Part 26
"Ya know, this really isn't necessary. I know how to keep my arse parked." Sitting between Angel's legs, Spike was being held tight in a bear hug, while Wesley was taking samples of his blood.
"Yes, I remember quite well how you sat still last year when I had to take blood from you." One tube filled, Wesley quickly attached an empty one to the needle. "Your fist connected with my face, and I went flying across the room."
"You still holding a grudge against me for that?"
"No, but I'm not touching you again, unless. . .unless you're restrained."
Heaving a sigh, Spike looked up at the ceiling, trying to ignore the feeling of Angel's body pushed up against his. Pressed between strong legs, he could feel and smell the beginning of his Sire's arousal which in turn was making his own body react. Deciding that a diversion was necessary, he began harassing Wesley.
"How many fucking tubes of blood do you need, Wes? I think you've got enough." Jerking his arm, Spike tried to pull it away, but Angel, seeing the movement quickly grabbed his Childe's arm to hold it motionless.
"William. Hold still!" A low rumble.
"He doesn't need that much blood, Sire." Spike had had enough. Struggling now in earnest, he tried to break out of Angel's grasp. "He's planning to sell some of it. Maybe to Willy, or to. . . ."
"Spike!" Wesley was now remembering with clarity what a total pain the vampire was to deal with. "I'm not planning to sell any of your blood. So will you just hold still a few moments more? The more you thrash about, the longer this is going to take."
"Soddin' needle is starting to hurt!"
Now it was Wesley turn to sigh. "Stop moving and I'll be done. Besides, you're a vampire. A vampire who has faced far worse than a little needle."
Realizing that there was no possibility of breaking Angel's hold, Spike stopped fighting and sat still. Although he still couldn't help complaining a little. "Hate needles."
"Angelus." Damon entered the room. "Djoser is missing. I went to go tell him that it was time to leave, and he's nowhere to be found."
Looking up at his brother in alarm, Angel tightened his arms around Spike. He had his suspicions. "Where's your brother, Childe? Is he with the Slayer?"
"Damned if I know." Avoiding Angel's inquiring eyes, Spike focused all his attention on Wesley who was withdrawing the needle from his arm.
"William!" Angel was now sure that's what Buffy and his Childe had been so evasive about. But what puzzled him was why Djoser would go off with the Slayer.
Desperately searching for any kind of distraction, Spike decided that the old 'I'm-in-pain' ruse was as good as any. "Hand is really hurting. Wes, would you take a look at it? The bullet went right through it. When it first happened there was this hole that you could actually see through to the. . . ."
"WILLIAM! Where did Djoser and Buffy go off to?"
"I don't know." Spike was able to say this with some sincerity, since it wasn't a total lie. He really didn't know exactly where they went.
Growling in frustration, Angel pushed Spike away from him and got up. "I better go see if I can track the two of them down.
"That won't help." Damon grabbed his brother by the arm. "If Djoser doesn't want to be found, even you won't be able to locate him. Unless of course, you recently drank from. . . ."
"No." Rather embarrassed, Angel admitted this. He had no blood bond with his oldest.
"Childe." Damon now addressed Spike. "You know how dangerous it is for your brother to be away from the lair right now. The bounty hunters may have already. . . ."
"Wait a minute. What friggin' bounty hunters are you talking about?"
"There's a death warrant out for Djoser. That's why I was taking him to Germany with me."
"DEATH WARRANT! Who the bloody hell put a death warrant out on Djoser?"
"The Ventrue Master." Wesley spoke quietly while assessing the situation. "Didn't anyone tell you this?" Turning to Angel. "Didn't you tell your sons this? Didn't you explain to them the reason why you were sending Djoser away?"
"Explain? The Great Angelus doesn't explain. Especially now that he's High Master. He orders and expects everyone to obey without question." Nic had gotten up off the couch to join the conversation.
Staring hard at Nic, Angel fought to keep his temper. Whenever events began to spiral out of his control, his first reaction was to break out in a rage, and his younger brother was not helping any.
"The Clan members who are stationed in LA rang us with this news, but I guess we didn't think. . . ." Damon looked over at Angel. "We were so concerned with the attack that we. . . ."
"I'm not surprised that your Childer are constantly running off." Softly spoken, but Wesley still managed to convey reproach. "You don't communicate with them. They're operating without the knowledge that they need to. . . ." Taking in a deep breath, the ex-Watcher realized that he was personalizing the situation. "It explains why we, at times had difficulties in the workplace."
"That's right." Nic grinned at Wesley. "Tell him. Tell Angelus that he needs to learn how to work and play better with others."
"NIC!" Angel slammed his fist on the mantel. "If you don't have anything constructive to say, then keep your mouth SHUT."
"They went looking to find those knights. Djoser is helping the Slayer track them down." Speaking up, Spike finally told what he knew. "He didn't want to go to Germany, so he made a deal with Buffy. He'd help her with the knights, and she would then hide him out for a few days. He was going to come back."
"I can try to find him." Damon looked at Angel. "He's not going to let you anywhere near him, but maybe. . . ."
"He won't let either of you get near him." Nic interrupted. "He doesn't want to go to Germany, so if he sees you. . . ." Looking at Damon. "He'll take off too. Let me see if I can locate him. He's not intimidated by me. There. . . ." He turned to Angel with a grin. "Was that constructive enough?"
Shaking his head in agreement, Angel found the idea acceptable. "Damon, send some of the best trackers with. . . ."
"I don't want any minions with me." Nic interrupted again. "If Djoser sees me with a group of minions, he'll read that as an aggressive stance on our part and won't let me near him. Let me take Wesley here with me." Throwing an arm casually around the ex-Watcher. "Djoser won't read this human as any kind of threat."
"I. . .I. . . ."Wesley wasn't sure if he had just been complimented or insulted.
"Wesley, I would appreciate it." Feeling better now that there was a plan, Angel's temper had abated, and he presented a calm exterior. And his serenity was seductive. Hard to say no to.
"Of. . .of course. Just. . .let me. . .take care of these blood samples." Feeling the urge to get away from both Angel and Nic, Wesley rushed out of the room. He needed a few minutes to regain his composure.
"Ya know, if I went with them, there wouldn't be any problem at all. Djoser for sure wouldn't run from me, and then we could talk to him." Spike knew that his suggestion would be denied, but he still gave it a shot.
"NO!" In one movement, Angel had Spike in his arms, pulling him down on the couch. "I already have one Childe running around loose. I'm NOT having two. You'll stay here with me. Now. . .let's take a look at your hand."
**
Patrolling the town, the Slayer and the vampire didn't have to look too hard for the enemy. The enemy found them. And even though Buffy and Djoser were outnumbered, their opponents presented them no challenge. Knocking one of the knights to the ground, Buffy got on top of him. Holding a staff to his throat, she pulled off his chain-mail mask. "Ok, let's see what you are. . . ." A flash of surprise as she stared into a human face. "Or who you are."
"One soldier in a vast army."
"What army?"
"The Knights of Byzantium, an ancient order. And now your enemy."
A suspicion ran through Buffy's mind as she pushed the staff harder into the man's throat. "You work for Glory?"
"You think we align ourselves with the beast? You must be mad."
"You're the ones trying to kill me."
"We were fools, three alone. But if it takes a hundred men, we send a hundred men, and if it takes a thousand, we send a thousand."
"A thousand?"
"So long as you protect the key, the brotherhood will never stop until we destroy it and you. You are the Slayer, and we know what we must do. Now, be done with it. Kill us, and let legions follow."
In one smooth move, Buffy stood up, throwing the staff aside and picking up a sword.
Standing up, the knight eyed her warily as she raised the sword, holding it to his throat.
"Kill him." Djoser urged her while the knight turned his head, waiting for the deathblow.
Buffy deliberated for a long moment, before lowering the sword. "Go."
Surprised, the knight wasted no time in edging around her, giving the vampire a wide berth and running off.
Turning to Djoser, she knew that it was imperative that she get to her sister. "We need to get to the Magic Shop and get Dawn. And then get her out of town."
**
"Your blood, Master. Your blood will help the wound." Holding Spike's hand gently, the healer studied it thoughtfully.
"That's your answer?" Spike was contemptuous. "We already know that. Try telling us something we don't know."
"The poison in his system is affecting his healing power, so the only. . . ."
"We already know that too, ya bleedin' idiot. You call yourself a healer? Well then start healing."
A touch on the healer's shoulder from the Master told him to leave the room. "Quite a temper you've got there." Taking Spike's hand, Angel brought it up to his mouth. Kissing it lightly, before licking it slowly with a combination of blood and saliva.
Closing his eyes, Spike settled back onto the couch, savoring the coolness of his Sire's tongue. It calmed the fire in his hand and brought the pain down to a tolerable level. "Yeah, funny thing. Wonder from whom I inherited my bad disposition?"
"Couldn't possibly be from me?" Mock surprise as Angel stopped his administrations for a minute to look his Childe in the face.
"Bad tempered, Poof." A sullen mutter. "And you can stop trying to humor me. It's your fault that Djoser's running around Sunnydale. Like the Watcher said, if you would have told us the situation then . . . ."
"Then what? Djoser would have quietly agreed to go to Germany?" Studying Spike's hand, Angel was satisfied. The wound was covered thickly with the blood and saliva bandage. "Look me in the eye and tell me yes, if that's what you really believe."
Sighing, Spike turned his head, facing away from his Sire. Adrenaline, which had been fueling him the last few hours, was wearing off, and replacing it was pure fatigue. He couldn't fight anymore. Couldn't lie and tell his Sire that yes, Djoser would have left quietly for Germany because he knew that his brother was stubbornly determined to stay in Sunnydale.
"Your Childe needs rest, Angelus." Entering the room, Damon could read the exhaustion on his nephew's face. "It's been a long night for all of us, but especially for one who is ill and now wounded. Put him into a deep sleep. . . ."
"Don't touch me!" Sitting up straight, Spike immediately moved to the other end of the couch, away from his Sire and uncle.
"William, we're all tired. You need to sleep. I can see you fighting it." Moving to sit on the couch, Angel reached for his Childe.
"Forget it!" Standing quickly, Spike was trying to figure out where he could go and hide. "You'll put me out, and while I'm sleeping, you'll send Djoser away. Won't even let me say goodbye to him. I know how you are."
Angel felt like he had just been punched in the face. "You consider me to be that hard hearted?"
"If the shoe fits. . . ." Spike had been slyly inching his way over to the door, figuring he could make a break for it. Where he would run to he had no idea, but most of his existence had been fleeing with no destination in mind. Mindless flight was instinctive when cornered.
But so intent on his Sire, he had forgotten about his uncle. He had barely taken a step when Damon had him wrapped up.
"LET GO OF ME, BLOODY BASTARD!" Kicking and squirming, but the arms around him were like bands of steel.
"William." Grabbing his struggling son, Angel spoke softly, trying to calm. "I promise you that I will wake you as soon as we know anything about Djoser's whereabouts. And I also promise that he won't be sent away. I won't separate the two of you ever again."
"You won't?" Stopping in mid struggle, Spike could hardly believe his ears. "But what about the death warrant and the bounty hunters?"
"Hopefully, we'll be away from here before too many bounty hunters show up. But if some do, then I'll just have to take care of them. Now. . .let me. . . ." Holding Spike against him, Angel began licking and nipping at the tender flesh of his Childe's neck. "Let me help you sleep. Just a short rest until your brother gets back." Not waiting for consent, he gently bit down. His son's blood filled his mouth giving him the power he sought. A push and the younger vampire was put into a deep slumber.
**
"Here's something." Giles was the only one at the table who was still doing anything constructive. The rest of the gang was tired and dispirited. Arms propping their heads, Anya and Dawn, at least, still had their eyes open. Xander had given up any pretense of researching the book in front of him. Face down in the book, the only thing he was studying were the insides of his eyelids. Willow and Tara were sharing a chair with Tara dozing, head on Willow's shoulder.
"It seems that in order for Glory to bring the dimensional walls down, she needs to perform a ritual. And that ritual has to be done at one certain time."
"We don't have to kill her then. We just have to stop her from doing the ritual. . .right? If there's only the one time that she can do it." Besides Giles, Willow was the only one of the group that had a brain that was still functioning.
"Yes. That appears. . .appears. . . ."
"Dawn!" Buffy came bursting into the Magic shop; Djoser right behind her. "Dawn, get up. I need to get you out of town. . .and. . .and maybe all of us need to leave."
"Buffy." Standing up, Giles was not happy seeing her with Djoser. "What's going on? And why is he with you?"
Pausing a moment, Buffy hoped that Giles hadn't had any communication with Angel. "Just acting as my back up." She said casually. "We were attacked by some of those. . .knighty guys. I was able to question one of them. They're an ancient order, the Knights of Bi-zitty men and. . . ."
"Byzantium." Djoser clarified for the puzzled Watcher.
"Byzantium? They're a holy order." Giles had heard the name before.
"Yes and their mission is to stop Glory by. . . ." Breaking off, Buffy looked over at her sister. "Well. . .they're here to stop Glory."
"By killing me." Dawn understood. "Go ahead and say it. If they kill me, then Glory has no way to. . . ."
"THEY'RE NOT GOING TO KILL YOU. NO ONE is going to hurt you." Walking over to Dawn, Buffy grabbed her by the hand. "But that's why we need to get you away from here."
"Germany." The thought struck Djoser. "You can all come to Germany with us. We have a lair there. An underground lair filled with secret traps. Impossible to find your way through it, unless you know it." Looking over at Giles. "If you and that other Watcher were to come, my Sire would have us all leave for Germany. You could work on my brother's cure there."
"Let's think about this a moment, shall we?" Eyeing the vampire, Giles now knew for certain that his suspicions had been correct.
"Come with me, Slayer." Djoser stepped closer to Buffy his voice dropping to a whisper. "I promise you and your sister, safety there."
"Giles, what other option do we have?" A plea to her surrogate father as Buffy looked up into Djoser's face. She finally was able to read some emotion in his face, in his eyes, and it gave her hope. For they conveyed strength, reassurance and understanding.
"Run away then? That's our plan? And what about the store. . .?" Anya was thinking practical as she looked over at a now awake Xander. "Your job?"
"We can't stay here! If those knights don't get us, Glory will." Buffy's mind was now made up.
"Buffy. . ." Giles was still not convinced that going to Germany was the answer. "We all understand the severity of the situation, but there must be another way."
"NO! I'm going to take Dawn away from here. If there's sanctuary in Germany, then that's where we'll go. I believe that all of you are in danger too, and should come. But if you choose not to, then. . . ." Buffy never got to finish her sentence as all hell broke loose in the shop. Rocks and flaming arrows came flying through the front windows while at the same time a group of knights came crashing through the back of the store.
Leading the unit was a big, burly man with a scarred face. Seeing Dawn, he pointed his sword in her direction. "The key!"
****
Part 27
South America, November 2000
It had been more than 150 years since Nic had seen his sister-in-law. He remembered the sorceress-turned-vampiress as a powerful, confident woman. Heinrich Nest's oldest Blood-Childe, Luc had scored quite a coup when he had turned and bound Alex to him.
"Just about every demon here in South America has heard about him. He makes a spectacle of himself almost every night. It won't take long for the news to travel up north. Angelus will find out about the scam you pulled, and then you can kiss your unlife good-bye." Feet up on the table, Nic studied Alex curiously. "You broke our laws, taking a Blood-Childe away from his Father. You must have heard that Angelus has put a price on your head. Your best bet would be to take William back and beg his forgiveness. He may have mercy because after all, didn't you resoul him again?"
The usually vibrant Alex showed no emotion over the news that the dangerous Scourge of Europe had her on his hit list. "I wasn't able to duplicate the gypsy curse, so. . . ." Turning her back to her brother-in-law, she stared out the window. "I made a mistake by bringing William here. I thought by now, so many years on his own, that he would be more. . .grow-up. But he's still undisciplined, uncontrollable. Even now that Childe needs his Sire."
"So, like I said, take him back to LA." Watching the vampiress' back, Nic caught a whiff of depression and hopelessness.
"No." Alex shook her head. "I will do what's expected of me. I broke a sacred law, and I should pay. You. . . ." Turning back to Nic. "You will take William back to Angelus. As his uncle and. . . ."
"Wait a fucking moment. I'm not going to clean up your mess. You're lucky that I came here to warn you. Don't need to involve myself anymore."
"As his blood uncle it's your responsibility to see that he is returned safely to Angelus. He's out making his usual demon cantina rounds. Find him and take him back to LA."
"For Christ's sakes, Alex. I'm here on business. Don't have time to take that brat back to LA. You brought him here; you can jolly well take him back."
"TAKE HIM BACK, or I'll do something unpleasant to you!"
Nic snorted in disdain. "Yeah. . .take a number and get in line."
The sorceress was done arguing. Standing motionless, her body began generating waves of energy. Pupils dilating, turning red, then black.
Seeing the eyes turn black, Nic knew that Alex was deadly serious. Wasn't going to be some minor hex, like a sleep, or a drunk spell. He took a second to decide whether he should attack, before she was able to cast her magic, but fond memories of Alex stopped him. She had been one of the few family members who had treated him decently. "ALRIGHT! Fucking bitch. Making me do your dirty work. I'll get William back to LA." Mind working furiously as he tried to figure out a way to still finish his business, but get his nephew back to Angelus.
"Don't delay! The Council is planning to double-cross Angelus anyway. If William is back with him, then perhaps the two of them can go into hiding."
"Goddamn it! This is the last time I try and do anything nice for someone. Cause this is how they fucking repay me." Enraged, Nic was grabbing for his coat and cigarettes. He just wanted to get out before Alex thought up more things for him to do.
"Wait! There's also something I want to tell you about Snow. Information that you must pass on to Angelus. His real name is Claude. He was sired by the Old Master. A favorite of Nest, he held a position at Court. But I have some suspicions about him. Tell Angelus to check out Claude's human birth record."
"Yeah, yeah." Listening with half an ear, Nic was already part way out the door, so he didn't catch the vampiress' last sentence. He would dutifully relay the information to Angel, except for the part about investigating Claude's human roots. And that was the key to the mysterious vampire's identity and motivation.
**
Sitting in the dark, Angel studied William's resting form. Never a peaceful sleeper, his Childe now seemed even more agitated. Tossing and turning, he kept muttering something about eyes. Leaning closer, the elder vampire tried to make sense of the mumbling.
"Angelus." Damon, along with Christian, entered the room. "We're ready to leave, but are you sure that you don't want me to wait for Djoser?"
"I've made my decision. He'll stay with me. I'm not going to separate my Childer ever again."
"I understand, but. . . ." Shoving his hands in his pants' pockets, Damon shifted around. His discomfort obvious, as he now was feeling hesitant about leaving. "I took an oath when Djoser was presented to the Clan. As a Clan member and his uncle, it's my duty to help protect him. Perhaps I should wait until he is safely back here in the lair."
"Djoser is my responsibility. You have your own now." Standing up, Angel turned to face his brother and nephew.
"But what if Djoser is in trouble? If you'll need us to help rescue him?" Christian, the ex-hunter protested. He was not used to abandoning an ally, especially an ally who was family.
"I've made my decision, boy! You are never to question my authority, nor that of your Sire." Angel gave his nephew a harsh look. "Already picking up some bad practices from William."
Grabbing his fledgling by the back of the neck, Damon was mortified. "Your opinion was not asked for!" His eyes were apologetic as they met those of his brother's. "He has not been properly trained yet, but hopefully I'll have the time and opportunity in Germany." Fingers tightening at the back of Christian's neck, the vampire gave his son a shove toward Angel. "Give our High Master your respects before we leave."
So young, Christian was still highly intimidated by his Sire and his dominant uncle. Falling to one knee, he took hold of Angel's hand, kissing it. "I was out of line, Master. Please forgive my. . . ."
"It's all right, Childe." Pulling the younger vampire up, Angel ran a tip of a fang across his nephew's angular cheekbone. Lapping at the blood, he waited to see if the fledgling would prove his submission. Knowing that he was being tested, Christian stood absolutely still. "Very good." One more pass of his tongue and then a smile as he pulled his nephew into his arms and whispered in an ear. "Go to Germany and learn from your Father. You are an important Blood-Childe to our Clan. You represent our Rebirth, our hope for the future. Now GO, and may the Fates decree that you will reach your destination in safety."
Nodding his head, Christian was then passed into his Sire's arms.
"May we see each other soon, my brother." Taking Angel's hand, Damon kissed it, ready to take his leave.
"You will tell him farewell for me?" Looking at a sleeping Spike with disappointment, Christian so wanted to personally say good bye to him. Head still turned around as he left the room with his Sire, the young vampire willed his cousin to wake up, but it was not to be.
**
Fire in his wrists, calves, and stomach. A fire so hot and painful that he thought for sure he would combust. Along with the pain, the agonized vampire also felt pure unadulterated terror. Fear of the man who was directing his torture.
In reality, he had been brave and had not made a sound when the spikes had been pushed through him over and over again. But reliving the torment in his dreams, Spike could and did scream. "Your eyes, you bloody trotter. Wanna see your. . . ." Cut off as a big spike was shoved through his abdomen. Screaming in pain, the dreaming vampire sat up, startling himself out of his nightmares. Disoriented and trembling, he looked around, trying to shake the memories. Standing in front of him was the tall figure of Angel.
"Sire. . . ." Blood tears ran down his face. "He doesn't have eyes. . .motherfucker doesn't have eyes!"
Wrapping strong arms around his son, Angel held him to his breast. "Who? Snow?"
Slim fingers wound themselves into his Sire's shirt, clinging tightly. "He was here. . .with his minions. Coming for me. I saw him, but he must have gotten away."
"SNOW WAS HERE?" Rage burned in his stomach. It was an acid that flowed up in his throat and mouth. He could taste it. Bitter, like rancid blood.
"Thought I saw him. Coming up behind that human we tortured. Bloody eyeless nutter."
Puzzled, Angel stroked Spike's hair. "Eyeless? You know, Alex told Nic who this Snow was. A vampire who had been sired by the Old Master. A favorite who held a position at Court. Both Damon and Nic vaguely remember him, but I don't recall him at all. You see, I. . . ." Pausing as his Childe looked at him with curiosity. "I never bothered to notice those who were beneath me."
"You're such a Poofster." Spike couldn't help the jab even though he was still clinging tightly to Angel.
"Yeah." Admitting his arrogance with a smile. "But I'm sure I would have remembered a turned Childe of the Master who didn't have eyes. Unless this Snow lost his eyes after. . . ."
"He's got eyes." Sighing, he lay his head back on the broad chest, enjoying the comfort of his Sire's embrace. "He always keeps them covered by dark sunglasses, so you can't read his eyes. Can't read his expression. And that's what makes him so. . .so. . . ." Deeply ashamed, he could hardly believe that he was admitting to his Father that he was afraid of some lowly, turned vampire who wasn't even original enough to create his own persona. Had to imitate one of those mad, face-covered, serial killers from a teen slasher movie.
"We dusted all his minions and killed the Council hunter. Yet this Snow still managed to escape." Whispering this softly to himself, Angel was pensive. Snow was proving to be a worthy opponent. Too smart and strong to be a turned vampire. Just who was he?
**
Pulling into a parking spot, Wesley stopped the car. "The Magic Shop is down the street. I want to check in with Giles first. See if he's heard anything from Buffy. From there we can patrol on foot."
"Your wish is my command, human. . .oh, excuse me, Mr. Wyndham-Price."
Suspecting mockery, Wesley turned sharply to the vampire, but Nic had the same easy going smile that he wore on most occasions. "Wesley, will do just fine."
Locking up the car, the two started down the street. "Well. . .Wesley. Why don't you tell me how you came to be working with my brother. I'm curious."
"By coincidence, our paths happened to cross in LA and . . . ." Breaking off, he realized that a golden opportunity lay before him. Here was a chance to learn a little real history about Angel, his Clan, his family. Not just the speculations and fantasies of the old Watchers. "You know, how about we have an exchange of information? I'll tell you about my relationship with Angel and you can tell me about. . . ."
"Can't tell you too much. I've been exiled and estranged from my family for more than 150 years now."
"You said that you were banished because of being too human. Could you elaborate on that more?" Attention so focused on the man walking along side of him, Wesley wasn't paying any attention to what was happening directly ahead of him.
But Nic was. Stopping suddenly, he grabbed a hold of Wesley's arm to keep him from walking any further. "I know I've been drinking, but I swear that I see a band of knights ahead. And they're attacking the Magic Shop!"
Vision not as accurate as that of a vampire, the ex-Watcher squinted in the darkness, walking a few steps closer. "What the hell?" He muttered. A large group of knights, complete with horses, weapons, and armor was indeed attacking the shop.
"Must say, Wes. That's a sight you don't see every day."
"They're the knights. The knights that Buffy was talking about. The ones that she and Djoser were tracking."
"Well, I guess they found them because I'm sensing that the Slayer and my nephew are there inside the Magic Shop."
"We need to go get Angel." Wesley couldn't stop staring at the strange scene in front of him.
"Come on then. Let's get out of sight before they spot us." Seeing an abandoned building across the street, Nic pulled the other man with him. "Let's try calling him first. You never know. By some miracle, Angelus might actually have his cell phone on."
**
Parking the convertible in a back alley, Angel got out and signaled to his minions to leave the other vehicles and follow him on foot. Getting out of the car, Spike was careful to keep his distance from Angel. Embarrassed over his breakdown in front of his Sire, he was also feeling worry for his brother and depression because of the departure of his cousin, Christian. "Cold blooded bastard! You should have got me up, so I could have said good-bye to them."
"I was suppose to wake you up for that too?" Glaring briefly at Spike, Angel could feel the hostility, and it baffled him. One moment his Childe was embracing him, and the next he was declaring war. "You didn't even know them that well."
"Yes, but. . . ." Closing his mouth, Spike sighed in resignation. It wasn't worth trying to explain to his incredibly thick Sire about the bond he had made with the new Blood-Childe. He had connected with his cousin even though they had only known each other for a short time. Perhaps it was because they were of the same Bloodline. But whatever the reason, he knew that explaining such an attachment to Angel would be like explaining rocket science to a five-year-old. Even with a soul, his Sire never had a true understanding of emotional relationships.
"But what?"
"Never mind." Another sigh as he lit a cigarette.
"William." Angel searched for the right words, so there would be no chance that he would be misunderstood. "Every time I think that. . . ."
"There's Wes." Spike pointed up the alley, glad that he had an excuse to interrupt. His emotions were a jumbled up mess. So chaotic, the last thing he wanted to do was discuss them.
"Angel." Wesley ran down the alley to meet them. "We just talked to Buffy. Giles has been seriously injured, but Willow was able to put up an energy barrier, so for the moment they're not under direct attack. But now that you and your Clan are here, Buffy is hoping that you can engage the knights from the outside. Keep them busy, so they can get both Giles and Dawn to safety."
"And Djoser?" Reaching the back door of the abandoned building, Angel stopped Wesley for a moment. "Is he inside with them? Is he all right?"
"He's inside, and he's fine. The only one hurt by the initial assault was Giles."
Orders were snapped out to the minions. "I want five guards here at the back. The rest can come with me."
"Oh, I see the cavalry has arrived." Standing inside, Nic had been monitoring the knights through a front window. "Pretty big group of them, Angelus. And they're well armed."
Studying the band of knights, Angel did a quick appraisal. "There's too many of them for us to defeat before sunrise. Will that energy barrier hold until sundown tomorrow? We could take them, if we don't have to worry about the sun coming up."
Shaking his head gloomily, that wasn't the news that Wesley had wanted to hear. "Giles is in a bad way. I don't think he can last until tomorrow evening, but let me ring Buffy again." Turning to Nic, he held out his hand. "If I may? Your cell phone?"
Giving Wesley a roguish grin, Nic handed the ex-Watcher his cell phone. "Are you always so polite, Wes?"
"I'm English. And in general, we, English are courteous." Taking the cell phone, Wesley began punching in the Magic Box's number.
"Really? What happened to William then? Was he absent on the day they were handing out politeness in Britain?"
"Sod off, Miss Manners. You should talk." Sitting on a couple of stacked packing crates, Spike scowled at his uncle. In a foul mood, he was ready to trade insults with anyone, but Nic only grinned at him good-naturedly.
"You need to lighten up, boy. You've been too somber lately. Starting to become like your old man."
"I AM NOT anything like my old. . . ." Glaring over at Angel who was standing close to Wesley, listening to the phone conversation. "Like my Sire. And maybe you should take things more seriously. Djoser's trapped inside a magic shop, surrounded by a bunch of. . . ." Spike looked out the window at the bemused knights who were swinging their swords uselessly at the energy field. "Role-playing rejects."
"Djoser's a survivor. We're all survivors, Childe." Pulling out a pack of cigarettes, Nic offered one to his nephew. "Djoser's been in worse situations than this. I can't think that it's his destiny to die at the hands of some humans who just left a costume party."
Lighting cigarettes, the two vampires tuned their ears to what Wesley was saying.
"Willow thinks that the energy field will last about half a day. Or less, if the knights. . . ." Turning to look out the window, Wesley strained to see through the darkness. "Punch a hole through it?"
"They have clerics." The three vampires with their superior vision could see clearly what the knights were doing. "The clerics are working on reversing Willow's spell." Angel explained this to a puzzled Wesley.
"Damn!" The ex-Watcher swore into the phone. "There's too many of them. And with sunrise coming, it would be suicide for Angel and his people to try to. . .what? You want us to. . .I see. All right, we'll do our best."
"What kind of plan does the Slayer have?" Spike had sat long enough as he jumped to his feet.
"A bluff." Wesley handed Nic his cell phone. "She wants us to back her up on another bluff."
****
Part 28
Sword in hand, Wesley faced down the company of knights. Angel and his minions positioned themselves a short distance behind him, as they wanted to keep their distance from the knights. They feared the knights would perhaps detect them as vampires and know. Know that shortly the sun would be out, and that their enemy would not be much of a threat.
Shouting at Willow to open a door in the barrier, Buffy, followed by Djoser and Xander stepped out of the shop's front entrance.
Drawing their weapons the knights formed a circle, warily watching the enemy on both sides of them. Holding up his hand, the acting leader, a knight named Dante, looked first at Wesley and then at Buffy. "Speak."
"One of my friends was hurt when you attacked us."
"And ten of my men are dead. Honorable men." Pointing his sword at her, the knight had challenge written in his eyes. "Shall we balance the scale?"
"I'm asking, will you allow him to leave, so one of my. . . ." Buffy motioned to Wesley, Angel and the minions. "Allies can take him to the hospital."
"Give quarter to an agent of the beast? What madness would move me to such action?"
"At least let someone come and help him."
"This is war, Slayer. People die in war."
Temper flaring, Buffy couldn't help herself as she started forward. "I'm done asking."
Seeing her movement, Djoser caught her by the back of her clothing before she could charge the knights who had readied their weapons in anticipation of her attack.
"Whoa, whoa, hey, Buff!" Xander grabbed a hold of her arm. "Attacking them won't help Giles."
Holding his sword up, Wesley stared at it instead of the knights. "If you're saying this is a war, then in any war there are rules. Are there not?"
"We have a hostage." Still restraining Buffy, Djoser looked over at Dante. "A man with a scarred face. He was giving orders. I'm guessing he might be someone rather important to you." Expression stern, his meaning was clear, give us what we want, or your leader dies.
Glancing first at the Slayer and Djoser and then at Wesley, Dante considered. "We'll allow someone to come in, but NOTHING MORE. And you. . . ." Staring intently at Wesley. "You'll take your troops and retreat."
Trying to look reluctant, Wesley nodded his head, trying not to breathe a sigh of relief. They had done it again. They had bluffed, and the enemy had bought it, giving them time.
**
After calling Ben, the young intern she had met in the hospital, there was nothing more for Buffy to do except wait and worry. Pacing the floor, she felt helpless. She so wanted to make Giles better, to protect her sister, to save her friends. After all she was the Slayer, the Chosen One, yet she could do nothing.
"Slayer." Djoser came from the back room. "The enemy has just regained consciousness. Would you like to speak with him?"
Knowing that it was a futile question, Buffy still couldn't help but ask the vampire wistfully. "Do you think we can talk him into ordering his troops to stand down?"
A small smile touched Djoser's lips. "I could torture him. Many times, pain can be very convincing."
"Unfortunately, I'm thinking not in his case." Entering the workout room, Buffy walked over to the tied up knight. "I want some answers, and you're going to give them to me. For starters, what are you supposed to be, some kind of chief?"
The knight met her eyes with a look of scorn. "I'm a general. General Gregor."
Buffy was not impressed. "A general. . .in charge of what, getting captured?"
"You do not frighten me, child." Gregor met her eyes. "We know who you are. The Slayer. The protector of the key. But the key, the instrument of chaos, must be destroyed." Turning his head, he gave Dawn, who had followed Buffy and Djoser into the back room, a contemptuous look.
Already frustrated, Buffy's temper slipped again. Two steps and she had the knight's face between her hands. "Look at her that way again, and she will be the last thing you ever see."
Not daunted in the least, the general just sneered at her. "As we've been told, you protect the key of the beast. You are the Slayer. We are men of God. We do his will by destroying the key. And you, Slayer. You're going to kill men of God to protect the tool of the beast?"
"She doesn't remember anything about being this key you're all looking for. The only thing that she remembers is growing up with a mother, and a sister that love her. What kind of god would demand her life for something that she has no control over?" Like many, Buffy equated a man of God as a good person, a person she could reason with, but seeing the hard expression on Gregor's face, she realized that he would not listen. "Tell your men to stand down."
Defiant and arrogant, he denied her request. "NEVER! The key of the beast is too dangerous."
"Then tell me about Glory. Tell me what you know."
"I do not aid an agent of the beast!"
Losing control, Buffy backhanded Gregor across the face, but the general, after spitting blood, only smirked at her. "You're the Slayer, protector of the innocent. I don't believe that you'll do anything to seriously harm me."
Pulling out a dagger, Djoser decided that a more forceful form of persuasion was needed. One long stride and he had Gregor by the hair, the dagger at his throat. "The Slayer may have reservations about hurting you, but believe me human. . . ." Letting his demon countenance emerge. "I do not."
**
Back in the abandoned building, Spike stared moodily out the window, watching a young man get out of his car and cautiously make his way through the knights to the Magic Box. "Must be the help that the Slayer rang. Any idea who the Git is?" He asked Angel who had just come into the room.
Sensing Spike's uneasiness, the dark vampire put comforting hands on his Childe's shoulders. "You saw Djoser. He's all right. . .and no, I don't know who that man is."
A snort of contempt. "Probably some poor bloke who's hoping for a tumble with the Slayer, so he's willing to make this house call. Looks like a loser."
Angel couldn't help but chuckle as he nuzzled Spike's neck. "You think anyone who has interest in Buffy is a loser."
"That's cause only losers fall for her."
An obvious insult that was ignored. "Come Childe. Come and lie down with me."
"Don't feel like lying down right now. Besides, shouldn't you be getting some rest? When King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table there break through Red's barrier. . . . " Pausing, Spike turned to look at Angel.
Wesley and Nic had gone to get blankets and blood. Their bluff having earned a short break for the vampires. A chance to rest and recuperate. But Spike knew that as soon as the clerics breached the energy barrier, the vampires would have to make a break for the magic shop. Perilous, between the sun and the knights, but the Clan would risk it. Angel would risk it for his eldest and heir.
"I'll rest better if you come and lie here with me." Voice coaxing and enticing.
"You act like you don't care for Djoser at all." Spike could feel the seductive vibes coming from Angel and it angered him. "Fucking wanker! He's sitting there with his bollocks hanging out, and you don't give a royal shit. Can only think about blowing your wad. You are such a plonker."
"William." Holding his hand out, Angel signaled Spike to take it. "You know I've got minions watching. At the first sign that the knights might be breaking through the barrier, I'll be out that door." He nodded toward the building's front entrance. "And don't you think that Djoser the warrior can keep himself from being dusted until I get there?"
Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Spike was finding it hard to hold on to his anger. He could feel Angel's sincerity, his determination. "If I lie down with you, will you sleep?" Taking the large hand, he let himself be drawn in. "To give Djoser any chance at all, you should get some rest because after all you're his. . .his. . . ."
"His what?" Backing up, Angel pulled his son with him to a back corner of a room. Taking off his duster, he lay it down carefully.
"His best hope." Spike admitted the truth. His Sire was a strong, dangerous adversary for anyone: human, demon, and even perhaps a goddess.
"Don't underestimate your brother. And remember that he's with the Slayer. Buffy and Djoser against a battalion of knights. Who would you put money on?" Dragging his Childe down with him, the elder vampire wrapped himself around the smaller body. He kissed hair, ears and the back of a neck, but Spike kept his body stiff and unyielding. "You're still angry with me, aren't you? I honestly didn't know it was important to you to say goodbye to Damon and his new Childe. I'm sorry. And I am concerned for Djoser, but for now there's nothing to be done. When it's time, trust me that I'll be there for him. I won't let him or you down."
Responding with a nod of the head, Spike willed his body to relax slightly. "I believe you. So go to sleep now."
"Who exactly is the Sire and who is the Childe here?" An amused grin as Angel tightened his embrace.
"Listen. . .Sire. . . ." Pressed up so tightly against the larger body, Spike couldn't help but feel a hardness poking him in the back. "Shagging weakens the legs. This isn't the time."
"What?" A short, disbelieving guffaw as Angel didn't know what surprised him more, his Childe's rejection or his strange words.
"It's true. That's why athletes are told no nobbing right before a game or a fight. Weakens their legs."
"Weakens their. . . ?" Throwing his head back, Angel allowed himself a good laugh. It felt good as it eased his tension. "The night you were conceived, I took out a whole village afterward. It by no means weakened my legs. I'd say I was energized, not drained."
"Oh. . . ." Rolling his eyes, Spike couldn't believe his Sire's gall. "You are so full of shit! Like you knew that same night I had been conceived?"
"I knew." Lying back, half smile on his face, Angel thought back to that night.
"Ri-ight." Another roll of the eyes. "A choir began singing letting you know that. . .that you scored a goal. You are such a bleedin' liar. And I must say, it's a bloody pathetic attempt at sweet talking my pants off. Christ, if you're really that desperate for a shag then. . . ."
"William." Speaking in a whisper. "You just don't want to believe anything I say. I'm not lying to you. Now come. . . ." Rolling on his side, he pulled the younger vampire up against him. "Sleep with me."
Docilely allowing himself to be held, Spike was baffled and confused. He knew that Angel was still aroused, but didn't understand his restraint. Sexual self-control had never been a common practice with his Sire. A strong feeling nagged at him. Nagged that he was missing something important.
**
Running hard, but even so the enemy was gaining on him. Protection was just in front of him. His Sire, tall and imposing was running ahead of him. Screaming at his Father to stop and wait for him. To come back for him. To save him. This time the figure stopped. Turning, he opened his arms to his Childe.
"Sire!" Waking up with a start, Spike felt the strong arms of Angel of around him.
"Another nightmare, Childe?" Voice still husky with sleep.
"Yeah, but it wasn't that bad this time. You stopped for me." Twisting his body around, Spike maneuvered himself on top of the larger body. Nuzzling his face into a strong neck, he could almost taste his Sire's blood. So close, just under the skin.
"Go ahead. Drink from me. Feel my power and know. Know that you are safe with me. Your enemies cannot hurt you when I am here."
Tempted, Spike nipped but did not break the skin. "No. I won't take one drop of your blood. You'll need all your strength to defeat those armored nancy-boys out there." One hand seemed to have a mind of its own though, as it began unbuttoning his Sire's shirt. It wanted to feel skin.
Feeling a slim, but strong hand run over his chest, Angel could feel himself hardening. In one smooth, sudden movement, he flipped over, exchanging positions with Spike. "I'm not allowed to have any kind of. . .release because according to you it will weaken my legs, but there's no reason why you can't have some. . .satisfaction." One hand holding the slighter vampire down, the other working on a jean zipper.
"NO! I. . . ." Starting to protest, but then a cool hand began caressing him, stroking his testicles, and then pumping his shaft. "Ahhh. . . ." Head falling back, Spike couldn't help but moan. "Sire. . .I. . . ."
"Shhh. . .just close your eyes and enjoy. Let me pleasure you for once." Pulling back foreskin, Angel bent down, licking around the crown, paying special attention to the Y shaped web of skin on the underside of the head.
Fingers touched Spike's lips, seeking access. Sucking on Angel's fingers, hips pushing up, he tried to press more of himself into the cool mouth that now engulfed him.
Enjoying the feel of the silky organ in his mouth, Angel let it slide over his tongue. Withdrawing his fingers, now wet with salvia, from Spike's mouth, he began fingering his Childe's smooth entrance, searching for that sensitive spot.
Head thrown back, fingers clutching and unclutching, Spike so wanted to make the intense pleasure last, but feeling his prostate being rubbed, he found he couldn't hold out any longer. Groaning, he pushed up, feeling himself swell as his orgasm flowed through him.
**
Carrying heavy blankets and bags of blood, Wesley made his way through the abandoned building, giving one of each item to the vampires. Arriving at the front room where Angel and Spike were stationed, he worried. The vampires would be so vulnerable to the knights. How could they possibly defend themselves and not get burned up from the sun?
Opening the door, he called for Angel. "Angel, I'm wondering. . . ." The sight before Wesley stopped him in his tracks as he felt the blood rush up to his face. His ex-boss kneeling over a slim figure, performing fellatio!
Doing an about face, Wesley leaped out of the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Standing against the wall, he found himself breathing heavily. Trembling, the realization hit him that the sexual scene he had just witnessed had not repulsed him, but on the contrary, had aroused him.
"Something wrong, Wes?" Coming down the hall, Nic had just finished checking up on all the minions.
"No! Just. . .just. . . ." Flustered, Wesley didn't know how to answer the vampire.
"Everything alright?" Now standing in front of the human, Nic could see his agitation and smell his nervous sweat.
"Fine. Fine. Just waiting a moment. . .just giving Angel a. . . ."
"Did you give Angelus a blanket and blood?" Nic inclined his head at the objects Wesley held in his hands.
"Ahh. . .not yet. Just giving him a few minutes of privacy."
"Privacy? He doesn't need privacy, Wesley. He needs a blanket and something to eat." Nic reached to take the items from the ex-Watcher's hands, but was met with resistance. Wesley found that the blanket was useful in covering the hardness in his trousers.
"Just give him a moment. Trust me." Shifting uncomfortably, Wesley was trying to erase that erotic picture in his head. Trying to regain his self-control. Trying to will himself limp.
Frowning in puzzlement, Nic yanked the blanket from his human ally. "What's got into you, Wes? You know that Angelus needs to have this stuff." Opening the door, he entered the room.
"NO, wait. . . !" Reaching out a hand, Wesley tried to grab the vampire but only came up with air.
The sexual interplay between Angel and Spike did not bother Nic in the least as he lay the blanket and blood on the floor. The only thing he found slightly odd about the whole scene was that his brother, the Sire and High Master was performing oral sex. Vampires in his position were always served. They did not do the serving.
Like a moth to a light, Wesley couldn't resist taking another peek through the now opened door. Again, the eroticism of what was happening in the room hit him like a lightning bolt. Unable to look away, he watched as Angel lowered his head, taking more of Spike in him. Feeling jolts of desire flow through him, while at the same time a separate part of his brain did wonder how the two vampires could continue their pleasure, seemingly unaware of what was going on around them.
"Thought you wanted to give them privacy." Coming back through the door, Nic was grinning wickedly. He now understood Wesley's flustered demeanor.
"Of. . .of course." Turning around so swiftly, Wesley banged his head against the wall. "They hardly seemed conscious of us. They didn't even stop. . . ."
"Why would they stop?" Nic seemed genuinely surprised by the question.
"Why would they stop?" Wesley echoed Nic's question. "If someone were to walk in on me when I was. . .was in the middle of having relations with. . . ."
"Having relations with someone? That's what you call it? Think you're in the wrong century, Wesley." Studying the ex-Watcher from head-to-toe, Nic could see and smell his arousal. "Vampires don't care if someone watches or not. Modesty is not a word in our vocabulary."
"I-I see." Exhaling slowly, Wesley felt the need to be alone. Needing to gather himself, he made his excuses. "I should perhaps go and keep surveillance over the knights. I know it's hard for. . .you. . .you people to be looking out windows in daylight."
"The minions can handle it." Nic was unconcerned as he stepped closer, trapping Wesley against the wall. Reaching out a hand, he began stroking the still semi-hard bulge in the mortal's trousers. "There's a small storage room down the hall. I checked it out. It locks from the inside. . .so you'll have no worries regarding your modesty or privacy."
****