Chapter 10 Dead Man's Party
A/N: Finally an update. So sorry for the long waits, hate doing that. But a full time job sort of takes up my time and in a perfect world it wouldn't. Anyways, here's chapter 10 and we got 13 more to go…yeah still a lot ahead of us. Enjoy.
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Walkin' with a dead man
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Walkin' with a dead man over my shoulder
Waiting for an invitation to arrive
Goin' to a party where no one's still alive
Waiting for an invitation to arrive
Goin' to a party where no one's still alive
I was struck by lighting, walkin' down the street
I was hit by something last night in my sleep
It's a dead man's party who could ask for more
Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door
Leave your body and soul at the door
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
It's only me
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Walkin' with a dead man, with a dead man
Waitin' for an invitation to arrive
Walkin' with a dead man, with a dead man
I got my best suit and my tie
Shiny silver dollar on either eye
I hear the chauffeur comin' to my door
Says there's room for maybe just one more
I was struck by lighting, walkin' down the street
I was hit by something last night in my sleep
It's a dead man's party, who could ask for more
Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door
Leave your body and soul at the door
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
It's only me
I was struck by lighting, walkin' down the street
I was hit by something last night in my sleep
It's a dead man's party, who could ask for more
Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door
Leave your body and soul at the door
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
Don't run away it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
It's only me
It's only me
It's only me
Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo
Halloween, well in Sunnydale its always Halloween. You'd think they would band Halloween in this town. But it is the more dead night when it comes to demons and vampires. This year though Angel really wanted nothing to do with Halloween. Maybe he'll just drink, alcohol has seemed to help him. Just two days ago he had to deal with Cruciate again. Coming back there has been no room for him to just sit and do nothing.
Today it being Halloween the magic shop was busy. There will be parties on campus, everywhere and Angel wanted no part of it. But he knows something will go wrong he just knows it. The mansion was decorated with some Halloween décor. It was best to try and be normal. Angel was as at the mansion alone at the moment. Buffy was at the shop, most people were. It busy today. The only thing Giles was worried about was Samhain. While they sent that demon back to Hell, tonight is still his night.
Dawn finished up with a costumer as Buffy was manning the second register with Giles. The shop was decorated as well. Anya was skating around helping everyone and then made it to the counter.
"Busy, it's so great." Anya smiled and Buffy looked up as Dawn came over and leaned against the counter. "Where's your costume Dawn?" Giles was dressed up in a suit. Buffy had on a black tank top, black leather pants and black boots. Anya had something similar. The pants and the boots but Anya's shirt was a button up shirt but it was button down pretty low. Cordelia also wore something like Anya's and Buffy's costume, she had Anya's shirt but wearing short shorts and boots.
"I'm fifteen, Halloween is lame." Dawn tried to sound cool. "What are you supposed to be?"
"An angel," Anya answered and Dawn looked confused at the costume.
"Angels have wings." The teen reminded her.
"Well, not Charlie's Angels. We look sexy and fight crime." Anya explained and then Buffy and Cordelia's outfits made much more sense now.
"Well, we changed it to Giles' Angels." Buffy added and that's why Giles was dressed up.
"What about Angel's Angels?" Dawn asked and Cordelia heard that as she passed by smiling. It was an idea but the name didn't catch on unlike Giles' Angels. Xander was at the shop helping and he was dressed as a pirate, hat and eye patch included.
"Well, you should dress up its Halloween." Anya went on with Dawn. "Play games, Xander and I are going to play one after work called Shiver Me Timbers," Then Buffy cleared her throat as she wrote in the inventory book. Anya then looked up to Buffy. "What you play that game with Angel all the time."
"Ok," Buffy closed her eyes as in this was very uncomfortable. "Dawn," She looked to her. "Go…do something." The teen smiled and walked away and then Buffy glared hard at Anya and the ex-demon just slowly skated away. Buffy went back to her work as Dawn went to look for something to do. Willow was about to sell a spell book as Dawn passed by but an argument broke out. Willow was talking to someone dressed up as a witch the classic black robes, pointed hat and a pointed nose.
"I'm just saying you might want to rethink the stereotype before someone turns you into a toad." Willow was unhappy with the woman and the woman was unhappy with Willow so she just grabbed the book and walked away. "And while you're at it why don't you try and remove the broomstick out of you ass." Just then Dawn came over smiling.
"You ok?" Dawn asked smiling just then Angel walked into the shop looking around. The place was packed as he walked through the crowds. "Hey Angel," Dawn greeted her brother with a smile.
"Oh good," Anya came rolling up to him. "I need your big strong man muscles," She then stopped right in front of him. "Down stairs, big box of mandrake root ok? Thanks." And Anya skated away. Dawn smiled as Angel walked passed her and headed to the basement and went downstairs. He rounded the corner and sort of jumped when he ran into Spike.
"You know what, I'm going to get you a nice leather collar with a bell so I know where you're at. Might even get you a nametag with it." Angel stood before the vampire.
"What's eating you?" The vampire asked and Angel gave him that look as in don't ask, that's the wrong question to ask in this town.
"What are you doing here? Thought vamps hate Halloween?" Angel then walked to a shelf looking for what Anya wanted.
"Came for some spices, helps the taste of the blood." Spike was honest and had no shame although Angel rather not hear it. "What I was going to pay for it."
"Sure, and world peace just happened." Angel pointed out.
"You know what I take what I want and do what I please, I'm a vampire." Spike stood up a little more, squared his shoulders trying to get big. At one point he and Angel were about the same size but that was four years ago. Now a days Angel was bigger and taller. "What are you doing here anyways?"
"Like you I can do what I want." Angel threw back at him and Spike rolled his eyes.
"Was wondering if you and Buffy were going to do the rough and tumble later," Spike started and Angel cocked an eyebrow. "Might join you." Ok, now Angel was lost and confused and very disgusted. Just then Spike realized what it sounded like. "Whoa, god no, that's nasty. I mean patrol."
"No, thanks," Angel wanted to pretend this moment never happened.
"Fine, already had plans, The Great Pumpkin will be on tonight the porno version, you might like it mate." Spike shrugged the awkward moment off and Angel stood there. "Right, yeah," The two then parted in silence because this did not happen at all. Angel came up from the basement and Anya was right there startling him a little.
"Thanks now help Giles." She barked the order and Angel headed to the counter. The place was packed and getting even more full.
"What happened to Xander?" Angel asked because when he walked in Xander was manning the third register.
"I sent him away he kept poking me with his hook." Giles answered and both Angel and Buffy looked to Giles and the Watcher looked to him.
"Ok, that sounded desperately phallic." Buffy had a grin and Angel has had enough sexual innuendos for one day.
"I think I'll patrol tonight." Angel stated as he rung up costumers. It was so busy that no one even knew what he was taking about.
"Angel, take the night off." Giles seemed to have a commanding tone. "You haven't caught a break since your return. It's Halloween, the night should be dull."
"Except ghost try to burn down the town, a little creepy Irish fear demon hung around." Angel reminded Giles of some past Halloween events.
"Well, if history is supposed to repeat itself then it'll attack us so until it does, take the night off." Giles was too busy trying to get the costumers taken care of as Buffy listen to the conversion.
"What about Samhain?" Buffy asked and Angel looked to her. "This is his night."
"And we sent him back to Hell." Giles reminded her and but that didn't give Buffy much relief. "Look, you two are a young and rambunctious couple, go out party, get drunk like normal people." Both Buffy and Angel looked at each other. Something was up Giles' butt at the moment. Probably because it was just so busy.
"Well, if you insist." Buffy wasn't going to argue on that.
While the day was in full swing of Halloween something else did creep up to the town. He looked to his house his new house. It was a nice house if anyone wanted to clean it up. He just bought the house two days ago and then he heard giggling. It wasn't time to trick or treat yet but kids were running around the neighborhoods dressed up getting excited. He smiled seeing the little kids. This was a great town to be in.
At the magic shop the last costumer left and the shop closed early today. Maybe that's why it was extra busy because everyone wanted their spell books before it closed. Giles saw the last person out and locked the door and turned off the open sign. The entire A-Team sat at the table looking tired.
"Well, that was rather successful." Giles stated as he walked to the table and sat down. It'll be night soon. "Drinks all around then."
"Go team." Doyle put his fist up in the air and then put his head on the table.
"So, tonight?" Cordelia asked meaning what was the plan. "We have a few hours before the sun sets to sleep then party?" She wanted to go to a Halloween party.
"Don't have a costume." Angel didn't want to go anywhere.
"You could be a vampire again." Buffy suggested and he looked to her a little confused. "What? Sorry I found it rather cute." Angel did give her a small half smile.
"Well, the college has tons of parties." Willow suggested as a thought.
"What about Dawn?" Xander asked, she was way too young to be at college parties and boys and alcohol. Dawn looked around hoping she could go with the team if they do go out tonight.
"She can't go on campus." Angel meant no if they do go to a campus party she can't. Dawn looked to her brother looking a bit pitiful.
"But people tell me I look older." Dawn wanted to go out with the team.
"Dawn," Angel was stern she wasn't going to a college campus party…ever if he had his way.
"Oh come on bro," Doyle was trying to help Dawn out but the look Angel gave him meant to just let it ago. "Ok, then a party Dawn can go to?"
"There's that haunted house." Anya spoke up and there is but its all tricks. This group has seen much worse. "They have that all-age party in the back oh and that new zombie run too." Angel looked confused. "Oh, yeah you were dead when they announced it." Angel just brushed it off, that's how Anya acts. "New thing in town for Halloween. Zombie run, people dress up as zombies and chase you."
Again for a normal human it must be fun. But this whole group knows what it's like to be chased by real zombies and it's not fun.
"Can we do that?" Dawn asked.
"Why get chased by fake zombies when we know how to summon some real ones? We can shoot the real ones." Xander's comment was very sarcastic. "Not even going to laugh."
"No," Angel answered.
"We made money! We made lots of money!" Anya was just happy about to day and she started to dance. Dawn walked over to her smiling. "Her Dawn you try. It's the dance capital superiority." Dawn then followed Anya.
"I'm going to marry that girl." Xander muttered and Angel looked to Xander and it appeared he was looking to Dawn.
"No you will not, one that's my fifteen year old sister," Angel jumped in and Buffy nudged him and then the slayer realized what Xander meant. Xander then stood up realizing it was time. Angel was back, the group was back together. Happy times were coming and this could help.
"Everyone," Xander spoke up and the group looked to him as he walked over to Anya. "There's something Anya and I want to tell you." Anya's eyes widen as she walked over to Xander and everyone listened. Was he finally going to announce it Anya asked herself as Xander got closer to her and put his arm around her shoulder. "We're getting married."
Dawn smiled big along with Cordelia and Doyle. Oz had a small smile but Willow looked confused. Giles smiled but Buffy and Angel looked lost and then looked to each other. Everyone here thought Angel and Buffy would get married first. Then Angel died. They both diverted their looks especially Angel. He had plans to propose to Buffy before his death. He had been looking for a ring searching for the perfect one. Angel's eyes slightly meant Doyle's because the half demon knew of his pre-death plans.
Buffy had been waiting for Angel to take to one knee and ask the question. Of course as his death loomed closer she was somewhat happy there were no plans for a wedding. But still it seemed like they would be the first of the group. But something about Xander and Anya getting married it seemed off.
"Again, drinks all around." Doyle threw his hands up in the air and then Xander and Anya kissed. Angel and Buffy then looked to each other again feeling awkward. Finally the couple let up and looked to the group.
"Well," Buffy stood up giving a sigh. "If we knew we would have decorated."
"No problem," Willow then chanted something and decorations form around the shop of pretty lights and ribbons. "There, now let's party." Giles then looked to Oz in some concern that Willow just did that.
The small party was going on and Oz took Willow aside for a moment. Buffy was gazing at the ring Xander bought Anya and she didn't know Xander could afford such a ring.
"You know the stores are still open we could have gone out and got some decorations." Oz stated to the red head.
"Well, these are easy to clean up." Willow stated.
"Just why use magic when you can do it naturally?" That was the point Oz was getting at. Willow has been using a lot of magic lately making her life easier. The biggest trick she performed was bringing Angel back and that scared Oz that not only did she do it but that she could do it.
"We fight monsters with sticks that's natural but wouldn't recommend it." Willow was dodging the question.
"That's protecting people it's not the same." Oz was getting some hints of frustration.
"And it makes them happy like the decorations." Again Willow was pushing this all away.
"It's not the point Will." Oz flat out stated what he wanted to talk about.
"Of course not you're always doing this Oz," Now the couple's argument started. "You get mad at me for using magic that doesn't hurt anyone."
"I just wish you take a second and think about what you're doing." Oz was being as polite and easy going on this as much as possible.
"It's just balloons." But again Willow was undermining the actual problem.
Out in the main area Angel and Xander shook hands and quickly shared a hug.
"Wow, you're getting married." Angel was still wrapping his head around that. The two old friends then pulled apart. "Seems like yesterday you were paying girls to date you." Xander gave a nervous chuckle. "I was gone for what three months what else has changed that I don't know about?"
"I got a tattoo." Dawn answered walking over to Angel and Xander and the slayer's eyes widen.
"No you didn't." Buffy heard the comment and went to ease Angel's mind.
"Just a little one?" Dawn asked Angel. "I mean you have…four well five if you count your wrists as two separate ones." The teen pointed out.
"One was forced the others mom made me wait until I was eighteen." Angel added.
"So when I'm eighteen then?" Dawn knows how to find loopholes.
"No, over my dead body and look at that I'm back." Angel also knows how to find loopholes too and Dawn gave him an evil stare. Buffy smiled a little as that was a family moment she has missed for a long time now.
"Well, Xander," The Watcher came over ushering the guys to go away from the girls. He wanted to do this properly. The girls gathered together to gossip while Angel, Doyle, Xander, Oz and Giles met in a corner as he started to pass around shot glasses with something in it. "Anya is a wonderful ex-demon and I'm sure you will have many happy and blissful no hell dimension years."
"Mazel tov!" Doyle held up the glass and the guys of the A-Team clicked their glasses together and downed the shots. For Doyle, Oz, Xander and Giles they didn't think Angel would be here to celebrate something like this. Xander was engaged, he was going to get married, buy a house, have children, live that all American dream. Just a few weeks ago no one thought Angel would be here to see this, to see something happy like this.
Across the way the girls all talked still congratulating Anya. She was in bliss herself that everyone finally knew. Xander proposed the night Angel died, of course at the time they didn't Angel was going to die. And they've kept a secret because of the sadness.
"This is really great." Willow was truly happy for them.
"Yeah, we waited because we didn't want Buffy to feel depressed that Angel was dead and Xander and I were going to get married." Anya just said that like it was nothing. Willow, Dawn and Cordelia looked to Buffy as she stood there. It did make sense though.
"You didn't have to," Buffy shrugged it off.
"Of course we did because Angel was going to ask you to marry him he just died before he could." Again Anya said it like it wasn't important. Buffy's eyes widen a little and while her heart was dead it did sink. Willow, Dawn and Cordelia didn't want to ruin the moment but they stared at Anya. "What, you guys didn't know?" The looks suggested otherwise. "Yeah, Angel told Doyle and Xander he was looking for a ring and a way to do it. It was supposed to be a secret." Which meant Doyle kept the secret, Xander not so much. "But then you know he died."
"Yeah," Buffy lowered her head and fought her hardest not let a tear fall. The other girls were unsure what to say about this. Dawn looked across the way to Angel as he was talking to his brothers. He was really going to ask Buffy? They could have been married and be happy.
"So," Dawn decided to switch gears, change the channel before any more feelings are hurt. "After this, what's next?" Dawn meant are they going to go to a party.
"Come on, zombie run." Doyle came over and answered. "We'll all nail it, it'll be a piece of cake." Angel shrugged meaning sure they could. He was unsure if he wanted to go though. If it's supposed to be a quiet night then maybe he should just enjoy it. But then he caught Buffy's demeanor meaning something was said. She then looked up to him not hurt but sad. He wondered what he did now.
Buffy was on her balcony at the mansion as the sun would be setting soon. Angel came into the bedroom and saw the balcony doors open and walked to them seeing Buffy there. He joined up with her and leaned against the ledge.
"Xander getting married, who knew?" Angel broke the silence and Buffy nodded.
"Didn't think he had it in him." Buffy added which was true. In all honesty Buffy didn't think Xander would have made it this far on the Hell Mouth, people can surprise you. But the awkwardness between them was very obvious. "Um," Buffy started but she didn't know where to start. "So, talking to Anya…um yeah," Buffy had no idea what to say. "It's love and celebration and,"
"Thought it would be us by now?" Angel both asked and answered the question looking to Buffy. She didn't say yes but her body did.
"Anya said you were planning on asking and then well you know…death." Buffy knew she shouldn't have brought this up.
"I was." Angel was straight forwards with it. Buffy honed in on the word was. Did that mean he stopped?
"What about…now?" She slightly gazed up at him. Angel hadn't thought about asking her the question not until Xander announced he and Anya were getting married. She realized she shouldn't have asked that. He hasn't been back that long and he's already under so much pressure as it is. "Sorry, don't answer that."
"Maybe not at this very moment," Angel was going to give her an honest answer. "But soon." He then completely faced her and she looked up at him. He needed to gather his barings first and right now he was barely keeping his head above the water. Buffy nodded knowing what he meant but this zombie run everyone was talking about didn't seem all that exciting. Maybe she'll just turn in for the night and sleep. Buffy started to walk away. But without actually thinking Angel reached out and grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss.
He will ask her someday. The kiss was a desperate one too as they pulled each other closer. Ever since his return they have been intimate two times. Everything else that has been going on has consumed their time. Angel decided to take the night off and let the others go out. He needed time alone. But it's like these days as soon as Buffy and Angel find some peace it gets ruin.
"Hey, guys!" A voice called out and it was Dawn. Something compelled Buffy to want to cry as they stopped kissing. Her chest hurt because she hasn't gotten close to Angel at all. Every time she does something pulls him away. "So, we're leaving like in a few." Buffy went back to looking out the balcony and Angel knew what she wanted.
"Kiwi," Angel started before Dawn could continue as the teen made it outside. "You and the others go ahead. I need the night off." Dawn looked a little upset, she wanted to spend Halloween with Angel. "It's ok Dawn, it's the one night of the year I can take off."
"Ok, then I'll stay here." She found the simple solution.
"No," Angel somewhat snapped.
"Angel, it's ok, go and have fun." Buffy jumped in. Angel can have the night off and still have fun and he deserves it. Dawn smiled thinking Buffy was on her side but Buffy felt like just being alone. She didn't want to go because of the new engaged couple. She wasn't sure which was sadder knowing Angel had plans to ask her to marry him but died, or now he hasn't thought about it or just the fact two friends were engaged and she isn't? Angel then looked to Buffy. "Really it's ok." She insisted and Dawn skipped away. Angel started inside leaving Buffy there.
Angel walked to the car and looked back at the mansion. Buffy wasn't going to humor them and go. Angel looked back at his crew, they all should take the night off in their own way. Dawn was with Anya and Xander and Angel walked over to them.
"You guys stay safe and call if you need anything." Angel made up his mind and Dawn looked upset.
"You're not coming?" Xander asked and Angel shrugged.
"I'll catch up later." The slayer answered and Xander nodded.
"Alright Dawn then you're with us." Xander didn't think twice but before Dawn could protest Angel was already heading back to the mansion. Angel headed up the stairs, down the hall and to the master room. Buffy was coming in from the balcony but before she could think Angel pulled her in for a feverish kiss and picked her and pinned her against the wall. She didn't know what has come over him but they were alone at the moment and it better stay that way.
Angel felt Buffy pulling at his belt ripping it off. Luckily for Angel Buffy was in skirt so all he had to do was lift it up while his pants dropped to the floor. This was an eruption of passion that has sort of been bottled up for a while. Yes Angel was planning on asking Buffy to marry him. Right now it was a thought because he felt messed up and with the last couple of weeks there hasn't been much time to think.
Buffy used enough force to push herself away from the wall and Angel fell to the ground and she landed on top of him. Their clothes weren't even off yet and they were already grinding in rhythm.
The gang pulled up to the party looking around. Some people were dressed up others weren't. As they headed to the front they were asked to show IDs and everyone except Doyle and Giles were given a stamp indicating they were underage. The team walked around as the zombie run will start soon. Dawn hung close to Giles since Angel and Buffy were not here. She was sort of upset that Angel didn't come with even if he'll stop by later. Right now it was live music and people just having fun well not everyone.
Oz brought over some drinks for Willow and himself but he really needed to talk to her about the use of magic. If she was trying to prove that she was a great witch she already has by bring Angel back.
"Look, it's not the best time to talk but we should." Oz started.
"Oz, it's just decorations," Willow played it off but that's not it, it's not even close.
"No it's not it's everyday." Oz wasn't going to let this breeze by. "I told you a long time ago that I worried and this is why."
"I'm so much more powerful than I was in high school." Willow smiled but Oz didn't return the smile. "Oz,"
"Maybe it's time you be like the three fairy godmothers and just take a break." That was easy, back off a little and do things the normal way. Willow didn't take to that though.
"Giles brought you into this didn't he? You're taking his side." Willow was showing anger now.
"No, Will this has nothing to do with sides," Oz knew they were about to hit a heated argument.
"You two have been talking behind my back haven't you?" Willow was now getting defensive.
"No," Oz was about to lose her and had to find a way to keep her calm and thinking rationally.
"You know how that makes me feel so why do it?" Willow demanded and Oz realized it's time to say it. He should have said it along time ago and even put a stop to Willow bringing Angel back.
"You're using too much magic." The wolf was blunt and honest and the witch's eyes widen. "What? Should I sit and keep my mouth shut?"
"Maybe," Willow spat back. Everyone was against her and her use of magic why?
"If I didn't love you so damn much I would." And Oz walked away leaving Willow by herself. Willow was about to take a step and chase after him but didn't she just stood there.
At the mansion Angel and Buffy were still alone kissing. They were done with another loving making session and finally in the comfort of the bed. It was nice to be alone and maybe Buffy can finally get him to open up to his feelings. They haven't had much time to talk. But also she didn't want to ruin the moment they were in. Angel pulled away looking down to Buffy and her green eyes looked to him. They should probably go to the party, everyone was expecting them to.
"Right," Buffy sighed meaning they'll get up but Angel didn't say anything and just leaned in for a kiss and she pulled him closer. They were about to start up again and maybe they will just miss the party. Until they heard some on calling for them with an English accent. If Angel could growl like a vampire he would right now.
"Peaches! Buffy!" Spiked called out. "I know you're here the Mustang is outside! We got problems!" His voice got closer and Angel looked to Buffy. It looks like their night was done as Angel rolled off of her and went to get his boxers on. "Hey, you two stop being rabbits for one," The door opened before Spike could knock. "Happy Halloween mate we got problems."
"What now?" Angel just wanted to go back to bed.
"Since the night is supposed to be dull I took the liberty of going on patrol, you're welcome." Spike started as Buffy came to the door in Angel's button up shirt that looked like a dress on her. "Went to the graveyard, unless they are planning on burying tons of people in the next few hours I think the dead aren't sleeping tonight."
"Go to the training room and grabbed the crossbows." Angel ordered and Spike nodded and headed down the hallway. Angel looked to Buffy meaning it was time to get going. Just one night off, one normal night would be nice but it looks like that was just a little too much to ask for.
At the party the announcement was made that everyone get ready for the run. It was just a mile run, literally around the block. The A-Team gathered together looking for Angel and Buffy if they have arrived yet but they were nowhere to be found. Giles thought it was good that they ditched everyone.
"Alright everyone!" The announcer started as the crowd gathered. "If you are touched by a zombie you turn into one. Remember run as fast as you can, good luck and happy dining!" Everyone cheered and the people dressed as zombies started while the humans ran with smiles. The A-Team stayed together as they ran knowing this was easy until something wasn't right. Ahead of them were more zombies.
"Ok, this is going to be a lot tougher than I thought." Doyle commented.
"Those are real." Giles stated and then the group saw how the others kept running thinking it was just a game and they looked to each other.
"Wait!" The A-Team screamed but one zombie grabbed a woman and sunk its teeth in her arm and blood went everywhere. In a split second everyone realized this was real as the real zombies started to attack.
"Dawn!" Giles reached for the teen keeping her close.
"Get back to the cars!" Xander yelled as the team started to back away. They had no weapons at the moment. "Stay close!"
"Xander!" Anya yelled seeing a zombie coming to them. Xander ran to the zombie and shoved it down and the teamed formed up keeping close. Dawn reached to the ground finding a stick and rammed it into an oncoming zombie's eye killing it. It was complete chaos as people were running away, being eaten alive, this was a true dead man's party. Everyone in the group grabbed what they could as weapons. Giles found a shovel, Cordelia found a plastic grim reaper scythe and Doyle found a pumpkin and threw it at zombie.
Just then the group heard the sound of a familiar roar of a Mustang. The black sports car came roaring up with the slayer getting out followed by two vampires. The cavalry has arrived. Angel had his crossbow and fired at a zombie and started to get rid of them. Buffy had Angel's old crossbow and fired too.
"Get weapons!" Spike yelled as he opened the trunk of the car and the team ran with the dead following. Dawn didn't have her katana but she grabbed a machete. Axes and various knives were grabbed and now that they were armed this was much easier. Angel spun hitting one zombie with the crossbow and then took out his knife stabbing it in the face and then fired at an oncoming zombie. Angel then threw his knife at another and quickly reloaded the crossbow.
The group gathered up in a tight circle so there were no blind spots and they could fight the dead. Just then the zombies stopped moving and stood there. The team stood there in defense ready but were confused. Even the zombies chowing down on the people stopped. Just then there was a clap and the team looked in that direction.
A man walked in from the shadows and stood there with a smile. He wore an all black suit and that wasn't good. He looked much like a businessman as well.
"The slayer, had to see it for myself that you crawled out of the ground." The man smiled and the team kept their defenses up. "But you're not the soul reason why I am here. I want to meet the one who brought you back." He looked to the group and held out his hand and smiled at the red head. "Powerful magic you were able to conjure. Let's just say respect."
"You're controlling them?" Willow asked meaning the zombies.
"Yes, see I can't raise the dead fully. They are take my direction and commands to stay alive or dead…however you want to look at it." The man answered.
"You're a voodoo priest." Angel stated and the man smiled nodding.
"Seeing you have no side effects of returning." The man looked to Angel and then back to Willow. "I am here for you though witch." Everyone looked around. "To raise the dead is powerful and to have nothing back fire. I need to learn this."
"No." Willow stated meaning bringing Angel back was a one-time deal.
"You cannot be selfish and harness this power for yourself." Now the man was getting angry.
"I just did." Willow wasn't going to show anyone else how to do this.
"Fine, then I just snap my fingers and the dead will continue to eat." The man threatened.
"Do it." Angel stated because these weren't the typical walking dead. They can take them out and then the man. "Then I'll just shoot you." The man smiled at Angel.
"Hmm, maybe there are some flaws." The man muttered and then he snapped his fingers and the zombies continued but Angel did as he said he would do and fired at the man. He caught him in the kneecap and went down. The voodoo priest took the arrow out of his knee but before he could get up a zombie sunk its teeth into his neck. The group saw what was happening. The man should be able to control the zombies but because he was losing blood he couldn't think anymore.
As the zombie started to munch on him and more came to feast, their master is dead. Once the puppet master dies so do the zombies and that's what happened all the zombies fell to the ground and nothing.
Angel didn't linger he just started to walk away and shot one zombie in the head just because he could. The group looked around at each and then to Willow. They all started to depart in silence because for some reason there were no words at the moment. Willow continued to stand there and Oz looked to her. Was this her fault? Willow looked to the slayer as he walked to his car that was still running and he tossed his crossbow in the trunk as did Buffy and Spike. Spike however didn't go into the car and walked off in the night.
Angel sat behind the wheel and looked to Buffy. He wondered if she heard what the man said about being flawed. It didn't matter as Angel put the car in first gear and drove off. Another disaster Halloween Night was in the bag.
The mansion was about to go to sleep. Cordelia and Doyle were in bed asleep. Dawn was in her room reading letting the words help her fall asleep. Giles was dating the event that has happening to night in his diary wondering about Willow. The man was brought here by her. Angel and Buffy were in their room in bed. Buffy laid on his chest letting his heartbeat lull her to sleep. Angel however sat there in the dark.
Willow and Oz were getting ready for bed but as they stood on opposite sides something else was between them and it wasn't just the bed.
"I'm sorry," Willow started and Oz looked to her.
"It's not that easy." Oz wasn't going to let her just say sorry and it be over with.
"What do you want me to do? Reverse time and take it back?" She smiled at her little joke. "Because I probably…" She saw Oz's expression and didn't continue. "It's just a joke."
"I don't want to do this right now ok, just let's end the day." Oz didn't have the energy to argue right now.
"Ok," Willow walked to the dresser as Oz climbed into bed wanting to put this behind him. "Let's forget it even happened." The witch muttered to herself and then looked to Oz. Willow picked up a little dried out flower and smiled. "Forget," She whispered and then set the flower down and walked to her side of the bed turning off the lamp and crawled in.
"Your feet are cold Will," Oz pointed out and she looked to him.
"Better warm me up then." Willow teased and he leaned in to kiss her. Willow knew of the argument but Oz well he's completely forgotten.
So not the best chapter but it's one of those showing the splitting of the entire group. Angel is going off in some direction that we are unsure of. Willow is strong in her magic enough so that a voodoo priest came. The book seems to be getting worse right? Oh it's about to get really bad. I just hope as it continues you guys can stick it out. I'm apologizing in advance for what's to come in the next few chapters.
I've started Book 7 and I promise Book 7 will make up for this Book. But this Book really helps us see that things can fall apart. But it's all about how you put it back together. We all know what it's like to hit rock bottom and that's what this Book is going to do, we're going to hit rock bottom. But after that you can only go up.
So no chapter in review as I'm sure you guys know what's going on. I do have a sneak peek and the next chapter is the Once More with Feeling. For the purposes of the story I can't make it into a musical. I tried so hard to in the draft stages and…it didn't happen. But all is not loss, it's still a good chapter. I hope you're all ok with that. I was able to stick with the Hush chapter back in 4 because I just didn't have to type dialog. But here, singing it just didn't keep the pace that I wanted to keep. But the concept of the next chapter is in its title and some of the chapter is funny. You'll see when I post it.
Ok, enough talking for now. Hope you guys are liking this Book so far. Comments and reviews and all that are very welcomed. Thanks for reading.
Chapter 11 Liar, Liar
Morning came back around ad Angel went to the shop seeing Giles went out and got doughnuts for everyone. For some reason on Thursdays it's hard to wake up, maybe because the weekend was close yet so far. Angel walked in putting his keys away in his pocket seeing his team here. He then saw Buffy and she adverted her gaze to him. Last night was awkward after his little confession.
"I have a question…" Angel trailed off as the shop wasn't opened yet so there was no one here except the team. Buffy looked up knowing he was going to mention what happened last night and yes Buffy wonder what it was about. Yes it was the fact Angel confessed he didn't feel alive anymore but it was the fact he just said it when she asked a question. She felt compelled to ask and he felt compelled to answer. "Do you any of you guys fell the need to…talk?"
"Yes," Xander spoke up and stood up with a doughnut in his hand. "See, I think I have a zit on my butt but Anya won't say anything about it," That's not what Angel meant as everyone looked to him. "I mean I can show you,"
"No!" Everyone yelled at the same time and Xander looked confused.
"Wait…why would I tell you guys I have a zit on my butt?" Xander asked and everyone looked around at each other.
"Anything else?" Angel asked.
"I get pedicures on the weekends," Giles started and everyone looked to him as he stood there thinking about it.