Chapter 4 My Request
A/N: Sad chapter be prepared. Enjoy.
Angel woke slowly he was no longer on the ground dying but in bed. He could smell rotting flesh everywhere. Angel's vision cleared and went to move his neck but it shot a pain in him that he wanted to scream. He lays still in the bed using his eyes to take in the scene or at least what he could see while laying flat. He was in a hospital for the wounded, sick and dying. He couldn't move nor did he want to this was it he was going to die he just felt it. He's made it three years but it was time. While Angel closed his eyes a woman new to this place walked with a man getting a grand tour of the makeshift hospital.
"Look out the window, ladies. See what these poor fools are dyin' for. How many would still lose a leg for the rich man's slave?" The woman could hear the chattering as she walked through the beds with wounded soldiers in them and most were dying.
"Most of these soldiers'll be dead by morning, or if they're stubborn by nightfall." The men said to the woman as they walked through the nasty place as it was riddled with death. "I've got other men outside in the courtyard waitin' for beds so any kind word will be a blessin'." Meaning tell me when one dies so we can get him out and another one the bed to die to. The woman then stopped holding her stomach on the verge of vomiting and she steadied herself against the wall. It smelt so bad it smelt of ash and blood mixed together. "It's the heat I'm sorry but they rot." And the woman looked to a bed with a man laying there as he was muttering something and she walked closer to listen.
"How are you, son?" She asked and he whispered something.
"Cold… Mountain…" He said but the woman didn't understand at all and she leaned in closer to the dying man.
"I, I'm sorry you want water?" She asked hoping that's what he was saying.
"Cold…Mountain," He repeated louder this time with difficulty in his breath.
"Cold Mountain?" The woman asked making sure she heard correctly.
"Cold Mountain," Angel said again with Buffy's image in his mind he wanted to go home and be with her. He wanted to die in her arms.
Cold Mountain A Year Ago
Buffy was outside at a stable and opened it hearing a horse it was Claire and she smiled. The poor horse had no one to take care of her anymore most of the boys of this town were gone now. Claire at one point had a tenant but he left for war. She wasn't really a working horse and now she would be left here in this stable to die. So Buffy decided she would take care of Claire before she died of starvation. She walked into the stable and took some reins off the wall and grabbed a saddle. She set the equipment down and walked over to the beautiful horse as it stood there. She then took out an apple and held up to the animal and it began to eat it and she petted the snout smiling. The music, the picture and now this horse is all she had of Angel.
"I'm going to take care of you ok." She said to the horse and it made a noise as if it approved. Once it ate its snack Buffy put the saddle and reins on her and then she climbed up. She knew how to ride and had the horse move out of the stall and took off. Before heading home she wanted to ride her hoping to recreate the moment between her and Angel.
Buffy gave Claire a new home at Black Cove and Giles came into the stable smiling as Buffy petted the gentle creature. Come to think of it there were no horses on the farm so she was a great addition. Buffy made sure Claire's stall was clean and ready for her and then Kendra walked in smiling.
"Very pretty horse," She commented and Buffy smiled nodding.
"Kendra meet Claire," Buffy introduced them and Kendra did a nod and reached out and petted the horse and she stood there like she seemed to enjoy the attention she was getting. Kendra smiled as the horse seemed to lean in a little wanting more and Buffy giggled same with Kendra. "She's Angel horse and since he's gone I could let her be alone." Buffy explained as the two petted the animal. While they petted and admire the horse Giles walked in the barn.
"Do you worry when there's no word from him?" Giles asked and Buffy looked to her father and sighed and went back to petting Claire it gave her some type of peace. "From Angel?"
"Yes," Buffy answered and the stopped petting Claire and just stood there thinking Kendra felt bad they were just starting to get to know each other. "But then I've tried countin' the number of words which have passed between Angel and me and it's not very many." She looked back to her father. "But I think about him daddy, all the time." She admitted and Giles nodded and came up to her and looked at the new beast they've collected. Kendra smiled but it faded no word meant something bad. She wished they came to Cold Mountain sooner so she and Angel could have more time.
"I lost your mother after twenty months of marriage but it was enough to fill a life." He said meaning even though it was short he was able to get Buffy out of the grief. What he was trying to tell her was even though time was short between her and Angel sometimes it's just enough. Buffy turned back to Claire nodding and then Kendra and Giles exchanged looks of worry. Then Charles came into the barn will running.
"Giles, Buffy," And everyone looked up. "Town meeting." And they all left the barn together heading to the house to get ready for the meeting but what was it about?
The Town of Cold Mountain gathered into the chapel and it was getting packed, loud and hot. Buffy and her father sat next to each other with Willow and Xander as they waited wondering what was going on. Then it appeared most of the town was here and Riley Finn walked down the aisle and everyone was whispering he must have called it. He was captain of the Home Guard so if anything came from the governor he had to report it.
"Evening everyone," Riley started and everyone sat there looking at him. Their first pick as Home Guard was never Riley but he was here so they had to show some respect. "Before we begin will our reverend Summers open with a word of prayer?" Riley asked looking to Giles. He nodded and stood and walked over to the front of the chapel looking to the people.
"We're gathered here as a one people of this town and we'd like to thank God for His many blessings. This war is something that He has a plan for and all we ask is that he watches over us and gives us a clear path through these troubled times. We thank you and ask only peace in your name, amen." Giles finished and everyone response with an amen as well. Giles went and took his seat next to Buffy.
"As you know this war has started and word has been given that there are slaves on the run," Riley began. "Also if a black man joins and fights in the Union army they can become free. Now here in Cold Mountain we have our own slaves to look out for they don't need to be running away. So in order to ensure that they remain here and safe by order of the Home Guard of Haywood County all slaves are to work for this town." Riley looked around as people talked to one another. Buffy and Giles just sat there not understanding what Riley wanted. "Anyone who owns slaves will bring them to the town tomorrow morning and they shall all live together, eat and sleep together. If they refuse to work for this town and its people or talk about running away they will be shot on site." Buffy's eyes widen and she turned to Giles and he grabbed her hand to keep her calm and then he stood up.
"When you say work for this town," Giles began and Riley looked to him.
"It means they will be defending this town from Yankee raiders and any other outsiders. They are to work in this town for whatever is needed and if they refuse they will be shot they're just slaves." Riley answered and that made Giles' blood boil. Kendra and Charles and their boys were not slaves or cattle to be herded they were people. "They will be put to hard labor it's only just we have our jobs and they have theirs so if there are no questions then all slaves must be placed at the center of the town tomorrow by noon."
Buffy and Giles reported what was said to Kendra and Charles and they understood what was happening. Giles believed Riley had a different motive though. Riley hated the race that either he would work them to death or just kill them. And that night by candle at the kitchen table a decision was made. Kendra got her boys and were told of the plan the family would flee tonight. Buffy didn't want them to leave but it was leave and hope for a better life or stay here and die.
They waited until the dead of night when the moon was high. Giles was on Claire as Buffy led her through the woods. Kendra and Charles walked side by side and hand and hand. Their boys walked alongside Buffy. They passed Bishop's Creek and then came to a stop. Buffy faced her family and her heart pounded they were leaving they had too. Kendra sighed seeing Buffy's face the way it was and she walked up to her and they hugged and Buffy started to cry.
"Shh, its ok Buffy you're going to be ok." Kendra said to who she believed was her daughter. Giles dismounted Claire and he and Charles shared a hug they've worked side by side as brothers all these years and now it was time to leave. Kendra pulled Buffy away and wiped some of the tears away. "You stay strong ok," And Buffy nodded. "And when we get to wherever we're going I will send word and then when that wedding happens I want to be there." Buffy smiled and nodded again and they hugged. They pulled away and then she went to her sons and they did a group hug.
"Gonna miss you guys," Buffy said once they leave it's just her and her father. She was afraid they were brothers and protectors and now they were leaving. She kissed each of them on their cheeks and Kendra went to hug Giles thanking him for all he's done for her and the family. Buffy then walked over to Charles and hugged her what she thought was her second father. After the hugging and the all the tears have yet to shed the family faced Buffy and Giles as Giles reached to a bag hanging from Claire. He pulled out a shot gun and a musket and handed the shot gun to Charles and the musket to Mark and a bag some gun powder and bullets.
"Remember travel during the night and if you must keep a low fire. During the day hide and stay off the roads." Giles said to them and Buffy came over and handed Kendra something.
"Pepper," Buffy explained. "If dogs are tracking you it'll through off the scent." Kendra nodded and tucked it away and then Buffy handed her a basket and Giles handed another basket to Lucas. "That one," She pointed to the one Kendra had. "It's dried fruits and pickled vegetables I had Willow make it. And the other is salted deer and pork meat it should last you at least a week." They family nodded they had a week's supply of food. Giles then handed John a basket. "Candles and matches." Buffy said so the family was set for traveling and Giles came over with a map.
"I want you guys to make it to Kentucky," Giles showed them to the map. "Once you cross that boarder you guys will be free." They nodded and everyone shared one last hug but it was time for them to start running. The faster they left the better miles they can cover and get as far away from here and Riley. They said their last good byes and the family headed into the woods. Buffy wiped another tear away and Giles put his arm around her bringing her closer. "God will watch over them they were wonderful people." Giles assured Buffy and she nodded she watched the only family she had leave and she feared for their life she prayed they would make it and not only that but finally have the peace and freedom they've always deserved. Giles motioned for them to leave and he got back on Claire and Buffy took hold of Claire's reins and rubbed her snout and she seemed happy for moment.
"Come on girl let's go." Buffy said and gently pulled on the reins and they were heading back home, home to an empty house. Once they got there Buffy made sure Claire was safe in her stable and she headed to the house. One she got inside the place was so empty and so quiet. This would take some time to get use to and she wasn't ready for it. Buffy headed upstairs that was now empty all the rooms were empty. Six rooms in this house and only two were taken. Buffy walked into her room and shut the door and saw Angel's picture sitting in the mirror and she went and grabbed it and sighed. Hopefully he would be back soon.
It was a good thing that Kendra and her family got out when they did all the slaves of Cold Mountain were brought to town. Riley went down the line looking at them some were children. He said if they wanted to run and be they could and some took that chance but were shot for it. He threaten them if anyone of them ran or refused to work they would be shot and killed. Buffy was inside trying to cook for her father as he sat outside at the table reading when Riley came riding up. He was alone and Buffy got nervous. She knew her father would want to keep her inside but she opened the window slightly to listen.
"Mister Giles," Riley dismounted his horse and walked over to him. "You had slaves did you not?" Riley asked and Giles nodded and removed his glasses. "Why weren't they given up to the town liked I asked?" Riley sat down waiting for answer.
"As a man of God I never condone the use of people as slaves and my people were never slaves." Giles answered and kept reading.
"Letting them go that can land you in jail or shot mister Summers." Riley stated looking around the land and then to the window seeing Buffy slightly but the sun gave a glare.
"You wish to shoot me mister Finn?" Giles asked looking to Riley. "Cut my young life short?" Meaning go ahead shoot the minister and see what happens.
"If you weren't a man of God I would." Riley said and got up still looking to the window and Giles knew what or who Riley wanted.
"You will never have my blessing besides I gave it to Angel." Giles said although that was only half true. He said he would give it to Angel when he returns but to get Riley off his land he had to bluff a little. Riley then turned away and got on his horse and headed out. Buffy heard the conversation and sighed she knew Riley would be tracking her like a hawk.
Buffy and Giles sat outside for a nice dinner together enjoying the summer or what was left of it. Buffy put her napkin on the table and stood up and began to clear the table but her heart trembled. This war was draining people dry of their money and making it difficult to buy even just the basics now. All the money went to funding the war and very little was left for the rest.
"That was the last of the ham." Buffy spoke up hoping to let him know they were down to the end.
"It was delicious." Giles said smiling at her as she was clearing the dishes away but she wasn't proud. She wanted to do more around here except sit. She didn't know how to do basic labor work and with times the way they were she needed to. Her father was too weak to be plowing and such so Charles and the boys did it but they were gone. Buffy and Giles gave away most of the meet away to them for their travels.
"I have to learn how to cook." Buffy stated to her father and he nodded. Buffy always wanted to be independent and not dependent on others.
"I was thinking of saying something in chapel perhaps some of the womenfolk will volunteer," Giles began but that's not what Buffy wanted she wanted to learn not have someone do it for her.
"I can't have people coming here and cooking for me." Giles nodded and sighed taking his glasses off and closed his eyes. He felt bad she couldn't take care of herself not at least to survive. He relied on Kendra for that but she was gone and he should have taken Kendra up on the offer to allow Buffy to learn how to cook and sew. Buffy was put into school instead what was school going to now for her?
"I so…I so regret…" He began and Buffy looked to him. "I should have raised you less like a companion and more like a young woman. I'm sorry Buffy. And for dragging you here," Buffy shook her head her father always did his best to give her what she needed and wanted. She loved him for it and everything he's done the least she could was come here with him.
"I'm not sorry," Buffy placed a hand on his shoulder smiling. "I would have followed you anywhere. To Mongolia." She smiled and kissed her father's head.
"Mongolia," He smiled up at her but the look on her face said she was fearful. Buffy looked around the quiet place this ghost of a town and let out a sigh as she grabbed the tray of plates.
"But with no one left to work this place, nothing to buy, nothing left to buy it with," She again looked out thinking. "I just don't know how we're gonna get through another winter." She admitted and Giles nodded he didn't know either times were hard.
"Will you play me somethin'? Somethin' peaceful while I look over my sermon." He asked her and Buffy sighed as she held the tray ready to go back in.
"It's too damp out here you should come inside." She stated like the strong young woman she was and Giles smiled and shook his head no grabbing his papers and put his glasses back on ready to read.
"No I like it." Giles went to read and Buffy smiled and headed back to the house. Once inside she set everything on the kitchen countertop and began to put everything away but fought tears. They had no food now they could starve. She steadied herself with her hands on the countertop and thought of Angel. If he were here he could hunt for them he could take care of her. She'd give anything right now for him to come through that door and wrap his arms around and kiss her. But a part of her told no that would never happen.
Once the dishes were done Buffy sat at the piano and opened up the sheet music Angel gave to her. Buffy then began to play. Playing the piano relaxed her and kept her somewhat sane. The tears in the kitchen went away as she played hoping it was just a set back and all would work out in the end. As she played she could hear rain drops falling and looked out smiling knowing her father was still out there.
"Daddy bring the tablecloth in!" She yelled as she played the piano a little longer but noticed her father wasn't moving he probably didn't hear her. "Come inside before you drown!" She called back out but again nothing something wasn't right. Buffy got up and headed outside to the table and her father sat in his chair with his notes spread all over the ground. Buffy slowly walked over and her stomach flipped twice. "Daddy?" She asked softly maybe he just fell asleep. She reached out to nudge him but when her finger tips touched him she pulled back and tears came out.
'It was Christmas time and Buffy, Kendra, Charles and the boys sat around the table as they finished up a wonderful Christmas meal. Buffy went to clear some of the table off and headed to the kitchen where father was.
"What are you doing?" She asked as he was trying to take something from the fire.
"I made pie or at least tried too." He answered and Buffy smiled walking over to him as he managed to get it. "And its burnt great should have let Kendra do it."
"It's just blacken we can cut around it no one will know." Buffy said smiling as she grabbed the knife. She went to cut the burnt ends and the pie tray fell.'
Buffy stared at her father as he sat there in the seat and then began to shake him.
"Dad, dad, dad, DAD!" She yelled but nothing and she backed away as he laid slumped there. Buffy took off running to find help but there was no one home she had to find someone else but where could she go. Who could she turn too?
Giles' body was placed at the town's hospital as a grave was being dug and the funeral would be here in two days. While Buffy was at the little hospital getting paperwork done and telling them any information they needed such as bonds or a will Willow and Xander were getting ready to meet her. Xander came in and Willow was only half dressed staring at her clothes with tears threatening to fall.
"The carriage is here." Xander said and Willow nodded.
"What do you think?" Willow asked showing him a dress that was purple. "The purple right cause it's somber? No, no its too depressing it's like I'm um," Then she went back and grabbed a yellow dress. "This is cheerier," Xander knew Willow was having a breakdown. She and Buffy were becoming good friends and now with Giles gone she had no one. "Maybe I want to be cheery like everything is normal no that would be rude. That's disrespectful la, la I don't care." Willow looked at her two options. "I'll wear the purple."
"Well purple I think means royal." Xander explained and Willow looked disgusted.
"Well I can't see Buffy and be all royal. Oh I'm the king of everything I'm better than you." Willow was just ranting and the tears fell. Xander hobbled his way over to her and wrapped his arms around her and hushed her.
A day passed and it was now the funeral. Giles was buried outback behind the church in the garden.
"He liked the garden," Buffy said to everyone. "I think he can rest there." And the ceremony started or what could pass for a ceremony. He was the pastor of the town so who would give the final rights the final blessings. The best they could do was silently say something. He was a good man and there few like him. Some spoke up about him and his good deeds others kept it to themselves. Buffy looked up to the sky as it threaten to rain she was wrapped in one of his coats hoping to keep a part of him with her. She then walked to the cross that marked his resting place and set a single white rose on the ground. And that ended the moment of morning for everyone and the crowds filed out but Buffy remained behind.
"Do you want us to wait and give you a ride?" Willow asked and Buffy shook her head no and Willow decided it was best to leave her alone. Buffy remained there until started to rain and she walked home in it. Once home she got out of her wet clothes and it some dries and crawled into bed and began to cry.
Buffy heard a noise coming from her window and she stayed still as she heard footsteps and then she felt someone sat on her bed. Then she felt a hand come out and gently touch and she rolled over it was Angel. She sat up and flung herself to him holding him and started to cry and he held her back. She then pulled away looking into his eyes and he leaned in and kissed her. They kissed feverishly they missed each other. Buffy then pulled away as the tears fell and Angel let his fingers run through her hair and then he cupped her cheek.
"My father's dead," She sobbed and he nodded.
"I know but I'm here now and I'm going to take care of you." She said and nodded and he leaned in kissing her forehead and then the bridge of her nose and then their lips found one another again. They pulled away and she went back to holding him. "I will always come back to you. You're safe with me."
Buffy rolled over and opened her eyes to the empty space next to her. She then shot up and looked to the window and it was shut tight. She looked around them hoping to find him but it was just a dream and the tears started to fall again he didn't return to her. She covered her eyes and sobbed in her hands.
Her father was dead and Angel was gone. She sat in the chapel looking to the cross a symbol to some of peace and hope. She had nothing left and there was nothing left to do but pray and then the door opened. She glanced behind her and it was Riley. She turned back around hoping he would leave her to morn alone. But she could hear his footsteps coming closer. She can remember Angel put himself between him and Riley like he was ready to protect her and she wished he was here right now to do it again. Riley sat down right behind her and looked at her.
"He ain't comin' back you know that." Riley said meaning Angel wasn't coming back. Buffy didn't believe it. When she saw him leave his eyes were determined to come back to her the kiss sealed it. He promised and in her heart Angel was one to keep promises. "You must know that in your heart." Began but Buffy wasn't going to listen. "Look at me," Riley said but Buffy continued to look at the cross trying to ignore him she wanted nothing to do with him. "Look at me," If it made him leave then fine she did. "I'm not nothin'." He was telling her that he could help her and then she turned around refusing the offer. Riley nodded and got up and left.
Later on that day Buffy sat inside the house at a desk on the verge of tears when she heard her name being called.
"Buffy! It's Willow! Buffy!" Buffy peered out the window and saw Willow and Xander. Willow had a basket with her as the couple looked around. "Look at the state of this place." She felt so bad for Buffy she couldn't do anything for her so she set down a basket that held some vegetables for her. She then took Xander's free arm and the couple walked away and once gone Buffy went outside and took the basket. She divided it up half was for Claire and the other half was for her. If Buffy rationed it this could last a week. The winter was coming and she wasn't expecting to live through it.
Present Day
"You have a letter," The woman who was taking care of said to Angel and he wanted to hear it knowing who it was from. "North Carolina it's come a long way." She took the paper out and sighed seeing the date. "It's not too recent. It's written this past winter but I'm afraid I can't read who it's from." Angel nodded slowly telling her it didn't matter and just to read it.
"Dear Angel, since you've left, time has been measured out in bitter chapters. Last fall, my poor father died. Our farm at Black Cove is abandoned. Every house in these mountains touched by tragedy. Each day the dread... of learning who has fallen...who will not return from this terrible war. And no word from you. Are you alive? I pray to God you are. This war is lost on the battlefield and is being lost twice over by those who stayed behind. I'm still waiting, as I promised I would. But I find myself alone and at the end of my wits...too embarrassed to keep taking from those who can least afford to give. My last thread of courage now is to put my faith in you...and to believe I will see you again. So now I say to you, plain as I can...if you are fighting, stop fighting. If you are marching, stop marching. Come back to me. Come back to me is my request," The woman read and folded up the note and left to tend to some other soldiers.
Angel laid there in bed thinking about the last part "Come back to me. Come back to me is my request." She wanted him home she needed him. The part of him that wanted to die now wanted to live for her. He couldn't move not tonight and possibly not even tomorrow but he was damn sure he was going to get up and go home. He needed her too this war was a lost cause and he found no purpose to fight in it anymore. Now he was going to fight to get back home and back to Buffy. But to leave he could be killed for it but she was all that mattered. He was going to run away run away back to home. His mind was made up there was no stopping him. It was going to be a long journey but worth it. Angel laid there she was waiting and he wasn't going to keep her any longer.
A week pasted and he waited until night fall. He pretended to limp and be sick just long enough. His wounds were healing just fine and now it was time. Once night settled and it was quiet he grabbed his things and headed to a window and climbed out and took off in a run. He ran with Buffy on his mind running towards her as fast as he could. He was gambling everything but she was the reason. He fell in love with her when he laid eyes on her in the sun. She wanted him out of everyone she could have chosen it was him and he was going honor it. She was waiting for him. It was time to run as fast as he could, hide when he needed, fight when needed and kill when needed all in the name of love for a woman he still knows little about. Whatever happens next it would be over soon good or bad.
Run, run, run away
Buy yourself another day
A cold wind's whispering secrets in your ear
So low only you can hear
Run, run, run and hide
Somewhere no one else can find
Tall trees bend and lean pointing where to go
Where you will still be all alone
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
Run fast as you can
No one has to understand
Fly high across the sky from here to kingdom come
Fall back down to where you're from
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll all be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
For you, for you
Don't you fret, my dear
(Don't you fret, my dear)
It'll all be over soon
(It'll all be over soon)
I'll be waiting here
Don't you fret, my dear
It'll be over soon
I'll be waiting here for you
And now Angel is on the run back to Buffy. But if you leave like he did you're asking for trouble and you're going to see it here in the next couple of chapters. Did you recognize Giles' death/funeral it's similar to The Body told you I would some different things. Now what's Buffy going to do since she's alone and as she waits for Angel's return. More to come hoped you like it so far. Thanks for reading, comments and reviews are welcomed.
The song is called Kingdom Come by the Civil Wars it works for both Kendra's family as they run away and for Angel as he runs away.