Part 20

Stepping into Darkness

Part 20

~~~~~*****~~~~~

There was a stunned silence as the blue light suddenly disappeared. All remaining vampires fled as Willow and Amy fell to the floor, exhausted, and the others surrounded them. Fliq and Buffy stood at a distance, both staring at the crumpled forms in front of them. Angel stirred, but Buffy's eyes were fixated on Riley's unmoving form as Fliq and Cordelia ran to Wesley's aid. After unchaining him and pulling him to his feet, Giles moved to help them, freeing Cordelia to move to Angel.

Angel groaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He looked up at Cordelia who was helping him sit and started to speak but she motioned him to look at Buffy. He turned and saw her eyes fixated on the floor next to him. He turned and looked at what he knew would be there.

"Buffy..."

"Don't," Buffy looked at him. "Just don't say anything."

~~~~~*****~~~~~

The group had congregated back at Giles' apartment. They sat in an uncomfortable silence, no one willing to speak.

"So, do stakes kill you?" Buffy asked Fliq, breaking the silence. "I mean, what's the deal?"

Fliq sighed, "I have all the strengths of a vampire and only some of the weaknesses. I need blood to survive, I have no reflection, an aversion to crosses and holy water stings like hell, sunlight burns me to a crisp, always has, only now I think I'd end up a pile of dust. I don't have a heartbeat and as for stakes, I don't know, but that's not something I particularly want to find out."

Buffy cleared her throat, already knowing the answer, she continued, needing the conversation, "But when I was in your body, I had a reflection. I wasn't in the position to see about anything else, thank God, but I'm sure I would remember not having a reflection."

"The mirror reflected you because you were inside, I had no idea what you looked like until we switched back. The only reason I knew I wasn't in my body is because there was no demon fighting me out."

"So that's what I was feeling pushing me out?"

"Yes." Silence engulfed the room again.

"So, everything's all right now, is that it?" Xander shouted, standing up. "He gets his soul back and we're just supposed to forgive and forget? Well, I don't think so. It could happen again and you're just going to let him leave."

"Xander..."

"No, Amy, you don't understand! It's not..."

"Shut up!" Everyone turned to Willow, surprised at her tone of voice. "You're not the only one who lost someone they loved!" She took a deep breath and continued, "Everyone has their demons Xander, Angel's just happens to exist apart from him. It's not his fault, Angel would never have killed Anya." Xander wouldn't meet her eyes. "Xander, everyone's hurting, but don't take it out on Angel, he couldn't do anything to stop it."

Xander looked at Angel but said nothing further. He turned and walked to the kitchen. Willow sighed and turned to Angel, "It'll take time." Angel nodded.

"Well, although Angelus may be gone, I don't think we've seen the last of Willow's Vampire double and Tara," Giles sighed.

"I hate to say so, but I think Giles is right."

"Why, thank you Wesley," Giles said, turning to look at the other ex-Watcher, before sighing. "I think that without a doubt they will resurface." He looked again at the ex-watcher who, after a quick visit to the hospital, had insisted he be released. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of nausea as he recalled his own torture by Angelus, and it looked like Wesley had received far more than Giles ever had.

"She'll want to regroup first," Angel said as everyone turned to him, "She'll need some minions, she likes other people to do the rough stuff for her, she'll only do that if she has to. Besides, she doesn't like to work alone."

Another uncomfortable silence filled the air until Amy, looking confused, asked Spike, "Why are you still here?"

Spike shifted. "What? I might have all my evil back but I don't think running out to play demon torch is first on my agenda." he replied, motioning to the sunlight that was peeking through a crack in the curtains.

"Oh."

Giles glanced around the room and, sighing, he removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It's going to be a long day," he muttered.

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Buffy stood at the door, watching as Angel began to pound the wall, the moonlight dancing off his white skin. She walked out and grabbed his fists before he could hit it again. "You might break the wall," she said simply. Angel looked into her eyes and she quickly averted her gaze. He sat down on the step in silence and closed his eyes.

"You know what I realized when I looked into his eyes. I realized how much I had missed him." He felt her sit down opposite him, "I missed being with someone, but I also realized that although I cared for him so much that it hurt, I never loved him like I loved you. And I allowed him to waste his life with me..."

Angel turned to her, resisting the urge to grab her arms as she began to cry, "Don't say that, Buffy. I didn't like him, but I know that he loved you. I could see that the first time I saw him. And it doesn't matter whether or not you loved him, you allowed him to love you. And sometimes that's enough." Buffy looked into his eyes, pulling away before she allowed herself to be pulled into his arms as she cried. After a few minutes, she dried her eyes, knowing that she would have plenty time to cry later.

"Why didn't you tell me it was real?"

"What?" Angel asked, confused.

"You becoming human. I had a dream, but I thought that was all it was. A dream."

"I'm sorry," he sighed.

Buffy frowned, "Couldn't you have at least told me the part with the ice cream?" Angel smiled and looked at her when suddenly her face got serious again, "This isn't over and things aren't alright between us,"

Angel closed his eyes and pulled his arms onto his knees, "I know, and I won't try to pretend otherwise."

"Do you love Cordelia?" Angel looked up at her wide-eyed and she retreated, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't pry." There was a moments silence before she stood, and Angel watched her walk back inside the house, brushing past Wesley as she did.

Angel watched as the younger man walked tenderly towards him, not allowing the crutches to slow him down. Angel wanted to rise and help him, but remained where he was, waiting for Wesley to sit and talk to him.

"I don't want an apology." He said hoarsely, his throat still raw from coughing up blood.

"I wouldn't patronize you by offering one."

"You are not him, Angel." Wesley started as both men continued to stare straight ahead, "I watched him and I went througheverything," Angel winced, lowering his head, as Wesley continued, "but not once did I see you in that demon. He might be a part of who you are, Angel, but remember that he does not rule you."

"I'll try."

"No!" Angel's head shot up as he stared at Wesley in confusion, "You'd bloody better do more than try. I did not survive this, I did not stand up to him, only to have you try."

Angel nodded, "I won't let him rule me, I promise."

Wesley nodded and stood, starting to walk towards the door. Half way there he stopped but didn't turn around, "Things won't be the same, Angel, not for a long time. Possibly never."

"I know," he replied, watching Wesley enter the house again, and whispered, "I know."

Angel sat, staring at the sky as time passed him by. He had no idea how long he had been sitting when he heard movement. He didn't open his eyes, but he knew she was there. He felt her brush his leg as she sat next to him and after a few moments Angel sighed.

"I'm so sorry, Cordelia," he said sadly, "I'd never want to hurt you. Ever."

"I know," she looked straight ahead as he turned to look at her. "You know what really hit me when I realized what you were saying?" She didn't wait for him to answer because she knew he wouldn't. "I realized that I wanted to hear it. I wanted to be that close to you, I wanted to hear you call me precious or lover or gorgeous." He turned to look at her, not knowing what to say.

She turned to him and kissed him lingeringly on the lips, sending a shiver down his spine. She pulled back and smiled before standing to leave, "I hope that equipment still works." She said smirking, "I never know when I might want to use it." she paused, "You should come inside," She smiled, reaching out her hand to help him up. He took her hand, nodded and smiled at her before following her back into the house.

~~~~~*****~~~~~

"So, where are they?" Buffy asked as Cordelia and Angel entered the lounge.

"Where are who?" Cordelia asked, letting go of Angel's hand before sitting next to Xander.

"Fliq, Will and Amy, they're at the Sanctuary, aren't they? And why are you reading Harry Potter?" She asked suddenly turning to Giles.

"What? I'm not all demons and Hellmouths you know."

"No, but apparently you're wizards and flying cars," Buffy answered. "So are they at the Sanctuary?" she asked aiming the question at Cordelia.

"Why are you looking at me? I've been sitting outside with Angel," she replied, ignoring the look on Buffy's face and turning to Xander, who had spoken very little since they had returned.

"Yes, they went to the Sanctuary, and they had plans to get pissed from what I heard," Spike said, coming from the kitchen with a mug of blood.

"What're you still doing here?"

"Oh, I like that. I offer you information and you treat me like that," Spike looked at the Slayer's raised eyebrows and exhaled unneedingly. "My crypt got destroyedagain"

"Oh, yeah, sorry about that," Angel said, smirking.

Buffy smiled. "Okay, now shoo," she said pushing them to the door.

"What are you doing?" Spike asked, putting down his mug as he and Angel grabbed their coats.

"You're going to get them, and I don't care how angry they get, you bring them back," Buffy nodded decidedly and pushed them out the door not noticing Cordelia's glare.

Spike growled as he and Angel pulled on their dusters, "Oh yeah, three drunken, pissed off Wiccans, this ought to be fun."

~~~~~*****~~~~~

"Spikey, are you all mean now?" Willow asked as Spike pulled her from the club.

"Yes, pet, I'm all mean that's why I'm taking you home."

"No, you're taking me home 'cause Buff...hic...y sent you," Suddenly Willow grinned evilly and Spike smirked at her resemblance to her Vampire double.

"You know, Red, if you keep wearing those leather outfits and grinning at me like that, I might just have to jump you."

Willow's eyebrows flashed up and down. "Promise?" she asked, grinning again, surprising the vampire. Suddenly she pulled Spike's head down and kissed him passionately, pulling away before the vampire could react at all. She smiled at him and walked away only to be pulled back into Spike's embrace.

"You don't think you can do that and leave, now do you, pet?" he whispered, his breath tickling her face.

Willow smiled, "Angel, Spikey's being mean."

"Spike, let her go and help me find Fliq. Amy says she's with Jeff."

Spike, however, simply stared after the red headed vixen, who was wiggling rather sexily in her leather pants, "And I'm the evil one."

~~~~~*****~~~~~

"Will, sit down before you fall down," Buffy chided, steering Willow into a seat next to Spike. Willow grinned at the vampire next to her and shifted in her seat, causing her leg to rub against him. Spike growled at her and she smiled back innocently. Dawn giggled as she watched, Willow was funny when she was drunk, she was glad that Buffy, in her own body, had collected her in time to witness iteven if she had given Mrs. Henderson the shock of her life.

Suddenly Cordelia collapsed in pain and Angel and Fliq rushed to her side as Wesley cursed his aching body as he tried to move. Cordelia thrashed about unseeing and they exchanged worried glances, this had to stop. A few moments later she took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

"We have to get back to LA. Gunn and Lindsay are in trouble. Wolfram and Heart."

Angel growled and stood up. "We have to leave," he said to everyone, but he looked straight at Buffy, who nodded.

Fliq sighed, "Oh well, it was fun while it lasted." She stood up, swaying slightly at her proximity to Dawn and Buffy grabbed her arm to steady her.

"What do you mean? You can't be leaving." Dawn said standing up suddenly

Fliq looked at the girl and smiled, "Dawn, I have to leave."

"Why?"

"Because I can't stay here, there's too much I still need to do."

"But..." Dawn looked at the girl, feeling tears in her eyes. She had so many questions. Fliq was the only sane person who could truly see her, and she needed answers. But Buffy had asked, no begged, her not to ask any questions, none at all, not till she could explain everything and Dawn had done as she asked, but was getting impatient. She wanted to go see Anya, wherever she was, and thank her properly for bringing her sister back.

"It's not that simple. There are some things that I just can't tell you yet. And until I can be completely honest with you, I shouldn't be around you. I won't put you in danger Dawn."

"Can I come visit?" she asked, looking at Angel as Cordelia helped Wesley from the couch.

"You're always welcome, Princess." Angel said softly as Dawn walked over and wrapped him into a tight hug. It didn't matter what had happened, he was always Angel. She had seen Angelus before, had been scared by his presence, but this was Angel.

"Promise?"

"I promise," Angel replied, hugging her tightly, knowing that this was the only person he could be close to, the only person that didn't yet know what had happened. Angel held her for a long time, knowing that the minute Dawn found out the truth, she wouldn't let him near her.

"Well get out the violins, I think my heart's breaking. Oomph." Everyone turned to look at a grinning Willow as Spike clutched his chest.

Buffy frowned, "You sure we brought back the right one?"

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Everyone watched as Angel's car drove away, Buffy still clutching Dawn tightly before sighing as they turned to walk back to the house, knowing that she would have to give the girl an explanation soon. She gave Xander's hand a squeeze, knowing that, although his long talk with Cordelia had helped, there was a long way for both of them to go before they came to terms with the week's events.

Spike sighed, "Oh well, looks like I'll need to annoy the poof long distance again."

"Yeah," Xander replied. "And when you do, ask him who he thinks his love is, 'cause from where I was standing, there were four people holding on to him."

Spike allowed the boy to ignore everything for an ounce of normalcy and smiled, "My money's on the Watcher. Ouch...you better stop hitting me, Red."

"Why, what're you gonna do," Xander asked sarcastically, "talk her to death?"

Spike growled and Buffy sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You know it's quite common, it could happen to any guy." Dawn giggled as Spike lunged at Buffy before he grabbed hold of his head as he nearly collapsed in pain.

"Spike, leave Buffy alone, it'll only give you a headache," Willow chided. "Buffy, leave Spikey alone, you know how frustrated he gets."

"Yeah, I've heard that can be a cause," Buffy sighed.

"Well, if worst comes to worst," Dawn said, "there's always Viagra."

"I am not bloody impotent!"

~~~~~*****~~~~~

Slowly she made her way through the dingy alleys, the foul stench of the dirty streets following her. She shivered as the cold wind stung her bare skin and she listened with dread as the sky threatened rain.

As she turned into another alley, she felt his presence. She quickly stepped into stealth mode, which was as natural to her as it was unnatural to others. She knew he was alone, slowly she turned the corner into the alleyway, to catch him by surprise...

"That's not gonna work you know."

Fliq grinned, "Just testing your reflexes."

"I'm more than meets the eye."

"I'll bet," Fliq's smile faded. "You were right about the blonde witch. But they suspect something, you have to tell them."

"I know," he sighed, scratching his forehead.

"They're not stupid, they'll work it out."

"I know. And I promise I'll tell them," he gestured.

"Good," Fliq sighed, " 'cause if you don't, Doyle, I will."

~~~~~*****~~~~~

THE END

AND IT'S OVER!

There is a sequel planned, cuz I had much fun with some of those characters...guess which ones! ;) It won't be written for a while as the Heliona and I are collaborating and she's away sailing all summer! The prequel is finished and will be uploaded tomorrow.

I LOVE FEEDBACK!!! You can reach me at fliq@gothgrrl.co.uk or Kyizi@lineone.net or just leave me a nice reveiw!!!! ;)

If there's anything that didn't make sense AT ALL let me know that too!!!