Salvation of the Fallen

Written by Ashen Ravenwing

Power of Persuasion

Angel groaned deeply, lowering his head into his hands as Wes continued to pour over books he'd acquired from the Watchers. Not only was there a ton of information on his past... but much of it he hadn't even remembered until Wes had read it. The softer toned brunette looked up at his troubled boss.

"Angel? It's not all that bad..."

The Watcher frowned, trying to comfort the souled vampire.

Angel shook his head incredulously, chuckling ironically at his friends vain attempts.

" I'm a monster Wes..."

" You were a monster... What you are now is a saint! the Champion, remember?"

The night breed looked up at the mortal, staring at him for a moment.

" What kind of 'saint' drinks the blood of others? Donated or not..."

he responded for Wesley before he could mouth a protest, knowing the younger man would try to make light of that little detail. Angel sighed heavily.

" I saw Spike..."

Wesley paused, looking at his employer and friend curiously... not sure why the blonde had suddenly become the subject matter. he blinked, looking back down at the current leather bound book that was in his lap.

" Uh.. yes... Fred mentioned something about him coming to the hotel a few nights back... Must have been hard on you... Seeing him after all these years, eh Angel?"

" No, I mean, yes it was... but not a few nights ago... I-I saw him again, tonight. And I swear Wes... If I wasn't already dead, that encounter could very well have killed me..."

The Watcher tensed in concern for his friend.

" What happened? Did he do anything to you!"

Wesley set his book aside, rising from his armchair to come stand beside his companion, worry etched on his features. Although appreciating the kindness, Angel waved him off.

" I'm fine Wes, I'm fine... He didn't touch me... Not physically anyway. It's what he said to me... The way he looked at me tonight."

Wes stayed quiet for a moment, crouching down beside the disheveled vampire.

" ... Talked about the old days did he?"

Angel nodded solemnly.

" He claimed... That I had forgotten about him... About us... Said that I'd betrayed him and, God, Wes... I'm starting to believe him."

Angel stood abruptly, needing to move. He paced back and worth across the carpeting, Wesley watching him as he slid into the spot on the couch that Angel had been occupying.

" These records Wes... I mean... I don't remember half of it... Not until you read it that is. Then it all comes flooding back like some horrible nightmare that I can't wake up from. Images that once gave me pleasure now terrify me...Yet... There's not much written on Spike... Even though I know there should be considering how much time we spent together. I- I really can't remember much before the fallout... And this amnesia , or whatever the hell it is, is driving me crazy!"

" Stop pacing Angel... You're making me dizzy..."

Wes smiled sympathetically up at his boss. He scooted over as Angel nodded and slumped back down on the couch.

" I can only offer you what the Watchers know Angel, nothing more, nothing less. If it's your memories of your 'family' that you're missing, wouldn't it be best to ask the source?"

Angel shuddered.

" You mean go to Spike for my answers.."

It was a statement, not a question. The two men looked at each other in silence, Angel looking grave and distraught while Wes was trying to be as understanding as it was possible when it came to the affairs of a vampire.

" Wes... the look in his eyes tonight... I've never seen it before. I've seen rage and pain and bitterness... but never that kind of... disdain... that kind of hurt hatred towards me. he despised me tonight... I- I can't face him... Not at the chance of seeing that look in his eyes again... It'll kill me Wes, it will... I know it..."

Angel bowed his head into his hands again, his body shaking as he unsuccessfully fought back tears he never thought he'd cry over the blonde. Wes frowned softly, lightly running his hand up and down the curve of his friends back, keeping comfort in the silence between them.

The Next Morning

Spike awoke with a groggy groan of protest. he glanced at the gray haze that clung to the walls as the sunlight vainly fought to penetrate the heavy curtains. The blonde yawned and clicked his tongue a few times trying to rid himself of the stale taste of alcohol in his mouth. He perked at the sound that had roused him from slumber in the first place. A phone was ringing... somewhere...

Rolling from the warmth of his new bed, Spike wandered aimlessly through the empty loft apartment, trying to follow the sound of the annoying ring. Giving up on the receiver, the young vampire pushed down on the button for the speaker phone.

" Yeh.. what?"

There was a moments pause before a soft accented female voice spoke out.

" I know the voices of my employees... And you are not Abyssinian, so i am left to assume that this is William?"

Spike tensed and grit his teeth, standing over the speaker phone defensively.

" There are only two people that are allowed to call me by that name, and you ain't one of them... The name's Spike, bint..."

he slumped down into the plush couch cushions, the crushed velvet covering feeling good against his bare skin. He stared at the gray haze that littered the room, sneering at the sun's failed attempt to dust him.

" I see... very well dearest 'Spike'... My name is Ishstar, and I've been meaning to meet with you."

" Aw shite!"

Spike cursed a few more times realizing he'd just insulted his would-be employer with the whole 'bint' remark.

" S-sorry 'bout that pet... I tend to be a bit 'disagreeable' in the daylight hours... What can I do you for?"

" For free... if it's to your liking...:

Ishstar let out a sultry laugh at hearing the obviously shocked gasp come from the blonde.

" Actually, I was hoping you might come by tonight in order for us to talk business? The sooner I can get you 'on the job', sort to speak, the better."

Spike relaxed back into the cushions, running a hand through his unruly bed hair and glancing back at the phone cradle.

" Jus' what kind of job are we talkin' 'bout here luv? Why do you need me of all people...?"

Ishstar paused and Spike swore he could hear the wicked smile on her lips when she spoke again.

" Because rumor has it... You're the best at what you do dearest 'Spike'."

The blonde smirked to himself.

" Flattery will get you everywhere pet..."

" I was hoping so... Tonight then?"

The younger vampire stared at the night trying to break through the curtains once again and nodded to himself.

" Tonight."