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TITLE: Chapter Three ~ The Ring SERIES: The Reunions Series AUTHOR: LJSAngel EMAIL: LJSAngel@supanet.com DISCLAIMER:  Yeah right.  If I owned them, the world would be a happier place with an Angel that's human and kicks ass.  Also he would be locked in my house.  With chains.  Scantily clad. TIMELINE: Past "Eternity" on AtS and Faith is still comatose so it's before "This Years Girl" SPOILERS: All up to and including timeline. SYNOPSIS:  A member of the Ring and an old pal of Angelus is lying in wait to take out the Slayer..  Angel remembers him and thinks back to his past when he first met the Master in Italy... AUTHOR'S NOTES: Need feedback on my flashback scenes.  Whenever theres a flashback in a Buffy novel, I tend to skip pages because it puts me to sleep.  Is it the same for you?  Please do tell.  Oh and this was written before "Darla" and is my version of Angelus meeting the Master.  And y'know, pre-soul Angelus wasn't evil enough in those flashbacks. FEEDBACK: Are we here again?  Deja vu?  Yes and Please.  ("Been there, done that.  Deja Vu just ain't what it used to be") RATING: PG-13 aka 12 RELATIONSHIP : Buffy/Angel; Darla/Angelus flashback; Anya/Xander CONTENT: One occurence of swearing, little bit of violence.. yada yada yada The Reunions Series Chapter Three ~ The Ring Buffy and Angel walked in silence on the way to the museum. “You never told me you were dating someone else,” Angel said finally, walking with his head down. “I'm not.  Not now,” Buffy said. “Not now?  Did you break up with him, because of me?”  Angel asked softly. “I didn't break up with him because of you.  It was because of me.  I don't love Riley like I love you.” She admitted. “Buffy, this can't ever be anything.  We've done this before.  We've been down that road too many times, made the mistake over and over again." “Are you saying we were a mistake?  You wish it never happened?" “No.  We can't, we can't be together.  I love you too much to take your life away." “Let's do the math, Angel.  Slayers generally don't live too long.  It's something I have to accept but to waste my life being with someone I'm not meant to be with, it's worse.  I could die tomorrow, but if I'm with you, I'd die happy.  The thought of not being with you, tears me up.  If I died tomorrow, I'd die miserable.” “It's not like I don't want to go down the road Buffy.  Given the chance, I'd run like hell down it.  It would destroy you one way or another, and I don't want that.” Angel stopped in front of the museum steps and looked into her eyes.  “This is why I left.  You were doing great.  You're going to college and you have a normal boyfriend. " “He's not that normal,” Buffy argued. “He's human, he gets to take you out of the dark into daylight.  You can be with him without him turning into a demon.  You deserve that." “If you mean I deserve love and happiness then I deserve you.  I want you." “I've been back a night and it's turned everything upside down.  I can't do that to you." “I like it upside down if it means you and I are together.” Buffy said in desperation.  “What's with the Dawson and Joey syndrome?  Why are you trying to reason out of this?” Angel opened his mouth to respond when a vampire came crashing through the top floor window and landed beside them, on top of shards of glass.  Without saying anything to each other they both went for the vampire.  Buffy drew her stake from inside her jacket as Angel hauled the vampire up and started punching him. “Angel, he doesn't have a tattoo,” Buffy said gesturing to his arm.  Angel struck the vampires face with a fierce back hand and dealt him a blow to the stomach which pushed him back onto the stake Buffy was holding. “That wasn't the Ring of Maestro guy Cordy saw.  Which means he's still up there and not very sociable towards other vamps.” Buffy pointed up towards the broken window.  Angel reached inside his pocket and brought out a small object.  He aimed it up towards the top and shot it.  The grappling hook caught on the ridge and Angel tugged it to make sure it was safe. “What the hell is that?  Since when did you become GI Joe with fangs?”  Buffy laughed at how ridiculous it was. “It's a gra...”Angel started. “Forget it, I don't want to know.  It takes all the funny out it when you explain.” She smiled to herself.  “I always wanted to do the rock climbing thing.” Angel started to climb up the wall holding the rope, taking huge strides.  Buffy was a bit warier of Angel's new toy.  Once she got the hang of it, Buffy was going up the ten storey building at great pace.  When they were both at the top, Angel left it in case Buffy had to get down quickly.  He could just jump. Buffy scanned the main foyer to see if there were any vampires.  She saw a man in a guard uniform sprawled out on the floor behind a glass case.  Buffy ran over to him.  She hoped she wasn't too late.  The Slayer knelt down and felt for a pulse on his wrist.  He was still alive.  Buffy raised his head a little.  She took off her jacket, folded it up and put it under his head. “Is he OK?” Angel asked, looking about for vampires. Buffy didn't reply.  The guard began to stir. “Where...?” The guard said with difficulty. “You're at the museum.  You were knocked out.  Can you remember what happened ?” Buffy asked gently. “A man.  He was looking for something.  I went to throw him out and he picked me up and threw me across the room." “Can you remember what he looked like ?" “He, uh, had on black leather.  His face looked weird, like screwed up after a bad burn.” He focused past the pretty blonde girl and saw a man in a long coat looking about with some sort of a weapon in one hand - a piece of wood. “What are you doing ?” The guard asked weakly.  “You can't fight this guy.  He's strong.  Call for help, let the cops deal with it." “It's OK,” Buffy said soothingly.  She propped up his head again.  She felt something warm at the side of his neck.  She took her hands away and her fingers were covered in blood.  Buffy looked at the man's pale face. “Angel, we need to get him to a hospital.  It bite him.” “I know.  I can smell it,” he replied, not looking at Buffy.  He swallowed hard, feeling guilty for what he was.  And what he wanted to do.. “Oh.  Yeah, I forgot about that super power of yours." They both heard a crash coming from along the corridor. “Buffy, we have to go,” Angel said, touching her shoulder.  Buffy was reluctant to leave.  The guard reminded her of someone she knew.  “Buffy, we have to let's go." Buffy stood up and followed Angel along the corridor to the room where the noise was coming from.  Angel opened the door a little so they could see what they were dealing with. The vampire in Cordelia's vision was smashing the glass cases and knocking over anything in it's path. “How do you want to play this ?” Buffy asked, whispering. “I'll go in.  Then when I say you go in with the kill." “Like a dust and run ?  Gotcha,” Buffy whispered although Angel didn't hear her.  He was somewhere else. Small town near Rome, Italy.  1887 Maria walked home quickly.  Her father had expected her home an hour ago.  He was a strict man, but he knew the town. 'Strange creatures walk at night, they prey on the weak.  Don't let it be you,  my dear Maria.' He had told her that when she was little over ten years old.  Still, his words rang through her head everytime she walked through streets alone at night. “What's a pretty girl like you doing alone at night in a place like this?" Maria spun around and saw a man in the shadow's.  Instead of the worst thoughts entering her mind, she felt at ease with the stranger, almost drawn to him. “Who are you ?”  She asked nervously.  The man laughed wickedly. “I,” the man paused. “I am your guardian angel." “An angel ?”  She asked shakily. “My friends call me,” he said as he stepped out into the light. “Angelus.” Maria saw the man's yellow eyes and contorted face. “Your face...”  Maria froze. “Demon with the face of angel,” Angelus quoted from a man he had killed earlier on in his vampire life.  “Couldn't have said it better myself.” He laughed as he strode slowly up to the frightened girl. To her credit, she's not running.  She’s exactly what I want, Angelus thought. “How would like to be like me ?  Do what you want ?  Go where you want ? Kill who you want ?  Live.......forever.” Angelus smiled wickedly.  He pushed the girl’s hair away from her face.  For a moment he thought she would accept, although they never do at first. “You're a monster,” she said bravely with tears running down her face. “And it's fun!”  Angelus laughed and looked at her.  “C'mon Maria.  What have you got to lose?  You're gonna die anyway." Maria's blood ran cold. “How did you know my name?" “You think this is co-incidence my dear, sweet Maria?  I don't sire anybody.  I've been following you for weeks.  Felt like someone was watching you, didn't it ?” Maria shook at the thought. “My family, are they...”  Maria couldn't finish the sentence. “Oh, your family are alive.  I didn't kill them.” Angelus dropped his voice.  “I'll leave that for you to do." “You're sick,“ Maria said disgusted. “Not sick.  Just hungry.”  Angelus grabbed her shoulders and sank his fangs into her soft flesh.  Maria didn't scream.  Angelus sucked some of her blood and pulled himself away.  Maria slumped against the wall, although not dead yet.  He really wanted to change this girl, but her blood was the best he had tasted in a while.  The strong ones always taste better.  Angelus pulled up Maria and pinned her against the wall. “Changed your mind yet?”Angelus asked. “Don’t,” she choked.  “Don’t let me die.” “Oh but you will die.  This way you only die for a while.” Angelus snarled.  “I knew you’d come around,” Angelus said as he slit his own wrist and pushed it up to Maria’s lips.  Blood from the wound dribbled onto her tongue.  At first, she softly lapped up Angelus’ blood.  As the blood gave her a new sense of life, like an energy rush she sucked more and more until Angelus pulled his arm away.  He held her limp body up and whispered into her ear. “Good stuff isn’t it?  All you need to live forever. I’ll be back for you at night fall after your funeral.  Sleep well.” Angelus loosened his grip and Maria dropped to the floor.  Angelus looked on the beautiful Italian girl with a brief feeling of contentment.  He always felt this way momentarily when he had successfully completed a ‘project’.  Maria was his latest.  He turned to go and get some one else to eat when he saw a man standing in his way.  Angelus could tell that this wasn’t just a man.  He was a creature of the dark, like himself.  The other vampire looked at the girl. “She was young,” he remarked. “And now she’ll live forever,” Angelus grinned. “Angelus, I presume,” the vampire said.  “I have heard many stories about you.” “All bad I hope.  Who are you?” “Serhaf.  I’m of the Brethren of Matrus and a Ring of Matrus warrior. “ “Serhaf ?  That’s an unusual name.  Where are you from?” “Romania, originally.  I was sired by The Master here in Italy.” “Romania, nice country.  Always meant to visit it.  The Master, I‘ve heard of him.  Where is he?  Might drop in on him.  Talk immortal demon to immortal demon.” “By now he’ll be killing the Slayer. “Slayers.  Despise them.  Last one I faced broke up the ‘Welcome To Italy ’ party I was having.  We caught her and played a game.  Blindfold, we threw spears at her.  Who ever got the heart got to drink of her first.  That was fun.  She was a feisty one.  Are you sure your Master can take care of her ?  I’d be happy to oblige and give him a hand or a fang...” “The Master is more than capable of the little Slayer.” “Of course.” “He’s got a girl with him if he needs any help.  Darla.” “Darla,” Angelus said.  “I’m meeting her in a few weeks in Venice.  We went our separate ways to see the world.  See different countries, meet different vampires, taste different blood.  Why is she with The Master?” “He sired her, didn’t you know that?  She’s one of us although she doesn’t practise the rituals anymore. ” “Hmm.  It seems we have much to talk about.  Join me for a drink?  I know of two men who should be walking home by now.” “Couldn’t refuse.” Serhaf said.  He gestured to Maria. “What about her?” “We’re going out for a drink tomorrow night.  I’ll see her then.” “You ready Angel?” Buffy asked. “What?“ Angel said.  “Ready, yeah.” Angel turned into his vamp face.  He pushed open the door with great force and walked in. “Serhaf!” The vampire stopped looking for what he was looking for and turned round. “Angelus!  How long has it been?” “About a century.  How long have you been in my town?” “Just came here from Boston.” “And you made the museum your first stop?” Angel mocked, trying to act as his demonic alter ego Angelus would. “I’m on business.  I’ve got to find the Staff of Matrus.“ “A big stick?” Angel asked sticking hsi tongue in his cheek. “It’s for the ritual.” “I heard.  Opening the Hellmouth, bringing back the ‘o’ great one.  When, where ?  How do I get tickets for the big show?” “It must be on the full moon.  It’s a week on Saturday.” “How are the preparations going?  From what I’ve heard, you need to go all out in the planning department.  On this night you also need the blood of four humans by silver,” Angel shrugged.  “Whatever that is all about.” “Some of the Brethren tried at the local club before I arrived.  Slayer.” Serhaf hissed. “She messed it up, huh?  Slayers have the habit of doing that.  If you don’t get the blood tonight you can’t open hell, right?” Serhaf laughed long and wickedly. “Angelus, remember when I had to bring back the blood for a ritual?  I failed and it nearly cost me my life.  You told me always to have a back up plan or a cover plan.  I’ve stuck by it.” “You’ve got your blood?” Angel asked trying not to give himself away by the tone in his voice. “Angelus, you forget that the Brethren don’t go public.  The sacrifice at the club was fake to occupy the Slayer.  They didn’t have the blades blessed by Matrus.  They weren’t even real silver!” Serhaf laughed. Angel forced himself to smile and laugh along. “That was smart, but you’ve still got other rituals to complete.  Like this one.  Recovering the staff.  She could stop that.” “I’m not here to complete the ritual.  We have the staff.  I’m here to draw out the Slayer.  We don’t really need her blood, I just want her for a prize.  I was thinking of putting her head on a stick.  Like you did with that English Lord one summer.  What weapon will I end her sorry little life with?  So many decisions.  I was thinking about this curved sword.  Care to join me?  Angel,“ Serhaf  snarled.  “I’ll bring that bitch to Matrus in pieces. And you’ll see every minute of it.” Angel’s rage and anger built up inside of him and exploded.  He grabbed a sword and swung for Serhaf’s head.  Serhaf ducked and kicked Angel’s stomach sending him crashing into the heavy hardwood bookcase behind him and it came down on Angel, trapping him. Buffy, who had been listening behind the door, tried to open it but couldn’t because the bookcase was in front of it.  She looked in the small rectangular pane of glass in the door.  Buffy saw Angel trying to push off the bookcase, but the other vampire stood on it, forcing it down. “Did you think that I wouldn’t hear about your sordid, disgusting little affair with the Slayer?  News travels fast in hell, remember.  You disgust me Angelus.” “I’m not him,” Angel growled. “No, you’re not.  The great Angelus would do everything he could to rid himself of the Slayer’s love and affection.  He would kill entire families, villages, cities.” “Or suck the world into hell?” Serhaf turned round and his face was met with a powerful punch.  Buffy round kicked him in his stomach and her right hook met his jaw with incredible power.  As Serhaf stumbled backwards and tried to regain his balance, Buffy searched around for weapon.  She found the sword that Angel tried to use and swung it at Serhaf’s neck.  The decapitated head and body turned to dust leaving no trace of the vampire but a pile of dust.  Buffy turned round and helped Angel push the heavy ebony bookcase off him. “Your shoulder..” Buffy said touching his wound.  Angel looked at the deep cut on his right shoulder. “It’ll be all right.” “So that was two halves.” “Serhaf,” he corrected. “But he is now.” Angel smiled. “Did you just make a joke?  Wow, never knew LA had that effect on people,” Buffy felt warm inside.  Angel’s smile lit up the room.  There was a comfortable silence between the pair. “So.  What do we do now?” She asked Angel feeling all school girlish.  they were back in the Bronze and he was warning her of "something big coming."  She was imagining kissing him for the first time.  Imagining his tongue playing with hers and them laughing.  Then she snapped out of it. “Go to Giles.  Tell him that they were only trying to draw you out and they have the Staff.” Buffy held the door open for Angel and looked back. “Like cooks, a gardener and a personal trainer?” She asked him as he passed her through the doorway. “Like a big wooden stick.” “Oh.” Giles paced the floor and occasionally took a drink from the coffee cup he was holding. He looked at his watch.  It was a little past eleven. “Giles, don’t worry.  Buffy’s faced big fierce vampires before.  Remember the Master?  Not only did she dust his ass, she crushed his bones to make dust.  I kinda went in a loop there, didn’t I?  Anyway, point is, she’ll be fine,” Xander said reassuringly to Giles. “Be that as it may Xander, the Ring Of Matrus warriors are a breed apart.  Not only are the sired with incredible pace and skill, they are trained rigorously.  Their dedication and if needed, self sacrifice, is quite rare in vampires.  If they need Buffy they will keep trying until they have got what they require.” “Giles, she’s fine.  She’s with Angel so they’re probably talking about the good old days over a coke and a pint of blood.” Xander replied. “We couldn’t find a place that served O positive.” The scooby gang, past and present, turned round to see Buffy at the door. “Buffy, thank God.  Are you all right?” Giles asked with relief. “Where’s Angel?” Wesley and Cordelia asked in tandem.  Wesley looked up from the book he was reading.  Cordelia sat up from her position on the couch where she was trying to sleep. “Present,” Angel announced as he shut Giles’s front door.  Cordelia, satisfied Angel was OK, slid down the arm of the couch and closed her eyes. “Can you give me any details about the vampire?  It may help in mine and Wesley’s research.” “Tall, dark hair, weird accent and lying in a pile of dust in the fossil exhibit.” Buffy said casually as she poured out some fresh orange juice from a carton in Giles’s fridge. “His name was Serhaf.  I knew him in the 19th century.  Ring of Matrus warrior but generally stupid.  He’s widely known for it.” Angel explained. “A intellectually changed vampire.  Wow there’s a new concept,” Xander said sarcastically.  He shifted slightly in his position on the chair with Anya sleeping on him. "Pot?  Kettle?  Black?" Cordelia reminded him.  Xander shot her a withering glare. “And he’s dead?” Wesley asked. “Weren’t you listening Wes?  Ashes to ashes.  Stake to heart.  Dust to dust,” Xander said rhythmically. “It was a decapitation case Xand,” Buffy corrected, leaning her elbows on Giles’s breakfast bar. “Oh,” Xander mumbled as he put his head down. “Also the sacrifice at the Bronze was a cover.  They have the blood they need.  It was supposed to bring out Buffy,” Angel said. “There must be alot of vampires at their disposal if they are willing to risk several members of the Ring on a attempt to kill The Slayer,” Wesley remarked. “Found it,” Giles announced.  He read from the book that he was holding.  “Serhaf is mentioned in the fourth volume as the third generation of vampire.” “That would be Matrus to the Master to Serhaf, right?” Willow asked. “Yes.  As soon as he was sired he came under the supervision of another third generation vampire who was much older.  A vampire called Dredus.  He trained him and taught him everything he would need to know to be part of the Ring Of Matrus warriors.” “Like a jedi knight with fangs?” Xander spoke up. “I suppose yes.” Giles said awkwardly. “You don’t know what he’s talking about Giles ?” Willow said smiling.  Giles shook his head. “Xander,” Buffy said in a sarcastic voice. “You know that Giles doesn’t understand your pop culture translations of the medieval language he speaks.  I want you to think about what you’ve done and how it made Giles feel.” Xander pretended to hang his head in shame. “Did you really not see that movie?  I thought they had cinemas in England,” Cordelia asked surprised.  She couldn’t sleep.  "I mean they make movies.  The English Patient..  And um.. those.. Hugh Grant movies.  Four Weddings" “More of a book kid huh?” Buffy ridiculed. “I did see it,” Giles protested. “I just got the impression we were talking about vampires and not light thingys that make funny noises.” “What you mean like this?” Xander asked sliding off the chair so not to wake his sleeping ex-demon girlfriend.  He mimed picking up something.  “Chummm,” he hummed.  Xander swished about the air-light saber and went over to Buffy. “A duel ?” He challenged.  Buffy put down the juice carton she was drinking from and stood in front of Xander. “You won’t beat me this time Luke.  I’ll get you, and your little dog too,” the Slayer threatened jokingly.  Buffy picked her light saber out of mid-air. “Chummm,” she said.  Buffy and Xander pretended to cross their light sabers in the air above them and started invisible fencing while Giles tried to ignore it and carry on explaining what he had found. “Serhaf created a name for himself in the major countries of Europe.  They said that...” “You can’t defeat the dark side Luke, Buffy said in a deep voice. “That wasn’t in the movie!?” Xander said confused.  He dropped his hands to his side.  Buffy did the same. “I haven’t seen it for ages and last time I did I was running a fever.  I fell asleep and my memory got wiped.  Work with me here.” “OK,” Xander said quickly and grabbed his light saber from mid-air.  He tried to catch Buffy out but she already had hers ready.  “Chummm, chummm,” he hummed as he struck the air where Buffys light saber was supposed to be. “Chummm, chummm.” Buffy hummed.  She dodged Xander’s imaginary blow and jumped up onto the stairs. Everyone was distracted by the saber fight except from Giles. “As I was saying,” he said strongly.  No one heard him. “Chummm,” Xander said as he pretended to stab his light saber into Buffy and pulled it out.  Dramatically, Buffy fell to the floor and pretended to die. “Luke.  I have something to tell you.  Did anyone ever tell you what happened to your father?  Come closer,” Buffy said in a deep voice. “I am your father.” Xander pretended to wipe away tears. “I love you dad!” Xander cried as he threw himself onto the semi-still figure of Buffy/ Darth Vader/ his father. While Buffy and Xander were doing some parental bonding, Willow was watching Angel who was standing alone in the corner.  Willow could see that jealous look she had seen so many times before.  He was staring down and trying to not watch by folding a small piece of paper that was in his pocket.  Willow smiled.  She knew something had happened or was going to between them. Can’t stop true love, she mused silently.  Willow once thought that she had that with Oz but he left town to get away from her.  Repulsion isn’t usually a sign of love.  Willow looked over at Angel.  But pain because of love is. “Will you two stop fooling around and get back to saving the world?” Giles asked, annoyed.  Xander and Buffy stood up and mimed throwing away their light sabers.  They held their hands behind their backs and stood up straight like they were being called to attention. “Sorry,” Buffy said in a small voice. “Yeah sorry G-ma... Duh.. I mean Giles,” Xander corrected himself. “Good.  Now lets get back to work.  As I was saying, an older vampire called Dredus trained Serhaf.” “Dredus.  A vamp at the Bronze called the one armed book vampire that name.  He told them to get out and that he would meet them later,” Buffy said slowly.  “They’re hiding somewhere in town.  We find that and we’re half way.” “Gonna do a Sunnydale High, Buff?” Willow joked.  Buffy took her seriously. “Maybe Will.  Good idea.” “I was kidding," Willow shrugged. Or we could attack them with humus. “Now it could be plan.” Buffy looked at Angel in his usual brooding mode, standing in the corner.  “We interrupt your regularly scheduled moping programming to bring you a question and answer session.” Angel looked up. “Do you know this guy?” Grimly he replied, “Too well.”  Rome, Italy 1887 “So what’s the Master like?” Angelus asked. “The sense of his strength is extraordinary.  When you’re near him it’s like you are overcome with a wash of power,” Serhaf explained. “Hmm,” Angelus said half interested. “You never told me why you were in Italy, Angelus.” “As you know, in a week or so I have to travel to Venice to meet Darla.  We’re planning a trip together.  Maybe to your homeland.” “Where is young Maria?” “She’s doing her first hunt solo.  I felt she was ready to leave my side.” “You remind me of my mentor.  He guided me in everything that I would need to know about this life.” “Anyone I’ve met?” “The great Dredus.” “Never heard of him,” Angelus shrugged casually.  "Can't be so great." “You should have,” Serhaf said angrily.  “He is not my sire but he was a lasting influence on me.  Like you are on those you sire.” “I wish I wasn’t.  Certain one’s are too dependant.  I’d prefer them to challenge me.  Of course then I’d kill them before they could try and throw their second blow. “ “Why are you so confident?” “Because I am Angelus!” The vampire shouted.  “I can kill any man, vampire or monster that challenges me!” “You couldn’t kill Dredus.  He is too skilled for you.  You would beg at his mercy!” Serhaf threatened fiercely. “You really think so?  I think it’s time to meet Mr. Invincible.  Or would he strike me down with a look?” “You are a fool.  No one walks away from a fight with Dredus.” “Same down this way.  Never defeated,” Angelus boasted.  Angelus persisted.  “So is he in town?” “Once you go to him there is no turning back.” “I’m not one for the head for the hills approach.  Where?” Angelus pushed Serhaf against the wall and held his arm across his throat. “The white villa by the large library in town.  You’re likely to find him there.” Angelus released him and slapped Serhaf’s shoulder. “Knew you’d come through.  Want to watch?” “Watch you torn limb from limb? It would be a pleasure. “ Angelus licked his lips as he saw a young maiden pass by carrying a bottle of red wine. “I should eat before battle.  Keep my strength up and all,” Angelus reasoned.  He half staggered up to the girl. “Do you know which way my way that I go to my way is ?” Angelus asked in a drunken slur.  He smiled at the girl.  Shyly the girl shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry sir.” Angelus placed his hand on her shoulder. “It’s either that way,” he pointed to the left.  The girl looked in the direction Angelus was pointing.  “Or that way,” he then pointed to the right.  As the girl turned her head, Angelus saw the throbbing vein in her neck.  He sank his fangs into it and drank greedily.  She screamed and dropped the wine she was carrying.  The girl moved when she felt a bite on the other side of her neck.  Angelus looked up sharply.  Who dared to drink from his kill ? “Angelus darling.  Miss me?  Can I join in?” It was the familiar voice of his sire. “Darla.  I was coming to Venice.” “I had no doubt.  So can I have some?” “If you promise to share.  I’m going to fight against some tough local vampires,” he mocked.  Angelus laughed wickedly.  Blood dripped from his fangs. “She’s getting cold,” she said.  With that, Angelus and Darla feasted on the girl.  At the same time, they released her and she fell to the floor.  Angelus stooped to push the hair off the young girls face to see her pale, lifeless skin.  He put his finger into the pool of red wine that lay on the floor beside her.  He tasted it. “Almost as good as blood,” Angelus grinned at Darla and kissed her on the lips, both tasting the blood on each others lips. “Who’s your friend?”Darla asked nodding towards Serhaf. “He’s just someone who is going to help me find someone,” he shrugged. “Who?” “He thinks that his sire could take me.” “Unlikely.  What’s his name?” “Dredus.” “I know him.  He’s a smart guy.” She smiled.  “You could kill him.” Angelus kissed her again, licking the blood off her lips. “I will.” He pulled away and started walking in the direction that Serhaf said that Dredus was.  Angelus turned round to face Darla. “Are you coming?  According to him there it could be my greatest kill yet. ” “The Master is there.  If he sees Darla with you and you challenge Dredus, she could be outcast from the Ring.  Your lady is too scared to do this,” Serhaf spoke up. “Is that so?”Angelus said slowly moving up to Serhaf.  With great speed, he grabbed his collar and threw him head first into the wall.  Serhaf fell back and lay on his back on the ground  He held out his arm to Darla.  “Shall we?” Darla took his arm and stepped over the still, undead body of Serhaf. “Dredus, I presume,” Angelus said stepping into the light given by the torch on the wall.  With eyes blazing, the vampire turned round from feeding on a man.  He threw the young stable boy down on the ground and turned round to face this invader into his home. “Who are you?  Who are you looking for?” Dredus asked picking up a cup of wine. “Let’s have one question at a time.  Name’s Angelus.” Darla came into the torches light and stood by Angelus’ side. “You already know Darla,” he said. “Are you looking for the Master?” Dredus said to the two vampires. “Not particularly but an introduction wouldn’t go amiss,” Angelus said. “Then why are you here?” “A friend sent us.  He was telling strange tales of your abilities and I had to see them for myself,” Angelus laughed. Dredus remembered the girl, Darla, and thought that she knew of him and what he could do. “Then why are you here child?” Dredus asked her. “To watch,” she smiled coyly. “Ah.  It’s coming clear Darla.  You wanted to try your new protege out against real competition.” “I made him, yes, but Angelus does things his way.  He wanted to come and face you himself.  He’s no ordinary vampire.  Did you ever hear of the vampire that drank an entire village dry?  Within the first week of becoming.” “The one with the angelic face, I have heard of him. Because of this you dare to challenge me?” “Because of that and many other reasons.  London 1858, Toulouse 1873, Munich 1875.  See a pattern emerging here?” “Very well, let’s make this interesting.  If I win...“ Dredus started. “If I win I kill you.  If you win you kill me.  To the death, if you are up to it, of course,” Angelus asked mockingly.  Dredus set down his cup. “Watch and learn boy, watch and learn.” As Dredus approached Angelus, the Master entered the room. “Darla, back so soon?” The Master asked.  “She always was the favourite member of my family.” “Master, this is Angelus,” Darla said gesturing to him. “Angelus, our meeting has been long overdue.  Darla has told me many stories about you.  We have much to say.” The Master noticed that Dredus and Angelus were in a stage of duel combat. “What has been happening while I was away?” “The young boy thinks he could take me Master.  I thought I’d entertain him sir.” Dredus explained humbly. “Well I’d like to watch.  Carry on.” The Master sat in a nearby chair beside the fire.  He held out a hand to Darla and seated her beside him. “You believe Angelus can beat Dredus?”  The Master asked. “I do,” she replied. Angelus took off his coat and threw it beside Darla’s chair and turned to the Master. “Weapons?” Angelus asked. “Darla?” The Master referred the question to the beautiful vampire by his side. “I think it would give the extra edge.  Angelus loves his play things.” Angelus scanned the assortion of weapons on the wall and took down two long swords hanging over the fireplace.  He threw one to Dredus.  Angelus removed the sheath and discarded it.  Both vampires looked towards the Master and Darla. “Begin,” the Master announced. Before Angelus could turn his head to start the duel, Dredus lunged for him, aiming for his stomach.  Coolly, Angelus stepped aside and pushed his foot  against his back with force, sending Dredus into the wall.  With rage, Dredus swung his sword towards Angelus’ neck.  Angelus drew his sword up to block the blow and performed some relaxed defensive fencing.  Everytime Dredus tried to stab him he would catch the swords blade with his, push it away and try the counter attack. The Master noticed a body of a young man on Dredus’ floor who was still breathing.  By the throat, he hauled the boy up.  He bit his neck and tasted a little of his blood.  The Master pulled back. “Bite?” he offered Darla.  She obliged.  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that her Angelus was making a fool out of Dredus.  When the boy was done, the Master grabbed the front of his shirt and threw him across the room.  He nodded towards the duel. “Your Angelus is taking his time.  Being defensive,” he remarked. “Angelus is simply taunting him.  Luring him into mistakes.  Fuelling Dredus passion and anger.  Playing mind games with him.” She looked at the Master.  “He’ll kill him.  There’s no doubt.  He’s just having fun.” Another vampire entered the centre of the Italian villa where the fight was taking place.  It was Serhaf.  He watched from behind a pillar. Angelus swung at the handle of Dredus’ sword.  It scattered across the marble floor.  He elbowed Dredus in the face and as he held it in agony, Angelus brought his sword handle down across the back of his skull.  Dredus fell to the floor, dazed.  He rolled over onto his back.  Angelus rested the sword point against his throat. “Youth , beauty, experience.  Sorry old man.  You haven’t scored any points in those categories,” Angelus taunted.  Rolling on his back to give him extra power,  Dredus lashed out with his feet.  Angelus stumbled back slightly. “Dredus!” Serhaf shouted from the shadows, throwing him a double sided axe.  Dredus stood up and caught it with his right hand. “Fighting chance now Ugly.  What’s your next move?” Angelus laughed.  Dredus snarled and attempted to decapitate Angelus again.  Again he failed as Angelus put up his sword to defend him. The sword caught under the axes edge and Angelus pulled it away from him.  Dredus was once more defenceless.  Angelus pulled free the axe and then dropped his sword.  He clubbed the side of the old vampires head with the flat side between the two blades of the axe.  Angelus stood over the body of the vampire.  Dredus silently surrendered.  Angelus had beat him because he was faster, stronger and far more skilled than he. “Angelus, don’t!” Serhaf yelled. Angelus ignored him for a second and then stopped.  He consulted the Master. “How important is this man to you Master?” He asked. “He trains young vampires into the Ring.  He is, a friend.” “Uh-huh.  Would you be sorry to see him as big pile of dust in the middle of this nice clean white floor.” “Momentarily, yes.  The Ring would miss him.” “I’ve heard this Ring cult are trying to bring this world into hell.” “That is true.” Angelus thought for a couple of seconds. “Here is what I’m going to do.  I’m not going to turn Dredus here into a pocket sized portion of dust as a favour to you and the ending of the world.  Unless you would rather see otherwise,” Angelus proposed.  “As an act of generosity to new friends.  You did after all make Darla, who the made me.” The Master nodded.  Darla was confused because this wasn’t like Angelus.  Dredus tried to pick himself off the floor when Angelus pushed him back down again with his foot. “You said you would let me go,” Dredus said desperately. “I said I would let you live.  There is a difference.” “What difference?” Angelus ignored his questions and pressed down harder with his foot. “What do you like to do Dredus ?  Read ?  Paint ?  Sculpt ?  Or like me, kill ?” he asked growling. “I read and write often and occasionally fence,” he said half nervously. “And you’re great at that,” Angelus droned.  “What hand do you use?” “My right.  I’m quite useless with my left.” Angelus grinned.  “Really?” He said as he swung the axe against Dredus’s right shoulder.  It was so quick that the reality of the pain set in moments later.  Darla smiled.  This was the Angelus she knew and loved.  The genius of it. Angelus grabbed Dredus’s other shoulder and hauled him up. “Permanent gift from me to you,” he growled into Dredus’s ear. Dredus was stunned.  He looked down and saw his right arm lying on the ground.  He took out his handkerchief and held it against the wound. “Don’t worry.  You know vampires heal fast.  The arm won’t grow back though.” Angelus laughed again.  He picked up his coat that was lying beside Darla’s chair and put it on.  “There’s a few hours ‘til sunrise and I need a drink,” he announced.  “Would anyone care to join me?” Darla stood up.  “Where are you taking me?” She asked seductively.  Angelus kissed her hand and growled in a low voice. “Wherever you want me to.  Anyone else want to come?  Master?” “After that fight Angelus, you’re one of the family,” the Master replied. “Are you joining us Dredus?” He offered as if the past minutes hadn’t happened. Dredus was shocked.  This young vampire had come into his home, challenged him, made a fool of him in front of the Master, another member of the Ring and a vampire that he had sired who looked up to him greatly.  Threatened to kill, gave him his life back then severed his arm. He was beginning to like this kid. “Angel, you with us ?” Buffy asked bringing him out of his day dream. “What?” he asked confused. Angel brought himself back to Sunnydale.  He was in Giles house in the 21st century, not an Italian villa in the 19th century.  He was with Buffy, Willow, Xander, Cordelia and another girl called Anya.  Wesley was in front of the fridge and Giles was somewhere else in the house. Get a grip he willed himself.  Flashbacks to his past as Angelus happen occasionally.  It might be every few days or every minute.  He knew he would be haunted by the souls of the people he had tortured and murdered forever.  In some ironic way, he wished he would so that he would be miserable forever.  Therefore, he could not lose his soul. “You went away from us again.  Got some place better to be?” “Buffy,” he said softly.  “No.” “Is this going to go on all night?” Cordelia snapped from under her jacket.  “This will they/won't they Roswell Max and Liz tension thing?  Can you two just get to the fact that you both still love each other and be elsewhere?  I am trying to sleep!  Go patrol together or something.  Whatever you guys did in high school.” “Cordelia, Buffy and I can’t be together.” “Like you’re any happier apart,” she retorted.  She rolled over and faced coffee table. Angel looked down at Buffy. “I do have to patrol,” she said chewing her lip. “We could, talk,” Angel suggested.  Buffy half-smiled. “I’ll get my coat.” “And a stake,” Angel reminded. “Like they’ll need that,” Xander scoffed. Buffy came picked up her coat that was draped over Giles stair rail.  She checked there was stake in the pocket.  Buffy hoped they wouldn’t need it. **END OF CHAPTER THREE**     Go to Chapter Four "In the last two years, more email was sent that regular mail...."  Please feedback   Back to LJSAngel Fiction

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