The Guardian
folder
Angel the Series › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
3
Views:
3,100
Reviews:
5
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Angel the Series › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
3
Views:
3,100
Reviews:
5
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Angel: The Series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Visitors…
I know that it has been an extremely long time since I've worked on this fiction and I haven't forgotten about it! Its just RL and then other stuff has gotten in the way but this plot bunny is still going strong! However you need a refresher you can find the previous two chapters here: http://slayer.tygerstwilight.com/slayer/pages/fictions/guardian1.htm If you're good then just scroll on down to the newest chapter. I also must apologize for its length I was on a roll and then I dunno what happened I just kinda lost it for the evening but I really wanted to get this posted. Perhaps something will come to me in the form nice reviews ^_~
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The Guardian
Author: Tygerlily
Email: Angelusblood@yahoo.com
Summary: The Powers decided after watching their warrior guard The City of Angels; he needed a guardian of his own. And so they send an unlikely ally to help guard their guardian. All of this was done to give him a new friend and comrade in arms and also… a new lover?
Spoilers: Everything up to about Parting Gifts; Angel S1
Rating: Nc-17 Eventually
Pairing: Angel/OC, Wesley/Fred, Cordy/Groo
Distribution: All the usual suspects! Anyone else just ask
Author Note III: As I said before various mythical information has been taken from books, D&D theories and thoughts of my own creation, nothing is solid fact from any one source so don’t go by too much of anything as true information… its all just for the purpose of the story.
IMPORTANT: I know the spoilers say everything up to Parting Gifts but I will be taking bits and pieces from all different episodes all the way up to the whole Pylea shtick toward the end of Season Two. As you read you’ll see that whatever doesn’t work for me I’m either throwing it out or placing it somewhere else. So if the timeline seems kinda odd… well that’s because it is ^_^ I promise though it will all flow and make sense.
Chapter Three – Visitors…
Sighing softly Aeon blew out a puff of air trying to brush the hair away from her face. It was now seven in the morning and she was just arriving home from the Kayo celebration down by the beach. As soon as she and Angel had gotten there they partied non-stopped, well she partied and Angel was really more than content to watch and have a drink or two. All in all though both had a fabulous time, groaning softly she turned and pulled the heavy door shut behind.
As she worked an ache out in her neck her eyes fluttered shut while she kicked off her shoes and padded softly over to the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of water. Wrenching the refrigerator door open she quickly extracted a bottle. When she turned around to head toward the bedroom her eyes widen and she let out a shrieking screaming at the sight before her. Later she would regret not being able to contain herself. For there standing in her room was a seven foot brawny snarling beast and it did NOT look happy.
Bloodshot red eyes turned and locked on her frightened form. Something akin to a smile formed around the creatures jagged and broken teeth. Black slime dripped from his upper lip and teeth before splashing onto the floor. Snorting out a breath through its nostrils it began to growl low in its throat before it let out a beastly roar and heaved its body forward and broke out into a slow jog. Its heavy steps caused the space to shake and some of the plaster to loosen and crumble. Aeon’s eyes widen as it raised something that looked a lot like a club in the air before bring it down harshly against one of the steel support beams.
Aeon’s eyes darted to the ceiling and she knew that when that beam went so would that portion of the ceiling. Thinking fast she tucked into herself and propelled her body toward the opposite side of the room and not a moment too soon. When the beast hit the beam again it snapped like a tooth pick and took a good portion of the roof with it. As the plaster and dust settled her dark eyes widened when she saw that the beast look untouched and unconcerned with the small cave in.
Panting softy her eyes quickly darted around the room and it was then she knew that she was basically weaponless and there was no way just her fists were going to get her out of this one. Slowly and a bit clumsily the beast began to move towards her knocking varying pieces of furniture and other items out of the way. Thinking fast she stood up on shaky legs and did the only thing she could do.
She ran.
Moving quickly she moved as far away from the irate beast as possible and then vaulted over the couch. She then quickly ran back to the opposite of the room and with one last look over her shoulder. Aeon crossed her arms out in front of her and then propelled herself out of the wall of glass windows that once lined her living room. With no control over her body or the fall she flayed helpless through the hair before her body hit a lower rooftop and hard. Grunting loudly her body rolled across the tarred roof top before coming to an abrupt halt just as her shoulder brushed the edge.
Wild and frightened eyes glanced over the edge before they darted back up to the window two stories above her. Aeon was still panting heavily as her eyes scanned the now broken series of windows above her. The jagged edges of the necrotempered glass gleamed and shimmered in the mid-morning light. Painfully she climbed to her feet she knew that the thing in her apartment would be confused as to where she disappeared to but not for long. She had to move and move fast her eyes looked around the dark roof top and the glass shards that surrounded her.
Looking down her arms and hands they were covered in scratches and cuts. The worst seemed to be the large gash down the side of her left arm. It was bleeding profusely but she didn’t have time to worry about that at the moment. She was still eight stories up and it was a long way down to the ground. It also didn’t help that she didn’t have any shoes. Dark eyes quickly scanned the lower roof top and she nearly shrieked with joy at the sight of what looked to be a ladder. It may not take her all the way down to the ground it sure as hell would get her closer to it.
Hobbling quickly over to the ladder she hissed and bit her lower lip harshly to keep from crying out as stray shards of glass nicked and cut the soles of her feet. Shakily she climbed over the side and slowly began to make her descent downward. As her bare feet brushed the last bar of the ladder she looked down and to her dismay she was still a little over five feet in the air. Her eyes fluttered shut as she inhaled deeply and jumped down. It was then she couldn’t hold back the agonizing cry as her bare feet brushed against the cool and rough cement. Above her she could hear the enraged cries of the beast and its heavy footsteps as it too probably just jumped from the windows and landed on the roof top eight stories above her.
Getting a head start Aeon slowly began limp down the quiet streets and unevenly paved alley ways of Los Angeles’s “Industrial District”. Tears glittered in her dark eyes as her bare feet continued to carry her over jagged pebbles and rocks mixed with glass shards and god knows what else littered the concrete jungle. Aeon’s breath caught in her throat as the ground beneath her feet trembled slight though there was no need to look back for what followed was a beastly roar. A roar that filled her ears and shook her to the very marrow of her bones.
Quickening her already slow and lethargic steps she stumbled out of an alley way and looked left before looking right and then left again. Spotting a door way, its door ajar she quickly made her way toward the opening. Once inside it was clear this factory was abandoned and hadn’t been developed into anything yet unlike some of the other buildings surrounding it.
Slim ribbons of daylight penetrated many of the painted over and blackened windows casting shadows that seemed to dance about the darkened space. The space was enormous and seemed to not only have been a factory at one time but it also seemed to be a warehouse as well. Whatever had been produced here before also had been stored here. Silently making her way though the shadows she stumbled and tripped over some exposed wiring and hit the smooth concrete hard. Tears began to sting the backs of her eyes as she dragged herself up into a sitting position. Leaning heavily against the cool wall behind her she waited silently the dull roar of her breathing and the gentle pounding of her heart filled her ears.
Her sharp hearing knew the moment the beast entered the building. This one was smarter than the rest. This one had been sent after her specifically and the only way to get rid of it was to kill it before it killed her. Struggling to her feet she pushed off the wall and aimlessly made her way though the old and aging building. Spotting some stairs she knew that it was a risk taking them but with no where else to go except up she slowly began making her ascent.
Taking slow and measure steps so as to make sure she wouldn’t be heard as her bare feet hit the metal steps. Finally reaching the top she could found that she was now on what would consider an elaborate catwalk that stretched from one end of the factory to the other. Looking down she could see the beast weaving its way in out of the shadows and rows of what was left of the factories inventory. It was also apparent the second the beast looked up her location would be exposed. Aeon also knew from previous experiences that this thing did NOT need stairs to get to her.
She was weak and her vision was beginning to blur. The numerous cuts and scrapes that now adorned her body along with the nasty gash down her left arm she had lost quite a bit of blood. With only one thought and destination in mind she quickly began to make her away across the catwalk. Now more than half way across the catwalk and almost back to where she came in though about one story up, she picked up her pace. Though now her footsteps caused the catwalk to vibrate and ping slightly.
Snarling softly the beast looked up and after a moment its bloodshot dark and murky eyes spotted her form limping along. It knew that its prey was tiring and it was only a matter of time now. Baring its teeth and inhaling sharply it launched itself into the air and grasped the edge of the catwalk with one meaty and clawed hand. Startled and frightened eyes turned to see the beast pulling itself up onto the walk way. Breaking out into a run she continued to pull herself along her hands desperately grasping and pulling on the railing.
Heavy footsteps soon came bounding up behind her it was then she spotted what looked to be an old chain hanging from the ceiling. It looked old and rusted but her hands reached out frantically as she propelled her body forward and pushed back off the nearest wall sending her body backwards and into the beast. It let out a roar as it fell backward and over the railing and into something that looked like an industrial size mixer. The heavy body clad in such armor created a loud bang as it hit the metal full force. A low groan vibrated through the space before all was silent.
Weak and shaking fingers clutched the chain desperately, dark eyes looked up and widen in fear as the chain began to tremble; Aeon let out a silent scream as the chain finally snapped under her weight. Her small body went crashing into a pile of old crates below. The force of the fall caused her body to smash through the weak wood and go tumbling down until her unconscious form rolled limply on the cool floor.
Dark eyes fluttered weakly and her vision was shrouded in shadow. It was then she remembered where she was and what was chasing her. Miraculously Aeon slowly and painfully pulled herself into a sitting position. She eyed the industrial sized mixer where the demon had fallen wearily. She was weak and in no shape to fight. She had to get out of there now because if she didn’t, she probably never would.
Her teeth bit harshly into her lower lip as she weakly climbed to her feet. Swallowing visibly her eyes fluttered shut before they opened once more as she made her way out of the factory and back into the sunlight. Aeon now had two options; stick to the alley ways and side streets and hope to whatever god was listening that there were no crowds and the beast wasn’t following her. Or go with what she could remember of that particular breed and go directly on the main streets and into the crowds hoping that would keep it at bay.
Normally she would’ve gone with the latter that being that it was that particular demons nature. To not draw attention to itself and stick to its intended prey, however this one was different. Not only did it have its sights set on her and was doing what came natural it seemed as though it had a higher intelligence as well. It wasn’t just blindly hunting her. There was something about the way it moved and fought with her. It was thinking, plotting about how to best her. That just wasn’t something she had ever seen occur before with that particular breed… until now.
Deciding to chance it she kept to the back streets and alley ways. There was no way to no how this demon was going to react and regroup if it did seeing as how she didn’t know if it was dead or not though she doubted it. There was also the fact that her cloths were torn and dirty. She was covered in blood and had no shoes. That was sure as hell going to draw some kind of attention and more than likely not of the good kind.
It also didn’t help that she was moving as slow as she was. She was faster than this much faster. The thought flitted through her mind that she might’ve lost a lot more blood than she thought but as soon as it was there it was gone. The industrial district in reality wasn’t all that far from the AI building only about a mile or so into the downtown area of Los Angeles. She nearly cried out in relief at the sight of the familiar building just across the street.
Uncaring of the traffic she was walking into she headed straight across the street and hobbled up the steps of the AI building. Wrenching the door open she stumbled into the small lobby she clumsily made her way down the small set of stairs.
Three pairs of eyes on the other side of the double doors darted up and the darkest of the three narrowed warily. It was then the doors burst open and Aeon stumbled through them bloodied and broken. Looking at the three companions staring on in shock she whispered two words softly before promptly passing out.
“Help me”
Angel recovered first and before her small body could even hit the floor Aeon was wrapped up in his strong arms. Looking down at her bloodied form he began barking out orders for Cordelia and Wesley to help him with Aeon down into the apartment where he could tend to her wounds properly. The four boarded the elevator just before it made its descent into the subterranean apartment. After what seemed like an eternity the elevator settled with a loud clang.
Angel roughly pulled back the gate and quickly strode over to his bedroom and silently settled Aeon on the soft bed sheets. He called for Cordelia to get the first aid kit he kept in his bathroom and for Wesley to get some towels and to boil some water. He’d normally head for the nearest hospital but it was daylight and he had no idea what had happened to the poor girl. There was a very good possibility whatever it was, was supernatural in nature and any mortal hospital would be of no use to them anyway.
Wesley was surprisingly the first to arrive in the room he set a basin of hot water and few towels along with a wash cloth on the night stand. He hurriedly left the room muttering something about going to boil more water but that should be enough to start with. Angel moved closer to Aeon’s still unconscious form and silently listened to her breathing and heartbeat. Though she was hurt and hurt badly her breathing sounded steady as did her heart though it was a low beat which made the vampire nervous. Reaching it gently brushed a stray strand from her brow just before reaching over and dipping the cloth into the hot water.
Wringing out the cloth he then began to gently clean away the dirt and grime that was now a thin blanket on the girl’s face. Satisfied that was now finished and the cuts there didn’t look so bad his eyes instantly went to her arms and legs. Without hesitation he ripped her shirt apart though it didn’t really matter since it was beyond repair anyway. As his eyes took in her form he wasn’t surprised to find that her torso was badly bruised. He gently ran his fingers along her abdomen and just as he suspected she had at least two broken ribs. Sighing softly to himself he shakily reached out and began to undo her jeans. He knew he’d probably get heat for it later but he had to see how bad the damage truly was.
Once he had the button undone and the zipper pulled down he realized that there was no way he was going to be able to pull them over her hips. And once again he knew he was probably never going to hear the end of what it was he was about to do. Leaning down he pulled the small knife from his boot and with a few quick strokes the jeans were nothing more than scrap pieces of cloth.
Dark eyes widen at the sight before them and a low growl vibrated through the room. Numerous cuts and scrapes littered her arms and legs along with varying bruises but what really caught his attention was the nasty gash down her left arm. He then reached for another of the clean cloths left on the night stand and dipped it in the now cooling water. He silently went about his task of cleaning the blood and dirt that covered her body.
Wesley came and went three more times each time bring fresh hot water and disposing of the cool and soiled water. Cordelia had brought in the kit in between one of Wesley’s trips and was now getting rid of Aeon’s ruined clothing. All the while former Watcher and May Queen kept silent just going about their assigned jobs. And though Angel barely spoke to either of them his entire focus on Aeon there was constant growl emanating from his throat.
Once Aeon was cleaned though she was covered in varying cuts and bruises the girl didn’t need stitches of any kind. Even the gash on her arm wasn’t deep enough to need stitches though he intended to keep a close on it in case of infection. Now bandaged and seeming to be sleeping peacefully he pulled the duvet up over her small body and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead before gathering up the remaining bandages and such before heading back out into the main area of the apartment.
He silently emptied the soiled water into the sink and he watched with a sick fascination as the water now tinged a sickly pink swirled down the drain. He then put the first aid kit back in the bathroom and went about placing the unused towels and cloths back in the closet all the while ignoring Wesley and Cordelia who were silently waiting for him in the living room. When he shut the door to what one would consider the linen closet he leaned against it heavily for a moment letting out an unneeded breathe. He then silently headed back into the living room and sunk heavily into one of the over stuffed chairs.
Cordelia eyed Wesley curiously and a bit encouragingly when the silence seemed to linger for too long. Looking distressed Wesley tried to shake his head no but in the end sighed softly to himself and leaned forward in his seat though before he could say anything Angel finally spoke.
“Something attacked her… I don’t know what but it had to be pretty damn big and it was probably fast but even if it wasn’t… Aeon can more than handle herself in a fight.” He murmured softly
“What could possibly do so much damage in such a short amount of time? I mean Angel you barely left the girl a few hours ago. And from what you told us of where her home is… well by foot its about an hours walk. And that’s for… well a human—“
Dark eyes pinned Wesley and for a moment he was startled, what he saw in the vampires’ eyes caused him to… word his explanation/reasoning differently.
“I know you trust her Angel… and well because you do, I fear I must say I do as well but in all honest, what do we really know about the girl?”
Angel looked as though he was about to say something when Cordelia chimed in.
“Wesley’s right. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m totally behind you Angel like one hundred-thousand percent but … what do we really know about her? I mean like not two weeks or so after Doyle… is gone she just shows up on your doorstep and tells you that she’s your guardian. Then just as pure coincidence a new baddie is coming to our little corner of the world.” She said somewhat reasonably
Angel’s dark eyes eyed both of them silently his face expressionless. He then smiled slightly at both of them and nodded his head.
“Look I know that her showing up out of the blue is… suspicious at best but one thing I learned after being on this earth for so long is that just about everything happens for a reason. The Powers like fucking around with people… demon or not. I honestly believe what Aeon has said, I believe that she was sent to me to be my guardian… and even if she wasn’t then she’s an innocent and she needs my help. Either way I’m not going to turn my back on her right now.” He said firmly and with that he pulled himself up out of the chair and headed back into the bedroom leaving a stunned Cordelia and a contemplative Wesley
Sighing softly to himself he stepped up to the bed and ran a gentle hand down the side of her face brushing back hair softly. He knew that he should be more concerned about Aeon’s background where she came from but on the other hand why should he have the right to interrogate her about a past that he had no part of. It would be like her trying to find out about his past involving Angelus it just wasn’t fair.
Settling down in a chair in the adjacent corner Angel was content to watch over his guardian until she awoke. Picking up one of his favorite books that he always kept close he began to make his way though the many poems that brought him the few moments of solace while the rest of the world around him was chaotic.
It was awhile before Aeon began to stir. Quietly he closed his book and headed back over to the bed. He sat down gently so as not to jostle the young thing that seemed to be slowly waking up. Dark eyes fluttered open weakly and a weak smile settled on Aeon’s lips at the sight before her.
“Angel…” she whispered softly
“Do you remember what happened?” he asked softly
Inhaling deeply she licked her dry and chapped lips before responding.
“Had a visitor” she said simply
Just as Angel was about to respond Cordelia and Wesley cam bounding back in the room, both babbling something about a monster ripping apart the downtown area. Cursing silently he knew he was going to have to leave Aeon to take care of the beast. Turning back around to tell Aeon that he’d have to leave for a little bit he was greeted with the sight of Aeon’s usually dark eyes glowing a soft amber hue and the whispered words of warning clinging to her lips.
“She is your destiny…”
End of Chapter Three
Remember reviews help the writing process move along just that much faster ... sometimes ^_^
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The Guardian
Author: Tygerlily
Email: Angelusblood@yahoo.com
Summary: The Powers decided after watching their warrior guard The City of Angels; he needed a guardian of his own. And so they send an unlikely ally to help guard their guardian. All of this was done to give him a new friend and comrade in arms and also… a new lover?
Spoilers: Everything up to about Parting Gifts; Angel S1
Rating: Nc-17 Eventually
Pairing: Angel/OC, Wesley/Fred, Cordy/Groo
Distribution: All the usual suspects! Anyone else just ask
Author Note III: As I said before various mythical information has been taken from books, D&D theories and thoughts of my own creation, nothing is solid fact from any one source so don’t go by too much of anything as true information… its all just for the purpose of the story.
IMPORTANT: I know the spoilers say everything up to Parting Gifts but I will be taking bits and pieces from all different episodes all the way up to the whole Pylea shtick toward the end of Season Two. As you read you’ll see that whatever doesn’t work for me I’m either throwing it out or placing it somewhere else. So if the timeline seems kinda odd… well that’s because it is ^_^ I promise though it will all flow and make sense.
Chapter Three – Visitors…
Sighing softly Aeon blew out a puff of air trying to brush the hair away from her face. It was now seven in the morning and she was just arriving home from the Kayo celebration down by the beach. As soon as she and Angel had gotten there they partied non-stopped, well she partied and Angel was really more than content to watch and have a drink or two. All in all though both had a fabulous time, groaning softly she turned and pulled the heavy door shut behind.
As she worked an ache out in her neck her eyes fluttered shut while she kicked off her shoes and padded softly over to the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of water. Wrenching the refrigerator door open she quickly extracted a bottle. When she turned around to head toward the bedroom her eyes widen and she let out a shrieking screaming at the sight before her. Later she would regret not being able to contain herself. For there standing in her room was a seven foot brawny snarling beast and it did NOT look happy.
Bloodshot red eyes turned and locked on her frightened form. Something akin to a smile formed around the creatures jagged and broken teeth. Black slime dripped from his upper lip and teeth before splashing onto the floor. Snorting out a breath through its nostrils it began to growl low in its throat before it let out a beastly roar and heaved its body forward and broke out into a slow jog. Its heavy steps caused the space to shake and some of the plaster to loosen and crumble. Aeon’s eyes widen as it raised something that looked a lot like a club in the air before bring it down harshly against one of the steel support beams.
Aeon’s eyes darted to the ceiling and she knew that when that beam went so would that portion of the ceiling. Thinking fast she tucked into herself and propelled her body toward the opposite side of the room and not a moment too soon. When the beast hit the beam again it snapped like a tooth pick and took a good portion of the roof with it. As the plaster and dust settled her dark eyes widened when she saw that the beast look untouched and unconcerned with the small cave in.
Panting softy her eyes quickly darted around the room and it was then she knew that she was basically weaponless and there was no way just her fists were going to get her out of this one. Slowly and a bit clumsily the beast began to move towards her knocking varying pieces of furniture and other items out of the way. Thinking fast she stood up on shaky legs and did the only thing she could do.
She ran.
Moving quickly she moved as far away from the irate beast as possible and then vaulted over the couch. She then quickly ran back to the opposite of the room and with one last look over her shoulder. Aeon crossed her arms out in front of her and then propelled herself out of the wall of glass windows that once lined her living room. With no control over her body or the fall she flayed helpless through the hair before her body hit a lower rooftop and hard. Grunting loudly her body rolled across the tarred roof top before coming to an abrupt halt just as her shoulder brushed the edge.
Wild and frightened eyes glanced over the edge before they darted back up to the window two stories above her. Aeon was still panting heavily as her eyes scanned the now broken series of windows above her. The jagged edges of the necrotempered glass gleamed and shimmered in the mid-morning light. Painfully she climbed to her feet she knew that the thing in her apartment would be confused as to where she disappeared to but not for long. She had to move and move fast her eyes looked around the dark roof top and the glass shards that surrounded her.
Looking down her arms and hands they were covered in scratches and cuts. The worst seemed to be the large gash down the side of her left arm. It was bleeding profusely but she didn’t have time to worry about that at the moment. She was still eight stories up and it was a long way down to the ground. It also didn’t help that she didn’t have any shoes. Dark eyes quickly scanned the lower roof top and she nearly shrieked with joy at the sight of what looked to be a ladder. It may not take her all the way down to the ground it sure as hell would get her closer to it.
Hobbling quickly over to the ladder she hissed and bit her lower lip harshly to keep from crying out as stray shards of glass nicked and cut the soles of her feet. Shakily she climbed over the side and slowly began to make her descent downward. As her bare feet brushed the last bar of the ladder she looked down and to her dismay she was still a little over five feet in the air. Her eyes fluttered shut as she inhaled deeply and jumped down. It was then she couldn’t hold back the agonizing cry as her bare feet brushed against the cool and rough cement. Above her she could hear the enraged cries of the beast and its heavy footsteps as it too probably just jumped from the windows and landed on the roof top eight stories above her.
Getting a head start Aeon slowly began limp down the quiet streets and unevenly paved alley ways of Los Angeles’s “Industrial District”. Tears glittered in her dark eyes as her bare feet continued to carry her over jagged pebbles and rocks mixed with glass shards and god knows what else littered the concrete jungle. Aeon’s breath caught in her throat as the ground beneath her feet trembled slight though there was no need to look back for what followed was a beastly roar. A roar that filled her ears and shook her to the very marrow of her bones.
Quickening her already slow and lethargic steps she stumbled out of an alley way and looked left before looking right and then left again. Spotting a door way, its door ajar she quickly made her way toward the opening. Once inside it was clear this factory was abandoned and hadn’t been developed into anything yet unlike some of the other buildings surrounding it.
Slim ribbons of daylight penetrated many of the painted over and blackened windows casting shadows that seemed to dance about the darkened space. The space was enormous and seemed to not only have been a factory at one time but it also seemed to be a warehouse as well. Whatever had been produced here before also had been stored here. Silently making her way though the shadows she stumbled and tripped over some exposed wiring and hit the smooth concrete hard. Tears began to sting the backs of her eyes as she dragged herself up into a sitting position. Leaning heavily against the cool wall behind her she waited silently the dull roar of her breathing and the gentle pounding of her heart filled her ears.
Her sharp hearing knew the moment the beast entered the building. This one was smarter than the rest. This one had been sent after her specifically and the only way to get rid of it was to kill it before it killed her. Struggling to her feet she pushed off the wall and aimlessly made her way though the old and aging building. Spotting some stairs she knew that it was a risk taking them but with no where else to go except up she slowly began making her ascent.
Taking slow and measure steps so as to make sure she wouldn’t be heard as her bare feet hit the metal steps. Finally reaching the top she could found that she was now on what would consider an elaborate catwalk that stretched from one end of the factory to the other. Looking down she could see the beast weaving its way in out of the shadows and rows of what was left of the factories inventory. It was also apparent the second the beast looked up her location would be exposed. Aeon also knew from previous experiences that this thing did NOT need stairs to get to her.
She was weak and her vision was beginning to blur. The numerous cuts and scrapes that now adorned her body along with the nasty gash down her left arm she had lost quite a bit of blood. With only one thought and destination in mind she quickly began to make her away across the catwalk. Now more than half way across the catwalk and almost back to where she came in though about one story up, she picked up her pace. Though now her footsteps caused the catwalk to vibrate and ping slightly.
Snarling softly the beast looked up and after a moment its bloodshot dark and murky eyes spotted her form limping along. It knew that its prey was tiring and it was only a matter of time now. Baring its teeth and inhaling sharply it launched itself into the air and grasped the edge of the catwalk with one meaty and clawed hand. Startled and frightened eyes turned to see the beast pulling itself up onto the walk way. Breaking out into a run she continued to pull herself along her hands desperately grasping and pulling on the railing.
Heavy footsteps soon came bounding up behind her it was then she spotted what looked to be an old chain hanging from the ceiling. It looked old and rusted but her hands reached out frantically as she propelled her body forward and pushed back off the nearest wall sending her body backwards and into the beast. It let out a roar as it fell backward and over the railing and into something that looked like an industrial size mixer. The heavy body clad in such armor created a loud bang as it hit the metal full force. A low groan vibrated through the space before all was silent.
Weak and shaking fingers clutched the chain desperately, dark eyes looked up and widen in fear as the chain began to tremble; Aeon let out a silent scream as the chain finally snapped under her weight. Her small body went crashing into a pile of old crates below. The force of the fall caused her body to smash through the weak wood and go tumbling down until her unconscious form rolled limply on the cool floor.
Dark eyes fluttered weakly and her vision was shrouded in shadow. It was then she remembered where she was and what was chasing her. Miraculously Aeon slowly and painfully pulled herself into a sitting position. She eyed the industrial sized mixer where the demon had fallen wearily. She was weak and in no shape to fight. She had to get out of there now because if she didn’t, she probably never would.
Her teeth bit harshly into her lower lip as she weakly climbed to her feet. Swallowing visibly her eyes fluttered shut before they opened once more as she made her way out of the factory and back into the sunlight. Aeon now had two options; stick to the alley ways and side streets and hope to whatever god was listening that there were no crowds and the beast wasn’t following her. Or go with what she could remember of that particular breed and go directly on the main streets and into the crowds hoping that would keep it at bay.
Normally she would’ve gone with the latter that being that it was that particular demons nature. To not draw attention to itself and stick to its intended prey, however this one was different. Not only did it have its sights set on her and was doing what came natural it seemed as though it had a higher intelligence as well. It wasn’t just blindly hunting her. There was something about the way it moved and fought with her. It was thinking, plotting about how to best her. That just wasn’t something she had ever seen occur before with that particular breed… until now.
Deciding to chance it she kept to the back streets and alley ways. There was no way to no how this demon was going to react and regroup if it did seeing as how she didn’t know if it was dead or not though she doubted it. There was also the fact that her cloths were torn and dirty. She was covered in blood and had no shoes. That was sure as hell going to draw some kind of attention and more than likely not of the good kind.
It also didn’t help that she was moving as slow as she was. She was faster than this much faster. The thought flitted through her mind that she might’ve lost a lot more blood than she thought but as soon as it was there it was gone. The industrial district in reality wasn’t all that far from the AI building only about a mile or so into the downtown area of Los Angeles. She nearly cried out in relief at the sight of the familiar building just across the street.
Uncaring of the traffic she was walking into she headed straight across the street and hobbled up the steps of the AI building. Wrenching the door open she stumbled into the small lobby she clumsily made her way down the small set of stairs.
Three pairs of eyes on the other side of the double doors darted up and the darkest of the three narrowed warily. It was then the doors burst open and Aeon stumbled through them bloodied and broken. Looking at the three companions staring on in shock she whispered two words softly before promptly passing out.
“Help me”
Angel recovered first and before her small body could even hit the floor Aeon was wrapped up in his strong arms. Looking down at her bloodied form he began barking out orders for Cordelia and Wesley to help him with Aeon down into the apartment where he could tend to her wounds properly. The four boarded the elevator just before it made its descent into the subterranean apartment. After what seemed like an eternity the elevator settled with a loud clang.
Angel roughly pulled back the gate and quickly strode over to his bedroom and silently settled Aeon on the soft bed sheets. He called for Cordelia to get the first aid kit he kept in his bathroom and for Wesley to get some towels and to boil some water. He’d normally head for the nearest hospital but it was daylight and he had no idea what had happened to the poor girl. There was a very good possibility whatever it was, was supernatural in nature and any mortal hospital would be of no use to them anyway.
Wesley was surprisingly the first to arrive in the room he set a basin of hot water and few towels along with a wash cloth on the night stand. He hurriedly left the room muttering something about going to boil more water but that should be enough to start with. Angel moved closer to Aeon’s still unconscious form and silently listened to her breathing and heartbeat. Though she was hurt and hurt badly her breathing sounded steady as did her heart though it was a low beat which made the vampire nervous. Reaching it gently brushed a stray strand from her brow just before reaching over and dipping the cloth into the hot water.
Wringing out the cloth he then began to gently clean away the dirt and grime that was now a thin blanket on the girl’s face. Satisfied that was now finished and the cuts there didn’t look so bad his eyes instantly went to her arms and legs. Without hesitation he ripped her shirt apart though it didn’t really matter since it was beyond repair anyway. As his eyes took in her form he wasn’t surprised to find that her torso was badly bruised. He gently ran his fingers along her abdomen and just as he suspected she had at least two broken ribs. Sighing softly to himself he shakily reached out and began to undo her jeans. He knew he’d probably get heat for it later but he had to see how bad the damage truly was.
Once he had the button undone and the zipper pulled down he realized that there was no way he was going to be able to pull them over her hips. And once again he knew he was probably never going to hear the end of what it was he was about to do. Leaning down he pulled the small knife from his boot and with a few quick strokes the jeans were nothing more than scrap pieces of cloth.
Dark eyes widen at the sight before them and a low growl vibrated through the room. Numerous cuts and scrapes littered her arms and legs along with varying bruises but what really caught his attention was the nasty gash down her left arm. He then reached for another of the clean cloths left on the night stand and dipped it in the now cooling water. He silently went about his task of cleaning the blood and dirt that covered her body.
Wesley came and went three more times each time bring fresh hot water and disposing of the cool and soiled water. Cordelia had brought in the kit in between one of Wesley’s trips and was now getting rid of Aeon’s ruined clothing. All the while former Watcher and May Queen kept silent just going about their assigned jobs. And though Angel barely spoke to either of them his entire focus on Aeon there was constant growl emanating from his throat.
Once Aeon was cleaned though she was covered in varying cuts and bruises the girl didn’t need stitches of any kind. Even the gash on her arm wasn’t deep enough to need stitches though he intended to keep a close on it in case of infection. Now bandaged and seeming to be sleeping peacefully he pulled the duvet up over her small body and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead before gathering up the remaining bandages and such before heading back out into the main area of the apartment.
He silently emptied the soiled water into the sink and he watched with a sick fascination as the water now tinged a sickly pink swirled down the drain. He then put the first aid kit back in the bathroom and went about placing the unused towels and cloths back in the closet all the while ignoring Wesley and Cordelia who were silently waiting for him in the living room. When he shut the door to what one would consider the linen closet he leaned against it heavily for a moment letting out an unneeded breathe. He then silently headed back into the living room and sunk heavily into one of the over stuffed chairs.
Cordelia eyed Wesley curiously and a bit encouragingly when the silence seemed to linger for too long. Looking distressed Wesley tried to shake his head no but in the end sighed softly to himself and leaned forward in his seat though before he could say anything Angel finally spoke.
“Something attacked her… I don’t know what but it had to be pretty damn big and it was probably fast but even if it wasn’t… Aeon can more than handle herself in a fight.” He murmured softly
“What could possibly do so much damage in such a short amount of time? I mean Angel you barely left the girl a few hours ago. And from what you told us of where her home is… well by foot its about an hours walk. And that’s for… well a human—“
Dark eyes pinned Wesley and for a moment he was startled, what he saw in the vampires’ eyes caused him to… word his explanation/reasoning differently.
“I know you trust her Angel… and well because you do, I fear I must say I do as well but in all honest, what do we really know about the girl?”
Angel looked as though he was about to say something when Cordelia chimed in.
“Wesley’s right. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m totally behind you Angel like one hundred-thousand percent but … what do we really know about her? I mean like not two weeks or so after Doyle… is gone she just shows up on your doorstep and tells you that she’s your guardian. Then just as pure coincidence a new baddie is coming to our little corner of the world.” She said somewhat reasonably
Angel’s dark eyes eyed both of them silently his face expressionless. He then smiled slightly at both of them and nodded his head.
“Look I know that her showing up out of the blue is… suspicious at best but one thing I learned after being on this earth for so long is that just about everything happens for a reason. The Powers like fucking around with people… demon or not. I honestly believe what Aeon has said, I believe that she was sent to me to be my guardian… and even if she wasn’t then she’s an innocent and she needs my help. Either way I’m not going to turn my back on her right now.” He said firmly and with that he pulled himself up out of the chair and headed back into the bedroom leaving a stunned Cordelia and a contemplative Wesley
Sighing softly to himself he stepped up to the bed and ran a gentle hand down the side of her face brushing back hair softly. He knew that he should be more concerned about Aeon’s background where she came from but on the other hand why should he have the right to interrogate her about a past that he had no part of. It would be like her trying to find out about his past involving Angelus it just wasn’t fair.
Settling down in a chair in the adjacent corner Angel was content to watch over his guardian until she awoke. Picking up one of his favorite books that he always kept close he began to make his way though the many poems that brought him the few moments of solace while the rest of the world around him was chaotic.
It was awhile before Aeon began to stir. Quietly he closed his book and headed back over to the bed. He sat down gently so as not to jostle the young thing that seemed to be slowly waking up. Dark eyes fluttered open weakly and a weak smile settled on Aeon’s lips at the sight before her.
“Angel…” she whispered softly
“Do you remember what happened?” he asked softly
Inhaling deeply she licked her dry and chapped lips before responding.
“Had a visitor” she said simply
Just as Angel was about to respond Cordelia and Wesley cam bounding back in the room, both babbling something about a monster ripping apart the downtown area. Cursing silently he knew he was going to have to leave Aeon to take care of the beast. Turning back around to tell Aeon that he’d have to leave for a little bit he was greeted with the sight of Aeon’s usually dark eyes glowing a soft amber hue and the whispered words of warning clinging to her lips.
“She is your destiny…”
End of Chapter Three
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