{"id":10418,"date":"2016-11-13T22:27:38","date_gmt":"2016-11-13T22:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=10418"},"modified":"2016-11-14T14:54:19","modified_gmt":"2016-11-14T14:54:19","slug":"season-of-solace-121","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2016\/11\/13\/season-of-solace-121\/","title":{"rendered":"Season of Solace. 121"},"content":{"rendered":"
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BOOK TWO<\/strong><\/div>\n
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121: \u00a0 \u00a0 The Mansion, Crawford Street, Central Sunnydale<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019re dealing with an ancient clan of vampires,\u201d Angel began, his tone serious, his mouth a straight grim line. The weight of this revelation kept his shoulders tense. \u201cA group deep into the occult that will stop at nothing to gain the power they believe has been promised them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDemon-worshipping vampires. How odd.\u201d Giles found it strange indeed. \u201cYour kind tends to be godless. Allegiances are generally made for the purposes of profit and prey rather than submission to a higher power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia reminded him, \u201cThe creepy guy with the bone relic was a vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Angel gave her credit for making the connection when it had not even occurred to him until now that there might be one.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe blood ritual was performed by a vampire?\u201d Wesley looked toward Giles with a look of growing fascination on his face. Excitedly, he ticked off a short list, \u201cDemon worship, strange rituals, prophecy. Good Lord, Mr. Giles, could we be dealing with the Banished Ones?\u201d<\/p>\n

Having quietly been wondering the same thing, Giles shook his head and looked at Wesley as if the idea was ridiculous. Stunned to have considered it himself, he said, \u201cThe Council never proved them anything more than a legend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley stuttered a bit while voicing opposition. \u201cThe\u2014the references are rare, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir legend is as real as mine,\u201d Angel ended their posturing.<\/p>\n

Giles adjusted his glasses. \u201cAngelus\u2019 legacy is deeply rooted in historical documents, and Watcher\u2019s Council records, eye-witness accounts. Most of what we think we know of the Banished Ones has been based upon conjecture rather than fact. We think they once existed, but there has been no evidence of such in the entirety of the Council\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n

Striding closer, Angel challenged him to respond, \u201cBecause the Council knows everything there is to know about vampires?\u201d He was not in the mood to argue about it.<\/p>\n

Holding up a finger to request a pause in the debate, Wesley skittered toward the study.<\/p>\n

Neither Angel nor Giles questioned his departure. \u201cThe Council knows more than you might imagine. However, I concede that we do not know everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel though the point moot. \u201cBelieve me when I tell you that I know who we\u2019re dealing with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might also tell me that\u2026that Xander is a direct descendant of Beowulf. Am I to believe that as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting at the card table, Xander looked over at Willow. \u201cWho? A werewolf? Did he say I\u2019m related to a werewolf?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShhh!\u201d Calming him down, Willow explained the literary reference.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m not Oz\u2019 long lost cousin,\u201d he grinned, relaxing again.<\/p>\n

Angel and Giles were both annoyed at the interruption, but it gave the others a chance to chime in with their two cents on the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s the big deal?\u201d asked Buffy. \u201cBanished or not, they\u2019re still vampires.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia had to agree. \u201cAnd, hello, we have two vampire slayers to banish their butts for good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting his hand to touch her cheek, Angel thought about the danger she was in, now even greater than he had first feared. His chest ached from the depth of emotions he felt when he looked at her. Demonic rage swelled within him at the thought that they planned to make her a sacrifice. A thread of that anger surfaced gruffly, \u201cIt\u2019s not that simple, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Using Spike and Buffy as her examples, she pointed at each of them in turn. \u201cSee vampire. See slayer. Watch vampire run. Watch slayer stake vampire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only\u2026,\u201d Buffy sighed while tapping Mr. Pointy against her thigh.<\/p>\n

Spike took offence at her elementary scenario. \u201cOy! We don\u2019t always run. Some of us like to tussle a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why most of you end up clouds of dust,\u201d snorted Faith. \u201cLet me know when you\u2019re up for a tussle. I\u2019ll be happy to have you at the end of my stake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my line, luv,\u201d Spike smirked back. Beside him, still holding him up, Drusilla\u2019s smile suggested she knew it was all in fun. Until his gaze slid back over to Buffy who was standing next to them and he added, \u201cUnless Blondie wants to give it a go first.\u201d<\/p>\n

With lightning speed, Buffy jabbed Spike in the ribs with an elbow. He growled in pain and doubled over which instantly caused Drusilla to vamp out and start hissing. Buffy held her trusty stake at the ready. \u201cTry me,\u201d she bated the two of them. \u201cGo on. Just give me an excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding onto his bruised ribs, Spike glared angrily. \u201cWhat is it with you Slayers and jabbing me in the bloody ribs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel stepped in to remind Buffy that Spike and Drusilla were not to be harmed. \u201cI asked you to play nice. All of you. Now stand back and shut up. This is important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gasping, Buffy\u2019s mouth clamped closed, her eyes wide with shock at the tone Angel had taken with her. \u201cHe started it,\u201d she tilted her head high and turned away.<\/p>\n

A bit cowed, Spike gave a curt nod. \u201cJust having a bit o\u2019 fun, mate. While we can,\u201d he added somewhat ominously.<\/p>\n

Drusilla calmly eyed Angel obediently remaining quiet as ordered. She led Spike a few steps back to a safe distance from both slayers, though Faith shifted to keep an eye on them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose you call the Banished Ones belong to the House of Solaris,\u201d Angel revealed to the group once the situation seemed settled. \u201cTheir betrayal secluded them from all contact with their own kind. It is forbidden to speak of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yet we do,\u201d quipped Xander nervously. After all, anything that made Giles freak out in that Giles-like way of his probably was not a good thing.<\/p>\n

Before he got into details, Angel waited for Wesley to reach them. He carried a thin leather-bound volume. \u201cHow much do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery little,\u201d admitted Giles, taking the lead. \u201cI believe Wesley has returned with the only known reference in my collection. I recall reading of a division among the great vampire clans. However, there is nothing to indicate why the Banished Ones were, uh, banished. Only that they were believed to pose a threat to all vampires.\u201d<\/p>\n

Willow wondered, \u201cWhy not just stake them or leave them out for the sun to rise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvil little thing, aren\u2019t you, Red?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho, me?\u201d Gulping, Willow shook her head. \u201cNo.\u201d She thought it was a legitimate question. \u201cIf they were some kind of threat…\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles concurred, \u201cWillow is correct. If the master perceived such a threat to his clan, it would have been more prudent to rid himself of it permanently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel did not have all of the answers, either. He had had other priorities during his time at Darla\u2019s side rather than learn about the past, though he vividly remembered all of the stories she shared.<\/p>\n

Jumping back into the conversation upon his return, Wesley handed the book he had retrieved to Angel. \u201cThis is the\u00a0Obscurantist Vampyr, which is a fairly accurate translation from ancient Sumerian scrollwork, compiled and bound by Franciscan friars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel skimmed over the reference material giving him a picture of just how little the Watcher\u2019s Council knew about their enemy. Quoting passages, he read, \u201cEvil battled evil causing a great division of the clans. The master of all vampires cast out the traitor to wander upon the earth, he and his progeny banished forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising his head, Angel asked, \u201cIs that it? Hardly a detailed account considering the House of Solaris has existed for more than a thousand years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that name is familiar,\u201d Giles admitted, \u201cbut there is nothing to connect them to the legend of the Banished Ones. The Solaris Clan originates in Galicia, I believe, a rare breed not usually found in vast numbers or traveling outside their home territory. Known to be protected by the local human population. The Council was never able to determine why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the mountain village where they keep their home lair is populated by other demon-worshippers,\u201d Angel thought that much should be obvious to the Watchers\u2019 Council that seemed to make it their business to know everything.<\/p>\n

Anger roiled inside him. He felt torn between protecting his own kind and reviling them. Angel reminded himself that he was on the watchers\u2019 side. It was in Cordelia\u2019s best interest to tell them everything he knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps this line is important.\u201d Standing next to Angel, though nervous about the close proximity to a vampire, Wesley pointed toward the open page. The entire book was written in Latin. He had been prepared to translate for Angel, but noted that he had no trouble with it. Not entirely surprising, he supposed, but mildly so all the same. \u201cThe last reference on the page provides a warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel had not skimmed that far. His eyes shifted down the page. The words stirred a few rumors, things that were hinted at even in vampire legends, stories Darla used to tell him. Warnings. Her belief that he could protect her from anything.<\/p>\n

Except himself.<\/p>\n

Having taken too long to reveal the quote, Wesley told the others, \u201cBeware the light-bringer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that warning for us or them?\u201d asked Willow peering at the book in Giles\u2019 hands. Upside down, the words looked even more ominous. Gulp. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s telling us to use the sun against them. If we find their lair we could use mirrors to reflect the light.\u201d<\/p>\n

Spike muttered, \u201cRed\u2019s not only evil, she\u2019s a freakin\u2019 firebug.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCharred vampire,\u201d Faith gave a thumbs-up to the idea. \u201cHaven\u2019t tried that one in a while. I\u2019m in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy agreed. \u201cSounds doable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for the fact that we don\u2019t know where to find their lair,\u201d Xander pointed out the hole in their plans. \u201cIs there a listing for crypt and cavern rentals?\u201d Chuckling at the idea, he held his arms up to indicate their surroundings, adding, \u201cLooks like Dead Boy already cornered the market on haunted mansions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel wasn\u2019t amused. The stare he sent Xander\u2019s way shut the boy up instantly. This wasn\u2019t the time for amusement. The enemy was dangerous and Cordelia\u2019s life was at stake\u2014 and perhaps the lives of everyone in Sunnydale. With Nico and Isobel at the center of this, he had no doubt things were going to get much worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you so certain the House of Solaris is involved in this?\u201d Wesley shifted from one foot to the other. \u201cYou mentioned a name\u2014Nicolau.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNicolau\u2019s childe was the one responsible for Spike\u2019s capture.\u201d Angel told him before getting distracted by Cordelia\u2019s wandering hand. The foyer light revealed bruises and scrapes on his skin that she had not noticed outside and she started looking for other wounds. \u201cCordy, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pressed on a still-damp spot at his side where her fingers came away red with blood. \u201cYou call this fine? Pfft. How would you like it if I went around saying I was fine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019d believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia rolled her eyes, but kept on with her rudimentary examination despite the fact that Giles and Wesley were trying to figure out a way to interrupt and get back to the conversation.<\/p>\n

It did not help Angel\u2019s cause when he winced as she poked one of his bruised ribs. \u201cCor, stop, what are you doing now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObvious much? I\u2019m taking off your shirt,\u201d Cordelia started unbuttoning. \u201cYou\u2019re hurt and I can\u2019t tell how bad it is. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not like I\u2019m in it for the cheap thrills.\u201d<\/p>\n

Faith\u2019s dimpled grin appeared. \u201cI am. Don\u2019t stop on my account.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sticking her tongue out, Cordelia told Faith as unbuttoned the last button, \u201cFaith, I wouldn\u2019t want you to get side tracked. You\u2019re supposed to be watching Spike.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCordy, this can wait,\u201d Angel stilled her hands. The last thing he needed right now was the distraction of her soft, warm hands sliding across his skin.<\/p>\n

With a sigh, she muttered, \u201cOkay, but this isn\u2019t over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel got lost in her eyes for a moment. He wished he could will everyone else away. Unfortunately, having Cordelia\u2019s hands on him was too much of a distraction. \u201cLater.\u201d The word hung between them with an unspoken promise of more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I think I\u2019ll handle getting Spike and Dru settled,\u201d Cordelia decided as she backed away. \u201cCome upstairs when you\u2019re done with the pow-wow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot going anywhere yet, luv,\u201d Spike refused to budge. \u201cI got a right to hear this just as much as anyone else. How else am I gonna know who to kill?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perturbed, Giles inquired, \u201cMay we continue now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Cordelia shrugged her permission.<\/p>\n

Giles pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. \u201cGo ahead, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNicolau Cibran,\u201d he explained to them, \u201cis a favored childe of Solaris. Every move he makes is calculated toward achieving his master\u2019s goals. Nico thrives on power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVamp politics?\u201d Envisioning their big bad with \u2018Vote for Me\u2019 signs posted around town for the next election instead of ones for Mayor Wilkins, Cordelia doubted that tree plantings, mall openings and kissing babies were high on any evil guy\u2019s list.<\/p>\n

\u201cTerritorial power,\u201d Wesley corrected, finding the study of vampire history and their social dynamics fascinating. \u201cVampires equate power to the possession of lands for hunting prey. The more powerful a clan is perceived to be the greater control they possess over selection of prime hunting grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles nodded throughout, adding, \u201cIndividual vampires can travel outside traditional territories to find prey, but they face the risk of poaching on another clan\u2019s claim. Exceptions are made for vampires with more impressive pedigrees who supersede the rights of lesser clans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe go wherever the bloody hell we want,\u201d Spike told them with a growl, \u201cand the locals can either join in the fun or go fuck themselves. We pick our prey whenever we want, and wherever it takes our fancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot impressed,\u201d Cordelia gave him a hard state. She was not about to mince words even though her boyfriend was a vampire. She reminded Spike, \u201cYou won\u2019t be eating anybody while you\u2019re staying here.<\/p>\n

Spike grumbled, \u201cKilljoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring him, Cordelia thought she figured out Nicolau\u2019s power play. \u201cSo, basically, Nic and his buddies plan to turn Sunnydale into their own personal bistro.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Angel told her there was something else going on. \u201cNo one clan rules Sunnydale. This is the slayers\u2019 territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeg to differ,\u201d Spike gruffed and then quickly closed his mouth again.<\/p>\n

Though he did not like talking about the subject, Angel knew it had to be done. \u201cNico being here in Sunnydale has a far more sinister purpose. Back in the earliest days of the clans, Solaris used to be part of the House of Aurelius until the master grew tired of his dealings with demons. He wanted power and made sacrifices to a demon in order to gain it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps the same demon god of the prophecy?\u201d Giles concluded that the timing was suspect.<\/p>\n

Angel nodded, \u201cNico\u2019s childe confirmed it. The demon promised them something so powerful, so tempting, that Solaris broke away from the House of Aurelius settling for exile in order to attain it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eagerly asking, \u201cWhat was it?\u201d Wes\u2019 eyes glimmered with interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Isobel didn\u2019t elaborate except to say that the benefits pass on to all of their kinsman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Giles caught on. \u201cThe old blood ties between the two houses. The Aurelius and Solaris clans are essentially one bloodline.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Angel started to provide more details, Cordelia nudged him. \u201cWho\u2019s Isobel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNicolau\u2019s mate. Didn\u2019t I mention her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia folded her arms across her chest. \u201cNo, as a matter of fact, you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlaying naughty games with my Spike. Tempting our Angel.\u201d Drusilla let out a hiss, making cat claws out of her hands to scratch the air in Buffy\u2019s direction. \u201cAnother blonde slut.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy immediately took offence at the verbal barb. \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s gaze swept back to Angel who looked like he was suffering from stomach cramps. Instead of demanding to know the details of said temptation, she let out a soft huff. \u201cI take it Isobel is responsible for the two of you looking like chopped liver. Never underestimate the female of the species\u2014especially when it comes to finding stuff out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel was not entirely certain whether Cordy was jealous or just teasing him about it.\u00a0 Clearing his throat, he explained, \u201cNicolau obviously trusts Isobel enough to\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was that eyebrow again, quirking upward in that I\u2019m-curious-but-you-better-give-me-the-kind-of-answer-I-want-to-hear way. \u201cRun errands. A little kidnapping here. A little torture there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little seduction on the side,\u201d Spike added causing Cordelia to spin around to look at him.<\/p>\n

Snorting, Cordelia looked at Spike\u2019s sad state. \u201cYeah, I can see she really did a good job of that. Got a little sidetracked with the torture?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill got a lot to learn about what vampires like, pet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Torture was sexy? That did not sound right. \u201cWhat do y\u2014?\u201d Cordelia was interested to know more, but not with Buffy and Xander listening in. \u201cShut up, Spike.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking her straight in the eye, Spike warned, \u201cWatch out for Isobel, toots. Got the hots for Angelus, she does, and plans to sink her hooks deep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCor, I\u2019m sure Angel dusted her.\u201d Faith turned expectantly. \u201cRight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel rubbed at the building pressure at his neck while wishing that he had kept his mouth shut about Isobel. Before he could answer, Spike butted in again. \u201cNo, the big poof sent her packing with a message for her sire.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Giles and Wesley were formulating questions about Angel\u2019s strategy, Buffy was focused on a more important issue. \u201cWas she pretty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Cordelia figured it was not Buffy\u2019s business, the question was still legit. \u201cWas she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost instantly, Angel\u2019s, \u201cNo!\u201d emerged as an adamant bark. \u201cI didn\u2019t really notice,\u201d he added with a guilty expression that said otherwise.<\/p>\n

Cordelia raised a brow. \u201cSo which was it? Either you didn\u2019t notice or she looked like a pug-faced troll.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Angel did not immediately answer, feeling like anything he said would get him in hot water, Spike chimed in. \u201cHot little blonde. Curves in all the right places.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Spike.\u201d Angel gave him a look that said he was not helping.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, pet,\u201d Spike winked his good eye at Cordelia. \u201cNext time I see that bitch I\u2019m gonna rip her head off. Won\u2019t be so pretty then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gross, but Cordelia could not find fault with the plan. \u201cNext time Angel won\u2019t be going alone.\u201d She asked Angel, \u201cDid you dust anybody? Sheesh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe minions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlondie wanted him to sign up. Offered him a nice deal, promised him power and a few perks that included her. Thought he was Angelus. Isobel was too busy creaming in her knickers to notice the soul,\u201d Spike revealed.<\/p>\n

Giles focused on the first part. \u201cIsobel wanted Angelus to join them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Still talking to Cordelia, Spike told her, \u201cBack in the day, Angelus would\u2019ve taken her up on her offer. Don\u2019t worry pet. He said no. \u2018Course it wasn\u2019t that long ago that he was into feisty blondes.\u201d<\/p>\n

A second later Spike hit the floor after Buffy\u2019s fist connected squarely with his jaw. \u201cThat\u2019s the last time you say anything about me and Angel.\u201d She wanted to forget about the relationship and did not need some annoying, loud vampire mouthing off at her every chance he got.<\/p>\n

Buffy\u2019s petite form towered above him as Spike struggled into a seated position. She glared down as if daring him to get up and fight. This time he did not find it much of a turn-on. Scowling, Spike gave a low grumble, \u201cTry that again when I\u2019m ready to take what you\u2019re dishing out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rubbing at his sore jaw, he looked at Dru who crouched down next to him. He half expected her to go after Buffy for punching him. Instead, she grabbed his right ear into a tight pinch and dragged him to his feet. \u201cRemember that, naughty boy. Leave the nasty slayer alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tired of dealing with Spike\u2019s runaway mouth, Angel instructed Faith to take the two vampires up to the vacant room on the third floor next to her own. \u201cThat way you can keep an eye on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unenthusiastic over the idea of babysitting them, Faith muttered, \u201cGreat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHope you\u2019re not a light sleeper, luv,\u201d Spike smirked as she helped Drusilla walk him up the stairs. \u201cWe\u2019ll try to keep the noise down.\u201d<\/p>\n

As planned, Cordelia headed up behind them telling the vampires where they could find clean linen. \u201cI\u2019ll get some stuff for you to take care of those wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drusilla paused, \u201cMy Spike needs blood to heal, someone young and vigorous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Cordelia reminded her that was a no-no. \u201cYou\u2019ll be on Angel\u2019s special diet while you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking back toward the foyer, she called out, \u201cXander, get some fresh blood from the fridge and bring it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Xander looked around as if he expected to find another Xander Harris in the room.<\/p>\n

Angel reminded him, \u201cYou said you were in charge of the food.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gulping, he grabbed Willow\u2019s wrist and whimpered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they going to drink that stuff?\u201d asked Willow prying Xander\u2019s fingers from her arm. \u201cPiggy isn\u2019t their usual diet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a problem,\u201d Angel admitted. Giles and Wesley were still against having them in the house. Both voiced their concerns again, but Angel had made up his mind to let them stay. \u201cNormally, I wouldn\u2019t trust them, certainly not Spike. This way I know where they are and what they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles didn\u2019t like it one bit. \u201cThis is your house, but I\u2019m holding you responsible should anything happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough.\u201d There were no guarantees. Vigilance was necessary. Though Drusilla seemed to be playing nice at the moment, she could turn on them quite easily. Once Spike\u2019s injuries healed, his influence over Dru might prove problematic.<\/p>\n

Buffy remained in the foyer with Angel and the watchers. Impatient, she wanted to get on with this, come up with a plan, and execute it. She wanted this over with and wanted out of this house. \u201cWhat next?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe finish securing this place against an attack,\u201d Angel glanced around at obvious vulnerabilities that remained.<\/p>\n

Wesley reminded him of the spell Willow cast. \u201cCordelia is the only one able to invite a vampire inside. As we are dealing with a cult of vampires, that should make the mansion secure from attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Nico\u2019s minions, perhaps,\u201d conceded Angel, \u201cbut they won\u2019t be alone in this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mentioned the Galician villagers were also demon-worshippers. They, too, are likely to be involved,\u201d Giles agreed. \u201cWho knows how far their influence has spread. And we have already seen they are not above hiring mercenaries to do their dirty work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel paced across the parquet floor. \u201cWe still don\u2019t know a damn thing about the prophecy itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the contrary,\u201d Wesley disagreed. \u201cNow that we know the Banished Ones are part of this, we can call for all available resources from the Council. To this point, all our research has been focused in another direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow we have a point of reference,\u201d Giles agreed. \u201cWith the Galician involvement, I may be able to call in a few favors from nearby resources. Someone local might be able to determine which demon is being worshipped. If a connection is made with the glyphs on the stone obelisk, perhaps then we can determine a way to prevent this prophecy from coming to its fruition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Buffy was getting antsy watching Angel pace across the floor. Tapping her stake in a set rhythm against her thigh, she asked, \u201cWhat can I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Just then, Xander and Willow happened to be making their way toward the stairs from the kitchen. Seeing them, Wesley had an idea. Having already used Willow\u2019s spell casting skills, he felt certain she would be capable of the level of magic required for another bit of witchery.<\/p>\n

\u201cWillow!\u201d He called out to her so unexpectedly that she shrieked nearly spilling the plastic container of blood she carried.<\/p>\n

Wavering on her feet, Willow stared at him as she recovered from the shock. \u201cDon\u2019t dooooooo that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Wes apologized. He took the blood from Willow, handed it to over to Xander who already held one container. Telling him, \u201cDo go on. I have an important task for Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Xander went on with his own job of bringing cold, congealing pig blood to the vampires upstairs. He knew Angel heated his blood. Or, he\u2019d seen Cordelia do that for him. No way was he microwaving this stuff and spicing it up with cinnamon like that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the scoop?\u201d Willow asked Wes as they walked back to join the others. \u201cMore spell stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n

After confirming her guesswork, Wesley asked, \u201cHave you ever cast a location spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Angel\u2019s help, I believe that you can help us find the Banished Ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Location spells required some method of identification. The one casting the spell was required to possess personal knowledge of the individual being located, a personal object belonging to the one sought, or a photograph. Since Willow had none of these to go by, Angel agreed to create a detailed drawing of Isobel.<\/p>\n

Buffy wanted to know, \u201cHow does this give me something to do?\u201d She looked to Giles for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Willow\u2019s spell succeeds, you can try a little reconnaissance. With any luck, we can bring this conflict to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one other name you need to know,\u201d Angel told the watchers. He had almost forgotten hearing it. Back at the warehouse while Spike was being tortured by Isobel and he was up in the rafters, Angel caught a bit of the conversation. Just enough to hear her say the name, \u201cKalesh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giles and Wesley exchanged looks again in that contemplative way. Admitting, \u201cThe name is vaguely familiar,\u201d Giles waited for his younger colleague to say something.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, too, have heard the name before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey know nothing,\u201d Buffy told Angel. \u201cThat look means they\u2019ll have to research and get back to you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel knew better than to say anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we get on with that find-the-vampires spell?\u201d Buffy sighed. \u201cI\u2019m tired of being cooped up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Willow whispered, \u201cYou just got back from patrolling.\u201d<\/p>\n

A little whine sounded from Buffy\u2019s throat. Seeing her friend\u2019s face contort into a big pout, Willow stammered as she came up with an excuse to get her away from Angel. Being in close proximity to the Cordy and Angel was not making this any easier on her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cW-We\u2019ll need stuff for the spell. Components,\u201d Willow told the guys. \u201cWe\u2019ll go get what we need while Angel draws the picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wesley provided a list of items they could obtain from the local Magic Shop. The shopkeeper was known to keep late hours. Wes wasn\u2019t keen about letting two girls go it alone, but Buffy reminded him that she was a slayer. They headed out on their shopping mission and the two watchers settled in for a long night of research.<\/p>\n

Thinking about Isobel with the level of detail required to draw her for this spell was not pleasant. She might be beautiful on the outside, but there was nothing but ice inside. Just a cold-hearted ambition that matched her sire\u2019s. Spike was right about one thing. In many ways, Isobel was a lot like Darla.<\/p>\n

Angel climbed the stairs suddenly feeling every bruise and scrape marring his flesh. He pressed his hand against his injured side and held it there against the stickiness where blood clotted against his shirt. He allowed himself a grunt to acknowledge the pain, and then gritted his teeth against it as he made his way up to the bedroom.<\/p>\n

When he saw that Cordelia wasn\u2019t there, he glowered toward the third floor realizing she must still be helping Spike and Dru get settled. It was difficult enough to find a few minutes alone with her and now Spike was getting the attention that belonged to him. Realizing it was unreasonable to be disgruntled about it Angel did not bother to push aside the feeling. Spike might be family of sorts, but he was still a vampire.<\/p>\n

Before he did anything else, Angel took the sketchpad he kept in his nightstand out to complete his assigned task. Isobel\u2019s image was still fresh in his mind and he did not want to dwell on it any longer than necessary. Opening it to a blank page, he drew two pictures, one of Isobel looking serene in her human beauty and the other as a vampire.<\/p>\n

Angel set the sketchpad down on the bed and tossed the pencil beside it when he was done. He looked toward the door again. Still no Cordelia. For a moment, he considered stomping upstairs to find out what was taking so long, but Faith was there to protect her and he did not relish the idea of coming across as a jealous maniac.<\/p>\n

Taking off his jacket, Angel carefully draped it across a chair. He would have to check it for rips and holes later. The leather often protected him during fights, but it was not indestructible. Neither was he, apparently. He winced as he peeled his shirt away from his side where it adhered to a wound.<\/p>\n

The smaller scrapes and scratches were already starting to close. Some of the deep bruises would take a little longer. This wound needed flushing out. He headed toward the shower turning the water on hot.<\/p>\n

Angel emerged fifteen minutes later in a cloud of steam, a towel wrapped around his hips. His gaze immediately went to Cordelia who was lounging on the top of the bed with his sketchbook lying open in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo this is the pug-faced troll.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was going to one of those conversations. Steeling himself for what was ahead, Angel walked over to the dresser to pick out some clothes. \u201cI never said she looked like a troll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWere you lovers back in the day?\u201d<\/p>\n

Angel denied it immediately. \u201cNo. We never met.\u201d He discarded the towel to step into his boxers noting the way Cordelia watched him through her lashes. Even now she remained a little shy about his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she wants you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stalling, Angel tried to determine how to respond to that. Finally, he opted for the truth. Coming to stand by the edge of the bed, he said, \u201cIsobel wants Angelus. Sounds like a crush of sorts. She does not know about the soul. Angelus\u2019 reputation is pure evil. It\u2019s the thrill of power, the love of torture, the bloodletting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cYeah, real turn-ons. Oh, and talking about yourself in the third person\u2014 don\u2019t think I\u2019m going to fall for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Angel was not certain what to say next, Cordelia pointed to a mug sitting on the nightstand. \u201cI brought you some blood. Sorry, but that\u2019s the last of it. With three vamps in the house, we\u2019ll have to stock up tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s plenty of night left,\u201d Angel told her after taking a big gulp. \u201cI could swing by Willy\u2019s bar and pick up a fresh supply.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way! You\u2019re still bleeding, you big dork. I\u2019m not letting you go out like that.\u201d She pulled a First Aid Kit from the top of the nightstand and patted the bed.<\/p>\n

Glancing down at his side, Angel noted that the wound was still seeping blood. It was almost closed. The blood he was drinking would help fortify him as well as speed the healing process. Angel gulped down the rest and climbed onto the bed taking care not to drip blood onto the covers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you weren\u2019t into the Florence Nightingale thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cordelia bent down to press her lips to a bruise on his shoulder. \u201cFor you, I\u2019ll make an exception.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scene 122\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BOOK TWO 121: \u00a0 \u00a0 The Mansion, Crawford Street, Central Sunnydale \u201cWe\u2019re dealing with an ancient clan of vampires,\u201d Angel began, his tone…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-to-be-continued-fic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10418\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}