Chapter 15/?
Suddenly Xander's mouth drops open and he wordlessly stares at the doorway to the library. The others all follow his gaze to find Liena standing there in black leather pants a blue tank top that shows off her pierced navel. They all roll their eyes at the reaction Xander has. (Smack) "Ow' cries Xander grabbing his arm, glaring at Cordelia he asks, 'What was that for?"
"You pig' shrieks Cordelia
"Be glad Angel's too far away from you Xander I think he'd do a lot worse' remarks Buffy, 'And if I'm not mistaken so would Methos, Duncan, Luca, and so would I."
"Hell everyone would" growls Angel glaring at the teen for his reaction to his daughter
"Honey?" asks Luca chuckling
"Huh?" grunts Liena distractedly
"Where are your shoes?" he asks walking over to his girlfriend
Liena looks down frowning thoughtfully then looks up sheepishly, "I can't remember"
Wrapping his arms around her he picks her up and kisses her, "I'll go look for them-' he says putting her down, 'I swear sometimes I'd think you'd forget where your head was if I wasn't around" he laughs walking out the door
"Lets not have that happen shall we?" grins Duncan at the immortals sheepish look. she shrugs in response and sits down
Methos suddenly groans, "OK Liena when did you get your navel pierced?"
Liena chews on her lip thoughtfully, then smiles mischievously, "When I got my last tattoo"
Methos sighs, "I don't even want to know where it is"
"Like I'm gonna tell you Old Man" retorts Liena with a secretive grin
"Tell Methos what?" asks Luca entering the room carrying her boots
"Where her tattoo is" answers Amanda with a grin having a guess to where it is. Luca chuckles at the memory of the night she got the tattoo and the piercing.
"I wanna know" whines Xander eliciting a growl from Angel and a glare from Luca and a smack from both Cordelia and Buffy. "Hey. Watch it" cries Xander
"You know pet I would like to know too" remarks Spike with a grin receiving the same reaction from Luca and Angel plus the additional one from Drusilla
"Lets just say its somewhere neither of you are gonna ever see" replies Luca pulling Liena onto his lap he kisses her neck.
"I got it" cries Willow excitedly from the computer, receiving a laugh from everyone. "What?" she asks confused.
"Nothing Willow" answers Buffy still chuckling
Shrugging Willow returns to the table with the printouts and hands them over to Amanda.
"Where did you see these people?" Amanda asks the vampire looking over the blue prints.
"Dru and me where downstairs. I saw them briefly" he replies lighting up a cigarette
"OK' Amanda says surveying the blue prints, 'Liena I think we can..."
"She isn't listening" snickers Methos nodding his head at the two immortals seriously making out then he changes into his 'I'm older so take me serious mode' "Pay attention Liena. This could save your ass"
Liena pulls away from Luca and shrugs still watching his face as she talks to Methos, "Why? You know I always get the job done- Not like I'm gonna die Old Man" she reminds
"Fine then don't whine if you get shot- I know how much you hate dying" retorts Methos angry over his long time friends reaction.
"Damn I hate dying" she replies darkly
Buffy sighs "Your telling me- It really bites-' realizing she's going to get a reaction from Spike, 'One word Rollerboy and I will tie your sorry ass outside at dawn" she glares at the vampire
"OK luv but your the one who left it open" grins Spike
"Drownings a picnic compared to how I've died" grumbles Liena
"Yeah well out of all of you I think I've died the most times and in the worst ways" says Methos
Amanda snorts in disgust, "Considering how old you are Old Man its not a surprise"
"Out of all your deaths what was your worst ones?" asks Willow
"Shot for my first death" Richie says morosely
"Um I would definitely have to say first death" says Duncan looking lost in thoughts
Methos smacks the Scot, "Hey no memories- I would have to say first death considering I can't remember all of them"
"The time I fell off a building during one of my jobs" adds Amanda, "Hey I lost the jewelry I had stolen" she whines causing everyone to laugh
"The day Peaches killed me" growls Spike
Broodingly Angel stares at his childe, "I said sorry- but I'd say when Darla killed me"
"Getting shot" replies Luca
Liena shrugs "Lets see for me it could be all those but I would say my best death was the sixties" she tells them with a glazed look in her eyes
"OK how could you have a good death" questions Cordelia confused
Groaning Xander replies, "Cordy honey it was the 60s what was happening in the 60s?"
"Besides bad fashion?' she shrugs, 'I dunno unlike pretty much everyone in this room I wasn't even born yet" They all but Liena and Drusilla roll their eyes
"Hello Cordy what is the topic your mother told you to never do?" asks Buffy
"Wearing white after labor day?" says Cordelia. They all groan, "What that's what she always warned me against"
Chapter 16/?
Suddenly a sharp distressing cry is heard coming from Drusilla then a low threatening growl from Liena as she gets up and starts pacing, "Dru stay the fucking hell out of my head" causing the others to go on alert, "I really hate it when people get into my thoughts" she mutters watching warily as she paces angrily as the thoughts she just received replayed. The pain and anger radiating from the thought giver pounding her skull relentlessly causing Liena to growl in anger and Drusilla because of her brief foray into Liena's thoughts to whimper in pain.
"Damn what the 'ell was that?" demands Spike comforting the whimpering Drusilla, "What the 'ell did she do to Dru?" growls Spike angrily
"Dru got into her head and saw things she wasn't meant to see" answers Methos leaning forward, "Things some would say visions but they aren't. They're thoughts that someone projects to Liena."
"Whatever Drusilla saw would have to be powerful and filled with even more hate and pain then she's ever seen or even given" points out Giles
"I'm not really sure what they are like- I know she has had them for years.' Methos stops thoughtfully staring at the immortal teen as she stares off into space. Methos continues knowing that Liena is off in her own world trying to block out the thoughts careening in her mind, 'When she was a child she would wake up screaming- nobody could ever get her to tell what they were about. All I know is that she has learned to watch them with a critical eye to keep herself in control. The sound of her screaming after one of those dreams to this day terrifies me"
"What are the dreams?" asks Angel confused
"The dream taker" mumbles Drusilla
"You mean Kurlec?!" demands an angry Angel
"Yes. Somehow he was fixated on her when she was a child- before Luca became her guardian he disappeared. Her dreams pretty much ended. But she still would flash back on them and wake up screaming"
"She never told me about Kurlec entered her dreams" remarks Luca staring sadly at his lover
"Liena has always been somewhat of a loner- the only reason I knew about them was because I was around her when she had the dreams." sighs Methos
"But I thought no one could defeat Kurlec?" asks the confused Slayer
"I was the legend-' replies Liena her voice saddened by the memories. She glances at the others and looks away, "Like Giles mentioned he became obsessed with a mortal' she sighs then laughs bitterly, 'ironic huh the one he was obsessed with the one he believed was mortal who outlived him"
Buffy stares thoughtfully at the immortal before her, "So you were the one that got away"
Liena chuckles "Oh yeah not like I got far away' she growls, 'God right now I could use a bottle of vodka' she receives a glare from Luca and Methos, 'I know I swore I wouldn't drink while on the Hellmouth- God you two are paranoid- its not like I'm going to go psycho on anyone's ass just because I get drunk"
"You shouldn't be drinking its a bad addiction" admonishes Willow
Liena chuckles and replies, "I think you should be more worried about Kurlec's addictions then mine. Mine will only get myself killed- And gee I'll just return" she says sarcastically
"And Kurlec's obsession would be?" asks Giles
Liena sighs "Power, anger, hate- the normal,' growling momentarily at Methos she says, 'How the Hell did I let you talk me into giving up all my addictions"
"How many times do I have to remind you that an immortal has a worst time giving up any sort of addiction than a mortal.' he reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a bag of jelly beans, 'this should tide you over for a while"
Liena rips open the bag downing a handful of jelly beans before continuing, "I know sad I can't even have an addiction that would kill a mortal"
"You know what happens" admonishes Methos
"What happens?" asks Angel in confusion
Luca looks at Liena's father, "Unlike other immortals her addiction becomes too strong. Hell it took up 5 years after Woodstock to get her too stop using- her body craved it too much. Yet the weird thing is that she never has had a strong reaction to alcohol"
Spike snickers, "Probably something else she inherited from good ole dad"
"Cool you were at Woodstock?" asks an excited Willow
"Yeah but don't bother asking me what it was like most of the time I was either drunk or stoned.' she frowns, 'Or both"
"Or screwing every guy in sight" mutters Richie
"I heard that" growls Liena, "If you wanna keep your head avoid any comments about my sex life" suddenly Liena resumes her pacing, 'Kurlec will be a lot harder to stop. He most likely has gained more power" suddenly Liena clutches her head in pain and growls while Drusilla shrieks in pain. As fast as it happened it ended. Looking over at Drusilla Liena says, "You might want to sedate Drusilla"
Spike looks up from his position on the floor comforting Dru, "No way mate- that's not going to happen"
Liena shrugs, "Suit yourself but by the end of the day you'll be wishing you had. Besides if you sedate her she'll forget the things she's seen a lot faster. Otherwise" Liena trails off
"Otherwise what?!" demands Spike
Liena looks sadly at the two vampires, "Dru will want to do what I have wanted to do many times in the past when faced with these thoughts and memories.' she pauses then finishes, 'final death" Liena walks towards the window on the balcony and stares outside leaving the others absorbing the knowledge.
"Spike Liena is correct. I would sedate Dru if I were you' advises Methos, 'I have seen what this type of psychic connection can do to someone- especially when they receive the same disturbing images as Liena does they have a tendency to be suicidal"
"But there isn't anything powerful to sedate a vampire" points out Willow
Methos smiles at the witch, "After over 200 years of having to sedate Liena I have learned that there is a way to sedate a vampire. I sedated her vampire half one time but left her human half awake.' turning to Giles he asks, 'I'll need some herbs"
"There are some in my office and Willow has some" Giles leads Methos into his office. The others stay seated talking and contemplating what they had heard. A moment later a person appears at the library door.
"I'm looking for Adam Pearson" he announces
"That's me" answers Methos coming out of the office. The messenger hands him the envelope and walks out. "These must be the pictures I asked Joe for" he muses a loud opening the envelope he pulls out a bunch of pictures and gasps in surprise.
"What Methos?" demands a worried Duncan looking at his friend
"I called in a favor to Joe to get some pictures of who is around. The Immortals around are the ones that can never win the game."
"So whose around?" asks Amanda looking at the pictures she gasps then calls, "Liena get your ass down here there's something you might want to see."
"Coming' Liena calls walking down the steps, 'What Amanda I was having a good sulking moment" she growls at the blonde Immortal
Rolling her eyes Amanda replies, "You can continue it after you check this out" she hands the pictures to Liena whose eyes grow round with surprise
"God damnit what is with my ex's not staying dead" she growls
"It kind of doesn't help that you have pretty much slept with every Immortal there is" reminds Amanda
"First I haven't slept with every Immortal- I never slept with Duncan, Methos or Richie. At least not sober enough to remember. Second all of these guys were mortal that last time I saw them"
"So now they are vampires pet" muses Spike holding the catatonic Drusilla
"Great just what we need Liena's ex's as vampires- like they already weren't wacked to begin with" groans Richie
"Richie if you want to keep your head another day I'd advise you not to provoke her anymore" cautions Methos from the doorway
"So like Deadboy you attract insane lovers who end up vampires" says Xander receiving glares from everyone
"Watch it" advises Methos noticing the look on Liena's face, 'Amanda why don't you and Liena go see if you can find anything.' he turns to Spike, 'This is the best for her." he says motioning to Drusilla. Spike nods in consent
Suddenly Liena growls rage evident and Drusilla begins to shriek in terror. Clutching her head Liena brings herself under control. Looking up she sees the mortals looking at her fearfully. Sighing warily she looks over to Spike and Dru. Spike is holding her still as Methos sedates her. Rubbing her forehead she says, "Amanda we better get going. We don't have much longer" Amanda nods and stands up grabbing her bag as she goes.
"Liena- be careful" warns Luca.
"I know" she walks out the library doors without a glance behind her
"Amanda- if you find anything of importance return here as soon as possible. Try to keep together. God knows what kind of trouble she could get into. After all we are on the Hellmouth" Methos advises.
The two female Immortals leave the library. Giles turns to Buffy, "I think its time for you to patrol- If you meet up with Faith then stay together"
"Right Boss' jokes Buffy, she turns to Angel, 'You staying with Spike and Dru?"
"Yes- Got to keep them from feeding off anyone" Angel comments, "Besides something tells me both of them are going to need my help" he says sadly watching his two children. "be careful Buff" he tells her taking her hand
Buffy nods kisses him and picks up her stake then heads towards the door
Methos looks up from his research and says, "Duncan I think it would be wise if you accompanied the Slayers. After all if our kind is here then they won't hesitate to kill her" Duncan nods in agreement and stands up grabbing his coat
Buffy looks at him with protest, "Look I don't need a baby-sitter"
"Lass Methos is correct. If I don't go you won't know if someone is Immortal- After all don't you have the 'I can't kill humans' clause. You won't be able to tell if who you are fighting is human or Immortal. Unlike vampires we blend in with humans"
"Buffy just listen to them- they are your elders" sighs Giles frustrated at his Slayers reluctance
"Fine" agrees Buffy stomping out of the library leaving Duncan to sigh warily at the night ahead
"MacLeod?" calls Angel. The Scot looks at the vampire in acknowledgment. Angel stares at the Immortal then says, "Watch her back- because if anything happens to her I'll kill you" Duncan nods then follows the teen out.
Outside
Liena and Amanda are heading towards the vampire headquarters. "Amanda' calls Liena
Amanda stops in here tracks, "Yes?" she answers
"I want you to do me a favor"
"sure anything" replies Amanda
"When we get the book I want you to grab it and run. I'll take care of the others. After all we wouldn't want an Immortal to become a vampire" she comments
Amanda nods her head in agreement, "Just promise me you'll get out of there as fast as possible. Methos and Luca and now your father will all be clamoring for my head" she jokes with a grin
Liena smiles back and responds, "I will. If I don't make it back there then I'm probably just keeping a low profile. Tell them they won't have to worry unless I don't check in by morning' they continue on their way, 'Amanda?" Liena asks
"Hmm"
"I need some advice"
"Shoot- problems with Luca"
"No. Things with us are always great' she remarks, 'Its about this whole having a father thing"
"What's wrong with that? Its something you've always wanted- what all of us have wanted" Amanda sighs wistfully. "I remember as a child I wondered who my father was. But then when I was told that most Immortals are foundlings I knew I'd never find out who my father was or my mother"
"When I was mortal that's all I wanted to know but when I found out I was going to live forever because my mother couldn't keep from fucking then I realized I didn't want to know her. But for some reason I always felt more in need of knowing my father- but know that I've meet him I feel like..." she trails off
"You feel kind of like you are betraying Methos" summarizes Amanda
"Stupid huh?' laughs Liena
"No its not. I mean he has been the closest to having a father for so long. Your attached to him. But remember Methos loves you he wouldn't see you wanting to get to know Angel or even loving him to be a betrayal. After all you two do adore each other. Get to know Angel that's what Methos would want for you"
"Thanks Amanda" Liena says with a grin as the two head to the building
Methos is looking out the window his mind clouded with worry for the child he raised. "Be careful Liena" he thinks to himself, "You need to come back to us. Amanda you better watch out for her"
Across the room Angel is thinking the same thing. "God after 200 years of thinking I had no children and would never have any I have one. One who is cursed to live like me. Goddamnit Cass you cursed our daughter to this life. Why though didn't you tell me about her? Hell why did you leave me? Liena please be careful- I need to get to know you- I can't lose you before I know you"
"Uh guys we have a problem" says a nervous Willow looking up from the book she is reading. Her eyes showing fear.
"Yes Willow?" replies Giles putting his book down he looks at the hacker. The others look at the hacker expectantly
"Kurlec has a mission here. Its not only to do some major Hellmouth damage but to also finish his creation.' she looks up at them and says softly, 'Liena is his creation. According to this his creation is the only one to survive his manipulations."
Giles sighs thoughtfully rubbing his forehead, "And what will happen to his creation?"
Willow looks at the book scanning the passage she continues, "According to this his creation in his eyes is the only one worthy to be his equal thus making his creation his mate- for life. The other factors that lead to his decision is his creations willingness to kill- a mortal"
"Well you guys said Liena doesn't feed off mortals so would she kill one?" Giles asks Methos and Luca.
"No she wouldn't. Its the one thing she fears- to kill a mortal" answers Luca turthfully.
"Well that's a load off my mind" sighs Xander
Methos, Luca, Angel, Richie, and Spike all sense a presence. Looking up Methos is shocked to find his worst enemy standing there- Kassandra. "You are right yet you are wrong" the woman says softly her gaze on Methos
"What do you mean?" demands Angel
"Kassandra what are you doing here?" Methos inquires warily watching the red haired Immortal
Kassandra enters the room, "You forget Methos the child has two sides" she comments
The Immortal stares at his ex slave and remembers, "and her otherside holds no value for human life. That side has no control"
"Yes but you forget Liena has control over her other side." reminds Methos
"Do you forget that like a normal demon her other side can be provoked- and it will be" she announces to the shock of the room
Chapter 17/?
Liena and Amanda reach the building that Spike mentioned. "Remember once in grab a quick look aroundAmanda- and run- I'll keep them distracted" Liena whispers. The two Immortals quietly enter the building. Once inside Liena feels the air crackling around her the energy pulsing through her body. Slowly the two head to the office keeping alert for hostiles.
"Liena we are here" whispers Amanda entering. Once inside they split one heading to the vault the other the desk. Quickly Amanda breaks into the vault. "Got it" she whispers triumptantly as she rifles through it. At that moment the two Immortals sense another nearby. "Found something" she whispers holding up a piece of paper. Liena makes it out to be a list of names.
Glancing at the door Liena whispers urgently, "Amanda get out the window now" Amanda nods and heads towards the window stopping briefly to stuff the paper into her pocket.
"Be careful Liena" she tells the girl
Liena nods then suddenly the door slam opens and in rushes three vampires. "Run" she orders the turning her attention to the incoming vampires she hears Amanda break the window open and jump out. The vampires rush Liena who fights back staking two then watching helplessly as more enter.
Amanda looks back briefly to see Liena fighting, "Be careful" she whispers before disappearing into the night
Liena fighting hard senses a more powerful force enter the room. Looking up she sees her worst nightmare- Kurlec standing beside ....her mother. Momentarily shocked Liena is captured by the vampires.
"Well well well.' muses Cassandra with glee, 'what do we have here?" she asks walking towards Liena. Stopping before the restrained girl she touches her face, "Such a beautiful face' she sighs regretfully, 'I once knew a man who was as beautiful as you. He had such dark eyes they were beautiful eyes" she looks over at Kurlec, "well darling ready for some fun"
"Quite ready' he laughs moving towards Liena who stares at him, 'your eyes are so full of hate and what is that?' he sighs, 'fear. Boys its time to move" he says to the vampires holding her. Suddenly Liena feels a sharp pain in the back of her head then she descends into darkness
"So you are saying that Liena will revert to her vampiriac behavior?" questions Giles
"Yes' responds Kassandra, 'its her basic nature taking over"
"Who are you?' asks Willow, 'I know whatever you are is powerful and for me to feel it is an amazing feat"
"My names Kassandra. I'm a healer. Like Methos and Richie I am Immortal"
"How are all of you people Immortal?" asks Cordelia in confusion
"I am because Methos,' she glares at him hatefully, 'captured my village over 3 thousand years and made me his slave"
"Get over it Kassandra. Its over and done with" Methos says angrily
"Its never over with Old Man until I have your head" she answers scornfully
"We can talk about who gets whose head when this is over" interceeds Richie at that moment the immortals all look to the door way to see Amanda
"Hey Kassandra. What are you doing here?" she asks in confusion seeing the red haired Immortal
"She's here because of Liena" answers Richie
"Oh. Well I got something" she says handing the paper over to Giles
"Where's Liena?" asks Angel worry showing in his features and voice
Amanda shrugs, "Not sure we seperated. Last I saw she was taking out a bunch of vampires. She said she might lay low for a while but she'll check in"
"Somethings not right' mutters Luca, 'thats not like Liena to not tell either of us thats her plan." he says looking at Methos
"Yeah well you know her she's stubborn" reminds Methos
"Spikey' whines a sleepy Dru, 'I'm hun.." she stops and lets out a painful grunt
They all look over and see Drusilla's nose bleeding her eyes glazed over not seeing them. "Dru' Spike asks worriedly returning to his loves side, 'What the hell? This is impossible. What is going on?" he demands looking over at the others holding Dru
"My God' stammers Giles, 'Its almost as if...." he trails off
"Did something weird happen between Liena and Drusilla?" asks Kassandra
"Yes' answers Methos, 'Drusilla got into Liena's mind. She experienced the same thoughts as Liena"
"Thats not good' sighs Kassandra.
"Why?" demands Spike
"Because Drusilla is manifesting what ever is happening to Liena' Kassandra tells them, 'by getting into Liena's head that created a mental connection."
"Well by the looks of it Liena is getting hit...hard" Richie adds
"We are in for more trouble if thats true." a voice says from the bookshelves
They all look to see a short reddish haired man standing there. "Whistler what the hell is going on??" demands Angel walking towards him.
"Angel my man the kid will be all right. She's a fighter she always has been" Whistler calmly tells the irrate vampire before him.
"Whistler how long have you known that Liena is my daughter?"growls Angel looming over the demon.
Whistler stares at Angel and answers without batting an eyelash, "I was there when she was born"
Chapter 18/?
"Wake up little girl" sings a female voice
Opening her eyes Liena sees the one person she had never thought she'd see...her mother. "What do you want?" she growls
"OH I don't know we all want many things.' Cassandra giggles, 'like him' she says pointing to this blonde haired man with ice blue eyes, 'he wants MacLeod's head. Or him he wants Amanda's head,' she points to this dark haired man, 'But I want Angelus and the Slayer, Kurlec though wants you"
"Stay away from them" Liena growls straining against the shackles holding her arms above her head. "Go one step near them and I will rip your head off" she threatens
"Aww poor little girl thinks she can beat me" laughs Cassandra. Quickly she sobers, 'After I kill Angelus and the Slayer I will kill loverboy then that other guy you are so fond of." she says with a grin
"Stay away from them" Liena yells. SMACK her head flies back with a crack.
"Didn't your mommy ever teach you that its not polite to yell at your elders?" she growlingly asks
"IÕd ask her but you never cared"
"Now Cassandra how many times have I told you its not polite to provoke her type?' asks Kurlec as he enters the room carrying a whip.
"Sorry but she provoked me first,' pouts Cassandra, her eyes brighten up when she sees the whip, 'Oh are we going to have some fun" she asks eagerly
"OH yes its time for her to learn that I don't allow what is mine to leave" he cracks the whip in the air
"I'm not yours.I'll never be yours. I'll always be Luca's" she growls hatefully. Hearing that Kurlec cracks the whip. Staring blankly at her captors Liena feels the burning of the whip as it cuts through her skin. Smelling her blood her features momentarily shift from human to vampire and back.
Angel is about to yell at Whistler when Spike calls out, "Angel help me out here" Angel turms to see Spike struggling to keep Drusilla from attacking anyone. Rushing over he grabs Dru's legs while Spike catches her arms holding them still. "What the Hell?" growls Spike his vampire face coming forward. He hesitantly removes his hand from Drusilla's side to find it covered in blood. "Angelus what the fuck is going on?" he demands staring at his sire worriedly
"I'm not sure Spike. I'm not sure" answers Angel. Releasing Dru's legs he turns to Whistler, "What is going on? Why is Dru experiencing whatever is happening to Liena? How do we stop it?" Angel questions demandingly
"There is no way to stop it. Its started and it can't be stopped." replies Whistler
"Damn it Whistler how do we stop this?!" yells Angel grabbing the demon by his neck.
"Angel my man there is no way to stop this" Whistler manages to say
Angel tightens his hold on Whistlers neck. "Angel!?!' yells Buffy upon entering the room. She rushes to his side placing her hand on his arm she says softly, 'Angel stop. Put Whistler down' realizing Angel is ignoring her she steps between them. "Angel honey let Whistler go" she tells him soothingly. "Angel look at me' she orders touching his ridges, she gazes into his golden gaze. Angel stares back at her after a few seconds he shows recognition allowing his face to return to its human form. "Good' praises Buffy, 'Now let Whistler go. I know how much he annoys you but you can't hurt him" she reminds him. Reluctantly Angel releases Whistler with a mumbled apology. "Now what is going on?' demands Buffy her hands on her hips, 'I leave you guys alone for a while and you end up like this"
"Liena is missing' answers Giles, 'And according to what is happening to Drusilla she is being held by someone. Most likely Kurlec aa-aand possibly Cassandra" he adds regretfully
"Oh no' gasps Buffy. She takes Angel's hand, 'So how do we find her" she demands
"They could be anywhere" sighs Methos exasperated. At that moment Drusilla screams in pain. Releasing Buffy's hand Angel hurries over to help Spike.
"Damn it' growls Spike, he looks over at Willow, 'Red I need some towels. She's bleeding pretty heavily.' looking at the wound he comments to Angel, 'It looks like she's being whipped". Willow rushes out to grab some towels.
"Here Spike" she says breathlessly handing him the towels.
Kassandra advances to help the two vampires with Drusilla. "Hold her as still as possible" she orders. She grabs a few herbs out of her back and quickly makes a poultice. "Spike hold this tightly on the wound" she orders standing up, 'it'll numb the pain for her. It won't stop the bleeding though. The bleeding won't stop until Liena stops bleeding."
"Yet Liena can't heal unless she feeds,' reminds Luca, 'And I'm betting they won't allow her to feed."
"I know" answers Kassandra, 'I also know that if she doesn't feed soon her other side will emerge."
Methos nods in response, "That is one of the triggers"
"So we need to find her" says Angel
"It'll be dawn in a few hours,' states Giles. He turns to the teens, 'You all need to go home and go to bed."
"No I'm not leaving" replies Buffy stubbornly
Sighing at his Slayers stubborness Giles says more firmly, "Buffy you need to sleep you have school in a few hours"
"He's right Buffy,' Angel says, 'everything will be fine. Most of the day will be spent watch Dru and Spike. Now go home and get some sleep." he orders lightly before turning his attention back to the whimpering Drusilla.
Buffy walks over to Angel and Spike, "Hey Spike try not to worry too much. Angel says everything will be fine and you know he always keeps his promises." She turns and walks towards the door.
"You're right Slayer. Peaches always seems to keep his promises no matter what" Spike says looking at the Slayer he grins sadly
The teens all leave the adults in the library. "What next?" asks Richie his eyes on the worried Luca and Methos.
"We find out where they have Liena and what their plans are. Then we beat some sorry ass." Luca says his voice cold, 'cause there is no way I'm letting them take out my girlfriend" Chapter 19/?
"Buffy, are you OK? I mean you haven't mention much about this whole Angel has a kid thing." questions the worried Willow
"Yeah Buffster. Willows right. What's your take on this?" asks Xander
Buffy shrugs and keeps walking. "I'm not sure how I feel. I mean should I be angry that he never mentioned the possibility he had a kid? Should I feel sorry for him because he never knew? Should I feel jealous that Angel is going to love his daughter? I mean I'm not jealous far from it; I'm just worried something bad will happen and he'll never recover"
"Those are logical questions Buffy. But I know one thing Angel loves you no matter what happens." states Willow
"I know that and I love him.' the reach Willow's house.
"Buffy you want to stay the night? We can talk some more" Willow says sensing her best friend has other things on her mind. Things she doesn't want to mention around Xander.
"Sure' agrees Buffy, 'Night Xander"
"Night Will, Buffy" Xander says walking towards his house
"My parents are out of town' Willow says, 'some conference in Europe. So spill Buffy something else is bothering you" Willow says sitting on the couch
Sitting down with a sigh Buffy, "In a way I am jealous."
"Why?"
"Because' she frowns, 'because Angel has something he has wanted for so long, and I wasn't the one to give it to him. God Willow it hurts to know someone gave him something that important, something that will never happen for us. He and I will never get the chance to have babies of our own" she lets out a tiny sob
Willow murmurs comfortingly, "Oh Buffy.' she hands her a kleenex. "Maybe you will one day. After all the world has many surprises, for all we know we could find a way for Angel to be human and you two could live happily ever after" Willow says excitedly
"Willow, I hope your right.' sighs Buffy, 'You know Willow I had this really weird dream a couple times. It wasn't a prophecy dream but it was so realistic. In one part of this dream I was pregnant. I felt so real that when I woke up from the dream I felt I had been. Another dream I was holding a newborn baby. I remember thinking the baby was adorable and that he looked just like Angel. When I woke up I half expected to find a baby nearby. The last dream was of Angel, this time he was holding the baby.' she sighs, 'In the dream he looked so happy Willow. Happier than I've ever seen him- it was like he was finally at peace- by just holding the baby. Like the other times I expected to find Angel nearby holding a baby. Is that wishful thinking dream or what?" she laughs lightly
Even though she hears Buffy laugh Willow knows her best friend is hurting. "Maybe it will happen- after all we are on a Hellmouth."
"Willow" laughs Buffy, 'your right here anything can happen"
Liena is hanging there staring straight through her captors bleeding from the lashings and the knife wounds. Her body shut off from the pain being inflicted on her. Her face showing no emotions as they beat her. Her mind screaming at the abuse she is suffering from while trying to keep her demon half in check. Slowly though she feels herself losing control of her demon.
"Cassandra its not working she is still acting' he spits the word out in disgust, 'human"
"Well its because I am human you asshole" Liena tells him coldly
Smiling darkly at his captive he says to one of his minions, "Bring me the branding iron" the minion scurries away and returns carrying a red hot branding iron. "So Cassandra do you want to see if she can stand up to red hot fire on her skin. See if she can regain her control" he asks the female vampire
"Come near me with that and I will rip you to shreds" Liena threatens
"Oh yes dear. Lets see how the little girl reacts" Cassandra says gleefully as she watches the torture.
Liena watches fearfully as Kurlec comes closer to her with the branding iron. She can feel the heat from the iron as it comes closer. Her mind screaming in pain. 'Sorry Dru' she thinks as the hot iron touches her skin. She screams at the scorching of her skin. Soon though her body changes from pain to pleasure. And at that moment she loses control and with a grin she asks, 'Aw is that the best you can do?" she snaps the shackles binding her wrists the first thing she does is grab the nearest minion and sinks her teeth into him until he turns to dust. Smiling ferally at the ones before her she asks, "Anyone got a smoke?" One of the minions hands her a pack of cigarettes anda lighter. Lighting up the feral grin returns as she takes a drag, "So what is there to do around here for fun?"
At that moment Luca and Methos both get this intense feeling of uneasiness. "Bloody Hell" swears Spike in anger. They look over and see smoke rising from DrusillaÕs stomach. The smell of burning flesh permeates the room as a 'KC' appears burned into her skin. Dru stops screaming halfway through it and starts to mutter, "hurts too much. no more" then they all watch as this gleam never even seen in Drusilla's eyes appears then disappears as Drusilla passes out.
"What the hell just happened?" demands Duncan
Whistler and Kassandra glance at each other. Kassandra answers sadness evident in her voice, "Get ready to fight Liena. Her demon half will be more blood thirsty then ever before."
"How do we stop her from killing?" asks Richie glancing worriedly at Luca
"There is no way. Her human half needs to find a way to keep her killing in check. I'm willing to bet it won't happen all that easily. If her demon half has been out of control then its possible it'll make up for lost time" Angel says recalling his time as Angelus
"Bloody Hell, Peaches she'll turn into a female version of Angelus"
"I know Spike" Angel says wearily
"Spike Angel its almost light out you should get going" Giles reminds them glancing at the window.
"Come on Spike you two can crash at the mansion."
"NO bloody Hell are we staying with you." Spike protests
"Spike you have no choice. I'm willing to bet that they are looking for you at the factory. Besides Drusilla is going to need a lot of supervision and who else would help you watch her"
"Bloody Hell I wish the judge hadn't killed Dalton" Spike grumbles picking Drusilla up he follows Angel into the sewer enterance.
"We should go' Amanda suggests, 'Methos, Luca you two look like your going to keel over. Lets go back and get some sleep."
Methos nods his head in agreement. Turning to Giles he asks, "Mind if I come in later? I did to do some research."
"I'll be here all day" answers Giles
" Kassandra do you want to stay at the house?" Joe asks
"You two will have a truce for as long as we are here.' seeing Kassandra and Methos are about to protest Amanda pleads, 'for Liena's sake guys put your differences aside." The two reluctantly nod their heads in agreement. "Good. Giles we will be back later"
Giles nods in agreement and watches as the Immortals and the Watcher leave. "I wonder what sort of adventure we are in for?" he asks himself
Chapter 20/?
Buffy wakes up at Willow's house, glancing at the clock she thinks to heself, "I wonder if Angel's still up?" Seeing Willows still asleep she heads downstairs to the kitchen phone. Hesitantly she stares at the phone, 'Is he still up or is he sleeping? I doubt he's asleep not with Dru and Spike there" she picks up the phone and dials Angel's number.
"Hello?" Angel asks his voice sounding weary
"Its me. How's Drusilla?"
"She and Spike are both sleeping. After you left she manifested a wound caused by a branding iron."
"Oh God. Then Liena..." asks Buffy worriedly
"Most likely was burned by the iron,' he sighs, 'Buffy be careful from what we could tell Liena's demon half emerged sometime during the torture"
"Oh God. Angel you OK?" she demands worriedly
Angel sighs, "I'm fine. It's just this whole thing feels surreal- I mean after 250 years someone tells me I have a daughter. Plus this new thing with Drusilla. I'm sorry if I scared you last night"
"Angel I wasn't scared I was worried. You never have scared me. What happened last night with Whistler?"
"When Whistler said he was the one who took Liena from Cass- my mind went through all these what if thoughts. Like what would have happened to her, would she have died as a mortal? or would I have killed her?' he sighs, 'When he said there was nothing we could do to stop the things that would happen. I felt like she was going to die before I got the chance to get to know her"
"Angel you'll get to know her. Maybe you should get to know more about her from Luca and Methos. After all they know her better than anyone. Hey I gotta get going. I'll come by after school"
"OK. Thanks for listening Buff."
"Hey thats what girlfriends are for.' she laughs, 'love you Angel."
"I love you too Buff. Bye"
"Bye." They hang up. Buffy stares at the phone as it lays there on the hook. "Oh Angel. I hope everything works out I know how much family means to you" she says to herself. 'I just wish one day we might have a chance to have a family of our own"
"How's Angel?" Willow asks as she enters the kitchen
"They are afraid that the torture she went through might have brought her demon forth." she tells Willow sadly
"Oh no. Poor Angel. And Luca I mean those two have been together for 100 years. And Methos he practically raised her- it must be destroying him." cries Willow
"I know. I never really thought of that.' Buffy frowns, 'It really must be hurting them." she agrees.
"How's Drusilla and Spike?" Willow inquires
"Angel said that after we left she began to show signs of whippings. Poor Spike. He must be wiggin out. You know for the first time since I've known Dru and Spike...I feel sorry for them"
"I can't believe that I would agree. I mean at all they have done yet I still don't believe they deserve this" agrees Willow with a frown. "I mean what would Spike do if Drusilla died?"
"I don't want to know" comments Buffy.
"Luca?' asks a hesitant Amanda, 'You alright?"
Luca looks up at Amanda to see she is holding a cup of coffee out to him. Taking it he replies, "I couldn't sleep. I never sleep well when I don't know where Liena is' he sighs, 'I just can't get rid of this feeling that someting isn't right" he says rubbing his face
"I know the feeling" Methos joins them, 'I just have this weird feeling that somethings not right."
"You don't think that Liena is in any big danger?" asks a worried Amanda
"If she's not now then she will be when she gets back,' grumbles Methos, 'I am going to ground her forever" he states wearily
"She's too old to be grounded Methos" laughs Duncan.
"Oh no she isn't." insists Methos, 'she will never be too old to ground. Especially for putting us through this"
"You've got a point Methos. For this little stunt I say ground her" agrees Luca with a laugh. "Now all we need to do is get her back" he sighs
"We will Luca" states Methos, "We will"
Liena awakes with a scream locked in her throat. Her mind trying to replay the dream. With a growl she heaves herself out of bed. "It feels great to be back in control" she sighs. "But you won't be for long" an inner voice whispers. "I will for as long as possible" she replies darkly. Looking around she finds a pair of blue jeans and a t shirt. Peeling off her shirt she winces at the feeling of the cloth pulling against her wounds.
"Where are you going?" demands Cassandra sleepily.
"Out I have to take care of some business" Liena answers coldly
"Be careful my dear. We don't want you to get staked by the Slayer in broad daylight" calls Kurlec
"I'll be fine. She's in school right now. And if I know the others they will be spending the day trying to figure out where we are."
"Just remember if you betray us I will hurt you more than ever before" he snarls at the immortal
"Sure" Liena answers fear not showing in her voice or face but bouncing around in the back of her mind. Quickly she finds her way out of the caverns to the world above. She grabs one of the minions bikes and heads out. "Damn I am happy to be away from there" she thinks to herself. "Now time for some fun" she says with a smirk. She heads out towards the high school.
"Oh Mrs. Edith" calls Drusilla in a airy voice. "Spike where's Mrs. Edith. She's calling to me and I can't find her"
"I don't know where that bloody doll is" snaps Spike walking into the living room he finds Angel reading on the couch, "Peaches 'ave you seen that Bloody doll" he growls searching the room
"Not since last night at the library" Angel answers not looking up
"Dru the bloody doll isn't here" he yells
"I want Mrs. Edith. I'm having a tea party today" whines Drusilla
"Damn it Dru the bloody doll isn't here" yells Spike. Dru starts to whimper at his anger. Hearing his love cry Spike rushes over to her. "I'm sorry Pet." he says hugging her. "I'm just getting antsy"
Drusilla looks thrpugh him as she begins to babble, "Ohh the stars are telling secrets"
Hearing that Angel goes on alert putting his book down, "Dru what kind of secrets"
"Daddy is worried about about sister. Sister is worried about everyone. She told me sorry for what happened to me.' dru covers her face with her hands, 'she wants out but they won't let her. she's afraid she might hurt someone. One half is going to hurt someone"
"Who is going to be hurt?" demands Angel
Drusilla looks at him and replies, "Mrs. Edith is calling for me. She said sister is headed that way. To the room with the scary books." Drusilla starts walking away.
Running his hands through his hair Angel mentally goes through what Drusilla had said. "What did that mean?" Suddenly it dawns on him, "room with scary books- that's what she said in the library" he mutters. Turning to Spike he orders, "Make sure you have whatever you need. We're heading to the library and I have this feeling we won't be back for a while." Turning he picks up the phone dialing the libraries number. "Giles its Angel. We have a problem.' he listens for a moment, " We're going to come in. We'll be there in a few minutes. Oh yeah is Dru's doll there? OK thanks" Hanging up he grabs his coat. Without turning he senses Spike's standing behind him, "Mrs Edith is at the library. We must have left in a hurry and left her behind."
"Peaches why do we have to come?" whines Spike
"Because Spike, in some weird way I would feel bad if you two were taken out"
"By who Peaches its daylight." snorts Spike
Turning he faces his childe, "You seem to forget that Liena unlike us is immune to sunlight. And if she came while I was gone I'd feel guilty of depriving Buffy from the chance to kill you herself.' he grins slightly, 'like you can't resist Dru I can't resist Buffy and she would stake me if she didn't get the chance to take you out herself"
Rolling his eyes Spike agrees "Good point. I'll grab Dru and we'll head out"
Amanda hangs up the phone "That was Giles. He said that Angel called saying that Drusilla had a vision pertaining to Liena. He thinks its wise if we go to the library"
Everyone nods their heads in agreement and within minutes they head to school. continue to 21 to 23
