Orpheus
author: Elizabeth5
pairing: W/F, with some C/D, C/A, and other tidbit pairings from the Buffyverse
summary: After Wesley's death, he learns that there is still a chance to save Fred's soul. It's all about closure, baby.
category: romance, angst, action/adventure
rating: PG
author's note: There's no denying that Joss Whedon is a genius, but I need a little more closure. So here it is.
Disclaimer: none of this is mine. Sadly.
chapter seven:Glimpses
For a moment, Wesley was disoriented, glancing about the room. The cold rushed up on him quickly, causing his hands to tremble visibly. He seemed unable to see, his eyes still unaccustomed to the darkness.
Fred was having no such trouble, however. She stumbled past Lindsey and Lilah, desperate to get to him. "Wesley!"
Wesley straightened at the sound of her voice. "Fred?" Still unable to see clearly, he reached out for her blindly. "Fred?"
And just as quickly as he had appeared, Wesley was gone. Fred blinked in surprise, then whirled to face the Mayor. "Bring him back," she demanded.
"Sorry, darling," the Mayor returned, though he didn't really sound it, "but that was just a teaser. To prove to you that this isn't all a trick. Not that I would ever deceive you. Honesty is the best policy, and all."
Fred turned her back on him and took another tentative step forward, where Wesley had been only moments before. The air was still warm from where he stood and still carried that peppery, bookish smell that was Wesley. Or maybe it was only her imagination.
Behind her, Lilah glanced over at the Mayor. "So Wesley's come to make a deal. How very game-showish of him."
"Do I detect some bitterness?" the Mayor chided. "Now, now, Miss Lilah, we like our grapes sweet, not sour." He glanced over at Fred. "Just because Winnifred seems to be the girl of the hour doesn't mean you won't get your turn. Course, the odds are against you..."
"I don't understand," Fred admitted. "Why was Wesley here? And why couldn't he stay?" Her throat was aching now from fighting back the tears, but she couldn't show that weakness. Not with Lilah close by.
The Mayor cleared his throat. "Well, you see, our boy Wesley got himself a one-way ticket to Heaven– eternal paradise, and all that– but that didn't quite satisfy him. Sort of ungrateful if you ask me, but that's beyond the point. So, he made a deal with the higher powers to have the chance to upgrade you to first class. Heaven." He gave Fred a moment to process this, then continued, "Only problem is, if he fails to pass my tests, his soul will be completely and utterly destroyed." He shook his head, chuckling. "Won't find any stakes like that in Vegas."
This was too much to handle at once. "Wesley's dead?" Fred repeated.
"Hate to remind you," the Mayor returned, "but you are, too."
Lindsey placed a comforting hand on her arm. "It's better this way, Fred. He tried to keep on going after you were gone, but even I could see he was different. Broken. And even though I wasn't around to see it, I sure as hell can bet that he went down fighting."
Fred looked at the Mayor hopefully. "Can I see him? Can I talk to him?"
The Mayor shook his head. "No can do. Not until he completes the tasks. Assuming that he does, in fact, complete the tasks. Otherwise..." He traced a finger along his throat and made a face.
Numbly, Fred sank down to the ground. Wesley was in danger of having his very soul destroyed, and she might not even have the chance to see him again, to thank him, to hold him, to tell him that she loved him. It was all too much to bear.
Oblivious to this, the Mayor smiled brightly. "Well, it was pleasant chatting with you all, but I really must get attending to Mr. Wyndham-Pryce. Waiting is not his strong suit."
And with that, he was gone.
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After the brief, unsettling period of cold and darkness, Wesley found himself in a warm, cozy office, complete with a bookshelf and a roaring fire. He glanced around the office, hoping to receive some explanation. "Hello? Anyone there?"
When it was clear that he was going to receive no answer, Wesley began to pace about the office. He knew that he should sit down and try to collect himself, but he was much to anxious to do so. If he was going to be completely obliterated, he'd rather do it soon and get it over with. He had never been good at waiting.
Finally, after what seemed like ages, the chair behind the desk swiveled around, revealing a familiar looking man with reddish hair and a bright smile. It took Wesley a moment to place him as Mayor Wilkins.
"You...?" Wesley inquired wonderingly.
The Mayor merely grinned at this. "You! My, how our boy has grown up. I remember you back in Sunnydale– all awkwardness and bowties. But my goodness, this new look suits you. I love the hair, and the stubble...no wonder my girl Winnifred is so crazy about you."
At the mention of Fred, Wesley moved forward eagerly. "You've seen Fred? I heard her voice just a moment ago, but then it was gone... Is she all right? Can I see her?"
"Maybe if this was happy hour at the club," the Mayor returned. "What is it with you two and seeing each other? Doesn't anyone remember that this is an alternate plane designed to drain all life and happiness from its inhabitants? Geesh."
Wesley's face hardened. "So that is how it is to be played. Very well, then. Let's get on with the tasks, shall we? I assure you that there is no pain or torture that you can devise that will keep me from her."
The Mayor laughed. "Calm down, Romeo, there's no need to rush things. Take a seat, have a breather. Would you like some Scotch?"
Wesley glared at him. "No."
"Good man." the Mayor returned. "I was never one for alcohol, myself. Demonic transfiguration and ultimate evil, sure, but there's no need to get reckless."
Pressing his eyes shut, Wesley took in a deep breath. "I really don't mean to be rude, but I'd sort of like to hurry things along."
"Of course, of course," the Mayor said agreeably. "Although...it surprises me. I wonder why you haven't asked about your other friend?"
Wesley frowned at this. "My...my other friend?"
The Mayor smiled. "Lilah. Now, don't tell me you don't remember her. A warm-blooded male such as yourself? I'd certainly have a hard time forgetting."
"Lilah's here," Wesley repeated, and almost literally felt the wind rushing out of him. He sunk down into a chair.
"Oh, she's been here for a while," the Mayor informed him. "But don't worry– it hasn't crushed her spirits any. Not our girl Lilah. She's a fighter, that one is."
Wesley shook his head, trying to clear her thoughts from his mind. "I'm glad that she's coping," he said quietly, "but that doesn't change my mind. I'm still here to bring Fred back."
The Mayor arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? I'd be interested to hear what Lilah thinks about that..."
And before Wesley could blink, the Mayor was gone, leaving Lilah in his place.