I'll never love again
Spike walked into the crowded building. Seeing the Slayers body lying on the table he became enraged. Angie was no longer chained up. No longer a threat, Max had crossed her hands across her chest, and pushed her feet together.
"What did you do to her?" Spike yelled.
Max turned around. "Ah, Spike." Max smiled. "We only killed her." He smiled wider and walked over to Angie's body. Running his fingers down her cheek he said, "She's so much better when she's dead."
"They're here," Spike said to someone in the hall. Thomas and Meg walked in. "Were here to crash your party."
Max laughed. "Just try it, you'll find it much more difficult that you thought." He turned toward his minions. "Kill them."
The three were attacked and they all fought, dusting a few vampires here and there, but all in all they were being over powered.
"I think our rescue mission is a failure," Meg said dodging a vampire's fist.
"Just keep fighting," Thomas encouraged. Just then they heard a scream come from Charlotte. Everyone stopped and looked in her direction.
There they saw Angie leaning against the table with a stake embedded in Max's back.
"How did you?" Max managed, but soon he exploded into dust.
"Max!" Charlotte cried. "You killed him."
"Yeah and you're next if you don't get out of here," Angie said weakly. She tried to stand but failed, and she fell back into the table, trying with all her might to stay up.
"Run, Max has been killed," a vampire yelled. All the vampires panicked and began evacuating the building.
"Angie!" Meg exclaimed running to her friend and catching her just before she collapsed. "Thank God you're okay."
Angie looked at her friend, and very faintly called out her loves name. "Zach." Then she fainted.
Spike looked at the blood that flowed from the girl's neck. "You'd better get her to a hospital soon or she's going to die."
"She's been bitten by a vampire," Thomas noted as he walked up behind Spike.
Spike picked up the Slayer and held her close to his body. "Let's go before it's too late to help her." He turned and headed for the exit. The other two followed.
"She's lost a lot of blood, but she should be fine," the nurse told the three in her southern accent. "So what happened?"
Thomas looked at the two with him then said. "She was bitten by a vampire."
The nurse laughed "I don't know how many people actually say that." She shook her head.
"You don't believe in them do you?" Spike asked.
"Honey, I ain't never seen one," she replied. "But whatever the case, she should be doin' better soon. You got her here just in time. Much longer and the little blood that she had left would have seeped out of the wounds in her neck."
"Can we go see her?" Meg spoke for the first time since they'd gotten to the hospital.
"You can, but she's sleepin'. And y'all had better not wake her neither," the nurse said.
"Thanks," Meg said walking into the room. She looked at her friend lying on the bed. Angie's face was extremely pale, as were her lips. "She looks as though she were dead." And Meg would've thought that she was, had it not been for the steady beeps of the heart monitor.
"She's endured a lot," Thomas said. "I don't expect she'll ever be the same again."
"It's a good thing Zach came to me," Spike said.
"But why didn't he just come get us?" Meg asked.
"I don't rightly know," Spike said.
"Perhaps he felt we wouldn't be able to help," Thomas offered.
"Well, whatever the case. I'm just glad that she's going to be okay," Meg said.
"Me too," Thomas agreed. "Well, we'd best be going. You've got to get home soon, and I've got some things to do around the house."
"Okay." Meg glanced at her friend, then left.
Zach sat on his bed at home, rocking his body back and forth. His body shook. "I can't believe I did that," he told himself. "She's never going to forgive you, even if you let her live."
"So you did do it?" Charlotte's voice rang through the little crypt. "You caused the death of our master."
"What?" Zach looked at the female in front of him.
"That's stupid bitch killed Max. With what little strength she had left, she embedded a stake into his heart," she explained. "Because of you, Max is dead."
"But I..," Zach began, but Charlotte interrupted.
"I don't want to hear your excuses. I won't hear them. I'm going to kill you like your precious sweetheart killed Max." She lunged at the bed, but Zach dodged.
"I don't want to have to kill you, but I will," Zach said contorting his face.
"I'll be the one doing the killing here." She punched at the vampire in front of her, and contorted her face as well, growling she kicked at him and hit him in the stomach, sending him flying to the wall.
Zach quickly rebounded and punched her twice in the face, then he knocked her to the ground and pulled out a stake. "See you in hell," he said thrusting the stake into the woman's heart.
The next day Meg went straight to the hospital, and stayed beside Angie all day. Angie had more color in her face, and that comforted Meg a little, but she wouldn't be totally content until the Slayer awoke.
That night Zach joined her.
"Is she going to be okay?" He asked pulling up a chair and sitting next to Meg.
"She'll be fine. She just needs to rest a while. The nurse said that she has enough blood, and that she's healing quickly, so she should be up and slaying in no time."
A look of relief came over his face. "Thank God."
"So how did you know that she was in trouble?" Meg inquired.
"I was with her when we were attacked, and once they got away with her, I figured I didn't have a chance unless I got some help," he lied.
"Well, I'm glad you did. If we'd gotten there any later she would've been dead," Meg told him.
"That's good." Zach looked at her. She looks so peaceful. I'm glad she's okay. And I hope she'll forgive me.
"Zach?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really love her?"
"I do."
"Enough to give your life for her?"
Zach looked taken aback. "I'm not sure."
Just then Angie stirred. A moan came from her bed, and she slowly opened her eyes. "Meg?" She asked quietly.
"Yes," Meg answered happily. "I've been so worried about you."
"I'll be fine," Angie assured her friend, with a smile.
"Angie?" Zach now spoke.
"Zach?" Angie recognized the voice and looked down at him.
"How are you doing?" He asked.
"I've been better," she said, her voice cheerful, despite the circumstances.
"Glad to hear it," he said smiling at her.
"Angie, I've got to go," Meg said. "Moms got things to do today, but I'll be back later okay?"
"Okay, tell your mom hi for me," Angie replied.
"Okay." She stood. "See you later."
"Bye."
Meg left, and Zach moved to the chair right in front of Angie. She looked away from him. And neither of them spoke for a while.
"I did it to save you," Zach finally said.
"What?" Angie asked, now looking at him.
"You asked me why, when I was..," his voice trailed away. "I knew that if I did it, then you'd have a chance to live."
"Did you ever really love me?" She asked.
"With all my heart."
"Then why did you lie to me? Why did you lead me into a trap?"
"I had to, or Max was going to..."
"Going to what? Kill you? You should've told me, that way I would've been prepared. But you didn't, you used me instead."
"Angie I didn't use you. I love you."
"Then why did you do it? Why didn't you just tell him off? I would've protected you ya know. I trusted you, and you betrayed me." Tears once again stung her eyes. "I don't think I can trust you anymore."
"Oh please, Angie, don't say that. I'm sorry, I really truly am. You're right; I never should've done it in the first place. But please don't do this. Do you really want this to end?"
"Of course I don't. But how can I know that I can trust you? Did you ever have a soul?"
"I never said that I did, you just assumed that I did."
"But you made it sound that way. Why didn't you just tell me about Max in the first place?"
"Because I didn't know I was going to fall in love with you. I had an obligation to Max. He was my sire, my master and friend. I didn't want to betray him."
"So you betrayed me instead? Great choice, now Max is dead and I, I'm scarred for life."
"Please forgive me. I'm sorry, I was very wrong. I'll go get a soul if that's what you want. Just don't say it's over between us."
"But Zach, it is. I'm sorry, but I can't trust you anymore."
"Oh Angie." Zach sounded as though he was going to cry, but unlike Angie, no tears escaped his eyelids. He stood up. "I still love you, no matter what."
"I'm sorry," Angie said.
"Don't be, I'm the one to blame. Just let me do one thing before I go."
"What?"
"Let me kiss you, just one more time."
Angie swallowed, then nodded her head. Zach leaned down and kissed her passionately. Angie continued to cry during the kiss, but she kissed him back. And soon he pulled away, and walked silently out of the room.
Angie was only in the hospital for another day, and soon she was released with a full bill of health. And though she continued through her days and nights with normal activities, her heart hurt.
"I'll never love again," she told Meg while out on patrol one night.
"Don't say that," Meg scolded.
"But I mean it," Angie insisted. "I always seem to fall in love with the wrong guys."
"That's a part of life," Meg said. "Everyone goes through it. Look at me; I've never had a boyfriend."
"You've never wanted one."
"True, but still. You should give Zach another chance."
"But I can't. I don't want to."
"Then why do you keep wearing the necklace he gave you?"
Angie looked down at the castle that hung around her neck. "So I can remember him."
"Then give him another chance."
"I can't, I have to stay strong."
"There are times when it's okay to change your mind you know."
"This isn't one of them."
"Yes it is."
"No it's not."
"Yes."
"No, look I don't want to fight with you about this. It's stupid." Just then she heard a rustle in the nearby bushes. "Shh."
"What?"
"I hear something."
"Meow." A cat walked out of the bushes, and Angie sighed.
"It's just a cat."
"He's so cute," Meg said.
"C'mon Meg we've got to get going."
"Okay. Good bye kitty."
The two girls walked away from the cat, and as they did its eyes glowed.
Later that night Angie lay awake. Maybe Meg is right, maybe I should give Zach another chance. He did say he was sorry, after all. At this the girl got out of bed and walked out the house in her spaghetti strap shirt and sweats.
Knock, knock, knock.
Zach heard the door but he didn't move to answer it.
Knock, knock, knock.
He heard it again, but still didn't move.
"Zach?" Angie's voice rang through the door, and now Zach rushed to the door.
"Angie!" He looked at the half dressed girl.
"Hey." She smiled at him.
"Hey," he repeated. He stared at her for a while then said. "Oh, uh, come on in."
"Thanks." She walked passed the vampire, and he shut the door.
"What're you doing here?" He asked.
"I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about you," she admitted.
"I've been thinking about you a lot lately too." He sat on the couch.
She sat next to him. "Zach I..."
"Don't say anything, I know what you're going to say."
"Then is it okay if I just kiss you?"
"Please do."
Angie complied and leaned forward, kissing the vampire passionately. When they parted they both looked into each other's eyes.
"I missed you," Angie said, placing her hand on top of Zach's.
"I missed you too." He leaned forward and again the two kissed, this time with more love. He laid the girl back and kissed her again. Then he moved down and kissed her neck. Angie jumped, and tensed up.
"What's wrong?" Zach asked.
"It's just..." She stopped then said, "Never mind."
"Oh." He sat back up, as did Angie. He looked at her neck and saw two tiny scars. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Angie said. "I forgive you."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thanks."
Angie smiled at him, and he kissed her once again.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you more." Zach smiled and kissed her again. They continued kissing for a long time, occasionally stopping, only to connect once again.
Angie pushed him back. "I should go."
Zach looked at her with sad eyes. "Why?"
"It's going to be light soon, and Thomas doesn't know where I am." She stood up.
Zach also stood. "I don't want you to go." He grabbed her and kissed her again, "Stay just a little longer."
"I can't," Angie protested, but she stayed in the vampire's arms. "But I want to."
"Then stay." He looked into her eyes then kissed her forehead.
She looked up at him and smiled. "Just let me go home and write Thomas a letter. You can come."
"Okay."
The two quickly ran to Angie's house, finding the nearest piece of paper and pen Angie scribbled.
Thomas,
I'm at Zach's. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Be back tomorrow.
Angie
Giggling, Angie and Zach slowly walked out of the house and ran back to the crypt.
Angie laughed and leaned against the inside of the door. She was breathing harder than normal, and Zach trapped her against the door.
"You're sexy when you're hot," he said before leaning down and kissing her.
"You're always sexy," Angie retorted, pushing him back roughly, then flinging herself into his arms and kissing him. Her hand ran to the top of his shirt where she began to undo his buttons. Then removing his shirt she caressed his cold body with her hands.
Zach instinctively reached down and removed Angie's shirt. He kissed her lips then picked her up and took her to the bed. Then laying her down he caressed her body. Angie invited his touch, and though his hands were cold, she didn't seem to notice.
He kissed her lips once again, and began moving lower, first her neck, then collar bone, and finally down to her breast, bathing each nipple with his tongue.
"Zach," Angie whispered, as he slid his hand under her sweats.
He quickly removed his hand and looked at her. "Are we going to fast? I can stop if you want me to."
"No," she said sitting up, and wrapping her arms around him. "I just wanted to say I love you."
Zach smiled and leaned his head against hers. "I love you too." He kissed her, and moved down her body, soon removing her sweats. He removed his own pants and positioned himself between her legs.. She stared up at him, and he back down at her. "Are you sure you want this? Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"More than anything in the world."
Zach looked into the Slayers eyes and entered her slowly. Her eyes closed and she moaned slightly, as did Zach. He slowly began to move his body; in and out, in and out. And very slowly he quickened his pace, as Angie began to perform the counteraction. They both moaned uncontrollably as they continued to make love.
"Harder," Angie begged. And she cried out in pleasure as Zach thrust himself into her. He continued to do this, but then went back to his normal force. The two continued to moan, and soon Angie cried out again in pleasure as she came.
"Do you want me to stop?" Zach asked.
"No, please keep going," Angie begged.
They made love for three hours, and soon fell asleep.
As Thomas awoke the next morning he expected to hear the sounds of Angie working out as he had so many times before, especially since the run in with Max. But much to his surprise, the house was totally empty. As he wandered downstairs he saw the little piece of paper lying on the counter. He picked it up, read it, then shook his head. He had really hopped that their relationship was over. Zach was a good guy, yes, but there was something about him that Thomas just didn't like. But he shrugged and went about the morning.
It was 11:00 am and Zach and Angie were still asleep, cuddled together. But Zach soon awoke, and looking at his love with a smile on his face, he brushed a hair out of her face. She stirred and slowly opened her eyes.
"Hey," Zach said quietly.
"Hey," Angie replied as she sighed. She smiled up at him. "I love you."
Zach ran his finger down her cheek. "I love you too."
Angie moved off the mans chest and kissed his lips. "Last night was wonderful."
"Yes it was," Zach agreed, kissing her again.
Angie moaned, but then she sat up and looked at the window, seeing the little light that came through it. "I guess I should go. Thomas and I have to train today. He says that he's got something new to try." She looked down at Zach who was still lying down.
"Do you have to go?" He asked running his hand up and down her arm.
"Yes." She leaned down and kissed him again. "But I don't want to."
"Then stay," Zach pleaded.
"I can't, Thomas and I have things to do today. If I don't get back soon, you can be assured that he'll come here."
"Okay."
The two got out of bed and dressed themselves.
"I'll come back later tonight okay?" Angie said while walking toward the door.
"I might not be here," Zach said following her.
"Why not?" She asked turning toward her love.
"I just have other things I have to do tonight," he answered.
"Oh-kay," Angie said slowly. "I'll see you around." She turned the knob as Zach hid, and she walked out into the sunlight.
Thomas looked at the clock on the wall. It was now 11:30 am and Angie hadn't arrived. Where is she? He wondered. If she doesn't get here soon I'll just have to go get her.
He flipped on the news and watched tiredly as they went on about car accidents and what-not, but soon something caught his attention.
"Now, our top story for today. Last night a number of houses and business were broken into. However, reports show that not a lot was stolen. The local Magic Box reported the loss of a couple necklaces, and one woman reports that her family heirloom was taken. Police have no leads as to who might have done this, but they'll be keeping their eyes out for whoever could've done this. That's all for today, we hope to see you next time."
Thomas starred at the screen as a commercial came on. "Necklaces huh?" He asked himself.
"I'm home," Angie announced as she came through the door.
"Ah, Angie, I'm glad you're home," Thomas said getting up and greeting her in the hall.
"Hey Thomas," Angie said gleefully, "How's it goin'?"
"Great. But we seem to have a crisis on our hands," he said bluntly.
Angie's face fell. "Great, just what I always wanted," she sighed. "Let me eat, and then we can talk about the evil."
"Okay," Thomas agreed.
"Okay," Angie said clapping her hands together. "What evil mojo is going on?"
"Well that's just the thing," Thomas said. "I don't know." Angie stared at him in disbelief. "I haven't actually seen the thing we're after, but I know that there's something strange going on.
"I saw on the news that specific artifacts have been taken from the Magic Box, and one woman's house. But other than that, I'm really not sure."
"Can't we just let the cops deal with this stuff, I don't have time to be chasing robbers," Angie said.
"I don't think this is your typical robber," Thomas explained, "Our thief probably took things with some power."
"Well, I don't want to worry about it unless we know that it's something bad. You're just over reacting. Believe me, I want some action too, but there's no reason to jump to conclusions," Angie said.
"Perhaps you're right. Maybe I am over reacting."
"Okay, now that that's settled, what do you say to training?"
"Splendid idea." Thomas stood up, as did his Slayer, and they both walked down into the basement.
Angie's body was completely motionless as she stood on one hand. Her eyes were closed and she focused all she could on staying still. Thomas stood by watching, and his eyes seemed to burn a hole into the girl.
"Focus," he said as the Slayer wavered.
Angie slowly brought her hand down and switched with the other one. She stayed like this for another 15 min. and she would've stayed longer, but the phone rang and threw her attention. But trying not to fall she flipped forward and landed on her feet.
Thomas gave an aggravated grunt as he walked up the stairs and answered the phone. He soon returned, looking even more aggravated. "Stupid telemarketers." Angie snickered a little but stopped when Thomas glared at her. "Do it again," he instructed, "But this time, don't switch your hands until I tell you to."
Angie did as she was told, and the two continued training for the next four hours.
The next couple days consisted of mainly the same thing. Angie would wake up before Thomas and train on her own with her punching bag and other things. And when Thomas woke the two would train hard for most of the remainder of the day.
Angie hadn't seen or heard from Zach in the last couple days, and whenever she went to his crypt he was never there. She had started to worry about him, and their relationship. Perhaps sleeping with him was a bad thing. But she couldn't ever know until she found him and talked to him.
It was now Saturday, and a free day for the Slayer. Thomas figured that they had trained hard enough for now, and that she needed a little time to have some fun. So Angie and Meg walked around the mall. It was packed as usual, but there seemed to be more security than normal.
"There sure are a lot of cops around here," Angie observed. "I wonder why?"
"Haven't you been watching the news lately?" Meg asked.
"No, Thomas and I have been training," Angie explained.
"Oh, well there's been a lot of thefts lately. Mainly of old, Mystical objects that hold power. But everyone is up in a rut. I don't know why they're here though. There isn't anything magical here. They should all be at the Magic Box. That's the place that's been hit the most."
"That's weird. I wonder who's doing it."
"I don't think it's a who, I think it's a what."
"You think a vamp or something is doing it?"
"Well, if it is a human then it's a witch or warlock of some sort, but I don't feel the presence of anyone really powerful. So it has to be a demon or something."
"Well, I haven't seen anything out of the norm. lately. But maybe I'm not looking hard enough. I could really use some action though. The vamps are getting boring."
Meg snickered. "You definitely are a strange one. My grandma would've given anything to have things be as quiet as they are now."
"Well, it's because of your grandma that things are this quiet around here. It's driving me crazy," Angie admitted. "Buffy was a way better Slayer than I could ever be."
"That's not true. You just don't have to face as much."
"Yeah, because she was so thorough and destroyed everything that came near her."
"Oh well, that just makes things better for you and me."
"No, it's boring for me and better for you."
"C'mon, you've got to admit that having all this free time is great."
"Yeah, but I've got these muscles." She flexed her arms. "And I want to use them. Besides, I'm convinced that if I hadn't had so much free time that Zacharius and I wouldn't have fallen in love."
"Are you back on that again? What about Zach?"
"I haven't heard from him for the last four days. He's never home, and I haven't seen him when I patrol. I just hope that I didn't make a big mistake."
"Nah, he's probably just thinking about things."
"Right, while he's out killing people."
"You think he's killing people?"
"I hope not, but he is a vampire, and vampires tend to..," Angie's voice trailed away as masses of people came running out of the nearest jewelry store screaming. And after them came a big Bengal Tiger, and from its mouth dangled a necklace, with a huge pendant at the end. "I think we just found our thief," Angie said excitedly as she ran toward the creature.
The cops shot at the animal, but nothing seemed to phase it. It just looked at them and growled, making them all freak and run off. A smile seemed to cross its face, and soon it turned and ran out of the mall, Angie in hot pursuit. But once outside, the tiger turned onto a bird and flew away.
"What in the world?" Angie asked as she saw the tiger change and fly away. "This is definitely not normal."
Meg stopped by her side panting. "Where is it?" She asked between breaths.
"It flew away," Angie stated.
"It flew away? This is a tiger, tigers don't fly," Meg said incredulously.
"It changed into a bird then it flew away," Angie explained.
"Okay, not normal," Meg agreed.
"Well this is the Hellmouth after all," Angie said. "I'm gonna go tell Thomas about this. We've got to figure out what this thing is and what it's after."
"It's a changeling," Thomas said looking up from one of his books.
"Okay, so what is it after?" Angie asked.
"Well I'm not quite sure. We need to find out what was stolen first. Then I could tell you," Thomas explained.
"So if I can find out what has been stolen I can figure out what this changeling is after?" Angie asked.
"That should be easy," Meg said.
"Not quite. Not every one is going to tell you straight away what was stolen," Thomas said.
"Good point," Meg said quietly. "But we could try."
"Go ahead," Thomas suggested. "But I don't think you'll get far."
"They were castles," the owner of the Magic Box said, "each one with a different colored crystal, and a different shaped castle."
"So they were just necklaces?" Meg asked.
"Well I'm sure they have some kind of power, but I don't know what. I could look if you want me too," the man said enthusiastically.
"No that's okay," Angie said.
The man looked at the pendant around Angie's neck. "They look just like that," he said pointing to her necklace. "Well, not just like that, but a lot like it."
Angie looked at the castle that Zach had given her, "Thanks, that's all we needed." And the two girls left the store.
"They were all castles as far as we could tell," Angie explained to her Watcher when they returned home. "The owner said that they looked a lot like mine."
"Hmm," Thomas flipped through a book entitled Changelings.
"Such a unique title," Meg said sarcastically.
Angie giggled. "No kidding."
"Here," Thomas said suddenly. "They're called the Seven Castles of Power. There are seven of them. ."
"Duh," Angie said.
"I wasn't finished thank you," Thomas said looking at the Slayer, he cleared his throat and started again. "There are seven of them and each holds a different element. Each allowing a changeling to turn into the certain element." He laid the book down and pointed to a picture. "The seven powers are: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Animal, Supernatural, and Human."
"And this changeling has six of them?" Angie asked.
"Yes, it appears so." Thomas looked at the girls. "Angie let me see your necklace." Angie did as she was told and handed the pendant to her Watcher. Thomas looked at it, then at the book, then at the Slayer. "And you have the seventh."
"What!?" Angie asked.
"This is the Castle of Human. The white crystal represents the soul. If our changeling gets a hold of this it can change into any person it wants to." Thomas gave the necklace back to Angie.
"So what happens if this changeling gets all the castles?" Meg asked, not really sure she wanted the answer.
"It becomes a full changeling. It can turn into anything it desires, and can fool anyone around it." He looked at Angie. "You've got to find this thing and kill it as soon as you can."
"But how do I kill it?" Angie asked.
"I'm not sure yet. But a little bit more research and I'll find out. In the mean time, you do whatever you can to find out where it's hiding."
"Okay, I'll do what I can," Angie said, then added, "We'll do what we can."
Meg smiled at the comment. "Thanks."
"Hey, I've got to use my Slayerette sometimes," Angie said. The two girls laughed and headed out of the house.
"Do you think this thing will attack us?" Meg asked as the two girls strode through the sunlit park.
"I'm not sure, but probably. This thing isn't restricted to the nighttime, so it could be anywhere," Angie said looking around her. "It's kind of creepy. I mean, this thing could be anything. It could be that tree right over there." She pointed.
"Well, let's hope that it's not," Meg said quietly. Just then the two were attacked.
"Or it could be this tiger," Angie said whirling around and facing the beast behind her. The tiger growled at the girl and leaped. People all around screamed and ran out of the park. "You were just waiting to attack weren't you?" Angie asked as she dodged the animal.
It attacked once again, but when Angie dodged this attack as well he realized that this form wasn't much good. And the two girls gasped as the changeling turned into a Dragon.
"I'm guessing this is the work of the Supernatural castle?" Angie said, jumping to the side as it swiped at her. "So how do I get rid of this thing?" she asked.
"I don't know," Meg said.
"Go back to the house and get me a sword. And hurry!" Angie yelled frantically as she attempted to kick the creature but failed as it hit her instead and sent her flying into the nearest tree. She hit it with a thud, but quickly rebounded. The dragon looked at her, and fire seemed to fill its eyes, then it opened its mouth and fire leaped at her. She flipped out of the way and stared at the thing in amazement. "I thought that was just a myth."
The dragon now laughed, and a booming loud voice said, "Nothing is a myth with me; I can do anything I want to. I'll get that crystal from you."
"Well, at least I know you can talk," Angie said.
"Angie!" Meg's voice rang in her ear and she turned. "Here." Meg threw the Slayer a sword.
Again the dragon laughed. "You think you can defeat me with that?"
"I can try." Angie told the dragon as she attacked its leg.
The dragon laughed again. "You stupid mortal." He kicked her away.
"Angie," Meg ran to the Slayer and whispered. "His stomach, that's his weak spot."
"Thanks," Angie said getting off the ground. She ran at the thing and missed the two attacks the dragon delivered. "TAKE THIS," she yelled as she thrust the sword into the dragon's stomach.
He screamed in pain. And when Angie pulled out the weapon, he turned into a kitten and ran off. "This isn't over."
Angie held the sword at her side and sighed. "Well at least that's over."
Meg looked at her friend. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." She pushed her hair behind her ear. "Let's just go home."
The two girls turned and walked out of the now empty park.
"My word, what happened?" Thomas noticed the Slayers tattered clothes and ruined hair.
"A run in with the baddie," Angie explained.
"The changeling attacked in form of a Tiger, and then changed into a Dragon," Meg explained. "It got the best of her, but then she got the best of him."
"But he got away," Angie said. "And the only reason that I was able to get him was because Meg told me his weakness."
Thomas looked at Meg surprised.
"Dragons are always in the fantasy books, and their weakness is their stomach, the only place not covered with scales. I read a lot," Meg explained, looking kind of ashamed.
"Well, thank goodness you do," Angie said.
Thomas looked at the two girls. "Well I've found how you can kill it," he referenced a book. "It says here that in order to kill a changeling, you have to kill it fully in the state that it's in before it changes."
"So if it changes into a Werewolf I have to kill it with a sliver bullet before it changes?" Angie asked.
"Yes, it appears that way," Thomas said.
"Well, let's just hope that it'll turn into something I'm capable of killing," Angie said wiping some dirt of her shirt.
"Yes, let's hope," Thomas agreed.
"Well, I just hope that it doesn't get me before I get it," Angie said,
"Don't say that Angie. Of course you'll get it first," Meg scolded. "You're the Slayer."
"That doesn't mean anything," Angie said.
"Let's not think about that though, please," Meg begged.
"Okay." Angie smiled at her friend.
"Until then, don't let your guard down," Thomas warned. "That thing could be anything."
"Right." Angie nodded. "Now can I get back to my Saturday?" She looked at her watch. "Or what's left of it."
"Yes, go have some fun." Thomas smiled at his Slayer.
"Later Watcher Man," Angie said as she walked out of the house.
For the remainder of the day the two girls cruised the mall, without interruptions this time. Walking into a weapons shop Angie looked around in awe.
"Wow! They have everything in here," she said.
"No kidding," Meg said amazed.
Angie walked over to a sword and ran her hand over the hilt. "Look at that carving."
"It's beautiful isn't it?" The manager asked as he walked out of his back room.
"It's extraordinary," Angie agreed, not taking her eyes off it.
"Would you like to test it out?" The man asked.
"Would I ever?!" Angie's voice was full of excitement.
"Take it off the shelf and bring it back here. I have an extra place where you can swing it around," he said.
Angie took the sword of the shelf and admired the blade, as well as the intricately carved handle. She walked into the mostly empty back room, Meg close behind, and began to swing the sword strategically, left, right, up, down, and in circles.
"You've handled swords before haven't you?" The manager asked with a little bit of surprise in his voice.
"You have no idea," Angie said looking at the young man.
"There's a tournament on Thursday for swordsmen, if you win you get that sword that you hold in your hand, or any other sword you desire," he told her.
"Really?" Angie looked at the weapon. "When is it?"
"It's at 4:00 p.m. in the park."
"Where do I sign up?"
The man picked up a clipboard and handed it to her. "Just put your name and age down here." Angie did as she was told. "Hope to see you there Angie."
"Are you fighting?" Angie asked.
"Yup, I enjoy the thrill," he said.
"Alright, I'll meet you in the rink." She looked at her watch, 6:00, the sun was down. "Well I've got to go."
"See you Thursday."
Angie and Meg walked out of the little shop and soon the mall.
"Are you sure you should enter that tournament?" Meg asked as the two girls walked out of the mall into the now dark street.
"I don't see why I shouldn't," Angie stated.
"It just seems fishy, I don't like it. Besides, it's just a sword," Meg expressed her concern.
"It's not just a sword, there's something about it. Something different," Angie said.
"That's what I don't like about it."
"Don't worry I'm not going to give away my identity."
"That's not what I'm worried about."
"Well then what are you worried about. Don't forget I'm the Slayer, I can take care of myself."
Meg sighed. "Never mind."
"Okay." Angie looked at her friend. "Don't worry, I know there's something different about that sword, and that's why I want it so bad. I need to find out what gives it the feel that it has."
"Is that the only reason you want it?" Meg sounded skeptical.
"Well I want to fight with it too, but other than that, yeah," Angie answered.
"Okay."
At that moment a scream rang through the night.
Angie looked at Meg and said. "Time to boogie." And she took off. When she arrived at the "crime" scene she saw, as expected a vampire feasting. "Hey fang face," Angie yelled.
The vampire pulled out of the girl's neck and looked up.
"Dinner time is over," the Slayer yelled, while running toward the bloodsucker.
"Angie?!" The vampire's voice rang out as the girl in his arms fell to the ground.
The Slayer stopped in mid-step. "Zach?"
Meg now appeared at the scene.
"What are you doing?" Angie asked walking closer to the one she loved.
"Ah, Angie you weren't supposed to see this," Zach said innocently.
"So this is what you've been doing?" Angie looked disgusted. "This is what's more important than me?"
"Nothing is more important than you," Zach said stepping back even more into the darkness. He still wore his vamp face, and blood stained his teeth. "Please go."
"No," Angie protested. "I thought you'd stopped this."
"I never said that I did."
"But I..."
"Angie look, I'm a vampire, this is what I do."
"Not if I kill you."
"Do you really want to do that?"
"No, but I have certain obligations."
"Angie please don't," Zach begged.
Angie pulled at a stake. "What else am I supposed to do? You're killing innocent people, and I can't let you do that." She stepped toward him. "You've betrayed me once again."
"Angie, I didn't betray you."
"How can you say that? You always gave me the impression that you weren't killing anymore. But why? Why did you wait until we made love?"
Meg's eyes widened. Angie had told her that they had gotten back together, but she'd never mentioned sex.
"You came to me," Zach shot back.
"You told me you loved me."
"I do."
"How can you say that?"
"Angie, you have to understand that this is how I live."
"And you have to realize that my job is to kill people like you."
"Angie," Meg's voice called, "just let him go. We all know that you're not going to kill him."
The Slayer knew that her friend was right, she looked at Zach. "Just get out of here. And don't let me catch you again or I swear I will kill you."
Zach finally changed his countenance, and ran away.
Angie turned and looked at the girl on the ground as her friend walked up to her.
"Sex, you had sex with him?" Meg asked clearly appalled.
"Meg." The Slayer faced her. "Just shut up."
Meg could tell that Angie was hurting. "You could've told me you know. After all I was the one who encouraged you to get back together with him."
Angie put the stake in her pocket, and picked up the victims limp body. "Let's get her to the hospital."
"Okay."
Five days now passed, there was no sight of the changeling, and the tournament was on. Two men stood facing each other in the designated fighting area and soon began fighting.
"They're good," Meg whispered into Angie's ear.
"Tell me about it," Angie said amazed. "I didn't think they would be this good."
"It's just more of a challenge," Thomas said behind them. "But I have confidence in you."
"I just hope I can keep that confidence level of yours up," Angie said. She watched as the taller man knocked the other man to the floor and pointed his sword at the man's throat.
"And Gillan is the winner," the store managers voice rang out. "Next fight is between Angie Savora, and Jonathan Frank."
"Here goes nothing," Angie said as she walked into the fighting area.
"You know the rules," the manager said as Mr. Frank walked out to join Angie.
The two faced each other and bowed respectfully. "Good luck," the man said going into his starting stance. "You'll need it."
"We'll see about that," Angie said also getting into a starting stance.
"Fight!" the loud voice boomed.
The two stared at each other for a moment. His weight is centered on his right foot. So If I go left, Angie considered her actions, then the man plunged toward her. She quickly dodged him and spun around. Their swords met with a clang, and the two began fighting. Swords flew every where as they did, hitting twice every second it seemed. I can only hit him physically three times, the Slayer reminder herself. But during her thought, the man lunged at her and made her loose her sword.
Meg and Thomas gasped. "C'mon Angie," Meg encouraged.
Angie looked at the sword on the ground, then the one in her opponent's hand. "Here goes nothing," she said as she flipped through the air and landed in front of her sword. Quickly picking it up she blocked another attack. Here's one, she thought as she kicked the man in the stomach, sending him to the ground. Then stomping on his sword, she aimed the tip of her sword to the man's throat. But he smiled and swept her off her feet. She hit the ground and quickly jumped back up. "That was unexpected," she said.
"You're quite a bit stronger than you look," Jonathan said.
"That wasn't even my hardest," she bragged.
"Then try harder, I want a real fight," he said.
"You asked for it," Angie said with a smile.
Now, as the two fought, their speed was so high that their moves were almost incomprehensible to the audience. And the next thing anyone knew Jonathan was on the ground once again, with sword to throat. He was breathing hard, but Angie just stood there, acting as though she'd just began.
"You're very good," he said.
"What, no come back this time?" Angie asked disappointed.
"You're expecting it, you're a smart girl and I know better that to try that trick again." He took a deep breath. "You win."
"And Angie wins her first match," the managers voice boomed.
Jonathan rose to his feet. "Great match," he said shaking her hand.
"Same to you," Angie said graciously.
The next three matches Angie had weren't nearly as difficult, usually ending within a couple of seconds. And soon she was in the final match.
"And now the final match that you've all been waiting for," the manager called. "The miraculous Angie versus myself, Ralph." He put the mic. down and walked into the ring.
The two bowed.
"I'm begging to think that not even I can't beat you now," Ralph said.
"There's only one way to find out," Angie said.
"Alright, let's go," Ralph said. "Fight!" He lunged at the well-prepared girl who dodged and hit the man's back sending him to the ground.
I've got to end this fight soon, it's starting to get dark, she thought as the man got to his feet.
"That'll leave a mark," he said.
"I hope it's not too big," Angie said with a grin.
The man lunged toward her once again with his sword, and when the two met, sparks flew through the air. The audience awed, as it did. The two fought for minutes on end, and neither seemed to tire.
"You're good," Angie admitted.
"You are too," Ralph commented.
They stopped and analyzed each other once again. I've got to end this fight. It's going to be fully dark in a matter of seconds. She attacked the man with a swinging assault. But he countered everything.
"You loose now!" Ralph shouted as he threw the Slayer to the ground and pointed his sword at her neck. "Give up," he demanded.
"Not in this lifetime pal." Angie kicked the man's hand sending the weapon flying through the air. She then flipped after it and caught it before it hit the ground.
"Great trick," Ralph said walking toward her.
"That's only a little of what I can do." She jumped and landed behind the man, crossing the two blades in front of his neck she said. "I think I win this time."
But Ralph smiled. "Don't get too confident, I still have my three hits left." He elbowed her in the stomach, and Angie still didn't move.
"Was that supposed to hurt?" Angie cooed.
"You are not normal," Ralph said, a little fright in his voice.
"I am, you just underestimated me. Go on, do it again," Angie beckoned.
Ralph thought for a moment then he finally said. "I can't get out of this, you win."
The crowd cheered as Angie let the man go. "Good fight."
"Same to you," he said. "You'll have to come back next year."
"Maybe I will," Angie smiled.
"Would you like to claim your prize?" Ralph asked as he walked over to the rack, but when he got there he saw that it was no longer there. "It's gone!"
"What?" Angie asked
"They're all gone," he said once again.
Angie looked around her, and seeing shadows lurking she knew exactly what had happened. "Vampires," she said under her breath.
Meg and Thomas joined her.
"There are vamps here," Angie told them.
"Just as we thought," Thomas said.
"How many?" Meg asked.
"I've seen about ten shadows so far, but that doesn't mean there aren't more." The Slayer looked about her at the huge crowd. "They're here for dinner."
Suddenly the crowd scattered and screamed. But they were all trapped. There weren't only ten bloodsuckers; there were thirty of them.
"Yo, Slayer," a young vampire called out. "I think you're surrounded."
"And I think your dust," Angie retorted.
Thomas looked at her his face clearly stating the obvious, you don't have a stake. Angie knew this, but while looking around she realized that her hand still held a sword. She looked at Thomas and smiled, lifting the sword. Thomas smiled, too, realizing that she had all the needed right there.
The vampire looked at her. "I think you're out numbered Slayer." He looked around at his colleagues. "It's thirty against one."
"Not quite," Angie said motioning to her friends. "There are three of us."
The vampire smiled. "Well, this makes things more interesting." He once again looked at the other vamps around him. "Kill the Slayer and her friends, then we can eat." And at that the vamps all attacked at once. Leaving only a few to make sure the people didn't escape.
As Meg, Thomas, and Angie fought the audience watched in awe. Time and time again, Angie slit off the heads and stabbed the vampires, emitting them to dust. The girl seemed flawless, only being hit a couple times, but all in all, she had the upper hand. Meg, and Thomas however were a different story. They had managed to get a couple swords, but neither of them was as skilled with the sword as Angie was, and soon, the two were weapon-less, and in the clutches of two very hungry vampires.
As Angie continued dusting vamp after vamp she noticed that she was fighting alone, and looking around saw her Watcher and friend struggling futility in the vampires' arms. Running to a nearby tree she broke two branches, making sure their ends were sharp, ran behind the vampires and threw both "stakes", embedding one into each vampire's back, while at the same time fighting another five.
Meg, and Thomas sighed as their captors turned to dust, and turning toward the Slayer saw that she had already dusted the five vamps.
The remaining vampires ran off, too afraid to face her. Angie started after them, but stopped after hearing the loud cheer that came from the group off people she'd forgotten about.
Meg and Thomas walked up to the Slayer.
"Not bad for someone who's been fighting for the last hour straight," Meg said.
"We were fighting for an hour?" Angie asked. She knew that she and Ralph had fought for a long time, but an hour? Wow, that had to be a record. "He was just a warm up."
"And yet it only took you fifteen minutes to dust twenty vampires," Meg said in awe. "Wow, you're cool."
"That's my job," Angie said with a grin. "Besides there are no rules when you fight vamps, there are in tournaments."
"Good point," Meg realized.
"You truly are miraculous," Ralph said walking up to the Slayer.
"Nah," Angie said casually.
"Well, we've got all the swords, so what do you say we get to the award?" He asked.
Angie smiled at the thought. "Sure."
The two walked over to the now full rack of swords. Ralph picked up the microphone again and spoke softly. "Now, with no further interruptions, I would like to allow Angie Savora to pick a sword, as a prize for winning this tournament."
Angie thanked the man, and picked up the sword she had entered the tournament for, and she raised it above her head. The crowd cheered once again, and as they hushed a voice rang out loud. "Give her another one."
"Yeah," another voice called, "Give her another one, she saved our lives."
Ralph looked at the girl and said, "Okay, Angie pick another one."
Angie looked at Ralph, then at the audience, then at Thomas, "Hey Thomas c'mere." The Watcher did as he was told and walked up to join his Slayer. "Pick one," Angie said.
"You want me to pick one?" The Watcher asked as if astonished.
"Yeah, pick one that you like," Angie said.
"Okay." He looked at each sword, and occasionally he picked one up. But soon he picked out a long sword, with a dragon shaped hilt.
"Thank you," Angie told the store manager.
"Thank you for saving our lives," he said to her with a big smile. "I'll see you around?"
"Yeah, maybe," Angie said as the two walked off.
"Alright folks that's all for this tournament. Thanks to all who participated. And we hope to see you all next year."
"That was great form you used tonight," Thomas said as the two walked away from Meg's house.
"Thanks. I have to thank some of it to my Slayer abilities though," Angie admitted.
"Some of those moves I didn't know, did Zacharius teach them to you?" He asked.
"Actually, yes he did. He taught me a lot of stuff that wasn't necessary. We had a little too much free time," she answered.
"Well, I think you've done your Slayer duties for tonight. What do you say we order pizza, and watch TV for the rest of the night?"
"Sounds great to me."
The next night was even more action packed. Angie patrolled alone tonight, wanting some free time to kick evil booty.
"Angie," a familiar voice called.
The Slayer continued walking, even though she knew right away who was calling her.
"Angie please stop and talk to me," the voice said again.
"I have nothing to say to you," Angie said as the figure came up next to her and matched her stride.
"Please talk to me," Zach said.
"I don't want to talk," Angie said again.
"You've got to forgive me," the vampire begged.
Angie stopped abruptly and turned to face the boy. "I don't have to do anything."
"Angie please, I'm sorry. I swear I'll stop."
"Stop what, killing people? But I thought the other night you said, 'I'm a vampire this is what I do'. What happened to that?"
"I talked to Spike last night, and he told me that if I wanted to, that he could take me to a place where I can get my soul back."
Angie's gaze softened. "Your soul?"
"Yes. Angie I want to be with you. And I love you so much, that's what I'm willing to do for you. I never wanted to betray you the way that I did. And I know now that I was stupid for doing it. But I'm asking now if you'll forgive me."
Angie smiled at her lover. "Of course I will."
"Thanks." He leaned down and kissed her. Her warm lips felt even more wonderful now. "I love you."
"I love you too." She looked into his eyes. "I'm glad we made up."
"Me too," Zach said, leaning down and kissing her again. This kiss lasted a lot longer than the previous one. And neither one wanted to part, but they were forced to when something attacked Angie from the side and ripped her away from the kiss.
Looking up at her attacker she saw a white tiger. "Oh so you're back are you?" She asked kicking the thing off her.
"I'll get that crystal this time," the tiger growled. "And I'll kill you in the process."
Angie sighed. "Why are they all so content on killing me?"
The tiger changed form again, this time forming a small fairy. "You'll not be able to get me now," it said in a small squeaky voice.
"I can," Zach said coming up behind it and wrapping his hand around the things waist.
"Hey that's not fair," the fairy cried.
"How do I kill this thing?" Zach asked the Slayer.
"However you kill a real fairy," Angie answered. But before Zach could do anything the fairy changed once again, but this time into a huge phoenix, forcing Zach to let it go.
"You'll never kill me," it said. "I can change in an instant."
"We'll just see about that," Angie said flinging her backpack off her shoulder and opening it. She pulled out a loaded crossbow and aimed at the bird. "I don't know how to kill a Phoenix, but I can wound you," she said shooting at the bird, and barley hitting its wing. It cried out in pain and landed on the ground, turning onto a dragon once again. The Slayer put the crossbow down and pulled out the sword she had won in the tournament.
The changeling looked at the sword with fear. "The sword of Veras," the creature said.
"The sword of what?" Angie asked looking at the sword in her hand.
"The sword of Veras," Zach answered. "It's a powerful sword that is meant to dispose of the many forms of changelings. One hit with it and the changeling can no longer take that form."
Angie smiled. "Oh goody." She raced at the dragon and swung at it. But it flew into the air. "I can do that," she said aiming the sword at the things stomach and throwing it. The changeling panicked and tried to fly higher, but it failed, and the sword dug into its stomach. It changed again and again, each time having to change again because the sword was still embedded into its body. But finally it managed to pull the sword out.
Angie caught the sword in mid-air and stared at the changeling who was now in the form of a werewolf. She didn't have any silver bullets, but the knowledge that the sword could demolish that form gave her confidence. But as she went after it, it ran.
"Where do you think you're going?" Zach asked blocking the things escape.
"Move you fool," the wolf cried.
"I think not," Zach said kicking the thing to where Angie stood. And she stabbed the thing once again. It took the changeling a minute to recoil but as Angie pulled out the sword she saw the changeling turn into a dragonfly and begin to fly off.
But realizing that he wasn't fast enough, he changed once again, this time into a ball of fire.
Angie dodged it again and again, not really sure how to attack the thing. But as she was beginning to think she couldn't win, the sound of thunder filled the air. "Water beats fire," she said as small drops of rain began to splatter against the ground.
"Blast it all," the fireball said. Then it changed again, this time into a vampire.
"This I can do," Angie said reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling one of her two stakes.
But the changeling was fast and he lunged forward, knocking the thing out of her hand. It laughed, "I'm not like your every day vampire," it said.
"That's for sure," Zach said coming behind it and kicking it. "You're much too stupid, and weak."
The changeling quickly got to his feet. "I will kill you first," it said lunging toward Zach.
Angie stood by as her boyfriend and the changeling fought, then seeing that the changeling was getting the upper hand she cut in.
They all fought for what seemed like hours, but was probably only ten minutes.
Angie hit the tree with a thud, and she cringed with pain. The thing wasn't kidding when it said it was not a normal vamp. The thing was not only super strong, but his fingernails were like knives, and he was fast, faster than normal. The Slayer looked at the slashes in her side, then back up at the changeling who now threw Zach against a tree. She quickly stood, and threw her remaining stake at the creature. One thing she had noticed was that he couldn't sense things as well as normal vamps could. If she got lucky she would hit her mark.
Bull's eye. The stake hit the changeling straight in the back, shattering bones and finally piercing its heart. The changeling stared at the thing, then at the Slayer.
"Good show," he said. "But you and your boyfriend are coming with me." At this he threw a knife at Angie and a stake at the half-conscious Zach. Angie cried out in pain as the knife hit her in the side. And as the changeling vanished, the Slayer saw Zach sitting against a tree, stake sticking out of his chest.
"Zach!" Angie yelled pulling the knife out of her side and running toward him.
"It's not hit my heart yet, but it's about to," he said, trying not to move.
"I'll pull it out," Angie said reaching for it.
"No don't" Zach warned her. "If you move it, even a little, it'll pierce my heart."
The rain was now pouring. "The force of the rain is pushing it in isn't it?" Angie asked.
Zach just nodded.
"Oh God," Angie said. "It's not supposed to end like this," she cried.
"Angie, don't cry," Zach said. "You'll be fine."
"How can you say that?" She asked as her tears joined the raindrops that slid down her face.
"Just don't say anything and kiss me," he said.
Angie looked into his eyes. "I love you."
"I love you too, and I always will," Zach said.
The Slayer leaned over and kissed her love passionately for the very last time. While they kissed a large raindrop fell from the tree and landed on the head of the stake, pushing it the rest of the way in. Zach cried out a little. "Angie, I lo..."
Dust.
"No!" Angie screamed, "Zach no." She leaned onto the tree and began crying harder. "It wasn't supposed to end like this," she said again. "I just wasn't supposed to end this way." She cried out in pain as well as grief as a large drops found their way to her open wounds. Then standing, she walked over to where the Changing had turned to dust, and there on the ground lay the six castles of power.
She leaned down, picked them up, and began to walk home, but she fainted.
All right that's the end of this part. Please continue reading. And as always, review please.
