Something Wicked This Way Comes

Chapter 13: The End Is Near

By: Rogue-Slayer13

Disclaimer: The characters of Btvs and Ats belong to Joss Whedon, not myself.

Summary: See pervious chapters

Sentences all in Italics are thoughts and one or two words are emphasized.

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The closer the apocalypse came the harder and harder it was becoming for Spike to keep Buffy and the other's from being suspicious about his whereabouts. So far he'd been able to bounce back and forth between the Hyperion and Original Syn without anyone thinking he was doing anything other then patrolling, but they were starting to ask questions that Spike couldn't always answer.

"Where you off to?"

Spike turned to see Fred standing a few feet behind.

"I just thought I'd go patrol."

"You seem to be doing a lot of that lately." Fred took a few steps toward Spike.

"Well y'know, stake one and two more take its place."

Fred nodded and looked down at the ground briefly.

"Are you okay?" Fred looked up at Spike. "I mean, you say you are, but you're acting differently."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the two of us used to hang out all the time and now I hardly see you."

"I hardly see you either Pet," replied Spike. "Sides, you've got Percy to keep you company now."

"Wesley's my boyfriend, that's not the same as what we had."

"And what was that?"

"We were friends, good friends, and I'd like to think that friendship hasn't completely died."

"Me too Pet, me too." Spike turned and disappeared into the night.

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"Are you okay?"

Fred looked up to see Wesley standing in her doorway.

"I'm fine," replied Fred as she stood up.

"Are you sure?" Wesley stepped into the room and went over to Fred. "I thought I heard you crying."

"I'm just a little upset," said Fred.

"About what?" asked Wesley as he sat down on the edge of Fred's bed.

"You'd think in was crazy if I told you."

"Why would I think you were crazy for being upset about something?"

"Because, it's not something your average girl would get upset about," replied Fred as she looked at Wesley.

"Whatever it is Fred, you can tell me."

Fred was quiet for a moment.

"It's about Spike."

"What about him?" asked Wesley.

"I'm just worried about him is all."

Wesley didn't know exactly what to say.

"Well, he is a vampire Fred, I'm sure there's no reason to fear for his safety," said Wesley.

"I know he can take care of himself," said Fred. "It's just. He's been acting funny lately and . . ."

"You're beginning to sound like Xander."

"What do you mean?" asked Fred.

"He's been saying something's going on with Spike, but I can assure you, there's no proof to his agitations."

"What kind of something?"

"He's convinced that Spike's given into some primal urge and is going to betray us," said Wesley.

"Spike would never do that," said Fred.

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"What are we going to do about the Slayers my lord?" asked a minion.

"Like I've said before, we're going to let them do most of the dirty work and then we'll kill 'em," replied Spike as he walked around the mostly empty Original Syn, which had become the vampire base of operations.

"How will we get close enough to kill them?" asked the minion. "I mean. There will be quite a few of them sir."

"We'll ambush 'em at the church."

"But a church is hallowed ground."

"Do you actually believe that crap about hallowed ground?" Spike turned to look at the minion. "What are you going to tell me next that you can't cross running water and sleep in a coffin full of native soil?"

"Be nice to the minions Spike," said Alise as she and Drusilla entered the room. "Not all of them are as skilled as you and I are."

"Stupidity has nothing to do with skill."

Alise smiled.

"So, tell me the rest of this plan of yours."

"The slayer plans on using the old church as a fortress of types," said Spike. "All we have to do is be there waiting for her."

"You're a genius."

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Spike came back to the Hyperion just as Buffy and Faith were coming back from patrol.

"Hey Spike," greeted the brunette.

"Hallo." Spike gave a little wave which was more like a rotation of the wrist.

"Find anything on patrol?" asked Buffy as Spike opened the door to the Hyperion.

"Not really, what about you?" asked the vampire as the two slayers went inside.

"Just a few vamps."

"Guess things are slowing done a bit."

"Guess so," said Faith as she headed toward the kitchen.

Buffy was about to follow, but Spike stopped her.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure."

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To Be Continued . . .

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