Chapter Thirty-seven<\/b><\/p>\n
The sudden flash of light and burst of flame shocked John out of his drugged induced trance. His eyes stung, reddened from the effects of the smoke in the cabin. John cautiously blinked, trying to generate moisture to his irritated eyes.<\/p>\n
Finally, he was able to focus.<\/p>\n
John surveyed the cabin. He closed his eyes again, trying to convince himself that he was still in the Peyote stupor. His hands snaked out feeling the ground next to him; their search became frenzied, as John felt nothing but dirt. Cordelia was no longer beside him. What he had seen was real.<\/p>\n
John rested his eyes on the still, lifeless form of his father. A bellow of sorrow and fury rose from his throat as his mind and heart processed the sight. He scrambled over to the crumpled body of the man that meant everything to him.<\/p>\n
The strong, courageous man that had raised him alone after the death of the gentle caring woman that was his mother. The patient, strong man who had taught John what it meant to be a shaman, to be honorable, brave, and to live or die for his people.<\/p>\n
John cradled his father\u2019s head in his lap, the tears following freely down his cheeks. John\u2019s pained eyes searched the cabin. Cordelia was gone. His father was dead. All hope for his people, for himself was gone.<\/p>\n
Bathym, John\u2019s mind cried out in rage. John knew deep in his soul that the demon was responsible for the tragedy of this day. His heart cried out for the innocent girl who had been trapped in Bathym\u2019s evilness. His heart broke for his father.<\/p>\n
John hugged his father\u2019s body closer to his. He tried to concentrate. His father would not want him to give up. John would find away to protect his people from Bathym, to save them. John had to, because now he was the spiritual leader of his people. How? He doubted. How could he take his father\u2019s place?<\/p>\n
John gently placed his father on the dirt. With a gentle kiss on the old man\u2019s forehead, John got up.<\/p>\n
He could do this. He had to. But where to start, his mind cried. John would call his cousins; they would take and prepare his father for the honorable burial he deserved. John would stay in the cabin searching through his dreams on his own vision quest. The answers would be there.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
John prepared himself for his journey into the spirit world. His deep breaths became longer and labored as the walls of the cabin shimmered and slowly faded.<\/p>\n
Chapter Thirty-eight<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel stood in front of Caritas. He leaned heavily on the buzzer. He waited 2 seconds before losing patience and kicking the door in.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, tall, dark and gorgeous, ever heard that patience was the virtue of angels? But what\u2019s in a name, umm, Big Guy?\u201d The host came from the back room. His green body was brightly wrapped in a canary yellow silk robe with fire red polka dots splattered all over the dressing gown. The sight momentarily blinded Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, don\u2019t just stand there like an undead pretty blowfish.\u201d The host blew his green cheeks in and out, pursing his lips. His hands moved in dramatic waves motioning Angel to take a seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what\u2019s with the 911 emergency barge in.\u201d The host nodded to his broken door. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be that you have misplaced your \u2018crumptious Cordelia, would it? You know, AngleCakes, you better learn to keep better care of your sizzlin\u2019 seer, or the PTB may just take her back and give her to a more appreciative warrior.\u201d<\/p>\n
The green demon flipped his hands at Angel\u2019s growl, brushing it away as if it was a tangible object. \u201cJust jokin\u2019, jeez, jokin\u2019\u2026well may be not, but that\u2019s an red alarm flash for another day, if you don\u2019t watch it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t know. Only know where Cordydoll isn\u2019t? Seems the PTB, haven\u2019t seen fit to clue me in to the whole whopping tamale. But I do know that she\u2019s no longer with the brawny brave; he lost her. There seems to be another bad ass player, as in demon, on the good vs. evil playing field.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaven\u2019t clue, just know he is one of the demon bad guys and that the bodacious brave is one of the good guys. A regular white hatted Tonto-type.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood? He took Cordelia from me and he is not bodacious, whatever that means.\u201d Angel snarled.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Angelcakes, the brave is good, just lacking your resources, namely me,\u201d the host grinned. \u201cAnd I do think you know what bodacious means, but just in case it, means he\u2019s a hottie. Right up Cordydoll\u2019s alley.\u201d The host sighed and gazed up to the ceiling. \u201cAh, what a sumptuous couple they would make. Eek,\u201d<\/p>\n
The host exaggeratedly swung up his hand to ward off Angel\u2019s growl. \u201cCurb, your fanged green-eyed issues, I was just jokin\u2019, well sort of, but again a topic that should wait until another day. AngelCakes, you need the brave. So, halt with the mad vamp rage routine. I like a little force just like the next guy, but the brawny brave needs to remain intact, comprende.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I knew where the doctor was I wouldn\u2019t be here listening to your nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOuch a shot to the heart. But you do know, no dim bulbs in English\u2019s pretty head. Big Guy, you better get speedy, the suns a rising,\u201d the host\u2019s tone became less flippant, \u201cYour seer needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel growled and rushed out.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave fun stormin\u2019 the teepee,\u201d the host called, after the retreating vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel made it back to the Hyperion, before the first rays of sun reached the sky.<\/p>\n
Chapter Thirty-nine <\/b><\/p>\n
Angel shoved at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cErr, wha..t,\u201d Wesley blinked and rubbed at his tired eyes. His hands flapped around on the coffee table, searching for his glasses.<\/p>\n
Angel ignored him and started to push at Gunn. The black man jumped up from the chair he had been sleeping in. He automatically grabbed for his stake. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Gunn\u2019s yelped, his eyes barely open.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cabin. We have to go,\u201d Angel ordered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe host, what did he say? Is Cordelia there?\u201d Wesley asked urgently, pressing down at his clothes. He paused as he looked down. He hadn\u2019t been asleep long enough for the slightest crease to mar his clothes.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, the doctor doesn\u2019t have her anymore.\u201d Angel spit. Angel swore that when he found Cordelia and he would find her, Cordelia would never leave the Hyperion again. The hotel had plenty of room. Angel would make sure she had everything she needed.<\/p>\n
Well, that may be a tad bit unreasonable, Angel thought. He would let her leave, he thought magnanimously, just not alone, never alone and never with anyone but the vampire. Angel just couldn\u2019t trust anyone else to keep his seer safe. Everybody else just lost her.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid she escape? Is she alright,\u201d exclaimed Wesley.<\/p>\n
Angel growled. \u201cShe has been kidnapped, again.\u201d Compressed rage rippled through his body. Angel was going to kill somebody.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh,\u201d \u201cWhat\u201d both Gunn and Wesley shot Angel a puzzled look.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, if the Professor doesn\u2019t have Cordelia, why are we going to the cabin\u2026Who has her?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMore like a what. Move it, I\u2019ll explain what I can in\u2026\u201d Angel\u2019s voice trailed off into small growls. Damn, drama demon. Angel didn\u2019t understand why the PTB and their lounge lizard link couldn\u2019t have been clearer. Didn\u2019t they realize that Cordelia\u2019s life was at stake? Angel took several deep unneeded breaths. He had to calm down. But he really wanted something, someone, some anything to destroy. Angel took another breath.<\/p>\n
He couldn\u2019t very well pummel Gunn and Wesley and for some obscure reason it seemed that he wouldn\u2019t be able to kill the doctor. Angel growled. What exactly did \u2018intact\u2019 mean? Did the Professor really need the use of his legs? Wouldn\u2019t leaving him with the ability to talk be sufficient? Angel would have to think about that. Nevertheless, the new player was fair game. A slow growl vibrated in his chest, growing in depth and volume as it reached his throat. Angel could wait.<\/p>\n
Gunn moved further away from the vampire and closer to Wesley. \u201cUm, Wes, I think Angel is having a moment,\u201d he whispered to his friend.<\/p>\n
Wesley slowly nodded. He would have to agree with Gunn. The only sounds coming from the vampire were short snarls, his demon visage flicked involuntarily across his face. Then the vampire emitted a deep growl, and a wicked grin appeared on his demon face. Wesley didn\u2019t know what Angel\u2019s was thinking about, but it was causing a definite moment, a particularly vicious moment. Wesley didn\u2019t want to know.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Angel,\u201d Wesley interrupted cautiously.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s gold stare shot towards Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were saying,\u201d Wesley prodded.<\/p>\n
Angel shook his head, ridding his mind of the imagines of his hands tearing off limbs, breaking bones and ripping flesh off the still warm body of an unknown demon. \u201cWe don\u2019t have time, I\u2019ll explain in the car,\u201d he ordered, his now dark brown eyes glaring at his friends. \u201cGunn, go make sure that the windows are dark enough. Wesley, go get any research materials on any demons related to the Hopi. I\u2019ll gather the weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I don\u2019t think I have\u2026.\u201d Wesley started.<\/p>\n
\u201cImprovise, now hurry.\u201d Angel strode over to the weapon\u2019s cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cImprovise,\u201d Wesley grumbled to himself. In order to improvise, one must have the basic knowledge and material to contrive the improvisation.<\/p>\n
If one had nothing, one got nothing. Angel had no clue as to the intricacies involved researching. Wesley sighed and went to his library.<\/p>\n
There were centuries upon centuries of knowledge bound in those texts. At least one of them must have some relevant information. Wesley just hoped he chose the right one.<\/p>\n
Chapter Forty <\/b><\/p>\n
John stood in the middle of a barren desert. He could feel the hot sun penetrating his skin. He waited.<\/p>\n
Soon, a cougar appeared over dune. His lean sinewy body leaped and ran forward. The wild cat did not stop until he reached the Indian. John acknowledged his power animal with a nod.<\/p>\n
The animal purred his welcome and moved on. John followed his guide across the scorching sand. After awhile, John started to notice bright green life sprouting up through the desert. John stared; the blades of plant life were not usual for his spirit domain. The greenery became plusher as they traveled on.<\/p>\n
The cougar ran ahead, finally pausing on the outskirts of a forest. As soon as, John caught up with him, the cat entered the band of trees. John followed the cougar through a path in the forestry. John felt like he had been walking for hours.<\/p>\n
John stopped as he heard screams of acute suffering filtering through the trees. The sounds pierced through his skull, causing his head to pound and his stomach to turn. The wild cat turned to the outcries. John paused; he didn\u2019t want to go any nearer. He wanted to run as far as he could away from the yells of pain.<\/p>\n
The wild cat waited patiently urging the Indian on. John forced his feet to move.<\/p>\n
Johns pace slowed even more as they came to a dense opaque wall. Faces of the suffering swirled and banged against the barrier. John stumbled back, preparing to run. The cougar circled his body, pushing him to the front. John stared at the wall; he looked down and noticed a wolf lying against the boundary.<\/p>\n
A small bird rested upon the wolf\u2019s rich brown fur. He gasped as the wolf gazed up; her eyes were warm brown with gold and green specks. They were so sad. The wolf considered John as if to weigh his measure, to judge him. Her beautiful head turned back to the wall. A sense of unexplainable dread overwhelmed the Indian. She had judged him and found him wanting.<\/p>\n
The bird began to flutter her small wings; she beat them faster rising her body in the air. The humming bird swooped down and around the wolf\u2019s head urging her to look up. The bird dodged the canine\u2019s haphazard snap. The cougar approached the wolf, lay down on his belly and softly mewed.<\/p>\n
The humming bird flew, buzzing down at the wolf. With a dejected incline of her head, she acknowledged the cat\u2019s inquiry. The canine labored to her feet, moving closer to the wall of souls. Her muzzle penetrated the barrier; the bird swooped in closer, her wings fluttered through the energy field.<\/p>\n
The wails lessened. Suddenly, the wolf turned and leapt on to the path, responding to the cougar\u2019s request. The humming bird swooped down and around the wolf\u2019s head, in constant movement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are Cordelia\u2019s spirit animals?\u201d John asked in awe. Who was Cordelia that her spirit animals could not only withstand the suffering cries, but could ease the souls’ pain?<\/p>\n
The cougar\u2019s wise eye\u2019s confirmed the Indian\u2019s question. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d John looked around searching for the young woman. John had never heard of power animals being present in a dream place with out their human counterparts.<\/p>\n
The cat mewed and bounded after the wolf and bird.<\/p>\n
John didn\u2019t understand, but he followed.<\/p>\n
The wolf slowed and started to bark. The humming bird shot off towards the trees. In seconds, she was back flying in circles around the wolf.<\/p>\n
John stared as a tiger peered through the greenery. The great cat lumbered on to the path, snarling. The bird buzzed down, pecking the cat, then soaring up in the air. The tiger growled up at the bird, as she dove again, the bird swerved and pecked again. John could swear that the bird was laughing. He glanced at the wolf; she was sitting on her back legs, her jaws opened in a wide toothy grin.<\/p>\n
From behind the tiger hopped a rabbit. The rabbit wrinkled his nose at the big cat. The tiger moved his much larger body to let the rabbit pass. The humming bird swooshed down, brushing her rapidly beating wings against the animal\u2019s fur. The rabbit twitched his ears, flicking the small bird away. The bird ignored the movement and continued to caress at the fur.<\/p>\n
John couldn’t decide if either one of their actions were done in affection or annoyance. With a nose wrinkle, the rabbit took long leap away from the bird, landing in front of the beautiful wolf. The rabbit waited, wiggling his whiskers. With a gentle yap, the wolf got to her feet and moved ahead. The humming bird returned in a flash to her hovering position over the wolf\u2019s head. The rabbit hopped quickly along, the tiger moved in behind the rabbit.<\/p>\n
The cougar ushered John along the path, behind the small group of animals.<\/p>\n
The wolf\u2019s pace slowed to standstill and she whimpered softly. The humming bird fluttered and buzzed furiously, heading in and out of the trees. The wolf\u2019s soft sighs and the beating of the humming bird\u2019s frantic wings were the only sounds present in the forest. The rabbit and the tiger sat and waited.<\/p>\n
John attempted to step onward, he was curious as to what had caught the animal\u2019s attention. The cat moved closer to the Indian, his sturdy body blocking John\u2019s movement.<\/p>\n
John started to tense as the soft noises magnified the utter stillness of the others. He didn\u2019t know what he became aware of first the twin glowing orbs piercing out of the darkness or the rumble of a harsh growl filling the air.<\/p>\n
Slowly, a huge, coal- black male wolf glided out of the trees. The male canine wasn\u2019t as large as the tiger, but almost. The wolf was huge, the biggest that John had ever seen. There was absolute no color to the animal, other than the black fur that covered his powerful body. Except gold, the wolf\u2019s eyes burned deep gold.<\/p>\n
The female wolf gave a joyful bark. The dark beast turned his noble head, giving the other wolf a reverent look. The humming bird soared into the sky, only to shoot back down directly towards the black wolf. The beast\u2019s eyes tuned into the rapidly descending bird. John moved forward, afraid that the wolf\u2019s great jaws would snap the little bird into two.<\/p>\n
The cougar\u2019s body pressed harder against the Indian preventing his movement. The tiger and rabbit glared at John. John\u2019s eyes widened he never thought that a rabbit could be considered dangerous, but the hare\u2019s gaze was definitely one of warning.<\/p>\n
The humming bird swept back up, then dove again, circling and buzzing around and under the wolf\u2019s muscled legs, then flying up to flutter only inches from the beast\u2019s jaws. The dark wolf stood absolutely still, not endangering the little bird in anyway. The humming bird took off and again made fast spirals around the wolf\u2019s large head, finally she landed on his muzzle. The tiny bird and the wolf stared at each other intently.<\/p>\n
With a quick flutter and brush of her wings the humming bird took flight, swirling her way back to the chocolate colored wolf, taking her place again above the female wolf\u2019s head. The beast\u2019s golden gaze never left the little bird until it reached the other wolf. Piercing gold eyes met warm brown ones. John did a double take, he could have sworn that giant canine had smiled. But that was impossible.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, the black beast flashed his gaze to the Indian. A dangerous snarl rolled from his throat. With grace and strength, the wolf menacingly stalked towards the man. Just as suddenly, the rabbit hopped in from of the advancing wolf. The rabbit wrinkled his nose and flicked his ears at the great animal. The wolf scowled at the smaller animal.<\/p>\n
In amazement, John watched the rabbit stand, extending his body to all of 1 \u00bd feet, twitching and moving any an all parts of his body that would wiggle. With each low snarl the wolf made, the rabbit\u2019s fidgeting became more pronounced in an almost lecturing manner. The wolf listened for a moment, then glared at the hare. The dark animal moved past the smaller animal, careful not to hurt the rabbit.<\/p>\n
Without warning, the humming bird buzzed wildly up in the air and swerved to take a kamikaze dive towards the wolf, then she veered up at the last moment. The tiny bird took another dive, skimming the wolf\u2019s body. The female wolf barked loudly and nudged her muzzle in a disapproving manner at larger male. With what could only be described as a frustrated growl, the large beast turned away from John.<\/p>\n
The female playfully bumped into the male, barking happily. The black wolf gave a disgruntled snort and led the way up the path. The female ran up behind him teasing and nipping at his heels. The humming bird buzzed rapidly between the wolves never staying above one for long. The male strode forward, ignoring the two\u2019s antics. The female continued to bark, finally after getting no response from the male, she sat and started to groom herself. The humming bird stayed with the female buzzing in one place. The male wolf hesitated and barked once. The female ignored him, finding great interest in licking and smoothing out her rich fur.<\/p>\n
The rabbit and tiger, who had been slowly following, stopped. The rabbit stood impatiently patting his foot on the ground. The tiger shifted his great bulk uncomfortably from side to side.<\/p>\n
The male let out a long-suffering grunt and slowly turned back to the female. He strode over to her and sat on his hunches. He barked softly, reaching out his noble head and stroked it along side of the other wolf.<\/p>\n
With a pleased yelp, the beautiful wolf stood on all fours and bounded ahead. The humming bird once again began to buzz back and forth from wolf to wolf. The male quickly overtook the female.<\/p>\n
The rabbit and tiger looked at each other. The rabbit twitched his whiskers to the tiger and the cat responded by rolling his head and getting to his paws.<\/p>\n
John looked questioningly at his spirit guide for some explanation to the scene he had witnessed. The cougar merely started to follow the other animals. Confused, John took after them.<\/p>\n
Soon, the group emerged from the forest into a rolling meadow.<\/p>\n
\u201cSon,\u201d the wise one called.<\/p>\n
\u201cWise One,\u201d John fell to his knees.<\/p>\n
The ancient Shaman shook his head. \u201cThere is no need and no time.\u201d He motioned to the brown wolf and the humming bird to come to him.<\/p>\n
The black beast growled, threatening the ancient Indian. The tiny bird circled the dark wolf twice before going to the Shaman. The female barked and rubbed her head against the growling animal. With a quick nudge, she ran after the bird to join the sleek jaguar at the Shaman\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
The black wolf snarled and bared his fangs, but did not move.<\/p>\n
The shaman studied the beast, then turned to John. \u201cLook to them, now. They are our hope. They will come.\u201d He pointed to the fierce coal-black wolf, the rabbit and the tiger.<\/p>\n
The scenery around John began to dissolve. Wooden walls flickered, at first weakly, then solidifying. John struggled to awake. John tried to concentrate and adjust to the merging physical world. But it was difficult, his mind felt disoriented, his jaw ached and his whole body shook violently.<\/p>\n
John slowly opened his eyes. A face stared back at him. John gasped as his body shook again, the force of the motion hurting his whole being, threatening to pull him apart.<\/p>\n
The face that had been staring intently at him winced and turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, stop,\u201d Wesley pleaded. \u201cHe\u2019s waking up. We need him alive remember.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a growl, the force that had been damaging his body stopped. John turned and stared into deep fierce brown eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessor,\u201d a voice called.<\/p>\n
John turned back to the first face.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Wyndham-Price?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, yes, Professor, we need you to wake up.\u201d Wesley answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, man, you better or Angel will take a go at it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
John searched for the new voice. He eyes widened as he recognized Gunn.<\/p>\n
John scooted back away from the men in the cabin. He stared at them processing their appearance. Wesley was standing next to Gunn, each of them looking at him and then to Angel. Angel stood off to the side watching, the inner violence apparent in his motionless body.<\/p>\n
John had found the rabbit, tiger and the dangerous beast. Now, John just had to get them to help him.<\/p>\n
Chapter Forty-one<\/b><\/p>\n
Cordelia struggled in and out of consciousness. Cordelia groaned trying to focus. But it was hard. Her mind hurt, her body hurt her toes even hurt. What was wrong with this scenario? Cordelia tried to think.<\/p>\n
Okay, Angel, he was the last thing she really remembered. He was ordering her out of the hotel. Being all bossy and unreasonable\u2026. and a little scary. Where was he? She needed him. Cordelia slowly opened one eye; she winced as the small movement aggravated the banging of her brain up against her skull.<\/p>\n
Fine, she acknowledged with a grumble, Angel wasn\u2019t around. Okay, what else? Cordelia scrunched both of her eyes tighter, willing the pounding in her head to cease. Cordelia gulped a deep breath of air. Not only was her head pounding, but also her stomach was woozy and wheeling, she was going to be sick, majorly.<\/p>\n
What was wrong with her? Why was she so ill?<\/p>\n
John, she thought. He had taken her to a diner, fed her coffee\u2026and her world then became even freakier than just Angel being all mean. John had drugged her. And then, the old Indian had drugged her again. And the old guy had the bad taste of showing up in her dream.<\/p>\n
Then the old guy got himself killed by a very tough and nasty acting demon.<\/p>\n
Oh boy, was that real or was that a dream. Cordelia wasn\u2019t sure. She suppressed the aches in her head and body. Okay, she sighed. Cordelia opened one eye, again and looked about. She quickly closed it. She wasn\u2019t in the diner, or the weird smoked filled room that the old Indian had been in, and she wasn\u2019t in her dream place.<\/p>\n
Cordelia took a deep breath and opened both eyes. She was in a small dark room with concrete walls and floor. There were no windows or any sign of light. This was even more bizarre and freaky than everything else she had experienced or had she just imagined it.<\/p>\n
Damn, Cordelia needed somebody to tell her if this was a dream or real. Her head was still so fuzzy. Well, she thought, a scream always got attention before. So, she yelled.<\/p>\n
The door flew open. A thin bald man stood in the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, you are awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2026.What?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStill under the influence,\u201d The man turned to go out the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, wait,\u201d Cordelia struggled up to a seated position. \u201cWhere am I?\u2019<\/p>\n
The man stared at her and said proudly, \u201cYou are with Bathym.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh, who\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBathym, the great, the all powerful, the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCut the laying it on thick,\u201d Cordelia retorted. She shimmed up the wall, her hands grasping at her head. \u201cJust stick to Who, What, and Where? I\u2019ll even forgo the How for now. Answer one or all, but answer,\u201d she glared at the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you are sufficiently awake\u201d The man left.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, duh,\u201d she screamed lunging at the closing door. Cordelia rammed up against the solid barrier. Her body fell crumpling to the ground.<\/p>\n
She held her head as she pushed herself off the floor. Okay, she was awake; this was real, she thought as she patted at her aching limbs. So, she was somewhere unknown, being held captive by someone unknown. Cordelia fell back on her backside, crunching up her legs.<\/p>\n
How was she supposed to be saved if no one knew where she was? How was Angel supposed to find her? She didn\u2019t know where she was, how could Angel?<\/p>\n
Okay, Cordelia Chase, she thought, maybe it was time too save yourself, without the help of Angel. Damn it, she pounded on the ground. She was really mad at the vampire, but she would give real money, a lot of real money, if he barged through that door right now. Cordelia looked up expectantly at the door.<\/p>\n
She grumbled, no barging, no any damage, the vampire wasn\u2019t there. Okay, if she couldn\u2019t have Angel, then she would at least like to know why she was trapped in a dark, dank cell. And why a boney, skinny dweep of a human had the key.<\/p>\n
Chapter Forty-two<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cLittle girl, you are awake, good,\u201d bellowed Bathym. The large human shaped demon entered the room. Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened as she recognized the demon that had killed the old Indian in her dream place.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s your definition of good?\u201d Cordelia retorted. \u201cNevermind, who are you? What do you want? Eww,\u201d she screeched involuntarily as she witnessed the demon\u2019s long spindly tail whip out from behind his body.<\/p>\n
Bathym ignored the girl\u2019s outburst and leaned in to look at the necklace around Cordelia\u2019s throat. \u201cI\u2019ve been waiting for this moment. This necklace is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, no. The necklace is mine.\u201d Argued Cordelia, scooting further away from the demon.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t a descendent of the Wise One, the necklace is not yours.\u201d He claimed, snaking his long serpent tail around Cordelia\u2019s waist dragging her closer. He grabbed at the piece of jewelry, pulling roughly at the necklace.<\/p>\n
\u201cEww, and like you are,\u201d she retorted, glancing at his long wiry tail. Owww, stop,\u201d Cordelia cried, clutching at the demon\u2019s arms, wiggling her body against his tail\u2019s tightening coiling hold.<\/p>\n
Bathym dropped his grasp. Cordelia fell to the ground her hands rubbing at her throat. The necklace still firm around her.<\/p>\n
The demon hissed and reached again for the necklace. He tugged and pulled with all of his strength. Cordelia\u2019s body moved with each of his yanks. She choked and yelled at each pull. The necklace wouldn’t budge.<\/p>\n
\u201cInconceivable,\u201d the demon raged, his tail snapping in the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, wrongo. It won\u2019t come off so stop your manhandling,\u201d gasped Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Bathym leaned in reciting some obscure words. A flash of blue light hit the necklace instantly a white light reflected it back. The demon grunted as the flare burst in his eyes. Bathym blinked. The young girl had been thrown up against the wall, but she still wore the necklace.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gasped and choked, bringing her body up again against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d the demon raged. \u201cInconceivable.\u201d Bathym struck out, a knife suddenly appearing in his hand. The knife penetrated Cordelia\u2019s chest. She screamed as the sharp blade sliced into her body.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stood slumped against the wall. She watched in shock as the blade entered and exited her chest. . Amazement replaced the shock as a glowing white light pierced through the wound, slowly the wound began to heal it\u2019s self.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are you,\u201d the demon screamed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is every one messing with me, then asking that? \u201c Cordelia gasped, falling again to the ground.<\/p>\n
The demon spit at the young woman then snapped his fingers. Instantaneously, the skinny human appeared. \u201cYes, Master,\u201d the man said timidly.<\/p>\n
\u201cReinfold, she is a descendant of the Wise One.\u201d He yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is?\u201d the man said in disbelief. \u201cUm, I don\u2019t think so. I checked,\u201d the skinny human defended. “The old Shaman only had one son, John Red Bear. He\u2019s the only direct descendent of the Wise One, now that you have, well killed his father.”<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has to be. I can\u2019t take the necklace or kill her.\u201d the demon demanded.<\/p>\n
Reinfold shrugged. \u201cI do not understand, Oh, imperious one.<\/p>\n
Master, let me try,\u201d begged the human. \u201cI could cut her head from her shoulders, then the necklace would have to come off.\u201d<\/p>\n
The demon considered the suggestion. \u201cI don\u2019t know, if she is protected then you can\u2019t kill her either. As one of my followers you couldn\u2019t harm her. But\u2026Try it, what can it hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Whoa, it could hurt a lot,\u201d Cordelia yelled. Cordelia glanced at the now healed wound on her chest. How would that work if her head were off her neck? Would her head pop back on and start to reattach itself? \u201cNo way,\u201d she yelled scrambling back further up against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo it,\u201d ordered Bathym.<\/p>\n
The human strode over to Cordelia. He grabbed a handful of hair and yanked, pulling the young girl up to her feet. With a quick flick of his wrist, he drew the knife across Cordelia\u2019s skin. As each cut dug deeper, the white light healed.<\/p>\n
Cordelia struggled wildly against his grip, tears falling at each slice. The blade cut through her neck like a carving knife through a piece of holiday meat. The sounds of her flesh being ripped echoed in her ears. Cordelia choked in pain as each gash appeared and disappeared.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough,\u201d Bathym yelled angrily. \u201cSome how she is protected, she cannot be killed by my power. Leave her,\u201d he stormed out the door. The human tossed Cordelia to the floor, locking the door as he followed his master out.<\/p>\n
Cordelia curled in a small ball, her body convulsing in agony. Her hands reached up to touch the torn flesh. Her fingers tingled as the lacerations continued to repair themselves. Cordelia rapidly swallowed then gagged as rising waves of nausea flowed through her body. Cordelia crouched on all fours her body jerking harshly as she threw up blood and bile. Her stomach finally empty, she curled up in the fetal position, her arms clutched tightly around her body, trying to contain the violent shaking that racked her aching body.<\/p>\n
Cordelia sobbed as her body and mind, overwhelmed by the trauma shut down.<\/p>\n
#
\nBathym angrily paced back and forth. \u201cInconceivable,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaster, you keep using that word, I don\u2019t think it means what you think it means.\u201d Reinfold turned purple at the demon\u2019s glare. \u201cUm Master,\u201d he tried again, \u201cpossibly we could hire someone to kill her. Someone that has not the wisdom to follow your powerful being.\u201d He bowed effusively.<\/p>\n
The demon stopped his pacing and studied Reinfold. \u201cPossibly,\u201d he nodded. \u201cThough, such attempts have failed before on those that possessed the necklace. No,\u201d he pondered. \u201cNo, the charm protects its wearer from my powers and influence. But, there must be a way to retrieve the necklace.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAccidental death, random killing\u2026Maybe we could leave her out in the red light district or in demon town. Someone or something would probably kill her.\u201d The human suggested helpfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cToo uncontrollable,\u201d Bathym negated. \u201cWe have to be sure of the girl\u2019s death and the retrieval of the necklace.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaster, how did the previous shaman\u2019s die? I mean, if you weren\u2019t able to kill them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNatural causes. The wear and tear on their puny human bodies as they used the power to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The gaunt human nodded. \u201cHow about if I just keep wounding her over and over again, until she well, dies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would take too long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut, Master you have waited so long, what\u2019s a while longer,\u201d the puny human reasoned.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d he roared. \u201cThe necklace is mine. I\u2019ll not wait. There must be a way. The son,\u201d Bathym\u2019s voice trailed, his eyes glazing over. \u201cThe son is attempting contact the Wise One.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a cloud of smoke the demon disappeared.<\/p>\n