Disclaimer: All Buffy or Angel characters were created by Joss Whedon. Not me.
Author's Note: So this is it. The last chapter. I have to say I am pretty satisfied with the whole thing. Not everything worked out the way I thought it would in the beginning, but that's life. If you enjoyed it, please let me know :)
Chapter Twenty-Two: Keep The Streets Empty For Me
''Giles...''
Vampire took a step forward.
''Yeah uh, it's a bloody nice reunion and all, but do you mates have a doctor in the house?'' Spike loudly interrupted.
Angel looked back. Illyria was sitting down next to Faith's body, Connor put both of his hands on a table in order to support himself. Spike stood a little behind him and Anthis leaned back against a wall, watching them warily.
None of them looked particularly fine. Angel sighed in defeat. They'd have plenty of time to argue later. And he had a few things to talk about. Vampire turned back to the slayers. Only now did he notice that some of them were in their pajamas and the rest looked tired. Probably haven't slept.
''Yeah, we... we're kind of beat up.''
Giles blinked. ''Y-yes. Of course. Willow, would you-''
''Sure.'' The witch said, not doing anything.
After a moment, Kennedy looked at her. ''Will?''
''Right. Right!'' She jumped up, going straight for them. ''Which one of you is the worst? I mean, I think you'll still need a real doctor and all, but I do know some spells. Picked them up in case they were needed and hey, no time like now. So, who am I looking at?''
Angel and Spike exchanged looks. ''All?'' He risked.
Thirty minutes later Illyria was finishing wiping the last remnants of blood from her face, Anthis had her arm immobilized and Connor's middle was wrapped up.
''What happened?'' Giles asked. Most of the girls were sitting on every surface available around them. His eyes moved to Faith. As did Kennedy, her hand reaching for The Scythe.
''Don't.'' Angel warned her. ''Don't do that.'' Kennedy raised her eyebrow, but backed away.
''Where's Buffy?'' Spike looked around.
''She took a couple of girls for a patrol. They should be back anytime now.'' Willow answered. ''Spike, look, not to jump to any conclusions or anything really, but... why aren't you dead?''
''That's a... a very long bloody story.'' Vampire said.
''Alright then... why are you with them, and who are these... people?'' Giles fiddled with his glasses.
''These people just saved your ass.'' Connor glared at him. ''How about some gratitude?''
The atmosphere changed.
''Yeah kid, no offence but we don't know you. Chill out.'' Kennedy said in an authoritative voice.
Connor stood up. ''And who the hell are you?''
Spike smirked, Angel sighed, Anthis took a step closer to Illyria, who remained calm.
''Kennedy. Currently the commanding slayer in here, so if you don't want the girls to-'' She never got to finish the sentence. After hearing the name, Connor's look hardened. While the slayer talked, boy sent a right hook at her face, knocking her down. Immediately everyone jumped to their feet, but before anyone made contact, a barrier appeared separating them.
''Oh come on, I've had enough of these for a lifetime!'' Spike groaned.
Willow looked at Connor. ''What the hell was that?'' She demanded. Kennedy got to her feet, her fist massaging her jaw. Angel couldn't stop a smirk forming on his face.
''Once I overheard Amy talking about how she'll thank Kennedy, for bringing her into this mess.'' He explained. ''Passed on the message.''
The look of fury disappeared from Kennedy's face, replaced with guilt. ''We're cool.'' She murmured to Willow and the barrier vanished.
''I suggest we start with-'' Giles began to say when the front door opened. ''Guys! Have you heard?'' Buffy's voice filled the house. Spike gulped. ''The barrier is gone! We've got to-'' She stopped cold in the doorway upon seeing them. ''Angel?'' Her eyes quickly scanned the room, doubling back to another vampire. ''S-spike? Wha...''
''That is precisely what we would want to know, yes.'' Giles quickly said.
''Hey Buffy.'' Spike managed half a smile.
''It can't be... You-you're supposed to be dead. You died! I was there!''
''I know. But I'm back.''
''Back? What do you mean back?'' Buffy turned to Giles. ''What is he doing here? What are they doing here?'' Watcher opened his mouth to respond, but Buffy already looked at Willow. ''What is going on?'' She demanded.
Angel glanced at Spike, whose face was unreadable, and something else caught his attention. Illyria kept staring at Willow and Buffy with a darkening expression. Discreetly, he nudged Spike and nodded at Illyria. Younger vampire quickly caught on and stopped her just as she took the first step.
Giles cleared his throat. ''I believe we need some explanation, don't you? Starting with Spike, perhaps?''
''Wait.'' Buffy said. ''Where's Faith?''
They all looked at one another with confused expressions. Only then Anthis realized that Buffy had absolutely no chance to see the slayer, her view obstructed by their group. She grabbed Connor by his arm and pulled him aside. Blonde's face fell instantly. Faith appeared calm. Her face void of any emotion, her eyes staring into the space.
Angel furrowed his brow. Didn't he close them?
Buffy leaned against Willow. ''What happened?''
''A lot.'' Spike said.
''Is this all of you?'' Willow asked. Heavy silence answered her. ''How did you get in here? I put a spell over this house and it shattered the moment you guys appeared...''
''I broke it.'' Anthis spoke up. Angel quickly masked his surprise and only hoped that the rest of them had enough sense to do it as well. ''Your spell was not as powerful as you thought, witch.''
Willow studied her intensively. ''Right.'' She eventually said.
''So what happened? How did you get out?'' Buffy looked expectantly at Angel.
''No.'' Giles quickly cut in. ''Let's start a little earlier... Why did you go to Wolfram & Hart?''
Vampire hesitated. ''You wouldn't understand.''
''Then please, enlighten us.''
''It's none of your business.'' Angel said in a low voice.
The slayers fidgeted nervously around them.
''And you wonder why we can't trust you.'' Watcher remarked.
''Drop it mate.'' Spike said. ''Bloke had his reasons.''
''Very well then.'' Giles cleared his throat. ''How come Spike, that you are here?''
''A guy, named Lindsey went to the Hellmouth, dug the amulet up and mailed it to the firm. I popped out.'' Vampire shrugged, wanting to get this part of the story out of the way.
''When was it?'' Buffy asked, staring at him.
Spike looked to Angel for help, but his sire pointedly looked away. ''A month, give or take... after I burned to the crisp.''
Buffy's eyes widened. ''You've been back after a month? A month? And you couldn't pick up a phone and call me, any of us and say that you're alive?'' She said ridiculously.
''As a matter of fact, I couldn't. Been a ghost.''
''Obviously you are not a ghost now.'' Giles noticed.
''That same guy made me touchable again. And... I decided to stay with them.'' Spike confessed.
''Why?'' Buffy cried out. ''You two hate each other!''
''Really?'' A surprised Connor asked. Definitely rivalry, but hate?
''Doesn't matter.'' Angel dismissed. ''And you would've known that Spike was back if you decided to come to Los Angeles. Talk to me instead of sending Andrew to pick up your slayer once we captured her! You couldn't be bothered to see me, you just assumed we turned evil!'' With each word his voice got louder and by the end of it, he was pretty much shouting.
''What were we supposed to think? You took over the firm you guys were fighting for years overnight, and you wouldn't say why! Doesn't that seem shady to you?'' Buffy yelled back.
''Well, if you actually talked to me you would've known!'' Angel took a deep breath. ''And then you,'' He turned to Giles, his voice dropping. ''Turning me away when I begged for your help.''
Giles stood his ground. ''We all agreed on it.''
''Are you proud of yourself now? Now that-'' He caught himself. ''This happened?''
''Why did this happen?'' Willow asked. ''That had to be the biggest apocalypse we've seen so far.''
Spike snorted. ''This was no bloody apocalypse.''
''No?''
''This is what happens when you try to delay it.'' Angel said. ''And an...'' His eyes traveled to Anthis. ''An outside interference.''
''Meaning what?'' Kennedy asked, irritated.
''Circle of The Black Thorn.'' Illyria spoke up. ''Most powerful group of demons in this dimension. Agents of The Senior Partners themselves.''
''Really?'' Giles leaned forward. ''You know who they are?''
''Who they were. I infiltrated them. The night this all started... we killed them all.'' Angel explained.
''How did you know?''
''Cordy gave me a tip.''
''She's awake?'' Willow asked excitedly.
Angel blinked.
''I thought you were friends.'' Illyria said.
''What are you talking about?'' Buffy asked.
''Cordelia is dead.'' Connor answered. ''Has been for long before this started.''
''I thought you knew.'' Angel murmured. ''That Harmony would tell you or something...''
''Harmony?''
''She was a secretary.'' Spike said.
''Oh. Of course.''
''Okay, so you killed this Circle and you knew what would happen?'' Kennedy looked at the group. ''You guys destroyed the city!''
''What else were we supposed to do? Go on like nothing happened? They were preparing to take us out. Already snatched Drogyn and told Angel to start offing us.'' Spike intervened.
''Drogyn? The Battlebrand?'' Giles interrupted. ''Where did you meet him?''
''He was guarding The Deeper Well when we-'' Spike stopped, knowing he said too much.
''The Deeper Well?'' Watcher instantly picked it up. ''Nothing in there should be of interest to you.''
''What is that?'' Buffy asked Willow, who looked at Giles.
''A burial place for the Old Ones. The first demons who existed before time.'' He said, looking straight at Angel. ''Why were you there?''
''How can something exist before time? That doesn't make sense.'' One of the slayers said, but was quickly silenced by her neighbour.
''Angel?'' Buffy turned to him. ''Why would you go there?''
Vampire looked at Spike, who sent him a 'just go with it mate' kind of look. Behind him, Illyria raised her eyebrow.
''That help I needed? When you turned me down?'' He started, looking into Giles' eyes. ''We were trying to stop the resurrection of Illyria.''
''No mate, actually by that time she was already around.'' Spike corrected him.
''Illyria?'' Giles whispered gravely. ''But you did succeed, didn't you? You destroyed it.''
''Yeah, we didn't as much destroy her as she wiped the floor with us. Quite literally.'' Blond vampire said.
''So what's the deal with that... that Ryria thing?'' Buffy asked. Connor and Anthis snickered, while Spike stared at her wide-eyed and open-mouthed, his face slowly building up to laughter. ''It can't be that bad, right?'' Slayer and Willow exchanged looks. Meanwhile Illyria clenched her fists.
''When she reclaims her kingdom, I imagine we will be in mortal danger.'' Giles said.
''Don't worry. Her army and kingdom is destroyed.'' Angel explained. ''We're alright.''
''Still, if it ever decides to come back, we need to be ready. Find a way to kill it. Something that powerful can't stay alive. Especially working for the evil.''
''Why would you think that?'' Illyria asked. Spike put up a hand to his forehead.
''An Old One is more dangerous than pretty much everything we've ever faced. Illyria has to be put down.'' Giles said.
Angel and Spike moved closer to Illyria.
''How strong would it be?'' Willow looked at the vampires, but it was Giles who answered. ''Maybe as strong as Glory? She was a Hell God, while Illyria is after all, just an Old One.''
'Wrong thing to say, mate' flew through Spike's head before Illyria spoke.
''Please. Glorificus was a whiny, unstable child when I was in power.''
It took few seconds for them to comprehend what has just been said. ''Wonderful.'' Angel said under his breath, while Illyria changed to blue.
''You.'' Willow breathed out and raised her hands, no doubt to strike. In the next second however, she crumbled to the ground unconscious, with Illyria standing behind her.
Instantly, Buffy threw a right hook at her, but Illyria easily evaded this, pushing her into Giles. Angel blinked and one by one, the other slayers fell to the ground. By the time Buffy and her watcher got to their feet, Kennedy was out.
''Whoa.'' Connor said. ''That was awesome!''
''Certainly.'' Anthis nodded.
Buffy raised her fists, facing them. ''How did you do this?''
''I altered time.'' Illyria answered, looking at the fallen slayers. ''They will be alright. I didn't kill them.''
''Why?'' Giles spoke from his place behind Buffy.
Angel stood in front of Illyria. ''Because Illyria is with us. She was with us when we took on The Circle, and she is the only reason we are out of there. She's part of the team.'' He said. ''Stand down, Buffy.''
Hesitating, slayer put down her arms. ''Then why?''
''The witch wanted to fight. It is simpler this way. Now, we can talk.'' Goddess said.
''You allied yourself with an Old One?'' Giles shook his head. ''That is impossible.''
''To you, maybe. Not everyone is so judgemental as you Sunnydale folk. None of you trusted me after years.'' Spike shrugged. ''Wolfram & Hart was much more welcoming.'' He thought of Fred, Gunn, Lorne and Wesley. They didn't look down on him.
''I understand now.'' Illyria spoke, watching Willow. ''The mistakes, the ignorance coming from her. Even you, slayer.'' She stared at Giles. ''But you? You seem like a man full of wisdom. Yet you allow this?''
''What is she talking about?'' Buffy asked.
''Turning the girls into an army of slayers.'' Spike informed her. Angel turned to him. ''Yeah, you weren't there for that conversation.''
''We had to. The First would've won and-''
''Then it would have won.'' Illyria cut Buffy off. ''I can overlook, the world too, most likely, that you cheated back then. But why... why not turn them back later?''
''W-well we uhh...'' Giles swallowed, his heart beating fast in the presence of an Old One. ''We thought we could benefit from this. Have slayers all around the globe to fight the demons. Save people.''
''Yes. I... I understand that desire. Was it so big, so overwhelming that you forgot about the danger? The risks?'' She moved closer to them. ''The witch is an ignorant child, trying to grasp something beyond her reach, beyond her control.''
''Don't talk about my friend like that.'' Buffy spat through gritted teeth.
''Friend. That is the heart of the problem. Friendship. Feelings.'' Illyria blinked. ''She let herself be blinded by them. What you need to do now, is take back what you gave.''
''What? How can you even suggest that? You've been trapped for months so you might not know, but the world is in need right now. Thanks to the stunt you pulled there is dozens of demons more out there. We can't control them. And you want us to what, take the slayers out of the streets? Who will protect the people then, huh?'' Buffy got in Illyria's face.
''As you wish.'' She took a step back, losing interest. ''You are not ready to accept it, yet.'' Illyria cocked her head and looked over to Angel. ''Carry on.''
''Uhhh...'' Vampire swallowed. ''Drogyn is dead. Wolfram & Hart sent their army.''
''Still have no idea how we pulled through that one.'' Spike muttered.
''And you pretty much know the rest.'' Angel finished.
''What happened to The Scythe? Faith?'' Buffy looked at the fallen slayer.
''A... a powerful individual enchanted it somehow.'' Anthis offered. ''Faith sacrificed herself to beat him.''
''No. No, no.'' Blonde shook her head. ''I saw her. She wanted to kill me. She went crazy.''
''Like she said.'' Angel said firmly. ''Faith gave up her life for the cause.''
''You're lying.'' Buffy stared him in the eye.
Behind them, Kennedy opened her eyes. Assessing the situation, she stealthily reached for the stake from inside her jacket. She saw another girl looking back at her. Wordlessly, she passed the order.
Anthis sensed a movement behind them and turned around at the last second. She grabbed the arm with the stake before it pierced her, but the girl slammed into her, bringing them both down. Spike managed to take a step before he was jumped.
Angel whirled back and, taking hold of both of Kennedy's arms, head butted her.
''Don't!'' Buffy yelled behind him. Younger slayer attacked him again and he hit her with a right hook. Connor moved to help him, but Buffy quickly appeared beside him, kicking him in the stomach. With a yelp, he fell down onto his knees. Hearing this, Angel immediately turned and, without thinking, struck Buffy across the face. She hit the ground, hard.
While this was happening, Spike threw the girl away from him. He raised his head. Anthis was on the ground, her one good arm immobilized and the slayer on top of her, ready to bring the stake down. Then Illyria moved. She was there in an instant and kicked the girl in the face, strong enough to send her flying into the wall. The sound of the wall literally cracking up, chunks of it falling to the ground with the girl caught the attention of everyone. As did the fact that her head was bent in an unnatural angle and her eyes stared blankly into the space.
''Bloody hell.'' Spike breathed out. Angel looked down on Buffy with wide eyes, receiving a shocked gaze in return. All of the awake slayers rushed at Illyria. ''Stop!'' This time it was Angel who shouted.
They didn't.
Illyria swatted the first girl away like a mere fly, punched the second one, threw the third one at Giles and knocked out Kennedy. Clearly she wasn't aiming to kill. Then Angel realized that he failed to notice Buffy getting up, as she was in front of The Goddess. Illyria avoided the first two strikes, but the third one caught her in the face. It merely turned it to the side.
''Buffy don't.'' Spike called out.
Illyria focused on something behind them and grabbed Buffy by the throat, effectively using her as a shield.
''Let her go!'' Willow yelled, her arms outstretched. It dawned on the vampire. Illyria saw Willow gearing up and did the only thing she could.
''Guys! Stop it!'' He yelled over Willow's voice.
''I'm warning you!'' Witch screamed at the pair, seeing as Buffy slowly started to turn red. Slayer tried to escape Illyria's impossibly strong grip, but was unable to.
''Stand down.'' Illyria ordered. When Willow did nothing, she squeezed a little harder and a choking sound escaped Buffy's throat.
''Blue, stop!'' Spike warned her.
Desperately, Willow lowered her arms. ''Okay! Stop it!''
After a moment, Illyria threw Buffy to the ground and the girl gasped for air. ''It's unwise to fight me.''
''This... this was an accident.'' Angel looked around helplessly. ''She didn't mean it. Buffy-'' He moved to help her.
''Get out.'' Slayer croaked out. Angel stopped dead in his tracks, as did Spike.
''Buffy...''
''Out.'' She said darkly. ''You're not welcome here. I don't want to look at any of you again.''
Angel lowered his head. ''Alright. Guys, you heard her. Let's go.'' He said quietly. Anthis helped Connor up, both of them relying on each other for support.
''The sun is up.'' Spike noticed in a hollow voice.
''I don't care.'' Buffy spat.
Illyria held out her hand and a portal appeared. ''Get in.''
Angel took the first step and stopped. He walked to the couch and picked Faith up.
''What are you doing?'' Buffy asked. ''She stays here. She's a slayer, she's-''
''One of you?'' He finished for her coldly. ''No she's not. She never was. Faith was a part of our team.''
Buffy opened her mouth to argue when a portal let out a loud crack. Her eyes traveled to Illyria. ''Fine.''
Connor and Anthis walked in first, reluctantly followed by Spike and Angel. Illyria remained in front of it. ''Remember what I told you. Nothing good will come out of it.'' With that, she disappeared within the void and the portal closed.
***B***B***
Angel materialized in an empty warehouse. The rest was already here, Illyria shortly following.
''Where are we?''
''Alaska.'' She answered.
''Why?'' Spike raised his head.
''It's dark. Far.'' Angel supplied. And sighed.
''Didn't go down the best way, huh?'' Spike spoke into the space.
''I did not mean to end her life.'' Illyria claimed. ''I've protected my people.''
Anthis' head shot up. ''Thank you.'' She blinked.
''It's not your fault. We should've thought it over before going to Buffy.'' Angel shook his head. ''You meant good.''
''Why didn't you tell them about the reason?'' Connor said suddenly.
''It-it's complicated.''
Boy nodded his head absently. ''What? Are you ashamed of me?''
''What? No!'' Angel denied. ''It's not that. It's just... you have no idea how special you are, Connor. The less people know about you, the less danger you're in. It's safer this way.''
''I agree with the vampire.'' Illyria nodded.
''Right. So what the bloody hell are we doing now?'' Spike asked.
''We need to find a place to stay. Recover. See what's what.'' Angel decided.
Thirty minutes later they settled into a hotel room. Having no cash on themselves and being in no condition to fight, they sent Illyria to a vampire nest with strict orders to first steal the money, then kill. It took her all of two minutes, after which they could afford the room and she, as Fred, paid for it.
''What will we do with the body?'' Connor asked after Angel gently laid Faith on the bed. Behind them, Anthis inquired Spike about the box he was switching channels in.
''I don't know.'' He confessed.
''They're talking about L.A on every channel.'' Spike called out. ''If after this they don't learn something new then I'm done. How many times does a bloke need to see a demon before he catches on that it ain't Halloween?''
''What do they think?'' Connor said back.
''Some bugaboo about miracles and what not. Morons.'' Vampire shrugged.
''What now?'' Illyria asked, looking out of the window.
''Well... Guess we'll take a break for a couple of days and then go hunt the bastard.'' Spike said, looking at Connor. Boy nodded.
''I need to find a way to return to my world.'' Anthis sat down on a chair. ''Repair the damage my brother has done.''
''And what about her?'' Illyria pointed at Faith. When no one answered, she walked to her and put her hand on slayer's forehead.
''What are you doing?'' Angel asked.
''Freezing her, essentially.'' She withdrew her hand. ''That way her body won't... at least for a while.''
''Think I'll hit the shower.'' Spike eventually broke the silence.
An hour later he, Connor and Anthis were asleep. Illyria was in the bathroom and Angel had no desire to know what she was doing in there. He sat on a chair, watching a video on television.
''If you need help. Then look no further. Angel Investigations is the best! Our rats are low.''
''Our rates!''
''It says 'rats'. Our rates are low, but our standards are high. When the chips are down, and you're at the end of your rope you need someone that you can count on. And that's what you'll find here - someone that will go all the way, no matter what. So don't lose hope. Come on over to our offices and you'll see that there's still heroes in this world... Is that it? Am I done?''
The video stopped. Angel hid his face in his hands.
''You're grieving.''
Angel looked back. Illyria stood in the bathroom door.
''Yeah uh, I uh... that's what we do. When we lose a loved one. Thought you knew.'' He muttered.
''I do.'' She walked over to him and sat in an opposite chair, staring at him with her blue eyes. ''I am trying to control it. The last time I slaughtered legion of demons. Surely you don't desire for me to go on a rampage through this town?''
''You're doing a hell of a lot better job than me.'' He sighed. ''I'm thinking. What... what to do now. Thought that maybe...'' He nodded at the screen. ''That maybe it would put me on some path. Show me a direction.''
''Your path lies with your family.'' She looked at the bed.
''Family...'' Angel mused. ''Faith. Lorne. Gunn. Wesley... Fred.'' He looked at Illyria. ''Cordelia. Doyle. And then we had Amy and...''
''Rain and Katie.'' Illyria supplied.
''Yeah. This short time and you guys have been through more than most in a lifetime.'' Angel nodded his head absently. ''We could always count on Buffy before, but now... There is only five of us left. Alone.''
Illyria watched him intently. ''You consider this...'' She swept her eyes over the room. ''Family? Even me?''
''Right now... all we have is each other.'' He said honestly.
''Is this because I look like... like her?'' She whispered. Suddenly she seemed smaller somehow, vulnerable to his eyes.
''Yes... Maybe.'' Vampire licked his lips. ''I don't know.''
''But the family is disbanding. She is going away.'' Illyria focused on Anthis.
''It's okay. Good to know we'll have an ally in another world.'' Angel leaned back in his seat. ''I think you too, should disappear for a while.''
Goddess cocked her head. ''Why?''
''What happened with Buffy...'' He started. ''They don't trust us. Not sure they ever will again. They will listen to Giles. And he's not wrong, Illyria. Most of your kind would try to destroy everything good here. You did, remember? They will try to find a way to hurt you. And those two...'' Angel looked at his son and his childe. Swallowing, he searched for words. ''We... we would stand with you. And it would only get worse.''
''I understand your concerns, vampire.'' Illyria said quietly. ''Perhaps you are right.'' She stood up, walked to the window and drew the curtain a little, curiously watching the sunshine. ''I believe I know what to do. Rest now. I will make sure you are safe.''
***B***B***
Illyria dropped some food on the table, the sudden sound waking the group. ''What the-'' Spike blinked. ''Oh.''
''What time is it?'' Connor groaned.
Anthis raised her head. ''Sun's up.'' She commented and fell back onto the bed.
Angel got to his feet. ''Where'd you get that?'' He asked, as Illyria set down two jars of blood.
''It's not human.'' She explained.
''Blood?'' Spike got up hopefully. ''Bloody thanks Blue.''
Angel focused on the table. ''Chinese? You got us chinese?''
''Is this not what you used to eat?'' She asked, looking down at it.
''No it's alright.'' Vampire assured her. He sat down and picked the jar up.
''We had enough money for this?'' Connor asked, looking at numerous little boxes.
Illyria remained silent.
''You stole it?'' Spike laughed between drinking. She shrugged. ''Yeah, whatever. After all I say we've earned it, right?''
''Think it's another hour, maybe two till the sun sets.'' Angel assessed. ''We need to figure out what to do then.''
''We should burn her.'' Illyria said. Everyone focused on her. ''That way no one thinks about raising her. Or worse. So far we have done this to all of us.''
Angel looked at Faith, pursing his lips.
''She does have a point.'' Anthis finally got up, rubbing her shoulder.
''What would we do with the,'' Connor stared at the body. ''The-'' He blinked and looked away. ''You know. Later?''
''I know a place.'' Angel said quietly.
''And in the grand scheme of things?'' Spike sighed. ''Think we should, like, call Buffy or something? Before they get some ridiculous idea in their heads...''
''I don't think she'd pick up.'' Angel grimaced.
''Can you find him? Bring him here.'' Connor turned to Illyria. ''Nathaniel.''
Goddess looked to the side. ''No.'' She shook her head. ''He's hid himself from me.''
''Great. He's got what, a day on us?'' Spike leaned back. ''We're never gonna find him.''
''I said,'' Illyria said strongly. ''That I can't bring him here. But I will find him. When he will cease moving.''
''He's on a move, then?'' Connor picked on.
''Somewhere.''
''If we want to step out we need a change of clothes.'' Angel suddenly noticed. They all looked down on themselves. Torn, bloodied clothing.
''Yeah, might raise an eyebrow or two, eh?'' Spike chuckled. ''Not to mention your look, hunter.'' Anthis let out a long breath.
Thirty minutes later Angel shook his head. ''Screw it. Let's go.''
''What? Where?'' Connor asked.
''Illyria can you take us to Ireland?'' His father said. ''Galway.''
She nodded.
''Come on.''
They landed deep in the woods.
''So what's so special about this place?'' Connor looked around through the darkness.
''I used to live here.'' Angel explained. ''As a human.''
''A lot changed?''
Vampire stared at the trees around them. Illyria must've placed them far away from the city. ''Not really, no. Let's get to some town. Which way?''
Illyria pointed to the right. ''Is it wise?''
''It's dark.'' Spike shrugged. ''Reckon folks won't pay much attention to us. Or they'll be wasted if we're lucky.''
''What exactly are we going there for?'' Anthis asked when they walked.
''To find a cemetery.''
Two days later Angel's plan became clear.
''You want to buy a cemetery?'' Connor questioned. ''Is that even like, legal?''
''I don't.'' Angel defended himself. ''You do. You've got the money. If my time at Wolfram & Hart taught me anything, is that with enough cash everything becomes fair game.''
''Yeah, but as far as anyone is concerned, I'm dead. No I.D, no nothing. How exactly will I convince them that my account is actually mine?'' Connor focused on a figure down the road. ''Hey, head's up. Think he's a vamp?''
He and Angel were on a patrol, Spike and Illyria covering the other half of town. Anthis stayed put and decided on a quicker way to full recovery.
''Yeah, I think so.'' Angel said and they walked in that direction. ''They'll run your fingerprints or something, I don't know.''
''And we need a cemetery why?'' Boy asked. Vampire in front of them finally took notice of two figures approaching him and, after a mild hesitation, took of running. Father and son hot on his heels.
A week later they gathered in a cemetery. The same on Angel laid, once upon a time. Unfortunately, they didn't manage to buy it. Not the whole thing, anyway.
''Nice tomb.'' Spike commented. They stood in front of a large mausoleum.
''It's ours.'' Angel said. ''Our line of work is... dangerous. Looking back, I realized that everyone... everyone that gave their lives so that we could carry on... They pretty much left nothing behind. No one to remember them.'' He took a deep breath to fight off the tears in his eyes. ''Gunn's whole family is dead, as far as we know. So might be his old crew. We were Lorne's family here. As we were Faith's. Wesley, I don't even know if his father knows by now. And they had a rocky relationship at best. Cordy's... friends didn't even know she was gone. Doyle just disappeared and left nothing behind.'' Angel looked at Illyria, who in public, disguised herself as Fred. ''Fred's parents don't even know she's...'' Illyria looked to the side. He trailed off and walked to the entrance, pulling it open. ''Is that what's going to happen to us? We'll just... be gone with nothing to...'' He shook his head defiantly. ''No. No, this... this is a-a tribute to them. Something permanent to hold onto.''
Behind him, Illyria cocked her head and grasped the front of her shirt curiously.
''That's... actually a nice thing.'' Spike admitted. He seemed troubled by it.
Later that night they gathered in the woods. Angel laid Faith down onto the pyre. With heavy breath, he took few steps back. The rest some distance away, just enough to offer him some space.
After a minute or two, Spike walked up to him. He held out a lighter in his hand. ''Come on, mate.''
Angel took it and looked back. Connor, Illyria and Anthis all nodded their heads. He lit it up. Vampire threw it just as the first tear escaped his eye.
''You know,'' Spike started a while later, watching the flames. ''She might be gone, but you did save her. Your,'' He chuckled to himself. ''Faith in her paid off.''
''She saved us.'' Angel whispered.
The next evening Connor, Spike and Angel sat together, discussing their next move.
Anthis flexed out her arm experimentally. She drew her bow. ''I think I'm fine.'' She commented to Illyria.
''We should order three more. Each for one of the birdies.'' Spike said to Angel.
Illyria focused back on the woman. ''You're leaving, then?''
''Not yet.'' She shook her head. ''Still need to find someone to sent me back.''
Goddess gasped and looked up, her eyes sweeping the ceiling.
''What's going on?'' Angel called out.
''Someone is trying to locate me. Has been for a while now.'' Illyria answered. She looked at the vampires. ''A witch.''
''Willow.'' Spike concluded. ''What the hell would they want?''
''Revenge.'' Connor stated.
''Well, that's off the table.'' Spike said.
Illyria looked Angel in the eyes.
''What are we going to do about it?'' Anthis asked.
''Wait, does she know where we are?'' Angel looked at Illyria. She smirked, something very rare on her face. ''No. But to be certain, I suggest we move today.''
''Okay, we'll uh...'' Angel nodded his head. ''Come on guys, we've got some things to take care of. You'll be okay?''
Anthis assured him. Three men left the room. Illyria stared at the wall, deep in thought. Some time later, she got up abruptly and reached for the phone. Digging up a number from Fred's memory, she dialed.
''Mommy?'' She asked in Fred's voice. ''Yes, it's me... No, no, no, I'm fine. Yes, really. No, don't... Dad, I know you must've been worried... Understatement, yeah... Look, I just wanted to...''
***B***B***
''Where are we?''
Illyria closed the portal. ''Sioux Falls, South Dakota.''
''Why? What's here?'' Spike asked. They were in some alley.
''Nothing, essentially.'' She admitted. ''I thought you would want to prepare a plan.''
''A plan?'' Connor looked around.
''Nathaniel is in Seattle.'' Illyria announced.
Angel's interest peaked. ''Why not take us there?''
''Because I don't know where exactly.'' She confessed. ''That city reeks of him. By now he coud have build a small empire there.''
''You sure?''
''Completely.''
Spike nodded his head. ''Let's hit the road, shall we?''
Anthis looked down. ''I'll go with you... but only until I can find a way to-''
''Don't bother.'' Illyria interrupted. Huntress stared at her. ''I think it's time for me to clean up what my power has done, don't you?''
They all stood in astonishment.
''Huh? Are you...'' Anthis trailed off.
''I will take you back.'' She nodded. ''I'll go with you and I will help you with your world.''
''Why?'' Spike asked.
''It's better this way. With Willow, Buffy and the rest searching for us...'' Angel understood. He was also surprised, in a good way. ''I'm... actually proud of you.''
''Seems like... the right thing to do.'' Illyria said. She thought about it since Angel suggested that she moved.
Suddenly Anthis launched herself at Illyria, wrapping her arms around her smaller form and keeping her close. ''Thank you.''
Illyria blinked, not sure how to respond. Tentatively, she patted her back.
Anthis stiffened. She let her go. ''Right. Sorry.''
''So what, you're going now?'' Connor wondered.
Illyria looked into Anthis' eyes and saw clear longing there. ''It would appear so.''
''You'll keep in touch, eh?'' Spike put his hands in his pockets.
''I'll come back.'' Illyria nodded. ''When everything will be settled.''
''Thanks.'' Connor said. ''For... everything.''
Anthis smiled. ''Yes, seeing as it was you who beat Adrian, I'd say I owe you.''
''I think it was a team effort.'' Angel shrugged slightly.
Illyria held out her hand and a portal appeared. Anthis let out a shaky breath. ''Oh and Angel... I called Fred's parents.''
''What?''
''Told them that we're okay. And that I can't come back home because we have an important mission to do.'' She explained. ''They might call you someday.''
Angel nodded. ''Okay. Good. They're-they're still... good.''
Illyria took one last look at them. ''Shall we?'' She addressed Anthis.
Huntress smiled. Together, they walked through the vortex. Few moments later it disappeared.
''And then there were three.'' Spike said, sighing.
''Seems like it.'' Angel ran a hand through his hair.
''So, Seattle?'' Connor asked.
''Seattle.'' Spike echoed.
''We need a car.'' Angel realized. The three of them walked to the street.
''We gonna steal it?'' Younger vampire suggested.
''I was thinking about buying one.''
''Seriously? Remember how easy it was, before we had so much cash?''
''Actually, I seem to recall only one of us who has any money at all.'' Connor remarked.
''And who gave it to you?'' Angel asked sweetly.
Connor glared at him. ''Shut up.'' He said, smiling.
They reached the street. Two cars going in opposite directions passed them, few people stood on the street a litte distance away.
''Feels weird, right?'' Connor asked. ''After everything we're the only ones left.''
Spike breathed in the night air. ''Guess it's gonna stay that way for a while. With slayers hostile. So,'' He turned to Angel. ''What's the plan, huh?''
Angel looked at the two of them. ''It's at least a two day drive to Seattle. We'll come up with something.'' He walked down the street, Spike and Connor quickly falling in step with him. ''Let's go.''
***B***B***
As you can see, the ending is pretty open. I mean, I think this can end this way, don't you? It feels kind of... complete. Through the whole story I tried to keep up with the show, it's message and I think it worked. Come on, if everything was solved, what would be waiting for them next? That being said, please let me know what is your opinion and whether or not should I stay with this continuity I've created. I probably will, because I feel there is so much more possibilities and stories to explore, but it's always good to have a motivation. Oh, have a Happy New Year! :)