A/N: Faithful was written right around two years ago and there are eight.
It takes place fifteen years into the future of 2001.so 2016. This means
Dawn is all grown up, and Faith has just been released from jail. This
story will eventually be a Faith/Angel story.but it doesn't quite start out
that way.
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. This is one of those times. They're having the sex.so consider yourself warned. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
Also.when Buffy dies, she never comes back.I wasn't sure if I was clear on that or not. Faith is the one and only Slayer at the moment. Also, Merle is still around. Was written before the episode where he dies and I didn't have the heart to change it.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
"The Scepter of Lae is a very old artifact that was in fact created in Egypt. It was brought to the Americas in 1789 in order to hide it from Lae himself, who was, according to my books, a human who tried to put demons to shame with the amount of people he killed. Small armies had problems defeating him because he used the Amber Oracle which bejewels the Scepter to make him invincible." Wesley paced the room as he held the dusty book, still reading from it.
Faith looked at Angel who quickly shifted his eyes away from her. Faith looked down.
"The Amber Oracle was then mounted on a scepter of pure silver and etched with a curse."
"Curse?" Spike narrowed his eyes. "Can't make anything easy can you, Watcher?"
"Well, I certainly didn't write the book, Spike."
"So what's the curse?" Dawn asked, putting her hand on Spike's arm, distracting him away from his next comment.
"Huh?" Wesley looked confused and then his eyes snapped to the book. "Oh yes, the curse. Well, it's in an older Egyptian dialect. I'll have to translate it. The Scepter was then brought to the Americas, more precisely to South America. But in this book it seems that it was then moved up north, going to Canada, it seems. Tracing it from there, I've found-"
"For fuck's sake, Watcher, where is it now?" Spike growled.
Wesley glared. "I was getting to that."
"Well before I age, eh?" Spike shot back.
"Well you know, you could have helped research this Scepter rather than disappearing this afternoon."
"I had things to do."
"Yes well, we are supposed to be a team. If you want to remain-"
"ENOUGH!" Angel stood up and looked at the both of them. Faith stared up at him in surprise, her look mirrored on Dawn's face. "Wesley, where?"
Wesley swallowed and looked down at the book a moment. "California somewhere, but it is hard to tell where. This map is seriously outdated."
Angel sat down. "Alright. Anything else?" His voice was dangerously calm.
"Uh, well, the Child of Lae who protects this scepter is actually a magical creature who repels Lae, whose death is questionable."
"What do you mean, questionable?" Dawn asked, frowning.
"Well, the man has been sighted as often as Elvis." Wesley squinted at the book in his hand and then looked up. "And once with him." Wesley shook his head and continued. "In any case, if Richard were to take the scepter from the Child of Lae, he would be a prime suspect of Lae, if Lae were still alive. The same thing applies to us. If we take it, we are subject as well."
"Yes, but we'll be invincible." Spike snickered.
"No. One of us will be. If he attacks Dawn while you're invincible."
"I'll kill the bugger."
"Yes, well, before or after she is destroyed."
Angel started to growl low in his throat. Wesley, Dawn, Spike, and Faith all looked at him silently.
"Well.uh.there is one more thing.if you're interested."
Angel nodded slowly.
"There is also an Elder Lae. She protects the Child of Lae. She is not a magical being, but an Egyptian warrior who cares for the child until her death, where another Elder Lae is appointed. She is human, but very strong."
Angel nodded and then stood up and left the room. Everyone's eyes went to Faith.
She looked around from face to face and her chin came up and she stood. Without letting a tear drop she exited the room.
**~**
Faith watched Angel as he packed weapons into a duffle bag. They hadn't spoken since she had told him. It wasn't just that she told him Richard was still feeding off of humans and she had known. It wasn't just that she told him that Richard intended on capturing the Scepter of Lae. But it was that she told Angel that she couldn't kill Richard. Angel's look said it all. He felt betrayed. He felt like she was choosing sides against him. But even when she attempted to explain to him, he didn't want to hear it. They hadn't spoken since.
Angel turned abruptly, weapons in hand and looked at her. His eyes were hollow, his look guarded. He looked at her a moment as she struggled to find the words that would put things back to normal. Her mouth opened and nothing came out.
"Save it." Angel gripped his weapons and brushed past her, leaving her looking at the ground, fighting tears back.
When Dawn placed her hand on Faith's shoulder, Faith jumped and spun around quickly. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and took a calming breath.
"I didn't hear you."
"I know." Dawn smiled reassuringly. "He'll come around."
Faith took a shaky breath. "Not likely anytime soon. Betrayal is a huge thing to him."
"But you didn't betray him. Not really."
"Doesn't matter if I did or didn't.just matters if he thinks I did." Faith took a seat in the lobby.
Dawn sat beside her and they sat in silence for a moment. The sound of Angel's car brought them both out of their thoughts.
Faith stood and ran to the door, just in time to see Angel driving off, not looking back.
"Damn him, he's going to do this alone," Faith said.
"The hell he is." Dawn grabbed her car keys and shouted for Spike. He appeared from down the hall. The shout made Wesley peek out of his office.
"What's going on?" Wesley questioned.
"Angel just left to stop Richard, alone."
Wesley hurriedly grabbed his keys and came toward the group. Spike rolled his eyes.
"Way to be melodramatic, Peaches." He lit a cigarette as they all piled into Spike's car. "Where to?"
"Well, I've been studying the map, and if my calculations are correct-"
"Where?" Spike cut him off. Wesley looked indignant for a moment, but given the severity of the situation, his look softened.
"San Diego."
Spike peeled out of the driveway and started toward San Diego.
**~**
Faith and Dawn looked as if they were going to ring the necks of the men. Apparently two and a half hours in a car together was two and a half hours too long. From the time they headed towards San Diego, until they got there the two bickered and baited each other.
"You know, if we go any slower we'll possibly make it by the time the poof is dead." Spike spat at Wesley.
"Well, Spike, if I break the speed limit, I highly doubt the police officer is going to appreciate the gravity of the situation and since we're armed to the hilt, perhaps a decorum of subtlety is in order." Wesley shot back.
"Subtle isn't my way."
"Obviously. You much more prefer the barge in and get everyone killed-"
"ENOUGH!" The two girls shouted at once. At least the men had the decency to look shame-faced. Wesley sped the car up, deciding that getting there as soon as possible would not only help Angel, but would also help him get out of close confinements with Spike.
**~**
Angel entered the darkened yard quietly, looking through the window at the scene inside. If he hadn't known better, Angel would have thought this a simple child with his mother. The Child of Lae was dressed in blue jeans and a stripped shirt. His tousled brown hair and young chubby appearance was all child. But his blue eyes spoke of wisdom.
The woman turned toward the window, heading for something close to the wall. Angel felt his mouth go dry. She was quite possibly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She was tall and slender, with a toned body. Her long black hair was pulled back into a simple braid down her back, and her creamy tanned skin begged to be tasted. Her green almond shaped eyes settled on him, as her slender legs stopped their traveling.
Soon the child was making his way to the door. The door opened and Angel carefully stepped up to it.
The child looked at him for a moment, the woman coming up behind him.
"Come in." Her silvery voice floated to him, enticing him.
Angel cleared his voice. "Uh.you know I'm a.vampire don't you?"
The child smiled. "Of course we know." His voice was young but commanding.
Angel nodded and walked inside. The Elder Lae picked up the young looking boy and carried him into the other room. Angel followed, unable to keep his eyes from traveling down to her firm, round bottom.
After sitting the child down, the Elder Lae looked at Angel. Angel quickly averted his eyes from her backside and smiled sheepishly. She didn't seem to notice but something in her manner made him think she did. She offered him a place to sit.
"Why have you come to see me, vampire?" The child spoke.
"Angel. My name's Angel."
The child waited.
"Well, you're in danger."
The Elder Lae smiled. "I take care of danger."
"Well, I'm not sure how well you can take care of this guy. He's a pretty powerful vampire."
"Vampires are no problem."
Angel started to get irritated. "Look, Elder.or.Lae.whatever, this is serious. He's coming for the Scepter of Lae."
They both looked at him as if he just said it might rain. They looked totally impervious to the danger that headed their way.
"Look, I don't mean to be pushy, but shouldn't you be packing up the kid and hiding?"
"We need not hide, vampire. This other will be of no consequence. I have fought those like him before."
"Not like him."
"Nevertheless. Goodnight." She stood up and walked to the door, offering it open for him.
He looked at the child who stared at him blankly.
"You're making a mistake."
"Perhaps. But fate will keep me safe if it wishes."
"Maybe it's time to take fate in your own hands and let me protect you."
"I have my protection." The child looked at Elder Lae. "She will protect me all of her days."
"Which may not be long if you don't take this warning seriously."
"I appreciate your worry, vampire, but we are unconcerned with this other vampire."
Angel ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. He took an unneeded breath, a reflex from when he was human. Slowly he stood, he gave them both a last look before he left.
He got into his car and slammed the door. Nothing pissed him off more than someone who drowns because they wont take hold of the lifesaver. He ran his hands over his face, rubbing his eyes. Well, he could stand watch over the house.
Angel looked up and his eyes widened. He ducked as a fist flew towards him. He leaped over the passenger seat of his convertible and turned, getting into fighting stance. Too late. Two vampires grabbed him; one at each arm, while the one that nearly punched him landed a punch straight into his face. A hit on his temple and Angel's world turned black.
**~**
When they pulled up they noticed Angel's car. They pulled up behind it and shot out of the car from all doors. After a quick survey to make sure no other vehicles that could be containing an ambush was around and they headed for the house.
Spike cursed as he tripped.
"Bloody everlasting hell!" He looked to see what tripped him, and found himself staring at Angel's unconscious body.
Faith seemed to turn a shade whiter as she saw Angel. She rushed to his side, turning him over, seeing the blood at his temple.
"Angel?" She spoke softly.
"We'll check the house." Wesley said as he motioned for Dawn and Spike to follow him. They did.
"Angel?"
Angel stirred a little, opening his eyes slowly.
"Faith?" His eyes opened wide for a moment in an obvious effort to focus.
"Yeah, it's me."
Angel tried to sit up but was failing miserably at it.
"Whoa there, stud. Lets wait for the party favors to wear off first."
Angel eased back down into her waiting arms. She smiled a small smile as she ran a finger across his hairline.
"Besides, this gives me an opportunity to tell you how sorry I am."
Angel's eyes instantly left her face. She almost swore to herself, but instead she continued.
"Angel, I love you. I really do, and that's not easy for me. I mean, come on! Me with Buffy's boy? Nah, I never would have guessed it. And not only that, but him wantin' me. I'd never been anything but a glorified hoodlum before going to jail, and sometimes I wasn't much better then. When I was released, I didn't know if I'd be welcome. But now, I feel a part of the group. A part of you. I just want that back. I just want that more than I've ever wanted anything."
Angel's eyes found her eyes as she spoke. Suddenly it didn't matter anymore what they were fighting about. He just wanted his Faith back.
Slowly one hand cupped around the nap of her neck and pulled her down until her lips electrified his. After a moment he loosened his grip and she lifted her head.
"I love you too." He smiled.
The nervous smile that flitted over her face made Angel's insides wrench for her. He sighed. She started to stand and helped him to his feet, taking him toward the Lae house.
They entered the house arm in arm, but Angel stopped at the carnage before him.
The child was torn into shreds and parts of him were scattered among the house, blood smeared throughout the home on the walls, furniture, any place that had surface. The scent of it bombarded Angel's senses, his demon aching to be let out.
Faith swallowed back the bile that threatened her. She had seen some gruesome things in her life, she'd even done some of them, but this was unlike anything she'd ever seen.
Angel's arm dropped from Faith as he slowly advanced into the house, stepping over body parts that used to belong to the Child of Lae. He walked towards the living room, where they had sat before, and nearly slipped on a small puddle of blood. There wasn't usually this much blood when vampires killed.
Demons. Angel looked at a six-fingered handprint on the wall. No wonder.
Angel advanced into the living room and froze. Lying spread eagle on the ground, staring up at him with her glazed over, opened eyes was the Elder Lae. Her beautiful body was purpling all over with bruises, as her skin underneath became paler and paler from death. Angel could see the many bite marks on her body, some seeming vampire, some not. He could smell the sent of sex and could tell from the torn flesh on her ankles and wrists that it took all they had to hold her down. Some of her limbs were broken. The only thing he didn't see were tears. There were no telltale streaks of salt down her face. She didn't cry. Even when these monsters ripped into her, literally.
A hand on his shoulder made him jump, as he looked into Wesley's sad eyes.
"Were is Dawn and Spike?"
"Dawn isn't handling this so well and Spike is with her."
Angel nodded. Suddenly he became aware of Faith in the room with him. He swallowed hard and then looked at her. She nearly gasped at the anger there.
"This is what your Richard does to people," he spat.
As much as Faith was sorry for what happened, she could not just let that go.
"Oh no. Wait just a moment. It isn't *my* fault that Richard did this. Don't you go looking at me with those hate filled eyes, telling me that this is my fault. Truth is, this is no more my fault than it was your fault every time Darla or Penn killed someone because you couldn't kill them in time!" And with that Faith tuned and carefully made her way out, wishing she could stomp and make a scene but not wanting to step on anything.
"She's right you know."
"Yes. I know."
Angel sighed as he followed her out.
"Faith?"
She turned toward him after they exited the house. She crossed her arms in front of her.
"I'm sorry. I was just.angry. At myself. I was supposed to protect them. And I couldn't. I didn't." He looked down.
Faith stared at him a moment, before her look softened. Her arms dropped down to her side as she came closer and wrapped her arms around him.
"Angel, if we would have gotten here sooner we could have helped you."
"If I hadn't have left without anyone."
"If I hadn't of stopped you from killing the mayor."
If I hadn't." he stopped and looked at her. Smart girl. He knew they could play this blame game all night if they wanted too, but really the person to blame was Richard. She looked pretty smug. "You're right. It is your fault."
Her eyes widened. She wasn't expecting that.
"MY fault? How is it my fault?"
"Just like you said.if you'd hadn't of stopped-" She slapped his arm, hard. He playfully growled as he rubbed his sore arm with a half smile.
Wesley rushed outside. "The Scepter. It's gone."
**~**
Richard twirled the scepter around in his good hand. The other was still healing. He looked over at his vampire crew who were busy going over volumes of books. Invincible. It was supposed to make him invincible. But when he asked one of his crew to attack him, the vampire was nearly able to cut his arm clean off.
"Gentlemen?"
The vampires all stopped and collectively looked up at him.
"Anything?" Richard kept his voice level. He had already taken out his initial anger on the vampire that attacked him. He glanced at the one vampire that was sweeping up the dust on the other side of the room.
"No, master." They kept to reading. Richard turned his attention to the scepter. There had to be some reason it was so guarded, if not for invincibility.
Suddenly one of the vampires was standing next to him, placing a text in front of him.
"I found it. Here." He pointed to the passage.
After reading it, Richard sat back in his seat.
"Get me Angel. I don't care how you do it." The vampires nodded and filed out of the room to carry out their orders.
**~**
"I'm not sure where he'd be. Something tells me it wouldn't be like the sewers or anything."
"No, he hates germs." Faith yawned. They'd been at this for hours, trying to decipher where to find Richard. The last thing they wanted was to have him happen across them in all his invincibility.
"Wait a minute." Wesley piped up from the book he was reading. "The scepter gives its owner invincibility. The only exceptions to this is the Child of Lae and vampires unless either has a portion of the unique soul." Wesley read and then looked up at Angel. "Your soul, I believe."
"Looks like he'll be coming for us." Angel said quietly.
Just then the door burst open and Fred came running in, her eyes frightened, her lip busted.
"Justy! They took Justy!"
The group stood up as one, Gunn's eyes widening in fear and anger. He cradled Fred when she threw herself into his arms, trying to calm her. His eyes beseeched Angel. Angel nodded and grabbed his duster.
"Did they say where to meet them?"
Fred gave Angel a paper that had an address on it. He nodded as he headed for the door.
"Angel, no. Let me. I'm a slayer. He needs your soul, you should stay away from him."
Angel looked at Faith. "Could you kill him?"
Faith swallowed, hesitating.
"That's what I thought." He started for the door again. Faith followed.
"Then I'll come with you."
He nodded as they disappeared.
**~**
Faith groaned as she awoke. She looked around slowly. No Angel. She was alone in a dark bedroom, lying on a bed. Her head swam from where she was hit. Her temple bled. Angel.
She hopped up from the bed and went to the door. Locked. She gave the door a quick jerk and it broke from the hinges. The two vampires that were guarding the door turned to her, ready to fight.
"No."
Angel walked in between them, and stopped them.
"Angel!" Faith ran for him, hugging him. His arms slowly encased her.
"It'll be ok." He smoothed her hair. She opened her eyes and saw the other vampires were not attacking them. She slowly pulled back and looked up into Angel's eyes.
"Angel? What's going on?" She frowned; it was like he wasn't all there.
"Nothing at the moment. My master wishes you to be saved."
She stepped back, nearly stumbling. "Y-your master?"
He nodded, not really looking her in the eye as much as looking over her head.
"Yes well, remember when we tried to take his soul away, Faith?"
Faith turned sharply at the sound of Richard's voice. His smile was as wide as usual.
"He thought he was a free agent, and in a way, he was. I didn't really have a hold over him. But now," he held up the scepter that now seemed to glow, "I do."
"What did you do to him?" Faith gritted between her teeth.
"Oh.nothing really. Just removed half of his soul."
Faith's eyes widened and she looked at Angel.
"So now I have my expected invincibility, and by golly if I didn't get a surprise in the end." He smiled jovially. "I didn't count on Angel here becoming a willing servant to the man who held the other half of his soul."
Faith backed up from Angel.
"So now you can feel good about being at my right hand again, Faith." He smiled genuinely. "I miss your company."
"You're dreaming. I'm not following you. I don't care who you have on the end of your leash."
Angel just stood there impassively.
"Hm." Richard smiled and then looked at Angel. "Convince her."
Angel started to move toward her. She turned toward the window behind her and looked back to Angel. Seeing he was nearly to her she took off running and dove through the window, breaking through the glass. She curled her body into a ball and rolled back up to her feet once she was on the ground again. Angel looked down at her and then disappeared. She looked toward the front door and turned to leave when she heard a baby crying. Justy.
She heard a noise above her and saw Angel diving out of the window above. He was determined. Making a quick decision Faith ran into the house, throwing the door open. She looked around, surveying the scene. A vampire headed towards her. She closed the door behind her quickly moving something in front of it before she kicked the advancing vampire in the head, knocking him back. She looked around and saw a wooden chair off to her left. After kicking the vampire in the chest, sending it backwards she cart wheeled off to her left and grabbed the chair, breaking a leg off. She smiled as it splintered into a point.
She felt the vampire grab her arm and she punched him with her free hand and then plunged the chair leg into his heart, dusting him. She moved over to where she heard the crying child and found Justy. Recognizing Faith, Justy felt comforted by her. Lifting the child in her arms she headed for the back door, just as the front door gave way under Angel's kick. He headed toward her, walking. No passion. His mind only on his objective of getting her.
Faith waited until he was near and round housed his head, knocking him to the ground. The only good thing about his current state is that he seemed to be a zombie. He didn't innovate. He couldn't think to do two things at the same time. Faith took the opportunity to disappear with Justy, glad to at least be bringing her home.
**~**
Wesley pinched the bridge of his nose. There had to be another way.
"I'm telling you, Wesley, we can deal with Angelus better than this." Cordelia said, sitting on Wesley's desk.
"I suppose, but I am afraid we'd be getting rid of one problem just to create another."
"Look, we'll just have to deal with that when the time comes. C is right; we need Angel to be all or nothing. This in between shit is freaky and it keeps Richard invincible. When the soul is lost, Richard won't have his portion. Then we'll kill Richard and deal with Angelus." Faith packed a few more stakes on her person.
Wesley nodded and started collecting his weapons.
"No. I do this alone."
"What is with you martyrs?" Cordelia says, throwing her arms up in a frustrated gesture.
"Look, I'm the only one who can do this. No need to have an audience." She smiled and winked.
Cordelia looked shocked. "You're going to have SEX!" She looked at Wesley with outrage. "Wesley, she can't do that, can she?"
Wesley smiled. "Be careful."
Faith nodded and ran out of the hotel.
**~**
Faith leaned against the busted doorframe.
"Miss me?"
Richard and Angel looked over at her, simultaneously.
Richard scrutinized her. "Well now, Faith, my dear, it's a pleasure to see you."
"All I wanted to do was get the baby out of the picture. But I'm back." She looked at Angel. "For good."
Richard smiled widely. "Splendid!" He clapped his hands together. You two children are going to make me so happy!" He did look delighted.
Faith walked in and made her way to Angel. She slipped her hand around his back and leaned into him. Reflexively, he put his arm around her. That was a good sign. It meant part of him was still in there.
"So what's the plan?"
"Well, from here we can only go up. With the three of us, we could rule this town. Possibly get me back to my demon status. And then.the world." He giggled with delight. "Who wants some milk?"
Faith smiled, he never did change.
**~**
Faith snuck through the halls of the house to find Angel's room. Richard didn't bother setting up guards because he had fully believed she was back. He was far too trusting. Like her. She swallowed back a lump that built in her throat when she thought about the mess she let him create of her life.
Faith slowly slipped into Angel's room. Angel was lying in his bed, eyes open. He looked at her when she entered the room.
No words passed between them as Faith started to slowly remove all her clothes. Angel's eyes widened as he drank her with his eyes. Silently she let the last of her clothing fall to the floor, her skin bathed in moonlight.
She slowly put a knee down on the bed and proceeded to crawl up the length of him, covered only by a thin sheet. When she was next to him she slipped under the blankets and pulled her warm body against his cool one. Angel shivered.
"I love you." She whispered as she climbed on top of him, straddling his body. When their lips touched, Faith could feel something missing from Angel. It was as if most of the passion had escaped his body, but there was something there. Something that made his hands grip her waist. Something that made his tongue invade her mouth. She felt ridges on his forehead and pulled back a little. The demon was waiting for her. Angel looked confused, but the demon knew. He knew he was nearly free.
Faith felt Angel's body quivering under her. He wanted her as much as she has been wanting him. She leaned down again and he pulled her close, smashing his mouth against hers with passion she thought he was lacking. But she knew, he was borrowing from his demon. The soul that kept him prisoner was inadequate.
Quickly he reversed them so she was being buried into the mattress as his lips and tongue made cool trails down her body, suckling one nipple and then the other. Faith's mind shut down as she just felt.
Hurriedly, like he was afraid the opportunity would escape him, Angel slipped his hands around her waist and then under her, lifting her hips a little as his head bent downwards. His cool tongue slipping inside of her made her gasp into her pillow and thrust upwards. Moving in and out of her, leaving her only to bathe her outer lips with his tongue before delving in, Faith felt her world leave her. Nothing existed to her except his mouth and his tongue as it teased her to ecstasy.
When her body convulsed with the first waves of passion, Angel growled and buried himself inside her, making her whole body tense. She gasped again as she felt him move in her, roughly. Faith gripped his shoulders as she held onto him. Her hips thrust up to meet his every move, feeling the need that had been building in her for months. She'd wanted this for so long now. And now he was hers. All hers.
Locking her legs around his waist, Faith arched her back to open herself up to him more fully. He surprised her when he slipped his arms up behind her and sat back on his knees, taking her with him. His powerful arms moved her body up and down onto him as he thrust up inside her hard and fast. Faith buried her face I his neck, whimpering with the pleasure she was feeling. She felt his body tense, he was ready to go, and she was ready to meet him.
Together they yelled out their pleasure as Angel emptied himself inside her, burying as deep inside her as he could, smashing her to him. Faith responded in the like, holding him as tight as she could, her whole body shaking with the spent passion.
Slowly, lying down, Faith melted against Angel. She could hear voices outside the bedroom. She barely got the covers over herself when the door opened. A vampire looked in on them and seeing them together he seemed to get embarrassed and closed the door. They didn't seem to know what she had just done.
She relaxed her whole body for a moment before she got up and started to dress. She knew the change would be coming soon.
Angel sat up as he watched her. She turned toward him when she heard his first cry of pain.
Angel struggled to get out of the bed as he felt the remainder of his soul rip from him, unleashing the demon inside. He collapsed on the floor when it finally did. She waited for his body to reanimate.
"Angel?"
His head popped up. "Take another guess, baby."
Part of her was glad it worked. The other, terrified.
Angelus slowly got up, his cat-like grace back in full. She held her head up high, not wanting to back down to him. He stopped when he came chest to chest with her. Leaning down he kissed her, almost tenderly before he pushed her hard against the door.
"That was your thanks."
"Yeah well, I'm not the one you want. Don't you want to fuck up the guy who was going to make you his minion?" She asked.
Angelus smiled. "Oh yeah." He grabbed a shirt and started to dress.
Faith waited for him and tossed him a stake when he was done. He slipped it in his waistband. "Let's go see Daddy." He smiled sadistically.
**~**
Richard bolted upright when he felt his power leave him. The scepter, it wasn't working! He scrambled out of bed and started to dress. A loud bang startled him and he looked to the door, broken open by Angelus.
"Angel. Faith. What's going on?"
Faith cleared her throat. "I think the word you're looking for is Angelus."
Angelus smiled.
Richard's eyes widened. He never thought of that.
"You know what I hate?" Angelus smiled. "Puppets." He started to slowly advance on Richard. Richard started to feel the hint of real fear. He backed up.
"Puppets?"
"Yeah. Puppets. They don't move of their own will. They don't think. They just do what they are commanded."
Richard bumped into the wall behind him.
"But you know what I hate more than puppets?"
Richard shook his head slowly. Angelus smiled and buried the waiting stake into his chest, but speaking before Richard dusted.
"Puppet masters."
Richard burst into dust, littering the floor.
Angelus looked towards Faith. "I guess that makes me a real boy now." He smiled.
Faith nodded. "I guess so."
"So, now what. I've killed your mentor. Where do we stand?" Angelus walked towards her, slowly.
"I stand with you."
"With me? But, baby, I'm no soul carrying Angel anymore." He stopped in front of her, tracing his finger down her cheek.
Faith closed her eyes momentarily and then opened them to look at his waiting face. "I love you. Soul or no soul."
Angelus leaned down and licked her lips with his cool tongue, making her shiver.
"And the gang?" he whispered, his mouth inches from hers.
"All here."
Angelus glared as his face shot towards Wesley's voice. Holding the needed orb in his hand, the incantations began. Faith brought her knee up; making contact and making Angelus stumble backwards in pain. He looked at her; his face showing is demon.
Faith and Angel traded blows, kicking and pushing, breaking furniture and bloodying each other, but she was able to effectively keep him from Wesley while he chanted over and over the words needed to replace Angel's soul.
Angelus ducked a sloppy punch and grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the wall behind him. She smashed into it, sliding down it before getting up and staggering toward him again. She leaped on his back, taking him from attacking Wesley again. Just then Angel lurched back, and screamed as he fell to the ground, Faith on top of him.
Faith rolled off of him and struggled to catch her breath as Angel writhed beside her.
Wesley panted as the spell finished, the soul securely in place. He took out a second orb, this one darker and smaller and took out another book beginning again. Faith looked up at him, quizzically. If the soul was back, what was he doing?
A white light erupted from the small orb and shot into Angel, bathing him with it. This one didn't seem to hurt Angel as he lay there, soaking in the glow of the magic surrounding him. Faith watched warily until the orb disappeared from Wesley's hand creating a small crackle, like thunder. Then silence.
Faith got up and went to Wesley.
"What did you do?" She helped him to the bed to sit down. He gratefully leaned on her, his energy spent.
"Replaced.his.soul."
"Yeah but after that."
"For.good." Wesley panted, just starting to catch his breath.
Faith's eyes widened as she saw Angel start to stir. "For good?"
"It was too dangerous.to have him.losing it all the time." Wesley took a deep breath, centering himself. Faith looked to the door where Gunn, Cordelia, Spike, Dawn, and Fred stood. All smiling.
"Fred found it."
"Now you don't have to worry about the demon," Fred smiled.
"For the first time in over a century." Cordelia added.
Angel made his way to Faith, pulling her up into his arms and crushing her with a hug.
"I love you."
"Forever."
I'm rating the whole series as rated R, but some parts are more R than others.lol. This is one of those times. They're having the sex.so consider yourself warned. As always, these characters belong to Joss Whedon and all the fine folks who bring us Angel.
Also.when Buffy dies, she never comes back.I wasn't sure if I was clear on that or not. Faith is the one and only Slayer at the moment. Also, Merle is still around. Was written before the episode where he dies and I didn't have the heart to change it.
If you want to put this story on your website, please email me and let me know. I never say no, but I want to know who's supporting my work. Thanks!
*~*~*
"The Scepter of Lae is a very old artifact that was in fact created in Egypt. It was brought to the Americas in 1789 in order to hide it from Lae himself, who was, according to my books, a human who tried to put demons to shame with the amount of people he killed. Small armies had problems defeating him because he used the Amber Oracle which bejewels the Scepter to make him invincible." Wesley paced the room as he held the dusty book, still reading from it.
Faith looked at Angel who quickly shifted his eyes away from her. Faith looked down.
"The Amber Oracle was then mounted on a scepter of pure silver and etched with a curse."
"Curse?" Spike narrowed his eyes. "Can't make anything easy can you, Watcher?"
"Well, I certainly didn't write the book, Spike."
"So what's the curse?" Dawn asked, putting her hand on Spike's arm, distracting him away from his next comment.
"Huh?" Wesley looked confused and then his eyes snapped to the book. "Oh yes, the curse. Well, it's in an older Egyptian dialect. I'll have to translate it. The Scepter was then brought to the Americas, more precisely to South America. But in this book it seems that it was then moved up north, going to Canada, it seems. Tracing it from there, I've found-"
"For fuck's sake, Watcher, where is it now?" Spike growled.
Wesley glared. "I was getting to that."
"Well before I age, eh?" Spike shot back.
"Well you know, you could have helped research this Scepter rather than disappearing this afternoon."
"I had things to do."
"Yes well, we are supposed to be a team. If you want to remain-"
"ENOUGH!" Angel stood up and looked at the both of them. Faith stared up at him in surprise, her look mirrored on Dawn's face. "Wesley, where?"
Wesley swallowed and looked down at the book a moment. "California somewhere, but it is hard to tell where. This map is seriously outdated."
Angel sat down. "Alright. Anything else?" His voice was dangerously calm.
"Uh, well, the Child of Lae who protects this scepter is actually a magical creature who repels Lae, whose death is questionable."
"What do you mean, questionable?" Dawn asked, frowning.
"Well, the man has been sighted as often as Elvis." Wesley squinted at the book in his hand and then looked up. "And once with him." Wesley shook his head and continued. "In any case, if Richard were to take the scepter from the Child of Lae, he would be a prime suspect of Lae, if Lae were still alive. The same thing applies to us. If we take it, we are subject as well."
"Yes, but we'll be invincible." Spike snickered.
"No. One of us will be. If he attacks Dawn while you're invincible."
"I'll kill the bugger."
"Yes, well, before or after she is destroyed."
Angel started to growl low in his throat. Wesley, Dawn, Spike, and Faith all looked at him silently.
"Well.uh.there is one more thing.if you're interested."
Angel nodded slowly.
"There is also an Elder Lae. She protects the Child of Lae. She is not a magical being, but an Egyptian warrior who cares for the child until her death, where another Elder Lae is appointed. She is human, but very strong."
Angel nodded and then stood up and left the room. Everyone's eyes went to Faith.
She looked around from face to face and her chin came up and she stood. Without letting a tear drop she exited the room.
**~**
Faith watched Angel as he packed weapons into a duffle bag. They hadn't spoken since she had told him. It wasn't just that she told him Richard was still feeding off of humans and she had known. It wasn't just that she told him that Richard intended on capturing the Scepter of Lae. But it was that she told Angel that she couldn't kill Richard. Angel's look said it all. He felt betrayed. He felt like she was choosing sides against him. But even when she attempted to explain to him, he didn't want to hear it. They hadn't spoken since.
Angel turned abruptly, weapons in hand and looked at her. His eyes were hollow, his look guarded. He looked at her a moment as she struggled to find the words that would put things back to normal. Her mouth opened and nothing came out.
"Save it." Angel gripped his weapons and brushed past her, leaving her looking at the ground, fighting tears back.
When Dawn placed her hand on Faith's shoulder, Faith jumped and spun around quickly. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and took a calming breath.
"I didn't hear you."
"I know." Dawn smiled reassuringly. "He'll come around."
Faith took a shaky breath. "Not likely anytime soon. Betrayal is a huge thing to him."
"But you didn't betray him. Not really."
"Doesn't matter if I did or didn't.just matters if he thinks I did." Faith took a seat in the lobby.
Dawn sat beside her and they sat in silence for a moment. The sound of Angel's car brought them both out of their thoughts.
Faith stood and ran to the door, just in time to see Angel driving off, not looking back.
"Damn him, he's going to do this alone," Faith said.
"The hell he is." Dawn grabbed her car keys and shouted for Spike. He appeared from down the hall. The shout made Wesley peek out of his office.
"What's going on?" Wesley questioned.
"Angel just left to stop Richard, alone."
Wesley hurriedly grabbed his keys and came toward the group. Spike rolled his eyes.
"Way to be melodramatic, Peaches." He lit a cigarette as they all piled into Spike's car. "Where to?"
"Well, I've been studying the map, and if my calculations are correct-"
"Where?" Spike cut him off. Wesley looked indignant for a moment, but given the severity of the situation, his look softened.
"San Diego."
Spike peeled out of the driveway and started toward San Diego.
**~**
Faith and Dawn looked as if they were going to ring the necks of the men. Apparently two and a half hours in a car together was two and a half hours too long. From the time they headed towards San Diego, until they got there the two bickered and baited each other.
"You know, if we go any slower we'll possibly make it by the time the poof is dead." Spike spat at Wesley.
"Well, Spike, if I break the speed limit, I highly doubt the police officer is going to appreciate the gravity of the situation and since we're armed to the hilt, perhaps a decorum of subtlety is in order." Wesley shot back.
"Subtle isn't my way."
"Obviously. You much more prefer the barge in and get everyone killed-"
"ENOUGH!" The two girls shouted at once. At least the men had the decency to look shame-faced. Wesley sped the car up, deciding that getting there as soon as possible would not only help Angel, but would also help him get out of close confinements with Spike.
**~**
Angel entered the darkened yard quietly, looking through the window at the scene inside. If he hadn't known better, Angel would have thought this a simple child with his mother. The Child of Lae was dressed in blue jeans and a stripped shirt. His tousled brown hair and young chubby appearance was all child. But his blue eyes spoke of wisdom.
The woman turned toward the window, heading for something close to the wall. Angel felt his mouth go dry. She was quite possibly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She was tall and slender, with a toned body. Her long black hair was pulled back into a simple braid down her back, and her creamy tanned skin begged to be tasted. Her green almond shaped eyes settled on him, as her slender legs stopped their traveling.
Soon the child was making his way to the door. The door opened and Angel carefully stepped up to it.
The child looked at him for a moment, the woman coming up behind him.
"Come in." Her silvery voice floated to him, enticing him.
Angel cleared his voice. "Uh.you know I'm a.vampire don't you?"
The child smiled. "Of course we know." His voice was young but commanding.
Angel nodded and walked inside. The Elder Lae picked up the young looking boy and carried him into the other room. Angel followed, unable to keep his eyes from traveling down to her firm, round bottom.
After sitting the child down, the Elder Lae looked at Angel. Angel quickly averted his eyes from her backside and smiled sheepishly. She didn't seem to notice but something in her manner made him think she did. She offered him a place to sit.
"Why have you come to see me, vampire?" The child spoke.
"Angel. My name's Angel."
The child waited.
"Well, you're in danger."
The Elder Lae smiled. "I take care of danger."
"Well, I'm not sure how well you can take care of this guy. He's a pretty powerful vampire."
"Vampires are no problem."
Angel started to get irritated. "Look, Elder.or.Lae.whatever, this is serious. He's coming for the Scepter of Lae."
They both looked at him as if he just said it might rain. They looked totally impervious to the danger that headed their way.
"Look, I don't mean to be pushy, but shouldn't you be packing up the kid and hiding?"
"We need not hide, vampire. This other will be of no consequence. I have fought those like him before."
"Not like him."
"Nevertheless. Goodnight." She stood up and walked to the door, offering it open for him.
He looked at the child who stared at him blankly.
"You're making a mistake."
"Perhaps. But fate will keep me safe if it wishes."
"Maybe it's time to take fate in your own hands and let me protect you."
"I have my protection." The child looked at Elder Lae. "She will protect me all of her days."
"Which may not be long if you don't take this warning seriously."
"I appreciate your worry, vampire, but we are unconcerned with this other vampire."
Angel ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. He took an unneeded breath, a reflex from when he was human. Slowly he stood, he gave them both a last look before he left.
He got into his car and slammed the door. Nothing pissed him off more than someone who drowns because they wont take hold of the lifesaver. He ran his hands over his face, rubbing his eyes. Well, he could stand watch over the house.
Angel looked up and his eyes widened. He ducked as a fist flew towards him. He leaped over the passenger seat of his convertible and turned, getting into fighting stance. Too late. Two vampires grabbed him; one at each arm, while the one that nearly punched him landed a punch straight into his face. A hit on his temple and Angel's world turned black.
**~**
When they pulled up they noticed Angel's car. They pulled up behind it and shot out of the car from all doors. After a quick survey to make sure no other vehicles that could be containing an ambush was around and they headed for the house.
Spike cursed as he tripped.
"Bloody everlasting hell!" He looked to see what tripped him, and found himself staring at Angel's unconscious body.
Faith seemed to turn a shade whiter as she saw Angel. She rushed to his side, turning him over, seeing the blood at his temple.
"Angel?" She spoke softly.
"We'll check the house." Wesley said as he motioned for Dawn and Spike to follow him. They did.
"Angel?"
Angel stirred a little, opening his eyes slowly.
"Faith?" His eyes opened wide for a moment in an obvious effort to focus.
"Yeah, it's me."
Angel tried to sit up but was failing miserably at it.
"Whoa there, stud. Lets wait for the party favors to wear off first."
Angel eased back down into her waiting arms. She smiled a small smile as she ran a finger across his hairline.
"Besides, this gives me an opportunity to tell you how sorry I am."
Angel's eyes instantly left her face. She almost swore to herself, but instead she continued.
"Angel, I love you. I really do, and that's not easy for me. I mean, come on! Me with Buffy's boy? Nah, I never would have guessed it. And not only that, but him wantin' me. I'd never been anything but a glorified hoodlum before going to jail, and sometimes I wasn't much better then. When I was released, I didn't know if I'd be welcome. But now, I feel a part of the group. A part of you. I just want that back. I just want that more than I've ever wanted anything."
Angel's eyes found her eyes as she spoke. Suddenly it didn't matter anymore what they were fighting about. He just wanted his Faith back.
Slowly one hand cupped around the nap of her neck and pulled her down until her lips electrified his. After a moment he loosened his grip and she lifted her head.
"I love you too." He smiled.
The nervous smile that flitted over her face made Angel's insides wrench for her. He sighed. She started to stand and helped him to his feet, taking him toward the Lae house.
They entered the house arm in arm, but Angel stopped at the carnage before him.
The child was torn into shreds and parts of him were scattered among the house, blood smeared throughout the home on the walls, furniture, any place that had surface. The scent of it bombarded Angel's senses, his demon aching to be let out.
Faith swallowed back the bile that threatened her. She had seen some gruesome things in her life, she'd even done some of them, but this was unlike anything she'd ever seen.
Angel's arm dropped from Faith as he slowly advanced into the house, stepping over body parts that used to belong to the Child of Lae. He walked towards the living room, where they had sat before, and nearly slipped on a small puddle of blood. There wasn't usually this much blood when vampires killed.
Demons. Angel looked at a six-fingered handprint on the wall. No wonder.
Angel advanced into the living room and froze. Lying spread eagle on the ground, staring up at him with her glazed over, opened eyes was the Elder Lae. Her beautiful body was purpling all over with bruises, as her skin underneath became paler and paler from death. Angel could see the many bite marks on her body, some seeming vampire, some not. He could smell the sent of sex and could tell from the torn flesh on her ankles and wrists that it took all they had to hold her down. Some of her limbs were broken. The only thing he didn't see were tears. There were no telltale streaks of salt down her face. She didn't cry. Even when these monsters ripped into her, literally.
A hand on his shoulder made him jump, as he looked into Wesley's sad eyes.
"Were is Dawn and Spike?"
"Dawn isn't handling this so well and Spike is with her."
Angel nodded. Suddenly he became aware of Faith in the room with him. He swallowed hard and then looked at her. She nearly gasped at the anger there.
"This is what your Richard does to people," he spat.
As much as Faith was sorry for what happened, she could not just let that go.
"Oh no. Wait just a moment. It isn't *my* fault that Richard did this. Don't you go looking at me with those hate filled eyes, telling me that this is my fault. Truth is, this is no more my fault than it was your fault every time Darla or Penn killed someone because you couldn't kill them in time!" And with that Faith tuned and carefully made her way out, wishing she could stomp and make a scene but not wanting to step on anything.
"She's right you know."
"Yes. I know."
Angel sighed as he followed her out.
"Faith?"
She turned toward him after they exited the house. She crossed her arms in front of her.
"I'm sorry. I was just.angry. At myself. I was supposed to protect them. And I couldn't. I didn't." He looked down.
Faith stared at him a moment, before her look softened. Her arms dropped down to her side as she came closer and wrapped her arms around him.
"Angel, if we would have gotten here sooner we could have helped you."
"If I hadn't have left without anyone."
"If I hadn't of stopped you from killing the mayor."
If I hadn't." he stopped and looked at her. Smart girl. He knew they could play this blame game all night if they wanted too, but really the person to blame was Richard. She looked pretty smug. "You're right. It is your fault."
Her eyes widened. She wasn't expecting that.
"MY fault? How is it my fault?"
"Just like you said.if you'd hadn't of stopped-" She slapped his arm, hard. He playfully growled as he rubbed his sore arm with a half smile.
Wesley rushed outside. "The Scepter. It's gone."
**~**
Richard twirled the scepter around in his good hand. The other was still healing. He looked over at his vampire crew who were busy going over volumes of books. Invincible. It was supposed to make him invincible. But when he asked one of his crew to attack him, the vampire was nearly able to cut his arm clean off.
"Gentlemen?"
The vampires all stopped and collectively looked up at him.
"Anything?" Richard kept his voice level. He had already taken out his initial anger on the vampire that attacked him. He glanced at the one vampire that was sweeping up the dust on the other side of the room.
"No, master." They kept to reading. Richard turned his attention to the scepter. There had to be some reason it was so guarded, if not for invincibility.
Suddenly one of the vampires was standing next to him, placing a text in front of him.
"I found it. Here." He pointed to the passage.
After reading it, Richard sat back in his seat.
"Get me Angel. I don't care how you do it." The vampires nodded and filed out of the room to carry out their orders.
**~**
"I'm not sure where he'd be. Something tells me it wouldn't be like the sewers or anything."
"No, he hates germs." Faith yawned. They'd been at this for hours, trying to decipher where to find Richard. The last thing they wanted was to have him happen across them in all his invincibility.
"Wait a minute." Wesley piped up from the book he was reading. "The scepter gives its owner invincibility. The only exceptions to this is the Child of Lae and vampires unless either has a portion of the unique soul." Wesley read and then looked up at Angel. "Your soul, I believe."
"Looks like he'll be coming for us." Angel said quietly.
Just then the door burst open and Fred came running in, her eyes frightened, her lip busted.
"Justy! They took Justy!"
The group stood up as one, Gunn's eyes widening in fear and anger. He cradled Fred when she threw herself into his arms, trying to calm her. His eyes beseeched Angel. Angel nodded and grabbed his duster.
"Did they say where to meet them?"
Fred gave Angel a paper that had an address on it. He nodded as he headed for the door.
"Angel, no. Let me. I'm a slayer. He needs your soul, you should stay away from him."
Angel looked at Faith. "Could you kill him?"
Faith swallowed, hesitating.
"That's what I thought." He started for the door again. Faith followed.
"Then I'll come with you."
He nodded as they disappeared.
**~**
Faith groaned as she awoke. She looked around slowly. No Angel. She was alone in a dark bedroom, lying on a bed. Her head swam from where she was hit. Her temple bled. Angel.
She hopped up from the bed and went to the door. Locked. She gave the door a quick jerk and it broke from the hinges. The two vampires that were guarding the door turned to her, ready to fight.
"No."
Angel walked in between them, and stopped them.
"Angel!" Faith ran for him, hugging him. His arms slowly encased her.
"It'll be ok." He smoothed her hair. She opened her eyes and saw the other vampires were not attacking them. She slowly pulled back and looked up into Angel's eyes.
"Angel? What's going on?" She frowned; it was like he wasn't all there.
"Nothing at the moment. My master wishes you to be saved."
She stepped back, nearly stumbling. "Y-your master?"
He nodded, not really looking her in the eye as much as looking over her head.
"Yes well, remember when we tried to take his soul away, Faith?"
Faith turned sharply at the sound of Richard's voice. His smile was as wide as usual.
"He thought he was a free agent, and in a way, he was. I didn't really have a hold over him. But now," he held up the scepter that now seemed to glow, "I do."
"What did you do to him?" Faith gritted between her teeth.
"Oh.nothing really. Just removed half of his soul."
Faith's eyes widened and she looked at Angel.
"So now I have my expected invincibility, and by golly if I didn't get a surprise in the end." He smiled jovially. "I didn't count on Angel here becoming a willing servant to the man who held the other half of his soul."
Faith backed up from Angel.
"So now you can feel good about being at my right hand again, Faith." He smiled genuinely. "I miss your company."
"You're dreaming. I'm not following you. I don't care who you have on the end of your leash."
Angel just stood there impassively.
"Hm." Richard smiled and then looked at Angel. "Convince her."
Angel started to move toward her. She turned toward the window behind her and looked back to Angel. Seeing he was nearly to her she took off running and dove through the window, breaking through the glass. She curled her body into a ball and rolled back up to her feet once she was on the ground again. Angel looked down at her and then disappeared. She looked toward the front door and turned to leave when she heard a baby crying. Justy.
She heard a noise above her and saw Angel diving out of the window above. He was determined. Making a quick decision Faith ran into the house, throwing the door open. She looked around, surveying the scene. A vampire headed towards her. She closed the door behind her quickly moving something in front of it before she kicked the advancing vampire in the head, knocking him back. She looked around and saw a wooden chair off to her left. After kicking the vampire in the chest, sending it backwards she cart wheeled off to her left and grabbed the chair, breaking a leg off. She smiled as it splintered into a point.
She felt the vampire grab her arm and she punched him with her free hand and then plunged the chair leg into his heart, dusting him. She moved over to where she heard the crying child and found Justy. Recognizing Faith, Justy felt comforted by her. Lifting the child in her arms she headed for the back door, just as the front door gave way under Angel's kick. He headed toward her, walking. No passion. His mind only on his objective of getting her.
Faith waited until he was near and round housed his head, knocking him to the ground. The only good thing about his current state is that he seemed to be a zombie. He didn't innovate. He couldn't think to do two things at the same time. Faith took the opportunity to disappear with Justy, glad to at least be bringing her home.
**~**
Wesley pinched the bridge of his nose. There had to be another way.
"I'm telling you, Wesley, we can deal with Angelus better than this." Cordelia said, sitting on Wesley's desk.
"I suppose, but I am afraid we'd be getting rid of one problem just to create another."
"Look, we'll just have to deal with that when the time comes. C is right; we need Angel to be all or nothing. This in between shit is freaky and it keeps Richard invincible. When the soul is lost, Richard won't have his portion. Then we'll kill Richard and deal with Angelus." Faith packed a few more stakes on her person.
Wesley nodded and started collecting his weapons.
"No. I do this alone."
"What is with you martyrs?" Cordelia says, throwing her arms up in a frustrated gesture.
"Look, I'm the only one who can do this. No need to have an audience." She smiled and winked.
Cordelia looked shocked. "You're going to have SEX!" She looked at Wesley with outrage. "Wesley, she can't do that, can she?"
Wesley smiled. "Be careful."
Faith nodded and ran out of the hotel.
**~**
Faith leaned against the busted doorframe.
"Miss me?"
Richard and Angel looked over at her, simultaneously.
Richard scrutinized her. "Well now, Faith, my dear, it's a pleasure to see you."
"All I wanted to do was get the baby out of the picture. But I'm back." She looked at Angel. "For good."
Richard smiled widely. "Splendid!" He clapped his hands together. You two children are going to make me so happy!" He did look delighted.
Faith walked in and made her way to Angel. She slipped her hand around his back and leaned into him. Reflexively, he put his arm around her. That was a good sign. It meant part of him was still in there.
"So what's the plan?"
"Well, from here we can only go up. With the three of us, we could rule this town. Possibly get me back to my demon status. And then.the world." He giggled with delight. "Who wants some milk?"
Faith smiled, he never did change.
**~**
Faith snuck through the halls of the house to find Angel's room. Richard didn't bother setting up guards because he had fully believed she was back. He was far too trusting. Like her. She swallowed back a lump that built in her throat when she thought about the mess she let him create of her life.
Faith slowly slipped into Angel's room. Angel was lying in his bed, eyes open. He looked at her when she entered the room.
No words passed between them as Faith started to slowly remove all her clothes. Angel's eyes widened as he drank her with his eyes. Silently she let the last of her clothing fall to the floor, her skin bathed in moonlight.
She slowly put a knee down on the bed and proceeded to crawl up the length of him, covered only by a thin sheet. When she was next to him she slipped under the blankets and pulled her warm body against his cool one. Angel shivered.
"I love you." She whispered as she climbed on top of him, straddling his body. When their lips touched, Faith could feel something missing from Angel. It was as if most of the passion had escaped his body, but there was something there. Something that made his hands grip her waist. Something that made his tongue invade her mouth. She felt ridges on his forehead and pulled back a little. The demon was waiting for her. Angel looked confused, but the demon knew. He knew he was nearly free.
Faith felt Angel's body quivering under her. He wanted her as much as she has been wanting him. She leaned down again and he pulled her close, smashing his mouth against hers with passion she thought he was lacking. But she knew, he was borrowing from his demon. The soul that kept him prisoner was inadequate.
Quickly he reversed them so she was being buried into the mattress as his lips and tongue made cool trails down her body, suckling one nipple and then the other. Faith's mind shut down as she just felt.
Hurriedly, like he was afraid the opportunity would escape him, Angel slipped his hands around her waist and then under her, lifting her hips a little as his head bent downwards. His cool tongue slipping inside of her made her gasp into her pillow and thrust upwards. Moving in and out of her, leaving her only to bathe her outer lips with his tongue before delving in, Faith felt her world leave her. Nothing existed to her except his mouth and his tongue as it teased her to ecstasy.
When her body convulsed with the first waves of passion, Angel growled and buried himself inside her, making her whole body tense. She gasped again as she felt him move in her, roughly. Faith gripped his shoulders as she held onto him. Her hips thrust up to meet his every move, feeling the need that had been building in her for months. She'd wanted this for so long now. And now he was hers. All hers.
Locking her legs around his waist, Faith arched her back to open herself up to him more fully. He surprised her when he slipped his arms up behind her and sat back on his knees, taking her with him. His powerful arms moved her body up and down onto him as he thrust up inside her hard and fast. Faith buried her face I his neck, whimpering with the pleasure she was feeling. She felt his body tense, he was ready to go, and she was ready to meet him.
Together they yelled out their pleasure as Angel emptied himself inside her, burying as deep inside her as he could, smashing her to him. Faith responded in the like, holding him as tight as she could, her whole body shaking with the spent passion.
Slowly, lying down, Faith melted against Angel. She could hear voices outside the bedroom. She barely got the covers over herself when the door opened. A vampire looked in on them and seeing them together he seemed to get embarrassed and closed the door. They didn't seem to know what she had just done.
She relaxed her whole body for a moment before she got up and started to dress. She knew the change would be coming soon.
Angel sat up as he watched her. She turned toward him when she heard his first cry of pain.
Angel struggled to get out of the bed as he felt the remainder of his soul rip from him, unleashing the demon inside. He collapsed on the floor when it finally did. She waited for his body to reanimate.
"Angel?"
His head popped up. "Take another guess, baby."
Part of her was glad it worked. The other, terrified.
Angelus slowly got up, his cat-like grace back in full. She held her head up high, not wanting to back down to him. He stopped when he came chest to chest with her. Leaning down he kissed her, almost tenderly before he pushed her hard against the door.
"That was your thanks."
"Yeah well, I'm not the one you want. Don't you want to fuck up the guy who was going to make you his minion?" She asked.
Angelus smiled. "Oh yeah." He grabbed a shirt and started to dress.
Faith waited for him and tossed him a stake when he was done. He slipped it in his waistband. "Let's go see Daddy." He smiled sadistically.
**~**
Richard bolted upright when he felt his power leave him. The scepter, it wasn't working! He scrambled out of bed and started to dress. A loud bang startled him and he looked to the door, broken open by Angelus.
"Angel. Faith. What's going on?"
Faith cleared her throat. "I think the word you're looking for is Angelus."
Angelus smiled.
Richard's eyes widened. He never thought of that.
"You know what I hate?" Angelus smiled. "Puppets." He started to slowly advance on Richard. Richard started to feel the hint of real fear. He backed up.
"Puppets?"
"Yeah. Puppets. They don't move of their own will. They don't think. They just do what they are commanded."
Richard bumped into the wall behind him.
"But you know what I hate more than puppets?"
Richard shook his head slowly. Angelus smiled and buried the waiting stake into his chest, but speaking before Richard dusted.
"Puppet masters."
Richard burst into dust, littering the floor.
Angelus looked towards Faith. "I guess that makes me a real boy now." He smiled.
Faith nodded. "I guess so."
"So, now what. I've killed your mentor. Where do we stand?" Angelus walked towards her, slowly.
"I stand with you."
"With me? But, baby, I'm no soul carrying Angel anymore." He stopped in front of her, tracing his finger down her cheek.
Faith closed her eyes momentarily and then opened them to look at his waiting face. "I love you. Soul or no soul."
Angelus leaned down and licked her lips with his cool tongue, making her shiver.
"And the gang?" he whispered, his mouth inches from hers.
"All here."
Angelus glared as his face shot towards Wesley's voice. Holding the needed orb in his hand, the incantations began. Faith brought her knee up; making contact and making Angelus stumble backwards in pain. He looked at her; his face showing is demon.
Faith and Angel traded blows, kicking and pushing, breaking furniture and bloodying each other, but she was able to effectively keep him from Wesley while he chanted over and over the words needed to replace Angel's soul.
Angelus ducked a sloppy punch and grabbed her arm, pulling her toward the wall behind him. She smashed into it, sliding down it before getting up and staggering toward him again. She leaped on his back, taking him from attacking Wesley again. Just then Angel lurched back, and screamed as he fell to the ground, Faith on top of him.
Faith rolled off of him and struggled to catch her breath as Angel writhed beside her.
Wesley panted as the spell finished, the soul securely in place. He took out a second orb, this one darker and smaller and took out another book beginning again. Faith looked up at him, quizzically. If the soul was back, what was he doing?
A white light erupted from the small orb and shot into Angel, bathing him with it. This one didn't seem to hurt Angel as he lay there, soaking in the glow of the magic surrounding him. Faith watched warily until the orb disappeared from Wesley's hand creating a small crackle, like thunder. Then silence.
Faith got up and went to Wesley.
"What did you do?" She helped him to the bed to sit down. He gratefully leaned on her, his energy spent.
"Replaced.his.soul."
"Yeah but after that."
"For.good." Wesley panted, just starting to catch his breath.
Faith's eyes widened as she saw Angel start to stir. "For good?"
"It was too dangerous.to have him.losing it all the time." Wesley took a deep breath, centering himself. Faith looked to the door where Gunn, Cordelia, Spike, Dawn, and Fred stood. All smiling.
"Fred found it."
"Now you don't have to worry about the demon," Fred smiled.
"For the first time in over a century." Cordelia added.
Angel made his way to Faith, pulling her up into his arms and crushing her with a hug.
"I love you."
"Forever."