The Measure of a Soul
Legend of the Slayer, p34 of
100
by Philister
Fanfic written for TTH100
Theme: Slayers
Prompt: #018 -
Soul
Crossover with DC's Spectre
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Sunnydale, 1998 AD
The dark god Shadow, who gives power to the Slayer, churnes in anger. Once before, at the end of the 19 th century, it has had the vampire known as Angelus in its sights. Once before it was denied the pleasure of this kill, as Angelus was cursed with a soul as part of some greater agenda by the Gods of Men.
And now, just as before, it is to be denied. Angelus has lost his soul, making him fair game to Shadow's chosen once again. Emotional confusion on the part of its vessel has delayed the kill, but she is now finally in a state of mind to carry it through. Angelus will finally die.
But even as it lends power to its vessel, even as she fights Angelus, Shadow sees the messenger known as the Spectre appear. He who gave Angelus his soul in the first place.
"NO," it rages. "YOU WILL NOT DENY ME AGAIN!"
The Spectre does not speak. Instead he briefly merges his essence with that of the witch girl, Willow Rosenburg, and his magic works through her hands. Angelus' soul is called back from the ether and infused into the vampire's body once again. Shadow screams in anger as its vessel stays her hand.
But only for a brief moment. With Akathler's portal opening, she has no choice. And with a final burst of strength, she slays Angelus. Shadow roars in triumph.
"Enjoy your kill, dark one," the Spectre says. "It will not last."
With that he vanishes. Shadow briefly thinks on his words, but does not understand their meaning. Not yet. For now it takes a moment to study the girl, Willow Rosenburg. Being touched by the Spectre will have a lasting effect on her, it knows. She will grow powerful in magic, maybe the most powerful sorcerers of her generation.
That is something it might be able to exploit very soon.
THE END