Chapter 10

Spike wheeled past the great blue beast, his impatience palpable. His skin itched with the urge to move, flee or plan, but he couldn't. He was stuck in the cursed chair, and Drusilla was her usual lack of help. He moved his chair towards her, keeping his voice low as he spoke.

"I'm not happy, pet. Angel and the Slayer are still alive, they know where we are, they know about the Judge," He threw a nervous look at the demon, collecting his thoughts as he finished, "we should be vacating."

"Nonsense," Dru replied bluntly, "They'll not disturb us here. My Angel is too smart to face the Judge again."

He glanced over to the Judge again, "What's Big Blue up to, anyway? He just sits there."

The Judge made no sign that he had heard, keeping his posture still and his eyes closed, but his reply implied he heard everything they spoke, "I am preparing."

Spike wheeled his chair to face him, "Yeah, it's interesting to me that preparing looks a great bit like sitting on your arse. When do we destroy the world already?"

"My strength grows. And every life I take will increase it further," the blue beast replied, still keeping his stilled pose.

"So let's take some! I'm bored!"

"I fought an army. They hacked me to pieces. For six hundred years my living head lay in a box buried in the ground." He opened his eyes, turning his head slightly to face Spike, "I've learned to be patient."

"Yeah, well, we're gonna need more than patience if Angel and the Slayer are," Spike's words were cut off by Drusilla painful cry. Whipping his head about, he watched as Dru trembled and stumbled back, her face a spasm of hurt.

"Dru?" He asked hesitantly, unsure if this was genuine, or one of her fancies.

"Angel," she murmured quietly before dropping to the ground. She roiled on the ground, her cries becoming orgasmic. She began to breathe hard, the unnecessariness of it revealing the depth of her vision.

Spike wheeled over frantically, "Darling, do you see something?"

He leant down to see her face, and witnessed as a joyful smile spread across it.

Cassandra flung up from her chair, causing it to crash to the ground in a bang. She swung as Giles rushed to her.

"We have to get to Buffy," She rushed out, her hands coming up to grip Giles' shoulders.

"What's wrong?" Giles asked, his eyes sketched in worry.

"She's in danger!" She exclaimed, knowing she must seem crazed. Her hair was a mess from her nap, and she knew her eyes must be wide with fright. "Something happened with Angel," She put in with a blush.

Jenny rushed over, "Angel? Is he okay?"

Cass narrowed her eyes in the woman's direction before answering, "I'm not sure he is Angel," she murmured softly, causing the rest of the room to stare in confusion. Except Jenny, who did not look surprised or confused, but instead seemed scared.

Giles detached Cassandra's hands and led her back to her chair, "I think its best you told us your vision in detail."

She sat with a sign and quickly felt Xander's warm hand eclipse hers. She wiggled her fingers out of it, her dream making her antsy.

"I think," she begun, not sure how to explain so they'd believe her, "No, I know." She took a deep breath, "I saw Angel kill someone."

"Maybe it was a vampire," Willow put in.

Cass shook her head, "He drank her blood, Will. He left Buffy, stumbled outside as if he was in pain, collapsed on the ground, and when he got up, he was different." She looked up at Giles and saw the worried frown. Encouraged, she went on, "He got off the ground and attacked a woman trying to help him."

"Where was Buffy?" Giles asked seriously.

Blushing, and not wanting to reveal the full truth, she mumbled, "Sleeping."

"Does anyone know where Angel lives?" Jenny asked the group, receiving shaking heads from everyone. Cassandra looked at her curiously. While everyone was worried, it was obvious that everyone was sceptical. Jenny believed her, without a doubt.

"I know the area, but not exactly," Willow put in.

"We should scout the area," Giles said, "see if we can find any signs of Cassandra's vision."

Relieved they were taking her seriously, Cass led them from the room.

Buffy slowly woke up, taking in her surroundings. Momentarily confused, she quickly remembered the events from the night before.

"Angel?" She called, receiving no reply.

Upset and confused, she rose from the bed and started looking for her clothes.

Where was he?

She felt sick at the thought of Angel leaving her. Maybe she wasn't any good, maybe she did something wrong. With heavy musings, she left the apartment.

When she entered the ally, she quickly looked around to spot Angel, but seeing nothing she ducked her head and briskly walked away. So entranced in her own thoughts, Buffy didn't notice Cass until they ran into each other.

"Oomf," Cass huffed out, before realising who had run into her, "Buffy!"

"Cass, what are you doing here?" Buffy asked. Her voice was soft but her worry strong.

"Looking for you," Cass replied simply, trying, but failing, to keep the panic from her voice.

Buffy looked at her sister, stared into her green eyes and saw with clarify that Cassandra knew. Somehow, her sister knew that Buffy was no longer a virgin. She felt sick at the sympathy and worry in her twin's eyes.

"We need to get home," Cass said quietly, "Mum will freak if we don't get back soon."

Curious, Buffy begun to follow her sister out of the alley, knowing she would get her answers when they got home. It wasn't long until they ran into the rest of their friends, who had split up to search for the Slayer. With searching eyes at Cassandra, and a shake of her head in return, they split up again, each to their own homes.

Cass followed Buffy into the house, their feet soundless as they crept through the entry way. Silently making their way up the stairs, Cass took their moment of success to try and figure out how she was going to talk to Buffy about Angel.

Historically, warning Buffy about a guy she cared about had never gone well, but this time she had to make her sister understand. She just wasn't sure how.

"Good morning," Their mother called to them, interrupting Cassandra's inner musings.

Whipping around, they found their mum smiling up at them.

"Good morning," they chorused back, earning a large grin from Joyce.

"Did you have fun last night?" Joyce asked, causing Buffy to stiffen.

"Fun?" Buffy asked, her voice trembling.

"Yeah, Willow's was fun," Cass put in quickly, earning a relieved glance from her sister.

"Always fun at Willow's," Buffy added, "She's a fun machine."

"You hungry?" She asked them.

Cass shook her head. "Not really. We ate a little," Buffy replied for them, "I'm just gonna Take a shower."

"And I need to get changed," Cass added.

"Well, hurry up and I'll run you both to school."

"Thanks," Cass murmured as she followed her sister the rest of the way up the stairs.

Buffy shut the door behind Cass as she entered her room.

"What's going on?" Buffy asked without preamble.

Sitting on her sister's bed, Cass begun carefully, "I had a vision."

"Figured," Buffy replied with a nod, sitting next to her.

Breathing out, Cass continued, "I saw you, and Angel. You were in bed together, naked," She added with a blush that was matched by Buffy's. "Angel got up. He looked scared, and panicked. He ran outside and collapsed. And then," Cassandra's eyes started to swell as she spoke, "And then he killed a woman. She came to see if he needed help, but he grabbed her, and bit into her neck." By the time she was finished, thick tears were rolling down Cassandra's face. Her snotty nose broke her words as she sniffled.

Buffy sat quietly for a moment. She watched her sisters face, concern carved into every feature. "There was-" She tried to croak out. Clearing her throat, she tried again, "There wasn't a body when I left. Of the woman, I mean."

Nodding, Cass agreed, "I know. I looked too, but I know what I saw, Buffy."

"I believe you, Cass," Buffy responded quietly, "Too many of your visions have come true for me to ignore them." She looked at her sister seriously, "but I can't just believe Angel killed someone, not like that, not out of nowhere. It's just not him."

"I agree," Cass replied, getting a look of confusion from Buffy. "Just before the vision ended, he looked at me. I don't know how, but it's like he could look through the vision and see me. It wasn't Angel, Buffy. Whoever it was, those eyes, they weren't Angel. They were evil."

Buffy sat silent with that information, staring at the ground, her brow crinkled in thought. "Maybe he's possessed or something, like a ghost?" Buffy wondered, "That happens, right?"

Cass shrugged in response, "Maybe. We could ask Giles. In the meantime, could you stay away from Angel? Please?" She asked in a near beg, "Or at least, don't be alone with him. Not until we figure it out."

Reluctantly, Buffy nodded. "Who else knows?"

"I told everyone about the vision, but not about you in bed," She replied awkwardly.

"Thank you," Buffy replied quietly. "I woke up alone. I wondered why. I thought maybe, he went back to the factory."

Feeling guilty and concerned, Cass moved closer to her and wrapped her in her arms. "We'll figure it out, Buff. We'll ask Giles, he'll know what's going on. It's going to be okay."

The Summers twins entered the library, both looking a little worse for wear. At the sound of the door, the other occupants whipped their heads around to watch them entered.

"Buffy," Giles said with concern as he came closer, "Are you alright? We were worried when you didn't call."

"Sorry," Buffy replied meekly, "We were running and hiding, stuck in the sewer tunnels."

"Where's Angel," Jenny asked intently, earning keen looks from Buffy and Cass.

"I don't know," Buffy said simply.

"Is the Judge?" Giles asked, not wanting to finish the question.

"No assembly required. He's active."

"Damn it!" Giles swore.

"He nearly killed us," Buffy added, worry thick in her voice, "Angel got us out."

Giles eyes shifted towards Cass before quickly coming back to Buffy, "um, yes, well, speaking of Angel, did Cassandra-"

Buffy's nod cut him off before he could continue, "I believe what she saw, but I can't believe Angel would kill someone. Could he be like possessed or something? Like with Eyghon?"

Looking awkward at the mention of Eyghon, Giles replied, "He certainly could be. I suggest that until we figure out what the vision entailed, we be weary around Angel. No harm in being careful."

Everyone nodded in agreement, although Buffy's face was troubled as she did so. Cass moved an arm around her sister to comfort her.

"In the meantime, Buffy, the Judge. We have to stop him."

"I know."

"What can you tell us?" Giles asked intently.

"Not much. I just touched him, kicked him, and it was like a sudden fever. If he'd gotten his hands on me," she didn't finish her sentence. The fear was written on her face.

"In time he won't have to," Giles explained, "The stronger he gets, he'll be able to burn us all with a look."

"Also not the prettiest man in town," Buffy tried to joke.

"I'll just have to keep researching, look for a weakness. You all should get to your classes.

It was midday by the time Cass found out Buffy had left. Willow and Xander explained how she had just walked out of class, no explanation or reason. Panic and fear dripped her heart as she realised where Buffy would have gone. To find Angel.

With a heavy heart, Cassandra went to her next class. Even if she went in search of Buffy, what could she do?

Spike sat in front of his henchmen, giving them a menacing look as he gave out orders. He couldn't let them think he was vulnerable just because of the chair. One whiff of weakness and they'd kill him to take his place.

"Soon as it gets dark, I want you patrolling the street. Plus two men on the door and down in the tunnels at all times, is that clear? I don't want any more surprises," He finished hotly, his anger rising at the thought of the Slayer spying on them.

Spike turned to Dru as they left. She was lying on the table, staring at the roof.

"Are we feeling better, then?" Spike asked.

"I'm naming all the stars."

"Can't see the stars, love," Spike replied with amusement, "That's the ceiling. Also, it's day."

Drusilla giggled, still staring at the roof. "I can see them. But I've named them all the same name, and there's terrible confusion. I fear there may be a duel."

Smirking, Spike asked, "Recovered, then, have we? Did you see any further? Do you know what happens to Angel?"

"Well, he moves to New York and tries to fulfil that Broadway dream," A familiar voice answered behind them, "It's tough sledding, but one day he's working in the chorus when the big star twists her ankle!" Angel stepped from the shadow as he finished. A cold smile was spread across his face.

"Angel," Spike stated bluntly.

"Still having trouble guarding your perimeter, brother. Your boys downstairs are going to wake up sore."

"You don't give up, do you?" Spike asked, becoming suspicious at Angel's odd behaviour. Coming without back up? He wasn't that stupid. Or that brave.

"As long as there is injustice in this world," Angel replied deeply, a face of noble repentance, "As long as scum like you is walking, or well, rolling, the streets, I'll be around. Look over your shoulder. I'll be there."

Grinning, Spike replied, 'Yeah, uh, Angel. Look over your shoulder."

Turning, Angel found the Judge standing directly behind him. His eyes widened in fear as the Judge reached out a hand to put on Angel's chest. The vampire started to shake as Dru watched on with wide eyes, and Spike with a content smile.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" Spike spat spitefully.

"Well, you know, it kind of itches a little," Angel strained to reply, as the blue demon pressed his hand deeper into the vampire's chest.

The Judge looked at Angel in annoyance.

"Don't just stand there, burn him!" Spike demanded.

The Judge looked at his hand in confusion, not saying anything.

"Gee, maybe he's broken," Angel announced with a smirk.

"What the hell is going on?"

"Oh my," Drusilla breathed out, staring at the dark haired vampire. Spike felt his heart burn at the look in her eyes, the absolute adoration.

"I cannot burn this one. He is clean," The Judge stated simply, his voice deep and strong.

"Clean? You mean he's-"

The Judge interrupted Spike before he could finish, "There is no humanity in him."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Angel put in, his grin turning into a wicked smile.

"Angel?" Drusilla asked hopefully.

"Yeah, baby. I'm back."

With those words, Spike felt his stomach drop. His brain went into overdrive as he tried to process the information. This changed things, changed it more then he'd like.

"It's really true?" Spike asked cautiously as he and Dru started to circle Angel.

"It's really true."

"You've come home," Drusilla declared joyfully.

"No more of this "I've got a soul" crap?" Spike pushed.

"What can I say?" Angel replied with a smirk, "I was going through a phase."

"This is great!" Spike said with a smile, not conveying his deep worry. Angel always had a way of complicating things for the blonde vampire. "This is so great."

"Everything in my head is singing." Drusilla said, hands to her head as she swayed her hips around, "We're family again. We'll feed, and we'll play."

"I gotta tell you, it made me sick to my stomach seeing you being the Slayer's lapdog," Spike started to say before a tight grip circled his throat.

Angel brought his face close to Spike's, his eyes enraged. With a swift move, he kissed Spike's forehead before letting go. Covering his unease, Spike chuckled ruefully.

"How did this happen?" Drusilla keenly asked.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Angel replied with a smile, his eyes distant.

"Who cares!" Spike declared, "What matters is he's back. Now it's four against one, which are the kind of odds I like to play."

"We're going to destroy the world," Dru said in a conspiratorial whisper to Angel, "Do you want to come?

"Yeah, destroying the world, great," he replied unenthusiastically, "I'm really more interested in the Slayer."

"Well, she's in the world, so it should work out," Spike replied carefully. At Angel's mention of the Slayer, Spike found the reason for his unease. He remembered Angel's MO well. The tall vampire was never satisfied with just killing his obsessions. He ruined them, killed everything they loved, and destroyed their lives. For the Slayer, that meant Cassandra.

"Give me tonight," Angel put simply, interrupting Spike's musings.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked, caution keeping the panic from his voice.

"Lay low for a night. Let me work on her. I guarantee by the time you go public, she won't be anything resembling a threat," he replied, keeping his voice nonchalant as he strolled through the factory.

"You've really got a yen to hurt this girl, haven't you?" Spike asked in genuine curiosity.

"She made me feel like a human being. That's not the kind of thing you just forgive."

Spike couldn't bring himself to agree. Cassandra had made him feel things, human things. If anything, it pulled him more. It strengthened the attraction he had for her. He couldn't say that though. It would only solidify his weakness.

"What do you say, Dru?" He asked, donning a wicked grin, "Do we let him play?"

"Yes," She replied gleefully, "there's going to be a river of blood."

"Be just like old times," Angel said with eyes on Spike, as he ran a seductive hand down Drusilla's arm. Spike couldn't keep his smile at the sight of lust in Dru's eyes.

Cass stood at the railing of the library's second level, listening as Willow spoke to her sister. Through pauses in the conversation, Cass could practically feel the fear and worry Buffy was going through.

Willow sat on the outer office desk with a worried frown as she spoke, "Okay. No, no he didn't, but I'm sure, he'll- Buffy, he probably has some plan and he's trying to protect you. Well, I don't know what, I'm not in on the plan, it's his plan. No. NO. Don't even say that. Angel is not dead."

"Say hi for me," Xander put in, causing both Willow and Cass to glare at his immaturity. Cassandra cared for him, but his dumb jokes were starting to wear her down. The stress from the situation caused slight amounts of resentment to come through, but Cass pushed them away as Willow continued the call.

"Okay. Yeah, we'll be here. Of course. Bye." Hanging up, she renewed her glare at Xander, "Say hi for me?"

"What's the word?" Xander asked, ignoring her.

"She checked every place she could think of. She even beat up Willy the snitch a couple of times. Angel's vanished."

Cass felt her face heat up as rage encompassed her. Even if nothing was wrong, even if Angel was fine, how could he just disappear after what happened with Buffy? The whole situation was enough to make her sick.

"He does do that on occasion, no?" Giles asked in a consolatory manner.

"Yeah, but she's extra wigged this time," Willow explained, "I guess 'cause of her dreams. God, what if something did happen to him?"

"Is she going to join us here?"

"Yeah, she's just stopping at home first," she replied, before turning back to her book.

Xander closed his own, "Nada," he declared before moving towards the stacks.

He came up next to her, and kissed her on the forehead. Cass leaned into his hug, appreciating the warmth it brought. She had felt strung out since her vision of Angel, and needed the comfort.

"You okay?" he asked into her hair as she was pressed close against him.

She nodded, "Just worried about Buffy."

Nodding in understanding, he let her go and went in search for new books to read. Picking two, he handed one to her and led them back to the table.

Hours later, Xander closed another book in frustration. "Nothing! Another boring book that says the exact same thing.

"Let me guess," Willow said, "'No weapon forged.'"

"'It took an army,'" Xander added.

"Yeah, where's an army when you need one?"

Xander whipped his head towards Willow at the question. Although clearly meant as a joke, Xander looked serious, unlike his usual childish demeanour.

"What?" Willow asked curiously.

"Wow. Wow. I think I'm having a thought. I am. I'm having a thought. And now I'm having a plan," He replied, his voice excited. Before he could elaborate, the lights went out. "And now I'm having a wiggins."

"What's going on?" Cass asked, not able to take the fear out of her voice.

"There's a circuit breaker at the back of the school," Giles explained, "Xander, why don't you and Willow investigate while I call maintenance."

They nodded and quickly left. Giles similarly went into his office, leaving Cass with alone.

The anxiety she'd been feeling heightened as she waited. Not knowing why, she quickly grabbed some holy water and a cross and followed her friends.

She was running as fast as she could when she started to hear snippets of conversation. Slowing, she rounded a corner to find Angel speaking with Willow and Xander. The darkness hid her as she moved towards the group.

"Have you seen Buffy?" She heard Willow ask.

"Yeah. What's up with the lights?" Angel asked, the overly nonchalant tone of his voice sent a greasy roll through Cassandra's stomach. She looked on in horror as her friends forgot her warning.

"I don't know. Listen, I think I might have an idea," Xander started to say before being cut off

"That doesn't matter now," Angel said softly, "I've got something to show you."

"Show us?" Willow asked, a bit of suspicion hitting her voice.

"Come here," Angel compelled, "And Xander, get the others."

"Okay," Xander replied tensely. He turned back towards Cass, but she came forward shaking her head vigorously. He stopped dead, his eyes alight with comprehension. He whipped back around and ran back to Willow with Cass next to him.

Moving forward, Cass pulled Willow behind her, raising the cross as she did so.

"Cass, what are you doing?" She could hear the surprise and annoyance in his voice.

Cass heard a step behind her, and hoped it was Buffy. She turned her head slightly and was shocked to see Ms Calender step up beside her, holding another cross.

"Kids, get behind me," She commanded.

"What's going on?" Willow asked fearfully.

Angel stepped from the shadows, showing his vampiric face, pulled back in a wicked smile. He rushed forward, aiming for Willow. Thinking quickly, Cassandra lifted her other hand and pelted the bottle of water against Angel. It shattered across his face, causing it to bubble and burn. He yelled out in pain, and stumbled back into the wall behind him.

"You bitch!" He yelled out.

"He's not Angel anymore," Jenny explained, causing Willow and Cass to gasp. "Are you?"

"Wrong," He growled, "I am Angel. Angelus. At last."

"Oh my God," Xander mumbled, horror written on his face as it all sunk in.

"I've got a message for Buffy," Angelus said.

"Then give it to me yourself," Came Buffy's voice from the other end of the hall. He spun around to watch her come near.

Cass watched as her sister stared at the vampire. She was trying to be strong, but was betrayed by a slight tremble of her hands.

"Well, it's not really the kind of message you tell. It sort of involves finding the bodies of all your friends and sister."

"This can't be you," Buffy replied, her voice wavering.

"We already covered that subject."

With Angel's back turned Xander silently grabbed the cross from Ms Calender and started to move slowly towards Angel.

"Angel," Buffy pleaded, "there must be some part of you inside that remembers who you are."

"Dream on, schoolgirl. Your boyfriend is dead. You're all gonna join him."

"Just leave them alone. Deal with me."

"But they're so cute and helpless," he replied condescendingly.

Xander reached behind Angel, and shoved the cross directly in his face. Angel hissed and moved away from the cross, and consequently, away from Buffy and the others. With a strong hand, Angel knocked Xander to the ground.

Buffy took the chance to run at Angel, but he moved in the last second, grabbing her and pulling her close.

She froze in fear, her eyes wide and scared. Looking down at her, he growled out, "Things are about to get very interesting."

With a hard kiss, he pushed her away, running as Buffy fell to the ground.

Cassandra ran to her sister and crouched down to bring their faces even. "Buffy, are you okay?"

She continued to stare at the swinging doors Angel had escaped through.

"Buffy?" Xander asked with no reply. She couldn't tear her eyes away.

"And we're absolutely certain that Angel has reverted to his former self?" Giles asked, cleaning his glasses as he did so.

"We're certain. Anybody not feeling certain here?" Xander replied. His words came out in a panicked ramble.

"Giles, it was just, you wouldn't have believed him. He was so- He came here to kill us!" Willow added, pacing as she spoke.

"What are we gonna do?" Cordelia asked. Willow had called her as soon as they found out about Angel, with the brunette joining them quickly. She was in as much risk as the rest of them, having become an unofficial member of the Scoobies in recent months.

"I'm leaning toward blind panic, myself," Giles replied bluntly.

"Rupert, don't talk like that. The kids," Jenny admonished.

"I'm sorry. It's just, things are bad enough with the Judge here. Angel crossing to the other side," he sighed deeply, "I just wasn't prepared to deal with that."

"None of us was," Jenny replied, with an odd lilt to her voice.

Cass stared at the woman a moment longer before walking over. She was lucky that at the same time, Willow moved to Buffy and directed any attention to them.

"You're lying," Cass whispered through clenched teeth.

The woman was shocked, and her eyes widened for a moment. Quickly gathering herself, Jenny gave a quick glance to the rest of the room. Once she saw no one was paying attention, she responded.

"I don't know what you mean."

Cassandra rolled her eyes pointedly, "Don't do that. Don't act like I'm stupid. You know something about Angel, you've known for a while. Your reactions are wrong. You came to school ready with the cross tonight. You know something."

"It's Sunnydale-" Ms Calender replied, trying to find an excuse.

"Stop," Cass replied dangerously, looking intently in the woman's eye. "If you know something that might help, now is the time."

Staring back for a lingered moment, Jenny nodded. It was hesitant, but it was there.

As she moved back to the group, with Jenny reluctantly following, she watched as her sister jumped up from her seat, running out the library and down the hall.

"Buffy!" Giles called after her.

"Giles, shut up," Willow said steadily, her eyes focused on Buffy's retreated back. It wasn't until she was out of sight that Willow moved her gaze to Cass. In that look came a heartbreaking amount of pity and pain for their sister and friend.

Sighing deeply, Cass turned her body slightly to Jenny and mumbled, "Later." The computer teacher nodded vehemently. The woman's secret would come out, but now wasn't the time.

"This is great," Cordelia said, putting an end to the moment the other girls were sharing. "There's an unkillable demon in town, Angel's joined his team and the Slayer is a basket case. I'd say we've hit bottom."

Her words were callus, but like many things Cordelia said, it hit home. They were in an impossible situation, and it was only getting worse.

"I have a plan," Xander declared.

"Oh, no, here's a lower place," Cordelia grumbled sarcastically, earning a mocking smile from Xander.

"I don't know what's up with Angel but I may have a way to deal with this Judge guy."

"What do we do?" Willow asked eagerly, wanting to keep busy.

"I'll need Cass to come with me. And we'll need wheels."

"Well, my car-" Cordelia started to offer but Xander shook his head graciously.

"It might need to be bigger," he explained.

Willow thought for a moment before nodding, "No problem. I'll get Oz. He has a van."

"Good. Okay," Xander said with a smile.

"What's the plan" Cass asked, gathering her things.

Xander smiled at her, appreciating her lack of hesitation. He knew he would never be the smartest guy in the room, but with Cass, and her believing in him, he felt for a moment like he was.

"I'll tell you in the car. You'll need a different outfit. A, uh, trashier one" He finished awkwardly. He turned to Willow, "You'll call Oz?" She nodded, "Okay, Cass, I'll meet you at Willow's in half an hour."

"I'm not sure we what we should do about Buffy," Giles put in once the planning was done.

"Assuming they don't attack tonight, I think we should let her be," Jenny replied. She was avoiding Cassandra's gaze so completely, it felt as if she were staring right at her.

"I agree," Willow put in quickly.

"I can't imagine what she's going through right now," Giles stated sadly, he emotions riled in a way that only a father's could.

"I don't think any of us can," Willow added, earning a solemn nod in agreement from Cass.

"You should have seen her face. It was priceless. I'll never forget it," Angelus bragged, a large smile spread across his face.

"So, you didn't kill her then?" Spike replied, less enthused. He had hoped if Angel gave the Slayer a quick death, he'd leave her mates alone.

And her sister.

"Of course not."

"I know you haven't been in the game for a while, mate, but we do still kill people. It's sort of our raison d'etre, you know."

"You don't want to kill her, do you?" Drusilla said softly, "You want to hurt her. Just like you hurt me." She smiled at Angelus affectionately.

"Nobody knows me like you do, Dru," he replied, matching her grin.

"She'd better not get in our way," Spike grumbled scornfully.

"Don't worry about it."

"I do."

"Spike, my boy, you really don't get it," Angelus replied impatiently, "You tried to kill her and you couldn't. Look at you. You're a wreck. She's stronger than any Slayer you've faced. Force won't get it done. You gotta work from the inside. To kill this girl," he paused dramatically, "you have to love her."

The next morning Cass crept into Buffy's room. She found her sister still asleep on the bed fully clothed, just as she had left her the night before. Cass had gotten home hours after Buffy, and had only quickly checked on her twin before heading to bed.

Coming closer, she saw Buffy's face was puffy and red, as if she had fallen asleep weeping. Worry flashed through Cass as she sat on the edge of the bed. Staring at her sleeping sister, she wracked her brain. What could she do? What do you do when your sister's boyfriend turns evil?

With a heavy sigh, Cass lowered her eyes in defeat. There was no help book for this situation.

As she started to rise, Buffy's eyes shot open. They were angry and determined.

Buffy moved her gaze towards Cass, "I had a Slayer dream. Ms Calender knows something," she spat out angrily.

"I know," Cass replied simply.

"You know?" Buffy repeated, rising from the bed, "You know and didn't say anything? Jeez, thanks Cass."

"I only figured it out yesterday," Cass replied lightly, not rising to match Buffy's anger, "You left before I had a chance to say anything."

Buffy glared at her for a moment before letting out a heavy breath, "I need to deal with this." She moved towards the door purposefully, her body rigid.

"Buffy, wait," Cass said, grabbing her sister by the arm to stop her. "You're angry, I get it, but Ms Calender isn't the bad guy."

Pausing for a moment, Buffy thought through the words, before deflating as the rage left her. "I'm not so sure, but okay. Until we know for sure," she replied, "let's get to school. I wanna find out what she knows."

Cass was one step behind Buffy as her sister marched into the school's computer room. Spotting the young teacher speaking with Giles, Buffy's step changed. She still walked with purpose, but with the grace of a hunter. With no change in stride, Buffy readied her body for attack.

Worried at what her sister might do, Cass grabbed Buffy's arm, pulling her back slightly. "Don't do anything rash," she murmured, nodding her head to the full class.

With an impatient nod, Buffy pulled her arm from Cassandra's grip, and moved forward until she stood in front of Ms Calender.

Jenny had weary apprehension on her face as she watched the girls approach. She had been waiting for this moment, knowing it would be inevitable.

Without preamble, Buffy spat out, "What do you know?"

"Buffy!" Giles admonished, shocked at his wards rudeness.

"Did you do it? Did you change him?" She ignored Giles, asking Jenny through clenched teeth.

"For God's sake, what are you talking about?" Giles asked, his voice tinged with impatience and worry.

Again, Buffy ignored him, "Did you know what was gonna happen?"

"Buffy, you can't just go accusing everyone around you of-"

"I didn't know exactly," Jenny replied, cutting Giles off. He snapped his mouth shut, and stared at her with a sharp glare.

Without meeting their eyes, she continued, "I was told- I was sent here to watch you. When they told me to keep you and Angel apart, they never told me what would happen."

"Jenny," Giles started to say, betrayal ripe in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Rupert. Angel was supposed to pay for what he did to my people."

"And me?" Buffy asked, her tone hollow, "What was I supposed to be paying for?"

"I didn't know what would happen until after. I swear, I would have told you," Ms Calender swore.

"So it was me. I did it," Buffy replied, her tone emptier then before.

"I think so. I mean, if you-"

"I don't understand," Giles interjected.

"The curse. If Angel achieved true happiness, just a moment of," Jenny paused awkwardly, "he would lose his soul."

"But how do you know that you were responsible," Giles began to ask, turning to Buffy. The look on her face was all the answer he needed, "Oh."

Buffy nodded mutedly, the shame and hurt plain across her face.

"If I could do anything-"

"Curse him again. Can't you do that?" Buffy asked intently.

"Those magic's are long lost, even to my people," Jenny explained quietly.

"But you did it once, I mean it may not be too late to save him-"

"It can't be done. I can't help you," She replied firmly.

"Then take me to someone who can."

Giles dismissed the perplexed class as the Slayer and two adults prepared to leave. When Cass tried to follow, Giles put a hand on her shoulder.

"You should go to class, Cassandra," Giles said softly, "It is bad enough that Buffy skips, you shouldn't as well."

With a quick glance in Buffy's direction, she received a nod of agreement. With a heavy sigh, Cass said her goodbyes and went to class.

The gang had agreed that even with everything going on with Angel, there was no better time to put Xander's plan into action. That is how Cass found herself wearing next to nothing in the back of Oz's van. Subconsciously, she pulled her short skirt down, fidgeting with the material.

They had gone through the plan in exquisite detail while at Willow's, but the stress of the situation was beginning to seep in. The last couple of weeks had been troubling, and sitting half naked in the back of a van was fraying the last of her nerves.

Arriving at their destination, Cass adjusted her outfit again, and took a deep breath. With a smile of reassurance, Xander took her hand and led them to the back of the van, opening the doors. Jumping out and then helping her down, Xander gave her another appreciative look. Since picking her up, he had managed to make five inappropriate jokes, and let his eyes wander an uncountable amount of times. Tight leather skirts were apparently a passion of his.

Xander himself wore a Hawaiian shirt, and had his hair slicked back neatly. It was a nice change to his usual dumpy dress style.

Moving to the driver's window, Xander leaned closer to speak to Oz, "Wait here. When you hear that window open, get the ladder out, go up and we'll pass you the package. Okay?"

"Okay," Oz replied.

"Be careful," Willow put in from the passenger seat.

Xander and Cass smiled appreciatively before rounding a corner away from the van. Finding the metal fence, they travelled to the edge and squeezed through. They moved along the length of the building, keeping an eye out for any personal.

"Security here is a joke. I really should report it," Xander murmured irritably.

"Lucky for us though," Cass replied as quietly.

"I guess," Xander replied as the came across a group of soldiers. Xander gave them a nonchalant nod, and received a couple in return. Without a word, the soldiers marched passed. Cass noticeably let out the breath she was holding, causing Xander to chuckle quietly.

Rounding another corner, they found the door they had been searching for. Quickening their steps, they were almost at their goal when a loud "Halt!" stopped them.

Turning around they found a middle sized man who had been guarding the perimeter. Although not very large or muscular, he had a direct, penetration gaze which stilled the two teens.

"Identify yourself right the Hell now," The man commanded.

"Private Harris, with the, 33rd," Xander replied with only slight hesitation.

"33rd are on manoeuvres."

"Right. And I'm on leave. From them."

"You always spend your leave sneaking into the armoury, buddy?" He directed his gaze towards Cass, giving her a look up and down. "And who is she?"

"Hi. I'm not a soldier," She blurted out nervously.

Xander moved towards the soldier, and pulled the man aside, "Look, I just want to give her the tour, you know what I'm saying?"

"The tour?"

"Well, you know the ladies," he looked back at Cass, and then gave the soldier a greasy smile, "they love to see the big guns. Gets 'em all hot and bothered. Can you cut me some slack, give me a blind eye?"

"Why should I?" The solider asked suspiciously.

"Well, if you do, I won't tell Colonel Newsome that your shoes ain't regulation, your oakleafs are on backwards and you hold your gun like a sissy girl." Xander grabbed the gun from the soldiers grip and readjusted it accordingly. He smiled at the man in a friendly manner, getting a hesitant one back.

"You got twenty minutes, nimrod."

"I only need five," he replied, pushing Cass through the door. He hesitated for a second and poked his head back out the door, "Uh, forget I said that last part."

Closing the door, he turned back to Cass who was trying to cover her giggles, "I only need five?" She mocked from behind her hands.

"Har har," he replied sarcastically.

They started to move through the room, searching for their goal. Cass felt useless as she trailed behind Xander. She had no clue what to look for. All the crates looked the same to her.

Watching Xander walk confidently through the room, she felt a whole new level of appreciation for him, "Okay, what was that? And also, who are you?"

He smirked behind his shoulder at her, "Remember Halloween? I got turned into a soldier?"

"Yeah."

"I still remember all of it! I know procedure, ordinance, access codes, everything. I know the whole layout of this place and I'm pretty sure I can put together an M16 in fifty seven seconds."

Cass nodded, her own memories of Halloween night bringing a red flush to her cheeks. "Well I'm impressed. But let's just find the thing and leave."

"Okay."

With a quick explanation of what they were looking for, they split up.

"So looking at guns makes girls want to have sex? That's scary," Cass pondered aloud.

"Yeah, I guess," he replied in a distracted tone.

"Well, does looking at guns make you wanna have sex?"

"I'm seventeen. Looking at linoleum makes me wanna have sex."

Cass laughed loudly, causing Xander to shush her. Stifling her laughter, she noticed that Xander had stopped moving. Going over to him, she found him staring at a large long crate.

"This is it?" She asked.

"This is it."

Spike looked on from his chair with disinterest as two vampires helped the Judge with his robe. Made from course, brown wool, he wondered what the point of the thing was. Discomfort?

Properly robbed, the Judge stepped forward, "I am ready."

"'Bout time." Spike grumbled. On cue, Dru waltzed through the room, her skirts whipping up as she moved. Smiling, she sat herself on his lap.

"Have a good time," Spike said petulantly.

"You'll be able to hear the screams," she replied, "I promise."

Angel was next to saunter into the room, cocky smile firmly in place.

"Too bad you can't come with," Angel directed towards Spike, with a undertone of sarcasm, "We'll be thinking of you."

Spike glared at him, "I won't be in this chair forever. What if your girlfriend shows up?"

"I'm gonna give her a kiss," Angel replied arrogantly, holding a hand out for Dru. She kissed Spike thoroughly before taking the offer, and being led out of the room.

Passing the Judge, Angel quipped, "Don't you look spiffy."

Without a glance back, they left Spike alone.

Xander and Oz strained as they carried the wooden crate into the library office. With one last grunt of effort they lifted the oblong box onto the desk. Giles moved forward, crowbar in hand to open it, with Buffy one step behind.

"Happy Birthday, Buffy," Xander quipped, "Hope you like the colour."

"Giles, we'll hit the factory first but we may not find them. If they're on the offensive we need to figure out where they'll go," Buffy said, getting down to business.

"Agreed," Giles replied. With one last heave, the crate broke open, displaying its goods for the room. As they were inspecting the weapon, Jenny hesitantly stepped into the room.

"This is good," Buffy said confidently, looking inside the box.

"Do you- is there something I can do to-" Jenny tried to put in before being brutally cut off by Buffy.

"Get out," the Slayer said, not looking up from the weapon. Oz and Xander fidgeted nervously, the tension thick within the room.

"I just want to help," Jenny put in, looking to Giles hopefully.

Giles looked back, no sympathy or anger in his eyes, just cold reasoning. "She said get out."

With one last lingering look, filled with all the regret and guilt that lay between them, Jenny turned and left.

The awkward moment passed, and Xander moved to stand by Buffy.

"Do you want me to show you how to use it?"

"Yes I do."

Buffy led Giles and Cass through the empty factory.

"I knew it," Buffy declared hotly.

"And we haven't a bead on where they would go?" Giles asked.

Their discussion continued, but Cass couldn't bring herself to listen. She felt a pull within her chest. A warm feeling of completeness, calling to her and wrapping her in its song, it made her move further into the warehouse.

Moving slowly, her sisters and Giles words become distant. As she entered the next room, she moved her head to the left, as if by instinct.

Her breath stilled as her green eyes met with piercing blue. Cass stood immobilised as her heart started to beat erratically within her chest. Unconsciously, she took a step towards him, her hand reaching out. She ached at the sight of the chair, and his burn scars, at the shake in his hand as it mimicked her own.

Cass watched the lust flair up in his eyes, the want and need. She felt the same within herself, heating her body and making her feel as if she were on fire.

She felt all of this and more in the matter of seconds.

Using her tongue to moisten her dry lips, she opened her mouth to say something but was stopped by a cry from the other room

"Cass!" Buffy called, "We're leaving!"

Cass whipped her head in the direction, panic bubbling up inside her. If they came looking for her, they'd find Spike. If they found Spike, weak and helpless in a chair, they wouldn't hesitate to kill him.

With one last lingering look, she called out "Coming!" and turned to leave.

"Cass." The word stopped her. She turned, almost in fear, and looked at the blonde vampire. "I'm sorry," her croaked out.

She stumbled back at the impact of the words. He was sorry?

Cassandra looked at him in shock for a second more, before turning and running in the opposite direction.

Spike watched her leave with his heart in his throat. She had been here. And she had been beautiful, and here. He had never resented the chair more than this moment.

He had wanted to go to her, and wrap her in his arms. He wanted to beg for her forgiveness and make her like him again. But he couldn't.

Sighing deeply, Spike listened as the group left, and wheeled himself into his bedroom.

Cass marched alongside Willow as they followed Buffy through the shopping mall. She watched the civilians in worry, knowing that some might not survive the night.

A true solider, Buffy kept her eyes on the prize, moving through the hall with urgency.

"Everybody keeps back," She warned, her tone resolved, "Damage control only. Take out any lesser vamps if you can. I'll handle the smurf."

As they turned the last corner into the open mall, they were stopped dead by the monstrous sight of the Judge at the centre of a tall balcony, with Angel and Drusilla at either flank. He was surrounded by people who were shopping, talking or going to the movies. To either side of the balcony were a set of stairs. Customers went to and fro, heedless to the danger they were in.

The Judge stood tall, with a brown robe and a malicious smile on his face. With outstretched arms, he used his hands to connect to the two closest people, who were ascending the stairs to both sides of him. Slowly, they began to burn. With wide eyes, they convulsed and steamed as they begun yo die.

As he drained their energy, the Judge absorbed it and then widened his radius of death. His burning touch branched out, causing webs of burning energy to reach out to dozens of customers. The gang watched as person after person became still, and then shook in the throes of a burning death.

"Oh, goodie!" Drusilla exclaimed enthusiastically.

In the moments since the Judge had activated his powers, Buffy had wasted no time. She moved to find a high place to stand, making sure she had a perfect view of her target. Leaning down, she accepted the crossbow Giles handed to her.

With a face of pure determination, Buffy loaded the weapon and fired directly into the Judge's chest.

He stumbled back, his power cutting off. All around him, humans dropped to the ground. They were hurt, but alive.

The Judge looked down at the arrow protruding from his chest. With anger, but no pain, he ripped the shaft out.

"Who dares?" He grumbled irritably.

"I think I got his attention," Buffy commented blithely.

Seeing her, The Judge stepped forward with a grimace. He threw the arrow down defiantly, "You are a fool. No weapon forged can stop me."

Buffy dropped the crossbow, "That was then," She hoisted the rocket launcher onto her shoulder, "This is now."

Drusilla and Angel looked on with horror as Buffy sighted the weapon, and flipped a switch. With no hesitation or consideration for each other, the vampires ran and dove out of the way.

The Judge seemed confused, but noticed the fleeing vampires, and started to show some real fear for the first time. "What's that do?"

Buffy fired.

The rocket shot across the mall, well above the heads of civilians. It whistled as it moved, but made a shuddering blast as it impacted with demon. The area around him exploded into smoke and rubble, with small fires starting up immediately.

Bits of building and demon flew over everyone as the blast settled.

Buffy jumped down from the concession stand, and rounded on her friends who had been hiding behind it.

"My best present ever," Buffy said cheerfully.

"Knew you'd like it," Xander said with a smile, putting an arm around Cass.

"Do you think he's dead?" Willow asked.

Buffy looked around, her body still ready for a fight, "You guys pick up the pieces. Keep 'em separate."

"Pieces? We're getting pieces?" Cordelia moaned as she moved to work, "Our job sucks!"

Cass sat in the backseat as Giles drove them home. The car ride had been oppressively quiet, no one being able to find the right words.

He pulled up to their house, and turned to Buffy solemnly.

"It's not over. I suppose you know that," he said seriously.

Buffy nodded in reply, her gaze in her lap.

"He'll come after you particularly. His profile, well, he'll strike out at the things that made him the most human."

"You must be so disappointed in me," Buffy replied morosely

"No, I'm not," Giles replied without hesitation.

"But, this is all my fault." Cassandra's heart broke at the sound of despair in her sister's voice.

"I don't believe it is."

Buffy turned to him at his response. Her eyes were wet, ready to shed her tears.

"Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you, you acted rashly? You did, and I can. But I know you loved him, and he has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn't have known what would happen. The coming months are going to be very hard. I suspect on all of us. But if you're looking for guilt, Buffy, I'm not your man. All you will have from me is my support," he paused, his tone genuine, and his face filled with love, "and my respect."

Buffy was silent as silent tears ran down her face.

Cass sat with her head in her mother's lap, and her hand clasped in her sisters. They sat quietly as the candles in their cupcakes burned, each lost in their own tremulous thoughts. They had a long road ahead of them, and neither were sure what to do

A/N:

Sorry for the long delay in updating. I had exams and a bit of writers block. With minimal Cass/Spike interaction, it was hard to write. I hope there will be more soon.

Thank you to all the people who have reviewed, please keep it up. i love them all.