The Beginning of the End (Part 6)

***

Angelo walked down the long corridor of the manor, the light
at the end leading to the outside world. Walking out onto the balcony, Angelo
had to shield his eyes from the bright morning sun. Joining a figure he looked
out onto the grounds.



"I've only ever seen the sun in movies", he commented, "I would never have
imagined that it could feel this good."



Aphrodite turned to face him, a warm smile playing across her lips.



"It's just as I remember it, one of the very few things I miss about their
world. Not that I blame you for turning me."



Angelo sighed, his eyes fixed on a point far along the horizon.



"I did what I had to."

"I know you did, but revenge shouldn't be the only purpose for living."

"It worked just fine for you."

"And yet it has brought you back to me."

"Yes…" Angelo's voice trailed off as he watched a bird land on the railing next
to him, "… and whatever happens, it ends tonight."

"You're very confident in yourself, aren't you daddy?"

"I'll do what I have to…" Angelo watched as the bird walked slowly along the
railing, chirping as it moved.

"I wouldn't expect anything less. But daddy, tell me, how will you do it if
you're already dead?"



Aphrodite smiled wickedly as the world around Angelo began to spin, dissolve and
disappear around him

***

The sound of confused shouting and gunfire slowly filled
Angelo's ears. Growing louder and louder, almost as if changing the volume on a
television from quiet to full volume.



Angelo's eyes snapped open, bringing the dull candle lit room back into view.
The long thin case sat in front of him, now open, revealing his sword which sat
snugly in place. As Angelo leaned forward to pick up his sword, he heard the
familiar sound of a gun being cocked and readied.



"I've been waiting a long time for this, vampire."

"I wondered when you would be showing up; I'd expected to hear from you years
ago."



Angelo moved quickly, picking up the sword, rising from the floor and bringing
the blade to his assailant's throat all in the blink of an eye.



The assailant resisted the urge to pull the trigger, even as the sword bit into
his skin. Eyes filled with hatred, he glared at Angelo.



"You killed my daughter, you son of a bitch!" his voice filled with venom, as he
spat the words out at Angelo. The fact that his head was mere moments from being
separated from his body clearly the last thing on the assailants mind.



"I did what I had to do"

"From what I hear, that is the story of your life." The assailant brought the
gun up and pointed it at Angelo's head.

"Does she know that you are here?"

"No, my friends entered through the ground floor entrance. I gained access via
the roof. I'll be gone long before she finds your corpse…"

"That may be the case, if only bullets could kill me" Angelo cut him off, shock
was clear on the assailants face.

"But, but… she… she said it would. Special bullets…." tears began to run down
his cheeks.

"Aphrodite was lying to you, I'm sorry…" Angelo pushed the sword up slightly,
breaking more of the skin around his assailant's throat. "I will take good care
of your daughter, on that you have my word."



With that, Angelo moved his sword up with one sharp motion, removing his
assailants head from his shoulders. His lifeless body falling to the floor as
blood pumped out into the room. Raven's father's life had been extinguished in
the time it took to blow out a candle.

***

Aph looked into the building as she stood on the rooftop of a
neighbouring building.



"Daddy's not a happy bunny. I don't think he liked our gift."



Draping her arms around a figure behind her, she continued to watch as Angelo
cleaned his blade and left the room.



Methos pulled her close, his evil laughter filling the night.

----To Be Continued----