Dawn ran through the graveyard.
She sobbed as she fled, tears streaking her face. Her chest heaved with exhaustion and she stumbled now and again as the effort of her flight caught up with her.
Dawn was terrified. More scared than when Glory had been after her. It had taken her near-miss with the hellgoddess to wake her up to the dangers of her life. Now, she wished she was still innocent. She knew that she couldn't escape this pursuer by herself.
Busy looking over her shoulder, Dawn suddenly crashed into someone. A someone who was unmoved by the impact. Strong arms came up around her protectively and pulled her into a loving embrace. "Shhhhh, Nibblet. No need to worry anymore. Spike's here.". Dawn sagged against the blonde vampire with a choked sob "Remember, I promised Buffy that I'd protect you...".
Summoning her reserves, Dawn tried to push him away. She managed one short, shrill, scream as Spike buried his teeth in her neck and began to drink. Despite the searing pain from the chip, the vampire drained her, listening as her heartbeat slowed. Supporting her head gently, he bit into his wrist and allowed the blood to drip into her mouth, crooning to her softly as she swallowed convulsively.
Hoisting his newest Childe into his arms, the vampire raised his eyes to the heavens and cried. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you love. But I'll keep my promise. Now I can protect her 'til the end of the world.". He nuzzled Dawn's unresponsive neck. "Even if it is tonight.".
She sobbed as she fled, tears streaking her face. Her chest heaved with exhaustion and she stumbled now and again as the effort of her flight caught up with her.
Dawn was terrified. More scared than when Glory had been after her. It had taken her near-miss with the hellgoddess to wake her up to the dangers of her life. Now, she wished she was still innocent. She knew that she couldn't escape this pursuer by herself.
Busy looking over her shoulder, Dawn suddenly crashed into someone. A someone who was unmoved by the impact. Strong arms came up around her protectively and pulled her into a loving embrace. "Shhhhh, Nibblet. No need to worry anymore. Spike's here.". Dawn sagged against the blonde vampire with a choked sob "Remember, I promised Buffy that I'd protect you...".
Summoning her reserves, Dawn tried to push him away. She managed one short, shrill, scream as Spike buried his teeth in her neck and began to drink. Despite the searing pain from the chip, the vampire drained her, listening as her heartbeat slowed. Supporting her head gently, he bit into his wrist and allowed the blood to drip into her mouth, crooning to her softly as she swallowed convulsively.
Hoisting his newest Childe into his arms, the vampire raised his eyes to the heavens and cried. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you love. But I'll keep my promise. Now I can protect her 'til the end of the world.". He nuzzled Dawn's unresponsive neck. "Even if it is tonight.".