Chapter 9
Only The Beginning
"Angel," Spike complained. "We backed the wrong bloody team. At least at Wolfram and Hart they cleaned up the mess."
"Shut up Spike." Angel said. He was covered in cuts an bruises from the battle. "Just cover up those windows. The sun will be up soon."
Faith walked into the lobby. Her arm was in a sling, and her ribs were bandaged up, but she still had that cocky look of strength on her face that she always wore. She walked over to Laura, who was nursing some nasty cuts of her own.
"You did good kiddo. Must have a brilliant teacher." Faith grinned. "You remind me a little of myself when I was younger. Except, y'know the part where I went evil and killed a whole bunch of people."
Faith turned to Angel.
"hey, big guy," she said. "I just spoke to Giles again back at the Council HQ. He has given me and the rookie some new orders."
"Well then Faith," said Angel."Thanks for your help, again. I owe you another one I guess."
"Hey, you owe me more than that. Remember, I let you bite me and put me in a coma so we could save you. But you can pay me back some other time. Giles has told me that we are to stay with you and act as 'Watcher's Council Liaisons' for the foreseeable future. He would like to talk to you. He wants to know if you will act as the official Council representative in LA."
"What would that mean?"
"well, you will have to talk to the boss, but basically, you have to keep him informed of any Big Evil shenanigans in LA, in return for Council support. You know, emergency backup and research from the Council teams."
"Well then, there's no point hanging around. Faith, get Giles on the phone."
Angel and Faith walked towards his office, but Illyria intercepted them.
"Angel," said Illyria. "I must speak with you."
"Go ahead."
"I have made a decision regarding my current existence. I must leave Los Angeles. I wish to try to discover my identity, my place in this world now that everything has changed."
"Well," said Angel. "You know where we are if you ever need us. And Illyria, thank you."
"Goodbye Angel," the blue skinned demon said. "Goodbye, everyone."
With that, the demon wearing Fred's face left.
"Master, I must speak with you."
A robed vampire made his way towards his leader.
"She has failed. Talia was destroyed."
The Master turned to face the vampire.
"Now that is unfortunate, don't you think?"
"Y-yes Master... very unfortu...ugrh"
The Master grabbed the vampire by the throat, and began to squeeze, smashing she way through the vamp's windpipe. As blood began to trickle from the vampire's mouth, he let go and dropped him to the floor.
"Kind of unpleasant for you as well, I would hazard a guess.."
The Master walked across the room, to the altar Talia was sacrificed on.
"First you took Darla from me," he snarled. "Now my young Talia.."
With a roar the Master tore down the altar, smashing it to pieces.
"You may think you have won this battle, Angelus. But if you think that was it, you have some surprises coming. This is only the beginning..."