A/N: Thanks everyone! Reviews do very much help in the writing process. Here, have a virtual cookie! It's not real, but...... Wow, that is a downer. Who offers virtual cookies anyways?.... Oh, me! Here, have a whole box full!
The Turn of the Tide
Chapter 7: No Rest for the Righteous
Draco almost growled with pleasure as he stretched, his long, black claws splayed out as a cat would do after a long nap. His massive jaws widened as he yawned, the power within them strong enough to crush a SUV. He blinked his orange eyes, another thin membrane covering them, allowing him to see everything scuttling around in the night. A family of rats squealed in terror as they braved the path through the junkyard, close enough for the dragon to lower his massive head and snap them up.
But tonight, he would let them live. His ravenous dragon hunger sated for the time being. He had snatched a lovely cougar who were one of many of wild pets that some of the rich, L.A. millionaires had kept illegally. Then he snacked on some rotting trash in the dumps, drank several gallons of chlorine water from some pools to top off his supper. Dragons after all had amazingly strong stomachs and could live off of metals and the uneatable at months at a time. Though he did need meat protein to keep up his strength.
Shaking his body, his ruby red scales sent sparkles in the near area of the junkyard. Giving a very dragonish smug smile, the large reptile contemplated on another flight around the Las Angeles bubble. Sure, he had plenty of room within the bubble to fly high above the creatures below, unseen. But after awhile, he got board of the same flight routine. He was beginning to feel claustrophobic.
Draco sighed, sending smoke and sparks from his nostrils. He had hoped that his new master would drop by earlier. Though he needed a rest from the fight with the demon snake, his nature yearned for some violence. And maybe, his master would let him have a little nibble from the strange, ungrateful humans they saved. Man flesh did have its own unique taste. Though he preferred a large cow any day over man flesh and demon meat.
A light breeze touched his armored plated scales. Draco looked eagerly around as he caught the scent of his master. Getting excited, the dragon began to prance back and forth like a eager dog who finally gets to see his master after being cooped up in the house all day. He growled joyfully when his eyes caught the silhouette of the champion. He bounded forward, the metal and trash in the dump falling and trembling around him from his powerful skips.
"Draco! Wait,wait wait!"
Draco roared, the very sound sending demon and mortal creature alike, into hiding. But it wasn't a hungry roar or vicious one at all, but one of excitement.
The Dragon pushed Angel to the ground gently in a dragon way, though in reality it felt like a truck running the poor champ over. Then, he went for the kill.... so to speak. He actually gave Angel a long, slobbery, stinky dragon lick.
"Draco!" Angel growled, but his irritation quickly turned to amusement. Reaching up, he patted the giant beast's snout.
"I suppose you missed me, huh?"
Draco snorted, sending a jet of steam toward the vampire. Lifting his large paw (or claw), Draco allowed the vampire some breathing room, his orange eyes watching as the vampire made a sound of disgust as he touched the drool covering his body.
"Look what you did! How am I going to go on patrol with all this foul drool on me? They'll smell me a mile away!"
The dragon was ignoring the vampires ravings till he hear the word patrol. Draco immediately stilled, crouching so Angel could have a easier way or hooking the homemade saddle. Angel noticed this, grimacing at what he must do.
"I was just coming by to see how you were doing. You... look good. Really. And to make sure you're in tip top shape, I'll leave you to rest."
Angel turned, and began to quickly walk away. But his attempts to flee was fruitless. The dragon leaped over Angel, landing in front of the reluctant vampire. His orange eyes now were bright and sharp. He bent his large head down till both eyes could scrutinize the vampire closely. He grunted, waiting for his master to saddle him.
"Draco, just... relax. I can handle tonight's patrol just fine. Besides, I think I'm getting a bad back from all that riding." Angel said in a pained voice. But the dragon was not fooled. And from the snarl, Angel figured that Draco wasn't going to let him go out alone tonight.
"I'm only thinking of you..... Alright, alright! You can go! But this time, no snapping at the helpless."
Draco sighed happily. He crouched as Angel went to grabbed the saddle from his car's trunk, then begin attaching the contraption to Draco. After finishing, he climbed up on top of the dragon's back, strapping himself in. Then grabbing one of the large spikes that stuck out in front of the saddle, Angel slapped the dragon's shoulder.
Draco grinned as ran forward, then leaped high in the air, his wings splayed out as he caught some wind. Both flew off in the night sky, alert as a bird of prey as they hunted evil.
A
Spike knocked on the door, feeling bored. His mind was on a nearby liquor store when Drake answered. Spike saluted.
"Hello, Governor! May I come in and see if the lovely lass is still in one piece?"
The druid smiled, seemingly oblivious to Spike's sarcastic nature. "Why yes, she is doing splendid. Please, do come in."
Spike sauntered in, his eyes swooping over the place. He had to admit, the place made his humble abode look like the Sultans palace. AT least he didn't smell Cordelia's blood in the air. That was a good sign that the druid hadn't decided to sacrifice her, as most druids have a bad tendency to do.
Cordelia was sitting on the couch casually. When spotting Spike, the brunette quickly stood up, running over. Spike grinned, thinking that the lovely woman was pleased to see him. But instead of a hug, he received a slap. Spike stumbled, back, covering his stinging cheek.
"You jerk!!"
"What the bloody hell is wrong with you?!"
A tanned finger poked Spike's hard chest roughly. Spike winced at the sharp jabs.
"You, mister, are very, (jab) very, (jab) late!"
Spike glared at the seething woman, slightly scared of this new side of the ex-cheerleader. "What, do I have to report to you too?!"
Cordelia humphed as she stomped back to the couch. Spike arched his scarred eyebrow, cautiously walking forward.
"For your information, you were supposed to be here by sundown. As you can see, that was over an hour ago. And don't tell me you got caught in traffic, cause the famous Las Angeles traffic these days are pretty much instinct!!"
Spike opened his mouth to put the seer in her place, but then caught the concerned look in her eyes. He smirked, bending down till he was eye level with the young Chase woman.
"You were worried for me, weren't you?"
"Pfft! That would be the day!"
Spike chuckled.
"Fine! I was!.... It's dangerous out ther Spike, even for vampires. Remember, I have two champions to take care of. Even if one of them is you!"
Spike sighed, losing the mirth. He sat beside Cordelia, feeling slightly awkward. After all, he did ty to kill her on numerous occasions back in Sunndale.
"Blame the giant ponce. He was the one who had to check out the next doomsday sight."
Cordelia's forehead wrinkled in puzzlement. "Huh?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just more end of days talk."
Drake brought a chair from the kitchen over to the sofa. His blue eyes looked sternly at the oblivious vampire. "Exactly what do you mean?"
A
"For the love of my sanity, Giles, let us take a break!"
Buffy glared at the watcher, waiting for any sign that Giles was listening. He of course, seemed oblivious to the younger crowd's need. They studied, studied, and studied, and researched, researched, researched for hours now. And they found only more puzzles and riddles to translate. And with all this cramming of knowledge going one, Buffy, Faith, Dawn, and Andrew were on the verge of a mental meltdown. So many references to go over in other languages, then they had to cross reference the meaning with a dozen other books. It made every one of them miserable. Only Giles seemed to have the stamina to continue on.
"Giles!!"
Giles looked up from the book he had his nose in, taking off his glasses. His blue eyes snapped at the Blond as he spoke. "Buffy, we do not have time for games! No breaks till we have a break through!"
Buffy stood up, her eyes bright and alarming. "Like you said earlier, Giles, the world isn't going to end in the next thirty minutes."
Dawn and Faith kept wisely quite as the two squared off with the angry stares. Giles was the one who finally looked away. He rubbed his face, sighing wearily. After a moment, he looked around his living room. The tired and strained faces of what he still considered his children, watched him with eager faces. Giles gently smiled.
"Forgive me. I really wasn't thinking. You're right, Buffy. The apocalypse isn't going to come to a head just yet."
Buffy relaxed, giving a smile of her own. "Yeah, well, the whole end-of-the-world thing can be stressful. Even if it is like the third, fourth, fifth, millionth time for us."
Dawn cautiously raised her hand.
"You have something to add, Dawn?" Giles asked.
"Yup. Does this mean we can have a pee break? Cause if it isn't, I should warn you that I had like three espressos on the way-"
"For heavens sake, go!"
Dawn squealed as she literally ran for one of the bathrooms in Giles old but nice, two story house. Faith followed suit. Andrew looked at his wrist watch, frowning.
"Guys, it's passed four o'clock. As in four a.m.."
"Four a.m.! Giles!!"
"Calm down. It's Saturday, we can sleep in without worrying over school or work. Well, I do have to go to work, as do you, Buffy. But we've done worse back in Sunnydale."
Buffy groaned, laying down on the long, comfortable couch. Besides helping Faith and Andrew with the training center, she had another job with a cafe near the library that Giles worked. Thankfully, her schedule today was from noon to five o'clock. Though she wasn't even sure if she would be able to wake up after this little study session is over.
"Giles, as much as I want to find out what these seals of doom are and the when and how's, skipping sleep is only going to slow us down."
"Don't worry, Buffy. I'm done for now. You and the others may sleep here if you like in the usual rooms. I'll come and wake you about an hour before you have to go to work. Andrew, I want you to help me put these books that we're finished with back in my library. Leave the rest here, and mark our places where we left off."
Andrew grumbled as he began picking up some of the heavy volumes. Giles steadily began to clean, his tired mind on what was learned so far. It wasn't much. At least, what they could understand so far. Several prophecies have been fulfilled, others still hung over their heads. Others were a complete mystery. What he did learn was that they were missing something. Like a jigsaw puzzle, he liked to separate the pieces into distinct piles of importance. When the pieces had been categorized, he would start putting the outside borders together first. These prophecies were like that. And like a jigsaw, if you are missing a piece, all the separating and translating you did would always be incomplete.
Of course, Giles knew that he couldn't be sure yet. There was so much translations and texts to go through that left little time to stop and think. Though he never felt comfortable with blind, dumb luck, Giles desperately hoped that this would happen. Of course, he had been up for over twenty four hours, so taking a long rest could clear the cobwebs from the old thinker. That and a nice relaxing cup of tea.
Pushing yesterdays revelations away, Giles finished the cleaning, offering the young watcher a place to sleep. Andrew groggily declined, mentioning his special bed back at home that helped his back problems. Giles barely heard the excuses as he climbed the stairs slowly, his broad shoulders sagging with each tired step.
SToping at the first door, Giles peeked inside, smiling when seeing Faith fast asleep on her stomach. One foot hung off the bed with a boot barely hanging from the toe. He silently closed the door, then proceeded to check the next one. Dawn was fast asleep on the floor., not even making it to the bed.
Giles grunted as he picked the teenager up. Her mouth hung open as a little dribble of drool dripped down her chin. Suppressing a chuckle, he gently lowered her down to the bed, taking her slip slops off. He then covered her up, and left silently as he had came. Last, but certainly not least, Giles checked on his Slayer, his very first Slayer.
Buffy laid curled up in the middle of the full size bed. A touch of child like innocence brought a slight ache as he watched her. They've been through allot together over the years. Facing demons, heartache, death, and some end of the world scenarios. And through it all, Giles had the priveledgeto watch her grow into this amazing woman. One who has seen far too many hardships in her young life. That innocence she once possessed was almost gone. With the average person, Giles would have pitied them for that. But Buffy was different. She could and would endure, even when there were times it seemed she would utterly break.
Closing the door, Giles left her to dream. Hoping that her dreams held some light and happiness. For light and happiness would become instinct in the days ahead.
A
Gwen dodged a grey demon as it spat its venom. Tonight's particular patrol around the block of her building was proving challenging. Apparently, the weird, toothless grey demon she killed two nights ago had a mate, and she was furious. She shocked the thing so many times that it should be smelling charred by now. Instead, the demon grew angrier, charging her as much as possible.
"Come on, let's talk about this." Gwen jeered as the creature swiped at her with its spiked hand. "I'm smaller and faster than you. You don't got a chance with those two fat hooves."
The demons snarled as she snapped her toothless jaws. The venom dripped from her jaws, falling to the ground. It sizzled. Gwen grimaced as she kicked the demon in the stomach. This earned her a deep, throaty chuckle.
Gwen's temper got the best of her. She released another powerful charge, sending the demon-ness flying back twelve feet. Electricity crackled in the palm of Gwen's bare hands.
"Not laughing now, are we!" Gwen said as she ran toward the demon, her hands out stretched as she tried to grab the demon and end the battle.
The demon-ness wrapped her strong limbs around Gwen, allowing the young woman to try her stuff. Laughing, the creature prepared to spit her venom on her new meal, but stopped. Gwen stopped the current of electricity, and cursed as the demon began to topple over. She quickly slipped out of the limp arms, avoiding being pinned to the ground by the demon-ness's dead weight.
A small medieval axe laid buried in the creatures thick skull. Looking around, Gwen tried to find her mysterious savior. Though not out of gratitude.
"Hey! Whoever did this better show yourself!"
Nothing.
"Fine! But for your information, I don't need help. I had this thing covered!"
Grabbing the axe's handle, Gwen tried to pull it out of the skull. But it was stuck tight. Feeling tired and worn out from the patrol, Gwen gave up and began to walk home. Her sharp mind went through lists where that old but expensive piece of mid-evil history, belonged to. Narrowing down lists of people who actually would use one didn't take long. It had to come from Angel's neck of the woods.
"Stupid vampire. Just because I'm a mother now doesn't mean I'm helpless." vented Gwen as she entered the crumbling building.
Gwen didn't want to admit it, but not being able to kill the demon on her own scared her. The mate was easy to dispose of. One fatal zap and it was dead. But this female was much larger and seemed almost invincible. Her hide ws thicker and deflected bullets from the guns she now carried. So when her so-called mysterious 'savior' showed up and killed it with a small ax, Gwen felt her pride in her fighting skills slip down a notch.
Reaching the right floor, Gwen opened the heavy metal door that lead to her very lavish home. The nanny smiled with relief as she rushed forward, checking Gwen for injuries.
"Ada, I'm fine. See, still in one piece," Gwen said as she did a little twirl. Her tight leather suit showed none of the bruises that already began to form on her skin.
"Miss! Don't act as if your hero thing isn't dangerous. I have to make sure that your son has a healthy mother."
Gwen grabbed her only friend's hands, and smiled. "Ada, we've talked about this. In order to survive, I have to make sure that nothing will compromise our location. It's a dangerous world out there now. And somebody has to make sure that my son will live to a ripe old age."
Ada frowned. "Yes, but you do this during the day now as well as the night. I'm worried about you. Ever since you heard the news about the father of Charlie dying, you've been constantly looking for a fight."
Gwen pulled her hands away, walking toward her son's room. Ada walked along side of her, not willing to give up that easily.
"He's already lost one parent, don't make him an orphan."
"Ada, just chill. I'm a big girl who happens to have a talent for frying things. Charles Jr. will not lose me. I'm too stubborn to let that happen."
Gwen opened the door to her son's room, stopping the conversation then and there. The sound of soothing classical music tinkered in the air. Gwen leaned over the white crib, her worries and pain forgotten as soon as she laid her eyes on the little bundle. Lucky for her, her son was a sound sleeper who most of the time slept all through the night. Reaching down, she stroked his light, mocha skin.
Baby Charlie sighed, as if he knew that his protective motherwas back, safe and sound. Gwen still was reeling from actually having what she thought would never happen, a child. Growing up untouchable had killed that hope years ago. Not able to hug her mother without dressing like a eskimo man was heart wrenching. To see that fear in her parents eyes had hardened her, even bringing bitterness of her own little freak show.
Then, she met Angel. Through meeting him, she received her first kiss, and met the first man who really connected with her, even though she did kill him when they first met. And through those hard times, Charles Gunn gave her the most precious gift in the world, her little Charlie man.
Gwen wiped a tear away. The thought of never getting to know Gunn more or having him in her son's lifeaffected her emotionally. It's been years since she felt pain over losing another person, and being alone. It just wasn't fair. But life was hard that way, and cruel. If she could shelter her son from it, she would. But she would have to except that shielding her son from the world would be impossible. As for the mean time, while Las Angeles was under siege, her little man would have to be a hermit and stay indoors. She couldn't lose him too, or take the chance. That's why she hunted day and night. Everything she loved was on the line.
Leaning down,Gwen gently kissed her sons head. Then quietly left him sleeping. Ada was sitting in a chair, reading a book. She looked up at Gwen, her blue eyes worried. Gwen smiled at the middle age woman.
"I'm going to go check out the security videos. Call me when he wakes up."
The nanny nodded, going back to her reading. Gwen quickly went to her secret wall, opening it. Entering her own little house of solitude, Gwen gracefully sat down,and put in the password in the large computer station.
Several screens came to life, showing different images. She quickly looked at the OD video, rewinding it. She stopped when she saw herself and the demon-ness fighting. She tried different angles, trying to see if her cameras caught the person who decided to interrupt her fight. But nothing caught the mysterious saviour. From each angle,the axe seemingly hurled itself at the demon.
"Great. Either somebodies been scoping out my place and knows where every camera is hidden, or that person just was extremely lucky."
Seeing that she wasn't going to see the identity of the intruder in those shots, she decided to go even further. Rewinding further, Gwen decided to go get herself some refreshments. This could take a little while.
Meanwhile....
Illyria kept out of sight from the strategically, hidden cameras that accompanied the surrounding area of the complex. Angel was really strict about that rule. Apparently, the human female would most likely take any help from them the wrong way. Illyria still thought that this was a waste of her skills. Being the body guard of this being was most unsatisfactory.
If it was up toiher. she would have went and grabbed the human and her offspring, and take them back to the hotel where the leader wouldn't have to worry about their safety. Of course, she really didn't care what happened to that female or her child. So waht if the tiny creature was linked to the brave warrior, Charles Gunn. It really was no concern to her what happened to them. What they needed to focus on was these prophecies of the doom that was coming.
Sitting stock still, Illyria watched as a demon scurried across the area, seemingly afraid. She didn't bother with him, considering how harmless his species were. Weaklings with no courage at all. Still, she smirked. Obviously, Angel was wrong. The Gwen character was quite feared in these parts. She really didn't need too much help. Though her earlier failure in killing that hoofed demon did speak of her dependence on the power she possessed. That was a weakness, as far as Illyria was concerned. IF you nothing else to fall back on when the power was useless, then you really needed to be off the battle field.
Keeping still and vigilant, Illyria's mind wandered, though her demon instincts were still alert. She thought about many things. Her old glory days as ruler, the power she possessed. But lately, those memories began to bore her, and that's when Fred's memories start popping up. Happy childhood memories in Texas, her college days before her professor got her sucked in that Pylea portal. Her slave days strangely brought a human fear and pained response. It was curious how her memories had every feeling Fred Burkle felt, each emotion crystal clear.
The most intense memories were of Wesley. He alone stirred up things that belonged to both woman and demon-ness. The way he looked at Fred when she finally told him how she felt. The pure warmth and love in his eyes as she leaned in to kiss his lips. The cold, hard, pained look when she Illyria, hounded his every step. He was her link, a subject she thought she could use. But then, she began to have feelings for him. Lingering feelings that the dead Fred had left in her shell of a body. Those feelings soon taught her how to feel for a human. Something she balked at, then slowly and very subtly, began to except.
Illyria closed her eyes as she remembered holding him, turning into Fred for him as he laid dying. Those tears weren't just the human echo of a once, vibrant young woman. They were hers, Illyria, the scourge of man kind. Letting him go nearly broke her. That need to avenge him kept her going as she walked away to join Angel in battle.
Shaking herself out of those painful memories, Illyria turned all of her focus on the area. Her perch on the neighbor building where Gwen called home was perfect. The darkness kept her brilliant blue hair from the prying eyes of the living and the dead. A warm breeze touched the hard but smooth pale skin on the human visage of Illyria's face. The breeze carried the usual smell of death, food, and trash. Nothing to worry over.
Looking up at the moon, Illyria waited patiently for the hours to pass. When the moon reaches a certain point, her shift would be over. She would be able to go home and dwell on her new life. She had decision to make. Would she help her leader to try and stop these seals of doom from being released? Could she turn yet again from all her teachings since she was a tiny spawn?
Only time would tell. Two worlds tugged the demon-ness. Her old life as a powerful demon, a pure blood who let nothing stand in her way as she served what nature assigned her, evil. Then there was Fred's life, her feelings and memories that had wormed its way into her heart. Well, if she had a heart.
Looking up at the moon, Illyria waited. Waiting for anything to point her in the right direction.
A
"Wow. Looks like I arrived just in time." Cordelia said, looking at Drake. The druid seemed lost in his own world, pacing back and forth.
"Or at a bad time. Depends how you look at it." Spike commented, holding the cigarette that he was saving. He wandered if he would ever get the chance to smoke it. With all the doom and gloom around, it didn't look that victory would come any time soon.
"Yeah, that to. Question is, can it be stopped?"
Spike shrugged. "Why would The Powers send the vision if it couldn't?"
"There's always a possibilityty of failing. I should know. Like the time when I had a vison of myself being captured by these Skilosh demons. Right after the vision, I turned and began to leave when, surprise, surprise, the demons got me."
"That was before you became super.... glowy girl. You've got power now to do something."
Cordelia faintly smiled. "True. The underworld better beware of my total awesomeness. And with Drake's help, I'll be learning how to harness it, or something like that."
"You're letting a druid teach you? Didn't he tell you what kind of magic his kind deals with?!"
Spike glared at the Druid, who seemed to be paying no attention to what they were saying.
"Uh, I really don't care. He did save my life."
"It's your life, not mine. I just think you should know that his kind deal with black magic, sacrifices, and Satanic worship."
Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Don't you think you're being a tad dramatic?
"Dramatic?" Spike repeated, eyes narrowed. "I'm not the one who slapped a certain someone-"
"We don't have much time." mumbled Drake.
"Time for what?" Cordelia asked.
Drake stopped pacing, looking at the two as if he just noticed them for the first time. He sat down, looking at them with a solemn expression.
"Have you not heard of the Seven Seals of Doom?"
"No. Not until today. Illyria mentioned something about a old demon prophecy dealing with the seven seals. Then that little squealer mentioned that what happened the other night was the first seal being opened."
Drake's face paled. Cordelia noticed the strain on the old man's face. She leaned forward, touching his hands. "Drake? What is it?"
"I'm sorry. I thought I would have more time to prepare you for this. To help you learn more about this power that The Powers That Be have given you. Damn it! If only I didn't get ensnared in the Keeper's snare! I could have kept you from coming here and-"
"Stop blaming yourself. What's done is done. If we didn't bumble in and get caught ourselves, that thing would have invaded Las Angeles. From the way I see it, we did the world a favor." Spike commented.
Drake quickly stood up. "I see your point, Spike. And you may be right, but that still doesn't make things any better. This Illyria, she is right about one thing. The seven seals will open. You can delay it, but the seals will open, bringing this apocalypse to a peak."
The room was quiet. The reality sinking in. Drake was the one who broke the silence.
"Plans are changed. Cordelia, you need to move to a new location. I believe that you should go with Spike, and stay with him."
Both vampire and human protested. Drake held up his hand, leaving no room for argument.
"You need to be protected while I'm gone."
"Gone? I thought you said that-"
"Like I said, plans are changed. I need to locate an old acquaintance of mine. It might take a while to do so. But I promise that I will return as soon as possible."
Cordelia crossed her arms. "I'm not going anywhere without Dennis.
Drake smiled. "I know. That's why I, if Dennis agrees to it, will like to perform a spell to relocate Dennis. But, in order to do this, I will need to know the location where you will be staying."
"You can do that?" Cordelia asked in awe.
"Yes. There are risks involved, of course."
"Of course," Spike added mockingly.
Drake sighed. The vampires distrusting nature was simply an annoyance.
"Spike, yes, Druids are known for the dark arts, and Satanic worship. But my order has given that up. We took an oath never to deal with black sorcery again."
Spike shook his head. "So, I guess I'm stuck with the cheerleader and her ghostly pet."
A shock touched Spike's head, startling him. "Hey! Leave the hair alone!"
"You have no choice. Your destiny is entwined with hers. She will be your guide, you her protector."
"That champion role belongs to Angel, not me."
Cordelia elbowed the vampire. "I don't like it much either, you Billy-Idol-wanna-be. But you're stuck with me. Guess you're a champion now, if you like it or not."
"Bloody fantastic." Spike grumbled, remembering when Lindsey had basically told him the same thing. Only difference between then and now was Cordelia herself. She was the real deal. He was still trying to wrap his head around that one.
"What's the risks? I mean what could happen to Dennis if something goes wrong with your transporting plan?" Cordelia sked.
Drake's piercing blue eyes looked hard at the younger woman. "Well, he could become a wandering spirit, angry and full of fear as he is forced to wander the earth, bodiless and alone. If I was to be distracted or become fatigued while performing the spell, he would become disconnected. Thus he would become a horrible, wandering spirit who could go to neither hell or heaven, a wraith. It is very risky, one not to be taken lightly."
Cordelia leaned back, bringing her knees to her chest. She didn't like what she heard. To lose Dennis mearly because she was too selfish to let go was unbearable. She'd rather tell him to go towards the light, and leave this realm than risk him becoming a wraith.
"It's not one I'm willing to take."
"It's not our choice." Drake replied. "Dennis, you heard what could happen. Do you trust me to do this?"
Dennis, who has been listening to the entire exchange, was silent. Hearing what was to come made him realize that this world could very well be doomed. Cordelia might just die, again. Should he give in to the call of heaven, and allow Cordelia to go on with her destiny? Ghosts are not supposed to be afraid. But he was. After thinking long and hard on it, the ghost come to a decision.
Grabbing Cordelia's bottle of water, he shook it up and down. Cordelia tried to protest, but Dennis wouldn't have it. He would stay with Cordelia till she died, or till at last she can have her happily ever after.
"You are very brave, Dennis. I am honored that you trust me to perform the spell. Now, tell me, where are you staying, Spike?"
"I got me a old, cozy, abandoned office building. I would be living in Angel's hotel, but after staying there one day, three hours, and twenty-seven minutes, both of us were literally at each others throat. Needless to say, I'm happier by myself."
Cordelia shook her head. "I swear that the two of you are little eight year olds in grown, dead men's bodies."
"I will need more details. And something from the apartment for the spell. Such as a curtain, picture, or a blanket."
"Great. More work."
Drake chuckled. "Yes, the work of the righteous never ends."
Spike stood up, not finding the remark funny or true. "So, when is this little spell going to be done?"
"As soon as possible. Here, take this. I've packed what little clothes my friend has given you, Cordelia. Here's the food, and the directrions to my young friend's humble abode. He is easy to bargain with when you need more food and anything else."
"Wait, I'm supposed to leave now?!" Cordelia asked, looking unsure.
"Looks like. Guess he can't get rid of you fast enough." Spike remarked, smiling when the brunette glared coldly at him.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. I have to reach my friend about this new development. Do not worry, young one. We will see each other again. Hopefully, we'll at least get some training done. Now go."
"But," Cordelia started. Spike grabbed her arm, gently guiding her to the door. "Dennis, I.... I-"
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, cheerleader. The Druid won't lose him. Besides, it's not like he can kill him. He's already dead."
"Don't worry, Dennis. I'll see you at Spike's place." Cordelia said as she was pushed out the door.
Dennis watched helplessly as Cordelia left with the vampire. It wasn't easy to watch her leave with him, especially since he shared some of Spike's memories while inhabiting his body the other night. Plus, he really didn't like the fellow. Course he didn't like any guy who touched his Cordy.
"Spike's become quite a warrior." Drake said aloud. "Though he hides it well, his heart has changed. The bitterness for his lot in life has slowly drained away. All the things he did and what was done to him has made him into the hero he is today."
Dennis hated to admit it, but the old man was telling the truth on that as well. After all, what makes a man a man? Words? No. By his actions and what he believes in....... But if Cordelia got hurt while being in his care, he'll nail his tongue to the ground and leave him outside to greet the sunrise.
A
Angel dodged the car being flung at him. The screams of the would-be victims caught his attention. The Wooflesh demon had now turned it's attention back to the two blond, twenty year olds. It's fiery red eyes glowing with passion. It touched the young women's cheeks, looking down into their frightened faces.
"Please no! We're not interested in carrying your spawns." the tall one said as she tried to slap its hairy paws away. The demon chuckled.
"Hey! I believe the lady told you no." Angel said, picking up his broad sword. The demon turned around, its red eyes zooming on him.
"Stay out of this, vampire. This does not concern you."
Angel smirked. "Everything in this city concerns me. So, are we going to fight, or are you going to hide behind the girls skirts?"
Growling, the demon clenched its paws. "Fine! I'll tear the eyes out of your sockets and make them into earrings for my new spawn carriers!"
The demon rushed forward, mouth curled in a snarl. Angel quickly leaped over it, kicking it in the spine. The demon whipped around, knocking the sword from Angel's hand. Angel retaliated with a round house kick. The demon stumbled back, but quickly blocked Angel's body blows. Both resumed with the fist fight, gaining and losing ground.
Draco watched from his perch on a nearby building. Angel had insisted that he stay with some other people they saved earlier. Someone had to keep an eye on them while Angel took care of another baddie. Sadly, Angel stressed that Draco couldn't eat the elderly couple. Even though they were old and probably wouldn't live much longer, his master wouldn't let him have a nibble.
Draco growled low in his throat as the demon threw Angel about fifteen yards. His claws clenched the ledge as he watched the demon jump on top of his master. He so badly wanted to swoop down and bite the creatures head off for daring to harm the master. But the job of protecting the humans, no matter how small it was, is his first prioryty.
But his master once again removed himself from the tight spot he was in. Grabbing the demon's fist as it came down, Angel gave it a quick twist, hearing the bones and cartilage snapping. The demon growled with pain and surprise, giving the vampire enough time to scramble out of the way.
Grabbing his borad sword, Angel quickly rushed forward, piercing the beast's side. He didn't stop there. He immediatly began hacking. pink blood spurted from the demon's wounds as Angel hacked him in half like a logger and a great Red wood tree. The two halves slid down, twitching, but obviously dead. The sound of Draco wings flapping as he swooped down was Angel's signal to get out of the way.
The large dragon snapped up both pieces, purring deep in his chest at the small meal. The innocent civilians on his back made disgusted sounds.
"I-I-It's a... a..." stuttered the short blond as she and her friend walked forward.
"A dragon. Don't worry, he won't hurt you." Angel said reassuringly as he gave a stern look at his friend. The great lizard belched, then gave a dragon like smile at his beloved master.
"Thank you," the tall blond said, her eyes roaming up and down Angel's tall, muscular form. "How can we ever repay you?"
"By getting on my dragon's back. This area of Las Angeles has grown too dangerous. We'll take you two to a safe place. I know the people running it."
The shorter one didn't look so sure, but the tall one quickly answered, "Yes! Take us!... I mean, if there's room on that.... thing."
"Plenty of room!" shouted a giggling eight year old boy.
Draco laid down as standard procedure dictated, allowing the two human females on top of his broad back. Angel's saddle was modified with a large, roll out blankets that kept his hard armored scales from harming other riders.
Grunting from yet more weight, Draco sprung into the air, hearing Angel shouting orders to go to Beverly Hills.
A
The life of a druid was never simple. Always on the move, fighting warlocks and otherdruid councils, and of course never staying in one place for long. But, Drake excepted this part of his life a long time ago. For as long as there is battles of good and evil in the world, he will never find rest. After all is said and done, he was going to ask his order to let him go inot what they call the 'Druid's rest'. A long, magical sleep that aloud his body to rejuvenate.
Looking at his handiwork, Drake corrected a few things. When seeing that everything was in place, he sat down in the triangle. Now all he had to do was wait on Spike. He closed his eyes, beginning to meditate, filling in the time. It was peaceful enough, the silence soothing to his weary bones. Some more energy returned to his body during the half hour absence. When Spiek finally arrived, he found the druid with his legs crossed as he sat in the triangle, his face peaceful.
Spike cleared his throat, attracting the druid's attention. Opening his eyes, the elderly man smiled. "That was quicker than I thought it would take you, William."
"My place wasn't too far off. Plus, having Cordelia as a walking companion is not fun as it seems."
Spike walked forward, handing a wash cloth to him. "Those were there when I moved in."
"These are perfect. Now, I will need you to please be silent as I chant the spell."
Not wanting to watch the ritual, Spike went into the kitchen, sitting down in one of the chairs and waited. Like any other time during the day, Spike allowed his mind to wander. Booze, Buffy, Cordy, everything that's important came and went. Unlike Angel, Spike chose not to brood on certain subjects. He chose to look on the brighter side.... The brighter side used to hold evil plotting and other vampire thoughts. But with his soul, those thoughts were forbidden.... Unless they had Angel suffering in them. Smiling his famous crooked smile, Spike closed his eyes and dwelt on that.
Angel being struck by lightning (no Angel death fantasies tonight), walking down the street and suddenly having an anvil fall on his head, smoking a cigar only to have it blow up in his face. The blond vampire quickly realized that he's been watching too much cartoons from the 'Toons collection' DVD's he stole. Still, they did offer some good ideas on how to annoy the poof.
His thoughts turned to Cordelia. His new room mate..... His new room mate...... Wow, he still couldn't get over that mental hurdle. How was he supposed to keep her a secret if they were goin' to shack up together? Sooner or later, Angel's vamp senses would detect her scent. When you stay around humans long enough, especially in close quarters, their smell gets in the clothes, the rooms, everything! Maybe, just maybe, his grand-sire's mind might be senile enough to not remember her unique scent.... Yeah, that would be the day! The old geezer remembered some things a little to well.
Still, what can a vamp do? The Powers apparently thought something of him for adding him to Cordelia's champion list. Probably had something to do with sacrificing himself at the Sunnydale old Hell mouth. All a bloke has to do to get noticed is fight to get a soul, then wear a medallion and get extra crispy as the medallion did its mojo. Secretly, he gave the credit to his self control over not staking Angel. That in itself was one of his greatest feats.
The air turned cold as the spell began to work. Keeping still, Spike waited for anything weird or freaky to happen. The sound of wind didn't concern him at first, but as it grew louder, Spike found it hard to ignore. Deciding that taking a peek wouldn't harm anything, he silently tip toed over to the open space, looking at Drake as a a strong gust blew through the room.
Suddenly, the wind stopped. Is that it?
Walking confidently in the living room, Spike looked the druid over. His eyes were still closed, his breathing irregular. After a few moments of awkward silence, Spike cleared his throat. Drake opened his eyes, and smiled.
"Is that it?" Spike spoke his earlier thought aloud.
"It is done. Now, you have two room mates."
Spike nodded before turning to leave. He suddenly paused, and groaned. Two room mates. One who once was dead, now alive and kicking with a weird picture of him being a Billy-Idol-Wanna-be. And the other, a dead guy who was over protective of the brunette. Spike was already feeling claustrophobic.
A
Landing in a lush, private grounds of a very large mansion in Beverly Hills, Draco gave a short barking roar, announcing his arrival. Connor, Nina, and Anne came running out of the house, ready for yet more new arrivals. Angel leaped down, helping the small crowd down. Connor soon reached his side, lending a hand.
Anna quickly smiled at Angel as she introduced herself to the scared bunch, then leading them into the mansion. The tall blond from earlier quickly ran up to Angel, wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a short but big kiss. Angel was too shocked to respond. She winked before rejoining the group. Connor shook his head.
"I just don't get it. I save a girl, all I get is a 'Thanks kid'. When you do it, they swoon."
Angel grinned. "Not all of them."
Connor chuckled, before noticing Nina's not so amused look. Tapping her foot, she waited for Angel to say something.
"So, anything new?" Angel asked, ignoring her possessive look.
"Not much." Nina replied, realizing that her kinda-sort-of-boyfriend wasn't going to respond about that little kiss. After all, they technically kinda broke up before this whole Armageddon thing. Actually, that wasn't clear. His words of how he wanted to be with her when he gave her the tickets for her and her family to leave town seemed more like an empty promise every day.
"We've had some problems from the roving motorcycle gangs again, trying to breach our borders. But so far, none got passed our borders." Connor replied. "I think we're doing good on the supplies, right Nina?"
The blond nodded, still not taking her eyes off the object of her affections. "For the moment, everything seems good. But we'll be needing more soon with each new group of helpless you bring in."
Angel rubbed the back of his neck, trying to relieve the growing tension. "It's getting harder finding supplies. With the demons running the streets, we're losing the battle."
Connor noticed his father's strain. Sensing that he was holding something back, he quickly tried to get Nina back inside. His fatherhated bringing bad newsto this current safe heaven, knowing how it would upset the blond who was still all too new to this gig. "Um, Nina, myabe you should go inside and start on the list for what we'll be needing."
Knowing that Connor was trying to get some alone time with his father, Nina consented. "Sure."
She gave Angel one last lingering look. "Will you be staying here long?"
Angel shook his head. "Too much work to linger much longer."
"Oh." Hesitating at first, Nina finally gave in and pecked him on his cheek. Angel gave her a short hug, returning the peck on her own cheek. Looking hurt and confused, she said her good-byes and quickly ran back to the mansion. Connor shook his head. He wasn't one to talk about relationships, especially after the whole Jasmine-possessing-Cordelia thing, but it was apparent that the relationship was becoming one sided.
"So, what are you not telling me?"
Angel didn't waste time denying the fact. "It's a long story. And I don't have all the facts yet. Care to go for a ride with me as I explain?"
Connor grinned. "Hell yes!"
Chuckling, Angel leaped on top of Draco, his son following. Draco grinned impishly, loving when his master's spawn rode with them. It was one of those rare times when Angel allowed more air acrobatics since his son loves it. Taking a few running steps, Draco leaped into the air and began his ascension into the night sky. Connor's whoops of pleasure echoed down below, causing a few jealous looks from the teenagers staying in Anne's new shelter.
Nina smiled sadly. It was good to see the two so close now. After hearing some stories of the strange relationship between the eighteen year old who was born last year and his vampire father, Nina couldn't help but be a skeptic about the relationship. After everything that has been said and done, how could things be possibly be repaired? She was wrong, and was glad to be proved otherwise. She wandered if the same could be spoken about her and the handsome vampire. They never spend time together. Maybe if she ran outside naked, he'd respond to her.
Shaking her head at her silly fantasies, she returned to work. Soon, they would have to talk about everything. Did he want to continue their relationship. Did she even want to? Was their morning together mean nothing to him? She thought the sex was mind blowing, and she never got any complaints from the other guys she been with. Even he admitted that it took the words right out of his mouth. So what was the problem?
Whatever it was, they would have to talk about it soon. One way or another, she needed closure.
A
Gwen sighed. Nothing in her security system showed proof of who she suspected was her guardian Angel. Showing up at the hotel to tear the vampire a new one seemed childish now. After taking some time to think, she decided to let matters be and just be grateful that she got to come home to see her son's face. Another day down, more to go.
The ex-thief smiled as she finally left her security room, going to get herself a little snack. Ada apparently went to bed, showing Gwen just how long she spent in front of the computer screens. Maybe the nanny was right. She should just chill out, spend some time with her little sunny bunny. She didn't want to be like her parents, spending about a few months out of the year in her presence.
After preparing a nice sandwich, (something that she took pride in now due to no servants to wait on her hand and foot.) the brunette dug in, famished. Grabbing the baby monitor, she went to her bedroom, stripping down into a comfortable nightie. Her untamed mind went back to the night she conceived Charlie. She was so scared, excited, and definitely high on emotion as Charles took the one thing she yearned to be rid of for years. At first, it started out as pure sexual want. But as the night proceeded, Gunn, as gentle as he could be, made her feel appreciated. Special. She briefly wandered if he felt what she felt that night. Strange, she always thought that people who claimed to be in love after sleeping with a stranger was bogus. But.... For her, she couldn't help but feel a connection, love. Like she found the one who she's been looking for all her life.
She closed her eyes, thinking about the way his lips felt on her skin. The way he told her how beautiful she was. Reality stopped the memory as her son began to cry.
She quickly left ehr room and entered her precious little boy's room. Turing on the lamp, she began cooing to her little prince as she lifted him out of his crib. Sitting down in the rocker, she began the ritual of rocking, slipping her hand to check his diaper if it needed changing. Finding it dry, she began humming. Little Charles Jr. closed his eyes, his cries quieting down.
Her mind again began to drift to that special night. As a thief, it was a special rule to keep your mind sharp. Remember every detail of your surroundings, and what exactly you were stealing. That little gift came in handy when remembering her time with Gunn. Both she and Gunn explored each others bodies, though she would bet that she would have the better memory of his body than he would have had of hers. She's always been curious about the human body, never being allowed to get close enough to see or touch its surface. Charles was a very willing specimen for her.
She smiled as she remembered after words of their long love making session. She didn't know if it was the euphoria of what she finally got to do, or if love really was both blind and deaf, but Charles Gunn had the most cutest snores she ever heard. They weren't loud or obnoxious, in fact, they were short and sweet. Like the sound of a finely tuned Chevy engine. Minus the loudness.
And from the soft snores her son was making, little Charlie inherited the gene. That was a signal that he was finally in a deep sleep. Standing up, she laid her infant back in his crib. Kissing him goodnight, she quietly left the room, going back to her own.
As Gwen turned off the lights, she laid down, thinking about tomorrow. Maybe she would pay a visit by the Hyperian and tell Angel that she didn't need a bodyguard.... And of course, offer her services. Things were becoming more dangerous by each passing minute. Joining forces would be in the best interestfor both 'd get another freak for his team to battle evil, and she would have someone looking out for her and her son. Fighting alone looked less appetizing by the day. Sighing, Gwen finally allowed herself to drift off to sleep.
A/N: Well, I would have written more, but it is getting late and I haven't exactly been feeling well. But at least I updated. Next chapter will be containing violence as Angel and his team try to stop the second seal from opening.