Nocturnal Bravura Book Two: The Healing

Angelus

The main hallway seemed endless as they fought their way down its length. Spike’s minions were no match for the lethal combination of William and Angel.

They moved inexorably towards the main room of the mansion, hearing the murmur of voices inside.

Angel motioned to William to take the right while he moved to the left. As they entered William saw Spike, Dalton, Willow and Lizzie standing in a loosely grouped circle.

Spike wasted no time in launching himself at his brother. The fought viciously, so involved in their deadly dance that neither of them noticing Angel moving closer to Buffy.

“GENTLEMEN!”

In mid-scuffle they stopped, Spike sensing danger the second Angel laid his hands on his mate. He jumped off of his brother and took a step towards Buffy then froze as Angel pull out a stake. With one arm around her neck to subdue her struggles, he aimed the stake at her heart.

“BUFFY!!!!” Spike screamed, his demon emerging to protect its mate.

Angel’s face shifted into his demon visage. “Kindly step away Spike.” he sneered.

Spike stopped immediately, knowing that Angel would not hesitate to shove the stake into his Love’s chest.

William felt impotent rage swell within him. Their agreement was that Lizzie was not to be harmed in any way.

“What the HELL are you doing?”

“Is everything ready Dalton? Angel asked, calling the smaller man to his side.

Dalton slithered forth and reached into Angels pocket. Drawing out a gun he leveled it at Williams head.

“Everything is in place, Master.” He said, tossing a smug grin at Spike.

“I’d like to thank you for doing all my dirty work. I mean, how else was I going to haul this hunk of rock here, find a witch powerful enough to cast the spell, AND have that last essential component needed to open the Hellmouth?” Angelus laughed. “What did the spell say? Blood. Powerful blood with both human and inhuman qualities. A bit of a paradox if you aren’t a Slayer turned Vampire.”

“You’re daft bastard! What the hell are you jabbering about?” Spike raged. His eyes never left his princess as she trembled with fear in Angelus’ tight grip.

“You, Spike. Your blood. Slayer and vampire. Human and inhuman. It’s your blood will open the portal.” Angelus explained, laughing evilly. “I do wish you could see the expression on both of your faces. The Slayer and The Great Master; had by little ole me.”

He leered down at Buffy.

“And neither one of them will touch me because of you, little one. I wonder what makes you so special? Too bad I can’t find out right here and now.” Angelus said, taking in her scent.

Buffy let out a whimper.

Both William and Spike took a step forward, a vicious warning growl rumbling from Spikes throat.

Buffy’s tears spilled down her cheeks as she reached for Spike. “Daddy?”

Angelus pressed the stake harder against her chest as Spike moved closer. A dot of blood appeared under the tip of the stake.

“Don’t move, Princess. Daddy will get you out of this.” Spike said softly, trying to soothe her.

Angelus pointed at the statue.

“Now if you would be so kind?”

Spike walked to the statue and stood before it with his hands fisted at his sides.

“You know, it’s not all about the apocalypse, Spike. It’s also about revenge.” Angelus sneered.

“Step on your toes mate?” Spike smirked

“I just want to watch your face when you watch me take you mate away from you the same way you took mine.” Angelus spat.

Spike thought for a moment.

Mate...

He took looked at the man in front of him a note of familiarity hit his senses. This man was of his vampiric line.

His Mate...

“Darla…” He whispered.

“What a bad boy you are, staking our Sire like that. I was mated to her just like you are to this pretty one. You should have known there would be consequences to your actions, boy! NOW GO! I can‘t wait to see how the world ends.” Angelus roared.

Spike took another step toward the statue, then abruptly changed course. In a flash he was on top of Angelus and Buffy fell away to the side; curling herself into a ball.

William was torn, not knowing who to go to first. Buffy or Willow. Spike and Angelus had all but forgotten him. Now was his chance to grab the two girls and make a run for it. He started towards Willow, knowing that he might need her help to subdue Buffy into leaving Spike here.

But he had forgotten about Dalton Avery.

Without hesitation, Dalton raised the gun and shot William. The bullet entered his shoulder, slamming him into the wall.

“WILL!” Willow screamed as her friend slumped to the floor, grimacing in pain.
Dalton turned and leveled the weapon at her head.

“Not very effective against vampires but works so well on humans. Even supernatural humans like Slayers.” He turned the gun back to William once he was certain he had Willows undivided attention. “Start the spell, young witch, or watch your friend die.”

“If I do your stupid spell we all die anyways.” Willow challenged

Dalton squeezed off another round, this time grazing Williams thigh.

“So true, but MY way is much slower and infinitely more painful for your young Slayer.

Do the spell. NOW!” the vampire flunky yelled.

Willow started chanting, crying as she did so.

A red light started to glow from the statue.

The door near Spike and Angel burst open. Anya, Oz and Xander ran in.

Xander and Oz quickly took down Dalton, pinning the enraged vamp beneath them.

“WILLOW! STOP!” Oz screamed.

It was too late.

The spell was finished....

The earth began to rumble underneath them.

“Sir, the blood! The blood and the portal will open!” Dalton screamed at Angelus.

Angelus and Spike continue to fight.

Rupert crashed into the room with the sword.

“WILLIAM!” He cried out, running toward his youngest son. Gathering him up in his arms, he fought the urge to hold on to him. If William didn’t act fast the world as they knew it would end this night.

“The sword! You must strike the statue with the sword!” Rupert yelled, helping Will to stand and handing him the weapon.

Groaning with pain, William forced himself to walk towards the statue.

Angelus kicked Spike in the gut freeing himself long enough to grab William and land him a vicious blow to the chest. William landed on his back, gasping for breath. Straddling him, Angelus quickly shifted into his demon visage and plunged his fangs towards Williams neck.

Rupert threw himself on top of Angelus but was knocked away without effort. Rupert fell heavily, the Orb spilling out of his pocket.

Angel grinned was feral as he began to descend on William’s throat again. He had barely nicked the skin when he was hit broadside by an extremely pissed off Spike.

Buffy, who had until this point been rocking back and forth in the corner, saw the orange ball rolling toward her...