Angel (noirangel) wrote in madisonvalley, @ 2014-04-01 04:09:00 |
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Angelus wasn't pleased with his situation, but so far he was faring well on the evasive side. It helped that he did know the sewer system in the town better than anyone. What also helped was that he was fairly certain they hadn't called a citywide hunt for him. They were apparently keeping his identity a secret, and he honestly wasn’t sure why. Out of misplaced hope that they could stop him themselves? That he could get his soul back? Perhaps. Either way, it suited his purposes and he’d take the advantage for what it was. With caution, he had managed to retrieve his coat and a change of clothing from his apartment as well as the book he'd been using that seemed most promising for his plans. He just needed to figure out where best he fared a chance at ripping open a portal from this world, but he had his suspicions that the abandoned building--now officially gutted and under construction--would serve well. And then all he'd need was the girl herself. So he was almost at ease, with plans falling into place. There weren’t many hours of darkness left on this night, so he would wait until evening fell again and be freed from this place at last. He’d taken pains to keep his trail untraceable, using methods from the old days when he and Darla would evade the wide variety of humans and demons alike who sought them. He had never been good at working with others, and evading capture had become something of a habit. He was in one of the cemeteries now, examining a crypt with a little boredom. He was restless, but his caution prevented him from seeking relief elsewhere. He had the patience to wait one more day for his plans to come to light, and he knew better than to ruin it by carelessness. So he stepped around the small enclosed space, looking at the etched in crosses on the side of stone and stepping over broken and old pieces of the tomb. It didn’t take long before he sensed the presence of another. Scratch that. It didn’t take long for him to sense the presence of his own. He stopped and turned slowly to face Spike, amusement outweighing any other reaction for the moment. “You know, you’ve been here a few days,” he began with a small smile, tone soft. “I was wondering when you’d seek me out at last.” *** When Spike had first arrived in this horrible little town, he hadn't stopped long enough in his attempt to leave to realize that Angel was in town. At least, not until the Slayer Faith had told him as much inadvertently and at that point it had become obvious that Angel was here. Of course Angel was here. It made the feeling of this being hell a little more real. Except Angel wasn't really the one steering apparently. Not that knowing that it was actually Angelus helped matters much. Soul or no, as far as Spike was concerned he was still a prick. It just changed what he was self-righteous about. But there was that whole issue with Angelus attacking people and Spike couldn't really sit on the sidelines. Even if no one else had the common sense to see that he knew Angelus. Ran around Europe for two decades with him, hadn't he? That meant he knew what sort of tricks he'd pull the avoid the search party coming after him. So it was absolutely no surprise to Spike that it took less than a few hours of searching to actually find him. Spike raised an eyebrow at Angelus once his presence was recognized. "Not usually in the habit of seeking you out if I can help it." *** Angelus folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the wall, dark eyes intent on Spike. "And here I thought you'd be happy to see me, boy." The expression of amusement still played on his features, but it was tinged with a cold, calculating look as he searched the younger vampire. It had been years since he'd laid eyes on him, and the nature of this place meant he could be from any moment of their history. Or their future. The leather coat and hair told him they were close, but those things were superficial, and he knew William better than that. His hard gaze never wavered as he continued, lips curving into a smile, "So why couldn't you help yourself this time?" *** A part of Spike had wondered how this would work with him being soulful and whatnot. They've done this with them both being soulless, with Angelus being the souled party, and now they apparently got to play it out the other way around. So far, Angelus hadn't seemed to pick up on that new tidbit. And that was something Spike planned to play extremely close to his chest. As in not tell ling a single bloody soul for as long as he could help it. All Anya had needed to do while she was still a demon was get one good look in his eyes and she'd known, so just to be safe, Spike decided to keep Angelus from getting that good look. "I'm not exactly sure what gave you that impression -- was it the crowbar the last time you were in the drivers' seat, or the hot pokers the last time the soul was?" Of course after that, Spike had been well aware of where Angel was, and he was sure that Angel had known where Spike was even if he might've been missing out on the details of what, exactly. At least, Spike figured he had to be because that was the only way to explain the other vampire not beating down the door to his crypt or more than once occasion. Spike didn't answer the question. For several reasons, but the most important thing being that telling Angelus that he was there to stop him because of the chaos he'd been making sounded incredibly dogooder and soul aside, he wasn't a champion for good in any sort of way. He was just in love with Buffy and that meant helping her win whatever war she was fighting. Plus, it sounded like a completely pansy-assed thing to say. "You know," he started instead as he took in their surroundings, his tone betraying a bit of his amusement, "I didn't think a crypt was your style, Angelus." *** Angelus hummed, not rising to the bait. "The hot pokers were a good choice, William," His calm was a useful tool when dealing with his progeny, and he used the younger vampire's human name as another display of his belief in his power over him. His souled self had no real understanding of how to behave with Spike. He suffered no such indecision. "Of course, if you'd wanted to do it right, you would have done it yourself." And wasn't that both his deep disappointment in Spike as well as his fascination? He'd done his best to teach William the Bloody to delight in the pain of his victims as he did, but with only moderate success. And still he'd enjoyed killing alongside him--enjoyed the decades they'd spent causing terror together. Hadn’t once considered abandoning him or Dru as he had lesser vampires before. His eyes flashed a little at his last comment and he laughed, lifting himself from the wall as he began a slow circle toward the other vampire. "Not at all. Too unclean for me. That's more your style, isn't it?" Angelus approached him, trying to catch his gaze as he settled very near. "C'mon Spike," he breathed into his ear. "Why have you come to me now?" *** Being called William, by Angelus of all people, never stopped being annoying and it had been that way since Spike had officially decided that his name was going to change. Never mind the fact that he'd kind of wanted to piss Angelus off at least a little bit; it'd make this whole stand off go a bit faster if it had. But William was still better than boy and Spike had managed to not give that as much of a reaction as it deserved; he would have found it hilarious, most likely. Angelus had to be testing him, looking for a weakness, and Spike was doing his best to not give him the obvious one. Spike had only recently begun to reach his epiphany between all the things he'd done and his new soulful status and he would be damned if Angelus found some way to ruin that. "Nothing wrong with a crypt. Pretty homey, actually. It's all in the effort you put in," Spike replied as he followed Angelus with his eyes, watching as he came closer. His stance was tense because he didn't trust Angelus nearly half as far as he could throw him, and that was more than just because of their history. "Just trying to figure out your game plan. And I know you've got one, even if I haven't been here all that long." *** "We're old friends, Spike," he replied, the statement an almost laughable simplification as he kept his tone deliberately light. "And you already seem to know I'm no longer plagued by the burden of a soul." He gave him a look of mock concern. "So why so tense?" There was something different about the younger vampire. The familiar swagger he'd developed was absent. The defiance in him less hot and more controlled. Angelus didn't like it. Didn't like his boy without that fire and edge and didn't like the peculiar sense he was getting from him. "Who have you seen?" He demanded finally, tone still deadly soft as he moved a hand to grip Spike's arm tightly, twisting and forcing him to face him. "What game are you playing, William? Not trying to betray me again, are you?" *** Spike could pretend well enough, but there wasn't really any point in being in denial about that fact that for all the things that were in fact the same about him, there was definitely a lot that was different. And the last thing Spike needed before he could at least get a hint as to what Angelus was up to would be having his no longer evil stance on things figured out. "Paranoia's not a good look on you, mate. A little Slayer birdie told me that you were walking around soulless. She wanted help, which I hadn't actually agreed to give. I wanted to find out if this was the kind of soulless that just wreaked a little havoc here or there, or if there were some grand scale, Acathla-like, hell-on-earth plans. You know how I feel about end of the world plans -- not my cuppa tea." Spike replied easily enough. And it wasn't even like he was lying about any of that. He was completely sure that it wasn't a good idea at all, but Spike met Angelus' eyes. He didn't know if Angelus would be able to tell from a single look, but since he could probably already tell that Spike wasn't the same from the last time they'd crossed paths, it was really only a matter of time. And, much as Spike liked to pretend, Angelus wasn't stupid. After a moment, Spike smirked. "Besides, it's not really betrayal unless you actually believe we're on the same side." *** The truth was, Angelus knew Spike better than he ever cared to admit. In the old days he'd rocketed between romping around with the younger vampire and utterly neglecting him. It had all been a game as natural as killing, toying with Dru and young William. But he always paid attention. It was what made his souled counterpart so hesitant in how to respond to him. It was what made that single look into Spike's eyes instantaneously telling. His first reaction was total revulsion and he realized suddenly what Darla must have seen in him over a century earlier. What had made her back away in horror. He guessed but he hadn't known the draining feeling she must have experienced. Because seeing all that potential in his progeny wasted was absolutely sickening. But there was only a flash in his eyes to indicate such a reaction, easily mistaken for his general amusement or annoyance. He was better prepared for the possibility than his sire had been, and he knew it was wiser not to lose his temper right away. So instead he smiled and gave a short chuckle, placing a hand on Spike's shoulder. "You've met Faith, then? And she didn't kill you? Knew that one had potential. Do you know her in our world, too?" He wanted to gauge when Spike was from--when that red headed witch must have forced a soul on him. Angelus feigned a little sigh. "Well, boy. There's been some mayhem, but I'm guessing even you're aware this place is a trap? Have to keep our heads down." He had no intention of filling in the younger vampire on his plans, which was a waste. *** Spike had to admit that he was expecting… something. Some kind of indication that Angelus was well aware of his souled-status. Spike thought he'd seen something in Angelus' eyes at first, but he couldn't be sure, since there was no outward reaction. Even still, Spike was wary to let his guard down around Angelus. Just because Spike hadn't seen any sign didn't mean he wasn't well aware. And considering how Angelus felt about souls these days... "Yeah, I've met her. Twice now, apparently." It was obvious on Spike's face that he was trying to see where Angelus was getting at with that question. That suspicion in mind, he decided to answer the question cautiously. "Not on my end, no." The boy bristled and it took self-control Spike didn't actually possess naturally to not pull away or say something about it. Besides, Spike was a little more concerned with his answer and the fact that fishing for information about his plans weren't getting him anywhere specifically. "It's been brought to my attention -- Faith's just all kinds of helpful. Must be that future I haven't had yet." Just contain him, Faith had said. Like that would actually be easy, even for Spike. He was considering, though, that this would be the best and possibly only chance he got before Angelus went off into the sunrise on whatever kind of quest to nothing good. The worst part, though, was that struggle that he felt deep down. That thing that if he didn't have this soul, if this had been just a couple of years ago, Spike would've been behind any plan that didn't involve completely destroying anything. But that wasn't him anymore. Not totally. Spike wasn't even sure if he was doing a good job pretending that it was. Angelus knew him a lot better than he tended to give the older vampire credit for. "I've never been very good with keeping my head down, Angelus. All that waiting." ** With the little pieces of information he had about the future, he was certain Spike must come from a time near when Faith must have escaped prison. If she knew him, trusted this tamed, souled thing, then perhaps the rogue Slayer really had reformed. How disappointing. How annoying to think that his soul had probably had a hand in that. Angelus slid his hand down Spike's arm a little before taking it away and starting to pace an even, slow circle around the crypt again. His thoughts were focused on the problem that had entered his current hiding spot. He suspected, given his behavior, that Spike didn't have a plan. He never really did, sometimes to their collective detriment in their old days. But that meant there wasn't a strong likelihood the two Slayers and half the town had followed him here. So what was this, really? He wondered what had happened in the years between them that would explain this change. "No," he said after a moment, still taking thoughtful steps. "You never were very good at that." His tone was almost wistful then. Wouldn't it have been perfect timing for his Spike to have arrived now? Couldn't they have escaped together, and caught up with the girls in their own world? His pacing drew him near the younger vampire again, and this time he allowed his light demeanor to drop abruptly as he threw a hard punch directly into Spike's head. "You haven't been feeding properly, my boy," He growled, tone harsh as he started advancing toward him again. "Who's done this to you?" *** The funny part -- even if Spike wasn't actually finding it all that funny at the moment -- was that he'd turned to watch Angelus, his mind working to figure out just what route this situation was going to take, even as he was well aware that there really was only one option allowed for them. It was just a matter of time. So while getting punched in the face was enough of a surprise to send him back and off his feet, at the same time it wasn't. Because it was what he'd been expecting the whole time, wasn't it? For the other shoe to drop and Angelus to realize that times had certainly changed while he'd been away. Even if Spike wasn't even sure where Angel fit on that whole issue. Spike probably should have had a plan, honestly. Would've been a nice change of pace from the usual. As Angelus advanced, Spike pushed himself to his feet, ready for another attack. "Which part are you asking about? Not feeding on humans, or the soul? Both didn't come at the same time, you know, so I'm going to need something a lot more specific." Wasn't really any point in hiding the fact that it existed anymore, was it? Though he had no intention on telling him that he'd taken a trip halfway across the world and won his soul back for Buffy. Not in a conversation with Angelus, and definitely not once his soul was back in tact. *** Angelus didn't particularly care one way or the other about the chip in Spike's head someone--Buffy, probably--had sort of explained to him at one point. That it was why Spike was still alive and kicking in Sunnydale. If prompted he would have shared his other progeny's views on the matter--technology could be worked around with the right motivation and thrill. But he really didn't give a damn about that. "The soul," he replied, the last word nearly spat as he lunged at Spike again, aiming for his chest to haul him up against the wall of the crypt. "How long have you been like this?" He demanded. "The Slayer and her friends finally decide they wanted a new lapdog around?" He shook his head in disgust. "I know you've always been whipped, William. But at least Dru let you run around a little." *** There was no point in hiding the fact that being slammed against the wall of the crypt hurt, especially when it was by a vampire that had a good century over him in age and looked incredibly pissed off on top of it. Maybe for about five minutes there, Angelus had thought he had his boy back? Which made Spike want to laugh because Angelus was more than a couple of years late for that hope. Try over a century. "I'm not whipped, by the Slayer or anyone else." And that was a blatant lie that he liked to believe. He was better than when he'd first gotten back to Sunnydale with the soul, of course, better than when he spent the first half of the year trying to figure out how exactly to reconcile the different sides of him. Before Buffy had essentially told him to man up. But that didn't really change the fact that the Slayer had a real, tangible hold on him… and she always would probably. It was probably telling that he didn't mind half as much as he probably should. In naming his priorities of the moment, informing Angelus that no, he hadn't been cursed by Red or anyone else really hadn't been anywhere on the list, let alone the top. So Spike was perfectly fine with ignoring that bit, steeling himself before he headbutted Angelus. "It didn't really change as much as you'd like to think." *** There was something kind of sick and twisted, even for Angelus, with how absolutely furious he was about the younger vampire's state. The fact that somehow lingering in the town of the Slayer had turned him into a fledgling copy of his own idiotic souled self was disturbing on a wholly invasive level. The twisted part came with how much strange contempt he felt -- that he'd gotten there first and Spike was pathetic for doing it after him. He bit back those kinds of thoughts as Spike fought back and he actually grinned when he did. This was better. More familiar. He pushed back and struck with his leading arm, before falling back, watching his progeny. He hadn't hit hard. This was talking time. "Something about your tone tells me otherwise," he replied with an amused smile. "What'd she do, tell you you were noble? A hero?" The idea was laughable, but then again, Spike had always needed guidance. That he'd found it in Buffy was hardly surprising. Angelus held no capacity for the curious jealousy that might have arose had his soul been inhabiting his body. Instead, he could only shake his head in mock disapproval. "Maybe not. Maybe you were always headed this way. Neutered and weak and still following after, what, 120 years?" *** As Angelus backed off, Spike didn't move from the wall, watching him. A part of him wanted to laugh. He'd never gotten any kind of statement from Buffy telling him that he was anything more than a needed source of muscle for this war. He'd never asked her for anything. All he'd had was Buffy's statement that she wasn't ready for him not to be there, and it was enough to sustain him. "Hero's not really my style. I've heard it involves being a self-involved dick. Which sounds about right up your alley. I mean, when you're brooding and saving damsels and the like. Something I'm sure you'll be getting back to soon enough." He was determined not to give Angelus the satisfaction of knowing anything he might've said hit home. When he'd first been turned, he'd worked hard, hadn't he, to distance himself from his human life (other than that botched attempt at turning his mother). But there was that one thing that seemed to follow him no matter if he wanted to be a good man, a bad vampire, or a good vampire. Love's bitch, right? But then, he knew that about himself. He'd long ago accepted it. And in the case of Buffy, he was well aware that he didn't deserve it. He didn't know if he ever would. "I'm where I want to be. I'd say I'm sorry it doesn't live up to your expectations… but then I'd be lying." Spike pushed himself away from the wall then, but didn't move to attack the other vampire. "See, I don't have the problem you do. Even if I didn't have my soul, I'd still be here. And not to give you a hand." *** Something I'm sure you'll be getting back to soon enough. Angelus tensed upon hearing those words. Surely this was bravado. This world was without the kind of magic of their own -- especially the kind complicated enough to recreate the curse. Despite Willow's presence, he was certain he was safe from that particular fate. He still had no idea what had caused the loss of his soul, but he was willing to bet whatever it had been was rooted in this dimension. No. Spike may be playing around with the white hats and the Scoobies, but that didn't mean he had any information. He had to be baiting him, and Angelus decided not to rise to it. There were more interesting parts to what he was saying. "So why are you here, Spike?" He asked calmly. "And what is my problem that you don't believe you share?" Though he was genuinely curious, especially with that particular wording, he was also beginning to tire of this back and forth. If Spike wasn't to provide anything useful, then it was time they parted. Angelus had far larger plans for the next day that didn't concern an ensouled vampire. And despite himself, he had no desire to kill him. Never had, not that he'd admit that to anyone. The soul disturbed him deeply, but if he could be liberated from such impositions, then so could his boy. *** Spike may not have had official word, but the way he saw it, the only point in keeping from killing Angelus was the stuff the soul back. Beyond that, there really was no point in holding back. Not that Spike had ever really tried to kill Angel, and especially not back before the soul. He might've been impulsive, but he wasn't stupid. Even if the other vampire was sometimes a walking manifestation of Spike being second best. Whether that was Dru, or Buffy, it was the same, wasn't it? "To stop you. Or at least slow you down," Spike shrugged, "whichever." He didn't think the talking part of this was going to last long now that Angelus was well aware of where Spike stood in this situation. And that was not with him. Spike didn't know what he was up to, probably wouldn't find out as of right now, but Spike didn't think he was going to like whatever it was when it came out. "Isn't it obvious? Having some alter ego. Separating the soulless side and the soul like it's really that black and white." Taking a few steps forward, he continued. "But talking about souls and what it all means wasn't really on my agenda for the night." There wasn't any need to read between the lines as to what Spike meant. *** The soul had walked around, calling himself Angel, determined to put as much distance between himself and his past. Angelus, generally, understood things better. But even he, after a century of forced abstinence and after the last five years of 'atonement' -- even he at this point preferred to think of the soul as a separate being rather than admit the truth. So when Spike taunted the reality and admitted at last his opposition, Angelus was satisfied. This was much easier territory to navigate with his wayward progeny. Noting his prepared stance, he rushed him instead of matching him, shifting into his demon face with relish. He led with elbows and speed, intent on both testing the blond vampire and proving to him he'd made a mistake in approaching him here. *** Spike didn't need a sign from Angelus to know he was right. After all, Spike had been soulless, and he currently had his soul. One that wasn't going anywhere, which, in his head definitely made his better. Now this was more on target for what Spike had expected for the night. His face naturally shifted as Angelus came at him, and he fully intended to show Angelus just how much credit he still wasn't being given, meeting the other vampire halfway. It wasn't like he was in any doubt about his ability to fight, hadn't been since he'd first slipped back into his duster in the basement of that high school. So this was either going to be fun, or hurt a bit. Spike was counting on both. *** Angelus was more or less counting on the same, though he had an endgame. He'd need to disable Spike and keep the younger vampire from interfering in his plans, after all. Still, that didn't mean he couldn't absolutely enjoy this for the moment. He swung hard and ducked at the same moment before swerving around into a kick. The space they filled was small for their movements, but he used that to his advantage in propelling himself. If nothing else, this could be a great warm up for the next day. *** Spike managed to block the first attack as it came, but it left him open for the kick. Mentally, he cursed himself for not seeing that one coming. He shook it off, however, aiming a quick fist for Angelus' face and following through a second that was aimed at his abdomen. Spike hadn't been in a real fight, an honest-to-God fight that he needed to win since catching the demon that they'd needed to get Buffy back. He didn't count Robin Wood trying to kill him for a few reasons. The first (and the only one that mattered) being that the human had never had a chance, much as he'd probably like to think otherwise. The crypt wasn't the best for big movements, not at all like the crypt he'd once made into his home, but if Angelus was using it to his advantage that meant Spike could, too. *** He caught the punch aimed for his face, but took the second hit full force. It fueled him, though, and the grin he gave was one of pure enjoyment. He used Spike's momentum, absorbing the blow and holding onto the younger vampire, deftly twirling them both until he let go, intending to slam the other into the wall. Angelus needed this release. His disgust upon the discovery of his tainted progeny was coming out now in furious blows, despite the obvious pleasure he gained from the fight. And so he gave into it, his calculated movements blending with his instincts as he worked to take Spike out. *** The force Angelus used in throwing Spike against the wall made a definite crack behind him, a few pieces of concrete falling off. But Spike didn't have a chance to prepare for another offensive move because Angelus was attacking with a fury that wasn't there even half a second ago. Something had changed, but Spike didn't know what. As he did his best to block -- missing a lot more often than he liked -- he looked for an opening. Something to get Angelus to back off for a moment before Spike could throw himself back into the fight. The problem he was finding with that plan, however, was that Angelus wasn't really giving him the chance for one. Well, bugger that. Spike refused to be taken out so easily. *** In a normal fight between them (and yes, of course, there were normal fights between them -- two decades of traveling alongside as soulless vampires simply included that sort of thing), they would have been more evenly matched, despite Angelus' advantage in years. As demons together, they'd fought, Spike's brand of flying into fights contrasting with his own more measured style. And as enemies, there had been nothing between them but immediate goals. The soul that had inhabited Angelus' body hadn't prompted any deeper reaction out of Spike, as far as he knew, than his initial leaving had done over a century ago. They were on opposite sides because that's where things fell. This time, however, Spike was on the receiving end of Angelus at his darkest and most driven. There was no easy camaraderie or understanding of demons between them. There was no soul tempering his movements. There was just a desire to hurt the sick, twisted thing that had replaced the vampire that had once held such promise. He had the advantage of clarity, and he used it to beat Spike back. The only thing preventing him from making a killing blow was that remote possibility -- even if it didn't matter and he wouldn't see his boy returned to form -- that the possibility his soul could be removed existed was enough not to let him end his life now. *** Their fights, even when Angelus was threatening to kill him because Spike had set an angry mob on their trail, had never been this vicious. There was always a level of understanding. Something that was missing from the present. And it wasn't until Spike was taking a particularly nasty hit that it occurred to him just why Angelus might be fighting him this way, right now. The soul. The funny part, of course, was that it didn't surprise him at all. Angelus, the last time Spike had seen him in the flesh, hadn't been happy with what he'd been up to while ensouled and from Spike's vantage point it had always seemed like his actions were to put as much distance between the two as possible. And now, here was Spike, ensouled. Except what Angelus didn't know was that he'd fought for this. It was his. *** In fact, having a chance to externalize his frustration was doing him wonders. It had never been his intention when Dru had sired Spike all those decades ago to make out of the fresh-faced new vampire a place to actualize his triumph over his own human weaknesses. But there it was. William had been brought into his life at a time when Angelus was at his prime, and beating down the fledgling had served as proof of his mastery. So it was only fitting now that Spike, who'd followed his footsteps and somehow got himself saddled with a soul, was receiving his full rage for his efforts. He'd managed to corner him after scoring a few fairly brutal hits and he slowed then, a smile curving his lips as he advanced. "You shouldn't have come, but perhaps you're aware of that now," he said softly, a lilt at the edge of his tone. "I wish I could stick around to see you liberated, Spike. But this town — entrapment? — is not for me." With that, he swung forward, taking the younger vampire's head in his arm and slamming it hard into the stone wall. *** Being forced into a corner after Angelus got one too many good hits in was a definite warning sign that things were definitely going south for him. If it didn't actually piss him off, he'd have to give Angelus points for not letting his plan slip. At least, not really. Somewhere in that sentence, Spike felt like there might be a clue. Because Angelus always got sloppy when things were going his way. But Spike didn't have the opportunity to think more on it as his head hit the wall with an unmistakable crack and everything instantly went dark. |