Part 25
Giles and Wesley are discussing the amazing turn of events. "When things settle down we are going to have to sit down and write this extraordinary day down on paper." Giles says to Wesley.
"It is something for the books, definitely. Look at them Rupert, they are something to be proud of aren't they. And I am happy and proud to be counted among their numbers." Adds Wesley.
Giles shares a smile and nod of agreement with his fellow countryman. So many blessings he thinks again. He is a happy man. And his Fatherly affection towards all of his charges gives him a good feeling inside.
"It hurts doesn't it? Seeing us together, knowing we have a chance of being together the way we always wanted to be. This has got to be the weirdest conversation I have ever had." Not so much a question but a statement of fact from Angel to his other self.
They are standing on the other side of the room. No-one can hear them. This is strange even for the hellmouth he is thinking.
But he understands what his future self is thinking. He can feel the pain coming from Angel 2.
Angel 2 looks him in the eyes and gives that little self-depreciating smile that Buffy would have recognised straight away.
"I messed up real bad. I brought this on us all. The day we buried her, I thought the pain of that alone would turn me to ashes. I wanted it to. If the others hadn't stuck to me like glue, needing me as much as I needed her, I would have met the sun the next morning. Buffy loved them and so I couldn't abandon them. I…want…you both to have this chance. I know that really we are all getting this chance but at the moment it doesn't feel like it. I look at your Buffy and I see the love in her eyes, the hope, the future you are going to have and I am jealous. I want it for myself. For me and my Buffy. We are the same people but when I remember my Buffy, I can only see the pain in her eyes, the betrayal, the futility that was our life. That day I walked out of her life I set in motion the events that led to her death."
Angel 2 takes a step closer and puts his hands on Angel's shoulders. "Promise me that you will not leave her side again for any reason. Promise me that this time you, …we…won't give up on the best thing that has ever happened to us. That you will make it work. You think that the little time you have been apart was hell. Think again. I know, I remember. The two years we were apart was bad enough but after her…death…it was almost unbearable. I felt her loss every minute of every day. We…I…you… can't go through it again. I look at you and know that if it happened again we would walk into the sun. Nothing could stop us." Angel 2 feels the tears track down his face but he doesn't wipe them away.
He stares into Angel's eyes wanting to make sure that he understands the consequences of their mistakes. The dire consequences that turned their lives into a nightmare!
Angel looks into eyes that are a mirror of his own and tries to reassure Angel 2.
"I can promise you that when the powers fix the curse, then nothing short of God himself will tear us apart. I will never leave her again. Never. I swear that we will all get to live up to our promise of always. We will all get to live out our dreams. Together." Angel 2 nods in acknowledgement and then he realizes the truth of his arrival.
"Now I know. This is why they sent me back. You…me…us…we are so stubborn that only me coming back from the future would truly convince you that she needs you by her side. Talking to you face to face. Telling you what the future holds. Only I could do that. And only you can give her the life she wants. I…you…we were put on this earth to protect her. If I have truly shown that to you then it is time for me to go.I want to go back to my time, to my love. She has waited long enough. And so have I." He turns away.
"Doyle." He calls and turns and walks toward the Irishman. "Send me back. I have done what I was sent for. I want to go home. Now." He pleads.
"Just let me say good-bye than do it." And he walks to the sofa where Buffy is sitting.
She stands up in front of him. They both look over to where Angel 1 is standing. He nods, giving his acceptance.
"I don't w…." she starts to say but he silences her with a finger over her lips.
"Shhhh, I have to go. Everything is going to be okay. I love you. I have loved you from the first moment I saw you on those school steps and I will love you into eternity. A long time ago I promised you always and I meant it. In this life, in the next, wherever you are that is where I will be. Neither time, nor space, nor foe, will ever separate us again." And as the tears fall freely down their cheeks he says. "Kiss me goodbye, kiss me hello, kiss me and send me on my way. Kiss me and send me home to her. My love, my own…. Are you still my girl?" And as she mouths always he takes her in his arms and their lips touch and cling. All the love they have for each other is in that passionate embrace.
Everyone looks on and no-one has a dry eye. Even the bleached vampire standing in the alcove watching, wipes at his face.
And as they continue to look on, Angel 2 just disappears and Angel runs to take Buffy into his arms. He gently sits her back down on the sofa still holding her.
"Why didn't he wait to see…." She asks.
"He couldn't chance it. He had to go back before we changed history. So they could be together. So they could have their always. This time belongs to us alone. Just you and me. He did what he could for us, now it is up to you and me. We decide what our future will be and this time we will do it together." As he lovingly wipes the tears from her face she says. "I understand and we will make it this time, I know we will." and her grief is replaced by happiness. She continues.
"One pair of lovers taken care of, now it is our turn." And they turn to Doyle.
part 26
"When can we start our life together Doyle. It has been a long two days. And I want to fix things up, now." Angel asks of his friend while keeping his love close. Their bodies are humming with the excitement of knowing that soon they can truly be together. They look at each other and smile secretly. Their heightened senses are good for more than fighting. They laugh which has everyone turn to them.
"Well we can take care of your little problem in a moment. First I just have a few things to say to all of you. You too Spike, so you better come back and quit hiding over there." Doyle turns toward the alcove.
"I think I have heard enough for one night. What else can they do to me?" grumbles Spike, as he comes back and sits down.
Doyle laughs and stands up to address his comments to everyone.
"Spike, they can do any number of things. And that is what I have to say to all of you.
There are changes coming. Some good and some bad! You have to stay strong. Old enemies will raise their heads and new ones as well. Very strong evil is against you all. But you will find new allies. New friends. Some old enemies will become friends and some old friends will come home. Use this time wisely. Gather together your forces and you will be able to stand against your foes. The time is distant when you will be facing the last battle so prepare now. Always stay alert. And when things happen that you don't quite understand, know that time will bring its own answers and rewards." And he looks long and hard at each individual in the room.
"And they are counting on you to teach them to not be cryptic." Laughs Cordelia, giving him a loving smile.
They all laugh along with Cordelia.
Doyle stands up and says, "Just be open to the possibilities and know that you are not alone in this fight." And he walks over to stand in front of Buffy and Angel. He looks down on the Souled Vampire and his Slayer. It makes me heart glad to see them so happy he is thinking.
"Are you ready to begin your life together." He asks them both.
"More than ready" replies Angel, trusting totally in whatever Doyle is going to do.
"I have been waiting too long for this day so please Doyle, just do it!" adds Buffy.
Doyle looks long and hard at his friend. "It was good seeing you again Angel. Goodbye, for now." And with a wave of his hand over Angel and Buffy he stands back.
Everyone is watching intently to the proceedings. They see Angel turn to Buffy and smile and then….and then Angel and Buffy just disappear. One second they are there and the next they are gone. Everyone jumps to their feet. There is a chorus of…
"What the…"
"Where did they…"
"How the …."
"Tell us what …."
"Oh my …"
"Bleeding hell, I have been wanting to do that to Peaches and his lady love for ages. Great trick mate." Laughs Spike. At least something good happened today he thinks to himself.
Doyle turns to face his audience and tells them.
"Don't panic. Right about now, Angel is discovering the need for oxygen and enjoying himself immensely in the process or he aint an Irishman." And Doyle laughs.
"But where are they." Asks Willow.
"Oh that is easy. They are giving each other the O word that Xander doesn't like me to tell you about.." Anya voices what they are all thinking. "Lets go home now Xander cause I want some too." She complains.
"Yes Anya, we all know what you meant and we all know what you want but Doyle how did they fix the curse without tampering." Cordelia wants to know the answer to everyone's question.
"Well they have made him the equivalent to a male slayer. It's part of his destiny. After Buffy died in the other timeline it didn't matter but now they just let him have part of his reward for service, early. This way everything works out for the mutual benefit of all concerned. The powers get two of the strongest warriors ever born, fighting for them, together against evil. And Angel and his little slayer get what they deserve. Happiness together. Which makes everyone happy." Says Doyle with a smile.
"Doesn't make me happy. I can't see me being happy again." Moans Spike.
Doyle looks at the vampire. "Good things come to those who wait. Remember what I said about possibilities. You just have to wait and see. All of you."
"Yes, but where did you send them." Asks Tara.
'Somewhere they can start their lives together without any beasties to distract them." Doyle says.
A snort from Spike and "Like anything can distract them now that they can go at it any time they want."
"Shut up Spike. Where are they Doyle?" Asks Cordelia.
"On a deserted island with fresh water lakes and enough food to last them two weeks. Then they will be sent back here. I think they deserve it don't you all?" he asks.
"Quite right Mr Doyle. Angel and Buffy can take care of themselves. I think it is time you all went home and had a proper rest. Spike, there is still an hour before sunrise so you can get to your crypt. Wesley will drive the other youngsters home then come back and bunk down here. We have a lot to think about and a lot to prepare for. I will see you all later in the day." And Giles smiles at all the gang as they make their way outside and to their homes.
"Come and watch the sunrise with me Princess. It is something we never got to do. Lets make a memory." And Doyle holds out his hand and she takes it and they walk outside to the start of a beautiful day. And Cordelia can be heard asking. "Whereabouts exactly did you send them? I always wanted to go to….."
part 27
Meanwhile many, many, many miles away our two lovers are frolicking naked in the sea.
Right at this moment they don't have a care in the world other than to satisfy every fantasy each of them has ever had about the other. And they definitely have plenty of them to play out. They can't get enough of each other. They laugh and play and chase each other along the white sandy beach.
For now they are just lovers, indulging in the pleasure of just being able to love freely at long last. They have waited a long time for this day that they thought would never come. It is not going to be spoiled by thinking about what awaits them back home or their service as warriors to the powers that be.
Here for this brief time they are just Angel and Buffy and they are soulmates. Soulmates who have found their way back to each other. And they have the added stamina, that being warriors gives them. And that perk, they have found, goes a long way in making up for all the time they have missed. Their days and nights are filled with love and sweet promises. Of sweating bodies and passionate cries of ecstasy! Of love fulfilled and pleasures taken and given. Of endless joy and mind numbing bliss. In one word, they are happy.
Angel tackles Buffy and throws her down onto the warm sand. He looks into the face of his Oh so willing captive. When he looks into her eyes, he finds reflected there, all the dreams that he has in his heart. His cup runneth over.
He tells her, "I never let myself hope that one day we could have this. I promised you always and now I can live up to that promise. And Buffy, I make you another promise. I will never let a day go past without telling you, showing you, how much I adore you. And I will stay by your side through the good and the bad, for always. I promise you, my heart, my own, always."
Their love is like the raging sea that surrounds them. Exciting, ever changing but ever constant. Always.
And as her mouth frames the word "Always", he takes possession of her lips and their naked wet limbs tangle together as the fire of their passion consumes them.
And in the distant clouds an echoing "Always" is heard.
Epilogue
20 years into the future.
After two weeks of darkness, the glimmer of light that is appearing over the mountains is like a miracle. The faint glow of the sun's rays, touch the top of the trees in the far distant hills. Two weeks of darkness. Two weeks of nothing but slaughter. Two weeks of the most hellish days in their lives. Two weeks of seeing nothing but blood and gore.
Two weeks of not knowing if they or their friends would live to see the sun come up in the eastern skies ever again.
And now it is over. They can breathe a sigh of relief. They can look around and find out which of their friends have lived and which have died. For two weeks the two warriors have fought side by side. They have only been able to keep an eye on each other. They only know that they did not fall to the sword. They have no way of knowing, who has been left standing.
Angel reaches across to take his lover's hand in his own. His lover, his wife, his reason for living! She is all of those things and so much more.
He draws Buffy into his embrace and as her arms wrap themselves around his back, he sends a silent prayer to the skies above. He thanks whoever was watching over them for bringing them to their victory.
He thanks the PTB for giving them this second chance. A second chance to right the wrongs! To help good win out over evil! A second chance to change a living nightmare into a life of happiness and hope! A second chance to spend his life by the side and in the arms of this wonderful woman! Was any man as ever blessed as he? Never.
And as his lips seek those of his love and they give themselves up to the beauty of the moment, the sun's face peeks out from behind the trees.
Buffy can feel the sun's warmth flow over them as they share their first real embrace in two weeks. The battle to end all battles! They fought and they won. Their victory is a little hollow in the light of not knowing if they have lost any dear friends.
But giving herself up to the passion that his touch evokes in her, even after 20 years, is bliss and muchly needed.
Her happiness, her joy, is all contained in the man holding her. Her lover, her husband, her reason for living! He is all those things and so much more.
Twenty years since history was changed. Since their history was changed. Twenty years of good times and bad times. Of change, of little change! Twenty years together and every day a new blessing!
Their kiss ends and as they continue to hold each other, their thoughts travel back to recap the last twenty years.
Lets take a look and see what has been happening for the last twenty years. Lets take a look and see what we missed.
Hold on to your hats, it might be a bumpy ride.
What are our warriors thinking about?
Let us take a peek.
Two lovers frolicking naked on a deserted island. Nights of unending passion and joyful cries. Hand in hand walking naked along the beach. He stops suddenly and drags her naked form too the ground. Heated kisses and tangled limbs. Passion soaring to unreachable heights…
Hey, hey, hey. I think I just better tell you what has been happening the last twenty years.
Doesn't look like we are going to find out from these two. And I think we better get out of their minds. Can I say, scarred for life? And I am not a voyeur. Well not today anyway. Some things are better left private.
Okay, sit back and I will just tell you. See if you guessed right.
Where to start…Who to start with…
Easy ones first.
Xander and Anya. Well they are married now and have been for the past 15 years. They are happy and since their marriage, other than hellmouthy things they have kept it together.
Before their engagement Anya was offered her old demoness job back. She took a week to think about it and then declined. She told the head honcho that she had found the perfect man for her. And even though he was prone to do silly things, she trusted him to keep her happy. And Xander loved her and needed her so she was staying a human and that was that. Anya still said the wrong thing at the wrong time and Xander always pretended to be embarrassed but everyone knew they were in love. They didn't have any children though and that was the one thing they missed.
Giles has been married for the last 10 years to a lovely woman named Jezebel. Really, truly, that is her name. She is beautiful. Long red hair, deep blue eyes and a body to rival Marilyn Monroe. He has never looked so happy or content, if you know what I mean.
They met in London. On one of his trips home. He saved her from a vampire attack in an alley. From that moment on Jezebel looked at Giles as her Knight. This woman is more than beautiful. She has a doctorate in Ancient History and Mystical Phenomena and her ancestors were druids. She still practices some of their rituals. She talks to trees. So talk about a match made in heaven. This is it.
And every year on their anniversary, Giles gets out the guitar and sings to his lady love all night. Well not all night cause if you have ever seen Giles singing, then you would know that it always ends in the bedroom. He sure is sexy for an older guy. But Jezzy keeps him young, he likes to say constantly. No kids for them either as yet and Giles isn't getting any younger so…
Buffy's Mum died from complications during an operation to remove a brain tumor. That was a very sad time for everyone. That was about 9 years ago now. Joyce was missed by everyone. Buffy and Dawn were devastated at the time but with the help of their loved ones they managed to get through it.
Now you are asking who Dawn is. Well that is a story in itself.
Short version then. She was forged from pure energy and made into a human teenager. The monks that did this, sent her to the slayer so that she could be protected from the evil one. They brought her one night and gave her to Joyce and Buffy. Told them the whole story and to make it easier for Dawn, gave Buffy and all her close friends memories of Dawn growing up with them. About 5 years later the evil one, came hunting for the key. That is what Dawn was, you see. A key to open doorways to other dimensions. Not a good thing so it was an all out war to stop them killing Dawn.
Good prevailed and then for some inexplicable reason, everyone but Angel and Buffy forgot what Dawn really was. To everyone, from that day forward, she was Dawn Summers and always had been. Buffy and Angel never speak of it to anyone or each other.
Dawn is about 33 years of age and married to a guy she fell in love with about 5 years ago. His name is Steven and they both dance. Yeah, that's right. They own a dance studio and teach dancing to young people. They are so cute and sweet that it makes Buffy very happy to see. It was all worth it then.
Willow and Tara.. Now they are not so simple.
About 2 years after Angel became human they kind of drifted apart. They were still great friends but the zing had gone out of the relationship. They ended up living next door to each other and loving it.
A year after that a certain werewolf came home. Oz came home. He had heard that Willow was single again and he had learnt to control the wolf so he came home. Where else would he go? He went straight to see Willow. She was in the front yard tending her herb garden and she looked up and there he was.
It was at that moment that Willow realized why she and Tara hadn't stayed together. She had never completely forgotten her love for Oz. And now he was home.
It took them a little while but they reunited and Tara is a regular visitor. Tara and her companion that is. There are no little willow's or cute little oz's running around. Real sad.
Tara and her companion, partner. Bethany. Bethany is a telekenetic. She is so strong. That helps with living on the hellmouth. The day Angel brought her home, who would have thought her and Tara would get together?
She was one of Angel's LA victims. Cordy had a vision. Angel found Bethany and took her in. She had problems with her Father of the worst, sickest kind, if you get my drift.
She was one mixed up kid. So anyway, Angel brought her home to Sunnydale. Tara's gentle soul was the only one to get through Bethany's nearly closed off walls. Anyway as they say, the rest is history. Bethany moved in with Tara and now they are inseparable. They own a flower shop down on main street. They love it.
Let's talk about the other slayer, Faith.
The one that was in prison.
Well she spent 3 years in prison and then was released. She stayed in LA with Wesley and Cordelia and helped out at the agency. She was still tough but she wasn't looking for a fight every other second and then she fell in love. With who, you are asking. Well his name was Gunn. Charles Gunn.
Someone else Angel found or maybe I should say that he found Angel. Tried to kill Angel the first time they met but later a friendship developed and as he was already hunting down the bad guys, well he joined forces with the LA crew.
No-one saw it coming. But after 2 years as friends and watching each other's back on the street, they fell in love. They had a lot of similarities in their backgrounds. They both at an early age had to look after themselves so they kind of gravitated towards each other.
They were both street smart and though Faith was a slayer and with all that entailed, you should have seen how Gunn treated her. She finally found that someone who would love her and protect her and treat her as the special woman she was. And this woman that Gunn loves is pretty hard to kill so that makes him happy. He has lost too many loved ones already.
It must be something in the water but they didn't have any little ones either.
Wesley married a girl named Anne. She lived in LA and ran a refuge for the homeless. Actually they have about 10 centres all around LA now. They met during the case of the zombie policemen. Wes nearly died, actually they all nearly died. That was scary stuff.
Anyway he went back to the centre after he was out of hospital and went to say thanks to Anne for all she had done. He ended up staying to help out. And one thing led to another and more love in the air.
Anne had a hard life growing up, and had been on the streets herself. Got into some bad trouble, Buffy saved her. And from that moment on she pulled herself out of the gutter and is where she is today. Still looking after the homeless and Wesley is looking after her. He finally got to be someone's hero. Good old Wes.
Then there was Kate.
Kate the cop lady. Does Angel attract women….and men, that have serious family issues? Looks like it.
Firstly Kate and Angel tentatively became friends, then, she found he was a vamp, and she had issues with that. Then he became human and they were back to helping each other out. It looked like she was going to be an asset to the LA crew and then something bad happened. Her Dad was killed by vamps.
It took her about 2 years to finally forgive Angel for once being like the monsters who killed her Father. And maybe cause he saved her from killing herself after she had been fired from the force. Literally saved her that is. She went away for a while but then she realized she was needed to fight the monsters, so she came back.
Kate never married. Men came and went from her life, but nobody special. She says she has enough friends and she is content. Each to his own. She feels needed, useful and these people are proud to call her friend.
You want to know about Cordelia. Good old Cordy.
She had a hard time with those visions for a very long time. There were times it looked liked they might even kill her. Then one day, the terrible pain she had been suffering with, just stopped. When someone asked her how it had stopped, all she said was one word. Doyle. Nobody asked any more questions after that.
She fell in love with one of Angel's enemies. One of the bad guys. Well okay when they fell in love he had come over to the side of good. He even helped bring his former employers down a few times. Sure took his time figuring out which side he wanted to be on though.
But at the end of the day, Lindsay finally came through.
He worked for some evil lawyers. They really had it in for Angel and tried countless times to revamp him and bring back Angelus. Lindsay was at the front of the club for a long time.
He had attacks of conscience every now and then and would come to Angel for help. Back to Lindsay and Cordelia first. The Darla story can wait.
Something really bad happened and Lindsay just up and left town. Then a year later he came back out of the blue. Came to Angel and told him he wanted to make up for the wrongs he had done.
Now we all know that Angel is good for second, third and even fourth chances so Lindsay stayed. Cordy didn't like him at first cause she has a good memory and couldn't forgive all the things she knew he had done..
Then one night she came over to the office to get…well I can't remember what exactly…not important anyway..
So she comes in and there is Lindsay, sitting in the darkened office, with some moonlight peeking thru the window. Did I forget to say how hot Lindsay is…enchilada baby…that is all I will say.
So Lindsay, oh yeah, shirtless Lindsay, moonlight splayed over his chest and guitar in his arms. Half naked Lindsay, singing. She says she fell in love or at least, in lust at first site right there and then. When she tells that story all the girls get a dreamy look in their eyes.
All except Buffy that is. She has Angel, so she has the ultimate dream already.
Well it wasn't long before they were having a very physical relationship. That went on for about 3 years then Lindsay was nearly killed by a Tofdaren demon. It was touch and go for about a month. The longest month in Cordelia's life. I don't think she realised how much she truly loved him till that moment. She sat by his bed and wouldn't leave for the whole time. She confessed her love to his comatose body over and over again. Then when he woke up he said it was the sound of her voice and the love he could feel, that called him back from the abyss. They had a beautiful wedding. Now their kids would have been beautiful but alas it didn't happen.
Who have I forgotten? Oh yeah…Spike, Drucilla and Darla… Well their stories are kind of interwoven. And Lindsay plays a part as well. One of those attacks of conscience.
A little bit of intervention from the powers that be as well for this part of the story. Those guys do pop up every now and again.
Well if you remember, Spike was chipped good and truly by the PTB. So he stayed and helped out the warriors. Safeguarding the hellmouth. And he griped about it every day, never letting anyone forget that he was the big bad. Like he said to Doyle. "I don't have to bleedin well like it."
Some bleached vampire we know is very delusional. After 2 years of fighting along side Buffy, Angel, and the rest of the gang, day after day, well he couldn't really imagine any other place to be. He was lonely though. So lets introduce Darla into the game. And a semi-evil Lindsay.
That evil bunch of lawyers and their bosses tried countless times to bring Angelus back but with no success. A lot of vamps were dusted trying to revamp Angel. So they brought in the big guns. Which brings us to Darla. Yeah, you remember her dying, well she did but like I said, they brought in the big guns. Some prophecy, the evil dudes found, had a recipe for bringing mama back from the dead. So of course they started cooking up a big evil plan to get rid of the warriors for good.
They brought Darla back, back as a human. And our boy Lindsay kinda fell for her.
Darla had been with Angelus for 150 years so she knew what buttons to push. So Darla plus a magic spell and they thought they could get what they wanted. The magic they used was designed to invade the deepest recesses of the mind and pull up the memories that would be beneficial in sending Angel over the edge.
For 6 months Angel was bombarded with memories and images of long ago when he carried the demon inside. He thought he would go mad but he didn't due to the fact that he clung to his anchor. His Buffy. His wife.
Through those ongoing months they learnt the true meaning of the words support and sharing and soulmates. Buffy was his stronghold and his salvation through this trying time and they persevered. Angel was able to withstand the magic and the memories. He truly put Angelus and his evil deeds behind them that day. The powers could have just taken away all the terrible memories but Angel needed to feel that he had earned his redemption by forcing out those feelings from long ago. And he did.
That left Darla out in the cold with only Lindsay for help. Meanwhile, Lindsay had been a very busy boy. He had found out that Darla was dying, very soon. The illness she had been dying from, originally, was going to really kill her this time. He came up with the idea of finding Dru and getting her to turn Darla again.
And that would have been a victory for evil so the Powers stepped in. Before Lindsay could find Drucilla the powers did to her what had been done to Spike. They also gave her back her sanity. And then they sent her home to Spike.
Now Spike had remembered Doyle's words about being open to the possibilities. And when Dru showed up on his doorstep, what was a guy to do, but take her in. She needed him again, just like the old days. Spike wanted his not so black Goddess with him and so she stayed. And that is Spike and Dru's story. They have fought beside the warriors for so many years now that the memories of yesterday are fast fading into oblivion. Another little gift from the Powers. And at long last Angel could forgive himself for Drucilla.
Darla ran away from Lindsay after finding out the truth. And Lindsay went to the only other person he knew would care one way or another. He went to Angel. He told Angel and Buffy the whole story and when he was finished, Buffy turned to Angel and said, "Go and find her." She had no insecurities any more about Angel's love for her. And she knew that this was also something the man she loved had to do and so she gave him her blessing and support. She looked at Angel and remembered their special day. One of many really.
Three weeks after Angel had become human, they were married, surrounded by all their friends. They were married on the beach so that they could enjoy the golden sunlight that Angel was no longer allergic to. It was the happiest day of their lives. The day all their dreams came to a joyful culmination. Giles gave the bride away and he knew she was going to the only man to truly appreciate the gift he was gaining. And Buffy kept asking Willow to pinch her so that she could make sure it was not just a dream. One of many that she dreamt over the years concerning Angel.
So Darla was not a threat to her or their marriage.
Nothing could shake the foundation of their relationship. Nothing or nobody.
And all the years and the obstacles have proven that to be true.
So Angel found Darla and brought her home to Sunnydale. Angel didn't think he could love Buffy anymore than he already did, but then this amazing woman, who was his wife, did something that made him so very proud to be her husband. Buffy asked Darla to stay with them for what ever time was remaining to her. And she did. And so did Lindsay. He wasn't too popular at the firm at that moment.
Darla lived for another 4 months. And in those months she came to see what love and compassion were all about. Love, compassion and friendship. All the things that she had never known in her previous lives. In this instance it can truly be said that she died a happy woman.
And that is what has been happening in the 20 years from the day that Angel and Buffy started their lives together.
"Do you think they survived." Buffy pleads with Angel for assurance that they are not the only ones left after the battle.
Angel looks down at his love and gives her a gentle smile. "Let's go and find out. Oh God, I just thought about Spike and Dru. There is no cover from the sun." And they both frantically run in the direction that they think their friends are.
They reach the top of the hill and just stop. From here they can see the valley below. They can see the bodies lying motionless on the ground. So many bodies! It must have been a horrendous battle.
As the sun's rays reach over the rise of the hill and shine down into the valley below, Buffy gives an agonized cry. "Spike, Dru, the sun is coming." And both Angel and Buffy tear down the slope to try and reach their friends in time. To try to stop the sun from turning them to ash. Their mad dash leaves them both winded and defeated. And as they realize they are not going to make it, they are both stunned by the laughter from their friends.
The laughter from all of their friends.
"Its okay. The sun can't hurt them anymore. They are human. It happened just moments ago." Giles comes forward holding the hand of his lovely wife.
"Buffy, Angel, we thought we lost you." And Dawn throws herself at both of them. Angel catches her, and they engage in a three way hug. Then amidst the laughter and their tears of joy and relief the hug expands to include everyone.
Everyone is okay and the bodies on the ground, dead, are those of their enemies.
Cordy, Lindsay, Faith, Gunn, Wes, Anne, Xander, Anya, Willow, Oz, Tara, Bethany, Giles, Jezzy, Dawn, Steven, Kate, Buffy and Angel are just looking at each other and laughing.
Spike and Drucilla are standing in the sunshine for the first time in so many years. They are holding each other's hands and basking in the sun's warmth. A warmth, that they can feel in their bodies. Spike picks Dru up in his arms and dances around in a circle.
Buffy and Angel finally notice the 4 people standing behind the others, just smiling.
Buffy runs over and throws herself into her mother's arms. It has been so long since she felt the touch, of this much loved woman, that Buffy's joy overwhelms her.
"Mommy, mommy, you're here. How are you here?" she asks of her mother, crying.
Angel is still staring at the dark haired woman standing next to his old friend, Doyle, and the former slayer, Kendra.
Jenny Calendar walks over to Angel and throws her arms around him. "I am so sorry, so very sorry." he whispers into her ear.
"It wasn't you and I am so glad that things worked out for everyone." And she turns and looks at an obviously happy Giles. All is right with the world.
"Well boyo, I told you I would see you again. We came to help out with the fighting. And to deliver a few messages. And to answer a few questions. And to say a final goodbye." And he looks at Cordelia in the arms of her husband.
By this time everyone is holding onto their partners. They are bruised and bloodied but they are alive.
After a few moments while old friends say hello and hugs are exchange, it is time for answers.
"What did you mean, a final good-bye." Asks Willow of Doyle.
"You won't be seeing me or any of us again, this side of your own deaths." Doyle tells the group of warriors.
"Never." Says Dawn in a small voice. She is standing between Steven and her Mum. She is holding on to her Mum's hand for dear life.
"I'm sorry Dawnie, but we have to go back. We came to help and they wanted to reward you and Buffy by letting us say a proper good-bye." Joyce tells her daughters. Buffy is in Angel's embrace but looking at her Mum.
Her Mum beckons her over with an outstretched hand. Joyce takes Dawn's hand with her free one. She looks with pride at her two daughters.
"I just want to tell you how proud I am of both of you. You have stayed true to yourselves and each other. I just want to hold you both one more time and then I have to go." And she takes Dawn and then Buffy into her arms for a final farewell. She kisses them and steps back. "Goodbye my sweet daughters.
And Dawnie, promise me something." Joyce asks of her youngest child.
"Anything Mum." Says Dawn with tears running down her cheeks.
"When my namesake puts lipstick on your favourite dress while playing dressup. Remember you did the exact same thing to me and don't be to hard on her." And the last they see of Joyce is her laughing face as she disappears in the wind.
Buffy and Dawn hold each other for comfort. They look at each other, not understanding Joyce's last words.
Kendra and Jenny say their good byes. With a last wave, Kendra too is gone.
Jenny takes Giles a little way off from the group. She needs to speak with him privately.
They are standing about a foot apart. Jenny runs her fingertips down Rupert's face, gently tracing his brow. He captures her hands and holding them to his lips, places a sweet kiss on them.
"Jenny…" Rupert begins. But she shushes him with a finger over his lips. "No words Rupert. Just know that I am happy that you have found someone to share your life with. That is the greatest testament to our love."
"You opened my heart to love and that is why I was able to find someone else. I want you to know that you will always hold a special place in my heart. Always, Jenny." And then Rupert Giles gently kisses this woman goodbye.
And as Jenny waves to the assembled group her parting words are to Jezabel.
"Did you know that Rupert's Mother was a twin." and she too takes her leave with her laughter floating on the wind.
She leaves behind a very confused group of people and a smiling Irishman.
"I am here to answer ya questions, so ask." Doyle says to the group.
"Well why are we breathing, not that I mind, but why." Asks Spike with Dru still in his arms.
"All of you have served the Powers for the last 20 odd years or so. Served them faithfully and honourably. Now you all will reap the rewards. Have any of ye looked in the mirrors lately." Doyle asks of them all.
"Not that I am complaining but yeah, we all noticed that we haven't aged much since we saw you last. Just as well we live near LA and the hellmouth or people would think it strange. Have the Powers kept us looking this good." Cordelia asks a question that is on all their minds.
A bystander looking at this group of people would swear none of them appear older than 30 years of age. They would be wrong but you wouldn't know it from just looking.
"They have kept us young and healthy for this fight haven't they Doyle." Angel says .
"We aren't going to get all old and wrinkly all of a sudden are we." Asks a worried Anya from the safety of Xander's arms.
"No, no. But from now on you will all age. None of you know how important this battle was do you? And Doyle walks over to stand before Angel and Buffy.
"You don't know what you have accomplished today. What this means for the world of mankind."
"Stop with the cryptic and tell us Doyle." Buffy says with a warning note creeping into her voice. Angel tightens his hold on his wife.
"Oh little slayer, you haven't changed. It is nothing bad I promise you. Only good things from now on. Okay, okay, don't have to hit me." And Doyle takes a moment, knowing what he says next is going to affect every one of these people standing in front of him. This is the best news he can give them and he is just so happy to be the one doing the telling.
"Well to put it simply…It is over. The moment I leave to go back you are all going to be just purely human. No more super powers or super strength. Today you really start your lives. Haven't you noticed something odd about the last 20 years?" And he looks around at all the women present. His eyes rest on Cordelia a moment longer and then he turns to Buffy.
Buffy sadly voices what they have all despaired about through the years. "There aren't any children. Not one child in all our marriages. Of course we noticed. Sometimes we thought it was better because of all the fighting but other times we would have given anything to hold a little baby in our arms." And all the women turn their faces into their husband's chests.
"Are you saying that these almighty powers did this? It was them that stopped the births. How could they? An angry Kate hisses at Doyle. Over the years she has watched and cried with her friends because of their barren state. It was so unfair she was thinking.
"Oh Doyle, how could they? How could you let them?" asks a teary Cordelia.
Doyle turns to look upon the face of the woman he has loved these many long years. "Princess, you wouldn't have been able to do both. Protect your children and protect the other humans on this earth. It was for the best. But now…" and he stops to take a last look at all his friends. Soon he will be going back and it will be a very long time till he sees any of them again.
"Yeah, now what? Are Dru and I going to stay human? Are they going to make this right? Asks a worried Spike. Not long human but he could easily get used to this breathing gig, and he pulls Dru close.
"I told you. No more bad news. You can all live out your lives now without any worries from demons and such. And you heard what Joyce and Jenny said. There are going to be lots of babies. That is part of your reward. For you all to have babies, now that the danger has passed. I can't tell you exactly what is going to happen but I can promise one thing. You are all going to live long enough to hold your great grandchildren in your arms. Every last one of you. You are all free. No more demons will walk the earth for at least the next 2000 years."
And as he feels the pull of the Powers calling him home he finishes with, " Live long and happy lives. You have all earned that and so much more. It is time for me to go. Goodbye my friends." And he takes one last look at all his friends and with a smile and a wave he is gone.
"Well I don't know about you lot, but Dru and I are going home to start making babies." And Spike and Drucilla run off towards home, happier than they have ever been before.
"Babies, we can have babies. A little Oz, I want a little Oz." And Willow tugs on Oz's hand as they too head for home.
Dawn looks at Steven. "A little girl, mum said a little girl." And taking his hand they follow the others.
Gunn looks at Faith and as she grins, he grabs her up in his strong arms and with a purposeful stride hurries after the departing friends.
Anya bursts into tears. "Sweetheart what is it?" A concerned Xander asks. "I am going to be fat. Will you still love me when I am fat and can't see my feet? And Xander answers that the only way he knows how. "Let's go make us some babies and find out." And with a laugh they are gone.
"Come on Lindsay. No way are Anya and Willow having babies before me." And Cordy drags a grinning Lindsay behind her. "I aim to please, my Queen." He can be heard saying.
"Well I don't know about you Wesley, but I think I want to show these young people that age is no barrier to winning. What do you think, Jezzy? Are you up for it?
And Giles takes her hand and they walk away. Wesley and Anne follow behind and they start laughing when they hear Jezebel say. "We will see who is up for what, Rupee."
"Well girls," Kate says to Tara and Bethany. "I don't know about you two but I could use a long soak in the bath. Care to walk me home."
"A bubble bath sounds real nice." Says Tara looking at Bethany with a little smile.
The girls leave.
Angel and Buffy are left standing in the valley all alone. They are both silent. They watch as the last of their friends leave. Buffy utters a sob and collapses in Angel's arms. He holds her to him very tight. And he knows exactly what she is feeling. The tears fall down his cheeks to run into her hair. A little time passes before all is quiet again. They sink to the ground, still in each other's embrace.
Angel pulls back to gaze at his beloved wife. "Better now, my love?" He asks as he wipes the last trace of tears from her cheeks.
"It is just so much to take in…I can't believe we can have a normal life at long last." She answers.
"It is what we have always dreamed about. I want this more than I have ever wanted anything in my life. I promise to love you and stay with you every day until I take my last breath on this earth. Children…I never let myself hope for that. Our baby. Thank you Buffy, for loving me, and giving me a reason to fight, a reason to wake up every morning. I will love you always. I promise." And he takes her in his arms and showers her face with kisses.
When she can talk again she says, " And I love you, my Angel. I hope you truly know just how much you mean to me. Do you know we have not slept apart even for one night since we were married? To wake up every morning and see you sleeping beside me fills my heart with untold joy. And that is what I promise you. I promise to give you joy and happiness every day that we are together. No-one deserves it more than you, my love. Our baby…your baby growing inside my belly. I want that Angel more than you can know. I wish…Oh God Angel." And she stops and looks down at her stomach.
"What is it? What is wrong? Tell me." He is frantic with worry and confused as he sees the brilliant smile break out over her face. "Thankyou Doyle." She whispers to the heavens and an answering laugh is heard.
"Buffy…" he doesn't know what is going on.
She pulls him to his feet. "We are going to have a baby." She tells him. She can't stop smiling.
"What do you…do you mean what I think…we're pregnant now…" and as his sentences flow into each other, he picks her up and swings her around.
He puts her down and his hands travel lightly over her still flat stomach.
"Our baby…let's go home. I need to make love to you right now. I love you Buffy. Always."
And as they walk towards home, hand in hand, she starts to laugh. He looks down at her and she says, " I get to tell Cordy our news. I can't wait. She is going to go green with envy."
And as our lovers walk towards their destiny, their new life, their joyous laughter floats behind them on the wind.