Rating: PG-13
"--Buffy/Faith/Xander friendship (can be Buffy/Xander, Faith/Xander, or B/F/X relationships, but there must be B/F/X friendship)
--Wesley as the watcher
--Set, at least for the start in LA, with Buffy going to Hemery
--Angel being sent back in time as a human
--Faith making fun of Buffy in her uniform (In honor of Eliza's appearance in a cheerleading movie)
--Angel saying "Every time I get my humanity back, it sucks. Except for the food."
Also include if you'd like:
--An appearance by Lindsay or another Wolfrram & Hart lawyer, or Gunn
--An argument about the X-men
--An appearance by Sundae (The bitchy blonde vamp from "The Freshmen")
Challenge is due by midnight eastern, Agust 13th and mark accordingly.
--Jason
[Okay sorry Jason about this seriously overdue fic. So many things got in the way, like high school, life, social life, and accidentally erasing my fic from my computer--thank god I had an 80% printed copy of it, otherwise I would have given up. Anyway, I'm probably 2/5 done. But I'll just send the first part in now, as I try to recover ALL ot it...
NOTES: Ladies and gentlemen! There really isn't a specific shipping on this fic. Think of it this way though, there are only four shippings that could and would happen: F/X, B/X, B/A, F/A. NO SLASH! So yeah... this fic could end in any of these four results.... Take a guess. But I warn you, the beginning might mislead you about the end...
I would also like to warn you that this is the prologue. Basically the most crappiest, choppiest, most dumb writen part of the the fic. I PROMISE THOUGH, in the next upcoming parts, that the writing will get better. I SWEAR...
DISCLAIMERS: All original characters belong to the author. Any characters mentionon in the fic that are characters from the show, belong to Joss Whedon, 20th Century Fox, Mutant Enemy, UPN, and anyone else involved in the creation/making of the hit TV series. If there are any concerns please contact me at BluR_2_U@yahoo.ca
Thank-you!
{prologue}
It hurted. I mean sure he already knew what it feels like to fall from out of no where on to the hard ground, butt-naked, but it still hurted. Angel sighed. He knew what he had to do. He looked up from where he landed. The vortex was gone. When he stood up, he looked at his surroundings.
"Yup!" said Angel, "I'm back in Sunnydale, 1996."
Angel walked around the dark streets of Sunnydale. He had to find a vechicle, to get all the way BACK to Los Angeles.
"Funny," said Angel, "I was just there."
He tried scoping out his old apartment, if he still rented it, but when he got there, nothing. No money, no car. Nothing. Nada. He reached into his pocket only to discover that he had only five bucks.
"Thank-you, THANK-YOU WHISTLER!" said Angel with annoyance and sarcasm. He sighed, as he headed to a very popular place, were many like to share a different range of emotions. The Bronze. He figured he could either brood, or figure out a plan......he'd rather brood.
He sat at the booth, as he examined how different the Bronze had looked years ago. Though it was smaller, it was still lively. Suddenly a small man heading towards him caught his attention. Whistler.
"Hey Angel," said Whistler with a suddenl pipyness. It was kind of strange, since he was always dark and serious most of the time. Right now he seemed to be enjoying himself perfectly. "So what's up?"
"What's up?" said Angel with a little irratation. "Whistler I got no car, I got no food, no place to sleep in, I got barely any money-"
"But you have your humanity in you," interupted Whistler.
"Yeah," said Angel relunctantly, "That old thing."
"You see Angel, that's the thing. Being human now, means that you have nothing else. No food. No money. No shelter. Nothing. You're like everyone else, trying to get by. Now if you want to keep this, you know what you have to do."
"Yes," said Angel, as he was reminded about something that was going to hurt him.
"Here," said Whistler as he gave Angel $100. "This may help."
"Wow," said Angel. "A whole 100."
"Hey, I wouldn't talk like that. It goes by just as fast as it comes in," said Whistler as he annoyingly disappered into the crowd.
"I never realized how annoying that is," stated Angel.
He got up from his booth. As he is about to leave the Bronze, someone came crashing on top of him. Angel looked up to see who it was.
"Xander?"
"Look sir, I'm very sorry! I so did not mean to- DID YOU JUST CALL ME XANDER?"
"Uh, yeah," said Angel nervously as he thought about an excuse. "I uh.... I ... AHA! I know your parents!"
Xander didn't look like he was buying it. "How come I've never seen you before."
"Well I-"
"Hey Xander Who's your buddy over there?" said a new voice that Angel did not recognize. He turned to the voice to see a boy. Ironically next to the boy was the ever mousy Willow.
"Hey Jesse," said Xander. "This guy here is, uh... what's your name?"
"Angel."
"-Angel. Yeah, that's it Angel... Isn't that a girl's name?"
"Look," began Angel, "sorry I didn't mean to-"
"He said he knows my parents."
"Really," said WIllow as she looked at Angel curiously. "I'v never seen you before."
"Look, as nice as it is to see you again Xander-"
"But we've never met," stated Xander.
"-I uh... I gotta go." Angel quickly headed towards the exits.
"Weird guy," said Jesse.
"Yeah," said Xander, "Very.... what's the word?"
"Crypitic?" suggested Willow.
"Yeah, that's it..."
"Boy," said Angel. "That was weird."
He continued to walk around, trying to figure out what he was going to do. He soon came to a familiar neighborhood. Robello Drive. Angel stopped in front of Buffy's soon to be house. The owners were still in the process of moving. Memories of Buffy filled his mind. He walked away as he knew that he was about to take it all away.
He then came into another neighborhood. It was a lot less cleaner. It was obvious that it wasn't a very rich area. Suddenly screams and yelling could be heard from a nearby house. Angel tried to ignore it but a voice in the mixture of it caught his attention.
"Xander," said Angel as he raced to the house.
"Look Dad, if you actually listened to a word I said, you would have heard that I don't like it here anymore. I can't stand you and Mom fighting all the time. It's too crazy."
Xander and his parents were standing in entrance of the house. His parents were upset that he came home late for the fifth time that week.
"What do you mean me and your mom. You know why we're fighting? IT's because of you. You and your lazy ass. You haven't got a job and you slack off at school. And you go out every night with your useless friends."
As Xander listened to his dad's lecture his anger built up more and more in him.
"-and if you actually used your brain for once, you wouldn't have to be so pathetic."
"Honey," said Mrs. Harris, "Don't be so hard on him. He's just a kid."
"No I'm not!" yelled Xander.
"What?" said Mr. Harris.
"I'm not a kid anymore," yelled Xander, as different types of emotions filled his mind. "I'm sixteen years old."
"What the HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!" said Mr. Harris as he lunged forward and grabbed Xander tightly on the collar of his shirt.
"I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ALEXANDER BUT IT'S PISSING ME OFF, AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PUSH ME FAR ENOUGH. NOW I'M TIRED OF YOU SCREWING AROUND. SO, IF YOU DON'T LISTEN TO WHAT I SAY I'LL-"
Suddenly the door burst open, only to reveal Angel.
"You'll what?" said Angel.
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?" asked Mr. Harris as he dropped Xander on the floor.
"I thought you said you knew my parents?" asked Xander as he got up from the floor.
"Look," said Angel as he ignored Xander, "If you let Xander go, I promise you there won't be any problems. Oherwise you answer to me."
Mr. Harris didn't accept that. So he threw Angel a punch which Angel easily blocked. He put Xander's father in a holding position.
"Look Mr. Harris, I really don't wanna fight you, so lets forget all this happened and lets not fight anymore. So why don't we just leave your son alone."
"HELL NO!" said Mr. Harris as he tried to swing at Angel.
"Fred just listen to the young man," said Mrs. Harris.
"Yeah Fred Listen to me."
Mr. Harris suddenly got out of the hold and started punch Angel out. But it didn't take much effect. He surprisingly gave Angel a quick strong jab to a chin that threw Angel back.
"Look, dad just let it go," said Xander as he tried to hold his father back. Mr. Harris then shoved Xander off of him roughly.
Angel watched as Xander hit the ground. Though he hated Xander in his reality, this one was actually one he took a liking to. "That's it. You've played all your cards Mr. Harris."
Angel quickly gave Mr. Harris a quick jab to the chin, that knocked Mr. Harris off his feet. Xander's father fell to the floor unconsiously, as Mrs. Harris gave a cry and ran to her husband.
Angel then turned his attention to Xander. "Xander let's go."
And with that the two walked out of the house.
Angel and Xander started walking briskly to an unknown direction. But it didn't matter. The important thing was that they were getting away from the house.
"Where are we going?" asked Xander as he tried to keep up with Angel's speed.
"You mean where am I taking you?"
"What?"
Angel abruptly stopped suddenly. "Xander, I can't take you where I'm suppose to be going. And I know I can't just leave you *there* to suffer-"
"So the what? I stay over at someone's house for a couple nights and then when *they're* ready, I go back? Huh? Is that it? You and I know that what just happened there bacically bought my ticket of living *away* from home."
Angel sighed. Things were getting more and more complicated. "Fine. You can come."
"Yes!" cheered Xander as he literally jumped for joy.
"BUT," stated Angel as he grabbed Xander by the collar of his shirt, "No more questions from now on. I won't tell you anything, so don't bother. Is everything clear?"
As Angel let Xander go, Xander obediently nodded.
*Sigh* "All right. First off, take me to Willow's place?"
"Wh-" started Xander before Angel signalled for him to stop.
"Hey, remember? No questions."
Xander nodded again, as he lead Angel to Willow's house.
Willow rubbed her eyes. She was tired. She wanted to sleep. But some idiot wouldn't let her. No, no. This idiot wouldn't allow her to sleep. This idiot would prefer it for her to get out of bed and let him into the house. She groaned as she unlocked the door and opened it.
"First off, it's three o'clock in the morning. Basically you owe me big time. Second, I-Xander?"
"Uh, hey Will," replied her friend.
"Um, I can always accept that you're stupid enough to come over here at around this time but, why is he here?" asked Willow as she pointed at Angel.
Angel looked at Xander, as Xander took it as his cue.
"Listen Will, um, me and Angel have decided to go on a little road trip..."
"WHAT? Are you crazy?"
"Almost but not exactly there yet."
"Xander you don't even know this guy!" complained Willow. "I mean no offense," said Willow as she looked at Angel, "but Xander, for all we know this guy's only intention could be that he wants to malest you!:
Angel shook his head, as Xander got annoyed.
"Willow! He saved me!"
"I know, but he isn't telling you anything," said Willow as she continued to worry.
"Well what do you want me to do? Go back home and ask pretty please to my dad if I can still live at home?"
"No," replied Willow as she pouted. "But you could stay here until-"
"What?" interupted Xander with a little anger. "Until I go back home an let it all start over again?"
Willow looked down as she felt hurt. Xander sighed as he softened up, "Look Will. I'll be fine. I guess I just need some time to be alone. Away from home. From Sunnydale," he took her hands in his, "I'll be back. I swear I will," he said with a warm smile.
Willow reached around and hugged him. "Promise me Xander you will. Promise me."
He squeezed her tight. "I promise I will."
Angel smiled. He stepped in a bit. "Don't worry Willow, I won't hurt him."
Willow broke her embrace from Xander and smiled at Angel lightly. "Don't worry Angel. I've only known you for like five minutes, and somehow I trust you..." she paused as she thought about it, "Yup. I'm definately a candidate for the insanity ward."
Angel laughed a bit, as they soon talked about packing some supplies.
Angel was taking all the supples outside as Xander took Willow aside.
"Listen Will, try to tell Jesse about what's up okay? But don't really tell him what's up, okay?"
"Uh...okay," said Willow with a confused expression.
Xander sighed. "You know what I mean."
"Yes," replied Willow with a grin.
"Xander it's time to go," yelled Angel from the doorway.
Xander looked over at Willow. He bit his lip, as Willow looked at him sadly. He reached his arms around her softly as he took her into a loving hug. "I love you Willow."
"I love you too Xander," replied Willow. Though she knew she wanted to tell him how much she really *did* love him, she held back.
They held the embrace a little longer. As they broke it, Xander kissed her lightly on the cheek, which made her blush. He walked up to the door. As he was about to leave, he turned around and gave Willow one last look. She looked sad. He smiled at her with a mixture of sadness and loving friendship. She smiled back at him with the same amout of emotion as he closed the door.
Angel stood outside waiting for Xander. He felt sorry for Xander and Willow. He wished it didn't have to be this way for them, but what else could he do? Let Xander get his life taken away by his own family? As much as he hated Xander from his time, he appreciated this Xander. So maybe it's because Xander didn't meet Buffy yet. But still...
"Angel?" called Xander from behind.
He turned around as he looked at the young boy. He picked up his bags, and walked over to Xander who also had several bags with him.
"All right," started Angel. "Firstly, let's find a way to get a car."
"A car? Why?"
"Hey no questions?" reminded Angel.
Xander just nodded. As they started walking, Xander pipped in, "Hey I'm hungry. Got any bit to eat?"
"Huh?" asked Angel.
"You know, food?"
//Oh yeah.// thought Angel. //I'm human. I can eat food!// "Don't worry Xander. As soon as we get a car, I'll take you somewhere to eat."
"Well then let's go!"
"Fine Xander. But we still need to find a vehicle."
"I know. Basically that makes things perfect."
"Why?" asked Angel, who was confused.
"You'll see," said Xander as he led the way.
"I can't believe you actually got me into stealing this car," said Angel, as he watched Xander hotwire his Uncle Roary's blue convertible car. Sure Angel had to agree that he was kinda glad that he was gonna drive a nice car, but still...
"It's not stealing...more like borrowing. Besides Uncle Roary was in a car accident, that left him temporarily paralyzed for several weeks. So basically he won't be able to drive it anyways."
"Great, now we're stealing from the disabled!"
"Stop that! Anyway, he owed me. And this is payback," said Xander. He finally go the car started. "All right!"
Xander quickly threw the bags into the car as he shouted over to Angel, "Quick! Get in!"
Angel shook his head as he sat at the drivers seat. Xander looked at him with an irratated look.
"What are you doing?"
"Driving," replied Angel.
"But-"
Angel quickly flashed Xander a drivers liscnece. "I have one of these and you don't."
Xander sighed as he reluctantly sat at the passengers side. Angel grinned as he let tires roar. He was glad that Whistler left him, out of many other things he could've used, a driver's liscence. He grinned as he backed out of the driveway, and headed for LA.
It was close to dawn when Xander woke up in a haze. He felt sick. //It must have beed that bean burrito from last night.// he thought. He looked over at Angel. He seemed to be focused on the road. He also noticed how pale Angel's skin was. //Someone's a little overly pasty.// thought Xander.
"Where are we?" asked Xander, as he snuggle up into the car cushion.
"Abour 10 miles off of city limits," Angel said as he continued to looked straight ahead at the road.
"Okay...And which city would that be?" asked Xander.
"Los Angelos."
"LA!" shouted Xander, "You never told me that we were going to LA!"
"Hey you didn't ask."
"But I'm not suppose to ask you any questions."
"Exactly the point," replied Angel smoothly.
Xander sighed. This was gonna be a very interesting trip if he knew nothing. Somehow he was gonna have to find a way to drag some answers out of Angel. He smiled as he figured out a way. He was about to make his first move when Angel abruptly slammed on the brakes.
"Faith?"
to be continued...