The following evening, the gang waited in the library for Willow and Angel to show up. There were more questions that needed to be answered.
"I don't like that they were talking without us there, Giles." Buffy said.
"Buffy, Angel was right. The personal aspect has nothing to do with us. That's something only Willow and Angel need to know. What we need to find out is who killed her parents, and why."
"I still don't like it." Buffy pouted.
"You don't have to like it, you just have to accept it." Giles said then headed into his office. Xander walked over and sat next to Buffy.
"Buffy, you have to get a grip. Your attitude isn't going to help anyone. We need to find out a way to stop Willow and Angel from dying in the future."
"We still don't know that Tory's telling the truth."
"You're the only one who doubts it, Buffy. And it has nothing to do with Tory. You just can't accept that after you two broke up, Angel moved on to someone else."
Buffy jumped up and turned to Xander. "And that doesn't bother you? Willow being with Angel."
"Look, I don't pretend to be a fan of Angel's, but he's saved my life more then once, so I'm grateful to him. And from everything Tory's said, it's obvious he and Willow were happy together. And if he makes her happy, then I don't have a problem with it."
"Even though he let her die?"
Xander shook his head. "That was low, Buffy."
Buffy sat back down and watched as Xander walked away. She didn't understand what was going on and it was beginning to piss her off.
Willow and Angel sat waiting for Tory. They would leave for the library as soon as she came down from the bathroom.
"Are we going to mention to the others what Tory said about Dru?" Willow asked.
Angel thought about the question. They hadn't been able to talk anymore to Tory about it. But he knew Buffy would use that as proof that the life Tory was talking about wasn't their future.
"I think we better wait till we have a chance to find out more from Tory. Mentioning it to the others would only confuse matters."
Willow agreed. The whole situation was confusing enough. She was still having a hard time thinking of Angel as her husband.....her lover.
"Mommy? Can you help me?"
Willow turned to see Tory turning in a circle, and couldn't help but start laughing. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to tie that ribbon." Tory said.
Willow walked over to the little girl, and caught her in her arms. Turning her around, Willow tied the ribbon on the back of the vest. Tory turned back and gave Willow a kiss on the cheek. Willow smiled, then began tickling the little girl. Tory dropped to the floor laughing.
Angel watched the two girls playing. It was nice to see Tory having a little fun, she had been too serious since she'd been there. And Angel couldn't help smile at Willow's playfulness. He had no doubt that Willow would be an excellent mother.
Angel saw Tory wrap her arms around Willow, laughing and giggling. He was seeing a side of Willow he'd never imagined, a maturity and determination that showed her inner strength. Willow had made it clear that she believed Tory was her daughter, and she had become very protective of the little girl. Angel knew Willow would die to protect Tory.
Although he still had questions, especially about how Dru fit into all of this, Angel believed that Tory was his daughter.....which would make Willow his wife. A wife and daughter........two things he'd never thought he would ever have. He had failed them in the future, didn't protect them. Watching them playing, Angel vowed he wouldn't let it happen again. From that moment on, he wouldn't let Willow and Tory out of his sight. He wasn't sure what his feelings were for them, but his family needed him, and he wouldn't fail them again.
"All right you two, time to get going." Angel said as he approached the girls.
Willow stood, and Tory stepped up to him. "More questions now?"
Angel knelt in front of the child. "Are you up to answering more questions? In order to prevent what happens in the future, we need to know everything you can tell us."
"I can do it. I want to keep you and mommy with me, I don't want to lose you again."
Angel pulled his daughter into his arms, then looked up at Willow. She was standing with tears in her eyes. Angel reached out his hand to her, and she accepted it. He pulled her to the floor with them, and the three of them held each other. Tory held her parents tightly, thankful that she had her family back.
"Where are they? They should be here already." Buffy said impatiently.
Xander was about to answer when the people in question entered the library. It was obvious to all of them that something had changed. Buffy saw the way Angel held onto Tory, and at the same time not letting Willow get far away from him. He had accepted the child as his own.....and had accepted Willow as his.
Buffy glared at the child who was tearing Angel away from her. Buffy knew that Tory had been manipulating the situation since she arrived, her soul desire to get Willow and Angel. And now it appeared the child had gotten what she wanted. Buffy didn't know how to fight back. Tory stared back at the Slayer, a small smirk on her face.
End Part 7
"It would appear you have done some talking amongst yourselves." Giles stated.
"We talked a little." Angel replied evasively.
"Tory, what can you tell us about the events leading up to your parents deaths? Do you know who was responsible?"
Tory looked back and forth between the people in the room. She couldn't tell part of the story without telling them everything.
"A new master came to Sunnydale when I was four. He thought it would be simple to rule since the Slayer was gone, but he hadn't counted on my parents and their allies. They kept stopping his plans. He was the one who killed them, but he's not the only one to blame."
"What do you mean I was gone? Where did I go?" Buffy asked, confused.
"Apparently you and Giles were called to London shortly after you graduated. No explanations were given." Angel said.
"Alright, we'll come back to that piece of information. Tory, who else was to blame? If this master was the evil, he was responsible for you losing your parents."
"I do blame him. He hurt mommy, and killed daddy, but he was made to pay. Their friends saw that he was destroyed. But the one responsible hasn't had to pay."
"Responsible for what?" Giles asked, confused.
"For betraying my parents. Someone they considered a friend turned on them, siding with the new master when he came to town. That person is the one who deserves to die!"
"Who betrayed us, Tory?" Angel asked.
"Someone who was too much of a coward to face you both. They thought by staying away that you wouldn't realize their betrayal, but you both knew."
It was obvious Tory wasn't ready to name the traitor, so Giles decided to come back to that. "What about your parent's allies? Can you tell us about them?"
"They fought with mommy and daddy. Helped them keep the Master from controlling Sunnydale."
"Can you tell us their names?" Willow asked.
Tory seemed to debate whether or not to answer. "Amy, Whistler, and Spike."
"Spike?" Giles asked shocked.
"He and my parents declared a truce when the new Master came. Spike refused to follow him, so he offered to help my parent's destroy the Master. Spike was killed shortly before my parents."
Angel and Willow looked at each other. If Spike had agreed to help them and was killed, that would explain part of why Dru was willing to help. But, why did Tory call her Auntie, unless Dru was closer to them then the others.
"Another thing we found out last night was the identity of the person who helped Tory get here. It was Dru." Angel said.
"What? Why would she do that?" Giles asked. Everyone turned to Tory.
"Auntie Dru had been an enemy of my parents, until mommy cursed her with a soul. From that time on, Dru became like family. She was devoted to my parents."
"This is nuts. Dru's a crazy bitch who's done nothing but try to destroy us. If she sent the kid here, then that should tell all of you that this is a trick." Buffy said.
Tory glared at Buffy. "Auntie Dru risked her life to help my parents, and they grew to trust her. She tried to save them, but she got there too late. And now she blames herself for their deaths. That's why agreed to help me do this."
"This just proves what I've been saying all along. The kid is lying about all of this. Look, I don't know what you want, but you just lost." Buffy said.
Tory's face shifted, and she attacked Buffy. Angel ran to the girl, pulling her off the Slayer. Tory struggled against Angel's hold. "I want you to die! You deserve to burn in Hell!"
Everyone was shocked at the display going on in front of them. Angel tightened his hold on Tory, as he dropped to his knees. Willow knelt in front of Tory, and caressed her face.
"Tory, please calm down. Buffy didn't mean anything by what she said."
Tory's face slowly shifted back to normal, and the tears fell down her face. "She should die. She doesn't deserve to live."
"I told you she's crazy. She's making all this up, and her behavior proves it." Buffy said.
"Buffy, shut up!" Willow yelled, then turned her attention back to Tory.
"Tory, tell me why. Why should Buffy die?"
"Because she betrayed you. She's the reason the Master came after you."
Buffy looked around and saw everyone staring at her. "Oh, come on guys, you don't believe this. I would never betray you guys. Why would I?"
"Cause you wanted daddy and you couldn't have him. You hated mommy for taking him away from you."
Buffy started to say something, but Giles intervened. "Tory, I thought you said Buffy and I went to London. When did we come back?"
"You and the Slayer never came back. My parents never heard from you again. They believed you had been killed."
"But you just said......"
"You and Faith went to London, not *her*. She's not a Slayer."
Tory slumped back against Angel, and Willow sat on the floor. The room was silent as Tory's comments sunk in. All eyes turned to Giles, who leaned heavily against the counter. He looked up, not sure what to say.
End Part 8
"Excuse me? What the Hell are you talking about, you little brat?"
"Buffy, stop it." Willow said.
"No. This kid shows up claiming to be your kid from the future, and everyone gets all teary when she tells us how her mommy and daddy were killed. Then she manipulates you and Angel into being by her side, and now she's talking crazy. Dru like a sister to you? Me betraying you? And now I'm not the Slayer. She's playing games, Willow, and it's time you accept that she's been lying to you from the start." Buffy said angrily.
"I'm not a liar. You were stripped of your duties. Faith replaced you." Tory said.
"Oh, please, a Slayer can not be 'stripped' of her duties." Buffy replied.
"Well, actually......." Giles began.
Everyone turned to the Watcher. Buffy was staring at Tory angrily, while Willow stood in front of the little girl. Protecting her from Buffy's temper. Buffy turned to Giles.
"Giles?"
"Uhhm, there is a precedent for a Slayer being released from her duties. But it's only happened once."
"And how the hell could they do that? That would mean there would be no Slayer." Buffy argued.
"Not precisely. The Council believed the Slayer to be a threat, so she was cast out. She joined forces with a demon. A new Slayer could not be called until she was dead, so the Council had her assassinated."
Buffy dropped into the chair. "I don't believe this."
"Tory, can you tell me more about this?" Giles asked.
"The Council informed you that she was a danger to innocent people, and was to be stripped of her duties. Faith was to take over as the Slayer. *She* joined with the new Master, and you and Faith were called to London to talk to the Council. My parents never heard from either of you again."
"Tory, you said that Willow and I were alone the summer after she got out of school, that the Slayer and Watcher had gone to London, and I assumed you meant Buffy. But, if she wasn't the one who went to London, where was she?" Angel asked.
"Don't know. She disappeared right after school, and didn't come back for almost a year. She never explained why she was gone."
"And what did she do when she came back to Sunnydale?" Angel asked.
"Tried to take you away from Mommy. She wanted you back, but you wanted to be friends. She seemed okay with that until you asked mommy to marry you. Then she tried to break you up, but it didn't work. You stayed with mommy, and she," Tory said, pointing at Buffy, "told you that you'd regret your decision. Then she left."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing. You can't take anything she says seriously." Buffy said angrily.
"Can I ask what happened to me? There's been no mention of me what-so-ever. I'm not feeling loved, people." Xander said, trying to ease the tension a little.
"I never met you, but I've seen pictures of you and mommy. You left town after school, and never came back." Tory said.
"Oh, that makes me feel so much better. I ran away and left my best friend to die. Yeah, me!" Xander said sarcastically.
Tory walked over to Xander and patted his cheek. "Mommy told you to leave. She knew you'd die if you stayed, and she wanted you to live a normal life."
"That doesn't make me feel much better, kid. I left her alone when she needed me the most." Xander said, looking over at Willow.
Tory shook her head. "She was never alone. Daddy was there, and her powers got stronger every day. She was glad you were away from the danger, then she didn't have to worry about you. Mommy loved you, and wanted you safe."
Xander smiled sadly at the little girl. "Sounds like my Willow, always thinking of the other person."
Tory smiled at Xander and gave him a hug. Then she walked over to Willow, and held her arms out, and Willow lifted the child into her lap.
"So, what happens now? Just follow the kid blindly. I'm telling you she's leading us into a trap." Buffy said.
"I'm not sure what we do next, Buffy. Anything we do differently, alters the future that she came from. We have to consider all of our optionis before we do anything."
"Tory, do you know what prophecies are?" Giles asked.
"Uh-huh, mommy told me about them."
"Would you like to come with me and look through some books? Tell me if any of them look or sound familiar to you."
Tory looked up and Willow, and she nodded. The little girl followed the Watcher into the office. Xander decided to head home, leaving an angry Buffy alone with Willow and Angel.
"Now that it's just the three of us, I think we need to talk." Buffy stated.
Willow took a deep breath, and rubbed her forehead. Her head was already throbbing and having a confrontation with Buffy wouldn't help, but it was unavoidable. They needed to confront this issue, and now was as good a time as ever.
Angel looked from Willow to Buffy. He was not looking forward to this conversation. Things were still too confusing, and he knew Buffy would demand answers, and he didn't have them. He'd been in love with Buffy for a long time, but he had just learned that in the future he was in love with Willow. Although Angel knew he wasn't in love with Willow now, he also knew he wouldn't walk out of her life. Having Tory here had joined them together, whether they liked it or not. And he was determined to keep Willow close until he figured out what was happening.
Buffy glanced at Willow, then turned to stare at Angel. She knew he was confused by all the things that had happened, but she knew that he loved her, not Willow. Tory was playing mind games, and it was making everyone nuts. Buffy knew the best thing for everyone was to keep Willow and Angel apart. She was confident that Angel would agree with her.
End Part 9
The three of them sat down at the table, all trying to avoid each other's eyes. If someone spent too much time thinking about the things they'd learned in the past few days, it would drive them crazy.
Angel looked up briefly, glancing from Willow to Buffy, then back again. Lowering his eyes, he studied the table. Talk about your triangles. He was sitting in the same room with his past lover.....and his future lover. He was still having a hard time with that part. Angel believed Tory, there was no question in his mind that she was telling the truth, but he couldn't understand the relationship with Willow. She'd always been a friend, but never anything more then that. Even now, he knew he didn't love her. His heart still belonged to Buffy.
"Well, now that it's just us, I think we need to talk." Buffy said.
"Fine, but leave Tory out of it. You've attacked her enough for one night." Willow said.
"Gods, Will, you're sounding like a mother protecting her cub. And how are we supposed to leave Tory out of this when she's the cause of it?" Buffy asked.
"I *am* her mother, whether you want to believe it or not. And what you want to talk about can be done without bringing Tory into it. The only thing you're concerned about is your relationship with Angel.....and the relationship I obviously have with him in the future. None of that concerns Tory." Willow said.
Buffy stared at her best friend. Before Tory came, Willow would never have argued with her about this. She meekly back off and do as she was told. Buffy turned to Angel, who hadn't said a word. He was staring at the table.
"Are you planning to contribute to this anytime soon?" Buffy asked.
Angel didn't look up, "It seems you're saying enough for everyone."
"Look, this is really messing with us. You already know my opinion on that kid and the things she's saying, so I won't go into that again. But you two need to step back, and look at this realistically. You are not together now, and you will not be together in the future. It's not even remotely possible."
Willow knew what Buffy was implying, and knew she was right. What would someone like Angel ever see in plain old Willow?
"Why not?"
Both girls turned to Angel, who was still staring at the table. He hadn't moved since they'd sat down.
"What?" Buffy asked.
Angel looked up then, "I asked why it's not possible."
Buffy couldn't believe Angel even needed to ask that question. He and Willow had absolutely nothing in common.
"Come on, Angel. You don't really need me to answer that, do you? Just look at you two."
Angel pulled Tory's photo out of his pocket and held it up, showing the picture to Buffy. "Yeah, just look at us. This picture shows that it is possible."
Buffy turned away, not wanting to see the picture again. The expression of happiness and joy on Angel's face as he held Willow and the child tore at her heart. She wouldn't allow herself to think of Willow being in Angel's arms. Especially not them having sex.
"Angel, you know what I mean. You've never been attracted to Willow, she's hardly your type."
"And you think you know what my type is? I've been around over 240 years, Buffy, I don't even know my type anymore, if I even have a 'type'."
Buffy turned back to the table. This conversation was rapidly getting out of hand and she was being made to look like the bad guy.
"We need to decide how to handle this. So until Giles figures something out, I think it's best if you two stay away from each other. You spending time together is only confusing the situation." Buffy said.
Willow rubbed her forehead. She had figured Buffy would do this. Willow had seen the jealousy in Buffy's eyes whenever she saw them together. And Willow figured Angel would probably agree with Buffy. But Willow wouldn't argue with them. Although she felt safer knowing that Angel was around, she wouldn't make him choose. Willow stood.
"Buffy, my main concern right now is Tory. My parents are still out of town, so I intend to keep her with me.....with or without Angel around." Willow said as she went to Giles office to get Tory.
Buffy turned and sat down next to Angel. That had gone better then she'd anticipated. She had been afraid that Willow would cause a scene.
"Now that's settled, we can concentrate on getting the kid back to wherever she came from." Buffy said.
Angel shook his head, and stared at Buffy. He couldn't believe how selfish she was being about all this. She was so concerned about herself, she didn't give a thought to anyone else...especially her best friend.
"What's wrong?" Buffy asked, noticing Angel's dark expression.
Angel pushed away from the table, then stood up to put on his jacket. He didn't answer Buffy as he walked towards the doors. Buffy went up to him and grabbed him by the arm. Angel only partly turned toward her.
"Angel? Where are you going? Tell me what's wrong." Buffy asked.
Angel removed his arm from her grasp and turned to face her. "You just don't get it, do you? This isn't about you or what you want. Now, I'm going to wait for Willow and Tory, then I'm walking them home. And I'll stay there with them until I figure out what's going on."
"But we decided it would be best to keep your distance."
"No, you decided. And it was never your place to decide. I plan on staying close to both of them. Willow and Tory are my responsibility now."
Buffy grasped at Angel desperately. "No, they aren't! You don't love Willow, you love me. I know you do."
Angel looked into Buffy's tear-filled eyes. He gripped her hands, removing them from his jacket. "I do love you, but right now I don't think I like you very much. And no, I don't love Willow, but I do care for her. And I plan to stand by her through this. She and I are in this together."
Buffy turned to see Willow and Tory walk out of the office. Willow realized they had walked into the middle of something.
"Tory and I are leaving. We'll be back sometime tomorrow. Bye." Willow said, then took Tory by the hand and headed towards the door.
"Willow, I'll be walking you home." Angel said, still staring at Buffy.
"Angel, don't do this." Buffy pleaded.
Willow looked between the two people. "We'll be fine Angel. You don't need to worry about us."
Willow headed to the doors, and pushed them open. She was partway out when she heard Angel.
"Willow! Wait for me in the hallway."
His tone didn't leave room for argument. Willow nodded and went to the hallway to wait. She leaned back against the lockers, and Tory leaned against her.
"Daddy was angry. Was he mad at me?" Tory whispered.
Willow stroked her hair. "No, he's just upset."
Angel turned and walked to the doors.
"Angel, if you go to her now, don't come back to me later."
Angel stiffened, but didn't turn around. "Are you giving me an ultimatum, Buffy?"
"Call it what you like. But if you leave here, you're choosing Willow over me, and I won't forget or forgive that. I won't wait for you Angel."
"You're the one making this into a choice. Willow could be in danger, doesn't that worry you?" Angel asked.
"I can protect Willow, you don't need to be with her 24/7."
"Yes, I do." Angel whispered.
"Then you'll regret that decision, Angel. I swear you will." Buffy vowed, and ran back into the stacks.
Angel turned then, and stared in shock. That remark had sounded exactly like the threat Tory had talked about earlier. And with those words, Angel knew there was no turning back. He now believed that Buffy was capable of betraying him.....and Willow. His determination to protect Willow and Tory was now stronger then ever. Angel had no doubts left about the things Tory had told them.
Angel left the library, finding Willow and Tory waiting for him. They walked home in silence. Angel ignored Willow's questioning glances. He'd tell her some of it later, and make sure she was never alone with Buffy. His trust in his former lover had been shaken, and he didn't want Willow or Tory around Buffy by themselves.
End Part 10
Several nights later, Giles assembled everyone in the library. He had been researching the situation, and how they were supposed to proceed. The look on his face while he waited for them to assemble wasn't promising.
"Giles, this is bad news, isn't it?" Willow asked.
"I'm afraid I'm not really sure, Willow. I've done nothing but research, looking through every book I have, and I can't find an easy answer. If we try to change things, the future will be changed. But we have no way of knowing if it would be for the better.......or the worse. The only thing I do know is that Tory must go back to her time. If she stays here any longer, she won't be able to get back."
Willow tightened her hold on the child. She knew this time was coming, but she hadn't thought about it. It was going to be too hard, giving up her child.
"Willow, I know you've become attached to her, but she needs to go back. And if you and Angel have any hope of surviving to see her grow up, we'll all have to learn from what she's told us."
"So, how does she go back?" Buffy asked, anxious to have the kid leave.
"She knows how, don't you Tory?" Giles asked.
Tory nodded. "It's time for me to go back. They'll be worried about me. Auntie Dru and the others need me now."
"Do you need any help?" Giles asked.
"No, but can I talk to them alone for a minute?" Tory asked, pointing to Angel and Willow.
Angel and Willow walked over to stand with Tory by the counter. They knelt in front of her, and she whispered to them. The others couldn't hear what was being said, but were stunned by what they saw. Tory had clasped Angel and Willow's hands, and then they clasped each other's. A brilliant light surrounded the three of them, causing the others to turn away. When they turned back, Tory was gone.
"That's it? She's gone for good now?" Buffy asked.
"Yes, she's back in her own time." Willow answered, tears in her eyes.
"Good, now things can get back to normal." Buffy said, her eyes lingering on Angel.
"What did she tell you?" Xander asked.
Buffy saw Angel and Willow look at each other. Something more had happened in that light then just sending Tory home.
"Nothing that concerns anyone else. She was just saying goodbye." Angel replied.
Giles knew there was more to the exchange, but he didn't comment on it. Angel was right, it didn't concern them.
"I think we all need to take a couple days away from each other, let the emotions of the past few days settle down." Giles said, then excused himself.
"I'm all for that. This has all been just a little too weird for my tastes. See you guys later." Xander said, then left the library.
"I think I'll take a patrol then head home. Angel, you want to come with me?" Buffy asked.
"No."
Buffy stared at Angel, surprised by his answer. She had assumed since Tory was gone, things would go back to normal. He no longer had an obligation to Willow.
"Look, I know I said some things, and I'm sorry, but they were said in anger. We can get past our argument, Angel."
"No we can't, Buffy. You and I are over. Now and forever."
Buffy looked back and forth between Willow and Angel. Again she noticed a look pass between them. What was going on? Tory....that little brat had said something before she left that was keeping Angel away from her.
"What did she tell you? That you owed it to her to stay with Willow, is that it? Did she make you feel guilty?" Buffy asked.
"It doesn't matter what she said. Our future lies in different directions, Buffy. It's time we both accepted that and moved on." Angel answered.
"Move on? You're staying with Willow, aren't you? Do you really think by hooking up with her now, you're going to save her in the future?"
Angel looked at Buffy, but said nothing. He gripped Willow's hand and they started out of the library.
"Willow! Don't do this to me. Don't betray me like this!" Buffy yelled.
Willow turned and sadly shook her head. "I'm not betraying you Buffy, I'm following my destiny. It's already been decided for me, there's nothing that can change that. But yours can be changed. Release the anger, or it'll destroy you Buffy.....it'll destroy all of us."
"What the hell are you talking about!?"
Buffy watched as Willow and Angel left the library. Her best friend had just stolen the man she loved, and she wasn't supposed to be angry? How the hell was she supposed to feel? Buffy didn't care what Willow or Angel said, she was the one destined to be with Angel, and she would fight to get him back. The only hold Willow had on him was Tory, and she was gone. Buffy would give him a few days to get control of his emotions, then she'd go see him. Buffy grabbed her bag and started for the door.
"Let it go, Buffy. Don't try to come between them."
Buffy turned to her Watcher. "I love Angel, Giles. And we both know he loves me. We will be together again."
Giles watched sadly as Buffy left the library. He had no idea if knowing the future would help them change it, but he knew it wouldn't help Buffy. She'd already started on the course Tory had mentioned, and nothing anyone said was going to be able to change it. But knowing that someone you trusted and cared about was going to betray you, was going to be devastating to Willow and Angel. He knew they'd have to put aside the friendship in order to protect themselves......and Tory.
And the one thing that Giles had learned, but that only Willow and Angel knew, was that it was imperative that Tory survive. She was the human race's only hope for survival......if she died, so would all of mankind. And if Buffy followed the path she was on, and became a threat, Willow and Angel would do what was necessary to save their daughter.........they would destroy Buffy Summers.
The End