Wicked Willow Meets Her Match

Wicked Willow Meets Her Match

Author: Reatha
Note: This is the 3rd in the ‘Wicked Willow’ series
Email: [email protected]
Rating: PG-13 (so far...)
Summary: Angelus has an accident in Toronto.
Disclaimer: They all belong to their respective companies, I don’t own them.
Classification: Willow/Angelus, and crossover with: Kindred: The Embraced and Forever Knight

Author’s Notes: Kindred - I’m just borrowing the clans... Forever Knight - everyone is still alive, set in the last season, Nick is a cop and a vampire trying to become human again (think guilty/broody Angel, but more with more brood and less guilt), Lucian Lacroix is his sire, who also sired Janette....the rest is almost self- explanatory.

Prologue

“‘Lo?”

“Spike...?”

“Willow?! What’s wrong, pet?”

“He’s missing. I can’t get a hold of him, anywhere.”

“Are you certain he’s disappeared? Not just out?”

“Yes! Something’s happened. I feel like a part of me has been ripped out...<sob>”

“Willow.....is he dead?”

“No....I can still feel him....but it’s weak...Help me, Spike!”

“Alright, luv. Where are you?”

“On my way to the airport. I have the jet waiting, but the...the fog has to clear first.”

“When’ll that be?”

“In about another hour....<sob>.”

“Listen to me, Willow...Wait there. I’ll grab the gang, and we’ll meet you there. Don’t take off without us...Ok?”

“O....Ok....Please hurry.”

“I will, luv. Just stay calm.”

“I’ll try...bye.”

“See you soon.”

Click. Click.

Part One

Earlier that night - Toronto

Detective Nicholas Knight and his partner Tracy Vetter happened arrived at the accident scene, along the 401 (major freeway...). There
appeared to be only one fatality; the driver of the black Sunfire. He had been extracted from the crumpled car, and was laying on the
ground, covered in a white sheet. The two occupants of the other car had already been transported to the hospital with life threatening
injuries. They had both been drinking heavily.

This case would most likely be turned over to homicide anyways, so the two police officers stopped to investigate, when the call came
over the radio.

“This is so tragic.” said Tracy, eyeing the damage to both cars. It had been like toy cars being flung around the road, than an actual
accident. The drunk driver had skidded into one of the cement barriers along the side, only to be bounced off. He then hit this black
car, and they had both gone tumbling around the 401 at breakneck speed. It was a wonder that no other cars were involved. Even though
it was 1:30 am, the roads were still busy.

“Yes.” Nick replied to his partner, his mind going over all the atrocities he’d committed in the last 700 years.

Kneeling down next to the sheet-covered body, Nick prepared himself for the sight about to be revealed. Even after all these years,
nothing was as horrifying as the victim of a high speed collision. Red stains littered the white sheet, testifying to the damage that was
done. Slowly lifting up the sheet, Nick looked at the almost angel-like features of the victim. He noticed a lot of blood, but very few
cuts. <All that blood couldn’t have come from those small wounds.> he noticed.

Then Nick found himself looking into alert and awake, dark brown eyes. Holding back is gasp, he looked up, to find his partner talking
to the cops who first arrived on the scene. <Good, she shouldn’t be a problem.>

He’d already checked for a pulse and found none, but he knew. This man was a vampire, like him. Or maybe not like him. It didn’t matter.
Right now he needed Nick’s help.

Seeing him begin to move, Nick placed a strong hand on the dark haired vampire’s chest, keeping him down. “Play dead.” said Nick, too
low for human ears to catch. Understanding dawned in the other’s eyes before he obeyed. Closing his eyes, the injured vampire relaxed
and pretended to be dead.

Just as Nick was lowering the sheet, Tracy walked towards him.

“This the driver of the other car?” she asked, reaching down to look for herself. Nick’s hand stopped her.

“You don’t want to see it.” he told her, his eyes conveying that same message.

“That bad, huh?”

“Worse.” he said. “I’d like to get him to the morgue - get Nat to look at him. I want to know the exact cause of death, not just a list of
his injuries.”

“Ok. I’ll call it in. They should be by to pick him up in a few minutes.” said Tracey, going to the car to use the radio. “What a waste.” she
mumbled, casting one last look at the covered corpse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nick was in the morgue when they brought the body in. It was on a stretcher, covered in a clean white sheet, before being transferred
to the steel table, where Dr. Natalie Lambert performed autopsies.

"So, Nick. What's so important about this body?" she asked him. He’d come in a few minutes before the body arrived, saying he needed
her help, but wouldn't say why or what for.

Nick didn't answer her, instead proceeding to remove the sheet, revealing the pale form of a young man. He had dark hair, beautiful
features, and was covered in blood.

"Nick...what are you doing?" she asked h im, not quite understanding when he began to lightly tap the man's face.

"Come on....you can open your eyes now." he said, waiting until dark brown eyes met his own green ones. Nick took several steps back,
watching as this vampire swung his legs around, sitting up. Nick couldn't help but notice that there was a gracefulness to his movements,
especially given his injuries.

"What's your name?" Nick asked him.

"Angel." said the vampire. Leaning forward slightly, he gripped the edges of the table and lowered his head as waves of hunger passed
through him. "Do you have anything to eat?" he asked, not really expecting what he needed. His brain wasn't totally alert, or he would
have realized that if him being 'alive' was no big surprise to this blonde man, then he must know what he was, and have the right kind of
'food'. He was therefore surprised when a bag of blood was handed to him by the blonde - a cop, he thought.

Then, all his thoughts were chased away as his demon took over. Piercing the bag with his fangs, he drank quickly and hungrily, not caring
if these two watched him. His body demanded the blood, even as his demon demanded the kill. But he fought back the demon, not allowing
it to assume control. He wouldn't let it.

Looking up once he was done, he noticed two things at once. One, the blonde cop was a vampire, yet different somehow. And two, the
brown haired woman didn't seem surprised at the fact that he was a vampire.

"You're a Tremere." stated Angel after a moment.

"Yes." Nick replied slowly, after a short pause. He was unused to the name, as he'd only ever run in circles of his own clan. He'd met a
few from some of the other clans: Screeg, a Nosferatu; a Ventrue and a Toreador, too, if he remembered correctly. Yet he couldn't tell
what clan this one belonged to. He hadn't met enough to be able to tell the difference between the clans.

"I've met a few of you...years ago. You stay well hidden from the others of your own kind." said Angel, intrigued. "Mostly in Paris,
though. Are there more of you here?"

"The city is Tremere. Others very rarely come up this way, so we don't worry much about outsiders." replied Nick. The Tremere had
given up on the other clans centuries ago. They were always fighting, threatening the Masquerade. The Tremere couldn't care less about
others wars, so they broke away from the others, taking control of certain cities around the world.

"What clan are you?" asked Nick. He was curious.

"Um...Gangrel." he lied. He didn't want this Tremere to know he was Brujah, for they had a reputation for being violent and brutal. Now
that he had his soul, he didn't want to be associated with the violence of his clan.

Taking in his surroundings, Angel realized that he was in a morgue, but not the Sunnydale morgue. "What city is this?" he asked
cautiously.

"Toronto." was the simply reply from the other vampire. "Do you remember what happened?"

"No. The last thing I remember is being in my apartment in California, talking with my girlfriend, Buffy." he said slowly, trying to
figure out how he'd arrived in Toronto. It was a little out of the way for him.

"When was that?" asked the woman. At Angel's questioning look, she introduced herself. "I'm Dr. Natalie Lambert."

"Nice to meet you." replied Angel. "Let's see....January 23." (sorry if I got the date wrong...)

"It's July 6." said Nick.

"It seems you have a type of amnesia. Do you remember anything?" asked Nat.

"No." replied Angel, pausing for a second, adding, "But I feel like a part of me is missing...Like I'm empty inside."

"Interesting. Well, since you don't remember anything, I'm guessing you have no idea where you're staying." stated Nick. At the dark
vampire's nod, he continued. "Ok. I guess you'll be staying with me for a few days, then.

Part Two

Willow walked down the streets of Toronto, looking for a vampire to beat information out of. She was in a mood, had been ever since
   she'd lost touch with her mate. She needed a 'good spot of violence', as Spike would say. She also needed to know who ran this city.
   When they'd arrived that morning, they'd noticed that the city was inhabited by vampires, but couldn't tell what clan. They hadn't
                                thought there was a community in Toronto, but they were mistaken.

Spotting a possible candidate, Willow moved in behind him. Once they were safely away from any humans or others, she knocked into a
dark alley. Before he could react, she was on top of him, straddling his waist, with a hand gripping his throat. The nails digging into the
flesh of his throat made sure he didn't try to move.

"What do you want?" he asked after a moment. He'd been caught off guard by this small girl, and that didn't sit well with him. When
she didn't immediately kill him, he realized she wanted something from him.

"Information." was all she said. Willow was enjoying herself. She hadn't played like this in awhile, and missed it.

"What do you want to know?" the prone vampire asked cautiously, trying not to provoke her.

"What clan are you?" This was a great mystery for her, and the rest of her group. Even Spike couldn't tell, and he was the oldest
among them - save for Angelus, and he was the one they were looking for.

"Tre...Tremere." he choked out.

"Really? How interesting?" she said quietly, considering this. The Tremere clan had disappeared centuries ago. Every now and then, one
would pop up, but nothing close to the numbers in this city.

"Who's in charge?" she asked, changing the topic. This was what she'd been after in the first place.

"Lacroix." said the vampire. "He's the elder in the city."

"And where would I find this Lacroix?" she asked him, a bored expression on her face. She slowly ran her nails up and down his neck,
pressing harder as she passed over his jugular. The threat was understood.

"A club. Called 'The Raven'."

"Good boy." she said, standing up. "Now run along like a good little puppy." Willow teased, laughing softly as he did just that.

Turning, she left the alley, going back to the house they'd rented. This was a very interesting development. One she was eager to share
with Spike. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow walked into the club, stopping just inside the door to survey the crowd. The place was packed, most of the patrons consisted of
vampires, but there was still a good portion of humans in the crowd. The Raven was a dark, goth-like club. There were stages on which
people could dance, as well as scattered tables and a bar that stretched across two walls. The flashing lights from the dance floor
illuminated the many writhing bodies under them, bouncing to the beat of the loud music.

Walking over to the bar, Willow grabbed the attention of the vampire bartender. "Where can I find Lacroix?" she asked him,
attempting to do this the 'nice' way. Sasha had asked her to try and be nice, to not let her emotions loose. That would get her no where,
and only make her enemies.

"Are you old enough to be in here?" he asked her, barely casting a glance in her direction.

"Lacroix. Where is he?" she asked more forcefully. She really was trying to be polite about it, but he wasn't cooperating.

"Who wants to know?" Looking at her closely, he realized that she was one of the Community. This red head may look young, but she
most likely wasn't.

"Someone looking for information." she said.

"He's not here." was his answer. Then he turned to another customer, ignoring and dismissing her in the blind of an eye.

<No one ignores me!> Reaching out, she grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulling him face to face with her.

"Don't play games with me." she warned. "I never lose." Seeing the fear enter his eyes, she smiled in satisfaction. "Now. Lacroix. Where
is he?"

"Upstairs. I'll call and let him know you're looking for him."

"No, it's alright. I'll find him on my own." said Willow, releasing her hold on his shirt. Then, before he had a chance to sigh in relief, she
was gone. He quickly moved to the phone behind the bar, to call up and warn Lacroix. The elder vampire's only response was, "Yes, I am
aware of her eminent arrival.".

Part Three

Willow made her way up the stairs, knowing that the bartender had called up, informing the Tremere elder of her arrival. She didn't
know what to expect, and had to admit, she was nervous. When she'd first met Julian Luna, Prince of San Francisco, she had a pretty
good idea of what he was like. They'd scouted the city before they had arrived. This time was different. Her mate was missing, and even
    though she’d researched this ‘Lacroix’, she still knew little about him. He was two thousand years old, originally a Roman soldier.
   Ironically, he’d been turned the day Pompeii had been destroyed. She found bits and pieces about him, but not much. That made her
apprehensive. She didn't like not having the upper hand, but she would make do. She was Willow. Mate to Angelus, one of the oldest of
                                                         their clan.

Pausing at the top of the stairs, she felt around with her senses, trying to discern where he was. Feeling a very old and powerful
Tremere in the third door down, she made her way there.

Knocking on the door, she prepared herself for the meeting to come. Pushing everything underneath a mask, she became the Willow who
had impressed the hell out of the Prince of San Francisco.

"Enter." came a lightly accented voice from inside. Willow raised her eyebrows slightly at the command. No 'Come in.', or even 'Who's
there?', just 'Enter.' Turning the door knob, Willow floated into the room.

There, sitting in a comfortable looking chair, was Lacroix - she assumed. He had pale skin, and pale hair, as well as piercing eyes. She
felt as if he could see into her very soul. He held a wine glass of red liquid in one hand, the other hand laying on the arm of the chair. He
never said a word, just perused her with a considering gaze, one eyebrow raising silent question.

“So, I finally meet the great Lucian Lacroix. What an honour.” she mocked. "You knew I was coming." she said with a smile as he
continued to stare at her, watching her close the door behind her. He might be fun to go up against in a game of wits.

"Of course. You threatened two of my charges. Did you think you would catch me unawares?" came his patronising reply.

"I would be disappointed if I had." she said, walking around to investigate the room. This one was, he one hard to read. Outwardly, she
appeared to be bored, only vaguely interested in the conversation and the man in the room with her.

    Lacroix was curious. She was an interesting one. She wasn't Tremere, yet her clan was difficult to distinguish. She was also very
   beautiful. She had on a black, satin-like dress that ended mid- thigh, with no waist line and no sleeves. Her hair was pulled up, with
wisps falling down, framing her face. Her red lips and highlighted eyes only heightened her paleness, forming a very striking picture.
                                  Even Janette, at her peak, couldn't compare to this red head.

When he’d heard about her form Daniel, the young fledgling she’d...accosted in the alley, he’d been intrigued. She hadn’t harmed him in
the least, yet the fear she’d instilled in him, in that one short meeting, was nothing short of amazing.

"Nice place you have here, Lacroix" she told him, turning slightly to face the older vampire.

"Please, call me Lucian." he informed her. "All beautiful women do."

"Yes, I'm sure they do." Willow said, ruefully.

"And you would be..?" he asked her. He’d sent out people to gather information about her, the minute he’d heard about her. They had
only been able to discover that she’d arrived sometime before dawn, with an entourage of others, on a private jet at Pearson Airport.
No one could even tell him her name.

"I'm Willow." she told him. "I'm surprised you didn't know that." she teased him.

"I did the best I could on such short notice." he explained. "Well, Willow, why have you come to Toronto? It can't be for the air."

"No." she confirmed with a small smile. "I have my reasons." She didn't want to give away too much, that would spoil the game.

"Which are?" inquired Lucian. This girl, she liked to play games, he realized. That suited him just fine. He'd spent the last two thousand
years perfecting his strategy. No one had beaten him yet.

"I'm looking for someone."

"And what makes you think this person is in my city?"

"He disappeared here last night." she told him, looking into his hard eyes.

"Why would you think he disappeared? He may have just left, or is not responding to your calls." suggested Lucian.

"He can't be found anywhere. Also, I can barely feel him anymore. Something's happened to him." Willow said this as she turned away
from his gaze, trying to not let her panic and fear show on her face.

She was good, thought Lacroix. Her face kept it’s same bored look, but he could feel the emotions bubbling under the surface and
wondered at it. Here was one of his kind, who had incredible control over herself and her surroundings. He wouldn’t have caught on to
her inner feelings if he’d been younger. Only his advanced age allowed him to detect these deeply buried emotions. She let no one get
the upper hand, she was confident and cocky, yet he'd felt her fear. It made him curious, not to mention anxious. Whatever had scared
Willow, was not so simple as a lost friend.

"Who is he to you?" he asked her.

"My sire...among other things." she replied, having gained control of her raging emotions again to look at him.

"Other things?" he wondered aloud, considering her answer. He was curious as to what she hadn’t said.

"He's my mate."

"Ah... That would make you Brujah, then." he surmised, delighted when he saw her surprised look. "I've been around a long time, my
dear." Now he knew the reason for her visit. She needed his help to find her mate. He'd met mated Brujah before, and know understood
the reason for the emotions he'd seen in her eyes earlier. Mated couples were bound to each other for life. He also knew what happened
when one of them died. Lucian could now better understand her. She was close to losing the other half of herself.

"Can you help me find him?" she asked, her expression saying she didn’t care either way, but her green eyes implored him.

"You attacked two of mine, in the past few hours. What makes you think I'll help you after that?" he was genuinely curious.

"If I had wanted to kill them, they'd be dead." He believed her. She seemed the type to kill without much thought or effort. If killing
them had been her intent, they would be dead. As it was, they had both gotten away with no injuries what-so-ever.

"Such a cocky attitude, my dear." he teasingly chastised with a small smile quirking his lips.

"Do you doubt me?" she asked, an answering smile on her face.

"Not for one second."

"Will you help me?" she asked him, returning to the original topic.

"I'll think about it." he said. He knew he was going to, but didn't want to tell her. He was enjoying this little game they had going.
"What is his name?"

"Angelus." at his look of surprise, she smirked. "Heard of him, have you?"

"He's one of the oldest Brujah known. Though he is young compared to other clans. Brujah have such short life spans." he replied.

"I plan to be around for awhile. With my mate by my side." she said forcefully.

“May I ask you something?” he said after a moment of looking her over. “Of course.” was her polite reply.

    “How old are you? I must admit that your age escapes me, as did your clan, until a short time ago.” Willow realized he was truly
    baffled, or he never would have asked. Smiling, she answered him. “I’m much too young for you, Lucian.” she teased. Her heart felt
lighter, if empty. Seeing his expression grow disapproving at her teasing, she amended her answer. “I still use my real ID, if that helps.”
          It did indeed. <She really is very young. In a few centuries she should be even more entertaining.> thought Lacroix.

"I'll have an answer for you tomorrow night.” he said after a moment. “Meet me in the club at 11:00?" he asked. He wanted to find out
all he could about this Brujah and her mate before he informed her of his decision.

Raising a curved eyebrow, Willow looked at him in amusement. She knew what he was up to. "Until tomorrow." was all she said. Turning,
Willow left the ancient vampire to his thoughts and plans, all the while making some of her own.

Part Four

Spike met Willow at the door to their temporary house. He was as anxious as she was to find their sire. "Well?" he asked her before
she could get in the door.

"I found him. He's unlike anyone I've met before." she told Spike, pushing him out of the way to enter the house. "Where's Sasha and
Cordelia?" Willow asked him, already having a good idea.

"Where do you think?" he said wryly. Ever since that little bundle had come into their lives, the females had all become mush. They
were still a force to be reckoned with, but at home, they softened up. Around one member of the family in particular. It disgusted and
amused all the males to no end.

Smiling, Willow quickly made her way up the stairs, entering a room at the back of the house. Stopping to take in the scene before her,
Willow's smile turned into a huge grin.

"There's my girl." she said softly, walking over to Cordelia. Taking the small bundle out of her arms, Willow looked down into the face
of Faith's daughter. Faith had returned to Sunnydale six months after leaving. When a new Slayer hadn't been called, the Watcher's
had started looking for her. Not willing to take the chance of them finding out about her baby, shortly after she was born, Faith let the
Watchers find her in New York. All signs of her giving birth had disappeared, so there was nothing to be suspicious about. The fact
that Faith had been gone for six months helped, as it took nine months to have a baby.

That had been 3 months ago. Faith had been torn apart, having to leave her daughter, but she'd known it was necessary. Also, Willow
had promised to bring Catriona to visit her mother at regular intervals. Faith wanted her daughter to know she was loved, and that
leaving her was one of the hardest thing she'd ever done.

This was possible, now. They'd discovered a spell to counteract the barrier that kept them out of Sunnydale. It's main ingredient was
'the blood of a Slayer, willingly shed'. Faith had been more than happy to help out her new family. When she'd had to go back to
Sunnydale, she'd been glad. Now she would be able to visit with Catriona, with no 'mysterious' trips out of town.

Looking down into the round face of Faith's child, it was hard to believe that one day the fate of the world would be on her shoulders.
Before she left, Faith had imparted on them the knowledge that Catriona's father had given her. It was a future that they couldn't
avoid, but were now prepared for.

"Hey, munchkin. Have they been keeping you up past your bedtime?" she cooed, looking to the two female Brujah in the room with her.

"We didn't keep her up. We were just putting her to bed." replied an indignant Cordelia. Willow's look told her that she didn't believe
a word out of the brunette's mouth. Spike's snort of disbelief from behind her only confirmed it for her.

"Come on, sweets. Let's get you to bed, before you start keeping our hours. Then what would we do all day, if we didn't have you to play
with?" Willow really did love this small creature. She'd never thought of herself as maternal, and when Angelus turned her, she never
   gave it a second thought. But now, with Catriona, she'd found a part of her she thought didn't exist. They all had. Spike and Angelus
   teased the three of them about it, but Willow, Sasha and Cordelia knew that those two Brujah dotted on the little girl. It was truly
   amazing. This small person had a family of the fiercest vampires in history, wrapped around her pinky. Lucifer help them when she
                                                     learned how to talk.

Walking over to the wooden crib, Willow put the yawning three month-old down, covering her up and arranging the stuffed animals
around the tiny body. Motioning for them to clear out, Willow placed a kiss on the baby's head before following them out of the room,
closing the door behind her.

"You shouldn't keep her up so late." she admonished Sasha and Cordelia. It was almost one in the morning. "She needs to learn that night
means sleep, not play."

"As if she won't learn that soon enough, growing up in a house full of vampires." said Sasha, trying to defend herself. In truth, they'd
gone to put her to bed, but had started playing with her, and totally lost track of time.

"I know, but I like to keep the illusion as long as possible." replied Willow.

"Enough of that, Red. What's up new on the Angelus-front?" asked Spike. Contrary to popular belief and his own actions, Spike did
love his sire. They'd been best friends and lovers for decades before Drusilla had come on the scene.

"Well," she began, leading the group down the stairs and into the living room. "Lucian Lacroix, who runs this city, is willing to help us. I
know it, and he knows it. But he's pretending to think it over, and I'm pretending to worry over his answer."

"Only you could start mind games on the first meeting." said Spike. He was amused at her antics, but couldn't help but compare them to
Angelus'. He loved to play games, too. That's probably why they go so well together.

"I need to find out all I can about Lucian." she continued, ignoring Spike and his comments.

"'Lucian'?" asked Cordelia.

"Yes. He told me to call him that. He said...let me get this right.. 'All beautiful women do.'"

"He's a smooth one." commented Spike.

"Tell me about it. He likes mind games more than Angelus. And that's saying something." Willow replied, a disgusted look on her face.
Normally, she would have loved to have gone up against someone like Lucian, but she was too worried about Angelus.

Sasha had seen the look on Willow's face, and knew she was thinking of her mate. Sasha was probably the only one who could even begin
to know what she was going through. Just the thought of losing Spike sent waves of rage through her, a growl threatening to erupt from
her throat. Sitting down on the couch next to Spike, she leaned into his side, laying an arm across his waist, holding him to her. His own
arm pulled her close, pulling her into the crook of his body, while he watched Willow pace back and forth.

"He's Tremere." Willow said suddenly, surprising him. "The whole city is."

"Really?" he asked, slightly surprised. He'd known there were Tremeres out there, but just hadn't expected to stumble into one of
their cities. They didn't take too kindly to other clans.

"He's an old one." she continued, never stopping her pacing. "But I'm not sure how old. I'll have to research it." With that, she left the
room in a rush.

"She's not holding up too well." said Cordelia. Willow was her sire, but she was also her friend. It hurt that there was nothing she could
do to help her.

"No, pet. She's not. He's alive, but not all there." replied Spike. Like the brunette, he felt helpless in this situation.

"What would cause that?" asked Cordelia. She was lost when it came to mates. If she had her own, she'd probably understand what
Willow was going through, but she had yet to find him. And she would find him. It was only a matter of time.

"It's hard to say." sighed the blonde vampire. "The most likely cause would be a coma, or some outside interference."

"But wouldn't he have to be really hurt to be in a coma?" she asked. Vampire healing what it was, he was probably lucky to be alive. As
to the second possibility, the only outside interference would be from Buffy. Faith would have told them of anything suspicious,
regarding the blonde Slayer.

"Yes, he would." said Spike, his eyes conveying a message. <That's what has Willow so worried.>

Part Five

Rrriiiiiiinnnnnnngggggggg!!!

<What the...Oh...phone...right.....> Nick’s brain was only partially functional. The ringing of the phone having awakened him several hours
before sunset. Blindly grabbing, he finally got a hold of the phone, putting it to his ear. “Hello..” he said, before realizing the receiver
was upside down. Righting it, he repeated his greeting, prepared to maim if not kill the person at the other end.

“Nicolas.” came his sire’s disapproving, accented voice from the other end. “I can feel your displeasure from here.”

“What do you want? You never call me.” he said, still not quite awake. He realized that he couldn’t kill Lacroix. He’d tried it before, but
he’d just come back from the dead. Only HIS sire would come back from death. Then he paused for a minute, going over his words in his
head again. “Wait a minute....you never call me. What’s wrong?” nothing short of the apocalypse would make Lacroix call his wayward
child.

“Correct, Nicolas.” said Lacroix. He’d deliberately called this early, knowing Nicholas would be asleep. It was just one of the many ways
he had of toying with the younger vampire.

“So what’s wrong?” he asked again, coming fully awake.

“I need a favor from you.”

“A favor? What are you playing at, Lacroix?” demanded an irate Nick.

“I’m hurt that you think this is a game. It’s very serious.” the mocking tone that Nick knew so well was back in full force.

“What is it?”

“It involves one of our kind, who seems to have lost his way in our dear city.” Lacroix informed him.

“Does this person have a name? Or are you going to leave me hanging?” waking Nick up before he’d had his sleep always put him in a
grumpy mood. That it was this person in particular that had disturbed his sleep, didn’t help matters.

“Yes. His name is Angelus. He’s Brujah, and has a rather.....formidable childe looking for him.”

“Formidable?” he asked. Lacroix didn’t hand out compliments often, and that’s what this was. In his own way, his sire was impressed with
Angelus’ childe. This was turning out to ver a very interesting wake up call. “In what way?”

“In the way I had always hoped you would be, Nicolas.” put in Lacroix. <Damn!> thought Nick. <He still knows how to get to me> Even
after all these years, his sire still knew how to push all the right buttons.

“Could we please get back to this favor you want me to do for you?” said Nick, not wanting to be reminded that he’d disappointed
Lacroix. “What makes you think I’ll help you?”

“Why, to reassure his loved ones that he’s alright. Have you no compassion, Nicolas?” he reprimanded his son, sarcasm and parental
disapproval flooding his voice as he taunted the blonde over the phone.

“I’ll see what I can do.” grumbled Nick, disgusted with himself and Lacroix. Then he hung up.

Flopping back on the bed, he stared at the ceiling, thinking over the conversation he’d just had. He laughed softly to himself as he
thought about the favor. It would probably be one of the easiest things he’d ever done for the older vampire. If he was correct, the
missing vampire was the one sleeping in his guest room.

<But why would he lie about his clan?> wondered Nick. Then he figured it out. Angel had told him about his soul, and all the guilt
associated with it. Brujah were among the most violent of all the clans. The dark haired vampire was probably afraid he’d be judged for
his past crimes. Just the name ‘Brujah’ evoked fear, their reputation was that fierce. By saying he was from another clan, he avoided all
that.

Getting out of the shower, a short time later, he heard movement in the kitchen and realized his guest was awake. Dressing quickly, he
went to see what Angel was up to.

“Hungry, I take it?” Nick asked him, seeing him refilling his glass from one of the bottle of pig’s blood he kept on hand.

“I’m still weak.” said Angel, taking a deep drink from his glass, grimacing.

“What’s wrong?”

   “It tastes....wrong, somehow. A part of me is saying that this is what I should drink, that human blood is too tempting......but another
   part is saying that this is just.....wrong. It just doesn’t taste the same...” Angel tried to explain. Early this morning, he and Nick had
                   talked, Angel explaining about his soul, and Nick telling him about his quest to be human again.

“It never tastes the same. Once you’ve had human blood, everything pales in comparison.” agreed Nick. Staying silent for a moment, Nick
debated on whether or not to tell Angel of Lacroix’s call, but then decided he had a right to know. “I had an interesting call, earlier.” he
began.

“Really? I thought I’d heard the phone ring. Who was it?” asked Angel, taking another drink.

“Lacroix. My father.”

“Why was that so interesting?”

“Because he never calls me. I’m always the one going to him, though I wish I didn’t have to.” explained Nick. “I’m surprised he even knew
the number.”

“So, why did he call?” said Angel after a moment.

“It seems he was approached to help find a missing vampire in the city. He asked my help in locating him.” he said, looking into Angel’s
dark eyes.

“Did he have a name?” Nick now had the other’s full attention. <Could Buffy be looking for me?> he hoped.

“A Brujah.....named Angelus.” was his reply. This caused Angel to freeze. “Don’t worry. I won’t hold it against you.” Nick said wryly. “I
think I can understand why you lied. I would have too, if I were in your position.”

“Thanks.” said Angel, reassured. “Did he say who was looking for me?”

“Your childe.” he said simply. This got a surprised look from Angel. Who would be looking for him in Toronto?

“Which one?” asked Angel, cautiously, already dreading the answer.

“All he said was that they were ‘formidable’. Ring any bells?” inquired the blonde cop. “Lacroix doesn’t give out compliments. Ever.
Whoever they were, they sure impressed him.”

“The only one I could think of would be Spike, but Lacroix doesn’t sound like one to be impressed by gruesome feats of violence.” For
some reason, Nick’s last words rang some warning bells in his head, but the memories just wouldn’t gel in his head. “Could you get me a
meeting with this childe of mine?” Angel demanded suddenly.

“Probably. If they’re in contact with Lacroix, it shouldn’t be too hard.” replied Nick. He was curious about this mysterious childe of
Angel’s. “I’ll go give him a call.” With that, the blonde left Angel, to go make his call.

Part Six

Nick and Angel walked into the Raven, letting the atmosphere take them over. As usual, there were a number of vampires in the crowd,
   most of whom had slowed their movements on the dance floor, the second these two had walked in the door. There had been a large
number of out- of-town vampires coming in the club, in the last few days. It got them worrying. Most of them knew they were Brujah,
   and those who didn’t, were soon told. Any other clan, and they would have ignored them, but Brujah were different. They could take
   control of the city out of Tremere hands. However, a few of them had faith in Lacroix. He wouldn’t give up control of his city, not
                                                  without one hell of a fight.

“Where are we suppose to meet them?” asked Angel. He was curious and anxious. This mysterious childe of his had gotten him worrying.
<What had happened in the last six months, that had made him create a new childe?> he wondered. He was certain that this person who
had so impressed Lacroix had been turned in the time he couldn’t remember.

“Upstairs. In Lacroix’s personal apartment.” replied Nick. He was just as curious as Angel was, about finding out who this mysterious
vampire was.

Nick began leading the way across the club, to the doors that led to the floor above, but stopped when he realized that Angel was no
longer behind him. Turning, he saw the dark haired vampire frozen to the spot, staring at a couple at the bar.

Angel couldn’t believe it. Spike! He was sitting at the bar, having an intimate conversation with a young woman with red, curly hair. They
looked like they new each other very well, if the blonde vampire’s hand on her thigh was any indication. Walking up to the couple, Angel
called out to his eldest childe, drawing their attention to him. He was vaguely aware of Nick following behind him, but didn’t really
process it. His whole focus was on the two Brujah at the bar.

Looking at the red head, Angel had the impression that he’d met her before, but couldn’t place her.

“It’s about bloody time you showed up! Red’s been going out of her mind worrying over you!” Spike informed his sire, getting up off his
seat. There was something different about him, and Spike was trying to figure out what it was. Then he noticed his sire’s confused look.
Not to mention the slumped shoulder and remorseful expression on his face.

“Spike, what’s wrong with him?” whispered Sasha from his side. She’d noticed the difference right away, and didn’t know what to make
of it. This man was a far cry from the Angelus she’d come to know.

“What are you doing here, Spike?” asked Angel. Then, glancing to Sasha, added, “And where’s Drusilla?”

Spike ignored him, instead turning his ice cold eyes to the blonde next to Angel, asking, “What’s wrong with him?” already knowing the
answer, but dreading it.

“He has amnesia. Doesn’t remember the last six months.” said Nick. <So, this is Spike. Fascinating.>

“If he doesn’t remember what happened to Dru, he’s forgotten a hell of a lot more than the last six months, mate.” spat out Spike.

“What are you doing here, Spike?” Angel asked again.

“Looking for you!”

“Why?” asked a truly perplexed Angel. The last he’d seen of Spike, he was trying to kill him and Buffy.

“What’s the last thing you remember?” Spike ignored his question. He needed to know how much his sire had forgotten, so he could warn
Willow. She’d be pissed enough as it was, knowing he’d forgotten about her, since it was fairly obvious he had.

“I was in my apartment, with Buffy. We’d just come back from trying to hide a piece of the Judge.” replied Angel, still confused. <I’m
forgetting more that the last six months? What could have happened?>

Spike was quite for a moment, recalling that night. It had been the night the wanker had lost his soul, and come back into their lives.
“All soul-having, are you?” Spike questioned him. Since the last thing he remembered, was being Angel, it made sense that he thought he
had his soul.

“Yes.” Angel answered slowly, unsure why he had asked. Dread filled him as the possibilities ran through his mind.

“Shit!” replied Spike. Willow would be furious. “Give me a minute to explain it to everyone, then come on up.” Spike told Angel and Nick.
He dreaded the coming scene. He had to tell Willow her mate had forgotten her, and was most likely in love with the Slayer. <Why
me???>

With that, he turned and led Sasha up the stairs to where Willow and Cordelia waited with Lacroix, leaving the two confused vampires
standing in the middle of the Raven.

Angel was mystified. So was Nick. And as usual, they didn’t listen, following behind Spike. They’d reached the door to Lacroix’s room,
when they heard the voices.

“What do you mean he has his soul? That’s not possible!” argued a voice. It sounded strangely familiar to Angel, but he couldn’t quite
place it.

“I didn’t say he had his soul. I said he thinks he has his soul. There’s a difference, pet.” said Spike. Stopping outside the door, Angel
pondered this. He wasn’t suppose to have his soul? The horror that the thought of Angelus loose sent through him, made his stand there
and listen.

“Don’t nitpick, Spike!” the voice yelled. It was obviously female.

“Why don’t you calm down.” came a second voice, this one also female. <Cordelia??> thought Angel in surprise. <A lot must have happened
since Buffy’s birthday...>

“Do you want me to yell at you?” came the first voice, again. There was barely controlled rage flooding her words, but also the
confidence that came with authority and power. He could feel the rage and anguish out in the hallway.

“That must be who Lacroix was talking about.” said Nick softly. What he’d heard so far, made him cringe. Whoever this person was, she
was one tough cookie. “Do you recognize the voice?”

“It sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it. I feel like I should know it, though.” Angel replied, just as softly. He wanted to hear what
else was said.

“She’s right, Willow. You need to calm down....” Angel placed this new voice with the red head Spike was with downstairs, in the club.
Then her words hit him. <WILLOW??!!> Before Nick could stop him, Angel pushed the door open, and stormed into the room.

“Willow?!”

Part Seven

“Willow?!” cried Angel, astonished. She was the last person he’d expected to see here.

   Hearing her name called, the red head in question turned to the door. Looking him over with eyes full of anguish. She hadn’t believed
    Spike when he’d first told her, but seeing her mate now, she was convinced. The eyes, the posture, everything about him screamed
       ‘soulful’. She could barely stand looking at him. Her strong, loving and brilliant mate was gone, replaced by this......weak....
                                                sorrowful....guilt-ridden person.

    Angel, meanwhile, was shocked. This red head, who was looking at him with such tormented eyes, was his childe. He could feel the
    connection between them. But there was something more. Underneath it all, his demon rejoiced in being in her presence. The bond
                between them was stronger than that of childe/sire. It went straight into the very core of his demon.

“Willow...” he said in awe, barely aware of the others in the room. His eyes had connected with hers, and were now locked, as he took in
the picture the former hacker made. She was a vampire, of that there was no doubt. But he could also feel the rage flowing off her in
waves. She was a worthy childe of Angelus, but all Angel could feel was horror. He had taken her life away from her, before it had even
reached it’s prime. He had created the vicious, brutal creature before him. The guilt welled up. Guilt at the forgotten memory of taking
her life. “Oh, Willow....I’m so very sorry...” he said quietly.

“Sorry?” she asked, in a deceptively soft voice. “You’re sorry?” she repeated, her voice rising. “You better be more than sorry!” she
said, her voice rising with her anger. “You took away my other half, and now I want him back!!!” she yelled.

“Oh God.....” he choked out. “I killed Oz?” he asked, horrified.

“No!” she yelled back at him. “Angelus, you bloodless moron! I want him back. Now!!!!”

Angel just stared at her in shock. <Angelus? ....> “You want me to lose my soul?” he asked, incredulously. <Surely her friends wouldn’t
have allowed her to go around without her soul.> thought Angel.

Willow let out a scream of absolute frustration, as she stormed her way to over to him. Once in front of him, she grabbed hold of the
lapels of his jacket and pulled him down to face her. Staring him directly in the eyes, she growled out, “You don’t have a soul to lose!”

“What?!” This was getting strange. “Of course I have my soul. Why wouldn’t I?”

“You don’t have a soul. You haven’t had a soul since the Slayer screwed it out of you four and a half years ago!” she told him in a low
tone, tightening her grip on his jacket, pulling him closer. “Your amnesia is only making you THINK you’re all soulful.” She was beginning
to lose her patience with him. She never knew Angel could be so...........annoying. “Now,” she continued gently and patiently. “Now you are
going to give me my Angelus back, before I beat those memories back into you!” she said slowly. “I want my Angelus. I want my mate.”

This shocked Angel more than anything else could have. <Her mate???> That explained so much. The empty feeling that had been inside
him since he’d awoken on the road..... the demon’s connection to her...... and the urge to say ‘the hell with the rest of them’ and pound her
into the wall until they were both unconscious.

Suddenly, Willow smiled. She smiled like she’d just gotten what she wanted for Christmas.

“I have an idea.” she said with an evil smile, her eyes never leaving his.

He was in trouble.

And everybody in the room knew it.

Part Eight

“It’s time for you to come back where you belong.” said Willow in a deceptively soft voice, before letting go of his shirt. Pulling himself
upright, Angel had no time to prepare for the fist that struck the side of his head, shifting him off balance. Before he could recover
from the blow, Willow grabbed hold of his ear, and led him out of the room like a misbehaving child.

    “Ouch.” said Spike from inside the room. “That had to smart.” They had all stood back, listening to the conversation taking place
between the mated couple. They all had different thoughts. Spike was calling Angel all kind of a fool for being stupid enough to forget
his mate. Sasha was sympathizing with Willow and admiring her strength. If she were in Willow’s place, she would have cracked long ago.
    And Cordelia was in awe. She’d never seen her sire in full kick ass-mode before, and was totally blown away. Her reputation was
                                                          deserved.

“Where’s she taking him?” asked Cordelia.

“She’s going to reaffirm their bond. Hopefully draw Angelus out.” explained Lacroix. He admired the young vampire for her handling of
her recalcitrant mate. She was a magnificent childe.

“In English!” demanded the brunette.

“She’s going to fuck the soul out of the wanker!” said Spike with a smile. It had worked before, so why not again. “It should draw his
demon out enough for her to get rid of nancy boy.” he explained further. Hopefully, one good screw, and Angelus would regain his
memories.

Hopefully.

But he had confidence in the red head. If anyone could do it, she could.

“Would somebody mind telling me what’s going on?” asked an irate Nick, catching the attention of all the occupants of the room. As one,
they smiled at him, and he knew.

He wasn’t going to like it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Willow, meanwhile, was dragging Angel behind her, looking for an empty room. Finding one at the end of the hall, she yanked hard,
   sending the dark vampire flying into the room ahead of her. Following him, she gently closed and locked the door behind her, before
                                                  turning to face her captive.

“What are you doing, Willow?” he asked, slightly nervous. This was one Willow he’d never encountered - that he knew of.

“I’m getting my mate back.” she said as she began to stalk him across the room. It was, coincidentally enough, a bedroom. When the back
of his legs hit the bed, he was forced to stop, but she didn’t.

“When did Angelus come back?” he had to know.

“Buffy’s birthday. You slept with her, had one moment of true happiness, and lost your soul. Shortly after, you turned me, and found
your mate. We’ve been happy ever since.” she explained, stopping in front of him. “I won’t let you take that away from me.”

“So you’re going to give me one moment of true happiness?” he asked the red head warily.

“No. I’m going to remind you that I’m your mate.” That gave little warning to her next move. Grabbing his shirt front again, she pulled
his head down to meet hers, and captured his mouth in a fierce kiss. Angel tried to resist, or at least remain passive, but his demon was
raging against him. After a moment, he found he was unwittingly returning her passionate kiss.

“The body doesn’t forget, even though the mind does.” she whispered after separating their mouths for a moment. It was with those
words that he knew he was doomed, but still Angel fought.

Releasing his shirt, Willow then proceeded to remove his jacket and shirt in several swift moves that left him breathless - if he’d had
breath. “Willow...” he began uncertainly. True, he was incredibly aroused, but he was still Angel.

Placing a finger against his lips, she stilled his words. Her look saying ‘shut up’, and he obeyed. Seeing his obedience, Willow moved her
head forward, her lips finding his male nipples. As her sharp nails ran lightly up and down his hard chest, her mouth alternated between
sucking and nipping him.

“Willow!...” this time her name came out on a raspy moan of need.

Undoing the jeans that Nick had leant him, Willow wrapper her fingers around his cold, hard erection, gripping it tightly. At his gasp,
she smiled a purely feminine smile, and pushed him backwards so he landed on the bed, flat on his back. Willow shimmied out of her
underwear and joined him on the bed, her legs straddling his hips.

Feeling her tease his shaft with the promise of her hot, wet core, Angel gave up the fight, letting his demon take over. His hands ran up
her thighs, under her green dress, until they reached her hips. There they stopped, gripping her tightly. Willow looked into his eyes,
rejoicing in the fact that Angel had let go, and that it was the demon - Angelus, touching her. Her mate was there, she could feel him
begin to emerge, filling the void in her heart even as he filled her.

Willow cried out in happiness and desire when she was flipped onto her back, her mate towering over her. Wrapping her legs around his
waist, she pulled him further into her. Willow felt her arms being drawn up, above her head and held there, her fingers gripping the
blanket underneath her in time to her gasps as her mate pumped into her. They came together in an explosion of panting and screaming,
milking each other for the ultimate response. First came the screaming from Willow. Then came the biting.

Just as Willow reached her peak, she raised her head slightly, sinking her fangs into his neck. Angel, feeling her feeding from him, lost
what little control he still had, and, fangs descending, sank his canines into her shoulder. With her blood came the memories. Losing his
soul....turning Willow.....finding out she was his mate......Drusilla dying.......the spell to keep them out of Sunnydale......and eventually their
entrance to San Francisco.....to the car accident a few days before.

“Mine.” he said after rolling off his mate and pulling her into his embrace. These last days had been a trial. He’d felt like he was in a
cage, the bars being his non-existent soul. He remembered all that his alter ego had done, and loathing filled him. “Never let me become
that pathetic again.” he whispered to her. Not feeling his mate had been the worst form of torture. If it were at all possible, he would
gladly kill his pansy-assed self, if for nothing more than the hell it had put his Willow through.

“Never.” she agreed. He felt, rather than saw her smile. Turning her head, she looked into his eyes, guilt-free and full of love for her.
“Mine.” she claimed, reaching up to place a kiss on his lips.

“Yours.” he confirmed, moving on to more pleasurable tasks.

Part Nine

The four occupants of the room looked up as the door opened. They all noticed the difference immediately. The arrogant swagger, the
confidence, and the lack of guilt all added up to one thing. Angelus was back.

Three faces showed relief, while the fourth reflected amusement.

    "Interesting solution." commented Lacroix with a sardonic smile. He truly admired this young woman. She was unique. Apparently
   Angelus thought so too, for he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close, before they were too far into the
                                                            room.

"Where'd Nick go?" asked Angelus. He'd wanted to have some fun at the older vampire's expense, but the blonde cop had disappeared.

    "Nicolas is in the middle of a slight....temper tantrum. You'll have to forgive my son. He never outgrew the rebellious stage." said
   Lacroix, eyeing the Brujah before him. He had to admit, he liked this vampire better than the one who'd shown up with Nicholas. He
   could see why Willow had wanted him back. Angelus was a 'Master Vampire', while Angel was simply a vampire. There was a great
                                                 difference between the two.

"Oh damn. And I so wanted to thank him for all he did for me." replied Angelus, mocking sarcasm flooding his smooth voice.

"Now, now, Angelus. Be nice." chastised Willow, a smile on her face. She was glad to have her mate back. She felt whole again.

"Will you be staying in town much longer?" asked Lacroix, changing the subject.

"Not for much longer. We have....family to take care of." replied Willow.

"Ah yes. That would be the child you are raising."

"And how did you happen upon that information?" demanded Angelus.

"I have my ways." was all he'd say on the subject.

"You seem to know a lot, mate." growled Spike.

"Spike." came Willow's warning. She wanted to know how much this Tremere knew.

"Oh, I know quite a bit.” said Lucian as if reading her thoughts. “Such as the fact that you had a Slayer in your home for quite a while,
and that the child appeared just as she went back to Sunnydale. The only logical conclusion would be that the child belongs to the
Slayer." explained Lacroix, enjoying himself.

"I'm truly impressed." said Angelus. "Even our Prince knows nothing of this."

"Julian is young and naive and takes everything at face value. I do not." replied the ancient vampire. "Every word is one part truth and
three parts lies. The key is being able to separate them."

"But even then, you must examine the truth. It has many facets, and must be looked at from the correct angle to discover the true
meaning." said Willow. This earned her a surprised look from Lacroix.

"Very true, my dear." She continued to impress him. This red head was a true gem, and would be around for awhile.

"Lacroix, I have always wondered at the differences between Tremere and other clans. Do you happen to know how that came about?"
wondered Angelus. This Tremere was one of the oldest of his clan, so he most likely knew the story. Tremere were younger than any of
the other clans, but no one knew their origins.

"Why yes, I do. Have a seat and I'll tell you." replied the elder, motioning for the group to take a seat. Sasha already sat in the chair
across from Lacroix, with Spike on the arm of the chair. Angelus and Willow went to the unoccupied couch, with Cordelia following
them, sitting close to her sire. Taking the red head's hand, Cordelia caught her sire's eyes. Seeing the happiness and relief in Willow's
eyes, Cordelia felt relieved. She'd been worried about Willow. She couldn't possibly know how Willow felt, but did know that it had
been hard on her sire and friend. It had been a difficult time for all of them. The possibility of losing not only Angelus, but Willow as
well, had been hard on them. As she'd done with the Scooby Gang, Willow was the glue that held their family together.

"My clan began shortly before my time." began Lacroix, drawing everyone's attention to him. "A young girl was embraced - until this
day, no one knows by who, but my guess would be Brujah." This last part was said with an accusing glance in their direction. Willow and
Angelus refused to be provoked, ignoring his pointed glance. "This young girl was different, however. She could not walk in the sun, as
could other of her kind, nor could she shapeshift. Instead, this young girl could fly. This was of great concern to others, as these
differences set her apart. She was hunted by the others, because they were scared of these differences. They eventually found her and
killed her."

"But that wasn't the end! Or you wouldn't be here!" said Cordelia in her usual straight forward manner. That was one of the things that
had carried over with the Change.

"Quite right. Before she was captured, this young woman created a childe. This fledgling had the same abilities as her, but she taught
her childe well. This childe, Ariana, hid from the others. She began to build an army, of sorts, in secret. When they emerged, years
later, the other clans had no choice but to accept these strange vampires, as their numbers almost equalled their own. A war with them
would have certainly led to the annihilation of one of them, and great loss to the other. So a new clan was born."

" What made her different from the others?" asked Sasha. She was just as curious as the rest of them.

"The young girl was a Slayer." said Lacroix simply, shocking them all.

"So," began Willow after a moment. "Any Slayer who is turned will be Tremere, no matter what?"

"So it would seem." confirmed Lacroix. "Since that time, there have been two more Slayers who were turned. Both became Tremere."

   Willow's mind was running a mile a minute. Tremere weren't as vicious as other clans. They were violent, of course, but not like the
   Brujah. That was one of the main problems Faith had, when Willow had approached her about being turned. Faith didn't want to kill
innocents. She also didn't want to lose her soul. As far as she could see, Tremere didn't lose their souls. They only killed as a matter of
survival. It seemed to her, that these Tremere encompassed certain aspects of each clan. She'd have to talk to Faith when they went to
visit the Slayer. Now that they could get back into Sunnyhell, as Spike called it, Faith could see her daughter at almost any time. And
                                                 they planned to do just that.

Thanking Lacroix politely, the family of Brujah got up and left the Raven, making their way home.

Epilogue

Willow sat back in a wing-back chair, waiting. She knew she wouldn't have long to wait. As she gazed at the bed, not to far from where
she sat, the red head lost herself in memories. The last year had been eventful, if nothing else.

Once back from Toronto, Cordelia had been sent back to Sunnydale. Her main job was to be their eyes in the town, since Marcus has
been dusted while they were in Toronto. She'd played well, too. Everyone, including the Slayer, had been fooled by Willow's childe.
They believed every lie and misdirection from her sweet mouth, learning too late that she'd been turned. It had taken them a good three
months before they realized what Cordelia was. And even then, they thought it was a recent change, never knowing who had sired her.
Poor Xander had never had a chance against his vengeful ex.

When Xander had been killed, Cordelia’s secret had been exposed. Things had come to a head when they'd tried to give the brunette
back her soul. Faith had warned her, and they'd been able to stop the ritual. Cordelia's was pissed, to say the least.

She became their worst enemy, making even Spike and Angelus stand back in awe. Willow, however, had just smiled in smug satisfaction.
Cordelia was HER childe. What else did they expect??? The brunette had made her sire proud.

The biggest news of the last year also had to do with Cordelia. A new Master had appeared on the Hellmouth. He'd heard that the
Hellmouth was being run by a young, female Brujah, and figured taking control away from her would be easy. He'd learned otherwise.
Cordelia, finding herself fighting for control of her hometown, discovered she was a brilliant tactician. She sent her loyal minions
against his, almost always ending in a draw. This, however, drove him to some desperate measures, which in turn led to another discovery.

His name was Aaron, a 215 year old Brujah, sired by Spike. Cordelia had found her mate. Willow and Sasha had been ecstatic, Willow
especially. She'd known how her childe longed for a mate, especially seeing as she lived in a house with two mated couples. When they'd
heard this, Willow had made a trip to Sunnydale, to meet the newest member of the family.

Spike had also made a trip to the Hellmouth, mainly to meet his first childe. Aaron had been turned when Angelus had gone off on one of
his many trips, that usually involved a new obsession the older vampire had with some innocent girl. Spike had sired Aaron, taught him all
he needed to know. Then, after a few years, Aaron had started having urges to see the rest of the world, to live the high life. So Aaron
had left, with Spike's blessing. And Angelus had never known, until he'd come to the Hellmouth, over 200 years later.

He'd been surprised, to say the least, but could not fault the blonde. Spike had been sired in a similar fashion, when Darla had gone off
wandering, leaving her newest childe to fend for himself. He was also proud of his childe, for having created one such as Aaron. Angelus
had listened to Cordelia rant and rave about the newest 'bloodsucker' - as she put in - in town, who was giving her so much trouble. Very
few could rattled Cordelia in that way. He declared it was in the blood. And none of the women could argue with that. All three of the
Brujah, in the same room, overloaded the cocky-meter. They all had the same mocking, smirking, arrogant attitude.

The relationship between Cordelia and Aaron caused Willow great amusement. It was similar to the one she'd had with Xander - mainly,
fighting like cats and dogs one minute, and going at it the next. Willow realized, even if no one else did, that this was exactly the type
    of relationship Cordelia needed. And the black haired Aaron obliged her. They were so alike sometimes, it frightened Willow, but
   Cordelia was happy, and that was what mattered. Even though the brunette was always complaining about her mate, Willow knew she
loved him to distraction. She wouldn't be Cordelia if she didn't complain, and she wouldn't be Willow's childe if she didn't find some
way to torment her mate. Which was reciprocated with enthusiasm. It was discovered that they both had a fondness for practical jokes,
and playing tricks on the other. This had thrown the Slayer for a loop (Buffy, not Faith - Faith laughed it up, whenever Buffy had been
caught in the middle of their games, which usually ended up with the blonde Slayer being covered in some sort of strange concoction...).
      Neither Buffy, her Watcher, or any other member of the Scooby gang could figure out what the vampire couple were up to.

    Every now and then, since sending Cordelia to the Hellmouth, the entire family had gone to Sunnydale for a type of reunion. That
    included Spike, Sasha, Willow, Angelus, Catriona and a handful of their minions. It was during the latest reunion that the newest
                                                   problem had developed.

As always, when ever anyone of them came to Sunnydale, they brought Catriona with them, so Faith could see her daughter. Now that
Catriona could walk, they met in the park. Well, the last time they'd brought Catriona there, last week, a silent stranger had observed
them.

Buffy, staying well out of the vampire's range, had watched as Faith met up with Willow, Sasha and Angelus in the park. She'd seen
Faith greet the vampires like old friends, hugging and so on. Then, the blonde Slayer had watched at Faith bent down, and caught the
flying bundle of energy that had flown into her arms, yelling "Mommy!!!!" loud enough for Buffy to hear. That had sent the Slayer off to
find her Watcher. They'd confronted Faith, and she'd spilled lots, but not all. She didn't tell them about her daughter's destiny, or the
fact that she knew about the prophecy. They believed that she had been scared, and had run away, to be found by Willow and Angelus,
who convinced - brainwashed - her to give them her baby. They told her that she had to get her child away from these vampires, for
they would certainly lead her down the dark path. Faith had played the 'obedient Slayer' for about five minutes, before saying “The
hell with that!”.

Giles had called the Watcher's Council, to inform them that the child of the prophecy had been born. Unwilling to let those 'stuffy
Brits' raise her child, Faith had gone to Willow, who had formed a plan.

Looking to the bed, Willow noticed that the first part of the plan was complete. Faith had just awoken. Getting up, Willow made her
way to the bed, looking down into Faith's golden eyes. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she handed the Slayer-turned-vampire a glass of
red liquid, which the brunette quickly downed.

"How do you feel, Faith?" asked Willow, gently stroking her newest childe's hair.

"Strange." she replied after a moment. "I feel more alive than I ever have." Looking up into her sire's green eyes, Faith marvelled at
her life. She would now be able to live to see her daughter fulfill her destiny, and not worry about the Watcher's hunting her down.
They would think she had been killed, as the next Slayer had already been called.

"You are Tremere." Willow informed her. Faith had been told about the different clans, especially the Tremere. "But you are also
Brujah. Never forget that. My blood flows in your veins. Be proud of your clan. Both of them."

"Come." said Willow, standing up and offering her hand to the newly turned young woman. "It's time to get ready. You have a long trip
ahead of you."

"Where am I going?" asked the former Slayer.

"To Toronto. We have some friends there, that the Watchers don't know about. They'll look after you and Catriona." Willow said,
leading Faith out the door and into the hallway. "Spike and Sasha will go with you, until you're both settled in." she continued.

"Who are these friends?" asked Faith. If Willow called them friends, then they were trust-worthy.

"Lucian Lacroix, he runs the city. He has a son. Nicholas is... rebellious, to say the least. Lucian takes great pleasure in tormenting the
poor boy." said the red head, amused at the elders antics in dealing with his wayward childe. "When you meet Lucian," Willow told the
brunette, halting in the hallway and turning to face the former Slayer. "Just be yourself. He hates false pretenses. But if you get the
chance...." she said with an evil smile, "play some mind games with him. He enjoys them."

Faith had a feeling that she was going to learn a lot from her new mentor, Lucian Lacroix. She could hardly wait.

The End
Read "Wicked Goes To The City"
Read "Wicked Willow Makes New Friends"