DISCLAIMER: Yup they're mine, except I sold em off before the fourth season, and now look what happened….Kidding! I never owned them, and I'm just borrowing them for my twisted pleasure.
SUMMARY: Takes place a month after Ripple Effect in my newly titled "Warriors of Fate" Series. Buffy's child has arrived, along with a startling revelation from the female Oracle…What happens now?
SPOILERS: My first story in the series, Ripple Effect, and pretty much everything up to Something Blue. Small ones for the third season "Anne".
FEEDBACK: Please? It might get another story out of me.
COUPLES: Buffy/Angel, Cordelia/Doyle, and Spike/Anya (small references to C/X , X/Anya and B/R)
DISTRIBUTION: Just let me know where to find it.
A.N.: I highly recommend reading Ripple Effect first, or you're going to be confused. Either Look on my site, Destinies Entwined (http://www.angelfire.com/tv/destiniesentwined) or Land of Denial.

Angel stepped out of his office, narrowly missing tripping over the bucket of plaster that one of the contractors had left in the doorway. Ducking under one of the heavy tarps hanging from the ceiling, he made his way to where everyone was sitting, taking a break from trying to help redo Angel Investigations.

With three more people, Buffy, Spike and Anya, joining the firm, the previous space was ultimately too small, and with the rather generous contribution from a rescued victim, they'd begun the process of buying surrounding space to five more offices added, as well as a bigger waiting room. They'd found that the basement apartment worked well for a common and training room for them, Angel having moved out to be with Buffy.

A wail filled the air, courtesy of the baby monitor clipped to Buffy's jeans, and Buffy hurried out of the room, giving Angel a quick kiss on the way out. Taking a moment to enjoy the departing view, Angel sat down in her vacated seat, joining in the plans with the others for the night's activities: leaving William Francis O'Conner in the care of the well checked out baby-sitter, doing a quick patrol before dinner and the movie premiere they'd been invited to as a result of another rescue.

A knock on the open door barely disturbed them, until a very shocked Giles' cleared his throat. The five friends instantly quieted, none getting up to greet the Watcher, just waiting expectantly for his reason to be in Los Angeles. When he said nothing, just stared at Spike and Anya and alternately Angel, who was positioned in a sunbeam, Angel spoke, his words terse. "Is there something you wanted, Giles?"

"Oh, um, yes," he replied, nervously wiping his glasses. "Might I speak with you, Angel? Alone?"

"You may say whatever you have to say in front of them. Now is there a reason that you came to our town?"

"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I'm afraid that Buffy is dead. A new slayer was called about a month ago, and as Faith is still very much comatose, I must only assume that Buffy has died in her disappearance. I am sorry, Angel."

Angel's expression didn't alter in the least, a fact that wasn't lost on Giles. Instead, Angel seemed to shoot quiet looks at the other occupants in the room who almost seemed to be on the verge of laughing out loud. "We've planned a small memorial for her tomorrow night, if you would like to co…" Giles broke off, staring past Angel into the next room.

"Angel, Liam won't stop fussing, could you…" Buffy stopped in the doorway, a small bundle of newborn cradled in her arms, as she spotted her ex-Watcher, her face growing cold.

"Buffy? My God! How? W-what…?"

Angel crossed the room, the others moving to stand near the couple, as Angel took his son out of his wife's arms. "As you can see, Buffy is quite alive Giles. And you or any of the others, are not welcome here."

Giles grew indignant. "How dare you. She is my Slayer."

Buffy crossed her arms. "Not any longer, Mr. Giles. I haven't been your slayer since you went behind my back." Wrapping her arm around Angel's waist, she lifted her chin to the man that used to be such a big part of her life. "You heard him, sir. You and your friends are not welcome in our city."

Giles took a step back, his expression plainly read on his face, which seemed instantly years older. Angel spoke once more just as the older man reached the door. "And if we show up on the Hellmouth, you are to stay out of our business. Is that clear?"

Giles nodded once before disappearing out of the office.

"Well, that was…" Cordelia paused as she tried to think of a word.

"Evil?" supplied Spike.

"Shocking?" added Anya.

Buffy grinned. "Something I wouldn't mind doing again."

****

"Do you know why Giles wanted us to come over so fast?" asked Xander as he and Willow walked up the stairs to their mentor's door.

Willow shrugged. "Maybe some last minute detail about the memorial tonight?"

"I can't believe she's really gone. I mean, before it was like, she's off again like that summer. But with Claire here…"

"It's proof that she's never coming back."

"I wouldn't be too sure, Willow," said Giles, having opened the door without them knowing it. He looked quite harried, as if he'd been up all night.

The two best friends stepped into his living room, looking over the disaster area, which was looking worse than usual. Willow turned back to the "man of leisure", a question on her lips. "What's wrong Giles?"

"Buffy's alive."

"W-what?? How? Did she come back?"

Giles shook his head, quieting any further questions from the boy. "I went up to see Angel yesterday. To in-inform him of the memorial tonight. I was quite surprised to find him standing in sunlight, with Buffy there."

"You mean Dead-boy has been with her all this time!!! I'm so going to stake him!"

Willow seemed confused. "But Giles, what about Claire? I mean, she is a slayer right? And Faith is still comatose…"

"A fact that didn't escape my notice, so I came immediately back here to research it, and I found a passage that requires our getting Buffy, as well as Angel, back here to work with us again." Giles conveniently forgot about the couple's request to be left alone.

"What did it say?"

Giles cleared his throat, searching around the covered surface for the marked passage he had found earlier. Picking the heavy book up, he focused his gaze on the page. "In a time of great peril the six chosen shall become, brought together by fate, bound despite differences by friendship. The Warriors of Fate, strengthened by chance and destiny, shall bring light unto the shadows. One with the knowledge of what lies ahead, one redeemed of past sins, one with powers held deep within, another with a caring heart, and the final two, bound beyond what was and is no more. Only together can they learn of their abilities and overcome the fight."

"But what does that mean exactly?" asked Xander.

"It's talking about us isn't it?" asked Willow, taking a look over Giles' shoulder at the passage. "We were brought together by fate. And some of us don't really like each other, so that could be the differences. Right?"

"Precisely what I was thinking Willow."

"So the final two are Buffy and Angel, right?" guessed Xander. Giles nodded.

"Ooo, and Giles! You must be the one with the future knowledge, cuz you know, prophecies…!"

"The one with the powers has to be you Willow," said Xander, getting into it. "And maybe Anya is the one with the past sins? From all those times torturing men?" Xander frowned. "But I'm not mentioned."

"Not directly," consoled Willow. "But you'd be the one with the caring heart. But how do we apologize to Buffy and get her back here? When is this supposed to happen Giles?"

Giles sighed. "I believe that it is already in progress."

****

"How are you feeling?" asked Angel, as he and Buffy walked hand in hand down the darkened street.

Buffy fought the urge to roll her eyes. Even though she'd given birth a month ago, you would never know it to look at her. She'd returned to her pre-pregnancy weight, a fact that Cordy seemed to be happy about; and her reflexes and skills had not diminished, though she had a sneaking suspicion that it was her new status as a warrior. "Angel, I'm fine."

"I just worry about you. We haven't gotten much sleep since we brought the baby home. And with work and patrolling…."

"Angel. Please. It's sweet of you to worry, but I'm fine, really. And Liam really isn't that bad. He only woke up once last night."

"Classes are starting up soon. Have you given any thought to going back to school?"

This time, Buffy did roll her eyes. "Angel, Liam and me are staying here with you until you get sick of us."

Angel pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"Never," came the whispered word.

Buffy grinned against the worn leather of his duster. "Good. 'Cuz this is something I'm getting very used to."

"You really should have some sort of classes though. You can't just work at Angel Investigations forever."

"And why not? This is what I'm built to do. Save people." She glared at him. "Don't you dare go trying to rule my life again." She paused, softening her look to a smile. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want a big deal made, but I did look at some courses. I'm thinking social work, that way it fits in with my day job."

"That's a wonderful idea."

"Mmmhmm. But I don't want to start until at the earliest next semester, and I want to take it slow. I don't want to miss out on Liam's big moments."

"I'll support you in everything you decide. I've learned my lesson."

"Uh-huh. Sure you have. That's why you left the course catalog on the kitchen table."

Angel grinned sheepishly. "No one ever said a well-placed hint wasn't a bad thing."

Buffy smiled, the bright look on her face dimming slightly as they passed a familiar face from years ago. Turning her head to follow the figure, her gaze settled on a distinguishing mark on the girl's forearm. Pulling away from Angel, she took a step after the girl. "Anne? Is that you?"

Much like she herself had done, the figure paused for a step. Buffy pressed on, moving swiftly around to face the girl, looking up into a tear-streaked face. "Hey, are you all right?"

Blank eyes looked back at her, and Buffy gently gripped her arm. "Lil…Anne?"

She blinked, coming out of her trance. Anne blinked a few more times, trying to place the face in front of her. "B-Buffy?"

Buffy nodded slowly. "Are you okay? You look a little…"

The thin girl gave her a wan smile, shaking her head. "I'm fine. How are you doing?"

Buffy tilted her head, but didn't voice her suspicions. "Very well. I'm married now. You seem a little upset. Can I do anything to help?"

Anne's long hair flowed as she shook her head vigorously. "No, I'm fine really. You've done enough for me."

Buffy exchanged glances with Angel, both of them recognizing the signs of need in the girl. "It was nothing more than you deserve, and you look like you need more of it. Do you want to tell me what's going on?"

"I don't think I can."

"All right then. We'll take it slowly then. You'll come back to our house, and get some sleep. You look like you haven't slept in a while. Does that sound good?"

Anne nodded, lowering her head. "You are too good to me."

Buffy grinned impishly at the girl, her eyes sparkling. "It's a flaw. I'm nice to everyone who deserves it." Putting her arm around the taller girl, Buffy led her toward the office.

****

****

Buffy stepped from the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Angel looked up from his seat on the sofa. "Is she asleep?"

Buffy nodded, giving a tired yawn as she stepped around the sofa to sit beside him, shoulders touching. "As soon as her head hit the pillow. I wasn't able to find out anything."

"Buffy, you know I love you, and I trust you," started Angel, tracing the lines on her palm, "but who is she?"

"I met her two summers ago…right before I went home…" Buffy trailed off, looking back to the direction of the bedroom doors. "I need to see Liam…"

"I called Doyle, and he's going to bring him over." Angel squeezed her hand reassuringly. "If you don't want to talk…"

"No, that's okay. She was Lily then, we'd met before, at that vampire club back, well…before?" Angel nodded, showing he remembered. "She came into the diner I was working at with her boyfriend, and when he disappeared, she came to me. She ended up showing me I couldn't escape who I was."

Angel recognized that a lot of the story was missing, but didn't press for details. "And then you went back?"

Buffy nodded. "But not before giving her my job and my middle name to use. She seemed like she was going to pull it together. I don't know what happened to her after that."

"No one can answer that but her."

****

Buffy was sitting at the kitchen table, playing with Liam who was strapped into his carrier on the table top when Anne came out of the bedroom, dressed in the jeans and a tee-shirt that Buffy had pulled out for her the night before. Angel had gone upstairs to let the movers in that were bringing in the office furniture. Muffled scrapes of moving objects filtered down to them, mixed with the voices of her friends. "Good morning."

Anne nodded shyly, moving timidly to stand in the entranceway to the kitchen. "Morning."

"Are you hungry? I'm not the best cook, but Angel made some eggs earlier. I could warm them up for you?"

"I don't want to bother you…I already kicked you out of your bed…"

Buffy shook it off, vacating her chair and moving toward the refrigerator. "No bother. And it really isn't our bed. The apartment is more of an employee lounge and a safehouse. Our office is upstairs, that's all the noise you hear up there, we're in the process of redecorating." Buffy's hands were full as Liam started to fuss, and she turned to Anne pleadingly. "Could you get his pacifier, please?"

"Is this your…"

"Son? Yeah. William Francis O'Conner. He'll be six weeks on Thursday."

"And your husband was the man you were with last night?"

"Angel. I was wondering if you noticed him. You were kinda spaced." Anne's face began to close up, and Buffy hurried on. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here to listen. Or to help if you need it."

The microwave dinged and Buffy placed a bowl of scrambled eggs and some juice in front of their guest. Anne picked up her fork, moving the yellow substance around in the bowl. "It's nothing, um, demon-y or anything. I was doing pretty well for myself for about a year."

Buffy sat across from her, waiting expectantly. "And then what happened?"

"I met Kevin. He started coming into the diner around July, and kept asking me out. I finally said yes, and before I knew it I'd quit my job to spend all my time with him. I was so caught up with him, I didn't care that he'd started drinking or taking his frustrations out on me."

"What happened?"

"I left him a few days ago, and I've been hiding ever since, afraid that he's going to find me."

"What made you suddenly decide to leave?"

"Actually, I thought of you. I asked myself if Buffy would let this happen to her, and five minutes later I'd left."

Buffy moved around the table to wrap an arm around the thin girl's shoulders. "You did this yourself, Anne. You had the strength to leave. But you don't have a place to go now do you?" Anne shook her head softly.

Buffy was suddenly struck with an idea. With each of them finding their new powers everyday, they'd all become some what equal partners with the agency. Cordelia had promoted herself to office manager, declaring that she was sick of answering phones. That would leave them with a space for receptionist, an area that was severely lacking considering their set requirements; dealing with demons and other weirdness being the number one factor. "Then I have a proposal for you. Thank goodness I ran into you." Buffy grinned.

"What?" asked Anne, warily.

"We need a secretary. One with better filing skills than Cordy, but one who also knows about the things that go bump. Think you could handle it? You could stay down here till you find your own place."

Anne gave her a sparkling smile. "I'd love to. Er, I wouldn't have to fight would I?"

"Only if it comes to it, which it probably won't. We can always teach you some basic things anyway. And I know you can keep secrets, so it's all good. Only…do you like kids?" Anne nodded, wondering where Buffy was going with it. "Would you be willing to watch Liam sometimes? I don't really like trusting him with many people…"

"I'd be happy to, Buffy. Thank you."

****

When Giles entered Angel Investigations this time, it was a very different office than before. What he walked into now was a very legitimate, but at the same time, welcoming reception area. An unfamiliar blonde sat behind the receptionist desk, and she looked away from her work on the computer to settle her gaze on him. "Can I help you sir?"

Giles pulled off his glasses, and wiped them nervously as he approached the desk. He'd prolonged his return almost two weeks, all his calculations telling him that it was the maximum time he could put off coming to ask Buffy and Angel back. "Is Angel here?"

"Do you have an appointment, Mr…?" She broke off, expectantly waiting for a name.

"Giles. Rupert Giles."

If he wasn't mistaken, the receptionist's blue eyes grew cold and icy. "I'm sorry sir, but he's unavailable. Would you like to leave a message?" Her words were polite, but no longer held the warmth that her welcome had.

"Is Buffy here then?"

"I'm sorry sir, but the O'Connor's aren't here at the moment."

"It is imperative that I speak to someone immediately. I want to speak to someone NOW."

The blonde leveled a glare at him and stood up smoothly, disappearing down a hallway that ran behind the reception area. A few moments later, she returned with a shorter, dark haired man beside her.

The gentlemen crossed his arms and leaned casually on the desk. "Anne says that you're quite insistent on speaking to someone."

"I need to see Buffy and Angel, urgently. It is a matter of utmost importance. And this child here tells me that they aren't here."

"Aye, they aren't. And if they were, I doubt you'd be welcome here. I believe that you were told not to return."

"This isn't a social call. There is trouble coming…"

The man cut him off. "There is always trouble coming. Good-bye, Mr. Giles."

****

Anne looked up at Doyle as soon as the door had shut behind the aging watcher. "Boy, he's loads of fun to be around."

Doyle chuckled. "You did a good job handling him, Anne."

"Don't you think we should have listened to what he said though?" asked Anne, worriedly twirling a piece of hair. "I mean, he sounded serious, and…"

Doyle placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about that Anne. We have our ways to find out what is going on. As a matter of fact, there should be a number in our database for a Willy's Alibi Room. Could you get it for me?"

Anne nodded, already turning back to the computer. "What should I say when Buffy and Angel return?"

"Don't tell them that Giles was here. Just tell them that I want to speak to them."

****

Buffy had finished putting Liam to bed, and was leaning in the doorway to his bedroom when Angel came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Putting her hands on top of his, she leaned back. "He's a miracle, isn't he?"

Angel nodded, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Our miracle." They stood like that for a moment before Angel led her away, down the hallway to their bedroom. "I talked with Doyle earlier." Buffy didn't even seem curious as she began to undress for bed. "He told me Giles had been into the office today."

At Giles' name, Buffy stilled with her top almost over her head. "What did he want?"

"To talk to us actually. He said it was of the upmost importance."

"The Hellmouth?" Buffy had stopped all pretense of changing.

"Doyle didn't get it out of him, but they called Willy. Something big is coming."

Buffy sighed, sitting on their large bed. "So we have to go back there don't we?"

Angel nodded. "I'm afraid so. The others are already headed down there to set things up for us. I still have the mansion, but it's been a year, so they're going to get things ready. We'll join them tomorrow."

Buffy nodded, knowing it was necessary. "Can we bring Liam?"

Angel sighed, sitting beside her and wrapping his arms around her. "I don't like leaving him either, but do we really want him there when we're in the middle of a battle?"

Buffy shook her head. "I'd be too worried about him to fight properly. What should we do then?"

"Your Dad?" asked Angel. Mr. Summers had be a frequent visitor since Buffy had moved back to Los Angeles, and the father and daughter had repaired past grievances.

"Dad had to go to Seattle for a meeting. He won't be back until next week. Could Anne handle it you think? She's been so good with Liam when we leave him with her."

Angel nodded in agreement. "She can stay here. I'm going to go out tomorrow and try and find Gunn before we leave. He should be able to handle things here while we're gone, and he can help Anne."

Buffy leaned her head against Angel. Everything was settled, and by this time tomorrow, they'd be back in Sunnyhell. Lifting her head in a silent plea for a kiss, Angel quickly complied with her request. Pulling herself closer to him, she lost herself in the comforting warmth of his love.

****

Buffy sighed as she leaned back in the leather seat of Angel's car, her feet propped on the dash. With her sunglasses firmly in place and the sun beating down on her, she could almost forget that the highway they were traveling was quickly bringing them back to the Hellmouth. Turning her head to look at Angel's profile, she sighed. "I think I forgot to turn off the oven."

Angel gave a soft chuckle. "Baby, you know we have to do this."

Buffy nodded, taking her feet off the dash and scooting across the seat to lean against him. "Maybe after this, they'll realize that we want nothing to do with them."

Taking one hand off the wheel to wrap it around her shoulders, Angel held her close. "They have a history with you. You can't blame them for worrying about you."

Buffy pulled out of his embrace to look accusingly at him. In the two months since they'd gotten back together, the subject of reforging the ties of friendship with those from Sunnydale had not come up. "Angel, they didn't trust me. They were using magic on me. Not to mention calling the Watcher's Council. We're just lucky nothing came of that."

The thought of losing both Buffy and Liam to the incompetent Watchers made Angel grip the wheel, and Buffy, tighter. "We'll call and check in with Gunn and Anne as soon as we get to the mansion."

Buffy nodded, already missing their son. "What are we going to do about this big evil we know nothing about?"

"What else? Patrol."

Buffy nodded, already making a mental list of the places that would need to be checked out. "The normal three team approach?" she asked, referring to the method that the six friends had worked out.

Angel nodded. "I thought that we'd take the high school for one, then we can all meet up at the Bronze? If that's all right?"

Buffy tilted her head to look at him. "Why wouldn't it?"

He shrugged. "Maybe because the other's might be there."

"I figure if we're going to be coming in and saving the day, we're going to have to face them at some point." She shrugged. "Anyway, it might work better if they realized that we're not coming to make amends."

****

Willow's gasp made Xander turn around to try and see what had caused that reaction. He immediately knew what had grabbed her attention. Spike and his ex-girlfriend, had just entered the club, and they each had an arm around the other. Not to mention the fact that Anya was wearing black leather pants and a red halter top.

Xander made to get up and go over and try and talk to her, but was halted by Willow's hand on his arm. Looking at his long time best friend, he shot a questioning look to her. She said nothing, but just nodded her head toward the door.

Wondering who from their past had just walked in, Xander looked back. His other ex-girlfriend, Cordelia, had just came in behind the other two, an unfamiliar dark haired guy at her side. The two couples joined together, talking serious, all four suddenly stopping and turning back to the doorway.

With and exasperated sigh, Xander wondered what was going on now. His answer was in the form of Deadboy and at his side, dressed in black leather pants, which he realized that Cordelia was wearing as well, their estranged Slayer.

No matter what Willow was doing, Xander shot from his seat and hurried over to Buffy and the others. "Buffy?" He slowed as he got nearer, the reason for her leaving resurfacing in his mind.

"Um, hey Buffy, how are you doing?" asked Willow, who appeared at his elbow.

Buffy's gaze didn't warm toward them a degree. Inside, only a slight twinge went through her at being confronted with her old friends. She told herself though, that they had never really trusted her judgement, and that the last incident hadn't been the first. "Xander. Willow. Was there something you wanted?"

"Like another twist of the knife?" supplied Cordelia.

Buffy smirked, barely holding back her laughter. "Cordy."

The dark haired actress smiled back at her friend, shrugging a shoulder. "What?"

"Did Giles come see you?" asked Willow, trying not to show her hurt. Xander, for once was quiet.

Buffy sighed, exchanging glances with her friends, who nodded and slipped off to find a table. Angel only took a step back, reluctant to leave her alone. "Yea, against our request to stay away from L.A."

"But, but, you're back here."

"With Deadboy."

"I'm here only because we got word that something was going on that needed taking care of." She paused, making eye contact with both of them. "That's the only reason, and we're going back home when this situation is taken care of." A quick glance back at Angel told her that anything else was up to her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the firm's card, slipping it to Willow. "We'd appreciate any information you have, but that's all the help, or contact, we want."

Leaving them standing there, Buffy took Angel's hand and went to join the others.

****

"Hey, Angel can I borrow your girl for a dance?" asked Spike.

Angel grinned at his now human childe. "As long as I get her back, Spike."

Spike made a face. "Anya would kill me if I didn't."

"Damn straight," piped in Anya, a wide grin on her lips.

Spike stood, gallantly bowing, his hand outstretched toward Buffy. "The pleasure of a dance, milady?"

Buffy laughed, taking his hand and doing a rather good job at a curtsy, using her other hand as a fan. "Of course kind sir."

The remaining four watched their two friends out on the dance floor, moving to the beat, before Cordy stood up and dragged Angel out, and Doyle took Anya near their friends.

For a good half-hour straight they stayed out on the floor, switching partners and sharing smiles with each other over shoulders. When the band took its break, they all moved as one to their table, the guys leaving the girls there to go get some drinks.

"Think they got the point?" asked Buffy, propping her chin on her hand and grinning at her two friends.

Anya nodded. "Xander looks as if he doesn't know what's going on."

"And Willow is looking mournfully over here," included Cordelia.

Buffy gave a triumphant grin, but then frowned. "I kinda feel bad for them…"

"Buffy, they were the ones who went behind your backs. They're the ones who brought this on themselves," insisted Cordelia. "They didn't trust you, and they were taking you for granted."

Anya agreed. "They deserve this."

The guys returned then, drinks in hand, and all thought of the others flew from their mind. Angel raised his glass. "To friends and family."

"To the Warriors," added Doyle.

"To us," finished Spike.

With a nod, all six raised their glasses in the air. "To us."

****

Willow was in shock as Buffy brushed past her, and didn't shake herself out of it for a good minute. Xander was in as much confusion as she was, though he looked it more. Trying to figure out what had went wrong, she propelled Xander back to their table, both taking seats that would allow them to see the six people that had just entered.

This wasn't supposed to happen like this. Buffy and Angel were supposed to come back, and they were supposed to become the Warriors of Fate. Not give them the brush off; they hadn't done anything but worry about Buffy.

And here was Buffy, looking extremely friendly with Cordelia, Anya, and Spike of all people, hanging out at the Bronze and giving her two best friends the brush off. Her mind was far from still as the six moved to the dance floor, then moved back to their table.

Cordelia and Anya both shot quick glances in their direction, but both were dismissing. The three girls seemed deep in conversation, broken only by the return of the guys, who then went into a toast. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Maybe, just maybe, if they knew about the prophecy, they'd come back, realizing that it was meant to be.

****

Buffy walked the familiar campus of UC Sunnydale, nostalgically watching the students moving around the paths, some, freshmen, using maps. Willow had called Angel Investigations the night before, telling Anne that she wanted to see Buffy.

So after a quick warm-up that morning, she'd skipped out on training, heading to the campus to meet with her. Turning right for the library, Buffy pulled her hair back with an elastic. In her khaki shorts and green tank top, she looked like any other student.

As she had only been to the library that one time, it took her a little time to find the right hallway, finding Willow quickly as soon as she entered. The red head stood up quickly upon seeing Buffy, a nervous smile on her face. "You came."

"I did. Anne said you had some information."

Willow frowned. "Do we have to talk about that right now? I thought maybe…"

"That what? We could talk about you and the others stabbing me in the back?" Buffy shook her head, taking a deep breath to calm her anger. "I'd rather know whatever it is you wanted to tell me, thank you."

"Buffy, we were only doing what we thought was best for you."

Buffy snorted. "Funny thing. No one ever seems to ask me what I think the best thing is." Buffy held out her left hand, palm up. "Information? Of did you just call me here to try and be my friend again?"

Willow bit her lip, and placed an envelope, containing the prophecy, in her hand. "Buffy, we have to try and work this out. That's a prophecy dealing with us as a group. We need you, and you need us."

Buffy tilted her head, lifting the envelope to tap it against her lips. The ring on her ring finger glinted in the light coming into the room, catching Willow's attention. "I think I can handle it." Noticing Willow's look, she gave an exasperated sigh. "What?"

Willow pointed to the simple silver band, next to another ring inset with three diamonds. "You're not…"

"Married? Actually yes I am. Going on two months. Its legal and everything." Buffy folded the envelope and tucked it into her back pocket. "See ya around."

Turning her back on the Wicca, Buffy left the library, headed toward the parking lot. Pulling her sunglasses down from their perch on her head as she stepped out into the sun, she was surprised to see a blonde TA staked out on the steps.

"Buffy!"

Hoping he'd give up if she kept on walking, she was disappointed as he fell into step beside her. "Riley."

He grinned at her. "Are you coming back to campus this semester? You didn't even say goodbye when you left last year. I wanted to tell you that even in your condition I still cared about you."

Buffy stopped, and looked up at him, total shock on her face. "Um, sure, thanks Riley." Speeding her steps, she walked faster down the path.

Riley wouldn't be shook off. "So you're coming back here? Do you think maybe you're ready for another date?"

"Uh no." Thankfully, Angel's car, which he'd bravely let her borrow, was only about ten feet away. Maybe if she made a break for it…

"No you're not coming back? Well that's okay. We could still see each other, couldn't we?" They'd reached the car and Riley took the keys Buffy pulled from her pocket, unlocking the door and opening it for her.

Grabbing the keys away from him, she offered him a pitiful smile. "I'm only here for a short time Riley. I live in L.A. now, and before you say it, no, long distance wouldn't work, mainly because I doubt my husband would appreciate it."

Riley's mouth fell open. "You're married?"

Buffy nodded, flashing her left hand. "Sorry if Willow's plan to get us together failed. Have a nice life Fish boy."

Slamming the door, she gunned the engine, pulling out of the space and almost running over Riley's foot.

****

Buffy pulled into the driveway of the mansion, cutting the engine, and stepping from the car as the front door opened and Angel emerged, in the cargo shorts she'd gotten him last time she'd been shopping, and one of his few white shirts. Shutting the driver's side door, she leaned against it as he came closer to her, wrapping her arms around his waist and lifting her head for a kiss.

He freely gave it, not stepping back as it was over, and they gazed at each other. "Hey."

Buffy smiled. "Hey."

"How did it go?"

Buffy groaned and rested her forehead against his chest. "She tipped Riley off that I'd be there. What did I ever see in him?"

Angel chuckled, moving to hold her hand and lead her inside. "At least you didn't wreck my car."

Buffy shot him a look as the stepped across the threshold into the cool shadows of the huge mansion. Music was coming from the Great Hall, and the couple found their friends on the couches, Cordelia studiously painting Spike's nails, Anya reading, and Doyle almost asleep.

"Goldilocks, how'd it go?" asked Spike, looking up but not moving.

Buffy lifted a shoulder as she retrieved the envelope that she'd been given. "Probably not as bad as it could have been. Only Willow and Riley were waiting for me." Buffy handed the envelope over to Angel, who opened it. "She said that we had to work our problems out, because there was a prophecy about us."

"What did you tell her?" asked Cordelia.

"That I could handle it. Screw the prophecy if I have to deal with her and the others."

"The prophecy doesn't have anything to do with them," enlightened Angel, who looked up from scanning the enclosed paper.

"Huh?"

Angel smiled at his wife, and went on to read the words. "So basically, they're translating it one way…"

"When it's already happened," finished Buffy.

"So wait, they actually thought it was talking about them?" asked Anya.

Angel nodded. "You can't really blame them, not knowing what has been going on."

Cordelia scoffed. "Oh blame them anyway."

"So who's who?" asked Doyle, "Most of it is understandable. You and Buffy are the two mentioned at the end, I'm the one with the knowledge of the future…"

"I'd be the one with the past sins, mate," said Spike.

"How do you know that's not me?" asked Anya, indignantly.

"You're the only one here that really does any Wiccan work," pointed out Buffy, "And based on Cordy's new abilities, she'd be the one with the caring heart."

"That caring heart must be hidden pretty deep," teased Doyle, lightening his words by a loving smile thrown in her direction.

Cordelia stopped glaring at him long enough to pose her next question. "The issue we face now is to tell them or not."

"Actually, it should be on this prophesized evil that is supposedly coming."

"So, research?" Buffy said, looking at Angel.

He nodded, refolding the prophecy carefully and tucking it away. "Research."

****

Buffy groaned and stretched as she stood from her position bent over a pile of books. Angel gave her a warm smile, reaching over to squeeze her hand lighlty. "I'm hungry…you guys want me to bring out some stuff?"

There was a chorus of nods, and Buffy moved away from the living area that they were sprawled around, picking her way through piles of discarded books and moving into the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she pulled out a few bottles of water, for her, Angel and Cordelia, sodas for the rest. Scrounging in the cupboard for the few groceries that they'd stocked the mansion with, she pulled out a box of crackers, and a bag of pretzels, deciding that a run for pizza would have to be made later.

Stacking it on a tray, she made it back to the living room in time for the bolt of pain that went through everyone's minds. It passed after only a moment though, as Doyle slammed his hands to his forehead as the vision cut through him. Shaky, and still not used to the group's warning system, she almost lost her grip on the food, saved by Angel, who was by her side in moments.

When Doyle seemed to relax, Cordelia took a soda from Buffy, and slipped it into his hands, along with a few pain killers. She shot him a look as he downed the items. "I hate that part of our connection."

Spike nodded somberly, rubbing his head.

Angel sighed. They'd gone over this the first time it had happened to them. They each received the pain, allowing them to know it was time to regroup and fight the baddies. "What did you see?"

Doyle took a breath and shook his head, trying to clear it of the ringing pain and the aftershocks of the visions. "A group of demons at that place we were at last night. They pretty much had the place surrounded."

****

Buffy slipped out of Angel's car that was parked a safe distance from the Bronze. Glancing at her watch as Angel moved to stand beside her, she knew that everyone else should be getting in position. With a glance at her husband, who nodded at her, she reached out with her mind, touching each of the other Warriors.

The bond the six of them shared made it easier for them to coordinate in a fight. They still hadn't learned everything that they'd been blessed with by the Powers, even in the month or so that they'd been working together. As a basic rule, they all had enhanced strength, Buffy, Angel and Spike more than the others. Doyle still received his visions, along with warning systems for the rest of them. Anya was the witch of their small group, using the magicks at her fingertips. Cordelia, was their caregiver, with her ability to help heal others wounds.

They'd trained and sparred together in the time that had passed since they'd been blessed, but this would be the first real fight in their careers. They'd been involved in the usual groups of vampires, or the random vampire, but this would be the first "Hell on Earth" battle.

Buffy glanced sideways at Angel as they moved through the shadows to their destination and entrance: the skylight. "I hope this goes all right."

Angel reached out in the dark to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We'll be fine. This is no different from any other battle we've faced."

She made a face. "I know…it's just I'm afraid we'll fail and the PTB's will decide that they made a mistake and that we're not worthy of this gift." She paused, then spoke slightly lower. "I can't loose you again…not after all this time we've spent together…not after seeing you with our son…not after loving you…"

"Hey." He pulled her closer to him, cupping her face in his hands and looking seriously into her eyes, speaking directly to her soul. "We'll be fine. No one, nothing is going to happen to take any of this away from us. Do you understand? I'm never leaving your side again. They wouldn't dare do anything to take you away from me, because they'd have to deal with me." He punctuated his speech with a kiss that showed her all his love for her.

As the kiss ended, Buffy looked up into his eyes, giving a soft sigh. "I know, it's just that after everything we've been through…I just need to hear that nothing is going to change every once in a while."

Angel nodded, pushing back a strand of hair. "I understand."

A surge of impatience went through the both of them, and they looked at each other, grinning, knowing that it had been sent by their friends.

*Are two done with all that love-y junk?* Spike's mind called to them. This little fact that they could speak mentally wasn't a perk of their status of warriors, but more of an enchantment that Anya had put on them for battles.

Buffy rolled her eyes. *All right, all right. Battle ready. Has anything even happened in there yet? *

Her mental question was followed by a bloodcurdling scream from below, and Buffy groaned, her gaze whipping to the tableau below. "Okay, that so does not look good."

"On three," said Angel.

Buffy nodded, and then they began the countdown together, moving to the skylight. "One. Two…"

****

Willow wasn't sure why she'd come to the Bronze tonight. She was surprised to find Xander and Giles there as well, and they took a table in the back, away from everyone else.

"Xander said that Buffy showed up with Angel last night."

Willow nodded. "She didn't seem to happy about being here. She was being mean to us, Giles."

"And she was hanging out with Cordelia and Spike," added Xander.

"I mean, we didn't do anything wrong. We were just trying to be good friends to her, and she ran away and let us think that she was dead!"

"It must be Cordelia's influence on her," scoffed Xander. "Or Angel's…"

"You're right Willow. We didn't do anything to force her out of our life, she made that choice on her own. But some how we have to figure out how to get her back, because of the prophecy I found."

Willow's mouth formed an 'o'. "I gave Buffy a copy of it today. She didn't seem too concerned with it. She's not the same Buffy that we knew in high school. I don't like it. And she totally blew off Riley!"

"Perhaps she's under some sort of magickal influence?" pondered Giles, taking off his glasses and cleaning them.

Xander nodded. "I wouldn't put it past Deadboy. And since Cordelia's been hanging out with him, I wouldn't doubt her. She's always been a witch."

"What do you think, Willow?" asked Giles, looking at their resident Wicca.

Willow paused, trying to figure out how to word it. "Well, I've been doing some stuff on reading's people's aura's…and I know you told me to be careful with magic, but its more meditation than actual spell casting. So when she went all mean to me, I tried to read her as she left." Willow stopped for a moment, thinking back. "She was the first one I tried it on before she left last year…but the essence she had today…it was different. She hasn't been changed or anything like that, but she's not the same."

"Could that happen from a spell, Giles?"

"It may…" Giles broke off as three gargantuan demons that had to be at least seven feet tall, crashed into the Bronze, 20 vampires streaming in behind them and fanning out to corral the crowd. "Oh dear…this isn't good."

The three of them stood up, edging toward the back of the crowd to figure out a game plan. "I thought you said we had more time," hissed Xander, looking accusingly at the Watcher

Willow rolled her eyes. "That isn't the issue here. The issue is that I only have one stake and a cross on me. And the issue that Claire is across town patrolling."

It was then that all hell broke loose. The back entrances were thrown open at the exact moment that the skylight above broke, sending a rain of glass falling to the ground, followed by two black clad figures.

The people cowered back as the two figures were joined by another four, all wearing the same long black dusters. The group, barely discernable in the dimmed atmosphere of the club scene formed a line between the defenseless teens behind them and the butt-ugly demons in front of them.

Blonde hair from the form in the middle, standing next the tall, dark figure, was the ex-Scoobies' only clue of just who these people were. The three of them sent bewildered looks toward each other, trying to figure out what was going on.

****

"Three…"

The word fell into oblivion as they jumped together, a rainfall of shimmery shards preceding their fall into space. They landed in perfect synchronisity, to land onto the hard cement two stories below, the land barely jarring her as she straightened, gazing hard at the demons.

*Oh, yuck…these guys are gross…* Cordelia's essence complained over their connection, earning agreements from both her and Anya.

Angel was the one to show impatience now, directing his thoughts toward them. *Can we deal with their appearance later…we have people to help.*

The middle demon, the one that was the ugliest and tallest, and had the most slime dripping off of him stared down at them, his mouth forming words. "Warriors…your time has come."

Buffy rolled her eyes. With a single thought passed between them, the group suddenly split out, Buffy, Angel and Spike, the strongest fighters, heading to take on the demons.

***

The captives pulled back to watch the dance of death taking place in front of their eyes. The death of the demons that had thought to make an easy meal that was. Even those that had no inkling of just what was going on, or who their rescuers were could tell that they knew what they were doing.

Two of the girls and one of the guys, unrecognizable in a combination of the shadowed atmosphere and the flurry of activities that they were involved in. The vampires, which the people knew on at least some level what they were, were slowly being taken out one by one, the three fighting separately, but at times seeming as if the three were fighting as one.

The other three figures, two men more different in looks than could ever possibly be, and the slender young woman that seemed to be stronger than the men, were ruthlessly taking out the three heads of the latest attack to the club. Each moved with an intense grace, concentrating solely on their opponent. At times all six seemed to do something that they couldn't have known unless one of the others had called out a warning.

No word was spoken however. The Bronze was silent except for the occasional grunts from one of the fighters, or the smack of fist against demon flesh. Once in a while a vampire would get too close to one of the watching crowd, and a yell of fear would pierce the fight scene, but that would be it.

***

Buffy ducked and grimaced as a glob of demon slim fell off her attacker's arm as his misplaced punched hit nothing but the space she had just vacated, and landed on the back of her neck. Still crouched down, she kicked her legs up, going into a partial handstand as she locked her legs around the demon's neck, and forced him to go flying onto his back.

She directed a thought toward Spike, who was fighting his demon just a few feet away as she moved toward him. The demon threw a punch, and Spike ducked and rolled out of the way, moving toward Buffy's wayward opponent as Buffy moved in on his. She introduced herself with a quick snap kick, lunging under reaching arms to come at his back and throw a hard punch to the base of where the spine should be.

He turned and growled, lunging for her even as she anticipated his movement and darted quickly to the side. In a swift move, she slipped the dagger out of its hiding place in her jacket, moving around to his back once more and plunging it into where its neck connected with the rest of its body. The tip emerged out the other side, and with a quick and brutal twist, she sliced upward with all her supernatural force, splitting the head in half.

She spared it an amused glance as it fell to the concrete floor with a squish, the body already losing its shape. Checking on the other two fighters, who were getting the upper hand, she sent them both a quick note of the demon's weakness in protecting its back. Looking around the crowded establishment, Anya was the first of her friends she saw, struggling with 2 vampires that had cornered a slight slip of a girl.

Smoothly weaving through the chaos, she staked the second as it tried to blindside Anya. "Need any here?" she asked.

Anya grinned, finally able to concentrate as she levitated a pool cue and staked her opponent in the back and caught the instrument as it passed through the dust that its body became. "I have it covered now. Thanks."

"That's what friends are for right?"

"Yup. How are Spike and Angel doing?"

Buffy tilted her head toward their significant others, watching as Angel moved away from the mess that the demon was becoming and Spike threw the final hit. "I think we've got it handled here."

The six moved to the center of the dance floor as the remaining vampires, now leaderless, were either staked or fled for the safety of the night outside. Couples exchanged chaste kiss, or hugs, and then they looked at each other.

"Well, that's it. We've won our first big battle," said Doyle.

"Did you doubt we would?" chastised Cordy.

"Not at all Princess…"

"I think Doyle just meant that it was an accomplishment for us," interrupted Angel.

"Can we go home now?" asked Anya. "I want to get my Spike alone so we can copulate many times."

The ex-vampire blushed even as a wide grin spread across his features. The others grimaced.

"I'm not against that myself," said Buffy, her arm around Angel. "I've been away from Liam too long."

Angel nodded, squeezing her lightly. "I agree. We'll pack up and head home tomorrow."

At the clearing of a throat, the six turned, facing Giles, Willow, and Xander. "Yes?" asked Buffy.

Giles pushed his glasses further up his nose. "Um, thank you for giving your assistance in this situation."

"It's what we do Watcher," said Spike, his arm tightening around Anya.

"Yes, well, erm…Buffy, Angel, Anya, do you think that we could talk to you for a moment. Alone."

They looked at each other, exchanging amused glances. Angel spoke for them, his voice cool toward the older man. "You can say whatever you need to in front of our friends."

"We're a package deal now," piped up Cordelia, her gaze focused on Doyle, and ignoring her ex.

"It has to do with the prophecy that Willow gave Buffy. It involves the six of us, so we need to put aside whatever differences you seem to think we have, and work with us once again."

Buffy's hazel eyes snapped with barely controlled anger. "So let me get this straight. You expect me to work with you three again, after everything that has happened, because of some stupid prophecy."

"It's the way it has to be Buffy," said Xander, his voice calm with conceit of what he thought was right.

"Oh really. So you want me to forget the fact that you lied to me 2 years ago when I went against Angelus. That Faith almost killed Angel because of you. That you were helping your two friends here go behind my back. You want me to forgive Willow even though she can't keep out of my business, and she was casting spells on me and trying to push me on a man I didn't love. You want me to forget that Giles betrayed me and almost got me and my mother killed, and was asking the Watcher's Council for help when I wouldn't give him the answers I wanted." Buffy paused in her tirade, calming in the warm peace and love that her friends were projecting toward her, and concentrating on Angel's warm hand in her own. "Well, that's just too bad because it's never going to happen."

"But…but….the prophecy! You have to come back!" exclaimed Willow.

Buffy cocked an eyebrow at her one-time best friend, slipping from Angel's side to hold his hand, and reaching out for Spike's with her other hand. The six took the hint and linked hands, Cordelia and Doyle on Angel's other side. "Who ever said the prophecy wouldn't come true? Or even that it hadn't happened already? Maybe you just decided to read more into a very old work than you should have."

"You mean…"

Angel interrupted Giles. "Like Cordy said. We're a package deal now."

Spike laughed, "And you're not included in on it."

"Spike." Angel focused his attention back to the three stunned people in front of them. "The prophecy has come about, Mr. Giles. And as we've said before, we no longer require, or want your help."

"Can we go now Angel? I want to leave early tomorrow," said Buffy.

Angel nodded. "We'll split up for a last patrol." As he said that, the other two couples in their group broke off and exited the Bronze. He began to lead her off, but stopped as she looked back at the three people that had been a huge part of her life.

Buffy stepped away from her husband, looking soberly at the trio. "I should thank you three for doing what you did, because it brought me back to Angel. But I won't because you probably don't care that my life is finally the way it always should have been. I feel sorry for you, and I might even forgive you for what you've done sometime in the future, but it will never be more than a possible generic Christmas card friendship."

That being said, she turned on them and the dissolving demon slime on the floor behind them, reaching out and taking Angel's extended hand, their dusters swishing around their legs as they turned and left the Bronze.

****

"We're back!" exclaimed Buffy as she and Angel entered their offices the next morning. And stopped immediately at the sight of Anne and Gunn sitting on the floor very close to each other playing with Liam who was laying on the blanket in front of them.

Anne looked up and grinned, unconsciously shifting further away from Gunn. "Hey. Boy, you two made good time getting back here."

Buffy grinned, crossing the room to hug her friend and then lifting her son to cuddle to her shoulder. "I think Angel broke the land speed record driving back here."

Gunn stood, shaking hands with Angel in welcome before turning and helping Anne up off the floor. "It's good to have you two back. Maybe now we'll get more action around here."

"Things were that slow, were they?" asked Angel, after pressing a kiss to Liam's soft skin.

"Oh hell yes. Does trouble just decide to follow you two where ever you go?"

"You'd think it would learn not to after all this time," laughed Buffy. "So things went okay?"

Anne nodded. "I set up a couple of appointments for you all that are in a few days, and Liam was a little angel. No pun intended."

"We can't thank the both of you enough for taking care of things for us here," said Angel. " I hope we haven't scared you off from helping us out in the future."

Gunn shook his head. "You know where to find me if you need help. Are you two staying to work, or heading back home?"

Angel shook his head, already leading Buffy and Liam out of the main door. "We didn't get much sleep last night, so we're going to go home and crash. There's no point in you guys staying here and working either, since we're back in the city, so take the rest of the day off Anne."

"Bye guys."

"Have fun you two," grinned Angel, before the door shut behind him and his wife.

Buffy looked at him, shaking her head in mock annoyance. "That was mean Angel. You're more of a matchmaker than I am."

"Can I help it if I want everybody I care about to be as happy as I am with you?" he asked as he opened the car door for her and helped put Liam in his seat.

"Ever the charmer aren't you?" Buffy asked, a smile permanently in place as he slid into the driver's seat. Angel flashed her a wide grin before turning the key in the ignition. "Take your family home Angel."

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