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What Is To Be
-Thirtieth-
By Annie
2004-01-24
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤
The quiet which followed the deafening cry did anything but calm the two warriors, now left with nothing but waiting. Their gazes were transfixed on the opening, and the shadow they could swear they saw shifting just beyond it.
Buffy felt the adrenaline spread throughout her body, and every limb was tense with anticipation. She swallowed, seeing Spike's face before her eyes and then Dawn's. She broke the line of familiarity quickly. This was not that moment before her demise. She would live to see them both again; to see all of them again.
Then there was the subtle scrape of something against the rock just by the opening and her heart slowed down its pace as all her senses were immediately reaching out for more information.
She could scent something earthy, like wet clay; but she could hear and see nothing but blackness.
Angel's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes not blinking.
And then everything which seemed to be put on pause was suddenly pushed into fast-forward and out of the dark came a creature unlike any either one of them had ever seen. It had the height of at least eighteen feet and its body seemed made out of dirt and stone and twig. Its eyes were black as charcoal and they gleamed with an evil Buffy hadn't faced in what felt like eons. The smell of earth she had previously scented was now accompanied by one of slowly molding apples and its sourness filled the cave as the beast came to stand before its opponents.
"Wonder if he's allergic to water," she now murmured and Angel had one corner of his mouth curl into an agreement before he raised his sword in front of him, holding it with both hands.
"Too bad we don't have some," he then replied and she glanced at her stake, thinking she truly should have brought something a bit heavier, and then he added: "I would've liked to test that theory."
She nodded, throwing her weapon aside and beginning to look around the cave for something which wouldn't seem as though it could have been made from the monster before them. From every part of it that would have a joint - had it been of a more normal form - there was a thick piece of branch sticking out. They didn't exactly look as though their purpose there was for mere decoration.
Suddenly the thing went down on all fours, having its head still be in line with Angel's, and the vampire frowned slightly.
"What's it...?" he began, and then the creature drew a breath before opening its mouth and letting out a roar of pure fire.
Angel threw himself to the side, rolling on the ground and then getting to his feet.
"Never mind," he filled in, sharing a rather panicked look with Buffy before they got themselves moving; running toward the opening of the cave.
***
"Willow?" Spike tried again. "Willow!"
She finally looked at him, her eyes still covered by their black shield. She smiled a little.
"Don't worry," she said, and then spread her arms, her feet leaving the floor.
The next instant she was gone and Spike blinked, his heart thumping fierce beats against his ribcage and his eyes filling with the overwhelming fear he felt at the thought of what the Wicca had seen.
Buffy...
*** Angel was just behind Buffy as she reached to gaping mouth which would lead them into the unknown shadows, and then he heard the intake of breath right behind them. He saw Buffy turn her head to look over her shoulder, and how her eyes grew wide with surprise. And then he felt the heat wave which announced the oncoming storm of fire, and before he knew what he was doing he turned around, dropped the sword to the ground, and raised both hands before him.
The flames licked around him, but his hands held them away from his body as though creating a power-field. He felt how his palms were burning with pain, how his forehead was beading perspiration he shouldn't be able to produce, and how he was just about to reach the place where his strength would leave him.
Buffy stared at the scene, wanting to do something to help, but knowing that there was nothing she could do. She could see that Angel was nearly falling on his knees, practically leaning against the stream of glowing warmth which kept coming at him.
"Step back."
The voice sounded so unreal that Buffy didn't pick up on it at first, and then she felt a hand gently place itself on her upper-arm, making her move aside; and she turned her head, with widening eyes, to Willow.
"Step back," the Wicca repeated and Buffy blinked, then did as the former asked.
Willow closed her eyes, her hands growing into tight fists. Then she opened them up, slowly raising her arms and having bolts of electricity begin to form between her fingers. When she opened her eyes again they met the even blacker ones of the creature before her and it seized its breathing, staring at the small frame of the one in front of him.
Angel staggered to the ground, falling onto his stomach. Buffy didn't dare to move.
The creature hesitated for but a moment, and then it once again drew a breath.
Willow seemed to have been waiting for this. She directed her fingers at it and released the electricity she had collected into its rightful form, as powerful bolts of lightening going straight into the being. It rose on its legs again, throwing its head back and letting hear another of its loud cries. This time it was laced with pain.
At the sound of it Buffy got herself moving, running up to the fallen vamp and turning him over onto his back. She looked down at his hands and made a face of sympathy as the skin had been completely melted away. She pulled her thick jacket off and then ripped off the arms of the shirt she had on under it, which had been large enough to cover the other two sweaters beneath it. Wrapping the pieces of cloth around his hands she then turned her head back to the scene of Willow and the creature.
It was a sight the Slayer knew she wouldn't soon forget, as the heat which the former was sending into the latter was making its countenance dry up and begin to fall apart.
Angel stirred, moaning silently, and Buffy looked down at him.
"You'll be alright," she assured when he opened his eyes and looked mildly disoriented. "It's okay."
And then there was a crashing noise which had her once again turn her eyes on the creature, which had tumbled over on the side and was trying to move, but couldn't, as the dirt was beginning to wither away even more rapidly. After another ten seconds was all that was left of the formerly so mighty combatant a skeleton made entirely out of wood. It looked like a crossbreed between a human and a wolf, as the body had the look of a human - while the skull had the markings of a canine of some sort.
Willow stumbled backwards, leaning against the wall she finally reached and then sinking to a seated position against it. Her eyes grew into her own and the silent crackling of the power circling between her fingertips slowly died out.
"You okay?" Buffy asked, the question echoing through the cave and Willow raised her head, meeting the Slayer's gaze and then nodding tiredly.
"I'll be fine," she replied. "Just need a minute."
Angel sat up, with some difficulty, and Buffy stared at him for a moment before she asked:
"How did you do that?"
He shrugged a little.
"The same way I melted snow," he answered and she smiled a small smile before helping him to his feet.
"You saved my life," she said and he smirked.
"So, what else is new?" he shot and she smiled again, then turned to Willow; who was also rising. "There's the hero," he added and Buffy's smile broadened. "Or heroine," he corrected as the latter left his side and rushed over to her friend.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Buffy wondered and Willow waved a hand.
"We just need to get outta here," she stated. "I don't think I can handle anymore surprises."
"Right. Any ideas? I don't exactly feel like hiking through the Hellmouth to try and find a way out," Buffy replied and Willow frowned.
"Why not go the way you came?" she asked and Buffy pointed to the ceiling. Willow tilted her head back and looked up. "What?" she then asked and Buffy raised her eyebrows.
"Unless we use the bones of that dead thing over there in some very creative way I can't see how we're ever gonna reach," she said and Willow smiled.
"Oh, ye of little faith," she replied, walking up to the well and stepping up to the edge of it, once again directing her gaze on the ceiling before she simply stepped out and where Buffy would have thought she would sink into the depths of the blood, she began to gently hover above it; to then slowly start ascending toward the blessed light of day - visible around the edge of the hole.
Buffy glanced at Angel, who shrugged his shoulders again and then they both walked up to the place where the Wicca a few moments earlier had stood.
"You got the bottle?" Buffy inquired and Angel felt in his left pocket, to make sure.
"Yeah," he answered and she nodded, growing tentative for a second before she did as her friend before her and stepped out, onto the blood.
***
Spike had been pacing the foyer for nearly twenty minutes; and this after nearly enough wearing a hole in the conference room floor - as well as Wesley's ear, the former being inapt to keep his worries neither silent, nor to himself. When the knob of the front door began to turn he stopped and then bolted for it.
Buffy was accidentally the first one through it and before she had time to react he had hoisted her up in his arms in a tight embrace. Pulling back he then joined their lips in a deep kiss and when he finally allowed them both to come up for air she had a wide grin grow on her mouth.
"I was so scared," he mumbled. "I knew you were okay, but I was still so bloody scared!"
She looked up at him, the smile still on, and then she said:
"Good?"
He smirked at that, pulling her to him again.
Cordelia came out through the door of the conference room and her expression was radiant relief and happiness as she set eye on the returning three. She crossed the foyer with a bit more self-control than Spike, but her gaze didn't leave Angel's for a second and she stopped before him with the clear need to hug him. She contained it, trying hard not to clench her jaws together too tight in the process, and merely offered him a bright smile.
"So, you did it?" she asked and he returned her smile before bringing the bottle out and showing it to her demonstratively.
Her joy suddenly faded as she looked at it. Then her eyes grew.
"My God, your hands..." she began, but he interrupted her with a calming:
"Don't worry. They'll heal in no time... Remember?"
She grew quiet, looking away and seeming uncertain of what to do next. The seriousness didn't leave her and it was as though she was retracting, moving out of reach for him. He was just about to say something when she glanced at him and then said:
"I'm glad you're back."
He could hear how she wanted to add something along the lines of "for now" to that sentiment, but as she merely turned from him and walked back down the steps he felt his heart grow heavy. He squeezed the bottle still held in his right hand, then he followed her.
Willow watched them both as first Cordelia disappeared toward the kitchen, and Angel walked after her. The Wicca turned her head to the still embracing blondes and had a smile on her face before she too proceeded down the steps and headed for the conference room.
Wesley looked up when she entered. He had an expression of concerned curiosity on his features as she came up to the table and had a seat on one of the chairs with a sigh.
"You look..."
"Ah-ah," Willow shook her head, putting one hand up. "Please, I really don't want to know if I look how I feel."
Wesley smiled, shaking his head a little as well.
"I was going to say that you look surprisingly... pert," he said and she smiled back at that. "So, it went...?"
"It went," she shrugged. "We're all here, all in one piece. Though Angel's a bit roughed up..."
"What was it?" Wesley wondered.
"Oh, just the Hellmouth's very own version of a Balrok, I'd say," she replied and then she rose again. "I need to go see Susannah... And I think we should have a meeting, talk things over. Soon."
"Ten minutes?"
"Make it fifteen," she said and he gave a nod to that.
***
"Nowadays all we do is have meetings," Faith complained, throwing herself down on one of the vacant chairs and tilting it back carelessly as she put her feet up on the table. "When are we gonna see some action? Isn't today the big day? Are we really gonna have another talk-it-over? What's there to talk about anyway? I tell you, I haven't seen this much calm since I climbed the Himalayas."
"You never climbed the Himalayas," Gunn remarked and she smirked.
"I could have," she replied. "Besides, I wanted to make a statement to underline just how frickin' bored I am with this drought! I wanna kick this demon's ass back to whatever hell it came from, save the day and hopefully have time to build an igloo or a giant snowman or..."
As Willow entered she grew quiet and since everybody were gathered now that the Wicca took her seat they focused their gazes on her. She smiled a little, looking slightly insecure before she said:
"I think we should begin the exorcism." Everybody grew a tad more rigid at hearing that, but Willow continued undiscouraged: "We'll bring Susannah down here. We'll have to have some way of tying her down without her hurting herself. I think the process should be quick, once it's started, and so we need to get everything straight before we take the first step."
"Okay. You get Satoch out of Susannah," Angel spoke up. "I'll have a drink. Demons fight and then we'll see if there's still a world."
"When you put it like that it sounds pretty simple," Cordelia murmured, having Angel's eyes lock in hers as she added: "Doesn't it?"
The tension between the two of them was palpable and Buffy, sitting next to the lady of the context, had to wonder what had been said between them before. It seemed as though Cordelia was shutting him out completely and the Slayer wished she could have a minute or so with the brunette to tell her what a huge mistake she was making.
"Why can't we just let it all be?" Faith now broke the silence. "I mean, if this Satoch character needs to be 'exorcised' to be set free, why can't we just let him be trapped in Susannah until tomorrow. Hey, maybe that'll kill him?"
Wesley smiled a half smile before he answered:
"No, it wouldn't. He's been changing hosts for three thousand years, waiting for this date. He'll simply do it again, and wait for three thousand more - if that's what it takes. Only this time it's a bit more complicated for him since he'll have to change bloodline, and not just body. However, he will be able to and there's not a damn thing we can do to stop him. He'll pick the strongest one of us to enter."
Buffy furrowed her brow as he turned his gaze in hers, and then she raised her eyebrows.
"Great," she muttered. "Here we go. It's all falling into place now."
"No," Wesley disagreed. "It's not directed AT you, Buffy. But you're the strongest being here 'cause you're strength lies with your heritage."
"Right," she said, voice low.
"What'd happen to Susie?" Cordelia wondered.
"She'd die," Wesley answered.
"I'm here to make sure we don't have to even consider this as an option," Willow picked up at that. "I've talked it through with Susannah, and she's ready. She wants to do this now; I can see it on her. We'll start this circus up in half an hour... Until then all we can do is..."
"Pray?" Fred asked with a trying smile and Willow returned it.
"At the least," she nodded.
***
Cordelia closed the door to her bedroom behind her, but after only two steps into the room it opened again and she turned around. Angel stepped through it and then closed it behind him, seemingly trying to muster all of his patience as he caught her gaze and held it steadily with his own.
"Cordelia," he said and she crossed her arms over her chest, taking a step back.
"What?" she wondered and he frowned.
"'What'?" he asked back and she tried to keep the nonchalance in her manner, though it failed her and she took another step back as she unwrapped her arms.
"What do you want now?" she elaborated. "I think we pretty much concluded that we've said our good-byes."
"YOU concluded," he disagreed. "And it seems you decided on concluding this while I wasn't even present. Why are you doing this, Cor?"
"I don't know wha-..."
"Yes, you do!" he interrupted, his patience eluding him as he couldn't take her treating him like this anymore. "You're wasting it!"
She swallowed, but couldn't keep tears from rising and so she turned from him.
"What? Our last precious moments?" she asked, voice strained and then his hands gently placed themselves on her shoulders.
"Yes," he said and she let him turn her back to face him without putting up an ounce of a fight. "I don't know why I haven't gotten the chance to tell you sooner. Why something always gets in the way... But you know - don't you?"
She stared up at him, her testament of emotion running over and sliding down her cheeks; then she nodded.
"I love you, Cordelia," he stated gently and a smile began to tentatively form on her mouth. "I've been in love with you for a long time..."
He trailed off. Looking down at her beautiful face now glowing with the very feeling he harbored. It made him feel lightheaded, floating.
"I love you too," she mumbled, her face so close to his that he could feel the cold radiating against his skin.
Then her arms slipped up and around his neck and he held her to him, closing his eyes and wishing that one half hour could have been enough. It never would be. He would never be able to tell her all the things he wanted to tell her, ask her all the questions he wanted answers to, or hear her thoughts on everything around them.
He knew her, but her deepest and darkest fear or her most well-kept secret - those were things he would have to leave with her.
"Our timing really sucks," she suddenly grumbled and he had to smile, turning his head to look down at her again.
"But maybe we'll appreciate each other more in this half hour than most people do in a lifetime," he offered and she smiled a little as well, then said:
"Maybe we'd appreciate a lifetime more then most people do in a half hour."
He smiled, then frowned again.
"That made no sense," he pointed out and she smirked.
"To me, neither did your little attempt at philosophy," she replied and he had a wider smile on his lips at that.
***
Susannah was leaning against Willow as the latter helped her to carefully make her way down the stairs to the foyer.
"Slowly now," Willow encouraged, Susannah's breathing heavy and forced into a calm Willow knew the other wasn't anywhere close to feeling.
Spike met them at the last step and Susannah looked up at him with a grateful expression as he took his place on her other side, helping to support her.
"My feet can barely carry me, my legs are shaking so bad," she whispered and he hushed her gently.
"Don't think about it," he murmured and she smiled meekly.
"How can I not?" she wondered.
"You're stronger than you think," he said firmly.
"Another dash of your incorrigible stubbornness?" she asked, still bearing the traces of a smile and he had the same occur on his mouth as a reply.
"Here's good," Willow said, stopping and Susannah moved the arm she had around the Wicca's shoulders to let the other leave in order to get Gunn.
Susannah hesitated, and then turned so that she faced Spike, leaning into him as she had no choice. If she didn't, she was sure to fall. He looked down at her and she saw a haunting worry in those eyes she loved so.
"Please," she said, voice lowered as it seemed any attempt at speaking above a loud whisper was instantly broken off. "Don't look at me like that."
"I'm sorry," he replied. "But I'm afraid for you. Can't I be?"
"Sure you can, I want you to be," she mumbled. "Just don't let me know it. I have to believe that Willow can do this."
"She can," he stated. "I know it."
"So don't be afraid," Susannah said, moving one hand to place it softly against his cheek.
"Sannah..."
A wider smile cut him off and then she said:
"I've always liked that nickname... It sounds so personal. Like a secret."
"I'm sorry if I hurt you..."
"You're happy now... You're eyes they... they're finally full of... life..."
"Susannah?"
Her eyes began to close and then she suddenly slumped in his arms, making him have to go down on one knee to keep her from hitting the floor as she began to slip out of his grip.
"Susannah?!" he said her name again, her hand previously on his cheek now on his shoulder and her fingers gripped the fabric of the thick sweater he was in.
"What happened?!" Cordelia demanded, coming rushing down the stairs with Angel not far behind her. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," Spike replied. "Get Willow."
"I'm here," the Wicca said, coming back out of the conference room, accompanied by Gunn. "I thought this might happen. We have to hurry and tie her up... Satoch's taking back control again."
**************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** **************************************************************************** ******************
Hello! It's hard to think it, but I do believe there is merely two more chapters to this story! Incredible.
I want to send warm and special thanks to Winters1 :), Rachel9 (it's alright! Thanks!) :), timeends ;), Anna (it's cool and glad you liked!) :), darklover *big smile to that*, blackeyedgurl (good to see ya! And you're welcome!) ;), Captain (totally okay and I'm happy you enjoyed! Thanks for the Spike! Delicious!) :)
Sorry to make it so short this time, and I'm sorry if the steam seems to have gone out of me, trust me - it hasn't. I'm taking a course (in Screenwriting, for those who are interested) online and it's occupying my time very efficiently. :) I hope all is well with everyone and big, humungous thanks to you all!!!
A.M.L, Annie.
What Is To Be
-Thirtieth-
By Annie
2004-01-24
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ ¤¤¤¤¤¤
The quiet which followed the deafening cry did anything but calm the two warriors, now left with nothing but waiting. Their gazes were transfixed on the opening, and the shadow they could swear they saw shifting just beyond it.
Buffy felt the adrenaline spread throughout her body, and every limb was tense with anticipation. She swallowed, seeing Spike's face before her eyes and then Dawn's. She broke the line of familiarity quickly. This was not that moment before her demise. She would live to see them both again; to see all of them again.
Then there was the subtle scrape of something against the rock just by the opening and her heart slowed down its pace as all her senses were immediately reaching out for more information.
She could scent something earthy, like wet clay; but she could hear and see nothing but blackness.
Angel's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes not blinking.
And then everything which seemed to be put on pause was suddenly pushed into fast-forward and out of the dark came a creature unlike any either one of them had ever seen. It had the height of at least eighteen feet and its body seemed made out of dirt and stone and twig. Its eyes were black as charcoal and they gleamed with an evil Buffy hadn't faced in what felt like eons. The smell of earth she had previously scented was now accompanied by one of slowly molding apples and its sourness filled the cave as the beast came to stand before its opponents.
"Wonder if he's allergic to water," she now murmured and Angel had one corner of his mouth curl into an agreement before he raised his sword in front of him, holding it with both hands.
"Too bad we don't have some," he then replied and she glanced at her stake, thinking she truly should have brought something a bit heavier, and then he added: "I would've liked to test that theory."
She nodded, throwing her weapon aside and beginning to look around the cave for something which wouldn't seem as though it could have been made from the monster before them. From every part of it that would have a joint - had it been of a more normal form - there was a thick piece of branch sticking out. They didn't exactly look as though their purpose there was for mere decoration.
Suddenly the thing went down on all fours, having its head still be in line with Angel's, and the vampire frowned slightly.
"What's it...?" he began, and then the creature drew a breath before opening its mouth and letting out a roar of pure fire.
Angel threw himself to the side, rolling on the ground and then getting to his feet.
"Never mind," he filled in, sharing a rather panicked look with Buffy before they got themselves moving; running toward the opening of the cave.
***
"Willow?" Spike tried again. "Willow!"
She finally looked at him, her eyes still covered by their black shield. She smiled a little.
"Don't worry," she said, and then spread her arms, her feet leaving the floor.
The next instant she was gone and Spike blinked, his heart thumping fierce beats against his ribcage and his eyes filling with the overwhelming fear he felt at the thought of what the Wicca had seen.
Buffy...
*** Angel was just behind Buffy as she reached to gaping mouth which would lead them into the unknown shadows, and then he heard the intake of breath right behind them. He saw Buffy turn her head to look over her shoulder, and how her eyes grew wide with surprise. And then he felt the heat wave which announced the oncoming storm of fire, and before he knew what he was doing he turned around, dropped the sword to the ground, and raised both hands before him.
The flames licked around him, but his hands held them away from his body as though creating a power-field. He felt how his palms were burning with pain, how his forehead was beading perspiration he shouldn't be able to produce, and how he was just about to reach the place where his strength would leave him.
Buffy stared at the scene, wanting to do something to help, but knowing that there was nothing she could do. She could see that Angel was nearly falling on his knees, practically leaning against the stream of glowing warmth which kept coming at him.
"Step back."
The voice sounded so unreal that Buffy didn't pick up on it at first, and then she felt a hand gently place itself on her upper-arm, making her move aside; and she turned her head, with widening eyes, to Willow.
"Step back," the Wicca repeated and Buffy blinked, then did as the former asked.
Willow closed her eyes, her hands growing into tight fists. Then she opened them up, slowly raising her arms and having bolts of electricity begin to form between her fingers. When she opened her eyes again they met the even blacker ones of the creature before her and it seized its breathing, staring at the small frame of the one in front of him.
Angel staggered to the ground, falling onto his stomach. Buffy didn't dare to move.
The creature hesitated for but a moment, and then it once again drew a breath.
Willow seemed to have been waiting for this. She directed her fingers at it and released the electricity she had collected into its rightful form, as powerful bolts of lightening going straight into the being. It rose on its legs again, throwing its head back and letting hear another of its loud cries. This time it was laced with pain.
At the sound of it Buffy got herself moving, running up to the fallen vamp and turning him over onto his back. She looked down at his hands and made a face of sympathy as the skin had been completely melted away. She pulled her thick jacket off and then ripped off the arms of the shirt she had on under it, which had been large enough to cover the other two sweaters beneath it. Wrapping the pieces of cloth around his hands she then turned her head back to the scene of Willow and the creature.
It was a sight the Slayer knew she wouldn't soon forget, as the heat which the former was sending into the latter was making its countenance dry up and begin to fall apart.
Angel stirred, moaning silently, and Buffy looked down at him.
"You'll be alright," she assured when he opened his eyes and looked mildly disoriented. "It's okay."
And then there was a crashing noise which had her once again turn her eyes on the creature, which had tumbled over on the side and was trying to move, but couldn't, as the dirt was beginning to wither away even more rapidly. After another ten seconds was all that was left of the formerly so mighty combatant a skeleton made entirely out of wood. It looked like a crossbreed between a human and a wolf, as the body had the look of a human - while the skull had the markings of a canine of some sort.
Willow stumbled backwards, leaning against the wall she finally reached and then sinking to a seated position against it. Her eyes grew into her own and the silent crackling of the power circling between her fingertips slowly died out.
"You okay?" Buffy asked, the question echoing through the cave and Willow raised her head, meeting the Slayer's gaze and then nodding tiredly.
"I'll be fine," she replied. "Just need a minute."
Angel sat up, with some difficulty, and Buffy stared at him for a moment before she asked:
"How did you do that?"
He shrugged a little.
"The same way I melted snow," he answered and she smiled a small smile before helping him to his feet.
"You saved my life," she said and he smirked.
"So, what else is new?" he shot and she smiled again, then turned to Willow; who was also rising. "There's the hero," he added and Buffy's smile broadened. "Or heroine," he corrected as the latter left his side and rushed over to her friend.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Buffy wondered and Willow waved a hand.
"We just need to get outta here," she stated. "I don't think I can handle anymore surprises."
"Right. Any ideas? I don't exactly feel like hiking through the Hellmouth to try and find a way out," Buffy replied and Willow frowned.
"Why not go the way you came?" she asked and Buffy pointed to the ceiling. Willow tilted her head back and looked up. "What?" she then asked and Buffy raised her eyebrows.
"Unless we use the bones of that dead thing over there in some very creative way I can't see how we're ever gonna reach," she said and Willow smiled.
"Oh, ye of little faith," she replied, walking up to the well and stepping up to the edge of it, once again directing her gaze on the ceiling before she simply stepped out and where Buffy would have thought she would sink into the depths of the blood, she began to gently hover above it; to then slowly start ascending toward the blessed light of day - visible around the edge of the hole.
Buffy glanced at Angel, who shrugged his shoulders again and then they both walked up to the place where the Wicca a few moments earlier had stood.
"You got the bottle?" Buffy inquired and Angel felt in his left pocket, to make sure.
"Yeah," he answered and she nodded, growing tentative for a second before she did as her friend before her and stepped out, onto the blood.
***
Spike had been pacing the foyer for nearly twenty minutes; and this after nearly enough wearing a hole in the conference room floor - as well as Wesley's ear, the former being inapt to keep his worries neither silent, nor to himself. When the knob of the front door began to turn he stopped and then bolted for it.
Buffy was accidentally the first one through it and before she had time to react he had hoisted her up in his arms in a tight embrace. Pulling back he then joined their lips in a deep kiss and when he finally allowed them both to come up for air she had a wide grin grow on her mouth.
"I was so scared," he mumbled. "I knew you were okay, but I was still so bloody scared!"
She looked up at him, the smile still on, and then she said:
"Good?"
He smirked at that, pulling her to him again.
Cordelia came out through the door of the conference room and her expression was radiant relief and happiness as she set eye on the returning three. She crossed the foyer with a bit more self-control than Spike, but her gaze didn't leave Angel's for a second and she stopped before him with the clear need to hug him. She contained it, trying hard not to clench her jaws together too tight in the process, and merely offered him a bright smile.
"So, you did it?" she asked and he returned her smile before bringing the bottle out and showing it to her demonstratively.
Her joy suddenly faded as she looked at it. Then her eyes grew.
"My God, your hands..." she began, but he interrupted her with a calming:
"Don't worry. They'll heal in no time... Remember?"
She grew quiet, looking away and seeming uncertain of what to do next. The seriousness didn't leave her and it was as though she was retracting, moving out of reach for him. He was just about to say something when she glanced at him and then said:
"I'm glad you're back."
He could hear how she wanted to add something along the lines of "for now" to that sentiment, but as she merely turned from him and walked back down the steps he felt his heart grow heavy. He squeezed the bottle still held in his right hand, then he followed her.
Willow watched them both as first Cordelia disappeared toward the kitchen, and Angel walked after her. The Wicca turned her head to the still embracing blondes and had a smile on her face before she too proceeded down the steps and headed for the conference room.
Wesley looked up when she entered. He had an expression of concerned curiosity on his features as she came up to the table and had a seat on one of the chairs with a sigh.
"You look..."
"Ah-ah," Willow shook her head, putting one hand up. "Please, I really don't want to know if I look how I feel."
Wesley smiled, shaking his head a little as well.
"I was going to say that you look surprisingly... pert," he said and she smiled back at that. "So, it went...?"
"It went," she shrugged. "We're all here, all in one piece. Though Angel's a bit roughed up..."
"What was it?" Wesley wondered.
"Oh, just the Hellmouth's very own version of a Balrok, I'd say," she replied and then she rose again. "I need to go see Susannah... And I think we should have a meeting, talk things over. Soon."
"Ten minutes?"
"Make it fifteen," she said and he gave a nod to that.
***
"Nowadays all we do is have meetings," Faith complained, throwing herself down on one of the vacant chairs and tilting it back carelessly as she put her feet up on the table. "When are we gonna see some action? Isn't today the big day? Are we really gonna have another talk-it-over? What's there to talk about anyway? I tell you, I haven't seen this much calm since I climbed the Himalayas."
"You never climbed the Himalayas," Gunn remarked and she smirked.
"I could have," she replied. "Besides, I wanted to make a statement to underline just how frickin' bored I am with this drought! I wanna kick this demon's ass back to whatever hell it came from, save the day and hopefully have time to build an igloo or a giant snowman or..."
As Willow entered she grew quiet and since everybody were gathered now that the Wicca took her seat they focused their gazes on her. She smiled a little, looking slightly insecure before she said:
"I think we should begin the exorcism." Everybody grew a tad more rigid at hearing that, but Willow continued undiscouraged: "We'll bring Susannah down here. We'll have to have some way of tying her down without her hurting herself. I think the process should be quick, once it's started, and so we need to get everything straight before we take the first step."
"Okay. You get Satoch out of Susannah," Angel spoke up. "I'll have a drink. Demons fight and then we'll see if there's still a world."
"When you put it like that it sounds pretty simple," Cordelia murmured, having Angel's eyes lock in hers as she added: "Doesn't it?"
The tension between the two of them was palpable and Buffy, sitting next to the lady of the context, had to wonder what had been said between them before. It seemed as though Cordelia was shutting him out completely and the Slayer wished she could have a minute or so with the brunette to tell her what a huge mistake she was making.
"Why can't we just let it all be?" Faith now broke the silence. "I mean, if this Satoch character needs to be 'exorcised' to be set free, why can't we just let him be trapped in Susannah until tomorrow. Hey, maybe that'll kill him?"
Wesley smiled a half smile before he answered:
"No, it wouldn't. He's been changing hosts for three thousand years, waiting for this date. He'll simply do it again, and wait for three thousand more - if that's what it takes. Only this time it's a bit more complicated for him since he'll have to change bloodline, and not just body. However, he will be able to and there's not a damn thing we can do to stop him. He'll pick the strongest one of us to enter."
Buffy furrowed her brow as he turned his gaze in hers, and then she raised her eyebrows.
"Great," she muttered. "Here we go. It's all falling into place now."
"No," Wesley disagreed. "It's not directed AT you, Buffy. But you're the strongest being here 'cause you're strength lies with your heritage."
"Right," she said, voice low.
"What'd happen to Susie?" Cordelia wondered.
"She'd die," Wesley answered.
"I'm here to make sure we don't have to even consider this as an option," Willow picked up at that. "I've talked it through with Susannah, and she's ready. She wants to do this now; I can see it on her. We'll start this circus up in half an hour... Until then all we can do is..."
"Pray?" Fred asked with a trying smile and Willow returned it.
"At the least," she nodded.
***
Cordelia closed the door to her bedroom behind her, but after only two steps into the room it opened again and she turned around. Angel stepped through it and then closed it behind him, seemingly trying to muster all of his patience as he caught her gaze and held it steadily with his own.
"Cordelia," he said and she crossed her arms over her chest, taking a step back.
"What?" she wondered and he frowned.
"'What'?" he asked back and she tried to keep the nonchalance in her manner, though it failed her and she took another step back as she unwrapped her arms.
"What do you want now?" she elaborated. "I think we pretty much concluded that we've said our good-byes."
"YOU concluded," he disagreed. "And it seems you decided on concluding this while I wasn't even present. Why are you doing this, Cor?"
"I don't know wha-..."
"Yes, you do!" he interrupted, his patience eluding him as he couldn't take her treating him like this anymore. "You're wasting it!"
She swallowed, but couldn't keep tears from rising and so she turned from him.
"What? Our last precious moments?" she asked, voice strained and then his hands gently placed themselves on her shoulders.
"Yes," he said and she let him turn her back to face him without putting up an ounce of a fight. "I don't know why I haven't gotten the chance to tell you sooner. Why something always gets in the way... But you know - don't you?"
She stared up at him, her testament of emotion running over and sliding down her cheeks; then she nodded.
"I love you, Cordelia," he stated gently and a smile began to tentatively form on her mouth. "I've been in love with you for a long time..."
He trailed off. Looking down at her beautiful face now glowing with the very feeling he harbored. It made him feel lightheaded, floating.
"I love you too," she mumbled, her face so close to his that he could feel the cold radiating against his skin.
Then her arms slipped up and around his neck and he held her to him, closing his eyes and wishing that one half hour could have been enough. It never would be. He would never be able to tell her all the things he wanted to tell her, ask her all the questions he wanted answers to, or hear her thoughts on everything around them.
He knew her, but her deepest and darkest fear or her most well-kept secret - those were things he would have to leave with her.
"Our timing really sucks," she suddenly grumbled and he had to smile, turning his head to look down at her again.
"But maybe we'll appreciate each other more in this half hour than most people do in a lifetime," he offered and she smiled a little as well, then said:
"Maybe we'd appreciate a lifetime more then most people do in a half hour."
He smiled, then frowned again.
"That made no sense," he pointed out and she smirked.
"To me, neither did your little attempt at philosophy," she replied and he had a wider smile on his lips at that.
***
Susannah was leaning against Willow as the latter helped her to carefully make her way down the stairs to the foyer.
"Slowly now," Willow encouraged, Susannah's breathing heavy and forced into a calm Willow knew the other wasn't anywhere close to feeling.
Spike met them at the last step and Susannah looked up at him with a grateful expression as he took his place on her other side, helping to support her.
"My feet can barely carry me, my legs are shaking so bad," she whispered and he hushed her gently.
"Don't think about it," he murmured and she smiled meekly.
"How can I not?" she wondered.
"You're stronger than you think," he said firmly.
"Another dash of your incorrigible stubbornness?" she asked, still bearing the traces of a smile and he had the same occur on his mouth as a reply.
"Here's good," Willow said, stopping and Susannah moved the arm she had around the Wicca's shoulders to let the other leave in order to get Gunn.
Susannah hesitated, and then turned so that she faced Spike, leaning into him as she had no choice. If she didn't, she was sure to fall. He looked down at her and she saw a haunting worry in those eyes she loved so.
"Please," she said, voice lowered as it seemed any attempt at speaking above a loud whisper was instantly broken off. "Don't look at me like that."
"I'm sorry," he replied. "But I'm afraid for you. Can't I be?"
"Sure you can, I want you to be," she mumbled. "Just don't let me know it. I have to believe that Willow can do this."
"She can," he stated. "I know it."
"So don't be afraid," Susannah said, moving one hand to place it softly against his cheek.
"Sannah..."
A wider smile cut him off and then she said:
"I've always liked that nickname... It sounds so personal. Like a secret."
"I'm sorry if I hurt you..."
"You're happy now... You're eyes they... they're finally full of... life..."
"Susannah?"
Her eyes began to close and then she suddenly slumped in his arms, making him have to go down on one knee to keep her from hitting the floor as she began to slip out of his grip.
"Susannah?!" he said her name again, her hand previously on his cheek now on his shoulder and her fingers gripped the fabric of the thick sweater he was in.
"What happened?!" Cordelia demanded, coming rushing down the stairs with Angel not far behind her. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," Spike replied. "Get Willow."
"I'm here," the Wicca said, coming back out of the conference room, accompanied by Gunn. "I thought this might happen. We have to hurry and tie her up... Satoch's taking back control again."
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Hello! It's hard to think it, but I do believe there is merely two more chapters to this story! Incredible.
I want to send warm and special thanks to Winters1 :), Rachel9 (it's alright! Thanks!) :), timeends ;), Anna (it's cool and glad you liked!) :), darklover *big smile to that*, blackeyedgurl (good to see ya! And you're welcome!) ;), Captain (totally okay and I'm happy you enjoyed! Thanks for the Spike! Delicious!) :)
Sorry to make it so short this time, and I'm sorry if the steam seems to have gone out of me, trust me - it hasn't. I'm taking a course (in Screenwriting, for those who are interested) online and it's occupying my time very efficiently. :) I hope all is well with everyone and big, humungous thanks to you all!!!
A.M.L, Annie.
