Fic: The First 2/?
Series: The Prophecy of 6
Author: DarkChilde
Email: princess220@alltel.net
Rating: Overall for series is a hard R.
Summary: A prophecy takes the Scoobies to New York City where there lives will be changed forever.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters. Joss and others own it all. No profit is made. I do own several original characters in this story. They are from my, as yet unpublished, trilogy,Eternal.
Spoiler Warnings: Anything through the season 6 episode, Once More With Feeling, is fair game. I don't think I have any blatant spoilers, but you never know what might pop up. This is actually set in what would be season 8.
Distribution: List archives can have it. If anyone else wants it just let me know. I haven't turned anyone down yet.
Feedback: Yes please. I live for it.
Author's Notes: Okay first of all I have to thank my faithful beta Heather. Not that she'll ever see that, but oh well. Next, there are some things that you should probably know about this story. If this works out it will be the first part in a 6 part series. It's a cross-over with a trilogy of novels that I have written, but haven't found a publisher for yet. Given that no one on these lists is likely to have read them, I have tried to make everything very clear, but here are some basics. Alexei, a 300+ vampire controls the city of New York. He also has a human consort, Katharine. The vampires here are quite similar to Buffy vampires, but with a whole different culture. If anyone wants to know more about the novels, I'm always happy to talk about them. Spike knows Alexei, because he was master in New York when Spike and Drusilla were there in the 70's. Everything else should be explained in the fic.
"So is there anything we should know about tonight? I'm not exactly up to date on my ancient vampire ritual." Cordelia's words were sarcastic, but the tone was almost teasing as she addressed the group. They were gathered in the living area of the suite Cordelia had found for them. It was a little tight for 9 people, but they would manage.
Giles answered her. "I don't think they'll get into anything too esoteric here. I certainly hope not, because the Council doesn't have much information on such rituals either. We do need to decide how to present ourselves though. Spike, you actually know this master, do you have any suggestions."
"Alexei is a very strange mix of the ancient world and the modern. He's actually not even as old as he seems, but his own master was alive to see Athens built. He'll be asking for the vampires to present themselves and the humans to be presented as relative to the vampires. Buffy, I know you're not going to like this, but you and the others are mine. Cordelia and Wesley belong to Angel." Spike tried to keep his tone light, but this was serious.
"You're right. I don't like it. We don't belong to you, and Cordy and Wesley don't belong to Angel." Buffy was on edge and that made her more disagreeable than usual.
Spike sighed, he knew that Buffy would hate this, but it was how vampires like Alexei understood the world. "I've been with you lot a long time. I've saved your lives and you've saved mine. I consider you to be my family. In vampire terms that means you belong to me. In human terms it means something more like I belong with you. It doesn't matter, but this is the only way that Alexei will understand the relationship. I imagine the same is true of Angel and his two." Spike waited for Angel's nod. "Things will be much easier if you don't fight me on this. Safer for those of you without super powers also. They won't try to hurt you during the meeting, but I can't speak for after. If you're mine, there is at least some protection in that."
"Understood. I'm sure we can all deal with that. Anything else?" Wesley answered for the group.
"Just one more thing. Let Alexei lead things. Speak only when spoken to, that sort of thing. To the other demons in this city he is an absolute god. Some of them would kill you just for seeming to show him disrespect. They might be killed for it by Alexei, but that won't mean much if you're already dead." Spike swept the room with a glance. The others needed to understand this and take it seriously. Everyone seemed suitably subdued. Spike nodded, "Alright then, lets go."
"It is time." Giles added. Buffy nodded and stood, grabbing her jacket. The rest of the group followed suit.
Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of a small club. The sign above the door labeled it Night Crossings. A sign next to the door informed them that the club was warded against violence. Another sign announced that the club was closed for the night for a private party. Spike laughed at this, "Ha, that would be us." As he pushed the door open.
A tall thin man stood on the other side. He was human, and he was old, nearing 60. He still had a full head of hair, and it was cropped short. His eyes were the coldest blue that any of them had ever seen. He spoke with some power in his voice. "I assume you would be the vampires Angelus and William of the order Aurelius and their human companions." Spike nodded. "I am Marcus, I own this establishment. Follow me." He did not wait for an answer, just turned and walked across the empty club, opening a hidden door on the other side.
The group followed, looking around at their surroundings as they passed. The club was dark, only ambient lighting provided by infrequently spaced lamps illuminating the space. The floor and walls appeared to be black, lacquered. What furniture there was was made of iron and velvet. The colors rich and deep. There was a bar on one side; seating at tables, booths, or just in chairs on the other; and the center was taken up with a dance floor. A narrow wrought iron stair case led up to a balcony with more seating. Buffy wondered as they passed through what kind of music would play in this club. Willow, Tara, and Giles shivered at the prickle of magic that brushed them as they walked. The others, remained focused on the room beyond, the room that held Alexei and his people.
They followed Marcus through the door, noting that there were no other apparent entrances or exits. This room had the same black flooring, but the walls were painted a rich red, nearly the color of fresh blood. There was furniture in the room, all covered in a midnight blue velvet, but no one was seated. As the group filed in they formed a defensive arrangement. Spike and Angel standing in the front; Xander, Buffy, and Cordelia immediately behind. Willow, Tara, Giles, and Wesley stood in the back.
"Can I get you anything?" Marcus addressed the question to a tall man, easily more than 6 feet. His raven black hair, hung to his shoulders. His features were sharp; He was all angles. His eyes shone with an emerald light and his skin was as smooth and perfect as alabaster. He was dressed impeccably in a black suit, that Cordelia knew had to be silk and suspected was by a major designer. Everything he wore was black, except for the tie which was a green to match his eyes. The power practically poured off of this creature. Even Xander could feel it hit him in waves. This was the master of the city, Alexei.
Alexei waved his hand in a manner only the very rich know, dismissing Marcus, who left without further comment, closing the door behind himself. Alexei inclined his head slightly towards the group assembled before him and spoke, "Welcome back to my city, William. As you see we have complied with the arrangement. I am Alexei Nikolaev and I am the master of this city. This is my right hand, Nicholas Maro." Alexei indicated the man to his right, also a vampire. The two were as different as night and day. Nicholas was diminutive in stature, almost delicate. He was barely taller than Buffy or Willow. If possible he was even paler than Alexei, there was almost a translucent quality to his skin. His hair, hanging nearly to his waist, at first, appeared to be silver in color, but upon closer inspection was actually colorless, reflecting back every stray bit of light. Large almond-shaped amber eyes were set deep into an oval face. They were made to seem all the larger by the generous application of eyeliner. His appearance screamed alien, other. His features were soft, delicate. His dress tried to deny this softness. He was wearing leather and silk. He was dressed to visit a Goth club, whereas Alexei was dressed for a board meeting of a fortune 500 company, but the same aura of power emanated from them both just ever so slightly less impressive from Nicholas. Gesturing to his left, Alexei introduced another vampire, "And my left hand Marie Jeanne." The woman that he indicated was noticeably less powerful than Nicholas and himself. She was a vampire, but either younger or simply less powerful. She was a striking woman, nearly as tall as Alexei, towering over Buffy, Willow, and Tara. She had shorter hair than either of the men, just barely reaching her cheekbones. It was honey-blonde, and highlighted as if she still were able to spend long days in the sun. Her skin too held a slightly darker tint than Alexei's. Her features were fine and even. Her clothes were reminiscent of several professors that the girls had at UC Sunnydale. She wore a long natural colored skirt with a well-tailored blouse and a jacket. Her make-up was likewise, tasteful and subdued. "These other two are unimportant. Now William would you grace us with your introductions?" Alexei waved dismissively at the two vampires that stood behind him. They were both of average build and features with brown hair and brown eyes. Their was nothing remarkable about them in any way shape or form, and their dress was equally unremarkable. They wore off-the-rack suits in dark subdued colors with their hair cropped short. They would be unrecognizable in a crowd.
Spike nodded and stepped slightly forward. "Thank you for granting me entrance to the city, Alexei. This is my grandsire, Angel. He was once known as Angelus of the order of Aurelius. Many years ago, he was cursed with a soul and is now simply called Angel." Spike's voice sounded oddly submissive to the others, and very formal. He gestured to Angel as he spoke and Alexei along with the vampires to his right and left turned their eyes accordingly. "He brings with him, two human companions. This is Cordelia Chase, she is his seer, his connection with the powers that be." Cordelia felt the weight of Alexei's gaze upon her as though he were memorizing her. "And this is Wesley Wyndham-Pryce, formerly a member of the Watcher's Council." Spike turned to begin introducing his own companions. He first gestured to Buffy. "I have brought 5 companions with me. This is Buffy Summers; she is the slayer." He paused here, expecting comment from Alexei or one of the others when none was offered he continued. "This is Xander Harris. He has fought along-side the slayer since he was 15 years old, though he has no power of his own." The pride in Spike's voice was evident. Alexei took note of it as Spike continued with his introductions. "Willow Rosenberg, she's a powerful witch, though no longer practicing. She has also been with the slayer since she was 15. And this is Tara Maclay. Tara is also a witch. Willow and Tara are bonded. Finally, this is Rupert Giles, formerly with the Council of Watchers. He was Buffy's watcher."
Xander registers little more than a blur of black and white, before he feels small hands touch him. Nicholas is standing in front of him, invading his space. His hands sliding along Xander's arms up towards his shoulders. Nicholas speaks quietly but his voice carries throughout the room. It's cold and threatening, even while the actual words are not. "Such a lovely lovely boy."
Xander twists his head to look directly at the vampire. His eyes flash with something feral and dark. Spike moves at the same moment with the same kind of blurring speed that Nicholas had used. "Mine, claimed in word if not in deed. Don't touch him." Spike's words held every bit as much menace as Nicholas' had. They also heard Xander's whispered words. "Take your hands off of me." The words were soft and even with vampiric hearing no one but Nicholas and Spike heard them. Each word was sharp, cutting. There was power in Xander's voice. Power that Spike had never heard before.
Nicholas backed away almost as quickly as he had moved to Xander. Fear flashed in his eyes and it wasn't for Spike. He resumed his place next to Alexei. Spike spoke with confidence and force this time. "They are mine. My claim lies on them all."
Alexei nodded, "I will not permit such a breach in etiquette again. Really, Nicholas you should know better. Now that I know who you are, would you tell me what you are doing here?" Alexei's voice was calm and controlled, but under the surface he was overwhelmed with questions. He had caught the quick look of fear from Nicholas. Few things scared his childe and he was determined to figure out why this common boy was one of them.
Spike took a moment before he answered, visibly calming. His gameface melted back into his human features, and a calm, reserved mask slid into place. He returned to his original place in the room. "Of course. If you will allow it, I will have Mr. Giles explain to you why we are here." Spike waited for Alexei's nod of assent before gesturing to Giles to come to the front of the group.
Giles did, he was already beginning to understand the kind of formality that ruled these proceedings. He kept his eyes downcast, not looking at the very powerful vampire. He stopped when he reached Spike's side and waited for acknowledgement. It came from Alexei. "Rupert Giles, I have never had the pleasure of a Watcher's company. Tell me why you have come."
Giles looked up then, keeping his expression carefully neutral and his stance non-threatening, almost submissive. "Of course. Several days ago, I was going through some new books and discovered a prophecy. After a great deal of work, my colleagues and I have determined that the event will take place in New York in just under 3 weeks. The prophecy seems to be one of the many versions of the Prophecy of Six Evils. It tells of the coming of the first of six. Unfortunately, it does not give any indication of what that evil is. We have come to protect the world against it, as best we can. Such is my Slayer's calling." His words were kept very formal, his tone flat and neutral.
Alexei was silent for a moment, weighing the words of the man before him. If it was true, then they may have more visitors soon. He would need to know more before he could determine the validity of their statements. He would need to study their manuscripts. "I have decided. You are welcome to stay within the confines of my city. Rules of course must be followed, but I understand that they are no longer an issue. I would like to know more of this prophecy and may be able to offer some assistance of my own. I have an extensive library of rare and ancient manuscripts including many works on the Prophecy of Six. You may stay on one condition." Alexei had made a decision. The best way to find out what he needed to know was to assist this strange group.
"What is that?" Spike asked
"We will have at least one more meeting. This time a little less formal. It will require a show of trust. I am inviting you and yours to a dinner party. Don't worry we are civilized here. You won't have to witness any feedings, voluntary or otherwise. It will be a small group. Nicholas, Marie, and myself will be accompanied by our bondmates. There will be four vampires and two humans present. It will be at my home, but I will dismiss my security for the night." Alexei was confident that they would take him up on this offer.
Spike surveyed the small group he had brought. He wished that they could just have some kind of conference to determine whether this was a good idea. He couldn't do that though, it would show weakness. As it was, just looking to the others before answering was bad enough. He received slight nods from Angel, Giles, Wesley, and Xander. Cordelia, Willow, and Tara all looked wary but didn't make any overt gestures that they wouldn't go along with this. Only Buffy obviously objected. She shook her head. Spike had his answer. The group would accept the conditions, even if Buffy wasn't happy about it. "We agree."
"Excellent." Alexei extended his hand which held a business card. "My address. We will be expecting you promptly at 8:00 pm tomorrow. The man at the desk will let you up. My housekeeper will let you in. They are both human. Now, I have other business to attend to." Alexei walked out of the room, right down the center of the group from Sunnydale, his entourage following.
A mere second after he was gone, Buffy started speaking. "What the hell were you thinking about. I said no, we aren't going to some dinner with that vampire."
"I was thinking that you were outnumbered, Slayer. Both of the watchers, my sire, and Xander here all said to do it. The girls didn't offer me any opinion. We'll be safe enough. Masters are followed for two reasons. The first is that they are powerful enough to carry out their threats. The second is that they stand by their word. Besides, I think we could use the help." Spike's calm mask had slid away revealing the tension in his face and frame. His voice now held that emotion also.
Giles broke into the argument before it could escalate. "Buffy, he did what he had to do. We have to stay in the city regardless, and if this vampire really does have material which can help us, well that's for the better. We should go. I'd like to know a little more about our elusive hosts before we meet again."
Buffy had calmed at Giles words. She still wasn't happy about this situation as was evident in her voice, but she wouldn't fight any longer. "Okay. Lets get back to the hotel."
The group began to leave. Spike hung back, and caught Xander's arm as he started to walk out. Xander didn't resist, just gave him an odd look. When the others were a little ahead of them, Spike spoke. "When Nicholas came to you, you spoke to him. I got there at about the same time, but I had the distinct impression that he was backing off from you, not from me. Care to tell me what happened?"
"I'm not really sure. When he touched me I was afraid, but then after a second it was like I just wasn't anymore. Something changed and I got really calm. Then I told him to take his hands off of me. It was weird." Xander sounded just like he usually did, if a little freaked out.
Spike knew that there was more to it than that, but it was possible that Xander really didn't know what. He would have to watch the boy. "Alright, but watch out for him. It doesn't seem that he's changed a bit. He won't hurt you, but he's still dangerous for you to be around. He's a master at seducing boys that take his fancy, and you apparently have." Spike was blunt. He'd seen Nicholas take boys that wouldn't look at any other man over and over again when he was last in the city. He wouldn't let that happen to Xander.
Xander recoiled a little. "I wouldn't, not with him. Anyway, what was that claim thing about?"
"Just be careful of him, pet. He can make people do things they wouldn't normally. What do you mean, claim thing?" Spike feigned ignorance. He really wasn't feeling up to explaining claims and bonds to the boy.
Xander let out a short sigh of exasperation, "You said it. Claimed by word if not by deed. I just want to know what it means." If anything, Xander was more curious because he knew Spike was trying to evade the question.
Xander thought for a moment that Spike wouldn't answer, but eventually he started to speak. "It can mean lots of things. Basically, and what was important for that meeting is that it is a way that vampires say that people or other vampires belong to them. Because Alexei is who he is, he will honor a verbal claim. Other masters will only honor a physical claim. There's a whole ritual involved with that, and depending on the way the ritual is performed it can mean different things. That's not really important though. Can we please not talk about this now."
Xander was shocked. Spike had actually just said please. He definitely wanted to reinforce this habit. "Okay, but later."
Spike nodded at him and the two continued on their way. They would rest and find out what they could about the vampires in the city tonight, and Tomorrow they would go to meet Alexei again.
Series: The Prophecy of 6
Author: DarkChilde
Email: princess220@alltel.net
Rating: Overall for series is a hard R.
Summary: A prophecy takes the Scoobies to New York City where there lives will be changed forever.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters. Joss and others own it all. No profit is made. I do own several original characters in this story. They are from my, as yet unpublished, trilogy,Eternal.
Spoiler Warnings: Anything through the season 6 episode, Once More With Feeling, is fair game. I don't think I have any blatant spoilers, but you never know what might pop up. This is actually set in what would be season 8.
Distribution: List archives can have it. If anyone else wants it just let me know. I haven't turned anyone down yet.
Feedback: Yes please. I live for it.
Author's Notes: Okay first of all I have to thank my faithful beta Heather. Not that she'll ever see that, but oh well. Next, there are some things that you should probably know about this story. If this works out it will be the first part in a 6 part series. It's a cross-over with a trilogy of novels that I have written, but haven't found a publisher for yet. Given that no one on these lists is likely to have read them, I have tried to make everything very clear, but here are some basics. Alexei, a 300+ vampire controls the city of New York. He also has a human consort, Katharine. The vampires here are quite similar to Buffy vampires, but with a whole different culture. If anyone wants to know more about the novels, I'm always happy to talk about them. Spike knows Alexei, because he was master in New York when Spike and Drusilla were there in the 70's. Everything else should be explained in the fic.
"So is there anything we should know about tonight? I'm not exactly up to date on my ancient vampire ritual." Cordelia's words were sarcastic, but the tone was almost teasing as she addressed the group. They were gathered in the living area of the suite Cordelia had found for them. It was a little tight for 9 people, but they would manage.
Giles answered her. "I don't think they'll get into anything too esoteric here. I certainly hope not, because the Council doesn't have much information on such rituals either. We do need to decide how to present ourselves though. Spike, you actually know this master, do you have any suggestions."
"Alexei is a very strange mix of the ancient world and the modern. He's actually not even as old as he seems, but his own master was alive to see Athens built. He'll be asking for the vampires to present themselves and the humans to be presented as relative to the vampires. Buffy, I know you're not going to like this, but you and the others are mine. Cordelia and Wesley belong to Angel." Spike tried to keep his tone light, but this was serious.
"You're right. I don't like it. We don't belong to you, and Cordy and Wesley don't belong to Angel." Buffy was on edge and that made her more disagreeable than usual.
Spike sighed, he knew that Buffy would hate this, but it was how vampires like Alexei understood the world. "I've been with you lot a long time. I've saved your lives and you've saved mine. I consider you to be my family. In vampire terms that means you belong to me. In human terms it means something more like I belong with you. It doesn't matter, but this is the only way that Alexei will understand the relationship. I imagine the same is true of Angel and his two." Spike waited for Angel's nod. "Things will be much easier if you don't fight me on this. Safer for those of you without super powers also. They won't try to hurt you during the meeting, but I can't speak for after. If you're mine, there is at least some protection in that."
"Understood. I'm sure we can all deal with that. Anything else?" Wesley answered for the group.
"Just one more thing. Let Alexei lead things. Speak only when spoken to, that sort of thing. To the other demons in this city he is an absolute god. Some of them would kill you just for seeming to show him disrespect. They might be killed for it by Alexei, but that won't mean much if you're already dead." Spike swept the room with a glance. The others needed to understand this and take it seriously. Everyone seemed suitably subdued. Spike nodded, "Alright then, lets go."
"It is time." Giles added. Buffy nodded and stood, grabbing her jacket. The rest of the group followed suit.
Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of a small club. The sign above the door labeled it Night Crossings. A sign next to the door informed them that the club was warded against violence. Another sign announced that the club was closed for the night for a private party. Spike laughed at this, "Ha, that would be us." As he pushed the door open.
A tall thin man stood on the other side. He was human, and he was old, nearing 60. He still had a full head of hair, and it was cropped short. His eyes were the coldest blue that any of them had ever seen. He spoke with some power in his voice. "I assume you would be the vampires Angelus and William of the order Aurelius and their human companions." Spike nodded. "I am Marcus, I own this establishment. Follow me." He did not wait for an answer, just turned and walked across the empty club, opening a hidden door on the other side.
The group followed, looking around at their surroundings as they passed. The club was dark, only ambient lighting provided by infrequently spaced lamps illuminating the space. The floor and walls appeared to be black, lacquered. What furniture there was was made of iron and velvet. The colors rich and deep. There was a bar on one side; seating at tables, booths, or just in chairs on the other; and the center was taken up with a dance floor. A narrow wrought iron stair case led up to a balcony with more seating. Buffy wondered as they passed through what kind of music would play in this club. Willow, Tara, and Giles shivered at the prickle of magic that brushed them as they walked. The others, remained focused on the room beyond, the room that held Alexei and his people.
They followed Marcus through the door, noting that there were no other apparent entrances or exits. This room had the same black flooring, but the walls were painted a rich red, nearly the color of fresh blood. There was furniture in the room, all covered in a midnight blue velvet, but no one was seated. As the group filed in they formed a defensive arrangement. Spike and Angel standing in the front; Xander, Buffy, and Cordelia immediately behind. Willow, Tara, Giles, and Wesley stood in the back.
"Can I get you anything?" Marcus addressed the question to a tall man, easily more than 6 feet. His raven black hair, hung to his shoulders. His features were sharp; He was all angles. His eyes shone with an emerald light and his skin was as smooth and perfect as alabaster. He was dressed impeccably in a black suit, that Cordelia knew had to be silk and suspected was by a major designer. Everything he wore was black, except for the tie which was a green to match his eyes. The power practically poured off of this creature. Even Xander could feel it hit him in waves. This was the master of the city, Alexei.
Alexei waved his hand in a manner only the very rich know, dismissing Marcus, who left without further comment, closing the door behind himself. Alexei inclined his head slightly towards the group assembled before him and spoke, "Welcome back to my city, William. As you see we have complied with the arrangement. I am Alexei Nikolaev and I am the master of this city. This is my right hand, Nicholas Maro." Alexei indicated the man to his right, also a vampire. The two were as different as night and day. Nicholas was diminutive in stature, almost delicate. He was barely taller than Buffy or Willow. If possible he was even paler than Alexei, there was almost a translucent quality to his skin. His hair, hanging nearly to his waist, at first, appeared to be silver in color, but upon closer inspection was actually colorless, reflecting back every stray bit of light. Large almond-shaped amber eyes were set deep into an oval face. They were made to seem all the larger by the generous application of eyeliner. His appearance screamed alien, other. His features were soft, delicate. His dress tried to deny this softness. He was wearing leather and silk. He was dressed to visit a Goth club, whereas Alexei was dressed for a board meeting of a fortune 500 company, but the same aura of power emanated from them both just ever so slightly less impressive from Nicholas. Gesturing to his left, Alexei introduced another vampire, "And my left hand Marie Jeanne." The woman that he indicated was noticeably less powerful than Nicholas and himself. She was a vampire, but either younger or simply less powerful. She was a striking woman, nearly as tall as Alexei, towering over Buffy, Willow, and Tara. She had shorter hair than either of the men, just barely reaching her cheekbones. It was honey-blonde, and highlighted as if she still were able to spend long days in the sun. Her skin too held a slightly darker tint than Alexei's. Her features were fine and even. Her clothes were reminiscent of several professors that the girls had at UC Sunnydale. She wore a long natural colored skirt with a well-tailored blouse and a jacket. Her make-up was likewise, tasteful and subdued. "These other two are unimportant. Now William would you grace us with your introductions?" Alexei waved dismissively at the two vampires that stood behind him. They were both of average build and features with brown hair and brown eyes. Their was nothing remarkable about them in any way shape or form, and their dress was equally unremarkable. They wore off-the-rack suits in dark subdued colors with their hair cropped short. They would be unrecognizable in a crowd.
Spike nodded and stepped slightly forward. "Thank you for granting me entrance to the city, Alexei. This is my grandsire, Angel. He was once known as Angelus of the order of Aurelius. Many years ago, he was cursed with a soul and is now simply called Angel." Spike's voice sounded oddly submissive to the others, and very formal. He gestured to Angel as he spoke and Alexei along with the vampires to his right and left turned their eyes accordingly. "He brings with him, two human companions. This is Cordelia Chase, she is his seer, his connection with the powers that be." Cordelia felt the weight of Alexei's gaze upon her as though he were memorizing her. "And this is Wesley Wyndham-Pryce, formerly a member of the Watcher's Council." Spike turned to begin introducing his own companions. He first gestured to Buffy. "I have brought 5 companions with me. This is Buffy Summers; she is the slayer." He paused here, expecting comment from Alexei or one of the others when none was offered he continued. "This is Xander Harris. He has fought along-side the slayer since he was 15 years old, though he has no power of his own." The pride in Spike's voice was evident. Alexei took note of it as Spike continued with his introductions. "Willow Rosenberg, she's a powerful witch, though no longer practicing. She has also been with the slayer since she was 15. And this is Tara Maclay. Tara is also a witch. Willow and Tara are bonded. Finally, this is Rupert Giles, formerly with the Council of Watchers. He was Buffy's watcher."
Xander registers little more than a blur of black and white, before he feels small hands touch him. Nicholas is standing in front of him, invading his space. His hands sliding along Xander's arms up towards his shoulders. Nicholas speaks quietly but his voice carries throughout the room. It's cold and threatening, even while the actual words are not. "Such a lovely lovely boy."
Xander twists his head to look directly at the vampire. His eyes flash with something feral and dark. Spike moves at the same moment with the same kind of blurring speed that Nicholas had used. "Mine, claimed in word if not in deed. Don't touch him." Spike's words held every bit as much menace as Nicholas' had. They also heard Xander's whispered words. "Take your hands off of me." The words were soft and even with vampiric hearing no one but Nicholas and Spike heard them. Each word was sharp, cutting. There was power in Xander's voice. Power that Spike had never heard before.
Nicholas backed away almost as quickly as he had moved to Xander. Fear flashed in his eyes and it wasn't for Spike. He resumed his place next to Alexei. Spike spoke with confidence and force this time. "They are mine. My claim lies on them all."
Alexei nodded, "I will not permit such a breach in etiquette again. Really, Nicholas you should know better. Now that I know who you are, would you tell me what you are doing here?" Alexei's voice was calm and controlled, but under the surface he was overwhelmed with questions. He had caught the quick look of fear from Nicholas. Few things scared his childe and he was determined to figure out why this common boy was one of them.
Spike took a moment before he answered, visibly calming. His gameface melted back into his human features, and a calm, reserved mask slid into place. He returned to his original place in the room. "Of course. If you will allow it, I will have Mr. Giles explain to you why we are here." Spike waited for Alexei's nod of assent before gesturing to Giles to come to the front of the group.
Giles did, he was already beginning to understand the kind of formality that ruled these proceedings. He kept his eyes downcast, not looking at the very powerful vampire. He stopped when he reached Spike's side and waited for acknowledgement. It came from Alexei. "Rupert Giles, I have never had the pleasure of a Watcher's company. Tell me why you have come."
Giles looked up then, keeping his expression carefully neutral and his stance non-threatening, almost submissive. "Of course. Several days ago, I was going through some new books and discovered a prophecy. After a great deal of work, my colleagues and I have determined that the event will take place in New York in just under 3 weeks. The prophecy seems to be one of the many versions of the Prophecy of Six Evils. It tells of the coming of the first of six. Unfortunately, it does not give any indication of what that evil is. We have come to protect the world against it, as best we can. Such is my Slayer's calling." His words were kept very formal, his tone flat and neutral.
Alexei was silent for a moment, weighing the words of the man before him. If it was true, then they may have more visitors soon. He would need to know more before he could determine the validity of their statements. He would need to study their manuscripts. "I have decided. You are welcome to stay within the confines of my city. Rules of course must be followed, but I understand that they are no longer an issue. I would like to know more of this prophecy and may be able to offer some assistance of my own. I have an extensive library of rare and ancient manuscripts including many works on the Prophecy of Six. You may stay on one condition." Alexei had made a decision. The best way to find out what he needed to know was to assist this strange group.
"What is that?" Spike asked
"We will have at least one more meeting. This time a little less formal. It will require a show of trust. I am inviting you and yours to a dinner party. Don't worry we are civilized here. You won't have to witness any feedings, voluntary or otherwise. It will be a small group. Nicholas, Marie, and myself will be accompanied by our bondmates. There will be four vampires and two humans present. It will be at my home, but I will dismiss my security for the night." Alexei was confident that they would take him up on this offer.
Spike surveyed the small group he had brought. He wished that they could just have some kind of conference to determine whether this was a good idea. He couldn't do that though, it would show weakness. As it was, just looking to the others before answering was bad enough. He received slight nods from Angel, Giles, Wesley, and Xander. Cordelia, Willow, and Tara all looked wary but didn't make any overt gestures that they wouldn't go along with this. Only Buffy obviously objected. She shook her head. Spike had his answer. The group would accept the conditions, even if Buffy wasn't happy about it. "We agree."
"Excellent." Alexei extended his hand which held a business card. "My address. We will be expecting you promptly at 8:00 pm tomorrow. The man at the desk will let you up. My housekeeper will let you in. They are both human. Now, I have other business to attend to." Alexei walked out of the room, right down the center of the group from Sunnydale, his entourage following.
A mere second after he was gone, Buffy started speaking. "What the hell were you thinking about. I said no, we aren't going to some dinner with that vampire."
"I was thinking that you were outnumbered, Slayer. Both of the watchers, my sire, and Xander here all said to do it. The girls didn't offer me any opinion. We'll be safe enough. Masters are followed for two reasons. The first is that they are powerful enough to carry out their threats. The second is that they stand by their word. Besides, I think we could use the help." Spike's calm mask had slid away revealing the tension in his face and frame. His voice now held that emotion also.
Giles broke into the argument before it could escalate. "Buffy, he did what he had to do. We have to stay in the city regardless, and if this vampire really does have material which can help us, well that's for the better. We should go. I'd like to know a little more about our elusive hosts before we meet again."
Buffy had calmed at Giles words. She still wasn't happy about this situation as was evident in her voice, but she wouldn't fight any longer. "Okay. Lets get back to the hotel."
The group began to leave. Spike hung back, and caught Xander's arm as he started to walk out. Xander didn't resist, just gave him an odd look. When the others were a little ahead of them, Spike spoke. "When Nicholas came to you, you spoke to him. I got there at about the same time, but I had the distinct impression that he was backing off from you, not from me. Care to tell me what happened?"
"I'm not really sure. When he touched me I was afraid, but then after a second it was like I just wasn't anymore. Something changed and I got really calm. Then I told him to take his hands off of me. It was weird." Xander sounded just like he usually did, if a little freaked out.
Spike knew that there was more to it than that, but it was possible that Xander really didn't know what. He would have to watch the boy. "Alright, but watch out for him. It doesn't seem that he's changed a bit. He won't hurt you, but he's still dangerous for you to be around. He's a master at seducing boys that take his fancy, and you apparently have." Spike was blunt. He'd seen Nicholas take boys that wouldn't look at any other man over and over again when he was last in the city. He wouldn't let that happen to Xander.
Xander recoiled a little. "I wouldn't, not with him. Anyway, what was that claim thing about?"
"Just be careful of him, pet. He can make people do things they wouldn't normally. What do you mean, claim thing?" Spike feigned ignorance. He really wasn't feeling up to explaining claims and bonds to the boy.
Xander let out a short sigh of exasperation, "You said it. Claimed by word if not by deed. I just want to know what it means." If anything, Xander was more curious because he knew Spike was trying to evade the question.
Xander thought for a moment that Spike wouldn't answer, but eventually he started to speak. "It can mean lots of things. Basically, and what was important for that meeting is that it is a way that vampires say that people or other vampires belong to them. Because Alexei is who he is, he will honor a verbal claim. Other masters will only honor a physical claim. There's a whole ritual involved with that, and depending on the way the ritual is performed it can mean different things. That's not really important though. Can we please not talk about this now."
Xander was shocked. Spike had actually just said please. He definitely wanted to reinforce this habit. "Okay, but later."
Spike nodded at him and the two continued on their way. They would rest and find out what they could about the vampires in the city tonight, and Tomorrow they would go to meet Alexei again.