Vanquished

AUTHOR: Chris

EMAIL: chriscr@pdq.net

RATING: NC-17

SUMMARY: This story is an alternative take on the Buffy and Angelus relationship. It takes place a month after Angel's change.

DISCLAIMER: The characters in 'Vanquished' were created and are owned by Joss Whedon. I am borrowing them for the purpose of the story.

It was mid morning, he should have been sleeping. Instead, he paced, lost in thought, a low- pitched growl erupting intermittently from deep in his chest. Angelus was relieved that no one was around to see him like this. Even if Spike or Dru should happen in on him, they would never imagine the source of his agitation. He paced, images flashing through his mind, sensations flooding his body. He wouldn't, couldn't talk to anyone about this, so he reached for Angel's journal and began to write.

I had enjoyed myself this past month. It was so easy to bruise and break Buffy's heart as I taunted her with callous words and terrorized her friends. She looked beaten, and I planned to move forward and inflict the ultimate humiliation. Instinctively, I knew that she could not resist this body. It is all she has left of Angel. I would watch the self-hatred in her eyes as she gave herself to me, and then I would kill her. For days I stalked her. She could sense my presence, she knew I was close. Her body was on full alert, prepared for my attack. I said and did nothing, enjoying a little foreplay until I made my move.

Tiring of the game, I surprised her as I leaped from the bushes, pinning her arms to her sides as I wrapped mine tightly around her. Her body tensed, preparing to fight. I said nothing as I lowered my head and brushed her neck with my lips. She gasped as I moved slowly to her mouth. As I kissed her, her body relaxed and melted into mine. I threw back my head laughing, this was exactly what I had expected! In that same instant, the slayer broke free from my grip, pulling my mouth to hers. She probed and played, caressing my tongue with hers, nibbling and licking my lips. As her arms went around my neck, her body pushed into mine. As she entertained herself with my mouth, her hands slid to my chest, opening my shirt, stroking my skin, and then moved lower. Suddenly it felt as if every cell, nerve, and fiber in this long dead body was brought to life! Our bodies, as if divorced from our conscious control, existed only to pleasure each other-----touching, caressing, stroking, rubbing, sucking, arching, and thrusting. I could feel Angel struggling to rise from the depths of my being. Did she sense him? Did he betray me with a touch or look that she would recognize as his? As our bodies moved frantically toward release, she called my name, MY name, and drew my mouth to her neck. Carefully, I punctured the skin and drank, abandoning all thoughts of draining and killing her. She moaned softly. With the sound, taste, and feel of her flooding my senses, I lost all control. We exploded together, our bodies shuddering as the sensations rippled through every nerve. Finally, I lay quiet. My mind began to clear, and I found myself holding her tightly, my face buried in her hair. Confused, appalled, I pulled away. Throwing on my clothes, I fled. She said nothing, the trace of a smile playing across her lips. And so it began.

Arrogance is one of my virtues. Wiping the specifics of this encounter from my mind, I congratulated myself on how easy it would be to kill her. She would give herself to me whenever I wanted, and next time I would kill her! But then, as I tried to sleep, she would invade my dreams. I could smell her, taste her, and feel her. When I woke, my body would be ready to ravage her. As the days passed, she haunted my waking hours as well. I had no desire to hunt, to taunt, or to torture. My body ached for her. Meanwhile, Buffy avoided all contact with me. She slept at Willow's. When hunting, Xander, Willow, Oz, and sometimes Giles would accompany her. I stalked, I lurked, she knew I was close.

So it began, the slayer's plan to tame and control the demon. She knew me better than I knew myself! I could not break her hold on me. Passion is the ONLY thing that enables me, and this dead body that I inhabit, to escape the emptiness of death. All things pale in comparison to this thing consuming me! When did she know that she is my drug? When did she know that I am beyond addiction? Just when I thought I could no longer bear the pain of my need for her, she returned home, leaving her bedroom window open.

I entered her room. She assaulted me with kisses as she loosened my clothing. She knew I could bear no more because neither could she! Anxious for the feel of her skin, I slid the straps of her nightgown off her shoulders as she continued to undress me. I sought the heat of her passion to warm me, she longed for the relief of my cool touch. Pulling me onto her bed, she devoured me with her eyes and her mouth, exploring and loving every part of me. I slowed my pace, taking time to look at, caress, and pleasure all of her. Such exquisite sensations soon became painful. As her body arched to meet mine, she guided me into her. With each thrust we careened toward climax. She turned her head, exposing the skin of her neck, flushed and warm, vessels throbbing, as her heart beat excitedly. "Angelus", she whispered, "feed." I pierced a vessel and suckled slow, sweet, sips of the life-blood of the slayer. In seconds the orgasm ripped through our bodies as we gasped each other's names. We slept, our bodies entwined. Just before dawn, I rose to leave. As I walked home, I missed her.

How things change! I protect the slayer as Angel did before me. When she hunts, I am ready to vanquish any force or being that threatens to take her from me. I live alone in an apartment far removed from the mansion and the Bronze. To protect Buffy, I remain isolated from the other undead. Most importantly, I remain alone so she can come to me. She knows my need and cherishes me for it! Each morning before school, she comes. Before the door is fully opened, she bursts into my arms, dragging me onto my bed, and begins to drive me insane. She envelops me with her passion, heat, and life.

She is the slayer, her strength and endurance exhaust me! She satisfies all my hungers. She nourishes me with her blood, tiny sips sufficient to sustain me. When she has had her way with me, and as I lay sated in her arms, she brings my head to her breast and whispers, "Till tonight, Lover." The music of her beating heart lulls me to sleep.

"Ha", you might say, "the slayer has vanquished the demon!" Buffy, in her typically unorthodox fashion has rid the world of the scourge that is Angelus. Do I care? I may be arrogant, but I am not stupid. I experience in one day with her more thrills than I did in over a century of killing, feeding, and torturing. As Buffy would say, do the math. Which would you choose? Do I love her? The words love and demon seem mutually exclusive. But, this is Buffy we are talking about. And, Angel and I share every organ, thought, sensation, and memory that this body experiences. When and how we influence each other can never really be known. Buffy loves the total being that is Angel/Angelus. I know she hopes to find a way to return Angel's soul, and I'm ok with that. She does not fear me now, and is not afraid that I will surface during a passionate encounter. I promised her that I would! Buffy is adored with the desperation, need, and hunger of Angelus, and the passion and undying love of Angel. She and I can live with this. Let's just hope Angel isn't the jealous, possessive type.

Angelus awoke with a start, gripped by a sense of panic. His subconscious, having recognized the absence of her body heat and a decrease in the strength of her scent, had fired the appropriate warning signal. Angelus sat over the edge of the bed and scanned the room. He was alone. "Buffy?" he called. "Buffy!"

Hearing the tension in his voice, she forgot the glass of water she wanted and hurried back to Angelus. "I'm here" she answered as she came to him, pulling him close. "I'll always be here." He circled her waist with his arms, burying his face in her body as he whispered, "Buffy...I...need..." "I know Angelus", she crooned as she stroked his hair and his back, "I know."

Oddly enough it is the young slayer who knows the demon better than he will ever know himself. She understands the desperation that has fueled his endless quest to FEEL something, to escape the emptiness of death. How strange that it should be his nemesis, the slayer, that fills him with passion and allows him to taste "life." She understands his need for her and thrills to be able to assuage his hungers and meet his needs. She knows that in loving her demon, she loves her Angel. Each, so integrally a part of the other, makes up the entity that is her lover. She senses Angel more strongly now. She can feel him, recognize him in a word, a gesture, a touch. Angelus, more confident of her love and need for him, does not struggle so vehemently to repress Angel as he had in the past. Angelus and Angel, each knows that she is his forever. Each knows that she loves the total being and all the subtleties that each brings to the whole. Buffy is confident that their integration is becoming more complete.

As he held her, he longed for the softness and heat of her skin on his. As if reading his thoughts, Buffy slipped off her nightshirt. He pulled her close, gently kissing her mouth as he cupped her breasts in his hands, caressing them. Gently taking a nipple in his mouth, he suckled. Buffy moaned, pushing harder into him, kissing his face, stroking his back. Overwhelmed with need, he pulled her onto the bed. He continued to suckle as he ran his hands over her body, caressing, stroking, and pleasuring all the places that unleashed and fueled her passion. Her hands, her mouth, familiar with what her lover craved, proceeded to work their magic. As their passion mounted, her body sang to him as her heart beat wildly, her blood pulsed swiftly through her vessels, and she called to him. As they neared climax, she brought his mouth to her neck. The sensations as he sipped increased their pleasure a thousand fold. They exploded together, calling out to one another. Spent, sated, they remained unmoving. As Angelus rolled to his side, Buffy encircled him with her arms and legs, enveloping him in a cocoon of heat, life, love, and limbs. Finally, Angelus slept peacefully.

The following morning Buffy woke early. Principal Snyder had been harassing her lately so she wanted to be on time for school. Better to have time to spare in the event of an unexpected delay. She kissed Angelus awake. He stretched languidly, yawning, smiling as he watched her bouncing around and gathering up her belongings. "Buffy", he asked, "do you think it was a good idea to wake me like that?" "Why not?" she called back, noticing the evil grin beginning to play across his mouth. Suddenly, he was up and standing in front of her. She gasped in surprise, then slowly, unabashedly, scanned him from head to toe. It was a major turn on for Angelus to see her lust for him reflected in her eyes. Bringing her eyes back to his, Buffy shook her finger as she scolded him. "Bad demon, bad, bad, demon, now look what you've done! I'm supposed to be leaving for school. I'm gone!" He smiled, pulling her to him, pressing her into his hardness. In a low, hoarse, teasing voice he pleaded, "Aw, c'mon Buff." With subtle, swift, practiced movements, he had her undressed. As the last of her clothing fell to the floor, she wondered, "How does he DO that?"

They fell onto the bed, laughing, playing, and loving until both slayer and vampire were exhausted. "Buffy", moaned Angelus, "You're going to kill me!" "Puhleese", she retorted, "How many shades of dead are there? You're just feeling your age." Angelus laughed, not the snickering, sneering laugh of times before Buffy, but a deep, belly laugh. It felt good! He had laughed more lately than he had in the previous two centuries. "So much for swift exits", thought Buffy, as she prepared again to leave. She thought it safer this time to simply blow him a kiss as she opened the door.

It was late in the afternoon when Angelus woke. After showering and dressing, he worked at his desk, searching intently through the books stacked in front of him. When his research was complete, he pulled the journal from the bottom drawer. Angelus took the time to make an entry daily, it helped him think and sort things out. For a few moments he was lost in thought, a look of frustration etched across his face. Then, he began to write.

What a demon! Big, bad, Angelus wakes in the night mewling like a toddler who has lost sight of his mother. Why doesn't she tire of me and my insatiable need for her? How is it that she understands my panic more than I do? Her patience is endless. Pitiful as I find myself, she tells me she loves me and will always be mine. I believe she sees me as the dark, needy, side of her lover. Buffy accepts and loves Angel as he is, and I am part of him. We are one. I understand now why Angel is so consumed by love for his slayer.

Over the past six months we have settled into a routine. After school she trains with Giles then studies at home or with Willow. After eating dinner with her mom, or sometimes with her friends, she meets me for patrol. The slayer is efficient and effective alone. I hunt with her because I want to be with her, and, most importantly, to keep her safe. Should I lose her now, I would not tolerate an existence without her. On the occasions that her friends accompany her, I follow and lurk, always ready to act.

She gives me her nights. When she can, she stays with me. Buffy loves waking up with me in the morning. Thinking back to this morning, is it any wonder that I share her enthusiasm? If she must stay at home, she leaves her window open. On those occasions I leave before dawn, cheated out of her good morning kisses. I take heart because I know she will come to me before going to school.

Buffy has confided in Willow about us. She is the one among Buffy's friends that Angel had considered a true friend. Because Angel had cared for her I had, in the beginning, targeted her along with Buffy for my hateful taunts. Now I, Angelus, accept and need her as a friend. She trusts that I will not hurt Buffy or her friends. When Buffy can convince the others that I pose no threat, she will tell them that we are together.

Willow and Jenny continue to search for the spell that will restore Angel's soul. I have known this from the beginning, when Buffy first turned my reality inside out. I know that Buffy will always need me, always want me. She will not abandon her demon lover.

So here I sit, the dreadful Angelus, vanquished by my need and hunger for her. I am tamed by the slayer whose passion for me saves me from the nothingness that is my existence without her. She gives herself to me heart, soul, body, and blood. She is mine forever, so I remain her slave. Buffy says that what I give her is enough, the best that I can offer. I will give her more. I will give her what she wants most in the world, the soul of her Angel.

Angelus closed the journal. Picking up the cell phone, he dialed the familiar number. "Willow, it's me", he began. "I think I've found what you need."

Willow raced to see Angelus after school. He presented her with the information he had gathered over the past few months about the soul restoration spell. Interestingly, there were no "conditions" under which the soul would be lost. That aspect of the "curse" had been added by the gypsy as she sought vengeance against the vampire. She hoped to make the souled creature suffer for eternity. How unwise, though, to place a condition which, if not met, would free the demon responsible for the death of the young gypsy girl. Leaving the demon trapped forever in the body with a soul, to experience all the human emotions of its host, would have been the ultimate revenge.

The gypsy curse had, in effect, the opposite result of what was intended. It freed the demon to torture and kill again. It was the young girl, the slayer, who had eliminated the terror of Angelus. She conquered him with a love and passion that overwhelmed him so much more effectively than had the hate and vengeance. The gypsy woman would have been dismayed to learn that the vampire, once his soul is restored, will be able to take some comfort in his love.

There was much to plan and prepare. Willow returned to school to find Jenny Calendar. Together, they would perform the spell. Buffy had never wanted to know when it would be done. To have her hopes for Angel's return dashed would be devastating. If and when the spell was successful, she would know. And, a part of her heart ached for Angelus. He knew what they hoped to accomplish and trusted her enough not to interfere. She had no idea how involved he had been in finding the spell.

Following the visit with Willow, Angelus updated the journal. He thought for a moment, then decided rather than put it back in the bottom drawer, to leave the journal on the desk. The time was at hand and this was proving more difficult than he had imagined.

For the first time in his existence his heart was heavy with sadness and regret. He never faltered, however, in his resolve to do this for Buffy.

Tonight Willow and Jenny would attempt the spell to restore Angel's soul. Angelus decided not to patrol with Buffy. If the spell was successful and the soul restored during the hunt, the shock and confusion would leave them vulnerable to any evil entity seeking to harm them. Giles, now fully informed about Buffy and Angelus, would accompany her on patrol using the pretext of a "training evaluation."

Angelus walked through his apartment, the place where he shared a life with Buffy, and gathered up some of her things. He made sure there was something of hers clearly visible in all the rooms. As he touched each item, he remembered something she had said or done, or that they had done together. Heavy of heart, but resigned, he returned to his bedroom. Settling himself on his bed, surrounded by her scent, he waited.

Without warning his head flew back and he gasped in pain as the force burned through him. Angel opened his eyes. Totally disoriented, he frantically looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. He paused, her scent had captured his attention. It was fresh and strong and mingled with his. He calmed himself and focused on the room. Her headband was on the night stand. One of her hunting jackets was slung over a chair. As he continued through the apartment, he found more of Buffy's things. "She obviously spends a lot of time here", he reasoned. Confident she would be back, he decided to remain in the apartment and wait for her to return. He tried to remember where he was and why. Things were muddled. "Concentrate!" he told himself, "try to remember." Returning to the bedroom, he recognized his journal on the desk. Flipping through the early entries, Angel recognized his handwriting and, as he read, began to remember. Then he noticed a subtle change in the script of the remaining entries. He sat on the bed and began to read, concentrating on the first of the different looking entries. "I had enjoyed myself this past month..."

The hunt was finally over. The night had been moderately busy, giving Giles ample opportunity to do her training evaluation. She was anxious to get home, shower and change, then get back to Angelus. He would be worried about her, and would be missing her. Her mom was on another out of town buying trip for four days and she would be able to stay with him. Buffy finished packing a few things, locked up the house, and ran to the apartment.

Angel finished reading the last of the entries and closed the journal. His mind raced as he tried to process everything he had just read. Then he heard it, the sound of a key in the door lock. "I'm here!" she called. "Buffy?" he responded. "Buffy! I'm so glad you're here! I was hoping you'd come." He ran toward the sound of her voice.

Buffy froze. She heard the difference in the way he said her name, and felt the anxiety in his voice as he called to her. "Angel?" she thought. He ran to her and scooped her into his arms. He buried his face in her neck. "Buffy, I feel like I haven't seen you for so long. I've missed you!" Tears streamed from her eyes as her arms came up around his neck. "Angel", she sighed. She covered him with butterfly kisses all over his forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck. She tenderly kissed his lips. Gentle, tentative, kisses became deeper, more urgent. Her body melted into his as he held her close. As his passion grew, he felt the hunger and need of the demon welling up within, and his face morphed. He pulled away from her and lowered his head, still not comfortable with her touching him when he was like this. Buffy took his face in her hands and brought his eyes back to meet hers. She lovingly ran her fingertips over his brow and along his jaw. Her heart called out to the demon and the man, the two parts of the whole that is her love. "Angel, I love you, all of you. I want and I need all of you." Bringing his mouth to hers, she kissed him. His arms went around her waist, pulling her close as he kissed her back, deeply, urgently, devouring her with his mouth.

As she slid her hands under his shirt to stroke his chest, his hands moved to her hips, pulling her closer. Moving her hands lower, she caressed the hardness pushing into her flesh. He moaned against her mouth, peeling off her shirt and bra, cupping her breasts in his hands. "Angel" she whispered, as her love for him overwhelmed her. Lowering himself to his knees, he took her nipple in his mouth. As he suckled gently, his hands slid down her back, and over her buttocks. She pulled his head closer and thrust her hips forward, seeking more contact with his body. He sensed her need. The scent of her arousal was strong. Never taking his mouth from her breast, he slid his hands under her skirt, brushing against her panties as he caressed her thighs. As his hands moved up her thighs again, he pulled off her skirt and panties. He filled her with his fingers, stroking her pleasure center with his thumb. As she called out to him, he brought his mouth back to hers and lowered her onto the rug beneath them. He synchronized the thrusts of his fingers with those of her hips. Her pleasure continued to build until finally she gasped, and her body quivered in his hands as the pleasure coursed through her. They remained snuggled together for a while, then she turned to him. "Angel?" she asked, concerned that he had not climaxed. He picked her up, laying her on the bed. He took off his clothes and joined her. "Buffy", he said, "just let me hold you." Snuggled against him, and wrapped in his arms, she slept.

Angel remained awake. His mind and heart were assaulted by a series of conflicting emotions. He felt happiness at having Buffy safely in his arms, as well as profound sadness, beyond grief and remorse, at the pain he had inflicted upon her. Feelings of hope that he could finally love Buffy and not lose his soul, contrasted with the persistent fear that the demon might hurt her. He passed the night thinking, hoping, fearing, confused.

Buffy stirred in her sleep. She cried out his name as her eyes blinked open. Not yet fully awake, she was confused. Had she been dreaming? Was he really back? Then strong, cool arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. "Shhh", he whispered, "I'm here Buffy. I love you." Angel stroked her hair and kissed her shoulder. For the first time since they made love in his apartment many months ago, Buffy felt at peace.

With the dawn, Angel finally slept. Buffy rose. Careful not to wake him, she slid noiselessly out of the bed. Lying on the desk was the journal that Angel had been reading before she arrived. Settling into a chair by the bed, she began to read. Joy filled her heart as she read Angel's entries detailing his feelings for her. Then, with a change in the handwriting, Angelus was speaking to her. He chronicled his life with her over the past six and a half months. She smiled, she cried. "Angelus", she sighed, as she thought about the dark side of her lover. Buffy sensed and understood Angel's turmoil. He could not yet trust and accept the demon as she had. Angel had battled to keep the demon under control for almost a century. It would take time for him to know that Angelus was no longer a threat. The demon was vanquished by his need for the slayer. He was as passionately obsessed with her as was Angel. Angelus had succumbed to his passion. She had filled the vacuum that was his existence with love and life and he would be hers always. In return his passion and hunger for her thrilled and excited her and she couldn't imagine life without him. She gave herself to him completely, body and blood. Buffy saw Angelus as one with Angel, and the more she loved the demon, the more integrated he became with the man. Because of her, the demon had abandoned his war with the man whose body and mind he shared. He had become one with Angel because they shared more than the body, they shared a destiny...Buffy.

As the months passed, Angel gained back the trust of Buffy's friends and was once again embraced as a member of the gang. An invaluable assistant to Giles, Angel helped him often with his research. Angel's strength, valor, and cunning in battle kept the gang safe. He continued to patrol nightly with Buffy, freeing her friends from this dangerous responsibility. Before his change, he had begun to spend more time with Buffy's friends, and he continued to do so now. He was surprised at how much pleasure it gave him "being a couple" with Buffy, being out and about with her friends. The most precious moments, however, were the ones he spent alone with her. They had grown so close as friends and lovers that it was almost physically painful for him when they were apart. He knew she needed time alone and time with her friends, so he didn't burden her with the intensity of his need. But she knew. Connected as they were, hearts and souls, she understood his needs. She committed herself to making a life with him for as long as she could. Buffy knew she would meet the same fate as the slayers before her. As much as Angel would try to protect her, and as fortunate as she was to have friends who helped her, the day would come when it would not be enough. But, this is now and that is then. She would not dwell on it, refusing to let herself become depressed, and in that state of mind, more vulnerable.

With the passage of time, Buffy could sense that Angel was beginning to trust himself more, trust that he would not hurt her when overcome with passion. When she loved him, she would always reach out to Angelus with a kiss, a touch, or a sound that excited him. As he surged forward to respond to her, Angel felt no urge to hurt her, physically or with words. He was not tempted to drain and kill her. There was just the desire to love her back. Then, it finally happened.

As she lay on her side, sleeping in his arms, she stirred as he kissed her neck, moving his hand down the length of her body. She smiled and came fully awake as his hand moved up her inner thigh and over her abdomen. She turned to kiss him as he caressed her breasts. As their lovemaking intensified, she longed for the intensity of the pleasure and intimacy she felt when Angelus had fed from her. She wanted to give herself to Angel completely. She pulled his mouth to her neck, whispering, "please?" Angel paused for a brief second, as doubt flashed across his face. Then, as she held him there, he carefully pierced the warm skin and tender vessel. Taking slow, small sips, he lost himself in the pleasure and love that is his slayer.

Summer vacation already! Xander stayed in Sunnydale, working full time at the Espresso Pump. Oz and the Dingoes had a lot more gigs in and around Sunnydale, so the gang spent even more time at the Bronze. Willow left with her parents for two weeks in July to visit relatives out of state. Upon her return, she spent time helping Giles with the final stages of computerizing the library. Cordelia and her parents were off again for the whole summer in some "foreign place." Buffy had her job and she had Angel. She did visit her dad in L.A. as usual, but only for two weeks this time. While she was gone, Angel and Giles patrolled. Angel was impressed with the skill and strength Giles demonstrated in battle. It was almost as if he had a demon of his own that came to the fore in battle. Angel didn't know much about the "Ripper's" past, but he suspected the reserved and erudite librarian had a few interesting secrets of his own.

The summer was rather quiet. It was as if the demons had tired of being in "Sunnyhell" and had left for a holiday of their own. Buffy and Angel took advantage of having more time together to do more fun things. They went to the movies and played miniature golf. Angel took her ice skating again. This time, no monsters appeared and he actually tried skating. Angel on skates was something Buffy wouldn't forget any time soon! He took Buffy to L.A. to do some of the things he enjoyed. They saw a play, visited museums, and attended a baseball game. Sometimes, in the park across from his apartment, under a pretty summer night sky, he would read to her, poems or passages that moved him, and it would bring tears to her eyes. They were able to enter and enjoy each other's worlds, creating "their" world. Of course they continued their training and conditioning together. That was great fun, because after the bodily contact and adrenaline rush, they always made love.

As with most summer vacations, time moved quickly. Before anyone was ready for it to end, it did.

Buffy and the Scooby gang had, over the past two years, fought some serious evil, saving Sunnydale and the world. Now, it was time to face another formidable challenge---Senior year. SAT's, college applications, and many serious decisions awaited them.

Buffy was in a good place emotionally. She had come to accept who she is, the Slayer, and those responsibilities always came first. That didn't, however, keep her from trying to have as many of the normal teenage life experiences as she could reasonably squeeze into every day. She, Angel, Giles, and the gang had developed into an awesome evil busting force. More importantly, her watcher and her friends had become the family she didn't have. And, she had Angel, her friend and lover. Buffy felt strong, confident, at peace.

In this positive frame of mind, Buffy took on Senior year. She was committed to do well in her studies, and to prepare as best she could for the SAT's. Leaving Sunnydale was not an option. Her mom, however, still refused to accept that truth. Buffy would placate her and apply to a few schools outside Sunnydale and out of state.

Each day after school Giles would supervise her physical training and then help her prepare for the SAT's. Buffy studied with Willow as she had done in the past, but much more seriously now. Angel did all he could to help. He was a great study partner, especially in History and Literature, bringing the subjects to life. Angel, a true Renaissance man, loved sharing his knowledge, ideas, and experiences. He and Buffy also altered their patrol schedule according to her work load. Sometimes they patrolled early so she could study and get some rest before a test. He would do a second sweep later at night. The lack of consistency in the patrol times confused the evil ones; they could never anticipate when the Slayer or Angel might appear.

Training, studying, homework, and patrol consumed almost all Buffy's waking hours. She and Angel adapted. They had their private time together in the early morning, before she left for school. Today is one such morning. Angel watched as Buffy fixed her hair using the bedroom mirror. Mirror! Buffy had finally convinced him to make his apartment more girl-friendly. So now there was a mirror in the bathroom and in the bedroom. Since she stayed with Angel often, she also laid claim to a few drawers for her things. Angel loved having Buffy invade his private space! "Buffy!" he called from the bed. Her automatic response was to look at him in the mirror. "Oops," she thought, when she saw nothing but the bed. She turned to face him. His eyes smiled at her, and he looked as if he was about to ask her something. "No way," she teased, "not again. I've got to go to school, but be ready later lover." "Buffy," Angel scolded, feigning a look of shock and hurt. "I was going to suggest that we go ice skating again this week. I'm on the verge of being able to do it alone!" She laughed as she ran to the bed, jumping onto his lap. She hugged him close, still laughing as she kissed him. "I'm sorry, of course we can go skating. But you still better be ready later." Giving Angel a farewell squeeze, she jumped off the bed, picked up her books, and bolted out the door.

Angel moved to the desk and opened his journal. As busy as he had been over the past few months, he had made only a few entries. Today he felt the need to express what was on his mind and in his heart.

"Buffy has invaded my mind, heart, soul, my life. The more I give of myself to her, the more whole I become. I have never loved or been loved like this. How is it that I am blessed with Buffy? Is there a power of "Good" that watches over us? Has the same force of Good brought Buffy into my life and charged me with loving and protecting her? There is much I don't know, but of one thing I am sure; Buffy is my destiny. To be loved by her, to be part of her life and her fight against evil is my salvation. Despite my happiness, I am plagued by the fear of losing her. Evil exists in so many forms. Many are not constrained by daylight, as I am. She is strong, intelligent, resourceful and determined, but she is still only one. The risk is great. I can't be with her every minute, I shouldn't be. Buffy wants to have as normal a life as she can considering the limitations imposed by her destiny. The fear is mine to be borne quietly, as I share in as much of her life as I can."

Buffy knew. When it came to understanding Angel, Buffy's wisdom belied her tender age. She understood the desperation of Angelus' need for her, for she had broken through the bleak nothingness of his existence, and colored his life with humor, pleasure, and excitement. Angelus could no longer imagine an existence without her. As Angelus felt, so did Angel, they are now so fully integrated in the one body. Angel had, since committing himself to help Buffy, found a purpose, a reason to continue to exist, a way to make amends for the pain he had inflicted on others. That she should love him was a development he never would have imagined. As their love grew, Buffy saw the glimmer of hope replace the torment in her lover's eyes. She understood Angel/Angelus, and knew that destiny had brought them together as lovers, partners, and warriors.

SAT's were back. Opening that envelope had caused Buffy more anxiety than anything she could remember. Well, maybe not more than when she faced the Master, but close enough. It had implications for the rest of her life, however short that might be. "Ok, look," she told herself as she opened the envelope, "fourteen hundred eighty!" For the first time in her life she was speechless. She did however, manage a shrill squeak of delight. The gang was duly impressed. Willow had, of course, a nearly perfect score. Oz didn't say much, but his score was almost perfect too. Cordelia did very well. Xander, however, scored below a thousand. He dealt with it in his usual flippant way, but he was concerned. There would be no four year college for him. He would definitely have to consider other options. The gang worried about him, but in silence. When the time came, they would help him make choices, and support him as best they could.

Xander and Cordelia grew closer as the year passed. Their bickering continued, now more out of habit than any real animosity. Cordelia had mellowed considerably and actually felt herself becoming very attached to the Scooby gang. Some things about Cordelia would never change, but that's who she is, and she is accepted as she is. Xander remained the loyal and brave friend he had always been. He did whatever was necessary as the gang formulated and implemented its plans. And, thank goodness for his sense of humor! The comic relief he provided in very tense times helped everyone deal. Only Cordelia really knew the extent of the problems in his family and why she and his friends meant so much to him. They are the family that nourish him emotionally, and he wouldn't hesitate to put his life on the line to protect any one of them. He even softened toward Angel, thankful for how he protected Buffy. But, truth be told, Angel still irked him.

Oz, as always, gave the impression of being an aloof, unflappable young man. But, there burned within him a love for Willow that shocked even him. His respect for her friends and commitment to their cause was just an intense. He gave no thought to himself or his safety when evil threatened his Willow or their friends. Willow flowered in this relationship. Not only was she loved for her intelligence, but for her beauty, strength, ingenuity, and loyalty. Her self-confidence blossomed, evident to all as she became more of a leader in the group and an invaluable research assistant for Giles.

The rift between Jenny and Giles was almost healed. She is the love of his life, so the anger and betrayal he felt when he learned why she was in Sunnydale was all the more acute. Seeing his pain hurt Jenny more than any words he could have spoken. Jenny did not know about the curse, and could not have warned Buffy and Angel. She knew Angel suffers with guilt over his past deeds, and never gave a second thought to his relationship with Buffy. Angel had been so helpful, had saved her life as well as the lives of the others, and she felt no animosity towards him. She considers him a friend. Jenny worked hard to regain the trust of the others. Buffy and Giles gradually welcomed her back into the group, and Giles opened his heart to her again.

Joyce has a new beau. She met him during one of her trips to Los Angeles as she searched for pieces for the gallery. "Tim," an antiquities dealer, and Joyce have many interests in common. They spend a lot of time together, so Buffy checked him out. He is human, that being the bottom line after their experience with "Ted". From what Buffy observed of their interaction, Tim is very smitten with Joyce. Her mom's trips to LA are more frequent now, and not always for business. Buffy is fine with that, it gives her more time to spend with Angel. When Tim comes to Sunnydale, Buffy goes out of her way to make him feel welcome. They actually get along very well. Angel had been gracious and invited them to dinner at his apartment. He never ceased to amaze Buffy. When and where did he get to be such a great cook? Joyce still has no idea that he is a vampire. Buffy decided there was no need to address that issue. Joyce, and the rest of the adults in Sunnydale , refuse to believe that such a thing exists. They are very imaginative in explaining away the horrors that occur in Sunnydale.

As the year passed, Spike found himself in an uncomfortable position. He had recuperated from the injuries he suffered when Buffy had come to the abandoned church to save Angel. But, Drusilla was beside herself, constantly whining and crying. She had finally come to know that Angelus' soul had been restored. She didn't know that Angelus had given himself up to the slayer even before the soul was returned. Spike had become aware of Angelus' trysts with Buffy not long after he had moved out of the mansion. He wasn't about to tell her! So, she was always trying to come up with a way to get Angelus back. Spike, on the other hand, was glad to be rid of Angelus. He had caused nothing but grief when he lived with him and Drusilla. Angelus had taunted Spike unmercifully as he flirted with Drusilla and constantly tried to humiliate him with comments about his "wheels," "his inadequacies," etc. Spike was at a loss to explain Angelus' change in attitude towards him. They had been the best of evil companion in the distant past. But now, he would do anything to keep Angelus out of his life. He wanted no part of him or his grand schemes for eliminating humanity and bringing an end to their world. Spike enjoys this world and the pleasures it offers. Had the Slayer not vanquished Angelus, he would have done it for her. He had even flirted with the idea of a truce with Buffy, of joining with her to destroy Angelus. But, give the girl credit, she subdued Angelus on her own. Spike decided to keep his recovery under wraps for a while. With him in the wheelchair, Drusilla would occupy herself, helping to "take care" of him. At least it provided a distraction from her obsession to get Angelus back. In the meantime, Spike would put together a plan. He wanted nothing more than to leave Sunnydale and return to Europe. Buffy was doing some real damage to his corps of minions. They were being dusted at an alarming rate. Spike and his cadre of vampires were constantly on the move trying to keep one step ahead of her and Angel. Boring! It was time to have fun again. Dru would do what he wanted one way or another.

The school year sped to a close. Prom was memorable for all members of the gang. Buffy, Willow, and Cordelia were glam queens for an evening. They left their dates breathless when they caught their first glimpse of them in their gowns. Angel, who doesn't usually breathe, felt compelled to gasp in delight just as Oz and Xander had done. In all fairness to the guys, a more handsome trio was not to be found.

The school hosted the dance. As annoying as Snyder could be, he was determined that order would be maintained, and that no harm would come to his charges during or after the prom. Even though adults in Sunnydale were usually unwilling to face the tragedies that occurred there, Snyder did realize that it would be safer to keep the students off the streets and in one location.

The gym was decorated beautifully, transporting everyone into a fantasyland and obliterating any suggestion of being in the school gym. Harmony and her friends had done an outstanding job decorating, and deserved all the credit that they exacted from everyone. Their endless hours at the malls, and knowledge of where to purchase whatever they needed, had paid off.

What of Snyder's plan? There was a lock in till dawn. The students could choose from a number of different ways to spend their time. There was dancing, and later, movies, live entertainment, fortune telling, and magic shows. It was an all night party that had something for everyone. For the first time in Sunnydale High's history, there were no student fatalities on prom night!

Since prom was such a success, both in terms of fun and safety, the Seniors decided to organize the same type of all night party for graduation. They had made it this far and were determined to graduate. The ceremony, to be held in the school auditorium, would begin at sunset. Then, they would party till dawn. Angel and Buffy were thrilled with the plans. Graduation is an important event, and now he could attend. After the ceremony, students would be locked in for the party. As an adult guest, Angel would be permitted to leave before dawn. He left early enough to complete patrol before Buffy would leave the party.

Buffy left the school with the gang at dawn and went directly to Angel's apartment. "Angel!" she exclaimed, jumping into his arms as he opened the door, "for once we are on the same schedule!" She rambled on excitedly about the ceremony, the party, and questioned him about what happened on patrol. "Buffy", Angel said calmly, a smile on his lips, "it is time to sleep. Are you going to be able to calm down enough to even consider that thought?" Buffy finished preparing for bed as she continued her ramble. Angel was ready to stay alert for as long as it took for her to tire. She snuggled in next to him, and before he could kiss her goodnight, slept soundly in his arms. Angel chuckled as he reached to shut out the light. He held Buffy close, and thought about how much he loved her.

They woke together in the late afternoon. They lounged, neither wanting to leave the bed. Buffy picked up a very large envelope from the nightstand. It was a packet of information from UC Sunnydale, stuffed full of information on course offerings, board plans, living arrangements, payment plans, and other miscellaneous info. "Angel, will you go through this with me?" He is as excited as Buffy. He has not been to a university in centuries, and finds the process rather exciting. College will be a huge part of Buffy's life over the next few years, and Angel is determined to be informed and involved. Buffy had chosen UC Sunnydale. Well actually, there was no choice involved, it was pretty much a given. But she is happy about the school, and pleased with what it has to offer. They read the information carefully, considered courses offered, discussed where she would live and when they could be together. But most of all, they discussed the things they would do this summer. The Hellmouth was surprisingly quiet, school was over, and they planned to take full advantage of such fortuitous circumstances. They planned to have fun!

Part 17

"Ooohhh Spike, I can hardly wait!" trilled Dru as she danced around their bedroom, holding Miss Edith tightly against her chest. "Well Pet," he answered, "if youâd stop dancing and give a hand with the packing, weâd be on our way much sooner." Dru calmed herself, and forced herself to focus on the task at hand. "Spike, what do you think of the red gown?" she asked excitedly, "Shall I bring it to London?" Spike smiled. "Bring them all, Pet. Weâll dance every night of the week." Drusilla threw her arms around his neck, purring, "What fun we'll have, my love!"

Spike had been well for months. But, to give Dru time to get over the disappointment and sadness she felt upon learning that Angelus was lost to her again, he remained in the cursed wheelchair, feigning a slow, but steady improvement. Caring for Spike had taken her mind off Angelus, and, during that time, Spike had spoken repeatedly of returning to Europe, and the fun to be had. As her excitement about leaving Sunnydale peaked, Spike's recovery was complete.

Willy provided many services for the patrons of his bar. He arranged for a hearse to transport Spike and Dru to the airport. There the "deceased" would be placed in air cargo for transport to their "bereaved families" in London. Spike had contacted friends in London who would, as "family", meet the plane with another hearse. He and Dru would stay with friends, members of an ancient vampire society, in London. The leader, Victor, is one of the "old ones", a powerful demon housed forever in the body of the handsome 40 year old aristocrat he killed. Victor considers Spike an insolent upstart. He has always been fascinated, however, by the exotic Drusilla, and would welcome having her home again.

Part 18

Two weeks till classes begin. Buffy and Willow will share a double room. Oz was assigned a single. A well-written letter, explaining the unusual schedule he has to keep because of his job with the band, and the difficulty this would pose for a roommate, had convinced the administration that a single room would be best for Oz. This arrangement will work well for Buffy when Angel visits, and for Willow when she wants alone time with Oz.

After having consulted the student handbook and reviewed the courses required for a Bachelor of Arts degree, Buffy and Angel put together a tentative schedule of classes that she presented to her advisor during pre-orientation. Her class choices were approved. The courses include a Freshman English Seminar, Calculus, Introduction to Psychology, and Introductory Latin. The seminar choices are interesting ones, and Angel, who is very good at Latin, is looking forward to helping Buffy, should his help be needed. As for calculus, she is on her own, and was relieved to discover that the University offers tutoring in math on an as needed basis. So now, it is simply a matter of waiting, and of course, going shopping with Willow to purchase the items on that very long list of things they need to bring to the dorm.

Xander continues to work at the Espresso Pump from 3-7pm and works at night for a private security agency. He is usually assigned to the Bronze and to Sunnydale High. His knowledge of what truly can happen at night in Sunnydale, and his association with the Slayer, are invaluable as he goes about his job of serving and protecting.

Cordelia decided to delay her admission to Stanford and explore a career in modeling and acting. She has moved to LA, rents an apartment in a "happening" section of town, and has signed with an agent. Her dad has agreed to bankroll her for a year, after which she will either return to school at his expense, or work for a living. She will, of course, miss Xander. But, she has wheels, and LA is a short commute from Sunnydale.

Giles continues as librarian at Sunnydale High. At summers end, however, he will move closer to the University. He will be available if Buffy should need to consult him, and his new apartment will be the meeting place for the gang if and when a problem should arise that requires planning and research.

Once classes begin, Buffy's patrolling activities will be centered in the University area. Angel patrols Sunnydale with Buffy now, and will continue to do so alone when she leaves for school. The forces of evil will be challenged as never before when Buffy and Angel, with the help of Giles and Xander, coordinate their activities in Sunnydale and the outlying university area. Spike couldn't have chosen a better time to leave Sunnydale.

Part 19

There is one more thing for Buffy to accomplish before classes start. No way would she go to college and not be able to drive! Five miles is a short trip, but it can take forever if you're waiting for a bus. Evil is not going to wait for Buffy to bus it back and forth from school to Sunnydale. She had attended the classes, and passed the driving portion of the exam. "Who would have thought?" Buffy asked herself as she approached the classroom, "I owe Oz big time for all those practice sessions in the van." Today is the written exam. The issue of the car has yet to be resolved. Once she has the license in hand, she will speak to mom and dad, see if they can help her purchase a used car. But now, time to take the exam. Buffy entered the classroom, and took a deep breath as she told herself "be calm, think."

Buffy and the other prospective drivers sat impatiently as their grades were calculated. "Ms. Summers," called the instructor from her desk at the front of the room. As she approached the desk, Buffy scrutinized the instructors face for a clue about how she had done. The instructor's face revealed nothing, as if she had taken a class in making non faces. Suddenly, the instructor laughed, "calm down, you did very well. You scored a 90%. Now take your results to area 4 and pick up your temporary license." Buffy squealed with delight. All eyes turned toward the blond making all the noise. "Ok," thought Buffy "time to find another way to express my happy self." As another squeal threatened to erupt, she quickly made her way to the exit.

Part 20

"Hurry Tim!" called Joyce, "she should be back soon." Joyce continued packing as Tim put the final touches on the huge bow atop Buffy's gift. "I wish this meeting could be postponed", lamented Joyce, as Tim came in to help carry the bags to his car. They are scheduled to meet two important buyers in LA, and since they had flown in from Europe, there was no postponing the meeting. "I wish we could be here to see her reaction too", Tim smiled, "but I think even though we don't see it, we'll probably hear it." They locked the house door and got into the car. "Keep the windows down then," laughed Joyce. "How I love him!" thought Joyce as they drove away. Tim knows how important Buffy is to Joyce, and his acceptance of and love for Buffy has made them feel like a family. Buffy senses his sincerity and loves him back. Tim, after making sure it was ok with Hank, had shared the cost of Buffy's gift with Joyce and Hank. They all knew how much she wanted it, and since she hadn't requested anything specific for her graduation gift, they felt this would be just the thing.

Buffy had hoped to make it home before Joyce and Tim left for LA. But, just in case, she had given her hugs and kisses before she left for the driving test. They knew that while they were away she would be with Angel, and that he would keep her safe, so they worried less when they had to be out of town. Buffy was a little perplexed though, they had acted so strangely this morning, almost giddy, as they whispered about something. "Oh well," thought Buffy, "they're in love and love makes you act wacky!"

Her thoughts turned to Angel. She was bursting with the need to tell him her good news. "Daylight be damned," she declared, as she decided that she was too excited to wait till later. "Besides," she convinced herself, "he doesn't always sleep during the daytime."

Buffy broke into a run, hoping to catch Tim and Joyce at home. The car was gone, but from the distance, she saw something very strange. It looked like a car, not Tim's or Joyce's, topped with a big red object. As she approached the driveway, the red object became a bow, situated on top of a white two door compact car. A huge tag, bearing her name, was attached. A big heart was drawn on the tag with the message "Congratulations Buffy! We're proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, and Tim." Buffy, contrary to what Tim and Joyce had expected, was very quiet. She circled the car, examining every detail. Tears filled her eyes as she thought of the wonderful people who had done this for her. Her tears were of happiness, gratitude, and sadness- sadness because she couldn't share the most basic truth about herself with them, not yet. And, she knew they would be denied the experiences that all parents look forward to as their children mature. As always, when she felt so alone and sad, she thought of Angel. He is the one person who, simply by loving her the way he does, brings her some measure of peace.

Part 21

Angel closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the water as it covered him. He tried to relax as he rested his head against the back of the large, antique tub. He thought of Buffy. In his heart he knows she loves him, but of late his mind has been plagued by strange thoughts and fears. Would Buffy, now that there is no risk that he will lose his soul, begin to despise that part of him responsible for inflicting pain and suffering on her and so many others? These thoughts burst forth from deep within his mind, and, unbeknownst to Angel, they are the fears of Angelus. He longs for Buffy, to have her love HIM, the way she had before he found a way to restore Angel's soul. Now that she has her Angel back, he wonders, "Can she still love the demon?"

Buffy entered his apartment. "Angel," she called softly, not wanting to startle him should he be sleeping. He heard her from the moment she entered. As she approached, he could smell her, feel her. Angel smiled.

Buffy knows he is in the apartment, she can feel him. It never ceases to amaze her that she feels him so deeply within her, as if in her soul. "Angel," she called again. Buffy began to worry; had something happened to him? She moves more rapidly now, going from room to room, still no Angel. Finally, she enters the bath. Angel did not move, his eyes closed as if asleep. "Angel?" As she approached him, her breath caught in her throat as she looked at her beautiful dark angel. He could hear her pulse accelerate and her breathing become more irregular. Angel's response was involuntary and immediate. He began to harden and become erect. Buffy smiled in anticipation, thinking to herself, "now there's a not so dead giveaway." She approached him from behind, wrapping her arms around his neck. As she lowered her mouth to kiss his neck, she slid her hands over his chest, teasing his nipples, stroking his skin. He arched his body back toward her, raising his arms as he reached for her. He needed to touch her. Never taking her mouth from his neck, she slid her hands lower. Angel moaned softly as she took him in her hands, stroking gently. Suddenly, a deep moan erupted from his chest as his face morphed. "Ok Buff," he growled, "either get in or I'm coming out." She recognized the difference in his voice. Buffy moved around the tub to face him. Their eyes locked, fear and need in his answered with love and forgiveness in hers. Buffy held his gaze as she undressed, then lowered herself into the water. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she pulled him as close as physically possible. "Buffy," he pleaded, "love ME!" "Always," she crooned, " with every fiber of my being." She raised herself up, repositioning her body to take him as deeply into her as her body would allow. It was never enough. He enveloped her in his arms, losing himself in Buffy. She felt at peace once again.

Part 22

Angel didn't want to let her go, but the sun had begun to set and it would soon be time for patrol. The water had chilled and he knew she must be cold. "Buffy, it's late and it's cold, let's get ready for patrol," he urged as he kissed her forehead. She was freezing, but she didn't want to move. Snuggled with him, shutting everything but him out of her mind is the one great joy in her life. "OOOhhh!" she exclaimed, rising reluctantly to get out of the tub. There were huge puddles of water all over the floor, and the pile of her clothing was sitting right in the middle of the biggest one. "Angel, no way we made this major mess!" He laughed as he pulled the towels from the cabinet and tossed them to the floor for the clean-up. "I guess the next time we decide to wreak havoc, we'd better do some preliminary damage control!" He flicked on the soft overhead light for better visibility. Buffy laughed, dropping to her knees as she began to wipe up the water. She chuckled as she thought; "now here's an embarrassing scenario, Îevil alert, slayer breaks her leg while trying to negotiate major puddles in the bathroom!'" A smile played across her lips as she thought back to how they had created the mess. Angel, hearing the chuckle, stopped what he was doing and turned to look at her. Her skin glistened in the light, wisps of hair fell across her forehead and cheek, and he could see her muscles tense as she moved. He sighed. There was one large dry towel left. He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist as he kissed her back. "Buffy?" he pleaded, "wreak me some more havoc?" She laughed as she turned to kiss his mouth, pushing him down onto the towel.

Part 23

Patrol was uneventful again. Of late, all Buffy and Angel encountered was the occasional loner vamp. There was no leader, no organizer, no head vamp with a corps of minions planning the end of the world. Vamp life seemed to be in serious disarray. Buffy suspected that Spike and Dru had finally left town. Repeated reconnaissance missions to the mansion and their other favorite hangouts confirmed her suspicions; they were not in or around Sunnydale. But this is the Hellmouth, and as much as Buffy welcomed the respite from the apocalypse scenarios, she knew this would not last. Her plan; enjoy the free time, stay alert for signs of change, and have Angel step up his snooping around Willy's bar and the other vamp hangouts.

After patrol Buffy finally got to show Angel her car. She coaxed him in so she could give him a ride home. Since she would be staying with him till Joyce returned, he agreed. Last thing he wanted was for her to be driving around Sunnydale alone at night. Angel did admit that driving was a great time saver, even for him. Driving back and forth to the university would certainly facilitate their visits. As they approached the apartment, Buffy suggested that the next time they wreak havoc it should be in the car, up on the hill where all the kids go to make out. "Buffy" he replied incredulously, "I barely fit in this seat, my head is touching the ceiling and I can't stretch my legs." "The point being?" she asked. Angel laughed as he shook his head, "You're going to kill me!" As she parked the car, she slid over to the passenger side, pinned him to the seat as she straddled him, "That's the plan, lover."

Part 24

Spike is ranting yet again about the slayer, Sunnydale, and Angel. Being among familiar faces in his old stomping ground has done nothing to assuage his anger and frustration. "William the Bloody?" he thought, sure, "William the Bloody idiot!" He was supposed to be having fun, but instead, his anger and humiliation are getting the better of him. Dru was finally persuaded to leave Sunnydale so they could enjoy themselves, and now she is beside herself with worry and disappointment. Spike's body may be healed, but what is she to do about his tortured mind?

The others are beginning to find Spike tiresome. But Victor, feigning disinterest, pays close attention. With each of Spike's rants, Victor learns another piece of information. He knows the identity of the slayer, her friends, where she lives, and where she attends school. Over the centuries Victor has cleverly protected his identity and conducted business in such a way as to avoid calling attention to himself and his "family." He did, however, as a newborn vampire, actually have contact with a slayer. Had it not been for the valiant efforts of his sire, he would have been dusted. As the slayer fought the experienced ones, the young, like Victor, fled. This memory haunted him. "Am I at heart a coward?" he wondered, "have I the strength and skill to defeat a slayer?" Since he had not had another opportunity to come against a slayer, Spike's stories of Buffy and her friends titillated him. She is certainly unorthodox as slayers go. She is not a loner, her friends know of her calling and actually help her in her quest, and, most delicious of all, she is in love with a vampire. She has killed the Master and his strongest minions, crippled Spike and run him out of town, and tamed the formidable Angelus! This slayer would prove a worthy adversary. Victor hadn't felt this excited or animated about anything in at least a few centuries. The excitement of planning a great adventure is a pleasure he has not experienced for far too long. Being undead for eternity would be unbearable if not for the occasional thrill of a challenge such as this slayer presents.

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