Immortal Beloved XCIX: "Notoriously South by Southeast…"
PG-13
Disclaimer: No, Joss, no...I make no claims, put that thing down!
It's all yours and ME's...
Spoilers for Angel to the bitter end...Flee at once!...
Summary: Though the standard IB format, one of (99!) versions of events following the end of Angel S5 episodes from "Girl in Question" through to "Not Fade Away" and beyond, this one's sorta notoriously south by southeast...(C'mon, you're a Hitchcock fan, you get it...)
Part Y…
William now on a ridge overlooking the lakeside coast of t he D'Vestigy estate…A death-defying drop for most and still rather dizzying even for a souled vamp, but the least protected, due to its dangers, entrance to the D'Vestigy grounds, fairly quiet now but for lights at the main house, a few searchlights sweeping the grounds, and some activity far back on the flat plain of the estate grounds, complete with a line of shielded lights.
Clearly the D'Vestigys' private airfield, Will noted to himself, clambering along between the quite electrified and so lethal even to the undead as well as the mortal and the rocky ledge offering a quick and equally if more spectacular lethal drop to the sea. And she's there, damn that wife of mine, ready to go take off with the Immortal, playing the devoted, loving wife, having what? "Atoned" by saving me?
Damn fool girl…He carefully slipped across the deadly ridge…Damn fool Buffy…Damn fool Cicely. Hasn't 130 years taught you anything?
By the way, a delight of a note for me you left for me back at my hotel, telling me how it's better this way. How she failed me twice but, at last…
And our child, our daughter…The soul of the baby lost to us in 1880 when Cicely died while trying to save me, her lost soul vamp husband…Right…Who else but Dawn? Waiting for me (though I'm sure for her too. No doubt Buffy told her just enough…But not all.) in America…Or London?
Better this way, Will, she wrote. "You'll be with our daughter at last. I always let you both down. You'll never forgive me and I can't forgive myself." Goddamn you, Slayer. You never had any faith in Will the mortal poet, so after marrying me, you foolishly used that twin of yours, Halfreck, to send me away and right into the waiting arms of Drusilla. Now again you have no faith in me or us. Hmmn…He noted the large rock falling to the sea at the touch of his foot.
It doesn't…It can't work without us together. Sure, I'd love to be Dawnie's pop as well as her protector again as I was that year we thought you gone. But without you, missus. It doesn't work.
I won't settle…I've become greedy in the last hundred, Cicely. I want my family, all or nothing.
He scrambled up and across the field. I'd recommend dogs, Henri.
Ah, of course…He jerked head up at the barking…Well, nice to know he's no fool. Those ain't no ordinary dogs.
Hell hounds.
…
"Well, well…" sigh at William, a bit the worse for wear thanks to the pack of hell hound demons, held between two sturdy guards with a third training crossbow on him as he was led into the hall of the main house, now in somewhat more relaxed condition than when fighting off the pack.
"I was expecting you'd appear. I see you've met our hounds." The speaker eyed William, standing just inside the hall.
"Countess." He nodded to the Countess D'Vestigy. "A fine breed, but a bit too playful."
"Mr. Walthrop." She nodded back, slight sigh. "I am sorry to see you here if, almost, pleased to see you alive." Grim look.
;;;
The main hall of the D'Vestigy estate, now mostly empty but for the grand dining furniture, William, The Countess, and a few guards. Will seated but bound, the Countless standing before him, guards to her sides.
"I trust this won't be a long speech about the glories of a Fourth Reich, Madame." He asked.
"Hardly." She noted, amused. "Such nonsense is of no interest to me, even if you can't believe Henri and his friends have no such intentions and sincerely mean well for Humanity, in their way, or no. The only thing I have ever truly cared about is my son, . For his survival and his happiness, I'm prepared to betray our friends and finally die myself after all my centuries." Earnest tone.
"He didn't wish this existence on himself you know, it was I who forced immortality on him., sure it was our due rather than to die sordidly from the plague. The only way he would even consider it was to ensure our souls would survive to do some true measure of good in the world. Which as I think you know better perhaps even than your friend Mr. Angel…"
Wince from William…Must you? Perhaps in the darkest recesses we are mates of a sort but…
"…does, is both a blessing and a curse." She continued. "It truly didn't matter to me that Buffy might be using us, given I had no real interest in the Circle's goals, so long as you stayed out of the picture and she brought him a happiness I haven't seen in five hundred years. My atonement for the sin of dragging him into this mix of curse and blessing. And I will see to it she stays with him.
However it must be done." Firm tone.
"So, hold me and blackmail her to play good wifey? Is that it?" He eyed her.
"Well…In truth I had somewhat intended to proceed along such lines, vaguely threatening your existence from a distance, but your appearance convinced me that is not the way to proceed. No, in only destroying both you and your memory can she ever by a true mate for my Henri."
"Seems she's indicated her preference...Your son."
Calm smile…"And yet here you are…William? I'm not a fool and I too have loved dearly in my time though I could not save the one I loved then. I know the lies and deceptions a woman in love is capable of."
"I see…" Will eyed her. "But considering she's about to fly off with Henri, you seem to be taking your time about killing me off."
"Until she and my son are safely off and I can be sure you are no longer of any interest to her, you're of more value alive." She noted quietly. "Though I honestly did hope it could be otherwise, you're far too much of a danger to my son to leave alive or at least undead afterwards."
"So I have no choice in your offer…"
"I wish you did or that I could offer one, my boy. But you apparently can't stay down, dead or no. So…I am forced to remove you physically from this plane. And more important from Buffy's mind."
"I see…Intriguing. Sure to make it necessary for me to consider violating any remaining rules of gallantry towards women." Will nodded. "Might one ask, how? Magics?"
"Emmn…No. Magics and the like, as you know, are far too fragile and illusory. I need something more permanent."
"Oh…Well, good luck with that. I doubt Buffy's demon is the obliging sort if that's your game."
"The thought of her transformation doesn't bother you?" she eyed him.
"As her lover and husband…Oh, yes. And even the suggestion confirms me in my plan to reduce you and more importantly that dear son of yours to ashes. But as they say, seeing is believing…And the Slayer's bested worse than you. Not to mention, as I've said, I doubt a transformation would achieve your goal."
"Well, a transformation…Alone…If necessary to ensure she remains with Henri, I agree would not achieve my goal." The Countess nodded.
Buzz of an elegant old phone on side table. A guard lifted and spoke quietly…"Countess?" he turned to her, she nodding and moving over to take.
"Yes? Yes, Henri? Ready to go? Oh, yes. Our expected guest has put in an appearance. I'm holding him here till you're away. Yes, my dearest. Bon chance. And please give my love to Buffy. Yes? Henri, make sure Matisse doesn't leave before you take off. I will dispose of Mr. Walthrop, painlessly, but it's best not to let Eric know he's come. All right, dearest. Goodbye." She put down the phone.
"Sounds final." Will noted.
"Yes." Sigh. "Like you, I will not be seeing Henri or my new daughter again." She noted quietly. "I hope that will satisfy you that I do sincerely regret having to end your story. When Matisse and the others learn what's happened and Henri is safe with Buffy, my time will come as well."
"Really? Henri fleeing the Reich? How surrending Nazi of him."
"Not his choice…But it's been forced on him. He does honestly believe in his efforts but he loves Buffy and to save her, he's willing even to betray old friends. They are not going to escape with that weapon, William. He's turning it and himself over to her and the Americans. A sacrifice for love of her. One that will win her to him forever." Smile. "Quel romantic, no?"
"So that's it. This has been one long, elaborate betrayal of his own scheme and friends, to please Buffy?" he considered, nodding. "Not bad but you'll forgive me if I hold our story a bit higher on the scale."
"If she would remember the story when alls done, I might agree. But, I think it best to offer a demonstration. And we have time."
…
The airfield of the D'Vestigy estate…Henri, elegant in suit, Buffy in gown, guards, Eric Matisse at their side observing all, along with the other key members of the Circle, except Emil.
"Emil's not here to see us off?" Buffy eyed Henri.
"I found it necessary to deal with Emil." Matisse noted quietly. "He's been a bit too nervous recently and rather too attached to your vampire's old sire. Dangerous combination. We took the scenic route coming here and I'm afraid had a slight accident."
"Regretable." Dr. Baumann noted. "But we concurred that action was necessary. A nervous Emil was danger enough. An Emil falling under Drusilla's spell…Genuine threat."
"I'm sorry." Buffy sighed. "I understand and Dru did seem interested in him but I rather liked him, in his way. He reminded me of an old friend I lost at times. Jonathan." She turned to Henri.
"I'd hoped it wouldn't be necessary, but he understood the risks and the fate Drusilla had in store for him would not have been pleasant." Henri noted.
"What about her? I did make my wishes plain." Buffy eyed the group.
"She will be destroyed as painlessly as possible soon as our people can achieve it." Dr. Baumman nodded. "A fine reward to Mr. Walthrop in Heaven."
"I think she'll prefer to return to whatever nunneries they have there, but he'll be glad she's at peace." Buffy noted.
"I intend to see to it myself, Countess." Matisse nodded.
"Just be careful she doesn't see to you." Buffy eyed him.
"A challenge, certainly. But as Henri has told you, I've dealt with my share of vampires."
"Sorry about the delay, my darling." Henri, noting Buffy shiver a bit. "Here, take my coat. The plane is coming. Eric?" he turned to Matisse.
"The weather caused some delay and they must follow air traffic rules but they should be here in fifteen minutes." Matisse eyed the pair.
We shall see if Henri follows the script. I still have my doubts. But the drug and probe should be effective and once the Slayer is properly and truly devoted to him and the Cause, he reflected.
And yet…His love for her is such a weakness. I feel sure if it came to us or her…Perhaps, with Baumann's technique, he can have both but…One wonders. The technique has its limits. One can bend a personality only so much.
…
"A drug?" William smiled. "That effects the memory?"
"More or less erases it. But even more important is the technique developed by our own Dr. Baumann, ostensibly for use in mental patients, funded, naturally, by several international espionage agencies for use in repurposing captured agents to serve their individual sides, though none knew the other was involved. Specific memories can be removed, new ones implanted."
"Charming." Will eyed her. "So you erase me and put in Henri?"
"Not so crudely. But more or less yes." Pleasant nod.
"And your friend Baumann is betraying your Circle too? For what, money?"
"Not at all. Dr. Baumann is lending his expertise but believes our intent is to win Buffy over to our cause, sincerely, at last. However, like you, I doubt the Slayer could be pushed so far without rebelling."
"That's for certain."
"But…If it's limited to substituting for a lost and forgotten love…Supplemented by an act of loving devotion on my son's part. His betrayal of friends and associates, for her."
"Again, intriguing…" Will nodded. "And with me gone, no pesky possible buried memories stirring."
"Oh, I have faith in the technique…Within limits." the Countess noted. "And I did promise a demonstration…Emil?" she called.
"Do come in…And bring your lady friend, the dear child."
…
Two hours earlier…
Emil and Matisse, with minions, at an outdoor café in Geneva…
"You won't hurt her, Eric?" Emil asked.
"My friend. It will be quick and painless. She'll be at peace now we no longer require her services. You arranged all as I asked?"
"She's meeting me here, expecting her payment."
"How nice she's become so fond of you." Matisse, a bit amused. "You realize she wishes to take you for a mate? And that she actually included that in her last request regarding payment?"
"Yes." Sigh. "She means well, in her way. It's rather flattering." Nervous smile.
"Well, my friend. In a sense you are performing a lover's duty. Setting your beloved free. In that you're doing far more than Angelus or Walthrop ever did for her." Nod.
"I suppose so. She is a truly a gentle creature in her way." Sigh.
"Then rejoice that you have allowed her peace at last." Matisse, slightest of sneers.
A confused, vague-looking Dru, in her Juliet Landau outfit appeared at the alley entrance of the café.
"There she is…Greet her, Emil. My men will do the rest." Matisse noted. Emil reluctantly rising.
"Ms. Waverly." He waved.
"Mr…Emil?" she vaguely stared, calling... "Oh, hello. I…"
"Come with us, Ms. Waverly. We're from the American Embassy." Two men on either side. "Mr. Riley sent us."
"Who?" she stared. As one discreetly used a unique taser on her and she sagged.
"The lady is under arrest." One displayed an authentic-looking but quite phony embassy badge to a startled waiter. "Don't worry, she'll be quite all alright." He and his partner leading her to a car.
"You see?" Matisse noted. "All taken care of neatly and quietly." He waved to one of the men now looking over from the car into which he'd gently lowered the near unconscious Drusilla to two others inside who quickly secured her in the car, which he then entered. It driving off.
"I just hope she doesn't suffer. She won't, Eric?" Emil eyed him.
"Not at all, my sentimental friend. Now we should be going as well." Matisse noted. "We can drive to the Count's estate. You have a plane to catch, after all."
"Yes. Very kind of Henri to include me."
"Nonsense. You are an essential member of our organization and he needs your expertise. Come…" Matisse set down coffee cup and rose. "Lets go."
Emil rising a bit reluctantly…
…
"Marvelous acting, Emil." The Countess, in the present, noted to the shy Emil. "But they always underestimated you." He blushing…Dru patting his arm. Emil.
"And you, Ms. Waverly?" she turned to a rather confident looking Drusilla, holding Emil's arm.
"You were also quite good."
"Thank you. I was quite nervous and feeling rather strange."
"That's the soul, my dearest. It can confuse." Emil noted.
"Yes, darling. I suppose so." She agreed. "It's all so strange to me, yet. I really was a mad killer vampire?" she eyed the two sheepishly.
William, led, just before Dru's entrance, by a guard to the library, watching on monitor.
Soul? Well, no one deserves it more, in a way. On the other hand, what bastards to do that to her.
Though I do admit, she seems content.
"You couldn't help yourself, Ms. Waverly. But my daughter-in-law, the current Slayer, and my son took pity on you, given Angelus seemed too preoccupied to assist you…"
"And Emil…Who saved me." She patted his arm fondly.
"A joint effort, my dearest." he noted.
"But these evil men, the ones you and your son, the Slayer, and the Americans were stopping…" Dru paused, confused.
"They would have killed…Well, whatever can happen to me, now…Me. And you, too, Emil." Dru noted. "If you hadn't warned me, even though it put your mission in danger. My brave Emil." Beam.
"Indeed he was…" the Countess agreed. "Eric is a highly skilled killer. His 'accident' surely would have killed Emil but for your arrival."
"No way was I going to lose my Emil." Dru noted, proudly and fondly. "But was it right to let that man Matisse escape? Though I would never force you to Immortality, my love." She eyed Emil earnestly. "When the time comes I'll go with you."
"It was vital for Buffy and Henri's mission." The Countess sighed. "Much as I hate risking my children in this way. Arresting or harming Eric would have alerted the others."
"I see. Well, I hope I did well." Dru noted. "If I can help in any other way…"
"Just take that sweet little fellow of yours and treat him like the hero he is." The Countess beamed. Drusilla smiling…Emil blushing again
Oh, Lord…William sighed where he sat watching.
Still, Dru seems happy. And souled. Even, at peace.
"But…Even if getting my soul back keeps me from remembering too much…" Dru began, nervously. "I have been a monster, pure evil."
"That was not you, my love." Emil, firmly.
"Indeed." The Countess nodded. "But, as Emil told you, we can provide any counseling you need. You've already likely saved thousands more than you ever killed, dear."
"Thank you." Dru nodded, tearing. "I can't thank you people enough." She hesitated.
"Could I…I remember her very vaguely…Meet this 'Slayer'? I'd like to apologize to her."
"No need to apologize, dear, but perhaps you can meet when she and Henri have completed their mission. For now, Ms. Waverly, your task is to get well and begin to build a life for yourself. We'll all help you. I know Emil wants to." Smile at Emil.
"I hope he does." Dru beamed at Emil. "Well, I guess we should go get me to my hotel before the sun rises." Grimacing. "That's really true that I'd burn with the sun?"
"Yes. But we can help you with that." Emil noted.
"And you should have something to eat. I think I wasn't a bad cook, back…Then." Dru noted, a bit wistfully at end.
Fate worse than death, mate…Unless human Dru really could, Walthrop thought.
…
…