Part VIII- The Plot Thickens

"This is completely UNACCEPTABLE! I want answers," Lila commanded of Darla.

Darla was just about to settle into of the executive chairs when Lila began yelling at her. Lindsey quickly followed her. Darla remained calm as Lila got right in her face. When the young lawyer had started her tirade, she merely yawned back.

"He felt that happiness. Even before they did anything… physical. It was enough for him just to see her," she assured them.

Lindsey echoed, "You do realize that we brought you back for a specific purpose. Angel has been a thorn in our sides for some time now."

"I do not take threats… Or orders," she hissed back. "It is for this scenario I have brought William. He and my assistant are taking care of it."

The two lawyers looked at her in disbelief. She spun around the chair to the large table to put her feet up. Her tall frame was lost among the sharp metal letter opener, stamps, and other office supplies that littered the massive table. Both founding partners were away at the moment, leaving Lila and Lindsey in charge of the operation. They had deemed these lawyers capable- and there were more important matters to address elsewhere. How were they going to explain this?

"Just relax," she sighed. "Pretty soon- you won't be worrying about Angel anymore…"

Part IX- Reviving the Past

The rest of the ride to Angel's new office was quiet. Neither knew what to say to the other. Angel concentrated on the road, trying not to think of what had happened- and unending joy he experienced. Buffy was lost in her own thoughts and doubts. She remembered everything from Thanksgiving. Then what happened last night… Angel was still here with her. She didn't know what to feel.

Buffy loved Angel more than anything. For her, last night was a release for all those feelings that been pent up for so long. Buffy couldn't stop asking herself why Angel hadn't lost his soul. There was one answer she could think of- she just didn't make him happy anymore. And that thought scared her more than anything she had faced before.

"We're here," he said as he turned into a shaded parking lot.

He got out of the car and let Buffy out of the passenger side. Angel opened the side door and took a step back, allowing Buffy to enter first. She mumbled a thank you, and he followed her inside.

Wesley was at a make shift table with a dozens of books around him. Several charts were laid out in front of him and he seemed very engrossed in what he was doing. One item that caught Buffy's eye was a slightly crumpled parchment scroll. The Slayer felt a strange attraction to the scroll. She almost wanted to reach out to touch it…

Angel made their presence known and said, "Wesley, we have situation-"

The ex-Watcher jumped up from his seat, knocking over several books in the process. He quickly excused himself and began to pick them up. Buffy bent down to help him, and Wesley gasped at the sight of her.

"Buffy! You're here," he exclaimed.

If this were another time, Buffy would have been amused. But she merely said, "Hello, Wesley. I see you're in full research mode…"

"Yes, um. Well you're situation will have to wait-"

Buffy stood back up and began, "No it can't. Angel and I-"

"I made love with Buffy last night," Angel interjected.

Wesley almost knocked over another stack of books at the words. Buffy felt a slight sense of pleasure when she heard Angel use the words "make love" instead of sex. She was quickly snapped out of her happiness when she heard Wesley stammering.

"B-b-b-ut I don't understand…. Shouldn't you be a little more-"

"Evil? I don't know. I just woke up... And I was still here."

Wesley could hardly get out his next question, "Well, yes, then… And, so, ah-huh… Um- Perhaps you didn't quite reach that- No, that's not the appropriate to ask…um…What I'm trying to say is, is it possible you were not able to hav-"

"I feel total bliss just looking at Buffy…Yes, Wesley- I was happy. Last night was more than enough to make me completely happy."

Buffy glanced back at him, "Wait a minute- are you just saying that or do you really mean that?"

"You know I love you, Buffy. Of course I mean it-"

"Then how come you didn't turn as soon as you saw me?"

Angel was about to speak, but couldn't think of answer. He only thought of the dreams. When Buffy looked at him with concern, he explained to Buffy and Wesley about the strange dreams he'd been having. First a few with Darla. And then lately ones with Buffy. He continued to tell Wesley why he had gone to back to Sunnydale. Angel skipped the specifics of his night with Buffy and just reiterated the basic fact that he had not been turned. Wesley began to look worried as he started to shake his head.

"This might have something to do with the vision."

"What vision?" the couple asked in unison.

"Cordelia had a vision. Angel- she saw Darla. She was quite alive and might I add, fighting you and Buffy," he said worriedly.

"That can't be. Angel and I killed her almost four years ago," Buffy said shaking her head in denial.

"Buffy, its possible. Something strange is going on…"

Wesley continued, "In light of that vision, I decided to review the prophecies of Aberjia. It was most disturbing. The scroll contained a resurrection spell for a vampire."

"Meaning that Darla really COULD be out there to get us? I thought once you slay a vampire, it can't come back," Buffy said.

"Yes, that is essentially true. However, from what I can ascertain the scroll says that the demon resurrected will not come back as a full demon."

Angel looked to Wesley and said, "I don't get it. Darla is human again?"

"Yes, but not quite. Technically, she is. Unfortunately the scroll says that the resurrected will have certain powers. To exactly what end, depends on the individual… However, it is hinted those powers could include hypnotism, drawing out the subconscious, with the ability to manipulate the elements and the like."

Angel then worriedly asked, "Could Darla make it rain?"

"I suppose it is possible. Why do you ask?"

"Darla might have tried to make me…happy. So I could be turned."

"That doesn't make sense. If she was trying to get us…um, I mean you… happy- She did it, right? So how come you're not all- grrrr?"

"Well, Angel's curse is very specific- it is even recanted in the prophecy. The happiness needs to be total and complete from circumstances of fate alone."

"A loophole within the loophole. The fun doesn't stop for the gypsies," Buffy remarked.

"At any rate, her attempt backfired. She messed with our minds and the- happiness, didn't come out naturally…But Cordelia still saw us fighting her."

"Yes, Angel she did. Which brings me back to what I was originally trying to explain to you earlier. To even cast the first spell is very difficult- there is a month long period every millenium when it can occur."

Buffy looked worried and asked, "Wesley, did you just say FIRST spell? As in there's another one coming?"

"Yes, is there is a second part of the spell," Wesley sighed. " The resurrected demon's existence will not last for very long."

"I'm guessing it's not good," Angel said dryly.

"If not completed, then the resurrected will die on the zenith of the next full moon. Coincidentally, the next full moon is tonight."

"She's getting electrical equipment," Buffy asked sarcastically.

"No. Buffy, the zenith occurs when the full moon reaches a point that is precisely perpendicular to the horizon. From my calculations, this will occur at exactly 7:00 p.m."

Angel asked, "What does the second part include?"

"It requires the mixing of blood from what they call the strong and the fair. A sacrifice of greed must be made as well for the spell to take effect. A series of very long chants must be uttered and then a circle must be drawn using the blood," Wesley said, showing them the passage.

"Human blood," Buffy realized.

"I am afraid so. Then in order to complete the process, the resurrected must remain in the circle until the zenith passes. Once they do that, they will be given immortality as well as several other great powers."

"Then we need to stop her," Angel said determinedly.

"There is a binding and banishment spell I had in mind. We can start there," he said.

Angel nodded and asked, "Where did Cordelia say she saw us fighting Darla?"

"I am not quite sure. She did not explain the surroundings in great detail."

Buffy looked around the lobby and asked, "Hey, where is Cordy anyway?"

"Unfortunately, she had a ghastly headache after the vision. We were all out of aspirin, so Gunn agreed to take Cordelia to the store in his truck."

Buffy wrinked her nose, "Gunn?"

Angel reassured Buffy, "He's a friend. When did they leave?"

"They went just a few moments ago. Cordelia insisted they go to a market on the other side of town to obtain a specific brand of aspirin."

"Well if those visions hurt as bad I think, I don't blame her," Buffy agreed.

Angel shook his head, "We need a place, Wesley…What about the scroll? Does it say where the ritual will be performed?"

"The text says that the ritual must be performed at the same location of the resurrection."

"Which means we've got to figure out how to get into the basement of the Wolfram & Hart building," Angel said, walking over to a drawer of blueprints.

Buffy opened her eyes wide with realization, "Oh God! That Wolfram and Hart lawyer thing! They're the ones who recruited Spike and Riley! That means-"

"They're all in cahoots, together. Spike, Riley, and Darla… Which is why we need this," Angel said, holding up the blueprints.

"Wait a moment, Angel. Aren't you forgetting about the security measures in the place? For example, the demon that can detect vampires," Wesley questioned.

"I'll go in. Then once I'm inside we'll look for a way to get Angel in," Buffy said.

Angel was about to protest Buffy's involvement, but the ex-Watcher interrupted him. Determined to be of use to the couple, he suggested they research the demon while he found the specifics of the binding spell. Neither argued the idea.

The two were again caught in an awkward silence. With a glance, Angel suggested to Buffy to help Wesley research. But neither of them really focused on the task. They remembered the countless times they were in this exact situation. Angel was thinking the same thoughts Buffy had at that moment… What will happen to us now?

Part X- Getting To the Hart…

For the first two hours of research, the situation was civil. Wesley's presence was the main reason for this- no words between the lovers were exchanged. On a hunch, Wesley went to the back for a book he needed. Once he left, the tone between the two immediately changed. The strong feelings between them were so overpowering…

"Look," Buffy started, breaking the silence. "This is a lot for us. All three of them together like that-."

Angel reached for Buffy's shoulders and quickly turned her to him, "No. They want me. Darla wants me. You will live! Never mind about me, YOU WILL LIVE!"

"Is this what you call living Angel? `Cause its not! When I said I wanted a normal life- I meant with YOU. Nobody else. When I said we were in a rut, I meant that we needed to do more things TOGETHER…"

"I can't," he said, sounding more like a cry for help rather than a statement.

Buffy was in his arms, wildly shaking, "You're always walking away from me-"

"I can't give you anything, Buffy. And if I stay with you, I put you in danger. If I love you- I hurt you."

Before Buffy could respond, Wesley returned with a concerned look on his face. Angel took the opportunity and pulled away from Buffy. She wanted to go back to him. But sensing that there was something wrong, Buffy turned to Wesley.

"What's wrong? Couldn't find the book?"

"Actually I had it in hand when something suddenly occurred to me. What time is it?"

Buffy looked at her watch, "About 4:47 p.m. Why?"

"Cordelia and Gunn haven't returned yet. Although it does take a while to get to the market I mentioned, they ought to have returned by now."

Just then, a crash sounded. Angel reacted and was just able to catch the steel tipped bow before it hit his chest. Reeling from the event, Buffy was barely able to catch the second one before it hit her.

"Good Lord! What in heaven's name was that?"

"Don't know," Angel answered Wesley, looking over to Buffy. "Are you okay, Buffy?"

"Yeah, I'm okay… Look at this," she said, pulling a small piece of paper attached to the bow. "Take out yours first."

Angel complied and read the note out loud, "Darling- Its been a long time. I've been lonely, but your friends are keeping me company. I don't believe this… They've got Gunn and Cordelia."

"Wait, Wesley- You said that the ritual required the blood of the strong and the fair right? I never thought Cordelia was fair- but this Gunn guy, is he-"

Wesley suddenly frowned further, "Strong as an ox… In the words of my esteemed colleague- Oh dear! They will be the ones used for Darla's resurrection."

"Come to the offices tonight at 6:20 p.m. Alone. I may just only take their blood and nothing else if you're good," Buffy finished.

Angel took his coat and said, "I've got to go after them alone. You two stay here. Don't argue with me on this one Buffy."

"You need me as much I need you," Buffy urged.

The vampire stood there, looking at his only love. More than anything he wanted to take her in his arms and show her the vastness of his love. Angel was fighting every impulse not to touch her. Buffy ignored his silent refusal and went to him instead. She tip-toed a bit so she could hold his pained face in her hands.

"We are stronger together. That's what the Mohra demon said and I'm sticking to it. And don't give any excuses about how you think you keep hurting the ones you love. I only hurt when I'm not with you."

Wesley felt very out of place at the moment, but still felt he should say something, "Angel, I am fully aware of the consequences of our collective actions. However, we all share a strong bond of friendship. I absolutely refuse to let Cordelia or Gunn down."

The Englishmen's arguments were convincing, but it was Buffy's look of love that spoke volumes. He stared deep into her hazel eyes and sighed. At that moment, they both silently admitted that they had been living denial. The truth was here, being in each other's arms. Yet Angel felt just as protective of Buffy as she did of him. He did not want her anywhere near the evil that took him into the darkness.

"Together, Angel," she charged with a determined look on her face.

"I'm not letting you get hurt," he began, softly stroking Buffy's shoulders.

As Wesley observed their exchange he checked the clock on the wall, "It's almost 5:00 pm now. You must decide NOW. If you're going alone- you don't have a lot of time to prepare."

Part XI- The Struggle For Power

Riley felt a sense of manly power as he stood over the unconscious May Queen and this street fighter. The blood seductively dripping from their necks made the new vampire's mouth water. As Riley bent closer to the bodies, he was swiftly kicked in the butt.

"Umph," he cried out, stumbling over the captives.

Spike hit him and said, "Look but don't touch…. We need the blood, you big poof!"

Riley still in vampire face angrily said, "Quit calling me that!"

"If anyone is going to drain Spordelia here, it's going to be me. That's payback for the all the damn Billy Idol cracks."

"Then I get the other one, his strength will make me powerful," Riley said thoughtfully.

Spike couldn't help himself from laughing, "Oh God! What did the Slayer see in you?"

"What exactly are you getting at, Johnny Rotten wannabe?"

"Hey," he said warningly as he gathered the blood. "Just telling you the truth."

"And that would be?"

"You're the doormat to every bleedin' woman out there! Always will be. If not to the Slayer then to Darla. Face it- you'll always be hiding behind the skirt of a girl."

"Oh I'm so weak right? Then what are you doing here, huh?"

Spike shrugged it off and simply said, "I admit I'm slave to my obsessions- and respect my elders… Bloody hell! You're not even man enough to say that. And sad part is, it's not like you haven't tried. Little Buffy has quite the imagination doesn't she?"

Riley strode over to him and spoke in his face, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Are you deaf AND dumb? I've heard her call you her lover's name during all those stupid Scooby Gang meetings…We both know all too well- the Slayer opens her legs and heart to one vampire… And his name is-"

"You rang," Angel called out, jumping Riley from behind.

Riley's reflexes were still slow, and Angel's punch connected squarely to his jaw. He tumbled to the floor. Spike turned in full vampire face to his sire.

"Oooh… Don't get too happy at that one. Felt good didn't it? Kicking his bloody bum- knowing that he's touched your precious Buffy in the same places you've-"

Spike didn't finish his sentence before Angel lunged at him next. The blonde vampire was surprised at the attack and took the full brunt of the assault. He slightly regretted taunting his sire in such a manner. Although Spike could pummel the ex-commando, he was still recovering from the spell worked on him. Even at full strength, Spike could just barely keep up with Angel.

"Hmmm….Still having performance problems? Well, I'm sure it happens to a lot of men even after they've sought professional help," Angel quipped, in full game face.

The two vampires continued fighting, exchanging blows- not paying attention to the figure in back of them. As the jeers on Angel's part continued, Spike became more and more angry. Finally, he used the rage to overcome Angel and held both of his arms back. Using all of his strength Spike pushed Angel down on knees, not sure if he could hold him down for very long.

"Riley, you sod! Get a stake," he ordered, as Angel twisted against him.

The newly made vampire walked in from the back, glaring at Angel. Hearing the command, Riley walked over a large broken crate that was nearby. He yanked a plank from the connected boards and smiled back.

"Well Angel… We know who the bigger man is now," Riley said, walking over to him.

"Yeah… It must take big pair to stake me like this. Tell something- how does it feel being Spike's lap dog?"

Enraged at the label, Riley pulled back the wooden stake- ready to thrust the weapon into Angel's undead heart. His hand went down, but just before he connected another hand grabbed his wrist. The harsh grip forced him to drop the weapon and turn around.

"Time to break up this little boys club," Buffy said, pulling Riley to the side.

Riley groaned from the pain, but still showed his bravado, "Buffy- long time no see... How about we pick up right where we left off? I'll be on top."

Angel flinched at the remark, but he took the interruption to his advantage. Spike was amused by the scene and did not foresee Angel flipping him over. Buffy shuttered at the thought of being touched by anyone except Angel. She quickly shook off the comment and continued to twist Riley's arm.

"Angel, you've definitely lost the title to World's Best Actor. I still don't know how I could pretend THIS was you," she retorted.

Angel pinned Spike against the while marble wall and said, "I'd like nothing better to stake the both of them-"

"But we've still got to deal with Darla. Right. Here," Buffy picked up some chains with her foot. "We'll just tie you two together. That should be torture for you both."

The two warriors quickly tied the vampires to one of the iron fixtures on the wall. Angel couldn't control his impulses and knocked the two out. Buffy gave him a slight smile of approval as she quickly walked over to Cordelia and Gunn. Wesley stepped out of the shadows, running with the scroll in hand. He surveyed his two unconscious friends.

"The wounds don't look so bad," he said, kneeling down to tie his handkerchief around Cordelia's neck. "They didn't take a lot of blood. I think they'll be all right."

"Let's stick to the plan… Wesley- Get them out of here. Buffy," Angel said, turning lovingly to his girl that looked sweetly back. "Stay close to me?"

Buffy grasped his hand back, "Always."

"You had better take the binding spell found in the prophecies then," Wesley said, giving the scroll to Buffy.

"Wait a second," she said looking at her watch. "Wesley, its 6:35. Where's the vial of blood Spike had?"

The three looked around, but the vial had disappeared. Just then, a soft voice could be heard. Even with their supernatural hearing, neither the Slayer or the vampire could make out the words. As the

voice grew louder, Wesley eyes shot open.

Part XII- Come Back To Me

The ex-Watcher said hurriedly, "I hear chanting! Angel, Buffy- Watch out! It's-"

"Just me," Darla cooed, almost floating into the room with a wooden box in her hands.

Buffy stared at Darla, surveying her clothing, "Well- someone took a hint and dropped the Catholic school girl look. Hey, that's MY dress!"

"Well- I didn't think you'd be needing it. I found it lying on the floor next to that boy's pants," she shot back, pointing at the unconscious Riley.

"That was a cheap shot! I love Angel more than you could EVER comprehend," Buffy said, stepping in front of Angel.

"We refuse to let you achieve complete resurrection," Wesley said, just as Cordelia and Gunn were waking up.

"Let me at them," Cordelia said groggily.

"My! We have an audience. Let's keep this at a duet," Darla said as she waved her hand.

The three associates tumbled back. Angel turned in their direction and saw them stumbling around. Buffy saw Cordelia grasping the ground with her hands.

"What have you done?" Gunn demanded reaching into the empty air.

"I just tapped into your collective subconscious… We're all afraid of something. You all share the same fear… Not being able to see the evil. Impressed," Darla asked.

Angel tried to stay calm and said, "Look this has nothing to do with them. So why don't we leave them alone?"

"Coming around to your senses, sweetheart. Very well."

Darla waved her hand again. Buffy felt a small gust enter the room, but the wind grew stronger. Before she knew it, a small tornado forced open the main doors to the basement. Wesley, Gunn, and Cordelia were suddenly swept up and blown out of the room like leaves. Buffy felt herself rising too. The Slayer reached out for Angel, and she felt his strong hands hold her fiercely. Buffy returned that devotion, and she grabbed tightly onto her lover.

"Angel, you don't need her," Darla said as she stopped the wind. "You know what you want. What your blood is screaming out to you."

Angel caught Buffy as the wind died down. The doors swiftly closed, locking the three inside of the room. As soon as Buffy got on her feet, she looked up at Angel.

"Are you all right?" the Slayer asked, afraid to lose him.

Angel said in surprise, "I wasn't the one lifted 10 feet from the floor. Are YOU okay?"

"I meant about what Darla said. Angel, I love you-"

Darla interrupted, "I'm still here, children… You know its true, Buffy. Angelus is for me, little slut."

Angel turned back to Darla and yelled, "I love her! She kissed me Darla."

"And she also bedded other men…"

"You know what I mean. Buffy kissed me. As I am. Face and all."

"I MADE YOU," she screamed at him. "And I'm offering you something she'll never be able to give you. I'm giving your identity. Yourself, Angelus."

Angel glared at her and said with resolution, "You have nothing I want."

Darla smiled and slowly opened the box. Buffy and Angel wanted to throw up at the sight. Both recoiled from contents of the box. The bloodied heads of Lindsey and Lila lay in its purple velvet folds. Their faces were testament to the horrible pain and fear they suffered as their bodies were decapitated.

"Its all for you. They are no longer a problem. You won't have to worry about them anymore… And together WE can be the supreme force, just like before."

"Things are different, Darla. I AM DIFFERENT," he insisted, feeling the demon within him stir.

"You are the lovely monster I made you, darling. Everyone sees it. That lady cop sees it. Her father saw it before he died. Hmmm… Even your little Slayer's MOTHER sees that. And you know what? She was right to force you to leave her. You belong to ME," Darla said as she ran her fingers down his cheek.

Buffy shouted in surprise, "My mother made you leave??? Oh that's it girlie-girl. You're dealing with me now. NOBODY TOUCHES THE MAN I LOVE!"

Buffy ran up to Darla and began her tirade of punches. Darla fell down, dropping the box of heads on top of Angel. The box hit him hard, knocking him unconscious. Darla tried to wave her hands again, but the Slayer pinned her down. Buffy began chanting the binding spell while she held Darla down. But just as she was near the end the Slayer lost her advantage. Darla quickly rolled Buffy to the floor. Darla was now on top her.

"Angelus is mine. He will come with me. The resurrection is almost complete. Look at the floor," she cackled, strangling the Slayer.

Buffy turned her head and saw a circle of blood on the floor. She gasped as she saw the empty vial tucked inside the hem of Darla's dress. Darla merely laughed again.

"I'm not at full strength yet… But I'm getting there," Darla growled.

Darla felt another wave of power rush over her body. Suddenly, she didn't need both hands to restrain Buffy anymore. She used her right hand to reach for the wooden plank Riley had dropped earlier. She now held the improvised stake over Buffy's head. Angel's eyes opened just as he saw Darla raise the stake.

"How ironic… Me killing YOU with a stake. Enjoy your death," Darla said drawing the stake downward.

Angel slid over to the two women and screamed, "NOOOO!!!"

He knocked Darla off of Buffy, rolling himself onto Darla. Confused by the sudden motion, Darla's hand slipped. The stake was caught squarely in Angel's chest. Buffy watched the scene in horror and ran over to him, calling his name.

He reached out his hand and called her name, but it was too late. Buffy watched as her lover disappeared before her very eyes. Darla was shocked as she felt the dust fall onto her body. She started to sob, lying on the floor with Angel's ashes around her. Fighting the numbness from her soul, Buffy managed to whisper the last word of the spell.

The ground beneath them rumbled. Buffy felt the winds blow in again, and the door swung open. The gusts all gathered in the center of the large room, swirling to form a glowing red vortex. Still crying, the gust sucked Darla inside its fiery depths. As the vortex closed, Buffy heard Darla wail and felt them infinitely louder in her own heart.

"Angel," she cried. "Come back to me."

Go to Part XIII