A Fighter's Love by Cheri

Chapter 50

 

Fade in INT: BRONZE

The floor vibrates with rolling force as the earthquake begins. Dru and Lorne roll on top of each other while Gunn catches Fred as they fall to the floor. Giles and Wesley use every ounce of strength to remain standing but Dawn can’t do the same. She falls and Willow goes with her as she reaches out for help.

Giles:

Willow!

Buffy stands barely moving still watching Angel and Spike. They have separated now that Angel has dropped him. Spike’s eyes are closed and he holds his head still in pain. Angel is still on his knees and his head is dropped down under the force of whatever power is in the room focused on he and Spike.

Connor:

Angel!

He tries to step forward but loses his center of balance and falls. Faith catches him under the arms so he never hits the ground. They use each other as leverage to stay standing. Xander and Anya have dropped to the ground and watch in awe. Cordelia has also dropped to the ground but seems oddly detached from the events surrounding her as she focuses on Angel.

No one notices Lilah rush in from outside. She stops short at the sight in front of her.

Lilah:

Holy hell.

There’s a bang on the door and Lilah snaps out of her surprise.

Lilah:

Wesley!

Wesley looks over at the sound of her voice and seems utterly shocked. He grabs Giles by the arm and they make their way over to her. The shaking subsides a bit but the wind and strange energy still fills the room.

Wesley:

Lilah what are you doing?

Lilah:

You’ve got trouble outside.

Giles:

And you come to warn us? Pardon me for not jumping to the trust.

Another bang on the door.

Wesley:

(turning to yell across the room)

Gunn! The back entrance!

Gunn nods and Xander jumps up to follow him just behind Faith. Connor rushes to join Giles and Wesley and help bar the door. Willow and Dawn stay near the stage with Anya as Spike screams out.

Lilah:

More soldiers. I saw them from the roof. And it look like a damn army marching down the alley. I’d say at least a hundred.

Giles:

We’ll never hold them all off.

Wesley:

Something tells me we won’t have to for long.

Connor looks to see Angel standing slowly within the force and are interrupted by another bang. All three men brace themselves against the door while Lilah seems transfixed. She begins to walk towards the center of the room.

Buffy is still rooted where she began. She glances from Spike to Angel not sure what to do. When Angel stands she moves without thought. She reaches the edge of the circle of energy around him and he finally opens his eyes to meet her gaze. Time stands still in that instant as they look at one another. Buffy reaches a hand up to open her palm facing out just centimeters from touching the colored energy. Angel sees this and mirrors her movements. Something passes between them and in a flash of light their hands clasp, fingers intertwined.

The display only lasts seconds before they are both thrown backwards with violent force. Buffy hits the wall and grunts at the impact. Angel hits a structure beam and winces before dropping once again to his knees. This time his head stays down.

Spike rolls onto his back just as the energy dissipates leaving him looking up at the catwalk above him. He blinks several times still not clear on what happened. Before he can create a thought, the first makes it through a window above the catwalk. He sees it drop down once before jumping to land just away from Angel. Buffy doesn’t see it in time.

The beast rushes with stake raised to finish Angel before any answers are discovered. Angel doesn’t sense it or if he does, he doesn’t have the strength to stop it. Just as the demon decends and would begin to drop the stake a body steps in the way. The stake is already in motion and finds a mark. The wood impales deeply into the chest and blood pours. The demon seems angered and watches the figure drop over Angel’s hunched shoulders. Angel moves sideways and catches her in his hands before her head hits the concrete.

Angel:

(breathing hard)

Lilah?

Lilah looks at him with the stake still wedged in her chest. She reaches up to pull it out with her last bit of strength and the blood seeps heavier and down onto Angel’s hands.

Lilah:

(coughing blood trying to deadpan)

Oh look. Snack time.

Angel:

Why?

Lilah:

(smirks and winces)

Ask Wesley.

Her eyes fade out and Angel lets her slip from his hands. Buffy finally lifts her head and focuses just in time to see him arch his back and look up. He cries out and when his mouth opens another stream of light pours from the ceiling. He seems to almost choke and then collapse backwards onto his back. No one moves for a moment until Buffy finally crawls on her hands and knees to look down at him. She places a hand on his chest.

Buffy:

My God.

Cordelia hears this and rushes forward.

Cordy:

What? What is it?

Buffy looks up at her without answering. Her eyes fill with tears and one spills over. She slowly smiles and then hears a commotion.

Fred:

We could use some help back here!

Buffy looks up and jumps to run to the back entrance.

Cordelia:

Angel? Angel, wake up!

She places a hand on his chest to shake him awake but stops after just a second. She looks down as her mouth drops and puts the other hand over his chest.

Corelia:

That’s…is that… Angel you have a heartbeat!

He doesn’t budge and she starts slapping him over and over to force him awake.

Meanwhile, Buffy has reached the others in the back to find two vamps in the hall taking on Gunn and Faith. Fred and Xander are braced against the door trying to keep more from entering. Faith seems to be evenly matched so Buffy goes to help Gunn. She fights with renewed energy and allows Gunn to push him onto her. She twists his neck in only one quick movement and the head pops off. She looks down at the thing in her hands for a split second before it and the body turn to dust.

Buffy:

That was a first.

Faith dispatches hers as well and they all look to the door.

Xander:

Seems like the Bronze is still the place to be.

Buffy:

Faith, can you all hold the fort for just a minute? Let me check on the front and we’ll figure a way out of this.

Faith:

What about Angel?

Buffy:

He’s fine. Just hold them off for one more minute okay?

Faith:

I got nothing but time.

Buffy nods at them all and runs back to the front.

Fred:

Angel’s fine? What does that mean?

Dawn sees Buffy run back across the floor and calls out. Her, Willow and Anya step forward.

Dawn:

Angel’s okay?

Buffy:

So far. But I have to get to Giles. It happened.

Willow:

Shanshu? Angel?

Anya:

Angel’s human? Is that what you’re saying?

Buffy nods and smiles guiltily before looking to see Cordelia still hovering over his unconscious form. She remembers Spike and looks to where she last saw him. He is groggy but coherent enough to be watching the scene before him.

Buffy:

You guys go back to help Xander and the rest. We’ve got company and need to buy some time until Giles and Wes can figure out what it means.

Willow:

You got it. Let’s go Dawn. (They turn to leave and Willow takes Buffy’s hand to squeeze it) Angel’s alive Buffy.

Buffy smiles briefly before heading to Spike.

Buffy:

Spike?

Spike:

(not looking at her but still focused on Angel)

Guess it all worked out then.

Buffy:

Spike are you okay?

Spike:

(smirks and looks up at her)

Sure Slayer. Why wouldn’t I be?

Buffy:

I don’t know what happened to you, or how close it was, but I’m sorry.

Spike:

Sorry? And you expect me to believe that?

Buffy:

I don’t expect anything. And I don’t know what any of this means. But I’d like you to help me figure it out.

She holds out a hand to help him up and he looks at it before transforming to vamp face.

Spike:

You sure about that?

Buffy stares at him for a second before shaking her hand in front of him.

Buffy:

You heard me.

He doesn’t say anything in response to that just allows her to give him a hand up. Buffy walks over to Cordy.

Buffy:

Cordelia. I think the slapping is a no go.

Cordy:

Did you feel it Buffy? I know you felt it Buffy. Angel’s alive! I can feel his heartbeat.

Buffy:

I know. You stay with him, I have to go find Giles. I’ll be right back.

Cordy doesn’t even answer.

Cut to Front door.

Buffy and Spike join Giles, Wesley and Connor at the front.

Connor:

Whats’ happened?

Buffy:

You go on. You should see for yourself. Cordy’s with him now.

Connor takes off and Buffy looks to Giles and Wesley.

Buffy:

What’s going on?

Wesley:

Shanshu. I take it from Spike’s appearance that he did not shanshu. So then Angel?

Buffy:

Yes. I felt it myself. He’s alive. Angel’s alive Giles. (smiles) I can’t believe I’m actually saying that.

Giles:

(non emotional)

Yes, well that’s splendid.

Buffy:

Yet, you aren’t offering so much as a smile for the occasion which leads me to the reason I’m here.

Giles:

I don’t understand.

Buffy:

Come on Giles. You said if the prophecy wasn’t fulfilled, then it would mean bad. So bad that Spike needed to take his place. Now Angel’s back and he is human…again. And I still can’t enjoy it.

Wesley:

There is a price for everything Buffy.

Spike:

And what is the cost for this little miracle?

Wesley and Giles exchange a look.

Spike:

Maybe I got the better end of this deal after all.

Giles:

Buffy, we’ve learned some things since you’ve been away.

Buffy:

I figured as much. Any of it have to do with Lilah going all sacrificial lamb in there?

Wesley:

What?

Buffy:

She saved Angel. A demon broke through the window. I was out of reach and when I looked up she was in his arms dying.

Wesley:

(walks to peek around the corner to see Lilah lying on the ground0

Lilah’s dead.

Buffy:

Yeah, and call me crazy but when a mortal enemy decides to do a complete turn around to the point of deadness, I tend to figure something bigger is at work.

Giles:

She said they had to ensure Angel’s shanshu. It was imperative that Angel became human as a result of the Powers prediction and doing.

Spike:

So the baddies wanted Angel to get his reward all along? I don’t get it.

Wesley:

Because they knew that if the Powers allowed Angel to become human, it would only serve their purpose in the end.

Buffy:

But you said that if shanshu didn’t occur, that it would be worse. Why are you changing your mind now?

Giles:

We’re not changing our minds Buffy. We are only going along as the information presents itself. We just found out about what Lilah (pauses) what they knew just moments ago.

Giles:

Wsley, perhaps you should go see to her. Maybe there’s hope.

Spike:

Not likely. She may not be a pile of dust but it doesn’t make her any less dead.

Buffy glares at him and he shrugs. Another bang on the door and Spike moves to stand next to Giles. Buffy looks around.

Buffy:

What is it? Is it more battles?

Giles:

I think this might be the convergance of several prophecies occurring within days of one another from all ends of the spectrum. And according to what we were told, the ultimate power in all worlds is not happy about the outcomes. Something’s going to happen Buffy. I’m not sure what, but it will be soon and it will be with a definitive result that no one can predict.

Spike:

So where did they go?

Buffy:

What?

Spike:

I’m not feeling the biting at our heels. No pounding on the door.

Giles listens and nods his head in agreement.

Buffy:

(thinking hard)

They let him fight all this time. They needed him to fight. And They rewarded him. But now it’s a mistake? Why is it a mistake? Giles, why would They let him be punished for something They did?

Giles:

Buffy, the Powers may not be the ultimate power. In fact, chances are They are only a conduit through which something much larger works through. Just as Wolfram and Hart or the Hellmouth are only conduits for the dark side. There is always something greater than anything we can comprehend.

Spike:

Am I hearing theology?

Buffy:

Something bigger. (frowns) Giles, I have to go. I have to get back in there.

Giles:

Very well. We’ll mind the door.

Spike:

Bloody hell I will!

Buffy:

Spike, you give me a few minutes and you won’t be needed here. You’ll be where you belong. In there with the rest. Just a few minutes, please.

Spike nods begrudgingly and Buffy walks away. She stands at the edge of the room and closes her eyes.

Buffy V.O.:

Whoever you are, whatever you plan for us, give me this chance. (She opens her eyes and begins to survey the room) We deserve this chance.

Music begins to play: Coldplay - Trouble

Buffy looks first to the stage. Willow, Dawn and Anya are watching the center of the room.

{Oh no, I see. A spiderweb is tangled up with me.

And I lost my head and thought of all the stupid things I said.}

She moves to look at Xander who walks to stand in the doorway leading to the back. Gunn, Faith and Fred move in behind him leaving the door unguarded.

{Oh no, what’s this? A spiderweb and I’m caught in the middle.}

Faith looks up to see Buffy watching and nods her head slightly in acknowledgement. Buffy returns the signal and scans farther into the room. Next she sees Wesley kneeling down over Lilah’s body.

{So I turn to run, the thought of all the stupid things I’ve done.}

She looks past him then to see Connor standing over Angel.

{I never meant to cause you trouble,

I never meant to do you wrong.}

Cordelia is still feeling the thump of his heartbeat through his shirt.

{And if I ever caused you trouble,

oh no I never meant to do you harm.}

Camera on Buffy as she swallows hard against the thoughts and emotions coursing through her.

{Oh no I see, a spiderweb and its me in the middle.

So I twist and turn, here I am in love in a bubble.}

A strange calm envelops the room and people are again drawn to the center. They all turn to see Buffy watching unmoving.

{I never meant to cause you trouble,

I never meant to do you wrong,

Well if I ever caused you trouble,

Although I never meant to do you harm}

Buffy is the first to see his eyes open. Cordelia feels it and looks down as he sits up. Angel takes a deep breath as if it’s the first ever and his eyes fall onto Buffy watching.

{They spun a web for me,

They spun a web for me}

Music fades out as Buffy walks forward still watching him. Connor steps aside and Angel stands with Cordelia’s help.

Fred:

(whispering to Gunn)

Why do I feel like we’re not supposed to be seeing this?

Angel:

Buffy.

Wesley:

What’s happening? Why aren’t we protecting the doors?

Buffy:

Because they’re not coming in yet.

Giles:

I don’t understand.

Buffy:

At least I get to know about this time.

No one understands but its not lost on Angel.

Angel:

I’m so sorry Buffy.

Buffy:

(shrugs)

It’s okay. I don’t know why it happened the way it did before, but you must have been tormented by that day for so long.

Giles:

Buffy, is this the best time?

Buffy:

You’re right Giles. It’s not. That would mean that we had a say in the timeline for our lives and we don’t. Do we?

Cordy:

But this is different. Angel’s not human by accident. This is what the Powers wanted.

Wesley:

But its also what Wolfram and Hart wanted. Lilah apparently died for it.

Angel:

She said to ask you.

Wesley:

I’d like to think she did it for selfless reasons, but Lilah prided herself on loyalty to only one person, herself.

Xander:

I don’t get it. What’s the tragedy here? Angel is human. That’s a good thing. I’m thinking party.

Buffy:

Giles tell them.

Giles:

Um..well Angel, if we are to believe the things that Lilah and her associates told us, the reason they wanted you to survive to shanshu was because your reward would be the final nail in this world’s perverbial coffin.

Connor:

I do not understand that.

Cordy:

He’s trying to say that Angel becoming human is the badness that we were waiting for. But he’s wrong. Tell him he’s wrong Wesley.

Wesley:

I wish I could.

Angel:

There’s more fighting to come. And now I am useless in the battle.

Buffy:

It’s only the highlight of the many reasons the big bads for generations have waited for this day. We gave them exactly what they wanted and what the Powers supplied. A great warrior diminished to nothing.

Faith:

I don’t get it. If the Powers are so pissed, why let him shanshu to begin with?

Buffy:

Because it was foretold. And its not the Powers who we have to worry about.

Willow:

Wolfram and Hart?

Buffy:

No.

Dawn:

Hellmouth?

Buffy:

No.

Xander:

Angelus?

Buffy:

No.

Cordelia:

What is it already?

Angel:

A demon isn’t supposed to be rewarded, no matter what. That’s it isn’t it.

Buffy looks down and Giles answers.

Giles:

I’m sorry Angel. You couldn’t have known, it’s not your fault.

Cordelia:

No its not. Angel earned this! They promised it to him hundreds of years ago and now they delivered! If anything else happens in this world, it’s not his concern. Buffy, tell them!

Buffy:

It’s not that simple Cordelia.

Cordelia:

Of course it is. Angel finishes out his life at peace with what he accomplished. He suffered for all these years and now the Powers have rewarded him. The rest is not his problem. You’re the Slayer, you’ll always have these problems, but not Angel. Don’t tell me that you still expect him to give more.

Angel:

It’s alright Cordelia.

Cordy:

No it’s not! How can you claim to love him, any of you? If you can’t see that this is his time. he’s done his job, done everything They sent his way and more, and he survived. Now he gets a chance at life.

Buffy:

And then what?

Cordy:

What?

Buffy:

And then what? You think Angel could ever just say “Oh sorry guys, I’m human now and mortal and non fighter-guy so I’ll be seeing you!” Or do you think that you can finally get what you’ve been wishing for all along? But you’re a higher being now Cordelia. Not in the same plane even as the rest of us.

Wesley:

There might not be a way out of this for any of us. It is only a matter of time before those that were here before come back and with friends. None of us might ever make it out of here alive.

Dawn:

Ok, Dire guy. Thanks for the hopelessness. Nice touch.

Anya:

He’s right though. I still feel something is coming.

Lorne:

I’d like to second that.

Everyone turns to see him raise his handcuffed hand from Dru.

Buffy:

Unhook them.

Gunn:

What?

Buffy:

Let Dru go. She won’t hurt us and she needs to have a fighting chance. Let her face the friendlies outside the door if she’d like. But get them off the ground and separated. Lorne, can you stand?

Lorne:

Oh heck, it’s doesn’t even hurt anymore.

Dru pokes at his wound and he flinches.

Lorne:

Ow! Well thank you Miss Literal.

Buffy:

Angel, I don’t know what’s happening next.

Angel:

Nobody could.

Sound is heard outside and Gunn goes to check it out. He returns after a few seconds not happy.

Gunn:

I think you all better check this out.

The entire group goes to the door.

Buffy:

I don’t think we can all fit.

Gunn:

Don’t worry. It only takes one.

Buffy steps forward and is zapped by some kind of electrical current as soon as she tries to exit. Angel catches her instantly and she stays in his arms for a beat longer than necessary.

{Music again: Here I am in love in a bubble}

Giles:

What is that?

Willow:

Defintiely a protection spell of some kind.

Dawn:

Someone’s protecting us from going out there?

Connor:

Or trapping us in here.

Xander:

Ok, I’d like to rescend my previous statement about the Bronze now. Not the place we want to be.

Angel:

Actually I think it is.

Lorne:

What’s that?

Angel:

It’s our only chance.

Buffy:

What is?

Angel:

What if the only hope is in this room? What if whatever power is responsible for directing and punishing even the Powers is giving us one shot to fix it? For the world.

Giles:

I’m afraid I’m not following.

Wesley:

I think I am.

Fred:

Explain please.

Wesley:

One prophecy could bring upon ruination then one act might be able to prevent it. The ones that were after us before are now barred from entry and we are barred from exit. Something wants us here, to do something.

Angel:

Exactly.

He jumps on the stage and climbs up to the catwalk to look down at the scene. He sees everyone looking up at him. He looks at each of them for a long second before putting his hands in his pockets to think. His hand wraps around something and he pulls it out to look at.

Flash to him digging in the drawer before they left LA. He holds it in his hand tight and then smiles.

Spike:

What’s so funny up there?

Angel:

I was just thinking. You all look so small from up here. It’s almost like I don’t belong there with you anymore.

Willow:

Don’t say that Angel. That’s just the human in you talking. Come down here with us now.

Angel smirks and drops back down to the stage.

Connor:

What’s that?

Angel:

This? Oh, all in due time. (he steps down from the stage and walks to face Buffy) I wish you could remember that day Buff. It was amazing.

Buffy:

I wish I could too Angel.

Angel:

I knew it was a gift for what would come. I knew that it was just enough to show me how wonderful it could have been. If only…

Buffy:

If only we weren’t us.

Angel:

(nods)

Can you imagine the furor we must have created that day? Every being with any knowledge of either side must have been insane.

Buffy:

We did always have a knack for the hissy enducing for the omniscient types. (pauses) And now here we are again.

Angel:

There’s only one way to end this before its too late.

Buffy:

(eyes well again)

I don’t think I’m that strong Angel. You were strong enough for both of us last time. I don’t have it in me anymore.

Angel:

Shh. Yes you do. You gave me all the strength I had Buffy. It all came from you. You have no idea of your power.

Buffy:

What do I have to do?

Angel:

Just help me. When its time, you’ll know it. And you can make sure its done.

Giles:

Angel, what are you going to do?

Angel:

(steping back)

Not much I can do on this one Giles.

Wesley:

I don’t understand.

Angel:

I’m going to have to rely on an old friend.

Xander:

Who?

Angel turns to look at Cordelia and she backs away.

Cordelia:

Whatever it is you’re thinking, forget it. I’m not helping you screw up your life.

Angel walks to her and holds out the box.

Angel:

Do you remember your birthday? I had something for you.

Cordy:

Hey that’s right! You snuck out of that one.

Angel:

I didn’t sneak. I just waited. Then it never was the right time again.

Cordy:

(takes a box from his hand)

What’s this?

Angel:

I forgot about it until we were leaving LA. I don’t know why, but something told me I needed to bring it. So I did.

Cordy:

You want me to open it now?

Angel nods and she smiles as she opens the lid. She inhales sharply at the sight of it.

Cordy:

Angel it’s beautiful.

She pulls out a locket and looks close at the square design before opening it slowly. It doesn’t hold pictures, instead it has one word engraved on each side. The first is demon and the second is human. She smiles but then stops to look at him.

Cordy:

Wait. I didn’t become part demon until after my Birthday. How did you know?

Angel:

I didn’t.

Cordy:

Then I don’t understand.

Angel:

Look at the back.

Cordy turns it over to see one more word facing her. Family.

Angel:

I wanted you to know how I felt. How important you are to all of us. To me. But now I see it wasn’t just that, it was a sign of things to come and what we would need to face it.

Connor:

Family.

Angel:

Yes.

Anya:

This is awkward. I feel awkwardness now.

Xander:

Anya ssshh.

Anya:

And now I know I’m right. You always shush me when I’m inappropriately right.

Cordy:

Thank you Angel, but I don’t understand.

Angel:

Cordelia, you can help people. Take the things and emotions that don’t belong out of them.

Cordy:

What does that have to do with…? Oh no.

Angel:

It’s the only way. If this prophecy is going to bring about plagues and wars and horrors that aren’t even imaginable to me, then I have to do everything I can to stop it.

Cordy:

But your humanity? No Angel. Besides, I take bad things out of people, I can’t take a good thing from someone. And especially not you. You can’t ask me that.

Angel:

You have to try Cordelia. It’s still new to me and I haven’t learned how to protect it yet. You can do this.

Cordy:

(backing away)

No. I’m not doing that to you. Don’t ask me to do that to you Angel.

Angel:

You’re the only shot we have.

Cordy:

No. Buffy tell him! This is crazy. You can’t let him do this.

Buffy:

You’re right.

Cordy:

Thank God.

Buffy:

It is crazy. But Angel knows what he’s doing.

Cordy:

What? No! I’m not having any part of this, and if you love him at all you won’t either!

Cordy runs to the back and Xander goes after her. The others watch in silence.

Angel:

Maybe I should…

Buffy:

No. Don’t. Let Xander talk to her first. (walks closer to speak quietly) Angel are you sure about this?

Angel:

Yes. It is the only chance we have.

Lorne:

Shields weakening.

Willow:

How do you know? Do you feel something.

Lorne:

(points)

More along the seeing lines.

A Mohra has slid past the barrier and is coming after Buffy and Angel. Connor trips it and Buffy sldies under its blow. Angel catches one and flies backwards in stunned pain.

Connor stands and begins swinging a bar towel with a salt shaker in it. He aims perfectly and buffy ducks just as the towel materializes to hit the jewel.

Gunn:

Nice moves man.

Connor:

Thanks. (to Angel) You love her. That’s what started all of this. She came here because of it.

Angel:

(Looks at Buffy)

 

Cut to back hallway

Cordelia is crying in the shadows and Xander approaches quietly.

Xander:

Cordelia?

Cordy:

GO away Xander.

Xander:

Now Cordy, that didn’t work for twelve years, what makes you think it would work now?

Cordy half laughs and Xander walks to stand in front of her.

Cordy:

(wiping nose)

I can’t do this Xander. What he’s asking, what you’re all asking, it’s too much. You don’t understand.

Xander:

I think I understand more than you think.

Cordy looks up at him and he smiles softly and puts a hand on her shoulder.

Xander:

It’s amazing how much you’ve changed since high school.

Cordy:

That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all. But Buffy doesn’t care. I’ll never be good enough.

Xander:

Good enough for what?

Cordy:

Nothing.

Xander:

(steps back)

Pretty wild what happened before isn’t it? I mean, with me hearing you and all.

Cordelia:

I still don’t get that.

Xander;

Maybe you’re not supposed to. You’re all higher being girl now. Maybe you were just using some small part of your former self that only I really got to know. Who knows why things work out like they do with any of us?

Cordy:

You’ve changed too. I appreciate what you did for me Xander. But your’e not going to talk me into taking the one thing that Angel deserves more than any of us.

She rubs absentmindedly on the locket still in her hands.

Xander:

You know what Cordelia. You’re right. Angel has sufferend more than any of us ever could know, except maybe Buffy, (Cordy looks up and Xander trudges on) and the last thing he deserves is to have that taken away. Even I can see that.

Cordy:

So why didn’t you say that in there?

Xander:

Would it have done any good?

Cordy:

Maybe. (pauses) No.

Xander:

Man, this is unreal. I lose the human girl in high school and hook up with a demon turned human. Then the human girl gets turned demon and the new girl goes back to demon just as the old girl transcends all description to become a higher being. This stuff could only happen to me.

Cordelia:

I know what you’re doing Xander. You’re trying to make me see that things happen regardless of how much we fight them and denying what and who I am is not fair to anyone. But its not going to work.

Xander:

I was? I mean, I am. But it’s not?

Willow:

(from door)

Sorry to interrupt, but we’re kind of in trouble in here. Things are starting to slip through the cracks. Something’s gonna give.

Xander:

Give us one more sec.

Willow:

Ok.

Xander:

(taking Cordelia’s hand)

You don’t have to do anything. This is all up to you. But whatever feelings you have for Angel or Buffy or anyone else, I hope you’re making the right decision from the right place and not just from what you think is right.

{V.O.: When given a choice you will never understand, you must choose blindly from a place you have not yet tapped}

 

Cut to Center room

Fred:

Something has to be done and soon.

Giles:

Everyone stand in a circle facing out. When another comes through, the nearest to it calls out and others will come. No one back up and don’t give them an opportunity to break the circle.

Without words a huge circle is formed. Faith, Dawn, Gunn, Fred, Anya, Wesley, Lorne, are joined by Xander who leads Cordy to the center of the circle to face off with Buffy and Angel. Connor completes the circle next to Giles but he stays facing inward to watch his father. Spikie also squeezes in to watch Dru who sits next to Lilah’s body just looking around for a means of escape.

Buffy:

You okay?

Cordelia:

No.

Angel:

You’re doing the right thing Cordy.

Cordy:

I never said I was doing anything.

Angel:

But…

Cordy:

If you’re right. If I’m an augury and I hold the power to decide time and space and life or death, I choose life. Your life. You are done fighting Angel. It’s my place now. And Buffy’s if she wants it. But you aren’t a part of the solution. I won’t let you be.

Buffy:

We could all die Cordelia.

Cordy:

Or we could all survive. Why assume Angel must be sacrificed to ensure our safety? Is that really want you want for him?

Buffy looks at Angel and steps up to look at him closely. She begins speaking to Cordelia without moving her gaze.

Buffy:

You want to know what I want for him Cordelia? In a perfect world, I want him to live and breathe and love for the rest of his days. I want him to feel what he’s missed for the last two and a half centuries. I want him to be loved the way he deserves. I want him to never hurt again and never cry and never feel the slightest bit of the pain that the rest of us deal with every day.

She turns to look away when Angel’s eyes fill with tears and he grimaces at her words. She looks at Cordelia.

Buffy:

But this isn’t a perfect world. It’s cold and hard and dark and doesn’t care about a single soul in it. The dark side, the Powers, They all play with us like puppets and we have no choice but to go along. We choose how we want to deal and we go on. And look around you Cordelia. We have all made the same choice.

Cordy looks around and sees the others glance back at her for a second in silence.

Cordy:

Then if its to end here…tonight, we made the choice together.

Buffy:

No. That’s not how it works. We don’t just resign ourselves to what’s inevitable. We fight Cordelia. Every single person in this room is a fighter. Don’t you see? None of us would be able to deal if we knew that we could have done something to stop it. Including you.

Cordelia:

And what if I do this and it doesn’t help?

Buffy:

But what if it does? That’s what it’s all about. Don’t you see that? Each small victory we claim, each meaningless fight we pursue, it all adds up. And this has all added up to this moment. Not one of us can stop this, only you. (She looks at Angel) He gives us all a glimpse into what we can be. Angel spent a hundred years as a killing machine. Then he was saved, but his saving grace was his ultimate torture. Now you are having the same test. And you aren’t thinking clearly.

Cordy:

You don’t know what I’m thinking.

Buffy:

I had a day of perfect bliss. I may not remember it, but I know it happened. And you know why that doesn’t kill me to know I’m missing possibly the best part of my life? Because it brought us here. And now Angel has a son. (She looks at Connor) A brave, strong son that only he could have created. And why don’t I hurt at the thought that it wasn’t me to give him that? Because it brought us here. This and every other moment all of us have shared has brought us to this point.

Cordleia:

You have given up your chance at happiness over and over. You do what’s best because you were the Chosen One. Maybe I’m not as worthy as you. Is that what you want to hear?

Angel:

Cordelia, we don’t have a lot of time. This has to happen.

Cordy:

Stop saying that! What is wrong with you?

Giles:

Buffy!

She turns to see another vamp make it inside. It doesn’t get past he and Connor and Buffy turns back to Cordelia with renewed haste.

Buffy:

Cordelia listen to me damnit! It has to be now! I don’t want to see Angel lose this chance, but its his decision. And if you deny him that, then you’re not the person any of us or the Powers think you are!

Lorne:

Cordelia honey, listen to them.

Cordy:

Stop it!

The thunder begins again and the earth begins to move. Angel styumbles and looks to Connor. He begins to sway and Giles takes his hand. The other is taken by Dawn and soon everyone in the circle uses each other as stability to stay upright. Cordy looks around and sees everyone with their backs turned to her.

Buffy:

There is love and then there’s us Cordelia. We’re fighters, all of us. Champions for the Powers and anything else that strives for good and right in this craziness. Nothing in this world is more powerful than a fighter’s love. I said once that the hardest thing in this world was to live in it. Maybe I had it wrong. Maybe the hardest thing in this world is to love in it. (looks at Angel) It’s horrifying to lose yourself in someone else, it’s terrifying to know that another person holds the key to your world in their hands and they might not care enough to treasure it. Or if they do, it might not last long enough to make it worth it. (Looks at Spike) And if you are strong enough to give in and let something happen, what if it’s not what is right or safe or sane? But we have to keep going. We have to believe that regardless of pain and anger and joy and death, we fought. We fought and we loved enough to do what others can’t even fathom. And if it’s the wrong thing, then we fight more and we hope to find the answer. But if it’s right. Cordelia, if its right, then we win.

Angel:

(steps forward to lift Cordy’s hand)

I want to win Cordelia. I want us all to win.

Cordelia allow the tears to slip past her lashes as she closes her eys to feel the heartbeat one last time. She frowns and concentrates just as the shields around the building collapse and dozens of enemies rush in the building. The circle breaks apart but stands its ground. Everyone fights valiantly as Cordelia begins to glow behind them.

Angel flinches at the first pain and then seems to accept it. He grits his teeth and waits for what’s to come. Cordelia seems weakened but after only a moment she stops and opens her eyes as Angel drops. Connor catches him before he falls and Buffy turns away to assist in the fighting.

Willow:

(ducking under a punch)

What’s taking so long?

Wesley:

Nothing is certain. It might not even work.

Cordelia:

I think it did.

Spike:

Buffy.

Buffy looks and sees Cordelia collapse just when Angel stands finally. A bright light fills the room and Skip appears.

Angel:

Skip?

Skip:

She did it.

Buffy:

Are you here for Cordelia?

Skip:

(raises a hand and all vamps burst into flames instantly, the room falls quiet as the friends realize the battle is over.)

She’s losing her gifts.

Xander:

What?

Skip:

She made the right choice, from the place she didn’t know existed and now she has the humanity that was her sacrifice in order to ascend. It will destroy her.

Fred:

Are you saying that Cordelia cant handle humanity within her anymore?

Angel:

So she gets rid of it. Cordy, stand up!

Skip:

It’s not that simple. The humanity was a gift. A gift of life for someone worthy. Someone who sacrificed themselves for the greater good. Now the only way to protect Cordelia and the Powers is to find it a home.

Buffy:

But Angel…

Skip:

No, Angel is right. He’s meant to fight in this world for all his days. And then some.

Giles:

But there’s no one else. We’re all already alive.

Faith:

She’s not.

She points and everyone looks to see Lilah laying dead on the side of the room.

Wesley:

She’s not worthy. She didn’t sacrifice herself.

Skip:

How do you know?

Wesley:

Beg your pardon?

Skip:
She came to warn you all. It wasn’t to save herself, or her employers. It was to save the world. The world that her mother lives in. She did make a sacrifice.

Gunn:

I don’t believe it.

Skip:

You don’t have to. But right now you have about thirty seconds before the window of opportunity closes. And when she comes back, she’ll probably go right back to her evil ways. So what’s it gonna be?

Angel:

Bring her here.

Wesley:

Angel…

Angel:

Bring her here!

Connor and Giles lift Lilah’s body and carry her to lay beside Cordelia. Angel puts Cordy’s hand against Lilah’s and an energy immediately is evident. After only a few seconds, Lilah’s eyes flutter open and she sits up slowly looking around.

Cordelia allows Angel to help her up and she steps to Buffy.

Cordelia:

Guess we’ll never know what would have happened.

Buffy:

Probably better that way.

Cordelia:

I want to go home Skip.

Skip:

Sure thing kid.

Angel:

Home Cordelia?

Cordy:

I know where it is now. But I won’t be gone long. And I’m gonna be watching you.

She smiles and they hug.

Cordy:

Take care of that boy of yours.

Angel:

Always. I’ll see you in LA.

Cordy:

(smirking)

You bet you will.

She turns to look at the rest of the group and lifts a hand before fading out with Skip.

 

Slowly Xander, Anya and the rest begin to file out into the darkness of another night. It’s been a day since they arrived.

Connor leads Dawn out as well while Buffy and Angel watch.

Buffy:

Now that could get complicated.

Angel:

(smiling and moving to stand next to her still watching the now empty exit)

Isn’t that our specialty?

Buffy half smiles tiedly and allows him to put an arm around her. She lays her head on his shoulder for a second before stopping to look at him.

Buffy:

A locket?

Angel:

What?

Buffy:

(mumbling)

I never got a locket.

Angel:

You can’t be serious.

Buffy:

It’s fine really. I can’t complain. Cordelia’s not the same girl I used to know.

Angel:

And neither are you Buffy. Neither are you.

Buffy:

Is that a bad thing?

Angel:

Can I get back to you on that?

Buffy punches him in the arm and he stumbles.

Angel:

Hey!

Buffy:

Oh shut up you big baby. It’s not like you’re human or anything.

Angel:

Low blow.

Buffy:

So are we done here?

Angel:

Do you really want me to answer that?

Buffy:

No. (looks to the door and then back at the Bronze before facing him) I think I already know.

THE END