Wesley was chosen to stay at the office to watch over Doyle as the rest of them headed off. Cordelia immediately placed herself in the driver's seat and motioned for the others to get seated.
Are you sure you know how to find the place? Xander asked.
Cordelia looked firmly at the road. He said in the same block as Bill's, and I know that place, she said. And I think I know which house he was talking about. We'll find it.
An awkward silence fell over the car. Everyone felt slightly uncomfortable. Buffy and Angel tried not to look at each other, and Xander wondered to himself if Cordelia was still angry with him. Not that it really mattered if she was. The army of resurrected had affected Sunnydale as well, and it had become very clear that they had to fight it at the source - in L.A. Maybe it had been a bad idea to send him and Buffy of all people, but there wasn't much to be done about that.
Here we are, Cordelia said and stopped the car.
Xander didn't really have to worry. The truth was that Cordelia couldn't care less who was sitting next to her in the car. She had said goodbye to Doyle before she left, well knowing that he didn't even know she was there, and right now all she could think about was to get the guy who had done that to him. If she had given herself time to think, she might actually have been happy to have someone along who had never met Doyle and thus had a chance of staying calm.
Where is it? Angel asked.
I don't know! Cordelia almost panicked when she looked around. He said under a green house - a house that used to be green, anyway - but I can't find one!
Take it easy. Buffy spoke to her in a calm voice that helped some, but Cordelia would doubtlessly have gone hysteric if the Slayer hadn't added about half a minute later: I think it must be this one. She pointed at a greyish looking house with traces of green paint in the cracks.
Buffy approached the house. The door was obviously locked, but so worn down that she found it worth a try to break right through it.
I'll do it, Angel said. You and Xander take that cellar window. We will have a better chance if we split up.
A thought went through Buffy's mind that even though the drive had taken half an hour, this was the first thing he had said to her since they left the office. She nodded and went on to the business of kicking in the window he had pointed out for her. She carefully got rid of all the pieces of broken glass and then pulled down Xander after her. Cordelia looked at them for a moment, but then Angel tugged her jacket.
Hurry up.
She followed him inside. For a moment she wondered if the noise they were making wouldn't alert people. Then she knew for sure.
Angel quickly got rid of the guards, and they proceeded into the house. At the end of a corridor there was a staircase leading down into the basement. Cordelia started towards it, but Angel held her back.
Be careful he said.
She realised the sense in this short remark. There were bound to be more demons around, and rushing into things wouldn't help. Staying close to Angel, she proceeded down the stairs in a more moderate pace.
They looked down another corridor and more demons, maybe seven or eight of them. In the far end of the corridor, Buffy and Xander were fighting their way through. Before the demons had any chance of adapting to the new number of enemies, Cordelia noticed a door with the same mark that was tattooed into Doyle's head. It wasn't locked, either.
Angel, look! she said, and before he had the time to do so, she opened the door. Angel gave one look at the room inside and then pushed Cordelia inside and closed the door behind them. He placed himself in front of the door so it couldn't open. That way, they wouldn't have to worry about the demons outside anymore, just the five in front of them.
For obvious reasons, nobody asked any questions before fighting. Angel could handle more than his share of demons. It was harder for Cordelia. When she had finally managed to kill her first opponent, she noticed that Angel was fighting two demons at the same time and that a third was coming up. That was no biggie. The biggie was that the third demon had a stake.
The knife she had been using was stuck in the dead demon's body, so she grabbed the first weapon she could find, a long iron stick with a lump at the end. Using strength she didn't know she had, she slammed the demon straight into the head. As he fell to the floor, the demons that Angel fought seemed to lose focus, but Cordelia didn't notice. In rage and terror she kept pounding his head with the stick until Angel touched her shoulder.
Hey. He's dead now. He has too be.
She looked up and realised that she and Angel were the only living people left in the room. What a massacre.
What is that thing, anyway? he asked, pointing at the stick she was holding.
I don't know. She turned the stick slowly in her hands and saw that there was a relief picture of the Monkey Mark at the end of the lump. It was the branding device. With a disgusted cry she let go of the thing. There was a big fireplace nearby and she kicked it into the fire.
Angel had calmed down a bit.
Let's go through this place and see if we can find any clues on how to proceed. Then we go help the others. Okay?

**********
Wesley had started to think that watching Doyle would be more dull than anything else. He had brought a book from Angel's library and was skimming it through when the demon suddenly convulsed. Wesley hurried to his side and desperately tried to do something, anything, but there was nothing to be done. With a sense of panic, Wesley realised that Doyle was dying. He wished that someone else could have been there to help, or just to be able to confirm that it wasn't Wesley's fault. He held the cramping body while his thoughts spun around without leading to anything. Then the convulsions stopped. Wesley licked his lips and wondered if this meant that the demon was dead.
Apparently not, since he opened his eyes and looked directly at Wesley. His eyes were still the usual demonic red, but there was exhaustion in them, and something else, something that made Wesley ask:

The demon tried to speak but yelped with pain when the wires stopped him. This made Wesley certain.
Don't talk, he said. I will take away the wires. I have a potion that dissolves metal. It will just be a minute.
The demon leaned back and looked around the room, stunned. He seemed too tired to do anything else. Wesley hurried to get the potion ready and poured it carefully over Doyle's teeth. To his relief, he saw the wire disappear.
cried Doyle and touched his mouth. I think you dissolved a filling, too.
I'm terribly sorry, Wesley stammered.
That's alright. It's a whole lot better than before. Thanks, mate. Doyle grinned a little bit. It was strange to see that kind of grin on a demon face. Who are you, anyway? he asked curiously.
My name is Wesley. I work here.
Doyle frowned. No you don't.
Yes. I was hired after you d died.
Doyle seemed to think about that for a moment. When was that?
About six months ago.
Six months! He hadn't expected that much. I must have been missing a lot. How is Cordelia?
She's fine. She and Angel are fighting demons along with two of the Sunnydale people.
Doyle nodded thoughtfully. Still the same old story, then?
Wesley still didn't understand what was going on. They were going to find the person who marked you. Maybe get you back to your normal state. He stared at the demon. What just happened?
I have no idea, Doyle said. I remember being taken over. He shuddered. It was so dark and desolated, much worse than being dead. I kept fighting him, but I could hardly ever get through at all. I remember feeling Cordy's hand, he said with a little smile. That was the first good feeling I've had since the day I died. He soon fought me back, though, and after that he kept me in control. Then all of a sudden he didn't, and I could get back to my senses as easily as ever. I guess somebody must have done something right.
I'm glad, Wesley said and smiled at Doyle. Doyle smiled right back. Then he seemed to think about something.
You know what? This also means it has been six months since I had a drink. I could really need one. That potion you had tasted awful.
**********
Get things that could be useful, Angel said, but not too much of it. We still have to be able to fight.
Cordelia browsed through the room. There wasn't much. She picked up a couple of books and papers with demon writing. They were a bit much to carry around, but on the other hand they could be used as weapons if necessary. Meanwhile, Angel leaned down over the demons' bodies and went through their clothes.
Someone tried to open the door and Angel pressed his body towards it. There was a moment of pounding and then Buffy's voice hollered: Angel!? Are you there?
He opened the door so quickly she almost fell through. Stunned, he looked down the corridor. There wasn't a living creature apart from Buffy and Xander. They had fought down eight demons on their own. He reproached himself for being so surprised. After all, she was the Slayer.
What did you do? Buffy asked, amazement evident in her voice. I was having a really hard time with a couple of these guys, and then all of a sudden they stopped fighting and I had killed them before I knew what had happened!
I don't think we did anything, Angel said. But I noticed the same thing. Did you? He turned to Cordelia, who shrugged.
The first guy was pretty hard to take. If the second stopped fighting, I didn't notice.
I guess you wouldn't. He couldn't help looking down at the demon whose head had been smashed into pieces.
Xander saw it too and grimaced. You did that? he asked Cordelia.
She nodded.
But his voice revealed a new respect for his ex.
Okay then, Angel said while his eyes wandered across the room. Since nobody's trying to kill us anymore, I guess this was all the people around. One of them was probably Elil. I know that at least one of the guys that fought me was marked, because his jaws were sown up just like Doyle's.
Even if this was all of them, I still think we should get out of here as soon as possible, said Xander.
I second that, said Buffy. If you have everything you need, let's get back to the office.
**********
Wesley sat in the office sipping a cup of coffee, and he gave them a rather odd look as they came in.
All the bad guys have been properly defeated! Cordelia declared and dropped the books on his desk. Here's some stuff for us to go through.
I take it you won, he said cautiously.
The battle, Angel said. Not the war.
Oh, are we mister Optimistic, Cordelia said with a pout.
Did anything peculiar happen? Wesley asked.
I'd say everything is pretty much peculiar when you're fighting demons, Xander said and sat down in a chair that he balanced on two feet. Then he thought of something and put it back on all four. Why? Has something happened here?
You could say that, he answered.
Cordelia turned cold.
, she said and grabbed Wesley's shoulders. Has something happened to him? Is he alright?
He's fine. That's just it, really. He's fine.
They let that sink in for a minute. Angel couldn't find a single word to say.
You mean Cordelia was pulled between hope and disbelief. He's Doyle again?
Wesley nodded. I never knew him before, but I have no reason to believe he has changed. He was really tired at first. Then he drank some whiskey, and that made him less tired, but then it made him sleepy. He's sleeping now.
Oh my God! Cordelia sank down in a chair. She put her hands in front of her mouth and tears began to fall down her cheeks. Oh my God!
Wesley felt a pang of jealousy, but he still found it natural to smile at Cordelia.
I don't think he'll mind terribly if you wake him up.
**********
She didn't have to be told twice. She immediately rushed out of her chair and down to the apartment. Halfway into the bedroom she hesitated. What if Wesley was mistaken and Doyle *had* changed? It wouldn't be unexpected after everything he had gone through. But there was really just one way to find out. She slowly walked into the bedroom and sat down at the side of the bed.
, she said softly and took Doyle's hand. He moved about a bit, then he yawned and opened his eyes. When he saw her face above his, he smiled.
Good to see you again, princess, he said and sat up to give her a hug. She return the hug almost violently, still crying. Then she pushed him back.
I ought to slap you for dying on me like that! she said. Her voice was half-choked. But I can't very well do that until you turn back, so do that. Please.
He got a painful expression on his face.
Yeah, well, you have deserved it. We were supposed to have a dinner date, but no, you had to disarm that thing single-handedly. I hate you so much for that, so just turn back so I can slap you. Well? I'm surprised you keep that face on longer than necessary.
When he didn't answer she stared at him, and the truth finally dawned on her. The people who brought him back had lost a piece.
Oh, Doyle, I'm sorry she whispered.
He turned his head away from her. I think you'd better go, princess.
No, Doyle, I'm sorry I said anything. I don't care if you can't turn back, really!
Go. Please.
For a brief moment she stayed, but when his back clearly signaled that he didn't want her presence, she left.
**********
Angel had wanted to go down right behind Cordelia, but decided that it would be a very bad move. Still, he found it hard to concentrate on what the others said, and after a while he couldn't stand it anymore. Never mind if he interrupted a sweet reunion, he had to see his friend.
When he walked down the stairs he was surprised to see Cordelia sitting on the bottom step. He was even more surprised when he realised that the sobs and tears were not expressions of happiness.
Cordy? What's wrong?
I am, she sobbed.
He sat down next to her and waited for her to say something else. She buried her face in her hands and cried away.
I just messed everything up, she complained. I was so happy to have him back! Alright, I was angry too, but can you blame me? I really love that cheesy little guy. And then I just opened my big mouth and What difference does it make if he can't turn back? He's still Doyle! All those days I didn't know how to get through knowing I would never see him again, if they were good for anything it was to teach me that I don't care how much demon he is.
Angel tried to comfort her, but at the same time he felt worried.
, he said, trying to get her attention. When she looked up, he asked: He can't turn back?
She shook her head. He's stuck as a demon. And I had to make some stupid comment, didn't I?
He knows you didn't mean it, Angel assured her. He stood up and ran his fingers through her hair. I'll talk to him. Don't you worry.
**********
He walked into the bedroom and found Doyle sitting on the bed, staring straight into the air. His face lit up a little when he saw Angel come, but it wasn't much.
Hey man, it's so good to see you, he said.
Angel embraced him, hard, and then sat down next to him and examined him closely.
I have so much to say and I don't even know where to start, he said.
Well, make up your mind and I'll be ready with a reply, Doyle said. He tried to keep up his usual mirth, but it didn't work so well.
Angel thought for a while. Cordelia didn't mean to hurt you. She's just thoughtless. But she really loves you. We both do.
Doyle smiled a little, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. Thanks man. And I know she didn't mean it. It's not her fault things are as they are. I just got downhearted. At first when she came, I was so happy to see her that I forgot what I am. But then I remembered. His jaws tightened.
It doesn't matter to her.
That wasn't the point, Angel thought before Doyle even answered. He knew how Doyle felt about his demon side, and how those feelings had affected his marriage to Harry. Even if Angel thought Doyle was wrong, that didn't much change anything. And Doyle's answer confirmed that.
It matters to me. It took a while before he continued. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy just to be alive and back with you. Giving up your own body - a body you've not even become used to having again - to some puppet master isn't a very pleasant thing. This is so much better than that. Being a *cat* would be so much better than that. But I couldn't ask Cordelia to go out with a cat, and I can't ask her to go out with me. So when it comes to her, it matters. I can live with a face that makes me want to break the mirror every time I look in it, but love is kind of out of the question.
It doesn't have to be, Angel said, trying to convince himself as much as Doyle.
Yes. On to the next topic.
Angel didn't try to push the issue. The next topic was one that had been bothering him since the night at the Quintessa.
Why did you do it?
Doyle sighed. Better me than you.
I'm not so sure about that, Angel said, thinking of his unlife and how he sometimes could have done anything just to get to rest.
Well, I am. You had lots of more people to save. Those few half-demons were the best I could hope for. And for me that was enough. Think it would have been for you?
Doyle looked him straight into the eyes and Angel knew what he was saying. The Oracles had said that Doyle had atoned. If it took a horrible death by the Beacon to atone for a stupid misjudgement, what would it take for him?
Death wasn't even that bad, Doyle continued. Dying was - Jesus, if I had known how much that thing would hurt I don't know if I had dared to do it. But death He silenced. I don't remember much, but what I do remember is a warm feeling and a darkness that didn't frighten me. It was like the moment before you fall asleep, or like what a womb might feel like to judge by those biology book pictures. Maybe I was scheduled to be reborn? He grinned at Angel. Then I felt something pulling me away with force. I was told, I don't know by whom, that I didn't have to leave if I didn't want to. Considering how painful that pulling was I was better off being dead, but I wanted to come back to you and Cordelia. He grimaced. It wasn't much fun to end up in a demon training camp instead.
His memories went forward from that camp. When they came as far as to the smell of his own flesh burning and the feeling of someone sneaking into his body, Doyle's stomach told him exactly what it thought of bad memories on top of a glass of whiskey. He stood up so quickly he got dark flashes before his eyes.
Sorry, man, I just have to He couldn't say any more. With one hand in front of his mouth he rushed past Angel and headed for the bathroom. He got a glance of Cordelia sitting on the stairs, and as the whiskey left his system he felt her arms holding him up. Part of him wanted to push her away, but one thing at a time.
**********
Cordelia had been flung between too many emotions in too little time. When she saw Doyle getting sick she went to him because it looked like he needed someone, and she knew that she was someone. She didn't much feel anything until he turned back and looked at her. Then she felt sincerely grateful. Grateful that he let her hold him, let her care for him.
Before he could change his mind about that, she hugged him gently but hard, crying down his collar. She had been sure that Doyle's usual set of clothing was as tasteless as can be, but this overall thing he was wearing at the moment was actually worse. What was that anyway, some sort of demon army uniform? There was another thing she had to change her mind about. She had thought that nothing could stink worse than the whiskey Doyle used to shove down his throat, but that was nothing compared to the stench of it coming up. She didn't care.
I'm so sorry for what I said, she mumbled. I didn't mean it.
I know, princess. Doyle moved a bit away and looked at Angel, who stood by the door unsure of what to do. Can you give us a moment? I promise I'll answer all your remaining questions later.
Angel agreed and quickly decided to go upstairs in spite of Buffy's presence. This was going to be hard on both Doyle and Cordelia, and he wanted to make sure they got their privacy.
They watched him leave and then Doyle slowly released himself from Cordelia. Yet he couldn't stop himself from caressing her cheek.
I'm sorry about the visions, Princess, he said. I just wanted to go out with a kiss like some knight in shining armour.
So you didn't know about it? Cordelia said slowly. She had been wondering for the past six months whether the only reason he had kissed her was to give her the visions.
I knew the moment I did it. Not before.
Well, I'm glad.
None of them knew what to say for a moment. Then Cordelia tried:
I would like to go on from where we were heading. Well, maybe you can't ask me out for dinner, but whatever comes close.
He turned his head away from her. That's just not possible.
Her mouth was dry. Why not? You remember what you said before you died, about loving your other face? Well, it's a little early to tell, but I think I can.
But I can't.
The simple statement was rather shocking when spoken out loud. Cordelia leaned against the sink, staring at Doyle.
You mustn't think that I'm mad at you, Princess, he said. It's just that things would have been complicated enough back when I still had the chance to look human. Right now you may think that it doesn't matter, but sooner or later you will want a guy that you can take outside. And you would be right in wanting that.
You can't dump me over some future you assume will come! she protested.
I can and I do. He left the bathroom and moved towards the stairs. Halfway there he looked back at her.
Are you coming? I believe we have quite a lot of work to do.
**********
They walked up the stairs and joined the others in Angel's office. The conversation stopped when they entered the room, and everyone looked at Doyle with faces that covered every emotion from compassion to expectation.
So you two sorted things out, then? Xander asked. He was sitting on the barrier with his feet dangling, and Cordelia considered for a moment to push him off.
For the moment, she said, and to her surprise Buffy gave her an encouraging smile.
Doyle didn't care to protest. He sat down in an armchair and wished that he had been allowed to keep the whiskey down for a little longer.
Mind if we ask you some more questions? Angel asked.
Not at all.
Angel chose his words carefully. He knew resurrection hadn't exactly been a treat for Doyle, and he wanted to make him feel alright, but this mission was pretty important, too.
What do you know about the people who brought you back?
Doyle sighed and stared right ahead, thinking. He didn't like it much.
they want to take control over the otherworld. Preferably without humans noticing anything, except when the demons have some use for them. The leader, 'sir', is one of those guys who thinks he's God - or more accurately his opposite. I only met him once, but you don't forget that kind of thing. They've got control over more than half the town already, to judge from what people said. Oh, yeah, he continued bitterly, they're vicious sods who demand total obedience and are sure to get it one way or the other.
Do you have any idea how to get to them? Buffy asked.
He tried to smile at her. Not being very helpful, am I? I know more or less where we were trained, and how you get to the fellow with the firestick from there. It's not going to help much, though. You can kill demons all you like, they'll bring them back.
Won't they ever tire of it? Cordelia asked.
I don't know. I mean, they brought us back because of this strength they thought we had from dying. Every time someone dies in battle, he will get some. So basically
The more times a person dies, the better he will be, Angel said slowly.
Doyle nodded. Well, that's my theory, anyway. Don't think they'll bother to bring back any marked people, though. We were troublesome the first time around, imagine the second.
We can't exactly outnumber them, Buffy said thoughtfully, so we will have to rely on spells. Until we have had time to look through the things we found at Elil's hangout, I suggest we keep a low profile.
Yeah, just starting to fight them seems a little bit too much like jumping into the Hellmouth by purpose, Xander added.
Doyle put his head in his hands, then winced and took it away again. He had forgotten about the spikes.
If we could only find and destroy that damned altar they use. The altar and the blokes who manage it, they're the real cancer. The rest of it is just
Wesley suggested.

**********