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TITLE: THE END OF ALL THINGS

AUTHOR:AVES


CHAPTER 16
MOMENTS TO CHERISH

Buffy shook her head in frustration as she Willow and Xander entered Willow's room. "I'll really be glad when this apocalypse is over. Either I'll be dead or we can go home."

"Well, welcome bright perky Buffy," Xander said sarcastically.

"Man trouble," Willow observed. "Now you know why I went gay."

"Two ensouled vampires vying for your affections too?" Xander asked.

"No," Willow responsed playfully punching Xander on the shoulder." You men are too complicated."

The three friends shared a laugh for a moment then the mood quickly became somber. "This is really it isn't it?" Xander asked.

"Sure looks like it," Buffy responded.

"Well hey," Willow began in an attempt to lighten the mood. "If the world is going to end tommorow we might as well have fun tonight."

"Ooo Willow, you crazy woman," Xander laughed. "Wait, your not talking about my naked twister fantasy are you?"

Both Willow and Buffy gave their friend a half-annoyed half-amused look as Giles walked in. "Do you have room for an old English fuddy-duddy?"

"Always have," Buffy smiled at him. "So how did your little meeting with Angel go?"

"Surprisingly well," he responded. "We mainly talked about recent events. His reasons for taking over Wolfram and Hart. Ours for not trusting him. Basically we buried the hatchet."

"You didn't talk about the big apocalypse?" Xander asked.

"Yes we did actually." The watcher turned to Buffy. "Before you ask why you weren't involved in this discussion Angel wanted an objective opinion."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Buffy said as she glared at him.

"Buffy, Giles said. "when it comes to you and Angel you can't tell me emotions don't get in the way of your judgement. He just wanted my honest opinion on a theory he had. I promise you that is all, and if it comes to the point I feel like you need to know the rest assured I shall tell you, but for now please just trust me that I believe Angel is making the correct decision in this matter."

"Okay I trust you," Buffy said somewhat reluctantly. "What's our next move?"

"For tonight, nothing, "Giles responed taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. "I am going to take Angel's advice and rest."

"You taking Angel's advice?" Xander said. "Man the end of the world must be coming.

The group all laughed as Buffy saw Spike walk by the door. "Um excuse me a minute guys, something I have to do."

Willow, Xander, and Giles all watched her leave, "Spike?" Xander asked.

"I'd be my best spell book on it," Willow replied.

"Well at least it is not The Immortal." Giles said although his tone clearly indicating he was not thrilled about Buffy going to Spike.

"What do you think they are going to do?" Willow asked.

"Gee, I sure don't know." Xander said.

"I would not worry too much about it," Giles said. "Anyway I'm not going to spend this time worrying about what Buffy may or may not do. In fact we have a huge war tommorow. I am going to do my best to get some much needed sleep. I suggest you all do the same. Good night all."

"Night Giles," Willow and Xander said together. The Watcher left and Willow looked at her long time friend. "So now what?"

"Well I would suggest the classic possible last night on earth sex but if we lived that would just be too weird to deal with, and plus I'm not your type."

Willow chuckled but quickly became serious. "So you've recovered enough to go with Buffy's group?"

"Yea," Xander responed. "I'm going back to Sunnydale, want anything from The Bronze?"

"Uh, Xander the Bronze is gone," Willow said.

"Oh yea," Xander replied. "Whole town sink into ground, oh well there goes my idea of talking Buffy into stopping for a Doublemeat Medly."

Willow laughed at the joke. "You know she would kill you right."

The conversation stopped for a moment as the upcoming battle weighed on thier minds. "Will," Xander began. "Just in case, well you know you'll always be my best friend."

"Yea, I know," Willow smiled. "Too bad you're not a girl I'm in the mood for some fun," she chuckled.

"Would you settle for one last slumber party?" Xander said with a laugh.

"Sure thing," she replied.

Xander laid down on the cotand Willow followed curling up next to him. "Night Xander stay safe tommorow."

"Don't worry about me, just take of yourself," Xander said as he put his arms around her.

"Love you Xan."

"Love you too Will."


"Spike!" Buffy called after the blonde vampire.

"Yea Slayer?" he responded flatly.

"I wanted to talk to you," she said.

"Why start now," he said sarcastically.

"Come on Spike, that's not fair, we've all had a lot to deal with," she replied.

"You had bloody well enough time get all friendly back with Angel," he snapped.

"God what is it with vampires who have souls and jealousy?"she said. "Angel and I had issues to work out."

"And we don't?" Spike asked.

"Spike, unti a few weeks ago I thought you were dead. What possible issues could we have?" Buffy looked down and saw that her exchange with the vampire was getting attention from some of the girls in the lobby. "Look Spike," she began trying to keep her voice at an even tone. "After Andrew let slip that you weren't dead he also told me why you never called me, and I have to say it was the most lame reason I ever heard. You didn't want me to know you were alive, fine but don't expect me to just jump back into your arms and act like what you did didn't hurt, and as far as our issues go, we don't have any because I'm done!" The Slayer turned away leaving Spike alone with dozens of eyes watching him.

"Well that went well," he muttered.


Lorne hadn't said much to anyone since coming back. In fact he was contemplating just slipping out, leaving again when he ran into the young warrior he had seen walking around. You are from Pylea aren't you?" he asked.

The question took Lorne by surprise, "Uh yea cutie left there a long time ago why you ask?"

The warrior sighed and Lorne saw a sad look in his eyes as he answered. "I think you are the being that I owe my life too."

Lorne's mouth dropped as he realized who the man was. "You're little Marcus?"

"Yes," he replied.

Lorne was stunned, "Well what are you doing here?"

"Trying to save the world apparently," Marcus responded.

Lorne smiled a bit, "Well how's your mother?"

The question made the warrior's face fall. "She died not long after you helped us come here. My father and brother found her. He was only ten and from what the priests tell me he killed her himself. Our own mother.

"Priests?" Lorne asked.

"Sorry," Marcus said. "I forget how much you actually know about my mom and I. After we went our seperate ways my mother fled to Mexico. She had the blasted device in her that all humans in Pylea have. My father didn't use to destroy her just to track her down. She was able to hide me in a church in the mountains of Southeastern Mexico and she fled. Ten priests went with her to help her start a new life. One of them came back. He told me that Hamilton,"

"Wait," Lorne interrupted. "Hamilton is your brother?"

Marcus nodded, "Mom took me away so what happened to him would never happen to me."

Lorne lowered his head. "I'm sorry kid, I shouldn't have let your mom talk me into leaving her after I got her out of Pylea."

The warrior shook his head, "No apologies necessary, I think Mom knew what she had to do. Anyway, I might not have had a regular childhood, but I was taken care of, and now not only to I get help save the world, but I get my chance to get retribution for my mother's death. Don't worry about what you did or did not do Lorne. You did a great service for the forces of good when you helped us. You gave the world the world a better chance of surviving this war and you helped save my life. Thank you my friend, and I know if mom were alive she would thank you too."

Lorne smiled and grabbed the young warrior hugging him, "It's good to see you again kid."

Marcus was surprised by the show of affection but returned the friendly embrace. "Um I need to prepare, the battle tommorow."

Lorne released his grip, "of course, um be careful kid."

Marcus nodded, "I will be."

"Hey kid," Lorne called out as Marcus turned to walk away.

"Yes?" he asked.

"How about after all this is over you and I talk. I'm sure you'd like to know more about your mom and well, I'd like to learn more about her son."

"Yea," Marcus responsed with a weak smile, "I truly would like that, good night Lorne." The warrior walked away leaving Lorne alone.

"Wow," he thought to himself. "Looks like I've done some good here after all."


Angel sat in his office alone going over Wesley's notes that Giles had given him. "Wes, why didn't you tell me?" he thought. His reading was interrupted by Illyria who entered the room without knocking and she slammed the door behind her.

"Please Illyria, come in," Angel said.

"There is too little violence," she growled. "I must fight to keep my grief at bay. I should feel no grief. I am Illyria god-king of,"

"Yea I get it," Angel interrupted. "Look I miss Wesley too, and although you're not human, you've taken a human form and that means you have to deal with some human emotions."

"How do I do this?" Illyria shouted. "You will tell me!"

Angel sighed not thrilled at having this frustration to deal with, "You just have to learn from experience. Watch how others deal with their emotions and decide for yourself if that is the right way for you to handle them. The only way you handle life is to live it."

"I wish Wesley were here," she said with a sadness in her voice that caught Angel by surprise.

"We all wish that," Angel replied. "Unfortunately that's not going to happen, however what we can do is honor Wesley's memoryis by winning this war. That way what happened to him and all the others we care about that we have lost will not happen to anyone else."

Illyria stood silent for a moment then looked up at him. "I find this to be an acceptable solution. I shall cause much grief and suffering to our enemies tommorow, however I do still wish to do violence now."

"Go find Spike," Angel said with a smile. "I'm sure he's got some frustrations to work out, but don't hurt him too much, we'll need him tommorow." Angel could have sworn he saw Illyria smirk.

"I shall amuse myself with the blonde vampire," she said as she turned to leave. She was at the door when she stopped and turned around. "Angel I believe the words used by those who are grateful for the words or actions of another is thank you."

"Your welcome Illyria," he said as he smiled at her. "Good hunting tommorow."

"You as well," she replied as she left.

Angel shook his head and chuckled as she walked out. "I'm getting along with Giles and Illyria thanks me. This is the end of the world."


Many of the Slayers were scattered about the Hyperion, sleeping areas had been set up in the hotel's many rooms. Some of the hotel's guests tried to sleep, some prayed, some just sat thinking about what was coming, and others talked. Dawn fit both the final two groups. Although not a Slayer her mind was somewhat on the battle, however most of it was occupied with thoughts of the young man who was sitting with her in hotel kitchen one of the few places not crowded to the walls. "So you're one of the champions huh?"

"Apparently," Connor responded. "I really don't know why me, Angel really hasn't said much about it. I think he's got a lot on his mind."

Dawn smiled at him, "Well I know you're going to do great. I hope I can," she was interrupted by Angel walking into the room.

"Hey guys sorry to interrupt," he looked at Dawn, "Okay if I borrow my son for awhile?"

"Sure thing," she replied with a grin, "I need to try to get some rest anyway." She gave Connor a quick hug, "I'll talk to you later."

Angel watched the look in his son's eyes as she left the room, "I thought you liked older women."

The statment made Connor blush, "Yea, well we seem to have a lot in common."

"She's a sweetheart," Angel said with a chuckle, of course since all my memories of her were apparently created I guess I've never actually met her until they got here a couple of days ago." Angel shook his head, "Man a lot of weird stuff has happened to me."

"Bet you don't have memories of two completely different lives in your head?" Connor responded.

Angel smiled at his son's comment, "Bet you never spent what was one thousand years in a hell dimension then come back to earth and only a few months had passed."

Connor laughed, "No only about 16 years, so I guess you got me beat."

They shared a laugh before Angel became serious again. "Look son, I wish you didn't have to be mixed up in this."

"Yea I know," Connor said, "but maybe this is why I was truly created. Let's face it I'm not exactly a natural occurance and I don't think I would have been created just to kill some time traveling demon."

"I guess that could be," Angel replied. "So, do you know what your supposed to do?"

"Yea," Connor replied. "I'm with the Sunnydale force. I stop whatever big bad they send and then be ready for whatever might come next."

"Buffy is the leader of you group," Angel said. "Follow her orders, and take care of her."

"You really care about her don't you?" Connor said.

"Don't change the subject Connor?" Angel said harshly.

"Hey I'm sorry," Connor said.

"No, I am," Angel sighed. "I'm just not comfortable with sending you into this."

"Well if makes you feel any better I'm not totally comfortable being in it." his son replied.

"Well whatever happens," Angel began.

Connor stopped him raising his hands in front of him, "Look Dad I don't want a cheesy father-son moment okay?"

"Sure," Angel said with a nod. "Happy hunting tommorow, and get some rest, and if you need extra motivation Dawn will probaly kiss you if you make it back."

The younger man blushed, "Yea well I think saving the world is cause enough but I'll keep that in mind. Well, I guess I better try to get some rest.

"I think that would be an excellent idea," Angel agreed. "Sleep well son."

Connor turned to leave then stopped, "Hey Dad."

"Yea?" Angel said.

"I love you too."


Illyria barged into Spike's room much in the same way she had Angel's office.

"Blue I'm really not in the mood for company," Spike grumbled an empty bottle of whiskey beside him.

"I wish to pummel you for my amusement half-breed." Illyria said.

Spike stood up and stumbled a bit, "Yea well not really feeling the urge to go right now." the vampire replied.

"Angel said I could hit you if I did not harm you too badly," she said. "He told me you may have some frustations to work out."

"Did he now?" Spike asked. Maybe I should go punch Peaches, that would make me feel all tingly I'd wager."

"Angel is busy,"Illyria replied flatly, "However I would be glad to repel your feeble blows."

"Hell why not," Spike growled. "I need some action." The vampire lunged as Illyria who grabbed him and threw him to the floor. Spike twisted his body and kicked Illyria's feet out from under her. She fell on top of him and neither one of them moved.

"Being on you is causing a strange sensation." Illyria whispered.

Spike grabbed the back of her head and kissed her hard. "That was desirable," she said. "I wish to do more."

"Hell why not?" Spike said with a grin and rolled on top of her."


Marcus sat in the darkness of his room. He was one of the few that had rated a private room a fact he was grateful for. He was glad he had met his and his mother's savior, however it had conjured up fragmented and painful memories of a woman he had hardly known, yet he still felt the pain of her loss everyday. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," he said.

"Hey there handsome," Faith said as she entered the room.

"Faith," Marcus greeted her with a weak smile. "I assumed you would be spending this time with your fellow slayers or your friend Robin."

"Nah, most of those kids get on my nerves, and Robin is still hurting. He's pretty ticked at having to miss the action tommorow. I really didn't want to listen to him complain."

The warrior looked down at the floor, "I am sure he is a fine warrior. I am sorry he will not be with us."

Faith put her hand underneath his chin and lifted his head to meet his eyes with hers. "Hey, you ok?"

"I apologize I'm not better company," he answered. "I met Lorne tonight. He was the one who saved my mother and I from my father. We talked some about her. I guess it made me realize what I have lost."

Faith smiled warmly at him and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "What was that for?" he asked. "Not that I'm complaining but why?"

Faith stroked his cheek, "Just to let you know that you're not alone," she answered. "In fact you definately don't have to be alone tonight if you don't want to be."

The warrior shifted uncomfortably, "Um I know you think I'm clueless, but I have an idea of what you mean and while the offer is best I've had in years I must decline. I'm sorry."

Faith looked shocked, "Wow not used to rejection," obviously a little hurt by his denial of her.

"Faith, believe me it has nothing to do with a lack of desire, you are definately a very beautiful woman, and while it would be something I would never forget I'm afraid you would probaly leave me with very little energy and we both need to be at our best for tommorow, and plus, well training, fighting, and living in a church has left very little time for relationships of that nature."

Faith's mouth dropped open, "You mean you haven't, you're,"

Marcus smiled at her amused by her surprise, "I think the word you are looking for is virgin."

"Oh," Faith said, "I'm sorry."

"No apologies necessary," Marcus replied. "You had no way of knowing." He paused to take a breath, "Don't get me wrong I have had a few, and I stress few opportunities, however I feel that is something I want to do with one person, and only someone I love. I know that likely seems idiotic."

"Not at all," Faith smiled, "I admit it ain't exactly my way of thinking, and it's too bad I have a feeling we'd both enjoy it."

"Of that I have no doubt," he said with a laugh.

Faith stood up, "Well since my plans for the night are shot I think I'm going to get some sleep."

"Uh, Faith," Marcus began. "Although I had to turn down you're generous offer I wouldn't mind if you still wanted to stay here."

"I don't know big guy," Faith said with a smirk. "I might not be able to control myself."

The warrior held out his hand to her. "I could use a friend."

Faith took his hand and sat next to him putting her head on his shoulder, "You just keep throwing me curves."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

Faith smiled and nudged closer to him as she responeded, "Well you never blink in battle, you scared the hell out of Spike, which I really enjoyed by the way, and the way you carry yourself you can tell you're a born warrior and leader, but now you seem a little vunerable."

Marcus ran his fingers through her hair, "Not many people get to see this side of me."

"I'm glad I got to see it," Faith replied curling up closer to him. "So you think we can save the world?"

Marcus put his arms around her, "With you by my side I have no doubt we will with this war."

"What happens then?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" he responded.

She sat up and looked in his eyes, "I mean what's your plan after the big battle. What are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "I've spent the better part of my life waiting on this battle, but I've never thought about my life after it. I suppose evil will still exist even after Wolfram and Hart have been defeated. Good will still need champions. I guess I am as good as any to fill that role."

"Well you could always hang with me, evil seems to find us Slayer types." Faith said.

"I would like that," Marcus replied smiling at her.

Faith laid her head back on his shoulder. "So you are staying here with me?" he asked her.

The slayer smiled and put her arms around his waist. "Just try to get rid of me."


For the first time since they had all arrived the Hyperion was mostly quiet. A few ofthe hotel's guestswere still up talking, but did so quietly as not to disturb those who were trying to sleep. Giles was in his room awake his mind fully on the upcoming battle. Buffy was watching her sister sleep as she sat up. Her mind on a number things. The battle, the fact the Master was back. Her fight with Spike, Angel, her last relationship that had ended when she caught the Immortal with four other women at once. All of it played in her mind. A mind that was full of turmoil. She almost longed for the coming war, at least then she would have a problem that she could solve the best way she knew how, with violence. She grabbed the scythe she found during her battle with The First and twirled it in her hand. "Whatever it takes," she vowed to herself. "I'm not going to lose."
Angel sat in his office, alone again. A bottle of cognac that he had kept for special occasions sat in front of him. He had reached for it several times but couldn't bring himself to pour a glass. The last time he had touched it had been with Wesley, Cordelia, and Gunn as the celebrated the acquisition of the Hyperion. Cordy and Gunn had both nearly choked on the stuff. The memory of that made him smile.

"Drinking alone? Not a good sign Angelcakes," he heard Lorne say as he entered the room.

"Haven't touched it yet," the vampire responded. "Want to join me?

"Bleh," Lorne said with a sour face, "Cognac isn't exactly my beverage of choice. Don't suppose you got a seabreeze stashed away somewhere do you?"

"No, sorry fresh out," Angel said with a chuckle.

"Too bad," Lorne responed as he sat down, "I guess you'll just have to settle for my pleasant company."

"Glad to have it," Angel said with a grin and poured himself a glass. "Sure you don't want any?"

Lorne nodded, "I'm sure."

The vampire took a drink enjoying the warmth of the liquor. "I'm glad you're Lorne, with the rest of the team gone I was starting to feel pretty alone."

"Consider yourself lucky Angel, I was on my way out when I picked up on your aura."

Angel put his glass down, "So what are you going to do now?" he asked.

Lorne took a deep breath before answering, "Well I'm doing to see this whole apocalypse through then I'll probaly head out. I know this guy who knows a guy, whose third cousin needs someone for a nice little Off-Broadway production."

"I see," Angel said solemnly.

"Look Angel," Lorne began. "I've had enough of the good fight. I love you and I love the whole helping the helpless thing, but honestly I've just had enough. I need a break."

"I know the feeling," Angel said as he gave himself a refill.

"So what are you going to do after this is over?" Lorne asked

Angel shrugged. "I have no idea, maybe I'll see if I got a future with Nina."

"Or maybe that cute blonde Slayer you're still burning for?" Lorne interrupted. Angel glared at him but that didn't stop his friend, "Oh come on Angelcakes you don't have to belt out a horrid version of My Girl for me to know you still got a thing for her, can't blame you though the girl's a beauty."

"Not sure if that could ever have a future," Angel replied. "Ours hasn't exactly been the healthiest of relationships."

Their conversation paused as Giles entered the room. "I thought I smelled cognac."

"I thought you turned in," Angel responded.

"Yes well, thoughts of the coming apocalypse kept me awake. I thought a walk might clear my head." The watcher said.

"How about a drink to cloud it?" Angel said.

Giles smiled and took the invitation sitting in an old office chair. "Maybe one, I don't think it would be wise to run mission control tommorow with a hangover."

Angel looked over at Lorne, "This is Buffy's watcher, Rupert Giles, Giles this is Lorne an old friend."

Giles offered his hand, "Pleasure to meet you."

Lorne took his hand, "Likewise, ooh nice strong English grip, you must be a hit with the ladies."

Angel chuckled as he saw Giles blush. He then poured the watcher a glass. "How's troop morale?" he asked.

"Honestly I think a lot of our troops believe they are going to die," Giles replied. "Quite frankly there is not much unity. I am sorry to say there seems to be little confidence in your group. They think they'll have to watch and see if you turn on them."

"And whose fault is that?" a new voice said.

"Buffy?" Giles asked.

The slayer leaned against the doorframe. "We started the mistrust. We questioned Angel and showed we didn't trust him while he was at Wolfram and Hart. That's why we are not united."

"All is forgiven on my end Buffy," Angel said. "We just have to show them all we are united and how about we start now." Angel got two more glasses out and poured them giving one each to Lorne and Buffy who took them although somewhat reluctantly. Angel raised his glass. "We are here to remember those who have gone on before us, our bonds with them will never be broken. To Jenny Calendar, Joyce Summers, my dear friend Doyle, Wininfred Burkle, Wesley-Wyndham Price, Charles Gunn, and all the others who live on in our hearts, and to us, may we all honor their memory by standing united against our enemies."

"Here, here," Lorne said downing his drink quickly followed by Buffy and Giles.

"Tommrow, we rally the troops," Buffy said, "then we show Wolfram and Hart what fighting the good fight is all about."


COMING UP NEXT CHAPTER

The force of good prepare for the fight of their lives in Chapter 17 of THE END OF ALL THINGS: DAWN OF WAR