Author's Notes: The song Angel sings as Caritas is "My Universe", by Mark
Wills
Buffy stared at Cole, her eyes wide. "Steal his soul?", she whispered. Cole nodded. "That's what I heard," he replied. Buffy looked up at her lovers face with big eyes. "Angel…", she whimpered, fear in her voice. Angel placed a finger on her lips. "Don't worry, love. I'm human now," he said reassuringly. When he saw that Cole was opening his mouth to comment, Angel glared at the demon, stopping whatever he was going to say. Piper raised her arm. "Uh, excuse me? What's going on here? What the hell is a Sire and who are Darla, Spike and Drusilla?", she asked. Before Angel could answer, Leo orbed in on the other side of Dawn. "That's it!", the teenager yelled, slamming her book onto the counter. "The next one of you who do that is sooo gonna get a butt kickin'!" Leo looked down at her. "Sorry, Dawn." The brunette made a hand gesture and picked back up her book. "Leo? What's up?," Prue asked. Leo shook his head. "Bad stuff. Angel, you have a serious problem." Paige looked at Leo. "Yeah, we know. A couple of people are planning on stealing his soul. Cole already told us. But it's not a problem," the youngest witch said.
Leo looked at her. "Not a problem?," he asked. Paige nodded. "Yeah, I mean he is human now." Leo shook his head again. "Doesn't matter. The evil these vampires have teamed up with has the power to reverse the effects of Piper and Phoebe's spell. It's not easy, but they are hell-bent on accomplishing the task." "So you're sayin' that they could really turn Angel back into a vampire?", Fred asked. Leo nodded. "And evil. Which is what they plan to do." Buffy gasped and clutched Angel's hand. The ex- vampire kissed her hair and looked up at the whitelighter. "Do the Powers have any idea how to stop it?" Cole stood up. "Kill the demon. They're in league with a demon who has the power. Kill the demon, threat is gone." "What's the demon's name?," Wesley asked, in full Watcher-mode. "Drazka. That's all the Elders know at the moment," Leo said. Gunn snorted from the corner. "Well, they're a lot of help."
"You guys need to find out everything about this demon. As for the vampires, Their only advice is to hunt them down and kill them," Leo said. "That way, at least part of the threat is over. As for the lawfirm They told me about, you're on your own. I'll go up and see if they know anything more." They all nodded and began to work. "What can we do?," Allie asked from her seat next to Kristi and Amber. Cordelia looked over at them. "Anybody know how to surf the Web REALLY, really fast?," she asked. Allie and Amber both pointed their fingers at Kristi, who weakly raised her hand. "Alright, come on over and give me and Fred a hand. Allie, Amber, you guys can help on book duty." The three girls nodded and went to their responsibilities. Leo leaned down towards Piper. "Be careful," he whispered, kissing her, then orbed out the next second. "I hate when he does that," Piper muttered, then picked up a book lying next to her. as everyone gathered books and booted up computers, Angel pulled Buffy aside. "Don't worry, love. Nothing will happen," he said. Buffy looked up at him, tears threatening to spill. "You don't know that. what if we can't stop them?," she asked. Angel cupped her cheeks. "Buffy, we will. They haven't won yet, they won't start now. I promise, beloved," he said softly, wiping away a stray tear that slid down her cheek. "We'll stay happy and alive. I'll stake them all. Then we'll never leave the bedroom again," he added with a smile. Buffy smiled back and leaned towards him. "Oh? And what would we do cooped up in that bedroom forever?", she asked. Angel's smile grew and he pressed his forehead against hers, moving his lips to her ear. "Things I can teach you that I guarantee are fun." Buffy smirked at him. "Yeah, and probably illegal in all fifty states." Angel laughed and kissed her. Cordelia's voice interrupted them. "Hey, love birds! We have work to do here. Care to join us?" Buffy glared at her. "Not willingly." Cordelia just rolled her eyes and opened a book, smiling at Doyle in the process.
Angel walked into another room and came back carrying his and Buffy's coats. "Come on, love. I know a few places we could check out. I think right about now we could use a little guidance." Obviously the last comment was lost to the Slayer, but the crew of Angel Investigations got it loud and clear. They all found themselves smiling. Buffy was in for the shock of her life.
"Human? How the hell is that possible?," Darla asked. Again. Since Spike had mentioned the fun fact that HER Angelus was HUMAN, she hadn't stopped ranting. She, Spike and Drusilla stood in the office of Lindsey McDonold, who stood along side Liliah Morgan. Darla looked at the two lawyers. "You said there would be no interference. How did Angel become human?" Lindsey cleared his throat. "Calm down, Darla. It was the work of witches. The Charmed Ones, to be exact," he said. Spike looked away from Drusilla, his smile gone from his face. "The Charmed Ones? Aren't they a myth?" Liliah shook her head. "Just believed a myth. They appear to be Angel's pals and bestowed a 'gift' upon him," she said. "Gift? How is being a bloody human a gift?," Spike asked. Drusilla stared off into a place only she could see. "Because the Slayer is human and he wants to be with her. Grandmum, this won't ruin our chances to bring Daddy home, will it?," she asked, whimpering. Liliah spoke up. "Of course not. We can still bring your…daddy home."
Drusilla stared at her, stalking towards the female lawyer. She stopped in front of Liliah, staring into her eyes. Liliah stared back at her, slight panic in her eyes. Suddenly Drusilla broke into a smile and started to laugh. Liliah sighed in relief. She knew how insane and gruesome Drusilla was and she really didn't want to be one of her victims. Drusilla walked back to Spike, laughing, and threw herself into his arms. Darla rolled her eyes. "Lindsey, Liliah. You're sure that your plot will still work?," she asked. Lindsey nodded. "Of course. Don't worry. As for you, Spike, we can remove that implant from your head anytime." Spike looked up. "Yeah? How's right now?" Liliah smiled. "Right now would be good." She leaned over and pressed a button on the intercom. "Monique? Tell Rayson to prepare the table. He's got an appointment." She turned back to the trio of vampires. "See? Working out great."
Darla looked at her. "Yes. Now, something is bothering me. Eating away at my mind. You mentioned that Drazka can bring Angelus back. However, I don't understand the part of him agreeing with it. He has to willingly give up his soul, and now his humanity. But, knowing him, he won't do it. How do you plan on accomplishing this?", Darla asked. Lindsey shrugged. "Simple really. There is one thing he'll do anything for; anything to save. The Slayer. So we plan to use her against him," Lindsey said, leaning back against his desk. Spike laughed. "Bloody good luck trying. I've been trying to get her for the past four years and yet the bitch is still standing. Not sure how you let plan on doing it." Liliah shrugged and flipped her brown hair over her shoulder. "Easy. Slayer has a sister. We use her."
Spike looked at her. "Dawn? Just one thing to say about that. you hurt the little bit and you won't see the sunrise," he said menacingly. Darla and Drusilla looked at him. Darla broke into a smile and laughter, and Drusilla joined her. "Come now, William. You can't possible show compassion to a human, can you?", the blonde asked, her blue eyes piercing his. Spike shrugged. "I just like the girl. She's no threat. Just don't mess with Dawn." Darla made a gesture which Spike interpreted as an agreement. Drusilla ran a hand down Spike's cheek. "Oh, my poor Spike. Not to worry. We won't hurt the little girl," she cooed. Spike smiled and caught Drusilla's finger in his mouth, causing her to giggle. Darla rolled her eyes. This is certainly something I DIDN'T miss, she thought. Then she smiled when she heard the voice on the intercom. "Miss Morgan? Dr. Rayson is ready."
"Angel, where the hell are we?," Buffy asked in fear when they stepped into Caritas. Caritas, which, in Latin meant "mercy, was a karaoke bar which served both humans and demons. The Host, Lorne, was an anagogic demon who read souls to tell them their path. But he could only do that when they sang. Angel looked down into Buffy's face. "Don't worry, love. It's just a bar," he said, searching the crown for Lorne. He spotted the green demon at the foot of the stage, looking at the Kresler demon who sang "Don't Break my Heart." Badly. His beloved's hushed whisper pulled his attention back to her. "A KARAOKE bar! With demons. Are you sure it's safe to be in here?" Angel nodded. "Demon violence is impossible in here. No worries." Before she could reply, a green demon with horns in armani suit walked up to them, drink in hand.
"Angelcakes. Long time no see. How's human life treatin' ya? Oh, don't be shocked. Word travels fast around here. And who is this lovely young lady?," Lorne asked, looking Buffy over. "This is Buffy. The love of my life," Angel said, smiling down at Buffy. "Love, this Lorne. He's a friend of mine." Lorne smiled. "So you're the Slayer who's got Angel so tied up. Glad to see you two worked it out." Buffy nodded. "Okay, uh, thanks," she said uncertainly. Lorne smiled and looked at Angel. "She's cute, Angelcakes. Now I see why you were so broken up. I would be to. So, what can I do for you lovebirds? Come to sing a merry duet?" Angel heard Buffy whimper beside him. He looked down at her and smiled. Buffy was afraid to sing. "Oh, don't worry, Miss Sunshine. It isn't as bad as it seems. The big softy here has sang here plenty of times," Lorne said. Angel winced. That was one thing he didn't want Buffy to know about. The Slayer looked up at him. "You sang karaoke? Angel nodded. "I had to. Lorne reads your soul when you sing and we needed a little guidance." Buffy nodded. "Uh- huh. And what did you happen to sing?" Angel looked away from her. "Mandy," he muttered. Buffy broke into a smile. "Well, lover, that's something I didn't expect you to sing," she said, knowing that she could torture him forever with this little bit of knowledge.
Angel looked back at her. Buffy was smiling up at him and Angel found himself smiling back. God, I love this woman. Lorne whistled beside them. "Wow, you certainly can feel the love in this room," the green demon commented. Angel looked away from Buffy. "Lorne, we need some help," he said. Lorne took a sip of his drink. "Well, haven't heard anything as of late. Don't know anything." Buffy sighed. Angel looked down at her, an idea brewing in his head. She would hate him if he made her sing. And I don't want that. So I'll sing. "Lorne, is there is a place open on the stage?," Angel asked. Lorne smiled. "Course there is. Isn't there always? You can go on after Henry up there," he said, turning around and walking back to the stage. Buffy looked up at Angel. "You're gonna sing? Do I need earplugs?," she asked, a smirk on her face. Angel mock-glared at her, then leaned down and brought his lips to her ear. "I'll make you pay for that comment later on," he whispered huskily. Buffy giggled. "I look forward to it." Angel gave her a quick kiss before walking to the stage where Henry just finished singing.
Buffy found an empty table and sat down. A minute later, Lorne sat down next to her. "Well, this should be interesting. Usually when Angel sings, I only see depressing and blue. But know that you've slayed your way back into his life, well, I hope to see something more…bright," he said, setting a drink in front of her. Buffy took it gratefully and looked at him. "So, you're a good demon?," she asked. Lorne nodded. "As good as they come. Not exactly real keen on the entire fighting thing. Give me a good 'ole tune over war any day." Buffy smiled. "It's good to know that there are good demons out there." Lorne smiled. "Well, there aren't many of us but there are quite a few." Buffy nodded. "So, how does Angel sing?" Lorne looked at her. "Well, listen for yourself," he said. they both turned to the stage, where Angel stood with a microphone to his mouth. He shot Buffy a smile and a wink before he began to sing.
// Bet you didn't know you were sacred to me. Like a cathedral rising high into the blue, Bet you didn't know all the courage I have came from you. It was you.
Bet you didn't know you were my tower of strength through the hurricane.
Like a child I found peace in your arms time and again. time and again.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe
The sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe. //
Buffy smiled. She knew that he picked the song for her. He thinks I'm his universe, she thought. Angel smiled at her from onstage. Buffy mouthed "I love you."
//Bet you didn't know you inspired my dreams. You helped me believe in myself. Yes you did.
Bet you didn't know you were the only one who stood by me when there was no one else.
When there was no one else.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe,
the sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe,
the sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe.//
A round of applause echoed through the bar. Angel lowered the microphone and smiled at her. He mouthed "I love you, too." Angel placed the microphone back on the stand and walked off the stage. He sat down next to Buffy and smiled at her. Buffy kept a straight face as she said, "Awful. Absolutely awful." When he stared at her, she broke into a smile and kissed him. "Angelcakes, glad to see that there aren't any bad stuff in your aura. Tell those young witches good job. And tell them to be prepared, as all of you should," Lorne said. Buffy looked at him. "Why? is it gonna get bad?," she asked, her voice trembling. Lorne patted her hand. "Oh, don't worry, Miss Sunshine. Things'll work out. Look Angel, you know that I can't tell you a lot but here's what I can. The Key is the thing that they are gonna use to get to you. Keep it away from them. The demon has to be killed if you don't want to say bye-bye to your new found happiness. Stake the vamps and get them out of the way. But keep the Key safe. If they realize how powerful it still is, then the world is in for a heck of a lot of trouble. Good luck to the both of you." With those words, Lorne stood up and walked away, leaving a stunned Buffy behind.
Angel grew concerned. "Buffy? Love, what is it?," he asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. Buffy turned to him. "Dawn. Angel, the Key is Dawn." Angel looked at her, confused. Buffy sighed. "Never mind. Long story. I'll explain it to you on the way back to the hotel. We have to get to Dawn." The couple stood up ran out of the club.
"I must say, Prue, I am impressed. Not many people can translate Latin so quickly and accurately," Wesley said. Prue smiled up at him, her raven hair covering part of her face. "Well, it helps if you studied Latin in high school and college. Plus, I worked in a museum and an auction house, so I came across a lot of things in Latin," she replied. The two had gone into Wesley's office to finish translating incantations and now to read up on the demon. And also to steal a couple smoochies. A small smile spread across Wesley's face. "Museum and auction house? Fascinating. Although, you don't strike me as that type of person." Prue shrugged. "Well, they weren't my favorite occupations, but we needed the money so we could keep the manor. But now that Piper owns a night club, P3, and it's booming, I can finally do what I always wanted to do." Wesley smiled wider. "And what would that be?," he asked. Prue laughed. "Well, not you if that's what you're thinking. Although, I wouldn't say no if you were," she said with a leer, causing Wesley to blush. "I mean, photography. It was a dream of mine to become a famous photographer and now after a little glimpse of a past life, have decided to follow that dream." Wesley nodded. "That's good."
Prue smiled again and Wesley returned it. "Prue, about that last comment, you didn't actually"— "Oh, I meant it." Wesley closed his mouth. Prue's smile grew. "What, you think I would say something like that and not mean it? We Halliwells aren't like that." Wesley grinned like a fool and leaned into kiss her. Prue complied willingly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then the door to the office opened and Piper walked in. "Prue, Wesley, I think we found the dem—whoa!", she screamed and brought a hand up to cover her eyes. Prue and Wesley jumped away from each other, both whirling around to smile at Piper. "Piper! Hi honey!," Prue said nervously. Gee would it kill her to KNOCK?, Prue thought. Piper peaked through her fingers and uncovered her eyes. "Uh, sorry, guys. I shoulda knocked. Didn't mean to interrupt, but we found the demon."
Wesley smiled nervously. "Great! Well, I suppose we should go out into the lobby. Where everyone who is very judgmental is." Piper smiled. "Don't worry, Wes. Secrets safe with me." Wesley sighed, relieved. The two followed Piper out into the lobby. "What was all the screamin' 'bout in there?," Doyle asked. Prue and Wesley stared at him, not sure what to say. Piper, being the good lil' mediator she was, covered for them. "I saw a picture of a demon that I wasn't prepared for. Just shocked me a little," she said. They all seemed to but it. Prue and Wesley both mouthed, "thank you", to which Piper just nodded. Wesley cleared his throat. "Uh, Piper mentioned that you all discovered out demon?" Phoebe nodded. "Yeah. Drazka is in the Book of Shadows," the blond which said, scrolling her finger down the writing on the page. " 'Drazka. An upper level demon who has the ability to reverse the effects of basically anything. First discovered in early 14th century England, Drazka reversed all good done in a small village, causing chaos. Brother against brother; mother against children; all good was gone and the village was massacred, everyone killed by each other," Phoebe read. "Man, this guy sounds bad," Kristi said. Prue looked up at her. "Well, yeah, I mean all demons are bad, present company excluded," she said, indicating Cole and Doyle. "Uh-oh," Phoebe said. She looked up. "This is bad. Leo was right. It says that one slice from Drazka's sword will reverse anything. Including the spell Piper and me cast on Angel. But when it's reversed, whatever thing with a soul it may have an effect on, it well automatically lose it's soul, becoming a demon, usually a vampire since those are the most common demons. Well, at least, that's what the book says." "Uh-oh," Dawn said. Phoebe looked down at the page then smiled. "Ha! Bright side or loop hole, whatever you wanna call it. it says here that Drazka's slice will only work on something with a soul if it gives over willingly." Dawn smiled. "Well, that's good. Angel wouldn't ever give over his humanity or his soul. Not for anything," she said.
Just then, a voice behind them made them all turn around. "Oh, I wouldn't say that," Darla said. She stood at the top of the stairs in game face, flanked by Spike and Drusilla, also in game face, and over a dozen other vampires. "Darla?," Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn, Doyle and Cole said in unison. "Darla," the blonde vampire confirmed. Her eyes stopped on Cole and she smiled, licking her fangs. "Balthazar? What a surprise. No one mentioned you were here," Darla said. Cole shrugged. "Not much for publicity." Darla laughed. "No, you never were." She scanned the crowd, stopping at the Halliwell sisters. "Ah, the Charmed Ones, I presume? Interesting. Not a myth. Although, four of you is a surprise. Supposed to be three. Oh, and, might I say, not a very smart move turning Angelus human." "Oh, I think it was a very smart move," Piper said. Darla looked at her. "Oh, do you?" Piper nodded. "Mmm-hmm. Because this way his face won't look as hideous as yours. Really, you're supposed to look like a vampire? More like a diseased dog." Cole shook his head at her, noticing that Darla's eyes held fire. "Uh, Piper, it might not be a very good thing to do, insulting Darla," he cautioned.
Darla suddenly smiled and glanced at him before looking back at Piper. "Oh no, Balthazar. Let they young witch have her…remarks. After all, it'll just make her death more gruesome." Dawn huffed. "That's supposed to be a threat?", she asked. Darla glared at her. "You must be the Slayer's sister. Dawn, is it, William? Oh, yes, William. You'll notice that he's with us now. Pesky little chip is gone, he's on our side again." The look of betrayal and hurt in Dawn's eyes just made Darla smile more. "Now, Dawn. Dawn. Not really one of my favorite words what with it meaning the rising of the sun and all. Oh, well, doesn't matter." Darla snapped her fingers. Two of the vampires behind Spike and Drusilla stepped up. "Take the girl." Dawn immediately jumped off her stool. Doyle and Gunn jumped in front of her. "Over our dead bodies," Doyle said, morphing into his other side. "All of ours," Piper said, crossing her arms. Everyone else in the lobby took a stand also, coming out from behind the counter with weapons in hand. Darla laughed. "That can be arranged." She signaled with her head and the two vamps threw Gunn and Doyle across the room. "Doyle!," Cordelia screamed, running to him. The two vamps walked towards Dawn. "No!," she screamed. "Spike, help me!" Spike shook his head. "Sorry, pet. I'm the Big Bad again." The two vamps neared Dawn, but before they could grab her, they were thrown away by an invisible force. Everyone turned to see Prue waving her hand at them. "You won't get near Dawn as long as I'm here." Darla growled at her. "Fine," she said. Darla looked back at her small army. "Fend them off. Don't kill them unless you have to, but make sure to get the girl." With that, the vampires charged.
Wesley looked at Allie, Kristi and Amber. "Run! Go find Angel and Buffy! NOW!" The three girls raced out the opposite side of the hotel, out the doors and down the street. A vampire charged at Piper. He threw a punch but she ducked it, pushing her leg out causing him to trip. As he rose to his feet, Piper threw out her hands. The vampire stopped where he stood, then exploded in a cloud of ash. Piper's eyes grew wide. "Oh my God, that was so cool!", Paige yelled then shrieked when as a vampire came at her. Paige threw up her arms to block her face. Right before the vampire could grab her, Paige disappeared in a swirl of bright white light. The vampire stopped and turned around, searching for her. "They're witches, you morons! They do have powers!," Darla roared. She, Spike and Drusilla still stood on the steps. Paige orbed back in behind the vampire. The witch looked around helplessly. "PAIGE!", Gunn yelled. She looked over at him and caught the stake he threw at her, looking down at the piece of wood in confusion. What do I do with this?, she thought. "Stake him! Shove it in his chest!," Gunn yelled, punching another vampire. Paige plunged it into the vampire's chest when it turned around. Unfortunately, it was the wrong side. The vampire just roared in pain and fell to the ground, clutching the bleeding spot on it's chest. "Aren't they supposed to explode?," Paige asked to no one in particular. "The heart, Paige! Through the heart!," Gunn shouted. Paige quickly stabbed the fallen vamp in the heart with the stake, and then jumped when he exploded into ash.
"Cool," Paige muttered. She ran over to Fred and Cordelia, who were struggling against two vampires. "Lamp!," Paige shouted. The lamp on the counter orbed over to her and she threw it against one of the vampire's backs, stunning him. Fred took the opportunity to plunge the stake into the vampire's chest before she and Paige went to go help Cordelia. Wesley and Doyle were back to back, each one of them facing a foe. "We get into this position far too many times for my liking," Wes commented. Doyle grunted in response and said, "Let's get our hands dirty." The two men then went into battle. A female vampire lunged for Phoebe. "Whoa!," Phoebe yelled as she levitated over the vampire's head. She whirled in the air and kicked the vampire, sending her to the ground. When Phoebe's feet landed on the ground, she realized that she didn't have a stake and that the vampire was beginning to get up. "Help! In need of a stake!" Suddenly the vampire was hit with an energy ball, and she burst into flames and ash. Phoebe looked over to see Cole with his hand extended. "Who needs a stake when you can do that?," Phoebe heard Gunn mutter.
Prue stood in front of Dawn, telekinetically flinging vampires away from the two of them. "Dawn, can you get out of here?", Prue asked her. Dawn looked up from her place on the floor, behind the stool she was crouching behind. "I don't know." Prue made three vampires fly away from them and into the one that held Gunn by the throat. "Alright, when I tell you to, run as fast as you can out of the hotel." Dawn nodded and stood up. "Okay ready? One, two…", Prue rose both of her hands as three vampires came toward them. She positioned one hand in front of them and the other on the side of the room where everyone else fought vampires. "Three!" Prue pushed the air and all the vampires, except for the three on the stairs, were thrown to the ground and into the walls. "Dawn, go!" The teenager took off and ran for the doors where Allie, Amber and Kristi ran out of. Before she could reach the door, a hand grabbed her arm. "Now, now, dearie. No fair running out into the open," Drusilla said in a sing song voice. Dawn screamed and began to struggle as Drusilla began to drag her away.
Piper looked up at Dawn's scream. "No!," she screamed and began to dash after them. "Stop her!," Darla yelled. "William? A little assistance here?" She turned to see Spike fighting with Prue, gaining the upper hand. "Oh God. I have to do everything myself." Darla ran towards Piper, shoving Phoebe into the counter when the blonde witch tried to get in her way. Phoebe's head hit the edge and she blacked out. "Phoebe!," Cole yelled. He raced over to her, incinerating another vampire that tried to get to her. Piper rose her hands and froze Drusilla and Dawn. At least THEY freeze, she thought. "Hello, witch," Darla said and back-handed Piper when she turned around. "Now, you'll see where a smart mouth gets you with me." Darla punched Piper in the stomach over and over again, following each blow with an equal one to her face. "PIPER!," Paige and Prue yelled. Paige ran over towards her sister while Prue fought Spike off. "Paige, watch out!," Cordelia yelled. Paige turned just in time to be knocked out by a vampire holding a chair. The vampire flung the chair at Cordelia, knocking the brunette to the ground. "Ow," she muttered as she sat up. The vampire loomed over her.
Cordelia grimaced. "God, breathmint?" The vampire back-handed her, effectively rendering her unconscious. "Hey!," Fred yelled behind him. The vampire turned his head just in time to see the blade of the double edged sword coming toward his neck before he was decapitated. "Way to go, Fred!," Gunn yelled. Fred smiled and ran over to Cordelia, checking for a pulse. When she found one she ran over to Doyle, who was protecting an unconscious Wesley, checking on Paige on the way. "Doyle? Need a hand?," she asked as she tossed him the sword. Doyle yelled, "Thanks," and decapitated the vampire in front of him. "Thanks, Fred. Fred?," he asked. Doyle looked over to see another vampire hitting Fred over the head with a large beam. That's why he never say the female vamp hit him with the chair, knocking him unconscious. He fell to the ground, followed a moment later by Cole and Gunn, gashes on their foreheads. Now only Piper and Prue were left standing. Well, actually, Piper was kneeling. Darla had her by her long dark hair, Piper down on her knees. "Alright, witch. Unfreeze them or die," Darla snarled. Piper looked up at her, her face beaten and bloody, clutching her stomach. "You kill me and they'll stay like that," Piper said, fearfully hoping the vampiress would buy her bluff. "Really?," Darla asked, lifting Piper onto her feet. Blue eyes stared into brown ones. Darla turned Piper's head and licked a blood trail off her cheek. "Mmm. Witches blood. Something new. However, I'm growing impatient and I want Angelus back. I'll taste more of your blood soon," Darla said. The blonde vampire drove her knee into Piper's face. The brunette fell to the ground with a grunt, her time freeze worn off as Drusilla and Dawn jerked to life. "Oh, a little liar and a smart ass. Interesting." Piper looked up at the vampire helplessly, unable to move because of the pain. Piper ticked her gaze to the fight between Prue and the vampire Dawn had called Spike. She watched as Prue punched and kicked the bleached blonde vampire, but was no match for him. One blow to the head and her sister fell. Piper groaned and shut her eyes at Dawn's yelp of pain. Drusilla had knocked her out and now held the young girl in her arms.
"Hey! Easy luv. You promised you wouldn't hurt the little bit," Spike yelled. Piper opened her eyes. Spike showed anger on his distorted face. "But Spike, the lil' girl wouldn't stop wiggling and screaming. She was making my head hurt. It was just a little hurt. She'll be fine," the brunette said. Darla looked at them. "Dru, William, take the others back to the firm." The vampires filed out with Dawn. Piper stared up at Darla with hatred on her face. "You won't win. We'll stop you," she said, her voice hoarse. Darla smiled down at her, kneeling. "We count on it. Just give the Slayer and Angelus and message. The girl is being held at the firm. Tell them both to come at sundown and we'll let her go. Oh, and also, tell Angelus that I still want that good-bye kiss." Then Darla punched Piper hard in the face, and the vampire's laughter surrounded Piper as the world went black.
So, what did you think? For all you Piper fans out there, sorry about the entire "Piper ass kicking" thing. Don't worry, Piper gets revenge. Also, someone, a good guy, has to be killed off. What do you guys think? Paige? Doyle? Who? Please R&R and tell me what you think.
Buffy stared at Cole, her eyes wide. "Steal his soul?", she whispered. Cole nodded. "That's what I heard," he replied. Buffy looked up at her lovers face with big eyes. "Angel…", she whimpered, fear in her voice. Angel placed a finger on her lips. "Don't worry, love. I'm human now," he said reassuringly. When he saw that Cole was opening his mouth to comment, Angel glared at the demon, stopping whatever he was going to say. Piper raised her arm. "Uh, excuse me? What's going on here? What the hell is a Sire and who are Darla, Spike and Drusilla?", she asked. Before Angel could answer, Leo orbed in on the other side of Dawn. "That's it!", the teenager yelled, slamming her book onto the counter. "The next one of you who do that is sooo gonna get a butt kickin'!" Leo looked down at her. "Sorry, Dawn." The brunette made a hand gesture and picked back up her book. "Leo? What's up?," Prue asked. Leo shook his head. "Bad stuff. Angel, you have a serious problem." Paige looked at Leo. "Yeah, we know. A couple of people are planning on stealing his soul. Cole already told us. But it's not a problem," the youngest witch said.
Leo looked at her. "Not a problem?," he asked. Paige nodded. "Yeah, I mean he is human now." Leo shook his head again. "Doesn't matter. The evil these vampires have teamed up with has the power to reverse the effects of Piper and Phoebe's spell. It's not easy, but they are hell-bent on accomplishing the task." "So you're sayin' that they could really turn Angel back into a vampire?", Fred asked. Leo nodded. "And evil. Which is what they plan to do." Buffy gasped and clutched Angel's hand. The ex- vampire kissed her hair and looked up at the whitelighter. "Do the Powers have any idea how to stop it?" Cole stood up. "Kill the demon. They're in league with a demon who has the power. Kill the demon, threat is gone." "What's the demon's name?," Wesley asked, in full Watcher-mode. "Drazka. That's all the Elders know at the moment," Leo said. Gunn snorted from the corner. "Well, they're a lot of help."
"You guys need to find out everything about this demon. As for the vampires, Their only advice is to hunt them down and kill them," Leo said. "That way, at least part of the threat is over. As for the lawfirm They told me about, you're on your own. I'll go up and see if they know anything more." They all nodded and began to work. "What can we do?," Allie asked from her seat next to Kristi and Amber. Cordelia looked over at them. "Anybody know how to surf the Web REALLY, really fast?," she asked. Allie and Amber both pointed their fingers at Kristi, who weakly raised her hand. "Alright, come on over and give me and Fred a hand. Allie, Amber, you guys can help on book duty." The three girls nodded and went to their responsibilities. Leo leaned down towards Piper. "Be careful," he whispered, kissing her, then orbed out the next second. "I hate when he does that," Piper muttered, then picked up a book lying next to her. as everyone gathered books and booted up computers, Angel pulled Buffy aside. "Don't worry, love. Nothing will happen," he said. Buffy looked up at him, tears threatening to spill. "You don't know that. what if we can't stop them?," she asked. Angel cupped her cheeks. "Buffy, we will. They haven't won yet, they won't start now. I promise, beloved," he said softly, wiping away a stray tear that slid down her cheek. "We'll stay happy and alive. I'll stake them all. Then we'll never leave the bedroom again," he added with a smile. Buffy smiled back and leaned towards him. "Oh? And what would we do cooped up in that bedroom forever?", she asked. Angel's smile grew and he pressed his forehead against hers, moving his lips to her ear. "Things I can teach you that I guarantee are fun." Buffy smirked at him. "Yeah, and probably illegal in all fifty states." Angel laughed and kissed her. Cordelia's voice interrupted them. "Hey, love birds! We have work to do here. Care to join us?" Buffy glared at her. "Not willingly." Cordelia just rolled her eyes and opened a book, smiling at Doyle in the process.
Angel walked into another room and came back carrying his and Buffy's coats. "Come on, love. I know a few places we could check out. I think right about now we could use a little guidance." Obviously the last comment was lost to the Slayer, but the crew of Angel Investigations got it loud and clear. They all found themselves smiling. Buffy was in for the shock of her life.
"Human? How the hell is that possible?," Darla asked. Again. Since Spike had mentioned the fun fact that HER Angelus was HUMAN, she hadn't stopped ranting. She, Spike and Drusilla stood in the office of Lindsey McDonold, who stood along side Liliah Morgan. Darla looked at the two lawyers. "You said there would be no interference. How did Angel become human?" Lindsey cleared his throat. "Calm down, Darla. It was the work of witches. The Charmed Ones, to be exact," he said. Spike looked away from Drusilla, his smile gone from his face. "The Charmed Ones? Aren't they a myth?" Liliah shook her head. "Just believed a myth. They appear to be Angel's pals and bestowed a 'gift' upon him," she said. "Gift? How is being a bloody human a gift?," Spike asked. Drusilla stared off into a place only she could see. "Because the Slayer is human and he wants to be with her. Grandmum, this won't ruin our chances to bring Daddy home, will it?," she asked, whimpering. Liliah spoke up. "Of course not. We can still bring your…daddy home."
Drusilla stared at her, stalking towards the female lawyer. She stopped in front of Liliah, staring into her eyes. Liliah stared back at her, slight panic in her eyes. Suddenly Drusilla broke into a smile and started to laugh. Liliah sighed in relief. She knew how insane and gruesome Drusilla was and she really didn't want to be one of her victims. Drusilla walked back to Spike, laughing, and threw herself into his arms. Darla rolled her eyes. "Lindsey, Liliah. You're sure that your plot will still work?," she asked. Lindsey nodded. "Of course. Don't worry. As for you, Spike, we can remove that implant from your head anytime." Spike looked up. "Yeah? How's right now?" Liliah smiled. "Right now would be good." She leaned over and pressed a button on the intercom. "Monique? Tell Rayson to prepare the table. He's got an appointment." She turned back to the trio of vampires. "See? Working out great."
Darla looked at her. "Yes. Now, something is bothering me. Eating away at my mind. You mentioned that Drazka can bring Angelus back. However, I don't understand the part of him agreeing with it. He has to willingly give up his soul, and now his humanity. But, knowing him, he won't do it. How do you plan on accomplishing this?", Darla asked. Lindsey shrugged. "Simple really. There is one thing he'll do anything for; anything to save. The Slayer. So we plan to use her against him," Lindsey said, leaning back against his desk. Spike laughed. "Bloody good luck trying. I've been trying to get her for the past four years and yet the bitch is still standing. Not sure how you let plan on doing it." Liliah shrugged and flipped her brown hair over her shoulder. "Easy. Slayer has a sister. We use her."
Spike looked at her. "Dawn? Just one thing to say about that. you hurt the little bit and you won't see the sunrise," he said menacingly. Darla and Drusilla looked at him. Darla broke into a smile and laughter, and Drusilla joined her. "Come now, William. You can't possible show compassion to a human, can you?", the blonde asked, her blue eyes piercing his. Spike shrugged. "I just like the girl. She's no threat. Just don't mess with Dawn." Darla made a gesture which Spike interpreted as an agreement. Drusilla ran a hand down Spike's cheek. "Oh, my poor Spike. Not to worry. We won't hurt the little girl," she cooed. Spike smiled and caught Drusilla's finger in his mouth, causing her to giggle. Darla rolled her eyes. This is certainly something I DIDN'T miss, she thought. Then she smiled when she heard the voice on the intercom. "Miss Morgan? Dr. Rayson is ready."
"Angel, where the hell are we?," Buffy asked in fear when they stepped into Caritas. Caritas, which, in Latin meant "mercy, was a karaoke bar which served both humans and demons. The Host, Lorne, was an anagogic demon who read souls to tell them their path. But he could only do that when they sang. Angel looked down into Buffy's face. "Don't worry, love. It's just a bar," he said, searching the crown for Lorne. He spotted the green demon at the foot of the stage, looking at the Kresler demon who sang "Don't Break my Heart." Badly. His beloved's hushed whisper pulled his attention back to her. "A KARAOKE bar! With demons. Are you sure it's safe to be in here?" Angel nodded. "Demon violence is impossible in here. No worries." Before she could reply, a green demon with horns in armani suit walked up to them, drink in hand.
"Angelcakes. Long time no see. How's human life treatin' ya? Oh, don't be shocked. Word travels fast around here. And who is this lovely young lady?," Lorne asked, looking Buffy over. "This is Buffy. The love of my life," Angel said, smiling down at Buffy. "Love, this Lorne. He's a friend of mine." Lorne smiled. "So you're the Slayer who's got Angel so tied up. Glad to see you two worked it out." Buffy nodded. "Okay, uh, thanks," she said uncertainly. Lorne smiled and looked at Angel. "She's cute, Angelcakes. Now I see why you were so broken up. I would be to. So, what can I do for you lovebirds? Come to sing a merry duet?" Angel heard Buffy whimper beside him. He looked down at her and smiled. Buffy was afraid to sing. "Oh, don't worry, Miss Sunshine. It isn't as bad as it seems. The big softy here has sang here plenty of times," Lorne said. Angel winced. That was one thing he didn't want Buffy to know about. The Slayer looked up at him. "You sang karaoke? Angel nodded. "I had to. Lorne reads your soul when you sing and we needed a little guidance." Buffy nodded. "Uh- huh. And what did you happen to sing?" Angel looked away from her. "Mandy," he muttered. Buffy broke into a smile. "Well, lover, that's something I didn't expect you to sing," she said, knowing that she could torture him forever with this little bit of knowledge.
Angel looked back at her. Buffy was smiling up at him and Angel found himself smiling back. God, I love this woman. Lorne whistled beside them. "Wow, you certainly can feel the love in this room," the green demon commented. Angel looked away from Buffy. "Lorne, we need some help," he said. Lorne took a sip of his drink. "Well, haven't heard anything as of late. Don't know anything." Buffy sighed. Angel looked down at her, an idea brewing in his head. She would hate him if he made her sing. And I don't want that. So I'll sing. "Lorne, is there is a place open on the stage?," Angel asked. Lorne smiled. "Course there is. Isn't there always? You can go on after Henry up there," he said, turning around and walking back to the stage. Buffy looked up at Angel. "You're gonna sing? Do I need earplugs?," she asked, a smirk on her face. Angel mock-glared at her, then leaned down and brought his lips to her ear. "I'll make you pay for that comment later on," he whispered huskily. Buffy giggled. "I look forward to it." Angel gave her a quick kiss before walking to the stage where Henry just finished singing.
Buffy found an empty table and sat down. A minute later, Lorne sat down next to her. "Well, this should be interesting. Usually when Angel sings, I only see depressing and blue. But know that you've slayed your way back into his life, well, I hope to see something more…bright," he said, setting a drink in front of her. Buffy took it gratefully and looked at him. "So, you're a good demon?," she asked. Lorne nodded. "As good as they come. Not exactly real keen on the entire fighting thing. Give me a good 'ole tune over war any day." Buffy smiled. "It's good to know that there are good demons out there." Lorne smiled. "Well, there aren't many of us but there are quite a few." Buffy nodded. "So, how does Angel sing?" Lorne looked at her. "Well, listen for yourself," he said. they both turned to the stage, where Angel stood with a microphone to his mouth. He shot Buffy a smile and a wink before he began to sing.
// Bet you didn't know you were sacred to me. Like a cathedral rising high into the blue, Bet you didn't know all the courage I have came from you. It was you.
Bet you didn't know you were my tower of strength through the hurricane.
Like a child I found peace in your arms time and again. time and again.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe
The sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe. //
Buffy smiled. She knew that he picked the song for her. He thinks I'm his universe, she thought. Angel smiled at her from onstage. Buffy mouthed "I love you."
//Bet you didn't know you inspired my dreams. You helped me believe in myself. Yes you did.
Bet you didn't know you were the only one who stood by me when there was no one else.
When there was no one else.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe,
the sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe.
You were my life through the storm. You were the shelter that kept me warm.
You were my heart, my soul, my kingdom come, the breath I breathe,
the sky, the sun, the moon and stars all wrapped into one. In other words, you're my universe.//
A round of applause echoed through the bar. Angel lowered the microphone and smiled at her. He mouthed "I love you, too." Angel placed the microphone back on the stand and walked off the stage. He sat down next to Buffy and smiled at her. Buffy kept a straight face as she said, "Awful. Absolutely awful." When he stared at her, she broke into a smile and kissed him. "Angelcakes, glad to see that there aren't any bad stuff in your aura. Tell those young witches good job. And tell them to be prepared, as all of you should," Lorne said. Buffy looked at him. "Why? is it gonna get bad?," she asked, her voice trembling. Lorne patted her hand. "Oh, don't worry, Miss Sunshine. Things'll work out. Look Angel, you know that I can't tell you a lot but here's what I can. The Key is the thing that they are gonna use to get to you. Keep it away from them. The demon has to be killed if you don't want to say bye-bye to your new found happiness. Stake the vamps and get them out of the way. But keep the Key safe. If they realize how powerful it still is, then the world is in for a heck of a lot of trouble. Good luck to the both of you." With those words, Lorne stood up and walked away, leaving a stunned Buffy behind.
Angel grew concerned. "Buffy? Love, what is it?," he asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. Buffy turned to him. "Dawn. Angel, the Key is Dawn." Angel looked at her, confused. Buffy sighed. "Never mind. Long story. I'll explain it to you on the way back to the hotel. We have to get to Dawn." The couple stood up ran out of the club.
"I must say, Prue, I am impressed. Not many people can translate Latin so quickly and accurately," Wesley said. Prue smiled up at him, her raven hair covering part of her face. "Well, it helps if you studied Latin in high school and college. Plus, I worked in a museum and an auction house, so I came across a lot of things in Latin," she replied. The two had gone into Wesley's office to finish translating incantations and now to read up on the demon. And also to steal a couple smoochies. A small smile spread across Wesley's face. "Museum and auction house? Fascinating. Although, you don't strike me as that type of person." Prue shrugged. "Well, they weren't my favorite occupations, but we needed the money so we could keep the manor. But now that Piper owns a night club, P3, and it's booming, I can finally do what I always wanted to do." Wesley smiled wider. "And what would that be?," he asked. Prue laughed. "Well, not you if that's what you're thinking. Although, I wouldn't say no if you were," she said with a leer, causing Wesley to blush. "I mean, photography. It was a dream of mine to become a famous photographer and now after a little glimpse of a past life, have decided to follow that dream." Wesley nodded. "That's good."
Prue smiled again and Wesley returned it. "Prue, about that last comment, you didn't actually"— "Oh, I meant it." Wesley closed his mouth. Prue's smile grew. "What, you think I would say something like that and not mean it? We Halliwells aren't like that." Wesley grinned like a fool and leaned into kiss her. Prue complied willingly and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then the door to the office opened and Piper walked in. "Prue, Wesley, I think we found the dem—whoa!", she screamed and brought a hand up to cover her eyes. Prue and Wesley jumped away from each other, both whirling around to smile at Piper. "Piper! Hi honey!," Prue said nervously. Gee would it kill her to KNOCK?, Prue thought. Piper peaked through her fingers and uncovered her eyes. "Uh, sorry, guys. I shoulda knocked. Didn't mean to interrupt, but we found the demon."
Wesley smiled nervously. "Great! Well, I suppose we should go out into the lobby. Where everyone who is very judgmental is." Piper smiled. "Don't worry, Wes. Secrets safe with me." Wesley sighed, relieved. The two followed Piper out into the lobby. "What was all the screamin' 'bout in there?," Doyle asked. Prue and Wesley stared at him, not sure what to say. Piper, being the good lil' mediator she was, covered for them. "I saw a picture of a demon that I wasn't prepared for. Just shocked me a little," she said. They all seemed to but it. Prue and Wesley both mouthed, "thank you", to which Piper just nodded. Wesley cleared his throat. "Uh, Piper mentioned that you all discovered out demon?" Phoebe nodded. "Yeah. Drazka is in the Book of Shadows," the blond which said, scrolling her finger down the writing on the page. " 'Drazka. An upper level demon who has the ability to reverse the effects of basically anything. First discovered in early 14th century England, Drazka reversed all good done in a small village, causing chaos. Brother against brother; mother against children; all good was gone and the village was massacred, everyone killed by each other," Phoebe read. "Man, this guy sounds bad," Kristi said. Prue looked up at her. "Well, yeah, I mean all demons are bad, present company excluded," she said, indicating Cole and Doyle. "Uh-oh," Phoebe said. She looked up. "This is bad. Leo was right. It says that one slice from Drazka's sword will reverse anything. Including the spell Piper and me cast on Angel. But when it's reversed, whatever thing with a soul it may have an effect on, it well automatically lose it's soul, becoming a demon, usually a vampire since those are the most common demons. Well, at least, that's what the book says." "Uh-oh," Dawn said. Phoebe looked down at the page then smiled. "Ha! Bright side or loop hole, whatever you wanna call it. it says here that Drazka's slice will only work on something with a soul if it gives over willingly." Dawn smiled. "Well, that's good. Angel wouldn't ever give over his humanity or his soul. Not for anything," she said.
Just then, a voice behind them made them all turn around. "Oh, I wouldn't say that," Darla said. She stood at the top of the stairs in game face, flanked by Spike and Drusilla, also in game face, and over a dozen other vampires. "Darla?," Cordelia, Wesley, Gunn, Doyle and Cole said in unison. "Darla," the blonde vampire confirmed. Her eyes stopped on Cole and she smiled, licking her fangs. "Balthazar? What a surprise. No one mentioned you were here," Darla said. Cole shrugged. "Not much for publicity." Darla laughed. "No, you never were." She scanned the crowd, stopping at the Halliwell sisters. "Ah, the Charmed Ones, I presume? Interesting. Not a myth. Although, four of you is a surprise. Supposed to be three. Oh, and, might I say, not a very smart move turning Angelus human." "Oh, I think it was a very smart move," Piper said. Darla looked at her. "Oh, do you?" Piper nodded. "Mmm-hmm. Because this way his face won't look as hideous as yours. Really, you're supposed to look like a vampire? More like a diseased dog." Cole shook his head at her, noticing that Darla's eyes held fire. "Uh, Piper, it might not be a very good thing to do, insulting Darla," he cautioned.
Darla suddenly smiled and glanced at him before looking back at Piper. "Oh no, Balthazar. Let they young witch have her…remarks. After all, it'll just make her death more gruesome." Dawn huffed. "That's supposed to be a threat?", she asked. Darla glared at her. "You must be the Slayer's sister. Dawn, is it, William? Oh, yes, William. You'll notice that he's with us now. Pesky little chip is gone, he's on our side again." The look of betrayal and hurt in Dawn's eyes just made Darla smile more. "Now, Dawn. Dawn. Not really one of my favorite words what with it meaning the rising of the sun and all. Oh, well, doesn't matter." Darla snapped her fingers. Two of the vampires behind Spike and Drusilla stepped up. "Take the girl." Dawn immediately jumped off her stool. Doyle and Gunn jumped in front of her. "Over our dead bodies," Doyle said, morphing into his other side. "All of ours," Piper said, crossing her arms. Everyone else in the lobby took a stand also, coming out from behind the counter with weapons in hand. Darla laughed. "That can be arranged." She signaled with her head and the two vamps threw Gunn and Doyle across the room. "Doyle!," Cordelia screamed, running to him. The two vamps walked towards Dawn. "No!," she screamed. "Spike, help me!" Spike shook his head. "Sorry, pet. I'm the Big Bad again." The two vamps neared Dawn, but before they could grab her, they were thrown away by an invisible force. Everyone turned to see Prue waving her hand at them. "You won't get near Dawn as long as I'm here." Darla growled at her. "Fine," she said. Darla looked back at her small army. "Fend them off. Don't kill them unless you have to, but make sure to get the girl." With that, the vampires charged.
Wesley looked at Allie, Kristi and Amber. "Run! Go find Angel and Buffy! NOW!" The three girls raced out the opposite side of the hotel, out the doors and down the street. A vampire charged at Piper. He threw a punch but she ducked it, pushing her leg out causing him to trip. As he rose to his feet, Piper threw out her hands. The vampire stopped where he stood, then exploded in a cloud of ash. Piper's eyes grew wide. "Oh my God, that was so cool!", Paige yelled then shrieked when as a vampire came at her. Paige threw up her arms to block her face. Right before the vampire could grab her, Paige disappeared in a swirl of bright white light. The vampire stopped and turned around, searching for her. "They're witches, you morons! They do have powers!," Darla roared. She, Spike and Drusilla still stood on the steps. Paige orbed back in behind the vampire. The witch looked around helplessly. "PAIGE!", Gunn yelled. She looked over at him and caught the stake he threw at her, looking down at the piece of wood in confusion. What do I do with this?, she thought. "Stake him! Shove it in his chest!," Gunn yelled, punching another vampire. Paige plunged it into the vampire's chest when it turned around. Unfortunately, it was the wrong side. The vampire just roared in pain and fell to the ground, clutching the bleeding spot on it's chest. "Aren't they supposed to explode?," Paige asked to no one in particular. "The heart, Paige! Through the heart!," Gunn shouted. Paige quickly stabbed the fallen vamp in the heart with the stake, and then jumped when he exploded into ash.
"Cool," Paige muttered. She ran over to Fred and Cordelia, who were struggling against two vampires. "Lamp!," Paige shouted. The lamp on the counter orbed over to her and she threw it against one of the vampire's backs, stunning him. Fred took the opportunity to plunge the stake into the vampire's chest before she and Paige went to go help Cordelia. Wesley and Doyle were back to back, each one of them facing a foe. "We get into this position far too many times for my liking," Wes commented. Doyle grunted in response and said, "Let's get our hands dirty." The two men then went into battle. A female vampire lunged for Phoebe. "Whoa!," Phoebe yelled as she levitated over the vampire's head. She whirled in the air and kicked the vampire, sending her to the ground. When Phoebe's feet landed on the ground, she realized that she didn't have a stake and that the vampire was beginning to get up. "Help! In need of a stake!" Suddenly the vampire was hit with an energy ball, and she burst into flames and ash. Phoebe looked over to see Cole with his hand extended. "Who needs a stake when you can do that?," Phoebe heard Gunn mutter.
Prue stood in front of Dawn, telekinetically flinging vampires away from the two of them. "Dawn, can you get out of here?", Prue asked her. Dawn looked up from her place on the floor, behind the stool she was crouching behind. "I don't know." Prue made three vampires fly away from them and into the one that held Gunn by the throat. "Alright, when I tell you to, run as fast as you can out of the hotel." Dawn nodded and stood up. "Okay ready? One, two…", Prue rose both of her hands as three vampires came toward them. She positioned one hand in front of them and the other on the side of the room where everyone else fought vampires. "Three!" Prue pushed the air and all the vampires, except for the three on the stairs, were thrown to the ground and into the walls. "Dawn, go!" The teenager took off and ran for the doors where Allie, Amber and Kristi ran out of. Before she could reach the door, a hand grabbed her arm. "Now, now, dearie. No fair running out into the open," Drusilla said in a sing song voice. Dawn screamed and began to struggle as Drusilla began to drag her away.
Piper looked up at Dawn's scream. "No!," she screamed and began to dash after them. "Stop her!," Darla yelled. "William? A little assistance here?" She turned to see Spike fighting with Prue, gaining the upper hand. "Oh God. I have to do everything myself." Darla ran towards Piper, shoving Phoebe into the counter when the blonde witch tried to get in her way. Phoebe's head hit the edge and she blacked out. "Phoebe!," Cole yelled. He raced over to her, incinerating another vampire that tried to get to her. Piper rose her hands and froze Drusilla and Dawn. At least THEY freeze, she thought. "Hello, witch," Darla said and back-handed Piper when she turned around. "Now, you'll see where a smart mouth gets you with me." Darla punched Piper in the stomach over and over again, following each blow with an equal one to her face. "PIPER!," Paige and Prue yelled. Paige ran over towards her sister while Prue fought Spike off. "Paige, watch out!," Cordelia yelled. Paige turned just in time to be knocked out by a vampire holding a chair. The vampire flung the chair at Cordelia, knocking the brunette to the ground. "Ow," she muttered as she sat up. The vampire loomed over her.
Cordelia grimaced. "God, breathmint?" The vampire back-handed her, effectively rendering her unconscious. "Hey!," Fred yelled behind him. The vampire turned his head just in time to see the blade of the double edged sword coming toward his neck before he was decapitated. "Way to go, Fred!," Gunn yelled. Fred smiled and ran over to Cordelia, checking for a pulse. When she found one she ran over to Doyle, who was protecting an unconscious Wesley, checking on Paige on the way. "Doyle? Need a hand?," she asked as she tossed him the sword. Doyle yelled, "Thanks," and decapitated the vampire in front of him. "Thanks, Fred. Fred?," he asked. Doyle looked over to see another vampire hitting Fred over the head with a large beam. That's why he never say the female vamp hit him with the chair, knocking him unconscious. He fell to the ground, followed a moment later by Cole and Gunn, gashes on their foreheads. Now only Piper and Prue were left standing. Well, actually, Piper was kneeling. Darla had her by her long dark hair, Piper down on her knees. "Alright, witch. Unfreeze them or die," Darla snarled. Piper looked up at her, her face beaten and bloody, clutching her stomach. "You kill me and they'll stay like that," Piper said, fearfully hoping the vampiress would buy her bluff. "Really?," Darla asked, lifting Piper onto her feet. Blue eyes stared into brown ones. Darla turned Piper's head and licked a blood trail off her cheek. "Mmm. Witches blood. Something new. However, I'm growing impatient and I want Angelus back. I'll taste more of your blood soon," Darla said. The blonde vampire drove her knee into Piper's face. The brunette fell to the ground with a grunt, her time freeze worn off as Drusilla and Dawn jerked to life. "Oh, a little liar and a smart ass. Interesting." Piper looked up at the vampire helplessly, unable to move because of the pain. Piper ticked her gaze to the fight between Prue and the vampire Dawn had called Spike. She watched as Prue punched and kicked the bleached blonde vampire, but was no match for him. One blow to the head and her sister fell. Piper groaned and shut her eyes at Dawn's yelp of pain. Drusilla had knocked her out and now held the young girl in her arms.
"Hey! Easy luv. You promised you wouldn't hurt the little bit," Spike yelled. Piper opened her eyes. Spike showed anger on his distorted face. "But Spike, the lil' girl wouldn't stop wiggling and screaming. She was making my head hurt. It was just a little hurt. She'll be fine," the brunette said. Darla looked at them. "Dru, William, take the others back to the firm." The vampires filed out with Dawn. Piper stared up at Darla with hatred on her face. "You won't win. We'll stop you," she said, her voice hoarse. Darla smiled down at her, kneeling. "We count on it. Just give the Slayer and Angelus and message. The girl is being held at the firm. Tell them both to come at sundown and we'll let her go. Oh, and also, tell Angelus that I still want that good-bye kiss." Then Darla punched Piper hard in the face, and the vampire's laughter surrounded Piper as the world went black.
So, what did you think? For all you Piper fans out there, sorry about the entire "Piper ass kicking" thing. Don't worry, Piper gets revenge. Also, someone, a good guy, has to be killed off. What do you guys think? Paige? Doyle? Who? Please R&R and tell me what you think.