12
Close Calls
William watched as Dawn walked through the long line of Christmas trees trying to find the perfect one. The look on her face was priceless as she inspected each tree. William had observed criteria years ago , the first time the two families had went on the expedition. Dawn shook the tree making sure not too many needles fell off, then she took two steps back making sure the smell was over powering. These two steps always took the longest. It was the third requirement that made William nervous. Last year everything was going on well until they got to the final deciding factor. Dawn broke out in tears. Rupert and William had to carry her off the Christmas tree lot. All the other patrons did not react. They seemed to know why. Sunnydale was a small town most of the residents had lived here all their lives. Everyone knew the tragic legacy left to the youngest Summer’s women.
William watched Dawnie. She stopped in front of a tree. He sensed that it had been deemed worthy to make it to the third and final requirement. William walked over to Dawn and knelt in front of her. Dawn smiled sadly.
“You know what Lil’ Bit? You sprouted a lot this summer I say your just about the right height.” William said tweaking her nose.
Dawn laughed.
“She was pretty short wasn’t she?” Dawn whispered.
William chuckled and gave her a big hug.
A strange tingling sensation crept up William’s neck.
Vampire? Here? There were too many people...
Suddenly William stood up. He smiled at Dawn.
“You got the wiggins right?” Dawn asked.
The “wiggins” was The Bit’s term for when a vamp was around.
William nodded trying to sense where it was coming from.
“Ill go find Giles. See you at home.” Dawn said smiling.
William pulled on her hair.
“So we have a winner?” He asked.
Dawn nodded.
“Go rid the world of evil.” Dawn teased.
William hugged her and ran off.
He felt it. His Slayer senses pulled him toward it like a magnet. He found himself standing in the parking lot. It moved. William stopped trying to gage where it had move to. Strangely it seemed to be staying the same general vicinity almost like to was trapped or caged.
It was hiding in one of the cars probably waiting for some poor unsuspecting soul to slide in and start his car. It was a common vampire trick they played on gits who never locked their car doors.
William looked at the crowd at the lost making sure now one would see him. If did it quickly no one would notice except for the dust. Bollocks! He would have to pull the vamp out of the car. He closed his eyes sensing the vampire’s presence. He jumped in the air and dove over the car doing a flip. William landed on his feet and pulled out his stake. He yanked the backseat open and wrench the creature out and drew his hand back to stake the bloody thing.
His hand stopped mid flight.
“Oh God no...” William whispered.
Sitting there in a muddy white night gown was Buffy. She rocked back and forth muttering things under her breath. In the distance he heard Dawnie’s voice. William tucked his stake in his jacket again. Dawn couldn’t see Buffy. If his father saw her.. William lifted her up off the ground and ran into the darkness carrying her the same way he seen Spike do so many times before.
William got to the cemetery he kicked open a crypt door and laid Buffy down on a sarcophagus. He looked down at the girl who was off in her own world
“FUCK!” He screamed out to the air.
“I bloody well don’t need this tonight! What if Dawnie saw you huh? Or worse what if my Da caught a glimpse of you?” William yelled pacing back and forth.
He watched as Buffy curled up into a ball and began to hum.
“Where in the bloody hell is that precious Daddy of yours! I swear he better not be playing one of his damn games or else I’ll...”
“Your not my oldest doll Jennifer.”
William heard. His heart skipped a beat.
He turned and saw Buffy on her side playing with the grain on the sarcophagus.
“Your dress is a fright and you can’t do a single thing but I do love you, dear Jennifer.” Buffy said.
William stop pacing and crouched down a few feet away from her.
Buffy smiled sweetly.
“You remembered. Where did you find it?” Buffy mumbled.
William rocked back and forth on his feet.
Buffy looked at him and pouted.
“Daddy please don’t be cross with me. It was too quiet at home. They were all whispering. I got wanted to feel the night. Then I saw the lights. The lights looked so pretty, all the noise stopped the pictures in my head. I was only going to watch for a moment. Got stuck in that box. ” Buffy said frowning.
William hated when this happened. She would go from somewhat lucid to so far gone she could not distinguish between himself and her Sire. You would think the heartbeat would be a dead give away. But he knew she could not. Fear crept through William. Her bouts seemed to be getting worse and worse. More frequent as well. Spike had been searching for nearly two for a way to help her. Bile began to rise up William’s throat.
Why did she still have to look so beautiful? Since the day both Spike and William met her all they both ever wanted to do was take care of her. Even now all William wanted do to was wrap her up in his arms and carry her home.
Buffy reached out for William.
Helpless to her like he had always been William took her hand in his.
He looked in her eyes for a moment it seemed like it registered to her.
“You are warm.” She whispered.
William nodded.
Just like that her moment passed.
Her eyes clouded.
“Daddy don’t like it here. It’s hard, let’s go home to bed.” Buffy said smiling.
William cleared his throat.
Damn he hated when he had to do this....
“Not yet my Precious Princess. Daddy needs to wait getting more presents for you.” William said giving his best impression of Spike.
Buffy sighed.
“All right Daddy.” She sighed.
“Rest Pet.” He said.
William began to stand and walk away to go find his brother.
Buffy held onto his hand.
She pulled on him until he was standing in front of the sarcophagus.
“It’s too hard Daddy it hurts my head.” Buffy sad quietly.
William operating on instinct hopped on the slab of stone.
Buffy put her head in his lap and curled up.
“Much better Daddy.” Buffy said smiling and closing his eyes.
William reached out and began to stroke her hair.
“I think I should dream about all the pretty lights.” Buffy said with child like determination.
“Yes, Princess. You do that.” William whispered.
William sat there watching her, hoping she would find peace in her sleep.
The Best Loved Doll
Buffy hummed jingle bells as she fell asleep in William’s lap.
William found himself being catapulted into the past.
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
William try to keep his legs steady. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was just sitting on his shoulders however Lizzie kept leaning forward.
“Can you reach the bloody thing or not!” William groaned.
Dawn looked up at her sister.
“It looks too tall. Walk over to the other one that made steps one and two.” Dawn suggested. Buffy looked and saw it being carried away.
“OH NO!! Someone’s buying it!” Elizabeth screamed.
“WAIT!” Dawn screamed.
William did his best to maneuver himself around.
“What does The Bit thinks she’s doing?” William asked.
“Dunno but it’s obviously working.” Lizzie said.
“Come here guys!” Dawn yelled.
The previous claimers of the tree in question took a step back. William walked slowly over to the tree petrified Elizabeth would fall off his shoulders. He stood in front of the tree and waited. Lizzie reached forward causing William to wobble.
“Again with the leaning.” He warned.
Lizzie grabbed the top of the tree and smiled down at Dawn.
“Perfect height.” Lizzie announced.
William dropped to his knees slowly. Lizzie jumped off a brushed herself off.
Dawn looked at over at the couple.
“Again, I’m really sorry but we need this tree. See there are three Summer’s Family step to finding the perfect Christmas tree. The first is that when we shake it not too many needles fall off that because if they do well then you are vacuuming constantly. Second is that it has to be really smelly not in a bad way just smell like really piney so when you walk into the room you totally know it’s Christmas. The last step is that Lizzie has to be able to reach the top of the tree on my Mom’s shoulders to put our star on. But this year Mom...” Dawn’s voice trailed off.
Lizzie hugged her sister from behind.
“I am sure we can find another one.” Lizzie said smiling at the couple is front of them.
The couple looked at each other.
“Actually we were thinking about something smaller. Besides who are we to take away the perfect Summer’s Family Christmas tree.” The man replied looking down at the two girls.
William mouthed “Thank You” to them as they walked away.
“O.k. Dawnie here’s the money now go line up and pay.” Lizzie said.
Dawn took the money from her hand and stood in line.
Lizzie looked at William.
“Thanks for substituting for mom this year.” Lizzie said.
Joyce had been diagnosed with cancer two months after they moved to Sunnydale. The doctors were confident they caught it in time to stop it however Joyce was in chemotherapy and was very weak. Every other year The Giles Family spent the holidays is England this year Jenny elected to stay behind to be here for Joyce and the girls. William fully expected his father to take William much to his shock and Spike’s chagrin Rupert insisted Spike accompany him instead.
William could still see the way Lizzie’s face fell when she found out she would not get to spend the holidays with Spike. Then the young would be pair were dealt another blow. Rupert came home and announced he and Spike had to leave that very day! Some sort of emergency with the family. Lizzie and Spike weren’t seeing each other yet. William was actually very impressed with Spike’s restraint. He was taking his time getting to know Lizzie. He treated her with the utmost respect. It only pained William more. He offered to take his brother’s place for the trip abroad but Rupert insisted. When both the boys questioned their mother. Jenny was uncharacteristically quiet. She just told the twins their father had his reasons.
Lizzie smiled watching her sister.
“Not a problem Pet.” William said staring down at Lizzie.
Lizzie looked down at her watch trying not to seem antsy. William knew Spike would be calling soon.
“Pet why don’t you run home Lil Bit and I can handle it.” William said.
“No, it’s o.k.” Lizzie said trying to be noble.
William rolled his eyes.
“Bloody hell women you’re practically jumping out of your skin if you run all the way home now you will be able to catch the call now scat!” William demanded.
Lizzie got a huge smile across her face and hugged William tightly.
“Thanks!” She screamed scampering off.
William waited by the tree for Dawn to return.
“It’s ours.” Dawn said proudly.
“Where’s Lizzie?” Dawn asked.
“She went home come on let’s go.” William said helping the attendant carry the tree to the car.
After the tree was tied and secured William and Dawn buckled themselves in.
Dawn let out a huge sigh.
“What is it Bit?” William asked.
“You should have told her a long time ago.” Dawn said matter of factly.
“What do you mean?” William asked.
“My sister, you should have told her a long time ago you were in love with her.” Dawn said.
“Da...Dawn..” William stammered turning three shades of red.
“Don’t worry you’re not obvious. I can just tell. If you deny it I bring up every time I saw you staring at her trying not to.” Dawn said.
William knew better than to argue with her. He was actually relieved he could finally confess it to someone even it was a nine year old girl.
“Why didn’t you just tell her that first day we met you?” Dawn asked.
“I just met you two.” William said trying to defend himself.
“So did Spike and he made his intentions pretty clear.” Dawn said rolling her eyes.
“Spike can do that.” William said.
“Well it was your right. I mean you met us first. You were there to greet us you did all the hard stuff. All Spike had to do was smile.” Dawn said.
“You don’t like my brother much do you?” William asked.
“It’s not that I don’t like him. I just don’t like the way he looks at Lizzie sometimes.” Dawn replied.
“What do you mean?” William probed.
“Sometimes he looks at her like she belongs to him and only him. It’s kind of scary.” Dawn said quietly.
“Trust me Bit, if I could do the same I would.” William said defending his brother.
“Ewww..” Dawn groaned.
“Let’s get this tree of yours home.” William said.
Lizzie, Dawn and William looked around making sure everything was perfect for the next day. Jenny and William opted not to get a tree seeing as they would be spending the holidays with Joyce and the girls. Jenny was there constantly anyways helping with Joyce. William did all the things that required driving. Taking Dawn and Buffy to school or to the stores. When it came time to trim the tree Joyce laid on the couch helping untangled lights while Jenny, Dawn, William and Lizzie decorated with flourish. When it was time to put the star on the tree. William’s groaned as Dawn directed and Lizzie leaned toward the tree trying to get the sat on all the time on William’s shoulders.
“Bloody Traditions!” William groaned.
“This coming from The Brit!” Lizzie argued.
“You’re not listening to me, to the right Will!” Dawn demanded.
Jenny and Joyce sat on the couch and laughed so hard tears stream form their eyes and their sides ached. After the mothers went to sleep the three kids sat around for awhile eating left over popcorn from their tree trimming, talking.
Dawn yawned.
“I’m headed for bed.” She announced.
She hugged Lizzie than William.
“Nite guys!”
Lizzie stared up at the tree for a minute. William watched her Lizzie turned around and looked at him.
“Lizzie do you think you could do me a favor?” William asked.
“Anything.” Lizzie replied.
“Could you open my present now. It’s just I don’t know if it was dumb of me to get for you and if it is well..” William stammered.
“Will, nothing you could ever get me would be stupid.” Lizzie said
“Please just open it.” William pleaded.
Lizzie took the emerald wrapped package out of his hands. She unwrapped it slowly.
Lizzie gasped.
“You remembered. Where did you find it?” Lizzie asked reverently opening the book.
William smiled harder than he ever had in his life.
“Believe it or not there is only one book named ‘The Best Loved Doll‘. The tricky part was finding it in hardback.” William explained.
“It did not cost too much did it?” Lizzie said fearfully.
William shook his head.
“I can’t believe you remembered.” Lizzie said.
“You said it was the first book you ever read on your own kind of hard to forget that.” William said.
Lizzie’s eyes began to water. She shut the book.
“What’s wrong? You hate it don‘t you?” William asked defeated.
“No! I love it. It’s just that, my present to you sucks.” Lizzie cried.
She handed him her package.
“I didn’t have any money really. With Mom sick and everything. I took all my Christmas money from my Dad and bought presents for Dawnie.” Lizzie explained.
William unwrapped his present. He pulled out a long blue scarf. Lizzie wrapped it around his neck.
“I started making it before when I thought you were going to England.” Lizzie explained.
“Y..you made this?” William asked.
Lizzie nodded.
William looked down in his lap.
“I made this for you too.” Lizzie said tying it around his wrist.
William looked at it fascinated.
It was a simple leather band with a small Celtic knot burned in the center of it.
“It took this leather craft class in L.A.” Lizzie said looking at her handy work on his wrist.
William was speechless.
“Y.. you made me my Christmas presents?” William asked still in shock.
“I told you my presents sucked.” Lizzie whispered.
“Not at all Lizzie. No one has ever done anything like that for me.” William said.
“You like them then??” Lizzie asked hopefully.
William stared into her eyes.
“I love them.” He whispered.
Lizzie smiled. She grabbed the book, and laid down on William’s lap.
She handed him the book and smiled.
William laughed.
He opened the book.
He read to Lizzie around the page that read
“Your not my oldest doll Jennifer. Your dress is a fright and you can’t do a single thing but I do love you, dear Jennifer.”
William looked down at Lizzie who was asleep peacefully in his lap.
Flashback ends
______________________________________________________________
William watched Buffy sleeping. He touched the dark blue scarf around his neck. She actually did look like she was not in pain for once. The tingling sensation crept up his neck again. William gently slid Buffy’s head off his lap he hid his scarf behind the stone slab, ready to do battle as the crypt door busted open.
Matter Of Opinion
Author’s note: Manipulated dialogue from Into The Woods and Lover’s Walk in this chapter.
William waited for the dust to clear. Spike stood in front of him ready to do battle with whatever had his Princess.
When the dust dissipated the brothers stood there staring at each other. Both of them relaxed. Spike saw Buffy laying on the sarcophagus he rushed to her side.
“What happened?” Spike said checking his mate for injuries.
“She nearly got herself killed again. Found her in a car in the Christmas tree lot. Where the hell were you!” William yelled.
“There was this bloke in Los Angeles said he could help her.” Spike said stroking Buffy’s cheek.
“There’s always a bloke Spike! It’s been two bloody years! And she’s getting worse!” William yelled.
“You think I can’t bloody see that! I’m the one taking care of her!” Spike said.
Spike took off his duster and laid it on top of her.
“It’s o.k. Princess Daddy is here.” Spike said.
He hated that Spike could do that. Touch her claim her as his. if he hadn’t done what he had done. If it wasn’t for him....
William’s hands shook with rage.
“You call this taking care of her! What if Da or The Bit saw her! They were there Spike! You know Da would not hesitate to..”
Spike growled in a flash of light he pinned William to the wall. Spike shifted to his game face.
“Don’t even say it. I will drain anyone that so much as thinks of laying a hand on her. Father or not do you hear me!” Spike yelled.
“He’s your father too Spike!” William yelled.
“No he’s your father. I’m dead remember?! I’m EVIL! The only thing in this bloody world that means anything to me is her. The only thing I care about is her. None of you mean anything to me! Not you, your damn Scoobies, Dawn and especially your damn Da! To me he’s the bastard that did this to all of us!” Spike screamed.
“You made your own choice Randolph!” William said using Spike true name to make his point.
“You’re wrong. I was never given a choice. Not like your dear brother. So if you think for a second I am going to think twice of twisting any of your bloody heads off just remember the only reason why any of you are still alive is because it keeps her safe. Because you all mean something to her. Until she’s better we have a truce remember? So long as she is safe and taken care of, that was the deal. However, if anything happens to her watch your back. Don’t close your eyes even for a minute or I’ll end your miserable existence!”
William used his slayer strength and pushed his brother off of him.
Spike smiled wickedly
“Come on little brother let’s dance.” Spike challenged.
William lunged at Spike. Spike side stepped him. William rolled on the floor and landed on his feet.
Spike spun his leg around connecting to William’s chest.
“Did you forget brother. I know all those Slayer moves.” Spike smirked.
“Yeah, you just weren’t strong enough for the title.” William taunted.
Spike threw his fist at William. William grabbed his brother’s hand and swung him against the wall.
Spike recovered and spun around to face his brother.
“You weren’t up to scratch for this and you think your strong enough to take care of Buffy? Look at her she’s slipping away Spike. She’s getting worse and worse.” William argued.
Spike smiled.
“Ah, that what this is ‘bout now.” Spike laughed
“This is about Buffy...You envy me so much it chokes you.” Spike said ducking and sweeping his brother’s legs.
“You never understood Little Brother that’s why I got her.” Spike said circling him.
William landed on his back the pulled himself up. He faked a right punch and connected with his left fist
“Enlighten me.” William said head butting his brother.
Spike held onto William jacket and did the same sending William staggering back.
“Gladly” Spike said.
William watched as Spike bit into his wrist she walked over to Buffy looked down at her and growled. Buffy raised her head shifted into her demon face and sunk her fangs into Spike’s wrist.
William tried to look away repulsed but he couldn’t he had to watch. Remind himself on what they were now. Spike stared at William his eyes deadly then looked back down at Buffy with nothing but adoration and love.
“How could he do that?” William thought
Switch from evil and souless to loving and tender so fast?
Buffy stopped drinking Spike licked his wound and looked at his brother.
“Love isn't brains, William, it's blood... blood screaming inside you to work its will. I always understood that. She knew that. That’s why got her. That’s why I have her now.” Spike said.
William found himself growling this time. He hit his brother on the side of the face. Spike staggered for a moment. William picked him up and pulled Spike to him.
“You think that’s have her Spike? Look at her she‘s not even a whole creature!” William said punching Spike in the stomach.
“I think I got the better deal. How does it feel Spike? To be that close to her and not have her. To be all alone even when you're holding her.” William said.
William watched for a moment seeing that he had got to his brother. Spike shook his head.
“That’s what you think? I’m the one feeling her, I feel her beneath me. She surrounds me. Her scent ...” Spike said taking a breath as if he was in a state of ecstasy.
“Face it William you could not even take care of her when she was alive. If you could would this have happened? So don’t go playing a round of Kick The Spike!” Spike screamed.
William shattered inside. Spike saw his opportunity. He lunged at his brother again.
“When she looks at me I’m her world. So you’re wrong brother I got the better deal.” Spike sneered kneeing William in the stomach.
Spike opened his mouth going for William’s neck. William raised his stake down toward Spike’s back.
“Daddy?”
The both heard.
Immediately they broke apart. William looked at Buffy wrapped up in Spike’s duster. William’s heart broke she truly looked frightened. Spike walked over to her. Buffy grabbed Spike and clung to him desperately.
William lowered his stake. He could end this right now. Make his brother meet his dusty end. If it wasn’t for her. She needed him.
“How did we get here Daddy? It’s dark.” She whispered trembling in Spike’s arms.
“Don’t worry my Precious Princess. We’ll go home now.” Spike said lovingly.
Both of the men’s anger subsided. Buffy looked and saw William standing there. She whimpered. She was afraid of him. It hurt him when she looked at him that way. He looked away not able to stand the fear in her eyes.
“Now now Princess, Daddy and The Slayer were just dancing.” Spike said assuring her.
“Want to dance too.” Buffy said smiling weakly.
Spike kissed the top of her head.
“Some other night Princess. We need to get you home. Get you cleaned up. Daddy‘s got you.” Spike said picking her up and cradling her in his arms.
“Daddy always takes care of me. Daddy made me.” Buffy said playing with his buttons again.
William let out a bitter laughed.
“Yeah into what though.” He mumbled.
Spike growled at William.
“I wouldn’t throw stones Will, she‘s just as much your creation as she is mine. Don‘t forget I know the truth.” Spike growled.
Spike walked out to the crypt leaving his words ringing in his ears.
tbc
Thanks Bloodshed Baby for putting
Nocturnal Bravura on your site. *You're welcome sweets!! :)*
/www.bringonthebloodshed.com/bloodshedverse/
Everyone should go check it out there are awesome stories on there!!
Thanks Tahmoe for reading this over for me!
And again thank to Kari Mouke for keeping me encouraged
William returned home. He went upstairs and checked on Dawn then went downstairs
to the basement. Rupert had long ago remodeled it into a training room. Before
they knew about Slayers and demons. Rupert just said it was a workout room. He
raised both of the boys teaching them martial arts and defensive combat
techniques. Said martial arts taught them discipline and defensive combat was
sometimes necessary.
William stood there punching the bag with all his might working out all his
aggression. He knew better than to try to go out and slay. His mind was still
too filled with rage and pain.
Rupert watched his son from the top of the stairs. He knew something was
bothering his son. He was relieved that William knew better than to go out and
try to face any evil.
William stopped for a moment sensing his father had entered the room. Rupert
walked over to the small fridge pulled out some water and handed it to his son.
“Would you like to talk about it?” Rupert asked.
William took a drink of his water then grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his
neck.
“I was thinking about Spike.” William admitted.
Rupert nodded.
“Yes I could tell. You are still so angry with him.” Rupert said folding his
arms.
“If he hadn’t been so careless! So stubborn!” William yelled.
“And if we had not been your parents.” Rupert whispered.
William looked at his father concerned.
“Da, don’t do that to yourself.” William pleaded.
Rupert looked down, his shoulders hunched over. Suddenly he looked older than he
really was. Rupert sighed again.
“If you are to be angry at anyone it should be me. I knew what I was getting
myself into. I knew what I was doing. I should have ...”
“What never married Mum” William interrupted.
“Never been happy, never had us. Da, who’s to say this was not the way things
were suppose to be?” William
Rupert smiled at his son.
“You are right son.” He said looking at him.
William laughed.
“You know you should really give a bloke a warning when you about to teach a
lesson. Ring a bell or something.” William laughed sitting next to his father.
Rupert put his hand on William’s back.
“Actually, I never have to teach you. It’s all in that head of yours. You would
have made a brilliant Watcher.” Rupert said.
“Da, do you regret it I mean really?” William asked.
Rupert sat back in his seat.
“There are things I regret. Things I wished I did different perhaps if I
approached it in a different manner with Spike he would have understood his role
more. In the end though son, no I don’t regret it.” Rupert said.
William nodded slowly.
“I know you don’t believe it William but you were Chosen not because of what
happened to your brother but because you have strength, a strength Spike lacked.
You have always had a deeper capacity for humanity than Spike did, a
selflessness he did not have in him.” Rupert admitted.
“It did not make him evil or weak just not suited for the role.” Rupert said
quietly.
Rupert patted his son on the back.
“I’ll let you continue.” Rupert announced.
William sat there for a moment thinking about the night his entire existence
changed.
FLASHBACK
________________________________________________________________
William heard the front door open and closed. Immediately his eyes flew open. He
had not left The Summer’s Residence until at least 1:00 in the morning. The sun
was not out yet. William immediately thought it was an intruder. He grabbed his
wooden katana and slowly opened his door. He made his way down the stairs.
William looked at the figure pouring scotch in his living room. Immediately he
smiled.
“DA!” William said loudly.
Rupert turned to see his youngest boy barreling down the stairs.
“Came home to surprise Mum and me eh? Lizzie will be so happy to see Spike. Is
he getting the stuff out of the car?” William asked.
Rupert looked at him confused.
“He’s not here?” Rupert asked.
William shook his head.
“It’s done isn’t it?” They heard from the top of the stairs.
William and Rupert looked up and saw Jenny standing there.
“Not yet but soon.” Rupert said.
Jenny walked down the stairs and walked briskly into her husband’s arms.
“I’m sorry my Love.” Rupert whispered.
“Don’t we knew what we were getting into when we did what we did. No regrets
remember?” Jenny whispered.
“Ma, Da, what’s this about? You’re scaring me.” William said looking at his
parents.
Jenny looked at her son and hugged him.
She turned back to her husband.
“Where’s Spike?” Jenny asked.
“He ran off after The Council told him. I assumed he would come here.” Rupert
explained.
“The Council? What’s The Council? Mum, Da seriously...” William said getting
frustrated.
“Sit down Son.” Rupert said.
William took a seat on the couch. Jenny sat next to him.
William watched as his father pulled out a large brown leather bound book. The
book looked ancient.
Rupert placed the book in William’s lap. William went to open the first page. It
almost felt like the book was humming.
“Please read the text out loud.” Rupert directed.
William did as he was told.
“It had been foretold...Into each generation a Slayer is born. One girl in all
the world, a Chosen One. One born with the strength and skill to fight the
vampires, to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers.”
William read.
Something hit him. It hit him so hard it felt as if he was being punched in the
stomach. This book wasn’t a fairy tale.
He looked at his father.
“This is real.” William said.
Rupert nodded.
The room shook for a moment.
William slide the book off his lap.
“Earthquake” he said.
Suddenly they saw a green glow in Lizzie’s room.
“LIZZIE!” William screamed going for the door.
Rupert stopped him letting him know no harm would come to her.
“Of course I should have known that is were he would go first.” Rupert said.
Jenny looked out the window and watched the cloud disappear.
She looked at her husband. Giles held his wife to on his side and grasped his
younger son’s shoulder. They all stared out the window.
Jenny closed her eyes and whispered
“Now it’s done.”
tbc
17
O.k. ........WOW I am really floored by the
reviews I am getting! You guys all ROCK! Thank you. I am off to write some more
fueled by all your encouragement. Thank you again.
Thanks again to Tahmoe who sat up until the wee hours of night with me to read
this over.
Author’s note I took liberties with the whole how a Slayer is called thing. But
I think the way I explained it makes sense.
Spike laid next to Buffy watching her sleep. She moaned reaching out for him.
Spike wrapped his arms around her purring calming her fears. He kissed the top
of her head.
He let out a huff.
“Destiny, fate sod it all! I warned them. I told them! All I wanted all I ever
wanted was this. Not my fault those Wankers never listened.”
Memories filled his head.
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
Spike watched her sleep. God she couldn’t be real. So beautiful all his. He knew
it for the moment he saw her. She must have too. He kissed the top of her head.
Suddenly he felt the earth shake.
“No, Oh God no.” He muttered popping straight up.
He saw it come toward him a green cloud.
“No I don’t want it.” He thought.
It hovered for a moment then rushed toward him the cloud enveloped him. Spike
shook for a moment. Images filled his head ancient battles and untold tales.
They spun around his mind filling it engulfing him. Spike held his head tight
trying to will them out.
Lizzie felt him shake and turned around.
“Was there an earthquake?” Lizzie asked turning around.
She saw Spike sitting there knees pressed against his chest.
Lizzie touched him.
Spike looked down at her. He lowered his head to her breast.
“I can’t do this. I don’t want to.” He whispered.
Lizzie did not know how to respond to this. She just held him soothing him.
“The only thing I want is you.” Spike cried.
“You have me. You have me forever. I swear.” Lizzie whispered.
Thirty minutes later Spike walked into the house. He saw his brother and parents
sitting there. His parents both looked up at him concerned as William was
looking a book completely enthralled.
“That that damn book. That book that changed everything.” Spike thought.
“I guess you told him.” Spike whispered.
“He has a role in all this too. He had a right to know.” Jenny said.
Spike looked at his mother pain and betrayal filled his eyes.
“And you...you should have told me.” He said.
Jenny hugged her son.
“I was foolish I hoped it would never happen. I thought maybe if I didn’t say
anything. It might not.” Jenny whispered.
“I don’t understand.” William said looking at everyone.
William flipped back to the first page.
“It had been foretold...Into each generation a Slayer is born. One girl in all
the world, a Chosen One. One born with the strength and skill to fight the
vampires, to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers.”
William read out loud.
“It clearly states a girl. Now Spike maybe a lot of things but he’s is most
certainly not a girl.” William said.
Spike looked at his father his eyes filled with rage.
“I guess you have not told him everything.” He muttered.
Rupert took off his glasses.
“Yes until now it has always been a girl.” Rupert said.
“But there were circumstances...”
“Don’t you mean you manipulated the circumstance!” Spike snapped interrupting
his father.
“Then it’s my fault too.” Jenny said touching her older boy’s cheek.
Jenny looked at William.
“Do you remember when I told you about your Aunt Janna?” Jenny asked.
William nodded. His mother’s twin that died in the car accident. It dawned on
William just then.
“She didn’t die in a car accident she was a Slayer.” William deduced.
“Yes, she was. I was her Watcher. Your mother was what we called a Potential
trained in case The Chosen One fell.” Rupert said.
“I was a bit young to be a Watcher but I was one nonetheless. You’re mother and
I fell in love. The Council forbade us to see each other. Being young and in
love we did anyways. Your mother became pregnant with you two and then your Aunt
Janna was gravely injured. Told me she had a dream, Slayers sometimes have
prophetic dreams. She said she saw your mother being called.” Rupert quietly.
“What happened?” William asked.
Spike let out a demented laugh and walked over to William he took a seat next to
him and slapped on the knee.
“Here’s the good bit, Mate. Come on Da tell him what you did?” Spike said
sneering at him.
Jenny stood next to her husband.
“I was foolish. Jenny was pregnant. I was afraid for her. Afraid for the two of
you. I altered the line. This is where things seem unbelievable. There’s a place
called Pylea a different world, a demon world, if you could believe that. A
demon from there by the name of Lorne owed me a favor. As your Aunt Janna laid
dying I did a spell and sent your mother there. I knew if she was not in this
world it would pass her and go onto the next Potential. Which is what happened.”
Rupert said.
William tried to process all of it. His Da did spells? Different worlds, his
mother, a would be Slayer.
“See little brother Da’s plan wasn’t so clever. Was it?? He didn‘t take into
account that maybe because I am mom’s son, this whole Chosen One fate would
bounce back and hit ME right in the head!”
“We hoped it would not. So much time had passed and other Slayers were called.
You turned 15 and nothing happened that usually is the age when your senses to
the supernatural start to awaken.” Rupert explained.
Spike closed his eyes.
“He felt it.” William said quietly.
“Shut up Will.” Spike whispered.
“He felt it and fought it. That’s why he started seeing Drucilla.” William
supplied.
William did not know how he knew Spike never said it but now it made sense to
him Drucilla was dark and dangerous. She had a fascination with death. She said
she saw demons and fairies. It drew Spike to her. Later Spike found out her was
doing major drugs and her “visions” were nothing but hallucinations. Spike lost
interest after then.
“Oh God I’m so sorry.” Jenny cried holding her boy in her arms.
“Let me get this right...Aunt Janna and Mum were predestined to be Slayers. Aunt
Janna died , Mum was skipped now because Mum had us, it is coming back around
and now Spike is The Slayer?” William asked.
“I am not!” Spike yelled.
“You can not deny what you are Spike.” William argued.
“How is it you are so calm and cool about this? We have just been told there are
Vampires and demons running amuck in the world that our family has some sort of
sodded legacy in all of it. And you just accept it?!” Spike asked incredulous.
William nodded his head in wonderment.
“I don’t know how I am either. It‘s strange I wasn‘t scared and I didn‘t freak
out. It‘s like I just knew. Somehow I always knew.” William said looking at his
father.
Rupert nodded.
“Your great grandmother was a Watcher, your grandfather was one too. As was I
was before I went against the council. As you will be.” Rupert said.
William looked down at the book. He did feel tied to it. His destiny started to
unfold in front of him.
“How neat and tidy for him. He gets to pawn over those bloody books he loves so
much. And what because I was born two minutes before him, I have to go fight the
good bloody fight? I DO NOT WANT THIS!” Spike screamed.
“I wish I could take it from you.” Jenny said trying to calm her son.
“So this is why Spike went to England he met with The Council?” William asked.
Rupert nodded.
“The Slayer Kendra was poisoned by a demon we knew her time was short. The
Council wanted to see Spike.” Rupert said.
“Don’t you mean blow the red dust in my face like some sort of lab rat?” Spike
said.
Rupert sighed, it was a spell to see if Spike was indeed a Potential. The idea
of a male Slayer was unprecedented. Rupert knew there was a chance. Jenny was
not dead the right should have been hers. The dust was to hone in on the nearest
Potential, did indeed float to Spike. Much to The Council’s shock and amazement
the dust turned green before their very eyes in as it circled around him.
Forewarning them He would indeed be called. Spike somehow sensing his fate being
sealed ran out of the room and disappeared leaving The Council scrambling to
find him.
Spike looked down.
William looked in the book.
“So you said Sunnydale is The Hellmouth. That bad things are going to start
happening.” William said.
“I have been watching it this whole time giving reports of various activities.
Something is beginning to stir. Spike will have to protect Sunnydale‘s
citizens.” Rupert explained.
“I can’t do this.” Spike said.
“You can son.” Jenny said.
Spike broke away from his mother.
“You don’t understand. I don’t want any of this. All I want...”
“Is Lizzie.” William finished for him.
William stood up looking at his brother.
“Don’t you see Spike. If you don’t accept this if you don’t fight, Lizzie will
die. They will go after her because of you. You have to do it for her.” William
said.
Spike looked at his brother.
“No one will ever hurt Lizzie.” Spike said his eyes filled with fear and rage.
“There’s only one way to ensure that.” William said.
Jenny and Rupert exchanged a look. William finally reached his brother using the
one thing he knew that would make him accept his fate. An understanding passed
between all of them. William grabbed his brother’s shoulder.
“You will protect her.” William said trying to reassure his brother.
“Until the end of the world.” Spike replied.
The brothers hugged.
Spike looked at his mother and smiled. Then turned to his father unlike Jenny,
Rupert was giving nothing. At that moment William knew Spike and his father
would never be close again.
Spike looked at his father and said.
“I will do this. But know this I will never forgive you for what you have done.
I am not doing this for you, or for humanity I am doing this for her. She is the
only thing that matters to me....”
End OF Flashback
__________________________________________________________________
Buffy stirred. Spike broke away from his thoughts. He got up out of bed and
walked over to the book he brought back from Los Angeles.
“Let it be in here.” He said.
Spike began to read the book hoping he would find the thing that had eluded him
for the last two years.
18.
Author's Note: (blushing) you guys are really
making me feel so great. Thank you for reviewing! Thank you for liking my story.
Thank you for motivating me to write
You guys are the best!
Let The Lessons Begin......
The next night William patrolled the cemetery with Willow.
“Will you have been awfully distant lately.” Willow said.
“Sorry Red, I have had a lot on my mind.” William said smiling at his friend.
“You’ve been thinking a lot of Lizzie.” Willow said quietly.
William stopped his face turned paler than normal.
Willow put up her hands.
“Oh Gosh no I haven’t been up in your noggin or anything I just can tell. You
always think about her around this time of year.” Willow explained.
William sat down on a stone bench.
“You guys were awfully close.” Willow said.
“She was my... she was my best friend.” William said.
“I know Will. She was my friend too. Sometimes I wonder if she hadn‘t died what
kind of Scooby would she have been.” Willow said.
“NO!” William snapped.
“She would have never been a Scooby. She didn’t know. She would have never
known.” William said standing up.
Willow looked at her friend a bit afraid.
“Calm down Will.” Willow pleaded.
William closed his eyes.
“I’m sorry.” He said calmly.
“You don’t think you could have trusted her Will? I mean you trusted Dawn.”
Willow argued.
“It’s not that Red. It’s just Lizzie. She was different....fragile.” William
whispered.
“I know Will. Everyone did in the end.” Willow said biting her lip.
“Spike never wanted her to know. It was the one thing we actually agreed on back
then.” William chuckled.
“It was weird back then. You guys were either at each other’s throats or huddled
in a corner somewhere conspiring.” Willow teased.
William laughed.
“I know....”
FLASHBACK
__________________________________________________________________
THWACK!
“Oh BLOODY HELL!” Spike yelled grabbing his nose.
William stood there his fist in the air.
Jenny looked at Spike and frowned.
“What just happened?” She asked.
Spike and William relaxed.
“I over compensated. Lost my balance, Will got a good shot in.” Spike answered.
Jenny nodded.
The three of them stood in their basement. Now a fully equipped Slaying training
arena. The Council had agreed to reinstate Rupert as Spike’s Watcher they knew
the boy had a volatile temper anyone they would have sent he would have
disregarded. Not that his relationship with his father was the best either. In
fact the only person he really listened to was William. William however was
still being groomed for his role as a Watcher. So with the help and knowledge of
his mother Rupert began to teach Spike about his role.
Spike was a quick learner. He adapted to his role well physically but mentally
he lacked focus. He was too impulsive and emotional at times. A few times Rupert
worried what would have happened if William had not accompanied him on patrol.
William for his part adapted quite well to his role. He had always been patient
and disciplined. He took to his lessons with enthusiasm at times going so far
ahead that Rupert would have to have William train with his brother in order to
get a lesson plan together.
“All right enough sparring today.” Jenny announced.
Spike looked relieved while William looked concerned.
“We have not been going at this very long.” William said.
“Speak for yourself. I didn’t get home until 4:00am in the morning last night
then I had to go to school. I’d say I have had quite enough.” Spike announced
sitting down.
William shot his brother a knowing glare.
He knew although Spike had not gotten home until 4:00 am he stopped patrolling
at 2:30. He knew because that was the time that his clock said when he watched
his brother climb into Lizzie’s window.
William never said anything to his parents. Mostly because Spike was a very
efficient Slayer we would dust rising vampires easily. He was very in tuned with
his Slayer senses. He always got the job done and quickly.
William also did not say anything to his parents also because he knew his
brother was still ill at ease with his role and when he was with Lizzie he was
happy and at peace. So was she. It killed William but he knew that was the way
things were.
They heard someone running upstairs.
“JENNY!” They all heard Dawn scream for above them.
Spike bolted from his spot first. William watched as his brother blurred past
him. Before Jenny and William turned around Spike was already up the stairs.
Spike opened the door to the living room only to see Dawn shaking.
“What’s wrong Bit?” Spike asked.
“My.. my Mom she just had a seizure.” Dawn explained.
“Lizzie is with her we are waiting for the paramedics.” Dawn said breathless.
Spike ran over to the Summer’s house with Dawn, Jenny and William followed
behind him.
William held Dawnie’s hand.
“Wow he can sure run fast.” Dawn observed.
“Damn Spike watch that.” William thought.
Dawn was very observant. Spike ran so fast that if they were not running to he
would have looked like the blur he did in the basement.
Spike got there and saw Lizzie sitting on the floor cradling her shaking mother.
Lizzie rocked her back and forth looking up at Spike with fear in her eyes.
Spike walked over to Lizzie and picked up Joyce. He laid her on the couch and
then retrieved Lizzie. Lizzie clung to Spike like her life depended on it.
Jenny, William and Dawn entered the house.
Jenny ran over to Joyce checking to make sure she was o.k.
“She’s all right. But I think she should go to the hospital.” Jenny announced.
Lizzie buried her face in Spike’s chest.
Spike felt his shirt dampening from Lizzie tears.
“It will be o.k. Luv.” He whispered.
Both families sat in the emergency room waiting room. Buffy laid her head on
Spike shoulder while Dawn laid asleep on her lap.
The doctor walked into the room.
Lizzie tapped her sister awake.
Dawn snapped up looking at her sister.
Both girls stood and walked over to the doctor.
“I’m sorry your mother has another tumor it has settled in head ,the outer part
of her brain.” He said quietly.
Lizzie leaned back knowing Spike was standing right behind her.
Spike wrapped his arms around her.
Dawn began to cry. William took her in his arms.
“Wh..what do we do now?” Lizzie asked trying to be brave.
“She’ll stay here tonight. The tomorrow we will go in take a look and try to
relieve the pressure.” He announced.
“Can we stay with her tonight?” Spike asked.
“We will arrange for a private room.” The doctor offered.
“Thank you.” Spike said.
Jenny and Rupert exchanged a look.
“The girls can go in and see her now she is resting.” The doctor said.
Lizzie took Dawn from William. She smiled down at her.
“Come on now we have to be strong for Mom.” Lizzie said wiping her sister’s
tears away.
Lizzie looked up at Spike.
“I will be here.” He promised.
The two girls left.
Spike watched them then looked at his parents.
“I saw that look. Don’t even think about telling me I have to go patrol
tonight.” Spike said.
“Son, I know you want to be here for the girls but we got a report of a lot of
demon activity on the east side of town. We think there is a nest.” Rupert
explained.
“It will have to wait until tomorrow.” Spike said.
“Really Da you can’t expect him to go tonight. Lizzie needs him here.” William
interjected.
“She will need Spike here more tomorrow after Joyce is out of surgery if he goes
tonight tomorrow will not be an issue.” Rupert said.
“No I am not leaving her!” Spike yelled.
“Son keep your voice down.” Jenny pleaded.
“The hell I won’t! I told you all of you Lizzie comes first. Before any of this
Slayer crap. I will not go!” Spike said.
William thought about his parents logic sadly it made sense.
“Spike, as much as I hate to admit it. They are right. If you take care of this
now then we won’t have to worry about it later.” William said.
“This is unbelievable.” Spike said.
“Son you have a responsibility...” Rupert started.
“Don’t go there Da.” Spike warned.
“I’ll go with you.” William offered.
Spike continued to stare at his father.
“No, you’ll stay here with the girls. I’ll handle this and quickly.” Spike said.
Spike walked past his family trying to think of an excuse to give Lizzie for his
absence.
Later that evening Lizzie sat next to her mother’s bed.
“I’m scared William.” She whispered.
William sat next to her and put his hand around her shoulder.
“I know Pet. She‘s strong just like her girls” He said.
Lizzie smiled at him.
“You’re the best you know that Will?”
Just then Jenny walked into the room. Her face was white. William patted Lizzie
on the back.
“Just be a tick.” He said following his mother out.
William looked at his mother.
“It’s Spike he’s just be brought in.....”
Review please!!