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Spike

UN: Happy_Meals_on_legs

COURT

SPRING

DORM

301

Message @happy_meal_on_legs

🦋 Player

Name: Lin
Active Times/Pace: EST/Moderate usually
Brackets/Prose: Prose, but will match.
Offensive Subjects & Triggers to Avoid: Animal Death/animal cruelty. Maternal-death = Please talk to me. Sexual Assault=Please talk to me.

🦋 In Character

Physical Affection: Only with CR built up.
Physical Violence: Yes please! No killing or maiming without conversation
Relationships: Must have CR built up.
NPC Interaction: Yes please.
Psychic & Psionic Information: Buffyverse-Vamps can not be mind-read, nor can they provide 'energy' via brain-sucking type abilities. Please PM me for details and information.
Magical Information: Vampire, reads as slightly demonic. Vampires considered "evil".
Medical Information: Feels cool to the touch, must have mammal blood regularly to thrive/be in 'good' health. Undead.
Offensive Subjects & Triggers Associated with This Character: Language, Violence, Assault, Death, Murder, Stalking.

🦋 Out Of Character

Backtagging: Yes please
Threadhopping: Ask but usually yes.
Fourthwalling: Please no.
Not Interested In: Open to most anything with a conversation between players.

Here is my opt-in/opt-out and HMD post. All comments screened for privacy. Please feel free to use.

--Charm: the user can seduce or convince anyone they speak to for long enough; at its most powerful it can also be used to brainwash (Bought on Credit owed.)

-----So I will not have Spike use charm on anyone ICly without OOC permission. Please see my Opt-in/Opt-out Post here for more details.

--Large Wooden Trunk: Bargained for in the marketplace. Big enough for clothes and weapons. Contains alcohol, dagger, sword, hand-cross bow (and ammo), knife on occasion.

--Items: Gem of Amara (ring), Skyshift pendant,

--Deaths: 1 (Event #3)

About Vampires in the Buffyverse Canon: Commonalities: They drink blood. Mingling their blood with a victim creates a new vampire. They burn in daylight. Holy Water and other Christianity based weapons hurt but don't destroy. Fire works. Stake through the heart works real well. Especially vulnerable to wood. They don't require oxygen to breathe, they don't generate life-force, do have minimal blood flow, and dislike garlic. They do require an invitation to enter a private dwelling.

Here's the big difference: Vampires in the Buffyverse are a hybrid of human and demon. They're considered half-breeds. Unnatural. Looked down on. They lack a 'soul'; basically the human dies, and a 'demon' takes up residence in their body, retains their memories and core personality traits, and lacks inhibitions. They can not have their mind read, they do not give off 'life-energy', they are considered impure (energy-wise), and are useless for purposes of 'brain-sucking' of energy.

When ready to bite, they will often shift to their 'game face'. Their brows become more pronounced and protrude a bit, their eyes turn yellow, they have nasty fangs. Here, have an example.

Here's the link to the wiki entry.

General Warnings
Hi, William the Bloody, aka Spike, is a vampire. And not one of the happy fun shiny ones. There will be language. There will be cheekiness and snark and attitude. There will be irrelevance and taking the piss out of things. There will be violence. Please feel free to talk to me about any and all of the above. I'm not looking to have him kick puppies (and honestly if you're kicking puppies for no reason he might just kick you), but he's definitely an antagonistic punk.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

Regis nods. Considering those weapons came from his fellow kings and queens, they would have had the best weapons available. Making them magical just was an upgrade.

"What I have isn't the actual weapon itself, but one could say part of its soul. That is how Noctis can have the same weapons as I do at the same time. We each passed the trial to claim it for use.

"We can't really put you through a trial here, but maybe if I talk to the Conqueror, he will allow you to use it for a little while. It's worth a try."

He doesn't know of anyone in the line who has tried this, but then again, none of them had been swept away to a Fae land either. With how odd things are here, it can't hurt to try.

[Spike types on his leaf.]

Magical trial bullshit to prove you're worthy and the like. I've seen it before.

You come out of everything alright?

[Spike couldn't remember seeing Regis in the water. He does remember seeing Noctis.

It was more physical to be honest.

[Not that it really matters. It still comes down to magical BS in the end.]

Lots of fighting of monsters some of which were magical.

[He shrugs then, moving onto Spike's question.]

I didn't go all the way down. I thought it would be wise for someone to stay around mid-depth to help those who got hurt or were caught by the cursed items floating about. When you didn't surface, I regretted not going down farther, though I suspect I wouldn't have been much help against what took you down.

[It could only have been the Kraken, Regis has no doubt about that.]

Edited (Messed up my formatting) Date: 2025-06-29 02:36 am (UTC)

[Spike listened, and nodded, but also chuckled. Which was odd to do silently.]

Physical trial doesn't mean it's not more magic BS. I've heard of those kind of deals before. Legends, back where I come from. Again--got to prove you're worthy and shit.

I just hope I made some difference. It......

[Spike pauses in his typing, and shows Regis what he has while he thinks.]

I'm sure you did. I by no means know everyone here, but I only know of one other person who was seriously hurt and no one else who was killed. That means a lot considering how much was stacked against us by the Fae.

[To give Spike some time to finish putting his thoughts together, Regis speaks just a little longer.]

The frustrating thing about doing good deeds is that you don't always know if you made a difference or not, but as long as your intention was good and you tried as hard as you could you should be proud of what you did.

[Spike rakes his fingers through his hair, then goes back to typing.]

Not looking for praise, just want to know my getting eaten wasn't in vain. I've fought a lot of things in my time, but I was in that thing's home environment and it had a major size advantage. Don't think I'll get nightmares but I've got some pretty unpleasant memories. We vampires are...well, where I'm from, we're pretty durable. Takes a lot to kill us, and pain doesn't stop us.

[Spike is pretty sure Regis could figure out why that'd be a disadvantage in this case.]

[The way Regis blanches and flinches makes it clear he completely understands what Spike is saying. All he can compare it to is when his knee was torn open so badly during a hunt, but honestly, that pain--no matter how great--had to have paled compared to what Spike felt. The blonde vampire is lucky he's had no nightmares, but how exactly does one make things worse than the reality they are talking about anyway?

In an effort not to linger on such a horrible thing longer than necessary, Regis decides to change the topic.]

You know, not long ago I asked you a lot of questions about your home and how things work there. Was there anything you'd like to ask me about my home or family?

[Regis should be glad Spike hasn't told him about being tortured then by Glorificus the skanky lopsided ass-possessing rejected hellbitch god. Spike's taken a lot of punishment over the years in various ways, and always come up standing somehow. What was being eaten but just another fun new experience?

Spike considered the question, then typed some more.]

Tell me about your family. And what's going on back home? I saw part of something from Noctis...during that whole party.

[Regis' opinion would be there are some things one does not need to experience no matter how long they live!

The situation at home is not exactly pleasant, but it is better than what they were talking about, so Regis decides to talk about that before moving to the actual pleasant topic, his family.]

It's war and that's something you've certainly seen before. I've told you that my family was asked to watch over the Crystal. For a long time, no one tried to interfere with that divine duty that was given to us, but a number of years ago the Emperor of Niflheim suddenly changed his view on things. Some say it was the death of his wife, but the change is so deep and all-consuming that it seems more like he has completely lost his mind and becomes obsessed with taking the Crystal from us no matter the cost to us or his own people.

Do you recall any details about what you saw from Noctis? Perhaps I can try to place it for you, though, if he was doing the fighting it's likely it happened after the time I came from.

[It had been a lot, dealing with the visions. Spike didn't remember much very clearly. He might think on it later though.]

Big sea monster, running through a city, Noctis didn't look younger than he does now.

How recent is 'A number of years ago'?

A big sea monster? A sea serpent would you say? If so, then that was likely Leviathan, one of our Astrals. That means the city he was in was most certainly Altissia. Noctis said he had to form a pact with her, so perhaps what you saw was part of his trial to earn that pact.

[Things had not gone well for anyone during that time. Noctis nearly died, Altissia was reduced to ruins, and Lady Lunafreya had been killed. Those were just the things that Noctis had told him. Regis is not so foolish to think there weren't other losses as well.]

Officially? It started when I was about 20 years old, but Niflheim has always had some interest in our lands; they just never acted on it before. I do believe it may have had something to do with Iedolas Aldercapt, their emperor, being a wise, generous and kind man at that time. He was likely the restraining force. When he completely changed, that last bit of restraint disappeared.

[Spike nodded as Regis explained. That matched what Spike did remember, and a few more gaps filled in. Listening, and it was clear he was thinking in the slight angle of his head, the way his eyes were moving.

Then he was typing once more.]

So, his wife died? Murder? or do you guys not know the cause? I'd believe it though. Love does strange things to people. It's not brains or the heart, as a lot of people think it is. It's blood. Screaming at you to work its will.

No, I don't think it was murder. There would have been a lot more information coming out of them if they were looking for a murderer. As it was, there was very little notice of it. Our running theory is that it may have been illness, but we really have no solid proof of that.

[Regis pauses then, his expression growing a little distant as his thoughts travel back to that time when Cale had looked at his "annual rings." One of the readings the redhead told him mentioned he should prepare all the best and wisest medical doctors for the time when Noctis was going to be born. Did that mean something was going to happen to Aulea? Regis hasn't wanted to think about it, but he thinks about it now and shivers.]

Perhaps you're right. It's easy to say that one death couldn't change someone that much, but when you've not been that person in that position, how do you know? The very idea of losing my wife makes me sick to my stomach. I am certain a good part of me would die with her if it happened. I very literally wouldn't be the person I am now if it weren't for her.

[Spike reached out to place a hand on the other man's shoulder. Just lightly, but enough to make his point clear. He understood. Regis had certainly heard about Drusilla. And about Buffy. Keeping that touch there long enough to make his point, before he settled back and typed.]

You've heard enough about my love life. Tell me about yours. You said night time was for your family.

[Regis relaxes under that light touch on his shoulder because he's honestly terrified at the thought of losing Aulea so soon. They've spent so much time discussing how to spend an equal amount of time with their future children as they spend on ruling a country, but they have never discussed either of them having to raise said children alone.

When Spike sends another message to his Leaf, Regis is glad to have that as an excuse to pull his brain away from such terrible thoughts.]

I did. Originally, it just meant that we drew a line between when the business of ruling a country came first and when we did, but now that I think about it, we actually first met at night. It was one of those late parties that nobles so love having. It was my first one in attendance as the crown prince, and I was terrified.

[Regis laughs then, but there is bitterness in it. It almost sounds hollow in a way and is completely different than how he usually laughs.]

My father was always worried about appearances. I would go so far as to say he was obsessed with how the royal family was perceived by others. My earliest memories are of being taught how to be the perfect little prince. I needed to walk like this and stand like that. I needed to talk like this and breathe like that. I had to do exactly what my father told me and had to think like he did as well.

[As he talks, Regis' fingers tighten on the arms of the chair. He's not angry, though, so much as he is in pain thinking back to those horrible times.]

It was an empty, hollow way to live if it could even be called that. She changed all that in one night. Simply took my hand and brought color to the world.

[It probably sounds so painfully poetic put that way, but for Regis many of his early memories are so dimly colored they may as well be black and white. It was only after meeting Aulea at that party that his memories took on the full color they should have had.]

[Spike listens patiently and fully. Noticing that tension he picks up Regis' whisky shot and shoves it at the other insistently. His expression shows that yes, he understands. His life hadn't been the same, but he'd been well off compared to many in his human life. He'd had a mother who loved him, even if he was her last child and was the runt. His father had never been that impressed with William, and had given up trying to make him a 'man'. Let Anne 'coddle' him. Keep her little sensitive poet. The patriarch had made sure they had enough money for what they needed and that was doing his duty as far as he was concerned.

But Spike pulls himself out of old memories, studying Regis and watching him with empathy. Soul-less as he was, and admitted monster he had been, it would surprise people that Spike could have empathy. But he did, and he had even before he'd started trying to be a better person.

He was also slightly amused by Regis taking a turn for poetry there, and it showed in the smile.]

[Regis is startled when Spike shoves the whiskey at him having completely forgotten it was there. One-by-one he forces his fingers to release their grip on the chair so he can take the glass and down it in one shot. The burn of the alcohol going down his throat is much more welcome than the pain he's feeling from those memories. It's been a long time since he's let himself linger on them for more than a few seconds, and it's a little surprising just how much it's affecting him.

After draining the glass, he sets it down and takes a deep breath willing some of the tension to leave his body. He then gives Spike a nod in thanks. It's obvious the blonde has some thoughts, but he is letting Regis finish first and for that he is grateful.]

My father had a horrible temper, but a good and wise king does not have such, so he always held his temper until we were out of the public eye. Of course, that only gave him time to fan the flames of his anger so that even a little mistake ended up causing me to face his full rage. I felt for sure that night at the party would be no different. It would end with him taking all his anger out at me for even the slightest offense. It's odd though, that despite me being so afraid of that, when Aulea approached me, my fears melted away. She was a couple years older than I was and had this aura of confidence and mischievousness around her that I found fascinating. I never thought that she would get me in trouble; instead I found myself thinking that she would show me what things were really suppose to be like.

[Regis pauses then and laughs, only this time the laugh actually has a bit of life back in it.]

She stole me away from my post and we ate sweets hiding under one of the banquet tables for most of the night. When my father finally found us, he was furious, but she caught his eyes and for the first time in my life, I saw someone stare my father down. The king. The one everyone was suppose to listen to without question. A girl only a few years older than me did that, and so, I realized, I could too.

My father always hated her, even when we were betrothed. If he hadn't already promised her family and would look terrible for going back on that promise, I am sure he would have forbidden the match. She is one of the three people I know who could ever stare my father down. Growing up, it meant so much to me to know that no matter how angry my father was at me for thinking for myself, she would always have my back.

[Spike nods in turn, and pours the man another shot. This is all interesting to him, and good to know about his new friend. Friend. It still sounded weird--because Spike was not used to friends. Not used to letting people close.

William hadn't really let people close either, even though all he wanted was someone to see him.

He smiles though when Regis describes Aulea, laughing silently when Regis describes her stealing him a way. There is clear approval in his eyes and expression too, a smirk, at her staring down the father. It was good though, for Regis to have found that. He needed that strength, and Spike could see it in him still.

A moment to think about it, listening, before he downed his own shot of Whisky and then typed on his Leaf]

Who were the other two? I think I like her already. Always did go for a woman who could fight back and hold her own.

Edited Date: 2025-06-30 04:30 am (UTC)

Oh, you would have loved her and I think she would have loved you too. I can already see you both plotting against me.

[Regis chuckles and takes the new glass of whiskey, only sipping it this time.]

This is very good, by the way. Much better than that terrible concoction they call wine at the "welcome" parties.

[He takes another sip, savoring the flavor before moving onto the next question.]

The other two were his Shield, because it was his job to keep my father out of trouble and "safe," and then my own Shield because Clarus hated that his father let mine get away with the shit he did. Plus, it was his job to keep me safe and that meant being able to deal with my father.

[Regis' expression turns thoughtful then as he swirls the whiskey left in his glass.]

To be honest, if the penalty for killing my father wouldn't have taken him away from my side, once I was old enough to rule the country myself, Clarus might have made my father disappear permanently. He probably should have been loyal to the whole line, but he was only ever loyal to me.

Edited (typo!) Date: 2025-06-30 04:47 am (UTC)

[There is some more quiet laughter, and a sparkle of mischief in Spike's eyes and smirk as he types something.]

Careful. Ladies tend to like us bad boys. Can't promise I wouldn't steal her.

[But he's teasing the other. Messing with him, as Spike's heart is rather firmly taken by the Slayer. It would only ever be flirting, probably to mess with Regis. And plotting against him. For his own good, of course.]

Shield? Tell me about these positions.

[Considering how upset Regis was just a short time ago, it will probably be a little surprising that a mischievousness to match what is in Spike's eyes enters his own.]

Oh come now, there must be groups on your world just as there are in mine. We'll just smash the two pairs together.

[Of course, Regis is teasing just as much as Spike is. He knows very well who has the blonde's heart and it's not Aulea.]

The Amicitia family has protected the ruling members of the Lucis Caelum family all the way back to the days of the Founder King. They are oath-bound and duty-sworn to put their lives between us and harm, and they have always preformed this duty even if they have not always agreed with the king or queen they have served. I believe Clarus and I may be bound a little closer than most are. Perhaps it is because he is one of the first people I remember seeing as a small child or maybe it is because he felt the need to protect me sooner than most because of my father's treatment of me.

Because of their status as our protectors, Shields are afforded certain allowances that other people would be thrown in jail for. They can question us openly if they believe we are putting ourselves in danger. More than once Clarus has physically picked me up and carried me away from a dangerous situation because I was being "a blockhead and an idiot." They also have access to all information that the king or queen does because they need to know what is going on at all times in order to keep their ruler safe. Though I hate it, the fact is, Clarus has saved my life many times either by seeing something before I have or literally taking a bullet or other attack for me.

[Spike arches a brow, that impishness remaining, before he types some more. Something to resolve first.]

I'm a vampire--supposed to tread on the dark side and all that. Dru and I got up to plenty of stuff that isn't exactly vanilla, if you take my meaning. Sure you want to challenge me on this?

[But he's laughing quietly after sending that message, and then listening again. Nodding, as that made sense. Had to be hard on the families, but necessary. Hopefully there was some type of code or ethics in play too.]

Hmm...that does not deter me in the slightest. I'm not exactly the vanilla king most would guess I am. I would, perhaps, have to give you several security clearances to let you know more, though. Good thing I'm the king and can do that if I want.

[Regis pauses then in his teasing, head tilting slightly.]

You're pondering something. Care to share?

[There is some quiet laughter, which is odd with no voice. Then some typing.]

First, glad you have that rebellious streak in you. Might have to hurt your father otherwise if he'd crushed it.

[Never mind that the man was likely dead. Spike'd find a way.]

Second, much as there are groups where I'm from, I'm bad at sharing. Bad enough I'm second fiddle to Angel already in so many ways. Third, Amicitia is likely derived from friend. Aulea though...seems like a mash-up of Latin words. Golden as a prefix, then...lion maybe? It's almost "Leo".

Oh, don't worry. My father is the very reason my rebellious streak stayed alive and well during my teens and twenties. It wouldn't have been good for Lucis if I had rebelled against him in public, but that didn't mean there weren't little things I could do that would get under his skin.

[Like wearing a pinstriped suit to important engagements instead of the traditional all black one.

Regis nods when Spike spells out clearly that he's bad at sharing. It's good the vampire is aware of that. Otherwise, there might have been a lot of hurt people because of it.]

Close. Technically in Lucian it's "Friendship." His favored translation of his first name is "Respected."

[So have fun putting those two together.]

He named his eldest son Gladiolus after both the sword and the flower. If he and his wife have a daughter, her name will be Iris.

[Flower themes from a mighty Shield. Who would have guessed?]

A golden lioness would not be a bad way to describe Aulea, but physically it would not fit at all. She has dark black hair and deep blue eyes. She is more of a brilliant star in the night sky than anything.