Chapter 5
Angel and Angel trod through the forest in search of the second dragon. Angel wondered if more had escaped while he battled the other one. But he trusted the druids in that they were doing a job to seal up the gateway. By and by he became aware of a presence nearby. It didn't seem threateningly yet it held an air of caution. "Is anyone there?" Angel gazed into the trees around him. He hoped it wasn't some mystical creature like a wood nymph or tree elf. "Come out and face me." Angel growled vamping. The night had grown weary on him. The dragons were more than he bargained for.
"Angel it's me." a voice said. Angel let face melt back to its original form. The woman he loved walked out of the trees on a beautiful cloud white horse.
"Nice to see you Buffy. "He slowed down his horse. "The druids called you." She nodded.
"So what about the dragons?" She looked kind of silly covered in armor. But he knew the fierce warrior that she was.
"I got one already. I think we can handle the second one together. It was about 25 feet tall. You go for the throat. I'm pretty sure that's one of the only ways to kill a dragon.
"Dragonsbane." Buffy interjected. "That's another. Though I'm not sure if it grows around here." She paused. "How have you been?"
"Good. Same as ever. Battling the dark forces as best I can with the surprisingly faithful and loyal Cordelia at my side." Her horse pulled up closer as they walked along the path. Not very eager to get where they were headed.
"That's good. I'm about the same. Slaying with the gang at my side. That never changed. Always the same deal. I'm starting to wonder if they are giving it all they've got...or maybe all this. "She gestured around her "Will finally be the end. I'm blabbering."
"No. It's ok. I wasn't sure what it would mean. For us to see each other again. After all the time that had past." Angel assured her.
"Shh." Buffy quieted him. "I hear something." She and her horse bolted off before he could stop her. Angel and Angel took off after her. She was a beautiful sight. Her hair streaming back all golden and the white horse galloping away. Night and day. Deja vu overtook him as a dark green head rose up and flames shot up at the dark sky. "Oh wow." Buffy breathed as Angel drew up next to her.
"Get your sword and shield ready. Tie up your horse." Angel commanded. He tied Angel up and headed forward. Buffy followed suit. The dragon was in the midst of tall trees and wasn't much liking it. It was larger than the one Angel had fought earlier in the evening. "Distract it while I move in." Angel hissed darting forward.
"Down here you big ugly!" Buffy waved her arms around until the glint of her armor caught its eye. It slithered its head down so it could burn her. But the trees were getting in its way.
Angel moved closer cautiously. The tail was whipping around and it looked powerful. Like it could shatter a skull powerful. He readied his sword which was thoroughly stained with blood. Then the dragon turned and he was in direct view. He froze hoping it had reptilian senses and could only sense him if he moved. No such luck. The dragon prepared to burst flames. Angel ducked behind his shield and drew his head inside his armor and hoped for the best. He felt heat like never before and screamed. It was over as quickly as it started. He dared to glance up. Buffy stood triumphantly with a bloody sword. The dragon was flapping its wings and screaming a gargled death cry.
The wings made a great sucking wind that blew up around them. Angel grabbed Buffy and shoved her down. They heard a great creaking as a tree was blown over. Angel heard the dragon give one last cry of agony and winced as the sound of a tree falling gave way to cracking bone. After a minute Angel stood up. As before only a thin layer of glittering dust lay over everything.
"Where did it go?" Buffy asked dusting herself off and looking anywhere but at Angel.
"They disappear when you kill them." Angel answered. He headed back to the horses. And it was silent again. To each his own thoughts. And indeed Angel had thoughts. That moment when he had touched her, when he had shoved her to the ground he had a vision. Not the mind splitting ones like Cordelia but rather one of a past very long ago. A him and a her of Royal Decent. She looked like Buffy and He looked like Angel. And they were to be wed. Angel knew that his previous life was being revealed to him. But for what purpose?