The Angel of the Opera: Part Eighteen
by KrazyGirl
The Angel pulled his cloak over Buffy, and they disappeared. Carlotta burst out onto stage. "What is it? What has happened?" she demanded. Then she saw her husband. "Ubaldo!!!" André saw it, too. "Oh my God! My God!" Firmin ran around frantically. "We're ruined, André, ruined!" As Carlotta ran after her dead husband on the strecher to the hospital, Giles pulled Xander off to the side.

"Monsiuer Le Viconte, I know where they are!" "But can I trust you?" questioned Xander. "You must! But remember, your hand at the level of your eyes!" "But why?" asked Xander. "Why? The Punjab Lasso!First Buquet, and now Piangi!" Willow came up, and demonstrated the hand. "Like this, Monsieur! I will go with you." Giles stopped her. "No, Willow! No, you stay here. Come Monsiuer, hurry or we shall be too late!"

The Angel was furiously rowing the boat down the underground lake. Buffy was huddled at the bow, scared and desolate. The Angel was mad.
Angel
"Down once more to the dungeon
of my black despair.
Down we plunge to
the prison of my mind!
Down that path
into darkness, deep as HELL!!"

The Angel continuosly rounded on her, asking numerous questions.
"Why, you ask, was I
bound and chained
in this cold and dismal place?
Not for any mortal sin, but the wickedness
of my abhorrent face!"

They could hear the angry mob getting closer to them.
Angel
"Hounded out by everyone.
Met with hatred everywhere.
No kind word from anyone.
No compassion anywhere.
Buffy! Buffy!
Why . . . why . . .?"

Above them, Giles and Xander were at the base of the lake. Giles showed Xander the way down the lake, and he ran off. Xander shed his jacket and dove into the murky water. Only seconds after he had gone, the mob came. They held burning torches, faces scarred with anger. They also dove in, swimming for the Angel's lair.

There, the dummy of Buffy lay on a couch. The wedding dress was off and placed on the real Buffy Daaé. She was scared, but worked up some courage to talk to the Angel.
Buffy
"Have you gourged yourself, at last,
in your lust for blood?"

No answer.
Buffy
"Am I now to be prey
for your lust for flesh?"

Now the Angel spoke to her, cold and unforgiving.
Angel
"That fate which condems me
to wallow in blood-
Has also denied me
the joys of your flesh.
This face- the infection
that poisons our love . . .
This face, which earned,
A mother's fear and loathing.
A mask, my first, unfeeling
scrap of clothing . . .
Pity comes too late!
Turn around and face your fate!
An eternity of THIS, before you eyes . . ."

Buffy faced the Angel. His disfigured face right in hers. He placed a veil on her head. Buffy, coldly but calmly, spoke to him- or rather, sang to him.
"This haunted face
holds no horror for me now.
It's in your soul
where the true distortion lies."

Xander was at the gate now. The Angel sensed his presence, and cut off Buffy. "Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest." He walked over to the gate. "Sir, this is indeed and unparalleled delight. I had rather hoped that you would come. And now my wish comes true- you have truly made my night!" Xander grabbed the bras in anger. "Free her! Do what you want with me, but free her! Have you no pity?" The Angel sneered at Buffy. "Your lover makes a passionate plea." Xander cried out again. "I love her! Does that mean nothing? I love her! Show some compassion." That hit the Angel's sore spot. "The world should no compassion to me!" he yelled. Xander reached for Buffy. "Buffy, Buffy, let me see her!" "Be my guest, sir." replied the Angel dryly. He opened the gate.

An evil smile crossed his lips. He picked up the Punjab Lasso, and strated towards Xander. "Monsiuer, I bid you welcome. Did you think that I would harm her? Why should I make her pay for the sins which are yours?" He looped the rope around Xander's neck. Xander's middle finger kept it from killing him instantly. The Angel laughed maniacally. "Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes!" he mocked Xander. "nothing can save you now, boy. Except, perphaps, Buffy . . ."

The Angel grabbed Buffy's shoulders and shook her violently.
Angel
"Start a new life with me!
Buy his freedom with your love!
Refuse me and you send
your lover to his death!
This is the choice!
THIS IS THE POINT OF NO RETURN!!!"


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