Truth Keeper

A/N – Thank-you all for the lovely reviews. Here's the next chapter – the story is going to be taking quite a big twist, especially in regards to its pace and focus (don't worry, the primary focus will still be Buffy/Spike). More details about things will be given when I post the next chapter. Also, I know this chapter is very short, but it's setting things up for future chapters. Hope you enjoy this one, please let me know what you think (i.e. review!!)

Chapter 19 – Bonding Session

May 2002

Connor quickly walked down the street, staying in the shadows as he moved. He had called Justine as soon as Angel had left to go meet Cordelia. She had told him it was the perfect opportunity to get away from Angelus and that he should meet her outside the motel as soon as he could. He was almost there when he sensed it. A demon. At first, he contemplated stopping and killing the filthy beast. But then he realized that it would take time he did not have to spare. So he kept on moving towards his destination. When the tingling didn't disappear after four blocks, he knew that the creature was following him. Ducking into a nearby alley, he waited until he saw the surprisingly short creature walk by. It looked like a human, but his blood was telling him it was anything but. With a quick movement, he had the short demon pinned against the opposite wall of the narrow alleyway.

 "Why are you following me?"

 "Hello to you too."

 "Tell me now or I'll snap your neck."

 "Go for it kid, it doesn't do much. Just stings a little bit. Plus, the old lady will be annoyed. Besides, I can probably answer a lot of the questions going through that little head of yours, Steven."

 "What are you talking about? How do you know my name, demon?"

 "I'm here to talk to you. Tell you a few stories. And I know your name because I'm meant to know your name. Now will you let go of me, my neck is starting to chafe."

 "Why don't I just kill you." Connor pushed the demon a little higher up the wall, tightening his grip as he did so. The demon tried to speak, but all that came out was a strangled gasp. He raised his eyebrows at the young man, and Connor loosened his grip enough for him to speak.

 "I guess you've been getting your Wheaties on Quortoth. Too bad you haven't been getting your Prozac as well."

Connor looked at him blankly, and tightened his grip again. "Answer me, demon."

 "Okay, okay. You're just as impatient as your father." When the still grip was tightened again, and he was pushed up the wall another inch, he rolled his eyes grudgingly. "Killing me would be bad for two reasons. One, I can answer a lot of questions you have about both your fathers, and two, no one else can. Besides, I told you before, the breaking-my-neck tactic isn't gonna cut it, kid."

 "I beg to differ."

 "So did your pops. Especially the pretend one. Did he ever tell you a story about the demon that started him down his righteous path?"

 "What do you know about my father?"

 "Quite a bit, seeing as I am that demon."

 "Why should I believe you?"

 "How else would I know that Holtz, excuse me, Daddy, was saved by a demon when you're the only one he ever told? I lead him on his path to becoming a great demon hunter – I'm still getting shit for that one, by the way. The point is, your Daddy trusts me and you trust who Daddy trusts."

Connor stared angrily at the demon, and then dropped him with a violent shove against the wall. After adjusting his hat and brushing himself off, the short monster looked Connor up and down, laughing as he did so.

 "Christ, you certainly are a chip off the old block. You even brood like him."

 "My father doesn't brood." The comment was in true snivelling teenage form, and made the demon laugh even harder.

 "You have a lot to learn, kid. First thing, have you ever seen a vampire bite?"

 "There were no vampires on Quortoth, but my father has described them in detail."

 "Let me guess – two holes in the neck? There a little less cliché than that."

 "Cliché?"

 "We'll leave that explanation for a later conversation."

 "What makes you think you're going to survive this one?"

 "Why is it that every case I've been given lately is of the hit-then-think variety? Listen, you can't kill me, sporto. No way, no how. And you won't want to kill me after I tell you what I came to tell you."

Connor crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the short demon in front of him warily. Nodding, Connor let him know he had his way, at least for the time being.

 "Maybe you're smarter than I thought. The names Whistler. Nice to meet you." He offered his hand and when Connor refused he rolled his eyes and chuckled. After a moment of silence, he clapped his hands. "Now, why don't we go and find a vamp to bite me."

 "Are you mad?"

 "Nah – it'll be fun. We'll find a minion. They always think I'm human till the first chomp. And then you can dust it. It'll be a bonding experience. Trust me. And then I'll take you to get some pie. There's a great little diner I know that's open all night."

 "I have to –"

 "Yah, yah. I know about that little plan too. We'll swing by the motel after our little bonding session. Don't worry about it. Has Holtz ever told you what a gypsy is?"

Whistler started to walk down the alley, in the opposite direction of the motel. After a moment's hesitation, Connor followed him. There was something about the demon that compelled him, and his father had spoken of how he had led him down his path. Instinct told him that whatever the short demon was here for, it would change things in very significant ways.