Author: Maggi

E-mail: [email protected] 

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I donít own any Buffyís or Angelís characters, any other I just made them up

Notes: This is the second story I ever wrote in English, I came to the United States in 1996 and I learned the language mainly by watching TV and with the help of my cousin, please forgive my grammar.

Summary: The story itís based a year after the birth of Angelís son.

Title: The Final Task

As she entered the room, she noticed most of the furniture turned apart, toys and clothes all over the floor. She looked around at the darkened room by very thick black curtains, until she saw him sitting on the floor in a corner to her left side, he was holding what it looked like a stuffed animal, but with the darkness she could hardly make up his face.

His eyes were fixed on the stuffed animal and without looking up he said, " I've being waiting for you"

She walked towards him, and with the help of the light coming from the outside hall she notice the dark spots around his eyes and the color of his face was whiter than usual, stopping just a few steps away, folding her arms to her body she took the defiant position when she is mad "so, your trying to give up again" she told him deciding not to be sympathetic

"Not trying..." he paused for a second and looked up to make eye contact, let out a weak smile "nice to see you too", then he turn his sight to the object in his hands again.

"Look... I'm sorry, it's just that I thought we were through with this" she protest unfolding her arms and putting them in her hips, knowing that that wasn't the attitude she should have

"Your right were through" he said almost as a whisper to himself

She knew she needed a different approach, she took a step closer "well, should I start with the Christmas speech again"

"You don't have to, I remember every word you said"

Waiving her arms and half turning around she started loosing her patience "then, why are you doing this? Why did you call me?"

"I needed to ask you something" of course he knew he could have asked on the phone, but he wanted to see her, one last time

Taking her intimidating position again she dryly asked "What?"

"I know I have no right to ask you... but you are the only one" he was hesitating

"Angel will you stop talking around, tell me what you want?"

"I ... I need you to check on them, from time to time" he asked in an embarrass tone of voice

"Oh ... so you want me to make you feel a little less guilty, because you are just here doing nothing feeling sorry for yourself"

"I wonít be here long," he quickly added

"How can you do this, to Cordy, she cares so much about you" she just relax her arms a little trying to calm herself down, she knew he doesn't respond very well to aggression

"I know," he admitted with guilt

"Do you? Because I don't think you do or even care" she was mad and could not help being aggressive in a way violence was her solution for everything

"Thatís all I have to ask from you, will you at least consider it" this time his voice was louder and firmed

"How can you be so selfish, they need you"

" Buffy please just say you will, there is nothing you can say that'll make me change my mind"

"Ok, so you think that I'm just gonna go home like nothing, knowing what youíre gonna do, I'm not gonna let you do this" she kneeled down on the floor, looking for his eyes to meet hers, so that he will realize the pain he was causing her, but as if he knew that, he didn't move

"You can't be here forever ... sooner or later you will have to leave" he remark

"The last time I talked to you, you were so hap. Well, I can't say happy but so deferent like I never heard you before" she just stood up and turn her back to him

"That time I had him in my arms, you don't know this pain..." he stopped knowing that if he goes on he will just give in to her

She turned around to face him again to get closer "and that's more reason for you to keep fighting" she express with a softener tone, knowing that he was right she did not know his pain, " Angel you can't give up, for him and for your friends"

Her words did not make any deference he just remained silence as if she wasn't even there, she kneeled down again and tried to touched his hands, but he abruptly moved avoiding her "don't touch me"

"Why? Because I can make you feel again, because I can make you change your mind"

"No, that's not why" he responded not sounding very convincing

"Angel." she began but was cut short when he interrupted "before him you were the best think that ever happened in my existence" he paused for a moment and started again, "when I first got my soul I knew I was the worthless being on this planet, I tried to end my existence but I couldn't, I knew that I deserved it"

Buffy just kept quite she wanted to listen to him to the things she always wanted to hear, for him to trust her with his most deep emotions, knowing that he never talks about them

"When I saw you the first time I wanted to be by your side, not knowing why, but I knew it when I met you in that alley, I was sarcastic in a way because I had this strange feeling that I never felt before, when I saw you looking at me I felt as my soul leap with joy and contentment, I guess I didn't exactly know how to react" he remark with a smirk smile "you looked at me as if I was normal, even after you knew what I was you kept on looking at me the same, as a real person like Xander said"

"The times we spent together are so deep in my mind that no course will ever make me forget" Buffy gave him a puzzle look not knowing what he had meant by that, but she kept on listening not wanting to interrupted him

"Me, the useless beast that never cared about anybody was downward by you, you won my soul and heart at once, I remember the night we made love" he stopped for a moment lift his head against the wall and looked up, despite of the darkness she could see the light in his eyes for that brief moment, he lowered his head again and as he did he gave a glimpsed at her for a second and she notice that the light was gone, turning his gaze back to the stuffed animal

"When they said that a moment of true happiness will take away my soul they really meant it, what I felt that night it was prohibited to me and I should have known, I never deserved you and for a long time I lied to myself, I was so into you that I actually felt like I belonged, but life is not without a sense of irony and we learned that the hard way" he lowered his face looking down at the floor, trying for her not to see the tears coming down his cheeks

Buffy felt so bad to hear him speak like that, she would give him her own soul if she could so that she will not see him suffer, but she couldn't find any words that could make him feel better, so she decided to remain quite

"I remember when I got my soul back, the second time, I didn't remember anything, all I could remember was you and how much I have missed you, when you stave me with that sword, I couldn't believed it, the person I loved the most... it didn't really hurt physically the pain I felt was so much more than all the guilt the remorse of all the I have ever done together, my just renewed soul broke into pieces as I extended my hand at you hoping that you will grab me and tell me that everything will be ok" he looked up to see the expression on her face, he knew that she felt bad, but he tried to make it better, "I know I deserved that and more" to this she broke her silence "It wasn't a matter of deserving"

"Buffy, you don't have to say anything, I'm not reproaching ... when I came back from hell and out of the shadows still in my mind from all the torments, when I could make up your face, I didn't believe it for a while, I thought that you will just disappear, but that time you didn't and I felt like I went from hell to heaven" she sat down on the floor very close to him listening to every word he was saying, she hoped that this is what he needed it and she will listen to him for an entire semester if that will help him work out his grief.

"After the Mayorís ascension, when I looked at you from the fire truck, and felt that the bond we had before was much stronger, maybe because your blood was in my veins, or maybe because in many ways we became one, I told you that I wasnít gonna say good bye, and I was just gonna go without seeing you, but I couldn't, my feet wouldn't move more than 10 yards away from you, so I gave in and went looking for you, to see you one last time, when you turn and saw me I wanted to run towards you and hold you, but I knew that if I did that I would never let you go, it took me a while to take the first stepped back, then I turned around and started walking away, in so many ways I coursed my soul, that maybe it was better not to have one, I kept repeating to myself over and over, ëthis is for the best, she deserve so much more, for her happinessí, then I realized that regardless of the pain I felt, without my soul I could have never met you and I could have never known true happiness"

Buffy felt so overwhelm at the sound of his words saying how much he loved her and she knew that no one could ever love her as much as he did.

"Angel Ö " she wanted to tell him how much she loved him too, but she was cut short again "please Buffy, let me finish, there is so much I have being willing to tell you"

"When I came to Los Angeles I felt lost without you, I needed you so badly, for a moment a thought I was going back the way I was before I met you, but I didnít give up, when you came here for the first time I couldnít believe when I had you in my Ö" he suddenly remember that she has no memory of that day and paused for a moment

"The night you died I felt that something was missing and I couldnít figure it out what, until I received Willowís call, when she told me you were gone, I thought I wasnít gonna be able to get through that, for so long you were the reason why I was alive and suddenly you were gone, I knew I had to get out of here of this place that brought me memories of you or possibly I would have end up watching the sunrise, then I remember every word you said that Christmas morning all those moments we spent together, I wanted to be with you, but then I realize that even if I would have killed myself I wasnít gonna see you, heaven is not for vampires"

"Who told you I was in heaven" she interrupted being surprise by this, "no one told me I knew, I could feel that you were ok, you were at peace and that was one of the reason that I decided to come back and just keep on doing the only thing I knew you will be proud of me"

"When I heard Cordy saying that you were a live I think my heart beat or jump for the first time since it has being dead, when I saw you the only thing keeping me from loosing my soul was the fact that I had to let you go again".

"Then Darla came and I saw her stomach so big, at first I thought it was a joke, but when I touched her I felt my son, something I didnít even imagine that I would ever have not even when I was human, I saw her hand vanish from mine and revealing my son on the ground I hold him up, very slowly trying not to break him, not knowing exactly how to embrace him, I just couldnít believe it me this pathetic worthless being that has done nothing more than to hurt the people I care for"

She hated wen he spoke like that about himself "please angel donít talk like that you have donÖ" but Angel kept on talking as if she hadnít said anything "I was bless with the purest gift any being could ever have and I was so grateful for it, for the first time in 246 year I felt that there was provably something good in me that made deserve him"

"Angel you have done so much good, why do you keep saying that" she once again tried to make him feel better

" There is something else about this course that no one knows, it makes me forget what ever makes me feel good, I have provably helped a lot of people by now and I can hardly remember any of them, after a while there faces start fading away, but I can perfectly remember each and everyone of the ones I have killed and hurt" he kept silence for a brief moment, perhaps to avoid crying any harder perhaps all of the memories at once were some what too much to handle

"A year after the birth of my son, I did everything I could to protect him to care for him to love him, as I promised him, as I promised his mother, as I promised myself, but I should have known better, I can not keep my promises and you know that better than anybody else, I promised you that I will never leave you and itís being almost 4 years since I did" then he could not contain himself any longer he started crying with the painful memories of the death of his son

"I couldnít Ö" he put his hand on his head one still holding the animal "I couldnít protect him Ö he was rip away from my arms and I was so powerless to stopped them Ö I Ö I was left with a limp, lifeless body in my arms" he was crying so hard that he moved his lips but no sound came from them, she has never seeing him like that, the pain he had was so strong that she could also feel it, with tears in her eyes she reached out her hand to try to console him, but he just pushed it away

With pain and anger he looked at her "you told me once that I donít have a heart, it doesnít even beat, remember? Ö By god Buffy, it hurts like hell" he proclaim with a breaking voice

"I know that I donít know this pain that you have, but you know that a lot of people go through situations like this all the time and they are able to manage, you have friends you have me, we can help you make you feel better if you let us" she told him, trying to reach out for him one last time

"No" he shook his head "they managed because they still have hope, they can have other children, not me, Iím still a monster, I donít have any hopes anymore and your wrong I donít have you, not anymore, please just promised me that you will do what I asked you before" he simply add in the end

"Angel you canít put me through this, donít you even care the pain you will cause, to me, to your friends"

"Youíll live, you donít care as much anymore" he simply said feeling remorseful about what he was doing to her, he was making her cry again, like before all he has caused her has being pain, but this pain will be the last one he will give her

"How can you do this, how can you just sit there, drop this on me and expect me to move on knowing what your going to do" she stood up and place herself in front of him not being able to contain her anger

"I know Ö and Iím sorry" he expressed without looking at her face knowing that she had every right to be mad

She took steps back and fourth trying to just let her anger out "youíre sorry, youíre sorry, youíre only thinking of your pain"

"You say that Iím selfish how about you and my friends" he angrily reproached.

"What do you mean?" she simple asked not knowing what he was talking about

"Donít you think itís worst what youíre doing to me, wanting me to stay in this world knowing that Iím not allowed to be happy, that every day I have to go through the memories of my sins, that even when I never did any of those atrocities willingly I have to pay for them, and not just being the memories enough I also have nightmares about it over and over, sometimes I wish only one of you will take my place to see the hell I go through every day, you think because I make jokes and laugh the pain itís not there, but itís when it hurts the most, at least when I was in the real hell I couldnít remember much because I was so preoccupied with the torments and the physical pain"

She never thought of it that way and she could not fine any words to reply to this.

"I know that Iím causing you more pain then what I already have and hope that one day you will forgive me, for everything, I just wish you the best, all of the things that I could never give you, I wish you all the happiness in the world, because you deserve it "

"Angel please stop just stop Ö "she was crying so desperately now, frustrated for not being able to ease his pain, she wanted to do so much, to hold him to kiss him, to tell him that everything will be ok, but she new that it will never be ok, he lost his son, the only real good thing that he thought he will have forever.

"What I said before itís true, you were the best thing that ever happened in my meaningless existence and thanks to you I got to have friends, so many good memories, my son, in many ways I also owe that to you, even when I had him from a brief time I thank god for it and I still do, but I just canít do this anymore, I want it over, I want to go back to hell" he sighed and whisper "where I belong"

"No, I wont let you do this I Ö " but she was suddenly interrupted by a very agitated Cordilia "Angel, Buffy Ö" Buffy stood up and turn to face her not before wiping the tears on her face "whatís wrong" Buffy asked, Cordilia gasping for breath barely manage to explain "Wesley Ö and Gunn are trapped by three vampires", "only three" Buffy said thinking that for guys like them that many should represent not major problems "yea, but this are not normal vampires theyíre much stronger than the normal kind, if thatís even possible" she just sarcastically said "come on itís about 4 blocks east from here"

Buffy hesitated for a moment and looked down to Angel who has seem to ignore everything Cordilia had just said, she lowered herself to be at his same level "are you just gonna stay there, this are your friends, donít you care what might happen to them"

But he just kept on looking at the stuffed animal, loosing the little patience she had she tried to pull him by the arm but it was quickly avoid by him, "Angel this isnít you, you canít just leave them to die", but he kept on ignoring her, then she just stood up, took the animal from his hand throw it to the floor and punched him in the face as she saw this as her only solution, he stumble to the side, then slowly he regain his posture, he gave her a resolve stare "that will not work this time" he grabbed the animal and just looked at it again

"Ok, fine, have it your way, just stay, but we are not done yet, donít think that you are getting ride of me this easily"

She just turn to Cordilia "letís go, show me were they are", Cordilia took a fast look at him but realize that Buffy had said enough and just walked away following her

He was so deep into his thoughts, he felt so guilty for leaving his friends when they needed him, but he had convince himself that this way was best for everyone

At the Alley, Buffy and Cordilia walked into what it looked like an abandoned building, just to see Wesley and Gunn struggling with holly water and crosses as the vampires were closing on them.

"So I see you boys are looking for fun Ö good, because I need to kick somebodyís ass right now" Buffy saw their outfits and they reminded her of the Three, the warrior vampires she and angel had encounter a long time ago, they were also armed with swords and crossbows hanging in their backs

The three looked at her in defiant stare "who the hell are you?" the tallest vampires asked

"Where have you being leaving? Iím the slayer you moron, you do know what a Slayer is, donít you?" she sarcastically asked

"Well, that makes no difference, we have killed many slayer before, my guess is that you are about to become one more on our collection" the night demon remark with an air of superiority

With a loud growled The three lunged themselves against her and realizing that Cordilia was right, they were much stronger than any vampire she has ever fought, she was quickly over power by them, as she tried to kick one the other just grabbed her and sent her flying slamming into the wall, as she fell to the ground she got up as soon as she could to be ready, but as soon as she was on her feet the vampires were on their guard, again trying to kick one and punching another the third kick her in her back not letting her concentrate in just one,

When Wesley and Gunn notice that not even the slayer was match for them they tried to get one of them off her back, Gunn throw holy water, while Wesley hit him with an axe, luckily they got what they wanted, the vampire stop her attack against Buffy and turn his attention into the two men, as they tried to avoid his attacks with not better luck than Buffy was having with the other two

"what you guys got lost in you way back from the crusades" she sarcastically said trying to convince herself that this was just like any another fight with vampires, not wanting to admit that she might not make it out of it, the tallest vampire lunged a punch to her she lower herself to avoid that, turning around and hitting him with her leg and making him fell flat on his back, the other one not waiting for his turn grabbed a piece of metal and hit her in her stomach as she was thrown across the room

"Donít you guys know how to play fair" she just said standing up and holding her stomach in pain, as she looked at the others being pounded by the third vampire, but as she turn her eyes back at her current opponents, she realize she gave her attackers the chance to make their move

"Buffy look out" came from a familiar voice as she saw Cordilia with a large peace of wood striking the head of his familiar enemy, not causing much damage to him but enough time for Buffy to have return the flying experience grabbing his arm and spinning him about 160 degrees sending him though the window to the outside of the building, "thanks Cordy" turning to Cordilia she happily express, as she saw the other vampire coming from behind her, ready to attack again, Buffy grabbed the piece of wood from Cordilia "Oh no you wont" as she drove it all the way from his chest to his back, the vampire hiss in pain, vent to his knees and turn to dust

Buffy and Cordilia turned to Wesley and Gunnís help as the vampire had just thrown Wesley across the room and prepared to kill Gunn, "didnít your mom never thought you how to treat people with respect" as she always like to add a sarcastic comments to make the fighting a little more interesting, she pulled his head by the hear, diving her right fist against his ugly features, that only distracted the vampire, he seized her arm and flipped her over sending her flat on her back, Wesley and Cordilia put a big barrel on top of him as Buffy got off his side in time to not get caught along with him

"We have to get out of here now" Buffy strongly suggested, they started to run from the abandoned building she gave them a head start to make sure all them will get out

"BUFFY" came a yell from Cordilia as she looked back and saw that Buffy was being attack by five vampires, the others stopped and turn to see and they started to come back to helper "NO" Buffy order struggling with one of the vampires being already on top of her "we Ö need more weapons"

The others not wanting to leave her and uncertain of what to do, they just stood for a second as one of the vampires was going into their direction and ready to strike, Buffy kick him in the back of his knee making him stumble to the floor she looked at them "GO NOW", they knew that there was nothing simple humans could do against vampire like this, so they turn around and head out of the alley, being amazed that none of them were following them

In the building Buffy was just being corner by all five of them as she started walking back with her fists in fighting position "we are gonna have a lot fun with you Slayer" with an evil smile the same tall vampire simply told her, "fun, I like fun" again she remark with her well known sarcasm, as the battle began again

Back at the Hotel Angel could not shake the feeling of Buffy being in danger, he was lying to himself saying that she is much stronger than any other vampires and surely three of them were no match for her, but remembering what Cordilia had said about them being stronger than regular ones, he just couldnít help worrying

Then he gave in to his guilt and preoccupation, he stood up, as he felt his leg tremble remembering that he hadnít feed for more than a week and he had almost no energy, the pain he had was much greater than his blood thirst, despite of his dizziness, he opened the window and jumped from it and headed towards the place Cordilia had mentioned earlier

At almost the exact same moment Wesley entered the room, acknowledging that Angel was gone, "Angel is gone" he remark walking toward Cordilia and Gunn, "do you think he went to help Buffy?" Cordilia ask very concern "I donít know " the former watcher simply responded "well, in his condition I donít think he can win against a fly" Gunn remark not trying to be funny but truthful

"We better get as many weapons as we can and we must hurry" Wesley just add knowing that what Gunn had just said was true, despite of their many injuries and bruises they did not have time to even complain about them and as soon as they got some crossbows, axes and as many point stakes they took off

At the Alley, Angel could feel Buffy being very close, as silent as he could he entered the abandoned building, into the basement and started to look around, he stopped behind wall, he could see her being tide down into a pole in a corner of the big room, he could hear the vampires making jokes how they got to defeat another slayer, there were 5 vampires armed with crossbows preparing to play target with her, ëI thought Cordy said 3 vampiresí he thought looking around to see if there was something that could be of help, he knew he was not gonna be able to take all of them at once, and knew she needed a little more time as he saw her struggling with her tides

Then, he came to the only resolution he could think of, to buy her enough time, he took a deep breath not needing it but he used it to concentrate all his remaining energy to move faster than ever

He started running as he saw the vampires straightening their weapons and ready to fire

He stopped in front of her about a feet away, "donít move he whisper" Buffy broke her concentration on trying to break free at the sight of Angel being in front of her and quickly realizing what he was doing "Angel no" she manage to say before she saw the first arrow penetrate his right shoulder, he just tightening his teeth knowing that there was more coming, Buffy felt all her body ache vanish as the pain in her heart was much stronger than any other, she saw a second end of an arrow appear in his stomach, a third by his leg, a fourth by his thigh, Angel was trying so hard not to fell on his knees, he focus his eyes on her trying to ignore the sharp pain penetrating the various parts of his body

But time stopped for both of them when the fifth arrow end appear right in the middle of his chest, Buffy as well as Angel knew that that was the end, his expression was completely change as he realize that this was the last time he will see her, he saw all the memories of 247 years flushed in a second as he saw the memories of Buffy and his son being the last ones "Buffy IÖ" he tried to say but could not finish as he just collapse to the floor

"ANGEL" came a extreme lament from Buffy, after that she closed her eyes not wanting to see, knowing that she could not bear the moment when he will turn to dust

"ANGEL" came a yell from Cordilia as they entered the basement and just able to see what had just happened

Even the vampires were stunned at the sight of what they have just witness, that stopped them for a moment, but then started to reload their weapons

Buffy was in shock she opened her eyes and looked up not wanting to see the ashes of the man she so deeply loved once, she could not hear anything, but how strong and fast her heart was beating and how much it hurt with every beat, she stopped breathing and she was about to start suffocating, the pain was increasing with every second and she did not know how to stop it

She was turn back by the penetrating pain in her leg caused by an arrow, she looked at the vampires in front of her, the pain was slowly fading into hate and anger, with one move she ripped herself off the ropes, she jumped and straighten herself to face the nearest vampire, she remove the arrow in her leg, without making any gesture of pain and throw it with all her strength as if it was fired from a crossbow into the heart of the first vampire in the line, Buffyís move also made the other snap out of their shock, "Buffy" Wesley said as he throw her an axe

Buffy cough it without even looking at his direction and with no hesitation she cut the second vampireís head off in a split of a second, the remaining vampires were so stunned as how this little girl was able to killed two of them in less than a minute, one of them was caught off guard by Wesley and Gunn as they plunged a stake through his heart

The two remaining vampires were intimidated by seeing three of their friends being turn to dust and tried to make a run for it

But Buffyís fury was beyond control, she wanted more then just killed them, she wanted to separate them limp by limp so they will feel half the pain she was feeling as she run after them, she catch up with one and grabbed him from his shoulder sending him back provably 20 feet away and landing close to Gunn and Wesley, cutting his head off as he tried to get up

Buffy wouldnít take her eyes off the last vampire, she closed in on him and the vampire hit her disarming her from her axe, he took out his sword and made a move to stave her with it, but she easily deflected him, she grabbed his hand holding the sword, hitting his leg and flopping him to the floor, positioning herself on top of him, she removed the sword from his hand, cutting his hand off when he tried to hit her, the vampire was growling in pain, she hit him in the face with the sword handle over and over, at this point she was crying trying to let all that frustration and pain on her victim. She stopped and turn the sharp side of her weapon around cutting his head off, she hit the floor as the vampire beneath her turned to dust

She dropped the weapon and started to stand up very slowly, feeling also the pain from her numerous injuries and specially her leg, but she tried to ignore them as she began to walked to the place she was trying to avoid, hopping, wishing for this to be a nightmare, that she will wake up and realize that it never happened, but she knew better

Not willing to look down she concentrated her eyes on Wesley, Gunn and Cordilia who were standing around the spot, they looked at her not just with a sad expression but also with a questioning one, as she got closer she wondered and with all her strength and with a very deep sighed she looked down at the sight of what make her believe even more that this was a nightmare

"Angel" she softly proclaim looking at his body still on the floor, she ran to him and kneeled down touching him making sure she wasnít imagining, like she did when her mom died, but it was real he was still there "Angel" she called out his name again hopping for a response, but no sound or movement came out from his lifeless body

She looked up at the others realizing that they were as surprise as she was, she looked down to him again, thinking that maybe the arrow did not touched his heart but it did, she has killed so many vampires to know exactly where the heart is

She new that they had to leave, for there might be more vampires and neither of them were in any condition of fighting anymore, "we have to get out of here" Wesley said when he saw a figure by one of the windows and quickly vanish, possibly another one of those monsters he thought, it was almost day light and even if there were more vampires they were not gonna be able to follow them

They took Angelís body to the hotel, putting him sided on his bed, he still had the arrows in his body, Buffy sat to his side and grab his hand, Gunn had brought a lamp from another room since Angel had broken everything in his room, with the light she could clearly see the dark spots underneath his eyes ëhe probable didnít eat for a weekí she thought to herself seeing the condition he was in and the wounds were not bleeding much, she just stared at him waiting for any second now he might opened his eyes, but nothing, it was like he wasnít there anymore, she wanted to cry so much but after everything she is being through she always felt like she should never let other people see her suffering and she was containing herself from crying so hard, to get the oppression on her chest go away

Wesley was standing at the end of the bed, Gunn was consoling Cordilia, none of them had said a word since they got the hotel, "what do we do now guys?" Gunn broke their silence

Buffy just shook her head and turn around remembering she wasnít alone with Angel "I Ö I guess we should Ö um Ö" not being able to think clearly she tried to focus knowing she had to do something, "I think I should consult some of the books, maybe something like this had happened before" the British man just added as he walked out of the room

She finally manage to focus and letting go of Angelís hand she stood up and turn to Gunn and Cordilia "Gunn can you go to the hospital and get as much blood as you can and any kind of instruments to do a transfusion or something Ö Cordy get the first aid kit and some tools we need to removed those arrows" she order them with a very determine face, they nod and quickly left the room to do what she had asked

Buffy turn to Angel as she was left alone with him, she thought that if Angel did not turn into dust it means something, and to her it meant hope

She sat down on the bed and held his hand again, tears coming down her cheeks "Angel please wake up" she softly asked, then realize that Cordilia had enter the room, she quickly stood up and abruptly wiped out her tears, so that Cordilia will not see her like that, ever since she became the slayer she knew she had to be strong specially for others, seeing Angel like that was tearing up her soul, but she could not let anybody see her pain

Cordilia knowing exactly was she was doing she walked closer and tried to comfort the confused slayer "you donít have to hide you know" Buffy just looked at her with a questioning expression "I know that you are in a lot of pain right now we all are and seeing you crying will not make us think of you any less, itís not good to hold it in" she express not containing her own tears

Buffy looked at Cordilia with watery eyes realizing that she was right "the things I told him before Ö " her voice was trembling and the tears were coming freely "I wish I could go back in time" she remain quite as more tears came down her cheeks and the horrible pain in her trout was slowly dissipating, she took a deep breath and smile lightly at the ex cheerleader "thanks Cordy" "any time" Cordilia simply retort

They both hope that the pain caused by removing the arrows will have some effect on him, but nothing happened, they left the one through his heart at the end, Buffy new she had to pull that one out, but she couldnít bring herself to do it, she wondered if that will trigger his transformation into dust "what if thatís the only thing that is keeping him like this?" Cordilia asked, but Buffy only shook her head in sign of not having a clue whatíll happened

Wesley had just entered the room caring some books and looked at both women expression, "find anything?" Buffy looked at him, hoping he will have any answers, but he just shook his head in disappointment "I have called some of my old colleagues from the council, but in most of the watchers diaries, there have never being a case like this" "maybe itís because he has a soul, thatís why he did not disappear" Cordilia tried to sound a little cheering "the soul did not change the fact that he was Ö um is a vampire, that will not stop him from dying like one of them" Wesley explained

Buffy had heard enough and turned back at Angel "then thereís one more thing left to do" putting her hand on the peace of wood getting ready to pull, she hesitated for a few seconds, then she closed her eyes and pulled, with her eyes still shot she dropped the arrow to the floor, and slowly opened her eyes, part of her was relieve that he was still there and the other part with the pain that he was still motionless, Buffy looked at the disappointing faces of Wesley and the crying face of Cordilia, "Iíll keep searching" he simply added turning around and walking away

"Come on Cordy we need to clean up his wounds" Buffy reminded her ex class mate, Cordilia just nodded in agreement, they removed his shirt and pants, Buffy notice that the wounds were not bleeding but there was no sign of healing either

After they finished, they put a bed cover on top of him up to his shoulders and with his face looking up, Buffy was sitting at his side not wanting to leave, just in case he will wake up, she was so into him that did not notice Cordiliaís hand on her shoulder until she spoke "come on Buffy, you need to clean that wound in your leg" Buffy looked at her and nod, she had forgot about her injuries thinking that compare with the pain of loosing Angel, any physical pain was simply doll

After she took a shower she went to Cordilia to ask her if she could barrow some clothe, "I think we can get some of Fredís" she tough for a second "thank god she went with her parents for a couple of weeks", Buffy went to the left side of Angelís room were he was sitting just hours ago and picked up the toy he had hold the whole time, "it was Connerís favorite" Cordilia told her standing at the door

She put the toy by his side knowing that he would like to have it, she went to Wesley to tried and help with the research "Iím gonna call Giles" she told him "I agree, do you have his number in England?" he asked "no, but I know somebody who does" she picked up the phone and dial her home number, she let it ring for a while wondering were Dawn or Willow were, she though that maybe they went shopping or something, then she was about to call Xander and Anyaís number when Gunn entered the hotel, she walked fast to him and helped him carry the stuff he had brought from the hospital into Angelís room

Several hours later they had giving up hope, as they tried to give him blood the only thing they have accomplish was making his wounds bleed, and his wounds not showing any sign of healing progress

Buffy was at his side again holding his hand, she had so much hope that the blood would have done something, she was lying to herself, despite that the fact that all logic pointed at the arrow through anybodyís heart, Vampire or human was a death sentence, she knew this in her head but she was not ready to accept that

All four of them were around Angelís bed, Gunn consoling Cordilia again and Buffy remained at Angelís side, they were all very quite, it seem like a funeral

"I canít believe he is really gone" Cordilia spoke cleaning her face, "I know I canít believe it either" Gunn sadly agreed

"He is not dead" Buffy angrily said without looking at any of them, "he canít be dead" Buffy repeated again shaking her head trying not to think about the funeral about seeing Angel in a box, being lower to the ground with a stone on top of it that will say ëbeloved Angelí how was she gonna go through this burial when he was the one who got her though her momís

"Buffy, we know how Ö " the former watcher was beginning to say when he was interrupted

"He is not dead" came a small voice from the door, they all turn to see, as their eyes met a boy that look like 10 years of age but it was already as tall as Buffy, "who are you?" Wesley asked being the closer to him, but Buffy stood up and walked towards the boy, knowing exactly who he was, looking at those familiar brown eyes "youíre Angelís son"

Everybody was shocked to hear her, the kid just smiled at Buffy "and you are the one my father always think about"

"But Ö he was just" Wesley started to comment, as the boy finished his sentence "a Baby, as I was" but Buffy could not wait anymore "you said he is not dead, tell me whatís wrong with him" the boyís sight traveled from Wesley to face Buffy again "I guess that explanation can wait, he is not dead, but Ö" the slayer was just over the limit, her patience not ever being one of her strong points had left for the day "but what?" she demanded as her voice was raising, Wesley put his hand on her shoulder to try to calmed her down "Buffy please, let him finish" she looked at him admitting that he was right, at this moment they were all so desperate that they were willing to listen to anything and anybody

"Wesley, do you remember the prophecy?" Wesley only gave him a puzzle look not understanding what he had just said "the word Shanshu that you thought it meant death and then life and you were right both times" "how do you know all of this?" Wesley could not keep his curiosity about how this kid knows so much; Buffy had no idea what they were talking about but decided better not to interfere again

"We have being through everything that the prophecy stated and nothing happened" Wesley explain as the boy walked towards Angel, ëmaybe he is really Angelís soní Cordilia thought to herself at the sight of the expression on the boyís face when he looked at Angel

"Whatís wrong with him" Buffy demanded trying to finally get a straight answer, the boy touched Angelís fore head "he is in a place where I can not reach him right now, he doesnít feel or think, itís just darkness Ö just waiting"

"Waiting for what?" Cordilia spoke up not being able to wait for the boy to finish

"Waiting to live or die"

"You know kid you are not making much sense here" Gunn was tired of waiting like everybody else

"If you let me finish I can explain everything" Conner firmly demanded

"There was a part of the prophecy not written saying that he must prove to be worthy for the gift of humanity, when all the tasks are complete, there will be only one left, that last one was never written because he had to find out on his own without knowing " he paused for a moment and looked at Buffy "your souls were created as one, separated into two bodies, youíve being together for several centuries, but the cycle was destroyed when his soul was restore, because of the course you could never be together"

"the final task was simply for him to demonstrate his love for you, since he destroyed your happiness by becoming a vampire, he also had to prove that he will again be worthy of you" Buffy was stunned not knowing what to say or even think

"But you see, he didnít turn to dust because he had completed the tasks and now he is awaiting for his reward, but it wasnít supposed to happened like this, the damage to his heart itís irreparable, he will turn human, but once the change begins his body will not survive and eventually he will die"

The little hope that Buffy had was almost gone when she heard the boyís explanation she couldnít help feeling so guilty "thereís got to be something that we can do" she desperately asked

"There is" the boy reply, Buffy felt her heart jumped of joy at the sound of those simple words

"Did any of you wonder why those vampires were so strong?" they looked at each other realizing that they were so preoccupied with Angel that they completely forgot about that

"They are the Thorak and ancient raze of vampires that have being around almost as long as my people" the boy began to explain "your people, what do you mean?" Wesley asked "there is no time to explain everything right now, Iíll explain that part latter" the boy calmly answered

"They go from place to place destroying everything in their way" the boy continuo his explanation

"Yes, I think I read about them, but some say that they donít feed from humans, but they are in many watcher diaries being responsible from killing several slayers" Wesley explain

"They donít need to feed from humans, their strength itís because of Amaris a goddess from another dimension, they feed off of her only and her blood make them stronger and almost untouchable, there is a legend that says long ago the gods from other dimension were able to walk into our world and into others, the Thorak conjure a very powerful spell that allow not only the gods to cross, but other beings as well, there was a furies battle between demons and the gods, the gods were victories in the end and expelled each demon to their own dimension, but in the process they closed the doors forever not allowing anybody to cross anymore not even themselves, most of the Thorak died, but the few that survived manage to capture Amaris, and brought her with them when they were return to our world, the legend says that she was restrain with the stone of kertia, known to take the power of a god as long as the god is in contact with it, no one has ever seen her as the vampires protect her, being her blood the source of their power, the Thorak are fearless beasts bat theyíre no to bright"

"So, we can get some of her blood for Angel" Cordilia enthusiastically said

"No, if we do that he will remain a vampire, her blood has being contaminated for hundreds of years, and my father will not get another chance to be human again" the boy explained back at Cordilia

"Then, why are you telling as the story?" Buffy demanded

"The stone has a very powerful potion that can cure almost anything"

"Well, if the stone has a potion why donít we tried to make a potion ourselves" Wesley suggested, "yea I have friends that are very powerful witches" Buffy added thinking of Willow and Tara

"Most of those spells are mainly for humans" the boy answer, starting to get annoyed

"How about the demon that turn him into a human last time?" Gunn said wanting to participate, referring to the time when Angelís blood got mix with the blood of the Mohra demon and he became human for a day

"The prophecy also states that he will become human, but he will keep his supernatural abilities, even if I knew how to locate a Mohra demon he will be a regular human and my father most likely will find a way to give up his humanity again"

At this Buffy just couldnít control her curiosity "Angel was human, how?" "It was a while ago, he told us, none of us remember anything, not even you" Wesley explain, confusing Buffy even more "me? what do you mean?" she asked uncomfortably not having a clue what he was talking about

"I can show you" the boy offered "how? how do you know all of this?" Wesley asked, "I have a deep connection with my father, I know everything he feels, his thought and memories"

"I want to know" Buffy implored, "alright" the boy simply said placing his hand on her forehead, he touched her for a second, but Buffy had her eyes and mouth opened as the memories of that day forgotten by her pass through her mind, the others could see the tears coming from her eyes as they wonder what were the images like for her expression to be like that, after the imagines were over she sat down by Angelís side, grab his hand and hold it to her face, closed her eyes and cried softly, provably if someone would have told her what happened instead of being showed she would be mad at him, for taking another decision without her consent, but to see and feel what he felt was an overwhelming feeling, to know he gave up his humanity something he only dreamed about, he gave it up for her, for that little while she just wanted to feel his touch, to feel the coldness of his skin that she was once so found of

"So your saying to go rescue this Mari or whatever godís name is, fight those vampires again so we can get the stone and with that cure Angel, then he will be human, but he will keep his strength" Gunn simplified all the information he had just heard "I just wanted to know if it sounded so crazy the second time"

"How do we know that what your are saying itís true? For all we know Angelís on was just a baby and he died" Wesley asked the boy "I donít think you have other choice, we donít have much time left, you can decide whether to believe or not after you get the stone" the boy answer

"Why did you not show yourself before? Maybe this wouldnít have happened" Wesley was reproaching to the child more than asking, "I couldnít" the child just answer knowing the frustration on all of them, but he knew better that sometimes you should let destiny take itís own course

"If you have powers why canít you cure him?" Cordilia asked "I donít have the power to do that, I would if I could" the vampireís son just reply

"I need to get that Stone," the Slayer said standing up and looking at the others she turn to question the boy "do you know were they are?" "I do, they are about 5 blocks down were you fought them previously"

She started walking out when was stopped by her ex watcher "Buffy there mast be a lot more of them over there and may I remind you that we almost got killed by five of them last time, you wont have a chance if go by yourself" he tried to reason with her but he knew how stubborn she could be

Putting her hands on her waist she gave Wesley her determent expression that no matter what he said, she wasnít gonna change her mind, but she knew he was right "will you guys help me" she asked "Of course we will" Gunn responded very determent

"Ok, we need a plan" she turn to the boy again "do you know how many are they?" "Around 23 left" Conner retort

"But how are we gonna be able to fight that many, even if they were regular vampires we are still in disadvantage and not to mention that we can hardly put up a fight with a bunch of monkeys right now" Cordilia was making a very important point

"If the blood of that god makes them stronger than we need to make them bleed enough to slow them down, and we need to do that before the sun goes down" the experience slayer was explaining part of her plan "Gunn we need lots of weapons something that might affect them more then simple crosses" she ordered him as she is so use to taking charge on any operation "I think I might find what we need" he nodded and headed out "Wesley we need more people can you think of someone" "indeed, Iíll see to it" the British man respond and also headed out

"Cordy I need you to stay here with him" "but you need all the help you can get" Cordilia remark "yes, but if this change thing starts you need to let us know in case we lost track of time" Buffy explain "ok," the ex cheerleader simply agreed

Buffy turn to the boy not knowing exactly what to say, but soon realize she didnít have to "Iíll stay here, if the change starts before you come back, Iím the only one who can slow it down" neither of the two women understood how, but they didnít have more time for explanations

She gave a final look at Angel not wanting to leave him, but she had not other choice, Cordilia saw the worry and the slayer expression and reassure to her "donít worry Iíll take care of him" Buffy glanced at her in appreciation and walked out of the room

She headed towards Wesley who was talking on the phone at the time, she wished she could call Willow and the gang, but there wasnít much time, "where do you keep the weapons?" she asked Wesley as he hang up the phone "over there" he responded pointing at the closet in middle of the lobby

Around 30 minutes later there were 5 new members two of them some of Gunnís friends she assume, each one carrying what it look like big tanks of water on their backs, a green demon that Wesley refer to Lorne who also brought other two demons with him, some of the most strange demons Buffy had ever seen, but as long they were here to help she didnít care who they were, then she proceeded to explain the plan to all of them

"Now, tried not to get into a one on one with any of the vampires, make sure you crate as many holes in the windows as possible, we have about 2 hours before sun down, understood" they all nod "letís go then" she order as everybody gather weapons and starting leaving the building, Cordilia was looking at them leave "good luck guys" she told them knowing that they were really gonna need it "Cordy call me if anything happened" Wesley reminded as he exit the building in last place

They drove around the directions Conner had giving them, as they entered another abandoned alley they notice a Building that had most of the windows cover with wood or curtains, as Buffy signal for everyone to spread out they separated in three separate groups, Gunn left with his two friends and Lorne with the other two demons as Buffy stayed with her former watcher each group surrounding the place, being still daylight their was nobody guarding the building

Buffy and Wesley moved very silently as they climbed to an open window in the second floor, the second floor was mainly a ramp that went all around the first floor, which made it easier to look at the vampires already gathered all over the first floor waiting for the sun to go down, they looked around counting how many vampires were below and they couldnít see any sign of any other being, except for vampires and around 5 of the vampires were missing, there was a small room to the far end of the room, Buffy pointed at it showing to Wesley that they are provably there

Some of the vampires started to look around and sniffing, "they know weíre here" she said to Wesley in a very low voice "we should attack now" he suggested "weíll wait for the others" she had just finished saying when one of the windows broke open and 5 more followed, the vampires were running to all directions trying to avoid the burning sun light

Arrows were flying in all directions, some of them hitting their intended target as they manage to killed some of the vampires, Buffy dropped from her hide out and charged to a couple of the night demons with her axe knowing that cutting their head as quickly as possible will be more affective than mr. Pointi

As Buffy was making her way into the room at then end, the rest of the gang was about to be attack by the scatted vampires, she looked back for a second wanting to go and help but she had to get what she came for

She encounter three more vampires on her way, one of whom grab her from behind and made her lose her axe "ok, letís start this all over" her sarcasm that it was part of keeping her concentrated on the fight, she throw a high kick to the chin of the vampire at her left side causing him to stagger backwards, quickly turning to the one en front and punch him in the stomach as she roll over to avoid the kick from the one behind her "donít you guys take turns" she was gasping for air, she turn to the one behind her to met him with a swift backhanded, followed by a right kick to the mid section as he growled in pain, the other vampire sprang to their feet then she turn with a front kick simultaneously by a back kick to the one behind her, "hey you guys arenít as tough as a thought" but she spoke to soon, she was kick hard on her back, then she stumbled over , then she saw the other vampire manage to get his sword out, he held it high ready to aim at her " I think we had enough fun already" the night demon said, but then he was blown to ashes as one arrow got through his heart, Buffy saw that Lorne was far behind were the vampire had vanish, crossbow still holding at her direction, she quickly grabbed the sword that had just drop to the floor and swing it around one of his opponents separating his head from his body, the remaining vampire lunged at her, but she was more than ready to receive him, he had also taking out his sword as the battle began, not being this, one of her favorite mode of combat but she had no other choice, they had scatted most objects on their way, as he aim the sword directly at her she strategically move out of the way making him stave the wall, then she finished it with another beheading

She headed towards the room taking a look back where her company was, with a quick glance she saw they were still alive and struggling with the vampires, she turn back and saw a vampire coming from the room she was headed to, she run as fast as she could, stake in hand taking the demon by surprise, driving the stake deep in his heart

She kick the door knocking it off his hinges, then she saw the missing vampires gather in the middle of the room, crossbows handy firing at her immediately, thankfully her reflects were faster than they were as she covered herself with the loose door stopping the arrows from touching her, "you guys are missing the party, want to come out and play" she joked at the same time she send the free door flying towards one of the vampires, the others longed at her at the same time and once again the avoiding and hitting game started, she was hit hard on her stomach landing flat on her back, she had more bruises and scratches than she could count and her energy was in a very dangerous level, but she shook her head and got up as fast as she could only that it wasnít fast enough, she was hit hard in the back as she fall to her knees "we need to show this slayer what we has shown the previous one" one of then shouted, Buffy assumed he was their leader, he got close to her and grabbed her by the hear "Ok, let start the lesson" she stood up viciously as the vampireís nose crumble under Buffyís head, he roared in pain stepping back

Back at the hotel, Cordilia was just sitting down on a chair beside Angelís bed, the boy remained stand by his side, he had not say a word since the others left, she could see the preoccupation on his face, she could only wonder what was going with the others "youíre friends are fine, donít worry" the boy finally let out a word, suddenly Angelís body began to move, but his eyes were still shut, the boy quickly walked towards him and laid his hand on Angelís forehead, then almost at the same time the boy touched him, Angelís body stopped moving, "call them, they must hurry" the boy told Cordilia, she grabbed her phone and dialed as fast as she could

In the building, Buffy was being held by the 3 vampires in the room as their leader approached her holding his hand over his bleeding nose "fool little girl, even if you and your stupid friends have killed most of our member, we will always prevail" he remark, she straggle to brake free, but they were just to strong, but then she saw from the corner of her eye Gunnís friend aiming at her direction and ready to fire, "I think your whole legacy ends here" she said kicking him in his private parts, "get down" came a yell from behind her, when her captors turn to see where the voice came from, she broke free and drop to the floor, in seconds the whole room was cover in flames, as the vampires fell to the floor screaming in agony, she stood up and taking advantage of their painful distraction she was able to dust three of them leaving only the leader which she couldnít see as the smoke started to thicken

Most of the furniture were on fire and Buffy knew that the whole place was about to burn down, she turn to the guy who had just fired "thanks, how are the other" she asked with concern "barely holding up, I better go help them" he said getting out of the smoky room, Wesley entered as the other guy was getting out "Buffy we must hurry up, Cordy just called me, it has began" Wesley informed her, she desperately looked around, with all the commotion she hasnít being able to look, "maybe she is not in this room" Wesley suggested "no, their leader was here, she is got be here somewhere" she spotted a closet hidden by a pile of boxes she run to it and burst it open, and there she was a tall dark rubber like skin woman with blue spikes for hear, her eyes very completely bright green, she was tide with chains in her wrists and ankles, there was something attach to her, something that look a light purple diamond color with a distinguish black substance in the center ëthat must be the stoneí Buffy thought

"Buffy look out" came a yelled from Wesley, she turn and saw the vampire burn all over his body and smoke coming from him, she presume that was their leader, heading towards her "you are such a pain in the neck" she grabbed one of the peaces from the closet door in a form of a stake, she was confident that she will end this situation as she prepared to stake him, but he manage to avoid her, grabbing her hand and throwing her against the wall "you wont get her" he growled in fury, she hit the floor with a laud thud, with the help of the wall she got up "ok, Iím so tired of your flying lessons, this game ends now" she run and jumped on top of him, she kick him in the stomach then smack her knee into his nose, punch him in the chest so fast that the proud leader had no time to return any of the punches, "let see how you do the flying" she grabbed his hand and send him flying to the wall, in no time she was in top of him again stake in hand and plunged it all the way through his heart, she started coughing as the flames and the smoke were growing

Buffy went back to the strange looking woman, she move to lift her up as the demon god recoiled "donít worry Iím here to help" Buffy assured her, but being captive for so many years, Buffy knew she wasnít gonna trust her, so she picked her up by force and put it on her shoulder "come on we have to go" Buffy told Wesley, getting both out of the room, with the god demon struggling in her shoulder

As they were running towards the exit they were surrounded by around 10 vampires still alive, but their focus on Buffy, give the others the opportunity to give them a shower with holy water and fire at the same time

She run as fast as she could until she was outside, put her on the ground and waited for the others to come out, one by one all of them were able to make it out as she heard the screams from the vampires still inside, being still day they were not gonna be able to follow, she looked at everyone breathing hard and cover in blood dust and cuts all over their bodies "everybody ok" she asked "weíll live" Gunn answer "we have to run" she told them knowing that angel had not much time

Once at the hotel they went straight to angelís room, carrying the woman with them, as they entered they saw the boy standing by Angelís side touching his forehead, Angel was twitching and moving in pain, but he was not making any sounds "thank god youíre here he is being like that for a while now" Cordilia was explaining to them, Buffy went straight to him and grabbed his hand "Angel" she whisper "we have to hurry he doesnít have much time" the boy told her letting go of him

"We need to get the stone and open it" Conner said, Buffy turn to Amaris and kneel down "donít be afraid we are not gonna hurt you" he assure her, the god was just looking from one to the other not really believing her "we need to have the stone in your chest, Buffy got closer and put a hand on her shoulder as she jumped in fear "you have to trust us" she told her, the goddess wouldnít stop shaking but nod in agreement as she lifted her arms, with her hands still tide with chains, revealing that the stone was attach to her with some sort of material that looked like fungus, Buffy put her hand on it trying to rip it off but it was to strong, "I need a knife" she requested

Gunn handed her one and even without the knife she wasnít able to cut it "whatís going on?" she turn to the boy "itís attach with a material very strong that no normal knife can cut it" the boy explained, then he thought for a moment "we need a Murshan dagger" he finally said "yes Angel gave me one of those, Iíll get it right away" Wesley run outside

Buffy just kept looking at Angel, his body was twitching and moving so abruptly, she knew he was in a lot of pain and she needed to move fast,

"I got it" Wesley handed to Buffy, very easily she cut the strange material, she took the stone in her hand feeling the vibration coming from it, "how do we opened it?" she ask, "the dagger will also open the stone" the goddess said standing to her feet

She walked towards Angel with the dagger and the stone, but his body was convulsing now, making his movement more intense "guys you have to hold him" Cordilia told them, Buffy plunged the dagger in the middle of the stone revealing some of itís liquid, she got closer to Angel and tried to put some in his mouth but he was moving so fast that the liquid got spill on the bed, then she place herself on top of him and she put the strange liquid in her mouth, grabbed his head with both hands and gave him to drink with a kiss

Almost immediately he stopped moving and remained still, she move to his side and watched him, she uncover the wound in his chest and saw that the wound was healing, but no movement came from him anymore "why isnít he waking up?" Cordilia asked thinking that maybe something went wrong, Conner touch his forehead again then turn to Buffy "he is resting now, heíll be alright" he said it with a light smile, all of then sign in relief "guys I donít like to be pessimist, but what about those vampires they might come looking for us, "itís dark now" Gunn said

"Donít worry about them" they all look at the mystical woman, who already have new clothe and was standing without any chains attach to her "Iíll take care of them" she simply said and disappear in front of everyone

"Well, this was one interesting day, but I have to go to my club now, Iíll come by later" Lorne said walking outside "thank you Lorne" Wesley express "any time" he glanced back and walked to meet his demons friends waiting for him in the lobby

Gunn also thanked his friends before they took off

"You guys are a mess, you need to get clean up" Cordilia enthusiastically said, now that Angel was out of danger it was their turn to be taking care of, "yes, but before I would like to know how is it possible that you are Angelís son" Wesley asked to the boy

"I was created more than 3,000 years ago by my people the Hithlok" "the Hithlok I read about them they were extinguish right around that time" Wesley interrupted "but I though they were a myth" he added,

"In a way they were, my people had being hunted by very powerful witches and wizards back then, since our main power consist in mind control and seeing the future, the Hithlok tried to rule over the magic world by controlling their minds and with that their power, at that time the magic world were the once who had control over most creatures and my people seek for that power and they saw them as the perfect instrument, but the magic people found a way to block our power and little by little were eliminating the last of our raze, the few remaining focus their power to see as far as they could into the future, and saw that many years from their time the magic world will loose itís power and will give us the opportunity to attack again, but they also saw that our people will seize to exist, as the centuries will go by the new members will be to weak to posses the real power just as the magic people from this time are not nearly as powerful as they were thousand of years ago"

"Itís your people some king of demon" Wesley asked the boy "no, they were born from humans that posses those powers like the slayers they were chosen only that they were more than just one at the time"

"The Hithlok conjured a spell that will create one being with the memories and powers of all of them to be born at the beginning of the third millennium, were no power will be able to stop him and will bring destruction to this entire world, but in order for me to be able to accomplish that I couldnít be born from humans, they needed something that will resemblance humans but with no soul"

"They study my father when he was Angelus, they could sense that he and Darla will be alive when the time will come, they saw with more detail the first hundred years of my father existence, but in the middle they were attacked by a group of sorceress looking to finish with the last of them, they quickly decided to use my father and Darla, but they had to do it fast, in the middle of the ritual they saw that my father was cursed with a soul, they tried to stop the rite, but it was to late, I was created to bring destruction, but because of my fatherís soul I can no longer serve the purpose I was created for"

"But how could you change from a baby until now?" Wesley asked "I was only to live as human being for the first year, then I will go into hibernation if you want to call it that way, to grow and fully develop my powers when I reach the age of 25 in your time, unfortunately when the time came for me to go through that process you were being attack and when I left my previous body my father thought I was killed"

"I wasnít able to talk and there isnít much written about me that would have explain what was happening, I could see how this affected him but there was nothing I could do, the process was only gonna last 3 weeks, but when I saw what happen to my father, the soul I inherited from him stopped me from letting him die I knew I had to come back and help him, but that destroyed my cycle of change, I only spent one week, now I can not go back and start the aging process againÖ and I have to develop my power as I grow like a normal human being" he express the final part in a very disappointing tone of voice

"Then you are not entirely Angelís son" Cordilia commented "I Am, even when I was created in a way, I was born from him, Iím part of him, my people made possible for them to conceive, in order for them to use the baby and even when I no longer needed my previous body, the new one will still have the same characteristics that I was originally born with"

Buffy was listening to what the boy had just said and despite how incredible that was she could not help being worried about Angel

Beside from Buffy all the others were stunned by the unbelievable story they have just heard "well, that sums it up" Gunn could only come up with

"Ok, who wants to eat Chinese food, Iím starving" Cordilia suggested "yes me too" Gunn agreed, "come on guys you need to clean up, you look awful" the former cheerleader joked, as they left the room, leaving Conner, Buffy and Angel alone

Buffy was still by Angelís side not wanting to leave until he wakes, the boy walked towards her "he will be out for a long while his body is adapting, he needs to sleep and so do you" she looked at him with a smile "you look just like him" she expressed "come letís go join the others, Iím hungry too" the boy told her

"Whatís gonna happened with Amaris?" she asked, "oh, she is having a lot of fun with those vampires right now, no need to worry" he told her

They all got clean up and ate, Buffy got more clothe from Fred, she called her house to talk to Willow and to check on Dawn, telling them she will be back soon, her body was very sore, but she was very relief that everything turn out ok, she was on her way to Angelís room when she saw Amaris pop out of nowhere "Iím sorry I didnít mean to alarm you" she apologize to Buffy "Itís Ok" Buffy simply responded "how are you feeling?" the slayer asked "Iím still adapting to my freedom itís being so long, I came to thank you I know that you mainly did it for him but nonetheless Iím grateful for freeing me and if you ever need my help" she handed a silver medallion with a black stone in the middle "just touch the stone and call out my name I will be there in a second" Buffy grabbed it "thank you, what are you gonna do?" she asked "I think I will see what your world have to offer, since Iím stuck here I guess I should make the best of it" the goddess smiled and disappear as she appeared the first time

Buffy looked at the medallion and smile, then she headed towards her previous destination, she walked inside the room and sat by his side again and stayed like that for hours, she was so exhausted, her body was aching all over but she didnít want to leave his side

She lost truck of time, after what seemed like hours she was standing beside the bed, Conner entered the room, and stood beside her "I wonder where his mind is now" she said to the boy "he is dreaming about his home, would you like to see?" he asked extending his hand out to her, she didnít hesitated for a second and immediately took his hand, they walked towards the door, as soon as they walked out, she was in a back yard, it was daylight but despite of the sun, it was very cold, she could see the clouds moving at an incredible speed, but the trees around werenít moving at all, the day became night in a matter of minutes, then she recognize where they were, that well known place by her, as they walked closer to the door, two kids came out running and laughing, she followed them with her eyes until they disappear into the night

They entered the room and she could see the fire burning in the fire place, on the couch they were two people sitting very closed to each other, all she could make out was their white hear, once she got closer she could distinguish their wrinkle faces, she looked around as the furniture kept on changing from deferent positions, and the mansion will change into the hotel for brief moments, she kept on looking not knowing exactly what was happening, then she turn to the couch again and saw him sitting on it looking at the fire place, she could see him smile "Conner your back" he quickly got up and turned to face them, his smiled faded at the sight of her "Buffy" he softly said, she could not hold her desire to embrace him as she run to him and put her arms around his waist, he hold her back closing his eyes "I though I lost you" she said crying "I know" he agreed they remained attach to one another for what it felt like an eternity, neither of them wanting to let go

He pulled back from their embrace and looked at her, lowering his head he apologize "Iím sorry for what I put you through" "shh, donít, donít be sorry" she said "but IÖ" he tried to continue but she change the subject "so, this is home huh" looking around "well, you know what they say ëhome is were the heart isí" he looked at her and smile, then he turn to Conner "how is this possible for her to be here" he asked his son "she is your soulmate thatís why I could bring her" the boy explain "Conner already told me everything that happened, that is almost unbelievable" he remark "tell me about it" she agreed

"We have to go" Conner told Buffy "will you come back again" Angel asked not wanting for them to leave "no, itís time for you to come to us" the boy answer, he took Buffyís hand to head out as she was still holding Angel with her other hand and slowly let go as he gave her that look every time they had to separate

She was expecting to see the yard again but instead blackness surrounded her and she couldnít feel Connerís hand anymore, everything was silence, until she heard a very distant thud, the sound was growing lauder and faster, she opened her eyes and did not know where she was, but she could still hear and feel the southing sound, she felt warm, then she realize that her head was resting on Angelís chest she lifted her head and she rub her eyes to make the blur go away she saw the others around her and she smiled "his heart is beating" she could hardly contain her emotion, she touched his chest feeling with her hand his heart beating and the warmth of his body

She sat up and focus her eyes on him knowing that he will opened his eyes any time soon and she was right he slowly opened them and as he was blinking to make up the shadows around him, he focus on the one nearest, knowing that it was her, "Buffy" he called out her name "Iím here" she placed her hand on his shoulder so that he would know

"How are you feeling?" Cordilia asked him, he looked at her "very thirsty" he responded "do you need blood?" she asked "Cordy he is not a vampire anymore" Wesley reminded her "I think I need water" he responded "Iíll get it" Buffy said getting up knowing that they provably needed some time alone

"Guys, Iím really sorry that I acted like an idiot" he began to apologize "hey, you were just re borne, what if we consider that part of your past life and we start all over, right guys" Cordilia said to the others "itís cool man, we are just happy that everything turn fine for all of us" Gunn reassured him "Angel you donít need to apologize if any of us would have gone through what you did we provably would have acted the same way" Wesley also told him "ok, but Iím still sorry" Angel said at last

"So, how does it feel to be human?" Cordilia asked him "you mean like for the second time, I got to tell you the first time was easier and less painful" he responded "but I think I prefer this one better"

"Although this time was very painful for all you" he said looking at the bruises and cuts all over their faces, and couldnít hide his guilt "come on weíre being through more than this" Gunn assured him

"Besides were are gonna have a lot fun babysitting your son" Cordilia was joking "I donít need a babysitter Iím not just a kid" Conner said in his defense "yes you are a powerful being but you are still a ten year old boy" Angel reminded him "Dad" the boy smirked "son, would you mind repeating that again" Angel asked since that was the first time the boy had said it, the boy just gave him a feeble smile "Dad, youíll get tired to hear it" the boy told him "I really doubt that" Angel said sounding very confidante

"Ok, young man you need some breakfast" Cordilia call out to the boy "Thanks Cordy, thanks all of you" Angel express with sincere gratitude, they all nodded, Cordilia hugged him and kissed him in the cheek, then the guys just pounded him in the shoulder before they walked out of the room

"Come on Cordilia itís gonna cook, that only happened every major event" Gunn was teasing her", Buffy was entering the room with the water when the others were leaving, Angel tried to get up but he was still very weak, "what do you think your doing" Buffy sat beside him and put her hand on his shoulder, "I think I need to sit in order to drink" he smile "oh" she admitted, she put a hand around his neck and helped him sat, they were stunned for a while at the shivering feeling they always share every time they touched, she handed the water to him and watched him drink "orw, it taste awful" he expressed, "youíll get use to it" she told him

"You must be starving?" Buffy asked him, but he turn towards his nigh table to look at the clock it was 11:00 AM "Buffy, there is a park a few blocks from here I would like to go there with you" he asked "Angel you need to rest is not everyday you go from vampire to human" she explain "I know, but I have a lot of time to rest and your provably wont be here that long" he looked at her sad, she thought for a moment "please" he pleaded "Ok, but just for a little while and then promise me youíll go back to bed" she demanded "I promise" he agreed with a sided smile, she helped him sit down and handed out pants and a shirt, he put on the shoes, she helped him stand up, but his legs tremble, "Angel maybe we should" she was concern but he was determine "Iím fine" he assured her and with difficulty he walked towards a chest and grab something and put it in his pocket obviously trying to hide it from her

Angel was walking with a hand on Buffyís shoulder, they walked towards the lobby of the building where he others were gather eagerly talking until they spotted the two of them "where do you think your going" Cordilia angrily asked "weíre just going for a walk" he responded smiling innocently "Angel I donít think thatís wise" Wesley said agreeing with Cordilia "guys itís only a walk, donít need to get so protective, I still have my super strength remember" with that he got them to let him go, Buffy was impress in how much they cared for him and she was so glad at the same time "Conner weíll be back in a little while ok" he turn to his son "ok, dad" he just responded

When they came out of the building the light was hutting his eyes as he hasnít seen the sun for almost 4 years now

In their way to the park she was talking how much he has changed since they were together and how happy she was for his son and his friends, Angel remind quite most of the time

Once at the park they sat in a bench, he wasnít sure how to began, to him she didnít love him as before, he still loved her the same and this was what he always dream about, but he didnít know if she would love him again "what are you thinking" she asked him, wondering if he was thinking the same thing she has, he just shook his head and penetrate his gaze on hers "what?" she asked again "Iím just admiring how beautiful you are" she couldnít help blushing she has being told by others but only he had the power to make her quiver with one simple word "itís not the first time you see me in day light" she told him "no, but your beauty is not to be admire only once" he smiled and looked down, he was 247 years old but when ever she was around he will turn into a 16 year old talking to his first date

"So, howís Spike?" he awkwardly asked "Spike?" she answer with another question as she was completely cough off guard "he called you didnít he" she realize where his questions was going to "yes, about a few months ago" he confess "Angel, that wasnít me, not entirely, look what happened was" she wanted to explain but he did not let her "I know I have no right to ask but, did he mean anything?" he wanted to know, "no, nothing, I told you that wasnít me" she told him trying to be convincing, then he knew what he wanted to know "I know, Willow told me the story"

"When did you talked to her?" she question him "I while ago" he simple answer "so, you had time to talk to her and not to me" she reproach "well, the few times I talked to you, you werenít so thrill to hear from me so I thought" but she didnít let him finish the sentence "what? Itís there something going on between you two that I should know about" she seriously demanded, "Buffy" he was so surprise from her comment that her name was the only thing he could come up with, "Iím kidding, god besides your not her type" she vigorously smiled, he loved her smiled so much he couldnít helped smiling back at her, as the two of them looked at each other, the drawing feeling was so strong that he had to look away to stopped himself from grabbing her and kissing her

"I missed you," she finally admitted, "I miss you every day" he also revealed not turning his sight back at her

But then he made up his mind, taking a deep breath, this time really needing it, he looked straight into her eyes "Buffy Ö I still love you" he paused for a second to examined her expression "do youÖ umÖ do you think itís possible for you to love again?" he finally asked afraid of the response, she looked away and then back at him and gave him a feeble smile "I donít think so Angel" heís heart was beating so fast, that he though he was getting sick not being used to the feeling, he felt it coming but he didnít have an idea how much it will hurt "I Ö I knewÖ I just thoughtÖ" but she silence him with hers lips in a soft kiss, bringing an even stronger shivering feeling, she pulled away and place her hand on his face, "how can I start if I never stopped" she smiled

He felt the biggest happiness ever, his son was alive and the only woman he has ever loved still loves him, if he would have still be under the course he provably would have lost his soul by now

"Iím sorry I made you feel like I didnít love you, the truth is that when my friends brought me back I wasnít entirely myself, despite from the fact that somebody else came along, for a while a thought that my feelings for you were gone, but this last day made me realize that youíre a part of me, this feelings were always there, just like breathing you donít notice when you breath, you just do"

"What about you? Do you still love me the same? Itís being almost four years" she asked him, he gave her a funny smile "whatís so funny" she asked felling awkward "Buffy I went to hell for hundreds of years and when I came back I loved you the same or even more, what makes you think that a few years will make me love you any less"

He put his hand in his pocket and took a small leather box "I have had this ever since I came back from hell" he opened it revealing the two Claddagh rings, "oh my god" she was surprise "I found yours when I was cleaning the mansion, it was a little damage, so I took it to be clean and fix, I bought a new one for me" he took them out of the box and put it on his palm "I guess I never lost hope, and now I now that the waiting was worth it" he took the ring and placed it in her mid finger with the heart towards her as she grabbed his and did the same, they looked at each other neither of them believing what has happened wishing that if it is a dream they shouldnít be allow to wake up, they were drown to each others arms, they submerge into a everlasting kiss as their souls connected to become one, just like it has being written for centuries

"Conner, Conner" Cordilia was calling at the boy who apparently was looking into an empty wall, Cordilia got worried and walked towards him and put her hand on his shoulder "are you ok? Itís something bad gonna happened" she asked with concern, the boy turn to face her with a wide smile on his face "no, nothing is wrong, at least not yet" he explain "then what is it?" she demanded "Iím going to have a mother" he simply finished