Part 7<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley leaned back letting Cordelia\u2019s cold hand fall to the bed. \u201cWho are you? Why are you here?\u201d Wesley turned solemnly to the two men.<\/p>\n
\u201cWes.\u201d Gunn barged in the room, Fred close behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe that we are about to get an explanation of the recent events or so I hope\u201d. Wesley gave a discreet nod towards the axe Charles was carrying.<\/p>\n
Gunn returned the nod moving his axe in obvious view.<\/p>\n
Duncan and Methos eyed the weapon. The implied threat was obvious and one they could defeat if it became necessary but neither wanted it to come to that.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy name is Duncan MacLeod, this is Methos,\u201d the pony tailed man indicated making his decision quickly. \u201cYour friend, Cordelia Chase is an Immortal that has just experienced her first death. She will live.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan glanced back at the still form. Duncan hoped that a quick telling would help dissipate the tension in the room. The mortals many questions surely would alleviate the growing hostility that was being directed towards he and Methos.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n
The asked and unasked questions turned to gasps as Wesley, Gunn and Fred stared at Cordelia.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh dear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWow.\u201d<\/p>\n
The exclamations rose higher in volume as Cordelia choked and her body jerked to sit up. The young woman blinked taking in her surroundings and the occupants of the room. Her eyes clasped onto to Wesley\u2019s. \u201cWhy am I\u2026I\u2019m alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia struggled, her eyes searching under the bloody and torn t-shirt she was wearing. \u201cWesley, I was killed\u2026I\u2026\u201d her hands feeling for the wound that she knew had torn her flesh before everything went black, the wound that was no longer there.<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded, his eyes following her hands. \u201cI\u2026\u201d Wesley looked up. A smile took over his confusion. \u201cYou\u2019re not.\u201d He exclaimed, pulling the young woman into a tight hug.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m alive.\u201d Cordelia blinked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re alive.\u201d Wesley chuckled grabbing the woman into another hug.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa.\u201d Gunn moved closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow.\u201d Fred pushed at her glasses and tittered on her heels. \u201cAngel won\u2019t be upset now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh.\u201d Everyone turned questioningly towards the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u2019s not dead. Angel would\u2019ve been upset if he came back and she was dead, but Cordy\u2019s not. See.\u201d Fred pointed to Cordelia as the young woman pushed herself up. Fred shrugged.<\/p>\n
Geez. It was obvious. Angel wouldn\u2019t be upset now or have to run off, leaving them again to grieve. Cordelia was alive. Fred shrugged again.<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded as Gunn jerked his head, both men agreeing and grateful that particular conversation with Angel would never have to take place.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoo-hoo,\u201d Cordelia waved her hands, \u201cthoughts of the guy who isn\u2019t here, back to me- who is- and who happens to be alive when I\u2019m pretty sure I shouldn\u2019t be- even if I should be, I\u2019ve been gutted before. It hurt a lot longer than now. And why are the mysterious duo from the magic shop here,\u201d her moving hand stopped to point at Duncan and Methos.<\/p>\n
\u201c Did you do this,\u201d her eyes rested suspiciously on the strange men. \u201cDid you follow me? Am I a victim of some sort of weird ritual or something? Have you resurrected me as a monster or some demony evil thing?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened as her hands and gaze traveled along her body.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t feel like a monster. Do I look like one?\u201d her hands went to brush her face. \u201cCan you tell if I\u2019m all evilly? Or are Gorgon\u2019s like vamps, did it kill me only to turn me into\u2026Auk,\u201d her hands clamped on either side of her head. \u201cI\u2019ve only one head. Wesley, explain.\u201d Cordelia called to her friend in increasing panic.<\/p>\n
Wesley rubbed at his face. \u201cI\u2019m not sure, Cordelia. These men\u2026\u201d Wesley narrowed his eyes. \u201cYou followed Cordelia? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn moved closer his axe pushing at the air around the Immortals. \u201cFred said they came asking about you and Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture. \u201cThe word \u2018following\u2019 connotes something unsavory in nature and nothing could be further from the truth. Duncan and I did see Cordelia in the magic shop earlier today. We were there searching for a book that a friend of ours, well more like an acquaintance in my case wants for some research she\u2019s doing. While there, I noticed that Cordelia was a pre-immortal and we found out that Wesley bought the book we were looking for.<\/p>\n
The store clerk informed us that both Wesley and Cordelia were associates of Angel Investigations. So we came, found out from Fred that Cordelia was injured and going to the hospital. We thought we could help. All very simple, really.\u201d Methos smiled his hands and stance still maintaining its original submissive posture.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not really, not at all.\u201d Cordelia scooted up studying the men closely. \u201cWhat\u2019s a pre-immortal and what do you mean sensed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAn Immortal that hasn\u2019t experienced his or hers first death.\u201d Wesley answered.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot a look to the man. \u201cYou knew? What do you know? Am I a demon now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly that. Methos was, I hope, about to explain more fully, but then you woke up and we got understandably distracted.\u201d Wesley smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh. I guess that\u2019s pretty distracting. Methos?\u201d She looked at the two strangers.<\/p>\n
Methos raised his hand identifying himself to the young woman. \u201cAnd this is Duncan McLeod.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, start explaining, Methos\u2026.Methos what? Do you have last name, he does…You said so..\u201d Cordelia pointed to Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have one\u2026in my experience only pop stars, models, vampires and certain demons only have \u201cone name\u201d. You\u2019re cute, but not pop star material. Are you a vampire? Are they vampires or some other demon?\u201d Cordelia shot a look to Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoubtful… about being vampires, I mean,\u201d Fred piped in. \u201cThey both came with me to the hospital. He drove,\u201d Fred pointed to Duncan. \u201c A convertible\u2026.\u201d She pushed at her glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt looked like Angel\u2019s car. But the sun was out. Vampires can\u2019t go out in the sun, right? Like they can\u2019t come in without being invited\u2026. and here they are in Angel’s room. Did you invite them in?” She nudged her glasses at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cFred,\u201d Wesley held up a hand to gently stop her next flow of words. \u201cNot vampires. As for demons,\u201d Wesley turned and studied the men. \u201cThere are several species that can mimic human form, for example\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, all I asked was were they demons. It\u2019s a yes or no question, not an invite to go into lecture mode. Geez. I\u2019m alive again, no reason to bore me to death.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, Cordelia, I find it very unsettling that you take demon research so lightly, considering it\u2019s your JOB.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not RESEARCH Girl, I\u2019m VISION Girl.\u201d She stuck her tongue out at her friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, it\u2019s gratifying that death has given you a new founded maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.\u201d She scowled then suddenly got wide eyed again. \u201cWes, I died.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her friend hurried back to Cordelia\u2019s side, grabbing her wringing hands. \u201cI know, but you\u2019re alive.\u201d Wesley smiled gently. \u201cAnd I\u2019m very grateful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded, straightening her shoulders and facing the two Immortals. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019re demons but what are you and what am I and why is my head buzzing like crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAudio hallucinations are a sign of mental illness. Maybe you are crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia shot to Fred. \u201cCalling the kettle a little black, isn\u2019t she,\u201d turning to whisper to Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cShh, Cordy.\u201d Wesley chastised.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos leaned into to Duncan\u2019s side. \u201cI told you this was a bad idea. They\u2019re all nuts or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan didn\u2019t bother to answer his friend. \u201cMethos and I are Immortals, like you, Cordelia. The buzzing signals the presence of another Immortal. Pre-Immortal merely means you hadn\u2019t had your first death yet. Methos, because of his age could sense you before then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cImmortal? Immortal what?\u201d Wesley studied the two men.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat- What? We\u2019re Immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley shook his head. \u201cBeings aren\u2019t just Immortal- Immortality is a characteristic for certain demons, for example- vampires, and other magical or supernatural creatures.\u201d Wesley narrowed his eyes trough the rims of his glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cOr individuals that have access to dark powers and magic, rituals that require human sacrifices, primarily innocent infants and the bargaining of the individuals soul- why were you in the magic shop again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey man, no dark magic or baby sacrificing done here.\u201d Gunn moved closer his axe on prominent display.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat, just great.\u201d Methos rolled his eyes, \u201cDuncan, your good deed is going to get us killed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHa.\u201d Fred pointed accusingly. \u201cYou said you were immortal, but you just said we could kill you, so you\u2019re not immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFred, immortal beings can be killed, you just have to know how.\u201d Wesley corrected. For example, Cyclopsit- pierce their third eye, Bowinons- cut the horn located on the fifth vertebra\u2026vampires, \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, shut up.\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was merely\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Fred nodded. \u201cI should\u2019ve thought about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all right, girl, you\u2019re still getting used to all the weird shit that happens around here. Nothing is ever normal.\u201d Gunn said encouragingly. \u201cAnd, I didn\u2019t know about the eye and horn guys either, and I\u2019ve been hanging around the craziness for awhile now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but I did know about vampires. I should have used that knowledge as a basis for my conclusion, if I had I would\u2019ve come to the same conclusion as Wesley and not made such a silly statement.\u201d Fred pushed up her glasses.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuys, be quiet.\u201d Cordelia yelled. \u201cGeez, look I know I was a little freaky before, but I think its safe to assume Methos and Duncan aren’t some followers of black magic.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow can we be sure?\u201d Wesley continued to scrutinize the pair.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re missing the requisite black robes and sacrificing baby.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn\u2019t a joking matter, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho was joking?\u201d Cordelia sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me.\u201d Duncan held up his hand. \u201cExactly what does Angel Investigations – Investigate?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Cordelia asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Duncan repeated. \u201cWell, I\u2019m a bit confused by all of your reactions to finding out that Cordelia is an Immortal and well\u2026all this talk of demons, magic and vampires- you seem to believe all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuncan, don\u2019t. We don\u2019t want to know. We want to go and leave these crazy people to their imaginations.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d Cordelia sat up with her legs crossed. \u201cVampires and Demons are real.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d Wesley cautioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? They\u2019re Immortal, for god sake. Do you honestly believe that they’ve never seen a vampire before, unless they were \u2018reborn\u2019 yesterday.\u201d She shot a look from Wesley back to Duncan and Methos. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t believe that- how old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat has that got to do….\u201d Methos said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow old? Don\u2019t be a girl about it.\u201d Cordelia glared at both Methos and Duncan, her steady gaze resting on the Highlander.<\/p>\n
\u201c450.\u201d Duncan responded at Cordelia\u2019s demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow, he\u2019s older than Angel.\u201d Fred blinked.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, he\u2019s older than Angel. Now shush.\u201d Cordelia warned Fred.<\/p>\n
Duncan stared. \u201cWho is Angel? The clerk at the magic store was frightened of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe should be.\u201d Gunn chuckled. \u201cI heard about him hitting on Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, I told you just as I told Angel at the time, Walter was not hitting on Cordelia.\u201d Wesley shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Cordelia switched her glare to her friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I\u2019m not at all sure why you lied to Angel and almost got Walter killed but I do know it was a lie. Walter is a Bandox demon, he would never be attracted to you, you aren\u2019t his type.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not? Are you saying a. \u2026Whatever can\u2019t be attracted to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, that\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m saying\u2026.Bandox males like their woman to have four breasts, something even with all your charms you don\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Cordelia looked down questioningly at her ample two-only breast.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. IF you ever researched you would\u2019ve known that. Angel knew he just forgot and had to run to the rescue.\u201d Wesley shook his head in disbelief and a smidgen of disgust.<\/p>\n
\u201cEww, like I want to know how Bandyaid demons get it on. What kind of books do you read? Is that why you always lock yourself in the office, pouring over obscure yucky demon sex practices.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Wesley shot over Gunn\u2019s laughter and Fred\u2019s small gasp.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Anyway it worked, didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour plan to get Walter beat up, yeah. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel didn\u2019t beat him up, just threatened him a little.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe broke his nose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t have tried to extort money from me. I\u2019ll I wanted was him to place our cards on display.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh for god sakes, Cordelia.\u201d Wesley shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? As much money you waste in that store, he should\u2019ve jumped at the chance to help us out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFood, salaries, rent\u2026the money has to come from somewhere\u2026.and that means business which means advertising. Angel wouldn\u2019t let me try doing another commercial- so what choice did I have and why are we arguing about this now. That was over a year ago. And Angel wasn\u2019t mad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because he thought he was protecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cAw, that\u2019s so sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not, Fred. Cordelia could have gotten Walter killed.\u201d Wesley jerked to the brunette.<\/p>\n
Fred shoved at her glasses, copying Cordelia\u2019s shrug. \u201cMaybe, Cordelia shouldn\u2019t have lied, but she explained why and it is sweet that Angel rushed out to protect her honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred\u2019s eyes glazed over a little as she turned to Duncan and Methos. \u201cThat\u2019s what Angel does, protect and save the helpless. He\u2019s a champion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat ain\u2019t why our boy went busting in.\u201d Gunn snorted. His snort turned into a choke at Fred\u2019s glare. \u201cGirl, it\u2019s just that Cordy ain\u2019t ever been helpless.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has too.\u201d Fred argued. \u201cShe was helpless in Pylea\u2026. well, she was crowned the ruling Princess but she still needed to be saved and Angel saved me and he is too the Champion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Wes man, didn\u2019t we jump through that damn Portal too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCharles.\u201d Wesley grunted. \u201cCordy, please.\u201d Wesley beseeched the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Fine. Fred, you\u2019re right I\u2019ve been helpless plenty of times and Angel has always saved me, that is when he hasn\u2019t been otherwise occupied by whining blondes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u201d Wesley chastised.<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cWhatever. Sure, Fred, Angel is the champion; you don\u2019t need to defend him to Gunn. Gunn knows what Angel is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn straight.\u201d Gunn grumbled. \u201cCrazy hot to protect the oh so helpless- Barbie\u201d. The black man mumbled under his breath.<\/p>\n
Methos whispered again to Duncan. \u201cWe could probably sneak out without them even knowing. Who cares who this Angel is? Seems like a capable fellow, leave Cordelia to him. Sounds like he likes to save her. She\u2019s his damsel, let\u2019s go.\u201d Methos urged.<\/p>\n
Duncan swung around. \u201cWhat\u2019s your problem with being here?\u201d The Highlander snapped.<\/p>\n
Methos took a breath and answered as sharply. \u201cMy problem is we are in LA to get a book, not to become involved with a bunch of people, immortal included that spend their time investigating or whatever they do with demons. Not that I have a particular problem per se with demons, you leave them alone they leave you alone. But when you start messing with them you can end up dead. Do I need to remind of your last encounter with a demon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Duncan all but growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat demon would that be?\u201d Wesley said with interest. \u201cIs it an on going problem, possibly we could help? We don\u2019t just investigate- we\u2019re quite good at eradicating them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could hire us.\u201d Cordelia said brightly. \u201cUnless,\u201d she scrunched up her brow, \u201cyou haven\u2019t managed to save any money either in your long lives. What is it about that? You think after being alive for a couple of centuries you would realize that you need an investment portfolio if you aren\u2019t going rely on killing to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me?\u201d Both Methos and Duncan asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Wesley exclaimed, knowing that she was talking about Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? Whoops, did I say that out loud? Ignore it.\u201d Cordelia waved away her last statement. \u201cYou were telling us about your demon problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHave we even decided that they weren\u2019t demons?\u201d Fred asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think so.\u201d Gunn whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan hesitantly shook his head. \u201cThere is no problem. Ahriman is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAhriman?\u201d Wesley stood up. \u201cThe Zoroastrian Demon?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Methos nodded and looked back to Duncan. \u201cYou know what defeating him cost you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou defeated Ahriman?\u201d Wesley gaped. \u201cI translated\u2026. he wasn\u2019t due until 2010. You fought him? Won?\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan glared at the man.<\/p>\n
\u201cWow. That\u2019s good.\u201d Wesley nodded, not noticing the Immortal\u2019s look.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley?\u201d Cordelia asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAhriman, the Zoroastrian demon, heralded a cycle of evil that would come to earth every one thousand years\u2026\u201d Wesley stopped and looked to Duncan. \u201cYou were the Avatar?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Cordy called.<\/p>\n
Wesley turned, \u201cI translated the scroll, I thought Ahriman wasn\u2019t going to emerge until 2010, I thought that it was a battle for Angel. If what Duncan says is true, I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, how surprising, have you interpreted any of the scrolls right?\u201d Cordelia scoffed.<\/p>\n
Wesley waved away her comment. \u201cThis is good. I was worried about Angel facing Ahriman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Cordelia said clearly offended for the absent vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, Ahriman could only be defeated when the champion called found the way to defeat the demon. I could\u2019ve told Angel how, but he would\u2019ve had to be able to accomplish it. And\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe would\u2019ve, he always\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, he hasn\u2019t.\u201d Wesley countered. \u201cThe key was for the champion, the Avatar, to recognize that Ahriman\u2019s evil grows through hatred and violence. The Avatar had to reject all provocation of such emotion and accept peace as the resolution. He would have had to ignore his instincts and fear to defeat the Demon. He would\u2019ve had to believe that good could overcome evil. You defeated Ahriman,” the regard clear in Wesley’s tone as he turned back to Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHas been less than spectacular in that regard- it hasn\u2019t been that long Cordy.” Wesley faced the young woman. “And I\u2019m still not sure that he has the ability to ignore his instincts for revenge and violence, not if sufficiently provoked and Ahriman is a master at pushing buttons. It could very well have been Darla all over again, only thousand times worse. Possibly, if my calculations of the demon rising in 2010 had been correct Angel would\u2019ve been able, though it would\u2019ve taken more than one epiphany in my opinion but maybe. But, now, it is a trial that Angel doesn\u2019t have to face. Which is a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, Angel said he was sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Cordelia, he said that he was sorry for hurting you, he was frantic about how sorry he was about that, but he wasn\u2019t sorry about letting the Wolfram & Hart lawyers die. You \u2026and us, he felt guilty about, not them. Don\u2019t confuse the issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head. \u201cHe knows what he did was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Wesley admitted. \u201cBut, he doesn\u2019t really care- except how it effected you\u2026and us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Cordelia quietly refuted.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, stop. Fred, I understand her devoted hero worship, but not yours. The beast shown in Pylea wasn\u2019t the worse of Angel. We can disregard that blatant representation of his demon because Angel could. He fought it and won.<\/p>\n
But, Cordy, you\u2019ve seen him – at his worse and his best- you know. You\u2019ve seen Angel purposely ignore the mission and you\u2019ve seen Angelus. We\u2026you can\u2019t disregard that, because Angel can\u2019t -not if he wants to reach his redemption.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know he\u2019s a good man. I know he\u2019s trying now. He\u2019s sorry. He said so.”<\/p>\n
Wesley took a small step towards the young woman. \u201cHe is a good man, but he is what he is. His struggle is a difficult one, one that you can\u2019t fix by all your love and friendship, none of us can. Ultimately, it is up to him. We can only help if he lets us. But, Cordy, I\u2019m not condemning Angel to hell. I\u2019ve faith in him just as you do. I\u2019m just gratified that Ahrehim isn\u2019t a test he will have to face; he\u2019ll have enough on his path. I’m glad it\u2019s just a bit easier with that particular demon out of the way. That\u2019s all. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia smiled and nodded. \u201cSorry, I snapped at you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSince when.\u201d Wesley smiled in return.<\/p>\n
\u201cJerk.\u201d Cordelia\u2019s smile got bigger.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold on.\u201d Methos stepped up. \u201cYour Angel, the so-called champion, is Angelus- one of the most vicious vampires recorded?\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan was the only occupant of the room that registered curiosity. The other\u2019s expressions had closed into indiscernible stares.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, don\u2019t look at me like that.\u201d Methos rolled his eyes at their stony faces. \u201cI\u2019m not a vampire hunter. Your vampire\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuncan, I cannot stress how much I think we should leave this drama. This is not our game. And Cordelia, I would also suggest you leave with us. Believe me, I do not do this because I want to- you will be trouble. But consider it my good deed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell are you talking about? How do you know about Angelus? He didn\u2019t kill your family or anything, did he? You said you weren\u2019t a vampire hunter.\u201d Cordelia narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod no. I\u2019ve no problems with vampires as long as they keep their fangs to themselves. But I do have a problem with getting involved with the \u2018vampire with a soul\u2019.\u201d Methos sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow?\u201d The humans cried out.<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos?\u201d Duncan\u2019s question accompanied the other\u2019s exclamations.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac, have you been listening to them\u2026. Granted, Wesley, here, maybe have been helpful a couple years ago, when you had to face Ahriman, but still have you heard them. They reek of the Power\u2019s mess.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d Duncan asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Powers, intangible, tangible, who knows, who cares, they\u2019re a presence that have set themselves up as some sort of maintainers of the \u2018balance\u2019 of good vs. evil in the world or some nonsense. Stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Powers aren\u2019t\u2026\u201d Cordelia stopped. She did at times think that they were stupid.<\/p>\n
\u201cClose to figuring it out aren\u2019t\u2019 you.\u201d Methos nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you happen to live for a few more thousand years, you\u2019ll really figure it out. You\u2019ll realize that you can\u2019t. And that whatever you do at the Power\u2019s bidding doesn\u2019t stop anything. They don\u2019t want it stopped, they just want it balanced, and live long enough you\u2019ll see the pattern. That\u2019s why you should get out now.<\/p>\n
Its hard enough learning how accept the game you are now destined to play; it will be fatal if you remain caught up in theirs. They\u2019ll use you and then spit you out. They do it do all their champions, but you\u2026you aren\u2019t even a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos, what are you talking about?\u201d Duncan asked. \u201cStart being clear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cClear about the Power\u2019s that\u2019s an oxymoron.\u201d Methos scoffed. \u201cI\u2019ve been alive for five thousands years.\u201d He paused as all but Duncan gasped; actually Duncan had gasped a little also. Methos knew that the other Immortal was surprised that he said his age out loud.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve seen a lot. I\u2019ve also read a lot. That\u2019s how I know about the Powers and the vampire with a soul. It seems many books have been devoted to that particular subject.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley squelched his urge to interrupt and just made a mental note to ask the old Immortal about the books later.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d Methos acknowledged Wesley demonstration of will power. \u201cI\u2019ll try to make this brief, mainly because I want to get the hell away from all of you; anyway the Powers have their own agenda separate and apart from the existence of Immortals. Apples and Oranges. We live in a world they play in but they leave us alone and we leave them alone\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never heard\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you have, you just haven\u2019t recognized it as such. It takes awhile, unless they actually pop in front of you.\u201d Methos said to Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery action of evil is countered with an action of good, for every bastard there\u2019s a saint, for every threat of apocalypse there\u2019s a champion. It\u2019s a balance; it\u2019s a stalled chess game, no winner, but no loser. It\u2019s life. It\u2019s the world. It is also a crock of shit. I learned that when the Four Horsemen were chronicled on sanctified paper as the beginning of Armageddon.<\/p>\n
Well, guess what, the Four Horseman didn\u2019t end the world- we just killed a lot-, and three out of the four are now dead, so no matter what the prophecies say it ain\u2019t happening by us. But, it\u2019s the Power\u2019s game. The thing is it would be the same if they stayed out of it. But they won\u2019t. I don\u2019t know who they are or what they are but they aren\u2019t omnipotent. They are just manipulators. But that\u2019s fine. They leave us alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know that- you believe these Powers exist but how can you be sure that we are separate from them?\u201d Duncan asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause, I was the example of ultimate evil and I\u2019m still here.\u201d Methos blurted out before thinking. He stood straight at Duncan\u2019s stare, knowing that Duncan was remembering every act of destruction and death that Cassandra had recounted when telling MacLeod of her and her scant village\u2019s victimization at Methos and his companion\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo champion came and challenged us, the Four ran rampant.\u201d Methos said calmly. \u201cI was \u2018Death\u2019 and if it was truly a war between good and evil and the Power\u2019s the proponent of good, I\u2019d be gone. Ultimate evil or not, the so-called Powers left us alone to create terror, murder and mayhem over centuries, we weren\u2019t stopped by a great battle but by life and all its changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia gulped, then stared steadily at the other Immortal. Methos had been alive for five thousand years. He claimed to be ‘Death’ one of the riders of the Four Horsemen that heralded the Apocalypse in the Bible.<\/p>\n
If what he said was true, he had been truly evil. “Is that why you are scared of the Powers?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not scared.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019m not, I just don\u2019t want to be caught up in their games. I\u2019ve my own and so, now, do you. Don\u2019t confuse your vampire with me. I know what I was, I\u2019m not that person any longer, but I accept what I was. Angelus, obviously can\u2019t if he\u2019s been recruited by the Powers, he let his guilt and a promise of redemption rule him. I don\u2019t and you shouldn\u2019t. Cordelia, you are an Immortal. We\u2019ve our own game to be concerned with. When the Gathering occurs maybe then the Powers will take notice of us, but you have to live that long to be concerned with that happening. Your first priority is to survive and if you choose to stay in the Power\u2019s sphere you won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have a choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared. \u201cNo. I\u2019m Angel\u2019s seer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos stared. \u201cAre you? Remember I\u2019ve been around. I\u2019ve seen champions; I\u2019ve seen the seers that accompany them on their path. None have been human or Immortals. The one human that I know of was killed in less then a year, her brain exploded. Immortals, like I said, aren\u2019t brought into the Power\u2019s game. We can\u2019t be. We can be used at times, I imagined Duncan was with Ahriman, but we aren\u2019t long-term fodder, we\u2019ve our own priority. They know that, so they don\u2019t tap us for their continuous chess game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am too, Doyle gave me his visions, I\u2019ve had them for almost two years, my brain \u2026..It hasn\u2019t exploded.\u201d Cordy bit her lip, paling not at Methos\u2019 words but at her sudden realization- she didn\u2019t feel any pain- none. No constant ache pounding between her eyes.<\/p>\n
She shook her head. It didn\u2019t mean anything except that her Immortal healing abilities took away the pain of her condition. \u201cAngel needs me. We\u2019ve a mission.\u201d Cordelia said firmly, trying to shake away her unease.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, what is it?\u201d Wesley asked concerned at Cordelia\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d She said biting her lip not wanting to voice the fear that she couldn\u2019t stop from taking root in her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Wesley demanded as the young woman\u2019s face became ashen.<\/p>\n
Cordelia chewed on her thumbnail, avoiding Wesley\u2019s insistent gaze. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u201d She shrugged, as Wesley steady inquiry remained. \u201cIt\u2019s just that the pain is gone, that\u2019s all. It doesn\u2019t mean anything- the Powers wouldn\u2019t do that to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPain? Of course, it\u2019s gone. You\u2019ve healed. Wait\u2026The Powers\u2026The Powers wouldn\u2019t do what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTake the visions away\u2026the vision hangover, it\u2019s gone.\u201d She said softly, giving into his unrelenting stare.<\/p>\n
\u201cTold you.\u201d Methos shrugged at Cordelia\u2019s responding glare. \u201cThey don\u2019t use Immortals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley ignored the old Immortal. \u201cCordelia, when did you have a vision?\u201d Wesley tried to remember back. The last time she had a vision that he knew of was before Pylea.<\/p>\n
\u201cFred, the university\u2026\u201d Cordelia mumbled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you were still feeling the effects? That was weeks ago.\u201d Wesley said sharply. \u201cCordelia, have you been experiencing pain ever since then? Why didn\u2019t you tell us? How bad? Does Angel know? No, of course not he wouldn\u2019t have left or at least would\u2019ve told me before he left. Why didn\u2019t you tell me? How bad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Cordelia sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing, really nothing now. No pain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre these yours,\u201d Fred asked picking a small prescription bottle off the floor.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes widened. Shit. She felt her jacket pocket. Damn. She could\u2019ve sworn that she zipped them up in her inner pocket. Couldn\u2019t they have fallen out under the dead Gorgon? Cordelia took a deep breath as Wesley grabbed at the bottle.<\/p>\n
“Seltrax? Cordelia?\u201d Wesley demanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got headaches, Wesley, it\u2019s fancy aspirin that\u2019s all.\u201d Cordelia shoved back against the headboard for the first time glad Angel wasn\u2019t around to take over the yelling part of the soon to be inquisition.<\/p>\n
\u201cAspirin?\u201d Wesley practically shouted. \u201cThis is a highly powerful anti-migraine medication.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMigraine, headache, same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, this is classified as a controlled substance. You\u2019ve had a prescription since,\u201d glancing at the bottle. \u201cDamn\u2019t Cordelia, you\u2019ve been getting refills for the last six months.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, so I went to the doctors, big deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what did the doctor say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure he said more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not really. Unexplained migraines. Couldn\u2019t really tell him about the visions, now could I. He gave me the pills did some test, didn\u2019t say much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTest?\u201d Wesley said coldly.<\/p>\n
\u201cCat scans and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley closed his eyes. \u201cDiagnosis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cWesley, it doesn\u2019t matter. I\u2019ve already died and Poof, I\u2019m back, and the pain\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were dying from the visions and you didn\u2019t tell anyone?\u201d Wesley stared at the young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho said I was dying? Anyway, there was no point. Angel would get all guilty and broody. He couldn\u2019t do anything none of you could, so\u2026\u201d Cordelia shrugged.<\/p>\n
“I was going to tell him, maybe, eventually…Wesley, you are moving way off track here. The Gordon killed me not the visions. And guess what I\u2019m ALIVE. Questions should be directed to that particular little issue. Like what\u2019s this game thing?\u201d Cordelia grabbed onto another subject.<\/p>\n
Wesley glared for a full moment at the young woman and then turned to Methos and Duncan. \u201cThis condition being an immortal, will it cure any pre-immortal condition? Say, a pre-mortal has a life-threatening illness, will that condition be reversed once the person experiences his or her first death or is it still a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan looked to Methos for the answer. Methos was the elder immortal.<\/p>\n
Methos sighed not wanting to be drawn into the situation anymore than he had been. He rolled his eyes at Duncan\u2019s glare at his hesitation. \u201cI haven\u2019t heard of any pre-immortal dying from a illness. The first deaths are accidental or deliberate, never from disease. Actually, most pre-immortals are very healthy. Their immune systems as well as healing abilities are quite good, even before their first death. If Cordelia was dying from the visions, she\u2019s safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c I wasn\u2019t…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Wesley demanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWes, the doctor said that I was experiencing increased neuro-electrical deterioration, he didn’t say anything about me dying.”<\/p>\n
Wesley took a deep breath. \u201cNeo-\u2026when would you\u2019ve had us know this- after you were dead.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you, the doctor didn’t actually say I was going to die..” she started, but stopped at Wesley’s glare. “Wesley, the pain is gone.\u201d She said encouragingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are going back to the doctors, I will not be satisfied until we see new x-rays. Why, didn\u2019t you tell us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat would\u2019ve you have done, what could you\u2019ve done- nothing. Groo told me that humans couldn\u2019t survive the visions, only demons. He\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course\u2026he was part demon he could\u2019ve survived the visions- that was what the comshucking was to be about. He was going to take the visions from you\u2026Damn\u2019t Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, I couldn\u2019t give up the visions, Angel needs them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel is going to be furious when he finds out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Cordelia jumped off the bed. \u201cYou can\u2019t tell him. You can\u2019t tell him about any of it. Not even about me dying and living and stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d Wesley shouted. \u201cOf course I will tell him. As soon as I\u2019m assured about your new x-rays, I will send a telegram to the village surrounding the monastery. They have to be able to get a message to him. He will be told. \u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cYou WILL NOT.\u201d Cordelia jumped in her friend\u2019s face. \u201cYou will not throw it in his face that I got to live again and Buffy didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, that\u2019s\u2026that\u2019s just stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. It\u2019s bad enough that Angel was off saving me when Buffy died, he will not know that I died and came back while Buffy is still dead. Angel will stay where he is until he is ready to come home. He doesn\u2019t need to know. Anyway, it\u2019s already happened, it\u2019s not like he can do anything, there\u2019s nothing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d She glared.<\/p>\n
Wesley partially nodded. \u201cI won\u2019t telegram him, but when he gets back you will tell him or I will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia huffed swinging back to her former leaning position against the headboard. She would get Wesley to fully agree with her before Angel got back. It was just stupid for him to know now after the fact.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Duncan moved forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia looked suspiciously at the handsome man.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will have to tell Angel about you becoming immortal or you will just have to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordelia jumped back up. \u201cI\u2018m not leaving I can\u2019t leave Angel. He needs my visions.”<\/p>\n
“If you still have them. I\u2019m betting you don\u2019t. You haven\u2019t had them in what weeks, that\u2019s what Wesley said.\u201d Methos leaned against the wall his arms crossed, wishing he never stepped off the plane in LA.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up.\u201d Cordelia glared.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, you are an immortal. That means more than just living forever and you can\u2019t hide it, not easily and not for long, not from some one you\u2019re close to.\u201d Duncan shooting killing looks at Methos.<\/p>\n
Methos slumped further back disgusted.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2019s pretty clueless. Twenty years from now, he probably won\u2019t even notice that I\u2019m not gray.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s not about the lack of physical aging. I don\u2019t know anything about these Powers and whatever game or destiny they call for but I do know Immortals have a specific destiny that is unique to them alone. Their purpose is to survive to fight in the gathering. You are now living by a whole new set of rules. Clueless or not, I can\u2019t believe this vampire wouldn\u2019t notice you learning not only defending yourself but to kill to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKill?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s whispered word was drowned out by Wesley and Gunn\u2019s shout and Fred\u2019s squeak.<\/p>\n
\u201cKill.\u201d Duncan\u2019s dark eyes bore into Cordelia\u2019s hazel ones. \u201cThe Gathering- is the game -one that has been going on since the first Immortal came into being. For centuries, millenniums, Immortals have waited for the time of the Gathering, when the strike of a sword and the fall of a head will release the power of the Quickening.<\/p>\n
In the end, there can only be one. And as an Immortal, if you want to survive you must learn to fight and kill. There will be Immortals that live to hunt and kill you before the time of the Gathering, to narrow the field of contenders. You may want to continue your current life, but the reality is- the Game is your priority. Because the Game is how you survive. You cannot avoid it. All will be called, even those that do not wish to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Oooh, Angel isn’t going to like that at all.” Fred shook here head.<\/p>\n
“Fred.” Cordelia gasped. “Can we think outside the Angel box for a moment.” Cordelia blinked. Damn. She did like the woman, but her fixation on everything Angel was annoying. And for once in what seemed like forever, Cordelia had to think about what Duncan said without worrying about Angel and his reaction.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot her eyes back to Duncan. “You’re crazy. I’m not killing anybody because of some stupid game. Sword… fall of a head. No way am I beheading a person. Evil killing demon, okay, I’ll go for it. But na-uh.” She shook her head purposely.<\/p>\n
“I’ve never heard of Immortals or this Game. I’m afraid that I can’t believe you without some proof.” Wesley\u2019s prior acceptance was completely circumvented by his shock at what Duncan claimed. Cordelia did not die to live again to be some player in a deadly game.<\/p>\n
No one was hunting for Cordelia\u2019s head and she wasn\u2019t going to be some sort of killer. Wesley wasn’t even going to consider the truth of the stranger’s ridiculous statement until he translated it from some authentic ancient scroll or book.<\/p>\n
“Cordelia died, now she\u2019s alive.\u201d Methos shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhich only means she\u2019s not dead. \u201c Wesley countered. \u201cI can recite at least five rituals alone that can cause that phenomenon. Granted they are all truly dark in nature, but still they have been recorded. Immortals, this Game, have not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not something to be publicized.\u201d Methos rolled his eyes, not at all willing to tell the strangers how well Immortals were in fact documented.<\/p>\n
Wesley shook his head. “That’s not a valid argument. Demons, vampires, prophecies of apocalyptic import are recorded in various texts and scrolls, while not published.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know whether you believe or not, I don\u2019t care. Duncan, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos, we can\u2019t just leave Cordelia alone. We need\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have to do anything, you don\u2019t have to do anything. Anyway she\u2019s not alone. She\u2019s got all these friends,\u201d Methos waved his hand toward Wesley, Gunn and Fred. \u201cHell, she has her own vampire champion. He\u2019s a warrior, he can teach her- I\u2019m sure, he knows how to use a sword, right?\u201d Methos asked the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vampire\u2019s not here.\u201d Duncan shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2019s coming back and he\u2019s great with a sword.\u201d Fred insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe needs to be trained as soon as possible.\u201d Duncan insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s got the guy with the axe then.\u201d Methos pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn axe isn\u2019t a sword. And he\u2019s mortal. \u201d Duncan shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what, mortals have been known to fight. Can you use that thing or do you just wave it around?\u201d Methos turned his gaze to Gunn and the gleaming weapon. At the black man\u2019s angry nod, Methos turned back to Duncan. \u201cAn axe can decapitate someone as well as a sword.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not\u2026\u201d Cordelia thrust forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou will.\u201d Methos interrupted sharply.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou haven\u2019t taken my head.\u201d Cordelia refused to believe what the man was saying.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t do that. I avoid, he defends, and we don\u2019t go looking for Immortals to behead. Duncan lets go. You\u2019ve told Cordelia that she\u2019s immortal; you\u2019ve told her about the Game, you\u2019ve told her she needed to learn to defend herself. I say we\u2019re done here. Except.\u201d Methos looked at Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t happen to want to sell the Text of Baba Yaga, would you? No.\u201d Methos answered for Wesley, ignoring the former watcher\u2019s puzzled expression at his question. \u201cWell, okay then. Duncan, it\u2019s time to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe needs to know the rules.\u201d Duncan insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019ll figure\u2026fine\u201d Methos swirled around to face Cordelia. \u201cWhen you are challenged you have two choices run or fight. If you run, you better run fast and to a church. If you fight, you better be good enough, and you must fight alone. No one can fight for you or interfere with your battle. No one,\u201d Methos emphasized.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Gunn asked aggressively. \u201cI ain\u2019t standing by and letting some old maniac take Barbie\u2019s head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChurch?\u201d Cordelia piped in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s just the way it is.\u201d Methos shot back to Gunn. \u201cThe rules have to be followed, without them it\u2019s chaos and she\u2019d be branded a murderer and legitimately hunted by all Immortals. Sanctuaries would be closed to her if she cheated. Church- Holy ground of any denomination is off limits for fighting or challenging. Be a nun if you don\u2019t ever want to lift a sword or a Buddhist or whatever, just pop a tent on any Holy Ground, who cares really which denomination.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA nun?\u201d Cordelia whispered. A fleeting thought drifted through her subconscious- was Angel\u2019s obsession with convents and nuns greater than his with blondes. Wait. Nuns, convents- Angelus. Nevermind. She grunted.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, I\u2019 m not being a part of this sicko game. So there.\u201d Cordelia stomped and crossed her arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, nothing. You\u2019ve no choice, Cordelia realize it- live or die with it.\u201d Methos said bluntly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos.\u201d Duncan turned on his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Duncan. We don\u2019t belong here. She doesn\u2019t belong here, but I\u2019ve the feeling that we would never get her to realize it. She\u2019s already claimed their mission as hers. She won\u2019t believe otherwise until she realizes that the visions are gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey aren\u2019t gone. I just haven\u2019t one because Angel\u2019s not here- that\u2019s all. I\u2019m Angel\u2019s seer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you are an Immortal, the Power\u2019s games aren\u2019t yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey aren\u2019t games. We help people.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Methos rolled his eyes again. \u201cDuncan, let\u2019s get out of here. She\u2019s stubborn and won\u2019t listen, you\u2019ve done all you could.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI AM not stubborn, I just believe in our mission and I\u2019m not playing your stupid game.\u201d Cordelia huff.<\/p>\n
Wesley squeezed his eyes shut pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn\u2019t want to believe the Immortals about this Gathering thing, but to ignore the possibility of its truth could be dangerous folly.<\/p>\n
As for the possibility of Cordelia losing the visions, he could give damn as long as she wasn\u2019t dying.<\/p>\n
Wesley cleared his throat. \u201cWe\u2019ll go to your doctor tomorrow to see recent X-rays and Gunn and I will train you in the use of a sword until Angel gets back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou believe them about the Game thing.\u201d Cordelia swirled towards Wesley.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no harm in training you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will train her.\u201d Duncan said suddenly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMac.\u201d Methos pushed up from the wall he’d been occupying.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. I don\u2019t minimize Wesley and Gunn\u2019s skill, knowing now what they do, but she will need more.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMore?\u201d Wesley puffed up his chest as Gunn raised his axe again.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore.\u201d Duncan said again. \u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes or no, Angel\u2019s going to find out, right?\u201d she nodded answering her own question. “Fine,\u201d grumbling. \u201cMight as well. I wanted to learn how to use a sword anyway. But, I\u2019m not cutting anybody\u2019s head off. No way.” She glared at the other Immortals.<\/p>\n
“Angel’s really not going to like any of this,” Fred mumbled to herself.<\/p>\n