Pt. 2
Harmony kneaded the shoulders of her mate. As the time drew nearer for the ritual, the more tense he became. He had finally started to relax somewhat when Marsoff poked his head in. "It's time," was all he said before withdrawing down the hallway, but the effect was instantaneous.
"Drat," complained Harmony. "You were just starting to relax."
The vampire leader reluctantly got to his feet.
"If it bothers you this much," asked Harmony, "why do it? I mean it's not like he can get a sacrifice together himself. You could just say no to the whole thing."
The leader smiled slightly, stroking her face softly. "Time to go." He pulled her along with him.
"But-"
"Sshh. We shouldn't discuss it out loud...not here." He saw the question in her gaze and pulled her into a hug. Softly he whispered, "It's going to be OK. Things will all work out in our favor."
~ooAIoo~
"This is the place?" Spike asked dubiously. They were hidden just outside a forlorn warehouse. "Seems awfully quiet for an 'end of the world' ritual."
"Let's check it out." Just as Angel moved forward, there was a large burst of mystical energy and loud screaming followed. "Damnit!" Angel swore.
"Well, that's more like it. What?" asked Spike as his companions glared at him. "We know it's the right place now, don't we?"
"That's true," agreed Lorne. The glares turned towards him. "Sorry," he meekly apologized.
"Let's go," growled Angel.
"Be careful," cautioned Giles. According to the plan, Giles and Lorne were to wait outside until needed. The locator spell had taken a good deal of energy from the Watcher and fighting just wasn't Lorne's thing -especially since the incident. They watched as the two vampires and the slayer headed into the fray. All hoping they could stop this before it was too late. The burst of mystical energy and the screams were foreboding. The ritual had obviously already begun. They had to try to stop it from being completed.
The group worked their way thru the warehouse guided by the screams that were slowly dying away. They could hear chanting now and followed it. Just as they rounded a column of boxes, there was a flash of light and another burst of energy. The burst was strong enough to knock all three to the ground. Quickly they scrambled to their feet and peered into the opening. Energy was swirling around a raised altar. There was another burst of light and energy and as they opened their eyes, they could see a form laying on the altar. A human, as the ritual required. Standing beside the altar was another human, his hands raised over the altar as he continued chanting. To the left were a small group of vampires, game faces on. Their eyes searching the warehouse's dark recesses as they could sense intruders. Out of the crowd stepped the lead vampire and his apparent mate.
"Harmony?" whispered Angel. "What is she doing here?"
Spike shrugged. "She's a survivor."
Angel followed the vampires' movements as they stepped closer to the human performing the ritual. There was a slight motion from the altar. The human tried to move his arm but found it restrained. Slowly consciousness was returning. Again the form tried to move. As realization dawned, the struggles became more intense. As the human chained to the altar continued to struggle against the bindings, his head turned toward the group in hiding.
"Son of a..." cursed Spike. "That's..."
"Lindsey," finished Angel.
"Lawyer boy?" questioned Faith.
"Yeah." Angel had thought the former lawyer from Wolfram&Hart was a memory of the past. A memory he had never wanted to revisit.
"What's he doing now?" asked Spike. The human performing the ritual had turned away from the altar and disappeared from view. A moment later he reappeared holding a red hot poker.
"The brand." Angel rushed from hiding, barrelling straight for the altar, intent on preventing the branding. Everyone froze in place at the sudden action, including Angel's friends. In a blink, they were all in motion. Angel headed for the altar but was intercepted by the lead vampire.
"I don't think so," the vampire growled at Angel.
Up close Angel felt he should recognize his opponent but forced that thought away as he prepared to fight his way to the altar. As they fought, the vampire leader continued to block Angel's passage to the altar.
~ooAIoo~
The sudden appearance of Angel had startled Marsoff, causing him to backstep, tripping over his own feet. The brand fell from his hand as he tried to break his fall. He quickly regained his feet, picked up the brand and headed for the altar. He needed to get the branding done and then flee to safety. He didn't need to stay in contact with his future vessel once it had been branded. There would be nothing Angel could do. If Angel killed Lindsey right away, then Marsoff would lose the chance to absorb the former lawyer's knowledge but he would still take up residence. While the loss of knowledge would be a shame, it was still an acceptable loss. If Angel allowed Lindsey to live, then Marsoff could take his time and absorb the man's knowledge. It was a win-win situation. Marsoff smiled at the thought.
As Marsoff approached the altar, Lindsey struggled harder against the restraints. Lindsey obviously knew what was about to happen wasn't in his best interest but Marsoff was sure the former lawyer had no idea how bad it was going to get. There was no recognition in Lindsey's eyes as Marsoff got closer. Only panic, fear...and defiance. Marsoff smirked. Ever the defiant one. That was another reason he picked Lindsey as his vessel.
Just as Marsoff was closing in on Lindsey, he was tackled to the ground by a young woman. Again the brand fell from his grasp and rolled away. The woman was quite strong and she picked him up and threw him against the wall several feet away. He was stunned and slumped to the ground. She made a grab for the brand but two vampires were on her and the fight began. It was apparent that this was the slayer that the groveling vampire had referred to. She was holding her own against them. Marsoff observed the scene, still slightly stunned. He watched as Angel fought the lead vampire. The vampire's mate seemed hesitant to assist and stayed just out of reach of the melee. The bleached blonde vampire was tackling three of the younger vampires. They had been taught well enough that they were just enough bother to keep Spike occupied.
Marsoff shook the cobwebs from his brain. He had to get the vessel branded. Crawling on his hands and knees, he scrambled to retrieve the brand. The magic fire that fueled the brand wouldn't last much longer. He needed to get the job done. He took another quick glance at the struggles going on around him. The coast appeared to be clear for him. He picked up the brand and made a dash for the altar.
"Angel!" shouted Faith frantically, unable to get away from the two vampires she was fighting
Angel made an attempt to get past the lead vampire but at that moment his opponent's face changed to human and Angel did recognize who he had been fighting.
"Gunn?" Angel stood motionless, shocked at seeing his friend.
Gunn smiled wickedly as he heard the scream coming from the altar. "Long time, no see, Angel." Gunn threw one quick punch that sent Angel reeling backwards then immediately turned and ran, calling for his family to follow him. In a flash, they were all gone. Angel, Spike and Faith looked towards the altar. They had failed to prevent the branding.
~ooAIoo~
Lorne and Giles watched from their hiding spot as first one man came out, followed quickly by a small group of vampires. The lead vampire noticed them and smirked, "Be seeing you, Lorne. Sorry I can't stay and chat. We'll catch up later." They were soon lost in the darkness.
Lorne didn't recognize the vampire that had addressed him but obviously they had met before. "That's not good," stated Lorne, as he tried to place the vampire. He had met a lot of demons of various origins thru his bar and thru his former employment at Wolfram&Hart. The vampire looked familiar but-
"No, Lorne," replied Giles, "I think not. Come on, let's check it out."
They could hear raised voices but couldn't really make out what was being said. As they rounded the same corner as the others had earlier, their fears were confirmed. There was a human sitting on the ground next to the altar and they could see the glow from the brand still emanating off his chest. One arm appeared to still be shackled to the altar. Lorne and Giles were unable to see the face of the branded person as Angel and Spike struggled to control the man while Faith worked on the manacle.
"Hold him," Faith ordered as once again the manacled wrist was pulled from her grasp as she tried to unlock it.
"What do you think we're trying to do, pet?" Spike was annoyed as he tried to maintain a grip on the struggling man. For a small guy he sure was a scrapper.
Giles and Lorne walked cautiously forward. "It appears the party's over," commented Lorne. Instantly the struggling stopped. Everyone looked to Lorne. "Uh...we saw the guests exiting from stage left -" Lorne froze mid-sentence. "Lindsey?"
It was as if a switch had been thrown. Lindsey struggled even more fiercely against the arms trying to hold him down. Lorne took a step back as Lindsey's glare seemed to slam into him.
"Lorne?" questioned a concerned Giles.
Lorne looked as though he had been struck. "It can't be..."
"You know him?"
"We all know him, Giles," growled Angel as the struggling continued. Angel was on the verge of trying to choke Lindsey out when Lorne spoke.
"Let go of him."
"You can't be serious, mate."
"Just do it," ordered Lorne, his tone brooking no argument. It was so very un-Lorne-like that everyone paused.
Angel moved cautiously away and motioned for Faith and Spike to do the same. Lindsey eyed them all as he pulled futilely against the manacle that held his wrist. His breathing was labored and there was a wildness in his eyes.
Lorne moved slowly forward but stopped immediately when Lindsey tried to scramble further back. The altar was directly behind him so there was nowhere for him to go.
Lindsey tried to keep everyone in his sight but they were all spread out. He didn't know what was happening but he needed to get away. That much he was sure of. These people were his enemy. The last time he had trusted them, he had ended up with two bullets in his chest. Killing shots. He knew that. He had been in Hell afterall. Not something he was soon to forget. What this was, he wasn't sure. Perhaps a slight reprieve before Hell started in on him again. This wasn't real. He was dead and in Hell. As that thought entered his mind, his struggles ceased. Slowly a laugh bubbled up inside. They were all staring at him now but he knew they weren't real. This was another form of torture. Hell was creative, he'd give props for that. Blackness was engulfing him and he felt himself sliding slowly sideways, unconsciousness finally overtaking him.
"What the hell was he laughing at?" Spike gently touched the side of his mouth where Lindsey had gotten in a pretty good shot.
"I'm not sure he's completely lucid." Giles approached Lindsey's unconscious form. He pulled a syringe from his pocket and proceeded to inject Lindsey.
"What's that?" Angel wasn't aware of this part of the plan.
"It's a sedative. I got it from the infirmary. I thought it might be needed. Returnees from hell generally are quite...confused."
"Score one for Giles," commented Faith as she approached Angel. "Second date?"
Angel shrugged. "Told you it would be great."
"I think I'll pass on a third date."
Angel nodded. He watched as Giles finished administering the shot. It was done quickly and efficiently. Obviously Giles had some experience with syringes.
"Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I think we should probably get a move on. Might be back up on the way."
"Spike's right," Angel agreed, "Let's get that manacle off."
Faith went back to work on it and without Lindsey struggling, she was able to pick the lock with ease.
As the slayer was working on the lock, Angel noticed that Lorne had yet to move since ordering everyone away from Lindsey. Angel walked over to the green demon who didn't seem to notice his presence. He just continued to stare down at Lindsey.
"You alright?" Angel's voice was full of concern. It was quite obvious that Lorne was far from alright.
Lorne met Angel's stare. He shook his head and knelt beside Lindsey. With a shaking hand, he checked for the pulse in Lindsey's neck. While somewhat sluggish from the sedative, the beat was strong. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
Giles, still kneeling beside an unconscous Lindsey, cast a worried glance at Lorne then got to his feet.
"We ready?" asked Angel.
Giles nodded.
Angel knelt down to pick up Lindsey. As he was getting ready to lift, Lorne grabbed his arm. "What now?" rasped out Lorne.
"I don't know." Angel cursed their luck. Why of all people did it have to be Lindsey. Or why couldn't they have stopped the raising altogether. It sure would have been a lot simpler. This was going to be nothing but trouble for all of them. "Let's move."
With that, they began the long, silent journey home.
~ooAIoo~
"I would have thought you would've finished them off," growled Marsoff, "not turn tail and run."
"Look who's talking," smirked Gunn. "You couldn't get out of there fast enough."
"The branding was finished and I'm hardly strong enough to stop a vampire or a slayer. Not yet anyway."
"What? Angel? Why he's almost human. Least that's what you said before. Besides, there's a lot of fun to be had. You should have seen Angel's face when he realized it was me."
"I may have underestimated Angel," Marsoff reluctantly admitted.
Gunn rolled his eyes. "Lot of folks do but I won't make that mistake. Besides, we're your private army. We couldn't leave you unprotected."
Marsoff could hear the sarcasm in Gunn's voice. It worried him. It might have been a good idea to skip the knowledge drain and just have killed the vessel immediately after the binding. Too late now. The vessel was undoubtably with Angel. Tomorrow Marsoff figured he would start absorbing the knowledge and even perhaps some of the vessel's memories. Tonight he needed to rest. He was physically and mentally drained from the day's activities.
~ooAIoo~
It was late when the group arrived back to what passed for their home. Everything was quiet. Angel, carrying an unconscious Lindsey, led the way to the 'sick bay' as Spike had named it. Angel wasn't sure if the sedative Giles had given was really strong or if the whole ordeal of being raised was keeping their new inhabitant unconscious. Either way, this was the easiest way of dealing with Lindsey McDonald. Of that, Angel was certain.
"Pull the covers down," he directed and Faith moved quickly to comply.
"He's really out," she noted. It had taken them some time to make their way back as they wanted to make sure they weren't followed.
"Probably for the best. He won't be too happy with our company when he does wake up."
"Do you blame him?"
Spike looked up at Lorne. "Easy there Green Jeans. Just making an observation."
"We murdered him...or actually I did. Didn't have a clue. Just like you predicted Angel."
"Lorne, calm down," soothed Angel. He hated his friend feeling all this guilt. "I'm responsible, not you."
"Really? Cause it sure felt like I pulled the trigger."
"What's going on, boys?" Faith had watched as the tension in the room escalated. There was a story here and it was time they all were in on it.
"I killed Lindsey."
"On my orders. It's on me, Lorne."
"He's human," quietly stated a slightly shocked Faith. "You don't kill humans."
Angel saw the disappointment on Faith's face but didn't know how to respond.
Lorne looked at his hands, "No, Angel, it's on me. No matter how many times I wash my hands-"
"Perhaps we should discuss this after we get the young man settled?" suggested Giles. He saw Faith's slight hero-worship of Angel diminish with the vampire's admission. Giles could also see shame in Angel's eyes but it was quickly covered.
Angel and Lorne both nodded. Angel began looking thru cabinets and drawers as the others watched curiously.
"What you looking for, mate?"
"Restraints. There should be something we can use."
"Is that really necessary?" asked Lorne.
Angel slammed the drawer shut, startling everyone. "What do you think he's going to do as soon as he wakes up?" Angel paused as if waiting for an answer. "He's not just going to lay there like a good little patient, is he."
"Someone could sit with him. Explain things."
Angel stared in disbelief at Lorne. He shook his head and went back to his search.
"Here." Faith threw a set of restraints to Angel and another set to Spike. Both vampires went about attaching them to the bed and its occupant.
"I think it's been a long day and we could all use some rest before we get too far into this."
"Giles is right." Angel motioned towards the door. "We'll discuss it tomorrow."
"I need to check the burn," Giles stated quietly to Angel.
"I got it."
"Are you sure?" questioned Giles. It was obvious there was a history between Angel and their new resident and it wasn't a cordial relationship.
Angel again motioned towards the door and Giles nodded as he left.
Spike paused at the door, "You coming?"
"In a minute. I'm going to check the burn from the brand."
Spike gave a slight nod and left. After cleaning and dressing the wound, Angel walked to the door, shutting it as he turned off the lights. He pulled a chair along side the bed and letting out a tired sigh, he settled in for the night. Why he was doing this, he wasn't sure. Maybe he was doing it for Lorne's benefit. The green demon had a tremendous amount of remorse for his part in Lindsey's death. At the time, Angel had felt no guilt. If he was honest with himself, he hadn't given the ex-lawyer a second thought. Not even when they had first found Lorne after The Fall. Angel had felt justified in the killing...but then he wasn't the one who had pulled the trigger.
Angel had changed since The Fall. He was tired of the killing and if he really thought about it now, he did feel guilt. Guilt for his actions right before The Fall. He hadn't been fair to anyone. He had done things he regretted but thought were necessary. Killing Lindsey seemed, at the moment, to be falling into that category. He again cursed the fates that had brought the young man back into their lives.
He and Lindsey had tried to kill each other numerous times but they had always been aware of the other's intent. Lindsey had let his guard down around Lorne, just as Angel knew he would, and Angel took advantage of it. What did that say of himself? Angel shook the thought away and started to pace the room.
He had never asked Lorne how it went down. Truth be told, he hadn't wanted to know. It was easier just remembering all the reasons he had given himself for taking out Lindsey. He spared a glance at the unconscious man. For all they'd been thru, Lindsey, asleep, appeared almost angelic -very young. Angel laughed at that. He doubted Lindsey had ever been angelic. He did not seem the choirboy type.
Angel paused in his ruminations when Lindsey shifted on the bed but the young man didn't wake. Sighing, Angel continued to pace for awhile longer before settling back in the chair. Sleep would be hard coming tonight.
~ooAIoo~
At some point, Angel had drifted off. At morning's light, Lorne entered the room quietly, the open door allowing light to filter in. He found Angel asleep with his legs up on the bed and his head looking awkwardly bent to his shoulder. Lorne decided not to turn on the light. He really had just come to check on Lindsey, not to get into another uncomfortable conversation with Angel. Leaving the door slightly ajar for light, Lorne quietly made his way to the opposite side of the bed to observe Lindsey. The man was pale but his breathing seemed calm and his features were relaxed.
"He hasn't woken up yet."
"For crying out loud." Lorne had jumped at the sound of Angel's voice. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" He glared at the vampire.
"Does your kind have heart attacks?"
"We just about found out," growled Lorne.
Angel smiled slightly, "Sorry."
Lorne shook it off. "Just a little jumpy, I guess."
"I'm sorry about before too."
Lorne wasn't sure he wanted to know which 'before' Angel was talking about. "Water under the bridge as they say." Lorne tried to deflect the course of the conversation.
"I shouldn't have asked you to do it."
Yep, this was definitely not a conversation Lorne wanted to have at the moment. "Angel-"
"No, let me finish."
Lorne reluctantly gestured for Angel to continue.
"You liked Lindsey -don't deny it, Lorne."
Lorne was just about to do that very thing. "Maybe I did, once upon a time...I'm not even sure anymore but I do know I didn't always like the things he did."
"I don't see how you can really separate the two."
"I did for you and a few dozen others I read. Why shouldn't I for Lindsey?"
Angel nodded. He supposed there were things he had done not just as Angelus but as Angel that were less than...good, for lack of a better word.
"I don't think you ever really knew Lindsey," continued Lorne. "Hell, I don't think Lindsey knew himself. It was a constant battle for him. Trying to find acceptance along with the power he craved. He wasn't very successful."
Angel watched as Lorne pulled a chair up and sat beside Lindsey, lightly pushing the hair from the young man's forehead. Lorne frowned slightly, noticing the warmth.
"I tried to give him guidance when he came and sang at the club but I obviously wasn't too successful either. There was so much just out of reach. Most customers I could read but there was just something hidden in Lindsey. I couldn't get a good handle on it and when I finally did -it was too late."
"What do you mean?"
"That night, Lindsey took care of his part of the job with very little help from me. Afterwards, he wondered how the rest of the 'team' had done. He seemed, I don't know, happy, I guess you could say. To be part of a team. But I wasn't really listening because I was too busy thinking of my part of the job. So I missed it."
"Missed what?" asked Angel quietly.
Lorne had almost forgotten he had an audience. "Missed what he wasn't saying. He offered to sing for me...to show his sincerity. I should have let him. I should have listened."
"Lorne-"
"Because if I had, I would have seen what I had missed earlier. Instead I shot him...I murdered him. He was completely surprised and then he was angry. He felt betrayed and insulted that you didn't think he was worth your time to kill. I watched and listened until his final breath then I dropped the gun and left. I had barely gotten out the door when all these thoughts and feelings slammed into me."
Angels brows furrowed in confusion.
"It happens sometimes when humans die. All their thoughts and feelings get released." Lorne fidgeted. "Lindsey was trying to change."
"Lindsey was always trying to change. And he always went back to evil," argued Angel.
"That's what I kept telling myself too."
"I made the right call."
"I know you believe that, Angel, but I'm not so sure."
"People don't change, Lorne. Lindsey had his chance...several of them actually and he always went back to the wrong side."
"And what about us? How can we justify our actions. I murdered Lindsey in cold blood. You killed Drogan-"
"Stop, Lorne. We did what we thought was right at the time. We can't go back and change it."
"What about now? What about this?" Lorne pointed towards Lindsey.
"What? We keep Lindsey alive until we can stop the transformation."
"And then what? Assuming we are successful, what happens to Lindsey?"
"I'd like to know the answer to that too," Lindsey's raspy voice, startling the two of them.
At that moment, Giles entered the room and switched on the lights. The three occupants squinted at the sudden brightness. "Sorry. I heard voices and wanted to check on our...patient."
Angel and Lorne moved away from the bed as Giles began a quick examination of the burn. It was still quite red and swollen. Giles moved to feel Lindsey's forehead but the young man pulled away from his touch. While Giles only made brief contact, he still felt the heat of the fever. Lindsey watched Giles warily. The older man seemed concerned but Lindsey wasn't about to trust an ally of Angel.
"Do you feel up to taking a shower?" asked Giles.
"Whoa, wait a minute there, Giles," interupted Angel. "He stays in restraints."
"We need to reduce his fever. Help me get him to the shower."
"No way in hell," Lindsey growled, "is that son of a bitch coming anywhere near me."
"You, shut up." Angel pointed at Lindsey. "Giles." Angel motioned for Giles to move away from Lindsey so they could have a private conversation.
Once they were far enough away, Giles commented, "I'm not a doctor, but he has a high fever and the clothes he are in are filthy. The shower would help with the fever and in cleaning him up. We don't want infection to set in."
"He can't be trusted."
"Surely two vampires and a slayer can handle one young man?" When no answer was forthcoming from Angel, Giles added, "I understand there is a history here but we have to do everything in our power to keep that young man alive for as long as possible. We need time to find and kill his attacker. If we don't, then Hell will not be just LA."
Angel relented, "Fine. You and Lorne get the others. I need a moment to talk with Lindsey."
"Alright." Giles walked back to the bedside, "Lorne, would you help me a moment?"
Lorne took one more look at Lindsey and then followed Giles from the room.
Angel closed the door after the others had left. Angel took a moment to compose himself then pulled a chair up to the bed and sat down. They sat in silence until finally Lindsey looked back at Angel. "What?" he demanded.
"We need to talk."
"About?"
"What's happening and why you're back."
"So start talking. It's not like I can go anywhere." Lindsey gave a slight tug on the restraints for effect.
Angel proceeded to tell Lindsey of their current predicament.
~ooAIoo~