Ezekiel
Disclaimer: Do not own Buffy or any of the songs in this FF.
Angel's apartment; Sunnydale, California:
Angel sighed with utter frustration. After Ezekiel's outburst to his love interest about duty and honor and all that, the Slayer had erupted with anger, ridiculing the Warrior every chance that she got. All of a sudden, their strongest ally had become their main saboteur. Aside from the Master, of course. Angel had attempted to talk her down, but she had chosen to feel betrayed.
He sighed once more. The Warrior of God had promised that if she did her duty, then she would live to see the day after tomorrow. He hoped that he had would end up being right.
He gripped the knob to his apartment.
"How'd she take it," Ezekiel asked as his vampire friend entered the apartment.
"Not too well," he answered, "Could you have been less…"
"Direct? Angered?"
Angel nodded.
"I could have," he answered in full honesty, "But, I was taught from the beginning that honor, duty, and the love of God came before all things else. I can't just abandon my teachings, hard as I try. I can ignore quite a few of them, but, when I remember what I did, I always feel the guilt."
"…What demon army?"
"Caught that, didn't you? Well, alright, I'm happy to share. But, it's only because you're dead."
He stood up from his seat on the sofa and walked over to the bed, where Marcie slept. After he was certain she was still in a deep slumber, he moved over to Angel's mini-fridge and pulled out two bottles of tequila. He opened one and got out two shot glasses and proceeded to fill them. He placed the bottle of liquid onto the table and handed a glass to Angel.
He sat down, beckoning Angel to do so as well.
"When Tara was being threatened by an evil organization," Ezekiel said as he began to drink, "We were aided in our struggle by their enemies. When Gregory left, he gave me a file. It had information on an apocalyptic group known as 'Euphrates,' and their plans for the next few months."
"What were they," the ensouled vampire asked.
"…Are you familiar with the book of Revelation?"
"Somewhat. Why?"
"Revelations 9:13-9:16…'And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, 'Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.' And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.'"
Buffy Summers sighed as she walked down the dark streets which led to the Bronze. She had meant to simply go home, to end her suffering till tomorrow, but what the Warrior had said struck a chord with her. Thus, she found herself restless.
She went into the club. She still had three hours till she needed to return home. She would spend them sulking.
"The four angels," Ezekiel continued on, "Left behind a covenant with the demons of the Earth, that their army could be summoned just once by their command. The marking of the covenant is also the key to which it can be called."
"What is the key," Angel asked as he helped himself to another glass of the tequila, which was nearly ready for the second bottle.
"A statue," the Warrior answered, "It depicts the four angels in their likeness. The story goes on to say that the army will target first those who dare appose them. I didn't tell my friends this because then they would be unable to get people out of the city. They had more value than that. Now, however, I feel that Tara has revealed our secret."
"I don't remember you telling her on the ride…"
"No, I called as you slept. Now, if my feelings are accurate, then Adil and Edana will know of it. That will leave Pam and Daniel to get people out of the area if we fail."
"How do they summon the army?"
"With sacrifices. Four vampires shall sacrifice their existence to call forth the four angels for one time. In order to stop the ritual, we have to keep the statue away from them anddestroy it, though I doubt it can be destroyed. We'll most likely take it out to the Pacific and sink it. In the meantime, we plan to stop it from happening. We'll keep on stopping the ritual for as long as we can."
"How come they haven't tried before?"
"They did. A knight of the Crusade, a Templar actually, stopped them. He gathered up a force and hid it in the new world, specifically in a cave about twelve miles outside of Paradise. Euphrates found it, and now they plan to use it. When the time comes, the army shall emerge from the river and ride across the skies to Paradise. That buys us maybe an hour, two tops. The angels, however, shall be able to come directly to Paradise through the statue. The odds are that they will wish to sate their bloodlust for a while before the army arrives to destroy the city. They'll target us because we opposed them and if they fail, though they probably won't, the army will succeed. If it comes down to it, the final hope is for one of the four angels to be killed in combat. Though they cannot die, for they have to be there on the End of Days, they can be defeated and sent back to their bondage points. That is our last hope."
"How can we help," Angel asked.
"You don't. You are meant to remain in Sunnydale and aid the Slayer in her efforts to defend the Hellmouth."
"There must be something we can do."
"Remain here and keep the Hellmouth safe. If one of the angels decide to attempt a break at this place, or all of the them, then we need you all to be the second front. Guard the Hellmouth."
The vampire was about to press the issue further, but all his attempts were grounded to a halt as they both heard something. They moved their heads instantly. Marcie was there, sitting up in the bed, her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
"How much did you hear," the Warrior asked, his gaze desperate.
"…Everything," she answered.
"Fuck," he whispered in agony, "Why can't there be secrets kept in this world?"
Marcie smiled an apologetic smile and sat up from her seat.
"So," she said, smile firmly in place, "You're trying to stop an army from destroying the world?"
"A city," Ezekiel explained, "Their power only extends to one city. Even when the End arrives, they'll only be able to destroy a third of mankind. You know what this means, right?"
Her smile widened.
"Oh, yes," she said with a giggle, "I think it's cool."
"…Fucking shit," both said simultaneously.
"That's it," the Warrior groaned as he stood up, "It's nine o'clock, I need to be in bed by that shitty number known as three. I plan on inspecting the school tomorrow."
"Why," Angel asked.
"It feels…odder than the Hellmouth," he informed, "Almost as though it is an epicenter. Now, if you don't mind, I intend to get fucking plastered and have a damn good time. Tootles!"
He walked out the door and slammed it shut behind him.
"Perfect," Marcie said with a smile as she laid back down, "I get to fight a war. I'm in paradise."
Angel stared at the girl.
Oh, no, he thought to himself as he grabbed the bottle of tequila and began to pour its contents down his throat, My unlife is not too complicated.
Buffy sat quietly at her table, alone, nursing a soda can. Or, not so alone, considering that her friends Amy and Willow had just walked inside.
"You alright, Buff," the witch Madison said as she saddled into the seat next to the Slayer, "You seem…"
She looked up slowly, struggling for the right word.
"Depressed," the redhead answered.
Amy nodded her head in agreement and sent a smile towards her lifelong friend.
"Just tired, I guess," Buffy lied quickly, "Things are…well, as good as can be expected."
"Does it have anything to do with thesalty goodness known as Angel," Amy guessed with a smile.
Buffy's mood, if possible, took a turn for the worse. The two could see this very well by the soda can that she had just crushed. The two cringed, wondering just how pissed off the Slayer was. Till Willow caught sight of who was walking inside the door.
"Wow," she said with a look of affection.
"What," both Slayer and witch asked and turned to see where Willow was staring.
"Wow," Amy said in agreement.
Buffy chose to remain silent as the Warrior walked inside.
Ezekiel could feel the hormones from outside. It was interesting, how those kinds of feelings seemed to be amplified on the Hellmouth. He felt gazes turn to him, some in appreciation, some in acknowledgement, and several in terror. He smiled at the vampire nearest him, a tall, blonde male with dark eyes. He nodded toward the door and the vampire ran off, his tail between his legs. He was followed by several other occupants, all vampires.
The hunter smiled. Apparently, his reputation was growing if members of the Hellmouth colony fled from him. He wondered if they fled from the Slayer. Speaking thus, his attention became drawn to three pairs of eyes staring at him. One belonged to Buffy Summers. The others belonged to a pretty, blonde girl and a geeky looking redhead. Of course, in Ezekiel's experience, geeks could end up being the most passionate of lovers. He smiled at them, then turned his attention to the stage.
"Alright, everyone," the man on stage said, "Listen up!"
He was dressed in dark pants with a shirt labeled 'Bronze' on it. He obviously worked there.
"It's Friday night," he said, yelling above the shouts and cheers of the crowd present, "You know what that means. Karaoke."
The Warrior grinned at that. Ever since Bob, he had been wanting to play around a little bit more. He had been practicing, as a matter of fact. Now, he would get to strut his stuff.
"Who will be the first victim?"
"Me," the Warrior called out as he walked forward, "How much?"
"Three dollars," the man answered, "Your name?"
"Ezekiel," he answered as he climbed the stairs that led up to the stage.
"We've got the house band playing backup," the man answered, "Do you play an instrument?"
"Piano," he said.
"Great. We've got one set up already. Just pick out the song and let the band know which one."
"Already know it."
"Cool. Go tell them."
"Alright, everyone," the employee called out, "Our first victim for tonight is Ezekiel from Paradise, Oregon. Let's try to be open-minded for him, even if he is from a big city."
Buffy looked up upon hearing him. When she had heard them saying Paradise, she had assumed the actual Paradise, as in Heaven. Now, she was finding out that he was from a city in Oregon?
"Nice," Amy said in anticipation, "Wonder what song he's going to sing?"
"Did you see how he smiled at us," Willow chattered back, "I thought I was going to faint."
"Shh," Buffy said, "He's starting."
She wanted to hear this.
♫
She came from Providence,
The one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows hang
Heavy in the air
♪
She packed her hopes and dreams
Like a refugee
Just as her father came
Across the sea
♪
She heard about a place people were smilin'
They spoke about the red man's ways,
And how they loved the land
And they came from everywhere
To the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stand
Or a place to hide
♪
Down in the crowded bars,
Out for a good time,
Can't wait to tell you all,
What it's like up there
And they called it Paradise
I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
While the town got high
♪♪
Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
Through the canyons of the coast,
To the Malibu
Where the pretty people play,
Hungry for power
To light their neon way
And give them things to do
♪
Some rich men came and raped the land,
Nobody caught 'em
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes,
And Jesus,
People bought 'em
And they called it Paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea
♪♪♪
We can leave it all behind
And sail to Lahaina
Just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign: "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign
♪
Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here
♪
We satisfy our endless needs and
Justify our bloody deeds,
In the name of destiny
And the name of God
♪
And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
What it's like out there
They call it Paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace Paradise,
Kiss it goodbye
♫♫♪♪♫
Ezekiel stood up and waved at the crowd. They were clapping, not exactly jubilant, but more along the lines of gracious. They hadn't been expecting either a song like that or a singer like him. He walked over to the Bronze guy, who was staring at him.
"How'd I do," the Warrior asked.
"Good," he said in a hurry, "Better than I've heard anyone sing in a long time. But, ugh, why'd you pick that song?"
"Because," the hunter answered as he began to walk away, "It speaks to the soul."
At their table, neither Slayer nor witch nor nerd said a word. They sat there in awe of the spectacle they had just seen, all with blank stares on their face. Buffy was the first to recover as she saw…
"Shit," she muttered to herself, "He's coming this way!"
"What," Amy asked as she came out of her daze, "Why?"
"Buffy, Amy," Willow said excitedly, "He's coming here."
"Look," Buffy muttered as she quickly gathered her stuff, "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
The Warrior frowned as he saw Buffy take off at a run out of the club. She obviously didn't want another encounter with him. He respected that, but she should have at least faced him and told him so. Sighing, he contented himself by passing the table, smiling at both girls as he did so, and ordering a beer.
Buffy ran home with tears in her eyes. She didn't know why exactly, but that song had effected her. One line in particular.
We satisfy our endless needs, she heard within her mind, And justify our bloody deeds…In the name of destiny, and in the name of God.
"OH," Cordelia Chase said in frustration as she and Willow walked down the stairs, "Kevin said that he'd bring everything to the Bronze last night. He promised. We'll never get anything ready now."
"Were you there last night," the redhead asked her companion, "Did you see him?"
"Oh, my God," Cordelia now had a luscious smile on her face, almost predatory, "I had nearly gone after him. It was only Kevin that held me back. That man…what was his name?"
"Ezekiel," Willow said, "I wonder why that's his name?"
"Maybe his parents were those God-nuts who read the Bible and go to church on Sundays," the airhead said.
"Oh, yeah," Willow agreed sarcastically as they came down the hallway, "They should be so punished."
"Exactly," Cordelia said loudly, "I mean, sure, they can do all that if they want to, but then they start yakking about 'God's love' this and 'Jesus Christ that.' Hello! Why go and worship when I can get designer clothes?"
Willow just shook her head. She wasn't surprised by the cheerleader's behavior at all. She followed Cordelia to the room where Kevin was supposed to be. When they looked inside, the TV was on and cartoons were playing. All the guys were sitting around.
"Oh, they're watching cartoons," Cordelia said with a smile, "That's so cu-…No, that's not cute. That's annoying. I'm annoyed."
"Right," the redhead agreed, "I'm furious."
"Obviously," the cheerleader said as she gripped the knob and turned back, "Kevin has underestimated the power of my icy stare."
She turned the knob. Kevin fell from the door and onto the floor, twin holes in his neck, dried blood still on the wound. He was staring up at Cordelia, who was now screaming.
"AH!"
"Yes, I know, Adil," the hunter Ezekiel said into his cell phone to his friend, "I know I should have given you the option, but…Good. At least Tara gave you my reasons. …Well, do you see why I did that? Excellent. Look, I told her that she can burden you guys with this information if she wants to, but only if she feels the need. …Well, I was hoping to stop the ritual before it takes place. I still will. Alright. Look, you and Edana can get two free shots at me whenever I get back if you want.
"Sure. Just remember that now there's only Pam, Danny, and the fucking PD to get the people to safety. I may trust Pam and Danny, but I don't trust the cops no more than I trust the Devil. …The new Commissioner is the Devil? Now, that would be just wrong. Look, tell Edana and Tara I said hey, hit Daniel once, and give Pam a kiss. Alright. See you when I get back. Bye."
The Warrior hung up his phone. He had just gotten a call from Adil, obviously, that he and Edana had found out what was going on and didn't like him keeping them in the dark, but understood his reasons. At least it wasn't just to keep them safe, though that was part of it. He needed them to stay behind and get people out of the city if they could, and to go and reinforce the defenses at the Hellmouth. He was tempted to contact them and get some reinforcements here for this one but, if the Slayer chose to quit, then…
Wait a second. What would happen if she didn't come? Sighing, the Warrior of God got down on his knees and placed both his hands together, bringing them to his forehead as he did so. He had never once before done this. It was a deadly form of meditation while praying, designed by a converted Buddhist monk. Its purpose was to send Warriors, Cardinals, Monks, Fathers, and the Pope himself into a state of near death where they can receive guidance by the angels and the prophets. One Cardinal who later became Pope did this and claimed to have seen the Son of Man.
He closed his eyes shut, allowing not a ray of sunlight pass through his eyelids. He began to fall almost immediately.
"Angel," Marcie called to the ensouled vampire as he showered, "Get out!"
"What," he asked in confusion as the invisible girl pulled back the shower curtain.
"Ezekiel's dying!"
"Take care," Buffy whispered to her friend.
She closed the door.
♫♫♪♪♫
Angel came down from Heaven yesterday
She stayed with me just long enough to rescue me
There's a bright light within his mind.
And she told me a story yesterday
About the sweet love between the moon and the deep blue sea
Ezekiel remains there near the bed, praying. He sees Heaven.
Then she spread her wings high over me
She said she's gonna come back tomorrow
"'Isaiah 11:6," Jenny Calendar says as she pulls out a Bible, "Which I dutifully looked up." But Rupert interrupts her.
And I said "Fly on, my sweet Angel
"'The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid,"
Fly on to the sky
"The calf, the lion and the fatling together, and the little child to lead them.'"
Fly on to the sky
Fly on, my sweet Angel
Tomorrow, I'm gonna be by your side"
Angel stands beside the Warrior of God, lostin confusionas to what to do for his friend.
Sure enough, this woman came home to me
Silver wings silhouetted against a child's sunrise
Buffy walks along the street and pauses to look at the sunset.
And my Angel, she said unto me
"Today is the day for you to rise
Take my hand, you're gonna be my man
You're gonna rise"
He stands beside Angel in a dark place. There lies…
Then she took me high over yonder
And I said "Fly on, my sweet Angel
Fly on to the sky
Fly on, my sweet Angel
Forever, I'm gonna be by your side"
An angel with no wings in a puddle of water.
♫♫♪♪♫
Ezekiel came out of his trance in an instant. He stood up and made his way to the door. Angel blocked his path before he could exit, though.
"We have to go," the Warrior of God said in a hurry, "She's already going."
"Help me," the Anointed called as the Slayer came near, dressed in a white gown and leather jacket, armed with a crossbow.
"It's OK," she, Buffy, said as she lowered her weapon, "I know who you are."
Collin held out his hand and the Slayer took it. He led her into the dark.
"Where's the cemetery that the Master's hiding in," Ezekiel shouted as he drove down the street.
"It's too late," Angel muttered to himself, "Too late."
The Warrior screamed in rage. He slammed both feet down on the brakes. The vampire shouted as he felt himself become airborne momentarily and get thrown into the passenger seat. Ezekiel threw his gloved fist into the vamp's face and he went sailing into the back. He grabbed the stake out of the glove compartment and climbed into the back. He placed his weapon above the creature's heart.
"What are you doing," the vampire cried in fear.
"Here's the deal, fucker," the Warrior cried, "I was given a vision by God and I need to be there in order to see right done. I don't care whether or not you believe that the prophecy will come through. Either you get with the damned program or I am going to have to clean out the van tomorrow morning! Got it!"
Angel nodded, his fear turned to terror. For one of the first times in his life, he was truly afraid for his life.
"Alright then."
"But prophecies are tricky creatures," the Master said as he gripped the Slayer's neck, "They don't tell you everything."
He leaned in near Buffy's neck and smiled a sadistic sneer that sent chills down her spine. He whispered.
"You're the one that sets me free."
He backed away, that sneer still secured to his face.
"Think about that."
He drove his fangs into her throat and drank. After a few sips, he backed away, the sheer ecstasy of his blood invigorated by the Slayer's essence.
"OH, GOD," he called out in the house of worship, a blasphemous shout of joy, "THE POWER!"
He loosened his grip on the Slayer's neck and allowed her to fall into the small body of water nearby, her last breath escaping from her weakened lungs as she fell.
"Oh, by the way," the monster said to her corpse, "I like your dress."
"It's too late, he's gone up," Angel shouted in anger as he took off down the sewer tunnels, Ezekiel right behind him.
The two knights ran as fast as they could into the tunnel, Angel's run fueled by love, Ezekiel's fueled by faith. The two charged into the Master's lair, but both could feel it before they arrived.
Angel reached her body first and pulled her up. He placed his head to her throat, listening for her heart. He pulled away, panting from fear.
"She's dead."
...Could it truly be this simple?
Without word or thought, the Warrior of God came forward and took the Slayer's body away from the vampire. He laid her down on the cavern floor, slowly, and examined her.
"She's not dead," he said, "Not yet. CPR," he turned to face the vampire, "I know you do not breath as we do, but do you know CPR?"
His companion shook his head. He took her face in his hands and blew fresh air into her lungs. Sighing, Ezekiel placed both his hands on her chest and began to push.
"Get in," Cordelia shouted as she pulled up beside Willow, Amy, and Jenny Calendar.
The two stared after her for a moment, then climbed in.
"I was sitting where Kevin and I used to stay," she continued, "When these things started coming-"
A vampire jumped aboard the top, snarling. The girls screamed loudly as many more began to charge them.
"We need to get to the library," Willow cried.
"Library, Great!"
The brunette cheerleader pressed the gas pedal as hard as she could and rammed the doors.
"Of course, we generally walk there!"
Lord God, he prayed as he forced air into her lungs, Have mercy upon her. Give her Your benevolent light. Take Your servant not from this World, Dear Lord. Have mercy on her so that she may do Your work. Please.
Renew her.
Her eyes opened. She could only see a large blur in front of her at first, but, it began to clear. After a moment's worth of searching, she saw two faces that she recognized. One of them was stroking her head.
"Angel," she called out, confused, "…Ezekiel?"
"Welcome back, Buffy," the ensouled vampire answered her with a small smile.
"Why are they coming here," Giles shouted his cry.
A tentacle made its way around the torn room, searching for anything to satisfy its thirst.
"My world," the Master said, joy evident in his voice, "My beautiful world!"
"The Master," the Slayer whispered to her male companions.
"He's gone up," the vampire answered.
She started forward, but the ensouled one stopped her. She turned to her love interest. He looked even broodier than usual.
"You're still weak," he inquired.
"No," she answered, "I feel strong. Different."
She turned back to Warrior and Vampire.
"Let's go," Slayer said.
The French doors that led through the stacks were blocked off by Willow and Ms. Calendar. Cordelia and Amy held the vampires off that were coming through the front. Giles was blocking off the office.
A vampire punched through the glass and grabbed hold of Cordelia's arm.
"Somebody help," she screamed.
"The epicenter is within the library," Ezekiel informed the Slayer as he and Angel followed behind her, for her pace was far too fast for either to match at the moment, "That is where they shall be going."
"I know," she said.
A vampire moved to block their entrance.
"Oh, look," she said cockily, "A bad guy."
He met her, and fell to the ground in pain. The three continued to walk until they came to an open stairwell. It had been forced open.
"Ok," Buffy said as she came to the door, "Keep the rest of the vampires off of me. I'm going to go and end it."
"God go with you," Ezekiel said.
The Slayer looked at him oddly, and returned her gaze to the vampire.
"Better put your game face on," she said.
"I'm ready," he vamped out.
"One way or another," she said, "This won't take long."
The creature emerged from its tomb, screaming.
Ezekiel withdrew a dagger as a miniature army came lashing out at him and his vampire ally. He drove it deep into the nearest creature's arm and sliced upward, causing it to scream in agony. As a final blow, he drove his fist directly into its forehead.
Its head snapped off and it turned to ash.
Angel lunged forward, his arm curved to catch the vampire that was running at him. It fell to the ground, woozy from the blow. The soulful vampire drew his stake from its sheath and plunged it into its unbeating heart.
"Will you laugh when my Hell is on Earth?"
"You that amped about Hell?"
She moved forward and grabbed his neck. He gasped in fear as her grip was unbreakable.
"Go there."
The groupwatched on in horror as the skeletal remains of the Master became all that was left, the rest floating up into dust.
"The vampires," Giles asked.
"Gone," Cordelia answered.
"…The Master," Angel asked.
"Dead," Ms. Calendar answered.
"The Hellmouth is closed," Giles said to Buffy, but when she did not respond, he called out to her again.
"Oh," she said in surprise, "Sorry. It's just been a…really long day. I mean,…I died and everything."
"Harsh," Amy said.
Ezekiel said nothing. He walked forward to the vampire master's bones, hand outstretched. He could feel its raw energy. It held more than enough.
"I don't like the library much anymore," Giles was saying.
"I hear there's a party at the Bronze," Willow said, "Could be fun."
"I'm game," Cordelia said.
"Not just yet," the Warrior of God said, "There is one last thing we need to take care of."
He took his jacket off and laid it down on the counter. He reached deep into its pockets and withdrew a dagger with the hilt in the shape of a cross. He placed his weapon upon the countertop and took his shirt off. His branding stood out against the light.
"Nice tattoo," Willow said, throat tight.
"Will," Amy said in intrigue, "That's not a tattoo."
"It's a branding," both Giles and Angel said at the same time.
"A holy one," Ezekiel informed them as he walked over to the skeleton, dagger in hand, "Blessed by every holy man or woman within the Vatican."
He sighed. His next words were all spoken in Latin.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I hereby cast you out."
He embedded his dagger within the Master's skull. Fire consumed it as the blade penetrated the white orb. For a moment, the fire raged, and then it began to migrate up towards the cross, starting from the feet. As the fire continued to recede, the light revealed it to be burned black.
Ezekiel turned away from the roaring fire and entered the weapons cage. He searched around for a moment and pulled out an axe. When he returned, the fire was out and the Master's bones were pitch black. The Warrior walked forward, gripped the blessed dagger, and yanked it from the demon's skull. As he did so, he began to walk back to the group. He hefted the powerful axe up and presented it to the Slayer.
She stared up at him.
"Finish him," the Warrior whispered.
Buffy shifted her gaze from him to the axe, and nodded in silence. She took the handle of the weapon from him and moved forward. He grabbed his items off the counter and walked into the back near the double doors to change.
The Slayer stood before the bones of the Master. For a moment, she did nothing but stare at the black mass. However, moments only last as long as they must.
She brought her weapon up, and felt the impact as she shattered the bones, one by one. She bashed, and smashed, and destroyed the bones of the evil figure that had so tormented her life. Finally, as the last bone turned to dust, she tossed her weapon aside and collapsed into tears. She cried as she felt strong, cold arms wrap themselves around her form, comforting her as best as they could.
Giles watched on as Angel attempted to comfort the distraught Slayer. He took his glasses off and laid them on the table, allowing a single tear to fall and no more to follow. He turned to the back to see if Ezekiel had finished dressing, but found only air.
"What," he asked.
"Where'd he go," Amy asked.
Sighing, the Watcher squeezed his nose and replaced his glasses onto his face. As he did so, his attention became drawn to the envelope on the table. It was marked 'To the Slayer and her pals.'
"What's Paradise like," Marcie Ross asked from the passenger seat.
Ezekiel was packing the van up as she asked this. During his stay, he had taken the liberty of acquiring Marcie's credit from her job and had bought her some clothing and weapons to help her adjust to life in the city and to help her along her recovery. For the moment, sense she knew, he would have to keep her very close by. He had considered sending her to Adil's residence but, considering that his uncle had just died and that the IRS was probably trying to do something about it, he had declined. Pam and Tara had enough troubles trying to reconnect as it was without a fourth party becoming involved. Edana's place was out of the question, no ifs, ands, or buts. He had considered Daniel, but had vetoed it, considering that the investigator was about to get married and would soonhave enough of a haggle with that, and the paper trail would eventually lead to the Ross's discovering their daughter's existence. Not that Marcie might never wish to return to her parents. She just couldn't, at least not right now. Eventually, he hoped she would be stable enough to be returned to her family. Now, however, that wasn't an option.
So, she was staying with him.
"It's a lot like LA," he answered, thinking of Gunn as he did so, "There's lots of demons and lots of wars."
He searched around back to make sure he still had all his weapons. As he found the Blood Sword, he smacked his head.
"Can't believe I forgot I had that back here," he said, "Alright, let's get on the highway."
He slammed the door shut and climbed into the driver's seat. As he fastened his seatbelt, Marcie began to go through his CDs. Smiling, she pulled one out and put it inside.
"Which one did you get out," he asked.
She just smiled. He put the car into ignition and drove out onto the street. She didn't actually hit play until they were near the town limits and, when she did, she had the music booming.
"Oh, yeah," he yelled as he recognized the tune.
They sang.
Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space
I like smoke and lightning
Heavy metal thunder
Racin' with the wind
And the feelin' that I'm under
Yeah Darlin' go make it happen
Take the world in a love embrace
Fire all of your guns at once
And explode into space
Like a true nature's child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die
Born to be wild
Born to be wild
♫♫♪♪♫
A/N: All music used in this piece (The Last Resort by The Eagles, Angel by Jimi Hendrix, and Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf) are copyrighted by their perspective owners, as in 'not me.'
A/N2: Alright. That's it for the Hellmouth, at least for now. Now that that's outta the way, the real fun can begin.
A/N3: In case anyone's wondering, Ezekiel was being uber-religious because he had just left a state of...I guess you can call it Heavenly Bliss. An increase of faith tends to be a side effect, like calmness is for meditation.