Waking Up From the Past
Chapter 3: There's No Place Like ...
by Hollywood Phoenix
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Cordelia's place, January 22, 2002
She figured it would take him five minutes to get to her door. Knowing the lengths he would go to break every natural and man-created law to arrive just in time, she had it estimated to the second. After all, traffic officers seemed to magically not exist when emergency situations called for a little hero zipping around town.
But she was wrong.
Because it took him less than three.
Sprawled on the floor still, but in a different position directly in front of the phone, Cordelia heard his car drive up in front of her building, imagined him not bothering with the car door and leaping over the passenger seat, listened to the increasingly loud and frantic sounds of his footfalls pounding on the pavement. Then there was only an insistent banging on the door.
She didn't know whether she should be highly amused that she had him pegged so well or highly annoyed for the exact same reason.
She decided to be pissed off.
Before she could un-invite his unwelcome body, the door was flung open by the invisible hand she was no longer speaking to. Immediately, he was at her side, disentangling her legs from the phone cord and lifting her easily in his arms.
"What happened?" Angel asked, obviously relieved that she wasn't being maimed or mauled by some evil demon.
She glared at him first, and then at the air. "Nothing, " she replied bitingly. "The phone and I just weren't agreeing with each other."
Taking in her messy hair, puffy eyes, and the fact that her towel was barely covering her thighs, he decided not to comment. He gently deposited her upright on the floor and averted his eyes.
But not before the towel started to fall.
She made a grab for it, under his startled gaze and hanging jaw, nearly sobbing a laugh out loud. How on earth had it managed to stay wrapped for hours when it didn't matter and then suddenly unravel when it did?
This just wasn't her day.
Holding one hand tightly on the edges in front of her, she shoved him towards the door with the other.
"Get out!" she ordered impetuously.
Seeing her angrier than she had ever been, he almost complied. Then, remembering his practiced lecture and fears, he stiffened his resolve and crossed his arms, not saying anything.
She stared up at his stubborn face and almost forgave him for everything she was feeling.
Huffing, she turned on her heel, headed into her bedroom, and slammed the door so hard, the walls jarred.
Angel looked up into the air and grinned. "Rough night, huh?"
A light flickered in response.
***
The Hyperion Hotel, January 23, 2002
Fred was tip-toeing around the hotel lobby, balancing a book on top of her head. Gunn was playing with one of the sabres they had acquired from a warrior demon earlier that week. Wesley was still walking around with his open book, researching about demons they had yet to encounter. He didn't understand why no one else was taking this preparation time between cases seriously.
When a tall blonde women pushed her way into the hotel in the dead of night, they finally looked up.
"Kate." all three of them said at once. All with different tones in their voices.
Wesley was the first to come around to greet her. "How are you?" he greeted cordially, as Gunn stared at the weapon in his hand with fascination and Fred took everything in. He gestured to the seat in the middle of the lobby. "Have a seat, why don't you?"
Kate didn't move from her position at the counter. "I'm fine standing," she replied curtly. Shifting one foot uncomfortably, she stuck her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket. "I take it you know me as well."
Wesley was taken aback for a moment. "Why, yes," he responded, frowning. He turned and looked questioningly at Gunn. "Gunn and I both do." Turning towards Fred, he added with a forced enthusiasm, "But you haven't met Fred here. Or the other newest additions to Angel Inves-".
"So you guys investigate weird happenings, right?" Kate cut in. "I found a card in your truck," she explained, looking at Gunn, "and kept it. I've been asking around... and you guys apparently deal with all sorts of strange stuff. Things that can't be explained." Everyone heard the underlying panic in her voice.
"Of course," Wesley reassured her, steering her towards the center lobby seat. Her back still stiff, she sat down on the sofa and he sat beside her. For a long moment, the four remained silent. Wanting to clear his conscience, Gunn broke in.
"Wes," he started, "Fred and I saw her earlier today." Wesley looked up at him, curiously. Gunn looked at her and continued, "She didn't seem to remember things about her life. Like who I am, who Angel and Cordy or you are, not even where she lived."
"Is that true?" Wesley asked her gently. Kate was staring straight ahead, not focusing on anything.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Last night, I was on the trail of a serial killer in Vegas. All of a sudden, there was this wave and I woke up in the dead of night in a park in L.A. When I got back home, I found myself unable to unlock my front door and get into my apartment." She paused to take a deep breath. The three other people waited patiently until she continued.
"So I went back to the precinct, thinking that I must have caught the guy or something. Only, I find that I'm not a cop anymore. My old friends don't want to talk to me and my dad's dead. That was when I found out what day, what year it was. The last date that I remember is November 18, 1998. Well, I thought I was going crazy, so I went a bit overboard and got a little drunk, thinking I'd just wake up. But it wasn't helping and I thought I'd grab some coffee to sober up. That's when I saw you guys." She leaned forward a bit and covered her face with her hands, "I don't remember anything that happened since November 18, 1998. I'm not just missing a day or a few months. I'm missing years." She broke off, a rarely seen scared expression on her face. "What's happening here? What's happened to me?"
Fred's heart went out to her while she listened to Kate's story. It was triggering memories of when she had first arrived in Pylea, and how frightened and alone she felt. And she could relate to missing out on several years of her life. She watched as Gunn and Wesley exchanged silent glances. Seeing that they didn't have any idea how to begin helping her, much less comfort her, she pushed forward and sat down on the other side of the blonde woman. "We don't know yet." she said softly. Then jutting her chin out, she finished confidently, "But we're going to help you find out."
***
Cordelia's place, January 22, 2002
An hour and a half later, and Cordy still hadn't emerged from her room.
Angel sprang up from her sofa and started pacing around the living room impatiently. He hadn't heard a peep from her since she had slammed the door of her room in his face, but he could hear the normal beating of her heart, so he figured she was still alright. Besides, he didn't exactly look forward to ticking her off again. He knew that if he tried knocking on her door, he would do just that. And leaving her alone again was not an option.
So, he would have to figure out another way to pass the time.
"Dennis," he called out nonchalently. "How've you been?"
Silence ensued.
Angel let his shoulders fall. "I know, probably not the best entrance to make tonight. But I heard the crash. How did I know you guys were just fighting for the phone?"
The light flickered. Angel took it as a sign of progression.
"I know her visions are hurting her again. Is she back on the medication?" he asked. The lights flickered once in response.
Dennis picked up a pen and piece of paper and started writing a message.
"Her visions are making her float." Angel read, as the words were formed. He looked up. "You mean, floating in mid-air?" The lights flickered once.
Suddenly the door opened, and Cordy appeared in the doorway. Judging from the expression on her face, she still was displeased. Her hair was pushed back into a short ponytail, with wisps dangling on the back of her neck, and she was wearing a baggy sweatshirt and jeans. Lately, this was becoming her costume of choice.
"Cordy," he said, getting up. He went for the firm approach. "You need to pack some things. You're staying with me for the next while."
She looked at him and glared. If looks could kill, he'd be dust. "I'm not going with you." she said stubbornly. "Besides I'm not even packed yet."
A packed overnight bag floated in front of her nose and dropped to the floor with a thud. Angel grinned as the annoyance and slight betrayal flittered across Cordy's face.
"Argh!" she just exclaimed, throwing her hands up. "Why do I even bother?" Stomping, she retrieved her coat as Angel picked up her bag. He held the door for her on the way out. She sailed out of her apartment without saying goodbye to her roommate.
Angel glanced back at the air and smiled, "Thanks, Dennis. Trust me, I'll take care of her."
As the door closed behind him, he could have sworn that he heard, "I know," answered back.
***
The Hyperion Hotel, January 22, 2002
When they got back to the hotel, the first thing that Cordelia did was stomp upstairs, lugging her bag with her. Angel followed her into the hotel silently. No one was in the lobby except Gunn.
Gunn opened his mouth first. "Bro, see you're losing your coolness in your old age," he snickered a bit.
Angel gritted his teeth in frustration, "I don't think anyone can be cool around her."
Gunn smiled in sympathy. Angel looked around, noticing Fred and Wesley poring over books in his office. He detected another heartbeat. "Who's here? What's everyone doing?"
"We got a case." Gunn replied.
"With?" he asked the vampire hunter curiously.
"Kate." Gunn answered him.
At the sound of her name, Kate suddenly appeared in the lobby. Hearing their voices, Fred and Wesley had come out of the office as well. When he noticed the blonde woman, Angel gave a quick smile and walked closer to her. She made no effort to move closer to him.
"So, you know me too." she said. Angel noticed the peculiar way she was looking at him, plus the way she didn't ask it, but just stated it. Giving him an unguarded, appraising look, she continued, "You seem vaguely familiar, like someone I might have met in a club. Did we...?"
Three heads swiveled his way in curiosity. Angel fought the urge to squirm under the uncomfortable microscope. He opened his mouth to answer, but a faint scent of lavender made him turn around. Cordelia had come down the stairs and had apparently heard that last question. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Angel recognized the look on her face. He had only seen it one other time, and she had just learned that he'd spawned a miracle.
"No!" he exclaimed, desperately trying to wipe the look off his Seer's face. He turned back to Kate and said a little more calmly. "We're just friends."
Kate shrugged and crossed her arms. "So I really am alone. Tell me what kind of nightmare do I live in?" she muttered under her breath. Cordy smirked and rolled her eyes.
"Well I guess it's time we let you in on the case details," Wesley stepped in. He relayed to Cordelia and Angel what Kate had mentioned earlier. "Fred and I have gone over the books and we figure that her consciousness from three years ago must have swapped with the one from now. Luckily, we discovered a spell for this quite easily, so all we have to do is perform it on her." he concluded, holding up a thick book.
"How come everything can be solved with a magic spell?" Cordelia suddenly complained, with a little disbelief. Kate looked at her, alarmed.
"So you don't think it'll work?" she questioned. "Look, I don't believe in these things, like magic and demon spells, whatever. Maybe you should keep looking for another way." She turned to Gunn, "What do you think?"
Surprised, Gunn gave a tiny shrug, "Don't look at me. I'm the action man. Magic mumbo-jumbo's not my usual department." At Wesley's clenched jaw, he added quickly, "But I believe what I see. And I've seen enough of this to make me a true believer." Gunn whirled around towards Fred. She gave him a sympathetic smile.
Wesley let out an exasperated sigh, as everyone else remained mute. "Kate, this is the only way. Trust me, we've had a lot of practice solving these types of problems before." He said reassuringly, while sending Cordelia a glare.
"I didn't mean that it wouldn't work." Cordelia sniffed, defensively. "I just meant that we always resolve problems with magic spells. Or a whoosh-whoosh-kill, now the demon's dead? Nothing seems to be all that difficult or long. Don't get me wrong, I have a hard enough time figuring out or even listening to these solutions but it always seems like there's an obvious and simple explanation to everything and it's all wrapped up neatly."
"Like with a little red bow?" Fred offered helpfully. "Or with those pretty little ribbons that you curl? I always wondered the same thing."
Seeing the look of bewilderment on the three male faces, Cordelia backpedaled. "But, not to say that it's a bad thing. I mean, great, solve everything with a little twirl of your hand and some funny words. Okay, my bad. Next?"
"Well, we're going to have to bring Kate back to the same spot she was in when she first arrived in this time period." Wesley said, clearing his throat. "She described it to us earlier while you two were still out; it's the one on Baker Street ---."
"Really?" Cordelia broke in, with a half smile. "I'm having a vision right now... we have to save two kids from these demons in that same park."
"Well, if that's not a sign..." Wesley said triumphantly, shooting a pointed look at Kate. Kate was staring at Cordelia with an "are you insane?" look on her face.
"What are the demons like?" Angel asked Cordy quietly.
"There are two of them. They're big and furry..." she said to him, squinting her eyes a bit in concentration. "... and probably haven't bathed in years. And they're doing some weird ritual?" Suddenly she grimaced in horror, "Oh, yuck, I think they're doing some mating thing. I can't believe I had to see that." She put both hands on her head, "Well what are you guys waiting for? Chop chop, or that's what those kids are going to look like if you don't hurry."
In response, Fred, Gunn, Wesley and Kate started to head out of the hotel. Cordelia noticed Angel's concerned face. "They're not going to be able to handle these demons without you. So go."
Angel took hold of her elbow. "You're coming too."
She moved her arm loose, "I'm not the one in trouble. So you can go."
Angel shook his head vehemently, "If you think I'm going to leave you alone, knowing that these visions are giving you trouble, hurting you..."
Cordelia got a sinking feeling. How did he find out about that? "But this one wasn't trouble. I'm not hurt now." she insisted.
"Maybe not, but I don't want to risk you getting another one that does and me not being there to help you." Angel said to her.
"Look, I'm not some spoiled rich kid who's just playing games here." she snapped at him. He stared at her, startled.
"What? Where did that come from?" he questioned her fiercely.
She looked up and saw the hurt on his face. Sighing, she gave up the fight and started walking towards the door. "Never mind." she muttered. "Let's just go help the others."
Angel gaped at her for a brief moment before following her to join the others.
***
The park on Baker Street, January 23, 2002
When they got to the park, the others had already located the two teenage kids and had their hands full with getting rid of the demons. The creatures were just as Cordelia had described, and judging from their smell, her assessment about their bathing habits was probably right. All this made it all the more difficult to defeat them. But with the addition of Angel and his battle-axe, one of the demons was soon lying motionless on the ground.
As soon as the other demon realized its mate was dead, it took off.
Wesley gave the others a wicked grin. "This one's mine." And he sped away in pursuit of the runaway demon.
Fred looked at the two kids, huddled at the base of a tree. "I guess we can take the kids home." Fred said, looking at Gunn. He nodded and together, they prodded the kids to leave with them.
"Well," Angel said, as he dropped his axe and picked up the thick book Wesley had brought with him. "I guess this means that I'll do the spell." He turned to Kate. "We probably need you to stand in the exact same spot you were in when you first came to in this time period."
Kate looked around, furrowing her brows. "There." she said, pointing between a clump of willowy trees. The remaining three headed towards the clump.
Cordy stood to one side, as Kate took her position. Angel read the incantation. Nothing happened.
Kate looked at Angel. "Maybe I read it wrong." he said with a frown. He repeated it. Still nothing happened.
Kate gave a sigh of frustration. "I should have known!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe I resorted to something like this." She stepped towards Cordelia. "Forget this. I'm finding some other, more sane approach."
It was at that moment the demon that got away leaped towards them.
With fangs baring, it landed right in front of Angel and knocked him over. The book went flying out of his hands. As Cordy watched in horror, it started ripping at his jacket.
"Hey!" a voice said behind her. Cordy looked up to see Kate wielding the axe. As the demon got up to face her, Kate quickly charged it. She lifted the axe and swung at the demon. As it sliced through its arm, the demon gave a pained screech. Surprised at the sudden high-pitched noise, Kate let the axe drop. The demon took its chance and with its good arm, slashed at her.
Suddenly, Cordelia saw Angel hugging her in a cemetery in Sunnydale. She watched as she fought him and ran away. Then she saw Faith straddling Angel, with a stake in her hand. She realized that she was bombarded with a new vision, and this time, her head was pounding again.
"No!" Cordelia screamed in terror. As her consciousness faded into oblivion, she saw one last image. It was that of Kate falling lifeless to the ground.
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A/N: I realized how long I was taking in getting to the real meat of the story! I really do want to get this done by end of this season. ;) So if this is abrupt and not written as well as the previous chapters, sorry. I'll clean it up when I get the chance but yay! Next chapter, the plot unfolds and we get to the interesting more character-driven stuff.
Disclaimers: Not mine.
(c) March 24, 2002
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