Chapter 13

Angel and the team finally reached Lilah's office. No sounds came from there which only added to the tension in Angel.He rushed to the doors and threw them open.

"Buffy " He ran to her and hugged her so tightly , she was crushed. After a while he let her go and checked her over.

"Hey to you too, and hey, just ask."

"Are you hurt"

" Yeah, I broke a nail on this bitches face" she held it up as emphasis

He looked at Lilah's face and grimaced.

"Dont tell me you sympathise with it" Buffy said " She was the one that sent this to you , hoping you would be the one to use it"

"Same old , same old eh Lilah"

" Well , would you expect anything less"

"After five years , no , but aren't you getting a little bored with it, unno the losing"

"It just keeps getting better actually" she continued " Say how did you get across the threshold without the alarms going off".Sarcasm evident in her voice.

"Glich in the system I guess"

Lilah laughed "You really think I'm stupid enough to fall for that " .She looked at Angel " Try again"

Angel put a hand either side of her chair and lent in " You seem to have all the answers , why dont you tell me"

"Your human" she lent back in her chair , trying to put as much distance between him and herself.

Angel sighed deeply and backed off. He ran his hands through his hair before turning back to Lilah.

"How do you know"

"Why should I tell you?"

Buffy walked back to her and leant in "Cos if you don't , we leave the face, well looking less facelike"

Angel cringed .He hated hearing Buffy talk like that.

"Someone in camp Angel has very loose lips. Seems they cant keep quiet.We know everything"

Angel was shocked. He had learned to trust people , his people . To find out he had been betrayed crushed him.His anger was eating away at him.He shot round and grabbed Lilah by the shoulders and shook her fiercely

" Who" he growled through gritted teeth

"Ask your Seer" Lilah was almost laughing again, the only reason she didn't , Buffy and her fist.

"Cordy?" It was more of a question with a hint of a statement.

Back at the Hyperion

Willow and Faith were pacing the foyer .Fred was sat on the stairs still reading the vast compendium, every now and again glancing up at the girls and huffing.

" Your a powerful wicca , can't you do something?" Faith asked

"Buffy said I was to sit tight until she needed me. I want to do something but ..."

"Shouldn't someone check on Liam" Fred said

"Done it earlier , he's fine, sick off being couped though" Faith replied "Know how that feels" she shook off the memory.

"Has anyone seen Cordelia today" Willow said to the room. "You'd think with everything going on , she'd wanna be down here helping "

"I'll go and check on her " Fred put down the book with a thud " I could do with a break from the book anyway"

Fred walked up the stairs rubbing her eyes.

"Can't you do that mind reading thing Will"

" It's telepathy and I could try" With that said Willow headed to the circular seat .Willow crossed her legs and chanted .After a few minutes Willows eyes opened ." I got her"

Faith paced back and forth.

"Fred knocked on Cordelia's door and waited til she got the invite in.

"How are you Cordy".

"Fine thanks.Where's everyone"

"Buffy took some of the young slayers to Wolfram and Hart.Angel's gone after her with the rest and Gunn and Wesley" she sat on the easy chair .Fred's nerves were clearly visible.

Cordy was highly agitated " He's what! How could he be so stupid!Buffy can take care of herself and it's not like she went alone! Typical Buffy !"

"I ... I... don't think Buffy did it to get Angel into any trouble"

"Huh! Thats all she ever did ! And typical Angel , goes to the rescue of lil miss like to fight!"

"I'm sure they are on their way back now and everyone's fine" Fred was getting even more nervous now that Cordy was annoyed.Why should she be so annoyed though?

Cordy paced back and forth in an agitated fashion. "What about Liam.Is he still caged up. Please tell me they weren't stupid enough to let him loose yet?"

"Mmm no no he's he's still in the basement"

"Well , at least they used their brains there.Who's still here , is it just us?"

"No Faith stayed here just in case anything happened"

Cordy suddenly stopped pacing and stood still.Fred watched as her head tilted back and she begun to levitate.The vision shook Cordy physically.Since becoming half demon so she could bare the visions, Cordy had rarely had one that manifested in a physical way.The vision over, she fell to the floor.

"Cordy!"

Fred went over and lifted Cordy's head up .As she came around she mumbled something about a statue.Fred propped her up against her armoire and got Cordy a drink of water.

"Shall I call Faith, she can go out if your vision needs dealing with right away"

"Yeah call her up , I need to tell her where and when"

Fred left to get Faith , making sure Cordy was O.K first.

Foyer

Willow glowed pure white as she mentally spoke to Buffy.

"Buffy...Buffy ,whats going on?"

"Will? I'm at Wolfram and Hart with the potentials.We're trying to take them out so they no longer pose a threat to Angel."

"Are you mad! Scrap that!Do you need any help?"

"We're fine, we are just you go to the chest in Angel's room and get the chains and locks, take them down to the basement ready for a 'guest'."

"What have you done?"

" I was willing to just beat the living crap outta Lilah , but Angel wants to keep her as some kind of insurance. We're bringing her back with us"

"Who's Lilah?"

"Some bitch that seems hell bent on making Angels life a living hell"

"How long before your back"

"Should be back in about half hour ,give or take.Is Liam O.K?"

"Everyones fine here. Get back safe"

Willow was still glowing white and was just finishing her conversation with Buffy when Fred came back down stairs.She couldn't take her eyes off Willow .Willow closed her link with Buffy and took a deep breath.

Faith turned from Willow to look at Fred.

"So is Cor O.K" She said

"Cordy had a vision and needs you to go and see her.I think she needs you to go and save someone"

Faith ran up the stairs taking two at a time.

Willow asked Fred what the deal was with Cordy and if she could help.Fred was still looking at Willow, her hair now fading back to its usual coppery red.

"Oh , umm .She got the visions from Angels first guide , Doyle I think it was, anyway she was dying from the visions , so the higher powers gave her the choice of becoming half demon and she accepted. So now Cordy just levitates and gets cloudy eyes,sometimes theres spittle , but not very often.And I'm rambling aren't I. I hate it when I do that."

"No , it's O.K , I do it sometimes , I think my friends have gotten used to it now"

The two girls laughed at themselves.

Fred went and checked the monitor , Liam was sitting on his bunk singing. Willow went to the front desk and started up her laptop.

Faith entered Cordy's room and slumped on the bed ,Cordy came out of the bathroom , a wet towel wrapped round her neck.

"That was a doozy of a vision"

"So w'sup, usual slice and dice"

"Yeah ,Its no big, just a lizard demon thing.You'll find it over on Crenshaw.It likes sewers, I could tell cos of the smell ,could have it's lair down there",Cordy was waving her hand in front of her face to emphasise the smell factor.

"K. I'll go deal , just unno , take it easy" Faith said as she turned to leave.Faith sensed something but couldn't quit put her finger on it.She closed the door and returned to Willow.

"Will?"

"In the office with Fred " came the reply.

Faith walked in and sat on the edge of the desk."Fred , you know Cor well , you sensed anything weird coming from her lately?"

"Well no not really , but she has been a bit reclusive .She was a mighty bit pissed that Buffy was coming and none too pleased when she knew there were the potentials as well . You should have seen her face when Willow magically made Angel human".

"I get the feeling there's more to her than vision gal n part demon , if ya get me"

"What makes you think that"

"Spidey sense , all tingly and not in a good way"

"I could do a reading and see if it comes up with anything"Will suggested.

"Better see what we think as a group and see if Buffy senses it too , could be my slayer senses acting up".

"Good idea , but have to say, it seems weird that she's kept outta the way and now your picking up a weird mojo off her"

"I gotta run, do the reading and let me know what ya get"

Fred was dubious , Cordy had been a major part in her rehabilitation after Pylea.Although she did think she had been acting out of character lately.

Faith grabbed a couple of weapons and walked out through the main doors.

"Willow , what will you do if the reading comes back and says Cordy's evil"

"I don't know , I guess I'll just tell Angel and Buffy , Faith too , and leave it to them"

Lorne came in as Willow started the reading and he walked into the office."Hey my lil cupcakes and what may I ask is going on here?"

"Willows doing a reading , Faith thinks Cordy's evil "

"I haven't picked up any unusual vibes off the delicious one"

"Maybe she blocked you knowing your an empath " Willow said

"Possible, has anyone discussed that with Angel yet"

"No , I thought I'd do this and only bother him with it , if it happens to be true"

"I guess he does have his hands overly full at the moment, do you need some help?"

"I think I can handle the rading , but I iwll need someone with her in case she trys to do a spell and block me".

"Oh I doubt you will have trouble , I'm sure the princess is just off colour and there's nothing wrong, plus you kick a wicked wicca punch.Your aura is practically screaming at me! Tell you what , I'll go keep Cordy company while you do the business, looks like our Fredikins has a bad case of the nerves.I'll see you girl's in a while"

Lorne went up the stairs after making his sea breeze.

Willow set up her candles and sat crossed legged on the floor.

Fred grabbed a large book from Angels Bookcase and sat at the desk browsing the index for the Rites of Calenook.Both girls were silent.

After ten minutes Willow started to grunt and she shook violently.Fred shot out of her chair and didn't know what to do .Should I try and get her out of the trance ? Should I get Lorne or call Angel? She paced the room , biting her nails and talking to herself.

Willow had sweat beading on her forehead and her breathing was erratic.She shook and grunted.

Upstairs, Lorne was sat trying to make small talk with Cordy.

"So did the Tall dark and human one pay a visit to you today"

"He did briefly , since the hotel's been brimming with slayers , it's like he has no time for me. I'm vision girl , remember, his link to the powers."

"I'm sure he hasn't been avoiding you, it's just ... well he has his hands well and truly full at the moment .Didn't you send him off after Buffy tonight?"

"Yes" she said with a hint of anger, not aimed at Lorne , but herself as she realised he was right .She had sent him after her." Your right , yet again"

At about the time that Willow was getting all sweaty,Cordy felt the vibrations .

"Lorne would you be a honey and get me a drink of water "

"Sure " He watched her , knowing what was transpiring downstairs.He went into her kitchenette and got Cordy her water .She had gone a strange hue of unaware of the change continued .

"I get the feeling Angel regrets bringing Liam back through the portal and I think he blames Buffy "

Lorne was puzzled by the transformation and found it hard to keep it from Cordelia.

"What makes you say that "

"Oh when he was up here earlier , he mentioned it to me , I doubt he would tell Buffy of course"

Cordelia started to sweat herself,the magic that was invading her was getting too strong for her to fight.God damn you Willow ,she said to herself. Realising Lorne was watching her , she gave a false grin.

Lorne realised the magic was wearing Cordy down and tried to read her aura.He could , and boy was her aura worth it!

"I .. I gotta go my peach pie " Lorne called back as he slipped out the door

Cordy growled and threw her glas at the door "I bet you do " she spat out in anger.

Downstairs , Willow had managed to overcome the spell that blocked Cordy.She could read her like a book .What she saw scared her .Willow began pulling herself out of the trance. Fred , noticing the calmness that surrounded Willow ,stopped pacing and resumed her place at the table.

Willow finally blinked several times , allowing her eyes to become accustomed to the light in the office.

"Well that was some deep darkness" Willow finally said .

"So , so it worked then, and oh ! Is Cordy like some big bad we have to fight now then , or or is there some way to stop her"

"I can stop her "Willow said "But I'll need a few things first.She must have changed during her ascension to become a higher being,might even be why she got kicked out."

Cordy said she came back cos Angel was losing his way , not fulfilling his destiny or something like that."

"Didn't Angel ever wonder why she had glowy white eyes when she had a vision now"

"We all just thought it was part of the beig half demon on account of the visions is all"

"Well that may be how it started , but the demons awake fully awake now"

"Do you know what demon it is?"

"I don't know but maybe Angel will, I'll describe it to him when he gets back.Speaking of which , shouldn't they be back by now"

Both girls looked at the clock on the wall.

Wolfram and Hart

The crew, which consisted of Angel ,Buffy , Gunn , Wes and the potentials, plus the captured Lilah , headed for the elevator.Gunn and Buffy bringing up the rear of the group and Angel and Wesley at the front. Lilah was being dragged by a group of four potentials.

"You think you'll get out of here don't you " Lilah said sarcastically

"And we didn't gag her as well , why?"

An alarm sounded downstairs and the building groaned.

"What the hell was that" Amanda said

"That's the building locking down, standard proceedure " Lilah gloated

"O.K ,so how do we get out?And trust me when I say a wrong answer costs you " Buffy said , her patience or rather lack of evident.

"Don't worry "Angel said " I got this one" He reach out , his hand hovering for a second, then pushing a sequence of floors.Finally a large white button appeared.Angel pushed it.

A blinding light forced them all to cover their eyes with their hands.

"Where the hell are we" Buffy asked

"Hell" Angel answered. Then he remembered Cordy's vision.

The room seemed to stretch for eternity.Pure white nothingness .Angel stood on guard , his sword half raised.

"So , where's the exit, bored now"

A small girl slowly materialised in front of Angel. She was dressed in a victorian looking dress in a blood red velvet.A childlike laugh echoed around them.

"Who's the bride of Chucky" Buffy asked as she pointed to the girl.

Lilah snorted at Buffy.

"Thats the liason to the Senior partners. Don't underestimate her Buffy" Angel said raising his sword a little higher.

"Back so soon vampire" the girl said "And with a toy to play with" the eerie laugh echoing again

"Get us out or she dies" he said , yanking Lilah to him

"Cut her , Go on , See if she bleeds , red red red.Like you do now"

"Kid needs some serious therapy" Gunn said

The girl shot round to stare at Gunn ."Big plans for you, Blue won't be your colour "

"Why is it always cryptic crap with the bad guys, why can't they just come straight out and say it."

The potentials all sniggered at Buffy's retort.

"I like her, she's been dark,been in the cold and the light.She wishes she'd stayed there".She continued, mimicking Buffy's voice "I touch the fire, and it freezes me,I look into it, and it's black,Why can't I feel?My skin should crack and peel.Isn't that right ? Do you think Heaven wants you back?"

"What is she talking about Buffy " Angel looked at her confused.

"The witch , the white witch, she pulled you out, made you crawl from the dirt like a half breed .Left you feeling empty.William knew"

Angel felt his blood starting to boil. "Spike"

One of the potentials yawned , breaking the silence that had fallen.

"I am so done here.Let me out of here or else..." Buffy didn't get a chance to finish her sentance.The blinding white light again and then nothing.

Angel slowly drew his arm from his eyes and blinked a few times.The foyer. Home. He looked round and saw the rest of the gang .Everyone was gobsmacked at what had just happened.Lilah was still with them.