The Xanth In Xan

Chapter 1

Xander stared around somewhat dazed. One minute he'd been arguing with Spike, the next --hello!-- blackout and was that Spike on top of him? Not moving. Great, of course he was covered by the unmoving corpse. Ignoring the rather pleasant sensation he none too delicately shoved the vampire off him. Looking down he could see the bruise on the side of Spike's temple. Seemed like he was on his own for now.

He looked around curiously. He felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. It was dark; he could barely make out the slightly glistening walls of the cave. It was a large...no, very large cavern. Muttering at whatever deity was currently toying with him he set about trying to make the vampire comfortable, not that it would do any good, what with the damp and all. But for some reason he just couldn't leave him lying there. He quickly took off his sweater, leaving him in only his tight white T-shirt. He bunched up the sweater and gently lifted Spike's head laying it down as a pillow. He arranged Spike's arms and legs more comfortably. Not copping a feel, nope not me! he thought to himself. By the time he was done his shirt was soaked.

"Ugh," he muttered, tugging at the uncomfortable top. He'd have to find some way to warm them up and soon. He ignored the images dancing in his head of cuddling up to the vampire to conserve heat. He needed to do some reconnaissance. Way to go, soldierXan he thought as he made his way to the opening of the cavern.

Well, that was odd. When they had fallen into the cave it had been nighttime and now it was daylight. He didn't think he'd been knocked out. Well, at least he could warm up in the daylight. As he stepped outside, making sure to keep an eye out for any movement, he noticed the grass was bright red with purple polka dots. That's not right he thought, staring at the fashion-challenged greenery [but it's not green!]. Xander blinked once, twice, then shook his head. "Toto, we are not in Kansas anymore."

He looked back the way he had come. Instead of the cave he expected he saw a tree with a large hole in the trunk. Ok, this is too weird. He walked around the tree; it didn't take long. How could that huge cavern be inside that small tree? And why was the tree's trunk blue? Man, only I could get myself into a mess like this. And what was the Big Bad going to say when he woke up? Great, another Xander screw up.

Just as he got ready to go back into the cave, err-- tree, a low sobbing caught his ear. Anyone with any sense would have gone the other way, but when had anyone ever accused him of having sense? He headed off toward the noise. A path opened up before him, twisting and turning around. He thought he should be getting close to the sound, but the sobbing seemed just as far away as it had before. Xander stopped to listen. He heard it off to his right, and as he stepped off the path he heard a snicker above him. He looked up and saw a huge cat lounging in another blue tree, grinning down at him.

"I don't suppose you could tell me who's crying and how I can get to them... and oh my god I've finally snapped, I'm talking to a cat." The leopard rolled its eyes, then spoke. Xander shook his head slowly. "Gods, I must have hit my head harder than I thought. Cause for a second there I thought you actually spoke."

The cat's grin got larger. "I did."

Xander looked around wildly. What he once took for a blue tree was just a blue beam sticking out of the ground, almost like a pillar. "What are you?" Xander asked. "And where the hell am I?"

The cat's grin got wider. "Why I am a cat-a-pillar, silly boy. As for where you are," the cat stood and stretched, " why, you are here, of course."

For some reason, that answer not only made sense to Xander but it seemed familiar as well. There was something niggling at the back of his thoughts. Before he could try again, a shape began to take form beside him.

"Oh, please tell me that you are from Mundania," the little girl pleaded as soon as she turned solid. "I called and called. Humfrey told me that his replacement was Xan from Mundania. You're him, right?" As she spoke, her hair changed from bright red to moldy green.

The cat-a-pillar snickered. Xander glared at it before turning back to the little girl. Despite the odd hair thing she had going on, it was obvious she was just a child. A highly upset one at that. And if there was one thing he hated, it was upset children. "Well, my friends call me Xan. Tell me-- why did you call, and how can I help you?"

Bright violet eyes suddenly dried up. "Oh, I knew you'd help. C'mon and I'll take you to see Humfrey. He can tell you what's wrong."

"Wait. I didn't come alone. My friend is injured back in the cavern. Inside the err... pillar tree thing." Xander was not too sure about leaving Spike alone for too long. He was unsure of how badly injured Spike really was.

"Oh! You brought your mate. That is good!" She gushed with more tears. "You are the One."

Xander sputtered wildly for a moment. "M-m-mate. NO! No. He's a friend. Err... more like acquaintance. Um, yeah."

The little girl giggled. "You're so funny. You're a lot cuter than Humfrey. I think you'll be a great Good Magician. Now let's go get your mate."

Xander sighed as the cat seemed to laugh again, before heading back the way he came with the child trailing behind.

When he saw the blue pillar tree thing with the almost man sized hole he stopped and turned to the little girl. "Um, sorry, I didn't get your name. You might want to wait here while I go and get him. He might not be in such a great mood." Xander definitely didn't want her to hear whatever Spike had to say. He was sure that it wouldn't be pleasant. He almost didn't hear her reply.

"My name is Inia. I'm queen mommy's daughter," she said, trying to curtsey. Xander reached out a hand catching her before she tipped over.

"Um. Does your mommy have another name?"

The girl nodded, eyes big with tears again. "Tara."

Xander dropped his head into his hands. This was going to be a long day. Eee... Egads, surely not Tara Tara. Man where the Hell am I? He stooped slightly and stepped into the cave. He couldn't see anything until his eyes adjusted to the darkness. As he walked over to where he had left the blond menace he saw his sweater and nothing else. "Spike, are you here, man? " he called out. The chamber echoed slightly. He saw movement out of the corner of his eyes, but when he started to turn something hit him in the stomach, almost knocking him down.

Spike stared up from where he'd landed after trying to tackle Xander. "Oi! Where the hell have you been. Something in 'ere tried to eat me," he paused, head cocked to the side, "or cop a feel. But I swear it was some sorta plant."

Inia's little voice piped up. "Probably a feeler bush. They're very naughty."

Xander dusted himself off then extended a hand down to Spike. "I just thought I would do some exploring. Inia, meet Spike. Spike, meet Inia, Tara's daughter." As Xander lifted Spike to his feet with one great pull, youd've thought a big bad like Spike would weigh more, he overdid it and Spike ended up flush with his body. Still not copping a feel. Nope, not me. He pushed Spike away before he embarrassed himself, then turned back to Inia. "So where is your mommy?"

"Humfrey said mama's lost and she's forgot us or else she'd come home," Inia's voice trembled as she bravely fought back tears. "But everything's gonna be ok now 'cause you're here. You're gonna stop the Mundanes from stealing our magic, and beat the evil demon Inse*cur(ity), and be the bestest Good Magician ever."

"Wait a minute here. Wot are you two goin' on about? Where the hell is Mundania? Where the hell are we?" Spike demanded.

Xander couldn't wait to answer this one. "What do you mean where are we? We're here." He was going to leave it at that when he heard a low growl and decided to give a real answer. "Well, I don't know where we are really. It seems like I should but every time I really think about it, something else happens." They all jumped at the loud noise that filled the room. "See. It's like we never left the Hellmouth. You say it and it happens," he shouted over the roaring noise. It was growing louder.

"Uh-oh," whispered the little girl.

Both heads whipped around to stare at her.

"Wot's with the uh-oh, kid?" asked Spike as they slowly backed up.

"I think this might be a goblin's cave."

Spike's eyes narrowed. "Goblins aren't real."

Xander looked at the horde of miniature golem-like creatures with blinking red eyes. "Tell them that."

Chapter 2

The little girl shouted, "RUN!" So they did, back out into the daylight with the polka-dotted grass. When they finally stopped running they were all out of breath.

"Now what the hell was that?" asked Spike.

"Were they goblins?" asked Xander. "They stopped when we got out into the sunlight."

The girl looked stricken. "Oh, no. They were much worse than goblins. That was a larm cave."

Spike and Xander looked more confused then ever. "A what cave?" Xander asked.

"A larm. You know, they don't really belong in a cave. They hate it when you sleep. Your mate must have made them angry."

Spike looked ready to say something as he glared at Xander.

Xander jumped on her words to stall whatever comment Spike was thinking. " If they don't belong in a cave, where do they belong?"

"In a clock," she said. "You know, in a-larm clock."

Something woke in Xander's brain but it quickly went back to sleep. Xander shook his head at Spike, who looked like he was getting ready to really let him have it. "Ok, Inia. You said there was someone who could explain." She nodded. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go." Xander let her get a couple paces ahead of them before turning back to Spike.\par

Xander looked at Spike. He looked different in the sunlight. Wait, sunlight? "So Spike, how do you feel about walking around during the day?" Xander couldn't believe how the sun made Spike's eyes so much bluer, and his hair... He was brought out of his thoughts when the blond snorted.

"About the same as I feel about 'aving a pulse,"growled the vampire. "Long way from home with a whole new set of rules. Course I've still got these," he said shifting back and forth briefly.

Xander mentally berated himself for the tiny thrill that went through him every time the vamp flashed his fangs. "Huh?" he said, realizing he'd missed the vampire's last comment.

"I said we're losing the little bit. She isn't waiting for us." Spike rolled his eyes. He could smell the arousal rolling off the boy in waves. "Come on, whelp. I for one do not want to be lost in this rainbow jungle." Spike walked on, leaving a still-confused Xander staring after him.

"Wait. What do you mean, a pulse?" Xander shouted as he ran to catch up.

"I mean a pulse, heartbeat, palpitate."

A bubbly giggle startled the both of them. "That's telling 'em, cutie," said the woman leaning against a tree a few feet ahead of them. Xander froze staring at the stunning specimen of womanly womanhood. Inia was frowning at her but Xander couldn't sense anything dangerous about her. She straightened up, sidling closer to Spike. "And who might you be, imp?"

Spike growled, "Imp?"

She waved a careless hand. "Fiend, monster, incubus."

Xander finally caught on. "Vampire."

She pouted. "That's what I said."

Inia pushed herself between the growling vampire and the stunning demoness. "You just leave them alone, Metria. They need to see Humfrey." The little girl's hair changed colors wildly as she spoke, tears brimming in her eyes even as she fought to be a big girl like her daddy said she was. "Humfrey will sic the Gorgon on you if you try to hurt them," she said fiercely.

Metria shrugged, causing interesting bits to jiggle. "I have no wish to harm them. In fact, do you mind if I tag along on your fare?"

Two male mouths closed with an audible snap. Their eyes jumped from Metria's jiggling chest back up to her face. Spike recovered first, "I don't care who the hell goes, but can we get a bloody move on?" He thought that sounded sufficiently 'Big-Bad-doesn't-care-about-the-rather-large-breasts-bouncing-in-front-of-him' to pass. As he glanced at Xander's still stunned face, he thought the effort might have been wasted. He elbowed Xander in the side. "Oi, you gonna stare all day?"

Xander reluctantly looked away from the demoness. "Sure. I mean leaving... yes." With that said, they began their journey again. Xander cast a sidelong glance at the woman. "Why do you want to tag along?"

Metria looked wickedly eager. "I've had dealings with your benevolent before. Your always fun."

Xander stared blankly. "My what?"

"Your compassionate, gentle, humane," she said crossly.

"Oh, you mean my kind," he said catching on.

"Whatever. So what brings you here, bipedal?"

Spike looked up. He'd been wondering that for the past hour. "Yeah, Rainbow, or whatever your name is, just what the bloody hell are we here for?" Spike half growled at the little girl.

Without turning back to look at him she answered. "Your mate was called. Magician Humfrey needs him. So I called him."

Spike was even more confused and just a little irritated. "Why the hell do you keep calling the whelp my mate? We aren't even friends." He glanced towards Xander to see if the kid had an explanation and was caught off guard by the blush on his face. Oh soddin' hell he thought. The whelp's MATE, no effin' way.

Xander blushed at the frank regard on the woman's face, ignoring for the moment the tinge of hurt Spike's blatant dismissal caused. "Give it up, fangboy. That's all she'll keep saying. Anyway, apparently we're here to stop magic from leaking into our world, help bring Inia's mom back. Oh! And stop a demon."

Spike snorted. Leave it to the Xander to be a white knight wherever he went. "Right then. On with,"he snapped. The faster they did this the sooner they could get back to Sunnyhell, and away from that female who was eyeing his nummy like a woman after a three month fast eyed a steak--greedily.

As the small group marched on, the landscape began to change. The grass was no longer polka dotted, though it was still bright red. The trees had taken on a more sinister look, almost like they where leaning in, looming over the path. The group was walking in a single file now that the path was narrower. Xander was again bringing up the rear, being slower than the rest. He looked over his shoulder just in time to see the tree branch reach out for his leg. Something told him he didn't want that branch to touch him. While he was looking at that one, several other vines began to creep toward him. Before he knew it, his legs were trapped. Instinct had his hands up before he'd even thought about it.

The air rippled in front of him and suddenly the vines were on fire. Spike froze, hearing the scream from behind him, whirling around, fear making him shift. He stood in game-face, gaping at Xander. The boy was soaked with sweat, his T-shirt molded to his body, but it was the look on his face that really had Spike staring. Xander looked terrified and he was staring at a burning tree.

"Pet, what is it?" he asked, shifting back to his human mask.

Xander shook his head, unable to answer. He stared in disbelief, holding his hands out in front of him.

Worried that something had hurt him, the vampire reached out, grasping his hands. Fingers still slightly cool, despite the pulse, trailed over the larger hands. Xander shivered, glancing down at Spike's bent head as the vamp examined his hands.

Inia peered around Metria. A little grin lit her face. She'd known he was 'The One'. And now his mate was taking care of him. They were already doing much better than when they were in that horrid Mundania.

Spike looked up at Xander. "I don't see anything," he said softly. "What happened?" Spike looked past the boy to the burning tree. "What did that?"

Xander didn't bother looking back, he was transfixed by the sight of Spike so close he could smell him. "I... I did that. It was attacking me and.... I just threw up my hands. It just... just burned." He was almost breathless by the time he finished explaining.

Spike looked stunned. The tree Xander had burned was catching the trees around it on fire. [In Xanth it's entirely possible that the tree was purposefully igniting the neighbor trees, but most likely the fire was just spreading out from the main tree.] "We need to move, pet. Pretty soon the whole place will be on fire." Xander just nodded.

Metria, giggling in the background, broke them apart. "Don't they look dainty, attractive, adorable...."

Inia supplied, "Cute."

Metria cut her eyes over then back to the men. "...together."

Ignoring the demoness Spike hustled Xander and Inia along. "C'mon, Rainbow. We've got to move before we're toasted."

Xander allowed himself to be pulled along as the girl once again took the lead. "The Kiss-mee river should be just ahead."

Xander was still lost in his own world when a sound caught his attention. "Spike, is that you?" Spike was pulling him along by the hand as if afraid to let go. Xander glanced down at their joined hands and squeezed. "Spike?"

"What? Yes, okay, that was me. I haven't eaten in, like, years, you know."

Inia looked behind them. She was certain they were far enough ahead of the fire that they could risk stopping to eat. She slowed to a stop leaving her two companions on the path.

Spike looked up startled at the smell that reached his sensitive nose. He hurried over to the girl. "Little bit, where are you hurt?"

Inia giggled. "Not hurt. You smell this," she said holding up a heart-shaped mass. "It's from the blood-red maple tree. I thought you'd like it. The vampire bats seem to."

Xander made a face.

Spike was a bit leery at first but it did smell right. As he shifted to game-face, he sniffed at the fruit again. His hunger overcame him and he took a small, careful bite. It tasted just like fresh human blood. He had to force himself not to gorge on the plant.

Xander watched with rapt fascination. He had seen Spike feed before, but he had never really paid attention. Spike looked ready to orgasm. It hit him again just how much he wanted Spike. The whole mate thing was really getting to him. He adjusted his jeans and shifted away from the object of his lust. As he turned away, he saw Metria watching Spike as well.

Metria eyed the demon before her. He'd make a fine mate if she could get rid of the soul... bipedal... darn! Human.

Xander was unable to ignore the little bursts of jealously hitting him. If he didn't know better, he'd swear they were coming from the green-eyed insects flying around him. He was unaware of the little ripples of air starting to build around him.

Metria shifted closer to Spike, purring softly in her throat. "If he isn't your friend, lover, companion, mate I would be happy to.... " That was as far as she got before being hit with a blast of heat from behind. Spike was looking at her as if she had gone insane when he felt the air currents change. His first thought was of Xander and his mortal's safety until he saw him. The anger on Xander's face would put any vampire to shame. Spike approved whole-heartedly, but not when he was in the path of the mortal's wrath.

Metria yelped, letting herself dissolve to escape the flames. Spike backed up quickly. The vampire needn't have worried, as the flames seemed to only wrap around the space where the demoness had been.

"Shit! Spike, are you okay? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean.... Metria, Metria!" Xander called out. He felt terrible; he hadn't meant to loose control like that. He put his hands in his pockets.

Spike quit backing away. He could smell the fear on Xander and wanted it to go away, but he was also a bit wary of the boy now.

The demoness slowly reappeared. "You... you... may a basilisk lay its egg in your hat!"

Having no idea what she was talking about Xander could only stare bewildered. Inia however, leapt forward. "Serves you right, Metria. Don't you worry, Xan, she deserved a lot worse."

"Um... I really am sorry," Xander muttered under his breath. He started walking ahead, choosing not to deal with the look on Spike's face of not quite fear.

Inia caught up with him before he got too far ahead. "Xander, don't worry about it. We all go through it. When our gifts first appear, no one can control them. Really," she said as though soothing a hurt child. "But you really do need to practice it. So something like that won't happen again."

Spike had been listening to the soft-spoken child and agreed with her. Xander did need to practice this new ability, but how and on what?

Never ask the universe questions, especially in Xanth, because more than likely, it'll provide answers.

Chapter 3

Spike slowed to a standstill as an odd whirring sound filled the air. Inia's eyes widened in fright as she stared at the approaching shapes. "Oh no, harpies," she cried ducking behind Spike.

"What the hell are those?" Spike asked. "Oi, Rainbow, care to explain before they get here?"

Inia was busy pulling them all behind a large moss-covered rock. "You don't know what harpies are? Xander, do something!"

Harpies, Spike thought, well there was something Xander could fry. "Whelp, you gonna fry them or what?"

Xander finally took notice of the approaching menace. Huh what is it with me and harpies, he thought. He watched in amazement as the foul words spewing forth from the harpies actually turned the air blue. Cordelia wasn't even in the same league. Standing, he held up his hands, then ducked, cursing when nothing happened.

Spike nudged him. "Get on with it, whelp."

Xander looked frustrated. "I don't know how."

Metria shook her head in amusement. "Humans! Just point and will it, bug-wit."

"What?"

"Flea-wit, wasp-wit...."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Nit-wit. Now do something."

Xander stood up again, willing the fire to come. This time the air rippled as streams of flames shot from his fingers. As Xander began taking aim at the harpies, Spike had his hands full of a crying Inia. "Hush now. Xander's a white hat; he'll take care of it."

"You," she sniffled, softly. "You believe in him?" Inia knew that he did but she needed him to realize it.

"Yeah pet. If there is one thing I know about the white hats, it's that if they are protecting you, they won't give up until you are safe."

Xander was stunned and elated as he brought another harpy out of the sky. He was concentrating on what he was doing and almost missed Spike's comment. When he heard Spike say that he believed in him, he got all warm and tingly. He had no idea Spike had that much faith in him. Something deep inside him grew a little with that knowledge. Before long, he'd pretty much removed the threat of the harpies.

Inia settled back in Spike's arms. Despite her maturity she was still a child, and this was the first time, in a long while, she'd had to just let someone else take charge. Still, they had to keep moving. Someone didn't want them to reach the castle; harpies would never have come this far east on their own. She'd get up in just a minute.

Xander slumped back against the boulder as the last of the harpies fell. Looking over at Spike he was reminded of home, Spike had Inia cuddled up on his lap. So much gentleness from a demon. The only time he had seen Spike like this was with Dawn. "Hey," he said quietly, so as not to disturb the dozing girl, "Spike, um, thanks. You know, for believing in me."

Spike rolled his eyes before responding. "Don't let it go to your head. Just wanted to calm the girl down."

Xander knew it was a lie but let it go, better to give Spike his pride than make him face the truth. And besides he knew Spike liked him.

Metria could keep quiet no longer; she was a demoness after all. "This is really rather tiresome," said Metria, half-fading. "I tagged along because you're interesting in your assorted naivete and idiocy, and it amuses me to watch you tackle things you know nothing about. However," she paused looking from Xander to Spike, "the two of you together are more than I can belly." She rolled her eyes at the twin looks of confusion. "You know, gut, tummy, paunch..."

"Stomach," muttered Inia, sleepily.

Metria nodded sharply before turning her attention back to the males. She slid closer to Xander, stretching ghostly hands toward him. "Maybe I'll keep you with me for a while, so I can entertain myself. It's been a while since I've toyed with a mortal man."

At Spike's growl, she dropped her hands, "Or maybe not. I should just go and find a more beguiling, diverting, entertaining specimen," she sighed.

"Too right you should." Spike said through gritted teeth.

Xander looked back and forth between the two demons, with a half smirk on his face. Clearing his throat he said, "Maybe we should get moving. I don't want to be here if these things have friends." He attempted to stand, only to fall back on his heels. Using his new found power had drained him more than he knew. "Ok, maybe we should stay here for a while."

Metria sighed ah well there were more pisces in the ocean. "If you're gonna camp here for the night, one of you should be on guard. There are fee around here, and the night-mares have been especially restless of late."

As if in response to her words, Inia sat up with a startled yelp. "Stupid mares," she grumbled. Not willing to move from her spot she turned to Metria. "If you're gonna stay, make yourself useful. Go and pick some pillows and see if you can find a bed of blankets."

The sun was just setting when Metria returned with the requested items. She huffed, a bit put out at the sight that greeted her. The three of them were cuddled up together against the boulder. Spike and Xander shoulder to shoulder, with Xander's head cocked to the side resting on Spike's shoulder. Inia was curled up in the vampire's arms with her legs thrown across the nummy human. Humph, no room for me? Well that is just fine. I have a comfy bed waiting for me at home. Maybe I'll just wink back in the morning. She threw the pillows and blankets on the ground in front of the small group and faded out.

Chapter 4

Xander snorted softly, burrowing in closer to the vampire. Suddenly he blinked, staring around the open plain. What now? he wondered. Turning slowly, he searched for his companions. A soft neighing had him whirling back around. A beautiful black mare stood waiting patiently.

She lowered her head and shook her mane furiously, pawing the ground, then looked back at Xander. He walked to her with his hand outstretched. He wasn't exactly afraid; he had never actually been this close to a horse before, but she looked harmless enough. He gasped when she knelt in front of him.

"Good Magician Xander, as a favor, I have come to tell you to make haste. The time draws near when Xanth's fate shall rest upon you and your beloved."

Xander groaned. This is ridiculous. "Look I know you all think I'm some kinda hero, but..."

The mare interrupted him before he could finish. "I am but the messenger. And here is the message: three challenges shall you face before gaining the knowledge of your destiny. Come tomorrow, press onward. Relying on what your red-heart tells you. I have spoken these words as they were given me, so say I, Mare Imbrium."

With a start, Xander was jerked out of sleep. The sunlight hitting him in the face blinded him for a second. He turned to look at Spike who was still fast asleep. Spike looked so young in sleep, almost human. Xander took a deep breath then let it out slowly. He remembered the dream, but was it really a dream? It felt like it was real, so that meant three challenges. Great. Why couldn't it be simple for once? He sighed again, getting ready to wake the dead. Before he could nudge the sleeping vampire, though, Metria appeared before him.

"Well what are you waiting for, biped, human, mortal? Are you all going to sleep the day away?" Her voice woke the rest of the group.

Blue eyes blinked up at him through insanely long lashes. The sleep-filled voice saying his name made his blood rush from his head to his groin, not that he could think around Spike anyway. Spike stretched lazily, enjoying the feel of the boy's eyes on him, knowing he was the cause of that lovely color creeping up Xander's neck. Spike laughed silently when Xander finally looked away. There was hope yet.

"I don't know if I've finally lost it, but a talking horse told me we're to face three challenges today." He conveniently left out the red-heart comment, leery about whom or what it meant.

"Oops-- forgot about that," said Inia looking around their campsite. "Humfrey won't just let anyone in the castle, not even another magician," she called over her shoulder as she ambled over to the pie tree. She picked several pepperoni pies, then wandered a little further until she'd found another Blood-maple tree. She picked the fruit quickly, glad the ripest was closet to the ground. While they ate their breakfast Inia told Xander about how the challenges where different for each person who entered the castle, so she couldn't tell them what to expect. Only that the challenges would fit the people and/or situation.

Spike was not pleased to hear that and made it known rather loudly. He ranted until Xander walked over to him and put a hand on his arm. "Spike, calm down please. It will be okay. We've been through worse than this. I mean, the two of us, we live on the Hellmouth."

Spike's arm burned from Xander's body heat. His boy didn't usually touch him so this caress told him much of how the boy was feeling. Xander was pleased that Spike didn't move away from his hand. He'd always wanted to run his fingers over him. Okay, so he only had a hand on his arm, it was a start.

"Whatever, lets go." Spike gave in grudgingly. Still, he was almost reluctant to move away.

Soon the four travelers were off again, this time with Spike in the lead. He didn't know where he was going but he figured that he must have been going in the right direction because the rainbow-haired girl didn't correct him. As they walked he thought about his reactions to Xander. Yeah, ok. The boy was attractive and he was a gift from his Sire, but how did he feel about this 'mate' thing? He was confused, but determined not to brood about it. Okay, so my demon likes him. Hell, my demon thinks it owns him. He snorted to himself. And I ... I like him. Aah! Stop thinkin' about it! He told himself firmly. You'll give yourself a soddin' headache.

While Spike was arguing with himself, Xander was starting to worry about the challenges. "So Inia, how long until we get to the castle?" He glanced sideways at the young girl. She was chewing her bottom lip.

"Um... that depends. I mean, I know where it is in a general sense of the word. But it's a magician's castle: it moves, it hides."

Xander glanced around as if the castle would suddenly appear. "Then how do we find it?"

Inia looked at him as if he weren't quite all there. "When we finish the challenges it'll be there."

Xander frowned. Her answers were almost as logically illogical as the cat-a-pillar's. Xander looked up as Spike stopped. "Problem," he asked, peering at the huge chasm with no end in sight. It seemed to stretch for miles to either side of the group. Detouring around it was out of the question.

"Yeah, I guess I'd call that a problem." Spike replied with a barely contained sneer.

Xander looked at Inia. "So, is that supposed to be here?"

Inia shook her head, looking ready to cry. " No it isn't supposed to be here."

Xander processed that to mean they had finally gotten to the challenges. "Great, any ideas anybody?"

Spike swore softly. "You're the Magician here mate, you decide."

Xander looked over the edge again. Crap... it's a good thing I love heights, NOT.

Chapter 5

"Maybe we could climb down," he said, peering over the edge. He jumped back quickly when something with more teeth than body snapped at him. "Or not." He turned to Inia. "Can you carry people when you do that fade out thing?"

Inia shook her head. "I can't do that at all. I was conjured to that spot when we realized you'd arrived." Xander ran restless fingers through his hair.

Spike looked away, forcing himself to concentrate on the problem at hand. "What about you, bint?"

Metria shrugged. "If you don't mind visiting the demon dimension. Course you might not make it back out."

Xander looked around, noticing the vines creeping along the forest edge. He had an idea. Not a great one, but it could work. He turned to Metria and asked "Can you carry something with you, like a rope?"

"Well, I don't really know. I'll try, give it the old college attempt, my best shot."

Xander turned to the others and asked them to help gather vines. "We need as many as you can get. And try to find pretty long ones." He had no idea what he was going to do, but for now he wanted rope. Close to an hour later he sat beside a huge pile of vines and started weaving. Xander stared down at the two sets of braided vines and grinned. Tying one around a stone-like tree he gave it to the demoness.

Metria grumbled, but took the rope. Before long she was waving at Xander from the other side of the chasm.

Spike glanced uneasily at him. He had some idea of what Xander had planned, and it looked like he would be stuck going first. Spike looked back across the deep chasm, then down into the depths and the moving shadows within. "Whelp," he began, then thought better of it. He took a deep unneeded breath, pulled himself up straight and stated. "So, I'll be the first one to cross then the rest of you can follow."

Xander only nodded, leaving Spike his illusion of control. "Right. Then once you're over, you can just pull Inia over and I'll follow."

Spike nodded once, cursed all the gods he knew and started across. As he approached the precipice he cleared his throat. "You gonna do your thing?" he asked as he pointed to the monster now almost at the top. Xander walked up next to him, arms almost touching.

"Can't let anything eat you," he said casting a sidelong glance at Spike. "At least, not before I get the chance," he muttered softly as he watched the vampire scale the tree. Then his attention focused on the gorge below.

The creature below might not be too smart, but it knew that the funny two-legged creature shot something that made it hurt. So it slunk around the edges of the chasm, waiting for a moment of inattention.

"Inia," called Xander, never looking away from the creature or Spike. "I want you to find something to cover your hands, so they don't get hurt when Spike is ready to pull you across." Her heard her quiet " yes" as she raced to find what he'd asked for.

She searched the immediate area for a glove bush but only found a sock flower. They didn't smell very good but she plucked four of them--two for herself and two for Xander. As she rushed back, she found the vampire almost all the way across. The creature, though, was beginning to take exception to someone crossing its domain.

The manticore lurched to the other side of the cavern, farther away from the two-legger with the hot things. It roared with triumph when it realized the other two-legger was in reach. It reared up to snatch him. When Spike saw the creature lurch towards him, he felt his balls retreat. He closed his eyes and used all the speed he had left to shimmy the rest of the way across. As he landed on his feet on the other side he could feel the incredible heat from the blast Xander had sent.

Xander thought his heart would stop beating when he saw the manticore reach one clawed paw towards Spike. When he glanced at Spike's face his blood ran cold; he looked scared to undeath. That alone made up Xander's mind. He pulled all the power he had in him into one huge blast and directed it into the pit. For a moment everything flickered and Xander could see a tree with funny leaves on it. Then the chasm and the manticore were back. Except the manticore literally looked like it was on its last legs. He ignored the urge to shout "timber!" as the huge beast fell over, then grimaced in horror as a horde of some things with several legs swarmed over the beast. Looked like they'd still have to go by air but at least he wouldn't have to worry about how he'd protect himself while he crossed. He blinked as a wave of dizziness washed over him. Straightening, he called Inia over. They had to be quick about this before he passed out.

Inia shuddered as she stared down at the swarm of nicklepedes. Xander quickly tied the free end of the rope Spike had carried across around her, then lifted her towards the rope that was stretched between the two trees. "Okay, just take it slow and don't look down." He said in a hushed voice. "Hand over hand until Spike has you." As she took her first pull, he felt another wave of dizziness and staggered back. "Go!" he said rather harshly. Spike looked on from the other side. He couldn't hear what Xander said but he could tell the younger man was not doing well.

Metria spoke in a low tone. "He is consumed, debilitated, tired. He used too much of himself in that blast."

Inia hovered over the gap, refusing to look down. Instead, she looked back at Xander. She gasped as she saw how pale he looked, leaning heavily on the tree. She turned her head when Spike called her, "Rainbow, I want you to bring your legs up around the rope okay?"

Inia nodded, doing as he said, and yelped, startled, when she started to move. Spike grinned The whelp's idea wasn't half-bad. With the kid holding on, he could use the second rope kinda like a pulley and tug her across in less time than it'd take for her to do it herself. Before long, Inia was safely on the other side. That just left Xander. The vampire glanced across the gap to see him trying to get a grip on the rope. Realizing Xander was too tired to cross alone, Spike quickly shimmied back up the tree. Without the threat of the manticore to worry him, Spike made it across the ravine in no time. Xander looked deathly pale to him, paler than any vamp.

"What are you doing Spike?" Xander whispered as the master vampire reached out and pulled him in a tight embrace. The vampire didn't say anything, he just held on tightly. The whelp had used a power he'd just discovered and had only minimal control over to save him. No one valued him like that. After several minutes, his grip changed. There was no manticore, and there were perks to being a master vampire. "Seeing how much you weigh, Tubbs. Guess you're not to heavy for me to carry back over." Xander started to shake his head, but Spike cut him off. "Did I ask? No. I'm telling you. So hold on and we'll be with the others in a bit."

Xander was too dazed by the embrace to make any real protest as Spike bullied him back up the tree.

Unfortunately, Spike didn't take into account what the added weight would do to the makeshift rope. His sensitive hands could feel the small rips as they happened. Halfway across the chasm he knew they were in trouble. His mind raced with the possibilities of their situation. Spike could see the look of horror on the kid's face as the rope snapped. He had one moment to think of what the fall would do to Xander and then they were airborne.

Wild gusts of wind went screaming across the gap, making unearthly wails. As if caught in the grips of some invisible tornado, the two men were carried to the other side of the canyon. Inia's eyes were wide as saucers as they landed in an untidy heap at her feet.

"What... what happened?" asked the confused human.

Spike looked up into tired brown eyes. He was momentarily lost. What did happen? he asked himself. For a second, he was sure they were going to fall and all he could think was what it would do to the boy. Terror the likes of which he had not felt in a century ripped through him. Then he'd felt a giant wind sweep almost through him, from inside him maybe, and they were on solid ground. Now he was staring up into lovely chocolate brown eyes and hoping the young human would move just a bit lower so their erections were really touching. The almost-stimulation was torture.

Xander looked up from where he lay sprawled across the vampire beneath him. He vaguely remembered them starting across, then a sharp jolt. He gasped, shooting up. They'd flown! Or rather, something had blown them to safety.

Spike's grunt of discomfort drew him back to the here-and-now. He blushed, suddenly noting their position. He was straddling the vampire, one knee pressed intimately against Spike's groin. Before he could respond to the heat in Spike's eyes, Inia squealed happily. Three sets of eyes turned to watch the girl dance around the clearing.

"You did it! You did it!" she shouted as she danced.

Spike growled in irritation. "Did what, Light Bright?"

She continued to dance about, ignoring the irritated vampire. Xander stood as gently as possible, trying not to touch the vampire anymore than was necessary. Inia finally calmed down enough to answer their questions.

"You found your power, of course. And you passed the challenge." Her bubbly mood was not felt by everyone there.

"That was a challenge?" growled Spike.

Inia paused in her celebration dance. "Uh-huh."

"You couldn't have told us this before?" asked Xander, making his way to perch on the rock by the pathway. His color was slowly returning, and he found he no longer saw two of everything. Hmm... must be getting the hang of this magic thing, he thought.

Inia shook her head. "Didn't know 'til after you fried the manticore. I saw the virtual-reali tree. It makes things seem real. It stopped working for a minute when you flamed it."

Spike allowed himself a minute to think of everything that he was going to do to that Humfrey guy when he got his hands on him.

Chapter 6

"Whelp, you ready or what?"

Xander shook his head, but stood anyway. "As I'll ever be. Hey fangless, what do you think it means our magic being sorta complementary?"

"What the hell do you mean? And by the way... NOT fangless," he said as he showed his game face and snapped his fangs in Xander's direction. All the better to hide emotions. He knew what Xander was referring to but that didn't mean he had to admit it.

Xander laughed, not at all scared by the display of tooth. "Okay, maybe not fangless, but definitely biteless. Don't worry though, I'll let you gum me!" Laughing, the mortal skipped ahead a little. For some reason, he was in a great mood now. His energy wasn't all back, but it was getting there. "And our magic works together because you know, if I throw a fireball and you feed it a little more air it should become a great big fireball without me using all of my energy."

Gobsmacked-- that's what Spike was. The whelp figured that out in no time. Well, I always knew that little gang of merry makers underestimated my boy! His boy? When had the whelp become his boy? If he was honest it'd been the very moment his sire had offered him. But when had he become someone he respected? Honesty, at least within himself, compelled him to admit that it was shortly after he'd been chipped. Yeah, his boy was definitely something. Still, there was no use letting him know that. At least not yet. Spike started to trail after Xander when the boy's words finally connected with his brain. Parts of him went hard and tight as the images of him gumming his nummytreat played havoc with his brain.

"Spike," called Xander from up ahead, the nibblet standing beside him.

"Right then. Lets be off."

As they walked, Spike lost track of the conversation. His thoughts pulled back into the images of Xander, naked and covered in chocolate, and the only thing that would save his life was if Spike were to lick his entire body. If he missed even one inch of Xander's skin, the whelp would die. Xander would depend on his tongue alone to save his life. 'Mmm...' the thought made him groan out loud and, unfortunately, it drew the attention of his fantasy victim.

Xander turned to Spike at the sound. A goofy grin appeared on his face when he took in the state of arousal the vampire seemed to be in. For once, he didn't look away when said vampire finally looked up at him. Instead, he grinned slightly as a wicked idea worked its way through his brain. Slowly he dropped back, letting Metria and Inia get ahead, but still staying a few paces ahead of Spike.

Concentrating very hard he willed a fire into the palm of his hand. It was unlike any fire ever before, no warmer than a baby's breath as it writhed with life. The color of the sky at night. Suddenly, it leapt from his hand onto the vampire.

Spike gasped, stumbling to a halt. He calmed as the little fire did no more than move lazily across his flesh. Then he gasped again, as the little flame seemed to caress him. He looked up to find Xander grinning over his shoulder at him. He could see the faintest line of fire trailing back to Xander like a chain.

Well, Spike thought, two can play this game. The little fire caressed his skin as if guided by a skilled lover, almost breaking his concentration. He willed himself to ignore the tantalizing touches; he was the Big Bad after all. Time was, he could get a blowjob and do the Times crossword puzzle. He cleared his mind of all but the feeling he was beginning to associate with that strange power inside himself. He pushed just a little towards Xander, who shivered. Yep, the boy felt it.

All right then. He began his own brand of torture, sending fleeting touches and caresses of his own. Xander felt as though a dozen hands were caressing him at once. He stumbled, then stopped altogether. Closing his eyes, he barely managed to remember his own fire and teasing.

So he wants to play, does he? Xander smirked. The vampire may have a hundred years experience on me, but he's never had a Cordelia or an Anya, thought Xander smugly.

Spike whimpered as the little fire suddenly grew, spreading its tendrils into very intimate places. In retaliation, Spike shifted the air currents; first hot then cold air blew across aroused flesh. Harsh pants filled the air as the two used their magic to drive each other over the edge.

Metria looked back as the sounds reached her. She put her hands over Inia's ears and hurried her forward when she realized what was going on behind her. While she wouldn't mind staying and watching, she knew the rules and the child was too young to know about this.

Inia was curious, and asked the demoness what was wrong.

The demoness responded bluntly but obliquely. "They are about to unite, fornicate, copulate--"

The small girl blushed and hurried her steps. Leaving the demoness still listing all the ways to say.... Well what ever it was. Inia was old enough to know that she was too young to know!

Metria shook her head, here she was, the wickedest of demonesses, and she was behaving like a mortal. Still, it was best to uphold the Adult Conspiracy, no matter what.

Chapter 7

Spike stalked forward, looking for all the world like the predator he was. Xander let himself be backed against a tree, shivering at the look in the blonde's eyes. This was it. No more games. Then there was no more wind, only cool fingers tracing over exposed flesh. Xander whimpered, leaning into the touch.

"This what you want?" Spike whispered against the sensitive skin of Xander's throat. Teasing little kisses along the mortal's jugular, chuckling at the incoherent noises he made. He leaned in, rubbing his throbbing erection against Xander's thigh.

Xander couldn't think; I should say something, right? Spike had asked him something and for the life of him he couldn't remember what. All he knew was Spike's lips. He wondered what they would taste like. With that thought in mind, he reached up and pulled the vampire's head towards him. Their lips touched in the lightest of kisses.

Spike growled. He opened his mouth and forced [Oh, right. Like Xan's stopping him.] his tongue inside the moist heat of his mortal. Xander groaned in response and opened his mouth wider. Their tongues fought for control as their hands began to wander.

Spike gave himself over to the kiss-- It was like coming home. He growled as Xander's taste swamped him. Xander's hands slid inside the vampire's impossibly tight jeans, large callused hands kneading the exquisite ass it gripped, as Spike tried to devour him from the mouth down. Pulling away, he allowed the mortal one gasping breath before diving back in. Strong hands dragged Xander closer.

He groaned as Spike thrust against him, erections sliding roughly against each other beneath the heavy denim. \par

Xander's knees gave way and the two lovers slowly slid to the ground, their lips never losing contact. Xander lay on his back with Spike's hips cradled between his thighs, the contact even more intense with the weight of the vampire pressing down on him. When Spike gave up plundering his mouth and started in on his throat again he knew he wouldn't last long.

Spike felt the man beneath him tense up and knew the mortal was close to the edge. He didn't want them to have to continue the journey in soiled clothes so he reached between them to the front of Xander's jeans. Two quick pulls and both erections were freed.

Xander bit down on his lip, stifling the scream that tried to escape as a wet mouth engulfed him.

Knowing he was close, Spike sucked eagerly at his cock, feeling the trembling in the thighs beneath him as Xander thrust uncontrollably. He started massaging his own rigid flesh. It didn't take long before Spike felt the sac in his hand draw up, a sure sign Xander was on the verge. He opened his mouth even wider and took the mortal deep into his throat, then swallowed. The scream Xander tried to muffle with his hand echoed around the trees. Spike continued his licking and sucking until all traces of Xander's orgasm where consumed. He moved up the larger man's body until they were eye to eye. "So love, care to return the favor?" he asked as he rubbed his still throbbing flesh against the warmth of the body below him.

The growl that Xander emitted would have done any vampire proud. Spike groaned as he suddenly found himself pinned by one very amorous mortal.

Having never done this before, Xander intended to take his time and do it right.

Spike hissed as his cock was treated first to a thorough licking, then swallowed by an almost unbearable wet heat. Spike writhed beneath the assault, hips pushing up until Xander pinned him down. Slowly, the mortal took him in, then pulled back again and again, until Spike thought he'd go insane. "Xander..." he half growled, half screamed. Xander drew back giving one naughty look, then darted forward, teeth digging into the crease of the vampire's thigh. Spike howled as Xander's lips wrapped around his cock again. Spent, the vampire lay unable to move.

Xander crawled up the limp body. "Not bad for a first timer huh?"

"Blumph..." was all the vampire could say. Xander grinned, then leaned in and kissed the vampire softly, letting all the longing he had felt for a while now pour out through that one kiss. If this was a one-time event he didn't want to waste it. He was mildly shocked to feel a cool hand cup his face and turn it slightly for better access. His body melted once more when he felt the vampire return his tentative kiss.

Spike let himself enjoy the hesitant, almost chaste kisses. They seemed more intimate than what had just happened. Maybe it was the vulnerability evinced in the soft kisses, or maybe it was the depth of trust or the wealth of emotions-- whatever it was, it shone from two sets of somewhat stunned eyes.

"Spike," began Xander softly. Only to be interrupted by the appearance of Metria. "Are you done? You know, you could have at least invited a girl to join you..."

Spike growled, not liking the demoness so close to what was now irreversibly his.

Metria merely rolled her eyes. "We have come to a strait."

Xander blinked owlishly, his brain not quite up to functioning yet. "What?"

She snorted. "An impasse, perplexity."

Spike stood, dragging Xander to his feet. "Another bloody problem."

Metria frowned. "I didn't see any blood but you're right."

Spike shielded Xander as the mortal straightened his clothes. Spike had no shame as he tucked himself back into his jeans. "Well, get on with it. What the bloody hell is it now?" Xander's brain finally started working.

"The last challenge, I guess," said Metria, shrugging carelessly.

Spike snorted. "That's fucking great. The last challenge." He turned back to the voluptuous woman. "Right, you told us. Now go away." He really wanted another moment alone with Xander. He added a growl to his message just to make his point then turned back to his mortal.

"Xan," he started, then stopped when the younger man grinned. "What?"

"That's the first time you've called me something other than whelp, tubs or moron."

Spike frowned, certain he'd called the boy by name at least once. Xander shook his head as if he could hear what the vampire was thinking.

Chapter 8

Buffy swung the door open a little too hard. Damn slayer strength, she thought as it hit the wall behind it. Well, she certainly had everyone's attention in the room now! The Magic Box was almost empty; only one customer was there along with the Scooby Gang, minus Xander, which didn't really worry her because it was the middle of a workday. Giles was sitting in the corner polishing his spotless glasses, which could mean another apocalypse, or it could mean 'Oh dear, I'm out of tea'. She could never tell which until he spoke. Willow and Tara where in their usual spot at the table.

Giles glanced up as his slayer entered. The next few hours were bound to be unpleasant, as was the usual when ever her ex-visited. "Buffy," he said quietly. She glanced up from the new sword she'd been fingering. "I have some rather disturbing news."

Buffy sighed and sat down. "Alright, Giles. You only get like this when..." her voice trailed off as she looked harder at her mentor. "Angel's coming" she whispered softly.

Giles nodded. "I'm afraid so. It seems that Spike is...." He paused, not quite sure how to put it without his slayer going on a rampage. "Not here." he finished.

Buffy hefted the sword in her hand threateningly. "What do you mean 'not here'? As in, he skipped town 'not here' or as in not in this room?"

Willow started babbling. "Not here as in he can't feel him any more. You know, through their link thingy? It doesn't mean he's dead. Just, you know, not here."

Tara put her hand over Willow's and shushed her. "Calm down. He'll be okay," she whispered to her lover. Buffy sat down opposite Willow, then turned to Giles. "Okay, explain that again." She hoped she sounded calmer.

"As Spike's sire, Angel is connected to him on a level that is difficult to describe. Actually it's rather interesting," he stopped, seeing the look in Buffy's eyes. "Ah, never mind. Anyway, according to Angel, he no longer feels that bond."

Buffy shrugged carelessly. "So, one less blood-sucker to deal with. Why bring us into it?"

Giles looked decidedly uncomfortable. "When's the last time any of us heard from Xander?" he asked quietly.

Buffy felt the blood leave her face. Oh God, Xander. "If that bleached wonder has done anything to Xander, I will stake him. I will hunt him down and stake him. Chip or no chip," she said with quiet conviction. No one messed with her family, and Xander might as well be her brother.

Willow piped up again and said firmly, "Spike wouldn't hurt Xander. I know he wouldn't. And Angel said he couldn't feel Spike anymore, but that he had not felt him die. Right Giles? He made sure you knew that he would feel it if Spike died."

"That is correct, Willow. However, that is not our only worry. When I asked Angel how he normally contacted Spike, he gave me a number all of us are quite familiar with."

Buffy looked puzzled, "Whose?"

Giles rubbed at his glasses even harder. "Xander's." Several minutes passed before Giles could get them all calmed down.

"Spike and Xander?" said Willow. "That's not possible. Xander would have told me."

Giles sighed; this was what he was afraid of. "Really, there's no need to jump to conclusions."

Buffy finally regained the power of speech. "The Bleached one and Xander?" she screeched. "When the hell did that happen? Does Anya know?"

The door swung open letting in the aforementioned ex-demoness. "Do I know what?" she asked calmly, heading for the register. Giles shook his head at Buffy, who completely ignored him.

"Xander and Spike."

Anya looked vaguely puzzled, then smiled. "Oh, them. Aren't they adorable?"

Buffy stopped mid-tirade. "What?"

Anya glanced up from the money she was currently fondling. "They've been male-bonding. Xander feels it is necessary to have some male companions that are not father figures. While I suggested Giles, he apparently found Spike more to his liking." She shrugged. "I think Spike just likes having a place to hang when the crypt or Harmony annoyed him."

Buffy couldn't decide whether to be pissed or disgusted. She decided on pissed for now. "I can't believe Xander would be friends with Spike. Xander hates vampires worse than I do."

Tara glanced around as everyone nodded in agreement. "Um... I-I-I think it's one v-vampire in particular he h-hates," she offered hesitantly, not having been one of them long but having noticed several things about the man the others seemed to overlook. Anya nodded in agreement. She rarely wanted to side with the others since they didn't like her anyway, but Tara had a point. Xander had never said he hated all vampires.

Giles interrupted before they could really get started. "Be that as it may, Spike and Xander are missing. For how long, well, that's anyone's guess."

"I talked to Xander last night. He said they were going to patrol. They do that sometimes. Patrol together. You know, manly stuff," Anya stated in her no-nonsense tone.

"What? Xander is patrolling without us? With Spike?" Buffy couldn't believe what she was hearing. Xander, her Xander, was patrolling with out her. And with Spike. God, what's next?

Giles broke through her thoughts. "I'm afraid that was the last anyone has seen either of them. On the Hellmouth, that can't be a good thing."

Buffy had to agree. But did that really rate a visit from Angel?

Giles could read the question on his slayer's face. "I'm sorry, Buffy. Angel is certain his childe is no longer on this Earth. The best way to determine where he is, is to return to the area from which he disappeared. If Anya is right..."

The ex-demoness snorted. "Then Xander is with him. And they more than likely need our help."

Buffy nodded slowly; she could deal with this, for Xander's sake. She didn't think she could face Dawn if he really was in trouble. "So now what? We wait? Not me. I'm going to patrol, maybe go down to Willie's and beat him up." She quickly looked at Giles. "I mean, question him about this," she restated with a nod of her pretty blond head. Giles looked ready to lecture her so she practically ran out the door, calling out over her shoulder. "I'll be back a couple hours after dark. That should give Angel time to get here." Then she was gone.

Willow looked to Giles and asked, "should I go tell her that Angel is already on his way?"

Giles shook his head. No sense starting off her bad mood too early. There would be plenty of time for that later. "Now then, why don't you ladies go check Spike's crypt. If there's an answer to be found that's as good a place as any to start. I'll begin checking if any prophecies are in the works. Anya, you can..."

"Keep track of the money, and customers."

Giles replaced his glasses, waving a hand dismissively at the group of women. "Fine then."

Several hours later, Giles looked up from his seemingly endless research at the sound of the bell. Angel entered with Cordelia and Wesley in tow. Giles set his book to the side. As he stood and started to greet them the bell sounded again and a large bald black man entered behind Angel.

"So this is the home of the Hellmouth. Not too bad if you like white bread." Angel just turned and gave him a look that Giles wasn't sure he wanted to interpret.

"Yes, well please, do come in." Giles stepped forward and extended his hand to the newcomer. "I'm Rupert Giles. You must be Charles Gunn. Pleased to meet you."

Cordelia immediately went to Willow and Tara and the girls began to whisper among themselves.

Chapter 9

Spike, for the first time in his long unlife, was at a loss for words. He'd just made lo... fucked a Scooby. What happened was so far beyond the insanity of his crush on the slayer --and he was beginning to think that was major denial-- it made Dru look sane. "Xan, look..." A frustrated howl made both males whirl around.

Metria's form wavered wildly in and out of focus. "The child... something dragged her into the strait."

Xander stiffened. "Why didn't you stop it?" he barked.

Metria looked offended. "I could not pass. I tried to tell you that after your little tryst, but did you listen? No!"

"Is it as big as the other one?" asked Spike as they followed in behind the demoness.

Metria frowned in confusion. "It is not a chasm."

"But you said it was a strait."

She nodded. "Yes. A strait, crisis, difficulty..."

Xander waved at her to quit. "Problem."

Spike growled, "Bloody hell, what now?"

Metria glared back at the two men. She took a deep breath, then exhaled loudly. "A thing came out of the cave grabbed the girl and carried her inside," she gritted out through her clenched jaw.

"Um, cave? As in dark dank cave, cave?" Xander questioned in a hopefully non-girly voice.

Metria nodded as she hurried the two of them along. "That one right there," she said pointing.

Xander froze. This was not a cave. No. It looked more like the mouth of Hell than any cave he'd ever seen. Things he had no words to describe writhed inside the darkness of the cave. Less than a foot from its opening, everything became indiscernible. He did not want to go in there. Spike didn't look too happy about the situation either.

"Well, okay, " he started, then stopped. He knew he had to go in there after Inia but that didn't mean he had to like it. Xander called on the strength of will that had gotten him through the last few years of life on the Hellmouth and he finished his sentence. "Well okay, then. We go in after her."

Spike snorted. "What the hell do you mean WE?"

"I mean, fangless," Xander turned to the sexy eek vampire and glared. "I mean with my new found fire power and your vampyness and new found air power, we, together, you and I, are going to go into that cave and rescue that little girl." Xander turned back to the cave and walked in, leaving a stunned Spike staring after him.

Looked like the whelp had found his 'nads after all. Spike grinned. It ought to be a lovely bit a fun to explore, if they made it through this mess. He turned to follow Xander, pausing when the demoness made no move to enter. "Givin' up?"

Metria hissed at the implied insult. She never gave up. "Blasted thing won't let me pass. It appears I shall have to find my own way around."

Spike cursed. It had to be some mojo that wouldn't allow the demoness to pass.

"Spike," yelled Xander from where he stood in the last bit of sun that reached into the cave. "Move your bony British arse."

The vampire sighed, moving to comply. It was what he got for falling in lo... like with a bloody white knight.

The cave was dark. Not like outside kind of dark, more like crypt dark. It made Xander think about how it must feel to be buried alive. He quickly held out a hand and made a small fire in the palm of his hand. He almost wished he hadn't when he glanced around. Small rodent-type creatures skittered out of the light. He hated rats, and while these things might not be rats they were close enough. The cave was small and empty. No sign of Inia and only one small crack in the far wall for her to have gone. He steeled himself for the coming squeeze through. God, he hated this.

Spike hurried, though he pretended he didn't, to catch up with the boy. Sharp eyes noted something moving just beyond the crack. It looked like a river of fire. "Can you fit through there, chubbs?" he smirked, hiding the worry in his voice. Xander was a broad shouldered, well-built man. It'd be a tight fit.

Xander shot him a look then nodded. It'd be tight but he could make it. He wiggled through with much cursing and a few non-too-gentle shoves from the vampire. He looked annoyed, muttering under his breath as the vampire all but glided through the tight space. He looked around, ignoring the vampire behind him. Up ahead were two paths. Between them and the paths was a flowing river of lava. He remembered Inia called it living lava. They had to do this carefully for once the lava noticed them, it would try to trap and consume them, so they'd only have one shot at choosing the right path.

"Well, what do you think?" Xander asked Spike under his breath.

Spike rolled his eyes, how the hell was he supposed to know. "Bloody hell whelp, how the hell am I supposed to know which way the little bit went?"

"I don't know." Xander whispered back harshly. "Spike we only have one shot at this. How are we supposed to choose the right path?"

Spike took an unneeded deep breath then replied. "Well there is your answer, you git. We take the 'right' path."

Xander rolled his eyes; he'd asked for that one. "All right, count of three. One, two..."

Spike poked him in the ribs. "Is that on three or after three?"

Xander forced himself not to grind his teeth. "On three. One, two..."

Spike poked him again. "How come you get to do the counting?"

He resisted the urge to tie the vampire's hands behind his back --and oh look somebody didn't think his life was complicated enough 'cause they insisted on filling his head with naughty nekkid thoughts and-- "Knock it off, fangless."

Spike's brow furrowed. "What did I tell you? NOT fangless," he snarled. Neither man noticed the little fits of conniptions skittering in the shadows behind them [discretely amplifying the tension between the two men and aggravating them to the point of rage].

Xander could not believe he was getting hard from the sound of Spike snarling. And here he was, trying to save a little girl's life and he was thinking about sex. What the hell was wrong with him? Somehow this was all Spike's fault, he just knew it. White-hot anger ran through him. How dare he? How dare the stupid bleached wonder turn him gay? Xander was so lost in his own rage he never noticed Spike's gaze flitter past him.

Spike was sick of it. Sick of the insults, sick of the mortals making him feel less than he was. He had finally had e-fucking-nough. He growled at the human in front of him. Then caught sight of something moving in the darkness beyond. "Look whelp, I think the kid's just ahead. Lets get this over with so we can bloody well part ways." Without looking back, the vampire leapt over the lava landing in one smooth crouch.

Xander's leap, while not as graceful, did the trick. Brushing past the vampire, he marched into the tunnel unaware of the leaves that immediately moved to close him in.

Spike watched in disbelief as the plant seemed to swallow the boy whole. He snorted softly, serves him right. He growled as he realized that now he'd not only have to save the nibblet, he'd also have to rescue the moron. Moving forward, he kicked viciously at one of the hairy little beasts crawling across the cave floor, when he noticed the lava had changed course. He snarled in disgust. This had better be the right path cause there's no going back, he thought, plunging in after the boy.

Spike glanced over his shoulder often-- he couldn't help but feel those little beasties were following them. He snorted to himself, they'll probably show up again at the most inopportune time too! He growled again, feeling the rage wash over him. And the boy was nowhere in sight. His vampire night-vision was good, but it worked like a cat's did: all it really did was enhance the light that was available. Here in this section of the cave with no Xander to conjure light for them, he couldn't see squat. He made his way deeper into the tunnel by touch alone.

Xander plunged deeper into the cave muttering nastily about the vampire he'd left behind. To think! He'd thought he was falling for the vampire. Gods, how could he have been so stupid. He didn't care about the undead creep in the slightest. He hissed as a line of fire tore across his palm. He slowed to a stop, staring down at the injured part. A jagged tear in his hand dripped blood freely. Unsure of what had happened he turned, trying to see what had made the cut. His eyes fixed on the bushes just to his right. Huge thorns like daggers protruded from the plants. One in particular was stained with his blood.

Spike froze as a familiar scent rolled over him. Xander! Xander was hurt! Letting the scent fill his head, his eyes narrowed as all of his senses locked on the boy. No one hurt Xander but him, not that he cared. He didn't even slow down as something tore at his shoulder in passing.

Xander was stunned as something hurtled into him, pushing him against a thorn-covered wall. He could feel scratching and stinging all over his back but was more concerned about whatever it was pinning him. Then a familiar sound caught his attention and he relaxed completely. He couldn't remember why he had been so angry. Spike was here holding him and all he could think about was the feeling of that hard muscular body pressed against him. He heard the low growl again, almost a purr. "Spike, what are you doing?" he whispered. Not wanting to unsettle or move the body that felt so good against his, but really beginning to hurt from the thorns in his back, he pushed gently at Spike's shoulders.

The vampire slowly eased back. Worry for Xander had driven everything else from his mind. Trying for casual the blue-eyed demon shrugged. "Smelled blood. Only one gets to kill you 'round here is me."

Xander remained silent, staring into the blonde's eyes for a long moment. "I think the way out is just ahead. All we have to do is get through these bushes," he said waving a hand to indicate the surrounding greenery. "Normally, I'd say piece of cake, but these appear to have a mind of their own."

Pulling his gaze away from his lover, the vampire finally took note of the plants that had hampered his rush to Xander's side. "Not just bushes... rose bushes," he said pointing further ahead.

Xander let the flame in his hand grow. Sure enough, there were roses. "Not like any rose bush I've ever seen," he said. The vines covered the walls so thickly he could not see the stone of the cave. Xander moved forward slowly, easing the thorns from his back with care. The vines seemed to follow him, tracking his forward movement. He raised his hand high so they could get a better look at the large cavern they had just stepped into.

Spike made a low breathy sound in amazement. It had to be the largest rose bush anyone had ever seen. In the center of the room stood the main bush with off shoots covering the floor like a thick plush carpet. Tendrils with smaller flowers reached across the room and through the far tunnel, which was hopefully the way out.

Xander turned around slowly, letting his eyes take it all in. He was certain there'd never been another rose bush like this in all creation. The bush sported not one, not two, but five differently colored blooms. Roses so white they glistened like freshly fallen snow with its petals tucked in tightly seemed to stand apart from the others. Then there were the yellows. Xander had to shield his eyes as they were brilliant enough to match the sun, with petals spread wide. Roses pink as a virgin's blush had petals that seemed to wave in welcome. But the roses that captured his eye were the red and black ones that lay hopelessly entangled. Petals as red as blood, brushed petals as dark as night. Gathering their wits, they finally looked away. As they moved to pass the main bush, they found their way blocked.

"Damn. Do you think we choose the wrong path?" Xander asked as they turned to go out the way they had come in. He glanced over his shoulder at the fake tunnel, only two feet deep with a thick covering of vines. "That was just mean," he said out loud to noone at all, really. He walked close to the rose bush, leaned in and took a deep breath of the rich fragrance. "Oh wow, that is heavenly, Spike." Xander glanced up and was surprised to see the older man looking at him with a worried expression on his face. "What is it, Spike?"

Spike turned back to the tunnel they had come through. He moved the vines aside and showed Xander what had him spooked. There two feet back was a solid rock wall.

"So there's no way out?" squeaked Xander.

Spike rolled his eyes in amused affection, not that he'd ever let Xander know that. He shuddered at the thought. "Of course there's a way out, git. We just have to figure it out."

Xander nodded, blushing. He'd forgotten that the challenges had answers. But what was this one's? He moved aimlessly around the room, pausing to smell one of the white blooms. Xander's nose wrinkled the thing smelled bland. He wondered if it was just his sense of smell. "Spike, c'mere." Sighing, the vampire prowled to Xander's side. "Smell this," said Xander reaching to snag one of the blooms. "Fuck," yelped Xander as a thousand thorns seemed to pierce his flesh. He let go watching, as the rose seemed to draw away.

"Well, that's different." Spike chuckled.

"Smell the white one," Xander said as he stuck his thumb in his mouth to clean the tiny drops of blood from it. Spike's eyes narrowed as he watched his lover lick at his own blood. Bloody hell, does he know how fucking gorgeous he is? He forced his gameface down with will alone, but flecks of yellow remained in his eyes.

Xander saw Spike's eyes track his hand to his mouth and he figured what the hell. He let his tongue trace the lines on his hand, showing plenty of blood being licked up. Then he licked his lips with a smack and grinned slightly as he saw the gold flecks appear in Spike's eyes. Ha, go Xander, go Xander!

" Um. Spike, the rose. What does it smell like to you?" Now that was just mean, he chuckled evilly to himself; sometimes life is really good!

Enthralled by the sight in front of him, Spike blindly fumbled at the roses. His hand locked around one as his eyes traced the faint line of blood across the boy's lip. He fought the urge to lean over and lick the blood from that full mouth. He'd have to be through, wouldn't want to leave any behind. It'd take hours. The vampire never noticed the tiny pricks, as the rose seemed to twist in his hand.

Xander leered smugly. Spike eye's had never left his and he could prove it. "Oh bleached one, that's pink, not white."

The demon glanced down at the rose in his hand. "Oi! Who the hell cares?" he said dropping it. "Besides, these are for poufs. Now those..." he said gesturing at the black and red ones even as he moved towards them. Xander sighed dramatically, then grinned as Spike paused before the yellow one's.

Spike leaned in to smell the small yellow blossom. "Gah! No way, mate, that smells off." He straightened up and looked back at Xander. "I thought you said they smelled good?"

Xander frowned, leaning closer to the blossom. Nope, it still smelled good. He looked over his shoulder to find Spike's gaze locked on his-- Xander blushed to the roots of his hair. He'd been had; there was nothing wrong with the smell. Spike only smirked then leered harder at him. Xander moved to pull one from the vine and grimaced. Well at least the thing only scratched him, unlike the vampire-like behavior of the first one. " Will you just smell it?"

Spike shook his head. "Had enough of your picks. This time I choose one," he said, moving towards the black rose. The scent was a familiar one, intoxicating like... death. Musky scent of blood, sex, and sin. "Xanpet, come smell this," he purred.

Xander stared at the vampire before him, aroused by the almost inaudible purrs emanating from him. Mesmerized by eyes that flashed blue then gold he reached for the black rose. The thorns' bloodletting was a small price to pay for the sight before him. He grasped the black rose surprised when it didn't prick him. Still it wouldn't let him pick it; the flower seemed to pull from his hand. Frustrated, Xander reached for the last rose, red as freshly spilled blood, and tugged. He gasped as the scent hit him; there was no way anything could smell better than this. It was sex, leather, smoke, musk, all of the things that came to mind when he thought of the vampire before him.

Curious at the boy's silence, Spike finally looked towards him. Xander stood completely focused on the rose in his hand. Wondering what had the boy so enthralled he reached for a red one as well. Fangs dropped as a scent he'd become very familiar with filled his vampire senses. Chocolate, sweat, arousal, life, all Xander, all his. He could smell life in this flower, a kind of warm sunlight smell he associated with Xander. Spike could practically taste the boy on his lips as he inhaled that intoxicating scent. He wanted more than just the flower; he turned his gaze to the boy beside him. Xander's eyes were dilated. Whatever the scent was for him it must be good, Spike thought. He glanced back down to the rose in his hands.

"Bloody hell! I picked one," Spike said, his voice clearly showing that his mind had not been on the rose when he had grasped it. His voice jerked Xander back to awareness. His voice was husky as he turned to the object of his lust.

Xander looked up; he could practically feel his lover's intense stare. He shook his head, trying to clear the fog from his brain. "What do you think it means we both picked a red one?"

Spike shrugged; he didn't care in the least what it meant. Not now. Not with Xander's scent in his nose, not with Xander standing so near. So near he could just--

Xander moaned as strong fingers locked around his wrist pulling him flush with the smaller man. His moan was silenced as the vampire tried to devour him from the mouth down. If anyone had been looking just then they would not have been able to tell where one man left off and the other began. So consumed with each other neither man noticed the stone floor under them as they slipped to their knees. Cushioned by a bed of roses that curiously had no thorns, the two men lost themselves in the timeless dance of new lovers. White-hot passion flared and would let no quarter be given; each demanded everything the other had to offer, and more. The cave was filled with the sounds of their ragged breathing and still neither mortal man nor immortal demon could do any thing but surrender helplessly to the other.

Minutes or hours could have passed. Xander looked down at the head cuddled beneath his chin. Sleepy blue eyes peered up at him from under nearly sinful lashes. Neither man knew what to say. Xander trailed one work-roughened finger along the vampire's cheek. Spike muttered something too soft for Xander to hear as he sat up. "What?" asked Xander quietly, not wanting to disturb the almost surreal feeling.

"Love is something so divine, description would but make it less. It's what I feel but can't define, its what I know but can't express," whispered the blue-eyed demon. "Some bloke said it. Never understood what he meant till now."

Xander just stared up at the vampire, speechless. Then said the only thing he could in response to that whispered declaration. "I love you, too," he said just as quietly. Finally he sat up. He reached out to cup Spike's cheek; his thumb grazing across lips he longed to taste again. Willpower and Xander had never gone hand in hand, but he knew if he tasted even once more he would never get this out.

"Spike. I love you. I don't know when it happened or how, but with all my heart, I-I know I'm not as eloquent as some but I do mean every word. I love your taste, your smell." Xander ran his hands all over Spike's face while still staring into his deep blue eyes. As if trying to memorize every line, every emotion, every detail of this moment. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes. Then looked back up. "I love everything about you. You're an evil soulless demon but I honestly love all of you."

The vampire stared at the mortal before him. He was a demon. His nature alone insured he knew every malicious, vile, and painful torture he could inflict. He had over a century's worth of experience in deceit, betrayal, and lies. And everything in him told him this boy, this man, would never understand the depths of his depravity but would love him until he drew his last breath. He smiled a sweet shy smile that hadn't been seen since he was human. Before either one could speak a soft rustling filled the room as light streamed into their haven. Two familiar figures stood a discrete distance away.

They stood, dressing in silence. Almost unaware, Xander tucked his rose carefully into his back pocket. The vampire absentmindedly tucked his into his duster pocket.

Chapter 10

The tunnel they had originally thought to be the way out was open now, the light streaming from it almost blinding after the soft glow from Xander's small fire. The two men looked lovingly at each other one last time before turning back, hand in hand, to the intruders.

Metria had a wide grin on her face as they approached. "Well we can't leave you two alone for a flash, trice, instant, second without you copulating!"

Inia's face was scarlet as she turned and walked out through the tunnel entrance. She still hadn't figured out what Metria meant, but she vowed she'd learn sooner or later. Darn that Adult Conspiracy she thought, as she walked up to a huge wooden gate and knocked politely.

Spike looked from Xander to Inia to the castle that appeared out of nowhere. "Wait a tic. Weren't you snatched? And where'd this bloody huge monstrosity come from?"

Xander's mind slowly cleared as the two women giggled mysteriously. The door swung open, stopping any other inquires as a short, almost gnome-like man appeared. "About time you got here! Really, Xanth's almost ready to go to hell in a hand-basket. Hurry, hurry," he barked.

Inia took pity on the two befuddled men and, while giggling, explained. "No, silly, it was part of the challenge. The two of you had to acknowledge your feelings. We must have the Good Magician aleXANder and his mate. Not Good Magician aleXANder and his friend!"

As she explained, the party walked into the most confusing place Spike had ever seen. "Cor, look at all these books." The human in him was so near the surface his fingers itched to skim through the library, but before he knew it they were led to yet another hallway and up a long stairwell.

"How did that," Xander blushed as he recalled exactly what 'that' was, "prove we're mates? I mean we... well did that before."

Inia frowned as she tried to figure out what 'that' was. No one paid her any mind as they entered a roomful of mirrors.

"Sit, sit and I'll explain," said Humfrey waving at the seats. "Oh but first, you have something for me," thick eyebrows arched in expectation.

Xander and Spike looked at each other. "What?"

The Good Magician sighed. "I believe you took something from the cave."

"Oh," muttered Xander, pulling the rose from his back pocket. He glanced up in surprise when a second rose appeared next to his for Humfrey's inspection.

"Yes, Yes. Good. You see, do you not? You both picked the red blossom."

Xander turned to Spike. "I can't believe you kept it." He looked at his lover in amazement. He should have known, really, no matter what else that Spike was at the center of it all was William the Victorian poet. Xander's heart skipped a beat and his mind threatened to shut down just remembering the softly whispered quote. Someone clearing their throat caught his attention. A woman with no face and snakes for hair stood in the doorway holding a tray of what looked to be food. Xander could feel his stomach start to growl.

"It was a brilliant idea if I do say so myself," said the Gorgon as she placed the tray on a nearby table. "Of course, it was mine. I mean what better way to be sure of true love than the Test of the Roses. Tea anyone?" A stunned silence followed her non sequitur.

"Test?"

"True love?"

The gorgon's snake's waved disapprovingly as she turned to stare at her husband. Humfrey quailed beneath her glare even with her face veiled the heat of her gaze burned him. "They don't know what it means?" she asked incredulously.

"Well, it was a challenge, wasn't it? They are from Mundania-- how would they know? Hmm. Right then. Eat, Eat. Inia dear--"

A fuming demoness interrupted Humfrey. "Aren't you omitting, ignoring, fudge! overlooking something?"

Humfrey looked baffled for a moment then his face cleared. "Oh yes, Metria you are cleared of your year debt. You may go now." Before the words where completely out of his mouth, the demoness vanished into thin air. "Yes, well, where was I? Rose... rose... oh yes! the Test of Roses, my dear wife suggested it you know?"

Spike was getting a headache listening to the little man. Trying to keep my wits about me in this place would drive me nuttier than Dru.

The Gorgon grinned at her husband; he'd never been really good at romance but he was such a dear. "It's simple, really. The Test of the Roses determines what relationship truly lies between two people. The roses are enchanted so a person can only pick the appropriate color. Any other will stab his hand with long, sharp thorns. The roses examine the person to make sure the emotion they reveal is directed at him/her. The roses cannot be fooled." Humfrey nodded in agreement as he flipped through one of his many books.

"So what does it mean that we both picked a red one?" asked Xander.

A sly smile played at the Gorgon's mouth, even though no one could see it. "They are white for indifference, yellow for friendship, pink for romance, red for love, and black for death."

The fact that both of you picked red means that you share the same love. True Love."

The grin on Xander's face was one of the 'cat that ate the canary' kind.

"Yes, this is all well and good." Spike started, "but can you tell us why we are here in the first place?" All he wanted to do was drag Xander back to his crypt and shag the boy senseless. Claim him proper, for all the world to see.

"Inia dear, hand me the mirror there next to the blue book. That's a dear." Humfrey cleared his throat as he began his explanation. "You see, there is a situation here in Xanth. A demon that only you, aleXANder, can defeat."

Spike held back his game face only because of the control he had been forced to learn in the last year with the chip. "What do you mean 'a demon only Xander can defeat'?" he stressed the boy's name. He didn't like these people putting his human's life in danger. Xander was mortal and as such fragile enough without all of this extra danger. "No," he said defiantly " I won't allow you to put him in any more danger than he already is. He lives on a hellmouth for Hell's sake. But is that enough? No. You have to suck him into a completely different world and even more danger."

Xander's heart warmed at the tirade. Spike was concerned for him. It made him want to giggle, but he knew he had to do this. Somehow he just felt it. That didn't mean he didn't want to know why it had to be him to defeat this so-called demon. "So, um, Humfrey. Why me? I mean you're the resident Good Magician. Right? So why call me here?" Xander asked, trying not to sound like the almost-teenager he still was.

Humfrey's big crinkled eyes just flashed merriment up at him as he said. "Because I said so, boy."

Spike snarled, lunging forward, only Xander's hand on his arm restraining him.

Inia's eyes went wide, she'd never seen anyone threaten the good Magician-- well, the Gorgon did, but that was understandable.

"Calm down, Spike. I'm sure if the Good Magician really wants our help he'll explain."

Humfrey blustered for several minutes then caved in. After all it was the boy's relentlessness that made him such a suitable heir. "This demon has been in existence for only a short time, however it has recently come into its own. It craves power, seeking it for its own pleasure, never caring for the destruction it wreaks in its pursuit. Now it threatens both our worlds, draining Xanth of its magic and using it to take control in yours. Its very nature makes those who would stop it doubt themselves, rendering them useless. It appears that only one who has faced it and continued on despite its terrible wounding of him can defeat it."

Xander was stunned for a moment. "So you are saying that this thing, this demon, is from my world. I have faced it before? And it wounded me?" Xander shook his head as if trying to clear it. "That doesn't make any sense. I've never really been wounded. I mean, not like terribly."

"Ah, but that is the nature of this demon, this one called Inse*cur(ity). It holds its victims in its grips, draining them of their belief in themselves. And yet you have never fully succumbed. You've bent, but not broken. Now, with your mate, you shall defeat it," said Humfrey firmly.

Spike frowned, something painfully familiar about the old man's words. Whatever it was he'd make sure that he was by Xander's side.

"You must hurry, for it senses its end coming. Now, I believe you shall need help, and there are those who are worried about you. Let's see what's to be done about that."

Spike moved to hold Xander; it felt good to finally be able to express his real feelings, holding his lover when and where he wanted to. He wasn't so sure about bringing the others here. What would the Slayer's reaction be? Would she attempt to stake him without explanation? Would Xander even acknowledge their relationship when confronted by his friends? This and other questions will be answered on tomorrow's episode of... Spike's brain supplied. Right enough of that. What the hell was I doubting myself for? I'm the Big Bad. Fuck them if they don't like it. Xander is mine and they can all just go to Hell. With his mind at ease again, he returned his attention to the others in the room. The old crone of a magician was bent over a small blue mirror muttering under his breath.

"Interesting... very interesting." Xander watched the wrinkled creature, waiting for it to stroke its beard and laugh maniacally.

Humfrey bounced from one mirror to the other. There was no way he could pull the demon to his place. And even if he could there was no way he'd do it. Telling the boy who the demon was would only cause more problems. He needed to discover it for himself. "What to do, what to do?" he muttered. "Should I..." he began, as a fat smiling cherub appeared in the mirror. "Ah, yes. All right then."

Xander's eyes widened and he heard Spike cursing every thing under the sun as a swirling vortex of blue and golden purple opened before them. Humfrey never paused in his mumbling, shoving a bag into each of their hands.

"Time to be off," he said, nudging them towards the gateway. "Good fortune!" he called as they disappeared.

Chapter 11

Sunnydale at midnight was not the time to be on the streets, as any lifelong resident could tell you. But for the small gang of humans it was the perfect time to go hunting.

"Be vewy, vewy quite I'm hunting vampiwes." Buffy said, not whispering at all.

Willow rolled her eyes and Tara just ducked her head to smile, still very insecure of her place in this close-knit group.

As they neared the Magic shop, Angel appeared from around a corner. "Oh, there you are. Giles sent me to find you. He wants us all back at the shop."

Buffy who never liked getting orders from Giles, much less from Angel, looked ready to argue. Angel forestalled any comments from his one-time love with a quick, "He said now, Buffy." Without a word the blond girl stalked past him. He sighed deeply, thinking vampires where so much easier to deal with.

Back inside, they discussed their findings. "There was nothing in Spike's crypt," said Willow anxiously. Tara nodded her head in agreement.

"Willie didn't know anything either," said Buffy sullenly.

Giles sighed, seeing the mutinous look on his slayer's face. This was not going to be easy. "I believe I might have a solution. We might have tested it sooner if the book had been somewhere more accessible," he said frowning at Willow.

The redhead looked slightly guilty before apologizing. "I'm sorry, Giles. I was just checking inventory and laid it down. I'd forgotten all about it."

"That's quite all right," he said, noting her worry. She hadn't meant any harm and there was no need to upset her. "According to Anya, Xander and Spike had a regular route they patrolled. While you were away I stopped by there briefly. It appears a portal had been opened between our world and another. The magic used left behind a faint signature Unfortunately that portal's been closed. I've discovered which world, but..." he paused pinching at the bridge of his nose. "I can't seem to figure out how to reach it. Those pages were removed from the book." Varying degrees of worry rose at the watcher's somber tone.

Buffy gasped as her slayer sense started tingling. Everyone turned towards her but she waved their attention back towards the growing void in the center of the room. As the whirling vortex grew larger, large enough for two people to walk through side be side, Buffy edged closer to it.

"Buffy, back away." Giles called out in a low voice.

"No. If Xander is through there then that is where I have to go. The rest of you can stay here." She was within arm's length of the void now, and her hair and clothing where straining towards it as if being pulled in.

Willow stepped forward, her hand firmly grasping Tara's. "Xander is my best friend; if he's in there I'm going too."

Giles looked to Angel, knowing what he would see in the older man's face: resignation.

"Spike is my childe. I'm going."

"Very well then. We all go."

That seemed to be all Buffy was waiting for. She stepped through without another word, knowing the rest would indeed follow her.

Xander yelped as he landed on the ground, arms and legs tangled with the vampire's. He gave himself a moment to enjoy the feel of the lean body pressed to his then forced himself to sit up. "That was like fun, only not."

Grumbling, Spike helped his lover to stand. The words rang through the vampire's mind: his lover, his mate, his Xander.

Xander sidled closer to the vampire. The self-satisfied leer on the handsome face called to him. Just as he got ready to see if he could make the leer even dirtier, swirls of gold and bluish-purple began to form in front of them.

Giles stepped through the void, and felt the world drop from beneath him. He didn't even have time to panic as he felt the ground beneath his feet once again. So quick was the journey, his knees buckled as soon as he was on the other side. What ever he fell on was alive, he thought, as he tried to orient himself. He groaned out loud when he realized he was sprawled on top of Angel, in a very undignified position. Finally, he pulled himself together and off of the vampire and looked around.

And bit back a manly shriek; because if that was Angel on the ground then who was standing beside him? "Angel?" he said hesitantly.

"Yes," replied both men.

"Oh dear," said Giles moving to polish his glasses. He sighed. He really didn't have time for this. Turning in a slow circle, he looked at his surroundings. Something was missing... oh yes. "Buffy, Willow, Tara?" yelled the watcher.

Buffy muttered dire threats as she stared at the ground below her. "Up here, Giles."

Giles and both Angels glanced up to see one slayer perched in a date tree. "Do you see Willow or Tara?" called Giles.

"Um, yeah, they went thataway." She said, waving her hand in front of her. She couldn't take her eyes off Angel. She thought he was breathtaking, sunlight streaming down all around him. She just couldn't wrap her mind around why there where two of them.

Giles glanced around the way Buffy had motioned and finally saw Willow and Tara off quite a ways, walking towards two very familiar figures. Was that Spike and Xander? Surely not. They looked like they were embracing. 'Oh lord, just what else do I need?

Spike growled as Xander pulled away. Just what he needed-- the annoying scoobies and his twit of a sire. The vampire blinked rapidly then shook his head. It was official: he hated Xanth. Why in the bloody 'effin hell were there two Angels? As if one wasn't buggered enough.

"Spike!" shrieked the slayer as she finally tore her eyes away from the two Angels.

He groaned as the blond bint charged toward him.

Xander stepped forward, casually placing himself between the vampire and the slayer. "Guys, am I glad to see you! You won't believe what's been going on--"

Giles interrupted before Xander could get started. "I'm sure the tale is fascinating, but I believe we should find some place more conducive to long explanations than the middle of the road."

Spike rolled his eyes. How the watcher managed to use words like conducive standing in a place where shoes grew on trees with a straight face was a mystery to him. He ignored the looks his sire and the slayer were shooting him, instead slipping his hand into Xander's. "Right then, luv. Lets see what the old geezer left us, before we decide to venture off the path."

Buffy ignored him, turning to look at a stand of nearby trees. "Look, there's a clearing over there. It's as good a place as any."

With that the group marched away, leaving Spike to stare after them as his mate perused the map Humfrey had thoughtfully packed. Xander blanched as he realized what the scoobies were headed toward. Spike clamped a hand over his mouth when he started to call out. "Just a mo'. Why not let them see what happens when they ignore us?"

Xander shrugged his broad shoulders, more than a little annoyed that his friends had ignored him yet again. No one had warned him about the man-groping trees, so why should he warn them? "What do you think she'll do? Shove a little bit of wood in it?"

Spike snickered. "You never know around here, mate. It might just like that-- think it's a mating ritual or something!" The two men stood where they were as the rest of the scoobies wandered into a clearing with just one tree in the center.

"Okay, what do we..." Angel paused to yawn, "now."

Buffy shrugged at the last minute giving a back-popping stretch. She couldn't believe how tired that trip through the vortex made her.

Giles pulled off his glasses, rubbing at eyes he could barely keep open.

Tara snuggled deeper into her lover's lap as Willow leaned back against the tree.

Both Angels smiled sheepishly at each other, for the moment not remembering why they hated one another.

When the lot of them had fallen asleep, Spike snickered. Now would be a good time to get back at the blonde harpy and his sire. Xander shook his head as if he knew what his lover was thinking and the vampire sighed. Still, there was some fun to be had.

Buffy shrieked as pieces of fruit splattered over her. The rest of the scoobies soon joined the slayer's squeals of rage. Several minutes later, dripping sticky liquid and pieces of cherries, the scoobies descended on Spike and Xander.

Xander hurried to stand between his vampire and the others. "It was the only way to wake you. Peace pine-trees may look harmless but if you lie down beneath one you'll feel so peaceful you'll stay there forever. They only way to overcome its influence is to travel with unpleasant companions or if someone shocks you out of it."

Willow frowned, "How'd you know that?"

Xander frowned; how did he know that? He couldn't say, really. He just knew it. Spike came to his rescue, shoving his mate to the side he stepped forward.

"Been here a while, haven't we? And you can't say we didn't try to warn you." He looked to his Sire, er-- sires. "Well Peaches, that's a good look for you! Might have to change your name." One Angel grinned at him, the other looked well and truly pissed. Spike stepped back as Pissed Angel growled.

"Listen, boy. Just cause I've been lax in the lessons lately doesn't mean you can't still be taught," snarled the Angel on his left.

Spike blinked. Yes, yes there were horns hidden in the spiky brown hair and whoa! those fangs were a lot bigger than normal. For a moment Spike cringed, remembering his lessons then he straightened. This wasn't Europe or even Sunnyhell and he wasn't powerless anymore. He smirked at his... sires.

Xander, sensing the growing tension, tugged the vampire back. He waved the map in the air drawing everyone's attention. "This is a map of Xanth. It'll show us where we need to go and it marks some of the more dangerous areas."

Spike cast an eye at his lover. The witch had a point-- the map marked the peace-pines as dangerous but that was all. So how did his lover know?

Xander wasn't sure what expression he thought he saw cross Tara's face. Maybe recognition. Should they tell her what Inia had told them or keep it to themselves for now? He decided to ask Spike what he thought about it as soon as they were alone. His attention kept going back to Angel. Something was just not right with the tall, dark and broody ones; he just couldn't tell what it was. One of them was staring up at the sun with a silly grin on his face. The other was glowering at everyone, but especially Spike. And what was with those fangs? He would have to think of something or his love was likely to get beaten into a bloody pulp. Filing that away to think about at a later time, Xander glanced back at the map in his hand. It, like everything else in Xanth, was unusual. A cloth map, made from what appeared to be regular cloth, should not have been in 3-D, but this one was. And a large X was marked over an island named The Isle of Illusion. Well I guess X really does mark the spot, he thought to himself with a quiet chuckle.

"We are here," he said pointing to a spot just south of a huge cavern and just a tad west of the center of the map. "Obviously we have to get to here," he indicated the Isle of Illusion marked with the floating X. "This place is like nothing we've ever experienced. Seeing as Spike and I know the most about this place, I think you guys should follow our lead." He looked up hopefully. He really didn't want to have a huge argument about who was in charge. Giles was nodding thoughtfully. The Angels appeared to be agreeable to the idea. Buffy looked like she thought it was acceptable even if she was pouting. Willow's reaction was the most contradictory. She was nodding her head like she agreed, but the expression on her face was doubtful. Xander thought his heart would break. Willow didn't think he should lead. "Wills, you want to look at the map?" he offered. After all she was the brain in their fabulous duo.

Spike grabbed the map out of his hand before Willow could grasp it. "Not so fast, mate. If the Good Magician had wanted them to lead us, he would have called them here in the first place."

"Spike's right, Xander." Willow shrugged, sheepishly. "You're good at helping, even if sometimes... most times you need to be helped first."

Spike growled softly at the subtle insult, watching, as Xander seemed to dim just the slightest bit. "Oi! It's not like you're exactly Glinda yourself," snapped the vampire. "Xan does good when you lot give 'im a chance."

Buffy nodded encouragingly. "Yeah, Xan's pretty good at leading if there are no females involved," she said, grinning. Xander grinned back.

Spike eyed the blonde-- maybe he would let her live.

"'Course I wouldn't trust Spike to lead a trip to the bathroom," she finished, smirking.

Or not. A sudden rumbling had everyone looking around.

Giles sighed. It wasn't like he'd had breakfast and it was now.... "Does anyone have any idea what time it is?"

Buffy looked at her watch and frowned. "Stupid watch isn't working."

Willow looked up from where she'd been peering at the map over Spike's shoulder. "Of course not. Electrical gadgets don't work here."

Spike barely managed to keep his growl to himself. He had always kinda liked Red, but she was really acting strange. Just how the hell would she know what worked here and what didn't? He wondered if anyone else had caught that fact, then he glanced at Xander. His lover knew something was up. Spike loved how Xander's mind worked; he knew Xander would say nothing for now, not in front of others. But he also knew the boy had thought her knowledge as weird as Spike did.

Giles however was not so inclined. "Why would you say electrical things don't work here?" he asked, curious about her reasoning.

"Oh, Well, I just meant that usually in places of a high concentration of magic, that um, electricity usually goes, pfft. You know," Willow babbled.

Xander pushed Spike ahead of him as he started walking to an apple pie tree. "So Giles, was it night time when you left? Cause it was when we fell through." He asked, Not really paying attention, instead trying to find the best- looking pie on the tree.

"Yes, shortly after midnight, I would say."

Buffy jumped in as Xander began distributing the gooey pastries. "How do you know these are edible?"

After Xander made sure everyone had at least one pie, or two in the case of one of the Angels, he settled down beneath the tree and began their tale. "Well, you see, when we first got here, we met a little girl and a demoness. They kinda showed us around and told us the whys and whatevers of how we got here."

"And that's why we're here," Xander finished sheepishly. Giving the others a minute to digest what he'd said, Xander bit into his lunch. He hungrily consumed the dessert as its sticky juices ran down his fingers.

Chapter 12

Spike bit back a snicker as Xander gave a highly edited version of their trip into wonderland. He wondered how long it'd take the scoobies to realize he and his pet were together.

Especially since Spike had no intention of behaving as if they were anything other than together, in fact....

Xander yelped then moaned as the vampire proceeded to make sure every last bit of juice was gone from his lips. Buffy's scream of rage caused several nearby animals to take off in terror. Giles groaned dropping his head in his hands as the slayer began ranting. The Angels' reactions were vastly different.

One Angel blushed and turned his face away, while the other growled, pulled Spike off of Xander then proceeded to snuffle and smell the other vampire. Almost like a dog getting the scent of a potential mate. "Mine," he growled.

Spike slapped at his sire. "Oi! Get off, you big pouf!" Spike struggled against his sire's hold, which was a lot stronger than it normally was. Spike growled. If the reason there were two Angels was what he thought it was, then of course one of the stupid buggers was gonna be stronger.

Xander's eyes narrowed. What was it with demons wanting his mate? Unlike with Metria, however, he was calm. He snorted softly, maybe if I kept telling myself that I'd believe it.

Just as Spike got ready to let his sire have it, Angel howled and let go.

"Angel, what's wrong?" cried Buffy as she tried to calm the enraged demon.

"Something burned me," hissed Angelus.

Spike looked at Xander suspiciously.

Xander shrugged. "Probably fire ants... I think there's a nest around here somewhere," he said, eyes wide with feigned innocence.

Spike got a bubbly feeling at the lie. His Xander was an evil boy! Burning Angel in his defense and then lying about it. Gods, what a great vampire he would make.

"Time to move on anyway. But first I think someone needs to explain that little scene first." Buffy said, her voice getting louder with every word.

"What is there to explain Slayer? The boy and I are together. Deal. "

Just as Buffy was about to speak again, Xander spoke up. "Yeah, Buffy. Do I really need to point out that oddly enough, I'm not the only one in this little group to sleep with a vampire." His voice was strong.

The thought hit Giles that somewhere along the way his little group of children grew up. It was not all that often that Xander stood up for himself.

"Um, but Xander, when Buffy slept with Angel he was good and um, he never tried to kill us, and Spike! well Spike is evil." Willow babbled on.

"Need I point out that at least I'm evil from the get-go," snarled Spike. "Unlike some, after they get a leg over."

Buffy blushed and made to swing at the vampire but he easily eluded her.

Xander frowned-- he hated contradicting his best friend but this was a point he'd been adamant about since before Spike. "Angel is as much an 'evil' vampire as Spike," said Xander pulling said vampire behind him. "And while everyone else might have forgotten that little Angelus period, I haven't." He started walking, tugging his lover with him.

"We can argue about this 'til doomsday, but it ain't gonna change," he threw over his shoulder. "So I suggest you get used to it. And what's with the two Angels anyway? That's just freaky."

Spike laughed silently at the looks of stunned disbelief as his lover continued to babble.

They walked for a while; every now and then Xander would study the map then roll it back up and put it in Spike's pocket. The rest of the gang followed behind. Buffy mumbled to herself-- about what, Spike wasn't sure if he wanted to know. Willow was trying to make nice with his Xan-pet but for once he was letting her know how much her words had hurt him, not just playing off the hurt with jokes. All in all, Spike was proud of him. Even when he got the map out and Willow tried to sneak a peek at it, Xander would turn his shoulder just so and she would be blocked. Unless she made an obvious grab for the map, she wasn't getting a look. And what's up with that? Spike thought darkly. Being here had changed things in these people and he wasn't sure he liked it. Especially his Sire. He really hoped he was wrong, but the more he was around the two Angels the more that hope faded.

The others had noticed the physical changes but they were still treating them both like Angel when one definitely wasn't. Horned-Angel was so like Angelus P.S. (pre-soul), it was scary. He had a feeling that coming to Xanth had somehow split the soul from the demon but if it had, why wasn't the demon rampaging? And why was it so protective of the soul despite having to suffer along with it? Spike shrugged off the disturbing thoughts about his sire. It was getting dark and while they'd made good time, even with the bickering, it was best they start to set up camp.

Spike grabbed two pillows as they walked by the next pillow bush and grinned when Xander pulled only two blankets off the tree beside it. "Time to set up camp kiddies. I suggest you grab whatever you need." Xander walked to a low tree with branches that bent low to the ground and spread out the first blanket. He looked to Spike with a small almost shy smile on his face. It was an invitation that had Spike growing hard in his jeans.

Xander knew Spike wanted to come lay down with him so why was he hanging back? Maybe he wanted to talk to Angel? He shrugged to himself as he laid back. Spike would be there eventually. That thought had him drifting almost to sleep in a peaceful daze.

The vampire prowled the edges of the camp eavesdropping with no shame. Buffy and Giles' whispered conversation was boring enough to bring tears to the demon's eyes. He'd always known that the slayer wasn't the brightest chit, but you'd think she'd learn to leave well enough alone when it came to Angel. He rolled his eyes, moving silently behind the two witches. Now here was something that was definitely wrong. The kid had said Tara was missing. So how'd she end up with Willow? And what did it have to do with his pet? If his suspicions were right, what would it do to his lover? Xander was too smart to remain blind to things for long. However things went, it would no doubt hurt Xander. He could see things going to hell in that hand-basket of Humfrey's already.

Willow was talking to Tara as if she were a little girl. Spike didn't like the feeling that inspired. "Honey, just lay down. Willow will take care of everything. You did real good today." Spike walked on; he really didn't want to know about their twisted relationship. Unless of course they were naked, then he would have stayed. Finally, he got to the edge of the clearing that his sire had claimed for himself and his counterpart. Spike stood there for a moment, just looking at the man that had changed his life so drastically, first with the whole vampire thing and then again when he had left him alone with a crazy vampiress to protect. He waited submissively until his sire acknowledged him. Spike knew Angel had seen him there but was making him wait on purpose. Finally he got the recognition he was waiting for.

Angelus, as Spike thought of him, glanced up, finally acknowledging his youngest childe.

"Boy," growled the demon that had ruled his unlife for so long.

And for a moment he felt the familiar urge --no-- need to throw himself at his master's feet. The vampire shook himself. He would give him the respect due his sire and that was all. A master in his own right, he need not, would not give Angelus that power over him again. "Sire," replied the blue-eyed demon. "Do you understand what's happened?"

Angelus snorted. "Doesn't take a genius to figure it out. We got split--soul and demon."

Angel rolled his eyes at the obvious statement. "As Cordy would say, Duh! What I want to know is how and why?"

Spike shrugged. "'aven't the foggiest. Seeing as how I'm still in one piece. You gents must be a special case," he smirked. He would have said head-case but he didn't think Angelus would approve. Tired of being away from his nummy, Spike turned away, figuring that just speaking civilly to them had fulfilled any familial obligations.

Before he was away completely, a low growled question brought him up short. "What are you doing with the human, William?" Angelus stepped forward.

Spike spun around. "None of your bloody business. What I do and with whom I do it stopped being your business a long time ago, Peaches." With the familiar insult he turned and walked away. Bloody sires, what right did he have to ask any thing about his life now? Spike realized he was brooding and took a deep unneeded breath. Right, enough of that. I have me a Xan-pet to get back to.

When he spotted Xander through the limbs of the tree he took another deep breath. Cor, he's beautiful. Slowly, he made his way to the pallet Xander had made for them.

Xander looked up as Spike dropped to his knees beside him. "Done talking to daddy?" he asked, mouth set on full pout.

The demon inside purred in pleasure at the possessive tone. "Now. None o' that, luv," said the vampire, moving to lean over the sprawled form of his lover. He stared down into the chocolate eyes that all but glowed with naughtiness. His pet was in a mood, all right. And he was all for taking advantage of it. Spike nibbled Xander's lower lip. With that pout how could he have resisted?

Xander was willing to play the part and let Spike take advantage of him. "Oh no! Mr. Big Scary Vampire guy, don't make me your sex slave. I'll do anything else but not that!"

Spike grinned at the role-play. While his hands roamed over the broad chest, lightly caressing and soothing the tired muscles, he rubbed his cheek over his lover's neck. Listening to his heart beating, smelling his arousal, and generally tormenting himself. "But I really do want your body, Pet. I love the taste of your skin, the smell of your hair. Those little noises you make when you are trying to be quiet while you cum. I'm addicted to you, luv," Spike whispered in Xander's ear, letting the breath lightly caress the other man. He smiled when he felt Xander shudder.

Xander turned to him, lightly rubbing his erection against Spike's thigh. "When you put it that way, I'd be a fool to say no," Xander whispered back. He kissed Spike gently before moving on to cover high cheekbones, throat, and neck with delicate fluttering kisses, taking the time to enjoy his lover that he didn't have during their first encounter.

A thought suddenly occurred to Xander, having fought bravely through the lust-drenched haze of his mind. Electrical gadgets didn't work in Xanth. Now, why is that import--

Spike growled when the hands stroking him stopped their wicked motions. He looked up to see his lover staring at him from eyes glazed over. "Xan," was all he was able to say before the larger male had rolled, pinning him beneath the heavier body. The long length of the mortal pressed down on him as Xander wiggled into position. Spike hissed, Xander's thigh pressing hard against him. He fought the urge to thrust mindlessly against the younger man's hip.

Xander bowed his head, lips brushing the pale curve of an ear. "Don't you wanna," he paused licking at the delicate shell, "taste me?"

Spike groaned then reached down to unbutton his mate's jeans.

"No, no, no."

The vampire growled in frustration as large callused hands stopped his.

"No, Wil. Don't you wanna taste?" he said twisting so his throat was offered up for the vampire's fangs.

Spike was shocked. Did he want to taste? More than anything, he wanted to taste, but for the fucking chip, which the boy knew about. "Xander, I would love to taste you, but the chip...."

Xander cut him off. "Doesn't work here. Remember what Willow said? No electrical stuff works here," Xander whispered just as quietly, "and I really don't mind, if you want to." In fact, the thought of Spike feeding from him was making certain parts of him stand up and pay attention.

The vampire looked up at his lover, then in a move too fast for human eyes to follow, he rolled them. Xander lay still or tried to, as the demon hovered over him, eyes already burning gold. Both arms were held firm above his head in one inhumanly strong grip. Mesmerized by the greedy desire in the eyes locked on his throat, he whimpered softly as the vampire slithered up the length of his body. He hips thrust up as a cool tongue traced along his jugular. The scrape of fangs across his flesh made him cry out.

Low growls alternated with purrs as Spike nuzzled at his throat. "So good, pet." He murmured. "Gonna make you feel so good."

Xander's world narrowed to pure sensation, feeling Spike on top of him, teeth at his throat, then a slow burn. His entire being centered on that intense, but not painful, burning. Pleasure radiated from the all-consuming sensation. He could feel his life-force pulsing through him and into Spike, and an intense joy at being able to give life to his lover. The burning moved lower, pooling in his groin; the combination of pain and pleasure intoxicating. He knew he was making those little noises Spike had talked about but he couldn't help it. If he came now Spike might stop, and Xander wanted this feeling to last forever.

Everything. Everything he'd suffered before, now, and in the future was worth this--this heat, this life. He could live for millennia and never come close to this pleasure. Only now, only Xander. Blood like fire, golden sunshine, life-- he could drink forever and it would never be enough. The desperate mewling and incoherent whines from Xander only made him harder as he rocked against the man beneath him.

Drops of blood slid down the mortal's lip as he bit down, trying to muffle the cry of pleasure as he came, clutching desperately at his lover's back.

He roared, tearing his head away as Xander came writhing against him. Feeling his mate cum, knowing it was his fangs, his touch that burned through him.... Spike thrust once, twice, and came, burying his face against the curve of Xander's neck. He purred, a deep resonating sound, as he licked gently at the marks.

Xander cuddled closer, too worn out to do anything else.

"Oh, luv. You are a marvel. You are," Spike whispered breathlessly.

Xander didn't even try to respond with words; he only snuggled deeper into the embrace of his lover and gave his own throaty purr.

Spike drifted off, thinking that nothing in the world could be better than this: sleeping in his lover's arms, knowing that when he woke, his lover would still be there.

Xander wandered around the scenery in his mind. The big black mare from before appeared before him.

"Good Magician aleXANder, you must awaken."

"Who are you? Where am I?" Xander thought the questions sounded hollow. Why had he asked them? He already knew the answers.

"aleXANder, you must awaken. Now."

With that, Xander jerked awake. It was still night-- why had the night mare insisted he wake up? Spike was still asleep by his side, snuggled in peacefully. Then he heard whispers, voices he couldn't place. Slowly he stood, trying not to alert whomever was out there and still awake. There was no fire to see by so he made a tiny flame in his hand and held it up high. Who ever it was, they were being very careful to avoid being heard.

Slipping silently through the trees, time seemed to shift as he followed the sound to a spot that might have been a few feet from the camp or a hundred.

"He was never supposed to be here!" hissed a low voice. "He'll ruin everything!" A squeal of pain followed those words as a shadowy figure cowered before another taller frame.

Xander eased closer, trying to see as the shadows slid over the two figures conversing.

"Mistress, please. I--" The sound of flesh striking flesh rang through the air.

"Tomorrow," hissed the woman.

"Yes, yes tomorrow. They will not get past the dragons, Mistress."

The woman turned, face still hidden in shadows. "See that they don't."

Xander hurried after her, cursing as the woods seemed to conspire against him, blocking his way. He paused as the feeling of being watched grew. Damn, he thought how'd she get around me? He spun around, hoping to catch her and yelped as a hand clamped over his mouth. He struggled against the iron grip of the arms trapping him.

"Shh, luv."

"Gods! Spike, don't scare me like that! What are you doing out here, anyway?" Xander asked in a harsh whisper.

"Well, I woke up from a lovely sleep expecting to find my lover asleep next to me, but instead I see said lover slinking away into the shadows. So I decided to follow."

Spike's voice sent shivers down Xander's spine, and the use of the word 'lover' was making him grow hard. In fact, he could barely remember what drew him out into the woods in the first place. He took a step back, knowing he needed to tell Spike what he had heard. "Spike, I saw two people out here and I--"

"Shh, luv. I heard. Let's just go back and talk about it in the morning. Nothing we can do tonight anyway." Spike really didn't want to get into the fact that he had recognized at least one of the voices. As they settled back into their makeshift burrow, Spike asked, "What made you wake up in the first place? You couldn't have heard them talking that far away."

Xander shook his head in bewildered amusement. "It was the horse again. What is it with this place? Disappearing castles, talking horses, clothes that grow on trees..."

The vampire listened with amused pleasure as his mate babbled himself to sleep. Wrapping arms around the body, heavy with sleep, he vowed to keep a closer watch on his lover.

Chapter 13

"What the hell?" shrieked the slayer as something kicked her awake. Leaping to her feet she screamed as the creature rolled by. Her yells soon woke the rest of the camp.

"Quiet, bint! Some of us are trying to sleep 'round here," yelled Spike, trying to keep Xander from getting up.

Buffy turned toward them grimacing. "Well you wouldn't be so tired if you'd actually slept last night," she said, shuddering in disgust. "And oh, eww! I so did not need those images in my head."

Giles covered his mouth, hiding the grin that tried to escape. "Really, Buffy. You could have found a better way to wake us."

"Why should I? I had some creepy crawly thing wake me up. Why should any of you get to sleep in?"

"It wasn't a creepy crawly, Buffy. It was a larm and it was just doing its job." Xander said as he stretched awake. He tried to untangle himself from his vampire, but only ended up with a lap full of growly Spike. He rolled himself on top off his lover. Hearing the gagging noises in the background made him snicker, but he was finally able to stand.

"Yes, well. Now that we are all awake we should probably get going." Giles, ever the peacemaker, said, as he too stood and stretched lean, stiff muscles. Once the small group were put together and ready to go, they all looked to Xander, fully expecting him to once again take the lead.

Everyone except Buffy. "Okay, where is the food? I can't start my day without food. Or coffee. Oh, do they have coffee here?" She asked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Please tell me they have coffee."

Xander nodded. "Yes, they have coffee here but no we can't get any. It is one of the only things that doesn't grow on trees here cause they have a wake-me-up spell put on it. So you are out of luck there."

Once again, Spike found himself wondering how his lover knew such things.

Xander didn't bother to pull out the map-- he knew where they needed to go. The problem was that he didn't want to go there. They needed to cross the Gap Chasm on this side to get to the accessible side of the Isle of Illusion, which in itself was fine. The problem was the fact that it was the best spot for an ambush, and that dragons were even more plentiful on the North side of the chasm. He hated the fact that they'd be walking directly into a trap. He glanced up to see Spike watching him intently.

The others, having figured out that breakfast literally grew on trees had made themselves scarce.

"Worried about last night's visitors?"

Xander nodded, before moving into Spike's arms.

"Sounds like she's worried about you, too."

Xander perked up at that. He'd never worried the enemy before.

It was a new and not-so-good experience. In fact, it worried him even more. If she, whoever she was, thought he was really a threat, she wouldn't pull any punches. It wouldn't be a pretty sight when the others found out about their late-night visitors. "Should we tell the others?" he asked quietly.

Spike shook his head and mumbled "no" against his lover's neck. "No, it would just give them something else to worry about. We'll just be on the lookout for any trouble. Besides, we know we're here to fight something. And the others are all used to strange things happening." He was troubled, though, and couldn't keep that worry out of his voice, so his lover easily picked up on it.

"Don't worry, Spike. Remember, you and I have power here that we didn't back home. Together, we can do this."

It was an unusual feeling for Spike to be comforted by his lover. He decided it was something he could definitely get used to.

Xander shouldered one of the packs as Spike gathered the others. He watched how they interacted with his mate. Buffy was still as stand-offish as ever, but maybe a smidgen more tolerable. Giles treated Spike almost the same as he had before, but he'd always pretty much respected the demon. Xander figured that was just common sense when dealing with a killer. Liam, as the souled portion of Angelus preferred to be called, seemed to flirt harmlessly. Actually it was more a naive, playfullness than anything serious. While Angelus mood switched back and forth between possessive to dismissive. Willow's standoffishness was a surprise. He'd always thought she liked the vampire. All in all, Xander thought, it was a good sign. Which was of the good, considering they were mated. Catching his lover's eyes, he slowly caressed the fang scars. The immutable evidence of their joining.

Spike's laser blue eyes tracked the path of his fingers. A low rumble started in his chest.

Xander gasped as he was pulled into a rough kiss then abruptly released.

"Right, enough of that or we will never get this show on the road. I, for one, want to get this over with and get back home so I can shag my nummy in peace," he announced to the group of onlookers. He put his own bag over his shoulder, grabbed Xander's hand and started back down the path, ignoring the rest of the group. If they followed, fine. If not, well, that was fine by Spike too. Don't see why we need them here anyway.

Xander grinned over his shoulder and rolled his eyes at his friends, but allowed himself to be pulled along without complaint.

Spike purred softly, content. His lover was marked for all to see and his unabashed display of the brand-- not that he'd had any doubts about it-- brought a smug grin to his face.

Buffy marched beside Giles, dividing her attention between the couple ahead of her and the double Angels. There was something off about one of them. Still, they were just so cute. She grinned to herself, watching her Xander-shaped friend. Despite being dragged into a world to solve more problems, she was glad he was happy, even if it was with Spike. She blushed when she realized everyone had slowed and Xander was speaking.

"Okay gang," he said waving at the paths before them. "We'll be passing through goblin territory so we gotta keep on alert. Plus, we want to make sure we get the right bridge. There's three; the main one, the invisible one, and the one way, which you can't walk back on or it'll disappear."

Buffy thought that was stupid. "Which one do we want?"

Xander waved at the center path. "The main one. The invisible one just takes us back to Humfrey's."

Buffy looked to Giles, then back to Xander. "Huh? There is an invisible bridge, a one way bridge, and the main bridge? Okay, so which one do we take? And which way is the one way?"

Spike grunted, "You daft bird--that's what he just said." He couldn't tell them that he and the boy really had no idea which way to go. If they couldn't figure that out by themselves, then he wasn't going to tell them.

Willow had been standing in the back trying to be inconspicuous but finally stepped forward. "Xander, how will we know which is the right way? What if you choose wrong?" \

Xander frowned slightly. "Actually, it's only two we have to worry about. Since we already know we don't want the invisible one, we'll just hold onto the person who walks onto the bridge first. That way if it's the wrong one we can just pull them back."

Spike grinned, take that, Glinda.

"Let's go. I really don't want to run into any goblins. Nasty things, always at war with something or other. Why the nagas don't just wipe them out, I don't know," Xander muttered to himself as he set off ahead of the others.

"You can say that again, Pet," Spike muttered low enough that Xander was the only one who heard him. They gave each other a look. How had they known that? Xander gave a small half smile. Spike seemed to understand, they would talk about it later. For Spike, it was a whole new outlook on life: having someone to share things with, not being constantly on guard. He sighed deeply, then realized he was turning into his brooding sire and gave Xander a smile that shone from within. Xander was not unaffected by the blinding smile his steps faltered.

"Good lord," whispered Giles, staring at the creature winding its way toward them. From the waist up, it looked like a normal human but it morphed into a snake the rest of the way down. "I hadn't thought those truly could exist," he followed it with his eyes as it crossed the path several feet ahead of them.

Spike shrugged, "You get used to it after awhile. Things here--well, let's just say its not all faun and games."

Xander snickered, then looked around to make sure they were still on a relatively safe path. No sense tempting Fate, she might not be in a good mood.

Once Xander had reassured himself that they were on the right path, he tried to explain a little Xanth history to the group. "You see, when the first humans came to Xanth, they didn't know anything about the magic in this place. Some of them drank water from a love spring and it made them fall in love with the first creature they saw, hence unusual creatures like that. The magic here allows them to mate and breed. That's why it's so important that the magic not leave this land. It is bound to it in so many ways. If the magic that holds these people together were to die off, half the magic creatures-- hell, half the people-- would die. They just wouldn't be able to survive."

Giles looked at the boy with a sudden new respect. His impassioned speech was very un-Xander like. Well the Xander he was used to, anyway.

Two heads turned at exactly the same time. One looked puzzled the other vaguely annoyed. "Xander, luv. Might wanna check out what's in those packs. Goblin war party ahead."

Angelus frowned-- the creatures he'd heard didn't sound that big or like something they should worry about.

Spike ignored the disgusted looks from his sire. Goblins were nasty, rude little beasts with very few vulnerable spots. If there were enough of them, they'd quickly be overpowered. He wondered briefly what the naga was doing in goblin territory as he kept an ear out for the approaching horde.

Xander rooted through the bag, finding some familiar items and others entirely beyond him. He held up one only to grin when his lover snatched it up.

"A tire iron, perfect," the vampire growled, giving a few practice swings.

Buffy snorted," You really need a weapon for a few half-pints?"

Spike ignored her. After she cracked a knuckle or two trying to hit the rock-solid buggers she'd be crying for his help.

Giles focused on the weapon the demon held. It was mace-shaped with a heavy wooden handle. "That doesn't look like any tire iron I've ever seen."

Spike rolled his eyes. "'Course not, git. It's a tire iron because when you hit a body with it they fall asleep."

Angelus grunted as Xander tried to hand him a weapon from the bag. "Keep it."

Buffy simply hefted her stake good ol'Mr. Pointy out of her back pocket.

Giles, on the other hand, knew that if Spike deemed it necessary to have a weapon, he should probably listen. "Do you have anything in that bag that I might be able to use?" he asked Xander. Spike grinned as Xander opened the bag again.

Xander shuffled through the bag, "What the hell?" He held up a cap.

"Oh, that's so cute! Let me try," said Willow, grabbing it. She screeched loudly when a cascade of water drenched her before rushing back up into the hat.

"Shower cap," said both men simultaneously.

"Cool," said Xander, pulling out a long, pure white sickle of ice.

"Icicle's are nice, luv but he needs something better for goblins."

Xander nodded and began digging again. This time he pulled out an oddly shaped stone, like a 'd'on top of a 't 'and an 'r'. Puzzled, they stared at it.

"D-Tour!" blurted the vampire suddenly. "It's a spell. If you plant it on an enchanted path like we're on, it causes the next travelers to choose a different direction."

Finally, Xander pulled out what looked to be a normal short sword. "Well, it looks okay," he said rather doubtfully, as he handed it over to Giles. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see. Or wait and hope. Sorry, G-Man." Xander had to suppress a chuckle when he glanced at Willow. She was still soaking wet and not happy about it. He considered using his power to dry her off but decided to wait a bit longer. He still wasn't sure about the gang's reaction to his newly discovered power. Since he didn't know if it would work on the goblins, it might be better not to mention it until he had to.

tbc...

Feedback: It would be nice.
Shadith...