Drusilla giggled at his stutter. Xander shuddered at the sound like breaking glass.

"I'm going to be your new mummy. The stars told me so. Shhh," she said, drawing closer. Xander stood mesmerized until she stood right behind him. "Shhh, you can hear them too. Can't you, Alexander."

Xander shook his head then started backing away, holding the cross up. He knows she's a vamp. Terror coursed through him as he tried to fend her off.

Drusilla caught his arms, knocking the cross and stake aside. She held him still with almost no effort. "Can't stay long, my pet. Cause Spikey is coming but I'll give you a kiss." Drusilla moved faster than he could follow. Her teeth sunk in his neck before he'd even registered movement. He cried out, feeling her nuzzling his throat.

Drusilla paused lapping at the torn flesh then dropping him she took off. She moved like lightning as she raced into the night. Surprised Spike hesitated--staring at the fallen mortal before chasing after his princess.

Xander lay dazed from the blood loss, unable to climb to his feet.

Opening his eyes is almost impossible, but hearing a noise he struggled to accomplish the feat. Staring down at him is the manager of the hellhole he currently lives in. "Boy, what are you doing out here?"

Xander can barely manage an eye roll. "Enjoying the view. Now could you help me up." He missed the manager's answer; blacking out as the lack of sleep and blood loss finally caught up with him.

Spike cursed as he paced through the lair. Dru had led him on a wild goose chase the entire night. He'd finally given up, returning to the lair with the rising sun. Only to find Dru lounging in their bed, talking to Miss. Edith.

He'd been unable to discover what she was up to with the mortal. Despite his inventive questioning.

Sighing he collapsed on the bed, ignoring Dru's whimpers. He didn't know when he'd grown so impatient with his sire but now he was tired of her incessant ramblings. Tomorrow, I'll find Dru's new toy.

Day dawned and swiftly passed as Xander slept on unaware.

Xander stretched as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He had no idea how long he'd slept or even the vaguest recollection of how he'd gotten into bed. Uneasy, he tried to remember the night before. But all he got was a series of fragmented memories. He shrugged, and reached for the lamp--bumping into something beside him.

Terror gripped him and he bit back a scream as a urgent sense of foreboding flooded him. Inhaling deeply, he leaned out catching the light switch.

He blinked at the bright light unable to see, as his eyes adjusted the room came into focus.

Screams shattered the unnatural silence. All over the motel people and demons alike paused in their activities. Heads popped out of doors as the day manager raced down the hall. Even as he banged on the door--the screams went on.

Mind breaking shrieks of madness echoed through the halls. Cursing, Jake leaned back kicking violently against the door. The locks shattered; slamming the door against the wall. Jake stepped inside, and immediately threw up. He backed out of the room, dropping to his knees in the hall unable to do anything but shake.

Voice raspy with strain, Xander kept screaming as he stared. His mind refusing to piece the images together. The room looked as if it had been painted red, an explosion of blood and flesh. And he was in the center of it. Dried blood spread out from the bodies in every direction, as if when they were moved they'd leave perfectly pristine outlines.

Somewhere between the first and last screams, something broke inside that would never heal. He felt strangely empty as if floating. He stared off blindly and then everything went black.

It was too much as if someone flipped a switch his mind shutdown.

He sat unaware in the middle of the carnage--utterly still even as the police arrived. He was almost silent now. Something had torn in his throat. The only sound he was capable of making, was a piteous whining. Which he'd been doing since his voice gave out.

Officers swarmed around the room. Several of the junior officers were unable to remain in the room. Detective Allison stared everywhere but at the bodies, and the young man sitting between them--drenched in blood. "Captain, sir. Do you..." Allison's voice trailed off as he gestured at Xander.

Captain Perkins shook his head, "He didn't do this..." he paused. "Nothing human could have done this."

"Do we know who?" said the captain.

"Yeah," said Allison, "His parents." Allison glanced at the scene again. He'd never seen anything like it. The bodies looked as if they'd been gnawed at teeth-marks, and missing flesh marred both bodies. He prayed they'd been done after they'd died but he didn't think so too much blood.

The man's genitalia had been removed. They now sat in his mouth. The woman's eyes had been gouged out. They lay staring sightlessly at his mouth. Allison fought back the urge to gag; trying to ignore the bitter sweet smell of death that filled the room.

A junior officer hesitantly stepped forward, "Captain, sir. We're done here. What do we do about him?"

Perkins sighed as he stared at the boy. He'd seen strong men break from sights less horrific. He looked shell-shocked. "Child. Xander..." he waited.

Nothing.

Finally he reached out touching the boy's face. He shuddered when he met his eyes. The look in them was the emptiest he'd ever seen in another person. As if when he looked at him, he wasn't seeing them at all. Not that he thought he was blind, he saw something. Perkins was sure but not what. Not him, not a cop. Something else, his own twisted version of reality. He sighed, poor child.

Catching his hand, he pulled lightly, taking Xander away from the horror.

Drusilla giggled softly to herself as she hunted. She was having so much fun. She shivered remembering the horrified look on Xander's face after she'd left him his last prezzie. She'd laid them out so nicely in his room, all red and open. He'd screamed so sweetly when he'd seen them. She was going to pay a visit to her pet now at his new place.

Dropping the body, she'd just drained, she danced off into the night.

September

Spike paced the lair--something he'd been doing a lot recently. He was unsure for the first time in over a hundred years. His Dru was behaving oddly. No, she was behaving like... Spike cursed--like Angelus the twisted bastard.

He'd watched her as she watched him. After he'd seen what she'd done to the boy's parents, he'd known what she was up to. Angelus had done similar things to her, driving her mad just before turning her.

Spike growled; he knew what she was planning. He just didn't know what he was going to do about it. If she was just wanting a new toy, or someone to share her pathetic ramblings with--well then good on her. If she was aiming for a new Angelus or childe.... He'd stake the poor git himself. Snarling, he stalked from the lair to hunt.

When Dru slipped out for the third time that week, he'd had it. He was going to end it tonight. Following behind his princess, he watched as she moved silently through the shadows. Until reaching a dilapidated plantation.

Pausing outside the doorway; he looked up reading the sign. Saint Agean's shelter for the Mentally Disabled--it read.

"Fuck," he muttered. Hiding across the hall, he watched as she entered a room at the end of the corridor. He'd gone through half a pack of smokes by the time she came out. He stared at her, unable to believe what he was seeing. Mouth stained with blood and semen, she licked her lips hungrily, humming happily to herself. Spike bit back a howl of rage. His kitten was fucking the whelp. He would die.

Xander sat huddled in the dark. Waiting... praying... for death. He was so tired. He only wanted it to end. He was going crazy, and he couldn't even get that right. This was worse than being insane, because he was still here.

Sometimes... most times... the outside world was a vague, dim memory. But then there were the times when he was Xander again, those were the worst. He could see himself, cowering in this hellhole. Unable to function and he prayed for an end. So, when the door slid open and it was neither his doctor or Her--he thought his prayers had been answered.

Spike watched the mortal boy who looked up at him. Not in fear but with a mix of hope and resignation. Shocked he shifted out of game-face. "I should kill you. Now," he hissed. Xander struggled upright.

"Please. Please... do it," he begged, offering the vampire his throat. Bewildered, Spike stared at him--hating the rush of uncertainty. Angry, he grabbed the boy yanking him close. He bent to rip out his throat and their eyes locked.

Bend me, Break me
Anyway you need me, all I want is you
Bend me, Break me
Breaking down is easy, all I want is you
Bend me, Break me
Anyway you need me, as long as I want you baby It's all right.

Xander stared--he'd never seen such a beautiful creature. The vampire reminded him of the white tiger he'd seen at the zoo, once. Eyes such a clear blue, like sapphires bathed in moonlight, born predator. He was sad and happy, all at once. Glad he'd had a chance to see such beauty. Sad he'd never see it again.

Spike couldn't look away from those eyes. So deep, warm, soothing like hot cocoa. He hadn't felt such comfort in a long time. He couldn't help seeing the intelligence gleaming in them. He grimaced realizing he couldn't kill the mortal. There was no way he'd survive seeing the light in those eyes go out. He roughly shoved him away. Xander stumbled almost falling, before catching himself on the bed.

"You're not worth the effort," Spike snarled, turning to leave.

"No!" cried Xander, catching Spike by the arm. "You have to kill me. I can't live like this. Shifting between madness and sanity. I can't. It hurts... please."

Spike turned; something in him twisted. He didn't want anyone to hurt this beautiful child. Slowly he reached out to stroke the pale cheek. Xander whimpered, pressing his face into the cool hand. "Please... please. Kill me."

He stared into the dark chocolate eyes and couldn't do it. "No, pet. I can't..."

Xander sobbed, "Can't or won't?" Turning away, he dropped to his knees. Head bowed finally defeated.

Unable to help it, the vampire moved forward--crouching beside the mortal. He hesitated before pulling him into his arms.

"Don't cry, pet. It'll be ok. I'll get 'er to leave you alone. Then..."

Xander looked up at the vampire, "Then what? I'm losing... I've lost... hell, I'm just not all here anymore. I can't live like this. It'd be different if I was completely psycho. Hell, I'd prefer it but I'm not. And I never know when I'll fall."

Spike shook his head. Something in him wanted to hold and comfort the mortal more than he'd ever wanted to help Dru. "It's ok, Pet. I'll be here when you fall."

Xander stared sinking into that azure gaze. Spike shivered staring into the boy's suddenly blank face. He looked like Dru when she was listening to her voices.

A soundless noise whispered--ceaselessly in his mind. He drifted watching the colors, vaguely aware of the whispers. Then the stars were talking to him. They told him about the past, present, and future. An incoherent rush of mindless thoughts.

Trying to get away, he scrambled back; sinking into the red ocean. Suddenly, he was being hauled back. Shivering, he started floating again. He could feel the new voice surrounding him. It was like the stars but different. It told him things that would help him. It was quieter than the stars too.

And somehow he knows if he didn't have that little bit of sanity--he wouldn't hear it. Xander listened intently as the voice whispered beneath the whispers of the stars.

Spike watched as the blank look faded from his face. Spike sighed knowing that the sane part--the aware part-- he'd been talking to was gone. The dreamy look on the boy's face reminded him eerily of Drusilla when she was about to start rambling.

"Shhh," said Xander placing his finger on Spike's lips. "The quiet voice told me. You are good for me. You will help me... love me. Do you know the way blood flows? Down and over clothes... watch me as I go."

Spike sighed, watching as the mortal withdrew. Kissing him softly on the forehead, he placed him on the cot; pulling the thin blanket over him.

"Night, pet," he said softly, opening the door.

"The name's Xander."

Spike whirled around but the boy had already drifted away.

Spike cursed, watching the minion flee in terror. He would have staked him but he was so preoccupied with thoughts of his pet he couldn't think straight. He hadn't been back to the asylum in days. Unaccustomed to the strange rush of emotions, he'd reacted typically for him. He panicked then got angry. The boy had gotten to him in a way he'd never have thought possible. Bringing out emotions he'd long forgotten.

Feeling for a meal on legs. He'd done the only thing he could think of . . . completely dismissed the whelp from his mind. At least that was the plan but the mortal kept creeping back in. And now he was worried, the idiot fledge he'd told to watch Dru had lost her. Uneasy, Spike stalked from the lair.

He was only going to check on Dru. Make sure she wasn't with the boy. He didn't care if he was ok or not. But he'd just pop in to see.

Xander lay still, he had no idea where he was or how long he'd been there. He only knew he was no longer in the asylum. Staring down at the brunette head hovering over his crotch, he whimpered. Retreating further into himself.

She toyed with him--driving him to a pleasure he didn't want, feeding from him as he came. Everytime she did it--he could only think of it as it because if he thought of what it really was he'd scream. So it was just it--and everytime she did it he felt more of himself slipping away.

Xander whimpered again when Drusilla finally pulled away. Staring into the glittering yellow gaze he withdrew--falling into himself. It was getting easier to let go. To let the voices have him.

Except something held him still. Kept him from being as mad as the vampiress... something in himself. Something that screamed he was still Xander; it simply would not lay down and give up. Then there was the quiet voice--the one he called Jesse--it whispered beneath the deafening chorus. Helping him, showing him the path in what the stars told him.

Finally there was him, that vision. He couldn't be sure if it was real or not... but he couldn't help wanting him... Spike. So he held on. Balanced on the edge, over oblivion.

When he'd woken the next morning, after the visit, he'd been resigned to his half life. Until she came back and now....

He floated in a sea of red.

Sunnydale

Willow followed closely behind a silent Angel as they made their way through the crowds--heading towards Giles. Peering over Angel's shoulder she grinned at Giles as she looked between him and Ms. Calendar. "Hi, Ms. Calendar! Hi, Giles."

Giles sighed, "Hello, Willow. Angel. What did you find out?"

Willow shuddered, "Eric's place was a bust. Nothing there. Did Buffy get back yet?"

Giles shook his head, "No, uh, no. Um, perhaps you should, um, circulate. See what you could find."

Willow tilted her head to the side as if she's heard something. When she noticed the others staring at her, she sighed wistfully. "It's nothing. Just if Xander where here he'd have said something really funny about now. I guess I just keep kinda expecting it even though he's go..." Tears brightened her eyes as her voice trailed off. She turned, hurrying away from the group.

"Someone should probably go after her," said Jenny. She and Giles looked at Angel expectantly.

"I guess I could..."

Giles interrupted before he could finish, "Good. Good. Let us know how she is." Sighing Angel left.

New Orleans

Spike stood outside the asylum, uneasy. Torn between cursing and sighing, he began to pace. He hated feeling this way. His emotions were out of control because of a... mortal. Now he was worried --terrified-- that Dru had done something --killed-- to the boy.

No, she wouldn't. Least not permanently. She's doin' wat Angelus did. Spike stopped abruptly, thoughts focusing. Think...think. Slowly an idea began to take shape.

Fragments of conversations with Angelus played through his mind. Reminding him of exactly what Angleus had done to Dru. Ripping away her sanity. Driving her to, then finally taking her in the only sanctuary she'd ever know. Fuck... a church. She's taken 'im to a bloody church.

Spike raced back to the lair. After calling his idiot minions, he flipped through a tattered directory. There were hundreds of churches listed. Growling he tossed it, breaking a unfortunate fledges nose. Staring at the bleeding vamp, he tried to think.

Dru's a creature of 'abit. She'll go somewhere she's been before./

"Listen up, you lot. I want you to search the churches near St. Ageans. You 'alf 'ill take the north," he said pointing to the left. "The rest of you blokes 'll take the south. You hear, see, or find anything you get back 'ere, pronto."

One of the newer vamps stepped forward, "You want us to go in churches..." Before he could finish his complaint, the room was filled with dust. Spike, shook the ash from his coat. "Anymore comments?"

The barely controlled anger in his voice, suggested there had better not be. As one the minions shook their heads then took of into the night.

Unable to wait in the lair, Spike headed back to the asylum. Using it as a starting point, he headed west away from the rising sun. Moving swiftly he passed several churches, pausing long enough to sniff the air, before moving on. An hour passed then two; he'd called the lair twice.

He ignored the approaching dawn, loathe to return without finding one or the other. Xander, his mind whispered. Reluctantly he turned to go as the sun began its ascent. Stumbling when the scent of blood and madness roared over him. Spike whirled around, searching for its source.

In the distance he could see the spires of the cathedral. Hidden between the overgrown cemeteries. He was running before he'd even thought. He knew they were there.

Drusilla stared into the vacant dark-eyed gaze. He was almost ready. The stars told her she only had to finish the spell then she'd have another Daddy... just like her Angelus. Miss Edith sat facing the window. She had been very bad.

Singing softly, she stretched Xander out on the altar. She stroked a lock of hair off his face. Cooing gently at him, she plunged the black dagger into his palm. He shrieked bolting upright. She easily held him down, pinning his left palm with the dagger's twin. "Shush, shush, shush... soon, soon, soon."

Pulling a third dagger --this one blood red-- she waved it back and forth through the flames. She twined a dark lock of hair around the blade, "Belongs to Daddy. I took it before he left. Bad Daddy, but we will find him." Her eyes drifted shut as she chanted the spell then drove the blade into his heart.

Xander screamed his body arching up off the altar. Drusilla shoved him down. Latching onto his throat, she swallowed hungrily draining him. He struggled briefly then relaxed as his life flowed away.

Drusilla stopped, listening to the heart struggling to keep pumping. Purring, she placed her torn wrist over his mouth, open in a soundless wail. Like melted chocolate--it ran dark and thick down his throat as she continued chanting.

Xander struggled to stay afloat. Crimson and silver streaks of lighting, danced across the black sky as the blood sea churned. Waves rocked the sinking form as shapes stirred beneath the chaotic sea.

Spike flew through the early dawn, barreling straight into the church's doors. The loud boom echoed through the unholy silence.

He froze staring at the nightmare before him. Seeing everything as if time had stopped. The altar lit with black candles. Xander laid out a perfect sacrifice, pinned with ebony blades as Drusilla bent over him holding her bloody wrist to his sucking mouth.

"No!" his cry roared through the church--seeming to shake the altar. Time started again, and he was on her before she had even registered his presence. His hand struck as if of its own accord.

Knocking her clear across the church, cutting her off mid-chant. Reaching down he ripped the dagger from Xander's chest. Tossing it out into the rays of the rising sun.

Xander and Drusilla’s screams mingled and merged as the blade began to smoke. Flames rose turning the knife silver--incinerating the hair.

Tired Xander had begun sinking as something stirred in the depths of the blood sea--rushing towards him. Unholy malevolent, twisted and vast it reached to swallow him whole.

Xander screamed in pain as it was ripped away suddenly. Then something just as vast but not as dark took its place. The darkness began to wrap itself around what was left of the being known as Xander Harris.

As his soul battled with the demon for possession, his eyes drifted open.

Pulling the knives from his hands, Spike dragged Xander into his lap ignoring Dru's whines. Spike stared at the pale form. Torn. Delighted that the boy would be around forever. Sad that now a demon had taken the soul he'd come to... No, not going there mate.

And now he was most likely truly lost... a distorted version of Dru's beloved Angelus. Spike bit back a sob, dropping his head to the young vampire's.

Xander's eyes flew open, wide unseeing. Spike stared into them falling.

Soul and demon fought for possession of the body. Xander struggled, fighting the urge to simply give in even as the demon battled to gain control. As they warred voices rose and fell around them. The maelstrom of sound slowly quieted until all that could be heard was a single eerie chant...

Domine. Domine, Deus. Domine. Adiuva Me. Domine. Domine, Deus. Domine. Adiu, Aduima Me.

The voice seemed alive. Pulsing with it's own heartbeat. Racing through the two combatants. Lighting shot across the sky as the blood red sea churned. Waves crashed, the sky burned with white fire. Chaos reigned, twisted shapes swam beneath them. They froze in mid struggle as a new presence disturbed the battlefield.

Both entities stared at the electric blue eyes that filled the black sky. Enthralled by them--demon and soul alike. A dissonant cacophony of sound overwhelmed the void as the chant shifted and changed becoming a sing-song like nursery rhyme...

Electric blue eyes, where did you come from? Electric blue eyes, who sent you? Electric blue eyes, always be near me. Electric blue eyes, I need you.

In a soundless rush, the soul swept over the demon. Forcing its dominance even as they merged. The sea calmed, as the soul settled into its new existence.

Xander's eyes shifted as he stared up at the vampire. Spike shook himself coming out of his daze. He felt strange as if he'd witnessed the birth of this new vampire.

Xander gazed into the same electric blue eyes he'd seen in his head.

Still shaken, Spike returned the intense stare before asking quietly, "Pet, what the hell was that?"

Xander's eyes lost focus. And when he spoke it was in a childish sing-song, "If you should go, you should know.... I'm here. Always be near me, guardian angel. Always be near me, there's no fear."

Spike grimaced, poor pet.

Turning he stared at the reason for his insanity. Drusilla sat weeping, clutching Ms. Edith. Spike gathered the new immortal into his arms to wait for nightfall.

Sunnydale

Buffy glanced over at Angel as they walked through the cemetery. "God, the whole thing was so creepy."

Angel nodded, "Sounds like he took it over the edge."

Buffy sighed, "Love makes you do the wacky." Angel stared at her. "Crazy stuff."

Angel turned away slightly, "Yeah. Like being jealous off..." He stopped turning to walk the other way.

Buffy hurried to catch up. "You think he's dead. Don't you?" she said quietly.

"I heard some things. I don't think he's coming back." Buffy stared at the ground silent for a moment. Angel moved closer, "Let me walk you home."

New Orleans

Spike watched the two vampires--who sat staring off into space--worrying.

Despite the age of his sire, Xander barely had the strength of a fledging. Dru's illness had somehow been passed onto him. He was as weak as her--physically if not mentally. For which Spike was profoundly grateful. While it was obvious his princeling was not quite all there, he was still more aware than Drusilla. He anticipated his little one's bursts of sanity. Those episodes were the highlights of his nights.

Drusilla, suddenly began to keen loudly, rocking back and forth. Spike ignored her, he couldn't understand how he'd dealt with her overbearing demands for all these years.

Part of him wondered how he could now resent Dru's ramblings while patiently deal with Xander's. 'Cause you never felt this way 'bout Dru. Spike shook his head dismissing the disturbing thoughts.

Abruptly Dru stopped, "Princess is hungry."

Spike looked at her trying to control his annoyance. "Then go get something to eat."

Drusilla pouted. Spike no longer brought her prezzies or lovely people. Instead he spent all his time with the little dad... She quickly stifled that line of thought.

Xander turned to Spike as if Dru's hunger has triggered his. "Hungry, my angel," he whimpered.

Spike was beside him instantly. "C’mon, little one. I'll find you a nice pretty one."

Xander stood, trailing behind him. Drusilla followed still pouting.

Leaving Xander beneath a street lamp to wait--because the young vampire didn't like the dark--Spike hunted. He moved through the crowd, searching for his princeling’s dinner. Soon, he spotted her.

Perfect. Blonde, about 5'4" and slender. His pet liked them like that. He was sometimes as bad as Dru. Forgetting to eat and sometimes having to actually be persuaded to do it. But for some reason he had a real thirst for petite blonds. Holding the terrified girl, he remembered the first time he'd taken Xander to hunt.

He'd been a natural. Luring them in then ripping them apart.

Spike grinned, remembering the first sight of his little one's blood smeared lips. Still smiling, he dragged the girl back to him.

Xander's eyes tracked his lover's every move. Xander loved watching as Spike hunted. His guardian angel. He was so beautifully lethal.

He caught the blonde as Spike shoved her into his arms. Holding her he stroked her cheek, "This one looks just like Buffy. Maybe a bit taller than the slayer but still..."

Spike was surprised his pet knew of the slayer. They hadn't gotten around to her yet, even though he'd been teaching Xander about being a vampire. Spike watched his lover as his awareness drifted, replaced with the familiar dreamy expression.

Xander brushed the girl's hair from her face, "Grandfather is with the slayer. He's not an angel. Can make us strong if you find the cross... dulac... do like... I like. Shhh.... Do you hear it my angel? Death is near... hush hush heart rush... can you see it?" Then he was staring at the girl again, darting forward he bit deeply into her throat.

Spike watched aroused as he drained the girl; thinking vaguely about what his luv had said. He'd heard rumors about the Dulac cross. Is it possible?

Xander kissed the dead girl's cheek then giggled, "Silly girl. She did not know death already had her." Suddenly, he swayed. "Tired, Spikey."

Spike pulled him close. Deciding then that if going to Sunnyhell and seeing that bastard Angelus would help his little one he'd do it. Soothing the whimpering vampire, he headed back to the lair. He'd undressed and settled the young vampire into bed, before he realized Drusilla wasn't with them. Cursing he left the lair again.

Drusilla wandered aimlessly through the streets. Seeing a young child playing in a yard, she drifted towards her. Spike caught her arm just before she could grab the child. "Bloody hell, Dru. Are you trying to get us all cursed. You know the rules. No children in this place," he hissed.

Drusilla shrugged. "I want a prezzie. You've been mean to princess."

Spike ignored her snatching up the child. "Go home, Dru."

Carrying the girl, he headed towards the house. Dropping the child onto the porch, he turned to leave when something grabbed his arm. Snarling he turned to whoever had dared to touch him and stopped.

She barely came up to his shoulder. Her raven locks streaked liberally with silver fell like a curtain around her, cocoa skin gleamed with sweat.

"Wat'cha be doin' wit de child vampyre," she asked in a voice, thick and slow as molasses.

"I know the rules, lady. Just was return' the kid," he said shrugging causally, but slightly nervous.

"Yah. You be stoppin' de loony one from makin' a meal 'o me granchile."

Spike shifted, startled by the knowledge shining in her black eyes. So much like Xander’s.

"For dat I show you sometin' den we be even vampyre. Wat you do wit wat I show yah be up to you."

Spike tried to step back, but was frozen in place as she grabbed his head. His eyes snapped shut as the images bombarded him. And then he was free, gasping for air he didn't need. "What the... Bloody fuck!!"

"Dat boy is yer future. Make of it wat you would."

Spike backed a way, wary. "Who are you?"

"Ah, boy. Yah don't be knowin' Mistress Sais Voir. I be wat you call of de old blood. Just like de loony one and de boy. But dat be all you gettin' from Mistress Sais Voir."

His eyes flew open as she faded away. He stood numb for several seconds. After a while he turned to leave, and her voice whispered on the wind. "I know how to see. You be sure you know how to do."

Spike walked home slowly deep in thought. Mind racing over the things she'd shown him. Hours passed. He was home standing beside their bed before he knew it. Deciding to think about it later, he pushed it all to the back of his mind. Stripping out of his clothes he crawled into bed with Xander. Pushing everything but the feel of his lover's body out of his head, he drifted into sleep.

Sunnyhell here we come.

fin

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Shadith...