E-mail: mariecynthia2003@yahoo.com
Feedback: Please. Be gentle: this is my first fic
Pairing: Spike/Angel
Spoilers: Spike is chipped; Angel is Spike's Sire; No Fred or Connor; Buffy did not die
Rating: R
Warning: Transgender fic, mentions of rape
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to Joss Whedon, ME, WB, UPN, etc.
Note: I would like to thank Shamenka for inspiring my first foray into fanfic! Also, many thanks to Ghostsforge for beta help and answering numerous technical questions.
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~Part: 1~
Angel sat in his dimly lit office staring at a piece of paper in his hand. He had not moved in over an hour. He could not shake the sense of doom plaguing him. He was unsure why he was so uneasy. There was no impending apocalypse and Cordelia had not had a vision in days. Things were eerily quiet. He continued to ponder the situation when suddenly Cordelia's voice brought him back to reality.
`Hey brood-boy! Snap out of it!' As Cordelia was proceeding to playfully insult Angel again, her eyes fell upon the worried face of her vampire friend. `Angel.' she asked calmly, `what's wrong?'
Angel slowly looked up from the invoice to meet the concerned face of his friend. `I'm not sure, Cordy.' He deposited the paper on his large mahogany desk, placed his face in his hands, and ran his fingers through his gelled locks. Angel sighed and continued, `I've had a bad feeling for days.'
`Well, it's pretty quiet on the Demony front here. And hey, no mind- splitting headaches lately are a bonus too!' Cordelia's attempts at humour fell on deaf ears. Her tone became more serious. `Maybe something is going on in Sunnydale. Maybe Buffy needs help.'
`If she did need assistance, I'm not sure if she would call me anyway.' Angel paused taking an unnecessary breath. `Maybe I'll call just to check, though.'
Angel picked up the phone to dial the Summers' residence. There was no answer and Angel felt awkward leaving a message on the machine. He replaced the receiver quietly. He could not reconcile his fears internally. He brooded for a few more hours and then decided to take a trip to Sunnydale.
~Part: 2~
Angel arrived in Sunnydale before sunrise. As he drove through the streets of the deceptively quiet suburb en route to Giles' home, he felt his Demon within rage. He felt something crying out in pain and fear. `Something is very wrong,' he thought.
Angel rang the ex-watcher's doorbell and waited restlessly. The door opened to reveal a sleepy-eyed Giles holding a crossbow in his right hand. `Oh-goodness! A-Angel! What a surprise! P-Please come in.' Giles quickly lowered the weapon and motioned for Angel to enter.
`I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, Rupert.'
`The matter must be of great importance if you are here. May I offer you some tea, perhaps?'
`No, thank you.'
Giles straightened his glasses and walked to the kitchen to prepare some tea for himself. As he placed the copper pot on the burner, he noticed the troubled look on the vampire's face and awaited Angel's explanation for the visit.
`Is everything okay here? I mean.Buffy is fine? The others?'
`Things are quite all right here at the moment, Angel.' Giles answered. `Buffy and Dawn are on holiday with their father. Willow, Tara, Xander, and Anya are well.'
`That's good to hear.' Angel stated with a sigh of relief. Giles sensed that he had not completely alleviated Angel's concerns. Angel walked across the room to sit on the plush green couch. He sat there slowly wringing his hands together.
`Are you going to inquire about Spike?' Giles walked from the kitchen sipping his tea. He proceeded to sit on the opposite couch to his guest.
`Spike is in Sunnydale?' Angel asked with a surprised tone.
`When was the last time you saw him?'
`He tortured me for the Gem of Amara, I guess, about two years ago. I hadn't realised he came back here.' Angel's eyes filled with confusion.
`Well, indeed, Spike is here.' Giles stated plainly to reinforce his point.
`Buffy hasn't staked him yet?'
`Quite the opposite, really. Spike has become quite an ally.'
With this statement, the tall vampire abruptly stood up laughing. `An ally? William the Bloody.a Scoobie!' Angel enjoyed this sudden release. After so many days of worry, it was a relief. This feeling was short lived as he noticed the furrowed brow and look of disdain he was receiving from the ex-watcher.
`Angel, a lot has happened in the last few years.'
When Angel realised Giles was serious, he immediately reclaimed his seat. `What has happened, Giles?' Angel voice was filled with trepidation. He had a feeling he was not going to like what was coming. The gnawing pit in his stomach returned as Giles began to speak.
`Spike returned to Sunnydale. I can only presume he came after the incident with the Gem. He was captured by a secret government agency called the Initiative. They trapped Demons and experimented on them. They placed a behaviour modification chip in Spike's brain rendering him unable to harm any Human.' Giles paused as he noted the change in Angel's demeanour. Gone was the mockery of a few moments ago. Angel's anger was rising and the hint of yellow in his eyes did not go unnoticed by the ex-watcher.
`Spike escaped the compound and came to my home for asylum.' He continued.
Angel's voice was dry as he began speaking, `And you helped him? Why?'
`Initially we were wary to aid him but we had no intention of killing a harmless creature. He provided us much needed information on the covert agency and in exchange received shelter and sustenance.' Giles again paused to allow Angel to process the information. A myriad of emotions played upon the face of the dark vampire.
`We all knew Spike was still evil. How could he be trusted? Slowly, though, he became quite useful. He is able to hurt Demons. He aided Buffy with patrolling. He started helping us with research at the Magic Box. He was an outcast in the Demon world. He was labelled an Uncle Tom, of sorts.' Angel looked up as Giles said those words; the irony brought a slight smile to Angel's face. Giles continued, `I think, ultimately, he was lonely.'
`He lived here with me, for a time. Once you strip away the blustering, obnoxious, punk side of Spike, he is quite interesting and sensitive. He and I have become very close. When the others were around, of course, he would revert to his `Big Bad' persona. After a while, they all caught on as well.'
These words cut Angel's undead heart like a knife. Spike's former enemies had welcomed him into their lives. Spike had no soul and he was shown compassion. Angel thoughts plagued him. His guilt at listening to his Childe's suffering made him ache. Could he have done something to help his wayward Childe? Would he have shown him the same level of understanding? Angel gazed upward at Giles and quietly asked, `Why didn't anyone tell me?'
`Why Angel?' Giles' tone was accusatory in nature. `Would it have made a difference? S-Spike informed me of the complicated history between you two. He discussed the relationship you had when he was Sired, leaving the family after you were cursed, and the torture inflicted upon him when Angelus returned. Despite the appearance of indifference, Spike is still extremely hurt by your actions.'
Angel lowered his head, as his guilt became unbearable. He knew he had hurt his Childe so much over the last century. `Where is he now?' Angel whispered in a defeated tone.
`He lives in a crypt in a local cemetery. We haven't seen him in a few days but that is normal at times. Buffy told Xander to check on him while she gone. She said they were both a bit battered after fighting a MoyaMoya a few days ago.'
With that statement, Angel rose abruptly to his feet panicked, `I have to go see him, Giles!'
`Angel, it is day outside!'
`Giles, please. Maybe the feeling I've been having pertains to Spike. I don't want to wait until sundown. I can use a blanket of yours. Can you call Xander and have him meet us? He might have some information.'
`Very well, then.' Giles answered as he ascended the stairs to change his clothes.
`I'm coming, William.' Angel thought, `I'm coming.'
~Part: 3~
A sleepy-eyed Xander stood under an awning outside Spike's crypt door as Giles and Angel arrived. `What's up, Deadboy? Why the early AM wake up call?' Xander teased Angel as he sheepishly rubbed his eyes.
`Don't call me that Xander!' Angel scowled as he emerged from the smoking blanket. `Have you seen Spike recently?' Angel asked him after his annoyance with the young boy had disappeared.
`I came by the other day with some blood, but he wasn't here. His crypt was really dark.'
`Did you think there might be a problem?' Angel's voice was steadily rising.
`Spike sometimes takes trips and stuff,' Xander replied, `it's not unusual. Anyway, why the sudden interest?'
`Angel had a premonition while in Los Angeles.' Giles interjected.
`Well, let's see if he's back.' Xander answered as he walked towards the crypt door.
As Angel opened the immense crypt door, he immediately sensed fear. `Spike?' Angel's chocolate brown coloured eyes darted quickly around the dark, damp crypt.
`Angel,' Xander's voice pierced the eerie silence, `I don't think he's here. He does have a lower level, though.'
Angel proceeded to the trap door as his internal senses ran wild. `He's downstairs,' Angel thought. As he lowered himself into the dark space, he was overwhelmed with the feeling of fear, shame, and shock that the room emitted. `Xander,' Angel called up, `hand me a lit candle.' Angel could easily see in the dark but wanted the journey down to be easier for his companions.
As his feet hit the floor, his Demon immediately emerged as his eyes fell upon a figure cowering in the corner. He sensed the blood of Aurelius but his eyes revealed the face and body of a woman. She had a petite physique with shoulder length, wavy, honey coloured blonde hair and large azure coloured eyes. As he elevated his hand grasping the candle, the soft light illuminated the figure before him. Angel gasped as he noticed the state the woman was in. Her clothes were covered in blood and her pale face was riddled with bruises. She was nearly catatonic crouching in the corner.
`Oh Gods.Spike? Can you hear me?' There was no response. `Spike? William?' As that name rolled off Angel's tongue, there was a flicker of life in the blonde's eyes momentarily. Angel inched slowly towards Spike on his hands and knees as to not frighten her. Suddenly Spike's head turned abruptly towards a noise as her eyes shined with great fear. She was beginning to shake uncontrollably.
`Angel! Do you see him?' Xander's loud voice echoed as he and Giles descended the ladder.
Angel turned towards the voices and realised Spike's agitation coincided with sensing the Humans in the room. `Giles, Xander: go back upstairs, NOW!' Angel ordered in a tone similar to Angelus. He softened his next statement, `Please, I'll explain soon.'
As the two Humans disappeared, Spike's whimpering and panting dissipated. `What happened to you, my boy?' Angel whispered as a tear trickled down his face. `I'm here now, William.' Angel extended his hand to gently caress the pale face of his Childe. To his surprise, Spike did not attempt to move away. Encouraged by this, Angel carefully lifted the thin blonde into his lap and slowly rocked her back and forth. Angel felt cool tears soaking his maroon silk shirt. As Angel held her, he silently pledged revenge against the fiends that had hurt his Childe.
After some time, Angel sensed that Spike had fallen asleep. Angel stood from the floor with Spike still in his arms. He was shocked and worried as he realised how light she was. He placed her on the metal four-post bed carefully as to not awaken her.
He used this opportunity to go talk with Xander and Giles. Likely, they were confused over Angel's earlier outburst. `I'm sorry about that,' Angel apologised, `Spike started to freak out when you came downstairs.'
`I didn't get the best look, but that did not appear to be our favourite peroxide vampire!' Xander's weak attempt at sarcasm to hide his fear for his friend was futile.
Angel turned to Giles. `Somehow, Spike is now a woman. Maybe it has something to do with that Demon he and Buffy fought? What was the name again?'
`MoyaMoya Demon. I must consult my texts, I'm afraid. I do not know much about this particular breed.' Giles replied while cleaning his glasses. `Regardless, Spike does not look well.'
`He's been beaten and seems to be in shock. I can't reach him or is it her?' The uncertainty Angel was feeling started to make him panic. `Xander,' Angel continued, `could you go to Willy's and buy some Human blood? It'll help her heal. Giles, maybe some research on this Demon might help find some sort of reversal spell. I'll bring Spike to your place at sundown.'
After the plans were formulated, the humans left the crypt.
~Part: 4~
As Angel returned to the lower level, he saw Spike violently tossing and turning on the bed. She made many noises, some unintelligible. `No, please.stop.HELP ME!!' Spike abruptly sat up gasping, confusion and fear dominating her eyes.
`Spike!' Angel exclaimed as he ran over to the bed. `I'm here.I'm here!' Angel's attempts to restrain her were fruitless as Spike fought his embrace. `WILLIAM, STOP!' Angel finally barked.
With that statement, Spike seemed to calm for a moment; seemingly, her confused state for a time gone. In a raspy, weak high-pitched voice, Spike spoke. `Sire?'
`Yes, Spike.It's me. Angel.'
`A-Angel?' Spike asked innocently with the hope that the vampire in front of her was not an illusion. Her weak, unsteady hand reached up to touch the handsome, angelic face of her Sire. A flood of relief washed over her face as she dove into Angel's arms. Her tears flowed unchecked as she attempted to snuggle closer to her Sire. Her thin, bruised fingers clutched at his shirt. For the first time since her change, she felt protected and safe.
As Angel realised her tears had stopped, he carefully repositioned Spike so he could look at her face. Angel gently ran his finger down her well-defined cheekbones. Despite the bruises, Angel was in awe of her beauty. William certainly had been gorgeous. As a woman, she is equally stunning. As he cradled his Childe, a sense of protectiveness surged through him. He had not felt this way about any of his Childer in over a century and that feeling scared him. Despite the fact that Angel harboured guilt about abandoning his most favoured Childe, the bond they shared was broken years ago.
The shivering blonde vampire brought Angel back from his memories. He reached for blankets to envelop his Childe. `The sun is down now,' he gently spoke, `I'm going to take you to Giles' place so we can get you warm.'
Spike easily acquiesced. She revelled in the feeling of being in her Sire's arms. She managed a small smile as Angel walked towards the car.
Angel placed Spike gently in the front seat of the classic Plymouth. Spike's eyes felt heavy from lack of sleep. She slowly shut her eyes knowing that Angel would not allow anything to harm her.
Angel quickly drove to Giles' home. He was yearning to clean and feed her. Angel was still reeling from the discovery of his now female Childe. He was also eager to learn whom or what beat his Childe. Spike was not likely to divulge any information at this point. She was too traumatised.
Angel parked his car and once again cradled Spike in his large arms as he walked toward the house. Angel's physique was always bigger than Spike's, but now the difference was enormous.
Upon entering Giles' home, Angel brought the slumbering vampire over to the couch. Xander handed him an afghan and Giles started a fire to warm the room.
`There's blood in the fridge, Angel.' Xander explained quietly. `Spike looks terrible! What happened?'
`I wish I knew everything,' said an exhausted Angel. `Giles, is it okay if I draw a bath for her?'
`P-Please, feel free to use the lavatory and my bedroom so she can rest.' Giles kindly added.
As the three men continued to converse, Spike's eyes opened slowly. She did not recognise her surroundings and began to pant and whimper. She quickly stood up to find a safer place but she was so weak that she fell to the ground. Angel was immediately at her side attempting to calm the panicked vampire. `It's okay, Spike. You're safe. See? We're at Giles' place. Remember?' Spike eyes spanned the entire room and slowly realised she had been there before. She began to settle. `See, it's Giles and Xander, your friends.' Spike slightly tilted her head up to look at the two gentlemen in the corner. A spark of recognition was apparent in her eyes. `You're fine. They won't hurt you.' Angel whispered to her and he gently rubbed her back. Her shuddering ceased. `Do you feel better, now?' Angel asked.
`I-I'm c-cold.' Spike muttered in her now high pitched voice.
`I'm going to take you upstairs and put you into a warm bath.' Angel smiled as he held her. He was happy to feel her body move closer to him. He felt that she trusted him. He carefully stood from the floor and carried her upstairs to the bathroom.
Once inside, he placed her on the toilet so he could undress her. He was careful not to make any moves without explaining himself first. `Honey, I have to take your clothes off now.' Angel said gently. There was no response from Spike. She seemed detached and vacant. As he slowly lifted the tattered, blood soaked shirt from her body, he nearly gasped as the bruising covering her trunk was revealed. Angel had a difficult time controlling his anger but kept it well hidden to not further frighten her. He gently helped her stand as he removed her shredded pants. Spike kept staring at the wall right through Angel.
Spike was bruised as well on her lower abdomen. She had reddish and purplish discoloration over her inner thighs and genitalia. Surrounding the areas were what appeared to be cigarette burns. `Oh my God' Angel thought. He nearly wretched as he saw the extent of her injuries. At that moment, Angel realised what had occurred. He could smell the essence of human men enveloping his Childe. Angel could no longer control his Demon. He vamped out, yellow eyes burning as his rage was steadily building.
`Please, Sire.' Spike spoke as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her knees felt weak as she started to fall. Angel was able to catch her as the two sobbing vampires fell to the ground together.
Angel's human face returned as he cried, `I'm so sorry.' He could not think of any other words. He could only hug her and caress her bloodied hair. After a few moments he was able to speak, `No one will ever touch you again! I promise you! NEVER AGAIN!'
Angel was able to pick them both off the hard tile floor and place Spike in the warm water filled tub. He proceeded to gently wash her beautiful hair and her entire body. Despite the fact that she was covered with bruises, her body was still beautiful. Her breasts were small and supple. The lines of her body were magnificent. Angel worried that Spike might sense his arousal but she was too traumatised to notice. She simply sat in the tub, head resting on her drawn up knees, staring blankly at the wall.
He tenderly applied antibiotic ointment to her burns after drying her with a soft cotton towel. Giles thoughtfully left a charcoal grey sweatshirt and sweatpants outside the bathroom for Spike to wear. She looked so tiny and vulnerable as the outfit dwarfed her. After dressing her, Angel led the exhausted blonde vampire to Giles' room. He turned down the bed and assisted placing her on the soft mattress.
Spike looked so pure and innocent lying there. Her blue eyes gazed up toward her Sire as she softly spoke. `You're leaving?' Her voice trembled.
`No, honey. I'm going downstairs to warm up some blood for you. Remember. I'll never leave you again.' With that promise, Angel bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before exiting the bedroom.
~Part: 5~
A weary Angel slowly descended the stairs after putting Spike to bed. He walked directly to the kitchen to prepare some blood. He did not have the energy to explain Spike's situation to her worried friends. He knew, however, that their questions would be inevitable. He hoped he would have some time to recover before the inquiry would begin.
`Angel,' Xander started, `did Spike talk? Did she tell you what happened?'
As Angel turned towards Xander, the brunette haired youth observed the face of the vampire. Dark circles enveloped Angel's eyes. He appeared so fatigued. Xander knew the situation was grave. `Angel, please,' he pleaded, `we have a right to know.'
Angel eyed Xander and then Giles and sighed as he dropped his head. `It's very bad.' He calmly stated as he stared at the slate floor.
`How bad, Angel?' Giles asked. `Is it because he is now a woman? What caused the bruising on the face? Did she tell you what occurred? The circumstances?' His tone was so unlike Giles. His words conveyed more emotion than his usual speech pattern. He was clearly affected by Spike's situation.
`She didn't have to tell me anything!' Angel's cheeks trembled as he spoke. `Her entire body is covered in burns and bruises. I could.' Angel paused before continuing, `I could smell mortal men all over her.'
Angel raised his head as he spoke these words. Xander and Giles' eyes did not reflect an understanding of his last statement. So, Angel continued. He had difficulty forming the words. `The smell of HUMAN men emanated from her.around her.Spike was.she was raped by multiple men.'
`Oh, dear Lord.' Giles' hand covered his mouth in disbelief.
`But, Spike is a vampire! He`s strong!' Xander exclaimed, not wanting to believe what Angel said. `Oh my God.' he stated as his eyes widened in horror, `the chip.'
There was nothing left to say. All three imagined the horror that Spike endured not being able to defend herself against a sexual attack. It was almost too much to handle. Giles quickly traversed the room to his bookshelf to commence research on the Demon. Xander offered his assistance. Angel poured cold human blood into a mug and warmed it in the microwave. After completing the task, he quietly returned upstairs.
~Part: 6~
Spike was curled into the foetal position, wrapped in two blankets as she lay silently on the bed. She fought against her fatigue. She desperately needed sleep but the vivid images her nightmares produced were too painful to tolerate. She could not escape what had occurred. She was startled when she heard a soft knock on the door.
`Spike,' Angel's said, `it's me, Angel.' He slowly opened the door. He set the mug filled with warm human blood on the nightstand as he sat on the bed, facing Spike. `You're awake. You really need to sleep.'
`I'm fine.' she responded flatly.
`I have some blood here for you.' Angel assisted placing Spike in a sitting position with her head against the headboard. The grey sweatshirt was so oversized that Angel had to roll the sleeves up before handing her the black porcelain mug.
Spike's delicate hands shook as she attempted to bring the cup to her pale lips. Angel gently reclaimed the mug after affectionately squeezing her hands. `Let me.' As he held the cup up to her mouth, Angel realised she had not fed in days as she vigorously drank the red fluid.
When Spike motioned she was done, she scooted back down to the sleeping position. Angel lightly stroked her hair as Spike closed her eyes. She was so tired. She felt calmer with Angel in the room. Quickly, she drifted to sleep.
~Part: 7~
Angel returned downstairs to see if there was any progress on the Demon front. `Giles,' he began, `have you discovered anything?'
`Very little, I'm afraid.' he replied as he removed his glasses. `There is a drawing in this text,' Giles held up the musty, ancient publication to show Angel, `but, the information is scarce. There is a mention of the poisonous bite of the creature. However, I do not find any evidence that the venom is capable of gender altering properties. I-I have a few friends left at the Watcher's Council. The library there is vast. They are bound to contain some writings with references to this Demon.'
`Thank you for your help, Giles.' Angel settled onto the couch. He placed his head back and brought his hands over his face.
`How is Spike?' Giles asked.
`She's resting,' Angel replied as he scanned the room. `Where's Xander?'
`He went to Anya's. He knew Spike was sleeping so he informed me he would return later.'
`That's good. I need her to rest before we return to LA. It will make the trip easier.' Angel stated.
`Y-You are returning to Los Angeles.with her?' Giles asked in a surprised tone.
`Well.of course.' Angel stated firmly but politely.
`Is that what she requested?'
`I think it's what's best.'
Giles anger began to rise. `Spike's life is in Sunnydale, Angel. She has people who care for her here. Her family is here! In LA, they will simply treat her as William the damn Bloody!' Giles face was a crimson shade.
Angel growled, `Spike is MY Childe, Rupert! MINE! Do you think that you or Xander can protect her in the state she is in? Buffy is strong enough. But she has other responsibilities.'
Giles walked up to the dark vampire and looked directly into his eyes, `Now he.I mean she is your CHILDE, Angel? How bloody convenient! Are you doing what's best for her or what's best for your guilty conscience?'
`S-Stop it! Please! Stop fighting!' The tiny blonde vampire shouted as she stood at the bottom of the stairs holding onto the handrail in her weakened state. The two men had not realised their argument was witnessed by the fragile vampire. `I'm not an OBJECT to be passed around! I'm not.I'm not.I`m not.' she repeated this over and over again as she slowly turned into herself. She held her shaking head as she crouched on the bottom step. She rocked back and forth and began mumbling as the tears poured from her eyes.
`My, God, what have we done?' Giles said as he rushed over to Spike. `Spike.do you know who I am?' He spoke softly. He was very careful to avoid touching her.
Spike lifted her head as her eyes attempted to focus through the haze of tears. `G-Giles.' she said quietly.
`Angel and I are terribly sorry we upset you. W-We were worried, that's all.' He raised his arm and carefully touched her shoulder. It was a tender gesture and Giles only hoped that his touch would not make her cower away. To his surprise, she allowed the innocent touch. She relaxed her posture as he briefly embraced her. The hug was chaste. Giles wanted to reassure her that not all mortals would take advantage of her.
Giles stood from his kneeling position and walked over to Angel. He placed his glasses back on and cleared his throat. `Please leave your number in Los Angeles. When I receive some information, I will be sure to phone you both immediately.'
Angel looked into Giles eyes and patted him on the shoulder in appreciation. He realised in that moment how much his Childe's life had changed. He sensed the fatherly love Giles held towards the blonde vampire. Part of Angel felt slightly jealous of the relationship. He had been absent for nearly a century of his Childe's life and now more than ever his regret was overwhelming.
Angel approached the stairs and lifted Spike and placed her on the couch. `I'm going to pack a few things, make a phone call, and then we can go okay?' He gently stroked her cheekbones.
Giles proceeded to the kitchen to pack the remaining blood in an ice cooler and placed it in the back seat of Angel's car.
Angel returned upstairs and took a cell phone out of his pocket. He went into the bathroom to escape the range of Spike's vampire enhanced hearing. He quickly dialled and waited impatiently for an answer.
`Angel Investigations. We help the hopeless!' Cordelia answered with her usual enthusiasm.
`Cordy, it's me.'
`Oh, Angel! Is everything okay there?'
`Well, not really. Anyway, listen Cordy. And before you freak out, just hear me out. I'm coming back in a few hours with Spike.'
`No, way, Mister! Uh! Uh!' Cordy exclaimed. `Hello? Am I the only one who remembers hot pokers?'
`Cordy, please! Spike was the one in trouble here. It's really bad. He needs our help. He can't hurt anyone!'
`Are you sure?' she asked, needing reassurance.
`I'm positive. He's gone through some changes. He's a close friend of the gang here, so we need to give him a chance.'
`Well, if you're sure. But, I'm still going to carry my stake and have Father Flannery bless my water bottle!
`Now, listen. Spike was bitten by a Demon and he was changed into.'
`Into a what?' Cordelia interrupted.
`I was going to say- a woman.' He could hear the laughter through the phone.
`Cordelia, this is not funny! I found Spike beaten and brutalised.'
`I'm sorry, Angel,' she responded sincerely.
`Can you make sure everyone is in the lobby when we return? I want Spike to meet the gang all at once so there are no surprises. Okay?'
`Sure, Angel.drive carefully.' With that the conversation ended.
Angel returned to the first floor and gathered a slumbering Spike in his arms. He walked over to Giles and shook his hand. Giles placed a small kiss on Spike's forehead and walked over to the door. He opened the door and as the two vampires exited the ex-watcher's home, he quietly whispered, `Take good care of her.'
Angel hoped that leaving Sunnydale would begin the healing process for the fractured blonde vampire. Angel glanced at the sign `You Are Now Leaving Sunnydale' as he turned his car onto the dark highway headed towards the City of Angels.