Title: Conquering The Beast
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Greenwalt and 20th Century Fox own Angel, not me.
Author: Lorna J. Dominey
Summary: Angel under goes a life altering event that effects those around him.
Spoilers: First two seasons.
Rating: PG 13 to R
Pairings: A/C,
Distribution: It stays here.
Author's Note: I love feedback it makes me happy.I have rewritten some this story. It was written after season 1 but the chnages are based on season 2.
Email:[email protected]
............................................................................
Cordelia felt the vision coming. She grabbed her head and groaned as the images flashed across her mind. Wesley and Angel both were at her side in an instant.
Angel frowned, "Cordelia what did you see?"
Cordelia looked into Angel's eyes, "A demon, black with reddish eyes and he was carrying some sort of stick or wand, he was beating a woman with it, I think it was over near the lumber yard on Van Owen, and Angel for some reason I seen you slumped over in pain."
Angel nodded, "I'll be careful, come on Wesley let's get our weapons and head out."
Angel and Wesley quietly neared the lumber yard. A faint cry could be heard ahead. Angel crept along one side of the alley with Wesley on the other side. They rounded the corner a figure ran into Wesley knocking him over. Causing him to hit his head and sort of black out.
Angel was unaware of Wesley's fall. He continued to creep along. Angel saw the demon beating a woman. Angel stepped forward and lashed out. The demon turned and struck Angel with the club he was welding. Angel felt a searing pain go all through him. He fell to the ground. His vision blurred. Angel felt the demon strike him again several times before he passed out.
Angel became aware slowly. He looked around. He could see that he was alone. That the demon and the woman were both gone. Angel went to stand and felt a sharp pain shoot all through his body. He looked down at his legs. They didn't look right or feel right. He sighed and began to shuffle along the alley looking for Wesley.
.......................................................
Part 2.
Angel tried to stand. Pain went all through him. He sat and tried to stretch his legs out. More pain he slumped forward. Angel got to his knees and began to crawl forward he needed Wesley....
Wesley had come to and looked around. His vision was blurry he stood up. He went in search of Angel. He sighed he found Angel's sword but not Angel.
Wesley crept around the corner. Looking for any clue to his friend. He spotted a body and hurried over to it. Wesley found a young woman badly beaten but alive. He sighed and pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911. He waited for help to arrive....
Angel continued to shuffle forward. Towards where he hoped the car was parked. He felt so tired and sore. Angel stopped and leaned against the brick wall of the building behind him. A figure appeared.
Angel peered at it, "Wesley is that you?"
The figure approached. No it was a homeless person.
"Hey mister can I help you?"
Angel looked up. The man stared at Angel and started yelling and babbling about a monster before turning and fleeing into the night. Angel brought his hands up to his face. Wondering if he was in game face and didn't know it. He felt ridges and fangs but something didn't feel right. He looked at his hands his fingers were bent and the skin appeared rough and hard.
Angel began to feel his body. It wasn't right it was bent and misshapen. As if the bones had been broken and had not grown back right.
Angel began to panic, I need to get home. Angel pushed away from the building. He shuffled forward. He went around the corner and found his car. Angel hurried as best he could over to it and got in. He figured Wesley could find his own way home.
............................................................
Part 3.
Angel managed to drive back to his place. Hunched over the steering wheel and in pain. Angel parked the car crookedly. He got out and looked around before shuffling into the hotel. Angel decided to go into the basement. To a storage room with a steel door he'd set it aside for special occasions or creatures.
Once inside he shut the door locking it behind him. He slowly undressed. Angel examined his body. Angel could tell it was bent out of shape a mess. His face was frozen half way between his demon visage and his human face.
Angel sat back and wondered what had happened. Why he was like he was and if it was permanent. Angel sighed he needed help. But he didn't want to be seen this way.
Angel felt hunger pangs hit him. He growled as he put his clothes on. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders and head.
Angel went up to the kitchen. He got some blood out of the fridge and drank it without warming it up. Angel looked around. He sighed and gathered a few things before going back to the basement. Angel locked himself in. He wanted to sleep before he faced anyone with his problem.
.........................................................
Part 4.
Wesley entered the hotel. He looked around.
Worried Wesley called out, "Angel are you here?"
Wesley sighed. The cops had detained him for several hours. Questioning him about why he was in that alley at that time of night. Wesley was worried Angel's car was in it's usual spot. So far no sign of Angel.
Wesley went into the kitchen to get a drink of water. He spotted the empty bag of blood. Wesley frowned, turned and headed down to the basement.
Wesley looked around, "Angel where the devil are you?"
Angel heard Wesley. As much as he didn't want anyone to see him. He knew that in order to get help he had to at least trust Wesley. Angel wrapped the blanket around himself. He scurried over to the door and unlocked it.
Opening the door Angel called out, "Wesley in here."
Wesley turned towards the voice, "Angel, good lord what has happened?"
Angel slinked into a corner. He watched as Wesley entered the room, "Angel please tell me what is wrong?"
Angel sighed, "Shut the door and lock it, I'm not going to hurt you, I just don't want Cordelia to see me."
Wesley did as Angel asked. Wesley turned to where Angel cowered in the corner.
Wesley: "Now what is wrong?"
Angel slowly removed the blanket and crept into to the light.
Angel whispered, "Help me Wesley."
Wesley stared in shock at the deformed creature before him that was his friend and boss.
Wesley with a shocked voice, "Good lord, how did this occur?"
Angel curled up even more, "The last thing I remember is that demon beating me with his club and passing out."
Wesley stepped foreward and gently began to examine Angel, "Hmm, interesting I think this might be some sort of magic, not sure I will have to do some research."
Angel cringed as Wesley examined him, "Just do what you must, don't let Cordelia or anyone else near me, if you can't find a cure then just stake me, I'm in pain."
Wesley stood back up, "Don't worry friend I will find a way to end this."
Angel pulled the blanket around him. He huddled in the corner as Wesley left the room. After a bit Angel shuffled over to the door and locked it.
..........................................................
Part 5.
Cordelia stood before Wesley. Hands on hips glaring at him.
Cordelia in a demadning tone "Wesley what is wrong with Angel and why won't he let me see him and don't tell me it's better that I don't know."
Wesley sighed, "He's been injured and I need to to do research on the demon that hurt him."
Cordelia folded her arms, and tapped her foot, "Fine, if you won't tell me I'll make Angel tell me."
She turned and headed for the basement with Wesley right behind her.
Wesley trying to keep up, "Please leave Angel alone he doesn't want to be seen or disturbed. Look he's had some sort of magic done to him and he looks different."
Cordelia raised her hands and kept walking. Cordelia stormed into the basement. Loudly Cordelia yelled, "Angel if you don't let me see or talk to you I am going to be one pissed off seer and no telling what I might do."
Angel heard Cordelia. Hell the whole block probably heard her. He could tell just by the tone of her voice she was royally miffed. Angel sighed he should have known that he wouldn't be able to hide from her.
Angel shuffled over to the door and unlocked it, "Fine Cordelia but be forewarned you will be shocked by what you see."
Cordelia stepped into the room. Angel was hunkered down in the center a blanket wrapped around him.
Cordelia sighing "Angel please trust me, we have been through so much together."
Angel slowly unwrapped the blanket. Revealing his deformed body. Cordelia stared. She turned to Wes.
Cordelia: "Find the cure and be quick about it."
Cordelia turned back to Angel. She went over to him and took him into her arms and held him.
Quietly Cordelia whispered, "Shh it's ok Angel, I'm here for you, shh, I love you and I am not going to let anything or anyone hurt you."
For the first time since he'd encountered the demon Angel relaxed. He laid his head on Cordelia's lap and soon drifted off to sleep. He felt safe and the pain even seemed to be less. Cordelia took the blanket and gently covered Angel with it. She stroked his head, and let him sleep.
................................................
Part 6.
Cordelia refused to leave Angel alone. She went to her place and packed a few things. Then returned to take care of Angel. Angel was grateful she was there. He realized how much he needed her. Cordelia had Angel move to his bedroom.
Cordelia tucking Angel in, "You'll be more comfortable and here. I warmed you up some blood I put one of my tranquilizers in it to help ease the pain."
Angel drank the blood. He figured the tranquilizer might not be such a bad idea. Wesley was upstairs going through the books he had on demons. The door opened and Gunn staggered in carrying two large boxes of books.
Gunn grinning, "Hey Wes, here I brought you some books on demons thanks for calling I might be of some help."
Wesley took one of the boxes from him, "Well yes I could use all the help I can get. Ah Gunn where did you get these?"
Gunn shrugged, "At this old book store that was going out of business cause the owner died."
Wesley smiled slightly, "Ah good."
Gunn nodded, "So where is Cordelia?"
Wesley gestured towrds the stairs, "With Angel she refuses to leave his side."
Gunn chuckled, "Oh yeah a stubborn mule when she wants her way."
Wesley laughed, "Yes you are so right ?"
Wesley picked up a book, "Good"
Gunn chose another book and sat down. He could tell Wesley was deep into research.
......................................................
Part 7.
Cordelia held Angel as he slept. He moaned in his sleep and thrashed about. She was worried about him. He didn't deserve to end up this way. Angel nuzzled against Cordelia and settled down into a deeper sleep. She sighed and stroked his face. She leaned over and kissed his brow.
Cordelia whispered "You're gonna be ok I promise."
....
Upstairs Gunn and Wesley poured over the books on demons. Looking for a clue as to what may have happened to Angel and how to cure it. Gunn stood and stretched he yawned as he looked around the lobby.
Gunn sighed, "Wesley is it bad I mean the way he looks?"
Wesley stood and went over to the desk, "Yes, it's as if all his bones have been broken and set wrong, and his face is frozen half way between his human mask and his vampire one."
Gunn frowned, "Wait I read about a spell that casued an illusion."
Wesley turned and went over to the books scattered about, "You may be on to something Gunn, but we need to be sure."
Gunn nodded, "Yeah hmmm it was in one these books I think." ......................................................... Part 8.
Angel woke up with a start. He went to move and pain shot all through
his body making him groan. Cordelia was instantly at his side. Cordelia softly, "Angel
shh, what do you need?" Angel stared at Cordelia, "Why are you here
taking care of me don't you find me repulsive?" Cordelia took one of
Angel's hands, "No I don't find you repulsive, you are Angel someone I
care about deeply, and that is why I am here, you need me." Angel
squeezed her hand, "Thanks Cordelia, I am hungry." Cordelia stood up,
"Be right back." Angel laid back the best he could and waited for
Cordelia to return. .... Wesley tossed the book he was reading aside. Gunn glanced up. Fred who had joined them jumped. She looked up from the book she'd been reading. Fred took a deep breath, "This book is about wizards and the kinds of spells they use. One wizard is known for his spells of illusions. He isn't from this world though." Wesley stood and went over to her, "Let me take a look." Fred handed Wesley the book. Wesley looked through the pages. Wesley frowned, "Ah yes I do believe we may be on to something. I am thinking that a wizard from another dimension was here on business. He must have cast a spell on Angel to escape." Fred grinned, "Oh so what do we do now?" Wesley looked up, "Find this wizard for one thing." Gunn stood up, "Just tell me which alley and I'll take a look around." Wesley smiled, "It was on Van Owen near the lumber yard. Be careful Gunn." Gunn shrugged, "I know the area." Gunn turned and quickly left the hotel. Fred and Wesley went back to reading. ............................................................ Part 9. Wesley put down the book he was reading. He glanced over at Fred. Wesley sighed, "I may have a way of finding out if it is an illusion spell." Fred looked up, "How?" Wesley nodded at the book he'd been reading, "There is a spell in that book that might let us know. The thing is only a woman can use it." Fred smiled, "So I guess you go talk to Cordelia." Wesley shook his head, "She might now be a good choice considering how close she is to him and her visions also." Fred frowned, "That leaves me." Wesley nodded, "That it does. Can you do it?" Fred stood up, "Angel saved me so it's only fair that I help save him." Wesley stoo up, "Good. I just need to mix some herbs." Wesley led Fred up to Angel's room. He stepped into
Angel's room and looked around. Wesley neared the bed, "Angel I have Fred with me. We need to do a spell."
Angel sighed, "Bring her here it's all right." Wesley turned to Fred, "He says it's fine
for you to see him." Fred smiled, "Ok, I am ready." Fred walked over to Angel's bed.
He was laying on the bed curled up with the covers over him.
Cordelia sat next to him holding his hand. Giving the vampire as much
comfort as she could. Wesley was right behind Fred, "We think it was a wizard who put an illusion spell on you to escape." Angel moved slightly, "A wizard ,
interesting." Wesley cleared his throat, "There is a spell to see if this is such a spell. The thing is Fred is the only one who can use it. Cordelia can't because of her visions and I can't because it must be a woman." Angel groaned, "Fine do what you must." Fred sat down next to Angel, "I need to hold your hand Angel." Angel reached out. Fred frowned as she took his deformed hand. With a sigh Fred began to chant and sprinkle the herbs about. Fred in a soft voice, Janus, god of
chaos hear my voice, answer my request is this a spell?" Janus tell me
what is to be done to end this wrong." Fred closed her eyes and
slumped over. She breathed deep for a few minutes. She looked up and
removed her hands from Angel. Fred looked up at Wesley, "We are right it's an illusion spell, it is
an odd one, it has to do with love unfulfilled and the unknown." Wesley
frowned, "Hmm how interesting, I think we need to do some more research." Angel curled back up into a tight ball, Cordelia pulled
the covers over him. Fred stood up and followed Wesley from the room. ........................................................ Part 10.
Wesley ran out for some food. Fred got started on the research
for the spell cast on Angel. She sighed as she pushed aside another book
that offered no help. Wesley returned with the take out. He noticed the
look on Fred's face, "No luck I take it?" Fred sighed, "No, it's
just I know there has to be a way to end this spell but finding it is so
frustrating." Wesley nodded and sat down next to her on the couch,
"Let's eat and rest a bit maybe then we can refocus on the search."
Fred grinned, "That might help." They sat there quietly eating the
food Wesley had brought. Willow glanced over at Wesley, he has changed
and for the better. Fred sighed she picked up a book. She giggled,
"Since when does fairytales belong with books on demons?" Wesley frowned
and looked at the book, "Oh yeah Angel found it in some antique store
said it was a rare volume. Wonder how it got mixed up with these books?"
Fred nodded and carefully turned the pages, "I remember reading some
of these as a child." Wesley
laughed, "Yes, well I remember my mother reading them to me but only
when my father wasn't around." Fred started biting her bottom lip,
"Wesley, here this story is the one Beauty and the Beast is based on,
the beast was under a spell and only a true and honest love was able to
break the spell." Fred looked at Wesley, "You think?" Wesley began
rubbing his chin, "Hmm it could be, but who would Angel's true and
honest love be?" Fred frowned, "Could it be that gal Buffy?"
Wesley sighed, "I have a feeling the answer to that might be no." Fred grinned, "Cordelia maybe I
mean I know they have feelings for each other that they keep hidden."
Wesley smiled, "If the way she's treating him now is any indication you
may be on to something." Fred nodded and took a bite of the eggroll she was holding. .......................................................... Part 11. Wesley stood up, "I think I will get Cordelia and talk with her, see
what she thinks." Fred nodded, "Good idea I'll just clean up while you
go get her." Gunn enetered the hotel, "No luck guys." Fred glanced up, "No problem we may have figured out whats wrong and how to fix it." Gunn shurgged, "Good." A few minutes later Wesley returned with Cordelia. Fred
looked up from the book she was glancing through. Cordelia sighed, "Ok,
so what have you found out?" Wesley turned to Fred, "She may have
found the solution. In an old fairytale the one Beauty and the Beast is
based on. Where the beast is under a spell and only his true love can
break the spell." Fred glanced up, "Yes, one who can accept him as he
is and love him no matter what." Cordelia frowned, "Hmm, I think I know
what you are talking about." Cordelia turned and headed back up to Angel's
room. She was about to make a big confession to Angel and she knew
it was going to change things between them. Cordelia quietly entered
Angel's bedroom she looked at him and smiled slightly. She went and sat
on the bed next to him. Cordelia sighed "Angel, I need to talk to you?" Angel shifted
positions, "What about? They can't find a solution?" Cordelia leaned
over and took Angel into her arms, "No they may have, look Angel I ah
really have to say something it's important, Angel I love you very much
and not just as a friend but in my heart, you are such a major part of
my life that if I lost you it would kill me." Angel gazed into
Cordelia's eyes, "You mean it, oh Cordelia I... don't know what to
say....yes I do...I love you too Cordelia it's just that I have been
afraid to say anything that you didn't have the same feelings for me."
Cordelia smiled she began kissing Angel's face, "I love you very much."
Angel wrapped his arms around Cordelia and began kissing her. ................................................... Part 12.
Angel deepened his kiss it felt so good kissing Cordelia she tasted so
sweet. He moaned as she slipped her tongue into his mouth. Cordelia
pressed against Angel. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close.
Angel ran his hands along her back pressing her closer, he needed to
feel her warmth. A light seemed to engulf them. Angel felt light headed
and the pain he'd been in went away. He realized he was stretched out
fully and not all bent out of shape. He pulled back and gazed at
Cordelia, "What just happened?" Cordelia smiled, "The solution to the
spell love, real love from the heart." Angel smiled and pulled Cordelia
into his arms and kissed her. She cuddled up against him and kissed him
back. Wesley turned away from the door and went back downstairs. He found Gunn and Fred sitting on the sofa. Wesley grinned,
"It worked love is what was needed and from his true love." Fred sighed, "I'm glad." Gunn stood up, "Yep all is good. So who wants to go out for ice cream?" Fred giggled, "Count me in." Wesley shook his head, "I am tired think I'll just go home." Gunn turned to Fred, "Let's go." Fred grabbed her coat and followed Gunn out the door. Wesley picked up his coat. He glanced toward the stairs as he turned out the lights. The End..
