Part Twelve
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Angel sat in a chair, his head down. Debris lay scattered about the factory floor, providing a confusing jumble of sights, but he saw none of it. Only one thing in the room held his attention. Buffy's shoe.
It sat on one side, the black leather scuffed along the toe. The new leather was still hard, and the damage done would not have come easily. The shoe, and Buffy, had been dragged over the concrete, and ended up here. That means she was here, Angel told himself. She must still be alive. He clenched his fists together and looked up. Think. Where would Spike take her?
Angel stood and walked over to where the shoe lay. Bending to pick it up, his mind raced. The sewers? The docks? Spike's car was still outside.
That big bastard with the gun was at the docks the other night. The leader, he was sure of it. He and Spike clearly did not get along then, let alone tonight.
Angel's eyes swept the room. He'd seen the ash from destroyed vampires when he came in. Whose work was that? There. A pair of empty shell casings lay by the door. Glancing about, he saw a dozen or more scattered randomly around the room. Dried blood was splattered in splotches beneath the various patches of ash.
Angel straightened suddenly, remembering what he'd overheard in the library.
Of course! Spike was after the book, the Master's book. The gunman is the one that wanted Buffy alive, not Spike. That's why he didn't fire when Spike held Buffy between them. Why then would Spike not kill her after he escaped? Spike wanted the book, but not enough to die for. Was it worth trading Buffy for the book? Is that why he kept her?
Or was it something else? Angel started as it came to him suddenly. Drusilla.
It could be that Drusilla was still alive. Last he'd heard she had been living with Spike in Prague. So she should have come with him. If these others had her for some reason, it could explain why Spike had not killed Buffy. Yet. Then again, Spike may be dead now and the others could have taken Buffy from him. Where is she?
The sound of soft footsteps echoed outside and Angel dropped the shoe. He stole quietly across the room, carefully avoiding the debris, and leaned against the wall next to the wrecked door. Someone's head leaned carefully around the edge. With a snarl, Angel transformed and grabbed the person, jerking them roughly into the room. He raised his fist to strike.
"Arrhhhh!!!" Giles cringed, holding his hands in front of himself. A cross clattered to the floor.
Angel let him go and stepped back. Visibly struggling to calm himself, he said, "You shouldn't be here."
"After my entrance went so well I'm beginning to think the same thing." Giles straightened his glasses and took in the wrecked factory. "What happened here?"
"Somebody destroyed Spike's crew. Buffy was here." He gestured to the shoe.
Giles stood silent for a moment. "Whatever is going on, they want her alive."
Angel nodded. "I don't have a clue who these other vampires are. The one with the gun, I'm positive he was the leader of the group I saw at the docks the other night, though."
Giles hands shook as he looked about. Stay calm, he told himself. You've got to think clearly. "We can't just flail about the city. She could be anywhere. We need a starting point."
"The docks. That and the sewers." Angel leaned back again the wall. "It's a few hours till dawn. I'll go to the docks, then into the sewers."
Giles nodded. "I'll consult my books, the few I have left. Perhaps the paintings Stephen purchased will provide a clue for us to start from."
Angel smiled weakly. "Your books are out in Spike's car."
"What?"
"I guess Spike was in a hurry, the books are still here." Or he is dead, Angel mentally added.
"Thank heavens for small miracles." Giles turned for the door but paused just before leaving. Though he spoke to Angel, both knew his words were meant for himself as well. "Buffy is alive. If we can just find a place to begin our search, we can get her back."
Angel nodded as Giles left. With one last look around the ruin of the factory, Angel followed him out into the night. As he left the factory grounds, Giles' words ran through Angel's mind. Buffy is alive. He held on to the thought as if it were a talisman that could protect her. She is alive, and I'm going to find her.
* * *
Severian gripped the steering wheel tightly. He'd been parked on a side street by the docks for nearly an hour, but he had not yet let go of the wheel. A flood of emotions rippled through him, racing from one extreme to the other. Rage, sorrow, fear, bravado. It was a mind-numbing experience.
What is happening to me?
Forcing himself to let go of the steering wheel, Severian pulled his hands back and stared at them. I've got to think this through rationally.
Laughter burst from his lips at the thought. Me? Rational? That would be a first. The laughter died away. Actually, Severian realized, I have been rather calm lately. Where has that come from? He sighed and looked up at the rear-view mirror.
Still gets to me. You just expect to see something, anything. After all this time you'd think it wouldn't be such a surprise anymore. Especially after all this time. I didn't used to care.
Severian swung his eyes to the warehouses lining the docks. He needed to get in there. Kveltain would not be pleased at the turn of events. Claudia will be milking this for all she can. His eyes narrowed as he thought of her.
She didn't warn me of Spike's activities, but that hardly would be the extent of her plans. She can't face me; she needs Kveltain to do it. So, don't make him angry. I'm not afraid of him. Not exactly. Still, it wouldn't be wise to set him off. There was a time when he would have killed us both. Now he just doesn't seem to care, and Claudia grows more and more aggressive.
Severian looked at the enormous book in the seat beside him. The dark, heavy tome was lying on top of his rifle, resting at an odd angle. You have some good news. Use that.
He pushed the car door open and got out. Picking up the book and gun, he stood silent by the open car door. Funny, he mused, I think the only time I haven't felt odd in the last few, well years, was when I was angry at Spike. Like I had woken up or something.
He tilted his head back and looked up the stars. Enough of this. Deal with Claudia and Kveltain, then figure out whatever the hell is the matter with you. Be assertive, confident, he told himself. Do not lose your cool. All that crap from those damn business books Claudia was always reading. Kveltain seemed to approve of that rot, another change in personality.
Deal with Claudia. Yes, I think I might enjoy that. Flashing an evil grin, Severian kicked the car door shut and strode toward the warehouses.
Lose my cool? Me? Never happen.
His smile gleamed brightly in the dark.
* * *
Willow tugged at the rope binding her wrists behind her back. It was tied very tightly, and she winced at the pain. Though it had been on for only a few minutes she could feel her hands getting numb.
She lay against a metal pole in a darkened room near one wall of the warehouse. That Claudia vampire had passed her to another and he'd tied her up here. Now, only a bit of light seeped in beneath the closed door in front of her. Twisting herself around, she managed to turn so that she faced the pole. Maybe if she could get around she could bite the rope.
She arched her back and leaned back. A couple of inches shy. Collapsing forward, she breathed raggedly. This was not working, she thought. In desperation she threw herself back and tried again. Almost far enough... Her back screamed in pain and finally she could stand it no more. She fell forward again and leaned, dejected, against the pole.
Beyond the door, she could here voices. Stephen's voice. What was he? If he was a vampire how could he have been outside in the day? Why did he pretend to be our friend?
Willow dropped her head and tears began streaming down her face. The long day combined with the fear of the last half-hour was like a crushing weight that threatened to pull her under. Buffy had been captured, perhaps even killed, Xander was in the hospital and she was tied up in a warehouse full of vampires. I don't want to die, she thought. Not today. Not after this morning. Did I wait for Xander to notice me only to die when he finally does? "Please no," she whispered.
"Don't cry little girl," said a voice in the darkness.
Willow nearly shrieked at the sound. Twisting around, she looked toward the back of the room. Her eyes were still adjusting to the dim light from under the door, but she could make out the faint shape of somebody sitting on the floor. The person moved and the sound of metal clinking faintly echoed in the room. "Who's there?" Willow called out.
"It won't help you," the voice said. A woman's voice. Willow noticed that she sounded a lot like Giles. "Since you will be dead soon we should sing a song. A pretty little song, like at a funeral."
Willow shrank back from the voice. "Who are you?" Her throat catching, she barely got the words out. The woman began to hum to herself and Willow turned away. Think, she told herself. Crying isn't going to get you out of here. Blinking the tears from her eyes, she forced herself to listen to the voices beyond the door. She could almost make them out, but the woman's humming was interfering. "Shut up!" Willow said. She turned to look at the dark shape behind her.
The woman ceased and sat very still. Then she pouted like a child; "You don't like my song?" She began to whine as if she were about to cry.
"I thought you said crying won't help," Willow said angrily.
The woman stopped and hissed at her.
Willow turned away. What was wrong with her? She made herself forget about the crazy woman behind her and turned her attention once more to the door.
Outside, Claudia stood with her arms folded. "So," she said, "what now? Severian has obviously failed to protect the Slayer as you ordered. If the trade I have arranged doesn't pay off, what then?"
Kveltain ignored her. He was leaning over a workbench with a drawing of the cavern containing the Hellmouth spread out before him. He murmured something to himself, the glanced up at Claudia. "Did you say something?"
Claudia pressed her lips together in a thin line. "I was saying-"
"These measurements, are they accurate?" Kveltain interrupted.
She looked down at the paper and nodded.
"Good, good." He returned to the drawing. Running his finger around the center, he said, "Let's get all of the coffins down there as soon as possible. There are only a few hours till dawn and it's likely that Angelus and the Slayer's Watcher will come here next."
"Here?" Claudia was confused. "How would they know to come here?"
Looking up from the drawing again, Kveltain looked directly into Claudia's eyes. "Angelus watched your little drama the other night while you were unloading the ship. Very sloppy of you not be more careful. Spike and Angelus both discovered you." He spoke carefully, with no trace of emotion.
"Severian was in charge. He's been going senile or something recently. I was only following his-"
"Yes Claudia, following my orders. Would that be in the same manner that you followed Kveltain's orders when you called to warn me of Spike's activities tonight?" Severian stood in the entrance of the warehouse, a gun over his shoulder and an enormous book cradled in one arm. "Perhaps you would do us all a favor and explain exactly how that sort of behavior fits into that philosophy of organization you are always prattling on about."
Kveltain straightened and put his hands behind his back. "I was beginning to wonder what you were up to. Obviously it wasn't doing your job."
Severian smiled and walked forward slowly. "Well, I admit things didn't go as planned." Claudia snorted at the remark and Severian gave her a grin. "Though I'm sure Claudia is already well on the way to a solution to my misfortune," he paused and tossed the heavy book to Kveltain. "I did manage to get your precious book. Maybe your little charade can end now?"
Kveltain caught the book and set it down carefully on top of the drawing. He ran his fingers over the front cover, then pressed his palms down against it. "Those pathetic Watchers have managed to keep this damn cipher from me for nearly nine hundred years," he whispered. "Finally I can fix everything." He looked up at Severian. "Funny that you should mention Claudia having a solution to your error." He gestured to the rear room. "We have trade material for the Slayer. Spike's companion."
Stepping around the bench, he walked toward Severian till he stood only a few inches away. "You salvaged the book, and for that I am pleased. You failed in your primary mission, and for that I am quite distressed."
Severian's eyes flickered to Claudia, who stood behind Kveltain with the faint hint of a smile on her lips. He said nothing, but his jaw visibly tightened.
Kveltain looked back over his shoulder at Claudia. "I'm also not happy with the, well, breakdown in communications." Turning back to Severian he added, "You two can finish this when I am done here. Until I am, stop it."
Turning to walk back to the bench, Kveltain spoke to both of them behind him. "Now, I need the coffins moved to the Hellmouth and the trade with Spike conducted while I translate the nine parts of the spell. Also, I've taken a child named Willow. She's one of the Slayer's friends. I'll need her for part of the ritual as well as insurance against interference by the Slayer's Watcher.
Claudia gave Severian a calculating look and said, "I think that you should let me make the trade with Spike. I set it up, after all. Severian is more than capable of overseeing the transfer of the coffins to the Hellmouth."
Turning around, Kveltain gave Severian a questioning look. "Maybe she's right. You have been rather absent-minded recently. I wouldn't want you to forget what you are supposed to do."
"Whatever you think is best," Severian said tonelessly. Both Claudia and Kveltain stared at him in open shock. "I wouldn't want to jeopardize anything."
Claudia's eyes narrowed. What the hell is he up to? She started to speak, but Severian continued.
"I think I can manage the Hellmouth setup as well as guarding this Willow."
Confusion on his face, Kveltain said, "If that's what you want to do." He waved his arm at the shut door. "She's in there. Get the coffins below ground before sunrise. I'll have try to translate the spell then I'll join you."
Severian walked past him and pushed the door open. As the door opened, light marched across the dark floor until it illuminated Willow. She sat leaning against a post, her hands behind her.
Blinking her eyes at the brightness, she drew her feet back under her. Severian looked at her for a few seconds, then turned back to Kveltain. As he turned away Willow gasped as she recognized him from the gallery. Behind him she could see Stephen. Kveltain. Whatever they were calling him.
"Claudia," Stephen/Kveltain said, "get the other one and go deal with Spike."
Claudia moved past Severian and into the room. As she passed toward the back, Willow turned to look at the woman behind her.
Chained to a metal post, she had pale skin and long dark hair. Her long white dress was rather dated, and she rolled her head back and forth. Still humming softly, she looked up at Willow and smiled. "Don't you want to sing? It's almost time."
"Shut up you crazy freak," Claudia said. She unlocked the chain from the post and pulled the woman to her feet. As she dragged her past Willow, the woman leaned down at the red head and snapped her teeth at her. Willow shrank back as far as the rope would let her.
Severian moved to go into the room but Claudia paused, blocking his path. Whatever Severian was doing, she had to interfere somehow, she thought. What is he up to, though? In desperation she blurted, "Do you really think leaving that girl in his hands is a good idea? I mean, given his normal pastime it might be better if I took her."
Severian's eyes flashed in anger and he started to swing his gun down off his shoulder. Kveltain put his hand on the barrel and held it still. Looking in to Severian's face he said, "You have been absent-minded. It wouldn't do to have you forget that I need her." Turning to Claudia he said, "Take her as well. Don't you forget either."
Her face beaming triumph, Claudia motioned to a vampire nearby and sent him in for Willow. She smiled at Severian, then left the warehouse, the woman in tow. Several vampires joined her, dragging Willow along as well.
Severian stood, his face frozen as if carved from granite as he watched Willow pulled away into the darkness. What the hell is wrong with Kveltain? He should have killed us both for our failures. And why am I thinking about that girl?
Kveltain put his hand on Severian's shoulder as Claudia and Willow left, and leaned close to whisper in his ear. "I know you haven't been yourself recently. It will pass. For now, just remember that you are a vampire. Now, get those crates into the tunnels and to the Hellmouth." Then he turned away and went back to the workbench.
Severian stared after Willow, then turned to Kveltain in confusion. Remember that I'm a vampire? Did I hear him right? He shook himself, then moved toward the remaining vampires standing by the crates. Later, he thought. Figure it out later.
* * *
Across town, on the third floor of Sunnydale Memorial Hospital, Xander woke up. Buffy. Willow. What has been happening? In fear he turned and fumbled for the light switch. Wincing at the pain in his ribs from the effort, he blinked at the brightness and looked around the room.
His mother sat in a chair, asleep. There was nobody else. "Mom," he croaked.
She stirred and opened her eyes. "Xander?" She got up and hurried over. "How are you? Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine. Listen, did Willow or anybody come by while I was asleep?"
His mother shook her head. "No. When I got here there was nobody."
"Maybe I should call her." Xander stretched his arm out towards the phone.
His mother grabbed his hand and forced it back down by his side. "It's almost 4 am. She's probably asleep. You can call her in the morning."
"I have to talk to her," Xander said. He tried to sit up, but dizziness and his mother forced him back down. The pain pill, he realized. That nurse lied. She said it wouldn't make me sleepy.
He tried to think of something to say to make his mother give him the phone, but before he could he collapsed into sleep again.
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Angel sat in a chair, his head down. Debris lay scattered about the factory floor, providing a confusing jumble of sights, but he saw none of it. Only one thing in the room held his attention. Buffy's shoe.
It sat on one side, the black leather scuffed along the toe. The new leather was still hard, and the damage done would not have come easily. The shoe, and Buffy, had been dragged over the concrete, and ended up here. That means she was here, Angel told himself. She must still be alive. He clenched his fists together and looked up. Think. Where would Spike take her?
Angel stood and walked over to where the shoe lay. Bending to pick it up, his mind raced. The sewers? The docks? Spike's car was still outside.
That big bastard with the gun was at the docks the other night. The leader, he was sure of it. He and Spike clearly did not get along then, let alone tonight.
Angel's eyes swept the room. He'd seen the ash from destroyed vampires when he came in. Whose work was that? There. A pair of empty shell casings lay by the door. Glancing about, he saw a dozen or more scattered randomly around the room. Dried blood was splattered in splotches beneath the various patches of ash.
Angel straightened suddenly, remembering what he'd overheard in the library.
Of course! Spike was after the book, the Master's book. The gunman is the one that wanted Buffy alive, not Spike. That's why he didn't fire when Spike held Buffy between them. Why then would Spike not kill her after he escaped? Spike wanted the book, but not enough to die for. Was it worth trading Buffy for the book? Is that why he kept her?
Or was it something else? Angel started as it came to him suddenly. Drusilla.
It could be that Drusilla was still alive. Last he'd heard she had been living with Spike in Prague. So she should have come with him. If these others had her for some reason, it could explain why Spike had not killed Buffy. Yet. Then again, Spike may be dead now and the others could have taken Buffy from him. Where is she?
The sound of soft footsteps echoed outside and Angel dropped the shoe. He stole quietly across the room, carefully avoiding the debris, and leaned against the wall next to the wrecked door. Someone's head leaned carefully around the edge. With a snarl, Angel transformed and grabbed the person, jerking them roughly into the room. He raised his fist to strike.
"Arrhhhh!!!" Giles cringed, holding his hands in front of himself. A cross clattered to the floor.
Angel let him go and stepped back. Visibly struggling to calm himself, he said, "You shouldn't be here."
"After my entrance went so well I'm beginning to think the same thing." Giles straightened his glasses and took in the wrecked factory. "What happened here?"
"Somebody destroyed Spike's crew. Buffy was here." He gestured to the shoe.
Giles stood silent for a moment. "Whatever is going on, they want her alive."
Angel nodded. "I don't have a clue who these other vampires are. The one with the gun, I'm positive he was the leader of the group I saw at the docks the other night, though."
Giles hands shook as he looked about. Stay calm, he told himself. You've got to think clearly. "We can't just flail about the city. She could be anywhere. We need a starting point."
"The docks. That and the sewers." Angel leaned back again the wall. "It's a few hours till dawn. I'll go to the docks, then into the sewers."
Giles nodded. "I'll consult my books, the few I have left. Perhaps the paintings Stephen purchased will provide a clue for us to start from."
Angel smiled weakly. "Your books are out in Spike's car."
"What?"
"I guess Spike was in a hurry, the books are still here." Or he is dead, Angel mentally added.
"Thank heavens for small miracles." Giles turned for the door but paused just before leaving. Though he spoke to Angel, both knew his words were meant for himself as well. "Buffy is alive. If we can just find a place to begin our search, we can get her back."
Angel nodded as Giles left. With one last look around the ruin of the factory, Angel followed him out into the night. As he left the factory grounds, Giles' words ran through Angel's mind. Buffy is alive. He held on to the thought as if it were a talisman that could protect her. She is alive, and I'm going to find her.
* * *
Severian gripped the steering wheel tightly. He'd been parked on a side street by the docks for nearly an hour, but he had not yet let go of the wheel. A flood of emotions rippled through him, racing from one extreme to the other. Rage, sorrow, fear, bravado. It was a mind-numbing experience.
What is happening to me?
Forcing himself to let go of the steering wheel, Severian pulled his hands back and stared at them. I've got to think this through rationally.
Laughter burst from his lips at the thought. Me? Rational? That would be a first. The laughter died away. Actually, Severian realized, I have been rather calm lately. Where has that come from? He sighed and looked up at the rear-view mirror.
Still gets to me. You just expect to see something, anything. After all this time you'd think it wouldn't be such a surprise anymore. Especially after all this time. I didn't used to care.
Severian swung his eyes to the warehouses lining the docks. He needed to get in there. Kveltain would not be pleased at the turn of events. Claudia will be milking this for all she can. His eyes narrowed as he thought of her.
She didn't warn me of Spike's activities, but that hardly would be the extent of her plans. She can't face me; she needs Kveltain to do it. So, don't make him angry. I'm not afraid of him. Not exactly. Still, it wouldn't be wise to set him off. There was a time when he would have killed us both. Now he just doesn't seem to care, and Claudia grows more and more aggressive.
Severian looked at the enormous book in the seat beside him. The dark, heavy tome was lying on top of his rifle, resting at an odd angle. You have some good news. Use that.
He pushed the car door open and got out. Picking up the book and gun, he stood silent by the open car door. Funny, he mused, I think the only time I haven't felt odd in the last few, well years, was when I was angry at Spike. Like I had woken up or something.
He tilted his head back and looked up the stars. Enough of this. Deal with Claudia and Kveltain, then figure out whatever the hell is the matter with you. Be assertive, confident, he told himself. Do not lose your cool. All that crap from those damn business books Claudia was always reading. Kveltain seemed to approve of that rot, another change in personality.
Deal with Claudia. Yes, I think I might enjoy that. Flashing an evil grin, Severian kicked the car door shut and strode toward the warehouses.
Lose my cool? Me? Never happen.
His smile gleamed brightly in the dark.
* * *
Willow tugged at the rope binding her wrists behind her back. It was tied very tightly, and she winced at the pain. Though it had been on for only a few minutes she could feel her hands getting numb.
She lay against a metal pole in a darkened room near one wall of the warehouse. That Claudia vampire had passed her to another and he'd tied her up here. Now, only a bit of light seeped in beneath the closed door in front of her. Twisting herself around, she managed to turn so that she faced the pole. Maybe if she could get around she could bite the rope.
She arched her back and leaned back. A couple of inches shy. Collapsing forward, she breathed raggedly. This was not working, she thought. In desperation she threw herself back and tried again. Almost far enough... Her back screamed in pain and finally she could stand it no more. She fell forward again and leaned, dejected, against the pole.
Beyond the door, she could here voices. Stephen's voice. What was he? If he was a vampire how could he have been outside in the day? Why did he pretend to be our friend?
Willow dropped her head and tears began streaming down her face. The long day combined with the fear of the last half-hour was like a crushing weight that threatened to pull her under. Buffy had been captured, perhaps even killed, Xander was in the hospital and she was tied up in a warehouse full of vampires. I don't want to die, she thought. Not today. Not after this morning. Did I wait for Xander to notice me only to die when he finally does? "Please no," she whispered.
"Don't cry little girl," said a voice in the darkness.
Willow nearly shrieked at the sound. Twisting around, she looked toward the back of the room. Her eyes were still adjusting to the dim light from under the door, but she could make out the faint shape of somebody sitting on the floor. The person moved and the sound of metal clinking faintly echoed in the room. "Who's there?" Willow called out.
"It won't help you," the voice said. A woman's voice. Willow noticed that she sounded a lot like Giles. "Since you will be dead soon we should sing a song. A pretty little song, like at a funeral."
Willow shrank back from the voice. "Who are you?" Her throat catching, she barely got the words out. The woman began to hum to herself and Willow turned away. Think, she told herself. Crying isn't going to get you out of here. Blinking the tears from her eyes, she forced herself to listen to the voices beyond the door. She could almost make them out, but the woman's humming was interfering. "Shut up!" Willow said. She turned to look at the dark shape behind her.
The woman ceased and sat very still. Then she pouted like a child; "You don't like my song?" She began to whine as if she were about to cry.
"I thought you said crying won't help," Willow said angrily.
The woman stopped and hissed at her.
Willow turned away. What was wrong with her? She made herself forget about the crazy woman behind her and turned her attention once more to the door.
Outside, Claudia stood with her arms folded. "So," she said, "what now? Severian has obviously failed to protect the Slayer as you ordered. If the trade I have arranged doesn't pay off, what then?"
Kveltain ignored her. He was leaning over a workbench with a drawing of the cavern containing the Hellmouth spread out before him. He murmured something to himself, the glanced up at Claudia. "Did you say something?"
Claudia pressed her lips together in a thin line. "I was saying-"
"These measurements, are they accurate?" Kveltain interrupted.
She looked down at the paper and nodded.
"Good, good." He returned to the drawing. Running his finger around the center, he said, "Let's get all of the coffins down there as soon as possible. There are only a few hours till dawn and it's likely that Angelus and the Slayer's Watcher will come here next."
"Here?" Claudia was confused. "How would they know to come here?"
Looking up from the drawing again, Kveltain looked directly into Claudia's eyes. "Angelus watched your little drama the other night while you were unloading the ship. Very sloppy of you not be more careful. Spike and Angelus both discovered you." He spoke carefully, with no trace of emotion.
"Severian was in charge. He's been going senile or something recently. I was only following his-"
"Yes Claudia, following my orders. Would that be in the same manner that you followed Kveltain's orders when you called to warn me of Spike's activities tonight?" Severian stood in the entrance of the warehouse, a gun over his shoulder and an enormous book cradled in one arm. "Perhaps you would do us all a favor and explain exactly how that sort of behavior fits into that philosophy of organization you are always prattling on about."
Kveltain straightened and put his hands behind his back. "I was beginning to wonder what you were up to. Obviously it wasn't doing your job."
Severian smiled and walked forward slowly. "Well, I admit things didn't go as planned." Claudia snorted at the remark and Severian gave her a grin. "Though I'm sure Claudia is already well on the way to a solution to my misfortune," he paused and tossed the heavy book to Kveltain. "I did manage to get your precious book. Maybe your little charade can end now?"
Kveltain caught the book and set it down carefully on top of the drawing. He ran his fingers over the front cover, then pressed his palms down against it. "Those pathetic Watchers have managed to keep this damn cipher from me for nearly nine hundred years," he whispered. "Finally I can fix everything." He looked up at Severian. "Funny that you should mention Claudia having a solution to your error." He gestured to the rear room. "We have trade material for the Slayer. Spike's companion."
Stepping around the bench, he walked toward Severian till he stood only a few inches away. "You salvaged the book, and for that I am pleased. You failed in your primary mission, and for that I am quite distressed."
Severian's eyes flickered to Claudia, who stood behind Kveltain with the faint hint of a smile on her lips. He said nothing, but his jaw visibly tightened.
Kveltain looked back over his shoulder at Claudia. "I'm also not happy with the, well, breakdown in communications." Turning back to Severian he added, "You two can finish this when I am done here. Until I am, stop it."
Turning to walk back to the bench, Kveltain spoke to both of them behind him. "Now, I need the coffins moved to the Hellmouth and the trade with Spike conducted while I translate the nine parts of the spell. Also, I've taken a child named Willow. She's one of the Slayer's friends. I'll need her for part of the ritual as well as insurance against interference by the Slayer's Watcher.
Claudia gave Severian a calculating look and said, "I think that you should let me make the trade with Spike. I set it up, after all. Severian is more than capable of overseeing the transfer of the coffins to the Hellmouth."
Turning around, Kveltain gave Severian a questioning look. "Maybe she's right. You have been rather absent-minded recently. I wouldn't want you to forget what you are supposed to do."
"Whatever you think is best," Severian said tonelessly. Both Claudia and Kveltain stared at him in open shock. "I wouldn't want to jeopardize anything."
Claudia's eyes narrowed. What the hell is he up to? She started to speak, but Severian continued.
"I think I can manage the Hellmouth setup as well as guarding this Willow."
Confusion on his face, Kveltain said, "If that's what you want to do." He waved his arm at the shut door. "She's in there. Get the coffins below ground before sunrise. I'll have try to translate the spell then I'll join you."
Severian walked past him and pushed the door open. As the door opened, light marched across the dark floor until it illuminated Willow. She sat leaning against a post, her hands behind her.
Blinking her eyes at the brightness, she drew her feet back under her. Severian looked at her for a few seconds, then turned back to Kveltain. As he turned away Willow gasped as she recognized him from the gallery. Behind him she could see Stephen. Kveltain. Whatever they were calling him.
"Claudia," Stephen/Kveltain said, "get the other one and go deal with Spike."
Claudia moved past Severian and into the room. As she passed toward the back, Willow turned to look at the woman behind her.
Chained to a metal post, she had pale skin and long dark hair. Her long white dress was rather dated, and she rolled her head back and forth. Still humming softly, she looked up at Willow and smiled. "Don't you want to sing? It's almost time."
"Shut up you crazy freak," Claudia said. She unlocked the chain from the post and pulled the woman to her feet. As she dragged her past Willow, the woman leaned down at the red head and snapped her teeth at her. Willow shrank back as far as the rope would let her.
Severian moved to go into the room but Claudia paused, blocking his path. Whatever Severian was doing, she had to interfere somehow, she thought. What is he up to, though? In desperation she blurted, "Do you really think leaving that girl in his hands is a good idea? I mean, given his normal pastime it might be better if I took her."
Severian's eyes flashed in anger and he started to swing his gun down off his shoulder. Kveltain put his hand on the barrel and held it still. Looking in to Severian's face he said, "You have been absent-minded. It wouldn't do to have you forget that I need her." Turning to Claudia he said, "Take her as well. Don't you forget either."
Her face beaming triumph, Claudia motioned to a vampire nearby and sent him in for Willow. She smiled at Severian, then left the warehouse, the woman in tow. Several vampires joined her, dragging Willow along as well.
Severian stood, his face frozen as if carved from granite as he watched Willow pulled away into the darkness. What the hell is wrong with Kveltain? He should have killed us both for our failures. And why am I thinking about that girl?
Kveltain put his hand on Severian's shoulder as Claudia and Willow left, and leaned close to whisper in his ear. "I know you haven't been yourself recently. It will pass. For now, just remember that you are a vampire. Now, get those crates into the tunnels and to the Hellmouth." Then he turned away and went back to the workbench.
Severian stared after Willow, then turned to Kveltain in confusion. Remember that I'm a vampire? Did I hear him right? He shook himself, then moved toward the remaining vampires standing by the crates. Later, he thought. Figure it out later.
* * *
Across town, on the third floor of Sunnydale Memorial Hospital, Xander woke up. Buffy. Willow. What has been happening? In fear he turned and fumbled for the light switch. Wincing at the pain in his ribs from the effort, he blinked at the brightness and looked around the room.
His mother sat in a chair, asleep. There was nobody else. "Mom," he croaked.
She stirred and opened her eyes. "Xander?" She got up and hurried over. "How are you? Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine. Listen, did Willow or anybody come by while I was asleep?"
His mother shook her head. "No. When I got here there was nobody."
"Maybe I should call her." Xander stretched his arm out towards the phone.
His mother grabbed his hand and forced it back down by his side. "It's almost 4 am. She's probably asleep. You can call her in the morning."
"I have to talk to her," Xander said. He tried to sit up, but dizziness and his mother forced him back down. The pain pill, he realized. That nurse lied. She said it wouldn't make me sleepy.
He tried to think of something to say to make his mother give him the phone, but before he could he collapsed into sleep again.
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