The Masters of New York, Miami and Houston sat in the banquet room underneath the Circus. Everyone wore their finest silks, satins and leather as befitted the occasion. Bodyguards stood at attention behind each chair, armed to the teeth. A different flavor of Were sat beside each of them, while on the other side was a human servant or pet, whichever the case might be.
Jean-Claude looked like something from a sixteenth century painting. He wore midnight blue velvet from head to toe. Somehow on him it worked. He greeted each guest with Anita beside in a black velvet dress. It fell to mid-thigh, although form-fitting, looked rather plain until she turned around. Her bare back gleamed in the dull lighting, as did the rest of her through the skirt's shear panels. Jamil and Rafael arrived with their bodyguards. Each man looked like the strong pack leader he was. Jamil wore buttercream leather, which caused his rich brown skin to look just as creamy. He pinned his ever-present braids back in an intricate design, which looked remarkably like a small crown. Rafael walked in, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that he was the Rodere of his clutch. The black leather fit his tall muscular build like a second skin.
Anita turned to survey their guests. The Miami Master looked like an American Indian, with waist length blue-black hair and hawk-like features. It wasn't a surprise that his animal-to-call was the eagle. His golden eyes seemed to see everything at once. The woman that sat beside him carried a hint of magic about her. She was beautiful, with dark golden skin, the same blue-black hair, a willowy body and large doe eyes.
The Master of Houston was a tough looking cowboy, maybe an original one, whose animal-to-call was the bear. Sitting beside him was a man who looked like Grizzly Adams from the TV Show. On his other side, a small timid woman with her hair pulled in a tight bun kept her cast down, not speaking a word.
The last Master was a woman that hailed from New York. She wore her mahogany hair in a short bob, to show off her large brown eyes. Her clothes looked as if they came from the Upper East Side. The Rat was her animal-to-call, as was as evident from the woman beside her. The woman's face showed what lay underneath her skin. Her too skinny face, beady eyes and inability to remain still kept her from passing as human. It appeared as if the New York Master brought only one companion, until someone glanced under the table; a man, in leather pants and wearing a dog collar around his neck, sat at her feet. She stroked him continuously under the table.
Buffy's group arrived, just as the others started to get restless. Warwick waited for everyone to enter the room, then took a position at the door. Asher and Damian wore black low-rise pants with matching vests. The vests opened down the front showing their alabaster white torsos. Not to be outdone by her mates, the slits on Buffy's leather skirt went almost to her hips. The skirt hung low on slender hips allowing a belly button filled with a diamond to sparkle when she walked. Her arms, upper chest and back were bare. A black silk halter that resembled a handkerchief wrapped around her breast in a lover-like embrace. Buffy wore her hair up, but it looked as if it could tumble down any moment.
She smiled at Jean-Claude, kissed his cheek, hugged Anita (much to her surprise), then hugged Jamil and Rafael. Buffy's laughter filled the room causing the guests to shiver with the unexpected pleasure.
Rafael leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "Carida, is the offer for Cancun still on the table?"
They took their seats each side of the table sizing up the other. Buffy wondered how the night would end. Anita couldn't stop herself from glancing at Jean-Claude. She tried to focusing on what was happening, but found it almost impossible to keep her thoughts on the matter at hand.
Jean-Claude stood at the head of the table. "My honored guests, you were invited here tonight to partake in an exciting step in our future. Let me introduce the Were leaders in my city - Rafael, Jamil, Anita. Many of you may already know Asher and Damian. And the person everyone wants to meet, the person responsible for destroying the Council, Buffy Summers." He blew her a kiss.
"What? That little lady, what kinda crap you trying to pull here, Jean-Claude?" the Houston Master exclaimed, sending out a wave of power into the room. The other Masters joined him, not sure who was friend or foe.
Buffy shot it right back at them. "Hi, nice to meet ya," she said with a smile. "You must be Bobby-Lee, Adam and Sarah. How's the weather in Houston, bet its hot?"
She looked around the room, then straight into the eyes of the New York Master's, who tried to enthrall her. Buffy winked at her. "That means you're Marie, Zoe and, for goodness sakes let him sit in a chair, Blaine. That only leaves Spotted Owl, Winged Woman and Eagles Claw."
They looked at this strange blonde, trying to figure out who or what she was.
Buffy moved to the center of the room to explain her offer. Bobby-Lee immediately got angry. Surprisingly, it was Sarah who quietly told him to sit down and listen. Buffy watched them reading their auras. He looked at Sarah, then agreed, as did Spotted Owl.
Maria refused, saying she would never give up her power to call. She demanded that Zoe and Rafael attack Buffy. Rafael didn't move a muscle. Zoe changed in mid-jump, reaching for Buffy with her claws outstretched.
Several things happened at once; Buffy stopped Zoe in mid-air. She leaned forward to touch her chest. Marie screamed when amber light beamed from her to Buffy to Zoe. Time returned to normal and Zoe tucked into a roll, then stood up to looking at in Buffy's eyes, which were glowing brilliant blue.
"What did you do, BITCH!" Marie shakily got up from her chair. She glared at the blonde, who wouldn't even look at her.
"It was a one time offer. The ones who willingly agreed will receive the gift of a bound soul, those who don't lose both." Buffy looked at Marie while her eyes still glowed softly.
"How am I supposed to survive? I am defenseless. How will I feed?"
"Not my problem, a true leader would have weighed all the options. Sometimes, you gain a lot by giving a little. If you are replaced, I will make the same offer to the next Master. It can only be done willingly with your cadre's best interests at heart." She was escorted from the room on Jean-Claude's orders, still cursing Buffy.
Buffy performed the ceremony twice more that night, before leaving the Masters to discuss their changed lives with Jean-Claude. He told them about the lycanthropes creating a militia to help each other out when needed.
Several days later, Buffy went to visit Jean-Claude, knowing that she couldn't put this off any longer. "What can you tell me about the Master of Los Angeles?"
Jean-Claude noticed the haunted look in her eyes. He couldn't stop the worry from leaking into his voice. "Not much is known about him. There are rumors, many rumors. He won't allow other Masters in his territories. Some say that he even has demon servants. Although, that is probably just to scare off rivals, everyone knows that demons don't exist. His human servant supposedly has visions that warn him of impending danger. Angelus controls a law firm that handles every person with supernatural power. He controls the entire city, even humans. Anyone that tried to oppose him or his group hasn't lived to tell the tale."
Buffy started pacing the room. "That's what I was worried about. I need to see him. What do you suggest?" She turned to look at him. Her bright eyes pleaded with him for his help.
He couldn't resist her. "I know someone who helped him when one of his people wouldn't wake from a coma. He owes her a boon. Knowing Marianne as I do, she refused anything he offered. We are old friends, I could ask her to get you an appointment. You will need immunity for your envoy. Who will you take with you, other than your mates?"
"Warwick, Nathaniel, Benito and Carlos." The names popped out without a moment's hesitation.
"Nathaniel, I understand. I wouldn't think that Benito or Carlos would travel so far from their clutch."
Buffy squirmed in her seat, hating explaining the bodyguards' dedication. "I was visiting Benito and Juanita when she told me that she was pregnant. I gave her some herbs that I thought would help. Turns out that she hasn't been able to carry past her first trimester. She is almost into her third, and Lillian says that she will carry to term. Carlos is Juanita's big brother. They swear that I can't go anywhere without them to help Warwick protect me." She pouted at the thought of needing not one, but three men to protect her.
Jean-Claude threw back his head laughing at his friend. "You have quite a little collection of protectors. I have never met a woman who needed it less." He pulled her into his arms to kiss her forehead.
"It makes them feel good. So, I let them. At least I know that they can all take care of themselves in a fight. I worry about Nathaniel, but Warwick is teaching him to use a sword. It's good for them. Don't tell Anita, but I've been teaching him Tai Chi, plus some defensive moves. He is starting to build up his confidence, at least enough not to let someone beat the crap out of him."
"Buffy, how many hours are in your days? There are usually only 24 in mine." He chuckled when she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I just don't want him to feel defenseless. He is such a lost little boy." She whispered almost to herself. "Please, call your friend for me. Where does she live?"
Her quicksilver mind always left him feeling dizzy. "She lives in New Mexico."
"Great, we can fly down, meet her then fly on from there. I'm sure she wants to see that we mean no harm."
"I'll let you know as soon as I contact her. My private jet is at your disposal." He kissed her hand.
Buffy realized that she couldn't appear to be aligned with Jean-Claude. "That's okay, we have the travel covered." I hope. She heard her mother's voice in her head. You will have what you need, little star, never worry. Buffy smiled at Jean-Claude, kissed his cheek then left the Circus.
Buffy looked out the jet window; her thoughts on Marianne, a smile graced her lips. The sweet woman reminded her of the perfect grandma. She was a powerful Wicca with a gentle soul. The minute their eyes met, they became instant friends. Marianne explained how she helped Angel after he suffered the loss of his soul mate. His sorrow was so deep that she didn't want him to lose his friend as well.
Buffy didn't explain to Marianne that Angel drew her to LA with a spell, a spell that induced her to break Cordelia's coma. It would break Marianne's heart. Buffy asked her if she would consider going to St. Louis to work with Anita. She hoped someone older would have better luck getting though to the stubborn Executioner.
The private jet prepared to land in LA. She giggled thinking about the jet's name - Little Star, its royal blue exterior, with silver stars and moons shooting back in streams down the sleek sides created a perfect chariot for the Moon Goddess' daughter. The interior could carry twenty people comfortably. Large seats in blue leather lined the sides leading to a full bedroom in the back. Selene's taste couldn't be faulted. Buffy smiled as she curled up on her mate's laps.
Damian brushed his hand along her side, reveling in the feel of the smooth golden skin. "Are you ready for this, little moon?" His eyes filled with concern at the thought that this trip could cause her pain.
"Like I told Daddy, the Angel that I knew died a long time ago. Spike replaced him in my life and in my heart. There isn't anything left, but memories and the bad outnumber the good. His mark went away after the whole Dracula thing. I wish that the two of you could mark me. I'll have to ask 'Dite when we get home. Stop worrying, babe, he can't hurt me anymore."
Angel sat behind his desk looking at the rest of his team. A knock sounded on the door, before a burly vampire stuck his head inside. "Boss, Tony is back from the airport. Do you want me to let him in?"
"Send him in, John, but no one else, no matter what." Angel's eyes turned amber as his brow crinkled.
A thin vampire entered the room. "Mr. Angel, sir, they arrived on a private plane. I couldn't find out who owned it no matter what I used, hacking or magic. The woman is beautiful. She is tiny with long blonde hair and golden skin. There were six guys with her, three vamps and three weres. Looks like two of the vamps are her lovers, but they all treat her like a queen. One of 'em looks like Asher, but it couldn't be cuz he didn't have scars. They checked into the penthouse at the Four Seasons. Two were guarding the elevator doors, but I could smell magic too. Couldn't get close enough to tell anymore than that, sir." He looked hesitant not sure, if he told his Master what he wanted to hear. Mr. Angel wasn't a vampire that accepted failure from anyone.
"That's fine, Tony. I want shifts, vamps at night, weres during the day. Tony, don't screw this up. Anyone loses them dies and you go in your coffin for a month!"
"Y-yes s-sir, Mr. Angel." He ran from the room.
"Gunn, choose the best from your pard to cover the day shifts. I'll allow you to handle punishments for failures." Angel stood to look out the window. A memory tickled the edges of his mind. A memory Angel hadn't allowed himself the luxury of thinking in the company of others.
"Tiny and blonde, with men falling all over her, sounds like a bitch from the past." Cordelia snarked, from her place on the couch.
Angel spun around to growl at her, sending waves of power flowing over her. "You would do well to remember your place."
"My place is by your side and in your bed, like it's been for the last twenty years, Angel."
"Calm down, princess, no need to get your blood rancid." Lorne advised while as he swirled his cocktail, wondering if Angel would notice him pouring another one.
"Angel, what do you think this woman wants?" Wesley looked at his boss for answers to this newest puzzle.
When the worlds merged, Angel's group survived because of the wards on the building. The Sr. Partners found themselves locked in Hell, while all the other demons were destroyed. The power they accepted from W&H corrupted them. The AI team under went numerous changes over the last twenty years.
Angel and Angelus merged into a horrible parody of both men. The souled vampire who strived for his redemption through helping innocents was no more. Angelus, the Scourge of Europe, one the most feared vampires known on two continents wasn't from the Council's lines. He ruled LA along with surrounding areas, but would never have the true power he craved. Vampires no longer carried the face of a demon, all vampires with the exception of Angel. He didn't lose his demonic face, but did lose the ability to remain awake during the day. His bitterness and ruthlessness grew with each passing year.
Cordelia woke from her coma with Marianne's help. She sustained her part-demon status, but only negative aspects. The selfish, self-centered, jealous girl that ruled Sunnydale High was back tenfold. She used everyone under Angel's control as her own personal slaves. Her visions only pertained to events that would lead to Angel's death. W&H changed Cordy's gift into a self-serving one before Buffy's wish destroyed them.
Angel sired Wesley, not willing to lose his friend. The former bumbling Watcher was fast approaching the level of a Master. It was unheard of in such a short time, but stranger things had happened in their lives. They were talking about him becoming the Master of San Francisco. Wesley knew that Angel would still have control over him. No matter how powerful he got, Angel remained stronger.
Fred became Wesley's human servant. They couldn't bear the thought of living without each other. She turned her meticulous scientific mind to magic to like a former redheaded nerd.
Lorne was frozen somewhere in the middle, between the old world and the new. He could only read people who were good, which no longer included Angel. This added to the former PTB champion's anger and bitterness.
The panther in the White Room infected Gunn. He was the Nimir-Raj of the LA pard. Angel's animal-to-call was, of course, the panther. Gunn retained his knowledge of the law, which he used mercilessly for whoever could pay the highest. His pard used intimidation and torture to control the other weres in the city.
"I don't know what she wants, but I only promised Marianne to listen and give her safe passage back. Didn't say anything about what condition she'd be in when she left. To me safe means that we don't kill her. Maybe she had legal problems, we know she has money, we'll just have to relieve her of some of it." His lips twisted into an Angelus-like smirk.
"You just want to check her out. She's blonde - just your flavor."
Angel pounced on her. He slapped her busting her lip. "I will do who or what I want. You will be waiting for me to fuck you when I feel like it, and that is all you need to know. I keep you around for your visions and because you are a good fuck. That is it!" He growled, morphing as his eyes turned gold.
"You know you love me, Angel. You just like to hurt me, too." Cordy told him in her best Queen C voice.
"Keep telling yourself that, Queenie." He shoved her away from him. "Gunn, set up an appointment for eight." Angel left the room with his coat sweeping behind him. The others looked at one another, not sure what to think about the days events.
Angel's team was waiting in a large conference room, when their visitors arrived. Warwick entered first checking out the room, then the people. Nathaniel followed, quietly taking a seat. Benito and Carlos entered, clearly armed to the teeth. They stood at the door arms crossed body tensed and ready. Asher entered first, followed by Buffy, then Damian.
The AI group caught only a glimpse of blonde hair and green silk. Asher stepped to her left as Damian took her right side. Buffy faced the room without a hint of emotion showing on her face. She heard gasps followed by frantic whispering. Every other word an exclamation of disbelief, spells, magic, the list went on and on.
Several pairs of eyes raked over her, trying to pick her apart for different reasons. They took in expensive green silk dress that brought out the sparkly in her eyes. Her hair and skin appeared more golden than any woman's had a right to be. She looked beautiful, confident, powerful and sensual.
Buffy moved further into the room, her mates beside her step for step. They moved together in an age-old dance, the dance of lovers, bodies used to one another, used to moving in sync flesh against flesh.
"Buffy." Angel said her name the same way he did when she was sixteen. He said it like it was a prayer, like his soul depended on it.
"Hello, Angel." Her voice held none of the inflection it used to. It wasn't harsh or angry or caring or indifferent, just polite, as if he were anyone else she knew from the past.
He flinched, then his eyes grew cold. "They said that you died. What did you do run away again, become someone's human servant, since you haven't aged a day in twenty years?"
Her group was ready to pounce, especially her mates. "That's all right, guys. He's used to me falling all over myself when I see him, begging him to stay. Makes him pissy when the girls don't swoon." Buffy rolled her eyes telling them what she thought of her ex.
Lorne snorted trying not to laugh. "Uh, I need a drink. Anyone need a drink? It's definitely cocktail hour."
"I would love a drink, Lorne, isn't it? Champagne, if you have it, if not surprise me. Guys, would you like anything?"
"Champagne is fine, little moon." Damian kissed her temple.
"For me as well, cher amour."
Nathanial asked for a coke, but the others refused anything. They wanted their hands free in case of trouble.
"So, Buffy, you are an even bigger vamp whore than you used to be. Taking them on two at a time, or do you do them all?" Cordelia smiled maliciously at the thought of tarnishing Angel's precious Buffy in front of everyone.
"Cordelia, I would say it's nice to see you, but why lie? It's just the two, and you can't be considered a whore for sleeping with your husbands."
"HUSBANDS! They dare to challenge my claim? You are my mate!" He started around the table towards her.
Buffy moved closer to Damian and Asher. Warwick stood at their backs, while Nathaniel scooted closer. Benito and Carlos stepped away from the door, their hands hovered over their weapons.
"Stop right there. You don't abandon your mate. Plus, that claim was null after you left me, and for sure when I died, even if I did come back. It sure as hell is since I died again."
"You died twice?" Fred looked at Angel's Slayer with wide eyes. This was the woman they all talked about before the world changed.
"Four times, but I got over it. I think I got the hang of this living thing." She smiled at the shy woman who reminded her of Willow.
"ENOUGH!" Angel slapped his hands on the table. "Who are these people, Buffy? Start with your MATES."
"Well, since you asked soo nicely. These are Asher and Damian. They are Warwick, Nathaniel, Benito and Carlos. I don't know those two." She pointed at Fred and Gunn.
"That is just Fred and Gunn," he answered shortly. "What did you want to talk to me about? If it's about working for the Powers again, forget about it."
Buffy started laughing. Lorne watched her closely. Her laughter sounded like music to his ears, her aura shone so brightly that he wanted his shades. He caught her eye and she winked at him.
"Angel, the Powers have no use for you. You sold out, you didn't have to work for any of this. So, this is your life, you chose it buddy, enjoy."
Cordy jumped up, ready to spit. She part demon, not to mention Angel's human servant, and planned on teaching Miss Saves the World a thing or two. Stalking toward Buffy, her temper flared even higher when the blonde looked at her with a bored expression.
"Go sit down, Cordelia."
"You don't tell me what to do, bitch. You don't know anything, so don't come in here like you're better than we are. News flash, this world doesn't have Slayers. I've waited a long time to kick your ass."
"I won't allow you to harm Lady Buffy." Warwick started to draw his sword.
"Lady Buffy, that's a laugh." Cordelia snorted unbecomingly.
"It's all right Warwick. This needs to be settled." She motioned for him to move aside.
"You know Angel's been training me for over twenty years in fighting, and in his bed. He says that I'm the best that he's ever had." She waited to see the other woman flinch, but Buffy just waited for Cordy to attack.
"Tell me Cordy, why did you dye your hair blonde? Gotta tell you - not a good look for ya. I can see from the boob job that you are living the whole LA experience. You might want to work out in the gym or bed a little bit more< '> cause gotta say, you're getting chunky. Must be that human servant eating food for your Master thing." She gave her an innocent smile.
Cordy jumped at Buffy, who blocked every strike and kick like they were playing a child's game of slap. "That it, Cor? I got things to do." She lashed out in a blur of speed with a blow to Cordelia's chest. It threw her into the wall ten feet away.
The AI team jumped to their feet. Gunn was ready to leap on Buffy's back. Warwick looked at him with fire dancing in hand. "Do not go near her." Gunn shrunk back whimpering.
"Lorne, where's that champagne?" Buffy sat at the table, her mates beside her.
"Here you go, my little glowing beauty." He handed out the drinks, swallowing his own in one large gulp.
"Buffy, what is this about?" He ignored Cordy as she stumbled back to the table.
"I've come with an offer. If you willingly give up your power to call…"
Angel's anger rose higher; he lashed out with his power. The AI group shrank back while Lorne grabbed his head. Nathaniel barely stopped him from hitting the table. Buffy's gave her team talismans for protection prior to entering the building. They felt the pull, but remained standing. Her mates were immune, thanks to their bond. Buffy raised an eyebrow at Angel counted to then blasted him back. He hit the floor on his hands and knees. The others were almost unconscious.
"If you would allow me to finish, since you so rudely interrupted." Angel climbed back into his chair while the others recovered.
"Buffy, how did you become this powerful?" Wesley looked at his former charge, with equal parts admiration and curiosity.
"You could say that I got an upgrade. Can we get back to business? Like I was saying, if you willingly give up your animal-to-call, which I'm guessing is a panther, you will receive complete control of your soul. It will be bound to your body, no way to happy, curse, or shaman it out. You will stay awake during the day, aren't bound to your coffin anymore, and its passed to your cadre and anyone that you sire. Only the young will still feel the need for the coffin and extended sleep."
Buffy watched Angel play different scenarios over in his head. He looked at the woman he would always love. I could kidnap and keep her where she belonged with me. If I took some of her people, I could get her to bind my soul.
"Your Angelus is showing. For the record, none of those plans will work."
Angel looked at her shocked not knowing what to think about this new Buffy. How could she read my thoughts? She couldn't do that when that demon infected her. Where, the hell, is all this power coming from?
"I have to think it over and get with you later. If you will excuse me, I have another meeting." He grabbed Cordy pushing her out of the room. Gunn followed giving Buffy an odd look.
"It was nice seeing you again." Wesley escorted Fred out.
Lorne was the last to leave. "Well, cream puff, I understand why he went crazy the times he knew you died."
She smiled at the green-skinned demon. "We need to talk away from here." She whispered when she hugged him goodbye. Lorne nodded as he escorted them out of the building.
"Can you believe that bitch? She comes to our town and says those things, then tries to take away part of your power. I bet she got those guys to try to look like she's over you." Cordy continued to rant while pacing the room. "There is no way that we are going to give up any power."
"Cor, shut up and get on the bed." Angel went to his armoire to pull out cuffs and a whip. He snapped the cuffs on her hands. "Hands and knees, bitch." He attached a length of chain on the frame. Angel started to whip her back, buttocks and legs brutally. "You have no power. I will do whatever I want. Who did you think you were attacking her? I don't need you to fight for me, ha, as if you could fight Buffy. She is right your hair looks like shit. Change it tomorrow or I'll shave it off."
"Angel, I'll be good. Whatever you say, tomorrow I'll change it tomorrow." Cordy cried, hoping that he'd stop.
"Say it." Angel looked over his handiwork, admiring the lashes marring her skin. He saw golden skin, long blonde hair and green eyes flash before his eyes.
"Master." She said the words that would end her torment and hopefully bring her pleasure.
He roughly mounted her from behind, grinding into the slashes. "That's right, don't forget it again." Angel found his release, but didn't allow her body anything but more pain. He unlocked her hands, then kicked her off the bed. "The floor is where you belong."
Cordy curled up where she landed, crying silently. Her anger and jealousy toward Buffy grew as the pain increased with each breath she took. I'll find a way to kill that bitch. This time she'll stay dead. Fred is bound to know some spells. Angel is mine and Queen C holds onto what's hers.