Buffy helped Dawn into bed.
"When will you be back?" Dawn asked.
"I don't know, Dawnie. I just need to be with someone who doesn't have to deal with my problems right now."
"What if Spike comes back?"
"I'll talk that over with the others. You just be good and have a nice summer. If I'm not back before school starts, Giles will register you."
"Okay. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Dawn." Buffy planted a small kiss on Dawn's forehead.
"Bye, Buffy."
"Bye." Buffy moved away from the bed and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Downstairs, everyone was in the living room. Willow was curled up on the couch, her head in Xander's lap, who was stroking her head softly. Anya was watching TV. Giles was waiting at the bottom of the steps for Buffy.
Buffy descended the stairs and stood in front of Giles. He gave her a smile before wrapping her a big hug. She hugged him back, tears forming behind her eyes. He let her go and held her at arm's length. "Dawn's in good hands. We'll keep her safe while you're gone."
"Thank you for sticking around. I really appreciate it. Are you sure you don't mind watching Dawn for the rest of the summer?"
"Of course not. I just want you to be happy."
"Hopefully, when I get back, I can be happy-slayer again."
"This year has been quite dark. I wonder if Angel's year was this bad."
"I'll find out soon enough."
He hugged her again. After he let her go, she walked into the living room. Xander and Anya looked up. Willow was half asleep.
Anya stood and gave Buffy an awkward hug. "I can't wait for you to come back. Maybe by that time, we'll have the Magic Box fixed back up again."
"Maybe."
Xander stood slowly, trying not to wake up Willow, but she woke up anyway. He hugged Buffy tightly. "I love you, Buff. I want you to know that."
"I love you too, Xander. You've helped me so much." The tears were flowing freely.
"Don't stay too long. We need you here."
"I'll try. I just need to clear my head and I know he'll listen."
He stopped hugging her and pulled back. Then, he pulled her towards a corner.
"Buffy....I know you don't want to talk about it....but, what if he comes back?"
Buffy looked at the floor. Thought a minute, then looked back up. "Don't kill him."
Xander was about to say something, then closed his mouth and nodded.
"What about Dawn? Is she allowed to see him if she wants?"
"I don't think Dawn's very interested in him right now. But, if she does, that's okay, but he has to be where others are. Like in the Magic Box. Don't let him come in the house. Don't tell him where I'm going."
Xander nodded again. She gave him one more hug before letting go and walking over to where Willow was sitting. Buffy kneeled in front of her.
"Are you going to be okay, Will?"
Willow bit her bottom lip and nodded.
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. I'll miss you."
Buffy gave her a hug. "I'll miss you, too."
"Promise you won't stay forever."
"I promise. It's just a visit. Like a vacation."
"You're staying all summer?"
"Maybe. Depends. I might come back tomorrow. It depend on him and me and how this all works out."
Buffy released her and kissed her on the forehead. "Bye, Willow."
"Bye, Buffy."
Buffy stood and walked out of the living room. Her bag was sitting in the hall. She gave Giles one last hug before picking up her bag and opening the door.
"Call us if you need anything," said Giles.
"I will."
Buffy boarded the next buss to LA. She had decided she needed to talk to Angel about her problems. He was the only one that could take the time to listen. She had tried to call him, but the phone was never answered, so she decided she'd just come by.
When the bus dropped her off and in front of the Hyperion, she knew something wasn't right. It was the middle of the night. She walked through the front doors. The place seemed scarce. It hadn't changed much from the last time she had been there, except the large, red symbol in the middle of the room.
"Hello?" she called.
No answer.
She walked behind the desk and picked up the phone. Dead.
"This is too weird."
"Not really," said a voice behind her.
Buffy yelped and spun around. "Oh, Cordelia, it's you." Then, she registered in her mind that Cordy was a little glowy. "What happened to you?"
Cordelia looked at herself. "Oh, this. Just some perks of being a demoness."
"You're a demon?"
"Demoness." Cordelia corrected. "And, yea. I am. Except, this isn't really me. It's kind of like, my costume. If you saw me the way I am now, you wouldn't be able to see for weeks."
"Wait...Your costume? Okay, complete confusion has taken over."
"Okay, let me spell it out for you. Me...Demoness. Demoness equals higher being. Higher being means I don't exist in this dimension anymore."
"Then, why are you here?"
"Because I need to help Fred and Gunn. Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere, so you'll have to do."
"What do they need help with?"
"Finding Angel."
"Angel? Where'd he go?"
Cordelia threw her arms in the air. "God! For two people who were soul mates, you two sure don't keep in touch much."
"I had my own problems."
"Well, good for you. Wait, let me guess, you didn't even know Angel had a kid."
"He what!?" Buffy shouted.
"Angel's got a kid. Sixteen year-old boy to be exact. Goes by the name of Conner. Well, actually, now his name is Steven, but his given name is Conner."
"He has a kid!"
"Yeah. I already said it twice. Am I going to have to spell this out, too?"
"Huh? Oh, no. No spelling. Just serious confusion and major anger because he didn't tell me in the first place."
"Well, now you know."
"Okay. Now explain how this kid is sixteen. I think I would have noticed a kid running around his place while I was with him."
"For starters, Conner was taken to a Hell dimension called Quortoth when he was a few moths old. He came back sixteen, even though that's just a few months here."
"Who's baby is it?" Buffy asked quietly.
"You mean the mom?"
Buffy nodded.
Cordelia sighed. "Darla."
Buffy's eyes went wide. Her eyes filled with anger. "Darla!?"
"Yeah. But, it was part of a prophesy. It suppose to happen. There really wasn't much we could do unless we knew about the prophesy before, but we didn't. So, we couldn't have stopped it."
Buffy was still in shock. She wasn't paying any attention to Cordelia. But, in the back of her mind, she knew it wouldn't bother her too much. She slept with Spike. I think they're even.
"Um, one question," said Cordelia, interrupting Buffy's thoughts. "Why are you here, anyway?"
"Very, very long story that ends with Willow trying to destroy the world and Xander saving it."
"Whoa. Alot's change since I came here."
"You could say that."
Buffy came out from behind the counter and took a seat on the circular couch. Cordelia took a seat next to her.
Buffy looked over at her. "You never did tell me where Angel is."
"Oh, he's in the middle of the Pacific ocean."
Buffy jumped off her seat, like it was on fire. "He's where?!"
"In the middle of the ocean. That's why I came here. I need someone to dive down there and bring him back up."
"How am I suppose to know where he is, in the middle of the largest ocean in the world!"
"I have my sources. I can take you there. But, I'm kind of shirt on time so, if you're going to do this, we need to get it done soon."
"How long do you have?"
"Well, really, I have about a week before the spell on me wears of, but I still have other things I need to do before then."
"Like what?"
"Look, I really don't have time for the twenty questions here, okay? We need to find Angel so we can help him find his son before Justine gets him killed."
"Who's Justine?"
Cordelia threw her hands up and stood. "I give up. You're as stubborn as Angel. I need someone to help him, and if all you're going to do is ask questions...."
"No. I want to help. What do I have to do?"
Buffy and Cordelia were in a stolen Jeep heading for the Pacific coast.
"How do you expect me to get down there, anyway?" asked Buffy.
"Scuba dive."
"I am suppose to scuba dive and just hope I'll come across him."
"No. I'll give you a guide. It will lead you to him."
"How's he down there?"
"Big metal box with a window."
"Who put him down there?"
"Conner."
Buffy was silent as she drove. They weren't far.
"Turn here. We need supplies," directed Cordeila.
Buffy turned and headed for the docks. She drove up to the end and stopped the car and got out.
"Where do you expect to find scuba gear?" Buffy asked.
"Right here," said Cordelia, jumping into an old fishing boat. She opened a hatch and pulled out a wet suit and an air tank.
"How'd you get that?"
"A friend."
"Who is......."
"Someone very good at stealing, that's for sure."
"Are you even going to tell me who it is?"
"Probably not. He would get mad if anyone knew he was helping Angel."
"He?....helping....Oh my God!"
"What?" Cordelia gave her a strange look. She shrugged her shoulders when Buffy didn't answer, and went back to what she was doing.
Inside Buffy's mind, her brain was screaming at her. ~Oh my God! I just know it's Spike. It has to. I can't think of anyone else that doesn't like Angel. Expect Xander. But Xander is at home. I saw him. Plus, he doesn't steal very well.~
"Are you going to get in the boat or not?" asked Cordelia, who was sitting at the steering wheel trying to start the motor.
"Yeah. I'm coming." She jumped into the boat.
"Put on the wet suit while I drive. It shouldn't take long."
"How will you know when you're there?"
"My guide will lead me." Cordelia held her hand in a fist in front of her face. Then, she slowly opened her hand, showing a very small ball of light. The light moved out of her hand and swayed around in front of her face.
"Find Angel," she whispered.
The ball of light took off over the dark sea.
"Here we go," yelled Cordelia and she turned on the boat and made it go as fast as it would go, which, for a fishing boat, was pretty fast. She followed the little light through the darkness while Buffy pulled on the cold wet suit. She tank was heavy on her back. She pulled the goggles onto her head and put the flippers on her feet. Suddenly, the boat lurched as it slowed down and slowly came to a stop.
"That outfit just does not work for you," said Cordelia, observing Buffy.
"Shut up. How am I suppose to do this? I've never done this before."
"Just jump in and follow the guide." She walked over the side and grabbed a chain. She handed it to Buffy. "Hook this to the box. We can drag it closer to shore and haul it up with the Jeep. Once you've got it hooked, don't come up too fast. It will make bubbles in your lungs and they could explode."
"Thanks for the comfort," mumbled Buffy.
"Are you ready?"
"Uh, yeah. I guess." Buffy moved to the side of the boat. She saw the guide moving slowly over the surface of the water. She put the mouthpiece in her mouth and too a few breaths before diving into the ocean. The cold water hit her like a thousand knives, stabbing at her body. She gasped, almost losing the mouthpiece.
~It's okay, keep moving~ a voice came in her head. Cordelia.
Buffy thought back to her. ~What? Is this a new power, too?~
~Yeah. I kind of like it~
~The water is so cold~
~It won't last long, just follow the guide~
Buffy saw the ball of light dive deeper and she followed. Her legs started to scream for mercy, but she kept moving. It was very dark down there. She didn't even want to think of what would happen if he ran into a shark.
~Don't worry, the water's safe~
~How would you know? You're not even down here~
~I just do~
~How do you know Angel's still alive...er, undead?~
~I just know. I can feel him~
Buffy found that interesting. She felt that same way. She had always been able to do that with Angel, and even Spike. Maybe it was a vampire thing. Or maybe it was something else. It was something to take the mind of her burning legs, chattering jaw, and lack of seeing two feet in front of her.
~I should have brought a flashlight~ complained Buffy.
~Just don't take your eyes off the guide~
~I'm not~
She saw the guide stop as she got closer to it. She barley made out the outline of the large box. The guide made it easier to see. It had a thin layer of scum covering the window. She moved her hand across it to wipe it away. Angel's eyes were closed. He appeared to be sleeping. Buffy knew it had something to do with lack of blood. She remembered that Thanksgiving when Spike hadn't had any blood and he was all drowsy. Angel had probably been without blood for a little over a week. Enough to make him go into a deep sleep.
She took the chain and hooked the ends to the handles on the side of the box. She pulled on the chains to make sure they were secure, then made her way back to the surface. The guide led her back towards the boat. When she broke surface, she spit out the mouthpiece and took a gulp of fresh air.
"Buffy, over here," called Cordelia, a few meters away.
Buffy swam over and let Cordelia help her onto the boat. Her lips were blue and teeth were chattering.
Cordelia helped Buffy out of the wet suit and wrapped a huge blanket around her.
"Get warm. I'll get us back to shore," said Cordelia.
Buffy merely nodded.
Cordelia got behind the wheel and steered the boat in the direction of the bright coast.
When they reached the dock, Buffy had been able to control her jaw and her lips were their normal color. She got into the Jeep while Cordelia hooked the chain to the front of the Jeep.
"Why don't we just use the crank used to pull up the nets for fishing?" questioned Buffy.
"Because it's broken. Sp- I mean, my friend, didn't think to check that part when he had hijacked the boat."
Buffy nodded her head. She knew for certain, now, that it was Spike who had helped Cordelia.
Cordelia climbed into the drivers seat and turned on the vehicle. She engine roared and she started to move backwards. The end of the dock ended at a slope in the water, so Cordelia was able to pull the box right onto the dock. Once it was fully out of the water, her and Buffy jumped out of the Jeep and rushed over to Angel. The thing was bolted shut. Cordelia found a crow bar in the boat and used it to pry the box open.
When the box opened, both the girls gave a small gasp. Angel was as white as a ghost. His skin had a sickly look to the and he had rings under his eyes. Cordelia used her fingers to open one of his eyes. They look sunk in the back of his head. He looked deader than usual.
"We need to get him back to the Hyperion," said Cordelia. "You drive. I'll stay with him in the back."
Buffy looked at her curiously, but didn't protest. Cordelia helped her lift Angel into the back of the Jeep. Then, she climbed in the back with him and Buffy climbed into the driver's seat. Cordy huddled over Angel, caressing his face.
"Come on, Angel. Wake up." She shook his gently. He didn't stir. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but she was aware that Buffy was tuning in to everything she was saying.
"You had better get up or I'll have to start calling you names."
Angel didn't move.
"Okay then. What name do you hate the most......Um, let's see....Oh. Peaches! You had better get up. Dead Boy! Poofter!......Uh,....."
"Why do you have to call me things that Spike calls me," said Angel groggily, not opening his eyes.
"Angel!" yelped Cordy, throwing her arms around him.
"Ow! Ow. That hurts."
"Oh, god. I'm sorry." Cordy pulled away. "Oh, god, you're awake."
Angel opened an eye. "Why are you all glowy?"
"Oh, this?" he look became solemn. She had to tell him that she didn't live in this dimension anymore. Just when things were getting brighter with them.
"Wait, first of all, who's driving?"
"It's me, Angel," called Buffy from the driver's seat.
"Buffy?"
"Yeah. I'm the one that dived down there and saved your sorry ass so be grateful."
"No problem. I'm plenty grateful. How long was I down there?"
"A little over a week," Cordy answered.
"You need blood, fast," said Buffy.
"Yeah," he said. "I'm weak. I can barely move."
Cordy took his hand into hers and gave it a squeeze. Angel gave her a puzzled look, and she just smiled. He smiled back.
"Hey," called Buffy. "What's going on back there? You both stopped talking. That's never good."
"Sure it is," answered Cordy, never taking her eyes of his.
"We're almost there."
When they pulled into the Hyperion, Buffy came around the back and opened the door. She and Cordy supported Angel and helped him walk inside.
"Go get him some blood. I'll get him on the couch," said Buffy as soon as they came inside the doors.
Cordy rushed off and Buffy helped Angel over to the circular couch. He gave her a grateful look.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
Her eyes widened. "Uh,....Um.....Well.."
"Here's the blood," said Cordy, coming in. She handed the mug to Angel, who gulped it down. Once he finished, he told Cordy to get him some more.
"Coming right up." She left the room.
Angel was about to open his mouth to ask the question again, and Buffy saw it coming, so she cut him off before he could ask.
"What's this thing between you and Cordy?" she asked flatly.
Now it was his turn for his eyes to get wide. "The....The-the thing...That is me...and.....Cordelia?"
Buffy nodded.
"What thing?" he asked innocently.
"Oh, give me a break, Angel! I've known you better than anyone. I know adoration when I see it. You like her."
"Well,...uh, yeah."
"Does she like you back?"
"I think so."
"Well, good for you. You need someone to keep you from brooding so much."
Angel had a puzzled look on his face. "Wait....You're okay with this?"
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because I'm me and she's Cordelia, the girl you hated your entire high school year."
"It's not like I'm one to judge, anyway," she muttered, not really meaning to say the words, they just came out.
"Why?"
She looked at him with wide eyes when she realized what she had said.
"Uh, um. I just....Don't want to judge."
"Okay, good, but you made it out like you meant your situation was worse than mine...." His eyes narrowed. "Who are you with?"
Buffy stuttered some more.
Cordelia walked in, obvious to the conversation. "Are you trying to get her to tell you she's with Spike?"
Buffy turned to face the demoness. "How did you know?"
"He told me when he helped me get that stuff I needed to help Angel."
"So it was him. When did he come back? When was he here? Where is he going?"
"I don't know. He just came. I said I needed help. He helped. Then he was on his way."
"Did he say where he was going? Where he had come from? Why he had-"
"Hold it!" shouted Angel, standing up suddenly, but being weak, he fell back down on the seat again.
Cordelia took her hands off her ears. "Man, talk about a good set of lungs."
Angel looked back up at the two women he loved most. "What is going on here?" he asked simply.
Cordy pointed to Buffy. "She's with Spike."
"Not anymore," corrected Buffy.
"Well, you were for awhile."
"What exactly did he tell you?"
"That he needed to find Peaches, I mean, Angel. He said something about a soul."
This time both Angel and Buffy shouted. "A soul!"
Cordy's hands went back up to her ears. "God, can't you two keep it down?"
"Spike's got a soul?" asked Buffy.
Cordelia nodded.
Buffy slowly sat down next to Angel, staring at the air in front of her eyes.
"He was looking for Angel. He said he would help, but he left before I had the chance to get Angel actually out of the water. I thought Gunn and Fred would be here, but, obviously, they're not."
"I bet their with Lorne," said Angel.
"Now, why would they be there?"
"First of all, Gunn was the one that suggested Vegas to me when I went on vacation. Second, I told Gunn that if anything ever happened to me, get Lorne."
"Oh." Pause. "Well, that answers that question."
"Now I have another," said Angel, looking at Buffy.
Buffy looked up at his with sadness and fear in her eyes. He stared at her, puzzled yet again.
"If he got a soul, aren't you suppose to be happy?" asked Cordy.
"That depends. If he went to get a soul, then yes. But, I really doubt that, because if there was one thing he didn't want to become it was another Angel."
"So, you're saying it was probably involuntary?"
"Maybe."
Angel put an arm around her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She gave him a small smile and stood. "Can we talk tomorrow? I'm, like, really tired and need rest."
"Sure. I can show you to your room." They walked away from Cordy and up the stairs.
Cordy sat on the chair and sighed.
Angel let her into a room. "You can stay here."
She took a seat at the edge of the bed and put her head in her hands. He walked over and sat down next to her.
"You know," said Buffy, raising her head, showing evidence that she had let a few tears fall free, "I had come here to have a nice peaceful summer away from everything that has happened and I end up with this."
"What's 'this'?" he asked.
"Everything. You were in the middle of the ocean. Cordelia's a glowy demoness. Everyone is gone. Spike has a soul. You have a son....."
"Oh, yeah. About that. I...."
"I know. Prophesy. Couldn't be diverted. Cordelia gave me the run-down."
He nodded. "Good."
They sat in silence for a few minutes.
"Since you know what's been going on with me, you gonna tell me how Spike go into the picture and what was so horrible that made you want to come here?"
She looked up at him with hollow eyes. To him, she looked lifeless. The last time they had seen each other, she had had that same stare. It had worn off for awhile, then the thing with Willow and Warren and Tara and Spike and apocalypses and it seemed to take over once more.
"You don't have to talk about it," he whispered when she didn't answer.
"No. You deserve to know." She slowly started her story of life since she came back. She left out the major details of encounters with Spike and left out what happened in the bathroom all together. She told him how she had felt when she was with Spike. She told him how scared she had been when Willow had become Evil Wiccan. She told him about how it felt when she had found out Spike had left without so much as a goodbye.
"Why, exactly, did he leave?" asked Angel towards the end.
"That's not something I'm ready to share," she said softly.
He nodded and she finished the story with Xander helping Evil Wiccan become normal again and saving the world.
"Man.....I never thought I'd see the day that Xander saved the world," he said in awe.
"None of us did."
"Well," he said, standing, "I'm going to go and let you get some sleep. Wanna finish the none-shared part tomorrow?"
She bit her lip and nodded, know there was no way around it. He gave her a small smile before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
Less than two seconds after he left, she burst into tears. She fell onto her side on the bed and cried into the pillow. Angel had heard her and halted, but forced himself to let her be, and kept walking downstairs.
She cried her eyes out until there was nothing left. Her sobs turned to soft cries. The pillow was soaked with salty tears. She tried to sit up, but immediately regretted it when a wave of nausea washed over her and she made a dash for the bathroom. Whatever she had had for dinner, she couldn't even remember, was now in the toilet. He stomach was empty and her throat was raw. She flushed the toilet and leaned against the white wall.
"How did my life get so screwed up?" she asked herself softly.
"It was pretty hard work," said a voice.
Her head snapped up so fast it started to spin, before focusing on as image in front of her.
"Oh, god, not you again," she complained.
"Yeah, it's me," said Whistler. "Nice to see you, too."
"What the Hell do you want? And if you say apocalypse, I swear to God, I will follow in with my threat last time I saw you."
He held up his hands and took a few steps back. "Whoa, whoa there. No apocalypse. I just came with a message."
"From who?"
"Before I tell you, I just wanted you to know that this was all suppose to happen. You didn't screw anything up this time. Well, actually, you did. The witch was never suppose to show up at the hospital. The Powers thought she would be too selfish and immediately go for revenge, but, as you have noticed, you are alive and standing."
"More like sitting," she commented.
"Whatever. Look. The Powers just had to pity you and tell you that you didn't screw anything up. Yet."
"What do you mean....Yet?"
"What I mean, is that as long as you wallow on this path of self pity, you're never going to get anywhere. If you take matters into your own hands and deal with what comes, then a reward would be granted."
"Oh, great. Another gift. Just what I need."
"Not a gift, just gratitude."
"Oh, so, the Powers are going to give a pat on the back and a 'work well done' for everything I've been through! My friend died, I had to fight my best friend, I had to watch her strip the flesh from another human being. I had to deal with an obsessed vampire that let his emotions get away with him. And all I get is gratitude!"
"You will receive a gift. Just in different forms. You will be spared when you should have been killed. You will be given the gift of feeling again. Showing emotion. Laughing, crying, screaming, even loving. But you have to show the Powers, that you will put these gifts to good use."
"When will I get these so-called gifts?"
"Whenever you need them most."
There was a short pause.
"You said you had a message. What is it?"
"The message says that she had seen what your future holds, and it does get better."
"Who?"
"Your mom."
Buffy's eye widened, but before she could reply, he was gone.
"When will you be back?" Dawn asked.
"I don't know, Dawnie. I just need to be with someone who doesn't have to deal with my problems right now."
"What if Spike comes back?"
"I'll talk that over with the others. You just be good and have a nice summer. If I'm not back before school starts, Giles will register you."
"Okay. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Dawn." Buffy planted a small kiss on Dawn's forehead.
"Bye, Buffy."
"Bye." Buffy moved away from the bed and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Downstairs, everyone was in the living room. Willow was curled up on the couch, her head in Xander's lap, who was stroking her head softly. Anya was watching TV. Giles was waiting at the bottom of the steps for Buffy.
Buffy descended the stairs and stood in front of Giles. He gave her a smile before wrapping her a big hug. She hugged him back, tears forming behind her eyes. He let her go and held her at arm's length. "Dawn's in good hands. We'll keep her safe while you're gone."
"Thank you for sticking around. I really appreciate it. Are you sure you don't mind watching Dawn for the rest of the summer?"
"Of course not. I just want you to be happy."
"Hopefully, when I get back, I can be happy-slayer again."
"This year has been quite dark. I wonder if Angel's year was this bad."
"I'll find out soon enough."
He hugged her again. After he let her go, she walked into the living room. Xander and Anya looked up. Willow was half asleep.
Anya stood and gave Buffy an awkward hug. "I can't wait for you to come back. Maybe by that time, we'll have the Magic Box fixed back up again."
"Maybe."
Xander stood slowly, trying not to wake up Willow, but she woke up anyway. He hugged Buffy tightly. "I love you, Buff. I want you to know that."
"I love you too, Xander. You've helped me so much." The tears were flowing freely.
"Don't stay too long. We need you here."
"I'll try. I just need to clear my head and I know he'll listen."
He stopped hugging her and pulled back. Then, he pulled her towards a corner.
"Buffy....I know you don't want to talk about it....but, what if he comes back?"
Buffy looked at the floor. Thought a minute, then looked back up. "Don't kill him."
Xander was about to say something, then closed his mouth and nodded.
"What about Dawn? Is she allowed to see him if she wants?"
"I don't think Dawn's very interested in him right now. But, if she does, that's okay, but he has to be where others are. Like in the Magic Box. Don't let him come in the house. Don't tell him where I'm going."
Xander nodded again. She gave him one more hug before letting go and walking over to where Willow was sitting. Buffy kneeled in front of her.
"Are you going to be okay, Will?"
Willow bit her bottom lip and nodded.
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. I'll miss you."
Buffy gave her a hug. "I'll miss you, too."
"Promise you won't stay forever."
"I promise. It's just a visit. Like a vacation."
"You're staying all summer?"
"Maybe. Depends. I might come back tomorrow. It depend on him and me and how this all works out."
Buffy released her and kissed her on the forehead. "Bye, Willow."
"Bye, Buffy."
Buffy stood and walked out of the living room. Her bag was sitting in the hall. She gave Giles one last hug before picking up her bag and opening the door.
"Call us if you need anything," said Giles.
"I will."
Buffy boarded the next buss to LA. She had decided she needed to talk to Angel about her problems. He was the only one that could take the time to listen. She had tried to call him, but the phone was never answered, so she decided she'd just come by.
When the bus dropped her off and in front of the Hyperion, she knew something wasn't right. It was the middle of the night. She walked through the front doors. The place seemed scarce. It hadn't changed much from the last time she had been there, except the large, red symbol in the middle of the room.
"Hello?" she called.
No answer.
She walked behind the desk and picked up the phone. Dead.
"This is too weird."
"Not really," said a voice behind her.
Buffy yelped and spun around. "Oh, Cordelia, it's you." Then, she registered in her mind that Cordy was a little glowy. "What happened to you?"
Cordelia looked at herself. "Oh, this. Just some perks of being a demoness."
"You're a demon?"
"Demoness." Cordelia corrected. "And, yea. I am. Except, this isn't really me. It's kind of like, my costume. If you saw me the way I am now, you wouldn't be able to see for weeks."
"Wait...Your costume? Okay, complete confusion has taken over."
"Okay, let me spell it out for you. Me...Demoness. Demoness equals higher being. Higher being means I don't exist in this dimension anymore."
"Then, why are you here?"
"Because I need to help Fred and Gunn. Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere, so you'll have to do."
"What do they need help with?"
"Finding Angel."
"Angel? Where'd he go?"
Cordelia threw her arms in the air. "God! For two people who were soul mates, you two sure don't keep in touch much."
"I had my own problems."
"Well, good for you. Wait, let me guess, you didn't even know Angel had a kid."
"He what!?" Buffy shouted.
"Angel's got a kid. Sixteen year-old boy to be exact. Goes by the name of Conner. Well, actually, now his name is Steven, but his given name is Conner."
"He has a kid!"
"Yeah. I already said it twice. Am I going to have to spell this out, too?"
"Huh? Oh, no. No spelling. Just serious confusion and major anger because he didn't tell me in the first place."
"Well, now you know."
"Okay. Now explain how this kid is sixteen. I think I would have noticed a kid running around his place while I was with him."
"For starters, Conner was taken to a Hell dimension called Quortoth when he was a few moths old. He came back sixteen, even though that's just a few months here."
"Who's baby is it?" Buffy asked quietly.
"You mean the mom?"
Buffy nodded.
Cordelia sighed. "Darla."
Buffy's eyes went wide. Her eyes filled with anger. "Darla!?"
"Yeah. But, it was part of a prophesy. It suppose to happen. There really wasn't much we could do unless we knew about the prophesy before, but we didn't. So, we couldn't have stopped it."
Buffy was still in shock. She wasn't paying any attention to Cordelia. But, in the back of her mind, she knew it wouldn't bother her too much. She slept with Spike. I think they're even.
"Um, one question," said Cordelia, interrupting Buffy's thoughts. "Why are you here, anyway?"
"Very, very long story that ends with Willow trying to destroy the world and Xander saving it."
"Whoa. Alot's change since I came here."
"You could say that."
Buffy came out from behind the counter and took a seat on the circular couch. Cordelia took a seat next to her.
Buffy looked over at her. "You never did tell me where Angel is."
"Oh, he's in the middle of the Pacific ocean."
Buffy jumped off her seat, like it was on fire. "He's where?!"
"In the middle of the ocean. That's why I came here. I need someone to dive down there and bring him back up."
"How am I suppose to know where he is, in the middle of the largest ocean in the world!"
"I have my sources. I can take you there. But, I'm kind of shirt on time so, if you're going to do this, we need to get it done soon."
"How long do you have?"
"Well, really, I have about a week before the spell on me wears of, but I still have other things I need to do before then."
"Like what?"
"Look, I really don't have time for the twenty questions here, okay? We need to find Angel so we can help him find his son before Justine gets him killed."
"Who's Justine?"
Cordelia threw her hands up and stood. "I give up. You're as stubborn as Angel. I need someone to help him, and if all you're going to do is ask questions...."
"No. I want to help. What do I have to do?"
Buffy and Cordelia were in a stolen Jeep heading for the Pacific coast.
"How do you expect me to get down there, anyway?" asked Buffy.
"Scuba dive."
"I am suppose to scuba dive and just hope I'll come across him."
"No. I'll give you a guide. It will lead you to him."
"How's he down there?"
"Big metal box with a window."
"Who put him down there?"
"Conner."
Buffy was silent as she drove. They weren't far.
"Turn here. We need supplies," directed Cordeila.
Buffy turned and headed for the docks. She drove up to the end and stopped the car and got out.
"Where do you expect to find scuba gear?" Buffy asked.
"Right here," said Cordelia, jumping into an old fishing boat. She opened a hatch and pulled out a wet suit and an air tank.
"How'd you get that?"
"A friend."
"Who is......."
"Someone very good at stealing, that's for sure."
"Are you even going to tell me who it is?"
"Probably not. He would get mad if anyone knew he was helping Angel."
"He?....helping....Oh my God!"
"What?" Cordelia gave her a strange look. She shrugged her shoulders when Buffy didn't answer, and went back to what she was doing.
Inside Buffy's mind, her brain was screaming at her. ~Oh my God! I just know it's Spike. It has to. I can't think of anyone else that doesn't like Angel. Expect Xander. But Xander is at home. I saw him. Plus, he doesn't steal very well.~
"Are you going to get in the boat or not?" asked Cordelia, who was sitting at the steering wheel trying to start the motor.
"Yeah. I'm coming." She jumped into the boat.
"Put on the wet suit while I drive. It shouldn't take long."
"How will you know when you're there?"
"My guide will lead me." Cordelia held her hand in a fist in front of her face. Then, she slowly opened her hand, showing a very small ball of light. The light moved out of her hand and swayed around in front of her face.
"Find Angel," she whispered.
The ball of light took off over the dark sea.
"Here we go," yelled Cordelia and she turned on the boat and made it go as fast as it would go, which, for a fishing boat, was pretty fast. She followed the little light through the darkness while Buffy pulled on the cold wet suit. She tank was heavy on her back. She pulled the goggles onto her head and put the flippers on her feet. Suddenly, the boat lurched as it slowed down and slowly came to a stop.
"That outfit just does not work for you," said Cordelia, observing Buffy.
"Shut up. How am I suppose to do this? I've never done this before."
"Just jump in and follow the guide." She walked over the side and grabbed a chain. She handed it to Buffy. "Hook this to the box. We can drag it closer to shore and haul it up with the Jeep. Once you've got it hooked, don't come up too fast. It will make bubbles in your lungs and they could explode."
"Thanks for the comfort," mumbled Buffy.
"Are you ready?"
"Uh, yeah. I guess." Buffy moved to the side of the boat. She saw the guide moving slowly over the surface of the water. She put the mouthpiece in her mouth and too a few breaths before diving into the ocean. The cold water hit her like a thousand knives, stabbing at her body. She gasped, almost losing the mouthpiece.
~It's okay, keep moving~ a voice came in her head. Cordelia.
Buffy thought back to her. ~What? Is this a new power, too?~
~Yeah. I kind of like it~
~The water is so cold~
~It won't last long, just follow the guide~
Buffy saw the ball of light dive deeper and she followed. Her legs started to scream for mercy, but she kept moving. It was very dark down there. She didn't even want to think of what would happen if he ran into a shark.
~Don't worry, the water's safe~
~How would you know? You're not even down here~
~I just do~
~How do you know Angel's still alive...er, undead?~
~I just know. I can feel him~
Buffy found that interesting. She felt that same way. She had always been able to do that with Angel, and even Spike. Maybe it was a vampire thing. Or maybe it was something else. It was something to take the mind of her burning legs, chattering jaw, and lack of seeing two feet in front of her.
~I should have brought a flashlight~ complained Buffy.
~Just don't take your eyes off the guide~
~I'm not~
She saw the guide stop as she got closer to it. She barley made out the outline of the large box. The guide made it easier to see. It had a thin layer of scum covering the window. She moved her hand across it to wipe it away. Angel's eyes were closed. He appeared to be sleeping. Buffy knew it had something to do with lack of blood. She remembered that Thanksgiving when Spike hadn't had any blood and he was all drowsy. Angel had probably been without blood for a little over a week. Enough to make him go into a deep sleep.
She took the chain and hooked the ends to the handles on the side of the box. She pulled on the chains to make sure they were secure, then made her way back to the surface. The guide led her back towards the boat. When she broke surface, she spit out the mouthpiece and took a gulp of fresh air.
"Buffy, over here," called Cordelia, a few meters away.
Buffy swam over and let Cordelia help her onto the boat. Her lips were blue and teeth were chattering.
Cordelia helped Buffy out of the wet suit and wrapped a huge blanket around her.
"Get warm. I'll get us back to shore," said Cordelia.
Buffy merely nodded.
Cordelia got behind the wheel and steered the boat in the direction of the bright coast.
When they reached the dock, Buffy had been able to control her jaw and her lips were their normal color. She got into the Jeep while Cordelia hooked the chain to the front of the Jeep.
"Why don't we just use the crank used to pull up the nets for fishing?" questioned Buffy.
"Because it's broken. Sp- I mean, my friend, didn't think to check that part when he had hijacked the boat."
Buffy nodded her head. She knew for certain, now, that it was Spike who had helped Cordelia.
Cordelia climbed into the drivers seat and turned on the vehicle. She engine roared and she started to move backwards. The end of the dock ended at a slope in the water, so Cordelia was able to pull the box right onto the dock. Once it was fully out of the water, her and Buffy jumped out of the Jeep and rushed over to Angel. The thing was bolted shut. Cordelia found a crow bar in the boat and used it to pry the box open.
When the box opened, both the girls gave a small gasp. Angel was as white as a ghost. His skin had a sickly look to the and he had rings under his eyes. Cordelia used her fingers to open one of his eyes. They look sunk in the back of his head. He looked deader than usual.
"We need to get him back to the Hyperion," said Cordelia. "You drive. I'll stay with him in the back."
Buffy looked at her curiously, but didn't protest. Cordelia helped her lift Angel into the back of the Jeep. Then, she climbed in the back with him and Buffy climbed into the driver's seat. Cordy huddled over Angel, caressing his face.
"Come on, Angel. Wake up." She shook his gently. He didn't stir. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but she was aware that Buffy was tuning in to everything she was saying.
"You had better get up or I'll have to start calling you names."
Angel didn't move.
"Okay then. What name do you hate the most......Um, let's see....Oh. Peaches! You had better get up. Dead Boy! Poofter!......Uh,....."
"Why do you have to call me things that Spike calls me," said Angel groggily, not opening his eyes.
"Angel!" yelped Cordy, throwing her arms around him.
"Ow! Ow. That hurts."
"Oh, god. I'm sorry." Cordy pulled away. "Oh, god, you're awake."
Angel opened an eye. "Why are you all glowy?"
"Oh, this?" he look became solemn. She had to tell him that she didn't live in this dimension anymore. Just when things were getting brighter with them.
"Wait, first of all, who's driving?"
"It's me, Angel," called Buffy from the driver's seat.
"Buffy?"
"Yeah. I'm the one that dived down there and saved your sorry ass so be grateful."
"No problem. I'm plenty grateful. How long was I down there?"
"A little over a week," Cordy answered.
"You need blood, fast," said Buffy.
"Yeah," he said. "I'm weak. I can barely move."
Cordy took his hand into hers and gave it a squeeze. Angel gave her a puzzled look, and she just smiled. He smiled back.
"Hey," called Buffy. "What's going on back there? You both stopped talking. That's never good."
"Sure it is," answered Cordy, never taking her eyes of his.
"We're almost there."
When they pulled into the Hyperion, Buffy came around the back and opened the door. She and Cordy supported Angel and helped him walk inside.
"Go get him some blood. I'll get him on the couch," said Buffy as soon as they came inside the doors.
Cordy rushed off and Buffy helped Angel over to the circular couch. He gave her a grateful look.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
Her eyes widened. "Uh,....Um.....Well.."
"Here's the blood," said Cordy, coming in. She handed the mug to Angel, who gulped it down. Once he finished, he told Cordy to get him some more.
"Coming right up." She left the room.
Angel was about to open his mouth to ask the question again, and Buffy saw it coming, so she cut him off before he could ask.
"What's this thing between you and Cordy?" she asked flatly.
Now it was his turn for his eyes to get wide. "The....The-the thing...That is me...and.....Cordelia?"
Buffy nodded.
"What thing?" he asked innocently.
"Oh, give me a break, Angel! I've known you better than anyone. I know adoration when I see it. You like her."
"Well,...uh, yeah."
"Does she like you back?"
"I think so."
"Well, good for you. You need someone to keep you from brooding so much."
Angel had a puzzled look on his face. "Wait....You're okay with this?"
"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because I'm me and she's Cordelia, the girl you hated your entire high school year."
"It's not like I'm one to judge, anyway," she muttered, not really meaning to say the words, they just came out.
"Why?"
She looked at him with wide eyes when she realized what she had said.
"Uh, um. I just....Don't want to judge."
"Okay, good, but you made it out like you meant your situation was worse than mine...." His eyes narrowed. "Who are you with?"
Buffy stuttered some more.
Cordelia walked in, obvious to the conversation. "Are you trying to get her to tell you she's with Spike?"
Buffy turned to face the demoness. "How did you know?"
"He told me when he helped me get that stuff I needed to help Angel."
"So it was him. When did he come back? When was he here? Where is he going?"
"I don't know. He just came. I said I needed help. He helped. Then he was on his way."
"Did he say where he was going? Where he had come from? Why he had-"
"Hold it!" shouted Angel, standing up suddenly, but being weak, he fell back down on the seat again.
Cordelia took her hands off her ears. "Man, talk about a good set of lungs."
Angel looked back up at the two women he loved most. "What is going on here?" he asked simply.
Cordy pointed to Buffy. "She's with Spike."
"Not anymore," corrected Buffy.
"Well, you were for awhile."
"What exactly did he tell you?"
"That he needed to find Peaches, I mean, Angel. He said something about a soul."
This time both Angel and Buffy shouted. "A soul!"
Cordy's hands went back up to her ears. "God, can't you two keep it down?"
"Spike's got a soul?" asked Buffy.
Cordelia nodded.
Buffy slowly sat down next to Angel, staring at the air in front of her eyes.
"He was looking for Angel. He said he would help, but he left before I had the chance to get Angel actually out of the water. I thought Gunn and Fred would be here, but, obviously, they're not."
"I bet their with Lorne," said Angel.
"Now, why would they be there?"
"First of all, Gunn was the one that suggested Vegas to me when I went on vacation. Second, I told Gunn that if anything ever happened to me, get Lorne."
"Oh." Pause. "Well, that answers that question."
"Now I have another," said Angel, looking at Buffy.
Buffy looked up at his with sadness and fear in her eyes. He stared at her, puzzled yet again.
"If he got a soul, aren't you suppose to be happy?" asked Cordy.
"That depends. If he went to get a soul, then yes. But, I really doubt that, because if there was one thing he didn't want to become it was another Angel."
"So, you're saying it was probably involuntary?"
"Maybe."
Angel put an arm around her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She gave him a small smile and stood. "Can we talk tomorrow? I'm, like, really tired and need rest."
"Sure. I can show you to your room." They walked away from Cordy and up the stairs.
Cordy sat on the chair and sighed.
Angel let her into a room. "You can stay here."
She took a seat at the edge of the bed and put her head in her hands. He walked over and sat down next to her.
"You know," said Buffy, raising her head, showing evidence that she had let a few tears fall free, "I had come here to have a nice peaceful summer away from everything that has happened and I end up with this."
"What's 'this'?" he asked.
"Everything. You were in the middle of the ocean. Cordelia's a glowy demoness. Everyone is gone. Spike has a soul. You have a son....."
"Oh, yeah. About that. I...."
"I know. Prophesy. Couldn't be diverted. Cordelia gave me the run-down."
He nodded. "Good."
They sat in silence for a few minutes.
"Since you know what's been going on with me, you gonna tell me how Spike go into the picture and what was so horrible that made you want to come here?"
She looked up at him with hollow eyes. To him, she looked lifeless. The last time they had seen each other, she had had that same stare. It had worn off for awhile, then the thing with Willow and Warren and Tara and Spike and apocalypses and it seemed to take over once more.
"You don't have to talk about it," he whispered when she didn't answer.
"No. You deserve to know." She slowly started her story of life since she came back. She left out the major details of encounters with Spike and left out what happened in the bathroom all together. She told him how she had felt when she was with Spike. She told him how scared she had been when Willow had become Evil Wiccan. She told him about how it felt when she had found out Spike had left without so much as a goodbye.
"Why, exactly, did he leave?" asked Angel towards the end.
"That's not something I'm ready to share," she said softly.
He nodded and she finished the story with Xander helping Evil Wiccan become normal again and saving the world.
"Man.....I never thought I'd see the day that Xander saved the world," he said in awe.
"None of us did."
"Well," he said, standing, "I'm going to go and let you get some sleep. Wanna finish the none-shared part tomorrow?"
She bit her lip and nodded, know there was no way around it. He gave her a small smile before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
Less than two seconds after he left, she burst into tears. She fell onto her side on the bed and cried into the pillow. Angel had heard her and halted, but forced himself to let her be, and kept walking downstairs.
She cried her eyes out until there was nothing left. Her sobs turned to soft cries. The pillow was soaked with salty tears. She tried to sit up, but immediately regretted it when a wave of nausea washed over her and she made a dash for the bathroom. Whatever she had had for dinner, she couldn't even remember, was now in the toilet. He stomach was empty and her throat was raw. She flushed the toilet and leaned against the white wall.
"How did my life get so screwed up?" she asked herself softly.
"It was pretty hard work," said a voice.
Her head snapped up so fast it started to spin, before focusing on as image in front of her.
"Oh, god, not you again," she complained.
"Yeah, it's me," said Whistler. "Nice to see you, too."
"What the Hell do you want? And if you say apocalypse, I swear to God, I will follow in with my threat last time I saw you."
He held up his hands and took a few steps back. "Whoa, whoa there. No apocalypse. I just came with a message."
"From who?"
"Before I tell you, I just wanted you to know that this was all suppose to happen. You didn't screw anything up this time. Well, actually, you did. The witch was never suppose to show up at the hospital. The Powers thought she would be too selfish and immediately go for revenge, but, as you have noticed, you are alive and standing."
"More like sitting," she commented.
"Whatever. Look. The Powers just had to pity you and tell you that you didn't screw anything up. Yet."
"What do you mean....Yet?"
"What I mean, is that as long as you wallow on this path of self pity, you're never going to get anywhere. If you take matters into your own hands and deal with what comes, then a reward would be granted."
"Oh, great. Another gift. Just what I need."
"Not a gift, just gratitude."
"Oh, so, the Powers are going to give a pat on the back and a 'work well done' for everything I've been through! My friend died, I had to fight my best friend, I had to watch her strip the flesh from another human being. I had to deal with an obsessed vampire that let his emotions get away with him. And all I get is gratitude!"
"You will receive a gift. Just in different forms. You will be spared when you should have been killed. You will be given the gift of feeling again. Showing emotion. Laughing, crying, screaming, even loving. But you have to show the Powers, that you will put these gifts to good use."
"When will I get these so-called gifts?"
"Whenever you need them most."
There was a short pause.
"You said you had a message. What is it?"
"The message says that she had seen what your future holds, and it does get better."
"Who?"
"Your mom."
Buffy's eye widened, but before she could reply, he was gone.