Chapter Forty-seven<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, Angel what is it?\u201d yelled Wesley, running down the basement stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d he called again. Wesley jerked to a stop at the sight of the vampire, his demon face firm, and his gold eyes flashing in some on known horror, crying the word no, over and over again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Wesley called hesitantly.<\/p>\n
The gold eyes connected with the nervous and concerned eyes of Wesley. They closed. When they opened, they were the normal deep brown of the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait around here any longer.\u201d Angel strode to the trap door to the sewers, pausing only to gather his sword. He couldn\u2019t tell Wesley about his dream. It didn\u2019t mean anything, it couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Wesley jumped out of the way. \u201cCall, if you find anything,\u201d he reminded the retreating vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel marched through the dank sewers trying to push aside the terrors of his dream. It was just a dream, a dream manufactured by Bathym; he tried to convince himself. Angel had a soul. A soul that would never harm Cordelia. He could never harm her.<\/p>\n
He loved her. Angel stumbled back at his desperate acknowledgement. Angel did love Cordelia. Truly and overwhelmingly. A sense of relief swelled through out Angel. He did love her. That proved the dream false, he thought, trying to push aside his earlier doubts.<\/p>\n
Yet, even though he loved Cordelia, he had still hurt her, more than once since he promised to always protect her. Maybe he should have told Wesley about the dream. No, it was just a dream. But, he couldn\u2019t shake the fear that no matter what his feelings for his seer were; he was still a demon, a vampire, and a killer. His uncertainty grew stronger.<\/p>\n
Angel growled, forcing his self-doubts down. He could concentrate on only one goal and that was to find Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Chapter Forty-eight<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cMaster?\u201d Reinfold asked as the demon suddenly materialized before him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was easier than even I had imagined. The vampire will do it. Have you done what I ordered.\u201d The demon demanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, all Oppressive one, but master\u2026I have a question,\u201d the human timidly asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, what is it,\u201d the demon rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, well, how can the demon help us if you corrupt his soul?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCorrupt? I\u2019m not influencing the demon\u2019s soul. I\u2019m only showing him that he has no real choice. I am only helping him realize his true self. His soul will be lost, not corrupted. And I can\u2019t very well influence a soul, if it doesn\u2019t exist anymore now can I?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, oh High One, superior plan.\u201d Reinfold said profusely to the demon. He wasn\u2019t at all sure what the demon meant, but he did know that it was the appropriate time to bow and scrap.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, have you done what I have commanded.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Oh Omnipresent One, every demon in the surrounding area now know where the girl is located.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent.\u201d The demon cackled.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, Gunn,\u201d Angel ordered storming back into the hotel. He had a most informative two hours, not to mention bloody. \u201cUnderground warehouse, 5th and Center.\u201d Angel roared, not stopping until he reached the weapon\u2019s cabinet.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou located Cordelia,\u201d questioned Wesley urgently.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded, stuffing every sharp instrument in the cabinet on his body. He picked up a large deadly axe and turned his friend. \u201cNow,\u201d he ordered going towards the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d Wesley nodded hurriedly. \u201cGunn.\u201d He threw an axe at the black man who was now standing behind Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Gunn nodded catching the weapon. \u201cAre you coming,\u201d he called to John.<\/p>\n
The Indian nodded, still surprised by Angel\u2019s sudden appearance.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Wesley answered, tossing the Doctor another axe. \u201cAngel will obviously take the lead, but use this to cause as much or any damage to the demon that you can,\u201d directed Wesley.<\/p>\n
John nodded and followed Gunn and Wesley out the door. Angel was waiting impatiently in the car.<\/p>\n
Chapter Forty-nine<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel drove in silence to 5th and Center. He pulled sharply up into the curb. \u201cThe entrance is over there,\u201d he finally spoke.<\/p>\n
The others nodded in unison and got out. The group went to the covered entry.<\/p>\n
Angel ripped the steel plated door from its hinges. \u201cDown.\u201d<\/p>\n
The others followed stealthy.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The group emerged into a dark, damp tunnel. Angel moved ahead with ease, the blackness not preventing him from seeing his way. Wesley switched on his flashlight.<\/p>\n
The men traveled for a while, the silence was not reassuring, but deafening in its stillness. Finally, they came upon another doorway. With the same ease as earlier, Angel tore off the barrier. The entrance opened into an underground chamber.<\/p>\n
Angel effortlessly dropped to the floor, his sword in hand as he stood up from his leap. Wesley and the others scrambled down, using their hands and feet to descend.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich way,\u201d whispered Wesley as he reached the ground. The room had several tunnel openings attached along its sides.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid it\u2019s this way,\u201d boomed Bathym. He loud voice expanded through the empty space.<\/p>\n
The group tensed and moved fluidly, arranging themselves back to back, their weapons poised and ready.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpressive, but meaningless,\u201d the demon called, his huge body entering the chamber. With a raise of his hands and a flash of light, Wesley, Gunn and John disappeared.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, vampire, it\u2019s just you and me.\u201d Bathym called, inching closer to Angel. Angel stood tense, ready for battle.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove the hostility. We\u2019re alike you and I. I\u2019m more powerful, of course, but the core of evil is the same. Come join me,\u201d the demon beckoned, in a burst of light they were transported from the large chamber to a small cell.<\/p>\n
\u201cSee, anything you like,\u201d taunted the demon.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d a small voice called from the darkness.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Angel rushed to the sound of the weak sound. He fell down his hands grasping at the frail body. His eyes blinked back the fear and rage he felt as she studied her. There were no signs of physical injuries, but the form in his arms felt weak and fragile.<\/p>\n
Her once dark, luscious hair was limp and dull. Cordelia\u2019s eyes reflected the numerous terrors and pains she had experienced over the last couple of days.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d he whispered drawing her gently into his strong protecting arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew you would come, I did,\u201d she cried burrowing her head into his broad chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cSweet, but not real,\u201d Bathym commented. \u201cCome demon, you must realize it, this is a dream of a dream. A dream of what you can never have. You are a demon.\u201d He taunted, extending his powerful arm out to reach for the vampire.<\/p>\n
Bathym jerked the vampire from Cordelia\u2019s embrace holding him up in the air by the cuff of his neck.<\/p>\n
\u201cResistance, is futile,\u201d the demon chuckled. He slowly brought his other hand against the struggling vampire\u2019s chest. \u201cFeel your power,\u201d he beckoned. \u201cEmbrace it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel tensed as the demon\u2019s touch drew out and strengthened the evil in his soul. The darkness expanded, encroaching over all the goodness that rested there. Angel winced as the battle for his soul began.<\/p>\n
Cordelia braced herself against the wall, pushing herself to her feet. \u201cAngel,\u201d she whispered as watched his demon face flicker on and off.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing to him?\u201d she demanded of the demon.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, just re-introducing the demon to his real self, that\u2019s all,\u201d Bathym chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you can\u2019t, he has his soul, you can\u2019t take it away. What you are doing is in no way the big joyful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoy,\u201d Bathym puzzled. \u201cWhat\u2019s joy got to do with it? It what\u2019s he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel can\u2019t lose his soul, not without the big happy\u201d she demanded, looking worriedly at the struggling vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cLose? To lose surmises that he has something to mislay or something he failed to maintain. He never had a soul not really, just a dream, a hope. A hope that I\u2019m showing him doesn\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what you are talking about and I don\u2019t care. Angel,\u201d she called running towards him. \u201cAngel, fight it, whatever is happening, fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel could hear Cordelia\u2019s plea. He wanted to yell to her everything would be okay, that he would save her, but his voice wouldn\u2019t answer. The darkness was filling his soul, the evil growing upon itself. Angel tried to concentrate on Cordelia.<\/p>\n
He tried to picture the dream of their power animals playing together in a loving game, on the peace that imagine granted him, the strength it gave him to believe. But a sardonic laugh pounded through his skull. It was Angelus.<\/p>\n
\u2018Hope,\u2019 Angelus laughed. \u2018Remember the rest, remember me,\u2019 the evil smirked. Suddenly, Angel saw his spirit animal attacking, mutilating Cordelia\u2019s spirit guides. \u2018This is you, me\u2026this is what we are,\u201d Angelus raved. \u2018Feel the glory of the kill, taste the blood, accept who we are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s scream of no, strangled into a scream of pain. Bathym laughed in triumphant, tossing the vampire to the side.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat have you done,\u201d Cordelia screamed rushing to Angel. Her hands reaching to clutch at his chest. With a sudden burst of thought and love, she willed the healing energy into the still vampire.<\/p>\n
Tears ran down her face as she felt the evil and darkness swarming and taking over Angel\u2019s soul. She pressed in harder. She visualized the white light forcing back the darkness. Her tears fell harder as agony filled her being at the onslaught.<\/p>\n
Cordelia fought the pain willingly, as the white light started to conquer the damage that Bathym had invoked.<\/p>\n
Without warning, Cordelia gasped in pain, as her wrists were forced backwards. Angelus pushed harder on the joints, as his eyes shot open.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, little girl, not enough juice,\u201d he smirked pulling Cordelia towards his body by her strained wrists. \u201cGod, you\u2019re beautiful. The pain, the fear on your lovely, lovely face is intoxicating.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d whimpered Cordelia, struggling against the vampire\u2019s hold. \u201cAngel,\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry. Gone, gone and nevermore.\u201d Angelus shot to his feet never letting go of Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Angelus contemplated the other demon. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?\u201d chortled Bathym. \u201cI can\u2019t kill her, but you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy should I? I don\u2019t follow you. You may have been able to release me, but I\u2019m not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, and I don\u2019t want you.\u201d Acknowledged the larger demon. \u201cBut, just as easy as I brought you forth, I can destroy you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVampire, in the grand scheme of evil, you are nothing. A speck, but a useful speck. I have a bargain for you. You want to remain loose, I want the necklace. You can get that for me and I can let you exist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus growled at the demon\u2019s arrogant words. No one threatened him. Angelus tossed Cordelia to the ground and charged at the demon. Bathym deflected his blows easily.<\/p>\n
Cordelia concentrated on the pain in her wrists, trying to ignore the battle around her. She tested their movement. Once she was able to move them with only an intense, but bearable pain, she crawled to the open doorway. She stalled at the entrance, glancing to the empty hallway beyond and back at the fighting demons.<\/p>\n
Angelus was taking the worst of the beatings, but the vampire was still standing, attacking the demon viscously. Escape, her mind screamed. Stay, her heart begged. She had to try to reach Angelus; she knew that she could restore Angel\u2019s soul. She just had to touch him and maintain that touch. She couldn\u2019t leave him.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough,\u201d Bathym roared. He unsuccessfully tried to hide that the pain that the vampire had caused to his body.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot likely, I\u2019m having a grand time,\u201d retorted Angelus limping towards the demon.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said enough,\u201d the demon bellowed. His tail shot out behind him capturing Cordelia and swinging her body in front of his.<\/p>\n
\u201cVampire, you do have power, I\u2019ll give you that, but I have her,\u201d Bathym called. His tail tightening around Cordelia\u2019s body, squeezing the breath from her body. \u201cA trade that\u2019s all I want. I\u2019ll give you her, your so-called whatever soul seemed to cherish this girl\u2026all I want in return is the necklace around her neck. Once the exchange is made, I won\u2019t bother you and you won\u2019t bother me. This town, these humans will be yours to play with. I have mine own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus growled, staring at the limp girl in the other demon\u2019s grip. Cordelia Chase, Angel\u2019s love. Angelus did want her, what fun he could have with her. Doing all things that Angel denied himself from doing, and more. \u201cThe necklace can\u2019t be removed,\u201d he stated his eyes never leaving Cordelia\u2019s form.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not while the girl is alive, but you can kill her. You have no allegiance to me. Take your time, enjoy yourself, but when it\u2019s done the necklace is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what if I don\u2019t want to give you the necklace.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no reason for you to keep it. It will do you no good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know a quick healing tool could come in handy,\u201d Angel smirked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe power of the necklace will never work for you. It won\u2019t work for me either, but I can destroy it, once she now longer has it. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapter Fifty<\/b><\/p>\n
Angelus stood back and contemplated the larger demon. Deal? Angelus first reaction was to charge at the demon, again. Resume the battle that had already been started.<\/p>\n
But? Could he win? Angelus thought so, but he wasn\u2019t sure. Bathym was powerful, very powerful. And it hadn\u2019t escaped Angelus\u2019 notice that the demon had the ability to move people around in a poof.<\/p>\n
So, what were his options? Fight the demon and maybe lose, thereby never having a chance to play with Angel\u2019s love. Refuse the deal and fight. Who knew, maybe the other demon was telling the truth? But did it matter?<\/p>\n
Angelus\u2019 philosophy was to live and live for the moment. And the moment and acceptance of the deal gave him Cordelia and a chance in the future to kill the demon. Now? And he could possibly lose. Or later and still possibly lose, but in the middle he could play. \u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, a wise decision. Then I\u2019ll let you alone with your toy of choice,\u201d Bathym laughed and uncurled his tail. Cordelia went spinning, smacking against the concrete wall. \u201cOh, and demon,\u201d he started.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe name is Angelus,\u201d the vampire corrected.<\/p>\n
\u201cCatchy. But, Angelus, stay here until the transaction is complete. Will you? Because if you don\u2019t, I will have to exert some energy to find you. And we don\u2019t want that. Because I\u2019ll find you. See I have been in your dreams. Once there, I\u2019m only a hop, skip and jump away. So, don\u2019t take the prize and run. There\u2019s no point in it. Trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelus raised his brows. \u201cLike hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPoint taken, but realistically speaking, I don\u2019t want what you want. You want the girl and the humans around her. I only want the necklace and my humans. So, there is no need to kill each other.\u201d Bathym acknowledged.<\/p>\n
Angelus slowly nodded. Whatever, the vampire thought. Angelus looked around the dark cell. He could get out of there when and if it became necessary. He would take the easy way out for now.<\/p>\n
Chapter Fifty-one<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley groaned as he lifted his body off the ground. \u201cGunn, John,\u201d he called weakly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere,\u201d answered a groggy John.<\/p>\n
A moan raised from the corner.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn?\u2019 Wesley cried in concern. He rushed to the sound. \u201cGunn,\u201d he called again, gently shaking the body he found crumpled to the side.<\/p>\n
\u2018Ow, whoa, yeah,\u201d Gunn struggled to get up, grabbing at Wesley\u2019s hands. \u201cEnglish, I\u2019m okay. What happened?\u201d Gunn scooted up to a seated position.<\/p>\n
\u201cBathym has the ability to transport beings. We were transported,\u201d explained John.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, the demon has the ability to transport men from one place to another,\u201d confirmed Wesley. \u201cHe must have done that to us.\u201d Wesley looked around, studying their surroundings. \u201cBut, we are still underground. And I\u2019d wager not far from where we originally were. Either he can\u2019t control it, or he wasn\u2019t concentrating, or he didn\u2019t think we were much of a threat. I\u2019d like to think it was the first.\u201d Wesley added.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo now what?\u201d asked Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe start moving back,\u201d Wesley replied. \u201cI think it was that way. I think I recognize that stain on the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that blood?\u201d Gunn asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cCould be, but it isn\u2019t ours, so?\u201d Wesley responded.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, just trying to get a grip on my surroundings. Lead the way, Bugs, we have family to rescue,\u201d answered Gunn.<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded. \u201cJohn, you still with us? I think the exit is that way.\u201d Wesley pointed to the opposite direction that he and Gunn were heading.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m with you,\u201d John stated simply.<\/p>\n
All three men nodded and headed onward into the dark tunnel.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cMaster, should we leave them alone together,\u201d questioned Reinfold, fidgeting all over, waiting for the demon\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo harm,\u201d the demon affirmed. \u201cThe girl is almost dead or soon will be and the vampire, Angelus, well, if he leaves without giving me the necklace, he will die.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you are sure.\u201d The human bowed and scraped.<\/p>\n
Chapter Fifty-two<\/b><\/p>\n
Angelus moved around gazing at the crumpled body of the girl. He let out a disappointed sigh. It was no fun if she was unconscious, he growled.<\/p>\n
The vampire leaned down next to Cordelia gently cradling her body in his arms. He slowly caressed her cheek, whispering words of encouragement into her hair.<\/p>\n
Cordelia start to stir. Angel, her mind cried out. She could feel his touch and gentle words. Her eyes flickered opened expecting to see her vampire\u2019s warm brown eyes. \u201cAngel,\u201d she gasped, clutching his strong body closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh,\u2019 Angelus whispered. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, darlin\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes shot open. \u201cYou, oh god no,\u201d Cordelia struggled against the vampire\u2019s hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, darlin\u2019 it\u2019s me,\u201d he grinned winningly. Angelus pulled and pushed her body up against the wall. He licked his lips as he stared Cordelia up and down. \u201cOh, the soul-boy was an idiot,\u201d Angelus declared, running his hands across her body.<\/p>\n
Cordelia flinched. She closed her eyes. She could do this, she proclaimed. She waited, ordering her body to stay still as Angelus got closer, pressing his body and hands along hers. She took obvious breaths and pants as she allowed him to caress her. Angelus hands reached into her torn and dirty blouse.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, little girl, did poor clueless Angel know how you wanted me,\u201d the vampire taunted.<\/p>\n
\u201cMMmm,\u201d Cordelia whimpered, reaching her sprained hands to the vampire\u2019s chest. \u201cPlease,\u201d she whimpered, wiggling her hips under Angelus\u2019. The vampire groaned and moved closer. Cordelia sighed, and thrust her hands directly against his chest, willing, wishing, and loving as much as her heart could stand. The energy flowed quickly into the vampire\u2019s chest. But not quick enough. Angelus grabbed at her wrist and threw her back against the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cTry that again and I\u2019ll snap your wrist in two. For what I want from you I don\u2019t need your hands,\u201d Angelus growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she started.<\/p>\n
The vampire swung a forceful backhand to her mouth. \u201cThe souled wimp is gone, get the picture,\u201d Angelus growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Cordelia cried as blood dripped from her lip.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Angelus said as he swooped down and captured the red drops as they fell.<\/p>\n
Angelus suckled and bit at Cordelia\u2019s lip, drawing more blood. He jerked his head up forcing himself away from the inciting fluid. Angelus showed his fangs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll will admit that I\u2019m in a slight dilemma. Do I suck you dry or do I fuck you first. It\u2019s a hard decision.\u201d His yellow eyes pierced Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Angelus grabbed at the struggling young woman. \u201cCome now, isn\u2019t this what you wanted. Oh, that\u2019s right, you wanted the wuss, but darlin\u2019\u201d Angelus bent down and placed a gentle kiss on Cordelia\u2019s forehead. \u201cAngel, Angelus, we are the same. Want one, want us both. And now, glory be, you have me\u201d he laughed, plunging his lips over Cordelia\u2019s. His tongue raping her mouth, his teeth piercing her delicate flesh.<\/p>\n
Cordelia struggled even harder, her legs and arms striking out at the overpowering vampire. She didn\u2019t want this; she never wanted this. She wanted Angel and only Angel. Yeah, so he was a vampire, somewhere down the line she had gotten over that bad aspect. But Angelus, no\u2026. she never wanted that evil demon.<\/p>\n
Knowing that Angel had it in him was enough. She accepted that but was she able to put up with it. No.<\/p>\n
Angelus felt all of Cordelia\u2019s desires and emotions. The girl was lost and more importantly she was hot. Angelus figured he should just kill her, but\u2026 She was so hot and her blood so intoxicating. Angelus wanted not only to taste her until she breathed her last breath, but also he wanted her. And if he just partook from her rich thick offerings she would be dead in the absolute sense of the word.<\/p>\n
But there was something about the young girl. Her courage, when in this particular instance was foolish, he grunted. But still, Cordelia whined, yelled, and was dangerous, powerful even, in her resistance. But in this once instance he would agree with Angel.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was pure fire. Angelus began to think that Angel had the right idea. Not the lovely, dovey.,, mushy stuff, but the other stuff. Cordelia was unique, passionate, loyal, and beautiful. All and all, excellent vampire material, an excellent mate.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are mine,\u201d he stated, his decision made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? No,\u201d Cordelia let out the loudest scream of her life as Angelus\u2019s fangs traveled towards her neck.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds like the vampire is having some fun,\u201d yawned Bathym.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich way?\u201d asked John. The dark corridors all looked the same to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis way,\u201d Wesley cried urgently as the sound of Cordelia\u2019s scream filtered through the space.<\/p>\n