Email: leslieketchum@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters, I am just borrowing them for a bit of fun. Joss owns everything in the Buffyverse.
Pairing: Willow/Angel
Summary: Angel needs Willow's magical help
Distribution: List archives and if you already have my fiction you can have this one if you want it, anyone else just ask and it's yours.
Feedback: Always welcome
A/N: Spoilers for Buffy/Angel - Season 3 for Buffy but AU after that. There was no Willow/Xander fluking in high school. Season 3 for Angel except there isn't a Connor and Cordy is just friends with Angel.
A/N: Rhodes scholars are picked from college students but for the purpose of my fic Willow gets picked out of high school.
Challenge #8: Alphabet Soup (issued by TigerLily) Write a story using all of the words. They can be in any order, the story can be any Willow pairing and any rating.
The words ...
A=airplane B=banana C=coroner D=danger E=explode F=fuzzy G=gossamer H=helium I=inch J=jackrabbit K=kilt L=lace M=monkey N=nephew O=orbit P=pie Q=quail R=ravage S=sapphire T=tick U=upholstery V=vicar W=wicker X=xenon Y=yogurt Z=zodiac
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
Willow waited for all the other passengers on the airplane to disembark before she rose from her seat. She had been dreading this trip ever since she received the phone call from Giles. It had been three years since she had seen any of the Scoobys. They exchanged occasional emails and phone calls but as the months had turned to years the emails and calls had become less frequent. The only one Willow kept in constant contact with had been Giles. That was mainly due to his frequent trips to England.
She had felt guilty about leaving Sunnydale after high school, but the opportunities that the Rhodes scholarship had given her were just too great to pass up. She would have given it up if any one had asked her to stay but they hadn't. They had encouraged her to go instead.
Buffy had said how happy she was for her and since she couldn't leave Sunnydale she wanted Willow to go have a life for both of them. Xander would miss his bud but knew that she had dreamed of studying in England and he was happy for her. Giles of course had recommended her and helped her fill out the application. Cordelia thought she was crazy if she didn't leave Sunnydale while she had the chance.
She and Oz had spent hours talking about it when she had told him she was thinking of applying. He knew her dreams and encouraged her to fulfill them like she had encouraged him to fulfill his. They had tried the long distance relationship thing for the first few months of college but when Willow came home Winter break it was obvious that they were drifting apart. They parted as friends and still kept in touch. Dingoes Ate My Baby even had some tour dates in Europe and Willow had met Oz's new girlfriend Veruca on their last visit.
Sighing heavily and putting the memories of the past behind her, Willow grabbed her carry on and left the plane. The phone call from Giles hadn't been too specific. Just that a big evil was in Los Angeles and Angel would need her magical assistance.
Recognizing that Willow needed help in her magical training Giles had gotten in contact with a coven not too far from where Willow was staying in Oxford. Under their guidance her talent grew tremendously. She was now considered a very powerful witch and had even eclipsed the leader of her coven. Willow smiled remembering what Sue had said when she had recognized Willow's talent, "To quote Uncle Ben from Spiderman, 'with great talent comes great responsibility'."
"Willow!"
The sound of someone calling her name brought her out of her memories. Looking around the terminal she noticed Cordelia waving at her. Next to her stood a handsome African-American.
"Hey Cordy."
Willow was surprised as she was swept into a hug from Cordelia. They had been friendly when Willow had left for England but she figured when Xander and Cordelia broke up it would be a return to Queen C. Working with Angel must agree with her.
"Willow, you look great. England must agree with you."
Gunn cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Cordelia.
"Oh sorry, Gunn this is Willow."
Willow turned to Gunn with a smile, "Nice to meet you."
"You too, Red. Come on Cordelia. Angel's probably driving Wesley nuts by now."
"Yeah, he wanted to be here to meet your plane but you know the whole sensitive to sunlight thing kind of got in the way."
Actually Willow had planned her flight that way. It was seeing Angel that she had been dreading. Ever since she restored his soul Willow had felt a connection with him. She had felt drawn to him even when she was with Oz. She couldn't explain it. Willow had always thought Angel was handsome and okay maybe crushed on him a little. But since the soul restoration spell it went deeper. Like their souls were connected. Two halves finally made whole.
She thought that time and distance would lighten the connection but it hadn't. It was still just as strong. The only person she ever told about it was Sue.
She had wondered if something had gone wrong with the spell. Sue reassured her that wasn't the case. Her best guess was that when Angel's soul passed through Willow's body it recognized its mate and made the connection. She even theorized that his soul was permanent and bonded to Willow's.
Willow had just rolled her eyes at that idea. Sue was a hopeless romantic and saw soul mates everywhere.
~~~~
Gunn pulled up outside the Hyperion. "Go ahead inside. Angel's waiting to see you. Cordy can help me with your bags."
Willow got out of the car and Cordelia turned to Gunn, "What am I a pack mule? You can bring in Willow's bags. Besides I want to see Angel's reaction to Willow. When she left she was still a little shy and just starting to be her own person and out of Buffy's shadow. England has been great for her."
Gunn rolled his eyes. "Your not trying to push those two together are you?"
"I may nudge a little but I won't push."
Willow entered the Hyperion and a slender dark haired woman turned to her, "Hi, welcome to Angel Investigations. Can I help you?"
He heard Fred ask her question and stepped out of the office. There was a very attractive red head standing in the middle of the lobby. Willow? No, Cordy and Gunn were supposed to pick her up so this must be a client. Besides the Willow he remembered was a little shy and cute. This striking young woman would never be called cute.
Willow noticed Angel and smiled. Angel would recognize that smile anywhere. "Willow?" Angel was surprised.
"Hi Angel."
"Where's Gunn and Cordy? I thought they were supposed to pick you up."
Just then Cordy came in the door. Damn, she had missed Angel's first look at Willow.
"We did. Gunn's parking your car."
Angel crossed the lobby and pulled Willow into a hug.
Willow enjoyed the feel of being in Angel's arms just for a moment but the connection was pulling on her now. It never used to be that strong. She wondered if it was because of her growing power as a witch or just that she hadn't been anywhere physically near Angel in three years.
"Need air, Angel."
"Sorry. I'm just very glad you came."
"Giles said you needed my help and I never could say no to you."
Angel smiled at Willow. A genuine smile. Willow may look all grown up and no longer the babbling shy girl but underneath it all she was still Willow. Always willing to help a friend in need.
Fred came over and joined Angel, Cordelia and Willow. Angel noticed Fred approach, "Willow, this is Fred."
"It's very nice to meet you."
Just then the door to the hotel opened and Gunn came in carrying Willow's luggage. "Here I can carry those. You don't need to carry them. Just show me where you want me and I'll put my things away."
"That's okay, Red. I got 'em. What room did you put her in and I'll take them up."
"The one diagonal from Fred's."
Hmm, the one right next to Angel's. How convenient, Cordelia thought.
"You guys mind if I follow Gunn up and take a shower? Long flight from England and I feel kind of sticky."
"Sure thing. Come on Willow I'll show you your room."
Willow turned to Fred, "It was really nice meeting you."
Angel watched Willow follow Gunn up the stairs. The connection he felt with her was still as strong. He didn't remember ever feeling this when they were in Sunnydale. He hadn't noticed it until he moved to LA. Could have been he didn't notice much of anything except Buffy in those days. He was just always happy to see Willow. She had the innate ability to make him smile.
Cordelia watched Angel watching Willow. She might not need to nudge all that hard.
"I like your friend, Angel. She seems nice." Fred said.
Without taking his eyes off Willow, "yeah she is."
~Part: 2~
The shower had been relaxing and refreshing. She had needed to be wide awake for the phone calls she knew she had to make. She had emailed everyone in Sunnydale to let them know she was coming to LA. It's not like she could have kept it a secret if she even wanted to. Especially with Giles being the one to let her know about Angel.
The last year she hadn't even come home for breaks. With her parents hardly at home and all the time she spent with the friends that she had made in England she just never went back. Luckily she, Xander and Buffy were the type of friends that even if you didn't see each other for years once you were together again it wasn't awkward. It was like you had never left.
Willow picked up her cell phone and dialed Xander's number first.
"You got me!"
"You wish, Xander."
"Willow! Are you in LA yet?"
"Yeah, I'm at Angel's. I got in this afternoon."
"God, Wills. I missed you. Giles said Angel would need your power in the coming battle but wouldn't say for what."
"Yeah me neither. Just that a big evil was coming to LA and Angel would need my help. I'm hoping Angel and Wesley will let me know what's going on when I go back downstairs."
"Have you talked to Buffy yet?"
"Nope, you were my first call. Why?"
"I'll let her tell you."
"Good news or bad?"
"A little bit of both but mostly good."
"Will you be able to make a trip here to see me while I'm here or will I need to come to Sunnydale?"
"If you can make a trip here before you leave that would be great. The building I'm working on is coming along but it's taking up a lot of my time. If you can't, just let me know and I'll say screw work and come see you. Even if I do have to put up with Angel."
Willow rolled her eyes. "You know, Xander if I could put up with you dating Cordelia you can put up with me staying with Angel and helping. Besides that sounded like you said it out of habit instead of meaning it. I think you may be growing up after all Peter Pan."
"Bite your tongue. I am not growing up, I may be getting older but that's all."
Willow laughed, "Keep telling yourself that Xan and you just might convince yourself."
Willow heard voices in the background, "Sorry Wills gotta go. They need the boss man on site. Call ya later?"
"See ya Xander. I missed you."
"Right back at you buddy."
Willow hung up with a smile. She didn't think he would ever change. She could see him as a goofy old man.
She wondered what Buffy's news was. She knew it couldn't have been too bad or Xander or Giles would have said something. She dialed Buffy's number.
"Hello?"
"Hi Mrs. Summers, it's Willow. Is Buffy there?"
"Willow, how are you? This is a really good connection, you sound so clear."
"Oh, I'm not in England. I'm visiting friends in LA." Buffy obviously hadn't told her mom about her coming and she didn't want to say anything either.
"That's great. Will you be able to make a trip over here? I know everyone would be happy to see you."
"I hope to."
"Hang on and I'll get Buffy."
"Willow! When did you get in?"
"Hey Buffy. I got in this afternoon."
"How's the LA gang?"
Willow tried to hear the silent 'and especially Angel' but it wasn't there.
"Everyone seems fine. I haven't had time to sit down and talk to everyone but Delia met me at the airport. You probably already know this but there are two new people with Angel now. They seem really nice. I haven't seen Wes yet so I don't know how he is."
Buffy wondered at the no mention of Angel. Maybe she hadn't seen him yet. She wished she could be there to see his reaction to Willow. She knew from the last conversation they had he thought she would be the same. She hadn't dissuaded him from that thought. She wanted it to be a nice surprise how Willow finally came into her own. She knew she would. That was one of the main reasons she encouraged her to go to England. She wanted Willow to see herself how Buffy saw her. A beautiful girl both on the inside and on the out.
"Has Angel or anyone told you what you're up against yet?"
"No, I just told Xander all they said was that a big evil was coming to LA and Angel would need my help. Has Giles or Angel told you?"
"Nope it's been all very hush hush."
"Xander said you had some news to tell me."
"You know the last time I died. . ."
Buffy was interrupted by Willow's laughter, "You know our lives are definitely unusual when that statement is normal."
Buffy laughed, "You got that right. Anyway I did some heavy thinking. It sort of put my life in perspective. Made my priorities change. Angel and I had a long conversation on death, life and love. I finally realized that I hadn't really moved on from my feelings for Angel. . ."
Willow was hating this. She just knew Buffy was going to say that they realized that they would always love each other. Soulmates till they died, yadda, yadda, yadda.
"Sorry, Buffy. I missed that last part."
"A couple of months ago I went to an opening of a branch of my mom's gallery in San Francisco. That's why she didn't know about you coming to LA she's hardly been here. Anyway, I met this man. Kevin. He's one of the best things that ever happened to me. What I felt for Angel was fiery and explosive and was destined for failure. What I feel for Kevin is a gentle love. When he holds me I feel safe and loved. Just being around him gives me peace. He knows all about the slaying. He even helps with the researching and the slaying. As a matter of fact I might not be Slayer for much longer."
"Buffy that's great! I'm so happy for you. But one question, how can you not be Slayer? I thought it was lifetime commitment. God Xander said there was a little bit of bad news. You're not dieing are you?"
Buffy laughed, "No I'm fine. When I died last year another Slayer was called. Her name's Alicia. She just came to Sunnydale a few months ago. She had been slaying in Ohio but with the activity of the Hellmouth picking up her watcher sent her here. Anyway with Alicia here she's thinking about moving here permanently and taking over. I'll just help out when needed. I told Giles that I've spent six years fighting the forces of darkness I deserve to retire happily. So you want to be my maid of honor?"
"What? When are you getting married? And yes I'd be honored." Now she understood why Xander had said a little bad. He probably in the back of his mind always hoped for a chance with Buffy.
"Well we haven't set a date yet but as soon as we do I'll let you know. Angel seems to like Kevin a lot."
Willow blinked a few times. Had she just said that Angel liked Kevin? "Angel's met Kevin?"
Buffy smiled. She would get those two together yet. If she couldn't have Angel, and she didn't want to have him anymore, the only other person on the planet that she would consider for him would be Willow.
She hadn't really ever thought of Willow and Angel together but not long after meeting Kevin she had a dream about them. Since then it just felt right.
"Yeah. I wanted the two to meet. Besides Xander and Giles they are the two most important men in my life. It had been long enough since Angel left and with the conversation we had I knew he would be okay with my moving on and he was. I think if it had been my first year in college it would have been too soon for Angel to like anyone I went out with. Besides most of the guys I dated that year was just a rebound thing."
"He sounds great, Buffy. I can't wait to meet him."
"Maybe we'll drive up one weekend."
"That would be great."
"I better go. I have to meet Giles. Love you Willow"
"Love you too Buffy. Tell Giles I'll call him later."
After Willow hung up with Buffy she lay back on the bed. Wondering if this was a sign of the apocalypse. First she found out that a big evil was coming, then Buffy and Angel finally had moved on and Buffy seemed very happy and very much in love. Angel had even approved of Kevin. She wondered if it was going to be raining snakes or something next. With a half smile she got up to go downstairs.
Making her way down the stairs she heard laughter and followed the sound. Everyone was sitting in front of the TV watching "Never been kissed."
"Movie night?"
"Hey Willow come sit here. I was just going to get something to drink. Anyone else want a drink?"
"Yeah could you bring me back a soda?" Gunn asked with a smirk. He knew Cordelia had gotten up to force Willow to sit next to Angel but he wasn't going to let an opportunity go to tease her.
Cordelia narrowed her eyes at him, "Sure."
Willow smiled at Angel as she sat down. She turned back to the TV to watch. They were just at the scene where Drew's friend was teaching her class the proper way to put on a condom. Drew's character's condom flew off the banana and landed on the floor.
Willow mumbled, "I hate when that happens."
Angel turned shocked eyes to Willow. Had she just said what I thought she said?
~Part: 3~
As the movie ended Willow stood up to stretch. It had been nice and comfortable with everyone tonight. She hadn't been sure how she would fit in besides just helping out. She glanced around as she saw that Cordelia and Fred both had their heads on Gunn's shoulders sleeping quietly. She smiled as she quietly stepped over Gunn's outstretched legs.
Turning to Angel she whispered, "Should we wake them?"
"No, if anything comes up you and I can handle it. Wesley should be coming over soon and we'll wake them all up then. He wanted to wait until you were here before telling them what he told me and Giles." Angel stood to follow Willow into the lobby.
"I didn't tell Buffy or Xander but Giles did tell me that it had to do with the law firm you're always up against. Wolfman and Hart?"
Angel laughed, "No, Wolfram and Hart though they probably do have a wolfman on the payroll."
"Okay, I get that lawyers are evil but do you really need a powerful witch to help you battle some?"
"Their connections run to the underworld, hell gods and demons. They are on the opposite side of the Powers that Be."
"Oh . . . good . . .no pressure. You guys do know that it's not like I've been fighting the forces of darkness these last three years. Okay, yeah, I've vanquished some demons, warlocks and a few vampires but not like it was on an apocalyptic scale or anything."
Angel gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "I have no doubt that you could conquer anything that you put your mind to. I do remember your Resolve Face."
A tingle went through Willow's body when Angel squeezed her shoulder. Maybe she would ask Wesley about this connection she was feeling with Angel. She hadn't wanted to say anything to Giles or Buffy because of their past ties with Angel and Angelus. Wesley would be impartial, Willow hoped. The pull seemed to be getting stronger the closer physically she was to Angel. It wasn't like she didn't have a will of her own or anything but the need to be near him was strong.
Cordelia saw Angel squeeze Willow's arm and smiled. Angel had never been big with the casual touching so Cordy took this as a very good sign. She hadn't wanted to interrupt the moment but Wes was here and she knew that they needed to talk with him.
"Hey guys, Wes is here."
Willow and Angel followed Cordelia into the lobby. Wes was spreading out the scrolls that he had brought. He looked up at their approach and smiled, "It's nice to see you again, Willow."
Willow couldn't get over the change in Wesley. Gone was the guy who would scream like a girl and whimper in the face of danger. In his place stood a mature and confident man. "Thanks, Wesley. It's nice to see you, too."
She leaned into Angel and whispered, "You seem to have quite an affect on the former residents of Sunnydale."
Angel raised an eyebrow at her. Willow blushed when she realized what she had said, "I meant Cordy and Wes."
Angel smiled at her blushing. He had missed that about her, "I know you did, little one."
The pull Angel was feeling with Willow was getting stronger the more time he spent with her. Was it the connection he felt after he left Sunnydale? Or was it that he was feeling something new? Did this feeling have something to do with this new Willow that he was finding fascinating? The need to be near and touch her was becoming stronger. Maybe he would ask Wesley to look into it?
When everyone had settled around the scrolls Wesley began, "There have been rumors from Wolfram & Hart that something big was coming. This coincided with news from the Watcher's Council that the prophecy in the Urok scrolls may have begun. Mr. Giles relayed this information to me when he learned I have a copy of those scrolls."
Willow interrupted him and asked Cordelia, "And you haven't gotten a vision or anything about what is happening?"
"Nope, nothin'. Just your basic everyday visions to kill the demons."
Wesley continued, "The scrolls state that there will be a rise in earthquake activity that will herald the demon god Docunde being brought forth. After the earthquakes there will be occurrences of an apocalyptic nature. Such as cats giving birth to snakes or children born with unusual birth defects. After Docunde has arrived there will be a rise in demonic activity at all the Hellmouths across the globe. Just before Giles called you, Willow there were earthquakes both large and small reported all over the globe."
"Wesley, I'd be glad to help anyway I can but as I told Angel earlier it has been awhile since I fought off anything this big. Is there a reason why I was called?"
Wesley seemed to hesitate. "We got in contact with the Watcher's Council after I read up on the scrolls. What I discovered was that someone else will be accompanying Docunde into this realm and that only a witch of great strength would be able to defeat him. There was a meeting among the Council members regarding this and your name was brought up."
Willow noticed Wesley's fidgeting. "Who is coming, Wesley?"
"Astrote."
Angel quickly looked at Willow when he noticed that her heart rate had accelerated. He saw that her face had turned white. "Willow, what's wrong?"
Willow jumped up and began to pace, "Are you sure? Of course you're sure. That isn't anything you would not be sure about. Oh goddess, that's why Sue and the other leaders had a meeting last week. They gave me a cleansing ceremony before I left but I thought that was just to prepare me for something different that we had talked about."
"Who is Astrote?"
"He is an extremely powerful dark wizard. He is said to be a high lord to the first evil." Willow sat down on shaking legs. No wonder everyone was keeping this hush, hush. If she had known she was to face Astrote she would have gone into hiding. Maybe even another dimension.
Angel sat down next to Willow and rubbed her back, "What aren't you telling us, Willow? Granted I may not have seen you for three years but I've never seen you have this reaction to an evil coming before."
"Yeah, Willow. We'll be there fighting with you. It's not like you have to face him alone."
With a sad smile, Willow looked at Wesley. "You haven't told them have you?"
"Told us what, Wesley?"
"Willow will have to fight Astrote alone. Or physically alone anyway. The battle with the wizard will take place on the astral plane. Her body will be here but her spirit or her soul will be fighting on the other plane."
Cordelia asked, "So while we're kicking demon god ass Willow will be on her own with this high lord to the first evil?"
Willow smiled, "Not on my own really. I can do a bonding ritual with my coven and with others. This will allow me to draw on their strengths in the astral plane without harming their souls or spirits on this plane."
Willow just had an idea. Was the connection with Angel's soul that had occurred when she restored it preparing her for the battle with Astrote? Was she destined to be the warrior that went up against the dark lord? Maybe that was why she had been able to perform such a complicated spell while still a novice witch. If that were true she wouldn't need to do a bonding ritual. Her soul was already bonded to Angelus and Angel.
"Wesley, have you ever performed any spells?"
"A few but nothing like you, Angel or Giles can perform."
"What is it, Willow?"
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she prepared to tell them what she was experiencing with the bond. God, she had come a long way since she was the high school girl that had the coroner's office as a bookmark.
"I haven't told anyone, not even Buffy or Giles, since it happened in high school. When I restored your soul, Angel I felt something go through me. A part of whatever went through me stayed and I've felt a connection with you ever since. It's getting stronger the closer I am to you and it never went away in the three years. I asked my coven leader, Sue about it because I was afraid something had gone wrong with that spell. She thinks our souls bonded. If that did happen I should be able to draw on your strengths as both Angel and Angelus in the astral plane when I fight Astrote."
"I've felt the same thing with you. I never noticed it much in Sunnydale, just that I always felt comfortable around you. It wasn't until I moved here to LA that I noticed I felt connected to you. I've felt a strong pull ever since you arrived today. For the first few days before you got here I was anxious for you to get here. It was like I knew something important was going to happen but I didn't know what."
"No lie. He was like a little kid when he found out you were coming. Everything had to be just right for Willow. He was pacing when Cordy and I left to go pick you up."
If Angel had been capable of blushing he knew he would have. Oh there was going to be some major payback to Gunn for that comment.
"I just wanted her to feel welcome. It had been three years since we had seen her."
"Uh huh."
Taking mercy on Angel Wesley asked Willow, "What spell did you want me to perform?"
"There is a simple spell that you can do to see Angel and my aura. I know you can't read auras but you can tell me what you see."
"Why don't you do the spell on yourself?"
Willow turned to Fred, "A witch can't read their own aura. When a witch casts a spell it changes their aura. So in order to read my true aura I can't cast a spell but the only way to read auras is to cast a spell. Kind of a catch twenty two."
Willow wrote down the simple incantation for Wesley to read. After handing it to Wesley she returned to Angel's side.
"Will we be able to see your auras or just Wesley?"
"If you are sensitive to magick you will be able to see it. You three will probably all be able to see."
"Ready?"
Willow took a deep breath, "Ready."
Wesley chanted the incantation. There appeared to be a glow around both Willow and Angel. All three jaws dropped. Oh goddess, what were they seeing? Willow grabbed Angel's hand for support. "What do you see, Wesley?"
Cordelia broke out into a huge grin. She wouldn't even have to nudge anymore. There it was in Technicolor.
It was Fred that answered, "So that's what Kyrumption looks like."
"Huh?"
"What Fred means is your auras are connected. Intertwined even. There is a cord like ribbon that is golden in color that is connecting you and Angel. Then the cord is wrapped up and around your aura that surrounds both your bodies. There isn't a separate aura. You two are definitely bonded."
"What color besides golden do you see?"
"White, red, black, gold all intertwined."
"So there are three distinct colors besides the gold? This is important Wesley."
"Yes, it is like a braid with the three colors white, red and black. The gold is weaving between the colors and between you and Angel."
Willow broke out into a big smile. It lit her face. She jumped in Angel's arms and he caught her in an embrace. "Do you know what this means Angel?"
He didn't really care at the moment, he was holding Willow in a spontaneous hug and it felt great. "Not exactly. Except we definitely have a connection."
She let go of him but kept hold of his hands and squeezed. "It means your soul is bonded and connected to mine. You have a permanent soul, Angel. No curse, no happiness clause, no wondering if Angelus will make a comeback. You're free." Willow's eyes started to tear up. "Oh god, Angel I'm sorry. If I had said something or done something you would have know this back in Sunnydale."
Angel gently wiped her tears, "You don't know that. It may have needed your power to grow as a witch before it became this entwined or for the years to pass to make the bond this strong."
"He's right, Willow. The colors and braiding are strong but they might not have been that bright or strong three years ago. No use crying for what might have been. It might not have been."
Willow smiled at Wesley, "Were you this smart in Sunnydale and I just didn't notice?"
Wesley gave her a shy grin, "No, it took moving away and discovering who I really was for me to get this smart."
~~~~
The offices of Wolfram and Hart were buzzing with excitement. The Senior Partners had announced that Doc would be arriving. It seemed they had finally found someone that could defeat the souled vampire or at least take him out of the picture for the apocalypse. There was a meeting scheduled for tonight with all the top brass in attendance.
Lilah didn't know who Doc was but he must be someone of high importance. She could only remember one other time that the top brass asked the Senior Partners for a meeting. Maybe this time they would finally get Angel out of the picture.
~Part: 4~
Willow was walking by the front desk when the phone rang, "Angel Investigations, How may I help you?"
"Willow? Is that you?"
"Sue!"
"Can you talk?"
Willow looked around the lobby and saw Cordelia and Gunn trying to pretend they weren't listening.
"Nope, But I talked to the professor before I left."
"People are standing near by?"
"Yeah, you're right about that."
"Okay, I tried your cell earlier but couldn't get through. I'll call you on it in fifteen minutes. Is that enough time?"
"Okay. Maybe if you try later it'll work. Tell everyone hi for me."
"Friend of yours, Red?"
"Yeah, but her cell kept cutting out so she'll have to call later." Willow glanced at her watch. "I'm kinda hungry. I think I'll make a deli run. Do you guys want anything?"
Willow wrote down everyone's order and went upstairs to grab her purse and cell phone. She was curious as to what Sue wanted to talk to her about and not in front of the others.
Willow made her way to a nearby park and sat under a tree. As soon as she got comfortable her cell rang, "Hello?"
"Hi, Willow. Can you talk now?"
"Yep, I'm making a run for food. Is everything alright?"
"Not really. There have been occurrences happening the past couple of days. Apocalyptic occurrences. That's why I called. I wanted to warn you that the time might be closer than even the Council thought. The last sign will be increase activity on the Hellmouths. As far as I know that hasn't happened yet."
"So it has begun. Wesley told me that Astrote would be accompanying Docunde. Do you think I am ready for this fight?"
"I wouldn't have allowed you to be dragged into this if I wasn't sure. The goddess sent me a vision before we met with the Council. In it you were fighting a force I couldn't see but there was a dark haired man alongside you. I can only assume that it's Angel. You were drawing on his strengths. The goddess didn't reveal the outcome but she said she was most pleased with her 'Special Child'. I took that to mean that even though you will be in grave danger the outcome would be positive."
"Give all my love to the others. I will call before I do the bonding ritual so you will have plenty of time to prepare."
"Be very careful, Willow. You know we are always with you in spirit."
"I know. You've helped me more than I can ever say."
Willow gathered the food from the deli and returned to the Hyperion. "Food's here."
Cordy, Fred, Gunn and Wesley stopped what they were doing and helped Willow unload the bags. Angel came out of the kitchen with his mug of blood when he heard Willow return.
Willow turned to greet Angel when the room spun and a sharp pain filled her body. With a cry she went down.
Cordelia looked over when she heard Willow cry out. Before she could reach her, a sharp pain filled her body and she gave a cry before she went down, too.
Angel dropped his mug the instant he saw Willow turn white and her eyes turn up. He didn't quite reach her in time to stop her fall but he was able to break it. He cradled her and whispered for her to wake up.
Wesley grabbed the Seer before her head hit the ground. He embraced her and gently caressed her face.
"What's happening?" Fred asked. "That's never happened to Cordy before."
Gunn enveloped the small woman in a comforting embrace, "I don't know, baby." He turned to Angel, "Are they alright?"
"I can hear their heartbeats. They're a little rapid but strong."
Cordelia opened her eyes and with a trembling smile she looked up at Wes.
"Was it a vision?"
"Yeah, but I don't understand it. I saw a kind, elderly man with glasses talking to someone but I couldn't see who. I didn't see any demons or anything. But my entire body filled with pain. I haven't felt like that since the headaches went away." She turned her head and saw that Willow was still unconscious. "Willow. Is she alright?"
Angel had picked Willow up in his arms and held her in his lap. He gently caressed her face.
Willow blinked a few times before opening her eyes, "Angel?"
"I'm here."
"It's begun. Call Giles or Buffy to see if the Hellmouth has gotten worse. I think Docunde and Astrote have been brought into our realm."
"In a minute. God, you scared me." Angel leaned in and settled his head in the crook of her neck.
Willow wrapped her arms around Angel and they just sat there holding each other for a minute. Angel brought his head up and looked into Willow's eyes, "What happened?"
"I think the shock of the hell god and his high lord coming into this realm affected me. I felt the Earth's pain as if it were my own. It's going to be bad, Angel. I think with the increase of demon activity we'll be attacked on both fronts. Both from the demons and Doc."
~~~~
Lilah noticed two men standing off to the side as she entered the large boardroom. She glanced at the smaller of the two and quickly dismissed him. He was a small, older gentleman with a kind and befuddled look to him. Lilah thought he must be the assistant to Docunde. Her eyes traveled to the other man standing just to the left of the first.
He was tall with dark hair that reached his shoulders. As Lilah got closer she noticed that his eyes were dark but with lights swirling in their depths. They were definitely not human eyes. His demeanor commanded the attention of the entire room. He hadn't spoken but all eyes seemed to drift his way. This must be Docunde, Lilah thought as she took her seat.
"If everyone would take a seat, we'll get started." After everyone settled in their seats the CEO of Wolfram and Hart continued, "As you know there has been an unsuccessful campaign against Angel."
Most eyes turned toward Lilah who sat calmly and ignored them.
"Not long ago a psychic came to us with a vision that a powerful witch would soon join forces with Angel. We can't afford that to happen so it was decided to kill two birds with one stone so to speak. We have joined forces with two very powerful beings hoping that each of us will be able to help the other with our respective problems. The final details haven't all been worked out yet but I believe Doc will be able to explain it better than I can." He motioned for Doc to take his place at the head of the table.
All eyes that had turned to the tall man at the mention of Doc became confused when it was the kind, older gentleman that stood.
That was Doc? Lilah thought. This small man was a hell god capable of defeating Angel and beginning the apocalypse? She knew not to judge a book by its cover but this was ridiculous. He looked like a stiff wind could knock him down.
Doc smiled as he looked around the room. He always chose this look whenever he left his realm. Humans always overlooked those that didn't look threatening. It wasn't until it was too late that they saw him for what he was.
~~~~
Angel hung up the phone with Giles and turned to the group, "It seems that the activity around the Hellmouth has definitely gotten worse."
Fred looked up from the computer, "There are reports of increases in demonic activity all over the world. Not just at all the Hellmouths, either. We need to be prepared for an increase here as well."
Just then the doors to the hotel lobby opened, "Sweet cakes, there are things happening all over this town."
Willow turned to Angel with a smirk, "Sweet cakes?"
Angel rolled his eyes, "Don't ask and don't think of ever telling Xander about it, either."
"Well, I guess it's better than Dead Boy."
"So, are you going to introduce me to your pretty friend?"
"Sorry, Lorne, this is Willow."
"Oh, this is Willow! Well, I can understand now why he was so jumpy when he knew you were coming."
~Part: 5~
The phones started ringing off the hook saving Angel further embarrassment. It seems that Lorne wasn't exaggerating when he said that things were happening all over LA.
To handle the large amount of calls, they broke out into smaller groups. Wesley and Cordelia went to take care of some Poltar demons that were invading an apartment complex on Melrose Avenue.
Fred and Gunn left to go to a home in East LA to take care of what the homeowner thought was a poltergeist.
As soon as they left the phone rang again. "Angel Investigations, how may I help you?"
"Uh huh. Just started happening? Okay, we'll get someone there as soon as possible." After taking the needed information down Lorne turned to Angel with the address.
"Here's the latest one. Seems the Ballet Company is experiencing unusual occurrences."
"Guess it's our turn, Willow." Angel went to the weapons cabinet and picked out a few things. "Do you want to take anything?"
Willow shook her head. She relied on magic for the most part and if that didn't work she had four years of kickboxing to fall back on.
The manager met them as soon as they entered the theater's lobby.
"Are you Angel?"
"Yeah, how can we help you?"
"Cathy, our prima ballerina, has been experiencing strange things in her dressing room. There are cold spots and things move that she can't explain. Sometimes she hears voices but there isn't anyone there. If you just follow this hallway until you get backstage. Once backstage take the first hallway on your left. Her room is the second door on your right."
Willow followed Angel inside the theater until they were backstage. The hallway seemed to stretch forever without an end in sight.
"Okay, that's gotta be unusual. Have you ever seen anything like that, Angel?"
"No, maybe it's a spell or something. Just be careful."
Angel continued down the corridor until he came to a door. Opening it slowly they entered. "It's a dressing room."
"The prima ballerina?"
"Yeah. This must be the one the manager said we'd find."
Angel walked around the room looking at everything. He walked over to the dressing table and picks up a barrette. Caressing it he mumbles, "She would wait for him here."
A sudden chill fills the room. Willow slowly walks up behind Angel and gently slips her arms around to caress his stomach. She presses her body into his back.
"Make love to me."
Angel turns in Willow's arms and caresses her cheek, "Is that what you want?"
"You know it is. I only feel alive when you're inside me."
"But you're afraid."
"What if he finds us?"
"Shh, don't worry. It'll be alright."
Angel leans his head down to kiss Willow. His hands gently caress her back and then lower. He cups her to bring her closer. Willow moans at his touch and Angel takes advantage by deepening the kiss. She begins to rock her hips into Angel. Angel growls at the contact and slowly backs her up until the backs of Willow's knees hits the couch. Gently lowering her onto it he covers her with his body.
Willow's hands move to unbutton his shirt and caress his chest. Her lips follow the path of her fingers as she explores. Angel's leg moves between Willow's and she lifts her hips to get closer. Softly cursing the thin layer of fabric separating them. There is a hissing sound and Angel jerks away and stands.
"Ah, Willow. Sorry." He begins to button his shirt.
Breathing heavy and trying to not stare at Angel Willow lowers her eyes, "There's something here. We need to get out of this room."
Getting off the couch she walks toward the door. Angel comes up behind her and snakes an arm around her stomach. Willow arches into his touch and stretches an arm around his neck. Angel leans down to nuzzle her neck and caress her stomach. Willow leans her head to the side to give him better access.
In a breathy voice Willow says, "We should really get out of here."
While still kissing her neck Angel reaches for the door and pushes it open. "Door's open" Angel mumbles against to her neck.
Reaching around behind her and grabbing onto his hips, Willow pulls Angel closer, "Uh, huh. Noticed."
"We should probably leave."
Rocking her hips back in to Angel, "Mm hmm."
Angel and Willow slowly walk out of the room but never breaking their hold on one another. Willow turns in Angel's arms.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, you aren't still possessed or anything are you?"
"Nope, still Willow."
"Good, cause I'm still Angel. I just wanted to make sure that you knew it was us."
Angel turned them so Willow's back was to the wall. He slowly lowered his head giving Willow time to pull back if she wanted to. Willow slowly smiled and lifted her head to meet Angel's.
Their lips meet and tongues duel for dominance. Breaking away Angel leaned his forehead against Willow's. "I've wanted to do that since I saw you standing in the lobby talking to Fred. It was so hard to keep from touching you. Every time I got close I wanted to reach out."
Willow reached up and caressed the side of his face, "Me, too. It was so hard to be so close but yet not be able to touch."
Angel's lips turned up into a half smile, "Feel free to touch me anytime."
Willow's hands left Angel's face and encircled his waist to move lower and caress his butt. "Okay."
Stepping back she reached for Angel's hand. "Think we should go back in there and let the ghosts finish? Like what happened with you and Buffy in high school? I've never tried to exercise a ghost before and I'm not sure what we should do."
Angel brought their entwined fingers up for a kiss. "Before we go back in there, you should know that I knew what I was doing and saying. It may have been the spirits possessing but the feelings were real. If we DO go back in there it might get intense. I want you to know that whatever happens it will be a reflection of I feel about you."
With a shy smile Willow replied, "I had hoped our first time together would be just us with no spirits involved but if it turns out differently I'm okay with that, too."
Angel's hope leapt at Willow's words. She had thought about having a first time with him before this ever happened. Angel got a worried look on his face, "What if it does get intense and I get a happy? What if the soul isn't permanent but just bonded? I could never live with myself if I hurt you." Angel could feel his demon was just as fascinated with Willow as he was. Angel's fear was that he would want to turn her to keep her with him forever. Angelus sensed a darkness along with her power and he was excited by that.
"It'll be okay. While in the room I still had access to my magic. If Angelus does make an appearance I can handle him." If Sue thought she was prepared to fight Astrote fighting Angelus would be a walk in the park.
Angel nodded and holding Willow's hand opened the dressing room door again. "Ready?"
"Ready."
They entered the room cautiously not sure what to expect. There were still cold spots and Willow felt their presence.
"What should we do? Get back on the couch or over by the dressing table?"
Cold seeped into Angel and Willow's bodies. Angel smiled and wrapped his arms around her from behind, "What can Robert do anyway? You don't belong to him."
"He thinks I do. He thinks just because I signed the contract he owns me body and soul."
Moving his hands to cup her breasts and with a smile in his voice, "Maybe your soul but I have your body."
Arching into his hands and snaking her arms behind her to caress his hips, "My body and my soul."
Picking Willow up in his arms he carries her to the couch. Leaning down to kiss her, neither was prepared for the passion that exploded.