For those rabid fans who have continued to read Buffy and Angel in Whedon's comic books, I wanted to remind you that I am not considering them canon. I am writing this tale as if the last episode we saw on the air was the end. That means that as far as I'm concerned Gunn is dead. He was a human that was severely injured and went into battle against hordes of demons. I am assuming that he didn't make it, so he will not be in my tale. Sorry! (Non-Angel watchers can ignore this note!)

I am starting this chapter with a Caroline scene from the day before. Then the story will move back to where we left off.

Chapter 25: Leaving Mystic Falls

*******Picking up in Mystic Falls with Caroline After the Council Meeting*******

Caroline left her parents feeling more lost and alone than she'd felt in a long time. Normally, she'd go to one of her many friends, but things were so confusing. Stefan wasn't the Stefan whose shoulder she could always cry on anymore. Elena was too close to Damon to give her much sympathy. And Bonnie was so wrapped up in witchy stuff with Willow. Caroline thought about going to see Dawn, but she didn't really want to see Buffy right now. Tyler was dead and neither Buffy nor Willow had stopped him. She knew what Willow could do. She refused to believe that Willow couldn't have found a way to stop Damon.

Somehow Caroline found herself at the house Tyler had died in. She rang the doorbell. Rebekah answered it.

"Hello, Caroline. Come in," she said, stepping back to let Caroline in.

Kol was coming down the stairs to see who was at the door. He grinned widely to see her.

"What a lovely surprise!" he exclaimed.

"I'm sorry for just dropping by," Caroline said, suddenly feeing awkward.

Elijah came into the room. "You are always welcome," he said, giving her a warm smile. "Is everything okay?" He could tell something was bothering her.

"No, not really. I'm not sure why I'm here," she said, sounding a little lost.

"Please, sit down. Can we get you something to drink?" Elijah offered.

"After the day I've had, a drink would be nice," she said, sitting down.

"Blood or booze?" Kol asked moving to the bar area across the room.

"How about both? My father vervained me, so I'm feeling a bit weak," she admitted.

The three siblings looked surprised. "Would you like us to kill him for you?" Kol offered. "I know it's not easy killing family, so we'll be glad to do it for you." He made her drink and handed it to her.

"No!" Caroline said sternly. "Of course, I don't want him killed! He just found out I'm a vampire and overreacted." She took a sip of the drink Kol made for her.

"He didn't know?" Kol asked in surprised as he sat down on the couch next to her.

"No. Since you were such a big mouth and told the mayor what happened to Tyler, a lot of secrets are out. The council knows everything. Buffy told the mayor and the council about you guys, too," Caroline shared.

"Really? Should we expect trouble from the council?" Elijah asked.

"No. Buffy told them that vampires were her business not theirs. She told him that she'd deal with you guys and with Damon," Caroline shared.

"Deal with us how?" Kol asked.

"What is she going to do with Damon?" Rebekah wondered.

"I don't know what she has planned for you all. Damon has been banished. Buffy is going to take him somewhere or make him leave. I don't know. I haven't talked to anyone since I left the church where my father looked at me like I was a monster," Caroline said sadly.

"It will take him some time, but your mother knows what you are and she adjusted. So will your father," Elijah assured her.

"You think so?" Caroline asked hopefully.

"Most fathers love their children, so I'm sure he'll come around," Elijah told her.

"Most do. Too bad ours didn't," Kol said bitterly.

"That's a tale for another day," Elijah said, giving Kol a warning look.

Kol's cell phone rang. "Excuse me," he said to Caroline as he answered it. "Nik? Miss me already?"

Caroline looked at Elijah as Kol moved away to talk to his brother. "Where's Klaus?" she asked.

"I don't know exactly. He is probably out making more hyrids, so he can come back to town to battle the slayers," Elijah said.

Caroline burst out into laughter. "Really? That's going to be quite a battle!" she exclaimed, picturing the look on his face when he saw exactly how many slayers he'd be battling.

"Is there something we should know?" Elijah asked.

"Yes, but I won't spoil the surprise. Let's just say Klaus can make all the hybrids he wants, and he still might be outmatched," she said grinning.

"Really?" Rebekah asked in surprise. "I know Willow's pretty amazing."

"Yes, she is. However, Willow is not the only weapon at Buffy's disposable," Caroline said. "However, I'm nothing if not loyal. I'm not going to spoil their fun. I know they won't actually kill your brother since it would kill me."

"You don't think they would?" Rebekah asked in surprise.

"Buffy told the council that if anyone tried to hurt me they'd answer to her. I'm friends with her sister, and Buffy takes friendship very seriously," Caroline shared. "Not to mention she loves her sister more than anything. She died for her once, you know."

"So I heard," Elijah said dryly.

Kol came back and handed his phone to Caroline. "Nik wants to talk to you," Kol said.

"Me?" Caroline asked in surprise. She took the phone. "Hello?"

"Kol tells me you've been having a rough time, love," Klaus said.

"Yeah, a bit. Where are you?" she asked.

"New York," he replied. "I think I know what'll help make you feel better."

"Damon's head on a platter?" she suggested.

Klaus paused as if considering. "Well, of course, if that will help. I'll send Kol to bring it to you," he said earnestly.

Caroline giggled, not sure if he was joking or not but finding his quick reply amusing. "That's okay. It'll just start a big fight. I'm tired of the fighting," she said warily.

"So take a break," Klaus suggested. "Come to New York. I'm in Albany right now, but I was calling Kol to come join me in New York City."

"New York City? I can't go to New York! School starts tomorrow. My mom'll kill me!" she exclaimed.

"You're a vampire, Caroline," Kol said, easily hearing the conversation. "You have forever to go to school."

"Surely you can take a week or two off? Not forever. Is the first week of school that important?" Klaus asked.

"Not really," Caroline admitted.

"I think a bit of fun is just what you need. You are too big for that little town, Caroline. Let me show you some of the world. You were born for so much more," Klaus said seductively.

"Like I can trust you to not try your compulsion powers on me. Or something else," Caroline said.

"I give you my word you will be the safest girl in the world. My brother and I will be perfect gentlemen," Klaus said.

"I'll think about it," Caroline said. She handed the phone to Kol.

"Taking a trip with my brothers?" Rebekah asked.

"Would you go, too? I might consider it if you came," Caroline said.

She looked at Elijah, who gave her an encouraging smile. "I was actually planning on going to school. I've never been before," she admitted, looking embarrassed. "I thought it might be fun."

"It can be loads," Caroline said enthusiastically.

Kol hung up after getting some instructions from his brother. "Come on, sweet Caroline! We'll have a blast, and it'll chase your blues away."

Elijah saw her indecision. He knew her concern. "My brothers can be honorable when they choose," he told her. It could only help keep peace if more of Elena's friends were on good terms with them. The witch liked Rebekah. If Caroline became close to his brothers, it could only help them keep the peace.

Caroline decided to not think about consequences for once. She'd convince her mother to let her take a short trip. Surely, she could negotiate a week off. "Fine, I'll go," she agreed.

"Great!" Kol exclaimed.

"But first we have to convince my mother," she said. "And no compulsion!"

*******Back in Los Angeles the Next Day*******

Spike came into the room to see what all the commotion was about. He was taken aback to see Buffy kissing Angel. The kiss broke off. She put her hand on his cheek. "Are you all right, Angel? I'm sorry I've been out of contact. It's been kind of crazy rounding up all the new slayers," Buffy said.

"Well, a bloke saves the world for a girl and doesn't even get a hello," Spike said glumly.

Buffy turned and gave Spike a brilliant smile. He smiled and opened his arms as she threw her arms around him. He forgot how hard she could squeeze a man. "Easy, slayer. Me bones just recently finished healing. Blue is always slapping me around, not to mention we battled countless demon hordes a few months ago," Spike said.

Buffy pulled back. "I just can't believe you're alive! I mean I knew that you were. Andrew told me, but it's different seeing it with my own eyes," she said.

"Yeah, I can see how you rushed right to my side," Spike said sarcastically. "Guess you were too busy making it with that Immortal fella."

"The Immortal? What are you talking about?" Buffy asked in puzzlement.

"Spike and I went to see you in Europe, and Andrew told us you were in love with the Immortal. We saw you dancing with him at a club," Angel explained.

"Ah, that would be Isabella, my decoy double. It was Xander and Andrew's idea. I guess Andrew was messing with you. Sorry," Buffy said apologetically.

"That little twit! I'm going to string him up!" Spike said unhappily.

"I don't know anyone called The Immortal. I mean I know a few now that may be considered immortal to a greater degree than regular vamps. Klaus and his siblings but I don't think they're called that," Buffy said. She gave Damon a questioning look. He shrugged. "Oh, guys, this is Damon Salvatore. He's the reason I'm here."

Neither guy extended Damon a welcoming hand. He watched their interaction closely. Buffy was on awfully friendly terms with her exes.

"Should've known you wouldn't be here just to see me. Kissing Angel's stupid face like always," Spike grumbled. "Some things never change."

Buffy gave Angel a small smile. "Angel looks awful. What's been going on here? And who in the world is the missing Blue Man group?" she asked pointing to Illyria.

"What is this Blue Man group?" Illyria asked.

Angel waved his hand dismissively at her. "It's a long story. Basically, taking over Wolfram & Hart was one of the biggest mistakes I've made. At least in terms of keeping people I care about alive. It got Gunn and Wesley killed and Fred," Angel said casting Illyria a dark look.

"I am not responsible for Winifred being chosen as my vessel," Illyria replied haughtily.

When Buffy looked confused, Angel explained, "Wesley and Winifred were in love. Fred was our scientist or heart really."

"She's the one who figured out how to make me corporeal again. I was trapped in that necklace that closed the hellmouth. When I was released, I was a ghost. Fred never gave up on me," Spike shared. "But we had to give up on her. Illyria destroyed her soul and took over her body."

Buffy looked at the woman in question with a frown. "And she still lives?" she asked in surprise.

"It's complicated. Fred's memories still live inside of her. She's good in a battle," Angel said with a shrug.

"Is this woman your chosen queen?" Illyria asked. "If not, I will kill her for her insolence!" She took a step toward Buffy.

"Try it, Smurfette, and I'll knock out your teeth," Buffy warned.

"There will be no teeth knocking!" Angel said, stepping between the two women. "Illyria, Buffy is someone Spike and I care deeply for. We haven't seen her in a long time. Why don't you go take a walk and beat up some muggers or something?"

"Muggers? What kind of creatures are these?" Illyria asked curiously.

"You'll know them when you see them!" he said in exasperation.

"Listen for the screams of their victims!" Spike called out after her. He grinned. "She'll spend hours combing the city looking for muggers."

Damon snickered. This was an odd bunch, but it wasn't as bad as he thought it'd be. At least they weren't as uptight as the slayer.

"I'm sorry things have been so rough for you," Buffy said to them.

"Well, we've managed to survive somehow. Cordy gave me her visions before she died, so I know who needs our help. I had Gunn hide funds in an offshore account when we were running Wolfram & Hart, so we have a nice cushion," Angel shared.

"We killed twelve of their top clients, so they released many of their pet demons after us," Spike shared.

"I just can't believe you two are working together," Buffy said in amazement.

"We bonded over our mutual heartbreak," Spike said, flashing her a grin. "How's Red and Little Bit?"

"Willow and Dawn are fine. Actually more than fine. Willow bought us a house in a town in Virginia called Mystic Falls. She got a job teaching at the high school, and Dawn is going to finish her final year of school," Buffy shared.

"I can't believe Dawn is almost done with school," Angel remarked. He thought about the irony of Connor, his son, being only a year older than Dawn. The world was a wondrous place sometimes.

"Yeah, I know. She's all grown up. She's made some friends already. That's kind of why I'm here," Buffy said, glancing at Damon. "We've discovered a new kind of vampire breed there. Damon is one of them. They were created magically. They have a soul and have powers you don't."

Spike scoffed. "Doubtful. He's too pretty to be much use," Spike said.

Damon moved in a blur and stood behind him. Then he put Spike in a headlock before anyone could react.

"Yeah, his little speedy thing is why we're here. He moved too fast and killed one of Dawn's friends," Buffy said.

"You made your point, you bloody yanker!" Spike said crossly. He couldn't get Damon's arm away from his neck and realized the guy was a bit stronger than him.

Damon released him with a smirk. "I didn't kill one of Dawn's friends. I killed a werewolf turned into a hybrid that was controlled by Klaus the oldest and strongest of our kind," Damon clarified.

"What?" Angel asked in puzzlement.

"We better sit down for this," Buffy said.

A half hour later, she had caught the men up on her situation in Mystic Falls.

"So we'll grab Blue and put this bloke down," Spike said confidently.

"We can't kill him. They're all connected. Klaus and his siblings are the sires of all vampire lines-at least their kind. Their mother was a witch, and she created them with magic. That's why they are not demons. But they can turn off their emotions and behave like one. It's the reason I tracked down Damon. His brother Stefan gave himself over to Klaus to get a cure for a werewolf bite-it's deadly to them-Klaus ordered him to turn off his emotions. He's been on a killing frenzy. We've managed to put an end the body count-at least for now," Buffy explained.

"So this pansy just bends over and does what he's told, huh?" Spike said scornfully.

"You don't know what the hell you're talking about," Damon said hotly.

"Compulsion is another power they have. Vampires can compel humans. Only the Originals can compel other vampires," Buffy said.

"Like that voodo shit Dracula liked to do?" Spike asked.

"Similar except much stronger," Buffy said.

"Can they do it to slayers?" Angel inquired.

"Not about to test that theory. Faith said Damon's brother tried to compel her, and it didn't work. But she was really angry at the time. There's a plant called vervain that is like holy water to them. If you ingest it or have it on you, it makes them unable to compel you," Buffy said.

"So how can we help you?" Angel asked. "You don't need us to go to Mystic Falls?"

"No, I had Xander fly in many of my slayers, so I think we can handle them. Willow is wickedly powerful these days," Buffy said.

Angel didn't want to think about how he had called Giles and tried desperately to get a hold of Willow when Fred was first affected. Her power might've saved Fred. However, there was no point in wasting energy on blame. It would make him very bitter.

"What I'd like is for you and Spike to teach Damon how to be a champion. From what I've been told, he has come a long ways from who he used to be when he returned to Mystic Falls, but he still doesn't value life. He only helps those Elena cares about when it doesn't go against her or his best interest. He needs to learn what real sacrifice means," Buffy explained.

"I know what sacrifice means," Damon said. He had not tried to interfere in his brother's relationship with Elena even though he loved her more all the time. He had always put her happiness and his brother's happiness above his own. "I fought in the Civil War and lived through many others."

"The town's council doesn't want him to return, but I'll deal with them. Once he shows that he can be concerned with someone other than Elena and his brother, he can come home," Buffy said, ignoring his outburst.

"You don't control me. I'm only here because it was easier than fighting all your slayers. You're not the boss of me, little girl," Damon said in annoyance.

Spike took exception to his tone and got up and glared down at him. "Watch your mouth, pretty boy!" Spike ordered.

Damon stood up until they were standing toe to toe. "Why don't you make me?" Damon taunted.

Spike found his smirk enraging and hit him. He responded with a blow that took Spike off his feet. He flew to the doorway.

Illyria had reappeared. She looked down at Spike's prone figure with a frown. Then she looked up at Damon. "You dare hit my pet without my permission?" she asked angrily.

Spike sat up and rubbed his jaw. "How many times do I have to tell you that I am not your pet?" Spike asked her.

"You exist for my amusement, not this intruder's," she said stepping over his body and facing Damon. "I will kill him for his brazenness."

Buffy and Angel got to their feet. Neither had been too concerned at the inevitable fight between Damon and Spike. However, Angel knew Illyria was unpredictable at best. And Buffy knew instinctively that she was truly dangerous.

"They were just sparring, Illyria," Angel said quickly. "Like you and Spike do. Practice fighting. Spike hit him first."

"You cannot kill Damon!" Buffy said with a glare.

"I am Illyria, god-king of the Primordium, shaper of things! When the world met me it groaned, it shuttered, and you presume to tell me what I cannot do!" Illyria raged in real anger. She took a menacing step toward Buffy.

Angel stepped in front of Buffy and faced down Illyria. "Calm down, please! No one here is your enemy. We're all on the same side, so let's not kill anyone here. We only kill evil, remember? Remember how much fun you had slaying those demon hordes that were sent after us?" Angel reminded her.

"True. It was amusing. That ugly little one killed Wesley before I could get to him," she said, frowning at the unpleasant memory.

"Save it for the bad guys, okay?" Angel said.

"Damon is not evil. You can only kill evil creatures," Buffy added.

"Muggers are not always evil," Illyria told Angel. "I found one and was about to slay him when I recalled Fred getting mugged once. She had no hatred for the man. She felt pity and gave him her wallet."

Angel gave a small smile as he pictured Fred doing just that. "I'm glad you didn't kill any muggers. We didn't really want you to. It was just a wild goose chase meant to get you out of the office while I visited with Buffy," Angel painstakingly explained.

Illyria gave a haughty sniff. "If you wanted me to leave, you just had to ask," she said. Then she turned and left.

Spike got to his feet with a laugh. "Now why didn't we think of that?" he wondered.

"Is she always like that?" Buffy wondered.

"You don't know the half of it. Wesley was much better at dealing with her. She stays with us because the world has changed so much. She doesn't have a place in it anymore," Angel said.

"So she's not full of crap?" Damon asked, intensely curious about the creature or woman. He wasn't yet sure what she was.

"She's one of the Old Ones. An ancient demon. Millions of years old," Angel said.

"Like Glory?" Buffy asked Spike.

"Glory was a hell god. A baby in comparison to what Illyria was. Her human form couldn't contain all her powers, however. She used to time jump and slow down time, but it was too much power for Fred's body. It was going to kill her and all of us. Make her explode like a supernova," Angel explained. "We had to take some of her power. She used to be damn well indestructible. Now she is a step above a slayer in power and has ancient knowledge of fighting skills and tactics. She is tireless and hates losing more than anyone I've ever seen."

"It makes her crazy," Spike said snickering. "But she is highly motivated to fight what goes bump in the night."

Buffy realized that time was getting away from her. It was time to give them what she brought. "I have something for you guys," Buffy said, reaching into her bag. She pulled out two small boxes. "I don't know if you noticed or not, but it's daylight and Damon walked through the front door."

"They get sunlight, too?" Spike said petulantly.

"And can see our face in the mirror," Damon added, smirking.

"No, they can't walk in the sun," Buffy said. She glared at Damon. He laughed and sat down in a chair in the corner. "There are a few that can because they know a Bennett witch. A spell is attached to a piece of jewelry that you can never take off in the sun." She handed Spike a box.

He opened it and pulled out a small ying-yang pendant on a black cord. "A necklace?" he asked in surprise.

"I thought that was something you might actually not mind wearing for the rest of your life," Buffy said with a smile.

Spike returned her smile, oddly touched. She had never given him a gift before. He put it on. Then he waved his hand in front of a ray of sunlight peeking through the covered window. When his hand didn't smoke, he grinned. He reached down and pulled Buffy to her feet. He planted a loud kiss on her lips and then ran outside to dance in the sunlight. Damon got up to follow him, curious to see how the fool behaved.

Buffy gave Angel his box. When he opened it, she quickly explained, "I thought bespelling the ring you gave me was a good idea. I hope it's okay. I loved that you gave it to me. But our lives are never going to be connected the way they once were. The fates were against us from the beginning," she said with a sad smile.

Angel knew she was right. Even if he got his curse lifted somehow, his mission wasn't the same as Buffy's. He didn't think he could ever fit in her life again. He picked up the ring. It fit tightly on his left pinky. "I don't think I'll have to worry about it falling off," he said dryly.

"If you want, you can wear it on a chain around your neck," Buffy said. "I hope you'll think of me when you walk in the sunlight."

Angel got up and held out his hand. "Walk with me?" he asked.

Buffy smiled and took his hand. Angel hesitated a moment at the front door. Then he stepped in the sunlight, something he hadn't done since the brief time he wore the Gem of Amarra and the two days he had been human. Both times were because of Buffy. It seemed she was always bringing him into the light in some way or another. They walked down the few steps, oblivious to Damon whom they passed on the sidewalk. He was watching Spike do cartwheels down the street. He didn't know what to think of Buffy's ex. He disliked him at first, but now was finding him amusing. He eyed Buffy as she and Angel walked hand in hand down the street, wrapped up in each other. Damon wasn't happy to find Buffy still so connected to the too serious vampire. Alaric deserved someone who would love only him. Damon decided he was going to have to have a little chat with her before she left.

As for Buffy, she was wrapped in memories. Memories of another time that she and Angel had walked together. Sunnydale had had a freak snowstorm and the sun had never quite risen. It was one of their last moments as a couple. They had walked hand in hand around town for hours. She looked at Angel, who looked back down at her, the heaviness finally gone from his eyes.

"I remember," he said, knowing what she was thinking. He squeezed her hand. Being with her was always bittersweet. She was forever the dream that was just out of reach. However, the knowledge of that didn't really hurt much anymore.

"I'll never forget, you know," she said softly.

He stopped and looked at her. "Neither will I. I'll love you forever. Everything I am now is because of you. I hope you know that," he told her.

Buffy reached out and took his other hand. "I know without me you would've found a way to be the man you are now. I just gave you a push," she said. She glanced down at their connecting hands a moment before meeting his gaze again. "I've met someone recently, Angel. It's new and too soon to tell if it's going to be something, but I want you to know that no part of me will ever forget you. You will always matter to me."

He smiled. "I know," he said. And he did know. The love he felt for her was always inside of him like a warm glow. It gave him strength. She would never be completely gone from him. "You're a part of me."

She smiled, glad that he felt the way she did. "I'm sorry I let three years go by before coming to see you," she said.

"Well, I had to go down a path with Wolfram & Hart that was not what you would've done, but it got me to the same place," Angel said.

Spike called out from the end of the block. "The beach! We so gotta go to the beach!"

Buffy let go of Angel's hands and cupped her mouth. "Only if you agree to my demands!" she hollered.

"Do you really need us to take in your friend?"Angel asked.

"I wouldn't call him that exactly, but yes," Buffy said. "This girl he loves is barely eighteen and has lost everyone. Her adoptive parents, her real parents, her aunt Jenna. Now her friend Tyler is dead. Stephen, Damon's brother and the man she loves, slept with Faith and has flipped his switch."

"Love triangle, huh? Two brothers in love with the same girl. That won't end well," Angel observed.

"I'm not so sure. Damon hasn't seduced Elena, and the bond between him and his brother is very strong," Buffy said. "Recently Klaus pulled a sadistic move and held Elena and Damon both hostage and forced Stefan to pick which would live. Even without his humanity on, he couldn't risk Damon. I'm confident we can get him back to normal in time. He's becoming obsessed with Faith."

Angel grinned. "Faith? Really? I'd love to see that!" Angel said, glad to hear that Faith was having someone pursue her. He didn't think she ever saw her own worth.

Spike made it to their side. "What are your demands? 'Cause I'll kiss any frog or kill any bloke in order to pay you back for this gift," he said, kissing his necklace.

"You saved all of us, Spike. I wish you had come to see me when you first became human. You know you're always welcome to join us, right? You will always be a member of the Scoobie Gang," Buffy told him, smiling warmly at him. She reached out and took his hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

"You and I had some bloody good adventures. We had our time, but Angel here has managed to lose even Harmony. He needs me," Spike said, grinning at him knowingly.

Angel rolled his eyes. "Keep telling yourself that. I give you purpose. Not the other way around," Angel said.

The two vampires bickered all the way back to Angel's car. Watching them, Buffy felt like something inside her finally unclenched. The guilt and sorrow she'd been carrying around for so long over both men had no more reason to hang on. They were okay. More than okay. They still loved her but were not destroyed by that love. Now she knew the three of them could finally be free.

*****Chapter End*****

Remember, this isn't a Buffy/Angel crossover, so I had to put Buffy's triangle with both Spike and Angel to rest. I hope it worked well enough! Sorry if any of my non-Angel watchers were lost on some minor reference, but it really couldn't be helped. PM for questions! Illyria is a creation of Joss Whedon from Season 5 of Angel.