A New Face
Prologue
He was burning for so long that when it finally stopped he didn't notice at first. Then when he did the lack of intense pain was a new pain in itself. It was kind of odd really considering he didn't have a body any more. At least he assumed he didn't, it wasn't like he could see anything to check. Even that was odd since he wasn't surrounded by darkness but a white so bright and intense that if he could see he'd be blinded by it. He'd find it hysterically ironic if it wasn't for the fact that he was still trying to grasp the concept that he was dead and it looked like he wasn't in Hell. Not too bad really, just kind of hanging around here in the white nothingness. Once the burning stopped and the pain from when the burning stopped went away it was actually kind of comfy. He could get used to this. Of course that's when someone decided to change things.
"William."
*Oi! Who said that?*
"We did."
*Yeah, and who are you?*
"We are the ones you know as the Powers That Be. We are grateful for your service to us."
*Didn't do it for you. Did it for Buffy.*
"You did it because you are a good man. You have earned your redemption and your reward."
*Redemption? What reward? It's m'bloody pouf of a Sire that's trying to get himself all redeemed. Not me.*
"Yes, but you are the one who willingly sacrificed your life so that the world would not be overrun by darkness. Angelus will one day reach his redemption, but your day has come and we are here to reward you."
*You mean that despite all his nancy-boy prancing about and brooding I'm getting all redeemed before him? Ha! I bet that just sticks him something fierce. So, this reward. What is it? I'm actually getting through those pearly gates?*
"That is entirely up to you. What we are giving you is a second chance. A second chance to live a mortal life, to be human again, and this is where you must make the first of many choices."
*Wait a minute, my reward is being human again? This is what the great pouf has been trying to get all these years?*
"Yes."
*Bloody hell.*
"Would you like to hear your choice or shall we make it for you?"
*Alright, alright. What's m'choice?"
"We can return to you the mortal body you were originally born into, but all of your memories of who you were, the life you once led will be wiped clean. We would return you to the mortal plane somewhere far from your Sire and the Slayer. You will truly be starting over."
*I'd have to learn how to feed and take care of meself all over again? No thanks.*
"No, you would still have knowledge of basic skills, but you would not remember your life as William or Spike."
*Right. And what happens when Dru tracks me down again? My second chance as demon?*
"No. You would live under our protection. Free of any demonic or magical influence, good or evil."
*So, no worrying about the things that go bump in the night? Not that I'd remember them.*
"No, you would not need to concern yourself with them. No demon would touch your life in anyway."
*You can do that?*
"With those we choose to protect, yes."
*Right then, what about my second choice?*
"Your other choice is to keep your memories intact, but you would be given another body."
*Another body, eh? And what's this one gonna look like? Some fat slob? Or some geeky little thing that sits behind a desk all day?*
"This is the body you will be given. It is the body of one of our warriors. He fell recently in battle and agreed to let you have his body and a small portion of his memories while he passes on. He has a small affinity for magic, but has always preferred to rely upon his fighting skills."
A shape took form in the white nothingness. A nude male body. A little taller than he'd been, about the same height as the whelp, well-muscled too but without the Twinkie bulge. The skin of the upper body had a rich bronze tone to it that gave way to a lighter tone as it moved south indicating a little bit of mixed heritage somewhere in the past. He couldn't help checking out the equipment and was pleased to see that even flaccid the bloke had a decent size on him. Wavy brown hair with natural red highlights flowed loosely down over broad shoulders and ended just past the shoulder blades. His face was lean with a straight nose, sensual lips and dark lashes that bordered on feminine. The cheekbones weren't quite as defined as his had been but then not everyone could have his stunning good looks. The eyes opened and he found himself captivated by the emerald green orbs glittering like precious gems. Hell, if he were still living and had a body he'd want to do this bloke.
*I'll take him. Oi! Where are you gonna drop me anyway? Not gonna drop me off starkers either, are you? Don't feel like getting arrested my first day back as a human.*
"You will be returned to the mortal plane wearing the clothes he last had on and we will return you to the city of your choice. There is only one condition to your return should you choose to renew your association with the Slayer."
*And what's that? Just knew there was going to be a but in this somewhere.*
"You may not continue to pursue a romantic relationship with her. Her destiny lies elsewhere. We can soften the feelings that you have for her. Change them to cherished memories rather than the driving desire they were previously."
*So, you mean I'll remember that I loved her but it won't hurt if I see her with some other bloke? Even me Sire?*
"Yes."
*She's going to be happy at some point, isn't she? Get her head on straight and find a nice bloke to settle down with?*
"We cannot tell you what her destiny is but she will be happy."
*Good. So drop me off in LA so I can go annoy Peaches. Hey, what about money? M'going to need a bit of dosh to feed m'self and put clothes on me back.*
"You will find everything that you need immediately with you. After that it is up to you to provide yourself with a means of support. Are you ready?"
*Yeah. Let's get this show on the road.*
"You are reborn."
Once again Spike was immersed in pain.
******