CHAPTER 1.
Buffy woke with a start and seated up in her bed. She was sweating. She looked at her side and saw her Angel sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed. Buffy looked at the window and saw a flash of lightning and then deafening thunder. It was a dream, Buffy thought to herself. She tried to calm herself down and looked at the clock on Angel's bedside. It was almost 3 am.
Buffy looked at her Angel one more time before she got up and left the room.
Buffy walked down the stairs and saw light coming out from the mansion's kitchen. She assumed only Giles would be up. Most of the gang was out for the summer. Anya and Xander were travelling together. Oz and Willow were with Doyle handling a werewolf case in L.A. Only Buffy, Angel and Giles were here to keep the fort.
She slowly approached the light and saw Giles drinking coffee and reading a book. The watcher noticed he vampire and put the book down. "Buffy", the older man said sounding surprised. "Long time not seeing you up at this hour".
Buffy tried to smile but was still shaken from the dream. "Just having trouble sleeping", she said flatly.
Giles looked at his watch and then back at his book. He was reading on the life of Kakistos. It was the middle of the summer and as always, things were quiet. Seeing the 251 year old vampire at this hour was truly a surprise. "Bad dreams?", the watcher asked.
Buffy waved off the whole incident and changed the subject. "I am going out", Buffy said. "If I am not back when Angel wakes up, can you tell him I will be back"
Giles nodded as he watched the vampire walk out the front door. There was nothing much he could say. Could you give orders to a 251 year old vampire? Giles yawned and started walking up the stairs to his room. What was Buffy up to?
Buffy walked in the middle of the rain in deep thought. She has realized long ago that Elizabeth was something that would hunt her until the end of time. Every time her past popped, she got scared. Her memories pressed hard against her mind. Buffy tried to forget, but Elizabeth would not let her. The face of Landry on that graveyard was burned insider her brain. And she could not do anything about it.
She started whispering her favorite psalm as she walked the dark streets of Sunnydale. She tried to find comfort in the words coming out of her mouth
"Dicet Domino susceptormeusestuetrefugiummeum Deus meussperabo in eum, Quoniam ipse liberabit me de laqueovenantium et a verboaspero, Scapulissuisobumbrabitte et sub pinniseiussperabis, Scutocircumdabitteveritaseius non timebis a timore nocturne"
The storm grew more violent and she quickened her pace.
"A sagittavolante in die a negotioperambulante in tenebrisabincursu et daemonio meridian, Cadent a lateretuo mille et decemmilia a dextristuis ad teautem non adpropinquabit, Verumtamenoculistuisconsiderabis et retributionempeccatorumvidebis, QuoniamtuDominespes mea Altissimumposuistirefugiumtuum"
Her heeled boots made splashes in the water puddles she stepped.
"Non acce dent ad te mala et flagellum non adpropinquabittabernaculotuo, Quoniamangelissuismandabit de teutcustodiantte in omnibus viistuis, In manibusportabuntte ne forte offendasadlapidempedemtuum, Super aspidem et basiliscumambulabis et conculcabisleonem et draconem"
I need to get there fast, she thought to herself
"Quoniam in me speravitetliberaboeumprotegameumquiacognovitnomenm eum, Clamabit ad me et exaudiameum cum ipso sum in tribulationeeripiameum et clarificaboeum, Longitudinedierumrepleboeum et ostendamillisalutaremeum"
Buffy finished her psalm and saw the chapel in front of her. A small light was visible through the crack of the door. She slowly walked up the steps and knocked on the heavy doors. The sound echoed through the old building. The vampire just waited. She heard the bolts of the door unlock and slowly open
Buffy saw a young priest open the door. Buffy was taken by surprise. She was expecting a nun. "My child", the priest said. "You must truly be in despair to come at this hour in this downpour" Buffy almost cried out. She tried to speak but nothing came out. "Come on in", the priest invited. "But I urge you to whisper. The Most Holy is exposed".
Buffy entered the church fearfully. Each holy item inspired fear unto her demon side. She saw that the nuns were in worship towards the Holy Eucharist. The vampire did not dare look at the most holy. One of the nuns noticed her enter the chapel and softly smiled, but then continued in adoration.
Buffy turned towards the priest. "I am sorry to intrude", Buffy said sadly.
The priest just smiled. "Do not worry", the priest said. He then continued to present himself. "I am new to this parish. I am Father Michael"
"I am Buffy", Buffy answered as she started to listen to Latin praise songs. "I though adoration was done on certain days"
Father Michael smiled. "It is", he said. "But Sunnydale being what it is, I have a feeling it doesn't hurt to put more hours in the schedule"
Buffy tried to smile but couldn't. She had of mixture of dread and guilt inside her dead heart. She looked down on the floor. She saw that she was leaving a puddle of water where she stood. She did not dare move.
Father Michael noticed she had shut down. "Tell you what", he said. "I will let you stay. It might be comforting for you"
Buffy nodded slowly and walked towards the last bench. She set on the side and stared at her wet boots. It had been almost a year since ye had been in a church. The last time she had come reluctantly searching for the means to perform an exorcism. She has felt a strange peace listening to the music. A glimmer of hope perhaps. Now here she was again. Not sure why. She looked at Father Michael. He couldn't be more than thirty five years old. Blonde and blue eyes. Not bad looking. He seemed so sure and in control. Assigned to a town that was never in control.
Buffy looked at the crucifix on top of the altar. Memories of the exorcism with Angel and Giles flooded in her mind. The prayer she had said and made. Like a commitment. Than Landry's face. Vivid in her mind. Why him? Why now? She closed her eyes and hopped the memory would go away.
She opened them and she saw Father Michael staring at her with a casual smile sitting at the bench in front of her. She looked somewhat uncomfortable.
"Don't mind me", Father Michael said casually. "It is a first time I see a vampire trying to find comfort in a place of worship". The words stung Buffy close to her heart. Her face fell. She saw Father Michael pull a crucifix and place it right in front of her face. The demon inside tugged hard and made Buffy look away in fear. She twitched in pain. Father Michael smiled and put the crucifix down. "Just making sure", he said.
"I am not a normal vampire", Buffy said trying to defend herself.
"I am not a normal priest", Father Michael said as he kissed a purple stole and placed it around his neck. He then took a prayer rope and started passing it through his fingers. "I heard from the nuns you took some information and performed an exorcism a while back. Thank the heavens you succeeded".
Buffy looked down again. She felt ashamed of being there. She had killed several priests before. It was hard for her to be near one. But this one was being strangely nice.
"When was the last time you has the sacrament of confession?", the priest asked. "Fifty years… One hundred years?"
"Over two hundred years", Buffy said flatly.
The priest smiled. "I guess you are overdue", he said with a small laugh. "The sacrament is wonderful. Don't be afraid of it. Even Michael Corleone got to do it. It is a good way to start redemption"
Buffy looked confused. "Who is Michael Corleone?", she asked.
Farther Michael smiled and looked at his watch. "It is almost day brake", he said as he stood up. "You should go. As penance for your visit, you will watch The Godfather". He laughed a little. "Just kidding. The doors of this chapel will always be open to those who look out for the well being of others". And with that he walked away.
Angel stirred in the bed. He opened his eyes and saw that it was seven am. He stretched out trying to find his Buffy. He felt the side of the bed and saw it was empty. He stood up and put a pair of sweat pants and ran down the stairs. He saw Buffy dressed in a white blouse and red long skirt sitting with a book in her hand. The vampire looked up at her Angel and smiled. "Good morning", she said. "I didn't want to wake you"
Angel cleared his eyes and walked over giving her a soft kiss on the lips. "It's ok", he said. "I just get jumpy when you are not around that's all"
Buffy smiled and returned to her book. While Angel went into the kitchen and later came out with a bowl of cereal. He sat next to her and started eating. His teeth crunched the cereal as he ate. "What are you reading?" Angel asked.
"Mario Puzzo's The Godfather", she said putting the book down.
Angel looked surprised. "It is not the typical genre you are used to", Angel said knowingly. "You like history and ancient languages. Since when are you interested in the mob and criminal acts that look good"
Buffy frowned. "I am expanding my tastes", she said. "Do we have plans for today?"
Angel stood up and walked towards the kitchen. "I am going over to mom's", Angel said from the back. "Landry day".
Buffy gasped as she dropped her book. "What did you say?", she asked nervously.
Angel came back for the kitchen with an apple. "It's laundry day". Buffy sat back down and placed her face on her hands. Angel noticed and walked towards her. "You ok?", he asked concerned.
"I am ok", Buffy said composing herself. "Just had a bad dream that's all"
"Want to tell me what the dream is about", Angel asked.
"It was about something Elizabeth did", Buffy said standing up. "Long time ago". She tried to change the subject. "Remember we have training this afternoon".
"Ummmmmm Ok", Angel said trying not to press on. "I will be back after lunch. Mom won't let me come before".
Buffy smiled. "Ok", she said. "Go get dressed".
Angel scooted up the stairs. "Angel", Buffy called up looking up the stairs. "Could you get me The Godfather trilogy while you are out?"
Angel popped his head from the stairwell and looked at his girlfriend strangely.
It was noon and Willy's bar was empty. Willy cleaned the beer mugs and watched his door. His patrons usually arrived no later than ten pm. But this day was different. An Alex Landry had requested to use his establishment. The doors opened and dark haired man entered the bar. He was dressed in black leather pants with black boots and a black rain coat. A Black BLE hagen hat was over his head. He slowly walked up to first table nearest to the bar. Willy nervously poured a glass of scotch neat and placed it on the table. The man said nothing and waited.
Minutes later Two demons entered the bar. One was a red brick skinned beast. With black horns. The other was a green slimy thin looking demon with oval eyes. They nodded towards the dark man and set next to him.
Finally, from the back, a blue and black demon dressed in a cowboy outfit came in. "Sorry I am late", he said in a thick southern accent. "Meeting at noon is bad for my health"
"Sit down Mr. Wrath", the dark man in the hat said. "We have little time"
The demon sat down and Willy started pouring drinks.
"My name is Alex Landry", the dark man said in a thick english. "I come from a long line of demon hunters. I thank you for coming to this meeting and respecting a truce among hunter and hunted"
"It was a tough to say no", the red demon said. "Not every day we get a proposal to end the life of the slayer"
"I just have a question?", the green demon said. "Why should we trust you? Your family has been hunting our kind for over two centuries. And now make a truce"
Alex smiled. "I have no concern over your town nor your business", he said flatly. "My sights are set on one single demon. And for her I have come. After that, you can do to this town as you desire"
"You said you will help us with the slayer", the blue and black demon said. "That is the only reason I have come here"
"The slayer is weak", Alex said. "His emotions turn against him. Knowing your opponents weakness gives you the advantage. I know everything that is needed to know on this… Angel. You take him. And I will take my prize"
"What makes you think we can beat him?", the red demon asked.
"I will create the conditions for you to take him out", the dark man said as he put his drink down.
"We know where the slayer is", the slimy demon said. "It's his body guard we fear the most"
"Elizabeth", the red and black demon spat out. "A traitor. She has the Gem of Amarra. She is strong and fast"
Alex Landry just smiled. "Do not worry about Elizabeth", he said. "I will take care of everything". The demon hunter than stood up and walked out the same door he came in. Willy heard the entire conversation. Big trouble was heading towards Angel. The bartender spit into one of his mugs and continued cleaning it. He shrugged. It was not his business.
Angel rushed towards the mansion. He was late for training and he knew he would get a sermon from both Giles and Buffy. His mom had prepared a feast for lunch and was not allowed out of the house until he finished it all. HE also had to stop by the video store to pick up the films Buffy wanted. He stepped out of his car and walked up to the mansion. He carefully opened the door and saw Buffy sparing with an invisible opponent. Angel sighed and started to feel bad as he entered the room.
He caught a glimpse of Giles who was with a stop watch. The Watcher seemed mesmerized at the speed and power of Buffy's moves. Buffy stopped her routine once she noticed Angel. She smiled "you're back'
"Of course", Angel said holding up the bag from the video store. "Ready for our marathon. I will make the popcorn"
"After training", Giles interrupted. "May I remind you Angel that even though it is summer and quiet, your skills must always be tested"
"He is right", Buffy said. "Get dressed and let us see what you got"Angel frowned and ran up to his room. Buffy had to smile. Even though he was reaching her human age, and the battles had matured him, he was still only a kid in some areas. Just like all men.
Angel got down and looked at Buffy. She was barefoot in her training gray pants and black sports bra. She looked gorgeous and focused. Angel put himself in a fighting stance and started throwing soft punches at Buffy. When he was slaying he was always using his crossbow. Rarely, he got into a physical fist to fist confrontation. That is why these sessions were so important. To keep him on his toes.
Buffy noticed that Angel's posture seemed sloppy. Almost like he was not caring. She faked an attack but as he put his defenses up she hit him behind the knee and hooked his ankles. He crumpled down.
Buffy was disappointed. To easy she thought to herself. "Are you even trying?" Buffy asked. She did not wait for Giles to make observations. "Get up", she ordered. "Fix your posture. Put some muscle into your stance"
Angel stood up and focused. Buffy was a powerful vampire and an experienced fighter. He knew she was trying to help him. He kept reminding himself he did not know everything. As much as he bragged. He needed to be humble and accept his virtues as well as his weaknesses. It was just hard to think when he trained with Buffy. His mind was on something else when a flat kick landed on his forehead. He fell once again.
Angel got up without waiting instruction and moved in towards Buffy. He was starting to get angry. He fired a rapid combination of punches and kicks. Buffy blocked them all. He was moving faster now. And she smiled. "Come on!", she ordered. "Give me all you got!". Angel pressed forward. Giles noticed that Angel was moving in a blur. Punching and kicking. Buffy was now sweating. She was on the defensive now, but still in control. "Stop TRYING to hit me and HIT me", Buffy urged. Angel pressed faster and stronger. He pushed Buffy back towards the concrete column until her back was touching the hard surface. Angel screamed as he fired a Hay maker towards where Buffy's head would have been. She ducked in time. Angel's fist crashed unto the concrete, braking part of the column. Angel yelped in pain and started shaking his banged up hand.
"Ow!", he exclaimed.
Buffy was on him concerned. "Let me see", she said lightly. Angel did not want to look. He felt as of though his hand would fall apart. Giles brought in some bandages. Buffy saw that Angel's hand was intact. Just a little sore. No bones broken and no inflammation. She smiled at her Angel who did not dare look. "It's ok", she assured him. "It is just sore"
He looked at his hand. It was ok. He than looked at the broken column and than looked sheepishly at Buffy. "Sorry", he said. "Guess it sounded and felt harder than it was"
Giles turned his attention towards the broken concrete. "Fascinating", Giles remarked. "Never heard of a slayer hit this hard before".
"I bet you never heard of a slayer living this long before", Buffy stated.
Giles nodded. "Quite Right", he said. "Let us move to weapons shall we"
The hours passed fast. Angel was becoming stronger and more agile. But Giles noticed also that Buffy was right up there with him. Whatever moved both of them was certainly out of this world. It four thirty pm when they finished. Giles excused himself and grabbed a book and headed upstairs. After a quick shower, both Buffy and Angel cramped into a couch and started their epic journey in the late 40s.
Buffy was mesmerized. She had finished reading the book before lunch. And was now seeing it on the screen. Human emotion. Family values. Honor and loyalty. But also evilness and deception. Angel enjoyed watching Buffy see the movie. It was like opening her eyes for the first time. He asked her to continue watching the movies without him while he did his graveyard rounds. At first she insisted in accompanying him. But then she remembered the words of the priest and sat back down.
It was almost midnight when Angel arrived from patrolling. He saw Buffy still watching with certain fixation. She was on the third part now. He smiled and kissed her good night. He did not bother telling her it was the worst of all parts. He wondered about this new obsession Buffy had.