Timeline

Chapter 18

Now that Lilah and Liam were out of the basement Gunn started using it to train again. The sarcophicus was still down there but he pushed it into the cage so it was out of the way.
Fred would sit on the stairs out of his way. Sometimes she would join him, often making him new weapons and showing him how to use them.
Today was no exception , Gunn used double bladed knives, so Fred sat on the stairs, keeping a safe distance.
"These are awesome , where did you find these?"
"I got a new supplier after Angel found out old Harry was giving info to Wolfram and Hart"
"Well he's good , I bet Angel did some pretty heavy vetting"
Fred sniggered , Gunn didn't get why for a while and when he did,he smiled at her and wiped the sweat from his nose before he bent down and kissed her .
"Has anyone taken a look at that coffin yet?" Fred asked
"Not that I know of, thing gives the willys" he shuddered to emphasize the fact.
Fred walked into the cage and ran her hand along the edge. " It's made of stone, so I should be able to carbon date it"
"Why don't you leave it til the big man gets back?"
"Charles , since when have I been able to leave this stuff alone?"
"O.K. you got me there , but seriously , the things creepy and we don't know what it's for"
"It's a coffin silly "
"I mean , we don't know whats inside"
Fred saw a crowbar sat in a box and retreived it.
"Fred don't!"
She put the bar under a lip in the lid and tried to pry it open. The crowbar shattered and Fred landed on her ass.
Embarrassed by her fall she stood up brushed herself down " Typical ole me , maybe your right Charles"
Fred moved round the stone mass and brushed her hand over the stone at the head of the lid. "Thats odd"
Gunn stopped throwing the knives and walked into the cage " What is?"
His eyes fell on the large purple stone. It glowed bright purple . Their eyes squinted at it . Gunn finally blinked and shook off the feeling that had taken over his senses.
"Fred stop looking at it" But it was too late she was transfixed on the stone.
The lid groaned and the stone sunk into a vortex that had appeared on the lid, dust and air flew out into Fred's face ,the stone disappeared from it's spot.
Fred fell to the floor , coughing and weazing, gasping for air.
Gunn yelled for someone to help him .
Faith and Liam came running down the stairs and flew to Fred and Gunn's side.
"What happened?" Faith asked
Liam bundled Fred up in his arms and laid her on the bunk.
"She was curious about the coffin and wanted to see what was inside.The stone that was at the head of the lid did some kind of swirling thing and a load of crap flew out into Fred's face"
"We best get her to a hospital"
Liam stood up "Count me out, sunrise is coming"
"We can take her .Get Willow for me and tell her we need a forcefield around that scary ass thing" Faith said as she picked Fred up with ease.


Gunn and Faith took Fred upstairs and out into Gunn's truck. Gunn drove while Faith cradled Fred , wiping the dust from her face. Fred groaned and coughed again.
"I think she's coming round" Faith said
Gunn took a glance at her and stroked some hair from her face. "She best be O.K , I dont know what I'd do without her"
"She'll be fine , I'm sure of it."
Both of them doubted it.
They sat in silence for the rest of the drive. The only noise was a slight weaze and the odd groan that escaped Fred's lips.


Willow and Liam went back down into the basement and looked at the sarcophicus .
"Cordelia must have known what it would do " Willow said angrily
" I didn't meet Cordelia , did ye know her well?"
"Yeah I went to school with her , she was a prize bitch then"
"Guess the lass hasn't changed then"
"Only for the worst"
Neither of them wanted to go near it. Finally Liam stood next to it.
"I'm already dead, how much harm can it do to me now" he stated.
Willow sucked it up and walked in there . She placed the candles on the lid and placed chrystals around the base.
"Ready"
Liam and Willow walked out of the cage and sat on the floor . Willow placed a few ingredients beside her and laid a silk hanky on floor in front of her.Liam sat silently watching Willow set her objects out on the silk.
Once the bowl and chrystals were put in place , the two of them linked hands and stared at each other.
Willow nodded and started to chant. The chrystals around the coffin glowed and crackled with mystical energy.Liam hadn't seen anything like this before and was in awe . Finally a shimmering forcefield domed over the coffin. Willow took another deep breath before letting go of Liam's hands.
"That should hold for a while, not sure exactly though"
Not wanting to stay there any longer than needed, they both walked back up to the foyer.

"Looks like it's just you and me " Willow said .
Liam sat down on the sofa and put his hands behind his head. Willow sat next to him and sighed.
" I find it hard to believe that I live this long"
"Why?"
" In my time , we don't believe in all this . I still find it hard now."
Willow looked at him "So now you believe and you also know witches are real and demons exist"
"How did ye get involved"
"In witchcraft or the whole thing"
He frowned "The whole thing"
Buffy started at my school and we kind of just became friends.We found out by accident that she was the slayer.Things just went from there"
"When did you meet Angel for the first time"
" He used to watch Buffy and help her out, sometimes giving her cryptic clues about stuff.Then it was obvious it was more than that "
"They fell in love?"
"Yes, not that they admitted it. He didn't help by not telling her he was a vampire.She kissed him and he went grrrr. She nearly killed him. Darla , she was your sire, set him up and made it look like he ate her Mum, she attacked Buffy and Angel staked her in the Bronze"
"The Bronze?"
"A club we used to go to. After he did that Buffy and Angel were inseperable. He helped us all until he lost his soul."
"How did that happen "
"Buffy and Angel , well unno , they erm, they......."
" Made love?"
"Yes. The curse has a clause in it . If Angel , and I guess you too , if you find true happiness then you lose your soul and you turn evil again."
" But he got his soul back, how?"
"I found the spell and I restored his soul. Thats how I gave you your soul. Angel stayed with Buffy for a while but it was too much of a temptation for them.Angel left and came here."


The phone rang and Willow answered it.

"Hello"

"How is she?"

"Thats good, I'm glad she's O.K.

"When will you guys be home then?"

"See you soon then"

Willow put the reciever down and returned to the seat, next to Liam.
"Fred seems fine so they are bringing her home. They should be back in about an hour." she told Liam.
"Ey that is good news"
Willow was restless. With everything that had happened since their arrival in L.A , she actually missed Sunnydale and the Hellmouth. Things were never this complicated. Well , maybe once when Buffy had died.
"Ye look deep in thought there, penny for them"
"I was just thinking how complicated things are and how I missed home "
" I have to agree with ye there. "
" Doubt there's anything else that can go wrong"


The private jet made its way through the sky towards Ireland.Giles and Wesley were fast asleep . Angel and Spike were nervous as hell. They had never flown before and Spike was extremely nervous of the sun. "Nechro-tempered glass " Lilah had told them as she tapped on it. "The suns rays that are so harmful to you , can't penetrate it"
"Oh" is all Spike said as he sat in the chair next to Angel , still wary of the windows.
"Y'know what I miss ? Getting drunk"
Angel looked at Spike " Not a problem for me I guess"
"You always did have all the luck, ponce"
Lilah found it hard to believe that those two had been linked throughout history.How they hadn't staked each other was surprising. She raised her eyebrows and watched as the coastline of Ireland loomed at the horizon.
"Thank god" she said out loud
Spike sank another shot of whiskey and growled .He threw the small bottle onto the pile of discards, which by now, was quite large. He slumped back in his chair. "Bloody vampire constitution"
Angel forced a smile .
The jet lowered in the sky as it came over the coastline of Ireland.
Almost there, Angel thought, Get the plan straight,go to Wolfram and Hart, get all the info on me and the baby, get them to restore Cordy, go see Buffy, win her back, check on things at home before handing Lilah back , kill Lilah if they screw me over, go home if things go to plan.Got that?He looked out of the window, Ireland didn't look that different from up here.
"Home" is all he said, as the Jet descended towards the airport.

The jet slipped onto the runway with ease, it slowed and rolled into a private hanger. Angel was the first to stand up and he grabbed Lilah, eager to get off the plane and get to Buffy.
"Just so you know , if this is a trap or you try anything , Spike here, has my permission to have a liquid lunch"
"You think I'm that stupid, you won't kill me"
Spike vamped " Your right , I wouldn't .I'd torture you til you begged for it, then I'd torture you some more" He licked his fangs.
Lilah grimmaced and looked at Angel , expecting him to chastise Spike .Angel nudged her towards the door of the jet.
Spike shook of his true face and pulled his leather coat around him.
The door to the jet lowered and Angel and Lilah walked out together "Get the car" he shouted.
A stretch limo pulled up tight to the plane and Angel descended the stairs , closely followed by Spike , Giles and Wesley. Once they were in the limo , the centre glass rolled down and the driver looked over his shoulder at Lilah
"Where to Miss"
"The offices" She replied
The glass rolled up again and the car drove away from the hanger. Angel put the cuffs back on Lilah and he sat back.
"Straight into the belly of the beast" Spike said
Angel looked at him and rubbed his eyes.

Buffy woke up and stretched. She ran to the bathroom " being pregnant sure makes you need the toilet alot" she said to herself
Buffy showered and got dressed, her third pair of jeans discarded in a corner, "I need to go shopping and get some maternity wear"
She pulled on her leisure pants and went downstairs.
The morning sun was bleaching through the windows, it looked even more like the house from Liam's time, Buffy thought. She went into the kitchen and made some breakfast . Once she was done , Buffy went and unpacked her cases. She came downstairs and walked out into the garden. It was magnificent. The fountain had been repaired and was working , there were herbs in beds that perfumed the air. Roses and other scented blooms edged the garden. At the back there was a hedge with an archway. Buffy walked through it and into a large paddock. A large tree grew in the centre and it had stones beneath it. She walked over to the tree and knelt down. The stones had ivy and weeds growing on them. She pulled them off and ran her hands over the stone in front of her. It was Angels headstone.

Lost to us
Beloved son and brother
Liam 'o' Conner


Buffy bit back the urge to cry. She missed him and wanted him here. 'He must have meant it when he said he wasn't going to turn back time'. She rubbed her now obvious bump .'It doesnt change things' she thought ' anytime things get tough ,he could bail on you and then where would you be? You'll be happy here'. Buffy sat with her back leant against the headstone and enjoyed the sun. She finally relaxed.

Lilah , Angel and Spike walked into the Lobby of Wolfram and Hart. Angel shuddered. It was a carbon copy of the L.A branch
"Spooky isn't it " Lilah said , a smile on her lips.
Angel shoved Lilah forward and walked up to the front desk.
"Can I ..... Miss Morgan , lovely to see you again. Oh " the young woman said as she saw Angel and Spike behind her .Giles and Wesley hung back.
" We don't have an appointment but I'm guessing that's not a problem" Angel said through gritted teeth.
"I'll check" the girl picked up the phone and announced the ' three of them' were there.
"Take a seat over there" she pointed to some sofa's against a wall.
Angel ushered Lilah to the seat and sat with her. Spike preferred to stand .
A tall dark woman approached them and greeted them with her hand extended.
"I'd be careful who you offer that hand to " Lilah said " he has a habit of cutting them off."
"My names Ellen Forbes, what can we do to assist you?"
" I think you got a memo from the L.A branch that told you what I want" Angel said
"Please , lets adjurn to my office" she led them into the elevator , once they were in, she pressed twelve.
They followed Ellen into her office. She shut the door behind them and walked behind her desk. She sat down and pulled out a file.
"From what I can see in this file , you have asked for ' Cordelia Chase to be restored to full health and for the visions to be transferred to you"
Angel looked at the floor and simply nodded
"Angel , I thought that they would kill anyone that was human?" Spike said .
"They do , which is the other part of your request.To be turned back to what you once were" Ellen continued.
"Thats right.So when does this happen , I'm on a tight schedule, you understand" Angels tone was hard.
"I do , but it's not that simple , what you are asking for , it's alot when all you have to barter with , is one employee"
"I don't just have one employee, if you have tried to contact the L.A branch , you would know that it's no longer functioning. I wouldn't hesitate in bringing the same fate to this branch, or for that matter, every branch you have"
Ellen was seriously shaken by the claim ,and Angel's demeanour. She knew he was deadly serious.
"And you think the Senior Partners would allow this?" she sat back in her chair.
" I don't think they will , but they don't have much of a choice"
"Your willing to risk their wrath?"
Angel huffed loudly and stood up , he leant across the desk , his face inches from Ellens "Do you think I would be here if I wasn't, now pick up the phone , say what needs to be said ,and get this done!"
Ellen picked up the phone and asked for Special projects, after a few seconds she asked for the division manager to come to her office.
Angel sat back down and looked at his hands.
Spike was looking out of the window . He turned to Angel ."Why don't you let me take the visions"
"No Spike this is my fight"
"Don't be a moron all your unlife.... life"
Angel thought about it. It would mean you could have a normal mortal life with Buffy, but then you have that idiot with you for the rest of your life.You can't trust him , he's unpredictable. there has been too many people put at risk by people you trusted , and you don't trust him .
"No , not a possiblity Spike "
"What about Buffy ? She was all set for a life as a Mother to your kid and looking forward to you growing old together.Why do you think she left you ? You will lose her forever you do this. Not that you don't deserve that anyway, but, you let me do this, you might just have a shot at getting her back"
Angel had to admit it but the peroxide prat had a good point.
"O.K , Spike gets the visions " he said , sounding defeated.
" We could still restore you back to your 'normal' self , if thats what you want"
" No , I don't want that "

The door to the office opened and a short, balding man slipped in.
"I got a message saying I was needed here"
"I want you to take Spike here to the lab with you" Ellen shuffle some papers around on her desk , finally picking one up " I want you to extract the visions from a ' Cordelia Chase' , her photo is attached , and then place them in Spike."
" Have the Senior Partners authorised it?"
"Just do as I tell you and let me worry about that" Ellen shouted
Spike left with the lab rat, he paused at the door and looked back at Angel, "Don't worry Sire , I won't do anything to screw this up" .

"What about Cordy?"
"She has already been restored to full health, although she will remain asleep until you arrive back"
" Good" he continued "How long til Spike's done?"
Ellen looked at her rolex "He should be finished in about five minutes"
"That quick?"
"Yes."

In the lab

Spike walked hesitantly into the room.A chair( that resembled a dentistry chair) sat in the centre with a large monitor behind it. Wires hung around the room and trailed across the floor . A desk with a computer on it sat against the far wall , empty styrofoam coffee cups littered the desk.Spike winced, who's bloody brilliant idea was this? , he asked himself.This goes above wearing jewellry and burning to death on your list of stupid.
The technician typed something on the P.C and then ushered Spike to the chair .
"Sit , sit "
The tech lifted a helmet and preceded to place it on Spike's head. It was a good fit and the technician tightened the straps . He pushed a button on the keyboard and straps shot out of the arms of the chair and wrapped tightly around Spike's wrists.
"Hey! HEY! " Spike shouted
"Safety see , wouldnt want you running off half way through the transfer. Might not be good, last man that did that ended up in an assylum"
Spike stopped struggling , although relaxing wasn't part of the process.
"Are you ready?" the tech asked
"As I'll ever be " Spike put on his vamp face and his cockiness came to the forefront "Lets just do this"
The technician pushed a button and stood back , keeping his eyes fixed to the monitor.
A bluish light glowed and a low hum came from the helmet. Spikes eyes closed and he leant forward. The pain was intense but nothing he couldn't deal with. He balled his fists and rocked in the chair. Faces and monsters flooded his memory. their screams drowned out his own. The pain intensified and Spike yelled out . It felt like there was a lightning storm inside his mind , and it was about to rip open his skull. Sweat ran from his head and down his cheeks, pooling on his chin before dropping into his lap. Spike fell back into the chair and passed out.
"Transfer complete and successful I might add"

Back in Ellens office.


"Would you like a drink while we wait?" Ellen asked
"No"
"I wouldn't say no though " Lilah said
Ellen poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Lilah. She sat behind her desk and pulled out the files on Angel. They were extensive to say the least.
"As requested we ran a search on places your slayer could possibly be hiding out." Ellen didn't even look up from the paperwork. "We followed up on sightings and they all came up blank"
"So you haven't found Buffy then" Angel said .He sounded utterly defeated.
"I didn't say that " She flipped open a large manilla folder
" We received this two days ago" She turned the folder around and slid it in front of Angel.
Angel drew it closer and looked at the photo. It was his Buffy . She was sat under a tree reading a book. He lifted it out of the folder and saw other photo's . He dropped the one that was in his hand and picked them up. The next photo was of her coming out of a house and getting into a cab. He put that one down and looked at the next. It was Buffy, again under the tree, placing flowers on what looked like a grave.
"My grave!"
He hurriedly looked at the rest of the pictures and then back over the ones he had already viewed.
"She is at my family home?"
"Yes. She purchased it over three months ago .We estimate it to be around the time she fell pregnant. Just after your trip through the portal"
"Why ? Why didn't she tell me?"
"Thats something you will have to discuss with her"
Angel sat there looking at the pictures of his love. One of the pictures showed Buffy practising thai chi under the tree. Sunlight streamed through the bows onto her. He looked at her profile and could see her bump , now clearly visible. Tears fell onto the photo.
Lilah gave a cough.
Snapped from his thought's , he wiped his eyes , and placed the photo's into the folder. He looked up at Ellen and said his thanks.
" I have to ask you now , how do you intend to settle this debt?"
"You get Lilah back , unharmed, and I won't interfere with any of Wolfram and Harts future projects. It's as simple as that"
"Even if they target your family" Ellen said an air of amusement at the thought.
"That's different" Angel glared at her.
"We thought as much. Don't worry , we have no pans for your child "
Angel didn't trust her . "I will come after anyone who harms so much as a hair on my child or Buffy , make no mistake about that"


The door to the office opened and Spike came in . He looked like shit , there was no two ways about it. Angel felt a pang of guilt.
Spike slammed down into a chair and sighed loudly.
"How are we feeling Spike " Ellen asked
Spike sat forward "WE are obviously feeling fine and dandy .ME I feel like somebody's just ripped off my head and shat down my neck , thanks for asking" His tone was heavily sarcastic.
Angel had to laugh at Spike.He certainly had a way with words.
"I will arrange for Lilah to be dropped off at the offices, once I know everyone is safe" Angel stood up and walked to Spike.
Lilah stood and shook hands with her counterpart, "I guess I will see you again soon".
The five of them left the offices and got into the limo.
Just as before , the glass rolled down and the driver asked for his destination.
"Oranmore Hotel" Angel said.

The sun was just dipping under the horizon when the limo pulled up outside the hotel. The occupants got out and made their way inside .
"I have some reservations " Angel told the receptionist " Names Liam 'O'Conner"
"Yes sir , I can see you have booked two twin sleeper suites and one of our premiere suites" She typed something in and then retreived some paperwork from the printer. "If you could just sign here and here for me"
Angel took the sheets of paper and signed them , handing them back to the receptionist with a smile.
"Thankyou , your rooms are ready and they are on the third floor .Enjoy your stay"
Angel took the keys and walked up the stairs. The rest of the group followed him .
"So who gets the honour of babysitting Lilah , may I ask " Giles said .
"I thought that you and Wesley would keep an eye on her"
"And what would you be doing whilst we er entertain her" Giles asked.
Like you need me to tell you , he thought
" I'll be going and visiting the old family home " he smiled .

They reach the first of the twin rooms and entered . Spike ran and jumped onto the bed nearest to him.
"Pretty cosy, if I say so myself " Spike tucked his hands behind his head.
"Can't we leave Her with Him" Wesley said
"I guess , work it out between yourselves" Angel threw the keys for the room to Spike and went to the door.
"Spike?"
"What"
"No snacking on her"
"Scouts honour" Spike replied
"You were never a scout Spike" Angel said
"No , but I've eaten a few, does that count?"
Everyone rolled their eyes and Giles and Wesley followed Angel out of the room.
Angel gave the two Watchers the other key . He bid them goodnight and went to his room on the opposite side of the hall.
He shut the door and leaned against it. He was tired ,but he had plans tonight.


Angel showered and put on a suit. He looked good even if he did say so himself. He did a last minute check of his hair. Perfect!
He picked up the roses and keys and headed for the door.
The limo was still parked outside . Angel tapped on the window and gave the driver an address. He got in the back and smiled.
The driver pulled up and rolled the window down.
"Sir , I haven't been here before could you tell me where to from here"
Angel leaned forward and pointed to a small track that was to the left " Just follow that down to the end"
Angel sat back and the window rolled back up.
Another five minutes . His heart raced , he hadn't felt this before. His palms were wet his breathing was erratic and his heart felt like it could burst.
The car slowed down and Angel looked out of the window. The huge stone arch was still there.
Angel tapped on the window and asked the driver to stop. Angel got out of the car and walked to the drivers side.
"I'll call you if I need you " Angel turned to look up the driveway
"K , your the boss" The car turned around and pulled away.