Chapter Fourteen
"Well that's not very original."
Dawn, Jondy, and Angel jumped in surprise at the sound of Buffy's voice while Alec simply glanced over at her bed. Dawn's face broke into a wide grin and she temporarily forgot how big of a beating her sister had took and threw her arms around her. Buffy's sharp intake of breath quickly reminded her though.
"Sorry," she said, wiping her eyes with her non-injured hand. "I'm just so relieved you're awake." Buffy grunted.
"How long have I been out?" she asked groggily.
"'Bout 26 hours and 34...minutes," Angel answered, trying to ignore the looks Jondy, Dawn, and Alec were giving him. Buffy turned her head to look at him and their eyes locked. Buffy broke it off with a small smile.
"Am I wrong in assuming the others are also beat up but healing?" Jondy shook her head.
"Nope. You're dead on. The others have plenty of injuries to get through, but yours, Alec's, Faith's, and Spike's are by far the worse. Which is almost ironic since you're also the most experienced." Angel let out a well-timed cough. Jondy smirked. "Besides the 250 year old petty vampire behind me, of course."
"I'm not petty," Angel muttered quietly. The three women rolled their eyes.
"If you're insulting the jefe here, I think I'm entitled to some jibes..." Faith grumbled. Jondy left Alec's side to go over to her.
"How ya feelin'?" Faith opened her mouth to respond when Jondy held up her hand and grinned. "Wait. Lemme guess. Five by five?" Faith let out a soft laugh and slowly eased herself up into a sitting position. She winced and placed a hand against her bandaged ribs.
"Of course," she responded even as she closed her eyes. "These are just scratches. I can feel myself healing already. I'll be up and kicking ass in no time."
"A broken arm, leg, and some ribs are not scratches," Jondy pointed out. Faith opened one eye and glared at her.
"Do you mind? I'm playing tough chick. It doesn't help anyone if you put the kabash on it." Buffy snorted.
"Wow. 'Jefe' and 'kabash'. Who knew you were a world traveler?"
"So many things for you to learn, young grasshopper," Faith replied dramatically.
"Oh please. I'm older than you."
"But I'm wiser and hotter than you." Buffy made a noise that was somewhere between a scoff and squeak of surprise before she turned to the others for support.
"Sorry blondie, but I'm with my girlfriend on this one. It's a rule," Alec replied. Buffy rolled her eyes and looked at Dawn and Angel.
"You're my sister," Dawn stated. Buffy narrowed her eyes.
"That's not exactly reassuring."
"I know. But it's just my way of saying you're not getting anything out me." All eyes fell on Angel, who shifted uncomfortably.
"Hey, Jondy hasn't answered yet," he pointed out lamely.
"Oh, I'm on Faith's side," Jondy replied matter of factly. Angel opened his mouth but the entrance of Willow and Wesley saved him from having to answer. He actually sighed with relief.
"What is it?" he asked eagerly. Buffy and Faith glared at him but he pointedly ignored them. Willow and Wesley exchanged a look before Wes showed Angel the crystal he had dislodged from Illyria's sarcophagus.
"This might help in containing Illyria and Max. Slow 'em down or at least prevent them from slowing us down," he explained. Sighs of relief immediately erupted in the room. Willow raised her eyebrows and smiled.
"I think that news just made the patients' day," she replied.
"Hey Willow," Alec said, narrowing his eyes slightly. "You're a witch right?" Willow nodded slowly, not quite sure what he was getting at. Alec's face suddenly turned comically desperate. "Can you please do some little spell thing and make our bones come back together?"
"Don't be such a baby," Faith teased, but she fixed Willow with the same hopeful stare.
"Uh...I don't think I can just zap you and have all your injuries to be healed but I can probably do something to make the process go even faster. But considering all three of you already have accelerated healing powers...with the extra help you'll probably be good to go by tomorrow at the latest. You won't be at your full strength, of course, 'cause no one's that strong..."
"What're you waiting for then, Red? Get your mojo working," Faith interrupted.
"Yeah," Buffy agreed. "We can't afford to lose anymore time. We have to stop Illyria and Max from doing exactly what we've been making sure no one ever does. Unleash hell on Earth."
"Please. No one's ever done it before. What's so special about them?" Dawn asked. The others just looked at her. "Right. Stupid question. Forget I said it."
"Vahla ha'nesh," Angel said suddenly, as if just remembering.
"Huh?"
"Vahla ha'nesh? What does that mean?" Wesley asked.
"I think I covered that with 'huh'?" Buffy stated. Wesley briefly glanced her before turning back to Angel.
"I was hoping you could tell me," Angel replied.
"Fine. You guys still capable of roaming around and opening books and understanding what you're reading go do research on the Vahla hashbrown thingy while Faith, Alec, and I work on healing. Willow, get together whatever supplies you need for speeding up the process. It'll be helpful to the others, too."
Jondy and Wesley seemed slightly chagrined at being told what to do by Buffy, but after seeing that Dawn, Willow, and Angel immediately went to do as she asked, they followed suit.
Max let her gaze roam over the house in front of her. It was four stories high and probably had more than one wing. The exterior seemed to be old Victorian and painted light blue. The roof, gutter, and window panes were a darker shade of blue. Roses, tulips, and Morning-glories were just a few of the flowers that surrounded the house. The front lawn was a healthy green color and looked freshly mowed.
All in all it seemed like a Mr. Rogers-type's wet dream. Which was enough to make Max gag and set it on fire. But she and Illyria needed a place to stay before they carried on with their plan. Both females had agreed that simply finding an abandoned warehouse would be suicide, besides being completely uncomfortable.
The neighborhood they were in was definitely where a bunch of rich folks hung up their jackets and hats. There were plenty of mansion-like places to choose from but the house they stood in front of, drawing stares from passers-by in the process, was smack dab in the middle of all of 'em. Plus it was blue, which went really well with their appearances.
"Check it out, ladies," Max said to Illyria and Knox. "Say 'hello' to your brand new digs." Knox nervously glanced at her, a wary almost-smile on his face. Max cocked her head to the side as she studied him. He'd been acting wiggy around her ever since she had blasted Angel, Buffy, and the others through the walls and out the windows.
If it had been his blue leather queen's accomplishment, he'd be giddy with joy. Guess he doesn't like the fact that the powers were split. Well, if he becomes too much of an annoyance, I'll just snap his neck.
Something along the lines of creepy self-satisfaction must have shown on Max's face because Knox suddenly let out a hysterical giggle and avoided her gaze.
"This building is already occupied," Illyria stated, seemingly ignoring Knox's outburst. Max nodded.
"Yup."
"But not for much longer."
"Of course not. We go in, kill the people inside, and make ourselves at home."
"No," Illyria said abruptly. Max shot her a suspicious look, but it faded when a menacing smile appeared on Illyria's face. "You have already had your share of violence. The turn is mine."
Without looking at Max or Knox, Illyria strode purposefully forward to the house. She kicked open the front door and walked inside. High pitched shrieks and bloodcurdling screams floated out onto the sidewalk, where Max listened gleefully and Knox seemed uncharacteristically mute.
"What's the matter Knoxie?" Max asked, her tone patronizing. "Thought you'd like the idea of your 'God' gettin' her maiming on."
Knox visibly swallowed as one of the crystal clear windows was suddenly smothered in a thick, dark red liquid. Max followed his gaze and her smirk widened. She knew Knox had no problem with Illyria killing, but the longer Illyria was inside the house and not outside with him and Max, the longer he had to be alone with Max. And that notion seemed enough to make Knox wet his pants in fear.
"How are they?"
Willow nearly jumped in surprise at the new presence. She finished shutting the door behind her and turned to face Dawn, who was looking more and more concerned by the second.
"I saw some weird light coming out of their room and I figured you were doing that spell thing so did it work? Are they better?" Willow smiled and ruffled her hair.
"They're sleeping it off," she replied. "By the time they wake up, their bones will be mended. They'll be a little stiff for a while, but other than that they're fine. Their scratches had already fully healed by the time I got my supplies together." Dawn sighed with relief.
"What about the others? Krit, Gunn, and the rest? Have you already worked your spell on them?" she asked. Willow shook her head.
"No, I was on my way..."
"What about Spike? His is the worst condition right? Have you helped him yet? Is he doing any better?" Dawn interrupted.
"I checked on him first, but he kept slipping in and out of consciousness, and the spell I'm using works better if the recipient is awake. But yes, he is doing better. I was going back to his room after I helped the others," Willow replied. She looked down at Dawn's broken arm. "And you." Dawn made a 'phfft' noise and gave a dismissive wave with her hand.
"Please. I'd hardly be helpful in a fight with Max and Illyria. Help the ones who actually can before coming to me."
"Dawnie..." Willow began softly.
"No. Go," Dawn interrupted. She gave Willow a small, sad smile before continuing down the hallway. Willow watched her go with a thoughtful expression on her face then headed off in the opposite direction.
Spike couldn't move.
Thick, black fog seemed to be clouding his senses. His head felt too heavy. For a fleeting moment, he thought one of the most common insults that have been aimed at him had come true. His brain was actually just a big, bland rock. Completely unused. Useless.
A cold breeze brushed against his body. Even though it barely touched him, it sent continuous shivers down his spine.
Something warm caressed his cheek, scorching his skin. Heat flooded throughout his body. The shivers disappeared.
Spike realized the thing that had touched him was a hand.
The fog lifted.
Max's smiling face looked down at him. Her eyes were normal. Chocolate brown. Spike raised his hand to touch her, not quite believing she was real. His fingers made contact with her soft, smooth cheek. Max placed her hand over his. Spike almost laughed in relieved shock.
"I'm dreaming, aren't I?" he questioned. Max shrugged.
"Probably," she replied. "I mean...it's not real likely I'd be welcome back here. Not after what I've done..." She closed her eyes and leaned away from Spike's touch.
"What're you doing?" Max turned her head back to face him and Spike was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "What's..."
"I can't stay much longer," she interrupted. "You'll be fully healed soon. Then...hopefully...you can stop me." Spike's brow furrowed.
"Stop you...? You don't mean..." he trailed off, not daring to say it out loud. But Max nodded firmly.
"If you have to. If nothing else works. It may be the only option. You already know it, William. I wouldn't be saying it if you didn't already know it." Spike snatched his hand out of hers.
"No," he stated.
"William..."
Spike crawled backwards away from her, shaking his head.
"No," he repeated. Max appeared next to him again. She placed both hands on either side of his face and stared intently at him.
"Yes," she stated firmly. Spike started to shake his head again and Max lightly brushed her lips against his. Spike closed his eyes as his body seemed to freeze up again.
"No. No, no, no, NO!"
"NO!"
Spike shot up in his hospital bed screaming. The door to his room suddenly burst open and Angel, Willow, and a doctor hurried in. They stared at him in shock. His blue eyes seemed to be glistening with unshed tears and his mouth was wide open, letting his scream continue.
"Spike..." Willow began softly, but his scream drowned her out.
"Spike!" Angel bellowed. Still no reaction. Angel slapped him upside the head. The screaming abruptly stopped and Spike made a choking noise. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Spike eyed him with a confused expression on his face.
"What're you talking about? Nothin's wrong with me," he replied as he threw the sheets off of him and hopped out of the bed.
"Excuse me, but you've been through quite a lot. I don't think you should be getting out of bed yet," the doctor said, moving forward to get Spike to lay down again.
"Maybe you should check up on your vampire history, Doc. 'Cause then you'd remember getting the crap beaten out of me doesn't mean I'm completely out of the game," Spike growled. The doctor immediately backed off and left the room, muttering about ungrateful demons.
Spike rolled his eyes and looked down at himself. He was wearing a hospital gown. Grimacing, he asked, "Where're my clothes?"
"Spike, you've been in and out of consciousness for over 48 hours after getting beaten up pretty badly by a god, you just woke up screaming bloody murder, and the first thing you ask is where's your clothes?" Willow countered incredulously.
"Well I can't very well go out in public with my ass hanging out the back of this flimsy thing, now can I?"
"No one wants that," Angel replied, his nose scrunching in disgust. "I'll go get your clothes." Once Angel had left, Willow's incredulous expression turned to one of concern.
"Weren't your bones broken the last time I checked on you?" Spike shrugged as he sat back down on the hospital bed.
"Vampires heal quickly," he replied shortly.
"Not usually so fast. Especially after the beating you endured." Spike shrugged again but didn't answer.
"Don't you have other patients to look after?" he finally said after a few minutes had passed. Willow bit her lip, but nodded.
"Once you're dressed, go to the lobby. Most if not all of us will be there," she said before leaving the room. Angel reentered shortly after.
He tossed Spike his clothes with a curt, "Hurry up." Spike rolled his eyes but didn't retort, glad to be alone again.
He took off the hospital gown and was pulling on a black T-shirt when he finally gave into the urge to touch his fingers to his lips, where he could still feel the light pressure from Max's kiss. He knew it was a dream, but it had felt too real for his liking.
He didn't want to kill Max. He'd rather have a permanent residence in hell and an 'Eternity of Torture' coupon than be the one to end her life. But then there was that whole pesky 'for the good of the world' thing. Being a vampire with a soul meant either decision would give him a ride to Guilt Trip Land.
The only thing Spike hoped for was for him and the others to figure out a way to extract the god powers without killing Max. And that light of hope was slowly flickering out.
When Spike finally reached the lobby, the others were already waiting for him. He tried to keep his face blank as he strode over to join them, but looks from Buffy, Dawn, Faith, and Jondy made him rethink his decision.
"What?" he asked impatiently. Buffy and Dawn quickly avoided his gaze while Faith and Jondy cleared their throats.
"It's nothing," Faith stated. "You just..."
"I just what?"
"You look...different...without your hair slicked back," Jondy replied. His brow furrowed, Spike brought his hand up and ran it through his hair. He had forgotten to slick it back and his blonde curls had free reign. Given the looks from the Buffy, Dawn, Faith, and Jondy, he guessed it wasn't a bad thing. He lazily smirked and turned his attention to Angel, who was visibly stiffer than usual, as were Krit and Alec. Knowing the reason, Spike's smirk widened.
"So, have you learned anything new and interesting while I was out?" he asked. Angel glanced at Wesley.
"Yeah, we have," he replied. When no one elaborated Spike loudly cleared his throat.
"Come on people. Clock of Doom is tick tocking away," he prodded.
"While most of you were in bed, recuperating, Wesley and Willow were able to figure a few things out," Angel began before motioning for Wes or Willow to continue.
"This won't be a very big surprise for most of you, but the plan that Max and Illyria have is to unleash hell on Earth. Inside her temple, Vahla ha'nesh, is her army of doom. Andthe agenda is to open the gateway and set them free," Wesley explained.
"Where's this temple located?" Kennedy asked.
"I'm guessing somewhere in Los Angeles," Krit stated. Wesley nodded.
"It was built here millions of years ago, but it's out of phase with our time stream. Only Illyria can open the gateway."
"What about Max?" Faith asked. Spike warily watched Wes as he waited for his response. "Doesn't she have Illyria's god powers?"
"I don't think that changes the fact that only Illyria herself can open it. Max is still Max, just with corrupted power," Wesley explained. He glanced at Willow, who in turn fixed Spike with a sympathetic stare.
"What?" Spike questioned irritably.
"Besides doing research on Max and Illyria's big plan, Wes and I have been trying to figure out a way to bring Max back to normal. We already know we can't do the same for Fred..." Willow paused as this fact sent a pang to everyone's hearts. "But we think we've got something." Spike's eyes widened and the small smile that appeared on his face reminded Willow of a little boy.
"What is it?" Spike asked.
"There's no guarantee that it'll work..." Wesley began.
"We've got to at least try," Gunn interrupted softly. Weslooked briefly at him, but still seemed to hesitate in answering Spike's question.
"What. Is. It?" Spike repeated, his voice gaining edge.
Illyria stepped over the bloody body of a guard as she, Max, and Knox continued walking into the Bank. She gavethe guarda second look before scoffing.
"Your breed is fragile," she stated. "How is it that you have come to rule this world?" Neither Max or Knox responded at first. Then Max gave Knox a look that clearly said he should be the one to answer.
"W-Well...what they lack in strength, t-they make up for in sneakiness," he stammered quickly. Illyria gave a slight shake of her head.
"You are deceivers," she stated.
"Yes, they are. They deserve to be punished," Knox agreed. Max gave him a whack upside the head.
"You're talking about your own race there, Sparky," she replied. Knox made a small whimpering noise and tried to lengthen the distance between him and Max.
"Yes. Why do you not consider yourself as one of them?" Illyria asked as she stopped walking. She held her hands up in front of her face.
"Because I'm with the king now," Knox answered proudly. Max rolled her eyes as she leaned against a wall, almost in boredom. Knox rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Open the gateway. Raise your army. Wash humanity from the face of the Earth and reclaim..."
"Shut up," Max snapped as she came to stand next to them again. Still holding her hands in front of her face, Illyria wiggled her fingers. A gust of wind blew past her, but no portal opened.
"The gateway is blocked," she stated. Knox blew out a sigh and nodded.
"Yeah, I was afraid of that," he said. Both Max and Illyria turned their heads to glare at him. "Not to worry, I brought my skeleton key that can open any locks that Wolfram & Hart create. Just in case." He held up a satchel. Max grasped the front of his shirt and hauled him closer to her.
"Then use it," she growled dangerously. Knox audibly gulped and nodded. Max let go of him and he quickly set his supplies up forthe spell.
When he was done, they watched as the pile of bones he hadcreated disappeared.
Smiling, Knox opened his mouth to say something but Max suddenly held up her hand and silenced him. A malicious grin spread across her lips.
"I thought you guys had learned your lesson from the last time," she said before she slowly turned around to face Angel, Spike, Buffy, Faith, Alec, Willow, Wesley, Kennedy, Jondy, and Krit. "You know, that time when I blasted your asses through glass, walls and windows."
A/N-This chapter was shorter than usual but I didn't want to get into the big fight scene, which will, of course, be in the next chapter. I have one quick question for the people that are reading this fic: In the next chapter, who would you like to see be the one to weaken Max so they can try and 'cure' her, Spike, Willow, Buffy, Alec, Faith, or Angel? Review please!
meri24-Thanks ;o) Considering they're both evil at the moment, I'm not sure they'll be having a showdown, but I can probably work it in another way...hehe.
LadyV77-Thanks ;o) When has being boo-booed stopped these guys from fighting? I know they can heal quickly ('cept Gunn, Wesley, and Dawn, but only Wes is really needed for the big fight so I only gave him a broken nose and some scratches) but I didn't want it to seem too inhuman so I had about two days pass before they confront Max and Illyria. But they also had help from Willow. I hope it's still believable...If not, for the fight I can write it a certain way to make it more realistic...Yes, Lindsey will be coming back and Gunn will play that special part in it...
screaminheathen69-Yeah, that'd definitely be too easy ;o)
Delauro-Thanks ;o) It was a slightly slow update this time but that's because I had some family problems. All is well now though so you can expect the next update to be sooner.
Sarah-Thanks ;o) Alec will have his moments, but with the amount of characters that I plan on bringing in, he'll have to share the spotlight :o)
