Chapter 26
“Ben is Glory.” Spike stared around at the blank faces looking back at him and sighed.
They were sitting in Buffy’s living room, having finally made it home, and he still couldn’t get them to believe that Glory and Ben were one and the same.
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You did hit your head pretty hard.”
Spike scowled at Xander and growled in frustration.
“Look, clearly this is some spell the bint has goin’ on so anyone who sees her little presto-change-o instantly forgets about it. Me bein’ other than human must make me immune. Point is Glory is Ben all right?”
Buffy pursed her lips and tried to let what he’d said sink in. Giles took off his glasses to give them a good polish, then putting on his best research face, regarded Spike thoughtfully.
“So what you’re saying is…Ben and Glory have a connection?”
Spike rolled his eyes and spoke very slowly.
“’S not that bleedin’ hard to understand. Ben-Glory-Glory-Ben.”
“So…Ben…is Glory?” Anya asked tentatively.
Spike raised his hands in thanks and gestured to Anya excitedly.
“Yes! And we have a winner!”
“Wonderful.” Giles beamed before turning to Spike. “Now, do we suspect that Glory and Ben are connected?”
All eyes turned to Spike as the Scoobies murmured in agreement. He gave up.
“Sod it. Never mind, jus’ get that box open, and let’s see what Doc got his head cut off for.”
He plopped down on the arm of the chair Buffy was sitting in, and she rubbed his back soothingly. She didn’t know what he was so frustrated about. Something to do with Ben and Glory, but she was anxious to know what he’d found.
They all leaned in when Giles opened the box. Inside were manuscripts, various papers, some charts, and a small book. Giles opened the book carefully and studied a few of the pages.
“Well, it will take some translating, but I believe this will be very helpful indeed. It does appear to describe a ritual of some sort---Yes, I think we might have something here.”
Buffy grinned at the news that they might finally have something useful. She took hold of Spike’s hand, giving it a squeeze, and he turned to face her, smiling shyly at the look she was giving him.
“Oh, h-hey, Dawn, is everything okay?” Tara spoke up.
Buffy looked over towards the hall where Dawn had just come downstairs. When they’d arrived home, Joyce had whisked her daughter into a firm hug before telling her how sorry she was, then proceeded to inform her of the almost heart-attack she’d given her by running off like that. When everything had calmed down, Dawn begged exhaustion, and Joyce and she had said goodnight. Joyce wanted to know about any info they got on Glory, but the evening had taken its toll on her and reassured that they probably wouldn’t know anything definite or be able to sort out a plan until morning, she’d headed off to bed.
“Yeah, it’s fine. Just wanted a drink,” Dawn answered, subdued.
“Oh, okay, sure. Night, Dawnie,” Buffy said, smiling.
Dawn took in the overly cheery smiles of the Scoobies, with the exception of Giles and Buffy, who acted normal. Spike just observed her silently and sighed. She headed off to the kitchen without another word. Spike waited a second, then excused himself before following Dawn into the kitchen. Curiously they watched him go, with the exception of Giles, who was too busy burying his nose in the book to notice anything.
“What’s that about?” Xander asked.
Buffy shook her head and glanced in the direction of the kitchen again before answering.
“I think he wants to talk to her about…stuff. This whole Key thing. Maybe, make her feel better.”
“Isn’t that your job?”
“Yeah, but I don’t think she’s ready to talk to me yet, and even if she doesn’t want to talk, Spike’s pretty perceptive. She might listen to what he has to say.”
“Why’s that?”
Buffy turned her attention back to the little group and joined Willow and Tara in picking up one of the manuscripts for inspection.
“She has a crush on him.”
Xander’s eyes bugged, and he nearly fell off the couch; he whipped his head up so fast. Buffy struggled to keep her eyes on the cryptic page in front of her and suppressed a giggle. Anya rolled her eyes and turned to look at the same page Tara was looking over.
“What? But no, I’m—me--she has a crush on me. I’m the adorable teenage crush. Funny-guy-Xander. When did I get replaced by Evil Dead Two?”
“Name-calling again, and apparently, she always found him kinda hot, which, hey, totally understandable. As for you being bumped down the crush chain? I think it happened after that huge fight when you acted like a jerk. Dawn has a long memory. She’s kinda like an elephant that way.”
Okay, so maybe that was a little harsh, but Buffy never really had gotten on Xander’s case about the stuff he’d said yet, and it was worth it for the look on his face. So the best way to give him a reality check appeared to be by removing his image as a crush-worthy idol for a young teen. Go figure.
“Is there like, some Spike loving gene inherent in all Summers women here? Because I’m sensing a trend. And don’t even try to deny the way your mom fusses over him, promising to keep marshmallows in stock for him and anything else he likes. Oh yeah, I noticed. Does he have some sort of Summers thrall?”
I’ve wondered that myself, Buffy smiled and kept her head down.
***
“You doin’ okay Nibblet?”
Dawn looked up at Spike, leaning against the doorframe as she picked up her glass of water. He had his head tilted to one side and one eyebrow quirked.
“I’m fine, really. A little overwhelmed maybe. It’s not every day you find out you’re some mystical, glowy, Key thingy---but I’ll deal.”
Spike jutted his jaw out and glanced at the floor, sliding his hands into his duster.
“Uh huh. You know, they don’t think of you differently. You’re still Dawn to them. Jus’ gonna take them a while to get over the news is all, like you said.”
Dawn stared into her glass of water. How did he always know what people were thinking?
“I just wish we could skip the getting used to it part. It’s not easy being looked at like I’m going to fall to pieces if they don’t pretend things are okay. It’s worse than when they treated me like a kid. They’re all so busy trying to make everything seem normal. They don’t realize they’re acting differently towards me.”
“Well they always were a little slow to catch on.”
Dawn grinned a little at that, and Spike smiled.
“Least you still have your mum and Buffy. They didn’t act different around you when they found out, did they?”
Dawn shook her head.
“And me. I couldn’t care less what you’re s’posed to be. You’re Nibblet, and it doesn’t change the good advice you’ve given me or the way you accept me. Oh, and I s’pose the Watcher, he acts pretty normal around you, even if he’s a git.”
Dawn closed the gap between them and hugged him. Spike was surprised by the move, but relaxed after a moment and hugged her back. She reluctantly pulled back and gave him a smile.
“Thanks, Spike.”
“Welcome, Bit.”
They walked into the hall together and said goodnight as Spike went to join Buffy, and Dawn turned to go upstairs. The sisters’ eyes met briefly, and Dawn exchanged a smile with Buffy, who smiled back before heading upstairs. She was halfway up when Xander’s voice stopped her.
“Hey Dawnie, you know anytime you want to talk or whatever, the Xan-man’s here for you.”
Dawn frowned in confusion, and Buffy rolled her eyes. Spike threw him an odd look before sitting down and deciding to just ignore him.
“Um, thanks…I guess.”
Xander sighed defeated as Dawn hurried up the last few steps.
“I guess we’re in for a long night of research then.” He scanned the pile of charts and papers on the coffee table in front of him, rubbed his hands together, and stood up. “Okay, so time I fixed that door.”
Spike watched amused as Xander walked by him, preparing to get his tools together for some manual labor. He turned to Buffy who was still flicking through manuscripts. She spoke quietly without looking at him.
“Thank you. Something tells me she needed that talk.”
He shrugged, thankful he couldn’t blush.
“Jus’ wanted to make sure she knew I don’ think any different of her. So luv, what do we do now?”
Buffy picked up a faded piece of paper and handed it to him. He glanced at it and raised a scarred eyebrow at her. Suppressing a grin, she looked him straight in the eye.
“Research. Welcome to the Scoobies.”
***
Now this, this was power. He had it so wrong before. You needed blood, but you didn’t need a person to provide it, you took it. You took everything you wanted.
So much strength. So warm…
The last of the girl’s whimpers were cut off as he drove his fangs further into her neck, pulling on the blood, drinking her life. When he’d drained her dry he pulled back savagely, tearing the flesh of her throat and letting her fall to the ground like a rag doll. He licked his lips and snarled triumphantly. With this power he felt unstoppable. For so long he’d fought creatures like the one he’d become, hoping to exterminate them, thinking them filth. Now it seemed so clear. Vampires weren’t filth. They were higher up the food chain, and humans were just fodder who thought themselves special because they could walk in the daylight. Soon though, all those he knew would be dead while he lived on, would live on, for centuries to come. The thought gave him pause.
Is there really anything here worth living on for? Feeding, hunting, surviving. For what? What use is it if we have to live in the shadows and watch as humans change the earth? Gradually destroying it with their arrogance. They are the filth, the vermin. They need to be put back in their place.
A sudden crash grabbed his attention, and he turned yellow eyes to the end of the alley where pieces of broken crates and tipped up garbage cans lay scattered. He saw a figure emerge, coughing and patting herself down with their hands. A woman, he realized. Blonde, wearing some odd looking clothes. He looked closer. They looked like men‘s clothes, too big for her small frame. He glanced up, wondering where she could have fallen from, but all that he could see was the dark night sky. He stayed in the shadows, observing the woman. He could bite her, but he had just fed, and her arrival in the alley was strange. He could also sense power. Faint, as he had yet to hone his senses, but he could still distinguish it, warning him to be wary.
“I hate that witch! Ugh, it’s gonna be a bitch getting these splinters out, not to mention that sand she threw at me. Damn stuff’s worse than glitter---At least it wasn’t any of my clothes that got ruined. Oh Ben sweety! You’ve really gone and done it this time. Just what were you doing with the Slayer and her friends?”
He watched as she looked skyward, flailing her arms around as she talked. She had to be crazy. Then again, this was a crazy town.
“Ben, get your butt out here and talk to me! I can feel you, you maggot!”
The vamp was about to move forward when her appearance shifted, and suddenly he was staring at a man. At a human man. His eyes widened and he began listening very intently. This was something you didn’t see every day. Even on the Hellmouth. He realized he knew the human. He was an intern at the hospital, which would explain the men’s clothing, but not why he was changing into this woman.
“I wasn’t plotting against you if that’s what you think. You think I want them to know I’m your vessel? I’d rather live thanks. It’s bad enough the enemies you’ve made over the years finding out and hunting me down. I just want to be left alone in peace!”
He shifted back to the blonde woman, who turned and began pacing as she spoke.
“Hate to break it to you honey, but you aren’t normal. And a peaceful life? So not in your cards. If you’d just help me, you could be so much more. I’d be very grateful. I have some hell-gods to punish when I get back. I’m sure there would be lots of benefits I could give you as a ruler once my dominion was established.”
She morphed into Ben again who continued pacing, never even braking stride.
“Wonderful. Really. I just can’t wait to be your little lapdog, bowing down to kiss the feet of the once great Glorificus! Come on Glory! You really think I’d let you destroy this world? I built a life here, helping people. The last thing I want is to be your slave!”
Glory! This woman…whatever, is Glory?
He watched as the woman reappeared. She did match the description he’d gotten about her, though he’d never seen her in person before. He was even more interested in the conversation now.
“Ben. Sweet, naïve, idiotic Ben. Do you really think you can stop me and live on? Who are you really helping here? If I don’t get to go home, which, I will, by the way, but if I don’t, I’m going to have to feed off a lot more human minds to stay grounded or we both lose it, understand? All those people you’re trying to help will fall under my need to stay sane in this…ridiculous excuse for existence! Face it. You want to survive. You don’t care what happens to anyone else. If you did, you’d have spilled our little secret to the Slayer. Not that I’d let you of course. Now think about it. Would you rather go on suffering here? Being hunted down? Or, would you prefer to rule at my side, or well, not exactly my side, but as close to it as anyone could ever really get, being what you are?”
Glory became Ben again, who paused. He considered her words. After a minute, he looked up.
“You’re right. Fine. If you keep up your end of the bargain. Even though…I don’t know if I can…” Ben stared at the ground and mumbled the last of the sentence, “hurt an innocent.”
He instantly became Glory who clapped in glee.
“An innocent? The Key’s human? See, you’re already helping. One little human won’t matter when you’re on top, now will it? So who is it? It’s one of the Slayer’s friends right? Which one? Ooh that witch, the one who doesn’t keep interfering in my plans, she’s new. Is it her?”
Ben was back, and he sighed, running his hand over his face. He steeled himself to give Glory what she wanted. To finally give in to her demands after spending so long fighting her. He had to. To survive, he had to.
“It’s not her. It’s…it’s Dawn.”
Glory frowned, thinking.
“Dawn. Dawn.”
She clicked her fingers, and her eyes lit up with recognition.
“The sister. The Slayer’s sister? She’s the Key? Oh wow. Oh wow, this is good! And it makes perfect sense. An innocent, someone the Slayer will protect with her life. Oh yes. This, I can work with. Ben, you won’t regret it. Now. First things first. I need to get back home and make sure the preparations are going as planned, inform Jinx, ugh, get changed into something more flattering, and get my Key. At last, I can get out of this miserable dimension! Oh, but there is one more thing to take care of.”
She suddenly spun and the next thing he knew, the vampire was dragged from his hiding spot, and pinned against the wall, dangling off the ground, Glory’s hand in a death grip on his throat. He had no doubt she would only have to squeeze for his head to come off and turn him to dust.
“I really don’t like eavesdroppers. Nasty little vampire. Don’t tell me you’re another one of the Slayer’s little pets? That is unusual.”
That got him pissed off, even at her mercy.
“I am not her pet! I am nothing like that…that thing! He isn’t a vampire! And he’s not a man! He’s nothing, and she’s a fool. A cold bitch who gets off on dead guys.”
“I’m sensing a history here. Something tells me you aren’t going to be helping the Slayer with anything you heard here today if I don’t kill you.”
“Are you kidding? That bitch gets everything she deserves. This world deserves to rot if she’s its excuse for a protector, a champion. I’d kill her myself if she didn’t always have so many people around backing her up. I know who you are Glory. I know what you want to do, and I want to help. Keep me alive, and I’ll get you your Key.”
She let him go, and he dropped to the ground, clutching his throat before straightening, his features shifting into his human mask.
“What makes you think you can get my Key?”
“Because you were right. We do have history. No matter how bad it is, I can get close. They don’t know I’m a vampire now. All I have to do is get near Dawn. Play the hopeless ex of Buffy’s who can’t let go, and then grab her.”
“So. You were the Slayer’s toy huh? And you got turned. I’m guessing it’s after she cut you loose for the pretty blond.”
He snarled, and she smirked, looking him up and down, noticing the camouflage outfit.
“Easy soldier boy. I don’t want to have to hurt you. I was going to get Ben to grab the girl, but something tells me you’ll be less squeamish about it. Then again, if the Slayer gets to you first, she’ll probably kill you.”
“I heard you before. Willow did something to transport you here didn’t she? And they were talking to Ben. How do you know they don’t already know your secret?”
“Because thanks to a little magical protection they instantly forget if they see me change.”
She paused as something crossed her mind. He waited. She let out an exasperated breath.
“But apparently that doesn’t work on vampires now, does it? He probably saw. Even if they don’t remember, he knows. Damn it. Guess I’ll have to rely on you. I could always go get her myself, but the witch could do one of those annoying transportation spells, and I have so much left to plan in time for the ritual.”
She winced suddenly and cried out. He watched, nervously as she pulled at her hair. Gradually she eased her grip and breathed heavily, regaining her composure.
“Need a brain. Need lots of brains. Can’t let the juice run low now, not now. Too close. So close. Can’t slip. What’s your name? Need your name to make calling you easier.”
He stood tall and stepped closer, more sure of himself now. He could help her. Surely she would reward him as well?
“Name’s Riley. And I know where you can get brains. Lots of them. Some smarter than others, but there’ll be plenty to go around.”
He grinned evilly, an ugly twist of his lips. Glory stared at him, eyes cold with her need to re-energize, to escape the madness threatening to overcome her.
“Show me.”
“I will. I’ll help you. I want one guarantee first.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously, but he didn’t flinch.
“What?”
“The vampire dies.”
Slowly, she smiled. She walked up to him, circled his neck with her hands and caressed him gently, her nails scraping his skin.
“Riley, honey. If there’s one thing I can guarantee? It’s that when I get my Key, they all will.”
***
“How do you people do this every day?” Spike groaned as he pinched his nose, worn out from trying to make sense of the pages in front of him.
“Well it’s not every day. Didn’t you have to do research when you were evil and hunting for relics and other evil schemes?” Buffy replied.
“That’s why I had Dalton. Used to give him whatever needed translating or sussing out, and he’d have it in no time or risk a very painful incentive to work harder. ‘Nother difference between me an’ Angelus. My minions had a purpose, an’ smarts. Unlike his bunch o’ ingrates.”
Xander scoffed as he worked away on securing the final hinge to the front door.
“Guess that explains you then.”
“Oi! I am no bloody minion. Never was. ‘Sides, Dru sired me, not that ponce.”
“So it makes it better that the insane vampire sired you and not the psychotic, homicidal serial killer? Plus, I seem to remember you calling him your sire before, when he was offering you my neck and your Yoda, which was also strange.”
“Not that it’s any o’ your business, but what I meant was he taught me everythin’ he knew ‘bout bein’ a vampire. He was like my…teacher…or whatever, until I outgrew him.”
“Outgrew him?”
Spike growled and Buffy decided enough was enough.
“Guys, cut it out. You’re falling back into bad habits. Besides which, none of this is helping or has anything at all to do with finding a way to stop Glory. Having said that, our own personal Dalton hasn’t said much in a while. Giles? You with us still?”
The Watcher was staring at a page in the book, but it didn’t seem as though he were reading the words. Rather, it looked like he was lost in thought. Buffy called him a little louder, and Tara shook the man gently to get his attention.
“Hmm? I’m sorry what? Something about…” he frowned. “…Yoda?”
Buffy stared at her Watcher. He didn’t seem to be with them fully at all. Maybe this all night research stuff was finally taking its toll on him.
“Giles did you find something?”
The older man blinked, taking in the equally puzzled and eager faces of those around him. Xander finished his work on the door and joined them, also looking hopeful.
“Well. Yes. In a way, but it isn’t…I…” He took off his glasses and pinched his nose, then rubbed his bleary eyes and sighed.
“According to this book, Glory is on a time limit with this ritual. It has to be completed in two night’s time actually, which would explain why the pressure is on, and possibly why she was resorting to sending out spies. Also, it appears that while Glory cannot be killed due to her godly status, while she resides in this dimension she needs a human vessel. Unfortunately it doesn’t say who…”
He was cut off when Spike stood, his jaw clenching in an obvious effort to maintain patience. They all looked at him surprised, wondering if he was all right or about to start a blood-bath. He could still look scary, even with the chip.
“Oh for pete’s sake! We know who the soddin’ human vessel is. It’s Ben! For the hundredth bloody time, Ben is Glory!”
“Ben is Glory?” Buffy asked.
He let out a sound like a strangled sob of frustration, coupled with an insane giggle and clapped a hand over his face.
“Yes. Ben-Glory-Glory-Ben.”
“How do you know?” She asked, deciding to ignore his apparently crazy mental breakdown for now.
“Because we saw…wait what?” His head shot up from behind his hand.
“How do you know Ben is Glory?” She asked again.
Spike looked at her in amazement. He then noticed all the Scoobies glancing between him and the Slayer, obviously waiting for an answer, but unsettled by his behavior. They believed him?
“You actually believe me now? We saw Ben change into Glory at the hospital but some magic ability she has makes humans forget. I’ve been tryin’ to explain it to you all night an’ now you believe me?”
The Scoobies cast glances at each other as though it was news to them. Willow braved a response.
“I…don’t remember that. I don’t remember you saying anything about Ben being Glory.”
Spike just stared at her. Willow shrank back a little under his gaze.
“Sorry.”
Giles was chewing on the end of his glasses, and he raised them up a bit, tilting his head sideways before he spoke.
“Well, not that I remember either, but if you were trying to tell us this before, Spike, the answer might be that we now know for sure she has a human vessel, which would make your announcement that it’s Ben more plausible. That doesn’t mean we would recognize the change if we saw it ourselves though, even with this information. Then again, it could just be that her power is fading as the time for the ritual draws closer.”
Buffy considered that. Two night’s time. If she could just keep Dawn safe until then…
“Giles what does it say about the ritual? How do we stop it?” she asked, turning into serious Slayer mode.
“Um, well, that’s…” Giles lowered his head to the floor before meeting her gaze again.
“Buffy, the ritual involves Dawn’s blood. Glory will bleed Dawn, and for as long as her blood shall flow, the door to the other dimensions shall remain open. It won’t just open her home dimension. The power of the Key will cause every dimension to open and bleed together until her blood flows no more. Buffy, if the ritual starts, the only way to stop it is…”
“No.” Buffy stood up and shook her head. “No, we are not talking about killing my sister. It’s not happening. There’s another way, there has to be.”
“Buffy…”
“No, Giles. If that’s the only way to stop it then we just make sure it doesn’t start. Two nights. We keep Dawn safe, and we deal with Glory afterwards. I will not risk my sister. Anyone even considers hurting her they’ll have to go through me.”
Spike stood and wrapped his arm around the Slayer.
“And me. No one touches the Nibblet.”
“Okay guys. Calm down, no one’s going to hurt Dawn.” Willow began, not liking the building tension in the room. “Let’s just pack up and head home for the night. Everyone’s tired, and we can work this out tomorrow. The house is protected so you should be safe for now. We’ll decide what to do later.”
They all muttered their agreement. Buffy was lost in thought as they prepared to leave. She could not let Glory get near Dawn.
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Author's Chapter Notes:
An update. Have been having difficulties getting stuff to my beta readers. Any mistakes you see are mine and not theirs. Thanks to Sanityfair and diebirchen for going through this story for me. They are the reason it's readable.
Thank you to everyone who has been reading and reviewing this. We're coming to the end of this fic and everything is kicking off for the big showdown soon. Hopefully this chapter answers some questions, or maybe gives you new ones. Now, Ben is Glory?
Thank you to everyone who has been reading and reviewing this. We're coming to the end of this fic and everything is kicking off for the big showdown soon. Hopefully this chapter answers some questions, or maybe gives you new ones. Now, Ben is Glory?
Chapter End Notes:
Plot twist anyone? Oh, also, if I could figure out how to make it work I would upload capella42's banner here. It's on Elysian Fields if anyone wants to take a look.