FIC: Royalty Redux (Chapter X)

["Cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

Title: Royalty Redux
Author: Cilia
Archives: List archivers go right ahead.
Notes: The rewrite of the classic B/W story Royalty, the story that set
the stage for the epic Two Worlds story and made many of the characters
that are still around and kicking in Prophecy's Twilight. 
Relative to the show, this takes place after the events of Graduation,
so those are still in continuity while, but I have take some liberties
and this is very much an alternate universe story.
Summary: Buffy finds herself in San Francisco looking for Willow, but
the young witch has gone missing, both of them struggle with their
emerging affection for each other and new enemies. Along for the ride
are Spike, Giles, Anya and Xander, every single one of them with a
mission of their own.


Chapter X: Inner Fires: William Blood


Now how in hell am I gone pull this thing off? This was the thought that
dominated Spike's mind as he strode down the corridors. I can't just
burst in there shooting, although that's not such a bad idea. Don't even
go there Spike! Good point alright. I'll walk in sit down and ask for
the word. Can't be that hard, can it? Ah! Bloody hell I am royally
screwed. 
Spike now stood outside the double door leading into the conference hall
with the arguments echoing loudly out into the hallway. He fixed his
tie, buttoned his jacket, checked his sword and gun and made his neck
crack. Let's get this show on the road. Wait I need a proper name to go
by. These are snobs and business types in there, can't just go in there
and say Hi my name is Spike, damn that sounded too cheerleader like.
William the Bloody, no too aggressive, William Smith, nope, William
Clinton, dear Satan no, William Blood, hey not bad okay William Blood it
is. Now let's get busy. Setting his face, he flung the doors open, which
was impulsive but effective. Bloody hell when this is over and done with
I'm getting myself a shrink.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! If I may have your attention please!" he called
out as the doors slammed into the walls and the guards that had been
guardian them from the inside slid down the wall onto the floor.
"Who the hell are you?" one of the fifteen clan leaders gathered around
the conference table demanded as the secretaries and assistants, lined
up behind them, looked up over their notebooks and palmtops.
"My name is William Blood" Spike said as he stalked around the table.
"And I'm here to make sure that none of you clan Royals do anything
stupid," he said and came to rest behind the Princes' chair at the head
of the table. He went on as he removed his coat. "As my associate Rupert
Giles has no doubt informed you, the Prince has been kidnapped and as we
speak Rupert and a number of the Princes' guard are out looking for
him," he said and draped his coat over the chair.
"What of the Slayer?" a dark haired woman, with gray eyes, asked.
"Regent Luna is it not?" Spike asked and the woman nodded. "The Slayer
was badly injured while attempting to protect the Prince and is
currently resting," Spike answered and sat down. There was a shocked and
almost collective gasp at the table and from the secretarial staff.
"May I ask why you're sitting in the Princes' chair Mr. Blood?" The
First of the Elders asked from the far end of the table, seemingly not
taken back by Spike's actions.
"Daniel often told me that keeping the peace and keeping the balance
between the clans was a princes foremost duty," Spike said.
"That is correct," the man stated.
"What I heard when I stepped into the room were not signs of peace and
balance," Spike said.
"What exactly do you mean?" a silver haired woman asked and Spike
identified her as being one of the Chroniclers.
"Daniel had not sired any childe and has no natural children of his own,
so there are no obvious candidates. Therefore there will most likely be
inner fighting among the clans about who will govern the city until the
Prince is found which were seemingly well under way when I entered. So I
ask you this: Who will be the regent prince in Daniel's absence?" Spike
asked.
"That would be up to the council," the woman answered.
"And has a decision been reached?" Spike asked.
"No, we were in the middle of a discussion." a young looking man said,
with frustration and anger in clear in his voice. Spike held up his hand
and reminded himself to keep his cool.
"I've heard enough. It is obvious that some of you are more than ready
to go toe to toe over who will be regent prince and to tell you the
truth I don't have much faith in the fact that when the Prince returns."
"If the Prince returns," someone said, but earned a piercing glare from
Spike.
"Like I said I don't believe that "when" the Prince returns that that
person will stand down quietly," he said.
"Just who the hell do you think you are?" the young looking man
demanded.
"Viktor," Luna pleaded.
"No I want to know what right he has to come marching in here and insult
us. He's not royalty, he's not even undying," the man spat out.
Spike looked calmly at the man. Keeping calm and reasonable, knowing
damn well that it wouldn't help anything if he cleaned the floor with
the prick. 
"He's right I'm not undying and I'm not of blue blood," Spike stated in
a calm voice.
"There you see he admits it himself," Viktor said with satisfied smile
"I'm not finished," Spike said and the smile on Viktor's face died.
"I am here to uphold the balance and the peace. I know from what I've
seen during the last few weeks that the peace between the clans is
fragile at best and this is no time for internal fighting amongst
yourselves. So this is my proposal: I will serve as regent prince until
Daniel either returns or is confirmed dead, after that point I will step
down. I'm willing to sign a declaration, or perform a blood oath
regarding this if that is what you wish," Spike explained.
"What if I refuse?" Viktor asked.
"Viktor, his claim is reasonable and he's right we can not afford a
drawn out fight amongst ourselves," The First of Elders said.
"Shut up old man. I ask you again William Blood: What if I refuse your
proposal?" Viktor asked.
"Let's put it to a vote first shall we and if the vote is in your favor
I will stand down and allow you all to slug it out and should the
council choose to back me, you may challenge me for the throne," Spike
said hoping that upstart didn't have the skills to back up his mouth.
"Very well let us put it to a vote," Viktor said.
"All in favor?" The elder asked and raised his hand. There were ten
more.
"All opposed," Viktor raised his hand and only two other leaders raised
theirs alongside him.
"The Chroniclers abstain," the woman with the silver hair said.
"Very well since my own sister betrays me," Viktor said and glared at
Luna. "You leave me no choice," he stood. "I challenge you, William
Blood, for the position of regent prince!"
"I accept your challenge Viktor Argent," Spike said and stood, thanking
god, well the next best thing, that he had remembered the pricks name or
else he would have lost some serious face. I'm definitely going to see a
shrink when this mess is over. I even think like them. "Let's take this
outside, don't want to mess up the furniture," Spike said, took out his
gun and placed it on the table, and Viktor strode out. Everyone else,
including the ones that had voted against him remained seated. 
At least I have some respect. That is good.
"Ladies and gentlemen if you would be so kind as to step outside and I
shall be with you shortly," Spike said and the leaders and their
secretaries walked out leaving Spike and Luna standing at the table.
Spike started removing his jacket and then placed it on the table.
"I will not kill if that's what you're wondering," Spike said taking his
sword out of the coat and strapping it onto his back. "Humiliate him
maybe," he added with a grin.
"I was going to congratulate you on how you convinced the council, but
thank you anyway," Luna said.
"I take it there is some sibling rivalry between the two of you?" Spike
asked as he rolled up his sleeves. Use the charm mate you need all the
allies you can get right now. His mind reminded him.
"I'm half human," Luna answered.
"Ouch!" Spike said since half-breeds weren't actually the most loved
ones of the children of the night.
"Got that right," she muttered and then smiled. "You sure you are a
demon vampire?" she asked.
"Honestly, I don't know anymore," Spike said and paused. "Come now let's
not keep your brother waiting," he said and offered her his arm.

In the huge gardens behind the mansion the clan leaders were waiting and
any of them were trying to talk Viktor out of his decision.
"Last chance to stand down," Spike offered as he stepped down the steps
with Luna by his side.
"Is this how you treat family?" Viktor demanded as he saw his sister.
"He has every right. His intentions are honorable, when yours are
selfish as always," Luna answered and kissed Spike's cheek.
"Was that really necessary?" her assistant asked.
"He's cute," Luna answered with an impish grin and the woman sighed.
Spike waited for Viktor to draw his sword, but Viktor attacked without
warning still Spike sidestepped and they circled each other.
"Oh! I'm impressed!" Viktor mocked. Spike just cocked his head and the
sparing began. Viktor being lighter and quick moved in and out while
Spike blocked.

Let him think I'm on the defensive. Spike thought and began to back
step. The boy is arrogant, use it. His mind taking on Giles voice
reminded him while Viktor stepped up the pace of his attack, but Spike
deflected each strike. 
"This is a rather one sided duel don't you think?" Lunas' assistant
commented.
"Wait," Luna said, but then Viktor scored a hit on Spike's arm
"That was my best shirt," Spike said calmly with a feral grin and soon
Viktor was on the defensive. Spike stepped up his attack and soon Viktor
found himself pressed pretty hard with a hit to the thigh and another to
the ribs. Neither enough to kill, but enough to draw blood, then another
one to his forearm and then his side.
"He fights politically," Luna whispered to her assistant. The silver
haired Chronicler nodded when she heard Luna's comment. The leaders
where also gaining respect for Spike, young as he might be.
"Had enough?" Spike asked as he pushed Viktor away after their swords
had locked, but Viktor just growled and scored a hit on Spike's hand.
"As a dear friend of mine would say, you are so paying for my next
manicure," Spike said, spun around, but went into a crouch and swept the
legs from underneath Viktor. 
Viktor now found himself on his back with the point of Spike's sword at
his throat. I'm definitely, positively getting me a shrink.
"That wasn't fair," Viktor said through gritted teeth.
"Who said I was fair?" Spike asked and withdrew the blade, saluted and
then stepped onto the steps leading into the mansion.
"Now if we can return to the conference hall. There are some issues that
need to be discussed regarding what measures should be taken regarding
the safe return of the Prince. Also let it be known that I bare no ill
towards Viktor and that he is free to return to his seat at the table,"
he looked around, but Viktor was gone. Spike looked out over the yard,
sighed and then walked back into the house, followed by the clan leaders
and their secretaries, all talking amongst themselves.
"He'll come around. You hurt his pride and he'll probably go somewhere
and sulk," Luna said as she fell into step next to him.
"I was hoping he'd stay. I don't bloody need another unstable factor,"
Spike said with some of the calmness fading from his voice.
"You sound almost like Daniel," a weak voice said from the hallway.
"Buffy?" Spike asked and turned around to face the owner of the voice.

To Be Continued.