Part 4

Willow was walking by the front desk when the phone rang, "Angel Investigations, How may I help you?"

"Willow? Is that you?"

"Sue!"

"Can you talk?"

Willow looked around the lobby and saw Cordelia and Gunn trying to pretend they weren't listening.

"Nope, But I talked to the professor before I left."

"People are standing near by?"

"Yeah, you're right about that."

"Okay, I tried your cell earlier but couldn't get through. I'll call you on it in fifteen minutes. Is that enough time?"

"Okay. Maybe if you try later it'll work. Tell everyone hi for me."

"Friend of yours, Red?"

"Yeah, but her cell kept cutting out so she'll have to call later." Willow glanced at her watch. "I'm kinda hungry. I think I'll make a deli run. Do you guys want anything?"

Willow wrote down everyone's order and went upstairs to grab her purse and cell phone. She was curious as to what Sue wanted to talk to her about and not in front of the others.

Willow made her way to a nearby park and sat under a tree. As soon as she got comfortable her cell rang, "Hello?"

"Hi, Willow. Can you talk now?"

"Yep, I'm making a run for food. Is everything alright?"

"Not really. There have been occurrences happening the past couple of days. Apocalyptic occurrences. That's why I called. I wanted to warn you that the time might be closer than even the Council thought. The last sign will be increase activity on the Hellmouths. As far as I know that hasn't happened yet."

"So it has begun. Wesley told me that Astrote would be accompanying Docunde. Do you think I am ready for this fight?"

"I wouldn't have allowed you to be dragged into this if I wasn't sure. The goddess sent me a vision before we met with the Council. In it you were fighting a force I couldn't see but there was a dark haired man alongside you. I can only assume that it's Angel. You were drawing on his strengths. The goddess didn't reveal the outcome but she said she was most pleased with her 'Special Child'. I took that to mean that even though you will be in grave danger the outcome would be positive."

"Give all my love to the others. I will call before I do the bonding ritual so you will have plenty of time to prepare."

"Be very careful, Willow. You know we are always with you in spirit."

"I know. You've helped me more than I can ever say."

Willow gathered the food from the deli and returned to the Hyperion. "Food's here."

Cordy, Fred, Gunn and Wesley stopped what they were doing and helped Willow unload the bags. Angel came out of the kitchen with his mug of blood when he heard Willow return.

Willow turned to greet Angel when the room spun and a sharp pain filled her body. With a cry she went down.

Cordelia looked over when she heard Willow cry out. Before she could reach her, a sharp pain filled her body and she gave a cry before she went down, too.

Angel dropped his mug the instant he saw Willow turn white and her eyes turn up. He didn't quite reach her in time to stop her fall but he was able to break it. He cradled her and whispered for her to wake up.

Wesley grabbed the Seer before her head hit the ground. He embraced her and gently caressed her face.

"What's happening?" Fred asked. "That's never happened to Cordy before."

Gunn enveloped the small woman in a comforting embrace, "I don't know, baby." He turned to Angel, "Are they alright?"

"I can hear their heartbeats. They're a little rapid but strong."

Cordelia opened her eyes and with a trembling smile she looked up at Wes.

"Was it a vision?"

"Yeah, but I don't understand it. I saw a kind, elderly man with glasses talking to someone but I couldn't see who. I didn't see any demons or anything. But my entire body filled with pain. I haven't felt like that since the headaches went away." She turned her head and saw that Willow was still unconscious. "Willow. Is she alright?"

Angel had picked Willow up in his arms and held her in his lap. He gently caressed her face.

Willow blinked a few times before opening her eyes, "Angel?"

"I'm here."

"It's begun. Call Giles or Buffy to see if the Hellmouth has gotten worse. I think Docunde and Astrote have been brought into our realm."

"In a minute. God, you scared me." Angel leaned in and settled his head in the crook of her neck.

Willow wrapped her arms around Angel and they just sat there holding each other for a minute. Angel brought his head up and looked into Willow's eyes, "What happened?"

"I think the shock of the hell god and his high lord coming into this realm affected me. I felt the Earth's pain as if it were my own. It's going to be bad, Angel. I think with the increase of demon activity we'll be attacked on both fronts. Both from the demons and Doc."

~~~~

Lilah noticed two men standing off to the side as she entered the large boardroom. She glanced at the smaller of the two and quickly dismissed him. He was a small, older gentleman with a kind and befuddled look to him. Lilah thought he must be the assistant to Docunde. Her eyes traveled to the other man standing just to the left of the first.

He was tall with dark hair that reached his shoulders. As Lilah got closer she noticed that his eyes were dark but with lights swirling in their depths.  They were definitely not human eyes. His demeanor commanded the attention of the entire room. He hadn't spoken but all eyes seemed to drift his way. This must be Docunde, Lilah thought as she took her seat.

"If everyone would take a seat, we'll get started." After everyone settled in their seats the CEO of Wolfram and Hart continued, "As you know there has been an unsuccessful campaign against Angel."

Most eyes turned toward Lilah who sat calmly and ignored them.

"Not long ago a psychic came to us with a vision that a powerful witch would soon join forces with Angel. We can't afford that to happen so it was decided to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. We have joined forces with two very powerful beings hoping that each of us will be able to help the other with our respective problems. The final details haven't all been worked out yet but I believe Doc will be able to explain it better than I can." He motioned for Doc to take his place at the head of the table.

All eyes that had turned to the tall man at the mention of Doc became confused when it was the kind, older gentleman that stood.

That was Doc? Lilah thought. This small man was a hell god capable of defeating Angel and beginning the apocalypse? She knew not to judge a book by its cover but this was ridiculous. He looked like a stiff wind could knock him down.

Doc smiled as he looked around the room. He always chose this look whenever he left his realm.  Humans always overlooked those that didn't look threatening. It wasn't until it was too late that they saw him for what he was.

~~~~

Angel hung up the phone with Giles and turned to the group, "It seems that the activity around the Hellmouth has definitely gotten worse."

Fred looked up from the computer, "There are reports of increases in demonic activity all over the world. Not just at all the Hellmouths, either. We need to be prepared for an increase here as well."

Just then the doors to the hotel lobby opened, "Sweet cakes, there are things happening all over this town."

Willow turned to Angel with a smirk, "Sweet cakes?"

Angel rolled his eyes, "Don't ask and don't think of ever telling Xander about it, either."

"Well, I guess it's better than Dead Boy."

"So, are you going to introduce me to your pretty friend?"

"Sorry, Lorne, this is Willow."

"Oh, this is Willow! Well, I can understand now why he was so jumpy when he knew you were coming."