Chapter Twelve

*** "Love's Bitch, Somewhere over Atlantic Ocean***

Spike drank some heated blood while Connor and Dana munched on sandwiches that Rona had prepared for everyone before their departure. Watching Illyria he guessed she was in some sort of trance; you never really knew what the bint was doing. Spike sort of missed Charlie boy, but knew that he was getting some tender lovin' care from Roni. Tender Roni. How she had lived up to that moniker!

Gunn had wanted to join them on the mission. He didn't want to be left out. Spike knew the boy needed something to focus on to keep him going. In such a short time, his world had so drastically changed, that the mission - doing good, in this evil world - was his touchstone. In a weird way, the LA gang and the former Sunnydalers mirrored each other.

If Gunn had been in Xander's place right before the Scoobies broke into the initiative to get to Adam, Gunn would have been used as the heart, or whatever mojo Giles was spouting. Spike understood how it felt to have your world stripped away. When the government put that soddin' chip in his head, he had thought his unlife was effectively over. The thought that maybe someday he'd find those arses and force them to take out the chip, and then of course draining them dry-well that had initially been what'd kept him going. His focus had changed over time, so would Gunn's. And if a certain slayer helped him along, all the better. His respect for Rona had grown when she'd picked up on the tension and suggested that she might need Gunn's help on patrol, while her watcher was away. Then she'd made sandwiches. Chit really had grown.

While they could have used Faith's help, the group had agreed that her absence from Cleveland would be noticed. In true Faith style she'd almost brawled her way onto the mission. She owed B. What a confrontation that had been! Rogue started yelling and threatening to slay anyone who said she could not go. He'd guessed Her Highness had not had her fill of violence the day before when she'd stepped in front of the advancing slayer. With Spike safely behind her, she'd tilted her head. Apparently to Rogue that was the female version of 'bring it,' and Rogue 'brought it', only to find herself 'being served' by having been thrown clear across the room and landing on the coffee table. Only this time the table hadn't been destroyed. Well that had been a first.

Xander had whispered in response to Spike's quirked eyebrow, "Re-enforced steel overlaid with mahogany." Hell that had to hurt.

Rogue had immediately got back up, she'd looked like a stalking tigress staring down and assessing her prey. Faith had demanded, "Hey Bleachy, I know this blue number shifted back in the alley in LA. Looked like Fred. Something about a shell? What gives?"

"You failed to heed my words…"

"Well yeah, sister, there was a battle going on, and you told me about Wes. Told me you felt grief and needed to do more violence. Thought we bonded, but that don't mean I know who the hell you are."

"Thought I'd 'xplained. Old One, Goddess, as in she could crush you without much effort. Not matter that you are a slayer. If you annoy her, she tends to rid herself of the offender. Right Your Highness?" Spike had asserted.

"The half-breed is now our leader. You reek of your anger, distrust and worry. It offends my senses."

"Shiva, want to go outside? Fresh air. Oh wait, Harris what is the situation here? It is like Sunnydale? Do the natives not know of people such as a myself and Lyrie here?"

"Yes, same as Sunnydale. Why?"

With a smirk, he turned back to Illyria, "Blue, how about you shed your normal look for a more Fred sense of fun. You can take a walk, I saw some plants out the window, must have a garden out back. You can meet some friends."

"Will you bring your clipboard?" Illyria had looked serious, but underneath the impenetrable façade, Spike had sensed that for the first time Illyria had been making a joke. Even Gunn'd had a grin on his face.

"No, Blue. No clipboard this time. Explore as you wish, just don't stray too far."

Shortly after everyone had seen Illyria morph into Fred and walk out the door, the arguing over who would be staying and who would be going had evaporated. Faith would stay in Cleveland with Robin, not only keeping up appearances, but also to provide cover stories for Adam, Xander and Dana.

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Xander and Methos were discussing London in whispered tones. Didn't the idiots realize, hey vampire here? Both expressed concern in regards to approaching Giles overtly, due to the expected Wolfram & Hart watchdogs that were probably posted on his person. Any move by them toward him would signal the Italian branch that Spike was now in Europe, and thereby losing the element of surprise. Other avenues?

Spike agreed silently to himself. He didn't look forward to seeing Giles anytime soon. Frankly, he'd rather pass on seeing the tosser altogether or at least until after he'd rescued Buffy and Dawn; so Giles could grimace and rub his glasses. In fact, if he saw Giles now, he wasn't sure that he wouldn't thrash him for Fred. Not that Blue didn't have her certain charm, but she wasn't Fredikins, as Lorne had called her.

Once they were on the plane, Methos had told Xander his true identity. To his credit, the Whelp had handled it well. Must have been since he was once engaged to Anya. Still for all his bravado, Spike could still sense grief hovering over him. Something he needed to address before Rome.

Spike sauntered up to join Xander and Methos in their discussion, right as Methos' cell buzzed.

"Pierson. Good. Good. Umm. Right. Excellent, good work. Stopping in London for a brief stop, but then … yes. No. Yes. See you then. What? Okay, will do. Take care old man."

Spike was practically bouncing on his toes wanting the update, obviously that had to have been Dawson. He had quickly realized that ironically Methos called Joe, 'old man'. Methos was reaching for his laptop, booting it up, and opening up his wireless network, completely ignoring both a growling vampire and an eager watcher. Barely able to contain his impatient growl, he asked, "What? News about my girls?"

Methos turned to him as if he'd forgotten he was there, his face one of quiet amusement. Before answering, he held up one finger. "Yes, that call was from Dawson. Both Buffy and Dawn are in good health and good spirits, now that he's slipped to them both who he really is and Xander's message. He also told me the name of the additional person he has watching the outside of the Rome offices, so we can coordinate with them once we arrive." Before he could be interrupted again, this time by Xander, Methos pointed to the laptop, "Joe told me of an address I needed to sign into now. Let's see what Joe has cooking. Shall we?"

As the laptop sprung to life, Methos opened up both his messenger and browser. His messenger immediately told him he had email. Clicking to retrieve the email, Methos whispered, "MacLeod."

Quickly reading the email, Methos closed it before Spike could read all of it. Something about meeting some lady on holy ground. If Methos thought he was getting in a shag before rescuing his girls, the arse was sorely mistaken.

Spike held his tongue as he watched the browser reveal a video feed. A web cam had been operated. And unlike the ones he knew about, this one you didn't have to register and pay to see. A petite, lithe, brunette, her hair cutely short walked in front of the cam, a cell phone to her ear. She paused and winked directly to the cam, mouthed, "Hey, Methos," and then blew him a kiss.

"What the bleeding hell is this? This your bird? Going to have your jollies on the net?"

"She's cute," muttered Xander. Spike rolled his eyes, the veins in his neck strained.

"No and no to both your questions. The 'bird' as you so eloquently called her is Amanda, one of us. She's no one's bird, although she and MacLeod have had a long running on-again-off-again relationship over the past 400 years. She can't see us. I'm assuming the person on the cell with her is Dawson telling her that we're signing on."

"Methos, how do you know that Amanda won't fall under Kristophe's influence? Clearly, he did something to Buffy and Dawn. What's stopping him from doing the same to her?" Harris chimed in.

"Yeah, what Ahab said?"

"Amanda is around 800 years old; she was trained by the best…dear, sweet Rebecca. She's a master criminal, thief, seductress, and actress many times over. She won't be swayed."

Before Spike could argue that he'd not really answered the question, Xander began to snicker, causing both Methos and Spike to look to see what Amanda was doing. She was belly dancing to the camera and making crazy faces. Finally she put her hands on her hips, the cell phone long gone, pointed to her eye as in 'watch', pointed to her ear as in 'hear', and winked once more. They noticed another person had entered the room, but their face was turned away from the camera. Still the voice that was carried over the net raised the hackles on the back of Spike's neck.

"The Immortal."

"Kristophe."

"That's the guy, hmmm… thought he'd be more… umm buff?" uttered Xander.

The Italian immortal was talking, "My precious Amanda, what did I do to deserve such an honor as your presence?" The oily bastard with his slightly paunched belly was wearing what appeared to be a reddish Gucci shirt half way unbuttoned with gold chains dangling from his neck.

Xander snorted, breaking into laughter, "Oh my god, what was the Buffster thinking? No way. No way. He's so ewwww."

Spike thought back to all his dealings with the Immortal, realizing that never once had he actually seen what the bastard looked like. He always had sent his flunkies. Only Dru and Darla had actually seen him, the image of their encounter made him shudder. He knew that Dru sometimes could be more than a little touched in the head, but even she wouldn't have wanted to lay one delectable finger on such a 'prize.'

The conversation in the room had continued:

"Krissy, you know that when it comes to business in Rome, I at least come to visit."

"True, bella. But it has been far too long since I've been graced with your beauty. You've cut your hair, how I miss your long, dark tresses."

"That was a long time, then, Amanda's not had long hair in decades." Methos whispered.

"But still it's so you, bella." Kristophe caressed her hand, opening it and planting a kiss on her palm. Amanda appeared to flush. Spike began to worry.

"Why thank you Krissy, would you mind getting me a glass of that fine merlot I've seen stashed. I'm so parched."

"I'll have to go retrieve the bottle. May I remind you that you may not steal any of my possessions while I'm gone."

Kristophe left the room; Amanda scanned her surroundings before moving closer to where the cam had been positioned. Picking up a book and leaning as if reading, Amanda addressed the web cam, mouthing the words, "Phone me now."

Methos had already opened his cell phone and scrolled down to the name 'Raven,' hitting send. On the cam, Xander and Spike watched as Amanda's cell chimed, Queen's 'Who Wants to Live Forever' and her answering the call.

"Just how soon are you getting your ancient ass here, Methos?" Amanda hissed into the phone. The only honeyed American sounding voice now laced with venom. Both Xander and Spike exchanged a glance. "I'm putting up with this insufferable bore for you and MacLeod, but enough is enough! No more favors. I'm done."

Methos started, "Dearest Amanda…."

"Don't you dearest Amanda me. You owe me huge. (more to herself) I can't believe I agreed to this. I hate this bastard. (then back to cam) My suffering better be worth it."

"Amanda, didn't MacLeod tell you why we needed your…erm…talents?"

Waving a hand in the air, "Some special girl or something. He screwed her over too. (calmer) I'll find out what I can. But I'm drawing the line right now; I'm not bedding his stinky carcass. "

"Hand over the cell, Methos." Spike held out his hand.

"Miss Amanda," he purred into the cell phone, "thank you for what you're doing."

"Who's this? You have an incredible voice."

"Name's Spike, and the 'special girl,' well there are two of them, Buffy and Dawn - the Slayer and my Nibblet. The Immortal helped Wolfram & Hart nab them. I owe him pain."

Amanda was nodding her head at the cam. Before she could respond, Kristophe had reentered the room.

"Whom are you talking to, my dear?"

"Just a good friend; letting them know I'm in Rome."

"Your friend Nick, perhaps? Or one of your other playthings? Really, my precious Amanda, so many men. I know you just play with them, in hopes of making me jealous. I don't know why you continue to play these games. You were meant for me, so why bother?"

Xander actually coughed, Methos snorted, and Spike gritted his teeth.

"Tsk, tsk Kristophe. Nick is my friend; we will not discuss him. Fair warning; you should keep away from him. Still a little touchy about being one of us, now. And Krissy, we were never married, so don't presume to tell me who I can or cannot have some fun with."

Kristophe laughed. "No, true marriage never came our way. How fortunate for me, it seems. I've heard how you get a 'divorce,' Amanda."

"Markham…" she gasped, "you heard about him did you? Still keeping tabs, are we?"

"Markham was a fool; marrying you just so you wouldn't testify about him taking that little child. You, of course, turned him in, rightly so. Heard he finally tracked you down for a little tête-à-tête."

Examining her nails, while faking a yawn. "Well you see, really, it was such a common thing. Like all wives I felt I had had a 'headache' long enough, 132 years, I needed some relief." She laughed.

Spike had to give the bint credit; during the entire uncomfortable exchange about whatever had happened to her husband, not once had Amanda looked toward the web cam. He observed Methos intently. Obviously, Methos had no prior knowledge of either any husband, any murder, or anything else really in the background of Amanda. For some supposed Watcher and friend of this bird, he sure was in the dark. Perhaps the 'games' that these Immortals played needed to be brought out into the open.

"Did your friend the Highlander know about him? He doesn't strike me as one who would sleep with another man's wife."

"What Duncan knows or doesn't know isn't any of your business. Besides it never was a 'real' marriage. That bastard killed that little child and made that family believe the child was still alive. He lied to me about that; fitting that the very person he married to save himself would be the one to turn him in."

"Yes, it's never wise to cross you, my dear."

"Too true. So Krissy, after all these years you still pine away only for me? Am I to seriously believe that? Please, all I've heard about since I've arrived in Rome was about the Immortal and some little slip of a girl that was your recent conquest. Where is she now, by the way? Hidden away from me, so I wouldn't know."

Both Spike & Xander physically shifted closer to the laptop waiting to hear what Guido said in response.

A small laugh came from Kristophe as he finished a sip of wine. "Ah, Buffy."

"Buffy?"

"Bella, she meant nothing to me. She's gone, no longer my concern, and she should not be yours either."


Xander's hand was shaking with rage; Spike without thinking placed his hand on Harris' shoulder. Xander looked at Spike and saw a tightly closed jaw and the bumpies. Xander began to really look forward to seeing just what Spike would do to this Immortal. Xander looked over at Methos, who appeared visibly tense and madder than hell.

Amanda coolly asked, "What do you mean she's gone? Back to America? Did you break her heart?"

Without seeming to have picked up on Amanda's sudden change in tone, Kristophe answered, "Business, Amanda. I do not discuss business, unless we are partners together in another heist. Is this what brings you to my Rome? Another trinket caught your eye?"

"Perhaps, but as you just said, I do not discuss business, either." Both laughed. Amanda suddenly checked her watch. "Is that really the time? Oh, I'm so late." Offering her hand one last time. "My apologies, Krissy, but I have to run."

Kristophe grabbed her hand, holding it longer than it appeared Amanda would have liked. She turned her attention back to him. Just as she was about to protest his holding her up, Kristophe pulled her into a slobbering kiss.

Xander cried, "Oh ye gods, take my other eye! Please!"

"Gross!" exclaimed Dana, who with Connor had snuck up front to see what everyone was watching.

Amanda craftily pulled out of his embrace, managing a smile, "Now Krissy, I really must go. I'll call you. Ciao!"

With that, Amanda practically ran from the room, leaving Kristophe staring at where she exited.

Methos clicked a button and the browser closed. "I think I've seen enough. I've got that bookmarked, so we can sneak a peek another time."

Connor spoke up, "Cool surveillance. Sure that won't get detected?"

Methos turned to Connor, "If Amanda installed it, no. She's very, very good at what she does."

"Cool. Cause that would suck if he found it."

Methos' phone started to buzz. "Yes? Amanda…" Spike could hear the verbal insults being screamed into another phone somewhere in Rome. "Yes, I saw. I'm sorry. I know you'll collect, (aside) that's what I'm afraid of. (Into the phone) Amanda, calm down. Yes, I did tell you to calm down. Why? Cause I'm on a plane with the 'posse' who will come help rid the world of that piece of slime. Yes, I know that you would have rather kissed Silas or Caspian on any other day…"

Spike snatched the phone away from Methos, "What the wanker is trying to say, pet, is that we really do 'preciate your help. He messed with my girls, luv. Bit of advice, a nice glass of Jack Daniels will wash away his taste. We'll make sure you're there to help finish the bastard off. Say a nice round of toasting his balls sounds lovely, now don't it."

Methos could hear Amanda giggling. Mouthing a 'thank you' to Spike, he proceeded to close his laptop and store it.

Spike tried to focus on what Amanda was trying to tell him, but Pinky had started pleading with Xander, "I want my hair like Manda."

"Sorry pet, you've got a fan. Hard to hear you right now. How 'bout we call you when we land? Right. Oh and Amanda, thanks again." Spike closed the phone, watching Xander shaking his no as Dana tugged on his arm. If she weren't careful, she would yank his arm out of his socket.

"Dana." Everyone stopped. Illyria stood before the group, an unreadable expression on her icy face. "Your repetitive pleas are futile. You create much noise; it assaults my ears." Tilting her head to Spike, "Why does this one not wish to be unique? Is not uniqueness a quality that humans seek to possess? Things…humans have names distinctive to their being. Why does Dana seek otherwise?"

"Blue, she just liked how Amanda wore her hair. Don't make a to-do over it. Sometimes humans, hell other demons, like to… emulate somebody they like. Just a thing that humans do."

"Yeah Lyrie, like you had to have noticed when you were in LA, how all the women wanted to look like people on TV." Connor added.

"Okay, like years ago… there was an actress on TV and everyone loved her haircut. So thousands of women went to their hairdressers and asked for that haircut. It even got it own name, 'the Rachel'. Of course, not everyone looked good in that haircut, cause hey, not everyone is Jennifer Aniston. What? Am I wrong?" Xander tried to contribute.

Dana approached Illyria. Both studied each other intently. Suddenly a huge smile broke out on Pinky's face. "I like your outfit."

"My covering, unlike your attire, may not be removed."

"Still, I like it. Even though it has brown." Dana reached out her hand, and Illyria permitted her to touch her skin-like covering. Spike was amazed when Pinky suddenly grabbed Blue's hand and started to tug her toward the back of the plane. "Come on, Blue."

He swore he saw a look of curiosity cross the Goddess' face, as Blue allowed herself to be pulled away. Perhaps, humanity was growing on the Goddess after all.

~~ Tbc~~~

A/N1: Thank you to my beta, Alwaysjbj, for her incredible work with this chapter. It is greatly appreciated.

A/N2: For those of you who are not familiar with Amanda's spin-off series, 'The Raven' some of the information revealed about her character came from that series. In episode 'Love and Death' (1.17), we learn that Amanda was forced into marrying another immortal Derrick Markham when he kidnapped a child. Markham did not want Amanda able to testify against him, but when she learned that Markham killed the child anyway, she turned him in. At the end of this episode, she takes his head and gets her final divorce. Also at the end of final episode 'Dead on Arrival' (1.22), Nick Wolfe, mortal partner and friend of Amanda is poisoned. Amanda shoots him, giving him a violent death. Nick revives and learns he's an immortal. Amanda had known he was a potential immortal. Nick walks away from Amanda, as he is unhappy that she has 'condemned' him to live forever. This episode confirmed in the Highlander mythos that one who has potential to be an immortal only becomes an immortal if they suffer a violent death. If anyone has seen the Highlander movie, "Endgame," Duncan stabbed his wife on their honeymoon, so that she could live forever and be with him. That didn't work out quite like he intended though.