Good evening, All,
Squeaking this one in right under the wire, hunh? But it's done and out for your reading pleasure. We're winding to the big finish. This one seems to be going a little longer than the last. Maybe because I packed the beginning full of Spuffy fluff. Well, hang onto that because it's about to get ugly for a bit. Then a happy ending (and a racy one for those interested.
Hope you like the chapter. I live for feedback, so please let me know what you think! Thanks for all the notes and reviews. It means the world to me that you are not sick of me yet!
Thanks again!
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Bound (Chapter Thirty-one of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday at yahoogroups.com. Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!).
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Spike awakens after his confrontation with Buffy and heads home to assess the damage. Cyrus visits with the Queen of the Sky and attempts to enlist her help. Luke, Draconius and his Witch formulate a plan B to help the Pawn succeed in her mission.
Bound
Stars, he thought. Stars above him. Stars beneath him. Stars inside his head.
Spike raised his hand to his temple and felt the heat of the bruise underneath his skin. Good thing he was a Vampire, he thought, or he'd be in the right place, lying stretched on the ground beneath a tombstone.
Who the bloody hell had beaten the piss out of him? Again?
His head began to clear and he felt it. An urgent, desperate pull towards something. Spike shook his head, began to sit up and heard it. Heard her screaming in his head in perfect counterpoint to the bruise that was already yelping in his brain.
Buffy.
Oh God.
He was on his feet and on her scent before he could even finish putting together the thought. Really, he didn't need to track her anymore. Somehow, Spike just knew. Knew where she'd gone. Almost certainly knew what she'd done.
Another screaming voice joined in the chorus in his head. His own. Rupert, please have gotten the tots out of there.
With the speed of both Vampire and Slayer, he sprinted towards their home.
~~~~~~~
Cyrus stood at the beautiful, enormous, glistening doors of the court of the Queen of the Sky. Slowly, reverently, he raised his hand to knock, but the door opened of its own accord. Cyrus smiled. Good to know that he was still welcome.
With cautious and nearly inhuman grace, Cyrus stepped through the doors and glided through the mist. He could see nothing except for a pretty, white fog and glowing stones beneath his feet to mark his path. The Queens were big on illusion. It made them more mysterious. Not that the very women who controlled all positive aspects of the Universe needed much help in the way of mystery.
Suddenly, the fog lifted and a short set of white marble stairs leading to a similarly constructed dais appeared in front of him. Cyrus stood still, inhaling, rolling his shoulders in anticipation of the member of the court. Most likely, it would be one of the Princesses. Or a Court-bound Knight.
But a golden throne appeared atop the platform. Then the figure of a woman more beautiful than the human mind could fathom. Ageless and timeless and heartbreakingly perfect. Her blonde hair tumbled in perfect waves down her golden shoulders. Her enormous blue eyes, blinking from behind long, silken lashes. Her gown of white and gold wrapped around her slim, beautiful form and draped like a Greek statue. No. No statue did her justice.
The Queen herself had accepted his call.
"My Queen," Cyrus said humbly, dropping to one knee and lowering his head.
She smiled radiantly, standing from her throne and gliding down the short staircase to her emissary. Slowly, she reached a soft, gentle hand towards him, touching his chin and raising his eyes to her. "Cyrus," she breathed, her voice like a bell on the crisp air. "You should know you do not have to be so formal with me."
Cyrus blinked up at her. "You are my Queen."
The Queen chuckled. "Yes. That I know. But you have been an excellent emissary. One of the few humans I have chosen for my court. That buys you a bit of slack when it comes to the pomp and circumstance."
The Watcher returned the smile and let her raise him to his feet. "Thank you my Queen."
She nodded, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of gold. "How is my girl?"
"Emma," Cyrus began. "Is lovely. " His face became more serious. "And she is part of the reason I have come, My Queen."
An interested, if not concerned, look crossed the Queen's face. She had the utmost confidence in Cyrus to perform his duties as her Watcher, and equal confidence in both the Vampire and the Slayer that her human form had been born of. "Can I help?" The Queen asked, knowing that the situation must be beyond mortal control for Cyrus to come running back home. He'd always been proud.
Slowly, the Watcher nodded, leaving his head bowed slightly. "We hoped that you would."
"Walk with me," the Queen said, her voice a song in the air.
~~~~~
Spike took the front stairs of the house in a single bound, pushing through the door without even checking to see if it was locked, and was up the stairs without noticing the three women huddled on the couch.
Before he knew it, he was pushing into Emma's room, scanning it for his little girl. Nothing. But the bag he had packed her earlier was missing as well. God, he'd hoped Rupert had been in time.
Spike spun on a heel and jogged to the next room, letting the door swing open. Will was gone as well, his overnight bag and his favourite toy missing from the hastily made bed. He settled a little, realizing that the demon inside of Buffy, even if it didn't consume them right away, would not have taken their things with them.
Still, he could feel her desperation in his head. Feel the demon's control of her. His own panic started anew.
The steps seemed endless as he jogged back down, finally noticing the girls. "You all right?"
Willow nodded, holding ice against Dawn's neck. Spike hopped the bottom stair and walked over to the group. They looked shaky. Spike could smell their fear on the air. "Rupert and his bird get the tots out?"
"Yes," Tara answered. "But Spike?"
Spike had dropped to his knees in front of the couch, brushing Willow's hand away from Dawn. A livid, purple bruise in the shape of a perfect handprint wrapped around the younger Summers' throat. "She been here, then?"
Dawn nodded, looking frightened.
Spike traced the print with his finger. "You all right, Niblet?"
Again, she nodded and then realized that he was waiting to hear her speak. Silently afraid that Buffy had crushed her sister's voice box. "Fine," she squeaked out, her eyes filling with tears.
Spike put his hands on her knees, looking up at her. "Nib, you know that s'not her. She didn't do this to you. Demon did."
The younger girl looked at him for a long moment. "Your demon," she said softly.
He nodded in response.
"But you never hurt me," Dawn whispered, her hand involuntarily rubbing her throat.
Spike took her hands. "Pet, I had a century plus to learn to control it. She's had two days. Used to be like that for me sometimes."
The softness in his eyes, the sheer fact that Spike had never hidden the truth, made her accept it. "Can you get her back?"
His eyes slid closed. He didn't know. He honestly didn't. "Hope so, Love. If not, then we have to try and teach her. You and me. Show her the what's what."
"How can I help?" Dawn asked, confusion in her eyes.
"Love her," Spike answered, simply. "Love wins." He repeated Emma's words from the night before and felt a weight lift off of his heart. He could do this. Save her. Make it right. His head turned towards the other two. "Do you know where she went?"
Willow nodded. "She's after the kids, Spike."
"Demon wants to hurt Buffy," Spike reasoned, standing. "Separate her from what she loves. Know where Anya took them?"
Willow shook her head. "No, they didn't tell anyone. But.but Xander and Oz are out looking. They have a phone and."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Sent the reserves out first, did ya?"
"Only ones we had lying around," Tara joked, softly smiling.
Willow smacked her head, shaking it at the same time, causing Spike to raise an eyebrow at her. "You all right, Red?"
"Just feeling dumb. We did a spell. To track the Pawn. Who is also after the kids. And it left a shiny trail. You can follow that."
"The Pawn has moved?" Spike snapped, that weight returning to his heart. This was something he wasn't so confident he could handle.
The red Witch cringed a little at his sudden anger. "Y.yes, Spike. But. but." He was already moving towards the door. "Spike. wait."
The Vampire turned around. "What is it?"
"The Pawn, "Willow began, sending a sad look at Dawn. "It's Buffy's mom. "
A shocked expression crossed Spike's face, followed by sadness. "Anything we can do to."
Willow shook her head. "Don't know. Just. try not to break the amulet. If we do, she. She can't go back to Heaven, Spike. " Dawn lowered her head into her hands and Spike saw her shake as the tears started. There was little in this world he wanted to do more than to comfort her, but he had to stop this. Had to bring Buffy back. Save the kids.
Spike nodded. "Is there any way that she can be sent home?"
"Giles went to talk to Cyrus. To. to see if he could talk to the Queen about it," Tara answered. "But you have to save the kids. Save Buffy. Let Cyrus try to save Buffy's mom."
Spike nodded, understanding, his eyes still glued to the quietly crying girl on the couch. "Niblet, I'll do everything I can."
She looked up, wet strands of hair stuck to her face. "I know," her soft voice answered. "Please don't let them take Buffy or Will or Emma away too."
"Never, Pet," Spike answered, smiling gently at her. She nodded, and he took off out the door.
~~~~~
"So," Draconius began, easing back into a red velvet chair. "You have put into place a method of controlling the demon in possession of the children?"
Lenora nodded, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Luke paced in front of the fire, sipping at his fifth Cosmopolitan of the day.
"Well?" Draconius drew out, an annoyed look crossing his features.
The old woman shifted into a more pleasing form. That of the raven-haired woman in the red silk dress. Luke stopped his pacing and stared lustfully. "Neat trick."
She smiled through blood red lips. "I thought it might make you more. comfortable." Her voice had changed from the dry crackle to a smooth, rich purr.
Luke shifted, adjusting his pants. "Uh, sort of."
She laughed, deviously.
"Back to the point," Draconius sighed.
Lenora nodded. "The demon is one of Vengeance," she began. "And the Pawn has a claim."
Draconius lifted an eyebrow. "Really?"
"She lost her daughter to the calling of the Slayer. Lost her family to her daughter's answer to her call. She can ask for Vengeance," Lenora answered, smiling thoughtfully.
"Will the demon grant it?" Luke asked, hiding his now evident lower bits behind a chair.
"She is bound. She must, or face the consequences," Lenora answered. "Her master will make sure of that."
Draconius nodded his pleasure. "Well done, Lenora. I suppose you instructed the Pawn?"
"She will do as we ask. She, too, is bound," the Witch answered. "However, we have another small problem." She pushed herself to her feet, taking a drink from the wet bar and swiveling back towards the pair of men.
Both looked at her curiously. "Well?" The Old One asked.
"Their Witches have uncovered a way to follow the Pawn and have sent the wolf and the younger human male after her. The corrupted One is now on the scent of the children as well," Lenora answered. A sly smile broke on her face.
That same smile infected both of the men. "I suppose you have an answer for that as well," Draconius purred contentedly.
"Why, yes, if you wish," she taunted, sipping her drink. "The wolf and human are easy. Just say the word and I can get them out of the way."
"The Word," Luke chirped, watching her every move.
Lenora smiled. "Done. They are in a motor conveyance. Near cliffs. "
"Ooh, a nice little accident?" Luke sing-songed.
"Some surprises are good ones," Lenora answered, her voice soft and sultry.
"Go on," Draconius continued, watching his Witch walk gracefully around the room.
She nodded. "Both the Vampire and the Slayer are now on their way as well. But I was thinking that, at this point, they are not much of a threat. She is completely controlled by the demon. He is consumed by saving his mate."
"Let them watch," Draconius added, thoughtfully, swirling brandy in his snifter. "I *like* that."
"It's unlikely they will be able to do much. And even if they do, the identity of the Pawn should stop them both in their tracks long enough for your plan to succeed, Master," the Witch continued.
"Yes," Draconius agreed. "Then make it so."
Lenora smiled. "I thought you would say that. I already did."
To be contd.
Squeaking this one in right under the wire, hunh? But it's done and out for your reading pleasure. We're winding to the big finish. This one seems to be going a little longer than the last. Maybe because I packed the beginning full of Spuffy fluff. Well, hang onto that because it's about to get ugly for a bit. Then a happy ending (and a racy one for those interested.
Hope you like the chapter. I live for feedback, so please let me know what you think! Thanks for all the notes and reviews. It means the world to me that you are not sick of me yet!
Thanks again!
*Cheery Vibes*, Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Bound (Chapter Thirty-one of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday at yahoogroups.com. Also, please visit the wonderful fan listing that Rachel put together. Sign up today and link to your website (or just sign up to say hi!).
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Spike awakens after his confrontation with Buffy and heads home to assess the damage. Cyrus visits with the Queen of the Sky and attempts to enlist her help. Luke, Draconius and his Witch formulate a plan B to help the Pawn succeed in her mission.
Bound
Stars, he thought. Stars above him. Stars beneath him. Stars inside his head.
Spike raised his hand to his temple and felt the heat of the bruise underneath his skin. Good thing he was a Vampire, he thought, or he'd be in the right place, lying stretched on the ground beneath a tombstone.
Who the bloody hell had beaten the piss out of him? Again?
His head began to clear and he felt it. An urgent, desperate pull towards something. Spike shook his head, began to sit up and heard it. Heard her screaming in his head in perfect counterpoint to the bruise that was already yelping in his brain.
Buffy.
Oh God.
He was on his feet and on her scent before he could even finish putting together the thought. Really, he didn't need to track her anymore. Somehow, Spike just knew. Knew where she'd gone. Almost certainly knew what she'd done.
Another screaming voice joined in the chorus in his head. His own. Rupert, please have gotten the tots out of there.
With the speed of both Vampire and Slayer, he sprinted towards their home.
~~~~~~~
Cyrus stood at the beautiful, enormous, glistening doors of the court of the Queen of the Sky. Slowly, reverently, he raised his hand to knock, but the door opened of its own accord. Cyrus smiled. Good to know that he was still welcome.
With cautious and nearly inhuman grace, Cyrus stepped through the doors and glided through the mist. He could see nothing except for a pretty, white fog and glowing stones beneath his feet to mark his path. The Queens were big on illusion. It made them more mysterious. Not that the very women who controlled all positive aspects of the Universe needed much help in the way of mystery.
Suddenly, the fog lifted and a short set of white marble stairs leading to a similarly constructed dais appeared in front of him. Cyrus stood still, inhaling, rolling his shoulders in anticipation of the member of the court. Most likely, it would be one of the Princesses. Or a Court-bound Knight.
But a golden throne appeared atop the platform. Then the figure of a woman more beautiful than the human mind could fathom. Ageless and timeless and heartbreakingly perfect. Her blonde hair tumbled in perfect waves down her golden shoulders. Her enormous blue eyes, blinking from behind long, silken lashes. Her gown of white and gold wrapped around her slim, beautiful form and draped like a Greek statue. No. No statue did her justice.
The Queen herself had accepted his call.
"My Queen," Cyrus said humbly, dropping to one knee and lowering his head.
She smiled radiantly, standing from her throne and gliding down the short staircase to her emissary. Slowly, she reached a soft, gentle hand towards him, touching his chin and raising his eyes to her. "Cyrus," she breathed, her voice like a bell on the crisp air. "You should know you do not have to be so formal with me."
Cyrus blinked up at her. "You are my Queen."
The Queen chuckled. "Yes. That I know. But you have been an excellent emissary. One of the few humans I have chosen for my court. That buys you a bit of slack when it comes to the pomp and circumstance."
The Watcher returned the smile and let her raise him to his feet. "Thank you my Queen."
She nodded, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of gold. "How is my girl?"
"Emma," Cyrus began. "Is lovely. " His face became more serious. "And she is part of the reason I have come, My Queen."
An interested, if not concerned, look crossed the Queen's face. She had the utmost confidence in Cyrus to perform his duties as her Watcher, and equal confidence in both the Vampire and the Slayer that her human form had been born of. "Can I help?" The Queen asked, knowing that the situation must be beyond mortal control for Cyrus to come running back home. He'd always been proud.
Slowly, the Watcher nodded, leaving his head bowed slightly. "We hoped that you would."
"Walk with me," the Queen said, her voice a song in the air.
~~~~~
Spike took the front stairs of the house in a single bound, pushing through the door without even checking to see if it was locked, and was up the stairs without noticing the three women huddled on the couch.
Before he knew it, he was pushing into Emma's room, scanning it for his little girl. Nothing. But the bag he had packed her earlier was missing as well. God, he'd hoped Rupert had been in time.
Spike spun on a heel and jogged to the next room, letting the door swing open. Will was gone as well, his overnight bag and his favourite toy missing from the hastily made bed. He settled a little, realizing that the demon inside of Buffy, even if it didn't consume them right away, would not have taken their things with them.
Still, he could feel her desperation in his head. Feel the demon's control of her. His own panic started anew.
The steps seemed endless as he jogged back down, finally noticing the girls. "You all right?"
Willow nodded, holding ice against Dawn's neck. Spike hopped the bottom stair and walked over to the group. They looked shaky. Spike could smell their fear on the air. "Rupert and his bird get the tots out?"
"Yes," Tara answered. "But Spike?"
Spike had dropped to his knees in front of the couch, brushing Willow's hand away from Dawn. A livid, purple bruise in the shape of a perfect handprint wrapped around the younger Summers' throat. "She been here, then?"
Dawn nodded, looking frightened.
Spike traced the print with his finger. "You all right, Niblet?"
Again, she nodded and then realized that he was waiting to hear her speak. Silently afraid that Buffy had crushed her sister's voice box. "Fine," she squeaked out, her eyes filling with tears.
Spike put his hands on her knees, looking up at her. "Nib, you know that s'not her. She didn't do this to you. Demon did."
The younger girl looked at him for a long moment. "Your demon," she said softly.
He nodded in response.
"But you never hurt me," Dawn whispered, her hand involuntarily rubbing her throat.
Spike took her hands. "Pet, I had a century plus to learn to control it. She's had two days. Used to be like that for me sometimes."
The softness in his eyes, the sheer fact that Spike had never hidden the truth, made her accept it. "Can you get her back?"
His eyes slid closed. He didn't know. He honestly didn't. "Hope so, Love. If not, then we have to try and teach her. You and me. Show her the what's what."
"How can I help?" Dawn asked, confusion in her eyes.
"Love her," Spike answered, simply. "Love wins." He repeated Emma's words from the night before and felt a weight lift off of his heart. He could do this. Save her. Make it right. His head turned towards the other two. "Do you know where she went?"
Willow nodded. "She's after the kids, Spike."
"Demon wants to hurt Buffy," Spike reasoned, standing. "Separate her from what she loves. Know where Anya took them?"
Willow shook her head. "No, they didn't tell anyone. But.but Xander and Oz are out looking. They have a phone and."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Sent the reserves out first, did ya?"
"Only ones we had lying around," Tara joked, softly smiling.
Willow smacked her head, shaking it at the same time, causing Spike to raise an eyebrow at her. "You all right, Red?"
"Just feeling dumb. We did a spell. To track the Pawn. Who is also after the kids. And it left a shiny trail. You can follow that."
"The Pawn has moved?" Spike snapped, that weight returning to his heart. This was something he wasn't so confident he could handle.
The red Witch cringed a little at his sudden anger. "Y.yes, Spike. But. but." He was already moving towards the door. "Spike. wait."
The Vampire turned around. "What is it?"
"The Pawn, "Willow began, sending a sad look at Dawn. "It's Buffy's mom. "
A shocked expression crossed Spike's face, followed by sadness. "Anything we can do to."
Willow shook her head. "Don't know. Just. try not to break the amulet. If we do, she. She can't go back to Heaven, Spike. " Dawn lowered her head into her hands and Spike saw her shake as the tears started. There was little in this world he wanted to do more than to comfort her, but he had to stop this. Had to bring Buffy back. Save the kids.
Spike nodded. "Is there any way that she can be sent home?"
"Giles went to talk to Cyrus. To. to see if he could talk to the Queen about it," Tara answered. "But you have to save the kids. Save Buffy. Let Cyrus try to save Buffy's mom."
Spike nodded, understanding, his eyes still glued to the quietly crying girl on the couch. "Niblet, I'll do everything I can."
She looked up, wet strands of hair stuck to her face. "I know," her soft voice answered. "Please don't let them take Buffy or Will or Emma away too."
"Never, Pet," Spike answered, smiling gently at her. She nodded, and he took off out the door.
~~~~~
"So," Draconius began, easing back into a red velvet chair. "You have put into place a method of controlling the demon in possession of the children?"
Lenora nodded, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Luke paced in front of the fire, sipping at his fifth Cosmopolitan of the day.
"Well?" Draconius drew out, an annoyed look crossing his features.
The old woman shifted into a more pleasing form. That of the raven-haired woman in the red silk dress. Luke stopped his pacing and stared lustfully. "Neat trick."
She smiled through blood red lips. "I thought it might make you more. comfortable." Her voice had changed from the dry crackle to a smooth, rich purr.
Luke shifted, adjusting his pants. "Uh, sort of."
She laughed, deviously.
"Back to the point," Draconius sighed.
Lenora nodded. "The demon is one of Vengeance," she began. "And the Pawn has a claim."
Draconius lifted an eyebrow. "Really?"
"She lost her daughter to the calling of the Slayer. Lost her family to her daughter's answer to her call. She can ask for Vengeance," Lenora answered, smiling thoughtfully.
"Will the demon grant it?" Luke asked, hiding his now evident lower bits behind a chair.
"She is bound. She must, or face the consequences," Lenora answered. "Her master will make sure of that."
Draconius nodded his pleasure. "Well done, Lenora. I suppose you instructed the Pawn?"
"She will do as we ask. She, too, is bound," the Witch answered. "However, we have another small problem." She pushed herself to her feet, taking a drink from the wet bar and swiveling back towards the pair of men.
Both looked at her curiously. "Well?" The Old One asked.
"Their Witches have uncovered a way to follow the Pawn and have sent the wolf and the younger human male after her. The corrupted One is now on the scent of the children as well," Lenora answered. A sly smile broke on her face.
That same smile infected both of the men. "I suppose you have an answer for that as well," Draconius purred contentedly.
"Why, yes, if you wish," she taunted, sipping her drink. "The wolf and human are easy. Just say the word and I can get them out of the way."
"The Word," Luke chirped, watching her every move.
Lenora smiled. "Done. They are in a motor conveyance. Near cliffs. "
"Ooh, a nice little accident?" Luke sing-songed.
"Some surprises are good ones," Lenora answered, her voice soft and sultry.
"Go on," Draconius continued, watching his Witch walk gracefully around the room.
She nodded. "Both the Vampire and the Slayer are now on their way as well. But I was thinking that, at this point, they are not much of a threat. She is completely controlled by the demon. He is consumed by saving his mate."
"Let them watch," Draconius added, thoughtfully, swirling brandy in his snifter. "I *like* that."
"It's unlikely they will be able to do much. And even if they do, the identity of the Pawn should stop them both in their tracks long enough for your plan to succeed, Master," the Witch continued.
"Yes," Draconius agreed. "Then make it so."
Lenora smiled. "I thought you would say that. I already did."
To be contd.