Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be.

Author's Note: Whistler has been the most intriguing character I have written yet. At least he didn't demand too much. Unlike some other characters I can name (glares at Methos).

Author's Note 2: I am not in control. The Muses are.

Author's Note 3: Feedback, ideas, advise, compliments, whatever, are greatly appreciated, and are being saved on my computer.

Twilight Unicorn: The Vampiric Unicorn (who is starting to wonder if she has a Multiple-Muse disorder (if such a thing's possible))


Part 12

"WHAT!"

Whistler winced. He hadn't thought that a female voice could go so high. Apparently he was wrong. In his distraction, he did not notice the vampire move. But knew he had, when he found himself hanging by the lapels of his jacket, gazing into blazing yellow eyes. His feet were at LEAST two to three feet off the ground.

"Explain yourself," Angel hissed with death in his voice.

"Put me down, and I'll explain," Whistler said in annoyance. He hated it when Warriors got all protective, and wouldn't believe what was told them. He was also tired of getting thrown about and threatened by said Warriors.

Once back on the ground, he adjusted his coat and hat, then said in frustration, as he dusted imaginary lint off his coat sleeves, "You two are a number. You know that?"

This time it was Buffy who spoke, as she crossed her arms, "Get to the point, Whistler. Or I might rip out your rib cage...like I promised three years ago."

Whistler gave Buffy a sly look, before he said, "You sure are a feisty one. I can see why the Higher Powers chose ya." At Angel's warning growl -- once again wearing his human face --, and the sudden narrowing of the Slayer's eyes, he said, "Alright. Alright. The Powers That Be decided to give you guys a break, and give you a reward for all the stuff you've done. They found a way to do that when those monks made the Key mortal. They took the essences of both of ya, and combined it into one entity: Dawn there."

"You're lying," Buffy stated angrily.

"I'm not, and I'm also supposed to tell you guys somethin' else too." Whistler said, as he pulled out a piece of paper from his jacket. "Angel you remember what that one Morha demon told you that one time? Somethin' about you two being together are powerful, and separate being dead?"

Whistler looked up to see Angel very still, standing ram-rod straight. His eyes were wide and unfocused, and he was not even pretending to breath. If it were possible for vampires to be even paler than they already were, Angel succeeded.

"Apparently," Whistler continued, "the Powers That Be want you two back together. They don't like what's been happening with you two separate. The whole thing with the Slayer dieing could've been avoided had ya been here. And you, Angel, wouldn't of had your little trip to the dark side recently if the Slayer had been there to give you support, and keep you in line."

Whistler noticed that the Slayer had gone as pale as the vampire by this time, and was amazed she could speak at all, when she did.

"But Angel's soul..."

"Yeah," Whistler said, "I know. That's why They didn't bring you two back together sooner. Ya didn't have the firepower needed to bind his soul then...but you do now."

"Will and Tara," the Slayer whispered, turning her face to the two witches.

"You got that right," Whistler said, looking at them as well.


Next Part: Willow and Tara do some magic, and Angel's soul is bound...I hope.