Chapter 9
It was getting dark, by the time Drusilla checked her messages, while still in bed with Cole. She had now accepted the inevitability that she would need to check in with someone.
Wesley had called four times! Drusilla rolled her eyes, then tried not to giggle, as Cole began to nibble on her ear. Wesley picked up on the first ring.
'Drusilla? Where have you been all day? Are you alright? Leo and Phoebe were here...'
'No doubt to tattle on me. I needed a break from them...from everything. What did you need?'
'I need for you to orb to the offices. There has been another lead on our rogue employee. It looks as if he's staying in a nearby graveyard.'
'A graveyard? Well, chances are he'll be there in the morning then, won't he? I mean he is a vampire. He's probably out hunting now.'
'Drusilla, I don't want this assignment to linger on much longer. Angel wants this demon caught and preferably killed. We'll have new work to tend to in the morning. Please be here shortly.'
Wesley hung up. Drusilla sighed and set the phone on the dresser. Cole was playing with her hair.
'You know, they don't own you, Dru.'
Dru looked at him.
'What?'
'Wolfram & Hart? Angel? Dru, I know this is none of my business, but I don't think you owe Angel or his firm a damned thing. Especially Angel. He can be as sorry as he wants, but the reality is, he did slaughter your whole family. That's why you're playing catch up now with your craft. He should be paying you reparations or something.'
Drusilla raised a brow.
'Well, I suppose one could see it like that...look, just to keep the peace, I'd better go.' she said, kissing him, then getting up out of bed. Cole leaned back against the pillows, quite pleased with himself. It would only be a matter of time now.
Meanwhile, Wesley handed the phone to Spike, who was dressed in leather.
'Are you happy now? You do really have a lead, do you not? I haven't just tricked Drusilla into something, have I?'
Spike clapped Wesley on the shoulder, hard.
'You just call that pretty witch you've been seeing and go and enjoy yourself. Angel and Phoebe are still in his office. Go out and have a nice time. Dru and I will take care of our employee. I'll also explain to her in the switch in management.'
Wesley stared at him.
'I do hope you know what you're doing.'
Spike said nothing to that. He reached for a pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. Wesley sighed and walked out of the office.
Meanwhile, Drusilla had showered and dressed in a pale, yellow fleece hooded sweatshirt with matching pants. Cole had not been happy to see her leave and had tried to tempt her back into bed.
But she had to face reality. Somehow, she would have to find a way to peacefully co-exist with Phoebe, Piper and Paige, and continue a friendship with Cole. And that was all they were, despite their afternoon of robust sex.
Yet, Cole was gentler than vampires, or other creatures she had been with, ever were, Spike included. Maybe it was the demon in him or something.
Drusilla orbed into the office 20 minutes later, that she and Wesley worked out of. She sighed loudly. Spike was standing there.
She said nothing, gave him an annoyed look and moved towards the door, in search of Wesley. But, with vampire speed, Spike was in front of her, blocking the door.
'Now that is very impolite, luv. You saw me standing here and you treated me as if I was no better than a pissy goat! And here I was going to compliment you on your very pretty outfit there. Now, I will...'
Spike stopped talking abruptly, then slowly began to sniff her. Dru knew what was coming! There was no amount of showers that could wash the scent of someone off of you, at least not to a vampire. She turned and tried to hurry out of the door!
But Spike grabbed her by the back of her arms, pulled her inside the office and slammed the door!
'You've been with him, haven't you?!' Spike seethed.
'Oh grow up, Spike! Who I sleep with is none of your business anymore!'
'It never was! Even when we were supposed to be together!'
Drusilla turned away again and tried to open the door, but Spike's fist slammed it shut! Drusilla accepted the fact that she would have to listen to some sort of tirade, and turned to face him, her expression one of pure boredom.
'First of all, we had a meeting today, while you were off shagging that bloody demon! You work for me now!'
Drusilla tilted her head.
'What? Uh, no!'
'Yes, pet! And another thing, you will be here at SEVEN in the morning to work on your physical training.'
'Seven?! I don't start work until nine!'
'I like to be up early, so seven it is!'
Drusilla shook her head wildly!
'I won't do it! Angel and I had an agreement! He would've never allowed this to happen! Wesley would never agree to it! He's my...'
'Yes, lamb, I know. He's your 'Earthly Whitelighter'! I know! And he still can be, after I get my pound of flesh.' he said, his smile suggestive.
Drusilla wasn't amused! She turned to open the door again, but Spike's voice stopped her.
'Angel and Phoebe are getting ready to go out. Paige will probably orb down here to be with Wesley. Do you really want to go interrupting them now, telling tales on me? What's the big deal about this? I will go with you to the graveyard and we'll take care of business, alright?'
Drusilla let go of the door and turned back to face him.
'Fine. But I will speak to Angel in the morning.'
Spike shrugged.
'Fine with me. He's just going to back me up.'
'I highly doubt that. Alright, I suppose we can get started.'
They stood there staring at one another. Spike raised a brow.
'Well, you're the one that can orb.' he reminded her.
'I'm not orbing with you! Where's your car?'
'Bloody hell, Drusilla! You expect us to drive there?!'
'Orbing is a very...very personal experience. I don't just want anyone hanging on me.'
Spike smiled at her, then slowly circled her. Drusilla wondered if she was about to be sniffed on again!
But Spike stopped so that he was behind her. He then slowly wrapped his arms around her and sniffed the side of her neck.
'But I'm not just anyone, am I, luv?'
Dru tried to ignore how his arms around her made her feel. Safe.
'I'm going to orb us to the graveyard, and then you are going to remove your hands from my person, do you understand?'
Spike just nodded against her. She could hear him growling. For a moment, she wondered if his fangs had emerged!
The two of them slowly orbed away.
****
When they arrived in the graveyard, Drusilla slapped Spike's hands off of her.
'Stop this rubbish and let's get to work! Now, where is this vampire, because I'm not getting any visions at all.'
'That's because he's not here.'
Drusilla gave him a look of disbelief!
'Damnit, Spike! That new soul of yours doesn't keep you from being a liar, does it?'
'Dru, this was the only way I could get to talk to you! You have been so cold and so closed off...I can't even get a civilized word out of you or a tender glance!'
'Because you don't deserve one! I'm orbing back!'
'Dru, I love you! I do! More than ever now! And I'd be lying if I said that the way you are now, doesn't have a lot to do with it! I know what I tried to do to you seems unforgiveable...but it really isn't, is it? We could try again, couldn't we?'
Drusilla couldn't get the image of him physically throwing her aside, just so he could save that slayer. Or hearing his words of love to Buffy, while he had a stake pressed against her heart. Drusilla had realized then, through her madness, that she was listening to a part of him that she had never known existed. It was as if he had hidden a part of himself from her for over a century and given that part to Buffy.
But when she looked into his eyes now, she could see love there... and Buffy's fading aura. Things just weren't the same anymore. Maybe that's because neither one of them was the same.
'I'm sorry, Spike. I just can't...let's just get back to the offices, okay?' she held out her hand to him so they could orb back.
Spike stared at her for a long moment.
'Do you love Belthazor? Is that it?'
'Spike I...'
Suddenly, the first Dark Lighter that Raagon had sent, appeared behind Spike! Dru's eyes grew extra large, as she began to scream.
'Watch out, Spike!' she screamed, shoving him out of the way, just as the arrow caught her in the arm! Spike turned to see the Dark Lighter smile, then vanish! He knelt down next to the fallen Drusilla, then picked her up in his arms. Panicked, he began to make his way through the cemetery and to the nearest crypt. He did not know if that demon was going to return or what! And now, with Dru hurt, they would not be able to orb.
Little did Spike know, that the crypt he was headed for, was the same one that Drusilla had been staying in before she became a Charmed One.
****
Angel and Phoebe were lying on one of his couches in his office. Phoebe had fallen asleep in his arms, while Angel was left to his own thoughts.
This could not go on much longer. Wesley had warned him about messing with magic. He said that there was the real possibility that he could end up losing his soul again, and reverting back to Angelus. He would lose Phoebe for sure then.
Phoebe suddenly awoke and sat up, embarrassed. She began wiping at his shirt.
'Oh, I'm sorry. I think I drooled.'
Angel smiled softly at her.
'It's alright, really.'
Phoebe stared at him.
'Yeah. Somehow I knew it would be.'
They said nothing else for a moment and Phoebe began to look around.
'Where did everyone go?'
'Leo orbed back home, Wesley and Spike are off doing something...it's just us here alone.'
Phoebe stared into his eyes.
'We need to talk, Angel.'
'I know.'
'I mean we need to talk about the other night. You didn't want to leave...you didn't want to go back home...why didn't you spend the night with me?'
'Phoebe, it's not that I don't like you...'
'Oh, I know that. I'm an enpath, remember? I can feel how much you do like me...and want me. That's why I don't understand your holding back. I mean I'm certain that I'm not dealing with a gay vampire or something like that.'
'Gay vampire?' Angel asked with some amusement.
Phoebe's eyes glittered.
'Yes...look, if I've moved too fast, or you just don't really like me the same way I like you, then please tell me. My feelings won't be hurt...not really.'
Angel reached out for her hand. Phoebe put hers in his. His flesh was cold, but she didn't care. The way he looked at her was warm enough.
'Phoebe, there is a reason I pulled away from you the other night...'
Suddenly, Leo orbed in! Phoebe sighed. This was really bad timing! But she and Angel stopped holding hands and walked over to him.
'What's wrong?' Angel asked.
'I was up with the Elders. Something big is going down in the demonic community. I'm looking for everyone so they can be on their toes. I orbed by Cole's apartment, but neither Dru or him are there.'
The second Dark Lighter suddenly appeared in the room and promptly shot Leo in the chest, before disappearing!
'No!' Phoebe cried, as Angel and her helped ease him onto the floor.
'What was that?!' Angel asked her.
She looked at him.
'That was a Dark Lighter! They hunt White Lighters and the poison in these arrows are deadly to them!'
'So, Leo needs another Whitelighter to cure him?'
'Yes...though Paige and Dru don't really know how to use their healing powers yet...'
'Well there's no time like the present! I'll call Dru's phone!' Angel said, pulling out his cell phone. Wesley walked in, than ran over to the three of them. He knelt down next to Leo as well.
'Good God! What happened?!'
'A Dark Lighter.' Phoebe said grimly, as she reached for the handkerchief that was sticking out of Angel's front suit pocket. She then carefully began to pull the arrow out of Leo, as he began to sweat and convulse.
'Do you know what you're doing?' Wesley asked.
'Unfortunately, we've been through this before. Call Paige. We need her to come and help heal Leo.'
'Wait a minute! Dark Lighters kill White Lighters...or anyone with White Lighter in them! We need to get Paige and Dru here now, not only for Leo's sake, but their own.' Wesley said grimly, punching the number to Paige's cell phone.
****
Paige handed Piper a glass of milk, then sat down beside her. Piper was watching her son Wyatt, as he slept in his play pen.
'I'm not giving up on Drusilla. I won't. I think if we really show her we want her to be part of our family, she'll wise up to Cole.'
Piper looked skeptical.
'I don't know, Paige. I mean, I think we can keep our relationship with her professional, but she really is here to help Angel, not us.'
'Piper, you saw that we needed a power of four spell to vanquish Cole. How many other demons will we not be able to get rid of, because Dru's not with us? And if things get any worse between us and her, there will be times when she just might not show up! We can't take that chance!'
Piper nodded tiredly.
'I know you're right. I know. I just...this whole thing is so hard for Phoebe.'
'Phoebe is going to have to get over it. And I think Angel is the perfect person to help her. Although...'
'Although what?' Piper asked, eyeing her sister.
'She told me that Angel has been a little shy about sex.'
'Angel? He doesn't look shy.'
'Yes, he is quite fine, isn't he? Though, I prefer the quiet, book smart type.'
Piper almost burst out laughing!
'Since when?'
'Since Wesley! Now, I am going to get myself another glass of milk. Then we will go back to discussing whether Angel is a gay vampire or what.'
'Gay vampire?' Piper asked, as she watched her sister walk towards the kitchen. She then shook her head. Except for the Dru situation, everything in their lives seemed to be looking up.
Piper then frowned. Leo had been gone a long time. She wondered if he had stopped somewhere else after speaking to the Elders?
Piper was about to reach for the phone, when the third Dark Lighter appeared in the room! Wyatt's protective shield went around his play pen as Piper moved to blow him up. But he disappeared again.
'Paige!' Piper screamed, knowing that the arrows would be deadly to her youngest sister. 'Watch out! There's a Dark Lighter on the loose!'
Paige had just heard her sister scream, not the words she was screaming! She hurried out of the kitchen with her glass of milk and looked over into the living room at Piper.
'What?! What's happening?!'
The Dark Lighter reappeared on the stairs! Piper saw him from her position in the living room.
'Paige! Orb! Orb away!'
But Paige was not fast enough, as the Dark Lighter's arrow came down at her in an arc and rested in her right arm! She dropped her glass of milk and shattered onto the floor. The Dark Lighter then disappeared!
'Damnit!' Piper screamed, hurrying over to Paige. She then looked up towards the ceiling.
'Leo! Leo! Leo we need you!'
****
Cole shimmered down to Raagon's cavern of hell. He wanted those Vanquishing Parchments now!
He knew he was closer than ever to turning Drusilla away from the Charmed Ones and over to his side.
But when he entered the cavern, he saw three Dark Lighters, scurrying away. Dark Lighters? What the hell would Raagon want with them?
Cole hurried towards Raagon's lair. He almost didn't see Raagon's worthless daughter, Fiathna, as he bumped right into her!
'Uh, Belthazor! Did my father have an appointment with you?' she asked nervously. Belthazor had to have seen the Dark Lighters leaving here!
'What are you? His secretary now? What were those Dark Lighters doing here?'
'Uh, I do not know! My father doesn't tell me everything!'
'The hell he doesn't!' Cole snapped. He suddenly grabbed her in a headlock and dragged her towards her father's lair!
'Stop it! Release me at once! My father will have you killed for this!'
'Not if I kill him first!' Cole seethed, as his suspicions began to mount. Three Dark Lighters! One for Leo, Paige and Dru! This was not in his plans!
By the time Cole reached Raagon's lair, Raagon and a witch that Cole knew practiced dark magic, seemed to be in the middle of some sort of spell. The witch was holding the Vanquishing Parchments.
Cole tightened his grip on Fiathna, as they noisily approached. Raagon looked at them, then did a double take. The witch stopped the spell at once.
'What is this?! Release my daughter!'
Cole threw the worthless seer aside, then walked up to Raagon and the witch.
'What have you done?! I saw the Dark Lighters!'
'Moving things along, Belthazor.' Raagon said coolly. 'I realized that the Charmed Ones really aren't needed, or wanted, in the future I envision. And I have plenty of witches at my disposal, that can perform dark magic. I don't need the Charmed One that you just bedded.'
Cole tried to ignore the fact, that Raagon had somehow been watching his tryst with Drusilla. Because if he thought about it, he would be sick!
'So, you plan to unleash the vanquished demons, while the Charmed Ones are low in numbers.'
'Yes, that is what the Dark Lighters were for.' Raagon answered. Four demons suddenly appeared and circled Cole. Cole realized he would have to act fast, if he ever hoped to have a future with Phoebe.
He morphed into Raagon! The demons were momentarily stunned. Cole, as Raagon, pointed to the real Raagon!
'He's really Belthazor! Kill him!'
'Father no!' Fiathna screamed.
'Don't be foolish,' the real Raagon warned, though now he was wary. 'You saw him morph into me before your very eyes! Kill him now before he...'
But while the demons had turned to listen to the real Raagon, Cole produced fireball after fireball, killing each of the demons! He then produced a fifth one.
'Sorry, Raagon. This pains me...you were like a father to me!'
'No!' Fiathna screamed, as she watched Cole obliterate her father with the fireball! The witch stepped back. Cole looked from her, to Fiathna.
'Tell me why I should allow either one of you to live?' he asked coolly, producing another fireball. Fiathna cleared her throat.
'I know that the witch you love still, has switched her affections to the vampire...the one formerly known as Angelus.'
'And for that half-assed information, I should let you live?'
'I know of a way to make sure that the two of them can never be together....but I would need the witch there...to perform dark magic.' Fiathna almost squeaked.
She almost cried with relief, when the fireball disappeared.
'Tell me more about Phoebe and Angel.' Cole ordered. he really needed to get back and make sure that Drusilla did not die from the Dark Lighter's arrow. But, he figured he had a few minutes to spare! He then walked over to Raagon's stone throne and sat upon it. He told himself to bring a pillow for this thing, the next time he came down here!
It was getting dark, by the time Drusilla checked her messages, while still in bed with Cole. She had now accepted the inevitability that she would need to check in with someone.
Wesley had called four times! Drusilla rolled her eyes, then tried not to giggle, as Cole began to nibble on her ear. Wesley picked up on the first ring.
'Drusilla? Where have you been all day? Are you alright? Leo and Phoebe were here...'
'No doubt to tattle on me. I needed a break from them...from everything. What did you need?'
'I need for you to orb to the offices. There has been another lead on our rogue employee. It looks as if he's staying in a nearby graveyard.'
'A graveyard? Well, chances are he'll be there in the morning then, won't he? I mean he is a vampire. He's probably out hunting now.'
'Drusilla, I don't want this assignment to linger on much longer. Angel wants this demon caught and preferably killed. We'll have new work to tend to in the morning. Please be here shortly.'
Wesley hung up. Drusilla sighed and set the phone on the dresser. Cole was playing with her hair.
'You know, they don't own you, Dru.'
Dru looked at him.
'What?'
'Wolfram & Hart? Angel? Dru, I know this is none of my business, but I don't think you owe Angel or his firm a damned thing. Especially Angel. He can be as sorry as he wants, but the reality is, he did slaughter your whole family. That's why you're playing catch up now with your craft. He should be paying you reparations or something.'
Drusilla raised a brow.
'Well, I suppose one could see it like that...look, just to keep the peace, I'd better go.' she said, kissing him, then getting up out of bed. Cole leaned back against the pillows, quite pleased with himself. It would only be a matter of time now.
Meanwhile, Wesley handed the phone to Spike, who was dressed in leather.
'Are you happy now? You do really have a lead, do you not? I haven't just tricked Drusilla into something, have I?'
Spike clapped Wesley on the shoulder, hard.
'You just call that pretty witch you've been seeing and go and enjoy yourself. Angel and Phoebe are still in his office. Go out and have a nice time. Dru and I will take care of our employee. I'll also explain to her in the switch in management.'
Wesley stared at him.
'I do hope you know what you're doing.'
Spike said nothing to that. He reached for a pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. Wesley sighed and walked out of the office.
Meanwhile, Drusilla had showered and dressed in a pale, yellow fleece hooded sweatshirt with matching pants. Cole had not been happy to see her leave and had tried to tempt her back into bed.
But she had to face reality. Somehow, she would have to find a way to peacefully co-exist with Phoebe, Piper and Paige, and continue a friendship with Cole. And that was all they were, despite their afternoon of robust sex.
Yet, Cole was gentler than vampires, or other creatures she had been with, ever were, Spike included. Maybe it was the demon in him or something.
Drusilla orbed into the office 20 minutes later, that she and Wesley worked out of. She sighed loudly. Spike was standing there.
She said nothing, gave him an annoyed look and moved towards the door, in search of Wesley. But, with vampire speed, Spike was in front of her, blocking the door.
'Now that is very impolite, luv. You saw me standing here and you treated me as if I was no better than a pissy goat! And here I was going to compliment you on your very pretty outfit there. Now, I will...'
Spike stopped talking abruptly, then slowly began to sniff her. Dru knew what was coming! There was no amount of showers that could wash the scent of someone off of you, at least not to a vampire. She turned and tried to hurry out of the door!
But Spike grabbed her by the back of her arms, pulled her inside the office and slammed the door!
'You've been with him, haven't you?!' Spike seethed.
'Oh grow up, Spike! Who I sleep with is none of your business anymore!'
'It never was! Even when we were supposed to be together!'
Drusilla turned away again and tried to open the door, but Spike's fist slammed it shut! Drusilla accepted the fact that she would have to listen to some sort of tirade, and turned to face him, her expression one of pure boredom.
'First of all, we had a meeting today, while you were off shagging that bloody demon! You work for me now!'
Drusilla tilted her head.
'What? Uh, no!'
'Yes, pet! And another thing, you will be here at SEVEN in the morning to work on your physical training.'
'Seven?! I don't start work until nine!'
'I like to be up early, so seven it is!'
Drusilla shook her head wildly!
'I won't do it! Angel and I had an agreement! He would've never allowed this to happen! Wesley would never agree to it! He's my...'
'Yes, lamb, I know. He's your 'Earthly Whitelighter'! I know! And he still can be, after I get my pound of flesh.' he said, his smile suggestive.
Drusilla wasn't amused! She turned to open the door again, but Spike's voice stopped her.
'Angel and Phoebe are getting ready to go out. Paige will probably orb down here to be with Wesley. Do you really want to go interrupting them now, telling tales on me? What's the big deal about this? I will go with you to the graveyard and we'll take care of business, alright?'
Drusilla let go of the door and turned back to face him.
'Fine. But I will speak to Angel in the morning.'
Spike shrugged.
'Fine with me. He's just going to back me up.'
'I highly doubt that. Alright, I suppose we can get started.'
They stood there staring at one another. Spike raised a brow.
'Well, you're the one that can orb.' he reminded her.
'I'm not orbing with you! Where's your car?'
'Bloody hell, Drusilla! You expect us to drive there?!'
'Orbing is a very...very personal experience. I don't just want anyone hanging on me.'
Spike smiled at her, then slowly circled her. Drusilla wondered if she was about to be sniffed on again!
But Spike stopped so that he was behind her. He then slowly wrapped his arms around her and sniffed the side of her neck.
'But I'm not just anyone, am I, luv?'
Dru tried to ignore how his arms around her made her feel. Safe.
'I'm going to orb us to the graveyard, and then you are going to remove your hands from my person, do you understand?'
Spike just nodded against her. She could hear him growling. For a moment, she wondered if his fangs had emerged!
The two of them slowly orbed away.
****
When they arrived in the graveyard, Drusilla slapped Spike's hands off of her.
'Stop this rubbish and let's get to work! Now, where is this vampire, because I'm not getting any visions at all.'
'That's because he's not here.'
Drusilla gave him a look of disbelief!
'Damnit, Spike! That new soul of yours doesn't keep you from being a liar, does it?'
'Dru, this was the only way I could get to talk to you! You have been so cold and so closed off...I can't even get a civilized word out of you or a tender glance!'
'Because you don't deserve one! I'm orbing back!'
'Dru, I love you! I do! More than ever now! And I'd be lying if I said that the way you are now, doesn't have a lot to do with it! I know what I tried to do to you seems unforgiveable...but it really isn't, is it? We could try again, couldn't we?'
Drusilla couldn't get the image of him physically throwing her aside, just so he could save that slayer. Or hearing his words of love to Buffy, while he had a stake pressed against her heart. Drusilla had realized then, through her madness, that she was listening to a part of him that she had never known existed. It was as if he had hidden a part of himself from her for over a century and given that part to Buffy.
But when she looked into his eyes now, she could see love there... and Buffy's fading aura. Things just weren't the same anymore. Maybe that's because neither one of them was the same.
'I'm sorry, Spike. I just can't...let's just get back to the offices, okay?' she held out her hand to him so they could orb back.
Spike stared at her for a long moment.
'Do you love Belthazor? Is that it?'
'Spike I...'
Suddenly, the first Dark Lighter that Raagon had sent, appeared behind Spike! Dru's eyes grew extra large, as she began to scream.
'Watch out, Spike!' she screamed, shoving him out of the way, just as the arrow caught her in the arm! Spike turned to see the Dark Lighter smile, then vanish! He knelt down next to the fallen Drusilla, then picked her up in his arms. Panicked, he began to make his way through the cemetery and to the nearest crypt. He did not know if that demon was going to return or what! And now, with Dru hurt, they would not be able to orb.
Little did Spike know, that the crypt he was headed for, was the same one that Drusilla had been staying in before she became a Charmed One.
****
Angel and Phoebe were lying on one of his couches in his office. Phoebe had fallen asleep in his arms, while Angel was left to his own thoughts.
This could not go on much longer. Wesley had warned him about messing with magic. He said that there was the real possibility that he could end up losing his soul again, and reverting back to Angelus. He would lose Phoebe for sure then.
Phoebe suddenly awoke and sat up, embarrassed. She began wiping at his shirt.
'Oh, I'm sorry. I think I drooled.'
Angel smiled softly at her.
'It's alright, really.'
Phoebe stared at him.
'Yeah. Somehow I knew it would be.'
They said nothing else for a moment and Phoebe began to look around.
'Where did everyone go?'
'Leo orbed back home, Wesley and Spike are off doing something...it's just us here alone.'
Phoebe stared into his eyes.
'We need to talk, Angel.'
'I know.'
'I mean we need to talk about the other night. You didn't want to leave...you didn't want to go back home...why didn't you spend the night with me?'
'Phoebe, it's not that I don't like you...'
'Oh, I know that. I'm an enpath, remember? I can feel how much you do like me...and want me. That's why I don't understand your holding back. I mean I'm certain that I'm not dealing with a gay vampire or something like that.'
'Gay vampire?' Angel asked with some amusement.
Phoebe's eyes glittered.
'Yes...look, if I've moved too fast, or you just don't really like me the same way I like you, then please tell me. My feelings won't be hurt...not really.'
Angel reached out for her hand. Phoebe put hers in his. His flesh was cold, but she didn't care. The way he looked at her was warm enough.
'Phoebe, there is a reason I pulled away from you the other night...'
Suddenly, Leo orbed in! Phoebe sighed. This was really bad timing! But she and Angel stopped holding hands and walked over to him.
'What's wrong?' Angel asked.
'I was up with the Elders. Something big is going down in the demonic community. I'm looking for everyone so they can be on their toes. I orbed by Cole's apartment, but neither Dru or him are there.'
The second Dark Lighter suddenly appeared in the room and promptly shot Leo in the chest, before disappearing!
'No!' Phoebe cried, as Angel and her helped ease him onto the floor.
'What was that?!' Angel asked her.
She looked at him.
'That was a Dark Lighter! They hunt White Lighters and the poison in these arrows are deadly to them!'
'So, Leo needs another Whitelighter to cure him?'
'Yes...though Paige and Dru don't really know how to use their healing powers yet...'
'Well there's no time like the present! I'll call Dru's phone!' Angel said, pulling out his cell phone. Wesley walked in, than ran over to the three of them. He knelt down next to Leo as well.
'Good God! What happened?!'
'A Dark Lighter.' Phoebe said grimly, as she reached for the handkerchief that was sticking out of Angel's front suit pocket. She then carefully began to pull the arrow out of Leo, as he began to sweat and convulse.
'Do you know what you're doing?' Wesley asked.
'Unfortunately, we've been through this before. Call Paige. We need her to come and help heal Leo.'
'Wait a minute! Dark Lighters kill White Lighters...or anyone with White Lighter in them! We need to get Paige and Dru here now, not only for Leo's sake, but their own.' Wesley said grimly, punching the number to Paige's cell phone.
****
Paige handed Piper a glass of milk, then sat down beside her. Piper was watching her son Wyatt, as he slept in his play pen.
'I'm not giving up on Drusilla. I won't. I think if we really show her we want her to be part of our family, she'll wise up to Cole.'
Piper looked skeptical.
'I don't know, Paige. I mean, I think we can keep our relationship with her professional, but she really is here to help Angel, not us.'
'Piper, you saw that we needed a power of four spell to vanquish Cole. How many other demons will we not be able to get rid of, because Dru's not with us? And if things get any worse between us and her, there will be times when she just might not show up! We can't take that chance!'
Piper nodded tiredly.
'I know you're right. I know. I just...this whole thing is so hard for Phoebe.'
'Phoebe is going to have to get over it. And I think Angel is the perfect person to help her. Although...'
'Although what?' Piper asked, eyeing her sister.
'She told me that Angel has been a little shy about sex.'
'Angel? He doesn't look shy.'
'Yes, he is quite fine, isn't he? Though, I prefer the quiet, book smart type.'
Piper almost burst out laughing!
'Since when?'
'Since Wesley! Now, I am going to get myself another glass of milk. Then we will go back to discussing whether Angel is a gay vampire or what.'
'Gay vampire?' Piper asked, as she watched her sister walk towards the kitchen. She then shook her head. Except for the Dru situation, everything in their lives seemed to be looking up.
Piper then frowned. Leo had been gone a long time. She wondered if he had stopped somewhere else after speaking to the Elders?
Piper was about to reach for the phone, when the third Dark Lighter appeared in the room! Wyatt's protective shield went around his play pen as Piper moved to blow him up. But he disappeared again.
'Paige!' Piper screamed, knowing that the arrows would be deadly to her youngest sister. 'Watch out! There's a Dark Lighter on the loose!'
Paige had just heard her sister scream, not the words she was screaming! She hurried out of the kitchen with her glass of milk and looked over into the living room at Piper.
'What?! What's happening?!'
The Dark Lighter reappeared on the stairs! Piper saw him from her position in the living room.
'Paige! Orb! Orb away!'
But Paige was not fast enough, as the Dark Lighter's arrow came down at her in an arc and rested in her right arm! She dropped her glass of milk and shattered onto the floor. The Dark Lighter then disappeared!
'Damnit!' Piper screamed, hurrying over to Paige. She then looked up towards the ceiling.
'Leo! Leo! Leo we need you!'
****
Cole shimmered down to Raagon's cavern of hell. He wanted those Vanquishing Parchments now!
He knew he was closer than ever to turning Drusilla away from the Charmed Ones and over to his side.
But when he entered the cavern, he saw three Dark Lighters, scurrying away. Dark Lighters? What the hell would Raagon want with them?
Cole hurried towards Raagon's lair. He almost didn't see Raagon's worthless daughter, Fiathna, as he bumped right into her!
'Uh, Belthazor! Did my father have an appointment with you?' she asked nervously. Belthazor had to have seen the Dark Lighters leaving here!
'What are you? His secretary now? What were those Dark Lighters doing here?'
'Uh, I do not know! My father doesn't tell me everything!'
'The hell he doesn't!' Cole snapped. He suddenly grabbed her in a headlock and dragged her towards her father's lair!
'Stop it! Release me at once! My father will have you killed for this!'
'Not if I kill him first!' Cole seethed, as his suspicions began to mount. Three Dark Lighters! One for Leo, Paige and Dru! This was not in his plans!
By the time Cole reached Raagon's lair, Raagon and a witch that Cole knew practiced dark magic, seemed to be in the middle of some sort of spell. The witch was holding the Vanquishing Parchments.
Cole tightened his grip on Fiathna, as they noisily approached. Raagon looked at them, then did a double take. The witch stopped the spell at once.
'What is this?! Release my daughter!'
Cole threw the worthless seer aside, then walked up to Raagon and the witch.
'What have you done?! I saw the Dark Lighters!'
'Moving things along, Belthazor.' Raagon said coolly. 'I realized that the Charmed Ones really aren't needed, or wanted, in the future I envision. And I have plenty of witches at my disposal, that can perform dark magic. I don't need the Charmed One that you just bedded.'
Cole tried to ignore the fact, that Raagon had somehow been watching his tryst with Drusilla. Because if he thought about it, he would be sick!
'So, you plan to unleash the vanquished demons, while the Charmed Ones are low in numbers.'
'Yes, that is what the Dark Lighters were for.' Raagon answered. Four demons suddenly appeared and circled Cole. Cole realized he would have to act fast, if he ever hoped to have a future with Phoebe.
He morphed into Raagon! The demons were momentarily stunned. Cole, as Raagon, pointed to the real Raagon!
'He's really Belthazor! Kill him!'
'Father no!' Fiathna screamed.
'Don't be foolish,' the real Raagon warned, though now he was wary. 'You saw him morph into me before your very eyes! Kill him now before he...'
But while the demons had turned to listen to the real Raagon, Cole produced fireball after fireball, killing each of the demons! He then produced a fifth one.
'Sorry, Raagon. This pains me...you were like a father to me!'
'No!' Fiathna screamed, as she watched Cole obliterate her father with the fireball! The witch stepped back. Cole looked from her, to Fiathna.
'Tell me why I should allow either one of you to live?' he asked coolly, producing another fireball. Fiathna cleared her throat.
'I know that the witch you love still, has switched her affections to the vampire...the one formerly known as Angelus.'
'And for that half-assed information, I should let you live?'
'I know of a way to make sure that the two of them can never be together....but I would need the witch there...to perform dark magic.' Fiathna almost squeaked.
She almost cried with relief, when the fireball disappeared.
'Tell me more about Phoebe and Angel.' Cole ordered. he really needed to get back and make sure that Drusilla did not die from the Dark Lighter's arrow. But, he figured he had a few minutes to spare! He then walked over to Raagon's stone throne and sat upon it. He told himself to bring a pillow for this thing, the next time he came down here!