Chapter 22
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Lost
Spike fumbled around the crypt, an eerie feeling enveloping him, as he searched for any sign of familiarity. The furniture, décor, everything down to the television sitting in the center of the room, was different. He let out a maddening laugh, anger and curiosity both playing an equal part in his emotional state.
Someone had really gone to a lot of trouble just to mess with his mind. He began doubting his earlier assumption of the slayer. This was too cunning a plan for her and her pals, even on their best day. With an imaginary scoreboard in his head, he quickly marked Buffy off the checklist. Who else was there? He'd made many enemies over the years, but who could accomplish something as drastic as this?
Too lost in thought, he failed to hear the patter of feet behind him, until the sound of something hitting the floor grabbed his attention. He swirled around, fists up, ready to go at it.
"Spike! Man, you scared me!" came a voice from in front of him. An assortment of ding-dongs and various brands of potato chips were cluttering the area. Spike's attention was drawn to a wide-eyed, wrinkled demon gathering up the fallen objects. "If I'd have known you were coming, I would have gotten some hot wings."
Confused and caught off guard, his anger got the best of him and he charged at the unknown trespasser. They toppled over, both landing with a heavy thud against the crypt wall. Spike was up and on both feet before the demon knew what was happening, preparing to attack again.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my crypt?!" he yelled, reaching down to pull the demon up by his collar.
"What are you talking about? If you wanted it back, all you had to do was say so."
Spike looked curiously at the creature in front of him. Finding him not to be an immediate threat, he slowly backed off and released his hold.
"Wanted it back?! Are you daft?!" His hands reached up to rub his temples, trying to ease the pounding that had begun again. Turning away, he began pacing the floor.
"Okay, Spike. What's going on? Does this have anything to do with what happened earlier before you ran out of here? What was that about anyway?"
The vampire stopped long enough to glare. "Do I know you, mate?"
His question rewarded him a surprised gasp. "Have you gone completely bonkers? It's me! Clem!"
He searched his memory and came up with nothing. Spike's irritation was steadily growing. He turned back to the stranger, approaching him with uneasiness and caution.
"I'll give you to the count of three to tell me what the bleeding hell is going on!" He was now standing toe to toe with the demon, awaiting an answer to his demand.
"Spike, I don't understand. Calm down and we can talk about it, okay buddy?"
"One." His voice was low, the threat eminent in his stance.
"Wait! Wait! No counting! I'm sorry about the bonkers remark! I take it back!"
"Two." As Spike grew more restless for an answer, his hand found it's way up to the cowarding demon's neck, squeezing just enough to threaten him.
"I don't know what you want me to tell you!" Clem argued, noticeably frightened of the vampire for the first time since meeting him.
"Last chance."
"Maybe we should call Buffy."
Spike's eyes widened, and a small frown appeared on his lips.
"Wrong answer."
With angered force, he grabbed his victim, flinging him with a roll onto the floor. Clem struggled to get back up, making it only halfway before Spike was on him again. Loud cries sounded, the terrified voice of the demon being drowned out by the maddening sounds of a vampire on the attack. Unleashing his anger, he began pummeling the intruder, throwing punch after punch, tearing and ripping the loosely hanging skin around his face and upper body. His intention was to make someone pay, and this person beneath him was good enough for now.
Clem struggled, trying to push Spike off, but found himself no match for the vampire's strength. He closed his eyes, praying for the beating to end. He couldn't comprehend what could have caused this kind of rage. Spike was his friend. Always had been. Until now.
Spike finally ended his assault when he realized the movement had stopped beneath him. Leaving the demon unconscious, Spike stood up, gasping for unneeded air. A flash of a memory clouded his vision for a moment. He saw himself, much in the position the stranger was in, with the slayer standing over him. Her voice ringing out, cold and fierce. "You don't have a soul! There is nothing good or clean in you!"
He growled in frustration, wiped the confusing thought from his mind, and ran from the crypt. He had to get away, at least until he could find some answers.
***********************************************
"What do you mean Kitara is gone?" Angel asked, now sitting on the sofa, watching Buffy pace back and forth in front of him.
"I mean she's a bitch and I threw her out. Any more questions?"
"Buffy, what are you talking about?" Giles added.
"Look, she might have you guys snowed, but she's not someone we can trust. Believe me."
"I've known her for a while, Buffy. She's never given me any reason not to trust her." Angel argued.
"It's just a feeling. A bad one, and I'm not taking any chances with everything that's going on."
Buffy had stopped mid step to argue her point, then began her pacing ritual again.
Giles watched her momentarily, and then spoke. "Are you sure you're not just jealous because of Spike? We all saw how you reacted when she first arrived."
She stopped again to look at him. "No. I mean yes. I mean... it's more than that. There's something off. I just don't know what."
Angel shook his head in frustration, convinced it was just Buffy's imagination. He decided to change the subject and get down to why they were here. "So what happened last night? Spike left and then what?" he asked, trying to calm Buffy who had now resumed her onward motion.
She glanced toward Giles, and then to Angel. "Nothing. We were talking, he left to go smoke, and I went to sleep. That's it. He said he was coming right back."
"Oh dear."
Buffy's eyes fell on the man sitting at the table, hand pinching the bridge of his nose in a worried fashion.
"What Giles?"
"Kitara. She followed him out. I didn't think anything of it at the time."
Buffy sat down beside Angel. "And then what?"
"Nothing," he answered. "She came back in, said she was tired and headed for bed."
Angel took in the panicked look on Buffy's face. "Maybe they had a fight. I'm sure she wasn't too happy seeing him with you. Knowing Spike, he probably went out to cool his jets and drank too much. I bet he's somewhere sleeping it off."
"I don't know Angel. It still just doesn't seem...." A sudden pounding on the front door cut off her words. They all jumped at once.
"Buffy! Get out here!"
Buffy was at the door in a flash, opening it to find Xander and Anya waiting on the porch, eyes wide with fear.
"What's going on?! What's wrong?!" Buffy shouted, suddenly afraid of the intense looks she was receiving.
Anya stepped back, nose wrinkled, and pointed sheepishly to the direction of the swing in the corner. Buffy's eyes shifted, almost afraid to see what they were staring at. She suddenly felt ill at the sight in front of her.
Angel appeared behind her, under the roof of the porch, taking careful cover from the sun. He took no time to gaze before he was next to the girl, examining what had happened.
"Vampire." He spoke in a matter of factish tone.
"But who would? Why would someone do that?" Anya asked, taking her eyes off the dead body in front of her.
Angel looked down and narrowed his eyes, noticing the object in her hand.
"I'll give you three guesses, Buffy. But I bet you'll only need one."
She looked at him with confusion, instinctively reaching out to catch the object he'd tossed to her. Her heart sped, that gnawing feeling returned to the pit of her stomach as she turned the smoothed metal around in her hand.
"Spike." she whispered softly, almost a question, but coming out as more of an answer. "But how?"
Giles approached her from behind. "Spike's killing again."
"He wouldn't! And he can't! Remember? The chip!"
Angel stepped forward, surprised by her lack of information. "The chip's gone, Buffy. Has been for a long time."
"So there's nothing stopping him? He could just come and kill us right now?!" The panic was present in Xander's voice. Memories of an earlier, unchipped Spike terrorizing Sunnydale poured through him. "I hate to say I told you so, Buff."
His comment warranted an evil glare. Buffy held her defensive position, refusing to believe the inevitable. "Wait a minute. This can't be happening. His soul! That would stop him! Right?" She looked at Angel hopefully.
"I don't know, Buffy. Not until we know what set him off."
She was trying hard to be strong, dismissing the urge to curl up and block out everything around her. "We need to think. The First. It has to be. Maybe it's controlling him."
"It's a possibility. But we can't count out the idea that he may just be evil again. Perhaps after feeding from you." Giles pointed out.
Xander glanced at Giles, still trying to take it all in. "Evil Spike as in 'I'm evil but I'm in love with Buffy in a sick and twisted, deeply disturbing kind of way'? or 'I'm evil and there's nothing I want to do more than kill Buffy and all of her friends'?"
Everyone's expressions were evenly matched as they stared blankly in amazement.
"Thank you for your perception, Xander. It was most helpful. Don't do it again." Giles scolded.
Buffy shook her head. "What are we missing? Something happened after he left the room. But what?"
"He found me, that's what." Clem approached the porch, all eyes falling on him at the sound of his voice.
"Oh my god!" Buffy gasped at the sight of his battered face. She rushed toward him, feeling the need to help, but also found herself fighting the urge to look away.
"Spike did this?" Xander asked, trying to hide the look of disgust at Clem's disfigurement.
"Looked like Spike......talked like Spike...but it sure wasn't Spike. He's gone nuts, talkin' crazy. Besides that, he had no idea who I was."
"What do you mean he didn't know who you were?" Buffy asked, a puzzled expression settling on her face.
"I mean he didn't know me. I went shopping, needed to stock up on some chips and dip, you know? By the way, you know that new store over on Maple Street? Good deals! Buy one get one on any brand....." He stopped when he noticed the annoyed look he was receiving from the slayer. "Oh, sorry."
"And then what?!" she asked, frustrated by his rambling.
"I got home, and Spike was there, acting like he owned the place. Well..... I guess when you really look at it...."
"Clem!" Buffy shouted.
"Sorry! Sorry! Anyway, he kept asking me what was going on and why I was there. He didn't have a clue who I was. Just got mad and started wailing. Actually, I think he did that after I mentioned you," he stated, realizing what had thrown Spike into such a fit.
The others listened silently, the same pained looks overtaking them, as they let Buffy play the interrogator. "So he just left you there?"
"I guess so. I woke up this morning and he was gone. I came right over here. Figured you'd know what to do," he said, staring hopefully at the blonde in front of him.
She looked around, lost and confused, finally resting her eyes on Giles.
"What could do that? If he doesn't remember..."
"We don't know what he remembers and what he doesn't, Buffy. It's clear something happened to him. Maybe a spell?"
"Kitara."
All eyes traveled to Angel. He glanced around and focused on Giles. "You said Kitara went out after him. Maybe she was more upset than I thought. Maybe she wanted revenge."
Buffy's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Huh?"
"It's what she does. Did Spike tell you anything about her, Buffy?"
"Not really. I pretty much figured out she was a hoe bag bitch all on my own," she answered sarcastically. "But what does that have to do with anything?"
Angel rolled his eyes. "Let's go inside and I'll explain it. It's a bit unnerving out here for me," he answered, glancing toward the sky beyond the porch. He turned and began to head for the door, everyone following behind him.
"What about her?" Anya asked, pointing to the dead girl on the swing. "We can't just leave her there. She might have family, and for all we know, he might have turned her."
"Go on inside," Giles answered. "I'll take care of it."
Buffy nodded. Now was one of those times she was really glad to have Giles here to 'take care' of things. They left him to the task at hand and returned inside. Before they were even situated, Buffy began the interrogation. "So what about Kitara?"
"Well, it's possible she could have done this to Spike." Angel answered, trying to gauge her reaction. "I don't know if you were told, but she's part demon. Trecloff demon actually."
"Which means what?"
"It means she has the ability to erase things. Feelings, emotions."
"Memories?" Buffy asked, cutting him off.
He shrugged. "I guess. I've only seen her dismiss emotions caused by certain memories, but I suppose she could blank out the whole thing if she wanted to."
"We have to find her. And we have to find Spike. Before he...."
"Before he decides to snack on half of Sunnydale?" Xander asked, with a sarcastic smirk curled on his lips. "But I won't say I told you so... again."
"Xander! We don't even know exactly what happened!" She still felt she had to defend him, even though, inside she feared the worse.
"He's right, Buffy. If Spike is back to what he was like before, there's no telling what he might do. Try to remember what he was like before the chip. There's only one thing we know for sure." Angel stated. "He's always been obsessed with slayers and you weren't any different. He's gonna come after you."
TBC
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Thank you so much for feedbacks! Very good for a writer's soul!!!!!
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Lost
Spike fumbled around the crypt, an eerie feeling enveloping him, as he searched for any sign of familiarity. The furniture, décor, everything down to the television sitting in the center of the room, was different. He let out a maddening laugh, anger and curiosity both playing an equal part in his emotional state.
Someone had really gone to a lot of trouble just to mess with his mind. He began doubting his earlier assumption of the slayer. This was too cunning a plan for her and her pals, even on their best day. With an imaginary scoreboard in his head, he quickly marked Buffy off the checklist. Who else was there? He'd made many enemies over the years, but who could accomplish something as drastic as this?
Too lost in thought, he failed to hear the patter of feet behind him, until the sound of something hitting the floor grabbed his attention. He swirled around, fists up, ready to go at it.
"Spike! Man, you scared me!" came a voice from in front of him. An assortment of ding-dongs and various brands of potato chips were cluttering the area. Spike's attention was drawn to a wide-eyed, wrinkled demon gathering up the fallen objects. "If I'd have known you were coming, I would have gotten some hot wings."
Confused and caught off guard, his anger got the best of him and he charged at the unknown trespasser. They toppled over, both landing with a heavy thud against the crypt wall. Spike was up and on both feet before the demon knew what was happening, preparing to attack again.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my crypt?!" he yelled, reaching down to pull the demon up by his collar.
"What are you talking about? If you wanted it back, all you had to do was say so."
Spike looked curiously at the creature in front of him. Finding him not to be an immediate threat, he slowly backed off and released his hold.
"Wanted it back?! Are you daft?!" His hands reached up to rub his temples, trying to ease the pounding that had begun again. Turning away, he began pacing the floor.
"Okay, Spike. What's going on? Does this have anything to do with what happened earlier before you ran out of here? What was that about anyway?"
The vampire stopped long enough to glare. "Do I know you, mate?"
His question rewarded him a surprised gasp. "Have you gone completely bonkers? It's me! Clem!"
He searched his memory and came up with nothing. Spike's irritation was steadily growing. He turned back to the stranger, approaching him with uneasiness and caution.
"I'll give you to the count of three to tell me what the bleeding hell is going on!" He was now standing toe to toe with the demon, awaiting an answer to his demand.
"Spike, I don't understand. Calm down and we can talk about it, okay buddy?"
"One." His voice was low, the threat eminent in his stance.
"Wait! Wait! No counting! I'm sorry about the bonkers remark! I take it back!"
"Two." As Spike grew more restless for an answer, his hand found it's way up to the cowarding demon's neck, squeezing just enough to threaten him.
"I don't know what you want me to tell you!" Clem argued, noticeably frightened of the vampire for the first time since meeting him.
"Last chance."
"Maybe we should call Buffy."
Spike's eyes widened, and a small frown appeared on his lips.
"Wrong answer."
With angered force, he grabbed his victim, flinging him with a roll onto the floor. Clem struggled to get back up, making it only halfway before Spike was on him again. Loud cries sounded, the terrified voice of the demon being drowned out by the maddening sounds of a vampire on the attack. Unleashing his anger, he began pummeling the intruder, throwing punch after punch, tearing and ripping the loosely hanging skin around his face and upper body. His intention was to make someone pay, and this person beneath him was good enough for now.
Clem struggled, trying to push Spike off, but found himself no match for the vampire's strength. He closed his eyes, praying for the beating to end. He couldn't comprehend what could have caused this kind of rage. Spike was his friend. Always had been. Until now.
Spike finally ended his assault when he realized the movement had stopped beneath him. Leaving the demon unconscious, Spike stood up, gasping for unneeded air. A flash of a memory clouded his vision for a moment. He saw himself, much in the position the stranger was in, with the slayer standing over him. Her voice ringing out, cold and fierce. "You don't have a soul! There is nothing good or clean in you!"
He growled in frustration, wiped the confusing thought from his mind, and ran from the crypt. He had to get away, at least until he could find some answers.
***********************************************
"What do you mean Kitara is gone?" Angel asked, now sitting on the sofa, watching Buffy pace back and forth in front of him.
"I mean she's a bitch and I threw her out. Any more questions?"
"Buffy, what are you talking about?" Giles added.
"Look, she might have you guys snowed, but she's not someone we can trust. Believe me."
"I've known her for a while, Buffy. She's never given me any reason not to trust her." Angel argued.
"It's just a feeling. A bad one, and I'm not taking any chances with everything that's going on."
Buffy had stopped mid step to argue her point, then began her pacing ritual again.
Giles watched her momentarily, and then spoke. "Are you sure you're not just jealous because of Spike? We all saw how you reacted when she first arrived."
She stopped again to look at him. "No. I mean yes. I mean... it's more than that. There's something off. I just don't know what."
Angel shook his head in frustration, convinced it was just Buffy's imagination. He decided to change the subject and get down to why they were here. "So what happened last night? Spike left and then what?" he asked, trying to calm Buffy who had now resumed her onward motion.
She glanced toward Giles, and then to Angel. "Nothing. We were talking, he left to go smoke, and I went to sleep. That's it. He said he was coming right back."
"Oh dear."
Buffy's eyes fell on the man sitting at the table, hand pinching the bridge of his nose in a worried fashion.
"What Giles?"
"Kitara. She followed him out. I didn't think anything of it at the time."
Buffy sat down beside Angel. "And then what?"
"Nothing," he answered. "She came back in, said she was tired and headed for bed."
Angel took in the panicked look on Buffy's face. "Maybe they had a fight. I'm sure she wasn't too happy seeing him with you. Knowing Spike, he probably went out to cool his jets and drank too much. I bet he's somewhere sleeping it off."
"I don't know Angel. It still just doesn't seem...." A sudden pounding on the front door cut off her words. They all jumped at once.
"Buffy! Get out here!"
Buffy was at the door in a flash, opening it to find Xander and Anya waiting on the porch, eyes wide with fear.
"What's going on?! What's wrong?!" Buffy shouted, suddenly afraid of the intense looks she was receiving.
Anya stepped back, nose wrinkled, and pointed sheepishly to the direction of the swing in the corner. Buffy's eyes shifted, almost afraid to see what they were staring at. She suddenly felt ill at the sight in front of her.
Angel appeared behind her, under the roof of the porch, taking careful cover from the sun. He took no time to gaze before he was next to the girl, examining what had happened.
"Vampire." He spoke in a matter of factish tone.
"But who would? Why would someone do that?" Anya asked, taking her eyes off the dead body in front of her.
Angel looked down and narrowed his eyes, noticing the object in her hand.
"I'll give you three guesses, Buffy. But I bet you'll only need one."
She looked at him with confusion, instinctively reaching out to catch the object he'd tossed to her. Her heart sped, that gnawing feeling returned to the pit of her stomach as she turned the smoothed metal around in her hand.
"Spike." she whispered softly, almost a question, but coming out as more of an answer. "But how?"
Giles approached her from behind. "Spike's killing again."
"He wouldn't! And he can't! Remember? The chip!"
Angel stepped forward, surprised by her lack of information. "The chip's gone, Buffy. Has been for a long time."
"So there's nothing stopping him? He could just come and kill us right now?!" The panic was present in Xander's voice. Memories of an earlier, unchipped Spike terrorizing Sunnydale poured through him. "I hate to say I told you so, Buff."
His comment warranted an evil glare. Buffy held her defensive position, refusing to believe the inevitable. "Wait a minute. This can't be happening. His soul! That would stop him! Right?" She looked at Angel hopefully.
"I don't know, Buffy. Not until we know what set him off."
She was trying hard to be strong, dismissing the urge to curl up and block out everything around her. "We need to think. The First. It has to be. Maybe it's controlling him."
"It's a possibility. But we can't count out the idea that he may just be evil again. Perhaps after feeding from you." Giles pointed out.
Xander glanced at Giles, still trying to take it all in. "Evil Spike as in 'I'm evil but I'm in love with Buffy in a sick and twisted, deeply disturbing kind of way'? or 'I'm evil and there's nothing I want to do more than kill Buffy and all of her friends'?"
Everyone's expressions were evenly matched as they stared blankly in amazement.
"Thank you for your perception, Xander. It was most helpful. Don't do it again." Giles scolded.
Buffy shook her head. "What are we missing? Something happened after he left the room. But what?"
"He found me, that's what." Clem approached the porch, all eyes falling on him at the sound of his voice.
"Oh my god!" Buffy gasped at the sight of his battered face. She rushed toward him, feeling the need to help, but also found herself fighting the urge to look away.
"Spike did this?" Xander asked, trying to hide the look of disgust at Clem's disfigurement.
"Looked like Spike......talked like Spike...but it sure wasn't Spike. He's gone nuts, talkin' crazy. Besides that, he had no idea who I was."
"What do you mean he didn't know who you were?" Buffy asked, a puzzled expression settling on her face.
"I mean he didn't know me. I went shopping, needed to stock up on some chips and dip, you know? By the way, you know that new store over on Maple Street? Good deals! Buy one get one on any brand....." He stopped when he noticed the annoyed look he was receiving from the slayer. "Oh, sorry."
"And then what?!" she asked, frustrated by his rambling.
"I got home, and Spike was there, acting like he owned the place. Well..... I guess when you really look at it...."
"Clem!" Buffy shouted.
"Sorry! Sorry! Anyway, he kept asking me what was going on and why I was there. He didn't have a clue who I was. Just got mad and started wailing. Actually, I think he did that after I mentioned you," he stated, realizing what had thrown Spike into such a fit.
The others listened silently, the same pained looks overtaking them, as they let Buffy play the interrogator. "So he just left you there?"
"I guess so. I woke up this morning and he was gone. I came right over here. Figured you'd know what to do," he said, staring hopefully at the blonde in front of him.
She looked around, lost and confused, finally resting her eyes on Giles.
"What could do that? If he doesn't remember..."
"We don't know what he remembers and what he doesn't, Buffy. It's clear something happened to him. Maybe a spell?"
"Kitara."
All eyes traveled to Angel. He glanced around and focused on Giles. "You said Kitara went out after him. Maybe she was more upset than I thought. Maybe she wanted revenge."
Buffy's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Huh?"
"It's what she does. Did Spike tell you anything about her, Buffy?"
"Not really. I pretty much figured out she was a hoe bag bitch all on my own," she answered sarcastically. "But what does that have to do with anything?"
Angel rolled his eyes. "Let's go inside and I'll explain it. It's a bit unnerving out here for me," he answered, glancing toward the sky beyond the porch. He turned and began to head for the door, everyone following behind him.
"What about her?" Anya asked, pointing to the dead girl on the swing. "We can't just leave her there. She might have family, and for all we know, he might have turned her."
"Go on inside," Giles answered. "I'll take care of it."
Buffy nodded. Now was one of those times she was really glad to have Giles here to 'take care' of things. They left him to the task at hand and returned inside. Before they were even situated, Buffy began the interrogation. "So what about Kitara?"
"Well, it's possible she could have done this to Spike." Angel answered, trying to gauge her reaction. "I don't know if you were told, but she's part demon. Trecloff demon actually."
"Which means what?"
"It means she has the ability to erase things. Feelings, emotions."
"Memories?" Buffy asked, cutting him off.
He shrugged. "I guess. I've only seen her dismiss emotions caused by certain memories, but I suppose she could blank out the whole thing if she wanted to."
"We have to find her. And we have to find Spike. Before he...."
"Before he decides to snack on half of Sunnydale?" Xander asked, with a sarcastic smirk curled on his lips. "But I won't say I told you so... again."
"Xander! We don't even know exactly what happened!" She still felt she had to defend him, even though, inside she feared the worse.
"He's right, Buffy. If Spike is back to what he was like before, there's no telling what he might do. Try to remember what he was like before the chip. There's only one thing we know for sure." Angel stated. "He's always been obsessed with slayers and you weren't any different. He's gonna come after you."
TBC
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Thank you so much for feedbacks! Very good for a writer's soul!!!!!