E-mail: honzr@midstate.tds.net
Distribution: TPWFLD; anyone else please ask.
Disclaimer: Angel, Willow, and the others don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement intended. Only Patrick and Caitlyn belong to me.
Rating: R, to be on the safe side, due to language, implied violence.
Feedback: Yes!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Prologue: 1873--Europe
Angelus waited patiently for his enemy to arrive. He'd made sure that the bait would be sufficient to lure the fool right to him. <Pathetic human!>
"Angelus!! Show yourself, you bastard!"
<Oh, good. The entertainment shall now begin.>
"Patrick, my dear boy, whatever is the matter?"
"Where is she? What have you done with her?"
Angelus watched the young man intently.
"Have you lost someone? Tsk, tsk, how careless of you."
"If you've hurt her, I'll kill you!"
"That I would very much like to see. But, I will spare you the need for anymore theatrics."
With a snap of his fingers, Angelus called forward a vampire from the shadows. He was holding a beautiful young woman, bound and gagged. Her eyes were wide with fear as she glanced from Angelus to the man she loved.
Angelus grabbed the woman around the neck with enough pressure to cause pain.
"Could this be what you're looking for?"
"Let her go. It's me you're after. Here I am."
"But where's the fun in that. You have been stirring up the villagers, causing annoying problems for me. You should learn to keep your nose out of other people's business."
Patrick watched in stunned horror as Angelus snapped Caitlyn's neck. She dropped to the ground like a ragdoll.
"NO!!!"
Patrick rushed toward his fallen love, only to be shoved back by Angelus.
"This is all your fault, you know. None of this would've happened if you would have kept your mouth shut."
"I had to warn the other's about what you are."
"Ahh, a man of honor. Tell me, Patrick. Was it worth Caitlyn's life?"
"You won't get away with this. The villagers will hunt you down."
"I don't think so. You see, they are smarter then you are. They know better then to cause me trouble."
"So, what are you waiting for? Kill me!"
Angelus walked over to the man and delivered a blow that knocked Patrick into the wall behind him. A few more well placed kicks and punches left Patrick sprawled on the floor, fatally wounded.
"That would be too easy. I had nothing against young Caitlyn, so she died quickly. However, you, I have a problem with. So, I'm going to leave you here, with your beloved's body. And you will die a slow, painful death."
"You'll pay for this. I swear on my Caitlyn's memory, I will find a way to make you pay!! No matter what it takes."
"Nice sentiment....for a dead man."
Angelus walked away, already focused on his next victim.
"ANGELUS!!!"
Patrick screamed at the retreating vampire. Patrick turned to see the lifeless body of the only person he'd ever loved.
Patrick soon passed
out from the pain of his injuries. However, before the darkness claimed
him, he saw a shadow approach him. And he felt himself lifted off the ground....then
nothing.
1998--Sunnydale
The man hid in the shadows, observation his only purpose. His search for Angelus had brought him to America....to this town. It hadn't taken him long to feel the power of the Hellmouth, and the presence of the Slayer. He hadn't figured out why the Slayer hadn't destroyed Angelus yet, she'd had plenty of opportunities. But, that was fine with him. Revenge belonged to him, and no one else. It had taken him lifetimes to gain the knowledge and power he now possesed, and it had cost him everything....including his honor, and his soul. But it would be worth it once he had destroyed his enemy.
Patrick had watched Angelus' torment of the Slayer and her friends. He had watched the way he manipulated and played mind games with them. That had given him the perfect idea for his revenge. <So, my old friend, you enjoy playing games. Then I guarantee you'll love my game!> All that remained was to select the pawn. Patrick had chosen carefully, and she would be perfect. <The time for retribution is here. Let the games begin!> Patrick laughed, before he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
End Prologue
Buffy, Xander, and Willow were walking through the park when Buffy sensed an evil presence.
"We've got company." Buffy announced.
Buffy pulled out a stake, while Xander and Willow surveyed the park.
"Well, well,well....what do we have here?"
"What do you want, Angel?"
"Buffy, I'm hurt. Can't I just stop by to say hi?"
Before anyone could respond, a figure appeared in a swirl of smoke. Buffy and the others stared in disbelief at the apparition. Angelus growled.
"Greetings!" Patrick spoke casually.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Angelus walked toward Patrick, hatred blazing in both men's eyes.
"Thought I was dead, didn't you?"
Buffy cautiously approached the two men, with Xander and Willow following close behind.
"I really hate to interrupt this little reunion, but who the hell are you?"
Patrick turned toward the Slayer. Then his gaze shifted to Xander, then to Willow.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Patrick, an old....acquaintance of Angelus."
"He's a damn pest who's had too much time on his hands. You never could do anything right....you even botched up dying." Angelus taunted from beside Buffy.
Patrick lost his patience, and turned toward the man who had ruined his life.
"You son-of-a-bitch! You destroyed my life, and I swore I'd do anything I had to do in order to make you pay. I've dedicated my life to learning the black arts. Now the time has come for you to suffer the same way you made me suffer. After all, I know how much you love to play games."
With a wave of his
hands, Patrick sent up a burst of light that temporarily blinded everyone. Buffy was the first
to regain her sight.
"What the....?"
Her question died
in her throat as she looked for her friends. Xander was standing beside
her, rubbing his eyes. Patrick stood in front of her, but there was no
sign of Angel or Willow.
"What have you done!?"
"I've finally put
my plan in motion. But it's no concern of yours."
Buffy grabbed Patrick
by the shirt and shook him. "Wrong! You got a score to settle with Angel,
that's your problem. But you mess with Willow, then it becomes my problem.
Now, where is she?"
"With Angelus." Patrick
replied evenly.
"Are you crazy? He'll
kill her! She's never done anything to you."
"Oh, don't worry.
He can't kill her, that would defeat the purpose of the game. But she is
vital to my plan, and she will be sacrificed."
Buffy tried to hit
him, but her hand went straight through his body.
"What do you mean....sacraficed?
You just said Angel wouldn't hurt her."
"That's right. I
don't intend to discuss my plan with you, Slayer. But, I will tell you
this. Angelus will try to save the girl, but she will die. Not by his hands.....
but by mine. I will destroy her, while Angelus watches helplessly."
"NO!! I don't know
what your issues are with Angel, but leave Willow out of it. She's innocent."
"So was Caitlyn."
"Who...?" Buffy began.
"Enough! Your friend
will be the key to Angelus' destruction. An eye for an eye!" With that,
Patrick disappeared.
Buffy rushed to Xander.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Where's
Willow?"
"I don't know. Come
on, we have to talk to Giles."
"If Angel hurts her,
I'll kill him myself." Xander threatened.
Buffy thought over
what Patrick had said, and shook her head. "It's not Angel we have to worry
about this time, Xander."
"How can you say
that?"
Buffy repeated what
Patrick had said. Xander grew visibly paler.
"My God! You mean
we have to depend on Angel to keep Willow safe?"
"Hurry, we have to
find Giles."
Buffy and Xander
headed toward the library. They had to pray that Giles would be able to
shed some light on this. Because neither of them were too confident that
Angel would lift a finger to protect Willow.
The Maze:
Angelus surveyed
his surroundings. <Damn! I should've finished that twit off when I had
the chance.> It was then that he noticed he wasn't alone. Willow stood
with her back toward him.
"What are you doing
here?"
Willow shrugged her
shoulders, but didn't turn around.
"What the hell are
you looking at?"
Angelus walked over
to Willow and looked into the direction that had caught her attention.
<What is this?>
"Recognize this place,
Angelus?" It looked like the place where he had killed Caitlyn.
Angel turned toward
the voice. Without a second's hesitation, Angel attacked, but failed to
connect with his enemy. Willow stood back, and watched silently. "I told
you I spent a long time studying. I'm the one with the power now."
"So, you want revenge.
Kill me now." Angel taunted.
"What was it you
once said? Killing you would be too easy."
"Then what do you
want?"
"To play a game.
My game, my rules."
Angel looked ready
to kill. However, he controlled his rage, what he needed was to find out
what Patrick had in mind.
Patrick took Angel's
silence in stride. He motioned Willow to come forward. Slowly, Willow came
to stand beside Angel. She didn't trust Angel, but at least she knew what
to expect from him. This Patrick guy scared her to death.
"Now, shall we begin."
Patrick paced back
and forth in front of Willow and Angel while he related the 'rules' of
his game.
"It's really very
simple. You must find your way through the maze, and arrive at the other
end....together. If only one makes it out, they will die anyway. If you
both make it out, you'll be free to return to Sunnydale."
Patrick noticed the
skeptical look on Angelus' face. <Always the suspicious one. Of course,
I never said you'd return alive.>
"And you expect me
to believe that. I'm not a fool Patrick."
"No one could ever
accuse you of being a fool. There will of course be certain....shall we
say, obstacles, in the maze."
"Naturally. But why
take the chance that we'll make it out. You're so powerful, why not just
destroy me now?"
"Oh, Angelus. Where's
your sense of adventure? Besides, I know you too well, my friend. You work
alone, and I have no doubt that you won't make it to the other end with
the girl. If you don't kill her yourself, then you'll leave her to face
the dangers in the maze alone."
Willow glanced back
and forth between the two men. <This just keeps getting better and better.>
"We'll just see about
that, Patrick. I will make it through this childish game of yours, and
then I'll finish what I started years ago."
"I look forward to
it. Now, you may begin."
Angel watched Patrick
disappear.
"Let's go."
Angel turned when
Willow didn't immediately follow him.
"What are you waiting
for?"
Willow couldn't move.
Maybe if she didn't enter the maze, this would just end.
"Look, I'm not exactly
excited about this either. But, I intend to get through this thing, and
if I have to drag you along, then so be it."
"How can I trust
you?" Willow whispered.
"How can you not?
You heard him, we need to get through together. Besides, I have more important
things on my mind then you. So, just do what I say, and I'll get you through
the maze. Then you can go back home, and I get my hands on Patrick. Now,
let's go."
Angel grabbed Willow's
arm, and pulled her toward the maze.
The two unlikely
allies entered the maze. The spot where they entered immediately disappeared.
Angel pulled Willow further into the maze, and their journey began.
Sunnydale:
"Giles, what are
we going to do?"
Giles had searched
through every book he could find. He had found no answer.
"I'm afraid there's
nothing we can do."
Buffy stared at her
Watcher in disbelief.
"What do we mean?
We have to do something. Willow's life depends on it!"
"No, Buffy. Willow's
life depends on Angel."
"Oh, that makes me
feel so much better." Xander said sarcastically.
"Listen to me. Whoever
Patrick is, he's very powerful. He's the only one who can stop this, and
from what you've told me, I don't think that's likely. Which means Angel
is Willow's only hope for survival."
"Ok, say for argument's
sake, that Angel will protect Willow. That guy said that it wouldn't be
enough. He said he would kill Willow himself."
"I don't know Buffy.
All we can do is wait...and hope. I'm sorry, I'll keep searching, but that's
all we can do." Giles left to look through more books.
"I can't believe
this. Why Willow? Why did smoke guy take her?"
"I don't know, Xander.
I hate feeling helpless. I'm the Slayer, and I can't do a damn thing to
help my best friend."
Xander walked over
to comfort Buffy.
"I can't believe
I'm going to say this, but I think we have to have faith that Angel will
protect Willow."
Buffy looked at Xander
as though he were crazy.
"No, just think about
it. That Patrick guy seemed pretty certain that Angel would try to save
Willow. So maybe we need to hold on to that hope."
Buffy was about to
argue, but then realized that it wouldn't accomplish anything. Unless they
were able to find a way to get Willow back, all they had was that slim
ray of hope.
"But how does a vampire
fight someone with Patrick's powers?"
Xander had no answer.
Angelus was a clever opponent....merciless, manipulative, dangerous. But,
how does that compete with someone who has the power of darkness?
"She'll be fine.
Patrick may be more powerful, but Willow and Angel will find a way to beat
him. Just remember, Angelus hates losing."
"I guess." Buffy
replied, unconvincingly.
The two friends sat
silently in the library. Neither wanted to think about the horrors that
their friend would face. <Be strong, Willow. We love you.>
As Buffy and Xander
were about to leave, a cloud of smoke materialized.
"Hello, again."
"What do you want?"
Patrick walked around
the library. <Interesting place for the Slayer to hide out.>
"Just thought you'd
like to know that Angelus and your little friend have begun their adventure.
I am most excited."
"Why are you doing
this?"
Patrick saw no reason
to avoid the question.
"Angelus murdered
my wife, Caitlyn. Then he left me to die, but I didn't. I was given the
chance to have eternal life."
"What did you do?
Sell your soul?" Xander asked sarcastically.
"Yes, I did. Nothing
mattered to me except making Angelus pay for his crime."
"But why involve
Willow? This is between you and Angel." Buffy tried to reason with him.
"You don't get it
yet, do you?"
Buffy recalled Patrick's
words.....'an eye for an eye'.
"But, it's not the
same. Angel doesn't care about anyone, especially Willow."
Xander looked back
and forth between the two. He had absolutely no idea what they were talking
about. He'd obviously missed something.
"Not yet, but he
will. With a little help, that is."
"What does that mean?"
"Let's just say that
between the dangers they'll face, and a little soul, things will get pretty
intense."
"You're giving Angel
back his soul?"
"Not exactly. Just
enough of it so that his natural protective instincts will shine through.
You see, I've done my homework on him. He grew up in a time where gentlemen
protected damsels in distress. When he became a vampire, that instinct
went out the window, but now I've given it back to him."
"Will someone tell
me what the heck you two are talking about?" Xander shouted.
"There's nothing
you can do, Slayer. You might as well get used to the idea that they won't
be coming back. One way or another, both Angelus and Willow will die."
With that dire prediction,
Patrick disappeared.
"Buffy?"
"He's twisted." Buffy
said to herself.
"Buffy, what was
he talking about!?"
"He's going to let
Angel fall in love with Willow, then kill her in front of him. The same
way Angelus killed Patrick's wife. An eye for an eye."
"Oh, God!
"Xander, Patrick
has given us real hope."
"How do you figure?"
"If Angel has even
a little bit of his soul back, and he does fall in love with Willow...."
"He'll protect her
with his life. Just like your Angel would've done for you." Xander finished
her sentence.
"Exactly, and maybe
that'll be enough to save them both."
The two teenagers
rushed to tell Giles what they had learned. It wasn't much, but it was
all they had to hold onto.
The Maze:
Angel was getting
real tired of this 'game' real fast. They'd already encountered several
of Patrick's obstacles. Things ranging from a mutant ant to a clone of
Principal Snyder. That one he had let Willow handle, and she'd taken great
pleasure in telling him off....before she pushed him into the electrical
fencing. But there was something
else bothering Angel at the moment. His feelings toward Willow had begun
to change, and he didn't know why. He kept repeating that to himself, but
it didn't change the fact that he had become very protective of her since
this mess began.
When Snyder had first
appeared and grabbed her, Angelus had felt raw fury at the thought that
she might be hurt. And he had felt admiration for her when she had faced
her fears, and eliminated the threat. <What the hell is happening to
me?>
"Angel?"
"What?"
Willow backed up
slightly at his tone. <This whole thing is making me nuts. And watching
Snyder fry hasn't helped matters. I still can't believe I killed him. Ok,
I realize it wasn't really him, but it still freaks me out. Angel's attitude
isn't helping either, but I guess I should be thankful that he's keeping
me alive.>
Angel watched Willow
retreat from him, and immediately softened his reply. Although he didn't
know why, it mattered to him.
"What is it?"
"The fencing's gone."
Angel turned to where
she pointed. In a matter of moments, their surroundings had changed. Willow
now stood where the electrical fence had been, and their choice of routes
had moved. <That little prick! I just get a feel for the layout of this
stupid maze, and he changes everything. You better pray I don't make it,
Patrick. Because if I do, you are a dead man!>
"We've got to keep
moving. Who knows what Patrick has lined up next." Angel grabbed Willow
by the hand and choose a path. Willow noticed that although Angel left
no room for arguement, his hold on her hand was gentle now.
Patrick watched the
scene that was developing. <Ahh, it's working already. You are becoming
concerned about the girl, and the old protective urges are coming through.
Soon, you will come to care for the girl, maybe even love her. Although,
in my opinion, you're not capable of love. But we'll see. It only matters
to me that you care enough for her that you will fight to save her, and
that her death will bring you pain.>
Patrick stood up
and began pacing. He was a little disappointed that none of the presents
he'd left in the maze had even slowed Angelus down.
It seemed as though
they had been walking for hours, and they didn't seem to be any closer
to finding the way out. Willow was becoming discouraged, Angel was becoming
angry.
"Damn it, this is
getting us no where." Angel stood looking at the three paths ahead of him.
<Which one do I choose? It probably won't make a difference. If we even
get close to the end, Patrick will just change the paths again.> Angel
looked at Willow. Whatever the pull was, it was getting stronger. He found
himself drawn to her more and more.
"Are you alright?"
Willow looked up
at Angel, surprised. <He's actually concerned about me. When did that
happen?> But she was too tired to think too much about his odd behavior.
"I'm fine. We better
keep moving."
Willow started toward
Angel, when she heard laughter behind her.
Suddenly, Angel grabbed
her and pulled her to him.
"What was that?"
Angel had no idea
where the noise was coming from....or what it was, but he wanted to make
sure Willow was safe beside him.
"Angelussssssssssssss........"
The voice made his name sound like a hiss.
"Where are you?"
<What are you?>
"I'm right behind
you."
Angel swung around,
shoving Willow behind him.
"Darla?"
"Miss me?"
Angel stared at the
blond vampire standing before him. He knew it couldn't be the real Darla,
he'd killed her himself.
"Get out of my way.
I'd hate to have to kill you again."
"Oh, dear Angel.
There was a time when you would have greeted me very differently. Before
you hooked up with the Slayer and her little friends."
The look she gave
Willow, sent shivers down the hacker's neck. Unknowingly, she moved closer
to Angel.
"Oh, isn't that sweet.
You've made another conquest Angelus."
"Back off, Darla.
I don't have time for your games."
Angel made the mistake
of trying to push past the other vampire. He never saw her raise her hand,
but he was soon knocked onto his back.
"What the....."
"My turn, Angel."
Darla took the offensive
and attacked Angel. He was able to get to his feet, before he was tackled.
<Another of Patrick's tricks, Darla was never this strong.>
Willow stood as she
watched Angel and Darla fight. She looked around the maze. A tree was visible
and she headed toward it. Willow broke off a branch and prayed that it
would work. She ran back to the fight, and waited for her opportunity to
strike.
Angel was pinned
to the ground, unable to move. His next thoughts were of Willow. If he
died, so would she. That thought made him renew his fight, but this Darla's
strength was too much for him.
"I guess this is
goodbye, lover. Don't worry, I'll take care of your little friend."
"No thanks, I prefer
Angel."
Darla turned, and
was greeted by the branch. The next second, she was dust.
"Are you okay?" Willow
asked.
Angel looked at Willow,
seeing her for the first time. <No one has ever done anything like that
for me before. She saved my life.>
"Angel?"
Angel stood, and
walked up to Willow. Then Angelus did something that surprised both of
them....he kissed her.
"Thank you."
Willow was taken
off guard. <What just happened? Angelus kissed me.....and I enjoyed
it. Oh, brother, I'm in trouble.>
"Uhmm, for what?"
Willow had completely lost her train of thought.
"Saving my life.
I owe you for that."
"Angel, I don't understand....."
"Neither do I. But
we don't have time to figure it out now. Later."
"Okay, which way?"
Angel looked closely
at the paths. <There has to be some pattern to what Patrick's doing.
If I could figure it out, I could get us out of here.>
"This way."
Willow clutched Angel's
hand, and they followed the path to the right. <What's next?>
Willow knew that
things weren't getting any better. <We're no closer to finding a way
out then we were when we first started.> After they got past Darla, things
had only gotten worse. They had managed to destroy whatever Patrick sent
at them, but it had taken a toll. Willow glanced at Angel. He took every
precaution to keep her safe, but she also remembered what he was....a killer.
The way he'd killed in the maze, without any regrets, reminded her of who
he was. But, she also knew that if it wasn't for him, she'd be dead already.
Angel kept his mind
focused on the maze, but he was aware of Willow. He still doubted his sanity.
<Shit, I kissed her. What was I thinking?> Angel knew something had
happened. And if it was something that would piss him off, he knew Patrick
was behind it. <Ok, you s.o.b., what did you do? Cast some kind of spell?
Well, it won't work. I'm keeping her alive because I have to, not because
I want to.>
"Quit dragging. Don't
think I'm going to carry you." Angel yelled to Willow.
<Welcome back,
Angelus.>
Willow didn't know
how much longer she could go on. <I'm so tired, but I can't tell Angel
that. I never know which kind of mood he's in. And if he's in his angry-guy
mood, he'd leave me just to be mean.>
Willow forced herself
to catch up to Angel. Suddenly, her foot was pulled out from underneath
her.
"Owwwwww!!!"
Angel turned at the
sound of Willow's scream. He saw her lying on the ground, but there was
no one around. <What the hell? What does she think this is....nap time.>
Angel's anger evaporated
when he reached Willow's side. Her right leg had been caught in what looked
like barbed wire. The pant leg was shredded, and her leg had many cuts
and gashes, some of them quite deep. Angel had to control the demon's lust
for the blood that flowed from the wounds.
Willow watched Angel
closely. She could see him fighting for control, and she knew that there
was nothing she could do.
Angel forced himself
to focus on Willow's face.
"Give me your shirt."
Willow took off the
flannel shirt she wore, thankful she had put a t-shirt on underneath. She
watched as he gently tried to free her leg from the wire. Once that was
done, he tore the shirt into strips and bandaged her leg.
"That's all I can
do for now. As soon as we get out of here, you'll have to get something
for infection."
"Will we get out
of here? Patrick controls the maze. What if he makes sure we never get
out?"
Angel refused to
answer right away. They were the same questions he'd asked himself. Patrick's
actions didn't make sense. And it infuriated Angel that he couldn't figure
out what was going on.
"Don't ask such stupid
questions. Now, we've wasted enough time. From now on, watch where you're
going."
Despite the cruelness
of his words, Angel helped Willow stand. And supported her as they walked.
Willow didn't point out that she hadn't seen the danger, because it wasn't
there when she'd first stepped in that spot. But Angel knew it anyway,
because the barbed wire had disappeared as soon as Willow had stood up.
Willow grimaced in
pain, but kept her mouth shut. She knew Angel didn't want to hear about
her injury. As they walked through the maze, Willow realized that if they
were going to survive, Angel needed to concentrate on the maze. He was
the only one that could get them out.
"How's the leg?"
"Fine, it doesn't
hurt much at all." Willow lied.
<Good, at least
I don't have to worry about her leg slowing us down.> Angel wouldn't acknowledge
the relief he felt.
Willow decided that
she would keep her pain to herself. <There's nothing he can do about
it. Better to just try to push it to the back of my mind. Please, help
us through this soon. I just want to go home.>
Angel stopped. He
left Willow standing, and went ahead to check out the two paths they were
faced with.
"From now on, we'll
have to be even more careful. Patrick will continue to throw things at
us when we least expect it."
Angel had no sooner
finished, then Willow screamed.
"ANGEL!!!"
Angel instinctively
ducked as he turned. A giant Cobra snake, had appeared directly behind
him. He assumed a defensive stance.
"Move back." Willow
obeyed without question.
Angel faced the ugly
creature. <Nice, Patrick. Very nice. You get an A for imagination.>
The cobra struck, but Angel dodged the strike. Willow looked around, hoping
to find something to help, but there was nothing. Angel was on his own.
Willow watched helplessly
as the snake and the demon fought in a battle to the death. "Willow? Willow?"
Willow turned at
the sound of her name. She saw no one. She turned her attention back to
Angel, but a movement out of the corner of her eye, caught her attention.
A figure had run past.
"Wait!" Willow went
after the figure. <Maybe he can help Angel.>
Angel finally killed
the snake. <Damn reptile.> He threw the snake into the corner of the
maze. Angel wasn't surprised when it disappeared seconds later.
"Done. Now let's
try this path."
Angel turned, and
found himelf talking to empty space.
"Willow!"
<Damnit, where
did she go?> Angel searched the area, but found no sign of Willow. His
anger was now replaced by fear. <If that little weasel hurts her, he'll
know what pain is!> Angel raced to find the young woman.
Meanwhile, Willow
caught up to the man she'd seen. He stood with his back to her, but there
was something familiar about him. Willow walked closer, and the man turned.
The blood drained from Willow's face.
"No, it's not real.
You can't be here!"
"Hello, Will."
Willow stared at
the man in front of her. He looked exactly as she remembered.
"Jesse?"
"Hey, buddy. Surprise
seeing you here."
"This isn't happening.
You're dead."
Willow stared at
Jesse. He'd been one of her best friends since they were children, but
she didn't recognize this Jesse. His eyes were cold, and sent chills down
her back.
"Yeah, I died. No
thanks to your new friend."
"What are you talking
about?"
"Buffy. Everything
was fine until she showed up. You, me, and Xander were perfectly happy,
but then she came and wrecked everything. It's her fault I died. But what
really hurts is that you and Xander betrayed me."
Willow watched Jesse.
He was becoming angry, and she was scared to death. <Hurry, Angel. Please
find me!>
"We never betrayed
you."
"Oh, really? Then
what would you call it. You and Xander were my best friends, but you took
her side over mine. And now you're all one cozy little group."
"We didn't choose
sides. You were a vampire."
"I was your friend!!!"
A part of Willow
had always felt guilty about Jesse's death, and now here he was, blaming
her.
"Once you were changed,
you weren't the Jesse we knew anymore. You became a monster."
"Do you remember
when we were kids? The three of us took a sacred oath, to be best friends
forever. NO MATTER WHAT!!!"
Willow backed up
until she hit a wall. <Damn!>
"We did what we had
to do, Jesse."
"No, you did what
she told you to do. God, you always were a little follower. Good little
Willow, always doing as you're told."
Willow walked toward
Jesse, ignoring the pain in her leg. His condescending tone had made her
angry.
"Knock it off. You
always could be a jerk!"
Jesse backed up slightly,
surprised at the anger in her voice.
"The night you disappeared,
we were desperate to find you. After we found out what happened, we were
devastated. You had to be destroyed, you weren't the Jesse we knew and
loved, he was already dead. But, we have never forgotten you. And Xander
and I have kept our promise. Jesse is still our best friend, and he always
will be....in our hearts!"
"Then why do you
feel guilty? You sum everything up into a neat little package, but it doesn't
change the fact that you blame yourself. And I say with good reason."
Willow forced herself
to remember that this wasn't her friend. Jesse would never have blamed
her for what happened.
"Yes, I felt guilty,
because I wasn't there for you when you were taken. I always felt as though
I had let you down. But I know better now. There was nothing I could do!"
"So, you let me die!"
"I don't have to
explain myself to you. Whatever you are, you aren't my friend. Jesse would
know how much he meant to Xander and I. He'd know that we would never forget
him. So, you've failed."
Willow watched as
the man disappeared. Patrick had used the guilt she felt against her. But
by facing the guilt, and overcoming it, she had defeated the ghost from
her past. <I'm sorry Jesse, but I realize it wasn't my fault. Goodbye.>
Willow collapsed
on the ground in tears. Between the throbbing pain in her leg, mental and
physical exhaustion, and the constant fear, Willow had reached the limit
of her endurance.
That was the way
Angel found her moments later. He ran to her side, and gently pulled her
into his arms. He didn't even stop to think about what he was doing. Angel
rocked Willow, and listened as she told him what had happened. <Damn
you Patrick! Why can't you leave her alone? It's me you're after.>
Angel continued to
hold onto Willow until she finally drifted off to sleep. He knew they should
keep moving, but he couldn't wake her up. She was too close to the edge,
and needed time to regroup. Angel checked her leg. He noticed that the
cuts had become a bright red. <That leg must hurt like hell, but she'd
never uttered a single word. She's tougher than I've ever given her credit
for.>
Willow woke up alone.
The nightmares that had plagued her sleep dimmed in the reality that Angel
had left her.
"Angel!!!" Willow
sobbed.
"Willow, I'm right
here."
Willow turned to
see Angel standing behind her. She ran to him, and held on as though her
life depended on it. At that point, she didn't care that he would probably
push her away.
But Angel didn't
push her away. He held her tightly in his arms. Angel had this woman in
his arms, and it felt right. He'd worry about the repercussions later.
Angel tipped Willow's
face up to him. Tears rolled down her face, but the trust he saw in her
eyes, were his undoing. He leaned down and kissed her. First one cheek,
then the other. Willow closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace.
"I thought you'd
left." Willow whispered.
"Never."
Then he claimed her
lips in a kiss that sent shivers down to her feet. She wound her arms around
his neck, and returned the kiss. Neither wanted that moment to end, but
the sounds of approaching danger pulled them apart.
"Can you walk?"
Willow, still dazed
from the kiss, looked at him in confusion.
"You're leg. I know
it hurts."
"I'll be fine."
Angel watched the
emotions cross her face. She was still denying her injury. Angel swung
Willow up into his arms and continued on their path.
"I can walk, you
know. Besides, didn't you say you weren't going to carry me." Willow couldn't
help throwing his words back at him.
"Shut up. You'd slow
us down with that leg."
Willow withdrew a
little, as she sensed the return of Angelus mode.
"Besides, I enjoy
having you exactly where I want you." Angel continued with a smirk.
Willow smiled softly.
<Who would've thought that Angelus was capable of humor. This is definately
a new side.>
They hadn't gone
far when another of Patrick's 'obstacles' appeared. Willow watched as Angelus
fought the monster. <How much more do we have to go through? When will
Patrick be satisfied? How much longer can I keep going?>
Angel returned to
Willow, and pulled her to him. He, too, was getting sick of this game.
<It's got to end soon.> They stood silently. Both praying for a moment's
peace before they'd have to continue.
End Part 5