Well... this took quite some time didn't it? I promise this will NOT happen again, until the end of this story! Then, I have to work on Numb. :) Thank you for writing to me, reviewing my stories, and still being interested! I'll have the next part out in about... 2 hours. Thank you sososo much! Excuse me, if there are any errors, I was just so excited to get this out!
Oh! And to clarify. Vampires, in this story, don't lose their souls when they are turned. They have the choice, just like humans, to be good or evil. Angelus has his soul, but he is definitely not nice. Not as much B/A in this chapter(even I was getting grumpy writing it) but there will be tons in the next.
~Chyna
Quentin Travers hustled into his home. He ripped off his jacket and placed his business bag haphazardly on the floor of his beautifully decorated, yet simple home. Not bothering to sit in one of his pristine chairs, he snatched up the phone and dialed several numbers quickly into it. After a few rings, a tired voice answered.
"This is Rupert Giles."
"Rupert, don't hang up."
The other end of the line was quiet for a moment, "What do you want, traitor?"
Travers stiffened slightly, but kept his voice unaffected, "I've got some news for you. Rather good news, in fact."
"What would this be regarding, traitor?"
He growled into the phone, "I would suggest you be a bit more pleasant to me, if you would like to know what I know."
The voice on the other line returned his growl, "How could I ever trust the word of you again? You almost cost the life of my Awakener!"
"I realize this, but I cannot change the past. Now is my chance to atone for the things I've done. I think I know where she is, Rupert."
Once again, silence filled the opposite end of the phone.
"I'll be there in an hour."
The line went dead in Travers hand. A slow smile crossed his face. He could care less about the Azilots and their precious golden girl. His plan for destroying her and family had gone awry, but it wouldn't matter. Angelus and Spike would still take the blame for it. They wouldn't be able to convince the Azilots otherwise.
And while both sides destroyed each other, he would be preparing himself as the new Master of Aurelius.
Oh. He just loved it when a plan came together.
There was sushi next to her bed when she woke up.
She sat up and wiped her still tear swollen eyes to clear her vision. There were Maki rolls and Nigiri, Sashimi and Wasabi, and oh! Ginger and soy sauce! Did Angelus kill her in the middle of the night and now she was in heaven?
She raced toward the food, but stopped short when she realized exactly how dangerous eating random food could be. She stared longingly at it, but pushed the tray of food away. It was a huge accomplishment, as she hadn't eaten human food in what felt like days.
With a huge sigh she made her way into the bathroom, hoping a shower would make her feel better.
She took her time cleaning herself, taking full advantage of the well-stocked toiletries. She washed her hair, which had still slightly smelled of ash, and deep conditioned it. Her skin was thoroughly exfoliated and her muscles were starting to relax.
She stepped out of the shower and wrapped her body in one of the large lavender towels and then her hair in one of the smaller ones. She used one of the many lotions that were laid out to moisturize her skin. If she closed her eyes hard enough, maybe she could trick herself into thinking she was at a resort.
There were simple white slippers in the corner and she slid her dainty feet into them. Yep. This could definitely be a resort if she weren't living her worst nightmare.
She made her way back into her bedroom, er- the room with the bed- and let out a startled scream. "What are you doing in here?"
Long pale white legs uncrossed and then crossed again in front of her, "Hello to you, too, dearie."
She wasn't exactly in the most comfortable clothes to be fighting, yet still Buffy's hands clenched at her sides, "You aren't supposed to be here without permission, Darla."
A sardonic smile slid across her face, "Well, at least you know my name. Angelus and I get into … tiffs all the time. They never last. I mean… you didn't think he spent last night alone did you?"
The color drained from Buffy's face, but she quickly recovered, "Yeah…well, good for you two. I'd hand you a cigar, but I don't smoke. Now… if you'd kindly get the hell out of here."
Her blue eyes narrowed at the young vampire, all amusement gone. She stood and marched directly in front of Buffy. "You have no idea who you're dealing with little girl. Angelus is mine and he always has been. You are a bump in the road, a distraction, just like all the rest of them. Don't get your head in the clouds thinking he actually cares about just because he decides to fuck you every now and again."
Rage built in Buffy's eyes as she faced the blonde. She was wearing the same dress as before, with her hair tousled about her head. Of course she had stayed with Angelus. Who cares? Why would she even begin to care? "You're delusional, old lady. I don't want your despicable Master and he definitely doesn't want me. I suggest you get the hell out of my room before I make you."
Darla bit her lip slightly, more intrigued by the awakener than ever, "Oh, little girl, that day is going to come very soon. Believe that. But, I have places to be and I don't want your luscious blood staining my dress."
She moved to the open door and spun around before leaving the room, making her dress twirl. She called out "Ta ta, Bunny!" and slammed the door behind her.
Buffy picked up a large glass vase and threw it at the door leaving glass shattered everywhere, "It's BUFFY! ... You whore."
She took a moment to calm herself, realizing that anger would not be good in a situation like this. She walked to the dresser of clothes that Willow had unpacked the night before intent on finding the baggiest, oversized clothes she could.
Willow. That would probably be the most pleasant person for her to see right about now. She successfully dug out a pair of exercise pants that were about 2 sizes too big and a black, long-sleeved V-neck tee. Unfortunately there was no underwear that was as modest. She slid on the silk and lace panties as quickly as she could and then put on her wardrobe.
She turned her attention to the mirror and, ignoring all of the pins and hair accessories, slid her long hair into an unfashionable pony tail at the base of her neck. She was giving herself a quick once over when a knock at the door came.
"Buffy, it's Willow. May I come in?" Her soft voice said from behind the door.
Buffy gave a small sigh of relief. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle another visit from Angelus so soon. She scurried to the door and opened it for her.
Willow gave a friendly smile, "Hi! I wasn't sure if you would be up so soon."
Buffy nodded politely, still not ready to be completely friendly. "I'm an early riser." She stepped back to allow Willow to enter the room.
The red haired woman took a glance at what the Buffy was wearing, "How about arrange for you to have some more suitable clothes shipped in? I was pretty sure leather wasn't your thing."
Buffy nodded again and sat down in front of her vanity. Willow noticed her food wasn't touched.
"I thought you loved sushi?"
Buffy gave a slightly embarrassed look, "I… I just didn't…"
Willow took mercy on her, "You have to keep your strength up, Buffy. I ordered this personally and watched them make it. You have my honor that you will not be harmed here. If you would like something else…"
"No!", feeling that she had already been rude enough. This may be a trap, and the Aurelius may have it out for her, but there was something that she could trust in Willow. "It looks amazing. I…I am pretty hungry."
She walked over to her bed and climbed atop it. She pulled the tray which had the sushi on it, close to her. As she began eating, Willow decided to continue their conversation from the night before.
"So, what are your feelings about feeding? We must supply you with blood."
Buffy, her mood heightened by the food, gave her a smile with a mouth full of a roll, "I drink human blood. But, not from the dead; only from donors. Animal blood will sustain me, but I wouldn't be at full strength."
"Donors, you said?" Willow asked curiously. The Aurelius had donors as well, but that typically included lots of sex as well. She didn't figure Buffy was the type.
"Yep. Humans loyal to the Azilots, specifically me." She rolled her eyes, "I do appreciate their donations, but they act as if I'm some sort of savior. It gets tiring.
Willow, having grown to enjoy watching humans eat because of Tara, smiled and sat next to her on the bed. "Well, that's splendid. We have donors as well, if you don't want to participate in the hunt."
Buffy popped another roll in her mouth, "Which I don't. Which I never will."
The Wiccan nodded, "I understand. Many of us choose not to."
"What about… what about Angelus?" Buffy slid the now empty tray back toward the night stand.
Willow paused for a moment, thinking of the best way to describe her leader, "Angelus… does go out on the Hunt. He's very old and animal blood will not sustain him. However, he doesn't take more than he has to and he always has willing donors."
"I bet he does," She rolled her eyes, remembering the visit she just had with his whore. She debated on telling Willow about the meeting, but figured it would just be shrugged off. "So…what's on the agenda for today?"
"So good that you ask!" Willow stood from the bed and went toward the window, gesturing for Buffy to follow. "We have many different activities here. There is a Tennis court in the eastern yard, there are two swimming pools in the lower levels, and several training arena's in different areas. It's truly up to you what you would like to do."
Buffy stared at her, slightly confused, "You mean, I'm free to go where I please here?"
"You aren't a prisoner, Buffy. You are our guest. You are free to go and come as you please. However, I think it is necessary that you don't let anyone know who you are. Not your name, not your clan, not your reasons for being here. There are some unknown factors with your situation that we are working out. You will have a guard. He will not interfere, he will just protect you."
"Y-you aren't going to be with me?" Buffy's vulnerability showing unwillingly.
"I have work to do for the Clan. I have a meeting with Angelus and Xander soon, but I will definitely visit with you as soon as I can." Willow walked from the window toward the door.
"Willow!" She stopped and turned toward the Awakener, "I will be in a training room."
The Elder vampire gave a bright smile, "Good. I will have your guard show you to them."
She left the room, leaving Buffy with only her thoughts. Deciding, that she had shown enough fear, she slipped on some gym shoes and left the room.
A knock at the door jostled Quentin out of his sleep. He straightened up the paperwork he had viewing on his desk and hurriedly went to the door.
A very bemused Giles stood from behind the door. "This better be good."
"I assure you that it is, old friend. Come in." Travers held the door open and allowed him to pass through.
Giles hesitated before entering, "If this is a trap or another one of your twisted lies… I will have you killed."
Travers gave him a cold, dark look as the other man entered his home. "I assure you, that this is no game, Rupert." He shut the door and made his way to the living area. "Would you like something to drink? Some tea, perhaps? I could have my wife-"
Giles cut him off quickly, "I have not come here for your poisonous pleasantries, Travers. Tell me what I want to know."
Travers ignored the urge to snarl at the Watcher and instead took a deep sigh, "I overheard a conversation last night. It was between two of the new Elders of Aurelius. Spike and Xander."
Giles knew of them well. Vicious and extremely capable fighters, they were. "What did they say?"
Travers nodded, "They have an Azilot. A young, female Azilot that Angelus is keeping held as a prisoner. I know that this is our girl."
Travers was pinned up to a wall in a matter of seconds, "You forfeited your right of pride to the Awakener when you betrayed your clan, Travers." Giles spat his name out like venom, "She is not your anything."
He dropped the man quickly and moved closer to the door. "What else do you know?"
Travers growled loudly and straightened himself out, "That is all, you old fool. If you would just take the time to listen to me-"
"The last time I listened to you, it almost cost the life of my charge. If I lose her… I will have your head." Giles stormed out the door not bothering to close it behind him.