The Slayer's Keeper
Summary: Post S5/S2 AU – Buffy dies after jumping into the portal, but the living world will not let her rest. A dark force intends to use the slayer for their own nefarious plans. Can anyone help save her before its too late?
Story Notes:
Alternate Universe. Post Btvs Season 5 and Post Ats Season 2.
The Btvs side of things mostly remains canon through Season 5 (any notable changes will be explained throughout the story.) For Ats, S2 departs from canon early on, but the conclusion of S2 is the same (summarized below):
WF&H never brought Darla back to life, Dru never came to LA, Holland Manners never died and Lindsey remained with the company. This allowed Lindsey time to focus on other interests and projects - until the Senior Partners decide its time to pursue Angel again.
During this stagnant period between Angel and the lawfirm, the Fang Gang dealt with other cases which kept them busy. The gang never had a falling out with Angel, nor did Angel go through a "dark phase", and Groo also returned with Cordelia from Plrtz Glrb.
Prologue
Spike may have been a soulless vampire, but he still had feelings.
Deep, tragic and hopeless feelings. The kind that ripped and tore at his cold, dead heart. Unrequited love, was one reason. Mourning a recent death was another. And last but not least, the failure of not being able to save Buffy Summers weighed so heavily on Spike's chest, that had he any breath, he was sure the guilt would suffocate him.
Spike sat on the ground underneath a large oak tree in Restfield Cemetery, the looming shadows engulfing his presence to any passersby. His deep blue eyes were focused on one grave in particular, located several yards across from him. It was classic shaped gravestone and still appeared fairly new, as the grass had yet to fully regrow over the packed dirt.
Buffy Anne Summers
Beloved Sister
Devoted Friend
1981-2001
She saved the world, a lot.
'That you did, Slayer. Too bad we couldn't save you.'
He took a swig out of the flask in his left hand. To his disappoint, there was barely any liquor left. Though of course, he had already drunk plenty earlier back at his crypt.
The vampire had been sitting in his usual spot for about three hours, though most nights he only spent about one hour there. But tonight, the former poet's mind felt especially out of sorts, drowning deep in limerence and thoughts of the deceased Slayer.
The past three months, his nightly routine was to first visit Buffy's grave, spend the next several hours patrolling throughout town, and lastly stop by the Summers' household - to ensure all was still safe and sound, just as he'd once promised - before making his way back home just before sun-break.
The handsome blonde now gazed down at the half-smoked cigarette still in his right hand and let out a deeply discontented sigh. As much as he would prefer to stay, he knew it was time to go.
'Get up, you fool. You've already taken too long'
Rather ungraciously, Spike stood himself up and dusted off his leather jacket, shoving the now empty flask into his pocket. He looked to be in a sorry state, but he did not care.
Instead, he reminded himself that Buffy would want - no, needed him - to help protect this small godforsaken town, unbeknownst to almost all of its thankless residents, just as she once had every night - and not just mope around one cemetery.
It was time to say good bye, at least for now.
Spike looked down momentarily and tossed the cigarette nub to the ground, crushing it with one of his heavy black boots. As he turned to leave and head out on patrol, he glanced back at Buffy's grave once more.
The vampire's brow suddenly furrowed. He did not like what he saw, but remained quiet and did not move. For once, Spike decided not to be rash in his actions.
A lone male figure was now walking up to Buffy's gravesite. He was of a medium build, with dark brown hair and wore a long gray-colored coat. As the stranger came closer, it became clear he was carrying something close to him, nestled in his left arm.
It was a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses. Against the dark and gloomy background, the flowers looked especially sunny and bright.
They reminded Spike of Buffy.
Without realization, the vampire switched into his demon face, sapphire eyes now a fierce golden. He hid a growl deep within his chest and silently retreated further back into the shadows - he surely was not leaving yet.
'A human', Spike realized as he picked up on the scent, though he did not recognize the visitor. He was not sure if this made things better or worse.
The man now reached the Slayer's grave and stood quietly in front of it, while he gazed down and read the plaque with a solemn expression etched on his face. After a moment, he leaned forward and gently placed the bouquet down.
Spike remained hidden in his spot, as he assessed the stranger in front of him.
He looked to be in his late twenties, with prominent eyes and softer features. Not particularly tall nor short. Spike wondered how this man knew Buffy and what their relationship may have been - did he know how she died, or even that she was the Slayer?
Was he someone who loved her?
With his hands folded together and his head held low, the visitor stood for another few moments to pay his respects. But after one final look up at the headstone, he quietly turned around and began to walk away.
Spike watched him head toward the cemetery's south entrance, to where a sleek black Lincoln Towncar was parked, already powered on and waiting for him. Soon enough, the man let himself into the backseat and the car slowly drove away.
The fog around the cemetery was peculiarly heavy that night and Spike was not certain what direction the vehicle left in.
At last, the wavered vampire stepped forward from the shadows, still intoxicated under the spell of strong Irish whiskey. His demonic face morphed back to human form.
Though it all appeared innocent enough, the the stranger's visit bothered Spike more than he'd like to admit, even privately,. The blond demon debated whether to share what he had just witnessed with Willow or Dawn later on - though more than likely, he would end up keeping it a secret.
Feeling even more disheartened than when he first arrived, Spike begrudgingly turned away from Buffy's grave and set out of the cemetery, with an unsteady gait and a stake tightly gripped in his hand.
It took all his strength not to look back.
Author's Note: I appreciate any feedback! Its been while since I've written fanfiction and this is my first real Buffyverse piece. Its been awhile since I've watched these particular seasons, but I'm trying to research and reference as I go to keep the story flowing smoothly.