Dark are the Shadows 11/25/2019

Dark are the Shadows
Ms. Hunter Ash

a BTVS & Dark Shadows crossover

an insane soap opera

rating: PG13
pairings: Buffy/Quentin, Xander/Anya, Willow/Tara, Giles/Angelique

# # #

Angelique ran her fingers through the chest hair on Giles with a smile and traced the paths left where weapons and accidents had left scars.

“It’s been a long time since someone cared for me like this,” she said softly.

“Their loss,” Giles said.

“There are quite a few scars here,” she commented.

“Yes,” Giles agreed. “Appendix removal, wounds from demon claws and from knives.”

“Knives?”

“I lived on the streets when I was young,” Giles said. “That period when I rebelled and was working on becoming a rock star. London could be rough in the neighborhoods I roamed. Then black magic and summoning of demons. I’ve told you about this.”

Angelique nodded. “And your Council found you.”

“Yes, and turned me into a mild-mannered librarian,” Giles said.

“You are anything but that!” the vampire protested.

“I broke their conditioning over time,” Giles replied. “I’m buying this place, by the way. Want to help make it livable with some decorating suggestions? My tastes run to books and weapons, as you know.”

Angelique laughed. “I’d be delighted.”

She kissed him again as her body melded even closer.

“I should talk with Barnabas tonight,” she said softly.

“Later,” Giles mumbled.

# # # #

Willow put a suitcase down on a bed upstairs and Joyce looked around the room.

“It might be a little dusty,” the witch said. “Giles wants to fix the place up.”

“I can understand that,” Joyce said. “It’s like something out of a Hammer movie. One of those where the castle hasn’t really been lived in for awhile.”

“Yeah,” Willow agreed. “He said he wants to lose the brooding Lord Byron atmosphere.”

Joyce laughed softly. “I hope this won’t last long, honestly.”

“Yeah, having danger from two different directions is stressful,” Willow agreed.

“Well, one positive note, I can ensure you all eat a little better,” Joyce suggested. “Rupert is too thin.”

“Yeah, he lost weight when he was…dying because he was becoming a vampire,” Willow explained. “He hasn’t put any of it back on.”

“Is Angelique…feeding from him?” Joyce asked as she sat down on the bed. “His neck is bandaged.”

“He said she wasn’t,” Willow responded. “More like a…love bite.”

“It’s confusing,” Joyce said and sighed. She looked at the suitcases and shook her head.

“Hey, why don’t you try and take a nap?” Willow suggested. “Unpacking can wait.”

Joyce nodded. “Good idea. This…illness and treatments make me tired.”

“We’ll keep Dawn downstairs,” Willow offered.

“Thanks, tell everyone I’ll be down a little later.”

# # # #

Angelique’s eyebrows rose when she stepped into the backyard of the mansion and saw Quentin and Buffy sparring with swords. She walked over and sat down in a lawn-chair next to Barnabas as he watched.

“That’s… I’ve never seen him with a sword before,” she said.

Barnabas nodded. “He held one to my throat once. It was when I first met him, before you returned to Collinwood in the 1800s. He distrusted everyone. He thought I was there for part of the inheritance of the place.”

“Of course,” Angelique said. “And it was a time when gentlemen did learn the sword.”

“And scoundrels,” Barnabas said with a slight smile.

“Barnabas…”

“I’m not talking about it,” the vampire responded. “Julia sees Roxanne as a threat despite my rejection of the girl. I can’t change the past.”

“You have before,” Angelique pointed out.

Barnabas frowned. “Could that be what she’s wanting?”

“I haven’t a clue what she’s wanting,” Angelique said.

“She can’t,” Barnabas protested. “The room with the portal was destroyed and that was an alternate universe. I doubt using the I-Ching to project myself across time would work in this case. If something happened, I might not be able to get back and return to her.”

“Its possible she’s thinking that unconsciously,” Angelique said after a moment. “Could she also want a little freedom?”

“What do you mean?”

“You hate being a vampire, Barnabas, she doesn’t,” Angelique commented.

Barnabas sighed. “I know. I think it was what she wanted all along, especially after her injections could no longer give me respite from the curse. You think she wants to…spread her bat wings a bit?”

“It might be a possibility,” Angelique said. “She devoted her life to you for how many years?”

“And my displeasure at being a vampire hampers her truly exploring all her vampiric powers,” Barnabas said thoughtfully. “Do you remember when you were preying on me?”

“Of course, why bring that up?”

“Just listen for a moment,” he urged. “What was my response when you would sink your fangs into my neck, especially at first?”

“You protested, begged and screamed,” Angelique answered. “Why?”

“Did I ever want you to bite me?”

“No, even when you were dying you fought against it,” Angelique said.

“You know Tom Jennings preyed on Julia. The first time was violent after that…”

“She wanted the bite and him,” Angelique ventured and Barnabas nodded.

“It wasn’t until after I staked him that she was grateful she wasn’t dying,” Barnabas said. “Some of my victims were the same, two of them sought me out to be bitten again even when I was fighting the thirst and didn’t call them.”

“And she has a man with her that would kill for her,” Angelique said softly. “One who would be the perfect day guard.”

“Yes,” Barnabas whispered.

“Go home, Barnabas,” Angelique urged. “Before things go too far, before there’s too much between you both.”

Barnabas chuckled. “Did you ever think you’d be urging me to repair a relationship with someone else?”

Angelique frowned and then smiled. “No, I never did. My suggestion stands, go home to your wife. If you stay, you’ll likely lose her.”

“I owe Tara and the others,” Barnabas said softly. “I can’t abandon that. Because of me my entire family was nearly destroyed in 1795, I’ve worked to ensure the family continues. Now Nicholas Blair is pissed off at me again and is out to harm the people here.”

“They can deal with Nicholas,” Angelique said.

“And the world was almost turned over to the old gods,” Barnabas pointed out.

“So, you’re adopting them as an extended family?”

“Look at Quentin watch Buffy and remember that I changed Tara and I’ve bitten Willow twice and ask that again.”

“You’re right,” the vampire witch said after they watched Buffy and Quentin cease the sword play and begin cleaning their blades. “You’ll lose Julia, Barnabas.”

“Your curse was that I never rest and any that love me would die,” he said softly. “Julia did die but perhaps the underlying part of the curse was that I wouldn’t find love with someone for long, vampire or not. I don't know what I'll do except try to get her back.”

“Yes,” Angelique agreed. “Barnabas, I’m sorry. I don’t know how to break the curse. I haven’t a clue how I did in that other time-band where I was killed.”

“I know,” Barnabas said. “It’s done. Let’s try and save our new family and then I’ll see where things lie after that.”

# # ##

Quentin winced when he saw a vampire hit Buffy with a right cross. By the sound it probably would have taken anyone else's head off, he thought. He was tempted to try and jump in for help but Buffy had been adamant, he was to stay in the doorway of a tomb with a large cross in hand and not move no matter what happened.

Buffy ducked another swing and came up under the vampire's swing with her stake ramming into his chest. The Slayer turned and ran away from the last two vampires reaching for her.

Before Quentin could figure out what she was doing Buffy jumped onto a tombstone and backflipped behind said vampires. She came up with a stake in each hand from a slight crouch and staked both of them through their backs.

Quentin began applauding and Buffy took a bow with a grin.

"Very impressive!"

Buffy spun with stakes in hand. Quentin moved back into the doorway.

Buffy's eyes narrowed as Glory stepped into sight from the shadows of a tree.

"Thanks, ready to give up?" the Slayer quipped.

Glory laughed. "Well, we could really cut down on the time if you just tell me where the key is. Then I don't have to smash your face in."

Quentin frowned when Buffy laughed.

"Well, I did have bbq the other night, I probably should get the work-out in... or to...whatever."

The Slayer ran forward and bounded onto her hands, her feet coming up under Glory's chin, sending the hell-god flying into a tree.

"Quentin, run!" Buffy yelled and dashed forward to hit Glory before the goddess could get up and then the Slayer was running and caught up with Quentin.

"Come back here, bitch!"

Buffy grabbed Quentin's arm and pulled him into a tomb and partly closed the door. "I know this one..."

"Where are you?" Glory yelled. "How dare you hit me! You got grass stains on my skirt! Do you know how hard those are to get out?!"

Buffy pulled up a flagstone and then another.

Quentin's eyes widened at the sight of a ladder heading downward.

"Get down here," Buffy urged. "This tunnel leads to the sewers."

"Somehow this isn't what I imagined as a first date with you," Quentin said softly and climbed down the ladder.

Buffy pulled the flagstones back into place and froze on the ladder as she listened.

"Where the hell did she go?" she heard Glory yell. "Does she have super powers like disappearing?"

Buffy climbed down quietly.

# # ##

Barnabas smiled as he walked with Willow and Tara. The new vampire was amazed with the sights and sounds and Barnabas felt better being out with them.

"How would you two like to go to LA tomorrow night?" he asked.

"Sure, what's up?" Willow asked.

"I can start guiding Tara in her new talents, limitations and how to hunt for blood," Barnabas said. "I can't do that very well in Sunnydale with those soldiers on high alert at the Bronze."

"I d-don't know about hunting..."

"It may save your life and those around you," Barnabas said gently. "When we are starved...we lose control. My first night out after 130 years I attacked the man who freed me and drained a cow. The entire cow."

"Oh wow," Willow said softly. "And I didn't mean for that to rhyme with cow."

Barnabas chuckled as his eyes darted around, ever vigilant for soldiers and other vampires and demons.

"Do you think you can go home soon?" Willow asked.

"I don't know," Barnabas said as he lost his smile. "It doesn't feel like it. Right now I'm focused on Tara and the rest of you. Nicholas is still a danger in addition to that creature Buffy tangled with."

"Well, I'm very glad you haven't forgotten me!"

Willow and Tara spun with their hands at the ready to throw energy as Barnabas raised his cane into both hands.

Nicholas Blair was standing in the middle of the street they had just walked down.

He looked very confident and energy danced across his hands.

"What do you want, Nicholas?" Barnabas demanded.

Nicholas Blair laughed. "That would spoil the fun if I told you!"

"Barnabas!" Tara exclaimed.

The vampire looked around and swallowed. Approaching them from all directions were zombies in various stages of decomposition.

"Run!" Barnabas said sharply.

"What?" Willow demanded.

"No time for magic, run!" he urged.

The three began running where the zombies were the least in number.

"Why are we running?" Willow yelled.

"Zombies don't have blood to drain and wolf bites won't do much against them either," Barnabas said. "With Nicholas standing there you two couldn't take on the zombies and him."

"Okay," Willow said and the three stopped suddenly. "Oh wow, that's a lot of zombies in front of us and behind us."

"Can you two get over that fence into the alley over there?" Barnabas asked.

"Yes," both girls answered.

"Let's go, you two first!" he said.

Willow scampered over the fence first followed by Tara.

Barnabas started over the fence when he felt something sting him in the shoulder and he fell to the pavement as his eyesight began failing.

"Very good, pick him up and bring him along before they attempt magic," he heard Nicholas say.

Barnabas felt someone pulling him up and then he was hit very hard across the jaw and then he was being kicked in the ribs.

"Vampire! Enough! Bring him!"

Barnabas drifted into darkness.

# # # #

Dark are the Shadows - 11/17/19

Dark are the Shadows
Ms. Hunter Ash

a BTVS and Dark Shadows crossover

Most of the characters belong to their respective creators and companies.  The original characters are mine as is the plotlines.  No infringement is intended - this is for entertainment.  No harm, no foul.

rating: PG13
pairings: Barnabas/Julia; Giles/Angelique, Xander/Anya, Willow/Tara


# # #

Quentin poured himself a cup of coffee as Thomas hobbled into the kitchen in the late afternoon.

"How did lunch go with the Slayer?" he asked Quentin.

"We rescheduled," Quentin said. "She had to run her mother to the hospital for a quick treatment."

"Barnabas never came back," Thomas noted.

"No, he promised he'd stay safe," Quentin replied.

"Probably with Roxanne," Thomas grumbled.

"I don't think so," Quentin said. "He said he rejected Roxanne."

"You believe him?"

"Yes," Quentin responded. "He can lie easily but not about something like this."

"Are we leaving today?" Thomas asked.

"The rest of you are, I'm staying."

"With him?" Thomas asked.

"Yes and to help against Nicholas."

Thomas frowned as he leaned on his crutches.

# # # #

Barnabas frowned when he felt himself being shaken and it wasn't quite sunset.

"Barnabas! Wake up!" Cindy said urgently. "There's cops outside the door and one of them is a guy I zapped the other night!"

Barnabas nodded as he sat up. Ah, sunset, he thought.

"Let them in, they won't find me," he said.

Cindy disappeared and Barnabas grabbed his cane and listened at the bedroom door.

"What do you want?" he heard her demand.

"We have a search warrant," a male voice said firmly. "Find the hostile. Secure or neutralize. Don't take any chances."

Barnabas quickly faded from sight.

The vampire almost rematerialized when he saw Cindy being handcuffed roughly and thrown down on her sofa.

"Nothing!" someone yelled from the bedroom. "Closets are clear!"

"Crawlspace is clear!" another one yelled from the hall.

One of the "officers" pulled Cindy up into a sitting position and backhanded her hard. "Where is he? Where's the vampire?"

"Vampire? You believe in vampires?" Cindy replied and whimpered when she was backhanded again.

"Where is he?" the soldier repeated. "A neighbor saw a man matching his description come in last night and he didn't come back out."

"He turned into a bat and flew out the window," Cindy snapped and this time she was backhanded with a closed fist and didn't get back up from where she fell over on the sofa.

Barnabas watched the soldiers gather in the living room.

"All right, you check the alley and you check the storage unit in the garage," the first soldier ordered. "I'm going to stay here and...question our hostile lover."

The other soldiers left the room and the soldier glared at Cindy and pulled her up into a sitting position. "I remember you, bitch. It isn't fun being shocked. Want to know what it feels like?"

Barnabas materialized behind the soldier and wrapped one arm around the soldier's neck and squeezed.

Buffy kicked in the door and blinked when she saw Barnabas choking a soldier and smiling while doing it. "Barnabas! Let him go!"

"Stay out of this," Barnabas said. "Look at the girl and tell me to stop. He intended on killing her so she couldn't report them."

"Let him go!" Buffy repeated.

Barnabas released his hold on the soldier and stepped back as Buffy rushed forward and began examining the man.

"He's still alive," she said softly as she searched him and pulled out a handcuff key.

"Too bad," Barnabas said and took the key from Buffy and gently unlocked the cuffs from Cindy's wrists. He gently touched her cheek. "You should call for an ambulance," he said. "I believe her cheek is broken because of him."

"You can't kill him because he got heavy-handed," Buffy said as she pulled out her phone.

"They were after me," Barnabas said. "She protected me."

"You can't kill civilians!" Buffy snapped.

"They aren't," Barnabas said and glanced at the door. “How are you here?”

“Graham told me they were on the trail of a new type of vamp and told me they were going to capture him tonight, I followed them,” Buffy explained.

"Here come his playmates."

Buffy swore as the vampire disappeared. She held up a finger as soldiers rushed in. "Yes, I need the paramedics. I heard sounds of a fight and found this woman and she's unconscious and she's bruised and there's a guy and he's out too. Oh, the address is 1710 Baker St, apartment 24B. Yes, they're both breathing. I'll watch for the paramedics."

She ended the call before the operator could tell her to stay on the phone.

"Hi, guys," she said to the soldiers. "What's going on? I heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh and the door was partly open. What hit them?"

"Probably that vampire," Graham informed her. "You sure you didn't choke him out?"

"Why would I do that?" Buffy demanded. "Where's the vampire that beat the girl up?"

"That's who we're looking for," Graham responded as he glanced away.

"Fine, you deal with the paramedics or drag your buddy down the backstairs, I hear sirens," Buffy said.

"Grab his arms and get him out of here," Graham ordered. "If you see that vamp, stake him, don't play around. He's got some different powers."

"Got it," Buffy said and sighed as they rushed out of the apartment.

She dashed out of the apartment and ran down the stairs. She wanted to say goodbye to Julia and the others.

# # #

Barnabas walked into the mansion and saw Julia sigh with relief. He walked over and looked at her packed bags of the new clothes they had purchased. "Thank you for waiting until I could get here."

"Barnabas, please come with us," Julia said softly. "I have a bad feeling about all of this."

"More the reason for me to stay," he responded. He glanced over when Buffy entered and hesitated when she saw him and then shook her head and went to talk to Carolyn. "I love you, Julia."

"I know, Barnabas," Julia whispered. "It's just that I watched you chasing love for years. I can't do it again."

"Damnit, I am not with Roxanne! I was not with Roxanne," Barnabas snapped and struggled to keep his voice a whisper. "I am with you because I want to be with you."

"I know, Barnabas, and I'll be waiting," Julia said.

"I have rarely lied to you, even when I preyed on our friends and family, and not about something like this," Barnabas protested. "I can't deal with the mistrust. I haven't earned this."

"I'll see you when you come home," Julia said and kissed his cheek.

Barnabas' jaw clenched. He tried to smile as Carolyn approached him. "You take care of yourself. I am so glad we've reconnected."

Carolyn hugged him tightly. "Beware of towers and fire," she whispered.

"Good ideas for a vampire," he said softly. "I love you, Carolyn. Again, I apologize for those years ago."

"Forgotten," she said with a smile and hugged him again.

Barnabas squatted down and hugged Elizabeth. "You study hard and take care of your father while he has that cast on. Can you do that?"

"Totally," Elizabeth said firmly. "Next time Uncle Giles is going to teach me how to throw knives and I'm going to teach him computer stuff."

Buffy's eyebrows rose and she looked over at her Watcher who only shrugged.

"That sounds like a bargain for both of you," Barnabas commented. "Go help your Aunt Carolyn with your bags after you say goodbye to your Uncle Giles."

Giles lifted the girl into his arms with a smile. "I'm going to miss you, you were great when we were in that western town. Maybe we can come out and visit you this fall."

"That would be cool," Elizabeth said and bit her lip.

"Shhh, we'll see each other again," Giles promised. "Now, run along."

Buffy noticed that Thomas didn't say goodbye to Barnabas who had stepped back away from the others.

In minutes everyone glanced around at each other as the door closed.

"Now what?" Xander asked. "How do we fight this unknown blonde and flush Nicholas out? I've got to get back to work tomorrow."

"Stick close to Dawn," Giles suggested. "Or stay totally away in case Glorificus figures out you're protecting the key."

"That's not helpful," Buffy complained. "And the Initiative is totally after Barnabas."

"What happened?" Quentin asked Barnabas.

"The apartment of the bartender from the Bronze was invaded by the soldiers," Barnabas said. "She was handcuffed and beaten. They were attempting to capture or kill me. The leader of their group beat her unconscious and he intended on killing her, he was one of the soldiers she hit with a stun weapon the other night. I stopped him and Buffy stopped me."

"What do you mean, stopped you?" Xander asked.

"I was choking him to death," Barnabas answered calmly.

"They aren't the enemy," Buffy complained.

"You weren't on the receiving end of stun weapons and silver stakes," Barnabas said with a shrug. "I protected someone who was innocent."

"Enough of that," Giles said. "We'll have an indepth discussion of who was right or wrong later. Willow did her magic with the computer and coordinated the police reports on the recent rash of mental patients. Look at the circles on the map."

"They surround three houses," Anya pointed out and Giles nodded.

"The FBI uses a program to figure out what is the center of a pattern, that's most likely where you'll find the criminal," Willow added. "The victims were a paperboy, the mailman, a PG&E meter reader..."

"People on foot in that neighborhood," Xander surmised. "Why do they go insane if they get near one of those houses?"

"Good question," Giles said. "I have a call into the Council about the superbeing you fought with. I haven't heard back."

"Terrific," Buffy said softly. "My first question besides who the hell is she and what does she want would be does she know the key is now human."

Giles nodded. "Perhaps magic might get us some answers."

"Witches to the left, heroes to the right and we'll pretend to be busy," Xander announced.

# # #

"Thanks for coming with me, Quentin," Buffy said as they sat on the porch of the Summers house. "Will you have to go back before sunrise?"

"Willow will watch over our vampires tomorrow along with Giles," Quentin answered. "How are we going to protect the vampires and your mother and sister between two houses?"

"Yeah, I know," Buffy said. "We should probably all be together. Will that nutjob figure out that it's Dawn?"

"Unlikely unless whatever that thing is knows that the key was made into a human being," Quentin said thoughtfully. "We have to find out what that energy does that may tell us how to fight whatever she is."

"Help me pack up some of Mom and Dawn's things and move them to the mansion tomorrow?" Buffy asked.

"Of course," Quentin said with a smile.

"You know you don't have to stick around," Buffy said softly.

"Nicholas is still my enemy and the enemy of my family," Quentin said. "Barnabas is here and all of you are family now. I'm here."

He leaned over and kissed Buffy gently.

# # #

Giles looked up from the table as Xander placed a cup of tea in front of the Watcher. "Hullo, what time is it?"

"3 a.m.," Xander responded. "Are you really going to buy this place?"

"Yes," Giles said. "We need the space and you can help with the repairs or recommend trusted handymen."

"I can do that," Xander said. "Are you going to move in or keep your place? I mean you said Angel and crew could stay here whenever they're in town. Can you live here with Angel popping in sometimes?"

"I believe so," Giles said. "Especially if we actual fix this place up and change it from.... Lord Byron's brooding place to a home for most of us."

"Do you still want to do the secret room below the store?" Xander asked.

"Yes," Giles said. "We need to have a secure place where Tara and any other vampire here won't be discovered."

"I'll look on the internet for bomb shelter plans," Xander offered. "You'll need Willow and Tara working on Super Barbie."

Giles nodded and smiled as Angelique walked into the dining room.

"Time for a break, you two," she declared. "Anya is asleep, so is Willow."

"And Quentin and Buffy are watching over Joyce and Dawn," Giles added. "You're right, let me stretch my legs. Where's Barnabas?"

"Brooding," Angelique answered.

"We're down a major fighter and he's distracted as hell," Giles said thoughtfully.

"A fighter?" Xander asked.

"Thomas, someone that can change into a werewolf at will," Giles pointed out.

"Barnabas is a powerful vampire," Angelique said. "As am I in addition to being a witch."

"Let's hope we find a way to protect everyone," Giles said. "Try and get some sleep, Xander."

"Okay."

# # # #

Buffy pulled a blanket over Quentin as he was stretched out on the sofa and smiled and then shook her head. The last thing she needed was another boyfriend with complications. Especially an immortal boyfriend.

Still, he could go out in the sunshine. A plus.

The Slayer sat down with a cup of herb tea with her mind racing.

There were so many problems to tackle and they all centered around her in a way.

Glorificus, Nicholas Blair, brooding vampires…

Well, she couldn’t really help with that one. Barnabas, Julia and Angelique were complicated and mostly a mystery. Quentin was also a major mystery. She knew a little about him but only when she asked. Maybe that was how someone immortal survived, never volunteer information and give only the barest basics of answers.

Dawnie. Buffy couldn’t believe her memories were false. She remembered holding Dawn just after Joyce and Hank Summers had brought her home. She had helped with everything, from changing diapers and bathing Dawnie to rocking the infant to sleep so Joyce could get a nap.

How could those monks have formed those memories into everyone around Dawn, especially Joyce and Buffy? She frowned.

Dawn was NOT going to find out she hadn’t started life as a human being, that her memories were false as well. Buffy had no idea how that would impact an insecure teenage girl.

# # #

Cindy opened her eyes with a moan. Where…?

Then she remembered the ride in an ambulance and then a trip to the hospital where doctors, nurses and police wanted answers. Answers she couldn’t provide.

Barnabas was a dangerous vampire and the soldiers knew who she was.

So the police were looking for a tall man dressed in black wearing a black ski mask. Cindy had added in the touch of a Southern accent and gruff voice but not very much beyond that.

“Easy,” a voice said softly.

Cindy tried to smile when Barnabas stood up and moved to her bedside.

“Your cheekbone is broken but it didn’t shatter,” Barnabas said. “No bone chips, in other words. You’ll have black eyes and major bruising, especially at the cheek but, according to your records, you won’t need surgery.”

“What happened?” she asked softly. “I saw you choking that guy.”

“I didn’t kill him,” Barnabas said. “I left when his platoon mates came back as someone was dialing 911 for you.”

“Thank you,” Cindy whispered.

“I should be thanking you,” Barnabas protested. “You took that beating to protect me and I’m grateful. I can’t stay long, however, it will be sunrise soon.”

“Will I see you again?”

“Not for awhile,” Barnabas responded. “Those soldiers will be watching you.”

Cindy nodded and touched the bandage on her cheek. “I’d like to see you again when they stop.”

“If I’m in town it would be my pleasure to spend time with you again,” Barnabas said and raised her hand to his lips. “And if that bastard comes back… I may not stop next time.”

“Just be careful,” Cindy urged. “You’d better go, the sky is turning purple.”

Barnabas leaned over and kissed her very gently. “Thank you. Sleep and heal.”

The vampire stepped away into a darkened corner of the room and Cindy had the impression he was no longer there. She pressed her call bell, she needed pain medication.

# # # #

Willow was pacing when Barnabas entered the mansion. “There you are! It’s almost sunrise!”

“I know,” he said. “Is Angelique sleeping with Rupert?”

“Yeah, the room with the bed that has the curtains,” Willow said.

“I’ll take Angelique’s coffin then,” Barnabas decided. “It’ll feel comforting, I believe.”

“Barnabas, what’s happened with you and Julia?”

“I wish I could explain,” the vampire said. “I’m not with Roxanne and haven’t sought her out. I told her I love Julia and that’s where I want to be but it doesn’t seem good enough for Julia. I’ve a feeling that even if Roxanne left town Julia would see her as a threat and be watching for her for decades.”

“Ouch,” Willow whispered. “You’d better get in your coffin.”

Barnabas glanced over his shoulder to a window and nodded. Covered windows or not, sunrise would force him into a vampiric sleep in minutes.

The vampire kissed Willow’s cheek. “See you at sunset.”

## # ##

“How am I supposed to decide what clothes to take?” Dawn yelled from her room.

Buffy rolled her eyes as she helped her mother pack some things.

“This is going to ruin my social life!” Dawn declared as she went to her mother’s bedroom. “How am I supposed to explain this?”

“Just don’t tell anyone,” Joyce suggested. “If someone wants to spend the night suggest you do it at their place and tell everyone you’re helping me out at the gallery after school so you won’t be home.”

Dawn frowned and then nodded. “Okay, that works.”

She returned to her bedroom to pack for the temporary move to the mansion.

“Thanks, Mom,” Buffy said. “That was good.”

“Well, we know you’re very clever,” Joyce said. “Where do you think it get it?”

Buffy laughed and grabbed her mother’s favorite books to read before falling asleep.

Quentin appeared in the doorway with a smile. “I’ve got those groceries in the car you wanted, Mrs. Summers.”

“Please call me, Joyce.”

“If you’ll call me Quentin,” he countered. “I’ll grab the weapons Buffy told me to grab from the hall closet.”

“He’s very nice,” Joyce commented after he started down the stairs.

“Yeah,” Buffy agreed. “And he knows about vampires, demons and Slayers. That’s a major milestone marker in my dating plans.”

Joyce shook her head.

“Life has been turned upside down,” Joyce said as she grabbed another pair of socks and pantyhose and stuffed them in a suitcase. “Rupert is dating a vampire, a sorcerer had me and Dawn under his power and now he wants Dawn back. We met new vampires that are different than other vampires and then demons attacking last night.”

“Don’t forget to add the fact that Tara is now a vampire,” Buffy pointed out.

“That’s so… hard to comprehend,” Joyce admitted.

“Yeah, I agree.”

# # #

Quentin handed a box of groceries to Xander as they transferred things from the Summers house into the new property being purchased by Giles, the mansion formerly belonging to Angel.

“You’re off work?”

“Yeah, something went wrong with a permit so we’re delayed a couple of days,” Xander responded. “Giles still isn’t sure if he’s keeping his condo or moving in here totally.”

“Why have two places to live?” Quentin asked.

“Because he’s giving Angel sleepover rights,” Xander said as they began unboxing the groceries.

“And that’s a problem?”

“Did Buffy or Giles tell you about Giles’ girlfriend that was killed?” Xander asked.

“Yes, a vampire that killed his girlfriend and left her in Rupert’s bed.”

“That vampire was Angel,” Xander said.

“What?”

“He has his soul because of a curse,” Xander said. “That curse made him lose his soul.”

“Yes, Buffy mentioned that,” Quentin said. “I didn’t realize it was the vampire that was here last night.”

“Yeah, that’s Buffy’s ex.”

“No wonder he told me not to date Buffy if I intended on hurting her,” Quentin said.

“Yeah, he won’t let go even though they can never be together,” Xander commented. “Want to help hang that front door with me later?”

“Of course.”

# # #

“Well, I suppose I can’t be overly picky about the servant Diablos sent me,” Nicholas muttered as he watched a young man finish feeding from a homeless man.

The vampire dropped the corpse to the floor and looked at Nicholas.

“Julia Hoffman,” he demanded.

“Clear across the country,” Nicholas said and laughed at the vampire’s look of frustration. “I can, however, provide you with the man that killed you twice. Tell me, I do believe being staked hurt but did burning to death in the sun hurt as well?”

The vampire’s hands clenched. “It was…horrible.”

"And how do you feel about the fact that both Julia Hoffman and Barnabas Collins are both vampires?"

"What?"

“HE is the one that turned her. You do as I say and you can have Barnabas to burn slowly over an open fire,” Nicholas promised. “And the lords of hell won’t bring him back.”

# # # #

Dark are the Shadows - 11/11/2019

Dark are the Shadows – master 002

Ms. Hunter Ash

BTVS & Dark Shadows cross-over

copyright stuff: I don't own the characters from BTVS or Dark Shadows - original characters and plot ideas are mine, thanks.

Pairings: Xander/Anya, Willow/Tara, Giles/Angelique, Buffy/Quentin

Rating: PG13

# # ##

Barnabas pulled his shirt off with a wince and looked down at his scratched chest and bruised ribs. "Stupid demons."

"You were always too thin."

Barnabas turned and nodded at Julia in the doorway to the bedroom. "It’s common among most vampires. I was fit before I died.... each time."

"Are you all right?" Julia asked.

"Yes," her husband answered. "Quentin and I had a few demons to tend to inside. I'm sorry I wasn't outside when they attacked."

"I was able to fight back as a wolf," Julia said. "I saw Elizabeth and Carolyn were all right. Elizabeth hid under a table and Carolyn hid in the garage in a tool cabinet once she saw Elizabeth was hidden."

"Smart girl," Barnabas commented as he pulled on a clean shirt but left it unbuttoned. "I should clean up."

"Tara stood up against her family," Julia commented as she followed her husband to the bathroom and watched him pull the shirt off and begin cleaning up. "That's quite a step."

"It is," Barnabas agreed. "I’d wager they won't slow down until they hit Sacramento."

Julia laughed softly.

"Perhaps now we can show Tara how to hunt and how to utilize her powers that she gained as a vampire," Barnabas suggested. He looked at his wife as he pulled on his shirt and buttoned it.

"You're wanting to stay on a bit?" Julia asked.

"Yes," Barnabas answered with a frown. "Tara hasn't even gone out in public as a vampire and Nicholas Blair is still running loose. This new danger might be something he can take advantage of. We must be here to stop it."

"Of course," Julia said softly.

"What are you not wanting to say?" Barnabas asked. "I know you, Julia."

"Yes, you do," Julia agreed. "I want to go home, Barnabas. Back to the Old House. We'll figure out a way to keep Maggie and Joe from seeing us. Elizabeth needs to get back into school and Carolyn has the house and company to run."

Barnabas sighed. "We've been on the move for decades," he agreed. "I can't leave just yet."

"Because of Roxanne," Julia said.

"No, I'm responsible for turning Tara into one of us, she needs guidance," Barnabas countered.

"They have vampire friends, they can help with Tara," Julia suggested.

"They aren't like us, Julia," Barnabas responded. "They don't have the same powers or restrictions. They can move about in the daytime, for example."

"I'm going home, Barnabas," Julia said after a moment.

"With Thomas as a day guard," Barnabas ventured.

"Yes," Julia answered. "He wants to be with Elizabeth more."

"And he prefers you to me at the moment even though I haven't done anything to warrant this mistrust," Barnabas snapped. "I told Roxanne I'm in love with you."

"We'll leave tomorrow night," Julia told her husband.

Barnabas sighed and nodded.

"I’ll have Quentin arrange for a plane tomorrow," he said.

"Who will guard you during the day if Quentin comes with us?"

"I'm sure they can shove my coffin in a corner while they watch over Tara," Barnabas said with a trace of bitterness. "Don't worry about me."

"Come home as soon as possible," Julia urged and touched his arm.

"Of course," Barnabas agreed but his expression didn't soften. "I'm going to go check on everyone or go out or something."

"Barnabas...."

"Not tonight, Julia," Barnabas said. "We've had enough words, I think. Many more and they'll become weapons."

# # # #

Quentin smiled as he sat down next to Buffy in the living room. "How are you doing? Are you both all right?" he asked Joyce and Dawn.

Joyce nodded. "I... that was very frightening and confusing."

"There was a lot going on," Buffy agreed. "I'm just glad we had a lot of people that could help handle it."

Dawn yawned and Joyce squeezed her shoulder.

"We should get home," Joyce suggested.

"I'm going to stay at the house tonight," Buffy said. "You want to do lunch tomorrow, Quentin?"

"Absolutely," he said as he stood up. "It'll be a full house here, tonight."

"Yeah, with the LA gang, ours and the Collins and Jennings family," Buffy agreed. "Come on, squirt, let's go home."

Angel walked over and smiled at the Summers girls. "Buffy, is Giles serious about what he said earlier?"

"I don't think he'd joke about that, especially with you," Buffy said.

"I never thought he'd want this place," Angel commented.

"Neither did I but we do need a place bigger than his condo and we owe you a lot of repairs around here," Buffy suggested.

Angel nodded. "That makes sense. We're going to head back in the morning. I think some of your vampires are going home as well."

"Home?" Buffy repeated. "Thanks, I'll call you tomorrow. Hang on a minute, Mom."

The Slayer walked over quickly to Barnabas as he stepped out of the house into the backyard where the others were working to move the demon bodies into an abandoned mansion next door where the scavenger demons would find them.

"Are you leaving tomorrow?" she asked anxiously.

"No, I am not leaving," Barnabas said. "Nicholas is still here and Tara needs some guidance."

"You didn't say 'we'," Buffy observed.

"No, I didn't," Barnabas agreed. "Julia, Elizabeth, Thomas and Carolyn will fly home tomorrow. I don't know what Quentin's plans are."

Buffy frowned. "Barnabas..."

"Don't worry, we will work through this," Barnabas said. "Julia and I have been through a lot over the years. We always get past it."

"Have you two ever really been apart?"

"Not since she joined me as a vampire," Barnabas admitted.

"Barnabas...."

The vampire shook his head. "Thank you for your concern, I am grateful. She needs some time, apparently. Let me talk with Quentin and discover if he's going home as well. I'm hoping not. Please excuse me."

"Me too," Buffy said softly. "Come on, guys, lets go home."

# # # # #

Quentin walked up next to Angel as the vampire looked over the living room of the mansion that was finally quiet.

"Who is where?" he asked the vampire.

"Giles and Angelique are in one room, Julia is in another, Cordelia is sharing one with Carolyn and Elizabeth, Willow and Tara are in the master, Wes and Thomas are on air mattresses down here, Anya and Xander have a room upstairs," Angel said. "I think that's everyone."

"And Barnabas?" Quentin asked.

"Brooding on the patio," Angel informed Quentin.

"I'm going to try talking to him," Quentin said. "When are you leaving?"

"Before sunrise," Angel answered. "I'll ride in the trunk."

"Interesting," Quentin said. "I'll be back in shortly."

"Quentin, if you're interested in dating Buffy just... don't hurt her or lead her on," Angel said.

Quentin hesitated a moment. "I'll keep that in mind. Excuse me."

The immortal werewolf found Barnabas sitting in a lawn-chair with his fingers steepled in front of him staring at nothing.

"May I join you?" he asked his cousin.

Barnabas nodded and looked up at Quentin. "Everyone else asleep?"

"Mostly," Quentin said. "Buffy says some of us are leaving tomorrow night. Who and why?"

"Julia, Thomas and Elizabeth for certain," Barnabas said with a sigh. "Probably Carolyn since she needs to get back to the house."

"Why is Julia leaving?" Quentin asked bluntly.

"You'll have to ask her," Barnabas said. "I'm not quite sure except that she sees Roxanne as a threat despite me rejecting the girl."

"And you're staying," Quentin observed.

"Not for Roxanne," Barnabas said, his voice weary. "Tara needs guidance and Nicholas is still out there and he is still a threat."

"Angelique could guide Tara," Quentin suggested. "She's even a witch same as Tara."

Barnabas' eyebrows rose. "You would seriously consider that a good idea? Their magic isn't the same and... it's Angelique."

"That's true," Quentin conceded. "Go home, Barnabas. Go home with your wife. I'll stay and help out here. You've risked yourself so many times to save the family and others."

"I'm staying," Barnabas said. "I seem to be bad luck for Nicholas Blair and I owe Nicholas for doing that to Tara and the others."

"How can I help?" Quentin asked.

"Depends on if you're staying," Barnabas said.

"If I wasn't?" Quentin asked.

"I'd ask you to help Thomas to keep Julia safe and find a way to keep Maggie and Joe from finding out about Julia," Barnabas said thoughtfully.

"You don't include yourself in the danger of Maggie and Joe finding out? You have more of a troublesome history with them," Quentin pointed out.

"That doesn't matter now," Barnabas said. "I'm here, Julia will be there."

"I remember how panicked Julia was when the Leviathan turned you back into a vampire. How worried she was because you would be so vulnerable during the day," Quentin remarked. "I can't believe she and Thomas are leaving while Nicholas is out there because you were attracted to Roxanne in the past?"

"Now you know my confusion," Barnabas said. "I'm going out for a bit. If I don't get back before sunrise I'll be back shortly after sunset."

"Is it wise to go off alone right now?"

"Wise or not, I need to get out of here," Barnabas said as he stood up. "I'll be somewhere safe and I'm not going out to find Roxanne. If you could, please arrange a plane and pilot for tomorrow evening."

"This is insane," Quentin commented. "I'll arrange the plane and I'm staying here with you."

"Thank you, I am very grateful for that."

# # # #

Buffy watched her mom sleeping from the hallway of the Summers house. She knew the birthday celebration would normally wear Joyce down but the addition of Lei-Ach demons, werewolves, vampires and Tara's family would exhaust anyone.

She glanced over when Dawn's door opened and her sister motioned Buffy inside the younger sister's bedroom.

"Hey, runt, what's up?"

"I can't sleep," Dawn admitted. "Buff, why does that sorcerer want me specifically? Did he send those demons?"

"I don't know," Buffy said as she sat down on Dawn's bed. "Most likely. He's been trying to kill Barnabas and the rest of us. As to why he wants you...when he had you and Mom the old demon gods he wanted to bring back wanted you to be their... high priestess or something. We think he wants to try again and make you one with the Borg types even if he can't open a gate. They're like the Illuminati or something, they work to gain a lot of influence and spread their cult, Giles says."

"Wow," Dawn said. "And that blonde whatever she is?"

"We don't know what she wants yet," Buffy said. "Don't worry, we're going to protect you."

"Okay," Dawn said. "I'm glad Tara is staying."

"Me too," Buffy said. "She's special. Can you imagine how her family would handle her being a vampire? I mean just picture this... 'Sorry, Dad, I can't cook breakfast, I sleep in now.'"

Dawn giggled. "And that dead pig, just ignore that."

Buffy laughed and nodded. "I thought he was going to have a heart attack when those demons showed up."

"Well, they were pretty ugly," Dawn conceded.

"That's true," Buffy agreed. "You want some hot chocolate? I'll make it."

"Deal!"

# # # #

Giles wrapped his arms around Angelique as she laid her head on his shoulder. He let his mind begin to drift.

Julia looked out of the bedroom window with a frown. She had expected Barnabas to spend the rest of the evening in their room with her in an attempt to reassure her and to possibly change her mind about leaving and he hadn't. She had reached out psychically but only slightly; she could tell her husband wasn't in the mansion and that was all.

Carolyn bit her lip as she took in the energy in the mansion and how much her family was hurting.

"Damnit, I just got Julia and Barnabas back!" she complained to Quentin.

"I know. I'm sorry we kept them from you for so long," Quentin responded. "They didn't know how you would react and Barnabas is constantly worried about someone remembering how he was. How many family and friends did he prey on?"

"Hmmm, I'd have to make a list," Carolyn said. "Maggie, me, Sabrina, Willie and Vicki in our time."

"And Megan Todd," Quentin added.

"Oh right, he even turned her into a vampire I found out later," Carolyn said with a nod. “Several women in town, some were killed. That was right after he arrived.”

"He bit Vicki? I didn't meet her," Quentin commented.

"I think so, she had a connection with him even when he was human and he really fell for her but she went head over heels for Burke Devlin and Peter Bradford. Vicki was...special and my half-sister."

"What?!"

"I found a letter among Mom's things after we lost her. She had planned on telling Vicki that she was Vicki's mother," Carolyn explained. "Then Vicki disappeared into the past before she could. Mom didn't say who Vicki's father was, just that she had Vicki out of wedlock and gave her up for adoption. I suspect it was Bill Malone."

"The manager that was killed," Quentin replied.

"Yes, he was kind of a father figure to me or an uncle or something. When Vicki was trapped in the west wing he appeared to her," Carolyn said with a smile. "Vicki always wondered where she came from and suspected someone in Collinsport knew the answers. She may have suspected Mom was her mom but didn't push."

"Amazing," Quentin commented. "Tell me more about Vicki."

"Well, David was small and boy was he a handful!"

# # #

Cindy smiled when she opened the door to Barnabas. "Bradley! I am so glad to see you!"

"Barnabas, my name is actually Barnabas," the vampire said as he entered the apartment. "Have room for me tonight?"

"Always," Cindy said as she locked the door.

"I sleep late," he remarked with a smile.

"I never have company other than you," Cindy promised. "False names, out of town frequently, military black ops trying to kidnap you... a man of mystery."

Barnabas nodded. "And fangs that are real."

"I like that part too."

"I... need company tonight," he said as she motioned towards the sofa.

"I'm told I'm good company," Cindy said. "No pressure about anything. I like just snuggling in addition to those fangs."

# # # #

Buffy, Quentin, Tara and Willow waved as Cordelia's car pulled away from the mansion.

"It's almost sunrise, I'm going to sleep for a few hours," Willow said as she nudged Tara gently. "Let's snuggle before the sun comes up."

"Okay," Tara agreed.

Slayer and immortal watched the two witches walk back into the house.

"What about you?" Quentin asked. "Have you slept at all?"

"Not yet," Buffy said. "I'm going to grab a couple of hours at home. You?"

"Thomas will wake up soon and I'll sleep then."

"We have just weird schedules," Buffy commented. "Barnabas and Julia will be asleep soon and Angelique."

"Barnabas isn't here," Quentin informed Buffy. He shrugged at her surprised expression. "He and Julia are having problems and it's not something with an easy answer because he wants to remain here to help Tara and fight Nicholas. I have no idea where he's at except he promised to be here after sunset tonight and he'd take care to be safe."

"Terrific," Buffy mumbled.

# # # ##

Glory picked up a Lei-Ach demon by the throat and threw it through a door.

She screamed in frustration and then raised her eyebrows when a man with a very well trimmed goatee stepped through the broken door. "Who are you?!"

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Nicholas Blair," the man said. "Magic, demons and gates are my interests and talents. We could possibly be after the same thing and that likely isn't going to end well. I'm hoping to encourage you to pick a different target."

"Impossible!" Glory snapped. "There's only one in existence! I need that key to go home. You can use it after I'm done... if there's anything left of this world."

"This would be a difficult partnership," Nicholas said as he looked thoughtful. "You're powerful but the deities I serve would brush you aside like a gnat. Hellfire, you couldn't even kill a Slayer with a horde of demons!"

"A Slayer? Small, blonde, stronger than other humans and an annoying bitch? Oh god, please don't tell me I was fighting a vampire slayer! How unbelievably common! If I had friends and they heard about this...and you know she's going to go around telling everybody!"

"Yes, no doubt," Nicholas agreed.

"I am great and I am beautiful! When I walk into a room all eyes turn to me and my name is a holy name! A vampire Slayer? How mundane!"

"Perhaps with your amazing power and talents we could both use the Key at the same time," Nicholas suggested. "Share in the proceeds, so to speak."

Glory started to grab Nicholas by the throat and both jumped apart with Glory shaking her hand.

"How dare you shock me?! Are you insane, human?!" she shrieked.

"One, you put hands on me," Nicholas said as he straightened his suit jacket. "Two, I'm not human. Good luck, lunatic."

Before Glory could respond Nicholas was gone.

The blonde hell-god pulled off one of her high heels and buried it in the skull of a demon that made the mistake of getting too close.

# # # #

Dark are the Shadows (11/04/2019)

"And that other girl," Angel added.

Barnabas, Quentin, Beth, Cordelia and Wes stepped out of the mansion. Carolyn stepped out of the garage.

"Demons got inside," Barnabas said. "Is everyone all right?"

"I have a headache," Xander grumbled.

"Rupert will be all right," Angelique said as she helped Giles sit up.

"Yeah, no sign of internal bleeding," Buffy added. "What the hell were those things."

"Lei-Ach demons," Giles said softly.

"What the hell is going on?" Rich Maclay demanded. "What were those?"

"Actual demons," Buffy said.

"What are all of you?" he asked.

"Heroes," Giles said softly. "Come along, Xander, let's find the aspirin."

"Tara, we're leaving," Maclay said firmly. "We can send for your things. You're gonna to do what's right, Tara. Now, lets go before someone gets killed. The girl belongs with her family, I hope that's clear to the rest of you, her demon side brought these things down on us."

"She isn't part demon," Barnabas said. "And she's not going with you."

"That's not your decision!" Maclay yelled.

"It's not yours either," Barnabas said calmly but Buffy saw his hand clench into a fist and stepped between the vampire and the older man.

"Did you slip something into the food? I couldn't have seen people turning into dogs and back again!" Maclay yelled.

"Wolf," Thomas said as he picked up his crutches.

"What?" Maclay asked.

"Wolf," Thomas repeated. "I'm a werewolf."

"And some of us are vampires," Angel added. "Some vampires can change into wolves."

"You're all insane!"

"Tara, do you want to go with them?" Buffy asked without looking at Tara.

"No," Tara said softly.

"You can take her but you gotta go through me," Buffy said firmly.

"And me!" Dawn said and rushed up beside her sister.

"Is this a joke? I'm not gonna be threatened by two little girls."

"You don't want to mess with us!" Dawn said firmly.

"She's a hair puller," Buffy added.

"You're not just dealing with two young ladies," Barnabas said. "You're dealing with all of us."

"Except me," Spike countered.

"Except Spike," Angel agreed.

"This is insane. You people have no right to interfere with Tara's affairs. WE are her blood kin! Who the hell are you?" Maclay yelled.

"We're family," Buffy said calmly.

Tara hugged Willow tightly.

"Dad! You... you gonna let 'em just... Tara, if you don't get in that car, I swear by God, I will beat you down!"

"And I swear by your full and manly beard that you're gonna break something trying," Xander said as he and Giles stepped back outside.

"You all are pieces of work!" Spike declared. "Some family legend about demons when your wife turned out to be talented with the magic, right? Something to keep 'em in line, right? I like you."

"Your business here is finished," Barnabas told Maclay.

"Tara, for 18 years your family has taken care of you and supported you. If you wanna turn your back..." he began.

"Go home, Dad," Tara said. "I'm staying."

"You want to stay with werewolves and vampires?" Maclay demanded.

"Dad, I'm a vampire," Tara said as she stepped up next to Buffy.

"She was near death after helping to save the world," Barnabas said. "To keep her alive, she was turned into a vampire."

"She's a hero and one of us," Buffy said firmly. "Leave."

Maclay hesitated.

"Get off my property or I'll show you my war face again," Angel said as he handed Wesley the sword he had been holding.

"Which one of you killed my girl?" Maclay asked softly.

"I did," Angel said before Barnabas could speak. "Try and find me in LA. Get out."

Donny tugged on his father's sleeve. "Come on, Dad."

Rich Maclay turned towards the gate.

"Beth?" Tara asked as her cousin hesitated. "Stay."

The message was clear, stay and find freedom.

"I hope you're happy with this!" Beth snapped and ran for the gate.

Tara turned and hugged Willow tightly. "I am."

Barnabas walked over to Angel. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't come from a small town in Maine," Angel said. "And I've got a pretty wide community that would steer him off a pier before giving me up."

"Thank you," Barnabas said and shook the other vampire's hand.

Angel looked around and shook his head. "You are hard on my building, Buff."

"Want to consider selling?" Giles asked. "While retaining visiting rights?"

"What do you mean? No offense but..."

"I'm not a poor church mouse," Giles said. "Think about it. Right now I'm going to sit down for a bit."

Angel and Buffy watched the Watcher move to a lawn chair and kiss Angelique when she bent over him.

"Now we need to figure out what sent those things and what that ditzy blonde wants and how to keep Dawn out of Nicholas Blair's hands," Buffy said. "Piece of cake."