{"id":9974,"date":"2016-10-01T17:08:59","date_gmt":"2016-10-01T16:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=9974"},"modified":"2018-09-02T10:02:25","modified_gmt":"2018-09-02T09:02:25","slug":"getting-to-know-you-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2016\/10\/01\/getting-to-know-you-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting to Know You. 9"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Notes: 2 <\/b>Okay\u2026this is basically the real script of Becoming I with certain changes \u2013 sorry to have to do this, but as it happened, and will happen more or less as originally written. It WAS mainly about Buffy, so be prepared for the rest of Becoming to be VERY brief . This fic is going beyond S2, so I don\u2019t wanna drag it out too much where B\/A is concerned.]<\/em><\/span>
\n *******<\/b><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Part 9<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Later…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you’re sure this was the tomb of Alfalfa?\u201d Buffy, once more composed, directed her question towards her Watcher.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAcathla. And yes, the information provided by Kendra’s Watcher seems conclusive.\u201d He replied, straightening up from the table as Willow walked out from behind the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c Okay, somebody explain the whole ‘he will suck the world into Hell’ thing, because that’s the part I’m not loving.\u201d She shuddered delicately, her face showing the fear that had risen at the information Giles had shared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the, uh,” he put on his glasses, “the Demon Universe exists in a dimension separate from our own. Giles perched on the edge of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith one breath, Acathla will create a vortex, a-a kind of, um… whirlpool that will pull everything on Earth into that dimension, where any non-demon life will suffer horrible and… Eternal torment.\u201d He added slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that would be the literal kind of ‘sucked into Hell’. Buffy smiled nervously. \u201cNeat.\u201d Then frowned and turned towards the redhead.\u00a0\u201cWillow, I think you should try the curse.\u201d Kendra, the visiting Slayer, folded her arms – glancing towards the dark haired youth before speaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tend to side with your friend Xander on this one. Angel should be eliminated.\u201d He was just another Vampire in her eyes, and she couldn\u2019t see a problem. Buffy glared at her hard, then rose to her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I’ll fight him. I’ll kill him if I have to. But what if don’t get there in time, or if I lose, then Willow might be our only hope.\u201d Her chin lifted angrily towards the other Slayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t *wanna* be our only hope!\u201d Willow spoke up, trembling, her eyes dilating fearfully. \u201cUh, I crumble under pressure! Let’s have another hope.\u201d She begged nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have.\u201d Kendra pulled a sword from her bag and held it up. \u201cBlessed by the knight who first slew the demon.\u201d Giles looks at the sword, intrigued. \u201cIf all else fails, this will stop it.\u201d Giles approached her quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOoh. May I? May I?\u201d he took the sword from the Slayer, looking at it more closely. \u201cThank you.\u201d He glanced towards the trembling redhead. He really didn’t agree with going through with the curse. How could Buffy expect him to go along with the reacquisition of the soul? But then… what if…?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow close are you to f-figuring out the ritual of the curse?\u201d he asked with marked reluctance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Willow hesitated uncertainly before retrieving her backpack. \u201cI need about a day, and… \u201d Picking up some papers and reading them, \u201can ‘Orb of Thesulah’? Whatever that is.?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles handed the sword back to Kendra and headed towards his office.\u00a0\u201cSpirit vault for rituals of the undead. I’ve got one. He flushed slightly, \u201cI-I’ve been using it as a… paperweight.\u201d He added before disappearing into his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel has a ritual of his own to perform before he can remove the sword and awaken Acathla. With any luck, it should take some time.\u201d Giles returned with a glass orb in his hand. The bitter hope that the vampire was dust before either ritual could be completed still lingered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy just stared at it as he handed it over to Willow, desperate hope glittering in her wide eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

*******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Spike paced in his room, then he heard Dru coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpike?\u201d He quickly got back into his chair just before she came through the curtain over the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpike, my sweet! The fun’s about to begin.\u201d She giggled softly, and then followed as Spike wheeled himself out of the room and head for the main hall\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

When they got there, two vampires dragged in a young man, barefoot and bare-chested with his hands tied behind his back. They dropped him to the floor before Spike, Angelus and Drusilla. Angelus walked forward and began speaking softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will drink… the blood will wash in me, over me, and I will be cleansed. I will be worthy to free<\/span>
\nAcathla.\u201d He looked towards the blonde Vampire. \u201cBear witness…\u201d his dark eyes then rested briefly on the brunette, \u201cas I ascend…\u201d facing forward he morphed into his game face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I become.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He grabbed the man by the hair and lifted him up, holding his head at an angle to expose his neck. He roared before biting the young man hard and fast on the throat, and drank deeply. Pulling away, he brushed his hand across the wound and dropped the corpse. Looking at the blood on his hand. He lowered it and walked slowly toward Acathla.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything that I am, everything that I have done, has led me here.\u201d he intoned softly. Reaching Acathla, Angelus gripped the sword protruding from it\u2019s chest, with the bloodied hand and pulled \u2013 but it didn\u2019t move; instead, a bright red flame burst from it, throwing him back and onto the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone wasn’t worthy.\u201d Spike sang sarcastically as Angelus rose to his feet angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it!\u201d he snarled, causing the fledgling Vampire to back away in fear. Drusilla began to wail hysterically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is so… disappointing!\u201d she moaned dramatically. Angelus ignored her and paced around Acathla.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere must be something I missed. The incantations, the blood… I don’t know!\u201d he growled under his breath. Spike unsuccessfully attempted to stifle a snicker, hiding his mouth with his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d Dru whined pathetically, glancing between the two Vampires. Angelus stilled abruptly, a cold, cruel smile forming on his pale mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s time we paid a visit to an old friend of mine.\u201d A delicious shiver ran down Dru\u2019s spine at his menacing tone, whilst her dark eyes filled with hope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ll have our Armageddon. I swear!\u201d he promised, the smile widening into an evil smirk. Spike shivered; but unlike his love, the Blonde Vampire felt only annoyance.<\/span><\/p>\n

-And fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Everything was going crazy \u2013 and so wrong that the Slayers head spun with emotions of fear, anger, grief and despair.<\/span>
\nKendra was dead by the hands of that crazy Vamp, Drusilla; Xander had suffered a broken arm and probable concussion \u2013 Willow was unconscious with a severe head trauma; and Giles was missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add that to being arrested under suspicion of murder, then escaping and not knowing where to go; and Buffy\u2019s traumatic state of mind was completely understandable.<\/span><\/p>\n

After walking along yet another sidewalk, she\u2019d finally been apprehended by a police car, and was about to confront the Officer who approached her cautiously with a gun, when he was attacked and landed unconscious on the hood of his car.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello cutie.\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Angelus lay on the floor facing the prone body of the Watcher, slowly grinning unpleasantly when the man moaned softly, his eyelids flickering before opening. The dark Vampire felt a surge of satisfaction as the dazed expression turned to shock, then fear as their eyes met.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Rupert. I wasn’t sure you were gonna wake up. You had me worried.\u201d He rose lithely to his feet and waited, outwardly relaxed as the man shakily climbed to his knees and stood up shakily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want? He asked as strongly as he could. Giles refused to give into the all-consuming fear that dampened his chilled skin with sweat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to torture you. I used to love it, and it’s been a *long* time. I mean, the last time I tortured somebody, they didn’t even *have* chainsaws.\u201d Angelus\u2019 expression remained bland as he spoke lightly; his lip quirking infinitesimally as the stench of uncontrolled fear drenched the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

He strolled past Giles and made his way over to Acathla. Giles turned to watch him warily, and saw the stone demon with the sword protruding from its chest. He swallowed tightly; the sound drawing Angelus\u2019 attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah. Acathla. He’s an even harder guy to wake up than you are. I mean, I performed the rituals, said all the right phrases… blood on my hand. Got nothing. Big doughnut hole for my troubles. I figure you know the ritual. You’re pretty up on these things. You could probably… tell me what I’m doing wrong.\u201d Angelus paused and approached the Watcher silently, then adding:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut honestly, I sorta hope you don’t… \u201cComing to a halt directly in front of him, a smile that would have put a Great White to shame curled his lips. \u201cCause I *really* want to torture you, Watcher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe’s got your Watcher. Right now, he’s probably torturing him.\u201d Buffy stared at the Blonde Vampire with a mixture of shock and wariness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spike\u2019s assurance that he wanted Angelus gone made a weird kind of sense as he reeled off his reasons; getting especially emotional when Drusilla was mentioned. Now finding out Angelus had Giles and was probably torturing him as they spoke made her come to a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hate you.\u201d Spike could see her expression becoming resigned even as she said it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m all you\u2019ve got.\u201d He replied shortly\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Willow woke slowly, her head thumping like crazy and feeling swollen. Her first thought when she opened her eyes was where her boyfriend was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026is everybody else okay?\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

The third time Rupert Giles passed out, Angelus left the great hall and ascended the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening the door of his bedroom, his dark eyes immediately rested on the bed and its occupant who would open those gorgeous hazel eyes within the next twenty-four hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exquisite brunette seemed to be sleeping peacefully; her lustrous hair spread out on the pillows and the covers tucked up to her chin. Walking silently over, Angelus reached down and grabbed the soft material, straightening and sweeping the covers from the bed and onto the floor. Several minutes passed as he just stood there, his amber-tinged eyes drinking in the delicious golden face and body laid bare before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pushing down his arousal ruthlessly, Angelus finally turned away and approached his armoire. Opening the doors, he reached inside and removed a red satin, knee-length wrap over dress and a pair of delicate matching sandals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Placing the sandals carefully on the floor at the foot of the bed, he then removed the dress from the padded hanger and undid the ties at the side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as I prefer you the way you are, sweetheart, you need to be prepared for your big day.\u201d Angelus spoke conversationally, as if the unconscious girl were really listening to him, and proceeded to dress her carefully, his hands lingering on her satiny skin and stifling the disappointment of covering her beauty from his devouring eyes\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what, mum? Why don’t we go inside, and, and we can talk about this.\u201d Joyce Summers just stared at her daughter perplexed. After the visit earlier by the Police, she knew this could only be more bad news.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m, I’m not sure how I feel about this.\u201d She began hesitantly as Buffy started toward the door, with the strangely pale Blonde following her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy paused, and turned around to face her. Suddenly a vampire rushed across the porch, pushed her and Spike aside and jumped down the steps towards Joyce threateningly. She screamed in fear and back-pedalled rapidly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy grabbed him by the shoulders from behind and forced him around to face Spike, pulling out a stake while Spike gave him a series of punches to the face. Spike’s last blow sent the vampire spinning around and staggering away. Buffy thrust the stake into his chest, and he instantly crumbled to dust<\/span><\/p>\n

Joyce just stood there, staring mutely in shock. Spike stepped down from the porch and looked at the pile of ash.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of Angel’s boys.\u201d His voice clipped yet coldly casual.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, probably watching me. Or you.\u201d Buffy replied just as casually, adding to Joyce\u2019s growing shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. He won’t get a chance to tattle on us now.\u201d Spike almost smiled in relief. If this minion had escaped, his betrayal would have been revealed, and his plans fucked completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBuffy… what… is going on?\u201d Joyce finally managed to find her voice; confusion joining the gamut of emotions spinning through her dazed mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy looked at her mother for a moment, exchanged a look with Spike and realized sickly that the time for hiding her vocation from her mother had ended. Stepping up to her mom and looking up at her, the Slayer hoped against hope for understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMom… I’m a Vampire Slayer.\u201d She stated baldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joyce just blinked her eyes, raised her brows and shook her head in complete dismay\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna try again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Willow sat in the hospital bed with Oz sitting in a chair drawn as close as possible. Xander found a chair against a wall and slouched in it, his good arm resting on his thigh as he watched his childhood friend with deeply concerned eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The redhead was naturally pale \u2013 but right now her face was ashen, and the dark purple bruise on her temple stood out angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry what?\u201d her boyfriend asked curiously. Oz was pretty much in the dark about what was happening; but he knew it wouldn\u2019t be long before he found out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe curse. We never got to finish it.” Giles had been slower than a tortoise preparing everything. She knew deep down that he hadn’t been at all happy about the whole thing, but still… “Maybe we *can* restore Angel’s soul.\u201d The young Witch\u2019s voice trembled wearily, but her tone was determined.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don’t like it, Will. And You’re talking about messing with powerful magic And you’re weak.\u201d Xander didn\u2019t see the point in it all- he just wanted the Bastard put in the ground. What does it matter if he\u2019s souled or not?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m okay.\u201d Willow assured him as strongly as was possible, but the teenager just shook his head firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t look okay.\u201d His eyes again took in her pallor and still dazed eyes. \u201cLook, it’s not a good idea.\u201d He added tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s no use arguing with me. Do you see my resolve face? \u201c Willow put every ounce of energy into her thready voice. \u201cYou’ve seen it before. You know what it means. This can help Buffy. If we turn Angel back soon enough, we can stop him from ever awakening Acathla.\u201d She explained her reasons logically. This was not the time for grudges- even if the were completely understandable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I pretty much missed out on some stuff, didn’t I?\u201d Oz rose to his feet. \u201cBecause this is all making a kind of sense that’s… not.\u201d He added quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oz, can you go to the Library and get my things. Xander will tell you what I need, and fill you in on the way out.\u201d Willow asked him softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure. \u201dHe kissed her hand and walked towards the door, pausing to look over towards the other young man, who got to his feet. Willow stopped him before he could join Oz.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cXander, go to Buffy. Tell her what we’re doing. Maybe she can stall.\u201d She instructed breathlessly. Xander shifted uncomfortably under her firm gaze. He didn\u2019t want Buffy to stall. He wanted it over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cResolve face.\u201d Willow pointed at expression and kept her large dark eyes firmly on him until he sighed heavily and looked down at his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful.\u201d He finally replied and then left\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Angelus always thought of himself as a patient Vampire. Until now, that is.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Watcher had broken fingers, cracked ribs and bruises coloured his face and probably his whole body along with fresh and dry blood – but still the man refused to tell him what he needed to know. When he was finally ready to give in to the urge to snap his neck by painful degrees , Giles surprised him by agreeing to tell him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn order… to be worthy…\u201d Giles paused to catch his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d Angelus whispered, crouching in front of the broken man slouching in the chair he was tied to, and waited in anticipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must perform the ritual… in a tutu.\u201d He ended weakly. Giles watched numbly as the Vampire\u2019s brown eyes flared to gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

He truly hoped that the Bastard would just kill him, as he was beginning to crack \u2013 he decided then that he\u2019d rather be dead than be responsible for the pain and torture of every human on the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angelus froze for a long moment, and didn\u2019t miss the hope for a quick death in the Watcher\u2019s hazy eyes. As much as he wanted to kill him, he held back and instead straightened up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet the chainsaw.\u201d He threw over his shoulder towards one of the fledgling Vamps standing by the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, don’t let’s lose our temper.\u201d Spike appeared in the doorway, lounging in his wheelchair lazily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep out of it, sit ‘n’ spin.\u201d Angelus snarled coldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, you cut him up, you’ll never get your answers.\u201d Spike reasoned, ignoring his sire\u2019s insults. He\u2019d heard worse and it gave him hope that Angelus was distracted enough for him to pull off what he had planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince when did *you* become so level-headed?\u201d Angelus turned to face him, a slight sneer on his mouth as he looked down at his Childe disdainfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight about the time you became so pig-headed. You have your way with him; you’ll never get to destroy the world. And I don’t fancy spending the next month trying to get librarian out of the carpet.\u201d Spike paused, then added: \u201cThere are other ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEnlighten me.\u201d Angelus shrugged carelessly. He knew Spike was a lot sharper than he let on, and it was one of the reasons the older Vamp kept him around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d Spike glanced behind him. \u201cDrusilla? Sweetheart?\u201d His voice automatically softened. She came in behind him and walked gracefully towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to play a game?\u201d Spike asked with a grin. Dru wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and then they both turned their heads to look over at Angelus\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBlood. Of course. The blood on my hands must be my own. I am the key that will open up the door? My blood?\u201d Angelus considered the strange revelation for a moment then turned to the door. \u201cKill him.\u201d He ordered emotionlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spike promised the Slayer that the Watcher wouldn\u2019t die. Although he didn\u2019t give a flying fuck, if it happened, and she found out before he had a chance to escape with Dru\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, but what if he’s lying?\u201d he called to the retreating back of the Vampire, who then paused for a second before continuing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t \u2013 one more for Hell to welcome with open arms.\u201d His cold reply drifted back towards the couple as he disappeared out of sight\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy walked up the deserted street towards Angelus\u2019 Mansion at a determined pace with the sword she\u2019d retrieved from the library wrapped in a cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly Xander came running out of the bushes on the hillside and jumped into the street in front of her. Startled, she took a reflexive step back, and fell into a defensive stance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cXander!\u201d Buffy relaxed and glared annoyed at the young man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCavalry’s here. Cavalry’s a frightened guy with a rock”, he held up said large rock, \u201cbut it’s here.\u201d he grinned nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy held out a stake silently, and Xander tossed the rock aside and took it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s better.\u201d He flashed another weak grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re not here to fight.\u201d Buffy started walking again. \u201cYou get Giles out, and you run like hell, understood? I can’t protect you.\u201d She pulled the cloth from the sword then flicked a dark look towards him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m gonna be too busy killing.\u201d She turned away before he could see the sheen of tears in her eyes. Xander looked down uncomfortably and instead focused on the sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, that’s a new look for you.\u201d He remarked as lightly as he could. Witty remarks usually helped in situations like this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s a present for Angel.\u201d Only, they\u2019d never been in this situation before, so he dropped the usual banter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWillow.\u201d Xander paused awkwardly. \u201cUh, she told me to tell you…\u201d Again the words wouldn\u2019t move past his lips. He really didn\u2019t want to let down Willow, but at the same time\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what?\u201d Buffy stopped her hurried walk to face him, her expression pathetically hopeful. Xander swallowed hard, and then shifted his gaze to a point over her shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKick his ass.\u201d He muttered, shoving the guilt deep and forcing a weak smile on his paling face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without a word she continued walking. Xander hesitated a moment and then followed behind…<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Angelus had begun the ritual.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAcathla… Mundatus sum… pro te necavi. Sanguinem meum… pro te effundam…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre we ready?\u201d Willows voice still bore a slight tremor, but her expression was firm…<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy crept quietly behind the Vamp that guarded the door- but was looking at the spectacle within the room rather that keeping watch. She raised her sword and decapitated him with a single swing. He crumbled to dust as his head fell to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drusilla and Angelus, hearing the almost imperceptible noise, turned their heads to look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, lover.\u201d Buffy gazed back at them, keeping her expression as blank as the dark Vampire\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t have time for you.\u201d He dismissed her in a bored tone. Buffy stiffened in anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t have a lot of time *left*.\u201d She retorted tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing on kind of strong, don’t you think? You’re just a Slayer, not a God. Do you really think you can take us all on?\u201d He sneered insultingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don’t.\u201d she returned quietly. As long as she remembered this\u2026monster wasn\u2019t her Angel, she had a chance of succeeding. But it didn\u2019t make her feel any better about what she had to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spike, directly behind him, got up out of his wheelchair with a determined look on his face and whipped him hard across the back with a crowbar. Angelus gasped out in pain and collapsed to the floor. Drusilla twisted her head to look at Spike in shock. He continued to whale on Angelus as hard as he could. Buffy ran towards Drusilla, but the other minion vampire attacked her.<\/span><\/p>\n

She spun around to face him, but he punched her and she fell to the floor. Tripping him when he came at her again Buffy manoeuvred to her feet, ready to fight. He came at her again with a series of punches, all of which she easily blocked. Spike kept pounding on Angelus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPainful, isn’t it?\u201d He asked conversationally, enjoying every minute of it. Bastard<\/span><\/p>\n

As he continued with his attack, Drusilla freaked, and jumped on his back, taking him down to the floor with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy’s assailant swung a backhand punch in her face, and she staggered into a chair by the wall. She quickly recovered to block another swing, brought her knee up into his gut and kicked him in the face, knocking him to the floor. She spied a pile of broken wood fragments and went to it. The vampire got to his feet just as Xander came into the room and surprised him with a punch. Buffy picked up a suitable piece of scrap wood and got back into the fight. Xander backed off to go look for Giles. The vampire ducked a roundhouse kick and blocked another kick.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spike and Drusilla got up from the floor and face each other off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t want to hurt you, baby.\u201d He pleaded softly, but she grabbed him by the throat and shoved him into the wall. He slapped her arm aside and punched her in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn’t mean I won’t.\u201d He added gruffly\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Willow cast her stones and gave Oz his cue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuod perditum est, invenietur.\u201d Oz read and waved the burning herbs and incense with surprising ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

[Translation: What is lost, return.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot dead… nor not of the living. Spirits of the interregnum, I call.\u201d Willows voice echoed around the quiet hospital room\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Xander pushed aside a curtain to another room and found Giles still tied to a chair, his head tilted back and slouched limply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGiles!\u201d he gasped, shock by the state of the Watcher \u2013 but at least he was alive, he thought, relieved. \u201cGiles!\u201d he repeated firmly, a little louder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles lifted his head slowly. Xander crouched behind the chair and began to untie the ropes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cXander?\u201d Giles sounded delirious as his eyes flickered open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you walk?\u201d The teen let out a breath of relief at the sound of the man\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re not real.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I’m real.\u201d Xander frowned in confusion, struggling with the knots in the rope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s a trick. They get inside my head, make me see things I want.\u201d Giles explained emotively. Dropping the untied ropes, Xander walked round the chair to face the groggy Watcher.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why would they make you see me?\u201d he asked, quirking his brow. Giles stared hard at the boy, then sighed heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re right. Let’s go.\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy and the vampire were still fighting when they struggled though the hall and escaped from the Mansion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drusilla swiped at Spike with her hand and left four parallel scratches across his cheek. She followed up with a punch that knocked him to the floor. Angelus woke up and groaned in pain. He rubbed a bloodied hand over his eyes and looked up at Acathla.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting to his feet, he went over to the demon. Just as Buffy finally dusted the Vampire, Angelus had taken the last few steps to Acathla and had grabbed the sword stuck in his chest by the hilt with his bloody hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

A blindingly bright light emanated from it, and Buffy looked up from her kill in time to witness Angelus pulling the sword from the demon’s heart. With a few telltale sparks the light was suddenly gone. Angelus whipped the sword around in his hand and held it up to look at it. Buffy scrambled to get her own sword. Drusilla looked up from her fight and gazed at Acathla with a crazed smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh… Here he comes,\u201d she whispered, giggling softly; and then Spike came up behind her and grabbed her around the throat with his arm, choking her\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGods, bind him. Cast his heart from the… evil… realm.\u201d Willow chanted weakly, her breath coming out in gasps. Oz watched her anxiously\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy held up her sword and faced off with Angelus. He held his own confidently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou almost made it, Buff.\u201d The deliberately false admiration made her want to throw up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s not over yet.\u201d She warned him tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy boy Acathla here is about to wake up. You’re going to Hell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSave me a seat.\u201d She thrust at him with her sword\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReturn.\u201d Willow panted tiredly; \u201cI call on…\u201d her gasps become harsher.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWillow? Are you okay?\u201d Oz asked worriedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without warning Willow’s head snapped back and she looked up with her eyes wide open. Her head snapped back down and her eyes stared into the Orb. She began to chant steadily in Rumanian as though possessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTe implor, Doamne, nu ignora aceasta rugaminte.\u201d[I implore you, Lord, do not ignore this request.]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNici mort, nici al fiintei…\u201d [Neither dead, nor of the living…]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLasa orbita sa fie vasul care-i va transporta, sufletul la el.\u201d [Let this Orb be the vessel that will carry his soul to him.]\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Deep thundering growls and noises came from Acathla as he began to wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spike continued to apply pressure to Drusilla\u2019s throat; she began to lose consciousness and slumped over in his arms. [I know; Vamp\u2019s don\u2019t breath, duh! JW Cannon!<\/em>]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, baby. Wish there was another way.\u201d When she began to fall he caught her, lifted her into his arms and started to carry her out.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the way he passed the doorway to the atrium and glanced outside. When he saw them he stopped to take a better look. Buffy was backing up against the wall without her sword while Angelus slowly and deliberately advanced on her holding his.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGod, he’s gonna kill her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched for another moment, then shrugged and headed for the garage with Drusilla. As he passed the stairs, he glanced up, hesitated, and then shook his head. He couldn\u2019t help the little bit now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Either way she was damned.<\/span><\/p>\n

He sighed and carried on his way hurriedly\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Angelus played with his sword, idly pointing it at Buffy. She looked up at him, frightened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that’s everything, huh? No weapons… No friends… No hope.\u201d He taunted coldly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy closed her eyes and steeled herself for whatever was coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake all that away… and what’s left?\u201d Cruel satisfaction lit up his obsidian eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

He drew the sword back and thrust it directly at her face. With lightning-fast reflexes she swung up with both arms and caught the blade between the palms of her hands. She opened her eyes and met his.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe.\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAsa sa fie! Asa sa fie! Acum!\u201d [So it shall be! So it shall be! Now!]<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy kicked high and hit Angelus full in the face. He fell backward into Acathla and landed on his knees before her\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAcum!\u201d [Now!]… …<\/span><\/p>\n

****<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

As he was attempting to rise to his feet, Angelus cried out and clutched his chest, eyes flaring with a white glow just as buffy raised her sword for the killing blow…<\/span><\/p>\n

*******<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia’s eyes opened slowly, her vision blurry at first, so she blinked hard a couple of times to clear them. Several long minutes went by before she recalled the event prior to falling asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAngel! Angel?\u201d she shot upright and looked around the darkened room anxiously, her heart racing on finding herself alone yet again. Were they already in Hell? And if so, why did everything feel just the same? And where the hell was Angel? Had he left her? So many thoughts ran through her terrified brain as she hugged her knees close to her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a while Cordelia calmed down and took stock of herself: Slightly sore throat. Check. and – wth?!<\/em> . A great stonking bite … ookay, not that big, <\/em>graced her inner thigh. She didn’t recall Angel doing that!\u00a0<\/em>Relieved to find herself clothed\u00a0\u2013 one\u00a0good<\/i> thing. Fingering the silky material Cordelia blushed when she also realised it was the only<\/i> thing she wore. Feeling pretty miffed\u00a0\u2013 which was an emotion she could thankfully recognise with comfort, she finally slid off the bed and walked cautiously to the closed door. As she did so, her eyes fell on the red sandals placed neatly on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once they were on her feet, Cordelia continued to the door and nervously tried the handle; it opened beneath her trembling hand. Angelus!<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

The thought of the evil Vampire had her skittering back a few feet, clutching her chest frantically. What if it was another trap? \u201cNo, Cor- Angel’s back, remember? He’s probably downstairs having blood cocktails; or whatever Vamps get drunk on, grieving over Buffy\u2026That doesn’t sound like a bad idea.\u201d She muttered, her eyes filling with tears as she recalled his news. Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, Cordelia used every ounce of Queen ‘C’ to contain her rapidly fragmenting control. This was not the time. First she had to find Angel.<\/span><\/p>\n

As she descended the stairs, Cordelia shivered from the chill of the dark old building, and the eerie silence. After twenty minutes checking every room, and jumping every two seconds, she finally stood uncertainly in front of the terrifying stone Demon statue she’d come upon in what looked like a main hall. \u201cWhere the hell IS<\/i> everyone?\u201d she cried out fretfully, her eyes almost accusing as she again glanced at the statue.\u00a0It looked to her like Angel had abandoned her.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time she’d found the lobby, \u00a0partially sun-drenched since the front doors were wide open,\u00a0\u00a0Confusion warred with fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Was this Hell?<\/span><\/p>\n

It didn’t look any different. No distant screaming, no demons to be found; not including the creepy statue. Maybe Angel HAD managed to close the vortexy thing after all? “He’s probably gone off somewhere to get over B-Buffy” she muttered with a catch in her breath. Don’t worry about me, I’ve only had a major crapfest that ended up with me getting off with the Slayer’s hand-me-downs.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordelia felt the smallest twinge of shame, recalling Buffy’s grisly death. “another trauma to add to the list. I \u00a0so need to get home … if it’s still there?” With one final look around, she stiffened her spine and walked as confidently as she was able through\u00a0the open door, a fragile determination in every line of her face and body as she stepped out into the bright sunshine and made her way down the overgrown drive\u00a0\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 10<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[Notes: 2 Okay\u2026this is basically the real script of Becoming I with certain changes \u2013 sorry to have to do this, but as…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-to-be-continued-fic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9974"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9974\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}