Child of the Hellmouth

Child of the Hellmouth
calikocat
word count: 7995

XXX

Complete darkness. That's all there was. The complete absence of light. It was the kind of darkness that could only be found deep inside the earth, where sunlight never strayed. Which was freaky-weird because he was still in his room...on his bed, and he'd know his bed anywhere. However that's all he could see. Actually, he wasn't entirely sure his eyes were even open. He tried to moved his hands, he only wanted to feel his face and determine whether or not his eyes were open or closed...or there at all. His arms wouldn't move.

“Well crap.” At least he could still talk.

A scuffling caught his attention and he strained to listen. It was a soft sound, little footsteps in the darkness, growing closer. The sounds of the footfalls were muted, as if padded. Sudden pressure on the bed by his feet made his heart race and he wondered if it would leave him behind trapped in whatever this was...and he hoped to god or Koenma or whoever that this was a dream. 'Cause if it wasn't...”Crap.”

It...whatever it was, moved, walking beside him, casually strolling towards his head. The thing climbed up on his chest and he felt little pinpricks there as its weight settled on him. It wasn't heavy which was a relief, except for the little shots of pain, but they weren't even that bad. It moved again and Xander felt something soft bump against his chin.

And suddenly his eyes were open, the morning sun filled the room and he blinked. “Weird dream.” His eyes landed on the Spirit Egg Koenma had given him, and it all clicked. “Couldn't you have found a less creepy way to communicate?” He reached for it and tapped it, it was warm to the touch.

The egg had changed over the summer, it was still green, though a lighter shade, and it had gotten bigger. Which was weird because Yusuke said his egg never changed. He sighed. “If you're pissed about not getting carried around anymore it's your own fault. You shouldn't have gotten bigger.” He tapped it again, gently and it shifted. “Gonna hatch soon then? I'll try to be here when you do...but cut it out with the freaky dreams.” He rolled his eyes. “We will never tell Yusuke about this conversation...ever.”

With a grunt, he rolled out of bed and began the search for his clothes. He'd have to do laundry soon; his Mom never got to such things anymore what with her sudden freedom and social life taking up a lot of her time. At least she still ate dinner with him a couple of nights a week. Hmm...maybe if he cooked she'd eat at home more...then again an absent parent meant it was easier to sneak in late after patrolling.

Soon enough he'd located clean clothes and was out the door and coasting to school on his skate board. It was faster than walking, and slightly more stylish...not to mention his balance was way better after all the working out. Hmm...I'd better run tomorrow morning. Lost in his thoughts and not looking forward to another day in Snyder's domain, he almost missed the guy trying to get his attention as he passed the Expresso Pump. He stopped and looked at the guy...well, make that demon.

“Morning Clem.”

Clem was an acquaintance Yusuke had made when he'd visited and ever since then Clem would stop him and asked about his brother whenever he saw Xander.

“Morning Xander. You got time to sit and have a latte with me?”

Clem was dressed in his usual going out in daylight gear, his wide brimmed hat sort of hid his ears and the trench coat looked way too warm.

“Nah, gotta get to Hell High...don't you get hot in that coat?”

Clem shrugged. “A little, but it's not too bad. How's your brother?”

“Last time I talked to him he was fine, happily married and workin' in his in-laws' shop while she takes college classes.”

“She's a smart girl, huh.”

“Yup.”

“You really don't have time to hang out?”

Xander grinned. “Not today man, but we're still on for this weekend, right? Saturday, Star Trek marathon and Cheesy Puffs?”

“Definitely!”

“Cool.”

“Good Morning Xander!”

Xander and Clem both jumped as Botan seemingly popped into existence beside him.

“Jesus Botan! Don't do that!” He glanced at the very large frothy caffeinated beverage she held in her hands. “Just how many of those had you had?”

She smiled at him. “This is my first of the day.”

“Dear god.” He shook his head at her and caught Clem watching Botan curiously. “Oh, right. Botan, this is Clem, a local neutral. Clem this is Botan, Reikai's top Guide.”

Clem's eyes grew impossibly wide. “Really?”

Botan waved. “Nice to meet you Clem.” He nodded a her.

Xander snickered. “So find a place yet?”

She produced a copy of the local paper from places unknown and waved it around. “Not yet. Care to give me a hand?”

He shook his head. “I've really gotta get going, Snyder's probably still on the war path and I don't want to be an easy target. But Clem's lived in Sunnydale his whole life so he could probably tell ya all about where not to buy a house.”

Botan smiled at Clem. “Would you mind?”

Clem grinned at her. “Never could refuse a pretty lady.”

Xander nodded. “Cool, I'll see you guys later.” He waved as he pushed off and skated down the street.

Botan watched him go for a bit before sitting beside Clem at his table. “Thank you for this. I've been staying with a friend and though we're good company, he's seeing someone and doesn't want to explain my staying at his home.”

Clem shook his head. “It's fine. You really from Reikai?”

She nodded. “Yep, Koenma's special assistant and now solely assigned to the hellmouth.”

“Really? Heck of job.”

She shrugged and took a sip of her drink. “I requested it as a favor to Yusuke. Someone's got to keep an eye on Xander.” She looked at him thoughtfully. “He's not telling his brother everything so I'm here to watch his back.”

Clem snorted. “Kids today. They try to do more than they should. Xander is a decent sort of guy though. And no demon here will kill him. Gotta say the Anointed One cut it close when his minions grabbed the others.”

“Idiot vampire child.” She shook her head. “So, about this list of mine.”

xxx

Xander sighed and watched his best friend as she nervously bounced in place while students strolled past them sedately in comparison. A person would think she was the one in trouble instead of Buffy.

Snyder, being the evil little man that he was, had waited until the end of the day to call Buffy, and Sheila, into his office for a little chat. Poor Buffy had been anxious all day, stressing out and as a side effect, making Willow jittery. The Bastard really knew how to prolong misery. So he had led Willow outside, hoping the fresh air would calm her down. He should have known better.

“What do you think he'll do to her?” Willow asked, glancing at him.

“No idea, I'm not an evil little troll-person.”

Willow went on as if she hadn't heard him. “What if he expels her? What if he tells Mrs. Summers! She'll have to move again! I don't wanna lose Buffy! He's probably making her clean out her locker right now! You think if we give him a concussion he'd forget about expelling her? I could distract him and you could hit him with one of Giles' books and then we could--”

Xander put his hand over her mouth. “Relax. Now I'm going to let go and you're gonna remember how to breathe. Right?” She nodded, and he let her go.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.”

“But do you think he'll expel her?”

“Don't know, let's find out.” He smiled and pulled her towards the doors where Buffy and Sheila had just come out.

“Why is she with Sheila?” Willow muttered as they got closer.

“We can work on the banners tomorrow and then figure out the menu.” Buffy said, hands shoved in her pockets dejectedly.

“Yeah, sure whatever. Meat Pie!” Sheila strolled away from them, toward an older guy with long hair.

“Snyder making you guys his own personal slaves?” Xander asked.

Buffy nodded at him. “Snyder's got his two worst students hosting Parent Teacher night.” She sighed. “You think any other Slayers had to Slay and survive high school? I mean I should get at least a few get outta jail free cards...although I think Sheila might need them more than me. Did you know she stabbed a teacher with pruning sheers? What's her deal anyway?”

“She's scary, not even the football team bothers her.” Willow grinned and bounced in place.

“She won't do her homework, and they can't make her for fear of her skill with sharp objects.” Xander smirked. “You should probably keep her away from scissors or any other potentially dangerous things.”

“Great. I have to slay, do Parent Teacher night, keep Snyder away from my Mom and keep Sheila from maiming anyone.”

Xander rolled his eyes. “Stop worrying, you'll do fine. It'll be a nice get-together for parents to learn and Snyder to plot. As longs as nothing bad happens—Ow!” He glared at both girls. “What was that for?”

Buffy glared back. “You just jinxed us in a majorly bad way!”

Willow nodded and gave him her best disappointed face. “What were you thinking! Bad Xander!” With one last glare both girls stomped off leaving him blinking in confusion.

“I did not just jinx us!” He yelled after them. “...Well I hope not anyway.” He shook his head and turned around to go back inside the school. He had training with Giles first today.

xxx

Xander kicked a pebble off the sidewalk and sighed. He'd been distracted during the session with Giles and the Watcher just didn't understand what was bothering him, and he'd even tried to explain it. However it seemed there were some things that just couldn't bridge the generation gap. The unwritten law of the jinx was apparently one such thing. Giles had done the eye roll thing, and followed it up with a put-upon sigh when Xander had explained why he was distracted. Adults just didn't get it, a jinx was a big deal. He just hoped the girls would forget about it by tomorrow...well he figured Buffy would. Snyder was on her case so often now that she barely had time to breathe much less be mad at him.

He wondered if there was something he could do about Snyder. Maybe if he revealed that his brother was the guy who scared the pants off the troll he could get some leeway. However he hated to use that particular trump-card this early in the year. It could come in handy during an emergency.

“Stupid Snyder.” He grumbled and glanced at his watch. If he hurried he could make it home in time to possibly see his mom before she went out and he had to patrol. Maybe he could even convince her to stick around for a little stir-fry before she left. With a small and hopeful smile he had just started to cross the street when he heard an engine roar. The car came up on him so fast he barely dove out of the way in time. He rolled in the grass and rose in a crouch taking a moment to flip off the driver before checking himself for injuries.

“Crazy asshole.” He patted himself down and discovered no new aches or pains and nodded in satisfaction. “Better get home before something else happens.” He shivered in the balmy night air as he gazed at the fading tail lights. “I really hope I didn't jinx us.”


Inside the car, behind blacked out windows a weak giggle drifted out and caressed the driver's ears. “We nearly ran down the prince.”

Blue eyes met brown. “Should I try better next time love?”

“No no. Should the prince die the King will be ever so cross and raze the town before we can paint it pretty and red.”

“Raze the town eh? Sounds like my kind of bloke.”

xxx

The Anointed resisted the urge to smack down his cocky minion. Maybe he'd only been dead for a year but he wasn't an idiot, there was no way this fool could take down the Slayer. She'd proved herself to be a formidable opponent even before she'd killed the Master. He almost sighed in relief when the stranger appeared and distracted the minion from his crowing.

The newcomer had walked in with a swagger, like he was entitled to everything in his path. This was no Fledge, this was a master vampire, and not just any master. The Anointed could feel the familiar thrum of power. Power he could only associate with the line of Aurelius, the stranger was of the Master's blood. He didn't feel old but he was strong, with the potential to be much stronger. A single blow was all it took and his minion was out cold on the floor. Pathetic, and the idiot on the floor thought he could take out the Slayer.

“So, what do you lot do for fun around here? Besides knocking Nancy Boy here on his back?”

The Anointed tilted his head to better observe the newcomer. The Master had never mentioned this vampire. Darla had been his favorite, and her Childe Angelous a vicious prodigy. But this one...he was odd, he'd never seen a vampire who dyed their hair. “Who are you?”

“Spike.” The blond stepped forward, gracefully avoiding the unconscious vampire on the floor. “You're that Anointed bloke.” He grinned. “I've read about you.” That statement said a lot, most vampires didn't pay attention to legends or prophecies. But the Master had taught him many things. One was, clever vampires are rare. Another was that such creatures don't follow orders well. Spike stepped a little closer. “Heard there was a Slayer problem here, normally you kill them and the problem goes away.”

Interesting. “Could you do it?”

“Could I?” For some reason Spike seemed amused. “Killed my first Slayer before I was a hundred, did my second in the late seventies--” He paused and turned to face another vampire who seemed to have wandered in. His minions were very bad at keeping his lair secure. He started to glare at the minion beside him when she caught his eyes.

The newest arrival would have made his blood freeze had he still been human. He could tell she was different, a seer probably. Damaged but powerful. The Master had spoken of vampires with additional powers, powers over the mind, the ability to see what was hidden. He watched her warily as she seemed to float towards him in her simple white gown as she rambled about daisies. Definitely damaged. But what was most intriguing was that same thrum of power. This Drusilla was Aurelius blood.

She met his eyes again as Spike wrapped his coat around her. “Have you met the Prince yet? Sweet little Prince with the pouting eyes.” She giggled and Spike smiled adoringly at her. Only a Childe would worship their Sire with such a look, he wondered who the heck had turned the loony seer.

“Me and Dru we're movin' in. You keep your boys in line and I'll clean up this Slayer problem you've got.”

The Anointed nodded at him. “You have a deal.” He had nothing but respect for the late Master and the line of Aurelius, but he really hoped these two newcomers would get themselves killed, maybe even take out the Slayer or her people in the process. He just hoped to get the heck out of town before the Mazoku showed up.

xxx

“I can't believe she didn't show.” Buffy grumbled as she touched up one of the letters on the banner she was working on. “What do you think? Think it's welcoming enough?”

Xander glanced over at her banner. “It looks fine Buff.” Xander grinned as he dabbled more paint on his own banner. “I can't believe you actually expected Shelia to show. She's almost as well known for her skipping habits as she is for her skill with sharp and pointy things.”

Willow nodded as she stirred up some more paint. “She goes to this bar called the Fish Tank. Sometimes the police have raids, I think they have a cell set up just for her to sober up in.”

“I heard they gave her own cell because the last time they had someone else in a cell with her she cut off part of their ear. Of course that's only a rumor.” He glanced up as Giles and Ms. Calendar approached them, arguing with one another. “What's the up guys? Trouble in paradise already?”

The girls did their best not to giggle and Giles gave them all a mild glare. “Ms. Calendar has informed me that this Saturday is the night of Saint Vigeous.”

Xander glanced at Willow and Buffy. “Does that name mean anything to either of you?” they shook their heads. “Thought so...can ya give us a hint Giles? Who was this Saint guy?”

Giles looked heavenward for a moment and Ms. Calendar gave his arm a sympathetic pat. “Saint Vigeous was venerated by vampires and is considered to be their patron saint, he was a rather bloodthirsty fellow who led a crusade of vampires that left destruction in their wake.”

Xander blinked. “Huh...knowledge.”

Buffy glared at Xander and pointed accusingly at him with her paint brush. “See, you did jinx us.”

“Bad Xander!”

“Hey! He said Saturday! Parent Teacher night is Thursday thank you very much.” He pouted at them. “Therefore there was no jinx.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Look Giles, if I survive the wrath of Snyder, then I'll worry about the vampire crusader guy.”

Xander felt that little chill go through him, a feeling he was fast coming to associate with any kind of predator. He glanced behind them and saw Snyder turning away from the water fountain. “Troll Alert.” He kept his voice soft, confident that the others would still hear him.

Giles and Ms. Calendar looked up and he nearly snickered at their faces. Giles made a fast recovery though. “Ah well...Young people today...Shall we?” The two of them walked away in a swift retreat. Xander envied them. He and the girls shared a look and turned to face the Troll.

“She ditched didn't she?”

xxx

Xander watched the Billy Idol look-a-like curiously from his place on the dance floor. Either the poor guy was completely taken with the picture his girls presented, their heads bent over Buffy's homework, strands of blond and red hair blending together in the shadows of the bronze; or he was looking for easy prey. And he didn't entrust his girls to just anyone.

He bounced to over to their table, sliding in between them and the stranger. “I'm all alone out there.” He flashed puppy eyes at them, Buffy immediately covered her own and kept them hidden.

Willow blinked. “We're kinda studying.” Her resolve face wavered.

He pouted at them. “Come on, you two have been studying since we got here. One dance. Please?”

Buffy peeked at Willow. “Is he still making the eyes?”

“Yep.”

“Guess we have no choice. My brain is fried anyway.” She uncovered her eyes and smiled at Xander. “Lead the way.” He grinned and took her hand and together they dragged a protesting Willow along to the dance floor.

Buffy flowed with him to the music and he flowed right back, their moves were graceful and he didn't flail once. Thank the gods for Kurama's dance lessons over the summer. He twirled her and she frowned. He tilted his head. “What's wrong?”

Her eyes darted behind him. “Willow.”

Xander looked over his shoulder at Willow who was sort of stepping from side to side, barely moving much less dancing. He looked back at Buffy. “Move with me.” Her frown grew deeper until he started to pull her towards Willow. “Put Willow in the middle.” Buffy smirked and they moved together until they had their friend between them.

“Guys?”

They just smiled at her and each other. Buffy put her hands on Willow's hips and Xander ran his hands down her arms. Willow's eyes grew wide.

“Guys?” It came out as a squeak that time.

Buffy grinned at her. “Relax Willow.”

“We're supposed to be having fun Wills. Just Dance with us. Move with us. Listen to the music Willow.” Xander whispered into her ear.

Between the two of them they found a rhythm and had Willow moving and flowing with them. Xander noticed several guys and girls watching them and he grinned at his friends.

Buffy grinned back and they twirled Willow between them until she faced Buffy again. “You've gotten way better at this.”

“Lots of practice at the wedding.”

Willow giggled, finally relaxed, and grasped Buffy's hands in hers. “Japanese girls think Xander is exotic.”

Buffy made wide eyes at Willow even as they swayed together. “Really?”

Xander snorted. “I was so exhausted it was like every available woman wanted to swing me around the room. But I did learn a few things.”

“You should show her the pictures.”

Xander nodded as a chill went through him. Oops, almost forgot about Billy Idol. He maneuvered them so that Buffy was in the middle, mostly so he could look around without the girls getting suspicious.

~

There she was, Regina of her pride, three teens on the cusp of adulthood. The golden girl, the timid redhead, and a brown-eyed boy. They danced and moved together, the Slayer and the boy pulling the other girl out of her shell. Their movements drew the eyes of both genders, and he could smell the lust in the air. This could be fun, baiting the Slayer would be easy. He'd already sent Nancy-boy to get a bite. He moved closer, trying to get right behind the Slayer, but the boy moved and put himself between him and the girls. Interesting. It was the second time he'd done it, didn't matter though, she'd still hear him.

“I need to call the police, there's some freak outside trying to bite a girl.” He smirked as the Slayer ran toward the entrance, the redhead on her heels, it was too easy. However the boy paused and looked at him, a frown marring his face as he studied him. Spike watched as realization hit the youth as he figured out Spike wasn't just another bloke. He expected the kid to back away in horror, instead he just blinked.

“Huh...figures.” And that was it, nothing more before he made his way toward the doors the girls had gone through.

Intrigued, Spike motioned one of the other flunkies to follow and he watched the proceedings. He got outside just in time to see the boy stake the minion, guy never had a chance as the boy moved with the grace of someone who knew how to fight. And as interesting at he was, the kid was not his prey...not yet.

He kept to the shadows and watched the Slayer. She was a thing of beauty as she fought, but then they all were. Natural predators every one of them. She pummeled Nancy-boy till he staggered, barely able to stand on his own.

“Stake!” She cried, holding out her hand as the boy threw the weapon to her and she caught it easily.

“Spike, help me!” Like he would, Nancy-boy was done for. The stake entered his heart and turned to dust with him. He smirked and approached them, clapping.

“Nice work, girlie.”

She frowned and studied him warily. The boy approached her right and poked her side.

“Keep it up and you're whittling your own stakes, you keep forgetting to pull them back out.”

She snorted and glared at him. “You're critiquing me now?”

The whelp shrugged. “If Billy Idol was gonna attack he'd have done it by now. Besides, he was watching us dance.”

Spike blinked. So he knew I was there the whole time. Very interesting.

The Slayer rolled her eyes and then glared at him. “So Stalker-Guy. Who are you?”

He smirked. “You'll find out on Saturday when I kill you.” With a wink at the boy he slunk back into the shadows, but he was still within range when he heard the kid snort.

“What is it with vamps and dramatic exits?”

xxx

“Spike? That's a bit unusual.” Giles muttered.

Willow nodded. “Yeah, it makes me think of the bull dog from Tom and Jerry...only not as funny.”

Giles looked at her before shaking his head. “He may have gone by something else at one time.”

Xander nodded, it made sense that 'Spike' wouldn't have been the vamp's real name. He looked up from the dagger he was polishing to see Angel lurking by the doors. “How bad can one vamp be? What do you think Angel?”

Angle frowned as all eyes focused on him. “He's very bad. Once he starts something he doesn't stop until everything in his path is destroyed.

Xander rolled his eyes and re-sheathed the dagger before placing it on the table. “So the guy is thorough, a one man crusade, well one demon crusade anyway. I still think the Master and the hellmouth demon were way scarier.”

Willow nodded before looking at him, her face thoughtful. “You never saw the hellmouth demon.”

“Nope, but I heard its screams.” He shuddered. “Talk about nightmare inducing.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Definitely.”

Buffy pouted at Angel and Xander shared a look with Willow and she nodded. Just because he'd accepted Buffy was way out of reach didn't mean he had to watch her make googly eyes at Angel. Willow totally got that and she held her hand to her face mimicking a telephone. He nodded and stood up.

“See you guys later.”

xxx

It didn't take long for Xander to get to the bar Yusuke had told him about. Willy's was everything that he had expected a bar to be. If it weren't for the demons it would have been the kind of place Tony would have hung out at.

The inside didn't look as rundown as the outside had. The lights almost looked cheery in the light haze of what he only hoped was cigarette smoke. He'd barely stepped inside when a vampire started his way, only to be stopped by a female demon with gray skin. The vamp glared at her and she gripped his arm tighter, shaking her green and purple hair. “Don't touch the boy.”

Xander smirked and nodded at her before stepping further inside. He had the bar's full attention now and not a demon moved as he made his way to the bar and took a seat on an empty stool.

“What's the word Willy?”

The bartender ignored him and kept polishing the clean glass in his hands.

“Come on. A flashy guy like Spike comes to town and you've got nothin' to say?”

Willy snorted. “Don't know what your talkin' about kid. And you shouldn't be here, you're underage.”

Xander grinned. “Liar, and I'm not here for a drink, just information.” He batted his lashes at the mousy guy. “Please.”

There was a shifting to his right and he glanced at the female demon, her grip on the vamp still strong. “Why don't you ask Angelus? He knows.”

Xander tilted his head as if to get a better look at her. “The Broodmeister is hard to pin down, always disappears the moment we're not looking.” He looked thoughtful. “So he and Spike used to hang?” She nodded at him and he smiled at her. Several jaws dropped, one actually hit the floor and the owner scrambled to reattach it. “Thanks.” He pulled a ten dollar bill out of his pocket and put it on the bar. “Willy, a drink for the lady.” He smiled at her again and headed toward the exit.

Once he was gone she released the vampire. He sneered at them. “Why do you all fear him? He is only a human!”

Willy rolled his eyes. “You're either new in town or stupid. That kid is royalty, a prince even.”

The female demon sneered. “If you had harmed the boy we all would have died when his brother came to avenge him.”

The vampire frowned. “What's so scary about some human?”

Willy nearly dropped the glass he'd been polishing. “You really haven't heard?”

Another demon spoke up from the back. “The Anointed One is getting sloppy and not telling his lackeys the rule the Mazoku set down.”

Willy nodded. “Ya lose more minions that way.” Several demons nodded in agreement.

“Mazoku? The hell is that? Some kind of sushi? You guys are full of crap. I'm gonna make a meal of that kid, he's probably still close by.” He started towards the door but the female grabbed him again, this time simply pulling his head off rather than detaining him.

“Come on Natasha, you know how hard it is to get all the vamp dust up? Next time drag them outside.” Willy whined at her.

“My apologies. Next time I will.” She smirked as she wiped her hands off on a rag Willy handed her. “I'll have that drink now.”


Xander smirked from his hiding place just outside the door before moving further away. Good to know most of them are still following the rules. He flipped open the compact and punched in the code for Giles.

The Watcher's face appeared on the screen. “Really Xander, you're cutting it close. The others just left, and where did you run off to?”

Xander smiled. “Just went out gathering some information.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, look into Angel's past. He and Spike used to hang.”

“How sound is this tip?”

“Pretty sound. I got it from Willy's.”

“The Demon bar? Xander--”

“Relax Giles. Yusuke gave everyone there a warning. I'm off limits, just...just trust me on this. Please?”

Giles smiled. “Alright, I'll look into it. Be careful going home.”

“Sure thing, goodnight G-man.”

He sighed. “Goodnight Xander.”

xxx

It was Thursday evening and according to Cordelia the last time she'd checked on the happenings of Parent Teacher night, Willow was doing her best to keep Buffy's mom far away from any teachers and Snyder. And of course the library where they had been for the past few hours readying weapons and whittling stakes. It was good to have extras but Buffy seriously needed to stop letting her stakes get dusted. He glanced over at Giles who looked way too captivated by whatever dusty book he was reading.

“So what have you found out about this Spike guy?”

Giles look up from his book with a somewhat vacant stare at first. “Hmm? Oh, right. Well you were correct. He and Angel were part of uh...the same social circle. Darla turned Angel as we all know. Angel drove a young lady known as Drusilla mad before turning her and she turned our new friend Spike.”

Xander gave Giles a thoughtful look. “So Angel is like his what? Grandpa?”

Giles coughed into his hand to hide his amusement. “You could say that.”

He grinned. “So how did he end up with a name like Spike?”

“Err...he was originally known as William the Bloody. He earned his current name by torturing his victims with railroad spikes.”

There was a moment of silence as Xander blinked dumbfounded at the Watcher, eventually he found his tongue. “Really? That's...actually I have no words for that.”

“Honestly Xander you've seen him once and he's already left you speechless.”

Xander mock-glared at him. “You shouldn't make fun of people who're holding sharp objects.”

Giles ignored him. “Luckily as he is Angel's grand-childe he's much younger, not even two-hundred.” He looked back at his book and stilled as his eyes roamed over the pages. “Oh dear.”

Ms. Calendar chose that moment to enter the library. “Things are winding down, most of the parents have already left. There's only a handful of people left in the building...” She noticed Xander's pensive expression and Giles' pale face. “What did I miss?”

Xander glanced at her and frowned. “Giles said 'oh dear'; never a good thing.”

She looked at Giles. “Rupert?”

Giles cleared his throat. “Spike has fought two Slayers in the last century and has killed them both.”

“Well crap.” Xander muttered. There was a crash and screams in the distance. “Double crap.” The three of them ran through the doors and into the hallway in time to see Buffy lead a group of people around the corner.

“Spike is here with an army!” She yelled just as vamps appeared at either end of the hall. “Run!” Xander, Giles and Ms. Calendar dove back into the library while Buffy's group scrambled for the science lab across the hall.

Xander felt a little cold ball of dread start to form in his stomach. Willow hadn't been with them. He stamped it down as he helped Giles and Ms. Calendar barricade the door. “Giles, what are we doing? We're supposed to fight the vamps not hide like mice!”

There was a flicker before the lights went out and the emergency ones kicked on. Ms. Calendar checked the phone. “They cut the lines.”

“Giles?”

Giles shook his head. “Buffy said Spike brought an army we don't know how badly outnumbered we are. The only ones with true battle experience are Buffy, you and myself...and Angel. That's it! Xander, there's a way out through the stacks, an old boarded up cellar. Get Angel and bring him here.”

“But the girls! Willow!”

“There is no time to argue Xander, we must even the odds!”

Xander nodded, he didn't like it, but back up was essential to limiting the number of casualties. He couldn't lose his girls. “I'll get him.” He took off through the stacks, finding the door easily and opening it. It took a moment to pull off the old half rotted boards from the exit but he managed and escaped into the balmy California night. Quickly, he pushed the vines back into place over the cellar door, no need to advertise to the vamps that there was another way in.

In another moment he was running toward Angel's, but not before pulling his communicator out and punching in Botan's code. He held it up to his face as he ran.

“Xander? What's going on?” Her face appeared on the screen.

“That knew vamp in town? He brought vampires in force to crash Parent Teacher night.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you alright?”

“For now. Look, I know you're here for the souls...but I also know you helped Yusuke and kept Keiko safe when all those people got bitten by the freaky Makai bugs. I need your help now!”

A look of determination settled onto her normally gentle face and she nodded. “Strictly unofficial of course.”

“Thanks Botan. The others are at the school, I'm getting Angel.”

“I'll see you there.” The screen went blank and Xander really hoped that they all survived the night.

xxx

Botan flew low, glad she'd shifted into more casual wear, jeans were just more effective for kicking butt. She got to the high school in time to see a man getting pulled through a window by a vampire. In record speed she landed beside the vampire and knocked him away from the man with her oar. While he lay on the grass in shock, she staked him with the handle. A quick look around brought no other vampires to her attention, so she knelt by the man to check his pulse. It was strong, if a little erratic and the poor guy was out cold.

She smiled and picked him up, whisked him up on her oar and took off for the hospital. There was no way she was leaving an unconscious man laying out in the open with a horde of demons so close. In what felt like moments she had left him with a shocked ER nurse and hurried back to the school grounds.

Screams filled the night and urged her to fly even faster. The source of the screams was a group of adults fleeing the school and a group of vampires only steps behind them.

Wasting no time Botan landed between the escaping humans and the vampires. The vampires skidded to a halt and took in her appearance, visibly sneering at her, discounting her from her red jacket down to her sneakers. She grinned at them and shoved her oar away and replaced it with a baseball bat. The vampires gaped at her, confusion evident even with the wrinkles.

The first vampire lunged at her and she shoved him in a subspace pocket, making him disappear the same way she had her oar. Her grin turned to a smirk as she clobbered the next vampire, knocking him on his butt. “I think a different weapon is in order.” In a heartbeat she made the bat disappear and suddenly a curved blade was in her hand and the vamp on the ground dusted as she beheaded him.

The remaining vampires fled. And Botan gave chase on her oar once more flying low and decapitating them as she caught up.

xxx

Xander had finally made it back to the school with Angel in tow. He panted at the effort running had taken. Slacking was bad, very bad. He was soo running in the morning. God he hoped Willow and Buffy were okay. He turned to Angel.

“Look, I know you and this Spike guy used to hang. Any ideas? How should we handle this?” Angel smirked at him and Xander knew something bad was coming. He tried to dodge but Angel was faster and grabbed him by the back of his neck. “Bad plan!” Xander started to struggle but stopped when Angel used his other hand to cut off his air.

“Be still.”

He glowered at Angel, but kept still. Being unconscious would be bad; he might not wake up. Angel continued to smirk as he dragged Xander inside and down the hallway till they came across a group of vampires poking at the ceiling with sharp poles.

Xander stared at the bizarre scene till he realized someone must crawling around up there. Well...at least I know where Buffy is.

Spike turned to face them, all game face and toothy smile. “Angelus!”

“Spike!” They walked toward one-another and hugged, Angel kept Xander under his arm and between them.

He rolled his eyes, though no one could see it. “Great, I'm part of an undead sandwich.” They parted and Spike glanced at him as Angel cuffed him. Xander glared at Angel who ignored him once more and addressed Spike.

“What were you thinking boy? I thought I taught you to always guard your back. You should have some minions guarding the exits.”

Spike grinned. “What can I say they're barely ten years dead and idiots every one of them. You know how hard it is to find good minions, not that I care. They're not even mine. So what's new with you?”

“A few things.”

“Fought this Slayer yet? Heard she's a tough little thing.”

“Nah, I gave her the I'm a lost and tortured soul routine. That Ann Rice drivel works every time.”

Spike nodded. “Bloody woman nearly ruined our reps. All that crap about not being able to shag. Utter rubbish.” His grin faded. “It is just an act right? Your not...” He trailed off.

Xander snickered. “Angel-cakes? He is totally and completely neutered, he's practically her lap dog. Always begging for treats and belly-rubs.”

Angel shook him and cuffed him again. “What do you say we snack on her friend before we kill her. Make her suffer a bit when she sees his corpse.” Xander stilled and glanced at Spike.

“Why not, it'll be like old times.” Spike's eyes met Xander's and held them as the two of them leaned over his neck.

Xander broke the contact and snarled, bucking for all he was worth. He bit Angel's arm, stomped on the jerk's foot and flipped the vampire onto his back. Spike stepped back and grinned as Angel hit the tiled floor with a thud.

Xander knew his eyes were glowing and he didn't care. Angel was supposed to be their ally and he'd practically served Xander up as an appetizer. He snarled again this time leaning over Angel just before he kicked his side. Repeatedly. “I” kick “am not” kick “bait!” kick. “You ever do that again and I'll kill you. You forget Broodmeister, I know where you sleep and you are very flammable.” Xander kicked him one last time.

Spike smirked and watched in appreciation. “Feel better, Pet?”

Xander grinned at his enemy, who was at least being civil, and he knew it was feral. “Hell yes!” He took a few steps back and waved at the blond. “I'll be leaving now. You're on your own Angel-cakes, ya jerk.” He stuck his tongue out at the still dazed Angel before turning tail and running.

Spike was still grinning and looking amused. “Get the boy, he's a feisty one.” He glanced at Angel. “Dru will like that one, might even turn him.”

Angel grunted and rolled to his feet before taking off in another direction. The minions divided up and chased them both.

Xander thought he was home free when one of his pursuers tackled him. He pulled out a stake and dusted it. However the second vamp knocked the stake out of his grasp just as he got to his feet. A flash of blue and Botan was there, tossing him a sword, using her scythe to decapitate the vampire in front of him.

“Thanks.” He nodded at her and headed for the cellar entrance just as group of people came rushing out of it. “Botan keep an eye on them!”

“Got it!” She saluted him before following the panicked group.

Xander was barely inside the cellar when he nearly collided with Sheila and gave her a sad look when he saw her game face. “Sorry Shelia.” Then her head was flying and her body disintegrating as he beheaded her. He ran back into the library, passing the stacks and reentering the hallway. He had to find Willow. Taking a breath, he concentrated on her scent, hoping he had enough of the hyena left to track his best friend. He found the faintest hint of rain and sugar cookies and grinned as he followed his nose.

He ended up at a trophy case...where a bust had been knocked off it's pedestal. The bust stared emptily at him from the floor and he glared at it. “Where the hell...” He blinked at the janitor's closet. “I wonder...” He reached for the knob and opened the door, and barely managed to dodge the broom and mop aimed at his head.

“Ahh!”

“Die!”

He blinked at the girls. “Nice to see you too.”

Willow and Cordelia stared at him, their weapons still raised until it registered just who was in front of him. Willow dropped her broom and tackled him in a hug.

“Is it over?”

“Not yet.”

“I thought we'd be stuck in there all night.” Willow shuddered in his arms. “Can you imagine, being stuck in a closet with Cordelia for that long.”

“Hey!”

Xander snickered. “Heh. So what's it like coming out of the closet with Queen C?” Willow smacked his chest and Cordelia whacked him with her mop. “Ow! Oh come on, that was funny!”

xxx

Xander sighed wearily as he leaned against a wall. “How many did we lose?”

Botan motioned to the ghost a few feet from them. “Just this gentleman. Spike grabbed him right after he got inside. I need to escort him to Reikai...will you be okay?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Just gotta make sure Cordelia and Willow get home safe.”

“I'll see you later then.”

“Night Botan.” He smiled at her as she whisked the ghost away and toward the stars. He sighed again and rubbed his face tiredly before heading back inside.

He found them in the Library. They looked determined, each of them holding a stake and cross. Willow nodded at him. “We're ready.”

“Let's get you home then.”

Cordelia gave them a glare. “What I want to know is why every time I'm with you losers I almost get killed.”

Willow and Xander shared a look and grinned. “Karma.”

xxx

“Spike, did she hurt you?”

“It was a close call.”

“Oh my sweet, come here.” She enveloped him in her arms. “But the Prince is alright.”

Spike merely quirked a brow at her. “A Slayer with family and friends. It's unnatural, Pet.”

Drusilla smiled. “Did you like him?”

“Who?”

“The Prince.”

Spike shook his head. “Didn't see any Prince tonight, love.” He glanced at the Anointed. “Be right back.”

The Anointed glared at the unrepentant vampire. Spike had been so sure of himself, but that was before he'd come against the Summers girl and her people. The blond could have at least had the decency to get himself dusted. He frowned at Spike, who was laughing and stepping toward him. It dawned on him that he had no control over Spike and he was about to die, permanently. He struggled and screamed and fought, but it was in vain and he knew it. Vampires of the Aurelius line were stronger than most and some like the Master could capture the gaze of their prey. It seemed Spike, as a Master of the line was immune to such tactics and couldn't be thralled. Otherwise he'd have put the blond under his power. The Anointed continued to struggle, what else could he do, he didn't want to die, especially not by sunlight.

Drusilla smiled and clapped her hands as the child vampire's screams filled the night air. She giggled and held her arms out to Spike as he came back to her. “My sweet Spike.”

XXX