Destiny

Prologue

Picking up Drusilla, Spike quickly left the mansion for the black Cadillac, with its black-painted windows. He cast one last look at Buffy, her fear apparent, as Angel advanced slowly, with a sword at her throat.

Spike couldnt help remembering the deal they had  that he will help her defeat Angel. But he reasoned that he had led her to Angel and all that really mattered was Drusilla was back with him. He shrugged and walked out.

The next day, Buffy hid behind a tree as she watched Xander and Cordelia, Oz and Willow walk into school. She longed to join them, to tell them that it was all over, but she couldnt. She couldnt forget all the pain her friends had suffered because of her. Dammit, shes ruined all their lives, how can she ever hope to be forgiven. She was weak, she saw that now, she ought to have killed Angelus before things got so much out of hand.

She had left a note for her mum, knowing that it was useless for her to go home. Her mum had told her never to come back. She would not understand what it meant to be a Slayer and Buffy could see that she never would. Buffy had only gone back to leave the note, and to pack a few of her things.

It was the time to start over again.

As she sat in the bus, she replayed the scene of last night over and over again  the sword at her thought, Angel calling her name, his confusion when she struck him with the sword This wont do, she told herself, I have to push the past out of my mind or Ill drive myself crazy. At this, she started crying silently, at the memory of Ms Calendar, Kendra and Angel.





Part 1

Spike?

Spike groaned at the sound of the voice. The voice which had delighted him for more than a century every time it purred his name. Now he found it a nuisance.

A hand was trying to shake him awake. Spike!

He reluctantly opened his eyes. What is it, pet?

I want to go home.

This IS home, love, he replied, hoping that she would soon shut up, before he decided to strangle her. **Damn** he swore, thinking of all the trouble he had gone through to find a place for them here in L.A.

I need to save Angel, from HER. Spike, please? Drusilla pleaded.

Dru, no. I told you, Angel is okay, the last I saw, he was just about to kill the Slayer.

Then why hasnt he come and looked for us? Drusilla continued her whingeing. Maybe hes waiting for us to go back to Sunnydale!

Maybe hes dead, Spike muttered under his breath. Secretly he was delighted at the thought, he had wanted the Slayer to win. He had hated Angel that much.

Drus eyes bore a dangerous glint. If thats the case, then its all your fault! She cried as she leapt at Spike, cutting his face with her nails.

Spike pushed her off him, stammering, Wh-what?

You think I didnt know? You were helping HER, how else would she have found us? At this, she attacked Spike again. This time more prepared, he grabbed her hands, only to be kicked in the stomach, causing him to fall back onto the floor.

Then he saw Miss Edith, lying not far from him, he quickly moved to grab the doll, holding it up just as Drusilla charged at him again.

NO! Miss Edith! she cried. Let her go, Spike!

I will my pet, as soon as you stop trying to kill me. Drusilla hesitated. Or Ill break the doll.

Drusilla was reduced to her whimpering, something which she knew, would make Spike relent. It was his weakness.

But this time, Spike was determined not to let her pathetic cries get to him. Finally realising that he had had enough of Dru and her non-stop whining, he slowly got up, walked to the window, and threw the doll out from the second storey apartment.

Miss Edith!!!! Dru immediately ran out of the apartment to save her favorite doll.

Spike watched her from the window, as she picked up the shattered doll and hugged it against her, glaring up at him. He yelled, Go and find your precious Angel for all I care, but if I ever see you and that stupid doll again, I swear Ill be happy to put a stake through your heart! He slammed the window shut, pulling the black-out curtain back to place.

Drusilla looked up to the apartment with a murderous gleam in her eyes. For what you did to Angel and Miss Edith, youre going to have to pay. She slowly walked off into the darkness.

The diner closed at 11. Usually Anne would leave as soon as she finished the accounts. But today, another waitress, Jane, had an important date, so she had asked Anne to help her clean up the tables and chairs.

As she tried to scrub off food stains from the tables by the window, she kept an eye out for vampires. Since her arrival in L.A. three months ago, Buffy had stayed active with her slaying, while trying to keep her true identity hidden. She applied for a job at the diner, where she was known as Anne, working during the day, slaying at night. It kept her from remembering Sunnydale too much.

She still didnt have the courage to write back to her mum and her friends, to at least tell them that she was okay. They had not seen her since that fateful night. They had no idea what had happened  whether she was still alive, whether the spell had worked, whether Angel was okay if he HAD regained his soul While she tried to convince herself that they would all be better off without her, she couldnt help thinking about how much they would miss her.

Spike, walking along the dark street, realised that he no longer cared what would happen to him. When Drusilla had been hurt by that bloody mob in Prague, he had pledged his life to making her strong again, only to end up in a bloody wheelchair himself. And then bloody Angel came back, and Drusilla, that unfaithful whore, he hissed under his breath, had immediately returned to their sire, forgetting all the trouble Spike had had caring for her.

Suddenly conscious of being watched, Spike looked around. He was passing a diner which was already closed, and there was no one else around. He looked into the diner again, seeing that there was someone inside staring at him through the tinted windows.

Someone he never thought he would see again.

Sl-slayer? He stammered.





Part 2

Buffy couldnt believe her eyes, as she lifted them to check for vampires. It was a vampire she thought she would never see again, or perhaps one she had rather hoped she would not see again.

Sl-slayer? It had stammered.

Spike! Buffy was surprised at her feelings at the sight of her mortal enemy. How could she possibly be pleased to see him? She questioned herself, suddenly realising how lonely she had been over the last three months.

Spike wasnt sure what to do. Hell, he had hardly talked to anyone since Drusilla left him about a fortnight ago. In fact he had not fed properly during that time. Through the window it had been hard to tell whether she was mad at him or not. He would not be strong enough to fight her. His instincts told him to run.

As he was pondering over what he should do, the door of the diner threw open, and Buffy herself came out. Spike took a step backward, fearing that she had decided to finish him off once and for all.

But she smiled at him. A smile which he had seen many times before when she was with Angel. A smile which had made him jealous of Angel time and time again. It was suddenly aimed at him. He thought he would melt. He walked up to her, not sure of what to say.

Buffy didnt know why she had come out, for SHE couldnt think of what to say either. She decided that she had to be the one to break the ice. Im almost finished, perhaps you could wait for me? We can likeyou knowtalk.

Spike tried to mask his surprise. Hmmokay. He followed her back in, and stood in a corner as she stacked up the last chairs.

Im ready. She turned back at him. Souhyou want to go get a drink or something? She blushed, fearing that she was being too forward with a vampire who was supposedly her mortal enemy.

Sure, Spike was perhaps as uncomfortable as she was, but he was interested in why Buffy had left Sunnyhell, and more importantly, what had happened to Angel.

As they walked on, Spike decided to question Buffy on her leaving Sunnydale.

Buffy paused before saying, I put my friends in too much danger. I couldnt risk their lives again.

Spike nodded, remembering all the things that had happened. **It was a good thing none of them had a puppy** What happened to Angel? He suddenly remembered that Buffy herself was about to be killed by Angel. He was pleased that she had more or less survived the ordeal.

This time Buffy paused even longer. Spike turned to look at her, and saw the tears flowing down her cheeks. **Maybe she had to kill him** He almost felt sorry for her. **Wait a sec! Im feeling sorry for the Slayer?! I must be going crazy!**

Hes in hell, Buffy finally answered. I had to use his blood to close the hell hole. She paused again, then finally realised what had been bothering her about Spike. Wheres Drusilla?

It was Spikes turn to hesitate. She left to find Angel as all he said in reply to her question.

Buffy had a glimpse of what he must be feeling. She had known, that he had loved Drusilla in his own way, and the loss of her had changed what was a vicious vampire into one who didnt care that his present companion could kill him without a blink of the eye.

Buffy couldnt bring herself to do that. She always found she had trouble killing a vampire, unless theyre attacking. Looking at Spike, she really could not imagine him harming a fly.

It was time for lighter conversation. She started talking about the vampires she had met up in L.A. whilst Spike told her about the ones he had known throughout the century. They chatted, laughed, before suddenly realising the sun would be coming up pretty soon.

Spike knew he didnt have much time to return to his apartment. In fact, he was afraid that he wouldnt even make it. Buffy saw his concern, but couldnt believe what she said next.

If you want you can stay in my motel room for a day, its not very far away.

His surprise was certainly equaled to hers. But it was no time to justify the reasons for her offer. He just accepted it.

Quickly they hurried back to her motel, reaching it just before sunrise.

Once back into her room, Buffy wasted no time in shutting all the curtains to block out the sun. Spike was hiding in the closet, under a pile of her clothes.

Is this alright? She asked.

There was a rather muffled reply, and she couldnt really tell what he said, but she was sure the room was dark enough and there was no sunlight shining in. **Hell be alright.**

Half an hour later, she stepped out of the shower, thinking over what had happened over the last 12 hours or so. Being in love with Angel, she had been unwilling to admit how much the blond vampire had attracted her. But she told herself, this was no time to think about that.

Tired, she fell asleep on her bed right away.





Part 3 The next thing she knew, her phone was ringing.

Hello? She picked up the receiver, annoyed to be woken up.

Anne!! Why arent you at work yet? It was Jane.

Oh shit! What time is it?

Its six already! Boss is out for a little while, so he doesnt know yet. But he might be back soon. Buffys shift started at five thirty.

Buffy forced herself off the bed. Okay, Ill get there as soon as I can.

She went to her closet to grab for a change of clothes. The closet door was open. Spike? She asked. He must have left already, she told herself. Just to make sure, she checked that there was no pile of ashes around. None. She sighed, relieved.

However, she had no time to wonder what happened to him, she couldnt afford to lose her job. She ran out of her room, all the way to the diner, managed to look busy just as her boss came back.

Spike has left the motel as soon as the sun had gone down. For one thing he was hungry, and for once, he didnt want the Slayer to know about it. **Geez, there is definitely something wrong with me**

He looked at Buffy as he stepped out of the closet. She was sound asleep on the bed. Never had she looked lovelier than she did then. Spike paused, knowing that it would have been the perfect opportunity to bag his third slayer. **She could have left me to die this morning, but she didnt. I owe her** He looked down at her face, wanting to touch her. He shook himself, reminding himself that the Slayer is a vampires enemy.

As he was walking back to his apartment, he couldnt help comparing Buffy with Drusilla. **That whore** he muttered under his breath, at the same time wondering what she had been up to since the night he threw Miss Edith out of the window.

Dru had left him as soon as Angelus came back. She didnt want a man in a wheelchair, she had found him a burden. Despite the fact the he ended up in a wheelchair as a result of trying to help HER recover. Isnt that just ironic, he chuckled to himself.

Buffy, on the other hand, had still loved Angel, even though he was taken over by the demon Angelus. That was a loyalty Dru would never have. In fact, he added, it would be a surprise if she even knows what that word means.

Thinking over what had happened yesterday, he was suddenly struck by unhappy Buffy must have been. He made a silent resolution: hed wait for her to finish work, and see if she would need his company.

All finished! Buffy said aloud, looking over the accounts book again. **I hate maths** Well, Ill see you tomorrow. She said to Jane, who nodded and thanked her again for taking over for her the night before.

She walked out of the diner, and her slayer sense was immediately on alert. She walked across to the park, sure enough there was a vampire feeding on a young girl who was stupid enough to be out at this time of the night.

Hey! she yelled out to him. He saw who was coming, quickly dropped the girl he was holding, and ran. Buffy chased after him, after checking that the girl was okay.

**Damn, where did he go?** Buffy looked around, stake still in hand. Suddenly, she sensed that something was amiss. **Whats going on?**

Suddenly she saw a bunch of vampires coming out from behind a bush, she quickly turned, and saw more coming from every direction. She was surrounded.

Hey isnt that the Slayer? One of them asked. It sure looks like it, another replied, grinning. Buffy had no choice but to fight her way out. She roundkicked the first vampire into that group of vampires, causing a few of them to fall backwards, before punching another, while dodging the attack of yet another.

They were there in a strong number, although Buffy had already staked quite a few of them, she was quickly becoming exhausted, still, she couldnt break through the circle and run. Buffy remembered how whenever she had been surrounded, someone had always helped her. **Angel** she thought, and that was a distraction enough for her to be hit by a vampire, and she fell to the ground. The remaining vampires crowded around her, getting ready to bite. Suddenly a couple of vampires was yanked away from her and threw to the ground. The others quickly turned to see who had attacked them.

To Buffys and everyone elses surprise, it was Spike. She got up, grabbed her stake, (**Trusty Mr Pointy**) and took the opportunity to stake a couple more vampires. The others turned back to her, growled and renewed their attack. But it was rather hopeless. Most of the vampires were young, they were still relatively weak compared to the slayer and a two-hundred-year-old vampire. (For Spike had decided to finish off a young girl he saw, lying half-dead on the path.) Many were staked by Buffy, others fought off by Spike. Soon, they were all gone, some ran away, many contributing to the large pile of ashes on the ground.

Buffy paused to catch her breath. Then she looked up at Spike. Thank you, she finally brought herself to say.

It was okay. I wouldnt have let a slayer be killed by an idiot mob. I would rather do the honour myself.

Buffy paused again, this time noticing the laughter in his eyes. Very funny, she muttered. What are you doing here anyway?

Just to see if you would need any help. Spike laughed. Buffy was very tempted to stake HIM, but remembering that he HAD saved her life just moments before.

Well, Im glad you came along. I think Ill be going now. She brushed herself off, leaving him standing in the park, not sure what he was to do.

Jane laughed, Gee Anne, have you finished with that yet?

Another day, another accounts book to balance. Almostthere!

Jane laughed again, About time! Theres been someone waiting outside for you for a LONG time.

Buffy was confused. Huh? Why didnt you tell me that earlier? She asked as she helped Jane wiped down a couple of the tables.

Jane laughed again, Wasnt sure. Hes pretty cute though, with blond hair. Leather trench coat. Gee, isnt it a bit too hot for that? You know anyone like that?

**Spike?** Buffy thought to herself. **No it cant be.** She walked over to the window, but sure enough, there was the vampire sitting outside.

Well, I better run then. Ill see you tomorrow.

Yeah, and be on time, Jane couldnt pass the opportunity to laugh at her. So you can tell me who the stud is.

**Stud?** Buffy didnt like the idea of thinking of Spike as cute. To her, he was just another vampire. **Well, maybe a bit more than that, still**

Hello cutie, he called out to her, as he got up to greet her.

Hi, what are you doing here?

Just wanted to see whether you wanted an escort home? He had suggestively lifted his brows at that. Buffy blushed.

Well, I dont really need one, in fact, youre cutting into my slaying time.

Spike hesitated. Youre not thinking of slaying me are you love?

Buffy was surprised by his question, and then even more so when it hit her that she didnt WANT him to die. Spike only laughed when she paused. He added, Well, I guess coffee is out of the question then?

No, coffee would be fine.





Part 4

A week passed by like that. Each night, Spike would wait for her to finish work, they would go for coffee before returning to their own place.

Jane would laugh every time she saw leather guy, she had dubbed him as Anne had refused to tell her who he was, outside. Theres your boyfriend again, Anne. Despite Annes protests, Jane was convinced that they were more than friends.

And it was one week from when Spike had had to take shelter in Buffys room that Buffy had a dream.

I love you, a voice had said.

Buffy tensed up as she recognised the voice. She spun around to see Angel, looking at her with love and pain. Oh Angel, I love you too. She could feel the tears flowing down her cheek as she moved closer to him.

Then why did you send me to hell? At that, Angel changed to his vampiric form, fangs baring, grabbed Buffy by the shoulders and bit into her neck. Buffy, shocked and confused by what he had said, could not do anything, except feel herself become weaker and weaker.

When he finally released her, she felt dizzy, she could barely keep her eyes open. She knew it was all over. The last thing she saw was Angelus grinning evilly at her, and Drusilla walking up to plant a kiss on his lips.

She blacked out.

Buffy woke up screaming. She glanced at the clock next to her. It said 3:30p.m. She quickly got up, stepped into the shower, hoping to shake off the terror of the dream. She couldnt relax, her conscience told her that something was wrong. She decided to do what she ought to have done months ago.

Spike couldnt sleep. He was thinking about Buffy. He had wanted to tell her how much he cared about her the night before but was cut off when she had spotted a group of vampires hunting. It reminded him of their different destiny. There could have been no chance of them being together.

Of course Spike would be more than happy to have Buffy turned into a vampire. **She can be my new Princess** He grinned to himself, but he knew, from Angel had told him, that there was nothing she would loathe more than becoming a vampire herself. That, of course, was exactly what Angelus had had in mind for her. Too bad he failed, Spike thought, before realising the vampire Buffy would have been no more his, than Buffy the Slayer was.

Buffy dialed a number which she knew off by heart.

She waited, one ring, five rings, ten rings. Still no one answered.

Maybe mum went on a business trip, she thought, as she hung up, after another ten rings.

Right away, she picked up the phone again. This time, she dialed Willows number.

This time it was answered right away  a recorded message. The phone number you have called is not connected. Please check the number, or try again later.

Confused, she tried calling again with the same result. **Maybe I got the wrong number** Next she tried calling Xander. This time his mum answered. She sounded tired and her voice was coarse, as if she had been crying.

Hello?

Hello, this is Buffy. May I please speak to Xander?

There was a pause on the other end. Then Mrs Harris screamed into the phone. Is this someones idea of a joke? This is NOT funny! She broke off, sobbing.

Mrs Harris? What has happened?

Who is this? Mr Harris had taken the receiver from his wife, his voice also angry. If this is some kind of a prank call, Ill get your number traced and see that you are caught.

No! This is Buffy, and I want to talk to Xander. She could still hear the woman crying in the background.

Okay, thats it! The phone then went dead. Buffy realised he must have hung up.

Now completely puzzled, Buffy knew the only way she could find out the answers was to return to Sunnydale.