Author: Michael Weyer
Title: Treats and Tricks
I don't own any of them. This takes place in the "dark times" of the Wishverse so a quick prompter....
1. Buffy Summers did not come to Sunnydale.
2. Without Buffy, the Master arose, the Harvest occured and Sunnydale became ruled by vampires.
3. Willow and Xander were turned into murderous vampires and lovers, the Master's chief lieutenants.
4. Rupert Giles, a Watcher without a Slayer, has organized the "White Hats," a group of humans who try to fight vampires.
5. Oz and Larry are the two chief "White Hats."
A little ditty that struck me, showing the nastier side of the Wishverse. Hope you like it.
Sunnydale, CA
October 31st, 1997
1903 Hours PST
The sign said it all.
No one knew who it was but someone with a twisted sense of humor had defaced the sign that said "Welcome to Sunnydale." The last four letters had been covered over in red and above them written the word "Hell." If one looked closely, they could see the red coloring was not spray paint.
A squeal of tires suddenly cut through the night and a smashing sound echoed as a beat-up car smashed right into the sign, sending it flying to the ground. The door to the driver's side opened and a figure slowly stepped out. He gazed over at the lights of the town not too far away, then at the sign that was illuminated in the car headlights.
"Welcome to Sunnyhell," the driver muttered. "Too bloody right." He stepped back into the car, put it back in drive and headed into the town itself.
Harmony Kendall checked her watch and hissed, "Shit." She picked up her pace, feeling at the cross around her neck. She should never have gone out to the store, not this late, no matter what she needed. So of course, her car would pick a lonely stretch of road a distance away from her house to break down just after sunset. Harmony found herself in a quandary. Stay in her car and wait for a tow truck (highly unlikely since the drivers had learned the hard way to ignore nighttime calls) or take her chances and walk home. Reluctantly, she chose the latter.
She felt the wind pick at her long blond hair, billowing it behind her and shivered a bit under her dark coat, wishing she had worn more than a thin blouse and mini-skirt. She picked up her pace,feeling a glimmer of hope as she saw lights just ahead on the road. A little further and she should be among people, breathing people, who would be able to help her out.
"Well, lookie here." Harmony froze in place, her heart chilling as she heard the voice. She slowly turned around to face the two people who had appeared behind her. *Just once, I'd love to be able to actually hear them. Just once.* She felt her heart jump as she saw just who it was.
Xander Harris had a sick grin on his face as he gazed over the blonde before him. He wore his usual outfit: Black leather pants with a leather jacket over a white muscle shirt, his dark hair well-combed. Beside him, as always, was Willow Rosenberg, his partner in all things from the bedroom to the slaughterhouse. She wore an outfit as red as her hair, stretched so that it seemed like a second skin on her body, which, Harmony was forced to admit, was a lot more shapely than she would have ever guessed.
Less than a year ago, Harmony wouldn't even have wasted the time to sniff at the two losers. Now, of course, things were slightly different. "Oh, fuck," she whispered.
"Let's not get ahead," Willow cooed, licking her lips as she looked Harmony over. Harmony shivered at the lustful expression in the vampire's eyes. She had already figured, going from stories she had heard, that dying would probably be better than whatever Willow had in mind for her.
"Now, you're not the Bitch Squad member we wanted, but you can do," Xander said. "We were looking for Cordelia Chase for some payback but not surprisingly, Ms. Rich bitch blockades herself at night."
Harmony had to admit he had a point. Since the vampire threat had become common knowledge in Sunnydale, Cordelia had been one of the many who had refused to step outside after night for any reason, despite her push of her parents. It was ironic, Harmony thought, that while the adults of Sunnydale thought it was just some odd gang taking over the town, the younger population were willing to accept the idea of vampires. Of course, at the moment, she supposed that didn't really matter. What did was that two of the worst vamps in town were right in front of her.
"Don't even think about it," Willow said in an icy tone. Harmony froze, one foot still extended behind her, preparing to run. "Well, that should be easy for you," Willow added with a laugh.
She and Xander began to advance on the terrified Harmony, Xander licking his lips. "I'm calling this one, hon," he said. "I still owe her for standing me up in eighth grade."
"Stand up to this!" At the sudden voice, Xander turned just in time to receive a blast of water in his face. He screamed in pain as he realized it was holy water, gripping at his burning skin. Willow spun toward the direction of the water and saw a wooden shaft hurtling through the air. She tried to dodge as much as she could so instead of her heart, the arrow buried itself into her left shoulder.
Harmony turned as well to stare at the two figures running toward her. One was a tall and beefy young man with a football player's build, dropping an empty water bottle. Beside him was a smaller, more wiry man with hair dyed a dark green. Both were dressed in dark clothing, with crosses around their necks.
Harmony barely had time to register the two men were Larry Blaisdell and Oz Green just before they ran up to her and, without breaking stride, placed their hands under Harmony's arms, lifted up and ran with Harmony hanging between them.
Xander rose up, his face in full vampire mode, pure savage fury on his features as he wanted blood. "Beef-boy's mine," he hissed.
Willow snarled as she yanked the arrow out of her shoulder, her pain causing her own vampire face to appear. "Fine by me," she said. "I've been wanting a piece of that lousy guitar player for weeks anyhow." With that, the two took up the chase.
"So, come here often?" Larry asked as he set Harmony down on her feet. He still kept an arm on her, however, to help her along as they ran.
"What the hell are you two doing out?" Harmony gasped as she tried to keep up.
"Keeping an eye out for people like you," Oz said in his usual flat tone. "It's what we do."
Larry spared a glance and saw Willow and Xander closing in fast. "Shit, pick it up, pick it up!"
Oz glanced toward the large enclosure coming up before them. "Let's duck in here," he suggested. "Good hiding places."
Harmony looked to where he was staring and rolled her eyes. "The zoo? It's closed!"
"Rules don't apply here," Larry pointed out. "It's worth a try." Seeing little other choice, Harmony let herself be pulled over to the entrance line leading into the zoo. By this point, both Willow and Xander were only a few feet behind the trio and Harmony was afraid there would be no time to hide. She could see the evil grins on the faces of the two vampires-----
And saw them both suddenly bounce back as if they had hit a wall, both flying off and landing hard on the ground. Harmony stopped in place, staring at the two. Oz and Larry, sensing her slowing down, paused as well to look at what had caught her eye. They watched as Xander and Willow picked themselves up and started forward, only to hit the same invisible wall that kept them back. The vampires were as confused as the humans as to what was causing this. "Dammit!" Xander yelled, pounding a fist and feeling no giveaway.
Willow pouted. "Xander, make them stop whatever they're doing. I'm hungry!"
"Me too, babe," Xander said. He narrowed his eyes at the trio. "We'll be waiting for you to come out."
Larry made a smile. "We can wait around here until daylight," he pointed out. "Can you?"
The two vampires exchanged a glance, knowing he was right. They started to back away, Xander pointing at them. "I'm gonna get you for this, asshole," he hissed. "And your little pal too." Tucking an arm around Willow, the two vanished into the night.
Harmony shook her head as she turned toward the two men. "What the hell was that?" she asked.
"Beat me," Oz shrugged. "Can't argue with it though."
Harmony stared at him, then at Larry. "He's a man of few words, isn't he?" she asked.
"Only when they matter," Larry agreed.
"I don't get it!" Xander yelled, throwing his hands in the air. "I just don't get it! What the hell happened?" He kicked at a loose grave marker, sending a chunk of rock bouncing along the ground. He and Willow were walking through the nearest cemetery, both seething from anger and confusion.
"It was a zoo!" Willow exclaimed, still pissed off. "It wasn't a residence or a church or anything, it was a zoo! A public place!"
"I know!" Xander agreed. "Why the hell couldn't we enter a zoo?"
"Because you weren't invited, you bloody ponce."
Xander and Willow both turned to see a figure sitting on a nearby headstone. He was lighting up a cigarette and taking a long drag from it, illuminating his rather handsome face. He had short blond hair and wore a dark leather duster coat over a red shirt and dark pants. One look at him and Xander rolled his eyes. "Great," he muttered. "Someone turned Billy Idol."
"Oh, please," the vampire with the English accent stated. "Bugger stole his look from me." He stepped off the gravestone and looked the two over. "You aren't that old, are you?" he asked. "Must be why you don't know what happened."
"What did happen?" Willow demanded. "Why couldn't we enter the zoo?"
"Just told you, Red, you weren't invited."
Willow frowned. "Invited? By who? It's a public place!"
"Not to the animals. To them, it's a home."
Willow and Xander stared at him in disbelief. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me," Xander said.
The Englishman shook his head. "Nope. And with them, it's even worse. After all, humans don't mark their territory." He paused and shrugged. "Well, not as much these days anyway."
"Wait a minute," Xander said, holding up a hand. "If there's a welcome mat in front of a house, we can just waltz right in, but we have to be invited by the *animals* in order to enter a ZOO?!"
"Hey, I don't make the bloody rules," the other vampire said. He looked the two over and rolled his eyes. "It's your own fault, anyway, for breaking tradition."
Willow frowned. "What tradition?"
"It's Halloween, you git," the Briton stated. "We don't hunt on Halloween. It's just not done."
"We prefer doing things our way," Xander said with a smirk.
"And that's going to go along so bloody well if a Slayer decides to drop by for a visit." The man snorted. "If you're the best the vamp population in this town gets, this is going to be a worse trip than I thought."
Both Xander and Willow growled at the insult. "Listen, pal," Xander hissed. "I don't know who you are but------"
"The name," the Englishman broke in, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Is Spike."
Xander shut up, his mouth falling open as he and Willow stared at the man. "Spike?" Willow whispered. "The Spike? The killer of two Slayers Spike?"
"That's me," the man confirmed with a smirk. "Nice to see my name still gets around."
"Well, a killer of two Slayers..." Willow observed. "Wow. I mean, okay, you're not Dracula but still..."
"Oh, God, don't get me started on that," Spike groaned, rolling his eyes. "Bastard still owes me five quid."
Xander and Willow stared at him in awe. "You know Dracula?" Willow whispered.
"See, that's what riles me up," Spike snarled. "The younger generation treat him like he's bloody Elvis. Well, let me set you straight, that bloody gloryhound has done more harm to vampires than a hundred Slayers!" He threw out his arms. "When I was turned, we could still go around without much trouble, do our mischief, half the people we saw didn't even know what we were before we killed them. His story gets out and everyone knows what we are, how to kill us, how to look for us, crosses, garlic, invitations, the mirror bit!" He sniffed. "Given the chance, I might stake the bastard myself."
"Okay, issues?" Willow asked.
Xander gave her a look. "Hon, you sound like your mom."
"Don't ever say that again," the redhead hissed.
Spike shook his head as he took another drag of his cigarette. "So, you two know anybody big in this town?"
The two vampires smiled. "We're the Master's chief lieutenants," Xander said with a touch of pride.
Spike actually seemed impressed. "Really?" he gazed at the duo. "Interesting. Probably more to you than it seems."
"We get that a lot."
Spike stepped forward. "Okay, so who do I have to see about having some fun around here?"
Willow looked the blonde man over and let a sultry smile come to her face. "Depends on what you mean by fun," she cooed.
Spike raised an eyebrow. "Direct and shameless." He smiled. "I think I might like you."
"Come with us," Xander directed. "I know the Master will want to see you bad. And we can get started on the fun."
"How?" Spike asked as he dropped the cigarette onto the ground and started to follow them.
"Spike, my friend," Xander laughed. "How long's it been since you hit the buffet?"
The Bronze
2157 Hours PST
"Now this," Spike intoned with an evil smile. "Is my kind of place!"
Indeed, for the old vampire, the Bronze was exactly the sort of place that he had dreamed of. Vampires roamed freely, dancing, partying, even having sex in a few corners. There were several corpses littered around the room, all with fang marks on their necks. Spike could tell that the ones who stared outward were truly dead and suspected several of those whose eyes were closed would be turned by the next night.
"Ah, you should have seen the way it was before," Xander sighed. "Just lousy beer, lousy food, bad music acts and a curfew, for crying out loud. Now, it's a place you can actually hang around in."
He, Willow and Spike marched down the steps from the entrance to the Bronze into the club itself. Spike felt a throb in his brain as the smell of blood and sex hit his nose. He paused as a scent came into his field, a scent he found very familiar. He turned to see a woman approach the trio. She was blonde, with an elegant beauty marred by her cold nature. However, her nice red dress did show off the curves of her body to an excellent degree.
"Well, well, look what the cats dragged in," she said with a smirk on her face.
"Darla," Spike said. "It's been a long time. China, right?"
"Indeed," Darla confirmed with a nod. "You've been busy since then. Two Slayers. I never thought you had it in you."
"You never tried to find out," Spike sniped. "Too busy trying to get Peaches back under your thumb. A lost cause, that."
Darla's lips thinned as she glared at Spike. "Well, I can tell you've discovered the benefits of hair gel."
"You're one to talk," Spike snorted. "I know the hair's a lot more blonde than it used to be." He shrugged. "You hang around Angel for a while, you get to know about hair, you've gotta give him that."
"Too bad you're using peroxide," Darla snidely remarked.
"Well, it's better than using some yancy hair gel," Spike returned.
"So, you know Angel?" Xander asked with a smirk.
Spike snorted. "The bastard sired me, much as I hate to admit it." He paused as he took in the wicked smile on Xander's face. "Why?"
"Ooooh," Willow cooed. "I think you might like what we've got down below." The smile on her face grew. "Maybe it's time the puppy got a new playmate."
Spike stared at her in puzzlement as Darla drew a smile of her own.
It was dark in the chamber, as usual. A single light in the hallway through dim illumination into the cell. Then again, there wasn't much for Angel to see anyway. He knelt on the ground, his arms hung above him, manacles around his wrists attached to long chains. He was shirtless, scars visible on his chest, so deep that even his enhanced healing was having a hard time getting rid of them. His hair hung over his face, a trace of blood still on his forehead as he tried to regain his strength. Just when he thought Willow couldn't possibly get any more brutal, she outdid herself and he was almost always her guinea pig.
If he was human, Angel would be dead by now. And quite often, he wished he was.
He heard the approaching footsteps, followed by the cell door opening and steeled himself, preparing for another round of torture. He felt, more than heard, the sound of a match being struck. There was a pause, then a dark chuckle filled the room. "How the mighty have fallen."
Angel froze in disbelief before slowly bringing up his head. He blinked his eyes as he took in the figure before him. "Spike?"
Spike blew out a cloud of smoke and shook his head at the shocked vampire before him. "I'd heard the rumors, of course, but I could never quite believe them." He waved a cigarette at Angel. "Angelus. The Scourge of Europe, the nastiest vampire around, with a soul. Now a plaything for two vamps who haven't been turned a full year." He shook his head again. "How did it come to this?"
Angel looked down at the ground. "It's a long story...And I'm not exactly in the mood to tell it."
Spike placed the cigarette in his mouth and marched over to a nearby wheel. He gripped it and gave it a few turns. Angel let out a yelp as he felt himself being pulled up, the chains yanking back and pulling him to his feet, his arms hanging over him. Spike turned away from the wheel and leaned against a wall as he looked Angel over.
"It just makes me sick," he muttered. "I mean, look at you! You were my sire, man! You taught me about killing, torturing, all the good stuff! You made me, dammit!"
"I made you, Spike, because Drusilla wanted me to," Angel shot back. "I told her if she wanted someone so bad, just turn you herself but she insisted I do it as a present. She got so damn whining about it, I had to shut her up, so I turned you." He rolled his eyes. "A move, I go on record as saying, that I've regretted ever since."
"I don't," Spike replied. "Course, having to put up with you for a few decades wasn't the most pleasant of times."
"The feeling was mutual," Angel muttered. He tensed a bit against his chains, even though he knew it was futile. He watched as Spike calmly paced before him and raised an eyebrow. "By the way, where is Dru? I figured she'd want to see me here, babble some nonsense about me in chains and try to-----"
Spike whirled about and smacked a fist into Angel's face. He leaned in and hissed at his sire. "Dru's dead."
Angel was honestly shocked as he looked up at Spike. "What?"
Spike looked away, sadness in his features. "A mob in Prague got her a few months ago," he softly said. "I tried but...I couldn't get to her in time." He sniffed as he took another drag off the cigarette. "Which means the only person who'd drag me off you is history."
Angel's first instinct was to say "sorry" but then realized he was going to give sympathy to a murderous vampire over the death of another murderous vampire. He really didn't know what else to say so remained silent as Spike tried to pull himself in. The last thing the Englishman wanted to do was to cry in front of his sire, especially considering his present condition. "You didn't know about Dru? Thought you had a connection with the ones you sired."
"I've had other things on my mind," Angel grimaced.
Spike looked at his scars and smirked. "So I see." He blew out another cloud of smoke as he approached Angel. "I've gotta tell you, mate, I didn't think much of those two kids at first. But anyone who can do this to you is aces in my book. Reminds me of you back when you were fun to be around." He carefully moved the cigarette forward and pressed it on Angel's chest, the vampire yelling with pain as Spike ground the butt onto his skin. "Course, they could still use a couple of lessons," Spike noted, stepping back.
Angel lowered his head, trying to cope with the pain as he began to speak. "Is that why you're here, Spike? To catch up on old times?"
Spike shook his head. "Actually, no. I didn't even know you were here. I ran into some trouble in Europe so thought America might be a better place to hang my hat for a while. Word's gotten around that Sunnydale's pretty much Disney World for the vamp set so what the bloody hell?" He smiled at Angel. "Finding out you're here was just the bonus."
"So, what now?" Angel asked. "We get on with the torturing?"
"Tempting," Spike admitted as he leaned against the cell door. "I do owe you some hits from over the years. For me. For Dru."
Angel glanced at his feet. "You couldn't possibly cause me more pain than I'm already going through," he whispered.
"Promises, promises," Spike intoned. He looked at Angel's face and snorted. "Damn, you really are deep in the guilt pool, aren't you?" He shook his head. "It's like I've been saying for years, a soul is vastly overrated."
"Why don't you try it and see?" Angel barked.
Spike rolled his eyes. "Right. Like you'll ever see me getting stupid enough to want a soul. I try that and I'd be certifiable."
"I never underestimated your stupidity, Spike," Angel managed to jab.
Spike narrowed his eyes at his sire. "Don't push me, mate," he hissed. "You know, they've made great strides in technology since you last tortured someone. Imagine what I can do with a chainsaw."
"Been there," Angel grimaced. "And not to deflate your ego or anything, but Willow and Xander have figured out more torture tricks in only a few months than you ever showed in years."
Spike leaned back and stared at him, tapping a finger against his chin. "You know what your problem is, mate? You're jealous."
Angel brought his head up to stare at Spike in disbelief. "Me?" he asked. "Jealous of you? In what warped logic does that conclusion spring from?"
"From the fact that I've done something not even the great and mighty Angelus ever did," Spike said with a smile. "I bagged not one, but two Slayers." He shrugged. "Of course, when I say bag, I mean kill. Knowing your Irish ass, to you, bag means get into bed."
"In what universe?" Angel sardonically asked.
"Still, I did something not even you could ever do," Spike said. He raised an eyebrow. "Now, come on. I know that must have rankled you to no end."
Angel slowly glared at him. "So you got lucky," he muttered. "So what? I did worse than that before you were even out of bed. Not just killing but maiming and torturing and bedding and all the rest." He let a smile come onto his face. "I'll always be remembered for what I did, Spike. You? Aside from the two Slayer thing...all they'll remember is your lousy poetry."
"Shut up," Spike snarled.
"Why?" Angel continued. "You know it's the truth. Just like you know that Dru was always mine, no matter what you did. Let me let you in on a secret, Spike. Just about every time after you and her would do it and you'd nod off, she'd come to me. She'd come to me and beg me to do it right, to make it good, to give her what she could never get from you-------"
With a growl, Spike grabbed the wooden wheel and, with a savage tug, broke away one of the wooden spokes. He spun toward Angel, the makeshift stake whipping forward right toward his heart, Angel steeling himself for the blow--------
The stake stopped in mid-air as Spike caught the look on Angel's face. Not one of fear, but rather of anticipation and even acceptance. He paused, the stake quivering inches from Angel's skin. Slowly, Spike let out a long laugh. "Oooooh, you almost had me there," he mocked, waving the stake at Angel's face. "I put you out of your misery and get staked myself for taking away the Master's favorite whipping boy." He dropped the stake, taking pleasure in the disappointment on Angel's face. "Nice to see you still have a little of the old cunning left, mate. It'll make what I'm going to do to you all the more fun."
"Hold off on that, pal," Xander's voice entered the cell. Spike turned to see Xander standing there with Darla next to him. The younger vampire had that cocky smile on his face as he stepped forward. "Willow gets a little...protective of the puppy," he said, nodding toward Angel. "She lets me torture him of course and Darla gets in some licks but otherwise, it's hands off."
"Now hold a mo!" Spike yelled. "I've known this bastard way before either of you were even alive! I've got more than enough reason to want to put the hurt on him!"
"Hey, take it up with Willow," Xander said. His smile grew. "In fact, I do believe she's hoping you'll...persuade her to give you a shot." He winked at Spike. "I recommend hard and fast. She likes it."
Spike craned his head to one side as he slowly realized what Xander was saying. "You mean...You..."
"Me and Wills have an...open relationship," Xander coolly replied. "She does other guys, I'm okay. I do other girls, she's okay. She does other girls, I'm more than okay." He raised his eyebrows at Spike. "Get the hint, bleach boy?"
Spike stared at him, then turned and threw a wicked grin at Angel. "I like this kid," he smirked. He began to walk out, throwing a last comment over his shoulder. "I'll talk to the redhead and be back soon with some nice tricks up my sleeve." He nodded at Darla and Xander as he exited.
"Ah, aren't reunions so much fun, Angel?" Darla cooed, moving an arm behind her back.
"Funny, I didn't think I'd like him so much," Xander remarked as he looked Angel over. "But he's growing on me. I'm sure Willow will have a lot of fun with him."
"Ah, don't think about her," Darla's voice came up behind him, along with the very familiar sound of a zipper moving down. Xander turned to see Darla shrugging off her dress, revealing her incredible naked body. He started even as he felt the beginnings of arousal take him over. "What are you-----"
"Why worry about your girl," Darla interrupted. "When you can have a woman? A woman with four hundred years of experience and tricks Red can't quite match."
Xander looked at her, then at Angel, then back to her. "Is this because you really want me?" he carefully asked. "Or you just want to rub it in with Angel?"
Darla shrugged, her full and heavy breasts bouncing slightly with the move. "Does it matter?"
Xander paused and then shrugged himself, beginning to pull off his jacket. "Not really. Let's go find a room and-------"
"No," Darla said, holding up a hand. She moved in and pulled Xander into a long kiss, her tongue flicking over his lips in a way that made him harden instantly. She pulled back and smiled at him. "I want to do it here."
"Oh, God," Angel groaned. "Do I have to watch?"
"You get to watch," Darla grinned as she started to pull Xander's clothes off of him. As the two began to push against the cell door, Angel wished with all he had that Spike had put that stake in him.
Spike entered the small room and glanced around. He had been told where Willow and Xander stayed by a couple of vampires who smiled with obvious remembrance. If Spike had a pulse, it would be quickening at the idea of what lay ahead of him. Oh, he'd bedded some beauties before but something about this girl...It excited him as nothing had since Dru had died.
He heard a sound and turned to the corner of the room and felt his jaw drop. Willow moved into the dim lighting, not a stitch of clothing on her and Spike felt himself grow as he took her in. "Ah, if only we'd met a century ago," he said. "You and me in the good old days-----"
"Shut up and get naked," Willow ordered as she nearly tore off Spike's jacket. "I've got so many tricks and treats to show you tonight, William." She winked. "Including seeing just how much you live up to your nickname."
As he pushed back on the bed and practically mauled by the hot and ready redhead, Spike realized that this trip was turning out much better than he had imagined.
The Master's Lair
November 1st, 1997
1843 Hours PST
"William the Bloody," the Master stated. "This is an honor." The vampire was an ancient as he looked. He didn't even look human, his bald head constantly in a demonic visage, the nails on his fingers long and sharp, a grin seemingly plastered on his face. He was dressed entirely in black, a goblet of blood held languidly in one hand as he sat on a seat that looked quite like a throne. It was a large room, as befitting the ruler of Sunnydale, with piles of bones on either side and a long table in front of him.
Spike leaned against the table, wishing he had a cigarette. Xander and Willow were nearby, Willow a bit close to Spike. Xander didn't seem to mind as Darla was close by him, appearing quite satisfied. *Punk must have better stamina than I thought* Spike thought to himself. *Then again, he'd need it to keep up with Red.* He shared a smile with Willow, the memories of their hours of constant sex still in his mind.
"It's been so long since I met a vampire who slayed a Slayer," the Master went on. "I'm grateful you found Sunnydale a place to stay at."
"I like the town," Spike shrugged. He let his gaze go over Willow. "And the company."
The Master noticed it, of course, and smiled wider. "Well, then, I'd like to extend an invitation for you to stay. You could be a great benefit to my upcoming plans."
"Yeah, what are those?" Spike asked. "I want to know what I'm getting into before I agree to stay on."
"Fair enough," the Master shrugged. "In essence, it boils down to this...."
He talked for about twenty minutes, detailing his plan, his master scheme, the plot that would assure the dominance not only for himself but for vampires everywhere. He spoke with passion, with exuberance, with pride as he laid out for Spike his dream.
"So," he finally wrapped up. "What do you think?"
Spike took out the cigarette he had been smoking and fixed him with a look. "You want an honest answer to that?"
"If you'd be so kind," the Master said.
"All right." Spike blew out a cloud of smoke. "I think that's the single stupidest bloody thing I've ever heard in my life."
A very long silence came over the chamber. Very carefully, Willow began to inch herself away from Spike. The Master stared, the smile still on his face but not reaching his eyes. If Spike noticed the sudden change in mood, he didn't show it but simply continued. "I mean, that's it? That's all? That's the big master plan, no pun intended, you've been working toward all this time?" He waved his cigarette in the air for emphasis. "A bloody century stuck underground and *that's* the best you could come up with?" He shook his head. "Damn, between you and Angel, I'm losing respect for two legends here."
He finally went silent and began to realize the ugly looks he was being given by everyone here. He glanced at Willow and saw none of the lust and desire from the pervious night but an expression that indicated she was royally pissed off. Xander had much the same look while Darla simply gave him a smile that let William the Bloody know he'd just crossed the line.
The Master was silent for a long moment, clicking his fingernails together, doing an immense job of trying to hold in his anger. "This," he finally said. "Is why we beat you Brits in 1066. You all lack vision and courage."
"Didn't stop us from kicking your Kraut asses in 1919 and 1945," Spike shot back. Darla couldn't help but smile slightly at that comment.
Xander stared at Spike. "What? You fought against the Germans?"
Spike nodded. "I helped out at Dunkirk." Seeing the disbelieving looks on Xander and Willow's faces got his temper riled up. "Listen, I may be a soulless demon but I was born, lived and died an Englishman and damned if I was going to let those Nazi bastards march into my London!"
"I hate to interrupt this burst of patriotic pride," the Master interrupted. "But I want to clear up something. You're saying you don't like my plan?"
Spike nodded. "Pretty much, yeah."
The Master slowly nodded. "Now, normally, I'd just have you chained right up to Angel on the spot. However, out of respect for your past deed of killing two Slayers, I'll give you half an hour to get out town and then I'm sending Willow to bring me back your lower intensities."
"I might go lower than that," Willow said in a voice that mixed joyful anticipation with murderous danger.
Spike looked at her carefully and managed a smile. "You would, wouldn't you?" he asked. He glanced back at the Master and made a smile. "The girl's got spunk and potential. Keep an eye on her, mate. She might be angling to that throne someday herself."
"I'll keep that in mind," the Master said. He glanced toward a clock set along one wall. "By the way, you now have twenty-seven minutes to get out of Sunnydale limits. So, I'd be picking up the pace, if I was you."
Spike could tell the man was dead serious and the time for joking was now over. He gave a quick nod toward Darla, then fixed his eyes on Xander and Willow. "Give Peaches my worst," he said before swiftly moving out of the room.
Xander glanced at the Master. "You want us to track him down anyway?"
The ancient vampire shook his head. "No. No, I do believe he's gotten the message." He made a show of sighing. "Ah, it's really a shame. I would have enjoyed his company and experience." He shrugged. "Ah, well, the path not taken and all." He glanced over at Darla. "Make sure he leaves, will you?"
"You've got it," Darla said, walking off.
"Hmmm, I'm disappointed," Willow pouted. She closed her eyes and grinned. "Oh, he would have been so nice to have around for a while. He can get it going so well..."
"Better than me?" Xander said in mock outrage.
"Oh, honey, you know I love you," Willow told him. "But, he does have a few more years on you, you know. And he knows how to use them."
"Funny, Darla wasn't complaining about my youth last night," Xander calmly said.
Willow's eyes widened. "You got her before I did! You bastard!"
Xander grinned. "And may I say, I do believe when it comes to experience, she blows Spike away." He leaned in to give Willow a kiss. "Among other things."
"Oh, you two?" The two vampires turned to face the Master. He was sitting back in his seat, focusing on the two carefully. "I just want to make it clear that if you try hunting on Halloween again, I will personally tie you two out in the middle of the park for sunrise."
The two both stared at him in shock as the Master leaned forward, all joviality out of his face as he hissed at them. "I give you two a little leeway because of your talents and because you've proven yourselves. Anyone who can waste their own parents and best friend in their first forty-eight hours as vampires prove that." He narrowed his eyes and made sure his fangs were showing as he spoke. "But do not. Do. Not. Ever. Believe that gives you the right to do whatever you want, despite all my orders and all our years of held traditions. If I ever catch wind of the two of you even being out on future Halloweens...there won't be enough left of you two to fill an ashtray."
He sat back on his seat and suddenly showed a jovial smile. "So, enjoy the rest of the night." He kept himself from laughing until after the two vampires had scampered out of the room. "Ah, it's good to be the king," he softly said as he picked back up his goblet.
"Bloody miserable Kraut bastard," Spike muttered as he reached his car. "I try to do him a favor, show how bad this whole thing for him is and he runs me out of town." He fumbled with the car door, unlocking it and opening it up. "Fine, let the son of a bitch rot here. The whole thing's going to blow up in his face, it's better I'm nowhere near the blast range."
"Smart idea," a sultry female voice came out. "Mind if I go with?"
Spike whirled about to see a young woman, about high school age, stepping forward. She had a smirk on her attractive face, her dark hair laced with a trail of purple and her shapely body clad in a pair of tight pants and tighter shirt with jacket. "Nice car," she said, looking over the automobile. "Good mileage?"
"I tend to lock it up during the day," Spike carefully said. "Master start the hunt early?"
The woman snorted. "Please. I'm no vamp. I'm a musician." She sniffed. "At least I was when I came here a few months back for a gig." She rolled her eyes. "Then a bunch of vamps attack, I barely get out alive only to have some guy jump me and bite my shoulder." She smiled. "I actually thought I had gotten off lucky until a few nights later."
Spike peered at her and his nose twitched. His eyes widened slightly in realization and he quietly nodded. "Ah, werewolf."
"Yep," the girl confirmed with a grin. "Name's Veruca."
Spike stared at her. "Veruca?"
Veruca sighed. "My mom was a Ronald Dahl freak, what can I do? You should talk to my brothers, Willy, Charlie and Augustus and my sister Violet."
Spike leaned against the car, looking at the woman with curiosity. "So, what do you want with me?"
Veruca waved at the car. "A ride out of this dump for a start."
Spike was thrown. "What?"
Veruca sighed. "One upside for being a werewolf is that I don't have to worry about being a vamp meal," she said. "I don't know why but you guys just don't like to feed on werewolves. But let's face it, for humans, or at least part-humans, this place just ain't doing it." She made a smile. "Now, don't get me wrong, there are benefits. A night I had with Harris and Rosenberg certainly counts..."
Spike threw up his hands. "Shit, and I thought Darla was the queen slut of the vampire population!"
"Well, she gets there," Veruca allowed. "But anyhow, I've heard about what that bald-headed asshole is planning and I think it's the worst idea possible. It's going to backfire and bad and it's not going to be pretty when it does."
"Smart girl," Spike observed. "So, you think you can hook a ride from me? Why should I put up with some bimbo who's gonna go furry three nights a month?"
"Well, for starters, I can help you out in ways you can't get to," Veruca observed. "I can make arrangements for hotels or storage or places you can't do because of your little sunlight skin condition. And I can drive in sunlight while you can't."
"True," Spike admitted. "How do I know I won't just kill you? Maybe I can't drain you but wolf or human, your neck can snap as easily."
Veruca shrugged. "I've heard you lost your little psycho love doll a while back. I figure you could use a little company."
Spike's nostrils flared with anger. "Don't mention Dru again," he hissed.
Veruca raised an eyebrow. "What? You're in mourning? Come on, word's already gotten around about you and Willow pounding the boots just before she kicked you to the curb."
"She didn't kick me-----Why am I explaining this?" he demanded. He crossed his arms and glared at Veruca. "I want one bloody good reason why I should put up with you for any amount of time whatsoever."
In answer, Veruca reached down and pulled up her shirt. She let her breasts be exposed for a full ten seconds, then lowered her shirt down and tucked it into her pants.
Spike stared at her for a few moments, then nodded. "All right, get in." With a laugh, Veruca did, piling into the passenger seat beside him. Spike glanced at her. "No luggage?"
"I go naked a lot."
"What about when it's not your time of the month?"
Veruca threw him a wicked smile and Spike returned it. He turned on the engine and pulled the car back a bit. "No promises here, love. Hell, odds are good I'll end up killing you eventually."
Veruca shrugged. "Hey, I can just wait till you're sleeping and maneuver you in front of a window in time for sunrise. Works either way."
Spike felt himself laughing. *Damn, kid's got spunk.* He shrugged as he put the car in drive. *Well, what the hell? A pet werewolf on the side might be a good thing in the end.* He laughed again. *Hell, it could be worse. I could be old Angel.* The thought of his sire being place in constant agony made Spike feel all the better as he drove out of Sunnydale.