The Viking Hunter

Part 15

Willow and Tara started the chant for the second confusion spell they had found. Hopefully this one would have stronger effects. Giles lit the candles necessary for the spell and placed them in a circle around the girls. When they had finished they once again looked over to where Thor was fighting both Spike and Buffy.

Thor could feel the magic wrapping itself around his senses again, dulling them, trying to muddle his mind and make him weaker. His first Childe, Gabriella had been a priestess, he knew the feel of magic. This was a powerful spell and was taking its toll on him, only his years of training in warding off magic was keeping the spells from incapacitating him. He wondered why Alexander was not fighting along side him. Did he not feel worthy to fight beside him yet? They would have to talk about this after the hunt. The magic was an unexpected bonus, he hadn't had such a crafty opponent in decades but he was sure he would win, he always did.

Buffy and Spike were starting to get the upper hand after the second spell. Thor was a strong powerful fighter. He had a flawless style and Buffy was glad she didn't have to take him on alone. So was Spike though his pride would never allow him to say it.

Giles shook his head, this was not going according to plan. The girls were getting worn out from casting and the spells weren't having much of an effect. It was time for Angel to join the fight. If that didn't work, they would try the freeze spell. Hopefully they wouldn't end up freezing Spike and Angel and leaving Thor to move about freely. Giles whistled, that was the signal for Angel to join in.

Angel walked out from behind the group of trees he was hiding behind. He watched the way his Childe and his former love moved together. They fought as though they had been partners for years. He could tell that they had done this many times just by the way they anticipated each others moves. He could watch them fight like this forever.

Angel was yanked out of his retrospective by the sound of cursing. Spike of course. He jumped into the battle and began to pound on Thor. Things were looking up. While the former Scourge of Europe kept Thor occupied in battle Buffy rolled to the ground and came up behind him. In a split second she had her stake drawn and plunged it into his chest. Thor disintegrated, slowly, into ash.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Thor was surprised to see Angelus step out from behind the trees. The last time he had seen him he was a filthy, pathetic excuse for a vampire. Not worth the trouble of killing. He was so intent on the prospect of killing not only William but Angelus as well that he didn't see the slayer duck down and slip behind him. He felt the wood pierce his heart, he heard his Alexander scream, he looked into his Childes eyes and knew he had been betrayed. And then, nothingness.

Xander saw Buffy stand up behind Thor, he saw her pull her stake and plunge it into his chest. He felt a searing pain in his chest as his bond with his Sire was destroyed. He screamed into the night and fell to the ground. He had betrayed his Sire. It hurt, it hurt like nothing he had ever felt. The demon inside of him was still screaming in his head and he couldn't make it stop.

Buffy heard Xander scream and ran to him. She reached out to him and he snarled at her and bared his fangs. She stepped back from him and pulled her stake. Angel grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Xander as Spike knelt beside the boy.

"Buffy, let Spike help Xander. He won't want you near him right now."

"Why is he acting like this? I thought he had a soul?"

"He does. If he didn't he would have fought against you. His Sire called him to fight and he disobeyed. He is a vampire now Buffy, and you are a slayer. A slayer who just killed his Sire. Give him some time."

Giles came and took Buffy over to where the witches were cleaning up their supplies and crying softly. Angel went to help Spike with Xander but backed off when his Childe growled at him. He stood back and watched as his vicious Childe soothed Xander, pulling him into his arms and rocking him. He strained his ears to listen to what was being said.

"Shh, luv. Spike's here. You're okay now."

"All my fault. Should have helped him. Should have made him leave."

"Not your fault Xan. He was coming after me regardless. You saved me Xander. You saved us all."

"No, I betrayed him. I don't deserve to live."

"That's your demon talking luv. You did good. You saved your friends. You didn't do nothing wrong. It's not your fault."

"Spike?"

"Yeah Xan?"

"Can you take me home? I want to go home."

"Sure luv, anything you want."

Angel followed Spike and Xander as they walked to Xander's apartment. He stood outside the building and pulled out his cell phone and dialed Ruperts.

"Hello?"

"Rupert, it's Angel. I just wanted to let you know where Xander and Spike went."

"Thank you Angel, did they go to Spike's crypt?"

"No, they went to Xanders apartment. I'm coming over to get Spike's blood from your place and then I'll be dropping it off to them before I go back to LA."

"Alright then, we'll see you shortly. And Angel?"

"Yes Rupert?"

"Thank you. For everything."

"It was the least I could do."