Chapter 7 Blood Bonds and Ties
Angel felt a small hand run up his chest, a warm loving hand. Following that hand was light feather kisses. Angel smiled and looked down as Buffy made her way up to his neck. He chuckled a little and then held her and they both giggled. She rolled on to her side and Angel placed his hand on her belly. It wasn't round yet or big but there was bump. Angel then scooted down and placed a kiss on her belly.
"Morning Isabella," He said and then went back up and kissed Buffy. "Morning mo ghrá." She smiled and placed a hand on his cheek.
"Daddy wake up," A little voice said, Angel broke from the dream and felt tiny little hands pushing on him. "Wake up." The voice said and it had stern tone. "Daddy."
"Ok, ok I'm up, I'm up." He rolled over and grabbed her and she squealed in laughter as he pinned her down and tickled her. She fought to break away but her father had her and she laughed. He finally let up and Isabella crawled under the covers with her dad and he picked up the remote and turned the TV on.
"Looney Tunes." She said.
"We'll see if we can find it." Angel said as he flipped through the channels and he found a show. "Oh look Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote." He said and placed the remote aside. He then poked Isabella's side. "Beep, beep." And she giggled as Angel got out of bed. "Breakfast in bed Iníon?"
"Yeah," She said and continued to watch the show. Angel smiled as he headed to the bathroom to wash up. There was no reflection which a long time ago was strange, now he didn't care.
Downstairs the hotel was quiet, it was Sunday, and no one was up early on Sunday. He headed to the kitchen and found Spike drinking blood.
"Morning Peaches." He said as Angel passed by. "Little nibblet woke you?" Angel nodded and took out eggs and sausages; he was going to make her an Irish breakfast which she loved. Also for dinner he was going to make a traditional Irish dinner for everyone, Sunday food was the best. "Oh she has you under her finger, breakfast in bed." Angel stopped and looked at Spike. "What, fine I'll sod of just got hungry." Spike left the kitchen leaving so Angel could cook.
Isabella could smell the food as Angel brought it up with her juice. He settled into bed and she was excited.
"So Iníon," He began as he cut up some of the eggs and fed it to her. She knew how to feed herself but once in a while he liked to and she didn't mind. "What do you think if we got a little place in Ireland?" Angel asked and he waited for her to chew her food.
"Like move?" She asked.
"No, no babe more like vacation." He said and she sat and thought about and smiled. "Yeah?" He asked, that was a dream of his to have a small place in the hills next to the beach in Ireland with Buffy as a retreat. Isabella indicated she wanted more food. He made a lot but she would eat nearly all of it, she had a huge appetite which was fine with him. Buffy while pregnant with Isabella craved Irish meals that Angel made, maybe that's why Isabella liked it or that fact she is half Irish. "You are so going to Norte Dame when you go to college."
"Fighting Irish!" She yelled and took another bite of food.
"That's my girl." He smiled, he loved his daughter so much, and she was perfect as can be. She told everyone that she was Irish and said it proudly. She considered Mr. Gordo the stuff pig to be Irish. She was proud of what she was, whatever she was. Not only that, she was proud of her father. The two continued to eat breakfast while watching Looney Tunes.
"Buffy," Angel whispered in her ear, he felt his body about to tremble. Buffy sat up and looked him with her green eyes and smiled. He smiled and sat up and she arched back letting him take over. He pulled her closer.
"I love you." She said.
Angel woke and looked around; he was still on the plane. Isabella was asleep next to him and he looked out the window and saw the moon floating next to him. He looked at the time and they should be landing in Galway soon. He was going home; he hadn't been to Galway in over a hundred years. He was rather nervous come to think of it. But something else unsettled him, he was dreaming about Buffy like crazy. The last time he dreamt of someone like this was Darla and she came back. Was Buffy coming back? No he thought, as much as he missed her and longed for her, he didn't want her to come back. She was in heaven he knew it, she was at peace, she died in peace. If anyone brought her back by magic or other forces he'd kill them. Buffy deserved to be in peace after all she's done for this world.
Angel carried Isabella through a little house that stood near a cliff. So far this was looking like the little house they were going to get. It was small but cozy and two stories. The bottom had a kitchen, small dining area, a living room, a study and a half bathroom. Upstairs it had a master room with its own bathroom, an extra room and across the hall a small bathroom. It was just perfect for them. In the living room was the bonus, a fire place.
Angel signed the papers and he bought the little cottage. One great thing about Ireland it was cloudy most of the time so he could be outside quite a bit. Isabella liked the cool weather and the open field. She held onto her dad's leg and looked up. She looked cute in her big pink jacket.
"Horses," She said and he looked at her wondering what she meant. "Can we get horses?" She asked and he smiled and picked her up as the property manager reviewed the paperwork.
"We'll see Izzy." Angel said as she clung onto him.
"I want a white one." She said and he smiled and then she turned her direction to the cliff where she could hear the ocean. The property manager smiled and the held out his hand shaking Angel's indicating the deal was good and he left the two to be at their new home. Angel then walked to the cliff with Isabella. The two stood over the cliff and watched the waves crash up against the side. Isabella slid down from Angel's arms and he took in the breeze, the smell of the fresh air. He then felt Isabella tug at him and he looked down and she held a pink Irish thistle up to him, he leaned over and picked her up and took the thistle and smiled and kissed her forehead. The breeze picked up a little and Isabella cuddled closer to her father for some warmth.
Isabella rolled over on the heap of blankets and woke. She saw her father wasn't next to her so she got up. They were staying the night in the cottage but she heard faint music. She walked away from the low burning fire and outside where she saw her father standing in the cool night air. Across the way a group of men walked with incenses and burning torches and playing bagpipes or Uilleann pipes. Within the group of men were also priest and monks. Isabella walked to the silhouette of her father and took her place next to him.
"What they doing?" She asked and he looked down at her.
"Honoring their dead, those who have died today and remembering those have passed on a long time ago. I remember when I was your age they would walk around and do it." Angel replied and Isabella nodded and got closer to Angel as the group walked away. It was very pretty. Isabella wrapped her arms around Angel's leg for some warmth. Angel then scooped her up and the two watched the group move across the way. He kissed her cheek and smiled.
The trip was over and it was time to head home. Angel wanted to stay though it was so peaceful, he almost wished to throw away his duties and just live there with Isabella but that would not do honor to his wife.
Angel smiled as Buffy leaned into kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her to pull her close. But then when he opened his eyes Buffy was at the door way. She turned around and left and he went after her.
"Buffy," He called to her and ran outside. It was snowing, the little flakes fell around him and then skipping in the snow was Isabella. She bent over and picked up the white powder. "Izzy what are you doing out here?" He asked and she giggled as he got closer. The white snow in her hands turned red, it turned to blood. Angel's jaw dropped as Isabella let the blood drip from her hand. Then Buffy stood behind Isabella.
"Protect her,"
Angel shot up in bed and looked around, it was early. For the past month he had been waking up early from his dreams. What was going on he thought? Every since he save Isabella from the feast of the Cyberdemon he has been dreaming about Buffy. Was she coming into his dreams to give him comfort or messages? Angel lay back down, whatever was going on he knew he needed to make sense of it soon.
He could no longer sleep and headed to Isabella's room where she was in dreamland. He leaned over the crib that was now too small for her. She needed a new bed. Angel watched Isabella sleep; protect her, the words repeated. He was doing his best but was there something on the way, something coming for her.
A man waited to be counseled. He was a rather large man, bearded and an old face. Not but a few minutes ago he was in Europe and now he was in an office years ahead of his time.
"Holtz?" A woman asked and he turned around. "My name is Lilha and this is my partner Lindsey."
"Where am I? Why am I here?" He asked.
"You are here for revenge does the word Angelus mean anything to you?" Lindsey asked, Holtz's face twisted in anger.
"That bastard killed my family."
"So let's talk then." Lilha said.
Angel was reading out loud to Isabella, he was finishing Wuthering Heights. Isabella had her head resting on his lap and her eyes were getting heavy with sleep but she fought it, she wanted to hear the end. Angel finished and she nodded, indicating she liked it. One day he'd reread it over again because she would understand it better.
"Bed time muirnín." He said and she nodded. He scooped her up and walked her down the hall and placed her in her bed. He leaned in kissing her good night and headed downstairs. A lot was on his mind. Downstairs Cordelia, Willow, Tara and Fred were decorating the place with festive Christmas decorations. They wanted to surprise the kids in the morning. Angel wanted to talk to the Watchers about his dreams of Buffy.
"Angel," Gunn said as he walked in. "Angel a man is here to see you." Angel thought that was odd, it was late. The man then walked in and Angel stopped dead in his tracks.
"Angelus," The man said and everyone knew something wasn't right. Gunn took a few steps back and then held up his weapon.
"Holtz, my God." Angel couldn't believe it, this man should be dead.
"You have no God demon." Holtz said as he began to circle Angel. Xander and Spike walked in together and stopped and were confused on what was going on. Then it hit Spike.
"Holtz?" Spike asked.
"Holtz whatever brought you here," Angel began but was cut off.
"You did, you and your demon bitch." Holtz spat, everyone knew there was bad blood between these two. "For two hundred years I slept, for two hundred years I've dreamt of nothing but this moment." He said, Angel knew why he was here and the only people to bring here was Wolfram and Hart.
"Which it would explain why you look so well rested." Angel shot back.
"You haven't changed."
"Actually I have." Angel replied. "While you were sleeping, a lot changed.
"Really?" Holtz asked and then threw some holy water on Angel. Angel winced in pain and everyone shifted to help. "Somehow things seem the same to me."
"You're wrong."
"I will have justice." Holtz said through his teeth, threatening the vampire.
"What did you have to give up for this second chance?" Angel asked.
"Give up? I had nothing to give up. You saw to that." He then took out a stake pointing it to Angel.
"Daddy?" A little voice said everyone looked up to the stairs.
"Dul ar ais chuig d'iníon seomra." Angel said to Isabella and Holtz looked to the little girl. She looked like, no he thought, impossible.
"Impossible you can't," Holtz said, Wolfram and Hart failed to mention that Angel had a child. But then the original plan to kill Angel here and now changed. He smiled, he smiled an evil smile to Angel.
"You come near here I will kill." Angel threaten and Holtz left with a new idea. Isabella came running downstairs and jumped into Angel's arms. She knew something was wrong. Angel held her close, this wasn't good.
Angel told everyone the story of Holtz and who he was. It was understandable why he was here but nothing in the world will convince him that Angel was good. He was a man on a mission and now his mission had something to do with Isabella. Was that what Buffy was trying to warn him about, Holtz. Willow and Tara were going to put a protection spell but if Holtz was brought back by magic and by Wolfram and Hart then the spell wouldn't hold not for long. Angel could run but Holtz could track him. Angel was no longer in fear for his life but for Isabella's. Although Holtz wouldn't kill an innocent child but she get caught up in the cross fire of revenge. Buffy was right, Isabella would be the target.
A few days had passed by since Holtz dropped by but they all knew he'd come. Angel had a talk with Isabella, she understood not to talk to strangers.
"You understand Izzy?" He asked and she nodded. "You see that man again you run ok, you run until you can't stop running and I will find you." She nodded and he hugged her, if he lost her then he's unleash hell. Then there was a knock on the door and Cordelia poked her head inside.
"Kate's here."
"Kate!" Isabella said with a happy voice and the two went downstairs to meet with her.
"Hi Izzy how are you?" She asked and Isabella hugged her.
Kate understood what Angel wanted and she'd do her best to help.
"Well if he says you're a vampire, these days that'll get you a slap in the face and put in a straight jacket." She said trying to comfort him as Isabella sat on his lap eating some pieces of cheerios. Angel nodded and smiled a little.
Cordelia, Willow and Tara had the kids out at the playground and Kate was with them to keep an eye on Isabella. Holtz watched the three children on the swings. He was fixed on the girl with green eyes and brown hair, the daughter of Angelus. She was human, she was in sunlight but a child to be raised by a monster he thought Angel would turn her into a killer later. Across the way he could see the four women chatting. Somehow he had to get Isabella to him, he doubt she'd walk up to him. The only thing he could do was to snatch her. He crept up behind the swings and then Isabella jumped off knowing someone was there. She took off running. Cordelia saw what was happening and grabbed a crossbow from her bag. Kate took out her gun and went after them. Willow and Tara went after Evan and Levy. Isabella ran as fast as her little feet could carry her and she screamed.
"Daddy! Daddy!" She screamed with tears. Kate and Cordelia ran as fast as they could to save her from Holtz. Holtz got closer to the little two years old and then scooped her up. She struggled screaming for Angel. Kate held up her gun and Cordelia the crossbow.
"Drop the kid!" Kate yelled and Holtz stood there.
"You shoot it'll be here catching the bullet." Holtz said and Kate knew she had to comply. "I don't want her, I want Angelus." Isabella whimpered reaching for Cordelia as Holtz held her. Everyone in the park knew something was going on and Kate reached her radio and contacted police. "He knows where to find me, from where the moon sets." Holtz then took off running and Cordelia followed. Kate sent out a description of Holtz hoping to catch him before he got too far, he was on foot but that didn't mean they would catch him.
Angel grabbed his ax he was going in. The others offered to help but he refused, this was personal it was between him and Holtz. This is what Holtz wanted a fight, then Angel was going to give him one. He knew where to find him.
"Where?" Kate asked.
"Holtz has a thing for open fields." Angel replied.
"Please let me help, let someone help." Kate begged, everyone begged with their eyes.
"No, too many people, he might hurt her, he just wants me. If it's just me he has no reason to hurt her." Angel explain and left the weapons room. He was going to get his daughter back by any means necessary.
Isabella sat on the ground tied with her hands bounded in front of her. Holtz knelt down and looked at the child.
"What's your name?" He asked and she said nothing. "I'm a friend of your daddy's which makes you a friend too." Isabella remained silent. "Stubborn like him I guess you really are his demon spawn." Then Isabella kicked his shin, it didn't hurt by any means and he smiled. "You got a little fight in you, I like you."
"Then you'll love me." A voice said and Holtz went flying. Angel stood there and Isabella looked up. Holtz reached for his sword as Angel swung his ax at him. Holtz blocked it and kicked Angel. The two backed off as Isabella sat there front stage. Angel twirled his ax menacingly at Holtz. "You shouldn't have come here." Angel said and Holtz smiled and charged. Angel blocked him then the two fought. Holtz was able to slice Angel up his torso which made Isabella scream. Angel blocked more Holtz's moved and then punched him. Angel knew to win he'd have to vamp out but Isabella loved his vampire face and he didn't want her to associate with death. Holtz punched Angel and he fell to the ground and he went to swing his sword. Angel blocked it with the hilt of his ax and kicked Holtz away and he jumped back to his feet. The two fought some more.
"You're mine Angelus, I swore revenge." Holtz said as Angel's blade grinded with Holtz's sword. Holtz was strong a lot stronger than Angel thought he'd be. Whatever Holtz did to get here he must have made some agreement to kill Angel for strength. Angel pushed him off and kicked him away. He wanted this fight to take place elsewhere, away from Isabella. The two stared each other down and then charged. He didn't want to kill Holtz but he threaten his daughter which automatically put him on the wrong side. As much as he wanted to convince Holtz he was not Angelus and he was different, Holtz would not change. The two lost their weapons and went into a fist fight. Holtz punched Angel down and kicked him and then reached for his sword and went to finish the vampire off but his blade grinded against another. Holtz looked up and the blade hit him in the face and he screamed in pain. Angel looked to the direction where the blade that had save his life came from thinking someone from the mansion had followed him. But the sight before him shook him, made him still.
A woman all in white with light all around her and a blade made of light smiled at him.
"You want to live forever?" She asked and Angel turned away scared and then turned back around, she was gone. Holtz however was still standing holding his face in pain. Angel reached for his ax and stood up. The vampire had busted lip and a bruise forming on his forehead because of this man but no more. It was time to end it. Angel walked up to Holtz and swung his ax. Holtz was able to block it but then Angel took out a small dagger from his pocket.
"I should have killed you back in Europe." Holtz said and Angel nodded.
"Yes you should have." Angel then swung his ax making Holtz lift up his hands and then Holtz felt it, a sharp pain in his. Holtz dropped his sword and Angel spun him around taking the dagger out and then stabbed him again in the side. "To bad you didn't" Angel whispered in his ear. Angel let Holtz fall to the ground and Angel tossed the dagger away and twirled his ax. To be sure Holtz would never return he would chop him to pieces. Angel twirled his ax and Holtz looked up and his eyes begged for mercy but Angel wasn't going to show any not for trying to hurt Isabella. Angel held the ax above his head and swung it.
Isabella sat by the tree with her eyes closed and sobbing. Angel dropped his ax and walked over to his daughter. She had her eyes shut tight and then he placed a hand on her cheek and she opened her eyes and saw her father. She lunged forward and he held her. With her bound hands she swung them over his head so now she would have her around his neck. He hated the fact that she had to see him like this, to kill. Maybe that's what Holtz wanted, he wanted to show Isabella that Angel was just a monster. Angel stood up with her in his arms and he went to grab his ax and leave all the while he whispered soothing words in Gaelic to her.
Kate and a few cops stood on building were a burned body was found. She knew who it was. Angel was making another statement this time not to the demons but to Wolfram and Hart. Kate couldn't but smile as she pulled out the little glass Angel from the dead man's mouth.
At the hotel Angel shut Isabella's door as she was asleep. Finally he could talk to the watchers. Wes and Giles sat down at the dinner table and Angel took his seat.
"What is it Angel?" Giles asked.
"It's Buffy, I, I've been dreaming about her like crazy. I've been waking up thinking she's here." Angel said and Wes nodded. The last time something like this happened Darla came back.
"You think she might be back?" Wes asked and Angel shrugged.
"These dreams though it's like she's warning me."
"About what?" Giles asked.
"It's like she tells me something is going to happen to Isabella." And then Giles nodded, he had an idea.
"Angel you and Buffy share a connection. The first night you two…you know you both established a bond. When you fed off of her you strengthen that bond and then marrying her and having her child,"
"It's probably the strongest bond, tie whatever you want to call it." Wes interjected knowing where Giles was going with this. "Buffy's gone physically but she remains within you and within Isabella."
"Because of the bonds whether physical, emotional, spiritual or even blood related Buffy is here especially with you." Giles finished and Angel nodded. "She just wouldn't leave, she wouldn't leave you alone to do this alone. The messages Cordelia gets is for all of us but the messages, the dreams of Buffy are for you." Angel could remember just days before Buffy died, maybe she knew she was going to die but what she said to him now made sense and even more so from the battle out on the field. "I swear Angel nothing can pull us a part. I know because if I die I will still find my way back to you. I'll come back to you, I'll come back fight at your side."
"You and Buffy share a connection which makes the blood between you and Isabella even stronger." Wes finished with a smile. Angel nodded and felt like he had an answer.
"So what should I do?" He asked.
"Grow a set Peaches," Spike said while walking in. Angel leaned back in his chair crossing his arms as Spike went to get some blood. "We live in a dangerous world. The little nibblet is just a baby granted one day she won't be and will be able to kick some major ass but right she needs her over hanging forehead father to protect her." Angel touched his forehead, it didn't over hang.
"And that's your advice after all this Spike, grow a set?" Angel asked and Spike nodded.
"She needs you, step up be a man or vampire whatever you get the point. Stop the mambe pambe brooding and be a man." Spike then left with his cup of blood.
Isabella was in Angel's arms as he walked through the cemetery at night. After this they would be catching a plane to Galway to spend Christmas by themselves, to get away from all this. Isabella held a few roses as Angel walked. He could see the headstone, he memorized how to get here, forwards and backwards. Isabella began to bounce a little as they got closer to the grave. Angel stopped just short of the headstone and then knelt down.
"Is féidir As an domhain agus méadú. Banríona, cothrom inghean ar fad, í do láthair go gcloífidh mé. Mé a nglúine a thabhairt duit bás a réamhphósta, cothrom baríon, áilleacht ar fad, breathnú síos dom." Angel sung as he held Isabella and she smiled. "Want to give mommy her flowers?" He asked and she nodded and let her go as she went to place flowers down. Angel smiled and then looked up and off into the distance and something caught his eye.
She was dressed in white and light. She walked slowly across the field and then turned her head slightly so Angel could see her eyes, her green eyes. His jaw dropped slightly, it was her she saved him against Holtz. She smiled and then kept walking and slowly disappeared into the night. He saw her, she was truly here.
"Bye, bye." Isabella said and Angel looked to Isabella who stood there facing the same direction where he saw Buffy walking. Isabella was smiling and then ran back into her father's arms. He still looked to the direction hoping to see her again and then he felt Isabella place both hands on his cheeks. "Mommy says hi." Angel looked down at her and smiled and kissed her forehead and hugged her.
Christmas morning was here. Isabella woke up not in her room but at the cottage. She got up and ran to her father's room.
"Daddy, daddy it's Christmas, Santa came!" She yelled as she opened Angel's door, ran to his bed and jumped on it shaking him to wake up. "Merry Christmas daddy." Angel stirred awake and smiled. The two came down stairs and under the little tree were presents. Angel had hid them by having them mailed here and last night brought them in from the little shed out back. Isabella's face lit up as went to the gifts. All the gifts from everyone at the mansion to them were here and he mailed his gifts to them.
Angel held Isabella looking at all the wrapping paper tossed everywhere.
"Did you get everything you wanted?" He asked and she nodded. "Are you sure?" He asked. "Because I think there's something outside for you." He said and Isabella sat up and looked at him. Angel put her coat on and the two went outside and Isabella's jaw dropped, a white horse was standing there. Next to the white horse was a brown horse. "One for me and one for you."
"Can we go riding?" She asked.
Angel placed the saddle on the white horse which now had the name of Ann and Angel named his horse Buffy.
"Ready?" He asked Isabella and she nodded and he picked her up and placed her on top of the horse. "Don't let go ok." She nodded and he pulled himself up and sat behind her. He gathered the reins and they were off.
Night was here and the two sat in front of the fire place. Isabella was getting heavy meaning she was falling asleep. Angel looked to the flames as the danced. The conversation between him and the watchers replayed in his head and as much as he hated to admit that Spike was right he was. Angel needed to protect his daughter. That was his purpose now, he'll keep making amends but protecting his daughter is what is most important now and nothing would stand between that. He placed a kiss on top of her head and closed his eyes.
And that's it for now. Next time we see Isabella she'll be just a bit older and having the urge to fight and be like daddy. Yes I know I love little Isabella but all kids grow up some day. Hope you like it. More to come, comments and reviews are welcomed. Thanks for reading.
Here's what Angel said to Isabella when Holtz came: Go back to your room daughter
And here's the little song he sung which is to Buffy and I made it up but it something Angel would say. : Out of the earth and heaven may you rise. Queen, fair maiden of all, in your presents I will abide. I kneel to you immortal maiden, fair queen, beauty of all, look down to me.