Chapter One-Your Star
I picked out your star
Turned night to day
A simple whisper from your voice
And I fade away
You wished for love
You pushed me away
Love from you is everything I need,
The air I breathe
In the warehouse the Judge was kneeling facing some storage racks. Spike wheeled himself over, but not *too* close.
“I’m not happy, pet. Angel and the Slayer are still alive. They know where we are. They know about the Judge. We should be vacating.”
“Nonsense.” Drusilla walked up to him and took his hand. “They’ll not disturb us here. My Angel is too smart to face the Judge again.” Spike glanced over at the Judge.
“What is Big Blue up to anyway? He just sits there all day.” Spike observed and turned back to Dru.
“I am preparing.” the Judge answered simply.
“Yeah.” Spike rolled his eyes. “What’s interesting to me is that ‘preparing’ looks a great deal like sitting on your arse. When do we destroy the world already?” Spike complained.
“My strength grows and with every life I take it will increase further.” the Judge explained.
“So let’s take some…I’m bored.” Spike concluded. Drusilla began moaning from the corner, drawing both demons attention.
“Dru?” Spike asked concerned. She collapsed on the floor.
“Angel…and his baby…Oh, Angel…” Drusilla moaned.
“Dru? What is it? Dru!” Spike asked concerned. “Darling…did you see something?” Suddenly Dru’s whimpers subsided and an evil grin appeared on her face.
*~*
Angel ran out of his apartment holding his head screaming.
“BUFFY!” he yelled falling to the ground sobbing. Rain pelted down on him and lighting flashed in the sky. He held himself up with his hands. “Buffy…” he whispered, and collapsed on the ground, unable to hold himself up. Suddenly, sounding frightened he whispered, “Oh no…”
A hooker standing in the doorway saw him and walked over slowly, holding a cigarette. She studied him and took another drag. “Hey. You ok?” she asked bending down to look at him. “You want me to call 911?” Angel suddenly stood up.
“No…the pain is gone.” he answered in a strangely calm voice, still facing the other direction.
“You sure?” she asked putting a hand on her hip and taking another drag of her cigarette.
“Yeah.” he answered and spun around, game face on. He grab her and violently bit her on the neck to feed. He dropped her dead body and tilted up his head, blowing out the smoke he’d just inhaled through her neck from her lungs. “I feel just fine.”
*~*
Buffy snuck in through her kitchen door and closed it quietly behind her. As she headed towards her room she kept an eye out for her mom. Once she reached it she started up stomping loudly and her mother hears her.
“Morning.” Joyce said from the dining room. Buffy stopped walking and turned around coming back down a few steps. Joyce walks over to the base of the staircase.
“Morning.” Buffy said as cheerfully as she could manage.
“So did you have fun last night?” Joyce asked smiling.
“Fun?” Buffy asked a little shocked.
“At Willow’s.” Joyce continued, beginning to get a look on her face.
“Yeah.” Buffy said, smiling relieved. “Yeah. Fun at Willow’s. You know, she’s a fun machine.”
“You hungry?” Joyce asked as she started back towards the kitchen.
“No. Uh, no, I-I’m, uh, just gonna go take a shower.” Buffy said motioning up the stairs.
“Well, i-if you hurry, I’ll run you to school.” Joyce said nodding, looking at Buffy.
“Thanks.” Buffy said and she and her mom just looked at each other.
“Is something wrong?” Joyce asked curiously, folding her arms and looking up at Buffy. Buffy’s eyes widened noticeably but she regained her composure and answered,
“No. What would be wrong?”
“I don’t know. You just look…” she stared at Buffy then shook her head, smiling and went into the dining room. Buffy watches her go and then breathes a sigh of relief and heads up the stairs.
*~*
Everyone was sitting in the library. Xander walked in and Giles looked up at him anxiously.
“Well, the bus depot was a total washout. And may I say a *lovely* place to spend the night. What a vibrant cross-section of Americana.
Jenny and Willow looked at him concerned. Even Cordelia, sitting on the counter, looks worried.
“No vampires transporting boxes?” Giles asked, trying to assure himself.
“No, but a hour hundred pound wino offered to wash my hair.” he joked, then looked around at everyone. “What’s up? Where’s Buffy?”
“She never checked in.” Willow said, sounding concerned.
“If the bus depot is as empty as the… docks and the airport…” Giles began, finally realizing. He stopped and looked at the group grimly.
“Do you think this Judge guy has already been assembled?” Xander asked catching on.
“Yes.” Giles answered solemnly, beginning to wipe his glasses.
“Then Buffy could be…” Xander began. “Ok we gotta find them! We…gotta go to that place, that, uh, that factory! That’s where the vampires are holed up, right?” he looked back at Willow and Jenny, “Let’s go!”
“And do what? Besides be afraid and die.” Cordelia shot back, not liking the idea at all.
“Well nobody’s asking you to go, Cordelia. If the vampires need grooming tips we’ll give you a call.” Xander retorted.
“Cordelia has a point. Now, i-i-if Buffy and Angel were, harmed, then we don’t stand to fare much better.” Giles said, holding his glasses nervously.
“Yeah? Well those of us who were born with feelings are going to do something about this!” Xander exclaimed. Jenny tried to object gently,
“Xander—“
“No! Xander’s right! My god! You people are all…” Willow cried searching for a word. “Well, I’m upset and I can’t think of a mean word right now, but that’s what you are and we’re going to the factory!”
She and began walking out. “Yeah!” Xander agreed then followed. Just as Willow’s about to leave Buffy comes into the library.
“Buffy!” Willow exclaimed.
“We were just going to rescue you.” Xander added.
“Well, some of us were.” Willow replied, throwing Giles a look.
“Well, I-I would have.” he stammered defensively.
“Where’s Angel?” Jenny asked, not seeming too concerned with Buffy.
“He did check in with you guys?” Buffy asked, terrified. She felt her stomach clenching and unclenching and felt as though she were going to lose it.
“No.” Giles replied looking more concerned.
“What happened?” Cordelia asked, sliding off the counter.
“The Judge i-is he…” Giles began, not wanting to finish the question.
“No assembly required. He’s active.” Buffy shrugged.
“Oh damn it!” Giles whispered, chewing on the edge of his glasses.
“He nearly killed us. Angel got us out.” Buffy said defending him.
“Why didn’t you call? We, we, we thought…” Giles began, putting his glasses back on.
“Well, we, we had to hide. Uh, we got stuck in the sewer tunnel and with the hiding we just…split up…uh no one’s heard from him?” Buffy lied then suddenly became concerned.
“I’m sure he’ll come by.” Willow comforted her.
“Yeah, I’m, I’m sure you’re right.” Buffy said attempting to calm herself.
“Buffy, the Judge, we, we must stop him.” Giles said cutting in.
“I know.” Buffy said feeling overwhelmed.
“What can you tell us?” Giles prompted.
“Not much. I, um… kicked him. It was just like a sudden fever. If he got his hands on me…” Buffy said ominously.
“In time, he won’t need to. The stronger he gets, he’ll be able to reduce us to charcoal with only a look.” Giles warned.
“Also, not the prettiest man in town.” Buffy added with a look of disgust.
“I better continue researching, must look for a weak spot. The rest of you should get to your classes.” Giles instructed, going behind the counter.
“Yeah, I better go too.” Jenny agreed. They all left and Buffy hurried out the door.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Xander said, holding the door open.
“Buffy wait up!” Willow called. Jenny stopped on the way out and said to Giles,
“I’ll, uh, go on the ‘Net and search for anything on the Judge.”
“Thank you.” Giles said sincerely.
“After class I’ll come back and help you research.” Xander offered.
“Yeah you might find something useful if it’s in an ‘I can Read’ book.” Cordelia snickered as she walked out, patting him on the shoulder. Xander gave her the look of a hyena ready to kill. Which I wouldn’t put past him.
*~*
Buffy was about to go up the stairs when Willow caught up and stopped her.
“You don’t think that Angel would go after the Judge by himself do you?” she asked, concerned.
“No I—“ Buffy was suddenly overcome with a wave of vertigo. She used Willow to steady herself.
“Buffy. Are you ok?” Willow asked. Buffy nodded.
“Anyway, I think he’d know better that that. Maybe he just needed…I don’t know. I just, I wish he’d contact me. I really need to talk to him.” Buffy sighed and the two started up the stairs. Jenny reveals that she has been eavesdropping as she looks around the corner and watches them go up.
*~*
Drusilla was lying on her back on the table. Spike wheeled himself over and watched her. She looked up at the ceiling blissfully.
“Are we feeling better then?” he smiled, leaning on the table.
“I’m naming all the stars.” Drusilla sighed, waving her hand in the air.
“You can’t see the stars, luv. That’s the ceiling. Also, its day.” Spike corrected.
“I can see them. But I’ve named them all the same name.” she tilted her head towards Spike. “And there’s a terrible confusion.”
“Did you see any further? Do you know what happens to Angel?” Spike inquired.
“Well…” Angel began appearing at the side door. He cleared his throat loudly. “He moves to New York and tries to fulfill that Broadway dream. It’s tough sledding but one day he’s working in the chorus when the big star twists his ankle.”
“You don’t give up do you?” Spike asked incredulously.
“As long as there’s injustice in the world…as long as scum like you is walking…(looks at the wheelchair and smirks) or rather rolling the streets, I’ll be around.” he said walking towards Spike. He stopped a few feet away and leaned down in Spike’s face. “Look over your shoulder. I’ll be there.”
“Uh, yeah. Angel, um…look over *your* shoulder.” Spike replied smiling. Angel straightened up and turned around just to be greeted by the Judge. The Judge put a hand on Angel’s chest. “Hurts doesn’t it?” Angel turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow.
“Well, you know, it kinda itches a little.” he replied.
“Don’t just stand there! Burn him!” Spike ordered to the Judge.
“Gee maybe he’s broken.” Angelus retorted.
“What the hell is going on?” Spike asked Drusilla. Suddenly the realization dawned on her face.
“This one…cannot be burnt. He is clean.” the Judge explained, removing his hand.
“Clean? You mean, he’s…” Spike began.
“There’s no humanity in him.” The Judge finished and walked away.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Angel smiled wickedly.
“Angel!” Drusilla exclaimed wide-eyed.
“Yeah baby, I’m back!” he replied.
“Is it really true?” Spike asked.
“It’s really true.” Angel laughed and walked around the table.
“You’ve come home!” Drusilla whispered, following him with he gaze.
“No more of this ‘I’ve got a soul’ crap?” Spike asked following him.
“What can I say?” Angel asked striking a match on the table. He used it to light the cigarette. “I was going through a phase.”
“This is great! This is so great!” Spike exclaimed. Drusilla got up and walked on the table waving her arms. “Everything in my head is singing!” she exclaimed. Angel laughed. “We’re family again!” Angel helped her off the table. “We’ll feed.” she growled and turned to Spike. “And we’ll play.” And she leaned into Spike.
“I’ve got to tell you, it made me sick to my stomach seeing you being the Slayer’s lap dog.” Spike laughed. Angel growled and grabbed Spike by the shirt front. Then he kisses him on the forehead and steps back. Spike bursts in laughter. Angelus and Drusilla joined in.
“How did this happen?” Drusilla asked as she circled him.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Angelus assured them.
“Oh, who cares? What matters is now he’s back! Now it’s four against one, which are the kind of odds I like to play.” Spike grinned. Drusilla leaned into Angelus.
“Psst…we’re going to destroy the world…want to come?”
“Yeah. Destroying the world. Great. I’m really more interested in the slayer.” Angelus said sounding bored. He began playing with his cigarette.
“Well, she’s *in* the world, so that should work out.” Spike said pointedly.
“Give me tonight, hmm?” Angelus said smiling.
“What do you mean?” Spike asked.
“Lay low for a night. I guarantee you by the time you go public she won’t be anything resembling a threat.” Angelus reassured him.
“You’ve really got a yen to hurt this girl haven’t you?” Spike asked his grande-sire.
“She made me feel like a human being. That’s not the kind of thing you just *forgive*.” Angelus said looking half mad half wicked.
*~*
Cordelia walked by the counter looking through a book. Xander was lying on the counter also looking at a book. Giles was in his office reading through yet another book. Willow was on the phone with Buffy.
“Ok. No, no, he didn’t, but I’m sure he’ll…Well, Buffy, he probably has some plan, and he’s trying to protect you. Well, I-I don’t know what. I’m not in the plan. It’s his plan. No don’t even say that! Angel is *not* dead.”
“Say ‘hi’ for me.” Xander mumbled through his book.
“Yeah, of course we’ll be here. Yeah hope you feel better with the dizziness. Ok, bye.” Willow said into the phone then turned to Xander. “Say ‘hi’ for me?”
“What’s the word?” Xander asked.
“She checked every place she can think of. She even beat up Willy the snitch a couple of times. Angel has vanished.” Willow sighed.
“But he does do that on occasion, no?” Giles asked appearing in the office doorway.
“Oh, yeah, but she’s extra wigged this time. I guess ‘cause of her dreams. God, what if something really happened to him?” Willow asked, suddenly frantic.
“Is she gonna join us here?” Giles asked.
“Yeah, she’s just stopping at home first.” Willow replied. Xander slammed his book shut and jumped off the counter.
“Nada.” he proclaimed. He took the book to the stacks and finds Cordelia on his way to return the book to its place on the shelf. “Did you find anything?”
“This book mentions the Judge, but nothing useful. Big, scary, no weapon forged can stop him, took an army to take him down. Blah, blah, blah.” She answered. They both shelved their books and turned towards one another.
“Sorry I snapped at you before.” Xander confessed.
“Well, I’m reeling from that new experience.” Cordelia said sarcastically.
“I was crazed. I wasn’t thinking.” Xander said sincerely.
“I know. You were too busy rushing off to save your beloved Buffy. You’d never die for me.” she sighed.
“No…but I might die *from* you.” Xander joked. “Does that get any points?”
“No.”
“Come on, can’t we just kiss and make up?” Xander pleaded.
“I don’t want to make up.” she said stubbornly. He started to go but she stopped him. “But I’m ok with the other part.” She smiles. Xander smiles back and they start to kiss. After a few moments Cordelia giggles and smiles and they pull apart. Willow is standing behind them, obviously confused and upset.
“Willow, uh…” Xander began to try to explain. Willow darted off and Xander ran after her. “We were just…Willow! Willow!”
Willow went running out of the library with Xander right behind her.
“Willow come on!” he pleaded. Willow turned around to confront him, holding up a finger.
“I knew it! I knew it! Well, not ‘knew it’ as in the sense of having the slightest idea, but I knew there was something that I didn’t know! You two were fighting way too much. It’s not natural!” she accused. Xander tried to defend himself,
“I know it’s weird—“
“WEIRD?!?! It’s against all laws of God and Man! It’s Cordelia! Remember? The, the ‘We Hate Cordelia’ club, of which you are the treasurer!” Willow interrupted.
“Look, I was gonna tell you.” Xander tried.
“Gee, what stopped you? Could it be shame?” Willow asked sarcastically.
“All right, let’s overreact shall we?” Xander shot back. Willow snorted and replied,
“But I’m—“
“Willow, we were just kissing. It doesn’t mean that much!” Xander interrupted this time.
“No. It just means that you’d rather be with someone you hate than be with me.” Willow said with tears in her eyes. She ran off down the hall, leaving Xander to return to the library.
*~*
Buffy walked up the walkway to her porch. Suddenly she felt lightheaded and fell to her hands and knees trying to steady herself. But it didn’t pass over this time. She threw up. She was still dizzy when she stood up, but feeling a little better. She stood up and looked at her door before turning away.
*~*
She finally reached Angel’s apartment, closing the door behind her. She walked over to the bed and sees it’s been made…Angel was ok! One of his shirts is laid out on it. She walks over to it and reaches for the shirt. Behind her Angelus stepped over to a statue picked up a necklace hanging from it and put it on. Buffy hears this and turns around, seeing him for the first time.
“Angel!” she exclaimed joyously, running over to him.
“Hey!” he replied, not as joyous as her, but still pretty happy.
“Oh, Angel.” she said so happy that tears were filling her eyes.
“Hey.” he said again pulling her into a hug. She kissed him and they hugged again.
“Oh, my god! I was so worried!” she said softly.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you.” he said kissing her softly on the forehead.
“Where did you go?” Buffy asked.
“Been around.” he answered simply pulling away from her.
“Oh. Oh my god! I was freaking out! You just disappeared!” Buffy said as she watched him pull on his shirt.
“What? I took off.” he said as if it were a normal answer.
“But you didn’t say anything…you just left.” Buffy said confused.
“Yeah. Like I really wanted to stick around after that.” Angelus snorted.
“W-what?” Buffy asked, feeling more tears fill her eyes. She suddenly felt dizzy again. She used the wall to steady herself.
“You got a lot to learn about men, kiddo.” he said not noticing her change of attitude. “Although I guess you proved that last night.”
“What are you saying?” she asked, unsure.
“Let’s not make an issue out of it. Ok?” Angelus asked as he pulled on his coat. “In fact, let’s not talk about it at all. It happened.”
“I-I don’t understand.” Buffy said, regaining her strength. “Was it me? W-Was I not good?”
“You were great. Really.” he laughed then remarked snidely, “I thought you were a pro.”
“How can you say this to me?” Buffy asked becoming angry.
“Lighten up. It was a good time. It doesn’t mean like we have to make a big deal.” Angelus said, barely glancing at her.
“It *is* a big deal.” Buffy said, trying hard not to cry.
“It’s what? Bells ringing, fireworks, a dulcet choir of pretty little birdies?” he said mockingly and laughed. “Come on Buffy. It’s not like I’ve never been there before.” He reached his hand up to her face and she jerked away.
“Don’t touch me.” she warned. He went up in her face and shook a finger at her.
“I shoulda known you wouldn’t be able to handle it.” he said and turned to leave.
“But Angel…” she tried. He stopped and turned towards her. She held back her tears with the one last hope that he would listen. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” he said pointing at her ‘coolly’. He turned to leave. “I’ll call ya!”
Buffy couldn’t do anything but watch him go, hurt and confused.
*~*
Enyos circled his niece, lecturing her.
“You know what it is, this thing vengeance?” he asked her. Jenny looked up at him and began to defend herself.
“Uncle, I have served you. I have been faithful. I need to know-“
“To the modern man vengeance is a verb, an idea. Payback. One thing for another. Like commerce. Not with us. Vengeance is a living thing. It passes through generations. It commands. It kills.” he cut her off.
“You told me to watch Angel! You told me to keep him from the Slayer! I tried. But there are other factors! There are terrible things happening here that we cannot control.” Jenny objected.
“We control nothing. We are not wizards, Janna. We merely play our part.” Enyos corrected.
“Angel could be of help to us. I mean, he may be the only chance we have of stopping the Judge.” Jenny tried to explain.
“It is too late for that.” he said sorrowfully.
“Why?” Jenny asked.
“The curse. Angel is meant to suffer, not to live as human. One moment of true happiness, of contentment, one moment where the soul that we restored no longer plagues his thoughts and that soul is taken from him.”
“Then, if somehow, if…if it’s happened…then Angelus is back.” Jenny realized.
“I hoped to stop it. But I realize now it was arranged to be so.” Enyos explained.
“Buffy loves him.” Jenny whispered.
“And now she will have to kill him.”
“Unless he kills her first! Uncle, this is insanity! People are going to die!” Jenny exclaimed jumping from her seat.
“Yes. It’s not justice we serve. It is vengeance.” Enyos said firmly.
“You are a fool.” Jenny said grabbing her coat and bag. “We all are fools.”
He watches her go and shakes his head disapprovingly.
*~*
Willow walked down the hall and Xander came out of the bathroom, and seeing her jogs over to her.
“Will.” he said. She hugs her arms around herself and turned to face him.
“Hey.” she said quietly.
“Where’d you go?” he asked.
“Home.” she answered.
“I’m glad you came back. We can’t do this without you.” he said gently.
“Let’s get this straight. I don’t understand it, I don’t wanna understand it, you have gross emotional problems, and things are not okay between us. But what’s happening right now is more important than that.” Willow said firmly.
“Ok.” Xander agreed.
“What about the Judge? Where do we stand?” Willow asked dropping her arms down.
“On a big pile of really boring books that all say the same thing.” Xander sighed.
“Lemme guess: ‘No weapon forged’” Willow replied.
“‘took an army’” Xander added.
“Where’s an army when you need one?” Willow joked then noticed Xander’s face. “What?”
“Whoa, whoa! I…I think I’m having a thought. Yeah, yeah, yeah…that’s most definitely a thought. Now I’m having a plan.” Xander started, thinking hard. Suddenly the lights went out, leaving them in almost total darkness. “And now I’m having a wiggins.”
“What’s going on?” Willow asked frantically.
“Let’s get back to the library.” Xander suggested.
“Willow. Xander.” Angelus said from behind them. They turned around quickly.
“Angel.” Xander said, sounding relieved.
“Thank god you’re ok! Did you see Buffy?” Willow said, feeling calmer since he came and was alright.
“Yeah. What’s up with the lights?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I don’t know. Listen, I think I have an idea.” Xander said quickly.
“Forget about that now. I…I got something to show you.” Angelus replied, standing his ground.
“Show us?” Willow repeated as a question.
“Yeah. Xander, go get the others.” Angel commanded.
“Okay.” Xander agreed and sped off down the hall.
“Willow. Come here.” Angelus said gently. Willow walked towards him slowly.
“What is it, Angel?” she asked.
“It’s amazing.” he whispered, sounding sincere. Suddenly Jenny appeared at the other end of the lounge holding up a cross.
“Willow, get away from him.” she warned. Willow stopped walking and turned to look at Jenny.
“What?” she asked.
“Walk to me.” Jenny replied, ignoring Willow’s question.
“What are you talking about? It’s Ang—“ she was interrupted by Angelus grabbing her throat. She let out a frightened yelp.
“Don’t do that!” Xander exclaimed as he joined Jenny.
“Oh, I think I do that.” Angelus sneered.
“Angel…” Willow whimpered.
“He’s not Angel anymore. Are you?” Jenny asked, still holding up her cross.
“Wrong. I *am* Angel.” he snickered, tightening his grip on Willow’s neck. “At last.”
“Oh my god.” Xander said with realization.
“I got a message for Buffy.” Angelus said. Just then Buffy walked up behind him.
“Why don’t you give it to me yourself?” she asked. Angelus spun around, still holding Willow by the throat.
“Well, it’s not really the kind of message that you tell. It sort of involves finding the bodies of all your friends.” Angelus snarled, tightening his grip on Willow’s throat. Another pained yelp escaped her lips.
“This can’t be you.” Buffy said shaking her head.
“Gee, I thought we already went over this subject.” Angelus said, cocking his head to the side.
“Angel, there must be some part of you, inside, that still remembers who you are!” Buffy pleaded. Xander took the cross from Jenny and began slowly approaching Angelus.
“Dream on schoolgirl. Your boyfriend is dead…and you’re all gonna join him.” he spat.
“Leave Willow alone, and deal with me.” she demanded.
“But she’s so cute!” he mocked, pinching her cheek. “And helpless. Really a turn-on.” Xander shoved the cross into Angelus’ face from behind. He reeled back and dropped Willow. She cried out as she fell backwards into Xander, and they both crumple against the wall. Angelus started towards Buffy, finally reaching her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and she sucked in a breath of fright.
“Things are about to get *very* interesting.” he whispered. He kissed her hard and shoved her into the wall and backed out the door. Willow and Xander get up.
“Buffy, you ok?” Xander asked. Buffy just stared at the door. “Buffy?”
*~*
Giles was pacing back and forth while Jenny leaned against the shelves, Xander stood next to the table, and Willow and Cordelia sat at the table.
“And we’re absolutely certain that, that Angel reverted to his former self?” Giles asked.
“Yeah, uh, we’re all certain. Anyone here not feeling certain?” Xander answered.
“Giles, you wouldn’t believe him. He was so…He came here to kill us.” Willow said softly.
“What are we gonna do?” Cordelia asked, wide-eyed.
“I’m leaning towards blind panic myself.” Giles said, cleaning his glasses and putting them back on.
“Rupert, don’t talk like that! The kids.” Jenny said shaking her head.
“I’m sorry. It’s just that, things are bad enough with the Judge here. Angel crossing over to the other side…I-I-I wasn’t prepared for that.” Giles said, still pacing.
“None of us were.” Jenny assured him, feeling guilty.
Buffy sat at the table opposite of Willow. She stared down at the table sadly. Willow noticed and got up and walked over to her.
“Are you ok?” Willow asked. Buffy shook her head ‘no’. “Is there anything I can do?”
“I should’ve know.” she said shaking her head. “When I saw him at the house, he was different. The things he said…”
“What things?” Giles cut in.
“It’s private.” Buffy whispered, tears filling her eyes.
“But you didn’t know he had turned bad?” Jenny asked.
“How did you?” Willow asked suddenly, looking over at Jenny.
“What?” Jenny asked, watching Willow.
“You, well, knew. You told me to get away from him.” Willow pointed out suspiciously.
“Well, I saw his face.” Jenny lied.
“If only we knew how it happened.” Giles said sitting down on the edge of the table.
“What do you mean?” Buffy asked.
“Well, something had to set it off. Some, some, uh, event must’ve triggered his transformation. Well, if anyone would know, Buffy, it-it should be you.” Giles said pointedly.
“I don’t.” Buffy lied.
“Well, did anything happen last night that might—“
“Giles, please, I can’t.” she cried and stood up.
“Buffy, I’m sorry, but we can’t afford to…Buffy!” he called after her as she ran out of the library.
“Giles, shut up.” Willow said watching Buffy run away. Buffy ran out of the library and down the hall. She was suddenly overcome with a wave of lightheadedness. She used the wall to steady herself. She felt herself fall over.
*~*
“This is great. There’s an unkillable demon in town. Angel’s joined his team. The Slayer is a basket case…I’d say we’ve hit rock bottom.” Cordelia said, exasperated.
“I have a plan.” Xander said.
“Oh no, here’s a lower place.” Cordelia remarked sarcastically.
“I don’t know what’s up with Angel, but I think I may have a way to deal with this Judge guy.” Xander said as he sat down on the table by Cordelia.
“What do we do?” Willow asked.
“I think um…” he started and looked at Cordelia then back at Willow, “I think I may need Cordelia for this one.” Willow lowered her eyes for just an instant. “And we may need wheels.” Cordelia spoke up,
“Well, my car is—“
“No we need something bigger.” Xander said.
“No problem, I’ll get Oz. He has a van.” Willow said smugly.
“Good.” Xander said and looked at Cordelia. “Ok.”
“Care to let me in on the plan I’m a part of?” Cordelia asked.
“No.” Xander said.
“Why not?” Cordelia stood up putting her hands on her hips.
“Because if I tell you, you won’t do it. Just meet me at Willow’s house in half an hour. And wear something trashy…er.” he said and walked off. Cordelia followed him.
“I’m not sure what we should do about Buffy.” Giles said wearily.
“Assuming they don’t attack tonight I think we should just let her be.” Jenny suggested gently.
“I agree.” Willow added.
“I-I-I can imagine what she’s going through.” Giles said, taking off his glasses.
“No, I don’t think you can.” Willow said softly.
*~*
Drusilla was holding Miss Edith in her hands like a little baby.
“You should’ve seen her face. It was priceless.” Angelus laughed and sat on the conveyor platform. “I’ll never forget it.”
“So you didn’t kill her then.” Spike said, rather stupidly.
“Of course not.” Angel scoffed.
“Now, I know you haven’t been in the game fore a while, mate, but we still do kill people. Sort of our raison d’etre, you know?” Spike said exhaling loudly.
“You don’t want to kill her, do you?” Drusilla asking poking Miss Edith’s eyes. “You want to hurt her…like you hurt me.”
“No one knows me better than you do, Dru.” Angelus smiled.
“She’d better not get in our way.” Spike warned.
“Don’t worry about it.” Angelus shrugged.
“I do.” Spike sighed.
“Spike,” he yelled, slamming his fist down on a crate. He pushed it along the rollers and continued, “you *really* don’t get it, do you?” He stood up and chuckled “You tried to kill her, but you couldn’t. Look at you. You’re a wreck! She’s stronger than any Slayer you’ve ever faced. Force won’t get it done. You gotta work from the inside. To kill this girl…you have to love her.”
*~*
Buffy went into her room and closed the door gently behind her. She sniffled as she unbuttoned her coat. She looked at her silver cross necklace hanging from its hook and took it in her hand. It sparkled in the light. She let go of it, letting it swing, She looked down at the ring on her hand. The claddaugh ring. She pulled it off her finger, bursting into tears. She goes over to her bed, still crying. Then she felt the dizziness overcome her again. She laid down and soon fell asleep.
*~*
She and Angel are caressing each other. She runs her hand down his back, over his tattoo. They both have their rings on. Angel kisses her gently on the neck. Buffy holds him with her ringed hand. She kisses his fingers. They move under the sheets. He kisses her lips tenderly.
“I love you.” he whispers.
She opens her eyes and for an instant sees him in his game face. Suddenly she’s at a funeral in broad daylight. Angel walks up to the grave. Buffy looks over at him. He looks up at her, his face bathed in sunlight.
“You have to know what to see.” he told her. She looked at him, not really understanding, and then back down at the grave. She saw that she had a big belly. Obviously from a child, not from too much fatty foods. She looked over at the other people attending the funeral and saw Jenny lifting a black veil from her face.
Buffy awoke with a start, eyes open wide. She suddenly realized the second part of the dream…Jenny had something to do with this.
*~*
Buffy marches into Jenny’s classroom where Giles and Jenny greet her with smiles.
“Oh, Buffy.” Giles started.
Buffy walked straight past him, put her hands around Jenny’s throat and shoved her back against the desk.
“Buffy!” Giles exclaimed, trying to pull Buffy off.
“What do you know?!” Buffy exclaimed.
“Should I get the principal?” a student asked as he stood up.
“No, I-I-I’ll deal with this. Y-y-you’re all dismissed!” Giles announced to the class. They all gathered their books and left. Buffy stepped back.
“Did you do it? Did you change him?” Buffy accused as she let go of Jenny and stepped back.
“For God’s sake! Calm down!” Giles intervened.
“Did you know this was gonna happen?” Buffy asked, ignoring Giles.
“You can’t go around accusing everybody—“ Giles began.
“I didn’t know…exactly.” Jenny interrupted him. “I was told..(whispering to herself) Oh god…(speaking to Buffy again) I was sent here to watch you. They told me to keep you and Angel apart. They never told me what would happen.”
“Jenny!” Giles exclaimed, confused and surprised.
“I’m sorry, Rupert. Angel was supposed to pay for what he did to my people.” Jenny said softly.
“And me? What was I supposed to be paying for?” Buffy cried.
“I didn’t know what would happen until after. I swear I would’ve told you.” Jenny pleaded.
“So it was me. I did it.” Buffy realized.
“I think so. I mean…” Jenny shrugged.
“I don’t understand!” Giles exclaimed in a demanding tone as he looked back and forth between Jenny and Buffy.
“The curse.” Jenny began. “If Angel achieved true happiness, even just a moment of…He would lose his soul.”
“W-w-w-h-h-how do you know you were responsible f-for…” Giles started but stopped abruptly as Buffy gave him a look. He removed his glasses, “Oh.” The whole group looked down.
“If there’s anything that…”Jenny began but Buffy interrupted,
“Curse him again.”
“No. I-I can’t. I mean, those magicks are long lost even to my people.” Jenny explained regretfully.
“You did it once. It might not be too late to save him.” Buffy pleaded.
“It can’t be undone, I can’t help you.” Jenny confirmed.
“Then take me to someone who can.” Buffy said rigidly.
*~*
Enyos sat in his room, smoking a pipe, waiting for Janna to bring the little Slayer. He heard the door creek open and smiled in satisfaction.
“I knew she would bring you. I suppose you want answers.” he said as he took the pipe out of his mouth.
“Not really.” Angelus said, walking in. Enyos had a look of terror on his face. “But thanks for the offer.
*~*
Oz’s van pulled up at an Army base outside Sunnydale.
“Wait here.” Xander commanded. “When you guys see that window open get out the ladder, come up, we’ll pass you the package, ok?”
“Okay.” Oz agreed.
“Be careful.” Willow warned. Xander nodded and opened the side doors and hopped out followed by Cordelia.
Xander cut through some links in the fence and pushed it aside. He and Cordelia squeezed through and then Cordelia right behind him.
“The security here really is a joke. I should, uh, report it.” Xander said in his ‘manly’ voice.
“Who am I supposed to be again?” Cordelia asked.
“A girl. Think you can handle it?” Xander asked sarcastically.
Cordelia slapped him lightly on the arm and they snuck along the side of the building. They stopped and looked out from behind some crates. The coasts looked clear, so they continued past a truck. A group of soldiers marched by. Xander peeked out from behind the truck, and stepped out to the door when a guard on duty catches him.
“Halt!” the soldier called. Xander’s arms shot up in the air. “Identify yourself right the hell now.”
“Uh…Private Harris…with the, uh…33rds.” he stuttered.
“33rds are on maneuver.” the soldier shot back.
“Right! I’m on leave…from them” Xander lied, turning around slowly.
“You always spend your leave snooping around the armory pal? And who is she?” the soldier asked.
“Hi. I’m not a soldier. Am I?” she looked at Xander. Xander walked over to the guard with his hands still in the air.
“Look, I just want to give her the tour. Uh, you know what I’m saying.” Xander said quietly to the soldier.
“The tour.” he repeated slowly.
“Well, you know the ladies. They like to see the big guns. Gets them all hot and bothered. Can you cut me some slack, gimme a blind eye?” Xander pleaded.
“And why should I?” the soldier challenged.
“Well, if you do, I won’t tell Colonel Newsome that your boots ain’t regulations, your post wasn’t covered, and you hold your gun like a sissy girl.” Xander shot back adjusting the man’s M-16 rifle.
“You got twenty minutes nimrod.” the soldier said and walked off.
“I just need five.” Xander smiled and started towards the door. “Forget I said that last part.” The guard checked his watch. Xander opened the door for Cordelia and gave the guard a thumbs-up. He shut the door behind them.
“Ok what was that? And who are you?” Cordelia asked, amazed.
“Remember Halloween, I got turned into a soldier?” Xander asked.
“Yeah.” Cordelia answered.
“Well I still remember all of it. I know procedure, ordnance, access codes, everything. I know the whole layout for this base, and I’m pretty sure I could put an M-16 together in 57 seconds.” Xander replied.
“Well, I’m sort of impressed. But lets just find this thing and get out of here.” Cordelia began walking away without Xander.
“Okay.” Xander agreed and began looking on shelves. Cordelia hopped on a crate and sat down, watching Xander.
“So does looking at guns really make girls wanna have sex?” she asked. “That’s scary.”
“Yeah I guess.” Xander said, not really paying attention to her.
“Well does looking at guns make you wanna have sex?” she questioned.
“I’m seventeen. Looking at linoleum makes me want to have sex.” Xander responded. He sighed and moved to the other side of the room. Cordelia watched him partially intrigued, partially disgusted.
*~*
“I wish they would hurry up.” Willow mumbled.
“So do you guys steal weapons from the Army a lot?” Oz joked.
“Well, we don’t have cable, so we have to make our own fun.” Willow smiled.
“I get you.” Oz said nodding.
“Do you wanna make out with me?” Willow asked after a short pause.
“What?” Oz asked, taken aback.
“Forget it. I’m sorry.” Willow said, turning her head the other way. Then… “Well, do you?”
“Sometime when I’m sitting in class…I’m not thinking about class because, you know, that would never happen. And I think about kissing you. And it’s like everything stops. It’s like a freeze frame. Willow kissage.” Oz nodded and smiled to himself. Willow smiled over at him and he looked up. “Oh, I’m not going to kiss you.”
“What? But freeze frame!” Willow exclaimed, confused.
“Well, to the casual observer, it would appear that you’re trying to make your friend Xander jealous or even the score or something. And that’s on the empty side.” Oz said. He began staring off into space as he continued, “See, in my fantasy when I’m kissing *you*, you’re kissing *me*.” he looked back at her, “It’s ok, I can wait. (sees the window open) We’re up.”
Oz got out of the van and Willow watched him get out and smiled.
*~*
Buffy, Giles, and Jenny burst into Enyos’ hotel room.
“Oh my God.” Jenny whispered rushing over to her uncle. He was laid out on the bed, dead and covered with blood. Buffy looked up at the wall behind him. A message was written there in blood:
WAS IT GOOD FOR YOU TOO?
“He’s doing this deliberately, Buffy. He’s trying to make it harder for you.” Giles warned.
“He’s only making it easier. I know what I have to do.” Buffy said firmly.
“What?” Giles asked. Buffy looked him right in the eye,
“Kill him.”
*~*
Angelus walked down the metal spiral staircase. The Judge walked slowly over to Spike.
“I am ready.” he said.
“About time.” Spike exclaimed. Drusilla sat down in his lap and kissed him. The Judge walked off in disgust. “Have fun.”
“Too bad you can’t come with, huh? I’ll be thinking of you.” Angelus whispered into Spike’s ear.
“I won’t be in this chair forever.” Spike protested as Angelus took Drusilla’s hand and they started out after the Judge.
“What happens if your girlfriend shows up?” Spike asked.
“I’m gonna give her a kiss.” he smirked then turned to the Judge, “Don’t you look spiffy!”
“Spiffy?” he repeated. Drusilla smiled up at them and they left, Spike was all by himself.
*~*
Xander and Oz lifted a long crate onto Giles’s desk.
“Happy birthday, Buffy, hope you like the color.” Xander said as he stepped back. She looked down at the box. Giles positioned the crowbar at the lock.
“Giles, we go to the factory first, but they might not be there. They’re on offensive. We need to figure out where they’d go.” Buffy ordered. Giles lifted up on the crowbar and broke the clasp.
“Agreed.” Giles said as he opened the box.
“This is good.” Buffy observed as she looked in the box.
“Do you, uh,” Jenny appeared at the doorway and Giles looked at her, “Is there something I could do?”
“Get out.” Buffy spat.
“I-I just want to help.” Jenny said quietly. Giles looked away.
“She said get out.” he repeated. Buffy looked at Giles who was looking sadly into the crate. Jenny turned around and left.
“Do you want me to show you how to use it?” Xander asked, stepping up.
“Yes I do.”
*~*
They arrive at the warehouse. It’s deserted.
“I knew it.” Buffy growled.
“We haven’t a bead on where they would go?” Giles asked.
“I don’t know…some place crowded, I guess. I mean, the Judge needs bodies right?” Buffy asked as she glanced around the warehouse.
“The Bronze?” Willow suggested.
“It’s closed tonight.” Xander informed.
“There’s not a lot of choices in Sunnydale. It’s not like people are gonna line up to get massacred.” Cordelia said sarcastically.
“Uh guys, if I were gonna line up, I know where I’d go.” Oz said.
*~*
The Sunnydale Mall doors swung open and the Judge, Angelus, and Drusilla walked in, flanked by their troops. They closed the doors behind them. A man started up the stairs. The Judge reached out his hand and an arc of energy emanated from it to the man. The man froze, a look of surprise on his face, and began to combust. He disappeared in a dust of flam and smoke.
“Lock the exits boys.” Angelus commanded. The vampires hurried down the stairs to do Angel’s bidding. He turned to the Judge and said, “It’s all yours.” The Judge smiled wickedly.
*~*
The elevator doors opened and Buffy strode out followed by Giles and Xander carrying the crate on their shoulders. The others brought up the rear.
“Everybody keep back. Damage control only. Take out any lesser vamps if you can. I’ll handle the Smurf.” Buffy commanded.
*~*
The Judge took a couple steps down towards the people. A customer squeezed by Angelus and headed down the stairs branching to the left. A young couple comes up on the right. The Judge put his arms out to either side and his energy arced to and through them. All the people freeze where they were standing. The Judge laughed evilly. Angelus and Drusilla stand by, enjoying the show.
Suddenly a crossbow bolt hit him in the chest and broke his concentration. The arcs of energy disappear, and the people were dazed. The Judge grabbed the crossbow bolt and pulled it from his chest.
“Who dares?” he inquired dangerously. Angelus and Drusilla look over the refreshment stand. Buffy is standing in front of Xander who is opening the crate. She is holding a crossbow.
“I think I got his attention.” Buffy said earnestly.
“You’re a fool!” he exclaimed. “No weapon forged can stop me!”
“That was then.” she said lowering the bow. Xander hands her the anti-tank rocket launcher from the box. She puts it on her shoulder. “This is now.” Angelus and Drusilla exchanged a look. Buffy set her sights and opened the trigger guard. The rest of the gang takes cover behind the snack counter. Angelus and Drusilla begin to run. Buffy takes aim. The Judge just looks at her smugly. Angelus and Dru leapt over the stair railing. Buffy is ready.
“What’s that do?” he asked.
Buffy pulls the trigger and the rocket flies straight into the Judge’s chest as Angelus and Drusilla fly over the railing. The Judge disappeared into an explosion of flame and smoke. The people in the mall start to scream, panic, and begin running in different directions. Angelus and Drusilla finally hit the floor below. Bits of charred Judge fell all around them. Buffy looked up from the rocket launcher’s sights and looked at the vampires in satisfaction. Angelus got up and ran off. Drusilla freaked out and ran the other way. The rest of the Scoobies looked over the counter at what was left of the Judge.
“Best present ever.” Buffy smiled, handing the weapon back to Xander.
“Knew you’d like it.” Xander laughed.
“Do you think he’s dead?” Willow asked nervously.
“We can’t be sure. Pick up the pieces and keep them separate.” Buffy commanded. They all started picking up the remains.
“Pieces? We get the pieces. Our job sucks!” Cordelia exclaimed. Angelus walked in and was pushed around by the frantic crowd. Buffy caught sight of him and started to chase him. He noticed her and ran.
The smoke from the remains of the Judge finally reaches the sprinklers and they turned on, squirting water everywhere.
Buffy followed to where she saw Angelus, the sprinklers soaking her. He came up and hit her from behind. She fell and hit the ground hard.
“You know what the worst part was? Huh? Pretending that I loved you. If I’d known how easily you’d give it up, I wouldn’t even have bothered.” Angelus spat at her.
“That doesn’t work anymore. You’re not Angel.” she said getting up.
“You’d like to think that, wouldn’t you? It doesn’t matter. The important thing is you made me the man I am today.” he said and smiled evilly. Buffy kicked him in the face, He blocked the next swing and punched her in the face and then in the gut. He grabbed her and swung her around to throw her, but her footing is good and she regains her balance. He kicked her in the face and this time she falls to the floor.
*~*
Willow picked up a piece of the Judge’s armor, soaked to the skin from the sprinklers as well as everyone else. About a yard away, Oz found an actual body part.
“Uh, arm!” he said pointing down at it.
*~*
Angelus grabbed Buffy as she tried to get up and heaved her over onto her back again. She rolled around to her feet and went at him. She swung but he blocked it and hit her instead. He followed up with a backhand punch and she hit the floor again.
“Not quittin’ on me already, are ya?” he asked as she looked up at him. “Come on, Buffy. You know you want it.”
Buffy leapt up and kicked him in the face. He arched backward and then snapped forward. Buffy kneed him in the chin and then delivered a series of punches to his stomach. She ended with a punch to his face. He wasn’t fazed and he lunged at her. She grabbed his arm and diverted him into a display case. He crashed through the glass, but immediately straighten himself back up, breaking the top pane and the frame of the case as well. She kicked him in the face and again in the chest, and he staggered backward into a potted tree. She pulled out a stake and stood in front of him, ready to finish the job. Angelus straightened up and faced her. Buffy didn’t move, but instead lowered the stake and stared at him.
“You can’t do it. You can’t kill me.” Angelus taunted as he watched her.
Buffy’s anger took over and she kicked him extremely hard in the crotch. Angelus grabbed his groin and moaned in intense pain. He crumbled down on his knees. Buffy turned her back on him and walked away.
“Give me time.” she said softly.
Angelus remained on all fours, and couldn’t move to follow her.
*~*
Giles pulled up to Buffy’s house in his ancient car to drop her off. He looked over at her and shut off the engine. The only noise is that of the crickets outside. Giles finally broke the silence.
“It’s not over. I-I-I suppose you know that. He’ll come after you, particularly. His profile, uh, well, he’s… he’s likely to strikeout at the things that made him the most human.”
“You must be so disappointed in me.” she said, afraid to look at him.
“No.” he answered. She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. “No, no I’m not.”
“But this is my fault.” Buffy said.
“No. I don’t believe it is. Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did. A-and I can. I know that you loved him. And…he…has proven more than once that he loved you. You couldn’t have known what would happen. The coming months a-are gonna, are gonna be hard… I,I suspect on all of us, but… if it’s guilt you’re looking for, Buffy, I’m, I’m not your man. All you will get from me is, is my support. And my respect.” he said quietly. Buffy smiled at him through her tears.
*~*
Buffy sat on the couch watching “Stowaway” which is playing on TV. The woman was singing “Goodnight My Love” to the man.
Goodnight, my love
My moment with you now is ending
It was so heavenly holding you close to me
Joyce came in holding a plate with two cupcakes, one with a candle and a large coffee mug.
“Did I miss anything?” Joyce asked as she sat down.
“Um… just some singing and some running around.” Buffy said softly. Joyce set down the plate and mug and looked around for the matches.
“Mm. I’m sorry I didn’t have time to make you a real cake.” Joyce apologized and found the matches.
“No. This is good.” Buffy reassured her. Joyce sat back on the couch with her feet up.
“But we’re still going shopping on Saturday.” Joyce smiled. Buffy looked at her. “So what’d you do for your birthday? Did you have fun?” Buffy looked down and then back up and answered,
“I got older.”
“You look the same to me.” Joyce said looking into her face. She leaned back to the table and strikes a match to light the candle. The wick starts to burn and she blows out the match. She set the matchbook and spent match on the table and leaned back on the couch again facing her daughter.
“Happy Birthday…I don’t have to sing do I?” Joyce joked.
“No.” Buffy said looking down at her hands.
“Well, go on, make a wish.” Joyce said indicating the burning candle.
“I think I’ll just let it burn.” Buffy said. Joyce reached up and stroked her daughter’s hair. Buffy leaned over and rested her head on her mother. Joyce continues gently stroking Buffy’s hair. The song in the movie comes to an end.
Sleep tight my love,
Goodnight my love,
Remember that you’re mine, sweetheart.
TBC…
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