Title: The Hunter's Homecoming Author: Rebecca Michelle The characters of Angel, Doyle, Cordelia, and Wesley are the property of Joss Whedon's Mutant Enemy Productions, 20th Century Fox and/or the WB. The author's own original characters (Anna, Hamish, Angus, Fergus, Octavian, Christian, Duncan, and any others I may have missed) are the property of the author, Rebecca Michelle. This fic immediately follows The Messenger and the Message. "Hamish!" Doyle called from Anna's side. She looked at him, trying to believe. They ran up the mountain, long ground-eating strides. Anna turned and watched their approach, recognition alighting in her eyes. "I'm home."She whispered and then she laughed."I'm home!!" Hamish ran over and lifted her off her feet, swinging her around in a circle. Still laughing, she said,"It's good t' see you t' little brother, but you're makin' me dizzy." Hamish set her on the ground, took off his heavy outer cloak and gave it to her. She looked at Angel."It looks like we'll get that chance after all." Then she took the cloak and covered her body. They came to her in a line, Angus at the front. She reached up and touched his cheek."You're looking well little brother." She moved on to Fergus. "I think you've grown ginger." To Doyle's amazement and the others' amusement Fergus shifted his feet like an embarrassed little boy. She hugged Duncan next, and moved on to Christian. "No more shotgun weddings I hope Chris." "Not this week Anna." Finally she turned to Octavian."Be it today or tomorrow they will see you." "Their eyes are blinded to me." Anna touched his arm."I see you Octavian." She turned back to the others. "We should go t' th' cave and wait for it t' be safe for Angel t' travel, day will break soon." Doyle walked on one side of Anna, Angel on the other. They arrived at the cave and moved to the back. Anna sat down and motioned them to do the same. "What was that bit with Octavian about?" "Did you nae notice that apart from us no one speaks t' him, no one sees him? Without us he would have given up a long time ago. I owe him my life and more. It was the magic of his people that turned me into what I am. It was that magic that gave me th' chance t' give my brothers immortality, along with Fergus, Duncan and Christian." "They are the same as you?" Doyle said confused. She had told him there were only four like her. "They can die, but they'll never age and years cannae kill them. I was young, in years and in my immortality. I couldnae face the years stretched out before me with only four. Four can start a clan but nae truly be one. They were my brothers, dearer t' me than breath. I loved Alex, but Caelan and Lochlainn had only married into the clan, chosen only for their prowess in battle. It took years for me t' fully trust them. Christian was the last one changed, I did it after Alex died because I had sworn never t' do it again. When I went t' hell the first time th' others found him and persuaded him t' join them." "Here!" Hamish called throwing Anna a bag. She opened it and found her clothes. She stood up and said."I suppose I should go make myself decent." "Where are the demons?" Wesley asked. "I for one am happy to do without those visions." Cordelia answered. They both came to the office every day but Cordelia had not even had one vision. She picked up her purse and started walking to the door. "You want pizza or take-out Chinese?" "There is this marvelous little bistro that just op..." "Wesley, do you have any money?" "No." "Then it's take-out..."She screamed in mid-sentence and fell to the floor clutching her head. Wesley rushed to her side. "What is it? Someone in need of rescuing?" He said a bit too eagerly. "They're coming home." Sitting in Doyle's hotel room they waited for the plane to be ready. "Hamish you and Octavian will stay here. Duncan will you go back to Turin? We need to find out if Vincenzo is still in Rome." "He was there when I called him before we went int' th' hills. I'll go back Juventus v Roma should be coming up soon." "Fergus are you going back to London?" "I'd thought I'd go wit' you." "Can you stand being away from Stamford Bridge that long?" "There's always the telly." "It's settled then." She opened the briefcase and took out her laptop. "I knew there was a reason t' come back." She said after a minute. Doyle and Angel looked at her thinking she had found something important on the internet. "Hamish why didnae you tell me Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Celtic. They'll be in the premier league next year without a doubt. That is brilliant." "What are you talking about?" Angel asked confused. "Inverness Caley Thistle are a small highland team. Celtic of Glasgow are one of the two biggest teams in Scotland. Them and bloody Rangers win everything here. It's a big deal that little Caley Thistle not only beat them but beat the crap out of em. Brilliant." "It was that bloody John Barnes. Thank God Kenny's managing at Celtic Park now."Christian said. Before Anna could reply the phone rang. She reached over and picked it up. "Hello?" "Miss McCaig, your plane's ready." "We'll be there soon." She hung up the phone and started packing up her computer. "It's time to go." On the flight back, Angel sat next to Anna. "Something's been bothering me. In your book you wrote that you told Doyle your brother was afraid of you. If that was the case why did you change him?" "I had three brothers. Hamish and Angus are my younger brothers. Tavish was my older brother, in line to be the next clan chief after my father. He was afraid and that made him angry. He was the oldest, he should've been the best. I was a girl, I shouldnae have even been allowed to carry a sword, much less be better than him. My father died a year after I was changed, to my brothers horror the last thing he did as he lay dying was give me his sword. Tavish was afraid I'd try and take over, it didnae help that Octavian never left my side. He sent me away along with the other three. That is when I changed Hamish and Angus. Duncan and Fergus caught up to us and swore to follow me, that's when I changed them as well. If you had read my book you'd know all this." "I only read the part about Doyle. Things got very busy after Doyle came back." "What do you mean busy?" "As soon as one demon was killed another took its place." "I can imagine how thrilled Cordelia was at all those visions." "You have no idea." "Did he take it badly? Doyle, I mean." "He did." Cordelia paced the floor. "They should be here by now." "Cordelia it takes time to fly here from Scotland. Be patient." "I don't want to be patient Wesley." Cordelia said somewhat shrewishly."What I want is..." Before she could finish the object of her desire came walking in the door. She flew at him, raining kisses all over his face. To everyone's astonishment she took a step back and gave him a resounding slap."The next time I throw myself at you, Allen Francis Doyle, you'd better catch me." She kissed him again not like the kisses of before but a kiss that even rivalled that last one on the Quintessa. Anna laughed from where she stood behind Doyle."The return of the conquering hero. Quite touching really." Cordelia finally let Doyle up for air. She did keep a possessive arm around his waist though. Doyle cleared his throat."Wesley, Cordelia. This is Anna McCaig. The big guys name is Fergus, the one next to him is Anna's brother Angus, and the one in the back is Christian." When Christian was introduced he walked to Cordelia, took the hand not around Doyle and kissed it. "To say finally meeting you is a pleasure would be an understatement Cordelia." He gave her his most winning smile. The truth be told it had never failed before. "Nice to meet you Christopher." She said preoccupied looking at Doyle. "Christian." he muttered under his breath. Fergus and Angus laughed so hard they had to hold each other up to keep themselves from falling. Wesley walked over to Anna and extended his hand. When she shook it he said."It is an honor to meet you. I have been doing some research into your various exploits." "I'd take everything you've read and believe less than half of it." She said. "Especially if she wrote it." Angus said trying to get his breath back."Come on, Christopher, we have work to do." Fergus and Angus headed for the door still laughing. "Until we meet again fair Cordelia." Christian said before following them out the door. "He's stolen many a wife and girlfriend with that smile. But I don't think you wanted to rush us over here to see Christian crash and burn, Angel." "I didn't. Wesley found some prophesy that mentions the Hunter and the Slayer." Angel said. "A book of prophesy that mentions the Hunter and the Slayer? I'll have to get on to my resident scholar about that when he gets back. So where is this book?" "I left it in Angel's office." Wesley said as he went to get it. He returned with an open book."I've opened it to the relevant section." "Thanks." Anna said taking it from him and going to the couch to read it. She smiled at Doyle and Cordelia, who were still standing there just looking at each other."Why don't you two get a room?" Cordelia and Doyle blushed. "I am a little tired, Doyle." "Me too, jet lag ya know. I guess I'll take Cordelia home. To see she gets there safely." "You do that Doyle." Angel said trying to hide a smile. "We'll see you tomorrow." Cordelia called as they left the office. "Will you two bloody sit down." Anna said. Wesley sat down in the chair at the front of Cordelia's desk. Angel got the chair from behind it, moved it next to Wesley's and sat. When she read the prophecy she looked at Wesley."Where did you get this book?" "At one time I was a member of the Watchers Council." "You got this from the Watcher Council?" "Yes, that is..." "Bastards! They knew about this." "I don't understand." "We found a vague reference to this prophesy about fifty years ago. We asked the Watchers' Council at the time, they said they knew nothing about it." "Why would the Watchers tell you anything?" Angel asked. "We've had a mutually beneficial relationship over the last hundred years or so. It doesn't surprise me they kept this secret." "They may not have known of its existence. I found it quite by accident in a watcher warehouse several years ago. I only kept it because it makes reference to the slayer. Not to mention a good description of several demons I had never heard of." "Its because of that reference that they had to have known it existed. I can't say it surprises me. A Watcher's Council that doesn't keep secrets is a council that doesnae breathe. Is there anymore?" "That's all I've been able to uncover at present." "I wish I knew what this darkness business was, knowing how we're supposed to stop it would be quite helpful as well. If wishes were wings." "We could all fly." Angel said. "Exactly. Who's gonna call the Slayer? It might be better to contact Rupert first, see if she listened to my advice about the Initiative. When the lads return we'll know what's been going on while I've been away. Wesley, do you think you could find another book that sheds more light on things?" "I can try. I don't know how long it will take." "I have my own research expert, he can help." "If he's not to busy trying to get Cordelia to remember his name." Angel said. "Christian is definitely not scholar material. I was talking about Fergus. He's read more books than you'd believe." Anna's cell phone rang and she answered it."Hello?" "We've found some news." "I'm still at Angel's office." "We're ten minutes away." "See you in ten." She hung up the phone and said."They've found something. They'll be here in ten minutes." Doyle held the door open for Cordelia. "After you princess." Cordelia walked in and Doyle came in closing the door behind him. "I'll make some tea." Cordelia said as she walked into the kitchen and began doing just that. "Cordy, I wanted t' talk t' ya about th'way I acted before." "How do you feel about me, Doyle?" "I care a lot about you." Doyle said in surprise. "Do you still want to find out? Here's your tea." "Find out what?" He asked taking the cup from her. She reached over and touched his cheek. "If yours was a face I could learn to love. Both of them. I'd like to get that chance." "After the things I did, the things I said." "I understand a lot more now than I did before you left. I'm the one who should apologize to you." She and Doyle went and sat on the couch. "You don't have anything to apologize for." "But I do. While you were dead I...I sort of...wel,l I made a few bad choices." "Whatever you did while I was gone makes absolutely no difference t' me." "That's not all. I've been selfish and self centered and I'm sorry." "Nobody's perfect, princess. Nobody's perfect." She set her cup on the table, reached over took his and set it down next to hers. She turned to him. "Doyle, if you're willing I'd like to try again." "You want me to ask you out for dinner?" Cordelia leaned over and whispered in his ear. "I had something else in mind." "It's about bloody time Fergus. What's this news you heard?" "I git in touch with our new Sunnydale contact." "You have a contact in Sunnydale?" Angel asked. "I've only recently convinced him to join our crusade." "Who is it?" "It's William. We'd better let Fergus tell us whatever before he explodes." "You mean Spike?" Angel asked in disbelief. "Yes Angel. I said it was William. What is it Fergus?" "From what William said the Slayer didn't listen to your warnings. She actually joined the Initiative for a time. But apparently she didn't play by their rules and they tried to kill her." "They tried to kill Buffy." Angel growled his vampire face coming out. "Put your fangs away Angel. They may have just bitten off more than they can chew. Your Buffy seems quite capable of taking care of herself. Fergus, I found out a few interesting things myself. It seems Wesley here found some sort of prophecy. Here it is. The Watchers' Council had it hidden in one of their warehouses. See if you can help him uncover more of this." "I'm gonna have t' have a long talk with Graeme Adams when I get back to London." "You know the Watcher archivist?"Wesley asked walking to Angel's office. "We're old acquaintances." Fergus answered following him into the office. "Do you think the Initiative is the darkness coming?" "I don't think so Angel. I donae know for sure though." "What darkness are ya talking about?" "Why don't you two go in there and find out Angus. I need t' call Arsene and find a place t' stay. Angus and Christian have a place here so Fergus can stay with them but I'd rather not. Their maid has taken a permanent vacation." "You could stay here if you wanted to." "I wouldnae want t' be in th' way." "Until we find out what this is all about it'd make things easier." "If you donae mind. I can take th' couch." "No, I'll sleep on the couch." "Are we gonna argue over the couch Angel?" They heard arguing from Angel's office. "This may take longer than we thought." Angel said. "We should probably go break it up." Doyle lay on the bed watching the sun as it made its way past the horizon to shine in the window. It was almost an exact mirror of that morning he had left for Scotland. Except this time it felt better than heaven. He held Cordelia in his arms. He breathed in the sight and the smell of her. He knew there were still battles to be fought and wars to be won. He did not care about the state of the rest of the world. All he cared about was the slice of the world that held his princess. He stroked her hair, it was softer than he had imagined. She opened her eyes slowly and smiled at him. "I was afraid you'd disappear again." "I'm gonna stay by your side as long as you'll have me princess." To his horror he sneezed. Her reaction was not what he expected. She took a corner of the blanket and lifted it up to peer within. "So are those pointy things all over?" And then Cordelia Chase giggled. Doyle grabbed her hands, his human face returning. "I'll give you pointy things." "It's ten o'clock I should call Cordelia's and make sure she's alright." Wesley said as he and Anna waited for Angel to get out of the shower. The others had left that morning to try and find out more about the prophecy. "I'm sure Doyle will keep her safe. They have much t'...discuss." "I still do not understand how she can possibly forgive him for the ghastly way he behaved." "Love does funny things to humans and demons alike." Wesley began to reply when Angel emerged from the bathroom. "Nice...towel." Anna said getting up and walking to Angel."I'll need a towel myself. This one will do nicely." She finished by removing Angel's towel and throwing it over her shoulder. "Very nice towel indeed." She walked into the bathroom laughing. Angel got dressed as quickly as he could. "Very strange girl." Wesley said. "We should go to the office soon." Cordelia said to Doyle as he stood behind her brushing her hair. "We probably should. Unless you want t' take another shower." "Doyle we just got out of the shower. Angel will start wondering what's keeping us." "I have a feeling Angel knows what's keeping us. But you're right we should get dressed and go." "Have the others arrived yet?" Anna asked coming out of the bathroom, and to Angel's slight disappointment fully dressed. "Nobody yet," was his reply. "Where did Wesley go?" "He went to get a few books from his place." Anna picked her phone up from the table and began dialing. "Hello?" A crisp English voice said. "Rupert it's Anna." "What's wrong Anna?" "I heard about what happened with Buffy but that's not the only reason I called. It seems we've unearthed a prophecy concerning your Slayer, Angel and myself. I can fax you a copy." "I don't have a fax. A prophecy about the Slayer that includes you and Angel? I would have heard of it before now." "The Watchers' Council had it in a warehouse, your friend Wesley found it. I can e-mail it to you." "I don't have a computer." "Rupert, join the 21st century. Get your quill pen I'll read it t' you over th' phone. Hold on. Angel would you?" Angel got the book and handed it to her. "Ready Rupert?" "Ready." "I'll read th' whole thing t' you but all except the last line have been fulfilled. The day will dawn when the warrior will be replaced by the messenger who has lost his message. The Hunter will cease t' hunt and the hunted shall arise without fear. The messenger must once again prove his worth. The Lost One must follow the messenger. The messenger must call the hunt. It's this last part that's caused all the distress. The Hunter, The Slayer, and the Lost One in unity must face the tide of darkness, lest it overtake the earth." "You are sure that all but the last line has come to pass." "Very sure." "Buffy won't like this. She has enough to worry about." "Tell her if you think she needs t' know. If we find out more we'll phone you." "Thank you for letting me know of this. I'll do some research of my own. If I find anything out I'll call Angel." When she got off the phone Angel handed her a cup of tea. "You are an angel." Doyle and Cordelia walked into the office surprised to find it empty. "Hello? Is anybody here?" Doyle called. Anna and Angel came into the office from the stairs. "Aye we're here. I trust ya slept well." Both Cordelia and Doyle blushed and Angel and Anna laughed. "Any news yet?" Doyle asked. "None. I suppose all we can do now is wait," Angel said, suddenly very serious. Anna and Angel stood in the place of the Oracles. "Those who come in supplication must bring offerings." The woman said. Anna and Angel held out their offerings, hers was a silver necklace of the finest Celtic design, his was a matching bracelet, and they flew to the woman. "We seek answers from the Oracles." Anna said as meekly as she could manage, which of course was barely short of a demand. "The cosmos is full of answers, warrior, for as many questions." The man said. "We have discovered a prophecy." Angel said. "We know of this prophecy." The woman said. "What is the darkness the prophesy speaks of? What must we do t' vanquish it?" Anna asked. "The answers to those questions are hidden from you. You must stay with the warrior Angel. Heed the visions of the new messenger." "Doyle wants his visions back." Angel said. "His atonement is complete, his agreement with the powers met." "What does Cordelia have to atone for?" Anna demanded. "That is for the powers to know." "She has not pledged herself to the powers, they have no right." Anna said hotly. "One door had been closed, another way had to be provided." "She has not sought redemption, she has made no agreement. The Powers have forced themselves upon her." Anna said as she stepped forward and continued."She is a mortal. She is young. What the Powers have done, intruding upon her soul, is nothing short of rape." "Our patience with you is wearing thin. You ARE pledged to the Powers. You will question us no further. The Powers have spoken." The woman made a pushing motion with her hand causing Anna and Angel to fly out the doorway and hit the wall in the antechamber. "That went well Anna. Thanks." "Something has them scared Angel. I mean to find out what. I'm going back to the office," she said, getting up and helping Angel to his feet. "I want to check with a few people about the darkness. I'll be there in a few hours." Anna walked into the office and found Doyle on the couch. "Where's Cordelia?" She asked him. "She had an audition." She walked over and sat down next to him, sitting sideways so she could look at him. "What's wrong Doyle?" "Nothing. What makes you think somethings wrong?" "I know you. Are you going t' tell me or am I gonna have t' beat it out of you?" "It seems so unreal." "What?" "All of this. All of us here t'gether." "Doyle!"he said as she reached for and held his hand."Are you happy with Cordelia?" "Yea it's just that.." "You think I'm hurt ya didnae pick me or jealous?" "Are you?" "Doyle all I want, all I've ever wanted, was for you t' be happy. I love you Doyle. I always will, but there are other kinds of love besides the shaggin' kind. You've done more for me than you realize. Everybody I help, everything i do from now on is because of you. When I first met you you helped me in ways that Hamish and th' others never could. You reminded me I had a heart, you reminded me how t' love, how t' laugh." "Anna I..." "I'm nae done. All I did was point you in th' right direction. Am I jealous? Maybe a little. But not for th' reasons you think." "Ya did more than point me in th' right direction. You've given me courage. Courage I didn't have before then. Every time I wanted t' give up I thought of you. You showed me th' man I could be. I don't want t' hurt you. If this with Cordelia does that..." "Would you give her up if I asked you t'?" "I would." "I won't. She makes you happy. You love her, and I love you t' much t' risk you resenting me. Our time for that came and went. You're my dearest friend, I'd like t' keep it that way." He leaned over and hugged her. "I love you too." Of course Cordelia walked into the office and heard what Doyle had said. It took her back to when she had caught Xander with Willow. She said nothing just turned around slamming the door behind her. Doyle started to get up but Anna stopped him. "I'll take care of this." She hurried after Cordelia. A hundred thousand ways to make this right ran through her mind. She had never made friends easily. She had no female friends at all. She knew hunting, fighting, killing and football. She had nothing in common with Cordelia except Doyle. When she caught her she said the only thing she knew girls liked to do. "Let's go shopping." "I don't think so." "My treat. I need an expert opinion. I have no eye for fashion." "That's obvious." "We should talk. Where do you want to go?" "You want to go shopping?" "I do. You pick the store or stores if th' fancy strikes you." "Anywhere?" "It's what I said." "Nordstroms?" "You'll have t' drive. I can take you t' every demon bar in the city, but where to shop I'm clueless." "I hadn't noticed. We could go to Rodeo Drive." Anna gave her the keys."You're driving." After they had gotten in the car and drove off Anna's phone rang. "What?" "It's me. Where are you?" "We'll be back later we're going shopping." "Shopping?" She heard Doyle say in disbelief as she turned the phone off. "You put the...whammy, I think Doyle calls it, on me didn't you." Anna shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe I did." "When are you going to tell me I didn't see what I saw?" "Never." They drove in silence for several minutes until Cordelia couldn't stand it."How long has it been going on?" "Has what been going on?" "What I saw in the office?" "What did you see Cordelia?" "I heard what he said." "Did you? Or did you see and hear what you wanted t'? It'd be easier for you if we were involved. You wouldnae have t' tell him how you feel. You wouldnae be hurt if something happened t' him again." "So you admit something is going on." "Do you honestly think he would have said and done th' things he has because he wanted t' hurt you?" "No... I don't know." "Doyle is and has been many things in his life but he doesnae lie to his friends and he doesnae intentionally set out t' hurt th' people he loves." "He's never told me he loves me." "Maybe he's afraid to." Cordelia parked and turned off the car. "Do you really want to do this?" "Aye." They got out and started walking down the sidewalk. "This is a good place." Cordelia said stopping in front of a store. "Might as well go in then." They walked in the store and began looking around. "This is nice." Cordelia said picking out a bright red dress."Red could be your color." "Reminds me too much of blood. I get enough of that." Anna walked around and finally picked up a pair of black leather pants."These are good." "They're exactly like the pair you have on." Anna put them back with a sigh. She got a dark green dress and showed it to Cordelia. "This would look good on you." "It's so green." "It's Doyle's favorite color." "I didn't know that." "You didnae ask. I like these boots." She said picking up a pair of black boots that looked remarkably similar to the pair she had on. "Can I help you?" A salesgirl asked. "I'd like to try this on." Cordelia said taking the green dress from Anna. "Through here miss." The girl said showing Cordelia where the dressing rooms were. They both tried on a few outfits until they couldn't find anything else they liked. "We'll take it." Anna said. "All of it?" The girl asked. Anna took out a credit card and put it on the counter. The girl rang everything up as Cordelia's eyes got wider and wider. Anna signed the slip and picked up her purchases. "Come on Cordelia get your stuff." Cordelia realized that Anna had bought all the things she shown any interest in. "We can put this in th' back and go t' another store. Or we could go have coffee at that coffee shop." "Coffee sounds good." Cordelia said. Sitting over coffee Anna waited for Cordelia to say something. "Why are you doing this?" She finally asked. "This is what friends do?" "I wasn't aware we were friends." "Why?" "I'm not jealous of you!" "The thought never crossed my mind." "It's not fair. You know him so much better than I do." "Maybe you should ask him. You obviously know there was more between Doyle and I than just friendship." "He didn't tell me." "But you know. Did you tell him everything you did while he was dead?" "You know?" "I know. Does Doyle?" "I was going to tell him." "But he didnae care did he?" "No." "If Doyle wanted t' be with me why would he have spent every moment with you? If I wanted Doyle do you think I would have let him? He loves us both, just in different ways. Maybe you cannae understand that men and women can love each other, can be friends and nae be shagging or at least thinking about it. For me it's natural. Th' only woman I was ever close t' was me mum and I was as mysterious to her as th' moon." "You've never had a friend that wasn't a man?" "Never. I'd like that t' change." "Why?" "Doyle loves you." "Why hasn't he told me that?" "Maybe he doesnae want t' pressure you. If he says it you might feel th' need t' say it before you mean it." "But I do." "You have t' stop running from him, but first you need t' stop running from th' way you feel. You will never find anyone truer than Doyle. Do you still think there's something going on behind your back?" "It hurt so much when I lost him." "He didnae do it on purpose. All you can do is cherish everyday, do everything, say everything your pride wouldnae let you before. Anything could happen to either of you at any time, don't leave whoever is left with regrets." "It's not that simple." "But it is that simple. I know what it's like to lose, at the risk of sounding cliche, your soul mate. I know what its like t' live with regrets. It's a hole that can never be filled. That hole only gets bigger. It starts t' leach away happiness, until everything around you gets tainted. I wasnae strong enough to cope with it. Can you? Knowing you have a second chance, a chance that most people can only dream of. Doyle is very special t' me." "I read your book." "All of it?" "No. I read the part about Doyle. I thought I understood. It's just so hard, you've been so much to him. How can I ever live up to that?" "Did you know that I envy you sometimes Cordelia." "Why would you envy me." "I'm strong because I've had t' be. I've had t' fight for everything I've ever wanted. Your strength comes from someplace inside. You're strong but your fallible. You can make mistakes. If I make a mistake everybody acts as if the earth will stop spinning. When I make mistakes people die. And you inspire people t' want t' protect you." "You want somebody to protect you?" "It'd be nice if somebody tried. You have a second chance with Doyle, a chance I'd do almost anything to have with the one I lost. Don't throw it away because you're afraid." "How can I be sure he loves me as much as I love him?" "You cannae. But you cannae use that as an excuse nae to even try." "I'd like us to be friends." Cordelia lifted her cup to take a drink but she dropped her cup and it fell to the ground. She grabbed her head and fell out of her chair. Anna went to her side fending off the concerned and the curious. "She's fine. She just gets these fits. I'll take her home and get her medicine." She put money on the table then she helped Cordelia to her feet, guiding her to the car and buckling her in the passenger seat. She got in and drove to Angel's. "Where are they?" Doyle asked for the thousandth time. "Calm down Doyle. Anna wouldn't let anything happen to Cordelia." "I have a bad feelin' man." Angel and Doyle turned to the door as it opened and saw Anna helping Cordelia through it. "Help me get her t' th' couch." Doyle got on her other side and they took her over to lie down. "What happened?" Doyle asked as he sat on the edge of the couch stroking her hair. "I'm hopin' it was a vision. She hasnae said a word, whatever it is I think it's bad." "Cordy? Can you hear me? It's Doyle, princess, open your eyes, you're scarin' me."She just lay there. "Come on Princess, please." "D-D-Doyle?" "It's me. What happened?" "It was horrible." "What was Cordelia?" Angel asked as he knelt by the couch. "A vision. There was a woman, she had red hair, and this man. They went into a room. She...she put her hands on him. I could feel his pain." "It's okay princess. Take your time." "When he fell, he was... he was empty?" "She ate his internal organs?" Angel asked. "He looked normal, but he was empty. What made him him was just gone." "Was he dead?" Angel asked Cordelia but it was Anna who answered. "A body cannae live without a soul." "What are you saying?" "It sounds like Preneur d'ame. A soul taker." "Is it a demon?" "Of the very worst kind. We may have just found our darkness. Take her home Doyle. Stay there. If one of us comes we may not be who you think we are." "What are you talking about?" "Call Fergus he'll stay with you. We may need th' other two. Trust me Doyle this is about as bad a thing as you can imagine. Go. Go now." "How long?" "I don't know." "I expect an explanation later." "I hope I'll want t' give you one." Doyle helped Cordelia up and they left the office. He called Fergus on the way to Cordelia's. As soon as they were out the door Angel turned to Anna. "What's going on? Did you have to scare him like that? We'll kill this. We've both handled demons before." "Think for a minute Angel. This thing is no run of the mill demon. It consumes souls, I mean literally. It's stronger than you can imagine, th' more souls it ingest th' stronger it becomes. It feeds on purity and innocence, but it hungers for strength and goodness." "How do you kill it?" "I don't know if we can." "Is that why you scared Doyle so badly?" "Angel you donae understand! We're big game t' this thing. What happens when a mortal loses their soul?" "They die." "What would happen if you or I lost our soul?" "We wouldn't die." "You'd go back t' bein Angelus and I'd be unstoppable death. Now do you understand." "This is bad." "This is very bad." Why do they have to stay protected at Cordelia's?" "We brought this thing here. It will be able to sense us on them, in them. It will target them t' bring us out. I've never been afraid of anything in my unnaturally long life, but this scares me. I've been evil. I don't want t' do it again." "I don't want to be Angelus. Have you come up against this thing before?" "I have." "What did you do?" "I ran." "It'll be okay princess. Angel and Anna'll take care of it." Doyle said as he got off the phone with Fergus. "Doyle!" Cordelia screamed grimacing in pain. "We're almost home." "There's another one. A man, they were at your apartment." "After he had gotten her inside and comfortable on the couch he called Angel's. "Angel Investigations." Anna answered. "Anna. It's Doyle." "Did you call Fergus?" "He's gonna stop by the store and come over." "Good." "Cordelia had another vision." "The woman again?" "Yea, but she wasn't alone, there was a man with her and they were at my place." "Ah bloody hell! Could she see what he looked like?" "I'll ask hold on." He moved the phone away from his mouth."Cordy did ya see this guy?" "I only saw him from behind. He had dark hair, that's all I saw but I know he is like her. Tell her I'm sorry I didn't see more." Doyle moved the phone back to his mouth."She only saw him from behind, all she knows is he has dark hair." "Doyle, tell Fergus when he gets there. You have t' trust me. Don't call us. We won't call you. If Angel comes t' Cordelia's stake him. If I come Fergus will know what Cordelia will have t' do. Take care of her. She does love you. Heed her visions. But no matter what don't let Angel or me close to you. If we win we'll think of someway t' contact you." "If you win? I don't like this." "I don't like it much myself. Take care of her and yourself." Anna hung up the phone as Angel came in from downstairs. "That was Doyle. They're safe for now. I told him what we agreed. Cordelia had another vision. There's two of em." "Are you ready?" "I've talked to Angus. He and Christian know what t' do. They're goin t' Wesley's now." "I still don't think they should be involved, they should be with Doyle, Cordelia and Fergus." The look of pain in her eyes made him wish he could take back what he just said. "He's my brother Angel do you think you want t' keep him safer than I do." Angel walked over to her and put his arms around her. They clung to each other. "I'm scared Anna." "I'm scared too Angel." This was their worst fear made a reality. "I set wards against th' preneur d'ame. They shouldnae be able t' come in. But if the worst happens it won't keep out Angel or Anna." "We should just get the hell out of here. Let them deal with it. And if they go all grrr we'll be long gone." Cordelia said in fear. "Dun do bheul a amadain." Fergus rumbled loudly."Tha fios aig Anna." And he walked out the door to take up his position as watch. "What did he say?" Cordelia asked. "My gaelic is rusty and scottish gaelic is a little different than what I know." "What did he say Doyle!" "It's not important." "It didn't sound very nice." "If my translation is correct he said 'Shut you mouth fool' and the last bit was 'Anna knows'." "Your just going to let him talk to me like that?" "Have you seen how big he is?" "Doyle!" "Do you really want t' run away?" He asked seriously. "I'm scared Doyle." He went and sat beside her on the couch enfolding her in his arms. "We're all scared princess." "There is pain for us here." The woman said in disbelief. "They are warded against us. The old magic." The man said. "I hunger." "The Dark Lord wants the warriors. These three are incidental." "Our Lord wants the soul of the half-demon. He almost had her soul until the one they call Doyle rescued her." "We will know if he leaves the safety of those wards. We will sit on the right hand of the Dark Lord when we unleash those two on the world. And we will have their souls." "There is the girl. She is not that far." "We will try to get them first. The Dark Lord wants the vampire to take care of the girl." "That's enough Angel. I think he's suitably talkative now." She knelt down beside the beaten and bloody demon and smiled. That smile spoke of many things, none of them pleasant."I know you helped them. I know you know where they lair. I also know you'll be more forthcoming with your answers. You have made Angel angry. I don't think you want t' make me angry." "They came on a ship. The last I heard they were staying in a warehouse on the docks. They're here for you, that's all I know." Anna stood up, walking to the entrance of the alley. Angel fell into step beside her."That's all he knows." "It's not much to go on. I hope Wesley was right about how to kill these things." "I have a feelin' its nae as easy as he made it sound. If you only had the gem of Amara." "You know why I destroyed it." "I know. It'd just be a lot bloody easier if we didnae have t' hide during th' day." "I know that!" "Don't get snappy with me Angel." "I just wish I knew why they haven't attacked us yet." "The longer they wait, the more afraid we become, we'll be more likely t' make mistakes. Here we are." "This is the safe place you picked?" Angel said looking at a butcher shop. "There's a flat over th' store. Angus and Christian have it marked as a safe house." They went in the door and walked up a very narrow flight of steps. "There are only two ways in that are apparent." She continued."One person could hold a small army on these stairs and the back stairs are old, anyone going up will announce their arrival no matter how quiet they try t' be." Anna put the key in the lock, opened the door and went in. Angel followed, shut the door behind him and locked all four locks. He looked around. It was a small, dark place. He noticed there were only two small windows in the living room and none in the tiny kitchen. He walked down the short hallway and found himself in a bedroom, which barely had room for a tiny bed and a chest of drawers. He took two steps and opened the door in font of him to reveal a closet sized bathroom. As he walked back to the living room he noticed there were no windows in the bedroom or the bathroom. He walked down the hallway and stooped at the entrance, he leaned up against the wall and watched Anna as she made tea. He watched as she tucked a strand of her straight, shoulder length black hair behind her ear. He studied her porcelain skin. She felt his eyes on her and turned to smile at him. He fell into her large emerald eyes. He had never seen eyes so uniformly one color, most people have flecks of differing color in their eyes, she did not. "I made some tea." She said. He walked over, took the cup she offered and took a sip. "This is wonderful." "I've had a lot of time t' practice." Cordelia opened the door to find Fergus exactly where he had been all night, standing legs apart sword drawn two paces away from the door. "I made breakfast. You might as well come in and eat." He turned around and looked at her."Do you still want t' run away wee one?" "No Fergus. I'm sorry." "Tha fios agam. Tha mi duilich." He went to her and kissed her forehead. "What did you say?" "I know. I'm sorry." "For what?" "For shoutin' at you. For doubtin' your courage." "Come on let's eat." Cordelia said a little embarrassed. "The vampire sleeps." The man said. "She has grown fond of him. You will remind her of the other one." "You will go through the front and take care of the vampire." "I can taste him already." The man walked around the building and despite what Anna thought he made not a sound as he advanced up the stairs. A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he too anticipated the taste of his victim. Anna sat in a hard, wooden chair gazing down the hallway to the room where Angel lay sleeping. He does look like an Angel while he sleeps, she thought to herself. Duty brought them together to fight side by side. Fear had made a bond between them. Yet it was something else that made them trust one another. She was so lost in thought it took her a second to realize the back door had swung open silently. She moved her head as if in a dream. When she saw him she gasped and stood to face him. The wind brushed his hair slightly, her fingers moved in memory of the times she used to twine those curls, had felt their softness. The noon sun glinted in his light brown eyes, with their yellow and green highlights. "Alex." She whispered. "My love." He said. She watched his lips move as he spoke. She relived every kiss they had shared. Her lips tingled with the memory and the promise of more. He opened his arms to welcome her into his embrace. "Come to me my soul." She stopped, his words had awakened a voice deep inside her, but she denied it. How many nights had he haunted her dreams? How many times had she heard his voice in a summer breeze? She knew nothing except this was the culmination of her inner most desire. She continued walking toward him into the daylight. "NO!"Cordelia screamed."ANGEL WAKE UP!!!!!" Angel bolted out of bed, Cordelia's screams reverberating in the tiny room. He rushed down the hall and saw Ana walking toward the open door. He ran into the sunlight, oblivious to the pain on his bare chest, and grabbed her as he ran to the secret door behind the radiator. The locks on the front door unlocked and it opened revealing the red-haired woman. He slammed the door behind him as Anna screamed and fought him. "Alex! It was Alex, Angel. He needs me." "It wasn't him Anna. If you ever trusted me, run! It was the soul takers." He touched her face and wiped away her tears. "It wasn't him." He turned her around and pushed her along in front of him as they ran down and into the tunnels underneath the city. "Cordelia what is it?" Doyle said again. Fergus came running out of the kitchen with a glass of ice water. "Don't you dare throw that on me." Cordelia said her eyes focusing on Fergus. "The soul taker, the man, he almost got Anna. She called him Alex. She was going to him." "She called him Alex?" Fergus asked visibly shaken. "Yeah, that's what I said. Why is that name familiar?" Fergus walked over to his bag, took out a drawing tablet and some drawing pencils. He sat down and began to draw. When he was satisfied he got up, walked over and gave it to Cordelia. "He's beautiful." She said as she looked at the face Fergus had drawn in exquisite detail. Doyle cleared his throat. "I mean you drew him very well." "Is that what he looked like?" Fergus asked brusquely. "Yes. Exactly like this. How did you know?" "That is pinturicchio." He said as he sat heavily on the floor, more sit down or fall down. "Who?" Cordelia asked. Doyle took the picture and looked at it. "How is this possible, Fergus?" All he could do was shake his head, words had abandoned him. "Will one of you please tell me what's going on!" "The man you saw was Alessandro."Doyle said. "Anna's beloved." Fergus whispered. "That's impossible." Cordelia said."He's dead. How do you know what he looks like, Doyle?" "He was my guide when I was in heaven." "Did he take her wee one?" Fergus asked without much hope, he knew if the soul taker could look like Alex she would have gone to him. "No. Angel saved her." "Thank the Gods for Angel." "Where were you?" The man asked walking toward the woman. "There was a man in the store." The man hit her across the face and she landed in a heap across the room."We have failed because you could not control your hunger. I almost had her. You could have taken him while he slept." "We will get another chance." She said still cowering on the floor. "How many chances will the Dark Lord allow us to fail? Get up we hunt the three who are not protected by wards." "They aren't following." Angel said slowing down. "I'm sorry Angel." "I'm sorry. Sorry you had to go through that." He reached over and took her hand as they walked. "How was that possible? I have never heard that soul takers are shapeshifters." "I'd never even heard of them until yesterday." "I won't fall for it again." "I know." "They're supposed to call in a few hours." Christian said sitting on the couch in Wesley's apartment. They had been poring over books for hours. "We havenae found anything new." Angus said with an exasperated sigh. "I say we go get dinner." Wesley said. "Sounds like a good idea t' me." Christian agreed. As they were leaving the phone rang. Wesley answered it."Hello?" "Wesley it's Angel. Anna and I think you should go to Cordelia's." "Angel we can take care of ourselves." "Let me talk to Angus." Wesley gave the phone to Angus. "Aye Angel." "Go to Cordelia's. It seems soul takers are shapeshifters. One of them looks like Alex." "Th' Gods protect my soul. We'll go now. You have my word Angel. Take care of my sister. If he looks like Alex...." "I understand Angus. Go quickly." "Gun soirbhich leat." "We'll need all the luck we can find." Angus hung up the phone and began putting books in his bag."Angel says go t' Cordelia's, we're goin t' Cordelia's. No arguments." The others also put as many books as they could in bags and left for Cordelia's. "Are you alright?" Angel asked. "I will be." "I know how you feel. A few moths ago, I killed a demon whose blood mixed with mine and made me human. It was everything I had ever dreamed of. I found out if I stayed human Buffy would die, so I asked the powers to turn back time. I will always remember, but she will never know." "Have you ever seen two such tragic bloody heroes." "They are close." The woman said. "We cannot allow them to enter the safety of those wards." "I know." "Do you? I will take the one who shares her blood. You take the one that stinks of the vampire." Angus parked the car, grabbed his bag and got out. The other two did the same. Before they got there they were confronted by the man and the woman. Christian gave his bag to Angus and brought his sword out from where it lay hidden under his coat. "I'll take care of these two you run." "I'll stay and fight with you." "Anna'll have my hide if anything happens t' you. Run damn you." Christian jumped at the two advancing as Angus and Wesley ran to the building to get Fergus thinking the three of them might be a match for the two soul takers. When they got there Fergus was in the doorway of Cordelia's building. "The building;s warded Chris! RUN!" Fergus shouted. Christian turned to run but the woman caught him from behind. It took only seconds as the three watched impotently from the safety of the building as the woman stole Christian's soul. "CHRISTIAN!!!" Angus cried out. If it had not been for Fergus' arms Angus would have run to avenge his friend and met his death also. Anna began to shake and then silent tears fell from her eyes. "Anna what is it?" Angel asked concerned. "Christian's dead. They got him." "I'm sorry." "He's gone Angus. They want you t' go out there. They'll do th' same t' you. What will that solve." Fergus said still holding Angus with all his strength. "We cannae just leave him out there." "I'm nae gonna explain t' Anna and Hamish I let you run stupidly t' your death." "GUM BU H-OLC DHUT!" Angus roared at the two standing over Christian's lifeless body. "Your curses mean nothing to us doomed one." The woman said smiling. "Come avenge your friend." The man laughed. "You will regret using that face." Fergus said coldly as he and the others turned and walked back to Cordelia's apartment. "That one was linked with her. She knows he is dead." The woman said. "Hopefully that will be enough." "Do we wait for them here?" "No. We must hunt them. They will not come here." They both glanced up to the window where the half-demon watched in horror. Doyle shrank back from the malevolence in their gaze. "Why did he do it?" He asked quietly. "He didnae know there were wards." Fergus said his voice full of loss. "Why did he pick now t' have more bollocks than brains?" Angus said and he and Fergus smiled at the memory. "He used t' say that everytime I jumped in swingin' without thinking first. Cordelia would you mind if I went back t' your room for a wee bit?" "No Angus." She said affected by his grief. As night fell Anna and Angel hunted, determined not to be caught off guard again. "You will attack, I will get them from behind." The man said as he blended into the shadows. The woman walked towards the two warriors, over confident by half. Anna saw her first. She put a hand on her sword as Angel did the same. "Remember what Wesley said. The hands first, then the head." "I remember Angel. She is mine." Anna advanced to the woman. "I did not have time to savour your friend. I will take the time with you." "You may find me a bit harder t' digest." The woman smiled. She had never encountered anyone that she could not defeat. They always came at her with steel, that amused her since all she needed was a single touch. When Anna was only paces away she drew her sword and rushed to the woman. She almost dropped her sword, or at least she made the woman think so. The woman tried to take advantage of what she thought was Anna's mistake. When she reached for Anna her left hand was severed followed by her right. Before the woman could even blink Anna decapitated her. She looked at Angel who shook his head. Anna wiped her sword on the woman's clothes before sheathing it. She pulled out a hunting knife. She knelt over the already decaying body and removed the heart. She arranged the body as Wesley had instructed. Angel walked up to her and handed her the scented oil. She poured the oil on the body and set it alight. "He would have attacked if he was going to." "As long as he's still out there this will never be over." "I know Anna. I know." The man stood in a hot, dark place in front of a raised dais. A figure sat in a chair atop it shrouded in darkness. "She has failed. As you have failed." The man prostrated himself. He knew to speak before permission had been given would be a fate worse than death. "Those two were to be taken care of. You were supposed to be my best. They and the Slayer can stop my end of days, and you fools let them defeat you. If you have something to say I give you leave. But know this. If what you say does not please me you will beg me to allow you to die." "Dark Lord, I beseech you. I would have been successful if she had been able to control her hunger. It was through no fault of mine. I am and always will be your faithful servant. I will not fail you again." "No you won't. You may be given one last chance." The Dark Lord said as he waved his hand over the man. "You have a new body." "But Dark Lord..." "Somehow that body began to infect you. Your desire for the one called Anna clouded your judgement. Do not let it happen again." "Yes Dark Lord. Thank You." He knew another failure would be fatal, if he was lucky. "Is he alright?" Cordelia asked motioning to her room. She tried desperately to forget there was a dead body lying in the kitchen. "I donae know if he'll ever be alright. Duncan, Angus and I found Christian when Anna was sent away. Duncan and I couldnae stand him. For reasons none of us know the two of them bonded instantly. They are like the yin and yang of the Chinese. Where Angus is brash, Christian was somewhat level-headed, Christian was glib and Angus was honest. They have been working together almost since the day they met." "It hurts." Cordelia said. "Yes, it does." Fergus agreed. "No, I mean it hurts. A vision." When the vision passed Cordelia took a deep breath. "Anna killed the woman. It's over for now, they're coming." Anna and Angus stood in front of the plane that held Christian's body, ready to take him home. "I have t' go. I have t' take him home." "I know. Until next time." "Why does it feel like I'm running away?" "He needs you now more than I do. His soul will nae be in peace until his body rests in the land of our birth. The Oracles say I must stay here. There is more still to come." Angus turned and began walking to the plane but stopped when Anna's phone rang. "This is Anna." "It's me." "What is it Hamish?" "Celtic just made Tommy Burns acting manager til the end of the season." "Thanks Hamish. I'll tell Angus." She hung up the phone. "Tommy Burns is back at Celtic." "Do you think he knows?" "I think he does." "He must be chuffed." Anna gave Angus one last hug and watched as he got into the plane, the door closing with a clang of finality. She gave a small prayer to the Celtic god with whom Angus shared a name. "Let him find laughter again."