Title: Chains of Darkness
Chapter One: Attack from the Shadows
Author: Crunchberry
Email: crunchberry327@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13 for now (semi bad words from our evil Spike)
Summary – Set at end of Season 2 – Spike is wheelchair bound, Angelus has returned. In an abandoned steel foundry a new species of demon have set up home. Spike finally has his one good day with the slayer – but with repercussions that neither of them foresees.
****
The Factory: current home of evil Angelus, crazy Dru and invalid William the Bloody and assorted minions.
Its about bloody time Spike thought as he wheeled his chair through the bottom of the old plastics factory. Thought they would never leave! He was so bloody sick of Angelus fawning over Dru that it was a blessed relief when they finally went out hunting together. It also gave him some time by himself to practice walking again without their knowledge.
Why he was keeping it a secret that he could walk again he didn't bother to analyze. Just thought it was the prudent thing to do until he could figure out a plan to get Dru back. He didn't like sharing. He didn't like it a hundred years ago and he surely didn't like it now.
Just cause that wanker finally got rid of the pestering soul did not erase the last hundred glorious years he had spent with his goddess. Dru was his now and he was not going to share. Just have to get rid of this soddin wheelchair, kill the slayer bitch and Dru will come running back to me. And then maybe that smirk will be wiped off of Angelus's face!
Getting angry always helped him overcome the pain in his back and legs when he was trying to walk. The pain was less tonight and his legs seemed to be following his instructions better. At least he wasn't crumpling on the ground as soon as he stood up like he did two weeks ago.
Walking, ok – maybe stumbling might be the better term, but I am making it across the room and back! Pretty soon I can go out and hunt when they are asleep. Human blood will heal me faster than the crappy rats that Angelus is bringing me. Soddin Poof doesn't want me to heal, likes rubbin' it into my face any chance he gets that its him that she goes to for satisfying her itch. Hell, he was the slayers lap dog for so long he has forgotten whom he is dealing with here. I'll show him and I'll show her who the big bad is around here. Just need a bit more time is all.
****
The night air was crisp and Buffy wrapped her scarf around her neck one more time for warmth. No vampires out tonight. She rubbed her hands together a couple of times and placed them in her pockets. This sucks she thought. I could really get warm with a good fight but it seems like tonight is going to be a "why didn't I just stay home and watch The Real World on MTV?" night. Like those kids would EVER know what the Real World was like!
Well, that was the last cemetery for tonight. I could go straight home or I could go to the coffee shop downtown and get a cup of cocoa and warm up. Go home, study or go and drink cocoa. The cocoa wins!
Taking a short cut through the industrial section of Sunnydale seemed the best idea. Otherwise she would have to go past the cemeteries again and she really didn't feel up to fighting vamps, just a hot cup of cocoa- hopefully with extreme amounts of chocolate in it and tons of whipped cream.
Some of these lights really need to be replaced she was thinking walking past some of the run down buildings. A number of the halogen lights were burnt out creating shadows everywhere. She didn't sense any vampires though and kept walking with her destination clear in her mind.
A shrill whistle like sound came from her left. Stopping, she tried to see down the alleyway to what horny cat or demonic creature was making the sound. Sensing nothing and definitely not seeing anything, Buffy shrugged her shoulders and continued walking. I'm done for the night – not looking for trouble, just cocoa.
Now she reached the middle part of the industrial park. It was almost pitch black here; none of the lights were working. At least I have the moonlight she was thinking right before the clouds decided to even obscure that.
I need a flashlight or maybe vampire sight so I can actually see where I am walking she thought. An almost silent footfall sounded behind her. If it wasn't for her slayer senses perking up, she might have missed it. Pretending not to hear it she continued walking. Another almost silent step but with a slight dragging sound to it came again and a bit closer she thought. Bending down to tie her shoe and to give the creature or whatever was stalking her more time to come closer, she thought of her battle plan. Have to get it near some light first off. Battling creatures in the pitch black was not her strong suit.
Straightening up and quickening her pace to a more lighted section of this deserted area of town; she didn't see the wooden pallets that were piled haphazardly in front of her. Tripping on one and then falling on top of another caused her to cry out in surprise.
Now I know why I was kicked out of ballet class – grace is just NOT my middle name. Trying to extract herself from the middle of the pile of pallets she suddenly sensed a very large presence right behind. Ok – Who am I kidding? She thought – I'm smelling the creature. At least I have lots of wood in case it's a vampire with bad hygiene habits!
Trying to jump up into a fighting stance among a pile of crates- which she couldn't see anyway- was not the easiest thing in the world. Leaping up, she landed again on another pallet which broke under her weight and she managed to twist her ankle into a shape not meant for human bones to handle.
"OUCH! Ok – that does it. Whoever or whatever you are – lets fight fair and just give me a moment to get out of this mess so I can properly kick your butt from here to the Bronze".
The whistling noise started up again, louder and louder while she tried to free her now sprained ankle from the broken shards of wood. The smell of blood assailed her nostrils and she felt warm fluid running down the inside of her shoe. Oh just great, not only do I sprain my ankle, I also stake it clear thru! Calling all vamps – slayer blood here!
The whistling sounded even louder now, like fingernails across a blackboard. Straightening up she clasped her hands over her ears. Now I am deaf, blind and almost amputated. Not good!
The smell was even worse, fish left out for days in the hot sun smelled better than this creature. The smell, noise, lack of light and pain were all becoming too much for her. She never even saw the claws come out and slash her across her chest. She never even had a chance to throw a punch in defense. All she felt was another set of claws rake across her leg and then a burning sensation that coursed through her body right after that.
With the last of her slayer strength, she yanked her injured foot out of its prison and managed to stumble backwards out of the clawed creatures way. The burning sensation actually felt good she thought. At least it's warming me up.
****
Nothing on the telly. No minions around to verbally abuse and Angelus and Dru nowhere to be seen but definitely heard. Oh bugger this – I am going outside for a while Spike thought. I refuse having to listen to the two of them going on and on all night.
Going out to the back alley for a smoke seemed like a good idea. Sitting out there in the moonlight, well lack of right now was downright peaceful. Except for that whistling noise coming from the side of the building. What the heck is that racket?
Throwing the perfectly good cigarette away, he used both of his hands to propel himself forward toward the mysterious noise.
Coming to the side of the building, dodging broken pipes and bricks along the way, the sound, like a really annoying scratchy whistle became louder and louder. Suddenly out of the dark he heard a girl cry out in pain.
Oh now this could be interesting. Maybe the whistling bloke will leave me some fresh pickings. Gaining some momentum he suddenly threw on the brakes when his vampire sight picked out the blonde head of the slayer straight ahead of him.
Why isn't she fighting back? That is one heck of a nasty demon taking a swat at her. Hell, she didn't even duck! He heard her intake of breath though and could smell the aroma of her potent blood in the air. So, someone is getting a taste of the slayer. Too bad it isn't me. Taking off the brake, he nudged the chair forward a bit for a better view. It was hard to make out the creature attacking the slayer. Well, two swipes at the slayer that is. She seemed to wrench herself away and then stumble about but did not throw her usual punches. Finally the creature stopped its incessant whistling and seemed to slide back away from her and head toward the abandoned foundry that was across the street.
I better get out of here before she realizes I'm here and finishes the job she started at the church. Silently trying to turn the chair around he noticed the slayer still stumbling around the piles of crates around the alley. Then peering closer at what she was doing, he noticed her crumpling to the ground and holding her stomach.
Oooh, slayer is hurt for sure. I smell blood all over the place right now. Wonder how fast I can wheel myself out of here if she is faking it. Edging closer, he could see the slayers head slumped forward and a dark fluid seeping through her hands where she held them against her stomach. Oh just a taste! She didn't even react to his approach.
Well just can't let her die like this can I? Have to drain her proper. Only right that I can say I killed my third slayer. Nobody needs to know I had help with it. Dru will be dumping Peaches before morning, he could already taste his victory.
Licking his lips, he folded up the footrests and stood up over the slayer. The smell of her blood was so sweet and overpowering almost. Kneeling beside her, he lifted her head and saw her eyes staring straight back at him.
"Who? I need help, need to get to my Watcher. Its burning and I don't think I can walk".
"Don't think you can walk either Slayer, tit for tat though. As for getting you to your Watcher, don't you worry. I will personally take pleasure in delivering your lifeless body to his doorstep!"
Vamping out quickly and yanking her head to the side, he sank his fangs into her jugular and drank like his very unlife depended upon it.
TBC:
Please review and let me know how its going - with lots of unclothed (my daughter is standing here and forbids me to use the word nekkid) Spike covered with whip cream for those that do.