"I shouldn't have done that, blurting stuff out like that. What was I thinking? No, I know what I was thinking------ That LOSER, Xander Harris, my ex-boyfriend, who I labeled LOSER with a capital L was getting down and dirty first with Angel then my WES." Cordelia was so into her rant she didn't notice Fred blanch over the possessive word of `my' concerning Wes. Fred wrapped her arms around herself tilting her head to the side she quietly inquired, "You like Wesley, our Wesley?"

Cordelia quickly replied, "Yea." She didn't get Fred's meaning for several moments. "You mean like, like---no. We tried that at the prom. It was like kissing my Aunt Mabel." Cordelia smiled as she continued, "But now Xander he's a really good kisser."

Fred pressed on, "Oh, so you want Xander back?"

"What? No! Yes! NO! Don't you get it? Feeling all that sexuality coming from them. I'm just-----just, just so in a mood. Hormones ok. And it's making it difficult to concentrate on anything when they start going at it..AND. I'm so not getting any, ok, so it's easier to get mad and lash out. When I walked in there and they were---I just wanted------"

Cordy never finished her sentence as Fred grabbed her and kissed her hard on the lips. Fred could feel Cordelia freeze and quickly eased back slightly, grateful that Cordelia didn't pull away. Fred waited a moment tasting and savoring Cordelia's breath before she allowed her tongue hesitantly out and licked along Cordy's inner lips until she opened them further.

Fred's tongue gently glided over her teeth exploring the soft crevasse of Cordelia's mouth, and she released a moan when Cordy's tongue brushed up against hers and came out to dance. Each stroke, and caress brought Fred's excitement to new heights. But it was when she felt Cordy forcefully pull her closer, crushing their bodies together aggressively as Cordy's hands wandered down to her ass caressing, pulling her body closer, breasts to breasts, pelvis to pelvis; that Fred was in ecstasy----that her fantasy was finally coming true.

It took several minutes for Cordelia's mind to register that she was being kissed by soft insistent lips; lips that demanded entry that she freely gave as she melted into the embrace. Cordelia enjoyed each touch; caress, every moan, and her body yearned for more so she pulled the luscious lips closer, needing more, but somewhere in the back of her mind it was screaming for her to stop. She was kissing a girl, but not just any girl-but Fred. `Fred-Winifred?' As the name registered in her mind Cordelia forcibly pushed the girl away, but still held her back in arms length, hands on Fred's shoulders as she stared at the vision before her.

Closing her eyes Cordelia bit her lip to concentrate then opened her eyes again. She was amazed at the sight before her. Fred stood there in a daze, her long tresses wildly tousled, glasses tilted, with her lips parted and swollen. Swollen lips she created that silently begged for more as Cordelia watched Fred's breath come in short shallow gasps.

Cordelia's fingers gently caressed Fred's shoulders amazed at the softness of Fred's skin. Intrigued she wondered if Fred's skin was that soft everywhere, and was rocked to her core by the powerful drive to find out. Shaking her head as she bit her lip harder almost drawing blood stopping herself from giving in to the sexual urges she felt. It wasn't right, nor was it fair to Fred.

It was only because of the bond-just like when she walked in on Xander and Wes. She had been angry; angry that she wasn't crushed between them; and then angry with herself because she shouldn't feel that way. She hadn't felt those kinds of feelings for anyone in a long time. With Wes definitely not since the prom, and even then, way before they kissed the attraction wasn't this strong, and certainly not like what she's feeling for Fred.

And Xander, it still had been a lifetime ago, and she'd always hold a special place for him in her heart. But this bond thing was screwing with her head, and other parts of her body. She liked Fred; even before this she was a friend. Fred was weird and strange at times but was still a good friend. This was Fred, and she was a girl. With two boobs, a vagina, with pms once a month, and she, Cordelia Chase, Homecoming Queen, had kissed her for all she was worth and she enjoyed every second.

Cordelia knew she was to blame if she hadn't gone on about her feelings and frustrations and to Fred of all people none of this would have happened. Fred was someone who would and does do anything in her power to help anyone. No, Cordelia was to blame and she continued to condemn herself for taking advantage of Fred. The girl's been alone for the last five years. It just wasn't right, but every fiber of her being wanted the girl. Cordelia blushed at her thoughts then looked away horrified by the intensity of the desire that coursed through her as she tried to regain her composure, and failed as she broke the skin on her lip as she tried to think of some kind of an explanation for her actions.

Slowly as Fred came back from her dazed euphoria, she stood still waiting, hoping that everything would be all right. She watched confused as Cordelia pushed her away, but stayed hopeful since Cordy still held her close and wasn't letting her go as she caressed her shoulders.

But all of Fred's hope washed away as she glimpsed the look of horror cross Cordelia's features and saw the blood appear on her lip as she turned away from Fred. Fred's inner voice screamed, `She hates me-- Doesn't want me, doesn't want me.' Fred pulled and twisted away out of Cordelia's grasp as she started to lose control, and tears threaten to fall as she mumbled backing up a few steps, turned and walked away forcing herself not to run, but walk away as quickly as her legs could carry her.

Cordelia stood there in shock; shock from her behavior, and her feelings. Then pain replaced her shock as she registered what Fred mumbled as she walked away, `sorry'. Cordelia's nails continued to gouge into the her palms of her hands, to equal the intensified pain she felt in her heart.

*************

Willow dropped the box of herbs as her inner warning signals started to go off, and immediately mentally linked to Tara, \Tara, we have company coming. Is Buffy, Spike, or Angel down stairs with you?/

Tara stopped what she was doing, and handed the spatula to Anne as she silently acknowledged Willow, \No, but I'll check down here. I thought Spike was up stairs? Not Mr. Giles then?/

\No, I can sense everyone's signature now. I have since I was first able to read their marks./ Willow countered.

Tara nodded as she continued to mentally talk, \Maybe you should open a link with them through the bond?/

\Good idea, just didn't want to lose our privacy this soon though./ Willow answered as she shoved the box to the side with her foot.

\ I know sweetie, but we would have to do it soon anyways. How close?/ Tara asked as she left the kitchen and made her way to the stairs.

\Three, and they'll come up to the second barrier soon./ Willow replied as she stood at the top of the stairs looking down at Tara. At Tara's nod Willow closed her physical eyes and opened her inner mind's eye to magical properties around her. Willow stared in awe at the mystical presence of the bond that seemed to stretch out everywhere in forms of colorful vines; thick strands joining together creating a visible link fusing together with the force of the bond. Willow noticed one solid, thick strand that seemed to go in every direction. Feeling a pull and strength from it she started to follow it to its source hoping it connected to Angel, or Spike. Willow pushed trying to make a connection until she felt a large barrier. Unable to budge the barrier Willow retreated and started the following next largest strand. Before she could open the link completely a force came up behind her throwing her back, and into another aspect of the mystical realm of the bond effectively trapping her.

Spike came up behind her and demanded, "Bloody hell Red. What are you trying to do besides give me a blasted headache?"

Frozen in place Willow stared blankly, dazed. Tara ran up the stairs, and gently slipped her hand into Willows and squeezed her hand in comfort. Tara answered for Willow, "Spike we have unknown company coming. She was trying to link and communicate that through the bond; like we do."

Spike snickered, "Well don't do that, gave me a bloody headache, bigger than the one I already had." Looking at Tara he saw her concern then turned to Willow and noticed she still hadn't moved, or responded. "She all right?"

Tara closed her eyes trying to talk to Willow through their bond. Opening her eyes, Tara's voice trembled as she answered, "Sp.Spike something's really wrong. I can't reach her-it.it's like she's not here."

Even with his barriers up, Spike could feel the deeper intensity of Tara's love and worry. Spike wasn't sure how he'd done it, but he was pretty sure that push he felt was Willow when she'd tried to connect to him, and his pushing her away had done this.

"Sh.She's still there." Tara swallowed a sob as she looked pleadingly at Spike.

`Fuck!' Gently Spike cupped his hand on the girl's neck making her look at him. His thumb caressed her jaw line as he spoke, "We'll have to go get her. You can do that right?"

Tara turned worried eyes on him, but nodded silently.

Spike leaned forward and placed a small kiss on Tara's forehead, and smiled as he felt her fear start to calm. "You just concentrate on her, and allow me to go with you---ready?"

Tara grasped Spike's hand with her free hand and started to silently chant. Tara opened her eyes staring at the opened vastness of various colorful strands, and under different circumstances she'd be fascinated, but she needed to find Willow now. Tara felt Spike's strong presence and it calmed her down as she focused on Willow and followed the direction of that pulse.

Entering the nexus of the bond, Spike felt an inner strength open; almost a coming home effect as the connection that he had been trying to avoid and block himself away from was completely open to him. Instantly, he knew where Willow was, where he unconsciously placed her, and he no longer needed Tara's help to find her. Spike concentrated on freeing Willow, and in the next moment she was there with them.

Tara hiccupped as she saw and felt Willow in front of her as emotions started to overwhelm her. Spike pushed forward needing to break the reunion as he felt fear from the other connections. Spike asked, "Red?" When she didn't answer Spike yelled, "Willow, get us back now!"

Willow nodded grabbing Tara's hand closing her eyes and concentrated. Moments later they were back still standing at the top of the stairs, but now mentally aware. Several worried people surrounding them at the top of the stairs followed by everyone else standing on, and at the bottom of the stairs.

Before any could say a word a yellow light flashed the area followed by a large buzzing alarm.

"Your warning system, luv?" Spike inquired sarcastically.

Willow nodded, "One of three. The first was silent." Willow pointed up, "This is the second. Ah the third one is the big one-- louder, and red flashing."

Grinning Xander answered before anyone else, "Military, Trek good choice, and it gets everyone's attention."

"Ah excuse me, we can all see and hear that it's doing a good job--- But think you can turn it off now?" Anya asked as she covered her ears against the buzzing alarm.

"Ah right." Willow mumbled a few words and the alarm was effectively turned off.

"Alright--- What's going on Will?" Buffy firmly asked.

"We have company." Willow turned and looked over first at Spike then Angel, "I'd say we have ten, fifteen minutes before we have to deal."

"You're sure its not Gunn and Giles?" Buffy asked.

"It's not, trust me." Willow answered firmly.

"I do." Buffy answered then turned toward Spike and Angel, "How do you want to play it?"

"Slayer defense?" Spike asked his Sire.

Angel smiled at Spike's acknowledgement and nodded.

Buffy raised her brow before asking, "Slayer defense?"

Spike quirked a smile, but stayed silent and allowed Angel to answer.

Angel returned Spike's smile, but quickly turned to answer Buffy and the others who were anxiously waiting for his response. "Yes. Ok, now the tunnels are quicker, but there's a good chance you could run into bigger problems if this is a trap. I think making a run for the vehicles would be the best. Sun will be up soon, and temporarily cloak you in safety. Or at least limit a certain percentage of demons. And give you better odds."

Xander frowned deeply, worried as he addressed Angel, "Aren't you jumping the gun? Wills only said three-right? Shit if we can't take on three vamps or whatever----then tell me why we did all that mojo, Deadboy?"

"He didn't say we were running, but if we can't take them out now we need to buy you some time." Spike quietly answered as he stared intently back at his mate.

Xander stared horrified at Spike's implication and the meaning behind what he said. Just the thought of losing either one of them brought him to a new level of irrational pain. A very slight intake of breathe on Xander's left and he knew Wesley was right beside him, and that he shared the same feelings. Without taking his eyes off Spike, Xander reach down and clasped Wesley's hand in his. Wesley, who in return squeezed Xander's hand offering his comfort and support against their shared pain and worry.

Angel struggled not to go to his mates to comfort them. Ironically it was Angelus that made him stand firm. Angelus wanted to comfort his mates, but protecting them from harm was the bigger priority, and a serious threat was closing in on them. Frustrated and angry that this threat was keeping him from his mates, Angel roared showing his game-face. "Enough! We stop them now---Spike?" Angel turned toward his childe.

Spike glanced once more at both his mates before nodding and acknowledging his Sire and mate. "Yea, Red you come with us we might need the magics."

Willow nodded. Silently, Willow sought out Tara mentally. \You ready for this?/

\About as ready as I can be. What do you want me to do?/ Tara asked, as she squeezed Willow's hand.

\As soon as we walk out the door, do another shield in here-give them time to protect if need be./ Willow fidgeted as she thought of facing this unknown then stopped as she felt Tara's fear.

\Don't sweety. It'll be fine-we'll be fine. I'm just still a little overwhelmed from seeing the intensity of the bond./ Willow turned lifting her hand to gently caress Tara's cheek while the other brushed around Tara's waist pulling her closer.

\Fine I'll stop worrying-once you start focusing. Its because you're not focused that has me worried./ Tara clasped Willow's face in her hands, and gently whispered to her lover's mind. \Focus. Feel my love, my strength. I'll be right beside you here and here./ Tara moved one hand to indicate her heart and mind then delicately dragged fingers over Willow's face in a loving caress before she stepped back forcing her lover back to the present and focus on the unknown danger ahead.

Willow watched Tara step away then smiled as she felt her love and strength fill her. Willow returned to the matters at hand and moved toward Angel as they waited for Spike.

Spike continued addressing the rest of the clan. "The rest of you will stay here. If we tell you to run and hide---don't question, you run!" Spike glared meaningfully at Xander and Wes and clearly saw, and felt their defiance at his demand. Shaking his head, Spike turned to his soldier boy, "You make sure EVERYONE follows my orders, understood?"

Graham stood at attention and gave a slight terse nod at his orders.

Satisfied, Spike moved toward Angel, who was still fighting the longing to be in their mates' arms. "Sire?" Spike asked softly so only his Sire could hear him.

Nodding. Angel closed his eyes and turned away to follow Spike and Willow as they headed toward the door. Buffy moved to follow them, but was stopped by Angel. "No, you stay here. You're job is to protect them--------"

Angel didn't say it, but Buffy could hear the silent demand `WITH YOUR LIFE'. The insinuation alone pissed her off. She was the slayer; it was her job, her destiny to fight and protect. They were her friends, her family but what she might have felt before the bond didn't compare to what she felt now. Now she could only silently agree with Angel to secure the family was the priority. With a driving force she felt an intense need to protect all of them with everything she had, including her life without question. Deciding to deal with Angel later Buffy nodded her consent, and watched as Angel, Spike, and Willow left the mansion to face their unknown threat.

Willow led the way down the steps and felt a light whisper of Tara's chant, as she placed an additional barrier around the walls of the mansion.

"How soon Red?" Spike asked tersely.

"If we waited? Another ten minutes or so, but I suggest we greet our guests and not wait for them." Willow stated, as the black pupil's of her eyes got larger by the second.

"Agreed." Spike answered, as he and Angel walked ahead. Willow walked slightly behind them gathering power as the wind whipped around her body.

Without looking over Spike whispered, "Angelus?"

"We're one Spike------- but aye boy." Angel answered. Noticing that Willow paused, Angel and Spike stopped and concentrated on the surrounding area. They watched as Willow walked passed them then stopped again. Even without the evidence of her eyes solid black and her hair whipping slightly around her, Angel knew, Willow radiated more power than from any other human he had ever encountered in two-hundred plus years.

"We cross here and we leave the protective barriers Tara and I created." Without waiting she crossed through the invisible energy field and continued on down the road as Angel and Spike followed her. "Around the corner. They're moving slow. Three are coming, but I can feel others. Watching us---in the shadows."

Spike fished a fag from his pocket, and lit it. The cherry end glowed as he took a deep drag. Spike spoke quietly, "Been here luv since we got here. Could feel them."

Anger flared within Willow, "Why didn't you say? I should have known."

"Will?" Angel reprimanded under his breath for Spike's ears only.

"Right. Ah no Red you're doing right--- got big enough job with the mojo. They're mostly fledges. They're not close enough for any harm, and with the sun going to rise soon. They're just watching---something we could sense. Probably waiting for Cain to decide whose side they're going to back."

Willow smirked at Spike's comments, "We'll talk about that later. They're coming-----one, one's shielded. There's something-----the other two are close, but..."

Willow closed her eyes and concentrated, feeling herself lift out and above of her physical body. She needed to see the approaching figures. As the three figures walked along, two were huddled close together. Immediately the most distinguishing thing was two of them were marked. One was washed in gold, of Angel's mark, and another who walked slightly ahead was heavily marked in purple Spike's mark, but it appeared to be in tatters. Shredded, cut and ripped through like someone tried to destroy the mark. A mark that was invisible to the naked eye, and only visible through magic. Upon closer inspection Willow noticed each figure was battered and worn as they limped along. From her vantage point and the darkness she couldn't tell if the two following slightly behind the one carrying Spike's mark if one was being carried by, or maybe one was dragging the other. But it was the third that walked just ahead of them that had her worried. Besides Spike's torn mark it was as if this creature wore a cloak of magic. The small bald figure also walked hunched over in an odd angle even from her viewpoint as they stumbled, weaving forward. Just before they reached the corner, Willow descended back into her body.

Grinning Willow gasped, "Wow." At the sound of a growl Willow grimaced, "Right, they're coming now, and two of them carry your marks-one is Angel's on the back left, and the one, in front, carries Spike's mark. Don't do anything yet. I'm worried about the one in front. Whoever they are they're heavily cloaked in magic." Briefly touching Angel and Spike, Willow added an extra layer of protective shielding around the vampires to use against whatever magics the bald creature might have.

Stepping forward Willow faced the mouth opening of the street just as the small group appeared. Willow winced as she heard the rumbling from the vampires behind her, and knew both were now in game-face growling at the approaching trio in anticipation of a battle.

*****
Part 28:

"What do we do now? I mean will we have to run?" Parker asked as he shifted from one foot to the other.

Xander turned and glared at the man coldly stating, "We are not running anywhere."

Buffy looked over at Xander then back at Parker and the others, "We're not going to do anything unless we get a signal. We came here to have a better foothold in making our stand."

"So we just sit here waiting to be picked off?" Scott ranted as he started pacing.

Buffy looked over at Scott and wanted to be angry about his ranting, but as she watched him she could not only see, but also feel how scared he was. And as those feelings coursed through her they only increased her own guilt. Scott wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her, and though she couldn't do anything to change that she could at least give him the freedom of his anger.

"Stop it!" Tara demanded as she looked around the room, and addressed everyone. "We need to work together instead of feeding off each other's emotions and fears, and that's in a literal sense. To a degree we really are feeling each other's emotions. Xander and Wesley's emotional turmoil are bad enough. But we're feeding off of them, all our anxiety, fears," Tara paused, making her point as she looked at Buffy, "and guilt. If we continue you won't have to wait for an outside enemy to destroy us, we'll do it ourselves."

"Ok, well, what do we do then?" Anne asked.

"At the moment there's nothing anyone can do except wait---So I suggest everyone go back to doing what they were doing before hand. Anne, please take over the cooking. I need to stay here and concentrate on my connection with Willow."

Tara watched as everyone moved back to where they were before the alarm sounded, everyone except Xander and Wesley. Together they stood close bodies just touching as they faced the front door hand in hand, each sending out waves of anxiety. There was nothing she could do to ease their minds. Tara tried to ignore their presence and the emotions of fear, concern, and pain at being left behind, all which were pushing against the edge of her shields. Closing her eyes, Tara concentrated on Willow and the events that were unfolding.

**********

As they moved closer the one cloaked in magic stopped allowing the two behind to move forward. Limping together they came out of the shadows enough that Willow realized they were young women. The one that moved forward slightly toward Angel and Willow's left was washed in Angel's mark; she had eased the other one tightly behind her before looking up and addressing Willow.

"Hey Red, B send you with a welcoming committee?" Faith rasped out in an uneven voice.

"Faith?" Willow questioned surprised because the girl she was staring at didn't resemble the rogue slayer she once remembered at all.

"Yeah. Think you can call off your vamp dogs now? Cause to be honest I think my dance card is too full for any all out slayage." Faith's chuckle died flat in her throat as she tried to stand straighter, but Willow was closer now and could see her effort was strained.

"Faith what happened?" Willow probed forcing herself to stand still until they found out about the other two.

"Thought maybe you could tell me Red. Been running since a Vamp Bitch with all her minions decided to hunt a caged slayer---me. Luckily I decided to get un-caged, if you know what I mean. Been making my way here since---you pull some kind of mojo to make me do that?"

Willow felt Angel move beside her and knew he was still in game-face as he asked, "Why do you ask?"

"Angel? ---Or is it Angelus?" Faith wearily asked as she mentally and physically shook herself alert and stood ridged ready to fight. "Is that why B isn't here, you lose that soul again?"

Angel laughed, "Aye, you're half right. It's so interesting you're always eager to have Angelus. Can't say I feel exactly the same."

"You know your timing sucks if you went all evil on me, Red." Faith stated without taking her focus off of Angelus.

Willow ignored Faith and addressed Angel, "Angel, Faith has your mark."

"I know, but who are the others?" Angel asked and turned his eyes toward the one who hovered closely behind the slayer and the other one who stood further behind Faith and her companion.

Spike walked up leaning slightly forward and sniffed in direction of Faith and the slight form cowering behind the slayer, "Chit huddled behind her is human."

Willow saw the third figure move. Still slumped over slightly weaving as they stepped backward. Willow quickly raised a hand and enchanted a few words where a mist quickly swirled around Faith and her companion and disappeared as quickly as it was formed. "They're clean of magic."

Both Angel and Spike moved forward grabbing Faith and the other girl and pushed them behind them as they turned facing the third figure.

Faith barely had time to think as she was pushed behind Angel, "What the hell?"

Angel edged forward watching the bald one stumble backward again and snared, "Vampire, a minion."

"Yeah, but they're still cloaked in magic, so don't do anything. It's something around his neck." Willow answered as she tried to get a clearer view of the necklaces around his neck.

"Wait what are you doing?" Faith demanded as she tried to push forward.

"Thought you where the slayer who didn't befriend vampires." Spike snared at Faith who now stood beside him.

"Trust me blondie I don't!" Inclining her head to the side indicting the bald guy, "Except those who rescue my ass." Faith started to walk ahead to help the stumbling bald vampire who was walking toward her.

Angel grasped Faith's arm and held her tight. "No, there's something wrong with that one."

"Fuck off Angel! He helped me get here alive the least I can.." Faith was cut off when the guy, a minion vampire she tried to save started to laugh with high pitch hiccupping belly laughter calling Angel's name in-between their laughter. "It is him, it's true---An---Angel" Smelling the truth of his own statement, he muttered, "I made it I did, I did, I can die soon."

The laughter died as the vampire stepped back and knelt down and started to take off each necklace. Each necklace was long and thick as he laid them down in a presentation for Angel. Words were spoken softly, but each word was clearly heard in the still night. "Tributes in honor of your bond, from your brother, Master Cain." After he bowed the vampire started to crawl away from the necklaces. It was then Willow was able to see the cloak of magic remain with the necklaces and not with the crawling figure, and only the torn remains of Spike's mark could be seen.

"It's the necklaces, they hold the magic." Willow whispered as she tried to shield them from the necklaces, but something in the magic was blocking her attempts.

When Angel heard Cain's name his growl deepened. Though as each necklace was presented an instinct started crawling at his insides calling to his demon. Moving forward Angel ignored both Willow and Spike as he swiftly moved toward the necklaces unable to stop himself, from the magical pull they presented. Dropping to the ground Angel reached for the first necklace and instantly knew exactly what it was, or rather who it was.

A horrific cry escaped Angel's lips as he saw and felt Kate's death. The necklace was soaked in her blood and dried in the fabric. Her skin and various entrails sewn and weaved throughout the necklace. Visions flashed in his mind as he saw the rapes she endured, her body slowly flayed while she was burned and tortured to death.

With a shaking hand Angel grasped the other necklaces, he had to know the others Cain killed in his sick tribute. Their tortured faces swam in front of him. Innocent souls, who were tortured and condemned to death with their only crime was because they knew him. Angel screamed ashamed they were made to suffer in his name, Angelus screamed over his lost marked clan. David was an innocent sweet annoying computer geek who only wanted to be needed and to have friends. Kate, who hated and despised him and his kind sadly, was cursed because of him to die from the very beings she hated. And Lilah, not an innocent, but even she didn't deserve such a slow torturous death. Then sweet Virginia, who befriended Wesley, Wes his mate---Wes cared deeply for the young woman. Sweet memories flooded his system. Memories of Wes and Virginia together their sweetness, their kisses were quickly replaced by the torturous pain she endured.

Angel, experienced each torture, rape and death of each he had marked, but it was intensified as he felt the care and sweetness Wesley had felt for Virginia and the pain he knew Wes would feel. Just the possible thought of his mate's pain crippled Angel. As instantaneous as he thought it Angel could feel his mate's pain, all of his clan as it echoed through the bond and vibrated in his mind replaying the torturous visions over and over again.

Spike fell roaring at his Sire, his mate, succumbing to the blast of pain he felt through their link. Spike wanted to stop it, block Angel from feeding his pain through the link, but it was too much and he was too weak to fight the magic as it increased the pain ten-fold. Spike briefly thought of the others, and used the last of his strength to block the full intensity of what he was feeling.

"What the FUCK!!!" Faith exclaimed nervously as she watched Angel fall, seconds later Blondie was withering in pain. Faith turned toward Willow who was now kneeling on the ground holding up both her hands like she was warding off something. Willow's face was stoic in concentration, but it didn't stop the tears from falling freely.

Faith's slayer sense intensified as fear and pain crept through her. Pain that she knew instinctively was directly from Angel, just like she knew that Red was doing something to protect her. But she didn't know what to do, but she had to do something because those watching from the dark were easing their way closer; like cats getting ready to pounce on their prey. Except this time they were the prey. Faith's fierce need to protect them coursed through her veins, energizing the exhausted slayer.

Faith dragged Spike over to Willow and was about to get Angel who was a couple of feet away.

"NO!" Willow screamed.

"Magic. in the necklaces. DON'T! .Touch them. I can't hold on long." Willow rasped in-between sobs.

"Red, ..Willow I don't know what to do. I won't be able to fight them all." Faith turned staring out into the darkness as she heard the snickering and rustling as they moved closer.

"Doesn't mean I won't take most of you fuckers!" Faith screamed out louder than she intended. Walking just behind a fallen Angel she grasped the bald guy who started all this. "You little fuck, you set me up? And, that means your dust!"

Something made Faith hesitate. Normally she wouldn't give anyone a chance after everything that went down, but less than an hour ago he did save her and Mouse's life. None of this made sense, but Faith's instinct was yelling to give him a chance. She roughly manhandled and shook the body drawing it closer to her. In doing so she saw the scars over his face. Thin lines were cut and burned into the skin, his baldness wasn't natural, but was painfully created as Faith noticed the cuts gouged into his skull. But it was staring into his sorrowful blue eyes that Faith was hit with a big realization, he wasn't a he. She had no time with guessing, he/she didn't seem to have much for breasts as Faith pressed him flush against her body. Reaching down with one hand Faith firmly cupped his crotch, or hers, as she felt no male equipment. Easing her grip away, Faith really looked at the tortured figure in front of her.

"You're a woman?" Faith questioned meeting the pained eyes.

"I'm a thing now, a nothing. Please kill me." She begged in a hysterical voice.

Pulling her close Faith eyed her sensing the vampire's pain, "You saved us before. Help me now against them" Faith indicated the vamps that were inching closer, "and I promise to dust your ass!"

The girl nodded, "I'll help you--- protect Sp----you. Then you'll keep your promise?"

Faith eyed her again before making her final decision. Nodding, Faith handed her a stake, then turned toward Mouse pushing the girl to the other side, and shoved two stakes in the girl's hands. Faith paused a moment whispering something in Mouse's ear that left her in a fierce fighting stance. Faith returned to her guard point as they now made a triangle protecting the other three inside the perimeter.

Time slowed as minutes, and seconds spread out feeling like an eternity as each rustling sound was pronounced as they came closer. Out of the corner of her eye Faith saw a few minions edging out of the darkness knowing their time had run out.

***********

No one knew what to do as then they saw Xander and Wesley fall withering in pain, but it didn't take long to know what it was from as they all succumbed to the pain leaving them vulnerable. Buffy tried to help Tara as she was kneeling on the floor. "Tara?" Buffy moved to help her. "No, need to help Willow---stay protect the others."

Buffy watched helplessly as Tara fell into a trance. Xander and Wesley seemed to be taking the worse of it, but everyone was affected holding themselves like they were in pain, crying in grief. Buffy felt it, but her overriding feelings were to protect her family. An added energy and urgency filled her as she felt an unknown connection nearby that made her smile. With an added strength, Buffy was able to gather everyone else watching as they naturally started to huddle close together seeking comfort from each other. Only a few didn't join the others: Graham, and then Lindsey who didn't go anywhere without Graham, Anne, and Oz who surprisingly left Devon's side.

Buffy didn't question it but silently gave each a different direction. Buffy took the north and stood beside Tara. Oz stood toward the east with the sofa holding his mate directly behind him. Graham stood to the south and the back door with Lindsey at his back, and last was Anne. Anne stood toward the west; ready and poised holding a stick that once was the handle of a broom as they formed a protective circle around their family. Buffy turned around and eyed each who stood ready to fight. Each held their post even as their bodies twitched in agonizing pain and silent tears could be seen. The only signs that they were just as effected as the others; turning back Buffy did the only thing she could do--- wait. Wait for the battle to begin.

***********

Faith didn't have time to react as a flood of light blinded her, and only the sound of screeching tires halting in front of her made her smile.

She didn't have to see it, but she could feel it, and her smile widened as a voice confirmed it. "Seems you're in need some assistance?" A man called out as she heard a car door open.

Faith opened her eyes blinking several times accustoming herself to the bright headlights. As her eyes became accustomed she found herself staring at an older man making a move toward Willow.

"Whoa hold it right there. Think I need to know who you are first." Faith demanded.

"Young lady should I leave you and your group here for those," he pointed back out in the darkness; "to finish as an early morning snack?" he finished with a sneer.

"You know I don't like your tone." Faith grabbed the man by the shirt and started to lift him off his feet, "And I have to tell you I'm not in the mood to do sweet and nice, or even be polite in any shape or form. Now who the fuck, are you?" Faith held her grip on the man but let him back down on his feet.

"Faith.. Faith?" A quiet voice asked making her turn toward the sound.

Squinting, Faith finally placed the voice with the face, "Giles?" Faith watched a very badly bruised Giles open the door to get out of the car with some effort. Just past him she could see one man slumped over or passed out in the backseat, and another one slouched over in the front seat beside the driver. The driver was a woman who sat watching Giles' every move very carefully.

"Yes. Faith, you can put him down now. For the moment he's trying to help. Though Ethan I suggest you behave, Faith's a slayer if you haven't guessed." Giles held on to the car door as he tried to stand.

"Olivia, watch over Gunn and Owen, and please keep the car running." Giles called out as he straightened up to face Faith.

"Planned on it." Olivia announced as she silently got out of the car to help Rupert.

Olivia looked over to Ethan and couldn't help but smile as this smaller girl put him down. Looking at Giles she waited and watched as he made one step forward. She knew without his glasses everything was a blur and was concerned that he would injure himself more.

"Arghm, You're a slayer---interesting. A bit different than your counterpart." Ethan choked out before turning toward Giles and saw Olivia's worried look. Nodding his head to her silent question he made his way over to his Rupert, "Rupert, if you destroy all my hard work." Ethan smoothed his shirt back in place, and smiled gently at Olivia so she wouldn't have to worry that he could take care of Rupert's ruffled feathers.

Olivia sat back in the driver's seat waiting so that they could leave. Giles waved him away, but Ethan ignored him and stood by his side anyways holding his elbow to gently guide him toward the slayer. "No, I'm ok. Faith what happened who's hurt?"

"Can't you see?" Faith exclaimed worriedly.

"I'm fine, my glasses were smashed. Now what happened?" Giles asked as he allowed Ethan to guide him over to Faith.

Seeing the older watcher anchored Faith in her abilities as slayer along with her commitment to duty. "I don't know. I was making my way here. Red, Angel and Spike were the welcoming committee. Then she," Faith pointed to the bald scarred girl, "well she saved my ass earlier tonight. She was wearing those earlier--the necklaces," Faith pointed toward the necklaces that Angel still held as his prone body quivered in a dance of pain. "Once he touched them everything started going wacky. Red said she saw the magic, but Angel didn't listen. Then when he touched them the pain started, Spike and Red soon followed. She said she was trying to hold the force back from the others---I can feel it, but it was more important to try and protect them."

"But they didn't have any effect on you earlier?" Ethan inquired.

"Huh?" Faith asked.

"The necklaces? You said she helped you earlier. I presume she was in possession of them earlier?" Ethan asked impatiently.

"Yeah, she had them. Like I said, she helped me with Mouse earlier against a bunch of other vamps-which was kinda surprising cause she's a vamp-but hell it's not something I'm gonna question when someone's saving my ass! When we got here, she took them off one by one then said a few words, but it didn't sound like a spell-you know. Then wham. Pretty powerful stuff to take Angel down."

"A vampire helping a slayer? Interesting. You said she, where is she?" Giles asked.

Faith moved to get the girl. "Ethan how much time do we have?" Giles whispered.

"Not enough." Ethan muttered back.

"Fine. How's Willow?" Giles asked as he threaded his hand through his hair.

"In a deep trance. I don't want to do anything until we know what kind of spell was used." Giles nodded his agreement. Giles' head came up as he heard Ethan's involuntary intake of breath, but the only thing he could see was three fuzzy figures beside Ethan's taller figure.

Ethan couldn't help but openly stare at the hideous mutilation of this creature before him, and the realization that even as a vampire this creature survived such torture left him with a cold shiver of dread. Ethan knew that even vampires who loved their violent, torturous play would dust such a creature, or the vampires themselves would await the sun. Yet here stood such a vampire creature.

At the silence Giles interrupted their thoughts, "Ethan, Faith?" They both mentally shook themselves, tearing their eyes away from the creature's face after having a closer look at the pitiful creature in the light of the car's headlights.

"Yeah, sorry Rupert we're here." Giles nodded at Ethan voice.

"All right, and." Giles waited.

"To your right is Mouse she came with me. Lately she doesn't speak. Me, I'm across from you." Faith gently picked up his hand, and slid another hand in his. "And this is----actually I don't know your name."

Giles felt the hand, a small delicate hand of a woman. But this woman was a vampire as the coolness of her skin chilled him further. Giles felt her hesitation and the trembling of her body. He didn't know what the problem was, but did what his up bringing dictated and gently squeezed her hand in comfort.

Faith looked at the girl and saw the worry and fear there. "I'll keep that promise."

At the slayer's promise she nodded then looked up at the man she recognized who held her hand so tenderly hoping he wouldn't remember her. Clearing her voice she timidly spoke, "Harm---Harmony."

Giles closed his eyes and nodded as his mind filled with the memory of the beautiful young blond woman as he last saw her. With a smile Giles asked, "Harmony, yes I remember. I'm sorry, but we do need to hurry. Do you know the spell that was used?"

Harmony shook her head then belatedly realized he couldn't see it, "No, but it was the necklaces they kept me going, Ca---Cain knew I was compelled to find Spike-the necklaces forced me not to stray, but to find Spike and Angel, to bring the tributes and deliver them. They were made of the others though. He said it was Angelus' gift one that could travel the bond, and leave a lasting taste-------- He laughed at everything they did to us----the sounds, the pain, it was----" Her voice trailed trembling in the sorrow of pain she remembered.

Ethan had a feeling he knew what happened and grabbed her shoulders, "Made of the others, made how?"

Harmony gazed up with unseeing eyes.

"Ethan we have to get those necklaces away from Angel." Giles answered anxiously.

Ethan nodded and started mumbling some words as he crept toward the fallen man with the necklaces still clutched in his hand. Ethan reached inside his pocket pulling out a cross as he crouched down beside the fallen souled vampire. With a final incantation Ethan reached forward grabbing the vampire's wrist that held the necklaces turning it he forced the cross down on to the wrist holding it in place as Angel's wrist started to smoke.

Ethan barely heard the commotion from the others who watched as he concentrated using Chaos' power to flow through him as he held the vampire in place. Angel, opened his eyes growling as his demon came to the fore to stop the burning. Ethan continued chanting as he came face to face with the demon knowing if it didn't happen now he was lost as the vampire leaned forward to attack.

The next thing Ethan knew he was lifted off the ground as he was held by the neck; it was then Ethan noticed the vampire had opened his palm and let the necklaces go. Using both hands Ethan struggled in vein to pry the fingers away from his windpipe so he could utter the last words that would destroy the necklaces and their power over them.

It was then he heard them spoken loudly by the witch, "Antermay, certatane raymurose!"

A moment later the wind blew the ashes of what was left of the necklaces and he was unceremoniously dropped.

Angel lay on the ground screaming his rage as he felt his marked ones ripped from his being as if they never were. Cool arms of his childe surrounded him pulling him into an embrace as they cried out their grief.

"We've got to get out of here---then you can tell me what the hell just happened!" Faith walked over to help the man, Ethan, who was still on his knees gasping for breath.

"She's right we have to go now!" Willow exclaimed. "Get in or on the car, NOW!"

Faith took Willow's words seriously as she pulled Ethan to his feet with one hand and grabbed Mouse with the other hauling them both into the vehicle. Faith pointed to the vampire creature, "You're coming with us. Stand with the door open-back right door, and hang on." Turning toward Giles she quickly guided him back to the car, "Get in the backseat sit on Ethan's lap I don't care."

Worriedly Faith looked at the two grieving vampires. "Red what do we do about them?"

Willow glanced at them then quickly dismissed them as her eyes went black, "They'll be joining us in just a minute. Ride on the right front door and Faith---hang on." Willow looked at the driver, "Ready? I'll be helping you just steer and hang on." Olivia mutely nodded not sure what was as going to happen, but she couldn't wait to get out of here.

Willow stared back at the vampires and chanted a few words that would fill their minds with thoughts of their mates, increasing the need to see them, be with, and protect them now. Just as Willow finished the incantation she stepped on the inside door's runner and watched as Angel and Spike growled. Both were obsessed with a need to see and be with Xander and Wesley and followed Willow's example with the back door.

Willow hated to manipulate them, but they had no choice, plus she knew Xander and Wes were just as desperate to be with their mates. If she and Tara weren't blocking some of the bond magically they'd feel it for themselves. As soon as they stepped up she yelled, "Hang on!" And all of a sudden the car took off followed by the rustling sounds of dozens of demons looking for bounty as they rushed the area the vampire-human clan just narrowly escaped.

*****

Amber, Cain's eldest daughter was thrilled. Excitement pounded through her small frame as she made her way to where Te, her sister was being punished. The scents of Father's fresh kill and illicit games had enticed her to play with him, but he dismissed her leaving her to find her own games to play. With Father's permission she was allowed to retrieve Te, she was sure between the two of them they would be able to find some wonderful creative outlets that would satisfy her needs.

**************

Amber walked into the minions' play area and slowly walked around the center table, to the beautiful, bloody, worn and abused body of her baby sister, Te. She was strapped down on her back as a minion pounded into her flesh, fucking Te hard and ignoring both the body beneath him and Amber's presence as she watched.

A minion, Ronald, knew when the Lady Amber entered the chamber, and was filled with pride that she was watching as he gave Te her punishment just as the Master had ordered. Several higher ups had come to see the Lady Te brought down a few notches, but none as high as the Master's favorite childe. Ronald concentrated as she walked around, watching, judging the degree of punishment he gave. He remembered hearing the scorn Lady Amber had for Te; remembering it he believed she had come to enjoy in the sport of abusing, torturing Te. His excitement soared as Lady Amber approached, and he drilled his hard shaft harder into the body, hoping he'd get a chance to repeat this with Lady Amber.

The minion was close to the peak of his pleasure, lapsing into human habits by breathing heavily. The young demon was ready to growl his climax, when Amber walked closer inspecting the young demon's performance. Snaking her hand between the two bodies she waited until he lifted his cock out on the upward stroke. Quickly she grabbed his cock holding him in place not allowing him to plunge back down into Te's abused body.

Ronald turned to question the Lady's intentions, and it was at that moment, as he felt the stake enter his heart, that he realized how greatly he had miscalculated the situation.

As the dust settled, Amber gently brushed away what was left of the minion from Te's body. Turning away from her sister, she searched the room noticing a hose she could use to clean away the blood and nasty bits down the floor drain. Returning with the hose, she applied the water pressure over Te's body washing away the blood, semen and dirty filth that the minions had kept her in.

Once Te's body was washed Amber scooped up her sister's naked form and made their way toward her own chambers. "Bring me three humans of good health and size, and call one of the witches. I need some healing salve."

A few minions who had followed behind their Mistress ran to collect the humans she had ordered.

Te's bruised and torn body was still in the memory of her attackers and whimpered as her body was jolted into a different position as Amber laid her out on the bed. "Shhhhhhh, sweetheart I have you now. I'll take care of you sweet Te, my Te. Shhhhhhhhhh, baby, shhhhhh." Amber cooed at the young body as she licked her wounds trying to heal what she could.

***********

Cain's witch, Sarah watched the still even breaths of her mate Ariel as she laid in an unconscious heap, and the words from an old the song, `Fool For Love' plagued her mind. That's exactly how she felt ----a FOOL. It was something she fought her whole life against, and had taken her years of work to overcome.

Though her achievement of certain levels of magics helped to dispel those old insecurities, she still had them. With her stern quiet individualism she became the wicked shining jewel amongst her family: the youngest to survive the various trials of magics, and her devout love to the one true Dark Lord as she pledged herself to the him, and answered Master Cain's call to serve him in the Dark Lord's name.

A chance meeting with Ariel, she truly believed was a divine gift from the Dark Lord for all her faithful work. But now she could see that Ariel was really her downfall.

The back of Sarah's fingers caressed Ariel's cheek before she stood and paced the room. Looking at her mate, she didn't stop loving her. No, in fact, the opposite was true. For the first time she saw herself and Ariel with a new insight and clarity; including her own narcissism because outside of slight body size, height and temperament Ariel could be her mirrored twin.

Now after years of dedication to Cain, her Master, she was now willingly ready to play a heavy hand in bringing down her Master's defeat. None of it mattered, only their own lives, and if she did nothing it would effectively forfeit both their lives. And that was something she wasn't willing to give away without a fight.

Sarah had no choice; she needed to protect Ariel and herself from the Master. Once the Master found out that not only was Riley Finn alive, but also he was here; a thrall to Nicholas' new childe there would never be a place they could hide without the Master extracting his revenge. And since she was a major component in helping him extract revenge on others, she knew exactly what lengths he'd go.

A bell sounded at her door. Leaving Ariel magically cloaked for protection, Sarah answered staring at the minion who had disturbed her. Annoyed Sarah rattled the minion's cage in fright as she created electrical energy sparks around her, "What is it?"

The startled minion croaked out an answer, "Mistress Amber requests your presence to heal Lady Te. The Master has released her."

"I see." Sarah closed her eyes trying to calm her slight attack of nerves. A minion would never be able to detect the flaws of her body as raw nerves danced under her skin as her blood flow increased. Over the years she had learned to control various human body functions, or to mask them as she was doing now. But childer were more powerful, and these childer knew her, and her different levels of anxiety. Sarah briefly contemplated her refusal, but knew that would only put her under suspicion that much sooner.

As the minion waited, without warning Sarah was jerked forward as a power surge shook her. The minion stared as the witch lurched forward and nervously asked, "Are you alright?"

Sarah closed her eyes, jolting as she felt the magic that was surrounding the Master tributes forcibly broken. Though Cain would be upset, it was perfect timing for her. Once she told Amber of this she won't question about her anxiety. Hiding her smile Sarah allowed small bits of her nerves to flow that even the minion could detect something.

With one last glance at her mate, she nodded, "I'm fine." Turning toward the far wall Sarah quickly grabbed a few herbs and salves for treating Lady Te. "I will treat Lady Te then see the Master. Inform Master Cain of my request in case he is preoccupied."

The minion nodded his understanding and stepped out of the witch's way as Sarah locked the door behind her and they headed toward Mistress Amber's chamber.

************

Though a large giant, and Cain's enforcer, Elliot sat scrunched into a dark corner with his knees pressed tightly under his chin as he rocked with distress over his actions. He had almost killed one of her kin, his kin, a pack brother. She had lived and he betrayed her. How? Why, screamed into his mind as memories that laid long forgotten filled his mind.

((((Flash back)))

Elliot stood holding a huge pole, the center pole for the circus top that stood only several feet taller than his own seven- foot frame. Around him several other men worked the rigging of the top tent securing their end before handing him cables to pass on to Sammy, the small man, who hung on near the top of the pole attaching cables to the eyehooks at the top center of the pole. As each cable was attached two to three men held a cable waiting for the small man to shimmy down and the giant to insert the pole down the shaft crank securing the skeleton of the tent.

Sweat poured down the giant's chest and arms as he finished his task. With each cable now secure they were able to sheath the canvas shell of the tent. Once this was complete and the morning sun no longer beat on the workers they started the machine that cranked the tent higher by five feet. Now leaving plenty of room for: Miriam who walked the tight rope, and the Giapettli family of trapezes artists.

Sammy, who had attached the upper cables, and stood at four feet, tapped his knee. "Hey, woofy, how's the weather up there?" Elliot smiled at the teasing.

Sammy held out a towel for his friend to wipe away the sweat. "Listen Sally made you lunch so you better clean up, and change so you're not late. You know how she hates that." Elliot nodded that he understood, and took the towel Sammy offered.

"Ok, Sammy." And started wiping himself to put his shirt back on; then ran to bathe, and change. Sammy wasn't like him; everyone thought he was a freak. Though his stature was very short for a man, Sammy still wasn't considered a freak like Elliot, or as the dwarfs were. It also helped that he was famous though only briefly as a jockey before an injury claimed his career. Now he worked and made his home beside Elliot in the life of the circus.

The circus was a place Elliot considered to be his salvation. A place where he was needed, had friends, where he was safe. It was a home with family, and was very different from the first half of his life.

In that first half of his existence, he had known only torture from the time he was born to when his mother had abandoned him. Later he was told the records showed he was found on the grounds of White Crest's mental institution. White Crest had declared Elliot an imbecile, but because of his unique feature of already standing at four and half feet, they took the abandoned three-year-old in. Most of that time, Elliot had blocked out of his memory. Some nights the giant could be found tossing and crying trying to hide from nightmares of the various tortures he had endured. The scars on his face and body gave testimony to the hideous past he had survived.

As Elliot got older, White Crest decided he needed to earn his keep and hired him out utilizing his physical strength in trade for physical labor. At twelve, Elliot stood taller than most men just under six feet and was a robust young man just less than two hundred pounds. Even at two hundred pounds Elliot was still very lean not much more than skin and bones stretched over his muscle mass.

One day, by chance, on one of those outings, Elliot was spotted. Lord Dragon, owner of the Dragon traveling circus, saw clearly the abuse, but he also saw the potential of the boy with such strength. Negotiations were entered into, and the next day Elliot was essentially sold to Lord Dragon.

That was the beginning of Elliot's life as he was enfolded into a family. It was shortly discovered even though Elliot was very child like he had the ability to learn and craved any positive attention. The matriarch of his new unique family, Sally, took a special interest in Elliot, nurturing his tortured soul, loving the boy as only a mother could.

Today's lunch proved to be an event as Sally informed him she wanted to adopt him into her family, and be a real mother to him. She had wanted to do this earlier, but felt it was only proper Elliot know exactly what it would mean, and the different cycles it would take to form this new relationship.

The first cycle was just after his fifteenth birthday, and the dawn of that first moon, that Sally entrusted him with her true secret, that she was a werewolf and the last of her pack until him. He made her want to search out others again, find a mate and be a mother. Things that she had given up on after she lost her family, her pack to hunters. Years she tried to find others, but so far hadn't found anyone. After joining the traveling circus she had given up until meeting Elliot. Elliot brought all her maternal instincts to the surface.

Later that night in a large clearing away from civilization Elliot watched, amazed as his adopted mother changed into a large she wolf. She ran and pranced at Elliot's delight as he clapped in encouragement of the large wolf's antics. Slowly she wound down, and sat waiting for Elliot to join her. As Elliot sat, Sally climbed into her son's lap resting her head as he patted and soothed down her coat. At morning light, Elliot was startled to see his naked mother in his lap, and quickly clamped a hand over his eyes. At Elliot's movement, Sally woke, smiling at her new son. Quickly she left his lap and retrieved the smock dress she had hidden near. Walking back sitting in front of him she gently put her hand over the hand covering his eyes and spoke, "Sweetheart it's all right, you can open your eyes now."

Slowly Elliot removed his hand and saw she was dressed. Smiling, Elliot beamed at her in his excitement as he remembered how she ran around him in circles. Sally laughed as her child's eyes spoke volumes, "Yes I did out run you, but one day very soon you will be able to out run me."

Sally watched as Elliot frown, "No, now!"

"No sweetheart, but in a few years, you need to grow up first." At Elliot's confusion she hugged him not sure she could explain that she wanted his mind to be allowed to grow. She just wasn't sure if changing him now would affect his growth intellectually or not. She was born into her pack and now had no one to turn to, a mate or a pack elder to get advice from. All she cared about was Elliot, and giving him the best possible chance, and without the proper knowledge about the changes, she believed waiting until he was eighteen would give him that chance.

"Your eighteenth birthday, ok. But you don't have to worry; I've marked you, you're my son, my pack." She leaned forward and nipped his ear before kissing his cheek.

"Your son, your proctor." Elliot announced happily.

"Yes my big strong son." Sally laughed as Elliot placed his lips on her cheek and blew creating a loud wet sound; something she called a raspberry and taught him to do. They laughed together as she continued hugging her son as he delicately picked her up carrying her back toward the circus' camp for breakfast.

(((End flash back)))

Elliot's eighteenth, and nineteenth birthday came and went with no fanfare. The summer before his eighteenth birthday, the circus troop suffered a tragedy when the tent came down in flames. Many lives were lost that day, including: Sammy and Lord Dragon who turned out to be a far more generous and kindly owner than his nephew who on taking up his inheritance turned the once talented, but small circus into a traveling freak show; one where Elliot became one of the main attractions. But to Elliot, the biggest lost was his mother Sally. In losing her, Elliot had slipped into a deep depression just going through the motions that were required of him. He felt exactly like everyone was treating him a freak, a monster. Losing his mother he lost his heart to care.

It seemed like a short time after that, that Father and Amber had discovered him and brought him into their family. Shortly after he was turned, Elliot knew he was once again a freak. Though he did not embrace, or relish in the blood and death as his new family did, but he allowed the other to cherish such moments. Inside the other, his demon demanded more blood, but the demon was satisfied that Elliot followed the orders of the family, and allowed him to relish in the kill. The other had only the illusion of control because Elliot chose not to fight it.

But now, knowing his mother somehow survived the fire, and that he had left her behind believing she'd died, his heart and soul ached with sorrow. He had a brother, a pack brother, the pup, and Father wanted to destroy him. Elliot couldn't, wouldn't allow that to happened, not to the pup. The pup was his true family, his pack; he had to protect the pup and his lover if he still lived. Now he just had to think of a way to do that without father killing them all. Inside his demon screamed in protest, and for the first time in decades Elliot fought the instincts of his demon.

*****
TBC