A/N: Sorry for my absence on this story. I've just gotten caught up with life that sitting down and finishing this chapter wasn't easy to do. Things are going to be busier since I'm going to be going busier because of my job and the website I'm apart of now. So anyway, to those who read chapter 19, I changed some of it. Instead of Lindsey absorbing the partners powers, he got rid of them differently.
Reason? Because as I wrote this chapter and others, I realised my first concept of what I wanted to do would be so much better, plus I had a very helpfull reviewer. So anyhow, this is what went down. That dagger that Eve had is actually one of the holy weapons designed to kill evil, specifically evil demons like The Partners. Especially the eldest one. The catch is that only one who is holy or works for The Powers can activate the holiness inside the blade. Now, since Lindsey absorbed Cordelia's power, which turns out is holy since the demoness was put in her by The Powers, he's able to use it. Then with Eve sharing her powers, they open the portal to the dragon world which you know the rest. If you want to read the changes yoursef, go to chapter 19 and skip down to when Lindsey-Aglatheriel face The Partners.
Ashes
Chapter 21: We Need Help
The earthquake was sudden all through Las Angeles to San Fransisco. Unlike other earthquakes, this wasn't just because of shifting physical fault lines, but of the approach of Aglathereiel as he gained strength. The earth shook and ripped apart, buildings groaned and homes crumbled. Some eyewitnesses only had a slight warning as the traffic lights seemed to move on their own accord, signs waving back and forth just before the quake worsened and hit.
It wasn't the worst quake Las Angeles has faced, but it was said later on that it took place in the top ten. Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, businesses closed, and of course the cost to rebuild certain areas added to California's money bill.
Lindsey's building didn't recieve much damage due to his own spells that were cast. Though it was easy for Eve to be afraid, Lindsey watched the show with a blank expression. It was a quake that residents of L.A. wouldn't likely forget for a long time.
Angel and his team were led by Gwen to her panic room. She had reassured them that the building had been reinforced and had a firm and thick foundation. In the panic room, she had food and water to last for months, though the others didn't like the thought of being on this floor in what was basically a thick, steel box. If they were to get stuck, well, claustrophobia would just be one of their problems.
After what seemed like hours, though it was really minutes, the quaking stopped. When Gwen reached for the button that would open the panic steel door, Angel stopped her.
"Aftershocks." he explained.
Gwen rolled her eyes and pressed the button anyways. She stepped back as some rubble and blocked her way.
"Earthquake proof. Pfft!" Cordy said with a snort.
"Are we stuck here?" Connor asked earnestly. He never did like in-closed spaces.
"Is this a bad time to mention that I have to pee?" Lorne asked with a embarrassed look.
"We're not stuck." Angel replied. "This doesn't look to bad. Maybe we can dig our way out."
As it turned out, there wasn't much to worry about. The beams and other broken roof pieces were big and heavy, but after twenty minutes or so, Angel and the guys managed to get through the mess. Stepping inside Gwen's luxurious apartment was a relief, though Angel and the males of the group had to shake their heads at all the damage done to her place. Thank God she was rich.
"How's it look in there, boys?" Cordy spoke into the speaker system. Getting no reply, she reopened the panic room door and looked out.
Poor Gwen groaned. The place was a mess. Angel and Wesley carefully walked back over and gave their quick assessment.
"Looks like you'll be needing a place to stay." Angel said with a compassionate look.
"Nah, I have other places. Maybe I'll go to my cabin up in Aspen." she replied.
Suddenly, the aftershocks began, throwing the others off their feet.
"Another earthquake?!" Connor shouted.
"No, aftershocks." Lorne replied. And not very fun ones at that.
"That's it! No offense to you heroes, but I think I want to get the hell out of dodge. I suggest the same to the rest of you."
After the after shocks ended, Gwen stood up and looked around. "There's nothing left for me here."
Cordy rolled her eyes. "You could stay and fight, you know. Or is being noble breaking the thieves code of honor?"
Gwen smirked. "One of the top ten rules is to look out for yourself first. Besides, my home's a wreck. And, I'm not a freak any longer."
Another aftershock happened, the vixen groaned. "God, this is really starting to piss me off!"
After several minutes of aftershocks, the shaken group were able to leave. Once they were outside, Angel tried to offer Gwen a place to stay for the time being. That is, if the hotel was still standing.
"No, I think your girlfriend wouldn't be too happy with that." Gwen admitted reluctantly. "Besides, this hero business isn't my scene."
"You sure? We could really use a good fighter like yourself."
Gwen smirked. "Now, is this your way of telling me you want me to stay?"
Angel shook his head, not in the mood for her games. "You can't run forever, Gwen. This evil that's coming; it'll spread through out the world if we're unable to stop it. Wouldn't it be better for you to face it head on then wait for it to show up on your doorstep?"
"It already showed up on my doorstep, handsome. As I said before, a thief only looks out for numbero uno. I really do wish you guys the best."
Connor sighed as the beauty said her goodbyes before reentering her building. "She's not even going to try to fight?"
"Typical." Cordy replied. "But it's a free country. She can do what she wants with her time left. As for us, let's not wait for another aftershock."
Angel nodded, then went with the rest to the two parked vehicles. Other than a flat tire and a few scratches, the two vehicles survived. Cordy noticed that Wesley whispered something in Angel's ear, who in turn nodded. To her surprise, Wesley began jogging the opposite way.
"Where's he going?"
"He's going to get us some help." Angel simply replied.
A
Lilah knew that she couldn't survive much longer. Two more signs happened, not too many to go. All her exits out of this city would definitely be closed with the supposed natural disasters that happened. Would her life ever get back on track?
She couldn't believe she was doing this, but swallowing her pride was a must. When powerful law firms couldnt' come to ones aid, go to the enemies door step and hope they abide by the love commandment, "Love you enemy." Angel wasn't big on that. More like kill your enemy.
But Angel wasn't the one she was dreading to see. He should be, after all, they hated each other, Served opposite sides, lot of bad blood. But, it was Wesley, of all people, that she both longed and loathed to see. Showing up and begging for a place to stay and something to eat. Damn, how low has she sunk?!
Lilahs heel got caught in some of the rubble in the sewer, which caused our poor evil woman extraordinaire to stumble, and fall face forward. A scream of frustration broke from her curvy lips. Was this some big cosmic joke? Did all things evil and dealings with luck decide to turn their back on her?
Grumbling, the brunette forced herslef to stand back up, ignoring the burning pain form her lower abdoman, her wound was throbbing. Thinking back to what her dear mother once said, "Never let them see fear. It's a sign of weakness. Only the courageous can survive."
Refusing to give in to her fear or let anyone see her vulnerable, she marched on, hoping that this was the right direction to the Hyperion. So what if she had to play nice and ask for pity from those people, at least she got to see Wesley. After all, it will be fun to make him squirm as she hinted in front of the 'Little-Miss-Wish-For-Hips', that she and Wes were groin buddies. It would be what she called a fair trade off, in her eyes. After his so called noble, send off, she would gladly pay him back by accidentally mentioning about their relationship. After all, she did have the dollar to prove it, with his signature if she may add.
Lilah's lips curled into something mischieveous and wicked. Maybe staying at Angel Investigations wouldn't be that bad after all.
A
"Huh, go figure. She still stands." Lorne muttered as they entered the Hyperian. "I guess some of these old buildings were built to last. Now, let's see if the important stuff is still in one piece."
"Good idea. I'll go check if the weopans and books-" Angel said before bing interrupted.
"I was talking about the alcohol beverages and toilets, corn muffin." Lorne replied. Angel shook his head as the demon went to check on their stash.
"I'll check the TV." Connor said, flicking on the portable TV. The news revealed shots of the aftermath of the earthquake.
"I guess this place was one of the lucky ones. Not only did it survive, we still have power." Fred said as she checked the phones. "Though, the phone lines are dead."
"More like a miracle." Gunn announced as he leaned in beside Connor. "Most of this place is old and ready to collapse. Why do you think Angel's got most of the areas boarded up?"
"Is this it?" Connor asked. "Are we literally in the apocalypse now?"
Angel stopped what he was doing, and joined Gunn and Connor by Cordy's desk as they watched the news. "No. But we will be soon."
Patting his son on the shoulder, he went back into his office and began to clean up while looking for the texts Wesley told him about before leaving. Connor joined him, picking up books, papers, broken glass.
"So, what's the plan?"
Angel laid some of the books on the desk, grabbing a broom in the corner. "Well, first, we clean up."
"And after?"
"We do a nifty trick we never done before."
"And what's that?"
"It's called skrying."
"What's that?" Connor asked as he grabbed a dustpan and bent down to help.
"It's some old magic trick witch's used to use-"
"More magic? Don't you people ever learn your lesson?"
Angle stopped sweeping and appeared to be trying to calm himself. Nerves were raw, not much sleep in the last few days, so everyone had a right to sound off. He had to remind himself that over and over whenever the others questioned him or complained.
"I know you don't trust magic, Connor. And that's a good thing. But some things in this world require magic, which is also good. If the gypsies never used magic to give back my soul, then I would still be killing, and you would probably never have come into existence. Besides, we're not using dark magic. It's a simple spell that helps locate certain people. In this case, we'll be trying to locate a champion, someone we... know."
"Who's that?" Connor asked, tilting his head curiously. Angel scowled.
"An old friend of Cordelia's. He's from the same dimension as Lorne, Pylea. They call him the Groosalugg."
A
Stockton, California.
Northern California Women's Facility
Coils of shiny barb wire top a chain link fence. Women inside the fence are busy with their outdoor activities. Playing cards, working out with some weights and exercises equipment, playing basketball, and all of it done under the hot, sunshine the day brought.
This place housed some of th toughest, stone cold women California knows. Some seek redemption, others count the days when they're aloud out and free, not having to learn a blessed thing. One of these inmates has a dark history, a past that involves things that made her what she was today. A killer. Now, her path has changed, thanks to a certain vampire with a soul did. Which was believe in her.
"430019 oming out." a guard announces.
The Inmates stop as the gate buzzes. A gorgeous, strong brunette steps out to join her fellow inmates. Her reputation was told and retold among all the inhabitants. Some have tried to put her down, just to make a name for themselves. The girl didn't want to, but was forced to fight. And each time she did, she won.
The young woman covered her eyes as she let her eyes adjust to the blaring sun. There was no smile to give as the inmates slowly returned to what they were previously doing. Sighing, the woman lowered her hand and began to walk around.
"Another day, another hour. Redemption can really suck sometimes." Faith said to herself, cracking a smile.
A
"Here, take these." Angel said curtly as he handed a map to Lorne. "And can you lend one of your crystals?"
"Sure. Um, why? If you don't mind me asking."
"We've got some people to skry for. Hurry up."
"All right, Mr. Hurry-it-up pants." Lorne grumbled, quickly putting the map on the counter and rushing upstairs.
"Cordelia, do you have any items Groo left behind?" Angel asked as he laid the large map of L.A. on the ground.
"Uh, I'm not sure. Why do you ask?" Cordy was curious if this was a vampire jealous streak or something.
"Because he's the guy we're going to be skrying for."
Cordelia stared at her vampire, wandering if he lost his mind. "Why?"
"Do I have to explain everything to you?!" Angel snapped. Instantly, he felt guilt for the hurt that flared up in her dark eyes. That hurt was instantly covered by anger. "Cordy, I'll explain once we have everything ready, okay?"
"Whatever." She replied stiffly, running up the stairs and past Lorn who held a pretty white crustal in his hand.
"Here ya go. One crystal as ordered, captain."
"Good. Wesley said the only thing we'll need now is something that belongs to Groo, and someone who knows how to... skry."
"I believe that's where I come in again and save the day with my contact list." Lorne said with a wink. "And I know just the lady for the job."
R
Armed guards watch over the C-Block Exercise Yard diligently. There was always someone lookin' for trouble. And unfortunately, that always happened when Faith pops into the picture. One guard particularly keeps an eye out for the brunette. Though lately, people seem to have learned that you can never win against her. That's why today, that guard eased up on his alertness concerning Faith.
Muscles rippling as she performs pull-ups effortlessly, a woman with a butch hair cut is urged to break the short period of peace. She looks uncertain, knowing this strange younger female's rep. Yet if she didn't, the unknown client from Sunnydale wouldn't pay her the large sum of money that would have her set up for life or break her out of this hell hole prison. She had no choice, even if it meant taking a life from a chick she had no beef with. Taking a deep breath, the woman puts on her bandanna, and strolls toward the Slayer.
Faith's head tingles as she senses danger near by. Which is alot in that place, but this time, it was directed toward her. She lets on that she knows nothing as she continues with her pull-ups. The tough looking woman pulls a strange knife out as she quickly closes in.
Suddenly, Faith turns around on the bar and kicks the one in the face, knocking her down. Faith flips forward, dismounting from the bar, landing on her feet. The woman who attacked her is desperately reaching for the knife, which eerily looks like the knife Buffy used on her during her whole 'Evil Mayor Loyalty Days.'
Grabbing the hilt, the strong woman gets back up to her feet, holding the knife out in a ofensive posture. Faith shook her head.
"OK, you got my attention. What's your beef, Deb?" Faith quickly racked her brain for anything she might have done to offend this usually gentle woman. The two always got along. So why the change?
"You really ought to think twice-" Deb swings the knife, Faith jumps back, avoiding the blade. "Or not."
"Nothing personal." Deb said with an apologetic frown as she lunges at Faith. Faith grabs the woman's wrist, then punches in the face. Not stopping there, she uses her leg to trip the woman, slamming her down onto the ground.
Faith would have stopped there, after all, her own rage was beginning to build. But Deb wasn't going to quit. Looking up with desperation, the inmate says, "I need the money!"
She then begins to struggle to get up. Faith could see that this woman wasn't going to stop till one of them was dead. Turning around, she grabs a dumbbell with a huge weight on the other end from one of the exercise mats, and walks back to the crazed woman. She quickly jabs it in Deb's face, knocking her back flat on the ground. Her hand releases the knife as she is clearly down for the count.
"For what? A nose job?"
Faith reigned in her dark side that screamed for her to kill the bitch. But, like Angel had told her before, she has to learn to deal with the demons on the inside. Dropping the dumbbell, she steps back as the guards rush in, breaking through the circle of women that had surrounded the short fight.
"Come on, come on! Break it up!" yelled the guard who always tried to keep an extra eye on Faith.
Faith instantly steps back, hands raised high to show that she had no weapons and was complying to their orders. "Hey, hey, self defense. She attacked me, Eddie."
"Yeah, I know. I saw the whole thing." Eddie the guard replied. He looked down at the groaning woman as she touched her bleeding nose and messed up face. "Get her to the infirmary."
Faith looked at the guard, not pleased that he actually watched as this woman tried to knife her from behind. "Wait, you saw?"
"Hey, caught us by surprise too. I mean, who'd be crazy enough to take you out?" Eddie asked, picking up the curvy knife. Faith watched as the sunlight reflected from the blade's surface. She was wrong before, the knife didn't look similar to the her old blade that Buffy used on her. It was the exact same one.
R
Madam Lulu walks in the Hyperian, her dark, almost black eyes scanning the lobby. She could sense great loss from all the occupants. It was plain to see that they suffered greatly from their losses. And Lorne, her precious Lorne, his own gift that make him so unique and a great servant unto those seeking their paths, was stolen and gone. Though he kept up the part of the smiling host, always giving tid bits of wisdom and encouragement to his clients, he himself was hurting deeply.
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it seems that the dark hopeless aura of his lights up to a beautiful pink and gold hue. "Lulu!"
She grins as he rushes forward. She offers him her hand, he eagerly takes it and kisses it. "Oh, my dearest Lorne, so much loss has happened. You must keep hope alive within yourself, for the others look to you for that extra bit of sunshine you seem to give so freely."
Lorne blushed as he gives her a very unlike, sad, Lorne smile. "Oh, Lulu, if you only knew... Then again, you are psychic."
"Yes, my dear. And I have been reading the tarot cards. You must build up your faith, for only more loss and and blood shed is seen in our futures."
He guides her down to the others, who are standing around the map. Her dark, piercing eyes seeks out Cordy's as Lorne introduces her to the rest of the gang.
"Friends, meet a very special lady. This is Madam Lulu, decedent of a very strong, lineage of Spaniard Gypsies. She's hear to skry up the champion of Pylea for us."
"Thanks for giving us your time." Angel replied, shaking her hand. Lulu smiles, as she reads his aura.
"The pleasure is all mine, Senior Angel." Lulu replies. "Some day, if you will allow me, I would love to read your palm."
Angle's smile is strained as he pulls his hand back. His demon demanded her blood, after all, it was a gypsy who cursed him, though the gypsy was Romanian. Yet, on the other hand, he liked her. She seemed genuine, and sincere.
"I'm afraid that might not work. Since I'm a-"
"Vampire, I know. I may not be able to read your mind, but as for futures, well, the palm would be a nice place to start. Just ask your seer, Cordelia."
Angel looked at Cordelia, who was now blushing. "Yeah, she's good. Trust me."
Clasping her hands together, the fortune reader grinned brightly at the occupants in the room, who couldn't help but smile back. Even Connor, who mistrusted magic no matter what, seemed to warm up to her.
"Now, you want me to skry for someone?"
"Uh, yes! I'm sure Lorne told you what has occurred the past two days."
"Yes, he has."
Angel nodded. "Good. Then we can get straight down to business. This guy we want you to skry for will hopefully helping us in the days to come. We're hoping to recruit more like him as we go along. Here's his leather tunic, that should be enough to skry with, right?"
Madam Lulu nodded, taking the heavy, sweat stained tunic that Groo had worn when he first appeared in this dimension. Sitting down on the floor, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the tunic. After a few moments had passed, she picked up and held the leather cord that was tied around the crystal. The others watched breathlessly, waiting. Seconds passed, and nothing happened. Then, a slight quiver.
The crystal began to move around and around, faster and faster. Madam Lulu opened her eyes as the crystal seemed to take a life of its own, suddenly flinging away from her grasp, and embedding itself in a world globe on the bookshelf near Cordy's desk.
"Uh, is it supposed to do that?" Gunn asked as Connor quickly ran over to the book shelf and taking down the world globe. Bringing it over to the others, Lulu leaned over and smiled at the globe in Connor's hands.
"Well, it looks like this warrior of yours is in Montana."
"And by the looks of it, he's in... Yellowstone." Angel smiled. "Gorgeous country."
"The man could have gone anywhere, and he decides to go to a place that has everything his home world has?!" Cordy laughed. "Well, minus the human slavery and demonic population. Still, mountains, bears, woodsy woods."
"Sounds like the big lug," Lorne remarked. "He'll want to go somewhere that reminded him of home. Though on a scale of one to ten, Montana is on the ten number in the fun scale."
"Is it far?" Connor asked as he looked at the crystal embedded in the globe.
"Far enough where even one day's flight could be too much to risk." Angel replied. "Wesley suggested that we use a... portal."
"No." Gunn instantly said. "There's enough portaling around in the past two years that proves that portals are crap!"
"As much as I agree with you there," Cordy began to say, "Wesley's right. We don't stand a chance standing alone against Lindsey and this.. Agla-character. And if that means calling on old ex's," Cordy paused and looked hesitantly at Angel, "then let's not waste any more time."
Fred shivered, looking down at her feet. "Then I guess we have no choice."
"Then it's settled. But, we'll wait till Wesley gets back before we.. do anything... you know, stupid." Angel said as he picked up the map. "Madam Lulu, you're welcome to stay if you want."
"As a matter of fact, I do." she replied. "I can see that my knowledge and expertise could be used when performing this powerful magic you speak of. In the mean time, do you have a minute to spare for a little palm reading?"
"Um, heh! I got... things to plan and stuff... to do. Maybe later?"
Lulu grinned and winked, enjoying his nervousness. Even old vampires were afraid of what the future may hold.
A
It's been a long time since she got a visit. The only person who even bothered to was Angel, and even those ended almost two years ago. She didn't blame him, considering the drive over there wasn't exactly the shortest, or his busy job fighting evil. But still, it wouldn't have killed him to write once and awhile.
So you can imagine she was surprised to hear that her lawyer was paying her a visit, the court appointed one. The last time she saw his aging, sweaty face was when she was sentenced. His visit now only made her nervous. It's not like she fought the sentence, she didn't ask him to file for appeal. So why the sudden interest in her case? She didn't want any leniency, she knew that this was where she would pay her dues. Redemption's rocky path as Angel once put it.
The door buzzes, allowing her and her two guards to enter a long corridor filled with prisoners and there visitors, talking through a thick plate of glass, and only a phone to speak and hear with. Guiding to her seat, her eyes slightly widened when seeing Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. Her ex-watcher and victim.
Sitting down, she looked him over. She had to admit, he looked good. Toughened up, had the whole stubble, mystery loner look these days. Working for Angel looked to have done him some good. Picking up the phone, she waited as Wesley did the same.
"They told me my lawyer was here to see me. You my lawyer now, Wes?"
Was she imagining things, or did Wesley's lips actually tipped up into a small smile?
"Hello, Faith. How are you?"
Small talk. She could do that without letting the guilt for torturing him drive her down the road of madness. Hopefully. "Still alive. Never thought I'd live long enough to see you paying me a visit."
"A lot's happened."
Though his eyes looked haunted, she still couldn't help but check him out again. "Whatever it is, it suits you. You're lookin'.... good."
"I assume you know what's going on in L.A.?"
Faith instantly became serious. "Kinda hard not to. Fire raining from the sky, a unforgettable earthquake. Somethin' tells me that it's not mother nature bitchin' about the state of the ozone. Team Angel must have their hands full."
"You don't know the half of it." Wesley replied dryly.
Faith leaned in. "But you're here to fill in the blanks for me. Why?"
"We need you."
Faith chuckled bitterly, leaning back. She replied sarcastically, "Well, uh, I hate to wet the paper for you, Wes, but I'm kinda unavailable right now. Maybe you want to check back in a few decades when my parole comes up."
"You need to know that-"
"It's Armageddon again. I dig. The last thing you need is me in the mix. Besides, Angel'll come shining through the end like he always does."
"Not this time, Faith." Wesley replied. "You remember Lindsey McDonald?"
"Lindsey... Lindsey... Isn't he one of those prissy lawyers at the base of all evil?"
Wesley nodded. "Yes. A lot's happened since you've been imprisoned Faith."
"Well, catch me up on these things. I'm not going any where."
Wesley began giving the cliff note version of the lives of Angel Investigations. To say that she was stunned would put it mildly. She listened in silence, and didn't say a word all the way through. When finished, Wesley took a breath as he asked her one thing...
"The likely hood of anyone of us surviving this not in our favor. The slim chance we have is to stand together with as much warriors we can find, dark and light.... Will you stand with us?"
Faith was quiet, then deadpanned, "Step away from the glass."
Wesley stares at her as she hangs up the phone. He reciprocates the same action, and stands back as Faith jumps through the glass headfirst. She tumbles and then stands, ready to fight off the guards. It doesn't take her long to knock out any of those who tries to stop her escape. But the alarms are set off and more guards storm into the room, holding big guns. She quickly grabs Wesley's arm and races toward an outside window. To Wesley's dismay and horror, they jump through the window, falling quickly toward the cars below. They land on a expensive looking car, demolishing its windows and sporty rook.
Quickly rolling off, Faith helps Wesley get back up on his feet. She catches a quick look at the sign in front of the car. Looks like they damaged the Warredan's car. She grins.
"You OK?"
Wesley smiles, shaking his head. "Five by five."
A
A soft voice is carried by the wind. Lindsey hears it, and is immediately enchanted by it. He turns from the scene of destruction, following the child like voice. It beckons him, telling him to hurry. They're all waiting for him.
He walkes faster down the windy path. He had to find the voice, so sweet and innocent.
"Lindsey." The voiced beckoned. "Come, you must come."
A muffled voice behind him sounds distant, yet familiar. For teh moment, he ignores it and continues to follow the voice. Finally, he reaches his destination.
He's standing over a large natural pool, so clear and beautiful. The voice is now from the water, telling him to jump, and receive his reward for all his hard work.
"Jump, Lindsey! Jump!"
"Lindsey! What the hell are you doing!" the voice behind him screams. For a moment, he hesitates. Something was wrong.
"I said jump, Lindsey! Jump!" the silvery voice now harsh and demanding. He feels his limbs involuntarily move as he begins to tip over.
Hands grab him from behind, causing him to lose his balance and fall back.
Lindsey opened his eyes to find himself on the balcony, Eve kneeling beside him and trembling, her face was very pale. "What?... What happened?"
"You tell me!" Eve said barely above a whisper, though it was just as harsh as if she was yelling. "Why were you going to do it?!"
"Do what?!" Lindsey asked, getting aggravated that he was out of the loop.
"You were trying to jump off the balconey!!"
Lindsey then realised where he was, the sun lower and not so bright. He rubbed his face with one hand. "I... I guess I fell asleep. Man, the dream seemed so vivid, so real."
"What dream?"
Lindsey slowly stood up, stepping away from the balcony. "About this voice. It was calling, beckoning me. It was so sweet, almost like a child was calling my name."
"Let's go inside," Eve replied, her voice shaky with emotion. "You can tell me everything as soon as we sit down for supper."
The explanation of course only had both more confused than before. Could it be some outside force trying to call him to his death? Who would want to kill him, (the list was pretty long) and who would have the means to actually get in his mind with those symbols on his body and apartment protecting him?
"Well, ever since you woke up this morning, you've seemed a little more... abnormal than usual."
Lindsey shrugged. "I do feel a little strange. Like my powers for instance. At times, I feel like I'm being stretched too thin, like at any minute, I'm going to explode. Then other times, I feel so drained, tired. And my head, it hurts."
Eve took his hand and kissed it. "Well, maybe your body is adjusting to all the powers you absorbed. Sure, your body is being prepared to house Aglatheriel, but that doesn't mean your human body is going to take to all this power surges well... That voice though, could it be the Master?"
"No," Lindsey replied. "His voice is painful, yet like the softest velvet. This one was sweet, young, and hypnotizing. For a minute there, I was going to jump off the ledge. The owner of the voice seemed to literally control my limbs."
The two remained quiet as they finished their supper. As they both cleared the dishes, Lindsey thought deeply on the troubling matter. He didn't like being controled, his will drained out of him. Whatever it ws, it happened after last night's power feast. Maybe The Partners powers just didn't agree with him, as silly as that sounded.
"Eve?"
"Hmm?"
"I have a crazy, idiotic idea."
Eve sighed. "And that would be?"
Leaning against the kitchen counter, Lindsey rubbed his chin as he explained. "When it's time for bed, I want you to stay awake as I go to sleep. You know, be my guard so to speak."
"What good would that do? You may just wind up being tempted to shoot yourself this time."
"Let me finish." Lindsey said with a crooked smile. "When I worked at Wolfram and Hart, one of our ways of trying to get Angel go dark was Darla. She used Calynthia powder to see into his dreams, open up Pandora's box so to speak. What if you use that as I dream, be my second pair of eyes. That way, if I lose control, you'll be there to stop me from doing anything... rash."
"It's risky. You sure you're up to it, especially when you're so close to achieving your goals?"
"It's that or somehow keeping myself from sleeping until Aglatheriel comes."
Eve sighed. "So, where do we get Calynthia powder? The earthquake did quite a number on businesses in Las Angeles. Shops will be closed, some even destroyed."
Lindsey grinned, tapping his head. "Remember my mind upgrade? I'll just mix up a batch myself. Trust me, this will work. We'll see just who is tapping into my dreams."
"Okay. It's your life." Eve replied as Lindsey began to rummage through the special cupboard filled with things needed to mix potions.
A
The sun had set, leaving time for all the undead and demonic to go out and have a hay day. After the earthquake, the underworld began to get restless as the strange presence of the Dark Master was closer than ever. Vampires who normally would stay away from so many pedestrians as they worked on the saving those trapped in some buildings from the quake, now hunted for these poor innocents without even giving it a second thought. Blood lust was brought more fiercely to the surface. Faith and Wesley had arrived at Las Angeles just in time.
The progress wasn't as fast through the city as Wesley had hoped. Several lanes, roads, streets were blocked by the police and rescue services. Faith watched wide eyed as they passed some of the destruction.
"Damn." was all Faith could say as she changed clothes in the back seat.
"I know this is bit of a cliche, but it could have been worse. There are several parts of the city where everything is in working order, surprisingly."
"Yeah, well, that'll change if we don't stop the jackass who's responsible for this." Faith replied. Deciding to change the subject, she went back to the certain details of Angel having a teenage son. "So, Angel's got a kid."
"Connor."
"A teenage kid born about six or more months ago."
"I told you he grew up in a hell dimension."
"Right," Faith said, shaking her head. "Cordelia is demonized so she can carry on having the visions, then is kidnapped by the kid after Holtz has his disciple kill him and make it look like Angel did it. Then Angel is sunked down to the bottom of the ocean, which you find him three months later after chaining the disciple in your closet and forcing her to help you find him. And the story doesn't end there. Nope, Angel manages to tie the boy up, trying to find where Cordelia is, and then when you find out where she is by her spirit guide, Lindsey manages to pull a corny magicioan magic trick and whisks Connor away to go take Cordelia somewhere else and... Damn, I'm getting a head ache."
"I know, it's a lot to take in."
Faith wiggles her way back to the front seat. "And the wacky thing is that it only gets weirder as the story goes on!"
"So, now Cordy has her memory back after that memory spell your demon friend performed, though not her former demon status. Connor's fighting along side with his dad, and Lindsey's going to become a evil god like creature once this Aglatheriel possesses him. Did I forget anything?"
"Yes, the part where we couldn't take down Lindsey, and now, he has absorbed the orb of Thesulas."
"Right, now why did I forget that?" Faith replied sarcastically. "Geez, a girl leaves you people for about three years and misses out on all of this action... I'm glad I was in prison."
"Well, we do lead complicated lives." Wesley remarked dryly.
FAith gives Wes a grin. "The road to redemption is a rocky road."
"Yes, it is. I'm finding that out myself."
Yeah, she bet he was. Out of all the people she ever met, she would never have pegged him to be the one who would kidnap a kid. Sure, she saw why he did it. Wesley was the type who would do anything for the benifit of all things good. In a way, she admired him for that. But to actaully betray Angel, that was just.... freaky. Who knew he had a grey area after all.
Staring out the window as he slowed down and stopped at a red light, Faith decided to be blunt on a certain subject.
"The cops will come lookin' for us, you know. You're an accessory to helping a state prisoner escape. It won't be long before they see that the fake name you gave them is bogus."
"With the strange events happening in Las Angeles, I believe a escaped convict won't be on the top of their to-do list."
"Still, I gotta be careful out in the public eye. Of course, if we don't stop Lawyer boy from resurrecting Aglatheriel, I'll be completely off their radar. Maybe I should be thanking Lindsey instead of trying to kill him."
Wesley looked at her closely, his eyes intense, Faith's serious face suddenly broke out into a stunningly beautiful smile as she laughed. "Damn Wes, chill! It's just a joke."
"Forgive me if I'm not in the joking mode."
"Wow. Underneath all that hot, rugged, mysterious, brooding, demon hunter guy, still lies the no nonsense watcher I know and am so fond of."
Wesley felt the corners of his mouth unwillingly turn up. Faith chuckled.
"Despite your eager display of joining our crew, I'm still wandering if you're... how should I say this... Up to par."
"What are you saying? That I'm rusty?"
"Yes."
Faith winces, but then gradually nods. "Maybe I am."
"Maybe we should find out?"
She turned her head and looked at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What did you have in-"
A vampire breaks the passenger side window, then reaches in and grabs Faith by her brown locks and pulls her out of the vehicle. Another vampire is around the four wheel drive vehicle, his eyes on Wesley. Smiling, the English man quickly opens the door and slams it into the brunette vampire's body, knocking him to the ground.
Wesley gets out of his vehicle normally, totally relaxed. The vampire growls as he stands back up, crouching as he prepared to tackle the unusually calm human. Wesley smirked.
"Ah." Wesley says as he points at Faith over the vampires' shoulder. "She's the one you want."
The bright vampire looks at the chick fighting off a couple of vampires. His eyes widened as she obviously matched his buddies strength. Scratch that. She was stronger than them.
"Slayer!" he hissed. Wesley smiled as the vampire ran away.
Watching his old charge fight the two vamps, he decides to lend her a little help. Reaching inside his jacket and grabbing the wooden stake, he then whistles before tossing her the wooden weoan. Without even looking in his directions, she catches the weapon in the air, then stakes the two street thugs with ease. She wipes their ashes off of her dark blue jeans before tossing the stake back to Wesley.
"Thought you could use a little release. Feel natural?"
Faith shrugs. "Ah, it's like riding a biker."
A
"What are you workin' on?" Gunn asked Fred curiously, sitting down beside her on the orange couch beside the office.
On the coffee table laid tools, screws, a spell book, and what looked like a pieces of a cross bow. Looking up from her profect, Fred smiled. "It's nothin' really. Somethin' Wesley and I thought up when we were plannin' for that heist we did on the Axis."
"Oh. Cool." Gunn said, trying not to let his possessive streak show. That was hard when the guy in question kept sending love vibes for his girl... and his girl seemed to be not as put out by that. Things were too raw to bring up the fact that he didn't like the camaraderie between Wesley and Fred, even though he knew those feelings were wrong.
Sincing Gunn's defenses kicking in, she tried to smooth things over. "It's a work in progress. Wesley left it up to me before he left to finish and carry out the project."
"He does that a lot."
Fred's brow wrinkled in confusion. "Does what a lot?"
"Nothing. So...." Gunn suddenly felt awkward around the one person he used to feel at home with. "What exactly are you workin' on? You tore apart one of Cordy's favorite cross bows, so it has to be important."
Fred blushed. "Um, yeah, I would appreciate it if you didn't tell her... Well, like I said, me and Wes threw some ideas around on weapons, just like the old days before... Anyway, I mentioned how after firing a crossbow, you're left open to an attack while reloading and how it would be so much easier if you could have all the arrows loaded at once, ya know?"
Gunn nodded. "Yeah. But that's impossible with a cross bow."
Fred nodded. "Wesley said the same thing. Then we got into a discussion on guns and the gun chamber and the magazines and how the gun works and the bullets being-"
"Wow. And I thought you two spent over two hours planning the heist. Silly me."
"Charles." Fred said defensibly. "We were. You know that."
Gunn shrugged, instantly regretting what he said as he blurted out his jealous, ridicules thoughts. "Hey, a guy finds out that his girlfriend has more in common with his rival as they supposedly chatted it up in the bedroom, does tend to raise some flags."
"Fine. If you want to judge and crit-"
"Wait, Fred. I'm... sorry. It's just been hell lately and-"
"I know. And things between us are..."
"Just tell me what this new weapon is supposed to be."
Fred nodded. "Well, our conversation inspired me. So, after all the drama getting Cordy back, I started brainstorming. What if we can remake the crossbow with a air compress chamber that holds metal tipped, tiny arrows. Like the ones on the bigger arrows for the cross bow. I showed my idea to Wes, who helped me design a blueprint. He had one of his main weapon guys from his crew finish up the details to make it possible."
"So, basically you have a gun that shoots wood?"
"Yes and no. Believe me, once you see the finished product, you'll fall in love with it."
"I'm sure I will, though I'm more of a hands on kind of man." Gunn replied as he touched his favorite battle axe with tenderness. "What's the spell book for?"
"Well, since Lindsey has that handy magical force field thingy, Wesley has me looking into a passage he found on that type of thing. If possible, we'll try to enchant the arrows, so that when we go up against Lindsey again, we'll be prepared."
"That.. actually makes since. You think we can do the same with our weopans?"
Fred shrugged. "In theory, maybe. But we are talking about almost literally creating holy weapons. And who knows how many protection spells he's put on himself. Just because one spell can break another, it may not work on other protection wards. At least, that's what Wesley says. Magic ain't really my thing."
"Either way, this theory you guys cooked up, might help. Better prepared than sorry."
"We're getting there." Wesley said as he and Faith entered the lobby. "Though we're not there yet."
"Suh-weet place." Faith openly admired, giving a low whistle as she looked around the spacious lobby.
Connor entered the lobby from the opposite end, carrying a bag of tacos. He slowed when taking in the appearance of the brunette. Her posture spoke of confidence, her dark eyes deep, soulful, with a hint of trepidation. He slowed down as he settled teh food on the counter, silently sniffing the air. There was no fear in the air, just a strange sent coming from the confident woman. She was human, but something more.
"Everyone, this is Faith, the vampire slayer."
Fred stood up, giving the other brunette a somewhat shy smile. "Hello, Faith, I'm-"
"Fred. Yeah, Wes kinda gave me the skinny on you."
"Oh."
Gunn mumbled something under his breath, getting a instant annoyed look from Fred. Faith didn't have to hear to know what he said. It was all in the frigid atmosphere between Wesley, Gunn and Fred. Yup. Apparently, Buffy wasn't the only one who was into the whole tragic love affair.
Arching one eyebrow, Faith grinned at the handsome black man sitting on the couch. "And you must be Charles Gunn. Love the name, by the way. Wes here says that you're quite the warrior. You know your way around the vampires. We'll see if you live up to all the things I heard about you."
Gunn looked at Wesley in surprise, who was standing close beside the slayer. One of the slayers. Maybe bringing in the girl who once was a psycho path wasn't so bad. Hell, he already began to respect her, which isn't easy to earn from Charles Gunn.
"I can hold my own." Gunn replied with a small, pleased smile.
Angel and Cordy came walking down the stairs, talking when they noticed the slayer. Cordelia slowed her decent, then stopped, looking at the only person who has ever managed to give her a whopping black eye. She didn't like her, nor did she trust the once blood lusting slayer. But, Angel believed that Faith has changed, that she was on her own path of redemption now.... But that didn't mean that she had to like her helping them.
"Faith."
"Nice to see you to, Cor." Faith said with a wave. Cordelia stiffened at her shortened name being used by this criminal. Angel touched her shoulders, giving her the puppy dog pleading look. Sighing, Cordy descended the rest of the way, trying to put back Queen C in her tomb.
"So, weren't you convicted and sent to a state correctional facility for like a gazillion years?"
Okay, so maybe she had to let Queen C have one little thing to say about Faith's not totally welcomed presence.
Faith smirked. "Murder 2, 25 to life, for the record."
"Well, it's good to see that you got out early." Angel said with a trace of humor to his voice. Faith's face suddenly seemed to glow at the sound of the only person who ever truly believed and gave a damn about her.
"Nice to see you too, champ. Speaking of champs..." Faith turned her eyes on the still silent figure, looking at her with suspicious blue eyes. "The kid."
"The kid has a name." Connor replied acidly.
"Connor." Faith confirmed, then turned her attention to Angel and Cordy. "Wesley told me about everything. And I just want to say, if need be, I'll die for this cause."
"Uh, hopefully, you won't have to." Cordy replied, her tone more gentle and less razor sharp. "The world needs not just one slayer you know."
Faith shrugged. "Either way, I'm her and ready for action. Besides, I'm curious how good ol' Lindsey will do when he sees this face again. In fact, I'm lookin' forward to it."
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." said a smooth, disbelieving female voice. Wesley felt himself go cold as he and the others turned their eyes on the very dirty, smelly ex-CEO of Wolfram and Hart. "You guys got psycho slayer back to kill Lindsey? You people are even more desperate than I am... How pathetic."
"Lilah." Wesley spoke, surprised at the sound of the emotion in his voice. Lilah smiled, winking at the stunned English man.
"What? No kiss?"
"Great! Now evil lawyer lady is here. Who's next? Buffy?" Cordy exclaimed as she threw her hands up in exasperation.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Angel asked coldly. His penetrating stare had Lilah's defensive walls quake with a fear. She really didn't need the third degree.
"Believe me, I'm just as stunned as the rest of you that I'm actually here." Lilah replied, walking over and plopping herself on the orange couch, setting her duffel bag beside her. "But, with all my resources and favors that I called on, not one are willing to help.. Not after that earthquake. I'm a marked woman. Which means-"
"You want protection form us." Fred finished. Lilah grinned at her unknowing rival.
"Right, brainiac. Hell, now that I see you got someone who Lindsey and I hired to try to kill you just proves that you can't turn anybody away."
"Oh, we can so turn you away." Cordy replied.
Wesley and Angel exchanged looks, a sort of private conversation in a way.
"And why should we let the one person who wants to see me evil, stay here? You're a woman of many means, I'm sure you can find some way out of the city." Angel replied. Wesley cleared his throat.
"Angel, as much as I don't trust this woman, we'll need all the help we can get. Evil or not, her contacts with the remaining branches of Wolfram and Hart can be much use to us."
Sighing, Angel said, "We have plenty of room. But let's get one thing clear. You're not here on vacation. You, just like everybody else here, will pull your own weight. Starting after you go up and take a shower, make us some coffee."
Lilah snorted, but saluted as she stood up with a trade mark smile. "Whatever you say, boss."
"Cordy, would you mind helping Lilah pick out a room?"
Cordelia glared at her champion. Let's see. Willingly go upstairs with Lilah. the bitch who had some brain demon tap into her vision line with TPTB, literally disfigure her body, then have Angel go and retrieve Billy for her political client?... This is why she complains that she needs a raise!
"Come on, Lilah. I'm sure we can find something that suites you." Cordy said as she turned and began going back up the stair case. Lilah followed, looking none to happy with the arrangement as well. She just knew that the seer would pick out something crappy or dangerous to stay in. This is why she preferred to go begging to other evil beings.
Angel walked over to the watcher as he watched Lilah ascend upstairs. Leaning closely and whispered, "I'm leaving it to you to keep an eye on her. If she tries anything, I'll be laying the blame on your feet."
Wesley barely nodded.
Faith looked at Fred and said, "You people really do live complicated lives."
A
Lindsey was busy brushing his teeth when he felt the familiar cramping in his stomach. This one was more painful and chaotic than the last one. He found himself groaning as he collapsed onto the floor, clutching his lower abdomen. He stopped the scream as the feeling of hot fire tingled down his spine. He closed his eyes as tiny beads of sweat trailed down his cheeks.
The hot feeling of flames seemed to leave his spine and curl up in his belly. He felt that strange, chaotic feeling of losing control. He couldn't hold it in much longer. He tried to teleport to the roof of the building, but he didn't get the chance. Flames and electricity shout out of his body. The light bulb burst as the bathroom wall caught on fire. His body began to tremble, as the feeling of losing control of everything came apparent. Eve rushed in, but quickly jumped back as a fire ball threatened to engulf her.
Screaming as he faought to contain his power, the flames and electricity stopped. Eve immediatly jumped in and grabbed a towel, beating out the flames. Smoke fill the air, but it was done.
Looking down, Eve said, "Lindsey, I don't care how you do it, talk to Aglatheriel. Forget the the plan, let's just ask him what the hell is going on!"
Lindsey nodded. "I was just thinking the same thing."
A
A meeting did take place in the Hyperian hotel. Much was discussed, rehashed, theorised, and of course agreements and disagreements. The whole time during the little meeting, Faith barely spoke two words. Kicking back and studying both old and new faces, their words, and their body language. So much love, hostility, depression, and of course fear was in the hotel lobby.
What amazed her was the way the people she knew and hurt at one time, grew into a new found maturity. Cordelia, Queen C, the rich spoiled princess has literally had a complete transformation. Gone was her carefree, snobbish air. Instead, there sat a woman who has experienced far too much danger, trauma, and supernatural things. These things had seemed to bring out the strong, beautiful woman within her. She would never admit this to Cordy's face, but she actually respected her. Sort of.
Faith's keen eyes scanned Wesley once again. Her heart still felt the sting of knowing that she torchered this man, her watcher. Yes, he did screw up with her, but he didn't deserve the torment on both mind and body she inflicted. Truth be told, she believed she would never get over it, and she was sure, in his heart of hearts, he hasn't either.
But that didn't take away from what she now saw. He was confident, oozed a new sense of sensuality, and a sense of purpose. This was the man she could follow, allowing him to be her watcher, guardian, and teacher. And it wasn't just because of the new Wesley, it was also because of his trip into the dark side. He let some of that pure righteousness he had slip, allowing grey to get in the mix. And yet, he somehow pulled himself out of it. Alone. with no friends. If a man can pull out of that tempting form of pure darkness, then he could surely be someone to count on to pull you out when you feel that same darkness creeping back in.
Then there was Angel. The gorgeous vampire with a soul. The one person who truly understood to be a murderer, and enjoy it. He never ceased to amaze her. From what Wes told her, he had a dark period in which he majorly screwed up. And like always, in the end, he woke up and took his place back as the champion. A faint smile traced her full lips as she watched him in his element. Focused, determined, and refusing to give up. He was different even from the last time she spoke to him. For one, what happened to black on black? Apparently, being around humans who didn't judge him, molded him just as much as he molded them. She was proud of him, the one she considered a brother in arms.
Leaning back in her chair, the slayer stretched, catching the wandering eye of Angel's offspring. When she arched her eyebrow at the teen, he crossed his arms and looked away. She had to admit, he had some of Angel's presence. That brooding yet knowing look that penatrates the soul. She wasn't too sure about him, not after hearing the crap he pulled. But, she was willing to give him a chance, see if he could follow simple orders. After all, it wasn't brute strength or the matter of being able to kill a vampire that impressed her. It was brains. She learned the hard way in Sunnydale that if you let instincts rule you while in the heat of the kill, mistakes were made. People were hurt.
Sensing that someone just asked her a question, the slayer blinked and returned her wandering mind on the meeting. "What?"
Wesley repeated the question. "Do you think you can handle this sector as Angel and I start tracking down other champions?"
"Uh, sure. No problem."
"Who else will be going with you two? I mean, we are talking about other dimensions." Lorne pointed out, looking nervous. "Some are literal hell dimensions and-"
"That's where I come in, slick." Lilah said with a smirk as she dropped the tray of coffee on the table. Angel growled the cups rattled and coffee in the steaming cups tipped over. Noticing Wesley's amused glance, she gave him a mock apologetic smile.
"Sorry. That's just my diva side rebelling. Me, coffee girl, doesn't mix." Lilah said as she grabbed paper towels and dabbed some of the mess. "As I was saying, the lawfirm in Italy will be already sending scouts and interpreters through out the dimensions loyal to Wolfram and Hart. All you goodie two shoes will have to do is visit the ones that are, how should I say this... Not complete PTB haters."
"The ones going will be me, Wesley, and you, Lorne."
Before Lorne could refuse, Cordy took the spot light. "Excuse me, but I'm going with you guys."
Angel of course, expected this. "No, Cordy, you're staying here."
Cordy snorted, crossing her arms. "Uh, no, Angel, I'm coming with if you like it or not."
"I need someone here that will hold the fort while I'm gone."
"You just said that Faith could handle this area."
"Yeah, the strategy and leading the troops part. You need to be here if something goes wrong with our trip, someone to get some form of help from Sunnydale."
Cordy narrowed her eyes as Angel scowled. "That's a lame excuse. I'm no better liked in Sunnydale than Faith is... Granted she did betray everyone there, slept with Buffy's boyfriend, and managed to terrorize and burn bridges with any living thing there. No offense."
"None taken." Faith replied.
"Cordelia-"
"No, Angel. You're not going to talk or bully me out of this. I may not be demon glowey Cordy no more, but I still know how to defend myself and know when to run. So save the speech, I'm going."
Angel's calm facade didn't fool Cordelia. She knew that he was seething, those chocalate brown eyes nearly black with his growing lack of control of the storm inside. A part of her hoped that her own bravery could fool him into just letting her win this one. Out of all the people in that room, she had the most at stake. If anything happened to her best friend that might someday become her lover, well, that would be it. She couldn't lose him. Somebody had to keep him under close watch, and that person was her.
"Alright." Angel said just a little bit too calmly. Unbeknown-st to the others, his eyes spoke a hidden message to his seer. There was going to be a talk when they got back on her lack of fallowing orders. Cordy grinned, a clear 'Bring-It-On' challenge.
"Um, does that mean that I can stay here?" asked a hopeful Lorne.
A
Eve waited patiently as Lindsey meditated, talking to the Master on a higher plane. Her mind raced over this little hiccup in the plans that had been made. She could have lost him, today. Just like that. After all that was accomplished, all the obstacles he's cleared, he nearly lost it all by his sleep walking venture.
She thought over all the weird supernatural occurrences in her immortal life. There were several evil vile demons that could control a person during their sleep. But the only differences to them and Lindsey's situation was that those creatures possessed their victims. Lindsey showed no signs of being possessed.
Suddenly, her lover opened his beautiful blue eyes. She fought the urge to bombard him with questions. Instead, she asked one that spoke of every single one that burned within her mind.
"Well?"
Standing up, stretched his now stiff arms and legs. Rolling his neck until the kinks were gone, he gave her a unreadable stare.
"He says that what's happening is part of the plan."
"That's it?!"
"No. I'm losing control, but that's what he wants." Lindsey replied. The only hint that showed that he wasn't pleased with what he heard was his mouth. He was grinding his teeth.
"And that helps how?"
"He that was dead shall live again, and he that is alive shall find death."
Eve scoffed. "So you're going to die."
"Yes... and no." Lindsey chuckled. "In a way, it's like Angel's Shanshu prophecy. Has more than one meaning, yet can be taken literally. As for my little sleep walking, that seems to be a outside force. Someone wants me dead, other than the obvious."
Noticing the look on his partner in death and destruction's face, Lindsey slowly took her in his arms, kissing her forehead. "Don't fret. We have work to do. And before we can do anything, we have to find out who's messing with my head."
Eve looked up, kissing his chin. "And how do we do that?"
Rubbing tiny circles at the base of her spine, Lindsey sighed. "Same plan as before. I sleep, you use the powder to see and take control of my dreams before I go suicidal."
Eve snorted. "Terrific."
A
Lulu usual smiling face was grim and filled with purpose. The ritual to create a psychic portal in a dead spot took great amount of concentration and skill. With chanting, smelly herbs, and of course using absolute caution, she would have the portal open in minutes.
Wesley had slipped on his new sword weapon to his arm, the other one having of course the metal tipped stake. In his pocket was a cell phone, in case Lulu couldn't keep the portal opened long enough as they went to find Groo.
Looking over his shoulder, he watched as Angel packed some weopans in a duffel bag. Cordy was standing beside him, argueing on how they didn't need weopans to find Groo. They were after all, staying in this dimension. His mouth quirked as he watched the two argue. A person had to be blind to not see the tension and love between the two.
His mind went back to when he first reunited with the pair. It had shocked him to see the closeness between both vampire and seer. It had made him feel like an outsider, intruding upon the tight nit family they formed. But somehow, he was excepted into their own little world, giving him what he never had truly known. Love and acceptance.
Love. What a beautiful, ironic, heart breaking feeling. Wesley was no stranger to love. He once was falling for Virginia, the beautiful, sassy red head that left, no longer wanting to see him hurt. He thought then that never would he open himself to that pain again. Yet here he was, in love with another strong woman, who in turn didn't feel the same. The clincher was that she loved someone who he once considered a brother. Now, he was a rival.
He did feel some guilt over his jubilation to see the strain and change between the two love birds relationship. This left him an opening, so to speak. Yet, again, the goddess of love decided to pay another trick on him. Lilah. His blue eyes searched for her face in the hotel lobby. Their eyes connected. Did he love her? Was what they had could actually be defined as love? The answer still seemed lost to him.
He knew that he cared about her, despite that she was evil and chose to be this way. Yet, the thought of her not being in this world turned him cold. And confusingly, at the same time, he wished that she would just disappear, never bring that grey area back in his life.
A crackling sensation filled the air as a flashing, windy swirly portal began to open. Lulu stepped back, looking at the others. "It is done. You must go now."
Wordlessly, Angel picked up the bag, giving Cordy a pleading look. She crossed her arms over her chest. Growling, Angel grabbed Cordelia's right arm with his free hand. The two entered the portal.
Looking back at Faith, Wesley said, "Keep them safe."
The slayer nodded, watching as the ex-watcher quickly entered the portal. Lorne, who was told he didn't have to go on this trip, watched the silent Ms. Morgan. The lawyer felt the demon's crimson gaze on her face, and turned to stare him down. When he smiled, she snorted.
"What?"
"Nothing." Lorne said as he shrugged.
"Were you trying to read me?"
"Deary, even a sloth demon can read you. And I do have to say one thing about the thing between you and the English boy. Ewwww!"
Lilah turned and walked away. Lorne shook his head. The things these heroes get mixed up with. He didn't get it, but then again, he was new to this hero gig. Made him miss Caritas.
A
Everything was ready. Any sharp object was gone, along with the gun that she kept in her night stand. That she kept hidden in her purse that she held close to her body. Just in case she had to defend herself.
Sighing, Eve waited patiently nearby as Lindsey slowly fell into a deep sleep in their bed. His face looked so peaceful, so beautiful, that she had to remind herself that jumping him the and there wasn't the safest thing to do. The fine sheen of sweat on his naked torso showed the signs of his body fighting to contain all that was within him.
"He that was dead shall live again, and he that is alive shall find death." The prophecy echoed in her mind as she watched him sleep. Out of all the prophecies dealing with death and blood, this one was the worst. Like any person who has studied prophecies, she knew that they are a mystery. Some prophecies never come to pass due to different paths taken in life. Others are completely false. Yet, the Nameless scrolls were the only ones that were a sure thing.
Either way, she could very well lose Lindsey in the end. Either by Aglatheriel or by the chaotic mixture of powers inside him. Years ago, Eve wouldn't have cared. But falling for someone that suited you like a well tailored suit was different than the whole 'Star-crossed-lovers' ritual. While others loved to play the part of being the doomed pair, when you meet that person that was made for you, everything changes. That's why losing him almost makes her want to find some way for her and Lindsey to back out of this pact with Aglatheriel.
But, that was only a fleeting thought. Her more practical and greedy side said to keep going. Don't give up. To help mold Lindsey into the perfect vessel.
Eve's lips parted as Lindsey's face crinkled. Looks like the dreaming had begun. Sprinkling the Calynthia powder in her palm, she seated herself in the wine colored chair near the bed. Taking a deep breath, she chanted the spell before blowing. the powder filled the air, then slowly disipated. After waiting a moment, Eve gasped as she saw a scene being played out. Lindsey's dream. He couldn't see her, but she could see him.
Lindsey smiled as he looked out over his domain. All the prophecies had come to pass. Aglatheriel's power had sealed the deal. Everything went smoothly, starting in Las Angeles. The memory of Angel's anguished howls as he made him watch his family be slowly killed, each and every one person that was important to him. And after all the lands were conquered, he finally killed his adversary. One piece at a time.
All those who had surrendered now were busy rebuilding the capital city, which he renamed The Golden City. Las Angeles was old news in his mind. And, it was coming along beautifully!
Warm hands surrounded his mid section, rubbing circles around his exposed belly button. Turning around, he bent down and snatched his lover's lips. Her body seemed to melt into his. Pulling back, he breathed her name. "Eve."
She gave him a mischievous wink, taking a step back. "You like?"
Lindsey leered as he took in her new outfit. It was in a modern style of the 1800's. Blood red satin petticoat flared out all the way to her ankles, with a slit in the side to give a view of her milky legs. A thin gold sash adorned her petite waist as her corset kept her bust line high and tempting to every male eye. His eyes finally moved up to her neck, which a gold, red jewelled choker now adorned so lovingly.
"Delicious." Lindsey groaned. "I shouldn't let you go out in that."
She laughed, causing another involuntary groan from his parted lips. "I didn't wear it for the public, my love."
Grabbing his hand, she led him back inside the palace. Lindsey paid no attention to the rich surroundings as he followed his little vixen like a a pup in love. What could his queen have in mind?
When they reached their bed chamber, Lindsey immediately began to nibble her bare shoulders. Eve chuckled as she pulled away, wagging her finger. "Impatient boy. Very naughty."
"You don't know the half of it." Lindsey replied, trying to grab her. But Eve was quicker, and managed to escape his groping hands. His patience began to ware thin. "Eve, I'm in no mood for games."
"Oh really?" came the hushed reply from behind. Lindsey turned around, blinking. How did she get there?
"From my recollection, you loved mind games. Always the busy worker bee, going from one scheme to the next. Trying to always kill or make Angel go mad."
"It worked, didn't it?" Lindsey retorted, reaching up to stroke her pale cheek. Eve sighed.
"Not completely, dear boy."
"What do you mean?" Lindsey asked, becoming serious quickly.
"All that hatred you have toward him, the planning, losing, winning, all of it, was years of you life spent on one vampire. Do you think his mind was on you twenty four seven after you left?"
"What's that got to do-"
"Sure, you had your moment when you tourchered and killed him. But the pain and suffering he caused took years over your one, single, moment of victory. It's the price for revenge. That's why they say it's bittersweet."
Lindsey backed away as his lover looked at him with both contempt and pity. Strange combination.
"You're wrong."
"Am I?" Eve replied. She began to walk around him as she spoke. "You have to admit, that if Angel never came to L.A., you'd still be working for Wolfram and Hart. Still trying to stay alive while scrambling to become part of the Black Thorn. Without Angel, you wouldn't be where you are today."
"Stop it."
"Always trying to either kill him, compete with him, become like him."
"I said stop it!"
Eve stopped circling, her pale hand reaching up to cradle his cheek. "He drove you to extreme lengths. And now, he's gone. No more motivation or plotting your next move."
Lindsey staggered back at that realization. His arch enemy was gone. Gone. In a strange way, he grieved over that. In his mind, he could see the years of ruling the earth, without the pleasure of having someone who might actually oppose him like the vampire did.
"Eve..."
"Shh. I know. Don't look so sad, Lindsey. I can help you if you just let me."
The same feeling that he had before came over him. The feeling of losing control over his body. But this time, he wasn't able to fight it. He wasn't sure he wanted too.
Her cold hands wrapped around his warm, rough ones, a smile tugging on her lips. "I can bring the rush back."
Like some sort of mindless robot, he nodded. She laid both hand over his heart beat, and smiled warmly up into his face. "Don't fight it. Give in."
A warmth filled him, touching his black soul. It brought up images of the rare happy moments in his past, before his father had lost everything and the ful took a chunk out of his family. Days of forgotten innocence called out to him, beckoning him to reach for the light, and desert the darkness within.
"Who are you?"
Lindsey opened his eyes as the Eve in red was torn from his arms. Now, he saw two Eve's. One in red, the other dressed in his shirt.
The Eve in red sighed, shaking her head. "You're making a mistake. All of you are just pawns."
"Bitch!" Eve in the large shirt screeched, slapping the Eve in red. The woman disappeared, along with her hold on Lindsey.
"He'll throw you aside when he's done with you." whispered a familiar, feminine voice. "Oh Lindsey, why did you come back? Why didn't you take that chance of redemption?"
A little girl's laughter echoed through out the two as Lindsey's dream began to fade away. "Don't try searching for the good in his soul, darling. He's made his bed, and now he'll have to lie in it. Now go, we tried it yours and the Powers way. It's my turn."
The little girl from the white room appeared before them, reaching out for him. Eve took his hand, which ended the dream.
Lindsey woke with a start, drenched in sweat. Eve immediately joined him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Eve?"
"Shh. It's me. The real me." Eve whispered, drawing back to look in his blue eyes. "I'm here, baby."
Why did that disappoint him? Lindsey shook his head, trying to get rid of the forced feelings that the woman in red forced on him.
"Kiss me." He ordered.
Eve eagerly complied. The kiss was rough, passionate, and full of yearning. Pulling away, Lindsey felt more settled. He could now think more clearly.
"I'm sorry, Lindsey. I should have had more power in the dream, but something was blocking me. It wasn't the girl, it was that... that impostor!! Damn it! I really screwed up."
Lindsey shook his head. "No. We do know one thing. The Powers are involved. And we know that I'm not the only one in this body. That thing from the white room seems to be inside my head."
"Makes sense. The white room and the one who lives there has never exactly been classified what or who she or he is. Always taking different shapes and forms."
Lindsey leaned back, face set in a thoughtful look. "The Powers must be desperate to team up with what's messing with my brain. Though this time, it was different."
"How so?"
"You, or rather, the fake you, didn't try to get me to lose control. In fact, it seemed like she was trying to tell me something. Show me the light, so to speak." Lindsey snorted. "Waste of time."
Eve looked down at her painted toenails. "I don't know. You looked pretty into it."
Lindsey rolled his eyes. "Stop sulking. I was just enjoying the red dress on that delectable body of yours."
Eve shrugged. "So, what do we do now?"
"Cut off the link the Powers have with me."
"And how do we do that? Every being, rather it be for good or evil, has a link to them."
"True, but not strong links. I think I'm an exception because of what I took from vision girl."
"Or the essence you absorbed from the being in the white room." Eve added.
Lindsey grinned. "Then it's simple. To cut out anymore interruptions, I'll banish the bitch in my head."
Eve arched an eyebrow at how arrogant his words were. "How? She's taking control of you while you sleep. And not just for a good time, Lindsey."
"You really do need to work on the faith thing, babe. The Master likes some faith from his followers, you know."
"You're not answering my question, Lindsey."
Lindsey laughed as he got out of bed, slipping out of his sweat drenched PJ pants. "Eve, like a contract, there are loopholes in certain spells and enchantments. In my case, if I want to banish the white room chick from my mind, which is part of the soul, then I will do it by the most simple route. A cleansing tonic."
Eve stood up, following her lover to the bathroom where he began to prepare the water for his shower. "A cleansing tonic?"
"A soul cleansing tonic."
"Exactly my point. Those tonics are for those whose souls have been tainted by darkness. Honey, yours as dark as they come."
"I didn't say it was the perfect plan." Lindsey replied as he got in the shower. "But like you said, I'm dark. In fact, I'm beyond dark. My soul is too far gone for change. All the tonic will do is flush the unwanted clog out of my soul."
Eve sighed, slipping out of the large shirt, joining her lover under the hot spray of water. "And what if it gives the Powers an opening in trying to convert you to the good side?"
Lindsey touched her cheek. "Baby, I chose which side I want to be on. I'm damned."
A/N: And there you go. More questions, some answers, and of course speeding along when Faith enters the scene. I couldn't help it. I wanted her to be joining the fang gang sooner then later. Of course, sadly, Gwen left. But not for long. She'll be back. As for Lindsey, he's not going all light on us. He's the vessel, remember? As for the fake Eve, if you haven't already guessed who she really is, you'll find out in the next chapter or so. As for the White room being, I added it in there just for fun. Needed something to occupy Lindsey and Eve while the heroes try to get help. But I must warn you, things aren't going to get better. They haven't hit rock bottom yet.