You know, I've always wondered what happenened to the Scourge following Hero. Hopefully, I've explained that well enough in this chapter. And btw, thanks for all the reviews so far. Here is the chapter. Enjoy
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"…When the chips are down, and you're at the end of your rope, you need someone that you can count on. And that's what you'll find here. Someone who'll go all the way, who'll protect you no matter what. So don't lose hope. Come on over to our offices, and you'll see that there's still heroes in this world.' ...Is that it? Am I done?"
Angel switched the television off, having just watched the video Doyle had made. Cordelia held back her tears, as Angel picked her up gently. Her arms went around his neck, as he took her downstairs, before laying her down on the bed
"Rest now," Angel said, "I'll be back later"
He pressed a kiss to her forehead, as she slipped under the covers and pulled them up to her chin. When Angel left, she let the tears fall in loss of her friend. Meanwhile, Angel put his leather duster on, before grabbing a broadsword and leaving the office
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A Scourge soldier slammed against the wall, as two soldiers were cut down with ferocity. Angel snarled, decapitating another soldier, as his amber eyes blazing as he impaled his sword through a soldier's chest. It was all their fault, he thought, it's their fault Doyle's dead. And now they're paying for it. A soldier punched Angel in the face, as he growled and backhanded the soldier, before stabbing him through the stomach
"Stop him. Stop him! He'll ruin everything!"
"Good"
Angel slashed wide, killing three soldiers in one hit, before kicking another soldier in the chest, slamming him against the wall, as he whirled and cut down a soldier. A soldier grabbed a wooden stake and stabbed, but Angel sliced his hand off, before splitting his stomach open and impaling a soldier through the face, pinning him to the wall. Letting go of the sword, Angel growled, advancing on the last few soldiers. They attacked, but with rage in his veins, Angel tore them apart. Surveying the blood-soaked room and the other two rooms before that, Angel resumed his human visage and grabbed his sword, before trudging out. He had just slaughtered the entire Scourge force, or whatever was there at the building, having tracked them down from the harbour and getting his revenge for Doyle's death. Any soldier that wasn't at the base, he hunted down and killed without mercy
He arrived back at the office, putting his sword away, before getting undressed to his boxers, wincing in pain at some of the injuries he had received. Angel checked them over, seeing that some of them had started to heal. He heated up a mug of blood, downed it, and washed the mug out, before going for a shower to wash the blood off. Once he was fresh and clean, he joined Cordelia on the bed. She had fallen asleep, as he closed his eyes. He could smell the saltiness of her dried tears, as he joined her in sleep
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"How are you doing?" Angel asked gently
"Upset. I'd cry if I could, but I think I've cried all my tears out," Cordelia replied, "I just can't believe he's not here with us anymore"
"I know"
Angel wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head, as she leaned into his embrace
"I'm so upset, Angel. We lost him and now it's just us two to carry on the mission"
"Don't worry, Cordy, we'll make it through"
"That's what you always tell me"
"And I believe in it. I mean, I'm sad that he's gone. I never expected it"
"Well, he died a hero," Cordelia said, "The Listers are safe now thanks to him"
"And the Scourge have been taken care of," Angel said
"What do you mean?"
"I killed them all last night. Completely wiped them out"
"You idiot. You could have been killed! All of them?"
"Every single one"
"Well, they all deserved it. But you're an idiot"
"Yeah, I get the point now"
He broke away from her and headed downstairs, grabbing his coat on the way
"Where are you doing?" Cordelia asked, content with being in his arms
"I have to see a few people," Angel replied, "I'll be back"
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"What do you want now?" asked the male Oracle
"Doyle. I want you to bring him back," Angel replied, "You were able to turn me into a vampire. Surely you can bring him back from the dead"
"To what end?" asked the female Oracle, "To nullify his noble deed? To leave his atonement unfulfilled?"
"If it means he gets to live, then yes"
"We are not here to do your bidding, vampire," said the male Oracle, "Do not bother us again with such a small problem"
The Oracles turned to walk away
"There is one problem," Angel said, "Without the visions, I'm fighting blind"
"All things will come to in the end," said the female Oracle, "For each door that closes, another one opens"
"Huh?"
The male Oracle waved his hand and Angel found himself in the underground room again, feeling let down by the Powers That Be
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"So, where did you go?" Cordelia asked
"I went to see the Oracles"
"And?"
"They can't help us. Any clients?"
"None at all. What happened? Demons suddenly decided to take a holiday?"
"Well, at least we can take the day off if this keeps up"
Angel flopped down onto the couch and sighed, stretching out along the furniture, as Cordelia sat next to him, his arm resting on her lap
"Things will be okay. Things will pick up. Isn't that you always say?"
"Somewhere along those lines"
Angel sighed again and closed his eyes, as Cordelia kissed his forehead, before resting her upper body on his chest, as his arms came around her
"If a client walks in, this is not going to look good," Angel said
"Maybe we should go downstairs then"
"What if a client comes in?"
"They'll come in later or call. Come on, broody"
Angel got up from the couch and locked the front door, before heading downstairs with Cordelia as they laid on the bed in each other's arms, both still thinking about Doyle. Cordelia held her tears in check and closed her eyes, as Angel held her close
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Barney the empath demon was running for his life. He was being pursued by something that was relentless. It had been chasing him ever since Phoenix and Barney felt like giving up. His pursuer followed him everywhere, never giving him a moment's peace. He needed to get away…he needed help. Stumbling over a bin, Barney found a small card about a business called Angel Investigations. A business that helped the helpless, especially in paranormal situations
Getting to his feet, Barney took off, as the rumbling of a Harley Davidson sounded out. Barney's fears shot up, knowing that his pursuer was closed. He risked a look over his shoulder, seeing the leather-clad rider, his face covered by his helmet, as he gunned the engine and followed after him
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