"Reality is for people who lack imagination." -- Anonymous
TITLE: Complex Cycles 4d
AUTHOR: Leni
DISCLAIMER and NOTES in 4a
RATING: Plain PG. Well, maybe PG-13 for the very last scene...
FEEDBACK: Uhmm... be sure that I *really* want to write the next chapter... Also, be sure that I *won't* do it if nobody is interested in the story. Being no psychic, I guess you'll have to tell me yourself if you're interested or not. dani_vasq@hotmail.com , a_d_v_v@yahoo.com.ar
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What happened in Chapter 4c? Xander tries to warn Cordelia about the rumours of their relationship'. Meanwhile, Anya is busy at the Bronze trying to convince her clique of Cordelia's slip'. Callie defends her. Ford finds Giles in one of the warehouses. Preferring to hunt with Buffy, Angelus orders his minion to watch the Watcher but wait for him for the attack. The Anointed sends two of his best fighters to summon Angelus and Buffy. After leaving Angelus, Buffy suffers of strange hallucinations... ghosts of a Slayer's life and glimpses of bittersweet conversations tease her to the brink of madness...
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Buffy was still wondering the meaning of her visions. No, it had not been a vision. Voices telling her... what? She was not the Slayer anymore, and Angelus never was... that thing. A guilty soul! Buffy had to laugh at it. Angelus guilty? Never!
But then, what had it all meant?
That was when she felt the strangers' presence nearing her. "What do you want?" she asked the shadows of a near alley. All her instincts were screaming that said alley was not as deserted as it appeared to be. The two figures coming out of there only confirmed her suspicions.
"The Anointed One had asked for you and your mate, Slayer," one of them spoke.
Her gaze darkened. She hated that name. Now she hated this messenger and his boss for even uttering it. She was *not* the Slayer. "Oh, how nice of him. Does he want to have tea with me? Tell him I'm busy right now. Angelus is busy, too. We have a child to educate and another to spoil, you know?"
Both figures neared her, cautiously invading her personal space. "The Anointed doesn't care about your petty inner problems, Slayer," the other one spoke. Under the robe Buffy could see a child, no more than sixteen when he was turned and from the aura he presented, it hadn't been a long time since his change.
"I don't think I'm liking your tone of voice," she told him conversationally, "Else, *my* problems aren't petty." She grabbed him and twisted his neck in one fluid movement. "Yours are." She should have killed the other one, she thought now, the one who had dared call her... by that horrid title.
She looked up from the ashes at her feet and her eyes encountered those of the second robed vampire. For a moment his pupils held fury and vengeance, but a second later it was replaced with a deep fear, one born from the cold smile the blonde vampiress was directing to him.
"Tell the Anointed I'll pass his message on to Angelus. Tell him we'll come by tomorrow. And please, try not to surprise us."
She took a wooden stake out of a hidden pocket and tossed it at the fearful vampire. He grabbed it in the air and she smiled. The message was clear: She could have taken him out if she had wanted, and she wasn't up to any games.
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"Hi Cordy!" Callie called when Cordelia was at earshot.
"Hi Callie. Nice dress." She made a note *not* to buy it. It would be a real bummer to have the same dress as her co-cheerleader. Who knows, with a bit of luck maybe a vampire would find her and before Darla could come to the rescue Callie's dress would be destroyed. She *really* liked it.
"Hi Cordy, we were just talking about you. Isn't that so, girls?" Aurora said innocently.
Cordy noted that many girls excused themselves to the bathroom and some others made a rush to the bar. She pasted a smile on her face. "What is it?"
"Well, here Anya was telling us about your new date."
Anya smiled and stared at Cordelia. It seemed that Aurora *had* believed her. What would Cordelia say now? She opened her mouth in surprise, "Wow, gossip *does* run around here."
"Is it true, Cordy?" Sophie asked.
"Well... It's not sure but..." her eyes suddenly lightened. "Yes. It is. And just there he comes."
Anya turned around in hopes of seeing Harris coming towards them. What?! It was not. Instead of the dark-haired boy there was an *older* guy in *nice* clothes and *gorgeous* body... She could feel Sophie's and Callie's hard looks on her. Damn. How did she know...?
When the guy finally reached them, he bound his arm around Cordelia's shoulder and grinned. Half the girls melted then and there.
"Girls, this is Tom Warner, my date," Cordelia informed everyone. He came! He came!
"Just call me Tom."
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He had arrived at the Bronze little after her. He had even seen her as she neared her 'friends' and as she went with them to a nearby table full with unknown guys. *Older* guys. Well, he didn't care. Let some of her little friends tell her about the rumours, he had tried before. It was not his fault if the snob princess had cancelled their chat.
Maybe he would meet her later, when she was alone. Though he seriously doubted she would be alone for a long time. He had learned early in life that girls tended to hate loneliness. Why else would they go in groups to the bathroom? As if they would get lost in the way!
He was in the middle of an interesting thought about the red-headed girl at the door Did she come alone? Does she have a boyfriend? Have I already asked her to dance and been dumped? when he spotted a blue head near the stage. He could recognise that head anywhere. Who else would wear those blue streaks than Daniel Osbourne?
He liked Oz, he really did. Although he was one year his senior, Oz had always showed a great deal of respect for Xander's talents. That was way more than any of his other fellow students felt. However, that was not the reason why he was now nearing the blue-headed musician. He had some things to tell him, and then -maybe- he could settle on chatting amiably with him for a while. That is, if Oz didn't abandon his passive act for a moment and leave him with a bloody nose.
Xander trusted himself not to go that far.
"Hi Oz."
"Xander," he acknowledged, "Good to see you."
"Same here. Devon isn't near, is he?"
"Why?" He was becoming rapidly tired of people lecturing him for things Devon had done. They were best friends, true, but that didn't mean they shared the same brain.
"I just don't think I wanna see your friend in the near future. He acted pretty rotten towards Dar. That kind of thing just isn't done. Much less to Darla, who certainly doesn't deserve them."
"You are right."
"I am?" He had expected Oz to give at least an excuse for Devon's behaviour. "Look Xander, Cordelia was just here. Believe me, I've heard every little thing about Devon from here to Mars. If you wanna give me the Cliff's Notes of Devon being a bastard, I'm sorry, Cordelia beat you to the place."
"Oh well, I'll have to save them for Devon himself." Oz didn't say a thing. "But now, seriously, is he coming? Do you guys play tonight?"
"Yes, but not here. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay for tomorrow. You never know. It has already happened that some band breaks something and then the owners make you pay cuz you can't prove that *you* didn't do it."
Xander decided to change the subject. If he could not harass Devon verbally, then he would stand for a nice chat with Oz. "Oh, I understand now, you wanna make sure you receive tomorrow the same you left yesterday."
"Exactly."
"And will you play at the dance?"
The musician shook his head. "It's still not sure. The Student Council still has to decide between us and a DJ from LA." He paused as if realising something. "To tell you the truth I'd prefer the DJ, then at least I would have time to really enjoy the dance."
"So I guess you already have a date." Oz was a lucky guy, Xander thought. He was hoping Darla would consider going with him. Of course, knowing his luck, it was sure that there was a Hellmouth occurrence that day ad he would spend the night running after – or from – the nastier habitants of Sunnydale.
"Something like that," Oz responded. Maybe he should ask Veruca the next time he saw her. If the kiss from earlier was any indication, then, yeah, he had a date for the dance.
"Good for you."
Suddenly, it was as if Oz had lost all interest in the conversation.
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He had felt it for some minutes and he had paid half attention to what his friend was saying and the other half to his surroundings. Then he saw her. She was just some meters away from him. Suddenly, it was as if she had felt him too Had she? and turned around to look him in the eyes. They beckoned him to her side. He had no option but to acquiescence.
"I'm sorry, Xander. A friend of mine is here. See you later, ok?
"Bye Oz." Xander observed the musician for a while and saw how he neared the beautiful redheaded girl. "Wow, Oz, you sure have taste!" he called after him.
Oz didn't even hear him. Those eyes were calling his name without knowing that his were doing the same to her. Hi again, beloved.
Beloved?? Since when? I just met her yesterday!
Since always.
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Cordelia was having a great night. She hadn't been so sure if Tom would come or not but now that he had... she was in Heaven.
Tom was the son of one her father's associates. A senior at the local College and rich enough to give her the greatest wedding on the world. Snap out of it! Of course, first she had to convince him that she was worthy of his attention. Well, she was Cordelia Chase and she was about to have a new boyfriend.
She smiled at the thought.
She looked at her table and noticed Anya staring right at her. Normally she liked the girl, she was fun to be with and always had the best gossip to share. Not that I don't have some of my own! However, right now she felt nearly...in danger ... Must be the whole Hellmouth-syndrome She just furrowed a little deeper in Tom's embrace and continued dancing. Later, she would have to thank the DJ for putting a slow song.
Anya had no right to be angry with her. Hell! She had even asked Tom to bring some of his friends with him! It was not her fault if the blonde girl couldn't snatch one for herself. From the corner of her eye, she could see Callie leaning closer to one of them. She didn't have a bad taste; if she hadn't met Tom first...
"What are you thinking about?"
She looked up and smiled. That damn book better help me! "About you."
He smiled back and they continued dancing.
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The sound of the music was irritating. Blazing instruments and voices that should be ripped out from their vocal cords. Nobody should deserve to listen this and yet half the teenagers in Sunnydale were here, dancing, singing, speaking, and just being. She didn't like it. She preferred the silence on the night, the quiet of her home in the day.
She spotted a quiet boy near the stairs. She silently went to him and touched him lightly on the shoulder. She liked him, he was different, he could have loved her, she mused... maybe in another tale...
The boy snapped out of his musings and looked at her. He gulped and blushed furiously. He tried to speak but didn't find his voice; his second attempt had better results.... "Uh... do I know you?"
"No, you don't know me... yet."
Xander gulped again "You looking for someone?"
"Maybe just for you."
His blush intensified. Buffy smiled. She had just found her late dinner.
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Xander was transfixed. A beautiful girl was obviously interested in him. Her blonde hair felt graciously on her face. For a moment he saw Darla in her but the moment was dispelled when he saw her eyes. They were of the same colour but at the same time so different. They looked older than Darla's, as if she had witnessed too many things already Oh man! How can you know all this from just a look? Get a grip on yourself, Harris! She is only a girl. An older girl, a curveous girl, one who is still looking at you... To top it off she was dressed to the nines and oh boy! He was behaving like a stupid teenager You *are* a stupid teenager! He interrupted the little voice before she bored and left.
"Are you new in town?"
"You could say that."
'Are you new in town?' Can't you manage a lamer question? "Is that a new model?" he said signalling the strange red spot on her blouse. Oh great, *now* you come show me you *can* do it...
She laughed merrily patting the smeared blood her last prey had left on her top. "Yes. Very new, I just acquired it today. You like it?"
Now she thinks you are gay. "It looks good on you."
"Thanks." He was sweet and good-looking. She stared him form head to toes. It seemed that the boy was working out. Good, nothing better than some healthy blood for dinner. "Do you come here often?"
"Yes. Sometimes with my friends but right now I'm on my own." Good, don't let her know that your 'friends' are the girl you have a crush on and the one who hates you more than a passé outfit...
"Good" she smiled. This was going to be an easy prey. Who knows, maybe she should bring him to the mansion and to the nice chamber with the chains in the basement. He looked as if he could resist it for some hours...
Xander grinned. They had been speaking for some minutes now and she was still here. This had to be a new record. But of course, fate was never kind for him as he realised that a figure was missing in a nearby mirror. He turned to her and smiled nervously. Why did it have to happen to him!? The boy who was dancing with one of his classmates was clearly looking for more than a nightstand... damn! And just when he had found a girl who liked him!
"Ehh..."
"Buffy," she supplied
"Look, Buffy," he said, "I've just remembered that I had to do a favour for one of my friends. I'm really sorry, but..."
"It's ok. I understand." And she did, she had followed his gaze to the mirror, and noticed the same as he. So the boy knew about vampires. Interesting. Angelus would find this interesting, too.
"So I guess, this is it for now. Well, I'm leaving," he said, "see you around 'cause we both come here."
"Sure. Bye." She waved him off with a nice smile.
Xander had to remind himself that Aurora -a girl who didn't even *like* him- needed his help in a death-or-life case. He sighed. To think he was abandoning a beautiful girl to chase off some over-hormonal vampire! "See you around 'cause we both come here... Very suave. Very not pathetic," he murmured while going rescue the unaware Juliet.
Buffy smiled. Oh well, there went a lost prey. She turned and saw another boy grinning lasciviously at her. She smiled back. Yeah, she truly loved her freedom. She went towards her new prey... This was going to be fun...
"Hi. I'm Buffy"
"Parker Abrahms. Nice to meet you, Buffy."
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After leaving his new home, he had come directly to this club. Even if he would find no information about his query, there were lots of young, easy girls.
Those always made the best aperitifs.
Now, nearly three hours after sundown, he could clearly feel the dark aura of an Aurelius in the vicinity.
Angelus!
He forgot all about his beautiful prey grinding against him and rushed outside before the trail could vanish at all. Too late. When he finally reached the street every trace had already disappeared. Damn it! He stomped his foot on the floor. Nevertheless, he *had* felt it and that was a huge step towards his success. So, it seems you are really here, Angelus... Now it is only a matter of time.
He turned back and entered to the club again, He still had some unfinished business with a beautiful prey...
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When he had come back to the tables near the stairs he hadn't been able to find... What was her name? Buffy, idiot, Buffy! Buffy. Damn! Just when things were looking up in the dating department, the Hellmouth had to intervene. Now Xander just wanted to go home and sleep. His encounter with the vampire had drained him. God knew how Darla could do it every night, and several times each one.
However, what Xander wanted was not what he could do. He needed to find Cordelia. Why he wanted to warn her before her noisy friends did was beyond his comprehension. Let her be mobbed by her Cordettes! But he couldn't do it. He also wanted to know *who* had begun the rumour. He was sure Cordy would be more useful than all his knowledge. Grapevines had always been her concern.
Therefore, he waited at a table for her to be alone. Cordelia, alone? In the Bronze? He should have known it was an impossible mission. What he was surprised about was the fact that her shriek still hadn't been heard. Well, at least nobody had told her yet, he thought with relief.
Just as he was reconsidering the decision of catching up with her, he distinguished her figure leaving her group and veering towards the girl's bathroom. He had better hurry up before she reached her destination. No amount of awkward friendship' would make him step into prohibited territory. Not that she would appreciate it if he did, anyway.
When he had finally reached her he grabbed her arm. Cordelia's reaction was a yelp and a midway stopped slap in his cheek's direction.
"Xander! What do you think you-"
"We have to talk," he interrupted her simply.
"About what?"
About what, indeed?
Seeing his hesitation she said, "Look., Harris, I'm going to the girl's restroom. So... unless you're planning on following me... Get lost."
"Wait, Cordy. Look what I wanted to tell you is that I heard that... Larry told me that..." Heck, why was it so difficult to cut it and tell her that...
"Cordy?"
Xander nearly moaned. It was Harmony Kendall and his last chance of Cordy actually handling a conversation with him was gone. Damn it!
Harmony glanced at him from head to toes and shook her head in disapprobation. Then she turned to Cordelia and her mood changed visibly. "Oh Cordy! You won't believe it! Richard has invited us to his party and he and Tom *insists* on you coming along."
Cordelia smiled. "Ha! Didn't I tell you he would fall for my charms, Harm? I have him in the palm of my hand."
Xander rolled his eyes.
Harmony smiled sweetly. Tom was *mine*, bitch! "What are you doing with this loser?" she said instead, staring down at Xander.
"I don't know. He says he wants to tell me something."
"Oh yeah? And what is it about?" Harmony asked him.
Xander ignored her and turned to Cordelia. "Cordelia, it is *late*," he hissed meaningfully. One thing was to let her ignore and insult him and another to let her become the screaming dinner of some vampire.
"Not everybody has to go to bed at nine o'clock, Harris." She fingered her necklace and stared at him intently. It was a cross necklace.
Xander understood. Anyway, just to settle their positions in front of Harmony... "Hey, Cordy. Just watch whom *you* go to bed with. We don't want a suicidal guy in Sunnydale, do we?"
Harmony huffed and tugged at Cordelia's arm leading her away.
Xander just laughed at his friend's outraged face. With Harmony practically dragging her, she was unable to answer Xander's taunt. He laughed louder. Who would think that Harmony would ever do him a favour?
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Just some steps more and freedom was his.
He grabbed his bag and his ticket in the other hand and stepped on the night-bus.
A mocking laugh welcomed him. "Good night, Watcher. Planning on a little vacation?"
"A-Angelus, h-how did you f-find me?" he said the words while running his head through all the scenarios. Finally, he realised that he was still complete. That had to be a good sign.
"I couldn't let you leave, you know. You are a guest at my home and you still don't know how good of a host I can be."
Truly, Giles didn't think he would want that. "How?" he asked nervously.
"You still have a lot to learn, *Watcher*," he practically spit the last word, "such as being aware of someone following you."
"But I didn't leave a trace!"
Just now, he noticed the vampires behind Angelus' back. They all chuckled softly. Angelus himself smiled darkly.
"And to leave enough half-bled corpses to form a coherent trail is not a trace?" Buffy's words had really served the minions to find him. The stench of blood had attracted them, and trailing from one killing spot to the other they had found this place. "You *really* have much to learn. But don't worry, I'll teach you everything."
Half of him was relieved when hearing that his Sire would teach him something, at least that meant there was still time left for him. The other half shuddered thinking what 'everything' could entail.
"What happens now?"
"You come with me. Buffy is waiting for your return impatiently. She thinks you are in her debt. You know, I'd recommend not to kill her pets... it puts her in a lousy mood and... I was beginning to like the kitten."
Giles didn't move.
"Did you hear me, Watcher? Begin walking. I'm sure that the guys wouldn't like to carry you all the way home."
Giles looked at the 'guys'. All of them wore expressions of wanting to do much more than just carrying him anywhere. They were watching his every movement, alert to any surprise. Giles suddenly felt amused at the situation. What were they thinking? He was just one, he would never be able to charge against them and win... would he? He raised his eyebrows teasingly. "What happens here, Angelus? You can't take me one on one now?"
Surprisingly, Angelus just raised one corner of his mouth. "Of course I can, Watcher." He made a gesture and the vampires backed down. "It's just that Buffy insists that you shall stay alive." He shrugged. "I hope that some scratches won't upset her." Giles didn't even have time to fully register Angelus' words before a fist collided with his nose and his world went black.
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Darla was at the cemetery. Yes, she was still grounded and yes, her mother would kill her if she discovered this. She just couldn't help herself.
She had scurried out her window after her parents went to sleep, and she had every intention of going back before they woke. It was not as if they would notice her absence anyway, they weren't awake for *anything* during the night anymore. Darla laughed at the idea of her parents having sex. She was lucky of having being conceived 17 years ago, no wonder she had never had any siblings.
The soft sound of earth being tugged from under her feet snapped her out of her reverie. Damn it! She was back to slaying newbies!
She had gone to the darkest part of the town and interrogated that bastard. Nothing. There were rumours of something new in Sunnydale but nothing concrete. It could be just a fledging having a great ego or an actual Master keeping a low profile. There wasn't even someone -or something, depending of the point of view - who claimed Giles' death. That could mean two things: that the killer had fled town out of fear or that he was so dreaded that nobody dared to take his place, out of fear too. Either way, it was not bringing her closer to avenging her Watcher's death.
Of course, it always helped a little to kill her prey, she thought as she poured a bottle of Holy Water on the vampire's face. Smoke filled the air.
This would be fun.
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Just one stroke to the heart and the last one was dust. It had been a hard fight, even for her. Funny, it had been a long time since she sweat while killing vampires. Demons were another thing, but here she was, feeling the cold air of the night mix with her wet skin, freezing her.
Maybe Gwendolyn was right... her enemies were uncommonly stronger here. Well, just a challenge more to pass. It would not be so difficult. When she had passed years of training and fighting demons larger than her and Gwendolyn together and spending nearly half a year as the official Slayer, then this could not be *that* difficult.
Before she had much time to think about it a sharp pain exploded in her back. She turned around and kneeled quickly enough to dodge the next hit. No, she had not forgotten a vampire. This one had large thorns on his arms and his feet. It would leave slash scars that would hopefully heal by tomorrow.
If not... well... she doubted that the guy at the gas station would find them a great turn on.
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They had arrived at the mansion just some minutes ago. After ordering Harry and Victor to bind their prisoner to the chair, Angelus had taken a seat on the sofa, waiting patiently for the Watcher to recover consciousness. He wondered where Buffy could be right now. She had promised to wait for him at home. After all, wasn't she the most interested in retrieving this vampire?
"He is already awake, Master."
It was true. The Watcher was slowly awakening from his slumber. Some seconds afterwards, he was trying unsuccessfully to snap his bounds open.
"Don't waste your energy. Harry may not be the brains of my pack but he does know how to make a good knot." In one corner, Harry smiled at the unexpected praise. He hadn't thought that his Master still remembered his special' ability. He had not been a sailor for years in vain, after all. Even after encountering Mr. O'Connor' in a bar decades ago, he had not forgotten some things.
Angelus went on unaware of his minion's thoughts. "Do you know how I used to punish the likes of you?" The figure tied to the tiny, uncomfortable chair shook his head. "You're a Watcher. You sure know of it. Come on, Watcher, tell me what shall be done."
"..."
"So you don't answer..." Angelus sighed in annoyance. "Do you fear me Watcher? You should. Bad thing Buffy has spoken for you. I'd like to test my old abilities on you... oh well, we all must do sacrifices for our other half, don't we? Oops, forgot you wouldn't know a thing about it."
"I don't fear you, Angelus. " He was lying and they both knew it. "I've read of your actions against various Watchers over the ages. You've tortured and killed them, not that I find a fault in it. But Angelus, don't you think you're lacking equipment in this new house?"
Angelus laughed. "You still haven't seen the furthest room of the basement, have you?"
Giles shook his head. True, he had slept in the basement, in that decrepit room near the stairs, but he hadn't gone further than that. Then Angelus had led him to another room in a corner of the first floor. To escape, he had just crossed the house from that room to the main door - fighting successfully the only vampire which had tried to stop him...
"I'd love to show every detail to you. Maybe you'd even get to see the remains of the weakling who let you escape." Now Giles understood why he still hadn't seen that vampire... Angelus continued his discourse. "Else, Watcher, even if I didn't own those great tools already... Bare hands are always the best utensils. I wonder if it would be worth it to confront Buffy's wrath if I killed you once for all."
"You better not, lover."
Angelus glanced towards the door and saw his dear mate standing nonchalantly some meters before him. "Buffy! I was waiting for you, baby."
"I'm sorry, Angelus. Those boys took more time than I had intended." Meaning: The boy she had met at the Bronze – not the nice one (what was his name?) but the other – had invited her to his fraternity to show the newcomer around'. He had even tried the whole I'm.Lonely.And.Nobody.Understands.Me.Like.You.Do' line. Males had not changed in the century she'd been on Earth, Buffy mused. He had even expected her to sleep with him right away, nervous' excuses about someone waiting for her at home had been enough for him to let her go. Of course, he had made plainly clear that she was welcomed to go back. Buffy intended to take him up on the offer. Invited as she was to the house, it surely would be fun to visit the naughty boy and his friends some night. "You wouldn't believe the dinner I prepared for us..." she smirked.
Angelus grinned happily and looked at the bound figure. "Look, Watcher! Buffy is already here! I guess we can begin our activities now." As an afterthought he added, "I hope you've had a good meal today, Watcher, cuz it will be the last unless I decide otherwise." He paused and looked around the room. "Ford!"
"Yes, Master?"
"Bring him to the basement." He reached his hand out towards Buffy, she took it with a smile. "Buffy and I will get there shortly."
"Yes, Master." With just a minor hand movement minions moved towards the Watcher and carried him. When he saw that they were well in their way towards the basement he bowed his head in the couple's direction. "Buffy, Angelus, shall I chain him already?" He smirked when he saw Angelus growl at the use of his given name. Only Buffy's touch distracted him from saying anything.
"Don't. We'll do as we see fit afterwards," she said.
Ford nodded seriously and motioned to leave the room. "Oh!" Buffy called after him, "We've left you a young present in your room. One of the girls should be taking care of it." Buffy grinned. "I'm sure they'd gladly bring in some pizza if you want to keep her for a while. Carla is particulary fond of delivery-boys..."
"Thanks, my queen." He winked and blew a kiss in her direction. Buffy giggled.
Five seconds later, Ford was sure that he was still alive' thanks to Buffy's fast action. Last thing he had seen, they were kissing madly in the middle of the living room
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The candles were still burning when the robed figure arrived. He went directly to the dais and kneeled before the throne.
Complete silence ensued in the whole room. Not even the sound of breathing interrupted it.
"The Slayer has received your message, Master," the bowed vampire said.
The boy in the throne nodded seriously. "I see... Where is your companion, Dalton?"
"She managed to kill Jesse before accepting your invitation," Dalton informed him with a deep growl. While not friends or anything like that, Dalton respected the young vampire. He didn't like the turn his reputation would take once everyone knew that he had let his partner's killer go unpunished, either.
"That's a shame. Jesse had potential. Oh well, he was still a rookie after all. I think we can afford his loss. Did she tell you anything more?"
"Yes. She recommended us not to surprise' them. She sent this as her personal reply." He tossed his leader the Slayer's stake. Collin grabbed it.
"She's good. I don't doubt that her tempestuous character is what drew our best champion to her. But she is too wild... too wild for her own good." He twirled the stake in his hands. Buffy Summers. She was a worthy member of the order of Aurelius, her capability only compared to Angelus'. He would have liked to win them both to his side... the possibilities were infinite if they were together!
The plan was another, though. There was no need to have a threat such as theirs hanging over his head. The old Master had taught him one thing above all: Don't tame your enemies, eliminate them.
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They were now in the basement. They had decided to leave the Watcher bound to the chair. He made such a funny picture, Buffy had explained.
"You are a lot like Mr. Dominic, did you know that?" she began. Both men looked at her. Angelus in worry, Giles in surprise.
"W-What?" the latter whispered.
She neared his chair with a menacing demeanour. "Haven't you done your homework, Watcher? You *know* who Mr Dominic is. Don't lie to me!" She slapped him. Suddenly she remembered a fraction of her vision.
// A cemetery. Friendship. Betrayal. //
// Lie to me. //
What was Ford doing there?
"He lied to her," she slurred at last, "he told her that the bad guys always lost and that she would always triumph. Liar!" She neared him. "I died. *We* died and still the bad guy laughed at us. I should kill you just for that!"
Angelus went to her from behind and tried to take her in his arms. Buffy threw him a look and he relented. This was *her* business. She turned back to the Watcher and kneeled until her face was just in front of his. Giles nearly shivered at the fury in her eyes.
"I really want to, you know? I'd like to hear your pitiful begs and your final screams. But then what would I do? I need your help. It should have been easy, Watcher." She sighed and caressed his face with a tender touch. Angelus growled. "You helped us, we let you leave and all would be right in the world." Giles suddenly felt the smooth fingertips on his cheek turn to nails. She kept on speaking, unaware of her prisoner's reaction. "Of course, there wouldn't be any pointy horns or black hats... but did we ever believe you? Of course that poor, lost girl did. I won't. I'm happy now, and I will show you how to be happy without burdening duties and dying wishes."
Angelus interrupted her ranting. He didn't know where this rage had come from. "What do you want to do with him, luv?"
Buffy looked at him, then at her bloody fingers. She made a sign of disgust and cleaned them on Giles' shirt. "Let him think about what he's done. Let him suffer a bit. Leave him in the darkness of his lonely life. He will soon learn how to respect his elders. He will never lie anymore. Not to me, at least." She stopped pondering a new idea. "But first... could you give me the whip?"
Angelus grinned and nodded. At last! He would see some good action! He went to the cupboard in the corner of the room and opened the metallic door. He searched through it for a moment and then presented Buffy with a brand new whip. "Are you sure you won't need something else?"
"No." She glanced at the Watcher and smirked. "That will be enough."
"As you wish."
Watching his Elders interact, Giles discovered what no Watcher had ever suspected in the century these two vampires had roamed the earth together. Angelus was power. Buffy was power. Nevertheless, at the end, it was not the bicentennial vampire the one who gave the orders, that privilege was reserved for the tiny, crazy vampire. Buffy had the blood of a Slayer, and maybe she was the only happy Slayer in the history. Lord knew how powerful a happy Slayer was, especially when she had the unshaken support of one of the strongest forces in the vampire world.
He screamed at the slashing pain.
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This time, I had prepared a nice anti-B/S quote... But, considering that last scene I think I'll put a sweet Buffy-Giles scene...
GILES: I was ten years old when my father told me I was destined to become a Watcher.
BUFFY: And were you thrilled beyond all measure?
GILES: No. I had a very definite about my future. I was going to become a fighter pilot. Or possibly a grocer.
ME: I miss the Watcher. But then, I also miss Oz and Doyle and, very specially, Angel. Hey! I just noticed something! Joss always makes the *guys* disappear! What's the what with the girls staying in their roles season after season and amen?
