Disclaimer: It ain't mine, well the plot is as is Isabelle and they are copywirte to me @ Nutty Glass Designs. They belong to Joss!
Feedback :gingernutt@lycos.com
Wolfram and Hart have decided that Angel and Angelus are too much trouble so they set out on his destruction. They have to choose their weapons with precession.
Summary: Sort of set after Reunion and mixed in a bit of Epiphany but it then follows a totally different timeline from the episodes then I've added some stuff in to add interest!!!
At All Costs - Part Three
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Angel felt Cordelias expressions creep into his being. The familiar feeling of her warmth and control filled him with a temporary peace. Then the feelings he loved so much about his Seer filtered away. The feelings were replaced by fear so think he could almost smell it on the air. She was calling to him, wishing he was there. He felt her pain as something cut into her wrists and the droplets of blood snake down her hands. Angel tasted the salty tears that were falling form her hazel eyes. He felt himself almost crazy with worry and grief. He had made a promise to Cordelia when Doyle had died that he had lost Doyle and it wouldn't happen again. It had happened again.
Spike felt his Sire stiffen beside him, his features twisted in worry. A can drifted across the street in the lightening sky as Angel connected his foot with the can sending it tumbling through the breeze.
"Man, compressing metal isn't going to bring her back. What is it with you and humans?" Spike asked, picking up the battered can.
"She isn't just a human. She's my Seer. She is what she is because of me. You would never understand what I mean."
"Spike flashed his mind to the person that occupied his thoughts for most of the night and his day-sleep. "Nah man I would never understand." He dropped the can to the ground and stamped on it, flatting it flat. "I must admit though. Cordelia is a tasty number. You got the lucky end of the stick when you left here didn't you."
"No I left behind my first true love. lost my first best friend and caused a 19-year-old girl to have visions from a higher force that show sick sights. I don't think that I got the lucky end of the stick at all. I mean then there is Wesley. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind having him around but he tries to hard and bickers with Cordelia." Angel let out an unneeded sigh.
"Angel, you and Buffy...Are you finally finished. I mean your not gonna stay here and lose your soul again. Angelus always knew how to cause evil chaos but he is a pain in the ass when it comes to the Slayer." Spike looked hesitantly at his Sire.
"I couldn't come back to Buffy even if I wanted to. I have the curse and then there's Soldier Boy Riley. I tried to see Buffy before and he tried to kill me, again. And then I have to think about LA. I am a Warrior to the PTB, that is who Cordelia gets the visions from. I couldn't just leave, curse or no curse. She needs me and in a funny way I need her."
"Angel, man, you sound like your a whipped boy again. These Sunnydale have a way of just winding you around their finger. Riley is a wanker really. He comes in all tough but Buffy has to save his ass most of the time, you should watch them train. She kills him everytime, so does Giles."
Angel opened the marked door to the mansion and stared at the scene that befell him. Papers were scattered all over the open plan living room, the lamps had been knocked from their tables. The cushions to the sofa were littered up the stairs in front of them. His book that he had read to Cordelia was stewed across the stone floor, the mirrors all turned around.
"Looks like they tore the place apart." Spike picked up Cordelias broken compact. "And they forgot to take her make-up, she will be pissed."
"DENNIS!!!!" Angel shouted through the house, his voice echoing around the great expanse of the house.
A clear, post-it note covered form floated meekly out of the corner of the room and stopped in front of the two Vampires. Spike looked more confused than anything else.
"What is that? A new demon?" Spike started to laugh at the sprit in front of him. Dennis went to lift him up but he was stopped by an animalistic growl from Angel.
"Dennis get this place tied up then we are going to talk dead guy to dead guy."
The post-it notes moved, making it look like Dennis had hung his head. Spike stared in amusement as the room began to swirl again. The lamps were back on the stand and the papers all stacked in a pile on the coffee table. The cushions floated slowly back to the couch and were put back in place.
With the room returned to it's almost normal state Angel sat down with a pad and a pen and sat it on the table. The post-it notes floated slowly over to the pad and picked up the pen.
"G.E.T. T.H.E.S.E. T.H.I.N.G.S. O.F.F. M.E!" Was scribbled harshly across the crisp white page.
"Spike, pull them of for him please and stop laughing." Spike turned to argue but Angel cut him off with a glare. "Dennis why did you wreak my home?"
"I. W.A.S. B.O.R.E.D. W.H.E.R.E.'S C.O.R.D.E.L.I.A?"
"Dennis, um, Cordelia has been kidnapped." The papers started to swirl around the room again and a file was tossed into Angels lap.
"Y.O.U M.E.A.N. T.H.I.S? W.O.L.F.R.A.M. A.N.D H.A.R.T?" The pictures began to spread out.
"I tried to warn her, I even left her with a Wicca but they tricked her. Dennis I'm so sorry."
The pen began tapping ferociously on the table. Spike grabbed it and flung it at the spot in the air where he though Dennis was only to watch it fall and skid along the floor. He felt a cold shiver run up the back of his neck and jumped off the couch.
"That bloody ghost is mad. Can't you exorcise it or put it in a can?" Spike yelled to an amused Angel.
"No, he's family and Cordelia would stake me if I even tried it." He shifted his gaze to the chair opposite the table. "Dennis, I need you help to find Cordelia. It's breaking day and I still haven't found her. The note said I was to meet them at the old mill at midnight. Poetic huh. I need you to go and check it out of me, see if you can find Cordelia or even who has been there. Smells, footprints, everything."
The ghost flew around the room and headed out towards the door. The opening then the slamming of the large marked door signalled that Dennis the ghost was off to track down his best friend.
"So what is so special about the cheerleader? I mean I give she is a stunner but she hasn't got much up top has she." Spike said.
Angel growled out loud at Spikes insensitive comment. "She's my Seer Spike. She is helping me on my road to redemption, not that I expect you to understand. The only thing you ever cared about was Dru and now she's in LA toying with Darla and you have no one."
Spike lifted his fist to Angel but lowered as Angel looked at him with a passive face. "Listen peaches. I do care for someone but she's way off limits and she might ruin my reputation."
Angel laughed. "I didn't think you had one anymore now your helping Buffy and the Slayettes. There is nothing we can do until Dennis gets back or the sunsets. Why don't you take my room and I'll take the master bedroom."
"Ah and I was enjoying our little bonding session you know." Spike sniggered.
Angel opened the door to what was meant to be Cordelia's room and let her scent wash over him. Her trolley case was still sitting in the corner with only her make-up sitting out on the antique dressing table. He dressed down, folding each item and placing it on the hair beside her bed. He climbed in, the softness comforting against his skin, and flicked off the bedside lamp and sat upright. Angel closed his eyes and tried to focus in on where Cordelia might be. The hazy slowly crept in like it did everytime but it didn't clear like usual it was just a black pit of fog. He couldn't feel her, she wasn't there. That meant to things to him: Either she was unconscious or she was...not that was not a thought his head would entertain. She had to be alive, he had too much to say to her, too much to show her before she died. Angel climbed out of bed and stood in a still stance. His arms moved out in front of him, sweeping through the air. His mind focused and started to empty. A cold shudder ran through his cool body as he found a buzzing in the back of his head, a dull ache. He slowly opened his eyes in the coolness of the room he found himself in. A small moan emanated form the corner of the room, Angel turned to face what ever made the desperate noise. All the years of murder and pain he had caused couldn't have prepared him for the sight that befell his eyes.
Cordelia lay in the corner, chains round her wrists binding her to the wall. Her hair at the back of her head was matted from her blood. Angel took in an unneeded breath and moved slowly towards his Seer. She looked up slowly and her eyes opened ever so slightly.
"Angel?" She whispered before her head hit her chest.
Angel felt himself being pulled back from Cordelia and he found himself back in his room. The empty black in front of him was back and he felt his muscles tense back up as he climbed back into the comfort of the cool covers. He drifted off into a troubled sleep, surround by Cordelias smell.
Meanwhile:
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Cordelia felt the black clouds swirling around her mind, filling every corner, heading for the centre of her head. She tried to fight them but they were too powerful for her then she had felt it. Angel had been there, she had saw his face, heard him take a breath but the she had blacked out again. The black clouds were so intense that she could only keep herself wake for a few minutes at a time and when she had came back around again, he was gone. Cordelia couldn't let the clouds claim her again, she had to let Angel find her again. 'Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts.' She yelled at herself. A smile tried to crept it's way across her face as she remembered on of her favourite memories.
* "God Angel will you stop standing on my toes please." Cordelia yelled at the stotic vampire. "Sorry." She said. "Let try again."
She placed her hands in the air waiting to feel Angels cool finger tips on them again. Instead he stood away from her, his hand around the back of his neck showing he embarrassed.
"OK so you're not getting this modern stuff, or not your not getting how to dance full stop." She moved over to her portable getoblaster and flicked through her CD's and then through Angel's sparse collection. "What decade did you like the best, I mean music wise."
"Um.. I liked the 60's and the 70's the best, they really knew how to make music then. Well I prefer Bach myself but I want to learn how to dance not waltz so the 60's and 70's."
"Well I'm not getting into a leisure suit and I refuse to 'Strut My Stuff.' so how about the 60's?"
Angel nodded his approval so Cordelia slipped a Beatles CD into her player a moved back towards Angel. She felt the beat take over her body as she pulled Angel in close to her. He tried to keep himself at arms length but Cordelia was too lost in the beat to notice the song was ending. The calming tones of a guitar filled the room as 'Yesterday' can through the speakers. Cordelia looked up and began to pull away but Angel grabbed her hands softly and snaked them around his neck.
"Now this I can dance to."
Angel moved his feet in-between hers, rocking her body with the beat hidden in the music, his face buried in the nape of her neck. Cordelia let her fingers lose, playing with the silky hairs at the back of his neck. The lights in the room seemed to dim and the words of the song were blocked by her own heartbeat. They softly moved around the room as one, each counteracting each others moves. The song drifted away and the CD stopped playing leaving the two dancers at a loss for words but smiling happily.*
The black clouds swirled in again as the memory ended. She let out a sigh in pain and in happiness, the song filling her head again, flowing out of mouth in an effort to hold onto it for a few more moments.
"Yesterday...All my troubles seemed so far away...Now it looks like their here to stay...I believe in yesterday." She laughed weakly at the irony of the words, causing her to cough. The taste of blood caused her to gag before swallowing it back down. "Suddenly...I'm not half the man I used to be...There's a shadow hanging over me...Oh yesterday came so suddenly."
The clouds finally claimed their victim once again and Cordelia felt her world go fuzzy then black.
Back At The Mansion:
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Angel sprung upright, his eyes open in terror. The words echoed around the room like they had been said in that very space. He jumped out of the twisted bed covers, his head shooting from side to side looking for Cordelia. Angel soon realised that she wasn't there but the words still rung as clear as day. His attention was drawn away from the room by the door bursting open and a fully clothed Spike standing in front of him banging is hand off of the side of his head.
"God man couldn't you wear something more descent?" Spike exclaimed staring at Angel dressed only in his boxers.
"Spike what the hell do you want?" Angel growled angrily.
"Your bloody cheerleader is sending me freak messages. Why the hell did I ever get involved in you? I mean Paul McCartney, please."
"Spike, Cordelia is my Seer, not a cheerleader! How did you hear it? It's just me and Cordelia that share the link."
"Your my bloody Sire, remember how you used to pull the strings in my head for hours. I think the chip has just made the signal all that stronger. Fuck the Initiative! Why is she reciting Yesterday lyrics anyway?"
"It's our song. We danced to it one night when she was teaching me 'People Skills!' She must have been remembering it."
"People skills? Since when have you been a people Vampire? She sure has got you whipped."
"Spike. I. Am. Not. Whipped! Cordelia thought that I should learn how to do human things for when the day comes and she isn't here to teach me." His voice was full of sadness. "
"I hate you sometimes. You've got a beautiful cheerleader, who bounces around, wearing next to nothing and now she is sending bloody Paul McCartney lyrics along some mental link you have. You have to learn to stay clear of the women of Sunnydale mate, nothing but bloody trouble, believe me I know." A book appeared out of mid-air and whacked Spike across the head. "Bloody hell, and there is a ghost that is hell-bent of trying to butcher me. Why didn't you just stay in Hell?" Spike whined.
"Spike shut up and don't talk about Cordelia like that. Dennis did you find anything?"
A lipstick floated out of Cordelia's make-up bag and headed towards the mirror. Angel jumped over to it and plucked it out of the air. "This is my favourite." He mumbled before offering Dennis his pad of paper.
"I. F.O.U.N.D T.H.I.S!" Cordelia's favourite chiffon scarf appeared from behind the ghost.
Angel took it in his hand and smelt it. He could smell the fear mixed with Cordelia's strawberry and vanilla essence.
"I.T W.A.S I.N A.N A.L.L.E.Y N.E.A.R T.H.E M.A.G.I.C B.O.X.. D.O.E.S I.T H.E.L.P?"
Angel looked sadly at the spot in the air where the scarf had appeared. "Yeah Dennis, it helps a lot. Thank-you. Don't worry Dennis, it's 6 hours 'till sunset and I will find her." He gripped the scarf tightly in his fist.
The cellphone sitting beside the bed on his table started to ring. Angel leapt for it, flicking the dial pad open.
"Cordelia? Is that you?" He shouted down the phone.
"No, it's Buffy." He voice was full of hurt as Angel let out a disappointed sigh. "We have had no luck with the spell. Who ever it was has left their tracks pretty covered."
"I know it was Wolfram and Hart but I don't know why except that Cordelia is my link to the Powers."
"Tara said something about feeling a large presence of mystic energy. She said that whoever took Cordelia was either a very powerful witch or she was using some pretty heavy magic; enough magic for an identity spell.
"You mean like taking someone else or disguising themselves as someone else? Darla!" Angel shouted down the phone.
"She isn't that stupid to come back here is she Angel?" Buffy asked concerned at who was next on the Vampiress' hit list.
"She's not stupid but she is desperate and desperate people, or demons, do desperate things. She warned me when I...um well when I left her that Cordelia was only human and that Seer's are replaced where as a death isn't. She took Cordelia to get to me or Angelus. This is all my fault."
"Angel, this isn't your fault; this is Darla's fault and Drucillia's for turning her. Cordelia wouldn't want you brooding and defiantly not at a time like this. Let me help, please."
"Buffy you read the note: No Slayer. I can't put her at risk like that." He stressed.
"What if Darla has minions or she tries to put you under that whacked out sleeping spell she has, Cordelia told Tara and I dragged it out of Tara, you won't be any use to Cordelia then."
Angel knew he wasn't going to win this on and a back up sound like a better idea; he couldn't risk Cordelia of Darla's obsession with him. "Buffy the note said Midnight at the old mill. Give me ten minutes then leave the magic shop. Wait outside for my signal, you know what it is or you'll hear it. Be careful! I can only look after one person now."
"Angel before you go, Take Spike with you. He was part of your twisted family or Angelus' at least. He is good now and he has helped me out. Just trust him."
Angel scoffed. "YOU, the Slayer, are asking me to trust 'one-half-of-the-badest-vampires-in-the-world' SPIKE? Buffy has he being playing around with robots again? Cordelia told me about that one."
"Quit talking about me as if I'm not here." Spike shouted from the opposite side of the room. "Dennis fuck off!"
Buffy moaned on the other phone. "Angel what's going on?"
"Dennis, Cordelia's ghost, is using Spike for target practise with his latest weapon; the book."
"Angel good night and I will be there at 10:15pm, OK."
Angel picked up a stray book from the bed and threw it in Spikes direction. Spike tried to dodge Dennis' books but Angels hit him square on in the stomach. Spike vamped out and stared at Angel.
"Spike don't say a word, get some sleep. Buffy said you are to come with me to the mill tomorrow. It's Darla that's got Cordelia."
"Great the blonde phyco bitch, mark two version. Don't have too any wet dreams over your cheerleader, we don't want you to lose that pesky soul now do we?"
Spike slammed the door shut as the latest volume of 'Vampires, Demons and Witches: Your Complete Guide.' narrowly missed his head.
Mid Afternoon:
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Cordelia drifted back into the realm of the continuos and became aware of a figure standing over her. She opened her eyes and squinted in the poor light at the woman standing in front of her. Isabelle stood twirling a piece of ginger hair in between her fingers.
"Ah your awake at last. I've been waiting for hours to have some fun with you." Isabelle laughed.
Cordelia watched in horror as Isabelle muttered a few words, she thought were Italian, and her tall, ginger haired appearance changed into the shorter, blonde haired Vampire Cordelia had come to know as Darla.
"Darla?" She hoarsely whispered, not believing her eyes.
"That's right my dear. It's a nifty little spell isn't it, thanks to Dru. Now where oh where to begin with this torture. Angelus used to be so good at this, well he'll soon be back thanks to you my little May Queen."
"What you think that he is going to give up his demon over too you? And you think he will do this to get me back? Are you mad, in fact don't answer that: I know you are."
A taller, more built, figure appeared over Darla's shoulder and stared at Cordelia. "Darla, leave her with me for a minutes and I will make her understand." He turned to Cordelia and smiled.
Cordelia felt her heart skip a beat as she recognised the smooth voice. "Lindsey?" She rasped.
Darla walked away, running her long finger nail down Lindsey's cheek and whispering a 'Don't be long.' in his ear.
"What is it with you people? I know you are lawyers that like to dabble with the demonic group of society but I'm just a human. No horns, no acidic spit, no fangs, just skin, bones and a love for Ben and Jerry's."
"You're very special Cordelia. You have a very special gift."
"These visions aren't anything special, just go out and kiss a pin-head demon and poof, you've got yourself a Powers slide show. There are other Seers you know, I'm nothing special so let me go, please." She begged.
"Your power is not what interests us anymore, you have something much more precious. You hold Angels heart."
"Oh no you have the wrong Sunnydale girl. You mean Buffy. She is Angels eternal lover and boy we're never allowed to forget it. I look nothing like her; she's shorter, blonde bottle job, the high kicks and stakes usually give her away. Now please let me go." The tears started to fall from her eyes.
"We know who Buffy is: The Vampire Slayer, like Faith. No you see I have a very good source that tells me that Angel has a new love now: You!"
"What is this source? The Inquirer? Go look Buffy up and let her kick your butt. Why do you hate me so much?" Cordelia asked, the dull thumping in her head returning.
"I don't hate you, I am simply trying to please someone. You are simply part of a plan to remove my only obstacle. My source is Drucillia and a little prophecy that tells of your and Angels future once he become human."
"Yeah well it wouldn't be the first time that a prophecy is wrong. Let me guess, your trying to win that whore in the next room. She won't want you. She is obsessed with Angel."
Lindsey sithed in anger. He brought his face within inches of Cordelia's frightened eyes. "She will love me like I love her."
Cordelia weakly laughed. "Where have you been living the last three months? La La land? God for a Lawyer, you are really thick."
Lindsey back-handed Cordelia's face sending her head flying back against the wall. A crack resounded off the walls as Cordelia slumped in her chains.
Sunset:
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Angel walked hurriedly into the living room, the sun would be setting in 10 minutes and Spike was no where in sight. His leather duster lay on the couch, stakes strapped to his wrists and a dagger strapped to his ankle. He was expecting trouble and he was determined that nothing would stop him.
"SPIKE! Hurry up it's almost set." Angel shouted impatiently through the cold mansion.
"I'm coming for god sake you'll wake up the dead. Mind you they are probably starting to rise already." Spike smiled at Angel but Angel remained stotic.
"I want to get to the mill early, check the place out. I'll go around the front, you go in through the back. I'll take downstairs if you take the upstairs. Don't muck this one up Spike, there's too much at stake."
The two Vampires left as soon as the sunset and headed across the barren waste land down to the old paper mill, abandoned when the owner was killed by a Vampire clan. The stern, metal building stood silhouetted against the last of the yellowing sky. Angel waved a silent arm and Spike disappeared around the back, setting up an ambush if needed. Angel cast his face into the air and took in a deep un-natural breath. There was no sign of Cordelia on the wind but there was a strange smell, a human male smell. A mixture of Cologne and take-out food. He knew as soon as he set foot inside the collapsing building that Cordelia wasn't there, he couldn't feel her. Angel check the basement but the thick layer of dust had been untouched in the 20 years since the last Vampire nest had been dusted. He met up with Spike in the entrance hall, both reporting that they hadn't seen any sign of anything, living or dead. The door slammed shut behind them as they both turned to leave. A paper note was tacted to the door, blowing in the night air. The handwriting was the same writing from the note of the mansion door.
She Isn't Here! She's Where She First
Learned Things Go Bump In The Night!
Don't Be Late.
"This has got to be someone idea of a sick joke." Spike laughed nervously.
"No this is Darla's idea of playing games, but the fun was finished along time ago." He pulled his cellphone from his duster pocket and clicked Redial.
"Hello?" The ageing mans voice filled the line.
"Giles, it's Angel. The Mill was a decoy. They said that she is where she first learned things go bump in the night. I'm thinking when she first learned of Vampire like in the Library with the Slayerettes."
"No Cordelia was going to be one of the first victim of the Master during the Harvest. When Luke tried to drink her blood at the....."
"Bronze!"
"Bronze!" Both men exclaimed at the same time.
"Tell Buffy there's a change of plan and tell her to show up at the Bronze in 20 minutes. Not sooner, I was to come alone. Me and Spike will see you there." He slid the phone back in his pocket and turned to his Childe. "Fancy a party?"
They headed out to the convertible and roared away in the direction of the burnt-out night-club.
"Peaches, you know that stuff I said about the cheerleader earlier, I'm sorry. I can see you've fallen for her big time and what with Buffy shacked up with Fishboy, it can't be easy for you. It's effecting us all."
"Spike anyone would think you have gained a soul while the commandos held you hostage. But thanks, it means....something."
"Listen Brood features, I ain't got no poofy soul OK. I'm just saying I know what it's like. You have that curse thing still going on haven't you?"
"No, not really." Spike looked at him very confused. "When I started going off the rails I was summoned to what was the Oracles chamber and shown that Darla was to be the turning point in my tumble. In order to 'help me along' they gave me a permanent soul with the warning that one more slip and take it back and double my grief."
"Nothin' like a wrap on the knuckles to put you in your place. So have you let her know how you feel?"
"When did you become a shrink? Of course I haven't told her. She isn't the insensitive cheerleader you think she is, well not all of the time. She is still trying to get her head around these visions and then there is Doyle. He loved her and she realised she loved him. He was my best friend, I couldn't do that to him and then I have to think about Buffy."
"The way I see it is that the demon gave Cordelia the visions for a reason; to make sure you two stay together so that is what you should do. I bet she's good. As for Buffy, she didn't think twice before jumping into bed with Finn and like you told her, you have different lives. God man, you are turning soon, your life is to short now and I'm sure Cordelia will make that time fly by."
The burnt remains of the Bronze didn't look out of place in the now desolate estate. Everybody had began to notice that people tended to disappear at the Bronze so they stayed clear of months until someone took a torch, some said it was the owner for insurance, and no one had took it over yet. The area was deserted but he could sense Cordelia, she was unconscious but he could still feel her. Spike and Angel headed though the boarded up door and walked over to what used to be the stage.
"Well, well Spike, your brainier than I though or did Angel work it out." Darla laughed giddily.
"Darla!" Angel spat through gritted teeth. "Where is she?" He shouted.
"Oh your little Seer, she's lying around somewhere, but she isn't doing very well. Shallow breaths, painful moans. I think she needs a doctor or a blood transfusion."
"Darla, I came alone now where is she? What do you want?"
"I want my dear boy back. He has been trapped for so long and after his little escapes I want to set him free permanently."
Spike stepped in. "Not gonna happen anytime soon so Phyco, hand over the Seer and we'll be on our way."
"Not until we get what we want." Lindsey appeared from behind Darla. "You see The Firm have spent too much money on trying to get Angelus back and your final death. Now until I get on or the other you aren't getting Cordelia back, well alive anyway."
"I knew this wasn't all Darla's work. Who ever labelled you a human was highly mistaken. I won't ask twice, give me Cordelia!"
"Why do you want her back? She is nothing but a worthless, poor, replacement for me. I've seen her trying to act and I have seen Chaos Demons who could act human better than her. She is crap." Darla shouted angrily.
Angel and Spike watched as Darla's face twisted in surprise before she exploded into a cloud of dust, settling on Lindseys arm. Everyone looked up to where Darla had once stood to see Cordelia, haggard and hardly breathing, trying to hold herself up on the banister while clutching a piece of broken wood for dear life in her right hand.
"Nobody calls me a bad actress except my family." She muttered to the ashes that had finally settled beside the ashes of the fire.
"You Bitch, you killed her." Lindsey shouted. He turned to Cordelia, who still had her weapon in her hand and back-handed her. She dropped the piece of wood and cried out in pain and fear as the wooden banister collapsed from the force of Lindsey's back hand. Angel and Spike couldn't move in the spilt second between Lindseys and action and the dull thud as Cordelia's already weakened Body hit the floor, still as death.
Feedback :gingernutt@lycos.com
Wolfram and Hart have decided that Angel and Angelus are too much trouble so they set out on his destruction. They have to choose their weapons with precession.
Summary: Sort of set after Reunion and mixed in a bit of Epiphany but it then follows a totally different timeline from the episodes then I've added some stuff in to add interest!!!
At All Costs - Part Three
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Angel felt Cordelias expressions creep into his being. The familiar feeling of her warmth and control filled him with a temporary peace. Then the feelings he loved so much about his Seer filtered away. The feelings were replaced by fear so think he could almost smell it on the air. She was calling to him, wishing he was there. He felt her pain as something cut into her wrists and the droplets of blood snake down her hands. Angel tasted the salty tears that were falling form her hazel eyes. He felt himself almost crazy with worry and grief. He had made a promise to Cordelia when Doyle had died that he had lost Doyle and it wouldn't happen again. It had happened again.
Spike felt his Sire stiffen beside him, his features twisted in worry. A can drifted across the street in the lightening sky as Angel connected his foot with the can sending it tumbling through the breeze.
"Man, compressing metal isn't going to bring her back. What is it with you and humans?" Spike asked, picking up the battered can.
"She isn't just a human. She's my Seer. She is what she is because of me. You would never understand what I mean."
"Spike flashed his mind to the person that occupied his thoughts for most of the night and his day-sleep. "Nah man I would never understand." He dropped the can to the ground and stamped on it, flatting it flat. "I must admit though. Cordelia is a tasty number. You got the lucky end of the stick when you left here didn't you."
"No I left behind my first true love. lost my first best friend and caused a 19-year-old girl to have visions from a higher force that show sick sights. I don't think that I got the lucky end of the stick at all. I mean then there is Wesley. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind having him around but he tries to hard and bickers with Cordelia." Angel let out an unneeded sigh.
"Angel, you and Buffy...Are you finally finished. I mean your not gonna stay here and lose your soul again. Angelus always knew how to cause evil chaos but he is a pain in the ass when it comes to the Slayer." Spike looked hesitantly at his Sire.
"I couldn't come back to Buffy even if I wanted to. I have the curse and then there's Soldier Boy Riley. I tried to see Buffy before and he tried to kill me, again. And then I have to think about LA. I am a Warrior to the PTB, that is who Cordelia gets the visions from. I couldn't just leave, curse or no curse. She needs me and in a funny way I need her."
"Angel, man, you sound like your a whipped boy again. These Sunnydale have a way of just winding you around their finger. Riley is a wanker really. He comes in all tough but Buffy has to save his ass most of the time, you should watch them train. She kills him everytime, so does Giles."
Angel opened the marked door to the mansion and stared at the scene that befell him. Papers were scattered all over the open plan living room, the lamps had been knocked from their tables. The cushions to the sofa were littered up the stairs in front of them. His book that he had read to Cordelia was stewed across the stone floor, the mirrors all turned around.
"Looks like they tore the place apart." Spike picked up Cordelias broken compact. "And they forgot to take her make-up, she will be pissed."
"DENNIS!!!!" Angel shouted through the house, his voice echoing around the great expanse of the house.
A clear, post-it note covered form floated meekly out of the corner of the room and stopped in front of the two Vampires. Spike looked more confused than anything else.
"What is that? A new demon?" Spike started to laugh at the sprit in front of him. Dennis went to lift him up but he was stopped by an animalistic growl from Angel.
"Dennis get this place tied up then we are going to talk dead guy to dead guy."
The post-it notes moved, making it look like Dennis had hung his head. Spike stared in amusement as the room began to swirl again. The lamps were back on the stand and the papers all stacked in a pile on the coffee table. The cushions floated slowly back to the couch and were put back in place.
With the room returned to it's almost normal state Angel sat down with a pad and a pen and sat it on the table. The post-it notes floated slowly over to the pad and picked up the pen.
"G.E.T. T.H.E.S.E. T.H.I.N.G.S. O.F.F. M.E!" Was scribbled harshly across the crisp white page.
"Spike, pull them of for him please and stop laughing." Spike turned to argue but Angel cut him off with a glare. "Dennis why did you wreak my home?"
"I. W.A.S. B.O.R.E.D. W.H.E.R.E.'S C.O.R.D.E.L.I.A?"
"Dennis, um, Cordelia has been kidnapped." The papers started to swirl around the room again and a file was tossed into Angels lap.
"Y.O.U M.E.A.N. T.H.I.S? W.O.L.F.R.A.M. A.N.D H.A.R.T?" The pictures began to spread out.
"I tried to warn her, I even left her with a Wicca but they tricked her. Dennis I'm so sorry."
The pen began tapping ferociously on the table. Spike grabbed it and flung it at the spot in the air where he though Dennis was only to watch it fall and skid along the floor. He felt a cold shiver run up the back of his neck and jumped off the couch.
"That bloody ghost is mad. Can't you exorcise it or put it in a can?" Spike yelled to an amused Angel.
"No, he's family and Cordelia would stake me if I even tried it." He shifted his gaze to the chair opposite the table. "Dennis, I need you help to find Cordelia. It's breaking day and I still haven't found her. The note said I was to meet them at the old mill at midnight. Poetic huh. I need you to go and check it out of me, see if you can find Cordelia or even who has been there. Smells, footprints, everything."
The ghost flew around the room and headed out towards the door. The opening then the slamming of the large marked door signalled that Dennis the ghost was off to track down his best friend.
"So what is so special about the cheerleader? I mean I give she is a stunner but she hasn't got much up top has she." Spike said.
Angel growled out loud at Spikes insensitive comment. "She's my Seer Spike. She is helping me on my road to redemption, not that I expect you to understand. The only thing you ever cared about was Dru and now she's in LA toying with Darla and you have no one."
Spike lifted his fist to Angel but lowered as Angel looked at him with a passive face. "Listen peaches. I do care for someone but she's way off limits and she might ruin my reputation."
Angel laughed. "I didn't think you had one anymore now your helping Buffy and the Slayettes. There is nothing we can do until Dennis gets back or the sunsets. Why don't you take my room and I'll take the master bedroom."
"Ah and I was enjoying our little bonding session you know." Spike sniggered.
Angel opened the door to what was meant to be Cordelia's room and let her scent wash over him. Her trolley case was still sitting in the corner with only her make-up sitting out on the antique dressing table. He dressed down, folding each item and placing it on the hair beside her bed. He climbed in, the softness comforting against his skin, and flicked off the bedside lamp and sat upright. Angel closed his eyes and tried to focus in on where Cordelia might be. The hazy slowly crept in like it did everytime but it didn't clear like usual it was just a black pit of fog. He couldn't feel her, she wasn't there. That meant to things to him: Either she was unconscious or she was...not that was not a thought his head would entertain. She had to be alive, he had too much to say to her, too much to show her before she died. Angel climbed out of bed and stood in a still stance. His arms moved out in front of him, sweeping through the air. His mind focused and started to empty. A cold shudder ran through his cool body as he found a buzzing in the back of his head, a dull ache. He slowly opened his eyes in the coolness of the room he found himself in. A small moan emanated form the corner of the room, Angel turned to face what ever made the desperate noise. All the years of murder and pain he had caused couldn't have prepared him for the sight that befell his eyes.
Cordelia lay in the corner, chains round her wrists binding her to the wall. Her hair at the back of her head was matted from her blood. Angel took in an unneeded breath and moved slowly towards his Seer. She looked up slowly and her eyes opened ever so slightly.
"Angel?" She whispered before her head hit her chest.
Angel felt himself being pulled back from Cordelia and he found himself back in his room. The empty black in front of him was back and he felt his muscles tense back up as he climbed back into the comfort of the cool covers. He drifted off into a troubled sleep, surround by Cordelias smell.
Meanwhile:
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Cordelia felt the black clouds swirling around her mind, filling every corner, heading for the centre of her head. She tried to fight them but they were too powerful for her then she had felt it. Angel had been there, she had saw his face, heard him take a breath but the she had blacked out again. The black clouds were so intense that she could only keep herself wake for a few minutes at a time and when she had came back around again, he was gone. Cordelia couldn't let the clouds claim her again, she had to let Angel find her again. 'Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts.' She yelled at herself. A smile tried to crept it's way across her face as she remembered on of her favourite memories.
* "God Angel will you stop standing on my toes please." Cordelia yelled at the stotic vampire. "Sorry." She said. "Let try again."
She placed her hands in the air waiting to feel Angels cool finger tips on them again. Instead he stood away from her, his hand around the back of his neck showing he embarrassed.
"OK so you're not getting this modern stuff, or not your not getting how to dance full stop." She moved over to her portable getoblaster and flicked through her CD's and then through Angel's sparse collection. "What decade did you like the best, I mean music wise."
"Um.. I liked the 60's and the 70's the best, they really knew how to make music then. Well I prefer Bach myself but I want to learn how to dance not waltz so the 60's and 70's."
"Well I'm not getting into a leisure suit and I refuse to 'Strut My Stuff.' so how about the 60's?"
Angel nodded his approval so Cordelia slipped a Beatles CD into her player a moved back towards Angel. She felt the beat take over her body as she pulled Angel in close to her. He tried to keep himself at arms length but Cordelia was too lost in the beat to notice the song was ending. The calming tones of a guitar filled the room as 'Yesterday' can through the speakers. Cordelia looked up and began to pull away but Angel grabbed her hands softly and snaked them around his neck.
"Now this I can dance to."
Angel moved his feet in-between hers, rocking her body with the beat hidden in the music, his face buried in the nape of her neck. Cordelia let her fingers lose, playing with the silky hairs at the back of his neck. The lights in the room seemed to dim and the words of the song were blocked by her own heartbeat. They softly moved around the room as one, each counteracting each others moves. The song drifted away and the CD stopped playing leaving the two dancers at a loss for words but smiling happily.*
The black clouds swirled in again as the memory ended. She let out a sigh in pain and in happiness, the song filling her head again, flowing out of mouth in an effort to hold onto it for a few more moments.
"Yesterday...All my troubles seemed so far away...Now it looks like their here to stay...I believe in yesterday." She laughed weakly at the irony of the words, causing her to cough. The taste of blood caused her to gag before swallowing it back down. "Suddenly...I'm not half the man I used to be...There's a shadow hanging over me...Oh yesterday came so suddenly."
The clouds finally claimed their victim once again and Cordelia felt her world go fuzzy then black.
Back At The Mansion:
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Angel sprung upright, his eyes open in terror. The words echoed around the room like they had been said in that very space. He jumped out of the twisted bed covers, his head shooting from side to side looking for Cordelia. Angel soon realised that she wasn't there but the words still rung as clear as day. His attention was drawn away from the room by the door bursting open and a fully clothed Spike standing in front of him banging is hand off of the side of his head.
"God man couldn't you wear something more descent?" Spike exclaimed staring at Angel dressed only in his boxers.
"Spike what the hell do you want?" Angel growled angrily.
"Your bloody cheerleader is sending me freak messages. Why the hell did I ever get involved in you? I mean Paul McCartney, please."
"Spike, Cordelia is my Seer, not a cheerleader! How did you hear it? It's just me and Cordelia that share the link."
"Your my bloody Sire, remember how you used to pull the strings in my head for hours. I think the chip has just made the signal all that stronger. Fuck the Initiative! Why is she reciting Yesterday lyrics anyway?"
"It's our song. We danced to it one night when she was teaching me 'People Skills!' She must have been remembering it."
"People skills? Since when have you been a people Vampire? She sure has got you whipped."
"Spike. I. Am. Not. Whipped! Cordelia thought that I should learn how to do human things for when the day comes and she isn't here to teach me." His voice was full of sadness. "
"I hate you sometimes. You've got a beautiful cheerleader, who bounces around, wearing next to nothing and now she is sending bloody Paul McCartney lyrics along some mental link you have. You have to learn to stay clear of the women of Sunnydale mate, nothing but bloody trouble, believe me I know." A book appeared out of mid-air and whacked Spike across the head. "Bloody hell, and there is a ghost that is hell-bent of trying to butcher me. Why didn't you just stay in Hell?" Spike whined.
"Spike shut up and don't talk about Cordelia like that. Dennis did you find anything?"
A lipstick floated out of Cordelia's make-up bag and headed towards the mirror. Angel jumped over to it and plucked it out of the air. "This is my favourite." He mumbled before offering Dennis his pad of paper.
"I. F.O.U.N.D T.H.I.S!" Cordelia's favourite chiffon scarf appeared from behind the ghost.
Angel took it in his hand and smelt it. He could smell the fear mixed with Cordelia's strawberry and vanilla essence.
"I.T W.A.S I.N A.N A.L.L.E.Y N.E.A.R T.H.E M.A.G.I.C B.O.X.. D.O.E.S I.T H.E.L.P?"
Angel looked sadly at the spot in the air where the scarf had appeared. "Yeah Dennis, it helps a lot. Thank-you. Don't worry Dennis, it's 6 hours 'till sunset and I will find her." He gripped the scarf tightly in his fist.
The cellphone sitting beside the bed on his table started to ring. Angel leapt for it, flicking the dial pad open.
"Cordelia? Is that you?" He shouted down the phone.
"No, it's Buffy." He voice was full of hurt as Angel let out a disappointed sigh. "We have had no luck with the spell. Who ever it was has left their tracks pretty covered."
"I know it was Wolfram and Hart but I don't know why except that Cordelia is my link to the Powers."
"Tara said something about feeling a large presence of mystic energy. She said that whoever took Cordelia was either a very powerful witch or she was using some pretty heavy magic; enough magic for an identity spell.
"You mean like taking someone else or disguising themselves as someone else? Darla!" Angel shouted down the phone.
"She isn't that stupid to come back here is she Angel?" Buffy asked concerned at who was next on the Vampiress' hit list.
"She's not stupid but she is desperate and desperate people, or demons, do desperate things. She warned me when I...um well when I left her that Cordelia was only human and that Seer's are replaced where as a death isn't. She took Cordelia to get to me or Angelus. This is all my fault."
"Angel, this isn't your fault; this is Darla's fault and Drucillia's for turning her. Cordelia wouldn't want you brooding and defiantly not at a time like this. Let me help, please."
"Buffy you read the note: No Slayer. I can't put her at risk like that." He stressed.
"What if Darla has minions or she tries to put you under that whacked out sleeping spell she has, Cordelia told Tara and I dragged it out of Tara, you won't be any use to Cordelia then."
Angel knew he wasn't going to win this on and a back up sound like a better idea; he couldn't risk Cordelia of Darla's obsession with him. "Buffy the note said Midnight at the old mill. Give me ten minutes then leave the magic shop. Wait outside for my signal, you know what it is or you'll hear it. Be careful! I can only look after one person now."
"Angel before you go, Take Spike with you. He was part of your twisted family or Angelus' at least. He is good now and he has helped me out. Just trust him."
Angel scoffed. "YOU, the Slayer, are asking me to trust 'one-half-of-the-badest-vampires-in-the-world' SPIKE? Buffy has he being playing around with robots again? Cordelia told me about that one."
"Quit talking about me as if I'm not here." Spike shouted from the opposite side of the room. "Dennis fuck off!"
Buffy moaned on the other phone. "Angel what's going on?"
"Dennis, Cordelia's ghost, is using Spike for target practise with his latest weapon; the book."
"Angel good night and I will be there at 10:15pm, OK."
Angel picked up a stray book from the bed and threw it in Spikes direction. Spike tried to dodge Dennis' books but Angels hit him square on in the stomach. Spike vamped out and stared at Angel.
"Spike don't say a word, get some sleep. Buffy said you are to come with me to the mill tomorrow. It's Darla that's got Cordelia."
"Great the blonde phyco bitch, mark two version. Don't have too any wet dreams over your cheerleader, we don't want you to lose that pesky soul now do we?"
Spike slammed the door shut as the latest volume of 'Vampires, Demons and Witches: Your Complete Guide.' narrowly missed his head.
Mid Afternoon:
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Cordelia drifted back into the realm of the continuos and became aware of a figure standing over her. She opened her eyes and squinted in the poor light at the woman standing in front of her. Isabelle stood twirling a piece of ginger hair in between her fingers.
"Ah your awake at last. I've been waiting for hours to have some fun with you." Isabelle laughed.
Cordelia watched in horror as Isabelle muttered a few words, she thought were Italian, and her tall, ginger haired appearance changed into the shorter, blonde haired Vampire Cordelia had come to know as Darla.
"Darla?" She hoarsely whispered, not believing her eyes.
"That's right my dear. It's a nifty little spell isn't it, thanks to Dru. Now where oh where to begin with this torture. Angelus used to be so good at this, well he'll soon be back thanks to you my little May Queen."
"What you think that he is going to give up his demon over too you? And you think he will do this to get me back? Are you mad, in fact don't answer that: I know you are."
A taller, more built, figure appeared over Darla's shoulder and stared at Cordelia. "Darla, leave her with me for a minutes and I will make her understand." He turned to Cordelia and smiled.
Cordelia felt her heart skip a beat as she recognised the smooth voice. "Lindsey?" She rasped.
Darla walked away, running her long finger nail down Lindsey's cheek and whispering a 'Don't be long.' in his ear.
"What is it with you people? I know you are lawyers that like to dabble with the demonic group of society but I'm just a human. No horns, no acidic spit, no fangs, just skin, bones and a love for Ben and Jerry's."
"You're very special Cordelia. You have a very special gift."
"These visions aren't anything special, just go out and kiss a pin-head demon and poof, you've got yourself a Powers slide show. There are other Seers you know, I'm nothing special so let me go, please." She begged.
"Your power is not what interests us anymore, you have something much more precious. You hold Angels heart."
"Oh no you have the wrong Sunnydale girl. You mean Buffy. She is Angels eternal lover and boy we're never allowed to forget it. I look nothing like her; she's shorter, blonde bottle job, the high kicks and stakes usually give her away. Now please let me go." The tears started to fall from her eyes.
"We know who Buffy is: The Vampire Slayer, like Faith. No you see I have a very good source that tells me that Angel has a new love now: You!"
"What is this source? The Inquirer? Go look Buffy up and let her kick your butt. Why do you hate me so much?" Cordelia asked, the dull thumping in her head returning.
"I don't hate you, I am simply trying to please someone. You are simply part of a plan to remove my only obstacle. My source is Drucillia and a little prophecy that tells of your and Angels future once he become human."
"Yeah well it wouldn't be the first time that a prophecy is wrong. Let me guess, your trying to win that whore in the next room. She won't want you. She is obsessed with Angel."
Lindsey sithed in anger. He brought his face within inches of Cordelia's frightened eyes. "She will love me like I love her."
Cordelia weakly laughed. "Where have you been living the last three months? La La land? God for a Lawyer, you are really thick."
Lindsey back-handed Cordelia's face sending her head flying back against the wall. A crack resounded off the walls as Cordelia slumped in her chains.
Sunset:
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Angel walked hurriedly into the living room, the sun would be setting in 10 minutes and Spike was no where in sight. His leather duster lay on the couch, stakes strapped to his wrists and a dagger strapped to his ankle. He was expecting trouble and he was determined that nothing would stop him.
"SPIKE! Hurry up it's almost set." Angel shouted impatiently through the cold mansion.
"I'm coming for god sake you'll wake up the dead. Mind you they are probably starting to rise already." Spike smiled at Angel but Angel remained stotic.
"I want to get to the mill early, check the place out. I'll go around the front, you go in through the back. I'll take downstairs if you take the upstairs. Don't muck this one up Spike, there's too much at stake."
The two Vampires left as soon as the sunset and headed across the barren waste land down to the old paper mill, abandoned when the owner was killed by a Vampire clan. The stern, metal building stood silhouetted against the last of the yellowing sky. Angel waved a silent arm and Spike disappeared around the back, setting up an ambush if needed. Angel cast his face into the air and took in a deep un-natural breath. There was no sign of Cordelia on the wind but there was a strange smell, a human male smell. A mixture of Cologne and take-out food. He knew as soon as he set foot inside the collapsing building that Cordelia wasn't there, he couldn't feel her. Angel check the basement but the thick layer of dust had been untouched in the 20 years since the last Vampire nest had been dusted. He met up with Spike in the entrance hall, both reporting that they hadn't seen any sign of anything, living or dead. The door slammed shut behind them as they both turned to leave. A paper note was tacted to the door, blowing in the night air. The handwriting was the same writing from the note of the mansion door.
She Isn't Here! She's Where She First
Learned Things Go Bump In The Night!
Don't Be Late.
"This has got to be someone idea of a sick joke." Spike laughed nervously.
"No this is Darla's idea of playing games, but the fun was finished along time ago." He pulled his cellphone from his duster pocket and clicked Redial.
"Hello?" The ageing mans voice filled the line.
"Giles, it's Angel. The Mill was a decoy. They said that she is where she first learned things go bump in the night. I'm thinking when she first learned of Vampire like in the Library with the Slayerettes."
"No Cordelia was going to be one of the first victim of the Master during the Harvest. When Luke tried to drink her blood at the....."
"Bronze!"
"Bronze!" Both men exclaimed at the same time.
"Tell Buffy there's a change of plan and tell her to show up at the Bronze in 20 minutes. Not sooner, I was to come alone. Me and Spike will see you there." He slid the phone back in his pocket and turned to his Childe. "Fancy a party?"
They headed out to the convertible and roared away in the direction of the burnt-out night-club.
"Peaches, you know that stuff I said about the cheerleader earlier, I'm sorry. I can see you've fallen for her big time and what with Buffy shacked up with Fishboy, it can't be easy for you. It's effecting us all."
"Spike anyone would think you have gained a soul while the commandos held you hostage. But thanks, it means....something."
"Listen Brood features, I ain't got no poofy soul OK. I'm just saying I know what it's like. You have that curse thing still going on haven't you?"
"No, not really." Spike looked at him very confused. "When I started going off the rails I was summoned to what was the Oracles chamber and shown that Darla was to be the turning point in my tumble. In order to 'help me along' they gave me a permanent soul with the warning that one more slip and take it back and double my grief."
"Nothin' like a wrap on the knuckles to put you in your place. So have you let her know how you feel?"
"When did you become a shrink? Of course I haven't told her. She isn't the insensitive cheerleader you think she is, well not all of the time. She is still trying to get her head around these visions and then there is Doyle. He loved her and she realised she loved him. He was my best friend, I couldn't do that to him and then I have to think about Buffy."
"The way I see it is that the demon gave Cordelia the visions for a reason; to make sure you two stay together so that is what you should do. I bet she's good. As for Buffy, she didn't think twice before jumping into bed with Finn and like you told her, you have different lives. God man, you are turning soon, your life is to short now and I'm sure Cordelia will make that time fly by."
The burnt remains of the Bronze didn't look out of place in the now desolate estate. Everybody had began to notice that people tended to disappear at the Bronze so they stayed clear of months until someone took a torch, some said it was the owner for insurance, and no one had took it over yet. The area was deserted but he could sense Cordelia, she was unconscious but he could still feel her. Spike and Angel headed though the boarded up door and walked over to what used to be the stage.
"Well, well Spike, your brainier than I though or did Angel work it out." Darla laughed giddily.
"Darla!" Angel spat through gritted teeth. "Where is she?" He shouted.
"Oh your little Seer, she's lying around somewhere, but she isn't doing very well. Shallow breaths, painful moans. I think she needs a doctor or a blood transfusion."
"Darla, I came alone now where is she? What do you want?"
"I want my dear boy back. He has been trapped for so long and after his little escapes I want to set him free permanently."
Spike stepped in. "Not gonna happen anytime soon so Phyco, hand over the Seer and we'll be on our way."
"Not until we get what we want." Lindsey appeared from behind Darla. "You see The Firm have spent too much money on trying to get Angelus back and your final death. Now until I get on or the other you aren't getting Cordelia back, well alive anyway."
"I knew this wasn't all Darla's work. Who ever labelled you a human was highly mistaken. I won't ask twice, give me Cordelia!"
"Why do you want her back? She is nothing but a worthless, poor, replacement for me. I've seen her trying to act and I have seen Chaos Demons who could act human better than her. She is crap." Darla shouted angrily.
Angel and Spike watched as Darla's face twisted in surprise before she exploded into a cloud of dust, settling on Lindseys arm. Everyone looked up to where Darla had once stood to see Cordelia, haggard and hardly breathing, trying to hold herself up on the banister while clutching a piece of broken wood for dear life in her right hand.
"Nobody calls me a bad actress except my family." She muttered to the ashes that had finally settled beside the ashes of the fire.
"You Bitch, you killed her." Lindsey shouted. He turned to Cordelia, who still had her weapon in her hand and back-handed her. She dropped the piece of wood and cried out in pain and fear as the wooden banister collapsed from the force of Lindsey's back hand. Angel and Spike couldn't move in the spilt second between Lindseys and action and the dull thud as Cordelia's already weakened Body hit the floor, still as death.