Chapter 10 House of the Holy

A/N: Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and didn't go crazy on Black Friday. Now the Christmas season is here. And it's Tuesday so here's your update. This chapter is going to give you guys a small break because you need it so enjoy it. Happy reading.

Human beings in a mob
What's a mob to a king?
What's a king to a god?
What's a god to a non-believer?
Who don't believe in anything?

We make it out alive
All right, all right
No church in the wild

Tears on the mausoleum floor
Blood stains the coliseum doors
Lies on the lips of a priest
Thanksgiving disguised as a feast
Rollin' in the Rolls-Royce Corniche
Only the doctors got this, I'm hidin' from police
Cocaine seats
All white like I got the whole thing bleached
Drug dealer chic
I'm wonderin' if a thug's prayers reach
Is Pious pious cause God loves pious?
Socrates asks, "Whose bias do y'all seek?"
All for Plato, screech
I'm out here ballin', I know y'all hear my sneaks
Jesus was a carpenter, Yeezy, laid beats
Hova flow the Holy Ghost, get the hell up out your seats
Preach

Human beings in a mob
What's a mob to a king?
What's a king to a god?
What's a god to a non-believer?
Who don't believe in anything?

We make it out alive
All right, all right
No church in the wild

I live by you, desire
I stand by you, walk through the fire
Your love is my scripture
Let me into your encryption

Coke on her black skin made a stripe like a zebra
I call that jungle fever
You will not control the threesome
Just roll the weed up until I get me some
We formed a new religion
No sins as long as there's permission'
And deception is the only felony
So never fuck nobody wit'out tellin' me
Sunglasses and Advil
Last night was mad real
Sun comin' up, 5 a.m.
I wonder if they got cabs still
Thinkin' 'bout the girl in all-leopard
Who was rubbin' the wood like Kiki Shepard
Two tattoos, one read "No Apologies"
The other said "Love is cursed by monogamy"
That's somethin' that the pastor don't preach
That's somethin' that a teacher can't teach
When we die, the money we can't keep
But we probably spend it all 'cause the pain ain't cheap
Preach

Human beings in a mob
What's a mob to a king?
What's a king to a god?
What's a god to a non-believer?
Who don't believe in anything?

Will he make it out alive
All right, all right
No church in the wild
No church in the wild
No church in the wild
No church in the wild

No Church in the Wild by Kanye West ft. Jay-Z and Frank Ocean

This was the longest day of Angel's life. First he paced, then he would sit down, then get up, he would pace some more. He was finally sitting and he couldn't get up not because he was tired but because he was a pillow. Buffy sat next to him and she leaning against him with her head on his chest. Dawn was on the other side with her head sleeping peacefully on his knee. If he was smart he would not wake up any of these girls.

Cordelia came over with a small cup of coffee for Angel he slowly took it.

"You need a real meal and not McDonalds or vending machine food." Cordelia whispered to the slayer. It was true he needed a real meal but he wasn't hungry. "Doyle and I were thinking maybe we cook at the mansion tonight, a real nice meal." Angel nodded a little accepting the gesture. Cordelia leaned in and kissed Angel's cheek and then walked away to pass out the coffee to the others. Doyle had another tray of coffee and passed it around as well.

Angel just stared at the clock waiting. The surgery was not a short one either. They have been here since eight in the morning and Joyce went back into the OR at ten. It was now four in the afternoon. The doctor did say the surgery can last between five to eight hours. Going into the brain, poking around, digging, it takes time. Just then the doors opened and Angel saw doctor Kregel and his heart dropped to the floor. Angel had to get up but how? Everyone saw Angel's expression and then they saw doctor Kregel. Angel then leaned into Buffy.

"Buffy, Angel, Angel needs his arm." He sort of shook her and Buffy woke up feeling groggy. Angel then set the coffee cup on the floor. He then gently woke Dawn up and once she saw doctor Kregel her heart jumped. Angel stood up and he was praying everything was fine he was so nervous he was trembling. He then felt Buffy take his hand and squeezed hers tight. Everyone gathered around staying close hoping the best.

"Your mother is just fine the surgery went very well, we removed the entire tumor." The doctor smiled and Angel let out the biggest sigh of relief and Buffy wrapped her arms around him knowing he could go down just out of sheer exhaustions. Dawn smiled as Angel reached out for her and brought her in close. "Other than normal recovery complications we will keep her here for three days and in the ICU overnight just to be safe. But overall her surgery was a success." Everyone clapped and cheered and Angel nodded. The weight was gone, they were in the clear.

Angel reached over and hugged Buffy. He had to do something for her. She's been with him every step of the way being his support. Buffy hugged him knowing this is what he needed. Angel felt like he could breathe again. Everyone gathered around hugging each other as this was a victory for them all.

"Can I see her?" Angel asked.

"Just you and your sister and one at a time I think is fine." The doctor answered. Angel and Dawn followed the doctor to the ICU ward and Angel went first. Angel sat on the bed and took his mom's hand into his and kissed and she groaned.

"Angel?" She asked opening her eyes a little.

"It's me, I'm here." He confirmed as he saw the wrap on her head.

"I feel awful." Joyce announced and Angel smiled. He honestly didn't know what was going to happen and he was scared out of his mind.

"You're going to be fine." Angel assured her. "Staying here overnight and then they'll downgrade you and then you'll stay on what they call PCU and stay there for two more days."

"Two more days?" Joyce asked. "Forget it I'm alright." Yes Joyce was fine and Angel smiled.

"No, you're staying just a little while longer." Angel knew his mom was out of it but it was good to hear her voice.

"Fine, but when I leave I'm driving home." Joyce added and Angel nodded but she probably won't even remember this talk. Angel leaned in and gently kissed her forehead and he thank whatever higher power was out there.

Joyce would stay in ICU under close observations but as each hour passed from the end of the surgery the better she looked. No one could be on the ICU floor at night and there was no point to wait. Everyone deserved to go home and sleep and now they actually can. But Angel had a request he wanted to be alone with Buffy. He hasn't been alone with Buffy in while and they needed some time. So Dawn went to the mansion and hang out with Giles, Doyle and Cordelia.

At dinner Dawn was talking up a storm. She was giddy again because her mom was ok. It made Giles smile as the four of them sat around the table having a nice home cooked meal. The air felt so much better now with Joyce's surgery a success.

"So, what's the plan after this?" Doyle asked as dinner was ending.

"We could go out?" Giles suggested.

"Where?" Cordelia asked as she stood up gathering some of the dishes off the table.

"A bar?" Doyle asked. "Celebrate."

"They won't allow Dawn in you twit." Giles reminded Doyle and the half demon had to remember that. In fact they won't even let Cordelia in yet she wasn't twenty-one. Dawn smiled.

"We can bring something back. You like strawberry Dawn?" Doyle asked and Dawn nodded. "Strawberry schnapps tastes just like strawberry lemonade." Dawn smiled and Doyle smiled back and then he looked to Giles who had a very disapproving look. "Never mine." Giles then got up with his plate to help Cordelia.

"We're not starting her young." Giles added.

"Hey, had my first beer when I was fifteen." Doyle said and then he looked to Dawn. "Turned out just fine I think."

"How about we go out and see a movie?" Cordelia suggested because obviously bar hopping was out. "It is your night Dawn, today was a good day."

"You guys don't have to do anything for me." Dawn knew they were just as happy but they need to shower her with anything. "I'm only over here so Angel and Buffy can boink." Cordelia's and Doyle's eyes widen and Giles dropped some silverware hearing that.

"Oh no Dawn they," Doyle started. "Yeah, they need sometime alone but you know it's just them being alone." Dawn wasn't stupid she knew what was going on at her house.

"Alone time always meant get Dawn out for the night so we can have loud sex. Probably is the same when they tell you guys you should go out." Dawn added.

"Ok," Giles didn't want to hear anymore of this. It was awkward to know that Dawn knows that her brother is having sex probably right now too. It's weird to know that Dawn knows about sex to begin with. And Giles really didn't want to know what his slayer does with his free time or Buffy or how they relax. As far as Giles is concern Angel does not do anything but ignorance is bliss.

At Angel's house the lights downstairs were off, the doors were locked and the place was quiet. Up in Angel's room the place was lit with just candles and soft music played. Angel and Buffy were actually slow dancing to the song holding each other. Buffy could feel that the tension was gone and Angel felt relaxed for once. Buffy then looked up to him with a smile. They haven't been together in a while not with Joyce's condition and Glory around and of course Dawn being a key.

"I missed you," Angel finally said something. She hasn't left his side this whole time but it felt like she's been gone. He put everything on hold to take care of his mom and now it felt like he can actually hold Buffy. Buffy smiled at him.

"We have all night." She reminded him. "All night and we're alone just you and me."

"It's still not enough time." There was never enough time with her.

"We have all the time." Buffy put her hand on his cheek and Angel leaned into it.

"Thank you Buffy." He has been meaning to truly thank her.

"For better or for worse right?" She asked and Angel leaned in for a kiss and she accepted. It's been sometime since they've been intimate as well. The kiss got heated as they could finally hold each other. They were just going to skip the sweet nothings as Angel just picked her up and carried her to the bed. Buffy smiled as she laid down inviting him.

They had the whole house to themselves, no one was going to interrupt them they were just going to be with each other and they needed it. Buffy was already undressing him and she was doing likewise. They did have all night and they'll use it just to feel and be near each other. And like Dawn said they can be really loud too.

Buffy held her Angel close as he rocked. She didn't know why she felt like crying for a moment. Maybe because everything was over and everything felt normal again and she was happy? But that pit in her stomach that ticking sound she hears in her head won't stop. It's like it turned on just after Riley's death. But now was not the time to think it was just time to feel and that's she wanted was time.

Angel then looked to her and she put both hands on his cheeks wanting to see into his eyes, he bared soul in his eyes and she saw it most when they were like this. She has walked this earth for over two hundred years and she can walk it again for another two hundred years and still she will never find another man like him. Angel leaned in for a kiss and she accepted and it felt good to be with each other. This was needed very much so.

Buffy looked to the clock and it was four in the morning. Angel was asleep and he was in a deep and peaceful sleep. Buffy's head was on his bare chest listening to his heart beating steadily. He was so warm and the best pillow in the world. She wanted the night to continue to repeat over and over and over again. Buffy felt the sleep slowly taking her too. She wanted to stay awake knowing when she does wake it'll be morning and the night will be over. She didn't want to see the sun but sleep will win. Buffy then sat up a little so she could whisper into Angel's ear. She told him how much she loved him and how she wasn't going to leave. She then kissed his cheek and then rested her head back on his chest and closed her eyes. Outside Angel's room someone watched their window.

Spike lit up another cigarette and continued to watch the window. Over the last few weeks something was happening. He was seeing Buffy in a different light. He wanted to protect her although she didn't need it well physically at least. Spike wanted Buffy to stay happy and she was happiest with Angel. Also he's traveled with Buffy when she was Elizabeth and even then he had some sort of fondness for her. There was something about her vulnerability that he liked but Angel seems to be the one that fixes it. Angel was lucky Spike thought and the slayer might not ever know.

Glory was reading through the bible looking at the Book of Revelations. She was smiling, humans have a real passion for destruction. But this end of humanity has a series of events before it happens but for Glory she likes when things just…end. She can jumpstart it so everything happens within days maybe even hours. Humans won't even know what hit them. You can't stop the end once it starts.

"Dreg!" Glory yelled as the little creature came over. "You said there are more versions of this?"

"Yes your great one." Dreg answered in a trembling voice.

"Good, bring it to me." Glory demanded and Dreg bowed to find the other copies. "Humans have a weird language."

"Well, your holy one," Dreg came over with different copies of the bible. "That's how this species wrote two thousand years ago."

"Two thousand years," Glory smiled. "This place is still in diapers." Dreg chuckled a little as Glory continued to study. "I still need the key."

"We are working on it." Dreg assured her and Glory looked to him.

"Then work faster." Glory demanded and the creature bowed and left as the woman continued to read.

Angel was at the hospital with his mom as she was better. In another two days she can go home. She had no more headaches just the soreness of someone opening up her skull. At first the topic was about wigs for Joyce to wear. Parts of her head were shaved down. Joyce didn't want to wear a wig and decided to stay with stylish scarfs.

"So, anything on this woman?" Joyce was now going to talk about business. Angel walked over to her after viewing some of the wigs and sat on the bed with her. He shrugged to the question.

"I don't know, there's nothing in the books." Angel closed the door to one bad thing but the other door remains open. "She kicked my ass and I could barely get one move on her."

"You'll find a way and now that I'm better you can go back to work." Angel smiled a little but part of him didn't want to work. Being with his mom, taking care of her felt good. The slaying didn't exist and he felt normal and at peace. But it was time to get back to the real world and face this woman. She had to be a demon a very powerful demon.

The magic shop was closed for lunch and the mansion felt whole again as Angel was back. He's been on leave so to speak for a some time now. Everyone was gathered around the kitchen table eating and the matter at hand is Glory. She needed to be put in the ground so the group can move on.

"So in other words she's really old, there's nothing in the books and all we have is the Dagon's sphere?" Angel asked as he was getting filled in. Everyone nodded as he set down his fork thinking. "Leaves us with nothing."

"We could contact the Council," Giles suggested looking around and that was an option. The A-Team had no place to go now and the Council might be the next best choice. Angel didn't like the idea of the Council getting onboard especially with Dawn being the center of this. "Just an idea."

"Well, until then I think we should start looking at building up our arsenal." Doyle ate some food. "If Angel can barely handle her what makes you think we can?" That was a valid point. Angel and Buffy were the only ones who stood a chance against Glory. Buffy has yet to face Glory or see her for that matter.

"Well, we start with the basics, who is she which we don't know, why she's here and what makes her scream." Xander hashed out the usual investigation they follow by.

"What about Wesley? And Gunn and the other hunters?" Buffy asked looking around. "I mean maybe its time we ask for help."

The phone was ringing as the speaker was on. They waited hopefully Wesley will pick up. The ringing stopped and they heard the phone get picked up.

"This is Price Investigations Wesley speaking." A voice answered.

"Wes, it's Angel, you're on speaker." Angel greeted the former Watcher.

"Ah, Angel good to hear from you." You can hear it in Wesley's voice that he was happy about it.

"We got an issue, I'm going to turn it over to Giles and you might want to take some notes." Angel suggested as Giles came over with a pen and notepad. Everyone else was standing around the study hoping something can be found.

"Wesley?" Giles asked.

"Giles," The other Watcher greeted him.

"Right now we're dealing with what might be a very old demon that calls herself Glory, have you heard of that name?" Giles asked.

"No, how old are we talking?" Wesley's voice asked.

"Well, the books we have here have nothing on her or anything like her. She used the Sobekite texts to summon a cobra and these texts were lost thousands of years ago. Not only that she nearly killed Angel in a fist fight she's very strong." Giles finished.

"You think she's demon in nature?" Wesley asked.

"As of now yes but we found an object called the Dagon's sphere," Giles was going to keep talking but that caught Wesley's attention.

"Wait you found a Dagon's sphere?" Wesley asked.

"Yes?" Giles sort of answered.

"I don't think this is a typical demon. " Then on Wesley line everyone heard shuffling. "Gunn, can you grab the Book of Sir Galllie?" They all heard Wesley asked and they heard Gunn say yes. "I'm sure you know that the sphere repeals a great power."

"Yes so we're determining she is evil thus demon in some way." Giles answered and then on the other line they heard someone turning the pages of the book.

"Dagon's sphere," Wesley was reading. "Ok other than it repealing that which cannot be named it is part of the Philistines of Aegean back in the 1117 BC time. It's said that a small order of monks created the sphere to help counter evil." Wesley read and Angel was putting some pieces together.

"These monks? Are they still out there?" Angel asked.

"Um…no I do not believe so they were well it appears they have been wiped out sometime after the fall of the Roman empire in 376 CE." Wesley answered. "There's not much on this Order of Dagon here but I'll look it up see what I can find."

"Listen Wesley be careful this woman is powerful and hopefully she is just confined to Sunnydale." Giles warned his counterpart.

"I'll call back if I find anything of use." Wesley answered.

Angel was in his car driving to see a local priest. Father Michael might be able to give more information this Order of Dagon. He hoped so because there wasn't much to go on anymore. Angel parked his car and walked into the church. It was still daylight out but soon he'll be out on the hunt. This is the first time Angel has been here alone without Buffy. The place was mostly empty at the moment, maybe twenty or thirty people were here. Angel smelt something and in the front of the church he saw Father Michael with something as he swung it and smoke came from it. There were people in robes following him as they chanted.

Buffy would know what is going on so right now Angel had no idea what was happening. Maybe he should just sit in the back and wait? He did but then he forgot to bow so he quickly got up and bowed but he still didn't understand why he just sees Buffy doing it. He sat there and waited knowing Father Michael was a busy man. When you live on the Hell Mouth as a priest you have extra problems.

Whatever was going was done and Father Michael saw Angel in the back. They made eye contact and Angel got up as the priest started to leave the alter and they met halfway near the far wall of the church.

"I take it you are here on a business trip." Michael greeted Angel.

"Why else?" Angel answered but Father Michael liked working with the slayer and to be fighting evil on a whole other level. They didn't teach this to him back at the seminary so this was a great honor.

"Where's your other half?" Usually Angel and Buffy are not far apart.

"Research." Angel answered.

"Does this have to do with that giant cobra I saw you chasing down a few nights ago?" Michael asked as the two walked to the back area of the church.

"Uh, it stems from it." Angel answered as they were in Michael's office. "I want to know if you've ever heard of an order called the Order of Dagon?" Angel asked and Father Michael sat down thinking. "They were around up until the fall of Rome."

"No," Michael answered and that confused Angel. "They might not have tied to the Church but I can look into it." Angel nodded but that wasn't all.

"Uh, you said something that if a holy object was being protected then it has some importance like what?" Angel asked. He needed to find out more about his sister. These monks guarded her, she was something valuable to them. Glory was something old and dangerous and if something was meant to repeal her then he needed to know what.

"Well classic example the Holy Grail," Michael answered.

"Raider of the Lost Ark?" Angel asked and Michael nodded. "Is it real?"

"There is some truth and myth but neither has been denied or confirmed. You have the nails, the Spear of Destiny," Michael listed.

"Spear of Destiny?" Angel asked.

"It's the spear that lanced Jesus' side, it holds great power." Michael answered and Angel nodded. "People have been after these objects for centuries and haven't found much." Michael could tell Angel wasn't giving him all the information. "What's troubling you?"

"A lot," Angel answered. "Look we found that this woman calls herself Glory and she's no where in the books. And then we found the Dagon's Sphere, which ties to the Order of Dagon. The sphere protects that which cannot be named and we think it means Glory whatever she is predates the written word. Do you know of anything like that?" Michael looked stumped as he leaned back in his chair.

"No," Michael answered but he wanted to help he can see Angel's frustration in this.

"Giles says if something goes unnamed then it's important or something really evil." Angel added and that concerned the priest as he thought about his teachings and studies if anything rung a bell. "I do have one idea and I hope it's not what I think it is."

"And what is that?" Michael asked.

"Two years go," Angel didn't want to talk about this and Michael could see it. "Well about three years ago I," Angel still doesn't talk about this. He's mentioned it once and never again. It was the past but it still haunts him. "I sent Buffy to Hell and she came back which we still don't know how." Angel was uncomfortable. "I felt like dying those months she was gone knowing where she was and no idea what," Michael could tell he needed to talk about it.

"You still carry it," Michael looked to him and Angel looked up. "She has forgiven you but you haven't forgiven yourself."

"She was Elizabeth at the time and her soul was resorted just too late. I told her that I loved, lied to her telling her it was all ok, kissed her and then I rammed a sword through her chest and sent her to hell." Angel finished and that is the second time he had mentioned this. "She was down there for a hundred years and then brought back and an evil tried to kill her. It calls itself the First."

"The First?" Michael asked and Angel nodded.

"First evil older than man and I thought maybe Glory is the First." Angel stated his idea. He hasn't told Giles about it because fighting the First was nearly impossible. "The First almost killed Buffy, told her to stand in the rising sun." Angel looked worried as he sat there. "What if it's back and it wants to try and kill her again?"

"Angel," Michael didn't know what to say. "She is stronger this time."

"Glory is physical and she beat me down hard. What if the First can kill Buffy physically and this key opens the world to Hell?" Angel was very concerned. The First was powerful and he had nothing to fight against. It would make sense that Glory could be something of the First. "What if I can't fight it this time?"

"Angel," Michael had to get him to focus on the task in hand. "I just arrived here last year and met you and Buffy at the end of the summer. I don't know the details or the history in depth. But from what I can see, from what I was told, you and Buffy are very powerful. Whatever has come for whatever reason you will defeat it. I strongly believe that." And he did.

He hasn't even been here for a year yet and the things he has seen, read and heard he believes Angel and Buffy and their group has done more than they'll ever know. The world is bigger than anyone will ever know and a small group of people have kept the darkness at bay. One day that darkness may take over but people like Angel and his group will put a fight before the darkness does rule.

Glory walked the streets at night looking at what she considers lower than scum of beings known as humans. Her deformed minion creatures advised her not to walk alone but she needed to walk around. The world stunk to her, it was a wasteland. Her own home was once a grand place of beauty. The beings there were pure grace but here humans were a lower form.

Glory rounded a corner and stopped seeing the slayer walking down the steps from a church. She smiled, the key had to be in there why else would the slayer be lurking around. The slayer probably hid it from her cobra or the cobra did find it and the slayer killed it. She watched Angel get into his car and drive away. Glory smiled and decided to walk around the church see what might look like the key.

Glory looked around the church as there were people scattered around praying. She smiled a wicked smile. She thought they better pray because she will end them all. Glory walked down the aisle looking around seeing if anything looked mystical or strange.

"Get out of his house." A voice demanded and Glory turned around and a priest stood before her. "You are unwelcomed here."

"Rude, I thought everyone was invited?" Glory smiled and Father Michael held his ground. "The slayer was here, just saw him leave. He has something of mine and I'm looking for it."

"You will only find God here and nothing else." Father Michael was telling the truth. This woman was looking for a key of some kind but Angel has the key somewhere else not here.

"You talk to the slayer so now you'll talk to me." Glory demanded and grabbed Michael and slammed to the steps of the alter. The people in the pews gasped and got up in fear. "I'm stronger than your invisible God you worthless, pitiful excuse for a being. Anytime the slayer talks to you, you will tell me. He has something that belongs to me and I want it back. You do as I ask and you'll live."

"I do not deal with demons." Michael spat out and Glory smiled. But behind Glory he saw Angel slowly sneaking up behind Glory. "There will be a day of reckoning and you will have yours." That made Glory only smile bigger.

"Then pray to your God, he's not here." Glory chuckled.

"Maybe not but I am." Glory turned around and Angel hit her with the crossbow and then he aimed at her as she backed away. Angel stood his ground with his crossbow ready. Glory got up smiling as Father Michael was still down.

"What are you going to do little boy?" Glory asked as she stood there and Angel has yet to give in.

"It might not kill you but I'll shoot you in the knee, hear that's a painful place, hurts like hell." Angel answered with his finger on the trigger.

"I will find the key if I have to rip this town apart." Glory threatened the slayer.

"Get out." Angel demanded. He knew he couldn't take her on but he had to act like he could. He had to put on the poker face and pretend he could win. Glory slowly moved away and backed into the aisle. Some of the people were still here and were stun at what was happening before them.

"And I will have a moment," Glory threatened Angel yet again. "You are very cute so I'll do my best not to damage that angelic face and make it quick."

"Looking forwards to it." Angel accepted the fight and Glory started out the church. Angel lowered his bow and then turned to Michael and held out his hand and helped the startled priest up.

"That was bracing." Michael commented as he brushed himself off. "I'm good thanks." Angel then looked to the priest. "So that was Glory?"

"Yeah," Angel answered.

"She's tiny." Michael added.

"Yeah but looks are deceiving." Angel could remember when he first met Buffy and even to this day. She was small and yet she can beat you down. Father Michael was rubbing his neck as he was in pain. This wasn't good, Glory was now searching for the key herself. "I gotta go," And Angel took off.

"Yes, go and save the world and stop the…whatever she is." Michael waved the slayer off and wonder why he took this job. This better grant him a seat in heaven.

Angel was on his way to the mansion. His mom won't be returning home from the hospital for at least to more days. So he decided to keep Dawn at the mansion. One there were more people that can watch her. Two the mansion was big and there was more to do to keep her entertained. Angel pulled into the property and then pulled up to the mansion and went in.

Everything seemed normal as he walked into the study and there was Giles hard at work studying. Giles then looked up to the slayer knowing the look he had, something happened.

"Where were you?" Giles asked.

"Church," Angel answered and Giles did a slow nod.

"Oh, ok, how was it…" The Watcher was having just a little bit of fun and Angel just sighed because that's not the reason why.

"I went to Father Michael and he has never heard of the Order of Dagon or anything like Glory." Angel reported back and he sat down at the table in some slight frustration. "Glory showed up at the church."

"Is everyone ok?" Giles asked and Angel nodded. "Guess we're back to square one." Giles took off his glasses and lightly tossed them onto the table. "I've contacted the Council and left a message." Angel gave a pfsh type noise meaning whatever.

"What about Wes and Gunn?" Angel asked leaning back into his chair.

"Wes is hitting the books and Gunn the streets. Nothing yet." Giles answered. "Might have to call it night." Angel agreed but he looked worried.

"Get this place on locked down, Glory is was walking the streets. I think she's done summoning things and is now searching personally." Angel added and Giles looked confused.

"In a church?" Giles and Angel nodded.

"The monks I guess consider the key holy, church is a holy place." Angel made the connection.

"Dawn, a holy relic?" Giles asked and Angel never thought of it like that.

"Yeah, that is really weird." Angel then looked to Giles and they both looked to confused. Dawn was a holy object? Sunnydale has yet to cease to amaze them on the term of strange. "Where is she?"

"Upstairs, careful I think it's a girl party." Giles warned the slayer and Angel looked like he was going to dread going up there. It meant nail polish and gossip and with Cordelia living here who knows what's happening.

Angel made upstairs and then headed to the master room hearing laughing. The door was ajar so it was safe as he opened it. On the bed sat Buffy, Dawn and Cordelia. They were in spa robes with some type of green paint on their faces, Angel could smell the nail polish alright and they were giggling. Buffy then looked up with a smile.

"Hey," She greeted her slayer. Dawn got off the bed and walked up to Angel and hugged him but was careful not to get the facial cream on him.

"Well, this is your room you are allowed in." Cordelia added as Angel slowly walked in. "We were just talking."

"I can see." Angel commented. "Look I don't want to ruin the fun but just be careful, ran into Glory." Buffy's eyes widen and so did Cordelia's. "I'm alright just normal threats." That translated into just be careful and don't let anyone in. Willow and Tara already casted a spell on the mansion that will alert if anyone of supernatural origins comes around. Also they did have the Dagon's Sphere just in case.

"Ladies," Doyle then walked in.

"Hi Doyle,' They all greeted him. Doyle then got closer to Angel.

"Say you, I and the old man downstairs go out and get a few drinks and blow this popsicle stand?" Doyle whispered to Angel and that didn't sound like a bad idea. "So, ladies have fun, love the nails." Dawn then held out her hands with a smile.

"Funky raspberry," She described the color.

"We'll be back soon." Angel then headed over to Buffy and kissed her and she smiled. With his mom's health returning to normal he looked better. Angel then reached out and put his hand on Dawn's towel that wrapped her hand and shook it so it came loose.

"Hey!" The teen protested and he smiled.

"Listen to Buffy you heard?" Angel asked and she nodded.

"I heard." Dawn agreed and then the slayer and the half demon left. As soon as they did the girls went back to gossiping.

It took some convincing but Angel and Doyle managed to convince Giles to go out. They weren't going to the Bronze though they were heading to the college campus. Angel wouldn't be carted on campus well less likely to be carted. Also they go to the Bronze all the time they needed some new scenery. The three men walked in and Doyle clapped his hands with a smile. They don't go out much and if the girls were going have a girl party then why can't the guys go out be guys, have a few beers and do what guys do.

"This is fun right?" Doyle asked as Angel walked in behind him with Giles following. This was a different place a bit more dark and some people dressed rather interesting. It's called Gothic but Giles thought it was weird.

"What's the dress code?" Giles asked and both Angel and Doyle looked confused. "Like that man over there, he has…nails in his forehead."

"It's the style besides this place has good beer for really cheap same with drinks so lets party." Doyle justified why they were at this place.

"And you know that because?" Angel asked meaning Doyle has been here before. The half demon shrugged and the three guys went to find a table.

The picture of beer was about half way done but that was their second picture. Right now the waitress came over with a tray of shots and she set the glasses on the table for the three of them. Three sets of six shot glasses were set out before the three guys. Angel was kind of nervous. He's only had beer, some crappy beer but still it's beer. Giles knew how to drink that's all he did as Ripper and then you have Doyle who is Irish and half demon.

"We'll take one shot together then each of us will go down the line see fast we can down the other five." Doyle explained the rules.

"And why?" Giles asked. The Watcher didn't see the purpose but that was the purpose, there was no purpose. Also Angel wasn't sure if he wanted to get hammered. He got hammered last year and that was nothing but puking his brains out all morning.

"Winner gets to sleep in tomorrow." Doyle answered which if they get a hang over then yes sleeping in will be needed. Doyle held up his glass and Angel and Giles held up theirs. "To...the Three Amigos because we're awesome." They clicked their glasses together and then down the shot feeling the alcohol burn.

"Taste like gasoline." Angel commented.

"Whisky my friend and you'll get use to it." Doyle smiled and he was going to go first. He downed all five and steadied himself and then took in a deep breath. "Alright G-man, you're next." Giles looked to the five shot glasses. Doyle downed his pretty fast and the Ripper in him was coming out, two kids weren't going to beat him at a drinking game.

Giles then started down his line and he was about a second faster than Doyle. Doyle clapped and Angel smiled. This was happening, he was drinking with his Watcher and about to get wasted with him. Both Angel and Giles won't admit it but this was actually one of their dreams. It was a weird dream but they were for the most part father and son and there's something about when a father and son share a drink together. In this case five shots.

"Angel," Giles managed to get the slayer's name out meaning it was his turn. Angel looked to his glasses and all he had to do was down each. Angel started and Doyle was all smiles. Angel finished the last one, he slammed the glass down letting the alcohol burn and sat there also regaining himself.

"I think this round goes to the slayer." Doyle added and Giles put his hand on Angel slayer as a good job.

"Teaching you well." Giles commented.

"I feel it." Angel felt a little weird and he looked around. The alcohol was taking affect on them. "You're short Doyle."

"Now we're getting started." This was Doyle's plan.

The Three Amigos as they called them were now back at the mansion. Luckily they spotted Spike and even the vampire had a round with them and the drove them back home. The whole time Angel told Spike how much he looks like Billy Idol and how he can't drive stick and if he grinds the gears on his baby he'll kill him. Angel won't remember the conversion.

Angel, Doyle and Giles stumbled into the dark and quiet mansion. They needed to be quiet as Angel realized Dawn was here.

"Don't tell Dawn I got smashed." He begged the other two. He didn't want Dawn to see him drunk or hung over. They won't remember the conversion though as they all headed upstairs as quietly as a drunk person can be. Doyle was on all fours climbing up the stairs and then stopped and started to laugh.

"Leave him," Giles ordered and the slayer and the Watcher helped each other up to the top. To them they felt like they were in control but they stumbled quite a bit. Angel made it to his room and went in. Buffy was awake reading and she looked up.

"Are you drunk?" She asked and Angel stood there but he couldn't hide it. Buffy can but she's had two hundred years to learn Angel was only nineteen.

"No," Angel answered and Buffy nodded.

"Yeah," She then got up to help him because once he's out he'll be out. She did admit he was kind of cute when he was drunk. He seemed to turn into a cute little boy. He laughs a lot and hugs a lot. Buffy then tried to hold him up as he started to fall to the floor smiling. "Angel you need to get up on the bed."

"Our carpet is really soft," He stated and Buffy nodded and used her strength to get him up. "We almost got into a bar fight," The slayer went on as Buffy had him sitting on the bed. "But we didn't although I would have finished it, you'd be proud."

"I'm sure I would now let me get you a cool washcloth ok." Buffy went to their bathroom and wetted a washcloth and brought it back as Angel was laying on the bed. She then put it on Angel's head but it won't help the hang over he was going to have in the morning.

"I did nine shots." Angel muttered and Buffy's eyes widen. "Had six beers too." Wow her slayer can put it down now the question is can he keep it down? So far yes he can. "What do you call the shots that are on fire?"

"Flaming shots." Buffy answered.

"Had two of those to, those were cool." Angel was gone.

"Look how about you get some sleep." Buffy suggested.

"I'm not tired." He protested looking to her and smiled. "I told Doyle what we did in the shower." Buffy looked a little horrified. "He said he's going to try it with Cordelia,"

"Angel," She didn't want to know what their friends do but apparently their friends know what she and Angel do in the shower. Hopefully Doyle was just as drunk or drunker and won't remember what Angel said.

"You want to go into the shower and do some of that now?" He asked about to sit up but she slightly pushed back to the bed and it didn't take much effort.

"Maybe later you need to sleep." Buffy suggested as Angel put his hand on Buffy's cheek.

"I love you Buffy." He muttered as his eyes were closing. "Thank you for taking care of mom and Dawn and me and everyone. I don't know what I would without you." Buffy smiled a little as that was the real Angel talking. He's said those words to her before. His hand started to fall as Buffy took it into her hand and kissed it and then lowered it. Angel was asleep and she leaned in kissing his forehead. She wasn't sure what she would do without him either. But he was cute when drunk and when he slept and she just watched him for a moment. Then she let out a sigh of relief knowing he was asleep and safe inside. What damage could a drunk slayer, Watcher and half demon do? Maybe it was best never to find out.

Glory threw her shoe at Dred and it hit him knocking him down. She walked this town and found it to be…boring other than the roaming vampires. She hated it here this planet needed to go. The humans were like cockroaches. All she knew was that slayer knew about the key. But he comes off as a type that can be tortured and he still won't break. Glory then sat down on her bed.

"My most wonderful and power and beautiful Glory," Dreg came over to his leader. "The key will reveal itself."

"Those damn monks." Glory wasn't listening to Dreg. "I've been searching for the key and I thought I killed off that Order." She was talking out loud. "I thought they all died when I destroyed home but no they lived and took my key."

"I know my lady and we will get it back." Dreg tried to reason with her but she was getting unstable now.

"This planet has been around too long and needs to disappear humans have no place they are insignificant things." Glory was ranting. "I'm here in this horrible meat suit, I feel nasty, this place. I can't stand this place and the slayer thinks he's all that. I want to kill him and I want to kill this whole planet. They don't worship me, they should." Dreg had signaled for another minion and it came back with a woman bound and gagged. "I was worshiped now no one even looks at me."

The little minion put the crying and trembling woman before Glory and she placed her hands on the woman's head. Glory sunk her hands into the woman's head and the woman screamed as loud as she could in pain. Glory let out a sigh of relief and the woman sat there and started to drool. But it wasn't enough and Glory reached out and snapped the woman's neck and she fell. "Get rid of it." Glory demanded.

The two creatures carted of the dead woman as Glory sat on her bed. She thought this would be easy but it wasn't. The monks did too good of a job protecting the key. But it was time to think outside the box now. The Order of Dagon was smart she should know she started that order. They wouldn't shape the key into just any object. They would actually hide it in plain sight. She had to remember the order but those teachings she tossed out so long ago. All their scriptures were lost as of now. She had to do this on her own. She will find her key even if she had to kill everyone man, woman and child in this town.

The research was going to continue on the Order Dagon that might point them in the right direction. But the research might have to start without Giles, Doyle and Angel. Doyle was awake and out of it. Giles was sipping on water while wearing sunglasses inside. Doyle was doing the same. They were of no use as the team started to slowly gather at the mansion for a debriefing. Giles had no idea how he was supposed to go the shop.

"We're wearing sunglasses inside." Doyle commented and Giles looked up to him. "You know who does that? No talented douchebags." Giles ignored the comment as his head was pounding. Angel was awake and wore himself out puking. Buffy wasn't going to help him he did that all on his own.

Buffy left the room and Dawn came out of the spare room with her backpack. Since Angel was taking care of his issues she will take Dawn to class and go to the hospital.

"Is Angel hung over?" Dawn asked Buffy as they walked down the hallways.

"Yes he is and not babying him this time, he'll get over it." Buffy answered and Dawn smiled. The two girls came downstairs seeing that the Watcher and the half demon were hung over too. Cordelia was bringing out the aspirin because it was needed. "You know the perfect cure for hangover?" Buffy asked the other two boys and they looked up. "A nice greasy pork sandwich served up on a dirty ash tray." And both of them went green in the face.

"I hate you." Angel fought not to barf hearing that.

I know you do." Buffy smiled as Angel was going to join the hang over club but after hearing that he was just going to live in the bathroom.

"Hi Angel," Dawn greeted and he waved her off and she laughed. "You hung over?"

"Yes very leave me alone and don't talk so loud." Angel went upstairs and Dawn continued to the kitchen smiling. Buffy looked as Angel was heading upstairs. The best thing to do was drink water and sleep.

"It's going to be a long day." Buffy muttered and it was. There was a psyco demon lady of some kind out there and those Three…Amigos as they called themselves got smashed. But when you think about it the last few weeks have been tense with Joyce and Glory. Getting smashed might actually refocus them once they stop puking and headache goes away. All in due time. Buffy and Dawn left and tomorrow Joyce could go home. Things were sort of looking up.

No, no, no things can't be looking up. Whenever things get better they get worse. Oh yes it's about to get worse. I'll have a small review in the forum mostly why I did what I did for this chapter. Now chapter 11 is going to be one where you guy are going to be like oh my god what? Just wait. This was just that nice feel good chapter because the last few have been a bit of whirlwind but you guys haven't seen anything yet. So check out the forum for the review and second sneak peek to chapter 11 and you'll get one here. Thank you guys for reading and comments and reviews are always welcomed.

Chapter 11 Hells Bells

"It's the human in us. The human takes over the demon. I'm strong like a demon but I feel human. That's the thing about souls they can be easily broken but yet they are the strongest things out there." Buffy listened knowing this was going to lead them somewhere. Whistler took another sip of his drink and then thought for a moment. "Most of the time the soul wins but there are a few out there just as nasty as a typical demon. You know what I'm talking about. You remember being human and there is demon in you but you feel the soul fighting it."

"Is this the fight you're talking about?" Buffy asked and Whistler shrugged.

"We all have those true inner demons. You could go and still be a nasty vampire Buffy but the soul doesn't let you. You see when a human goes bad like…Ted Bundy for instance it's the soul that dies. It rots and he feels nothing. Demons and vampires have no souls so what they do they feel no pity or remorse."

"Feels easy to live like that." Buffy could remember those days. To just live, take and have what you wanted and move on. It was easy but then to weigh out the consequences, to feel guilt it was hard. "So what this is all about my soul?"

"It's whatever you want it to be." Whistler answered and Buffy looked annoyed.

"Thanks for being cryptic." Buffy just wanted to go to sleep and she crawled into the bed. She hasn't slept on a bed in a long time.

"This can just be a job. You do your job and you move on. This could be about protecting something that is important. This could be about finding your salvation." Whistler went on and Buffy looked to the ceiling but she was listening. "Now I don't believe heaven is waiting with opens arms for me I'm mean I got demon in me I am part monster. You, Hell wants you Buffy." She then looked to him. "The Powers That Be told me, Hell's hounds, Hell itself is ready to greet you with open arms." Buffy then sat up.