Right I have never written a Buffy story before and I haven't read many, so
if this storyline is familiar to someone else's, its pure coincidence and
I'm sorry
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Buffy [and those of Angel who appear later on in this story] the mighty Joss Whedon does. Plus I don't own any of the song lyrics used throughout this story.
Rated: R for swearing and sexual content. M/F
Summary: Set early Season 6 of Buffy and early season 3 Angel (but in no way connected to later events of both the series) A new woman comes to Sunnydale and reluctantly helps the Scooby's out, Spike can't help but feel a connection with her....
Genre: Angst /mystery
Feedback: Please review, good or bad, tell me. Email me at musictosellyoursoulfor@yahoo.co.uk
////I know I promised this ages ago but I was having real trouble writing this chapter, mainly because its got fighting scenes in it and I've never written that kind off thing before.well just because it's taken me so long to do I've done two chapters. Please review, I mean it, its frustrating not knowing whether people enjoy the story or not. Thanks!"
Chapter Nine: Paint It Black
"She won't say anything?" Buffy said shocked as Spike came into the shop and leaned against the counter, clearly pissed off. Giles had gone back to the Summer's household to find more books, meanwhile Xander and Anya had taken Dawn back just to be safe.
"She likes to lie, she's nothing but a bitch" Spike muttered going to light a cigarette. How come then, he felt like a liar himself when saying those words, how come he knew in his unbeating heart that she wasn't a threat, that she was safe, good even.
"Spike" Buffy berated the vampire for his choice of language and she knocked his smoke out of his cold hands.
"Sorry pet" Spike apologised and looked to the Slayer sheepishly, when he stared at her he still felt some kinda love for the girl, he thought he loved Buffy, his once arch nemesis like no one else but ever since Louise had turned up in his life again he never thought about Miss Summer's at all, its was like all his obsession went to Louise.
"Well we have the spell figured out" Willow declared from her position at the table with Tara.
"I want to speak to her before that" Buffy declared walking towards the training door.
"But Buffy she won't tell your the truth, she killed those people" Spike pointed out
"I'm not sure that she did, or if she intended to. If she's so powerful she would have gone with the evil demon thing before right" Tara suggested, she usually didn't allow her opinions to be heard but she genuinely believed that Louise, whatever she was didn't pose a threat to the gang or indeed Sunnydale.
"She has a point" Willow agreed supporting her girlfriend
"But" Spike protested but hesitated, but their right you stupid fool, if she wanted you dead she could have done it when you fucked her before but no she hadn't, she had pleaded and begged for more. That didn't make her evil merely a fuck up and Spike could relate to that but still the lies, she wouldn't tell him who she was, how they knew each other before and when he and the Slayer had found her there was the little issue of dead people.
"But what Spike, you slept with her, you regret that but before I start hurting her I need to know if it's her fault. She helped us" Buffy paused "Maybe for a few weeks but I trusted her.I want to see if I was right to"
"Just be careful" Spike added and watched as the young woman walked away, he hoped everyone was right that Louise wasn't dangerous, because if she laid one finger on Buffy he would personally kill her, she had proved to be non-human, he could rip her pieces if he wanted to but currently he just wanted answers.
^^^^^^
Buffy walked in to the room, seeing her, the girl she thought she could trust all tied up and looking helpless made her emotions feel conflicted, Louise could have killed those people but she also needed help, Buffy could see that. She walked over to her and pulled a battered chair up, sitting in front of her and waiting for Louise to respond to her presence.
Louise stared up, he eyes were puffy and her body ached still "Can you bring Spike back?" she asked in a small weak voice.
"Sorry, I need answers" Buffy stated, Louise had been crying and that made it all the worse, people who cried had to have some kind of goodness in them right? Well that what she always thought, she could do without this now, the pain of coming back to Earth still hurt her and dealing with someone as confusing as Louise didn't help.
"Buffy I didn't kill those people, or if I did he forced me too" Louise rambled, she hadn't known the Slayer long but when she had 'joined' the fight with her, she thought at least they had mutual respect, that they could relate to one and other as troubled souls, because though Buffy was back fighting now, she was deeply messed up by her experience of being dead, Louise could tell that, she could sense it strongly.
"Who?" Buffy shifted in her chair, she was uncomfortable around Louise, the woman perplexed her so much, obviously she had a thing for Spike but was wrapped up in a bow of mystery and intrigue, she was strong and powerful yet looking like an emotional wreck.
"Michael, his so dangerous, please get Spike out of Sunnydale, please, I don't want him to die" the tied up female pleaded holding a fresh batch of tears back, trying to make the Slayer understand.
Buffy gave her a quizzical look "You slept with Spike right? May I ask why?" she was going to try and appeal to enemy on an emotional level, see if that worked.
Louise hesitated, she turned away from Buffy, she felt ashamed for her feelings not because she was embarrassed by him but because he hated her, so her emotions felt useless "I, I love him"
"Yeah?" Buffy frowned, she knew Spike was a good person, she herself could see that he had helped in fighting Glory and in looking after Dawn when she was gone, but she still found the thought of actually loving Spike a little strange.
"Yes, I do, please god, listen to me, I'm not dangerous, I'm not here to hurt you, but Michael will, he hates humans, he never liked Slayer's, said they took his job away" Louise tried to explain.
"Louise just tell me who this Michael is, who you are?" Buffy sighed " I just want straight answer, I'm tried, I'm.."
"Sad" Louise answered, she stared at Buffy, she had the same unhappiness that Louise felt and she knew why as well, what connected them.
"Pardon?" Buffy stated
"Your sad, your in pain, you've been there haven't you?" Louise asked
"Where?" Buffy turned away from her, she knew, somehow she knew and it freaked her out "Louise stop avoiding the questions"
"You miss it, I do as well, it's been so long, I think thousands of years since I saw it, His kingdom is it still as beautiful?" Louise enquired and gazed at the other woman.
"I, how, can you know that?" Buffy stammered in shock, that wasn't possible unless Louise could read minds and that seemed unlikely, but she was talking about the paradise she had been pulled out off only really weeks before.
"Heaven you were there, your friends dragged you out, they didn't mean too, but heaven, your afraid He won't let you back in, He will. I'm never seeing it again, but your good, He will welcome you back, he knows it wasn't your fault" Louise reassured, she smiled at Buffy, yeah she had a chance to go back and see it, Louise didn't though, she would forever be on this planet.
"Stop that, Jesus" Buffy ordered and stood up, trying to show her dominance over the 'enemy', even if all she felt was pain for the bullshit she had been through.
"Don't be sad Buffy, you will go back, I won't, I'm here for eternity, I wish I knew of a way to go back but Michael, he done this, made us go against Him" Louise said bitterly, she was remembering bits and the whole it being Michael's fault dominated her thoughts.
"What are you?" Buffy demanded holding her emotions back, she folded her arms across her chest, tried to look confident and strong.
"I" Louise stumbled, this wasn't easy, it really wasn't, even if Buffy had been to her own birthplace it didn't mean she would believe in what she was, but she knew if she could convince Buffy then she would be let go and could run away for good.
"Louise, if you want my help tell me what you are" Buffy urged
"An angel" Louise closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable disbelief from the Slayer, she didn't get that though, she heard Buffy take a deep breath then they locked eyes and Louise felt the power and the pain that surrounded the woman she looked at.
"Guardian?" Buffy suggested, shit she couldn't even believe she was asking such a thing, angels didn't exist, yet Louise seemed to understand where she had been for those months, how heaven was a remarkable place and though Buffy had never seen an angel before it didn't mean she wasn't staring at one right now.
"Revenging, I think, Buffy please help me, Michael lost his way a long time again, he will.."
Just as Louise was going to explain the extent of what was going on to Buffy, the back entrance door flew open and instead of a white light engulfing the room like it had done with the sky, a black shadow cast across the four walls.
"Fuck Buffy!" Louise called out as the Slayer moved from her spot. Though she was unable to see the full extent of what was going on, her senses were strong and she broke the chair she had been sitting on making a stake for the impending attack.
"Who are you?" Buffy said moving carefully around the room "Come on, I haven't got all day, come out and play"
"Slayer" A deep male voice said, Buffy could tell it wasn't just this 'man' in the room she definitely sensed vampires.
"Indeed, now I never invited you to this party I'm having and unless you have cakes and lemonade I am not going to be pleased" Buffy quipped and she turned suddenly dusting a vamp "One point for the Slayer"
Louise adjusted her eyesight, she knew who was lurking in the darkness, she knew it was more than dumb vampires, a powerful creature who could probably tear Buffy apart but was there for herself not the Chosen One "Buffy get the hell out!"
"Louise shut up" Buffy scolded, she took a swipe at something in front of her, but it was merely space, she knew someone was near, so near by, she could also hear the others in the Shop, as they came running to her rescue, much like they had before, but she wished they had left her in heaven, Louise was right it was a wonderful place.
"It's Michael" Louise revealed, she tried to escape from her chains, but they were too strong for her, she had to get the hell out of them.
"Oh so your Michael, Louise was just explaining you to me, so here to rescue her, sorry have a prior engagement, booked well in advance, rescuing can be done." Buffy paused, the figure she was trying to find came face to face with her, as most of her attackers did, he towered above her but she wasn't afraid, she had fought a lot worse.
"Little girls Slayers are, your not natural you know, God never made you" Michael scorned and raised his eyebrows at her, he gestured for his minions to keep watch at the door.
"Nope but I think his kinda grateful" Buffy smiled, she felt like laughing at this Michael dude, I'm mean just another wannabe Big Bad.
"You miss heaven" He cocked his head sensing her pain and he laughed "Want to make return trip" Michael went to attack Buffy but the door flung open and the backup had arrived. Willow and Tara came bounding in and began chanting a spell, immediately Spike using his vampiric senses found his way to Buffy, knocking unconscious a pair of dim-witted fellow vampires.
"Who's this then?" Spike mocked staring at the man in front of him, just another demon, 'just another think their so damn cool creature' he considered and got himself in kick ass fighting mode. He briefly glanced at her, at Louise she looked frightened and equally pissed off.
"Just who I've been looking for" Michael smiled and clutched hold of Spike without even breaking a sweat.
As he grabbed the vampire by his collar, Willow engulfed the room in light allowing Buffy to see clearly her attacker. She went to him and faced Michael kicking him in the stomach, he didn't move and still had hold of Spike, who for his credit wasn't showing the pain he was in.
"Michael let go of him!" Louise ordered, she felt useless in her position, she looked over to Willow and Tara for help but they were busy holding the spell that had created and Spike poor Spike was being hurt by the man who should be hurting her.
"He separated us, you slept with that demon, that thing" Michael scolded looking at her as his minions kept the others at bay.
"This is about jealously!" Buffy exclaimed "You wanted revenge, could have done something more original than this"
"No little girl, its about evil. His evil, so are you" he pointed to Buffy "for not doing you job, the whole of this town is full of ignorant people, who deserve to die" Michael declared tightening his grip on Spike. Willow had secured the light spell and was now trying to create a protection one but everything was happening so quickly, Buffy kept getting hit, Spike was still in Michael's clasp and Louise didn't know what the hell to do.
"Michael" Louise whispered, she took a deep breath, she had to stop this, not the Wicca's or the Slayer, she had to save Spike and make Michael leave Sunnydale, if that meant going with him then she would.
"I've come for you" he grinned at her, licking his lips.
"Michael your fucked, your screwed, you hate vampires yet you've got them fighting for you!" Louise mocked, she needed him to drop Spike and predictably he did, she heard his bones crunch and she winced in pain for him. Spike didn't look to where she was rather he concentrated on the vampire who was lunging for him. Michael, like she hoped walked over to her.
"Language my girl, come with me" Michael knelt down in front of her and began to undo her chains by bending the metal with his strong hands.
"Hey I'm not sure she wants to mate" Spike defended, he looked Louise and tried to read her feelings but she looked to him hurt, the pain in her eyes sent shivers down his spine, it finally occurred to him at that moment that she hadn't killed those people, that she really was trying to save him, that she was on the side of the Scoobies.
"She will, won't you, your mine, He made us together" Michael smiled once again, such a innocent grin upon his face as he pulled at her arms
"I" Louise closed her eyes, she knew what Michael said was true, she was made with him, she was meant to be with him, she would go with him, the other's they didn't care, they didn't need her, and Spike when had he started giving a shit?
"Louise!" Tara screamed in anguish, as her 'friend' was dragged from the floor.
"Shit" Spike ran towards the scene, Buffy staked a vamp and followed, Louise was being dragged by Michael towards the back exit.
Louise turned to them "I, this, Buffy, Spike, go, just fucking go, this is my fault, go, please, go!" she yelled at them, they couldn't get hurt the world needed them.
"Don't think so" Buffy decided and swung at Michael.
Michael easily grabbed her fist and brushed her away "Little girl, she doesn't need you"
"Doesn't need you either mate" Spike laughed and attempted to hit the man, his chip never kicked it but he grimaced in pain as he fell back on the ground, after unsuccessfully attacking him. Spike felt powerless against Michael and everything was happening so quick, most of the vamps had been killed, his feelings for Louise where in overdrive and he could see that even Buffy was struggling to get a good enough swing at the bastard.
"Does" Michael asserted and smirked to his girl "you do, remember all those time's us together, she loves that don't you" he leaned in and kissed her violently, Louise gasped, pounding on his back to make him stop.
"Louise, we will help you, if you don't want to go with him, stay here" Buffy promised and went to attack yet again, once more Michael brushed her away.
"Buffy" Willow cried in anguish running over to her friend, she helped the Slayer and Spike regain themselves.
"Michael!" Louise warned and released her wrists from his grip
Michael grabbed them again and shook her body "I leave this town just for you we can go and seek revenge on others, if you feel like you have to save these worthless beings"
Louise bowed her head, okay she was going to have to give in and be with him again and it filled her with an intense fear
"I've had enough of this bullshit!" A voice interrupted her fears.
She turned to the source of the outburst "Spike" she spoke quietly as he clutched his hands around her waist and tugged her away from Michael who stood laughing at the scene.
"Louise this isn't about us" Spike whispered into her ear, he didn't want her to think just because he was saving her that there could be a future for them.
Louise pushed the vampire, the man she loved away and turned to him "Yes it is!" she screamed "It is, is it! All this is about us, about you and me, when are you going to get that!"
Spike staggered back in surprise especially when Louise walked away from him and back to Michael again
"Come with me" Michael repeated and held his hand out, he wasn't bothered by the fact that Buffy had killed all his workers, they didn't matter, only she did, he needed his former partner in crime back.
"Michael, sure I would love to come with you, love to" Louise stood in front of him, this was Showtime "But I'm guessing when you say your not going to kill them your lying, I don't remember it all but why would I have been running for so long if what we had was so fucking great?"
"It was" He responded and croaked his head at her "You know it was"
"I remember things, I do, you were powerful but I'm your equal" Louise pushed at his chest, oh she felt her power, her real strength "I can't let you hurt him, any of them, you were never good, they are, all of them" she grabbed his shirt
It was Tara and Willow who first saw it and they gasped in union at the sight, the impossibility of it all. Louise lifted Michael up in the air and had began to float herself, just a few inches from the ground
"What the hell?" Spike stared to the scene "How the fuck!"
Buffy pulled him up and watched in awe "She's an angel Spike" she informed her fellow fighter as Louise soared further from the ground.
"You're having a laugh right pet?" Spike questioned but Buffy simply nodded no and the pair gazed up at what was happening.
Michael was the one in the weakest position, it was Louise who had the power, it was her doing thing making them fly but he was the one chuckling at her actions and this pissed her off "I wouldn't laugh Michael" she pushed him against the top of the wall
"I love it when your angry, go on do it, have your revenge on me, then you will be drawn back into my world, then you won't leave me again" he sneered, his eyes twinkling at hers.
"You think?" She shrugged her shoulder unimpressed, she had no idea how the hell she could even do this but she was definitely floating "I don't want to be part of your world, this was my life, I came here for my memory where the fuck did it go, did you do it to me, make me forget him!" she demanded to know, that fucker she knew it was his fault.
"The vampire, the filthy vampire" he looked down at Spike "his not worth remembering honey and as for your precious memory, a lot of people saw you as a threat you know but I will be pleased to inform them not to worry you couldn't kill a thing, good or bad" he provoked
"You can't die, but you can fucking leave" and she crashed his body on the ground. Watching as Buffy and Spike went to attack the unconscious creature "Leave him!" she demanded and drifted back down to their levels
"We can kill him now!" Buffy stated, maybe it was cruel to kill someone when they were knocked out cold but something told her Michael didn't really care about anyone else and that he needed to die.
"You can't and he will" what Louise was about to say happened, Michael's body disappeared from the ground, leaving emptiness and four confused faces
"Just what is he?" Willow asked, she knew he was powerful, she felt drained at trying to fight the darkness he had engulfed the room in.
"An angel like me" Louise muttered and dusted her clothes off, she didn't look at any of them, she could feel Spike's eyes were on her and she felt uncomfortable in his presence "you won't get a chance to kill him" she glanced at Buffy
"Where did he go?" Tara enquired.
"His probably nearby, he could always transport himself to places when he was in trouble, I couldn't, I don't think so" Louise began to drift of, she really didn't know what she could truly do, the last 24 hours had been a lot for her to deal with and still Spike he hadn't said a word.
Louise took this as her cue to leave, maybe it was better this way, if he did speak it would no doubt be hurtful words that she could do without, she turned and began to walk to the back exit.
"Lou come back, where are you going?" Buffy stated tugging at Louise's arm.
"Leaving, he doesn't really want you nor Sunnydale, he came here for me" She explained and pulled away easily from the Slayer's grip, that was until she was grabbed by Spike.
Spike had watched her little display, he had seen Michael disappear, he had heard her try to explain things to the others and he had watched her begin to walk away but his mind had finally kicked in, she was leaving, not just because of Michael but because of him, because he never believed her. He couldn't watch her walk away from him, and that's why he grasped onto her tightly.
"And what you're giving yourself to him, to Michael?" Spike clenched his teeth, he really should say 'I love you don't go' but it seemed a little awkward in front of the others and was it really love he felt?
"We know now you didn't kill those people, that's right isn't it?" Willow supported Spike in his efforts to convince Louise to stay.
"No I didn't but if I wasn't here in the first place he would have left them alone" She brushed the vampire away and folded her arms across her chest "What I'm trying to say is he can follow me, I will let him trace me for eternity, long after any of you are here"
Again she turned from them and this time as she reached the door she darted out of it, full speed, not even turning around even as Spike followed her path and shouted for her, pleaded even for her to stay
"Love, please" he begged but felt Buffy pull him back into the training room, he snarled at her in full game face mode as the sounds of Louise's footsteps petered away.
"Spike what if she's right" Buffy stated, he shifted back into his human face and shrugged his shoulder's, it was time's like this when the Slayer was genuinely concerned about him that he loved her still but what he needed to do was about his love for Louise.
"I'm leaving with her then" He stated and took her shoulders as Tara and Willow watched "Tell your sis to keep out of trouble and take care yourself Slayer"
Before Buffy had a chance to respond Spike had run out of the room in search of Louise, looking for a new future. All the Slayer could be thankful for was the knowledge and hope that Michael never returned to her town, she was now two fighters and perhaps even two friends down in her battle against evil, she hoped though that they found each other's as weird as an angel and a vampire being together was
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Buffy [and those of Angel who appear later on in this story] the mighty Joss Whedon does. Plus I don't own any of the song lyrics used throughout this story.
Rated: R for swearing and sexual content. M/F
Summary: Set early Season 6 of Buffy and early season 3 Angel (but in no way connected to later events of both the series) A new woman comes to Sunnydale and reluctantly helps the Scooby's out, Spike can't help but feel a connection with her....
Genre: Angst /mystery
Feedback: Please review, good or bad, tell me. Email me at musictosellyoursoulfor@yahoo.co.uk
////I know I promised this ages ago but I was having real trouble writing this chapter, mainly because its got fighting scenes in it and I've never written that kind off thing before.well just because it's taken me so long to do I've done two chapters. Please review, I mean it, its frustrating not knowing whether people enjoy the story or not. Thanks!"
Chapter Nine: Paint It Black
"She won't say anything?" Buffy said shocked as Spike came into the shop and leaned against the counter, clearly pissed off. Giles had gone back to the Summer's household to find more books, meanwhile Xander and Anya had taken Dawn back just to be safe.
"She likes to lie, she's nothing but a bitch" Spike muttered going to light a cigarette. How come then, he felt like a liar himself when saying those words, how come he knew in his unbeating heart that she wasn't a threat, that she was safe, good even.
"Spike" Buffy berated the vampire for his choice of language and she knocked his smoke out of his cold hands.
"Sorry pet" Spike apologised and looked to the Slayer sheepishly, when he stared at her he still felt some kinda love for the girl, he thought he loved Buffy, his once arch nemesis like no one else but ever since Louise had turned up in his life again he never thought about Miss Summer's at all, its was like all his obsession went to Louise.
"Well we have the spell figured out" Willow declared from her position at the table with Tara.
"I want to speak to her before that" Buffy declared walking towards the training door.
"But Buffy she won't tell your the truth, she killed those people" Spike pointed out
"I'm not sure that she did, or if she intended to. If she's so powerful she would have gone with the evil demon thing before right" Tara suggested, she usually didn't allow her opinions to be heard but she genuinely believed that Louise, whatever she was didn't pose a threat to the gang or indeed Sunnydale.
"She has a point" Willow agreed supporting her girlfriend
"But" Spike protested but hesitated, but their right you stupid fool, if she wanted you dead she could have done it when you fucked her before but no she hadn't, she had pleaded and begged for more. That didn't make her evil merely a fuck up and Spike could relate to that but still the lies, she wouldn't tell him who she was, how they knew each other before and when he and the Slayer had found her there was the little issue of dead people.
"But what Spike, you slept with her, you regret that but before I start hurting her I need to know if it's her fault. She helped us" Buffy paused "Maybe for a few weeks but I trusted her.I want to see if I was right to"
"Just be careful" Spike added and watched as the young woman walked away, he hoped everyone was right that Louise wasn't dangerous, because if she laid one finger on Buffy he would personally kill her, she had proved to be non-human, he could rip her pieces if he wanted to but currently he just wanted answers.
^^^^^^
Buffy walked in to the room, seeing her, the girl she thought she could trust all tied up and looking helpless made her emotions feel conflicted, Louise could have killed those people but she also needed help, Buffy could see that. She walked over to her and pulled a battered chair up, sitting in front of her and waiting for Louise to respond to her presence.
Louise stared up, he eyes were puffy and her body ached still "Can you bring Spike back?" she asked in a small weak voice.
"Sorry, I need answers" Buffy stated, Louise had been crying and that made it all the worse, people who cried had to have some kind of goodness in them right? Well that what she always thought, she could do without this now, the pain of coming back to Earth still hurt her and dealing with someone as confusing as Louise didn't help.
"Buffy I didn't kill those people, or if I did he forced me too" Louise rambled, she hadn't known the Slayer long but when she had 'joined' the fight with her, she thought at least they had mutual respect, that they could relate to one and other as troubled souls, because though Buffy was back fighting now, she was deeply messed up by her experience of being dead, Louise could tell that, she could sense it strongly.
"Who?" Buffy shifted in her chair, she was uncomfortable around Louise, the woman perplexed her so much, obviously she had a thing for Spike but was wrapped up in a bow of mystery and intrigue, she was strong and powerful yet looking like an emotional wreck.
"Michael, his so dangerous, please get Spike out of Sunnydale, please, I don't want him to die" the tied up female pleaded holding a fresh batch of tears back, trying to make the Slayer understand.
Buffy gave her a quizzical look "You slept with Spike right? May I ask why?" she was going to try and appeal to enemy on an emotional level, see if that worked.
Louise hesitated, she turned away from Buffy, she felt ashamed for her feelings not because she was embarrassed by him but because he hated her, so her emotions felt useless "I, I love him"
"Yeah?" Buffy frowned, she knew Spike was a good person, she herself could see that he had helped in fighting Glory and in looking after Dawn when she was gone, but she still found the thought of actually loving Spike a little strange.
"Yes, I do, please god, listen to me, I'm not dangerous, I'm not here to hurt you, but Michael will, he hates humans, he never liked Slayer's, said they took his job away" Louise tried to explain.
"Louise just tell me who this Michael is, who you are?" Buffy sighed " I just want straight answer, I'm tried, I'm.."
"Sad" Louise answered, she stared at Buffy, she had the same unhappiness that Louise felt and she knew why as well, what connected them.
"Pardon?" Buffy stated
"Your sad, your in pain, you've been there haven't you?" Louise asked
"Where?" Buffy turned away from her, she knew, somehow she knew and it freaked her out "Louise stop avoiding the questions"
"You miss it, I do as well, it's been so long, I think thousands of years since I saw it, His kingdom is it still as beautiful?" Louise enquired and gazed at the other woman.
"I, how, can you know that?" Buffy stammered in shock, that wasn't possible unless Louise could read minds and that seemed unlikely, but she was talking about the paradise she had been pulled out off only really weeks before.
"Heaven you were there, your friends dragged you out, they didn't mean too, but heaven, your afraid He won't let you back in, He will. I'm never seeing it again, but your good, He will welcome you back, he knows it wasn't your fault" Louise reassured, she smiled at Buffy, yeah she had a chance to go back and see it, Louise didn't though, she would forever be on this planet.
"Stop that, Jesus" Buffy ordered and stood up, trying to show her dominance over the 'enemy', even if all she felt was pain for the bullshit she had been through.
"Don't be sad Buffy, you will go back, I won't, I'm here for eternity, I wish I knew of a way to go back but Michael, he done this, made us go against Him" Louise said bitterly, she was remembering bits and the whole it being Michael's fault dominated her thoughts.
"What are you?" Buffy demanded holding her emotions back, she folded her arms across her chest, tried to look confident and strong.
"I" Louise stumbled, this wasn't easy, it really wasn't, even if Buffy had been to her own birthplace it didn't mean she would believe in what she was, but she knew if she could convince Buffy then she would be let go and could run away for good.
"Louise, if you want my help tell me what you are" Buffy urged
"An angel" Louise closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable disbelief from the Slayer, she didn't get that though, she heard Buffy take a deep breath then they locked eyes and Louise felt the power and the pain that surrounded the woman she looked at.
"Guardian?" Buffy suggested, shit she couldn't even believe she was asking such a thing, angels didn't exist, yet Louise seemed to understand where she had been for those months, how heaven was a remarkable place and though Buffy had never seen an angel before it didn't mean she wasn't staring at one right now.
"Revenging, I think, Buffy please help me, Michael lost his way a long time again, he will.."
Just as Louise was going to explain the extent of what was going on to Buffy, the back entrance door flew open and instead of a white light engulfing the room like it had done with the sky, a black shadow cast across the four walls.
"Fuck Buffy!" Louise called out as the Slayer moved from her spot. Though she was unable to see the full extent of what was going on, her senses were strong and she broke the chair she had been sitting on making a stake for the impending attack.
"Who are you?" Buffy said moving carefully around the room "Come on, I haven't got all day, come out and play"
"Slayer" A deep male voice said, Buffy could tell it wasn't just this 'man' in the room she definitely sensed vampires.
"Indeed, now I never invited you to this party I'm having and unless you have cakes and lemonade I am not going to be pleased" Buffy quipped and she turned suddenly dusting a vamp "One point for the Slayer"
Louise adjusted her eyesight, she knew who was lurking in the darkness, she knew it was more than dumb vampires, a powerful creature who could probably tear Buffy apart but was there for herself not the Chosen One "Buffy get the hell out!"
"Louise shut up" Buffy scolded, she took a swipe at something in front of her, but it was merely space, she knew someone was near, so near by, she could also hear the others in the Shop, as they came running to her rescue, much like they had before, but she wished they had left her in heaven, Louise was right it was a wonderful place.
"It's Michael" Louise revealed, she tried to escape from her chains, but they were too strong for her, she had to get the hell out of them.
"Oh so your Michael, Louise was just explaining you to me, so here to rescue her, sorry have a prior engagement, booked well in advance, rescuing can be done." Buffy paused, the figure she was trying to find came face to face with her, as most of her attackers did, he towered above her but she wasn't afraid, she had fought a lot worse.
"Little girls Slayers are, your not natural you know, God never made you" Michael scorned and raised his eyebrows at her, he gestured for his minions to keep watch at the door.
"Nope but I think his kinda grateful" Buffy smiled, she felt like laughing at this Michael dude, I'm mean just another wannabe Big Bad.
"You miss heaven" He cocked his head sensing her pain and he laughed "Want to make return trip" Michael went to attack Buffy but the door flung open and the backup had arrived. Willow and Tara came bounding in and began chanting a spell, immediately Spike using his vampiric senses found his way to Buffy, knocking unconscious a pair of dim-witted fellow vampires.
"Who's this then?" Spike mocked staring at the man in front of him, just another demon, 'just another think their so damn cool creature' he considered and got himself in kick ass fighting mode. He briefly glanced at her, at Louise she looked frightened and equally pissed off.
"Just who I've been looking for" Michael smiled and clutched hold of Spike without even breaking a sweat.
As he grabbed the vampire by his collar, Willow engulfed the room in light allowing Buffy to see clearly her attacker. She went to him and faced Michael kicking him in the stomach, he didn't move and still had hold of Spike, who for his credit wasn't showing the pain he was in.
"Michael let go of him!" Louise ordered, she felt useless in her position, she looked over to Willow and Tara for help but they were busy holding the spell that had created and Spike poor Spike was being hurt by the man who should be hurting her.
"He separated us, you slept with that demon, that thing" Michael scolded looking at her as his minions kept the others at bay.
"This is about jealously!" Buffy exclaimed "You wanted revenge, could have done something more original than this"
"No little girl, its about evil. His evil, so are you" he pointed to Buffy "for not doing you job, the whole of this town is full of ignorant people, who deserve to die" Michael declared tightening his grip on Spike. Willow had secured the light spell and was now trying to create a protection one but everything was happening so quickly, Buffy kept getting hit, Spike was still in Michael's clasp and Louise didn't know what the hell to do.
"Michael" Louise whispered, she took a deep breath, she had to stop this, not the Wicca's or the Slayer, she had to save Spike and make Michael leave Sunnydale, if that meant going with him then she would.
"I've come for you" he grinned at her, licking his lips.
"Michael your fucked, your screwed, you hate vampires yet you've got them fighting for you!" Louise mocked, she needed him to drop Spike and predictably he did, she heard his bones crunch and she winced in pain for him. Spike didn't look to where she was rather he concentrated on the vampire who was lunging for him. Michael, like she hoped walked over to her.
"Language my girl, come with me" Michael knelt down in front of her and began to undo her chains by bending the metal with his strong hands.
"Hey I'm not sure she wants to mate" Spike defended, he looked Louise and tried to read her feelings but she looked to him hurt, the pain in her eyes sent shivers down his spine, it finally occurred to him at that moment that she hadn't killed those people, that she really was trying to save him, that she was on the side of the Scoobies.
"She will, won't you, your mine, He made us together" Michael smiled once again, such a innocent grin upon his face as he pulled at her arms
"I" Louise closed her eyes, she knew what Michael said was true, she was made with him, she was meant to be with him, she would go with him, the other's they didn't care, they didn't need her, and Spike when had he started giving a shit?
"Louise!" Tara screamed in anguish, as her 'friend' was dragged from the floor.
"Shit" Spike ran towards the scene, Buffy staked a vamp and followed, Louise was being dragged by Michael towards the back exit.
Louise turned to them "I, this, Buffy, Spike, go, just fucking go, this is my fault, go, please, go!" she yelled at them, they couldn't get hurt the world needed them.
"Don't think so" Buffy decided and swung at Michael.
Michael easily grabbed her fist and brushed her away "Little girl, she doesn't need you"
"Doesn't need you either mate" Spike laughed and attempted to hit the man, his chip never kicked it but he grimaced in pain as he fell back on the ground, after unsuccessfully attacking him. Spike felt powerless against Michael and everything was happening so quick, most of the vamps had been killed, his feelings for Louise where in overdrive and he could see that even Buffy was struggling to get a good enough swing at the bastard.
"Does" Michael asserted and smirked to his girl "you do, remember all those time's us together, she loves that don't you" he leaned in and kissed her violently, Louise gasped, pounding on his back to make him stop.
"Louise, we will help you, if you don't want to go with him, stay here" Buffy promised and went to attack yet again, once more Michael brushed her away.
"Buffy" Willow cried in anguish running over to her friend, she helped the Slayer and Spike regain themselves.
"Michael!" Louise warned and released her wrists from his grip
Michael grabbed them again and shook her body "I leave this town just for you we can go and seek revenge on others, if you feel like you have to save these worthless beings"
Louise bowed her head, okay she was going to have to give in and be with him again and it filled her with an intense fear
"I've had enough of this bullshit!" A voice interrupted her fears.
She turned to the source of the outburst "Spike" she spoke quietly as he clutched his hands around her waist and tugged her away from Michael who stood laughing at the scene.
"Louise this isn't about us" Spike whispered into her ear, he didn't want her to think just because he was saving her that there could be a future for them.
Louise pushed the vampire, the man she loved away and turned to him "Yes it is!" she screamed "It is, is it! All this is about us, about you and me, when are you going to get that!"
Spike staggered back in surprise especially when Louise walked away from him and back to Michael again
"Come with me" Michael repeated and held his hand out, he wasn't bothered by the fact that Buffy had killed all his workers, they didn't matter, only she did, he needed his former partner in crime back.
"Michael, sure I would love to come with you, love to" Louise stood in front of him, this was Showtime "But I'm guessing when you say your not going to kill them your lying, I don't remember it all but why would I have been running for so long if what we had was so fucking great?"
"It was" He responded and croaked his head at her "You know it was"
"I remember things, I do, you were powerful but I'm your equal" Louise pushed at his chest, oh she felt her power, her real strength "I can't let you hurt him, any of them, you were never good, they are, all of them" she grabbed his shirt
It was Tara and Willow who first saw it and they gasped in union at the sight, the impossibility of it all. Louise lifted Michael up in the air and had began to float herself, just a few inches from the ground
"What the hell?" Spike stared to the scene "How the fuck!"
Buffy pulled him up and watched in awe "She's an angel Spike" she informed her fellow fighter as Louise soared further from the ground.
"You're having a laugh right pet?" Spike questioned but Buffy simply nodded no and the pair gazed up at what was happening.
Michael was the one in the weakest position, it was Louise who had the power, it was her doing thing making them fly but he was the one chuckling at her actions and this pissed her off "I wouldn't laugh Michael" she pushed him against the top of the wall
"I love it when your angry, go on do it, have your revenge on me, then you will be drawn back into my world, then you won't leave me again" he sneered, his eyes twinkling at hers.
"You think?" She shrugged her shoulder unimpressed, she had no idea how the hell she could even do this but she was definitely floating "I don't want to be part of your world, this was my life, I came here for my memory where the fuck did it go, did you do it to me, make me forget him!" she demanded to know, that fucker she knew it was his fault.
"The vampire, the filthy vampire" he looked down at Spike "his not worth remembering honey and as for your precious memory, a lot of people saw you as a threat you know but I will be pleased to inform them not to worry you couldn't kill a thing, good or bad" he provoked
"You can't die, but you can fucking leave" and she crashed his body on the ground. Watching as Buffy and Spike went to attack the unconscious creature "Leave him!" she demanded and drifted back down to their levels
"We can kill him now!" Buffy stated, maybe it was cruel to kill someone when they were knocked out cold but something told her Michael didn't really care about anyone else and that he needed to die.
"You can't and he will" what Louise was about to say happened, Michael's body disappeared from the ground, leaving emptiness and four confused faces
"Just what is he?" Willow asked, she knew he was powerful, she felt drained at trying to fight the darkness he had engulfed the room in.
"An angel like me" Louise muttered and dusted her clothes off, she didn't look at any of them, she could feel Spike's eyes were on her and she felt uncomfortable in his presence "you won't get a chance to kill him" she glanced at Buffy
"Where did he go?" Tara enquired.
"His probably nearby, he could always transport himself to places when he was in trouble, I couldn't, I don't think so" Louise began to drift of, she really didn't know what she could truly do, the last 24 hours had been a lot for her to deal with and still Spike he hadn't said a word.
Louise took this as her cue to leave, maybe it was better this way, if he did speak it would no doubt be hurtful words that she could do without, she turned and began to walk to the back exit.
"Lou come back, where are you going?" Buffy stated tugging at Louise's arm.
"Leaving, he doesn't really want you nor Sunnydale, he came here for me" She explained and pulled away easily from the Slayer's grip, that was until she was grabbed by Spike.
Spike had watched her little display, he had seen Michael disappear, he had heard her try to explain things to the others and he had watched her begin to walk away but his mind had finally kicked in, she was leaving, not just because of Michael but because of him, because he never believed her. He couldn't watch her walk away from him, and that's why he grasped onto her tightly.
"And what you're giving yourself to him, to Michael?" Spike clenched his teeth, he really should say 'I love you don't go' but it seemed a little awkward in front of the others and was it really love he felt?
"We know now you didn't kill those people, that's right isn't it?" Willow supported Spike in his efforts to convince Louise to stay.
"No I didn't but if I wasn't here in the first place he would have left them alone" She brushed the vampire away and folded her arms across her chest "What I'm trying to say is he can follow me, I will let him trace me for eternity, long after any of you are here"
Again she turned from them and this time as she reached the door she darted out of it, full speed, not even turning around even as Spike followed her path and shouted for her, pleaded even for her to stay
"Love, please" he begged but felt Buffy pull him back into the training room, he snarled at her in full game face mode as the sounds of Louise's footsteps petered away.
"Spike what if she's right" Buffy stated, he shifted back into his human face and shrugged his shoulder's, it was time's like this when the Slayer was genuinely concerned about him that he loved her still but what he needed to do was about his love for Louise.
"I'm leaving with her then" He stated and took her shoulders as Tara and Willow watched "Tell your sis to keep out of trouble and take care yourself Slayer"
Before Buffy had a chance to respond Spike had run out of the room in search of Louise, looking for a new future. All the Slayer could be thankful for was the knowledge and hope that Michael never returned to her town, she was now two fighters and perhaps even two friends down in her battle against evil, she hoped though that they found each other's as weird as an angel and a vampire being together was