Chapter 14: Talking to the walls.
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Sarah for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Kelly who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Kelly for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Angel turned around, his back facing the gang.
"Angel cakes, I don't I don't think you have a choice in the matter. You can't do this alone." Lorne reminded him.
"Why? Just cause it hasn't been tried before?" Angel turned around looking at Lorne.
"No. That's not it." Lorne replied.
"So it has been tried before?" Angel saw a glimpse of hope.
"No." Lorne shook his head.
"Then I don't..." Angel didn't understand.
"No one was stupid enough to do exactly what he was forth told not to do." Lorne explained. "Angel, this journey is hard on it's own, and there's no guarantee you'll come back, or even if you do come back, that you'll get the answers you are looking for." Lorne walked towards him. "So to top it all, you want to go alone, even though you were told not to, just cause you're having ego issues?" Well the way he said it, it sounded ridicules, a stupid risk to take. But in his mind, taking Spike along, trusting him, not only with his life, but Cordy's and her baby as well, that sounded like a greater risk.
"What is this journey anyway? What does it involve?" Cordy asked Lorne.
"It's more of a quest. You go through something and if you succeed, you are granted a passage to the powers."
"And then..." Fred asked Lorne, wanting to know more.
"And then nothing. If the powers are in a good mode and feel like answering your question, and I do mean 'A question', they do. If not, they throw you out." Lorne finished off.
"You mean he may have to go through this dangerous journey, for nothing" Buffy asked as Lorne nodded his head.
"Why can't you contact them, like you did before?" Gunn asked.
"That door my friend was a one time passage, and It's long gone. This little road is the last trick I have up my sleeve. After that you're on your own. And you know, I only learned about this way by doing an unauthorized reading on this warlock, that was really..." Lorne stopped when realizing no one was pay attention.
"Spike can I talk to you for a minute? Alone." Spike was surprised by Angel's request. He didn't say anything, as the two walked away from the crowed to a secluded corner. "The reason we're doing this..."
"So now we're doing this? What? no second thought?" Spike interrupted him.
"The reason..." Angel kept on ignoring Spike.
"I get it." Spike cut him off again. "To help vision girl. I'm not an idiot, you know."
"Spike!" angel raised his voice and a few heads turned at their direction. "She means a lot to me..."
"Kind of noticed that." Spike throw in a little remark.
"So you know." Angel replied.
"Know what?" Spike didn't understand.
"That I'm not about to fail. Understood?" Spike nodded his head, and the two returned to the gang.
"So... what say you?" Xander imitated a judge's voice.
"We're going." Angel replied. "Together."
***
"Hi." Buffy knocked as she peeped in. "Can we talk?"
"Come in." Cordy replied.
Buffy walked in leaving the door opened. She sat on the bed next to where Cordy was sitting. "I know I said it before and you didn't really believe me, but the truth is I am sorry." Buffy paused for a moment to see Cordy's reaction. She seemed calmer and more attentive than before. "We didn't want to hurt you, and we do consider you a friend."
"Could have fooled me." Cordy said in a snappy tone.
"Now you see." Buffy was pissed. "Why you have to go and be all bitchy when I'm trying to be nice to you. You never did know how to except an apology, or give one, for that matter."
"Excuse me?" Cordy got up.
"No I don't think I will." Buffy stood up as well. "What Willow and I did to you today doesn't even come close to the way you treated us and especially Willow for years." Buffy took a big breath. "And we forgave you, we became your friends, despite it all."
"Well thank you very much." Cordy said in a sarcastic tone.
"You're welcome." Buffy returned the gesture. "Part of being someone's friend, is to except the bad part along with the good, and learn to forgive."
"I don't need a lecture about friendship from you Buffy." Cordy said in anger. "I have friends, real ones."
"We are your friends. True, we didn't stay in close touch this past three years, but that was your fault as much as it was ours." Buffy softened her tone. "People change, they move away, they built they're own lives."
"Until someone tries to take it away from them." There was sadness in Cordelia's eyes.
"Is that what you think? We're here to take away what you have. We would never..."
"But you already have." Cordy cut her off. "At least to some extent." Buffy looked at her puzzled. "He's different when you're around. He's less the Angel I know, and more the Angel I remember. You know?"
"I'm trying to Cordelia, but..."
"Here, he's more human, more friendly. We're like... you'll probably laugh, but we're like..."
"Family." Buffy completed the sentence, as Cordy nodded. "I got that. Despite what you think, it shows. In his behavior and yours. You made a connection here, I get that."
"Than why are you trying to break us apart?" Cordy asked.
"I'm not." Buffy sighed as she sat down. "I'm just flowing my heart. Can you say the same?" Buffy's words echoed in her head. How could she? How could she let her self go and tell him she loved him, tell him she wanted him beside her. That would leave her all alone with no wall to hide behind. That was too much of a risk to take; she could lose it all, all they have built. Lose her best friend. "If he told me he loved you, and that us are a thing of the past." Buffy's voice yanked her back to reality. "If he had done that, I would have backed away. I will back away."
Cordy knew the rest of that sentence. "And he didn't. Right?" Cordy lowered her head unable to face Buffy. Cordy knew Buffy was right; she had no claim on him, and no right to tell Buffy to back away. "Tell Willow I accept your apology."
"Thank you." Buffy smiled. Sensing Cordy wanted to be alone, she walked towards the door.
"Things change Buffy. So do people." Buffy turned, facing Cordy. "But I'm still Cordelia Chase, and I don't give up so easily. Remember that."
"How can I forget?" Buffy smiled and turned away to leave.
***
"So I was planning on going without saying nothing at all..." She looked up to see him leaned against the door. "But thinking I may not come back, although I seem to have more lives than a cat, it had to be now or maybe never." He kept talking as he walked in, closing the door behind him. She sat on the bed frozen, unable to move or speak, wanting to know, wanting to understand. "I know we're not together, and I'm starting to get your point about us never actually being together. And I want to take the high road and act as Angel would, all nobility and stuff." He came up to her and kneeled beside her, taking her hands into his. "But that's just not me luv, never was. Soul or no soul, I never was noble, not even as human." He chuckled. "So the way I see it, I only have one thing left to do, and that's say I hate this." He paused looking into her eyes, checking to see if she's still there with him. If she wanted to stop him that was her chance, He would have stopped, but she didn't want him to. "I hate seeing you running after him like a puppy, I hate that you can wait for his love, that may never come, and reject the one that is offered to you by me." He stopped taking an unnecessary breath. "I know you chose who you love. So I guess this rant is just cause you didn't choose me." He let go of her hand got up. He walked towards the door, his back facing her. "It kills me to see you two together, more than you'll ever know, but I still linger." He turned around staring straight at her. "Why you ask? Well that's simple Miss. Summers. Cause you asked me to, cause you needed me." He turned back and opened the door.
"Spike." She thought, now is her last chance to say something. He turned waiting to hear what she wanted to say, but nothing came out. He waited a minute longer and then walked out.
***
They left after sundown, with no entourage, no parting words. They went to the address Lorne gave them, knowing it was just a portal, an entrance to something bigger. They walked together in silence. Angel couldn't remember the last time Spike was so quiet. He could actually hear the puffs of his cigarette. But soon enough the silence was broken.
"So remind me again why we didn't take the car?"
"I told you Spike." Angel was really impatient. "Lorne said we needed to walk there, remember? It's a journey."
"No it's L.A. the city you never walk in, unless you're broke or an actor... actually that's the same thing, or homeless." Spike replied in a snappy tone.
"I really hate this. Have I mentioned it before?" Angel muttered.
"Not in the last hour, but it's always nice to hear that dear." Spike chuckled.
"Finally." Angel said in relief. "We're here." He looked up; they were standing in front of an abounded building. It wasn't big, and it was noticeable it's been abounded for a while.
"That's the place?" Spike said skeptically. "Is your guru for real?"
"He's not a guru, and yes. He's never failed me before..."
"Why did you stop?" Spike grinned. "I knew it. He is a sham."
"He's not a sham. We just had our wires crossed a few times in the past." Spike's grin grow bigger and bigger. "But even then he was kind of right." Angel kept on, ignoring Spike's expression
"Well, if he was kind of right." Spike put out his cigarette and walked into the building followed by Angel. They walked into what seemed to be the foyer. The walls were bare and the staircase was wrecked. The walls still stood, which surprised Spike. "This place isn't abounded, it's a dump. Even a vampire wouldn't want to live here."
"I bet you, you could." Angel teased. "I know it's not the Hilton, but we're not here to spend the night."
"Thank the lord for that." Spike mumbled as he walked around the house.
"Shut up Spike, okay? Just shut up and stop complaining." Angel walked into a bigger room. "Try to find clues, Lorne sent us here for a reason."
"Actually he sent you here to meet me."
***
The two vampires turned to see a man standing in front of them. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans and looked clean compared to the surrounding. Not something you'd expect from someone who's been living in a dump like this. "I know what you're thinking." The man started walking towards them. "How come he's so clean?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "I don't live here, but your demon friend was told to come to this address. I see he sent vampires instead."
"We're not evil, we have..." Angel began to explain when the man interrupted him.
"Souls, I know. You two are actually the only vampires documented to posses souls."
"Documented?" Spike asked confused. "Documented where?"
"You're not human. Are you?" Angel was starting to catch on.
"Wow, nothing passes you." The man said with a bit of mockery in his tone. "No I'm not, and I'm no demon you heard of." He explained. "Your friend said you needed to talk to the powers and my friend said I knew the way."
"So what? You're our tour guide?" Spike asked in a mockery tone.
"Before we go on." The man kept explaining ignoring Spike. "I need to know why you're doing this, and be honest. I'll know if you're not." He turned his gaze towards Angel.
"I'm here for a friend. To give her answers."
"Bloody hell. The man just said no lies. Can't you be honest for once in your life, Angelus." Spike cut him off. "You're here cause of a girl. Here, was that so hard?"
"And you? Why you're here?" The man referred the question to Spike.
"Same deal buster. Here for a girl. Cause she asked me to." Spike replied.
"Good enough for me, lets proceed." The man pulled out a pen and paper from his pocket." Write down your question and stick it in that crack." He said pointing to the wall before them.
"What?" Angel asked confused. "That's all? It can't be that simple."
"Yeah, it can't be." Spike agreed. "Cause if it is, why am I here?"
"No one said your question would be answered. Just trust the powers and do as you are told." Reluctantly Angel took the paper and pen and thought on how to rephrase the question.
"Just write: why is my girlfriend 5 months pregnant when she's suppose to be 3 months?" Spike landed a hand.
"If I wanted your help Spike I would have asked for it." Angel turned is back and wrote something on the note. "And she's not my girlfriend." He muttered. After he was done he stocked the paper in the crack. The paper instantly vanished. "Now what?" Angel asked impatiently.
"Now we wait." The man replied. Not a minute passed by before the man said: "Sorry. Your question has been denied."
"Wait." Angel grabbed his arm. "Just like that our request has been denied. I didn't even get a chance to talk to the powers."
"I'm Sorry Angel, but rules are rules and there's..."
"Angel grabbed the man by his collar and pulled him. "Demon or no demon, I will hurt you unless you help me."
"You meant us, right?" The man didn't seem intimidated. "You are here with someone. Just a reminder."
"I meant what I said. I want to talk to the powers." Angel replied in anger.
"Are you willing to do what ever it takes?" The man asked.
"What do you think?" Angel said as he pulled the man closer to him.
"I was actually asking Spike." The man replied.
"Me?" spike whom till now stood on the side, asked. "I really don't care either way."
"I know." The man said. "That's why I'm asking you. Both of you came here; cause of the love you have for a woman. Only it's not the same one and it is the same one."
"Your point." Angel released the man.
"You both have to want this." The man said. "Both need to want to take it all the way if necessary. Can you both say that?" Knowing what Angel would say the man turned to look at Spike. Angel did the same. Now it was all up to him, did he care enough about Cordelia to risk his own life? Or was it Buffy he cared about? Pleasing Buffy?
***
"Great, dump it on Spike, he'll walk thought he bloody fire for everyone now that he has a soul. I'm not you Angel!"
"I know that." Angel replied in anger. "No one asked you to care about Cordy..."
"Just die for her if I have to, right?" Spike cut him off. Angel had no reply, he knew spike was right, that is what he asked of him. For Angel the answer was simple, he'd risk his own life to help almost anyone in need. He has for the past 3 years, and before that. But Spike was a different story. Till lately Spike cared about himself and none else...w ell maybe Drusilla, but that's all. This is a major step up, and Angel was afraid Spike wouldn't be up for the job. "Just so we're straight;" Spike's voice cut off Angel's contemplation. "I do this for Buffy, that's all." He took a step towards the man, who was still awaiting his answer. "I'm gamed, lets do this."
"Are you sure?" The man asked.
"He's sure." Angel answered quickly before Spike has a chance to change his mind." The man looked at Angel with a stare that said: 'who asked you'.
"Yeah what he said." Spike said as the man turned to face him.
"Well then. I see my part here is done the man turned to walk away.
"Done?" Angel said surprised. "You have to show us the way, to wherever it is we're suppose to go to."
"Uh, that." The man turned around with a smile. "Just walk thought that wall." The man pointed to the wall Angel stuck the note in.
"You mean the portal was here all along?" Angel asked confused. The man just nodded. "Than why did you play us like this?" his mode changed from confusion to anger.
"Cause they wanted to make sure you both we're ready and willing to take the plunge. And now they are, so good luck to you." He turned around and walked away. "You'll need it." He said out loud and he went out the front door.
"That sounds promising." Spike started at the wall, while Angel still tried to make sense in it all. "Get over it, will you? He did what he was told to, and you should learn to do the same."
"What is that suppose to mean Spike?" Angel looked at him furious.
"It means we should walk through the bloody wall and get it over with, already. That's what it means." And with that he stepped forward and walked thought the wall.
"Great." Angel muttered and followed him in.
***
"Isn't it weird?" Fred, who was sitting on the couch next to Lorne in the office, wondered.
"What is?" Wesley, who sat in the armchair, asked.
"That no one, or nothing came after Cordy in the last 24 hours." She replied.
"More actually." Wesley corrected her.
"I'd say it's a good thing right?" Gunn, who felt mighty comfortable in Angel's chair, asked.
"I guess. But weird all the same." Fred pondered. "At first we couldn't hold them back, and as soon as reinforcement arrives, everything seemed to quiet down. I think it's weird."
"I think it has something to do with little miss. Evil lawyer." Gunn gave his opinion.
"I don't think so." Wesley said, knowing the others still don't know about him and Lilah.
"Call it a hunch, but I think they're in remission, and they're just working on a different game plan." Lorne said and got a stare of confused faces. "I'm thinking we're not the only ones with spies and sources..."
"Do we have Spies and sources? Since when?" Gunn asked out loud.
"My point is big fellow, ids that they probably know we called in the slayer and the witch and considering how 'well' they're last attacks went, they decided to re-group and consider a new plan. Maybe not so hands on, maybe something more subtle." Lorne Smiled.
"Something like a deal with a certain group who wants the same thing as they do and have access to us..." Fred smiled as well as the wheels in her head started twirling.
"What's with the smiling? You look like Pinky and the Brain about to conquer the world." Gunn made and observation.
"They came to the same conclusion as you did. That Lilah is the source of all evil." Wesley explained.
"Hell yeah. I told you." Gunn said in satisfaction. "It always goes back to them. Like I told Cordy you can't trust them."
"Did you?" Everyone turned their heads to look at Cordy standing in the doorway. "So this is what you claver minds are up to." Cordy walked in and grabbed a chair.
"So what do you think of our theory?" Lorne asked. He seemed to enjoy playing detectives... uh wait... they are detectives.
"I think we'll find out soon enough." Cordy replied. "And for the record, I'd never ever trust Lilah or any one form W&H. no good can come out of that place."
"I second that." Gunn said with a big smile and raised his coffee mug in the air.
"Maybe sooner than we think." Gunn took his feet of the desk and stared at the front door.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Just wanted to let you know that Kelly won't be reproofing this chapter and probably the next few, since she's not feeling well. So why don't we all wish her a speed recovery. And in the meantime, I hope you don't mind, and that you enjoyed the ch. I do apologize for any spelling mistakes you may have encountered while reading it. So let me know what you think, it's always good hearing from you. lol.
Thanks Nikka.
Title: A new beginning.
Author: Nikka
Author notes: Hi everyone, If you need to know about summary, rate and all the rest it's all in chapter 1 I'll just remind you that **English is not my native tongue** I want to thank Sarah for all the great works she's done, and to welcome aboard Kelly who from now on will be reproofing my fic. As it is you may still find some spelling & grammar mistakes. You're more than welcome to let me know about them but remember you may find them while you read the story. Have fun.
A special thank you to Kelly for reproofing my story. As of that the upload of the chapters may take longer.
Feedback: I love love love reviews and I'll be sure to mention it at the end of every chapter.
***
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Angel turned around, his back facing the gang.
"Angel cakes, I don't I don't think you have a choice in the matter. You can't do this alone." Lorne reminded him.
"Why? Just cause it hasn't been tried before?" Angel turned around looking at Lorne.
"No. That's not it." Lorne replied.
"So it has been tried before?" Angel saw a glimpse of hope.
"No." Lorne shook his head.
"Then I don't..." Angel didn't understand.
"No one was stupid enough to do exactly what he was forth told not to do." Lorne explained. "Angel, this journey is hard on it's own, and there's no guarantee you'll come back, or even if you do come back, that you'll get the answers you are looking for." Lorne walked towards him. "So to top it all, you want to go alone, even though you were told not to, just cause you're having ego issues?" Well the way he said it, it sounded ridicules, a stupid risk to take. But in his mind, taking Spike along, trusting him, not only with his life, but Cordy's and her baby as well, that sounded like a greater risk.
"What is this journey anyway? What does it involve?" Cordy asked Lorne.
"It's more of a quest. You go through something and if you succeed, you are granted a passage to the powers."
"And then..." Fred asked Lorne, wanting to know more.
"And then nothing. If the powers are in a good mode and feel like answering your question, and I do mean 'A question', they do. If not, they throw you out." Lorne finished off.
"You mean he may have to go through this dangerous journey, for nothing" Buffy asked as Lorne nodded his head.
"Why can't you contact them, like you did before?" Gunn asked.
"That door my friend was a one time passage, and It's long gone. This little road is the last trick I have up my sleeve. After that you're on your own. And you know, I only learned about this way by doing an unauthorized reading on this warlock, that was really..." Lorne stopped when realizing no one was pay attention.
"Spike can I talk to you for a minute? Alone." Spike was surprised by Angel's request. He didn't say anything, as the two walked away from the crowed to a secluded corner. "The reason we're doing this..."
"So now we're doing this? What? no second thought?" Spike interrupted him.
"The reason..." Angel kept on ignoring Spike.
"I get it." Spike cut him off again. "To help vision girl. I'm not an idiot, you know."
"Spike!" angel raised his voice and a few heads turned at their direction. "She means a lot to me..."
"Kind of noticed that." Spike throw in a little remark.
"So you know." Angel replied.
"Know what?" Spike didn't understand.
"That I'm not about to fail. Understood?" Spike nodded his head, and the two returned to the gang.
"So... what say you?" Xander imitated a judge's voice.
"We're going." Angel replied. "Together."
***
"Hi." Buffy knocked as she peeped in. "Can we talk?"
"Come in." Cordy replied.
Buffy walked in leaving the door opened. She sat on the bed next to where Cordy was sitting. "I know I said it before and you didn't really believe me, but the truth is I am sorry." Buffy paused for a moment to see Cordy's reaction. She seemed calmer and more attentive than before. "We didn't want to hurt you, and we do consider you a friend."
"Could have fooled me." Cordy said in a snappy tone.
"Now you see." Buffy was pissed. "Why you have to go and be all bitchy when I'm trying to be nice to you. You never did know how to except an apology, or give one, for that matter."
"Excuse me?" Cordy got up.
"No I don't think I will." Buffy stood up as well. "What Willow and I did to you today doesn't even come close to the way you treated us and especially Willow for years." Buffy took a big breath. "And we forgave you, we became your friends, despite it all."
"Well thank you very much." Cordy said in a sarcastic tone.
"You're welcome." Buffy returned the gesture. "Part of being someone's friend, is to except the bad part along with the good, and learn to forgive."
"I don't need a lecture about friendship from you Buffy." Cordy said in anger. "I have friends, real ones."
"We are your friends. True, we didn't stay in close touch this past three years, but that was your fault as much as it was ours." Buffy softened her tone. "People change, they move away, they built they're own lives."
"Until someone tries to take it away from them." There was sadness in Cordelia's eyes.
"Is that what you think? We're here to take away what you have. We would never..."
"But you already have." Cordy cut her off. "At least to some extent." Buffy looked at her puzzled. "He's different when you're around. He's less the Angel I know, and more the Angel I remember. You know?"
"I'm trying to Cordelia, but..."
"Here, he's more human, more friendly. We're like... you'll probably laugh, but we're like..."
"Family." Buffy completed the sentence, as Cordy nodded. "I got that. Despite what you think, it shows. In his behavior and yours. You made a connection here, I get that."
"Than why are you trying to break us apart?" Cordy asked.
"I'm not." Buffy sighed as she sat down. "I'm just flowing my heart. Can you say the same?" Buffy's words echoed in her head. How could she? How could she let her self go and tell him she loved him, tell him she wanted him beside her. That would leave her all alone with no wall to hide behind. That was too much of a risk to take; she could lose it all, all they have built. Lose her best friend. "If he told me he loved you, and that us are a thing of the past." Buffy's voice yanked her back to reality. "If he had done that, I would have backed away. I will back away."
Cordy knew the rest of that sentence. "And he didn't. Right?" Cordy lowered her head unable to face Buffy. Cordy knew Buffy was right; she had no claim on him, and no right to tell Buffy to back away. "Tell Willow I accept your apology."
"Thank you." Buffy smiled. Sensing Cordy wanted to be alone, she walked towards the door.
"Things change Buffy. So do people." Buffy turned, facing Cordy. "But I'm still Cordelia Chase, and I don't give up so easily. Remember that."
"How can I forget?" Buffy smiled and turned away to leave.
***
"So I was planning on going without saying nothing at all..." She looked up to see him leaned against the door. "But thinking I may not come back, although I seem to have more lives than a cat, it had to be now or maybe never." He kept talking as he walked in, closing the door behind him. She sat on the bed frozen, unable to move or speak, wanting to know, wanting to understand. "I know we're not together, and I'm starting to get your point about us never actually being together. And I want to take the high road and act as Angel would, all nobility and stuff." He came up to her and kneeled beside her, taking her hands into his. "But that's just not me luv, never was. Soul or no soul, I never was noble, not even as human." He chuckled. "So the way I see it, I only have one thing left to do, and that's say I hate this." He paused looking into her eyes, checking to see if she's still there with him. If she wanted to stop him that was her chance, He would have stopped, but she didn't want him to. "I hate seeing you running after him like a puppy, I hate that you can wait for his love, that may never come, and reject the one that is offered to you by me." He stopped taking an unnecessary breath. "I know you chose who you love. So I guess this rant is just cause you didn't choose me." He let go of her hand got up. He walked towards the door, his back facing her. "It kills me to see you two together, more than you'll ever know, but I still linger." He turned around staring straight at her. "Why you ask? Well that's simple Miss. Summers. Cause you asked me to, cause you needed me." He turned back and opened the door.
"Spike." She thought, now is her last chance to say something. He turned waiting to hear what she wanted to say, but nothing came out. He waited a minute longer and then walked out.
***
They left after sundown, with no entourage, no parting words. They went to the address Lorne gave them, knowing it was just a portal, an entrance to something bigger. They walked together in silence. Angel couldn't remember the last time Spike was so quiet. He could actually hear the puffs of his cigarette. But soon enough the silence was broken.
"So remind me again why we didn't take the car?"
"I told you Spike." Angel was really impatient. "Lorne said we needed to walk there, remember? It's a journey."
"No it's L.A. the city you never walk in, unless you're broke or an actor... actually that's the same thing, or homeless." Spike replied in a snappy tone.
"I really hate this. Have I mentioned it before?" Angel muttered.
"Not in the last hour, but it's always nice to hear that dear." Spike chuckled.
"Finally." Angel said in relief. "We're here." He looked up; they were standing in front of an abounded building. It wasn't big, and it was noticeable it's been abounded for a while.
"That's the place?" Spike said skeptically. "Is your guru for real?"
"He's not a guru, and yes. He's never failed me before..."
"Why did you stop?" Spike grinned. "I knew it. He is a sham."
"He's not a sham. We just had our wires crossed a few times in the past." Spike's grin grow bigger and bigger. "But even then he was kind of right." Angel kept on, ignoring Spike's expression
"Well, if he was kind of right." Spike put out his cigarette and walked into the building followed by Angel. They walked into what seemed to be the foyer. The walls were bare and the staircase was wrecked. The walls still stood, which surprised Spike. "This place isn't abounded, it's a dump. Even a vampire wouldn't want to live here."
"I bet you, you could." Angel teased. "I know it's not the Hilton, but we're not here to spend the night."
"Thank the lord for that." Spike mumbled as he walked around the house.
"Shut up Spike, okay? Just shut up and stop complaining." Angel walked into a bigger room. "Try to find clues, Lorne sent us here for a reason."
"Actually he sent you here to meet me."
***
The two vampires turned to see a man standing in front of them. He was wearing a T-shirt and jeans and looked clean compared to the surrounding. Not something you'd expect from someone who's been living in a dump like this. "I know what you're thinking." The man started walking towards them. "How come he's so clean?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "I don't live here, but your demon friend was told to come to this address. I see he sent vampires instead."
"We're not evil, we have..." Angel began to explain when the man interrupted him.
"Souls, I know. You two are actually the only vampires documented to posses souls."
"Documented?" Spike asked confused. "Documented where?"
"You're not human. Are you?" Angel was starting to catch on.
"Wow, nothing passes you." The man said with a bit of mockery in his tone. "No I'm not, and I'm no demon you heard of." He explained. "Your friend said you needed to talk to the powers and my friend said I knew the way."
"So what? You're our tour guide?" Spike asked in a mockery tone.
"Before we go on." The man kept explaining ignoring Spike. "I need to know why you're doing this, and be honest. I'll know if you're not." He turned his gaze towards Angel.
"I'm here for a friend. To give her answers."
"Bloody hell. The man just said no lies. Can't you be honest for once in your life, Angelus." Spike cut him off. "You're here cause of a girl. Here, was that so hard?"
"And you? Why you're here?" The man referred the question to Spike.
"Same deal buster. Here for a girl. Cause she asked me to." Spike replied.
"Good enough for me, lets proceed." The man pulled out a pen and paper from his pocket." Write down your question and stick it in that crack." He said pointing to the wall before them.
"What?" Angel asked confused. "That's all? It can't be that simple."
"Yeah, it can't be." Spike agreed. "Cause if it is, why am I here?"
"No one said your question would be answered. Just trust the powers and do as you are told." Reluctantly Angel took the paper and pen and thought on how to rephrase the question.
"Just write: why is my girlfriend 5 months pregnant when she's suppose to be 3 months?" Spike landed a hand.
"If I wanted your help Spike I would have asked for it." Angel turned is back and wrote something on the note. "And she's not my girlfriend." He muttered. After he was done he stocked the paper in the crack. The paper instantly vanished. "Now what?" Angel asked impatiently.
"Now we wait." The man replied. Not a minute passed by before the man said: "Sorry. Your question has been denied."
"Wait." Angel grabbed his arm. "Just like that our request has been denied. I didn't even get a chance to talk to the powers."
"I'm Sorry Angel, but rules are rules and there's..."
"Angel grabbed the man by his collar and pulled him. "Demon or no demon, I will hurt you unless you help me."
"You meant us, right?" The man didn't seem intimidated. "You are here with someone. Just a reminder."
"I meant what I said. I want to talk to the powers." Angel replied in anger.
"Are you willing to do what ever it takes?" The man asked.
"What do you think?" Angel said as he pulled the man closer to him.
"I was actually asking Spike." The man replied.
"Me?" spike whom till now stood on the side, asked. "I really don't care either way."
"I know." The man said. "That's why I'm asking you. Both of you came here; cause of the love you have for a woman. Only it's not the same one and it is the same one."
"Your point." Angel released the man.
"You both have to want this." The man said. "Both need to want to take it all the way if necessary. Can you both say that?" Knowing what Angel would say the man turned to look at Spike. Angel did the same. Now it was all up to him, did he care enough about Cordelia to risk his own life? Or was it Buffy he cared about? Pleasing Buffy?
***
"Great, dump it on Spike, he'll walk thought he bloody fire for everyone now that he has a soul. I'm not you Angel!"
"I know that." Angel replied in anger. "No one asked you to care about Cordy..."
"Just die for her if I have to, right?" Spike cut him off. Angel had no reply, he knew spike was right, that is what he asked of him. For Angel the answer was simple, he'd risk his own life to help almost anyone in need. He has for the past 3 years, and before that. But Spike was a different story. Till lately Spike cared about himself and none else...w ell maybe Drusilla, but that's all. This is a major step up, and Angel was afraid Spike wouldn't be up for the job. "Just so we're straight;" Spike's voice cut off Angel's contemplation. "I do this for Buffy, that's all." He took a step towards the man, who was still awaiting his answer. "I'm gamed, lets do this."
"Are you sure?" The man asked.
"He's sure." Angel answered quickly before Spike has a chance to change his mind." The man looked at Angel with a stare that said: 'who asked you'.
"Yeah what he said." Spike said as the man turned to face him.
"Well then. I see my part here is done the man turned to walk away.
"Done?" Angel said surprised. "You have to show us the way, to wherever it is we're suppose to go to."
"Uh, that." The man turned around with a smile. "Just walk thought that wall." The man pointed to the wall Angel stuck the note in.
"You mean the portal was here all along?" Angel asked confused. The man just nodded. "Than why did you play us like this?" his mode changed from confusion to anger.
"Cause they wanted to make sure you both we're ready and willing to take the plunge. And now they are, so good luck to you." He turned around and walked away. "You'll need it." He said out loud and he went out the front door.
"That sounds promising." Spike started at the wall, while Angel still tried to make sense in it all. "Get over it, will you? He did what he was told to, and you should learn to do the same."
"What is that suppose to mean Spike?" Angel looked at him furious.
"It means we should walk through the bloody wall and get it over with, already. That's what it means." And with that he stepped forward and walked thought the wall.
"Great." Angel muttered and followed him in.
***
"Isn't it weird?" Fred, who was sitting on the couch next to Lorne in the office, wondered.
"What is?" Wesley, who sat in the armchair, asked.
"That no one, or nothing came after Cordy in the last 24 hours." She replied.
"More actually." Wesley corrected her.
"I'd say it's a good thing right?" Gunn, who felt mighty comfortable in Angel's chair, asked.
"I guess. But weird all the same." Fred pondered. "At first we couldn't hold them back, and as soon as reinforcement arrives, everything seemed to quiet down. I think it's weird."
"I think it has something to do with little miss. Evil lawyer." Gunn gave his opinion.
"I don't think so." Wesley said, knowing the others still don't know about him and Lilah.
"Call it a hunch, but I think they're in remission, and they're just working on a different game plan." Lorne said and got a stare of confused faces. "I'm thinking we're not the only ones with spies and sources..."
"Do we have Spies and sources? Since when?" Gunn asked out loud.
"My point is big fellow, ids that they probably know we called in the slayer and the witch and considering how 'well' they're last attacks went, they decided to re-group and consider a new plan. Maybe not so hands on, maybe something more subtle." Lorne Smiled.
"Something like a deal with a certain group who wants the same thing as they do and have access to us..." Fred smiled as well as the wheels in her head started twirling.
"What's with the smiling? You look like Pinky and the Brain about to conquer the world." Gunn made and observation.
"They came to the same conclusion as you did. That Lilah is the source of all evil." Wesley explained.
"Hell yeah. I told you." Gunn said in satisfaction. "It always goes back to them. Like I told Cordy you can't trust them."
"Did you?" Everyone turned their heads to look at Cordy standing in the doorway. "So this is what you claver minds are up to." Cordy walked in and grabbed a chair.
"So what do you think of our theory?" Lorne asked. He seemed to enjoy playing detectives... uh wait... they are detectives.
"I think we'll find out soon enough." Cordy replied. "And for the record, I'd never ever trust Lilah or any one form W&H. no good can come out of that place."
"I second that." Gunn said with a big smile and raised his coffee mug in the air.
"Maybe sooner than we think." Gunn took his feet of the desk and stared at the front door.
***
TBC
Hi ppl,
Just wanted to let you know that Kelly won't be reproofing this chapter and probably the next few, since she's not feeling well. So why don't we all wish her a speed recovery. And in the meantime, I hope you don't mind, and that you enjoyed the ch. I do apologize for any spelling mistakes you may have encountered while reading it. So let me know what you think, it's always good hearing from you. lol.
Thanks Nikka.