Part 4<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI still say the vamp is trippin\u2019-I mean look at the evidence man, he walked in there like nothing had changed.\u201d His eyes remaining glued to Wesley, Gunn walked from the kitchen reaching out the glass clutched in his hand.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stretched up and snatched the offered drink, pretending she had missed Wesley\u2019s disapproving glance. Fatherly she didn\u2019t need right now. Right now she needed alcohol and courage, and planned on satisfying both. Well maybe one more than the other, she reconsidered after taking a big gulp that made her eyes roll back.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven so, I think we have to consider Angel\u2019s physical contribution. It would allow Cordelia the option of participating when we fight.\u201d Wesley responded stroking his chin. An act Cordelia had witnessed a hundred times over, but found it suddenly irritated the hell out of her.<\/p>\n
And what will I do with all that free time; practice manicures in the dark while huddled in the closet? Damn, where are the good ole days when all I had to worry about were sleazy casting directors and making the rent on a roach-infested apartment?<\/i> \u201cI think…I might agree with Wesley…maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as you\u2019re sure Barbie. Don\u2019t jump to a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBite me Gunn, and this Long Island Tea is good; you might have missed your calling… maybe.\u201d Cordelia added after a well timed pause, and flashing Gunn a wily grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe Cordelia may be approaching the situation more realistically.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout me being a bartender?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Charles, focus.\u201d Wesley pinched the bridge of his nose, shifting his stance so both friends could witness evidence of his impending breakdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cYea Charles, focus before dad puts you in time-out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHalf a drink and you\u2019re sloshed girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s me, one drink Cordy.\u201d No need to mention the two rum and cokes I had before they got here.<\/i> \u201cEvery man\u2019s dre…never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we\u2019re agreed, a trial period to see if the arrangement will work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo man, we ain\u2019t agreed on anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell you better decide quick cause I\u2019m in no shape to be swinging deadly objects if a vision should…CRAP!\u201d The ice clinked against the sides of the glass, her body shaking uncontrollably as the vision hit.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, a vision?\u201d \u201cBarbie, you OK?\u201d The two men frantically questioned as they took the drink from her hand and helped her stretch out on the couch.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2026and no,\u201d Cordelia answered when speaking without drooling became possible. \u201cThat old factory near Gunn\u2019s hangout. I don\u2019t know what they are, but it\u2019s happening now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m calling Angel.\u201d Wesley announced as he covered Cordelia with a blanket, quickly tagging on, \u201cI\u2019ll simply tell him of the vision, it\u2019s his choice whether he accompanies us,\u201d when Gunn cast him a disgruntled glare.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine, just don\u2019t expect me to roll out the welcome mat.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWouldn\u2019t consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n
***
\nAngel leaned against the brick wall, lost in thought until the shrill broke through shattering the rare moment of peaceful meditation. Eyes squeezed shut, he slipped the intrusive mechanism from his coat pocket.<\/p>\n
The uncomfortable clearing of a throat grunted into his ear, a clear indication of his caller. \u201cAngel? It\u2019s Wesley; are you there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWes,\u201d husked into the phone. Vocal chords crusty from lack of use, Angel\u2019s voice was gruff, the name sounding harsh in its delivery. Why talk when no one was there to listen? His short sessions with Lorne required little verbalization on his part, the anagogic demon nervously monopolizing the conversations, afraid of truths waiting to be revealed.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh yes\u2026Cordelia had a vision; demons breaking into a warehouse and attacking the occupants. Cordelia thinks it may be the old factory at Elden and Tenth. We\u2019re headed there now, Gunn\u2019s worried his people might already be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll meet you there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery good then,\u201d and with a click the line was silent.<\/p>\n
His attention drifted up to the welcoming dark of the balcony, the dim glow from the small bathroom window conjuring images of a hot soak surrounded by flickering candles. Angel considered the lapse of minutes since Wesley\u2019s call and leaped onto the platform, not even the air disturbed as he crouched down in his usual spot.<\/p>\n
Swift elimination of the demon threat would aide his cause, but he couldn\u2019t risk a violent display if raw emotions broke through. Unsure of his control, he had stayed away; but tonight, waning control had shifted direction and Angel needed to soothe the rising ache. Hunger needed to be appeased, as much as allowed; then he would face the demons, and old friends on the battlefield.<\/p>\n
***
\nWesley hadn\u2019t called, which meant Angel had agreed and Cordelia\u2019s inebriated brain wouldn\u2019t have to remember basic fighting maneuvers. More important, Angel\u2019s whereabouts were not a source of concern\u2026at least for a little while.<\/p>\n
Cordelia sank into the creamy bath, her small mass sloshing the hot water and suds until completely submerged inside the velvety cocoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis socializing thing is brutal. I mean, I was young once. I used to go to bars. It wasn\u2019t anything like this.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s got to keep trying to make a connection. Because that\u2019s what lonely people do.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bottom of the tub, warmed by the scalding water, felt slick against her bare bottom; and lifting the half empty glass to her lips, Cordelia slipped further into the therapeutic mixture.<\/p>\n
\u201cI scared her. Am I intimidating? Do I put people off?\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still in me, Cordelia. And sometimes they change back. If the day ever comes that I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I\u2019ll kill you dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYea right, I just sent my friends out to play with a homicidal monster so I could soak in a hot tub without worrying where said homicidal monster might be lurking.\u201d Cordelia mumbled as her eyes fluttered shut; a distant warning hummed inside her head, something about sedatives and alcohol making an unhealthy potion.<\/p>\n
***
\n\u201cSo, what\u2019s the plan?\u201d Angel asked joining Wesley and Gunn with a leap onto the loading dock, grateful dead lungs concealed his urgent rush for a timely arrival.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was no time for research. Cordelia felt the danger was imminent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s to research? Demons, they\u2019re bad, they\u2019re ugly, and they need to die.\u201d Gunn concluded, swinging his trusty axe over his shoulder and jerking the loading door up.<\/p>\n
\u201cPut a sock in it Charles.\u201d Wesley quipped following Gunn\u2019s lead.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa English, snark; I\u2019m impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust didn\u2019t want you missing Cordelia too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStill, that was a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel laid back, content to fill his allotted role as backup, a tinge of envy tugging at the camaraderie between the two men. He had given up any right to be included, walked away foolishly believing even with a soul his demon didn\u2019t need it. And he could live without their trust and friendship, Angel surmised, quickly banishing the envious tug. There was only one thing he couldn\u2019t live without and he wouldn\u2019t allow less important needs to get in his way.<\/p>\n
***
\n\u201cJust pull over here.\u201d Cordelia barked at the cabdriver, throwing a twenty into the front seat before shoving the door open and lunging for the sidewalk. Interruption of sleep before the effects of alcohol and pills wore off blurring her focus, Cordelia gave her head a vigorous shake as she hurried toward the emergency room entrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cCharles Gunn was brought in a few minutes ago. He\u2019s being treated for a stab wound.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd your relationship with the patient?\u201d The nurse asked, not bothering to look up from her computer screen; years of emergency room duty numbing her to visitors\u2019 anxious sputtering.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI see,\u201d was the reply when a glance questioned the truth of her statement, the light bronze of her skin obviously sun induced. \u201cYour brother<\/b><\/i> is in exam room seven, down the hall and to the left.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia watched from the doorway, Gunn\u2019s chest rising and falling with shallow breaths of peaceful sleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s how you live your life. You don\u2019t just face danger, you create it. You\u2019re on a self destruct mission unless you get some help.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cYou need some serious saving. Looks like I\u2019ve got my work cut out for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sentiment may have been true at one time, but not now. Cordelia had learned the real Charles Gunn under the best and worst circumstances. He was sometimes too brave but always cunning, and the fight must have been vicious for him to end up in the emergency room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not leaving your side until I know you\u2019re safe. Better plan on having me in your life for a while.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOK, so you\u2019re feeling guilty. Suck it up girl, now is not the time for a pity party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBarbie?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey. Somebody woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me my hero had a booboo\u2026so I rushed right over.\u201d Cordelia stepped inside but left the door open, assuming Wesley was probably dealing with doctors and release forms.<\/p>\n
\u201cYea, sorry about that; I told Wes not to wake you. Nothin\u2019 to fret over, hardly a scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see that. It\u2019ll take more than a pesky old demon to take down the mighty Gunn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, actually\u2026the demon didn\u2019t stab me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen who did? Oh my God, not-\u201d Guilt-Guilt-Guilt<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cIt was Rondell.\u201d Gunn reluctantly admitted. It had been bad enough, taking down the weird looking demons while keeping one eye on the distrusted vampire watching his back, but to be wounded by one of his own men was more than Gunn cared to confess.<\/p>\n
\u201cRondell-it was Rondell! My beauty sleep was interrupted-I\u2019m wallowing in guilt because Rondell got jab happy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCalm down girl, my man\u2019s feeling bad enough as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell he should be, upsetting me like that.\u201d Cordelia smiled, leaning down to place a quick kiss on Gunn\u2019s forehead and blow a soft sigh of relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoo girl; did you drink a bottle of minty fresh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI gargled, if that\u2019s what you mean.\u201d Cordelia defended, lifting up and tilting her face away. \u201cI\u2019d been sleeping; I wasn\u2019t coming to the hospital reeking of morning breath.\u201d \u2026and stale liquor.<\/i><\/p>\n
***
\nAngel waited across the hallway\u2026watching and listening. He missed the softness of Cordelia\u2019s touch when she would patch his wounds, the warmth of her hands gently patting his cheek then the whispered you\u2019ll feel better after a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh Angel, you\u2019re still here.\u201d Wesley announced, surprise evident in his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust waiting for you to get back, make sure everything is OK.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn is fine. A couple of cracked ribs but the puncture wasn\u2019t deep enough to reach a lung.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good. Guess I\u2019ll be going then, if you don\u2019t need anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re welcome the join us Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2026I\u2019m not. This is for friends\u2026family.\u201d The concession stuck in his throat, threatening to cut off a lifeless breath. \u201cI don\u2019t want to intrude.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery well then, I\u2019ll see you tomor\u2026 Later then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYea, later. Goodnight Wes.\u201d Angel abruptly turned making his way toward the exit. Sunrise was only a few hours away; and he needed to make a stop before going back to the hotel, otherwise Cordelia would be getting a late night visitor.<\/p>\n
***
\nLorne struggled with his robe, a medley of curse words spewing from red lips when his toe rammed against the chair. He shook a green fist at the door, no need asking the frantic rapper to identify himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cOut for a moonlit stroll Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t trust myself right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on in.\u201d Lorne ushered with a sweep of his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll get the bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you talked to her?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had a couple of powwows. Shared a little teatime.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLorne,\u201d the growl rumbled up his esophagus pushed out by the urgent confession trailing it. \u201cI need to touch her. I can\u2019t be this close and not touch her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, that\u2019s not going to happen any time soon. At least not in a good way.\u201d Lorne advised, his warning rattling with panic.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to her Lorne.\u201d Angel rasped, downing his drink in a long session of swallows before rising from the table. \u201cI want to see her.\u201d The force of his insistence slapped against the door rippling back into the room. \u201cAnd without her entourage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first time Mr. Tall Dark and Rockin\u2019 graced my establishment it was all about the coat. Oh, the good ole days; where did <\/b><\/i>they go?\u201d<\/p>\n
***
\nThe chamber felt massive, dwarfing his generous height. He clutched the small, stone-carved figure, fearful the tight grip of his fingers would crush it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou dare to enter these sacred chambers without summons lower being.\u201d The ominous voice commanded as the two oracles rose up from the center of the chamber floor in a mist of blue flame.<\/p>\n
\u201cYikes! I am Lor\u2026I am Kre\u2026\u201d I\u2019m the ninny who thought this was a good idea.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cWe know who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI seek-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know what you seek.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course you do. You are the know it alls after all.<\/i> \u201cHe\u2019s no good to you like this. Angel\u2019s a champion at heart, he\u2019s just lost his way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis vampire with a soul, he was sought out was he not; granted the scroll of Aberjian?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the evils of his world move against him, their forces too strong for him to fight alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlone? Was he not granted a connection to our realm?\u201d<\/p>\n
Holy Moly what was I thinking?<\/i> \u201cLook, let\u2019s cut the toga dialect and get down to some good old fashion street lingo. Yes the jackass was told about his destiny, and yes you sent him a seer that was faithful and true, and-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe end of days have begun.\u201d The male oracle lifted a hand silencing thought of further protest. \u201cSoldiers of darkness stand ready. The balance shifts, and he is not a champion. We shall not convene on his behalf again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut-\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not come to us again, Krevlorneswath of the Deathwok Clan; your presence will not be greeted with compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n
And with the strike of his hand, the male oracle vanished amidst the fiery blaze of blue flames.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou seek guidance for the one that has fallen?\u201d The female oracle remained, the blaze dwindling to a iridescent mist.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes! I seek guidance. Bless you sister gold.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you have brought a gift?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA gift? Yes a gift!\u201d Lorne shouted, shoving the rock-hard figurine at the female oracle. \u201cBeowulf, a myth of the ancient human world. A king who defended his people from the fate of a dragon, giving his life that theirs may flourish.\u201d<\/p>\n
The female oracle studied the small statue, turning it over in her hand. \u201cAnd there is a connection between the gift and that which you seek?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe a tiny one.\u201d Lorne answered scrunching his shoulders and gracing the female oracle with a sly grin. \u201cPredestined fate does not a hero make. If you get my meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not; but no matter, for the gift has meaning to you and those you care about. The curse imprisons the evil one, but the soul is without shackles.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs in not bound, but if Angel loses his soul\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe soul is without binds, only by choice can it be bound to this world. The vampire must choose or the darkness will devour.\u201d<\/p>\n
OK, Miss Solid Gold Dancer, I don\u2019t think you\u2019re getting the gist of our current peril. The vampire with a soul, bound or not, has<\/b> decided and he\u2019s gonna send the rest of us to hell in a hand basket if we get in his way.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cThere is but one truth. Lead them wisely Krevlorneswath of the Deathwok Clan. Evil lives never-ending and strives to embrace those who hold the power to destroy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The flames again blazed a fiery heat, the surge throwing Lorne free of the chamber. He tumbled onto the ground, yelping as knees and elbows scraped across the asphalt. \u201cHeavens to Murgatroyd, exit stage left.\u201d Lorne yammered picking himself up and dusting off his gold lame\u2019 suit.<\/p>\n
***
\n\u201cHere,\u201d Cordelia scoffed, shoving the cup of freshly brewed coffee at Gunn. \u201cYou\u2019ve finagled all the TLC you\u2019re gonna get from that little nip.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle nip!\u201d Gunn protested, grasping his side and feigning unbearable pain. \u201cIt\u2019 s a gash, a deep, near-fatal gash.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYea right; well that near-fatal gash didn\u2019t stop you from bowling with the guys last night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know-Wes!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave me out of this.\u201d Wesley quietly ordered, waving a hand in the direction of their squabble, but keeping his attention fixed to his book.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t blame Wesley. I know because I\u2019m Cordelia Chase and I see all, know all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou ain\u2019t right girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe not, but I\u2019m leaving. I promised Alex and Julia I\u2019d meet them at the movie theatre by eight o\u2019clock, world annihilation notwithstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grabbing her purse she rushed to the door before movie plans could be thwarted a second time. \u201cSo suck it up Gunn, you\u2019re officially back on full duty.\u201d Cordelia spun around charging though the doorway until a mishap with d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu brought her to a screeching halt.<\/p>\n
\u201cHolly crap!\u201d Cordelia stumbled back into the office, the hulking form pursuing every step. Realization that the collision was not with Matthew Ryan freezing clenched muscles, locking them into place.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Angel whispered, hands cinching into tight fists as he willed them to remain inside his coat pockets. \u201cI haven\u2019t heard from Wes in three of days, just wanted to make sure everyone was alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re fine Angel.\u201d Wesley answered, suddenly losing interest in his book. \u201cAnd yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine thanks,\u201d Angel mumbled, dark eyes melting into Cordelia until she could feel the burn on her skin. \u201cGunn, you feeling better?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYea I\u2019m good, and I\u2019m over here.\u201d Gunn waved his hands in the air calling out, \u201ca little to your right,\u201d when Angel failed to actually notice him.<\/p>\n
Heart pounding and head spinning, droplets of perspiration trickling across her forehead, Cordelia marveled at The Powers\u2019 seeming determination to test her heart\u2019s physical endurance.<\/p>\n
The tilt of Angel\u2019s torso descended another discernible degree but the position of his feet remained firmly rooted in place. \u201cDid Lorne talk to you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s whispered breath blew against her cheek, releasing a flood of memories Cordelia was ill prepared to deal with. \u201cUh\u2026yea\u2026yesterday,\u201d stammered past trembling lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll talk soon.\u201d Angel whispered again. Remaining face-forward, he stepped back toward the door, careful to ensure she was beyond reach before slipping his hand out of his pocket and lifting it to flutter the warm air teasing her cheek. \u201cIt was good to see you\u2026Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
And like a pulse of soft wind, a swirl of translucent smoke, Angel was gone; leaving the doorway empty and an unobstructed view of the dark blue jeep parked at the curb.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, what was Angel referring to?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing important, I\u2019m late; we\u2019ll talk tomorrow.\u201d Cordelia dashed out the door and jumped inside the jeep, willing herself to smile at her chaperone partner, semi-date.<\/p>\n
***
\n\u201cUh Wes; what just happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure, but I don\u2019t think I like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, let\u2019s go then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGo where?\u201d Wesley asked suddenly even more confused.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo talk to Mr. Green Jeans and find out why he\u2019s having secret meetings with Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one said anything about secret meetings, and we\u2019re not sneaking behind Cordelia\u2019s back.\u201d Wesley insisted. \u201cShe\u2019ll tell us when she\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if she don\u2019t.\u201d Gunn asked not sure if Cordelia would confide in them, but more than sure he didn\u2019t trust Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll sneak.\u201d<\/p>\n
***
\n\u201cSister, why do you torment your heart with matters of these lower beings?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not my torment that saddens my heart, dear Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy patience grows weary with your dalliance in the lives of these ill-evolved creatures. Soon your indulgence in their meaningless existence shall find an end.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDalliance, indulgence Brother; is the capacity to embrace the pains of heartache and sorrow our forfeiture for a higher existence in eternity? I think me unwilling to offer that sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak no more of such blasphemies. You are a romantic my dear Sister and therefore allow your perfection to be marred by these mortals.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you are ofttimes less than the vampire you so ardently condemn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery well, let me take care that I shall not copiously sweep the vampire and his human companions into oblivion. Salvation of the fallen one may be the seer\u2019s gift; but should she fail, destroying the evil that dwells within shall be her duty. The seer has not yet proven herself worthy of our protection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe warrior and seer seek enlightenment with The Delphian of the Pylea dimension, and I have placed in his heart the truth that shall light their path.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are but a foolish girl Suadela, weakened by your love for these wayward creatures as I am weakened by my love for you.\u201d<\/p>\n