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Part 3
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The elation over seeing Buffy again quickly passed when Angel thought of the price she paid for his life. He instantly stiffened in her arms, regret and sorrow overwhelming him. It wasn't right. He couldn't allow Buffy to suffer the burden of immortal life for his useless existence.
Pulling away, he looked her straight in the eyes. "Don't do this, Buffy. I'm not worth it."
"No, Angel! Don't say that!" Buffy grabbed his head between her hands. "You are so much more than you think you are. I need you, Angel. Our daughter needs you."
"Immortal life...it's not a walk in the park, Buffy!" he pulled his hands into hers, trying to make her see what she was doing.
"I know that! I'm not a child! I can make my own decisions!" she snapped resentfully.
"Buffy, you have a wonderful life. You should continue to live it, not have to suffer through eternity while everyone else dies," he angrily replied. "How are you going to feel when Willow dies? Or as you watch Ashlynn get old and die as well? It's not a fun way to live!"
"But you'll be there with me." The words came out as a light whisper, but Angel heard them perfectly well. His eyes immediately dropped down. "You will won't you?"
"Nothing's changed," Angel forced himself to say.
Buffy recoiled from the verbal blow, tears trailing down her cheeks. "So...what?...after all that's happened, and after finding out you have a daughter you're just going to take off again?"
A burst of laughter drew their attention away from themselves and back to the Oracle, lounging casually on her chair. "This is better than those dreadful soap operas in your realm," It laughed cheekily.
"I'm so glad you find this amusing," Buffy growled at her, sarcasm dripping in her voice.
"How could you let her do this?" Angel glared at the baffling being.
"Let? I think you misunderstand, Vampire." It stood and walked toward them. "She was not forced to do anything."
"You and your bosses gave her the choice!" he snapped at It. "They just want a warrior, and don't give a damn about her."
"Umm, excuse me, but she is standing right here!" Buffy tried to butt into the conversation.
"The Powers That Be know exactly what they are doing, and why," It marched right up to Angel, showing no intimidation. "You would do well to respect that."
The look on the Being's face disturbed Angel. Something wasn't right. "Why do I get the feeling that there is more going on?" he suddenly asked.
"Ah, very perceptive of you," It grinned at the question.
"What's going on?" Buffy interjected, having no idea what Angel was referring to.
"That's what I'd like to know," Angel eyed the Oracle warily. This Oracle person was hiding something. He was sure of it.
The Oracle waved its hand and two more chairs appeared near Its chaise. "Sit, please."
"Why? Just tell us what's going on?" Buffy demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Because I prefer to be comfortable while talking," the Oracle dismissed Buffy's order and crossed the space to her seat.
Following Angel's lead, Buffy sat on one of the chairs that the Oracle summoned. Her fingers nervously fidgeted in her lap as she waited to find out what the strange being in front of her was about to reveal. She worried that Angel's return was all a joke and that It would take him away again. That was something she simply wouldn't accept.
"All has not been as it seems," It spoke after a long pause. "You have been misled."
"What are you talking about?" Angel leapt from his chair, ready to throttle the apparently lying Oracle.
"Sit!" It commanded and waited until Angel obeyed. "Allow me to explain."
"Do it quick." Buffy had had just about enough of all this crap.
"You, both of you, were being tested." Oh, It so loved It's job.
"Tested?" Angel and Buffy verbalized at once.
"Yes. Your worth was being judged." The Oracle reclined on Its chaise. "They have been watching you for a long time and have liked what They saw. But They needed to make sure They were making the right decision."
"Our worth? I don't understand." Buffy looked to Angel only to see the same confusion on his face.
"One of the Powers main concerns is protecting the human realm, maintaining its existence," It began It's explanation. "The balance will soon be shifting, in a positive way, and both of you are to play a role, but They needed to make sure you were the right beings for the opportunity."
"What's going to happen?" Angel grew worried.
"That I cannot reveal," It stated definitively. "But if all goes well, it will lead to good things for your world."
"What does this have to do with us?" Buffy wanted to know. She was growing more confused by the minute. Why couldn't this Oracle person just spit it out and tell them what was going on?
"As I said, you play a role in the changes to come," It repeated with a sigh. It didn't like repeating Itself.
"But you had to test us first?" added on Angel, trying to put together all the pieces to this mystery.
Buffy nearly groaned in frustration over the constant battle of words. "I don't suppose you want to tell us what this test was?"
"Patience, young Slayer," It shook It's head in annoyance. "The test was used to judge your merit; to ensure that you are loyal, trustworthy, and are ready for the job that will be presented to you soon." A heavy, silent pause filled the room, before It spoke again. "You both passed."
"Uh, that's great. I think," Buffy wearily ran a hand through her hair. It occurred to her that she should be concerned about whatever this upcoming 'change' was, but she was so exhausted her mind couldn't process the thought.
"I know what you are about to ask," the Oracle waved off the question about to come from Angel. "You're test was whether you would sacrifice your humanity for the life of the Slayer." It turned to Buffy, "and your test was whether you would give up your mortal life to secure his return."
"Those were tests?" Buffy gasped in surprise.
"Yes," It nodded in the affirmative. "The deals were merely a front. The Powers would not have let the Slayer succumb to the poison no matter what, but they saw an opportunity to administer a test to determine your worth to Their cause."
"Wait...if it was just a test then I'm not going to be immortal now?" Buffy didn't mean to sound relieved, but she did anyway.
"No, you are not," the cryptic Oracle verified. "You will remain as you are."
"So you put me through all this for nothing?!?" she huffed, thoroughly disgusted. First she had to deal with Angel's death and then she'd had to choose between being immortal and not having Angel only to find out it was all some sort of sick joke.
"Not for nothing, Slayer. You have Angel back do you not?" It pointed out the positive.
"Oh yeah, great." Buffy laughed sadly. Fat lot of good that did her. "You heard him. 'Nothing's changed' which means he'll just take off again."
"That is not acceptable!" The emphatic statement surprised both Buffy and Angel. "Do you not understand that you are stronger together? Apart, you are each formidable, but together, you are even more so."
"It's not that simple." Angel wondered why no one ever seemed to understand his dilemma. He never wanted to leave Buffy. She was the only thing he ever truly loved, but there were just too many valid reasons not to stay.
"You are referring to the Gypsy curse and your vampire status, yes?" It inquired, head cocked to the side. "We are aware of that issue."
"Can you fix the curse?" Buffy perked up instantly.
"In a manner of speaking," It paused, allowing anticipation to grow. "Yes."
Angel stumbled out of his chair at the blunt statement. He hadn't been expecting this at all. His trip to the Oracles had been to save Buffy's life, and now he wasn't dead, Buffy was fine, and this Being was telling him that his curse could be changed. It was all almost too much. For almost eight years, the curse had been constantly hanging over his head, playing a role in his decision to leave Sunnydale, and here was some higher Being saying it could be changed. Frankly, it left Angel dumbstruck.
"Y-you can c-change it?" came Buffy's disbelieving whisper.
"Yes, but not quite in the way that you are thinking." The Oracle had to force the grin off Its face. This next part was a real kicker. "The Powers have no desire to see Angelus released upon this world ever again, but the demon is not your only limitation. Your...aversion...to sunlight is problematic as well."
"Wh-...what are you saying?" Angel was feeling light-headed all the sudden. His fingers gripped the back of his chair as the leading statement of the Oracle dug deeper into his brain.
Wanting to draw out discussion a bit longer, the Oracle moved on to Its purpose. "The Powers are prepared to offer you a deal; a real deal this time."
"Oh, great, another deal." Buffy muttered under her breath though she was quite anxious to hear what it was. She, too, had caught the underlying message in Its words.
"The deal," It began with a slight lick of Its lips. "Is that you, both of you, commit the rest of your natural lives to the side of Good, and fight evil as long as possible in exchange...for Angel's humanity."
"For my..." Angel's eyes bulged.
"Humanity?" Buffy said the last word. "You're going to make Angel human?"
All of the breath seemed to leave Buffy's lungs as she thought of the implications of what had just been said. Angel? Human? The very idea was foreign, and strange, and yet so utterly wonderful. How many times had she dreamed of this over the years? Too many to count. And as many times as she'd fantasized about him becoming human, they'd always been just that; dreams. Never had she thought it could really happen. Could it really be true? Could this Oracle person really make him human?
Angel's thoughts were along the same lines, well at least when they weren't swirling in confusion and disbelief. A vampire becoming human again was unheard of. Could They really do it? And what would it mean for him, and for Buffy? Did he even deserve to be human? He'd committed so many atrocious sins in his unnaturally long life. He should be rotting in Hell. Was it fair to accept this gift? Was it fair not to? He honestly didn't know.
"Well, not exactly human," It interrupted their internal thoughts and could see the hope on both their faces shrink. "A measly human would not serve Their cause."
"I don't understand," Buffy frowned at the thoroughly confusing being.
"I apologize," the Oracle spoke, only half sincere. "They wish to grant Angel his humanity and to imbue him with the supernatural strengths like those of a Slayer. In essence, he would become a male Slayer. It serves Their purposes better to have another Warrior who can fight in all situations not just in the dead of night."
It laughed at the silent, wide-eyed, open-mouthed expressions on both the Slayer's and vampire's faces. The reaction was more than even It expected. But even It, in all Its impartialness, couldn't help but smile and be happy. The trials and tribulations of the pair were well known, as were their dedication to keeping the world safe. Even though the Oracle wasn't supposed to be, It was truly happy for the opportunity given to the Warriors.
Buffy managed to snap out of her daze first and asked the question foremost on her mind. "This isn't a trick or anything?"
"No, Slayer. I have spoken nothing but the truth." It understood her hesitancy, but It did not like being questioned.
"There's got to be a catch," Angel jumped into the conversation once he'd found his bearings. It was too good to be true. He couldn't believe that they were offering him his humanity.
"There is no catch, Vampire," the Oracle eyed him carefully. "I have told you all there is to know; your altered humanity in exchange for your commitment to the fight against evil."
At the reminder of the provisions to the deal, Angel's mood instantly sobered. In order to become mostly human, Buffy would have to sacrifice her freedom. She would have to spend the rest of her life tied to the Powers; fighting demons and constantly in danger of dying. That wasn't what he wanted for her. She didn't deserve that. True, she was a Slayer, but he wanted for her to someday be able to leave all that behind and live a normal life. If he accepted this deal she would never be able to do that. He couldn't ask that of her. It wasn't right.
"No," Angel stated somberly.
Whatever Buffy had expected Angel to say, 'no' wasn't it. She was shocked into silence over the rejection. How could he turn down such an offer? This was everything they could have ever hoped for. He wouldn't have to be a vampire anymore, and he'd be strong enough to help her fight. It was the answer to all their problems. They'd finally have a real chance at happiness. Why was he turning it down?
"What?" she whirled around to face Angel.
"No," he repeated, avoiding Buffy's penetrating gaze.
"How can you say no?" Buffy stood up and came toe-to-toe with him. "This is everything we've ever wanted!"
"I can't let you do it," he explained softly. "I can't let you tie yourself to the Powers forever."
"Isn't that my decision to make?!" she snapped angrily at him. He was doing it again; making choices for her and she hated it.
"You don't know what they are asking you to do, Buffy! You're so young; you can't possibly want to spend the rest of your life fighting!" he pleaded desperately with her.
Buffy took a step back from him, feeling as if she'd been slapped. "I'm twenty-five years old Angel and not a stupid teenage anymore. I think I can decide what I want to do with my life."
Mouth snapping shut, Angel realized too late how his words could be taken. He hadn't meant it that way, at least he didn't think he did. "Buffy, please, think about this!"
"I have." She backed up another step, the walls around her heart beginning to harden once again. Why did he never seem to trust her? She wasn't some young, stupid girl. She was completely capable of making her own decisions, but he never seemed to understand that. Sparing one more glance at Angel, she turned back to the Oracle. "Do it."
"You accept the conditions of this deal, Slayer?" It tried to hide Its glee.
"Yes," Buffy nodded in confirmation.
"Vampire?" The Oracle looked at Angel for his agreement.
Angel said nothing for a moment. He was utterly torn. He wanted to be human. He wanted to be able to be with Buffy without restriction, and to truly be a father to his daughter. But could he do it at such a high cost? Buffy's steadfast glare told him she wasn't about to change her mind, and somewhere, deep inside, he didn't want her to.
"Fine," he eventually relented.
"Very well," It closed Its eyes and smiled brightly.
"So how does this wo-," Buffy started to say when the room suddenly began to spin. Her vision darkened then went black. Dizziness overwhelmed her and she felt like she was flying until gradually it stopped and she felt her body thud against something hard.
"Ow," she groaned, reaching up to steady her dazed head. "What the Hell happened?"
"Buffy?" another voice spoke from somewhere nearby.
"Doyle?" Buffy blinked open her eyes and focused on the figure in front of her. What was Doyle doing there? Wasn't he waiting outside for her? That was when she noticed she was no longer in the Oracle's chamber.
"I was gettin' worried." Doyle helped her to stand. "You've been gone fer six hours!"
"Six hours?" she repeated in surprise, stumbling slightly as she tried to clear the muddled mess inside her head.
Doyle's response was interrupted when he heard a groan come from the other side of the room. He was thoroughly shocked to find Angel slumped against the wall on the opposite side of the room. "Angel?" he gasped loudly.
"Angel?" Buffy's eyes wildly searched the small room, quickly finding him. She rushed forward, but came to a swift halt as memories of his actions just moments earlier returned. Confused didn't even begin to describe how she felt. Angel was back, and if the Oracle kept its promise, he was now human. She should be happy, and she was, but she was also hurt by the lack of trust he seemed to have in her. "Did...did it work?" she settled for asking.
It took a moment for Angel to figure out what she was wanting to know as he, too, tried to work through the dizziness caused by being expelled from the Oracle's chamber. "Yes," he answered finally, his hand coming to rest on the rise and fall of his chest.
"Good," Buffy stated unemotionally, fighting herself the whole time. Angel's human! She wanted to scream loudly and throw herself at him, but she held back. She just couldn't let herself revel in the news, not when there were still so many things that were wrong instead of everything being right.
Angel's heart dropped at Buffy's cold reception of the drastic change. This was what she wanted so why didn't it seem like she was happy? "Buffy?"
"What's goin' on?" Doyle questioned once he'd gotten over the sight of Angel being alive. He couldn't believe it. Buffy had really managed to bring him back, but their actions were perplexing. Neither one seemed overly happy with the situation. Shouldn't they have been jumping for joy?
"We better get back," Buffy stated hastily, ignoring Doyle's question. "Ashlynn is probably worried and Cordy probably wants your head on a platter for disappearing without telling her where we were going."
She stomped out of the chamber before either Doyle or Angel could object. Both were left to wonder over her attitude. Doyle had no idea what happened with the Oracle, but she obviously got Angel back. That should have been cause for joy. Seeing as she wasn't happy, he had to wonder what happened. Angel, on the other hand, knew exactly what the situation was and it didn't stop his own confusion. He wanted to talk to her, but she'd already walked off. Seeing no other choice but to follow, Doyle and Angel trudged after her, knowing they wouldn't get answers until Buffy was ready to give them.
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TBC!!
Part 3
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The elation over seeing Buffy again quickly passed when Angel thought of the price she paid for his life. He instantly stiffened in her arms, regret and sorrow overwhelming him. It wasn't right. He couldn't allow Buffy to suffer the burden of immortal life for his useless existence.
Pulling away, he looked her straight in the eyes. "Don't do this, Buffy. I'm not worth it."
"No, Angel! Don't say that!" Buffy grabbed his head between her hands. "You are so much more than you think you are. I need you, Angel. Our daughter needs you."
"Immortal life...it's not a walk in the park, Buffy!" he pulled his hands into hers, trying to make her see what she was doing.
"I know that! I'm not a child! I can make my own decisions!" she snapped resentfully.
"Buffy, you have a wonderful life. You should continue to live it, not have to suffer through eternity while everyone else dies," he angrily replied. "How are you going to feel when Willow dies? Or as you watch Ashlynn get old and die as well? It's not a fun way to live!"
"But you'll be there with me." The words came out as a light whisper, but Angel heard them perfectly well. His eyes immediately dropped down. "You will won't you?"
"Nothing's changed," Angel forced himself to say.
Buffy recoiled from the verbal blow, tears trailing down her cheeks. "So...what?...after all that's happened, and after finding out you have a daughter you're just going to take off again?"
A burst of laughter drew their attention away from themselves and back to the Oracle, lounging casually on her chair. "This is better than those dreadful soap operas in your realm," It laughed cheekily.
"I'm so glad you find this amusing," Buffy growled at her, sarcasm dripping in her voice.
"How could you let her do this?" Angel glared at the baffling being.
"Let? I think you misunderstand, Vampire." It stood and walked toward them. "She was not forced to do anything."
"You and your bosses gave her the choice!" he snapped at It. "They just want a warrior, and don't give a damn about her."
"Umm, excuse me, but she is standing right here!" Buffy tried to butt into the conversation.
"The Powers That Be know exactly what they are doing, and why," It marched right up to Angel, showing no intimidation. "You would do well to respect that."
The look on the Being's face disturbed Angel. Something wasn't right. "Why do I get the feeling that there is more going on?" he suddenly asked.
"Ah, very perceptive of you," It grinned at the question.
"What's going on?" Buffy interjected, having no idea what Angel was referring to.
"That's what I'd like to know," Angel eyed the Oracle warily. This Oracle person was hiding something. He was sure of it.
The Oracle waved its hand and two more chairs appeared near Its chaise. "Sit, please."
"Why? Just tell us what's going on?" Buffy demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Because I prefer to be comfortable while talking," the Oracle dismissed Buffy's order and crossed the space to her seat.
Following Angel's lead, Buffy sat on one of the chairs that the Oracle summoned. Her fingers nervously fidgeted in her lap as she waited to find out what the strange being in front of her was about to reveal. She worried that Angel's return was all a joke and that It would take him away again. That was something she simply wouldn't accept.
"All has not been as it seems," It spoke after a long pause. "You have been misled."
"What are you talking about?" Angel leapt from his chair, ready to throttle the apparently lying Oracle.
"Sit!" It commanded and waited until Angel obeyed. "Allow me to explain."
"Do it quick." Buffy had had just about enough of all this crap.
"You, both of you, were being tested." Oh, It so loved It's job.
"Tested?" Angel and Buffy verbalized at once.
"Yes. Your worth was being judged." The Oracle reclined on Its chaise. "They have been watching you for a long time and have liked what They saw. But They needed to make sure They were making the right decision."
"Our worth? I don't understand." Buffy looked to Angel only to see the same confusion on his face.
"One of the Powers main concerns is protecting the human realm, maintaining its existence," It began It's explanation. "The balance will soon be shifting, in a positive way, and both of you are to play a role, but They needed to make sure you were the right beings for the opportunity."
"What's going to happen?" Angel grew worried.
"That I cannot reveal," It stated definitively. "But if all goes well, it will lead to good things for your world."
"What does this have to do with us?" Buffy wanted to know. She was growing more confused by the minute. Why couldn't this Oracle person just spit it out and tell them what was going on?
"As I said, you play a role in the changes to come," It repeated with a sigh. It didn't like repeating Itself.
"But you had to test us first?" added on Angel, trying to put together all the pieces to this mystery.
Buffy nearly groaned in frustration over the constant battle of words. "I don't suppose you want to tell us what this test was?"
"Patience, young Slayer," It shook It's head in annoyance. "The test was used to judge your merit; to ensure that you are loyal, trustworthy, and are ready for the job that will be presented to you soon." A heavy, silent pause filled the room, before It spoke again. "You both passed."
"Uh, that's great. I think," Buffy wearily ran a hand through her hair. It occurred to her that she should be concerned about whatever this upcoming 'change' was, but she was so exhausted her mind couldn't process the thought.
"I know what you are about to ask," the Oracle waved off the question about to come from Angel. "You're test was whether you would sacrifice your humanity for the life of the Slayer." It turned to Buffy, "and your test was whether you would give up your mortal life to secure his return."
"Those were tests?" Buffy gasped in surprise.
"Yes," It nodded in the affirmative. "The deals were merely a front. The Powers would not have let the Slayer succumb to the poison no matter what, but they saw an opportunity to administer a test to determine your worth to Their cause."
"Wait...if it was just a test then I'm not going to be immortal now?" Buffy didn't mean to sound relieved, but she did anyway.
"No, you are not," the cryptic Oracle verified. "You will remain as you are."
"So you put me through all this for nothing?!?" she huffed, thoroughly disgusted. First she had to deal with Angel's death and then she'd had to choose between being immortal and not having Angel only to find out it was all some sort of sick joke.
"Not for nothing, Slayer. You have Angel back do you not?" It pointed out the positive.
"Oh yeah, great." Buffy laughed sadly. Fat lot of good that did her. "You heard him. 'Nothing's changed' which means he'll just take off again."
"That is not acceptable!" The emphatic statement surprised both Buffy and Angel. "Do you not understand that you are stronger together? Apart, you are each formidable, but together, you are even more so."
"It's not that simple." Angel wondered why no one ever seemed to understand his dilemma. He never wanted to leave Buffy. She was the only thing he ever truly loved, but there were just too many valid reasons not to stay.
"You are referring to the Gypsy curse and your vampire status, yes?" It inquired, head cocked to the side. "We are aware of that issue."
"Can you fix the curse?" Buffy perked up instantly.
"In a manner of speaking," It paused, allowing anticipation to grow. "Yes."
Angel stumbled out of his chair at the blunt statement. He hadn't been expecting this at all. His trip to the Oracles had been to save Buffy's life, and now he wasn't dead, Buffy was fine, and this Being was telling him that his curse could be changed. It was all almost too much. For almost eight years, the curse had been constantly hanging over his head, playing a role in his decision to leave Sunnydale, and here was some higher Being saying it could be changed. Frankly, it left Angel dumbstruck.
"Y-you can c-change it?" came Buffy's disbelieving whisper.
"Yes, but not quite in the way that you are thinking." The Oracle had to force the grin off Its face. This next part was a real kicker. "The Powers have no desire to see Angelus released upon this world ever again, but the demon is not your only limitation. Your...aversion...to sunlight is problematic as well."
"Wh-...what are you saying?" Angel was feeling light-headed all the sudden. His fingers gripped the back of his chair as the leading statement of the Oracle dug deeper into his brain.
Wanting to draw out discussion a bit longer, the Oracle moved on to Its purpose. "The Powers are prepared to offer you a deal; a real deal this time."
"Oh, great, another deal." Buffy muttered under her breath though she was quite anxious to hear what it was. She, too, had caught the underlying message in Its words.
"The deal," It began with a slight lick of Its lips. "Is that you, both of you, commit the rest of your natural lives to the side of Good, and fight evil as long as possible in exchange...for Angel's humanity."
"For my..." Angel's eyes bulged.
"Humanity?" Buffy said the last word. "You're going to make Angel human?"
All of the breath seemed to leave Buffy's lungs as she thought of the implications of what had just been said. Angel? Human? The very idea was foreign, and strange, and yet so utterly wonderful. How many times had she dreamed of this over the years? Too many to count. And as many times as she'd fantasized about him becoming human, they'd always been just that; dreams. Never had she thought it could really happen. Could it really be true? Could this Oracle person really make him human?
Angel's thoughts were along the same lines, well at least when they weren't swirling in confusion and disbelief. A vampire becoming human again was unheard of. Could They really do it? And what would it mean for him, and for Buffy? Did he even deserve to be human? He'd committed so many atrocious sins in his unnaturally long life. He should be rotting in Hell. Was it fair to accept this gift? Was it fair not to? He honestly didn't know.
"Well, not exactly human," It interrupted their internal thoughts and could see the hope on both their faces shrink. "A measly human would not serve Their cause."
"I don't understand," Buffy frowned at the thoroughly confusing being.
"I apologize," the Oracle spoke, only half sincere. "They wish to grant Angel his humanity and to imbue him with the supernatural strengths like those of a Slayer. In essence, he would become a male Slayer. It serves Their purposes better to have another Warrior who can fight in all situations not just in the dead of night."
It laughed at the silent, wide-eyed, open-mouthed expressions on both the Slayer's and vampire's faces. The reaction was more than even It expected. But even It, in all Its impartialness, couldn't help but smile and be happy. The trials and tribulations of the pair were well known, as were their dedication to keeping the world safe. Even though the Oracle wasn't supposed to be, It was truly happy for the opportunity given to the Warriors.
Buffy managed to snap out of her daze first and asked the question foremost on her mind. "This isn't a trick or anything?"
"No, Slayer. I have spoken nothing but the truth." It understood her hesitancy, but It did not like being questioned.
"There's got to be a catch," Angel jumped into the conversation once he'd found his bearings. It was too good to be true. He couldn't believe that they were offering him his humanity.
"There is no catch, Vampire," the Oracle eyed him carefully. "I have told you all there is to know; your altered humanity in exchange for your commitment to the fight against evil."
At the reminder of the provisions to the deal, Angel's mood instantly sobered. In order to become mostly human, Buffy would have to sacrifice her freedom. She would have to spend the rest of her life tied to the Powers; fighting demons and constantly in danger of dying. That wasn't what he wanted for her. She didn't deserve that. True, she was a Slayer, but he wanted for her to someday be able to leave all that behind and live a normal life. If he accepted this deal she would never be able to do that. He couldn't ask that of her. It wasn't right.
"No," Angel stated somberly.
Whatever Buffy had expected Angel to say, 'no' wasn't it. She was shocked into silence over the rejection. How could he turn down such an offer? This was everything they could have ever hoped for. He wouldn't have to be a vampire anymore, and he'd be strong enough to help her fight. It was the answer to all their problems. They'd finally have a real chance at happiness. Why was he turning it down?
"What?" she whirled around to face Angel.
"No," he repeated, avoiding Buffy's penetrating gaze.
"How can you say no?" Buffy stood up and came toe-to-toe with him. "This is everything we've ever wanted!"
"I can't let you do it," he explained softly. "I can't let you tie yourself to the Powers forever."
"Isn't that my decision to make?!" she snapped angrily at him. He was doing it again; making choices for her and she hated it.
"You don't know what they are asking you to do, Buffy! You're so young; you can't possibly want to spend the rest of your life fighting!" he pleaded desperately with her.
Buffy took a step back from him, feeling as if she'd been slapped. "I'm twenty-five years old Angel and not a stupid teenage anymore. I think I can decide what I want to do with my life."
Mouth snapping shut, Angel realized too late how his words could be taken. He hadn't meant it that way, at least he didn't think he did. "Buffy, please, think about this!"
"I have." She backed up another step, the walls around her heart beginning to harden once again. Why did he never seem to trust her? She wasn't some young, stupid girl. She was completely capable of making her own decisions, but he never seemed to understand that. Sparing one more glance at Angel, she turned back to the Oracle. "Do it."
"You accept the conditions of this deal, Slayer?" It tried to hide Its glee.
"Yes," Buffy nodded in confirmation.
"Vampire?" The Oracle looked at Angel for his agreement.
Angel said nothing for a moment. He was utterly torn. He wanted to be human. He wanted to be able to be with Buffy without restriction, and to truly be a father to his daughter. But could he do it at such a high cost? Buffy's steadfast glare told him she wasn't about to change her mind, and somewhere, deep inside, he didn't want her to.
"Fine," he eventually relented.
"Very well," It closed Its eyes and smiled brightly.
"So how does this wo-," Buffy started to say when the room suddenly began to spin. Her vision darkened then went black. Dizziness overwhelmed her and she felt like she was flying until gradually it stopped and she felt her body thud against something hard.
"Ow," she groaned, reaching up to steady her dazed head. "What the Hell happened?"
"Buffy?" another voice spoke from somewhere nearby.
"Doyle?" Buffy blinked open her eyes and focused on the figure in front of her. What was Doyle doing there? Wasn't he waiting outside for her? That was when she noticed she was no longer in the Oracle's chamber.
"I was gettin' worried." Doyle helped her to stand. "You've been gone fer six hours!"
"Six hours?" she repeated in surprise, stumbling slightly as she tried to clear the muddled mess inside her head.
Doyle's response was interrupted when he heard a groan come from the other side of the room. He was thoroughly shocked to find Angel slumped against the wall on the opposite side of the room. "Angel?" he gasped loudly.
"Angel?" Buffy's eyes wildly searched the small room, quickly finding him. She rushed forward, but came to a swift halt as memories of his actions just moments earlier returned. Confused didn't even begin to describe how she felt. Angel was back, and if the Oracle kept its promise, he was now human. She should be happy, and she was, but she was also hurt by the lack of trust he seemed to have in her. "Did...did it work?" she settled for asking.
It took a moment for Angel to figure out what she was wanting to know as he, too, tried to work through the dizziness caused by being expelled from the Oracle's chamber. "Yes," he answered finally, his hand coming to rest on the rise and fall of his chest.
"Good," Buffy stated unemotionally, fighting herself the whole time. Angel's human! She wanted to scream loudly and throw herself at him, but she held back. She just couldn't let herself revel in the news, not when there were still so many things that were wrong instead of everything being right.
Angel's heart dropped at Buffy's cold reception of the drastic change. This was what she wanted so why didn't it seem like she was happy? "Buffy?"
"What's goin' on?" Doyle questioned once he'd gotten over the sight of Angel being alive. He couldn't believe it. Buffy had really managed to bring him back, but their actions were perplexing. Neither one seemed overly happy with the situation. Shouldn't they have been jumping for joy?
"We better get back," Buffy stated hastily, ignoring Doyle's question. "Ashlynn is probably worried and Cordy probably wants your head on a platter for disappearing without telling her where we were going."
She stomped out of the chamber before either Doyle or Angel could object. Both were left to wonder over her attitude. Doyle had no idea what happened with the Oracle, but she obviously got Angel back. That should have been cause for joy. Seeing as she wasn't happy, he had to wonder what happened. Angel, on the other hand, knew exactly what the situation was and it didn't stop his own confusion. He wanted to talk to her, but she'd already walked off. Seeing no other choice but to follow, Doyle and Angel trudged after her, knowing they wouldn't get answers until Buffy was ready to give them.
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TBC!!