Timeline

Chapter 19

Back at the Hyperion


Gunn and Faith had returned with Fred.Willow ,Lorne and Liam greeted them at the door.
"I'm fine guys , honestly , please stop fussin' over me"
Gunn hugged her to him and walked her to the sofa.Fred sat down and smiled .
Lorne sat down at the front desk "What did the good doctors say then"
"Oh they think it's nothing to worry about, the most I'll get is flu. Still didn't stop them from jabbin' me with needles and takin' blood and using me as a pin cushion"
"Lets get you settled into bed , it's getting late and you have had quite a day" Gunn said protectively.
"I won't argue with you , I am kind of beat" Fred followed Gunn to the stairs.
"Night all" Fred said
They all said goodnight to Fred. Everyone still worried about the events that had happened to her.
Gunn walked up behind Fred and patted her on her butt. They disappeared from view.


Fred sat on the edge of the bed. Gunn knelt in front of her and took her shoes off. He slipped her jumper off over her head , and released her hair from the clip.Fred slipped out of her jeans and slid into bed. Gunn got in beside her and pulled her in close.
"I'm sure I'll be back to normal by tomorrow"
"Sure you will babe" He kissed her shoulder and they both fell asleep.

Ireland


Angel took a deep breath and brushed his palms down his thighs. He walked down the driveway towards the house. He was amazed to see the fountain still working. He stopped and looked at the house . There was low lights on in the drawing room and smoke rising from the chimney. It looked exactly as it had when he was here as a young man. He walked up to the door and noticed the candle sconce still there. He had made it to impress his Mother and Father when he was just seventeen. Angel could see in through the drawing room window from the doorway. Buffy sat on the chaise with a throw wrapped around her. Her hair was down and loose around her face. She was reading a book and eating some cheese puffs out of a huge bowl.
He seemed almost content to stand there watching her from the window.It had been second nature to him back in Sunnydale . There were nights he would wait til she was asleep and then, he would climb up to her window and watch her til sunrise. Some nights he would only just make it back to his basement apartment or the mansion. There were nights when he would have to dowse the smoke ,he cut it so fine.
Buffy stopped reading her book and sat motionless.Angel ducked into the doorway out of sight. Buffy turned to look out of the window , nothing there , she shrugged her shoulders , dismissed it and popped the cheese puff into her mouth.
Angel sighed and knocked on the door. He held the flowers in front of him , his eyes only just visible over them. The door opened slowly and Buffy looked up , not expecting it to be Angel.
"What are you doing here?" she held the door open just enough for her to see who it was.
"These are for you " he held out the roses
She took the flowers and smelt them " Peace offering?"
"Kind of " he smiled at her " Can I come in"
Buffy stepped back from the door and let it swing open " You don't need an invitation anymore , remember"
"I know , just unno , being polite" Angel stepped inside .
"Do you want a coffee or anything?"
Angel didn't answer her straight away, he was looking at the growing swell of her stomach. Buffy noticed and she swept her hair behind her ears, before she placed her hand over the bump protectively .She bounced on her heels before going into the kitchen. Angel followed her in and his senses were overwhelmed. He leaned on the table.
"Tea , please" he finally answered her. He pulled a chair out and sat down.
"Spose the first thing you want to know is why here and why this house" she didnt turn around and carried on making the tea.
"No , the first thing I want to know is ,are you O.K and how's the baby?"
Buffy put the tea down on the table and pulled the other chair out. She sighed . "I'm fine , the baby's fine"
Angel shifted positions and took a sip of the tea. He grimmaced and swallowed hard.
Buffy noticed and she broke into a short smile " Sorry, my tea making skills are kinda non exsistant"
Angel went to the sink and poured their tea's away. He went to the kettle and made a fresh pot. He stood by the large fireplace, his elbow on the mantle.
Buffy looked up at him. "I bought the house for us, with the money I got from the insurers.I didn't know I was having the baby then. I fell in love with the house when we went through the portal , I thought you would love to have your family home to come to" Buffy noticed the notches again. Angel was just a bit taller than the last notch. She stood up and stood by them , she ran her hand over them. "I guess these were what your parents did as you grew up, I want to do that for this lil one" Buffy looked up at Angel and pushed away her need to be kissing him. She took a deep breath and walked over to the table.
"I know I handle things wrong and I'm trying to sort them all out. I want this baby and I want you Buffy, I never meant to hurt you."
"What happens the next time things don't run to plan or they get tough, are you going to try and erase them by going to the Powers and change time? Change peoples live's so they fit in with you? Life's hard Angel, it's a fight , one you have to do everyday. And we survive , we go on fighting , we don't choose easy, most of us don't even have an easy option. I've died fighting twice, and here I am, still fighting Angel"
She was so angry and every word she had said was right. Yet she had managed to piss him off.
" Not everyone has the option to turn back time , I know that, but I don't run away either!"
Her mouth fell open in shock. "Oh thats rich! Who couldn't deal with our relationship back in Sunnydale and left me to go to L.A? What would you call that?"
The two of them stood in silence . It took a while for them to even look at each other. Finally Angel broke the silence.
" I came here tonight to sweep you off your feet and take you out for a romantic candlelit dinner"
Buffy looked down at her sweats and baggy tee " Like I'm really dressed for that"
They both laughed and Angel held up a finger, he opened the front door and bought in a long box. He laid it on the table in front of Buffy.
She untied the ribbon and slid the lid off the box .Inside laid a beautiful pink gown encrusted with chrystals.
"Is it? it is ! It's my prom dress!"
"I had it made for you . I think you'll find it's a perfect fit. Theres even the hair pin you wore ."
Buffy took the gown out of the box and held it up to herself ." It's perfect"
"You best hurry up and get changed if we are to make our reservation " Angel said. " He looked at his watch , "our tables booked for nine "
Buffy ran upstairs to get changed leaving Angel alone. It seemed strange to Angel. The house had hardly changed. He walked into the drawing room and looked out across the paddock.He picked up the book Buffy had been reading and he was surprised to find it was the book of poetry he had given her on her birthday. He walked up the back stairs, ducking under the mantle, he laughed as he realised it still second nature to him. He went into what had been his sisters room . It was empty apart from a dresser that had a sheet laid over it. He could hear shuffles coming from the next room. Angel stood in the doorway leaning against the jamb.She looked radiant.She has taken this room as her own, She doesn't know it was my room. He was surprised yet again , the four poster was original, the one his Father had bought from France for him.
Angel stared at Buffy as she fixed her hair in the dresser, she still didn't realise he was watching her. Buffy applied her lipstick and turned around .
"You scared me" she said clutching her chest "How long have you been there for?"
"A while. " Angel smiled "You look stunning"
"Thankyou" she took his arm and shut the bedroom door.
"We best get a move on if we're to make it in time"
They left the house and Angel took out his mobile phone "We're ready"
The limo pulled up a few minutes later.
Angel held the door open for Buffy.She slid in totally gobsmacked.
"You arranged all this?"
"Yes , I want this to be a special night , the first night of the rest of our lives together"
Buffy slid up to Angel and kissed him gently "So do I"

They arrived at a remote spot and the limo pulled over.The driver got out and opened the door. Angel got out and held his hand out for Buffy.The driver had opened the trunk and retreived a large picnic basket.
" I thought you said we had reservations " Buffy said a huge smile on her face
"I wanted to surprise you again. I realised the other night , we never had a picnic . We're going somewhere I used to love."
Angel took her arm and led her down a path and through a wood. They came to a clearing that Angel had set up.He had a small band , there were candles everywhere and a table set up on a small pier that overlooked a lake. There was even a waiter to cater for them.
"This is amazing Angel!"
"Told you , I want it to be special " He took her hand and led her to the table. Once they were seated the waiter came and stood beside the table.
"Traiga la botella de champán por favor" Angel said to the waiter. The waiter disappeared.
"Thats new, What did you just say to him?"
"Wait and see "
The waiter returned with a bottle of chilled champagne and poured Buffy's glass and then Angels.
The waiter walked to his original post.
" I shouldn't really drink this in my condition" Buffy held the glass anyway.
"It's an alcohol free champagne " Angel winked at her
" You thought of everything haven't you?"
" I tried . Are you ready to eat ?"
" Definately , I'm starved"
Angel held up his hand and the waiter came over . "Estamos listos para nuestra primera hilada"
" What are we having ?"
" I'm not telling you anything, but it's better for you than a bag of cheese puff's"
Buffy laughed " How did you know about those "
" Stealth guy remember , plus you had cheesey remnants on your lips"
" This is so amazing Angel , when did you come here then."
" I used to come here with my horse and sit by the lake . I used to tether the horse to a tree and I'd bring my favourite book or I'd sit here and draw"
" I'ts pretty here "
The waiter laid the plates down and nodded to Angel . Again , the waiter walked away.
" This looks good " she leaned forwards " what is it Angel " she whispered,
" It's Spanish tapas. I've always wanted to try them. I was in Spain in 1878 and well , I didn't exactly have the taste for them then, plus they use alot of garlic"
Buffy poked hers with her fork and watched as Angel ate some of his.
"It's good Buffy , try it"
Buffy cut a piece off and ate it. Surprised that it tasted good , she nodded and devoured it all
The waiter cleared the plates and refilled their glasses.
" How is it that I never saw the romantic side of you before?"
"It was always chaos , mayhem and fight for your life , we never had the chance "
"It really was crazy.I'm surprised we even fell in love"
" Are you ready for the next course Buff ?"
" Yeah of course , I'm eating for two now aren't I"
Angel laughed at her " Like you need that as an excuse! Usted puede servir la paella ahora complacen"
Angel stood up and took Buffy's hand
"Where are we going ? "
Angel pulled Buffy into his arms and kissed her .
"Toque alguna música lenta por favor"
The band started playing slow music and Angel pulled Buffy in close to his chest.Their bodies moved in time with each other.
" I love you Buffy and I never want us to be apart"
Buffy slid her arms around his neck and leaned into his kiss. She felt like the world had fallen away from them and they were floating. Angel slid his hands down to her waist and pulled her tight to him. They broke away from each other as the music died off and the need to breathe became an issue. they returned to their seats and held hands over the table.
" Why did you bring the picnic basket?"
" Theres a blanket in there for later" Angel smiled at Buffy
" Angel!" she looked round to see if anyone had heard
" Buffy"
She was a shade of pink darker than she had been and he thought it was adorable.She turned back to him ,satisfied that nobody had heard.
Angel reached into his pocket. He held her hand and he moved to her side. He knelt down on one knee.
"Buffy" He took a deep breath " An bposfaidh tu me?" Angel opened the box and revealed a beautiful solitaire diamond ring."Will you marry me?"
" yes , yes YES!" Buffy leapt into his arms and kissed him .They were still locked in the embrace when the waiter returned with the main course.They broke away and Angel place the ring on Buffy's finger.
" This is the most amazing night. Thankyou Angel."
"It's not over yet"
She ate her first mouthful and watched as Angel ate his. She found it facinating to watch him try new things and was surprised at how fast he ate.The band played quietly as they ate their meal.
" Angel "
He looked up at her .
" What Buffy"
" It kicked, the baby , it just kicked"
Angel dropped to his knees and placed his hands on the bump. He looked up into Buffy's eyes . Both of them had tears in their eyes as the babe kicked inside her.
"Now the night is perfect" Angel said as he kissed Buffy.
The waiter removed the empty plates . He blew out some of the candles and laid the blanket under the tree. He placed a tray of fruit on the blanket and a bottle of champagne on ice , beside the fruit.
He nodded at Angel to let him know that it was done.
"Gracias mi amigo y buenas noches" Angel said .
The band packed up and left with the waiter.
Buffy and Angel sat on the blanket under the tree
"Alone at last" Angel said


Hyperion


Fred woke up and looked at the clock, 1.34 am , it felt like she had slept for hours. Gunn stirred and reached for her in his sleep. He looked across the bed and noticed she had gone. He pulled back the covers and slid his boxers on. The bathroom light was on , he tapped on the door.
"Fred"
"I'm O.k. Just getting a cold flannel. Go back to bed"
"Open the door babe"
"Charles I said I'm fine"
Gunn tried the door and found it was unlocked . He peered round the door and saw Fred sat on the floor . She looked awful, her hair was soaked , her eyes were sunken and she was so pale. Her lips were dried out and had a slight hint of blue to them.
"C'mon babe , I'm taking you back to the hospital"
"They said I might get flu like symptoms ,I'll be fine "
Gunn held his hand out to help her up " Lets get you back to bed then"
Fred stood up and was shaking " So cold" .She took a few steps into the bedroom and collapsed.
Gunn picked her up and put her on the bed. He pulled the covers up over her and Fred fell asleep.
Gunn went downstairs and rang Wesley
"Wes, It's Fred, you guys have got to get home now!"
"We don't know what it is . Willow put up a forcefield , I think the damage is already done though. "
"I'll get her to the hospital"
"I'll page Angel and tell him"
"O.K Bye"
He hung up . He turned and saw Liam and Willow
"I guess you heard that , so I don't need to tell you " Gunn sighed deeply.
Lorne came out of the office
" I can come and read her , see if we can't find out something that way"
"And I can see if I can cure her with magic" Willow offered
"We don't even know what we're dealing with down there."
Gunn didn't know what to do . How would Angel deal ? How did he deal with this shit everyday? No wonder the guy broods constantly!
"I'm heading upstairs, you guys can come and try whatever you think , all I know is the woman I love ain't well 'n' I want her better"
The group went upstairs and entered the bedroom. The room smelt musty , like museums . Fred had thrown the covers off and was lying on her back with her eyes open.
Gunn flipped the light switch and instantly Fred screamed and hid her face in a pillow. He switched the light back off and ran to her.
"I'm sorry , it's off , the lights off."
" Stings my eyes and blinds me from the world"
Everyone looked at each other. It didn't sound like Fred at all.
"Fred , honey, can you sing a few lines for me?" Lorne sat on the bed and took Freds hand.
"I'll make my bed ,with the stars above my head , and dream of a place called home" she croaked out
Lorne ,if it was possible, went two shades darker than normal.He looked up at Gunn , sadness written deep in his eyes and face.
" It's bad , I wish I could tell you something else" , he cringed, "but I can't" Lorne cried
Willow had stayed downstairs finding a spell. She found one that could restore health , but seeing as they didn't know what was happening ,she didn't know if it would work.
"Gotta try anything " she ran upstairs and peered through the door.
Gunns mobile rang and he answered it. It was Wesley .
"I've researched the sarcophagus and it was one that had housed a God called Illyria. She had been banished to The Deeper Well , to sleep for eternity.It would seem the dust is in fact ,the God's essence and the being is trying to inhabit Fred.I've assertained the only way to rid Fred of Illyria, is to bring the sarcophecus back to the Deeper Well .The problem with that is, well , Illyria will rip through every being between here , or rather L.A and the Deeper Well". Wesley sighed deeply. " I wish I was there with you and that I had better news.I haven't been able to reach Angel, but I will talk to him, and we will be on our way back A.S.A.P."
" Thanks Wes, see you when you arrive back, just let me know if anything else comes up"
He closed the flip on his phone and told the rest of the group what had been said.
"So", Lorne said , "our Fred is becoming a God"
"No" Gunn sat on the bed and hung his head in his hands, " Fred's dying and the thing that was in the coffin is taking over , IT was a God"
Everyone stared at Fred. They found it hard to believe she was dying.
"Should I try the spell anyway?" Willow asked
"I can't see it doing any good " Gunn replied
Willow stood still , anger bubbled inside her , she hated the feeling. She knew it wasn't a good sign for her. Her hair turned black and she screamed .Everyone covered their ears and ducked for cover, not knowing what the hell was happening.Willow's eyes glazed over black and swirled like oil on water.
" I summon thee Osiris , here my plea, Come forth and bow to me" she screamed through gritted teeth.
A transparent glassy figure appeared above Willow.
"Who dares summon me "
" I do " Willow said in a thick heavy tone .
" Do you know what I can do to you , you insolent witch.Didn't you call on me once before?"
"I did and you refused to help me, this is different, this is not a natural death ,but a mystical one.I order you to stop this and make it right"
"WITCH! Do not order Osiris to do your will! "The figure sent a bolt of electricity towards Willow.
She held out her hands and absorbed the bolt.Osiris looked shaken.Willow smiled .
" I am telling you , banish Illyria from this woman, or I will reign hellfire down on you"
" You are persistant in your need to cure this human , but it is to no avail, witch, the transformation is to advanced for me to banish Illyria. Banishing the being now will result in the humans death."
"She will die anyway , if we banish Illyria now she may have a chance , please!"
" NO ! You test my patience and dare to order me to do your will." Osiris sent more bolts through the air , straight at Willow.
Willow tucked her chin into her chest and raised her hands, levitating herself off the floor .
"You wanna go Osiris?" Willow tilted her head back and opened her mouth .
The blood curdling scream pierced the room and heat crackled and dried the air. Flames leapt around the transparent being.Osiris thrashed around , finally screaming out in pain.
The group had watched this from the safety of their hidden positions , not knowing if they should be more frightened of Willow or the glass demon thing.
Osiris yelled out " If you have this much power witch , why do you not banish the God yourself".
Finally Osiris turned to ash and disappeared.
Willow fell to the floor , exhausted. She was still in the Dark Willow guise. " I'm sorry , so so sorry". She passed out.
Gunn carried her to her room and put her on her bed . He had underestimated the girls powers , everyone had. " Remind me to never piss you off " he whispered , as he shut her door.

Back in Fred's room , the others had sat down and were discussing Willow.
" You know her Faith , why didn't you tell us Willow was dangerous" Gunn asked .
" She's not , well, she did go veiny an dark once but I weren't around. I heard she tried to take out B , and she kicked B's ass , which was cool an all, but then she tried to end the world. It was Giles and Xan that stopped her. She hasn't done that shit since then."
" Still, someone should have warned us " Lorne said " I couldn't see that in her aura, she was pure white"
Liam sat in the chair " So the floaty head thing said he can't heal Fred, and the coffin has to go back to where it came from to draw the God out of her, but that will kill thousands between here and there. right?"
" Right, Mr state the obvious" Faith said
" Hear me out! The witch has enough power to draw the being out of Fred , so that floaty thing said"
" Yeah he did. What's your point Liam" Gunn said crossing his arms.
" We take Fred and the coffin to the deeper well place , that way it will stay in Fred while we move it"
" Plans good so far" Faith said
" Once we're there ,Willow can go ahead and banish Illyria"
"One problem with that, the only transport fast enough to get her there, is a jet and we don't have one"
Gunn stated
"No but the Big Bad Lawyers do , and they are out of action right now , thanks to B and a few of my girls" Faith said with a huge grin " Anyone for a plane jack?"
Gunn picked Fred up and went to the door " What are we still standing here for?"
Liam went and got Willow . Gunn and Faith had figured it was best to send ' Dead boy' to get her just in case. Lorne went and woke three of the best slayers . They all met up in the foyer.
Faith took charge . " We're going to England . Mission is to cure Fred and banish Illyria. This is not a search and destroy mission unless I give you explicit orders to.Angel and B ... Buffy will be meeting up with us at the Well . Gunn and myself will be taking care of Fred, Willow's on coffin watch and for the final act, the rest of you will be there for support in case we run into any trouble at the airport or the Well.Any questions speak now "
The room was silent.
" O.K girls lock and load!"
Faith took Angels car with Lorne and Liam, Gunn took his truck , Fred in the front with him , the slayers in the back on the flatbed with the sarcophagus.Nobody spoke for the twenty minutes it took to get to the airport.