Title: Changed 1/?
Pairings: W/S, X/Anya for now.
Rating: PG, if you can watch the show, you can read this.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. All else belongs to Joss and the production company. I'm not making any money off of this, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Distribution: I'll have it up on my site by the end of the week http://members.spree.com/entertainment/princess220/ . If anyone else wants it, feel free, just let me know where it's going.
Spoilers: Just generic season 5 stuff. Spike is chipped. This is a little bit AU, some minor changes have been made to the storyline. Riley left shortly after he had his life-saving operation, because he felt useless, just as Graham implied. Tara has chosen to study abroad for a year. Set in what would be season 6.
Notes: While the action in this plot centers around Xander, it is really the reactions of the others that are important to this story. Eventually the series will have an NC-17 rating, and probably include W/S/A and B/G for pairings.
Feedback: Yes please. I'm not sure, if it was any good. If no one sends me feedback I think nobody's reading and stop writing. Thank You.
"What in the bloody hell am I doing here. I could care less if the damned demon is killing the kiddies." Spike was muttering under his breath. He'd been desperate. He was out of cash and his blood supply was running low. So he'd asked if he could do anything for the slayer and her little group. He didn't know he'd end up patrolling with the boy.
"I heard that Spike, you know perfectly well, what you're doing here. Buffy's paying your pathetic self. She'd probably stake you and she doesn't trust you alone with Willow, hence you patrol with me, now come on." Xander enjoyed taunting the vampire, now that Spike couldn't hurt him.
"Why couldn't I go by myself, I'd be more efficient without you, tagging along." Spike would at least whine a little about his situation.
"I think you know the answer to that one too. Like you'd actually look for the demon if someone else wasn't with you. She wants to make sure, you work for your money. Now let's get a move-on, we have demons to catch." Spike and Xander had been walking while they talked. They were now several blocks from the magic shop, where the group had split up. There was a sudden tension in the air, and they both fell silent realizing that something was wrong.
They moved quickly down the next blocks, neither speaking. Spike had been choosing their path, tugging Xander along behind him. Finally Xander broke the silence, "Uh, Spike, where are we going. And what's wrong here." Spike heard the fear in his voice, and momentarily enjoyed the sound, only wishing he had been the one to put it there.
Going to Red's. We need to get inside. We're being hunted. Spike's voice was monotone. The lack of expression frightened Xander more than the actual words.
"What do you mean we're being hunted, by what? And since when can you get in Willow's house?" The panic in Xander's voice was barely contained.
"Since she invited me, almost a year now. There are a lot of vampires in the area, a whole band of them I'd say."
"Vampires, I can deal with vampires. I've been dusting vamps for years now, are you sure that's all." Xander was still scared, but knowing it was only vampires, an evil he was familiar with had increased his confidence.
"Yeah, mate. That's all. I don't think you quite grasp the situation though. The vampires you are used to are solitary or just minions. This is a band of vampires. I'm thinking at least 6 maybe more. They are all master level, and have been hunting together for a long time. Sometimes centuries. The closest thing you have ever seen to this was Dru and I with the bloody poof." Spike spoke coldly. He wanted the boy scared. He'd fight better and focus more if he were scared. Spike knew they'd never make it to shelter in time. Bands like this would kill him, just the same as the boy, They'd have to fight. While he was thinking about all of this the band finally showed itself. Spike had been right there were 6 of them. They were all tall, similar in looks, well dressed. A woman seemed to be the leader of the group. They had surrounded Spike and Xander.
The woman took a step closer and spoke, "What do we have here, a human with a vampire escort. And who would you be." Her voice was cold, emotionless, her words obviously directed at Spike.
Spike answered just as coldly, "I am William the Bloody, called Spike. Maybe you've heard of me."
The woman seemed a touch more interested, "Indeed I have, the slayer of slayers, part of the scourge of Europe, rumor has it you nearly succeeded in resurrecting The Judge. Quite impressive. Should make this fight all the more amusing." She then turned her attention to the vampires in her band. "Take them."
The vampires began to converge on Spike and Xander who immediately pulled their weapons out. Spike shot Xander a glance, and said softly, "Stay close, we can beat them, just keep fighting."
Xander nodded, but didn't speak. They fought furiously, Spike had each taken to vampires, Spike was fighting a third. Only the woman remained. She had mostly stayed out of the fight until now. Spike had his back to her as he continued fighting his third vampire. She went for Xander. She wrenched the stake out of his hands and pulled him close to her body. Xander screamed as her fangs pierced his throat. Spike spun around at the sound. But was attacked by the remaining vampire. He turned and continued to fight eventually staking the vampire. When he returned to the woman and Xander she was still drinking from him. Spike staked her and she fell to dust. He knelt beside Xander's fallen form. His heartbeat was slowly dropping off. Xander was dying.
"Bloody hell, the slayer will never forgive me for this. And Red, it'll break her heart." Spike spoke as he watched the young man's life seep away. He made a decision. He knew Willow still had the curse she used on Angel. She talked about it from time to time, she was trying to find a way to make the soul permanent. If he turned the boy, she could do the spell, they'd still have him. The only other alternative was to let him die. Not even considering that option Spike brought his own wrist up to his mouth and ripped at the flesh there. He then placed the wound to Xander's open mouth, forcing him to swallow. He made Xander drink for a long time, he wanted the boy to be a childe, not a minion. Spike was injured and the loss of blood to Xander made him dangerously weak. When he had decided Xander had drank enough he picked him up and began the long walk back to the shop.
Giles was reading, waiting for Buffy and her friends to check in with him. Well, rather he was trying to read. He never really accomplished anything when they were out, but he still stared valiantly at the page in front of him. He heard the bell on his door make it's jingling sound as it was opened. He glanced up to see what would bring one of them back at this early hour. Spike, was carrying a broken and battered, Xander, who appeared to be lifeless in his arms.
"What in bloody hell happened."
"We were attacked by a hunting band. Didn't know you got them in the states, there were 6 of them. We fought, but one of them got to the boy here. I killed her for it." Spike's voice was hollow, empty. Giles had heard shock victims sound like this. He took a closer look at Spike and realized he was paler than usual, and still cut and bloody, he'd lost a lot of blood, not to have healed already.
"Spike, is he, did they kill him?" Giles knew the answer already, he could see death in Xander's form, but he had to hear the answer. A silent tear had already started it's path down Giles' cheek.
"The leader, she went for Xander. I couldn't stop her. I killed her, but he'd lost so much blood. He was dying. Watcher, you understand I did what I had to, don't you?" Spike was sounding less and less coherent by the moment.
"What, do what, Spike what are you talking about." As he spoke Spike collapsed. Looking at the scene before him, Giles finally began to make sense of Spike's words, "Oh, dear God, you've turned him."
Giles himself then collapsed back into his chair. It was all too much to deal with. After a moment he pulled himself together. There were things which must be done now. He quickly dialed the numbers that would page the girls back to the magic shop. He knew that Willow still had the curse. They could give Xander his soul. It wasn't perfect, but it was the best they could do. Examining Xander, he realized that the change had already started, he could see the cuts beginning to close, and the bruises diminishing as he watched. If anything Xander was healing better than Spike. Knowing there was nothing more he could do for Xander he turned to Spike. He didn't understand why the vampire had turned the young man. It was quite obvious that Spike had been badly injured in the fight. Then he gave up his chance of quick recovery by giving his own blood to Xander. He would have expected Spike to simply bring Xander's dead body back to them, if he bothered to do that. He would simply never understand the motivations of the blonde vampire.
He went quickly into his office. He had a few bags of blood in his refrigerator. Payment for Spike's infrequent assistance. He used scissors to cut the bag open and then poured some of the blood into Spike's mouth. Unused to trying to feed a vampire, he actually managed to spill more of the blood, on the floor and his clothes than he actually got into Spike's mouth, but it was enough to make Spike wake up. He grabbed the bag, and quickly drank the rest. When he was finished with it, Giles silently handed him a second bag. He drank that and then spoke, "Thanks for the blood, watcher. Is Red, on her way?"
"Yes, they all are. Spike, may I ask why?" Giles was genuinely puzzled, he didn't actually expect an answer, but hoped for one. He was even more surprised when he heard Spike reply softly.
"That boy, was the heart of this little group. You all tell yourselves you fight because it's the right thing to do, but you don't. You fight for him. If I let him just die, it would have killed you all of you. Red would never survive his death." He then let his voice turn flippant as though realizing what his words revealed, "And if the slayer is going to die, it'll be because I beat her, not because some damn hunter made her sloppy. I want her 100% when I get my bite back."
Giles was stunned. He wondered if Spike realized just how much his words meant. Spike did this for them. He didn't want to see the group destroyed by Xander's death. Giles was exhausted and overwhelmed, way too much had happened for him to process this bit of information. Just then he heard the door open again, It was the girls.
Buffy spoke first seeing Xander's limp form, "What happened, Spike, what happened to him. You were supposed to protect him." Her voice was accusatory.
"I didn't think that was in my bloody job description slayer. I thought it was yours. Anyway we were outnumbered, badly. I would have thought the slayer would know when a hunting band invaded her town." His voice was cold, and anger glinted in his eyes.
Spike and Buffy moved towards each other, and everybody knew this fight would escalate. Buffy was hurt, and that made her less likely to think before staking than usual, and Spike would not back down from the challenge. Willow saw all of this with a glance, and quickly moved between them. "Enough, both of you. We have more important things to worry about right now, than who to blame. I blame the creature that did this.
Willow caught her first glimpse of Xander's still form lying on the ground and, her words came out in barely a whisper, "Oh, goddess, no. He can't be dead."
Giles softly replied, "No, not quite, but not quite alive either." He couldn't bring himself to say the words. He couldn't admit to this vibrant boy having been turned.
"Spike, what happened. Why did you turn him?" Willow had immediately grasped the implication of Giles' words. She was in shock, and her voice spoke of the deadly calm that accompanied that. She had not actually looked at Spike yet. As she turned to hear his response, she saw him for the first time that night. His cuts had finally started to heal, but he was left with angry red marks, and was still way too pale and drawn looking. Willow gasped and went to his side. "Oh Goddess, what happened to the two of you?"
Spike quickly hugged her and replied softly, "We were attacked, luv. Vampires, six of them. They were a hunting band. The watcher can explain what that is later. Xander took out two, he was very brave. I had killed three, when the leader attacked him. Red, she's dust. I swear it. But I wasn't fast enough. He was too far gone. This was the only way I knew to save him for you. You can use the spell. I'm sorry I couldn't protect him." His voice was barely audible to the people in the room. It was full of pain, and they were astonished to hear it.
Buffy didn't understand it, so she lashed out at Spike again. Soon the room was just a screaming mob. No one was listening to anyone else. Out of the chaos, came Willow's clear voice, with a tone of command that the others were not used to hearing from her, "Enough. Everyone just stop it. Buffy, go take care of Anya. We are all going to my house, there's work to do." She quickly scribbled a list on a scrap of paper, "Giles get these things and bring them with you." People responded to her voice. Buffy immediately went over to Anya who had collapsed in a sobbing heap next to Xander's body. Giles scurried to get the supplies Willow had requested.
"He'll have to be moved. My parents are out of town as usual, and the place is big enough for several of us to stay around the clock. I think we should take him there. We can do the spell tonight. I'll need help. Giles and Anya are probably best for this, they've had experience with magic." Willow sounded more self-assured than any of them could ever remember, and the command in her voice was unmistakable. Everyone obeyed her. No one even questioned it. Anya simply got up with Buffy's arms still wrapped around her, they headed for the door. Giles simply gathered the requested supplies and turned to leave. Spike lifted Xander's still limp form cradling it against his body. Buffy turned and looked at him, "No someone else can carry Xander, I don't want him touching him." her voice dripped with venom. Spike merely shot her a glare and pulled Xander's body a bit tighter against his chest.
It was Willow who answered her, "Spike is Xander's sire, you may not have read the books about that relationship but I have. Xander will need Spike, he belongs to him as much as he belongs to us. Spike carries him." Her voice was cold and the tone was not to be argued with. Buffy merely shot her a look that promised this conversation would be continued later. Everyone left the shop wordlessly. Willow remained for just a moment. **What am I doing. I can't be the one in control. That's my best friend. Gotta keep it together girl. We'll get through this** She allowed a single tear to slide down her cheek before following the rest of their group out the door.
By the time, they had walked the few short blocks to her house, Buffy had regained her voice. "Okay, I want to know what the hell is going on here." She meant for the words to come out sounding angry, but instead she merely sounded tired.
Willow ignored Buffy, and turned to Spike. "Put him in my room please."
Spike replied so softly that no one but Willow heard him, "Are you sure luv, He'll sleep through tomorrow at least. You may want some sleep tonight."
Willow replied just as softly, "I'm sure. I can sleep anywhere. He's familiar with my room, familiar is good right?"
"Of course pet, familiar is very good." Spike carried Xander up the stairs, wondering all the while just how familiar the boy was with Red's bedroom.
"Sit down please all of you. We need to figure out exactly what happened tonight." Willow was quite surprised to realize that everyone did as she said. She'd never really been in control before. She'd always been the follower. Being in charge felt good. At that point Spike rejoined the group. They had all moved into the living room and were sitting in various places throughout the room. Willow turned to Spike, "Spike, could you tell us all exactly what happened tonight. We need to hear it."
Spike looked at her, he had always known the little girl had power, but she'd never shown it until tonight. Tonight she was commanding. She was definitely in charge, no one would dare cross her. In addition he could feel the almost electric charge, of magic radiating from her. Like everyone else in the room, he obeyed her. He told his story. They did not interrupt. It was strange to say the least.
When Spike finished speaking, Buffy spoke, "What is a hunting band, Giles?" Her voice was cold, she was still looking for a place to lay blame. She knew after listening to his story Spike had done all that was possible, so now she was focusing on this phenomenon, she had never heard of. "and why the hell didn't you ever tell me about them."
Giles was startled at the vehemence in her tone, but answered her calmly. "Hunting bands are familial groups of vampires. They are bonded to each other. There are at least four vampires in any band, and they are all master level. They fight as a unit. They are ruthless, and will kill their own kind, as quickly as a human. They relish in the hunt, the kill. I've never told you about them, because The Americas have never had bands before. Most bands have been together for 500 years or more. I didn't think there was a need. I'm sorry."
Buffy's anger drained away, she turned to Willow next, "You can do the spell right. He'll be like Angel?" She spoke softly, the anger turning to simple pain.
"I can do the spell. Buffy. And about the spell, I have found a way to anchor the soul. I never mentioned it because it won't work for Angel, it has to be done at the time of the restoration, but it would work for Xander."
Giles was shocked and overjoyed, "That's incredible Willow. How did you manage it." He had known the young witch was still searching for a means to make Angel's soul permanent, but had never really expected her to find a solution.
"I did find a solution, but guys there is more to it." For the first time that night her voice held a touch of hesitance, "To start with the spell will take 3 of us, humans. I don't think Buffy is a good candidate for the spell either. I think it would have to be Giles and Anya who helped me." Willow's voice broke as she reached the end of that statement, she could only imagine the pain the other girl was going through, but the spell took 3 people, and she didn't think she could keep Buffy focused for long enough. Anya was the logical option.
Anya spoke for the first time since seeing Xander's body, "I can do it, I can do it for Xander. I'd do anything for him. I love him." She spoke softly but her voice was strong. She turned to Spike, "Thank you, thank you for saving him. I would have died if we lost him completely."
Spike felt a stab of sympathy for the girl. He wasn't used to feeling those kinds of emotions, so he answered rather gruffly, "Well, yeah, I didn't do it for you, you know. Red would've never forgiven me, if I let him just die."
"Is that really all there is to it, Willow. How will you anchor the soul." Buffy didn't mean to, but a note of incredulity had crept into her voice.
"Well that's the other thing, when we restore the soul, it will be tied to each of ours. Anchoring it in this realm." Again that note of hesitance touched Willow's voice.
Giles' face fell, "Then it's only a temporary solution. Our deaths would remove the anchor on his soul."
Willow responded the confidence finally back in her voice. "No it's a reciprocal bond, as his soul is tied to ours, so are our lives tied to his. We will live as long as he does, unaging, and as long as we are alive he will have his soul. But that's the issue, I mean we'll never have even a semblance of a normal life, if we go through with this. I'm willing. It will give Xander a shot at happiness, and that's all I've ever wanted for him, but I can't speak for the two of you."
"Weren't you listening a minute ago, I'll do anything for Xander. I'm in." Anya sounded almost upbeat with this latest information.
Giles had still not replied and had an odd look on his face, Willow turned to him, "What do you say Giles, can you do this. Can you tie yourself to Xander for the rest of his unnatural life?"
Giles was silent for a moment longer, and when he spoke it was softly. "When I was trained as a watcher, I was resigned to the fact that I would outlive my slayer. Such was the way of things. When I came to know Buffy, I was overwhelmingly saddened by that knowledge. Meeting the rest of you, I came to believe it was quite likely I would outlive all of you, A watcher's life is rather safe, after all. It hurt to think of the world without you in it. I felt it would be a poorer place for that loss. As the years passed I realized the strength that this group had, and no longer do I fear outliving my slayer, or you, my friends. Instead, I am saddened at the thought I will not get to see your great achievements in life. Tonight I have the chance to maintain two lives. Xander's who deserves every chance at happiness in this world. And my own. While I don't know what I have ever done to deserve this chance, I am going to grasp onto it, with every bit of strength in my being. I will do this. I will tie myself to Xander."
The room let out a collective sigh of relief. They really had not known what Giles' decision would be. Before any of them could respond to him, he spoke again, "Buffy, I hate to bring this up, but there is still a demon out there that needs to be taken care of."
Before he could get any further, Buffy answered him, "Right, take care of Xander for me. I'll be back soon." With that she turned and walked out of Willow's home.
The group spent the next several hours planning the restoration spell. Anya Giles, and Willow, each reviewed their parts in the spell. Spike hovered over everyone by turns. Near dawn they were ready. They made their final preparations and Anya and Giles asked if they could take a little time to mentally prepare for their roles. Willow agreed that this was probably a wise idea and went to look in on Xander. When she reached the door to her room she saw Spike sitting quietly by Xander's side stroking his hair. Willow stood and watched for a moment, she had never seen Spike treat anyone with such gentleness. She finally entered the room and sat in her desk chair across from Spike, Xander between them.
She sat in silence for a moment, but finally spoke, "Spike, what's it like, to have a childe I mean?"
Spike thought about it for a moment, "It's bloody amazing, pet, at this moment, the only thing I want to do is protect him." Spike paused for a moment thinking about what he had just said and added rather flippantly "I'm sure once he wakes up, he'll be a right bloody pain in the ass, and the desire to dominate will take over."
Willow giggled at this response. "Sounds like most parents, children are the best when sleeping." Willow turned serious again. "The Watcher Diaries, they say you never had childer, is that true, before Xander?"
"Yes luv, never wanted the bloody responsibility. And I haven't exactly had the best of role models. Dru, was too crazy to be a proper sire. Angelus, was a good sire, until that damned gypsy cursed him, and he turned into the poor tortured poof, Angel. And when Angelus came back, the demon had gone mad, he wanted to hurt us. He wasn't my sire, my Angelus. He was something else." Spike was being completely honest with Willow, somehow, he couldn't bring himself to tell the usual lies with her.
"Then why Spike, why did you do this?" Willow was back to her command voice, though it really wasn't necessary with Spike. He would have given her the answer regardless.
"Because losing the boy would have killed you, and I think that may just have killed me." His answer was soft, and when she didn't respond Spike felt the need to change the subject, move to safer ground. He'd come dangerously close to telling the girl he loved her, and he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't set himself up for rejection. "So it's my turn pet, do you think you lot, can handle Xander as a vampire?"
Willow thought for a moment before replying to Spike. He hadn't expected that. He thought Willow would simply give a quick reassurance that of course they would accept Xander, no matter what. Just words, no thought behind them. He was pleased that the young witch was actually thinking about this. Because it would not be as easy as everyone seemed to think.
"I hope so. I'm certain I can accept Xander as anything. I accept Angel both as a man and as a vampire. I even accept you. You are what you are, it isn't your fault. Xander won't have the troubled past to deal with so that's a plus. Still, I'm sure it will be hard. I think Buffy and Giles will just need a little time. I truly hope that Anya will be able to accept him. I just don't actually know her that well, but she loves him. She says she'd do anything for him. And after all she used to be a demon, surely she can accept his now. I think we'll all adjust." Her answer was thoughtful, and sincere. She had really thought about it.
"It's good you've thought about this Red. I know you all want him to stay, but he will be changed. Soul or not. He'll never quite be the Xander you knew."
Just as Spike finished this, Giles knocked on the door, "Willow, we're ready."
To Be Continued
Pairings: W/S, X/Anya for now.
Rating: PG, if you can watch the show, you can read this.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. All else belongs to Joss and the production company. I'm not making any money off of this, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Distribution: I'll have it up on my site by the end of the week http://members.spree.com/entertainment/princess220/ . If anyone else wants it, feel free, just let me know where it's going.
Spoilers: Just generic season 5 stuff. Spike is chipped. This is a little bit AU, some minor changes have been made to the storyline. Riley left shortly after he had his life-saving operation, because he felt useless, just as Graham implied. Tara has chosen to study abroad for a year. Set in what would be season 6.
Notes: While the action in this plot centers around Xander, it is really the reactions of the others that are important to this story. Eventually the series will have an NC-17 rating, and probably include W/S/A and B/G for pairings.
Feedback: Yes please. I'm not sure, if it was any good. If no one sends me feedback I think nobody's reading and stop writing. Thank You.
"What in the bloody hell am I doing here. I could care less if the damned demon is killing the kiddies." Spike was muttering under his breath. He'd been desperate. He was out of cash and his blood supply was running low. So he'd asked if he could do anything for the slayer and her little group. He didn't know he'd end up patrolling with the boy.
"I heard that Spike, you know perfectly well, what you're doing here. Buffy's paying your pathetic self. She'd probably stake you and she doesn't trust you alone with Willow, hence you patrol with me, now come on." Xander enjoyed taunting the vampire, now that Spike couldn't hurt him.
"Why couldn't I go by myself, I'd be more efficient without you, tagging along." Spike would at least whine a little about his situation.
"I think you know the answer to that one too. Like you'd actually look for the demon if someone else wasn't with you. She wants to make sure, you work for your money. Now let's get a move-on, we have demons to catch." Spike and Xander had been walking while they talked. They were now several blocks from the magic shop, where the group had split up. There was a sudden tension in the air, and they both fell silent realizing that something was wrong.
They moved quickly down the next blocks, neither speaking. Spike had been choosing their path, tugging Xander along behind him. Finally Xander broke the silence, "Uh, Spike, where are we going. And what's wrong here." Spike heard the fear in his voice, and momentarily enjoyed the sound, only wishing he had been the one to put it there.
Going to Red's. We need to get inside. We're being hunted. Spike's voice was monotone. The lack of expression frightened Xander more than the actual words.
"What do you mean we're being hunted, by what? And since when can you get in Willow's house?" The panic in Xander's voice was barely contained.
"Since she invited me, almost a year now. There are a lot of vampires in the area, a whole band of them I'd say."
"Vampires, I can deal with vampires. I've been dusting vamps for years now, are you sure that's all." Xander was still scared, but knowing it was only vampires, an evil he was familiar with had increased his confidence.
"Yeah, mate. That's all. I don't think you quite grasp the situation though. The vampires you are used to are solitary or just minions. This is a band of vampires. I'm thinking at least 6 maybe more. They are all master level, and have been hunting together for a long time. Sometimes centuries. The closest thing you have ever seen to this was Dru and I with the bloody poof." Spike spoke coldly. He wanted the boy scared. He'd fight better and focus more if he were scared. Spike knew they'd never make it to shelter in time. Bands like this would kill him, just the same as the boy, They'd have to fight. While he was thinking about all of this the band finally showed itself. Spike had been right there were 6 of them. They were all tall, similar in looks, well dressed. A woman seemed to be the leader of the group. They had surrounded Spike and Xander.
The woman took a step closer and spoke, "What do we have here, a human with a vampire escort. And who would you be." Her voice was cold, emotionless, her words obviously directed at Spike.
Spike answered just as coldly, "I am William the Bloody, called Spike. Maybe you've heard of me."
The woman seemed a touch more interested, "Indeed I have, the slayer of slayers, part of the scourge of Europe, rumor has it you nearly succeeded in resurrecting The Judge. Quite impressive. Should make this fight all the more amusing." She then turned her attention to the vampires in her band. "Take them."
The vampires began to converge on Spike and Xander who immediately pulled their weapons out. Spike shot Xander a glance, and said softly, "Stay close, we can beat them, just keep fighting."
Xander nodded, but didn't speak. They fought furiously, Spike had each taken to vampires, Spike was fighting a third. Only the woman remained. She had mostly stayed out of the fight until now. Spike had his back to her as he continued fighting his third vampire. She went for Xander. She wrenched the stake out of his hands and pulled him close to her body. Xander screamed as her fangs pierced his throat. Spike spun around at the sound. But was attacked by the remaining vampire. He turned and continued to fight eventually staking the vampire. When he returned to the woman and Xander she was still drinking from him. Spike staked her and she fell to dust. He knelt beside Xander's fallen form. His heartbeat was slowly dropping off. Xander was dying.
"Bloody hell, the slayer will never forgive me for this. And Red, it'll break her heart." Spike spoke as he watched the young man's life seep away. He made a decision. He knew Willow still had the curse she used on Angel. She talked about it from time to time, she was trying to find a way to make the soul permanent. If he turned the boy, she could do the spell, they'd still have him. The only other alternative was to let him die. Not even considering that option Spike brought his own wrist up to his mouth and ripped at the flesh there. He then placed the wound to Xander's open mouth, forcing him to swallow. He made Xander drink for a long time, he wanted the boy to be a childe, not a minion. Spike was injured and the loss of blood to Xander made him dangerously weak. When he had decided Xander had drank enough he picked him up and began the long walk back to the shop.
Giles was reading, waiting for Buffy and her friends to check in with him. Well, rather he was trying to read. He never really accomplished anything when they were out, but he still stared valiantly at the page in front of him. He heard the bell on his door make it's jingling sound as it was opened. He glanced up to see what would bring one of them back at this early hour. Spike, was carrying a broken and battered, Xander, who appeared to be lifeless in his arms.
"What in bloody hell happened."
"We were attacked by a hunting band. Didn't know you got them in the states, there were 6 of them. We fought, but one of them got to the boy here. I killed her for it." Spike's voice was hollow, empty. Giles had heard shock victims sound like this. He took a closer look at Spike and realized he was paler than usual, and still cut and bloody, he'd lost a lot of blood, not to have healed already.
"Spike, is he, did they kill him?" Giles knew the answer already, he could see death in Xander's form, but he had to hear the answer. A silent tear had already started it's path down Giles' cheek.
"The leader, she went for Xander. I couldn't stop her. I killed her, but he'd lost so much blood. He was dying. Watcher, you understand I did what I had to, don't you?" Spike was sounding less and less coherent by the moment.
"What, do what, Spike what are you talking about." As he spoke Spike collapsed. Looking at the scene before him, Giles finally began to make sense of Spike's words, "Oh, dear God, you've turned him."
Giles himself then collapsed back into his chair. It was all too much to deal with. After a moment he pulled himself together. There were things which must be done now. He quickly dialed the numbers that would page the girls back to the magic shop. He knew that Willow still had the curse. They could give Xander his soul. It wasn't perfect, but it was the best they could do. Examining Xander, he realized that the change had already started, he could see the cuts beginning to close, and the bruises diminishing as he watched. If anything Xander was healing better than Spike. Knowing there was nothing more he could do for Xander he turned to Spike. He didn't understand why the vampire had turned the young man. It was quite obvious that Spike had been badly injured in the fight. Then he gave up his chance of quick recovery by giving his own blood to Xander. He would have expected Spike to simply bring Xander's dead body back to them, if he bothered to do that. He would simply never understand the motivations of the blonde vampire.
He went quickly into his office. He had a few bags of blood in his refrigerator. Payment for Spike's infrequent assistance. He used scissors to cut the bag open and then poured some of the blood into Spike's mouth. Unused to trying to feed a vampire, he actually managed to spill more of the blood, on the floor and his clothes than he actually got into Spike's mouth, but it was enough to make Spike wake up. He grabbed the bag, and quickly drank the rest. When he was finished with it, Giles silently handed him a second bag. He drank that and then spoke, "Thanks for the blood, watcher. Is Red, on her way?"
"Yes, they all are. Spike, may I ask why?" Giles was genuinely puzzled, he didn't actually expect an answer, but hoped for one. He was even more surprised when he heard Spike reply softly.
"That boy, was the heart of this little group. You all tell yourselves you fight because it's the right thing to do, but you don't. You fight for him. If I let him just die, it would have killed you all of you. Red would never survive his death." He then let his voice turn flippant as though realizing what his words revealed, "And if the slayer is going to die, it'll be because I beat her, not because some damn hunter made her sloppy. I want her 100% when I get my bite back."
Giles was stunned. He wondered if Spike realized just how much his words meant. Spike did this for them. He didn't want to see the group destroyed by Xander's death. Giles was exhausted and overwhelmed, way too much had happened for him to process this bit of information. Just then he heard the door open again, It was the girls.
Buffy spoke first seeing Xander's limp form, "What happened, Spike, what happened to him. You were supposed to protect him." Her voice was accusatory.
"I didn't think that was in my bloody job description slayer. I thought it was yours. Anyway we were outnumbered, badly. I would have thought the slayer would know when a hunting band invaded her town." His voice was cold, and anger glinted in his eyes.
Spike and Buffy moved towards each other, and everybody knew this fight would escalate. Buffy was hurt, and that made her less likely to think before staking than usual, and Spike would not back down from the challenge. Willow saw all of this with a glance, and quickly moved between them. "Enough, both of you. We have more important things to worry about right now, than who to blame. I blame the creature that did this.
Willow caught her first glimpse of Xander's still form lying on the ground and, her words came out in barely a whisper, "Oh, goddess, no. He can't be dead."
Giles softly replied, "No, not quite, but not quite alive either." He couldn't bring himself to say the words. He couldn't admit to this vibrant boy having been turned.
"Spike, what happened. Why did you turn him?" Willow had immediately grasped the implication of Giles' words. She was in shock, and her voice spoke of the deadly calm that accompanied that. She had not actually looked at Spike yet. As she turned to hear his response, she saw him for the first time that night. His cuts had finally started to heal, but he was left with angry red marks, and was still way too pale and drawn looking. Willow gasped and went to his side. "Oh Goddess, what happened to the two of you?"
Spike quickly hugged her and replied softly, "We were attacked, luv. Vampires, six of them. They were a hunting band. The watcher can explain what that is later. Xander took out two, he was very brave. I had killed three, when the leader attacked him. Red, she's dust. I swear it. But I wasn't fast enough. He was too far gone. This was the only way I knew to save him for you. You can use the spell. I'm sorry I couldn't protect him." His voice was barely audible to the people in the room. It was full of pain, and they were astonished to hear it.
Buffy didn't understand it, so she lashed out at Spike again. Soon the room was just a screaming mob. No one was listening to anyone else. Out of the chaos, came Willow's clear voice, with a tone of command that the others were not used to hearing from her, "Enough. Everyone just stop it. Buffy, go take care of Anya. We are all going to my house, there's work to do." She quickly scribbled a list on a scrap of paper, "Giles get these things and bring them with you." People responded to her voice. Buffy immediately went over to Anya who had collapsed in a sobbing heap next to Xander's body. Giles scurried to get the supplies Willow had requested.
"He'll have to be moved. My parents are out of town as usual, and the place is big enough for several of us to stay around the clock. I think we should take him there. We can do the spell tonight. I'll need help. Giles and Anya are probably best for this, they've had experience with magic." Willow sounded more self-assured than any of them could ever remember, and the command in her voice was unmistakable. Everyone obeyed her. No one even questioned it. Anya simply got up with Buffy's arms still wrapped around her, they headed for the door. Giles simply gathered the requested supplies and turned to leave. Spike lifted Xander's still limp form cradling it against his body. Buffy turned and looked at him, "No someone else can carry Xander, I don't want him touching him." her voice dripped with venom. Spike merely shot her a glare and pulled Xander's body a bit tighter against his chest.
It was Willow who answered her, "Spike is Xander's sire, you may not have read the books about that relationship but I have. Xander will need Spike, he belongs to him as much as he belongs to us. Spike carries him." Her voice was cold and the tone was not to be argued with. Buffy merely shot her a look that promised this conversation would be continued later. Everyone left the shop wordlessly. Willow remained for just a moment. **What am I doing. I can't be the one in control. That's my best friend. Gotta keep it together girl. We'll get through this** She allowed a single tear to slide down her cheek before following the rest of their group out the door.
By the time, they had walked the few short blocks to her house, Buffy had regained her voice. "Okay, I want to know what the hell is going on here." She meant for the words to come out sounding angry, but instead she merely sounded tired.
Willow ignored Buffy, and turned to Spike. "Put him in my room please."
Spike replied so softly that no one but Willow heard him, "Are you sure luv, He'll sleep through tomorrow at least. You may want some sleep tonight."
Willow replied just as softly, "I'm sure. I can sleep anywhere. He's familiar with my room, familiar is good right?"
"Of course pet, familiar is very good." Spike carried Xander up the stairs, wondering all the while just how familiar the boy was with Red's bedroom.
"Sit down please all of you. We need to figure out exactly what happened tonight." Willow was quite surprised to realize that everyone did as she said. She'd never really been in control before. She'd always been the follower. Being in charge felt good. At that point Spike rejoined the group. They had all moved into the living room and were sitting in various places throughout the room. Willow turned to Spike, "Spike, could you tell us all exactly what happened tonight. We need to hear it."
Spike looked at her, he had always known the little girl had power, but she'd never shown it until tonight. Tonight she was commanding. She was definitely in charge, no one would dare cross her. In addition he could feel the almost electric charge, of magic radiating from her. Like everyone else in the room, he obeyed her. He told his story. They did not interrupt. It was strange to say the least.
When Spike finished speaking, Buffy spoke, "What is a hunting band, Giles?" Her voice was cold, she was still looking for a place to lay blame. She knew after listening to his story Spike had done all that was possible, so now she was focusing on this phenomenon, she had never heard of. "and why the hell didn't you ever tell me about them."
Giles was startled at the vehemence in her tone, but answered her calmly. "Hunting bands are familial groups of vampires. They are bonded to each other. There are at least four vampires in any band, and they are all master level. They fight as a unit. They are ruthless, and will kill their own kind, as quickly as a human. They relish in the hunt, the kill. I've never told you about them, because The Americas have never had bands before. Most bands have been together for 500 years or more. I didn't think there was a need. I'm sorry."
Buffy's anger drained away, she turned to Willow next, "You can do the spell right. He'll be like Angel?" She spoke softly, the anger turning to simple pain.
"I can do the spell. Buffy. And about the spell, I have found a way to anchor the soul. I never mentioned it because it won't work for Angel, it has to be done at the time of the restoration, but it would work for Xander."
Giles was shocked and overjoyed, "That's incredible Willow. How did you manage it." He had known the young witch was still searching for a means to make Angel's soul permanent, but had never really expected her to find a solution.
"I did find a solution, but guys there is more to it." For the first time that night her voice held a touch of hesitance, "To start with the spell will take 3 of us, humans. I don't think Buffy is a good candidate for the spell either. I think it would have to be Giles and Anya who helped me." Willow's voice broke as she reached the end of that statement, she could only imagine the pain the other girl was going through, but the spell took 3 people, and she didn't think she could keep Buffy focused for long enough. Anya was the logical option.
Anya spoke for the first time since seeing Xander's body, "I can do it, I can do it for Xander. I'd do anything for him. I love him." She spoke softly but her voice was strong. She turned to Spike, "Thank you, thank you for saving him. I would have died if we lost him completely."
Spike felt a stab of sympathy for the girl. He wasn't used to feeling those kinds of emotions, so he answered rather gruffly, "Well, yeah, I didn't do it for you, you know. Red would've never forgiven me, if I let him just die."
"Is that really all there is to it, Willow. How will you anchor the soul." Buffy didn't mean to, but a note of incredulity had crept into her voice.
"Well that's the other thing, when we restore the soul, it will be tied to each of ours. Anchoring it in this realm." Again that note of hesitance touched Willow's voice.
Giles' face fell, "Then it's only a temporary solution. Our deaths would remove the anchor on his soul."
Willow responded the confidence finally back in her voice. "No it's a reciprocal bond, as his soul is tied to ours, so are our lives tied to his. We will live as long as he does, unaging, and as long as we are alive he will have his soul. But that's the issue, I mean we'll never have even a semblance of a normal life, if we go through with this. I'm willing. It will give Xander a shot at happiness, and that's all I've ever wanted for him, but I can't speak for the two of you."
"Weren't you listening a minute ago, I'll do anything for Xander. I'm in." Anya sounded almost upbeat with this latest information.
Giles had still not replied and had an odd look on his face, Willow turned to him, "What do you say Giles, can you do this. Can you tie yourself to Xander for the rest of his unnatural life?"
Giles was silent for a moment longer, and when he spoke it was softly. "When I was trained as a watcher, I was resigned to the fact that I would outlive my slayer. Such was the way of things. When I came to know Buffy, I was overwhelmingly saddened by that knowledge. Meeting the rest of you, I came to believe it was quite likely I would outlive all of you, A watcher's life is rather safe, after all. It hurt to think of the world without you in it. I felt it would be a poorer place for that loss. As the years passed I realized the strength that this group had, and no longer do I fear outliving my slayer, or you, my friends. Instead, I am saddened at the thought I will not get to see your great achievements in life. Tonight I have the chance to maintain two lives. Xander's who deserves every chance at happiness in this world. And my own. While I don't know what I have ever done to deserve this chance, I am going to grasp onto it, with every bit of strength in my being. I will do this. I will tie myself to Xander."
The room let out a collective sigh of relief. They really had not known what Giles' decision would be. Before any of them could respond to him, he spoke again, "Buffy, I hate to bring this up, but there is still a demon out there that needs to be taken care of."
Before he could get any further, Buffy answered him, "Right, take care of Xander for me. I'll be back soon." With that she turned and walked out of Willow's home.
The group spent the next several hours planning the restoration spell. Anya Giles, and Willow, each reviewed their parts in the spell. Spike hovered over everyone by turns. Near dawn they were ready. They made their final preparations and Anya and Giles asked if they could take a little time to mentally prepare for their roles. Willow agreed that this was probably a wise idea and went to look in on Xander. When she reached the door to her room she saw Spike sitting quietly by Xander's side stroking his hair. Willow stood and watched for a moment, she had never seen Spike treat anyone with such gentleness. She finally entered the room and sat in her desk chair across from Spike, Xander between them.
She sat in silence for a moment, but finally spoke, "Spike, what's it like, to have a childe I mean?"
Spike thought about it for a moment, "It's bloody amazing, pet, at this moment, the only thing I want to do is protect him." Spike paused for a moment thinking about what he had just said and added rather flippantly "I'm sure once he wakes up, he'll be a right bloody pain in the ass, and the desire to dominate will take over."
Willow giggled at this response. "Sounds like most parents, children are the best when sleeping." Willow turned serious again. "The Watcher Diaries, they say you never had childer, is that true, before Xander?"
"Yes luv, never wanted the bloody responsibility. And I haven't exactly had the best of role models. Dru, was too crazy to be a proper sire. Angelus, was a good sire, until that damned gypsy cursed him, and he turned into the poor tortured poof, Angel. And when Angelus came back, the demon had gone mad, he wanted to hurt us. He wasn't my sire, my Angelus. He was something else." Spike was being completely honest with Willow, somehow, he couldn't bring himself to tell the usual lies with her.
"Then why Spike, why did you do this?" Willow was back to her command voice, though it really wasn't necessary with Spike. He would have given her the answer regardless.
"Because losing the boy would have killed you, and I think that may just have killed me." His answer was soft, and when she didn't respond Spike felt the need to change the subject, move to safer ground. He'd come dangerously close to telling the girl he loved her, and he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't set himself up for rejection. "So it's my turn pet, do you think you lot, can handle Xander as a vampire?"
Willow thought for a moment before replying to Spike. He hadn't expected that. He thought Willow would simply give a quick reassurance that of course they would accept Xander, no matter what. Just words, no thought behind them. He was pleased that the young witch was actually thinking about this. Because it would not be as easy as everyone seemed to think.
"I hope so. I'm certain I can accept Xander as anything. I accept Angel both as a man and as a vampire. I even accept you. You are what you are, it isn't your fault. Xander won't have the troubled past to deal with so that's a plus. Still, I'm sure it will be hard. I think Buffy and Giles will just need a little time. I truly hope that Anya will be able to accept him. I just don't actually know her that well, but she loves him. She says she'd do anything for him. And after all she used to be a demon, surely she can accept his now. I think we'll all adjust." Her answer was thoughtful, and sincere. She had really thought about it.
"It's good you've thought about this Red. I know you all want him to stay, but he will be changed. Soul or not. He'll never quite be the Xander you knew."
Just as Spike finished this, Giles knocked on the door, "Willow, we're ready."
To Be Continued