A/N: Wow, This is a bigger hit than I thought it would be. Thank you to all that has reviewed. It helps a lot. Take some cookies... There! And thanks to those who have taken the time to read this fan's story. Give yourself a hug... That's right, you heard me. Hug... Okay, now you can read the chapter. (Grins mischieviously)
Ashes
Chapter 7: From Bad to Worse
Angel arrived at the hotel, expecting to find the others waiting for him. But nobody was in the lobby. Their scent was fresh, but not fresh enough to just been there. He stopped. The weapons cabinet was open, along with certain weapons missing.
Angel raced upstairs to his son's room. His heart sunk when he entered. The chains were busted into pieces, lying along the broken chairs and glass. Inhaling deeply, Angel tried to smell the different scents in the air.
He quickly snorted, as a burning sensation went up his nose. Eyes watered as he began to cough, the strange substance creating a storm in his nasal cavities and throat. Blindly he quickly left the room. Shaking his head, he tried to rid of the strange acid smell that would just not go away. It's hold over his sensitive smelling sense refusing to loosen for a long while.
Growling at the unpleasurable pain, he cautiously looked back in the room with narrowed eyes. Accept this time, he didn't try smelling anything. With slow measured steps, he reentered the room where his son had been kept bound and tied comfortably. As far as he could tell, something broke in there. There looked to be some sign of a struggle, but no evidence of blood. Searching the ground, Angel quickly came upon a strange orange powder covering the floor. He bent down, and touched it with his fingers.
Carefully, he raised it to his nose. Just one tiny sniff had his nose feeling as if someone just through a fire bomb up his nose and through his sinuses.
Angel quickly left the room. Running down the stairs, he picked up the Axis and quickly ran to the office. He removed a large painting, revealing a safe in the wall.
"I promise Cordy, I will find you."
"Well, hurry up champ."
Angel whirled around, then relaxed. "Skip? What are you doing here?"
"Good question. For the last half hour, I've tried to get you and your crew to go rescue the damsel in distress. But apparently, you people are too busy with kissing hot girls or trying to locate the prodigal son."
"Cordelia? You know where she is?"
"Didn't I just say that I did? Look, I'll tell you where she's at, just go already! I have a feeling the boy's on his way to move her as we speak."
Angel nodded, writting down the address Skip told him. He then quickly left the hotel. He began dialing Gunn's number as he got in his car and drove off.
A
Skip waited patiently with Cordelia, who now was in a light slumber. Her chest rising rythmically, lost in a dreamless and gentle sleep. He didn't try to wake her up to tell her that help was on the way, prefurring that she got as much rest as possible. So he allowed his mind to wonder down grimmer paths; his thoughts lost in recent events. How this whole thing happened underneath his nose was a mystery to him. Though he never questioned the PTB, he couldn't help but feel annoyed that this seer was put through all of this. Not to mention what he learned from her friends about Angel's little underneath the sea trip.
He was determined to get some answers. Even to the point of risking The Powers annoyance, which was pretty bad for lower beings such as himself - for Cordelia's sake. If this was a test for her, then he wanted to be in the loop. Putting her through all of this danger without telling him seemed odd, and just plain wrong.
Skip looked down at his grey, metal plated hands. They were fading in and out every five minutes. This didn't bode well for him. His spirit couldn't be away from his body much longer without risk of killing himself. Forget annoyance, The Powers would be pissed if he allowed that to happen.
"Alright heroes. Hurry it up. Skip can't stay much longer," Skip said aloud. Cordelia stirred, mumbling something about Dennis better turn up the thermostat. Then all was quiet. Well, except for her light snores. They were kinda cute. For a human, that is.
The sound of approaching footsteps alerted Skip. He smiled with relief, thinking that at last the crew had come. The smile soon vanished - for instead of the A.I. gang there to rescue the damsel, Connor walked in. The teenager stopped, looking surprised.
"Uh, hello," Skip said awkwardly. "You wouldn't happen to be the miracle child, would you?"
Connor cocked his head. "The who?"
Cordelia opened her eyes, awake from the conversation going on. Skip was standing beside her bed, partially covering her view of who was there. She peeked around the demon curiously.
"Connor," Cordelia said with surprise.
"Hmm. Looks like we have a situation here," Skip said casually. "Let me guess, you're here to take Cordelia to yet another dank, dark, cold hideout. Right?"
Connor strolled forward, calm but obviously alert. Skip narrowed his eyes.
"And what if I am?"
"Then somebody is going to wind up in the hospital. Guess which one," retaliated Skip. His voice taking on an edge.
Connor smiled his father's crooked smile. "I don't think anyone will be going there. I prefer fighting to the death."
"Don't tempt me," Skip coldly warned. "Just because there's a prophecy about you doesn't mean that I can't erase that future."
"Prophecies mean nothing to me," Connor replied. He then got in a tense stance, as if he was ready to strike. "I follow the facts. And the fact is... you're just another disgusting... weak... demon to kill. I think I'll use those blades on you head for some steak knives."
"Wait! Please, don't hurt each other," Cordelia replied calmly as she stood up. "Connor, this demon is my friend. He's my guide, from The Powers That Be."
"He's still a demon," Connor replied, keeping his eyes on his prey.
"And so am I. Well, half demon anyways. But that doesn't necessary mean that they're not grey areas. Some demons actually fight for the forces of good. For redemption. Just like your father."
"True," said a familiar vice.
Cordy and Skip looked at the door. Lindsey stood there, holding a duffel back and a strange, red, fist size jewel. Could be a ruby or Garnet, but the way it seemed like a clear sort of red said otherwise.
"There's grey, white, black, and even beige. Just ask Angel."
"Lindsey," Cordelia simply said.
"Cordelia," Lindsey returned politely. "Nice to see you again. Though you could have freshened up for company."
"So... Are you in on the plot? Doing another 'Screw you, Angel' scheme that will soon back fire on you?"
"Somethin' like it. Though all of this was all Connor's doin'. I just decided to join in on the fun," Lindsey replied with a grin. He sat the bag down by the door, then walked over to Connor's side, still holding the strange jewel.
"Yeah, I expected that answer from you. You were always coming back for more pain. Guess this 'I'm-a-good-guy-again' fase wore off again. At least it lasted longer this time."
"Wow. That hurts... Really does. And so will this," Lindsey replied, looking down at the little orb. Skip stepped back.
"Oh crap. Tell me that's not one of the orbs of Thesalus?"
"The one and only," Lindsey said with pleasure.
"The what and who-hah?"
"The orbs of Thesalus. Thesalus was a powerful higher being who once fought for The Powers. He kinda got full of himself with the whole undefeated champion thing. So one day, he thought that he could rule all by creating nine orbs with different unique gifts. Each had a different name. This one was the most feared for it's certain uniqueness."
"Such as?" Cordy asked. Skip looked down, not bothering to hide his fear.
"Such as draining powers from demons, then giving its possessor the powers," Skip answered solemnly as he looked warily at the orb in Lindsey's hands. "It was supposed to be lost for all eternity in the very pits of the underworld."
"Yeah, it was. But an old client of mine owed me big. Signed a contract that lasted him way beyond death. I conjured him up and had him fulfill that debt," Lindsey explained arrogantly, all too happy to share.
"Cordy, I promise, you won't die. We have to clense you," Connor said softly.
"Don't feed her that crap! That orb was meant for draining demons, not half ones. She could wind up in a comma or die!"
Connor turned, looking at his new partner. "You told me nothing bad would happen to her!"
"And nothing will," Lindsey said calmly. "Just keep your cool and don't panic. I know what I'm doing."
"I won't let you," Skip stated with fury burning in his eyes. "Cordy..."
"I can help Skip. Let-"
"No! You can't!" Skip argued. The truth was, he could do diddly squat in this state. Not with the drainage on his powers for staying out of his body for so long. His only hope was to keep their attention off of Cordelia while she escaped.
"This should be interesting," Connor said as he got in his fighter stance.
"Not this one, Connor. He's the guard for the worst souls in hell. The Powers didn't set him there for nothin'. Not to mention that he's also a spirit guide for seers. The orb will take care of him."
"I can take him," Connor replied smugly as the adrenalin began to surge through his veins.
"Connor," Lindsey warned. But Connor didn't listen.
"Come on, boy. The only one who's ever gotten passed me was your father. And by the looks of things, you're not even half the man he is. Even if he is a vampire, he still has more strength and courage than you will ever have," Skip taunted.
It worked. Connor launched himself, missing Skip as he maneuvered out of the way. As long as he can keep the two distracted without giving away his spirit form, then Cordelia had a chance.
"Go!"
Cordelia reluctantly did so. Lindsey cursed, trying to run after her. Skip put himself in front of the door, causing the ex-lawyer to hesitate.
"Where you goin', Lindsey? From your actions, I won't be surprised if you get assigned to my little view in hell. I've got special things planned for your kind."
Lindsey smirked, looking over his shoulder as Connor came stomping forward. "Oh, I bet you do. Too bad I can't let that happen. With what's coming, the reward I'll get won't let that happen. Say goodbye Skip."
Lindsey chanted loudly, the orb shining brighter and brighter. Skip wanted to return to his body, but every second Cordy ran from there counted. Closing his eyes, he felt his life force drain, his spirit growing fainter and fainter. It was soon done.
"Where did he go?"
Lindsey shrugged. "Not sure. He probably wasn't here in his physical body, projecting his image here. But don't worry. He's back to that little hell hole, completely drained of all his magical abilities. Go find Cordelia."
"But what about-"
"I'll catch up. Now go. Angel and his white hats will be here soon."
Connor obeyed, leaving Lindsey to his own devices.
A
Cordy found it hard to breath, her lungs burning from the sudden burst of physical exercise. Three months stuck without much food or water had paid its toll. But she kept trying, despite what her body screamed.
The tunnels had thick pipes along the sides and ceiling. And the steam like noise was loud to her sensitive ears. But she kept on going. After all, these pipes had to lead somewhere. And as long as that somewhere wasn't here, then she'll keep following them.
But soon she came across a four way. She bit her lip in frustration. Which one should she choose?
Feeling anxious and scared, she decided to go down the middle. But some approaching noise from the left caught her attention. Running footsteps was fast approaching, with familiar voices echoeing down to where she was at.
"Hello!" Cordelia called as she chose the left tunnel. The answering calls answered her, bringing with it sweet relief.
"Cordy? Cordy, is that you," echoed Fred's voice. Cordelia felt her eyes blure as she pushed herself harder, now in a full run.
"Fred!"
She ran harder, and faster. All she wanted was to see their faces again. Angel's included. Hurrying, she began to smile. Almost there.
Suddenly, she felt something smash into her like a torpedo. She fell down hard on to her face, crying out in pain. A heavy and very lean body was on top of her, attempting to keep her pinned down. Cordy quickly got into fight mode, screaming. The concerned cries of her friends were now closer.
Connor grunted as Cordy screamed, kicked, and tried to claw his arms as he struggled to pick her up. He quickly flipped her over, earning himself a kick to the groin.
Connor fell down to her side, giving her a chance to get away. But as she turned around, Lindsey appeared as if from nowhere, holding the shining orb. Connor slowly stood up, his face in a mask of pain. The older man through a pouch of orange powder down, splattering the surrounding area. He then touched both Connor and Cordelia's shoulder. With a look of concentration he closed his eyes, suddenly warping them out of there.
Angel, Wesley, Fred and Gunn finally arrived. Where Cordelia just stood was now nothing but orange powder floating in the air. Angel leaped back as the powder hit his senses.
A
"Whoa. That was so... cool!" Connor exclaimed. He looked at Lindsey with amazement.
"Yeah, that was amazing, wasn't it? You can thank Cordelia's Skip for that," Lindsey replied as he looked at the orb with power hungry eyes.
"Skip? Where...What just happened?" Cordelia stuttered as she looked around the unknown apartment.
"I used one of Skip's abilities to get us out of there. God I love this thing!"
"Skip?" Cordelia whispered.
"Don't worry. He's most likely alive. Just not powerful anymore. Now, even a old woman can take him."
"Is all magic like that?" Connor asked excitedly. Lindsey smiled as he patted Connor on the shoulder.
"Actually, magic can do all kinds of things. Some forms of magic is too dangerous for beginners. Others are really nothing to brag about. But then," Lindsey said as he raised the orb, "there are demons like Skip who have abilities that could help change the world."
Lindsey turned his power hungry gaze on Cordy. "And Cordelia is another special person. It wouldn't be right to let Angel use that power by controlling her. We have to cleanse her of this demon blood. It's the right thing to do."
Connor seemed to eat up every word Lindsey gave, his words sickenly boosting the boys confused beliefs. Cordelia backed away.
"No. He's lynig to you Connor. Don't let him do this."
"Trust me Connor, she'll thank us one day for this," Lindsey said with a humble look.
But Cordelia could see past his facade, and it make her sick. That sickened feeling turned to fury over yet another person preying upon Connor's emotional problems. So Cordelia snapped.
"Get a way from him," Cordelia shouted, her body beginning to glow.
Lindsey raised the orb, chanting in the strange language again. The red light out grew Cordelia's golden light. Soon, it devoured her as it began what it was made to do.
A
Angel stormed into the hotel. Everything was falling apart. Every time he took a step forward, he was forced to take two steps back. Now, that hated cycle involved his son. For it seemed that Connor - a teenager with deep emotional problems - was a step ahead of him it seemed. And by the looks of it, he had some help.
Throwing the portrait down, Angel quickly unlocked the safe, bringing out the Axis. He closed the doors, relocking it. With inhuman speed he closed the shades, and turned off the lights.
Meanwhile, Wesley, Gunn, and Fred waited outside.
"I can't believe the little twerp just... disappeared with Cordy. Again. And that funky orange powder that's screwing around with Angel's nose is just too freaky. How we supposed to find them without Angel being able to track them?"
Wesley shook his head, looking at Gunn. "I don't know. That orange substance, did it bother any of you?"
Both shook their heads. Wesley stood up, and began pacing.
"This concoction seems to be specifically designed to cover up any scents in the air. Apparently, a being with a heightened sense of smell has an reaction to it... I'm going upstairs to get a sample."
"I'll get the gloves and the equipment," Fred volunteered. Wesley smiled gratefully.
"Anything I can do?" Gunn asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, you can. Fred and I will be testing the properties of the powder, but we'll still need help in identifing it. Look on the Internet for special potions describing the symptoms the powder caused, and if there are any long term side effects."
"That might take all night."
"Then you better get started."
A
Connor held Cordelia's hand, looking anxiously over the unconscious woman. Her face looked peaceful, but that didn't calm the fear in Connor's soul. Her blood curdling scream would never be erased from his mind as long as he lived. Lindsey didn't seem to care as he sat down in his leather lazy-boy chair, feet propped on a matching footstool.
"This shouldn't have happened," Connor said hotly, his face set in a angry mask. Lindsey sighed as he opened his beer.
"Relax. She's fine. Her pulse is regular, she's still alive and in one peace, and she's no longer part demon. Everything's fallin' into place."
"How do you know if she's-"
"I just do. Cordelia's strong. She's been through worse," Lindsey replied before sipping his beer. "Just give her time."
Connor shook his head. "What about Angel?"
"What about him?"
"Why didn't we use that thing on him instead?"
Lindsey smirked. "Patience is a virtue, Connor. Or should I call you Steven?"
Connor looked down at Cordy's small, tanned hand in his. "It's Connor."
"Well, Connor, both of us combined could cause some heavy damage. Me with my new super human strength, you and your demon like super strength; we could possibly kill him. But I learned many times with my experiences with that vampire that you don't underestimate him. We're not ready to stop him. Not just yet."
"And when will that time be, exactly?" Connor asked impatiently. Lindsey laid his hand on the glass case beside the chair, holding the red orb.
"When we collect enough power to destroy two major cities at once. And then, we'll power up... and destroy Angel once and for all."
Connor's breath hitched. Lindsey heard it, and looked at the teenage boy with seemingly compassion. "The question with you isn't when we do it. It's if you're willing to do it?"
Connor answered a little too quickly. "I am!"
Lindsey smiled as he took another sip of his cold beer.
"No. Well, at least not yet. But I promise, in time, you will be."
Looking back at Cordy, the young warrior sighed. He felt so on edge, and angry. There was so much rage, guilt, and confusion inside that it had him tied up in knots. He wished there was someone he could talk about this with. Even though Cordy wasn't exactly pleased to be his prisoner, she seemed to be listening to what he felt. He missed that. Missed the security if brought to him.
"They'll find us again," Connor softly said, changing the subject.
Lindsey chuckled. "Actually, no, they won't. Well, not unless my location is leaked out."
"What makes you think that?"
Lindsey pointed at the walls, which were covered in strange black symbols. "Those. They're ancient runes, meant to keep certain power presences like mine a secret from all things magical. Had them magically put on my body too."
"More magic?"
"Of course. Some of us wasn't born with super vamp like senses and strength. We have to sometimes improvise."
Lindsey rolled his eyes as the boy looked at Cordelia with that familiar expression called puppy love. He hoped the kids' hormones won't interfere with his plans. It would be a shame to put him down this early in the game.
"I have a spare bedroom. That'll be Cordelia's room. As for you, you'll have to settle for the couch," Lindsey said lightly as he turned the TV on. Connor looked at Lindsey with surprise and puzzlement from his position next to the couch where Cordelia was currently stationed.
"The couch? You're letting me stay?"
Lindsey briefly saw the resemblance Angel and his son had in the oblivious department. "Sleeping on the streets will only get you caught again by the enemy. And I'm not just talking about Angel and his sidekicks. You're a big player in this town. Big enough for a certain law firm to take interest in. So yeah, you're sticking with me."
"You can't make me stay," Connor said defensively, the rebellious teenager rearing his ugly head again. Lindsey smirked.
"No. I'm not your father. Unlike him, I believe in free will. You can walk out that door right now... But Cordelia is staying here."
Connor fumed, trying to stare down the older man. But the obvious authority Lindsey carried himself with soon had the younger male looking away.
"I'm only looking out for you. And I expect the same thing for you. You got my back, I have yours."
Connor liked the sound of that. It reminded him of the way it was back in Quar-toth with Holtz. The man he acknowledged as father. It was do or die. There was no room for bickering or distrust. They worked as a team, fighting demons every day. It was nice to have that common goal again. No family drama to worry about.
"I'm not going to lay down the law with you, but I am going to give you some simple rules with this living arrangement. Number one: don't raid my fridge at night. Snacks are up in the right cupboard, but don't eat them all in one sitting. Number two: Leave my personal stuff alone. Namely my under-ware, clothes, and anything in my room. Period. Number three: Leave my guitar alone. Which actually coincides with rule number two."
Connor nodded, relaxing. "Okay. Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"Can I have one of those?" Connor asked while pointing at the beer in Lindsey's hand.
Lindsey chuckled. "Sorry. You're what the law calls a minor. You have to be twenty-one to have one of these."
"Why?"
"You're kidding me, right? Angel's little drama team never taught you what this stuff is made of?"
"Gunn explained. But I'm not a boy. I'm a warrior, a man."
Lindsey laughed to Connor's annoyance. "Sorry. But killing demons and surviving a hell dimension doesn't exactly make you a man. A survivor, yes - but a man? So the answer's no. There's some coca-cola and root-beer in the fridge if you're wanting somethin' to drink."
Connor muttered under his breath as he went to the fridge. Lindsey smiled smugly as he turned up the volume on the TV.
A
"Hmm. Interesting," Fred muttered as she studied the substance underneath the microscope.
"What's interesting?" Wesley asked as he mixed some chemicals with the orange powder in a glass test tube.
"This powder seems to have ordinary compounds that you can get from the grocery store. Generic ingredients as well as chemical components."
Wesley pondered this as he watched the orange watery substance in the test tube turn blue. "And magical properties."
Fred looked at the test tube in Wesley's hands. "Magical properties that could make someone go poof?"
"No. I don't believe so... Gunn? Any progress?"
"Man, there's just way too many possibilities."
"Well, from what we know so far from these testing sessions, I would have to say that the powder is not for killing. In fact, it's not really dangerous at all," Wesley commented.
"You know what I think? This stuff is kinda like a repellliant of some kind. Only the oppisite."
Wesley and Gunn looked at each to her. Fred decided she better clarify herself.
"Well, it doesn't have any effects on our human senses. But for Angel, he said it felt like someone poured acid up his nose. Like.. Like spraying someone with mace."
"Yes. That does make sense," Wesley replied, sitting down on the barstool behind the reception counter. "He couldn't pick up the scent in the room Cordelia was being held, or where the trail in the halls ended. It was almost like it... was... burned away."
"Can smells actually be burned away?" Gunn asked incredulously.
"No. But they can be covered up. And with Angel's incapability at the moment to smell anything, it's obvious that someone wasn't wanting their identity to be known," Wesley explained.
"Such as the people at Wolfram and Hart?" Gunn asked.
"They are a possibility. Considering the colorful history between them and Angel," Fred pointed out.
"Yes, but you yourself said that anyone can pick up the ingredients in the powder," Wesley added. "Just about anyone with the knowledge of potions and magic can make this."
"Great. Another list to narrow down suspects," complained Gunn. "When are we goin' to catch a break?"
As if to answer that, Angel opened the door of the office, slowly walking out. The other three stood up, and watched as Angel collapsed on the couch, covering his face with his hands.
"Do you think he found her?" Fred whispered.
Gunn looked at the office, seeing the Axis slightly glowing. He then looked at the back of the defeated vampire. "Guess not."
Wesley cautiously grabbed a chair and walked over to the orange couch against the wall by the office. Putting the chair in front of Angel, Wesley sat and waited.
Angel was quiet, his face looking very ancient. Gunn and Fred gathered around Wesley from behind, waiting for the verdict.
"Did it work?" Fred asked at last.
Angel looked up at her, then shook his head.
"Did you try looking in the other dimensions?" Wesley prodded.
"Yes," Angel said barely above a whisper. "All I saw... was this big blank. Like... Like she didn't even exist."
"A blank?" asked Wesley.
"It wasn't like the thing is broken," Angel continued on. "It just showed this darkness that felt... empty. No, more like blanket."
"Cordy's under a blanket?" Gunn asked, looking confused.
"No. But where ever she is, the Axis can't see past it. The same with Connor."
"Connor? I thought the Axis could only show you special, mojo folk like Cordy?" asked Gunn.
"Connor was a human child born of two vampires. I think that qualifies him under the special category," Wesley injected. Gunn rolled his eyes.
"Human? The boy tracks like a vamp, is strong like a vamp, and-"
"Charles!" hissed Fred, nodding her head toward Angel. Gunn quickly closed his mouth, looking slightly guilty.
"Are you sure you've tried every dimension? Considering that there are countless worlds-"
"I did!" Angel snapped. Wesley sighed.
"Alright. Then let's look at the facts then. Connor is no longer working alone."
"Justine maybe?" Angel suggested.
"No. She doesn't have the calculating mind, nor the strong will to control Connor or come up with this kind of powder. Whoever did this planned it. Knew what moves that we would take, and knows who we are. Especially you."
Angel nodded. "Other than Wolfram and Hart, I do have some enemies who would do whatever they could to make life miserable for me."
"Exactly."
Angel growled. "The list is just too damn long!"
"True, but we do have a eye witness," Wesley implied.
"Such as?" Angel asked. Wesley stood up.
"Cordelia's guide, Skip. He of all people would know something."
Angel's eyes, which a minute ago looked dead, now had a spark of life.
"You still have that ancient key to enter his domain?"
"Yes. It's in the safe," said Angel as he stood up.
"Then you better get going. I'll go pay a visit to some sources, see if I can come up with anything on my end," Wesley said.
"Go do that. Gunn, Fred, I'll need you two to stay here. See if you can get a hold of Lorne and update him on our situation."
A
Lilah laid down on the large leather couch in her new office. She felt tense and a little worked up over the day she had. The first day of being the new boss wasn't what she expected. Mainly due with nothing to do on her snack, lunch, and supper breaks. The anticipated breaks she looked forward to because of a certain, hot, shady, good guy Wesley Wyndom-Pryce. Both her enemy and lover.
The fact that he still wasn't home when she called bothered her. It was late, which usually meant he would be home, reading a book, sipping his tea... Or hey, screwing her to oblivion.
Her cell phone began ringing to her annoyance. She wasn't in the mood for yet another crisis or error that her incompitent employees did yet again. But, as the new boss, the Senior Partners would be keeping a sharp eye on her, seeing if she could hold up what she claimed she could do. Failing would only get her dead, like the previous management.
Lazily, the fatal female reached in her jacket pocket, pulling out the loud contraption.
"This better be an emergency," Lilah practically growled.
"Hmm, somebodies testy," replied the British accent she's been fantasizing about the last few hours. Of course now, after hearing his voice, all she wanted to do was wipe the smug Bastard off of the face of the earth.
"Testy? No, I'm what we Americans call 'Royally pissed off'."
"Are you trying to turn me on?" Wesley replied with amusement coloring his voice. Lilah couldn't help but shiver at the hidden promise in his voice.
"No. But maybe I should, then not call or see you for twenty-four hours, leaving you with nobody to take care of your sexual frustration," Lilah tried to say as acidly as possible. But her voice took a husky tone instead.
Damn it. The guy just had that affect on her, wich really was annoying.
"I'm sure your minions can take care of that for you."
"True. But it's so much more dirtier when I have a white hat such as yourself, do it for me," she purred. Wesley's throaty chuckle caused her breathing to become uneven.
"Where have you been?"
"Now Lilah, don't pretend that you don't know," Wesley answered mockingly.
"Hmm, true. It was you who claimed to not care where Angel was. Yet you went out and saved him anyways. I have to say Bravo, Wesley. Keeping slave girl a secret, along with Angel's whereabouts as well was a good move on your part."
"So, you heard about that, did you?"
"Well, I am the new boss. It's my job to keep on top of things... Such as you," Lilah replied huskily as she delivered the double antandra.
"New boss? Linwood couldn't handle the pressure?" Wesley asked, though his voice showed that he presumed otherwise.
"I guess you can say that he lost his head over it," Lilah replied, chuckling. Wesley didn't seemed amused.
"What do you want, Wes?"
"Information."
"On what? Where Connor stashed Angel's seer? I have no clue."
"Really? That's hard to believe. I thought you knew everything," Wesley said condescendingly. "Especially sense you've taken it upon yourself to keep tabs on his son."
Lilah was quiet for a moment. "Angel told you about that? Gee, I didn't know that you two were buddy, buddy again. Especially since he did try to kill you the last time you two saw each other."
"We're not. We just have a common goal."
"And little miss Texas has nothing to do with that?" Lilah pushed.
Wesley was now the one quiet. Lilah smiled bitterly.
"Yeah. Guess being around the stick brings up old, fuzzy, warm feelings again."
"She has nothing to do with this, Lilah," Wesley warned. Lilah laughed.
"Oh please. As if I'm concerned about the little crush of yours. I know who's arms you go to when you have that itch that needs scratching. Speaking of itches, are you home yet?"
"No. I've still more work to do."
"Come on, Wesley. All work and no play makes you grumpy and dull. How about I come by your place and-"
"No. Not tonight. Some other time."
Lilah grew angry. He never turned down their little trysts before. Her mind couldn't help but turn its wrath toward Fred.
"Well, I should go. You've confirmed what I needed to know."
"Confirmed? About what, exactly?"
"Get some sleep, Lilah. Your work does have a tendency to kill their best and brightest employees," Wesley said gently. "Goodnight."
Lilah snorted as she hung up. Paranoia and jealousy reared its ugly head. But, Lilah pushed those feelings aside so she could look at the big picture. To analyze the phone call from a professionals point of view.
The call wasn't exactly about Connor. In fact, Wesley really never asked her a question concerning that. Though it was related, the call seemed more like trying to confirm something. Did something new happen?
Quickly walking over her desk, Lilah pressed the button on her office phone, buzzing her secretary.
"Yes, Ms. Morgan?"
"Catherine, get me Gavin on the line."
Lilah waited a few seconds before Gavin's voice came on.
"You rang?"
"Gavin, I want you to go and fetch the current record on today's events at the Hyperian Hotel. Then meet me here in my office."
"Okay, but may I-"
"Gavin, don't waste my time. Or do I have to call the O'Neil twins to come and pay you a visit?"
"I'm on my way."
Lilah smiled, feeling better a little for threatening the smug lawyer. Her mind quickly turned to the situation at hand.
Though the hotel was no longer bugged due to that green demon's meddling, they could neither see or hear what went on in there. But, they did have spy's and other resources to report what went on on the outside. And whatever was going on, she wanted to be in the middle of it.
A
The place was just as dimly lit as the last time he'd been there. Same dungeon feeling as before. Minus a prisoner on fire.
Angel sighed, hoping that this trip wasn't in vain. It seemed that each time he came closer to finding Cordy, something would come and screw it up. Not to mention being caught kissing Gwen, something he didn't expect to happen in the first place. The memory brought a bitter taste to his mouth.
Entering the place where he first met Billy, Angel saw nothing at first. But not one to just give up, he entered further, looking at every corner. He soon found what he was seeking as a pained groan caught his attention in the farthest and darkest corner.
Angel quickly ran over, noting that Skip was laying ar too still, not moving.
"Skip!"
Skip's eyes fluttered open, his breathing uneven. "Hey... I... know you. Angel. The vampire with a soul."
"Yeah. Here, let me help you," Angel said as he helped Skip sit up. "What happened to you? Are you hurt?"
"Worse," replied Skip. "The powers the PTB gave me are now gone."
"Gone?"
Skip groaned, clutching his chest. "Stolen!... And...And I think... Man this hurts!"
"Shh. Just save your energy. I need to get you out of here."
"No," Skip refused. "It's too late for me. That guy not only drained me of... (grunts) my powers. He stole pretty much all my life force too. Guess he didn't want any witnesses."
"Guy? What guy? Was Connor with him?"
Skip nodded. "Yeah. Cute kid by the way. Though he could use a lesson in the manners department."
"Skip, tell me everything that happened," Angel said urgently.
"They came for Cordelia," Skip said faintly, his heart now beating erratically.
"Who's they? Connor? Wolfram and Hart?"
"Your... son and this guy. I don't remember... much. I'm sure Cordelia knew who he was. She said.. his name."
Skip groaned as a spasm of pain shot through him. Angel held his hand as the demon thrashed violently. After a few moment, he soon settled down, his breathing becoming more ragged by the second.
"Listen. I don't have much time left... This guy knew you. He hates you... And most important, he has one of the orbs of Thesalus. The red one. It... it can take the powers of any... any kind of demon, along with their lifeforce. If he steals enough powers, he... he can definitely be a problem for ya."
Skip quickly grabbed a fistful of Angel's shirt, pulling him closer. "When Connor's no longer any use to him, he'll kill him. You have to stop him!"
"I will," Angel vowed. Skip's face seemed lighter.
"I know you will. You're a champion. And with Cordelia by your side... that punk won't have a chance."
"Can you tell me what he looked like?"
Skip frowned as he shook his head. "It's all so murky... all I remember... is those blue eyes. They were so... so hungry for power. And for revenge. He really hates you."
"Yeah, well, he can join the crowd."
"I'm... sorry. But I do remember one thing. He said he had connections. One of these connections apparently is dead and is spending... eternity in the bottomless pit of the underworld. Hell. That's how he got that orb. It was placed there... over... a millinaia ago. To never wreak havoc on earth again. You know anybody with those types of connections?"
"Yes. It does narrow down things a bit. Anything else?"
"No," Skip said faintly. "I wish... I wish I could remember more. To be more help."
"You have," Angel quietly said. Skips' heartbeat began to flutter. It wouldn't be long now.
Skip smiled faintly. "You know, I could've taken ya. That little love tap was a once... once... in a million win... shot. Too bad we... won't... have... a rematch."
Skip's eys closed, taking his last breath. Angel felt his eyes sting with tears. Another warrior for good was down. And more would come.
"Thank you," Angel whispered.
Standing up, he left the demon's body as he went back to earth's realm.
A
Cordelia groggily opened her eyes, waking from the noise coming from the TV. She weakly sat up, looking around the apartment.
Lindsey noticed that the seer was finally awake. Smiling, Lindsey welcomed her.
"Glad to see you alive. For a moment, I was beginning to think that you wouldn't make it."
Cordelia blinked. Lindsey waited for her sharp, witted famous remarks to come flying at him. But none came.
"Wow. This is a new record. Cordelia Chase actually speechless."
Cordelia gave Lindsey a frightened look. "Cordelia Who?"
A/N: Yeah. Another fic with Amnesia Cordy Action Figure. But don't worry, it's not going to be like my other fic. I'm just following some base of the story lone in Angel season four. Minus the whole, Jasmine possession thing.
