Fighting The Good Fight

Conclusion

Disclaimer: Nothing is mine.

Summary: As the anniversary of the September 11 attacks nears, Angel travels to New York City to reflect on what happened, and runs into an old friend.

Author's Note: If I didn't indicate earlier, this doesn't take place in any one season, but does borrow elements from different seasons, such as Caritas still existing despite it being blown up.

Conclusion

The weather as they approached LAX was clear, and Kate looked out the window to gaze at the city all lit up.

"It sure brings back memories Angel, looking at LA, even from this high up. I went through so much in this town. So much history here. I never thought I would be coming back here, even under circumstances such as these, but I guess that sometimes returning to what is familiar to you, for better or for worse, can breed a sense of comfort sometimes", she said.

"I know", Angel replied, sitting next to her and also looking out the window. The vampire understood all too well that people, when frightened, often tend to seek shelter in things that give them a feeling of being at peace.

As their flight turned onto final approach to LAX, each was lost in their own thoughts. Kate was wondering how Angel's crew would react to her presence, in spite of Angel's word earlier that things had changed. Angel meanwhile was wondering, now that he got Kate to come with him to LA, what happened next?

The plane soon landed, and they went to baggage claim so Kate could pick up her bag that she had checked onto the flight. As they were waiting, a voice Kate did not recognize, but which sounded quite feminine, called out Angel's name. Kate and the vampire turned around.

"Hey Fred. Thanks for coming to pick us up" Angel said. He turned to Kate.

"Kate, this is Fred. She joined our group after you left". He turned to Fred. "Fred, this is Kate Lockley. She used to be a detective on the LAPD and often helped us out for a while, but left to go to New York City before you came along. It's actually more complicated than that, but now is not the time or place".

"Fred"? Kate looked between Fred and Angel, then back to Fred.

"It's actually short for Winifred, but everyone just calls me Fred".

"Oh. Well, nice to meet you then Fred", Kate smiled.

"Nice to meet you too Detective", Fred replied.

"Please, call me Kate".

"Oh, allright then", Fred smiled back, rather timidly. She turned to Angel, "Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia said they would meet us at Caritas".

"Caritas sounds good", both Angel and Kate agreed.

As they pulled up outside the karaoke bar, Fred asked, "Angel, has Kate ever met Lorne? If not, well..." Fred hesitated.

Angel picked up the cue. "Kate, Lorne is a friend of ours, who also happens to own this place. I'll be honest up front with you, so as not to shock you. Lorne is a demon, but a friendly one. He is what is called an empath demon, or in other words, a demon who can read your aura when you, well, sing".

Kate raised an eyebrow. "On the one hand, after all that I have been through, nothing really surprises me anymore. However, on the other hand...singing?" Kate couldn't think of much else to say.

Angel and Fred smiled back at her. "See for yourself".

Although it was still technically open, the bar was empty save for Lorne, Wesley, Cordy, and Gunn, and they all turned towards the door when they heard it open. For a moment, Kate looked at them, not sure how to react, remembering how, when she was on the LAPD, she hadn't been all that kind to them. Wesley was the first to break the ice, walking up to Kate, holding out is hand. "Welcome back to LA Kate. On behalf of all of us at Angel Investigations, we forgive you for the past. We consider the past forgotten, and we hope you can do the same".

Kate was stunned. As she looked at the faces of Gunn and Cordelia, who smiled and nodded their agreement, Kate felt tears well up in her eyes, grateful for the warm reception she was getting.

"There, there, sweetcakes. Why don't you have a seat over here, and let good ole' Lorne get you something to calm you down ok"? Kate looked up at the new voice, and finally noticed Lorne for the first time. Despite the fact he was a demon, Kate liked him instantly, and now understood when Angel said he would make her feel right at home. The first thing that came to her mind in deciding how to describe Lorne was he was like Kermit the Frog with horns.

"Um, thanks, but I actually don't need a drink", she replied.

"How would you like to sing then"?

Kate thought for a long moment, but eventually went to the microphone, and sang a lovely rendition of R. Kelley's "I Believe I Can Fly". When she finished, she went back to the table where everyone sat, and looked at Lorne expectantly.

Lorne patted her arm affectionately. "Wow Kateycakes, you sure have been through a lot these past few years. I see the pain that you endured back in New York on September 11, and no one should ever have to go through that again. I also see that you are trying your best to recover from the events of that day, and I see a much brighter path for you in the future. That was quite a tragic day in our history, but we will all prevail and become stronger from this, and you are just one of many who are becoming stronger from this tragedy. Keep up the hard work you are doing back in New York Katey dear. You are doing quite a world of good over there, and I know you will be just fine".

Kate smiled warmly, feeling a deep sense of comfort from Lorne's words. "Thank you Lorne. I can see why Angel always depended on you".

"You're quite welcome Kate", Lorne replied.

Gunn spoke up next. "Hey Lockley, how long do you plan on staying here in LA this time around"?

Kate shrugged, "I don't really know. I guess I am just taking things day by day. When I feel ready to go back, I'll go back".

"Well, if you need anything, let us know", Wesley said.

"How about you me and Fred go shopping together? Consider it...girl time, bonding time, whatever. Ok"? Cordelia asked? A glance at Fred revealed that she approved of the idea too.

Kate glanced around the room at everyone before speaking again. "Thank you again for your kindness and generosity you have shown me here. After how I used to treat you, I wasn't sure how I would be received here. After all I had been through, you have shown me that there are still a few good people out there. I know I will always have friends here and will always be welcome here. On the flip side, you are all also welcome to come visit me in New York City anytime. These events have changed things so much we won't really know for sure. However, if tonight is any indication, I like to think that some things will indeed change for the better".