Begin A New Day

The Finale

 

 

 

Angel smiled reassuringly at Cordelia as she sat nervously in the center of the pattern drawn on the ballroom floor. Willow and the three Sisters arranged themselves at the four cardinal points and readied themselves for the spell, while Wes and Giles lit various bowls of powders and incense.

 

The strong scents irritated his sensitive nose, and Angel huffed air out trying to get rid of the smell.

 

Oh, Jesus, did a cat piss in here?

 

Buffy bit her lip to keep from giggling at him. Angel's nose was scrunched up, and he was rubbing at it. “Try not to breathe.”

 

“I am.” He shook his head. “I keep forgetting.” Angel had been pretending to breathe for so many years, that he had to think about it to not breathe.

 

Try harder! Angelus whined.

 

Leaning against his side, with her arm around his waist, she felt his body still. He tried to step away, but she held onto him. When he looked down at her, she smiled and shook her head. “I’m used to it.”

 

Ducking his head down, Angel rubbed his cheek against hers. Tears stung his eyes, and he couldn’t blame the incense. “I love you.” He whispered into her ear.

 

“You too.” She turned and kissed him. “But you still owe me for this morning.”

 

Angel knew the impish grin meant she was planning revenge. When he and Buffy had come downstairs to the ballroom, the three Sisters had immediately left Spike’s side to crowd around him.

 

Buffy had been pushed to one side and stood fuming as the witches ran their hands over Angel, pressing against him and demanding kisses before they drifted back to Spike’s side.

 

He had been a little too smug that they still preferred him over the younger vampire. Angelus had gleefully pointed out the fire in Buffy's eyes. You are so dead!

 

Pulling her to him, he had kissed her long and deeply, making her knees wobbly and she had clung to him for support. Even so, Buffy had nipped his bottom lip hard as she pulled away, letting him know that all was not quite forgiven.

 

A few more rolls in the sack should do it. Angelus said smugly. Wake her up like you did this morning.

 

She did like that, didn’t she? Angel had awakened before Buffy and found her sprawled out on her belly, the sheet down around her hips. By the time she woke up, he’d already pushed his cock inside of her and was pumping hard.

 

Let’s see… does ‘oh my God, fuck me, Angel ’ still mean what it used to mean?

 

“We can use the chains.” He murmured in Buffy's ear. “Angelus doesn’t like that.”

 

Yes, I do!  There was a quick protest.  Just not on me.

 

“He doesn’t?” She looked thoughtful. “Too bad he’s not the one I’m punishing.”

 

Oh yeah! Score one for the Slayer! Angelus cackled. Too bad I can’t tell her what you don’t like.

 

Bite me.

 

Masturbation is your thing, not mine. The demon shot back.

 

“Hush, Angelus.” Buffy brushed her lips across Angel’s cheek. “We’ll play later.”

 

Now you -- you can bite me anytime, lover.

 

Willow began chanting, the Sisters each taking up the chant one after the other until the room reverberated with endless repetition.

 

Showtime! Where’s the popcorn?

 

A glimmer of blue light ran around the edge of the circle as if seeking a way out. When it had completed the circuit, the light grew in intensity, arcing up until it formed a fiery dome.

 

Angel winced at the high-pitched whine that rose up as the circle began to pulse and swirl. The sound grew to a shriek as whatever arcane forces the spell had called up realized they were trapped within the protective circle.

 

Cordelia cowered down in the center as the blue glow began to fill the area around her. She knew she couldn’t move – had been warned repeatedly to stay within the inner circle – but the instinct to jump and run was choking her.

 

“Okay – here’s my list – “ Closing her eyes, she tried to block out the sound with the old game of what celebrities you would most want to have sex with. “Mel Gibson? Old, but not over the hill. Brad Pitt? Pretty, but too pretty.”

 

A presence – something evil was battering at the circle that surrounded her and Cordelia yelped in fear. “Tom Cruise? Too over – ohmygod!” She jumped as she felt something touch her shoulder. “Not looking not looking not looking! Russell Crowe? Needs to shave!”

 

There were hands on her, fingers in her hair and claws digging into her face. Cordelia shrieked as the memories broke free of their prison.

 

 

Men in robes – eyes slashed out – holding her down –

 

Doyle – not Doyle –

 

Harmony – no – Grandma? Stood patiently watching.

 

An orange skinned demon bending over her – forked tongue licking her face

 

Screaming – screaming –

 

Fingers inside her head – tearing her mind apart.

 

Angel – Connor – Buffy – Angel – Holtz – Connor –

 

Screaming – screaming –

 

Fingers digging in her brain – eating her memories –

 

Grandma smiling – watching patiently.

 

Eyeless men cutting patterns into her naked body – silver knives –

 

Blood dripping – screaming – screaming –

 

Blue skin – heavy – pawing her body – something tearing inside of her

 

Screaming – blood dripping – screaming –

 

Grandma nodding – pointing to another demon – “Now you”.

 

Screaming – blood dripping – screaming –

 

 

The dome vanished between one heartbeat and the next. They blinked and tried to adjust to the sudden dimness. The shriek of arcane magics was gone. In its place was hysterical screaming and babbling.

 

“Cordy!” Angel bolted across the dead wards to kneel next to her. She screamed and crawled away from him. “Cordy, it’s Angel.”

 

“Get away! Don’t – don’t!” She curled up into a tight ball. “Nononono!”

 

“I think we can all agree it was bad now.” Lorne said grimly. “A little knowledge can be a bad thing.”

 

“You were right, just shut up!” Angel snapped.

 

Oh, wow. She’s fucked up bad. Angelus giggled. Too bad I didn’t get to do it.

 

“We can – “

 

            “Take them – “

 

                        “All away.” The Sisters said sadly.

 

“Too much – “

 

            “Pain and –“

 

                        “Torture.” The youngest shuddered.

 

Cordelia resisted their efforts to put her back into the center of the protective circle and in the end, Buffy had to use a chokehold to knock her out. Even unconscious, she was stiff and tense as Angel carried her to the circle and laid her down.

 

The second spell was simpler and less flashy. A minimum of chanting and noise. Pink light wrapped itself around Cordelia, sinking inside of her with a gentle sigh. She immediately relaxed, her body limp.

 

 

 

 

“Oh my God.” Cordelia pressed her hands to her head. “My brains feel like you put them in the blender.”

 

“Sorry.” Willow offered aspirin and a glass of water. “Bad side effect. Accurate description, though.”

 

“It didn’t work, did it?” She gulped down the aspirin.

 

“It did, but – “ The redhead shuddered. “You freaked. We had to block them off again.”

 

“I hate not knowing.” Cordelia rubbed her temples. “God, even my ears hurt.”

 

“That may be from Buffy's stranglehold.” Willow said. “But you know, drool bibs and straitjackets are so not attractive.”

 

“I look crappy in white.” She agreed. “So it was all for nothing?”

 

“Well, we did get some idea when you were screaming. When you were screaming real words anyway.”

 

“Is that why my throat hurts?”

 

“I’m thinking so.  Though again, could be from the chokehold.” Willow shrugged. “We think that the First was behind everything, and that it wasn’t Skip you talked to that night.”

 

“I’d hope not. I’ll kick his ass.” She winced. “As soon as I can do it without my head falling off.”

 

“It looks like you were tortured and impregnated.” She didn’t want to use the “R” word. “And then they fixed your memory so you’d think what they wanted you to.”

 

“Why didn’t they warn me?”

 

“Who?”

 

“The freaking Powers That Be!” Cordelia clutched her head. “They send me visions to help everyone else – why not me?”

 

“Maybe it had to be this way for us to win?” Willow paused. “Like with Connor.”

 

“Oh God!” For the first time, Cordelia thought about Angel. “Oh, poor Angel.”

 

 

 

 

Angel looked in the trunk of his car. It was full of boxes; the rest would have to go in the backseat. “When did I get this much stuff?” Closing it, he went back into the hotel.

 

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

 

He looked up to see Cordelia standing in the middle of the lobby, her hands on her hips. She was pale and shaky, but better than she had been yesterday when he had carried her limp body into her room.

 

“What about the agency?” She demanded.

 

“Not to worry, Cordelia.” Spike was lounging on the green sofa. “I’m taking over for Mopey Boy.”

 

“How can I say this?” She turned on him. “Over my dead body.”

 

“Whatever you want, then.” The blond vampire shrugged.

 

Get in line, Willie.

 

“Cordelia, I need time away.” Angel said softly.

 

“Angel, I know it’s hard, but – “ She blinked back tears. “I loved Connor, too.”

 

“I know.” He put an arm around her shoulders. “But I can’t stay here. I look around and – I see – I – I have to leave.”

 

“So you’re going back to Sunnydale?” Cordelia put an arm around his waist. “For how long? We need you here.”

 

“For however long it takes.” He knew she was probably wondering what she would do now. “I called Wes and asked him to come back. Spike has been helping Buffy for awhile, so he’ll stay here and help out.”

 

You’ll love his poetry.

 

“Until his chip shorts out?” She frowned at Spike.

 

“He has his soul back, so – “

 

“He what?” Her jaw fell open. “What? Are they standing on the corner handing out souls now? And wait – “ She backed away from Angel. “You had sex! I heard the two of you this morning!”

 

I told you I heard somebody in the hall.

 

“Cordy, it’s not a sex curse.” Willow laughed. “And Spike got his soul back by going through some trial or something.”

 

“Several trials, Red.” Spike puffed out his chest. “Whupped up on a load of Big Bads, I did.”

 

I’m thinking there’s more to this story than he’s telling.

 

No joke? Angel agreed. His line of –

 

Crap?

 

About getting his soul back for Buffy is –

 

Crap?

 

Crap.

 

I think he wanted to get the chip out so he could kick her ass. Angelus mused. And that’s –

 

A death wish. Angel’s eyes narrowed as he watched Spike telling his story to Cordelia, Fred, and Gunn.

 

Oh yeah. A growl rumbled through Angel’s mind.

 

The main door opened and Wes walked in. “Hello, everyone.”

 

“Wes.” Angel nodded. “Can we talk?”

 

“Certainly.” Following Angel to his office, Wes smiled and stopped to take Fred’s hand. “You look lovely today, Winifred.”

 

“So do you.” She blushed. “Much better without the Clint Eastwood look.”

 

“Thank you. And I managed to do it without cutting myself, despite being out of practice.”

 

“They make electric razors, you know.” Gunn frowned. Fred was still holding Wes’ hand.

 

“I like the smell of shaving cream and aftershave.” Fred brushed a kiss across Wes’ newly shaven cheek.

 

Angel cleared his throat. Gunn was clenching and unclenching his fists, while Fred and Wes were seemingly unaware of the others around them. He wasn’t sure what had happened during the week he had been missing, but the points on this romantic triangle had shifted dramatically.

 

“Oh, sorry, Angel.” Wes squeezed Fred’s hand again. “If you’ll excuse me, Winifred?”

 

“Oh, you go talk to Angel.” She bobbed her head. “We can talk later.”

 

Following Angel into the office, Wes shut the door before sitting down. He waited patiently, not sure what to expect. Angel’s phone call had been cryptic. Not that he was ever Chatty Cathy over the phone.

 

“I’m going back to Sunnydale.” Angel said. “For awhile. Maybe longer. They’ll need help here.”

 

“I do have my own group now.” Wes reminded him. “Though some were lost during the time of darkness.”

 

“You mean the solar blackout caused by the dust thrown up by the meteor shower?”

 

“Or the volcanic activity – depending on which channel you’re watching.”

 

There was a moment’s silence as both men pondered how people could once again turn a blind eye to such obvious non-natural occurrences.

 

Angel shifted in his chair, hesitated, and finally spoke. “I can understand that things happened that were supposed to happen.”

 

“Angel, I – “

 

“No, Wes.” He waved away the other man’s apology. “I need to say it all or I – I might not be able to get it all out.”

 

Wes nodded and sat quietly.

 

“I know about guilt, Wes. I know how it creeps in at night and eats at your soul.” The dark eyes were full of endless despair. “You did the right thing. You did. And I can accept that and – I can – I can – understand.”

 

Watching Angel struggle for the words – for the strength to say them – tore at Wes’ heart. Angel was his one true friend in this world, and he’d caused him immeasurable grief.

 

“There’s a part of me – that will never be able to understand.”

 

“Or forgive.” Wes said softly.

 

“No. I won’t lie.” Angel choked down the tears that threatened. “That part of me is still angry that Connor was only here to die. And I’ll never – never – forgive The Powers That Be.”

 

“It’s not right, nor fair.” Wes shook his head. “My father – well, let’s just say I wasn’t quite what he wanted. No matter how hard I tried.”

 

How well he knew that pain. His own father was never happy. No matter how quickly he learned his lessons or how well he recited the catechism. Can you do nothing right, Liam?

 

“But you loved Connor. Even when he came back so changed.”

 

“And hating me.”

 

Hating me, actually. Angelus said helpfully. Can we go now?

 

“He was confused.” Wes said firmly. “But you still loved him. You never wavered.”

 

“I threw him out.”

 

“After he locked you in a box and tossed you in the ocean.” The other man said dryly. “And you followed him about making sure he was safe, no doubt.”

 

Angel could see now that Wes was hurting almost as much as he was. Wes had lavished all the love and attention on Connor that his own father had never shown.

 

And isn’t that why you were Mr. Dad? Angelus yawned.

 

“I knew what it would do to you if you killed Connor – no matter the reason.” Wes bowed his head in sorrow. “And I knew it would only be in just this type of situation. I couldn’t let it happen to you.”

 

Standing, Angel walked around the desk and held his hand out to Wes. Getting up, Wes shook the cool hand firmly, not resisting when Angel pulled him into an embrace.

 

They stood together for a few moments, sharing pain, grief, and friendship before breaking apart and slapping each other on the back.

 

Whew! Thought you were gonna kiss him there for a sec.

 

“I’d appreciate it, Wes, if you’d come back and keep an eye on things again.” Angel gave him another manly slap on the back. “Keep it in the family.”

 

“Of course.” Despite the stinging between his shoulder blades, he felt better than he had in a long time. “Families stick together, don’t they?”

 

“They do.” A smile tugged at the corner of Angel’s mouth.

 

Yeah, whatever, you ate yours. Angelus yawned again. Bored now... Can we go play with Buffy? If I have to be trapped in here, I’d at least like to get laid on a regular basis.

 

 

 

 

“You’ll write? And call? Or email? Did I give you my email?”

 

“Fred.” Angel hugged her, feeling her slender body shaking against his. “I’m only going to be a few hours away.”

 

“I know.” She hugged him as tightly as she could. “I’m gonna miss you.”

 

“I’ll miss you, too.” Kissing her cheek, he turned and hugged Cordelia. “You, not so much.”

 

That goes double for me.

 

“Whatever.” She ruffled her fingers through his dark hair. “Just wait till you need new clothes. You think Buffy knows where to shop?”

 

Buffy frowned. “Um, hello? Standing right here.”

 

I see you, lover. There was a mental licking of his lips. Though I’d like to see you in fewer clothes.

 

Lorne stood watching as Angel shook Gunn's hand. “You’re not getting off that easy, baby cakes. Give me a hug.”

 

Angel let Lorne hug him and was startled when he felt lips brush his ear. “Hey!”

 

I knew he was queer! Look at those clothes!

 

“So, this hellspawn of yours – he really safe?” Lorne whispered.

 

“I can hear you, Liberace.” Spike rolled his eyes. “Vampire senses and all that.”

 

“Spike’s safe.” Angel assured him. “Or I’ll rip his head off.”

 

“Before or after he kills me?” Eyeing Spike warily, Lorne stepped around to put Cordelia between them.

 

After works for me. Then I’m rid of both of you.

 

“Relax.” Angel took Buffy's arm as they walked out of the hotel. “Just don’t give him any railroad spikes.”

 

“Sure. What?” Lorne called after him. “What?”

 

“Don’t worry, Kermit.” Spike struck a heroic pose. “There’s a prophecy about a souled vamp getting his soulshined. I’m thinking that’s me – not my poof of a grandsire.”

 

“Soulshined?” Angel looked down at Buffy. “Do you do that on purpose?”

 

“Me?” The green eyes glimmered with mischief. “I’m just an airhead blonde, remember? I’m supposed to get things wrong.”

 

Just so long as you get the sex part right.

 

“I see Giles rented another car.” She nodded at the blue sedan parked beside Angel’s Plymouth. “Thought he was taking Spike’s car? What happened?”

 

“I think the phrase was ‘stinks like a bloody pub’ or something like that.” Angel held the car door open for Buffy to get into the car before he slid in beside her.

 

Laying her head on Angel’s shoulder, Buffy rested a hand on his thigh as he started the car and pulled out of the garage. “How long do you think you’ll stay?”

 

“Well, I’m not sure I can give you a normal – “

 

“I’m gonna stake you.”

 

“Normal time frame.” He laughed. “Just between you and me – “

 

Um… hello?

 

“And Angelus, of course.” He smiled at Buffy's giggle. “For however long you want me.”

 

“Forever works for me.”

 

“I’m around for forever anyway.”  Angel put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side.

 

Does anybody want my opinion?

 

Angel brushed a kiss across Buffy's forehead. No.

 

Too bad. ‘Cos you know I’m here for forever, too. Angelus smirked. Buffy bent over the sofa… Buffy on top… Buffy… Hey, do you have a pen?

 

 

 

Read the alternate sequel to The End Of Days: Bring Forth The Night


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