Title: Fear (The Peacemaker Prophesy, pt 17)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG-13
Feedback: Yes, please
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing.
Summary: Buffy waits to see if the cure will work. Gwydion surprises Dawn while she is home alone. Xander and Anya try to help Buffy.
Fear
Buffy rummaged through an old dresser, locating one of what must have been a hundred plain black T-shirts that Spike owned. Diversification of wardrobe was something they needed to chat about once Emma was out of danger and the wound in Spike's gut was healed. Were it up to her, he could walk around shirtless for all eternity, but as PTA meetings might eventually be in their future, discussing the ins and outs of colour was looking more and more important.
Spike sat on the edge of the bed, feet dangling over the sides looking like a child recovering from having the wind knocked out of him. Buffy walked to the bed and he looked up at her with those endless blue eyes. She saw something she rarely noticed in her lover. Fear. Her hand lifted to his face, feeling his soft skin, running her thumb along his cheekbone. For years now, it had been her that was afraid and time and time again, he was setting it right. Might be time to return the favour.
"Can you lift your arms?" Buffy asked, situating the shirt as she would one of Emma's. He obliged, wincing as his hands spread over his head and she pulled the shirt on, mussing his hair as she did. It was a heartbreaking sight. He looked so much like a boy in that moment. Like the last one hundred and twenty odd years were all a lie and he was really just someone's child who had been hurt in a fight. "It's going to be alright, Spike. I won't let you die."
Spike stared at her with startled blue eyes and reached for her, pulling her against him, his head against her chest. He clung to her as she stroked his hair, the back of his neck, feeling her resolve strengthen. There was no way she was going to lose this. No way Emma was going to grow up not knowing.... Just not knowing. Buffy pulled away and forced him to look at her.
"Spike, listen, OK?" He stared at her helplessly. "I know that you're
afraid. I'm afraid. But we have a little girl at home and we need to go and make sure she's OK. If you aren't up to it yet, I'll...."
"No," he interrupted. "Don't care if I die. Not getting Emma." Spike
pushed himself to his feet, Buffy steadying him.
"You aren't going to die," Buffy said, resolutely.
"Buffy," he sighed," we have to face facts, Love..."
"No," she answered. "There are no facts on the Hellmouth. How many times have I been dead now?" She smiled softly at him and he returned it, getting lost in her as he always did. He leaned down, his lips brushing hers. "Besides," she whispered, his mouth still touching her lips, "after we save her this time, I'm sure we'll still have lots of saving-ness left. You have to be around if you want it all."
"You know I want you, Buffy," Spike purred, holding her hands. "You know I love you. Regardless."
"Well, don't make me have to go to another dimension and find you then." He smiled at her in reply, kissing her once again. Just to feel her against him. Just to remember it. Just in case.
A rap at the door turned both of their heads, startling them to attention. "Who's there?" Spike called, the fear back in his voice.
"It's me. Xander."
"Come in," Buffy chimed, turning towards the back door of the crypt. Spike took a few steps, getting his bearings.
"Buff," Xander panted. "Spike?" Spike nodded at the whelp. "You're
alive?"
"He needs help. Have you heard from Willow and Tara?" Buffy interrupted.
"No, but we need to get back. Pronto."
"What's wrong?" Spike asked, beginning to feel the fire of Buffy's blood
coursing through his veins.
"Anya talked to Giles and Gwydion is not a watcher..."
"What?" Spike asked, flabbergasted. "Gwydion? A Watcher?"
Xander and Buffy looked at Spike. "He came to the house and spoke to Dawn. Said he was a Watcher," Buffy stuttered, staring at Spike's worried expression.
"He's the sodding master Vampire," Spike said, starting toward the door. He stumbled and Xander caught him. Spike thought about shrugging him off, but was grateful at that moment, that he was not face first on the floor. "We need to go," Spike continued, trying to cover his weakness. Buffy came up next to Spike, putting his arm over her shoulder and Xander steadied his other side. They began back through the tunnels, Spike gaining strength as he moved.
"Gwydion's the master?" Xander asked, looking at Spike's face. For a
second, he almost felt... worried about the vamp. That thought scared him more than anything.
"Yes."
"How did you find out?"
Spike thought a moment. "Drusilla," he answered, choosing honesty as the best route. Buffy's eyes shot up at Spike. "Pet, I had no chance to tell you. She came last night. Tried to turn me again."
Jealousy boiled in Buffy, but she held it down. This was not the time to fight. "What else did *Dru* say?" Buffy asked, the envy coming out in her voice. The tone did not go unnoticed by either Xander or Spike. Xander shot the blond Vampire a look that said 'If you live though this, she might just kill you.'
"Well, after I tossed her across the room with my last remaining strength," Spike said in his own defense, "she told me about Gwydion and that he would come for Emma on the day of the fairy's ball. Haven't quite sussed that part out yet."
"Uh, the fairy's ball?" Xander asked. " I orginally came to get you because the house is covered in fairies. Thousands of them. All over the room, the side of the house. Dawn sent me to get you."
"Is the Niblet alone?" Spike inquired, suddenly finding the strength to
walk alone. Xander nodded back at Spike. "It's happening now. We need to go. " He picked up the pace, his blood, her blood, now pumping steadily in his veins.
"Oh God." Buffy whispered. "I should run ahead."
"Car's out front," Xander answered. "I'll get you there."
"Now!" Spike snarled, a few steps in front.
*****
Gwydion finished binding the girl in a maze of ropes designed to hurt no
matter which way the teen wiggled. She sat, head slumped forward in the
chair. He clapped his hands, satisfied, and began to prowl the lower level, looking for other potential problems. Slowly, he descended into the basement. Washer. Dryer. Cleaning supplies. Oh, and an un-slept in cot. Looks as if the guard was right. No more Angel to be concerned with.
"Let the games begin," Gwydion said to the air, smiling smugly and emerging into the kitchen.
*****
"Can't this sodding thing move any faster?" Spike snapped from the back
seat. Buffy laid a hand on his leg as he clutched white-knuckled at the
headrest of Anya's seat. "Pull over and let me drive."
"Ow, the hair!" Anya huffed, pulling forward.
"Sorry."
"Spike," Buffy muttered, pushing him gently back against the seat. "Save a little for when we get there, OK?" She found herself honestly concerned that there wasn't just a time limit to the potion but maybe a power limit. Kind of like if locked in a vault, you conserve more air by whispering rather than screaming. Not that she knew if it were true or not. Worried her all the same. Spike reluctantly complied, instead toying nervously with Buffy's fingers.
"What's the plan once we get there?" Xander asked.
"Get the weapons. Wait for Gwydion," Buffy answered.
"Isn't it daylight?" Anya asked. "Isn't he a vampire?"
"Did *Drusilla* tell you anything to explain *that*?" Buffy said, the envy rising again. Spike looked at her, rather touched by the overt display of jealousy.
"No," Spike answered, calmly. "But there are several charms in existence that would allow this."
"Thanks, Giles," Xander snarked.
"What is it with you bloody people? Know something and suddenly you're a sodding Wanker?" Spike erupted. Buffy could not help but giggle.
"Like the Gem of Amara?" Buffy asked, tossing that one out there. Maybe keeping him annoyed was the best way to keep him alive.
"No," he continued sarcastically. "The Gem of Amara confers invincibility."
"You didn't seem too invincible to me," Buffy remarked. Spike shot a
warning glance at her, smirking his patented, trademark Spike!Smirk. None other like it.
"Just warming up," he quipped, his accent becoming more pronounced as he
became more offended. "There are several charms and talismans that confer the ability to walk during the day, but most all but negate a Vampire's powers. Bloody waste of time, if you ask me," Spike finished.
"So we may be up against an otherwise powerless vamp?" Xander asked,
hopefully.
"What's the point?" Anya asked.
Buffy and Spike looked at each other, recognition crossing their faces.
"Element of surprise. Separate the heard. Attack the weakest one," Spike muttered, under his breath.
"Dawn," Buffy gasped. "Can this thing going any faster?"
*****
Gwydion started up the stairs, making no noise and he slowly crept along the carpet. He ducked his head in each room of the second level, assessing the situation. Making sure every room was cleared. As he closed the door to Buffy's room, he heard it. A tiny, mewling cry, as if from a lost kitten. Gwydion smiled.
The prize.
Slowly, he padded down the hall, following the sound to the closed door of the child's room. As he reached for the knob with one elegant, ringed hand, a desperate cry rang out. The sound of fear and need and basic want. It was music. Torturous, horrible, symphonic. Her screams made him want to savour this all the more.
Gwydion slid open the door with a gentle click. Only some furniture and a crib with a small crying baby. He felt something strange and noticed the odd wallpaper. Thousands of butterflies suspended against dark and light blue walls. The child wailed, her legs kicking, her arms punching wildly at the air. Beautiful music. Slowly, he approached the crib, staring down at the girl with wide and wondering eyes.
"So, pretty," he said, sliding his hand under her neck. He could feel the burn and hiss as his ring touched her soft skin. The child wailed again. Louder. More desperate. " I should have thought nothing less of Spike. Especially not with his beautiful mate." He slid his hand from under the girl and stroked her downy blonde head. "Those eyes. I would know them anywhere. You are mostly definitely his girl," he whispered, almost comforting the child. The game was more fun if they trusted before the kill. The baby looked up at him with fearful and teary eyes. For one split second, he could hear her voice in his head.
'Stop this. You do not want this.'
A beautiful, rich, melodic voice. It angered the Vampire more. Gwydion
lifted his other hand, sliding it into the crib, one positioned on either side of the child's head. Snap her tiny neck, he thought. End this.
As he moved to touch her again, the walls came to life. Thousands of tiny wings fluttered and time stood still.
*****
The car screeched to a halt in front of Buffy and Spike's home. Spike's door was open and he had hopped to the curb before the car had completely stopped. A newfound burst of strength, driven by his lover's blood and sheer adrenaline coursed through Spike's veins, igniting his muscles. He ran up the walk, Buffy at his heels, Xander and Anya further behind.
The door was slightly ajar. "Here," Spike muttered, slamming it open.
"He's here."
Spike's immediate lunge at the stairs was stopped dead by what he saw from the corner of his eye. Buffy almost ran into the back of him, her head whipping, following his gaze.
Dawn was strapped to a chair, chest heaving, hands tethered to her feet and the chair by an elaborate and torturous system of ropes. Her eyes
fluttered, neither awake nor asleep. Spike stood in horror, looking at his Niblet. She was as much his as Emma. Not of his flesh but of his heart. He shook his head as if to clear it, and grabbed Buffy's shoulder. Buffy was frozen, staring at her sister in wide-eyed horror.
"Buffy?" Spike said. Buffy did not move. Xander and Anya appeared in the entryway and backstepped at the sight.
"Jesus, Dawn," Xander gasped, not able to move.
"Buffy?" Spike said again, this time with more force. He grabbed her other shoulder, shaking her. Buffy snapped and looked up at him. "Take care of the Niblet. I'll handle Gwydion."
"But you..." she stuttered.
"I'll be fine. Tend to your sis." Spike bolted up the stairs in twos.
Buffy watched him disappear as Xander came up next to her.
"Xander, please help..." she muttered, already disappearing up the stairs.
"We'll take care of her," Xander called after her.
*****
Spike felt it just before he reached Emma's door. Like the consistency of the air had changed. It became as if he was wading chest deep in the sea. Still, he pushed forwards, trudging toward the door at a fraction of the pace of his heart, his pumping lungs. He heard Buffy scrambling up the stairs behind him in a flurry of movement. He turned just as her body slowed and he watched the look on her face change from resolution to fear. Spike almost went back to grab Buffy as she froze, arms reaching for the door, but he knew he had to get to Emma.
The door swung slowly open.
A man in a navy suit was bending over the baby, frozen. Spike could see his little girl moving slowly around the edge of Gwydion's arm. Hear her helpless whimpers and thousands of fluttering wings. Spike lunged toward the figure, but it seemed more of just a lurching step. The fury, the rage, filled him as he got closer, seeing Gwydion's hands on either side of Emma's pretty head. "Never," he muttered, but it was barely a hushed whisper.
Spike reached for the sandy haired man, yanking him back with what little force he could muster. Pulling him toward the door. Feeling his own face change with the fear and fury and desire to destroy that he had quelled since Africa. He felt the killer rise as he hoisted the man through the door, into the hall. Spike never looked at his face. No. He didn't want to see the monster's face until he could end it.
The fairies' grip loosened. Buffy sprang to life and darted past Spike
toward Emma's room as the baby began to wail again in terror and need.
Spike spun, hurling Gwydion at the stairwell, his perfectly polished shoes glinting in the sunlight as the older vamp upended and toppled down the stairs. The sandy haired man shook his head, the effects of the fall and the fairies clouding his mind. All he could see was the door in front of him, but he could feel Spike behind. Hear the heavy sound of boots against the wood of the steps. Gwydion thought that his only chance was to run.
But what honour was there in running?
Besides, he had waited for over a century for the look on Spike's face.
That one moment that would make it all worth the ride.
Gwydion felt the boot to his kidney, then hands grab him under his arms,
propelling him at the door with supernatural strength. The sandy haired man chuckled as his face hit the door with a crack. Xander loosened the last knot on Dawn. Anya held Dawn's raw hands in silence, Buffy scooped Emma into her arms and ran back to the top of the stairs, all watching the blond Vampire unleashing his rage mixed forever with his Slayer's blood, on the man who would kill their daughter.
"Bloody well do it," Gwydion spoke, his nose pressed to the wood of the
door. Buffy stopped, turning, feeling something.. Spike ceased his
pummeling, listening. "On with it, Wills."
Spike grabbed Gwydion's shoulders and spun him toward the stairs until they stood face to face. Eye to eye. A cracked, raw grin broke on the sandy haired man's face, blood trickling from a cut in his eye. Spike's eyes flew open and he stepped back, shaking his head, falling onto the bottom step.
"Spike?" Buffy called, stepping forward. Spike looked up at the man in
horror.
"F...father?"
To be contd.
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG-13
Feedback: Yes, please
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing.
Summary: Buffy waits to see if the cure will work. Gwydion surprises Dawn while she is home alone. Xander and Anya try to help Buffy.
Fear
Buffy rummaged through an old dresser, locating one of what must have been a hundred plain black T-shirts that Spike owned. Diversification of wardrobe was something they needed to chat about once Emma was out of danger and the wound in Spike's gut was healed. Were it up to her, he could walk around shirtless for all eternity, but as PTA meetings might eventually be in their future, discussing the ins and outs of colour was looking more and more important.
Spike sat on the edge of the bed, feet dangling over the sides looking like a child recovering from having the wind knocked out of him. Buffy walked to the bed and he looked up at her with those endless blue eyes. She saw something she rarely noticed in her lover. Fear. Her hand lifted to his face, feeling his soft skin, running her thumb along his cheekbone. For years now, it had been her that was afraid and time and time again, he was setting it right. Might be time to return the favour.
"Can you lift your arms?" Buffy asked, situating the shirt as she would one of Emma's. He obliged, wincing as his hands spread over his head and she pulled the shirt on, mussing his hair as she did. It was a heartbreaking sight. He looked so much like a boy in that moment. Like the last one hundred and twenty odd years were all a lie and he was really just someone's child who had been hurt in a fight. "It's going to be alright, Spike. I won't let you die."
Spike stared at her with startled blue eyes and reached for her, pulling her against him, his head against her chest. He clung to her as she stroked his hair, the back of his neck, feeling her resolve strengthen. There was no way she was going to lose this. No way Emma was going to grow up not knowing.... Just not knowing. Buffy pulled away and forced him to look at her.
"Spike, listen, OK?" He stared at her helplessly. "I know that you're
afraid. I'm afraid. But we have a little girl at home and we need to go and make sure she's OK. If you aren't up to it yet, I'll...."
"No," he interrupted. "Don't care if I die. Not getting Emma." Spike
pushed himself to his feet, Buffy steadying him.
"You aren't going to die," Buffy said, resolutely.
"Buffy," he sighed," we have to face facts, Love..."
"No," she answered. "There are no facts on the Hellmouth. How many times have I been dead now?" She smiled softly at him and he returned it, getting lost in her as he always did. He leaned down, his lips brushing hers. "Besides," she whispered, his mouth still touching her lips, "after we save her this time, I'm sure we'll still have lots of saving-ness left. You have to be around if you want it all."
"You know I want you, Buffy," Spike purred, holding her hands. "You know I love you. Regardless."
"Well, don't make me have to go to another dimension and find you then." He smiled at her in reply, kissing her once again. Just to feel her against him. Just to remember it. Just in case.
A rap at the door turned both of their heads, startling them to attention. "Who's there?" Spike called, the fear back in his voice.
"It's me. Xander."
"Come in," Buffy chimed, turning towards the back door of the crypt. Spike took a few steps, getting his bearings.
"Buff," Xander panted. "Spike?" Spike nodded at the whelp. "You're
alive?"
"He needs help. Have you heard from Willow and Tara?" Buffy interrupted.
"No, but we need to get back. Pronto."
"What's wrong?" Spike asked, beginning to feel the fire of Buffy's blood
coursing through his veins.
"Anya talked to Giles and Gwydion is not a watcher..."
"What?" Spike asked, flabbergasted. "Gwydion? A Watcher?"
Xander and Buffy looked at Spike. "He came to the house and spoke to Dawn. Said he was a Watcher," Buffy stuttered, staring at Spike's worried expression.
"He's the sodding master Vampire," Spike said, starting toward the door. He stumbled and Xander caught him. Spike thought about shrugging him off, but was grateful at that moment, that he was not face first on the floor. "We need to go," Spike continued, trying to cover his weakness. Buffy came up next to Spike, putting his arm over her shoulder and Xander steadied his other side. They began back through the tunnels, Spike gaining strength as he moved.
"Gwydion's the master?" Xander asked, looking at Spike's face. For a
second, he almost felt... worried about the vamp. That thought scared him more than anything.
"Yes."
"How did you find out?"
Spike thought a moment. "Drusilla," he answered, choosing honesty as the best route. Buffy's eyes shot up at Spike. "Pet, I had no chance to tell you. She came last night. Tried to turn me again."
Jealousy boiled in Buffy, but she held it down. This was not the time to fight. "What else did *Dru* say?" Buffy asked, the envy coming out in her voice. The tone did not go unnoticed by either Xander or Spike. Xander shot the blond Vampire a look that said 'If you live though this, she might just kill you.'
"Well, after I tossed her across the room with my last remaining strength," Spike said in his own defense, "she told me about Gwydion and that he would come for Emma on the day of the fairy's ball. Haven't quite sussed that part out yet."
"Uh, the fairy's ball?" Xander asked. " I orginally came to get you because the house is covered in fairies. Thousands of them. All over the room, the side of the house. Dawn sent me to get you."
"Is the Niblet alone?" Spike inquired, suddenly finding the strength to
walk alone. Xander nodded back at Spike. "It's happening now. We need to go. " He picked up the pace, his blood, her blood, now pumping steadily in his veins.
"Oh God." Buffy whispered. "I should run ahead."
"Car's out front," Xander answered. "I'll get you there."
"Now!" Spike snarled, a few steps in front.
*****
Gwydion finished binding the girl in a maze of ropes designed to hurt no
matter which way the teen wiggled. She sat, head slumped forward in the
chair. He clapped his hands, satisfied, and began to prowl the lower level, looking for other potential problems. Slowly, he descended into the basement. Washer. Dryer. Cleaning supplies. Oh, and an un-slept in cot. Looks as if the guard was right. No more Angel to be concerned with.
"Let the games begin," Gwydion said to the air, smiling smugly and emerging into the kitchen.
*****
"Can't this sodding thing move any faster?" Spike snapped from the back
seat. Buffy laid a hand on his leg as he clutched white-knuckled at the
headrest of Anya's seat. "Pull over and let me drive."
"Ow, the hair!" Anya huffed, pulling forward.
"Sorry."
"Spike," Buffy muttered, pushing him gently back against the seat. "Save a little for when we get there, OK?" She found herself honestly concerned that there wasn't just a time limit to the potion but maybe a power limit. Kind of like if locked in a vault, you conserve more air by whispering rather than screaming. Not that she knew if it were true or not. Worried her all the same. Spike reluctantly complied, instead toying nervously with Buffy's fingers.
"What's the plan once we get there?" Xander asked.
"Get the weapons. Wait for Gwydion," Buffy answered.
"Isn't it daylight?" Anya asked. "Isn't he a vampire?"
"Did *Drusilla* tell you anything to explain *that*?" Buffy said, the envy rising again. Spike looked at her, rather touched by the overt display of jealousy.
"No," Spike answered, calmly. "But there are several charms in existence that would allow this."
"Thanks, Giles," Xander snarked.
"What is it with you bloody people? Know something and suddenly you're a sodding Wanker?" Spike erupted. Buffy could not help but giggle.
"Like the Gem of Amara?" Buffy asked, tossing that one out there. Maybe keeping him annoyed was the best way to keep him alive.
"No," he continued sarcastically. "The Gem of Amara confers invincibility."
"You didn't seem too invincible to me," Buffy remarked. Spike shot a
warning glance at her, smirking his patented, trademark Spike!Smirk. None other like it.
"Just warming up," he quipped, his accent becoming more pronounced as he
became more offended. "There are several charms and talismans that confer the ability to walk during the day, but most all but negate a Vampire's powers. Bloody waste of time, if you ask me," Spike finished.
"So we may be up against an otherwise powerless vamp?" Xander asked,
hopefully.
"What's the point?" Anya asked.
Buffy and Spike looked at each other, recognition crossing their faces.
"Element of surprise. Separate the heard. Attack the weakest one," Spike muttered, under his breath.
"Dawn," Buffy gasped. "Can this thing going any faster?"
*****
Gwydion started up the stairs, making no noise and he slowly crept along the carpet. He ducked his head in each room of the second level, assessing the situation. Making sure every room was cleared. As he closed the door to Buffy's room, he heard it. A tiny, mewling cry, as if from a lost kitten. Gwydion smiled.
The prize.
Slowly, he padded down the hall, following the sound to the closed door of the child's room. As he reached for the knob with one elegant, ringed hand, a desperate cry rang out. The sound of fear and need and basic want. It was music. Torturous, horrible, symphonic. Her screams made him want to savour this all the more.
Gwydion slid open the door with a gentle click. Only some furniture and a crib with a small crying baby. He felt something strange and noticed the odd wallpaper. Thousands of butterflies suspended against dark and light blue walls. The child wailed, her legs kicking, her arms punching wildly at the air. Beautiful music. Slowly, he approached the crib, staring down at the girl with wide and wondering eyes.
"So, pretty," he said, sliding his hand under her neck. He could feel the burn and hiss as his ring touched her soft skin. The child wailed again. Louder. More desperate. " I should have thought nothing less of Spike. Especially not with his beautiful mate." He slid his hand from under the girl and stroked her downy blonde head. "Those eyes. I would know them anywhere. You are mostly definitely his girl," he whispered, almost comforting the child. The game was more fun if they trusted before the kill. The baby looked up at him with fearful and teary eyes. For one split second, he could hear her voice in his head.
'Stop this. You do not want this.'
A beautiful, rich, melodic voice. It angered the Vampire more. Gwydion
lifted his other hand, sliding it into the crib, one positioned on either side of the child's head. Snap her tiny neck, he thought. End this.
As he moved to touch her again, the walls came to life. Thousands of tiny wings fluttered and time stood still.
*****
The car screeched to a halt in front of Buffy and Spike's home. Spike's door was open and he had hopped to the curb before the car had completely stopped. A newfound burst of strength, driven by his lover's blood and sheer adrenaline coursed through Spike's veins, igniting his muscles. He ran up the walk, Buffy at his heels, Xander and Anya further behind.
The door was slightly ajar. "Here," Spike muttered, slamming it open.
"He's here."
Spike's immediate lunge at the stairs was stopped dead by what he saw from the corner of his eye. Buffy almost ran into the back of him, her head whipping, following his gaze.
Dawn was strapped to a chair, chest heaving, hands tethered to her feet and the chair by an elaborate and torturous system of ropes. Her eyes
fluttered, neither awake nor asleep. Spike stood in horror, looking at his Niblet. She was as much his as Emma. Not of his flesh but of his heart. He shook his head as if to clear it, and grabbed Buffy's shoulder. Buffy was frozen, staring at her sister in wide-eyed horror.
"Buffy?" Spike said. Buffy did not move. Xander and Anya appeared in the entryway and backstepped at the sight.
"Jesus, Dawn," Xander gasped, not able to move.
"Buffy?" Spike said again, this time with more force. He grabbed her other shoulder, shaking her. Buffy snapped and looked up at him. "Take care of the Niblet. I'll handle Gwydion."
"But you..." she stuttered.
"I'll be fine. Tend to your sis." Spike bolted up the stairs in twos.
Buffy watched him disappear as Xander came up next to her.
"Xander, please help..." she muttered, already disappearing up the stairs.
"We'll take care of her," Xander called after her.
*****
Spike felt it just before he reached Emma's door. Like the consistency of the air had changed. It became as if he was wading chest deep in the sea. Still, he pushed forwards, trudging toward the door at a fraction of the pace of his heart, his pumping lungs. He heard Buffy scrambling up the stairs behind him in a flurry of movement. He turned just as her body slowed and he watched the look on her face change from resolution to fear. Spike almost went back to grab Buffy as she froze, arms reaching for the door, but he knew he had to get to Emma.
The door swung slowly open.
A man in a navy suit was bending over the baby, frozen. Spike could see his little girl moving slowly around the edge of Gwydion's arm. Hear her helpless whimpers and thousands of fluttering wings. Spike lunged toward the figure, but it seemed more of just a lurching step. The fury, the rage, filled him as he got closer, seeing Gwydion's hands on either side of Emma's pretty head. "Never," he muttered, but it was barely a hushed whisper.
Spike reached for the sandy haired man, yanking him back with what little force he could muster. Pulling him toward the door. Feeling his own face change with the fear and fury and desire to destroy that he had quelled since Africa. He felt the killer rise as he hoisted the man through the door, into the hall. Spike never looked at his face. No. He didn't want to see the monster's face until he could end it.
The fairies' grip loosened. Buffy sprang to life and darted past Spike
toward Emma's room as the baby began to wail again in terror and need.
Spike spun, hurling Gwydion at the stairwell, his perfectly polished shoes glinting in the sunlight as the older vamp upended and toppled down the stairs. The sandy haired man shook his head, the effects of the fall and the fairies clouding his mind. All he could see was the door in front of him, but he could feel Spike behind. Hear the heavy sound of boots against the wood of the steps. Gwydion thought that his only chance was to run.
But what honour was there in running?
Besides, he had waited for over a century for the look on Spike's face.
That one moment that would make it all worth the ride.
Gwydion felt the boot to his kidney, then hands grab him under his arms,
propelling him at the door with supernatural strength. The sandy haired man chuckled as his face hit the door with a crack. Xander loosened the last knot on Dawn. Anya held Dawn's raw hands in silence, Buffy scooped Emma into her arms and ran back to the top of the stairs, all watching the blond Vampire unleashing his rage mixed forever with his Slayer's blood, on the man who would kill their daughter.
"Bloody well do it," Gwydion spoke, his nose pressed to the wood of the
door. Buffy stopped, turning, feeling something.. Spike ceased his
pummeling, listening. "On with it, Wills."
Spike grabbed Gwydion's shoulders and spun him toward the stairs until they stood face to face. Eye to eye. A cracked, raw grin broke on the sandy haired man's face, blood trickling from a cut in his eye. Spike's eyes flew open and he stepped back, shaking his head, falling onto the bottom step.
"Spike?" Buffy called, stepping forward. Spike looked up at the man in
horror.
"F...father?"
To be contd.
