Chapter 21/?
Angel, Spike and Dru enter the library through the tunnels. "Giles" calls Angel.
"Hello Angel. You guys can come in" Giles says closing the last blind. He watches nervously as the three vampires enter the room. "So whats going on?" he asks
Drusilla immediately spot Mrs Edith on the table and rushes over and picks her up. Spike watches her closely as she moves around aware that she senses the mortals around. "I'm hungry" she whines.
"Dru we had this conversation on the way over you can't go eat anyone here.' Angel sighs rubbing his forehead, 'I swear being around you two is like being around infants' turning his attention back to Giles he continues, 'Dru had a vision that Liena was here in the library. And I have this weird feeling she is up to something"
"So we're here what's the big emergency?" inquires Buffy as she and the Slayerettes enter the room. "And what's fang boy doing here?" she asks noticing Spike near Angel and Giles.
"Peaches made me and Dru come" Spike growls angrily
"Ah Buffy. We ahh have a ahh situation" stammers Giles
"OK thats a big surprise" groans Xander
"So whats the sitch?" asks Buffy walking over to Angel's side.
"I'll explain when the others come" he replies
A few moments later the library doors open and in enters Amanda, Luca, Methos, Duncan, Kassandra, and Joe.
"So what's going on? Did you find Liena?" Luca asks hurriedly
"God you guys all look like crap. Did you even look in the mirror before you left" complains Cordelia
Rolling her eyes at the others Buffy answers, "Cordelia there are more important things going on right now than looks"
"Since when?" mutters Cordelia turning her attention back to her nails.
"I didn't get any sleep. I tend to not sleep when somethings wrong" Luca replies.
Everyone takes a seat. "So whats going on?" asks Methos impatiently
"Dru had a vision" Angel replies
"OK because your loony ex had a vision I'm missing social hour" whines Cordelia
Ignoring the snotty teen Angel continues, "She had a vision of Liena being here"
"Well all I can say is...why here" asks Xander
"HeÕs right. No one in there right mind would be here" states Buffy
Looking at the mortal teens Luca suddenly becomes angry, "Damn it. Liena would only come here for a reason." He starts swearing in every language causing the others who know what he's saying to look uncomfortable.
"God Luca if Liena saw you acting like this she would kick your ass' Methos says, 'Now sit down before I smack you so hard you fall into next week"
Luca just glares at Methos, "In the words of Liena shove it old man" he remarks with a growl.
"Luca calm down' Amanda soothes, 'you know if you two get in another fight Liena will wipe the floor with both of you. She's still mad about your last fight.' she glares at them each in turn, 'And if you two do fight this time I will not stop her from doing serious damage to both of you. NOW sit down before I hit both of you for her" she threatens
Glaring at each other the two Immortals reluctantly nod and sit down. "Now Angel why don't you finish telling us whats going on" requests Amanda. Angel nods and tells them what Drusilla told them. After a few minutes he is done.
"So whats the plan? How do we stop that from happening' asks Xander looking at the immortals, 'You do have a plan?" he questions worriedly looking from one to another.
"I'll come up with one.' Luca chuckles, 'Usually I'm the one with a plan and Liena is the one who wings it. Does anyone have any ideas?" he asks looking around
"Why not break in and kidnap her- that way she can't do anything" reasons Buffy
"Won't work. I'm betting she'll be under heavy guard at night. I'm surprised she isn't right now" muses Giles
"G man its daylight- the time in which they sleep" points out Xander
"Yes but there are other Immortals around' Duncan remarks, 'So why weren't they watching her?"
Just then Drusilla interrupts, her voice whimsical as she talks, "Her head is cloudy. He's willing her back. she wants to fight him but she's scared yet she isn't' Dru says cocking her head thoughtfully, 'One wants to go home- the other wants to rule. She fears herself more than him" When Drusilla finishes her thoughts she returns to her doll humming to it.
Kassandra looks thoughtfully at the vampiress, "She is correct. The child doesn't want to go back yet she has to. She is trying to keep some amount of control but its slipping. Soon her other half will rule" she ends regretfully
"Just like dear old dad" snickers Spike
"So how do we stop that from happening? I mean we can flip an on and off switch in her head" points out Willow
Kassandra looks thoughtfully around the table, "Maybe we could" The others look at her confused as he continues, 'Maybe we could hypnotize her to obey one of use when a specific word is mentioned. That way we could keep her in until it is needed and it would keep her and Drusilla from being hurt any worse. With Liena under that type of control we could use it to our advantage to learn what they know."
"Yeah well that won't work.' Methos replies, 'Liena wouldn't allow us close enough" he rubs his eyes tiredly, "when she's like this or even close she goes into shut down. She won't allow anyone to touch her and if you do she will hurt you"
Cordelia barely paying attention says, "Why don't you use that gun thingy you use on Oz" The others stare at her in surprise, "What?!" she demands
"Uh nothing its just you had a good idea" states Buffy, turning to Methos she asks, "Could we tranq her and then hypnotize her? You said she reacts differently to drugs than immortals or mortals"
Methos looks thoughtful for a moment. "Yeah I think its doable...if we could get her away from the others without causing a big commotion. I would prefer not to do that- she's kinda wimpy when it comes to needles- but if we have to then it could work"
"Aww the big bad Immortal is afraid of needles" snickers Spike
Glaring at the vampire Methos replies coldly, "Mention that to her and she will rip out your heart"
"Yeah right. Like that little girl scares me" snorts Spike
Methos stands up and walks closer to the vampire, "You don't believe me?' he asks, 'Trust me Liena is one of the most dangerous immortals I have ever met and I am over 5 thousand years old and I was one of the 4 horsemen- and the things she's done scare the crap out of our kind. Which means she's even dangerous to your kind"
Spike becomes somewhat threatened. Going into gameface he snarls at Methos, "Bloody Hell man I had fun with railroad spikes. Killed three Slayers. Took out numerous orphanages and towns. I think I qualify as more dangerous than her"
Methos shakes his head, "Not even close to some of the things Liena has done. By the time she was 17 she was immortal. By the age of 20 she had killed over 100 vampires and 50 or so demons. Then the times she worked as a merc in South America. A sharpshooter for numerous governments. The times she freelanced. Not to mention her little vamp freakout when she killed her gaurdian, his family and tortured the vamps who caused her to lose control. Sure she might not have done what you, Angelus, and Drusilla but she is more dangerous than you could imagine." At that moment they hear someone clapping from the doorway, looking over they find Liena with a smug expression on her face clapping.
"Methos I knew I could count on you to tell them about my achievements.' she enters the room, 'You know I was always proud of the job I did on those vampires' she says wistfully, 'I think that was my best job yet."
Drusilla watches Liena closely monitoring her voice and facial features, "Your different' she says quizzically, 'Your not like what they expect.' Drusilla stares at Liena and then says sadly, 'She's watching us trying to find a way to be free"
Kassandra steps forward. "She is correct both sides are there until one dominates the other"
"Hello Kassandra. I'm surprised you and Methos haven't killed each other yet" Liena remarks with a grin
Smiling back Kassandra answers, "We decided to put aside our differences to help you"
"Lets see do I look like I want help?' she gestures. 'Think about it. Methos your telling me that you don't miss the 4 Horsemen Years? The murder the mayhem- mmmm brings back great memories" she purrs
"So let me get this straight' begins Xander he begins counting on is fingers, 'One your here when you could be destroying things. Two why are you telling us this. Three ARE you INSANE??" he demands
Liena stares at him thoughtfully, "Lets see question one its so much fun to watch people try and figure me out. Question two I'm telling you this because I am in a charitable mood. Three am I insane?' she sighs, 'Lets see....once I knew a shrink who told me I was suffering from unresolved feelings of anger over loss of childhood abandonment the basic shrink talk. But am I insane? Nah I just love to destroy things. But to some its open to debate"
Spike watches her in amusement, "Bloody Hell I am beginning to like you pet"
"So you just came here to gloat?" demands Buffy
Liena chuckles, "Slayer I don't gloat I state facts. I just came here to let you all know that life is going to become interesting in this town. You are in for the time of your lives."
Willow hesitantly raises her hand, "I've got a question for you?"
"Ask away I have nothing else planned but to terrorize the morons"
"Why if your Miss Baddy are you warning us? I mean isn't that breaking some code of evilness honor?" Everyone stares at Willow. "I was just curious" she protests
"Willow I don't think honor and evilness go hand in hand" remarks Xander
"Hey we demons do have some honor codes- like the killing your sire is wrong" interjects Spike
"Spike how many times have you tried to kill Angel?" points out Buffy
"That's different...the wanker deserved it" whines Spike
"Liena why are you warning us?" asks Methos
Liena shrugs "Dunno I was bored and everyone else was sleeping. I needed something to do. It was either this or terrorize your dear Principal Snyder. I mean I can't spend my whole day terrorizing the loser squad- not matter how much fun it is." she says with a smirk a gleam appears in her eyes, "Terrorizing them is great fun" she purrs
"Fledglings are fun to terrorize.' sighs Spike, 'God Peaches she is a bloody female Angelus.' snickers Spike, 'Hell she even has the look you used to get before you tortured someone" Spike sighs wistfully, 'those were the days"
Liena looks thoughtfully at Spike, "Poor Spike. You know I can't believe that I would agree with you on that fact.' she sighs regretfully, 'Ahh yes the days of sleep, eat, sex and mayham and mischief. How I miss that. What I wouldn't give for the days when I could kill someone and no one would notice' noticing that everyone around her is staring at her in confusion. 'What it is fun" she insists
Turning to the others Xander asks, "OK anyone scared right now" The other teens nod.
"You should be.' states Liena reaching into her pocket she pulls out a lighter. 'Did you know when you have been injured enough times your body can begin to accept future injuries? You can control the pain you feel-' she flicks the lighter. Holding it lit with one hand she holds her other hand above it. 'You can teach yourself to not feel pain.' she watches as her hand turns red from the flame, 'Its like life...you grow up and teach yourself to survive. When something new comes a long you teach yourself how to survive the new obstacles in life. After tonight you will have new obstacles to jump"
"So why are you warning us?" asks Buffy
Liena stares at the Slayer, "I enjoy the games. Besides I have always been the type of person who warned the players of the game. Its more fun"
Luca watches his lover with interest. "Liena what is the game?" he asks
"Hide and Seek. You find us we hunt you."she answers
"And what does the winner get?" asks Xander
"Well if I win then you all leave Sunnydale and I take over. If Kurlec or Cassandra win then you all die and they take over. If you win they let you live I let you leave."
"Liena how about this we win you will do what ever we say" suggests Methos
Liena stares suspiciously at her friend, "What do you have in mind Methos?" she asks
"I'm not sure quite yet' he shrugs, 'if we win we'll let you know"
Liena watches them her mind running over possible scenarios. "OK" she agrees, "The game begins tomorrow night. Don't know when or where but it will begin" she says walking out of the library leaving the others staring at the retreating figure.
"Why didn't you just grab her?" Buffy demands from Methos
"They know where she is. It would be too dangerous. Besides I know her well enough to know that she had a back up plan to get out of here" answers Methos
"So what do we do now?" asks Willow
"Drastic times call for drastic measures" answers Luca, "We are going to have to override Kurlec's control"
Methos stares at Luca his face angry. "Damnit Luca that can't happen"
"Why not its worked on others- plus it worked the time she was captured in Brazil" retorts Luca
"Yes I know. But the last time a controlling force had to be overridden in her it caused her to temporarily lose her regenetive properties. That can't happen on a Hellmouth. I don't know the implications that could occur other than normally it would cause her to be in an incredibly weakened position and that is too dangerous to her to all of us." replies Methos
"And since the Hellmouth is a negative energy it could influence her behavior" adds Giles, "Its possible that she could become dangerous because of that influence."
"And if that influence is even more in control then she could be even worse than what we just saw" Angel tells them
"Great! Now what?!" demands Cordelia, "Is she going to go all demony on us?"
Luca rubs his face warily, "If she loses control yes. Normally she can keep herself in check but now...."
"She might go psycho on us" whines Cordelia. Everyone glares at the dark haired cheerleader in disgust. "What?!" demands Cordelia
"Tact Cordy. Use your Gold card and buy some" Xander remarks
"So now what?" asks Amanda
"There is one way" comments Kassandra
"How Kassandra?" demands Methos
Ignoring the older Immortal she continues, "Her regenetive abilities are caused by blood. It would be possible to override the control if we kept her blood level up."
Luca stares at the witch thoughtfully, "But to do that she would need to feed constantly through the process. We could only sustain her' he looks at the other Immortals, 'for about' he silently counts, 'five maybe ten minutes. That's not long enough time to finish the job."
"And Kassandra you can't die because you not only need to do the spell but you need to be able to control her demon" remarks Duncan
"Mac's right" agrees Methos, "Who would have thought Mac and I would agree about you" he says humorlessly
"Wait a second' calls Willow excitedly, 'what about Angel, Spike and Drusilla? They can heal quickly. That would add a couple extra minutes for the override"
"Bloody hell I am not risking my unlife to save the Poof's kid" remarks Spike angrily.
Drusilla who had been silent this whole time playing with Ms. Edith stands up from her corner of the room. Walking over to Spike she puts her hand on his arm and remarks in a clear somewhat sane voice, "Spikey sister needs us. She's the future. My Spike has to help save sister" she then returns to the corner to Ms Edith
"Bloody Hell. Dru wants me to help save Poof's kid. Why me?" he groans in frustration, "Fine I'm in"
"Umm guys do you realize something weird just occurred?" asks Xander nervously
"What Xander?" asks Giles wearily
Xander stares at the others in confusion, "Drusilla almost sounded sane" The others look over at Drusilla playing quietly with her doll
"Come to think about it' muses Angel, 'I haven't heard her ramble since this morning at the mansion. Except when we first got here and she was whining about being hungry"
"It is possible that Drusilla is picking up some of Liena's conscience. By doing that she has gained back some form of sanity. She's feeling LienaÕs emotions and Liena is most likely feeling some of hers" Kassandra remarks
Xander looks around at the others "So what are we gonna do about Liena and the others" he asks concerned
"well we'll have to capture her somehow" answers Buffy
ÒBut how?Ó wonders Richie
Giles looks at Buffy and the clock, ÒBuffy why donÕt you go and round up FaithÓ
ÒIsnÕt Faith staying at the motel?Ó asks Willow confused
Òshe hasnÕt picked up the phone all morningÕ looking at Buffy Giles continues, ÔWhy donÕt you go check with her usual places...the Bronze, the motelÓ
ÒSome unknown guys bedÓ remarks Cordelia. The others glare at the cheerleader, ÔWhat as if you werenÕt thinking thatÓ she states returning her attention to her nails
ÒIÕll come with youÓ Luca offers standing up he grabs his jacket
ÒYou donÕt need toÓ protests Buffy
ÒWell I am anyway. If it was dark out Angel could go with you. If you go alone and run into Liena she could take you out in under a minute. If I go I might be able to prevent that from occuringÓ Luca replies. Buffy nods in agreement and the two head out the door. To search for the unaccounted Slayer.
Liena is entering the underground hideout anticipating the next nights events with both fear and excitement.
ÒLIENAÓ yells Kurlec shocking Liena out of her thoughts. She quickens her steps to Kurlec.
ÒYes sir?Ó Liena asks as she reaches his side.
ÒWhere were you child?Ó Kurlec asks his voice curious.
Hearing his tone Liena becomes momentarily frightened. Shaking off that feeling she answers her voice neutral, ÒI was out informing the mortals of the gameÓ
ÒWhy?!Ó demands Cassandra, ÒIt gives them the opportunity to fight back. To gather their own defensesÓ Cassandra adds heatedly
Holding up his hand in a sign of silence, Kurlec questions, ÒWhy did you do that child?Ó
Liena looks directly at Kurlec, ÒIt gives us time to find a way to strike in opposition to them.Õ her eyes light up with a dark gleam, Ôplus its more fun to have them on alertÕ staring past Kurlec Liena then remarks, Ôbesides that will give me time to learn how they work....to find their weaknesses.Ó
Kurlec nods in agreement ÒA wise decision. How are you going to learn their weaknesses?Ó
Liena turns away from their gazes and looks around the cavern, ÒIÕm going to watch themÓ she answers
Methos and the others are looking through a stack of books trying to uncover more about The Book of the Pheonix. Suddenly he is struck with a memory from the years in which he was training Liena.
ÒRemember Liena the best way to capture your opponent is to learn their weaknesses before you fight.Ó He advises as they are sparring. Liena replies, ÒSo everytime I am to fight I will try to delay it until I learn the others weakness.Ó
ÒLearn your opponents weaknessÓ Methos mutters to himself. ÒIÕve got itÓ he remarks slamming the book shut.
ÒGot what?Ó asks Richie looking up from his reading in confusion
Methos stands up and begins pacing, ÒI know why Liena came here and why she wants to wait until tomorrow nightÓ he answers, ÒIts kind of a plea for helpÓ he remarks
ÒWhy do you say that Methos?Ó asks Amanda curiously
ÒBecauseÕ replies Methos, ÔI always taught her to learn her opponents weaknesses before you fight. She wants to use tonight to watch us and learn.Ó
ÒBut sheÕs all ready seen us fightÕ frowns Richie. He looks around the room, Ôall but Angel and Spike that is. So is she going to watch and learn from them?Ó
ÒNo because she can fight them without watching them fight. See she is telling us that sheÕll be out tonight.Ó Methos answers
ÒSo tonight we can grab herÓ Angel replies.
"It is the wise decision.' Giles agrees removing his glasses, 'Yet we have to weigh the options and figure out the best way to do pull this off"
The library door swings open and in walks Buffy, Faith and Luca. "I'm telling ya B he was totally hot." Faith rambles
"Faith I don't care if he looked like Brad Pitt I can't believe you were with that scuzz bucket.' Buffy plops down in the chair next to Willow, 'I mean the guy hits on anything that walks."
"Who?" asks Willow
"Tommy Miles" answers Buffy
"EWWW" shudders both Cordelia and Willow
"What? He's totally hot" insists Faith
"Faith Tommy is evil' stammers Willow, 'and I mean human evil. When we were in kindergarten he used to look up every girls dress...even the teachers"
"Eww I remember when he did that" Cordelia shudders
"Can we please get off this subject and get onto work" snaps Giles. They all stare at the English librarian. "Now Faith, Buffy I want you two to do a quick cemetary patrol and come right back. Stick together."
"I'll go with you" Amanda offers
"Angel why don't you and Spike work with Methos, Luca and Duncan and come up with a plan. You are going to have to work to figure out her defenses and how to get through them."
"What about us?" Xander asks nervously
Giles looks at the dark haired teen, "I need you guys to help me, Richie and Mr. Dawson with the research on the Phoenix. We need to find a way to block the power the book contains"
Kassandra stands up, "I will begin the procedure to reverse what has occured.' looking at Drusilla, Kassandra asks, 'Drusilla I could use your help" smiling Drusilla stands up and follows Kassandra. Everyone follows suit each heading towards their own designated tasks.
Chapter 22/?
*******That night- the library*****
"OK G. We patrolled. Killed three vamps. Amanda took the head of one. Man it was wickedly sweet" Faith says flopping herself on a chair. "Amanda that was sweet. Damn you took a major wack to that vamp"
Amanda sits down next to Duncan, "It was good exercise. Besides I haven't had a fight like that since...I don't know when" she sighs, 'it was hell on my manicure" Methos, Duncan and Richie all roll their eyes
"So whatcha guys find?" Buffy asks sitting beside Angel.
"Liena is leaving us an open to grab her. The battles tomorrow. Tonight she is going to watch and learn." Giles informs her.
"So how are ya gonna stop her?" asks Faith
"Angel and Spike are going to fight her then she gets tranqed." Xander replies.
"Uh why Angel and Spike?" Buffy asks
Methos answers, "They have the strength. It might not be equal to Liena's but they could do more damage then anyone even you two" he looks at Buffy and Faith
"So who's gonna tranq her?" inquires Faith
"Well whoever is the better shot" answers Giles
The Immortals all look at each other and say simultaneously, "Liena"
"OK then the next best shot" clarifies Xander
"Don't look at me...I'm only a thief" Amanda remarks
"Haven't learned' the mortals look at Richie, 'Hey I haven't been around long"
Duncan looks at Methos, "What about you Old Man? You've been around long enough to be a good shot"
Methos shakes his head, "No way. The last time I tranqed her she beat the crap out of me then broke my neck. I can handle her normal tantrums but after being sedated she has the worst temper"
"Oh great she has tantrums' Cordelia whines, 'what is she five years old"
"I can do it" Buffy offers
Giles looks at his Slayer, "Buffy are you sure? I mean you'll have only one shot and you can't miss"
"Hey I tranqed Oz the last two times he escaped...and he's a werewolf. Besides you know I'm the better shot. Besides who else will do it?"
"Hey I'm a good shot" protests Xander
"Xander you were a private for one night. That doesn't mean your a good shot" snipes Cordelia
"Uh I'm confused" states Richie looking at the mortals puzzeled.
"We'll explain later" Giles answers. Looking at Buffy seriously he questions, "Buffy are you sure that you can?"
Looking at Angel Buffy sees the sadness in his eyes. Sadness that she had never before seen. Taking his hand and squeezing she answers her gaze still on Angel, "I can Giles and I will"
"Slayer you will have to remember that Liena is fast. You will need to keep her in your sights and you can't miss.' Kassandra speaks up, 'You will have only one shot if you miss then Liena will know you're there and she'll run"
Buffy nods in response. "I won't miss' she promises squeezing Angel's hand, 'So how are we going to go about this?"
"Joe, Willow, Cordelia and I will stay here and help Kassandra and keep an eye on Drusilla. Buffy you, Faith, Xander, Angel, Oz, and Richie will lure Liena somewhere. Luca, Duncan, Methos, and Amanda will keep the other Immortals distracted. When you trap Liena Spike and Angel will have to keep her busy until you can take the shot"
"Why Spike and Angel? Why not me and B?" Faith asks
"Faith you and Buffy do not match Liena's strength' Luca explains, 'Spike and Angel together match her strength. You could never take her down" Faith reluctantly nods in agreement
"So lets get going" Giles suggests heading to the weapons cage
Kassandra then says, "Before we go we have a problem with fighting the other Immortals.' everyone stares at Kassandra in confusion. Kassandra puts the book she is reading on the table and points to a picture of demons coming up from the ground. 'We cannot fight on the Hellmouth" she states
"Why not?" demands Amanda
"Because this is what will happen' Kassandra says nodding to the picture
"You mean the Hellmouth will open?" Buffy demands
Kassandra nods in acknowledgement, 'Yes I am afraid so"
"But how?" Giles asks removing his glasses
It dawns on Methos, "The Quickening" he remarks
Xander looks at them confused, "Whats a quickening?"
Duncan glances at the others before answering. "Its this force we have. We kill each other to gain it. It is said that one day the remaining Immortals will be called to fight for the prize."
"Whats the prize?' asks Xander
"Is it a plastic ring like in the Cracker Jacks boxes?" Willow asks nervously
Methos answers, "No one knows what the prize is"
Duncan continues the explanation, "When Immortals are within distance of each other they get a buzz like you got Angel when we came in. The buzz is an alert system and fades when we look directly at each other. When we meet certain Immortals we fight to take their Quickening. The Quickening is kind of like the Immortals life force. After each of our kills we gain the strength that the Immortal we killed had."
"Its really cool' Richie remarks, 'Its like a big lightening storm"
"Like Richie said the Quickening is like a lightening storm. We have few rules, one is what Liena said when we first came. We cannot fight on holy ground. That includes churches, cemetaries, and any other types of sacred ground."
Kassandra joins in and begins to explain why they can't fight on the Hellmouth. "The force of the Quickenings would open the Hellmouth. If the Quickening is from a new Immortal it won't be as strong"
Methos answers, "The Immortals here are not new. They date back to the 10th century. They are head hunters. Not only do they kill Immortals but they have also been reported to have killed preimmortals. They have also killed mortals who have stood in their way. With their Quickening the Hellmouth would not just open but whoever or whatever comes out would end up gaining the power of the Quickening."
"And I take it that that is not good" Buffy states
"No its not' Methos answers, 'The Quickening would not be the same in them as it is in us. They would gain the knowledge of the dead Immortals and would be able to hunt like us"
"So they would be more powerful then they normally would" Giles states. Kassandra nods in acknowledgement. "OK. Well then you'll need to kill them for awhile and take their heads some other time" As the Immortals agree Giles returns to his journey to the weapons locker.
Liena is dressing for her hunt that night. She is wearing torn stonewashed jeans, a black leather cropped vest, with a black duster and black military combat boots. As she is working on her make up she has a flash of her other life. Of laughing with her lover and her best friend. She is hit with a moment of sadness she is brought back to the present at the sound of Kurlec calling her name. Looking in the mirror Liena sees Kurlecs reflection.
"Hello child" Kurlec greets seductively
"Kurlec" Liena returns automatically as she turns around. Upon turning she finds Cassandra standing beside Kurlec. She shivers at the look of hate Cassandra's eyes show. Turning her attention to Kurlec she says, "Well I'm off"
"Where are you going?" Cassandra demands hotly
Liena growls her eyes sifting to gold and back she answers, "None of you business."
"I am also quite curious of where you are going" Kurlec agrees
Looking at the demon Liena answers, "If you must know I am going out to tail the Slayers.' glancing again at her reflection she continues, 'Its how I hunt."
"How do we know you aren't going to betraay us?" demands Cassandra
"My love she won't betray us.' Kurlec remarks stroking Liena's face, 'She knows what I will do to her if she does" he says softly his voice cold.
Swallowing fearfully Liena remarks tightly, "Why would I betray you Kurlec? After all with out you I wouldn't be free"
"Don't forget that" Kurlec orders his voice cold
Liena nods in response, "Well time for me to go. I have Slayers to learn from" Liena says heading out of the hideout
Cassandra glares at the immortal teens back, "Don't you think you should send someone to watch her back?" Cassandra asks
Kurlec shakes his head. "I know she isn't going to betray us"
Chapter 23/?
Liena takes up the trail of the Slayers and their friends. Watching them together she momentarily feels lonely then Kurlec's voice echos in her mind, "You'll help me lead. You have no need for mortals." Liena replays the word 'mortals' over and over. She remembers her other halfs love for mortals.
Up ahead Angel and the Slayers and Richie feel Liena's presence. Glancing at his lover Angel squeezes her hand comfortingly. Buffy looks up at Angel and smiles softly. As they are patrolling they kill a few vampires and talk. Xander tells Richie stories about life on a Hellmouth. When they reach the cemetary Liena watches as they await the awakening of the fledglings. As she is watching them she realizes that another vampire is watching them too. Quietly Liena sneeks up behind the vampire and snaps his neck and drains him. Wiping her mouth she continues watching the Slayers and co.
Angel leans against a headstone and watches the Slayers as they fight and keeps his attention on his surroundings trying to pin point Liena's location. Angel watches as a newbie hits Buffy. Angered that the fledgling had hit his love, Angel's face goes into vamp mode. Growling he rushes over and grabs the vampire. "Didn't your mother ever tell you to never hit on someone elses girlfriend?" he asks as he drives the stake through the vampires chest. As the vampire desintigrates Angel walks over to Buffy. "Buff you OK?" he asks worriedly as he crouches beside her.
Buffy looks up at him dazed, "Hi honey. Do you hear bells?" she asks shaking her head to clear it.
"B you OK?" Faith asks
"Hi Faith. I'm fine I just need to wait until the bells stop ringing in my ears." She says standing up slowly
Liena watches as Angel wraps his arms around Buffy and kisses her head. "I love you Buffy" she hears Angel say. Liena watches as Buffy pulls away and gazes up at Angel, "I love you too" she answers softly, "It'll be OK. I promise" Liena hears Buffy say softly
"Hey you two no more PDA. We have work to do" interrupts Faith. Buffy and Angel separate and follow Faith and the others.
"So Xander you mean to tell me that everyday here is like this?" Richie asks awed
"Yup' Xander confirmed, 'Before the Buffster came the death toll here was higher than the birth rate."
"Yeah for the first time in years we have more than half the students we had at the beginning of the year" Oz adds
"Oh yeah I forgot about that" Xander remarks, 'Two years ago the graduating class went from 100 to I think about 40 to 50 students"
"Man and I thought my school had a lot of deaths" Richie muses
"Hey if they made up some stupid excuse that gangbangers on acid were the cause of the deaths in your school then it is possible that you were on a Hellmouth" Xander remarks
"Your one to talk Hyena Boy" Faith says snidely
"Hyena Boy?"
"Xander got possessed by the spirit of a hyena" Buffy explains
"He ate the school mascot and the principal" adds Angel
They continue walking and telling Richie of all the funny things that happened to Xander.They walk towards the alley in which Angel and Spike were going to ambush Liena. Unknowingly Liena follows them into the alley.Once in she senses someone behind her blocking the entrance.
"Hello pet" Spike greets
Growling Liena turns around. "Spike" she growls her eyes changing to the golden color of a vampire. Her attention on Spike she senses Angel behind her. "Hello Daddy" she mocks. Turning around she sees the momentary look of hurt pass Angel's face. "So you came to stop me?" Liena asks
"Yes pet we did" Spike confirms
Angel watches the look of relief and then disgust pass over Liena's face. "Liena you don't want to hurt anyone" Angel remarks softly
Liena sees the look of hurt in her fathers eyes. Her mind flashes back to a talk she had with Methos as a child.
"Methos do you think my father would love me?"
"Liena I am sure he would. I'm sure in a way he does love you" Methos answers
Liena returns to the present and sees the pain in Angel's eyes. "He doesn't love you' Kurlec's voice echos through her mind, 'He left you"
"Liena I know that this is not you. I have seen the true you. The true you loves humans. I've seen that in the way you interact with mortals"
Watching Angel and Spike warily Liena responds, "Whatever. Are we gonna fight or what?" she asks bored
Spike rushes Liena slamming her into the wall. Grabbing Spike's neck she throws him off her. Angel does a roundhouse kick. Blocking his kick Liena grabs his ankle and shoves it away causing him to stumble.
Buffy is watching the fight wincing in sympathy at each hit her love receives. Taking the tranq gun she aligns the sights on Liena as she fights Spike. A few seconds later she sees an opening and pulls the trigger praying that it hits its mark.
Liena fights both on the inside and out. Her mind tries to find its dominate side. One side says for her to kill Angel. Her other side cries out for her father. Suddenly she feels a sharp sting in her neck bringing her hand to her neck she feels a dart and a few seconds later she passes out in Angel's arms.
Angel watches as his daughters eyes flash pain and fear just seconds before she passes out in his arms. "Spike its time to go" Angel says picking Liena up he cradles her close. Walking out of the alley with his daughter in his arms Spike and Angel join the mortals.
"Is she OK?" Buffy asks worriedly staring as her lover holds his daughter for the first time.
"She's all right. We should get going. Methos said the sedative doesn't last more than 15 minutes." continue to Final Chapters
