Part One

The school library was quiet. The Scooby Gang, as they call themselves, were immersed in their final class of the day, and Giles was catching up on some reading from the new books the Watcher's Council sent him earlier in the week. They only had one week left to go before graduation and the kids were antsy. The tide of vampires had increased, as well as a few other weird occurrences and demon activity. So far, they had been able to hold them off, but Giles was hoping to locate the reason in one the books. Reluctantly, he had talked to Angel, and the vampire was also trying to glean information from one of his sources, Whistler.

Things had not been easy between the two of them. Angel had lost Giles' trust, as well as most of the group's as well. Giles understood why Willow had to perform the spell. Buffy needed Angel back to assuage her guilt, if nothing else. Yet, Buffy still did not know that it was Willow who had brought Angel back.

Giles thought about Willow. She was so sweet and naive and felt that it was her fault that Angel was sent to Hell instead of Angelus. She would not rest until he was brought back. It had started with the dreams. Almost every night she was visited in her dreams by a woman who would give her part of a spell with specific instructions to carry it out. At first she dismissed them, but finally came to him when they did not stop. They ended when the spell to bring Angel from Hell was completely divulged. Willow did not want to tell either Buffy or Angel about her part in this, and Giles respected her decision. In the end, Buffy and Angel both assumed that it was just another weird occurrence on the Hellmouth.

Giles was jolted from these thoughts when the phone rang.

The librarian felt a cold chill wrack his body when a familiar voice said, "Giles? I have some very disturbing information for you and your Slayers."

"Hey Will, are you and Xander going to the Bronze tonight? Faith and I are gonna split patrol and then we'll join you. As long as we won't be interrupting your date." Buffy asked as they walked down the hall towards the library.

"Oh Buffy, you won't interrupt anything. Besides, it's not like that when we go to the Bronze! What about Angel? Is he coming tonight?" Willow asked.

"I saw him for a little while last night when I was patrolling, and he was acting wiggy. When I asked him about it, he said he was concerned about 'trouble brewing in the horizon'. He's getting to be Cryptic Guy again." Buffy said, throwing her hands in the air.

"So there were no smoochies?" Willow asked innocently.

"Will! No, there were not." Buffy said disappointedly. "Some days everything is OK, then he seems to pull back from me. Right now we're in pull-back mode. I just don't know what to do. I love him, but maybe Giles is right and I need to step back and just see where things go. Hey, enough about my smoochies. What's going on with you and the Xandman?"

Willow shuffled her feet nervously and looked away before replying. "Well, we were at my house last night, and we were studying, and then," the redhead stopped unsure what to say, "things seemed…I thought there would be smoochies, but he backed off, " the embarrassed redhead blurt out all at once. "Oh, Buffy, I thought after everything that happened, we could get together, but I don't think it will ever work out. I'm just good old Willow, 'the best bud'."

"Oh, Will, things will work out for the best. You wait and see. Your knight in shining armor will come in, and sweep you away without you even realizing and Xander will be left out in the cold." Buffy assured her best friend.

At that moment Xander came bouncing down the hall and happily joined Willow and Buffy.

"Hey, Willster. Hey, Buffster. How are my two favorite gals?" Xander said cheerily. "We are going to the Bronze tonight, right? I really feel like getting down and funky." He then proceeded to show them exactly what he meant to do.

Both Willow and Buffy laughed heartily, momentarily pulling Willow out of her funk. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.

When the gang reached the library, they found Giles in his office on the phone. No sooner than they were settled in, Giles worriedly approached the table. It was at that point that Faith burst through the library doors.

"Oh good, Faith, you are here also. I won't have to explain this twice." Giles said nervously as he wiped his glasses clean with his handkerchief.

"Why do I think our plans for fun and games at the Bronze are in serious jeopardy." Buffy moaned. "I have no life!"

"None of us do, Buffy." Giles said ominously. "I just got off the phone with a friend at the Watcher's Council, and he has given me some very disturbing news."

Giles continued, "As you all very well know, demon activity has increased in the last month. We have been able to deal with it, but I have not been able to find a reason for it. Now, I have looked through some of the books here, but have not been able to come up with anything. So, I called the Watcher's Council and set them to research also. I also called Angel and asked him to check his sources."

"Does this mean research party?" Willow asked happily.

"Great. We get to deal with Deadboy again. Are you really sure you can trust anything he says? After all, he just needs to get pelvic and…BAM!.. psycho vamp is back." Xander spouted.

"Xander, that was not Angel. When are you going to get it through your head that it was the demon." Willow said. "We do not hold it against you that you ate the principal when you were possessed. Are you telling us that you should be held accountable for something you could not control for the rest of your life?"

Xander did not reply but slunk down in his chair. He did not like Angel and would be more than happy to never hear his name again. Worst of all, Angel and Willow were friends. Not real close, but he knew they did get together occasionally to talk. If that weren't bad enough, Angel might have seen him leaving Faith's last week, and although he tried to shake the feeling of being followed last night, he could not be totally sure that Angel did not follow him to Faith's last night after leaving Willow's. So far, no one knew about his and Faith's hot sexual trysts. <If Angel knew, would he tell Willow? Buffy?>

"Earth to Xander!" Faith said, hitting him on the shoulder. "Are you back?"

Losing his temper, Giles said, "Can we continue children! We have a serious problem and it includes everyone here. Matthew, my contact at the Council, has contacted other Watchers, and the signs have indicated that the incidence of evil is on the rise everywhere. Matthew has found and deciphered a prophecy that includes all of you." Giles said ominously.

"What do you mean all of us, Giles." Buffy asked worriedly. "Faith and I are the Slayers and will deal with whatever harm comes this way. I could not deal with it if anything happened to anyone here because of my destiny." Turning to the rest of the gang, she continued, "Faith and I are stuck with this gig, not you guys. It's bad enough what happened last time because I could not do my job. I can't lose my friends in some prophecy," Buffy said dejectedly.

"I know you feel bad about what happened, Buffy, but you cannot change the past, just move on. We will deal with the prophesy as best we can and as safely as possible," Giles assured her. "The prophecy includes both Buffy and Faith but also includes Willow. As much as this pains me to have to include her in this, it apparently names her very directly as the source needed to help the Chosen Ones defeat the demon."

"How can she help us defeat the darkness when she can't fight her way out of a paper bag," Faith chimed in. "I can't imagine needing her help."

"As you all know, Willow is an apprentice witch…one we thought had limited powers. Apparently though, she has natural powers, and it is these powers which will be needed," Giles added.

"But Giles, I know a few spells, and I did do the Restoration Ritual, but that is it! Sure, I've been working with Amy doing simple spells, but nothing that could defeat a demon with the power you are speaking about. I'm just Willow, the net girl, hacker extraordinaire."

"Willow, you do have the power. I can feel it when you do the small spells or when you let your defenses down. Matthew is working with the Council as we speak, trying to decide who will train you for battle," Giles told her, trying to sound reassuring.

"How much time do we have G-man? Should I even bother with my finals for graduation next week?" Xander quipped.

Ignoring Xander and speaking to the group, Giles went on, "We figure eight months to a year. We are not sure, but eight months at the least. The Council is working on a more precise timing."

"Then why can't we go to the Bronze?" Buffy pouted. "Why do tonight what we can do tomorrow?"

At the end of his rope, Giles agreed. "Fine. I guess we can forestall any research here tonight, but tomorrow before patrol we need to get together and discuss our plans for training. Matthew will call tonight with more information. Have fun and be careful!" Giles said as he bent his head and started looking through some books.

Part 2

Angel gleaned some information from Whistler but not much. Whistler promised more tomorrow after talking to the 'powers that be.' Angel hated being so helpless but he could do nothing else. He could have just called and let Giles know what Whistler told him, but he wanted to see the Watcher. He understood why Giles still did not trust him, but a part of him hoped to rebuild that trust. It was Friday and he knew the rest of the gang would be at the Bronze. That would give him time to discuss the situation with the Watcher without that ass Xander butting in.

Xander was always a pain to Angel, but after what happened when he lost his soul, Xander's hate campaign was in full swing. He tried to turn the others against him. God knows that they should hate him, but he was glad that Buffy and Willow did not shut him out completely.

Buffy. What was going on between them? He knew she still had feelings for him, but Angel wondered if either of them loved the other after all that happened when he lost his soul. Giles would not approve of a relationship between them again and neither would her mother. Continuing a relationship with that sort of personal discord in her life would be too much too ask of Buffy. He wasn't sure if he even wanted to. He had loved her. Had? Did he just think HAD? Buffy did what she had to, but the sword and demon dimension severed their relationship like nothing else could.

And Willow. Was it fair putting her at odds with Xander over his friendship with her? He knew Willow loved Xander and had dreamed of a relationship with him. Her lifelong friendship with Xander was much stronger than their budding friendship, and was worried that if Willow had to choose, Xander's friendship would win. Who would want a psychotic-vampire-with-a-soul for a friend anyway? He only wanted Willow happy and if the annoying teenager did, then so be it.

His thoughts were interrupted when he realized he was at the school. The vampire was sure to make enough noise going into the library so as not to scare Giles. It was bad enough Giles was jumpy around him without adding to it.

"Oh, hello, Angel", Giles said removing his glasses and cleaning them nervously. It would take him a while to get used to seeing the vampire again. Was Xander right? Could they truly trust Angel again? A passing thought was all it was. Giles knew Angel, the real Angel, was not responsible for the demon and would do anything to help them. The problem was the demon and Angel wore the same face, and it was very hard to forget what happened those horrible months.

"I spoke to a source of mine and he had some information. He should have more tomorrow. The only thing he could say was that a witch of great power will be needed to bring this demon down. Without this witch's help," Angel continued with barely controlled emotions, "Buffy and Faith will die, and the world will experience a time of darkness previously unknown. My source believes this witch is in Sunnydale. Could it be Amy? We really need to identify her and soon." Angel said as he turned away and started to pace.

Giles hesitated. Should he tell Angel that Willow was the witch? They needed his help and therefore mutual trust was paramount. It was going to be hard but it would have to be done. He would have to squelch his doubts and go with his instincts.

"Willow is the witch" Giles said sadly.

Angel jerked around to face Giles. "What! Are you sure?"

"The Watcher's Council has done the research and they believe it is Willow. I think so, too. I have felt her power occasionally when she lets her shields down. I am sure she does not even realize what she is doing. I know she does not realize the power she has. She was shocked this afternoon when I told her…not to mention Xander, Buffy and Faith."

"I know what you are talking about. There have been times I have felt it, but put it off to the power of the Hellmouth or even to Buffy and Faith." Angel stopped and then continued, "This may be silly but it just makes me angry that it is Willow. She should not have to go through with something of this magnitude."

"We all try to protect Willow. I know I feel like a father to her at times. To all of them really, but especially to her. She has this innocence that we want to preserve…the innocence that we have lost." Angel absently nodded. "But we will have to put off these feelings and do whatever necessary to stop this demon, whatever it may be. No matter how we dislike the idea. Willow may be our only hope…Buffy and Faith's only hope."

Both Angel and Giles were lost in their thoughts until the phone rang and jolted them back to reality. Before he answered the phone, Giles asked Angel to meet at the library tomorrow evening with the rest of the gang.

The next day

Slowly the Slayerettes gathered in the library. Xander and Willow together, then Faith and finally Buffy. Last to arrive was Angel, and Xander was visibly displeased.

"What is Deadboy doing here?" Xander said to no one in particular. Turning to Angel he said, "Haven't you done enough damage?"

Xander did not stop, but continued to glare and berate the vampire. "How could you show your face here? To us? To Giles? Have you no shame? Or are here looking for a snack?" Xander could not hide his disgust at seeing the vampire in the library.

The stress of the last two days had worn Giles' patience. "I will not deal with this now Xander. If you can't act sensibly, please leave. We need Angel's help. We need to trust one another and help one another. If you cannot do that, I suggest you go home. Willow, Buffy, and Faith do not need to deal with you and your problems with Angel on top of everything else. We are here to share information and formulate a plan. Will you stop this childishness at least for Willow's sake? Or are you that selfish that all you can think about is removing Angel no matter what the cost to everything else?" Giles sputtered, the last of his patience finally giving out.

Surprised at Giles' tirade, all Xander could do was shake his head and slump in his seat.

Giles continued, "Is there anyone else here that has a problem before we start?" He looked around the room at the blank faces and continued. "I spoke to Matthew last night and there is no doubt that Willow is the witch that will be needed. She will need to begin her training as soon as possible. The Council has identified who she will train with. More information about when and where the training will begin will come in the next few days. It will at least wait until after graduation."

The tired Watcher turned to Angel and asked, "Have you learned anything else?"

Angel shifted nervously, "Yes. The witch Willow will apprentice to is named Kaelin. And before you ask, yes this is the same witch that the Council has identified. Apparently my source has been talking to the Council as well, and they are working together. The Council has been told that I am involved also, and have given me permission to work with Willow directly if the need arises. " Angel said specifically directing that comment to Xander. "You don't have a problem with that do you Willow?" Angel asked, already knowing what her answer would be. This was all for Xander's benefit. He hated putting a rift in their relationship, but it had to be done. Otherwise, Xander might try to talk Willow out of working with Angel, and the way the situation was turning out, that could very well be impossible.

Willow gave him her best smile, "No, not at all. I appreciate your help. Always." Willow turned thoughtful and then said, "Giles, have you heard of Kaelin or know anything about this woman? What's she like or what her powers are? Where does she live?"

Angel shifted nervously. "I know something about her. Maybe you, Giles and I can discuss this later when Buffy and Faith patrol?" Angel asked, hopefully putting the matter off until they were alone.

"Why can't you tell us, too?" Xander asked. "Or are you hiding something?"

"Angel? If this involves Willow, we need to know also. I hate to admit this but Xander is right. What do you know about this witch?" Buffy asked worriedly. The others all turned to Angel expectantly.

Angel shifted from foot to foot. This was going to be hard. He had not shared any personal information about himself to anyone in this group. Even Buffy. No matter how good friends he and Willow were, his previous life was never discussed. What he saw—the sights, the art, the beauty, yes, but nothing of a personal nature. Now, in front of all of them, including Xander, he had to open up his life for their scrutiny. The only way was the direct way, unfortunately.

"I was engaged to her when I was human," he stated plainly to all of them and left it at that. "Giles, can we discuss this later between the three of us?" Angel asked, his eyes pleading.

"What! You never told me you were engaged before! Then again, you never told me anything about your human life. Now you drop that bombshell, and you want to avoid discussing it!" Buffy exclaimed. "And she is coming here. Wait, how old is she?" The angry slayer turned to Giles looking for information.

"Not every immortal is a demon, Buffy. A witch of Kaelin's magnitude can make themselves immortal," Giles said in his matter-of-fact way.

With that answered, Buffy turned back to Angel. She could barely contain her anger and frustration as she babbled out questions," Were you even going to tell me. What happened that you never got married? What is she like? What does she look like? Am I prettier? Do you ever think about her? Is that why you have pulled away again?"

"Buffy, can you get over yourself for one minute!" Willow said angrily turning to Angel. "Maybe we should discuss this later in private, and I understand now why you wanted to wait. What do you think, Giles?"

"Hmm…Yes, definitely." Turning to Buffy and Faith he said, "Why don't you two go patrol with Xander while Willow, Angel and I talk this over rationally. Later you and Angel can discuss it if you want, but first we need to address this situation with Willow and how Kaelin will affect her. That is tantamount now. Not your personal relationship or lack of with a vampire. " The Watcher was at the end of his rope and his voice reflected his anger and exasperation.

Buffy reluctantly agreed and so did Faith but Xander did not want to budge.

"She is my best friend. I have the right to be here and I want to know what Deadboy here has to say that may affect MY Willow. No matter what the Watcher Council says I don't trust him. For that matter, we are supposed to trust someone he was engaged to 200 years ago! Am I the only one with some sense here? Hello?" Xander looked around the room.

"Xander leave now and we will discuss this later. Please?" Willow begged.

"Yeah. Come on Xander, you and me can patrol together and then you can hook up with Willow and get the dirt later. Besides, Giles is here. He will keep the big bad wolf at bay." Faith said as she winked at Angel.

"OK. But I am not happy." Xander said, looking at Faith with a knowing grin that no one else could see. Then he pulled Willow close, and whispered in her ear. "I want you to call me later. Remember, Will, I love you and worry about you."

"I'll be OK with this Xander. Be careful," Willow begged and hugged him before he left.

Angel watched this scene unfold before him. This Faith/Xander thing was bothering him, and he would get to the bottom of it for Willow's sake. Oh who was he kidding? He wanted to make sure Willow was OK, but if that meant destroying the annoying teen, it was even better. If it was as bad as he thought, maybe there was a way of doing this without hurting Willow. He could care less about Xander, but he would be damned again, if he let Xander hurt the vampire's only friend. He knew that it was Willow who restored his soul and who felt the need to get him from Hell. Sure Buffy was guilt ridden, but yet she did not lift a finger to try to find a way to get him out. How Willow pulled that off was a mystery still. He would ask her one day when all of this was over.

After the three left the library, Giles turned to Willow and Angel. "Angel, would you explain now. I realize you are not comfortable discussing this, but the situation demands it. Willow has the right to know what she will be dealing with."

"Kaelin is a good person. Always will be. I haven't seen her in 80 years. She is a great teacher and will work well with Willow. When I heard she was the witch to teach Willow, after the initial shock, I realized that this was a good choice, and that the Watcher Council had made a good match. They are very similar in personality and temperament. I don't know what other information you need besides that. Like I said, I haven't seen her in 80 years. When I last saw her, after regaining my soul, she was living in Galway, Ireland." The vampire stopped and turned away from Giles and Willow. This was harder than Angel thought. He did not relish reliving the pain he had first experienced when he regained his soul, but sharing it with the Watcher and Hacker was even worse. He was only doing this for Willow. "I had gone back home to try to gain some peace by visiting the graves of my family. I went by my old house, the graveyard and then by chance decided to go by her ho! use. She was still living there." Angel said with a far off look in his eye.

"Why didn't you kill her when you were turned?" Giles asked.

"She was out of the country. Her aunt had taken her to Paris to paint and to refine her skills, as was the custom then." Angel answered.

"But Giles said that her powers were strong enough that she could make herself immortal. You could not have killed her anyway." Willow stated trying to quell some of the guilt he was feeling.

"No, I couldn't have killed her, but I would've tried. That wouldn't have been better. At least she did not see me as the monster I had become."

"Did you try to pick up your relationship with her 80 years ago?" Willow asked innocently. "Oh, I'm sorry. That's none of my business." She added quickly, blushing a deep red.

"No, I did not. I had just gotten my soul back and the guilt was too much to deal with at that point to think about a relationship of any sort," Angel said frankly.

Willow wondered at that statement. If he felt like that then, what was he feeling now? I know he feels guilty, but what about him and Buffy? I know she still loves him. Will he push her away with his guilt? Does he even realize he is doing it? Poor Buffy and Angel. Life keeps throwing wrenches in their path. Why can't their relationship get easier. She thought childishly. It is so unfair.

Her thoughts turned to Xander and their relationship. They knew each other so well, and at one point, Willow would have done anything to have a relationship beyond just friendship. Now she was questioning it. Was she turning into one of those girls who did not know what they wanted, like Cordelia? Willow's thoughts were disrupted by Giles' voice. She realized that Giles had asked her a question and she was not listening.

Sheepishly, Willow apologized and said, "I'm sorry Giles but I just got lost in thought about everything going on. What did you say?"

"I asked if you wanted a ride home. I think we have to wait for more information from the Council about Kaelin and where and when the training will take place before more can be done."

"I can walk her home if you want, Rupert? Is that OK with you, Willow?" Angel asked. He wanted to talk to her alone about Buffy, Xander, Faith and mostly Kaelin.

"Sure," Willow said. "Maybe we can find Xander and Faith and then go to the Bronze" she added cheerfully.

If what Angel suspected was true, Willow did not want to find Xander and Faith. His conversation about everything could wait. He would do what he could to steer her away from them right now and home as quickly as possible. She did not need that now. Maybe he would have a talk with Mr. Xander Harris about this later this evening when he got Willow safely home. That is, if he could avoid Buffy and her questions about Kaelin. What a mess this has become and Kaelin hasn't even arrived. How would Buffy react to Kaelin and Kaelin to Buffy? Knowing Buffy, Buffy would initiate any and all contact and it would not be pleasant. Buffy did have quite a jealous streak even when it was unfounded. Like when he mentioned that he made visits to Willow's house to talk to her. For some reason, she did not take too kindly to them. I thought Willow would have mentioned them, but apparently not. I don't know if she was mad that I went to Willow's in the first place or if she was angry ! that Willow did not tell her. <What did she think...that we were having a secret affair?> Like Willow would even entertain such thoughts about me. I mean we are talking Willow - pure and innocent Willow. Although she does have a great body and a great personality. <Stop that now. Bad Angel.>

Angel's self-flagellation was stopped by Giles happily agreeing to Angel walking Willow home.

Giles walked back into his office to get another book as Willow and Angel gathered up her belongings. She was taking home some books to read before Kaelin began her apprenticeship. As they were leaving, Giles heard Willow ask "What is Kaelin like? You started to tell us that she was a good person, but WHO is she like? Is she like Buffy?"

To Giles consternation, he heard Angel's response. "No. Kaelin is not like Buffy at all. As a matter of fact, Kaelin is just like you."

Completely living up to her sweetness and innocence Willow replied, "Good. Then she and Buffy will get along just fine." The last thing Giles heard was Angel's laughter filling the corridor. The vampire hardly laughed before the curse was lifted, and the Watcher was sure he never laughed now since his soul was restored. Kaelin's arrival in town did not bode well. The Watcher did not see Buffy getting along with Kaelin no matter how nice she was or how much she was like Willow. And then again what did Angel mean, when he told Willow Kaelin was just like her. If he had any designs on the hacker.....

Part 3

Angel was finally able to steer Willow around the cemeteries without finding either Buffy, or Xander and Faith. The three were around, but with his heightened senses, he stayed well out of their paths. Actually, well out of Buffy's path. Xander and Faith were holed up in a mausoleum making out, and there was no way he was letting Willow see that. Once he got her safe inside her house, he was going to have a talk with Mr. Harris.
 

Angel had decided to wait at Xander's house and not go to the mausoleum. What the vampire had to say concerned Xander only. He really did not like Faith and the less he had to see her, the better he was for it.

It was an hour before the teenager arrived at his house and Angel was fuming. The vampire hoped for a civil conversation, but the long wait only added to Angel's anger.

As Xander walked up the path to his house, Angel stepped in front of him.

"I want to talk to you, Harris, about what you were doing tonight," Angel growled, not letting the teenager walk around him.

Xander knew this was coming. He thought the vampire saw him and Faith together before, and probably heard them in the mausoleum tonight. This just confirmed it.

The hapless teenager thought the night couldn't get worse. First, he found out Willow was in danger; then his pride was smashed when he realized Faith didn't care one iota for him; and now he had an angry vampire barring entrance into his house.

All he wanted to do know was go into his house, call Willow and apologize…that is if the vampire would get out of his way. Xander knew what he had to do. The last thing he needed was Angel giving him lessons on what was right and wrong.

"It is none of your business what I did tonight, Deadboy," Xander snapped, emphasizing Deadboy. His anger was bubbling to the surface, more at himself than at the vampire, but Angel was the perfect target.

Angel just wanted to say his piece and then leave. He knew that it would not be easy dealing with the kid. Xander was both immature and selfish, and needed to be reminded of his duties to his best friend. Angel knew that Xander loved Willow. He just needed a smack to the head, figuratively.

"Yeh, well it is my business when it comes to Willow. She's my best friend too, and what you're doing will hurt her," Angel said, as he started to circle the boy. "You know how she feels about you, and what she thinks of Faith. You speak of her best interests and then you do this. Don't you realize she's at home, lonely and scared, while you are out screwing that…slayer!" Angel said, with disgust. Then the vampire's voice softened. "Don't be an idiot, Harris. You have the best thing going…you have Willow's love, friendship and devotion. Realize this though, this thing with Faith will affect that relationship. Don't blow it." With that said, Angel walked off into the shadows.

Xander was speechless. He was angry initially, then confused. It seemed that the vampire meant no harm and didn't plan on going to Willow about him and Faith. Angel's concern over Willow bothered him though.

"What is it with your fixation on Willow?" The hapless teenager yelled into the shadows. Xander really did not expect an answer and moved to go inside. He had to call Willow right away. She needed him, and he would be there. The teenager had a feeling that if he weren't, there would be a certain vampire that would be more than willing.

Angel heard Xander's comment, but just continued walking. <What is it with everyone? Willow and I are just good friends!>

Buffy fumed during her entire patrol. Unfortunately, there were no vampires out this evening to take her anger out on. She made the rounds, expecting to see Xander and Faith eventually, but realized she must have missed them somehow.

Turning her thoughts on the vampire with the soul, Buffy felt her anger rise. He never shared anything with her--his emotions, his memories, nothing. Once he told her he loved her. Once! Then things went bad, and she had to send him to hell. Now he's back and she understood that he needed to readjust. He needed time to deal with his guilt about what he did to everyone, including her. The slayer had given him time and space, but this was getting to be too much. She felt like an idiot learning about Kaelin in front of everyone else like that. He was supposed to have loved her. How could he tell her nothing? He said he trusted her but he never shared anything with her. <Did he ever share anything with anyone?> One name came to mind. <Willow.> Buffy was done being understanding. She made up her mind. She was going to Angel's and wait until dawn if she had to. She was getting answers tonight.

Willow lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. <How could this have happened to her?> She was a hacker, not a witch. Well, just a part-time witch. Willow did not have power...power like this Kaelin was supposed to have. She was not the Chosen One like Buffy or Faith and could not fight; a hacker, good with research and the net, that was Willow. She closed her eyes and groaned. Needing to talk to someone about this, she reached for the phone to call Xander, but was soon disappointed when there was no answer. <Funny, Xander and Faith should be back from patrol by now. I hope he's OK. What if he got hurt! Maybe I should go out and try to find them. No. I can't. I'm just Willow. Net girl. Hacker. I can't fight. Why can't people understand that?> As she drifted off to sleep, Willow's last thought was that she hoped they realized they had the wrong girl before it was too late.

Angel could not believe his good fortune. He managed to make it home without seeing Buffy again. He really did not want to answer her questions regarding Kaelin tonight. Not after dealing with Xander Harris. He just wanted to shower, feed and go to sleep. With Kaelin arriving, things would be bad enough with Buffy. He needed to think about how to deal with the situation without angering either woman. Kaelin was a good soul, but her Irish temper was brutal. If Buffy provoked Kaelin, things could get ugly. Angel groaned at this thought and was just about to enter his apartment when Buffy called out his name. <Damn!>

"Angel," Buffy called. "I really think we need to talk."

Angel tamped down the urge to turn and run. "Buffy, we've time to discuss this, just not tonight. Let's put this off until tomorrow when you're not so angry and I'm not so tired. Please?" Angel pleaded.

"No, I wanna know about Kaelin and know now. Technically, I'm your girlfriend, and I have a right to know. Not that you ever gave that a consideration about anything," Buffy said, as she sat down on the couch. The slayer was not budging until her questions had been answered, and Angel realized his lack of communication was hurting both her and their relationship. "I realize I know nothing about you, but you know all about me. Well, tonight that changes. I've been understanding, knowing you needed time and space, but I need answers," Buffy stated, her voice displaying her anger and hurt at the vampire.

Angel sighed unnecessarily and sat down also. "I'll tell you what I told Willow and
Giles."

"Oh, I feel so special," Buffy quipped.

Angel ignored her comments and realized she had every right to be angry with him. Buffy never held back anything about her past. Angel had told her nothing, except briefly about his relationship with Spike and Drusilla, and in reality he was forced to, in that situation as well. Again, he was forced into divulging more information about him to her. <Forced. That's not right. I should be able to share my life memories with her, if not the vampiric, at least the human, right? Why am I reluctant to open up to her? Why can I tell Willow certain things but Buffy none at all? Will I ever learn to trust anyone not to judge me by what the demon did - aside from Willow?> Pulling himself from his musings he settled down to explain Kaelin to Buffy.

"Kaelin and I were friends since childbirth. I guess I can equate my relationship with her like Willow's and Xander's. We were always friends, taking care of each other, being there for each other. It was just natural that we married when we came of age."

Buffy nodded her understanding. The next question she had was a touchy one, but she wanted an answer no matter what he said. "You were in love and engaged…why'd you go off with Darla when Kaelin was away?"

Angel understood her question. She thought he was cheating on Kaelin while she was abroad.

"I didn't go with Darla. I was out with my friend Eric, and we'd been drinking all night long. With Kaelin gone, I'd nothing to do but hang out with Eric and get drunk. One night, while leaving the pub, Darla came up to Eric and I and asked us to escort her home. Eric passed out drunk. Being the gentleman that I was, I decided to help the lady. When we got out of sight from the pub, she literally put the bite on me. You know the rest."

Buffy nodded. There were a lot of questions she had to ask him, but decided they could wait. She rose from the couch and said, "You're right. Now is not the time to discuss your entire life or our relationship, but we do need to talk. We're both tired and need to do this calmly and with clear heads. Angel, I wanna know where we're going in this relationship. We've a lot of problems and one of them is your ability to trust me and tell me things about yourself. I think this has to be done before Kaelin gets here," Buffy looked at Angel hoping he understood her need for his trust.

Angel nodded his head in agreement. "Just give me a few days and we'll sit down and talk. OK?"

Buffy reluctantly agreed. She had hoped for tomorrow, but what would be a few more days?
 

As she walked home from Angel's apartment, the slayer's thoughts kept turning over her relationship with Angel and suddenly everything seemed to come into focus. She realized she was holding onto a dream of a normal life with a boyfriend and all that encompassed. The slayer knew a romantic relationship was doomed with her nightly duties, and her date with Owen proved that. Angel was easy - he knew what she did, helped her, and could take care of himself. Plus he was gorgeous and a great kisser. The perfect slayer boyfriend…except that he was a vampire, albeit one with a soul.

Her and Angel really needed to talk. She had been waiting for Angel to tell her what she already knew…that the relationship they had before was over and would never be the same. The slayer was not stupid. The vampire/slayer relationship could not work, especially after everything they had gone through when he lost his soul. To make him shoulder the responsibility of ending the relationship was not fair. She knew he felt guilty about all he did. Making him end the relationship would pile more guilt on his already loaded shoulders.

The relationship was sapping a lot out of her and distracting her from her duties, and although she still loved Angel, she really couldn't do it anymore. As she found out before, a distracted slayer is a dead slayer.

All she needed now was to find the courage to let him go.
 

Graduation had finally come and the Slayerettes couldn't be happier to be out of high school. It was a week since they had heard about demons, witches and prophecies. They went Bronzing, to graduation parties and just hung out having fun whenever they could. Buffy patrolled with Faith, but the vampiric presence was low. The slayer did not see much of Angel and refused to push the vampire into the discussion he had promised. She refused to make an idiot of herself, forcing him to talk to her about a relationship they both realized was over. She would deal with Kaelin and Angel when the time came and handle it as best she could. It was all she could do.
 

It was the Wednesday after graduation, and the gang was gathered in the Library. The librarian and the slayers had already been training when the Watcher's Council had called with information for the hacker and her friends. Giles then contacted Willow, who in turn called Xander.

Once everyone was settled, Giles started. "I talked to Matthew from the Council, and he and Kaelin will be arriving tomorrow," Giles cleaned his glasses nervously as he continued with his explanations. "They want to meet with Angel and Willow privately, and I expect everyone to comply with these wishes," He added as both Buffy and Xander started talking at once.

"What's with the secret plans and why's Angel included and the rest of us aren't? And did you plan on telling Willow she's gonna have to be alone in this...without her best buds present?" Xander asked, bringing himself to what he thought was Willow's defense.

"As you know, Angel knew Kaelin and is working with the Council's blessing on this. He's at the meeting as a member of the team the Council has put together, which includes Matthew, Kaelin and myself," Giles answered.

Buffy did not trust the Council's decisions. She had not forgiven the Council for the test they put her through on her birthday and her voice showed her displeasure. "And Faith, Xander and I don't figure into the team?" Buffy was trying to hide her displeasure, but it wasn't working. "So let me get this straight. The Council doesn't expect us to do anything about this situation? We get to go to the Bronze and hang out and not have to worry about the demon? Is this what you are telling us Giles? That we are not part of the team, but we will be expected to put our lives on the line when the demon rolls into town? Color me stupid if you think I'm going to let the Council make decisions that could affect my life."

Giles sighed. He knew she would take this personally and because Angel was involved it made it worse. "Buffy, you all are part of the team, but unfortunately plans have to be made that include Willow's training. They do not want Willow distracted when they initially meet with her. And, I suggested Angel, as a matter of fact, Xander, since he knows both Willow and Kaelin. Willow's already been advised of this and agreed to it. Angel may be able to forge a relationship with the two right from the start. I don't expect you to understand…just accept it." Giles asked, looking at the slayers and Xander.

"Willow, is this true?" Xander asked angrily. He assumed she was sharing whatever she found out with him.

Giles jumped to the hacker's defense. "I just told her this afternoon when I called the meeting. I asked her not to mention it to any of you so that I may explain the situation. And if you'd please be quiet, I'll tell you what I know," Giles said pointedly, looking at Xander.

"Matthew has been very secretive about when the training will start. He advised me last night that they would be arriving tomorrow, and that they want to meet with Willow privately. At that time, they'll advise everyone what the plans will be. We'll have to wait until that meeting for more answers. I understand everyone's apprehension, and I myself have questioned the Council in the past, but we have to trust them until we find out more," Turning to Willow, Giles said, "Please be here tomorrow at 6:30. The rest of you can come at 8:30." With nothing further to say, Giles turned and went back into his office, leaving the teenagers to digest this latest information.
 

Willow tried to digest everything that had happened to her the past week. She'd been through many crazy situations with Buffy over the last two years, but this had to be the worst. Lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't hear the knock on her bedroom's balcony door.

Rising from her bed, she went to the door, already knowing who it probably was. Angel had been stopping by every night the last week to check on her and talk about the prophecy, Kaelin, and what might happen. He seemed more informed than Giles at times, or at least what the Council was telling Giles.

Before the prophecy was discovered, Angel would stop by at least a couple times a week to talk. Now, it was nightly, and the hacker was fearful that a void would be left when the visits stopped. For the time being, the vampire was providing a rock for her to lean on that Xander could not. Most of the information Angel shared with her was done in confidence, and she could not trust Xander to keep quiet. The hacker knew her best friend only wanted to help her, but it did not make her feel any less guilty. Willow knew Xander was hurt by her actions, but she couldn't help it.

Not only was she not sharing with Xander, but Buffy also. The slayer was hurting. Angel had yet to talk to Buffy about their relationship, and if slayer knew that Angel took the time to talk with Willow every night, the slayer would be crushed.

Willow had a feeling that neither of her friends were happy about her relationship with Angel before the prophecy, both for different reasons. She was sure they would go ballistic if they knew how much time she spent with Angel now.

This prophecy was turning all their lives upside down, and no one could stop it. The hacker feared that all their relationships had changed and would never go back to normal.

Willow opened the door and smiled at Angel as he entered the room and took his usual seat at her computer. Willow could tell he was upset and wondered what could have happened to make him worried. Willow did not have long to wait to find out.

"I spoke to Whistler before coming here. He told me that Kaelin and Matthew will be arriving tomorrow, and they'll meet with us at 6:30. I assume you already know this? " Angel asked, and when Willow nodded, continued, "Did Giles tell you anything else?"

"No. What do you know that I don't?" Willow asked worriedly, then added. "Or that Giles doesn't know yet."

"Matthew and Kaelin want you to train in Ireland. They feel that there will be too many distractions here," Angel looked at Willow worried over her reaction to this news.

"I can't leave. Things are bad enough with everyone as it is, especially with Xander. Besides what will I tell my parents? I just can't disappear for a few months without an explanation," Willow added.

Part 4

The Watcher's Council has prepared a story. You've been offered a chance to work and study abroad with a company before college. Your room and board will be provided by the company. Matthew and Kaelin will pose as company representatives to your parents and convince them to let you go. Giles will also speak to your parents about the opportunity to work and study abroad. Once they gain your parents' approval, it'll be just a matter of days to pack you up and get a flight to Ireland." Angel finished, looking back into Willow's eyes for a reaction.

Willow sat staring at Angel. She didn't know what to say. The hacker knew her parents would let her go. There was nothing standing in her way. In less than a week, she would be in Ireland, separated from her friends and her family. Although the shy teenager was adverse to change, the thought of going did not bother her, so much as shock her.

As her intelligent mind processed the information, she could see the value in the Council's decision on taking her away for training. With all the personalities involved here, most of her training time would be spent soothing injured egos or explaining what was going on to both her friends. Then there was Kaelin's past relationship with Angel, and the powerful witch's presence in Sunnydale would do nothing but further distract the blond slayer. The more she thought about the possible scenarios, the more she was happy to be leaving. Although she would miss everyone, especially Xander, it would be better for her to leave. Maybe then he would finally see what he was missing!

"Willow, are you OK?" Angel had become worried. Willow was just sitting there staring off into space. He realized she was trying to assimilate all of this, but the lack of any reaction from her had him worried.

"What about you and Buffy?" Willow asked Angel bluntly.

"What?" Angel was shocked that this was the first thing she asked.

"What about you and Buffy? I know you and she were trying to work things out. I know she loves you, but that things have been strained, especially with the news about Kaelin's arriving. How's she going to deal with the fact that you'll be going with Kaelin and me to Ireland? I realize that my relationship with Xander may suffer because of this, but why do you have to put your relationship on the line? I have to go, but you don't," the hacker said, genuinely worried about her friends' relationship.

"Yes, I do have to go. You don't need to be alone now. It'd be hard for you if you were to do this here, but having to go to Ireland away from everyone would be too much. You need a friend with you. I happen to be able to be a friend and will be able to train with you. Double duty, so to speak. Add in the fact that I know Kaelin, I am a shoe-in for the job." The vampire's voice grew quiet and sad as he continued, "As for me and Buffy, I don't know. Things have been difficult between us. I don't know how to deal with everything I did to her and everyone else, let alone work out an emotional and physical relationship with her. This may sound selfish, but I'm glad to be going with you. I need to be away from her and the memories in order to work out a relationship with her, if there can even be one. I know I need to talk to her about this, but I am afraid our relationship now must end before it can begin again in the future. I am sorry if that will hurt Buffy, but I believe it's for the best. Plus, I am sure Giles will be glad to see me leave, although Xander will not be happy with the news that I am going with you," Angel added with a small smile.

Willow frowned at the comment. She knew Xander would not be happy with her leaving, but going with Angel as well would send him over the edge. "No, neither one will take this well. I am so not looking forward to tomorrow night and the confrontation that follows."

Angel stood up to leave. He realized that Willow would need time to think about what he told her, plus it was late, and she needed her sleep. Especially now, with all that was happening. He pulled Willow into a hug and just held her for a few minutes before heading out. "We'll be there for each other,." Angel said before heading out into the night.
 
 

It was 6:00 p.m. and Giles, Faith and Buffy were finishing their training. Giles wanted to get the slayers out before the 6:30 meeting with Matthew, Kaelin, Angel and Willow. Buffy was reluctantly gathering her stuff together when two people entered the library.

She looked up to see a man in his early forties with sandy hair, spectacles and wearing tweed. She knew immediately he was from the Watcher's Council. Her gaze settled on the woman she knew was Kaelin.

She looked to be in her early twenties, with long black hair, blue eyes and fair skin. She was dressed in sneakers and jeans and a plain sweatshirt. The slayer was surprised that Angel's ex-fiance would not dress for her reunion with him. Buffy always made sure she had something nice or new to wear when she was going to see the gorgeous vampire. Although the witch did not especially dress for the occasion, Buffy realized Kaelin would look beautiful no matter what she wore. Even worse, Kaelin knew this too. Buffy sighed and her heart broke again as she thought about what was not going on with her relationship with Angel.

Giles gathered himself together and introduced Faith and Buffy to Matthew, and Matthew in turn introduced Kaelin. "I am sorry, Giles, to arrive early. There were a few things Kaelin and I wanted to discuss with you before Angel and Willow arrived. We just assumed you would be here alone," Matthew stated.

"Buffy and Faith were just finished training and were planning on leaving just before you arrived. I told them that they could come back after our initial meeting at 8:30," Giles said nervously, hoping that the slayers would take the hint and leave. His hopes were shattered when Xander burst through the doors.

Xander looked at the new arrivals and realized who these people were and sat down. He was there for the duration, if he could help it. Matthew and Kaelin looked to Giles for an introduction.

"This is Alexander Harris. Xander has been helping Buffy and then Faith since they arrived," Giles said, introducing Xander to Matthew and Kaelin.

Xander looked the guests over, especially Kaelin. He was curious as to what Angel's former fiancé looked like. <Hottie! The vamp does have good taste.> He glanced at Buffy and saw her staring at Kaelin. If Kaelin realized this, she was not letting on.

Then, as if things could not get worse, Angel and Willow arrived. Giles swore to himself. <None of them were ever on time before. Suddenly everyone had to be early!>

When Angel entered the library, Kaelin turned to see the new arrivals and realized that it was Angel and her new student Willow. She walked over to where the two had stopped. Willow had expected to find only Giles here. The hacker and vampire wanted to tell Giles what they knew before the others arrived. Instead, they found everyone, including everyone who wasn't supposed to be, here.

Kaelin moved over to Willow, smiled and put out her hand. "I'm Kaelin and I am excited to be working with you. I'm sure you have a lot of questions that will be answered shortly. Thank you for helping us."

Willow smiled. She got a good feeling about Kaelin. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Angel's told me a lot about you and am glad to finally meet you."

With that, Kaelin turned to Angel and said with a smile, "And what dark secrets have you told my apprentice, Angelus? Remember, I've as much on you as you do on me. I'm sure you don't want your friends to hear some of our childhood stories," Kaelin teased, reaching out and pulling him into a hug. "I've missed you, best friend," she added. Angel smiled and hugged her back. "And I've missed you, best friend."

"I hate to break up this touching reunion, but can we get down to the plans about Willow," Xander said angrily and with a hint of jealousy. <Why does he get all the best women?>

Angel pulled out of the hug and glared at Xander. The vampire's patience for the boy was dwindling day by day. <I can't wait to see his face when he finds out Willow is going to Ireland for her training and so am I.> As soon as he thought it, Angel felt a momentary pang of conscience...only for a minute and mostly because of the hassle he knew the jackass would cause Willow.

Angry that Angel still cared about the witch, Buffy lashed out. "I agree with Xander. Now that the touching scene has been played out, can we get down to business," Buffy growled out, looking at Angel and Kaelin and taking in their smiling faces. Seeing Angel and the witch hugging and happy to see each other, hurt. The slayer knew things were over with Angel, but she did not know if she could find the courage to let him go. <If I let him go, will he run to Kaelin?>

Angel was pulled out of his reverie over his revenge with Xander when he heard Buffy's comment. <This was not going to be pleasant. I hope Giles sticks to his guns and keeps the meeting private…for all our sakes.>

Willow apparently felt the same and suggested to the group that they go to the Bronze and meet back at the library later. Xander and Buffy were hostile already and Matthew and Kaelin's plan had not even been presented, yet. Neither Xander nor Buffy were budging.

Not realizing the mistake he was making, Matthew said, "I don't think it'll be a problem if they stay. Since everyone is involved, maybe it's best that they be here. Why doesn't everyone sit down and then we can begin?"

Angel, Willow, and Kaelin moved to the table. Willow sat between Xander and Angel. The chair next to Angel was empty and Buffy moved to it just as Kaelin did. A stalemate seemed to exist until Buffy said, "Age before beauty," and sat in a chair next to Giles.

Kaelin laughed, looked at Angel and said, "Angelus, I don't think your former girlfriend likes me." The witch emphasized former knowing that it would anger the blond slayer. Kaelin should have known better but could not help herself.

Angel could only groan at her use of the word former and swore he could see Buffy's blood rise to a boiling point at Kaelin's comment. "Former?" Buffy said, and was about to get into it when Giles intervened.

"Could we please settle down and discuss the matter at hand and not whether or not you're a former girlfriend," Giles said, looking at Buffy and the rest of the group. The librarian was surprised at his slayer's pettiness. He did not want to override Matthew by insisting the others leave, but if they became difficult, he would have to take control. "Matthew, could you please proceed?"

Matthew rose from his seat and began telling the group of the Watcher Council's plan. "As you've been told by Giles, a prophecy's been found and translated that directly relates to the Slayers' group here in Sunnydale. This prophecy directly points to Willow's role in helping Faith and Buffy defeat a demon who'll come to open the Hellmouth. The Council realized that Willow had no formal training in witchcraft and that a teacher would be needed to help her prepare. Kaelin was suggested, and she agreed to the training. She'll work with Willow over the next few months refining her natural talents with spell casting. Angel will work with Willow in the physical aspect of training. Willow will need training in both defenses to help Faith and Buffy, although she will rely on her spells for most of her power." At this point, Matthew stopped and sat down and Kaelin stood.

"Willow, I'm sure you've many questions about what the training will entail, but let me start with the timing involved. As you know, we have 6-8 months minimum before the demon will arrive here. It could be a year. We need to have you ready in 3-4 months so that you can work on your own with Buffy and Faith. Getting your team skills refined, working into a rhythm with each other, understanding each others' skills will be essential. I'd like to start your training as soon as possible, with as little distractions as possible, and that's why everyone is agreed that you'll go back to Ireland with me for your training." Kaelin stopped as everyone started talking at once.

Xander was outraged and turned his anger on Kaelin and Matthew. "How can we trust you? We don't even know you, and we're just supposed to let you go off with Willow? And what about her parents? Willow doesn't even want to go. You can't make her go."

Buffy in turn directed her questions to Giles. "Giles, did you know about this?"

"Umm…no. But I do see the merit in it," Giles said, taking off his glasses and cleaning them. "And I think Willow can speak for herself, Xander. Willow? How do you feel about this?"

Put on the spot, Willow wanted to sink into the floor. She had hoped to talk to Xander quietly about it later. "I - I am OK with it. It probably would be best." Things weren't too bad yet, since no one grasped the idea that Angel was going. If they could get out of the meeting without Xander and Buffy finding out, it might not be so bad. They could squash the opposition to this revelation and move on to the other later.

Giles got everyone settled down again, and Kaelin continued, "Matthew and I have already spoken to Willow's parents. They believe she was selected because of her academics to work and study abroad for the summer. And if the need be, the first semester of college. Her parents have agreed to the plan, and arrangements have been made for the four of us to leave in three days."

"Three days!" Xander screamed. "She can't leave in three days."

Kaelin was losing her patience with the group. She finally understood why the Watcher only wanted Willow and Angel to hear the plan initially. Matthew had made a poor choice in suggesting everyone stay. Giles knew his group and realized the problems that having this discussion would cause. They were getting nowhere with Willow because of it, and she snapped at Xander. "She can and will leave in three days, and there is nothing you can do about it. Your anger is not helping Willow."

"Xander, please calm down." Willow pleaded. "We can't do anything about it; only deal with it."

Buffy was not put off by Kaelin's outburst to Xander and continued to question Giles. "I can't believe you are going along with this, Giles?"

"Buffy, this is not unreasonable. You are acting unreasonably. I understand your surprise at the turn of events, but you know the responsibility of duty, and so does Willow. Your outbursts are only making this worse on her," Giles said.

Buffy was not finished. "But, Giles, you don't understand. Who will help us here on the Hellmouth doing research if you go with them to Ireland?" Buffy was getting more and more upset. "To lose both you and Willow is crazy."

Matthew understood what Buffy was getting at. "Buffy, Faith, let me assure you that we would never leave you alone without a Watcher here on the Hellmouth, now or at any other time. The Council understands your success is tied directly to your relationship with Giles and your support group. Removing Willow is only temporary and is done only because we feel it would best serve her training and safety. Giles is not going anywhere. Why did you think that?"

Turning her eyes to Kaelin, her voice rife with vehemence, Buffy spat, "Well, she said the four of you would leave in three days. If the fourth is not Giles, who is it?"

Willow's heart stopped. So much for getting out of dealing with that situation now. Who was going to be the brave one and tell Buffy that the fourth was Angel?

In answer to Willow's unspoken question, Kaelin smiled and said with a grin, "Angel."

Willow expected all hell to break loose, but a pin could have been heard dropping. The silence was deafening. Willow looked around the room at the occupants. Buffy was shocked. She just sat there shaking her headin denial. Xander for the first time in his life was so dumbfounded that he could only stare in shock at Kaelin, his mouth agape. Giles looked both shocked and dismayed. And Angel, well, he just looked miserable, resigned to the outburst that was coming any minute. Out of them all, Willow felt the worst for Angel. He was in such a bad position.

Buffy snapped out of shock as anger overtook her again, this time turning it on Kaelin. Buffy hated not being in control. It was one thing to decide she was going to let Angel go, but she would be damned if she let the Council and Kaelin decide that for her by separating them. "First you want to take Willow. I really don't like that plan, but I'll deal because I have no other choice. Now you want to take my honey, too? I don't think so. Just because things did not work out for you both 200 years ago, you think you can take him away and try to rekindle that old feeling. That he would just walk away from me and go with you?" Turning to Giles she added, getting more and more angry. "Did you know about this? Did you suggest this to the Council? I know you don't want Angel and me together but bringing her in and having him go with her to Ireland, no less...."

Giles stopped her tirade with his answer. "No, I didn't know about this. I didn't know about any of this. I didn't know Willow would be required to go to Ireland or that Angel would go with her. But you're right about one thing. I don't want you with Angel anymore. I don't think it is a good idea for either of you. But I played no part in his leaving and am hurt that you would think I'd engineer something like that behind your back, especially since I have made my feelings on the matter clear from the start."

Willow felt terrible. Her best friend was hurting again. She was losing Angel again, even if temporarily, and Buffy thought that it was Kaelin and possibly Giles who instigated this. Things were not getting better. Willow looked over at Xander and he was fuming. It was only a matter of time before he blew. Angel was fidgeting nervously. Willow knew the vampire would step in soon, and when he did, it would not be pleasant. What he had to say would not be well received.

Buffy was not calming down, "I'm sorry, Giles. I should've realized that you would not do that to me, but I'm not letting her take him away."

Xander did not want to defend the vampire, but if it meant that he would not go with Willow to Ireland, than so be it. He really did not want the vampire here either with Buffy, but definitely not with Willow. If Buffy was foolish enough to trust him, she could at least defend herself. But he was not allowing Angel to go with Willow. Not with Willow like this. Xander would go with her. Just as he was about to speak up Kaelin tried to referee.

"Buffy, I realize you're distraught about what's happening, and I'm trying to be patient with your immature outbursts. You're losing your best friend, and the thought about a demon with that kind of power attacking here is frightening, but I'm not trying to steal your boyfriend. Please try to control yourself. There's much that still has to be done before we leave and with your childishness nothing will get done. Angel's a big boy and can decide for himself what he wants and whom he wants," Kaelin said, looking at Angel, and daring him to speak up and end this situation.

"Well, I, for one, don't want Deadboy going with Willow. What if he gets a happy with Kaelin and turns into Angelus? Then what happens to Willow? She'll be at his mercy, far from our protection," Xander added, getting everyone's attention and most especially the blond slayer's angry glare. Buffy was about to say something scathing to Xander, but was interrupted by Kaelin.

"Willow permanently anchored his soul when she restored it before Buffy sent him to Hell," Kaelin said, looking pointedly at Buffy. "The Council checked into it right after Angelus was returned from Hell and the training of Willow was proposed." Kaelin again looked to Angel. She was hoping that he would calm the situation down by explaining why he was going. Kaelin knew he was uncomfortable about the situation and sworn to secrecy until plans could be finalized, but the least he could have done was inform his girlfriend. After 200+ years he was still clueless about women.

Kaelin was about to ask Angel to explain when Buffy did exactly that. "Angel. Are you going to tell them you don't want to go, and that you have to stay here with me and help with the increase in demons? That you don't want to go with them to Ireland?"

Angel wanted to die. Again. "Well..., do you think we could discuss this later privately?" Angel said to Buffy.

"No. What is there to discuss?" Buffy retorted. "You aren't going. End of discussion."

"Well…" Angel fidgeted and looked at Willow. He had to tell them. Had to tell them-- had to tell Buffy. She was going to hate him, but he had to do this. Direct was the only way. If he was going to straighten his life out and help Willow and ultimately Buffy and Faith, he had to do this. He straightened up and looked Buffy in the eye and said, "I volunteered to go with Willow to Ireland. They're not forcing me. Giles hasn't conspired to get you away from me. Kaelin isn't conniving to enter back into a relationship with me. I'm doing this because I want to help Willow. I'm not going to be with Kaelin. I'm going because I know Kaelin, and Willow needs a friend there. I can make a difference. Now is not the time to discuss our relationship. This is about Willow, not you and me. We'll talk later."

"Sure. I heard that before," Buffy said, not able to stop herself from speaking aloud her thoughts.

Angel looked pained but understood. "You're right. I promised to discuss this with you before Kaelin arrived, but I needed to get ready to leave for Ireland. Tonight we'll sit down and discuss this, no if's, and's or but's."

Buffy was hurt, angry and still in shock, but shook her head and satback down. Angel was right. This was about Willow, and she refused to let everyone see how foolish she felt. Again Angel had kept her out of the loop, but he seemed to have kept Willow in the know. There was more going on here than she thought, and she was going to get to the bottom of it.

Kaelin could not help but laugh at the situation, and Angel just glared at her. "You find this amusing, Kae?" The vampire said, falling into the familiarity of calling her the name he used centuries ago.

"Angel, in 200+ years you have not changed. I would've thought your communication skills would've improved. It's so like you to leave your girlfriend out of the loop! How many times had you done that to me and got your ears boxed because of it? You never learn!" Kaelin explained.

"Hello! Am I the only sane one here! I don't care if Angel's soul is permanent or not. I still don't trust him to go with Willow. If anyone goes with her, it will be me!" Xander blurted out.

Matthew, who had remained quiet during most of the debate, spoke up. "Mr. Harris, the Council appreciates your concern for Willow and her safety, but we have faith that Angelus is most trustworthy and will not lose his soul again."

"But if anyone should go, it should be me. I've been her friend forever. She needs me to be with her. Not HIM! I know her better than he does. She'd be more comfortable with me there," Xander explained, desperately reaching for any argument for Angel not to go with his Willow.

"Unarguably you're the closest to Willow, but it was with much consideration that we agreed to Angel's request. He's accompanying Willow for many reasons, one being that he knows both Willow and Kaelin and can bridge the gap between the two. But, he's also going to provide additional protection for Willow. The powers that want to open the Hellmouth also know about the prophecy and would like nothing more than to destroy Willow before she can become strong enough to protect herself and destroy them. They'll come after her, and although Kaelin can protect herself and Willow ably, the additional security is prudent. Because of the danger, they'll move around Europe, not staying in one place too long. This should also provide a deterrent to a demon attack, since the time they move and where they move will be decided last minute by Angel and Kaelin. Also, you couldn't train Willow in the defense she'll need. She'll use her natural powers primarily but will also need to know hand to hand combat and basic defense. This is something that you can't teach her but that Angelus is a master at," Matthew explained.

"Yeah. We know that first hand," Xander said sarcastically. Then another idea came to mind and he added, "Why would you send Angel to protect Willow when there are two Slayers. Why not send either Faith or Buffy with her to Ireland? The Slayer who went would be able to teach her self-defense, and Willow's friends with both of them."

Buffy was not happy about some of Xander's suggestions, and she didn't want to leave Angel and go to Ireland, but if Faith could go that'd be great. It'd help matters considerably. Maybe Xander was getting somewhere after all.

Matthew was tiring of having to repeatedly justify their decisions to the group, and he realized now that he had made a dreadful mistake by letting the others remain. Giles had been wise to suggest a private meeting; he just wished he had listened to the watcher. Since Matthew and Kaelin were conducting the meeting, Giles had respectfully stayed quiet. Matthew wondered how much of Giles' inaction was due to the fact that the librarian realized the Council had kept him in the dark up until the last minute and not had been consulted regarding his charge, Willow. Giles had been quite the rebel in his youth and had been vocal with the Council in the past when he disliked something. This was the perfect retaliation by the Watcher. Matthew knew that Giles could have kept the meeting in order, but chose to stay out of it. The watcher seemed to be thumbing his nose at the Council. Instead, they had gotten nowhere with Willow, but Matthew knew that losing his cool now would not help matters. Too many of them here had already done that, and he hoped his explanations were helping Willow understand the situation better. "Well, Xander, we thought of that also. But decided that having the two Slayers here to protect the Hellmouth would be best. The demonic activity is increasing in Sunnydale, and one Slayer might be adequate, but we don't want to take the chance. Angel's suggestion was the best by far, and he's the the best candidate to go with Willow. I believe she doesn't have a problem with him accompanying her. Willow?"

"Oh. No. Not at all," Willow squeaked nervously as Buffy and Xander stared at her. "I mean, if that's what you decided, it's fine with me."

Part 5

It was a full house going to the airport. No one wanted to be left out. The good-byes were quick, and even Matthew and Kaelin seemed glad to be leaving; things had not gone as easy as they thought it would. The group had become hostile at the turn of events regarding Willow, and nothing Matthew or Kaelin did could change that. They were left meeting when they could with the hacker and vampire in the library and avoiding the slayers and Xander whenever possible. Buffy and Xander's hostility was hindering the transition process.
 

Because of the last minute plans, the four were not able to sit together on the plane and broke up accordingly. Because the 10 PM flight to New York would get them in around 1 AM, the gang did not question the evening flight. They reasoned that since Angel could not travel during the day, this was the only time possible. Neither Buffy nor Xander knew that Kaelin had prepared an amulet that would protect Angel during the day. Kaelin thought that this would be best, since an attack could come at anytime, day or night, and Angel could not be hindered if he was going to help in the fight. Not all demons were confined to moving at night and many had human cohorts. Willow did not want to think about what Buffy or Xander would say if they knew. The hacker sighed, another secret she had to keep from her friends.

As the plane gained altitude, the four members of the team were lost in their own thoughts about the events of the last three days and the upcoming training.

Willow was sitting in her airplane seat actually glad to be leaving Sunnydale, and because of this, she felt a twinge of guilt. The last three days had to be the longest of her short life. As the petite redhead looked at Angel, she could swear she saw the same relief on his face. Up the aisle she could see Matthew and Kaelin talking animatedly and wondered if they felt the same relief. Their job had not exactly been as easy as they had thought it would be.

The three days before Willow left were filled with packing, meetings in the library with the two Watchers, as well as Kaelin and Angel, and dealing with Buffy and Xander.

It was at times like these that Willow was happy her parents did not take too much interest in her life. Her parents, although happy that she had this 'opportunity', asked her to call and leave a message when she arrived, and if there were any problems to leave a message with their office. Then, they both left on their respective business trips, eliminating the possibility of another complication in her already crazed life.

Between the fighting with Xander and listening to Buffy talk endlessly about her and Angel, she was glad to be getting away from the two of them.

Even though Buffy did not directly say this to Willow, the hacker knew that Buffy was angry with her indirectly for taking Angel away. The slayer knew that it was his decision, but Buffy was trying to rationalize the vampire's decision to leave any way she could. At one point, the blond slayer tried to get Willow to talk Angel out of leaving. The apprentice witch was at her wits end with her friend. One minute the slayer had decided that she and Angel should not be together anymore, and then the next, she was complaining that Angel was not taking their relationship seriously and did not care about her. Buffy's mood swings were bad enough, but add into the mix that she was jealous of Willow and Kaelin's budding friendship, and the tension could not get thicker. Their friendship was put under so much pressure that the redhead couldn't wait to leave. She couldn't help that Angel was going and that she actually liked Kaelin.

Xander was also being ridiculous. He said that Angel had purposely engineered Willow going to Europe and separating her from her friends. The angry teen said the vampire was doing this because Angel did not like him, and that he was trying to hurt Xander the only way he could. Basically, the brooding vampire was trying to put a wedge between the two friends and severing any possibility of a deeper relationship. She reminded him that she would be coming back and would call him whenever she could and that their friendship had endured more than just a simple separation. It angered the redhead that finally Xander wanted to explore a deeper relationship, but only brought it up once he knew she was leaving. There would have been a time that the young girl would have jumped through hoops to be more than his 'best bud', but suddenly she was questioning if the immature teen was what she wanted or if she was just comfortable with him. This time away would help her focus on what s! he really wanted.

Kaelin and Matthew relaxed in their seats and discussed the plans that were made for the next few days and the effects of the spells that Kaelin had cast earlier in the day. Over the past three days, the watcher and witch got to know Willow and Angel better, and realized that there were some hurdles that would have to be overcome in order for the training to go smoothly and quickly. Kaelin remembered the man Angel used to be before he became a vampire with a soul and decided that if he wasn't plagued with guilt, he would be more valuable helping Willow get through the pressures of her training. She needed the vampire to be more upbeat and less down trodden. Willow, on the other hand, tried to please everyone and was shy and withdrawn at times and lacked confidence in her own abilities. The witch knew that the redhead's powers were strong, but confidence was needed to pull them off. The training would be easier if Willow wasn't concerned about pleasing everyone and questioning her ability. Matthew was skeptical about performing the spells on the couple, but Kaelin's arguments won him over. The watcher just hoped that the couple never found out what was going on and attribute the cause to be simply the change of scenery.

As the flight gained altitude, Angel finally relaxed. These last three days seemed to be the longest in his already long life. Buffy had been unreasonable about his leaving and about Kaelin. No matter what he said or did, he could not appease the angry blond. She accused him of not loving her anymore and insinuated that he never really did.

The vampire tried to reason with her, finally taking the time to have the talk they should have had a week before Kaelin had ever arrived. It was the night before they were leaving, and Buffy was waiting for Angel at his apartment. The vampire had spent most of the evening with Kaelin and the two watchers, going over the prophecy and Willow's training. He had stopped by Willow's for a moment to make sure she was all right. When he stepped into the apartment, he was greeted with accusations from Buffy. She accused him of not caring about their relationship and only about rekindling his romance with Kaelin…she knew he was with Kaelin, and she could not stand it. In reality, the vampire had only seen Kaelin at the library with both watchers present. He tried to explain to her that he had not spent a moment alone with her the entire three days. It took awhile for Angel to quiet Buffy down and talk reasonably, but by the end of the evening, they had resolved a lot. Buffy to! ld him she knew that it was impossible for them to be together, but that she still loved him and did not have the courage to let him go. Rationally, she knew his leaving was best but was angry nonetheless. The slayer could not come to grips with Willow leaving either, and her emotional equilibrium was thrown off kilter. With the two most stabilizing individuals leaving, the slayer was left in a sea of confusion and was lashing out at Angel. The vampire tried to comfort her but knew that she would have to help herself. He explained to her that he still had feelings for her, but the love he felt for her was replaced with a love of friendship. He apologized for making a fool of her in front of her friends and mentor because of his inability to trust, and when she finally left before dawn, both felt better. As he replayed over the events, the normally brooding vampire felt a lightening to his battered soul for which no explanation was clear.

Angel was broken out of his thoughts by the captain talking over the intercom. He looked over at his traveling companion and took her hand. He would swear she felt relieved to be leaving also. Willow was such a good soul. He needed her help to heal himself, and he swore he would be there to help her...they would be there for each other.
 

Willow had never been to New York, or the East Coast for that matter and was ecstatic when Kaelin told her that she would have a few days to explore the City while Kaelin and Matthew handled some business before leaving for Europe. Since Angel had lived in New York before, he would be able to show her the sights and play bodyguard. This would be the vampire's first foray into the daylight, and the witch knew he was itching for sunrise to arrive. With his mood lightening, and his new found day-walking status, Willow knew she would have fun.

Although Matthew was closed mouthed about his business, Willow did know that he was connecting with a flight to Boston to meet with the Watcher's Council. Kaelin was going to New Jersey to meet with some family and friends and needed to procure some supplies before they left. The two had been very secretive about what they were actually doing, and Willow wished that Angel could get more information from his contacts about what was actually going on. Although she trusted them implicitly, she wanted to know what was going on. The hacker was happy to have a few days to kick back and relax but realistically knew there was more to the layover than just a mini-vacation. She just wished she could shake the bad feelings she was having.

After exiting the plane and gathering their luggage, the group separated quickly after confirming arrangements to meet again in a three days time.

As Angel took his and Willow's bags to the pick-up area, he explained to her where they would be staying. Not many people thought of the 44 Hotel when staying in New York, although it was the place for the "in" group. Rockers and actors stayed there when in town, and the owner was quite infamous since he also owned half of the long defunct Studio 54. You could usually count on seeing "someone" when there.

The ride from the airport was quick, and even though she was tired, Willow was bubbling with excitement, her earlier feelings of dread pushed to the background with this new adventure.

When they got to the hotel, Angel had picked up the room keys and gathered Willow and the luggage from the lobby. When they got out of the elevator, Willow wondered when he was going to come across with the key for her room, but just followed his lead and decided that he must want to help her get settled before moving onto his own room. He was thoughtful like that.

As they entered the room, Willow took in the huge king sized bed and the modern furnishings, marveling at the size of the room just for her. She went into bathroom further exploring and decided she would love to take a bath before bed. <The tub was perfect, and they had even provided the bath beads!> When she came out, she expected Angel to be preparing to leave for his own room, but instead he was now in his own bag pulling out his own toiletries! The shy girl didn't know what to say or how to approach the situation. <Was he staying here
too?>

Angel stopped what he was doing when Willow came from the bathroom. "Do you want to shower first or should I?" The vampire asked.
 

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