Seize The Night (Pt.1/4)

by Inell
inell@aol.com

rating: nc-17


Willow placed the flowers on the tombstone. She couldn't believe that Jesse was gone. Well, not really gone. He was a vampire. She sighed, resting her head on the cold surface of the marker. Not two weeks ago, she hadn't believed in vampires. The only ones she knew of were the hollywood version. The ones she had seen the last week had definitely not been attractive male stars in make up. They had been very real and very deadly.
Her life had changed when she had met Buffy Summers. The beautiful blonde that had already stolen her best friend Xander's heart. The girl that actually wanted to be friends with her, Willow Rosenberg, queen of the geeks. Buffy had even given up a chance to befriend Cordelia to hang with them. The losers. Of course, Buffy wasn't the normal girl. She was a vampire slayer.
Buffy had saved her from the same fate that had befallen Jesse. Poor Jesse. Become a vampire and then poof, dust. He really was gone now. Her childhood was over. She stirred, noticing the sun was beginning to set. It wouldn't do to be caught in the cemetary after dark. Not after what she had seen. She stood, dusting the dirt off her knees.
Walking slowly, she became lost in her thoughts. She wasn't sure what was going to happen. Buffy had changed everything in her comfortable world. She knew nothing would ever be the same. She heard a noise behind her and turned, curiosity in her pretty green eyes.
"Hello" a soft voice said.
"Hi" Willow said, smiling. She didn't recognize this girl, but she seemed friendly enough.
"I was wondering if you could help me find my father's grave."
Willow glanced at the setting sun and then back at the girl. "Sure. It's going to be dark soon though. You don't want to be out here after dark." "Really? I love the night. It's the time I can live." The girl answered, a frown on her face.
"Not around here....no living." Willow said, not wanting to say too much. "What's your Father's name?" She asked, moving underneath the tree closer to the girl.
"Not really sure..." the girl said, a smile crossing her lips.
"What? You don't know his name?" Willow said, feeling apprehensive.
"I just call him Master" the blonde girl said, smiling as she grabbed Willow tightly.
"Let me go!" Willow screamed, trying to pull free. The woman was strong.
"Nuh uh" she said, smiling as her fangs elongated. "I like you...I can sense your power...."
"NO!"
"Shh....it will be over soon...Then, you'll love the night too. We can hunt together and play together....the Master is going to love you. Seize the night, my Red. Oh, I've so wanted a daughter...."
"Who are you?" Willow asked, her voice shaky. She hoped Buffy would come to patrol. Maybe she could keep this woman talking until the slayer saved her.
"The name is Darla...but you can call me Mum" Darla said, sinking her teeth into the girl's neck. She drank steadily until the girl's heartbeat began to die. She slit her wrist, forcing her blood into the girl's open mouth. When she was sure it was time, she pulled away. She knelt, taking the girl into her arms. She smiled, brushing the red hair from the girl's pretty face.
The girl intrigued her. She had been watching her since she had first come to town to meet her Master. Watching and waiting. Now, it was time to claim what was hers. She was bored and wanted a companion. This girl would be her equal if not stronger. She could see it in her eyes. So much untapped strength. A formidable match for the slayer. Darla kissed the girl's forehead as she waited for her to awaken. Sunnydale was already looking better. She finally had a daughter.

Willow opened her eyes, wondering where she was. Suddenly, visions of her past entered her mind. She felt something push them away as she sat up. She felt strong. Not the same weak Willow Rosenberg she had been.
She heard a chuckle and looked, her eyes narrow. "Mum."
Darla smiled, "Darling. You're awake. How do you feel?"
"Hungry" Willow said, noticing the small differences. Her sight and hearing were amazing. She could smell something in the air. Something foul.
"The slayer" Darla hissed, standing. "Come my childe."
"She can't see me" Willow said, knowing that she had an advantage. The slayer didn't know she was a vampire. She followed her sire through the tombstones until they entered a crypt. "Why me?"
Darla looked at her, surprised. This girl wasn't acting like most fledges. She had collected her thoughts instantly. Darla felt proud of her youngest childe. "I wanted you."
Willow nodded, looking down at her body. It felt different. She closed her eyes as the hunger gnawed at her. "Need to eat. Think later."
Darla nodded, taking the girl's hand. "What's your name?"
"Willow" she replied. She took in every detail of the tunnel they were walking through. She saw vampires watching them, their expressions guarded.
"Willow...what a lovely name." Darla took Willow to her room, having her sit. "Lance, bring me something tender and fresh. My daughter is hungry."
Lance bowed his head as took off to find what Mistress Darla wanted. He had been around long enough to know that you didn't cross Mistress. Not if you wanted to see the moon again.
"So beautiful" Darla said, running a hand over Willow's pale face. "You have the honor of being my first childe in over a hundred years, my dear."
Willow looked at her, studying. She didn't trust her sire. There was something in the air. Of course, she didn't trust anyone. Too much knowledge. She knew somehow that she was different. She didn't imagine most newly sired vampires could remember so much about their pasts. She had eased into her new life easily. She felt nothing except hunger and curiosity. "Thank you mum."
Darla laughed, "Yes, I think I'll like you just fine. I shall teach you everything that I know. Soon, you will be third around here. I can see it in your pretty eyes."
"I shall make you proud mother." Willow said, feeling the urge to do just that. This woman had chosen her. No one had ever chosen her before...for anything. She wouldn't let Darla down.
"Yes, you shall. You shall meet your grandfather soon...after you've adjusted." Darla said, brushing the girl's long straight hair.
"The Master?" Willow said, remembering what name the girl had used earlier.
"Yes...My master and yours." Darla suddenly smiled, "We shall have to track down your older brother too. He'll love to meet you."
"Brother?" Willow asked, leaning into Darla's body as the elder vampire continued to caress her hair.
"Dear sweet Angelus. My favorite childe. Well, until now" Darla said, smiling at the girl. She began to explain the rules to Willow as she waited for Lance to return with food. She'd be gentle with the girl until she had adjusted. After that, she'd began to teach Willow everything the girl would need to know to survive forever. The girl was starting off well. The blood she had absorbed was very aged and powerful. At this moment, this fledge was stronger than even Darla's favorite, Angelus. The girl would have to learn how to use the power she had inherited. Darla had plans for them both. This girl would be her companion. Her daughter. Her partner.
Together, they could over ride the Master and take over Sunnydale. Darla smiled, a sinister gleam in her eyes. It wouldn't be long until they could rule the town from above. She so hated these sewers. She had been biding her time until she found the perfect childe. Now, she had her. So much power and knowledge. She looked up as Lance came in with two teenagers. Fresh and virginal. Perfect for her childe's first meal. She watched with maternal pride as Willow instinctively played with her food before feasting. Yes, Sunnydale was definitely looking more promising.

Willow heard the soft knock and looked at the door. "Enter."
Darla came in, a smile on her pretty face. "Lovey, how are you today?"
"I hate these clothes, Mum" Willow said honestly. She glanced down at the overalls and pink shirt. "Do you have something I could borrow?"
Darla sat down on the bed, her eyes raking over her newest childe.
"Nothing that would suit you, lovey. I know. We can go shopping. Get you something that is more you."
Willow smiled, a gleam entering her eyes, "Shopping? Really? Could we?"
Darla nodded, surprised at the girl's excitement. You'd think she had never been shopping before. There were so many things about her daughter she was learning. It had been a week since the redhead had been embraced...or, run away as her friends believed. The girl had suggested leaving a note for her friends so that they would think she had run away. Darla had been shocked that Willow had been thinking so far ahead.
She was already very proud of the girl. "Yes, lovey. Shopping. You deserve it."
Willow smiled at the pride in her sire's voice. She had come to love Darla over the last week. The woman had been teaching her so many things. She felt confident and strong under her direction. Even the Master had been impressed with her progress. She didn't like the master.
She had known instinctively when they had met that Darla wanted to rid the world of him. She could see it in her mum's face. She had begun that day to understand more about her new role. She was going to help overthrow the master and rule Sunnydale along with Darla. "Thank you Darla."
"What have I told you about that?" Darla scolded softly.
"Yes Mum" Willow corrected with a smile. She was happy. And, Darla had been right. She loved the night. She hated living underground. She couldn't wait until they could live topside. "Shall we have Luke create a diversion for the slayer and her friends?"
"That would be wise" Darla said, nodding thoughtfully. This girl was a thinker..a planner. She reminded her in some ways of her darling Angelus. Without a soul. She knew it wouldn't long before they could get rid of the master and take over. Most of the underlings followed her orders over his already and they had taken very well to the redhead. She knew she had the power now, she was just going to wait for the best time. "Ready, lovey?"
"Yes Mum." Willow said, standing. She hooked Darla's arm through hers, resting her head on her sire's shoulders. "Tell me about my niece and nephew again."
Darla chuckled as she began to regal Willow with accounts of her life before Sunnydale. The girl was on an endless quest for knowledge and just loved hearing about her sire's past. Darla was always willing to share. Thinking of William and Drusilla, Darla wondered if they'd be interested in coming to visit grandma after the Master was destroyed. She would love to introduce them to Willow. Smiling at the thought, she decided to track her wily grandson down. But, for now, she had a daughter to clothe and a slayer and son to avoid.

"You look beautiful, lovey" Darla said, smiling at the redhead. "Leather becomes you."
Willow smiled at the praise. She ran a hand through her now shoulder length hair and let her eyes wander over her form. "You think so?" Darla nodded, "Definitely. So, hungry?"
Willow shook her head, "Still all full. Could we walk, mum?"
Darla looked at her surprised, "Walk? What about the slayer?"
Willow chuckled, "We don't have to worry about her right now. Luke was taking several boys to play with her."
Darla laughed, "Ok lovey. Let's walk."
The two women began to walk, heading to the park. Darla listened as Willow told her about her mortal life. The poor thing didn't sound like had ever had parents. Only two friends to speak of. No wonder she had adjusted so easily to the family. It was probably the first one she had had. Darla knew something was different about this childe. Too many details remembered. Willow didn't seem to have the uncontrollable blood lust that many fledges had. In fact, she had a very definite control on her hunger.
There were other things Darla had seen in the redhead. Things that usually didn't evolve for years. It was almost as if some of her years had passed on to the girl. She was glad. Willow was turning out to be a true companion. Someone she could teach and nurture and enjoy. She so loved teaching. Angelus had learned everything he knew from her. The games, the torture, the malice. Of course, he had been a wicked youth when she had turned him. That coupled with what she had taught him had made him quite ruthless. He had taken it beyond any level she had ever known. Her baby boy, she remembered fondly.
She had seen him since she had been in Sunnydale. Helping the slayer of all people. He may have a soul, but he must also have a death wish. She still loved him dearly. He was her favorite childe, souled or not. She had no desire to see him killed because of some silly guilt curse. She had already put word out that he was protected by her. Anyone that touched him had to face her. She had gained many years of practice at making someone suffer. Of course, now, she was bored with it all. That's why she wanted Sunnydale. Power and her own feeding ground. The perfect combination for someone of her vast years. It was time to retire from the silly games.
Willow would be her coup de grace. The last childe she made for at least a hundred years. She hated making children. It was so difficult to find the right one. This time, as she had with Angelus, she had chosen wisely. Willow was more perfect than she had ever imagined. Beautiful, cunning, intelligent, and seductive. A perfect combination of beauty, skill and brains. She couldn't belive the idiot mortals had neglected such a fine specimen. Just went to show how little they truly knew.
"So, lovey. Who would you like to kill first?" Darla asked, smiling. Willow thought about it. "No one yet. I want to remain unknown until I can face them all and win. Of course, there are several girls at school we can play with. Snobby damn bitches..."
Darla nodded, the wicked gleam in her eyes, "Let Mummy teach you how to make them scream.....they are ever so much fun when they scream."
Willow nodded, a curious look on her pretty face, "Teach me, Mum."

Darla stood in the shadows, her eyes watching the activity around her.
So many stupid children playing at being grown up. Why did they want to waste their childhood? Every year that passed she had noticed how much younger her victims were becoming. A few hundred years before she was lucky to find a lad of twenty two out carousing wantonly. Now, they were fifteen if they were a year. Her newest childe, her Willow, had just turned sixteen herself.
She watched them with a look of disgust. As she grew older, she had begun to pity these mortals. So self obsessed. She was actually doing them a favor by killing them. She had seen what morons they often grew up to be. She should be paid for doing the world a public service.
Smiling at that thought, her attention was drawn to the reason she was in this smelly club in the first place. Angelus.
No, Angel, she corrected mentally. She let her eyes wander over his trim, muscular build. Still so handsome after two hundred some odd years. She had chosen very wisely. Of course, she had been initially attracted to his spirit..his looks...his intelligence..his pride. The very things that had gotten him cursed. That and his stubborness. Damn fool of a boy. He never listened to her. She had told him to leave those Roma alone. But no, he knew more than her. Ha. Which one of them had a soul? Not her.
She watched as he watched the slayer. Her nose crinkled in disgust. He had always had a thing for slayers. She knew that might be her fault, but it didn't make it any easier to deal with. In the past, his obsession had resulted in several deaths. Now, this time, it might result in his own. That was the only reason she was seeking him out. That and her eternal love for her eldest childe. She moved to exit, knowing he would leave soon. They had to talk.
She wondered if he knew that she was even in town. She doubted it. She had kept that news very hush hush. That was how she had survived for eight hundred years. Well, that and a few other things. She had to speak to him privately. Somewhere she would not be observed. If the Master found out she was with Angelus, she would seal her fate immediately. Hers and her children.
She used the time waiting to think of her newest childe. Willow was doing remarkable. She had been eager to learn and was as creative as any vampire Darla had witnessed. Beauty, brains, and fire. A perfect combination. Darla could see a bright future for the girl...under the proper guidance of course. Darla smiled, wishing Angelus were truly still around. Those two would have made a perfect match. A look of cunning entered her eyes as she considered the possibilities.
Maybe...laughing softly, she knew she would have to think of something. Her two favorite children mated. What better treat could a mother ask for?
She saw Angel leave the club, a dark brooding expression on his handsome face. Damn fool wouldn't relax. Curse or no curse, he needed a life. She began to follow him, seeing him tense as if he could feel her. Well, it had only been eighty years she had seen him last. Maybe he was allowing their connection in for once. She did hope he would be agreeable and listen to her. He was obstinate though. Always had been. Smiling as she fondly remembered other times she had had to force him to listen, she sighed lovingly. Of course, now, she would so hate to get blood on her new skirt. She smoothed the pleats as she hurried to catch up to him. There was much to discuss.

Angel felt her before he saw her. He had known she was in town. Had felt the pull as soon as she stepped foot in Sunnydale. His sire. His lover. His mother. He turned, his face expressionless as he regarded the woman who had helped make him what he had been. A soulless, ruthless bastard.
"You felt me" Darla said, smiling slightly.
"What do you want?" Angel asked, his voice even.
"What? No hug and kiss? My dear boy, it's been eighty years." Darla said, laughing. "Not a good way to greet dear old mum."
"I don't want to play games right now. What do you want?" Angel asked again, his irritation beginning to show through the cold facade.
"We need to chat, my boy. Lovely apartment you have, I'm sure" Darla said, her eyes flashing annoyance when he failed to move inside. "Get your ass inside now."
Angel reacted to his sire's words, moving inside. Only once he was in the apartment did he feel silly for listening to her. He glared at her for making him betray his intentions. Darla had always managed to make him do what he didn't want to do. "Now, you're inside. What do you want?"
Darla sighed, "You should think of getting that emblazoned on a T-shirt or something. Then you can not even speak. Just point to your chest and spend the rest of the time brooding silently."
Angel felt anger swell inside him. Taking a calming breath, he just looked at her silently, not giving her the benefit of his emotions. "See you are getting friendly with the slayer" Darla said conversationally.
Angel stiffened, looking at her beneath lowered lids. So that's what this was about. A warning not to assist the slayer against the master. He should have known. She wouldn't have come to see him without a reason. "Yes."
Darla shook her head slightly, "The master isn't happy. He has placed a bounty on her head as well as yours for aiding her."
"You're joking?" Angel said, upset. Suddenly, he looked at her, "Why are you telling me this?"
"Angelus, my love. You're my favorite childe. The eldest now. I selfishly don't want you dead" she said, her eyes serious.
"You know that with this information I can help save the slayer from the assassins." He said, watching her face.
She grimaced, "I would prefer that she die, but I know we need a slayer. She's as good as any. Not as good as I was, but, then again, none have been."
"Why?" Angel asked.
"I told you. I have plans for this town. I want you on my side...like it use to be. Slayer or no slayer, I will not allow that bastard to kill you." She added, her eyes ruthless.
Angel nodded, wondering why he felt grateful for her loyalty. He hadn't need his sire's approval for two hundred years. Yet, this was the first time they had spoken since that night...since the curse. He shook his head of the thoughts, smiling slightly, "Buffy is going to defeat him."
Darla regarded him carefully, "You think she is that good? I don't see it. They are so lax with training now. When I was called, I was ten. I had no chance to learn anything except fighting. I survived until I was twenty three. The oldest slayer still on record. She has none of my discipline..none of my intelligence. She seems strong, but she won't defeat the master. Not even I could do that....then."
Angel picked up on the last word. Looking at his sire more closely, he saw the plan in her eyes. She intended to kill the master herself. In some ways it seemed justified. His sire had been a slayer more than eight hundred years before. The final battle of her life had been against the Master. She had lost not only her life but her soul. A vampire slayer. The only one on record. Not something the council announced, if they were even aware of it anymore. That had been a very long time ago. Records had been lost. Her strength and slayer training had carried her through several centuries. "You plan to kill him."
"Yes. My daughter and I are going to take over Sunnydale" Darla said, smiling fondly at the thoughts of Willow.
"Daughter?" Angel said, looking surprised and a bit jealous at the loving way his sire spoke of her...this sister.
"My newest childe. Reminds me of you, my Angelus. She is very strong.
Very young though. Only a few weeks old. But, give her time. She'll be as good as you ever were." Darla couldn't resist pricking that massive ego her son had. Smiling as he blanched, she added, "You'll have to meet her after the master is destroyed."
"Why are you telling me this?" Angel asked, ignoring her barb.
Darla sighed, "I miss you. I also know that I will be far nicer to this place than he would be. You have to make a decision my boy. Does the slayer back him or me? Which is the lesser of two evils?"
"She is a slayer. She'll kill you all." He said, rolling his eyes.
"We'll see" Darla said softly. "But, I must go. My lovey is waiting for me. It has been nice, my boy. You must not tell anyone we spoke. He'll kill me if he knew I warned you. This paper has the names of the demons he hired. Be careful. Protect your slayer while you can or he may try to make her like me. You don't want that."
"She isn't my anything, but I will help her kill him." Angel said, looking at her. He had no idea when he would see her again and wanted to remember her just in case it was another eighty years. Strangely, he had missed her too.
Darla kissed him gently before biting his lip. She licked his blood, a smile in her eyes, "If you change your mind about being by my side, you can find me. I'll introduce you to Lovey...you two would hit it off I know. Well, until we meet again, my Angelus. Forget we spoke."
Before Angel could respond, she was gone. He sat down, his mind thinking over what she had said. He took the piece of paper and put it on the table. Tomorrow, he would find Buffy and let her know the warning. They could prepare for the assassins and be ready and waiting.
He found himself wondering about this new sister of his. Darla seemed to like her, which was something unusual. He had been the only childe of his sire's that she had liked. Until this lovey came along. Shaking his head, he decided that he was not jealous. He was just trying to figure out if his sire was going to get herself killed for protecting him and if so why she would risk that. He laid down, thoughts whirling through his mind as he remembered what had been at one time.


part 2