Standing the Test of Time

Author: Erin-Starlight

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters nor am I making money off this. This is just for fun.

Summary: When captured in the aftermath of a battle Spike finds himself at the mercy of his old rival--Count Dracula. Will he be saved before it’s too late or will he be lulled into something even more dangerous than the Counts’ wrath?

Warning: This is slash. It will have some Spike/Dracula and Spike/Angel in it. This is a challenge I took up to do a Dracula slash fic with the guys. I'm not usually a slash writer but I did it for this challenge, where I had to set in up some in my last fic.

Authors Note: This story takes place after my one shot “William Restored.”

Spoilers: For the Peter David IDW comics Spike vs. Dracula 1-5.

A/N: This chapter gave me more trouble than I expected. Regretfully it doesn't have Angel and crew in it but they will be along within the next few chapters.

Bela Ferenc Blasko of Lugos is the real name for the actor Bela Lugos who played Dracula. He had a clash with Dracula himself in issue 2 of S vs. D. are used around words that are spoken in Romanian.

The servants were ordered not to go into the stables once the sun had set. Many of the uninformed would have guessed that a vindictive spirit was crashing about due to the snarled curses and sounds of destruction issuing from the area. The one responsible for the ruckus was no longer an incorporeal being but a souled vampire raging about his given chore. Not long after his meeting with the Count he had been given his first order by Madam Drake to clean the stables. Though she had failed to mention just how vast the area was. Shoveling the waste of the horses (because of course they were still used regularly), feeding, washing and now repairing the fence he had destroyed.

All in all it was not Spikes’ dream job he never cared much for the creatures in life and was now beginning to detest them. The stench of the beasts was overwhelming enough with a humans’ sense of smell for a vampire it was unbearable. Rows and rows of horses for him to clean up after and groom before the night was over with. Spike couldn’t even refuse to do so as Madam Drake had informed him that he would stay until the job was done. If not he would burn upon daybreak. The section he was in offered no protection from the deadly light as the roof had conveniently been removed.

No matter how much Spike hated the situation there was no way he was going to die in that fashion. Not because of the great wanker or for refusing to doing a little work. No, Spike was going to fight for his life even if the “fight” was dealing with bewildered horses.

Some were calm and easy to deal with while others attacked him on sight. It had been a battle in its self not to bite one and drain it dry. Not only did Spike feel that they were asking for it but he was starving. It must have been over a day since he last fed. Would he even be given any blood or would they make him suffer more? He hadn’t asked but he had gotten the impression that Dracula meant to keep him around for a while. Oh joy. He would deal with that problem later, for now he just had to make sure he survived after daybreak. Any plans Spike could come up with for escape had to wait until later, if there was a later.

“Just so you know, it’s never a good idea t’ try an’ sneak up on a vampire. You might as well come out in the open.”

He had been hearing the human moving for the last few minutes. The heart beat giving away the intruder like a drum echoing throughout an empty stadium, a beacon that Spike used to pinpoint him. Not far off from him a dark head slowly rose from behind a stack of hay. Two wide eyes peered out from underneath the black fringe reflecting fear and an overwhelming curiosity.

“How old are you ten?” Spike asked curious despite himself. The boy didn’t reply. He just stared at a spot over Spikes’ left shoulder. “Nine?”

At the vacant expression Spike sighed in exasperation not in the mood for dealing with terrified children. He still had dozens of stalls to visit and daylight was looming closer each moment. In the old days he might have let his demon visage out to scary the kid off but the soul made him feel guilty for even considering it.

“Look, I’m a bit busy here, so if you don’t mind you can toddle off now.”

The boy hesitated then lifted bucket pointing at the horse in the next stall. Spike lifted an eyebrow not understanding what the other was trying to tell him. The motion was repeated this time ending with the bucket being thrust into his hand. Shrugging Spike accepted it though doubtful about trusting anything from a brat working for Dracula. Still staring at the boy as he opened the stall in question he almost had his head kicked in as a pair of hooves sprang out. The only thing that kept him from being injured was how fast he reacted to the child’s frightened expression at the last moment dodging out of the way.

Having superior strength came in handy then as the beast refused to settle down without being restrained. Forcing it to eat the substance took longer than Spikes’ patience would last. Just when he was about to give into the temptation of drinking the strength from the wretched creature its struggles ceased. Somewhat wary he slowly backed away from the horse sniffing the suspicious contents of the bucket.

“You drugged it? Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Spike muttered darkly. “Well aren’t you ever so helpful.”

The boy didn’t respond to his words or the tone used. He reminded Spike of Illyria when she struggled to understand a new aspect of human life. He was not certain if it was because the lad was studying him or the English tongue. From what Spike could tell most of the people in the castle appeared to understand English and Romanian.

Spike himself did know some of the language from his trip with Darla, Angelus and Drusilla. Though he never had the chance to master it on his last visit and he was sure he was a bit rusty. Spike knew from experience that it was best not to reveal this fact to the others. Who knew what information could be gleamed from eavesdropping when the servants spoke openly in front of the “ignorant foreigner.” True, it would take awhile and a lot of effort on his part to relearn certain pieces again but it could be worth the trouble.

With the child Spike figured the same rules must apply even though he had helped with the wild stallion. He was still a servant of Dracula no matter how young he was. Either way even well meaning people were prone to idle gossip.

“As much as I appreciate the assist I can do fine by myself, thanks ever so.” Still the youth remained silent. “Bloody hell, what are you gaping at? Fine, keep playing the silent Bob act see if I care.”

Spike turned to go back intend on getting his workload over with. To his credit he managed to get two more stalls done before his impatience got the better of him again. The boy was leaning against the railing watching him as if the vampire were the most fascinating thing he ever saw.

Poor lad must not get out much. ‘Couse I’d be the same way without any telly. What am I saying I don’t have a sodding telly either! No computers, cars an’ no contact to the outside world! I’m going to be battier than Dru before long!

“Oi! Quit staring at me! If you have something to say mate then say it. Don’t be gaping at me for hours on end, got things to do you know.”

The youths’ eyes shone with understanding and immediately pulled at his collar. Unbuttoning the first two buttons of his grass stained shirt he revealed his pale neck. Spike mentally winced at the sight of the white throat feeling his suppressed hunger rearing its ugly head. His demon was crying out for a taste of the blood that his soul had denied him for too long. Lost in his inner battle Spike almost missed the markings.

Frowning at the sight he stepped closer to get a better view in the moonlight. Angry red lines were slashed about the neck. It startled Spike to see such a sight, he knew from personal experience that such a deep scar meant that the wound had been life threatening. The last such scar he recalled was one on Wesley’s throat when he spied the ex-Watcher during his haunting stage.

Forcing himself to stay focused at the matter at hand Spike noted that the scar was semi-new but not as clean as Wesley’s. The flesh had been ripped by teeth it was a miracle in its self that the child was alive. Predatory animals had larger teeth than the bite marks but Spike had dismissed the idea of a vampire quickly. Even fledges would not leave such messy wounds—in most cases.

“You can’t speak at all, right?” Spike asked instead the logical part of his mind knowing that the chances of a reply were slim. The boy though seemed thoughtful for a moment, as if he was processing the words and then nodded.

“Can understand me at least, that’s something I s’ppose.” It meant that he would have to be twice as careful about muttering aloud. A bad habit Spike tended to have that he supposed had to do with being a former Big Bad. Or maybe it was part of William wanting to have his own Shakespearian aside. Either way it made him feel like a pounce to keep doing it every so often. Who talked to themselves in this day of age anyway?

Journal of Dracula-

Once I am alone I ponder what is to become of Spike. I know I will not have to wait long before news spreads. Though I am considering arranging for Worfram and Hart to take him off my hands I think it is too soon. For now he is mine and will suffer for the embarrassments he has caused me. The list is long indeed: destroying two of my manors, bodily injuries in our battles due to luck and cowardly using humans to act in his stead. Spike has also denied me of my rightful vengeance against Darla, Drusilla and that imposter Bela Ferenc Blasko of Lugos! One of my brides dusted! No honor demands that he pays in kind for his crimes.

The question is how? While it is amusing to witness his fury at being forced to work as my servant it is not enough. I had thought to test his weaknesses in hopes of devising a fitting punishment. While loyal to a fault to Drusilla and Darla I had no knowledge of their whereabouts. I assumed that he had some falling out with his lover Drusilla though I do not trust in his claims of seducing Buffy Summers. I had deduced by his angered reaction to forgetting his female companions’ name that she was his new lover.

Spike did not take my presence well when we first met even though he knew nothing of my truth motives until later. I learned from that encounter how he reacted when he felt threatened by another man taking away his lover. Then I recalled Angels’ reaction to this “Fred’s” peril was just has frantic as Spikes’. Yet he did not seem the least concerned about my implications that his lover would be with another man.

I will admit this much, Spike has handled himself admiralty well during our session. He managed to keep much from me. I will continue in my efforts until I get results. I briefly consider the likelihood of a rescue attempt being made on his behalf. According to the auctioneer there were others who fought on Spikes’ side including Angel. Strange is it not to hear this when I have witnessed their distaste for each other in person. I must get more information to be able to understand my foes.

I called for Victor, my eyes and ears to news beyond these boarders. In all my years no one has ever been as useful a servant as he. Sometimes debts do have good outcomes for both parties. He was able to keep his life and I was able to get a skilled informant. Going through my list Victor told me that it will take some time and “a whole lot of effort” to find all the facts. I tell him that he has one week to come up with at least half of the list or else he will pay for his debt another way.

I am certain that--A loud knock startled him momentary from his musings.

”Master? I hope I am not disturbing you. May I come in?”

Dracula repressed the urge to sigh and closed his journal knowing that Ilie required his full attention. The man had finally learned manners enough to knock though he supposed he had been explicit about this in their last meeting. In most of his dealings being reprimanded once had been all that was required to set others on the right path.

”Enter freely and of your own will.”

A slight man entered nervously glancing around the room before sitting in front of the Count. Licking his lips he took in the vampires’ put on upon expression. Fumbling with his bag with one hand and brushing his comb over with the other he cleared his throat.

”The elder has requested your presence. She senses a great unease--’

”I have already informed her about my “guest.” She was the one who helped me secure the grounds, was she not?” The Count asked running his index finger idly down the spine of his journal.

”O-of course Master, she just has concerns. One of which is what is to become of Mihai? After the…incident she is worried, afraid of what is to come. We all are.“ Ilies’ sorrowful eyes gave Dracula pause to consider this, when he made no move to speak the other continued.

”You are powerful, and it is true that we have resources of our own…” He hesitated briefly before bravely meeting his masters’ gaze. ”There is talk though…which his dealings seem to confirm that he is….his power rivals the kind that we have not seen since Magda.”

Dracula rose swiftly fury darkening his features. Grabbing the smaller man by his labels he lifted him until they were face to face. ”Blasphemy! No one, not her descendants nor even I could compare to her power!”

”It is only rumors my lord! I was merely letting you know it! I meant no harm in passing it on to you!” The man’s hair was askew revealing his bald forehead making his rapidly reddening head all the more apparent.

”A man of your years should know the dangers of believing in gossip, Ilie. I will forgive this transgression for now. Remember my leniency and do not attempt to count my ire again in this manner.” With the slightest flick of his wrist the man was flung carelessly back into his seat. ”Is that all?”

”N-n-no Master, there is still the matter of his “supporters” not to mention your new prisoner--”

”Tell me what are the concerns regarding my captive?” Dracula asked impatiently. He did not like the idea of his allies questioning his motives.

”She wants to see you in person about that. You see she has been having strange dreams as of late and wishes to know if it is Angelus--”

”It is not, I would have informed her if it was. Now what is this about the supporters of Mihai?”

”We have captured those of who he has charmed into following him. We have no means to keep them imprisoned though. We humbly request the use of your dungeons to hold them.”

”To force them upon myself and others who dwell here? Why not end their struggles once and for all?” The subject of these people had already become a sore topic within his home. Barely back from his trip from France a day and already the Count had been bombarded with whispers of this upstart and his band. He feared that having them stay within the castle would only make matters worse.

”Many of them were--are our family. We do not wish to harm them, just keep them away from the fray once we are engaged with their master.”

”Very well,” the vampire sighed, knowing that he had to think of the tribe rather than his own desires, ”I will inspect them first. I must know how dangerous they will be to make the proper arrangements.”

If Ilie did not know better he would have sworn that his Master seemed almost disappointed that the new prisoners were numerous enough to fill his dungeons. What he did not know was Dracula plans for Spike had revolved around the use the dungeons would offer. Until Mihai was dealt with the bleached blonde vampire had to be taken else where. The dangers of locking him up along them were too great. Spike could join up with Mihai or worse. No, Dracula knew that the younger vampire could not be permitted to mingle with these people.

”Are you satisfied with the arrangements, Count?” Ilie asked inclining his head towards the heavily armed guards positioned around the captives.

”As much as I can be under these circumstances. Lead them in and I will make sure that they are secured.” He moved no more than a step before a hail of arrows started to rain from the sky. Ducking for cover from the oncoming attack many of the sentinels were too slow to reach it. The wooden shafts soon pierced through their flesh streaming the air with blood in their wake.

Cries rang out in the night never quite succeeding in overpowering the sound of the twang of the quivers launching their airborne missiles. Still within their bounds, untouched by the carnage around them the prisoners began chanting in revered whispers. Each moment their voices grew in volume calling out to their lord. A thick fog suddenly clouded the scene hiding the humans from the archer’s sights.

”Ah, so the mighty Dracula once again resorts to cheap parlor tricks. I can not say that this is a terribly shocking turn of events.” An amused voice called out through the heavy fog.

”If your plan was to obtain my wrath than congratulations, you have succeeded. You shall pay for this—“

”Your threats would be more impressive if any still feared you “master.” You represent the old ways that must be washed away for the new reign. Lord Mihai is the future and he will not suffer your interruptions of our progress any further.” Stepping in the courtyard a large vampire swaggered into view. In a jerky motion he waved his arm forward bring forth other creatures from hiding. A small army of vampires, demons and humans joined him each baring their own weapons whether they were fangs, claws or manmade.

A swirl of mist formed into a solid figure, the black clothed form stood firmly in the middle of the circling opponents. His head proudly raised, his back straight, eyes unwaveringly focused on the leader of the group.

”Then I think it is proper time that I show you the error of your ways. “