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21 December 2006 @ 05:42 pm
Sin Eater: China 1900 (part 1 of 6)  
so I was reading [info]nyghtpet's Angelus/William series Wycked Boys a couple weeks back and inspiration struck. if you haven't read it, do. love it!

this is a different thing for me. I didn't ever think I'd do a historical fic like this again, so please mind any gaping anachronisms. I'd hate for you to fall through them and break an arm. :) also, deviation from the norm because it's not really porny, although there is sex. also, the format is new to me...it's 6 shortish parts. originally meant to be drabbles, but I am physically incapable...after all, look how much I babble in the header to my fic?

I have to thank [info]so_sharlemaine for giving this a read-through for some continuity stuff I was angsting about. I've never written anything episodic like this before and I was/am nervous. she also suggested the title! so this one's totally for her, because she's such a sweetie. *smooches*

THIS IS NOT A WIP. lol. I thought that deserved caps lock. all six parts are written on my hard drive. I'll post the rest after Christmas, when things pick back up a bit.

Title: Sin Eater
Author: Mel ([info]thatotherperv)
Pairing: Spangel
Rating: uh...R? I guess maybe NC-17, though...I'd say R for non-porny intent of the smexing.
Summary: pre-canon AU. What if Spike stumbled across Angelus just before he fled China? A peek at how their lives would have been different.
Warnings: typical vamp stuff...violence, sexual violence, death. insanity. angst.

A/N: I'm keeping everything pre-leave-off point as close to canon as possible, so sire = in the sense of mentor.



China, 1900

“Angelus?”

Spike had put Dru to bed after one more tumble, but he wasn’t bound for sleep just yet. His veins still coursed with slayer’s blood, and the adrenaline of the kill. Figured he would troll the burning streets a bit longer and snatch one or two more tasties before sunrise. Scare the holy hell out of some missionaries and snap the necks of some villagers. Good clean fun.

But his plan was arrested by the sight of his sire hunched over something strangely in an alleyway. He’d been happy to see the tosser again after two years’ separation, but he'd been a cranky bastard since he’d joined them last month…well, crankier than usual.

“What have you got there, mate?”

Angelus’ shoulders were shaking strangely, and when Spike stepped close enough to peer over his shoulder, he saw a human infant, eyes wide and glassy, small limbs still. Didn’t smell like blood, just smelled like…death. Spike was puzzled.

“Darla’s going to be right pissed you snapped the thing’s neck, you know how she likes them to squirm and wail when she tears into their little—”

He stopped short, physically stuttering backwards at the mournful sound Angelus made, and the way he clutched the little body closer. Spike’s eyes narrowed. “Angelus? What…what the bloody hell is wrong with you?”

Spike’s skin began to crawl at the way his sire’s body started to rock, muttering like a madman. The only thing he could catch coherently was ‘dropped her….’ Spike took in the broken glass littered around them and raised his eyes to the gaping window of Darla’s room.

He lay a hand on Angelus’ shoulder. “Angelus….”

The other vampire stood suddenly, child falling from his arms like a broken doll as his large hands flew up to pull at his hair, raking it back nervously. “My fault, I should have…but I didn’t and now—Have to go, I can’t..be here, with the screaming. Screaming in my head, and the screaming in the streets, and the screaming of the dead…. Damned.” Dark eyes flashed up and locked on his, wide with terror like a spooked horse. “Have to go.”

And he took off like a shot, moving as Spike had never seen Angelus move before…scurrying-like, head tucked against his shoulders, big body hunched as if to make himself invisible. Moving fast. Fleeing.

“Angelus, wait!” He gave chase, finally catching up with the other vampire just beyond the edge of the village, lunging out to snag Angelus’ arm and yank him around in a way that his sire should never have allowed.

When he didn’t find himself backhanded, Spike knew that something was very, very wrong. He gave Angelus a long, hard look, trying to understand this change in demeanor.

“Where are you going?”

Angelus’ eyes flitted out into the darkness, disoriented and uncertain. “I…away. Let me…I have to….”

But Spike held fast to his arm when he tried to yank it away. He had a strong premonition not to let Angelus disappear. A feeling they’d never see him again if he did. Spike looked back towards the blazing wreckage that contained, for the moment, both their better halves.

Dru would be heartbroken if Angelus were to fuck off again. Inconsolable.

The thought made his own chest squeeze sickly.

“I’m coming with you.” Angelus lurched backwards as if he’d been stricken. They stared at one another for a moment. If Spike went with him, he could keep tabs and make sure they were reunited. The girls would catch up in a week or two. Surely there was nothing left for them here, and they’d soon grow bored and leave. Angelus had said as much himself just tonight. Spike didn’t like taking off without notice to Drusilla, but it seemed as though it couldn’t be helped.

Some strange expression passed over his sire’s face. “I don’t want to be alone.”

Spike hesitated at the small, lost tone and the alien words. “…Right. Well. Lead on, then.”

They’d better find somewhere to hide their heads before the sun came up.

Part 2: India 1900
 
 
( Post a new comment )
lilithbint[info]lilithbint on December 22nd, 2006 12:37 am (UTC)
Excellent beginning and I love the title very evocative,
are you sure we have to wait until after Christmas?
Mel: db look up (by miz_thang88)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 12:43 am (UTC)
thank you, I'm glad you like it!

and you know, I feel like "after Christmas" will be here before we know it :D
heuristic device[info]madame_meretrix on December 22nd, 2006 12:57 am (UTC)
‘dropped her….’ oh fuck. what a punch in the gut! that was brilliant- set right after the canon scene... *shivers*

I loved this! I'm so wondering what is going to happen next. Where will they go? How long will they stay together? How long until Spike figures out what's wrong with him?

You totally captured the chaos of the rebellion here, in the shifting action and short lines.
Mel: db scared to look (by 43100)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:08 am (UTC)
yeah, it was definitely intended for that effect, so I'm glad it worked! I've always wondered, in that scene, and in NFA when Spike is fighting with the baby in his arms, how they managed to keep the kid safe. I liked the irony of him saving the baby only to drop her...I can only imagine that his nervous breakdown would be as much about what he had just given up to save the child as it would be about the baby.

poor bastard. I torture him so.

all will be revealed in good time :D I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
- [info]madame_meretrix on December 22nd, 2006 06:08 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:23 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]madame_meretrix on December 22nd, 2006 06:32 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:36 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]madame_meretrix on December 22nd, 2006 06:47 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]madame_meretrix on December 22nd, 2006 06:55 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 07:03 am (UTC) Expand
.: Spangel Devotion[info]so_sharlemaine on December 22nd, 2006 02:19 am (UTC)
You made it for me??!! *squeals* :)
...You're the sweetie! I'm very honored. And I love it even more the second time around.

*runs off to show my James*
Mel: spangel brick wall (by scarymime)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:08 am (UTC)
*smooch!*

great icon.
calypso woodhaven[info]c_woodhaven on December 22nd, 2006 03:50 am (UTC)
Ok, I'm a little sick that the baby died. You don't pull any punches do you? Sad thing is I could see it happening like that, even in canon. No good deed going unpunished. So very Joss.

I'm facinated by your premise. Looking forward to more.

~calypso
Mel: bed over boy (by lit_gal)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:11 am (UTC)
yeah I had to do it :/ I can see that being canon too, because Joss can be such a sadistic bastard. lmao. and apparently so am I! I'm glad it was effective, so I'm not gonna apologize :) *smooch*

glad you like my premise! more after the holiday!
- [info]c_woodhaven on December 22nd, 2006 05:18 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:25 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]c_woodhaven on December 22nd, 2006 05:32 am (UTC) Expand
Ironlily - Making My Marque[info]vikingprincess on December 22nd, 2006 04:00 am (UTC)
oh, very interesting beginning!
Mel: angel spikes naked (by catvampcrazines)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:12 am (UTC)
thanks babe!
eyezrthewindows[info]eyezrthewindows on December 22nd, 2006 05:30 am (UTC)
Oh, wow. I love the time in which you set this.

Poor Angel dropped the baby he desperately tried to save even from Darla.

Yay for Spike going with, though.
Mel: spangel bad touch (by apreludetoanend)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:34 am (UTC)
thanks! I'm so glad you like how I set up the story. poor Angel, I sacrifice his heroism on the alter of my plot. :( the guy has such awful fucking luck though, it woudn't surprise me if he did.

yeah, Spike kind of doesn't get that this is about to change his whole future. or he probably would have left the poor bastard in the alley in favor of frolicking with Dru :)
- [info]eyezrthewindows on December 22nd, 2006 06:37 am (UTC) Expand
- [info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:44 am (UTC) Expand
spikesfool[info]spikesfool on December 22nd, 2006 06:17 am (UTC)
Very interesting beginning and a very interesting title. I love the concept of the sin eater and I can't wait to see where this is going.

Spike the Slayer of Slayers and souled Angelus. What an exciting teamup.
Mel: db tongue (by prophcygrl)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:39 am (UTC)
thank you! I'm glad you're caught by this first part.

I am morbidly fascinated by the concept of the sin eater, or at least the understanding of the tradition I've been given. it seems such a grotesque thing, to make someone a spiritual scapegoat in such a concrete way. glad I caught your attention with that :D

they certainly will have an interesting dynamic. I had such fun writing this short series of moments.
Inca: Angelus hot[info]incasink on December 22nd, 2006 06:33 am (UTC)
:O

you're evil! You killed the first symbol of Angel's redemption! How could you??

I love it!!!!

MUAHAHAHHAAHA >:D


I mean. Oh poor Angel, he's so lost.
Mel: Angel whatever (by scarymime)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:41 am (UTC)
BWAHAHAHA. dude, I'm so evil! I thought you'd appreciate that, because you're evil too.

I mean. Oh poor Angel, he's so lost.
oh yes, I have such guilt. *is the picture of contrition*

*snickers*
FemailoftheSpecies[info]cafedemonde on December 22nd, 2006 06:52 am (UTC)
You've done it again. Got me hooked. But don't you dare make us wait until after Christmas!

Excellent as usual
Mel: spangel leaning over (by celygraphix)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:38 pm (UTC)
You've done it again
that's a very lovely compliment, since it implies I've done it before :D love that.

Christmas will be here before you know it! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
treadingthedark[info]treadingthedark on December 22nd, 2006 07:11 am (UTC)
Cool idea. Very interesting.
Mel: angel spikes naked (by catvampcrazines)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:39 pm (UTC)
thank you! glad you like it :)
darkershadeof[info]darkershadeof on December 22nd, 2006 09:24 am (UTC)
Very cool beginning! Can't wait to see more! Especially now I know what a sin eater is. At first I was just like, oh, cool title, not really thinking about it. Then I read the comments about wikipedia-ing it, and I was like, ooh, maybe I should do that too! So now I know what it means, and: Oh! Cool title! :)
Really can't wait to see how it works, with them being vampires and all.

- Daphne
Mel: spike perfect drug (by katekat1010)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:45 pm (UTC)
thank you! isn't sin eater such a creepy concept? I read a novel about the practice being continued in the appalachians years ago, and it's always caught my imagination.

you'll see :D
Maz: Dove[info]thismaz on December 22nd, 2006 11:06 am (UTC)
Very interesting start. Shame about the baby, but it would have been inconvenient, I guess. *g*
I see Spike has always been one to plan on the hoof. As plans go, it would be a good one, except he is obviously missing a vital bit of information.
I look forward to seeing where you take this.
Mel: spike grr argh (by miz_thang88)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:53 pm (UTC)
haha yeah. the baby...what's really funny is, it didn't even occur to me that so many people would be stuck on that. lmao. what's wrong with me! this is why I shouldn't have kids.

Spike is very much not thinking things through, but you're right, he is missing important information at this point. maybe if he knew the whole story, he wouldnt have gone. maybe he would have, I don't know. he doesn't always tell me these things :P

thanks! more after christmas.
Samson: angel[info]samson28 on December 22nd, 2006 12:20 pm (UTC)
A lovely start - shall eagerly await more. :)
Mel: angel hair (by kornpeep)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:54 pm (UTC)
thank you! I'm glad you like it.
aschicca: Angel black and white[info]aschicca on December 22nd, 2006 01:41 pm (UTC)
Oh Oh I love it! *bounces around the room* I want to know more, I want to know what happens when (if?) Angelus tells Spike about his soul...

My heart clenched at “I don’t want to be alone.”... poor Angel!

More more more! Like now! Please?
Mel: spangel love canon (by damnednforsaken)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:55 pm (UTC)
hee! so glad you liked it! more before you know it.

I know! poor guy. he must be feeling pitiful, otherwise he'd never have said that to Spike, of all people.
darkdreams1222[info]dreamsofspike on December 22nd, 2006 02:53 pm (UTC)
excellent beginning, can't wait to see how it all plays out :)
Mel: spangel by the throat (by scarymime)[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 05:56 pm (UTC)
thank you! I'm glad you are intrigued :D
kindredspirit75: Xmas Spike[info]kindredspirit75 on December 22nd, 2006 03:34 pm (UTC)
I like your take on this scene and the title is very intriguing. Will be interesting to see who you make the sin eater.

Great start. Will be looking forward to more.
Mel[info]thatotherperv on December 22nd, 2006 06:00 pm (UTC)
thank you! I'm glad you like where I took off from canon.

and I'm psyched that everyone is intrigued by this sin eater idea! :D I'm going to have to give Sharl a big wet kiss for suggesting the title from a line later in the fic.
Dark Amia: james: pretty[info]dark_amia on December 22nd, 2006 07:48 pm (UTC)
More please.

So good. Want to see what happens next. So yeah...more?
Mel: angel happiness in slavery (by katekat10[info]thatotherperv on December 23rd, 2006 04:37 am (UTC)
I'm glad you like it! I'm excited about this one :) more soon!
My good intentions went up in smoke...[info]jans_intentions on December 23rd, 2006 04:25 am (UTC)
Ooooh, this is so good! H/c from the evil vampire to the shattered/soulful one.

You know, I think Angelus didn't know how to be good at this point. He tried to go back to his old way of life and that didn't work. He's like a child here, finding his way. A dangerous, broody child. ^_^
Mel: angel happy face (by scarymime)[info]thatotherperv on December 23rd, 2006 04:39 am (UTC)
omg, it's totally h/c! hahaha. I write h/c sometimes but it's never on purpose, because it's not like I have a kink for it. it's like...accidental h/c. I think this whole series is accidental h/c. lmao.

Angelus really doesn't know which end is up. it doesn't really surprise me that he tried to go back, but now he's not alone. we'll see which direction Spike nudges him :D

A dangerous, broody child. ^_^
*snerk* yes. can I turn him over my knee and spank him? *cough*
- [info]jans_intentions on December 23rd, 2006 04:54 am (UTC) Expand
denied_heaven: jared in white[info]denied_heaven on December 23rd, 2006 04:58 am (UTC)
aaaaaaawwwwwwwwww!
aw mann
that'd hurt so bad
poor angel man *pets him hard*
this is so good and i can't waiiittt for the rest
cause i know how good that is
*squishes* steph liked it too!
Mel: jared leather gloves (by mydistantskies)[info]thatotherperv on December 24th, 2006 03:09 am (UTC)
that'd hurt so bad
I'm a meaaan lady :)

hee, I'm glad you liked it, honey.
~ danika jaidyn ~[info]persephone_20 on December 24th, 2006 01:45 am (UTC)
I love this as a beginning! It's just whet my appetite for MORE. *grins* I'm glad that Christmas is almost over so that the next bit will be up soon. I love both reading and writing anything that is set as a flashback, AU or not. ;)
Mel: db big smile (by incasink)[info]thatotherperv on December 24th, 2006 06:19 am (UTC)
aw, thanks! I'm glad you like it. I love watching the flashbacks, I think they're some of the best parts of canon. those are always the eps I return to again and again. you're right, more soon :)
- [info]persephone_20 on December 25th, 2006 01:14 am (UTC) Expand
Ditto: SHAKATANYMADETHIS[info]stretfordditto on December 24th, 2006 03:01 pm (UTC)

Excellent. Want to read more....
Mel: angel hands (by 43100)[info]thatotherperv on December 24th, 2006 04:00 pm (UTC)
thanks! more soonish.
jaxinthebox: Love![info]jaxinthebox on October 24th, 2008 06:12 am (UTC)
Oh thank god. It's been a little too long since I've read some good Spangel Fic! Thank You!