full 3/4 1/2   skin light dark       
 
Rebellion by Thianna
 
29 - Start to Unfold
 
<<     >>
 

Disclaimer: The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are owned by Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox studios. This story is not meant to infringe upon anyone's rights, only to entertain.

**


Chapter 29 - Start to Unfold

Spike found himself alone in the room. The Master was nowhere to be seen and he could sense no other vampire nearby. He stood up, looking around the room a bit puzzled. The last thing he remembered was the Master talking to him about turning Buffy into a vampire. He remembered going against it, but then the Master gave out some valid points. He had to turn her. There really was no other choice. It was the only way he was sure of protecting her. With the damn Council of Wankers sending that damn blasted Retrieval Team and then the other demons wanting to kill her, being a part of the Aurelius clan will give her protection. He would be able to fulfill his promise. He would take care of her. The clan would take care of her because he would take Angelus' place and the coven would be under his disposal.

That somehow gave him a sweet sense of satisfaction. He was taking one more thing of Angelus’.

He ran his fingers through his hair and felt the slight sting in his right hand. He looked at it curiously. When had he gotten hurt? The wound was sealed but still swollen. When did that happen? He stared at it as he wracked his brain trying to remember. Things seemed a little fuzzy. How and when did the cut on his palm happened?

Then the answer hit him. It was Dru. That was it. She had come by to see him with Darla when she heard he had returned. She was sweet at first. Planting a kiss on his forehead. Then she got angry. She sensed Buffy on me then she started talking in riddles about how I destroyed her Daddy. She was angry ... had a knife ... lunged at him. The knife caught his right palm. Why didn’t he strike back? Oh, because he was in front of the Master. He didn’t want to seem disrespectful.

Then, the Master growled at Dru for such a childish display. He banished her and Darla away from Sunnydale because they would get in the way. That was it. Dru was gone and Spike could now be with Buffy. The Master had approved. He had given his blessing that Spike could bring the Slayer into the family. All he had to do was turn her.

He walked with purpose through the mansion. The minions still getting out of his way. He was about to step through the front door when a thought crossed his mind. He saw a minion from the corner of his eye and growled, urging the young one to come to him.

"Dalton ... find him!"

Spike waited in the receiving room for the vampire he had summoned for. Ten minutes later Dalton came, standing a few paces from Spike, his eyes focused on the floor. "You called for me, Master?"

Spike smiled at the new title. It seemed like his new rank had now spread throughout the clan. "I need for you to hunt for Watchers. A group of three, calling themselves some sort of Retrieval Team."

"You wish them dead?"

Spike shrugged. "I don't really care... alive ... dead ... run out of town. Just get them out of the way. If you have problems, let me know. Trap them somewhere and I'll take care of them myself if they become too bothersome."

"Yes, Master." Dalton said bowing once more before excusing himself.

"Be careful Dalton. They aren't ordinary Watchers."

Dalton nodded and disappeared down one of the hallways to assemble a hunting party.

Happy that one thing was taken cared of, Spike strode of into the night to return to his beloved Slayer.

**

Marissa busied herself in the kitchen while Buffy, still under the glamour spell, occupied her time by watching some TV.

"I'm sorry I don't have anything else to offer you, dear."

"Marissa, I told you that soup and salad is fine. That's a whole lot healthier than what I've been eating lately."

Marissa giggled. "I guess Spike isn't really a good role-model for healthy eating." she said making her way to the dinner table and placing two bowls of soup down.

“I know. It’s unfair. He could eat like a pig and of course he doesn’t gain any weight.” Buffy said with a giggle. She then stood up and headed towards the kitchen to help her host. She grabbed the salads while Marissa took care of the drinks.

"Thanks so much for letting me stay here." Buffy said when she sat down by the dinner table.

"No problems dear. Spike is paying me for this and I always like messing around with the Council."

"Yeah.. the Council of Wankers ..." Buffy said trying to imitate Spike's accent.

"That they are." Marissa agreed.

"So uhm ... how do you know about the Council. I thought that the Council was only known to the vampire community."

"Well demons are quite the gossipers. Plus the fact that the Council has been around for centuries. It's a little hard to keep them a secret if they've been around for so long."

"But why would you help Spike or me?"

"You mean aside from the financial gain?"

Buffy nodded.

"Well, the Council took something away from me."

"What was it?"

"Well it was more like a who dear. They took my... uhm... they took a very good friend away from me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sad memory."

"No. It's okay dear. It's been a while now."

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking that is."

"Well, it was a while back. As you know, I like dabbling in magic. I found out early on in my magical career that the easiest way to make some money was to deal with less than noble customers. I was careful though. Then I met this man. We started of as friends which led into something deeper. He was a Watcher. Not like yours though. He wasn't assigned to a Slayer. He was more of a researcher."

"Aren't they all?" Buffy giggled.

"That's true isn't it?." Marissa laughed. "Well where was I? Aah yes. He was quite the researcher. He was interested in magics and demons that use magics. Perhaps that was what brought us together."

"I can tell he was very important to you."

"Huh? Am I giving that whimsical look?"

"Uhm.. I guess." Buffy said with a smile.

"Don't worry about it. I've heard many people tell me I give a certain look when I talk about my Henry. I think Spike was one of the first that pointed it out to me. Well to make a long story short, the Council started interfering. They were not too pleased with my relationship with him. They acted all high and mighty and threatened both of us to end the relationship. When that didn't work, they sent him on this mission knowing how dangerous it was. He was killed. So I'm not too fond of them."

"I'm sorry."

"Now dear. That was in the past. I know Henry wouldn't want me to be sad."

"Uhm... how long have you known Spike?" Buffy said wanting to change the subject.

"Spike? I think I’ve known him for a few years now. I guess you can say that I’m Spike's kitten supplier."

"Kitten supplier?" Buffy said wide-eyed.

"For poker. Demons gamble with kittens instead of money. When ever Spike feels like a little game he comes to me for kittens. We have a give or take relationship. He does some favors for me, I supply him with kittens."

"Oh... Well I guess that explains why I sometimes find fur on his duster." Then Buffy’s face turned serious.

“Is there anything wrong dear?” Marissa asked with concern.

"Marissa? About the Council. Do you think I'll be able to stand up to them?"

"Well you are the Slayer Buffy. I mean, you're the first Slayer I've ever met but I've heard plenty of stories from Henry. And based on those stories and the few things I’ve heard about you from … people, I think you’re really are strong Buffy. The demon community talks about you a lot."

"They do?"

Marissa nodded. "And you know it doesn't hurt having Spike by your side. He's quite smitten with you dear. It's nice to see him smile lately and I can tell you're the reason for that."

Buffy felt her cheeks warm. "Don't you think it strange? For him and me I mean?"

Marissa giggled. "Not at all. Of course my relationship with Henry was viewed as "unusual" by most. I believe that what's important in a relationship is what's between the two of you. Nothing else should matter dear. Nothing else."

"Thanks Marissa. For everything." Buffy said with a heartfelt smile.


 
<<     >>