Welcome to the Fallout

Welcome to the Fallout

Author: Aislynn

Disclaimer: It’s not mine all of it belongs to Joss, and Mutant Enemy. I just fell in love with Buffy from the vero y first episode.

Summary: AU from the end of the final Season of Angel. Hope you like it so far. This chapter will be fairly long with reunions continuing and I hope you like the Immortal he is going to be a major player in this story his past will be revealed soon.

Rating: NC-17

Chapter 4: Familiar Faces

Illyria watched as the group in whole snapped to attention. Weapons appeared from bags and were passed around. Her gaze was riveted upon the one called Hunter. He glanced up for a moment and she knew his face just couldn’t place it.

They were like a well trained army putting aside petty differences they moved into action without thought. Perhaps they had a chance after all.

“The second bus should be arriving soon.” Buffy glanced toward Angel glad for the first time that Xander, Dawn, and Giles were on the second plane.

“I will wait for them, won’t be much use for you in a fight.” Gunn appeared at the top of the stairs.

Buffy turned toward Hunter. “Would you mind waiting for the others make sure that everyone is safe?” Buffy asked softly relieved when he nodded.

“Don’t worry I will keep Dawn safe.” Hunter replied softly it was better this way he should be there when the portal opened it would end badly that way.

In less than a minute or two they headed toward the alleyway, and they were quite a sight. Willow, Buffy, Angel, Faith, Conner, Spike, and Illyria led a gang of 25 plus slayers to where the portal first appeared.

“So what came through the first time?” Willow asked Spike softly.

“Dragons, some bitch with green skin, generally anything that might make an appearance in your darkest nightmares came out.” Spike replied.

“My, that was comforting.” Faith replied just as a ripple tore through the very air around them.

“What the hell was that?” Spike growled he hadn’t felt that the first time.”

“Someone else opened the portal this time.” Illyria responded moving toward Spike’s side. “Wolfram and Hart opened it the first time this is something different.”

A low rumbling filled the air and the ground shook slightly as sparks of light appeared in the darkened alley way. Despite being prepared everyone took a step back including Angel and Spike the only one who remained where they were was Illyria.

The sparks began to swirl faster and faster the light they created growing as the vortex began to form it was smaller than before. Once its sides touched the edges of the alleyway it stopped growing its center began swirl.

“I don’t see any Dragons.” V glanced toward the crowd holding her weapon ready. Then the vortex pulsed sending energy flowing down the alley way in a tidal wave.

“Shit.” Faith growled there was no time to run as the wave hit them. Faith landed on her back for a moment it felt like something was crushing her. The pressure was so intense she couldn’t even take a breath. Then the wave of energy back lashed, and Faith was able to take a shaky breath. Glancing around she saw everyone except Illyria had been knocked to the ground.

“What the fuck was that.” Spike managed to sit up Willow was sprawled out along his legs gasping for breath.

“Magic, very powerful Magic,” Willow managed to breathe and struggle up slightly from Spike though it took a moment her body still tingled from where the shockwave had hit her.

Angel glanced up to the portal as a figure appeared out of its brilliance and a ghost from the past emerged. The last time he had seen her alive she had been begging him for her life.

Jenny Calendar came thru the portal landing on her knees the journey had been far from gentle it was like being torn apart then slammed back together. Jenny braced herself on her palms trying to catch her breath.

Illyria’s gaze slid from the woman to the couple coming through the portal next and her gaze focused on the man immediately. Wesley she knew it couldn’t be so because she had held him in her arms pretending to be Fred as his life force slipped away.

“Oh dear,” Wesley gasped, as they stumbled through the portal it had been quite a ride. Anya felt the effects of the portal but not as intently she wasn’t exactly human her gaze focused on the crowd that had obviously been caught in the portals backlash.

Buffy watched as Anya appeared from the portal with Wesley in tow. They were both dead, she knew about Wesley from the call Spike had made too Andrew it was impossible but the thoughts fled instantly as the truly impossible walked through the portal, Tara.

Willow glanced up to see Anya and felt a moment of joy until she realized that Anya was dead, then her heart stopped as another figure appeared. Tara, she was different very different sheared hair that barely brushed her ears and she was very slender very toned, energy crackled around her as it never had before. Then it hit her Tara was dead what the hell was this.

Spike saw Glenda the same moment Willow did and his gaze fell on Anya, then Wesley and the same thought filtered through his head, what the hell.

Angel gaze slid to the figure that emerged next and he knew it was impossible Lindsey was dead. Almost instantly he knew that this wasn’t Lindsey. This man was larger more built and there was an aura around him that crackled with a power that their Lindsey had only dreamed about possessing. Angel felt as if someone had stabbed him in the gut as Cordelia walked through the portal. Like Lindsey she resembled the woman he had known in face only. Utterly toned there was a quality to her movements that were sleek and deadly.

Then a final figure peeled through the brilliance of the portal and for a moment was swallowed in its brilliance as it pulsed then it was simply gone. Angel struggled to his feet staring at the only two in the group who wasn’t a ghost from their past. The young woman holding the child caught his attention immediately and he found himself staring at her quite simply she was beautiful breathtakingly so but there was something about her beyond her looks that caught your attention.

Spike had managed in the few seconds since the portals opening to get up on one knee, noting that everyone was in the same situation except Blue who was standing a few feet ahead of them.

“Blue.” Spike managed getting to his feet. His gaze slid past her, past Glenda or whoever, and fell on a woman holding a child. That seemed odd yet it didn’t the child had a riot of sandy blond curls that seemed untamable. Spike was standing as she moved through the crowd before the others the child being handed off to Lindsey of all people. Something kept his gaze riveted on the girl like she was a prize; he was unaware that Angel was having the same reaction. The girl radiated power not to mention she was drop dead gorgeous.

Cian didn’t have to see that everyone had come out of the portal a little worse for wear her attention was focused on the crowd getting to their feet one couldn’t help but notice all the lovely weapons littering the floor. Glancing around she took in their surrounds it was a pathway between two buildings not the best place for a fight but such a venue could be exploited and give them an advantage.

Cian’s gaze slid to the woman standing before the rest perhaps their leader. Beautiful, blue tinged hair and eyes defiantly not human yet not other either.

“We mean you no harm,” Cian began then she took a good look she knew this creature though not in this form, Illyria. Perhaps this wouldn’t be a better place if this creature was loose how that had happened she wondered. Illyria made the mistake of trying to conquer their world in her campaign across realms only find her defeat within days of her arrival. It was one of the few times the dark and light within their realm had banded together against a common enemy.

Illyria tilted her head to the side, at the girl’s words she could also feel power this girl had power and unlike many she knew how to wield it. Illyria remained where she was placing herself between those at her back and what was coming through the portal. The portal had knocked her back a few steps and as the others hit the ground she had known they would be defenseless. Though that didn’t concern her, Spike was among them and he was her only friend.

Cian glanced at the crowd of people now getting to their feet clutching their weapons, they looked pissed well a few of them looked pissed the others just looked ready to fight. Two people stood out in the crowd and she couldn’t’ help but recognize their faces for they populated some of her worse nightmares. Her mind told her to kill them now, but instincts which she trusted more sometimes focused on the fact that they both possessed their souls, and her mother was human.

A soft voice whispered in her head “These are not your parents though they wear their skin.” Though it was hard she knew it was right. It had been speaking to her since he had come to her as a child. She knew what he was on sight and was not afraid because for all his power he didn’t control her for in the end he was just a power.

“Lindsey.” Cian spoke softly and she felt Lindsey move back behind them moving toward Wesley, if things went bad he would be able to get them out of the way.

Cordy moved to her left flank and let out a warning growl that reverberated down the alley way that of a leopard sharp and she could feel her companion ready to reach for her weapon.

Angel felt a tingle course down his back as Cordelia let out an inhuman growl it sounded familiar but this woman who looked so much like his Cordy obviously wasn’t human. No matter what they looked like these weren’t their old friends.

Buffy couldn’t stop the feeling that was coursing through her she knew this girl, well she didn’t know her but she recognized something about her.

“She’s a Slayer.” Faith breathed softly awareness hitting her like a ton of bricks, as well. They normally didn’t feel it like this so tangible but you could with this girl so potent so strong it was just like when they felt a vampire.

Buffy glanced over at Willow for confirmation only to find her staring hard at the girl who looked exactly like Tara. Moving toward her friend she took the girls hand within her own ignoring the glare Kennedy sent her way. When Willow broke things off with the overbearing Slayer, Buffy had been more than happy to send the sulky girl off to help Faith.

Cian didn’t flinch at the word she hated to be called that because she wasn’t the Slayer her mother had been the Slayer and she was nothing like her mother. Ignoring the old hatred that had almost consumed her she focused on the present refusing to let the past interfere.

It snapped into place the moment Faith spoke the words, she felt different but defiantly Slayer, Spike could defiantly feel that. There was something else only he couldn’t identify it he had felt it before humming just beneath the surface.

Wesley shoved off of Anya and stumbled forward. “Don’t,” he breathed trying to keep the pain at bay knowing the danger if Cian didn’t see. “The doorway must have taken us to an alternate reality you have never met these people.” Wesley glanced out over the crowd and hoped they understood that they had never met any of them even if they looked like someone they knew. Why did they have to end up here where they would be haunted by ghosts of the past?

“I know.” Cian replied softly very aware the crowd could hear every word. Quickly sweeping the crowd she could feel every Slayer it was unnerving and uncomfortable so using her will she locked them out. “As I said before we mean you no harm, it is up to you whether we fight or not.” Cian left it at that.

Lindsey couldn’t stop the smirk that crossed his lips he tossed a glance over at Tara who looked at him and then smiled herself. Cian was a piece of work it was up to them yeah let them think that. He had heard her use that line many times before, and a majority of the time she ended up with a new ally. When it didn’t work and it went bad those who choose to instigate a fight never walked away. Its how she earned the name among his people as the Angel of Destruction, before they joined the council.

“I choose to fight.” Illyria responded to the challenge not intending to start and all out battle. No she had a feeling and wanted to test it out.

“Illyria No,” Angel yelled but he was too late the woman was already in motion.

“Blue, bloody hell,” Spike was to far away to stop her so like the others he stood like and idiot watching her attack.

Cian caught the fist that flew toward her in her palm using it to stop the woman’s motion the leg that had been posed to kick flailed in the air as Illyria was send sliding back along the concrete of the alleyway.

Spike moved forward helping Illyria to her feet his gaze focused on the girl who had barely moved sending the goddess hurtling across the floor toward them.

“Not much of a fight.” Cordy chuckled unable to help herself such arrogance deserved mocking.

Angel glanced toward Spike whose gaze lifted to his own. Neither of them could take out Illyria alone and together they could barely keep up with Illyria. The others had no idea how much power Illyria contained. A silent understanding passed between them as Illyria got to her feet with Spike’s assistance.

“I meant no harm.” Illyria responded her voice though held no humility. How did she explain that she wanted to test the girls power unlike the others she knew they would need allies and this girl would be a terrific ally.

Angel watched as Illyria glanced at the girl then moved back behind Spike.

Cian’s gaze fell on the two vampires, both with glittering shining soul’s equal in their brilliance and good intentions. Cian couldn't gaze at the darker of the two of them for two long so her gaze slid to the fairer of the two she had seen his portrait of course in the halls of the House Aurellis. He was far more attractive in person than in his portrait with his Queen at his side. William had been King before her time Sired by Drake one of the Vampire Council's ruling members. Then her gaze fell on her mother who pulsed with life so very different yet the same.

“We can offer you a place to stay for now.” Angel glanced at the girl knowing she wasn’t looking at him. “The city isn’t safe at night, it will give you time to adjust.”

Wesley moved forward knowing it would be hard for Cian to talk civilly toward the vampire who looked exactly like her father she might even deny their hospitality because of it. They were in no place to turn down such an offer at the moment.

Wesley slid his hand down between them taking hers within his own, giving her a gentle squeeze and for the first time in along time he spoke for his charge. “We would appreciate a place to stay, and rest it has been a long time since we have been able to have a good rest.”

Angel’s gaze swept the familiar faces lingering on Cordelia who glared back something flash behind her eyes it reminded him of something he just couldn’t place it.

Lindsey kept hold of a squirming Mattie who wanted her Cian she kept whispering for him to let her go. Knowing the danger was gone he let loose and she ran directly to Cian squeezing her way between Cian and Wesley glancing up at the two men.

“You’re a vampire.” Mattie stated softly a smile on her face she had seen his picture in Cian’s palace.

“Aren’t you scared of vampires?” Angel asked softly giving the girl a smile.

“No silly,” Mattie shook her head and wrapped herself around Cian’s leg ducking her head shyly.

Cian reached down caressing Mattie’s hair noting the smudges beneath her soft blue eyes. The days activity had drained her greatly lifting her gaze she met the vampire’s dark eyes. “We will accept your hospitality, for now.” Cian replied glancing away from him and turning back toward her group.

Buffy waited until Angel turned back toward the group and away from the new arrivals.

“Is it really a good idea to bring them home with us? How do we know they aren’t all evil?” Buffy asked.

“I am with B they just popped out of that portal we have no idea what they hell they are.” Faith glanced over her shoulder her gaze falling on the girl who seemed to be their leader.

“And not to mention several of them look exactly like friends we have lost that can’t be a coincidence.” Willow cut in her tone harsh.

“So tell me what do you want to do just walk away?” Angel asked glaring at the three girls. “And just to clarify things it’s you are guests in our home.” Angel glanced toward Spike and Illyria who were standing beside him. Growling slightly he took a step closer to the three powerful girls. “You haven’t seen what we are facing we are going to need everyone we can scrape up if we plan to survive.”

Tara watched the group the younger girls had moved to the side and now the older individuals in the group were having an argument.

“What are they saying?” Tara asked glancing over at Lindsey who had picked up Mattie who looked ready to drop.

“Wasn’t listening?” Lindsey replied glancing over at Cordy who raised a brow at them.

“They are fighting over us being invited into the vampire’s home.” Cordy replied dryly moving past them. “They are fighting something, something they hope we can help them fight.” Lindsey rolled his eyes because Cordy wasn’t talking to them anymore.

Cian glanced up from where she was helping Jenny up. “If our roles were reversed wouldn’t we be having the same discussion?” The witch had been affected the worst out of any of them and was still shaking slightly.

“Are you alright?” Cian asked softly Jenny had been with her longer than any of the others. Jenny knew all her dark secrets, so much lay in between them. While Wesley was her watcher Jenny was her guardian.

“I made the mistake of fighting the flow trying to ground myself instead of going with the flow I felt like I was being ripped apart.” Jenny sighed.

“I swear your worse than a kid, can’t you take your own advice you told all of us don’t fight it just let yourself go once you enter the portal.” Wesley sighed shifting himself against Anya his side was extremely sore he just wanted to lie down and rest.

“Can you wait till we reach shelter for relief?” Cian asked softly.

“I can wait.” Jenny smiled through the pain wincing as she was picked up like she weighed nothing. “Funny I used to carry you like this once upon a time.”

Cian smiled. “You never could carry me like this you always used magic.”

Lindsey picked up Mattie and tossed her onto his back. “Do you need help?” Lindsey asked Anya.
“No I’ve got him.” Anya sighed not sure what to think about the events of the day. All she knew was she was going to make sure nothing happened to Wesley because that is what Cian asked her to do.

“Are you ready?” Angel asked his voice carrying though the alleyway.

“As ready as well ever be,” Cordy responded dryly following the group she positioned herself so she was flanking Cian’s left side. Her gaze swept the group ahead of them. They were uneasy she could smell it in the air, and fear.