Chapter 28 The World
A/N: The end has finally arrived!
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
Acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody Wants to Rule the World version by Lorde original song by Tears for Fears
The sun started its rise in the East as it always had. Sunrises always seem different everyday. The colors form different patterns and layers. Some days start of cold, others warm. Some start with rain, wind or snow. And some days there is no sun just clouds. Today though even with the sun rising it was still dark. The sickness was spreading and the old notion that when society falls it falls hard was happening now. California itself was on the fall and Sunnydale represented what the future holds if the sickness wins.
The earth in this now ghost town was dead; the desert was coming. The trees no longer had the green leaves; they just looked like sticks in the ground. The birds that would chirp in the morning were gone and it was absolute silence everywhere. If the sickness spreads this would be the world. There were no demons to be found in Sunnydale as they were waiting for their ruler to rise. The last standing defense that will make the difference between the darkness settling and a faint hope of peace rests in the mansion that has sat on the edge of town for years.
If anyone slept it was soft sleep. For some like Buffy it took five minutes to tie one shoe. For some like Giles and Angel, they sat on the edge of the bed motionless and in deep thought. For friends that grew up together like Willow, Xander and Cordelia they sat together perhaps for the last time. This was it, this is all that was left to hold the line, they have been chosen like Michael has said to hold the line, to take up the weapon and stand at the post. This was the last post, they are the back up, they must hold together.
Angel stood up from the bed, he won't see this place ever again and he knows this. He knows no matter what happens the people who are here in the mansion, he won't see some of them ever again. Angel turned around and he was wearing his traditional slayer get up. The black, the black boots, the black pants, the black shirt, the black leather jacket. It was the uniform for the last seven years and he'll die in it. Buffy looked to him and even in battle she always looked good. She was dressed in boots, jeans, white top and a white jacket. Dress in your best and go down as ladies and gentlemen.
Buffy walked over to Angel and they stood before one another and probably for the last time. They reached out to hold each other's hands, see the wedding rings on their fingers. They didn't need to say any words to one another, their eyes, their bodies spoke for them. In the last moments together before the plunge they pulled together for a kiss. It was a deep and passionate kiss just in case. They had to say goodbye because in a matter of hours they may never have the chance again. They pulled away briefly to look into one another's eyes and then they embraced into a hug.
The potentials all stood outside waiting. Faith stood with them waiting standing next to Michael. Spike was already in the car to shield from any sunlight although the sun wasn't shining today. Andrew was standing next to Anya while they waited for the rest of the A-Team.
Inside the mansion at the foot of the stairs were Giles, Cordelia, Willow, Dawn and Xander and they waited. Angel and Buffy came down the stairs together as Angel held the scythe. The team joined together at the bottom of the stairs. Just like with Angel and Buffy words were not needed. Angel put his arm around Dawn while Buffy wrapped an arm around Angel and the group, the last of the A-Team walked out together of the mansion for the final time.
Angel led the caravan to the town. The windshield of the Mustang had that nice spider web effect. He knew this would be the last time he drives this car into town. Next to him as always was Buffy and in the back was Giles and Dawn. The scythe was in trunk with the other weapons. Buffy looked through the music they could listen to because it's a good thirty minutes drive to town. She put in a disc just to drown out the silence. 'Gunter glieben glauchen globen.' The song started and Angel smiled. He remembered blasting this in the fight against Glory just as a way of making a statement. 'All right I got something to say. Yeah, it's better to burn out, yeah, than fade away.' The four listen to the song in some sort of peace. 'All right. Ow gonna start a fire. C'mon!' Angel kept his eyes on the long straight road ahead until there was an extra vocal that came in.
"Rise up! Gather round rock this place to the ground." It was Giles singing and Dawn smiled. "Burn it up let's go for broke. Watch the night go up in smoke."
"Rock on! Rock on!" Dawn joined in with the Watcher.
"Drive me crazier, no serenade no fire brigade, just Pyromania. C'mon!" Dawn and Giles were singing together.
"What do you want? What do you want?" Buffy knew the song and also joined in and Angel continued to drive listening to them.
"I want rock'n'roll, yes I do." Dawn and Giles replied back.
"Long live rock'n'roll." All three sung together. "Oh let's go, let's strike a light. We're gonna blow like dynamite. I don't care if it takes all night, gonna set this town alight
C'mon!" They continued and looked to Angel as he has yet to join in. "What do you want? What do you want?" They seem to ask him.
"I want rock'n'roll," Angel joined in.
"Alright!" They were now all singing together. "Long live rock'n'roll. Oh yeah!" Angel reached for the volume nob to turn up the stereo as it was the jam out section and he was going drum on the steering wheel and Giles had his air guitar ready. "Rock of ages, rock of ages. Still rollin', keep a-rollin'. Rock of ages, rock of ages. Still rollin', rock'n'rollin'" Seven years later they were all still rolling.
The black Mustang pulled into town and began to drive the empty roads. The town of Sunnydale was absolutely empty; there wasn't a soul here. The music was stopped and Angel began to decrease his speed. His heart rate increased a little because his memories from the dream came back. They've done something like this before and failed. But he had to push that out of his mind. This was not the dream, this was reality; this was not destiny but their own story. The end was completely unknown.
Behind the Mustang was Oz's old van with Willow driving it. She had Xander, Cordelia, Anya and Spike. Then there was Doyle's car and a few other random ones filled with the potentials, Michael and Andrew.
"This place is creepier with no one in it." Xander commented as he looked out the window. It was so quiet and it made everyone uncomfortable. In fact they wanted something to come out and attack them.
Angel then made his way to the school and in the car it was silent. In all the cars it's was silent as everyone was in their own heads thinking. This could be their last few hours on this earth and they just wanted to be in their own thoughts, reflect on what brought them here, what brought them this far.
The Mustang drove on the road parallel to the school and they got closer. They didn't know when the end was happening but they weren't going to wait. They wanted to take the surprise and fight to the source. Angel made the right turn and was now on school property and continued to drive closer seeing the entrance. Angel stopped the car waiting for the others to pull in. Dawn looked around touched Angel's shoulder pointing to a bus that was parked outside the school. If anyone was going to get out that might be the getaway bus. But first they needed to go down into the depths of the school.
Everyone got out of their cars and went to grab the weapons they had brought. Angel opened the trunk and pulled out his crossbow and slung it over his back. He then reached for the scythe and was ready. Buffy grabbed a broad sword and like Angel slung it behind her while Dawn grabbed her katana. Giles grabbed his sword and that was the weapon of choice for most of the people here. Some had small vials of holy water just to have.
Angel looked to the school and started to make his way in. Spike came out from the van with a blanket to shield him until he got inside. He ran in front of the group as the rest walked. Angel went up the steps leading into the halls and he knew he would walk these halls for the last time. The potentials well some of them have never been here so Angel being a teacher here decided to give them the rules of this place.
"Welcome to Sunnydale High School," Angel started as they walked into the hallway. "A few rules before we start." Angel went on as they continued to walk. "There's no running in the halls, no yelling, no gum chewing. Apart from that, there's only one rule." Angel then stopped walked and turned to the group. "If it's ugly, growls and moves, kill it." Angel finished.
"Ok, potentials, in the basement. Follow Faith and Spike." Buffy ordered and the other slayer and vampire with a soul went to lead the potentials down to the basement where they will wait. That now leaves Angel, Buffy, Dawn, Giles, Willow, Xander, Anya, Andrew, Cordelia and Michael.
"If you have to go to the bathroom, it's to your left." Xander called to the potentials down the hall. A few of them looked to him as they walked. "If you don't have to go to the bathroom, picture what you're about to face. Better to go now." Cordelia then shoved Xander a little.
"Willow," Angel began and the red head looked to him "The Principle's Office is straight through there." He said and Willow nodded as Angel handed her the scythe. "It's right over the Hell Mouth." Dawn stood next to Willow and would help her with the spell.
"Ok," Angel started. They had to keep the evil inside and contained so not everyone was going down into Hell, not yet at least. "If evil gets out of the basement we have three areas they could get through to another building and then down into the sewers." Angel then pointed behind them. "Down the hall in the atrium, the north hall and the primary target, through the lounge straight to the science building." He then pointed to another direction. "Now odds are, most of them will head there."
"Teams of two then. I suggest you and I take the lounge." Giles explained looking to Michael.
"I concur." Michael agreed and Angel looked around.
"Xander and Cordelia you two by the atrium." They both nodded and then Anya looked to Andrew.
"So that leaves me and the dungeon master in the north hall?" Anya asked although she didn't sound so pleased about it.
"We will defend it with our very lives." Andrew stated and Anya nodded.
"Yes, we will defend it with his very life." Anya added and Xander smiled.
"And don't be afraid to use him as a human shield." Xander added and Anya nodded in agreement.
"I just want to say how proud I am to die for this very special cause with you guys." Andrew started and went to take out a piece of paper from his pocket.
"Shut up." Angel ordered and Andrew stood there quietly and put the paper away. Anya and Andrew began to walk away together to defend their post.
"I'm gonna get the office ready." Dawn declared and started to walk away but Angel caught up to her. He was about to say something but she cut him off. "No. Anything you say is gonna sound like goodbye."
"You know it might be." Angel was honest and Dawn couldn't ignore it. She saw Michael at the corner of her eye walking to his post and she looked up to Angel. "I'm proud of you Dawn." He began and Dawn nodded and her eyes began to get glassy. She can't cry not now. Angel let out a heavy sigh because he too was getting choked up. "I'll see you downstairs ok." She nodded again and then jumped into his arms. They'll see each other in Hell but this would be the only time they could say goodbye.
"I'm proud of you too." Dawn managed to get out and when she pulled away she had tears now. With his thumbs Angel wiped the tears from her eyes and leaned in to kiss her forehead. They shared one more final hug before the end. They pulled away and they both had a job to do. Dawn started to walk away holding her composure.
'"God, you're a year younger than I was when I was called and," Angel paused. "I never wanted you to see, to do the things I've had to do. I never wanted that for you." Angel looked to her squinting his eyes to bright sunset. "I never wanted any of this for you but I'm training you so can get away especially because of what's happening." Dawn continued to look at him.
"I wish you and I could have had a normal childhood I really do but that's not going to happen anymore." Angel continued on. "You know what you are and why you're here. And I need you to start growing up." Dawn nodded a little. "Things are going to get worse soon and I can't always be around." Dawn nodded again understanding. "As long as I'm around I won't let anything happen to you but this group needs me too and I need you to stay as safe as possible." Buffy continued to listen to Angel talk to words of wisdom to Dawn. "I wish I could change this but I can't Kiwi and I need you on this."
"Why?" Dawn asked, why now is he asking her to step it up? Was it because of Glory? Was it because in less than a year from now she'll be the same age as he was when he was called? Angel let out a sigh and looked to the open land. He then looked back to his little sister.
"I'm tired Dawn," Angel answered her and that stuck something in Buffy. She leaned against the wall thinking what Angel just said. "I've been doing this for five years. Every vampire I killed, every demon, every horrible thing I've seen," He paused for a moment." It takes its toll. Kiwi I need you, things are going to get bad. I need you to help this group I need you to help Buffy." Dawn nodded again to the request. "I need you to understand that people are going to die. Not just us but others, I need you to be ready." Dawn was understanding what was being asked of as Angel reached for something and pulled out a dagger. It was a pretty dagger with a pretty hilt and a blade that had a pretty carving.
"I had this made for you, I was going to wait and give it to you for your fifteenth birthday." Angel held the dagger and Dawn looked it. "You need this now." Angel then handed it over to her. He trusted her with it. "No more kid stuff." Angel finished and Dawn looked at her new gift and then looked back up to Angel. The older brother reached out placing his hand and placed it on the little sister's shoulder and they gazed at each other. Angel pulled her closer and Dawn scooted closer to him. Angel kept his arm wrapped around his baby sister.'
Dawn had the katana but in her pocket she still had the blade Angel made her.
All that was left of the group were the ones that started it. Angel, Buffy, Giles, Willow, Xander and Cordelia. They stood in a circle looking at one another. They met on these very grounds on what seemed like a lifetime ago. They have grown beyond friendship and were now family. They were the center, the foundation of the group and the center must hold.
"So what do you guys want to do tomorrow?" Buffy was usual the first to break the ice. Angel had to smile as it such an off the cuff answer in a time like this but it was Buffy.
"Nothing strenuous." Cordelia answered and Willow nodded.
"Well, mini-golf is always the first thing that comes to mind." Xander suggested and Angel shrugged in agreement. That's always a fun game to do.
"I think we can do better than that." Giles added looking around.
"I was thinking about shopping, you know as per usual." Buffy offered another idea.
"Oh, there's an Arden B. in the new Mall." Willow pointed out and both Buffy and Cordelia's eyes widen and the shopping idea was starting to become the plan.
"I could use a few items, new black belt would be nice." Xander liked the idea. Giles looked confused at the conversion they were having right now.
"So we're going to save the world and then go to the mall?" Giles asked and then looked to the slayer and he shrugged.
"I need a new pair of running shoes that can also go with a nice outfit." Angel answered and then Buffy smiled.
"Now I have a wicked shoe craving." Buffy added.
"There's a patch for that." Xander jumped in and Cordelia smiled.
"They never work." Willow stated and Angel just listened. Giles shook his head as they started to walk away.
"See, I need a new look, it's the whole eye patch thing." Xander started to talk while they walked away.
"Full black secret agent look." Cordelia suggested and Xander liked that idea. As they walked away Angel looked to his Watcher for what could be the final time. They shared a small moment, a silent goodbye. Giles did say his goodbyes to Angel last night and it was how a father was proud of his son, how proud he was of Angel and the honor they both shared in this battle. Angel turned to the group walking with them.
"Or the puffy shirt, pirate style," Willow went on and Giles nodded. He's seen this seen before a long time ago. It's when the group first got together and they played off the world almost ending and were more concern with what homework they might have not done.
"The earth is definitely doomed." Giles stated and headed to his post.
It was just the four of them now as they walked together probably for the final time. Willow then broke away to met up with Dawn as she had the scythe. Before she went into the office Angel took her hand and squeezed and she smiled at him. Willow and Xander shared a hug along with Cordelia. She then looked to Buffy who she has saved twice now and the vampire was in debt to her so they shared a hug. Willow then disappeared into the office and now it was just Angel, Buffy, Cordelia and Xander.
They walked a little further and it was time for Xander and Cordelia to take up their post. Angel held out his hand and both he and Xander shook hands and then shared a hug. Buffy and Cordelia hugged and they switched so Angel hugged Cordelia and even kissed her cheek and Xander did likewise to Buffy. Cordelia and Xander began to walk away and now it was just Angel and Buffy.
Angel couldn't shake the fact that the conversion about getting shoes and clothes was probably the last conversion he will have his friends. This was probably the last time he was going ever see them, talk to them, laugh with them, cry with them. His memories played back some of the simpler moments he's had with them when they weren't fighting evil but just being humans.
Angel then reached out and to take Buffy's hand into his as they both made their way to the basement. This would be the last time they walk to the Hell Mouth together.
"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day," Buffy started to recite their prayer. It's been a while since Angel has heard of it and he smiled a little. "Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."
"A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you." Angel joined as they continued to walk hand and hand together.
The two noticed that because the town no longer has any power the place was getting darker. Of course everyone brought flashlights knowing that it was about to get dark. Angel and Buffy came before the door leading to the basement and they both took out some flashlights and Angel opened the door letting Buffy go first because ladies always go first.
They walked down the stairs and went to find the rest of the potentials. They walked through the quiet basement and to the direction where the Seal of Danzalthar would be. They saw some lights where the potentials waited for them. Once there Angel looked around seeing the girls and the fears in their eyes. They should be scared because he was. Angel had no way of knowing if this was going to work. He was probably sending these girls and his team to death. But something had to be done, they had to put up a fight or none of this would matter. The world would end with no chance for survival.
The potentials formed a circle around the seal and Buffy was on Angel's right side and Faith to his left. Spike stood off to the side waiting.
"First slayer goes first." Faith stated and handed Angel a blade. Angel took it and he knew the one thing that will open the seal, blood. Blood gives life, blood opened the Hell Mouth once and it was Dawn's blood. His blood closed it. Now this wasn't the Hell Mouth but a gateway much like Acathla and the way Acathla was open was by Buffy's blood. Blood is the key and Angel cut his hand and then passed the knife to Faith and she cut her hand. They went down the line holding out their hands until the knife reached Buffy. She cut her hand and held it over the seal and the slayers and potentials' blood dripped onto the seal mixing together.
Just then a light formed from the seal and they all took a step back. The seal seemed to retract away reveling a hole.
"A giant hole in the world." Spike commented as they all looked in. Angel stepped up meaning he'll go first. He took a seat on the floor letting his legs hang in the hole and then jumped down. Angel held up the flashlight and it was dark. But first he needed to have everyone else down there. "You're next love," Spike held out his hand to Buffy to lower her in. Angel reached out as Buffy went into the earth and he eased her down. Faith did likewise followed by the other potentials and then Spike joined them.
"Getting out is going to be tough." Angel commented but they'll think about that later when the time comes. Everyone had their flashlights looking around but they could only go left or right. "Spike," Angel looked to the vampire. "Which way looks scarier?" He asked. Spike looked and pointed left, so left they will go.
In the Principal's Office Willow finished lighting the candles and the scythe laid on the ground before her. Dawn sat in front of her. Willow was to use the essence of the scythe and once the line was activated Dawn was to take the scythe to Angel.
"They should be in place." Willow meant Angel, Buffy, Faith, Spike and the potentials and Dawn nodded. Willow let out a nervous sigh.
"You can do this Willow." Dawn encouraged her. "I mean you're the only person alive who can en-soul and re-en-soul Elizabeth." Willow tried to get a smile going but this was going to be the hardest thing yet.
"If anything happens," Willow started and Dawn nodded. If Willow went evil at anytime Dawn was to end it right away.
"Don't worry, I'll drop a house on you." Meaning Dawn was ready. Willow took in another deep breath trying to stay calm and in control. "You got this."
Angel led the group down the canal of the earth. The thing is though he felt something oddly familiar about this. Just then the cavern seemed to open up and both he and Buffy knew where they where. It was the church that the Master had been trapped in, the church that tried to keep the Hell Mouth at bay.
"Wow," Buffy muttered, they both haven't been here in a long time and it seemed to bring everything back to the beginning. The girls looked around the place as the church managed to stay intact after all these years. Although the candles have long since stopped burning, it was just darkness now. The flashlights help to light the way but just barely. Angel took the first step inside and in the back of his mind he was waiting for the Master to come out.
"Here we are," A voice whispered and everyone looked to the same direction pointing their flashlights to something. Angel froze in fear seeing the Master standing there. Buffy stood next to Angel and she was just about as frozen as he was. "Welcome back."
"I've already killed you." Angel stated. "You're not here, you're not real." The First was playing mind games with them. Angel closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them the Master was gone.
"What in the hell?" Kennedy asked as Angel looked around. The First was still trying to mess with them.
"Stay together," Angel started. "It's here, it knows we're coming." He looked to the group. "Stay in a tight group, no stranglers," He went on. "The First is going to try and play tricks on us. It will come in some type of form; don't listen. Ok?" Angel asked, this wasn't just going to be about muscle strength but mental. "Do not listen, it will mix lies with the truth. It can't hurt us physically so it will attack psychologically." Angel gave his words of not just wisdom but of experience.
"This just keeps getting better and better," Spike commented and they began to walk into the church. This place was buried over the Hell Mouth some how so the way was somewhere around the area. They all looked around seeing the shadows of the church.
"This place is much creepier than I remembered." Buffy spoke up looking around and Angel nodded. It was creepy when there was light but now with it so dark, it was even scarier. Just then something hit Buffy and she peeled away a little from the group. She noticed something like a tunnel. "It's down that way."
Everyone looked to that direction as Angel got behind Buffy looking.
"How do you know?" Angel asked her and she pointed the flashlight to a small pit in the ground that once had water in it.
"You died there," She started to explain and Angel looked to that spot. "When I went to you I saw the Master walk that way and disappeared." She explained and Angel nodded and started to walk. And then he saw something similar to the other under ground church, a raised tomb. Angel kicked the lid off and looked in seeing the steps knowing where this was going to lead them.
"This is it." He announced and he went first with the rest following him. The cold air disappeared and it started to get hot. Just then Spike joined closer to Angel as they reached a flatter surface.
"Not be a buzz kill on this but this new accessory isn't exactly tingling with power." Spike wanted Angel know that and the slayer looked to him.
"Not worried yet," Angel commented and Spike shrugged looking a little disappointed and held up his hands while Angel looked around.
"I'm getting zero juice here, and I look like Elizabeth Taylor." Spike wasn't liking this and Faith then nudged Spike.
"Cheer up Liz, Willow's big spell doesn't work, it won't matter what you wear." The other slayer added and Spike gave her a nasty look. Angel then continued to walk seeing a cliff and the others followed. They all got to the side of the cliff and looked down seeing the pit of Hell before them.
"Oh shit," Spike was now nervous. There were thousands upon thousands of demons down there getting ready march onto the earth.
"I'm not worried...as long as Willow can work her spell before they," Angel started but there was a loud yell and one demon looked up. "See us." Angel finished and then Angel saw it…the Beast. It was just how he saw it in his dream and the Beast smiled and pointed to him and the rest of them on the cliff.
"Alright," Faith sounded nervous herself. "So, none of you are slayers yet so what's plan B?" She asked as they all looked to what was racing for them.
"You can take the thirty thousand on the right." Spike answered the question and all the potentials stood there in fear.
"We'll last ten minutes at best." Rona added what odds were stacked against them.
"Then we'll make it a memorable one." Buffy tried to add some light to this.
"Any additional plans?" Spike asked looking to Angel and he nodded while he grabbed his crossbow.
"We fight." Angel answered.
"Be a bit more specific?" Spike asked again and Angel looked up seeing a dragon like creature.
"Well personally?" Angel asked as he looked up. "I kinda want to slay that dragon." The potentials faces were all in shock and disbelief on his answer and the army of Hell was getting closer and they have yet to be activated. "Let's go to work." Angel pointed his crossbow and fired the first shot aiming at a demon.
Giles and Michael waited at their post knowing it was coming; they could feel it somehow. This small group of people were about to take on Hell's army.
"Think of it like the Battle of Thermopylae," Michael looked to the Watcher as he explained. "Five hundred Spartans against thousands of Persians and in the end the Spartans won." Giles knows the story and it symbolizes now how a few can stand up against many. But this group was barely 50 people but just like the Spartans, you go down fighting.
The slayers, vampires with souls and the potentials watched as the minions of Hell began to charge to them. They had to hold the line back as much as they could. But right now none of the potentials were slayers and the strongest here were just four people and it wasn't going to be enough. Angel saw the Beast and he knew it wanted to make it's way up here and fight.
"Willow…" Angel muttered under his breath. She needed to hurry because with every second passing the end was closing in.
In the office Willow had her eyes closed and her hands were on the scythe. She was in deep thought. She was trying to find the scythe's source of power and energy. She wasn't chanting a spell or doing any kind of incantation she was just meditating. Dawn watched Willow and her heart was racing. She knew the time crunch was here and getting closer. She wondered what it would feel like when she is called, when the slayer in her is awoken. Would it hurt, would she pass out, would she feel any different?
Then Willow felt it like she did nearly six years ago. When she was first trying to save Buffy and give her a soul she felt this rush of power hit her. It was like this giant downward blast hit her and she felt light and strong. The same power hit her, Willow's eyes shot open as her head snapped back and then.
Dawn stood up as bright white light surround Willow, her red hair didn't turn black but it seemed to grow long and it turned white. The scythe in Willow's hands was glowing as well. Willow felt herself being taken all the way back to the start to the First Slayer. She's seen the first, the primitive and now she was watching the primitive given power by the Shadow Men. And then it was like movie reel playing before her eyes, she could see the slayers being called after her. She saw Victoria and Rick in that moment. She saw the slayers, each of them, each girl, each face, each solider. Then she saw Angel, followed by Kendra and then Faith. Faith was the last slayer to be called.
Well Faith was the last up until now. Willow then saw dozen of girls and women all over even the ones here. She saw Dawn and Buffy; the line was being activated right before her eyes.
Down in Hell Angel heard Rona take a gasp and he looked to Buffy and she looked to him with a smile. Angel looked around and all the girls seemed to stand just a little taller, seemed a little stronger.
"Holy shit she did it," Angel smiled.
"These guys are so dust." Vi spoke with confidence; the slayer line was no longer reserved for one, but for all.
In the office the light went away, Willow returned to her normal self as she looked to Dawn. Dawn was rightfully powerful in her own way but she could feel it running through her. The generations before her, her linage down to the original, she was now a slayer.
"Willow?" Dawn asked to make Willow was ok and the witch looked up to her with a smile. "Wow," Willow tossed the scythe to Dawn and she caught it.
"Get down there." Willow ordered and Dawn was already running down to the basement. Willow then collapsed to the floor still in some form of ecstasy over what just happened. The fear and dread of becoming evil from magic was no longer there. She felt whole and uplifted as she laid there. "That was nifty."
Down in Hell the minions finally made it to the group but the girls were now slayers, they could fight this and they did. The new slayers fought off the minions with ease; it was like they have done this their whole lives. Angel kicked a minion back, hit it with his crossbow, turned around and fired at a minion getting arrow between the eyes. Buffy was already strong and could fight but much like Willow she felt like a weight had been lifted, she felt light and free.
Dawn couldn't explain how she knew her way to Hell but she did. She ran as fast as she could and found the stairway and ran down. The fight had already begun as she made it to the cliff. She quickly found Angel knowing he needed the scythe.
"Angel!" Dawn called out and her brother looked up. Dawn tossed the scythe to him and he caught it and staked a minion and sliced the head off another. "This is awesome," Dawn saw the other girls fighting like it was nothing. Then Dawn saw a minion come for her and she took out her katana and with no effort she killed it. "I like this," She was combat ready but the extra added slayer strength made it easy.
Despite the new found powers some of Hell's minions got through the group and they heading to the school to get out. But nothing dead, nothing hellish, nothing evil was going to get through.
Anya and Andrew stood together waiting at the north exit and heard something. Andrew started to tremble a little. Anya didn't show it but on the inside she was nervous. This was it; this was the end.
"I think they're coming." Andrew announced and he started to hide behind Anya. The ex-demon looked down the hall she knew it was coming; she felt it.
"Oh, God," Anya sounded a little breathless. "I'm terrified. I didn't think, I mean, I…I just figured you'd be terrified, and I would be sarcastic about it." Anya was honest but she was scared now. How many were going to come after them?
"Picture happy things... a lake, candy canes, bunnies." Andrew meant to think of something peaceful before the end however the bunny part wasn't something peaceful to Anya. She hated rabbits, she has a putrid hate for them.
"Bunnies?" She asked and she held up her sword. "Floppy, hoppy... bunnies." Andrew saw the battle ready stands Anya now had. He only wished he could be that ready.
Giles and Michael then heard growling coming their way and they were ready as some of Hell's minions ran towards them. They held their ground letting the enemy make the first mover. Giles kicked away one minion and Michael sliced the head of another and ducked kicking another one away. The minions began to flood the hallways. They knew they are far outnumbered but Giles and Michael manage to hold their own.
For Giles when you train the only male slayer in two thousand and some odd years, help train one of the most powerful vampires ever and train the sister of the male slayer you pick up a move or two. Michael was a Power That Be being and he's strong in his own right despite being stripped of some of his powers. The two fought back to back.
Down the hall the minions charged at Anya and Andrew. Anya retained her demon fighting skills and fought valiantly. Andrew however backed away as a minion rushes him, snarling.
"I have swimmer's ear!" Andrew cried hoping the excuse would save his life but it won't. The minion pushed Andrew against the wall ready to his life but Anya saves him and went back to fighting.
Down in Hell on the cliff the slayers kept the minions at bay. The minions had to funnel and it allowed the slayers to kill them. But the bottle necking approach will only last so long. Spike grabbed a minion and tossed it and rolled off the cliff. But then he felt something on his chest and looked down. He went to hold the amulet and let go as if it was a hot potato.
"Uh! Uh!" Spike looked around trying to find Angel. He then caught sight of him as he rammed the stake end of the scythe through a minion's head. "Angel!" Spike yelled out and Angel looked to him "Whatever this thing does, I think it's," Spike winced in pain going down to one knee.
"Faith!" Angel called out and tossed scythe to her and she caught it. Angel took out his crossbow and fired at a minion that was going to take Spike out from behind. Angel ran to Spike and he could see the vampire was in pain. "Spike," Angel then swung the crossbow at another minion bashing its face in. Angel got down to Spike's level. "Spike,"
"Oh this is painful," Spike explained. "Cleansing power?" He asked and Angel nodded. Spike looked around at the war before them but they both noticed something. It was like the minions were pulling away. "This can't be good."
"Slayer!" A voice called out and that got all the slayers' attention as they looked to where the voice came from. Angel stood up and saw the Beast was coming.
Xander and Cordelia guarded their exit as the minions made their way toward them. Cordelia held up her sword ready to fight, this was going to be for Doyle. The minions charged full on and they engaged in battle. Cordelia spun dodging an attack and stabbed a minion. Xander, despite one eye he kicked a minion back and swiped the sword slicing a head off. Cordelia ducked, elbowed a minion and stabbed the sword in its face. Just then a vision like appearance went through her head and she saw a minion stab Xander.
"Xander!" Cordelia cried out, that cry allowed Xander to swing around and he held out the sword and the minion impaled itself.
"We make an awesome team!" He commented to them and Cordelia smiled.
"And look, we don't have to look like Rambo doing it." She added as she was jeans, designer shoes and a nice blouse. But they were far from done as they saw more shadows coming for them. They then stood side by side ready.
Down the north exit Anya was doing a lot of the fighting but Andrew managed to cause some damage. But the amount minions coming this was starting to get overwhelming for Anya and Andrew. Andrew with all his strength shoved a minion to the wall and Anya stabbed it. Basically it became a 'you hold and I'll kill' type team. Anya went to turn around and a minion caught Anya by the throat and held her up. Andrew went to her rescue and stabbed the minion. Anya was let go and smiled at Andrew in thanks but Andrew fell to the floor seeing a sword cut through Anya's torso. The ex-demon looked down holding her wound and then fell to the floor.
"Anya!" Andrew screamed and he realized he was alone.
In the lounge area Giles and Michael have been able to keep the minions at bay but everyone tires out. Giles fought off a minion and Michael saw another one about to get Giles from behind. Michael rushed to the Watcher and kicked the minion away but while trying to save a friend another minion took the chance and went for Michael. The Power That Be felt a sharp pain go through his back.
Giles went right to his aid and killed the minion. Giles then caught the man as Michael fell towards Giles.
In Hell Faith threw the scythe back to Angel as the Beast came for him. The slayers couldn't help him as there were enough minions to still fight. Angel tossed his crossbow away and it was time to fight the Beast that has plagued his mind for a long time now. Angel swung the scythe at the Beast, but it had it's own axe and blocked the move.
The Beast swung for Angel's head and the slayer ducked the blow and went to hit the Beast. Angel then had to think and fast. The Beast has bested him once but how? "A rage hit him seeing his entire family literally dead. Angel charged at the Beast picking up the katana Dawn used and swung blindly at the Beast. The Beast blocked the slayer a few times but Angel managed a few hits. Just then Angel saw blood; he was doing some damage. Angel kicked the Beast back and then with all his strength rammed the sword through the Beast's torso.
Angel took a step back as the Beast looked down at the sword in him and then looked up to Angel and smiled. The Beast ripped out the sword from him and like it was happening so quickly yet at the slowest time can move the Beast ran the sword through Angel.
Angel looked down seeing the sword in him and looked up as the Beast took the sword out. Angel covered his bleeding wound and took a step back and then fell to one knee.
"I've beaten the slayer." The Beast boasted.
"But you haven fought me." The Beast turned around and saw Buffy standing there with a sword and she slammed it down as hard as she could and the Beast screamed as she sliced its hand off."
Angel then saw it, the Beast was about to ram the axe it had at Angel. Angel spun, dodging the blow and jumped kicking the Beast back. You can't memorize each blow but you can learn and anticipate, redraw the line of attack. Angel then slid under the Beast, got up and slammed the scythe's blade into it's back. The Beast let out a loud moan of pain. Angel ripped the scythe from it and the Beast turned around. When Buffy in the dream sliced the hand off holding the weapon the Beast was beaten. The Beast went to deliver a blow and Angel slammed the blade into the Beast's right wrist. He retracted the scythe and then gave another blow and the hand was gone.
It didn't mean it was over, the Beast can still fight but Angel had the high ground now. Angel kicked the Beast as hard as he could and knocked it to its knees. The Beast looked to the slayer as they were eye level now.
"We will always come, more will fight." The Beast threaten Angel and he nodded.
"We'll be waiting." Angel took the threat and flipped the scythe so the stake end was pointing to the Beast. He then drove it at the Beast and it went into an eye, through the skull and out the back. Angel then pulled the scythe out as it was covered in blood but he continued to hold the scythe watching the Beast's body slump over. He then kicked it over the edge of the cliff. Thousands of minions screamed in horror but it didn't mean the end. The minions like a swarm of bees started to come.
Just then Spike looked down to his chest and gasped and stumbles backward away from the fight as he clutched his chest. He felt his hand burning up and looked around.
"Oh, bollocks," He sounded not surprise or in shock but like he knew this was about to hurt. Buffy looked up and a bright blue light shot up from the amulet, knocking a hole in the ceiling, going up through the floor of the Principal's office past Willow and through to the open sky. The light turns a warm orange color. That was Willow's cue to start running. Something was about to happen.
Buffy then ran to Spike to help.
"No!" Spike yelled and she stopped in her tracks. Spike didn't know what was happening but he didn't want her to come any closer. Angel saw what was happening it seemed to stop the minions and they started to retreat a bit. The amulet refracts the orange light out into the Hell Mouth like rays of sunshine but with concentrated intensity like a laser. "This is kind of cool." Spike commented despite the pain he was feeling. The amulet began to work its magic and the ground starts shaking.
"Everybody out, now!" Angel yelled seeing the amulet was going to cause the place to collapse on itself. Everyone rushed to the stairs that lead up to the seal and out. But Angel and Buffy run to Spike's side.
"I can feel it," Spike sounded amazed. "My soul. It's really there, kind of stings though." He played it off as the two saw amulet getting brighter.
The girls followed Dawn out but she noticed Angel and Buffy weren't there. She wanted to wait but she had to help Faith get everyone out. They raced through the church and down the hall and to the hole. With their slayer strength now they could all jump out without help.
Xander and Cordelia felt the ground shake and the minions that were going to fight retreated but the shaking wasn't good. Xander took Cordelia's hand and they started to run. Willow stumbled out of the office still feeling weak as the power of scythe took a lot out of her. Cordelia reached out to Willow pulling her closer so she was in the middle of her and Xander and could use them as crutches.
In the north hall Andrew saw the minions fleeing and then saw Anya on the ground dead. He felt an overwhelming of sadness hit him. He went to her to get her up but she didn't move. Just then he saw Dawn, Faith and the rest of the slayer charging to him. Dawn grabbed Andrew and saw Anya on the ground knowing she was dead but there was no time to morn, this place was about to go.
Giles was caring out a wounded Michael when he looked up seeing the slayer coming. Faith jumped into help Giles out. Just then Willow, Xander and Cordelia showed. Xander started to look for Anya in the crowd but couldn't find her. He wanted to find her but the group all pulled in one direction and that was out. They got outside of the school seeing the sky. Something was happening and then they saw the lonely school bus and raced for it.
Rona reached the door and pried it opened as they all climbed in. The only problem is no keys. As everyone piled in the ground was shaking violently. The whole town was about to be leveled. Dawn climbed to driver's seat and looked for the panel holding the wires.
Down in the Hell Mouth Spike was fading.
"Get out you two." Spike demanded but they didn't move. "I'm done," He stated.
"Spike," Angel sounded like he wasn't going to have it.
"No, it's time for me to do the cleanup." The vampire was sitting on the ground looking around and was in a pool of sweat from the heat. "I'll take it from here. I think it's fair to say school's out for bloody summer."
"Spike!" Buffy wanted to save him; he's proven his worth in the world.
"I mean it! I gotta do this!" Spike yelled. "We've all got something to atone for right? This is mine!" Spike justified why he was going to stay. The amulet didn't need him anymore as it was activated and he could probably leave but he wanted to stay behind. "Besides, I wanna see how it ends." He smiled and Angel took Buffy's hand. The slayer and the vampire looked at one another.
"You understand now?" He asked and Spike nodded knowing what he meant, that Spike passed the test, he won his own fight. Angel and Buffy started to flee as Spike sat there feeling the amulet take him.
Dawn managed to start the bus but didn't drive away. She looked to the school waiting for Angel, Buffy and Spike. She couldn't leave not just yet. She was going to wait until the last possible second and maybe just a little bit more.
"We gotta go!" Kennedy yelled out to her. Dawn sat in the chair in a sweat waiting knowing she had to push the gas pedal down but couldn't.
"Look!" Amanda pointed and both Angel and Buffy were running towards the bus. Dawn smiled and was glad she waited. Angel grabbed Buffy pulling her forwards pushing her first to get on the bus. Angel climbed in behind her, tossed the scythe down panting and Giles looked relief seeing him.
"Why the hell are we still here?" Angel asked and Dawn quickly got out of the driver's seat knowing Angel could drive faster. Angel quickly got in and the school started to collapse.
"Go Angel!" Faith yelled and Angel slammed the gas pedal and started to drive. The ground below them was already cracking. As Angel pulled away from the school he looked into the rear view mirror seeing his Mustang as the earth began to swallow it. His heart ached a bit as he started to drive.
"Must go faster, must go faster!" Xander repeated as he could see from the back that a hole was forming.
"I know! I know!" Angel yelled back as he was going to make this bus go faster than it probably ever should. Angel didn't want to look back so he faced straight ahead to the horizon. Buffy had Dawn in her lap holding her tightly as they sat on the ground. Buffy was dizzy as she held tight on Dawn. She wasn't sure why things felt like they were on the verge of blacking out but she forced herself to stay with it.
Angel continued to drive as the pedal was to the floor and the ground was falling apart behind them. Everyone did what Angel was doing, look straight ahead. The bus was rumbling as Angel was grinding the gas pedal. Just then everyone heard something like a thousands of fireworks at once. They knew to brace themselves because this was it. There was huge bright light forming behind them. Buffy reached to cover Dawn's eyes while closing her own. Angel kept the gas pedal down, kept his hands on the steering wheel and closed his eyes and he prayed for the best.
The bus shook violently as a cloud of white light and smoke covered the bus. Some of the girls couldn't help but scream not knowing what was happening. Willow, Xander and Cordelia huddled together while Giles braced himself for some kind of impact. Then a wind blew the bus causing it to spin out of control.
Just as fast as it happened everything retracted back and the bus came to a halt in the road. Everyone's eyes were closed as no one wanted to open them in fear of what they might see. Angel slowly opened his eyes and in front of him was like a huge crater and the smoke rose from it. Buffy opened her eyes as well slowly and saw what Angel saw. They then looked to each other for a moment in complete and utter shock and then smiled and then started to laugh.
Angel got up from the driver's seat and Buffy got up from the floor as Dawn opened her eyes looking around. Angel ran outside and a cool light breeze greeted him.
"Did you see that!" Buffy yelled in excitement, disbelief, shock, fear and pure adrenaline. Angel turned around and she jumped right in Angel's arms as they laughed looking to a new hole in the ground. The sky above it was still a little dark with some clouds spinning slowly. They still heard crumbling in the distances though as the town was still falling apart.
Angel was in pure shock they made it. But something broke his attention to the destroyed Hell Mouth and he turned to Buffy. He could hear his own panting but she was breathing just as hard. She then looked up to him wondering what he was starring at. He then reached for her hand that was warm now and placed it on her chest. Buffy then felt it and looked back up to Angel.
"Oh my god," She could barely speak.
"Holy shit." Faith came out of the bus looking to what was before them. Everyone started to pile out of the bus and Giles helped Michael out to see what was done as he held his wounded side.
As everyone who's able to gets off the bus, they looked to the now a vast cavern. The "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign still stands, perched precariously on the edge of the canyon. The sign teetered a little before falling backwards into the pit that used to be its city.
Everyone was quiet looking at what they barely escaped. Xander limped a little to Andrew placing his hand on his shoulder.
"So, did you see?" Xander wanted to know what happened to Anya because she wasn't here.
"Why am I alive, how did I make it?" Andrew asked and still answered Xander's question. "She was incredible though she died saving my life." He hoped that made Xander feel better. Xander nodded in a smile.
"That's my girl, always doing the stupid thing." Xander limped off towards Buffy and Angel and he even noticed it, Buffy was breathing. The group started to gather with Faith and the other slayer behind them.
"Looks like the Hell Mouth is officially closed for business." Cordelia commented looking to the giant hole. Giles nodded in agreement and then looked to the group as Willow and Cordelia seemed to be holding one another up.
"There is another one in Cleveland." Giles pointed out and Angel, Buffy, Willow, Xander and Cordelia looked to him. They all barely dodged death and he's already talking about the next mission. "Not to spoil the moment." Giles shrugged and looked off to the distance seeing the dust was settling the clouds were breaking away.
"We just really saved the world." Xander sounded speechless. They have done this many times this was the true end they stopped it.
"We changed the world." Willow smiled. "I can feel them guys. All over slayers are awakening everywhere." The slayers that were here smiled, they had an army now.
"We'll have to find them." Dawn stated and Giles agreed; that was next step.
"Yes, because the mall was actually in Sunnydale, so there's no hope of going there tomorrow." Giles reminded them the plan they had and Dawn groaned a little. Buffy smiled looking to the town. "We have a lot of work ahead of us." Giles stated and it was true. So much changed within a matter of moments.
"Can I push him in?" Cordelia asked because they were trying to take in the moment. They won, the survived and yet Giles was ready to move on.
"You've got my vote." Willow smiled and Giles smiled back.
However Angel and Buffy have yet to say anything. They just stood there replaying everything that has led up to this, to this moment. The blood, the sweat, the tears, the lives they have saved and lost. It has led them to this very moment. "The First is scrunched, so... what do you think we should do…Angel?" He didn't answer.
"Yeah, you're not the one and only chosen anymore. Just gotta live like a person. How's that feel?"
"Yeah, what are we gonna do now?" Dawn asked. Buffy then looked up to Angel and she was no longer pale, cold and breathless. She was warm, had beautiful skin and had life. Angel just wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer. She wrapped both arms around his waist looking up to him with a smile. They could do anything now; the world was theirs. Dawn smiled seeing them hold one another she and she could see Buffy had changed. She was bearing her true soul now. Everyone else will slowly take noticed, but just like Spike she has atoned.
"Hey, Angel, Buffy," Michael called out still holding his wounded side pointing with his other hand up. "Look at that sky." It was so clear and blue now. Angel didn't look to the sky but to Buffy and then down to the Gem of Amarra. He took it off and nothing happen. He then tossed it letting fall into the pit. Then it hit everyone else what just happened. Angel pulled Buffy closer as the others chatter around them. They both just starred straight ahead at the hole formerly known as Sunnydale. They held one another looking beyond the horizon as they both contemplated what's next and it caused them to smile. No more clouds, just sun and clear skies awaited them.
When the world ends
Collect your things
You're coming with me
When the world ends
You tuckle up yourself with me
Watch it as the stars disappear to nothing
The day the world is over
We'll be lying in bed
I'm gonna rock you like a baby when the cities fall
We will rise as the building's crumble
Float there and watch it all
Amidst the burning, we'll be churning
You know, love will be our wings
The passion rises up from the ashes
When the world ends
When the world ends
You're gonna come with me
We're going to be crazy
Like a river bends
We're going to float
Through the criss cross of the mountains
Watch them fade to nothing
When the world ends
You know that's what's happening now
I'm going to be there with you somehow, oh...
I'm going to tie you up like a baby in a carriage car
Your legs won't work cause you want me so
You just lie spread to the wall
The love you got is surely
All the love that I would ever need
I'm going to take you by my side
And love you tall, until the world ends
Oh, but don't you worry about a thing
No, 'cause I got you here with me
Don't you worry about a
Just you and me
Floating through the empty, empty
Just you and me
Oh, graces
Oh, grace
Oh, when the world ends
We'll be burning one
When the world ends
We'll be sweet makin' love
Oh, you know when the world ends
I'm going to take you aside and say
Let's watch it fade away, fade away
And the world's done
Ours just begun
It's done
Ours just begun
We're gonna dive into the emptiness
We'll be swimming
I'm going to walk you through the pathless roads
I'm going to take you to the top of the mountain that's no longer there
I'm going to take you to bed and love you, I swear
Like the end is here
I'm going to take you up to
I'm going to take you down on you
I'm going to hold you like an angel, angel
I'm going to love you
I'm going to love you
When the world ends
I'm going to hold you
When the world is over
We'll just be beginning...
When the World End by Dave Matthews Band
That's all folks. It's over, the Chronicles of Angel have come to an end. It's taken a long time to get here but we've made. I hoped you all liked it, the good, the bad, the ugly. Thank you all for sticking it out this far. I'm going to miss typing this just as much as I miss Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I want to thank all you readers for reading this since the start. This all started back in 2012/13 and it's now 2015.
I truly hoped you've all enjoyed it because I have enjoyed writing it.
Now here goes the thank yous but it won't be enough.
I want to thank my Beta Reader Nikon the Vampire. He has helped guide me through this and encourage me to keep going when I wanted to stop. I have a lot of gratitude for you.
For those who have commented each story at least once I thank: mb168, Nikon the Vampire, DoctorStarKillerRedJacksonHP, Ghostwriter, Mataleir, ba2006, Kara103, NinaGrace, BrandiInagio, Boris Yelstin, Bookloverz22, Imr0211, Clazberry, Delia Winters, David Fishwick, Country Fan 7, Hercules8, PLK Susie, A.M. Rouss, Springbaby83, Summer Rain 35, Kristin04, SMGBest, Blue-Temptress, IAmMattis, TwoBecomeOne, Serenity de Luna, Valtg, Anne, 243567, SirJacques, Katannd30, Rander Home, K.A.R.R, Zalzagor, aaangelus, and all guest who commented.
Thank you to those who have added any of these stories to their alert/follow list. There's too many of you and I don't want to forget anyone.
And thank you to those who I might have forgotten. You readers are why I do what I do. I'm sad this is over but I'm so glad I did it. Don't stop the comments and now we can read everything from start to finish. You readers as always are so awesome. Thank you all.
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Angel walked down the hall by himself at the new place. Just like the old mansion back in Sunnydale it was secluded and peaceful. The curtains blew softly in the Autumn wind. He then couldn't help but stop at a room and looked in. She said she knew it's a girl and the room was a soft pearl pink. The room was far from done but Buffy wanted to take her time, they still had a while yet. Angel smiled looking in and continued to walk to his room and opened the door. He found Buffy on the bed asleep. Either she's crying because pregnant women cry a lot, eating because she eats for two or sleeping.
He could see the bump as it was growing bigger. But he noticed something else on the bed next to her. It was a notebook of some kind. She had been writing and probably fell asleep. Angel quietly and gently took the notebook wondering what it was. He opened to the first page and looked at it.
London, England 1751 January of the New Year.
We have moments in our lives that set us out who we're going to become, how we are remembered when we die. Great people of our time Christ, Cesar, Neapolitan, Alexander, Hector, Achilles, all had moments that turned them into people we read and we remember no matter what the deed was. There's a turning point that makes our lives known for better or for worse. I didn't think I would become anything and I was to just be nothing.
I had nothing, I wanted nothing, I wanted DEATH.