Dreams of you part 2

Buffy awoke to find herself tied to a chair in a strange place. The last thing
she remembered was fighting a group of demons and something hit her in the
head. She began to test her bonds to see if she would have to break the chair or
the ropes. She looked around to see if she was alone.

From the looks of the room she was in some kind of training room. It reminded
her of the dojo in LA. They did not have one in Sunnydale, but she had been to
one out of curiosity on a trip to LA to meet with Angel. Seeing that she was
alone she began to take the time to work on the ropes. Within minutes she had
loosened then enough to slip out and search for the exit.

As soon as she stood some men entered the room. “Hold it. Where do you think
your going?” one of the men asked. He was average height with a shaved head,
muscles to spare that moved under his skin with a cat like grace she had only
seen in a vampire. He had tattoos all over and his deep gravelly voice just
screamed sexy bad boy even if he was wearing a karate uniform. The other man
had muscles that were not so noticeable, more like a dancer, sleek subtle but
there all the same. He had long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and dark
soulful eyes that reminded her of Angel. Buffy was not sure who they were but
she did not feel any evil intent from them only fear and caution.

She still was angry to find herself tied up by these strange men and it showed
in her answer. “I was about to leave. I assume I am not a guess unless you get
off on tying people up, but I will warn you that if you try and stop me you
will be hurt.” These men may or may not know about Slayers or demons but they
did know when to take a woman’s warning seriously. The second man spoke with an
accent Buffy could not quite place, ”Please we mean you know harm. You were
tied up for both our protection and yours.” He said in calming tones.

Buffy still angry and not wanting to hurt them replied, “Who are you and where
am I? What do you mean to protect you? If I wanted to hurt you then you would
be hurt. I just want to go get my stuff and head back home.” Her anger was
dwindling but she was still irritated. “We will tell you who we are after you
tell us WHAT you are.” The bald guy said trying to look menacing. The other man
rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose like Giles did when she
annoyed him. Buffy could not help but giggle.

The man looked at her and asked, “Just what is so funny?” Buffy smiled, “Let me
tell you what information I have gathered in the last few minutes.” She giggled
again, “You own this place and are mentoring Mr. Tattoos over there in
something martial artsy. You both have seen something in the last ohhh
twenty-four hours that makes you question everything you know to be true and
your trying to process it, part of that being something involving me. Oh and we
are in Seacover Washington and that makes you one Mr. Macleod. Am I warm yet?”
She bust into a fit of giggles at the look on their faces.

Macleod answered, “I am Duncan Macleod of the clan Macleod. Please come sit
with us and tell me how you came to know all this.” Buffy smiled and followed
them to another room and sat on the couch while the men sat in the chairs
facing her. “Would you like to be called Mr. Macleod or Duncan or just Macleod?”
she asked. “Please call me Duncan Miss…” Duncan asked. The other man still
looked annoyed. “You can all me Buffy! Buffy Summers The Vampire Slayer.” Both
men looked surprised.

They had heard the name Slayer mentioned by some demons but had assumed it was
about some hunter not this petite young girl. Duncan looked into her eyes and
realized she was not as young as she seemed and like him she had seen more than
her share of horrors in her life. “From the look on you face you have heard the
term before but did not know it referred to a girl. That also means you hang
out with demons and that is not looking good on you for this trust thing we
seem to be trying for here. As for how I knew that stuff earlier. I saw the
look on your face when your student spoke out of turn. It was the same look I
have been putting on my Watcher’s face since he was assigned to me when I was
fifteen. The sign on the wall told me I was in Mr. Macleod’s dojo and since
owners don’t tend to let teachers and students have the run of the place I
guessed that you were he. What I would like to know is how I got here? The last
thing I remember was fighting demons in an alley near my hotel room and who is
tall, bald and broody over here. He’s reminding me of an old boyfriend. It’s
creepy.” Buffy finished.

Duncan laughed causing the other man to glare at him. “Well X introduce
yourself to the nice Slayer.” Duncan said while trying to hold in his mirth.
The other man gave him another angry look. “Names Xander Cage but most people
just call me X or triple X. I was a well know for my extreme sports videos
called the Xander Zone. Now I fight demons on nights and weekends and train
with Duncan during the day when I’m not out saving the world from terrorist.” X
said as he settled back in his chair.

He was not bragging to try and impress her but as more of a challenge and Buffy
took it as such. “Human terrorist I presume. Since you started this let me
finish it for you. I was called to be the Slayer when I turned fifteen years
old. I was a high school cheerleader and I was everything that title envisions
in most people. I was self centered and superficial and then I was found by my
first Watcher and told about demons and vampire and that I was suppose to fight
them. Powers that be have a twisted since of humor. He was killed and most of
my classmates were as well. I had to burn down the gym to finish killing the
vampires and save the few I could.

My parents divorced, I was kicked out of school and we moved to the little town
of Sunnydale few hours out side of LA. I thought I would start over there but
the librarian at my school turned out to be my second Watcher and I was now
living on a hellmouth. Since then I have had to kill friends that have been
turned, killed my first lover to save the world from being sucked into a hell
dimension, averted an apocalypse every Tuesday. Have battled Master Vampires, a
Hell God and The First Evil all while trying to get and education, raise my
sister after my mother died, trying to protect my friends and Watcher and seek
out a normal relationship with a normal guy while knowing I had to be careful
not to break him. Trying to fight my feelings for a vampire who was my partner
and equal in everyway. Oh and I died twice before I turned twenty. Did I miss
anything??? I think I left out a few minor apocalypses but we did close the
hellmouth and sink the entire town in the process. Oh and that is the pg13 cut
version of my life and very understated cause I was staring facts not
bragging.” Buffy finished with a small smile.

X and Duncan sat there in shock for a moment before Duncan spoke again, “You
have mentioned a Watcher several times. What do you know about Watchers?” Buffy
groaned thinking now that they might be with the Council. “Duncan, you have an
accent I can’t place but I am going to assume that it is maybe Irish or
Scottish and not English?” Duncan nodded and said “Scottish”. Buffy continued.
“You talk as if you know about Watchers already but since you did not know
about me being a Slayer I will assume you are not with the Watchers Council and
tell you what you asked. Into every generation is born the chosen one, the
Slayer, the one girl in the entire world given the ability to fight the
darkness and win. A long time ago when the Slayer was created she was given a
Watcher. She had been a young girl. They chained her to the earth and let a
demon merge with her and created the first Slayer. Being part demon she was
wild and needed to be trained to control her new ability. Thus the Watcher
would train her and even help her at times. He became her friend, confidant,
lover, father, all in one and keep record of her life.

Most Slayers never live past twenty. Some how the spirit of the Slayer finds a
new girl and she is called when the last one dies. Thousands of girls all over
the world are what are known as potentials. They get prophetic dreams that
don’t make since to them. Most think they are nightmares until a Watcher finds
them. The Council was created some time a century or more after the first
Slayer. Men of that time being what they were, the rolls changed. They now
looked upon the Slayer as their property to use. The Slayer had changed and
become more human down the line. As the greed of men changed the sought more
control over the Slayer. The found a way to identify potentials and sought them
out where ever they were.

The Watcher took them from their friends and family and made them into killing
machines. Training them to rely on their Watcher and keep their identity
secret. They trained to fight demons. They had no real chance for any kind of
normal life until they were an adult. At eighteen they were to old to be
called. If a Slayer rebelled the Council took her out knowing another would
take her place. If the current Slayer reached a certain age they used magic to
take away her power and sent her against a powerful vampire as a test. IF she
survived they returned her powers. If she was hurt and unable to fight for more
that a week or so due to a injury the Watcher was ordered to kill her so
another could take her place. That was just some of the horrible things they
had done over the years.

Slayers were never told of these things of course and only knew their Watcher
was there to provide a home, train them, and take care of their basic needs.
Then I came along. My second Watcher did not agree with the way the Council
treated the Slayers. I was not found until I was called so I was not
conditioned to be a Slayer. I was an American California girl and it was the
nineties. Giles, my Watcher, soon learned that none of his training as a
Watcher was going to help him so we had to find a way to work together. He
became like a father to me but unlike many of my predecessors I had friends and
family I refused to give up. Also I was the first Slayer in a long time to be
assigned to watch over a hellmouth.

My friends had seen too much to be in denial like the rest of the world. They
had watched friends and loved ones turn into things that could not be
explained. They began to learn how to fight and helped me. We had our battles
with the Council too. They did not like that I was my own person and handled
things my way. Who cares that I was getting the job done and that I had lasted
longer than any Slayer in their records, or at least the records the new
Watchers were allowed to read. I did not take their crap and even told them I
quit.

The first Evil destroyed the old Council a year ago. It was targeting
potentials all over who some how began making their way to me. I had scared
teenaged girls everywhere all of them looking to me for protection. We began
training them to fight. In the end my friend who had become a powerful witch
performed a spell and awoke the Slayer spirit with in the girls creating a
small army of Slayers. With their help we defeated the First and my partner, a
vampire who sought out and won his soul out of love for me, gave his life to
close the hellmouth.

My Watcher became the new head of what was left of the Council and is changing
things for a better future. The Slayers have all gone to the Council for
training and are able to be assigned to an area. We now have an Army of chosen
ones to help battle the forces of darkness and we each have sisters we can call
on. The Watchers know about Slayers and demons but never having been a Slayer
they can not truly understand what we go through or what it means to not be the
only one anymore. I lost a lot in that battle, friends who were my family, a
lover I only realized I loved once he was gone, and sisters who had come to me
for protection. So I have been traveling on my own for a bit trying to figure
out who I am now and what I want to do with my future. I also have been giving
myself time to grieve my losses.

None of which has stopped the fact that there are still demons out there that
hurt people. Those I hunt, others are harmless, and those I learn more about
and from and make allies. So now you know most of my story. What about the two
of you? I know you are not demons but your not normal humans either.” Buffy
finished and sat back waiting for them to share.

“You are correct we are not fully human. We are immortals” Duncan paused to let
her process that information before continuing, “There is a secret society know
as the Council of Watchers. Most immortals do not know of them. Their purpose
is to record our lives. They are not supposed to interfere or get to know us
but just observe. My Watcher like yours did not totally agree with this policy.
See our Watchers have knowledge of almost every other Immortal out there. Such
information is to valuable to let the wrong people know about.

We do not know where we come from or why we are what we are. The only thing we
know is that we must train to fight. Other immortals can kill us by taking our
head. In doing so they absorb our spirit, so to speak, and gain power. It is
what we know as the “Game”. In the end there can be only one, one whom will
receive an ultimate prize that will either save mankind or destroy it. Sound
familiar” Buffy laughed “Yeah it does. So what’s your story X?”

Xander looked cross for a moment then answered, “Was busted for a few
misdemeanors. People did not like my extreme political statements. Got
recruited into a top-secret government agency, anything about that is
classified. Got killed for the first time on a mission when I can across a
demon with sharp tusk. Was found by a Watcher and sent to find Duncan. That’s
about it. Hey Duncan I think the new guy is here” Duncan and Xander both stood
with swords ready as the felt another immortal approach.

Buffy felt it too but it was familiar in some way. She had a crazy thought
about whom it felt like but he was gone now. The “new guy” and Xander put it
came into the room. Buffy fainted while William the Bloody aka Spike stood
there with his mouth open in shock. It only took a moment for him to regain his
composer and rush to her side.

“Buffy love are you okay? Come on wake up Slayer! Please don’t leave me now
that I found you again!” Spike whispered pleading with her to awake. Buffy’s
eyes fluttered, she opened them to find watery blue eyes staring into hers.
Spike held her in his lap and rocked back in forth as he cried. She passed out
again. The other two men watched for a moment then left the two alone, any
questions could be answered later.

Author’s Note :I
know this first part was a bit rushed but I wanted to set the scene for the
story which is about Buffy and Spike finding out who they are now and how to
live in this world and with each other after all the changes.

Buffy woke to find herself in a bed with some one pressing a wet cloth to her
head. She opened her eyes to see the same blue eyes she knew so well. “Buffy
Love, don’t pass out on me again. I can explain, or try to at least.” Spike
begged her. “Spike? Alive? Heart beating alive?” Buffy asked her voice rough
with the unshed tears building.

He chuckled, “It was a bit of a shock for me too pet. Tried to find you for a
while after but you left just before I got there. I knew I was back but I
didn’t know how or why. My only thought was to find you. After two months of
chasing you I ran into my first immortal. He thought I would be like a fledge
cause he could since I was new. Didn’t know I had been protecting my head and
heart for two hundred years.

When he approached I felt like the chip was going off in my head again until I
met his eyes and the pain stopped. This pillock calls me out real formal like
telling me his name and when he was born. Some of the older Masters use to do
the same thing when taking on another Master.

I told him my name, the name of my clan and that I was over two hundred years
turned. He of course had no idea what I was talking about and drew a sword. I
did not have one. He tisked me like a stupid child for being out without my
sword. I told him I never need one. Then he told me he would take my head and
have my quickening.

I had no idea what he was talking about then. I did however pick up a near by
pipe to defend myself. I had just dusted and mysteriously returned. I was not
about to let some one off me that soon. We fought for a good long while. I did
not have the strength or speed I was use to. My senses were duller. He almost
had me Slayer.

I finally managed some how to get his sword in one hand as we struggled. On
pure instinct I turned it and managed to cut off his head. I thought he must be
a vampire. Then he didn’t dust and I got worried that I had killed a human. In
self defense or not that is not how I wanted to start my new life. That was
when I saw it. This blue light came out of his neck and down his body. Next
thing I knew he was being lifted of the ground and I was hit by a lightning
bolt.

It was my first quickening. By absorbing his quickening I learned what we are.
See I got his memories and those of all he took and they took and so on. My
mind processed what it needed and discarded the rest. He was an evil man and
his darkness tried to take me, but I had also been fighting my demon and others
long enough that it did not have a chance. Through my memories I found Duncan
and asked him to teach me.

I told him some things like that I was new to the Game and about the one I
killed. I told him nothing of my past lives as I think of them now. I also go
by William again. Spike was a demon who died in the hellmouth. I have learned a
lot from Duncan and I have helped him learn to kill demons. We take turns
patrolling the area. Once Duncan has taught me everything he can I planned to
look for you again, but here you are.” William finished his story.

Buffy looked up at him and gently touched his cheek. “If I had know I would
have been looking for you instead of myself. I felt like a part of me died with
Spike. I love you, William, Spike, what ever and who ever you are, I love you.
Please believe me this time. I could not stand it if you didn’t.” William
kissed her tenderly, “Love, I believed you then too. I just needed you to get
out of there and live for both of us.” He whispered as he touched his forehead
to hers.

 “William I know I have no right to ask
this but…..I have missed you so much. I love you so much. Make love to me
please. We can talk later I just need you now.” Buffy asked. William laughed,
“I love you too Buffy. I always have and always will but we have been down that
rode and it leads to darkness. We are both very different beings now
literally.” He felt her pulling away and forced her to look at him, “Means we
need to get to know one another again first is all luv. We could take comfort
in each other yeah, but I want it to mean more than that when I make love to
you again. I can hold you though. Like I did that night. I love you Buffy but I
need to be sure before taking that step with you again or we will just end up
hurting each other again.” He gathered her into his arms and held her. “I know
your right as always.” She mumbled before falling asleep. William lay there in
wondered. He was alive, Buffy was in his arms and she loved him. The Powers
sure are a twisted lot he thought as he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning they joined Xander and Duncan for breakfast. “Well anything
you two would like to tell us?” Xander asked. Duncan gave him a disapproving
look although he was curious himself. William blushed, “Slayer and I go way
back.” Was all he said and began eating. After the meal was finished William
spoke again, “Buffy why don’t you see if X will spar with you. I need to talk
to Duncan for a moment.” Buffy nodded understanding and turned, “Well X, you up
to being beat by a girl. I have fought humans before so I will take it easy on
you. Pull my punches and such.” Xander growled and followed her out to the
training room.

“William what do you wish to talk to me about” Duncan asked. “Well I feel I can
trust you with more of the truth about me but it is not pretty.” William said
and Duncan nodded for him to continue. “Duncan how old do you think I am?”
Duncan frowned for a moment, “I would say you were about twenty eight when you
died and I know you are young to the game so you may have dies only once or
twice. If I must guess I would say you might be forty years old.” Duncan said
looking please with his logical answer.

William smiled, “Duncan I was born in the late 1800’s in London. I was
twenty-seven, but day away from my birthday when I was first killed. I was not
an immortal like we are now until I died a second death about a year ago. Then
I was sent back this time I was made immortal as a reward for fighting my
nature and saving the world.” Duncan took in all that he said before speaking.
“And what kind of immortal where you? How can you have died twice? What do you
mean sent back?”

William had expected there to be questions. “Duncan, Remember the books that
Joe sent and how I knew more than what was in the books. Over two hundred years
ago I was bitten and turned into a vampire. I was William the bloody, aka
Spike, Slayer of Slayers. I knew so much about what was in those books because
I lived it. I had killed two Slayer in my time and tried to make Buffy my
third.

To make a long story shorter, I feel in love with her and won my soul back for
her. I gave up my life to close the hellmouth and save the world from the first
evil. The Powers sent me back and I started looking for Buffy. She was my only
thought and mission until I was found by Robert that night. You know the rest.
All I have told you has been the truth. I left out parts until I could trust
you to know them and not use them against me. I just wanted you to know the
truth. I’m going to check on X and make sure she hasn’t hurt him too much. If
you decide to no longer be my teacher I will understand.” With that William
left Duncan to think about all that he had learned.

Mean while in the training room:
“Well X do you want to spar or hold the bag for me?” Buffy asked. “Well
sweetheart lets get warmed up and then spar. I have a routine I follow. It
works the mind, body and soul as one.” Xander replied. “X call me Buffy. Only
one person gets to call me by pet names and it’s not you. You do your routine
and let me know when your ready. I’ll just wait over here and meditate.” Buffy
said as she sat down on a mat out of the way.

She did a handstand and began her mediation workout that she had started with
Giles after high school. She did a one-handed handstand and after a while into
a two handed. Once she achieved this position she did several stretching and
bending movements finally rolling down into a yoga like pose on the floor now
in a deep mediation while she thought about Spike and the future.

Xander watched her in amazement for a moment before shaking his head and
starting his own routine. After a while he finally was ready. Buffy had not
moved. “Okay Buffy lets go” Xander said. She still did not move or even act
like she heard him. He walked up and started planning an attack.

William arrived about this time and smirked as he watched. Xander went in for
the attack. He reached out to touch Buffy’s shoulder. He hoped to flip her
backward and pin her to the mat. Before he even touched her or saw her move he
was on his back with her sitting on his chest pining his arms to his sides her
hand at his throat. “If I had a blade I would have you head.” She said as she
stood and held a had out to him. “May be you should just hold the bag for me?”

Before Xander could say anything William joined them “What say we have a go
kitten. I know we both will hate it but you will have to take it easy on me.
I’m not as strong as I was. I still heal quicker than humans though so don’t
treat me like soldier boy or the Scoobies.” With out a word Buffy began
circling William.

He automatically began moving as the two entered into a dance they had danced
together many times. Xander moved out of the way and Duncan joined him as they
watched the two predators face off. Buffy moved in first and sent a series of
blows that were all blocked. “Come on Goldilocks you can do better than that. I
may not be all that I was but I’m not some poof. Stop treating me like a
fledge.” William quipped.

Buffy attacked again with kicks and punches. One out of three landed. The last
kick William caught and flipped her knowing she would land on her feet. They
both began to break a sweat as it was William’s turn to press the attack. They
both went on like this for half and hour punching, kicking, blocking, flips and
aerobatics that would make and Olympic judge cry for the beauty of it.

They both traded insults and quips during the whole thing and as if a silent signal
was given they both stopped took a step away from each other then headed to the
towels and water bottles Duncan had brought them.

“That was rather impressive. I take it that was a light work out compared to
what you would look like going full boar before?” Duncan asked. He had
questions and curiosities but it was Williams place to tell Xander so Duncan
did not want to give too much away. “Yeah. I’m use to sparing with humans but
no one was as much fun nor as much my match as Spiiiii, erm….William. He’s
different now though. I have to pull my punches more. You Immortals heal but I
don’t think he wants to find himself in a hospital bed and I don’t want to put
him in wheelchair again.” Buffy said absent-mindedly.

She was turned away and did not see Williams face at her comment. “Buffy, Pet I
thought we were past all that now. No brining up bad times and bad memories.
You don’t want me throwing the wanker’s memories in your face, don’t bring up
mine.” William growled.

Buffy spun around, “I’m sorry William. I didn’t mean to bring them up. I forget
some times. You were right last night. We have to break our old habits and get
to know each other again. I love you. What I meant was that I could not stand
to see you hurt like that again.” Buffy said a tone in her voice pleaded with
him to forgive her.

William wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead, “Sorry kitten, Not
mad. You know how I get when it concerns Angel or Dru. That part of me didn’t
die, but it is all in the past. No more what was, only what is now okay pet.”
Buffy smile and snuggled in to him embrace. Xander left the room. He had not
said anything but he had hoped to get to know Buffy better himself. Now it was
obvious that she would be with William.

What was it about him Xander wondered. He felt like a young immortal, fought as
well as Duncan and knew more about demons than the Watchers. If he had known
Buffy for a long time he must have practically grown up with her. These
thoughts and more ran through Xander’s mind as he tried to figure out if he
liked William or not and what to do once he made that decision. He knew one
thing……he was jealous of him and that was a feeling he didn’t like.

William and Buffy took turns showering and getting dressed for the day. He decided to show her the sites, what little of them there were. They were going to spend the day together, in the sunshine, on a date. He even planned on dinner and maybe a movie before a late patrol. Oddly enough it just seemed the right way for them to end a date, killing something together. Duncan told Xander he needed to go talk with Joe. Xander set about a vigorous workout he hoped would take up most of his day.

William and Buffy walked along the boardwalk hand in hand. As they stood at the waters edge he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. For a moment she remembered her dream after she sent Angel to hell.

She shivered and stepped back into his embrace more. As if reading her mind he spoke, “This is no dream Luv and I’m not him. Would never hurt you. Even without my soul it was just that time and I stopped. It still haunts me you know even after all this time.” His voice was chocked with tears.

Buffy turned to face him and kissed him gentle before pulling away and saying, “The past will always be with us and memories will always haunt us. But we are starting over and that is all they are, memories and bad dreams. I had a mixed up Slayer dream after I sent Angel to Hell. I was on the beach like this and he came behind me. I asked how he found me and he said he would always find me. Nothing could stop him even if I killed him. I think is was two dreams mixed. Telling me of Angels return and of this.

It’s you not Angel that is always there. You always find me. Angel was a teenagers fairytale prince, but that wasn’t the real him. You are the only one who has always been my equal. You treated me as such. You had my back as a partner not protector. You see me. Not Good little Buffy , not the Slayer, but me.

You are part of my soul. My soul mate. This bite on my neck is yours. You erased all the others that night I asked you to. You know even now vampires run when they sense this mark. They all know you dusted yet they fear your ghost will return from Hell to claim them if they touch me. Some fear that more than my stake.” William puffed up with pride at what she said. *The change a few words can bring* she thought. “Maybe one day I will claim you as mate with more than my heart.” He whispered so low she did not hear him but snuggled against him more as her heart heard his words.
**********************************************************
Duncan sat at a table talking to Joe. “Joe I need your help on something. I need you to find everything you can on a vampire called William the bloody. He was sometimes called Spike or the Slayer of Slayers. I also need to know more about what a Slayer is and a group called the Watchers Council.” Duncan asked.

Joe looked worried, “Mac what is this about?” Duncan was silent for a moment then looked up as he felt another immortal enter. He relax when he saw Methos. Methos came in and joined them. “It’s just something I need to know. I’ll tell you more when I can. It concerns my new student William and a pre-immie. I will have them met with you when we know more and they can tell you what they will. He trusted me with some information but it is his place to tell us more.” Duncan said before turning to Methos.

“What brings you to Seacover old friend?” Duncan asked. “Heard you are fighting demons now Duncan? I also heard the Slayer was in town. I met a few of them in my time. I was hoping to met this one. I’ve heard a lot about her.” Methos said.

“Well Mac was just asking me about Slayers. Maybe you can enlighten us.” Joe asked. Methos thought for a moment, “Well I have came across a few Slayers. They all seem to be young girls. From what I gather there is only one at a time chosen to fight the demons. When that one dies another is chosen. I heard tell of them having Watchers who train them and help them from time to time. Most do not live more than three of five years at the most once they are chosen. Many are lucky to live out the first year.

This one has lasted over seven years. Her name is spoken is whispers or not at all. The good demons I have spoken with act like just saying her name or title will bring her down on them like the angel of death. Seems she has taken out some big time bads. Rumor has it she even survived the Slayer of Slayers. From what I have heard of him, he was not your typical vampire and saw them as a Challenge instead of a threat. It would be like and Immortal hunting for fights with the best of the best in the Game.

Some say he was suicidal. Most say he was as reckless and crazy as his counterpart was insane. They traveled for over fifty years with two other notorious vampires. The four were called the Scourge of Europe. They left a blood trail miles wide but no hunter could ever kill them. Seems this Slayer took out the Master of their line when she was just fifteen. She also faced off against the four at different times. She was rumored to have tamed the two males and been the death of one of the females.

Darla has sired Angelus who sired Drusilla who sired Spike. Drusilla is still at large somewhere as far as anyone know. Angelus was cursed with a soul twice. He killed Darla twice and Spike sought out his soul for the Slayer. Rumors say he was killed when the Hellmouth closed. Most of this is rumors and such from demons so I don’t know how much of it is true.” Methos finished.

Duncan sat back, “Joe find these Watchers. We may need their help to figure out what is going on. I would like you both to come by in the morning and meet my new student and his friend. We all have a lot to talk about.” With that Duncan left the two and returned to the Dojo wondering what he had gotten himself into.

********************************************************************
Buffy and William had a wonderful day wondering around Seacover. They decided on dinner and dancing instead of a movie. They ended up at a local club and headed for the dance floor. Buffy spotted a group of five male vampire in the mix and with one look William nodded and they went to work.

Buffy approached them, “Well, well what do we have here?” She said in a sexy voice. “You boys wana get out of here? I heard about this great party and I’m sooo board. I bet you guys know how to have some fun. Wana come?” She asked as she pressed against the oldest one. Not one of them was more that five years turned and a stupid fledge is a stupid fledge. She motioned for them to follow her and they did. Right out the back door into an alley. The alley had a brick wall at one end so the only way in or out was the building doors or the street.

She had not gotten far before she let them yank he back and surround her. “You should be careful who you invite to your parties little girl!” The leader whispered in her ear. William walked out of the mouth of the alley, “Is this a private party or can anyone join in the fun.” “Mind your own business dude. Don’t need no Billy Idol wana be crash’n the party.” One of the fledges said. “Goldilocks there just babies. Not one over five years. I thought we were going to party not have to dust diapers.” William quipped.

Buffy smiled, ”Well honey what if we do this without weapons? Will that be more of a challenge for you?” The Vampires looked confused. William walked more into the alley, “Did your sires not teach you anything? Smell her. See the mark. Look at me. Any clues yet?” William said taking on a more threatening pose. The leader sniffed Buffy and she turned her head to show him the mark. He released her and stepped back looking at the man in the black leather coat and bleached hair, “Master Spike, I did not know. We heard you were dust.”

William smirked, ”I got better. You go tell your Sire that Seacover is mine. Vamps found feeding on humans will be dusted. The rest of you. Meet the Slayer.” In seconds Buffy had twisted the heads off the four vamps as the one fled for his life. Buffy pouted “You took all the fun out of it.” “You were amazing. I have never seen you move that fast before. Something is different about you.” William said in awe.

Buffy shrugged, “Just your typical Master Slayer” She said and walked past him to the mouth of the alley. “Any good graveyards around here?” She asked over her shoulder as if nothing had happened.

It only took seconds for William to join her, “Buffy what do you mean Master Slayer?” Buffy sighed, “Well the demon that was used to create the first Slayer was kindred to the one who started the Vampire race. When the other Slayers where activated a social system naturally developed like with vampires. I an the oldest and most experienced so I am the Master. Faith is under me and those who survived the hellmouth are next under her. The rest are just fledges.

We have a primal control over they younger and weaker of our kind. We train then, teach them and make them our family. Most are little more than minions but some have what it takes to be almost childer. We do not Sire new Slayers like a vamp would but we exchange oaths that bind our demons to each other and create a similar bond. Faith has taken two as Childer and some of the others from Sunnydale did too. I have not. I feel as the head of the clan to do so would create discord and show favoritism.

They have been able to form soul bonds with their Watchers as well. A Slayer picks a Watcher much like that show where you go on a date with five people and slowly eliminate the candidates until you have one. The new Watchers line up and any one the Slayer feels a pull toward get to spend time with them until a match is found. They then work together both learning and training as a pair.

When they are ready they bond and are ready to be sent on assignments. Anywhere we hear of high activity or any place with a hellmouth we send the girls. Hellmouths are assigned a team of nine girls who take turns on patrols and help each other on big stuff. The groups train together before going to make sure they are all compatible. They form their own clan so to speak.

Trouble spots get six and average areas get three. No Slayer is ever alone any more. They can live somewhat normal lives and know their sisters are there when they need them. Some of the girls are more adept at research or magic. The groups tend to have at least one mage, one demonologist, and one fighter. Groups of six have two and groups of nine have three. Masters check in on them from time to time. We got a lot started in the last year.” William just looked at her in amazement.

William felt a buzz of another immortal. Buffy to felt something following them. * Just what I need a duel* William thought as he pulled Buffy beside him. They had been on their way to a graveyard where William had found a new nest. They stopped near a building and William pressed Buffy against the wall. They looked like a couple making out and they were, except for the fact that it was an actual sword Buffy was reaching for. As they felt him approach William turned towards him. To their surprise he was a she. William smiled and put his sword out of sight. The woman walked up and hugged him.

“William, what are you doing out at this time of evening alone?” the woman said knowing that Buffy was with him and had heard her. William heard what could only be described as a growl coming from Buffy. “Don’t be rude Amanda.” He admonished as he stepped back to Buffy and put his arm around her. Buffy shrugged his arm off her shoulder letting him know she was not pleased, then stepped between him and this woman. Amanda got the silent message. Get to him go through her. She almost chuckled.

William leaned forward to whisper in Buffy’s ear, “Down Slayer, Duncan would be mad if you harm his Mate.” It took mere second before Buffy realized what he had said and relaxed a bit. “His Mate needs to learn to leave mine alone” Buffy hissed at William. Amanda still looked amused, but Spike could not believe what she had just said. He turned her around to look at him, “Say that again Slayer” He challenged.

Buffy grinned and William noticed her eyes were a lot greener than normal, almost gold. “Spike was claimed by the Slayer a long time ago William. You are MINE!” She said in a voice that was so sweet yet it held a threat as well. She was testing to see if he would challenge her claim. “Yes I am yours as you are MINE also” he answered. William smirked back at her, “Soon we will do that the right way Luv.” He promised before turning back to Amanda who had been forgotten as she watched the pair.

“As you know I’m Amanda. From the way William is acting you had best be Buffy or we will both have to kick his arse.” Amanda said laughing as she held out her hand to Buffy. William rolled his eyes. “I think I may like her after all. Thanks for not making me kill you. So how long have you known my William?” Buffy as she and Amanda walked off leaving William to follow. The two acted like old girlfriends. As if one had not been threatening the other just moments before. William shook his head and thought*Women*. The trio headed back to the dojo.


Xander had been working out most of the day. When he took a break he decided to read more from the books Joe had gotten them. He was reading about the scourge of Europe when Duncan came back with Adam. “Studying on a weekend?” Adam asked with a smirk. “Always know the enemy” Xander replied, “To what do we own the pleasure of your company Adam?” “Adam is going to be staying with us for a while. Joe is coming over to meet Buffy in the morning. Have the love bird returned yet?” Duncan asked.

Xander rolled his eyes as he closed the book. He was about to answer when the door opened and the couple in question came in. William was still following the girls who had become fast friends. “Duncan” Amanda greeted him with a kiss before turning to Adam and waving hello. “William, Buffy…Allow me to introduce you to Adam Pierson. An old friend of mine. He’s also with our Watchers. He has been researching Methos, the oldest known among us.” Duncan said as William and Buffy shook hands with Adam.

Buffy had an odd look on her face as she felt something was odd about Adam. He was an immortal of some age. She did not say anything as she felt that not all were allowed to know this. She also felt a magic around him that she assumed was to help mask him from other immortals. William felt like he had met this man before, “You remind me of someone I meet once.” He almost whispered as he took Adams hand. “{That we can speak of later} I have a familiar face.” Adam said. The first he had said in Gaelic knowing William would understand.

“Adam will be staying with us for a few days. Joe is coming in the morning and wishes to meet with you and Buffy if that is okay. He is head of our area council.” William looked at Buffy, “That’s fine Duncan. If you don’t mind we are going to head to bed. It’s been a long day and I want to rest a bit before William and I go out on patrol. We plan to head out about two and attack a nest if your up for it.” Buffy said with a smile. “Let’s party” Xander answered. The rest nodded. “Cool, will meet here at one thirty get a plan and head out. See ya.” Buffy said as she took William’s hand and headed for their room. Adam looked at Duncan, “Is she always like that?” he asked. “I like her. Reminds me of someone. Come on Duncan.” Amanda said taking Duncan’s hand and heading up to their room. Duncan just smiled at the two men as he followed his girlfriend. Adam and Xander looked at one another. “So what were you reading” Adam asked.


One thirty Buffy was standing at the table looking over her weapons. She and William went to get her stuff from her hotel while they were out. She picked a few of her weapons and was now putting them on her person. Xander watched in amazement as she hid various weapons. “I wasn’t that well outfitted when I was undercover in Russia. You plan’n to take out a nest or declare war on the demon population.” He asked with his best bad boy smirk. Buffy almost laughed at him trying to act like the big bad. He still had nothing on William who walk in just in time to answer him, “That’s what a Slayer is mate.” William wrapped an arm around Buffy’s waist and kissed her neck, “From the time she was called the demon population has sought her death. She couldn’t do anything but declare war. Especially living on a hellmouth. She has dealt with some of the worst of the worst. I’m just glade I got to be there with her through most of it.” William said with a smile. “Even when we were trying to kill each other?” Buffy asked forgetting Xander did not know who William had been. “Oh Love you know how much I loved Dance’n with you. The only Slayer I couldn’t kill. Your why I’m the man I am today” William said.

Xander had watched to two and started to wonder. He had just read about William the Bloody. As he looked at William an idea formed in his head. He quickly dismissed the thought as ludicrous, but it stayed in the back of his mind. The others appeared about that time and Buffy got down to business.

“Okay the graveyard has entrances here and here. The crypt is here. I don’t know about Adam and Amanda but I have seen what William, Xander and Duncan can do.” Buffy started. “They can hold their own” Duncan said with a look that told Buffy all she needed to know. “Okay we work in teams. Adam, William and me will be team one, Xander, Duncan, and Amanda team two. Team two will go in make a sweep and watch for party crashers. Team one will enter the crypt and take out the nest. Any question?” Buffy asked. Adam, Duncan and Amanda were impressed and had questions but no one voiced them. Xander knew an order from a competent leader when he heard one and again thought William was a lucky bastard. Buffy nodded, “Okay then lets go. It’s not to far so on foot if no one objects.” They all pickup up their swords and a few stakes and headed out.

Team two moved in and took out a few vamps returning from their evening meals. Team one entered the crypt to find fifteen vamps getting ready for sunrise. One of the vamps recognized the Slayer, a few others felt Spike’s mark on her, and a few recognized the formally undead prince himself. The ones who didn’t know either attacked. The fight was on. William dusted a few and was fighting his fourth, Adam was on his third and Buffy had dusted six and was walking toward the ones cowering in the corner. They looked at William as he finished the vamp he was fighting. The couple in the corner cried out, “Master Spike please don’t let her kill us. Sire please” they pleaded. The three demon hunters stopped. William walked over to them, “Who are you to call me Sire?” he asked.
“Master we are of your line. Before you and your queen went to the hellmouth. We were only here for the protection from the dawn. We have not been hunting I swear. I am Henry and this is my mate Dana. We were sired just before the mistress was hurt. We came here looking for you. We seek only familiar bonds with our line I swear.” Henry was eyeing the other two as he spoke to William. “Henry how have you survived if you do not hunt?” William asked in a deadly tone. “Please Sire, we take bagged blood or we work at the dens.” Dana said with her eyes on the floor afraid to look upon them especially Adam. “Dana I know you? Who am I? Why do you not look upon my face or ask me for you life?” Adam asked. “Who am I to ask such a thing of the pale rider? We plead with our Sire. The Slayer is death to our kind and you are Death to all. I would see a sun rise again before looking upon your face.” Dana said in whispers. Buffy looked at Adam who mouthed ‘later’ to her. “If you seek Aurelians then seek no further. If you swear by me, keep bagging you blood and do my biding I will seek to convince my companions to spare you.” William said. Without hesitation the couple pledged their lives to William.

William looked at Buffy, “As long as they do not hunt they can be useful. I will grant them a stay but the Slayer demands the rights of a Master. It must be shown before she will consent.” Buffy stated matter of factly. They turned to Adam, “I am known as Death who rides the pale horse. I am one of the four. I am also called Methos. This we will discus later. I leave this decision to the Masters.” Adam said before stepping into the back ground.

“Slayer no disrespect to our Sire but why should we treat you as a Master?” Henry asked knowing it could all be over soon one way or another. Buffy let her slayer through now that Methos had been reveled.”She is my Mate.” Spike said. Buffy put a hand on his arm before speaking. “Look at me childe and be my childer. ”Buffy said. Henry looked into her demon like eyes and saw her fangs. He gasp for unneeded breath as he looked upon The Slayer. He saw the Slayer demon, he felt the presence of a very powerful very old master and he submitted to that power and to the fact that she was his Sire’s mate.

Methos was a bit surprised when the vamps swore loyalty to her as they did William. Buffy instructed each to give their wrist. They did and she bit them. She offered hers in return and William almost dusted them then but a sound of warning from Buffy stopped him. Once the blood was shared Buffy turned to the two, “I claim you as mine. Your live are mine to keep or throw away. Honor your oath to me my childer and I will keep this to you, No Vampire nor Slayer will harm you while you carry my mark. Our bond is stronger than that of Sire and Chile so I will know if you disobey me and you can dust with a word.” “Yes Mistress” the couple said. “If you wish you may stay here for the night. I will look for a better place for you. You will come when I call. The bond is better than a telephone. We must join the rest of the pack on the hunt now. Be well my Childer.” Buffy said as the couple hid from sight. Team one left the building.

Team two had been worried and waiting outside. Xander had tried to go in several time but Duncan would not allow it. Buffy looked up at them and waited Xander finally understood and said they had killed six. He seemed proud of that until Buffy retorted with thirteen and gained two minions. Duncan was the only person on team two who seemed to understand. The two teams returned to the dojo for some much needed rest before the meetings and questions later that morning.

The next morning Joe arrived as the group was sitting down to the
breakfast Amanda and Duncan had fixed. Joe was given a plate a
relieved of the books he had been carrying. Once he looked up he
said good morning to Xander, Amanda, Duncan, and Adam. When he
looked over at the two blonds he took on a shade of pale green.

"Joe what's wrong" Amanda asked as she saw the frightened look on
the watchers face. Joe just stared at William. Methos and Duncan
were trying not to laugh. "William" Duncan asked, "Can we be candid
with all present. I promise they can be trusted." William thought
for a moment. "All right Duncan but we can tell them after we eat.
Joe I am who you think but I am no longer what you think. You have
no reason to fear me." Joe gulped and nodded.

They all finished breakfast and retired to the living room to wait
the information William was to give them. "Many of you have known me
as William for a while. I was born to that name sometime in the
1860's in Victorian London." William started. Buffy took his hand
knowing this was hard for him. Amanda was slightly surprised. Xander
looked as if he had been sucker punched. Suddenly his crazy idea did
not sound so crazy. He did not find comfort in that fact.

William took a breath as he began again, "Some of those here know
that around 1880 I was bitten by a vampire and turned. For over
fifty years I was part of the most feared foursome in the world,
since the four horsemen rode. I killed two slayers and gained the
name Slayer of Slayers. I found myself in Sunnydale California about
eight years ago where I was looking for my grand sire so I could
save my sire. While there I met a slayer I could not kill. After a
long hard journey and help from her, her friend, a little government
plastic, and the Powers the Be I became a man again. I won my soul
and died to help her save the world. The Powers sent me back to what
I will call my fourth life. I awoke to find myself here as an
immortal. The rest most of you know." William finished. Methos had
glared to William for mentioning the four horsemen. Buffy stifled a
giggle at the man. If any of the rest noticed this they did not show
it. Most where trying to digest the information William had given
them.

"I knew I had met you before." Amanda smiled but William just looked
at her. "I was at that party. I was planning on stealing some works
of art from a friend of the Underwood's. I was getting to know one
of the girls there to use the information. What ever happened to
that upstart you had a crush on." William blinked for a moment
before Buffy answered, "She became a Vengeance Demon though she
prefers to be called a Justice demon. We have dealt with her once or
twice. She was a friend of an ex-vengeance demon we use to know."
Buffy said sounding a little sad.

William wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "We all
miss Anya, luv. I wish we could have saved her and the others we
lost to the hellmouth. We did what we could and we made their
sacrifices count. So stop blaming yourself. She was over a thousand
years old. She knew what she was getting into when she joined up."
William said to her.

"Well I assume that you Buffy would be the Slayer he mentioned." Joe
asked, he wondered if this was the one Duncan had spoken of. If so
what would it mean to have an immortal slayer? "Very observant of
you Watcher. I am not just a Slayer, I am The Slayer. I am the
Master over my race. We fought the First Evil and William died
sealing the hellmouth. During that time a witch I know cast a spell
for me awaking the sleeping Slayers. When that happened I was the
oldest and most experienced. The other Slayers saw me as their
Master and that is what has happened since we were awakened into
this time. I carry the first Slayer and all those since in me. It is
similar to how I am told immortals feel after a quickening. I have
their memories and skills to use, as I need. I pasted some on to my
underlings and they teach them to the fledglings." Buffy said.

Many hours past as the group asked questions of the two. After a
while Joe left with a contact number for the council. Knowing they
needed to talk Adam asked the two to join him for a walk. The
finally found a quiet bar to sit in. It was his turn. Buffy
explained about what he saw the other night and he explained about
being Death. The three left to find a place for their minions to
live. Buffy took money from her private accounts and bought a house
that was reasonable priced. It had a basement with a sewer entrance.
She and William laughed about how only a Slayer and Former Vamp
could find a house owned by vampires. Buffy owning the house keep un
wanted vamps out. They set the place up as somewhere they could go
when they needed to be safe or needed a head quarters. Buffy used
her connection to call forth her new childer. When they arrived she
invited them in. They were told they would live at the home and
would be asked to help remove other clans from the area. Once things
were settled they returned to the dojo.

It was late in the evening when Buffy and William returned from
patrol. Duncan was asked if they could use the dojo to train the
minions. He was not sure how he felt about it. Buffy explained her
bond to the two and that through that bond she could work much like
Spike's chip had. She can since evil intent and punish or dust them
with a thought. Duncan finally agreed though he still did not like
it.

The next morning Buffy awake to her cell phone going off. The person
calling was not going to leave a message since they kept calling
back. Buffy looked at the ID and groaned. Careful not to awaken
William she pulled on a robe and answered the phone as she walked
into the hallway. "The world had better be ending if your calling me
this early." Buffy growled thinking it was one of her
Slayers. "Buffy Summer where have you been." Giles yelled over the
phone. Oops she had forgotten to check in with her watcher for
almost a week. "Sorry Giles. I have been kinda busy here in
Seacover. Oh you should be getting a call for a man named Joe
Dawson. He can explain everything but I think it would be better if
you came so you can see for yourself and start the research and
everything `cause I know there is a prophesy about this somewhere
hidden in the old records." Buffy rambled until she paused and heard
Giles calling her name, "Buffy , Buffy , Buffy…. What are you
talking about?" Buffy stopped for a moment……"I found him Giles. He's
back and not just that he's alive." "who, What are you talking about
Buffy who's back?" Giles asked as he waved Willow over. He was
worried that Buffy was going through another change do to her
Slayer. He had been worried about her mental status. "William that's
who! There is more but I can't over the phone. Talk to Joe when he
calls and then bring Willow, Xander, Faith and Dawn. He'll be happy
to see you. Ohh Duncan is up I got go train. I'll talk to you soon."
Giles here a dial tone in his ear.

Giles looked at Willow, "Call a Scooby meeting ASAP." Willow nodded
and started calling the group together. With in half an hour Dawn,
Faith, Willow, and Xander all sat in Giles' office waiting for his
news. "I'm worried about Buffy. I think her Slayer side is doing
something to her mind. I called her after a week of no contact and…
well let me let you hear for yourselves." Giles replayed the phone
call for them to hear. They all sat back for a moment trying to
figure out what she was talking about. With in seconds Dawn was
looking at the still clueless group, "As always you guys are dense
as bricks. She goes looking for her self, she has been out of
contact for a week and then says she's found him." Everyone looked
at Dawn waiting for an explanation. Dawn rolled her eyes, "Spike is
back. That is why she wants US there and why she mentioned prophesy
and research. I guess I'm the only one who speaks Buffy. For some
reason the PTB brought Spike back and he is alive. That is where
Buffy has been for the last week. So let's book a flight watcher
man." With that Dawn left to pack. She was going to see her sister
and Spike whether the others did or not.

The rest of the group spent the next hour discussing what had
happened. Faith said that other then somehow taking Childer she
could not feel anything through the Slayer connection, Willow was
gathering books that might explain what was going on. Xander was
wondering if maybe Anya might come back too if he believed hard
enough. Then he thought about the date he had last night. He would
always miss Anya but he knew he had not yet found what Buffy had
once had with Spike of all creatures. Giles started making plans for
them to go to Seacover. He also planed a stop over in LA to talk to
Angel. It may not be a wise idea brining him into it but Giles was
not sure what the situation was and if anyone else could get through
to Buffy. He was lost in his thoughts when his secretary told him he
had a call. "Hello this is Rupert Giles." He said as he answered the
phone. "Mr. Giles, I'm Joe Dawson. Your Master Slayer Buffy Summer
gave me you number we need to talk is this a secure line?"

Giles and Joe talked as Joe let him know about the resent
revelations in Seacover. He told Giles about immortals and that they
think Buffy might be a future immortal. Giles sat back. As he
digested all the information he had been given in the last few
hours. He called Willow and told her to search the database for
anything to do with immortals or an immortal slayer. Willow was
confused but Giles said he would tell everyone on the flight.
Later that evening the Scoobies were on a flight and Giles was
filling them in on what he had learned. He even told them he was
thinking of brining Angel in but after talking with Joe he decided
it was really not a good idea.

Mean while in LA

Angel was looking at reports that had been coming across his desk.
He was getting worried. It seemed there was a new major player in a
little town called Seacover. He had placed a call to Giles but was
told that Buffy was already on it and the Scoobies had gone to join
her. Angel had a bad feeling as some of the reports pointed to a
member of the Aurelian clan being the Master of this new group
forming. He made arrangements to go there himself. If it was an
Aurelian then it was his responsibility as the oldest Master Vampire
in the clan to end the threat.

Giles and the Scoobies got off the plane. Joe was there to meet
them. "Mr. Giles, I'm Joe. I must say I was not expecting so many
people to come with you. I will have to work on more accommodations
but it wont be a problem. I'll take you to the hotel and we can
arrange for the extra rooms. I have a car but we will also rent
another if one of your people can drive it they can follow me."
Giles nodded and followed Joe. The Scoobies all fell in place moving
as a unit. To the untrained they looked like a group walking but Joe
could see they were covering each other's back.

Once they reached the hotel Joe began talking with the manager about
the extra rooms. The group began visual sweeps of the lobby. "Giles"
Willow called out. Joe turned to see what was up as Giles turned to
look at Angel walking through the doors. "I'll be back in a moment
Joe." Giles said as he joined the Scoobies who were loosely
surrounding Angel. Giles gestured for them to step off to the side.
Once away from the crowds Giles turn to Angel.

"What the Bloody hell are you doing here?" Giles or rather Ripper
growled at Angel. "I'm here on business. I called they said Buffy
and crew were here. I have had multiple reports of and Aurelian
trying to lay claim as master of the city. As the oldest Member of
the Clan it is my responsibility to find out what is going on an
take care of it." Angel said. He was a bit surprised at Giles's
behavior and his agitation showed. "Okay dead boy The Slayer has it
under control. It is her matter to take care of not yours. Go back
to Evil inc and take care of your own playground." Xander seemed
almost as hostile as Giles had. "I was also hoping to see Buffy and
see how she is doing. I don't want to cause trouble but Giles you
know as head of the clan I have a valid interest in what is going on
here." Angel said letting some of his anger slip away. "Buffy is
fine Angel. Go home we will let you know what is going on and IF you
are needed we will let you know. You being here will only cause
problems for now." Willow said trying to sound understanding
although she agreed with the others. Angel had not offered
assistance or called to see how anyone was doing in the past year,
so his concern now was annoying.

Angel sighed, "I will be in town for a few days. Here is my cell
number. Call me and let me know something soon. I wont do anything
yet but I cannot leave knowing there is an Aurelian threat out
there. For all I know it could even be Drusilla." Angel handed Giles
a card and turned to leave. Faith and Dawn blocked his way. "Don't
try to see Buffy while you are here. She has been through a lot this
past year and she does not need the past haunting her right now."
Dawn said as she gave him her best evil glare. Faith just looked at
him for a moment, "Buffy will let you know if she wants to see you.
I'll tell her your concerns." Faith said softly. Angel stared at her
for a moment. Something was different about her. She felt more
powerful, His demon felt the presence of another Master and it was
coming from Faith. "Something is different about you. Why does my
demon see you as an equal and a threat?" Angel asked her as he tried
to figure out his own confused thoughts. Faith smiled and allowed a
bit of her Slayer to show through before answering, "Think on it
Angel. I'm sure you can figure it out. I know there is a smart man
behind that angelic face. As Wesley, what is a Slayer? What happens
when instead of one you awaken hundreds. Word of advise though……You
don't want to see what I am and you really do not want to mess with
My Family." Faith said as she walked away. Angel was in shock. He
wanted to demand answers but he also some how knew that if he pushed
them any further Faith could and would rip him to bits. Instead he
just nodded his head and left.

Giles returned to where Joe was waiting with the keys to their rooms
while the others keep a watch for any more of the fang gang. Joe
raised an eyebrow in question at Giles who just shrugged and told
him it was an old acquaintance of Buffy's that did not know when to
let go. Joe had nodded but was seriously worried. First he had
William the Bloody show up as an Immortal of the non-vamp kind, then
the slayer who was suppose to be little more than myth, and if he's
memory was correct he had just seen Angelus. Life was getting
stranger than fiction in Seacover. After the group got settled they
followed Joe to his bar where they would meet up with Buffy and then
the others.

Angel tried to follow but a inhuman growl from Faith had his demon
wanting to leave. That was a first for Angel. He did not know how to
act when even Angelus did not want to press his luck. Angel nodded
and slipped away heading for his own rooms to brood.

Chapter4 meetings
The Scoobies arrived at Joe’s bar, where they are introduced to Xander, Duncan, Adam and Amanda. They all found seat around the bar and Adam helped Joe and Duncan get drinks for everyone.

Duncan laughed as Joe brought out a fried onion blossom and hot wings. “Joe I hope you have more of these. They are William’s favorite and he will want a plate of each for himself. Last time we cooked hot wings I nearly lost a hand reaching for the last of them.” Duncan laughed at the shocked faces on most of the Scoobies.

X just shook his head, “Stopped at a bar one night and he almost took my head for touching his onion.” He chuckled. Xander looked around and looked at Willow. There was sadness in her eyes as she reminded him softly, “Remember when we bought them for Spike ‘cause he threatened to have us killed if we didn’t?”

Xander laughed quietly, “Yeah I had to bring them home from the bronze when he lived in the closet.” The rest of the Scoobies looked as if they understood but the others had questions in their eyes that they would be asking the blond later.

About fifteen minutes later Buffy and William arrived. Everyone rushed to hug Buffy. Telling her how much they missed her and were worried about her.

William stepped back and let them say hello to her. “Oh dear Lord!” Giles exclaimed when he saw finally saw William standing by the door. Willow and Dawn surprised him by rushing up and hugging him, Xander stood there looking like a fish out of water and Faith tossed him a “hey” and a wink.

“Spike, I so knew you would be back.” ”Wow is that a heartbeat?” “He’s all warm.” “I’m gona kill you for not telling us.” “I can’t believe your back so much has happened.” “I missed you”; “I love you.” Willow and Dawn babbled until William put a hand over both of their mouths.

“Willow, Dawn stop. We can talk about this later. Nibblet, I’m sorry I did not come see you but I had a lot to do first. Red, you will have plenty of time to start research and try and figure out why I’m back and why I’m like I am. I have missed you all and I love you guys but let’s sit down and finish this talk in a calmer manner and its William now. Spike died in the hellmouth.” With that William let them go and returned to Buffy.

He was even more surprised when Xander offered him his hand. He shook his hand and they nodded at one another. They had reached an understanding the way only guys can. William looked a Buffy and saw tears in her eyes.

He was trying not to cry himself, but when Giles turned him around and hugged him whispering, “Good to have you back. Told you that you had a higher calling” William could not keep back the tears. Buffy came over to the two and joined on the hug, until Duncan cleared his throat. They three smiled sheepishly and took their seats.

They talked the rest of the afternoon and made plans to meet back at the dojo the nest day to start research. Buffy and Faith took a walk to discuss thing. Buffy told her about taking the vampires as childer. Faith told her about Angel.

“Shit. I knew we would have to face him again sooner or later but I was hoping it would be later. I really don’t need him starting with the clan shit. Tell him you talked to me and I want him to go home. Things are handled here and have nothing to do with the Aurelians. Tell him I will contact him sometime with in the next month for a meet.” Buffy said before looking up again her eyes changing color as the Slayer came forth.

“Make sure he knows how bad it would be to stay here.” She growled. Faith smiled her eyes the same color as Buffy’s, “Were five by five sista girl” Faith said as they returned to the others. William looked at Buffy when they entered a small nod to each other said they would talk later. Everyone broke up for the night and went to the rooms for the night.

When Buffy and William got into their room she broke down. William held her in his arms as she cried. Finally she calmed and looked up at him. When she saw the love he felt for her shining clearly in his eyes, she sighed and told him about Angel. They talked for hours about how to handle him. They both loved him still but as a distant relative. He would always be family but they did not want him to try and come play Daddy. A plan was made and they finally sleep knowing they had work to do the next day.

Once back at the hotel Faith sought out Angel for a little chat. Her Slayer was looking forward to the encounter. She found him in they lobby waiting for them to return. He smelt Buffy on them and someone else familiar but he could not place the sent. “Angel, let’s walk,” Faith growled before walking into the night knowing he would follow her.

Angel was confused to feel the presence of a powerful Master about. He started to warn Faith when he looked up and saw her Slayer. “Angel honey, close your mouth you look like a fish. I have a message from my Master. Leave Seacouver to the Slayer and her Mate. She will contact you at your offices in less than a month.” Faith purred around her fangs. “What are you? What Master? Faith look at yourself you’re a demon.” Angel said trying to figure out what was going on while his demon was telling him to submit and get the hell out of there.

Faith smiled, ”No Angel you are a demon I am a Master Slayer. Listen to your demon Angel. Angelus is behaving smarter than you in this matter. This is no time or place for you to be the white knight. My Master asked me to give you this warning. We both know you won’t listen. Try and think of Seacouver as the new Sunnydale, Slayers have it covered. Oh and Angel….if you run into others that feel like me be careful. Not all the Slayers know what you look like and might kill you by mistake. To be safe just stay in LA and we will stay out unless it’s a prearranged visit. Night Ang.” Faith walked back to the hotel leaving a confused vampire standing behind her.

The next morning they all set around a table at Duncan’s dojo and started research on Buffy and William. Joe was impressed not only with they precision shown by the team but the resources they had as well.

Willow set up her laptop and connected to the Watcher Council library. Once on she searched the prophecy database and sent an email to the research groups to get them started looking. Things were set in motion so she grabbed a book with the rest of the group and began reading.

Mean while Duncan, Amanda, Methos, X, William and Buffy trained. Giles and Joe excused themselves to watch the sparing for a bit. They expected the younger immortals to face off against the older ones. They were surprised when the first division was Duncan, Amanda and X on one side and William, Buffy and Methos on the other. Giles did not know why this confused Joe.

They decided to pare off for the first spar match. X took William; Amanda took Buffy; Duncan and Methos just smiled at each other before getting into fighting stance.

To the watchers’ surprise they all seemed evenly matched. When they called a halt Amanda looked at Buffy, “You held back didn’t you?” Buffy grinned, “I spared with you as I would any other human with your skills. I still used my agility and speed, just half force on my strength.” Buffy answered. Amanda rubbed a spot on her arm that would be bruised for a bit and mumbled, “I hate to feel full strength.” Buffy laughed causing Amanda to look up at her in shock. Buffy tapped her ear before walking to her towel. Amanda shook her head and did the same.

William pulled X to the side, “Is there a problem X?” he asked the young immortal. “Why would there be a problem?” X asked sarcastically as he looked over at Buffy.

“Look X, I thought we were becoming friends. I can try to explain Buffy and me to you but you’ll never get it, no one does. We have been through so much together. Angelus was the one who trained me to be a vampire; he was my father, my sire, my teacher…my Yoda. He met Buffy just after she was called as a Slayer. If he got past his jealously the he might be able to explain it in a way I cannot. The Slayer and I have changed so much since meeting each other that those who knew us before that time would not recognize us any more. It is much more than the physical changes we have gone through. It is the emotional and mental changes, it is the maturing of our souls. Funny to think that it took two hundred and some odd years to mature me into a twenty eight year old.” William said laughing.

X sighed, “It’s not just that. I guess it’s more me trying to find me. I realize that yes I am jealous of you. I’m trying to deal with it ‘cause it’s not your fault. You come in and you get the girl, your in with the old guys, you have all these new people. It’s just hard to find my place in all this. I’m so use to doing my own thing my own way. Some times I think I should just go back and try and forget any of this ever happened.”

William smiled, “But you can’t. You know what is out there and you can’t stand by and watch. You have to do what you can to stop it. It’s part of you X. It’s why you started the Xander Zone. Then you hunted evil humans. Now you can still do that and fight demons when needed. Maybe when Duncan thinks you’re ready to be on your own you can see about heading to LA. Angel has a investigation business there. They fight evil and help people. Besides the two of you already have something in common,” he said with a smile as he started to walk away.

X took the bate, “What’s that?” he asked. William’s smile turned into a smirk as he turned and he shrugged and simple said, “The girl Loves me!” he walked over to Buffy and kissed her while winking at a fuming Xander.

Buffy shook her head, “Was that necessary?” she asked. Her super hearing let her hear the whole conversation and he knew it. “Yes it was. Had to straighten him out. Besides I think him an Peaches would drive each other crazy. I might not be a vampire any more but I can still be a thorn in the old granddad’s side.” William said laughing.

Duncan and Methos had been watching the youngsters and just shook there heads. Amanda had this pleased smile on her face that made the men nervous, “Duncan what do you think about having Cassandra over for dinner?” Duncan looked pleadingly at Methos who just laughed. The three had settled their differences with Cassandra over the years and though they were not good friends they were close friends.

“Duncan can I speak with you a moment.” William asked. Duncan lead them into his office, “What is it William?” he asked. “Well, it’s Buffy. She…I mean I feel….If she dies again she will be an immortal like us right?” William asked worried blue eyes meeting understanding brown ones.

“Yes William, but you can not tell her. We must just keep her safe until it is time and help her as best we can after that. We still do not know if you two are like us or something different altogether. Maybe your purpose in being immortal is to show us our true destiny. We still have to figure out the prophecies. I mean some of them allude to a child but immortals cannot have children.”

“I’ll not say anything until we know more but I will tell her. I don’t like keeping things from my Mate and it’s not easy to do in the first place. If I was still a vampire it would be impossible with the connection we have.” William said pointedly.

Duncan nodded showing he understood. As they talked more Duncan told him the story of when he married the Kate. They got married in Ireland, when she was a pre-Immortal. On their wedding night he stabbed her to death thinking he was doing her a favor and giving her a gift of immortality, but once she became Immortal, she panicked and disappeared. Years later they ran into each other and she tried to kill him.

Angel had been laying low since Faith told him to leave. He was seeking information in the Demon bars when he heard two vampires telling the bartender that their Sire wanted to make sure they had a source for food and would set up an account to pay for the deliveries.

The bartender, who was much like Willy, agreed as long as they keep the Slayers away from his bar. The two agreed and left to go home. Angel knew they were Aurelian the moment he came in the bar. The whole way home the two cuddled and spoke softly to each other. Angel felt a bit cheated at how easy it was to follow them. He hoped they would lead him to this Sire of theirs.

Henry and Dana knew the moment the old Master entered who he was. Buffy and William had warned them about William’s Grandsire. They were on a mission and could not break from protocol. In less than a week their Masters had taught them so much. The planned how to handle their Elder as they walked. Once home they hoped their Sire would be able to handle it.

Buffy, William, and the Scoobies stayed at the house. Giles was worried about Henry and Dana at first until he realized they were devoted to William and Buffy much like Spike had been after he realized he was in love with Buffy. They all worked over at the Dojo trying to figure out the prophecies.

They had been at it all week. William and Buffy told the group to move out of the hotel and into the house. Methos was also staying with them. They had just finished moving things over. When William sent the vampire out to secure a blood delivery.

Buffy looked up at William and Methos, “They’re back, and not alone” Buffy said as she paused for a moment, “Angel is following them. Let have some fun. Everyone to the back of the house. Willow turn on the security cameras we might want to keep this for later.”

When everyone left Buffy grabbed William and kissed him hard. “Buffy Luv now is not the time” William growled as he pulled back from her. Buffy smile, “I wanted to get our heartbeats really loud. You think you can fake fear good enough for him to try the white knight routine???” William smiled and kissed her.

Angel saw the two headed for the house. He could hear the heartbeats of two people in the house. Stupid fledges keep their food in the front rooms. Images of them hung on the walls filled his mind. He was so focused on what he saw as a threat he was not thinking clearly. He saw the two go in the house and for a moment his demon relished the fear he felt from inside.

Then he recognized the presence of an old Master. He was confused by what his senses where telling him. His soul and demon were at odds. His heart said something was wrong but his mind said he needed to act to save the people inside. He rushed the door, but bounced off the invisible wall.

William could not help but bust out laughing. He stepped out the door. “Well, well….If it isn’t Grandpa come to pay us a visit.” He smirked. “Henry, Dana did you do as you where told?” William asked back into the house.

The two vampires nodded. They were a bit nervous, but Buffy smiled and let them know it was okay. They stepped out on to the porch with William. “Children meet your Great grandsire. Angelus this is Henry and Dana. They are mine and you will not touch them.” William snarled.

Angel looked up at him, “Well, boy how did you get back. Last I heard you died in the hellmouth.” Angel growled trying to play the big bad Sire. William laughed, “Spike died in the hellmouth and yes I’m back. Listen tell me what you can hear Peaches.”

Angel looked confused then he heard the heartbeat. “What? Human? How?” Angel practically spit the words. He was the one who was supposed to get the reward of his humanity. He had the prophecy that foretold the souled one would be alive again.

Buffy finally stepped out with her slayer demon full on, “Angel, I thought Faith would have made it clear you were to leave this situation alone. I am taking on the role of Master of the city and taking over the town.”

Henry and Dana automatically took a submissive position when the Slayer walked out, “Master may we go finish our duties” Henry asked. Angel was surprised to see the two vampires talking to Buffy and calling her Master, not Spike. “Yes childe you may go. I am very pleased with you. You did well tonight and showed me that you have learned much. Come, I have a reward for you before you go.”

With that Buffy’s fangs bit her wrist and she offered it first to Dana then Henry, “I renew my bond with you my Childer.” Buffy said as they each took a small amount of her blood. They were very happy to receive such a gift and knew they would have this reward even if the Elder were not there. Angel stood there with his mouth opened before gasping, “Buffy what have you become?”

Yellow green eyes looked over at her former lover, “Angelus knows. You should listen when your demon gives you warning. These are my childer and William is my mate. Listen to your demon Angel. Do not push me. You do not want to see what a Master Slayer can do, much less what The Master Slayer can do. Go home where you belong. You are needed in LA, not here. I will keep my Slayers out of your city if you go now. If not then you will have Master Slayers taking out the evil demon clans and you will be out of business.”

She paused and the Slayer receded, “I do this as a favor to you, as some one I still care for. You were a big part of my life and you will always have a part of my heart, but the rest of me belongs to my mate, my family, and my line. Do not fight me on this. I do not want to hurt you as the world still needs you, but if your stubbornness causes you to become a threat I will take you out.”

There was finality to her words as she turned to walk back into her home. She stopped for a moment and over her shoulder she said, “and if I have to kill you again you will NOT be coming back.”

Spike stood smirking at the enraged Angel for a moment before speaking in a very serious tone that had Angel worried, “Angel, I have seen the Master Slayer at work. Even I would not have tried to take her out in my most reckless days. Stay on her good side and do as she asked. When we know more about why I’m back we will contact you.”

”We might need to speak with Wesley and Fred anyway so we can figure out the prophecies about Buffy and myself.” William followed his mate inside and slowly closed the door. Angel was dumb struck at what he had heard. Reluctantly he sighed and made plans to return to LA.

Once there he would have Wes start their own investigation into not only how and why Spi….William was back and among the living but as to what the Slayer was and how dangerous the Master of their line can be. He desperately hoped it would not come down to a battle. He was not sure he could kill her as she had him, even to save the world.