The Kindred in a Strange Land

2

It had gone more or less to plan. Glory was out, beaten and locked in her human form. But portals were opening randomly and things were coming out and oh shit was that a dragon. Buffy was up on the platform with Dawn, Xander could only hope that she could find a way to stop this. He was too focused on stopping the demons and crazies from following Buffy up the tower too notice as a portal opened directly behind him. Then he heard Dawn scream, he looked up just time to sees Buffy jump off the tower and straight through a portal.

'Buffy!' he yelled as she fell. Unfortunately, this distraction was enough for one of the demons to knock him over. The next few seconds he didn't have time to think about Buffy apparent death as he was too intent on blocking all the blows that were raining down on him. suddenly the demon was gone. He sighed in relief.

'Thanks An,' he said as a quiet giggle came from above him, that couldn't be Anya.

'Silly kitten that isn't my name,' Xander had been about to get himself when he froze they was only one person that ever called him that. Looking up his fears were confirmed, standing above him in all her undead glory was Drusilla. So shocked by her sudden appearance he didn't resist as she pulled him to his feet, not that he really could have done anything anyway. Before he could shout out to get any kind of help she put a single finger to his lips.

'Shhh kitten, we wouldn't what to spoil the moment, now would we.' Before he could even blink Dru's finger slipped into his mouth. He tried to pull away but Dru had a hold of his chin and arm, he was effectively stuck. Something wet dripped onto his tongue, it had a faint metallic taste to it. Oh god was that blood? Xander jerked at that realisation but try as might he couldn't break free. His horror only increased as he swallowed convulsively and some of the blood slipped down his throat. Unknown to him, his eyes glazed for a second before clearing again. Dru smiled at him and withdrew her finger and patted him on the cheek.

'Good boy, you ate all your greens, mummy's so proud.' Xander blinked.

'What the hell was that!' however it came out more squeak like than he would have liked. Dru frowned at him.

'Dru, love, what are you doing?' Both of them looked over at the new voice. It was Spike, at least it looked like Spike if Spike had brown hair. After dating Cordelia, Xander knew what expensive clothes looked like and if he wasn't mistaken it looked as if this Spike was wearing clothes that cost more than he took home in month. There was defiantly something wrong here, well more than having a vampire bleed in your mouth anyway.

'Spike?' he questioned. The Spike-a-like frowned at him and Dru gave him a look Xander couldn't interpret.

'Only Dru calls me that,' he informed the Scooby. 'Who are you?' Dru spoke for him.

'He's my new pet,' she said ignoring Xander yelp of no I'm not. 'Do you like him? Oh look, Spiky you have a twin!' Glancing behind him Xander saw she was looking at the true Spike. Brown haired Spike looked confused then held out a hand.

'Come on love we have to go.'

'But what about my pet.'

'I'm not your pet,' Xander said and tried pull out her grip but might as well have been pulling on a freight train for all the good it did.

'leave him.'

'But...'

'Dru.' There was a slight exasperation to his voice as he said it. Suddenly Dru let go and Xander stumbled back a few steps, as Dru sauntered away she glanced back at him.

'See you later kitten.' Xander stood watching them leave even after they disappeared around the corner.

'Xander!' he blinked as Anya suddenly appeared in fount of him.

'Anya?' she sighed in relief.

'I've been trying to get your attention for ages. What wrong with you?' she stopped and looked at him in concern. 'Are you hurt?'

'Huh?'

'Your lip, it's bleeding,' Xander wiped at his lip, it came away with blood, Dru's blood. He had sudden, momentary urge to lick it off his finger. But instead he wiped in off on his jeans.

'I'm fine it's n… Buffy!' said as he realised what had happened before Dru appeared.

Later as the all gathered around Buffy's battered form he couldn't believe that after all they'd been through this was the way it ended. The world and Dawn were saved but Buffy was gone and it just didn't seem right or fair. But as he stood staring down at the dead body of one of his best friend, only one thought penetrated the haze of grief he was feeling. Why hadn't he ever noticed how pretty Dru was before?

Hmm I have to say that wasn't how I thought this chapter would turn out, but Dru wanted her kitten and who am I to deny her.

Although it has raised a question that I hope someone can answer.

Do Malkavian ghouls gain any form of maddness from the blood?

The website I've been using for reseach doesn't mention anything on this subject.

I have to say I'm really enjoying writing this.

As always please review.

SSG