A/N- I got my reviewers back! I love you guys! ^_^ Well.I know that you
guys are getting sick of this now.but I figured I couldn't leave it hanging
there. This is gonna be the last Buffy chapter.but in what way? I can't
tell you what twists lie ahead.so just hold on tight and be prepared
for.well. I don't know really. I don't have that much of a plan. To those
of you that have been reviewing: I don't know how I coulda done this
without you. To those of you who haven't: Well.Thanks for reading, I
guess.^_^ (You know it's never to late to review, right?)
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The demons poured in the second after Angel left. They haven't stopped coming yet. The Fang Gang was right. Wolfram & Hart called in all their Big Bads for this opportunity. The people that Lindsey was with looked less than pleased when they worked out what had happened.
They'd been set-up.
The bitchy one they called Lilah cursed when she saw me bring my team down the stairs. The realisation hit her before it did the others. "Not Again." She'd said. I didn't quite understand why. But when Gunn and his crew joined in and he told me about their role-playing antics a few months ago. I got it. Angel had set them up before.and they'd fallen for it. You know what they say; You fall for it once: Shame on me. You fall for it twice: Shame on you. Or something like that.I know what I'm rambling about, even if nobody else does. (It's kinda harder to be witty when you're getting your ass kicked than it looks, y'know.)
See. just because they'd been set-up, it didn't mean they couldn't hold their own. Before too long our side started to get overpowered. So the bad guys started to get cocky. What they didn't count on, though, was my Vampire boyfriend of now to bound down the stairs with his back-up.
That had done it. It became all out war.
When I'd seen Spike, a surge of adrenaline rushed through me. I couldn't explain it.I just get a power rush when I fight beside him. We move in sync with each other.almost gracefully. There was a time when it had been Angel and I.When it would be Angel to give me the rush of power.But that time's gone. Now I have Spike.and I'm happy. Happier than I can ever remember being with Angel.
Don't get me wrong.I loved him with every part of my being, and he'd loved me, but our relationship wasn't about happiness. It was filled with angst, pain and soul-ripping tension. And that wasn't healthy. Not for him and most definitely not for me.
But it had hurt sooo much when he left. Not because I loved him and couldn't live without him, but because I had nobody to blame for making me miserable. Yeah.I could argue that he made me miserable by leaving, but that would be a lie. He left me so I could find a relationship that made me *happy*. I'll have to thank him for that one of these days.
Where was I again?
Oh.right. So Spike brought in his minions and I felt revamped.pardon the pun. We fought side by side, making our way to the head honchos of this operation. We took out some of the lawyers and demons along the way, sparing Lindsey.just. (What? We'd been told to make it look like he *really* had turned against us.so *they* didn't kill him. The only rule was that we weren't allowed to kill him either.)
Spike had to refrain from attacking the humans, no matter how evil they were. I didn't want him to have a headache tonight. Not if we actually got through this. (What can I say? Faith had been right when she said that Slaying made a Slayer hungry and horny. I can't fight *all* my slayer instincts, now can I?)
But, even after we got through that layer of baddies, more came. And soon enough we started feeling the pressure. Xander joined us with the last of Lorne's friends a little while ago, and I'm trying *not* to concentrate on his lack of fighting ability. I don't need to know he's in trouble right now. I'd rather convince myself that he's holding his own and give him the benefit of the doubt.
My brain pauses for an instant and I wonder whether Angel and Wes were successful on their part. I wonder if they made it out okay. 'Of couse they did.' My brain hisses. 'It's *Angel* we're talkin' about here. You know.He who doesn't *die*? He who doesn't *fail*?' I shake my head and concentrate on the battle at hand. I'm sure they're fine. I just know it. What I should be concentrating on is whether *I'm* still fine.
The big blue thing in front of me swipes one of its slimy claws at me. I dodge and glare defiantly into one of its 7 eyes. "That wasn't nice." I taunt. It bares its razor sharp teeth and flickers its purple forked tongue around. I think I pissed it off.
Meanwhile, Spike's having a fine time trying to fend off 20 or so Vamps, Gunn is battling a couple of Kungai demons and Xander is.hey! Where is Xander?
Going into Autopilot mode, I do a flying roundhouse and snap Mr. Blue-And- Oozy's neck. He falls to the ground and I look around frantically. He's not lying amongst the numerous dead demon bodies.which is good. He's not being pummelled into a bloody pulp like Gunn is.so that's okay.
Wait a second.
I put the thought of finding Xander aside for a second as I go to Gunn's aid. The ogre-thingy bearing down on him never knew what hit it. I snuck up behind him and sliced off its head with its own sword. Stupid creature had just left it lying there for me.
"Thanks." Gunn pants. I smile for a brief second and suddenly remember Xander.
"No problem. Do you know where Xander is? I'm kinda worried." I respond, sensing the Vamps behind me. I spin, still clutching the ogre-beastie's sword, and in one fluid motion decapitate all 5 of them. Gunn stares at me in a mixture of admiration and shock. I raise my eyebrows and prod. "So.You know where he is?"
Unfortunately, Gunn shakes his head. "Sorry girl." He says. "Last time I saw him he was beating the hell outta some vamp."
"When was that?" I ask. "Or more importantly, *where*?"
Gunn shrugs and points down the corridor. "Down there I guess."
I start to follow his directions, but pause as a familiar brown haired someone comes flying down from the upstairs landing and hits the ground of the lobby with a sickening 'smack'.
I stop dead in my tracks. I can't move. I can't think. I'm even finding it hard to breath.
Xander's motionless body is lying right at my feet and I don't know what to do. I gasp and struggle to make my brain kick into gear. Slowly, but surely, I squat down to his side and roll him over. His eyes have rolled back and his nose is most definitely broken. There is a *huge* amount of blood lost from a gash along his forehead. I want to throw up.
I know. I'm the slayer; I see stuff like this everyday. Hell, I even inflict stuff like this everyday.but not on my friends. Xander's been one of my best friends since I moved to SunnyDale when I was 15.it seems so long ago now. We've been through so much together.He even undrowned me once. The idea of losing him forever makes me so scared.I want to throw up.
I take a deep breath and feel for a pulse on him. I panic when I can't feel anything.then its there. Very faint.but he has a pulse. All is not lost yet. He's just unconscious and bleeding heavily. But he's still alive. Thing is; he won't be for much longer. "Hang on Xand." I tell him. "Just hold on for me, okay?"
I get no response. What did I expect? I mean, he's not exactly conscious at the moment, so he probably can't even hear me. My eyes begin to tear up and I start to shake. I don't want to lose him. I can't lose him. I refuse to lose him. Please.don't let me lose him.
"Xander." I plead with him, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the PTBs might bend the rules a little and fix him. He *was* fighting for their side after all. Of course nothing happens and I grab his shoulders and give him a light, desperate shake. "Xander.Please wake up. I need you. Will needs you. Anya.she needs you too. We all do." I'm starting to really lose it now.I can feel the hysteria building up inside me. "Xander! Please! Please.just don't die! Please!" I yell at him. He still doesn't move or make any sound. "Xander!" And now I've lost it. The tears cascade down my face and I sob uncontrollably.
I don't care about fighting the goddamn good fight anymore. The demons and bad guys can do whatever they want to me now.I don't care. Not if Xander doesn't make it. Not if I lose my best friend. Whatever's going on around me can wait 'cos I am *not* leaving his side. Not now and not ever. I can't risk it. If he isn't dead now, he will be if I leave him alone and defenceless.
I jump and swallow my cries at the gentle touch on my shoulder. I look up to see Spike. "How bad is it, Luv?" he asks tentatively, motioning at Xander's limp body.
I shake my head. I can't seem to find my voice anymore. I try to clear my throat and end up sobbing all over again. Spike squats down beside me and pulls me against his chest. I bawl my eyes out into his shirt, but he doesn't seem to mind. He just holds me close and rubs my back, muttering reassurances every so often.
I pull away and wipe at my eyes, slightly ashamed at showing Spike just how vulnerable I really am. I try once again to clear my throat and start to talk. My voice comes out cracked and strained. "He.he's still alive.but only just."
"I know, Pet." He informs me gently. "His pulse is quite faint."
I look into Spike's big blue eyes and, for a split second, note how soulful they are. (Which is ridiculous 'cos Spike doesn't have a soul.) I implore his caring gaze with my own teary one. "H-he's gonna make it, right?" I ask softly.
If Spike is unsure, he sure doesn't show it. He just pulls me back into his embrace and whispers, "I know he will, luv."
It sounds so strange, but this is what I need right now. Just to be held like a five year old and told that everything's gonna work out. I sigh against Spike's chest and nuzzle against him. I don't want to move, but I know I have to. I pull away once more.
"I have to go fight, don't I?" I ask.
Spike nods slowly. "Yes, Luv, you do." He replies. "I'll watch the whelp if you like. Its just that.I can't fight the human ones, y'know, with this soddin' chip in my head.So the ringleaders at the moment are kinda outta my league if you know what I'm sayin'."
I manage a dim smile. "Well, I'll just have to go in there and give 'em a double whammy. So its like we've both had our turns."
"That's my girl." He says. I stand up and dust myself off.
I give him one last glance as I exit. "Wish me demons.I mean, *lawyers*."
"Same dif!" I hear him call after me. "'Cept I can't hit the lawyers!"
The first beast charges at me and I dodge it, allowing it to run straight into the wall behind me. Some creatures are all brawn and no brain. Literally. This thing seemed to have no brain. In fact, it didn't even have a head. Just a snout full of razor sharp teeth protruding out of its furry stump of a body. The 7 legs kinda got to me though. It was like a sick and demented spider.with teeth.
I don't even bat an eyelid at the sound it makes when it collides with the wall. Instead I have one thing on my mind: Kill the sons of bitches that hired the help that hurt my best friend.
"You know.You people just don't get it." I say, suddenly full of rage. I start shoving bad guys out of my way as I head to the big bads of this operation. "You don't seem to understand that no matter what you do, *we're* always going to win." I shove another demon aside and it creates a domino effect. From the corner of my eye I see another 5 go down. "You don't know what you're dealing with here. Face it. We're more than you can handle. So you can go away now, with your many demonic tails between your legs, or you can stay and get slaughtered. It's your call really."
"Now, I'm kinda hoping they'll choose the slaughter option." Another voice breaks in. I smile a little. Angel is back and ready to party. I look up at him when he reaches my side. He looks back down at me, his face grave. "Xander." He prompts. "Is he.Willow said."
I manage another tiny smile. "He's alive.just."
"Buffy." He says quietly ".Are you-"
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. "I'm fine. Xander, on the other hand, isn't." Unfortunately, that came out a bit harsher than I intended. I look up at him slightly apologetically. "Look Angel. Small talk comes later. Right now I've got some demon ass to kick."
A wry grin crawls onto his face. "Mind if I join you?"
His grin is a little infectious. "My pleasure." I find myself responding.
Together we fight side by side and I almost miss the good ol' days. Almost. He and Spike are so different.but they've got so much in common too. Not just the vampire thing. Or the falling in love with a slayer.there's so much more. Angel will always be my first love.the man that brought me into womanhood.in more than one way. He didn't just make love to me.he taught me so much about the world and the people in it.
But Spike brought me to life.I mean *real* life. He didn't want to me to be someone I wasn't. He would just sit and let me rant and take all my crap out on him. And he didn't falter or get uncomfortable. Angel would argue with me. He'd try to be the voice of reason and would make everything about him somehow. But Spike.he knows how to handle me.
"I remember a time when this was an *us* thing." Angel pants, reminiscing like I have been.
I smile back at him before lobbing the head off yet another vampire. "Me too."
I hear him chuckle a little and finish off one of his opponents. "Now it's a you and Spike thing, right?" He half asks.
"Angel," I reply sternly, not taking my eyes of the black fuzzy thing in front of me. "Now is not the time to-"
"-That's not what I meant." He insists, suddenly standing in front of me, sword raised. "Duck." I do as I'm told and he brings the blade down, killing the other fuzzy demon behind me. He pauses and looks at me seriously. "I just.hope he's pulling his weight, y'know. Taking care of you."
I smile in wonder as he turns to rejoin the fight. "He is.And Angel?" He turns to face me again. "Thank you. For everything."
He looks confused. "Buffy.I didn't-"
"-You've done more for me than you'll ever know. So thank you."
Although he still looks confused, he nods. He pauses for a second then smiles. "Now.what do you say we go after Lilah and Co. once and for all?"
"I thought you'd never ask." I reply with a smile of my own. Then we go in for the kill.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"God.Look at this mess would you?" Cordelia hollers, making her way across the lobby floor. There are demon carcasses strewn all over the place, things have been smashed into trillions of pieces, there are huge gaping holes in the walls and it looks as if 20 bombs have gone off. She walks over to what is left of her desk and sighs. "Well. I *have* been nagging at Angel to redecorate for a while .Guess he can't avoid it now."
Angel manages a small smile as he limps up beside me, nuzzling Connor against his chest like a lifeline. "Unfortunately, I think she has a point."
Lindsey and Spike hobble over to the reassembling group, supporting a now conscious and all patched up Xander between them. I look at Lindsey and he smiles at me, allowing his gaze to travel towards Cordelia. He looks her over, allowing his concern to show.
Before he can say anything to her, I walk over and take his place holding Xander up. "Go on." I tell him. "You know you wanna."
His eyes light up and he smiles gratefully. "Thank you." He says. I nod to let him know that I understand the true depth of his gratitude. I watch as he limps over to Cordy and pulls her into his arms. She smiles up at him and looks all of his visible wounds over carefully. I look away and find a familiar icy blue pair of eyes inspecting me.
"I'm fine Spike," I say gently.
"Just checkin' pet." He responds.
Xander rolls his eyes and makes a gagging noise. "Spare me." He pleads. Laughing, Spike and I help him onto a seat that's *not* covered in any dead bodies, and only has minimal slime. Anya walks over and starts to fuss over him as well.
"Well.we won.*again*." Gunn says happily, also making his way over.
Wesley smiles. "For now." He informs us. "I can't help but worry that they will be back in business in a couple of years.After all, they *do* harbour offices in other dimensions."
"Wes." Angel warns lightly. ".We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Until then.you've got all those nice books to play with and-"
"There is no use patronising me Angel." Wes jokes back. Then he gets serious again. "But we cannot dismiss the notion that they might return."
Gunn pats his friend on the back. "We know Wes.but for now you gotta sit back, relax and enjoy our victory."
The ex-Watcher breaks into a huge grin. "Quite." He says, then takes a longer look around the room. "But can we do that *after* we dispose of this.er." He pokes at one of the demons lying before him, ".disarray?"
"I think." Angel says, moving past Lilah's unconscious (not dead.yet) form. "That's a pretty good idea." He glances up at us, a smirk playing on his features. "But I'm *not* moving the bodies or cleaning up the slime or-"
"Excuse me?" Cordy cuts in, total disbelief fuelling her voice. "What *are* you doing then?"
Angel shuffles his feet. "I.I was gonna.I mean.Maybe.I just thought I could- "
"You thought you could leave the hard work to everyone else.Like say; The completely exhausted, the injured, the *pregnant*." She hisses. "I hate to tell you, but exposing me to the industrial strength chemicals may not be the best idea right now.and all the blood and guts aren't the best help either.I mean, I've been throwing up enough lately, thank you very much. And need I remind you-"
"No Cordelia." Angel sighs, "I get the point. I will not leave all the hard, messy work for everyone else. I *also* get the hint with the 'not getting you to do too much hard work for the next few months' thing as well." He rushes before she can speak again. She smiles triumphantly. He sets his stare on Lindsey. "You'll probably hear this a lot from her in a few months, but you're gonna pay for doing this to her. I've lost.I mean.*Angel Investigations* has lost one of its' best fighters.and probably its' seer for the next 7 months or so." He smiles at Cordelia and Lindsey collectively, to let them know that he's not being overly serious and looks down at the sleeping child in his arms. "But it'll be worth it. You'll see."
Lindsey smiles back at him broadly, and snakes his arm around Cordy's soon- to-expand waist, pulling her even tighter into his embrace. "Thanks." He says genuinely. Cordelia nods her agreement and snuggles up next to her beau.
Angel looks at the woman he's probably still in love with and smiles somewhat sadly.
That's it.Time for someone to change the topic while nobody's in tears yet. "Hey." I find myself chirping. (I *chirp*? Since when do I *chirp*?) "Are we gonna start cleaning soon or are the bodies gonna throw themselves out?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Okey dokey.I'm all done." I say brightly, dusting off my clothes as if the action will somehow prove it. "No more blood and guts for me."
Gunn and Spike saunter over to join me. "Or us." Gunn informs us. "We're finished as well."
Not long later, everyone is once again assembled in the lobby. The place is looking a lot more like a hotel. A hotel after an earthquake, yes, but still a hotel (as opposed to the demonic nuclear bomb testing site it resembled before).
"So." Willow says, taking a seat on the now clean couch (which is all credit to yours truly), ".We can party now?"
Wes is nodding and about to reply when Angel cuts in. "Not just yet." He says. We all turn to look at him a little cranky (or, in my case, a LOT cranky). He looks at Cordelia, "We've still got one more piece of business to attend to."
She raises an eyebrow. "And that would be?"
"Oracles.You and I.We have to find out about the effects of your visions, remember?" Angel replies softly, obviously afraid he's treading on thin ice.
She nods, but says, "Can't we party first? Go out to dinner and celebrate everything and *then* go to the Oracles?" He looks at her seriously for a second, and she bats her big lashes at him. "Come on Angel.We deserve a break for a little while.Please."
He sighs and puts his hands up in defeat. "Okay.You win. We party.but *then* we go find out about the visions. Got it?"
Cordelia nods again, this time eagerly. We wait in silence for a few seconds and she speaks up again. "So," she begins, "Where are we gonna eat?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Promise me you'll call." The brunette instructs, throwing her arms around my neck.
"Cross my heart." I smile. "And promise me that *you'll* call too."
Cordelia smiles and pulls away. "Definitely."
We're all standing outside the Hyperion, piling our luggage back into the cars. The Fang Gang is farewelling us, and it's like the end of a big family reunion. It's amazing how close I've become with Cordelia. And with Angel. It's all so different now. Everything has changed.but not in a bad way. 4 to 5 years ago I'd never *ever* have seen this coming. Any of it. But here we are and it's not uncomfortable. It's actually quite sad to leave this time.
"If you don't keep me up-to-date with all the LA non-demony news." I warn playfully, ".I'm gonna drive all the way back here to kick your butt."
She laughs. "And if *you* don't keep *me* up-to-date with all the SunnyDale non-hellmouthy news, I'll do the same to you."
"Fair enough." I chuckle.
Spike walks up beside me and loops his arm around my shoulders. "And cheerleader, feel free to bring the Lawyer and the pint sized one, when it finally arrives, to good ol' SunnyHell for a visit." He tells her. I lean against his chest and nod my approval.
"We've got the room." I insist.
Cordelia nods. "And, hey, if you ever want to visit us, you're totally welcome." She looks towards the curb, where everyone else has already started getting into cars, "That goes for every one of you!" She calls.
Angel looks up and over at us, "I've already told them that." He states, and then turns back to saying goodbye to Willow. Cordelia pulls me back into a bear hug.
"Thank you.for everything." She whispers.
"Hey.No problem." I murmur in reply, once again pulling away to look her in the eye seriously. "Anytime you need anything.you know who to call."
"Yeah.Ghostbusters." Lindsey jokes, walking over and taking his girl into his arms.
She hits him on the arm looking unimpressed. "That's not funny." She states. "You've gotta avoid making comments like that.otherwise Dennis won't let you into my apartment.and even if he does, say goodbye to the sex.Believe me, he really does know how to ruin the mood."
Lindsey laughs. "I get it. No more ghost extermination jokes." He looks down at her and winks. "Forgive me?"
She kisses him. "I'll try." She responds, her eyes shining with laughter.
Spike coughs pointedly. "Get a room."
"We will once you're gone." Comes Cordy's snarky retort.
We all chuckle and walk down the steps to the sidewalk. The moon shines down on us and it reminds me of countless 'goodbye' scenes from cheesy old movies. I give each member of the AI team one last squeeze and hop into the car. As we pull away from the curb, I look in the rear-view mirror to see everyone, bar Angel (due to his lack of reflection), waving us off.
It was an interesting trip to say the least. But I'll have a lot to tell Dawn and Giles at any rate. Angel and Connor.Cordy, Lindsey and an up coming baby.Their futures all seem so promising.I can only wonder what lies in the future for me.
It's not like I can see myself as a mom.especially if I'm with a dead guy. Of course I can always adopt, but Social Services would never let me. God.it's all so hard. Hmm. You know what? I shouldn't be looking to the future. I mean, at the moment I have Spike, a bunch of close friends, a sister and a father-figure that all love and care for me. I don't have to care about the future when I've got the present.
With that in mind, I smile. No matter what happens, as long as I've got these guys, I know I'll be content. I can only hope that everything goes well for the AI gang and that they'll be just as happy, if not happier. After all, they really do deserve it.
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A/N(again)- Well.Buffy's gone. Told ya I'd get rid of her. Pity I let Spike go with her.he's mine! Lol.Okay.so maybe he's not.but I can still dream, right? ^_^ Anyway.what'd you think of the chapter? I know the end scene was crappy (especially the last bit in the car with her inner monologue.bleck). I just lost inspiration for it. If you've got any suggestions, any at all, please feel free to let me know. ^_^ I'm always open to ideas. Well.I'll let you go with one last plead for reviews. PLEASE GIVE ME THE FEEDBACK! I *need* the response from you, I really, really do.
Thanks once more.
*Insane1*
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The demons poured in the second after Angel left. They haven't stopped coming yet. The Fang Gang was right. Wolfram & Hart called in all their Big Bads for this opportunity. The people that Lindsey was with looked less than pleased when they worked out what had happened.
They'd been set-up.
The bitchy one they called Lilah cursed when she saw me bring my team down the stairs. The realisation hit her before it did the others. "Not Again." She'd said. I didn't quite understand why. But when Gunn and his crew joined in and he told me about their role-playing antics a few months ago. I got it. Angel had set them up before.and they'd fallen for it. You know what they say; You fall for it once: Shame on me. You fall for it twice: Shame on you. Or something like that.I know what I'm rambling about, even if nobody else does. (It's kinda harder to be witty when you're getting your ass kicked than it looks, y'know.)
See. just because they'd been set-up, it didn't mean they couldn't hold their own. Before too long our side started to get overpowered. So the bad guys started to get cocky. What they didn't count on, though, was my Vampire boyfriend of now to bound down the stairs with his back-up.
That had done it. It became all out war.
When I'd seen Spike, a surge of adrenaline rushed through me. I couldn't explain it.I just get a power rush when I fight beside him. We move in sync with each other.almost gracefully. There was a time when it had been Angel and I.When it would be Angel to give me the rush of power.But that time's gone. Now I have Spike.and I'm happy. Happier than I can ever remember being with Angel.
Don't get me wrong.I loved him with every part of my being, and he'd loved me, but our relationship wasn't about happiness. It was filled with angst, pain and soul-ripping tension. And that wasn't healthy. Not for him and most definitely not for me.
But it had hurt sooo much when he left. Not because I loved him and couldn't live without him, but because I had nobody to blame for making me miserable. Yeah.I could argue that he made me miserable by leaving, but that would be a lie. He left me so I could find a relationship that made me *happy*. I'll have to thank him for that one of these days.
Where was I again?
Oh.right. So Spike brought in his minions and I felt revamped.pardon the pun. We fought side by side, making our way to the head honchos of this operation. We took out some of the lawyers and demons along the way, sparing Lindsey.just. (What? We'd been told to make it look like he *really* had turned against us.so *they* didn't kill him. The only rule was that we weren't allowed to kill him either.)
Spike had to refrain from attacking the humans, no matter how evil they were. I didn't want him to have a headache tonight. Not if we actually got through this. (What can I say? Faith had been right when she said that Slaying made a Slayer hungry and horny. I can't fight *all* my slayer instincts, now can I?)
But, even after we got through that layer of baddies, more came. And soon enough we started feeling the pressure. Xander joined us with the last of Lorne's friends a little while ago, and I'm trying *not* to concentrate on his lack of fighting ability. I don't need to know he's in trouble right now. I'd rather convince myself that he's holding his own and give him the benefit of the doubt.
My brain pauses for an instant and I wonder whether Angel and Wes were successful on their part. I wonder if they made it out okay. 'Of couse they did.' My brain hisses. 'It's *Angel* we're talkin' about here. You know.He who doesn't *die*? He who doesn't *fail*?' I shake my head and concentrate on the battle at hand. I'm sure they're fine. I just know it. What I should be concentrating on is whether *I'm* still fine.
The big blue thing in front of me swipes one of its slimy claws at me. I dodge and glare defiantly into one of its 7 eyes. "That wasn't nice." I taunt. It bares its razor sharp teeth and flickers its purple forked tongue around. I think I pissed it off.
Meanwhile, Spike's having a fine time trying to fend off 20 or so Vamps, Gunn is battling a couple of Kungai demons and Xander is.hey! Where is Xander?
Going into Autopilot mode, I do a flying roundhouse and snap Mr. Blue-And- Oozy's neck. He falls to the ground and I look around frantically. He's not lying amongst the numerous dead demon bodies.which is good. He's not being pummelled into a bloody pulp like Gunn is.so that's okay.
Wait a second.
I put the thought of finding Xander aside for a second as I go to Gunn's aid. The ogre-thingy bearing down on him never knew what hit it. I snuck up behind him and sliced off its head with its own sword. Stupid creature had just left it lying there for me.
"Thanks." Gunn pants. I smile for a brief second and suddenly remember Xander.
"No problem. Do you know where Xander is? I'm kinda worried." I respond, sensing the Vamps behind me. I spin, still clutching the ogre-beastie's sword, and in one fluid motion decapitate all 5 of them. Gunn stares at me in a mixture of admiration and shock. I raise my eyebrows and prod. "So.You know where he is?"
Unfortunately, Gunn shakes his head. "Sorry girl." He says. "Last time I saw him he was beating the hell outta some vamp."
"When was that?" I ask. "Or more importantly, *where*?"
Gunn shrugs and points down the corridor. "Down there I guess."
I start to follow his directions, but pause as a familiar brown haired someone comes flying down from the upstairs landing and hits the ground of the lobby with a sickening 'smack'.
I stop dead in my tracks. I can't move. I can't think. I'm even finding it hard to breath.
Xander's motionless body is lying right at my feet and I don't know what to do. I gasp and struggle to make my brain kick into gear. Slowly, but surely, I squat down to his side and roll him over. His eyes have rolled back and his nose is most definitely broken. There is a *huge* amount of blood lost from a gash along his forehead. I want to throw up.
I know. I'm the slayer; I see stuff like this everyday. Hell, I even inflict stuff like this everyday.but not on my friends. Xander's been one of my best friends since I moved to SunnyDale when I was 15.it seems so long ago now. We've been through so much together.He even undrowned me once. The idea of losing him forever makes me so scared.I want to throw up.
I take a deep breath and feel for a pulse on him. I panic when I can't feel anything.then its there. Very faint.but he has a pulse. All is not lost yet. He's just unconscious and bleeding heavily. But he's still alive. Thing is; he won't be for much longer. "Hang on Xand." I tell him. "Just hold on for me, okay?"
I get no response. What did I expect? I mean, he's not exactly conscious at the moment, so he probably can't even hear me. My eyes begin to tear up and I start to shake. I don't want to lose him. I can't lose him. I refuse to lose him. Please.don't let me lose him.
"Xander." I plead with him, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the PTBs might bend the rules a little and fix him. He *was* fighting for their side after all. Of course nothing happens and I grab his shoulders and give him a light, desperate shake. "Xander.Please wake up. I need you. Will needs you. Anya.she needs you too. We all do." I'm starting to really lose it now.I can feel the hysteria building up inside me. "Xander! Please! Please.just don't die! Please!" I yell at him. He still doesn't move or make any sound. "Xander!" And now I've lost it. The tears cascade down my face and I sob uncontrollably.
I don't care about fighting the goddamn good fight anymore. The demons and bad guys can do whatever they want to me now.I don't care. Not if Xander doesn't make it. Not if I lose my best friend. Whatever's going on around me can wait 'cos I am *not* leaving his side. Not now and not ever. I can't risk it. If he isn't dead now, he will be if I leave him alone and defenceless.
I jump and swallow my cries at the gentle touch on my shoulder. I look up to see Spike. "How bad is it, Luv?" he asks tentatively, motioning at Xander's limp body.
I shake my head. I can't seem to find my voice anymore. I try to clear my throat and end up sobbing all over again. Spike squats down beside me and pulls me against his chest. I bawl my eyes out into his shirt, but he doesn't seem to mind. He just holds me close and rubs my back, muttering reassurances every so often.
I pull away and wipe at my eyes, slightly ashamed at showing Spike just how vulnerable I really am. I try once again to clear my throat and start to talk. My voice comes out cracked and strained. "He.he's still alive.but only just."
"I know, Pet." He informs me gently. "His pulse is quite faint."
I look into Spike's big blue eyes and, for a split second, note how soulful they are. (Which is ridiculous 'cos Spike doesn't have a soul.) I implore his caring gaze with my own teary one. "H-he's gonna make it, right?" I ask softly.
If Spike is unsure, he sure doesn't show it. He just pulls me back into his embrace and whispers, "I know he will, luv."
It sounds so strange, but this is what I need right now. Just to be held like a five year old and told that everything's gonna work out. I sigh against Spike's chest and nuzzle against him. I don't want to move, but I know I have to. I pull away once more.
"I have to go fight, don't I?" I ask.
Spike nods slowly. "Yes, Luv, you do." He replies. "I'll watch the whelp if you like. Its just that.I can't fight the human ones, y'know, with this soddin' chip in my head.So the ringleaders at the moment are kinda outta my league if you know what I'm sayin'."
I manage a dim smile. "Well, I'll just have to go in there and give 'em a double whammy. So its like we've both had our turns."
"That's my girl." He says. I stand up and dust myself off.
I give him one last glance as I exit. "Wish me demons.I mean, *lawyers*."
"Same dif!" I hear him call after me. "'Cept I can't hit the lawyers!"
The first beast charges at me and I dodge it, allowing it to run straight into the wall behind me. Some creatures are all brawn and no brain. Literally. This thing seemed to have no brain. In fact, it didn't even have a head. Just a snout full of razor sharp teeth protruding out of its furry stump of a body. The 7 legs kinda got to me though. It was like a sick and demented spider.with teeth.
I don't even bat an eyelid at the sound it makes when it collides with the wall. Instead I have one thing on my mind: Kill the sons of bitches that hired the help that hurt my best friend.
"You know.You people just don't get it." I say, suddenly full of rage. I start shoving bad guys out of my way as I head to the big bads of this operation. "You don't seem to understand that no matter what you do, *we're* always going to win." I shove another demon aside and it creates a domino effect. From the corner of my eye I see another 5 go down. "You don't know what you're dealing with here. Face it. We're more than you can handle. So you can go away now, with your many demonic tails between your legs, or you can stay and get slaughtered. It's your call really."
"Now, I'm kinda hoping they'll choose the slaughter option." Another voice breaks in. I smile a little. Angel is back and ready to party. I look up at him when he reaches my side. He looks back down at me, his face grave. "Xander." He prompts. "Is he.Willow said."
I manage another tiny smile. "He's alive.just."
"Buffy." He says quietly ".Are you-"
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. "I'm fine. Xander, on the other hand, isn't." Unfortunately, that came out a bit harsher than I intended. I look up at him slightly apologetically. "Look Angel. Small talk comes later. Right now I've got some demon ass to kick."
A wry grin crawls onto his face. "Mind if I join you?"
His grin is a little infectious. "My pleasure." I find myself responding.
Together we fight side by side and I almost miss the good ol' days. Almost. He and Spike are so different.but they've got so much in common too. Not just the vampire thing. Or the falling in love with a slayer.there's so much more. Angel will always be my first love.the man that brought me into womanhood.in more than one way. He didn't just make love to me.he taught me so much about the world and the people in it.
But Spike brought me to life.I mean *real* life. He didn't want to me to be someone I wasn't. He would just sit and let me rant and take all my crap out on him. And he didn't falter or get uncomfortable. Angel would argue with me. He'd try to be the voice of reason and would make everything about him somehow. But Spike.he knows how to handle me.
"I remember a time when this was an *us* thing." Angel pants, reminiscing like I have been.
I smile back at him before lobbing the head off yet another vampire. "Me too."
I hear him chuckle a little and finish off one of his opponents. "Now it's a you and Spike thing, right?" He half asks.
"Angel," I reply sternly, not taking my eyes of the black fuzzy thing in front of me. "Now is not the time to-"
"-That's not what I meant." He insists, suddenly standing in front of me, sword raised. "Duck." I do as I'm told and he brings the blade down, killing the other fuzzy demon behind me. He pauses and looks at me seriously. "I just.hope he's pulling his weight, y'know. Taking care of you."
I smile in wonder as he turns to rejoin the fight. "He is.And Angel?" He turns to face me again. "Thank you. For everything."
He looks confused. "Buffy.I didn't-"
"-You've done more for me than you'll ever know. So thank you."
Although he still looks confused, he nods. He pauses for a second then smiles. "Now.what do you say we go after Lilah and Co. once and for all?"
"I thought you'd never ask." I reply with a smile of my own. Then we go in for the kill.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"God.Look at this mess would you?" Cordelia hollers, making her way across the lobby floor. There are demon carcasses strewn all over the place, things have been smashed into trillions of pieces, there are huge gaping holes in the walls and it looks as if 20 bombs have gone off. She walks over to what is left of her desk and sighs. "Well. I *have* been nagging at Angel to redecorate for a while .Guess he can't avoid it now."
Angel manages a small smile as he limps up beside me, nuzzling Connor against his chest like a lifeline. "Unfortunately, I think she has a point."
Lindsey and Spike hobble over to the reassembling group, supporting a now conscious and all patched up Xander between them. I look at Lindsey and he smiles at me, allowing his gaze to travel towards Cordelia. He looks her over, allowing his concern to show.
Before he can say anything to her, I walk over and take his place holding Xander up. "Go on." I tell him. "You know you wanna."
His eyes light up and he smiles gratefully. "Thank you." He says. I nod to let him know that I understand the true depth of his gratitude. I watch as he limps over to Cordy and pulls her into his arms. She smiles up at him and looks all of his visible wounds over carefully. I look away and find a familiar icy blue pair of eyes inspecting me.
"I'm fine Spike," I say gently.
"Just checkin' pet." He responds.
Xander rolls his eyes and makes a gagging noise. "Spare me." He pleads. Laughing, Spike and I help him onto a seat that's *not* covered in any dead bodies, and only has minimal slime. Anya walks over and starts to fuss over him as well.
"Well.we won.*again*." Gunn says happily, also making his way over.
Wesley smiles. "For now." He informs us. "I can't help but worry that they will be back in business in a couple of years.After all, they *do* harbour offices in other dimensions."
"Wes." Angel warns lightly. ".We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Until then.you've got all those nice books to play with and-"
"There is no use patronising me Angel." Wes jokes back. Then he gets serious again. "But we cannot dismiss the notion that they might return."
Gunn pats his friend on the back. "We know Wes.but for now you gotta sit back, relax and enjoy our victory."
The ex-Watcher breaks into a huge grin. "Quite." He says, then takes a longer look around the room. "But can we do that *after* we dispose of this.er." He pokes at one of the demons lying before him, ".disarray?"
"I think." Angel says, moving past Lilah's unconscious (not dead.yet) form. "That's a pretty good idea." He glances up at us, a smirk playing on his features. "But I'm *not* moving the bodies or cleaning up the slime or-"
"Excuse me?" Cordy cuts in, total disbelief fuelling her voice. "What *are* you doing then?"
Angel shuffles his feet. "I.I was gonna.I mean.Maybe.I just thought I could- "
"You thought you could leave the hard work to everyone else.Like say; The completely exhausted, the injured, the *pregnant*." She hisses. "I hate to tell you, but exposing me to the industrial strength chemicals may not be the best idea right now.and all the blood and guts aren't the best help either.I mean, I've been throwing up enough lately, thank you very much. And need I remind you-"
"No Cordelia." Angel sighs, "I get the point. I will not leave all the hard, messy work for everyone else. I *also* get the hint with the 'not getting you to do too much hard work for the next few months' thing as well." He rushes before she can speak again. She smiles triumphantly. He sets his stare on Lindsey. "You'll probably hear this a lot from her in a few months, but you're gonna pay for doing this to her. I've lost.I mean.*Angel Investigations* has lost one of its' best fighters.and probably its' seer for the next 7 months or so." He smiles at Cordelia and Lindsey collectively, to let them know that he's not being overly serious and looks down at the sleeping child in his arms. "But it'll be worth it. You'll see."
Lindsey smiles back at him broadly, and snakes his arm around Cordy's soon- to-expand waist, pulling her even tighter into his embrace. "Thanks." He says genuinely. Cordelia nods her agreement and snuggles up next to her beau.
Angel looks at the woman he's probably still in love with and smiles somewhat sadly.
That's it.Time for someone to change the topic while nobody's in tears yet. "Hey." I find myself chirping. (I *chirp*? Since when do I *chirp*?) "Are we gonna start cleaning soon or are the bodies gonna throw themselves out?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Okey dokey.I'm all done." I say brightly, dusting off my clothes as if the action will somehow prove it. "No more blood and guts for me."
Gunn and Spike saunter over to join me. "Or us." Gunn informs us. "We're finished as well."
Not long later, everyone is once again assembled in the lobby. The place is looking a lot more like a hotel. A hotel after an earthquake, yes, but still a hotel (as opposed to the demonic nuclear bomb testing site it resembled before).
"So." Willow says, taking a seat on the now clean couch (which is all credit to yours truly), ".We can party now?"
Wes is nodding and about to reply when Angel cuts in. "Not just yet." He says. We all turn to look at him a little cranky (or, in my case, a LOT cranky). He looks at Cordelia, "We've still got one more piece of business to attend to."
She raises an eyebrow. "And that would be?"
"Oracles.You and I.We have to find out about the effects of your visions, remember?" Angel replies softly, obviously afraid he's treading on thin ice.
She nods, but says, "Can't we party first? Go out to dinner and celebrate everything and *then* go to the Oracles?" He looks at her seriously for a second, and she bats her big lashes at him. "Come on Angel.We deserve a break for a little while.Please."
He sighs and puts his hands up in defeat. "Okay.You win. We party.but *then* we go find out about the visions. Got it?"
Cordelia nods again, this time eagerly. We wait in silence for a few seconds and she speaks up again. "So," she begins, "Where are we gonna eat?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Promise me you'll call." The brunette instructs, throwing her arms around my neck.
"Cross my heart." I smile. "And promise me that *you'll* call too."
Cordelia smiles and pulls away. "Definitely."
We're all standing outside the Hyperion, piling our luggage back into the cars. The Fang Gang is farewelling us, and it's like the end of a big family reunion. It's amazing how close I've become with Cordelia. And with Angel. It's all so different now. Everything has changed.but not in a bad way. 4 to 5 years ago I'd never *ever* have seen this coming. Any of it. But here we are and it's not uncomfortable. It's actually quite sad to leave this time.
"If you don't keep me up-to-date with all the LA non-demony news." I warn playfully, ".I'm gonna drive all the way back here to kick your butt."
She laughs. "And if *you* don't keep *me* up-to-date with all the SunnyDale non-hellmouthy news, I'll do the same to you."
"Fair enough." I chuckle.
Spike walks up beside me and loops his arm around my shoulders. "And cheerleader, feel free to bring the Lawyer and the pint sized one, when it finally arrives, to good ol' SunnyHell for a visit." He tells her. I lean against his chest and nod my approval.
"We've got the room." I insist.
Cordelia nods. "And, hey, if you ever want to visit us, you're totally welcome." She looks towards the curb, where everyone else has already started getting into cars, "That goes for every one of you!" She calls.
Angel looks up and over at us, "I've already told them that." He states, and then turns back to saying goodbye to Willow. Cordelia pulls me back into a bear hug.
"Thank you.for everything." She whispers.
"Hey.No problem." I murmur in reply, once again pulling away to look her in the eye seriously. "Anytime you need anything.you know who to call."
"Yeah.Ghostbusters." Lindsey jokes, walking over and taking his girl into his arms.
She hits him on the arm looking unimpressed. "That's not funny." She states. "You've gotta avoid making comments like that.otherwise Dennis won't let you into my apartment.and even if he does, say goodbye to the sex.Believe me, he really does know how to ruin the mood."
Lindsey laughs. "I get it. No more ghost extermination jokes." He looks down at her and winks. "Forgive me?"
She kisses him. "I'll try." She responds, her eyes shining with laughter.
Spike coughs pointedly. "Get a room."
"We will once you're gone." Comes Cordy's snarky retort.
We all chuckle and walk down the steps to the sidewalk. The moon shines down on us and it reminds me of countless 'goodbye' scenes from cheesy old movies. I give each member of the AI team one last squeeze and hop into the car. As we pull away from the curb, I look in the rear-view mirror to see everyone, bar Angel (due to his lack of reflection), waving us off.
It was an interesting trip to say the least. But I'll have a lot to tell Dawn and Giles at any rate. Angel and Connor.Cordy, Lindsey and an up coming baby.Their futures all seem so promising.I can only wonder what lies in the future for me.
It's not like I can see myself as a mom.especially if I'm with a dead guy. Of course I can always adopt, but Social Services would never let me. God.it's all so hard. Hmm. You know what? I shouldn't be looking to the future. I mean, at the moment I have Spike, a bunch of close friends, a sister and a father-figure that all love and care for me. I don't have to care about the future when I've got the present.
With that in mind, I smile. No matter what happens, as long as I've got these guys, I know I'll be content. I can only hope that everything goes well for the AI gang and that they'll be just as happy, if not happier. After all, they really do deserve it.
********************************
A/N(again)- Well.Buffy's gone. Told ya I'd get rid of her. Pity I let Spike go with her.he's mine! Lol.Okay.so maybe he's not.but I can still dream, right? ^_^ Anyway.what'd you think of the chapter? I know the end scene was crappy (especially the last bit in the car with her inner monologue.bleck). I just lost inspiration for it. If you've got any suggestions, any at all, please feel free to let me know. ^_^ I'm always open to ideas. Well.I'll let you go with one last plead for reviews. PLEASE GIVE ME THE FEEDBACK! I *need* the response from you, I really, really do.
Thanks once more.
*Insane1*