Disclaimers

All characters appearing in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel are copyright Joss Whedon. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holder.

All original characters, such as Naoikientan (Nah-Kean-Tune), Edvackia (Eid-veak-key-ah) and Woadecos (Woo-day-kiss) are the property of Celgress.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Four AU - Corruption: Episode Six

By

Celgress

1807 C.E. ten minutes before dawn

At long last only one obstacle stood between Naoikientan and his objective. A few days before, after centuries of fruitless searching, he had discovered the location of the fabled Spring of Eternity colloquially known by many cultures as the Fountain of Youth. It hadn't been easy the long decades of searching had consumed his few minions who hadn't perished during the Slayer/Watcher Council lead massacre of 1520 C.E.

"I am Lord Woadecos (pronounced Woo-day-kiss) keeper of the sacred waters" proclaimed the forest, green, robed figure that stood between Naoikientan and his prize. Throwing back his hood Lord Woadecos continued. "Do you believe yourself worthy of their gift, vampire?" Asked the clean shaven, round faced, blue eyed, gray haired Lord Woadecos.

"I do" Naoikientan said solemnly.

"Tell me creature you already possess a fashion of eternal existence" Lord Woadecos said, thumping the rocks beneath his feet with his long, gnarled, wooden staff. "Why should you be granted a nature of eternity beyond your allotment?"

"Because I will use it in my vengeance against the Watchers Council and their puppets the Slayers oh Great One" Naoikientan stated bowing his head low.

"Considering your motivation I hereby grant the boon you seek. You may partake of the scared waters at once."

"Thank you Great One" Naoikientan said still groveling before the guardian.

Lord Woadecos stepped aside allowing the vampire accesses to the bubbling spring. Naoikientan slowly approached the water source savoring every second of the experience. He had waited so long for this moment he could hardly believe it had arrived. Kneeling down before the spring on both knees Naoikientan said a silent prayer of thanksgiving. From behind Naoikientan Lord Woadecos passed him a heavy cup of polished stone. Naoikientan graciously took the cup and filled it with the water that swiftly flowed from the fissure in the rock directly in front of him. Placing the lip of the filled cup between his lips Naoikientan greedily drank down the contents, finishing less an instant before the first rays of the rising Sun were caste upon the glen.

Naoikientan basked in the warmth of the new day Sun. Other than a stinging sensation in his sensitive eyes the daylight had no effective on the old vampire. Naoikientan quickly realized his assumption had been proven correct. Even though he was still a vampire the water from the Spring of Eternity safeguarded him against the destructive Sun. Nothing short of decapitation or a stake through the heart could now destroy his Earthly body. With his new found daily freedom he would someday teach his enemies a lesson in humility they would never forget.

Sunnydale September 4th 1999

The funerals for Rupert Giles and Willow Rosenberg were held on Wednesday September 1st and Friday September 3rd respectively. Thankfully things had been quiet in the intervening days, and nights, between the disastrous events of August 28th and the services. The remnants of the Scooby Gang were grateful for that at least. While those around them mourned the untimely passing of Giles and Willow they were left to suffer in silence. Other than Joyce there was no one Buffy, Xander and Oz could share the terrible truth with. Often the three young people thought how much easier, simpler, it would be if Willow and Giles had died rather than the unnatural fate which had actually befallen them.

Buffy had barely gotten through the funerals. Even though she had never been the emotional type, in spite of everything that had happened to her since being called, Buffy now found she couldn't stop crying. The formerly strong Slayer would breakout into tears at the drop of a hat. While Naoikientan hadn't killed her as the days dragged on Buffy feared he had emotionally crippled her. Her hatred for him was still there in the background but it had been all but subsumed within her overwhelming grief at the loss of her mentor and best friend. Everyone was noticing Buffy's deteriorating emotional state and everyone was worried, especially her mother.

Dawn was still missing. That was perhaps the worst part of the ongoing tragedy. The authorities were no closer to locating Dawn than they had been when she had first gone missing a week ago. Buffy knew they wouldn't find her sister. The fear of Dawn's fate at the hands of Naoikientan, Faith and their two new minions had galvanized Buffy in the days following August 28th 1999. Along with Oz and Xander Buffy had in vain searched every rat hole in Sunnydale. Where ever the baddies were hold up it wasn't in the usual demons haunts.

The only bright spot, if one existed, was Llewellyn Drake. He had been there for Joyce and Buffy through it all. He had even accompanied them to both funerals. The surviving Scoobies had no idea how they would have gotten through this period without him. He had become the rock upon which the group held onto in the storm. He had even proposed marriage to Joyce, which she had gladly accepted. However all good things must end. The final of the game is afoot.

Buffy, Joyce and Llewellyn Drake had just finished supper. Joyce excused herself to go wash up. Llewellyn Drake told Buffy he wanted to talk with her in private.

"Wazzup future stepdad?" Buffy asked casually.

Llewellyn Drake rose from his seat and gestured for Buffy to do the same. Soon the two were in the Living Room enjoying late day Sun. "I love watching the Sun set, don't you Buffy?"

"Sure do" Buffy agreed.

"Have you ever watched the Sun set? I mean really watched it set?" Llewellyn Drake asked, turning his gaze towards Buffy. "Have you every contemplated how precious each sunset is?"

"Not really, why do you ask?"

"Because my dear for a very long time I could not watch the Sun rise or set."

Before Buffy could fully comprehend the significance of Llewellyn Drake's words the old monster had slipped into game face. With lightning speed a clawed hand encircled her neck choking off her breath with terrible strength. The red eyed demon smiled at Buffy showing a mouth full of razor sharp fangs. Llewellyn Drake licked his lips with a long, slimy tongue.

"I hoped you would be more of a challenge Slayer. You are pathetic. Next time we meet, you die." Naoikientan choked Buffy into unconsciousness and unceremoniously dropped her limp body on the floor.

When Buffy awaken with a violent wretch the house was dark. In spite of her aching head Buffy dragged herself to her feet. Buffy's heart nearly stopped when she saw it. There written in bright red letters upon the wall of the Living Room was a chilling message –

I have your mother now as well as your sister. Meet me at my mansion before midnight, come alone. If I sense anyone else, you shall regret it my dear.

Naoikientan

Buffy bolted upstairs to gather what weapons she could. Less than five minutes later she was out the front door. Overhead the stars twinkled in the darkening sky the night peaceful, blissfully unaware before the next day dawned of the trio of Buffy, Naoikientan and Faith only one would remain.

To Be Continued