A Change In Destiny - Revealtions

TITLE: A Change In Destiny: Part V: Revelations

AUTHOR: Wicked Angel

RATING: PG-13 bad language

DISCLAIMER: None of this is mine blah, blah, blah!

AUTHORS NOTES: Ok so this has been along time in coming, I intended this to be a 2-chapter story but I'm on the 5th chapter and there's at least one more to come, hope you enjoy

SUMMARY: Angel finds Cordy and saves her then they subsequently share stuff and Doyle makes an appearance or two! They visit Sunnydale and Buffy isn't feeling very well – just read it I suck at summaries

FEEDBACK: Please! Please! Please! Please!

Angel stood looking at the car as it sped away, images of a beaten and battered Cordelia flooding his mind sending him spinning

'God I'd drive a stake through my heart if anything ever happened to her' Angel was panicking at the thought of losing his best friend he had to find her

'And what the hell was Buffy talking about back there?!' Angel was confused; confused by the feelings he was experiencing at the thought of losing Cordelia and by the little speech Buffy had given him

'What the hell is going on how does she know that they won't hurt her – ahh the curse – but how the hell is this a good deed?' Angel decided he would figure that out later his first priority was to find Cordy.

Angel decided hunting out the usual lowlifes and finding out where their nest is was his best chance at finding her so he headed off into the dark streets of L.A kicking any stationary objects he came across, including several fire hydrants, 2 car doors and 3 dumpsters, however as luck had it when he kicked the third dumpster over he heard a noise

"Take it easy man!" the voice said from inside the rancid bin

"Who's there?" Angel stared in disbelief as a scaly faced demon emerged from the dumpster

"Aribus you smelly, worthless excuse for a demon what are you doing in L.A?" Angel stared at the disgusting demon icily. Aribus was about the same height as Angel but his frame much smaller and it was easy to see he was not as well toned as him either, he had scaly, flaky skin it was light green and he had patches of brown and yellow Angel was still trying to decipher if it was dirt or his actual colouring. He had black pants on but they were ripped and dirty and his jacket the same, his shoes had holes in them exposing his feet which Angel chose not to look at and the line of dark brown hair that ran along the top of his head was matted to his scalp

"Yeah I'm pleased to see you too Angel!" Aribus looked slightly offended but understood the vampires' comments after all he was filthy and he hadn't ever been popular with the souled vampire, probably because of the way he liked to kill people

"Look I have more important things to do than stand here talking to a disgusting lowlife like you so get out that dumpster and return to the sewers and if I hear that you have harmed anyone in my town I will come after you!" Angel glared at the frightened demon he knew he was taking his spite out on him but he didn't care

"I can't go back Angel man" the demon looked scared

"And why not?"

"Well you see someone kinda stole my abodes" the demon looked at the ground

"What do you mean kinda?" Angel looked on astonished he would let someone walk all over him like that

"Well you see these vampires, 3 or 4 of them said they needed somewhere secluded to work from and the sewers was the best place and they said that my layer was the best on offer so they threw me out and I've been staying in this dumpster" Angel felt a bit sorry for him and told him of some underground layers that he knew of that were currently out of use

"So do you know these vamps because I might have to pay them a visit after I have dealt with my current situation" Angel was getting of track and was turning round to leave when Aribus stopped him

"Look Angel man you shouldn't mess with these guys they're really crazy, there had been word they had been coming for a few weeks now but I didn't think I would actually see them myself never mind have them evict me from my own home" Aribus but his lip as if he had said too much already

"Well who is it?" Angel was getting impatient he wanted to leave right now and find Cordy until he found out he already had

"It was Po man, and that Horry they're fuckin evil man and they had this other guy with them..." Aribus didn't have time to finish when all of a sudden Angel had him pinned up against a wall

"Where is your layer I need to find them they have my girl" Angel hissed through clenched teeth

"I... well... they'll..." he was stalling but saw the look in Angels eyes and decided it was pointless "Look if you head 3 blocks east there is a drain access straight across from Lila's, you know that little coffee place, if you drop down there and head south again for about 100 yards you'll come to a crossroad in the sewer there are 3 junctions you can take but go straight on and then about another 50 yards there is a secret panel on the floor if you pull it up and go down you'll soon find it"

"Right thanks Aribus" Angel was eager to leave and get on with the job at hand

"Angel man before you go I thought I heard Po say he had already dealt with the Slayer and her man and that it was someone else's turn" Aribus looked confused

"I'm not looking for Buffy, I'm going to get my Cordelia back!" and with that Angel ran off into the darkness heading straight for Lila's, it was Cordelia favourite place to go when she had a hangover so he knew exactly where he was headed. The only thing playing on his mind was what Aribus heard Po saying

'already dealt with Buffy and her man' he had only dealt with Buffy and Spike as far as he knew then it struck him

'Buffy and Spike – my ex-lover and my childe – I thought they were very friendly with each other but this is, well it's... hey I'm not jealous... I don't actually care because.... I love Cordelia... great time to have an epiphany Angel!' Angel couldn't believe it but everything fitted now the curse, the vamps, what Buffy had said, the whole 'good deed' thing but he pushed all thoughts aside and focused on getting to Cordelia. Angel ran towards Lila's as fast as his legs would take him, he found the entrance Aribus spoke off and pulled the heavy iron lid from the ground and leaped down into the sewer, he could picture Cordelia's face and he stood in the murky water and smelt the air around him, to say it was disgusting was an understatement

'like eww, disgusting much'

Angel grinned at the thought of it but his thoughts were interupted when he remembered that she might not have even been conscious when they bought her down and he started to move through the dark musty sewers following the directions Aribus had given him.

"mmmmm.... slayer you have so many hidden talents" Spike mumbled into Buffy's golden hair as he kissed the back of her head

"Well your not so bad yourself Spike" Buffy smiled to herself, her and Spike were lying in bed, Spike had his muscular arms wrapped around her stomach and his head resting on her shoulders

"Well if that's the reward I get every time I make you scrambled eggs I'll have to do it more often!" Spike smiled, he was so cute when he smiled

"Well not EVERY time" Buffy turned to face her boyfriend

"I don't like the room Peaches gave me" Spike stared around the magnolia coloured room, it had a blue border and was decorated with blue shelves and wooden flooring "It's a poof's room!"

"That's because A. Cordelia decorated this place and B. This is my room" Buffy laughed and kissed his nose

"Oh right, so what's my room like then is it all dark and gloomy?" Spike looked at her

"Nope" she grinned at him "It's pink – that's so your colour Spike"

"Right Buffy you asked for it" Spike laughed, grabbed her and sat on top of her tickling her sides and then started kissing her as they slid back down under the silky sheets until Buffy suddenly sat upright wrapping the covers around her torso

"Wait, wait, wait Spike look I'm really worried about Angel and Cordelia and, well maybe we should do something, you know to help, instead of well, instead of being all naked together" Buffy looked at Spike who was staring at her with a petted lip

"Don't look at me like that it isn't going to work, I think I should phone Wesley and get him round, 'cos this whole thing is gonna take a lot of explaining when they get home and then we have to plan what we're going to do about these vamps because after tonight well, they'll be out for blood and probably revenge so we'll need to be on our toes"

By this time, Spike had rolled onto his back and Buffy was sitting on the edge of the bed with the sheets wrapped around her and he looked at her

"Look Buffy I can't talk for Peaches but if he's the same as me then when the two of them discover what they are going to discover tonight then they bloody well ain't gonna want anybody here never mind a research session" Spike reasoned

"Yeah well that's true" Buffy's mind was ticking over "But we'll have to talk to them anyway and explain things and anyway you forgetting the whole 'one moment of true happiness and we'll have Angelus back on the prowl' thing?"

"Ok, ok we can talk to them when they get home but not for long, anyway they might get hurt and need your expert medical treatment" Spike flashed a wicked grin and he sat up and Buffy leaned forward pecked him on the lips and walked towards the doors as Spike slipped back under the covers

Angel had found his way through the slimy sewer to the entrance to the layer, he stood above the panel Aribus had told him about and took a much unneeded breath and pulled it up and jumped below landing in his fighting stance, but he landed in another room with two entrances, they were large pipes one to his left and one to his right large, following his vampire senses he went right and headed towards the voices then suddenly there was a flash off light

"Hey what's going on" Angel called out into the abyss "Where am I?"

"Hey enough with the shouting already" came back a thick Irish accent "Now calm down old man and let me explain" Doyle stepped out of the darkness and stood in front of Angel who grabbed him to see if he was real but his hands plundered clumsily through Doyle's transparent figure

"You're a ghost," Angel stated staring at his old friend disappointed

"Well I hate to sound like Princess but 'duh' I am dead Angel man" Doyle had to laugh

"Where are we and what am I doing here?" Angel looked around him and found nothing but darkness there was nothing for him to sense just emptiness

"Look I don't have a lot of time but you have to save Princess but between you and me you shouldn't rush in, be sneaky there are some things you should see and hear before busting up da party" Doyle looked at an exhausted Angel standing in front of him

"Why? What's going on Doyle" Angel looked confused

"It doesn't matter you'll find out soon enough as long as you do what I say, oh by the way Cordy wasn't dat angry about the whole mind blowing, evil, painful visions that I gave her only it wasn't my idea ya know"

"Well angry is an understatement but she's forgiven you" Angel grinned at the little Irishman "it is good to see you Doyle"

"Yeah I know you too man but I have more things to tell you before they take me back up, I'm not even meant to be here but you looked like you needed a hand, anyway the PTB's have given you TEMPORARY I repeat TEMPORARY use of your soul but within the next few days you will be given not only the opportunity to gain back your soul permanently but also your humanity, you and the little blonde fella with the girlie nail varnish – now I will talk to you again very soon and explain all but as for now goodbye and be good to my, sorry I meant our, be good to our Princess" and with that Doyle disappeared back into the darkness

Angel then found himself standing in a tunnel once more only this was a different tunnel, it was near where he first was but Doyle had helped him slightly and Angel found himself standing just above a small mesh panel that was positioned above a room. It was barely lit but Angel could see Cordy in the corner, she was sitting on a chair with her hands tied behind her and her ankles tied together and she had a red scarf covering her mouth, three larger figures surrounded her and were all staring at the obviously frightened young woman, Angel was angry as he watched her struggle to get lose of her binding and mumbling into her gag as the vampires laughed at her but he remembered what his friend had said

'... be sneaky... things to see and hear...'

So Angel decided to stay for time being and work out some sort of plan but he was still confused by nearly everything Doyle had said but he hadn't let him down in the past so he wasn't going to start doubting him now.

Cordelia still felt woozy as she swayed on the chair, she was still drugged and could hear the voices of the men who captured her as they spoke to her but she couldn't here them properly, she was still in shock as well, everything had happened so fast, Alex had taken her outside and then the big men and the money then it was black. However from what she could here of their conversation they were vampires

"Silly little Princess" one voice laughed at her, she hated anyone calling her Princess it reminded her so much of Doyle and it hurt

"Didn't your mother tell you not to talk to strangers!"

Cordelia tried to mumble something but remembered her gag then the large vampire whipped it out her mouth

"Got something to say Princess?" the large vampire looked at her mockingly

"Yes" Cordelia still felt dizzy "Stop calling me Princess you bastard!" suddenly Cordelia felt his large strong hand connect with her face

"I don't advise you to talk to me like that you silly slut" spat Poena

"Who the hell are you? What do you want with me?" she looked up at him his face fully vamped out

"We just want to have a little fun my dear, that's all" another voice came from her left hand side, it was the man Angel had been talking to in the club, well the guy who spoke and who Angel listened too as usual.

"Wait till my friends get their hands on you, they'll kill you, Angel will pulverise you and Buffy, well she's not exactly been a friend but she is now and she'll stake you cos she's the Slayer and Spike isn't a friend I don't think, but he's Spike as in 'William The Bloody' he'll help cos that's just what he does now, he's a vampire who helps the Slayer, and Wesley, well Wesley, he'll, he'll watch cos he used to be a watcher you know he'll do the watcher thing!" Cordelia could feel herself rabbiting on talking rubbish and slurring her words but she couldn't help it she felt nauseous, dizzy and scared as she looked at the three vampires who surrounded her laughing

"Yeah right, Angel's gonna save the day is he? Don't think so Princess, kind of hard to do any kind of damage when you're a big old pile of dust!" Disficare looked her grinning evilly from ear to ear

"No way... you could never defeat Angel he's stronger than all of you put together he'd kill you, he isn't dead...." Cordelia stared them all in the eye trying to prove she didn't believe them but she had a feeling at the pit of her stomach and it wasn't a good feeling "You're lying, I know you are"

"Afraid not my dear" Horry stepped in front of untying her knowing she was to weak due to the drugs to do anything she wouldn't even be able to stand up "Here I believe this belongs to him, it was lying on top of that pile of dust he turned into" Horry flung Angels black leather wallet into her lap and she looked down at it recognising it instantly and she broke down sobbing, she looked at the wallet looking for confirmation it was his but she couldn't move she felt numb from head to toe, her best friend had died another friend who died fighting evil, just like Doyle she wanted to die too

"Look just do what you want to me I don't care, just don't vamp me" Cordelia looked up into the eyes of her kidnappers and growled

"Mmm.. nah you'll suffer more this way" Horry laughed at her "By the way have a look in his wallet Princess"

Cordelia tried to lift up the wallet and open it but she dropped it she felt so ill, she felt tired, she wanted to sleep, she was dizzy and weak

"Oh dear here I'll get it for you!" Horry cocked his head mocking concern "I'll just open it for you"

Horry pulled the wallet open and held it in front of her face and pulled out a small photo she tried to focus unsuccessfully

"Big deal a photo of Buffy – that's a surprise! Why are you showing me this?" Cordelia squinted her eyes trying to keep them open

"Look closer Princess" the vampire gave her the photo and she lifted it to her face – it was a photo of her – only her, sitting at her desk in Angel Investigations, Doyle had taken it when he was going through his photography phase, she looked pretty so natural, she wasn't looking at the camera she was focusing on the computer screen playing with a stray strand of hair

"Oh God... he must have... where .. how... why?" Cordelia wasn't getting any answers, as she was in the room all alone and she began to sob as she drifted back into unconsciousness.

"Bastards!" Angel muttered under his breath he had patiently stood and listen to them as they hurt his Cordy, this was much worse than physical pain though, and he too was in pain seeing her suffering like that.

'How the hell did that guy get his wallet without him noticing'

He was about to descend into the room when there was a flash of light like the one before and he waited to be whisked away again but he wasn't and he looked back into the room and noticed that Cordy wasn't there

Cordelia woke up and found herself standing in darkness feeling much better no nausea or dizziness,

"What's going on? Where am I? Hello, anyone here?" Cordelia could see nothing but black then a voice

"Hey Princess" this time Cordy didn't cringe at the name, she felt all warm inside it was Doyle

"Doyle is that you?" her voice quivered as she recognised his warm Irish voice

"Well how many good looking, half-demon Irishmen do ya know?" Doyle stepped out of the darkness into full view

Cordelia felt her stomach flutter at the sight of her friend and a single tear streaked her face and she looked him up and down, she had dreamed about him so many times but it was never this real, then she replied

"Mmm... good looking half-demon Irishmen – can't say I've ever met any but there was this one guy went by the name of Doyle and he kissed me once and ever since I've had mind splitting headaches and blinding visions, do you know him?"

Doyle smiled coyly giving her an apologetic look before he opened his arms to her and she ran towards him hugging him tightly not wanting to let go, he took in her scent as she embraced him and thanked the PTB's for allowing him to hold human form one last time so he could hold her, she could smell him his scent filling her nostrils, he smelled musky and like old leather – it was comforting

"Mmm this is the most real dream I've ever had" she muttered into his shoulder, it was this that brought Doyle back to reality

"Right Princess I'm sorry but we have talk now" he held the sides of each of her arms as he pushed away from him he looked up to see her disappointed face "Right first things first this isn't a dream darlin!"

"What but how... you can't be here you're... you're dead" Cordelia stared at him and remembered Angel "Just like Angel.... is he here?"

Doyle noticed her change of expression "No Cordy he isn't here, but you're here for a reason, I'm a messenger for the PTB's a bit of a promotion from Vision Guy, eh? No offence intended Vision Girl"

"None taken, but why are we here?" Cordelia was confused

"Well the PTB's thought you needed help as you were scared and needed guidance, so I'm here to tell you that you needn't be scared nor worried and that everything will work out for you, you're very special Ms Chase and don't forget it, many people love you because you are such a wonderful person and the world would be a lot less fun without you so don't be glum. I'm also here as a chance for us both to let go of the past, I want to apologise for the visions but it wasn't my fault" Doyle looked at her wanting her forgiveness

Cordelia nodded "I know you wouldn't do it on purpose"

"Yes and I didn't want you thinking that was the only reason I kissed ya, cos it ain't, I really love ya Cordelia and I will never forget you, you're one in a million Princess and you'll always be in my heart but I'm dead and you're alive you must move on" Doyle felt his eyes well up as he looked at her with tears streaking her face

"I love you too Doyle and.... well... just everything you said," Cordelia ran forward and buried her face in his chest sobbing "What about Angel can I see him?"

"You'll see him soon enough Princess and when he comes to you there are some things I think you should tell him... don't you?" Doyle looked down at her and kissed her forehead

Cordelia nodded knowing what he meant "I will I promise"

"Sorry Princess I need to go the PTB's are busting up our happy reunion but I have something for you"

"Don't you dare kiss me and give me any more freaky demon like things of yours I'm not into scaly skin" Cordelia grinned as she said

"Sure thing" Doyle smiled and gently leaned down and kissed her softly, slowly and tenderly on the lips, and pressed something into her hand, then winked at her "Bye for now Princess"

And with that she found herself back in the stinky old room feeling just as woozy as before

'What a dream' she thought to herself then she noticed she was holding something and she opened up her hand and looked at it she was holing a small black velvet jewellery satchel inside it were two rings, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen, a Russian wedding ring, 3 twisted bands making one ring, a silver band studded with emeralds, another silver band studded with diamonds and a plain gold band both the same but different sizes also in the satchel was a small not which read

My Dearest Princess

I had three rings made, one for you, Angel and one for myself. Each ring has a band for each of us, me, you and broody. Emeralds for the boy of the Emerald Isle (Ireland duh!), Diamonds as unique, precious and beautiful as you and Gold as tough, strong and a sign of love everlasting for our Angel

Yours always

Francis Doyle xxx

Cordelia smiled as she read the note placing the ring on her finger admiring it's simple beauty, but who was the other ring for she could never give it to Angel she had lost him forever too then suddenly just as she thought it he appeared from nowhere standing in front of her wearing the same clothes he'd had on earlier that evening

"Angel is that you?" Cordelia looked up at him hopeful "You're a ghost just like Doyle aren't you?"

Angel could only stare at her she was so distraught, the meeting with Doyle would have been difficult and she thought he was dead too – permanently dead – and she was still drugged up so this was going to be difficult

"Cordelia everything will be fine I'm here... I.." Angel started to explain what had happened

"Look shut up, there are some things I need to tell you before you start talking about the PTB'S and being a messenger and all that crap Doyle told me" Cordy was exasperated

"But..." Angel was shocked; she still thought he was dead

"But nothing Brood Boy I need to talk!" Cordelia looked at him as firmly as she could before taking his hand and slipping the ring on his finger it fitted perfect "I love you, I love Doyle too but I'm in love with you, I have noticed recently that I have been feeling different I worry when you weren't there, I would get this gut wrenching feeling when you weren't there and now that you're not I want to die too, you're the best family I've ever had and now you're really dead as in dust!" Cordelia sobbed and leaned against his chest

"Cordelia I hate to say this, but shut up and listen" he smiled at her wiping a tear from her cheek "I love you too, I'm more in love with you than I ever thought I was capable of" he smiled at her again

"Sure tell me this when your dead" Cordelia managed to smile

"Well I am dead but I'm still alive... I mean I'm not dust... I'm still a part of the walking, talking undead and with temporary use of my soul" he grabbed her and hugged her holing her closely and tightly against his cold body

"Really, you're still well, you're still Angel they didn't dust you?" Cordelia looked at him with hope in her voice

"Yes I'm here Cordy and I'm gonna take you home" Angel looked at her the smile couldn't be wiped from his face he had his love, he had his Cordy

"I love you Angel" Cordelia looked up at her muscular, handsome boss

"I love you Cordelia" Angel stared down at his beautiful secretary and he leaned down and kissed her on the lips at first slowly and then her mouth opened allowing his cold lips to surround hers, his cold tongue invading her warm mouth getting more and more passionate, after a few minutes Cordelia pulled away for a much needed breath and Angel looked down at her with so much love in his eyes both couldn't believe how happy they were

"Wow... I can't..." Cordelia started but was suddenly interupted when a door burst open and the three vampires walked in

"Well if it isn't Love's Young Dream itself a vampire and a mortal, deja vu anyone?" Poena looked at his partners in crime "You can't understand what you have just done"

Angel and Cordy released one another and looked at him

"We have been cursed to bring sad little people like you together, you are destined to have eternal happiness but needed help to realise it and we were that help that's our good deed, however in every case we encountered we tried to use cruel and painful methods to do so" he laughed at Angel who let out a low growl

"Yes and you will be no different as we don't think you appreciate each other enough yet, the only difference this time is that you are our last couple, our curse is broken as of tomorrow and we are going to have some fun, some real fun, we're gonna come back and kill both of you and the Slayer and her little blonde boyfriend too they were a pain to bring together" Disficare looked disgusted as he spoke

"Yeah you two disgust me, supposedly evil vampires falling in love with humans" Horry nodded in agreement

"What are they talking about Buffy and who... Spike?" Cordelia didn't seem as surprised as Angel thought she would be but they could talk about that later right now they had Vampires to deal with

"No Wesley please stop calling I told you I would phone you when they got back and then you could come round.... yes I know it's nearly sunrise but they can take care of themselves.... yes I will.... uh huh I promise.... bye Wesley" Buffy looked exhausted as she put the phone back on it cradle she turned and looked at Spike who lay on the bed next to her his eyes were closed

"Told you not to call him earlier you just got him all excited" Spike mumbled into his pillow, he then looked up and stared at Buffy "Hey Ducks what's wrong? You look a bit green"

"Mmm I don't feel to good Spike I think I'm gonna be sick" Buffy barely got the sentence out when she was running to the bathroom head in the toilet pan

"Buffy you okay? Must have been those eggs and tuna" Spike smirked knowing she shouldn't have eaten it

"Thanks Spike you're making me feel so much better it's..." she couldn't finish her sentence as a new wave of nausea took over from the last one

"Oh dear, I think I better call Joyce" Spike laughed to himself as he picked up the phone to call Joyce and ask what the best remedy would be, he was dead he hadn't been sick in over a century he forgot what to do, but he managed to find a blanket, he wrapped it round her shoulder and pressed a cold damp cloth on the back of her neck to sooth her

"No Joyce she doesn't have a temperature... uh huh... well she had eggs and tuna... disgusting I know.... stomach bug.... ok... lots of water... thanks Joyce... okay I will... bye... tell the niblet we said hi"

Spike looked at his lover who looked up at him a terrible shade of green

"You know its love when you still think your girl is the most beautiful in the world when she has sick stuck to her chin" Spike grinned at her and passed her some water

"Spiiiiiiiiiike!"

Cordy and Angel stood in the corner of the room surrounded by the vampires who had been joined by a few of their minions

"Well what are we gonna do with them, we can't kill them yet not till tomorrow" Horry was frustrated

"I have an idea" Poena stepped forward and stared at Angel who settled into his fighting stance "We'll just have to give them an clue of what's to come" Poena looked Angel in the eyes before delivering a swift punch to his gut

"Angel..." Cordy winced in pain watching him

"Don't know what you're worrying about, you're next" Horry laughed and smacked Cordelia across the face but she retaliated delivering a surprisingly powerful blow to his jaw

"Why you little whore..." Horry grabbed her by the shoulders and started to shake her, he flung her hard against the wall behind them.

Angel turned just in time to see Cordelia collide with the wall, and heard a few of her bones crunch as she slumped to the floor moaning in pain, the vampires took advantage of Angel's distraction and started to pound him, one vampire took him on at a time until they all had a shot at him

"Mmm, I never liked you Angelus" one vampire spat at him as he delivered a roundhouse kick but Angel was quicker

"Feelings mutual" Angel growled at him before throwing him against a wall and ripping the leg from a chair staked him through the heart, Angel could feel himself weakening which each blow he dealt and received but he kept thinking about Cordelia, however when he turned round he saw a vamp approach her as she sat on the floor

"No one ever tell you vampires aren't the best company to keep" the vampire lowered himself and looked her in the eyes in a bullying fashion holding her by the hair and smacking her head of the wall he stopped and stared at her but she wouldn't look up so he smacked her with the back of his hand causing her lip to bleed, she slowly looked up at him

"Yeah well did no one ever explain the concept of breath mints to you and that you should never mess with Cordelia Chase or any of her friends" Cordelia growled at him before mustering up enough strength to sweep her feet knocking him to the ground, Angel saw this and threw the makeshift stake in her direction and watched she turned him to dust smiling at her proudly but noticed as she winced in pain at the sudden movements she had made

"Now, now Angelus you do know you shouldn't get distracted while fighting it's a bad move" Disficare stared at Angel and with the help of some minions beat him and threw him against the wall and he landed next to Cordelia who was now unconscious due to the drugs and the pains she was in, Angel looked up to see the vampire all depart looking at them laughing

"We'll get you tomorrow, you and your little friends" and with one last evil laugh they left and then there was darkness

About 3 hours later Angel woke up, he looked at his watch it was 6:30, the sun would be up now but he had to get them both home, he turned around to see an unconscious Cordelia lying in a crumpled heap on the floor, her beautiful dress stained and ripped her face bruised and bloody, he had to get home, he could here her heart beating and he could hear her breathing but he wanted to be safe. Angel turned to move but felt only shooting pains go up his back as all his bones and muscles ached

"Cordelia, wake up Cordy we have to go" he looked at her in hope

"Angel..." Cordelia's eyes fluttered but she didn't wake up so Angel got to his feet and picked d=her up ignoring his own pain to help the woman he decided he was in love with, the woman he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with.

Angel made his way through the sewers thankful he could use the sewer access to get back to Angel Investigations, about half the way home Cordelia woke up

"Angel is that you?"

"Yes Cordy, are you okay?" Angel stared into her dark eyes

"Uh huh, I think so, was this a dream? The vampires, Doyle, us?" she stared over his shoulder when she asked the last part

"No I'm afraid the vampires were all real they drugged you and me and you, well, I love you" Angel kissed her forehead

"I love you too," Cordelia whispered before returning to her unconscious state

It was about 7:30 and Spike was watching early morning cartoons and Buffy was in bed trying not to be sick

"Buffy are you feeling better pet, only Giles Jr is coming over soon and I'm sure Peaches will be back soon as well" Spike shouted from the leather chair were he sat, he was bare chested wearing only black pant drinking from his Kiss The Librarian mug (Giles had given it to him and he never left home without it)

"Okay I'm feeling better I'll be out in a minute I just have too..." Buffy couldn't finish as suddenly Angel burst through the door Cordelia in his arms

"Bloody hell Peaches what the fuck happened" Spike stood up and stared at his sire all battered and bruise and then at the limp woman in his arms

"They, they.... I need to help her" Angel looked at Spike who noted how weak Angel had become

"Look give her here" Spike took Cordelia out Angel's arms and shouted on Buffy who hadn't heard them come in "Buffy get your sick ass and haul it in here"

"What is it?" Buffy came out the room wearing only Spikes shirt looking deathly pale with her hair tied back in a floppy pony tail, she looked around her and saw Angel looking her up and down "Look we can explain"

"I know and that doesn't matter right now we just have to help Cordy" Angels eyes fell on the limp body in Spikes arms

"Oh God, quick put her on the bed, I'll get the first aid kit, what the hell did they do to you?" Buffy felt angry that she let this happen and she was in pain seeing Angel and Cordelia so beaten

"Good god, what happened" Wesley stood in the doorway dropping his briefcase when he saw his friends

"We'll explain later lets just see to the two injured soldiers, Spike carried Cordy into the bedroom followed by Dr. Buffy and Wesley fetched Angel some blood to get his strength back up

About 2 hours later

Buffy had a shower and some breakfast and was feeling much better she had got changed and went down to Lila's and got some donuts, Angel also had a shower and got changed and then sat by Cordelia's bed waiting for her to wake up, meanwhile Spike and Wesley done the full 'lets get a plan' thing. About an hour later Buffy returned with the box of donuts and some pastries for Wesley

"Great where's the jelly one?" Spike looked at the box

"Umm I ate it on the way back" Buffy looked at the ground

"Okay what about the cinnamon ones, any of them?"

"Ate that too"

"Icing?"

"Nope"

"Sugar?"

"Nope"

"Chocolate?"

"Look I ate the donuts, I was just in a donut mood, stop bugging my happiness!"

"Okay so what's left?" Spike was confused

"Pastries – I don't like them" Buffy blushed.

Their conversation was cut short by Angel

"She's awake"

They all stampeded into the room

"Hey guys, what's up?" Cordelia sat up slightly and looked around the room at the concerned faces of her friends

"How are you?" Angel squeezed her hand

"Well kinda sore but I'll survive" Cordelia smiled at her boss and he done the same everyone breathed a sigh of relief

"Right so I think we all need to talk, you know about what happened last night" Cordelia looked at the people in the room shuffling their feet

"Yes well that is a good idea so lets sit down, and talk this out" Wesley motioned for everyone to move into the dining room and Angel helped Cordelia out of bed and they all sat around the table

"Right well I suppose I should start" Buffy looked around and received nods of approval from her friends "Right well Angel, Cordelia I'll start by telling you that Spike and I came here under false pretences" Buffy looked at them and they nodded in agreement

"While patrolling one night Spike was attacked by three vamps who beat him up really badly, they said it was for being a Slayer lover. Then they left him, later I came out on patrol and they attacked me and said I was a disgusting Vampire lover and that the man I loved was lying nearly dead. I panicked, I thought it was you Angel, then suddenly I came across Spike beaten up and I took him back to Giles, to cut a long story short we researched the vamps came across a prophecy describing three vampires matching their description who were cursed to bring lost souls together, we put two and two together after what they said to both of us and well..."

"Well me and Buffy are together" Spike looked at them

"Yeah we know, was that just the same for us then?" Cordelia looked around and took Angels hand

"Well yes, but the curse has been ended with their greatest and best achievement yet bringing the four of you together" Wesley smiled at the two couples sitting at opposite sides of the table

Flash Of Light

Suddenly the five of them found themselves sitting in Sunnydale High Library, they looked around and noticed Joyce, Dawn, Giles, Xander, Anya and Tara had joined them.

"Hey what we doing here, we were like totally in the middle of..." Anya was interupted by Xander

"Cordelia?" Xander stared at his ex-girlfriend looking rather worse for wear

"Hi Xander" She looked at him with affection "How are you?"

Everyone looked around the room confused but all exchanged greetings none the less until they were interupted by a voice from the shadows

"Excuse me for a moment the Powers That Be have brought you all here for a reason"

"Who are you?" Giles looked into the dark corner

"I'm here to explain recent events but I don't have all day the PTB's give me a time limit"

"Doyle!" Cordelia stood up followed by Angel and they pulled the figure out of the darkness

"Who's that?" Dawn questioned her mother

"I don't know but we'll soon find out" Joyce squeezed her daughters hand and looked over to Buffy "You feeling better honey?"

"Yes mum"

"Ahem, as I was saying" Doyle stood at the head of the table and everyone sat silently

"I am Doyle, I used to be Angel's vision guy, I now work for the PTB's, I am here to deliver a message and all of you are involved as it will effect everyone present. Those Vampires are no longer cursed and wish to inflict a lot of damage upon everyone here because you are related to or a are friends with these four people" Doyle nodded his head at Spike, Angel, Cordelia and Buffy "They have allowed these people to realise their love for one another"

Everyone shifted uneasily in their seats at this statements

"But they feel a great disgust at themselves for encouraging relations between humans and Vampires especially supernatural mortals such as Cordy and Buffy so they wish to redeem themselves by destroying them"

"Yeah right we'll kick their asses" Buffy laughed and received nods from everyone present

"That'd be nice Slayer Girl but it'll be harder than that they are more powerful than they have ever been before" Doyle said seriously "They are really out for revenge and you're top of the list"

"Well what can we do?" Buffy looked around

"Well I think I know" Giles looked at the four people sitting confused "The strong shall battle the evil and using all their gifts combined; the souled ones strength and wisdom, the Slayers experience and skills, the Seers vision and input and the Vampires cunning they would close the doors on this evil forever while opening new doors for themselves" Giles looked at Doyle for reassurance

"Well that just about covers it, Book Man" Doyle looked at them all staring at him confused "Look you are all gonna fight these vampires and soon, however if you defeat this evil Spike and Angel will be granted permanent use of their souls they will become human, as in eat food, don't drink blood, age, sunbathing human!"

"Whaaaaaattttt!" Spike nearly fell out his chair

"Look I'm not repeating it, the only thing is you will keep some of your strength, and agility but not it all, you'll have the same skills, agility and strength as a Slayer" Doyle smiled at them and Angel smiled

The whole room was murmuring softly all discussing things as Doyle smiled on enjoying being the bearer of good news, then suddenly Cordelia threw her head back in pain, as if he sensed it coming Angel was holding her, everyone stared at her and Doyle winced he had known this pain for so long and it hurt to see Cordelia in this pain

"What's going on" Dawn looked around

"I think she's having a vision" Willow stared at Cordelia in fear

"I had no idea what she had to go through" Buffy squeezed Spikes hand

Angel was starting to worry this one had been particularly long, then she came out of it as quickly as she had begun

"Owwwwwww!" Cordelia thrust her head forward and looked at Angel the Buffy and Spike and then Doyle

"What did you see?" Angel asked almost whispering

"Us, fighting the vamps, it looked like a warehouse, just round from Wesley's flat I've passed it before, it has a big sign outside saying Biggs and Co. The vamps had a hold of you and Spike it wasn't looking good I was scared Angel" Cordelia went pale and buried he face in Angel's chest

"Well at least we know where the fight takes place" Wesley added

"Yes well we should get a plan together" Buffy looked at Spike

"This sounds really dangerous shouldn't we come?" Xander looked hopeful

"Yes we'd like to help" Anya looked for support from the two Wicca's who also agreed

"Afraid not ladies and gent, they must do it alone" Doyle shook his head "These are all decisions of the PTB's, eejits"

Cordelia suddenly raised her head and looked at Doyle

"I saw something Doyle, I think you should tell" Cordelia just stared at the man who looked confused

"What you on about Princess?" Doyle was confused

"Tell her... tell Buffy" Cordelia spoke slowly

"Tell me what? What's going on?" Buffy was curious and Doyle dumbstruck

"Yeah tell us!" Spike took her hand "If anything is going on we have a right to know!"

The rest of the table just looked concerned especially Joyce and Dawn

"Alright okay everyone calm down, the PTB's must want you to know if they sent it to Miss Blabbermouth in a vision anyway"

"Hey!" Cordelia resented the remark

"Look just get on with it" Buffy was both scared and nervous and she squeezed Spikes hand

"Right well Buffy the PTB's have taken upon themselves to make a life altering decision for you" Doyle stopped and cleared is throat "Well you're... that is to say you will.... well you're gonna...2 Doyle couldn't say it

"Get on with it man!" Spike spat at him impatiently

"Buffy you're pregnant"

Suddenly the room was filled with thumping noises as Joyce, Giles, Spike, Angel and Xander all fainted

"I'm what?" Buffy couldn't believe what she was hearing as she helped Spike back onto a chair while slapping him gently across the face

"The PTB's have giving you the ability to carry the child of a vampire but because they hope Spike will be human soon the child is already, there is no demon inside you or the baby"

Everyone was stunned and everyone had regained consciousness

"So it's not a Dhampir then?" Angel and Wesley looked at each other both thinking the same thing but Angela asked first

"A what?" Joyce liked this less and less

"Doesn't matter it's not one this child will be a health bouncing human baby, the PTB's must have had their reasons but you have to start you're family now, the child will be born in 3 months, they shortened the time period too" Doyle stared at the ground

Spike who hadn't spoken yet stood up and Buffy just sat staring around he in shock

"I'm gonna be a daddy!" then he promptly collapsed again

"Yeah and I'm going to be a grandmother" Joyce soon joined him

"Yay we get o be Aunts and Uncles" Dawn smiled and stroked Buffy's stomach before helping Joyce back up again!

"I'm really sorry and I know it is a shock but it was meant to be" Doyle stared at everyone "But according to the Powers this child will be as normal as the neat, no demon, no Slayer-like abilities just a regular Joe. However I'm sorry to rush you but I must return you home2 Doyle looked around encouraging everyone to say goodbye

Everyone exchanged hugs and kisses, luck and support especially to Buffy and then Doyle gathered them in a circle after shaking hands with Angel kissing Cordelia and wishing Buffy and Spike good luck he sent them back to L.A in a flash of light, he then turned to see the remaining guests

"Ahem..." Giles politely cleared his throat

"What you guys all stay 5 minutes away can't you get a bus or a cab or something" but after the growls Doyle received from them all "Ok gather round lazy eejits"

Meanwhile Wesley, Angel, Cordelia, Buffy and Spike had been returned safely and all sat on the couched in Angel's

"I don't believe I'm gonna have a baby" Buffy stroked her belly, the idea was growing on her but she was still very intimidated by the thought

"I'm gonna be a daddy" Spike stared into space repeating that over and over again he was in complete shock

"Well look how about we all try getting a good nights sleep things may look well, aherm , brighter in the morning" Angel suggested

"Ok" Buffy said hesitantly taking Spikes hand guiding him down to their room all that could be heard was

"I'm gonna be a daddy"

Wesley stood up to leave and Cordelia went into the kitchen for a drink then Wesley turned around to face his remaining friend

"Umm I don't mean to pry but you made sure that you could well, you know, tonight, you and Cordelia without, well as she would put it go all 'grrr'?"

Angel smiled and nodded and Wesley left, suddenly Cordelia peeped her head out from the kitchen

"Is he gone?"

Angel didn't look up he was staring at the door Wesley had just exited "Uh Wesley? Yeah"

"Good" Angel turned round to see Cordelia standing in the doorway of the kitchen naked, in all her glorious form

"Oh boy" Angel stared open mouthed

"Mom... so when we gonna blow the lid on all this pent up sexual tension?" Cordelia slowly walked over but Angel couldn't wait that long he leaped from the chair grabbed her and carried her into the room giggling

"Like right now!"

Meanwhile downstairs Buffy and Spike lay in bed holding one another trying to assure themselves

"I'm actually thrilled but I'm shocked" Buffy turned to face Spike "I'm also scared that it'll be too much for you and you'll leave"

"Oh, well I was kinda worrying about the same things I didn't think you'd want me to raise the child" Spike stared deep into her eyes with his "But you're the only person I want to ever have children with and I love you and him too more than anything!"

Buffy smiled "I feel the exact same way" she leaned forward capturing Spike in a passionate kiss before suddenly pulling away

"Him?????"

"Yeah" Spike grinned "It's gonna be a boy!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Is not!"

"Shut up and kiss me Slayer"

"Ok" and she responded kissing him lovingly but this time it was his turn to pull away

"Umm Buffy?"

"Yes Spike"

"We can't hurt him when we... you know"

"No we can't do her any harm, god you are like a two centuries older than me and you still don't have a clue!" Buffy laughed

"Nope all I know is that everything's gonna be fine Slayer" Spike reassuringly kissed her forehead but both were secretly nervous about the baby and about the up and coming battle with Poena and friends