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Chapter 7/?
When the others leave the only ones left in the library are Angel, Buffy, Giles, Faith, the Slayerettes, Liena and Luca.
"You are definitely Angel's daughter.' muses Willow thoughtfully when she realizes everyone's watching her she looks at them wide eyed. "What?" she demands lightly, "You have got to admit there is a strong resemblance"
"Willow is right' says Giles, 'Liena looks remarkably like you"
Feeling suddenly drained Liena looks at Luca tiredly, "Can we go? I'm tired" she whines rubbing her eyes she walks closer to him putting her head on his shoulder.
"Sure honey we can go' Luca says kissing her head softly turning his attention back to the others he says, "We'll see you tomorrow" he puts his arm around Liena and gently leads her out of the library.
Turning to Angel, Buffy asks, "Why didn't you tell me it was possible that you have a child?"
"I didn't know it was even possible" admits Angel wearily.
"Not possible lets see sex equals kid" retorts Xander
Glaring at Xander Willow warns, "Xander don't go there"
"I wasn't the most innocent guy when I was human. Even so Cassie never told me that she was pregnant. She just disappeared one day. The next time I saw her' he pauses, 'I turned her" he admits softly.
"Great another of Dead Boy's psycho girlfriends bent on destroying the world" groans Xander
"Shut up Xan man" growls Faith sensing restrained violence in everyone towards him
Taking off his glasses Giles says to the teens, "Why don't you guys head on home. Its late and you have school tomorrow"
Faith then starts laughing
"What's so funny?" demands Buffy of the other Slayer
"Do you realize you will be going to school with your boyfriends daughter."
As Buffy realizes the humor in the situation she giggles, "Who would have thought I'd go to school with my cradle robbing creature of the night boyfriend's 241 year old daughter.' turning to Angel she notices the faraway look in his eyes, 'Hey Angel you OK"
Jarred out of his thoughts Angel smiles slightly at his girlfriend, "Yeah just thinking. You ready to go?" he asks
"Yep." Buffy says as she turns to her friends and says good night. Turning to Angel she slips her small hand into his larger one and the vampire and Slayer walk out the library together.
"Angel are you really OK?" asks Buffy as they walk in silence. Angel doesn't answer so Buffy stops walking and forces Angel to stop also. "Angel' she says softly, 'talk to me. No brooding allowed"
Angel looks at the slight girl before him. "After centuries of having no family thinking they all died I have a daughter. A daughter I never knew existed who because of me she has to live this life" he says gesturing to the darkness around them, "this life of darkness"
"Yet remember she also lives the life of light. She seems to be very well adjusted to her life. I mean she has friends and family and now she has you her father." reminds Buffy
"Father' sighs Angel, 'Never thought I'd hear that unless you count Dru calling me "daddy". After all of these years I'm surprised I never met her earlier."
"Maybe the time wasn't right and it is now" reasons Buffy
Looking admiringly at Buffy, Angel wraps his arms around her waist picking her up he kisses her, "what would I do without your reasoning skills" he asks his forehead against hers.
Giggling Buffy replies, "You would brood way too much." she kisses him back, "Now put me down' she orders, 'I have to get home. Mom is probably freaking"
Kissing her one more time Angel puts her back on the ground, "Great do you realize your mother is going to have another thing to hate about me" he groans
"She'll get over it" replies Buffy as they start walking again towards her house.
Chapter 8/?
In a house across town
Liena and Luca walk into the house and find everyone milling around drinking beer well all but Amanda who is drinking wine. "Hey guys" greets Luca.
"Oh good your back' answers Amanda
Liena goes into the kitchen and grabs a bottle of vodka out of the cupboard. Opening it she takes a swig. Sensing Methos behind her Liena growls demandingly, "why didn't you ever tell me that you knew my father?"
"Midget I wanted to tell you but they swore me to secrecy" replies Methos his eyes sad
"Dammit Methos for centuries I have asked you or anyone I could and every time you lied to me. You the one who I always thought I could trust. The closest I ever had to having a father all these years" she turns and puts the bottle down and stalks out of the kitchen to her bedroom slamming the door behind her.
Heading back into the living room Methos finds everyone staring a him. "What?" he demands
"She's right Methos you shoulda told her" admonishes Amanda
"I'm going out" growls Methos picking up his coat he stalks out the door
"I better go get the paper work settled for tomorrow" sighs Luca heading into his office.
"I'm off to bed considering someone is making me go to school tomorrow" Richie says glaring at Duncan
Soon everyone but Luca and Methos are sleeping.
Chapter 9/? Rated R
The next morning
"Liena, Liena' calls a voice awakening the sleeping immortal from a deep sleep.
"Go way' growls Liena burrowing deeper under the covers
"Come on Babe rise and shine" sings Luca
"Drop dead" growls Liena
"OK if you aren't getting up then I won't play nice" growls Luca he leans down and kisses her neck. Then slips under the covers to join Liena. Slowly he slips his hand under her tank top cupping her breast with one hand then slides the other hand down her stomach into her panties. Lightly he begins stroking her clit.
Liena's breath catches in her throat at the feel of Luca's fingers touching her. "Luca" she whimpers wiggling to get closer to his hand. "Please" she whimpers
"Please what?" demands Luca.
"Please make love to me" begs Liena
Kissing the nape of Liena's neck Luca rolls her over onto her back and quickly strips her of her panties and tank top then removes his boxers. "I love you Liena' he whispers against her lips.
"Love you too Luca" replies Liena whimpering at the feel of his hard cock slowly entering her. Liena wraps her legs around his hips urging him to go faster. Grinding their hips against each other the two lovers quickly cum. "God" groans Liena stroking Luca's head and neck softly.
:Luca looks up at her his blue eyes shiny, "See I told you I'd get you up"
Grinning mischievously Liena replies, "You did a great job of that"
"Well seeing you got me up" he replies grinning. He glances at the bedside clock and groans, "You need to get up and get going you and Richie have to be at school in an hour." sighing regretfully Luca pulls out of her.
Groaning at the loss of him Liena whines, "Do I have to?"
"Sorry baby but you do" he says standing up he pulls the covers off her, "Now get up."
"But we were having fun" Liena protests
"we'll have fun after school" Luca promises pulling Liena to her feet. "Now go shower" he orders.
Grumbling Liena heads into the bathroom and turns on the shower from the corner of her eye she sees a figure in the mirror. Stunned she yelps in surprise then laughs nervously saying "Only my imagination" getting into the shower she is mutters "God I hate Hellmouths"
Chapter 10/?
Forty five minutes later Liena walks out of the bedroom dressed in a pair of blue jeans with holes in the knees, a pair of combat boots on her feet, a blue crop top and carrying a thigh length brown leather coat. She heads into the kitchen where she finds everyone but Methos sitting at the breakfast table.
"So do I look like a teenager" she asks them her voice showing slight disgust
"Yep you do." grins Richie
"He still sleeping?" she asks of Methos grabbing a cup of coffee and a bagel.
"Yeah he came in at four this morning wasted" says Duncan disgust evident in his voice.
"Liena you know Methos didn't intentionally lie to you.' points out Amanda, 'He was protecting you."
"I know' admits Liena, 'Its just the only time as long as I've known him that he has ever lied to me. But I am going to be the responsible adult' Richie snorts. Glaring at him Liena continues, 'And I am going to apologize" she leaves the kitchen and heads up the stairs to the immortals bedroom. Quietly she enters the bedroom walking up to his bed knowing he can sense her she stands there waiting for him to acknowledge her.
"If you want to keep your head then go away" he mutters
"Meth wake up I wanna talk to you" Liena requests sitting on the edge of his bed
"What Li?" he groans rolling over
Rolling her eyes at her childhood nickname she says, "I wanted to apologize for getting mad at you last night. I know you were protecting me all of these years. It just sort of shocked me that you kept something that important from me"
Methos looks at her and grins sadly, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you the truth. I wanted to but when you were a child you had these fantasies about your father and telling you the truth would have hurt you."
"Your probably right' sighs Liena with a frown she asks, 'How long had you known Angel is my father?"
Rubbing his eyes warily he replies, "When we first met you seemed familiar somehow. It wasn't until after I came across Angelus again a few years later then I made the connection' sighing he continues, 'After that I asked Robert and he told me the truth swearing me to secrecy"
"Why though?" she asks frowning.
"Its a long story how about we finish this discussion later. You need to get to school"
"All right' sighs Liena leaning forward she kisses his forehead, "Love you"
"Love you too. Be good today"
"I will" Liena promises leaving his room she heads downstairs
"Ready?" asks Duncan
"Where's Luca?" asks Liena frowning
"In his office" replies Joe watching them from the kitchen
'Back in a sec I'm gonna go say goodbye" she says turning
"We'll be in the car" calls Amanda
"And hurry up I don't wanna wait all day" whines Richie
Heading into the office Liena finds her lover looking over a book, "Hey Luca" she greets with a grin. Chuckling at his concentration on his work.
"Hey baby" he greets looking up a smiles, "You ready for school?"
Rolling her eyes Liena replies, "Ready as I'll ever be"
"You look great" he praises walking over to her
"Thanks" she replies with a grin as he comes closer to her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she sighs with contentment, "I'll call at lunch" she promises
"OK.' he says kissing her, 'I'll miss you" he whispers against her lips
"You better' she replies
"Don't hurt any of those horny mortals' he warns her
"I won't love as long as they don't touch me they'll be fine"
"If they touch you I'LL hurt them" he growls in fierce possesiveness
Chuckling at the possessiveness in his voice Liena kisses him again, "I love it when you are possessive' she says mischievously. Kissing him she pulls out of his embrace and says "See you at the library after school" turning around she heads out the door she calls back, "Make sure Methos doesn't sleep all day"
Chuckling Luca replies, "I promise to wake him up. Have fun at school"
"Yeah right' Liena grumbles as she heads out the front door she stops off in the kitchen and gives Joe a kiss on the cheek. Liena heads out to the car. "Dammit lets get this over with" she growls her features morphing.
"Liena you need to watch the face" reminds Amanda
"I know" she sighs
"Richie make sure if she does do that that she is kept hidden from the mortals until she switches back" advises Duncan
"I know Mac you've told me hundreds of times" mutters Richie
"Liena don't get angry when someone misquotes something in history. People tend to get a little defensive when a teen knows more than an adult" puts in Amanda
"I know Amanda. This sucks I am going to have to sit through a history class with a teacher who only thinks they know everything" she grumbles, 'please I know more history than they do"
"Uh what about the blood issue?' asks a hesitant Richie, 'what if she does the 'I'm angry and I'm gonna bite you' mode"
Growling at the reference Liena replies, "I won't go in that mode"
"Hey I wanna be prepared" snaps Richie
Turning around to look at the two immortals Amanda says, "Richie if it happens you or Buffy will have to take her straight to the library and call one of us. One of us should be at the house all day. If its really bad you might have to be her source"
"What?!" protests both of them in disgust just as they pull into the school parking lot.
Turning off the car Duncan turns to look at them, "Just promise me you two won't try to kill each other?" he requests
Glaring at each other the two nod their heads
"OK then lets go meet this principal" Amanda says gracefully getting out of the car. Ending the conversation in the back seat. *
The four immortals walk up to the school somewhat noticing the looks they each are receiving for their looks. Duncan for his dark goodlooks. Amanda for her gorgeous looks. Richie for his fresh faced appeal. Liena for incredible dark beauty. They head into the school Richie grinning at the girls he passes. "Knock it off Richie. I don't want to have to bail you out of jail" mutters Duncan.
"come on man whats the fun with being here if I can't have some fun" replies Richie as they reach the office.
"God what have I done in my whole life to deserve this" mutters Liena as they enter the front office.
"Hello" greets Duncan to the secretary in his most charming voice. "We are here to enroll Liena and Richard James."
"And you are?" asks the secretary in awe of his looks and charm
"My name is Duncan MacLeod. This is my wife Amanda we are Liena and Richie's guardians." Mac replies with a grin.
"OK well fill out this paper work and Principal Snyder will want to meet with." the secretary says handing them the papers.
Amanda, Duncan, and Richie sit down while Liena paces like a caged tiger.
"Gee Liena sit down" sighs Richie
Glaring at the immortal Liena is about to retort when a short balding man with big ears enters the office. Immediately she feels uneasy around him.
"I'm Principal Snyder" he announces pompously. "Come into my office" he orders
Glancing at the other three Liena follows him into the office the others following right behind. The little man stares at Liena and Richie with disgust. "I looked for your records not very impressive.' he says coldly. 'Since both of you are new I will give you the short term rules. Never cross me, adults rule the school, and any misbehavior and you are out of here. Clear"
"Clear" Liena and Richie reply
"Good. Get out of here" orders Snyder turning his attention to some paperwork before him.
The three immortals leave the principals office. "God what an ass" mutters Liena to Richie. "Can you believe that they blame highschool students for being asses when they have principals like that"
"No doubt he's the reason the kids end up disappearing" Amanda reasons
"Guys I have a bad feeling about Snyder. He's evil" states Liena as they head to the front desk.
"I doubt it" Amanda remarks
Liena sighs "I guess we'll see you after school" she says to the two older immortals at the door.
"Yes we will now be good you two I don't want to have to explain to many odd occurances while we are here darlings" says Amanda as she a Duncan walk away.
"Hey Richie, Liena" calls a male voice.
Turning to the voice the two notice Buffy, Willow, Oz, Xander, and Cordelia walking their way. "Hello" greets Liena.
"Hey" echoes Richie, "God I can't believe I am in high school again" he whines.
"I can't believe that I am in high school at all" hisses Liena.
"So what classes do you have?" asks the excited Willow.
"Oh Luca arranged it so that either Richie or I are in each of your classes. Or at least nearby."
"God Buffy why does your boyfriend have psycho ex honey's" whines Cordelia, "First the blond vampire. Then that nutcase whats her face. You. Now this new freak. God how did such a hotty like Angel always fall for freaks"
"Cordy, honey I think you should lay off Dead Boy" advises Xander, "Before Buffy knocks your teeth in" "Briinnnngggghhhh" the first period bell rings.
"Time for the long day to begin" groans Buffy dramatically.
Chapter 12/?
Liena goes to her first class math with Oz, Willow and Buffy. After an hour an 45 minutes of listening to the teacher discuss the quadratic formula Liena was excited to get out of class. "God how do you deal with that every day" groans Liena.
Giggling Buffy answers "Its hard but we deal don't we Wil?"
"You deal?! Gee Buffy I seem to remember doing your work every night" replies Willow. The three girls and Oz head to meet up with everyone else.
"So Richie how was your first day back in high school?" asks Liena with a grin.
Looking around at the girls near him Richie answers distractedly, "I have forgotten what high school girls are like"
"Get your mind out of the gutter" cries Cordelia.
Liena watches the interaction with amusement when out of the corner of her eye she notices something. Glancing in that direction she momentarily sees a figure standing there watching her then it disappears. Staring at the area where the figure was Liena does not notice everyone is staring at her with concern.
"You OK?" asks Buffy jarring Liena out of her haze.
Shaking her head to clear out the images the figure brought on Liena answers, "Uh yeah I just was uh thinking"
The bell rings signifying the end of break. The teens and the two undercover immortals head to their respective classes. Liena is with Buffy, Xander, and Willow in chemistry while Richie goes with Oz and Cordelia to gym.
Liena is sitting next to Buffy in class when at that time they get the chance to somewhat talk.
"Liena?" asks Buffy.
"Hmm" answers Liena.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Ask me what ever you want I'll try to answer" replies Liena truthfully.
"Whats it like?" asks Buffy curiosity evident in her voice.
"Whats what like?" asks Liena confused.
"To live as long as you have. To see what you have" clarifies Buffy
Shrugging Liena answers, "I don't know really. I mean I haven't experienced mortality in over 230 years. This is pretty much all I have ever known. I hate the fact that its possible that I'll never be able to die with memories of my life before immortality."
"But you might be able to regain your mortality though right?"
"If I get her' Liena says with disgust, 'to recant then yes I will regain mortality."
"Oh" replies Buffy dropping the subject. Before they know it the bell rings ending second period.
"On to PE" groans Willow
"Same with me" answers Liena, "That really sucks cuz the guys said that I can't use my abilities in public."
"Same with me. Giles says I'm not allowed to use mine either" groans Buffy.
"I have no strengths so no one can tell me I can't use it" responds Willow. The three girls head into the girls locker room to change. Once they change into their PE clothes they head out to the gym to join the guys. Thirty minutes into class Liena is distracted by another sight from the corner of her eye. Distracted momentarily she doesn't hear the teacher talking to her.
"Ms. James" calls the teacher insistently. Liena doesn't hear her and Buffy nearby touches her arm and Liena jumps in surprise and goes into defense mode pining Buffy's arm behind her back.
"Liena" hisses Buffy pulling her arm free.
Liena notices that everyone is staring at her and that Buffy is in her grasp "Sorry" she apologizes with still some distraction.
"Ms. James are you alright?" asks the teacher Ms. Allen
"Yes Ms. Allen sorry about that I was thinking about something else.' Turning to Buffy Liena says, 'Sorry about that Buffy"
"Its alright Liena. You OK?" she asks
"Uh yeah I'm fine" answers Liena glancing back to where she saw the figure. "Hope I didn't hurt you" she says apologetically.
"No you didn't I'm fine" answers Buffy noting Liena's actions.
The rest of the class Liena is on almost a reflexive mode answering automatically to questions. The bell rings ending the class time. Leaving the locker room the girls head down the hallway. "I've got to go make a phone call" Liena says walking away from them. Buffy and Willow stare at her back when Richie, Xander, Oz, and Cordelia join them in the hallway.
"Where is Liena?" asks Richie noting the absence of the immortal.
"She went to make a phone call. You now Buffy that thing that happened in the gym was weird" says Willow
Hearing that Richie goes on alert, "What happened in gym?" he asks
"Liena wigged she almost broke my arm" Buffy tells him
"Dammit. Did she say why?" he asks
"No she just got distracted then when I touched her arm she twisted it behind my back. She's tough she almost shattered my arm" Buffy tells Richie
"Damn she almost shattered the Slayers arm that is bad. The Buffster was almost injured" fake cries Xander
The teens and Richie head to their next class English. A few moments later Liena joins them in the classroom. "Sorry Mr. Jones. I had an emergency to deal with" she says apologetically.
"That is alright but the rest of the time Ms. James please do not be late. Take a seat Ms. James" instructs the teacher
Liena sits down next to Buffy. "You OK?" asks Buffy. Liena nods in response her attention on the teacher.
Through the class Liena tries to keep herself from intervening and drawing attention to the fact that she knows to much for the average teenager. Finally after an hour and 45 minutes the class is over and lunch time is at hand. Once Liena is out of the teachers hearing distance she starts laughing.
"Whats so funny?" asks Xander
"What he was teaching. The authors he was talking about where nothing like that" she says
"Yeah right. Like you really knew them" sniffs Cordelia
"I knew of them. Methos use to tell me stories about them. Methos told me once that Poe wasn't as depressing as his writings would show. According to Methos he had a great sense of humor" Liena tells them shocking them
"How old are you Richie?" asks Cordelia as they sit down at a table
"I was 19 when I was killed. That was 5 years ago. Since then I've been immortal" Richie replies.
"What about you Liena how old were you when you became immortal?" asks Willow taking a bite of her sandwhich.
Liena shrugs opening her can of pop she takes a drink, "I'm not really sure, According to my guardians the bitch' she spits out with hate, 'was 17 when she got pregnant so according to the curse I became immortal at 17 on the exact day her life changed."
"And what day was that?" asks Willow
"Hello Briainiac the day she got knocked up was the day her life changed" snorts Cordelia
"Oh that is a nice thing to say Cordelia" snips Xander
"Hey it's the truth the day I get knocked up would be the day my life would be changed" retorts Cordelia
Liena shrugs in response "I'm not sure when her life changed no one has told me the details. I guess she's the only one who knows. Not like I care what she thinks. My life is complete with the guys. Speaking of the guys excuse me I have to go make a call" Liena says standing up she leaves the teens behind silent.
"OK bitter much" states Cordelia staring at the immortals back
"Oh that's not too bad you should see her when she is really in a crappy mood. She can really vent then. One time she went for over an hour venting over all her angst" Richie tells them
"Richie how has she reacted to Angel discussions?" asks Buffy with curiousity
"She wasn't told much about him. All she knew was his name and that he was a souled vampire. As long as I've known her she hasn't gotten as angry when he's mentioned. When her mothers mentioned she gets really angry. I'm not really sure why though." Richie tells them
Chapter 12/?
Outside Liena heads to the nearest payphone. Dialing Luca's cell phone she waits for him to answer, "Hey Luca" she greets when he answers
"Hey Baby how's it going?" asks Luca
"Get me out of here' she groans
"Sorry Babe but your stuck" chuckles Luca
"Where are you?" she asks
"I'm with everyone meeting with Angel at the mansion" he tells her reluctantly
"Oh having fun" she asks agitation evident in her voice
"Yes we are talking history telling stories for Joe" Luca replies excitedly
"Enjoy. I need to talk to Methos for a sec" she asks hurriedly
"Sure. You OK Babe" asks Luca with concern
"Uh yeah I'm fine. Love ya" Liena says
"Same" he says then Liena waits for Methos to pick up the phone
"Hey whats up midget" asks Methos
"Meth somethings not right here. I keep getting this weird feeling that he's around." Liena listens as Methos leaves the room
"He who?" asks Methos with concern
"Who do you think!" growls Liena, "Who's the one person I fear Old Man"
"That's impossible!" stammers Methos
"You of all people should know that things in this world are not impossible Methos. He's alive" she growls
"I'll look into it and let you know after school" he promises
"Methos if he's alive I need to know" Liena says fearfully
"I'll let you know" Methos promises
Liena rubs her eyes "Find out soon Methos remember what happened the last time he was around? This time I fear it could go even worse than the last time he was around. He could cause even more havoc than Angelus, Drusilla and Spike put together with Kronos and all the immortals together."
"I know Liena I'll see what I can find. I'll let you know this afternoon" Methos promises
"Methos promise me that you won't leave me alone here" begs a tearful Liena. Her heart pounding at the tought of facing her worst nightmare alone.
"I promise I will never leave you to face him alone. Just like I promised all those years ago you will never face him alone again" Methos says soothingly
"Please Methos find what you can ask quick as possible" begs Liena
"I will" Methos promises, "Now you better get back to class"
"I will. Thanks" Liena says hanging up
"Whats going on?" demands Luca
Tossing Luca his phone Methos responds disarmingly, "Nothing Luca. Liena just needed some encouragement"
Luca snorts in disbelief, "Liena need encouragement that's a laugh Methos. She is the toughest person I have ever met"
Methos walks around Luca back into the room were everyone is sitting talking, "That's all it was Luca. Leave it alone" snaps Methos
"Whats going on?" asks Angel concerned
"I've got to go. I'll meet you guys at the library after school." Methos says grabbing his coat he heads out the door.
"What was that about?" asks Amanda in confusion
"I'm not sure. Somethings up though for Liena to not tell me what is wrong isn't like her" muses Luca
"Well they have known each other for so long that they are closer than any of us will ever be with anyone. There is a lot about both of them that is not on record they'll tell us when they want to" Duncan remarks to Luca
"I know its just something not right. It's a feeling I've got" Luca replies thoughtfully
Liena is sitting in studyhall thinking of the days events when she falls asleep. Once asleep she begins to dream.
Running through a dark cavern her heart pounding in fear. The sound of her feet echoing.
"Come on out. I won't hurt you…much" sings a dark voice
She glances back and sees a dark figure behind her. "Why can't you leave me alone?" she screams
"Because we are connected. We have the same destiny. The same past. Together we can conquer anything" calls the voice
"I don't want anything to do with you" calls back Liena
"It doesn't matter child no matter what I will find you"
"LEAVE ME ALONE" she screams
Liena wakes up her heart pounding in fear to see Buffy and Willow staring at her in concern.
"Liena your face" whispers Willow
Liena touches her forehead to realize that her ridges were visible. Groaning "I've got to get out of here" she stands up hiding her face in the curtain of her hair.
"Ms. James where are you going" demands the teacher
Buffy and Willow stand up on either side of Liena. "Mr. Tyler Liena isn't feeling to well. We are going to take her to the nurses office"
"All right Ms. Summers and Ms. Rosenberg" agrees the teacher. Buffy, Willow and Liena head to the library keeping Liena's ridges from being seen.
Upon reaching the library Buffy calls out, "Giles we need your help"
"Buffy you are supposed to be in study hall' calls Giles from the stacks.
"We would be but we have a little problem" calls Liena
"And what pray tell would that be" replies Giles exiting the stacks he notices Liena in game face. "Good god" he says shocked, "Next time warn me. Willow go get Richie. Tell his teacher that there is an emergency with his sister"
Willow nods and rushes out the room
A few minutes later Richie and Willow enter the library. "Duncan told me that if this happened to call one of them." Richie tells them
"Richie call Methos. I need Methos" Liena asks tiredly
"OK" answers Richie he heads into Giles office and calls Methos. A few minutes later he comes out. "Methos will be here in a few minutes"
Liena nods, "Thanks. You guys go back to class I'll be fine."
"You sure?" asks Buffy
"I'm sure" answers Liena heading into the stacks to wait. The others leave Liena and Giles alone to wait for Methos. A few minutes Liena senses Methos enter and greet Giles.
"She's in the stacks" says Giles
"Thanks" answers Methos heading up the steps.
Liena listens to the familiar heart beat of Methos as he comes closer. Methos sits down next to her. "Hey Methos" she greets softly
"What happened little one?" asks Methos touching her cheek.
"I fell asleep and had the dream. Like always I awoke with my other side evident" answers Liena leaning into his hand
"You haven't had that dream for years" replies Methos worriedly.
"I know. I'm scared Meth what if he is back? He'll destroy me for good this time" she whimpers
"I won't let him little one. Now feed" orders Methos taking his sword he slices his wrist. Liena brings it to her mouth and digs her fangs into his wrist and feeds. A few seconds later Methos dies and Liena falls into stasis. A few minutes later Methos awakes and removes his wrist from Liena's grasp. Brushing the hair away from her face he kisses her forehead and lays her down. Removing his coat he rolls it up and places it under her head. "Sleep little one" he whispers as he stands up he heads down the stairs to find Giles sitting at the conference reading a book.
Giles looks up and removes his glasses "How is she?"
"She's sleeping. Giles I need your help"
"How can I help you?" asks Giles
"What I have to tell you cannot be mentioned to the others. Its highly personal and a delicate matter. Plus it is in your expertise" Methos says sitting down
"In what way?" asks Giles
"What I have to tell you the others do not know. When Liena was a child a friend of hers was killed because of a demons - I don't know jealousy. This demon prayed on ones like Liena. He starts in their dreams. I thought he was dead but with what Liena just told me indicates that he is not dead."
"My God! What is this demon?" asks Giles
Running his hands through his hair in agitation Methos answers, "He's called Kurlec."
Chapter 13/?
"The dream master!" stammers Giles
Methos nods in acknowledgement, "Yes. He appeared in Liena's dreams when she was a little girl. He showed her events from her childhood. Soon he began to become obsessive- he appeared to her when she was awake. He became jealous of her best friend and from what I have learned she doesn't know- he hired some other demons to burn down the house that killed her best friend and his family. Liena was living with them until it was time for her training to begin."
"Dear God that must have been terrible for her" states Giles
"It was Giles. After it happened I was granted temporary custody of her. For months he terrorized her with dreams of what had happened and what was going to happen. It got so bad she stopped sleeping. For days on in she stayed awake and whenever she dozed off she would wake up screaming bloody murder. Out all the things I have ever done the sound of her waking and screaming like that is on my list of haunting things" Methos shivers at the memories
"How did the dreaming end?" asks Giles
Standing up Methos walks to the nearest bookcase, "From what I was told Kurlec was killed. This afternoon after Liena called I contacted a few people who confirmed her fears."
"Kurlec is alive" states Giles
"Yes he is. He was resurrected for some purpose. I'm not sure what- could be anything- to torture Liena to even go after the Slayers. I'm not sure. My sources were not very informative."
Giles thoughtfully pinches the bridge of his nose, "Well I don't know Kurlec that well. There are few people who would' he stops at a thought, 'the only one I can think of who could tell us is Angel"
"NO" says Methos harshly, 'Liena wouldn't want me to tell even you. She definitely wouldn't want the others to know. Especially Angel and Luca. If you help me with this I will tell you anything you need to know to extend your demon and immortal knowledge"
Blinking at the harsh tone of the immortal before Giles nods in agreement, "All right I won't tell them"
"Thank you Giles. And I mean what I said anything"
"You really care for that girl don't you?" muses Giles
Glancing up at the stacks Methos answers, "She's the closest I'll ever get to having a child"
"Sometimes I think that about Faith and Buffy. They are a big enough challenge for me to swear off having children" he chuckles
"So lets get to work" suggests Methos
Giles stands up as he heads to a bookcase he stops in his tracks as a thought comes to him, "Methos what do you know of the Kalderash gypsies?"
Methos shrugs "I know some. I lived with them for a while so did Duncan. Why?"
"What do you know about curses?" asks Giles in interest
"Some. I know other immortals who know more. Why do you ask?" asks Methos curiously
"I know what you can help me with" states Giles
"What?" inquires Methos
"Angel's curse" answers Giles
"What about it?" questions Methos
"Do you think you could help Willow and I find a way to remove the happiness clause? I mean with Liena being his daughter there could be a danger with that clause still being intact."
"Sure. How about when this is over we look into it?" suggests Methos
Giles nods in agreement, "So lets get to work" The Watcher and Immortal set to work researching the dream demon Kurlec. A few hours later the two researchers look up to realize that the bell signifying the end of school had rung.
"Well the kids should be here soon" says Giles standing up and streching
Methos feels the familiar buzz of an Immortal reaching for his sword he stands up, "It could be right now" he watches the doorway as Richie enters with his hand under his coat.
"Hey Old Man. Why are you here? I would have thought you and Liena left hours ago" says Richie sitting down at the table picking up a book on demons
"I'm researching and Liena is sleeping" he answers taking the book away from the younger immortal.
"She's asleep. Lucky" whines Xander
Looking at the teen with a faint smile Methos replies, "She's in a deep sleep"
"Oh like vampires get" nods Willow
"Yes" answers Methos smiling at the red head.
"Don't you kids have homework to do?" asks a distracted Giles
"We were hoping Liena would help us with the history homework" says Cordelia
"She would if she was awake. She'll help you when she wakes up" replies Methos
"Can't you wake her?' whines Xander, 'Just pull the I'm an adult line"
Methos and Richie chuckle, "Dude never wake her up from her sleep time. She vamps on you and if she's not quite aware she'll bite you" remarks Richie.
"Geez what is with vamps and their sleeping habits. I mean its not like they need any beauty sleep" states Cordelia as she files her nails.
"Rude much?" mutters Buffy
"Hey you gotta admit vampires aren't the worlds most good looking immortals" says Cordelia
"Uh Cordy do we have to remind you that you practically drooled over Angel before you found out he was a vampire?" asks Buffy in a sweetly false voice as she rolls her eyes at the others.
"Whatever" answers Cordelia
For the next hour the teens and Richie do their homework and Methos and Giles research. Up in the stacks Liena awakens to realize her surroundings. "Damn it" she groans sitting up.
Down on the floor Buffy looks up when she hears the groan, "She's awake" she announces before returning to her work
Liena exits the stacks and walks down the stairs, "How long was I out?" she asks wearily
"Over three hours" answers Methos looking at his watch
"Yeah you got to miss half the day of fun book learning" jokes Xander
"Gee ain't that a shame" yawns Liena. Looking over the books infront of Methos she asks in German, "What are you doing?"
"Researching Kurlec" he answers back
"He's back" she asks fearfully
Putting the bookmarker in its place Methos looks at Liena a serious look on his face, "I'm afraid so Liena" he answers back in German
"How?" she asks fearfully
"Someone resurrected him" replies Methos
"Why?!" inquires Liena panic evident in her voice
"I'm not sure we are looking into it" he responds softly
Liena just looks at him sadly then nods. Glancing at Buffy Liena asks, "Buffy do you want to spar?"
"You up for it?" she asks
"Yeah I am" replies Liena with a tired grin
"Liena try not to hurt her too much" requests Methos without looking up from his book.
"I won't" smirks Liena
"Then lets get it on" replies Buffy with a grin. The two girls circle each other checking out each others weak spots. Buffy throws the first punch which Liena dodges. Soon the two are dodging blows to each other left and right. Within 15 minutes of their sparring Liena is again distracted by a figure in her peripheral vision and she takes a hit to the stomach surprising all in the room.
"Oohf" grunts Liena holding her side, "Nice hit" she tells Buffy while trying to regain her composure.
"You OK?" asks the concerned Watcher
"Yeah its just been awhile since anyone has hit me" Liena straightens up then groans, "Damn it" she clutches her side in pain.
"You OK?" asks the worried Slayer
"Oh yeah I'm fine but you broke my rib" replies Liena stunning Richie and Methos
"wow Buffy you just did something few mortals have ever done" says an impressed Methos
"What?" questions Buffy
"You broke my rib" answers Liena as she sits down, "But it should heal pretty quick" The sewer enterance opens and in comes Angel, Luca, Duncan, and Amanda. "Hey guys" greets Liena
"OK what just happened?" inquires Luca as he rushes to his girlfriends side
"Buffy and Liena were sparring and Buffy broke Liena's rib" answers the calm and composed Cordelia as she sits there filing her nails.
"You OK babe?" demands Luca
"I'm fine" replies Liena
"How in the world did Buffy break Liena's rib. No mortal has done that" says Amanda in surprise
"I got distracted" answers Liena softly wincing slightly as she remembered the figure watching her from the shadows. The anger radiating off it.
"You zoned" supplies Xander
Glaring at the mortal Liena growls, "I did not zone' turning back to Luca's concerned gaze Liena says, 'I'm fine. I was just distracted I thought I saw something moving in the shadows. Besides I'm all healed" she announces demonstrating by hitting herself in the ribs. Without wincing she says, "See I'm fine."
Chapter 14/?
Sensing Liena's need to change the topic Methos looks at the new arrivals "So what have you found out about the plans for this town?"
"There wasn't much we found. We called in markers and found out little. Seems like they want to keep this a major secret. But Angel did find out something interesting" Luca tells them
"what did you find?" asks Methos
"I'm not sure if its true but I heard that someone resurrected the demon Kurlec" Angel informs them
"Are you sure Kurlec has been resurrected?" demands Liena paling at the mention of the name. She glances at Methos and sees he too is shaken by the notion
"Thats what I was told' answers Angel. Looking closely at his daughter he sees her anger and fear, 'Why? Do you know him?" he asks curiously
"I know of him" answers Liena shrugging dismissively
"Uh OK who is Kurlec?" questions Buffy in confusion looking at her Watcher.
"Kurlec is a demon who appears to someone in their dreams. He stalks their dreams. After a while he becomes bored with dream stalking and begins to go after his victim when they are awake. Usually his victim is driven to insanity and commits suicide" Giles tells her.
"Nasty demon. Now how do I find him and how do I kill him" demands Buffy
"There is a story that I read as a young man about Kurlec and his disappearance,' continues Giles ignoring his Slayer, 'the story goes that Kurlec became obsessed with a young girl. He terrorized this girl and she never gave up fighting"
"Bad demon he deserves to die" states Buffy cheerily.
Looking over at Methos Liena senses his thoughts to mention her past. Her eyes momentarily flash gold as if to say "NO"
Just then the library doors open "Hello luvs" a British voice greets. They all turn to see a peroxide blond man and a dark haired woman.
Hearing that voice Liena freezes in recognition
"Spike Dru what are you doing here" growls Angel
"Ohh look Spikey its Daddy. The stars are singing that there are ones like us' she sighs then says in confusion, 'the stars say they are like us yet so different.' she smiles slightly then asks "Spike can we have a tea party"
"Not now ducks" Spike replies patting her hand, "So peaches how's it going"
Liena comes out of her frozen state then groans "Why me? Why why why" she asks hitting her head on the table in frustration.
They all look over at the girl banging her head on the table, "You know banging your head on a table can cause brain damage.' says Xander they all glare at him.
"Well you should know" snickers Cordelia
"Why does he have to show up' groans Liena, 'whenever he appears I have to die I hate dying it hurts"
"Spikey its her" says Dru dreamily, "Its the one from Prague. The one who saved us"
They all look at Liena who shrugs "Hey I was whacked. Hello Dru' she says sweetly, 'Spike" she growls
"OK does anyone see the major irony?" asks Xander. They all look at him in confusion. "Think about it. Dead Boy's' Angel growls threateningly, 'Angel's daughter from his mortal life shows up and now his children from his immortal life show up. Now they can have an unhappy family reunion. I for one would not want to be apart of this family reunion" They all glare at Xander.
"Well well Liena. Still torturing mortals?" Spike asks innocently
Sensing the mortals gazes on her she sifts uncomfortably, "Shut up Spike" she hisses
"OK should we be worried" asks Willow slightly panicked
Methos sensing his friend's distress approaches the vampires "Leave it alone Spike or I will let her torture you and trust me she's good at it"
"Being related to Dead Boy probably helps" mutters Xander
Glaring at the mortal teen Liena replies "Be careful or I might come out of retirement from mortal torturing and use you for practice."
"Uh can we get off the topic of torturing please. I do have better things to do" Amanda says
"Yes lets' agrees Buffy looking at Spike and Drusilla, 'What are you two rejects doing here"
"Slayer do you always insult your guests" asks Spike his eyebrow quirking as he talks
"Only with you two loons" replies Buffy.
"These books have power Spikey. I don't like these books" whines Drusilla
The immortals look at the mortals in confusion.
"Dru's nuts" comments Buffy
"Don't insult Dru" snarls Spike
"I can insult her anytime I want," snaps Buffy. 'Besides she keeps cheating on you"
"Yeah last time with your boyfriend" growls Spike
"Oh you are so dust" snaps Buffy advancing towards the blond vampire
"Buffy Spike SHUT UP.' yells Angel 'You Spike over there' points Angel. 'Buffy you sit there. Spike there is no fighting in the library. Buffy stop provoking him. And can we please stay off the topic of my Angelus exploits."
"Wow Dead Boy just yelled" says Xander. Turning to Willow he asks, "Has Dead Boy ever yelled?"
"I don't think so" replies Willow, "And I'd advise you to stop calling him Dead Boy." she says noticing the look Angel is giving Xander.
"Now can we please find out the reason our guests are here" says Giles wiping off his glasses wearily.
"Geez you guys make those two sound normal" Liena mutters looking at Methos and Duncan.
"Why are you here Spike" asks Angel wearily
"Would you believe that Dru and I came by just to say hi peaches" asks Spike
"No" retorts Buffy crossly
"Spikey I don't like the mean Slayer" whines Dru. "Can I eat her" she asks pouting
"Sorry pet but I think Peaches wouldn't like that" replies Spike smirking
"Spike out with it why are you here" demands Angel
"There's someone new in town. Out for blood of any kind. Already took out two lairs" Spike announces his eyes showing some sadness.
"Why would you care?' demands Liena, 'Last time I saw you were trying to kill all the kids in an orphanage"
Spike glares at Liena and answers, "Because sister dearest the one doing the killing is someone that you might be familiar with"
"I'm familiar with a lot of people." replies Liena. "And don't call me sister dearest" she growls as an after thought.
"He's a mean man. He's evil more than Spikey or Daddy" muses Drusilla twirling around in circles, "He wants to destroy you" Dru says looking at Liena almost sympathetically.
