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What Is To Be
-Twenty-Seventh-
By Annie
2003-12-21
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤
Spike was about to open his mouth and drop a sarcastic comment of how she hurt his feelings ignoring him so thoroughly, but then the few lights still lit in the foyer went out and the blackness which surrounded them seemed to be deeper than even that of night.
Buffy had stopped halfway to the stairs and now she turned around toward him.
It took only a few seconds for her eyes to adjust and though her night vision meant she saw everything in black-and-white, she saw him perfectly clear. He, on the other hand, behaved as a blind man and she felt a sudden sympathy with him. It couldn't be easy, to go from being able to do pretty much anything, to barely being able to maneuver in the dark. She didn't miss the power-him, but she wondered if HE didn't sometimes. It must have been a real adjustment, getting used to his mere human form after he had been brought back.
Of course, there were so many bonuses coming with that form, she supposed. Perhaps there wasn't that much to miss in his vampire one after all.
She walked up to him and reached out a hand, taking his and he gave her a smile.
"Knew I'd find you," he quipped and she smiled as well.
"Candles," she then said and he nodded.
"Kitchen cabinet. Right side corner. Below the counter."
She let his hand go and turned, hurrying across the foyer and into the kitchen. She found her prize where he had said it would be and grabbed a handful as well as a large silver candelabrum. Putting the candles into the five arms of the latter she searched for, and found, a box of matches. Quickly putting flames on each candle she grabbed the candelabrum and proceeded back to Angel's office.
Wesley had joined Spike with a candlestick of his own. His hair stood on end and he seemed to have grabbed the first best thing at hand to cover his bare torso, and seemingly that been a very wrinkled, red shirt which he had neglected to button up. He was quite the sight as apposed to what he used to look like. He also had a haggard expression in his gaze when he turned it into the Slayer's, but before she could put in any kind of remark he stated:
"The whole city's out."
Buffy wasn't surprised, but she still put the candelabrum down on the desk before turning and running through the foyer, up to the front door. She opened it and stepped outside.
Blackness.
She drew a small breath and turned, closing the door behind her as she walked inside again and looking up as Angel and Cordelia came down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Cordelia demanded as the three met in the middle of the foyer.
"'And on the second day their cries shall eclipse all'," Buffy replied. "Add that quote to your favorites list 'cause I'm sure it's one that'll be remembered."
"I'll do that," Cordelia said and Buffy smiled a weak smile just as Fred and Gunn also came clambering down the stairs, both holding a candle each and looking rather alarmed.
"It's okay," Buffy calmed. "It's just the 'second step' being taken," she added. "Go into the conference room, I have something to tell you. I just have to wake up Faith."
They all looked at her with eyes asking her if this was good or bad, but she didn't even give them a hint as she turned and proceeded up to the second floor.
***
"I finally got it," Buffy said, fifteen minutes later.
"Got what?" Faith asked, not hiding a yawn and Buffy gave her a patient smile.
"My dream," she answered and she could feel Angel's eyes immediately having all their focus on her.
She turned her gaze in his and then nodded.
"Yeah, this is pretty big," she confirmed his expression. "Because now I have an explanation for the 'how' and maybe even for the 'where'."
At this everyone seemed to quickly grow more awake and most of them squirmed slightly in their seat; with disbelief that this moment had actually arrived, as well as anxiousness over what it meant that it had.
"I didn't tell you of the 'extended version' I had a few nights back," Buffy now continued. "I didn't think it mattered. Most of the details were regarding Spike," she added with a smile his way, which he returned though she could see how he joined the others in impatience with her getting to the point. She would. "My dream this time began, however, with me going down into the Hellmouth. I didn't pick up on this sign of where it's actually taking place -until tonight. I realized that it's significant to this whole situation and after talking to Giles I know I'm right. He didn't confirm my suspicions, but he gave me enough acknowledgements to make me fully believe in them. He said that there is a possibility that the caves of the Hellmouth might stretch as far away from Sunnydale as to the coastline. I smelled the ocean in my dream, and that was what threw me for a loop. I never even considered the Hellmouth being larger than the actual gape of it, located beneath Sunnydale. But, I think it is. I know it is.
"There's a well in my dream, and first it's filled with clear water; but then it's filled with blood. I thought this was linked, again, to the Spike aspect of the contents. I thought it had something to do with his past as a vampire and also with my Slayer side. I didn't know how to interpret it, but I thought I had the grounds for the part of why the blood was there figured out. I was wrong. The prophecy told me why it was there, but I didn't connect the dots."
The silence was strained and seemed on the verge of snapping the air as all stared at her.
"'And the heavens shall cry tears of blood and they shall rain down upon he who is damned and he shall drink them and they shall cleanse him for his final task...'" she recited, looking at Angel who seemed to finally understand.
"Of course," he murmured.
"'Of course' what?" Cordelia asked, her voice suffering a small shake as she looked from one to another.
"Tomorrow morning Angel and I have to find this place where the well is," Buffy answered her. "Once Angel drinks the blood which either already is there, or will come to be there once the 'final' step of this whole thing is set in motion, his demon will be released."
"In other words, he'll die," Cordelia cut in and Buffy paused, glancing at the vampire before she slowly replied:
"Yes."
"No!" Cordelia exclaimed, her tone agitated.
"Cor..." Angel said gently. "Cordelia." She looked at him, still annoyed, and then that emotion gave way for sadness before she averted her gaze. "This is good news. We might just win this yet."
"I hate Angelus for being right," she shook her head, looking up at him again before rising to her feet, adding: "He said 'you can't win'. And I can't."
She left the room and Angel sunk back in his chair, closing his eyes in defeat. Then he seemed to take a hold on himself and he looked up at Buffy again.
"How do we know when the right time is?" he asked. "We can't release Angelus before Satoch has left Susannah."
"We'll have to trust that we'll know," Buffy answered and he gave a nod to that.
"Did you get a hold of Willow?" he then wondered and she smiled a little.
"She said she'd do her best," she replied. "Which means she should be here in a few hours," she added and Angel looked relieved at that.
"That's good," he said.
Buffy observed him for a few moments, then encouraged:
"Go after her."
Angel seemed to hesitate, and then he rose from the chair, walking the way Cordelia had a few minutes earlier, following her well-known scent and finding her on the steps before the front doors of the hotel. She had her arms around her knees and her forehead leaned against them. The candle she had grabbed was dancing in the cool breeze of the street and seemed to spread a surreal light in the otherwise so dark world. She didn't make any sound like she was crying, but he still felt a rush of guilt for the pain she must be under. He could feel it too, surrounding his still heart with a web of gray and blue.
He slowly took a seat beside her, looking at his hands for a while, not sure what he could possibly say to her.
"I was thinking," she then mumbled, raising her head but looking straight ahead instead of at him, "that this could be it for me too. That I could die tomorrow. There is that possibility every day, I suppose. That you might die. But this time it's really... in my face. Know what's scary?" she wondered, and he shook his head a little. "I'm not sure if I'd mind all that much," she finished and he blinked, then gritted his teeth before saying:
"You don't mean that."
"Yeah, I do," she stated. "I do mean it. Why live in a world where everyday is a constant battle? Why live in it when you know what evil there is in it? When you've seen it, practically even tasted it? What is there that holds me to it?"
"Stop this," he mumbled, taken aback by her words. "This battle we fight, it's the good one, remember? It's to make the evil in this world a little weaker, and make it a little safer to live..."
"Yeah, for everyone else," she cut him off. "We have to give up everything so that our neighbors can go on with their little lives while we suffer. I'm sick of it. Look at you, Angel. You've walked the Earth for so long; can you honestly tell me that it's changed at all? Isn't it the same worthless speck as it was when you were born? Filled with murderers and cheaters and liars. People with no moral conviction who wouldn't give a damn about us even if we saved their precious ass from the fires of hell! So tell me, why should I care about them? Why should I go out there tomorrow and try to save them, when I really don't wanna save myself?"
Angel looked at her for the longest time, and then he said, voice soft:
"For me?"
Her eyes welled up at that, and she looked away from him again.
"This feeling," he continued, "it'll pass. You'll want to... go on, Cordy."
"Is it worth saving, then; to you?" she inquired, her jaw set and her tears held back by force. "This world?"
"Yes," he answered her with conviction. "It always was. I admit, I've wanted to bring it to a close myself."
"No," she said, mock-bafflement in her tone and he smiled a little; hoping that she might be letting go of her anger and bitterness; hoping that he was reaching her.
"Once or twice," he said nonchalantly and she had the trace of a smile on her mouth as well, kindling that hope even more. He continued: "But there's a lot worth while. A beauty unmatched. Intelligence and spirit and that human attribute of striving to improve. It's fascinating, to watch how history has made its path over a billion years. And I've seen nearly three centuries of it. I'm blessed. I've seen and felt things you wouldn't believe... I've laughed and lost and longed. And loved..."
He trailed off, growing tentative as she carefully met his gaze.
"There's so much love in this world, Cor," he mumbled. "It weighs out all the hate, if you just believe in it. Do you? Believe in it?"
She looked at him, then smiled a small smile.
"I believe in it," she answered quietly and at that he returned her smile.
***
The wind was cold on the altitude she was keeping, but it didn't bother her very much. Her Sisters were protecting her in more ways than one as she sailed the air over the Atlantic, its waves a blue carpet some fifteen thousand miles down.
Her mind was foggy and she felt like drifting off, but knew she had to keep herself awake or the ones keeping her moving would lose their contact with her, and she would plummet.
Drowning wasn't even close to her top priority right now, and so she gave herself a mental slap and fought to get her eyes at least into slits; though the harsh draft really made it quite difficult to have them open even as little as that.
Soon, she told herself. It's not far now. A few more minutes and you'll see the lights of Manhattan. After that Los Angeles isn't more than a breath away.
She kept her pep-talk up as she was brought in over the very shore she had a few minutes earlier mentioned. It wasn't much farther now. It was always easier to teleport over landmasses than vast ocean waters because the elements were stronger coming from rock and earth, and more tangible.
Before she knew it she began ascending and she felt her concentration beginning to come more easily the lower she got. Then the city of Los Angeles was spreading itself before her and she drew a small breath.
The country seemed to be suffering one major blackout. No town shone any lights, and it was obvious this city was no exception. It was eerily quiet as she touched down on the asphalt outside the large Hyperion Hotel.
She was hit by the sense of something very dark residing within the walls of the building, and also by how it sensed her presence as well. It didn't want her there. She smiled a little.
"Sorry," she mumbled. "I'm here to stay."
She crossed the street and then started toward the entrance of the hotel. When she got closer she could see that the steps hosted two forms, and after only a few more paces she knew who they were.
"Willow," Cordelia said, sounding as surprised as she looked and getting to her feet.
Angel did the same, his face splitting into a welcoming smile.
"Good to see you," he stated as she stopped at the first step below them and smiled back with as much warmth.
"The same," she assured and he laughed, taking one step down and giving her a hard squeeze.
As he stepped away Cordelia moved forward and embraced the Wicca.
"It IS good to see you," the former said and Willow smiled brightly, hugging the other back. "I have a feeling we have lots of reasons to be happy you're here," she added and Willow grew serious.
"Yeah, I'd really love to know exactly what's going on," she said and Angel nodded.
"Come on," he said, opening one of the doors and holding it up for the two ladies. "I'm sure Buffy's eager to see you."
The three crossed the foyer as Angel took the lead to the conference room. As they entered Buffy turned around from where she was standing talking to Wesley and her eyes lit up when they rested in Willow's.
"Wills!" she exclaimed. "Thank God you're here," she added, walking up to meet her friend and then giving her a hug.
"It's good to be needed," Willow smiled as they let go, and then her eyes met the blue of Spike's; her gaze growing mild and then she smiled again. "Hello, Spike," she said and he smirked, though he looked a little insecure. "Well, come on!" she added, waving one hand at him to get up and come over to her. "Give us a hug," she finished and his smile widened before he rose and did as she instructed.
Walking around the table he then embraced her and she suddenly chuckled. He blinked, pulling back with a wondering look on his face.
"It's just..." she said, keeping her smile from growing too broad with effort as she finished: "I can't help but remember the time you tried to bite me."
At that he laughed as well. Clearing his throat he then said:
"Ahem... yeah. Eh, sorry about that."
She shook her head as she watched Buffy's arm slip around his waist and how the Slayer stepped closer to the former vampire in a way which tattled that she was so used to doing it that she gave the motion little thought. Willow smiled at the sight, feeling how a great weight was finally lifted from deep inside her where it had grown so strong from watching Buffy's quiet and stoic anguish for all those months.
"You don't look so different," the redhead now stated wryly and Spike smirked again.
"Don't feel so different," he replied. "Except the need for anger management is gone," he added. "And whenever I'm a bit annoyed I don't get yellow eyes and very sharp teeth."
Willow smiled once more at that remark.
"And don't forget the lumpies," Buffy pointed out. "No lumpies either."
"True. No lumpies," he admonished and Willow watched as they looked at each other in a way she never would have thought possible three or four years ago, and then they gently shared a kiss.
"Pretty disturbing, isn't it?" Faith's voice sounded from behind her and Willow turned toward it. "Them not beating each other up all the time," the slayer elaborated with a smile. "Makes you wonder what exactly it was that threw the world order out of wack."
"Hey," Buffy complained and Faith smirked. "That Alliende guy was way ahead of us with that," the blonde added and Willow smirked as well.
"How are you?" she then asked Faith, who gave a shrug.
"Same old," she answered. "Another prophecy, another give-us-today-our- daily-bread," she added. "You?"
"Jetlagged," Willow replied and Faith laughed at that.
"We all need to get some sleep," Buffy said now, having Willow turn to her again. "But before that there's someone you need to meet," she stated and Willow raised her eyebrows.
***
Susannah woke with effort, it seemed. She looked more fatigued now than ever before; and still she had been sleeping most of the past two days. She blinked at the soft light from the bedside lamp before slowly focusing her eyes on the new addition to their group.
"Get away from me, witch," she then murmured and Buffy's heart sank.
"Susannah?" she tried, but the woman smiled such a wicked smile that the Slayer immediately understood that the demon was back in control.
"There is no way of stopping the future from crashing down upon you all!" it spat. "My time has arrived and you shall despair!"
Willow bent her head and summoned the power she possessed, felt it tingle through her nerves and into her fingers, and then she whispered the words her Coven had taught her. Making a small gesture with her left hand when she was finished she then opened her eyes and looked at the young woman before her.
"What...?" Susannah asked, disoriented.
"It's alright," Buffy soothed, feeling the certainty that everything was going to be okay settle between her ribs and heart, beating in sync with the latter. "I've brought someone who can help."
Willow took a step forward and Susannah gazed up at her.
"He really doesn't approve of this," the latter then mumbled and suddenly there was a faint smile on her lips as she reached out a trembling hand and took one of Willow's in a steady grip. "Welcome," she added and the Wicca smiled back at that.
"Willow can help exorcise Satoch so you won't have to drink from the bottle," Buffy now said.
Susannah looked even closer at the woman before her at this disclosure.
"Who are you, then?" she asked and Willow squeezed her hand a little.
"My name's Willow," she answered. "I'm a good friend of Buffy's."
"And a witch," Susannah said. "A powerful one at that, I take it," she added and Willow didn't have to verify it for the other to know it was true. "So, what are my chances now that the cavalry has arrived?" she wondered, letting Willow's hand go and sinking back against the pillows.
Buffy turned her eyes on her friend as well and Willow paused, choosing her words before she answered:
"If I can successfully remove the demon, you're chances are excellent."
"And if you can't?" Susannah inquired.
"She can," Buffy answered in the Wicca's stead. "Just focus on that. She can. I just wanted you two to meet tonight, so we're ready for anything tomorrow," she added. "Go back to sleep now."
Susannah nodded tiredly, though Willow knew she watched them as they silently left the room again. Buffy closed the door and turned to Willow.
"Please, tell me you don't harbor any doubt that you can pull this off," she asked and Willow looked at her for a second before she sighed.
"That's a powerful demon in there," she said. "I can't promise you anything. You have to be realistic, Buffy."
"I am!" Buffy hissed. "You're her last hope. OUR last hope! Satoch has to be exorcised and if you can't do it... I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm sure it'll have her die once the final hour begins, and I'm NOT gonna let her die like that!"
"What about this bottle?" Willow asked.
"It's only design is to set Satoch free... it's poison to her," Buffy answered, running her hands through her hair as she leaned against the wall to the side of the door. "And there's something about the potion in the bottle... We're not sure if it's meant to increase his strength or his size or... The legend says, according to Wesley, that the woman who made it - Ritha - worshipped Satoch with a passion almost surpassing Nefertiti's. She wanted to ensure that once it was his time, he would be unstoppable."
"Wow, had I know I'd get a history lesson I would've brought a notebook," Willow said and Buffy gave her a look as they proceeded up the stairs to the third floor. "But Satoch is supposed to... destroy this world right? So what was he doing going all wimpy three-thousand years ago? I mean, from what Giles has told me that Wesley has told HIM this 'demongod' only possessed Nefertiti and her husband."
"Yeah, but Wesley has a theory about that. He thinks that it wasn't time yet. Satoch's one purpose was to destroy, right? That was the only thing he wanted, to cause chaos all around him. But he was 'young' back then, he wasn't strong enough to wipe out life as we know it. He knew he needed to bide his time, but also that he couldn't grow stronger in some cave somewhere. So, what does he do? He takes possession of a powerful figure through which he can wreak havoc and feed that need for anarchy and distortion. And, of course, keeping himself within that bloodline he was able to feed off of war, misery and whatever else was going on around the one hosting him."
"You sound like you've actually been doing your homework," Willow remarked and now Buffy stopped.
"Aren't you proud?" she wondered and Willow smiled.
"I've never been prouder," she stated.
"Not even when I aced my SAT's?" Buffy asked and Willow put on a thoughtful look before she shook her head.
"No, this takes the cake," she answered and Buffy smirked, pushing the door open to the room which had been assigned to the Wicca. "This is nice," Willow said, stepping inside.
"It's one of the better rooms," Buffy nodded. "But let's not kid - it isn't exactly in top shape."
"I like it," Willow merely replied.
"Well, good night," Buffy said. "We'll probably need to get up bright and early in the morning."
"Okay," Willow said, stopping the Slayer in the doorway by saying: "And... where do you sleep? In case something happens and I need to get to you, I mean."
Buffy gave her a sweet smile.
"I sleep just a few doors down the hall."
Willow cocked an eyebrow and Buffy's smile widened.
"Shut up," she muttered before grabbing the door handle and stepping out into the hallway, closing the door after her.
**************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** ******************
Hello. *sheepishly dragging one foot from side to side in front of me as I glance downwards* I'm SORRY this chapter is so late! I've had guests over the New Years and then I've been working this whole long weekend! Okay...? *smiles tryingly* I really am sorry!
I keep saying that, don't I? BAD Annie! Believe me, once I'm done with posting this chapter I'll give myself a good, clean ass-whopping and teach myself to NEVER-DO-THAT-AGAIN!
But - before that - thank you all for really great reviews!!! We're almost done now, guys. Can you believe it?! *tear*
Special thanks to wolf116 (oh, don't get me wrong! I would LUV a Spike calendar, only I think I'd be too distacted by him if I put it on the wall and so I'd have to take your route with the closet deal. ;) I mean, all honor to my Spike-bot, but sometimes... ah, he's just not the real deal, get me? *giggle* And your poor husband! *snicker* No, really, honestly, poor him! ;) I'm glad it wasn't obvious it was a little joke - the proposal bit. :) I'm glad you liked!) :), winters1 (I'm so glad you had a good week!!! Very happy you enjoyed this!!!) :), darklover (Heheh, glad you thought so! Hope you liked this as well!) ;), timeends (thanks for both reviews!!! I'm so, so happy that you're still liking it!!! Hope this was not averting from that path!) ;), Captain (It's cool! I get that you wanna do your own thing. I'm glad you come back at all. Or rather that you want to read this still. Thank you! Oh, Xmas was perfect this year, hope yours was too!) :), AJ (Well, thanks. And I agree. And Riley, UGH! What did she EVER see in that guy? Or rather, what did JOSS think she could possibly see in that guy? Such a total wanker! *shudders* And no, let's not get started on this rant! And hope Willow is still appreciated. ;) Yeah, and sorry about the lacking of Fred and Gunn, it's just how it happened. I guess I feel I got more of a hang with the other characters. And Australia IS that far!) ;), Caitlin (heheh, I agree. Happy to make you happy! *grins widely* I'm very glad you liked it and so happy to make your day!!! Hope this chapter was to your satisfaction as well!) :), Anna (hey, girl! Completely cool that you enjoyed the story that much! Thanks a lot, that's a real huge compliment! And the cliffhangers driving you crazy. Excellent. *evil laugh* Heheh. Oh, and the latter-former bit has nothing to do with Buffy and Faith unless it's put in the same context as them right then. I.e. say I write something like:
Buffy entered the room and saw Faith standing by the conference table; the former walked over to the latter swiftly and grabbed her arm in a harsh grip.
I'm just referring to Buffy as the "former" 'cause she's the first one I mention in this short paragraph, and then Faith is naturally the "latter" since she's the second one. It's only so I don't have to phrase it like this:
Buffy entered the room and saw Faith standing by the conference table; Buffy walked up to Faith and grabbed her arm in a harsh grip.
Get me? Hope that clears it up for you. And I'm SO happy you liked it!!!) :)
To all, thanks so much for continuing support! Couldn't do this without ya!
A.M.L, Annie.
What Is To Be
-Twenty-Seventh-
By Annie
2003-12-21
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤
Spike was about to open his mouth and drop a sarcastic comment of how she hurt his feelings ignoring him so thoroughly, but then the few lights still lit in the foyer went out and the blackness which surrounded them seemed to be deeper than even that of night.
Buffy had stopped halfway to the stairs and now she turned around toward him.
It took only a few seconds for her eyes to adjust and though her night vision meant she saw everything in black-and-white, she saw him perfectly clear. He, on the other hand, behaved as a blind man and she felt a sudden sympathy with him. It couldn't be easy, to go from being able to do pretty much anything, to barely being able to maneuver in the dark. She didn't miss the power-him, but she wondered if HE didn't sometimes. It must have been a real adjustment, getting used to his mere human form after he had been brought back.
Of course, there were so many bonuses coming with that form, she supposed. Perhaps there wasn't that much to miss in his vampire one after all.
She walked up to him and reached out a hand, taking his and he gave her a smile.
"Knew I'd find you," he quipped and she smiled as well.
"Candles," she then said and he nodded.
"Kitchen cabinet. Right side corner. Below the counter."
She let his hand go and turned, hurrying across the foyer and into the kitchen. She found her prize where he had said it would be and grabbed a handful as well as a large silver candelabrum. Putting the candles into the five arms of the latter she searched for, and found, a box of matches. Quickly putting flames on each candle she grabbed the candelabrum and proceeded back to Angel's office.
Wesley had joined Spike with a candlestick of his own. His hair stood on end and he seemed to have grabbed the first best thing at hand to cover his bare torso, and seemingly that been a very wrinkled, red shirt which he had neglected to button up. He was quite the sight as apposed to what he used to look like. He also had a haggard expression in his gaze when he turned it into the Slayer's, but before she could put in any kind of remark he stated:
"The whole city's out."
Buffy wasn't surprised, but she still put the candelabrum down on the desk before turning and running through the foyer, up to the front door. She opened it and stepped outside.
Blackness.
She drew a small breath and turned, closing the door behind her as she walked inside again and looking up as Angel and Cordelia came down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Cordelia demanded as the three met in the middle of the foyer.
"'And on the second day their cries shall eclipse all'," Buffy replied. "Add that quote to your favorites list 'cause I'm sure it's one that'll be remembered."
"I'll do that," Cordelia said and Buffy smiled a weak smile just as Fred and Gunn also came clambering down the stairs, both holding a candle each and looking rather alarmed.
"It's okay," Buffy calmed. "It's just the 'second step' being taken," she added. "Go into the conference room, I have something to tell you. I just have to wake up Faith."
They all looked at her with eyes asking her if this was good or bad, but she didn't even give them a hint as she turned and proceeded up to the second floor.
***
"I finally got it," Buffy said, fifteen minutes later.
"Got what?" Faith asked, not hiding a yawn and Buffy gave her a patient smile.
"My dream," she answered and she could feel Angel's eyes immediately having all their focus on her.
She turned her gaze in his and then nodded.
"Yeah, this is pretty big," she confirmed his expression. "Because now I have an explanation for the 'how' and maybe even for the 'where'."
At this everyone seemed to quickly grow more awake and most of them squirmed slightly in their seat; with disbelief that this moment had actually arrived, as well as anxiousness over what it meant that it had.
"I didn't tell you of the 'extended version' I had a few nights back," Buffy now continued. "I didn't think it mattered. Most of the details were regarding Spike," she added with a smile his way, which he returned though she could see how he joined the others in impatience with her getting to the point. She would. "My dream this time began, however, with me going down into the Hellmouth. I didn't pick up on this sign of where it's actually taking place -until tonight. I realized that it's significant to this whole situation and after talking to Giles I know I'm right. He didn't confirm my suspicions, but he gave me enough acknowledgements to make me fully believe in them. He said that there is a possibility that the caves of the Hellmouth might stretch as far away from Sunnydale as to the coastline. I smelled the ocean in my dream, and that was what threw me for a loop. I never even considered the Hellmouth being larger than the actual gape of it, located beneath Sunnydale. But, I think it is. I know it is.
"There's a well in my dream, and first it's filled with clear water; but then it's filled with blood. I thought this was linked, again, to the Spike aspect of the contents. I thought it had something to do with his past as a vampire and also with my Slayer side. I didn't know how to interpret it, but I thought I had the grounds for the part of why the blood was there figured out. I was wrong. The prophecy told me why it was there, but I didn't connect the dots."
The silence was strained and seemed on the verge of snapping the air as all stared at her.
"'And the heavens shall cry tears of blood and they shall rain down upon he who is damned and he shall drink them and they shall cleanse him for his final task...'" she recited, looking at Angel who seemed to finally understand.
"Of course," he murmured.
"'Of course' what?" Cordelia asked, her voice suffering a small shake as she looked from one to another.
"Tomorrow morning Angel and I have to find this place where the well is," Buffy answered her. "Once Angel drinks the blood which either already is there, or will come to be there once the 'final' step of this whole thing is set in motion, his demon will be released."
"In other words, he'll die," Cordelia cut in and Buffy paused, glancing at the vampire before she slowly replied:
"Yes."
"No!" Cordelia exclaimed, her tone agitated.
"Cor..." Angel said gently. "Cordelia." She looked at him, still annoyed, and then that emotion gave way for sadness before she averted her gaze. "This is good news. We might just win this yet."
"I hate Angelus for being right," she shook her head, looking up at him again before rising to her feet, adding: "He said 'you can't win'. And I can't."
She left the room and Angel sunk back in his chair, closing his eyes in defeat. Then he seemed to take a hold on himself and he looked up at Buffy again.
"How do we know when the right time is?" he asked. "We can't release Angelus before Satoch has left Susannah."
"We'll have to trust that we'll know," Buffy answered and he gave a nod to that.
"Did you get a hold of Willow?" he then wondered and she smiled a little.
"She said she'd do her best," she replied. "Which means she should be here in a few hours," she added and Angel looked relieved at that.
"That's good," he said.
Buffy observed him for a few moments, then encouraged:
"Go after her."
Angel seemed to hesitate, and then he rose from the chair, walking the way Cordelia had a few minutes earlier, following her well-known scent and finding her on the steps before the front doors of the hotel. She had her arms around her knees and her forehead leaned against them. The candle she had grabbed was dancing in the cool breeze of the street and seemed to spread a surreal light in the otherwise so dark world. She didn't make any sound like she was crying, but he still felt a rush of guilt for the pain she must be under. He could feel it too, surrounding his still heart with a web of gray and blue.
He slowly took a seat beside her, looking at his hands for a while, not sure what he could possibly say to her.
"I was thinking," she then mumbled, raising her head but looking straight ahead instead of at him, "that this could be it for me too. That I could die tomorrow. There is that possibility every day, I suppose. That you might die. But this time it's really... in my face. Know what's scary?" she wondered, and he shook his head a little. "I'm not sure if I'd mind all that much," she finished and he blinked, then gritted his teeth before saying:
"You don't mean that."
"Yeah, I do," she stated. "I do mean it. Why live in a world where everyday is a constant battle? Why live in it when you know what evil there is in it? When you've seen it, practically even tasted it? What is there that holds me to it?"
"Stop this," he mumbled, taken aback by her words. "This battle we fight, it's the good one, remember? It's to make the evil in this world a little weaker, and make it a little safer to live..."
"Yeah, for everyone else," she cut him off. "We have to give up everything so that our neighbors can go on with their little lives while we suffer. I'm sick of it. Look at you, Angel. You've walked the Earth for so long; can you honestly tell me that it's changed at all? Isn't it the same worthless speck as it was when you were born? Filled with murderers and cheaters and liars. People with no moral conviction who wouldn't give a damn about us even if we saved their precious ass from the fires of hell! So tell me, why should I care about them? Why should I go out there tomorrow and try to save them, when I really don't wanna save myself?"
Angel looked at her for the longest time, and then he said, voice soft:
"For me?"
Her eyes welled up at that, and she looked away from him again.
"This feeling," he continued, "it'll pass. You'll want to... go on, Cordy."
"Is it worth saving, then; to you?" she inquired, her jaw set and her tears held back by force. "This world?"
"Yes," he answered her with conviction. "It always was. I admit, I've wanted to bring it to a close myself."
"No," she said, mock-bafflement in her tone and he smiled a little; hoping that she might be letting go of her anger and bitterness; hoping that he was reaching her.
"Once or twice," he said nonchalantly and she had the trace of a smile on her mouth as well, kindling that hope even more. He continued: "But there's a lot worth while. A beauty unmatched. Intelligence and spirit and that human attribute of striving to improve. It's fascinating, to watch how history has made its path over a billion years. And I've seen nearly three centuries of it. I'm blessed. I've seen and felt things you wouldn't believe... I've laughed and lost and longed. And loved..."
He trailed off, growing tentative as she carefully met his gaze.
"There's so much love in this world, Cor," he mumbled. "It weighs out all the hate, if you just believe in it. Do you? Believe in it?"
She looked at him, then smiled a small smile.
"I believe in it," she answered quietly and at that he returned her smile.
***
The wind was cold on the altitude she was keeping, but it didn't bother her very much. Her Sisters were protecting her in more ways than one as she sailed the air over the Atlantic, its waves a blue carpet some fifteen thousand miles down.
Her mind was foggy and she felt like drifting off, but knew she had to keep herself awake or the ones keeping her moving would lose their contact with her, and she would plummet.
Drowning wasn't even close to her top priority right now, and so she gave herself a mental slap and fought to get her eyes at least into slits; though the harsh draft really made it quite difficult to have them open even as little as that.
Soon, she told herself. It's not far now. A few more minutes and you'll see the lights of Manhattan. After that Los Angeles isn't more than a breath away.
She kept her pep-talk up as she was brought in over the very shore she had a few minutes earlier mentioned. It wasn't much farther now. It was always easier to teleport over landmasses than vast ocean waters because the elements were stronger coming from rock and earth, and more tangible.
Before she knew it she began ascending and she felt her concentration beginning to come more easily the lower she got. Then the city of Los Angeles was spreading itself before her and she drew a small breath.
The country seemed to be suffering one major blackout. No town shone any lights, and it was obvious this city was no exception. It was eerily quiet as she touched down on the asphalt outside the large Hyperion Hotel.
She was hit by the sense of something very dark residing within the walls of the building, and also by how it sensed her presence as well. It didn't want her there. She smiled a little.
"Sorry," she mumbled. "I'm here to stay."
She crossed the street and then started toward the entrance of the hotel. When she got closer she could see that the steps hosted two forms, and after only a few more paces she knew who they were.
"Willow," Cordelia said, sounding as surprised as she looked and getting to her feet.
Angel did the same, his face splitting into a welcoming smile.
"Good to see you," he stated as she stopped at the first step below them and smiled back with as much warmth.
"The same," she assured and he laughed, taking one step down and giving her a hard squeeze.
As he stepped away Cordelia moved forward and embraced the Wicca.
"It IS good to see you," the former said and Willow smiled brightly, hugging the other back. "I have a feeling we have lots of reasons to be happy you're here," she added and Willow grew serious.
"Yeah, I'd really love to know exactly what's going on," she said and Angel nodded.
"Come on," he said, opening one of the doors and holding it up for the two ladies. "I'm sure Buffy's eager to see you."
The three crossed the foyer as Angel took the lead to the conference room. As they entered Buffy turned around from where she was standing talking to Wesley and her eyes lit up when they rested in Willow's.
"Wills!" she exclaimed. "Thank God you're here," she added, walking up to meet her friend and then giving her a hug.
"It's good to be needed," Willow smiled as they let go, and then her eyes met the blue of Spike's; her gaze growing mild and then she smiled again. "Hello, Spike," she said and he smirked, though he looked a little insecure. "Well, come on!" she added, waving one hand at him to get up and come over to her. "Give us a hug," she finished and his smile widened before he rose and did as she instructed.
Walking around the table he then embraced her and she suddenly chuckled. He blinked, pulling back with a wondering look on his face.
"It's just..." she said, keeping her smile from growing too broad with effort as she finished: "I can't help but remember the time you tried to bite me."
At that he laughed as well. Clearing his throat he then said:
"Ahem... yeah. Eh, sorry about that."
She shook her head as she watched Buffy's arm slip around his waist and how the Slayer stepped closer to the former vampire in a way which tattled that she was so used to doing it that she gave the motion little thought. Willow smiled at the sight, feeling how a great weight was finally lifted from deep inside her where it had grown so strong from watching Buffy's quiet and stoic anguish for all those months.
"You don't look so different," the redhead now stated wryly and Spike smirked again.
"Don't feel so different," he replied. "Except the need for anger management is gone," he added. "And whenever I'm a bit annoyed I don't get yellow eyes and very sharp teeth."
Willow smiled once more at that remark.
"And don't forget the lumpies," Buffy pointed out. "No lumpies either."
"True. No lumpies," he admonished and Willow watched as they looked at each other in a way she never would have thought possible three or four years ago, and then they gently shared a kiss.
"Pretty disturbing, isn't it?" Faith's voice sounded from behind her and Willow turned toward it. "Them not beating each other up all the time," the slayer elaborated with a smile. "Makes you wonder what exactly it was that threw the world order out of wack."
"Hey," Buffy complained and Faith smirked. "That Alliende guy was way ahead of us with that," the blonde added and Willow smirked as well.
"How are you?" she then asked Faith, who gave a shrug.
"Same old," she answered. "Another prophecy, another give-us-today-our- daily-bread," she added. "You?"
"Jetlagged," Willow replied and Faith laughed at that.
"We all need to get some sleep," Buffy said now, having Willow turn to her again. "But before that there's someone you need to meet," she stated and Willow raised her eyebrows.
***
Susannah woke with effort, it seemed. She looked more fatigued now than ever before; and still she had been sleeping most of the past two days. She blinked at the soft light from the bedside lamp before slowly focusing her eyes on the new addition to their group.
"Get away from me, witch," she then murmured and Buffy's heart sank.
"Susannah?" she tried, but the woman smiled such a wicked smile that the Slayer immediately understood that the demon was back in control.
"There is no way of stopping the future from crashing down upon you all!" it spat. "My time has arrived and you shall despair!"
Willow bent her head and summoned the power she possessed, felt it tingle through her nerves and into her fingers, and then she whispered the words her Coven had taught her. Making a small gesture with her left hand when she was finished she then opened her eyes and looked at the young woman before her.
"What...?" Susannah asked, disoriented.
"It's alright," Buffy soothed, feeling the certainty that everything was going to be okay settle between her ribs and heart, beating in sync with the latter. "I've brought someone who can help."
Willow took a step forward and Susannah gazed up at her.
"He really doesn't approve of this," the latter then mumbled and suddenly there was a faint smile on her lips as she reached out a trembling hand and took one of Willow's in a steady grip. "Welcome," she added and the Wicca smiled back at that.
"Willow can help exorcise Satoch so you won't have to drink from the bottle," Buffy now said.
Susannah looked even closer at the woman before her at this disclosure.
"Who are you, then?" she asked and Willow squeezed her hand a little.
"My name's Willow," she answered. "I'm a good friend of Buffy's."
"And a witch," Susannah said. "A powerful one at that, I take it," she added and Willow didn't have to verify it for the other to know it was true. "So, what are my chances now that the cavalry has arrived?" she wondered, letting Willow's hand go and sinking back against the pillows.
Buffy turned her eyes on her friend as well and Willow paused, choosing her words before she answered:
"If I can successfully remove the demon, you're chances are excellent."
"And if you can't?" Susannah inquired.
"She can," Buffy answered in the Wicca's stead. "Just focus on that. She can. I just wanted you two to meet tonight, so we're ready for anything tomorrow," she added. "Go back to sleep now."
Susannah nodded tiredly, though Willow knew she watched them as they silently left the room again. Buffy closed the door and turned to Willow.
"Please, tell me you don't harbor any doubt that you can pull this off," she asked and Willow looked at her for a second before she sighed.
"That's a powerful demon in there," she said. "I can't promise you anything. You have to be realistic, Buffy."
"I am!" Buffy hissed. "You're her last hope. OUR last hope! Satoch has to be exorcised and if you can't do it... I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm sure it'll have her die once the final hour begins, and I'm NOT gonna let her die like that!"
"What about this bottle?" Willow asked.
"It's only design is to set Satoch free... it's poison to her," Buffy answered, running her hands through her hair as she leaned against the wall to the side of the door. "And there's something about the potion in the bottle... We're not sure if it's meant to increase his strength or his size or... The legend says, according to Wesley, that the woman who made it - Ritha - worshipped Satoch with a passion almost surpassing Nefertiti's. She wanted to ensure that once it was his time, he would be unstoppable."
"Wow, had I know I'd get a history lesson I would've brought a notebook," Willow said and Buffy gave her a look as they proceeded up the stairs to the third floor. "But Satoch is supposed to... destroy this world right? So what was he doing going all wimpy three-thousand years ago? I mean, from what Giles has told me that Wesley has told HIM this 'demongod' only possessed Nefertiti and her husband."
"Yeah, but Wesley has a theory about that. He thinks that it wasn't time yet. Satoch's one purpose was to destroy, right? That was the only thing he wanted, to cause chaos all around him. But he was 'young' back then, he wasn't strong enough to wipe out life as we know it. He knew he needed to bide his time, but also that he couldn't grow stronger in some cave somewhere. So, what does he do? He takes possession of a powerful figure through which he can wreak havoc and feed that need for anarchy and distortion. And, of course, keeping himself within that bloodline he was able to feed off of war, misery and whatever else was going on around the one hosting him."
"You sound like you've actually been doing your homework," Willow remarked and now Buffy stopped.
"Aren't you proud?" she wondered and Willow smiled.
"I've never been prouder," she stated.
"Not even when I aced my SAT's?" Buffy asked and Willow put on a thoughtful look before she shook her head.
"No, this takes the cake," she answered and Buffy smirked, pushing the door open to the room which had been assigned to the Wicca. "This is nice," Willow said, stepping inside.
"It's one of the better rooms," Buffy nodded. "But let's not kid - it isn't exactly in top shape."
"I like it," Willow merely replied.
"Well, good night," Buffy said. "We'll probably need to get up bright and early in the morning."
"Okay," Willow said, stopping the Slayer in the doorway by saying: "And... where do you sleep? In case something happens and I need to get to you, I mean."
Buffy gave her a sweet smile.
"I sleep just a few doors down the hall."
Willow cocked an eyebrow and Buffy's smile widened.
"Shut up," she muttered before grabbing the door handle and stepping out into the hallway, closing the door after her.
**************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** ******************
Hello. *sheepishly dragging one foot from side to side in front of me as I glance downwards* I'm SORRY this chapter is so late! I've had guests over the New Years and then I've been working this whole long weekend! Okay...? *smiles tryingly* I really am sorry!
I keep saying that, don't I? BAD Annie! Believe me, once I'm done with posting this chapter I'll give myself a good, clean ass-whopping and teach myself to NEVER-DO-THAT-AGAIN!
But - before that - thank you all for really great reviews!!! We're almost done now, guys. Can you believe it?! *tear*
Special thanks to wolf116 (oh, don't get me wrong! I would LUV a Spike calendar, only I think I'd be too distacted by him if I put it on the wall and so I'd have to take your route with the closet deal. ;) I mean, all honor to my Spike-bot, but sometimes... ah, he's just not the real deal, get me? *giggle* And your poor husband! *snicker* No, really, honestly, poor him! ;) I'm glad it wasn't obvious it was a little joke - the proposal bit. :) I'm glad you liked!) :), winters1 (I'm so glad you had a good week!!! Very happy you enjoyed this!!!) :), darklover (Heheh, glad you thought so! Hope you liked this as well!) ;), timeends (thanks for both reviews!!! I'm so, so happy that you're still liking it!!! Hope this was not averting from that path!) ;), Captain (It's cool! I get that you wanna do your own thing. I'm glad you come back at all. Or rather that you want to read this still. Thank you! Oh, Xmas was perfect this year, hope yours was too!) :), AJ (Well, thanks. And I agree. And Riley, UGH! What did she EVER see in that guy? Or rather, what did JOSS think she could possibly see in that guy? Such a total wanker! *shudders* And no, let's not get started on this rant! And hope Willow is still appreciated. ;) Yeah, and sorry about the lacking of Fred and Gunn, it's just how it happened. I guess I feel I got more of a hang with the other characters. And Australia IS that far!) ;), Caitlin (heheh, I agree. Happy to make you happy! *grins widely* I'm very glad you liked it and so happy to make your day!!! Hope this chapter was to your satisfaction as well!) :), Anna (hey, girl! Completely cool that you enjoyed the story that much! Thanks a lot, that's a real huge compliment! And the cliffhangers driving you crazy. Excellent. *evil laugh* Heheh. Oh, and the latter-former bit has nothing to do with Buffy and Faith unless it's put in the same context as them right then. I.e. say I write something like:
Buffy entered the room and saw Faith standing by the conference table; the former walked over to the latter swiftly and grabbed her arm in a harsh grip.
I'm just referring to Buffy as the "former" 'cause she's the first one I mention in this short paragraph, and then Faith is naturally the "latter" since she's the second one. It's only so I don't have to phrase it like this:
Buffy entered the room and saw Faith standing by the conference table; Buffy walked up to Faith and grabbed her arm in a harsh grip.
Get me? Hope that clears it up for you. And I'm SO happy you liked it!!!) :)
To all, thanks so much for continuing support! Couldn't do this without ya!
A.M.L, Annie.
