Hell Is In the Details
Call to Judgment
Hell Is In the
Details – Chapter 18 – Call to Judgment
Buffy knew she wasn’t being fair to anyone by refusing to go
upstairs and explain. Lorne knew she was upset… hell, she was sure people heard
her yelling in the next county… but Spike? He’d heard every word of her side of
the ‘conversation’ and she wouldn’t put it past him to have heard some of
Giles’ as well. Damned vampire hearing.
She could feel
Spike’srgy rgy vibrating throughout her body; the little niggle
at the base of her neck and the slight cramp in pit of her stomach – the frequency
uniquely attuned to him as opposed to
the garden variety vampire that let her know he was nearby.
Calm down,
– take the edge off. Maybe go for a run… but not before going upstairs. Buffy collapsed
into the recliner in Lorne’s office – grateful to be alone with her thoughts.
The rest of the conversation with her ex-Watcher was
uneventful, in that there were no more raised voices or derogatory remarks. After
faxing him a copy of the talisman, Buffy filled him in on the events of the
past week, from feeling ‘off’ in Angel’s presence, to Lorne’s little surprise,
to finding out the level of Angel’s deception and treachery – ending with the
cryptic dream, starring Anya, of all people.
As convoluas ias it all was – even she could see the
connections shimmering like a spider’s web… Anya,
with whom Spike had sought comfort in after she,
herself had cut him loose that last time. Who had sought comfort in Spike after
being left at the altar. Anya,
who once pulled her aside after a particularly bitchy Scooby meeting and told
her to fuck him until she was raw and stop pussyfooting around – that vampirefracfractory abilities were not something to be denied, and she so needed many
orgasms to soften her disposition.
Buffy smiled softly to herself. Anya
had really cared foem aem all in her own blunt way. She was the one who spotted
Spike’s shiny new soul, when everyone else was oblivious. Anya
actually looked at people and spoke her heart, much like Spi and and had been
castigated for it – much like Spike.
Death holds no dominion – something that should have been Realizing it couldn’t be put off any longer Buffy clutched He was already yelling as she approached the door. “What the “Oh, you know,” Buffy said, clambering onto the bed to sit Spike snorted. “Knew he was a dodgy old “Don’t you dare!” Buffy leant “Demon girl, huh? She an’ Harris The look on Buffy’s face brought him up short. “Chit never “Andrew said she was so brave – that she died saving his “Luv, I cared for everyone by the “We don’t make threats about draining slay…” B was wasn’t Curious as to the direction Buffy’s conversation had taken, Buffy brought the talisman into view, her brow wrinkling as Spike turned the disc over and over in his hands, feeling “There was this whole garden/flower theme thingy going on in “Why you called Rupes, She nodded. “I told him everything, once he calmed down. Affronted, he turned the most innocent blue eyes her way. Buffy smiled, knowing that for the truth before he’d spoken. Head cocked slightly, eyebrow raised, Spike purred, “ “Spike, cut it out. I’m serious.” “So’m I, pet. Wouldn’t Firming up her resolve, the Slayer cut to the heart of the “No! No way!” “Don’t you understand, Spike? You have to get your strength “Have you lost all Buffy stamped her foot on the nd ind in utter frustration. Spike stared at her, incredulous. “You’ve jumped the tracks, “Then what’s with the denial boy routine? I had to beat He grabbed her by the shoulders, bringing them nose to nose, Buffy pulled back, looking deep into his amber eyes. A phone call jarred them both out of the moment. Lorne came Taking the receiver from Lorne, Buffy motioned for him to “Yes, well good evening, all. We’ll start out with the Spike interrupted. “Chair of judgment.” “Quite right, Spike. Also known as The “Yeah, I’ve heard of ‘em. “Oooh The sound of Giles cleaning his glasses could be heard “Buffy, haven’t you learned by now that wishing brings She closed her eyes tightly, trying to remember her exact “Are you sure, dear, that you didn’t mention anyone else in “Positive, Giles. I was sorta “Oh dear.” “Oh balls.” Spike dropped his head into his hands, knowing “I’ve spoken with Wesley Windham-Pryce. He’d apparently left Lorne was agitated. “Are you telling me that Spike is going “There are other forms of ‘combat,’ Buffy groaned, “What have I done?” “S’alright, Giles cleared his throat. “Look, our knowledge of the “Which would explain why I get the At the incredulous stares from Lorne and Buffy, Spike said, “So, Rupes…,” Spike continued, “can Giles hesitated, no real facts to guide the way. “All that’s Buffy realized her dream was the final item on the agenda. “And the whole ‘gardening/brown thumb’ bit is me worried I’m “I don’t have a clue as to what part I play in it all, but “I’ll do what I can, dear girl. Be careful.” Giles sighed, ~*~ Lorne went to his own room, leaving the Slayer and the Buffy broke the silence first. “So, picking up from where we Oh, if that eyebrow could talk. Which it could, and Buffy “I hate this, pet. I don’t want to hurt you. My demon needs “Look at me, Spike. I’m no longer a little girl. My strength “Do I what?” The vampire was stunned. “Do I trust you? The Buffy looked deeply into his blue eyes, just a little bit “I’ll say this once, slowly and clearly so even a
embroidered on a t-shirt and handed out at every Scooby meeting. Was
it actually matter? The talisman was the first time something had manifested
itself after a dream – usually it was just all cryptic and vague.
the talisman in her hands and went to face the music.
bleedin’ hell did that ponce
say to you that had you screamin’ loud enough to wake
the dead?” Spike’s eyes flashed glitter-bright flecks of gold amidst the blue.
opposite the very angry vampire, “same old, same old. Actually, his first
me he was Queen of England.”
queen. So, what’s the deal with the dream? Heard you screamin’
from that hours ago. I wish…”
forward, clamping her hand over his mouth. “Gods, Sp don don’t say another
. No. No wishing whatsoever. The whole Slayer dream was brought to me by
ever get back together? Were workin’ rather hard on
it, usin’ my cot as a trampoline before…”
made it out of the Hellmouth,” A soft statement of
fact.
life.” She sighed, acknowledging once again that she couldn’t protect everyone.
“I know you… cared for her. ~Awkward much
end. Bloody hell, even the little boy and the whelp.
And I swear I’ll drain you if you ever
tell him I said such a thing.”
angry – her response had been pretty much aaticatic. However… it made her
think. “Spike, how are you feeling? Legs any better?”
he humored her. Spike flexed his legs to the best of his ability, noting the
slightest of improvements. “Well, pet, the legs don’t hurt much anymore.
S’just I won’t be any good in a fight unless I can
stand the bugger to death.”
she thought things out. “Does this look familiar to you?”
distinctly uneasy the longer he held it. “Looks like a coat of arms, pet. An’ I
can feel somethin’ pourin’
out of it – makes my fingers itch. Got some major mojo
attached to it.”
my dream… and I know I was afraid of killthe the flowers. Anya
gave me a book, and said it would help me, but I had to read it. I – I woke up
with it in my hands.” Clearly worried, she said, “Spike, I’ve had lots of
cryptic shit come up in my Slayer dreams before… but I’ve never had something
actually manifest when I woke up.”
it he weren’t extolling m’virtues, what with all the
Angel, you, yesterday’s confrontation and the dream. And I faxed him a picture
of the coat of arms thingy from Lorne’s little ce dce downstairs. He promised
to check it out. Even as far as contacting the Coven to see if there’s
back. Do you think you’ll be able to control yourself for a conference
call?”
An’ if it concerned you, I’d bloody well do my best to keep things calm. I’d
never put your safety at risk.”
“I know, Spike. It’s one of the few things I can count on.” She took a deep
breath, knowing that what followed was likely to be met with an angry refusal.
“We need to talk about your physical condition, and the fact that it’s taking
so long for you to heal. I think I can help, if you’d agree.”
down? Make sure m’muscles get all that individual
attention they crave?”
Buffy’s smile belied her harsh words and tone of voice. “I have a feeling this
talisman is the harbinger of something so not of the good. Important,
but scary.”
hurt to get ‘em massaged. ‘Specially by
someone who isn’t afraid to put her back into it. As for the talisman… it feels
familiar – like it knows me. I don’t like it.”
matter. “That’s it, then. If we’re both weirded out
by it, it doesn’t bode well. And I’m really unhappy that something big is
coming up with you not in top form. Human blood is helping you and
is a Buffy cocktail. You’re gonna have to drink me.”
back. It’s the only way I can think of, and I’m sure it’ll speed thing up. You
need to get your legs back under you, now!”
your marbles, you silly cow? You think I’m goin’ to
sink my fangs into you when I’m weak and not sure of my self control?”
“What the fuck is wrong with you stupid vampires? Does my blood stink or
something? I thought Slayer blood was supposed to be all yummy
pet. Must’ve if you think I don’t want to taste you.”
Angel until his demon took what I…”
his demon to the fore. “Do not compare me to that plonker,”
he growled. “To know that he drank from you fills me with a rage,
from me.
pan
class=GramE>not. him. I won’t hurt the girl –
not anymore”
mistaken him for an emotionless beast? She reached up, gently stroking his brow
ridges, watching his emotions play across his face as he closed his eyes and
leaned into her touch.
upstairs. “Hey there, kiddies. Sorry to interrupt, but
there’s a Mr. Giles is on the line. Says he’s got some important news for you
both about your dream and talisman?”
have a seat, then hit the hands free button. “I’ve put
you on speaker phone, Giles. Lorne and Spike are listening, too. So, what’s the
sitch with the talisman?”
talisman, shall we? It's medieval. A coat of arms, perhaps
– to be presented when going before the Cahair
translated that's…”
Tribunal. Have you heard of it?”
grievances.” He gasped, as realization struck. “Bloody
hell. That explains the itchy feeling I get with the talisman. Don’t
tell me they’re convening the Tribunal on my account?”
in my dream. Someone must have made a wish for vengeance…” Buffy paused; trying
to remember who the idiot was that might have voiced a wish out loud. ~
repeatedly. Idiot present and accounted for, Sir!
figured out two things. One, Anya is more than likely
alive and working as a vengeance demon again on some plane of existence, and
two? I think I made the wish.”
distinctly through the speaker.
nothing but trouble? Could you possibly recall what you wished for? It would go
far in explaining what we’re to expect in the very near future, if my informant
is correct.”
words as she left Angel’s office yesterday. “I think I said something to the
effect of ‘I wish Angel would understand just how wrong what he did to Spike
was.’ I mean, he was so nasty as I was leaving –
telling me I’d ruined his life. He just didn’t understand why everyone was so
upset at what he’d done.”
your wish – that it was specifically aimed at Angel’s actions towards Spike?”
focused girl at the time.”
for certain that his unlife was about to get dragged
into the issue. “Watcher, you mind tellin’ me what’s
got your knickers in a twist over the Slayer’s choice of words?”
Wolfram & Hart temporarily over this whole issue, and was quite willing to help
with the research. Angel’s aped bed before the Tribunal before… as someone’s
Champion. He’d inadvertently murdered the original choice, and ended up taking
their place – winning his battle. The rub here is the Tribunal’s definition of
justice is not as ours. There is usually a physical battle, and the survivor is
deemed the winner. It seems as if the Tribunal is rather arbitrary in meting
out justice. Life or death of an individual doesn't exactly matter – just that
there is a victor.”
to be forced into combat against Angel? It’s signing his death warrant. Where’s
the justice in that?”
or competition as it were. In the event that a fair battle is not possible,
their lives are taken into account. The ‘combatants’ are judged one against the
other, and the one found wanting is usually executed on the spot.”
their fingers. “You’ve done nothing wrong. S’bout
time the world learned that Spike’s a better vampire than Angel ever was. I’ll
be fine,” he said, silently hoping he’d best Angel for the first time in
comparison. He had the distinct feeling that Buffy would take his third death
rather personally.
Tribunal is metaphysical, at best. Outside of Angel’s previous experience,
which I would suggest is moot due to different circumstances,
we have no clue as to what will actually take place. What I do know for
certain, is that the talisman is linked to the person the Tribunal is called
for.”
up the metal disc, feeling the magicks’ itch crawl
through his fingers. Staring at it intently, he said “This time, it’s
personal.”
“What? Second hunk of mystical junk comes my way – this one has its jaws set
specifically for me.” The slight twinkle in his eyes gave away his awareness of
the Spielberg reference.
you tell us when and where this whole judgment deal is goin’
down?”
written is from the appearance of the talisman to the rising of the Tribunal;
it’s no more than a day’s time. The minimal timing is unknown. I suggest going
for a walk outside this evening, and they will rise at their whim.”
“Giles, I’m guessing after your explanation of the Tribunal that the dream is
pretty self explanatory. The whole ‘canceled parade due to rain’ translates
into a difficult trial for Spike… which could possibly end with his third
death.” She glanced at Spike, a soft smile gracing her lips.
gonna mess things all up, and again, Spike might die.
I think I’m noticing a pattern here. This thing is big scary, they don’t play
favorites, Spgetsgets judged against Angel and if he loses, they kill him.
I’m scared to death I’m gonna fuck it all up and
Spike will die.” Buffy rubbed at her temples; the headache forming hurting her
eyes. “There has to be something I can do about this, Giles. Thanks for your help,
and if you come across anything else, please call me. You said it yourself,
time is of the essence.”
and almost as an after thought added, “And Spike, good luck,” before breaking
the connection.
vampire slightly shaken. Both knew Spike faced a battle for his very
been played out – it was just left for the judges tosectsect and compare: Spike
against Angel.
left off, Spike… you need to be able to do more thannd ond on your own two
feet. You need to be able to walk. Time is closing in on us and we can’t be
caught with our pants down.”
tried so hard not to listen to what it was saying.
so much, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop before taking too much.”
has increased over the years, and I’ve always been able to overpower you. Trust
me, I’ll stop you before things go too far. Do you
trust me?”
question should always be: do you trust me?’ I’m the monster here,
heartbroken that after all he’d been through, he still considered himself to be
an untrustworthy monster.
Spike… with my life. Now drink,” Buffy said, holding out her wr
Spike gathered her into his arms, pulling the petite blonde
onto his lap. Raising her wrist to his lips, Spike pressed soft kisses in a
line to the crook of her elbow, where he licked the crease once, twice… before
dropping his human mask, and sliding his fangs ever so gently into the soft
skin. Wrapping her bent arm around his face, he was surrounded by her scent,
suckling gently; as close to heaven as he was ever going to get.
Smoothly retracting his fangs, Spike poked at the wounds
with his tongue, pushing and prodding to encourage a little more blood flow,
thoroughly enjoying the feel of flesh parting around his fangs and fresh from
the source blood in his mouth. Freely given Slayer blood – his mind boggled.
He knew he could give in to sensation so easily. The warmth
of her body against his, the delicate twitching of her thighs as she pressed
down against his hardening length – the delicate ball peen hammer effect of her
arousal filling his nostrils. Surely this was not the wisest of decisions
either of them could have come up with.
And then she moaned.
A low, deep throated sound that shot
straight through to his balcauscausing his grip to tighten on her arm and
around her waist. Spike bucked up against her, grinding his hardness
into her bottom with a painfully delicious friction while she rode him as she
had that first time, pushing down against him until he swore he could feel
every fold and every pulse of her clit against him. Like
going home again.
Buffy’s free hand played in the soft curls at the nape of
his neck, tugging and stroking with equal measure. She could feel the pressure
of his suckling increase as the wounds began to close, knowing that he would
refuse to bite her again to keep them open.
The bed rocked against the wall from the force of their
movements; both of them so close… Spike felt his panic rising even as they
came. Fear of looking into her eyes and seeing that god-awful hollowed out self-hatred
he’d seen far too many times rwarrwards made him nuzzle Buffy’s neck then cling
tightly to her, listening to her calming heartbeat; afraid of what he might see.
Buffy slowly recovered, basking in the afterglow of the bite
and frottage. She’d fully anticipated getting off on the bite, and was sure it
was one of the reasons Spike had been so hesitant to accept her offer. After
all, both were unsure of where they stood with each other, considering last
week Buffy thought Spike was dust, and Spike? Poor thing had been in no
condition to think of anything.
Touching her lips to his head, Buffy whispered, “Spike… you
don’t need to hide. I’m fine, and so are you. Look at me, please.”
Spike raised his head, blue eyes anxiously seeking hers for
confirmation of what he heard in her tone. His relief was palpable. “Oh, what
you do to me, delicious Slayer,” he crooned. “What you’ve gifted me with. I
could…”
With that, he scooped Buffy up into his arms, and bolted
from the bed, twirling her around in a mad and joyous dance.
Buffy grinned, ruffling the ecstatic vampire’s hair so that
he resembled nothing less than a giddy five year old at six in the morning on
Christmas day. “Guess I’ve finally done something right by you, Spike. All that
lying down just was seriously giving me the
<
“Feels so bloody good, luv.
I’ll never be able to thank you enough for givin’ me
back to myself.”
Hol>Holding a pretend mic to her face,
Buffy asked: “William the Bloody – you’ve just gotten your scrawny ass out of
bed after slacking off for the past week. What are you going to do now?”
“Bloody well take the hottest shower I can!” Spike laughed,
tossing Buffy on the bed and running into the bathroom.
~*~
Everyone converged in Lorne’s livingroom
at
it would be best to present a united front to the Tribunal should they decide
to show themselves. The briefing was just that… brief. The actual demands of
this ‘trial’ were unknown, but while the risks to Spike were potentially fatal,
the risks to those in attendance were unknown.
All heads turned when Spike and Buffy appeared at the top of
the stairs. As Buffy descended in the normal fashion, Spike gracefully leapt
over the banister in time to catch his Slayer’s hand as she stepped off the
landing.
“Nice move, dude!” Gunn was impressed. Thefereference
between the catlike grace of the vampire standing before him and the decimated shell
he’d carried out of Danteess ess than a handful of days before was mind
boggling.
Harmony remained quiet. Relief over Spike’s improved
condition did not allay the stress of the past day weighing heavily on her
mind.
“I think we need to motor, cats and kittens.” Lorne was
overjoyed at the vampire’s renewed vigor, simply conveyed by a quick squeeze to
Spike’s shoulder before continuing on. “This is gonna
be big, and I don’t want to explain to the landlord why the house has been torn
apart. Wes has his cell phone with him, and will meet us wherever we end up.”
One by one, they filed out of the house and into the night.
~*~
They walked – no destination in mind – silently moving away “You know this is as cliché as it gets, don’t you?” Buffy Lorne laughed. “I’ll take some of that action, sweetie. A loud rumble filled the air as the ground began to shake. Before moving forward, Spike felt a warm press of lips ~Anya A second figure calls out. “And where are the other parties The clomping of horses’ hooves turned the crowd’s attention “All parties are now present and accounted for. The Tribunal The senior Judge stood, voice loud “I will!” Heads turned once more. Striding forward, fury blazing from
from well populated areas. As if it had been planned, they stopped in front of
a chain link fence.
stood, hands on hips, facing a fenced in abandoned lot. “It’s all ‘
happen?’ written all over it.”
After all…”
Suddenly, three stone thrones rose up from the ground behind the fence,
occupied by mysteriously cloaked figures. A sonorous voice called out: “Who
bears the token and calls forth the Tribunal?”
against his cheek, and a whispered “Good luck, tiger. Just remember to keep
your wits about you and your mouth shut unless asked a direct question.”
fence, placing the talisman on the ground.
involved in this dispute?”
to a strange sight. Two horses approached, each carrying a knight in full armor
and a handcuffed prisoner; Angel on one horse, Pret
on the other.
is now convened. William the Bloody, we call you before this Court to be judged
for your past, present and possible future existence – to judge you worthy of
the Justice the Slayer wished for you against the vampire once known as your
Sire, Angelus of the Aurelian Order.”
enough to rattle the chain link. “William the Bloody, formerly of the
will speak for you? Is there one amongst you whol spl speak on behalf of this
her blue eyes, was Dawn Summers.