A/N: Okay, first thing's first...sorry this is late! I actually have a funny story to share about why this is late. So, it's Friday night, and I'm laying in bed, my laptop is resting on my lap (laptops are so aptly named)...anywho, so I'm sitting there, typing away...
The next thing I know, my father is standing the doorway, dressed in camo, about to go hunting. It's five in the morning, and he simply raises an eyebrow and goes, "Do you want the light off?"
Obviously, my writing habits no longer surprise him.
So, apparently, I fell asleep writing (forgive me). I swear it's not because this chapter is boring! Far from it! It's actually one of my favorites...but it just got so damn long! I didn't mean for it to be this long, but alas, that is how it turned out!
There's lots of things I love about this chapter! We have a very special present to be given, some wonderfully fluffy B/A moments, a really-want-to-pummel-Travers-moment(s), Wesley has an Academy Award worthy performance, and last but certainly not least...someone very important gets punched at the end of this chapter. It's one of my favorite moments I've ever written and it made me giggle.
So...that said...let's get to it, shall we?
Random Disclaimer: (I don't own Buffy).
Angel: I'm not happy with you.
Buffy: Yeah, me either.
Me: (pouts) Why? What did I do?
Buffy: Seriously? (turns to Angel) Is she being serious?
Angel: Yeah, she's actually serious.
Me: Okay, so I might have made life just a little difficult for you...
Buffy: You sicced Travers on me!
Me: (giggles nervously) Uh, yeah...
Angel: You still took away her powers, even though you have complete control over this episode!
Buffy: He's right you know. What's the point in rewriting all these episodes if you still put me through all this crap?
Me: Well, you know, I...you know what? I'm not apologizing! You need to grow as characters! I have to have you progress and become even more awesome than you are now (looks pointedly at Angel)...
Angel: (nervously to Buffy) Why is she looking at me like that?
Me: (smiles) Oh, I have plans for you. Lots of plans.
Chapter 24
Buffy walked into her house alone. Angel had offered to walk her home, but Buffy had utterly refused. After all, just because she was without her strength didn't mean she was fragile. She wasn't made of glass.
Even though she loved a protective Angel, sometimes it could get very annoying very quickly.
This was one of those times.
Hearing her mother in the kitchen, Buffy altered her course to see what her mother was up to. "Buffy?" Joyce questioned, sensing someone behind her. She turned away from the stove to smile at her daughter.
"Present," Buffy answered absently, until she noticed the elegant floral arrangement on the counter. "Ooo, present," she smiled genuinely with excitement. This was an excellent pick-me-up.
Joyce's smile faltered. "Uh, they're not..." she fumbled, and Buffy frowned. "They're from your father," Joyce continued with an apologetic tone that caused Buffy's brief giddiness to fade.
Buffy took the card from the arrangement and read her father's apology note. Trying to fight back her tears of disappointment, Buffy sighed. This was probably for the best, what with her test coming up. She couldn't have left town anyway. She looked at the two tickets her father had sent. Maybe she could give them to Oz and Willow.
Unaware of her daughter's silent resignation, Joyce tried to help. "I-If you want I could ask someone to cover for me at the gallery," she offered, trying to make things better. "I-I mean, if you want me to take you."
"No, thanks," Buffy shook her head. "I-I was just thinking it might be nice to have a quiet birthday," she said absently, knowing that the exact opposite always seemed to be true. What with everything that had happened on her seventeenth birthday, and now what would happen on her eighteenth…
"So…" Buffy smiled wanly at her mother. "What's for dinner?"
Wesley pulled his coat around him tighter as a rather chilly breeze caused him to shiver slightly. The young Watcher was still getting used to the fact that Americans seemed to drive everywhere. He was still in the habit of walking most places, and the idea of using a car just to drive a few blocks seemed like a waste. Besides, he liked the exercise.
Seeing his destination looming ahead, Wesley took in the dilapidated structure. A termite-eaten sign hung crookedly on the front of the old house, reading: "Sunnydale Arms. Rooms for let. Breakfast included, inquire within."
Wesley shook his head at the dreary building once more before pushing open the door. It creaked and groaned loudly, exactly like the doors in the terrible horror movies Buffy had forced him to watch one night. Wesley was sure he'd lost some brain cells during that dreadful six hour marathon—though he would never look at a clown the same way again.
Wesley blinked a couple of times, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting as he shut the door behind him. The distinct, musty smell of disuse rankled throughout the house, and Wesley fought the urge to sneeze. The sound would be too loud for this completely too quiet space.
The furniture was torn, and the stuffing from the couch, chairs, and pillows lay strewn about in moldy clumps. The wallpaper was yellow and peeling and deteriorating bookshelves were broken and cracked. Books lay scattered across the floor, and the sight of the poor objects made Wesley frown. Books should not be treated in such fashion.
A scraping sound caused Wesley to look to his left, where he saw a Watcher bricking up one of the windows. Finally, his eyes found Travers who was overseeing the bricklayer's work. Wesley approached him, and they stood in companionable silence for a moment.
Just when Wesley was about to speak, Travers turned away from him to talk to a Watcher coming up from the stairs. "How much longer Hobson?"
"Five, maybe six hours sir," Hobson answered immediately.
This answer seemed to satisfy Travers. "Once you finish, you and Blair can get some rest," he dictated before adding seriously, "but sleep in shifts."
Hobson nodded before turning back down the stairs, presumably to return to work.
"We're getting very close," Travers said as he walked methodically back towards the living room, where a low fire burned. "The Slayer's preparations are almost complete."
"Fantastic," Wesley nodded positively.
"I assume you weren't followed?"
"No," Wesley shook his head. "Neither Miss Summers nor her friends tried to follow my journey here."
Travers looked mildly surprised before it gave way to a smug pride. "I imagine that has something to do with your influence," he praised. "I knew you were meant for this job Mr. Wyndam-Pryce."
"Thank you," Wesley smiled, hoping he looked as though Travers' praise meant everything to him.
"How are things?" Travers asked as he poured himself a glass of wine from a bottle that had previously rested on a rickety table. "Your reports are immaculate, but I've always thought that verbal discussion far exceeded what could be said on paper." Seizing a second wine glass, Travers proceeded to pour a generous amount of red liquid into it.
"Ah, yes, I quite agree," Wesley said as he took the proffered glass from Travers who now took a sip of his own. "Miss Summers is quite stubborn," he began honestly. That was nothing but the truth. "Though I must admit that she has secured a fierce loyalty amongst her friends," he admitted with a sigh, as if it both troubled and amused him. "I continue to try and slowly weed them out of her life, at least her, uh, night life."
"They continue to help her Slay?" Travers questioned pointedly.
"They try," Wesley corrected with a slight smirk, portraying the arrogance of what he hoped was someone who thought that they were the 'stuff' as Buffy would say.
Travers chuckled. "Marvelous," he commended. "And Rupert?"
"Stays out of my way, just as he promised," Wesley replied quickly, twisting his lips in distaste. "I try and return the favor."
"I assume he still maintains a place in Miss Summers' life?" Travers inquired, and Wesley nodded.
"He cares for her," Wesley sighed as if he couldn't understand it. "He was such a great Watcher. I don't understand how he could lose his focus."
Travers nodded in agreement, staring into the fire and sipping his wine for a moment. "What about Angelus?" he asked once he'd finished gathering his thoughts or absorbing the information, Wesley wasn't sure.
"He's always with her," Wesley answered immediately, glad that he could be completely truthful for once during this conversation. "Where she is, he is and vice versa. While I find their relationship to be…" Wesley paused to consider his words. "Odd," he continued, "I cannot deny that it is fascinating."
"How so?" Travers questioned as he took a more generous sip of his wine.
"They rely on each other in a way I've never seen," Wesley explained truthfully. "They have their own nonverbal language that consists of nothing more than vague expressions and long looks. Skills that take years or decades to manifest in most couples, they have perfected in just three years."
"Careful now, Wesley," Travers reprimanded slightly. "Do not get too invested."
"Forgive me," Wesley immediately apologized. "I'm far too inquisitive for my own good, I'm afraid."
"So, tell me." Travers sighed in regret as he drained the last of his wine. He reached for the bottle again, pouring a generous portion into the glass. "How do you think Miss Summers will fare?"
"I think it is quite possible she will pass," Wesley replied after considering for a moment. He didn't add the fact that Angel wouldn't let her fail. That would be rather counterproductive. "One vampire foe, however formidable, is nothing I don't believe she cannot handle—if she comes up with a satisfactory strategy."
Travers chuckled, "Miss Summers does not seem like the strategic type."
"No," Wesley agreed with a dry smile. "She most certainly is not." But Angel is, he added in his head. But once again, he kept it to himself.
"Do you believe that Angelus will stay out of our way?" Travers inquired.
"From what I've seen, yes," Wesley replied. "He seems to place a great deal on honor," he continued. "I doubt he will go against his word."
"Even if he has to watch Miss Summers die?"
Wesley hesitated a moment. Travers had spoken with such casualness, as if the question was just a passing query. How could he have ever looked up to this poor excuse of a man?
"I believe that he will do whatever he can to help her," Wesley answered after a moment, neither confirming nor denying definitively.
"I would be careful, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce," Travers advised. "That you do not become so invested in those two," he repeated, referring to Buffy and Angel once again. "They hardly need another supporter."
Wesley looked contrite. "Of course not."
"Wonderful."
Suddenly, a loud screaming was heard from downstairs and Wesley jumped, sloshing the red liquid in his glass. "Good, Lord," he breathed as he tried to calm his racing heart rate. "Sir, if I may be so bold as to ask, who have you apprehended for this Cruciamentum?"
Travers smiled, and Wesley didn't like it at all. "Kralik," he answered.
"The Kralik?" Wesley asked, paling.
"Yes," Travers nodded, looking absolutely thrilled with himself. "But, you see my friend, that isn't even the best part."
Wesley didn't want to ask, but he knew he had to. "Sir?"
"Since Miss Summers knows about the circumstances of the Cruciamentum, the Council agreed that we should at least make some part of it a surprise," Travers explained.
"How so?" Wesley asked nervously, though he prayed it only sounded as though he was curious.
Travers smiled again, and Wesley didn't like this smile anymore than the first. It was too smug. It was too anticipatory. It was too victorious. "A second vampire."
"What?" Wesley asked sharply, but immediately backtracked at Travers raised eyebrow. "Forgive me, I'm simply shocked is all."
"Yes, yes, I am quite excited about it myself," Travers admitted with a gleam in his eye. "Quite excited indeed."
Wesley could only stare blankly at the fire, his mind racing. Buffy was good. She was great. She was the best, and had the potential to be the best…but could she do this? Could she defeat two vampires without her strength? Without her speed? Without her superior reflexes and coordination?
Angel was right. Buffy was defenseless…how was she going to overcome these odds?
"The second vampire," Wesley began slowly. "He's not here, is he?"
Travers chuckled. "Of course not," he paused to take a drink of his wine. "Appius is much to volitale. He will be moved here an hour or so before the Cruciamentum begins."
Wesley shivered. He'd done his thesis on Appius...and he knew all too much about that particular vampire. "How do you know he and Kralik will not fight?" Wesley asked.
"Kralik has never paid attention to other vampires," Travers shrugged. "We'll give him a heavy dose of sedatives that will knock him out until it's time. And then," Travers smiled. "It begins."
Buffy sat in the front seat of Angel's Plymouth wondering where they were going. Of course, the fact that apparently, Angel had had a car all this time amazed her. She'd asked him about it, and he'd just shrugged, saying he hadn't really needed it. That was true enough. You could get anywhere in Sunnydale by walking.
But Buffy hadn't been able to keep herself from teasing him.
"Black, seriously?" Buffy had raised her eyebrows when she'd taken in the paint color.
"What?" Angel had questioned defensively. "It's classy."
Buffy shook her head slightly, a wry smile on her face. At the moment, she didn't really care where Angel was taking her. She just wanted to relax and have some quiet time with Angel before the chaos that would ensue tomorrow.
When they pulled up to the mansion on Crawford Street, Buffy's curiosity was peaked. However, she remained silent as Angel got out and walked around the front of the car to open her door for her. Buffy didn't know how she felt about chivalry sometimes. Sometimes, like now, it was sweet and adorable. Other times, it was just annoying. But, since this was her birthday, and he obviously wanted it to be special, she would indulge him.
He took her hand and led her up the walkway, before pausing at the front door and producing a key from his pocket. Buffy's eyes narrowed as she sensed his nervousness. What had he planned? A little bubble of excitement began to build in her stomach.
Angel swung the door open and gestured for her to enter first. With a curious smile, Buffy walked into the mansion, and then promptly stopped when she saw the main room. Buffy took in her surroundings with wonder. The mansion didn't look anything at all like it had the last time she'd been there. It was decorated in what she'd simply dubbed 'Angel-style,' classy and historical and new-age all at the same time. Somehow, he managed to combine all three elements.
Her eyes were drawn to a flickering orangey light and she saw a fire burning in the fireplace. In front of said fireplace was a blanket, and resting atop said blanket was a rectangular box with a bow on top. "Present!" Buffy squealed as she hurried over to the blanket and plopped down in front of the fire.
Angel chuckled, but followed. He sat down beside her, and Buffy sent him a bright smile before taking the bow of delicately. Then, she proceeded to rip off the wrapping paper without a second's hesitation. Amused by the contrast, and wondering why the bow was handled with such extra care, Angel raised an eyebrow.
"I always keep the bows," Buffy explained with a sheepish smile that Angel thought was the cutest thing he'd ever seen.
Buffy looked at the box, and decided to have a little fun. She picked up the box and seemed to gauge the weight of it, before she placed it against her ear and shook it. "Hmm…" she said thoughtfully. "Interesting," she giggled as Angel rolled his eyes.
Buffy pried the lid of the box slowly, peering through the tiny crack to catch a glimpse of whatever was inside. However, she needed more light. More curious now than ever, Buffy removed the lid from the box and gently picked up the small book that lay inside. Now, Buffy wasn't one for books, but she loved this one right away.
She read the title: Sonnets from the Portuguese.
Buffy smiled softly at the book, gently turning to the title page where Angel had written one word in his elegant script. Always. The message was clear and simple, and Buffy wouldn't have it any other way.
"Thank you," she said lovingly. "That's beautiful."
Angel smiled, relieved that she liked it. "I figured you deserved a real birthday," he told her as he produced a cupcake from the basket that was behind him. Buffy hadn't even noticed it was there.
Angel took out a candle and lit the wick in the fire before setting it in the cupcake. He held it in front of Buffy. "Make a wish."
Buffy thought for a moment, before blowing out the candle. "Okay, I made my wish, now gimme," she demanded with a smile as she stole the cupcake from his clutches. "I get to have my cake and eat it too," she said to herself as she took a bite of the chocolate cupcake. "What else do you have in that basket?" she asked.
Angel began retrieving items from the basket. "Strawberries, chocolate, whipped cream…"
"Yummy," Buffy smiled before taking another bite of her cupcake.
Buffy swallowed and looked around the main room of the mansion. "What's with the hominess?"
"Yeah," Angel chuckled nervously. "Well, there's a reason for that."
Buffy raised her eyebrows as she chewed the last of her cupcake. "Hmm?"
"The apartment was getting a little small," Angel explained. "And I already bought this place, so…"
"Oh," Buffy replied wondering how to react. Was he moving into the mansion because she was crowding the apartment, or because he just wanted more space?
"So I figured we could, you know," Angel struggled to say the words. Not because he didn't want to say them, but because he was so damn nervous. "Move in," he managed.
"You want me to move in with you?" Buffy asked blankly. "Like, officially?"
Angel's nervousness was answer enough, though he added quickly, "If you want to."
Buffy smiled, easing his nerves. Then, she squealed and threw her arms around him before kissing him soundly. "Yes," she agreed before kissing him again with more passion.
Angel gathered her in his arms and began to carry her toward the bedroom, while Buffy contented herself to plant little kisses along his neck and jaw. "What about showing me the rest of the house?" she whispered as she gently pulled his earlobe with her teeth.
Angel couldn't take it anymore and pressed her into the wall halfway up the stairs. "Later," he answered before his lips found hers. Angel quickly deepened the kiss, muffling Buffy's appreciative moan.
Eventually, they made it upstairs and to the master suite, where Angel slowed things down. He caressed and kissed every inch of her, and Buffy didn't know anything else aside from the waves of pleasure rippling through her body.
Best birthday ever.
Later, Buffy rested her head contentedly on Angel's chest as he lightly traced random patterns on her back. Even though she was completely relaxed, she couldn't help but wonder. What would happen tomorrow? What foe awaited her? How was she going to win?
Buffy also couldn't help but think about being without her strength. Wesley had told her that she'd get her strength back in a few days. But even going two days without her Slayer abilities was tough. She hadn't realized how much she relied on her strength and heightened senses until they were gone. Things that she'd thought so simple were now so difficult. She couldn't even hop a fence. Granted, it was a rather tall fence, but still…it was a fence.
Who would she be if she wasn't the Slayer? It was so much a part of her that Buffy didn't know what she'd do if she wasn't the Slayer. She shuddered to think that she might still be the girl she was before she'd been Called. She'd made Cordelia look like a philosopher. What would she have done if she wasn't the Slayer? Who would she be? What would she offer? Would Angel even like her?
"Angel?" Buffy asked quietly.
"Hmm?"
"If I wasn't the Slayer, would you still like me?" she asked, lifting her head off his chest to look at him.
Angel was slightly taken aback by her question. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but he could guess the line of thought that had led to the question. "I saw you before you were the Slayer," he admitted.
"What?" Buffy's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"I watched you and I saw you Called," Angel explained softly. "It was a bright afternoon in front of your school," he recalled perfectly. "You walked right down those steps and I knew that I loved you."
"Why?"
Angel smiled slightly at the question. The answer was so obvious to him. "'Cause I could see your heart," he told her gently. "You held it before you for everyone to see, and I worried that it would be bruised or torn. And more than anything in my life, I wanted to keep it safe…to warm it with my own."
Buffy looked at him a long moment before reaching up to kiss his lips softly. "That was beautiful," she told him with a smile. "Or, if taken literally, really gross."
Angel grimaced. "Yeah, I was just thinking that too."
Buffy turned on her back, her head resting on her own pillow instead of Angel's chest. "So," she sighed as she stared up at the ceiling. "Any ideas about tomorrow?"
"Take whatever you can carry that won't be too much of a hassle," Angel advised immediately. After all, he'd needed something to brood about earlier, and strategies were just the thing to fill the void.
"Okay, holy water, stakes, silver," Buffy recited. "Got it…that doesn't help much."
"No," Angel admitted as he turned on his side and propped himself up with his elbow, supporting his head in his hand. "It would be easier if we knew who you were fighting."
"It would help if you were there," Buffy retorted broodingly, cursing Travers.
"I can't do this for you," Angel sighed, though he wished the opposite.
"I wouldn't want you to do it for me," Buffy argued lightly. "Only, you know, lurk in the shadows, do that sexy thing you do and appear out of nowhere when I'm really in a jam…save the day, be my hero…"
A small smile pulled at Angel's lips. "You know if I could I would," he replied before adding seriously. "Buffy, you can do this. I know you can."
True worry shone in Buffy's eyes. "I don't know what I'm going to do. All my strength is gone…"
"This isn't about strength," Angel replied softly. "Not all battles are won with strength alone," he caressed her face. "You need to use what's in here." Angel tapped her temple with his finger. "You'll be fighting this guy, and you'll see something, something that you have that he needs to win. That's going to be your advantage, and that's how you'll win."
The next day Buffy pretended as though she wasn't going into a life or death situation. Buffy slept in with Angel, and afterwards went birthday shopping with Willow. The rest of the Scoobies all hosted a little post-birthday party for her of their own at the Summers house. Everyone pretended that they weren't all waiting for night to fall.
But eventually, that time came and the mood grew quiet and anxious. Forcing herself to remain calm, Buffy methodically packed the weapons she could. She had Angel load a crossbow, which had really pissed her off because she didn't have the strength to load it herself. Although, her agitation had quickly passed when Angel cracked an uncharacteristic joke—that was actually funny.
Buffy made sure she was wearing her cross necklace, and had a cross and a bottle of holy water tucked into her pockets. When she had absolutely all that she could carry in her bag without being hindered, Buffy took a deep breath and together she and Angel, along with the rest of the Scoobies, went to the address Wesley had given them only a few minutes earlier before heading off to meet them there.
When Buffy arrived, she immediately found Wesley and Travers, plus a few of Travers minions. Wesley and Travers seemed to be talking amicably, but Buffy couldn't hear what they were saying. When Travers noticed her arrival, he smiled as if this were nothing—like she wasn't possibly walking to her death.
"Miss Summers, how are you?" Travers inquired politely. "Nice birthday?"
Buffy just glared at him.
Travers cleared his throat awkwardly. "Yes, well," he gestured to the old inn. "Anytime you like."
That was it? Buffy looked from Travers to the inn and then back. Seriously, that was all he was going to say? Buffy shouldn't have been surprised.
Buffy took a deep breath, glancing over to where her friends had gathered. Giles and Xander were standing together, and Buffy didn't think she'd ever seen Xander look so serious. Giles' face was hard, but Buffy could see past it and she recognized the worry in his eyes. Buffy's gaze drifted the right and she found Oz and Willow. Willow didn't bother to hide her worried expression as she clung to Oz's arm, trying to seek some comfort. Oz himself looked as calm as ever, except for a slight worry line that had appeared on his forehead.
Lastly, her eyes connected with Angel's and they simply stared at each other for a few minutes. Buffy tried to pull as much strength from him as she could. She needed him. She needed that strength he gave her. It wasn't physical strength, but emotional strength, and that was what she needed in this moment. Buffy sent him a half-hearted, worried smile before tearing her gaze away from him and staring determinedly at the inn.
Without a second's hesitation, Buffy strode past the old sign, walked right up to the front door, opened the door and then shut it promptly behind her. A second later, she heard the lock click into place.
Ready. Set. Go.
The moment the door locked behind Buffy, Angel was immediately on alert. He listened hard, and even from where he was, he could faintly hear the creak of the floorboards as Buffy made her way through the inn. Angel knew that if he were human, his heart would be beating a mile a minute. But as it was, all he could do was stand stock still and listen.
It rankled. The fact that he couldn't do anything…that he just had to stand there and do nothing. He'd sworn to protect her, to keep her safe, and here he was, watching her walk into the lion's den. The urge to follow her slowly grew until he was pacing, just so he was moving. It almost felt like he was doing something.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Wesley approach. He wondered what his friend was doing. He wasn't really keeping up appearances if he chose to come over and talk to him. Wesley stopped a few feet away from him, and Angel stopped pacing, looking at him expectantly.
"What?" he snapped when Wesley didn't immediately speak.
Wesley got this funny look in his eye. A very serious look that screamed: "Pay attention to what I'm about to say." Angel raised an eyebrow and waited impatiently.
"You know, I hear there's a sale at the mall," Wesley said, taking Angel completely by surprise. He opened his mouth to interrupt, but Wesley continued. "It's a buy one get one free sale. Aren't those wonderful?" he asked pointedly. "Say, you walk into a store, expecting to get one leather jacket, but you get two instead. Isn't that always just a pleasant surprise?"
Angel's eyes narrowed. Was Wesley really hinting at the fact that there were two vampires in the inn with Buffy instead of the one? Angel's gaze darted over to Travers for a split second, but it was long enough to see the faint anticipatory smirk on the man's face.
If only Angel knew who the vampires were, or at least the extra.
"Specifically?" Angel asked clipped, straining his ears to hear any sound from the building. Just then, he heard a scream and he couldn't help the instant step forward he took.
Wesley's lips barely moved, and his answer was so soft that only Angel could possibly hear. "Kralik and Appius."
Angel's stomach clenched in dread. Kralik had murdered and tortured more than a dozen women before he was turned after being put in a hospital for the criminally insane, and Appius was known for nothing but sheer brutality. Angel had to get into that inn. Now.
The only question was how?
Buffy cautiously made her way through the inn. She tried to be quiet, but it was truly hopeless. Every step she took caused one of the old, rickety floorboards to creak loudly, giving away her position to her unseen foe. What was the point of trying to be sneaky if the floor wouldn't cooperate?
A dying fire was her only light source, and it cast an eerie, orangey glow around the room. Buffy set her bag of weapons down on the couch. Looking around the room, Buffy swallowed nervously, fighting the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. The fact that she was without her strength and abilities had fully sunk in, and she was terrified. What chance did she have?
Buffy shook her head. She could do this. She just had to be smart. Angel was right. Slaying wasn't all about strength and power. It was about your smarts too. She could do this. She would do this.
A door could be seen by a bookshelf and Buffy moved towards it. She took a deep breath before yanking the door open. However, this act of bravery was pointless. The doorway had been bricked up. Feeling slightly disappointed, Buffy shut the door.
Moving back out to the foyer, Buffy found another door. She tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. Buffy shook it a few times, frustrated, but the door still wouldn't open. Giving up, Buffy sighed and began to turn around when a chill went down her spine. It was that creepy feeling she got when she knew someone was behind her.
Buffy's heart began to race and she couldn't help how her hands began to shake. How could she make a shot if her hands couldn't stop shaking in order to keep the crossbow steady? Buffy took a deep breath before spinning around and firing.
She missed.
Her vampire foe smiled evilly at her. He was a short, yet muscled vampire who had coal black eyes. He was dressed in what could pass as modern, but hinted at much older origins. His black shirt was very big and flowy, and he wore simple black pants. He didn't wear black near as well as Angel though.
But Buffy figured that this wasn't the best time to think about that.
The vamp lunged at her and ripped the crossbow from her grasp. In practically the same second his hand was around her throat, and Buffy was gasping for air. The vampire grinned and leaned in close, whispering in her ear, "You know, you are far prettier than the last Slayer I killed. I wonder if you will scream as much as she did?"
Buffy's eyes widened in fear, and she began to squirm, trying to break free. She grabbed his arm and then stomped down on his foot as hard as she could. It was an old trick, but there was a reason it was a classic—it always worked. Her attacker let her go and Buffy ran to the living room. Buffy opened her bag and reached in to grab a weapon, but she could hear her foe behind her. He grabbed her shoulder, but Buffy pulled herself away, running towards the door on the far wall by the bookcase.
She went to open the door, but it only revealed the bricked up doorway, exactly like she'd discovered before. Her fear had clouded her memory. Buffy cursed silently before turning back to face her attacker, her fear evident on her face.
"Forgive me," he said politely. "We have not been properly introduced. I'm Appius."
"Buffy," Buffy replied nervously. "Gotta admit I'm not too thrilled to meet you."
"Oh, you just have to get to know me," Appius grinned before he leapt at her.
Buffy grabbed the bookcase and pushed it over, causing it to land on Appius. He struggled, but couldn't lift it immediately, and Buffy took her chance to run over to her bag. Buffy reached in and just before her hand was able to wrap around a stake, Appius reached out and grabbed her ankle, eliciting a scream from Buffy.
Buffy crashed to the floor and looked around frantically for a weapon as Appius dug his fingernails into her ankle, and she knew his vice-like grip was drawing blood. Buffy's eyes settled on an andiron and she grabbed it. Wielding her new weapon, Buffy turned and beat Appius' arm with it. Finally, after what seemed like the hundredth hit, Appius let go and Buffy wasted no time in scrambling to her feet and grabbing her bag before fleeing to another room.
Buffy stopped in a hallway, debating whether she should seek refuge in any of the rooms. She quickly nixed that idea. It would only confine her to the small space, trapping her. She needed as much room to maneuver as possible.
Buffy took a step forward.
"Hide and seeeeeek…" a voice whispered from the darkness, causing Buffy to stop fearfully. She looked all around her, but she couldn't see anyone. "Hide and seek!" the voice continued to taunt.
Buffy was trembling now. This was a different voice. This wasn't Appius. This was someone else.
There were two vampires.
Angel glanced around him. Travers and his little minions were all huddled around the gate, looking towards the inn with interested, anticipatory looks. Angel scowled and looked back towards the inn.
"She'll be okay, Angel," Willow whispered comfortingly.
"I need to get in there," Angel whispered back.
"You can't," Willow argued sympathetically. "It's against the rules."
"To hell with the rules," Angel growled. "I need to get in there. They lied. There are two vampires."
"Nefarious plan," Oz nodded, his eyes narrowed. "Conspiracy."
Willow's eyes narrowed, too. "I'll give you a distraction," she said as she reached into her bag, producing some herbs that Buffy had gotten her for Christmas. She quickly put the herbs in a mesh, drawstring pouch, and whispered quickly, "Adeo meus suffragium , ego postulo a distraho unda of pulvis, velieris meus amicus!"
The small bag of herbs glowed brightly for a moment, before it began to smoke. Giles and Xander noticed it first and looked at her oddly. Willow tossed it to Xander, who, wanting nothing to do with it, tossed it towards Travers.
By now, the smoke exuding from the little bag had swallowed the Watchers and only the vague outline of their figures could be seen. After a round of hacking coughing and waving at the air, an angry Quentin Travers surveyed the Scoobies.
Angel was gone.
Buffy moved past the stairs and entered the room adjacent. Inside the room was what looked like a coffin, and it appeared to be locked. However, Buffy wasn't going to take any chances. Hesitantly, she tried to pull open the door. It gave way, and Buffy had no choice but to swing the door open. Instantly, a hand was around her throat, but unlike with Appius, Buffy didn't struggle.
This vampire was big and crazy-looking. Buffy knew that he wasn't all there in the head.
"Why did you come to the dark of the woods?" Kralik asked wonderingly, not noticing how Buffy had slipped her hand into her pocket. "Hmm…another vampire is here," he said as he enhaled. "Those little men must have brought him in after."
Kralik suddenly snatched Buffy's bag and looked into it. A handful of stakes could be seen, along with a smaller crossbow.
"Oh, look, you brought all these things to grandmother's house," he noted.
Kralik dropped the bag, and pulled Buffy closer. Grasping the cross in her pocket, Buffy surprised Kralik by pressing it into his chest. He jumped back, startled, and Buffy held the cross at arm's length in front of her as she slowly moved back from him.
Suddenly, Kralik grabbed her arm and yanked Buffy forward. The cross pressed into his chest once again, burning him, but it was like Kralik didn't notice. He laughed as he rubbed his chest with the cross, "Oh, no, no…a little lower. Oh, yes. Yes! Oh! Thank you very much!"
Eyes wide in disgusted horror, Buffy dropped the cross and ran into the kitchen. She promptly turned around and locked the door behind her. Buffy spun around to look for anything she could use as a weapon, only to discover that she was not alone in the room.
"So, we meet again!" Appius smiled as he stalked towards her. "I must admit, you are a tricky one…"
The door behind Buffy began to rattle, and Buffy's breath sped as she realized that she had absolutely nowhere to go. Appius was in front of her. Kralik was behind her…and she really didn't want to fight either one of them.
Buffy backed away from Appius steadily until her back hit the counter. He leaned over her and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. It was something that Angel often did and the sheer wrongness of anyone else duplicating the gesture caused Buffy to lash out. She swung her right fist as hard as she could, and it caught Appius on the temple.
Buffy pushed him away from her and tried to run away, but Appius reached out and grabbed her arm, throwing her into the wall. Buffy's head connected solidly with the wall, and Buffy felt a warm liquid in her hair and trailing down the side of her face. The world seemed to sway, and Buffy struggled to pick herself up as Appius stalked towards her once again. He reached out and yanked her to her feet. Buffy knew that he wanted to toss her around more, but she saw his eyes settle on her head wound. He inhaled and closed his eyes. A small smile appeared on his face, and it made Buffy's blood run cold.
Realizing what was coming, Buffy began to struggle. Appius growled angrily and pinned her against the wall. He began to lean in, and it seemed that no matter how hard Buffy struggled, she couldn't break free.
"I really wouldn't do that if I were you," a very low, very angry voice warned.
Appius paused and looked up just as Angel's fist connected with his face. Buffy wanted to go to Angel, she really did, but she knew what she had to do. She sent him a grateful look that he didn't see, too focused on Appius who was getting to his feet.
Spinning on her heel, Buffy opened the door and went back out to find Kralik.
Seeing Angel had boosted her confidence. Just the fact that he was with her in this dreadful house of horrors was a comfort. Slowly, she made her way down the quiet hallway, expecting Kralik to jump out of nowhere at anytime.
Cautiously, she made her way to the stairs and when she saw that the coast was clear, Buffy made a mad dash up the stairs. This, of course, was exactly when Kralik reached through the rails and grabbed her ankle, causing her to fall onto the stairs. His hold tightened and he pulled her back down the stairs a ways. Buffy kicked and struggled to get away, but Kralik's hold seemed unbreakable.
Looking around for a weapon, Buffy grabbed a broken rail and stabbed it into Kralik's arm. A loud crash caused them both to look up, just in time to see Angel and Appius crash through a wall. Even though Buffy wanted to go help Angel, she knew that she would end up doing more harm than good. She'd just get in the way.
However, her decision on whether to escape Kralik or go to Angel was made for her when the former began to climb the stairs after her. Buffy hurried to her feet, and ran up the stairs, quickly going down a hallway. Buffy tried to open the closest door to her, but it was locked. Undeterred, she tried the next door and it swung open.
And then it promptly slammed shut.
Kralik appeared from behind the once open door, and shook his head. "If you stray from the path, you will lose your way," he lectured.
Kralik reached out and put his hand on her cheek. Buffy tried to push him away, but he was too strong. He touched her head wound, causing Buffy to wince. Then, he took his blood stained finger and licked it slowly, savoring the taste.
"I won't take it all," he assured her, seeing her terror. "I won't take it all."
Buffy continued to push him away, when suddenly Kralik let go of her and screamed, clutching his head. Seizing her chance, Buffy tried to run by him, but he shoved her into the wall. Stunned, Buffy watched as Kralik produced a pill bottle from his pocket, and tried desperately to get it open.
Angel's words the night before ran through her mind: "You'll be fighting this guy, and you'll see something, something that you have that he needs to win. That's going to be your advantage, and that's how you'll win."
Buffy knew how she would win.
Quickly, she grabbed the pill bottle from Kralik and ran away.
"No! No! No! No!" Kralik cried as he tried to follow her despite the pain in his head.
Buffy ran down the hall and saw an old laundry shoot. Without hesitation, Buffy leapt through it and slid down, landing on a table in the basement that collapsed under her weight. Buffy looked around for anything she could use. Her eyes landed on an old glass, and then it all clicked.
Taking the bottle of holy water from her pocket, Buffy quickly poured its contents into the glass. She set it in plain sight and then waited. She didn't have to wait long before Kralik was banging on the door. Soon, the wood splintered and he barged through the hole he'd made.
"Where are they? Where are they?" he demanded.
Kralik lunged towards her, seeing the pill bottle in her clutches. Buffy let the bottle go without a fight and let Kralik shove her out of the way. Buffy fell to the floor and then stayed there, watching as Kralik opened the pill bottle and then spotted the glass.
He popped the pills into his mouth and then downed the water to wash them down. Buffy got to her feet and didn't fight the smirk of triumph that graced her face.
Kralik turned around to face her, and looked perfectly fine for a moment when suddenly, his smile dropped from his face and he looked at her oddly. "Oh my…" he said as the hand that still clutched the glass began to tremble. "What have you…" Kralik trailed off as he began to shake more violently. "My pills!"
Buffy held up the empty bottle of holy water for him to see. Kralik began to grunt and groan in pain as smoke began to rise from his skin. "No, no, no…" he moaned.
"If I was at full Slayer power, I'd be punning right about now," Buffy said coolly.
"No! No!" Kralik screamed loudly one last time before he exploded into dust.
Buffy stared at Kralik's ashes for a moment, unbelievable relief rushing through her veins. It almost made her giddy. She'd won. She'd done it. No super strength. No heightened senses. No quick reflexes. Just her. Buffy.
A sharp growl of rage pulled Buffy back to reality, especially when the growl was followed by a crash that was the distinct sound of splintering wood. Buffy immediately dashed out of the basement and followed the noise of the fight. It led her down a hallway and back to the main room where she saw Angel take a punch to the temple.
However, he rolled with the punch and dealt one of his own, and the strength of the hit sent Appius flying back into the wall. Appius picked himself up and leapt at Angel, tackling him to the ground. Angel planted his feet on Appius' chest and flipped him over his head.
Appius landed hard on his back, and Buffy quickly grabbed a broken rail and staked him. The vampire exploded into dust and Buffy sighed heavily, all of her adrenaline gone. She was exhausted and she knew she'd been achy and sore for days.
Angel approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her. But the moment he opened his arms for her, Buffy immediately went to him, resting her head against his chest. Angel's arms wound around her waist and pulled her close. He buried his face in her hair and simply held her for a long moment before pulling away to look at her.
Gently, he tilted her face to the side so he could see the cut on her head. "It doesn't hurt too bad," Buffy said softly, seeing his frown.
"I don't like it when you're hurt," Angel told her once again pulling her close.
Buffy smiled tiredly against his chest. "You can't protect me from everything."
Angel kissed her hair. "I can try." They were silent for a moment longer before Angel spoke again. "They lied," he said coldly.
Buffy didn't have to ask to know he was talking about the Watchers. "Yeah," she replied. "Yeah, they did…are you going to kill them?"
"It's not if I'll kill them, it's how," Angel corrected, controlling his anger—for the moment.
"You know you don't mean that," Buffy told him knowingly.
"Yeah," Angel admitted. "But I can still punch him."
Buffy and Angel walked out of the inn together, and were immediately surrounded. Buffy found herself entrapped by Willow and Xander, and Angel got a knuckle bump from Oz. The moment Buffy was released by Willow and Xander, she found herself in an uncharacteristic hug from Giles. Buffy didn't mind though, and she hugged him back.
"Wha—," Travers spluttered. "What—who—just who do you think you are Miss Summers?" he said as he descended upon the Scoobies.
Buffy pulled away from Giles to square off with Travers. Angel was immediately by her side, and Buffy took his hand. "The Slayer," Buffy answered simply, causing the Scoobies to smile.
This wasn't the response Travers expected and the truth of it stunned him into silence. He rounded on Angel next, "And you!" he snapped. "You deliberately—"
However, Travers didn't get to finish because Angel's fist connected with his jaw. Travers head whipped to the side, and everyone was silent for a moment before Angel spoke. "Leave," he ordered simply. His voice was steely and quiet, but everyone heard the carefully controlled anger beneath his calm tone. "You had your test. Buffy passed. Go."
Travers looked like he was about to argue, but Angel growled sharply, cutting off any retort he may have made. Huffing in frustration and false dignity, Travers gathered himself and turned abruptly on his heel. His little minions followed and they all climbed into their vehicles.
"Mr. Wyndam-Pryce," Travers said briskly before he entered the back of one of the black sedans.
Wesley raised his eyebrows, trying to keep the triumphant smirk off his face. "Sir?"
"Keep doing…" Travers fought for words. Even though this whole Cruciamentum had been a farce…Miss Summers had proven to be quite the Slayer. It was in the interest of the Council to continue her training. "Whatever it is you're doing."
"Yes, sir," Wesley replied with a small smile.
Travers nodded before getting into the car and driving off. Once the car was out of sight, Wesley turned towards the Scoobies and then did what Buffy had told him was a 'victory dance.'
Buffy, Angel and the Scoobies laughed and they all met Wesley at the gate. Together, all of them walked down the road, headed towards the Summers home. Willow walked arm in arm with both Xander and Oz. Giles and Wesley walked beside them in companionable silence, while Buffy and Angel walked hand in hand, with Buffy resting her head on his shoulder.
"I can't believe you actually punched him," Buffy giggled after walked in silence for a moment.
"I said I would," Angel retorted with a smile. "I should probably feel guilty," he admitted thoughtfully.
"Nah," Xander shook his head. "You've got enough to feel guilty about."
Everyone looked at Xander surprised. "That was…nice of you," Willow said slowly.
Xander looked at them, feigning hurt. "What? I can be nice…"
"To Angel?" Willow couldn't help but ask.
"What do you want me to do? Call him Dead Boy?" he asked chuckling.
"It would convince me that Hell hasn't frozen over," Angel replied honestly.
Xander smirked. "Shut up, Dead Boy."
Angel accepted that response, and Buffy just shook her head before leaning into him more as Angel wrapped his arm around her. Willow shoved Xander playfully before going back to Oz, planting a kiss on his cheek. Wesley had moved over to walk on Angel's other side and was enthusiastically explaining the plot of the latest book he'd read.
Giles sighed and shook his head, muttering, "And all is right in the world once again."
Yay! Another chapter down! Phew, that was a long one! Yikes!
So...Angel punched Travers! I don't know about you, but I think that's epic.
Also, I want to say that if it seemed that Angel might have been a little out of character because he told off Travers, and really assumed a leadership role there for a minute...I did that on purpose. I'm starting Angel's character arc that will lead him into Angel S1...so, we'll be getting little glimpses of a more confident, man-in-charge Angel. Are you excited? I'm excited.
I'm also very excited for the next episodes! Yes, that's right...episodes. I'm combining "Bad Girls" and "Consequences." Also, I'm excited because I'm bringing in a new character! He is awesome and I love him...anyone wanna guess who? :D
Okay, so, since Angel punched Travers already...anyone feel left out of the violence?
If so, reviews punch Travers in the face,
ArthursCamelot