Title:
Synopsis: The world is a vampire. An unusual rise
of vampire population threatens the town of Sunnydale
that could leave Spike dusted. Riley returns to Sunnydale
to give his relationship with Buffy another chance and
her dilemma of getting back with him or moving forward.
Note: A post 'Glorious' short fiction. The fourth
of 5 based on a series of fiction called 'the Vampyr
Pentateuch' starting with 'Against One'.
Date: Monday, 09 January, 2001 : 02:42:12 PM
Written by: The Resident Web Vampyr ©
2000-2001.
Credits: See here.
Characters in play: Buffy Xander
Willow Riley Harmony Spike
Giles
p a r
t o n e
SCENE 1. NIGHT 1.
Sunnydale graveyard. Buffy and the Scoobies are on
patrol. First time in more than a couple of weeks. Buffy
agreed that they can come with her but she reminded them
to keep precautionary measures at all times. Times have
changed drastically in Sunnydale. More and more unwanted
demons and monsters converged in this town, causing a lot
of civilian casualties. The danger became more apparent
during Glory's short reign over Sunnydale. That came to a
stop when Buffy, Dawn and the Scoobies successfully
defeated and destroyed the newest big bad, of course with
the help of an unexpected ally - Ben. But what about a
bleached pest that also lent a helping hand? As much as
Buffy doesn't want to admit it, Spike indeed helped them
during those troubled times and even when she least
expect it. Although at the moment, the area seemed quiet
and no vampires anywhere on sight to slay, she could
never be too careful about it. Speaking of vampires, where
in Sunnydale is Spike?, Buffy thought. It's not as
if she misses his annoying little antics, but it kind of unusual
for him not to be around.
"Okay guys, we've covered all the northern sector of
this town. Anybody wants to split up?" suggested
Buffy.
The Scoobies looked at each other as if to say, they're
really not interested since it's way past midnight and
they needed to take a break for the night. "In fact,
I think we'd better go home now since there are no
vampires around to stake," said Willow. "What
d'you say?" she referred to Buffy.
"I dunno, I got this strange feeling that something
will happen tonight. I mean, there's gotta be
something... somewhere!" said Buffy, a bit
frustrated.
SCENE 2. NIGHT 1.
Somewhere on the farthest part of Sunnydale, almost
outside of town, 6 friends walking home from a par-tay.
Lots of dancing, smoking, and drinking from where they've
come from. Chandler, one of the more high spirited member
of the pack, accidentally forgot to put gas on his car
and you guessed it right, they were stranded. The boys -
Chandler, Ross, and Joey volunteered to get gas from the
nearest town, Sunnydale, and promised to be back as soon
as possible. The girls - Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe,
insisted that they come along too. They wouldn't be
caught dead waiting for them in the middle of
the road, in a car, without gas.
They reached the town after walking for about 30 minutes.
By now, some of them are sober enough to notice the 6
figures ahead of them. They can't really see what they
looked liked, but they did seem to be pretty pale, have
very long faces, and had a bumpy foreheads. Although they
may be a bit odd, the six friends were glad to see that
somebody's still up this late to ask for directions.
Joey, being the smartest, volunteered himself to ask for
the nearest service station. "Hey man, I know it's
kinda late but, do you know where we can find the nearest
gas station?" The leader of the pack just looked at
him and smiled, showing his long, pointed teeth.
"It's your lucky night..." Joey didn't hear the
rest of the sentence, he collapsed on the road while his
other friends screamed in horror. One by one, the lurid
figures moved forward and surrounded the remaining five
preys to feast on.
p a r
t t w oSCENE 3. DAY 2. MIDDAY.
Buffy and Willow in school, walking along the corridors
to go to their next class. They're talking about their
plans for the coming long weekend. Willow suggested that
they go to this really cool spot somewhere outside
Sunnydale where you can find an assortment of spells,
gems and potions, and other witches' stuffs. She added
it's some sort of a Wicca convention, but they can look
for slayer weaponries as well.
"Or we can hang out at Merrick's Venue and meet some
boys. Anya said, it's a good place to start," Willow
winked at Buffy. It's not exactly her looking
for a male companion, she has Tara. It's for Buffy. She
knows her best friend needs to have some fun once in a
while, being all busy with the patrolling and school,
plus it is a long weekend. "Come on, Buffy, what do
you say? It'll be a girls night out!" said Willow in
an excited voice.
Buffy's not much of a social person herself, said she'll
think about it. She couldn't imagine herself dating
anybody at the moment or even the thought of going out to
meet boys. She's just not ready to take another
step into the love realm again. And if she did, it'll be
with somebody who will be there for her and
understands her and not walk away from her. Someone
strong enough to fight for their love until the very end.
They entered the
classroom together and sat on their respective seats. The
teacher, Professor Wick is making a statement about how
they, the students, see themselves in years to come. Will
they become professionals, assholes, or professional
assholes? Everybody laughed. Buffy included.
"It's funny for now, but when you think about it, I
guarantee you, all of you will not be laughing for
long," added Professor Wick. "So what about it,
any volunteers?" he looked around waiting for
answers. "Yes, Mr. Neil."
A young student said he sees himself as an entrepreneur
and take over his family's business. The professor
agreed, "But are you doing this because you want it?
Is it just because you're obliged to do it? Or you're
just fascinated by the fact that you will be your own
boss?" he asked.
"Well, if you put it that way... I'm not sure. I
mean, I want to do it, yeah..." Or so it seems,
said the student.
"Do you have other interests other than what you're
molded to be? Say, being a poet, or a musician, or even a
teacher?" addressed the professor to the entire
class. Some of them nodded their heads. "See, that's
what I meant. What drives you to succeed in your chosen
field. What motivates you to become what you are?"
"This however, may be true to some of you. Others
may just want a simple life, a normal life." The
professor paused. "It may not be very easy at times,
but life finds a way to true happiness and success in
life."
Buffy felt compelled to what Professor Wick is saying.
She had had experiences that is beyond normal, in fact
most of it are supernatural. She had destroyed and came
face to face with all kinds of monsters, demons, and
vampires. And true, she wants a normal life.
Just before the class ended, Professor Wick made the
topic an assignment. "Since we have a long weekend
coming Friday, I would like everyone to prepare a 2-page
essay, no less than 1000 words on what or where do you
think you will be 5 years from now. Just think about it
and be prepared to submit it next week."
A sounding disappointment from the students can be heard
after that announcement. A long weekend and they'll be
spending it doing essay reports.
As for Buffy, more important things came into mind. Will
she ever experience a normal life, five years from now?
Will she ever see the light of day, five years from
now..?
SCENE 4. DAY 2. LATE
AFTERNOON.
Spike's crypt. He and Harmony are in "bed". Spike's not in
the mood right now for Harmony's little game. She's
plainly stupid and unworthy of his attention. If it
hadn't for his physical needs, he wouldn't even bother
spending time with her. Not that it's all important to
him, but he is still an unbreathing being that needs
satisfaction in his unlife. If the one he adores cannot
give it to him, he will find it in somebody else. Now,
how will that sound to the girl of his dreams if she
found out that sex is just a casual thing for him?
Spike thought. Is this object of his affection really
affecting him this bad that he can't function normally
whenever he thinks of her?
"No! Not if I can help it." Spike shook his
head.
"What's wrong, little Spikey needs some
tuning up?" asked Harmony.
Spike shot an evil glance at her. "None of your
concern, cupcakes..." he said coldly. Spike's clearly
irritated with her. He doesn't know why he still put up
with a half-wit like her. He stood up, grabbed a
cigarette and walked to his chair.
"I have great news for you, my blondie bear,"
started Harmony. "I met a couple of newly sired
vampires down at Merrick's Venue. They said they belong
to a much higher network of vampires but I didn't bother
to ask since I don't really care, not that I want to
join them or what. Anyways, they all have funny names
like Chandler and Phoebe... and they looked so familiar to
me... well, except for that Ross guy. I wonder where I've
seen them..."
Spike, barely listening to what she has to say, sat on
his chair and pulled out his zeppo to light the cigarette
that's in his mouth. He's thinking his next move to
Buffy. Will he continue following her around like a
nut case, just a bystander waiting for an opportunity for
her to notice him? Or will he finally open up his
feelings and prove to her that he is worthy of her
affection, that he can be almost-human if he wanted to,
that he has indeed changed? He decided not to light
the cigarette anymore.
"... And you know what? They're willing to do our
little mission in life!" beamed Harmony.
Spike, still buried in his own thoughts, instinctively
heard the last part of Harmony's story and caught his
attention. "Mission? What mission?" asked
Spike.
"Don't you remember anymore?" she said.
"The death of the Slayer!" Harmony concerned
for her boy toy not remembering. "Spikey, we'd
better think of a way to get that chip out of your head
before it clouds your mind. You're starting to worry me,
baby."
Pfft. Mission? Hah! That mission is long gone honey.
I have a different mission in my unlife now. Spike
troubled on where this is heading. "What? You made a
deal with some, low-life vampires to do your dirty job?
I-I mean, our plan and you didn't even tell me
first?"
"Well yeah, didn't we agree that I'm the one who's
supposed to kill her? I figured... there's this new bunch
of blood sucking vamps in town, and you being so busy
and all... with --- stuffs." Harmony, not knowing
what she's talking about, continued, "That's what you
want right? Have the Slayer killed?"
"Uh-You figured," he chuckled. "Yeah,
right. And when did you start figuring out what I
want?!"
"Well, is it or isn't it what you want?!"
demanded Harmony.
Spike just stared at her. He knows what he want. He wants
Buffy, with him, alive.
p a r
t t h r
e e
SCENE 5. DAY 2. LATE AFTERNOON.
The Magic Shop. Buffy talking to Giles about the truth on
her mortality. No known slayer ever lived past their 25th
year. She's worried that she may be one of them, if they
haven't found out any secret knowledge or information
that can help her extend her life. She reflected this in
relation with an essay report at school and it's been
bothering her for sometime now. This past year, she and
Giles still haven't found a way to explore her true
origin, her dark side, which according to a powerful
vampire, does exists in her. And if her slayer instinct
is correct, her dark nature will prevent her early
demise.
"Maybe we're looking at it at the wrong angle,
Buffy," said Giles. "I agree that your dark
side, being a hunter and a killer, oh, I don't even want
to use that word, believe me..." he interrupted,
"...will help you prepare for future challenges. But
we're missing the point here, what if it's not the only
thing that counts?" asked Giles.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Didn't Spike said to you that you're asking the
wrong questions? That it's not how past slayers died,
it's why they died."
Buffy's train of thought shifted from their discussion to
a more personal level.
"I guess he's right. I mean, I thought
about it and I'm glad I have you guys, my family and
friends," Buffy said proudly. "I don't need
anything else....anyone. I have what I
need." But that's not exactly true. Deep down, Buffy
holds into that dream where she can have a normal life, a
family of her own, a pink house with the white picket
fences, a husband to come home to.
"Giles, where do you see myself five years from
now?" she said.
SCENE 6. NIGHT 2.
"Buffy."
Buffy, startled by someone calling her. She's been
daydreaming about that beautiful pink house and the rose
garden in the backyard. She didn't realize that she's
still at the Magic Shop preparing to patrol that night.
It was Xander who called her.
"Are we going to patrol tonight? 'Cause Anya and I
have plans, and... we sorta -" Xander explained.
Buffy didn't let him finish, she just said it's okay
since she'd been patrolling solo before. And besides,
there are no new threat in Sunnydale anyways.
SCENE 7. NIGHT 2.
Somewhere in southern mausoleum, a group of vampires
gathered themselves to plot an attack to a certain
peroxide vampire. The newly-sired ones were there as
well, with a different agenda. They told them about a
vampire named Harmony who wanted the Slayer killed. They
agreed. But that isn't the case anymore, said the speaker
of the rest of the vampires. Their hatred for the one
formerly known as William is greater than their
intentions of killing the Slayer.
Amidst the group is a dark figure hidden in its shadows.
The only thing visible to this figure is it's long hands
and an amulet hanging from its neck. They
regarded this figure as their leader, being the oldest of
them all. It's been listening for awhile now on how they
would proceed with the plan. They had had enough of the
one who can't bite; first killing off one of their kind,
then leading the Slayer in their hideout and the next
thing they knew, their vamp nest was torched and their
business ruined. Not to mention his new found allegiance
with the Slayer.
"You can do whatever you want with the girl..."
it finally spoken. "But I want him delivered
untouched..." said the figure amongst them. It has
such a faint voice, almost whispering.
p a r
t f o u
r
SCENE 8. NIGHT 2.
Buffy decided to patrol at the east sector not farther
from their house, having not able to go there lately. The
weather had a nice blend of warmt and a bit of a chill,
just enough for a good walk. She noticed that there is a
commotion a few meters away from her. It looked like a
group of vampires ganging on a helpless
creature. She ran towards the middle of it and saw Spike
surrounded by nine vampires. He successively beaten one
of them when another vampire approached from his back.
"Watch out!!!" shouted Buffy. She delivered a
kick across its face that sent it flying. Spike saw what
she did to the vampire and smiled. "Glad you can
make it, luv."
Buffy acknowledged Spike. Two more vampires approached
them, this time they got dusted in a matter of seconds.
The remaining ones scrambled to their feet, avoiding
further confrontation. One of them shouted, "This is
not the end Spike...Slayer!"
"Tell you new buddies, that I'm not afraid of
them!" Spike shouted back.
"Why am I not surprised to see you being mobbed by
your own kind?" said Buffy, facing up to him after
saving his ass.
"Hmp.. they are just jealous because I have you by
my side," replied Spike in a cocky smile.
"Don't worry, they won't be back."
"And how do you know that?" asked Buffy,
waiting for an answer.
"They wouldn't exactly want to be fertilizers in the
future would they?" he said sarcastically.
"Besides, this is not about me, it's about
you." It's not true and he knows it. Just before
Buffy saw him fighting the vampires, they warned him
something about being a traitor and revenge for trashing
their nests operation.
"What are you saying?" said Buffy, confused.
"Look Buffy, I heard somewhere that there's a gang
of vampires that's out to get you. I just want you to
know that if you need help, you can count on me," he
said sincerely.
Buffy didn't say anything but she appreciates the warning
though. She decided to leave since there's not much to do
out there anymore. Spike getting no response from her
again, called out.
"Buffy!"
"What now Spike?" she said while walking back
home.
"A-Are you doing something else tonight?" asked
Spike. Walking as fast as he could to catch up with
Buffy.
"Why?" asked Buffy. She doesn't like the tone
of his voice. She walked faster.
"M-Maybe, we could hang-out for a while at t-The
Bronze or somewhere..." unsure if what he said is
correct. He's been planning to ask her out for days and
when the time comes, he felt very nervous. "They
have great Buffalo wings and this new onion thing, it's
delicious!" he continued.
Buffy stopped walking and looked at him. "Are you
asking me out?" she said.
"Well," he considered. "If you like to put
it that way... yeah." He swallowed. Say yes, oh
please, say yes, he thought. Buffy gave him a
suspicious look and continued walking, only this time
it's faster.
"It-It's just a way of me saying that I'm glad you
showed up back there and save my ass from those bloody
bastards!" he maneuvered his approach.
Buffy ignored him and
continued her way. After a minute or two she said,
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"At least let me walk with you." Spike
following her, "In case, they jumped in on me
again."
"I thought you said they were after me, not
you?" said Buffy.
"Well, okay. They were after me too... sodding
bastards..." he replied.
They reached her house in a matter of minutes. Buffy
stopped at the porch and faced Spike. "You're a
vampire Spike. You've killed many of your kind and I
don't mean to sound enthusiastic about it, but you can
handle those thugs. So, I don't think you need me."
Buffy entered her house.
Spike, left standing outside her house, whispered to
himself, "On the contrary my dear, I do
need you."
SCENE 9. NIGHT 2.
Buffy closed the door behind her. What could Spike be
thinking by asking her out? As a thank you gesture from
saving him? Is he turning human or something? This is a
scary thing, Buffy thought. Something majorly
weird is going on with Spike. Him acting like a normal
person?...duh! If this is normal, I don't wanna know what
isn't anymore. She approached the still-lighted
kitchen and was surprised to see her mom with a visitor.
"Riley..." Buffy gasped.
p a r t f
i v e
SCENE 10. DAY 3. MIDDAY.
Buffy had such a disturbing evening last night after
fighting vampires that attacked Spike which apparently
were after her as well, and a visit from someone that she
least expected. Riley wanted to talked to her about the
couple of months that he was away and the true nature of
his visit. He didn't expect her to be ready to face him
last night with such short notice, so he invited her to
have dinner with him and talk. She was sitting in the
cafeteria with Willow and Tara sharing what had happened
the night before. She badly needed advice from her
friends on what to do next.
"What are you gonna tell him?" asked Willow.
The worse part is, she doesn't know what to tell him. She
herself is confused with her feelings. Is she glad
that he's back or does she merely wants the idea of him
back?, Buffy thought. Absence does make the heart
grow fonder, but that is not the case here. Part of her
is happy and excited about his return, however, so many
things has happened in the past couple of months and
somehow she managed to move forward with her life, little
by little, without him by her side.
"I don't know..." said Buffy.
SCENE 11. DAY 3. NIGHT.
THE BRONZE. Buffy and Riley sat in a private corner of
the Bronze. Riley started the conversation by explaining
what happened to him in Belize. The operation was in
total chaos from the very beginning. The place was
contaminated with monsters who made their dwelling in the
forests of Central Belize. These monsters have the keen
ability to regenerate themselves over a prolonged period
of time, surpassing their life expectancy by almost twice
their lifetime. Considering these findings, his team made
it crucial to annahilate these monsters without
hesitation. It's destroy or be destroyed. Riley didn't
like the idea of merciless killings, he guessed he never
had that edge ever since. It made him to reconsider his
motivation in joining the team and finally decided to
abandon the mission and get back to his former life and
search for the one true thing that made him complete.
"And that's why I am here Buffy," said Riley.
"All the while I was in Belize, all I keep thinking
about is you." He held her hands into his. "I
want us back together again, Buffy. And this time for
good."
Buffy is speechless. Is this the second chance she's
been waiting for to have a normal life, a normal
relationship with a normal person? The pink house with
the rose garden in the backyard? She remembered how
she'd given Riley everything she has, everything she is,
body and soul. Yes, she remembered Riley...
"Riley," she said softly. "I can't give
you a straight answer tonight, you know that. There were
so many things that happened while you were gone and I
don't think I can sum it all up in one conversation; the
things I've learned, the things I've shared with those
close to me. It'll take some time to get used to it
again, do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I understand," he said quietly.
p a r
t s i x
SCENE 12. DAY 3. LATENIGHT.
SUMMER'S FRONT GATE. Riley walked Buffy back to her
house. Once or twice Riley talked about memories they
once had like the first time they dated. Buffy smiled
upon the mention of the cheese. They arrived at
her front gate and said goodnight to each other.
"I had a great time..." said Buffy.
"I'm glad you did. Do you want to go out sometime
again, maybe tomorrow?" asked Riley pursuasively.
"Sorry, I can't. I have to finish this paper,"
said Buffy indifferently.
"That's okay." said Riley. "Probably,
next week then?"
"Yeah, probably..." she said.
Riley leaned forward and kissed her. It was a small
gentle kiss. Buffy looked at him trying to remember how
it felt when they were still together. He said goodnight
and walked off.
Buffy approached their front porch and opened the door.
She stopped. She thought she heard footsteps from the
side of their house.
Spike standing in the shadows. It's as if he's been there
for sometime now judging from the way he leaned his back
to the house for support. He wanted to see Buffy, which
by now is a pretty common routine of his.
"So, you're back into each other arms again,
eh?" said Spike irritated.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Almost 2 hours now, I thought I can patrol with you
tonight. But then again, you already made your rounds
with whitebread over there," he said pointing his
lips to Riley.
"Are you spying on me now? For your information,
Riley and I are friends. And I don't think I need to
patrol elsewhere when there is one in front of me that
needs staking," said Buffy sarcastically.
"Friends huh? We're friends, but I don't
see us going out, much less kiss," said Spike,
acting like a jealous lover.
Buffy can't believe what she's hearing. She's totally
amazed how Spike gets in her nerves almost instantly,
without even trying. Here she is, just came from a nice
dinner out, and here is an obnoxious vampire who seemed
determine to meddle with her personal life.
"And who said we're
friends...?" said Buffy, wanting to prove him wrong.
"By the way, why are you suddenly being so
twitchy?"
"I'm just curious why you seemed to be so okay that
he's back, after leaving you so that he can satisfy his
macho stunt. After all you've been through with him, not
understanding what you are, not knowing what you need...
and you're still considering a relationship with him?"
Spike said, almost reading how Buffy felt.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" she
asked.
"It means, there are others -- other man
who deserves you more than him. Somebody who can
appreciate you and love you for who you are," he
said impatiently.
"And who are you to talk about relationships, huh?
Tell me, when was the last time you experienced true
love? Drusilla? Harmony?"
Spike didn't answer. He didn't need to.
"That's what I thought..." she said quietly.
"Go home Spike...". Buffy entered her house.
p a r
t s e v
e n
SCENE 13. DAY 3. MIDNIGHT.
Spike walked back to his crypt. He had random thoughts
about what happened at the Summer's house just now. Buffy
said it right. Who am I to tell her what love is, when
clearly she doesn't think I am capable of it, he
thought.
He certainly doesn't care for a twit like Harmony. He
loved syphilis more than her!
His mind drifted to Drusilla. He was a poncy poet when
she met him. A poet in love with a girl who doesn't even
know he existed; much like what he is in most of his
relationships. He owe Drusilla for awakening the passion
hidden inside him. He was devoted to her almost like a
goddess. She was his sire, his companion for his unlife,
until she left him for a disgusting demon. Right about
the same time when he realized that maybe
Drusilla was not his true love after all. Maybe he
haven't found his true love... until now.
A sudden crash came falling to his head. Spike fell down.
SCENE 14. DAY 3. MIDNIGHT.
BUFFY'S ROOM.
Buffy is having trouble sleeping. She's tired, she's
confused, and she still have to finish the essay
assignment given by her professor at school. Buffy opened
her radio and listened to the music playing. She took a
pen and paper out of her desk drawer and started
outlining her essay. How do I see myself 5 years from
now?, she wrote. Buffy paused. She stared at the
blank paper then started to write.
 / listen here, my
sister and my brother /
/ what did you think,
when you lost another /
/ oh, sweetness follows
/
She remembered asking Giles if she can move past her 25th
year and live longer. "To move on, you have to let
go of something in yourself that's been holding
you," he said.
/ I used to wonder, why
did you bother /
/ to distance from one,
into the other /
/ oh, sweetness follows
/
She remembered Riley. The way he held her hands in his.
His proposal to renew their relationship. His gentle kiss
on her lips. She remembered Riley...
/ it's these little
things, that can pull you under /
/ live your life,
filled with joy and laughter /
/ oh, sweetness follows
/
She remembered being a slayer, her dreams of a normal
life, her mom, the first slayer, the Bronze, her friends,
a rose garden in the backyard, Angel, the vampire nest,
Dracula, school, Dawn, The Magic shop, the white picket
fences, the pink house, Spike.
Buffy stopped. She had a strange feeling. "Spike..."
SCENE 15. DAY 4. TWILIGHT.
Inside the crypt. Spike is unconscious in his bed,
sporting a small gash in his head. A hand, belonging to a
dark figure laying beside him, traveled from his forehead
to his cheeks touching it softly, while its other hand
remain holding an amulet hanging from its neck.
A faint, shrill voice sings in an inordinate lullaby that
resonate throughout the crypt. Dru smiled.
t o
b e c
o n c l u d
e d
Next on the series, "
No More." The fifth and
final series of The Vampyr Pentateuch.
Also by The Resident Web Vampyr : Against One, Stronger than Desire, Glorious, Sweetness Follows, No More, An Ode to Spike and Buffy, Countercheck,Blood Lies, Crushed, I was made to love you too.
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