Where’s the Doctor? – Chapter Three

Title: Where’s the Doctor?
Rating: PG at most
Pairing: Spike/Buffy

Summary: Some time ago, I wrote a short fic called Who’s the Doctor?. It was an AU version of “As You Were” that involved some characters from the recent seasons of Doctor Who. I’m having problems categorizing the current fic, because it’s a prequel from the Doctor’s point of view and a sequel from Buffy and Spike’s. As far as BTVS is concerned, it’s during or after an AU Season 6 where Spuffy is a happy reality and all the characters get along, more or less. In the Whoverse, it takes place during Tom Baker’s reign, when he was traveling with Leela.

Chapter One is here.

Chapter 3

“Well, isn’t this interesting? Come along, Leela.” The Doctor followed his visitors out of the TARDIS into a cemetery, and then to the street.

Leela followed him, peering with interest at the tombstones and other monuments. She felt a pricking along her barbarian spine as she stopped for a moment to gape a crypt, and she ran past a bevy of stone angels to catch up with the others.

The man called Spike was trotting after the blonde girl, asking questions, “So, Buffy, did something stomp on your Scoobies?”

“I don’t think so. Giles is still in England, and Anya talked Xander into going to some witchy festival thing with Willow and Tara. They should be safe.”

“Didn’t think the little capitalist would shut up shop for something like that.”

“She’d set up shop for it though. She’s rented a booth and has Xander hauling boxes of charms and cauldrons that she’s marked up ten percent.”

The Doctor managed to catch up, and he pushed his way past Spike. “Ah, Buffy, is it? Might I have a word?”

“Depends on the word.” She kept marching, eyes forward.

He sensed that although she didn’t glance at him, she was keenly aware of everything he did, just as she was aware of all her surroundings. Leela had been right; this girl was a warrior. “I was just wondering if you realized that your friend Spike there wasn’t, well, exactly human.”

She shrugged. “He’s a vampire. But don’t worry about it, he’s pretty harmless to humans except for the annoyance factor.”

The Doctor looked over his shoulder at Spike, who was now bringing up the rear…and admiring Leela’s rear at the same time. “That’s not usual for vampires. And knowledge of vampires isn’t very usual for humans in this period.”

“It’s usual for Slayers, though.” She turned her head, allowing her eyes to meet his for a stern half-second. “This is my town, and Spike is my problem and my responsibility.”

“I see.” He reached a hand into his pocket and pulled out a small bag. “Jelly baby?” he asked.

But she ignored him, running ahead. They reached a small shop sitting amid several others on the darkened street. Its door hung ajar and there was a trail of debris leading through what had once been neat displays of merchandise.

“Damn.” Buffy regarded the mess without surprise. “Anya and Giles will be so pissed off. But at least they weren’t in town to get bashed by the menace of the week.” She began to pick her way inside, and a moment later lights blazed on. She and Spike made their way across the room, righting furniture and setting aside the occasional unbroken object as they went. Their actions had the air of a well-established routine.

Leela pulled the Doctor back toward the door and said in a low voice, “I heard you say that the male warrior is a vampire. What is that?” She raised her knife. “Should I kill him?”

“‘Vampires’ is a word used to describe several different species across the galaxy. Earth Vampires are, at this stage of their evolution, feral creatures who feed on humans.” He pushed her hand down. “You wouldn’t be able to kill this one with a knife. It would take sunlight or a wooden stake in his heart.”

“I should find a wooden stake, then.” But she was unsurprised when he shook his head. The Doctor had a strange disapproval of killing anyone, even his enemies.

“No. Although they’re less useful than cockroaches in this century, these Earth vampires will eventually evolve from predators into creatures that live symbiotically with humans.” He saw her puzzled expression and translated his own words, “They become humans’ friends and protectors.” He turned as Spike came forward to meet them. “But keep a close eye on this one.”

“You wouldn’t know anything about this, would you?” Spike asked, one eyebrow raised as his hand swept through the air, gesturing at the wreckage.

“Nothing at all.” The Doctor held out his bag again. “Jelly baby?”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Spike stuck his hand in the bag. “It’s been ages. Can’t get them this side of the pond.”

“Spike!” Buffy’s voice called from the middle of the big room. “I’m going to check out the cellar. Go see what kind of damage they did to my exercise room.”

“Likes giving orders, doesn’t she?” As he followed Spike, the Doctor had to stop to unhook his scarf from a fallen display case. He noticed that Leela had become intrigued by a very ugly statue she’d picked up off the ground.

Spike reached for a door at the back of the store. His explanation was simple. “She’s a Slayer.”

The Doctor followed him through and caught a glimpse of a huge demon with curly horns. Then everything went black.

Chapter Four

Originally posted at http://seasonal-spuffy.livejournal.com/296042.html