The Viking Hunter

Part 1

Spike stumbled into the Magic Box and almost fell on the floor. He would have if Buffy hadn't been close enough to catch him. She helped him to the back room of the shop and sat him on the sofa.

"What happened Spike?"

"New master in town ducks. Old one too. Ran into him and some of his boys outside Willy's"

"How old are we talking here? Angel old? Or the master old?"

"This bloke makes Angelus look like a pre-schooler. Probably older than the master, but no bat-face. Strong though. Could feel his power radiating off of him. His minions are tough too. At least one Childe with him as well. You might want to round up the rest of the cartoon gang luv. This isn't going to be pretty."

Buffy went back out front and picked up the phone. She called Willow and Tara, who were sitting with Dawn, asked them to come to the shop as soon as they could and to be careful. She then called Xander and Anya. She left a message on their machine, they went away for the weekend together but they should be home that night.

When Buffy finished making her phone calls she went up to the loft and told Giles what had happened to Spike. She filled him in on what Spike had told her.

"Oh dear, this certainly doesn't sound good now does it."

"No. Then again, I guess it's never good, is it."

"True. I suppose we should research, try to figure out who the new 'big evil' is. Did Spike give you a name? Or perhaps a description at least?"

"No. He was pretty beat up. I'll get him blood and then I'll ask him."

"Very good. I shall get my books then and join you in the back. Are Willow and Tara coming?"

"Yeah, they're on their way with Dawn. Xander should be by later, I left a message on his machine."

"Right then, off we go."

While Buffy got blood for Spike and headed into the back room Giles went to the shelf in the far corner of the loft and pulled out the watcher diaries he still had. Shaking his head ruefully he descended the ladder to follow his slayer.

Spike opened his eyes and looked up when Buffy entered the room. She handed him the oversized mug of warmed blood.

Spike took it gratefully and flashed her a warm grin.

"Thanks slayer. Right womanly of ya, serving me an all."

"God! Why do I even try to be nice to you Spike?"

"Sorry slay...Buffy. I do appreciate it."

"Okay, can we just get past the part where we're nice to each other and get down to business?"

Spike raised an eyebrow and leered at her.

"So not what I meant Spike! Do you know who this new 'big bad' is?"

"Oi! m'still the 'big bad' here pet! But no, I never seen this un before."

"Well tell me what he looks like then, maybe Giles can look him up in one of his watchery books."

"Uh, tall. About 6 foot 5 maybe? Blonde hair, shoulder length, kinda wavy. Blue eyes. Was wearing real expensive clothes. Oh, an' he had a large silver ring on his middle finger, left hand."

"Okay, good description to start with. Did he say anything while he was kicking your ass?"

"Hey! I resent that. He actually never touched me. Had about six of his boys work me over. He and his Childe watched from a few feet away. He never said anything except 'that's enough. Let him go now.' then they just left an' I came here."

Giles who had been standing in the doorway long enough to hear the description Spike had given Buffy as well as the story on how he acquired his injuries, now stepped into the room.

"Um, how exactly is it that you know his companion was his Childe?"

"Can just tell is all. Look mate, it's a vampire thing. We can sense the difference between Childer and minions. Plus they scented almost the same. They're close, very close it you get my meaning."

"Oh, yes well, I'll take your word for it. Could you tell us what his Childe looked like?"

"Sure, not quite as tall, muscular build, not bulky though. He had brown hair, 'bout the shade of the whelps. Didn't see his face, so I couldn't tell you much more. Except that he was wearing jeans and a coat. Didn't match what his Sire was wearing at all."

"Hmm, perhaps the two of you should do a quick patrol, nothing dangerous. I'll have the girls help me with the research when they get here."

Buffy got up and headed for the door. Spike followed, muttering under his breath about having to patrol while injured. As soon as Buffy and Spike were out of the shop Giles picked up the phone and dialed LA. He hated having to involve Angel in this but he had a sneaking suspicion on the identity of this master vampire. If it was who he thought it was they might need some help.

"Angel Investigations. We help the hopeless."

"Ah, Angel? Is that you?"

"Rupert? Is everything okay in Sunnydale?"

"No, things are possibly as far from okay as they have been in a long time."

"Tell me what's going on. Is it Buffy?"

"No, Buffy is fine. Spike on the other hand, well he may be in considerable danger."

"Spike is no longer my concern."

"Have you ever met up with a vampire that goes by the name of Thor?"

"Oh shit!"

"My sentiments exactly. By the description given, not to mention how they roughed Spike up and then let him go, I'd say it was him."

"Do you need me to come there?"

"No, not just yet. But be ready in case I change my mind."

"Of course. I don't have to tell you to be careful."

"No but you just did."

"I'll wait for your call. Goodbye Rupert."

"Goodbye Angel."