Part 5<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia awoke slowly, groggily. She felt cold, and her head pounded as if someone was beating on it with a mallet. She thought a moment.<\/p>\n
Vegas. They were in Vegas. Oh thank God, it had only been a crappy bad dream. She almost giggled in relief. It hadn\u2019t happened. She and Wesley\u2026they hadn\u2019t\u2026..she frowned, trying to raise a hand to her throbbing head. But she couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Her eyes flew open and she raised her head slightly. Oh shit. She was lying flat on her back on a cold cement slab, and her wrists and feet were tied down at the corners. She dropped her aching head back to the cement slab and winced, closing her eyes as pain reverberated through her body.<\/p>\n
Oh god\u2026where was Wesley? They had been\u2026she thought a moment. They had been sitting\u2026.in an office\u2026that\u2019s it. They were sitting in an attorney\u2019s office\u2026.Melvin Smoot. Melvin Smoot, attorney. They were sitting in Mr. Smoot\u2019s office, talking about the annulment, and\u2026.she grimaced, trying to think.<\/p>\n
He had gotten up\u2026.excused himself for a moment\u2026.had poked his head back in, asking her to step out into the waiting room for a moment so he could speak with her privately\u2026..<\/p>\n
She frowned. She had, after a puzzled look at Wesley, gotten up out of the ratty chair and followed Mr. Smoot out into the waiting room. He had motioned her to come closer, and she had\u2026then\u2026a cloth over her mouth\u2026.and\u2026.nothing. She thought a moment. She had been drugged. Knocked out. And now she was here.<\/p>\n
Oh, shit. Where was Wesley? What had they done\u2026..she tried to hold still, faking sleep, as she heard muted voices at the far end of the room. Low murmurs in a tongue she didn\u2019t understand reached her ears, and she strained to make sense out of what they were saying.<\/p>\n
The murmurs came closer, and she tried to keep her breathing even so they wouldn\u2019t know she was awake. She felt someone leaning over her\u2026tingles raced up her spine and her eyes shot open before she could prevent it.<\/p>\n
A large upright demon loomed over her, cobalt blue eyes staring down into her face. Cordelia sucked in her breath as he lifted one hand\u2026hoof, actually, and stroked her face gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s awake.\u201d There was a rustle, and Cordelia found herself surrounded by three other demons, all draped in black woolen robes with small holes cut in the hoods to accommodate their horns. She looked from one to another, trying to still the panic rising in her chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are you?\u201d Her voice was a little reedy with fear. She tugged uselessly at the restraints around her wrists. The first demon leaned over her again, his voice a hiss.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not struggle. You will harm yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no. Wouldn\u2019t want that\u2026.don\u2019t want to harm myself. Hey, tell ya what\u2026why don\u2019t you just untie my wrists..\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. No. The ritual is clear. The fastenings must be in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRitual? What ritual\u2026because\u2026I\u2019m not really of\u2026you know\u2026your faith\u2026whatever\u2026\u201d Cordelia looked around frantically. \u201cWhere\u2019s Wesley? What have you done to Wesley?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe human is fine.\u201d Cordy turned to face another demon. This one held a long, thin scythe, curved with a wicked looking jagged edge. He stroked it softly with his hand, and Cordelia flinched as she watched his fingers trail lovingly over the cool metal.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm\u2026well\u2026I need to know that. I need to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe human is not of significance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh. Well, there ya go. I\u2019m human, too. Pretty insignificant here\u2026.really really just\u2026you know\u2026.mmmmm.\u201d She thought a moment. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just untie me and we can forget this whole little deal ever happened\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou misunderstand. Your significance is great. Ethereal, really. You are our honored guest.\u201d \u2018Guest\u2019 was hissed out from thin, scaly lips. Cordelia\u2019s mind raced, trying to stay on top of the conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, gotta say\u2026you don\u2019t treat your guests very well\u2026why don\u2019t you just untie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSILENCE\u201d Cordelia quickly closed her mouth as the first demon leaned over her, menace in his tone. \u201cYour role in our ritual is great, but I will not stand for\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet her go.\u201d Cordelia almost passed out with relief when Wesley\u2019s voice, firm and solid, sounded in the large, empty factory. She turned her head to see him standing, legs slightly apart, just inside the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you knocked him out hard.\u201d She heard one demon whisper to another.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did. Really hard. Thought I\u2019d killed him for a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPffftttt.\u201d They looked down at Cordy. \u201cPlease. This man is a professional at getting knocked out.\u201d She looked back at Wesley. \u201cGet me out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked at her, trying to remain calm. There were four of the demons, and they were massive in size. Angel should be here any moment, and hopefully would have Gunn with him. He just had to stall for a bit\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cGet out, human, while we choose to let you live.\u201d The demon spoke dismissively.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot without my wife.\u201d Wesley\u2019s voice was firm and low. Cordy turned her head to look at him again.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is not your mate. We know this. You both said so.\u201d The demon seemed unconcerned by any threat Wesley was trying to pose. \u201cWe know that this being\u2026\u201d he indicated Cordelia, \u201cis a virgin. Untouched by filth. Clean and pure. She will be a fitting tribute to Ogranth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOgranth?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Master. He who reigns supreme over all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley smirked. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t reign over me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The demon snarled back \u201cHe is far above humans.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAhh. But then, you\u2019ve made a tremendous and fatal mistake. I am no human.\u201d Wesley whipped his glasses off and carefully tucked them into his shirt pocket. \u201cHegh lu\u2019meH QaQ jajvam. Hab SoSlI\u2019 Quch!<\/p>\n
The demons looked at him a moment before one spoke. \u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n
The demon with the scythe looked at the other demons and said, \u201cHe said \u2018today is a good day to die\u2019 and \u2018your mother has a very smooth forehead.\u2019.\u201d He caught their blank stares and shrugged. \u201cI watch a lot of Star Trek.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia whispered loudly, \u201cWes, untie me now so I can kill you.\u201d She looked back up at the demons and laughed a little, hysterically. \u201cOK, think I see where the snafu is. Guys, big mistake here\u2026not your fault, just\u2026ya know, a little teeny misunderstanding\u2026.the thing is\u2026\u201d her voice dropped to a whisper. \u201cI\u2019m really not a virgin.\u201d<\/p>\n
The four demons looked at her silently, then at each other. They spoke in tongues to each other, and finally looked back down at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is of no consequence. You have been chosen. Your death will be an honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no, not really feeling all that honored\u2026just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSILENCE\u201d Dread poured through Cordelia at the heat in the demon\u2019s voice. \u201cDo not peddle your falsehoods upon us. The time is here\u2026.Ogranth must be appeased.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah? He sounds kinda whiny to me.\u201d All heads turned to see Angel, standing in the doorway, his black coat billowing out from behind him. A puff of relieved breath escaped Cordy as she began tugging again at her bonds.<\/p>\n
Wesley sagged, equally relieved, and held up his hands to catch the axe that Angel tossed to him. Gunn appeared behind Angel, and they swept into the room and slowly approached the dais that Cordy lay on.<\/p>\n
Angel spared her a small glance, and a muscle twitched along his jaw as he saw that her wrists and ankles were tied.<\/p>\n
The demons rushed the three men, and the air was thick with clanging and grunting sounds as they fought furiously. Gunn beheaded one, and turned to help Wesley, who was being backed into a corner by another demon. Gunn caught the demon\u2019s raised arm from behind just as Wesley slashed the axe through the scaly skin, bisecting him and shrinking back as bright demon blood spouted out everywhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d Cordy\u2019s voice was a whisper as she watched the demon raise the scythe over his head, towering over her body as he chanted softly. \u201cAngel?\u201d Angel raised his sword, clanging it against his opponent\u2019s, leading him to the left before reaching around and slicing to the right, sliding his sword into the demon\u2019s chest. He yanked it out with looking back as he turned to the dais, approaching it at lightening speed as the chanting demon closed his eyes and thrashed the scythe down towards Cordelia\u2019s heart. \u201cANGEL!!!!!!!\u201d Angel threw his sword at the demon\u2019s arm and a thick fleshy rip sounded as the demon\u2019s arm came flying off. Goo spurted out and over Cordelia, and the demon staggered back, howling in rage. Angel picked his sword up and stood over the demon, who fell to his knees. Angel casually drove the point of the sword through the demon chest and then turned to Cordelia, untying her bonds even before the huge body had crashed to the ground with a thud.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh god\u2026oh god\u2026oh god\u2026\u201d Cordy gasped as Angel untied her ankles. \u201cAngel\u2026oh god.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, Cordy. I know.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was rough. \u201cIt\u2019s ok. You\u2019re ok, baby.\u201d He scooped her up and swept her off the dais, holding her tightly as he turned to face Gunn and Wesley. \u201cYou two alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight fine.\u201d Gunn said. \u201cCordy\u2026you ok?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Peachy.\u201d Cordelia lay her head against Angel\u2019s shoulder and she closed her eyes. \u201cWesley\u2019s the one who got smacked.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no, I\u2019m fine.\u201d Wesley panted a bit and bent down to catch his breath before straightening up. \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, the usual. Go to see an attorney, he\u2019s really a demon from hell.\u201d Cordelia breathed in Angel\u2019s scent before sitting up with a start and blushing, wriggling a bit before he set her on her feet. She looked down at her goo covered clothes and sighed. \u201cThis was my \u2018get an annulment\u2019 outfit. It\u2019s ruined, now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel put his hand on her back and pushed her forward gently, leading her to the door. The other two followed, dragging their swords and axes behind them. \u201cIt\u2019s ok. We\u2019ll find you another outfit. Right after we find you another lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy looked up and opened her mouth and Angel spoke again. \u201cNope. I\u2019m finding him. I\u2019m paying for it.\u201d
\nCordelia looked surprised and Wesley started to protest. \u201cNo. I want it done right. I\u2019m taking care of it. I want this over.\u201d Cordelia stopped and looked up at Angel, her eyes narrowing. From behind them, Wesley gave a small sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201ctlhIngan maH!\u201d They all stopped and turned to look at him as he pulled his glasses back out of his pocket and pushed them onto his nose. He looked up and grinned, sheepishly. \u201cOh. Sorry. Ancient Klingon saying.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBite me, Wesley.\u201d Cordelia turned to go, Angel right behind her. \u201cMe, just now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley followed, a disgruntled look on his face. Gunn brought up the end, grinning to himself.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t know what the fuss is all about. They sure sound married.<\/p>\n