Disclaimer: All Buffy or Angel characters were created by Joss Whedon. Not me.
Author's Note: Well, it's been a long time. Think this is the longest one so far.
Chapter Fourteen: Bloodstream
''It's almost time.'' Spike said. ''I still think I should go alone.''
''No way. I gotta be there.'' Katie said.
''You don't get it. What I'm about to do... It's gonna be hell. Something happens to you, I'm toast.''
''I think he's right. No offence, but you'll just stand in the way.'' Amy jumped in.
''I can't not be there.'' Blonde shook her head. ''We'll leave in twenty.'' She left.
Spike sighed. They were going to sent a smoke signal. He wanted to go alone, as four of them would be too much and too easy to spot. Katie insisted that she'd be there in case something went wrong and that pissed him off, because if something would go wrong, he had to leave fast.
''Can't you tell us what are you going to do?'' Lorne asked.
''It's better if you don't know. Trust me.'' Vampire murmured.
''Well then, what are we going to do about our princess there? No way we'll keep her here against her will. Imagine the bitchiness.'' Slayer said.
Spike looked at the door Katie went through. ''I'll take care of it.''
***B***B***
''Shit, that's heavy.'' Rain said as she lifted a crossbow Faith wanted to take. Horton Scout, she read. It was big, with a scope, a place for additional arrows and a place to put her foot in. She did that and tried to load it. She grabbed the string with both hands and pulled. Eventually she managed to pull it back completely, but as she did so, her muscles ached. No way she'd be able to do that in tight situations, as it took her nearly 15 seconds to do that. ''You sure you can do it?'' She asked as Faith came with five arrows. She loaded one and put the rest in their place. Brunette lifted it with one hand and shot. Arrow flied past Rain's head and buried itself deep in the wall. Faith grabbed the string and, almost effortlessly, pulled it back, ready to shoot again.
''I think we'll be okay.'' She commented, retrieved the arrow and put it back. The she swung the crossbow across her back. ''Now we're ready to go.''
''Yeah... Go where?''
That was something Faith wasn't really prepared to answer. She couldn't go with 'Don't know, but as soon as I do I'm gonna dump you and go search for an axe.'
''You'll see.'' She settled with that.
***B***B***
Anthis scoped the area. Ever since meeting her brother, she put all of her efforts to localize The Scythe. So far she eliminated big chunks of the city, the demonic activity there was not nearly good enough to protect anything valuable. For the past hours she met more and more demons though, some concealed as humans, some not. Mostly she avoided them, choosing longer, but more safe ways. She couldn't drop too much bodies or something would eventually catch up. She eliminated three on her way, silently hiding their bodies. She did not know, however, whether she was getting closer to the possible Scythe location, or just to her brother's headquarters. Or whatever the hell he set up for himself and spent his time there. Same M.O. Back in their home he had his own... place, from where he ruled and few others, as backup. She concluded that he did the same thing here. Set up his fortress and circled it with safe places.
As she jumped from one building to the next, the alleys separating them were really tight, letting her close the distance in the air safely, Anthis wondered what was her brother's real agenda. She followed him here as a volunteer, the fact she kept to herself. There were still people loyal to her in their dimension, although she wasn't the... founder of the opposition. Adrian minimalized that, leaving generals to keep watch during his absence, but she did not know who stayed and who came along with him. With little... well, a lot of luck they might be able to overthrow them, hoping that severing the snake's head wouldn't cause two more to appear in it's place.
All of that was a lost battle if she couldn't defeat her brother. They were very much aware that the moment Adrian returned, they would be burned.
Half-demon crouched on an edge of the roof and looked down. Nothing, no movement. That was rather odd, considering she encountered more and more demons as she went. Was she compromised and walking straight into a trap? That seemed unlikely. Seeing no other choice, she jumped down, landing easily on her feet. Now that she was down on the ground, she realized she wasn't exactly careful. Up there, you had a lot of space, could see anything coming at you with a little time to prepare yourself, here on the other hand, were too many corners, doors and hiding places. She had to walk past most of it, her bow wouldn't fare well. Anthis took her hood off, she couldn't have anything blocking her vision, even by tiniest detail. She reached for her sword, long, thick and very deadly. She walked street after street and at some point felt repelled. Some object around her did not tolerate her presence. She could feel that very well, as she too, recognized it as a threat. The Scythe. Had to be.
She suddenly looked around, scanning for any sign of demons. Nothing. Only a lonely wind accompanied her. Woman slowly moved forward, her lips curling into a small smile. Maybe they'd finally get a pass.
What she did not know or noticed, her brother lurking in the shadows. Making sure she'd find her way to the weapon. And, letting her go without any interference. Everything was going exactly as he planned.
***B***B***
A book flied through the room and crashed against the wall. Vampire cursed. Should've worked. What did he do wrong? Shaking his head, he walked to a window and looked down, onto the streets. After few moments, a lonely figure caught his eye. Lonely, rather familiar figure, slowly moving to him, through the trash on her way.
''Finally.'' Gunn mused.
***B***B***
''My strength is fading.'' Illyria said. She just broke open a metal gate to a cemetary on their way. Connor noticed it took her a little longer than the usual removal of things so far. Also, there was a little strain on her face, her muscles actually fighting the metal instead of breaking it in one motion. If he didn't know any better, he'd said she sounded a little uncertain, scared even.
''You okay?'' Dumb question.
She pushed the gate, it making a loud, screeching noise. ''Of course not. We have to hurry.''
''Right. We don't even know where to go.''
Illyria stopped, looking at a near grave. Some man, died 6 years ago, was 43. ''You are not helping.''
Connor stood beside her. ''What do you expect? Each day passess and we're still no closer to doing something than we were at the beggining of this stuff. We are getting closer to the armageddon, yet we do nothing. Might as well sit back and watch. Sorry if I'm a little... tired.''
''We are doing what we can, given the circumstances. Believe me, if I had the power to end it all, I would.'' Illyria looked him in the eye. ''But I don't. That demon took my power, humiliated me and some time soon, will leave me defenseless. How do you think I feel?''
Connor stared at her, silent. ''Never thought you'd say something so... open.''
''You and me both.'' She said and walked deeper into the cemetary. ''Come on, boy. We can't stay in one place for long. There are eyes everywhere.''
''What? I don't feel anything nearby.'' He looked around, alarmed.
''That does not change the fact that there is something out there.''
***B***B***
Katie walked into the room she and Spike agreed to meet in. She was loaded and ready. Ready to do whatever he had in mind, that would get Rain back to her. After a second standing, she felt goosebumps on her skin. Fraction of a second later, a pair of strong arms grabbed her, putting her in a chokehold.
''This will only take a second, luv.'' Spike whispered in her ear. Initially, she froze, but atfer hearing that, Katie began to trash around violently. Trying to get free, even as her air supply was cut off. In one moment, she leaned forward and stomped on vampire's foot with all her might. She heard him take an unnecessary breath and immediately forced her head back, hitting him right in his face. The bastard didn't release her, but it distracted him long enough for her to push back into him and eventually crashing into the mirror. That was her last desperate move, as she saw black dots appear in her vision, and it didn't work. Few moments later, she succumbed to the darkness. Spike let go of her neck and slowly laid her down on the floor.
''Bloody hell.'' He touched his face and saw blood. She broke his nose and some damn glass cut his left cheek.
''The fuck happened?'' The noise they made must've lured the others, a thing Spike didn't count on as his plan assumed blondie would go down quietly. So much for that.
''I took care of her.'' He said shortly. ''She'll be down for some time, hopefully long enough for me to get back here.''
Amy shook her head and picked Katie up.
''Cupcake, you know she will hate you once she wakes?'' Lorne asked as they moved to another room.
Spike shrugged. ''Probably.'' He walked to the sink and spit some blood out. ''You're the one who taught her those damn moves?''
Amy nodded. ''Yup. In case something like that happened.''
''Huh. Nice work.''
''We might need some ice.'' Demon said. ''Looks to me like there's gonna be some serious bruising from that taking care of her left.''
''Yeah, stuck up on some. Might have some trouble speaking, that girl. Maybe it'll save us from yelling.'' Vampire said.
''You're going then?''
''Uh-huh. Can't waste anymore time. Let's get this show on the road.''
''Good luck.'' Lorne called after him.
''Not luck what I need.'' Spike answered back and left.
***B***B***
Human body dropped to the ground with an arrow in the head. Demon possessing it dead.
''Told you it'd be useful.'' Faith whispered to Rain and pulled the arrow out of it's head.
''Yeah, I can see that.'' She said, her voice a little strained.
''What's up with you?''
''I ain't you. Still hurting all over, yunno.''
''Oh.'' Slayer realized. Her own injures weren't really bothering her anymore. ''Well, toughen up. You want to find that little ray of sunshine, don't you?'' Truthfully, she had no idea where the hell was she right now. Los Angeles is big and you can get lost with actual people to point you back to your way. But here all she had was wind to remind her of the shit that happened.
''Except we're walking pointlessly.'' Rain pointed out.
''Why do you even want to find her?'' Faith asked and turned right. ''You killed the kid, she went all 'warriors of God and reasons to live and don't kill that little girl and don't touch me' on you, so... What, you think she'll welcome you back with open arms?''
Rain thought over an answer before actually speaking. ''I don't really care. Even if she hates me I still love her. Always will. I want to find her just to see myself that she is alright. Just to put that shit behind me, move on. I'll touch, and hug and kiss her even if she beats me to hell after that.''
''Huh. Profound.''
''Shut up.''
They walked for few more minutes and Faith stopped.
''What's wrong?'' Rain asked.
Slayer was looking into the window of one of the shops. She squinted her eyes. ''Nothing.'' She eventually said. What she saw in that glass, was far from nothing.
***B***B***
''Bloody hell.'' Spike muttered after taking a look over the corner. The street was full of zombies. Surprising. He assumed Angel used every body he could, as they stopped encountering them. This part of the city, they didn't visit and neither did Angel, it seemed. Wasn't really that far from downtown, just in the opposite direction of them. Now how the hell was he supposed to get past that? Okay, he could but what he'll do will just bring their attention. Hmm, go kamikaze? It's not like he could just pretend to be a zombie and walk right through them, right? Spike's brow furrowed. Actually, he was dead. If he'd able to gurgle, moan and walk like in Thriller,it just might work. If not, he still had enough time and space to retreat. ''Can't believe I'm about to do this.'' He sighed and slowly went to face the undead.
***B***B***
''Never thought they'd sent you, Wes. Took you long enough.''
Wesley smiled at him, sadly. ''That barrier, it's harder to penetrate than you think. We had some troubles. I wish I could say it's good to see you, Charles.''
Gunn leaned against the wall. ''It's 'we', now? Sure, we all signed that piece of paper, but after that stunt we pulled off one could think you're heading towards a little... hotter future.''
''Yes, I certainly did. Imagine my surprise.'' Wesley sat down on the sofa. ''But you didn't summon me here to chit-chat.''
''No.'' Vampire sighed. ''I need your help. But first you can tell me how someone got into your Apocalypse?''
''We counted on you actually killing Illyria. Or they, on me... Nevermind. That power should never be for others to take.'' He explained. ''Chain of events started there and ended with us killing the Circle. When Senior Partners retaliated, someone slipped in here undetected.''
''Would that someone be the one who summoned Him here?'' Gunn asked, not knowing how to name the demon.
''Correct.''
''Yeah and now your army is gone, this realm will fall unless you do something about it.''
Wesley thought for a minute. ''What would you have us do?''
''I have no idea. You guys are supposed to be all-knowing and stuff. Figure something out.'' Gunn said. ''I got you in.''
''Yes, unfortunately I won't be able to stay here for much longer. Like I said, passing through the barrier was not easy. I shall be kicked out soon.''
''Then tell me what to do. How to stop it.'' He pleaded.
''The only way to do anything, is by cutting off his supplies. Stop him from getting more of his men.''
''How?''
''Kill the summoner. From what we've gathered he is maintaining the portals leading in and out of here.'' Wesley said. ''Once he is cut off from his world, you can start an offensive. Do not let him destroy the barrier. If he does that, we can't be sure of the outcome.''
''If he goes down with it still up, we'll end up trapped in here for the rest of our lives, which for me, is quite a while.'' Gunn replied. ''And that barrier, is what I don't understand. Illyria killed those demons to stop the summoning, gain some power. So why did it just burst out and trapped us, not stopping the summoning?''
''That was actually a precaution. Originally, it appeared to contain those who were meant to summon. They couldn't run, therefore the killer had his job easier.'' Wesley picked a book from the floor. He sorted through it before continuing. ''You see, if the summoner died before the actual summoning, the barrier would disappear. I know it's complicated, but we did not invent this, believe me. Instead he did complete the ritual and, knowing that his death would bring it down, he sealed that in his master. Without his knowledge, of course. Which brings us to... if you kill the demon, you will gain your freedom. In order to kill the demon, you have to kill the summoner and with that, we can help you.''
''This is so fucking twisted.'' Gunn shook his head. ''I'm listening.''
''Let's call it a temporary loan.'' British said and in his palm a dagger appeared. ''With that you can kill him and ensure that whatever magic he possessed will be drawn here. Ergo, every connection he is maintaining will be severed, without a way to renew it.''
Gunn took the dagger carefully. It looked like a normal piece of steel you'd be able to get at every corner at night. He raised his eyebrows.
''They won't suspect that this cointains any special abilities.'' Wesley explained.
''Oh, okay. But even if I kill him, what am I supposed to do about the others who already arrived? I can't just put them down one at a time.''
''You just might not have to. Our army, as you said is not completely gone. It's gone into hiding. I can point you in their direction and make sure they will follow you.'' Wesley stood up. ''Well, it seems that my time is coming to an end.''
''Wait.'' Gunn walked to him. ''How will I find him?''
''Trust the blade you wield. You've done that since you were young. Goodbye Charles.''
***B***B***
He did, somehow, manage to get past the zombies. It's been roughly an hour since he left and that should be enough distance between him and their temporary shelter. Spike lit up a cigarette. Now, the harder part. He inhaled and watched the object in front of him, deciding it was big enough. A gas station. His footsteps echoed, the only, lonely sound he could hear, as he neared the entrance. He went in, looked around and grabbed a beer. Then, bottle in one hand and cigarette in his mouth, he checked the nearest cars, searching for keys. He found them in one, but as he tried to drive nearer, the engine wouldn't start. Right. Everything shut down. Spike finished his beer and manually pushed few closer.
Vampire walked over and grabbed a fueling nozzle, yet nothing happened. ''Huh.'' He pulled others out, still nothing. ''Right.'' In anger, he kicked it. ''Luv, you'll spill your juices one way or another.''
***B***B***
Explosion. That's what they heard. A freaking explosion.
Faith and Rain watched, amazed how big clouds of black smoke and fire went up in the air many blocks in front of them. Slayer whistled. ''Wanna check it out?''
''What if it's a trap? That didn't just happen by itself.''
''What if it's not?'' Faith countered.
''Damn...''
''Let's go.''
***B***B***
Gunn was torn. The fire was behind him, but his dagger pulled him forward. What to do... What to do? He sighed and made his decision.
***B***B***
''Did you hear that?'' Amy asked. She thought she heard a loud, exploding noise. She looked through every window she could to find a clue, but the view was blocked by the building, going a lot higher that she was right now.
''Hear what?'' Lorne looked at her. He was keeping watch over Katie's, still unconscious, body.
''I thought I... Nevermind. Shouldn't she be waking soon?''
''I have no idea. Whenever that is, hope she's in a good mood.'' Demon said.
''Like that is gonna happen.''
***B***B***
Connor and Illyria hid behind a dumpster. At first, they walked in direction of fire, but now that didn't seem like such a good idea. Whatever caused it, sure attracted a lot of commotion, as now everything that was in the area pretty much ran there. Connor thought that maybe they'd finally found a survivor, but Illyria quickly shut his mouth and pulled to safety as more and more demons in human disguise appeared. Their only hope now was that no demon would see them. A hope that quickly shattered, as one of them sniffled and, out of pure curiosity, popped it's head right into them. Illyria immediately dispatched him, yet not silent enough. Some demon saw it, cried out and now there were a full mass of them, staring right at Connor.
''Run.'' Illyria said. And they did just that.
***B***B***
He knew what he was doing. He knew what he risked. That's what Spike's been repeating in his mind, trying to convince himself it was necessary. It was, in a way. Few minutes after he finally blew up the gas station, they started to show. Humans, demons, zombies, he didn't know. More importantly, he did not want to find out. He ran in circles, around the area. Moving all the time, making it impossible for something to catch him, keeping an eye for any familiar faces. He stopped. Bloody hell. And just how is anyone not demonic supposed to get past all of that? If the way is too crowded, slayer will turn the group around. Shit. He had no other choice than to expose himself, make a commotion. But when? He couldn't possibly get their attention and play hide and seek with them forever. Few minutes tops before he had to evacuate. Just how far could they be? Spike waited for some more time before making a decision.
He picked up a big chunk of sidewalk that went up in the air and threw. His aim was good enough, for it hit someone on the head. Body fell down, unmoving. Huh. He must start to give himself a better credit. That, however, attracted a group of his comrades. Spike smirked.
***B***B***
Faith dropped another body on their way, hitting another in the face with the butt of her crossbow, as he came close. As he hit the ground, Rain stabbed him in the chest, giving Faith time to reload and pull back an arrow from the corpse.
''I'd say whatever caused that explosion, it wasn't them.'' Faith said, wiping the sweat from her forehead. They moved forward, into an alley. Occupied one. Slayer shot him down. ''They obviously don't know shit 'bout it, or they wouldn't go check it out.''
''Obviously.'' Rain leaned against the wall. ''Everything's out on the street, maybe we should go through the buildings?''
''You think it's safer? What if we're stuck?''
''Well...'' Rain took out her gun. ''Got enough bullets to get us out.''
''Put that down. Shoot, only if you have no other choice.'' Faith loaded the crossbow.
***B***B***
He tripped. Out of all the fucking things that could happen to him, he tripped. Over a dead body. Only his reflexes saved him from hitting the pavement face-first. His body moved on its own and Connor rolled forward, immediately getting to his feet and continuing his mad run. Almost nothing, but it cost him precious time, as now his pursuers were even closer. He saw Illyria jump from one car to another, some feet ahead of him. Just as she prepared to get to another one, someone snatched her legs, bringing her down. He caught up to her just in time to see the attacker hitting the wall on the opposite side of the street, after Illyria kicked him. Now they were running side by side.
''Maggots.'' she spat, as next person appeared in front of them and, as they passed him, she knocked him down without even slowing down.
More and more people were in their way now, both demons and zombies, Connor realized as he watched their movements. He all but slammed into his next obstacle, pushing the man to the side, hard enough for him to leave a dent in the car he hit. Illyria threw one over her shoulder. Boy had no time to think, watching a shovel coming straight for his head. He caught it mid-air at last second and elbowed the owner. Connor whirled back and hit his chaser in the face, knocking him back, another one just stepped over him, but left a tiny opening Connor used. He kicked him straight in the chest and man went flying back into his comrades, all of them falling down like a domino. They were now just few or so streets from the fire, Connor thought. Was it really such a good idea to investigate? He couldn't voice his concerns, for Illyria already ran forward.
***B***B***
Just where the fuck were they? Was one of two thoughts going through Spike's head. The second just kept to how long could he keep this shit up?
He was glad as hell he didn't bring Katie with him. That was exactly the kind of situation he wanted to avoid. Running around, barely able to keep himself relatively safe. He grabbed a piece of some wood, probably a busted door, to use as a shield. He managed to dispatch those few he attracted before, and now was running up a stairwell to get a good look at his surroundings. He couldn't get too high because fire would block everything. Second floor would was all right. Once there, he got to the nearest window and watched. Nothing out of ordinary. He laughed at this. Right. Nothing at all. Ugh, how much longer? He knew they could be far away but he waited for half an hour at least.
Just then, something caught his eye. Something definitely out of ordinary. Three dead bodies. Ones he did not kill. Could it really be...? He watched as a man apparently saw the same thing he did and went to investigate. When he was deep enough into alley, not to be seen, except by those who watched that particular spot, he dropped to the ground, arrow sticking out of his head. Demon Girl. Had to be. Well, at least she showed up. Spike took a step back to go there, when a figure jumped out of shadows and grabbed the arrow. He blinked. Faith.
***B***B***
''Why is there so many fuckers here? What the hell is this?'' Rain panted. ''Fourth of July?'' She slit someone's throat.
Faith reinserted her arrow and shrugged. ''Apparently. Someone lit up the fireworks and now all folks want to see 'em.''
''Which one of us could be so stupid?'' Latina asked. Before Faith could answer, a door busted open behind them and slayer immediately sent an arrow there. Spike caught it just before it pierced his throat. They all just looked at each other. ''C'mon, we gotta hide.'' Vampire said after few seconds.
''You did this?'' Faith asked as they walked through the building's hallway.
''Yeah.'' Spike said and handed the arrow back. ''Wasn't bloody easy, either.''
''Wait, where are the others?'' Rain grabbed his hand and panic crept into her eyes.
''She is fine, trust me.'' He knew what she meant. ''All of them are. Found a new place, they're there.''
''Then what the hell are we still doing here? Let's go.''
''Wait a second. Where's the kid? And Gunn for that matter?''
''Don't know. We haven't seen them since we were attacked after we left Hyperion.'' Faith answered. Was it two or three days ago? She had no clue.
''Damn it.'' Spike muttered. ''Okay, let's not stay in one place for too long, huh?''
''How 'bout you take her back to safety and I'll wait for either one of 'em to show up?'' Faith offered. Now she had a chance to split. Spike could take care of her and she could go and end this once and for all.
''And when they do show up, how will you find us?'' Spike asked.
Fuck, she hadn't thought of that.
''Right.''
''We have to cross the street.'' Spike eventually said. ''And pray that nothing sees us.''
They did and nothing saw them. Or so they thought. Now they walked through an apartment building, going two floors up. ''Best point. That's how I saw you.'' Spike explained. However, just as he was about to round the corner, a fist shot up cathing him the face, it's owner charging at vampire, both of them busting through a door to someone's flat. Rain barely avoided a punch coming her way, stumbling back into Faith, whose arrow hit the wall instead of the primary target. Slayer felt a pair of arms circle her from behind her back, so she threw her head back and once free, hit the attacker with her crossbow. Two more were coming.
Rain did her best to avoid any punches that came at her, but the hallway only had so much space. She saw two more men going after Spike. Brunette looked behind her, but Faith was busy fighting three opponents and so far, she held her own. Her own enemy took advantage of that and caught her square in the jaw. That would leave a bruise and it pissed the fuck out of her. She grabbed her knife and parred another punch coming at her, stabbing him in the throat. She watched as he fell to the floor. She had no chance to gloat in her victory, as she received a kick to her already bruised stomach.
Faith heard a cry of pain behind her, but couldn't do anything to help. She took one of the arrows from the crossbow and stabbed one of her opponents, throwing the thing at another. With two momentarily distracted, she head butted the third one. Slayer took out her daggers and buried them in him. She took them out and got punched in the face. Without thinking, she slashed the air. Didn't get the one she aimed for, but his friend got his fingers cut off. He screamed in pain and fell to the ground, clutching his hand. With a second to breathe, she saw Rain, on all fours backing away from her attacker.
Spike rolled on the ground, exchanging punches and kicks with the man. When he gained an upper hand, someone else slammed into his back, throwing him off his target. Great, three of them. He grabbed a forgotten dinner plate and smashed it against head of one, it shattering to pieces in the process. He punched him and got his hands caught and immobilized behind his back. In the same second vampire was already getting powerful hits to his face and stomach. He struggled to get his hands free and an idea came to his mind. Or a memory. He did the same thing Katie did to him, except his strength allowed him to break free. A heel to man's foot, head thrown back, a kick to the one in front of him, backhand the one behind and an elbow to the one on the side. He couldn't keep that for long and soon realized that they were pushing him back, to a window. If they wanted to play, who was he to deny? He ducked one fist and pushed the man towards the window. He hit the glass, but it didn't break. He went under another one's arm and twisted it behind his back. The last one sent a punch to him and Spike blocked it, locking arms with the man, standing shoulder to shoulder. With that weird position complete, he charged at the one near to the window, all four of them breaking through and falling two stories down.
They cushioned his fall, a thing he was grateful for.
***B***B***
''Something's wrong.'' Katie said in a hoarse voice. She woke up on a bed and with a sore throat. It took a second for her to catch up on the events. Lorne and Amy eventually managed to talk her down, pointing that now she couldn't do anything and even if, Spike was long gone. So they just handed her some ice from the fridge.
''What's not wrong?'' Amy asked rhetorically.
''No, that's not it. I feel like... like something bad is happening right now.'' She whispered. ''To Rain.''
''You've got nothing to worry about.'' Lorne assured her. ''Spike promised he'd bring her here and if I know something about him, is that he does what he says, no matter what.''
''Yeah, but...'' Blonde shook her head.
''Relax. All we need to do is wait.''
''I've got a bad feeling, that's all.''
***B***B***
Faith picked up her crossbow. With three dead bodies behind her, she looked for Rain. Now she had a perfect opportunity to leave, yet something kept her here. One minute later she knew what. Rain, one arm around her stomach, struck out with the other. The... girl, really, caught it and punched her, leaving brunette on the floor. Slayer aimed and shot.
''Still alive, huh?'' She grabbed the arrow back and looked at the mess that now presented Rain. She was so not going to look pretty. Any extra activities seemed a bad idea, too. She held her hand out for her to take. With a moan of pain, Rain let herself be pulled up. ''I think I need a break.'' She coughed.
''Don't we all?''
Rain motioned to her knife on the floor. Faith rolled her eyes but picked it up and handed over, as Rain seemed really opposed to bending over herself.
''Where's Spike?''
''I don't know. Come on.''
They found the room and the window. Faith looked down and surely, Spike was there fighting with two men, the third was dead. She aimed and shot. Now it was an even fight. Or not, as it distracted the last man and Spike snapped his neck.
''You still think it's a good idea to wait?'' She called down to him.
He muttered something, probably a string of curses and shook his head, reentering the building. They met on the first floor. ''Which way?'' Rain breathed out, leaning on the wall for support.
''Right this w-'' Spike looked her over. ''You okay, luv?''
''Five by five.''
Corner of Faith's mouth shot up in a smile. Guess the girl picked something good besides fighting skills.
''Always thought that was a load of bull.'' He sighed and walked over to her. ''Come on, lean on me. We're leaving this bloody place.''
Faith took point, while Spike pretty much dragged Rain. Everything was fine until they stumbled upon five more people. Or former people. Slayer managed to shot one before they were on her, tearing the weapon away. Three of them were beating Faith while the fourth stalked over to Spike. Vampire had one hand around Rain's torso, keeping her up, her's was over his shoulders. He reared his free fist back and got the man right in his face. Fuck, he couldn't fight with only half of his body. The distance between him and Faith expanded, they were both backing away from their enemies. She was faring a little better. Blocked every punch, but had no time to sent one of her own.
Spike's eyes widened when the man charged at them and vampire knew he couldn't do anything to avoid a collision. All of them fell to the ground. He threw himself at the man, keeping him down, realizing his goal was to get Rain, who weakly rolled away. He lost the fight and got kicked away. Man crawled to Rain and reached for the knife strapped to her leg. She struggled against him and he, in his haste to get the blade, sliced her thigh, leaving a trail of blood. Man raised his hand and Spike knew he was too late, just now getting to his feet.
Suddenly, man yelled in pain, his fingers previously holding the knife seemed to be broken, the metallic sound attracked Spike's attention to see the knife coming to stop few feet away. What the hell? He took another hasty step and he saw a pair of hands grab the back of man's shirt, throw him away and kill with a sword to the chest. The whole thing couldn't last longer than three seconds. When Rain's savior went back to the lying woman, Spike caught up.
''Demon Girl.'' He ran to them. Anthis' whole attention was on Rain, yet when Faith's grunt of pain could be heard, in one swift motion she sent an arrow in that direction, without even looking. It pierced the calf of one of the attackers. She reached to her back pocket and produced a small bag.
''Take her away. Now.'' She ordered him, pressing the bag into Spike's hands. ''Mix it with water and make her drink.'' With that, she ran towards Faith.
Spike wanted to object,to stay and fight but one look at the brunette made his mind. He hid the bag in his coat, grabbed the knife and scooped Rain into his arms, leaving the fight scene as fast as he could. He turned one last time and saw the girls fighting now against four people, not counting the previous three who were now dead.
Few minutes into his run, his muscles started to ache and not in a good way. Fuck, the distance was still a long one. Rain didn't seem to get better, but the thought that comforted Spike was that she didn't seem to get worse either. Oh, double fuck... Explain that to a pissed off blonde. At least now he was far from the fire and the farther he got, the possibility of demons catching him lessened.
''Spike!''
Wait, he knew that voice. Vampire stopped. Connor and Illyria were running to him, both out of breath and bruised.
''Blue?''
''Is she okay?'' Connor looked at Rain's form. ''What the hell is going on? With the fire and-''
''She needs help.'' Illyria cut him off. ''Where are you going? Give her to me, I'll get there faster.''
Not overthinking it, Spike handed Rain over and took the bag out. He gave her the address along with it and instructions. They watched her disappearing form. ''What the fuck is going?'' Connor had enough.
''Let's go, I'll tell you on the way.'' He said and they followed Illyria, though much slower.
***B***B***
''Appreciate the help, really.'' Faith picked up the damn crossbow. Once Anthis stepped in to the fight, it ended fairly quick. ''But I gotta go.''
''I found it.'' She announced.
''Found what?''
''The Scythe. Your weapon. I know where it is.''
Slayer turned on spot. ''Where is it?'' She grabbed Anthis by her front, ready to beat it out of her, but she broke her hold and stepped back. ''Easy. I can lead you to it.''
''What the hell are you waiting for? Show me the way.'' Faith ordered.
Demon hesitated for a second, a nagging feeling in her mind held her back. She shook it away, but even as Faith followed, Anthis could not stop a sudden thought in her head. What if this is the worst thing she could possibly do? But this made no sense.
Far above, a figure watched them from the roof. Adrian nodded his head when brunette nicely followed his sister, both of them unaware of his presence. If only they could hurry up. Illyria's power made a serious damage to Angel's body. Sure, it would hold up for two another weeks, tops, but staying in it slowly got more and more uncomfortable. That damn sorcerer was close to rendering Illyria powerless and couldn't help him. He chuckled. Soon.
***B***B***
Spike stopped.
''What's wrong?'' Connor asked.
Vampire stared at the door in front of them. ''What if she didn't make it?''
''She's tough, remember?''
''Prepare to face the wrath, either way. Bloody hell.'' Spike took a breath and forced the door open. Quiet. Not a good sign. He exchanged looks with Connor and walked to the living room. Lorne was sitting at the table and, judging from the smell, drinking something heavy. Amy occupied the sofa and Illyria just stood by the wall. They all looked up when he appeared.
''How's...?'' He let it hanging.
It was Illyria who answered. ''Alive. For now.''
''Where?''
She looked at closed door leading to the bedroom. Illyria took out Anthis' bag. ''I have my concerns about this, vampire.''
''Give me that.'' He immediately snatched it from her hand and grabbed a glass.
''I don't think it's wise to give it to her.''
''Why not?'' He asked and poured some powder from it down the glass, mixing it with water from the sink.
''That kind of medicine is not meant for humans.'' She stated.
Spike's steps faltered. ''She gonna live without it?''
Illyria's silence was his answer. Connor sat next to Lorne and, without his permission, took the glass from him, drinking whatever it was inside.
He entered the bedroom. Rain laid in the bed, unmoving. Her bloodied clothes were discarded and Spike could see they did what they could in cleaning and bandaging her. Katie's head rested on brunette's chest. She was holding her tightly, her whole body shuddering from silent sobs.
''Katie...'' He trailed off. There was so much wrong in this picture he didn't know where to start.
She raised her head at his voice. Puffy red eyes, face wet from tears she didn't try to hide.
''You... you said she would be safe.'' She croaked, slowly untangling herself from Rain. ''You promised you'd take care of her.''
Right now he didn't know whether he ever said such thing and honestly didn't care. In three steps she covered the distance between them. First three punches were solid, few next still hurt, but soon the rage behind them turned into despair and now Katie reminded him of a helpless little child banging on the wall to no avail.
''Calm down, luv. We can help her, she'll be alright and... and one day you'll look back at this and laugh.'' He said, reaching for the glass he set down just before she lost it. ''Now, I need your help.''
She just nodded absently. Spike propped Rain up, handing the glass to the other woman. ''She needs to drink this. Talk to her... Do something, I have no bloody idea what, but she has to drink this.''
And so, between talking, crying, shaking and sobbing, they managed to force most of the water down Rain's throat.
***B***B***
Head rolled on the floor when he dispatched a guard. At least he seemed like one. Gunn gripped his axe tighter. The pull... or whatever was now really strong and got stronger with each step. Yet he didn't know why would that demon be here, of all places. For quite some time he's been sneaking through shitty neighborhood that reminded him of his youth.
He heard a laughter.
Wary, Gunn took a look. Inside a house, two men stood. At the sight, the blade in the back of his pants vibrated. He must be the one. His companion was about Gunn's height, maybe a little taller and looked like he never left the gym. Tough fight.
''It's done.'' He heard one of them, the summoner, speak. ''She'll feel the effects soon enough. He too.''
''How do you know it worked?'' Other one asked. ''Shouldn't there be a wave of power? Something?''
Gunn sneaked inside the building.
''If I'd do it in one strike then yes, but...'' He stopped and Gunn thought he was heard, but summoner carried on after an impatient sigh. ''Think of it like it is a rope. If you cut through using a hatchet in one strike, it'll violently fall apart. On the other hand, if you use something less sharp, let's say a knife and spend a week painfully poking at it, it'll gently fall to the ground.''
What the hell were they talking about? Tired of waiting, Gunn ran into the room and attacked. He was forced to face the other one when he stepped into his path. Summoner just looked, apparently amused by his efforts. Fighting with a block of cement would've ended better for Gunn. His axe got ripped away and he was on the receiving end of punches. In the end, he managed to push the man back and took out the dagger. He advanced on the summoner.
''And just what do you think you'll be able to do with th-that?'' Too late, he realized what it was that Gunn was holding. He tried to escape, turning around on the spot and running. Two steps later, vampire grabbed the back of his neck and pulled back, into his blade. He gasped when the blade pierced his flesh. Securing his hold on the summoner, Gunn stabbed him multiple times more. He let the body fall to the ground when he was sure he was dead. He expected some reaction, but the blade now just seemed to emanate green light. It faded after few seconds. A powerful blow to his back sent him to the ground. Moaning in pain, he looked up to a pissed off man, already rearing his hand back.
***B***B***
''It's there.'' Anthis said, pointing through the door. They were in the Medieval Warfare Museum. She stopped near the entrance to one section she could not go into.
''Seriously?'' Faith snorted, yet for the past minutes she began to feel the familiar pull. It certainly added authenticity to the location.
''I can't enter.'' She spoke. ''It's protected against demons.''
''What makes you think I can?'' Faith asked. ''If Angel wanted to protect it, shouldn't it be slayer-proof?''
''Maybe, but there are bonds even he can't break.'' She looked around, expecting some security, but nothing came. ''Go on.''
Faith took a deep breath and neared to passage. With one final exhale, she went in.
***B***B***
Adrian followed his sister to the entrance of the building, but a sudden shift in energies caught his attention. He didn't recognize it at first, but now he was running through the city as fast as he could. Something happened to his sorcerer. But how? He kept an eye on the slayer and the rest were in no condition to search, much less to fight his general he left with him. He finally got to his destination and stopped. Both of them were dead. He cursed. Did everything go according to the plan? Well, his part did, but this? He sniffed the air. Someone else's scent and blood hung in it. But whose... Gunn. He assumed he was with the others. How would he even know where to look and who to kill, he wondered as he pulled up a fallen chair and sat down on it. Definitely underestimated him. Kill them both and walk away? Sometime during his stay, he felt something like a spasm going through him. Side effects? No, he thought as he felt another contraction. He fell to the ground, laughing through the pain. Son of a bitch did it.
***B***B***
''What happened to your arm?'' Spike heard Connor ask. He left Katie to stay with her lover. Lorne was, apparently, going through everything that happened since their separation.
''A fight. Nasty one.'' He moved on with the story, but Spike zoned him out. Now, that adrenaline has passed, he could feel the pain radiating through his whole body. He wondered where was Faith. Demon Girl showed up, so they must've gotten to safety by now. He saw Illyria twitch, in the corner of his eye. He was about to ask what's wrong when a bloodcurdling scream went through the air. Rain's scream. They all looked at each other, startled. Vampire rose to his feet, all of them did.
''It's working.'' Illyria stated.
Spike paid her no mind and busted through to the bedroom, the rest of them behind.
''What's happening?'' Katie asked, panicked. Rain trashed around violently, agonized screams escaping her throat.
''Hold her down!'' He yelled to Connor, both of them launching themselves at her, trying to pin brunette down. He covered Rain's mouth with his hand, forcing the screams down. Even with their combined strength they had troubles keeping her in place.
''What are you doing to her?'' Katie shouted from behind him and tried to force him off Rain. Amy immediately jumped in, dragging her away.
''She needs to be quiet.'' Spike hissed, wrestling with Rain. ''Where the bloody hell is Blue? Get her here.'' He ordered Lorne.
Green demon backed into the living room to see Illyria seizing on the floor. ''Spike!'' He called. ''Spike!''
Spike was torn. What the hell was happening? ''Hey, take over.'' He said to Amy, whose struggle with Katie ended. Blonde was now sitting, her eyes never leaving Rain's moving form. She was, to put it lightly, shocked. Tears fell freely down her cheeks. Seeing someone you love in unbearable pain and not being able to do anything was a torture. As they changed positions, Rain's shrieking could be heard again. He walked after Lorne. ''What the fuck?''
''I don't know. She was like this when I walked in.'' Lorne explained. Spike crouched next to her. ''Hey! Are you in there?'' He shook her by the shoulders. Illyria's head fell back, her body completely unmoving.
He looked back to Rain, but the muffled screams along with curses form both Connor and Amy told him she was still going at it.
Just what the fuck was happening?
***B***B***
I'd like to promise you guys that the next one will be soon. And the one after that, the one after that... But I simply can't. Just know that I will write it. Any review's, comment's are really, really appreciated.