Title: Into The Light Author: MarieC Email: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com Feedback: Please: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com Previous chapters and stories: www.the-crypt.net http://home.att.net/~lubakmetyk/crypt.htm#marieC Rating: R Disclaimer: see previous parts **Note: It is essential to read "Changes, "Transition" and "Into the Depths" before this story** SUMMARY: Spike is bitten by a demon in Sunnydale and has turned into a FEMALE vampire. Angel takes her to LA after she is raped. The Scoobies have arrived for Spike's party. Continued thanks to the best Beta: Ghostsforge WARNING: TRANSGENDER, HET, RAPE Chapter 16 The Fang Gang, along with the Scoobies, worked frantically to prepare the lobby for the party. Angel had taken Spike to the cinema a few hours prior. "No, Sweet crumb!" Lorne said to Gunn. "Hang the banner using this." The Green Demon handed the vampire hunter a box of tacks. "This good?" Gunn asked as he stretched the banner. "Looks great!" Lorne turned around. "Wesley, is the stereo set up?" "For the hundredth time, Lorne, yes!" The Ex Watcher answered as he helped the others blow up balloons. "Hope Deadgirl Jr. appreciates this!" Xander said sarcastically with a smile. "I can't wait for her to open our gifts!" Dawn said excitedly and she rushed around the lobby. "Do you think Spike will like our present, Buffy?" She asked with a big smile. "Of course, Dawnie." Buffy answered softly. She was happy to receive Spike's forgiveness but was still a bit sad as she thought about what she lost; upon reflection, she realized that although she looked upon Angel as her true love, she was not his. She sighed and continued helping with the preparations. Time will heal her broken heart. She smiled as she stroked the long brown hair of her sister as Dawn sat down next to her. She would be okay. One day. "W-When are Spike and Angel coming back?" Tara asked quietly as she handed a balloon over to Willow. Cordelia glanced at her watch. "They should be back in about an hour. So, hurry up, people! Times a wastin'!" * As evening descended upon Los Angeles, Angel and Spike exited the movie theatre walking hand in hand. Spike grinned. "Was that sufficient torture for you?" Angel squeezed her hand. "No. The movie was fine. It isn't 50's movie magic, but it'll do." He answered with a smile. "So, what's the plan tonight, pet? I feel bad that I didn't get to spend any time today with the Scoobies." Spike frowned. "Well, after what happened with Buffy today, I think you had a good excuse." The dark vampire reassured her. "I think we should go out to eat and then swing by Caritas. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable by going anywhere else." The female vampire looked lovingly into Angel's eyes. "It's okay, luv. We can go to a traditional bar. You won't let anything happen to me." "Are you sure?" Angle asked concerned. Spike nodded. "Well, Cordy is always talking about this great Mexican restaurant near the hotel. I'm sure after that, we could find a few bars for the group." "Sounds like a plan." Spike grinned as they strolled towards the hotel. "I should call to make sure they are all ready to go when we get back." Angel said as he reached into his coat pocket to retrieve his cell phone. "Cordy? We're leaving the theatre now. Uh, uh...yes...the Mexican rest...wait...fine...okay Cordelia...see you soon." He turned his phone off. "Bint sure can speak a mile a minute, huh?" Spike chuckled at his Sire. "That's our Cordy." Angel joined Spike in laughter. The two walked slowly enjoying the company. A comfortable silence ensued as they wound through the streets of LA. "'S nice to walk for a change around here." Spike said as she continued to gaze straight ahead. "Reminds me a bit of 'ol Sunnyhell." Angel turned to her. "Do you miss being there?" Spike paused for a moment before answering. "Bits here n' there, I wager. Like anyplace I've been in unlife. Do like it here the best though." She said as Angel put his arm around her and held her close. "Good." Angel said firmly as they entered the courtyard. The scent of jasmine wafted through the air. The two vampires inhaled the strong aroma and sighed. "Angel?" Spike disengaged himself from her Sire and walked ahead. "The light is out in the lobby." She turned to him. "Do you think something happened to them?" "I doubt it, Spike." Angel answered reassuringly. "The electricity probably went out. It's an old hotel; the wiring is ancient." She squeezed his hand and walked through the door. All of a sudden, Spike jumped as the light turned on and she heard, "SURPRISE!!!!" Angel walked past her to join the others in the lobby. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SPIKE!" The Scoobies and the Fang Gang shouted in unison. The blond vampire had not quite reacted yet. She stood on the top steps frozen, blue eyes widened and fixed. She slowly began to notice the elaborate decorations in the lobby. Colorful balloons littered the floor. Banners stating 'Happy Birthday' hung from the stairs and over the front desk. There was a table in the corner with food and drinks; an adjoining table appeared to have presents. "Y-you did this for me?" Spike sputtered out finally in a weak, shaky voice as she looked at her friends. Angel returned to her side because he wasn't sure if she would be steady on her own. He hugged her and whispered, "Happy Birthday, Little One." She returned the hug with such force, holding on to Angel as if he was her lifeline. "I had forgotten...it's been so long." She whispered as her eyes watered. She turned to face the group. "Ta, to everyone. This is so thoughtful of all of you." She said as she descended the two small steps to walk towards her friends. She was immediately attacked by a million hugs. She was warmed with love and acceptance; a feeling she had searched for an eternity. "Alright!" Cordelia shouted. "Enough with the touchy-feelies!" She chuckled. "Time for presents!" "Prezzies...for me?" She asked innocently but with a sly grin. Spike laughed. "Come sit next to me, Spike!" Dawn giggled as she dragged the blond vampire over to the sofa and sat down. "Mine, first!" The teenager said excitedly. "I mean ours. Buffy helped me pick it out." She handed a wrapped box to the blond vampire. "Thanks, Nibblet." Spike stated as she tore the wrapping off. She opened the box and it revealed a three quarter length black leather coat. Spike stroked the fine leather. "We figured your old coat probably didn't fit anymore." Buffy chimed in as she took a seat near the vampire. "I hope you like it." Spike looked down at the coat and then at the Slayer. "Thank you, Buffy. Platelet." Spike smiled widely. Angel watched the interaction curiously. He was amazed at his Childe's ability to forgive so easily. He smiled at his former girlfriend as their eyes met. "O-Our turn!" Willow added as she handed another gift to Spike. "I-It's from Tara and I." Spike dug into a decorative bag and it revealed a myriad of candles in different colors. "Been missin' all my candles, Red; Glinda. Ta!" "A-And some of the candles have specific purposes, S-Spike." Tara went to point out a few. "S-Some of them are enchanted. This one is a protection candle and t-this is a candle to use w-when you're feeling stressed." "Yeah!" Willow continued. "There's a guide in there that tells you when and what to use them for." The red-headed witch smiled. "Can't wait to use 'em!" "Alright, Deadgirl, Jr." Xander stood with a box in his hands. "Enjoy!" "Xan-pet!" Spike shrieked. "An X-Box! Been tryin' to get the Poof to buy me one. Says it's too juvenile. Ta!" Spike stood to embrace Xander and then Anya. Angel glared at Xander in the corner. He would never like that dark-haired youth. "I wanted to get something else, Spike. But Xander said it was an inappropriate gift." The Ex-Demon pouted as she crossed her arms. Xander rolled his eyes. "Sweetie, not now." He placed his arms around her and led her to the other sofa. "Alright, girl!" Gunn walked up to Spike. "Have fun." He handed her a battle-axe with a red bow tied to the handle. "Gunn," Spike mocked, "You sentimental fool!" She chuckled as the two hugged. "Here you go Blondie-Bear." Lorne handed Spike an envelope. "Gift certificates to Tower Records. Thanks, Green Jeans!" Spike looked around as people were chatting and laughing. He could not believe how generous his friends were. He felt unworthy of the attention, but still appreciated it nonetheless. Wesley handed Spike a package. "Spike." Wesley said curtly. "Wes." Spike answered in a similar manner. She opened the package and it revealed a textbook of Daemonic Languages. They had discussed this text many times over tea. "You found it?" "At the auction I attended recently." He smiled. "Ta." Spike answered warmly. She felt so humbled. "This is too much, everyone. Really." She said with wide eyes. "And we're not done yet, Blondie!" Cordelia sauntered up with a bag. "Open!" As the female vampire dug through the bag, she discovered many goodies: a gift certificate to a Spa, two shirts and a few unmentionables that made Spike blush. "Cordy!" Spike said as she laughed. She was too embarrassed to show the group those items and kept them in the bag. She hugged the Seer and turned to Giles as she felt his hand on her shoulder. The Ex-Watcher simply smiled at Spike as he handed her five books. As she gazed down at the ancient texts, she realized they were rare editions of the greatest poets to ever live. No words were exchanged as Giles gathered Spike into his arms. Spike turned to his friends. "Thank you so much everyone; for everything. I don't know what to say." She said shyly as she dropped her head for a moment. Spike stood to join his friends as they walked towards the food. They stopped when they heard Xander speak. "Now, wait a minute." Xander looked around. "What about Deadboy's present?" The whole group looked at Angel as he sat slightly away from the rest. "Yeah, Angel?" Dawn added. ""Didn't you get anything for Spike?" Spike did not want to cause a scene. "S'okay, Nibblet. Angel threw this party for me. He doesn't have to get me anything." Spike smiled and threw a small glance at Angel before looking away. She did not want him to be upset; he had given her so much already. "No way, Mister." Cordelia added. "I know you got her something!" Her hands were on her hips. As the whole group asked Angel where his present was, the dark vampire soon tired of the chatter. "Enough!" He shouted a little too loud. "I did get Spike something; I just choose not to give it to her right now." For a moment, Spike's heart sank. Angel did not want to show their friends how he felt about her. She was a dirty little secret. Gazing at Spike, Angel could see her disappointment and because of their Bond, understood why. He did not want her to ever feel second-best. "Alright, everybody. Give me a second to get it." Angel walked towards his office and returned in a few minutes. In his arms, he carried a small elaborate wooden box. He smiled as he watched his Childe's face light up. He motioned for her to sit and he settled beside her. He held the object but turned it towards Spike for her to open it. The entire group gathered around closely; they were curious to see the contents. "Happy Birthday, Honey." The dark vampire said quietly. The two gazed at each other before Spike lowered her head to stare the detailed box. As she opened it, the wonderful scent of sandalwood wafted through the air. In it, lay a creamy colored envelope lying on top of crushed red velvet material. She reached for the paper with a shaky hand. Her finger gently rubbed over the seal that she recognized as the symbol of the Aurelius Clan. She slowly opened the envelope and retrieved the paper inside. As she unfolded the paper, she gasped slightly as her eyes fell upon a charcoal drawing of a beautiful woman laughing. She stared for a few moments before she found her voice. "I-Is that...?" Angel nodded. "That's you, sweetling...I'm sorry I didn't do this for you before." Angel held his head down. "No, Angel. It's okay." Spike smiled as she placed her hand on his cheek. The two were in their own world; they were oblivious to the crowd surrounding them. "There's more." Angel pointed to the velvet cover. Spike picked up the fabric and realized there was something in it. He reached in and felt a handle and pulled it out. She looked up at Angel confused as it dawned on her what the object was. With an unsteady hand, she brought it up to her and for the first time in 123 years, she saw her own reflection. Her chin trembled as she looked upon her new face for the first time. Tears streamed down her visage as her hand trembled as she slowly touched her eyes, cheeks, nose and lips. She held up her hair as she saw the waves of honey brown locks. "S-Sire..." Her voice trailed off as she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her head found his shoulder as he wrapped his large arms around her tiny form. She sobbed quietly as her arms snaked around his waist. Cordelia wiped tears from her eyes as she motioned for the group to give the two some privacy. She led them to the food table as she turned to see her two friends locked in a lover's embrace. She smiled. "How?" Spike sniffed as she gazed at Angel. "I called in a few favors." The dark vampire smiled as he wiped her tears away. "Does it work for you?" She asked innocently. He smiled at her question. "No. This is for you only. I saw my reflection recently when we travelled to Lorne's home dimension called Pylea. I'm pretty good looking if I say so myself!" He said jokingly. "I could have told you that!" She grinned widely and then became serious again. "You have no idea what this means to me, Angel." "I know it's something you needed, honey. Now, the magics will not last for an eternity; but, you will have some time." "I love you so much..." Spike added. "More and more each day." Angel caressed her cheek and leaned in and placed a chaste kiss upon her pink lips. He wanted to do more, but knew they had an audience. The two stood to rejoin their friends. Spike was a bit concerned that their friends would be shocked by their display of affection. The two vampires were met with hugs and laughter as they spent the next few hours eating, dancing, and enjoying their time together. * TBC...