A/N: I hate writer's block…the reviews have severely diminished too. I think I got 1 for the last chapter. Please, please review!!!!! This is the final chapter everyone. I finally finished it. This one is considerably longer than any of the others and the last part kind of turned into a songfic.
Disclaimer: I don't own BtVS or TBAA. The only thing that's mine is the storyline. I do use some quotes from the episode "Primeval"; those aren't mine either. I don't own the song "Running Away"; that one goes to Nathan Barlowe and EMI Christian Music. "Salvation" belongs to Charlie Hall and Generation Music. "King of this Heart" belongs to Matt Redman and Kingsway's Thank You Music. "Amazing Love" belongs to Billy James Foote and worshiptogether.com songs.
"Crap." Riley said crossly. Only five minutes into the mission and they had already been caught.
Buffy nodded in complete agreement. Well, if they had to face the boys of the Initiative, then so be it. Buffy reached back and pulled the sword out of her scabbard. Waving it around in front of her, the Slayer smiled as the army boys backed up. "Like it?" She asked, turning the sword around, gazing at it fondly. "It was a gift from a friend. She's dead now." Buffy looked up at them, a dangerous look glinting in her hazel eyes. "I will use this, you know. My best friend is somewhere in here, and I will use this on anyone who tries to stop us from getting to her."
Slowly, a somewhat elderly man stepped out from the group of soldiers. General McNamara, Riley noted. "You are out of line, miss. You think you and your friends can just keep waltzing into a government installation, brandishing weapons like that sword? I'm afraid you're wrong. Dead wrong."
Buffy looked at Angel with mock innocence. "Did he say dead? Cuz I'm willing to help that along."
"Buffy." Angel gave her a warning glance.
Riley stepped forward. "Look, General, Adam is here. In the Initiative. And he has Willow Rosenberg. We also have reason to believe that Adam has employed Hostile 17. Now, if you would just let us past?"
McNamara gave Riley a steely look and crossed his arms defiantly. "What exactly gives you the right to come barging in here anyhow? And how do you know that Adam is here? Every inch of this installation is under constant twenty-four hour surveillance!"
"Even the secret lab?" Buffy asked innocently.
"Even everything!" He snapped at her. But a look of confusion crossed McNamara's face. "Secret lab?"
"Where Maggie worked on project 314." At the blank look on the General's face, Buffy groaned inwardly. "And you have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"
Instead of answering her question, McNamara barked out, "you are out of line, young lady! Up there, you may be some great demon hunter, but down here; this is our turf."
"No. You're playing on my turf now. You're messing with primeval forces that you have no comprehension of. Now either work with me, or get out of my way!" Buffy was way past being cooperative by now. Her mouth was set in a grim line and her eyes were still flashing dangerously. Riley had no problem believing that Buffy would use that sword.
McNamara turned to his troops. "Arrest them."
Several army boys rushed forward and began cuffing Buffy, Angel and Riley. The walkie-talkie crackled and sprang to life. "Riley? What the devil is going on in there?" Giles' voice came over the speaker and Buffy groaned.
"Congratulations, Giles," she muttered. "You just won the award for 'Worst Timing Ever'.
"Hand it over, Finn." McNamara held out his hand and Riley placed the talkie in it. "Watch them. I have other matters to attend to." The General turned away and began walking in the direction of the containment cells.
Just then, the power went down in the entire Initiative. Buffy, Angel and Riley looked around in apprehension. A loud slam of opening doors could be heard down the corridors. A robotic, unfeeling voice came over the loudspeakers. "CONTAINMENT CELLS HAVE BEEN BREACHED. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY."
The soldiers who had been surrounding them suddenly took off in the direction of the containment cells. Buffy looked at Angel and Riley in amusement. "Uh, thank you Adam? 314?"
They nodded in quick agreement and headed to the door leading to lab 314. To their surprise, the door was unlocked. Angel looked around and whistled, impressed. "This is some set up you boys have here," he told Riley. "Too bad it never could have worked."
Riley knew Angel was right; he knew the Initiative had failed. But Riley had been a part of it once and he had pride. "How do you know?" He snapped back. "It could have. Maggie was brilliant."
"So why did she create a killing machine?" Angel countered reasonably. He was not going to let this little twit get to him. "I think Maggie's plans were well-intentioned to start, but they warped. The time to wallow in self-pity has past, Finn. It's time to save the world."
A golden light filled the room. Angel and Riley shielded their eyes, but Buffy smiled in recognition. "Monica!" She cried happily. "I wondered when you would get here. We're in trouble, Monica. I don't know what to do."
"So long as you are in the Hands of the Father, you are always protected. We know how to defeat Adam." The Irish Angel smiled serenely.
Angel perked up. "You know? How?"
"Hello, Liam. You were not meant to live this long, but the Father does have plans for you. Eventually."
Angel's eyes widened as he realized that she was the Angel from Ireland, so long ago.
"Yes, we know how to defeat him," Monica said again. "His power source is located near his spine. You must get it to overcome Adam."
"What about our friends?" Buffy looked worried. Adam wasn't really a concern now that she knew he could be killed. "They took the talkie. We have no way of telling them how to find Willow."
"There is a way," Monica told her softly. "The only way, perhaps." Buffy's eyebrows raised expectantly, as though she were asking, 'well?' "You have a mental link with one of those people on the outside, Buffy. You must reach out to them and tell them how to get there."
The Slayer looked utterly baffled. A mental link? The last 'mental link' she had experienced her to go insane. "What are you talking about?"
"Do not be afraid. He is with you always. You are able to communicate telepathically with one of your friends. You've never been able to before simply because you were not aware of it."
"Who? Giles?"
Monica shook her head. "No. It is not Rupert Giles, although it is someone out there who has known you just as long."
Buffy's eyes narrowed in confusion. Surely it wasn't Xander? A telepathic link with Xander? Buffy shuddered. Frightening thought that was. But who else was there? No one. "Xander? I can talk to Xander?" Monica nodded. "Okayy…why?"
"Do you remember the year you first moved to Sunnydale? When you faced the Master for the final time?"
Buffy nodded, her eyes going suddenly soft. She missed those days. Days of worrying about the latest vamp or history. Now she had averted several apocalypses and had once sent her true love to hell. Life had changed. "Of course. One doesn't really forget when one dies."
"Because Xander brought you back, you are bound together. He gave part of his life force to you and now you are forever linked in mind and spirit."
Angel and Riley stiffened at this, but Buffy seemed unperturbed. "Ok, so how do I make this thing work?"
"Simply call out to him in your mind. Concentrate and call his name."
"Uh ok." Buffy looked at Monica skeptically, but shrugged, deciding she didn't really have anything to lose. (Xander?) It sounded so small in her head and she wasn't sure if her had heard anything. A little louder this time. (Xander? Are you there?)
(Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wo-holy shnikes! What the heck?)
(Xander, it's me, Buffy. Can you hear me?)
(Buffy? What's going on here? You trying a Vulcan mind-meld?)
(Not quite. Listen, they took our talkie. Tell Giles he's an idiot, would you?)
(Sure. Hold on.) There was silence for a moment then Xander came back into her head. Now THAT was a disturbing thought. (What's the sitch, Buff? And what's with the sudden mind reading? You get in the way of one of those demon thingies again?)
(Several demon thingies, Xand. I'm the Slayer, remember? Listen, I'll tell you more about this mental link later. Right now, I'm going to tell you how to get to Willow.)
(Ay, ay, Cap'n. Shoot.)
(Ok here goes. Do you remember when we first heard about Adam? Went searching for him and we found that body?)
(BLECH! You have to bring that up didn't you? Yeah, I remember.)
(Good. Here's how you find Will…)
Several moments later, Buffy had given Xander sufficient enough directions so that the gang on the outside would have no problem finding Willow. (Hey, Xand? Let's keep this line of communication open. I want to know that you're still breathing.)
(I'm touched, Buff. No problem. Though if you hear anything disturbing, you're bound to keep it a secret.)
Buffy smiled inwardly. (Of course. Ok, we're going to try and find our way through the Initiative. It's complete chaos out there.)
(Roger. 10:4 good buddy. Over and out.)
Buffy shook her head in amusement. (Right Xander. Be careful.)
(You to, Buffy.) He grew oddly serious all of a sudden (We can't lose you, Buff. Watch your back.)
(I will.) Buffy paused, tears filling her eyes. (Hey, Xander?)
(Yeah?)
(I love you. You know. Just in case we don't all come out of this and I never get the chance to tell you. I love you. And, uh, tell Giles and Will that I love them too. And Wesley and Cordelia. Tell Cordy she's beautiful, would you? Oh and if I don't make it, don't cry over me. Be happy for me. Live.) (A/N I know that was incredibly reminiscent of "The Gift", but I couldn't resist!)
(You're going to make it, Buffy. But I love you too. I always will.)
Buffy looked around at the disarray that had been the Initiative Headquarters. Bodies were everywhere; demons and humans alike. A red warning light flashed continuously, making everything look eerie and hellish.
Buffy turned back to Riley and Angel, smiling at them through tear-filled eyes. She had one more thing to do before they went to fight Adam. She walked over to Riley and smiled up at him. Giving him a hug, she told him, "I love you. You know that, right?"
Riley smiled in surprise. Of course he knew! "I love you too, Buffy."
She pulled away from him and looked into his eyes. Her own shone in the strange light, her face streaked with tears. "But it can never be you. Not in the end." Her lip quivered when she saw Riley's stricken look. "When I die, it can only be in the arms of my love."
She looked at Angel who, in turn was trying to look anywhere but at Buffy and Riley. Buffy left Riley's arms and walked slowly to Angel. She traced his jaw line with her index finger. "I'll always love you," she told him softly. "I loved you before I knew you. I will love you even through death. Never forget me. I never forgot."
Angel looked at her in shock. She remembered the lost day? Oh, praise God in Heaven! "I could never-" his voice cracked with emotion. "I'll never forget you, Buffy. Through this life and beyond. I love you."
Buffy's mouth turned up slightly at the corners. This was how Angel liked her best. Sweet and innocent; not at all the hardened warrior she had become. My fault, he told himself. She deserves a normal life and I couldn't give it to her.
"It is NOT your fault," Buffy told him forcefully. How had she known? "Your love has always been enough. It's all I need from you." Buffy looked to Monica who was no accompanied by to Angels she didn't recognize. They were both male although one looked all-American while the other was most definitely Hispanic.
"Friends of yours, Monica?"
"This is Andrew and Rafael. It is time."
"I'd love to chat, boys, but you know how it is. People to see, things to do, monsters to kill…"
Rafael chuckled. "It's this way. Vayas con Dios, mijita."
Buffy smiled in remembrance. Her Grandma Elizabeth used to say that to her before she put her to bed. Her eyes hardened with steely resolve. It was time to face Adam. But first things first. (Xander? Are you there?)
(Yeah. What's up Buff?)
(We're going in. What's your situation?)
(Just about to the cave entrance. We'll have Willow out of there in a jiffy.)
(Okay. Listen, be careful. And go out the way you came in. I know the Initiative is connected somewhere to the caves, but don't take the chance of trying to find it. Get in, get Willow and get out. We'll meet you outside of the caves.)
(Roger, Buffy. We'll see you on the outside.)
Buffy walked purposefully through the door behind 314 followed by Riley and Angel. She let out a low whistle. "I had no idea. She really put a lot into it, didn't she?"
Riley nodded sadly. Maggie Walsh had been a genius in her own right. Unfortunately, her genius idea had gotten her killed.
"Kill them." Adam's cold, unfeeling voice echoed through the secret lab. Buffy spun around and quickly assessed the situation. Four vampires, plus Adam. The vamps would be easy to take care of, Adam, not so much.
There were two females and two males. They all showed various scars over eyes, lips and other appendages. One of the males was missing an eye, the other's face was so severely scarred that Riley flinched at the sight of it. Of the females, one had long blonde hair; she reminded Buffy of Harmony, and the other had short, spiky blue hair.
"We'll get the fangy ones first," the Slayer told her companions softly. "Angel, you get One-Eye, Riley, you take miss Fake 'n Bake over there. I've got the other two."
Adam watched with interest as Buffy came after Blue Hair with a roundhouse kick right in the solar plexus. The vamp doubled over and roared in agony. Buffy smiled in satisfaction but she wasn't smiling for long, as Scarface had attacked her from behind, placing her in a bear hug. Buffy gasped for air as he squeezed her ribs tighter and tighter. Her head hung against her chest, her eyes rolled back into her head. Scarface laughed menacingly, thinking he had beaten the Slayer. But Buffy had been in this predicament too many times to not know how to get out of it. She raised her head slightly; just enough to give herself leverage, then threw her head back into the vampire's scarred face. He stumbled backwards, putting a hand over his nose.
Riley connected with Fake 'n Bake's face with a right hook. She doubled over but retaliated quickly with a kick to his knee. Riley hunched over in pain and Fake 'n Bake took this opportunity to knee him in the face. Riley fell backwards, groaning and hitting his head on a metal table. Riley was out of the fight for now.
Riley groaned and turned over. He couldn't make out too much, but he rubbed his eyes and was able to focus. Angel and Buffy were fighting back to back, moving together in perfect unison. It was like watching some macabre ballet. Buffy moved to punch One-Eye as Angel punched Scarface. Fake 'n Bake and Blue Hair had long since been dusted.
From the far corner of the room, a voice could be heard over the smack of flesh against flesh, bone against bone. Buffy smiled inwardly as the voices of Angels washed over her, giving her the strength and faith to fight. Golden light filled the room making it look more heavenly that it should have ever looked. God was in this place.
"When did I become so weak
When did love give up this fight
And I do wrong so easily
When all I want to do is right
"And so I'm running away
From these things
That leave me full of pain
'Cause they never could satisfy me
So I'm running away
From these things
That leave me feeling afraid
And, God, I need you here beside me
"And there is nothing I could do
To change the course of my whole life
But if I fix my eyes on You
You tell me I will be alright."
Buffy and Angel finished off Adam's lackeys in quick succession. Angel had smiled grimly when he snapped one's neck and sending it to the floor. It was his least favorite form of killing; it reminded him of how Angelus had murdered Jenny Calendar.
"Guess it's just you and me, Adam." Buffy held her sword steady in front of her pointed at Adam's chest.
"That is the plan, yes." Adam raised one arm and a long dagger emerged from the forearm. And thus began the battle for Willow's life. Buffy had a sort of peace over dying now. She didn't really care if she died, so long as Adam died too and her friends were safe. Buffy didn't have a death wish, but a part of her longed for it to be over. And Adam saw that in her. He gained the upper hand quickly and Angel struggled against Andrew to help her.
"This is her fight. You did your part," Andrew consoled him. "God is with her now."
And He truly was. Something came alive in Buffy, the light in her eyes shone more brightly than it ever had. The Slayer came at Adam with a vengeance. He was more surprised than anything that this small girl had so much power.
"How?" He asked soundlessly.
Buffy seemed to know what he was asking. "You can never hope to grasp the source of my power." She thrust her hand into the center of Adam's stomach and grimaced. She looked him straight in the eye, communicating that she would win. Eyes narrowed in anger and concentration, Buffy dug into Adam even further. There! She didn't know how she knew, but there it was. The key to defeating Adam. She set her mouth in a grim line and yanked. The source of Adam's power. Buffy eyed it with disgust. Green slimy pieces of flesh hung from the small cylindrical object and it glowed eerily against the light of the Angels. She looked at Adam again who was completely flabbergasted. "But yours is right here."
Adam fell to the ground in a heap. Buffy just stood there watching the uranium source in her hand. She let it drop to the floor as the golden light in the room suddenly dissipated. The Angels were gone, for now. Riley scrambled up to get to her, but Angel beat him to it. He embraced Buffy and pulled her to his chest. "You did it. You were incredible." He murmured into her hair.
Riley stood back and watched them with tears swimming in his eyes. He had lost her. He knew it the moment he had seen her standing with Angel outside of his frat house. Her heart had always belonged to Angel. He had tried to ignore it but the look in her eyes whenever she saw him was not the same one she gave Angel. It was a special look, reserved only for her soul mate.
It didn't take long for them to find the entrance to the caves from where they were. Buffy quickly found the opening and rushed outside, Angel and Riley at her heels. Giles and Xander were crouched over Willow who had her head resting in Cordelia's lap. Buffy rushed forward, her brow furrowed in concern.
The Slayer winced when she saw the Wicca. Her face was covered in bruises; her left eye was nearly swollen shut. Willow's hand hung limply at her side and her left knee looked as though it had been twisted at some point. Who knew what other injuries she had suffered?
"Is she ok? Willow, are you ok?" Buffy knelt beside her best friend and took her hand.
Willow's eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly when she spotted Buffy. "It's ok. I got 'em good."
Buffy and Xander smiled at each other. "You sure did, Willster." Xander agreed softly.
"Did we win?"
Buffy nodded in response. "We sure did. Adam is history."
Giles looked at Buffy gravely. "Her injuries are not as serious as I expected; however, we must get her to a hospital as quickly as possible to have them treated."
Buffy nodded in quick agreement. "Of course. Angel, will you drive us there?"
Angel came to rest his hand on Buffy's right shoulder. "Of course." Angel scooped Willow into his arms and smiled at her mischievously. Willow blushed a deep red and tried to avert her gaze. Angel carried her up to his car, which was parked at least a mile away. Willow was rather impressed that he could carry her for this long without showing any signs of being tired.
To their surprise, Joyce Summers was leaning against Angel's car, chatting with Andrew. For a woman who had been told her daughter may die that very night, she certainly appeared to be very calm. Joyce took notice of Angel and Willow and rushed forward. "Oh my," she breathed softly. "Willow, are you all right?"
Willow smiled at her and nodded once. Joyce sighed in relief and watched as Andrew helped Angel place Willow in the back seat of the car.
"Angel, where's Buffy?" Joyce asked the vampire once he had emerged from the car.
"She's at the caves with the others. They'll meet us at the hospital."
"You go on ahead," Joyce told him. "I'll wait for Buffy."
Angel nodded and started getting into his car. But Joyce stopped him. "Angel, hold on a second. Let me give you my cell phone number so you can call us when you get Willow checked over." Joyce pulled out a piece of paper from her purse and quickly scribbled her phone number on it, handing it to Angel. He looked it over briefly, nodded and turned the ignition. Andrew and Joyce watched as Angel drove off in the direction of Sunnydale Memorial.
"Mom!" Joyce looked up at the sound of her daughter's voice. "Mom what are you doing here?" Buffy came running up to her mother and skidded to a halt in front of her.
"Andrew came to get me," Joyce replied looking Buffy over. She didn't look too worse for the wear, considering.
"Oh. Huh?"
"Andrew and I met yesterday. He explained what was going on and I was supposed to try and get you to accept God. I guess I didn't need to though, from what he tells me. I'm so proud of you Buffy."
Mother and daughter embraced tightly, tears coursing down their faces. Joyce ran her fingers repeatedly through Buffy's tangled hair. She looked over her daughter's shoulder and spotted Giles, Xander, Cordelia, Oz and two men she didn't recognize coming over the hill. Joyce gently broke the embrace and Buffy turned around, wiping her eyes. Where was Riley?
"Ms Summers," Giles greeted her kindly. "It's, well, a surprise to see you here."
Joyce smiled. "I'll explain later. Meanwhile, hadn't we be getting to the hospital to check on Willow?"
________________________________________________________________________
A few weeks later, Willow found herself walking out of the hospital under her own steam. Well, not really. She had Buffy clutching one arm and Xander on her other side, a hand on her back to support her. She was grateful; really, it was just that she wanted to be independent again. Oz had left Sunnydale as soon as he was certain Willow was going to be ok. He had promised to come back someday though and Willow looked forward to that day.
Riley had disappeared right after they had left the caves and nobody knew where he was. As for Pike, he had just vanished right after he and Merrick had shown up on Giles' doorstep weeks ago. Merrick had said his goodbyes two days ago and actually went back to LA with Angel, Cordelia and Wesley. They had all promised to keep in touch, and Willow was expecting Angel to call Buffy any day now.
"Hey guys? You can let go now. Not gonna topple over." Willow gave them her patented elfish grin as she wriggled out of their grasp.
"Oops. Sorry, Wills," Buffy gave Willow her arm back.
"Now where are we going?" Willow asked curiously. She had been told that they were not going straight back to the dorms, or her house or even Giles' place. Wherever it was they were heading was a complete mystery.
Buffy and Xander exchanged glances. "Well, we know you're Jewish and all, but we wanted you to come to our church service. It's really a lot of fun, and we kind of have a surprise for you," Buffy said rapidly.
"Uh, ok." Willow shrugged. She still hadn't shared her little awakening with her friends. It was something too close and personal for the redhead to reveal right now.
Minutes later, Buffy, Willow and Xander were walking into the parking lot of Rising Faith Community Church. It was rather small and quaint, Willow observed. People were filing in the front door, but they weren't the people Willow had expected to see there. When Buffy had said church, Willow had immediately formed a picture in her mind of little old ladies with blue hair and warbling voices. But they were surrounded by young people; young men and women who couldn't have been much older than they were. Maybe this would be interesting after all.
"…see you in a little bit," Buffy was saying as they entered the entrance hall. Buffy turned and walked away, presumably into the sanctuary.
Willow looked after her bewildered but decided it was part of the surprise. She looked around the entrance hall and her eyes caught notice of a sign above the doorway to the outside. "You Are Now Entering the Mission Field". Willow read it to herself and smiled.
Xander tapped her on the shoulder. "You ready to rock and roll?"
"Sure."
They walked in the sanctuary together and Willow was amazed at how many people were milling around. Xander led her up to the front of the sanctuary and said hello to a few people along the way.
In the back of the sanctuary stood three Angels, unseen by the congregation. Tess had her arm around Monica who was resting her head against the Angel's shoulder.
"You did it, Angel girl," Tess told her fondly.
"We did it, Tess. Can you believe how much Buffy has changed already?"
Andrew nodded. "Of course I can. Remember who we work for?"
Tess and Monica laughed together, turning to look up at the stage up front. The Angels settled back and waited for God to fill the church.
Willow was looking aimlessly around the sanctuary. She looked up at the stage and gasped slightly when she saw the band take their places. Giles was setting up a microphone, adjusting it to allow for him and his guitar. Somehow, this didn't surprise her too much. After all, they all knew that Giles sang. But what threw Willow off was Buffy standing center stage, fiddling with her mic stand.
"Hey, everyone," Buffy said softly into the microphone. "How are we all doing today?"
Cheers of joy rose into the rafters and Buffy grinned. "What do you say we get to worshipping the Lord?"
More cheers.
Giles began picking at his guitar, his fingers flew rapidly over the strings and the band followed suit. Willow found herself being carried away by the music and she noticed Xander beside her, grinning in what looked like anticipation.
Buffy opened her mouth and began the first words of the song.
"Salvation spring up from the ground
Lord, rend the heavens and come down,
Seek the lost and heal the lame
Jesus bring glory to your name!"
"Let all the prodigals run home,
All of creation waits and groans.
Lord we've heard of Your great fame;
Father cause all to shout your name!"
The congregation shouted and screamed above the music. Buffy was holding her mic now, jumping up on down on stage. It was a Christian mosh pit, Willow mused with a grin.
"Stir up our hearts, oh God;
Open our spirits to awe who you are.
Put a cry in us so deep inside
That we cannot find the words we need,
We just weep and cry out to You."
The song went on for several minutes before the band finally slowed it down and brought it to an end.
Giles moved smoothly into the next piece. This one was considerably calmer than the last and Willow wondered how all of these people could move from the wild frenzy they had been in to this state of serene calm. Several of them swayed in time to the music, their hands raised to the Heavens and eyes closed in worship.
Buffy placed the mic back in it's stand and stood in front of it, her eyes closed as well. She began the next song so softly, so reverently, that it brought tears to her eyes.
"Time is too short to say it's okay to think I can live this way for just another day."
Willow saw people fall to their knees, tears streaming down their faces. She raised a hand to her cheek and realized the tears were flowing from her eyes as well.
"So I'll search through the night for the One my heart loves;
Won't stop 'til I've found You.
For Lord, I need to hold You close.
"Be the King of this heart again;
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart.
"I've stood in the desert and thirsted for You;
I've run through the city, now I won't let go.
I'm throwing myself on Your mercy, Oh God.
You say it's all or nothing; I'm saying 'Jesus, have it all.'
"Be the King of this heart again,
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart.
"Be the light for my eyes,
Be the strength for my feet.
Be the love of my soul,
Be my ev'rything,
Be my day and my night,
When I wake, when I sleep;
Undivided my heart will be.
"Be the King of this heart again,
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart always."
Once again, Giles moved seamlessly into the next song. Buffy opened her eyes, spotted Willow and grinned with watery eyes. The music stopped. Willow thought they were done for now, but apparently not. Giles leaned into the mic, glanced at Buffy and they began the next song together.
"I'm forgiven because You were forsaken."
Their voices blended together so perfectly that Willow found herself sobbing in amazement. She had been raised Jewish, sure, but this was the first time she had ever felt God fill the people in His house. It was overwhelming.
"I'm accepted; You were condemned."
Tears filled Xander's eyes. He had never given God or religion much thought until those Angels had shown up in Sunnydale a few weeks ago. Now, he couldn't imagine his life without the Lord and he thanked Him for that chance.
"I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me because You died and rose again.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
"I'm forgiven because you were forsaken.
I'm accepted because you were condemned.
I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me because You died and rose again.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do, I honor You.
"You are my King
You are my King.
Jesus, You are my King.
Jesus You are my King.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do, I honor You."
Monica wiped a single tear from her eye with a white handkerchief. She held it in her hands and slowly opened them, tossing it into the air. Tess, Monica and Andrew watched as it turned into a snow white dove, soaring above the congregation.
A/N: That's all folks! The end of my very first fic! To those of you who have stuck with me throughout this whole thing, thanks so much. You are incredible. I only hope this ending lived up to your expectations. I am working on another fic right now. Well, I guess two. If you're into Harry Potter at all, I have one that I'm currently posting. And I have an idea for another BtVS as well. Post-Gift fic, unfortunately, but I think this one will have a few surprises…Just a reminder to be a faithful reader and review. I really look forward to getting those, so fill up my inbox, would you? Be on the lookout for my next fic!
Disclaimer: I don't own BtVS or TBAA. The only thing that's mine is the storyline. I do use some quotes from the episode "Primeval"; those aren't mine either. I don't own the song "Running Away"; that one goes to Nathan Barlowe and EMI Christian Music. "Salvation" belongs to Charlie Hall and Generation Music. "King of this Heart" belongs to Matt Redman and Kingsway's Thank You Music. "Amazing Love" belongs to Billy James Foote and worshiptogether.com songs.
"Crap." Riley said crossly. Only five minutes into the mission and they had already been caught.
Buffy nodded in complete agreement. Well, if they had to face the boys of the Initiative, then so be it. Buffy reached back and pulled the sword out of her scabbard. Waving it around in front of her, the Slayer smiled as the army boys backed up. "Like it?" She asked, turning the sword around, gazing at it fondly. "It was a gift from a friend. She's dead now." Buffy looked up at them, a dangerous look glinting in her hazel eyes. "I will use this, you know. My best friend is somewhere in here, and I will use this on anyone who tries to stop us from getting to her."
Slowly, a somewhat elderly man stepped out from the group of soldiers. General McNamara, Riley noted. "You are out of line, miss. You think you and your friends can just keep waltzing into a government installation, brandishing weapons like that sword? I'm afraid you're wrong. Dead wrong."
Buffy looked at Angel with mock innocence. "Did he say dead? Cuz I'm willing to help that along."
"Buffy." Angel gave her a warning glance.
Riley stepped forward. "Look, General, Adam is here. In the Initiative. And he has Willow Rosenberg. We also have reason to believe that Adam has employed Hostile 17. Now, if you would just let us past?"
McNamara gave Riley a steely look and crossed his arms defiantly. "What exactly gives you the right to come barging in here anyhow? And how do you know that Adam is here? Every inch of this installation is under constant twenty-four hour surveillance!"
"Even the secret lab?" Buffy asked innocently.
"Even everything!" He snapped at her. But a look of confusion crossed McNamara's face. "Secret lab?"
"Where Maggie worked on project 314." At the blank look on the General's face, Buffy groaned inwardly. "And you have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"
Instead of answering her question, McNamara barked out, "you are out of line, young lady! Up there, you may be some great demon hunter, but down here; this is our turf."
"No. You're playing on my turf now. You're messing with primeval forces that you have no comprehension of. Now either work with me, or get out of my way!" Buffy was way past being cooperative by now. Her mouth was set in a grim line and her eyes were still flashing dangerously. Riley had no problem believing that Buffy would use that sword.
McNamara turned to his troops. "Arrest them."
Several army boys rushed forward and began cuffing Buffy, Angel and Riley. The walkie-talkie crackled and sprang to life. "Riley? What the devil is going on in there?" Giles' voice came over the speaker and Buffy groaned.
"Congratulations, Giles," she muttered. "You just won the award for 'Worst Timing Ever'.
"Hand it over, Finn." McNamara held out his hand and Riley placed the talkie in it. "Watch them. I have other matters to attend to." The General turned away and began walking in the direction of the containment cells.
Just then, the power went down in the entire Initiative. Buffy, Angel and Riley looked around in apprehension. A loud slam of opening doors could be heard down the corridors. A robotic, unfeeling voice came over the loudspeakers. "CONTAINMENT CELLS HAVE BEEN BREACHED. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY."
The soldiers who had been surrounding them suddenly took off in the direction of the containment cells. Buffy looked at Angel and Riley in amusement. "Uh, thank you Adam? 314?"
They nodded in quick agreement and headed to the door leading to lab 314. To their surprise, the door was unlocked. Angel looked around and whistled, impressed. "This is some set up you boys have here," he told Riley. "Too bad it never could have worked."
Riley knew Angel was right; he knew the Initiative had failed. But Riley had been a part of it once and he had pride. "How do you know?" He snapped back. "It could have. Maggie was brilliant."
"So why did she create a killing machine?" Angel countered reasonably. He was not going to let this little twit get to him. "I think Maggie's plans were well-intentioned to start, but they warped. The time to wallow in self-pity has past, Finn. It's time to save the world."
A golden light filled the room. Angel and Riley shielded their eyes, but Buffy smiled in recognition. "Monica!" She cried happily. "I wondered when you would get here. We're in trouble, Monica. I don't know what to do."
"So long as you are in the Hands of the Father, you are always protected. We know how to defeat Adam." The Irish Angel smiled serenely.
Angel perked up. "You know? How?"
"Hello, Liam. You were not meant to live this long, but the Father does have plans for you. Eventually."
Angel's eyes widened as he realized that she was the Angel from Ireland, so long ago.
"Yes, we know how to defeat him," Monica said again. "His power source is located near his spine. You must get it to overcome Adam."
"What about our friends?" Buffy looked worried. Adam wasn't really a concern now that she knew he could be killed. "They took the talkie. We have no way of telling them how to find Willow."
"There is a way," Monica told her softly. "The only way, perhaps." Buffy's eyebrows raised expectantly, as though she were asking, 'well?' "You have a mental link with one of those people on the outside, Buffy. You must reach out to them and tell them how to get there."
The Slayer looked utterly baffled. A mental link? The last 'mental link' she had experienced her to go insane. "What are you talking about?"
"Do not be afraid. He is with you always. You are able to communicate telepathically with one of your friends. You've never been able to before simply because you were not aware of it."
"Who? Giles?"
Monica shook her head. "No. It is not Rupert Giles, although it is someone out there who has known you just as long."
Buffy's eyes narrowed in confusion. Surely it wasn't Xander? A telepathic link with Xander? Buffy shuddered. Frightening thought that was. But who else was there? No one. "Xander? I can talk to Xander?" Monica nodded. "Okayy…why?"
"Do you remember the year you first moved to Sunnydale? When you faced the Master for the final time?"
Buffy nodded, her eyes going suddenly soft. She missed those days. Days of worrying about the latest vamp or history. Now she had averted several apocalypses and had once sent her true love to hell. Life had changed. "Of course. One doesn't really forget when one dies."
"Because Xander brought you back, you are bound together. He gave part of his life force to you and now you are forever linked in mind and spirit."
Angel and Riley stiffened at this, but Buffy seemed unperturbed. "Ok, so how do I make this thing work?"
"Simply call out to him in your mind. Concentrate and call his name."
"Uh ok." Buffy looked at Monica skeptically, but shrugged, deciding she didn't really have anything to lose. (Xander?) It sounded so small in her head and she wasn't sure if her had heard anything. A little louder this time. (Xander? Are you there?)
(Baa, baa black sheep, have you any wo-holy shnikes! What the heck?)
(Xander, it's me, Buffy. Can you hear me?)
(Buffy? What's going on here? You trying a Vulcan mind-meld?)
(Not quite. Listen, they took our talkie. Tell Giles he's an idiot, would you?)
(Sure. Hold on.) There was silence for a moment then Xander came back into her head. Now THAT was a disturbing thought. (What's the sitch, Buff? And what's with the sudden mind reading? You get in the way of one of those demon thingies again?)
(Several demon thingies, Xand. I'm the Slayer, remember? Listen, I'll tell you more about this mental link later. Right now, I'm going to tell you how to get to Willow.)
(Ay, ay, Cap'n. Shoot.)
(Ok here goes. Do you remember when we first heard about Adam? Went searching for him and we found that body?)
(BLECH! You have to bring that up didn't you? Yeah, I remember.)
(Good. Here's how you find Will…)
Several moments later, Buffy had given Xander sufficient enough directions so that the gang on the outside would have no problem finding Willow. (Hey, Xand? Let's keep this line of communication open. I want to know that you're still breathing.)
(I'm touched, Buff. No problem. Though if you hear anything disturbing, you're bound to keep it a secret.)
Buffy smiled inwardly. (Of course. Ok, we're going to try and find our way through the Initiative. It's complete chaos out there.)
(Roger. 10:4 good buddy. Over and out.)
Buffy shook her head in amusement. (Right Xander. Be careful.)
(You to, Buffy.) He grew oddly serious all of a sudden (We can't lose you, Buff. Watch your back.)
(I will.) Buffy paused, tears filling her eyes. (Hey, Xander?)
(Yeah?)
(I love you. You know. Just in case we don't all come out of this and I never get the chance to tell you. I love you. And, uh, tell Giles and Will that I love them too. And Wesley and Cordelia. Tell Cordy she's beautiful, would you? Oh and if I don't make it, don't cry over me. Be happy for me. Live.) (A/N I know that was incredibly reminiscent of "The Gift", but I couldn't resist!)
(You're going to make it, Buffy. But I love you too. I always will.)
Buffy looked around at the disarray that had been the Initiative Headquarters. Bodies were everywhere; demons and humans alike. A red warning light flashed continuously, making everything look eerie and hellish.
Buffy turned back to Riley and Angel, smiling at them through tear-filled eyes. She had one more thing to do before they went to fight Adam. She walked over to Riley and smiled up at him. Giving him a hug, she told him, "I love you. You know that, right?"
Riley smiled in surprise. Of course he knew! "I love you too, Buffy."
She pulled away from him and looked into his eyes. Her own shone in the strange light, her face streaked with tears. "But it can never be you. Not in the end." Her lip quivered when she saw Riley's stricken look. "When I die, it can only be in the arms of my love."
She looked at Angel who, in turn was trying to look anywhere but at Buffy and Riley. Buffy left Riley's arms and walked slowly to Angel. She traced his jaw line with her index finger. "I'll always love you," she told him softly. "I loved you before I knew you. I will love you even through death. Never forget me. I never forgot."
Angel looked at her in shock. She remembered the lost day? Oh, praise God in Heaven! "I could never-" his voice cracked with emotion. "I'll never forget you, Buffy. Through this life and beyond. I love you."
Buffy's mouth turned up slightly at the corners. This was how Angel liked her best. Sweet and innocent; not at all the hardened warrior she had become. My fault, he told himself. She deserves a normal life and I couldn't give it to her.
"It is NOT your fault," Buffy told him forcefully. How had she known? "Your love has always been enough. It's all I need from you." Buffy looked to Monica who was no accompanied by to Angels she didn't recognize. They were both male although one looked all-American while the other was most definitely Hispanic.
"Friends of yours, Monica?"
"This is Andrew and Rafael. It is time."
"I'd love to chat, boys, but you know how it is. People to see, things to do, monsters to kill…"
Rafael chuckled. "It's this way. Vayas con Dios, mijita."
Buffy smiled in remembrance. Her Grandma Elizabeth used to say that to her before she put her to bed. Her eyes hardened with steely resolve. It was time to face Adam. But first things first. (Xander? Are you there?)
(Yeah. What's up Buff?)
(We're going in. What's your situation?)
(Just about to the cave entrance. We'll have Willow out of there in a jiffy.)
(Okay. Listen, be careful. And go out the way you came in. I know the Initiative is connected somewhere to the caves, but don't take the chance of trying to find it. Get in, get Willow and get out. We'll meet you outside of the caves.)
(Roger, Buffy. We'll see you on the outside.)
Buffy walked purposefully through the door behind 314 followed by Riley and Angel. She let out a low whistle. "I had no idea. She really put a lot into it, didn't she?"
Riley nodded sadly. Maggie Walsh had been a genius in her own right. Unfortunately, her genius idea had gotten her killed.
"Kill them." Adam's cold, unfeeling voice echoed through the secret lab. Buffy spun around and quickly assessed the situation. Four vampires, plus Adam. The vamps would be easy to take care of, Adam, not so much.
There were two females and two males. They all showed various scars over eyes, lips and other appendages. One of the males was missing an eye, the other's face was so severely scarred that Riley flinched at the sight of it. Of the females, one had long blonde hair; she reminded Buffy of Harmony, and the other had short, spiky blue hair.
"We'll get the fangy ones first," the Slayer told her companions softly. "Angel, you get One-Eye, Riley, you take miss Fake 'n Bake over there. I've got the other two."
Adam watched with interest as Buffy came after Blue Hair with a roundhouse kick right in the solar plexus. The vamp doubled over and roared in agony. Buffy smiled in satisfaction but she wasn't smiling for long, as Scarface had attacked her from behind, placing her in a bear hug. Buffy gasped for air as he squeezed her ribs tighter and tighter. Her head hung against her chest, her eyes rolled back into her head. Scarface laughed menacingly, thinking he had beaten the Slayer. But Buffy had been in this predicament too many times to not know how to get out of it. She raised her head slightly; just enough to give herself leverage, then threw her head back into the vampire's scarred face. He stumbled backwards, putting a hand over his nose.
Riley connected with Fake 'n Bake's face with a right hook. She doubled over but retaliated quickly with a kick to his knee. Riley hunched over in pain and Fake 'n Bake took this opportunity to knee him in the face. Riley fell backwards, groaning and hitting his head on a metal table. Riley was out of the fight for now.
Riley groaned and turned over. He couldn't make out too much, but he rubbed his eyes and was able to focus. Angel and Buffy were fighting back to back, moving together in perfect unison. It was like watching some macabre ballet. Buffy moved to punch One-Eye as Angel punched Scarface. Fake 'n Bake and Blue Hair had long since been dusted.
From the far corner of the room, a voice could be heard over the smack of flesh against flesh, bone against bone. Buffy smiled inwardly as the voices of Angels washed over her, giving her the strength and faith to fight. Golden light filled the room making it look more heavenly that it should have ever looked. God was in this place.
"When did I become so weak
When did love give up this fight
And I do wrong so easily
When all I want to do is right
"And so I'm running away
From these things
That leave me full of pain
'Cause they never could satisfy me
So I'm running away
From these things
That leave me feeling afraid
And, God, I need you here beside me
"And there is nothing I could do
To change the course of my whole life
But if I fix my eyes on You
You tell me I will be alright."
Buffy and Angel finished off Adam's lackeys in quick succession. Angel had smiled grimly when he snapped one's neck and sending it to the floor. It was his least favorite form of killing; it reminded him of how Angelus had murdered Jenny Calendar.
"Guess it's just you and me, Adam." Buffy held her sword steady in front of her pointed at Adam's chest.
"That is the plan, yes." Adam raised one arm and a long dagger emerged from the forearm. And thus began the battle for Willow's life. Buffy had a sort of peace over dying now. She didn't really care if she died, so long as Adam died too and her friends were safe. Buffy didn't have a death wish, but a part of her longed for it to be over. And Adam saw that in her. He gained the upper hand quickly and Angel struggled against Andrew to help her.
"This is her fight. You did your part," Andrew consoled him. "God is with her now."
And He truly was. Something came alive in Buffy, the light in her eyes shone more brightly than it ever had. The Slayer came at Adam with a vengeance. He was more surprised than anything that this small girl had so much power.
"How?" He asked soundlessly.
Buffy seemed to know what he was asking. "You can never hope to grasp the source of my power." She thrust her hand into the center of Adam's stomach and grimaced. She looked him straight in the eye, communicating that she would win. Eyes narrowed in anger and concentration, Buffy dug into Adam even further. There! She didn't know how she knew, but there it was. The key to defeating Adam. She set her mouth in a grim line and yanked. The source of Adam's power. Buffy eyed it with disgust. Green slimy pieces of flesh hung from the small cylindrical object and it glowed eerily against the light of the Angels. She looked at Adam again who was completely flabbergasted. "But yours is right here."
Adam fell to the ground in a heap. Buffy just stood there watching the uranium source in her hand. She let it drop to the floor as the golden light in the room suddenly dissipated. The Angels were gone, for now. Riley scrambled up to get to her, but Angel beat him to it. He embraced Buffy and pulled her to his chest. "You did it. You were incredible." He murmured into her hair.
Riley stood back and watched them with tears swimming in his eyes. He had lost her. He knew it the moment he had seen her standing with Angel outside of his frat house. Her heart had always belonged to Angel. He had tried to ignore it but the look in her eyes whenever she saw him was not the same one she gave Angel. It was a special look, reserved only for her soul mate.
It didn't take long for them to find the entrance to the caves from where they were. Buffy quickly found the opening and rushed outside, Angel and Riley at her heels. Giles and Xander were crouched over Willow who had her head resting in Cordelia's lap. Buffy rushed forward, her brow furrowed in concern.
The Slayer winced when she saw the Wicca. Her face was covered in bruises; her left eye was nearly swollen shut. Willow's hand hung limply at her side and her left knee looked as though it had been twisted at some point. Who knew what other injuries she had suffered?
"Is she ok? Willow, are you ok?" Buffy knelt beside her best friend and took her hand.
Willow's eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly when she spotted Buffy. "It's ok. I got 'em good."
Buffy and Xander smiled at each other. "You sure did, Willster." Xander agreed softly.
"Did we win?"
Buffy nodded in response. "We sure did. Adam is history."
Giles looked at Buffy gravely. "Her injuries are not as serious as I expected; however, we must get her to a hospital as quickly as possible to have them treated."
Buffy nodded in quick agreement. "Of course. Angel, will you drive us there?"
Angel came to rest his hand on Buffy's right shoulder. "Of course." Angel scooped Willow into his arms and smiled at her mischievously. Willow blushed a deep red and tried to avert her gaze. Angel carried her up to his car, which was parked at least a mile away. Willow was rather impressed that he could carry her for this long without showing any signs of being tired.
To their surprise, Joyce Summers was leaning against Angel's car, chatting with Andrew. For a woman who had been told her daughter may die that very night, she certainly appeared to be very calm. Joyce took notice of Angel and Willow and rushed forward. "Oh my," she breathed softly. "Willow, are you all right?"
Willow smiled at her and nodded once. Joyce sighed in relief and watched as Andrew helped Angel place Willow in the back seat of the car.
"Angel, where's Buffy?" Joyce asked the vampire once he had emerged from the car.
"She's at the caves with the others. They'll meet us at the hospital."
"You go on ahead," Joyce told him. "I'll wait for Buffy."
Angel nodded and started getting into his car. But Joyce stopped him. "Angel, hold on a second. Let me give you my cell phone number so you can call us when you get Willow checked over." Joyce pulled out a piece of paper from her purse and quickly scribbled her phone number on it, handing it to Angel. He looked it over briefly, nodded and turned the ignition. Andrew and Joyce watched as Angel drove off in the direction of Sunnydale Memorial.
"Mom!" Joyce looked up at the sound of her daughter's voice. "Mom what are you doing here?" Buffy came running up to her mother and skidded to a halt in front of her.
"Andrew came to get me," Joyce replied looking Buffy over. She didn't look too worse for the wear, considering.
"Oh. Huh?"
"Andrew and I met yesterday. He explained what was going on and I was supposed to try and get you to accept God. I guess I didn't need to though, from what he tells me. I'm so proud of you Buffy."
Mother and daughter embraced tightly, tears coursing down their faces. Joyce ran her fingers repeatedly through Buffy's tangled hair. She looked over her daughter's shoulder and spotted Giles, Xander, Cordelia, Oz and two men she didn't recognize coming over the hill. Joyce gently broke the embrace and Buffy turned around, wiping her eyes. Where was Riley?
"Ms Summers," Giles greeted her kindly. "It's, well, a surprise to see you here."
Joyce smiled. "I'll explain later. Meanwhile, hadn't we be getting to the hospital to check on Willow?"
________________________________________________________________________
A few weeks later, Willow found herself walking out of the hospital under her own steam. Well, not really. She had Buffy clutching one arm and Xander on her other side, a hand on her back to support her. She was grateful; really, it was just that she wanted to be independent again. Oz had left Sunnydale as soon as he was certain Willow was going to be ok. He had promised to come back someday though and Willow looked forward to that day.
Riley had disappeared right after they had left the caves and nobody knew where he was. As for Pike, he had just vanished right after he and Merrick had shown up on Giles' doorstep weeks ago. Merrick had said his goodbyes two days ago and actually went back to LA with Angel, Cordelia and Wesley. They had all promised to keep in touch, and Willow was expecting Angel to call Buffy any day now.
"Hey guys? You can let go now. Not gonna topple over." Willow gave them her patented elfish grin as she wriggled out of their grasp.
"Oops. Sorry, Wills," Buffy gave Willow her arm back.
"Now where are we going?" Willow asked curiously. She had been told that they were not going straight back to the dorms, or her house or even Giles' place. Wherever it was they were heading was a complete mystery.
Buffy and Xander exchanged glances. "Well, we know you're Jewish and all, but we wanted you to come to our church service. It's really a lot of fun, and we kind of have a surprise for you," Buffy said rapidly.
"Uh, ok." Willow shrugged. She still hadn't shared her little awakening with her friends. It was something too close and personal for the redhead to reveal right now.
Minutes later, Buffy, Willow and Xander were walking into the parking lot of Rising Faith Community Church. It was rather small and quaint, Willow observed. People were filing in the front door, but they weren't the people Willow had expected to see there. When Buffy had said church, Willow had immediately formed a picture in her mind of little old ladies with blue hair and warbling voices. But they were surrounded by young people; young men and women who couldn't have been much older than they were. Maybe this would be interesting after all.
"…see you in a little bit," Buffy was saying as they entered the entrance hall. Buffy turned and walked away, presumably into the sanctuary.
Willow looked after her bewildered but decided it was part of the surprise. She looked around the entrance hall and her eyes caught notice of a sign above the doorway to the outside. "You Are Now Entering the Mission Field". Willow read it to herself and smiled.
Xander tapped her on the shoulder. "You ready to rock and roll?"
"Sure."
They walked in the sanctuary together and Willow was amazed at how many people were milling around. Xander led her up to the front of the sanctuary and said hello to a few people along the way.
In the back of the sanctuary stood three Angels, unseen by the congregation. Tess had her arm around Monica who was resting her head against the Angel's shoulder.
"You did it, Angel girl," Tess told her fondly.
"We did it, Tess. Can you believe how much Buffy has changed already?"
Andrew nodded. "Of course I can. Remember who we work for?"
Tess and Monica laughed together, turning to look up at the stage up front. The Angels settled back and waited for God to fill the church.
Willow was looking aimlessly around the sanctuary. She looked up at the stage and gasped slightly when she saw the band take their places. Giles was setting up a microphone, adjusting it to allow for him and his guitar. Somehow, this didn't surprise her too much. After all, they all knew that Giles sang. But what threw Willow off was Buffy standing center stage, fiddling with her mic stand.
"Hey, everyone," Buffy said softly into the microphone. "How are we all doing today?"
Cheers of joy rose into the rafters and Buffy grinned. "What do you say we get to worshipping the Lord?"
More cheers.
Giles began picking at his guitar, his fingers flew rapidly over the strings and the band followed suit. Willow found herself being carried away by the music and she noticed Xander beside her, grinning in what looked like anticipation.
Buffy opened her mouth and began the first words of the song.
"Salvation spring up from the ground
Lord, rend the heavens and come down,
Seek the lost and heal the lame
Jesus bring glory to your name!"
"Let all the prodigals run home,
All of creation waits and groans.
Lord we've heard of Your great fame;
Father cause all to shout your name!"
The congregation shouted and screamed above the music. Buffy was holding her mic now, jumping up on down on stage. It was a Christian mosh pit, Willow mused with a grin.
"Stir up our hearts, oh God;
Open our spirits to awe who you are.
Put a cry in us so deep inside
That we cannot find the words we need,
We just weep and cry out to You."
The song went on for several minutes before the band finally slowed it down and brought it to an end.
Giles moved smoothly into the next piece. This one was considerably calmer than the last and Willow wondered how all of these people could move from the wild frenzy they had been in to this state of serene calm. Several of them swayed in time to the music, their hands raised to the Heavens and eyes closed in worship.
Buffy placed the mic back in it's stand and stood in front of it, her eyes closed as well. She began the next song so softly, so reverently, that it brought tears to her eyes.
"Time is too short to say it's okay to think I can live this way for just another day."
Willow saw people fall to their knees, tears streaming down their faces. She raised a hand to her cheek and realized the tears were flowing from her eyes as well.
"So I'll search through the night for the One my heart loves;
Won't stop 'til I've found You.
For Lord, I need to hold You close.
"Be the King of this heart again;
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart.
"I've stood in the desert and thirsted for You;
I've run through the city, now I won't let go.
I'm throwing myself on Your mercy, Oh God.
You say it's all or nothing; I'm saying 'Jesus, have it all.'
"Be the King of this heart again,
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart.
"Be the light for my eyes,
Be the strength for my feet.
Be the love of my soul,
Be my ev'rything,
Be my day and my night,
When I wake, when I sleep;
Undivided my heart will be.
"Be the King of this heart again,
Be the King of this life.
In my soul there's a cry today;
Be the King of this heart,
Be the King of this heart always."
Once again, Giles moved seamlessly into the next song. Buffy opened her eyes, spotted Willow and grinned with watery eyes. The music stopped. Willow thought they were done for now, but apparently not. Giles leaned into the mic, glanced at Buffy and they began the next song together.
"I'm forgiven because You were forsaken."
Their voices blended together so perfectly that Willow found herself sobbing in amazement. She had been raised Jewish, sure, but this was the first time she had ever felt God fill the people in His house. It was overwhelming.
"I'm accepted; You were condemned."
Tears filled Xander's eyes. He had never given God or religion much thought until those Angels had shown up in Sunnydale a few weeks ago. Now, he couldn't imagine his life without the Lord and he thanked Him for that chance.
"I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me because You died and rose again.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
"I'm forgiven because you were forsaken.
I'm accepted because you were condemned.
I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me because You died and rose again.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do, I honor You.
"You are my King
You are my King.
Jesus, You are my King.
Jesus You are my King.
"Amazing love, how can it be that you my King would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true; it's my joy to honor You.
In all I do, I honor You."
Monica wiped a single tear from her eye with a white handkerchief. She held it in her hands and slowly opened them, tossing it into the air. Tess, Monica and Andrew watched as it turned into a snow white dove, soaring above the congregation.
A/N: That's all folks! The end of my very first fic! To those of you who have stuck with me throughout this whole thing, thanks so much. You are incredible. I only hope this ending lived up to your expectations. I am working on another fic right now. Well, I guess two. If you're into Harry Potter at all, I have one that I'm currently posting. And I have an idea for another BtVS as well. Post-Gift fic, unfortunately, but I think this one will have a few surprises…Just a reminder to be a faithful reader and review. I really look forward to getting those, so fill up my inbox, would you? Be on the lookout for my next fic!