Title: Unexpected Fate, part 9
Author: Faith, Faith_Dru@lycos.com
Disclaimer: It doesn't belong to me. It all belongs to Joss Whedon and Company.
Distribution: Ask and you shall receive...but if you already have it feel free.
Summary: Time has gone by since the big night out. Nothing really new to report.
Pairing: Spike/Faith, Angel/Willow, Cordy/Gunn
Rating: PG
Season/Spoilers: Nothing that I haven't already told you.
Feedback: Please! It keeps me writing. Plus Spike and the gang really like the responses. Also special thanks to those that have continued to read my story and kept me writing. :)
Author's Notes: The usual. Thoughts, (Author's Notes), ^ Time Notes ^, [Places/Actions]
^ The Next Morning ^
"Are we ready?" Wesley asked when he entered the office.
"Yep, just putting the final touches together." Willow said not looking up from her place on the floor.
"Did you need any help?" Wesley asked.
Willow thought for a moment and replied, "I need something from the magic shop." When he nodded she continued, "I wrote it down on this." She said handing him the slip of paper.
"Right, I'll return with the items." Wesley said turning on his heals.
"Thanks." Willow said returning to her reading.
^ Wolfram and Hart ^
"Sir, we have reason to believe that Willow Rosenburg is going to anchor Angel's soul tonight." Lilah said bitterly.
"Well we've got to stop her. What's this I read in your report about there being a specific time to do the spell?" Holland asked suddenly very interested.
"According to the signs that we've been able to dig up, it points to the eve of a full moon when all the planets are in alignment. Which if our calculations are correct will be tonight. If we are able to stop it from happening, his soul will still be able to be lifted." Lilah said with confidence.
"I see." Holland replied turning in his chair to face the window. "See to it that the spell doesn't happen. I don't care how you do it, just make sure it happens." He said calmly, but then continued, "We'll worry about the other's after we get rid of the threat. You're dismissed."
Lilah left with about a million thoughts about how to get rid of the threat. So deep in thought she didn't see the figure that was racing down the other end of the hallway.
Walking into his office he pick up his brief case and hurried back out the door. Hurrying down the street he made sure that he wasn't being followed. Finally he made it to his destination he ran in the office doors and yelled, "Angel! Faith! Anyone!"
Faith was the first to come rushing to his aid, "Lindsey what is it?"
"We've got to get you all to a safe place." He said cryptically.
"What?" Faith said wanting to understand. "Calm down and explain."
"Lilah heard about Willow doing the anchoring of Angel's soul and is ordered to get rid of Willow." Lindsey said in time for Angel to walk out of his office.
"Your sure?" Angel asked.
"Yes, I was going to talk to Holland and I over heard him talking about the anchoring with Lilah. Apparently there's only tonight to do the spell because the planets are aligned and it's the eve of the full moon." Lindsey said in time for Willow to come out.
"That's not true." She said getting everyone's attention. "Well not that it can only happen tonight, besides the planets aren't in alignment. That'll happen in..." She said starting to calculate in her head.
"In 2020." Wesley said walking in with a bad of supplies from the magic shop.
"Then what was Lilah talking about?" Faith said now really confused.
"She probably was thinking about most spells and incantations, and how they need to be done at a certain time. This spell, from all my readings and Willow's rereading has pointed us into the direction that we can perform it at anytime. Preferably during the eve of the full moon." Wesley said handing Willow the bag of supplies.
"But Lindsey's right, if they're going to try and stop it we need to do it in a place that no one knows about." Angel said. He then looked at Lindsey, "Thanks for the heads up, but I don't want to put you into anymore danger so you probably shouldn't hear where we're going to do it."
"Okay, I'll go then. Good luck with the spell and watch your backs." Lindsey said turning around to head out of the office.
"You too." Willow said.
Lindsey walked on the sidewalk back towards the Wolfram & Hart building. Turning around when he heard his name being called. He was surprised to see Faith running down the street to catch up to him. "What's wrong?" He questioned.
"Nothing, but I'm worried about you." Faith answered when she caught up to him.
"Worried? Why?" He asked.
"What if they know you're doing the double agent thing. They'll kill you because of it." Faith started.
"It's a possibility." He retorted.
"It's more than a possibility. They were ready to kill me a couple of weeks ago." Faith retorted back.
"They tried to do what?" Lindsey asked baffled.
"You didn't know about that?" She asked and when he nodded 'no' she continued, "I was out patrolling because of that Lilah chick was at the office...." At his look she questioned again, "You didn't know about that either?"
"No, what is going on here?" He asked to no one in particular.
Turning her head she saw a small café and said, "Maybe we should sit down."
When he agreed they walked into the café and ordered drinks. When the drinks were placed on the table Lindsey started, "What did Lilah say?"
"She said that she was "worried" about you." She started and did the air quotes for the word worry.
"Did she say why?" He inquired.
"Not really, she mentioned that your work and how she believes it's slipping. I think they're going to get rid of you." She finished and watched the mixed emotions that washed over his face.
Taking in a much needed breath, he finally spoke. "I think it's time for me to walk away from Wolfram & Hart."
Unsure of what to say she sat there for a moment or two to absorb his words. "Am I going to have to go back to jail?" Was all she could ask.
"No, I got you acquitted for all of those charges. They can't try you again because there are laws against that." Lindsey reassured, noticing her physically relax.
"How are you going to walk? I'm sure they won't make it easy for you." She asked.
"I won't walk just yet. I want to make sure that Willow's able to perform the anchoring spell before I try to leave." He stated.
"Where are you going to go?" Faith asked knowing that if he stayed in LA he would be killed.
"I don't know yet. I'll probably get into my truck and drive." He said brushing his fingers through his uncut hair.
"Someone's watching us." Faith whispered.
"Human?" He whispered back.
"Demon, though I'm not sure what kind." She again whispered across the table. She sat up straight and reached back into her mind trying to place it. I know this one. Come on Faith think.....Oz! Turning around she saw him.
Lindsey seeing this questioned, "Who is it?"
"Oz!" Faith called to the half wolf.
He walked over to them and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Huh?" She questioned. When she saw his eyes travel to Lindsey and back she said, "This is my lawyer, Lindsey. Lindsey this is Oz someone from Sunnydale." She notice Lindsey offered his hand and saw Oz hesitate a moment before shaking the man's hands. "Would you like to join us?" Faith asked.
Lindsey was the first to speak, "I'd better get back to the office. Help Willow, Angel and Wesley with the spell. He prepared for anything."
Before he walked out the door Faith called to him, "Lindsey!" When he turned around she continued, "Here and thanks. Don't be a stranger." With that she and Oz walked the other way, with Oz asking a lot of questions.
Lindsey looked at the napkin that had "Mr. and Mrs. Coolson. 2503 South 28th Street. Boston, MA 12930. Tell them Faith sent you." written on it. I didn't know she had any family. Dusku, Coolson...Maybe her watcher. No she was killed, maybe her family. Memorizing the address he threw the napkin away.
Elsewhere in LA
"Oz, maybe you shouldn't come in." Faith broke into his question after question.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because I know that Spike wouldn't want to see you and I'm not sure how Willow would react." Faith said fiddling her fingers together.
"Would you please go check?" He asked.
"I'll ask, but if she doesn't want to see you right now..."
"I'll leave quietly like I was never here." He finished.
"Okay, stay here." She said then went through the doors and up the stairs and through the Angel Investigation doors. "Willow?" Faith called.
Walking out of Angel's office she saw that Faith was slightly out of breath and asked, "What's wrong?"
Unsure of how to tell her she just said it and really fast. "Ozisoutsideandwantstoseeyou."
Willow looked at her strangely for a second and then it hit. "Oz is outside?" When Faith nodded she continued, "What does he want?"
"He wants to talk to you, he didn't say why. But he did say that if you didn't want to talk to him, he'd leave and not make a big fuss about it." Faith said.
"I can't believe him. After all this time and he now wants to talk to me." Willow started but finished with, "Tell him that I can't talk to him now. "
"Okay, Red." Faith said and asked, "Are you going to be okay?"
Nodding Faith turned and walked out of the office, and down the stairs to find Oz sitting on the steps. Standing up when she opened the door. She said, "She doesn't want to talk to you now."
Before she could walk through the door he called to her and said, "Is she involved with someone else?"
"Yes, she and Angel. If they'll ever just come out and say it." Faith said and watched him lower his eyes. "You'd better go."
"I'm gone." Oz said.
"Oz!" Faith called to his retreating form. "Maybe if you dropped her a line every now and then she'd be a little more happy at the idea to see you."
"What do you mean?" He asked not moving.
"You know, a note to tell her that you're alive. She was devastated when you left. Then you pulled that crap with what's his name about moving your stuff. You didn't even have the heart to tell her that you weren't prepared to come back. Then you show up out of the blue here in LA and expect her to welcome you back with open arms." She was mad and now she had the chance to tell him what he did to her best friend.
"What would you know?" He retorted.
"A lot more than you think. I know when the reality of life comes crashing down on you and how hard it is. You'd been dealing with the wolf and really well, but then you meet another wolf and you're "perfect" world comes crashing down on you. I went through several of those. When Buffy put that knife in my gut, when I was hired to kill Angel and finally when Angel forced Buffy to protect me." Faith said her anger leaving.
"That's great, but I've still got my demon. The wolf is always inside me." He stated.
"You think I don't have my demons?" She questioned. When he nodded no she continued, "Sunnydale is my demon. Buffy, Xander, Giles, god even Willow are my demons. Angel, Wesley, Cordelia, Wolfram & Hart are also my demons. I'm dealing, I've stopped saying 'woe is me' and tried to make something of myself. Demons are always going to be there, no matter what you do. Just ask Angel." Feeling that she said too much she turned on her heals and walked up the stairs and through the doors that lead to more stairs to the office.
Oz just stood there, he didn't know what to think. It wasn't until someone spoke and snapped him out of his thoughts. "She's right you know." The voice said.
Oz turned and looked at an old friend. "Xander?"
"Yeah." He said walking out of the shadows of the building. "She's right you know." He stated more as a statement than a question.
"Yes, she's right." Oz said looking towards the building.
"She's learned a lot since we last saw her. She's also been through a lot since she first came to Sunnydale. She's been in deep and now look at her. She's amazing if you think about it." Xander said looking from Oz to the building and back to Oz.
"Yeah, I'm getting that." Oz replied.
^ Inside AI^
Faith had heard what Xander was saying to Oz and smiled slightly. Walking into the office she saw Willow looking out the window. "Anything interesting?" She asked.
Not looking away from the window she replied, "Xander is starting to sound wiser than he used to."
"Well you know what they say, intelligence is addictive." Faith responded.
That got Willow to look towards the brunette slayer. "So what's your story? Xander's been hanging out with me longer than you have." She teased.
"You know I'm not sure." Faith replied sarcastically.
Laughing Willow said, "Let's get this spell under way."
^ Downstairs ^
"Are we ready to go?" Angel asked.
"Yep, let's go." Cordy replied.
^ Wolfram & Hart ^
"Sir, I think they're going to get started. I've got our most powerful witches on the case to let us know when they start." Lilah told Holland.
"Okay, let's get this done." Holland replied.
^ The Hyperion Hotel Lobby ^
"Are you sure it's safe to be in here?" Faith questioned.
"Yes, it's open enough so we have room, but too open for any surprise attacks." Cordy offered.
"Okay let's set up." Willow quipped taking charge. Putting down her back she pulled out the herbs used to create the circles that Willow and Angel were to sit in. "Okay, Faith take this and make a circle going counter clockwise, while I do the same over her but clockwise." Willow instructed handing one of the containers over. "Wesley and Cordy set up the white candles in a circle around us going clockwise and then light them going counter."
"Okay, what's with the counter and clock wise?" Faith asked.
"It's to create a barrier around the person doing the spell and the one the spell is for. It's also to protect the rest of us in case something goes wrong." Wesley answered.
Once that was done Willow instructed, "Angel step into the circle and once in light this blue candle. Once you've done that the spell is in the process of starting."
"You ready for this?" Angel asked before doing as she instructed.
"Yes." She said grabbing her candle. Once Angel was inside his circle she stepped into hers and chanted, "Co-cheangailte ri cheile (Connected to one another)." Once that was said she lit her candle and placed it before her in a plate like pedestal. Feeling the power rising up around her she began chanting the ritual. "Annam aibhnichean bheir beatha (In me the river will give life)." Picking up a small velvet bag that held three stones of various meanings. One by one she placed the stones around the candle in a triangle shape. "Tha sinn iarr esan(We ask for him to be)...." A flash of light hit the room and the standby watchers had to cover their eyes. When the light dimmed only one body remained.
"Was that supposed to happen?" Faith questioned.
"No." Wesley said walking towards the body that remained. "Angel?" He asked.
Angel looked up and into Wesley's eyes. Shocked at what he saw there he said, "Wolfram & Hart happened."
"What?!?!" Faith and Cordelia yelled.
"It seems they knew that we were starting the spell and placed a spell on Willow." He replied. "However, something went wrong with their spell." He whispered to both girls.
"What happened?" Faith asked.
"They've split Willow's soul." He answered as Spike entered the room.
"What's that, mate?" Spike drawled but then he saw Angel. "Crap." Was all he said as he walked over to Angel and hit him over the head. "Angel's got two demons now, his own and Willow's we've got to do something and now." Spike stated as he picked Angel up.
"Where are you taking him?" Cordy asked.
"Home, to chain him up. When he wakes up he's not going to be very happy so I suggest that you guys split up. One group goes after Willow and the other goes to find someone that can extract Willow's soul from Angel." Spike said as they walked out towards the cars.
"I'll get the legendary Wicca that happens to be in town. You girls should contact Lindsey and get Willow." Wesley said getting Spike's drift.
"Got it." Faith said getting into Cordy's car.
"We'll meet at the office." Wesley instructed. "Are you going to be okay with him?" Wesley asked Spike pointing to Angel.
"As long as he doesn't have Willow's powers or doesn't realize that he might I'll be fine. Go find the Wicca." He told the other man.
"Okay." Wesley replied driving off.
^ At Wolfram & Hart ^
"Hello Willow." Lilah called as she entered the mystical barrier room.
"Who..who are you?" She questioned nervously.
"I'm Lilah Morgan, an attorney from Wolfram & Hart and this is Holland Manners a senior partner." She introduced.
"What am I doing here?" She asked.
"You don't remember?" Holland questioned.
"No, should I?" She replied.
Taking Lilah aside he asked, "What's wrong with her? She isn't what I expected."
"I don't know sir. I'll ask the witches what happened. We'll get to the bottom of this." Lilah responded.
"See that you do." Holland replied walking out the door.
Lilah took one more look at the small redhead before she walked out the door.
TBC
Author: Faith, Faith_Dru@lycos.com
Disclaimer: It doesn't belong to me. It all belongs to Joss Whedon and Company.
Distribution: Ask and you shall receive...but if you already have it feel free.
Summary: Time has gone by since the big night out. Nothing really new to report.
Pairing: Spike/Faith, Angel/Willow, Cordy/Gunn
Rating: PG
Season/Spoilers: Nothing that I haven't already told you.
Feedback: Please! It keeps me writing. Plus Spike and the gang really like the responses. Also special thanks to those that have continued to read my story and kept me writing. :)
Author's Notes: The usual. Thoughts, (Author's Notes), ^ Time Notes ^, [Places/Actions]
^ The Next Morning ^
"Are we ready?" Wesley asked when he entered the office.
"Yep, just putting the final touches together." Willow said not looking up from her place on the floor.
"Did you need any help?" Wesley asked.
Willow thought for a moment and replied, "I need something from the magic shop." When he nodded she continued, "I wrote it down on this." She said handing him the slip of paper.
"Right, I'll return with the items." Wesley said turning on his heals.
"Thanks." Willow said returning to her reading.
^ Wolfram and Hart ^
"Sir, we have reason to believe that Willow Rosenburg is going to anchor Angel's soul tonight." Lilah said bitterly.
"Well we've got to stop her. What's this I read in your report about there being a specific time to do the spell?" Holland asked suddenly very interested.
"According to the signs that we've been able to dig up, it points to the eve of a full moon when all the planets are in alignment. Which if our calculations are correct will be tonight. If we are able to stop it from happening, his soul will still be able to be lifted." Lilah said with confidence.
"I see." Holland replied turning in his chair to face the window. "See to it that the spell doesn't happen. I don't care how you do it, just make sure it happens." He said calmly, but then continued, "We'll worry about the other's after we get rid of the threat. You're dismissed."
Lilah left with about a million thoughts about how to get rid of the threat. So deep in thought she didn't see the figure that was racing down the other end of the hallway.
Walking into his office he pick up his brief case and hurried back out the door. Hurrying down the street he made sure that he wasn't being followed. Finally he made it to his destination he ran in the office doors and yelled, "Angel! Faith! Anyone!"
Faith was the first to come rushing to his aid, "Lindsey what is it?"
"We've got to get you all to a safe place." He said cryptically.
"What?" Faith said wanting to understand. "Calm down and explain."
"Lilah heard about Willow doing the anchoring of Angel's soul and is ordered to get rid of Willow." Lindsey said in time for Angel to walk out of his office.
"Your sure?" Angel asked.
"Yes, I was going to talk to Holland and I over heard him talking about the anchoring with Lilah. Apparently there's only tonight to do the spell because the planets are aligned and it's the eve of the full moon." Lindsey said in time for Willow to come out.
"That's not true." She said getting everyone's attention. "Well not that it can only happen tonight, besides the planets aren't in alignment. That'll happen in..." She said starting to calculate in her head.
"In 2020." Wesley said walking in with a bad of supplies from the magic shop.
"Then what was Lilah talking about?" Faith said now really confused.
"She probably was thinking about most spells and incantations, and how they need to be done at a certain time. This spell, from all my readings and Willow's rereading has pointed us into the direction that we can perform it at anytime. Preferably during the eve of the full moon." Wesley said handing Willow the bag of supplies.
"But Lindsey's right, if they're going to try and stop it we need to do it in a place that no one knows about." Angel said. He then looked at Lindsey, "Thanks for the heads up, but I don't want to put you into anymore danger so you probably shouldn't hear where we're going to do it."
"Okay, I'll go then. Good luck with the spell and watch your backs." Lindsey said turning around to head out of the office.
"You too." Willow said.
Lindsey walked on the sidewalk back towards the Wolfram & Hart building. Turning around when he heard his name being called. He was surprised to see Faith running down the street to catch up to him. "What's wrong?" He questioned.
"Nothing, but I'm worried about you." Faith answered when she caught up to him.
"Worried? Why?" He asked.
"What if they know you're doing the double agent thing. They'll kill you because of it." Faith started.
"It's a possibility." He retorted.
"It's more than a possibility. They were ready to kill me a couple of weeks ago." Faith retorted back.
"They tried to do what?" Lindsey asked baffled.
"You didn't know about that?" She asked and when he nodded 'no' she continued, "I was out patrolling because of that Lilah chick was at the office...." At his look she questioned again, "You didn't know about that either?"
"No, what is going on here?" He asked to no one in particular.
Turning her head she saw a small café and said, "Maybe we should sit down."
When he agreed they walked into the café and ordered drinks. When the drinks were placed on the table Lindsey started, "What did Lilah say?"
"She said that she was "worried" about you." She started and did the air quotes for the word worry.
"Did she say why?" He inquired.
"Not really, she mentioned that your work and how she believes it's slipping. I think they're going to get rid of you." She finished and watched the mixed emotions that washed over his face.
Taking in a much needed breath, he finally spoke. "I think it's time for me to walk away from Wolfram & Hart."
Unsure of what to say she sat there for a moment or two to absorb his words. "Am I going to have to go back to jail?" Was all she could ask.
"No, I got you acquitted for all of those charges. They can't try you again because there are laws against that." Lindsey reassured, noticing her physically relax.
"How are you going to walk? I'm sure they won't make it easy for you." She asked.
"I won't walk just yet. I want to make sure that Willow's able to perform the anchoring spell before I try to leave." He stated.
"Where are you going to go?" Faith asked knowing that if he stayed in LA he would be killed.
"I don't know yet. I'll probably get into my truck and drive." He said brushing his fingers through his uncut hair.
"Someone's watching us." Faith whispered.
"Human?" He whispered back.
"Demon, though I'm not sure what kind." She again whispered across the table. She sat up straight and reached back into her mind trying to place it. I know this one. Come on Faith think.....Oz! Turning around she saw him.
Lindsey seeing this questioned, "Who is it?"
"Oz!" Faith called to the half wolf.
He walked over to them and asked, "What are you doing?"
"Huh?" She questioned. When she saw his eyes travel to Lindsey and back she said, "This is my lawyer, Lindsey. Lindsey this is Oz someone from Sunnydale." She notice Lindsey offered his hand and saw Oz hesitate a moment before shaking the man's hands. "Would you like to join us?" Faith asked.
Lindsey was the first to speak, "I'd better get back to the office. Help Willow, Angel and Wesley with the spell. He prepared for anything."
Before he walked out the door Faith called to him, "Lindsey!" When he turned around she continued, "Here and thanks. Don't be a stranger." With that she and Oz walked the other way, with Oz asking a lot of questions.
Lindsey looked at the napkin that had "Mr. and Mrs. Coolson. 2503 South 28th Street. Boston, MA 12930. Tell them Faith sent you." written on it. I didn't know she had any family. Dusku, Coolson...Maybe her watcher. No she was killed, maybe her family. Memorizing the address he threw the napkin away.
Elsewhere in LA
"Oz, maybe you shouldn't come in." Faith broke into his question after question.
"Why?" He asked.
"Because I know that Spike wouldn't want to see you and I'm not sure how Willow would react." Faith said fiddling her fingers together.
"Would you please go check?" He asked.
"I'll ask, but if she doesn't want to see you right now..."
"I'll leave quietly like I was never here." He finished.
"Okay, stay here." She said then went through the doors and up the stairs and through the Angel Investigation doors. "Willow?" Faith called.
Walking out of Angel's office she saw that Faith was slightly out of breath and asked, "What's wrong?"
Unsure of how to tell her she just said it and really fast. "Ozisoutsideandwantstoseeyou."
Willow looked at her strangely for a second and then it hit. "Oz is outside?" When Faith nodded she continued, "What does he want?"
"He wants to talk to you, he didn't say why. But he did say that if you didn't want to talk to him, he'd leave and not make a big fuss about it." Faith said.
"I can't believe him. After all this time and he now wants to talk to me." Willow started but finished with, "Tell him that I can't talk to him now. "
"Okay, Red." Faith said and asked, "Are you going to be okay?"
Nodding Faith turned and walked out of the office, and down the stairs to find Oz sitting on the steps. Standing up when she opened the door. She said, "She doesn't want to talk to you now."
Before she could walk through the door he called to her and said, "Is she involved with someone else?"
"Yes, she and Angel. If they'll ever just come out and say it." Faith said and watched him lower his eyes. "You'd better go."
"I'm gone." Oz said.
"Oz!" Faith called to his retreating form. "Maybe if you dropped her a line every now and then she'd be a little more happy at the idea to see you."
"What do you mean?" He asked not moving.
"You know, a note to tell her that you're alive. She was devastated when you left. Then you pulled that crap with what's his name about moving your stuff. You didn't even have the heart to tell her that you weren't prepared to come back. Then you show up out of the blue here in LA and expect her to welcome you back with open arms." She was mad and now she had the chance to tell him what he did to her best friend.
"What would you know?" He retorted.
"A lot more than you think. I know when the reality of life comes crashing down on you and how hard it is. You'd been dealing with the wolf and really well, but then you meet another wolf and you're "perfect" world comes crashing down on you. I went through several of those. When Buffy put that knife in my gut, when I was hired to kill Angel and finally when Angel forced Buffy to protect me." Faith said her anger leaving.
"That's great, but I've still got my demon. The wolf is always inside me." He stated.
"You think I don't have my demons?" She questioned. When he nodded no she continued, "Sunnydale is my demon. Buffy, Xander, Giles, god even Willow are my demons. Angel, Wesley, Cordelia, Wolfram & Hart are also my demons. I'm dealing, I've stopped saying 'woe is me' and tried to make something of myself. Demons are always going to be there, no matter what you do. Just ask Angel." Feeling that she said too much she turned on her heals and walked up the stairs and through the doors that lead to more stairs to the office.
Oz just stood there, he didn't know what to think. It wasn't until someone spoke and snapped him out of his thoughts. "She's right you know." The voice said.
Oz turned and looked at an old friend. "Xander?"
"Yeah." He said walking out of the shadows of the building. "She's right you know." He stated more as a statement than a question.
"Yes, she's right." Oz said looking towards the building.
"She's learned a lot since we last saw her. She's also been through a lot since she first came to Sunnydale. She's been in deep and now look at her. She's amazing if you think about it." Xander said looking from Oz to the building and back to Oz.
"Yeah, I'm getting that." Oz replied.
^ Inside AI^
Faith had heard what Xander was saying to Oz and smiled slightly. Walking into the office she saw Willow looking out the window. "Anything interesting?" She asked.
Not looking away from the window she replied, "Xander is starting to sound wiser than he used to."
"Well you know what they say, intelligence is addictive." Faith responded.
That got Willow to look towards the brunette slayer. "So what's your story? Xander's been hanging out with me longer than you have." She teased.
"You know I'm not sure." Faith replied sarcastically.
Laughing Willow said, "Let's get this spell under way."
^ Downstairs ^
"Are we ready to go?" Angel asked.
"Yep, let's go." Cordy replied.
^ Wolfram & Hart ^
"Sir, I think they're going to get started. I've got our most powerful witches on the case to let us know when they start." Lilah told Holland.
"Okay, let's get this done." Holland replied.
^ The Hyperion Hotel Lobby ^
"Are you sure it's safe to be in here?" Faith questioned.
"Yes, it's open enough so we have room, but too open for any surprise attacks." Cordy offered.
"Okay let's set up." Willow quipped taking charge. Putting down her back she pulled out the herbs used to create the circles that Willow and Angel were to sit in. "Okay, Faith take this and make a circle going counter clockwise, while I do the same over her but clockwise." Willow instructed handing one of the containers over. "Wesley and Cordy set up the white candles in a circle around us going clockwise and then light them going counter."
"Okay, what's with the counter and clock wise?" Faith asked.
"It's to create a barrier around the person doing the spell and the one the spell is for. It's also to protect the rest of us in case something goes wrong." Wesley answered.
Once that was done Willow instructed, "Angel step into the circle and once in light this blue candle. Once you've done that the spell is in the process of starting."
"You ready for this?" Angel asked before doing as she instructed.
"Yes." She said grabbing her candle. Once Angel was inside his circle she stepped into hers and chanted, "Co-cheangailte ri cheile (Connected to one another)." Once that was said she lit her candle and placed it before her in a plate like pedestal. Feeling the power rising up around her she began chanting the ritual. "Annam aibhnichean bheir beatha (In me the river will give life)." Picking up a small velvet bag that held three stones of various meanings. One by one she placed the stones around the candle in a triangle shape. "Tha sinn iarr esan(We ask for him to be)...." A flash of light hit the room and the standby watchers had to cover their eyes. When the light dimmed only one body remained.
"Was that supposed to happen?" Faith questioned.
"No." Wesley said walking towards the body that remained. "Angel?" He asked.
Angel looked up and into Wesley's eyes. Shocked at what he saw there he said, "Wolfram & Hart happened."
"What?!?!" Faith and Cordelia yelled.
"It seems they knew that we were starting the spell and placed a spell on Willow." He replied. "However, something went wrong with their spell." He whispered to both girls.
"What happened?" Faith asked.
"They've split Willow's soul." He answered as Spike entered the room.
"What's that, mate?" Spike drawled but then he saw Angel. "Crap." Was all he said as he walked over to Angel and hit him over the head. "Angel's got two demons now, his own and Willow's we've got to do something and now." Spike stated as he picked Angel up.
"Where are you taking him?" Cordy asked.
"Home, to chain him up. When he wakes up he's not going to be very happy so I suggest that you guys split up. One group goes after Willow and the other goes to find someone that can extract Willow's soul from Angel." Spike said as they walked out towards the cars.
"I'll get the legendary Wicca that happens to be in town. You girls should contact Lindsey and get Willow." Wesley said getting Spike's drift.
"Got it." Faith said getting into Cordy's car.
"We'll meet at the office." Wesley instructed. "Are you going to be okay with him?" Wesley asked Spike pointing to Angel.
"As long as he doesn't have Willow's powers or doesn't realize that he might I'll be fine. Go find the Wicca." He told the other man.
"Okay." Wesley replied driving off.
^ At Wolfram & Hart ^
"Hello Willow." Lilah called as she entered the mystical barrier room.
"Who..who are you?" She questioned nervously.
"I'm Lilah Morgan, an attorney from Wolfram & Hart and this is Holland Manners a senior partner." She introduced.
"What am I doing here?" She asked.
"You don't remember?" Holland questioned.
"No, should I?" She replied.
Taking Lilah aside he asked, "What's wrong with her? She isn't what I expected."
"I don't know sir. I'll ask the witches what happened. We'll get to the bottom of this." Lilah responded.
"See that you do." Holland replied walking out the door.
Lilah took one more look at the small redhead before she walked out the door.
TBC
