Disclaimer: None of the characters in this chapter are mine of course nor am I affiliated with Fox, the WB, and Paramount and other agencies mentioned here.

Chapter 12

Spike's Apartment

In Spike's apartment Illyria sits on the couch and plays on the gamecube. When she had returned, she had found the game hidden next to the picture box for she had grew bored of Crash Bandicoot.

The game seemed interesting enough. With Fred's memories and skills, Illyria was able to decipher what to do in this game. Unlike the previous game which required the user to collect crystals and fruits for some reason, this game required battling through the use of various creatures of all sorts against many opponents. You were to select a team of 3 creatures with different types of powers and use them strategically against the enemy.

However one thing bothered her about the game. 'Who in their mind would create a game where these powerful creatures are to be contained in such small spaces and only be summoned to fight? Is there no end to these humans in their attempt to trap such glorious things in small spaces including themselves!?

The cry of one of her creatures returned her back to reality as Illyria observed her creature proceeding with an attack she selected, 'Thunderbolt.' The creature she had selected was rather small, perhaps insignificant, yet very powerful for it created massive lightening attacks.

Why she had chosen such a creature when there were more massive and magnificent creatures such as the large fire-breathing winged dragon she did not know; something inside her adored the little yellow vermin which prompted her to choose it and it disgusted her.

The creature launched a gigantic thunderbolt towards the opponent's monster which was some sort of winged creature. The lightening shocked the creature as it shuddered left and right and fell down for its red HP, which was on the picture box on the top right-hand corner, disappeared. Illyria did not understand why she decided to waste her time with such a useless game but the sight and cry of her little vermin kept her going for unknown reasons.

"Illyria."

Illyria turned to see Gabriel at the door, wounded with blood all over his stomach. Immediately she dropped the controller and went to him and held him up.

"What happened?" She asked.

"Lucifer…" Gabriel replied weakly.

Illyria observed the wound, it was not deep but it went through his armor. She helped Gabriel through the living room as she closed the door behind him.

"This wound is not mortal but we should try to heal it." Then Illyria remembered something, the items that Wesley brought here previously to help heal her wounds were still in the bedroom. "I will go and prepare a remedy to help you heal."

Gabriel looked at her. "Yes…" He looked past the living room and noticed a room which he concluded from Terrance's memories as a washroom. "I will go and cleanse my wound as much as possible."

Illyria nodded and brought him into the washroom and Gabriel motioned her to leave and she went away to prepare the remedy. Gabriel walked into the shower and turned on the knob and held his head back as cold water rushed down on his head. The water sang to him a song of sorrow as they slid down his body through his wound. He cocked his head a bit and took another look at his wound as the blood was being washed away with the water.

My lord you are hurt.

Please let us heal you as best as we can.

Perhaps it was instinct but for some reason Gabriel shifted his shape to Terrance and reached for another knob to increase the heat of the water. 'Now that is more like it. Nothing like a good hot shower.'

In the bedroom, Illyria did her best with the equipment at hand as she tried to recreate the medicine and bandage that Wesley used to help her heal. With Fred's skills, it was easier to pull through.

You want to be with Fred.

Yes, yes, that's where I'd be if I could.

I could assume her shape, make her come alive again this once for you. But you would never ask me to.

'Why would I ask you to assume her shape Fred?'

Illyria, shocked, turned around to find the voice. "Who?"

'You are what I wish to be with Fred.'

Again, Illyria took another look around and then shook her head but when she looked at the mirror she was again Fred. Illyria observed herself in the mirror as Fred. Wesley…I will find you. No matter what it takes.

Gabriel was laid down on the bed as Illyria placed the bandage over his wound. After she had applied it on Gabriel placed some pressure on it to make it stick and then sat up straight on the bed. Illyria wiped her hands dry.

"Is it better?" Illyria asked.

Gabriel felt around the bandaged wound. "Yes, it is better." He stared at Illyria. "I remember this though; Wesley made this for Terrance when he was wounded at the Academy."

"Yes." Illyria said as she sat on the bed next to Gabriel. "He did the same for me too."

Gabriel tilted his head to the side. "You miss him do you not?"

"Yes."

"I see." Gabriel said as he took Illyria's hands into his. "We will find a way my liege. While I do not know him this shell seems to be willing to help him in anyway he can."

"Thank you." Illyria replied in a quiet voice.

"Quite a faithful friend Wesley has there huh?" Lorne remarked. "Interested to see where this is going between our two demon friends?" Some agreements are heard throughout the audience. "Well you'll have to wait because our champions come back." Now some people start to boo in the crowd.

Spike and Angel walked into the apartment. Spike took notice of the television and turned it off. He picked up one of the controllers and took a look inside the gamecube.

"Bugger, looks like they found it." Spike said quietly to himself but Angel ignored it.

"Illyria?" Angel said as he looked around the place. "Gabriel?"

Illyria and Gabriel walked out of the bedroom into the living room. Gabriel still had his hand over his wound though.

"What happened?" Angel asked as he moved a bit closer to see what had happened to Gabriel.

"Lucifer." Gabriel replied. "But that is not important. Have you accomplished your mission?"

Angel took over the ring and held it out in front of the whole gang. "Yup. A ring for a champion." He placed the ring back on his finger. "What about you guys?"

"Illyria." Gabriel nodded to Illyria as she picked up the sword from the table.

"We picked up this enchanted sword which can slay a demon easily." Illyria said as she removed the sword from its sheath and handed it over to Spike. "You take it Spike. I have no need for weapons."

Spike examined the weapon and then asked. "Why not? You can't go in there unarmed."

"I have Gabriel at my side." Illyria replied.

"Oh!" Spike said shocked. "I see…"

Gabriel turned to Angel. "So what now Angel? Should we start?"

Angel shook his head. "No. You're wounded and its been a long night, we should rest." He headed towards the kitchen. "It's best if we fight in our prime form."

Gabriel nodded his head. "As you wish."

Note: Well it's almost done for ACT I. As said before, when I have time I'll come back to these guys and do some editing. Please feel free to comment or add suggestions. Thanks.