Along Came A Slayer June 2002 (posted December 2002) Jarvinia This is a crossover between Forever Knight and Buffy: the Vampire Slayer. It's a sequel to 'The Living Undead,' although this story stands mostly on it's own (basically just need to know that Buffy and Nick have met before...and that's about it). Neither Forever Knight nor Buffy belong to me, and no copyright infringement is intended in writing this piece of fiction. May be archived on my site and in the Xover Fanfic Archive. All others must ask (and please do, too!). Please send any/all feedback to: jarvinia@gmx.com Enjoy! ;) ~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~ Along Came A Slayer - (01/06) "Hey, Nick! Are you coming over to my place, or am I going over to yours?" When he didn't answer, Natalie turned sharply toward him. "You did take the holiday off, didn't you? Nick?" "Yeah, I took it off. I just don't know if I want to do anything this year." "Nick, it's Christmas! How can you just ignore Christmas?" "It's not all that difficult...I usually don't have much reason to celebrate. LaCroix doesn't exactly approve of mortal holidays...especially religious ones." "My cousin's coming to visit. I was hoping we could have Christmas together. You know, me, my cousin, her daughter, you..." Natalie trailed off, already seeing the protest in his eyes. "Nick, I was hoping you would join us." "Nat, I-" "You will *not* spend the day sulking in your dungeon of doom, Nicholas de Brabant," she stated to his annoyance and concern. At the same time, she was fully aware that the morgue was almost completely empty this time of the night. "If you want to be mortal, you need to get used to the mortal holidays." "Are you sure I won't be in the way?" "Positive. They're from California, and I'm sure both she and her daughter will get along fine with you." She saw another protest coming to his lips. "Don't even try. Tracy is probably wondering where you're off to...you might want to head back to the precinct." He nodded. His partner had been asking about his disappearing acts lately. "When are they getting here?" "Tomorrow night. They're supposed to be at the morgue at ten...and you'll be there too!" Nick had managed to slip out the door before she'd quite finished, but she knew he'd be there. She might have to drag him, but he'd be there. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Buffy stared out the window at Toronto's winter streets. No snow. She had figured they would be far enough north, but there wasn't even a speck of the fluffy white powder. It *was* cold enough, though. Glancing toward her mother, she asked, "So, now where are we going? If she wasn't at work, where would she be?" "I asked one of her co-workers. We're going to the 96th precinct." Studying a hastily drawn map, she added, "If we can find it." "Can't we just go by her place? See if it's unlocked?" "It won't be. Besides, Natalie has a friend she wants us to meet." Groaning, Buffy looked back out the window. She didn't want to get dragged around with her mom. She wasn't some helpless girl. She was the Slayer, and Toronto couldn't be any worse than Sunnydale. Toronto didn't sit on top of a hellmouth. "Here it is!" Joyce exclaimed. Soon after, the car pulled into a parking spot, and they made their way to the main entrance. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. "Come on, Nick, it's the holiday season. It can't be that bad." He shot a glare at his partner. He really didn't feel like being festive. Tonight, he was going to meet Natalie's cousin and second cousin, something he'd been dreading. Then, starting the second half of the next night, he would be on vacation for several days. Natalie, who was standing nearby, reminded him, "Nick, remember...you're not going to be able to shrug it off this year." Tracy caught the comment, and after the couple of seconds it took to register, she exclaimed, "This year? You mean you don't celebrate Christmas? I didn't take you for that type." Watching as Nick became more uncomfortable than he already was, Natalie cleared her throat and took a step back. "Well, it's a little after nine. I need to get back to the morgue in case my cousin gets here early. See you in about a half hour, Nick." Turning, she ran smack into someone, and after a second, spoke, "Joyce?" "Glad to see you Natalie!" Nick turned at the exclamation, seeing the two embracing. Just beyond he saw a girl, standing impatiently and nervously. Although she wasn't looking his way, he knew who it was. The two disengaged their greeting, Joyce blocking Buffy from his view. "Oh, I want you to meet a friend of mine. Joyce, this is Nick Knight. He's one of the detectives here. Nick?" "Hmm? Sorry. Just thinking." He held his hand out to Natalie's cousin. "Glad to meet you, Joyce. And this must be your daughter?" "Yes, this is Buffy." When Joyce turned, she found her daughter slightly stunned, her gaze frozen on Nick. "Are you okay, Sweetie?" "Fine, Mom. Fine. Just trying to get used to the temperature change, that's all," she fibbed, and then shrugged out of her coat, pretending to be hot. "Might not want to do that. You'll need it again in just a few minutes." Natalie was about to ask Nick something, at which she caught a glance of Tracy. "Oh, and there's Tracy, Nick's partner. We work on a lot of cases together. In fact, I have one that I need to finish before I leave tonight. I guess it's off to the morgue. See you later, Nick." She turned to leave, and added, "Come by when you're off, I'll have that report ready for you and you can drop it by the precinct later for me." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Buffy kept her silence as they arrived at Natalie's apartment. She hadn't said a single word since they left the precinct. Natalie's friend her mom had mentioned was Nick, and he was a vampire--the same vampire she had met recently back home. She looked up as the door closed, the sound bringing her out of her thoughts. "While you're here, the apartment's more or less yours." Natalie felt something weave around her legs, adding, "So is Sidney. He doesn't get many visitors, and he likes attention." As if to emphasis the point, Sidney stopped in front of Buffy, staring up at her. After not getting a reaction, he moved his attention to the other, at which he received a stroke along his back and sauntered off. Recovering from the cat's distraction, Joyce asked, "What about you, Nat? If we're staying here..." "I'll go over to Nick's. He doesn't know we're having Christmas dinner over there yet, and his place needs some sprucing up. Oh, there's not much in the refrigerator, but I left some money on the counter so you can go get something. I'm going to go take some things over to Nick's." She turned, heading for several boxes. "Natalie?" Buffy started, getting her aunt's attention. Then, she opened her mouth, not sure what to say. She knew what Nick was, and what he could do. But...she couldn't just say what was on her mind. "Could I help out with stuff? I won't get in the way or anything." She considered the question. "I'll ask Nick if it's okay...but let me get some of the stuff over there and let him know he'll be having company the next several days." Buffy inwardly cringed. Nick was a vampire. She wondered what he was going to do when he found out. She didn't even know if his kind could eat anything, but she suspected not. This was going to be interesting. Natalie looked at the boxes and back to Buffy. "Want to help with getting some of the boxes in my car? I need to get them over to Nick's and somewhat unpacked before coming back here and putting the final touches on that report." "Sure," she replied trying to sound enthusiastic. After all, she had volunteered to help, hadn't she? *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Buffy walked carefully into the kitchen, already relatively familiar with the apartment. It was morning. Really, really early in the morning, but morning. She had decided to be awake when Nick got there, and seeing Natalie in the main room, she guessed that he hadn't arrived yet. "Nat?" "Hmm?" "Uh..." she trailed off, hoping to not step on the other's toes too much with her questions. "How long have you known Nick?" "About...four or five years. We met through work. He just showed up one day." 'Literally,' she kept to herself. "How well do you know him?" Sensing she was getting into rocky territory, she added, "I'm just wondering. He seems to be a pretty nice guy." "Well, I probably know him better than any of our co-workers. He's not really what you would call social, but then, with his...allergy, it's difficult for him." "Allergy?" she asked curiously, already pretty sure what it was. Natalie hesitated, wondering if she should say more or not. Figuring it probably wouldn't hurt, and would save some explaining later, she answered, "Sunlight. He's one of the unlucky few with an allergy to it, and it's a severe one. Some people only get rashes, but others, like Nick, blister in a matter of seconds." Buffy just blinked at the explanation. She'd expected that answer, but not so well thought out...or casually spoken, for that matter. "And that's why he works nights?" The answer was interrupted by a light knock on the door, at which Natalie stood and opened it, letting Nick in. As he stepped passed her, she asked, "I'm assuming you didn't take tomorrow off, right?" Nick kept his focus on Buffy, not answering the question. "Nick?" Without letting his attention stray, he replied, "I took half of the night off." "Good. I just finished that report about a half hour ago." Finally seeing where Nick's attention was, she considered what she really wanted to talk to him about. "And Nick...I hope you don't mind, but we're going to have dinner at your place." She paused a moment, adding, "And don't worry about the boxes and stuff I brought over. I know you don't have any decorations up and figured that I'd add some." Seeing the beginnings of a protest, she quickly continued, "Buffy and I will put everything up, and I'll take everything down and what you don't want of the food." "Natalie..." he began, not liking the sound of this in the slightest. "Don't worry about anything. You best head home. We'll be there in a couple of hours and we will keep quiet." He just stared back at her, and she raised his eyebrows faintly. "I promise, Nick. You won't hear a thing." At that, his look of incredulity increased ten-fold. He'd hear and she knew it. He slowly shook his head, trying to think of a way out, but he knew there wasn't one. "Okay, but be quiet," he said. Then, after turning to Buffy for a moment, he left, hoping he would be able to get some sleep that morning. Along Came A Slayer - (02/06) Buffy sat quietly on the couch. As far as Natalie knew, she was sleeping; something Nick had theoretically been doing the whole morning. Once they had finished decorating, Natalie had gone upstairs to Nick's room. Her mind wondered just what Nick would think of that, although it was clear from her standpoint that the two were fairly close. As such, she had been left with the couch, which really wasn't all that uncomfortable. Carefully making her way to the refrigerator, she glanced again at the bottles Natalie had pushed to the back. When asked what was in them, she had been told it was wine, but she knew better. Nick was a vampire, and the bottles were identical to the one she'd seen him with before. Even though Nick's place was a little...eclectic, she had reminded herself not to comment on anything. After all, she'd already asked about the bottles, and she suspected he had more than enough money for everything in there. One thing was for sure--with the Christmas tree and the decorations that had been added to the candles, one would never suspect a vampire to live here. Christmas, with all of the religious icons and its underlying meanings was probably not a popular holiday with their kind. Walking over to the tree, Buffy again looked at several of the ornaments. The tree was, with all appearances, normal. It was decorated in white and gold, an angel sitting on its top. Three of the decorations contained crosses--she'd counted them. Faintly, Buffy wondered if Natalie really knew much about Nick. If she knew, wouldn't she have left the religious ornaments at home? Glancing up at the second level, Buffy tried to figure out the answer. Perhaps Natalie didn't know Nick was a vampire, and if she didn't.... Checking the time, she noted that it was a little after noon. Her mom was going to pick her up in about an hour and she needed to get ready. Since the only bathroom was upstairs, it gave her an excuse to go up there. Grabbing her things, she dropped them off in the bathroom. Then, as silently as she could manage, she went to stop right outside of Nick's room. Even though she probably shouldn't, she pushed the door open, trying to get a better look at the room's occupants. Each lay sleeping in the bed, Nick's arms wrapped possessively around Natalie. Seeing them, all she could think of was her question; did Natalie know what he was? Natalie was, after all, a relative--even if only distantly. Not only that, but she didn't completely trust Nick, couldn't considering just what he was. As Nick shifted slightly, Buffy stayed still for a moment, and then slowly backed her way out of the room. Making her way back down the hall, she quickly changed and went back to the lower level. Just as she was putting her stuff away, she felt a faint change in the air around her. Turning, she found Nick descending the stairs. He was in his pajamas and, from what she could tell, hadn't been awake very long. Watching as he made his way to the refrigerator and pulled out one of the bottles, Buffy slowly approached. Her eyes never left him as he took a long drink of the blood, and then closed his eyes afterwards, savoring the flavor. "I didn't mean to wake you," she told him, hoping that he hadn't woken because of her stop in his room. Nick shot a short glare at her before returning his attention to the bottle and putting it away. "It was probably a good thing. The vampire is hungry when it wakes, which is why I normally don't allow Natalie in my room when I sleep. I'm afraid of what I might do to her before I'm fully awake." "I'll be-" "Don't. It's fine." Meeting her gaze for a moment, Nick walked by her and picked the remote up. Pointing it at one of the windows, he opened the shutter about halfway. Seeing the bright light flood into the room, Buffy immediately told him, "You don't have to do that." "As long as I stay out of it, there's no trouble. Besides, your mother would probably rather have the light when she comes by." She tensed slightly. He hadn't told him that she was being picked up. But...she had told Natalie that morning. Nick must have heard. "She'll be here in about a half hour." "Do you want me to wake Nat?" She quickly shook her head. "No, she knows I'm leaving. Besides, she promised she'd take me shopping later tonight." Nick nodded in response. Natalie hadn't gotten much sleep in the last twenty-four hours, and if she was going to take Buffy out that night, she needed to get what sleep she could. "Well, I'm going to head back to sleep...just make sure the alarm is turned on when you leave." Nodding, she watched as he turned and started up the stairs. Once he had disappeared into his room, she went back to the couch. She wished she could talk to Natalie about Nick...about what he was and what the other thought of him. Yet, she knew she couldn't do that. She didn't even know for sure if Natalie knew what he was, and if she didn't.... She shook her head. No, she'd just have to keep an eye on them...at least as long as she could. Remembering that her mom was coming, she sighed. Nick wasn't that bad, really, it's just that he was a vampire, and vampires were supposed to be the bad guys. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Buffy walked down the street, hoping she could find what she was looking for. That afternoon, her mom had driven her around the city, and she had spotted what appeared to be a club. When her mom had let her and Natalie go out, she had quickly bargained that they should split up and meet when one of the nearby stores closed at eleven. That had given her three hours, one of which she'd already used. Catching the street name, she brightened, knowing she was on the right track. A minute later and there it was--The Raven. Approaching, she felt something strange, but shook it off. The bouncer at the door initially appeared to block her entrance, but as she met his gaze, he nervously backed out of her way. Entering, she wondered why she hadn't been carded, but forgot about it as she saw the inside. This was much different than the Bronze. Much, much different.... Most of those present appeared to be approximately ten to fifteen years older than her, some even older. The feeling of unease increased, and as she met a few of their gazes, it hit her. This was the same feeling she'd felt around Nick, but it was much more concentrated and she'd initially believed it was something new. It wasn't. The Raven was a club for vampires--Nick's kind of vampires. That was all she could think. She turned, planning to leave, only to be confronted with a tall man standing purposely in her way. He was a little over six foot in height and was dressed all in black. His pale skin, more so than many of the others in the room, and the sensation she felt from him told her exactly what he was. Opening her mouth to speak, she found herself being turned and forcibly taken to an office. His grip was like titanium. She couldn't break free even if she tried. As the door shut behind them and he released her, she faced him, ready to react if at all possible. "I suspect you are aware of your situation." LaCroix studied her silence, her eyes locking with his. Yes, she knew where she was and what stood before her. "I should kill you now for what you are." Buffy stood firm under his hiss. She didn't flinch back as he bared either his golden eyes or his sharp fangs. His appearance, however, confirmed her guess that these vampires were like Nick. As he circled her, she swallowed. On his second time around, she tensed as he stopped behind her. She felt his fingers brush against her neck as he pulled her hair to the side. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." The statement caught his attention, and he wondered just what threat she could make against him. "I know one of your kind, and I do not believe he would take your actions silently." "And who would this be? Some foolish fledgling, probably." She didn't answer. "Tell me who it is you know, girl!" "Nick Kn-" she was cut off by his chuckle, and she waited, wondering just what was so funny. After a moment, his laugh settled into a wicked smile. "Nicholas...is mine." Buffy stood still, stunned. "You mean...he's...." "My son...foolish indeed. At one time, he was rather fond of Slayers' blood...he had an amazing knack for finding your kind. Rarely our kind ever encounter yours, even in our immortal life times...." "But he isn't like that anymore." "Foolish girl as well. Nicholas may not have drained you, but I assure you, the urge is there." He circled her. "It has been so long since I have tasted blood such as yours...since I introduced Nicholas to the flavor nearly six hundred years ago. Too long...." Stopping behind her, he pushed her head gently to the side. Leaning closer, he let his fangs drop. As soon as they touched the skin, she ducked away, sprinting for the door. However, she didn't make it. There he was, standing enraged before her. Perhaps it had been a mistake to attempt to escape.... Pulling the girl to him, he held her wrist tightly. Before she could react, he bit hard into her palm, quickly taking a few seconds worth of blood. Releasing the girl, he shoved her back, at which she roughly hit the floor. "As sweet as ever..." he whispered, his eyes hungry for more. He smiled. 'This was going to be fun,' he thought to himself. As his lips twisted into a grin, he silently wondered how long it would take for Nicholas to drop in...not long, he suspected. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Just getting ready to call Natalie to ask her why she wasn't back yet, the phone rang and he snatched it up. "Nick, I think I have a problem." A problem. He closed his eyes, wondering just what that problem could be. A few seconds later, Natalie's explanation came through the phone crystal clear. They had split up while shopping, and Buffy was nearly an hour late meeting her. Something was wrong. "Nick?" she called after a moment of silence. "Stay where you are. I'll be there in just a few minutes." With that, he hung up, and grabbing his jacket, he flew out the skylight. Along Came A Slayer - (03/06) "Where could she be, Nick? I didn't think it would be that hard to keep an eye on her." She glanced over at Nick, who was staring out the window. "I mean...she just seems like a nice girl." Nick glanced over at her from the passenger seat. 'Nice' wouldn't have been his descriptor of first choice. If she wasn't the Slayer, the word would have been fine, but she was. Switching on the radio with practice, he easily changed the channel to CERK, wondering if LaCroix had picked up on any of his thoughts. "Children. They are the burdens of a parent's life. Some never stray, but those that do cause the parent to worry for these disobedient children's safety, those whose situation is entirely a result of their own actions. Foolish children...one is on my mind even now.... Curiosity may have killed the cat, but the cat isn't its only victim." The words spun around in Nick's mind, and as an afterthought, he reached out across his bond with his father. What he found stunned him. He could pick out a handful of LaCroix' thoughts...something that was unusual in its self...and one of the strongest was concerning Slayer's blood. He shut off the radio with a flick of his wrist. "Drive to the Raven." Snapping her attention to him, she asked, "W-what?" "Just drive. I think LaCroix has her." "LaCroix, but...why would he want her? She's just a girl, a child." He looked over at her, his hard expression hiding the fear he had for Buffy. "Trust me, you don't want to know. Just drive. The sooner we're there, the better. LaCroix' broadcast should nearly be over." *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. Switching the microphone off, LaCroix glanced across the room at the girl. "Nicholas should be on his way...he has a tendency to listen in to my show. It's quite amusing, really." "Why don't you just let me go? I'm not here to kill any of you guys. My Mom made me come to spend-" "....the holiday with your mother's cousin. Yes, I know. Natalie, I believe...what an interesting mortal. Nicholas has become quite smitten with her...although it's most certainly just a side effect of his little quest for a cure. Despite my son's warnings, she is not afraid of him. If she knew what was best for her, she'd stay away from Nicholas." Buffy just sat and stared at him. "Do you mean she knows about vampires?" "Yes, she does. Too much in my opinion." Just then, he felt a familiar presence, his lips twisting up into a smile. "I think it is time to return to my office." He stood, pulling Buffy to her feet, and then, with one hand firmly on her shoulder and the other on the door, he led them the short distance to the other room. Closing the door, he gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit." She hesitantly followed his instructions, sitting on the edge of the chair, hoping there would be some opportunity for her to escape. She stared at the vampire for several minutes, and then the door opened. In walked Nick and Natalie, and she immediately felt a whole lot safer. After seeing that Buffy was apparently fine, Nick turned to his sire. "What are you doing with her, LaCroix?" "She came here of her own free will. I am merely taking advantage of her presence." Smiling, he suggested, "You should try her, Nicholas. She really is quite exquisite, even for a Slayer." He had tasted Buffy's blood. His anger boiled, and he quickly demanded, "Leave her alone, LaCroix! She is no danger to you." "Are you so sure of that? Her blood tells all, Nicholas. You know that. She is more than what she seems, more than what even she knows." Natalie, not liking this, decided she wouldn't stay silent any longer. "She is my cousin's daughter, LaCroix!" "I am very much aware of that, Doctor. I, however, have a few other things planned." He broke off his gaze with her, turning his attention to his son. "Like I said, Nicholas, you really should taste her...." With that, LaCroix moved to stand next to his child, whispering into his ear, "I know how much you enjoyed hunting them, taunting them, stretching their last moments into days...weakening them until they were barely alive, and then draining them to the last drop." Nick shut his eyes and clenched his jaw against the sharp memories that returned to him. True, he'd only gone through every one of those actions twice, but the memories were so clear.... His smile intensified, and he continued urging the younger, "Feel their blood course through you, Nicholas. Feel it warm your heart and enliven your limbs. Remember the hunt, the shear thrill of making them fear for their lives as they do anything to hold onto their short lives just a little longer...." ~~~~~~~~~~ 1426 For five nights, he had been following the girl. She stood tired yet alert within his eyesight. Nick moved, keeping the distance between them the same, but varying the angle. He was just outside her range. She knew he was there, but not exactly *where* he was. He smiled to himself, his vision turning a deep red. A second later, and he had covered half of the distance between them. Another, and he buried his fangs into her neck, taking just enough blood to weaken her and get a good taste of her wonderful nectar. Letting go, he watched as she caught herself on her hands and knees. "Why are you doing this?!" she demanded of him, her weary eyes looking up at him. "Because you are our prey. You are also a danger to us. To my kind!" "I am no danger to you." He let out a faint chuckle at that, feeling her pulse quicken at the sound. "I am a vampire. You kill vampires. It is the entirety of your existence." Shaking her head, she told him, "You are different. You are not my target. Let me go. I have no wish to hunt you." "I am the hunter and you are the prey. You are, after all, very much mortal despite your uniqueness." Even as sunrise approached, Nick wished to continue, but knew he couldn't. "You have another day. Flee if you wish, but know that you will be dead in a day's time. Do not try to persuade me to give you your life--I will not." With those words, he left her, flying back to the village he'd prepared a room at. Arriving, he found LaCroix waiting, watching him as he entered. "Why didn't you kill her? She is becoming too weak, and is hardly a challenge." "I want her to fear me, LaCroix. Fear me so much that she no longer thinks about running. I want her to know her fate...ask me for death. That victory would be most satisfying...a Slayer asking a vampire for death. Don't you think?" "Yes...very satisfying. I only wish I could take her...but she is yours." Meeting the other's eyes, LaCroix left in a whoosh of air. Smiling, he closed his eyes. He could barely wait until the next night, and his thoughts were filled with what he would do to the girl when he found her. ~~~~~~~~~~ Nick snapped back to the present, his memories of that next night floating through his mind...how he'd teased the mortal and eventually drained her dry. Taking a hold of his son's shoulders and directing the younger's attention to the mortal girl, he told him, "Take her, Nicholas. Feel the fear that flows in her veins. Taste it!" His eyes glowed faintly, and a second later he caught a spark of fear in Buffy's expression. The emotion only intensified his sudden hunger, his want of her blood. He closed his eyes against the sight...he couldn't do this. He would do no such thing. "No, LaCroix." "Take her!" "No!" Pulling Buffy to her feet, he started for the door. "She is leaving here, now. You will not come near her, LaCroix!" Natalie opened the door, and in a second, the three were on their way through the club. "It's just a suggestion, Nicholas. Take it or don't." Nick ignored the words, continuing his path out of the club. Once to the street, he asked for Natalie's keys. She hesitated. "Where are we going?" "My place. It will be safer for Buffy there." Handing him the keys, they were quickly underway. "Why does he want to harm her? And what's with him calling her a 'Slayer'?" He abruptly looked to Natalie. At the same time, he felt Buffy's heart rate increase a bit. "I don't think now is a good time for explanations. You might want to call your cousin and explain that Buffy's decided to stay at my place." Buffy knew why she would be staying at Nick's--explaining things to Natalie and for safety. Even though she already knew the answer, she asked, "How long will I have to stay there?" He met her eyes, evenly stating, "Until you return home." With that, he focused on the road, the three keeping silent for the duration of the ride. Along Came A Slayer - (04/06) Natalie sat blankly through the other's explanations. Vampires were not limited to Nick and those like him, but there was a whole other world of vampires, demons, and other supernatural creatures. Nick had opened her mind up to some things, but this.... "Let me get this straight...by birth, or whatever, you were just chosen to kill vampires? To kill these demons? Why is Nick..." she trailed off and spared a glance at him. "I mean, he *is* a vampire...so why didn't you kill him?" "She tried. Unfortunately, our kind is stronger than the vampires she deals with. Many of them don't retain their mortal personalities, and from both a mortal's standpoint, as well as mine and LaCroix', they are more demon than vampire...a demon in human form." The explanation didn't really help, but she decided to push forward. "So...if you really aren't a danger to LaCroix, what's his problem?" "My blood," Buffy stated. "To a vampire, any vampire, it is 'better' than a normal mortal's blood." Seeing Natalie's confusion, he explained. "It contains more flavor, more life.... Slayers are usually young, like Buffy. Most don't live past their teens. When one dies, another takes their place as the 'gift' is passed to another." Nick looked down and away. "Slayer's blood is very tempting, even to our kind. Although it is rare to ever meet a Slayer, I...have completely drained two and tasted the blood of four. I used to have a knack for finding them...the taste is very addictive." Everything went silent. After a moment of fidgeting, Natalie changed the subject, "Did you get the things I asked you to? For dinner tomorrow night and everything?" He nodded. "I think so. You might want to check, though. I don't exactly go grocery shopping all the time." "I'll do that later." She paused, and although she really didn't want to talk about it, she knew they had a problem. "Nick, do you think LaCroix will try anything?" Buffy looked over toward him, waiting for the answer as well. "I can't say." He looked away, his memories nagging him. Recalling the first time he met a Slayer, Nick zoned out, his mind barely noticing the two mortals. ~~~~~~~~~~ 1424 For a week, he had been watching this mortal. Nick stood in the shadows, eyeing the young woman. LaCroix turned toward the girl, faintly surprised at Nicholas' latest choice of prey. At the same time, he wasn't. "Captivated by a mere child." Shrugging his father's comment off, he stated, "There is something about her." "There always is." "Yes, but this time it is something else. Her blood...it isn't like the other mortals'." The elder vampire's eyebrows rose at the words. "Have you tasted it?" He shook his head faintly, his attention never straying from the girl. "Not...yet. I am afraid of her. I do not know why." "No mortal can harm us. Take her." His eyes flashed gold. He wanted to do just that, but would wait until she was alone. Two hours later, he caught her returning to an inn. She knew she was being followed. As she turned her back, he flew forward, and they disappeared into the darkness. His fangs tore into her neck, her blood nearly gushing into his mouth. She tasted different than he had expected. Her young body held so much life and knowledge. Her life was hard, much harder than that of others her age. She fought others...she killed.... She killed vampires. He let go, the girl falling to her knees gasping for breath. As he stared down on her, he felt her blood rip through his veins. It hit him like a flood, the flavor stronger than any mortal he'd ever tasted. He fell to his knees as the taste overwhelmed him. He knew her blood would be different, but this.... "Quite intoxicating, isn't it?" Nick tore himself from savoring the blood at the elder vampire's words. "You knew, didn't you?" Softly laughing, LaCroix looked down on his child. "Yes, I did. Not at first...but you were not the only one watching her. I saw her kill one of 'our kind'; one of those demons that purport to be us." He stepped closer, looking the girl over who was desperately trying to recover. "I have heard stories of this...although I had believed it to be myth until now. I believe it begins 'one girl in all the world'...or something...." Kneeling before the mortal, he pushed her head to the side to reveal the wounds his son had inflicted. "She is a Slayer, so named for killing demons and vampires...keeping the mortal world 'safe'." He watched his sire reach out, touching the wound and getting a few drops of blood on his fingers. As LaCroix licked the blood away, he felt his want for this elixir return. "I have heard that a Slayer's blood can prevent a vampire's death, heal us when we have sustained an otherwise fatal wound. And, as I'm sure you've gathered, her blood is our ambrosia." He shoved the girl to the ground with a smile and a soft laugh. "And, although stronger than the mortals she protects and a match for her usual targets, she is weak when compared to us. Such a pity, really." Focusing on the crumpled form that was quickly recovering, he stated, "I wish to hunt her...truly hunt her." "For that, she should be allowed to recover." Pulling the mortal roughly to her feet, LaCroix breathed in her aroma. Then, he whispered harshly in her ear, "How about that? My son fancies the idea of hunting you. You will spend the day with us. Once the sun has set, we will begin...although you will, of course, be given a good start. Know that Nicholas is an accomplished hunter. Know that you will die." Listening to LaCroix' words cease, Nick smiled. His father mirrored him, and they each took to the air. ~~~~~~~~~~ "Nick?" Jumping slightly, he turned toward the sound, locking gazes with Natalie. After a moment, she asked, "Nick, are you okay?" "Yeah, fine...just remembering something." She pursed her lips. Looking away for a second, she asked, "May I ask what?" "Something from a long time ago...the first time I'd tasted a Slayer's blood...something I would rather not think about right now." Standing up, he headed toward the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle. After staring at it, he roughly put it back. Leaning against the appliance, he closed his eyes, trying to push the memories away. Natalie approached, resting one of her hands on his back. "Nick?" "I'll be fine. I just need to focus on something else." Nodding, Natalie turned her attention to the far side of the room where she'd set the tree up. "Well, tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and other than showing Joyce and Buffy around the city, I don't have anything planned. Dinner's not until the next day, so we don't need to deal with that until then." She watched as Nick relaxed a bit. "If it's okay, I thought we could rent a few movies and take advantage of your entertainment center for the next couple of days...." At that, he broke a smile. "It's fine, just count me in." She returned the smile, and then thought of something. "Are you going to be okay at dinner? I mean.... Nick, you're going to have to try to eat something, or at least fake it." "I'll be okay as long as I don't actually eat anything...." Seeing the disappointment flash across her features, he told her, "I know, I know...it's just, eating isn't going to go over very well at the moment, and I would much rather not get sick over Christmas dinner." After a minute, she reluctantly nodded. If he ate anything, he'd probably run from the table in the middle of the meal--not something either of them wanted to happen. "Well," she began while stifling a yawn, "I think Buffy and I should get some sleep if we're going to be out and about all day tomorrow, okay Nick?" He nodded, silently watching as Natalie ascended the stairs. Then, he turned his attention to Buffy. "Aren't you going to get some rest as well?" "Not right now, I'm pretty awake." She turned her attention to some of the other objects in the room, some she was sure were hundreds of years old. Despite having been silent for the last several minutes, her thoughts weren't. Ever since Nick had mentioned what he'd been thinking about, she hadn't been able to get her mind off it. "So...how many Slayers have you...tasted?" The question brought back the memories once more, and he closed his eyes. "Four," he whispered. She swallowed. She had to, wanted to know more. "Why only four? What made you stop?" He shot a glare at her, his eyes faintly glowing amber. "I'm just curious...it's just, if you had a knack for finding Slayers, I would think that number would be higher. Much higher." Closing his eyes, he nodded. "It was getting too easy, and, frankly, my perceptions of the world were changing. LaCroix wanted me to continue, and for many years, I did. I found them...I hunted them...but I refused to kill them or take their blood. LaCroix was the one that killed them...finished them off. I really don't know exactly why I stopped...I just didn't like something about it. LaCroix was disappointed, but after a time, he accepted it." Standing, he told her, "I'm going to head upstairs and go to bed...I'll have to be up the day after tomorrow, and I can always paint while you and Nat are out." Buffy watched as the vampire slowly headed up the stairs. Once he had vanished from her view, she sank into the couch. Nick was, in one word, complicated. For half an hour, she just sat there on the couch, letting recent events replay themselves out. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep. Along Came A Slayer - (05/06) Two nights later: LaCroix watched from the skylight the passing events in Nicholas' loft. His son was...washing dishes. The sight was distasteful to him. For one of their kind to do something so...domestic.... Those below had just finished dinner. He observed as the girl's mother worked on gathering the gifts from earlier that day. She prepared to leave, telling her daughter that they needed to head back to Natalie's apartment. He watched as Buffy protested, proclaiming that she wanted to ask Nicholas some questions about history for one of her classes. Her persuasion was well practiced, and he faintly wondered how often she'd used such a tactic. LaCroix continued from his perch, and after a moment of hesitation, the girl's mother nodded in agreement, reminding her daughter that they needed to be at the airport by seven the next morning. As Mrs. Summers left, he suppressed a chuckle. She had no idea just who her daughter was being left with. His son might be masquerading as a mortal, but the younger was still very much a vampire. Nicholas' instincts were no different than they had been all those years ago. Perhaps a little out of practice, but certainly not dull. For another hour, he silently remained in his position. When Natalie stood, heading for the refrigerator, he slipped easily through the skylight, landing relatively close to the doctor without a sound. "What a touching scene...." The three snapped their attention on him, every one of them tensing. "My, my, this is a tempting situation...." "Get out of here, LaCroix." He ignored his son's words, but met the other vampire's eyes. "And just why would I want to do that? I have left you alone for your holiday. Now, I want my own fun." With that, he flew forward, going straight for the girl. Buffy just barely caught the change, a quick blur approaching her. Unlike before at the Raven, this time she fought back, applying a solid kick to what she hoped would be his jaw. The next thing she knew, he had stopped her action with ease and was pushing her to the floor. She rolled and stood, waiting for another action from the vampire. "She's young, but she has learned much.... She has more natural ability than most Slayers, wouldn't you agree, Nicholas?" "Leave her be!" Nick hissed. Approaching LaCroix, he moved between him and the others. As the elder vampire tried to get by him, Nick held him back, preventing his passage. "Really, Nicholas...you think you can prevent me from reaching them...." He threw the younger roughly out of the way, making his point. As his son landed a fair distance away, LaCroix advanced upon Buffy. Again, she attempted to fight back, but only managed to get off a few blows before she found herself restrained firmly in his hold. With Buffy gripped tightly against him, LaCroix backed away from his son and the other mortal. He smiled a fanged grin at the two, his focus on Nicholas. "You should taste her, Nicholas. She will die in a few short years...perhaps only weeks or days. Does it really matter if she dies sooner?" "Yes it does, LaCroix." He shook his head. "You and your morals.... Really, Nicholas, where have they ever gotten you?" He watched the younger tense as he hit a chord. He smiled. "I remember having to virtually tear you away from one of them once...you were getting too...caught up in what you were doing. You had become addicted to Slayer's blood with that first taste all of those years ago. Why don't you try just a drop?" Nick shook his head in refusal, but kept his position. With a glint in his eyes, LaCroix quickly cut Buffy on her neck, eliciting a gasp and a faint trickle of blood. "Take in her scent, Nicholas...breath in her flavor." Smelling the sweet aroma of her blood, he shut his eyes tight. LaCroix shoved the girl to the ground, approaching his son with a glare and several drops of blood on his finger. He stopped directly in front of Nicholas, at which his son pulled away, backing up a few steps. Buffy watched the vampires' actions carefully. It was plainly clear to her that Nick didn't want to be the subject of LaCroix' attention, but she was glad that he'd turned away from her. Standing, she found Natalie trying to get a good look at her neck. Needing to keep focused on what was happening, she pushed Natalie gently away, keeping her eyes on the two vampires. As his son continued to retreat, LaCroix abruptly reached out, holding his child in front of him. "Taste it, Nicholas," he encouraged, teasing the other with his blood-covered finger. His son turned away, and with one quick motion, LaCroix touched his finger to the Nicholas' lips, leaving most of the blood on their surface. Releasing the younger, LaCroix watched Nicholas tense. He moved before the other, commanding, "Taste it!" his eyes going crimson for a moment. Nick stood still, his lips slightly parted. He could feel the blood on his lips...and he desperately fought against the urge to lick it away. Smiling over at the younger, LaCroix sucked the remaining blood off his finger, closing his eyes as he savored the blood. "You should try it, Nicholas. It's so much more vibrant than even those pathetic others." LaCroix moved closer, coming to his son's side. "It's so close, Nicholas...just taste it." Nick felt his control slipping, and finally, the urge became too great and he licked the small amount of blood away. The flavor was amazing. He fell to his knees, everything being too much. "Stop this, LaCroix...please, just go." Moving behind his son, LaCroix knew things were going in his favor. He pulled his son's head up, forcing him to look at the girl. "The blood is so close...take it, Nicholas, I know you want it." He watched as Nicholas' eyes flashed golden, and he grinned. "That's it, Nicholas..." he whispered into the younger's ear. "Taste it, taste it now!" With that, he flew up, out of the skylight, and onto the roof. Buffy watched the vampire leave, and then she focused on Nick. He was standing up, her eyes not daring to leave his form. "Nick...?" Seeing the hunger in Nick's eyes, Natalie moved behind Buffy, halting her approach. "Nick, think about what you're doing," she told him as he stepped ever closer. "Nick!" Buffy held her position, and as he took a hold of her, she had to force herself not to fight back...it would almost certainly make matters worse. She just had to trust that he'd be able to regain his control before he killed her. He hadn't killed her before, in Sunnydale, and she didn't think he wanted to now, either. He stared down on the girl, his attention focused on the trails of blood on her neck. It was so close and so tempting...he had to have another taste. Just one more drop.... Natalie approached as close as she dared. "Nick, I know you don't want to do this...please, Nick." Still holding Buffy in front of him, he shut his eyes tightly. He knew she was right--he didn't want to do this. And yet, he was fighting his instinct. Waiting another several moments, he finally was able to get back some of his control. He pushed her away and to the ground, letting himself fall to his hands and knees. At first, Natalie just watched him. Then, she headed for the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of blood--human blood. Returning, she quickly handed it to him. In an instant, he was gulping down the contents. "Nick? Are you okay?" Continuing to drink, he swallowed the blood as quickly as he could, trying to fill his need before it could grow any stronger. He let the empty bottle fall to the ground and again rested on his hands and knees. Slowly, he nodded in response to Natalie's question. "I'll be okay...just give me a bit." She nodded in return, and then went to Buffy. Reaching the girl, she again found her pulling away. Watching the younger start for Nick, she spoke, "I don't know if that's a good idea...." Buffy pulled out of the grasp, approaching the vampire. She put her hand on his shoulder, instantly feeling him flinch away. "Nick...." He looked up, his eyes glowing. "Please...just stay back. Give me space," he told her, resuming his previous position. Feeling Natalie's hands on her shoulder, she again shrugged out of the touch. She knelt before him, turning his gaze to her. All she saw was his hunger--he needed more blood. Natalie also saw the need, and when Buffy turned to her, she went to the refrigerator, retrieving another bottle. Handing it to Nick, she watched as he quickly drank the blood. As he finished the bottle, he sat back, and she moved closer, easing him into her lap, holding him there. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. LaCroix continued to watch them from above. Seeing Nicholas fall into the mortal's grasp, he found himself somewhat disappointed. Nicholas was supposed to kill the Slayer, but he hadn't. However, his son had become extremely close. It showed just how much of the younger's instincts had remained throughout the years. He let out a faint laugh, taking to the night sky with a smile on his lips. Along Came A Slayer - (06/06) Less than twelve hours later, Buffy sat next to her mom, waiting for the plane. Nick and Natalie were only a short distance away. Despite the several hours that had passed, she knew Nick was still hungry. She watched him pull a flask out of his jacket and take a sip from it. "Was he like this while you were at his place?" Joyce concernedly asked. She glanced at her mom, but didn't immediately answer the question. "It's not alcohol, mom. It's his...breakfast." Barely hearing her mother's faint response to that, she stood, approaching Nick and sitting next to him. Looking ahead, she commented, "I want to apologize for what I did." Nick turned to her, shaking his head. "I'm the one that should be apolo-" "If I hadn't gone into that club, none of this would have happened." He shook his head. "LaCroix would have acted even if you hadn't stumbled into the Raven. He'll mess with anything around me that catches his eye." She looked away, wondering just how long LaCroix had known she'd been there...probably the whole time. She fidgeted slightly for a moment. "You can't break away from him, can you?" "No, he won't let me. I try, and then he comes after me again, attempting to make me in his image. I leave to start a new life and it starts all over again." As their flight was announced over the intercom, she watched her mom stand, and after a moment, she did as well. "I wish we could stay a little longer, but I know that's neither possible nor wise." "No, it isn't. And I probably won't be coming by Sunnydale any time in the future." He paused, not sure what else to say. "Good luck in life," he eventually whispered. Buffy nodded, catching more than one meaning to his well wish. "Thanks," she said honestly. Nick watched as Natalie and her cousin embraced, saying their own goodbyes. When Joyce approached him, he tried to speak, but was beat. "I'm glad to have met you," she said, slightly warily. "I hope the last several days haven't been too much trouble for you...." "No trouble." "I just wasn't sure...I didn't know if Natalie dragged you into all of this or not." He hesitated, knowing Natalie had probably intended on doing just that if he hadn't agreed. "I'm just not used to celebrating, that's all. I don't have much family." "I'm sorry to hear that...I didn't know." "It's fine. I'm glad that you came. I know Natalie is happy that you did. The last couple of years have been hard on her without her brother." He listened as the flight was called again, shifting slightly on his feet. "We should probably get going..." she turned to her daughter. "Right, Buffy?" She met Nick's gaze once more, nodding in reply, and following her mom toward the gate. Once they had left, Natalie asked, "You okay?" "Yeah. I just hope Buffy lives a full life. Most Slayers don't...they die before they even reach adulthood. I just hope things are different with her." She softly smiled. "They will be, Nick." "How do you know that?" "I don't, but there's always hope, right?" He nodded, his lips forming a smile. "Yes, there's always hope." They waited until the plane took off, and then Natalie drove them back to Nick's, the bright sun beating down on the Caddy. *+.*+.*+.*+.*+. The next night, Nick awoke late. It was nearly midnight by the time he got dressed and went downstairs. Pouring himself a glass of blood, Nick closed his eyes as he took a sip. It was human blood--a bottle from the Raven. Although it was pushing him ever closer to the Community, he needed it to keep the vampire under control. He finished the glass, pouring a second. Putting the bottle back, he slowly approached the Christmas tree. It was a modern one, strands of white lights hanging on its branches. He plugged the lights in, taking several steps back. Sipping the blood, his eyes caught on some of the ornaments...those he knew Natalie had put on the tree last. That morning, she had planned to take it down, but he'd asked if he could leave it up for a few days. It had been a long time since he'd decorated for Christmas, too long. Slowly, he approached, his eyes catching on an ornate cross. His fingers moved carefully for the hook, taking the decoration gently from its place. Holding it before him, he fought the urge to look away. Suddenly feeling something, he asked, "What do you want, LaCroix?" Smiling, LaCroix took a few steps closer. "Your senses are strengthening." He watched as his son brought the cross closer, the younger's fingers as near to the object as they could get without being burnt. Moving silently closer, he abruptly broke his son's concentration, saying, "Don't you think you should put that back, Nicholas?" Observing the other jump slightly at the words, he felt a faint tinge of pain across their bond, at which he smiled. Replacing the ornament, Nick turned to the other man. "Either get to the point, or leave." "Why should I?" He caught a glare and returned it. Then, again smiling, he approached, taking a sip of his son's glass. At the flavor of human blood, he raised his eyebrows slightly. "I see your tastes are improving." He took another, larger sip before handing it back. "Even I would say this is quite good. You really should indulge yourself more often." "I'm not drinking it for the taste, LaCroix." "You should be. You need the blood to really live, Nicholas. Human blood. How many times have I told you that?" Turning away, he again focused on the ornament. "I might need blood to survive, but I neither need to like it nor kill for it." "But, Nicholas, you should. It is your nature. We both know that." Moving between his son and the tree, he stated, "What you are is so close to the surface--you can't deny it. You cannot deny what you are." Pausing, he waited for his son to counter his reply, but he didn't. He reached forward and took another sip from Nicholas' glass, making a show of savoring the contents. Handing the glass back, his son turned away, refusing to take it. After a moment, he sighed, finished off the rest of the blood, and placed the glass on a table. "You will see that I'm right, Nicholas, and I will wait for that day. Until then...brood if you wish, it's your eternity that is going to be unbearable, not mine. Think on it...you may wish to reconsider." Nick waited until LaCroix had left. Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly. Deep down, he wondered just how long he could keep his 'code' up. The last several months he'd found himself slipping more and more often. Eventually, he would really slip, and someone could possibly die as a result of his backsliding. To himself, he swore that would never happen, and neither would he ever allow himself to return to LaCroix no matter what the cost. Time was passing him by quickly, and he knew that soon he would have to leave this city--whether he wanted to or not. He considered going to Sunnydale after here, but knew that would be nothing more than a mistake. One, big, huge mistake. Perhaps he would go back to Europe...he didn't know. Shaking his head, he walked over to the kitchen where his laptop sat on the table. He didn't use it often, and then it was mostly for work. Sitting in front of it, he quickly read through what he'd written of an email. "Giles, I know this is a bit of a surprise, especially considering I had mentioned I would not be contacting you unless it was urgent, but I thought you might be interested to know that Buffy's visit to Toronto went well, and she's safely on her way home, although her trip was far from boring. The details of her trip may be hard at being answered, and if you have any questions, please, don't hesitate in contacting me. She is fine, however, and there is no need to worry." He stared at it, hoping Giles wouldn't jump to too many conclusions at the message. Staring at it, he prepared to end it, but stopped. Giles trusted him and knew his background better than most vampires did. They had known each other, if only barely, for some time...perhaps it was time to change that. Quickly and carefully he added another paragraph to the message. "Also on another note, I would gladly help out on any of your research if I can. If not, I would like to at least keep in contact. If you do not wish to, I perfectly understand. Let me know if that is all right. NK" He stared at his initials, not sure he wanted to end it like that. True, for now he was Nick Knight, but in truth, he was and always would be Nicolas de Brabant. No matter what LaCroix tried, he held onto his mortal life, and he would never forget it. His mortal name was the one thing that never changed no matter how much time had passed. Smiling, he deleted the last two letters, replacing them with 'NdB' and sent the message before he changed his mind about writing it. ~fin~ Jarvinia jarvinia@gmx.com @>--,---`---