Destiny - Chapters 15 & 16
Nov. 3rd, 2003 05:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
psubratAuthor: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Gavin meets with Lilah and Wesley to reveal the identity of the new watcher while Buffy reels from Angel's news...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Slayer Interrupted"
Buffy dropped the sword and looked at the man who had once been the love of her life. "He’s what?"
"He’s my son," Angel said, his shoulders slumping at the realization that Connor had taken off for parts unknown and that he had just blurted out the truth to his former love.
"I’m not...I’m not sure I understand," Buffy said in a hushed tone. "How can he be your son?"
"It’s a really long story," Dawn replied as she passed through the portal into Sunnydale. "One I don’t think you really want to hear right now. Trust me."
Blinking hard, Buffy looked at her sister and then back at Angel. "But Vampires, they can’t...It’s impossible..."
"I know," Dawn replied placing an arm around her sister protectively. "I said the same thing. Apparently there’s some kind of prophecy or something."
Angel reached out to touch Buffy’s shoulder, but pulled back at the last moment when he saw the anger in Dawn’s eyes. "I’m really sorry, Buffy. This isn’t how I wanted to tell you."
"And just how was it that you were going to tell me that you had a teenage son?" Buffy demanded.
Angel shuffled his feet. Why did this have to be so damn hard? He was over two centuries old, and yet he was still intimidated by the first woman he ever truly loved. He lifted his eyes and met her puzzled gaze. "I, uhm...I was going to tell you..."
"Wow," Lorne exclaimed letting out a low whistle. "This is quite impressive my little green glow girl!" He walked out of the portal to join Angel and noticed the young woman that Dawn was standing next to in protection mode. "And you must be the one and only Buffy Summers." He extended his hand towards Buffy. "I’m Lorne."
Buffy just stared at him until Dawn gave her a small nudge. "Uhm, yeah. That would be me, Slayer in the dark." She met his hand and gave him a Slayer-strength shake.
"Nice grip you got there! So this is the infamous Sunnydale?" He asked turning towards Angel. "Doesn’t look much like a Hellmouth sweetcheeks, although I am getting that vibe..."
In the distance, the group of four heard someone calling Buffy’s name.
"Must be William," Dawn stated, still talking for her dazed sister. She so did not want to be around when Buffy finally regained her senses.
"William?" Angel asked perplexed.
"My watcher," Buffy snapped. "And much more," she said under her breath knowing that only Angel would be able to hear it. She sprinted towards the voice. "William! We’re over here!"
Wesley held the door open for Lilah as they entered the office building. He already had an idea of who Buffy’s new watcher was but he figured he’d let Gavin bask in the glory. It was really quite amazing. How he’d kept the information to himself without Lilah catching on was also a bit amazing. He made a mental note to himself, as he pushed the elevator button, to act surprised when Gavin revealed the watcher’s identity. The last thing he needed was twenty questions from his lover. As they waited for the elevator doors to open, he glanced over at the tall brunette that had been sharing his bed for several months now. She really was quite a remarkable creature, and he did use that word to describe her for he felt that human was too kind a depiction. Some days it still baffled him as to how he had wound up in this place and this time with her.
They rode in silence to the top floor, where all-important business such as this was conducted. Lilah scanned her identification card first and went through the metal doors. Wesley followed. Once inside they took their places at the conference table. This was the first time Wesley had been up to this floor, normally his duties didn’t require it, but tonight was different. Apparently, the news that was to be shared among the top associates was so sensitive that it required the confines of the special room. Wesley tried to avoid chuckling to himself over the extra care that was being taken to reveal the identity of one man.
"So glad that you two could join us," Gavin said sarcastically.
Lilah and Wesley just gave him a cold glare.
"Linwood?" Gavin asked the conferencing equipment in front of him. "Are you there?"
"I’m here," Linwood replied coming into the view of the teleconference camera.
"Good then. Shall we get started?"
"Start away Gavin, my boy."
Gavin smirked at this hint of favoritism from his boss. As he spoke, he handed out the packet of information to Wesley and Lilah. "Due to the diligent work from some of our field agents, we’ve been able to ascertain the identity of one William Giles."
"He’s the nephew of Rupert Giles," Wesley stated dryly, playing along.
"Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong Wesley," Gavin grinned. "Up until a few months ago, William Giles did not exist. The Council of Watchers was very thorough in their creation of this identity. It was almost impossible to crack. Almost. If it hadn’t been for an old photograph in a Chinese newspaper during the Boxer Rebellion, we would have been left to believe that this man was indeed Rupert Giles’ nephew."
Lilah wrinkled her brow and gave Wesley a confused look. "The Boxer Rebellion was over a century ago Gavin. What does this have to do with the new watcher?"
Wesley knew where this was going. "What you’re saying is that this new watcher was alive during the rebellion? That’s a bit incredible seeing as how he’d have to be over one hundred years old and clearly not human."
"He wasn’t a human," Gavin replied. "Now he is."
William ran to meet Buffy, fear and concern clouding his face. Heedless of those in the background, he quickly pulled her into his arms, stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. "Buffy, I’m so glad you’re okay. Clem came to the shop and told us that Dawn’s boyfriend was attacking you. I was hoping he was wrong but I’ve always had a feeling about that bloke..."
"I’m fine," Buffy said pulling away and giving him a slight smile. "If Dawn hadn’t gotten here in time..."
"Dawn?" He asked incredulously. Then he looked over to the group of people standing by the tree. "Is that...?"
"Yeah. Come on, I’ll take you over," Buffy said holding his hand and leading him to the group.
"Spike," Dawn screeched as she ran to him and threw her arms around the man.
"Bit," William replied hugging her tightly. "You gave us all a scare last night. What did Rupert and I tell you about going through portals?"
"I know. I’m sorry. I promise not to do it again," she answered contritely.
As soon as the teen released him from the embrace, he felt the eyes turn on him, those dark, piercing eyes. He chided himself for even letting his grandsire stir old feelings of hate, mistrust and inadequacy. He was William now, not Spike, and he refused to be cowed.
Angel stared in disbelief as Buffy’s watcher kissed her and stroked her hair. At first, he hadn’t recognized the man who was holding his former lover but then realization set in. He felt like he had been staked through the heart, except he wasn’t turning into a pile of dust. How could this be? How could Buffy willingly accept Spike into her life? Into her family? He knew that he had been an outsider in Buffy’s life for the last three years but he’d had no idea how much things had changed. The look on her face as she held her watcher’s hand to bring him over to the group, told Angel everything he needed to know. She wasn’t just in love; her soul was complete. She was more complete and at rest then he had ever seen her, even with him and that thought was almost unbearable.
Lorne noticed his friend’s frame stiffen as he watched the two lovers embrace. "Let it go pal," he whispered to Angel. "You made your decisions a long time ago. These are hers."
Angel looked at Lorne pleadingly but said nothing.
"Angel, sweetcheeks, you gotta snap out of this. You have a long night ahead of you because you owe that brave girl an explanation. Otherwise, you’ll never move on."
"I know," Angel replied, staring at the now present William who was just finishing an embrace with Dawn. Anger welled up within him when he realized that his adversary had taken his place both in Buffy’s life and in her heart. In two short strides, he covered the ground between him and the watcher and started beating on the man.
"Not human but now human? Care to explain that Gavin?" Lilah demanded.
"Isn’t it obvious, Lilah?" Wesley asked, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Before Wesley could continue, Gavin stepped in. "Mr. William Giles is indeed the legendary William the Bloody."
"Wait," Wesley stated in an annoyed tone. "You’re trying to tell us that William the Bloody, also known as Spike, is now human and is in fact, Buffy’s watcher? Seems a bit trite and a bit impossible if you ask me."
"Exactly," Linwood interjected. "The senior partners want Mr. Bloody brought in for questioning. They want to know how it is a vampire can become human. It certainly wasn’t prophesized."
"True," Wesley agreed. "The only prophecy that we know of is one pertaining to Angel, the vampire with a soul."
"That is correct Wesley," Linwood stated from his office in Los Angeles. "I want you to look into this in more detail. Could there have been two vampires with a soul?"
Wesley snorted. "Highly doubtful, sir, but I’ll look into it right away."
"Good man," Linwood stated. "And Ms. Morgan?" He asked looking directly into the camera.
"Yes Linwood?"
"I want you back up here in L.A. before midnight. I’m sure that Wesley can proceed with his research without you present."
Lilah blushed a deep red. "I’ll be there in a few hours."
"Good. Let’s get to work then."
Lilah threw an icy glare at Gavin who smirked back at her.
Before anyone could move, Angel was on top of William, pummeling him.
"Spike," Dawn screamed as Lorne held onto her.
"Angel! What do you think you’re doing?" Buffy demanded as she tried pulling the vampire off the human.
Angel slipped into game face as he punched William again and again. He was enjoying every moment of this but he didn’t understand why the younger vampire didn’t hit back, all he kept doing was blocking his hits.
Lorne stepped over to Buffy and put his hand on her shoulder, gently pulling her back from the fray. "I think you should just let the two of them go, let them get this macho business out of the way."
Buffy spun around to look at the demon. "Normally, I would agree with you on that one, but Spike is...human..."
Angel stopped, his arm cocked back and fist clenched to throw another punch. "He’s what?"
"I’m a bloody human you wanker," Spike bellowed as he pushed Angel to the ground. He shook off Buffy’s attempt to help him to his feet. As he stood up, he wiped the blood from his nose. "See? Blood. My blood. Human blood. What the hell is your problem?"
Angel pulled himself into a kneeling position and watched as Dawn ran to Spike, a look of fright etched on her face. "It’s impossible..."
"Let me heal that Spike," Dawn insisted. "You have a pretty nasty gash on your forehead."
"I’m alright Bit. Nothing that I can’t heal myself in time."
"How?" Angel asked in disbelief. "How did this happen?"
"I earned it," William seethed.
Angel shook his head trying to take it all in. "What do you mean you earned it? You don’t even have a soul!"
"Guess again Peaches," William snorted. "You’re not so special after all. Not that it’s any of your business, but it seems I’ve had a soul for a while now. I guess the love of a good woman can do that for you."
Angel lunged at William again but the man quickly sidestepped him.
"Okay," Buffy demanded as she stepped in between the two. "That’s enough. I think you and...Lorne, is it?" She asked the demon to her left who nodded in reply. "I think the two of you should walk back through that portal right now. I’ll track down Steven and send him home."
"Sounds like a plan to me," William scowled.
"Uhm, Buffy..." Dawn stated hesitantly. "That’s kinda not possible since I kinda let the portal close..."
"Then you’ll open another one," Buffy replied matter of factly.
Dawn bit her lower lip and looked down at her feet. "Uhm...I can’t. I tried last night but I was too drained. I think I can only open one a day or something."
Buffy looked at her sister in shock. Great. Now they were stuck with one strange looking demon and one very pissed off vampire. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. We’ll figure out a way to get them back to L.A. tonight."
"I can’t go back yet, Buffy. Not without finding Connor."
"Who’s Connor?" Buffy asked scrunching her face into a frown.
"That’s Steven," Dawn whispered to her. "It’s a long story."
"Whatever. Fine. Let’s move this party to my place then."
"Do you think that’s such a great idea luv?" William asked glaring at Angel.
"Do you have a better idea?"
"Guess not," he shrugged in defeat.
Buffy began herding the group towards Revello Drive but she stopped cold when she heard a familiar voice come from behind her. She felt William stiffen next to her. Could this night get any worse?
"My poor darling Spike," the voice cooed. "The stars whispered that you would be here. I’m so glad I listened."
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Connor runs to Wesley and Lilah while Buffy, William and Angel deal with an unexpected guest...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Impossibilities"
Connor paced the lobby of the Wolfram and Hart offices. Since he had checked Wesley’s apartment first, he knew that the man had to be here. How had things gone so wrong this evening? Everything had been perfectly planned; he drew the Slayer into a trap by fighting a demon she was on friendly terms with. Perfect execution. Flawless. He’d had her right where he’d wanted her, even if she had appeared to have the upper hand. However, there was one thing that he had never expected to encounter, his father. At the moment, the Slayer was the least of his worries because what bothered him most was the fact that his father still lived. How could that monster still be alive? How could he have escaped death? Just as he was about to scream out in frustration, the elevator doors opened and three people stepped out.
Wesley was the first to notice Connor’s presence. "Connor, what are you doing here? What’s wrong?"
Connor’s eyes darted from Lilah to Gavin and then back to Wesley. He didn’t trust the other two but for some reason he felt he could trust Wesley.
"Why don’t you two wait outside for me?" Wesley asked as he turned to his two associates. "Connor and I are going to have a little chat."
Lilah smiled at the boy. "Good to see you again, Connor."
The boy didn’t acknowledge her greeting; instead he began pacing again like a caged animal.
"Wesley," Lilah stated in a whisper. "I think you’re going to have your hands full, want me to stay?"
Wesley shook his head and motioned for her to leave. As he was about to go speak to Connor, Gavin grabbed him by the arm.
"Look Wesley," Gavin growled, supposedly out of earshot of the boy. "If he gives you any trouble your orders are to terminate him on the spot. We have bigger things to worry about."
Connor stopped pacing and glared at Gavin. Bastard. In his mind, he swore that Gavin would pay someday, as well as Angel. If he was lucky, he could kill them both at the same time.
Wesley noticed the boy’s reaction. "Get out of here Gavin. Now. You very well may have cost us his loyalty."
Before Gavin could retort, the front doors blew open sending glass shards flying into the lobby.
"I want you to go home," Buffy stated in an even tone as she turned to Dawn. "Take Lorne with you. Do not open the door for anything. Do you understand me?"
Dawn nodded, eyes wide. She knew what the vampire behind them was capable of doing and it wasn’t pretty. She grabbed Lorne by the arm. "Let’s go. I don’t think you want to get to know this part of Sunnydale on your first visit."
Lorne saw the fear in Dawn’s eyes and felt it come off her body in waves. This was some serious stuff if it made an ancient mystical force, such as herself, terrified. "I think you’re right kiddo. Lead the way."
Once Bit and the demon were gone, William spun around to face the owner of the voice. "Drusilla," he said, as calmly as he could muster. "What are you doing here, pet?"
"The stars whispered to me Spike. They told me that you needed me and that you’d be here." She strolled over to him, her dark eyes dancing.
"Are you sure you heard right?" Buffy asked sarcastically. "Cause I’m pretty sure any whispering that you’re hearing in that warped mind of yours, is nothing more than your imagination."
Drusilla started swaying back and forth, whining. "Spike make her stop! Evil, nasty Slayer. I think I shall enjoy watching you die."
"No one’s going to be dying tonight pet," William stated in a cold tone.
"You’re right my darling Spike. No one will die tonight. But soon." She started clapping her hands together and her eyes danced in merriment. "There’s a big party coming and you’re invited. Everyone will be there."
William and Buffy shared a worried glance. "What party Dru?"
Without answering his question, Drusilla wrapped her arms around him and licked his face. It was a gesture reminiscent of their time together. Suddenly she backed up and began to scream. "No! No! You’re not my Spike! Where’s my Spike?"
"Spike is dead, Dru."
"But the stars whispered..."
"To hell with your bleeding stars," William screamed at her. "Spike no longer exists. He’s gone!"
"I don’t believe you," she cried. "The party is coming and Spike was invited, Miss Edith and the stars are never wrong about these things! Now tell me what you’ve done to my Spike!"
Glass crunched under their feet as a group of fledgling vampires entered the Wolfram and Hart lobby. Their newly acquired honed senses were in overdrive but they were under strict orders, no killing, and prisoners only.
"Now we can make this hard, or you can make this easy," the leader of the group snarled. "If everyone plays nice, no one gets hurt."
Connor glared at the vampires but never moved, every muscle in his body tense and ready to pounce if needed. He glanced over at Wesley who only closed his eyes and shook his head. They were out numbered but they didn’t know who they were dealing with, did they?
Wesley pulled Lilah behind him protectively. "Do you have any stakes on you?" He asked her as he grabbed one out of his pocket.
"What? Do you think I just go around carrying stakes?" She asked coldly and then noticed the one in his hand. "Apparently you do."
"In my line of work, one tends to carry several," he said shoving one into her hands.
"I guess this means we’re gonna have to do things the hard way," the leader sighed waving forward his cohorts. "Just remember, the Master wants ‘em alive!"
"Bloody brilliant you Americans are," Wesley growled to Lilah and Gavin. "Let’s raise the Master and then imprison him to do our dirty deeds, it’ll be fun."
Lilah just stared at him while Gavin gaped.
The group of vampires began their decent on them. Connor was the first to react. In one swift motion, he had dusted one vamp and kicked another to the floor. As Wesley and Lilah stood poised to do their own battle, the elevator doors opened and Wesley shoved Lilah inside the car. "Close the doors and go to the top floor. Do not come down unless I come get you. I’d advise you to call Corporate as well."
She nodded her head and watched helplessly as the doors closed and Wesley was attacked from behind.
Buffy took a step forward, but William put his arm out to the side to stop her. "This is my fight, luv. Let me take care of this."
"But Spike..." Buffy started.
"No. I mean it. Go home. I’ll be along in a bit."
"It’s all her fault," Drusilla shouted lunging for Buffy. "You’ve taken my precious Spike away!"
William stepped in front of Drusilla and grabbed her by the shoulders. "You’d do well to leave here pet. Now. I don’t want to have to kill you."
Drusilla whimpered in pain as William tightened his grip on her. "My poor Spike. You’re all wrong inside. Let me fix it for you so that we can be together again, like we were."
"Listen to me Dru. I am not Spike and we are never going to be together. Now go back to wherever it is that you came from and do it soon because I will kill you if I have to."
Her whining reached a high pitch and she began shaking. "Naughty Spike. Master isn’t going to like this!"
William let go of Drusilla’s shoulders, pushing her hard. He watched as she lost her balance and fell to the ground with a cry. "I don’t care what the Master likes. Deliver a message for me luv; tell him that Spike is dead but that I’m coming for him. Tell him that for me."
Drusilla began pounding the ground with her fists in a fit of rage. "I will have you back Spike! You and Angelus will come back to the order or you will both die!"
Angel moved out of the shadows, stepping next to William. "Deliver the same message for me, would you Dru?"
"Angel!" Drusilla exclaimed seeing him for the first time. "You’re always such a naughty daddy. You’re invited to the party too, the King of Cups says so."
"I don’t think I’ll be attending that one Dru," Angel responded dryly. "Now I suggest you do as William has asked and get out of here, cause if he doesn’t stake you, I will."
"The stars are never wrong," Drusilla cooed as she rose to her feet. "You’ll see. The world is going to burn and you’ll be the last to go," she said pointing to Buffy and giggling like a child.
"Leave now!" William roared at her, his eyes flashing with anger.
Drusilla took a step back surprised at the forcefulness in his tone. "Poor lost Spike. Don’t worry, mummy will find you again and everything will be as right as rain." She turned on her heels and glided out of the cemetery, into the night.
Wesley hadn’t been expecting the attack and was knocked off balance. The stake he had been tightly holding skidded across the floor out of his reach. He tried to get up, but there was a weight on top of him. It was then that he realized that these were probably his last few moments of life. He could feel the vampire’s teeth graze his neck and so he prepared himself for the inevitable. As the vampire bit into him, Wesley screamed out in pain and prayed that his end would come swiftly.
Connor heard screams and after dispatching his third vampire he turned his attention to the struggle by the elevators. Quickly he assessed the situation in the lobby. One vampire was on Wesley while three others were already taking the dark haired man outside into in the night. There was no sign of the woman, but he was certain that he had heard Wesley tell her to go up to the top floor and stay there. In two quick strides, he was on top of Wesley’s attacker and turning him to dust before the vamp knew what had hit him. Slowly, he rolled the man over and looked into his eyes. He was relieved to see that Wesley was still alive.
Weakly, Wesley pulled himself into a sitting position. The lobby was deadly silent. He and Connor were alone; there was no trace of Gavin to be seen. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the boy applying pressure to the bite mark on his neck.
"I’m glad you were here," Wesley stated giving Connor a slight smile. "I believe you saved my life."
Connor looked at Wesley and shrugged. "I just happened to be here at the right time. I wasn’t able to save that other man though. They took him away."
Wesley grabbed Connor’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "You did fine."
The elevator doors opened and Lilah stepped out. As soon as she saw the blood on Wesley’s shirt, she ran to him. "Wes are you alright?" She demanded kneeling next to him.
"I thought I told you to stay upstairs until I came for you?" He growled at her, despite the pain that was now settling over him.
"I watched on the monitors. I knew it was safe to come down."
"I’m fine, but I don’t think Gavin is as fortunate. Something tells me that he’s in for a very rough evening."
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Gavin meets with Lilah and Wesley to reveal the identity of the new watcher while Buffy reels from Angel's news...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Slayer Interrupted"
- 15 -
Impossibilities
Impossibilities
Buffy dropped the sword and looked at the man who had once been the love of her life. "He’s what?"
"He’s my son," Angel said, his shoulders slumping at the realization that Connor had taken off for parts unknown and that he had just blurted out the truth to his former love.
"I’m not...I’m not sure I understand," Buffy said in a hushed tone. "How can he be your son?"
"It’s a really long story," Dawn replied as she passed through the portal into Sunnydale. "One I don’t think you really want to hear right now. Trust me."
Blinking hard, Buffy looked at her sister and then back at Angel. "But Vampires, they can’t...It’s impossible..."
"I know," Dawn replied placing an arm around her sister protectively. "I said the same thing. Apparently there’s some kind of prophecy or something."
Angel reached out to touch Buffy’s shoulder, but pulled back at the last moment when he saw the anger in Dawn’s eyes. "I’m really sorry, Buffy. This isn’t how I wanted to tell you."
"And just how was it that you were going to tell me that you had a teenage son?" Buffy demanded.
Angel shuffled his feet. Why did this have to be so damn hard? He was over two centuries old, and yet he was still intimidated by the first woman he ever truly loved. He lifted his eyes and met her puzzled gaze. "I, uhm...I was going to tell you..."
"Wow," Lorne exclaimed letting out a low whistle. "This is quite impressive my little green glow girl!" He walked out of the portal to join Angel and noticed the young woman that Dawn was standing next to in protection mode. "And you must be the one and only Buffy Summers." He extended his hand towards Buffy. "I’m Lorne."
Buffy just stared at him until Dawn gave her a small nudge. "Uhm, yeah. That would be me, Slayer in the dark." She met his hand and gave him a Slayer-strength shake.
"Nice grip you got there! So this is the infamous Sunnydale?" He asked turning towards Angel. "Doesn’t look much like a Hellmouth sweetcheeks, although I am getting that vibe..."
In the distance, the group of four heard someone calling Buffy’s name.
"Must be William," Dawn stated, still talking for her dazed sister. She so did not want to be around when Buffy finally regained her senses.
"William?" Angel asked perplexed.
"My watcher," Buffy snapped. "And much more," she said under her breath knowing that only Angel would be able to hear it. She sprinted towards the voice. "William! We’re over here!"
******
Wesley held the door open for Lilah as they entered the office building. He already had an idea of who Buffy’s new watcher was but he figured he’d let Gavin bask in the glory. It was really quite amazing. How he’d kept the information to himself without Lilah catching on was also a bit amazing. He made a mental note to himself, as he pushed the elevator button, to act surprised when Gavin revealed the watcher’s identity. The last thing he needed was twenty questions from his lover. As they waited for the elevator doors to open, he glanced over at the tall brunette that had been sharing his bed for several months now. She really was quite a remarkable creature, and he did use that word to describe her for he felt that human was too kind a depiction. Some days it still baffled him as to how he had wound up in this place and this time with her.
They rode in silence to the top floor, where all-important business such as this was conducted. Lilah scanned her identification card first and went through the metal doors. Wesley followed. Once inside they took their places at the conference table. This was the first time Wesley had been up to this floor, normally his duties didn’t require it, but tonight was different. Apparently, the news that was to be shared among the top associates was so sensitive that it required the confines of the special room. Wesley tried to avoid chuckling to himself over the extra care that was being taken to reveal the identity of one man.
"So glad that you two could join us," Gavin said sarcastically.
Lilah and Wesley just gave him a cold glare.
"Linwood?" Gavin asked the conferencing equipment in front of him. "Are you there?"
"I’m here," Linwood replied coming into the view of the teleconference camera.
"Good then. Shall we get started?"
"Start away Gavin, my boy."
Gavin smirked at this hint of favoritism from his boss. As he spoke, he handed out the packet of information to Wesley and Lilah. "Due to the diligent work from some of our field agents, we’ve been able to ascertain the identity of one William Giles."
"He’s the nephew of Rupert Giles," Wesley stated dryly, playing along.
"Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong Wesley," Gavin grinned. "Up until a few months ago, William Giles did not exist. The Council of Watchers was very thorough in their creation of this identity. It was almost impossible to crack. Almost. If it hadn’t been for an old photograph in a Chinese newspaper during the Boxer Rebellion, we would have been left to believe that this man was indeed Rupert Giles’ nephew."
Lilah wrinkled her brow and gave Wesley a confused look. "The Boxer Rebellion was over a century ago Gavin. What does this have to do with the new watcher?"
Wesley knew where this was going. "What you’re saying is that this new watcher was alive during the rebellion? That’s a bit incredible seeing as how he’d have to be over one hundred years old and clearly not human."
"He wasn’t a human," Gavin replied. "Now he is."
******
William ran to meet Buffy, fear and concern clouding his face. Heedless of those in the background, he quickly pulled her into his arms, stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. "Buffy, I’m so glad you’re okay. Clem came to the shop and told us that Dawn’s boyfriend was attacking you. I was hoping he was wrong but I’ve always had a feeling about that bloke..."
"I’m fine," Buffy said pulling away and giving him a slight smile. "If Dawn hadn’t gotten here in time..."
"Dawn?" He asked incredulously. Then he looked over to the group of people standing by the tree. "Is that...?"
"Yeah. Come on, I’ll take you over," Buffy said holding his hand and leading him to the group.
"Spike," Dawn screeched as she ran to him and threw her arms around the man.
"Bit," William replied hugging her tightly. "You gave us all a scare last night. What did Rupert and I tell you about going through portals?"
"I know. I’m sorry. I promise not to do it again," she answered contritely.
As soon as the teen released him from the embrace, he felt the eyes turn on him, those dark, piercing eyes. He chided himself for even letting his grandsire stir old feelings of hate, mistrust and inadequacy. He was William now, not Spike, and he refused to be cowed.
******
Angel stared in disbelief as Buffy’s watcher kissed her and stroked her hair. At first, he hadn’t recognized the man who was holding his former lover but then realization set in. He felt like he had been staked through the heart, except he wasn’t turning into a pile of dust. How could this be? How could Buffy willingly accept Spike into her life? Into her family? He knew that he had been an outsider in Buffy’s life for the last three years but he’d had no idea how much things had changed. The look on her face as she held her watcher’s hand to bring him over to the group, told Angel everything he needed to know. She wasn’t just in love; her soul was complete. She was more complete and at rest then he had ever seen her, even with him and that thought was almost unbearable.
Lorne noticed his friend’s frame stiffen as he watched the two lovers embrace. "Let it go pal," he whispered to Angel. "You made your decisions a long time ago. These are hers."
Angel looked at Lorne pleadingly but said nothing.
"Angel, sweetcheeks, you gotta snap out of this. You have a long night ahead of you because you owe that brave girl an explanation. Otherwise, you’ll never move on."
"I know," Angel replied, staring at the now present William who was just finishing an embrace with Dawn. Anger welled up within him when he realized that his adversary had taken his place both in Buffy’s life and in her heart. In two short strides, he covered the ground between him and the watcher and started beating on the man.
******
"Not human but now human? Care to explain that Gavin?" Lilah demanded.
"Isn’t it obvious, Lilah?" Wesley asked, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Before Wesley could continue, Gavin stepped in. "Mr. William Giles is indeed the legendary William the Bloody."
"Wait," Wesley stated in an annoyed tone. "You’re trying to tell us that William the Bloody, also known as Spike, is now human and is in fact, Buffy’s watcher? Seems a bit trite and a bit impossible if you ask me."
"Exactly," Linwood interjected. "The senior partners want Mr. Bloody brought in for questioning. They want to know how it is a vampire can become human. It certainly wasn’t prophesized."
"True," Wesley agreed. "The only prophecy that we know of is one pertaining to Angel, the vampire with a soul."
"That is correct Wesley," Linwood stated from his office in Los Angeles. "I want you to look into this in more detail. Could there have been two vampires with a soul?"
Wesley snorted. "Highly doubtful, sir, but I’ll look into it right away."
"Good man," Linwood stated. "And Ms. Morgan?" He asked looking directly into the camera.
"Yes Linwood?"
"I want you back up here in L.A. before midnight. I’m sure that Wesley can proceed with his research without you present."
Lilah blushed a deep red. "I’ll be there in a few hours."
"Good. Let’s get to work then."
Lilah threw an icy glare at Gavin who smirked back at her.
******
Before anyone could move, Angel was on top of William, pummeling him.
"Spike," Dawn screamed as Lorne held onto her.
"Angel! What do you think you’re doing?" Buffy demanded as she tried pulling the vampire off the human.
Angel slipped into game face as he punched William again and again. He was enjoying every moment of this but he didn’t understand why the younger vampire didn’t hit back, all he kept doing was blocking his hits.
Lorne stepped over to Buffy and put his hand on her shoulder, gently pulling her back from the fray. "I think you should just let the two of them go, let them get this macho business out of the way."
Buffy spun around to look at the demon. "Normally, I would agree with you on that one, but Spike is...human..."
Angel stopped, his arm cocked back and fist clenched to throw another punch. "He’s what?"
"I’m a bloody human you wanker," Spike bellowed as he pushed Angel to the ground. He shook off Buffy’s attempt to help him to his feet. As he stood up, he wiped the blood from his nose. "See? Blood. My blood. Human blood. What the hell is your problem?"
Angel pulled himself into a kneeling position and watched as Dawn ran to Spike, a look of fright etched on her face. "It’s impossible..."
"Let me heal that Spike," Dawn insisted. "You have a pretty nasty gash on your forehead."
"I’m alright Bit. Nothing that I can’t heal myself in time."
"How?" Angel asked in disbelief. "How did this happen?"
"I earned it," William seethed.
Angel shook his head trying to take it all in. "What do you mean you earned it? You don’t even have a soul!"
"Guess again Peaches," William snorted. "You’re not so special after all. Not that it’s any of your business, but it seems I’ve had a soul for a while now. I guess the love of a good woman can do that for you."
Angel lunged at William again but the man quickly sidestepped him.
"Okay," Buffy demanded as she stepped in between the two. "That’s enough. I think you and...Lorne, is it?" She asked the demon to her left who nodded in reply. "I think the two of you should walk back through that portal right now. I’ll track down Steven and send him home."
"Sounds like a plan to me," William scowled.
"Uhm, Buffy..." Dawn stated hesitantly. "That’s kinda not possible since I kinda let the portal close..."
"Then you’ll open another one," Buffy replied matter of factly.
Dawn bit her lower lip and looked down at her feet. "Uhm...I can’t. I tried last night but I was too drained. I think I can only open one a day or something."
Buffy looked at her sister in shock. Great. Now they were stuck with one strange looking demon and one very pissed off vampire. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. We’ll figure out a way to get them back to L.A. tonight."
"I can’t go back yet, Buffy. Not without finding Connor."
"Who’s Connor?" Buffy asked scrunching her face into a frown.
"That’s Steven," Dawn whispered to her. "It’s a long story."
"Whatever. Fine. Let’s move this party to my place then."
"Do you think that’s such a great idea luv?" William asked glaring at Angel.
"Do you have a better idea?"
"Guess not," he shrugged in defeat.
Buffy began herding the group towards Revello Drive but she stopped cold when she heard a familiar voice come from behind her. She felt William stiffen next to her. Could this night get any worse?
"My poor darling Spike," the voice cooed. "The stars whispered that you would be here. I’m so glad I listened."
Author: PSUbrat
Rating: PG-13 Some language and violence
Disclaimer and spoiler warning: These characters belong to Joss Whedon and whomever else he sells them to, I'm just borrowing them for a while. This story is part three of a trilogy and is based upon the alternate universe I created in Reset.
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Destined_Fic
Summary: Connor runs to Wesley and Lilah while Buffy, William and Angel deal with an unexpected guest...
Timeframe: Immediately following "Impossibilities"
- 16 -
Whisper to Me
Whisper to Me
Connor paced the lobby of the Wolfram and Hart offices. Since he had checked Wesley’s apartment first, he knew that the man had to be here. How had things gone so wrong this evening? Everything had been perfectly planned; he drew the Slayer into a trap by fighting a demon she was on friendly terms with. Perfect execution. Flawless. He’d had her right where he’d wanted her, even if she had appeared to have the upper hand. However, there was one thing that he had never expected to encounter, his father. At the moment, the Slayer was the least of his worries because what bothered him most was the fact that his father still lived. How could that monster still be alive? How could he have escaped death? Just as he was about to scream out in frustration, the elevator doors opened and three people stepped out.
Wesley was the first to notice Connor’s presence. "Connor, what are you doing here? What’s wrong?"
Connor’s eyes darted from Lilah to Gavin and then back to Wesley. He didn’t trust the other two but for some reason he felt he could trust Wesley.
"Why don’t you two wait outside for me?" Wesley asked as he turned to his two associates. "Connor and I are going to have a little chat."
Lilah smiled at the boy. "Good to see you again, Connor."
The boy didn’t acknowledge her greeting; instead he began pacing again like a caged animal.
"Wesley," Lilah stated in a whisper. "I think you’re going to have your hands full, want me to stay?"
Wesley shook his head and motioned for her to leave. As he was about to go speak to Connor, Gavin grabbed him by the arm.
"Look Wesley," Gavin growled, supposedly out of earshot of the boy. "If he gives you any trouble your orders are to terminate him on the spot. We have bigger things to worry about."
Connor stopped pacing and glared at Gavin. Bastard. In his mind, he swore that Gavin would pay someday, as well as Angel. If he was lucky, he could kill them both at the same time.
Wesley noticed the boy’s reaction. "Get out of here Gavin. Now. You very well may have cost us his loyalty."
Before Gavin could retort, the front doors blew open sending glass shards flying into the lobby.
******
"I want you to go home," Buffy stated in an even tone as she turned to Dawn. "Take Lorne with you. Do not open the door for anything. Do you understand me?"
Dawn nodded, eyes wide. She knew what the vampire behind them was capable of doing and it wasn’t pretty. She grabbed Lorne by the arm. "Let’s go. I don’t think you want to get to know this part of Sunnydale on your first visit."
Lorne saw the fear in Dawn’s eyes and felt it come off her body in waves. This was some serious stuff if it made an ancient mystical force, such as herself, terrified. "I think you’re right kiddo. Lead the way."
Once Bit and the demon were gone, William spun around to face the owner of the voice. "Drusilla," he said, as calmly as he could muster. "What are you doing here, pet?"
"The stars whispered to me Spike. They told me that you needed me and that you’d be here." She strolled over to him, her dark eyes dancing.
"Are you sure you heard right?" Buffy asked sarcastically. "Cause I’m pretty sure any whispering that you’re hearing in that warped mind of yours, is nothing more than your imagination."
Drusilla started swaying back and forth, whining. "Spike make her stop! Evil, nasty Slayer. I think I shall enjoy watching you die."
"No one’s going to be dying tonight pet," William stated in a cold tone.
"You’re right my darling Spike. No one will die tonight. But soon." She started clapping her hands together and her eyes danced in merriment. "There’s a big party coming and you’re invited. Everyone will be there."
William and Buffy shared a worried glance. "What party Dru?"
Without answering his question, Drusilla wrapped her arms around him and licked his face. It was a gesture reminiscent of their time together. Suddenly she backed up and began to scream. "No! No! You’re not my Spike! Where’s my Spike?"
"Spike is dead, Dru."
"But the stars whispered..."
"To hell with your bleeding stars," William screamed at her. "Spike no longer exists. He’s gone!"
"I don’t believe you," she cried. "The party is coming and Spike was invited, Miss Edith and the stars are never wrong about these things! Now tell me what you’ve done to my Spike!"
******
Glass crunched under their feet as a group of fledgling vampires entered the Wolfram and Hart lobby. Their newly acquired honed senses were in overdrive but they were under strict orders, no killing, and prisoners only.
"Now we can make this hard, or you can make this easy," the leader of the group snarled. "If everyone plays nice, no one gets hurt."
Connor glared at the vampires but never moved, every muscle in his body tense and ready to pounce if needed. He glanced over at Wesley who only closed his eyes and shook his head. They were out numbered but they didn’t know who they were dealing with, did they?
Wesley pulled Lilah behind him protectively. "Do you have any stakes on you?" He asked her as he grabbed one out of his pocket.
"What? Do you think I just go around carrying stakes?" She asked coldly and then noticed the one in his hand. "Apparently you do."
"In my line of work, one tends to carry several," he said shoving one into her hands.
"I guess this means we’re gonna have to do things the hard way," the leader sighed waving forward his cohorts. "Just remember, the Master wants ‘em alive!"
"Bloody brilliant you Americans are," Wesley growled to Lilah and Gavin. "Let’s raise the Master and then imprison him to do our dirty deeds, it’ll be fun."
Lilah just stared at him while Gavin gaped.
The group of vampires began their decent on them. Connor was the first to react. In one swift motion, he had dusted one vamp and kicked another to the floor. As Wesley and Lilah stood poised to do their own battle, the elevator doors opened and Wesley shoved Lilah inside the car. "Close the doors and go to the top floor. Do not come down unless I come get you. I’d advise you to call Corporate as well."
She nodded her head and watched helplessly as the doors closed and Wesley was attacked from behind.
******
Buffy took a step forward, but William put his arm out to the side to stop her. "This is my fight, luv. Let me take care of this."
"But Spike..." Buffy started.
"No. I mean it. Go home. I’ll be along in a bit."
"It’s all her fault," Drusilla shouted lunging for Buffy. "You’ve taken my precious Spike away!"
William stepped in front of Drusilla and grabbed her by the shoulders. "You’d do well to leave here pet. Now. I don’t want to have to kill you."
Drusilla whimpered in pain as William tightened his grip on her. "My poor Spike. You’re all wrong inside. Let me fix it for you so that we can be together again, like we were."
"Listen to me Dru. I am not Spike and we are never going to be together. Now go back to wherever it is that you came from and do it soon because I will kill you if I have to."
Her whining reached a high pitch and she began shaking. "Naughty Spike. Master isn’t going to like this!"
William let go of Drusilla’s shoulders, pushing her hard. He watched as she lost her balance and fell to the ground with a cry. "I don’t care what the Master likes. Deliver a message for me luv; tell him that Spike is dead but that I’m coming for him. Tell him that for me."
Drusilla began pounding the ground with her fists in a fit of rage. "I will have you back Spike! You and Angelus will come back to the order or you will both die!"
Angel moved out of the shadows, stepping next to William. "Deliver the same message for me, would you Dru?"
"Angel!" Drusilla exclaimed seeing him for the first time. "You’re always such a naughty daddy. You’re invited to the party too, the King of Cups says so."
"I don’t think I’ll be attending that one Dru," Angel responded dryly. "Now I suggest you do as William has asked and get out of here, cause if he doesn’t stake you, I will."
"The stars are never wrong," Drusilla cooed as she rose to her feet. "You’ll see. The world is going to burn and you’ll be the last to go," she said pointing to Buffy and giggling like a child.
"Leave now!" William roared at her, his eyes flashing with anger.
Drusilla took a step back surprised at the forcefulness in his tone. "Poor lost Spike. Don’t worry, mummy will find you again and everything will be as right as rain." She turned on her heels and glided out of the cemetery, into the night.
******
Wesley hadn’t been expecting the attack and was knocked off balance. The stake he had been tightly holding skidded across the floor out of his reach. He tried to get up, but there was a weight on top of him. It was then that he realized that these were probably his last few moments of life. He could feel the vampire’s teeth graze his neck and so he prepared himself for the inevitable. As the vampire bit into him, Wesley screamed out in pain and prayed that his end would come swiftly.
Connor heard screams and after dispatching his third vampire he turned his attention to the struggle by the elevators. Quickly he assessed the situation in the lobby. One vampire was on Wesley while three others were already taking the dark haired man outside into in the night. There was no sign of the woman, but he was certain that he had heard Wesley tell her to go up to the top floor and stay there. In two quick strides, he was on top of Wesley’s attacker and turning him to dust before the vamp knew what had hit him. Slowly, he rolled the man over and looked into his eyes. He was relieved to see that Wesley was still alive.
Weakly, Wesley pulled himself into a sitting position. The lobby was deadly silent. He and Connor were alone; there was no trace of Gavin to be seen. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the boy applying pressure to the bite mark on his neck.
"I’m glad you were here," Wesley stated giving Connor a slight smile. "I believe you saved my life."
Connor looked at Wesley and shrugged. "I just happened to be here at the right time. I wasn’t able to save that other man though. They took him away."
Wesley grabbed Connor’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "You did fine."
The elevator doors opened and Lilah stepped out. As soon as she saw the blood on Wesley’s shirt, she ran to him. "Wes are you alright?" She demanded kneeling next to him.
"I thought I told you to stay upstairs until I came for you?" He growled at her, despite the pain that was now settling over him.
"I watched on the monitors. I knew it was safe to come down."
"I’m fine, but I don’t think Gavin is as fortunate. Something tells me that he’s in for a very rough evening."
