Author: Aeneas

Rating: PG-13 (violence, language, sexual situations - actual sex scenes have been removed)  Unedited version can be found on my website.

Summary:  AU Season 7 where the Scoobies discover that they are caught in something much larger than themselves.  Spike/Other but relationships aren't the most important part of the story.  Parts of Season 7 have been integrated into the story.

Disclaimer: In some other Universe, maybe the one with all the shrimp, I'm brilliant enough to have created the Buffyverse on my own.  Unfortunately this isn't that Universe and I am but a lowly follower.  All things belong to Joss and ME except Kamaria, her brothers, and the demon armies.
 
 

Chapter Nine - Reunions
 
 

Willow had done a healing spell on Spike.  She hadn't told him about it and she was slightly nervous that when he awoke he would be upset.  Glancing over at the sleeping vampire as she pulled onto the freeway, she hoped she had done the right thing.  It had been years since she had faced Angelus and less time since his laughter had vanished from her nightmares.  She needed the strength of the vampire next to her to feel safe.

Gripping the wheel tightly, she tried to organize what Buffy had told her that afternoon about the coming war and the God who had taken Spike as a mate.  It made no sense.  Why would a God claim a vampire?  Why send him back to protect them?

"Gods." She sighed.  "Never let us in on anything, do they?  Just go about with their plans and their whole big-picturey vision and don't tell us jack."  She imagined Spike answering her with some quip about Gods and vampires.  Something that would cheer her and put her at ease, he was always good at that.

Cars whirred by and she turned her focus to the problems waiting in LA.  Wesley had told her of the Beast and the darkness that had covered the sun, explaining that it had ended and left them battered, bruised, and holding one pissed off and very evil vampire.  His soul was AWOL.  The very idea of soul-napping almost made her smile until she remembered what Faith had been forced to do to capture Angel.  She hadn't wanted to kill him, had refused to kill him, Wesley said.

Willow bit her lip, thinking of Faith and trying to remember why she should be helping the rogue slayer.  A sad smile twisted her lips, "Because she made mistakes and now she's paying for them.  She's trying.  Theme of my life."  On reflection she decided it was the theme of all their lives.

Spike had gained a soul and suffered for his crimes as a vampire.  She had noticed the haunted look in his eyes when he thought no one was looking.  He was strong, she could feel his strength when he spoke and there was a calm in him that came only through suffering.  She had only begun to feel that calm within herself, still struggling with the guilt and remorse.  Even Buffy had struggled with her fear and guilt after she had been brought back.  She had been hurt and she had hated them for ripping her out of Heaven.  They had all made mistakes.  They had all hurt those they loved.  In a way, the years since Faith had left had made them all more alike.  Faith was one of them now, united by pain and suffering.

Willow tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her mind searching for a spell that could purge and purify Faith's body.  She could remove the drug and heal her like she had healed Spike.  She was no longer headed to LA to help a rogue Slayer.  She was headed to help a friend and a sister.

Spike woke to Willow's gentle shaking and he sat up quickly, looking around in confusion.  Then he realized he didn't hurt anymore.  He looked down and checked the wounds on his chest.  Only the faintest trace was left on his pale skin.

"I can't face Angelus on my own." Willow said in explanation as she climbed out of the car.  "I hope you don't mind.  I need you."

He smiled as he opened the door and met her on the steps of the Hyperion Hotel.  Impulsively he reached her and turned her toward him, pressing a firm kiss against her lips.  "I love you, Red."

Startled, she laughed and pulled away, "Right back at ya, blondie.  But since I really don't want to be making a War God jealous anytime soon, you can keep the smoochies to yourself."  She winked and took hold of his arm.  "Shall we?"

"Bring on the family reunion." Spike took a deep breath.  "Heard the great poof has son now.  Peaches Jr."

"How did that happen?"

"Not a bloody clue.  Darla was the mother."

"Twisted.  Kind of like Passions.  Didn't they have an episode just like that?  And what could be worse than a living doll, really?"

Spike laughed, pushing the door open.  "You're right, Red.  Damn shame about Timmy though."  He looked up and surveyed the maudlin group of people in the waiting room.  He had seen them before when he had come to LA to check on his Sire.

"Spike?" Cordelia was shocked.

"Hey Cordy." He smiled and moved into the lobby with Willow on his arm.  "Wesley.  Those two are Fred, the woman, and Gunn."  He pointed them out to Willow.  "And the dark, broody one is Connor.  Just like his dad."

"I can see the resemblance." Willow waved.

"Green one is Lorne, can't remember what kind of demon he is." Spike shrugged and wished for a cigarette.

"Spike.  How do you know everyone?" Cordy was standing in front of the group protectively.

"Was in town a while back to check on Peaches."

"What?  More hot pokers through the chest?  Or did you have something more creative in mind?" Her voice was icy.

"He's my Sire." Spike said simply.  "He's like a father to me."  His eyes caught Connor's surprised expression.  "I wanted to ask him to forgive me."

Cordy was frowning with disbelief, "What kind of game is this?" She took a step forward and glared at him.  "I don't know why you're here or why Willow seems to be hanging on you.  But I know you and you..." she trailed off into silence as understanding began to dawn in her eyes.  "You have a soul."

"Got it in one, luv." Spike rubbed his neck.  "As much as I'd love to recount old times.  You and Red praying in the utility closet for starters."  He winked at her.  "We're here to help Angel."

"Yeah." Willow was staring at him.  "You never told me you knew we were in there."

"Vampire, luv.  Cordy's perfume left a trail Clem could follow."

"You evil vampire." Willow was smiling.  She clapped her hands together, "I'm Willow.  Nice to meet you all.  Take me to your leader."  She ignored Spike when he rolled his eyes and groaned.

"This way." Wesley motioned for her follow him.  "Everyone stay here."

"I want to see him." Spike said softly.  "Angelus.  I want to see him."

"He's still weak from the drugs.  He needs blood."  Wesley tossed Spike a bag of pig's blood.  "You can do the honors."

Spike nodded and followed the two down into the darkened basement.  The corner was taken up by a large steel cage.  A dark figure slumped against the wall in the shadows, chains around wrists and ankles.  He waited until Willow had settled into a chair, her eyes glazing over as she searched for the missing soul.

Wesley unlocked the cage and motioned for him to enter.  He snorted as he stepped through the door, "Don't trust me?"

"Not especially." The padlocks clicked shut and for all intents and purposes Spike was left alone with his Sire.

Cradling the bag of blood in the crook of his arm, he knelt beside Angelus and lifted the vampire's head gently.  "Angelus.  Angelus."  The eyelids fluttered but didn't open. "Wake up, Peaches.  I brought you dinner."  He grinned cheerfully when one dark eye opened.

"Spike.  You sick bastard, what are you doing here?  Dru leave you again?"

"Moved on to better things." He held out the bag of blood.  "Hear you've been raising Hell around here."

"Not much." Angelus winced as he took the blood, biting into one corner and greedily sucking the dark liquid.  When he finished, he wiped his mouth slowly and studied Spike.

"Curse?"

"Nah.  Won it back fair and square."

"You did it on purpose?"

"For the love of a lady." Spike settled down against the wall next to his sire, watching Red's lips move through the bars.

"Always love's bitch.  Did it work out?" Angelus sneered.

"No.  But I found someone else.  Everyone's happy." He shrugged, wondering why he had felt the desire to spend time with the vampire he had hated most of his unlife.

"Why are you here?"

"Wondering the same thing myself." He sighed and turned to the older vampire.  "You're my Sire, Angel.  You were the closet thing I had to family for over a hundred years."

"Don't get all soft on me now.  Damn soul.  Turned you into a bleeding heart too."

Spike's fist met Angelus's face, slamming his head into the concrete wall.  His hand closed tightly on the older vampire's throat.  "Look at me." He growled.  "Do you see anything soft or weak?"  Angelus was silent, the barest hint of fear in his eyes.  There was nothing weak in Spike and he could see the demon staring out at him with the same intensity as the soul.

"You're evil, Angelus.  You're evil beyond anything that I've ever known.  And you're nothing compared to what's coming.  You're an insignificant bug crawling on the sidewalk.  You're pathetic and weak." Spike tightened his grip.  "You think that because you've been suffering the guilt of your crimes that you have a right to rage and destroy when you finally get the chance.  It's your revenge against Angel for the pain he makes you feel.  For keeping you in submission."

"What do you know?" Angelus hissed.

"I know it doesn't have to be that way."  He pulled away from his Sire.  "Angel's going to be back and you're going to fight him so hard that he won't be able to think straight.  You'll struggle and you'll scream and you'll lose."  He waited for the words to sink in.

"I won't lose."

"You will.  And when it all comes down, you'll still be trapped inside that body with the soul you hate more than anything.  Miserable for eternity.  Impotent.  Castrated." Spike could see the rage building in the dark vampire.

"You fight the same fight.  Spike's in there, waiting for William to turn his back for just one moment."

Spike shook his head, "This is me, Angelus.  I am Spike.  I am William.  There is no fight.  We killed people and we feel the guilt.  This atonement is for both of us. Because we are locked together forever and divided we are powerless."  He returned to his seat against the wall.  "Demons can change."

"I seem to remember you saying otherwise." Angelus snorted.

"I was wrong."

"And you're here to tell me to place nice with Angel?  I don't think so."

Spike smiled, "It's up to you.  You can fight him until someone puts a stake in your heart and be the pathetic poof you are.  Or you can make him a better man.  A stronger man."

"I'm a vampire." He hissed.  "Not a man."

Spike reached out, touching his Sire's face gently.  "Angelus.  Sire.  Haven't you suffered enough?"  He pulled away and headed toward the door.  "I'm not doing this for Angel.  He's not my Sire.  I'm doing this for you, Angelus." He kept his back turned until the padlocks were once again secure.

"Spike?" Angelus' voice stopped him.  He didn't turn around, just stopped and waited.  "Is it worth it?"

He turned now, making eye contact with the vampire.  "Every second of it."  He was shaking with the emotional strain of dealing with his Sire and his own demon. Sinking into a chair, he turned his attention to Willow.

"It's close.  The jar." Willow muttered.  "I can see it.  Just a few more minutes.  Someone's fighting me."

Time ticked by slowly.  A drop of sweat slipped down Willow's temple and Wesley carefully wiped it away.  After what felt like an eternity, she shuddered and slumped into her chair.  Spike caught her before she tumbled out of her seat.  Angelus cried out in pain.  Silence.

"Angel?" Wesley was standing outside the cage.  His voice betraying his anxiousness to have his friend returned to him.

"Wes.  Oh God, Wesley.  I'm sorry."  He struggled to his feet.  "Where's Faith? Is she alright?  Connor?  Where are they?"

Wesley hesitated, "Spike.  Can you tell if he has his soul?  He tricked us before."  The necessary lack of trust was bitter.

"Open the door and let him out, Wesley.  It's Angel." Spike helped Willow to her feet.

"Willow?  Spike?"  Still dazed, Angel stumbled when Wesley released the chains binding him.  Staggering out of the cage, he blinked rapidly as if trying to focus the room around him.  Finally his eyes settled on Spike.

Extending his hand, Spike tried to keep the emotions from parading across his face.  The look of awe and respect in his Sire's eyes was something that he had never expected to see.  He was shocked when the larger man pulled Spike toward him into a tight embrace.  They stood that way, fists closed tightly against the other's back, for several minutes before Spike pulled away.

"It's nice." Angel smiled half-heartedly.  "To have someone who knows what it's like."

Spike nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat, realizing that understanding was also what he had been looking for when he had come to LA weeks before.  The knowledge that someone else had suffered as he had.  Possibly more so.

"Guys?  Hate to break up the family moment but I need to get to Faith.  I have just enough energy to help her." Willow smiled, her face pale with fatigue.  "Then we have to get back to the apocalypse."

"Another one?"

"Big finale this time, Peaches."

"Why do you call me that?  I hate that."

"It suits you.  All that nancy-boy hair gel."

"And you've never used hair gel." Sarcasm suited him.

"I got over it." Spike grinned as he and his Sire ascended the stairs side by side.  It was good to be at Angel's side again, to feel the power of his Sire even if he was annoying as a pack of Howler demons.  They were smiling and trading jabs back and forth when they entered the lobby.

"Any clauses on that soul of yours?"

"Nope.  Permanently attached."

"Where'd you get it?  Think I could give it a shot?"

"Maybe.  You'd never pass the trials, poof." He ducked Angel's fist and feinted a jab to his stomach.  The world around them seemed unimportant.  "Up for a spot of action, Old Man?"

"I'll tan your hide, boy." Angel grinned and motioned toward the open area in the center of the lobby.  The two vampires hurled themselves into a brawl, a whirlwind of fists and fangs as each struggled for dominance.

"You've gotten stronger." Angel commented as he circled.  "And smarter."

"Had a good teacher.  Guess it finally sunk it."  Spike sent Angel flying into one of the marble pillars with a sharp kick.  "Not too bad yourself.  No passion though.  No fire."  Growling, Angel leapt toward his Childe, bringing him down in a flying tackle.  The blond twisted in his grasp, escaping to the side with a head butt that caught Angel in the nose.

"Come on, Angel.  You never could take me." Spike taunted.  "Bring Angelus out to play."  He danced back and forth, staying on the balls of his feet.  For a split second he saw his demon Sire staring out of Angel's face and then he was flying backwards across the lobby.  Crashing into another pillar, he sunk to the floor and tasted his own blood on his tongue.

"That's what I'm talking about." He chuckled, seeing the look of astonishment on Angel's face.

"That's what you meant." Angel stared at him.  "How?  How do you do it?  Control your demon."

"I don't control.  We cooperate.  Ultimately we have the same goal, survival and happiness."  He shrugged.  "Don't get me wrong.  Angelus is a right bastard and evil as they come.  But he's never been stupid.  Don't turn your back for a second but don't shut him out either."

Angel slumped down on one of the chairs, "You've come a long way, Spike.  It took me decades."

"I had help." Spike took a seat across from him.  "And I won't say I've perfected it yet.  Good days and bad days."  There was a look of quiet understanding from Angel. Something shifted in the vampire's eyes and he glanced around the room at the expectant faces.

"Guys.  Hi." He said weakly, ashamed of the words that had left his mouth when Angelus had been in control.  "How are you?"

"Good." Fred answered nervously.  "Could use a vacation though.  You know, relax."

"Amen." Gunn chimed in.

Leaving them to reunite, Spike caught Connor staring at him and sauntered over to the teenager, something in his face reminded him of Dawn.  "Hey snack size."  He smiled down at the boy.

"Stay away from me." Connor hissed.  "I hate vampires."

"Fine by me.  Hate most of the bastards myself." Spike shrugged, trying to pin down the burning emotion in the boy's eyes.  "Just trying to be friendly and all.  Since in some sick twisted way, you're the closest thing to a brother that I'll ever have."

"He's not my father." The words left his mouth with force.

"Really?  Seems to me you're giving up a fine heritage.  Angelus, Darla." He noted the change in the boy's face when he said Angelus instead of Angel.  So that was the problem.

"The soul's just as real as the demon, Connor." He said softly.  He cocked his head to one side and studied him for a moment.  "You have your mother's face.  Beautiful woman, Darla.  Elegant.  Ruthless.  Worshipped her for a bit."

"She was a monster."

"Her demon was a monster." Spike bit his lip thoughtfully.  "Everyone's capable of evil, Connor.  Even you."

"She didn't love me." The bitterness in his voice betrayed his pain.

"She loved you as much as you love your father.  Maybe more so."  His words silenced the teenager and he reached out to touch his shoulder reassuringly.  "It's not about what you know or think.  It's about what you feel."

"He doesn't spar with me." Connor said quietly and Spike could see jealousy in his eyes.

"Probably expecting you to try and stake him." He raised one eyebrow.  "Am I wrong?"

"No." Connor admitted quietly.

"Hey...took us more than a century to stop trying to kill each other.  I'd be insulted if you did it in less." Spike grinned and held out his hand.  "Tell you what.  How about a little sibling rivalry?  You choose the weapons."

Connor's eyes lit up and he headed toward the weapons cabinet, retrieving two long poles of hard, dark wood.  Spike was grateful he had spent time with similar weapons, even if Kamaria had kicked his ass.  He caught one of the poles and carefully backed into the center of the room, tense and waiting for the attack.  The boy was fast and strong.  A blaze of energy and creativity as he twisted and turned, graceful as a dancer.

"Keep your weight low." Spike shouted as he swept the boy off of his feet, pleased when he saw that his advice was taken.  Every few minutes, he would yell another piece of advice in between the crack of the poles.  He held his demon in check, keeping the fight safe and recreational.  They moved over every inch of the lobby and up the stairs several times before Spike noted that Connor was beginning to tire.  His own muscles were starting to ache and the exhilarating edge was wearing off.

His pride was grateful when Connor finally managed to knock him off his feet and instead of moving in for the final blow, offered his hand.  Spike took it and let the boy help him to his feet with a smile.  "Not too bad.  A couple years and you'll be wiping the floor with me."

"You're incredible." Connor said sincerely.  "Thank you."  It seemed to be making him uncomfortable.

"No worries mate.  I've had some practice with a War God.  Kicked my ass like you wouldn't believe but I learned a lot."

"A War God?" Connor replaced the staffs.

"Yeah." Spike ran his hands through his hair, trying to untangle the soft curls.  "My mate."

"Mate?"

"Like being married.  Ask your Da sometime."  He looked around, noticing that the others had vacated the lobby area.  Smart.  "Got any blood around here."

"Kitchen.  This way." Connor motioned for him to follow.  "You're married to a God?"

"Pretty much."

"Cool.  Is she pretty?"

"What do you think?  She's a God."

The world was a fuzzy gray and there were voices around her.  Familiar voices.  A man.  A woman.  Red hair.  She could see red hair.  That didn't make any sense.  Her head was pounding and her blood felt like it was burning through her veins.  Trying to swallow resulted in choking.  Something cool slipped past her lips, dripping down her swollen tongue and cooling her throat.  She tried to speak and heard only a garbled moan.

Blinking against the fog in her brain, she tried to shake her head and winced at more pain.  The light was getting brighter and shapes were coming into focus.  Red hair again.  Willow.  She almost stopped breathing.

"Willow?" her voice was somewhere between a gasp and a sob.  "Willow."  She reached out to touch the long red hair and felt someone's hand on her arm.  A cool hand. Jerking her head to the side she took in Angel's face, he looked worried.

"Angel." Relief poured through her and she started to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks.  "I didn't give up on you.  I promise.  Never."

"I know.  I remember." He wiped her tears away gently.  "Don't strain.  You're still worn out, crazy girl.  What were you thinking?"

"Had to get your stupid ass out of trouble somehow." She sniffed.  "Willow do her mojo again?  Get your soul back?"

"Yep." Willow's voice was cheerful but her face was drawn with lines of fatigue.  "And now, the uberwitch is going to get some sugary goodness and find a bed I can fall into."  She smiled and vanished from Faith's sight.

"What now?" she asked the vampire at her side.

"You get better."  He pushed her hair out of her face.  "They need you in Sunnydale."

"Something big going down." Faith tried to smile.  "From beneath you it devours.  I got the memo."  She shifted, trying to sit up and finally settling for an extra pillow behind her.  "How many are left?  Potential slayers."

"Willow says they have ten at Buffy's house and more on the way."

"Ouch.  The Sisterhood took a big hit."  She blinked.  "I can face her.  I've got this speech all memorized.  All of it.  It'll be right this time.  I'll do it right this time."

"It's okay, Faith.  Just rest now.  I'll be with you."

"When did Wesley get all bitter and psycho?" she asked, remembering him stabbing the girl they had interrogated.

"Few months back.  Long story."

"It always is."  She smiled.  "Well.  Ready to head back to dreamland.  You'll be around when I wake up?"

"Right here.  I'll be right here."

"Good."  She smiled as she closed her eyes.  "Just don't let B kill me before I get to say sorry, okay?"

"It's a deal.

"Thanks, Angel."  Blackness cut her off from the world and she was falling back into oblivion.

"I am not going to bloody sing for you." Spike was staring at the green demon with annoyance.  "I don't care what you want to see.  See it on someone else."

"You're the one connected to the apocalypse.  And the only other souled vampire I've met is Angel.  I'm just curious if you two are alike."  Lorne was trying his best to be persuasive.  "Doesn't hurt.  Just a few bars."

"Are you going to let me drink my blood in peace or keep badgering me until I say yes?"

"Probably the latter."

"Lorne's very persistent." Fred said shyly, still jumpy around Spike.  "But he's a good guy and sometimes it's very interesting.  It would help us know what you're up against."

"I already told you what's coming.  The First Evil.  The source of all Evil.  The Big Bad.  How else can I say it?"

"Let me take a crack at it.  Just a peek."

"Fine." Spike slammed his blood down on the counter, hoisting himself up to sit next to it.  "Doesn't have to be anything fancy, right?"

"As long as it comes from the heart."

Spike glared at him before frowning thoughtfully, trying to think of something other than the Sex Pistols and the Ramones.  Finally he sighed resignedly and took a breath. "I died, so many years ago.  But you can make me feel, like it isn't so.  Why you come to be with me, I think I finally know.  You're scared.  Ashamed of what you feel and you can't tell the ones you love, you know they couldn't deal."  He stopped suddenly and turned his attention to his blood, keeping his eyes down.

"Wow." Fred was staring at him.  "Everyone else is terrible and I mean terrible. Can't hold a tune between us to save our lives.  That was...that was...really good."

Lorne was frowning, "Fred, sweetheart.  Could you grab Wesley and Angel?  I don't want to do this more than once."

"What did you see?" Spike felt panic crawling down his neck.

"Your mate." Lorne was inhaling a glass of water as if it was oxygen.  "Can't tell you how twisted that bit of info was.  Kamaria taking a vampire?  Never thought I'd live to see the day."

"So it wasn't bad?"

"All sorts of bad, Blondie.  All sorts.  But nothing you didn't already know.  Big Evil, war, bloodshed."  He took a breath, watching as the others filed into the room.

"What's up, guys?"  Angel's face appeared through the doorway.

"Lorne just read Spike." Fred said breathlessly.

"Hey, before you go spilling everything." Spike shifted uncomfortably.  "What exactly did you see with Kamaria?"

"Don't get worked up, cupcake.  Your sex life is safe with me.  Can't say that I blame you.  I hear she's as good as it gets, literally."  He poured himself another glass of water.

"What's coming?"

"An army." If possible, he had turned a darker shade of green.  "Ever heard of the Turok-Han?"

"Killed one with Buffy a few nights past." Spike volunteered.  "Nearly got us both.  Put his hand through my chest like it was butter."

"That was just one of them.  Multiply that by several thousand and throw in a few more demons for good measure.  Real demons.  They're coming.  And they mean to stay.  Makes our Beast friend look like an amateur.  Game over."  He finished off his water.  "At least I'll die happy, even it was vicariously."  He winked at Spike before excusing himself from the room.

Angel took a step back when he suddenly recognized the mark on Spike's neck, "You've been claimed."

"Yeah.  I'm just full of surprises today."  Spike smiled weakly, his heart aching for his mate.  He could barely remember her home, the details had vanished into nothing and he was left with only color and the sense of peace.  It was troubling and painful.  He finished off his blood and sought out Willow amongst the confusion, "Hey Red. You called home?"

"I just got off the phone.  I told her we'd leave tonight.  Give Faith a few more hours to sleep and rest.  Avoid the sunlight too."  She looked as though she had smudged charcoal under her eyes.

"Alright." He raked a hand through his curls.  "Crazy world, isn't it?"

"And getting crazier.  The new Sunnydale High Principle knows all about vampires and Slayers.  That's why he asked Buffy to be a counselor in the first place.  He's offered the school gym if we need somewhere larger to train than the Magic Box."  She shrugged.  "Which you apparently already knew and didn't share."  She shook one of her fingers at him with mock anger.  "You're supposed to spread gossip."

"Sorry.  More room would be good for training."  He sighed.  "Well, I'm going to see if I can make myself useful around here."

"Good idea.  I'm all for being useful." Willow grinned.  "Fred has some ideas about those fault lines and Wesley has a few volumes that we don't.  Come grab me when sunset comes, okay?"

"No worries, pet.  Go do your research.  And get some rest."