Instant Rewind: Chapter 8
One Week earlier…
Slowly, Angel peered around the dumpster. I can't stay here forever. Looking to the left then to the right, Angel realized that the demon that had been following him was gone. Slowly, he emerged from his hiding place and sprinted down the ally. Angel heard sirens all around him. Exiting the ally, Angel weaved between abandoned cars and garbage cans on fire. The air around him was thick with smoke that blocked out the harmful rays of the sun. It looked like L.A. hadn't seen the sun for months. Buildings crumbled around him; fires erupted on their own; people fled screaming into buildings. Angel stood in the middle of the street and took in the entire scene. He had woken up in the ally several hours ago only to be followed by several large demons. He had managed to elude them for a while and found that hiding came in really effective. Now, standing in the middle of the deserted street, Angel knew something was terribly wrong. Well, I can't stand here. Need to keep moving. At least he had learned something; you stay in one place, you die. Angel began to move again, north from his current position. His side hurt and his head was pounding. Blood coated his face from a cut he had taken to the head, which was already healing. His shoulder had dislocated itself and Angel painstakingly put it back in while hiding from his demon stalkers. As he fled down the street he saw several other demons and vampires skulking around in the shadows. Not stopping, Angel hoped that they didn't follow him. He rounded a corner and stopped dead. The building was gone. Wolfram & Hart was nothing but ruins and cinders. Angel's mouth fell open as he stared at it; he had just been there yesterday. He had stood in his office and looked out on the sunshine and the busy streets of L.A. What is going on? Angel didn't know what to do now. There was no way anyone was here, but he felt the need to check. Slowly, Angel moved towards the ruined building. Picking his way through the debris, Angel tried to locate the small gold square on the lobby floor. Angel knew that if the building ever came down there was still a way to talk to the Senior Partners: through that square. He stood in the ruins of the lobby and closed his eyes. Picturing the bright lobby, Angel focused on the front desk. Harmony behind it with her long blonde hair and her tight…focus man! In front of the desk was the gold plated symbol of the wolf, ram, and heart…under the symbol was the gold square. With his eyes closed, Angel moved towards Harmony and the desk; stopping in front he opened his eyes. Bending down, Angel sifted through the debris and moved the large beams that had crushed the desk. Once the debris was cleared Angel ran his hands over the ground and moved the dust away from the gold square. Smiling Angel shifted his face in order to expose his fangs. Biting into his wrist, Angel held it over the square and allowed the blood to flow over the gold inscription. Shift back to his human face, Angel stood and waited. The square glowed and shook. A white light erupted from the floor and slowly Angel stepped towards it. Once he hit the light, he was transported to the White Room.
Standing alone in the White Room was something Angel hated. He was so used to someone else dealing with the Senior Partners that he rarely came up here. But at the present time, he was desperate. Waiting for the current physical form of the Senior Partners Angel allowed his mind to wander. He began to pace as he thought of his family. Buffy, Liam, and Isabella. Where were they? Where they all right? Where they hurt? Angel paced faster as his mind constructed all the ways that they might be hurt; he had to find them after he was done here. Angel's pacing was cut short when a figure appeared before him. Angel's mouth fell open as he stared at the image of Wesley.
"Wesley?"
"Can I help you Angel?"
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"What am I doing here? That is an odd question to be asking me. The right question would be what are you doing here?" Wesley moved around him and smiled as he stopped facing the vampire.
"What? I am so confused right now. I work here I'm the CEO. I woke up in the ally off Baker street, was followed and attacked by two very large demons, walked the streets of L.A. in hell and found out that the company I work for is in ruin. Please explain this all to me." Wesley stood before him and raised his hands towards Angel's face. Angel knew what he was about to do, check his memories; slowly Angel released his breath and closed his eyes trying to relax. Angel's head flew back as Wesley poured through his mind of the last 48 hours. When he was done, Angel fell forward panting.
"Well, believe me now?" He asked.
"Yes, I do. How did you get here?"
"What do you mean?" Angel asked slowly standing.
"I mean you don't belong here. You're lucky the Senior Partners don't kill you for coming into this room."
"Look, I don't know what's going on. You need to explain it to me."
"I don't need to do anything. But since you are my friend, or at least you were, I will give you this one chance to leave before they kill you." Wesley turned his back on Angel and as he did the room darkened. Behind Angel a bell chimed and the elevator opened.
"How is that still here? The building is gone."
"Angel, things are never what they seem. Now go, before they kill you." Wesley began to walk away from him as Angel called his name.
"Wesley, wait! I don't understand!" Waving his hand, Angel was thrown into the elevator. Hitting the back wall, Angel fell forward. The elevator began to plummet downwards, suddenly the floor to the elevator disappeared and Angel was freefalling. Angel hit the ground hard knocking the wind out of him. Angel moaned and winced as he slowly stood. Angel dusted off his cloths and stretched his back. Cracking his neck Angel turned to leave but stopped short as Wesley stood before him. Scowling, Angel walked past him with his fists clenched.
"Angel, wait!"
"Give me one good reason why I should."
"Because I know what's going on!" Angel stopped and turned to face his old friend. Turning Angel stalked back towards him and resisted the urge to punch him.
"You threw me out of the White Room, why didn't you just tell me there?"
"I couldn't. The Senior Partners would have heard us."
"What does that matter?"
"Can I explain first and then you can pass judgment?" Wesley asked. Angel turned from Wesley and began to walk. He sighed and called back, "You coming?" Wesley followed Angel as they walked down the ruined streets of L.A. Wesley didn't start right away but gave Angel some time to collect his thoughts. When Angel finally stopped walking and sat on what looked like a park bench Wesley stood before him.
"Sit down, Wes." Angel said.
"I can't." Off Angel's look Wesley smiled, "I'm dead, Angel. I can't sit nor touch anything."
"What are you talking about?"
"You are just going to have to listen to me and ask questions when I'm done. Can you do that?" Wesley asked. Angel nodded and waited for the ex-Watcher to begin.
"You are from a different reality. You literally don't belong here," Angel leaned back as he rolled his eyes, "I said listen, pass judgment later. When an individual makes a decision there are an infinite possible number of ways that decision can go. For example, when you became human several years ago and decided to take it back, you had the option of staying human. In essence, that second decision becomes an alternate reality co-existing with the original reality. With me so far?" Angel nodded slowly arching an eyebrow as he considered the possibility, "This is the original reality; the one you are in now. It all stems from your decision to break from Wolfram & Hart and start this unnecessary war."
"But I didn't leave…"
"No, here you did. In your world, you didn't. Do you see where I'm going with this? Each reality continued on its own co-existing with the other. In your reality you stayed with Wolfram & Hart continuing to do the work you did; whereas here, he left and started a war hence why L.A. is in ruin." Wesley stopped pacing and stood before the vampire.
"Okay, fine. I suppose that makes sense, but why are you dead?"
"There is more. Your reality is the complete opposite of our world; in your world I'm alive, here I am dead. Same with several other members of your original team: Cordelia, Fred, Gunn…but from what I saw in your mind there are some things that are similar, Connor for example."
"So, why are some the same and others different?" Angel asked.
"They only thing I can figure is that some of the decisions that were made could only go one way, for that reality. I'm not exactly sure how alternate realities work, but this much I do know, you are here which must mean that the Angel from this reality is in yours." Angel thought about that for a moment and then realized that this Angel was with his family, his wife. Why does that bother me so much? Its not like you have been entirely faithful to your wife whom you claim to love.
"So why did this happen? Why am I here?" Angel asked finally.
"I'm not entirely sure. We didn't bring you here we as in Wolfram & Hart. There is something else at work here."
"The Powers that Be?" Angel asked.
"Could be. That would make sense, they have a tendency to interfere."
"How do we contact them to find out?"
"I can't help you there. I work for Wolfram & Hart remember? There is no way I can contact the PTB with you. I could get in trouble for talking to you right now."
"Why are you then?" Angel asked him.
"I'm a curious man, that hasn't changed even in death. When I saw your memories I was curious." Wesley bent down and looked Angel in eyes, "You are going to have to find a way to contact the PTB to find out what's going on. Go and see Fred…"
"But you said…"
"Well, technically she is dead but her body is still here. She is a demon known as Illyria. She can change her appearance at will and still access Fred's memories and more importantly, her book smarts. She might be able to come up with a way to contact the Powers."
"Where can I find her?" Angel asked.
"You'll be able to find them all at the abandoned Paramount lot, I know an interesting place to hold up base but its rather large." Angel stood and moved towards the street again.
"You're really not coming?" He asked.
"Sorry, you're on your own champ." Angel gave a half laugh.
"Haven't heard that in a while," Angel continued to walk away and then turned back, "Wesley! Where's Buffy?"
"Scotland."
"So, they're not…"
"No, they're not together." Angel turned away from Wesley and squared his shoulders. He walked away from Wesley and headed towards the abandoned Paramount lot where his friends were hiding out.
--
Angel had only been to the lot once or twice when it was still standing but as he stood before it, he almost forgot what it looked like. The buildings were no longer standing except for one or two. The large Paramount sign at the entrance was burnt black and slightly falling. The gates gapped open, off their hinges, beckoning him to enter. Angel walked past the iron gates and stared at the lot. Angel walked slowly down the lot looking for any indication that the team was here. Ahead of him, Angel saw a light in the window of one of the standing buildings. Angel moved towards it and stopped at the door. He wasn't sure how they would receive him, but if there was anything that he had learned while being here, was nothing was what it seemed. There was no movement that he could see, Angel placed his hand on the door and pushed it open. When he entered the building he found crosses, stakes, crossbow arrows, and several other pointy objects surrounded him. In front of him was Connor, who lowered his weapon and smiled. Connor signaled for the others to lower their weapons and stepped forward.
"Hey. What are you doing here?" He asked. Angel smiled back. He's talking to me!
"Um, I'm looking for…Fred…I mean Illyria."
"Guys, go back to what you were doing. We're cool here." Connor and Angel watched as the people scattered and headed back to what they were doing before Angel had arrived.
"Illyria, no idea where she is. Probably causing havoc somewhere." Connor led Angel through the building and opened a single door at the end of the hallway. Inside were Gunn, and two women. Angel recognized both of them: Gwen and Nina. I thought Wesley said that Gunn was dead? Angel kept his question to himself because he didn't want the gang to know he wasn't the right Angel. Nina stood and walked right up to him. She sniffed up his body stopping at his face.
"How are you?" She asked. Angel leaned away from her; he had always found her strange, and smiled.
"Fine. Thanks." She moved away from him and sat on the ground. Gwen sat with Gunn her hand on his shoulder. Angel looked at Gunn's face and realized what Wesley had meant. Angel could smell the vampire in him. Without warning, the door at the back of the room opened and Spike entered.
"We have a small problem." He said. Angel arched his eyebrow at the vampire then smiled. Figures.
"Angel! What are you doing here, mate?" Spike asked.
"He's lookin' for Illyria." Gunn stated.
"Funny, that's why I'm here. Looks like our girl is having a bit too much fun, if you know what I mean." Spike sat down next to Connor and put his feet up on the solitary desk.
"Where is she?" Angel asked.
"Downtown." The group gave him a look that read, "Have you seen downtown?"
"Where downtown?" Angel asked, the question on everyone's mind.
"Where the post office used to be. She says there is major energy there." Spike replied.
"That is where the portal to the Powers was located." Angel said simply.
"So, major power." Gunn stated. Angel turned to leave as Connor grabbed his shoulder.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"I need to talk to Illyria, we know where she is, so that is where I'm going." Angel tried to move forward again only to find Connor's hand holding him in place.
"You shouldn't go alone. She is kind of volatile." Connor said releasing his father's shoulder.
"So come with me." Angel replied. Spike, Gunn, Gwen and Nina all stood.
"We're game." Spike walked towards Angel and slapped his shoulder, "Let's go mate." Angel almost laughed as the team left before him. Connor smiled and followed his dad out of the building. They stopped for some weapons and then left the Paramount building.
--
Angel was surprised that on the way they fought several demons and a handful of vampires. It was like Connor and the team attracted attention. When Angel walked on his own they seemed to leave him alone, but Connor and the gang were a beacon for trouble. When they reached downtown, Angel had several new cuts and bruises he didn't have earlier. Surprisingly, the building that was the post office was still standing. Above the building was a large blue ball of energy crackling and moving slowly around itself.
"Well, now there's something you don't see every day." Nina commented. Gwen scowled at her and touched a metal pole sending blue shockwaves up the shaft.
"Speak for yourself." She said. Angel ignored the banter and headed towards the building. Suddenly, energy from the sphere struck Angel and sent him flying backwards.
"Dad!" Connor yelled sprinting towards his fallen father. Angel shook his head and slowly sat up, "Are you okay?"
"I think so." Illyria stood before them surrounded by the electric blue energy.
"You are not welcome here." Her voice resonated around him. Angel stood and walked towards her again.
"I need your help!" He yelled over the roaring wind that started out of nowhere.
"You need my help? Do you know how that sounds?" She asked him.
"Look! I don't belong here! I need to know what's going on and how to fix it! Please, you are the only one who can help me!" Angel yelled at her. She cocked her head and stared at him. Energy flew away from her hand and hit him in the chest. Instead of sending him flying, Angel rose into the air as he felt her power serge through his mind and body. Angel fought at first then realized this might be the only way he was going to get her to help him. Relaxing his body, Angel closed his eyes and focused on his reality and what he remembered. Connor approached Angel as he floated in the air but Angel stopped him.
"No! She's not hurting me! Just wait." Connor backed off and waited. Angel felt like he was suspended forever, but soon was dropped. The wind died down and the energy surrounding Illyria disappeared. She walked towards him and roughly picked him up. She held him up and looked into his face.
"Interesting." She said. Dropping him, she walked back towards the post office and raised her hands above her head. The energy ball above the post office lowered and hovered before her. The blue turned to white and a small door seemed to open. She turned back to him and smiled.
"You have but minutes before this door closes. Do your talking, when you are done, they will send you back."
"You believe me?" Angel asked. Illyria said nothing but moved away from the ball allowing Angel a clear path towards it. Connor caught his father's arm and held him back.
"I don't like this."
"Trust me." Angel said to him.
"If you're not back in 15 minutes, we are so going to kill her." Connor released his father's arm and stepped back.
"I'm not sure about the killing her part, but okay." Angel walked towards the doorway and hesitated only a moment before stepping through. Once through the portal, the ball disappeared into itself and Illyria stood alone. Connor and the team turned to face Illyria and raised their weapons.
"If he's not back…"
"You will never hurt me."
"We'll see." Connor replied. Together, the team waited.
--
Angel moved his arm from his eyes and looked around him. The room was the same. Only there was blood on the ground and two bodies. It was the brother/sister team from years before. Angel didn't understand, they weren't dead…Angel walked around the bodies bending down to examine them. A white figure suddenly appeared. Angel looked up the length of the dress: white flowing fabric hugged the curves of a woman he hadn't seen in years. Her dark hair flowed down her back and her calm brown eyes looked down at him with a smile.
"Cordelia." She smiled as she walked towards him.
"Its sad isn't it. You'd think they would remove the bodies." Angel stood and smiled at her.
"What are you doing here?" She smiled and moved towards him. Wrapping her arms around his neck she hugged him tightly. Angel hugged her back and closed his eyes. He had missed her.
"What am I doing here? I work for the PTB. I'm their new go-to-girl. I'm your connection." She said releasing him.
"So you know why I'm here?" Angel asked.
"I do. I know because the other Angel has already gone to see the PTB messengers in your world. The PTB filled me in and I'm here to answer your questions." She walked away from him and smiled.
"Was what Wesley told me true?" He asked.
"Yes. You don't really belong here."
"How do I get back?" Angel asked her.
"Don't you want to know why you are here?" She asked him.
"Not really. I just want to get back." He stated.
"Wow, the PTB weren't kidding, you are cold." Cordelia moved away from him and crossed her arms across her chest. Angel raised an eyebrow and mimicked her stance, "You and this realities Angel's are very different in attitude. I'll be straight with you, there is no going back until you do us a favour."
"Me, do the Powers a favour?" Angel asked.
"The other Angel has a similar scenario. Of course he is taking his job and pushing ahead, you on the other hand don't seem to be inclined to help us."
"Its because I'm not."
"Well, I hate to break it to you sweetie, but you don't have a choice. You want to get back to your world you have to do it. It's the only way the Powers will send you back."
"So the Powers did this?" Angel asked.
"Of course they did. Wolfram & Hart isn't this smart." Angel rolled his eyes and sighed.
"What do you want from me?"
"Mend the bridges. Fix this. All you have to do is bridge the gap between Wolfram & Hart and yourself and we'll send you back. Negotiate; its what you do best isn't it? Fix this reality and you go home. Its that simple." She said to him.
"You want a miracle! Have you seen it out there? It's a war zone."
"Stating the obvious," Cordelia put her hands on her hips, "Look our Angel was so blinded by his hatred for Wolfram & Hart that there was no way he would be open to the idea of negotiations to save not only his life but everyone's lives. You on the other hand don't hate them. You actually like them. So we swapped you out. The world exists by the balance of good and evil. Too much good and the balance is thrown, vice versa with evil, too much and the world is in chaos. We need to fix the imbalance between the two. The Angel from this reality is doing that on his end and we need you do keep up your end by fixing this world. Sometimes fresh eyes are better than old ones."
"So what does he have to do exactly, things are fine there."
"That is what you think. You were never meant to run that company; we are getting this Angel to finish up the merger, pass the company to Lindsay and leave town. That simple. All you have to do is what I told you. Once you are both done we can switch you back." Angel raised his head and furrowed his brow.
"You 'can' switch us back?" He asked.
"You have the option of remaining where you are, if you want. The other Angel seems to be enjoying his time in your world…" Angel growled and took the space between them in three strides. His hand clasped around her neck and he lifted her up.
"What are you talking about!" Angel demanded. The idea of the other Angel with his wife made is blood boil. Cordelia laughed and thrust her hands out hitting Angel in the chest. Angel flew away from her and skidded through the blood on the floor.
"What do you care! Its not like you have been entirely faithful to your wife. You don't even deserve her and yet you have her. The other Angel, our Angel, is more deserving of that life than you are! So don't get all righteous on me." Angel stood and straightened his jacket.
"Look, I may not be perfect, but I love my wife."
"You have a funny way of showing it," Cordelia saw the shame in Angel's eyes and smiled, "look all you have to do is what I ask you, what we ask. Then the decision is all yours, and the other Angel's of course."
"How am I supposed to do what you ask? The Senior Partners won't even see me…"
"They will if you go through Wesley."
"What do I have to do?" Angel asked surrendering. If he was ever going to see his family again, this was the only way.
"Few things, call a truce. Then start negotiating."
"Truce? That is not going to be easy."
"So, get some help." Cordelia moved away from him and stood at the back of the room. The light in the room began to fade as her figure slowly disappeared.
"What kind of help?" Angel asked.
"Am I supposed to come up with everything for you?" Cordelia faded and a wind picked up around him. Angel covered his eyes as his body was thrown backwards. Angel hit the ground within seconds and in less his son was by his side. Angel looked around him and stood.
"Where did the blood come from?" Connor asked.
"Long story." Illyria smiled and moved away from the group. She headed back towards the post office and disappeared. Spike moved towards the building and signaled for the others to follow.
"Come on, we got to stop her."
"NO!" Angel cried, "No, leave her. We have bigger issues."
"Bigger issues than a demon trying to rip through the fabric of time?" Spike demanded.
"Yes. And we need help."
"What kind of help?" Connor asked.
"The Slayer kind." Angel gave Spike a look. Off Spike's surrendering posture, Angel knew something had happened between him and Buffy. Anger rose in Angel, but he quickly pushed it aside. If he was going to pull of a truce he need Slayer help. Buffy was the only one who would help him, or so he hoped.