Chapter 16 Fallen From Grace
A/N: I wanted to wait to post this chapter but I can't like I'm super excited for this chapter that I have to get it to you guys. You'll have no idea what's to come and then when it hits it'll be like poof. Pace yourselves guys, Microsoft Word says this is 30 pages. Enjoy it.
Have you got colour in your cheeks?
Do you ever get that fear that you can't shift
The type that sticks around like something in your teeth?
Are there some aces up your sleeve?
Have you no idea that you're in deep?
I dreamt about you nearly every night this week
How many secrets can you keep?
'Cause there's this tune I found that makes me think of you somehow and I play it on repeat
Until I fall asleep
Spilling drinks on my settee
(Do I wanna know)
If this feeling flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go)
Was sort of hoping that you'd stay
(Baby we both know)
That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day
Crawling back to you
Ever thought of calling when you've had a few?
'Cause I always do
Maybe I'm too busy being yours to fall for somebody new
Now I've thought it through
Crawling back to you
So have you got the guts?
Been wondering if your heart's still open and if so I wanna know what time it shuts
Simmer down and pucker up
I'm sorry to interrupt. It's just I'm constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you
I don't know if you feel the same as I do
But we could be together if you wanted to
(Do I wanna know?)
If this feeling flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go)
Was sort of hoping that you'd stay
(Baby we both know)
That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day
Crawling back to you (crawling back to you)
Ever thought of calling when you've had a few? (you've had a few)
'Cause I always do ('cause I always do)
Maybe I'm too (maybe I'm too busy) busy being yours to fall for somebody new
Now I've thought it through
Crawling back to you
(Do I wanna know?)
If this feeling flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go)
Was sort of hoping that you'd stay
(Baby we both know)
That the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day
(Do I wanna know?)
Too busy being yours to fall
(Sad to see you go)
Ever thought of calling darling?
(Do I wanna know?)
Do you want me crawling back to you?
Do I Wanna Know by The Artic Monkeys
Angel had his crossbow in tote as he was showing a new potential that has just arrived in town around the local cemetery. This new potential's name was Cho-Ann. She was Dawns age so a little younger than the rest of the potentials here except for Amanda. Cho-Ann has been under the protection of her Watcher until one morning she woke her up, told her to pack and fly to California. Cho-Ann is from Hong Kong and once she got here she had hope to sleep but Angel knows there is no time for sleep. The only problem right now is that Cho-Ann speaks very little English.
Giles was also with Angel on tonight's walk abouts along with Spike. Spike was in the back of the group making sure nothing could get the girls. Giles however had some thoughts about Spike without having the chip.
"I still say it should have been repaired." The Watcher kept his voice low.
"It would give out again and I rather not try to keep on repairing it when the world ends." Angel made his point.
"The chip keeps him at bay." Giles went on.
"Maybe, but he hasn't turned on us yet." Angel pointed that part out and then held up his crossbow and fired at a vampire running towards them. Cho-Ann then said something in Chinese and Kennedy smiled.
"I don't speak Chinese but even I know what that means." Kennedy smiled and Angel stood there awkwardly. Every potential that has come here so far thinks Angel is cute or beautiful and the slayer feels a little awkward with all these girls around. It's not that he feels awkward around girls it's just some of these girls are what you call "jail bait" and that's awkward.
"There's not much out here tonight, let's go." Angel then led the group back out of the cemetery but as he passed by a grave the name caught his attention. The name read R. Snyder with his birth date and the day he died, high school graduation day. Angel never liked the man but still no one deserves to be eaten by a giant snake. Angel just continued onwards into the night.
Angel was now in the training/weapons room as he made sure his crossbow was in working order. Buffy was also in the training room making sure each weapon was back in it's place. With more people here grabbing weapons and not putting them back into place the OCD in Buffy came out. As the two were finishing up and about to turn in for the night Giles walked in. He was still not able to get over the fact that the chip from Spike was removed.
"Giles, what is done is done." Angel tried to end it before it started.
"Angel it's crucial we keep these girls safe and I can't count the dangers. The First, the Bringers, random demons. The last thing we need is Spike off the wagon." Giles listed the reasons. Angel just put his crossbow away and rubbed his face in frustration and fatigue.
"Nothing's changed," Angel started. "Spike had the chip before and the First still controlled him."
"We have no idea if the chip was malfunctioning then. The new chip might restrain him." Giles point out the evidence or lack there of. "The First tried to…activate him so to speak."
"He has a soul now." Angel added in hoping that could help.
"Angel," Giles wanted to go on but someone else stepped in.
"I have a soul, I didn't have a chip, the First once tried to control me." Buffy spoke up looking to the two men. "Why do you trust me more than him? He's killed people, I currently hold the record but we're not that different."
"He's…loose now." Giles couldn't quite explain what he was feeling.
"What, I'm loose in the streets all the time and you guys sleep just fine." Buffy argued and so far she was winning. "You all believe I'm a good person. Well, Spike could be to but he'll never get the chance if all we do is doubt him." Buffy sounded a little angry right now.
"Buffy, you're not like Spike," Giles continued but Buffy gave him no room.
"No, no I'm not." She agreed but for another reason. "Elizabeth was far nastier than William the Bloody. She wiped the floor with his face. In fact William the Bloody is a fluffy bunny compared to Elizabeth. You trust me with everything I've done, why not him?" There was a silence in the room. "You've given me a chance, maybe one too many, he deserves a chance too." And with that Buffy left the training room leaving Angel and Giles sitting there. Buffy made her argument and she tends to make the most valid ones.
"She still lets her past control her." Giles broke the silence. Angel knows she does but it's because she lets the past in is why she's still around; it's why she's stronger than most people.
"She's learning from it." Angel continued to sit there but Buffy was right. "Spike needs to prove himself." Angel always sided with Buffy because she is usually right. "If he fails I'll take care of it. But even with the chip he has proven himself, little by little at least. He could be one of us." Angel then stood up to leave and Giles was now alone with his thoughts.
While night was coming to a close and the town of Sunnydale was going to bed a few people were in the church lighting some small tea candles in front various holy statues of saints and the most predominate one that so many people pray to Mary. Some people come to pray for forgiveness, some for wealth, safety, for someone who was in pain or in sickness. Some want answers while some just want peace. As some people knelt before the newly lit candle and in front of the statues one man sat in the shadows in the far back corner pew.
He tries to stay out of sight these days from the slayer and from unseen forces. As he sat there he could have sworn he heard a flutter of some kind. Then he felt something behind him, it walked to the pew, genuflected to the Alter and then sat next to him, he did the sign of the cross and then pulled down a kneeler and started to pray. Michael sat there while the man prayed. Although Michael could see this wasn't a man.
"Rafael, what are you doing?" Michael asked.
"I'm praying," Rafael answered which was true it just wasn't the answer Michael was looking for. Michael sat there in some frustration as he could faintly hear Rafael whispering prayers in Latin.
"I can see that." Michael's voice told Rafael to stop and the young man did. He sat up a little more up right as he was still on the kneeler and his hands clasps together. Michael looked at the surroundings of the temple. Shadows danced because of the low candle light. The dark shadows formed strange figures around the holy statues. He crossed his arms as Raphael stood up straightening himself.
"You know," Raphael started. "I just heard a story."
Michael looked at the other being while he got up and started to walk the aisle towards the Altar. "It is said that when people pray to the heavens for help," Raphael said looking at the crucifix on top of the Altar. "It is like angels are taking correspondence to the heavens. They get to heaven and start processing every prayer in accordance to what is ´Best of interest.' After that, down come back the angels with answer to the prayers. Sometimes cancers are healed. Sometimes a child that has been kidnapped is found. But there is always an answer. Up in the heavens all angels are busy making sure the gifts go to the rightful owner. There is only one sad angel in the darkest corner with nothing to do. Do you know why he is sad?"
Michael just kept looking at his brother and refused to respond the rhetorical question.
"The angel that does nothing in the heavens is the one that handles all the appreciation prayers. The prayers offered so to give thanks for the gifts that have been received. Alone and sad with nothing to do while he sees his brothers and sisters so busy."
"What's your point?" Michael asked getting tired of Raphael's power game.
"The human race is an ungrateful race." Raphael said turning for the first time to face Michael. "Why bother saving them?"
"Because they deserve it." Michael said. His words did not echo in his heart. Did the human race deserve saving? Raphael smiled.
"You leave your heart exposed brother." He said. "You doubt it too… don't you?"
"The human race has a right to free will." Michael said. "That is the original design." Raphael nodded.
"Do not quote me on the original design." The dark haired being said. "I was there when all was created."
"Then why do we stand still while The First brings forth devastation?" Asked Michael and Raphael walked towards the main altar.
"The First is nothing but a pawn drunk with power. It thinks it has a right to do this. Restore balance. And through it's actions it brings hell. Rules are not being broken. They are just being bent to the very limit." Was the answer Rafael gave.
"And with that leniency many people will die." Michael said.
"True," Raphael agreed. "But we are not to interfere. That is why the role of champions was created. It is their battle."
"The First is a much greater foe," Michael pleaded. "They don't stand a chance." Raphael looked at Michael intensively.
"Your interference causes much disturbance in the heavens." said Raphael. "Do you question the hand dealt to humanity?"
"I question unnecessary loss of human life." Michael retorted. "I question are idleness when a powerful demon goes drunk with power."
"The ´Powers That Be´ are in charge of this plain." Raphael said. "Should your free will interfere with their functions, be prepared to face the consequences." Michael nodded sadly as Raphael walked towards the front entrance of the temple. As he opened the doors large wings spurted from his back. In a flash, he was gone.
Angel was currently sparring with Dawn as the potentials watched. They have seen Angel fight but this was showing them Dawn has mastered some very good skills and this is something they can all achieve with the right mind set. Of course until Dawn is called she will never be able to best her brother. So Angel spun to the ground and tripped Dawn so she fell to the mat flat on her back.
The girls clapped as Dawn held her own very well. Angel walked over to his sister holding out his hand to help her up and she took it. Giles watched the match and he couldn't tell if the potentials were actually paying attention or just going gaga over the fact that Angel was shirtless at the moment. He hopes for the first but knows it's the latter. But now it was time to show the girls what a slayer looks like going up against the all time heavy weight champion vampire.
Buffy stepped up into the ring and time and time again these two rival each other. They're at the point where if Elizabeth does come back she probably will not beat Angel. Buffy was even stronger these days, she doesn't use much energy and time to take down her foes. They have benefitted off each other in these matches. Of course they try to out do one another and has made them stronger and if one ever went evil for one reason or another the other can at least match them. It's a fair and awesome fight to watch.
Buffy stood in front of her slayer in more ways than one. She should lose to him so the potentials can see how a slayer wins. But where's the fun in that she thought. She always liked taking Angel down when she could; it kept him honest and in check. Angel and Buffy walked towards one another and were just a foot away. They were waiting for Giles' command to begin and then all bets were off. He gave the command and instead of taking a swing at one another they backed away. You never make the first move because you want to be the one to draw the line and by allowing them to move first you can place the line.
With Angel and Buffy as seasoned as they are in this neither will make the first move not right away. They want to take a moment to study one another, to anticipate who will do what. Even though they have sparred countless times they can also surprise one another to this day. Plus this is one great way to get their boyfriend/girlfriend arguments settled, winner takes all, very fair really. Angel moved towards Buffy and she spun out of his line of attack and took her first swing. Angel grabbed her closed fist and spun her around but she elbowed him. Buffy grabbed his arm and went to pull him over her shoulder but he landed on his feet and kicked Buffy away.
Buffy ducked the oncoming kick from Angel and the match was in full swing literally. Dawn stood off to the side watching hoping one day she can be just as fast and strong as both Buffy and Angel. Two years ago she couldn't take either one on and now she can hold her own. It took only two years to get where she was at and that's impressive. She was hoping her future sister slayers can get strong and fast soon because they were on a time crunch these days.
Angel managed to body slam Buffy down but she wasn't done just yet. She quickly wrapped both her legs around Angel's legs trapping him and caused him to lose balance and brought him down. But instead of landing besides her, he landed on top of her. Of course he broke the fall and fell into a plank position. But from the spectators' perspective Angel and Buffy looked like they were about to do more than just plank.
"Then you kiss the vampires?" Rona asked looking to Giles.
"That was hot." Kennedy admitted and that broke the trans Angel and Buffy were in. Giles cleared his throat trying to get the awkwardness out. Angel then felt hot himself realizing he forgot there was an audience watching. Had it just been him and Buffy and it ended this way well they would continue in a different way. Of course as Angel started to get up Buffy managed to flash him a glint in her eyes and he caught the message.
"So," Giles stuttered a moment. "Who won?" He asked the girls and they looked to Angel and Buffy as they both stood up. "Right," Giles was answering his question. "Neither, it means if Angel was against another vampire he could have used the moment to take out his stake and dust the vampire." Angel then shot a look to Giles meaning he got it. His Watcher just lectured him while teaching a lesson. "Alright," Giles went on about the match giving the potentials more insight to what they saw. But at this moment Angel was too focused on Buffy as she walked over to the corner she came from. Now he was hoping Giles would just wrap this up a little faster.
Angel and Buffy had a little time before patrol tonight to fit some "them" time in. It's not like they didn't have more time afterwards but what if one of them dies on patrol? Carpe Diem right? Before they could get fully into the room Angel already made his move pulling Buffy closer to him for a hungry kiss.
"How much time do we have?" Buffy asked in between the kisses.
"Enough," Angel answered and continued to kiss her and now pinned her to the door just as it shut and he locked it. The kiss was getting so heated that they weren't going to be able to move anywhere else in the room just maybe to the floor. That was just fine at the moment. They were still making up for lost time as they both slid to the floor while at the same removing each other's clothing. They will have more time after patrol but they wanted to take a moment now just in case there weren't many more moments to come.
The entire A-Team and potential slayers along with Spike and Andrew waited downstairs for the captain and skipper to join them.
"Should I get the water?" Xander asked and finally Angel and Buffy were making their appearance. Dawn rolled her eyes seeing Buffy was scooping up her tussled hair into a quick ponytail. The couple couldn't hide what they finished doing, they're glowing as always and the team wasn't born yesterday. "You guys finally coming?" Xander had a sly smile as they walked passed the group. Just then Willow gave Xander a good punch in the arm.
"Grow up," Willow told him but Xander still smirked.
"Gross," Buffy muttered as she followed Angel out fixing her coat. Giles just shook his head; these people were the last best hope of humankind…we're all going to die.
As the A-Team headed out Michael found his way to the mansion as well and from afar watched the team break off and pile into different cars. As he stood there watching them Rafael came up next to Michael.
Michael griped his fire sword hard as he watched Angel and his team drive away from his mansion. The soft flapping of wings was audible from behind. Michael turned towards Raphael and saw his dark haired friend walk up to him.
"You are not letting this go?" Asked Raphael as he stared at the team of humans going out into the night.
"I cannot," Michael said. "They are my champions. They are my responsibility."
"Noble thought," Raphael said. "Futile statement though. The Powers That Be have spoken. You have no grounds or right to interfere."
"They are wrong!" Michael exclaimed.
"Truth awarded," Raphael said. "Even though ´The Powers That be´ are trusted with this plain but not without their share of criticism. There work is sloppy at best. Maybe it is time for change of the old guard." Michael looked intriguingly at his friend.
"You spoke on my behalf?" Michael asked because back at the church Rafael seemed to have a different idea.
Raphael walked inside the mansion with Michael following. Andrew stepped in the living room without noticing the two beings in front of him.
"Sometimes the dullest creatures deserve a chance." Raphael said. "I believe in your cause Michael. I do. And so many others. But the system is in place. With the Powers That Be in control consequences will be paid."
"But?" Michael asked. Raphael smiled as he touched Michael's shoulders.
"Free will is there for a reason. Whether the consequences of one's action impact negatively, somewhere, somehow, something good had come into place." Raphael walked out of the mansion without looking back.
"You didn't answer me." Michael said.
"Sure I did." Raphael said. "Free will." And with that Rafael was gone as Michael stood there.
Angel broke away from the group and knew he wasn't far from the church. Also as much as he hates it, Michael can be an asset to winning this war. He's part of the Powers That Be, he has knowledge that can be tapped into. And every time he is around Angel gets that sense that Michael wants to help but something is holding him back. Angel found the church and as always the doors were opened to anyone who wanted to walk in. Angel stood there looking at the church wondering if he should try to find the priest.
"I can't help," A voice came from behind the slayer. Angel continued to stand there as he heard someone walking closer to him and then stood next to him. "I want to but I must remain at my post."
"Which is where?" Angel asked as he has yet to look at Michael.
"Watching," Michael answered and Angel nodded.
"So the First and I enter the Dome and only one of us leaves?" Angel asked although Michael looked confused. "The First and I fight and whoever wins will decide the earth's faith?" He asked and Michael nodded. "And why not help? The Powers That Be are on the good side right?"
"We were to make sure certain things played out, hoping for the best outcome." Michael answered and turned to Angel. "Buffy was the one to face the First,"
"And the reality you sent me to showed that the PTB's destiny didn't do anything." Angel sounded a little angry.
"You're the pawn in this Angel a pawn that has thrown everything off, there is no destiny anymore, what was written doesn't matter, the rules no longer apply because you have returned." Michael explained further. "I showed you that future as a possible outcome. Maybe not exactly as you saw it but something similar. I wanted to give you something to help win this as we are all blind right now."
"Then why won't the Powers send visions to Doyle? Why aren't they helping us?" Angel finally turned to Michael.
"We can only watch and influence not interfere." Michael and Angel's eyes narrowed.
"You say you're good but you won't help. I've died twice saving this world. I've lost friends in this war!" Angel was getting more angry and frustrated. "Haven't we been through enough?"
"Angel I understand," But Angel wasn't finished.
"No, no you don't!" Angel got closer to the man. "You will never understand what it's like to lose seven years of your life to this. To know that monsters are real. To watch your friends die and you can't do a damn thing about it. You'll never know what it's like to kill someone you love." Angel turned away from the priest for a moment to regain himself for a moment. "Just once, once it would be nice for the Powers to actually step in, to help and maybe we can actually win this. But if you and the Powers aren't willing to help then stay at your post. You know what? Better yet stop trying to help at all." Angel then left heading back to the group. Michael wanted to follow but instead he just looked to the church across the street.
Angel stumbled back to the cemetery and when he looked over he saw a rather panicked Buffy.
"Are you ok?" She asked as she had started to search for him.
"I'm fine," Angel answered but the vampire knew better, she knew Angel better than that. She stood there waiting for a real answer and Angel will break, he always does at some point with her. "We're on our own," Angel started to walk and that only confused Buffy as she followed him.
"On our own?" She asked to be sure she heard correctly.
"Michael isn't going to help us anymore same with the Powers. They literally see this as a game and it'll go down to the last one standing." Angel explained.
"So, what? You and the First duke it out and winner takes the world?" Buffy asked and Angel nodded.
"It was supposed to be you and First if I never came back." Angel added but then Buffy stopped walking which in turned stopped Angel too.
"I failed didn't I?" She asked and Angel let his defenses down and walked over to her. "I was given a job and I failed it,"
"Buffy no," Angel placed both hands on her shoulders. "That was a supposed future and it can happen again just as easily with me here." But that was the goal to keep it from happening. "We're here now, together. Michael said that because I have returned they have no idea what can happen now. It's fair game." Buffy nodded meaning she needed to not worry about what future Angel saw because it no longer exists, they were now making the future. But to comfort her a little more Angel pulled her close for a much needed hug.
Michael sat alone in the church once more. He was thinking long and hard about what Angel had said. Angel sees the PTB as like a corporate office. The bosses look down upon the workers and when they decide to come down from the high place they think they know everything. They tell you how it goes, how something should be done. It's annoying and half the time they are wrong and the workers just keep working. But does Michael really want to be viewed like that? He has been helping the group in ways that would and can get him in trouble. He wanted to help but also wanted to remain loyal to the PTB. There was one thing though that he wanted to tell Angel but if he does he wasn't sure how much it would jeopardize the group and possible the world.
"If the slayer and the vampire with a soul have come this far then the test will be easy." A voice stated and Michael looked up seeing the high up PTB. This one rarely comes down to these plains and when he does it means business.
"Gabriel," Michael greeted the PTB member while Gabriel started to sit down next to Michael. "If this is to be done a lot of people will die. Not only that we could lose the war right now."
"Do you not trust the two?" Gabriel asked and Michael looked to him.
"It's not about trust." Michael answered. "It's about the fact one of them or both will end up dead. We do this we might as well just kill them." Michael was very much against this plan.
"Have a little faith." Gabriel insisted but Michael was way to skeptical on this. "You will not tell them, this is the test they need to pass. This will for once and for all prove we have chosen the right champions."
"And what if they fail?" Michael wanted to know. What if Angel and Buffy fail then what? Is there a plan B?
"I have faith they will do very well." Gabriel answered and then he was gone leaving Michael sitting there alone again.
'It was like a mirror but the eyes, the face looking back at her was not of her own reflection. There was something sinister looking back at her, smiling back at her. Just then the face turned to it's hideous and monster form and began to laugh at her.'
Buffy shot up from the couch. She was in a cold sweat looking around the living room. It was a rather bright day outside and some of the windows were open to let some of the light in. She swung her feet to the side of the couch to sit up but she felt so drained of energy. She wanted to get up and walk around but she felt like her whole body was heavy. She has felt like this once before, a long time ago when she was brought back from Hell. She was so weak and tired. Buffy went to press herself up and as she rose to her feet she began to fall. Luckily someone was there to help her. Spike grabbed her and held her up.
"You alright love?" Spike asked as Buffy tried to regain herself and placed her hand on her forehead.
"Um…yeah…dizzy I guess," Buffy sounded confused. Spike however didn't let her go.
"How about we sit and maybe drink something," Spike suggested and Buffy nodded but before they took a step Buffy coughed and Spike nearly dropped her in shock as she coughed up blood and it spattered in Spike's face. Spike felt Buffy's weight pulling him down so he went to the floor as easily as he could. Just then he looked up seeing Andrew there. He wasn't sure how much Andrew saw but it didn't matter. "Find Angel!" Spike ordered and Andrew was off. "Hey, Buffy can you hear me?" Spike asked as Buffy's eyes were closed.
"Wait, she's waking up," Buffy heard a faint voice and her eyes started to open. Buffy looked around the room. She was in bed as Angel was sitting right next to her holding her hand. Giles, Willow, Anya, Cordelia, Doyle, Dawn, Xander and Spike were there. The voice she heard sounded like Cordelia's.
"What…" Buffy felt like she was in a fog. "What happened?" Buffy asked as she laid there regaining focus.
"You just need to rest, we're already on it." Angel assured her. "Regular blood work and magical too." He added so she wouldn't question anything. "But we're just covering the basics." Buffy smiled a little at Angel but she knew him better than that.
"Lair…what's happening?" She asked.
"Buffy, it's ok I just want you to take it easy ok." Angel insisted at the moment.
"Whatever happened we'll find it." Giles added to help Angel. Buffy however didn't look too convinced at the moment. "Then doctor Willow will fix it." Buffy knew she was just going to have to accept it for now. "We should get started." Giles stated meaning everyone needed to clear out and leave. Angel continued to sit on the bed holding her had.
"Get some sleep ok," Angel again wanted Buffy to relax. All Buffy could do was accept the help right now and trust her family.
"Ok," Buffy agreed and Angel leaned in for a soft kiss. He then slowly got up and the room shutting the door softly behind him.
"How's she doing?" Giles asked as Angel walked threw the group leading them down the hallway. Giles asked because Angel and Buffy can read one another like a book.
"She's smarter than she lets on, she knows something is up and she knows it's bad." Angel answered.
"Ok, so what are we up against?" Doyle asked looking to Willow.
"There's no toxins in her blood and whatever it is, it's probably mystical in nature." Willow answered. "Did a voodoo type check on her, don't know what it is but there something there." The team then made their way downstairs to the living room.
"Like what?" Angel asked the witch and Willow looked to him. Her eyes said it was bad and she was scared. "Willow…please, I need to know."
"It's not witchcraft or voodoo but…it's powerful and it's draining her and…" Willow didn't know how to explain it. "I don't know exactly I've never seen something like this."
"Is she dying?" Dawn asked but Willow's look meant she couldn't answer that.
"No," Spike stated looking to the group. "She's not going to die, not her, not now, not like this." Spike declared it looking to Angel. "It's magic of some kind we'll find it."
"This was all of a sudden to." Anya added.
"I can get in touch with the Coven, see if they have heard anything like this." Willow stated what she will do.
"I'll call with Wes, maybe he has something on this." Giles claimed his task.
"I can try and talk to the PTB see if they answer." Doyle found his way to help.
"We'll research," Xander stated what he, Cordelia, and Anya will do.
"I got the potentials, keep them out of this." Dawn found her job.
"I'll hit the streets," Angel then picked his task.
"No," Spike jumped in. "I'll do it, you stay with her." The vampire insisted and Angel felt a wave of relief hit him. He could stay here with Buffy. Everyone had their jobs and it was time to divide and conquer.
The sun was in first phases of setting at the moment. The balcony curtains were open letting in the last bit of the day's light in. It was a sunny and warm days in a while but no one here could truly enjoy it. Angel was sitting next to Buffy in the bed while she was laying there. He had a book in his hand and was reading out loud to her. It's the only thing he could think of doing right now.
"My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods." Angel read from the book titled Wuthering Heights. "Time will change it, I'm well aware as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath. A source of little visible delight but necessary. He's always in my mind," Angel then paused for a moment to review what he just read. "She's not going to marry Linton is she?" Buffy managed to smile just a little. This was a rather confusing book and she found it rather funny Angel was into it. "I mean she can't say that about Heathcliff and then marry Linton." He argued but that got a very faint chuckle from Buffy. "What?" Angel asked.
"You like a chick book." Buffy even though something was wrong with her she was still able to make Angel smile. Angel looked over to her as she looked so pale and lifeless. Angel folded the corner of the page over and closed the book. He then went to lay down and pulled Buffy closer to him.
Giles did a light knock on the door but got no response so he opened it slightly. Buffy was asleep and next to her was Angel. Giles needed Angel to come downstairs but he didn't want to wake Buffy up or not until everything has been confirmed and there's no shadow of a doubt beyond reason. Giles walked quietly inside the half lit room and squatted a little and gently shook Angel. It jolted the slayer awake but Giles quickly calmed the slayer down quickly.
"It's me," Giles was whispering and Angel relaxed a little. Angel looked to Buffy making sure she was asleep and she hadn't stirred. It was good it meant she was resting but it was also bad because that should have woken her up to. "We might have found something," Even though the Watcher was whispering Angel picked up on his demeanor that something was bad.
The slayer followed his Watcher down the stairs and to the study where the rest of the group was. They were all standing around in a circle with a phone on the table.
"It's Pryce Investigations," Giles explained as they had Wes on speaker. "Angel's here,"
"Angel," The slayer heard Wes' voice. "I also have Victoria here, she found what all this could be."
"Angel?" It was Victoria's voice. "Can you hear me?" She asked.
"Yeah," Angel answered but he didn't sound very enthusiastic. "What did you find?"
"This is as close to what you said that might be happening and…" There was a sigh from Victoria meaning what was about to be said wasn't good. "It's a…splitting process meaning something is splitting her." Victoria explained and everyone looked around at each other with confused looks. "But it's not a body split it's splitting your personality. Uh…" They could tell she was reading something at the same time. "A long time ago it was thought we could split our personalities up especially the Id and Ego. The Id is our primitive nature and some even say the evil part of ourselves. The Ego is the other part that keeps the Id in check."
"So…what? What's happening to Buffy?" Willow asked looking around. Angel was frozen solid, he even had a chill run up his back.
"Elizabeth," Angel muttered and it was like the air was sucked out of the room completely. "Elizabeth is Buffy's Id."
"Oh shit!" Doyle took a step back in both anger and frustration.
"What's happening to her?" Angel demanded.
"If this process is successful then the two personalities become two people." Victoria finished.
"This happened before with Xander." Cordelia jumped in. "Remember Xander's personality was split into two?" She asked.
"Yeah, yeah it was the strong me and the weak me." Xander remembered all that.
"This is different though," Wes' voice was now on the phone. "The Id is the most primitive it's our bad self according to literature. Instead of splitting a person into the weak and strong self it's taking what makes us evil and…giving it form. The Id is unpredictable and primal and the Ego is what keeps it at bay from surfacing. If the Id is left unchecked…" Wes knew what was happening.
"So we're getting a Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde thing going on?" Willow asked to make more sense of this.
"I see it more like Bruce Banner and Hulk," Xander added and the team looked to him and he even got the feeling that Wes and Victoria were looking at him through the phone.
"But Buffy's soul is anchored and the ring keeps it there for sure." Giles began.
"That's all I can find right now and I'm not sure if it's possible to give the Id and Ego form it's all…theory really." Victoria stated over the phone. It sort of explained what was happening to Buffy.
"What if they are removing her soul?" Dawn asked. "Like they are sucking out her soul and then boom we have Elizabeth."
"That's too easy, we have the Spell of Restoration whatever is doing this has to know that. Plus the medallion, that would be a waste of time." Angel answered meaning no one was taking Buffy's soul but something was happening. But the splitting of the personality seemed to be the most fitting. "Is there a way to stop it?" That was the main concern but there wasn't an immediate response just silence. "Tell me there is a way to stop this." Angel demanded but no one had the answer. In frustration Angel punched the wall near by creating a hole in it.
"I'll do my best to find one." Victoria offered and she hoped she could find something. The phone clicked meaning it was just the team standing there. Dawn felt herself shaking in fear knowing Elizabeth might be coming back. Yes she has faced Elizabeth but that doesn't mean she's up for round two. Angel continued to stand there facing the wall seeing the hole he had created. He looked at the hole, he looked passed the hole in fact.
"Someone is playing games with us." Angel concluded as he turned around facing his friends. If it was a game it was sick and twisted.
"The First maybe?" Willow suggested and it could very well be.
"Who's going to tell Buffy?" Cordelia asked because this was affecting her the most. That was going to be tough. What will she do knowing Elizabeth might be returning as a person, a being outside of Buffy.
"I will," Angel declared feeling it was his duty to do so. But everyone stared at him a little confused.
"No," Dawn walked over to her brother. "Let's all do it together, we're family." And everyone gave the approving look to do so.
Buffy started to wake up feeling incredibly weak. She hasn't felt like this since she came back from Hell. But she can tell she was being watched. Buffy rolled over seeing Angel sitting on the bed next to her. Then around the bed stood Dawn, Cordelia, Doyle, Anya, Xander, Willow, Giles and Spike. If everyone was in here it meant they found out what it was and that was either very good or very bad.
"What's happening?" She asked and there was that uncomfortable silence in the room. She then looked to Angel and she could see fear in his eyes. "Am I dying?" She asked and he shook his head no. It didn't give her any relief though. "Just tell me please."
"We don't know how or who but…" Angel was scared and upset this was happening. "Whatever it is, it's splitting you in half…it's separating you so Elizabeth comes back." Buffy sat up in both urgency and fear. "Buffy,"
"No," She declared. "You know what you have to do then."
"Elizabeth is going to be come her own person, you remain." Giles stepped in. "It's the ego and alter ego." Buffy looked around at her friends and they could all see that she was thinking and thinking hard.
"Get the potentials out," She started as her voice took on a serious tone.
"Where?" Anya asked.
"Doesn't matter just don't tell me." Buffy answered and everyone started to figure out where this was going. "Get the Spell of Restoration ready. Angel, take the medallion and keep it with you just in case she gets the ring." Buffy was laying the plan out but telling everyone to do as much of it in secret. "Get the basement ready and fast, holy water, garlic, anything," Buffy then took the ring off and handed it to Angel. She wasn't going to give Elizabeth the upper hand. "Hide it, keep it safe." Angel will do that. "Might want a cage." She suggested.
"What? We going catch Elizabeth and trap her?" Xander asked.
"No, it's for me." Buffy answered and that threw Xander off. "What are we waiting for?" She asked meaning it was time to get moving.
Buffy sat on the steps of the basement leaning against the wall for support. Angel, Spike, Doyle, Giles and Xander were putting up the cage. Xander was able to get to the construction warehouse and grab supplies but they had to work fast because they had no idea when Elizabeth will be arriving. Spike grabbed some bars and shook them and then tried to open them to be sure Elizabeth couldn't break out. The cage was ready. Angel walked over to Buffy and picked her up in his arms.
He walked her over and into the cage and looked around. He looked up and around in the cage and didn't want to leave her in here with Elizabeth. But it was the plan they have at the moment. Angel knelt down and placed Buffy on the floor and then looked to her.
"I'll be ok," She assured him and Angel nodded and leaned in for a kiss while the rest of the team came into the basement. It meant everything was in place and they were ready. Angel pulled away holding her hands.
"This won't last." Angel stated and she nodded knowing he'll do whatever he has to do and find the answer to this. He then brought her hands up to his forehead resting on them a little. He stayed like that for a moment and then looked back up to Buffy.
"Better hurry," The end of that became a whisper like something took her words away. That wasn't good and then Angel stood up as he heard what sounded like a wheezing from her. Angel backed up keeping his eyes fixed on Buffy seeing her eyes were turning yellow. Angel shut the door as Doyle handed him the key and the slayer locked it and then tossed the keys to Giles. All of a sudden the air got cold and the room seemed to not only get dark but blurry in a way.
The lights in the basement in fact the lights of the entire mansion went out. The team stood there in the dark looking around. Angel could see better than the rest of the team in the dark but not as well as Spike could as he looked towards the cage. Just then the lights came on only it seemed like someone was turning up the brightness and the hum of the electricity could be heard. A few of the light bulbs popped with too much of a current running through them. But enough of the lights remained ok as the entire team looked into the cage.
Buffy was still in the corner and it appeared she was asleep. And then directly opposite of her on the other side in the corner sat…Buffy. They were sitting the same way and looked like a mirror image. Angel walked to the left side of the cage because he placed Buffy on the right. Angel made sure to keep his distance as he knelt down.
"Elizabeth?" He asked and her eyes flashed opened. Angel has always said that you can dress Buffy and Elizabeth the same, standing them together and he can still tell you the difference. These eyes were not Buffy's.
"Hi Angel," Elizabeth greeted him and Angel stood up. The last time he has faced Elizabeth was when he was seventeen years old. He faced Elizabeth five years ago and he hoped for it to never happen again. Elizabeth stood up as Angel took a step back and she looked to everyone as they stood there. "Look at you Dawnie, all grown up." Dawn held back her fear as much as she could.
"It's too bad she bested you that summer." Angel reminded Elizabeth and he got a growl from that.
"This cage isn't going to hold me for long." Elizabeth then reached for the bars wrapping her ice-cold hands around them. She closed her eyes as she appeared to listening to something. She then smiled slowing opening her eyes. "I feel it and it's powerful. The First Evil. It's everywhere and if you think you and you're little team can defeat this," The smile then got bigger. "You have no idea what's about to hit and I'm going to be there as it rips them apart and all you get to do it watch." The last part of the sentence came out threw her teeth.
Angel continued to stand there, arms folded across his chest showing Elizabeth that he was not afraid of her. He stood there showing her that he was not the young slayer from high school. He stood there showing her that he has died and came back, that he was seen tougher than before and that she doesn't have the hold she once did. He was more in fear of losing Buffy than facing Elizabeth.
"Who brought you here?" Angel demanded and she smiled and shrugged.
"I don't know but please thank them when you see them." Elizabeth answered and while Elizabeth is a lair Angel knew she wasn't lying at least not at the moment. Angel then started to walk to the other side of the cage to Buffy as Elizabeth kept her eye on the slayer. Buffy started to come around and when her vision cleared and stood up quickly seeing herself, her other self. "Hey," Elizabeth greeted all bubbly to Buffy. But Buffy didn't say anything. "Oh come on, we're never in the same place at the same time. You have to admit this is kind of cool." Elizabeth seemed to be enjoying this.
"No, rather not be here." Buffy finally said something.
"We're the same Buffy, you and me. You may have been able to suppress me but you know I can never go away." Elizabeth seemed giddy. "By the way are they really just going to leave you in here with me? Because that's low," She then looked to the team. "Xander, Willow, Cordelia and Giles wow," She walked to the entrance of the cage. "Xander you still look like a loser. Willow the little mouse but if I recall you turned almost as bad as me. And then, Cordelia banging a demon that's an all time low point for you. Giles…how's your love life?" That was a sting but Giles kept his composure. She then saw Spike. "William," She smiled. "You really think they are ever going to accept you? You think you matter with a soul? Just don't ever forget who made you." She warned him but Spike said nothing.
Elizabeth got her greetings out as she turned her attention back to Buffy. This was so weird and wrong on many different levels. Of course Elizabeth didn't care how this happened she was just happy to be free. "Who do I have to kill to get a drink around here?" She asked smiling. No one cared and nor was she going to get a drink. The focus was now to get Buffy out of the cage. "You guys are so dull, how the hell do you put up with this?"
"Shut up," Buffy demanded to her darker self.
"Make me." Elizabeth countered but Angel was already working on the getting Buffy out. "Hey, where you going?" She asked the slayer as he left. "See, told you he'd leave you."
"I think you just like to hear yourself talk." Buffy added and Elizabeth just stared at her.
Angel made his way up to the weapons room, unlocked it and went in. It was to remain locked until Elizabeth was gone just in case she did break free. Angel walked to the end of the room and to a small shelf and pulled out a case. He opened the case and pulled out a tranquilizer gun. It was used for Oz when he was a werewolf for those times he got out. He'll make sure Elizabeth goes down for a nap as he loaded the gun and headed back to the basement.
Down in the basement everyone saw the slayer return and he held up the gun. Elizabeth smiled knowing what he was about to do and he pulled the trigger. The dart went right into Elizabeth's chest and it only took seconds for her to fall to the floor. Buffy then grabbed the dart so when Elizabeth wakes up she doesn't have a weapon. Giles then opened the cage and Buffy got out quickly as they locked everything back up.
"I know how you feel Buffy," Willow came up next to me. "Remember my vampire self? Yeah, it's weird to see yourself. But at least Elizabeth isn't gay like my vampire was." Willow added. "That was strange." A few of the people in the room remembered that weird night.
"Ok, so Elizabeth is locked up and asleep, anyone got a stake?" Xander asked meaning right now they can kill her.
"We shouldn't do that yet." Giles stepped in and the group looked confused. This was their chance to kill Elizabeth once and for all. "They maybe two different people at this time but killing one without knowing how it'll affect the other could be serious. What if we kill Elizabeth and then end up killing Buffy?" The idea of killing the evil twin was out of the question for the moment. "The best thing to do is to somehow get them back together."
"Well, I can do the Spell of Restoration and other binding…whole spells." Willow offered and it was a start.
Up in the living room the group watched Willow perform the Spell of Restoration but unlike before nothing happened. Both Angel and Dawn have been there when Elizabeth's soul is returned and Buffy didn't flinch to anything. Just to be sure Spike headed to the basement and came back up but he didn't need to say anything.
After a few more spells Elizabeth remained asleep in the basement and Buffy remained with the group. Whatever pulled them apart is magic Willow has never used or has never heard of. And for all she knows it could be very dark and powerful magic that she does not want to dabble into.
"What if it is the First?" Doyle asked as they all sat around. "It's the last attempt to get Elizabeth and if Buffy won't submit then the First will just take." That was probably the answer.
"So we kill Elizabeth then." Xander found the simplest answer.
"We don't know how it'll affect Buffy. If we kill one what if it kills the other?" Giles laid out the consequences to the actions. They need Buffy in this fight.
"So we just leave Elizabeth down there?" Dawn asked because having Elizabeth around even though she is locked up that doesn't mean anyone is safe.
"How about we just put Elizabeth in a coffin and throw her out to sea." Cordelia suggested and everyone looked at her. "It wouldn't kill her and she would just sit there until we save the world." She explained herself and then Xander raised his hand.
"I agree." Xander backed Cordelia up. "It's not a bad idea." But that wasn't an option. The best thing to do would be to reunite Buffy and Elizabeth.
"For now Elizabeth stays in the basement, knocked out preferably." Giles laid down the ground rules.
"No one goes down there alone." Angel stood there looking to his people. "She knows everything about us, all our weaknesses, all our fears. She knows how to mix lies with the truth so if we have to go down there, don't listen. She's going to do whatever she has to get out and she'll use ever means necessary to do so." But no matter the pep talk given, the words of wisdom and caution said, no one is ever prepared for Elizabeth. She's so resourceful and smart, she's always remains one step ahead, she knows more than she'll say. The group knows somehow she will break free, you can't contain her. They were gearing up for that, the escape because that's when the worst will happen.
Down in the basement Elizabeth was finally awake sitting in the dark. The lights that didn't burst remained lit as she sat there. Elizabeth had no idea what was happening upstairs. She was no longer apart of Buffy so she couldn't feel anything to know what was happening. It was strange not being a part of Buffy anymore, to be her own person. But she couldn't reach her own potential in this cage.
"If you go into the woods tonight," Elizabeth softly sung. "You won't believe your eyes. If you go into the woods tonight, you're in for a big surprise."
"You always could sing little sister," A voice commented and Elizabeth looked up seeing Darla standing there. Elizabeth gave a soft smirk as her dead sister walked closer to her confinement.
"I know the game, you're not her." Elizabeth stated as she eased up sitting in the corner. Darla's form disappeared and it turned into the Master.
"We can be others if you'd like Lizzy," The Master said as he stood there.
"Show me your true form." Elizabeth demanded.
"My true form would be hard to fathom on this plain even for you my dear Lizzy. But I can be something you do like." Then Angel appeared before her. "Or hate." Elizabeth stood up and walked over to the bars that held her at bay for a moment. "When I heard Elizabeth has returned I had to be sure."
"So," Elizabeth grabbed the bars and then leaned back swinging a little. "This wasn't your doing?"
"No," The First in the form of Angel answered. Then it morphed back into Darla. "This wasn't."
"Are you here to break me free then?" Elizabeth asked pressing closer to the bars. "Not doing much good here and Cruciate your…right hand…if you even hands, demon…" Elizabeth wasn't afraid of the First and to a degree she wasn't going to bow down to it either if the world ends. "It's taking a while to get those seals undone. That's what happens when you send a man to do a woman's job."
"Always were headstrong." Darla commented.
"I nearly single handily end the world once." Elizabeth reminded the First.
"Except for the slayer." Darla added and Elizabeth gave that smirk of disapproval.
"Yeah the slayer…what a bastard, still cute though I can still see why Buffy is rolling around with it." Elizabeth snarked.
"You cried when he died so," But Darla was cut off.
"Because I'm suppose to kill him very slowly and even after he begs to die I'll slowly torture him." Elizabeth justified her actions. "Now if you will so kindly open this cage up, I've got a few scores to settle and a few seals to open."
"You know better Elizabeth." The First stated and the vampire gave that sarcastic laugh and paced a moment in the cage.
"You're all powerful and invincible and yet you can't even open a doorknob." Elizabeth was or at least trying to humiliate the First.
"That's a very vulgar display of power and you know that." The First reminded her as Elizabeth got closer to the bars.
"How about you just go haunt a house, try to rattle some chains and I'll get out myself out." Elizabeth suggested. "Why am I even talking to you? You can't do anything, you have to others do it for you."
"Careful Lizzy." The First warned the vampire.
"Or what?" Elizabeth knows she's playing with fire but death never scared her. "You can't do anything to me. Last I check I was number one on the roster and still am." Darla just stood there.
"You will get free because you were brought back for a reason. And whether you're released or you break out you know where to go." Just then Darla disappeared.
"Dirt bag," Elizabeth muttered as she was alone. She then grabbed the bars and then with all her strength started to shake the cage and screamed.
Upstairs everyone heard the faint screaming knowing who it was.
"Well, she's awake from her nap." Doyle added in but the group chose to ignore it for now. It's just like a kid when they throw temper tantrum you ignore it. But whatever released Elizabeth will come for her they knew that but they didn't know what was coming. Could it be demons? Vampires? Something they haven't seen yet? There wasn't much they could do about this but sitting around waiting was the worst feeling.
"Where is she?" A voice asked and everyone looked up seeing Michael standing there. Angel made his way to Michael wanting to know everything. "Is she still locked up?"
"How do you," But Michael cut Angel off.
"There's not a lot of time, they're coming." Michael started and Angel could tell he was in a panic. "We need to get Buffy and Elizabeth into the same room right now."
"You know who did this?" Angel asked.
"It was us." Michael answered but he seemed more focused on something else and because of that he didn't see the fist Angel swung with and Michael went to the ground. Everyone stood up and gathered around as Michael shook off the pain looking up to Angel.
"You did this!" Angel yelled as Michael got up.
"I'll explain later," Michael got up trying to shake the dizziness away looking to Buffy. "We need to get them back together right away." But it was too late as the team looked up seeing a group of people clad in black. Angel went to defend his people and they all joined in even Michael went to help.
Down in the basement Elizabeth was back in the corner of the cage sitting there. But she felt someone was in the basement with her and looked up seeing a person in all black almost ninja like. The person walked up to the cage and opened the door with a key he or it managed to take from the group without being noticed and in a flash he was gone. Elizabeth smiled and got up and stood outside the cage. She then saw the window to the basement and could see the last hints of daylight were gone.
As fast as what looked like ninjas showed up they were gone. But Angel didn't stay in the kitchen for long as he raced down to the basement and saw the open cage and the window broken. She was free. He would like to punch someone but instead the wall got the brunt of the anger again and a hole was formed. The rest of his team made it down to the basement and saw what he saw.
"Well…damn," Xander commented but Angel had no time for this and raced back up stairs.
"Why would they release her?" Angel asked as he found Michael and the man started to follow him in the sprint.
"It's a test." Michael answered as they made it to the locked weapons room and Angel turned to Giles and the Watcher threw the keys to Angel as he was running to catch up. Angel caught the keys and opened the room up and headed for his crossbow. "The Powers want to know they have picked the right people for this."
"And letting Elizabeth loose?" Buffy joined in grabbing a sword.
"How far are either one of you willing to go." Michael continued to answer and both Angel and Buffy looked at each other and then back to Michael.
"I'll kill her." Angel answered and Buffy nodded in agreement. There was no question about that and now that Elizabeth was her own person they could kill her.
"It's not that easy, if you kill Elizabeth then Buffy dies to." Michael answered and the silence hit everyone. So how does this work? "If Buffy dies so does Elizabeth." So was there no win, win to this? Did they both have to die? "I have a solution though. While the PTB were working on pulling Elizabeth out I found the spell they used."
"Willow," Angel looked to the red head.
"No," Michael protested. "It's not human magic, it's something you can't control only those who brought forth the spell can use it. It's for the Powers and them only." Michael explained. "I'm one of the Powers, we just need Buffy and Elizabeth in the same place." Angel then walked up to Michael.
"You do this, I'll forgive you." Angel began and then looked to Buffy. "She dies, any one of my family dies, I'll kill you." Michael understood the terms and conditions laid out before him. "Come on guys, we're going hunting." Angel then left the weapon room waiting for everyone to leave and then locked it up. The team headed outside of the mansion but the question is now, where is Elizabeth?
"She's got a head start on us," Angel began as the team scrambled to get out the doors and to the cars.
"Start with the cemeteries then." Giles added as they got to the front of the mansion.
"No," Spike then jumped in. "She's hasn't eaten anything, first thing she will do is feed." Spike gave insight on what his Sire was going to do and Buffy nodded in agreement. The two people here that knew Elizabeth the best were of course Buffy and Spike. "Small children and the elderly are the easiest to bring down." That made her sound like a wild animal but she was one.
"She's not going to go to a cemetery, too cliché for her and she knows that's what we'll do." Buffy gave more insight to her other half. But because Elizabeth and Buffy were now two separate people there's no telling what Elizabeth's plans are. Buffy will have to rely on what Elizabeth will do through past feelings and actions. "She will find some poor vampires to be shields though."
All in all they have little time to waste though. Elizabeth was on the move. She was going by foot but they only had a few ideas where she would go. The night just started so there were still a lot of people out meaning she might not feed yet. Too many people though however could allow her to feed and stay hidden. Elizabeth has no clear hunting patterns to go off of and she's very unpredictable and that's why she was so dangerous right now. They were going to rule out cemeteries for the time being. But what's one place she would go where there was an endless buffet?
Elizabeth looked different as she entered into the Bronze. Of course she was going to get out of the same clothes Buffy was in. She wanted to look different even though she knows Angel will catch up to her and she was counting on it. For now though she liked her skin tight jeans and skin toned laced top with red heels. The A-Team will hear the sirens at the local boutique shop a few blocks down from where she got the killer outfit that was already gain attention from the men.
But who would be worthy enough to snack on tonight? Right away though she picked up other vampires were doing what she was doing, stalking. The vampires looked to her and they gave her strange looks because as of now the word hasn't spread that Elizabeth was back in town. So they probably thought she was Buffy at the moment. Elizabeth was going to change that and by the end of the night show the vampires and the people of the town who really was in charge.
As she walked further into the club a man caught her attention. She could tell he was drunk and this would be an easy pick. All she had to do was sway her hips and act interested and then bam instant meal. Elizabeth walked up to the man showing interested and took his hand and he left his drink at the bar and followed Elizabeth to the dance floor. The place was full and yet no one was going to notice what she was about to do. Elizabeth used her seduction technique that has been used for hundreds of years and it works every single time.
The man thought he was about to get lucky as the woman leaned in for a kiss. But instead of going for the lips Elizabeth yanked his head to the side and sung her fangs into his neck. The man didn't know if he should scream and just as he started to in both fear and pain the DJ turned the music up with the techno blasting through the speakers. As she was feeding another vampire saw the moment and thought he could invite himself in.
But as the vampire got closer Elizabeth made eye contact warning him this was her kill. The vampire was about to walk away until an arrow went into his heart. Elizabeth looked to the direction of the arrow and saw Angel standing up in the rafters. The crowds saw what they thought was a man turned to dust and then finally saw the man Elizabeth was feeding on. Elizabeth then twisted the man's neck and that was everyone's cue to run and they did. Elizabeth remained in her spot as Angel jumped down from the rafters.
"Took you long enough," Elizabeth boasted as Angel tossed his crossbow away. He wanted this fight, he's been waiting for it for a while now. "What round will this be?" She asked but Angel wasn't going to answer as Elizabeth charged at him and jumped into the air and slammed her elbow into his face or at least tempted too. Angel dodged the blow and kicked her away. Elizabeth charged again and Angel held out his hand grabbing her neck bringing her closer. "This is kind of a turn on."
She then broke away and delivered a one two combo and then kicked the slayer. "Come on baby," She continued to taught him and then Angel charged back her. This fight was very different from their last confrontation. Before it was Angel fighting an unknown enemy all the while trying to save the world and trying to get Buffy back. But he knows this enemy now, he knows she is now not one with Buffy so it was time put her back into place with the order of things. He's been wanting to beat the crap out of Elizabeth for all the sorrow and grief she's caused Buffy. And this was chance to also get all the last few months' frustrations out.
The only small problem they will have is the fact like with Angel and Buffy, Angel and Elizabeth will match each other. Even though in the sparring matches Angel faces Buffy, Elizabeth is still around deep down. Elizabeth grabbed Angel by the shirt and tossed him and he landed on a pool table. Elizabeth with her lightening reflexes jumped onto the table, stood over him and then began to straddle him.
"I can show you few different moves, see Buffy is still a little bit of goody, goody. Now, let the true animal out," Elizabeth started and knew Angel was about to get up but she wasn't going to allow it just yet. She then grabbed his wrists slamming them down and now their faces were inches apart. "I know a few things that would make you lose it, besides I thought you liked it when I was on top?" Angel then head butted her. It gave him a split second to break free and he pushed himself off the pool table doing a backwards summersault landing on his feet.
Elizabeth then jumped off the pool table and up into the rafters. Angel tracked her until she started to head to the back. He ran to his crossbow, scooped it up, rolled to a knee, aimed and then fired. Up in the rafters Elizabeth saw an arrow shoot passed her face causing her to stop. Then another arrow hit her shoulder.
"Watch the heart!" Elizabeth yelled as Angel charged to the rafters, used another pool table and landed in front of her and hit her with the crossbow. "This is such an abusive relationship." She then went to punch Angel and he blocked it with the crossbow and she delivered another and he blocked it once more. Then she grabbed the crossbow and ripped it from his hands tossing over the railing and then kicked him away. She then went to run but Angel jumped for her and tackled her to the ground as the rafter swayed a little. Angel then got her in a headlock and she tried to wriggle her way out.
Angel while he had her in a headlock stood up as she struggled and then went to put her on the other side of the railing and then let her go. She landed on the ground creating a few cracks. Angel then jumped down and Elizabeth kicked him back as she got back up. Angel needed her to stay down but that wasn't going to be easy as Elizabeth shoved him back, spun to the ground and swept his feet from out from other him.
But before Elizabeth went to get away Angel with both his feet rammed them into her knees causing her to fall. Angel then got up and Elizabeth realized the slayer she faced back five years ago was not the same slayer she was facing now. He was bigger, stronger, faster, so it just meant she wasn't going to hold back on her end. Elizabeth took a swing to the face and spat out the blood and then charged at Angel tackling him to the ground. Angel threw her off of him and saw his crossbow and grabbed it and as Elizabeth got up she saw the end of an arrow waiting to meet her. Elizabeth gave her wicked smile as Angel held his aim and had his finger on the trigger.
Elizabeth however knows Angel just as well as Buffy. He should have fired and killed her seconds ago. And up in the rafters his aim was a hell of lot better than what was delivered. He was holding back because he knows something she doesn't…at least not yet.
"Well come on! Do it! End it!" She demanded but Angel held his position. "You still can't do it" She smiled. "You still can't kill me, you've been given so many chances and you still can't do it."
"Nope," A voice jumped in. "But I can take over." Elizabeth turned around facing Buffy and Buffy threw a punch at her. Buffy then reached for Elizabeth and Elizabeth fought back and tried to shove her away and then managed to kick her. Elizabeth jumped back to her feet looking to her good nature self.
"This is going to be a battle that will last an eternity isn't it?" Elizabeth asked and most likely it will be because Buffy can anticipate all of Elizabeth's moves and vise versa because they are one in the same. Elizabeth charged at Buffy fighting and they were at each other's throats now. Angel remained outside the fight and was to keep them close and his team was outside to make sure Elizabeth stayed put.
Just then Michael walked into the building and Elizabeth looked up. Michael then threw holy water at both the girls and without the ring Buffy felt the burn of the water.
"Aim at her not me!" Buffy insisted and then she threw a punch to Elizabeth and Elizabeth gave an equal and opposite punch. Elizabeth then charged at Michael and he held her back.
"All powerful being, still afraid of me," Elizabeth taunted him. "God's not here today priest." Elizabeth insisted and then Michael brought out another vial of holy water and smashed it on Elizabeth's face and she screamed in pain.
"I think not." Michael then shoved her back with a force she didn't expect and Elizabeth landed hard on the ground. Buffy then ran to the vampire and placed her foot on Elizabeth's neck. It won't do anything like make her pass out but it'll give Michael a moment to start the ritual. Angel stood next to Buffy having the crossbow aimed at Elizabeth ready to fire as Michael started.
"You'll never get rid of me, I am always with you. No matter how many people you save, no matter how good of a little girl you are God doesn't want you." Elizabeth warned Buffy.
"Really," Buffy sounded annoyed. "You really do just like to hear yourself talk." Just then Buffy felt something and Elizabeth started to turn into light and the light traveled to Buffy and just as quickly the light started it went away. Buffy lost her balance but Angel was right there and grabbed her. "She's gone." Buffy confirmed to the slayer and he nodded while getting one of her arms around his shoulder. But now he can see the damage done. He saw all the injuries Elizabeth sustained were now on Buffy. Just then Michael made it to Buffy's other side, took her other arm and placed it across his shoulder. "Let's not do that again."
Angel nodded in agreement and the three were off.
Outside the Bronze the team waited and then heard something and held up their weapons.
"Angel!" Giles called out. "Is that you!"
"We're ok we're coming out!" Angel yelled back and everyone lowered their weapons and saw the three coming out of the Bronze and they saw a mangled Buffy. The group gathered together all in relief.
"Excellent work." A voice came from the dark and everyone looked up. A man stood there and behind him were a few other men and women. One of them was Rafael.
"Who the hell are you?" Angel asked and the man smiled.
"I am Gabriel, I'm one of the Powers That Be just like Michael." Gabriel answered.
"Why did you do this?" Angel wanted to know.
"What matters now is that we can see that you and Buffy are the true and correct champions." Gabriel answered but that didn't mean anything Angel or to the group.
"You know what would have happened if Elizabeth got any further!" Angel was furious.
"And thanks to you and Buffy we will never have to know." Gabriel never did answer the questions. "You two performed well." This was like Angel's 18th birthday all over again.
"Do I get a gold sticker?" Buffy asked as she continued to use Angel as support. Having the ring for the last three years and now not having it for the last three hours made her appreciate it more.
"The test is done, we can leave." Michael stated.
"Not so fast," Gabriel spoke up. Rafael looked to his friend knowing what punishment was about to occur. "You could have very well jeopardize this and you have been doing so since arriving here to Sunnydale. Showing the slayer a possible future, reveling who you are, who we are in fact. It has come to the conclusion that your charge and for some reason your logical thinking have come under…question."
"You mean he actually cares unlike you do." Angel explained what they were trying not to say.
"We have decided in order to keep this plain and to keep what is left safe we will relieve you of your post here in Sunnydale and your rank among us." Gabriel explained.
"I'm not leaving Sunnydale." Michael declared.
"We didn't think you would but you will no contact with us nor will we have any with you. You wish to be like them?" Gabriel asked.
"I'll die as one of them." Michael answered and that was the confirmation. "It's all about free will, they have it and I want it."
"So it is done." Gabriel was finished and in a flash the group of men and women were gone. Well except for one.
"I'm sorry my friend." And Rafael was.
"You have your battle and I have mine." Michael made it clear who he was going to fight for and with.
"Then may we meet on the battle field soon." Rafael offered and then he was gone. But now Michael was stuck on earth until this was over and maybe then some. He then looked to Angel seeing the approving look of the slayer.
"Let's all go home." Angel insisted still not breaking eye contact with Michael. The group started to leave and Michael instead always going in another direction followed the group. He caught up with Buffy and Angel and was Buffy's second crutch as they all left together hoping to let the horrible night end but out of all this it was proof that they could defeat Elizabeth and they also gained a new member. They were going to need all the able bodies they could get as they knew the end was coming.
Yeah I did it, I brought Elizabeth back for a little cameo. Why? Because it's Elizabeth and you guys can't seem to get enough of her. There's going to be a review of this chapter in the forum. But because I posted this so early there are no sneak peeks of the next chapter however I will give you the title.
Also, there's a new poll up about the Elizabeth story. So cast your votes there. Check out the forum about this chapter and the insight on it. But I really hoped you guys liked it. This was a total fan based chapter for you guys because I get messages all the time about when we will see Elizabeth next. There's more about that in the forum. Thank you so much for reading. And always comments and reviews are welcomed and greatly appreciated. You readers are awesome.
Title of the next chapter: The Dead...Again