Rating: PG-13
Distribution: TPWFLD; Angel of Mine; otherwise please ask.
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement intended. Only Tory belongs to me.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Buffy and Giles were busy training while Xander slept in a chair. Willow was supposed to meet them there soon, in order to do some research on recent vampire activity. They had just finished with the training when the library doors opened and a little girl walked in. She couldn't have been more then six years old. Giles walked over to her, but she backed away.
"Hello, young lady. Can I help you?"
The girl looked from him to the others in the room. She shook her head.
"Are you lost?"
Again the girl shook her head. She backed further away from Giles. Buffy and Xander both tried to talk to the little girl, but she wouldn't say anything to them. They left her standing by the doors, and walked back to the table. The last thing they wanted to do was scare her anymore then she already was.
"What are we going to do with her?" Buffy asked.
Xander eyed the girl curiously. There was something vaguely familiar about her, but Xander knew he'd never met her before.
"Let's give her a few minutes, then try talking to her again." Giles said.
Several moments later, Giles walked back to the little girl and tried talking to her. She wouldn't answer him, and even refused to look at him. Giles was about to stand when the library doors opened, and Willow walked in. Giles watched the little girl's eyes widen, and she ran to Willow.
Willow looked surprised when the little girl threw herself into her arms. "Uhhmm, guys, someone care to clue me in?"
Buffy explained about the little girl, and that she had refused to communicate with anyone. Willow knelt down in front of the little girl, and smiled as the girl patted her cheeks.
"What's your name?" Willow asked.
"Tory."
"Tory, that's a pretty name. Are you lost?"
Tory shook her head, never taking her eyes off of Willow. "Where are your parents? I bet they're worried about you."
"They were killed." Tory said then buried her face in Willow's shoulder.
Willow wrapped her arms around the little girl and lifted her up. She walked over to the table and sat down. Tory refused to release her grip on Willow, so Willow situated the little girl on her lap.
"Giles, any ideas what we do now?" Buffy asked.
Giles was still perplexed by the girl's instant attachment to Willow. "Willow, do you know this girl?"
"Never seen her before." Willow replied.
"Well, then I guess we better call the police. Maybe they'll be able to locate her family." Giles said.
Giles walked to the counter, but as he reached for the phone, it went flying across the room.
"NO!!"
All eyes turned to the little girl in Willow's lap.
"Tory, did you do that to the phone?" Willow asked.
Tory nodded, then laid her head back down on Willow's shoulder.
"Guess she doesn't want you calling the cops, Giles." Xander said.
"Brilliant observation, Einstein." Buffy pointed out.
Giles pulled Buffy to the side. "I think for the time being we should keep Tory with us. It's obvious she has some kind of power, and I think we need to explore that. Find out exactly what she is."
Giles walked over to Willow. "Willow, why don't you hand Tory to me. I think it's best if she stay with me for awhile, at least until we figure out who she is."
Giles reached for the little girl, but was unable to touch her or Willow. An invisible shield protected them from his grasp.
"No!" Tory said.
Willow looked from Giles to Tory. The kind of magic the little girl was doing was beyond anything Willow had learned to do yet. But, Willow felt a connection to Tory.
"Giles, she can stay with me. My parents are out of town again, and it's obvious Tory won't let any of you guys near her."
"Willow, I don't know about this. We don't know anything about her." Buffy said.
"She's a little girl who's terrified. For whatever reason, she feels comfortable with me."
The group decided that there really wasn't any other choice. Buffy and Xander walked Willow and Tory home, then headed to their own homes. Giles stayed at the library and began searching for information on Tory.
Willow tucked Tory into bed, and turned to leave the room.
"Thank you." Tory said.
Willow turned and smiled at the little girl. "I'm right in the next room if you need anything. I'll see you in the morning, Tory."
"Night..."
Willow walked out and shut the door, never hearing the little girl's whisper.
"Mommy."
End Part 1
Giles and Buffy were talking about what had happened, when Willow and Tory entered the library the following afternoon. They noticed how the little girl was gripping Willow's hand.
"Hi guys."
"Hey, Will, how'd it go last night?" Buffy asked.
"Fine. Did you guys find out anything interesting?" Willow asked.
"Nothing. There seems to be only one person who has the answers." Giles answered.
As all eyes turned toward her, Tory buried her head against Willow.
"Will, we need some answers from her, and I think you're the only one who can get them from her." Buffy said.
Willow nodded and carried Tory to one of the chairs. Setting her down, Willow crouched down in front of the little girl.
"Tory, can you tell me what's going on? Where you come from?" Willow asked.
Tory pulled her knees up to her chest, and leaned her chin on her hands. She looked from Buffy and Giles to Willow. She nodded her head. Willow knelt next to the chair, and put her hand on Tory's shoulder. Giles pulled a chair in front of the child, and began asking questions.
"Tory, where do you come from?" Giles asked.
"Sunnydale."
"How old are you?"
"Six."
"Where are your parents?"
Tory hesitated briefly, then glanced at Willow before returning her gaze to the floor.
"Dead."
"How did they die, Tory?"
"Murdered."
Giles leaned his head forward. The child was answering, but it would take them forever to get any useful information from her.
"Where'd you learn the magic?"
"My mommy taught me."
"What other kinds of magic can you do, Tory?"
"Lots. I'm different."
"Different how?"
"Special."
Giles motioned Buffy and Willow away from Tory.
"This is going to take forever. She's not about to give us detailed answers." Giles said.
"Giles, this is a six year old child, whose parents have been murdered. She's scared, and your questions aren't helping her any." Willow said.
"We need to find out more about her, Willow. And these single word answers aren't telling us much. We can't help her if we don't know what's going on. " Buffy said.
"Fine, but let me try. You're making her nervous."
Giles shrugged his shoulders, and Buffy nodded. They sat down at the table, while Willow took Giles' seat in front of Tory. She noticed the young girl was holding something in her hands, and she had tears in her eyes.
"What's that, Tory?"
"My mommy and daddy."
"A picture of your parents?" Willow asked.
Tory nodded and held the photo to her chest.
"You miss your parents, don't you?" Willow asked.
"Yes. They died protecting me. They said it was more important that I live. But, I want them back. That's why I came here."
"I thought you were from here, Tory?"
"I'm from Sunnydale, but I'm not from here.....now."
Willow turned to Giles. He didn't understand the girl's comments anymore then Willow did.
"Tory, I know you must've loved your parents very much, but you do realize you can't bring them back, don't you? When they died, they went to Heaven." Willow said gently.
"I can't bring them back, but I can stop them from dying."
"How? Tory, how can you stop you're parents death when they're already dead?" Willow asked.
"Cause they're not dead yet.....not here."
"Tory, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're trying to say?"
Tory looked at Willow, then handed the photo to Willow.
"See."
Willow took the photo and looked at it. A man and woman standing with their arms wrapped around each other. In their arms they held a small child.
"See.......me, mommy, and daddy. I change it now, it'll be like that again." Tory said.
Willow didn't look at the child, her gaze was still glued to the photo. "This can't be......I.......I don't understand this."
Buffy saw the blood drain from her friend's face. She walked over and looked over Willow's shoulder. Buffy saw the picture, but couldn't believe it. Giles walked over, and Willow handed him the photo. Giles looked at the pale faces of the two girls standing in front of him, down to the picture.
"What is this? Some kind of sick joke?" Giles asked.
Tory began crying and jumped out of the chair. The picture flew out of Giles' hands, back to Tory's. The little girl ran to Willow, and wrapped her arms around her. Willow unwrapped Tory's arms and knelt in front of her.
"Where did you get that picture, Tory?"
"From mommy and daddy."
Buffy moved closer to the child. "Tory, what were your parents first names?"
"Willow and Angel......they're the ones in the picture. The baby is me."
Buffy stood up and began pacing. "She's lying, Giles. This can't be true. Angel *can't* be her father.....and he *can't* be the one in that picture."
Tory tilted her head and looked at Buffy. "Why not? Because he's a vampire?"
All three turned to the young girl. "Tory, how do you know about vampires?" Willow asked.
"Because daddy was one, silly. And I'm half one."
Giles stepped forward, "There's no such thing as being half a vampire."
"Uh-huh....see." Tory said as her face morphed.
Willow backed up in shock, while Buffy and Giles stood there speechless. "Tory, you can go back to your human face now."
Tory nodded, and she was once again the pretty child. "I told you so. My face does that when I get really angry or when I make it. And I've got strength like daddy had, but I can be out in sunlight, and I'm not dead."
"This is impossible." Giles said.
"Well, obviously it's not impossible, cause we just saw it." Buffy said.
Willow knelt back down in front of the little girl........her daughter. She reached out and stroked her hair.
"I think we have alot to talk about, Tory."
"Ok, but I think you should get daddy here too." Tory said.
Willow looked to Buffy and Giles. Buffy was about to refuse, but Giles intervened. "I think that's an excellent idea. Maybe he'll be able to explain what's going on here."
Willow took Tory into the stacks to look at books, while Giles called Angel. After telling him that something had come up and they needed his help, Giles had hung up the phone and turned to Buffy.
"He's on his way."
"Angel and Willow are not that girl's parents."
"Excuse me? Did I miss something?"
Buffy and Giles turned to see Xander enter the room. They explained the situation to him, and were surprised with his reaction.
"No wonder she seemed so familiar."
"What are you talking about, Xander?" Giles asked.
"When Tory first arrived, I thought there was something familiar, but I brushed it off. But now that you mention it, she looks like Willow did at that age."
Xander went to find Willow and Tory. Buffy began pacing again.
"It's not true, Giles. Ok, so maybe Willow is her mother, but Angel *is not* her father."
"Buffy, you have to admit that the evidence is pointing to that. Her half-breed status, the photo.....indicate that...."
"No, I don't care what she says. Besides the fact that vampires don't show up on film, and can't have children, there's no way that Angel and Willow would......well, no way they'd be together."
"The first two can be explained by magic. Tory said her mother taught her magic, which means that between now and when Willow had Tory, Willow learned quite a bit. So that makes it possible. As for the last part, we'll have to wait till Angel gets here, and let Tory tell her story."
Giles went to put some coffee on, while sat and sulked. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night.
End Part 2
"Buffy, I think it would be best for you to go wait with the others. I need to explain this to Angel, and it would be easier without you interrupting....."
"I woulnd't interrupt....oops, but Giles."
"No, Buffy, listen to me. I know you don't want to believe any of this, but we need to sort it out. Now, please go wait with the others. And try to keep Tory back there until I've had a chance to talk to Angel."
"Fine." Buffy said, then turned to join the others back in the stacks.
Giles watched her walk away, and he knew this was going to be difficult for her. She and Angel weren't a couple anymore, but she still loved him. And wouldn't like the idea of him being with someone else......especially Willow. But Giles believed the little girl. He wasn't sure how it was possible, but he knew Tory was telling the truth. Hopefully Angel would be able to provide some answers.
Angel walked into the library, surprised to see only Giles. "Hey, where is everyone?"
"Angel, I'm glad you could make it. The others are in back. I needed time to talk to you alone. I think we better sit."
Angel walked over and sat at the table. The Watcher's attitude was making him nervous.
"So, what's going on?"
"Uhmm, have you ever heard of there being half-breed vampires?" Giles asked.
"Half-breed?"
"Yes, half vampire/half human. Being able to shift their features and having the vampire's strength, but being able to go out in the sun. And obviously being alive." Giles clarified.
"There's no such thing, Giles. What made you think of something like that?"
"Well, I didn't think there was such a thing either, but now I'm questioning that."
"Why?" Angel was really becoming nervous.
Giles proceeded to tell Angel about Tory's arrival and the things they'd learned so far, including her vampire abilities......everything except the part about who her parents were.
"So this little girl is claiming to have a vampire for a father? Giles, that's impossible."
"She also claims her mother was a witch. If her mother was as powerful as Tory is, then I'd say it is possible. They must've found a spell that would enable a vampire to father a child."
"I suppose that's possible, but how do you know that she's telling you the truth?"
"Tory showed us a photo of her parents. And before you point out that vampires don't appear in photos, you must keep in mind that magic plays an important role in this little girls life." Giles said.
"Giles, you lost me. What does a photo prove? You can't tell from a photo if someone is a vampire. And I'll try to remember the magic."
"The photo proved enough. You see, we all recognized the couple in the photo. And we know for a fact that he's a vampire."
"Who is it?"
"The photo was of Tory as a baby being held by her mother.....Willow, and her father.....you."
"What?" Angel asked incredulously.
"You and Willow are that little girl's parents."
Angel was glad he was sitting down. It couldn't be possible. He'd been around long enough to know that there were spells for just about everything, but this was too much. Him and Willow?
"I think it's time
you met your.......met Tory."
Giles called out for the others to join him. Angel stood as he saw Buffy and Xander come out of the stacks. They approached the table.
"Where's Willow and Tory?" Giles asked.
"Tory got scared. They'll be right here." Xander said as he sat down.
Angel looked at Buffy and read the confusion on her face. This had to be hard on her too. A noise on the stairs caught his attention. He looked up in time to see Willow and a little girl walking toward him. Angel immediately saw the resemblence between the two. The little girl hesitated only briefly, then threw herself into Angel's arms.
"Daddy!"
Angel caught the girl, but nearly dropped her again when he heard what she called him. He set her down on the floor and looked at her. She smiled at him, then reached out to grab his hand.
"Tory, I think it's time to tell us everything. Angel is here now." Willow said softly.
Tory nodded, then went over to the table. The others watched as she pulled two chairs close together, then walked over to Angel and Willow. Grabbing both of them by the hands, she led them to the chairs. Once they were seated, she hopped onto Angel's lap, and reached for Willow's hand. Buffy and Xander sat at either end of the table, while Giles sat across from the 'family'. He hadn't missed the little girl's silent statement.
She had seated them so that they resembled a united family. She had staked her claim to Angel and Willow.
"Ok, I'm ready." Tory said.
"Giles, maybe it would be better if you asked the questions. I don't have a clue where to start here." Willow said, and the others agreed.
"Very well. I hope
you all didn't have plans, because I have a feeling this is going to take
awhile."
Xander sat looking at the picture before him. There was no doubt in his mind that Tory was Willow's daughter. And he had to admit the little girl had certain mannerisms that reminded him of Angel. She even had a smirk that resembled Angelus. And she was wearing that smirk at that very moment. The little girl had effectively brought her parents to her side.
Buffy didn't know what to make of the situation. She wanted so desperately to deny what the little girl had said, but watching the three of them sitting there, looking so much like the photo, she began doubting the truth. Could that little girl really be Angel and Willow's daughter?
Angel held onto the little girl on his lap, but his attention was on the photo she had handed him. It had been a very long time since he'd seen a photo of himself. The photo showed him looking very happy, holding on to Willow and Tory. Holding tightly to his family. Angel turned to find Willow looking at him. And he knew she was as confused, yet as intrigued, by this as he was.
"Alright, I guess we should get started. Tory, I just want you to answer as honestly as you can. Ok?" Giles asked.
Tory nodded, and sat up straighter. "I always tell the truth."
Giles smiled at the little girl's declaration. "That's very good. Let's start with your parents."
End Part 3
Tory turned and smiled at Willow and Angel. They smiled back, and the little girl turned her attention back to Giles.
"Now, you've already told us that your parents were Willow and Angel. Were they married?" Giles asked.
"Uh-huh, that's a silly question."
Giles just nodded. "Do you know when they got married? The year maybe?"
Tory scrunched up her eyes as she concentrated. "Mommy was 21, but I don't remember the year."
"That's fine, Tory. Now, you said your mother was a witch. How powerful of a witch was she?"
"I don't know. She could do lots of really neat stuff." Tory said.
"Giles, you can't expect her to understand that question. How is she supposed to measure how much power her mother had?" Willow asked.
"I'm just trying to get an idea. Tory, your mother taught you the stuff you've done though, right?"
"Yep. She taught me all kinds of other stuff too. And she was going to teach me other things too, but we never got to it."
"Why not?" Xander asked.
"Cause mommy died." Tory whispered.
Tory started crying, and jumped into Willow's lap. She wrapped her arms tightly around Willow's neck. Willow patted the child gently on the back.
"Smooth move, Xander." Buffy said.
Xander stuck his tongue out at Buffy, but remained quiet.
"Tory, can you tell me how your mother died?" Giles asked.
"Giles, you can't ask her to relive that. She's upset." Willow said.
"We need to know, Willow."
Tory turned her head, but didn't release her hold on Willow. "They caught her, and hurt her. They wanted her to help them, but she wouldn't. They kept hurting her until she didn't move anymore."
"Why didn't she just use her powers to save herself?" Buffy asked.
"Cause she was using them to protect me." Tory whispered.
"Dear God, were you there when she died?" Giles asked.
Tory nodded, "They tried to hurt me too, but mommy used all her powers to protect me."
Willow wrapped her arms tightly around the little girl. The poor child had watched her mother being beaten to death. Willow was having a hard time thinking about the death of Tory's mother, as her own future death.
"Where was Angel during this?" Giles asked.
"We were taken during the day. He came after us as soon as he could, but it was too late for mommy. She died in his arms."
"Then what happened?" Angel asked.
"Daddy attacked them, and yelled for me to run. I did as he told me, but I turned to see him die."
Angel dropped his head in his hands. Some protector he'd been. He'd allowed his wife to be killed, and his child had lost both her parents.
"Where did you go after that?"
"I ran to a friend of my parent's. She took care of me, then I decided to come here and protect mommy and daddy. They saved me before, now it's my turn."
"Who....."
"Giles, that's enough for now. Tory needs time to rest." Willow said.
"Willow, I really think........"
Willow stood, still holding Tory tightly. "No, Giles, that's enough for tonight. You just asked this little girl to relive the night her parents died, and that's too much. I'm taking her home, and we'll talk more tomorrow."
As Willow walked toward the door, Buffy called to her. "Willow, I think you're taking this too personally. We don't even know for sure whether she's telling the truth about any of this. She might not be your daughter."
Willow looked into the little girl's face and smiled. "She is."
Angel stood and walked over to Willow and Tory. He took Tory into his arms.
"I'll walk you two home."
Giles, Buffy, and Xander watched as they left the library. It had been obvious that Tory's story had affected both Angel and Willow.
"That kid has Willow convinced." Buffy said.
"Buffy, you have to face the facts. That child is most likely Willow and Angel's daughter. Hopefully, we'll discover how that all happened, but Willow isn't the only one convinced. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Buffy watched Giles leave, then stared at the library doors. "Do you believe the kid, Xander?"
"Yeah, I do. She looks like Willow, and she also has some of Angel in her. I'm sorry, Buffy."
Buffy stood and followed
Xander out of the library. She had been jealous when Angel had left with
Willow and Tory. He had seemed drawn to Tory.....and to Willow. That little
girl had manipulated the situation to get her own way. Buffy decided to
stop by Willow's after she dropped Xander off at home. She wanted to talk
to Willow and Tory alone.
Angel walked Willow and Tory to the door. There was an awkward silence as the three stood there.
"Daddy, aren't you going to come in?"
Angel still didn't know what to make of the situation, and the little girl calling him Daddy didn't make things any easier. "I better be going, Tory."
"But, you have to stay. You promised."
"Promised what?" Angel asked.
"You promised you'd be with me and mommy forever."
Angel looked to Willow and she shrugged her shoulders. He knew that Willow had accepted that she was Tory's mother, but they were both unsure about him being the little girl's father. Maybe what they needed was to sit down and talk privately......just the three of them.
Angel knelt down in front of the little girl. "Ok, I'll stay for a little while. And maybe while I'm here, you can tell us about your life before you came here."
"You mean before mommy and daddy died?"
"Yes. Can you do that?"
Tory nodded. Willow opened the door, and Tory followed with Angel. They walked into the living room, while Tory ran to the kitchen for something to drink.
"Are you sure we shouldn't wait for the others?" Willow asked.
"The things that we need to know doesn't concern the others. If what Tory said is true, then you and I get married in less then four years. I want to know why.....and how it happened. Our relationship doesn't need to be discussed in front of the others."
"You're right. It could hurt Buffy." Willow said.
"And I think Tory might be more comfortable talking to just us. If we find out anything else, we can tell the others tomorrow."
Tory returned and plopped down on the couch. She patted both sides, indicating where they should sit. "We're going to have a family disconsion, aren't we?"
"A what? Oh, you mean discussion." Willow said.
"Uh-huh, we always had them."
Willow and Angel sat down on either side of Tory. They had a million questions, and only Tory could tell them what they wanted to know. And what would happen once they had their answers? Would knowing the future, alter it? They didn't know, but they had to take a chance. If they didn't, they might not live to regret it.
End Part 4
"Tory, do you know anything about your parents lives before you were born?" Willow asked.
"Uh huh, they told me. I used to love having them tell me the stories at bedtime."
"Do you know when you're parents met?" Angel asked.
Tory began telling Angel and Willow everything her parents had told her....starting with how they had first met. And everything Tory said coincided with the events in Angel and Willow's life so far.
"When did they start dating, do you know that?" Willow asked.
"It was after mommy got out of school. She and daddy were alone for the whole summer, and they got closer."
"Alone?" Angel asked.
"The others left. My parents were left to watch Sunnydale."
Angel and Willow looked at each other. Why would Buffy and Giles have left Sunnydale?
"Where did the others go, Tory? And why were your parents left behind?" Angel asked.
"The Watcher and Slayer were called to London. My parents never got an answer as to why. But mommy was becoming more powerful, so she decided to stay instead of going away to school. Daddy decided to stay and help her. They didn't love each other then, though."
The more answers Tory gave them, the more questions they had. The whole thing was a giant puzzle, but none of the pieces seemed to fit.
"Do you know when they fell in love?" Willow asked.
"Mommy said she knew she loved daddy when he surprised her on her 19th birthday. He took her away from Sunnydale for the weekend, so that she could be normal for just a few days. She fell in love with him."
"But he didn't love her then?" Willow asked. {Typical, I fall for a guy who doesn't return my feelings.}
"Daddy said he probably did, but didn't realize it. Mommy had become his bestest friend, so he cared about her. But, it took him longer to realize that he loved her, too. And a year later, he asked her to marry him."
Willow had tears in her eyes. The story sounded so romantic, but she couldn't picture Angel ever loving her. "You said your parents married when your mom was 21, how long till you were born?" Willow asked.
"Two years. Mommy's powers continued to get stronger, and she was able to cast a spell so that daddy could be a daddy."
"And were your parents happy about that?" Angel asked.
"You bet. They wanted a baby....me. We were happy, even though Sunnydale was dangerous. They taught me all about the dangers in our lives, and taught me how to use my special abilities to protect myself. And I tried, but it's my fault they died."
Tory jumped up from the couch and ran to the windows. Angel and Willow weren't sure what to make of that statement. Willow walked over and knelt behind the child. She made no move to touch her.
"Tory, why do you think it's your fault?"
"Cause mommy told me not to go out. It was even more dangerous because of the bad men, but I wanted to play. I waited till mommy turned her back and I ran out. Mommy came after me, that's when we got caught."
"Tory, you can't blame yourself....."
"Yes, I can! My parents died because I was a naughty girl!" Tory yelled and shifted into her 'game' face.
Angel walked over to the child, amazed at the sight. He couldn't believe such a thing was possible. "Tory, calm down. You know your parents wouldn't blame you for what happened."
Tory took several deep breaths and her face shifted to normal. "We wouldn't have been caught if I had listened to mommy. They couldn't enter the house, mommy had it protected. And because I ran out in the daylight, daddy couldn't come after us. He was helpless."
Angel could imagine what that was like. To know that your family was in danger, and not being able to do a damn thing to save them. Angel watched as Willow pulled Tory into her arms. The little girl clung to Willow.
There was no longer any doubt in his mind that they were Tory's parents, but he still couldn't understand how it had happened. He'd never thought of Willow in that way.
"Tory, how long did you wait to come here?" Angel asked.
Tory looked at him for a moment, then wiped the tears from her face.
"Mommy and daddy died six months ago, but I needed help in order to do the spell. And she was scared about letting me come here."
"Who was scared, Tory?" Willow asked.
"Auntie Dru."
"What!?"
End Part 5
Tory looked at them, surprised. "Auntie Dru was scared to let me try this. She'd already lost mommy and daddy and didn't want to lose me. But, she knew this was the only chance to save my parents."
"Auntie Dru? As in Druscilla?" Angel asked.
"Uh-huh. She's a vampire too, but she also knows some ancient magic." Tory said.
"Why do you call her Auntie?" Willow asked.
"Cause that's what she is, silly. She was like a sister to mommy and daddy, the only person they trusted in the end. They always told me if anything happened to them, that Auntie Dru would take care of me."
Angel exchanged a confused glance with Willow. There was no way either of them would trust Dru.....not in this world anyway. Was it possible they were wrong? Could Tory be from an alternate universe.....not the future?
"Tory,......." Willow began, but was interuppted by the doorbell.
"I'll get it." Willow went to the door, knowing that further questions about Dru would have to wait.
Angel sat staring at the girl, who was seated on the floor looking out the window. After finally accepting that he was her father, could there be a different explanation? Angel turned toward the doorway as he saw Willow and Buffy enter. Tory got to her feet, and went to sit by Angel.
"Isn't this cozy? What's going on?" Buffy asked.
"We've been talking to Tory." Willow said.
"Without the rest of us? Why?"
"Because finding out about the relationship between Tory's parents doesn't concern anyone but Willow and I." Angel said.
Buffy stepped towards Angel, but then stopped. It was obvious she couldn't move. "What the hell?"
Willow turned to Tory, who was staring at Buffy. "Tory, let Buffy go."
Tory shook her head. "She wants daddy. She can't have him."
"Tory, it's alright. You need to stop this." Willow said gently.
With further urging from Angel, Tory let the shield drop. Buffy stepped back. "There's something weird about that kid, Willow."
"Buffy, just leave her alone. She's scared and she saw you as a threat. It was a harmless barrier, she didn't try to hurt you." Willow answered.
"Not yet, but what's to say she won't. Come on, guys. She's become fixated on you both. How do we know what lengths she'll go to if she sees someone as a threat to her little 'family'?"
"She won't hurt anyone, Buffy. We'll find out what's going on, but we can't push her. She's only a child." Willow said as she went over and picked Tory up. "A child that needs a bath. How about it?"
Tory looked from Willow back to Buffy and Angel. She didn't like the idea of leaving her daddy alone with the Slayer. "Tory, Angel can take care of himself. Let's get you a bath, then maybe we can find a movie to watch."
"Ok." Tory agreed, but continued to stare at Buffy.
Angel watched them leave, and he had to smile at the sight of the little girl staring down the mighty Slayer. A noise drew his attention back to Buffy. She stood with her arms crossed, and she didn't look pleased.
"What are you doing here, Buffy?"
"I could ask you the same question. You didn't mention anything about staying here." Buffy said accusingly.
"I had some questions for Tory. And I'm not staying here, we just decided that it would be best to talk to Tory together. Without the distraction of having you guys around." Angel said.
"We?"
"Willow and I. We are the ones most directly affected by this. If she is our daughter, we have an obligation to her. And if it's possible to change the future, to change it so that we don't die and leave our child an orphan."
"Quit talking like that! She can't be your daughter. You and Willow would never be together." Buffy demanded.
"And how do you know that? Can you see into the future?" Angel asked.
"You and Willow have nothing in common. There's never been attraction between you. That's how I know."
Angel went to the window. "Look, this isn't helping anything. You and I are over, you know that. So that part of this is none of your business. If Tory is our daughter, that's something that affects only Willow and I. As for finding out about whatever evil killed her parents, or the events that led to that outcome, that is the only part that you need to worry about."
"So you're as gullible as Willow. You're buying that kids story."
"I'm not talking about Tory anymore, not when you get like this. I think it'd be best if you leave. It's been a long night for everyone. We'll all get together tomorrow night and talk, but not anymore tonight."
Buffy nodded, and walked to the door. She knew if she said anything else, she and Angel would get into a huge fight, and she'd push him further away. "Walk me home?"
"I think I better stay here. I don't want them left alone."
Buffy looked at Angel and knew that he was slipping further away from her. He was being drawn closer to Willow because of that child.
"Then I guess I'll see you later."
Angel nodded, then
closed the door behind her. Before going back into the living room, Angel
searched the main floor of the house and made sure all the doors and windows
were tightly locked. {I let them down before........it won't happen again.}
Willow and Tory were already in the living room when Angel returned. They were curled up on the couch watching the beginnning of a movie. Angel sat at the other end of the couch, and slouched down.
"So, what are we watching?"
"Disney's Mulan, have you seen it?" Tory asked.
"Nope, can't say that I have."
As Angel and Willow sat watching the movie, Tory smiled to herself. She was contented, lying in the safety of her parents arms. She had the chance to change things, to make sure she never lost her parents again. And she wouldn't let anyone take them away from her......not the Slayer, not anyone.
End Part 6