Buffy and Spike sat quietly, not saying a word to one another. It was deafening to Buffy, the silence. It actually gave her a chance to think, and the thoughts that plagued her thoughts weren't pleasant. All she thought of was the world she left behind, and how it was fairing without her. With her absence and Spikes, she could just picture the havoc that they were going through. Images of her friends dying, their eyes unseeing and blank as a Turuk khan ripped through their flesh. It immediately made her stomach drop.
"Spike, how do you think they are doing?" Buffy asked, her voice small, only just above a whisper.
"Honestly pet, I have no idea. I like to think that they are safe, that they ran. That since we are not there with them, that they thought the next best option was to run to some isolated place, away from The First's treachery. That would be the smart thing of them to do. But then again, your friends aren't runners, they aren't very smart either." Spike said as he looked at his boot
"I really hope they did run though." She whispered.
"Me too." Spike said hopefully. He went to scratch his chest, only to find the cold stone necklace around his neck. "I forgot about this" He held up the necklace, studying it.
"I did too."
"You have any idea why he gave you this?"
"No, only that it belonged to a champion. I have no idea what it does. Only that it's too strong for a human to wear. I also know that its so tacky looking that not even Anna Nicole Smith wouldn't even wear it." Buffy said with a laugh.
"Yea, I agree with you on that." Spike smirked.
"Angel wanted to wear it." she whispered.
"Yea why did you give me this over him?"
"I gave it to you instead of him because I've seen you change over the last year. I've seen you develop. And to me, you're a champion for not trying to kill yourself. You kept going. You're still developing. You stayed strong throughout. But I've seen your transformation, and it's been an amazing thing to watch." She said softly. " I believe in you Spike…"
Spike let everything she said sink in. The words resonated through his mind. It echoed through the empty halls of his brain. The sweet sounds of her voice became imbedded into each and every cell. He wanted to remember the words that she just said. He wanted to remember the way her voice sounded so sweet, soft and innocent. He wanted to always remember how she looked right now, the dim light shining through, glistening on her tangled hair. She was absolutely beautiful.
Spikes train of thought was interrupted by footsteps heading their way. He did not know how long that they were locked in the cell, but it was a fair amount of time. Feet appeared, soon followed by the lean bodies of the three most important men in Rivendell, Elrond, Gandalf, and Aragorn. Aragorn's face was stone cold, showing no emotion, although his eyes were harsh when looking upon the two prisoners.
"Lord Aragorn tells us that you have been deceiving us." Gandalf said quietly.
"No-"Buffy started, only to be interrupted by Aragorn.
"Quiet. Keep your words of poison safe behind your teeth! I've always suspected you were deceiving us, from the very beginning. But I accepted it, and did not question you further. But the abnormal way you act has finally shown through to what you really are; a liar." He seethed.
"Please Aragorn, let them speak." Gandalf said simply "Go on." He signaled for Buffy and Spike to speak.
"Well you see, um, well I'm not what you would expect."
"Quite obvious, other wise we wouldn't be here Buffy." Elrond said.
"Yes, well, I don't know how to put this. Alright---I'm The Slayer." Buffy paused, waiting for the confusion in their eyes to show. She saw it, only on Aragorn's eyes. Gandalf and Elrond just stared.
"You're a—a slayer?" Gandalf asked
"Yes."
"I don't believe your lies and deceit." Aragorn hissed.
"It's the truth." Buffy said simply.
"What is it exactly that the slayer does?" Elrond asked.
"We fight with unparalleled strength and heightened senses."
"And what is it that you…... Slay?" Gandalf asked, interested.
"Vampires. Or anything else that is a threat"
"What are vampires exactly?"
"Staring at one mate." Spikes deep voice sounded suddenly. Gandalf stared at both for a minute, taking everything in. "You're a Vampire? How is it that you two work together if you are meant to be enemies? "
"Long story, just get it straight that I'm not evil."
"That is a total and complete lie! How can you be so casual about it then? I saw your face; I saw the monstrous outlines of your true identity. Why don't you tell us exactly what sort of demon you are, what do you do?" Aragorn yelled
"Listen you bloody prick, there's no reason for me to describe what I am to you!" Spike yelled back at the man who was lucky was Spike was behind bars
"I believe it is Mr. Spike. Please, you must explain. "Elrond cut in.
Spike hesitated unsure of how to explain him. "I feed off of others; off their blood." He finally said bluntly.
"Go on." Gandalf urged.
"That's all there is." Spike said, his voice showing that the subject was done with.
"Then how is it that you and Buffy have become friends if she is set out to kill you?" Elrond asked. Upon seeing Spikes hesitation he continued "You have to make us believe you two are not a threat. We already have much tension around; we don't need anymore of it. Make this easier for us and for yourself."
"I fight with Buffy because I- I'm good…." Spike didn't know how to describe what really was. How could he put it into terms that they would understand?
"Alright. Now if you'll excuse us, I would like to speak with Elrond privately." Gandalf said quietly as he turned away and walked.
Gandalf's mind was reeling. Their stories would have sounded unbelievable to a normal man. But the story of the girls was nothing but ordinary. Could it be that he had found what Lady Galadriel had been searching for all this time. Was this woman the missing link in the huge equation that had been constructed many, many years ago? It was thought that this missing half had gone missing years ago, now it was just a mere legend. Could it be that there it was standing in a prisoner's cell? He had to alert the Lady Galadriel of his possible find.
"Gandalf, I don't know about these two." Elrond said, his voice showing his uncertainty.
"Are you unsure Lord Elrond that these two are deceiving us? That all they have told us is one big fabrication?" Gandalf asked, taking out his pipe.
"I don't think it's a fabrication. It's just hard to believe."
"Do you sense anything around them that would pose a threat?"
"No, I sense darkness. But darkness in the sense of guilt, grief and loss." Elrond said thoughtfully.
"I sense the same about them also. But I also suspect we have a legend in our midsts." Gandalf said with a smile. Upon Elrond's confused face, Gandalf leaned in and whispered something in his ear. Elrond's face lit up with recognition and surprise.
"Are you sure?" Elrond asked his eye's widening with surprise.
"Almost." Gandalf said simply. "That's why it's imperative that they be released."
Elrond nodded. The two regal men made their way back down to the prison cell to which their prisoners were going to be released.
Aragorn sat in silence, watching over the two prisoners close. While waiting for the two elder men to return, he stole glances at the two; studying. For all his training was worth, for all the years he tracked and hunted, he could not figure these two out. But it seemed that now, he didn't have to because they showed their true form.
But he knew something was off between the two of them, and he wasn't sure why he had dismissed it in the beginning.
His thoughts were interrupted by the footsteps of the two people the three of them were waiting for.
"Well, Gandalf and I have decided that though you two may have abnormal strength and abilities-"His eyes rested on Buffy "That you two pose no threat upon the fellowship within their quest. You shall accompany them on their journey and ultimately be sent to your home dimension through the efforts of Gandalf." And at that he unlocked the cell door, and turned and left.
Aragorn went to say something but felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Gandalf; you leaned in and said "Trust me on this decision Aragorn." The old mans eyes twinkled and he had a warm smile on his face. He then turned and exited the same way as Elrond did before.
Aragorn didn't know what to do. Normally he followed his judgment, not anyone else's. But now, an elder, a person with great knowledge and power asked Aragorn to trust him. Should he follow his own instincts, or someone else's?
He was torn.
But ultimately he decided to follow Gandalf's judgment. His eyes averted to the two people who were now leaving the prison dungeon, both so deceiving in appearance. This would be a great test for him.
A test of trust.
The rest of their stay at Rivendell was rather uncomfortable for both Buffy and Spike. Although they were proven to be harmless, they could feel the stares and the uneasiness whenever they came around.
They both spent the remaining days walking eating and sleeping. The only individuals who did not seem uneasy around the two strangers were the Hobbits. They spent their days with Buffy and Spike, laughing and singing and telling stories. Both Buffy and Spike really started to enjoy their company, for the Hobbits were carefree and happy. In someway, to Buffy, they reminded her of home; it was just something she couldn't explain. To Spike, the Hobbits reminded him of later days, when he wasn't a vampire.
The morning of their departure soon came a month after their arrival. Aragorn wanted everyone up at dawn, which was torture for Buffy. Breakfast was quick; everyone was quiet from the morning sleepys. They packed the necessary supplies, mostly food and weapons. Buffy was very disappointed that she couldn't bring any change of clothes with her, but Aragorn told her that clothes weren't important; trivial in their quest. Buffy saw differently.
"Where the hell are those Hobbits?" Spike suddenly, while everyone was waiting for the Hobbits to arrive. It seemed no one else objected to being annoyed with the Halflings. Finally the little ones arrived, running down the staircase with great haste.
"Sorry." Sam said anxiously. They soon said their goodbyes, Elrond wishing them well. Buffy couldn't help noticing the cozy goodbye Aragorn and Arwen had, for they were holding onto each other tightly and whispering things to one another. Finally, they were off.
Buffy couldn't help but marvel at the scenery around her. She had never been one for trees, rivers and rocks, it wasn't her style. But the magnificence of the scenery in the distance was awe inspiring. It inspired her. To Spike, the landscape seemed oddly familiar. Yet he couldn't pin point why.
Gandalf led the way, followed by Frodo and Sam and Aragorn, who pulled Bill the pony. The pony had now fattened up completely and usually was in great spirits around the group, everyone adored him, especially Sam, who would talk and pet the equine frequently. Legolas followed them, keeping close watch on their surroundings, his sharp eyesight giving him an advantage on an approaching enemy. Gimili, Boromir, Merry and Pippin followed behind. Buffy and Spike stayed in the back, feeling the cold shoulder they were getting from certain members of the group. Namely Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas.
" Spike have you noticed that the three manly men up there have been giving us the cold shoulder ever since we showed them my alarming strength?"
"Yea pet I know. I'm guessing they're feeling somewhat inadequate." Spike said with a knowing smirk on his face
They traveled a great distance, but Spike had no idea where they were headed next. Sure they were going to a mountain to chuck a ring into, but where exactly were they at this point in their travels? They just set out from Rivendell at dawn, and by the sun Spike could see that—who was he kidding? He hadn't been in the sun for over 100 years, how the hell could he tell the time by the position of the sun when really he was getting the first sun burn since he was alive.
But sooner or later, Spike and the rest could tell that the sun was setting. The falling of the sun cast a beautiful glare between the dense trees. Everyone soon took this as a sign to settle down for the night.
"Spike, would you be willing to help us look for some firewood?" Asked Aragorn gruffly.
"Sure." Spike answered quickly, being caught off guard by being spoken to by the uptight warrior.
He went off with Aragorn, Gimli and Boromir, while Legolas stayed behind with Gandalf and the others. They each paired off, for the forest was filled with many perils, much the Spikes excitement. Aragorn and Boromir went out together, while Spike was stuck with the Dwarf, Gimli.
"So Spike, I have been informed that you are some kind of a threat to our group. Is that true?" Gimli asked while picking up a big piece of fallen wood.
"Who told you that?"
"Oh, word gets around. But don't worry; I don't believe in a word they say lad. You don't seem like the threatening type." Gimli said with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"You don't know me that well."
"That's right, I don't know you. But so far, I think I know you well enough to judge you. You've got my trust boy."
"Well thanks, I don't get that much." Spike bent down to pick a large chunk of wood.
"Why is that?"
"Usually I'm not one to be trusted. "
"Oh, because of you're… erm, different face?"
"It's not just a face; it's a psyche, a station of mind. It's like something is in there, telling you to do these things, giving you the taste of blood and making you savor it, relish it. It's like a duel personality. It's always there. It never leaves."
"But you say you are a kind hearted Vampire…"
"How—"Spike asked, his brow furrowing in confusion
"I overheard the man and the elf talking before we left. You know they still don't trust the girl and you… especially you."
"I know, but the way I see it, I don't care; just as long as Buffy and I can be sent home. I don't care what their poncy asses really think. "Spike said harshly while he picked up another piece of wood.
Gimli laughed loudly "Oh, I like you."
They decided to start to head back to the camp sight, since the sun was getting lower on the horizon and darkness was covering the woods more. When they arrived, Aragorn and Boromir were there, sitting by a fire.
"There is no need for that wood, there is plenty here." Boromir said gruffly.
Sam had prepared a dinner, of some left over bacon from Rivendell and bread. They mostly ate in silence, too hungry to acknowledge anyone else's presence. The only one who was not eating was Spike, who had not eaten since the night before, when he had went out to feed on some stray rats in the Rivendell Township.
"How come you are not eating?" The elf asked, who was hardly eating himself, but simply because he didn't need to.
"I – I uh need-"
"What do you need Spike?" Gandalf asked
"Blood, I need blood." He said finally.
" Ah I see. Yes, Blood, that is what you need? Then why don't you go out hunting, which I'm sure you can find some rabbit in these plentiful woods. Then once you find it, why don't you bring it here so you can eat with the rest of us, that is, if we are still eating." Gandalf finished with a smile gracing his wise features. Spike merely nodded and smiled in return and walked away from the silent group. He had noticed that the only one's who actually kept on eating were Buffy and Pippin. But Spike guessed that the reason Pippin didn't stop eating was that either he was too hungry or that, frankly he did not care.
It didn't take him long to find something to eat. Partly because the woods were littered with creatures; and also he had his Vampiric vision aiding him also.
When he returned, everyone had finished. They were all sitting by the camp fire quietly, most seemed to be deep in thought. Except for Buffy and Pippin, who seemed deeply bored? Buffy was actually trying to teach Merry and Pippin rock paper scissors. All looked up at him when he made his presence known. He had come back with a woodchuck, which was squirming slightly under his strong grasp.
"Oh good your back." Gandalf said brightly with a warm smile on his face. . They all sat around the fire, silent. Spike sat down next to Buffy, but he didn't know what to do. Sure he knew he had to eat, but it was the means in how he had to eat. His face had to change in order to feed. The other Spike, the one without a conscious wouldn't have cared what these ponces thought. But now things changed, he changed. Now he thought about their reactions, he considered them. He felt uncomfortable eating around them.
Finally, after he felt a harsh cramp, he thought to himself 'fuck it' and he changed. Some flinched when he did, those being Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas. Gimli flinched a little also. Gandalf watched him with mild interest. Buffy of course had seen it so many times in her life, that it was basically second nature.
"You are a parasite." Legolas said suddenly, his face showing a mixture of disgust and interest.
"Guess you can say that. But I got to eat."
"Why does your face change like that?" Gandalf asked
"What it really is, it's the demon inside me, but you're only catching a glimpse of it." Spike face changed again, but this time, back to the normal one…
"It makes me sick just watching you eat, the way your face morphs from something seemingly harmless, to a face of evil and hatred..." Boromir said, his voice harsh
"Hey, why don't you just shut up? He needs to eat!" Buffy yelled her eyes full of fire.
"No woman tells men to 'shut up' you are no woman of royal lineage, you have no power. And yet, you still think you can order me around. I think not lady." Boromir said icily.
"I have no power? I have no power, oh that's rich!! Of all the things I don't have, power is definitely one of them." Buffy laughed.
"Yes woman you have no power."
"Weren't you the one who I threw across the room? Want me to refresh that memory of your old man?"
" Both of you, stop it at once. There are enemies in these woods and I don't want your voice leading them to us!" Gandalf shouted.
All looked up at the wise old man with a new found respect. No one, in their time of knowing Gandalf, had ever seen the kind hearted old man shout. But then again, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Soon, most had fallen asleep, including Boromir and Aragorn and Gandalf. Legolas stayed up, saying that elves could go a very long time without rest. The only two who couldn't go to sleep were, oddly enough, were Buffy and Spike.
" What is your world like?" Legolas asked, staring into the fire.
Buffy and Spike looked up, surprise at his question. How were they to answer this question? How were they to explain the complexities of their world to a man who didn't even know what indoor plumbing was?
"Well—um—it's modern…" Buffy said.
"Do you have evil?" His features darkened.
"Yes. There are demons and werewolves and vampire…" Buffy said
" I see…"
"But then…" Buffy started again, " Those are just the simple evils right? I mean, they're just made to kill, that's what they do. Yes, there's evil, but the truly horrifying evil things are the people who live in our world." Buffy said darkly.
Legolas looked up with interest.
" I mean, people are good yes. Extremely resilient and bold and loving.. But they have this evil inside of them, every one of them. All of them lie, they deceive, they mangle. But they can still hide it all with a bright smile and a laugh."
"Your world sounds like a terrible place…" He said softly
"No don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place. It's just the uncertainty that's terrible…" She whispered, looking straight into the fire.
Legolas watched her with newfound interest. This woman, this being, was the most enthralling person he had ever met. Her features were beautiful yes, blond hair and green eyes that were dazzling. But what drew him to her, what made him totally under her spell was her soul. Her essence. And though he had not known her for long, he could tell that she was a remarkable individual.
Spike watched Legolas stare at Buffy. She was staring into the fire, her eyes glued to the flames that danced along. As if feeling his eyes on her, she turned towards the elf. He grinned sheepishly, feeling foolish to have been caught staring. She blushed and turned to look straight ahead.
Spike knew what was happening, though he hated to admit it. He was always right about these things, he could read people. Being the poet, he was very insightful on the way people acted. The elf was falling for Buffy. He could tell just by the way he seemed to stare at her, to be totally enthralled by her.
He knew the exact feeling.
They started early, just before dawn. She ate a short breakfast, nothing more than bread and cheese. They loaded the pony, putting Sam's pots on his short back, and among the other heavy things.
Gandalf led the way, walking briskly, followed by the others. Buffy and Spike brought up the back. Buffy lagged behind, not use to being up this early. For Spike, this was his time to prowl usually, so it did not bother him.
The day seemed to ware on without any exchanges from anyone. No one spoke for some odd reason. It wasn't until dinner that everyone seemed to wake up, food filling their bellies, making more comfortable.
" Tell a story Gandalf!" Pippin stated!
" I dare-say, we don't have much time for that…" He took a smoke from his pipe.
" Please…." Sam and Frodo pleaded.
"Alright. But a short one, we have a long day tomorrow…"
He took one last whiff of his pipe before he started.
"Into the Void the Witch was sent,
her magic gone, her power spent.
Entombed in prison deep with grime,
forever banished for her crime.
The universe itself was bent,
Her prison lay inside of Time.
For countless years there forced to wait,
Eternally consumed with hate.
When all the Virtues they forsake,
Then with the GEM a link they make.
And with her help, the lands retake.
By using power from the Stone,
Brothers battle with their own.
Where Jukan Lord and Fallen Mage
Now fill the countryside with rage.
The seeds of evil they have sown,
A War of Virtue ye must wage.
From Plane of Hate where all are banned,
The movement of an unseen hand.
A Prophet there, without a face,
A Pagan from another place.
A kingdom split will never stand,
Soon to vanish without trace.
Ye cannae win with armies vast,
The secret lies within the past.
Fellucca's where the battle's fought,
for 'twas there the Stone was brought.
Back in the Pit it must be cast,
Into the fire from whence 'twas wrought."
" What was that from?" Boromir asked
" The codex of forgotten virtue…"
" It sounds like a very interesting book…" Boromir added.
" It is.." Gandalf added softly.
A rustling was heard behind them in the distance. No one noticed, except for legolas. His elven ears picked up the faint noise. He tensed immediately, hands slowly going towards his bow.
" Legolas, what is it?" Aragorn prodded.
"In the distance…" He merely said.
They all got ready, tense and ready to fight off the strange thing in the distance.
"Oh I am so ready for this…" Buffy said excitedly, getting into her fighting stance.
"Tell me about it, my bloods boiling for some action…" he said. " But then, when isn't it?" he added with a smirk at the blonde woman next to him.
Buffy merely nodded, not realizing his innuendo, until finally she turned and glared at him. Spike laughed.
The rustling was becoming louder, closer. The hobbits stood back, swords drawn, just in case.
Suddenly, all at once, it seemed like fifteen orcs jumped through the bushes, lunging at them. Legolas shot one with his bow, until one came up behind him and kicked him in his back, making him fall forward. He resorted to using his knifes to fight.
Aragorn and Boromir pulled out their swords and started. Gimli was helping Gandalf in keeping the orcs away from the Hobbits
The orc thrusts at Buffy. She ducks, backs away from his second swing, wheels and kicks his legs out from under him. He goes down and Buffy gets on top of him, blocks another swing, and punches him. He drops the sword. Buffy punches the orc in the face a few times, then he blocks and punches her. They grapple, he kicks her in the head and she falls. The orc crouches above Buffy to hit her, but she kicks upward and he falls back. She takes his sword and stabs him.
A orc stalks towards Spike, Spike punches it in the face, hard. Spike punches him twice more, then shoves him back. The orc stumbles back against a log.
Another orc lunges for Buffy. Buffy kicks it and he flies back into a tree. She takes her sword a sings it to his neck, totally decapitating it.
After killing the first orc, Spike takes the sword and swings it at another but it ducks, punches him in the stomach, grabs him and throws him across the clearing again. He smashes into a boulder. Spike stalks towards it and swings his sword and makes a clean swipe across his stomach.
Buffy turned to Spike who had just killed his last orc. The others had been plentiful in their targets. Boromir just finished killing one.
"One got away!"
"Oh well… we killed most of them right. We'll catch it sooner or later!" Buffy said, brushing it off.
" No, cant you see? That one orc might tell of the whereabouts of the ring!" Aragorn said urgently.
" Oh that cant be good…"
"Now tell me, you insolent swine, what did you see on your encounter?" An icy voice resonated within the hall.
"There were two men, Mithrandir, a dwarf, an elf and four hobbit…" The orc spat
"Yes, yes I know this… Is there anything else?"
" There was a girl, with great power and strength. She and her companion threw orc nearly 50 feet across, my lord."
"A girl? This sounds rather interesting. You say she had a companion right? Describe…" Sarumans uttered menacingly
"It was a man, my lord, with hair as bright as a newly gilded blade. I fought him myself my lord, before I flew. He was cold to the touch my lord."
" So a man and a woman with great strength has joined Gandalf on his quest. Mithrandir is ever full of surprises. Insolent fool." Saruman added, running his hand through his beard. " I want these two brought to me as well as the ring. They could prove to be a great asset."
" Yes my lord…" The orc snorted before he turned a left the hall.
"Oh Gandalf, you fool…" Saruman laughed loudly…
(&&&
Yes I know it was VERY LONG TIME!! But you see, I saw no rush in writing this story, and I really was brain dead. I had more ideas for my other stories than this one. But guess what, it seems I've gone brain dead on them also. Well at least BEYOND FRAGILE. I'm totally stuck on that one.
But it seems my ideas for this one suddenly picked up. OUT OF NOWHERE!! I swear, its weird. I'll try to update more often, really. But now I have school, and I'm moving soon, so don't rush me. I promise, I WONT ABANDONE THIS STORY! I have too much a great story line for this one….
SONGS THAT HELPED ME WRITE.
Shower song, Play crack the sky, Guernica, Jude law and a semester abroad, Seventy time 7, Logan and gov.t center, Okay I believe you but my tommy gun don't : BY BRAND NEW I seriously recommend them to anyone!!!
READ AND REVIEW LOVIES!!
Later love dolls….
