Dark Soul

When they entered the hallway Puppy was holding on to Xander like a life-line. He was shaking and his whole body shivered in Xander's arms. It caused Xander to feel an aching in his heart. Whatever had been able to break this 250-year-old master vampire was partly his fault. In time hopefully he would be able to help Puppy heal.

Puppy whimpered and his body began to go rigid in Xander's arms. "Shh. I got you don't worry. We're out of the cell now. What's wrong?" he asked in genuine concern. Puppy looked up at him and then placed his head on Xander's shoulder.

"Thank you," Puppy mumbled into his shoulder. Those simple words sent shivers up Xander's spine. Something about Puppy called out to him and he felt protective of him. Yes, he was younger. Yes, when Puppy came back to full strength he'd be stronger, but that didn't matter. He made a secret vow at that point that as long as he was still standing Puppy would be under his protection.

"We aren't out of this yet. Just hope for the best OK," he said and laid a small kiss on Puppy's temple. It was time to get out of this place and start over. He knew the next stop on their escape route was the Bronze. It would mostly likely be dangerous for the two of them. If it were he by himself he could easily leave Sunnydale without anyone noticing. However with Puppy it was a whole different story. Most vampires in Sunnydale knew of Puppy. The Master made a spectacle of his enslavement by parading him around in chains as other vampires stared and laughed.

Now that he thought about it he became upset. He knew back then he didn't care. Hell, he was one of the ones who laughed and spit on the chained and beaten vampire. But it hurt like hell. When he and Puppy got out of this he would make sure he'd spend every waking second making it up to him. Puppy was his now and nothing would harm a single hair on his head as far as he was concerned.

They slowly crept down the dark halls of the factory. Keeping to the shadows Xander made a quick dash to the exit. There were two vampires guarding the exit and there was no other way around it, he had to go pass them. He took a look at Puppy praying to a god that didn't want them that his Puppy would be safe. Taking a deep unneeded breath, he slowly crept out of the shadows and made his way to the exit.

"Hold it there. What the hell do you think you’re doing with that?" the vampire on the left asked. Xander had seen both these vampires before. They were both about a year turned and were always either watching the factory or any other of the Master's holdings. Both were somewhat experienced fighters, he could handle them easily. But given the fact that he didn't want to risk Puppy he wasn't sure he'd be able to take them both.

"I'm taking Puppy to the Bronze. The Master has requested his presence," he said. Hopefully they weren't stupid enough to question a superior. In Luke's absence he was the Master's right hand. It would take real stupidity to challenge him.

"Well if you’re taking him to the Bronze where are his chains?" the one on the right asked. It was true he didn't have the chains. The Master had only allowed Willow to take Puppy out only a few times. On those infrequent times Puppy had been shackled with his arms behind his back and a steel collar around his neck. Puppy was always too weak to walk or crawl so he would be dragged. Soon they had to stop because without proper feeding Puppy would fall to pieces.

Willow was upset after the last time she’d taken her pet out. Because The Master had ordered her to feed Puppy more than his usual one meal a week in order to heal the vampire. She wasn’t allowed to play with her pet while he healed either. She’d forgotten to feed him, and afterward decided she didn’t care for taking Puppy out any longer. It was too much hassle for the redhead vampiress.

"I couldn't find them and I'm running a bit late. So if you'll please get the fuck out of my way, I can get going," he said with a growl. No way would they be stupid enough to cross him. As long as he made sure that they didn't find out about his soul he would be fine. This meant he had to act just like his old self. He thought it odd that his old self was only a few hours in his past, but he mentally shrugged and stared down the two vampires.

"I know where they are. Here I'll get him chained and bring him right back to you," the one on the left said as he reached his hands over to grab Puppy from his arms. Puppy stared at the hands with wide eyes and started shaking uncontrollably. He put his head back on Xander's shoulder and clung to him so tightly that if Xander had needed to breathe he wouldn't have been able to.

Xander grabbed Puppy and held him close as he stepped back from the vampire. "I don't need your fucking help. So take your fucking hands away. You know the rules; no one touches Puppy without the Master's express permission. So stay the fuck back unless you want to lose those hands," he snarled. How dare that vampire have the gall to touch what was his. Puppy was under his protection now. Anyone who touched him was in for a world of hurt.

With a sigh the vampire pulled away. " Fine. But that filth should know it's place and be properly bound. Fucking piece of shit," the vampire snarled at Puppy. Puppy was now shaking so uncontrollably that Xander didn't know if he'd be able to keep hold of the vampire in his arms. All he could do was hold on tighter.

"Back the fuck off already. You should know your place. So unless you want me to mangle you, or better yet give you to my childe. I suggest you keep that mouth of yours shut as long as you’re in my presence," he said coldly.

The vampire glared at him before nodding in agreement. "Move," Xander commanded. The vampire moved out of his way and Xander walked toward the exit. But before he left he had to teach the stupid vampire a lesson for pissing him off. So he lay Puppy's legs on the ground, supporting his upper body with one arm, then he punched the vampire as hard as he could sending it across the room. "Don't piss me off again," he said before swooping Puppy back into his arms and walking out of the factory.

As they left the vampire on the floor motioned for his counterpart to come closer.

"I want you to rally up a few men and follow them. Something isn't right and I know that bastard is hiding something," the one on the floor said.

The one standing simply nodded and ran out of the factory to follow Xander and Puppy.

***

When they reached the Bronze Xander looked around and made sure to stay away from all the other vampires. What he needed wasn't too far and hopefully he'd get there without any problems. What he needed were some wheels. Something that he could leave Sunnydale in safely without being threatened by impending sunlight. He obtained this certain set of wheels a few years ago and although it was a pile of crap it held true.

He entered the empty alleyway behind the Bronze and found what he was looking for. A broken up, piece of crap, black Desoto. Although he personally didn't like it, it was all there was for now. The memories that came with the car were priceless to him. They still made him laugh to this day.

***

A few years ago two vampires came to Sunnydale looking for a certain someone. Apparently they were kin and what they needed was blood. Puppy's blood as it turned out. Xander remembered the pair well. One was a cocky British vampire with platinum blond hair. The other was a loony dark haired woman who talked only about the stars and her doll, Miss Edith.

When they first met Xander had taken a liking to the blond vampire. Although he wasn't as cruel as Xander himself he still knew how to have a good time. They had gone out drinking, beer and humans of course. They spent most nights picking up humans off the street and Xander brought them back to torture them. But the blond never participated in the torture. He simply watched with a watery mouth as Xander did his work. When asked why he liked to watch the blond told him that he reminded him of his sire. Xander didn't know who the blond was talking about so he dropped it and enjoyed the other vampire’s company.

Being a vampire Xander had no worries about sexual orientation. So one night he simply took the blond to the bed he and Willow shared. Xander knew that his undead heart belonged to Willow, but monogamy wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Plus he enjoyed pounding into the firm muscular backside of the blond for long hours into the night.

All good things must come to an end and one night the two vampires had to leave Sunnydale. Apparently the dark haired woman needed Puppy's blood to heal her from injuries she gained in Europe. She and the blond grabbed Puppy from his cell one evening and took him to a local church were they performed a ritual that would have killed Puppy. Xander didn't care but Willow was another story. She didn't like the dark haired vampiress and was furious that they had taken her Puppy.

They ran to the church where Willow confronted the crazy vampiress in a showdown. Xander simply stepped back and watched the show as the two went at it.

The dark haired vampiress was strong since she had drained massive amounts of Puppy's blood. But Willow was cunning and swift and was able to match her move for move. Eventually the odds turned in Willow's favor as she began to beat on the dark haired vampiress furiously. Xander stood back and laughed as his Willow bested a vampire who was over a hundred years her senior. His Willow was magnificent. Nothing or no one rivaled her in his eyes.

When things began looking down for the crazy dark vampiress, the blond stepped out of the shadows and began beating on Willow. Although Willow was experienced she was no match for the blond. Xander became furious that anyone had the nerve to attack his Willow. Although he liked the blond he couldn't let him get away with hurting his beloved. So he pounced and attacked the blond full force.

The blond was stronger and more agile than he, but Willow had regained her consciousness and joined in. Together he and his Willow were able to beat the blond back. It looked like they were about to win when the blond grabbed his dark haired counterpart and ran off into the night. Xander never saw him again and didn't care. All he knew was that if he ever saw that bastard again he would rip the head off his body.

A few days later Xander had found the Desoto near the factory. Apparently the British vamp hadn't had the time to come pick it up before cowering off into the night. Since that night Xander used the car whenever he felt so inclined after all, it was his now.

***

Xander laid Puppy beside the car as he took the bag from his shoulder and searched for the keys to the Desoto. Eventually he found them and made his way to Puppy. Placing his hand on Puppy's hair he slowly massaged the scalp. " OK time to leave. Just me and you now."

"You and who exactly," came a voice from behind.

Xander turned his head and noticed four vampires emerge from the shadows. He growled in anger as he realized that two of the vamps were the ones from the factory. They followed him and he had been stupid enough not to think his little stunt wouldn't have drawn attention. Cursing himself in his mind he growled loudly before speaking.

"You fucking followed me. You’re going to pay for that," he said as he walked over to the group. He had to make sure that they didn't get to Puppy.

"I'm not going to pay for anything. You’re the one that’s outnumbered. When the Master finds out about your betrayal he is going to be so angry. Imagine the reward I'm going to get for bringing in your sorry ass," the vampire laughed. It was the same one he'd punched in the factory.

"Well pardon me for asking. But before I kill you, how about a name," Xander glared at the vampire.

"Not that it matters but it's Warren. I'm going to make you and that little Puppy mine. I'll take that as my reward when I turn you in," Warren said matching Xander's glare.

Xander scowled. "Just fucking get on with it already. I'm getting bored here."

With that the four vamps attacked him. Xander didn't have anything so he stood his ground as one jumped on top of him. The vampire raised it's fist in the air just as Xander caught it and punched it straight in the jaw – sending it flying off him.

Another two attacked with stakes and Xander wasn't sure how he was going to make it if he didn't end it quickly. When one of the vampires got close Xander grabbed its arm and snatched the stake from its hand. Then he quickly jabbed it into its chest. When the vampire became dust Xander noticed the other vampire running toward him. He couldn't move out of the way as the vampire flung the stake down and it pierced through his right leg. He gasped in pain before grabbing the stake in his hand and shoving through the vampire’s heart.

With two down he quickly turned to the one that lay on the ground, still out from his punch to the face. He grabbed the stake in his leg and yanked it out before moving to the unconscious vampire and shoving through his chest. With three down he turned and scanned for Warren. The vampire hadn't even attempted to attack him and Xander wasn't sure what his deal was. He went to Puppy's side and noticed Warren standing above him.

Warren was waving a stake in front of Puppy's face, taunting him. Xander watched in shock as Warren raised his hand, and in what seemed to be in slow motion bring the stake down. Xander wouldn't make it and he was frozen. Puppy was going to get killed. * His * Puppy was going to get killed and he couldn't do anything about it.

"NO!" he screamed.

Before the stake was brought down on Puppy a feminine hand came out of nowhere and grabbed Warren's hand. It was a vampire. It was Willow.

She quickly bent the hand back, snapping it in two. "My Puppy," she said before putting her hand around Warren's head and yanking it off his body. Warren quickly turned to dust as Willow turned to face Puppy.

Puppy was shaking his head crying, " No. No. No." He chanted. Willow only smiled at him and reached out to cup his cheek.

Xander grabbed Willow and yanked her off to the side. Making sure to keep her out of Puppy's sight. It hurt him watching Puppy become so weak in front of her. If he could help it he would make sure that he never had to see Willow again. But he wouldn't kill her. He just couldn't.

"Xander why do you have my Puppy?" she asked with a saddened look upon her face.

Xander cupped her cheek and gave her a kiss." I'm just taking him for the night. I'll bring him back tomorrow OK. I just want to play with Puppy and then I'm putting him back in the cell." He tried not to choke on his words. Nothing was going to force him to bring Puppy back there. * Nothing *.

"Oh," she smiled." Xander's going to play with my Puppy. Can I watch?" Even though she was evil she was completely child like. Xander remembered the loony vampiress and realized why she and Willow never got along - they were too much alike. He laughed mentally before passionately kissing his Willow.

"No Wils. I have plans for Puppy. Just him and me. You go back to the factory and wait for me. We'll be back before dawn."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. " Xander's going to play with my Puppy. Tomorrow we can play together Xander. It'll be fun."

"Yeah Wil. I know," he gave her a small smile and kissed her again. A final kiss. He knew then that he would never see Willow again and it broke his heart. He just couldn't, it was over. He had to let go. "Bye Wils."

"Bye baby," she said and disappeared into the shadows.

With a sigh Xander turned back and went to Puppy. He knew Puppy was his life now. He was dedicated to Puppy and now he could start with trying to heal the broken vampire.

He found Puppy leaning against the car crying. It cut him deeply watching the vampire sob. Puppy really believed that Willow was there to claim him. When he looked closer he saw something in Puppy's hands. It was the stake Warren dropped before Willow pulled his head off. Puppy was bringing it up and was about to sink it into his chest.

Xander darted out and grabbed the stake from his hands. " What the fuck are you doing?" he growled.

Puppy started shaking with fear and looked down. " Please. Please don't take me back. I don't want to go back. Stake me * please *. I don't want to go back." He grabbed Xander's shoulders and sunk his face in his chest. " Please, please, please, please," he cried.

Xander then realized that Puppy had overheard everything he had said to Willow. He kicked himself mentally for choosing those words.

Grabbing Puppy's face he forced him to stare into his eyes. " Puppy what did I tell you before I set you free?" he asked calmly.

Puppy stared into his eyes with tears streaming down his face. " Th- Tha- That you wouldn't let anyone hurt me."

"Yes that's exactly what I said. It's a promise. I'll * never * take you back there. And I'm promising that as long as you’re with me. As long as I'm standing. You'll never be harmed. You’re * mine *."

Puppy flung his arms around Xander and buried his head deep into the younger vampire’s chest. " I'll be good I promise. I don't want to go back," he said softly.

Xander pulled Puppy's face up and met his eyes. Puppy really was beautiful and Xander couldn't help himself. He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Puppy's lips.

"Never," he whispered.

Grabbing Puppy he opened the door to the car and got inside. Placing Puppy in the passenger seat he strapped himself in. " OK let's go," he said with enthusiasm.

He leaned over and placed a kiss on Puppy's temple.

"How does L.A. sound?"

TBC