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What Is To Be

-Twenty-Sixth-

By Annie

2003-12-19

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"...leaves talk of not only paranormal activity being recorded around the world, baffling even the most hardened scientists within the field, but also opening the doors for speculations around government conspiracy... and alien invasion."

Buffy rested her forehead in her hands as Angel turned off the small television set.

Everybody sat stunned.

Forte had left rather hastily twenty minutes earlier. The sound of the sharp cry which had rung through their heads had slowly died away and as they had collected themselves again, rising to their feet with the echo of it still in their ears, Forte had said nothing. He had listened to their silent conversation about what this might mean, and then he had stated that he had overstayed his welcome; and thus had to leave.

"I also have some personal things to tend to," he had added at the doors. "If the world might be at the brink of destruction it may be a good idea to have no unfinished business with it."

None of them had been able to offer a good enough protest to keep him there. They couldn't very well force him to decipher the prophecy. For all they knew he was telling the truth, and he wouldn't be able to do a better job than Wesley or Spike.

The reason they had turned on the TV was because three minutes after Forte had left, Giles had called. And it seemed he had had due cause. The world wasn't only on the brink of destruction, it was at an uproar as the fragile seams between demon and human society seemed to be ripping and revealing the two in all their degraded beauty and immoral right to coexist.

"Okay," Buffy now said. "This is a bad-on-top-of-really-bad we don't need."

"And one we can't deal with in any way," Wesley said.

"I second that loudly," Gunn agreed. "There's no way we can stop what's happening. But if the demons decide to come into the streets there are other slayers who'll strike 'em down," he added and Buffy smiled a little, nodding.

"So," Faith said, "our focus is yet again set on our own private party."

"Seems like it," Spike nodded.

"'Alien invasion'," Cordelia huffed. "My God, there are some who'll believe anything."

None could resist smiling at that remark.

***

Three hours later Wesley rose from his chair, staring at the page he held in his hand and then bending forward to reread what he had written and cross-reference it with his dictionary notes on the first prophecy. Spike, sitting at the research table across from him, was following his movements with growing interest.

"Figured anything out?"

Wesley looked up at him, his expression seemingly saying enough because when he grabbed the book before him on the table and rushed out of the room Spike wasn't even one second too late to follow. The two men walked through the foyer and into the kitchen, where Angel, Cordelia, Gunn, Fred and Buffy were sitting having a moderate lunch during which they had so far fervently discussed the rising situation in the rest of the world.

As Wesley and Spike entered the room all conversation stopped, as well as knives cutting and forks bringing food to mouths. Eyes landed on the two forms, questioningly and apprehensively, but also with growing hope.

"The last part," Wesley said. "I believe it continues with this: 'And only one other may serve the side of light within the realm of dark. Look to the west and you shall find what you seek, look to the east and there shall be nothing but sorrow, look to the south and you shall see the fire burning, look to the north and there shall be nothing but grovel and dust.'"

The others seemed to be waiting for the rest, and when it didn't come, Buffy was the one who swallowed the food still lingering in her mouth and then asked:

"And that means?"

Wesley looked from one to another, then replied in fake-optimism:

"I don't know. But we'll find out."

Buffy restrained herself from rolling her eyes, then smiled as she directed her gaze in Angel's.

"There might still be hope," she said, but he only gave her a half smile back before rising to his feet and walking up to Wesley to have a closer look at what he had been able to deduce from the text.

Spike walked with them back into the conference room.

"Well, I couldn't start the translating so that it picked up where the first part left off, obviously," Wesley said and Angel nodded.

He knew that the prophecy was written backwards with symbols in patterns and as the punctuations and sentence formations were completely different from the human way of structure he also understood that it might be difficult starting in the middle of something, when you didn't even know exactly where the middle was.

So Wesley had taken the clearest paragraph closest to the first page of the second part and started there. Trouble had been that it had been situated nearly three pages from that very first page. It had taken him a day and a half to work his way through it, because every new page offered new or different versions of the same symbol, and if that symbol was entirely new to the context he ran into a brick wall which needed patience to be dissembled.

"So," Wesley continued, "it took me some time to go through the content up until the point we're interested in. Now, the translation is finished, as you understand; and even if we don't know exactly what it means it does in fact point to Buffy being right - there may still be hope left for you," he finished as they entered the conference room.

Wesley put the book down on the table and Angel and Spike joined at either side as he opened it up and began speaking again.

"After the prophecy there are several pages telling of what will become of the world, and it seems Forte wasn't wrong in that regard. But, Will, it's your turn," Wesley stated, turning his head to Spike who raised his eyebrows and then said:

"Right," before they all stepped back slightly and he continued: "Well, I figured out why the last part of the FIRST part of the prophecy starts with 'as the year closes'. According to the Gotcka's - which is the more traditional name for the Changers - well, according to their almanac, or what you wanna call it, tomorrow is New Years Eve."

Angel cocked an eyebrow.

"Okay. So then all of the dates fit. The countdown of the prophecy is verified and leads us to tomorrow, for certain. Good job," he commended.

"Yeah, but how prepared are we?" Wesley wondered. "Do we know where yet? What time? How?" Angel gave him a look and Wesley sighed. "Okay, blindfold it is. Right now I am going to try and get a hold on Forte. And demand that he tells us something about this supposed 'other'."

Angel watched him leave the room, then turned to Spike who was looking at him probingly.

"What?" the vampire inquired and Spike hesitated before replying:

"You don't think there is someone else, do you? To take your place."

"No," Angel confirmed. "Even if there was someone like that... how could I expect them to step in? How could I WANT them to? And we're out of time," he added, looking at the prophecy. "We're out of time."

***

"I wish things were simpler..." Buffy mumbled, cuddling closer to Spike where they sat under a blanket on the bench in the garden.

The stars had just been lit above their heads by some unseen match and against the blackness they seemed strangely comforting with their familiarity, though also melancholy with a reminder that no matter what happened on the planet they were watching - nothing could touch them. Though perhaps for the very first time that wasn't even true anymore. Forte's words seemed to have included all being turned into nothing, even space and time.

"I wish we could fly off to some distant island or something, you know?" Buffy now added, voice low as she quietly enjoyed the nearness of her love. "Just the two of us. Alone."

"Mhhh," he murmured his consent, moving one hand to play with the fingers of one of hers and then he sighed.

"But even if I could go all Superman and scoop you into my arms and fly away with you..."

He trailed off and she pouted before sighing as well.

"I know," she grumbled. "Wouldn't it be cool though," she added. "If you could? Go all Superman?"

He furrowed his brow, then looked down at her; making her move her head and meet his gaze.

"You don't miss... the super-me, do you?" he asked and she blinked, then smiled widely.

"You think I do?" she asked back and he squared his shoulders slightly with self-consciousness before he replied:

"Well, no... It's just I can't go on patrol with you anymore, can I? Can't spar. What fun am I?"

She raised her eyebrows before moving up and kissing the closest corner of his mouth and then giving him a gentle smile.

"Loads of fun, love," she said and he returned her smile, then kissed her back.

She returned to her previous position, with her head against his shoulder.

"Patrolling isn't what it used to be," she now stated. "I hardly do it anymore, and with you in the same bed..." She stopped herself and then she smirked as she glanced up at him. He was wearing the same expression and she swallowed the laughter before continuing: "Well... And the sparring I do, I just do it for exercise. I mean, you can't just let seven years of your life go. Old habits die hard and all that...But I don't think I'd enjoy kicking the head off your shoulders nearly as much now as I did back in the day," she finished and at that he chuckled softly.

"I guess," he murmured, brushing his lips against the top of her head and then closing his eyes. "But I can still watch you... can't I?" he added and she smiled again, looking up at him once more and then nodding a little. He smirked. "Good," he said and her smile broadened.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"Somewhere between we-don't-have-to-get-up-yet and dinner," he replied and she laughed before moving one arm out from under the blanket to look at her watch.

"It's almost seven," she said and he grumbled something incoherent as she sat up and stretched. "What was that, honey?" she added and he gave her a look before flashing her a smile.

"Just said I'm not really hungry," he clarified and she smirked, getting to her feet and then turning around to grab one of his hands and pull him up as well.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" she wondered and he shrugged, slipping his arms around her from behind as they began walking together toward the glass doors.

"As ready as I can be. Doesn't matter how much you focus your mind on expecting the unexpected, it's still as unexpected once it arrives as it was when it was only anticipated," he replied and she smiled her agreement as she looked at him over one shoulder.

"You always say the darndest things," she smirked and he returned her smile as they entered the foyer.

He hesitated for a second or two, then made up his mind and said:

"I have something I wanna ask you."

He stopped and made her do the same before unfolding his arms and moving her around to face him.

She frowned questioningly, then smiled a little as she waited.

"Buffy," he continued and suddenly her heart skipped a thousand beats; in actuality she thought it had nearly stopped.

What is he doing? her mind demanded as she stared into his eyes, so serious. Oh, God, what is he doing?

It wasn't that she hadn't fantasized about him doing this, about him looking at her precisely like that and his voice sounding exactly like that, but she hadn't thought the moment would arrive now! She hadn't even imagined it would be this soon. Of course, the world might be over in twenty-four hours, perhaps it was now or never... She drew a small breath as she focused back on him.

"Would you do me the honor..." he began slowly and she swallowed hard as he took one of her hands in his.

Go on! her thoughts screamed, her pulse now elevating into a surreal rhythm as his thumb gently slid over her knuckles and then squeezed softly.

"...of joining me next Saturday..."

In holy matrimony, forsaking all others and living happily ever after, amen.

"I do," she replied as her own sentence died out in her head, and when she saw his quizzical expression she blinked and smiled brightly to cover her thoughts up. "Sorry. Please -continue. Wait," she then stopped him, suddenly looking surprised. "Did you say NEXT Saturday?"

"Yeah..." he replied slowly, observing her closely. "I'm asking you out on our first date."

"Our first...?" she began, trailing off as she felt, to her very deep detriment, how her cheeks began to burn.

"We've never had one, and this whole buggering world-going-under'll blow over, we'll be alright and in light of that I thought we could set a..." he trailed off from his elaboration, watching her complexion and beginning to feel more and more insecure about her reaction. "Are you okay, pet?"

"Of course!" she answered, smiling again. "God, Spike... William... Honey, of course, I'm... okay. That's a very... romantic and... nice and everything... idea. A first date." She chuckled, seemingly to herself before she slapped him on the arm. "I'll clear my schedule," she finished and he could see the nervousness on her as though she had drawn it with very light purple paint on her skin.

"Buffy," he said and she raised her eyebrows, her eyes not really in his and he furrowed his brow.

"What did you think I was talking about?"

"Nothing," came the much too quick reply, and then that smile again.

Did she think she could make him forget everything just by flashing him that smile? As though the happiness and strength and love hidden within the light of it would make him lose his head completely and just turn into some puddle of brilliant. No... much better than 'brilliant'. A puddle of bliss and...

Damn.

"Stop that," he grumbled and she had a wondering expression on her face before she stepped closer and stood on her toes, giving his cheek a soft kiss and making the joints of his knees non-existent.

"Dinner's served!" Gunn called from the kitchen and Buffy stepped away again, grabbing Spike's hand with another bright smile directed his way before she began to walk toward the doorway of said room.

Spike rolled his eyes at himself.

He was such a bloody wanker.

A curious bloody wanker and a bloody wanker that'd make sure she told him sooner or later, but a bloody wanker nonetheless.

***

Buffy had been walking around with the most gnawing feeling all day. There was something she was missing. She knew it. But the more she tried to bring it forward, the more it slipped back and away and so she had tried to take her mind off it.

She was scared that Angel was right. He had taken her aside after dinner and spoken to her silently for nearly fifteen minutes, saying that he needed her to keep her mind clear of all things but the fact that the future of all life was in their hands now. He knew she had held it before, and he also knew that she had never faltered to do what was right. Not even when it meant she had to give loved ones up.

No matter the proof he already had, he had stated that he had to have her promise now that it didn't matter what was going to happen the following day, she would still do everything in her power to make sure that the prophecy's darker parts were never fulfilled.

She had looked at him and known that it would take a miracle to save him now, because she could see the determination in his eyes which was the very same that she had felt in her heart the morning she had jumped off Glory's tower.

"What about hope?" she had murmured meekly and he had smiled a little, then shook his head.

"I said it before to Will, and I'll say it again to you now - we don't have any time left," he had answered and she had found nothing to say to that.

She had hugged him hard, had told him that she loved him, and that no matter what happened the next day she would stop the prophecy. She had told him that the Slayer side was stronger than her human side in that regard, and always had been. He didn't have to worry.

But now she was scared. Because she had never let hope leave her, she had to keep it close, especially for him. Only a large part of her was beginning to come to terms with his statement being very accurate - time had run out for them. For him.

She slipped between the sheets of the bed, Spike's strong arms immediately wrapping themselves around her and pulling her close, making relaxation come all the more easily as she rested her head against the pillow and closed her eyes.

Flashes of pictures suddenly appeared before her eyes and Spike could feel her body tense as she gasped.

"Buffy?" his voice came from far away.

She turned toward the gaping opening in the cave wall, through which she had come, but then let the thought go and turned toward the well. The blood glistened in it, like colored glass. And before she knew it she sat up, back in Spike's room, her eyes wide as she caught her breath.

"Oh, my God," she mumbled, throwing the covers off and getting out of bed again.

"Buffy?" Spike repeated as she rushed up to the door and she turned to him.

"Come on," she said. "Hurry!"

He didn't bother asking for an explanation. The urgency in her tone made him get out of the bed as well, to run after her where she had already proceeded down the hallway and further down the stairs all the way to the first floor.

He caught up with her in Angel's office, where she was just finishing dialing the numbers of Giles'. She raised one hand for him to keep quiet as the dial tone rang in her ear, and then Giles answered.

"It's me," Buffy said.

"What can I do for you now?" he wondered and she smiled a little.

"I miss you," she stated sweetly.

"Very nice to hear," he replied. "And me too," he added, his voice warmer which made her smile broaden. "Now, what may I aid you with?"

"The Hellmouth," Buffy answered. "How far does it stretch from Sunnydale?"

"The Hellmouth is destroyed..." Giles began, but Buffy cut him off impatiently.

"Yes, but its caves. It must stretch further than merely underneath the previous-and-now-not-so-much town," she said and there was a slight pause.

"I guess there could, in theory, be vast areas that have yet to be explored," he agreed reluctantly. "Caves as well as passageways. Some too narrow to even think about entering, naturally. But I suppose there could be a possibility, yes," he finished and Buffy nodded, her grip on the phone making it creek in dislike at the pressure.

"Could they stretch as far as to the coast?" she asked, struggling to keep her excitement down.

"That would be highly unlikely," Giles answered slowly. "But... I believe they could. What is this about?"

"My dream," she replied. "Thank you, Giles," she added. "Is Willow there?"

"Why, yes... But..."

"Please, can I talk to her? It's important," Buffy interrupted and Giles seemed to hesitate before he called for the Wicca.

"I wish you'd tell me what is going on," he then stated.

"I know," Buffy replied. "And I'm sorry. But it'd take too long."

"Here's Willow," he muttered.

"Thank you," she said.

"Buffy?" Willow's voice sounded.

"Willow, I need your help. I didn't wanna ask unless I knew I didn't have any other choice, and now - there's no other choices left," Buffy said.

"What's wrong?" Willow wondered.

"I'll tell you everything, once you're here."

"There?!" Willow exclaimed.

"Could you teleport?" Buffy inquired tentatively and there was a long silence before Willow replied:

"I'm not sure."

"Would you do your best? For me? I wouldn't ask unless it wasn't absolutely necessary."

"Another apocalypse?"

"More or less."

"Right," Willow sighed, then she suddenly giggled. "I was actually wondering when you'd call on me. Didn't think it'd be this late."

"I'm sorry."

"No, you don't have to apologize... I just... I'll talk to the Coven. Maybe they can help me help you," she said and Buffy felt relief fill her before she smiled.

"Thanks, Wills."

"What're friends for?" the Wicca smirked and Buffy laughed at that.

"I'll see you soon, then?" she asked.

"Pretty soon," Willow answered and Buffy smiled before they said good-bye and she hung up.

"Okay, tell me," Spike said and she shook her head.

"Let's wake the others," was her reply as she came up to him and then passed him in the doorway, heading back toward the stairs.

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Hey all! This chapter is delayed due to the holidays and I hope you can find it in your hearts to once more show your patience! :) I was really happy to read all your great reviews, thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!

Special thank yous go out to wolf116 (heheh, good! ;) Oooooh, Spike calendar, eh? Glad you got what you wished for! One of my friends got me a really nice picture of James, one of those signed ones, with a great blue background which goes perfectly with his eyes and it's amazingly yummy. I framed it the next day and now it carries a very special spot in my room. ;) I was a fan of a boygroup when I was younger, though, and so after that I'm trying to stay low-key on the whole picture-on-the-wall deal. *lol*) :), Winters1 (yeah, and of course I stop having the chapters come out as fast simply 'cause you take notice! :) Sorry! ;) And hope this was soon enough. Glad you liked!) :), maribel (I'm really glad that you liked, and it's cool! I did have a very merry Christmas, hope you had the same!) :), Hot4Spike (Great that you like those. And thank you.) ;), Rachel9 (Happy! That you enjoy! Oh, do I know what it means getting the flu, I feel for you! I'm glad you got better in time for Xmas! And thanks for the wish of a merry Xmas - which I had. And the happy new year we'll see about, eh? I'm sure I will have it, though.) :), blackeyedgurl (You being happy makes ME real happy! Yay, back!!! ;) I hope you've had a wonderful holiday as well! And... hey, I asked Santa for a JM sized package, but he didn't deliver! I mean, would a Spike-bot sized package been too much to ask for in stead, then? Really! I think I'm starting to lose my faith!) ;), ali-lou (on 24: I'm thrilled you liked it that much! Thanks a lot for all your kind words, I'm so happy!!! And I agree that the whole Angel hater or Cordy hater deal is annoying. I AM a bona fide Riley hater, and I have to stand for that, but he's a puts and a clown and a geek and I don't like that character and... What I was getting at is you have to still keep him in character and not make him evil or not loving Buffy or not understanding etc. Get me? Okay, not sure how I detoured into that, but... yeah. On 25: Well, that's sad that it wasn't AS good... But it was okay, and that's good! :) Hey, thanks for the compliment and WOW, Australia? That's far and so cool that I actually have a reader there! *huge grin*) ;) and darklover (thanks for that, glad you think and you too!)

To ALL a very happy New Year! Do hope you liked this! Take care.

A.M.L, Annie.