A/N: WOW THANKS TO ALL AGAIN FOR THE REVIEWS. WE'RE AT THE END. THIS HAS BEEN A WORK I HAVE ENJOYED BRINGING TO YOU. LOOK FOR A FOLLOW-UP ( I DON'T KNOW IF SEQUEL IS A RIGHT WORD) COMING SOON.

TITLE: THE END OF ALL THINGS

AUTHOR: AVES


CHAPTER 26
FAREWELLS, GOOD-BYES, AND OTHER ENDINGS

Angel couldn't hardly believe it. He was actually breathing. His heart was beating, racing actually, and he felt warm. "I'm alive," he whispered for what seemed to be the twentieth time. He looked around at the rest of the group and saw many stunned faces.

"How did this happen?" Riley asked.

"The Shanshu prophecy," Giles said, his expression betraying his own disbelief.

"It can't be," Angel said. "I signed that away."

"You can not sign away your destiny," a new voice said. All eyes looked to the source of the voice and saw a familiar figure appear.

"Cordelia," Angel said with a smile.

"You did Angel," Cordelia said with a smile of her own. "I'm so proud of you," She began to look around the entire group. "You have all done well, thanks to your efforts this world will never again be plagued by the evil of Wolfram and Hart."

"I still don't understand how I'm alive," Angel said.

"The Shanshu was meant to be a gift Angel," Cordelia responded. "You couldn't sign it away because you can't give away what you don't yet have. Now you are human, enjoy your life, and know that you have been a great warrior for the Powers that Be, so great is your reward. Good-bye Angel and enjoy your life." Angel watched as Cordelia faded away once more. He took a deep breath as he felt Buffy touch his arm.

"Now what?" he asked her.

"I was hoping you could tell me," she responded. Angel smiled and took her by the hand. "Come on, let's have a talk."


Spike sat by himself not really feeling like joining the celebration. Angel and Buffy were off somewhere talking, at least that's what they said they were going to do, somehow Spike doubted that was all that was going on. "You don't look very happy," he heard someone say. The vampire's mood lightened just a small amount as Dawn sat next to him.

"Hey little bit, I figured you'd be frolicking with Angel Junior." The comment made Dawn's cheeks turn red.

"Yea, well, he's got a lot to think about right now."

"I guess all of us do," the vampire responded.

"You're upset about Buffy being with Angel aren't you?" Dawn asked him.

"Don't know exactly what to think about that," Spike responded. "A lot of things are on my mind. I seen a few people I come to care about die here lately. Wes and Gunn both checked out before you got here, and Marcus told me Illyria got all noble and blew herself up when she did the temple."

"But Buffy is the real reason you're bummed," Dawn interrupted. Spike smiled weakly and put his arm around her.

I've never been able to lie to you platelet. I still got a fire for your sis, but I'm pretty sure I ain't what she needs."

Dawn put her arms around the vampire's waist and gave him a tight squeeze, "I'll tell her you said good-bye."

"Thanks little bit," Spike replied as he returned her hug.

"Keep in touch this time?" Dawn asked as she let go.

"I promise kid, you'll see me again." he replied as he stood up.

"I better," Dawn said with a grin. The young girl turned around to leave but looked back at her friend and hugged him one more time. "Take care of yourself," she said with tears in her eyes.

"I will," the vampire promised. "Now go, take off, find your new boy toy." Dawn gave him a peck on the cheek and then left him. Spike watched her leave and then took a moment to look over those he was leaving behind. "See all you buggers on the other side," he whispered before turning and walking away. "Oh well I hear jolly old London is nice this time of year."


"It kind of feels wierd to hold your hand and it be warm," Buffy said as she and Angel walked together.

"Imagine how I feel," Angel replied with a chuckle.

Buffy stopped walking and looked at him, "Do we have a chance or not?"

Angel looked at her, the question stunning him, "Wow direct aren't you?"

"Sorry," Buffy replied, "I just want all this uncertainity over with. I've got to know once and for all."

Angel sighed as he looked off into space. "I never told you about this, but I was human for one day, back about five years ago."

"What?" Buffy exclaimed, shocked by his revelation. "How?"

"Do you remember when you came to L.A. for Thanksgiving and that demon attacked us?"

The slayer thought for a moment then nodded, "Yea, I always wondered how you knew what to do to kill that thing."

Angel let out a sigh before responding, "We fought it before, it's blood mixed with mine and somehow it turned me human."

"I think I would remember that," Buffy interrupted.

"No, I'm the only one who does," Angel replied. "We fought it underneath a saline plant and it said you would die at the end of days. I went to the oracles of the Powers and asked them about it. They confirmed what the demon said, and so I asked them to turn me back into a vampire so I would have the strength to help you. They erased time back to the point where you came into my office." Angel stopped to look at her and saw her face was a mix of confusion and sadness. "I did it to save you," he continued. "If I wouldn't have then I never would have brought you the amulet you used against the First, you would have died, you almost did fighting that demon because you were trying to protect me, and I guess I'm not sure how helpful I can be to you as a human." Angel looked at Buffy again expecting a reaction of anger but was surprised when she started laughing.

"You big dummy, I don't want you to be helpful I want you to love me."

"But," Angel began but was stopped when Buffy held her hand up.

"Let me finish, in case you haven't noticed I have a small army of super powered slayers to back me up now. I don't need a protector. I just need you." Angel smiled and gave her a hug.

"You know I won't be happy just sitting on the sidelines right?"

Buffy laughed and returned his hug. "I've got an idea about that, come on let's talk to Giles."


Several small groups had broken up around the area with conversations about the recent battle and the future commonplace. Connor was describing his battle to a group that included Dawn, as well as a small mix of slayers and soldiers. Willow and Xander were talking with Riley, and Marcus was enjoying his time with two special people.

"Wow cutie you really got a thing for this girl." Lorne said teasing the warrior.

"Can you blame him," Faith said with a laugh.

"You two should be glad I'm too tired to fight back," Marcus chuckled.

Lorne took a moment to look around the destruction. "I'd love to say I'm going to miss L.A. but I think the place has lost some of its charm."

"Where are you going to go?" Marcus asked.

"I've got a few ideas, Vegas maybe," Lorne replied. "As soon I tell Angelcakes bye, I'm heading out."

"Could you do me one more favor before you go?" the warrior asked.

"Sure kid, what you need?"

Marcus leaned into Faith and choked up a bit as he replied, "Could you tell me about my mother?" Lorne gave the warrior a big smile.

"Sure thing cutie," the three of them all sat down as Lorne began. "You're mom was positively beautiful..."


"I think that is a marvelous idea," Giles said.

"You do?"Angel asked. The watcher laughed at Angel response.

"Yes, to both parts of your idea, heaven knows you two deserve it, and I could definately benefit when you come back."

"When who comes back?" Riley asked as he joined the trio.

"Buffy and I are going on a little vacation," Angel responded.

"And Angel is going to help Giles on the Watcher's Council when we get back," Buffy finished.

"Looks like your going to stay busy," Riley said.

Angel nodded and then stuck out his right hand to the soldier. "Thank you, for everything."

"I'm glad I could help," Riley replied as he took the offered hand before turning his attention to Buffy. "We're about to head out." The slayer gave him a hug.

"Take care of yourself ok?"

"Don't worry," Riley replied. "I've my team, I've got my friends. Losing Sam is hard, but I'll be ok." A young soldier came up to Riley and saluted.

"All units prepped and ready sir."

"Good job corporal," Riley replied. "Get to your craft, we're going home."

"Yes sir!" the young soldier responded in a cheerful tone before leaving. Riley turned his attention back to Buffy and Angel. "Good luck, to both of you," he said before shaking hands with Giles, and then he walked to his copter. Angel, Buffy, and Giles watched as Riley's team took off.

"I think we should be gathering our forces as well," Giles said.

"I agree," Buffy responded, "L.A. is a nice place to visit, but I don't think I'd want to live here."


"Thank you again Lorne," Marcus said just after the demon finished his story about the young warrior's mother.

"Anytime cutie," Lorne replied.

"Lorne!" they all heard someone yell.

The green demon looked to source of the voice and saw Buffy and Angel walking towards them. "Angelcakes, wow being among the living certainly agrees with you." Angel smiled at the remark and gave his friend a hug.

"I'm glad I got to see you before you left," Angel said.

"Me too," Lorne replied. "So what are you going to do know that your pretty self has a pulse?"

"Buffy and I are going to take a little vacation," Angel said. "That is, if Faith doesn't mind taking over the Slayers for awhile."

"Fine by me," Faith said. "You guys could use a break, but I get some time with Marcus when you get back."

"You're coming with us?" Buffy asked a little surprised.

"Yes, I hope that's all right," Marcus said.

"Better than ok," Buffy replied. "You'll be a big help."

"All right then it's settled," Angel said.

"What's settled?" Dawn asked as she and Connor joined them. Buffy walked up to her sister and gave her a big hug. "Ow, slayer strength," Dawn grunted.

"Oh, sorry," Buffy said as she let her sister go. "I'm just happy to see you."

"No problem," Dawn replied. "So what's settled?"

"I'm going to take a little break from slaying," Buffy said."Not long, a month maybe two. Angel and I are going to make up for some lost time."

"Ugh, don't need to know anymore," Dawn said. "And before you ask I'll be fine, go have fun."

Buffy smiled at her younger sister. "Well ok we'll need to go home first so start rounding up the troops."

"Hold on a minute," Angel interrupted and turned to Lorne. "Thanks again for all you've done, and can I convince you to stay in touch?"

"Youcan count on it," Lorne said with a smile. Angel shook his friend's hand and then looked at Connor.

"How about a father-son talk?"'

"Sure thing," Connor replied. Angel nodded and turned back to Buffy.

"Don't go anywhere."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Buffy replied. Buffy watched Angel and Connor leave then looked around. "Where's Spike?"


Angel and Connor had distanced themselves a bit from the others when Connor stopped and looked at his father. "Look, Dad before you start lecturing me on how I need a normal life, I plan on going back to school. This summer I'm going to visit you and Dawn, and then take it from there."

"Oh," Angel said. "Well, that pretty much covers all subjects, except what about your other family?

"I think I'll keep them in my life," Connor replied. "They've been real good to me, I love them."

"I agree," Angel replied.

The youngster smiled and wrapped his arms around his father. "I'll never forget what you've done for me."

"It was good to see you son," Angel replied, "and to get to know you again."

"I love you Dad."

"I love you too son."


"I can't believe he just left like that," Buffy snapped as Dawn told her of Spike's sudden departure.

"There was really nothing left for him here," Dawn said.

"He could at least said good-bye," Buffy replied in a tone that indicated her hurt.

"That isn't exactly Spike-like," Willow interjected.

"Yea, I guess you're right," Buffy said with a sigh. "So, are you sure you can get us home?" The slayer asked Willow whiletrying to change the subject.

Willow nodded in the affirmative, "I'm going to need some serious downtime from using all this power, but I've got enough to get us home."

"Great," Buffy replied. "Get everyone together. We're going home."


The remainder of the group had collected together and were ready to go home. "All right Will, do your mojo," Xander said. Willow smiled and raised her hands. A blue sphere surrounded the group and all but Lorne and Connor disappeared. Lorne looked at the young man and smiled.

"Look me up if you're ever in Vegas kid."

"I'll do that," Connor replied as they both left the scene that a few hours before had been the site of the battle for all reality, and was now totally quiet.


THREE WEEKS LATER

It was a beautiful day in England. Angel still reveled in the fact that he could be out in the sun, but he wasn't exactly enjoying it that much today. He watched Marcus who was standing behind a tombstone as well as several crosses that served as memorials. The tombstone was Wesley's whose body was now in the ground. Gunn had a marker, but he had been buried in L.A. Illyria had a marker, although what truly happened to her was anyone's guess, and all the others who had died in the battle had memorials as well. Angel's mind wandered a bit as Marcus spoke. He thought about what had gone on the past three weeks. He had talked to Connor on the phone a couple of times, and his son was doing well. He would be coming to Rome for a visit about the time he and Buffy would be getting back from their vacation. No one had heard anything from Spike, although that fact really didn't surprise Angel. As for Angel himself, being alive was certainly agreeing with him. He and Buffy were getting closer everyday and it felt good to be able to be happy without worrying about a curse. Angel felt Buffy lean into his arm, and he turned his attention back to the service as Marcus finished.

"Some would say those who we remember here were warriors, some would call them heroes, and they were, but to us they were something more. They were allies, friends, and family, and they will be missed." The warrior stepped back signaling the end of the service and Angel walked closer to Wesley's grave. Buffy put her arms around him.

"Are you ok?"

"I will be," he replied and kissed her on the forehead. He held her close for a moment then let go as Faith and Marcus approached. "Thank you for doing this," he said to the warrior.

"It was my honor," Marcus replied.

"So I guess you two crazy kids are about to take off?" Faith asked with a catch in her voice that betrayed the fact she had been crying. Buffy put an arm around her fellow slayer.

"Yea, I think we've decided to go to Ireland."

"Yes," Angel confirmed. "It's been over a century since I've been home. I want to see how much as changed."

"Are you sure you can handle things?" Buffy asked Faith.

"What, are you kidding?" Faith replied with a small chuckle. "Between me and my new guy we got all the skills necessary." The four of them shared a laugh at Faith's comment as Giles, Willow, Dawn, and Xander approached.

"Is everything set?" Giles asked.

"Just about," Buffy replied.

"Be careful," the watcher began. "You never know."

"Yea, yea," Buffy interrupted. "We'll be careful dad."

"Don't be gone too long," Willow said as she hugged Buffy. "We might start to miss you."

Buffy smiled at her friend's comment and then received another hug, this one from Xander. "Have fun, and we want details," he said then paused and looked at Angel. "Well, not too many details." Buffy gave her friend a playful punch then moved to Dawn.

"Don't give Willow too much trouble."

"I won't," Dawn said with a roll of her eyes. "Bring me back something good."

Buffy laughed and hugged her sister. "I will," she promised and then moved back to Angel's side. "Ready to go?"

"Bags are packed, tickets are paid, let's roll." Buffy and Angel exchanged good-byes with their friends once more and then watched them depart.

"I love them dearly, but I'm glad their gone," Buffy said with a smile before giving Angel a kiss. He returned the kiss and they began to walk to where a car was waiting to take them to the nearest airport. "So what do you want to do first when we get to Ireland?" she asked.

"I say we spend the first day in our room, take things real slow," Angel responded. "After all we've got the rest of our lives ahead of us."