For disclaimer and general summary, please see chapter 1.

A/N: ThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyou to Naeara, Beige Flicka, Doni and dancngurl153 for your reviews!! Once again, I praise you for your great comments, they make me grin like a goof XD

It's really nice to know people are following this story, and I'm glad you like it :D

This chapter's an average length, but unfortunately, not a lot's gonna happen... But, you're gonna meet a couple of new someones :) Just had to kinda set up the main character's background so it makes sense later on. I thought about separating it out and revealing things slowly, but I thought it might get too confusing... plus I had nothing else to write about just yet XD I have a plot for Angelus' nefarious scheme, but I'm not sure how to pan it out yet.

So, until then, meet Angelus and his new gang...

Chapter 14

He had been pacing all day, the sun's deadly rays preventing him from exiting the mansion. Nervous energy filled him, as well as the anticipation for the night ahead. He had been out of commission for too long, and he was going to have some fun. As soon as the sun set, Angelus stepped out and breathed in the night air, savouring the scents around him.

Slayer or minions? So much to do with so little time he thought as he made his way out into the night. He could go after the girl that had sent him to hell and ruined his plans, or he could go out and spread the word. He needed some vampires to do the work he had planned anyway. Or, I could play along.

As the plan in his twisted mind formed, he turned and headed to the nearest demon bar. He wanted to go to Willy's but that would be the first place anyone would go for information. No, he needed somewhere a little more... discreet.

Several demon clientele jumped as the door crashed against the wall. A few gasps sounded in the crowd as they realised who was standing in the doorway, some trying to inconspicuously move away from the figure and out towards the back door. All of their instincts were screaming at them to run, and not one of them wanted to die.

"So" he began, his voice loud and strong in the small building. He clasped his hands in front of him and strolled further inside. "Why don't we play a game of 'Who's the Vampire'?" He glanced around the crowd expectantly but was met with nothing but blank and fearful stares. He sighed exaggeratedly and looked up to the sky. "Okay, let me make this easy for you. All the vampires in the room, stand here" he instructed, pointing to the wall closest to him.

A few of the demons edged their way forward, tentatively approaching the larger vampire and lining up against the wall as they had been told.

"Good" he praised them with a grin, his eyes cold as he looked them up and down. "Now, who here wants to work for me?" he asked, his voice soft and filled with feigned curiosity.

When he got no answer from any of the vampires in front of him, he pulled out a stake from under his jacket and thrust it through the chest of the one at the end of the line. Before any of them could blink, the vampire Angelus had chosen to stake was nothing but a pile of ashes.

"Okay, let's try again. And this time, if no one answers, I'm gonna get really cranky" He walked to the other end of the short line of vampires, observing them and noticing that they stood a little straighter as he passed. He smirked and turned to face them. "Who wants to work for me?"

This time he was met by nods from the seven remaining vampires. Angelus chuckled darkly, the menacing grin still on his lips. "Good choice" he paused, watching his new minions, daring them to look at him, but they all kept their gaze straight forward and slightly downcast. "Out" he ordered, waiting for them to all leave the building before following after. As he walked back through the door, he called back over his shoulder.

"Thanks for your hospitality" his voice subtly changing as his accent was tinged with his Irish origins. He laughed again, the sound almost hysterical in its pitch.

The bartender gulped as the door swung shut behind him. It looked like Angelus was back, and there was no way he was going to stand in his way.

Outside, the seven vampires from before stood waiting for him. He noticed that there were only two females and the rest were men, but he didn't mind. What he did mind was the demeanour of some of them. The male who wrung his hands nervously in front of him, was not strong willed, he was weaker and clearly not an experienced fighter. At the same time, it would make him easier to control. The slightly stronger ones, who would not meet his eye but remained standing upright and not intimidated by his status as a master vampire, were the best ones. They would do as they were told, and be competent, without getting ambitious. But there was also one male that looked him straight in the eye, unafraid of meeting his cruel, calculating gaze.

Normally, he would have killed the vampire in question for having the audacity to think he was an equal, but there was something about him. His build and eyes, they were so much like... William he finished mentally. I could have some fun breaking him he thought, keeping his face expressionless. Only if necessary of course. He could be useful.

"Follow me" he said, turning away from them and walking back towards the mansion. He didn't trust them to not stake him in the back, but he knew they were either too scared or too stupid to try. An attempt on his life would only lead to their death. He listened as sure enough, their footsteps fell into time with his.

"May I ask where we're going?" one of the females spoke up. When he turned to look at her, she kept her eyes on his, which he found again to be more intriguing than disrespectful.

"Crawford Mansion" he answered shortly. He was pleased when she just nodded her acquiesce and continued to follow him. He pulled her forward by her arm so she was walking beside him. "And what might a pretty little thing like you be called?"

"Natalia" she replied, her voice quieter but steady.

"A Russian?" he asked, his interest genuine. He hadn't spent much time there, but it had been an exciting country. The people were really nice too, such a rich flavour.

The vampire named Natalia shook her head with a small smile. "My grandmother was and I was named after her"

"You didn't change it after you were turned?" Angelus was a little surprised. He expected most vampires to lose interest with anything to do with their human lives. It died with them.

Again, he received a small headshake. "I thought about it, but I think it suits me" she said, meeting his eyes again and daring to grin at him. He returned it and faced forward again. He liked her. He couldn't tell what it was about her, normally redheads weren't his type, but there was definitely a unique quality about her. He had already made his decision to have her as his right hand. Perhaps the guy has potential too.

He nodded to Natalia, fairly impressed that she instantly fell back as she returned the nod imperceptibly. He definitely wanted to keep an eye on her. This time he grabbed the male from before. He growled at the resistance he met and felt him join him at the front of the group, as reluctant as he was to do so.

"What's your name, boy?" he asked, a faint growl in his voice in warning to the younger vampire. There was something in his smell, something familiar that he couldn't quite put his finger on. And it annoyed him.

"Michael"

"Do you know who I am, Mikey?" he questioned, his tone mocking.

"You're Angelus, one quarter of the Scourge of Europe. Childe of Darla and Sire of Drusilla, who Sired William the Bloody aka Spike. You were cursed with a soul in 1898 and were barely seen or heard from until 1996" he answered with no hesitation. "When you fell in love with the Slayer" he added scornfully.

Angelus growled and increased his grip around Michael's arm. "You really should think about how you talk to your elders, Mikey"

"Michael"

"Right. Michael. You know, you really should find a new name for yourself. It just doesn't strike the right note of terror. So, why don't you tell me just how you know that much? I'm flattered and all, but I just don't see you being the reading type"

"I read" Michael replied flatly, glaring at the older vampire.

"Well then there might just be use for you yet" Angelus slapped Michael on the shoulder and tilted his head sideways, dismissing him. Michael fell back, walking next to Natalia. She glanced towards him and smiled at him. He returned it with a smirk before facing the front again and following their new leader. He'd play along. For now.

But Michael had heard a lot about Angelus since his turning, and since then he had read every book he could get his hands on. He'd come to Sunnydale for two reasons. One, he wanted to see his brother. And the second... was his sire.

Almost a year ago...

His parents had been fighting again. He thought he'd be free of them once he went to college. He had dreams of living at the dorm, partying with his friends, falling into bed at four in the morning and sleeping through until noon. The dorms had been too expensive though, and he couldn't find the money. So instead he had to stay at his childhood home, listening to the arguments he'd been hearing for as long as he could remember.

Tonight he'd snapped. He'd gone downstairs to confront his drunken father, expecting to give him a piece of his mind. But all he'd gotten was a fist to the face.

"You're just a worthless little nothing! I don't know why I ever married you!" He could hear his father's voice even up in his room, his door shut and a pillow over his head.

"I guess that makes me the fool then! I thought you married me because you loved me!" his mother screamed back.

"I was young! I was young and I was stupid!"

"I loved you with everything I had!"

"Yeah, well, it didn't make it anymore of a mistake!"

Michael threw the pillow across his room and stormed out of his room. He tore down the stairs to see his father towering over his mother as she sat on the sofa, tears streaming down her face.

"Leave her alone!"

"Oh, look who finally got a backbone" his father spat mockingly.

"You have done nothing but degrade Mom, tell her it was a mistake marrying her, make her feel less than she is. Well, try looking in the mirror!"

"And why should I do that?" sneered his father.

"Because then you'd see what a worthless, useless, idiotic drunk you've become!"

He didn't see it coming until his father's fist was heading for him. His eyes widened as time seemed to slow down and he watched his fist nearing him. Time sped up again as he made contact, hitting his son in the jaw with enough force to knock him down.

Michael stared up at him, shock, surprise and betrayal shining in his blue eyes. Gradually, anger took over, all his other emotions fading. A quick glance at his mother showed him that she had a hand over her mouth, watching in horror. He slowly pulled himself to his feet, his features hardening.

"I've had to put up with your crap for years. You've done nothing but treat me as a mistake. So I'm just gonna go" Michael said quietly, his voice shaking slightly with pain and anger. Without another word he turned and ran up the stairs. As quickly as he could he filled a small duffel with as much of the items around his room as he could. Clothing, papers, books. Everything he could, he stuffed into the bag. He grabbed his jacket, making sure his phone, money and ID as well as his other small necessities were in the pockets.

Returning downstairs he saw his mother was still sitting in the same place while his father stared at his fist, frozen in the air as it had when he'd punched him. Realisation seemed to spread suddenly and the horror of what he'd done sunk in.

"Mikey, please, I'm so sorry" his father tried to apologise, seemingly more sober than he had for a long time. The young man ignored him and continued to the front door. He was stopped only by the sound of his mother's voice.

"Michael, please" His hand still grasped the handle to the door, ready to turn it and leave. He turned his head a little to see his mother. That he'd stopped gave her hope, and she rushed to his side, her small hand gripping his still outstretched arm. "Please, don't go"

"I'm sorry, Mom. I just... I've had enough. I can't stay here and listen to you two argue anymore" He had avoided her eyes since she first spoke but now he raised his eyes to hers. His chest ached at the sight of her unshed tears. "I'm sorry" He repeated. He dropped his gaze again.

"Goodbye" he whispered, pulling the door open and away from his mother's grasp. Before he could change his mind he fled the house and ran as far as he could.

Standing outside the train station, looking onto the platforms and watching the trains go by he was beginning to doubt himself. He thought he had been doing the right thing at the time, but now he was starting to wonder. The small, important questions crept up on him.

Where am I gonna go?

Where am I gonna live?

How am I gonna live?

What about my schooling?

He shivered in the cold as the adrenaline, courage and determination that had fuelled his leaving began to leave him again, leaving a nervous, worried and scared teenager standing in the street.

He was about to swallow his pride and return home when he saw her. The young woman had long deep brown hair and eyes so dark they appeared black. Her skin was so pale, and shone in the moonlight. She cradled a doll in her arms as she swayed out of the station, her head tilted as if listening to something. Suddenly, her attention was focused on him and she glided towards him.

Everything about her screamed danger, but as she approached, he couldn't help but look into her eyes and once he had he was lost to the dark depths of the mysterious stranger's gaze.

"Be in my eyes. Be in me" she said sensuously, retreating slowly towards on alley to the left. In some part of his mind, he knew he shouldn't follow. She swayed her hips temptingly, and a pang of loneliness hit him, even as his desire rose. He had no one left. He had left his childhood home behind him, he had nowhere he could stay and no one to go to.

But here was a beautiful woman who was interested in him. Right then, he didn't care why. He just wanted, needed something, and though he didn't know what it was, he could see his dreams in her eyes. He walked forward, following blindly as she stepped further into the darkness. He knew it was wrong, but he wanted to pursue her, take her, have her.

The light diminished as they continued down the alley and into the shadows. She approached him again, pulling him towards her before shoving him backwards against the brick wall forcefully. And strangely enough, it didn't scare him. Not anymore than the instinctual fear he had felt since first laying his eyes upon her. He felt his heartbeat quicken as she leant towards him. She stopped a mere inch away from his face and licked her lips.

She hummed a little under her breath and bounced on her toes a few times. "Daddy wasn't very nice to you, was he, my sweet?"

A fresh wave of fear flooded through him. How did she know that? He felt unsure as to how to reply, but when he tried he found that he was unable to. She was surprisingly strong, holding him against the wall with no visible effort. In response, he shook his head slightly.

Her eyes glazed over a little as she seemed to look at something beyond him. "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep" she said dreamily, her eyes refocusing on him. "Poor lil' lost lamb" She raised a hand and gently trailed it down his face.

"Would you like a new Mummy?"

"What...?" he attempted to ask, though what he was trying to ask he didn't know.

"You'll never be lonely in my world. No one will ever be able to hurt you again. Would you like that, pet?"

Michael was still lost in her eyes, almost sure he could see the world she spoke of. "You'll never be lonely" her voice echoed in his head. Keeping eye contact, he nodded.

"Are you sure?" she asked, a playful light danced in her brown orbs as she grinned at him and began bouncing on her toes again.

Michael nodded again, more firmly, more certain of his decision. "Yes. Yes, I'm sure"

"Good lil' lamb. Mummy will show you... a whole new world" Her voice dropped to a whisper as her face morphed and she leant into him, pressing him harder against the wall.

Michael was confused, but soon, sheer terror overwhelmed him. An agonising pain burned through him as he felt something sharp pierce his neck. Truthfully, he'd had no idea what he'd been agreeing to, and had realised too late what was happening to him. He tried to struggle out of her grasp, but as he did, he felt her grip tighten and he yelled out in pain. He could feel her pulling his blood from his body, and it was the most frightening experience of his life. A sense of dread filled him as he felt himself weaken. I'm dying. She's... she's killing me he thought as his vision began to fade.

He knew from everything he'd watch, read and heard that the woman at his neck was a vampire, but he'd never really believed all the stories. Sure, he'd heard of all the reasons behind the 'animal attacks' and 'disappearances', but, it just hadn't seemed plausible to him before.

I guess that's what I get for being a sceptic and going for a walk at night alone he thought derisively, a kind of acceptance of his death settling over him. His eyes slipped closed and he went limp in her arms. As he was about to fall into the abyss, he felt something at his mouth. Liquid coated his tongue and he swallowed reflexively. Then the darkness claimed him.

The next thing he remembered was being trapped in a box. He struggled for air and started screaming for help, but no one could hear him. Michael thumped his fists against the wood above him. Eventually, one of his punches broke through the lid and he pulled at it with all his might. He worked his way out and through the soil that surrounded him on all sides.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, his hand burst out of the ground into the night air. Laboriously, he pulled himself free of the ground and fell onto his side, panting for breath. Disorientated, confused and scared, he glanced around frantically. He looked down at his hands, oblivious to the tears pouring down his cheeks, and stared at the bloodied mess that his fingernails and hands were.

A twig snapped and his head snapped up. The sight before him would be something he'd always remember.

"Hello, lamb" the woman from before greeted him as she helped him to his feet. "I'm your Mummy, but you may call me Drusilla"

"Drusilla?" he repeated, his voice rising in question. When the woman nodded, he smiled at her. He realised how difficult it seemed to be and raised a hand to his face. Gently, and fearfully, he touched his own face. Panic began to swell in his chest as he felt the ridges and fangs. Glancing up at Drusilla, he opened his mouth to ask.

He froze when she changed her face as well, a low growl rumbling from her chest. The sound seemed to calm him, as did her touch when she linked her arm with his. His head began to ache as all the new sights, scents and sounds flooded his senses. He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut.

Drusilla placed her hands on either side of his head, her palms resting on his temples. "Look at me, pet"

Obediently, he raised his eyes to hers, gold locked with gold. Her growling continued as she rubbed his temples tenderly. He felt himself relax and his eyes gradually closed in contentment. He didn't even realise he was growling quietly in response.

Once he was calm, Drusilla moved her hands away. Ignoring his disgruntled sound of protest, she danced away from him. "Are you hungry, Michael?"

He didn't understand how she knew his name, but he felt he shouldn't question her. He didn't know what was going on, but knew he felt safe with her, and knew that she was important to him. And he trusted her. Trusted that she'd look after him. His stomach growled and he nodded, letting her link her hand with his and lead him into the night.

They had lived and travelled together for the past months and she had taught him what him the basic hunting skills. She had given him the option of going back and killing his family, and he had agreed. At first.

He had arrived at the house where he used to live and looked through the windows with amber eyes full of hatred. Until he'd seen them. His mother was crying on the sofa and his father had his arms wrapped around her. His eyes were glistening with tears. With his advanced hearing, he listened to their conversation.

"I can't believe he left. I thought he'd come back but..." his mother couldn't finish her sentence as she choked back more tears.

"I know, honey. I know. It's all my fault. But I promise, I'm gonna sort myself out. And then I'm gonna find him" he stated, rubbing a hand along her spine to comfort his wife.

"Look at me" he asked, repeating the request when she didn't and using a finger to gentle tip her head up. "I'll find him"

Michael knew his father would never find him, but he felt his anger fade as he watched. As much as they shouted and screamed and yelled, he could see how much they really loved each other. It seemed that the alcohol really was the main problem in their relationship. They still had a lot to work through, but he knew his parents. They were strong people. They'd make it.

Silently, he drew away from the window and returned to his sire's side. He kept his eyes down, feeling like he'd failed her. Gently, replicating the gesture of his father inside, she raised his chin until he looked her in the eyes. He is so much like my knight she thought with a sigh.

"It's okay, lamb. Plenty of other nice people for us to eat" she reassured him, grabbing his hand with a giggle and pulling him away from the house.

Since then, they had stayed away from Sunnydale. She would have her odd spells, see things that weren't there, but it was never too bad. Then one night she had a violent vision. They kind he had absolutely no experience in.

He was scared for his sire, but didn't know what to do. He tried to hold her arms and legs as she thrashed out but only ended up with bruises himself. And the harder he tried to hold her down, the harder she fought and the louder and more pained her moans became. He howled in frustration and worry as he had no choice but to sit and watch as his sire was tormented by the images and sounds that were perceivable only to her.

A whole day passed until she quietened, and when she did she looked at him with a startling clarity. She beckoned him forwards and ran gentle hands through his hair. "My lamb must go to the Hellmouth. The one where the sun shines. He doesn't have a name but he unlocked the silver cage and set Daddy free" her tone got lighter as she added "William is there as well"

Drusilla smiled at Michael and looked him in the eyes. "You must go to Sunnydale, and help my Angel. Daddy needs help"

"Angelus needs help?" Michael asked. He wasn't able to interpret many of her ramblings, but he had learned that her 'Daddy' was Angelus, her sire.

She nodded and lowered her head to speak directly into his ear. "Daddy's going to burn the world. Set it all on fire. Like a pretty picture." she giggled and licked his neck, sending a small shudder through her childe. She drew back and smiled again. "The only one who can stop it is my lamb, and dear heart. But it will be too late. The world will burn" She laughed again and pushed him away.

Michael had learned not to take very much of what she said literally, and just waited expectantly, waiting for her instructions. Suddenly, her eyes refocused again and let her vampire face come forward with a commanding growl. "Go. Now!" she demanded.

He blinked in surprise, and without asking another question, he turned and ran from the building they had been staying in. It looked like it was time to return to Sunnydale.

Michael glanced at Angelus as he followed on. When he had been next to him he had been felt a tingle that danced across his skin that his demon knew to be the call of family. But by the looks of it, Angelus didn't know who he was. Now, if he could just work his way into his elder's inner circle of trust, he could figure out the plan and, if he allowed it, help him. Just as his sire had asked of him.

A/N: So, what do you think of Michael?

To name him, I looked back at the most popular American names on Wiki, and Michael kept popping up. Et voila, Michael :D

Like I said, I thought about being cryptic and letting you as readers try and guess his background, but I thought this would be easier ( assuming the flashbacks were clear lol )

But, bonus points ( their prize will be extra recognition in the A/N ;D ) to whoever can remember where we've seen him before. Not huge fun, I know, but I spotted it and decided he was who I wanted.

Thanks for reading, and please review! Even if it's just to say 'Hi' ;)

JayEmTee