Summary: The End of Days is coming, and Buffy and Angel must work together to
stop it.
Spoilers: IWRY definitley, and anything else could show up.
Rating: PG-13.
Timeline: Just after Season 4 of Buffy and Season 1 of Angel have ended.
Notes: My first attempt at a serious fic. Hope you all enjoy.
Feedback: I live for it. Email me.
Part 1
Buffy was standing on the beach. She felt the sunlight on her skin, the breeze in her hair. And then she just had a feeling, and she turned, and Angel was walking towards her, in the sunlight. And he walked toward her, and kissed her, and she felt the most complete happiness she had ever known. And then she was jerked away.....
Buffy sat up in bed, looking around at her surroundings. She was at home, in her house, in her bed alone. Angel was not there. He's in LA. He's not human. She remembered the harsh reality of things. But he was human. There it was, that nagging little voice. It had been there since the school year ended. It grew stronger every night, with every dream. And she pushed it away. Because it was too much for her to bear thinking of. That he had been human, and given it up. Give it up so that Buffy could live.
Before she knew what she was doing, the phone was in her hand. She knew the number by heart. She didn't will herself to do so, yet she dialed.
Riley answered with a sleepy "Hello?" and a yawn.
Buffy didn't know she was going to say the words. She didn't will herself to say the words. She just said them. "Riley, I can't see you anymore."
Part 2
The next night, Buffy was on patrol in the graveyard. She heard a rustling in the bushes behind her, and whirled around, stake raised. But it was only Riley.
Buffy sighed. "Riley.... you startled me."
"I didn't mean to. Look, I know you don't want to see me any more. And I'm sorry for that. But I still want to help you fight demons."
Buffy sighed again. "Look, Riley, I don't need you. I'm the slayer," she snapped. She didn't mean for it to come out that way, but it did. "Riley... I'm sorry...." Just then, a startled look spread over Riley's face. A bright patch of blood appeared over his heart, and then he crumbled. A slimy demon stood behind him, sword raised.
It's a mohra demon, that nagging little voice said.
"Shut up," she muttered. She kicked the demon, but it didn't seem to be affected. She felt drawn to the jewel on its forehead. Smash the jewel. There was that voice again. She had nothing to lose. Buffy raised her stake and brought it down on the jewel.
The demon fell to the ground, dead.
And Buffy knelt on the ground beside Riley, sobbing. Not because she loved him or mourned him. But because she didn't, and never could.
Part 3
Buffy returned to her house, not paying attention to her surroundings as she walked. When she got home, she sank onto the bed, sobbing. Slowly, she drifted off into sleep......
Buffy lay beside Angel in bed, his arms curled around her, his body warm. Human. Angel was human. They had made love. They could be together now. And then once again, Buffy felt herself drift away....
....only this time when she woke up, she knew it wasn't just a dream. It was real. It had happened. And she remembered. She finally remembered. Buffy looked at the sunlight streaming in through her window. She knew what she had to do. She picked up the phone and dialed Angel's number. Only to find out it was no longer in service.
Buffy flipped through her phone book. "Cordelia, Cordelia..." She ran her finger down the list of names. "Got it!" She grabbed her phone and dialed the number.
Part 4
Cordelia was awakened by the incessantly annoying ring of her bedside phone. She picked it up and answered, "Do you have any idea how early it is?"
"It's Buffy," the voice on the other end said.
"Oh, well, uh, sorry." Cordelia yawned. "You must want Angel, right? His other number didn't work 'cause this bad guy in a Darth Wannabe outfit blew up the building. But Angel killed him," she said almost gleefully.
"Was Angel hurt?" Buffy asked desperately, hoping, praying.
"Nah, he's fine. I'll get him."
"ANGEL! Phone! It's BUFFYYYY!" Cordelia screamed.
Angel winced in the other room. "No need to shout," he mumbled to himself. He picked up the phone. "Buffy?"
"Yeah, Angel, it's me." Buffy sounded like she had been crying.
"Is something wrong?"
"Yeah...." He heard a sniffle. "A lot is wrong...."
"Tell me."
"The End of Days is coming. And.... and I remember. Everything."
Part 5
Buffy could tell Angel was trying to keep his voice steady. But it wasn't. She heard his shaky reply, "Remember what?"
Buffy pounded her fist down on her bed. "Don't play games with me," she said sharply. "You ruined our chance at happiness, at being together. Now give me a straight answer!"
There was silence for a moment. Then he said, "I'm coming tonight."
"Maybe I don't want to see you," she said unconvincingly.
"You may not want to see me. But if you want to stop what's coming, you will." There was a click on the other end. He had hung up.
Buffy was about to set the phone down when it rang. "Hello?" she said shakily.
"It's... it's me," said a tearful voice.
"Willow?" replied Buffy.
"Yeah...."
"Is... is something wrong?"
"Tara.... she left. She wasn't human."
Buffy drew in a sharp breath. "She was evil?"
"No, no, it's not that. It's... kinda complicated. I think I should tell you personally. She gave me something for you."
"We'll all meet at Giles's, ok?"
"Ok," replied Willow sadly. "I'll be there in twenty minutes.
Part 6
Angel was ready to slam down the phone in frustration. "Look, Kate, you just got to trust me on this one."
"She's a criminal, her trial's coming up, she murdered several people. I can't let her go because a demon said to," Kate said harshly.
Angel softened his voice. "Kate, something big is coming. And I need Faith."
"You need a murderer?" Kate laughed sharply.
Angel wasn't sure how much to reveal. "She's a trained demon hunter. She's been through a lot, and when she was vulnerable, the dark said drew her over."
"So what, do you need her to save the world or something?"
Angel was silent for a few moments before he replied, "Yes. I do."
Kate sighed. "Give me an address. I'll bring her to you. I just hope you can handle her."
"Don't worry. I can."
Part 7
Buffy sat on Giles's couch, twirling her stake around. Spike sat nearby, watching Passions. Anya and Xander were curled up together in the armchair, kissing.
Spike scowled at Anya and Xander. "Can you two cut it out? I'm watching the telly!"
Anya scowled. "How about you turn your boring show off?"
Their argument was interupted as a sniffling Willow entered the room. She sank down onto the couch, clutching a scroll.
Buffy handed Willow a box of Kleenex. "What happened?" Willow wiped her tears away, then began. "Tara.... she was human once. A powerful witch, but human. 150 years ago, here in California. She died in a regular, human accident, when she was eighteen. A fire....."
"Go on."
"The Powers that Be..... they brought her back, as a sorta.... guardian angel. She was supposed to help you prepare for the End of Days. But she met me. And... I had a past life, back then, where we were together. In love. And the old part of my soul, she said, still loved her. But she wasn't supposed to be with me in my new life, or something..... I didn't understand a lot of it. But she said I was supposed to with Oz, and she got in the way. But she didn't, I loved her!" Willow grabbed another tissue.
"And she just..... went away?"
"The Powers called her back. They said she had done enough. But she gave me this scroll, a prophecy.... about Armageddon."
"The movie with Bruce Willis?"
Buffy shot Xander a "shut up" look.
"And..... she gave me one other thing," Willow continued. "A spell."
"What does it do?"
"It'll keep Oz from ever being a werewolf again. She said..... she said she wanted me to be with him." Willow started sobbing again.
Buffy took the scroll and opened it up. She scowled at it. "What is this, ancient Greek or something?"
Giles leaned over her shoulder. "As a matter of fact, no. It's ancient Sumerian."
Buffy scowled again. "Same thing."
"No, ancient Greek and ancient Sumerian are quite different. It's fascinating, really, how.."
"Giles, not the time for a lecture."
"Yes, yes, I got a bit.... er, carried away. I should get to work immediately on translating this. I must consult my books."
"There, he said it," Willow said in a small voice. She managed a tiny smile.
"Said what?"
"That he had to consult his books."
Buffy grinned. Then remember what the scroll was about, she sobered. "Is it really coming? The End of Days?"
"That movie sucked."
"Xander!" replied Buffy, exasperated.
"Ok, I'll be quiet now."
Buffy turned to Willow. "Is it really coming?"
"Tara said so. And I trust her."
"Well, then. We're just gonna have to stop it."
Part 8
The nondescript, unmarked police car pulled up outside of Cordelia's apartment at noon. Kate stepped out and was about to kock when suddenly a force pushed her away. She screamed.
Cordelia ran to open the door. When she saw who it was, she frowned. "It's police lady!" she yelled.
Kate scowled. "The wind knocked me over!"
"Dennis! CUT IT OUT NOW!" Cordelia yelled. She quieted. "It won't happen again. Come in."
"I'm not here long, I just brought...."
"Psycho bitch! Ahhh!"
Faith was standing there on the sidewalk, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt that were far too big on her.
Wesley came and stood next to Cordelia. "It's allright. Angel asked Kate to bring Faith here."
"Why??!!"
"Something is coming up that he felt a Slayer could help with."
Cordelia brightened. "At least I'm not going to have a vision about this one!"
Kate stood by, a blank look on her face. "Eh.... I'll just go now." She scurried back to the car, got in, slammed the door, and drove away fast.
Faith just stood there on the sidewalk, awkwardly. Finally she spoke. "Why am I here?"
"Angel needs your help," replied Wesley.
Faith laughed. "I'll believe that when I see it," she said bitterly.
"Come in, and he will tell you himself."
"Fine. I'll give him a chance."
"It's this or jail," added Cordelia.
"Maybe I liked jail," said Faith sourly.
Part 9
Wesley led Faith into Cordelia's bedroom. The shades were drawn, and the room was dim. Angel sat in a chair.
Faith sat down on the edge of the bed, facing him. There was silence for a few moments. Faith broke it, finally.
"What could you possibly need my help on?"
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes, I do."
"The world is going to end, and we need to stop it."
"It's been stopped before."
"This is different. It's the real thing. Hellmouths'll open. The barriers between this world and the next - gone. Everyone's gonna die if this thing goes through."
"And you want me to stop it?"
"No. Just help."
Faith looked down. "I don't think I can," she said in a small voice.
"It's your redemption. Your chance for forgiveness."
"And maybe I don't care."
"I think you do."
She looked up again. "I.... I guess I can try."
"We're going to Sunnydale tonight."
"But.... Buffy's there. She'll kill me."
"No, she won't."
"She hates me! I've done everything I can to destroy her life. Hell, I almost stole her life! She won't ever forgive me."
"There are more important things than revenge right now. Buffy knows that. She won't hurt you."
Faith nodded slowly. Then, almost as an afterthought, she said, "Can I please have some better clothes?"
Angel surprised her by laughing.
Part 10
Later that evening, Buffy lay on her bed in her room, sobbing quietly. The music didn't help, it was one of those Sarah McLachlan songs, the really depressing kind.
Morning smiles like the face of a newborn child,
Innocent, unknowing.
Winter's end, promises of a long lost friend,
Speaks to me of comfort.
She tried to tell herself that she was angry with Angel. That he had no right to do what he had did. But she couldn't think that. She couldn't pretend. She loved him, and she couldn't be angry at him for trying to stop the end of the world.
But I fear, I have nothing to give.
I have so much to lose here in this lonely place,
Tangled up in your embrace,
There's nothing I'd like better than to fall.
But I fear I have nothing to give.
And now he was coming, and she had to face him. She had to remember all over again what they could have had, but now never could. And she didn't know how she could do that. She was so close to breaking down completely, and she couldn't afford that right now. She had to put saving the world ahead of her love life.
Wind in time,
Rapes the flower trembling on the vine,
And nothing leads to shelter from above.
They say temptation will destroy our love,
The never ending hunger.
And if the world was going to end, she wanted to spend what time she had left with Angel. The hell with the curse. The hell with the complications. If she was going to die that week, she was going to have some happiness before she went. She had to, or she wouldn't remember what she was fighting for.
Wiping her eyes, she prepared to go to Giles's and face Angel.
But I fear I have nothing to give.
I have so much to lose here in this lonely place.
Tangled up in our embrace,
There's nothing I'd like better than to fall.
But I fear I have nothing to give.
I have so much to lose.
I have nothing to give,
We have so much to lose....
She could do it. She could save the world. She'd find a way.
Part 11
Faith didn't think she'd ever been this nervous in her entire life.
Sitting in the backseat of Angel's car, dressed in clothes borrowed from Cordelia (who had no taste), she wrung her hands, fiddled with the ends of her hair, tapped her feet, did anything to distract herself.
"Look on the bright said," said her Cordelia in her old, tactless fashion. "Buffy can only kill you once."
Faith looked down. "I don't want to face her. I screwed up her life."
"You did. But I don't think she'll kill you. She'll be thinking too much about Angel."
"Hmm, I knew she didn't love that commando fish. God, I cannot believe I... never mind." She turned away to watch the stores on Sunnydale's main street zoom by, then the houses, and then they were there. Giles's house.
"Do they know I'm coming?"
"I called Mr. Giles and informed him," replied Wesley.
"I'm sure he was positively thrilled." Cordelia's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Look, you aren't helping!" Faith exclaimed sharply. She opened the car door and stomped out.
"Faith, calm down." Angel followed her. "This won't work if you won't even try."
She spun around. "You think I don't know that?!? Just let me get this over with!" She continued up the path, and knocked on the door loudly. Angel, Cordelia, and Wesley could do nothing but follow.
The door was answered by Giles. "Eh.... come in, everyone." Angel, Wesley, and Cordelia all settled themselves on various chairs. Faith entered and stood their akwardly. Finally she just sat cross legged on the floor, leaning against the couch.
"So is everyone...." Buffy came down the stairs, her voice trailing off.
"Faith....." She didn't sound angry. Just.... shocked.
"You thought I was in jail, didn't you? Well, Angel got me out. Just temporary. To save the world and all."
Buffy didn't respond.
"If you want to kick my ass, go ahead. I deserve it."
"No," Buffy said quietly. "There are more important things. And... I can't dwell on the past. Not now, not ever. What could have been, what happened....." Her voice trailed off again as she turned to stare in Angel's eyes. "What we never had...."
Abruptly, she sat down on the bottom step of the staircase. Faith could tell she was trying to remain calm and collected, trying to keep her face free of emotion. It wasn't working.
Faith spoke up. "You... you don't have to be here. You and Angel.... you should go talk. Figure things out. We can handle what comes our way tonight." She offered a hesitant smile.
Buffy gave Angel a questioning look. He responded, "You can trust her." Angel came to stand by Buffy. "We can talk upstairs, I guess." The two walked up the stairs. Faith watched them go. She hoped they at least managed to work things out. Even though she was doomed to be alone, someone should be happy.
Faith prayed that person was her former mortal enemy. She had never been much for praying, or religion. But it seemed like the right thing right now.
Part 12
Buffy sat down on the bed. Angel settled down next to her. An awkward silence followed. It was broken by an odd glowing.
The spirits of the Oracles materialized.
Buffy gasped and drew in a sharp breath.
"You remember," the female said.
Buffy nodded.
The male looked on sourly as the female talked.
"The Powers that Be have allowed our spirits to come back on this one night, to guide you. Because you two are the key. Everyone you know will help. The other Slayer, the girl who recieves the visions, everyone. But you two, working together - you are essential." She paused a moment. "The Powers have a temporary gift for you. They feel it will help you in the coming struggle." She looked like she would have sighed if she could have. "Usually they do not concern themselves in matters of love, but this is a special case. So they have decided that until the final battle tomorrow, for this one night, Angel's soul will be permanent. Nothing can take it away."
"Nothing?"
"No, nothing," said the male Oracle sourly. "Now, we must be going." The two spirits dematerialzed.
Angel and Buffy stared at each other for a moment, allowing what the female Oracle had said to sink in.
"We never had what we should have, in November. And since we're probably gonna die anyway, it doesn't matter...."
"Shhh, don't say that." Angel pulled Buffy close to him, and she leaned on his shoulder, sobbing.
She lifted her head and looked in his eyes. "We...... we can have one night. That's all."
"We'll fight this. We'll save the world."
"And things will go back to how they were before," she managed through her tears. "So we should take this one chance. We may never have it again." Angel leaned down and kissed her, and she responded with all the love and passion and desperation she had been keeping inside her since he had left. It's only for one night, said the nagging voice in her head. She ignored it and continued to kiss him as he began to unbutton her shirt.
It was only one night. But for that one night, they could have everything they never had. And that was all she cared about.
Part 13
Willow had gone back to her house. Her parents were away visiting relatives, so she had the place to herself. She lay on her bed, flipping through one of the spell books that Tara had left her.
To summon a person. The words leaped out at her from the page. She scanned the list of ingrediants. Some basic herbs.. she had those. A picture of the person.... she reached into her desk drawer and pulled one out. Reciting some words.... she could do that.
Willow pulled in a deep breath. She had everything. Nothing was stopping her. She could do this, be with the person she loved for a little while before the world ended. Because she was scared. Buffy had never stopped something this big before. This wasn't one demon; it was a whole army. The very gates of hell were opening, spilling out into the world.
She set up the ingredients. Fed the picture in the flames. Said the words. And waited. And waited. And waited. For what seemed like forever. Finally she heard the doorbell ring. She ran down the stairs. She felt like everything was happening in slow motion. She threw the door open. He stood their.
Willow ran into his arms. He held her tight against him, and she sobbed. "Oz...." she mumbled through her tears.
"Shh, it'll be all right." And she tried to believe him. Tried hard, because she loved him. He was the one she was meant to be with.
Part 14
Xander flopped down onto the couch in his basement. He didn't know why he wanted to spend what, considering his rotten luck, was likely to be his last night alive.
He popped a video into the VCR, not even bothering to look at the title. Armageddon. How appropriate. Angrily, he turned the TV off and just sat there, staring at the blank screen for what seemed like an eternity. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in!"
Anya entered. She closed the door behind her and sat down next to Xander on the couch. "What's wrong?" she asked, cuddling up next to him.
Xander put his arm around her. "Everything," he mumbled.
"So we can't stop the End of the World. At least we'll be together."
"Great attitude, Anya. Just great."
"I was just trying to help! I don't want to world to end! I want more time with you! I love you!" And then Anya turned bright red.
Xander turned to look her in the eyes. "What did you say?"
"I don't want the world to end."
"No, the other thing."
"I love you."
Xander looked at her for a moment before replying, "I love you too, Anya. I love you too." He pulled her close to him. "And the world's not gonna end. It won't. Buffy and Deadboy will stop it."
Anya looked up. "Who's Deadboy?"
Xander laughed.
Part 15
Cordelia sat in one of Giles's spare bedrooms, staring out the window. She was sobbing quietly. "Oh God, Doyle, why'd you have to die? I mean, we never even had a chance! I know you dressed bad and all, but I love you! And the world is ending, and I just wish I could see you again."
I didn't hear you leave,
I wonder how am I still here.
I don't want to move a thing,
It might change my memory.
A glowing light appeared in the middle of the room. Cordelia was startled. The light faded, and there he was, standing there.
"Doyle...."
He nodded.
"You're not real.... you're a dream, or something."
Oh I am what am I, I'll do what I want,
But I can't hide,
I won't hide, I won't sleep, I can't breathe,
Until you're resting here with me.
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me.
He grinned. "Glad to know you dream about me."
Cordelia smiled a little. "How....??"
"The Powers, they decided you could use me in the fight. So, they brought me back to fight."
"So... it's just for now?"
"Well, if we win, it's for forever."
I don't want to call my friends,
For they might wake me from this dream.
And I can't leave this bed,
Risk forgetting all that's been.
Cordelia ran to him and kissed him. The kiss lasted a long time before she broke it. "I... I dreamed of this, but I never thought it could happen." She smiled.
"Well, it usually doesn't. I'm probably like, the first time," he said in a boasting tone. "Now, how about we go out for the dinner?"
"No... let's just stay here."
"Are you sure?"
Cordelia nodded. "I'm sure." And she kissed him again. She had been given a second chance for love. She wanted to make the most of it.
Oh I am what I am, I'll do what I want,
But I can't hide.
I won't go, I won't sleep, I cannot breathe,
Until you're resting here with me.
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me....
Part 16
Meanwhile, Spike, Faith, Wesley, and Giles were all in Giles's living room. Giles and Wesley were busy translating ancient texts about the End of Days. Faith and Spike sat on the couch, watching a tape of Passions episodes.
"I don't understand the story," said Faith.
"Well, Tabitha's a bad witch. And she turned this doll, Timmy, into a boy."
"Oh." An awkward silence followed. Faith broke it. "Why do you watch this show."
"I like it!" Spike said defensivley.
"No need to get all angry," Faith muttered. "It was just a question."
"I wish I had this bloody chip out of moi head."
"Why, so you can kill some people before they all die?"
Spike nodded.
"Get a life. Oh wait, you can't."
Another silence followed.
"Do you want to go get a drink?" asked Faith. "I could really use one right now."
Spike nodded, and the two went in Spike's car to the Bronze. Spike wandered over to the bar and ordered two beers. He brought them back to the table, cursing as he bumped into someone and got zapped in the head.
Faith smirked. "I have a vampire waiting on me." Spike gave her a withering look.
Faith grabbed her beer and gulped it down fast. "Well, maybe I can respect you after all, Slayer." Faith gave him a drunk, flirty smile. "Um.... no..." Spike backed away from the table. Faith shrugged and went out to the floor to dance. She'd have some fun before the world ended.
Part 17
Faith stumbled out of the Bronze, completely drunk, followed by a somewhat sober Spike.
Spike tried to take a big swallow from his bottle of beer. He then realized the bottle was empty and threw it against the street in frustration.
Faith clung to Spike drunkenly. He brightened. "Well, I don't have beer, and the world is ending, but at least I got a girl!" He chuckled.
Amused, he looked down at Faith. "So, want to come back to my crypt?"
"Oooh, crypt, yes" she mumbled drunkenly. Spike smirked. He led her to his car and helped her into the passenger seat. Then he got into the driver's seat, and, breaking at least five traffic laws, sped off to the cemetary. He parked as close to his crypt as he could.
Spike helped Faith out of the car and into the crypt. She slumped down on the floor. Spike sat down next to her.
"I saw you before," Faith mumbled.
"No, I never met you before tonight."
"When I was Buffy..." Faith mumbled.
"You're drunk, love."
Faith seemed to take that as a hint, because she grabbed Spike and kissed him. Spike was shocked, but he kissed her back. Maybe this night wouldn't be so bad after all.
***
The next morning, Faith woke up next to Spike and totally freaked. "WHAT THE HELL?" she screamed, grabbing her clothes and dressing hastily. Spike chuckled.
"You were drunk, love."
Faith was completely freaked.
"You're trying too hard to be good, love."
Faith didn't reply. She just got up and ran out of the crypt, slamming the door behind her.
Part 18
Buffy had a much more pleasant waking up experience. She woke up to find herself in Angel's arms, and she wondered if she was dreaming.
"Angel?" she murmured.
"Yeah?"
"Is this real?"
"Yes, it is." He kissed the top of her head. "Rest now. We have a long, hard fight tonight."
Buffy smiled. "Just having this makes it all worth it."
Angel knew that this was only temporary, but when he saw the glow in her face, he didn't have the heart to remind her that even if they saved the world, they couldn't be together. He was determined to protect her from reality for the moment.
"You'll stay with me?" she asked hopefully, looking in his eyes.
Angel nodded. "I'll never leave you."
Buffy smiled again and cuddled up against him. This was true happiness. What she had with Riley didn't even come close to this.
Buffy tried not to think about the battle ahead. She thought only about now. About the happiness she was going to fight for.
Part 19
Willow and Oz had stayed up late watching TV, and had fallen asleep in the middle of a romantic comedy, curled up together on the couch. Willow woke late the next morning, sunlight streaming through the window. She was alone, and looked around, alarmed. "Oz?" she called.
"In here!" he called from the kitchen. Willow stood up and smoothed her wrinkled clothes as she walked into the kitchen.
"I tried to make breakfast," Oz said, gesturing to a stack of flat, burnt to a crisp waffles.
Willow smiled. "You were sweet to try. I'm sure they taste yummy."
Oz smiled back. "We can eat something else."
"Well, since you wanted waffles - how about Eggos? We have chocolate chip ones," she said, a perky smile on her face.
"Eggos sound good."
Willow opened the box and took out two, placing them in the toaster. She sat down to wait for them to be ready. Oz sat on the chair next to you.
"Are you going to tell me how I ended up here? I didn't ask last night cause you seemed upset."
Willow felt her eyes begin to tear.
"You don't have to tell me."
"No, I should. It's.... the end of the world may happen. Tonight. And hearing that made me realize you're the one I want to be with."
"Not Tara?"
"No, not Tara. You, Oz. I love you." Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Will... will you take me back? Do you still love me?"
"Of course." Oz pulled Willow to him, and she leaned against his shoulder, crying.
"Shhhhh," Oz said soothingly.
Willow looked up at him hopefully. "You'll stay with me?"
Oz nodded. "I'll never leave."
Willow smiled. Even if the world might end, it would end with her being with the one she loved, and her knowing he still loved her.
Part 20
Doyle, Wesley, and Giles all sat at the kitchen table. "Breakfast!" said Cordelia cheerfully, her smile especially directed at Doyle. She placed four plates on the table, each with an omelet and two pancakes with butter. She then sat down at her own place, next to Doyle.
Doyle and Wesley knew Cordelia's cooking wasn't particuarly good. They looked at the food, hesitant to eat it.
Cordelia got the hint. "I didn't cook it, don't worry. It's take-in from the pancake house." She smiled and ate a forkful of omelet. "See?" she said when she finished chewing. "Delicious!"
The others were too embarassed to do anything but eat the food, which turned out to taste good - after all, it was from the pancake house.
"So, you say it's from the Pancake House?" asked Doyle. "Is that in Sunnydale?"
"IHOP, silly. You've never heard of IHOP?" asked Cordelia, incredously.
"I hop?" asked Giles, Wesley, and Doyle all at the same time.
"You know, International House of Pancakes? God, you British guys don't know anything." Cordelia went back to eating.
"I ate at one of those establishments once," replied Wesley. "I was quite disappointed - their tea was dreadful, and they didn't serve crepes."
Cordelia stifled a giggle. Even Doyle and Giles were smiling. The four finished their food. Giles and Wesley went off to do more research, and Doyle and Cordelia went off to the beach. "I want to go there one more time," Cordelia insisted. "I mean, tomorrow there may be no more beach. Or it may be the demon beach." Doyle grinned and said he'd take Cordelia. They met Willow and Oz there, and the four managed to have a fun, uneventful day.
Part 21
Everyone met a Giles's an hour before sunset, except for Spike, who had to stay in his crypt til dusk. Buffy sat on Angel's lap in the big armchair. Cordelia and Doyle cuddled together on one end of the couch, Willow and Oz on the other. Anya was on Xander's lap in the other armchair. Giles and Wesley sat at the table, and Faith on the floor, leaning again the end of the couch.
"Why are we all here?" Anya scowled. "The world's going to end. Can't we all have fun first?"
"We are here because there is some hope of stopping the End of Days if I inform all of you about exactly what will happen. Wesley and I have managed to translate the scroll provided by Tara. What we read will give an indication of what we are about to face," replied Giles.
Buffy spoke up. "Just tell us and get it over with."
"The hellmouth will open. The barriers between this world and the demon dimension - gone."
"The demon dimension I was in?" inquired Angel.
"The very same," replied Giles. "It's almost the opposite effect Acathala would have had... instead of the humans being sucked into the demon dimension, the demons will be brought to this world.
Buffy gulped. This was major. This was bigger than everything she had faced. Every demon she had ever slain would be back from hell. Every demon anyone had ever slain would be here on earth, killing.
"How do we stop it?"
"We destroy the source," replied Wesley.
"And what's the source?"
"A demon, slain at the very beginning of time. It gathered it's stength in Hell, and now it is ready to break free and wreck havoc upon the world."
"So it's just one demon that controls everything? I can handle that."
"Buffy, it's not that simple," said Giles. "This demon is bigger than anything you've ever faced - bigger than the Judge, bigger than the mayor. It's nearly impossible to kill."
"What about a bomb?" said Xander. "We can blow up the school - again."
"We'd need an awfully large bomb. I don't believe we could get one in time."
"What about a spell?" said Willow.
"We are talking about events prophecized since the beginning of time. Your powers very likely couldn't seal the gap between this world and hell - no human's can."
"So we fight," said Buffy. "We destroy this Source thingy."
"Evrojen. I believe the demon's name is Evrojen," added Wesley. "But I cannot be sure - it is difficult to tran..."
Buffy cut him off. "Does it really matter what it's name is? It's gonna be dead in a few hours."
"Buffy, do not underestimate this demon."
"I'm not underestimating it. But I know what I'm fighting for. And if I believe in a better world, I can beat this thing. I know I can."
"I hope you're right."
"So, who wants pizza?" asked Xander, trying to lighten the mood.He managed to drum up a few smiles.
Part 21
Dusk was minutes away. The final battle was coming, and the fate of the world lay in the balance.
Faith would fight. But there was something she wanted to do first. She walked to the graveyard and made her way to Spike's crypt and knocked. "It's me, Faith," she said.
"Come in, love." Faith opened the door and stepped inside, shutting it behind her. She sat down on the floor.
"The world may end tonight, and I just... I just wanted to say good-bye."
"Glad to know you care."
"I've slept with plenty of guys before. I don't think I ever cared before."
Spike looked at her. "You're serious?"
Faith nodded. She stood up and walked towards him. "Look, I know you're evil, and if you didn't have that chip thingy, you'd be killing me right now. But I know you must care something about this world, enough to want it to stay this way. So I'm asking you to help us fight."
Spike was silent for a moment. "What makes you think I care about this world?" he finally replied.
She shrugged. "Wild guess."
"You're right, love."
"I am?" Faith managed a small smile.
"I like this world. And I care about something, although I bloody well wish I didn't."
"And what's that?"
"You," he replied, scowling. He pulled her toward him and kissed her. He was an idiot, caring about a human - and not just any human, a slayer. But what the heck. Spike never played by the rules anyway.
Part 23
Everyone was supposed to meet outside the wreckage of the school just after the sun set. Almost everyone was there, along with a van - Oz's - filled to the brim with weapons. The only one missing was Faith.
"Do you think she bailed on us?" Buffy asked Angel.
He shook his head. "She'll be here."
"You seem to be going on an awful lot of faith here. And that wasn't a pun!"
Angel smiled. "No, I don't think it was." He then frowned. "You're right. But we have to have faith, don't we?"
Just then Faith showed up, her hair and clothes disheveled, Spike tagging along behind her.
Everyone scowled. Xander was the first to speak up. "What's he doing here?!?"
"I'm here to help you bloody annoying humans fight." Everyone laughed.
"Who put you up to this?" asked Buffy.
"I just want to fight. I like this world."
"Ah, yes. Like you wanted to help me fight Angel and Acathala, also known commonly as bailing?" inquired Buffy.
"This time I I really want to fight! I have my reasons."
A guilty look appeared on Faith's face. It took a moment for everyone to figure it out.
"Oh God - eeeew!" squealed Cordelia. "Then again, I wouldn't put it past her. Oh, eeew!"
"Perhaps we should simply be grateful, as we can use all the help we can get," said Giles.
"Fine. But you turn on us, I'll stake you myself, got it?" said Buffy.
"Yeah, I get it."
"Ok, then. We go in. We fight. We win. That's our plan. Got it?" she asked, handing out weapons to everyone. Just to annoy him, she tossed a cross at Spike.
"Bloody hell, Slayer!" he screeched, jumping back. Buffy laughed and tossed him an axe. "There. And don't even think of causing any trouble, got that? Same for you, Faith," she said, tossing her a crossbow. Faith gave a small nod.
Once everyone had weapons, she announced that they were going in. "This is it. We save the world. Or we die fighting. Anyone that's not going to give there all, leave now."
"Gee, harsh much?" mumbled Cordelia.
"Do you have a problem?" Buffy asked.
"No, I...." suddenly Cordelia started to fall to the ground, screaming and clutching at her head. Doyle caught her, and she slumped against him. After a few moments, Cordelia managed to speak. "Gee Doyle, you're alive and I'm still stuck with this horrible visions?"
"What did you see?" inquired Wesley.
"Slimy, ugly, scaly green demon - really big. Like, even bigger than the Mayor snake. And did I say ugly?"
Everyone nodded.
Cordelia scowled. "Anyone got Advil?"
Everyone shook their heads. "Darn. Oh well, that big slimy demon is supposed to rise from the Hellmouth in like, ten minutes. So I think we should hurry. Oh, and did I mention he breathes fire?"
Buffy grimaced. This thing was gonna be hard to kill. But she'd manage.
Part 24
Buffy gripped her battle axe. Giles had said it was some antique or such, but as long as it would kill demons, she didn't care what it was. Xander had suggested a missle launcher, but since it wasn't enough to take out the big bad, Evrojen, she didn't see the point. This baby'll handle the little ones, she thought as she gave the axe an admiring look.
She stepped through the doorway into the ruins of Sunnydale High School. Being here brought back a lot of memories. She glanced at the ruins of the display case. In it was an intact cheerleading trophy.
"Hmm," she mumbled, taking the trophy in her hand. Suddenly, its' eyes moved. Buffy yelped and dropped the trophy.
"Amy's mom," said Willow in a small voice. "Trapped in the statue."
Buffy took a few steps backward. "Eeek.... Well, let's keep moving," she said, leading them on, Angel at her side. She shuddered, and he put his arm around her. "It'll be okay," he murmured.
"Don't lie," she said harshly. "It might not."
"If we fight together, it will."
Buffy gave him a sad smile. "I hope you're right." She stopped walking. "Well, here we are. The library, AKA Hellmouth central." She was about to walk in when she turned and kissed Angel. When the kiss ended, she said, "I... I just wanted to do that one more time. Just in case...." Her voice trailed off, and she looked down.
"I know," he said, holding her close. "I know."
Part 25
Everyone followed Buffy into the ruins of the library. They were surprised by the sight that greeted them.
Nothing.
Buffy sighed and sat down on the floor. "Maybe the date was wrong or something."
"No!" Cordelia whined. "I had that horrible, head-pounding vision, and believe me, it SCREAMED tonight!" She winced in memory of the pain, and Doyle put an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against him.
"Well, I guess we're early then. We'll just wait and...."
Suddenly a tentacled monster burst out on the floor of the library. Everyone screamed and jumped back.
"Ok, not that guy again!" Xander moaned, scowling. "I swear, I've seen him like, two times before."
"Only once, I thought," said Buffy.
"What about the second time, senior year, appocalypse cult?"
"You weren't there!"
"Never mind, we don't have time to argue. Just kill it!" Xander screamed.
"With what?" Buffy screamed back.
"Uh.... this!" Xander yelled, tossing her a thermal detonator. Buffy pulled the pin out and threw it right at the monster. It blew apart. An oozing tentacle landed at Cordelia's feet. "EEEEEW!" she shrieked, jumping back. She nearly tripped, but Doyle caught her.
"Is that it, then?" asked Buffy. Her question answered itself as a demon army in uniform marched into the room. "The Scourge," said Angel quietly.
"The Scour? Huh?" inquired Buffy.
"The Scourge," said Doyle. "They killed me."
"I think Angel may have - hey!" Buffy swung her axe at the Scourge leader, who had been about to punch her. The axe beheaded him. Doyle and Angel were busy beating up two of the lesser members. Xander threw a detonator at a bunch of them, blasting them to bits. Anya screeched. "You could've warned me, Xander!"
Several fights with various demons followed. Buffy and Angel, and everyone else, began to wonder: Where was Evrojen?
Their question was answered as the ground began to shake. A huge shadow fell across the wall.
Everyone turned toward to hellmouth. A humongous demon stood there, so tall his head broke through the roof and towered into the sky. Everyone gazed in awe and terror.
Xander broke the silence. "Um, anyone thinking Godzilla here?"
Part 26
Buffy stood, gazing up at Evrojen. "So, here to end the world, eh?" she said, trying to sound confident.
"Slayer," Evrojen hissed. "You are but a child. You cannot even began to grasp my power. I can crush you in one step."
"Hey, college girl here. Not a child!"
"Buffy," Angel said in a low voice. "Be careful. Don't provoke him."
Buffy took a step forward. "You don't scare me."
"I am the First Evil's finest minion. I have lain dormant for countless millenia, since the beginning of time. But they raised me from the fiery pits of hell to do thie bidding. And I will not fail. I will kill you, and then I will reign on Earth and make it another hell!"
"Stop bragging," Cordelia muttered to herself. But she was shaking. She leaned against Doyle. Willow and Oz stood together, as did Anya and Xander. Wesley and Giles were off in a corner, attempting to translate an ancient text on Evrojen.
Buffy took a few steps toward Evrojen. She pulled out a bunch of thermal detonators, pulled out the pins, and tossed them at the demon. They merely seemed to annoy him, nothing more.
"Buffy, wait," Angel said. "Please, wait. Don't be foolish."
Buffy continued toward Evrojen. Soon she stood right before him, gazing up. Suddenly, a ceiling beam collapsed and fell on Buffy, pinning her to the ground. She struggled to break free, to no avail. Evrojen raised his mighty foot to crush her.
"Buffy, no!" Angel screamed, running forward.
The foot began to descend...
Part 27
Angel ran forward to Buffy. With strength the was amazing even for a vampire, he pulled the beam off Buffy and pulled her free just in time. Evrojen's foot slammed into the floor.
"He looks really angry!" said Xander in a panicky voice.
Angel grabbed Buffy's hand and pulled her away from Evrojen. They ran to the other side of the ruins of the library.
Once they were safe for the moment, Buffy collapsed against Angel, sobbing. He held her close to him, murmuring soothing words to her.
Willow went over to Giles. "Have you found anything. A spell or anything?"
Giles frowned. "There's nothing here that mere mortals could accomplish in the time we have. It seems rather hopeless."
Buffy spoke up, her first words since her brush with death. "As long as we have love and determination, there's always hope. Evrojen will only beat us if we let him." She brushed away her tears with the hem of her shirt.
"That's all well and good Buffy, but -"
"She's right, Giles. We can beat Evrojen. Let me see the book." Giles handed the book over the Willow, who promptly scanned the book. "Here's a binding spell!"
"It's too complicated, Willow. You don't have the power for it," insisted Giles.
"I have the determination. I'm trying."
"Willow." Oz put a hand on her shoulder.
Willow turned toward him, tearfully. "I... I have to do this, Oz." He kissed her, and then she strode forward to the middle of the room and began to chant in Latin. The ground shook as she chanted. Buffy could only look on as Evrojen swooped his hand down to grab Willow. Suddenly, the monster froze. Willow stepped away as flames engulfed Evrojen. The monster screeched in pain, then dissapeared into a fine ash that fell upon the ruins of the library. And all was still.
Part 28
Willow opened her eyes. A bright light shone in the center of the room. "Is this heaven?" she whispered.
"No, it's Earth," Oz said, putting an arm around her and helping her up.
"We won," Buffy said grinning. "After the spell defeated Evrojen, all the other demons went poof. Except for Angel and Spike." Angel stood next to Buffy, his arm around her.
"I don't see Spike," Willow said, squinting.
Buffy gestured into a corner where Spike was busy making out with Faith.
"Oh," said Willow, scrunching her face. "Ewww."
"Well, I guess you're ok then," said Buffy with a giggle.
"What.... what about the light?" Willow gestured toward the center of the ruins.
Everyone turned to look. The spirits of the Oracles stood there, shimmering.
Tears appeared in Buffy's eyes. "So, you've come to take the 24 hours of happiness away, eh?" She clung to Angel, feeling like her heart was being squeezed painfully.
"No, child. We have come to reward him."
"Reward me?" said Angel quietly. "With what?"
"Humanity, warrior. You are to be human."
Buffy dared not hope. "He's.... he's going to be human?"
The Oracles nodded. "From this day forth, he will live as a mortal man. His work as a warrior is finished. The plague of evil is gone from this dimension. We no longer need warriors." A bright light encircled Angel was a moment. Buffy put her hand to Angel's chest.
"Your heart! It's beating!" She threw her arms around him, and kissed him, and he kissed her back. They could finally be together.
The Oracles gestured to Cordelia and Doyle to come forward. "Cordelia," the female spoke. "You will no longer recieve the visions. They are not neccesary any longer." Cordelia grinned.
"And Doyle. As demon life no longer exists in this dimension, you will live as an ordinary human from this day forth."
"No more of his spiky face?"
The Oracles shook their heads.
"Wow, gosh, thanks!" exclaimed Cordelia.
The Oracles moved on to Willow and Oz. "Willow, as your mystical powers do not have a demonic quality, they will remain. Oz, you are from this day forth freed from the curse of the werewolf." Willow threw her arms around Oz and hugged him.
Finally the Oracles moved on to Faith and Spike. "Faith, we can only tell you that you have earned you redemption. It's up to you to believe that."
"What about Spike?"
"He is a demon and will be banished to the other dimension."
"But..." Tears appeared in Faith's eyes. "I want him to stay here. Please."
"We can do one thing."
"What?" asked Faith.
"If he remains in this dimension, he must become human."
"Oh, bloody hell!" exclaimed Spike.
"He'll take it," said Faith, elbowing him.
"Done," the Oracles said, then vanished. Spike scowled at Faith. She responded by kissing him.
"Hey!" said Xander. "Why didn't I get a present?"
Anya scowled. "Because, silly, you didn't help!"
Everyone laughed.
Epilogue
One Week Later
Angel lay on the beach in the warm sand, basking in the sunlight.
Buffy ran toward the water. "C'mon, fraidy cat! It's not that bad!"
Angel forced himself to get up and ran toward Buffy. He caught up to her just as she reached the water. He grabbed her, knocking them both off balance. They fell face forward into the icy cold water. Faith and Spike, busy making out on the beach, paused to giggle and smirk.
"Ahh! Cold! Don't remember such cold!" Angel sputtered.
Buffy giggled as she stood up. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"Hey, if I'm gonna suffer down here in the cold water, so are you," he said, pulling her back down into the ocean.
"Hey!" Buffy exclaimed, splashing him. He splashed back, begin a full out war which everyone else soon joined in. Well, everyone but Wesley, who was talking to a British girl who had recently graduated at Oxford and was spending the summer in California, and Giles, who sat under an umbrella reading a book and sipping iced tea.
And Spike and Faith, who were still busy making out.
Go to the sequel, Gateway to Hell
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