Angel stood in the night on a balcony of a nice fancy hotel. Staring over the edge, nothing much below. The cool air blew on his face. Someone was there with him, “Sometimes,” said Angel, “I worry about this world.”

The Village was empty. Not really empty at all, everyone, dead on the ground. Blood, the like littering the ground. Emma and Conner walked into the front of the village. When they spotted the bodies, Emma quickly grabbed Conner’s hand. He looked at her.

She stood behind him like she was afraid of what would jump out, “I don’t think I did that,” she said quickly, “I’ve blacked out during battle and not known what I did but-”

“You didn’t,” he said Softly, looked around, couldn’t stop smelling the blood of the dead.

Emma like a child put her head on his shoulder still holding onto his arm. Like a child. “We need to find Angel.”

“Pile of dust,” she replied sadly.

“No,” replied Conner looking at her, “They’re not here, dead.”

“Where?” asked Emma.

He looked at the bodies, walking over them towards the hut, demon bodies and human. “To the demons’ leader.”

“There are people still alive,” she stated. “Hear there little heart beats.”

“We should save them, heal them then go find Angel,” said Conner.

Angel, Spike, Wesley, Lorne and Groo were on there knees, their hands still tied around their backs. They stood that way in a row. Still gagged, they were in front of something covered in a large velvet curtain. Yorvik stood behind them.

“Such a disaster a bunch of half breeds, cows, traitors, come here. Ruin the order that has worked for us for so many years. You filthy beasts,” stated Yorvik, “You all are unworthy having your lives taken in battle. I should spit at you.”

Yorvik stepped in front of them pacing back and forth, he waved his hand and the guards in the room went behind the prisoners and removed their gags. The group's faces didn’t change.

“What are you going to do to us then?” growled Spike.

“Don’t encourage anything Spike,” growled Angel.

“Silence!” demanded Yorvik, “You will speak when I want you to speak.”

“Watch me, not. I’m not your bleeding dog,” said Spike.

“Bleeding, soon to be,” stated Yorvik.

“Angel’s right captain,” said Lorne, “Keep the talking to Angel and-” Suddenly Yorvik punched Lorne in the face, “Hey!”

“I said not to speak, you filth,” then Yorvik spat on Lorne. Just on his clothes though, that suck to have to have spit on your face for hours. “We’ve concluded a punishment.”

“You and what army?!” demanded Spike.

Yorvik punched Spike in the face. “Thanks,” said Angel.

Yorvik punched Angel in the face. Spike laughed, Yorvik punched Spike in the face, “Now you stop that!” Yorvik did it again, “FINE!” yelled Spike, “No talkie talk.”

Angel shook his head from the blow, but he’d definitely had worse in his time. Groo was just the quietest of the bunch, next to Wes. And he had his tongue back now, a new one and everything.

“What’s our punishment?” asked Wesley, “I ask in all respect.”

Yorvik smile, “This cow is learning.”

Actually Wesley just didn’t want to get hit. Well maybe he was learning, Wes has always looked like a fast learner.

“You will be sacrificed to our many gods when night comes,” said Yorvik, “Till then, you may look at your sins.”

The Punishment in Pylea, looking at your sins. Yorvik pulled away the curtain to reveal a mirror. This wasn’t a mystical mirror, a regular one.

A form of Punishment such as that usually worked when the demons would get in trouble because many a Pylian has seen himself as revolting and never wanted to look at himself too long. But with Humans everyone knows they often times like to the look in the mirror.

Spike made a scoffing sound, and Yorvik looked at him sternly. Spike just looked at Yorvik innocently, “You will truly learn your lesson.”

Yorvik and his guards walked out of the room. “I never believed this punishment worked,” said Groo.

Spike looked at himself in the mirror, “I’ve got a reflection, well, well, well. I see my sins, I think they have a rugged handsomeness about them. I’ve got the whole hot bad boy thing going on.”

Angel couldn’t take his eyes off the mirror but he still did his scolding, “Spike, stop looking at yourself. We have to think of a way to get out of here.”

“Speak for yourself,” said Spike, “I see you, I’m looking at you in the mirror. You can’t take your hypocritical eyes off yourself.”

Lorne had his eyes closed tight, “I rather not check.”

“Alright, we’re all in front of a mirror, it doesn’t matter. We’ve got grander things to think about at this moment in time. We’re going to be sacrificed,” replied Wesley very able to take his eyes off the mirror.

“Do you think Conner boy, will you know. Save the day?” asked Lorne peeping out a little then closing his eyes again.

“If he’s not too busy looking for Emma,” said Angel turning his head looking at himself.

“The one that cut out my tongue?” asked Groo, “You really do not judge Angel.”

Lorne looked up at the ceiling, “I could really use a saving now.”

“I’ve realized something,” said Spike.

“What?” asked Groo, “Will it save us from the fate we behold?”

“I don’t figure,” smiled Spike, “But my hair is so much better than Angel’s.”

“Shut up Spike,” growled Angel.

Emma and Conner walked in the forest, Emma leading the way towards the village. Conner making sure through tracking the gang’s smell that they were in fact taken to the village. She tracked though too.

They kept quiet through out the walk, “Once we find them?” questioned Emma, “Will we be able to fix me.”

“Yes,” replied Conner. “I’m very sure we will be able to anyway.”

“What if I can’t be fixed?” asked Emma.

“I don’t know, we’ll find out some other way then. We'll make you better,” said Conner.

Emma just kept looking down. As they walked, she spoke: “I will ruin things.”

“No, why would you?” asked Conner.

“How could anyone love a killer such as I?” asked Emma.

“I love you,” said Conner.

“I have killed many,” said Emma. Kind of testing him in a way.

“Forget about it,” said Conner.

Emma turned towards him, “You are daft.”

“Just don’t kill anymore,” said Conner.

“I can’t just stop,” said Emma, “And I’m hungry.”

Conner cocked his head to the side, “Hungry?”

“Yes,” said Emma, “And tired, and I want things fixed. Too many guesses.” She looked down, “This isn’t right none of it, has to be fixed, I don’t want to kill anymore.”

“Didn’t want to before you got hurt,” said Conner, implying to her at 17.

“No, When I was in Quortoth, I wanted to kill. It was fun, I wake up here, different,” she sounded fed up with herself, “Different,” she spat. “I don’t want to kill. I don’t want to make the game. None of this is right, my memories aren’t right. I’m just,-”

“We’ll fix this,” said Conner, “First we have to go get the others.”

“My father, will be there?” asked Emma.

“They took him too,” Conner looked down, didn’t want to say it, had to: “They could of killed them though.”

Emma’s eyes opened wide, “He can’t have been killed.”

Conner just looked down at the ground, “I think it could of happened, all of them, dead.”

“NO,” growled Emma, she went up to him angrily, “My father can’t be dead, he’s supposed to-” she looked away. Fed up with her words, “He just can’t be dead.”

“Save you,” said Conner. He looked down, “You told me when you were small that you had dreams he’d save you.”

“Can’t be gone,” sighed Emma, “Supposed to save me, from him…from my mother. Keep me safe.” Conner thought she might cry, “Make me not crazy.”

“You’re not crazy,” trying to comfort her.

Emma looked up at him, she laughed, “They can’t be dead,” she sounded hurt. “I have to be fixed.” The face she gave him, can’t really describe. Her face was sad, angry, “I don’t know who you are.”

“I’ll fix you, no matter what. I won’t lie to you, I’ll fix you,” replied Conner holding her by the shoulders.

“Everyone loves the fiend,” said Emma.

“No fiend,” he blurted.

“Daddy’s gone,” she said looking at the ground.

“We don’t know,” said Conner.

“I want to find him. Do what I do best, kill his captors, rip them up,” she started trembling, “Do the worst to them possible, if he’s dead-”

“Then you can, but we don’t know,” said Conner.

Everything just got really quiet, there was the sound of birds. But everything was just really quiet. Emma looked down, “Have to find them,” she sighed. Emma looked up at the suns. “Almost after noon. It is after noon, very, night won’t come for awhile.”

She turned from him and started walking. Conner followed right behind her, Emma kept talking, “Are you ready for battle?”

The guards outside the door where left to examine the weapons while what left of the Angel gang were on there knees fighting/talking about ways to get out. Just to get on Angel’s nerves Spike started saying that they’d be able to fly a kite out.

“Spike, shut up. This is serious business,” said Angel. “Alright, we’ll get out-”

“If we had a kite, now you didn’t think of bringing a kite did you? Cause if you didn’t, we just might as well burn,” said Spike.

“We’re not using a kite,” growled Angel.

“Oh, you’re the only one down about the idea,” said Spike, “The other’s haven’t given one sodding complaint. And no one said we can’t make a kite. Since we don’t have one,” he turned towards Angel, “Thanks Einstein, we have no way of getting out!”

While Angel and Spike did the job of bickering. Wesley, Lorne, and Groo were actually doing something productive. They had put their backs together and untied each other. Bingo.

Suddenly Groo stood up, “Angel, you wish to leave?”

“Hey,” said Spike, then it hit him, “Oh, we could of just done that.”

Wesley and Lorne finished untying each other and they got Spike. The entire group was undone, “Time to take the kite,” stated Spike.

“How does this kite work?” asked Groo, “Is it made of Ancient Magiks?”

“We’re not taking a kite,” growled Angel, “We don’t have one and it wouldn’t be able to hold us.”

The guards outside were looking at the weapons. One of the large demons, they were probably as stupid as they looked, it had Wes’ guns. He picked one up and figured out to hold it. He was laughing with his friend about what it was.

Just laughing about the gun back and forth. Then he imitated Wesley and pointed it at his buddy and boom!! There was demon guts all over the wall.

The guys all looked to the door, “I think it’s time to check out,” stated Spike.

“What was that noise?” asked Groo.

“My gun,” said Wesley, “Alright we go through that door quickly, get the weapons and fight our way out of this town.”

“You read my mind,” said Angel to Wes.

“Really?” asked Groo.

“Metaphorical Conan,” said Spike.

Angel lead the way. They walked towards the door, Angel went to pull it open. Wouldn’t open. He kicked open the door and they went through.

Spike went up to the demon with the gun, he ducked out of the way of a bullet and kicked the gun from the demon’s hand then punched him in the head. Went down grabbed him by the head and broke his neck. Spike stood up, Groo tossed him a sword.

Groo had the other one. Wesley collected his guns quickly and his arm gadgets. Angel twirled around his sword and they walked forward.

The guys went down the hall. Once they found their way out they’d be even deader meat. Of course they were powerful beings. Except for Wes, but he was really smart and could hold his own.

Wes handed Lorne a gun, “Thanks Wes, always good to have one of these for the trip.”

“You know how to shoot one?” asked Wesley.

“Heck yeah, I was born shooting bullets,” said Lorne, “I’m goanna blow the enemy away.”

Emma and Conner were still walking in the forest, progressing. Wasn’t hard to check the trail, that was as easy as breathing. Because it was for them. They kept walking in quiet.

“I could of done that to that village,” said Emma.

“You didn’t,” said Conner.

“I could of though, if it wasn’t for Angel,” said Emma, “I’ve destroyed many a village like that.” She was sad about saying such, but she meant something by it. “Very quickly, knock it down, didn’t have to think about it. Just did the job, you’ve got to remember something. When you go into battle, the enemy could be stronger than you. When you fight, don’t think about anything but being vicious, quick and vicious.”

“I can handle a battle,” said Conner.

“I mean it,” replied Emma, “I took down those villages back in Quortoth, so many people. I took them down because I strived to complete my goal, I was never defeated, I will never be defeated.” That ‘I will never be defeated’ part was a bit more aggressive, he didn’t want to say anything against it. Her saying that of course was psychological.

“I ravaged them, with my fists and feet. My speed. They never guessed when they saw me that’d I’d be their end, never guessed. The ones that did, tried to run, didn’t work,” replied Emma, “If you want to finish a battle on top. Don’t be afraid to get blood on your hands. Don’t be afraid to cause pain. Quickly cause it. Tear apart the enemy.”

Conner didn’t like hearing this come from her. But then again he did. He did because he was learning something and for some reason that gave him a good confident feeling.

Didn’t like it because she was homicidal, very violent mannered at the moment. Just didn’t feel like her, but yet again it felt like her completely.

Emma looked towards him, “Works too when you’re fighting evil. Just don’t fail, don’t ever fail. You’re not weak, I’m not weak. We can end that village, drop it to it’s feet, quickly.”

“I don’t want to kill the whole village,” he said, candidly, if that’s the word for it. He was ‘candidly’ not in the mood to kill that many people even if they weren’t people and a bunch of demons. Candid because he just wasn’t in the mood.

“Fine, we’ll see what happens. But don’t let your guard down, one split...second,” said Emma aggressively. “Got to be better than the enemy.”

The demons didn’t want Angel, Wesley, Lorne, Spike, and or Groo leaving. They were going to be the sacrifices to their pagan Gods. The demon guards blocked the doorway out, partially because they were worried with the fact they just heard a gun shot. Even if they’d never seen or heard a gun, it wasn’t fun.

Angel dodged out of the way of a sword, clashed against it and ran the demon into the wall. He punched the demon with his free hand then stabbed it in the chest spun around and clashed swords with another demon. Clashed again, kicked the demon down.

Spike ducked a sword stab, moved out of the way of the another, spun around and kicked the demon. Spun around again and clashed swords.

“I’m out of bullets!!” said Wesley. He was punched in the face.

The sword was going to come down into Wesley. Groo cut Wes’ demon’s head off.

Lorne was shooting away popping bullets, not all the demons stopped just because they got shot in the head, chest, etc. “Hey, I’m out of bullets!!” said Lorne.

They were all out of bullets, should of truthfully brought other weapons. Lorne was going to get his head chopped off. It wouldn’t kill him of course but it’d hurt like all hell. Lorne quickly, the sword coming down. He grabbed the sword from a dead demon and stabbed his threat.

Groo helped up Wes. “Duck Wes,” he said nicely.

Wesley’s eyes opened wide, but then he ducked out of the way and Groo clashed swords with a demon behind Wesley. Wesley rolled out of the way of another blow from a sword. He wouldn’t survive without a weapon.

“Hey PERCY!!” Spike quickly threw his sword to Wesley. Wesley was back on the up side.

Spike got punched in the face, that wasn’t compared to sword that with it’s cold blade slid between his ribs. Icky feeling, painful. He winced with pain. Angel chopped his demon’s head.

Spike fell backwards, “Watch what you’re doing Spike!” growled Angel.

“I just saved one of your men’s ass thank you!!” said Spike pulling the sword from him and standing up weakly.

Angel should have been practicing what he was preaching. He was punched in the head. The vicious demon kicked him in the back stabbed him once, pulled the sword out quickly and stabbed him again.

Angel was pushed back into the room. Followed by Wesley. He’d been cut up. Groo and Spike came in. And in other words‘Lorne was rolled in’. He was thrown in the rest of the way though.

“Lorne, bloody hell, he’s dead?!” said Spike.

“No, he'll be just fine,” said Angel.

Everyone was surrounded the battle was lost for the time being. Spike looked down at his chest, “You’d think a guy as dead as me wouldn’t bleed so much.”

The demons surrounded them. Spike looked at his hand, sometimes going on. The blood on his hand started soaking back into him. Angel had the same thing going on.

Lorne put himself back together easily. Lorne looked up at the ceiling.

Suddenly Emma and Conner jumped down from the ceiling. Their eyes went red and the fangs came, with the pointed ears. Emma cocked her head to the side.

“We’re leaving,” growled Emma, “Now, move or die.”

The demons were going to fight her. Emma flipped forward without her hands, once, then onto her hands quickly, inhumanly she slammed a demon across the room with her legs. Flipped back, then again back kicking two in the head. She stood up straight and dodged out of the way of a sword swipe.

She kneed the Barbarian in the stomach, quickly placed her hands under him and threw him up into the ceiling. Emma went down and kicked another off his feet. Stood up grabbed him by the back of his clothes and with great strength tossed him through a wall into the light of day.

“Time to leave,” Spike said quickly.

Emma, Lorne, Groo, Spike, and Angel ran for the way out. Conner grabbed on the demons and quickly tossed him into the others so they’d be able to get a little bit farther before the demons caught up.

They jumped a whole story down. Then once the ones that wouldn’t be very okay after dropping that far landed they were off down the alley.

Emma was in the lead. They ran into the midst of the market place. Demons all around.

“Look, loose cows,” said one of the demon children.

Guards blocked the way out of the area. They were going to get surrounded in no time. A guard tried to grab Angel from behind, Angel spun around and kicked him down then grabbed his sword and sliced him across the chest. Then through it.

Spike was grabbed up from behind by two demons. “Hey, no captive fondling!!”

Emma broke the neck of the demon she had in her grasp and then ran towards the guards. She leapt up over Spike pouncing the demon on Spike’s right. The demon hit the ground dead, quickly, she rolled onto her feet.

Spike punched the demon in the head that had his left arm. Emma ran at the demon and slammed it to the ground taking Spike by surprise. Emma had ejected her blades and slammed them into the demons chest getting off of him.

Conner grabbed two demons and slammed their heads together. Killing them.

Wesley had in his possession a sword, he stabbed one of the demon guards, spun around and stabbed another.

Groo was having a grand fight. Swinging his sword around, stabbing the enemies.

“Lets get out of here!” roared Angel getting slammed against a stone wall.

Conner grabbed the demon up from behind and threw it into the air. Angel just looked up at the sky wondering where it went.

He looked at the red eyed Conner. They ran for the entrance. Demons on horses road towards them, swinging their swords.

Emma flipped up onto her hands and kicked one of the demons off the it’s horse. She got onto the horse, ejected her blade and sliced another horse driver’s head off. Angel got onto the horse.

Groo pushed a demon off his horse and hopped on. Wesley stabbed a horseman coming towards him and got onto the horse, he quickly pulled up the frantic Lorne.

“Spike,” growled Angel, “Get on.”

“I’m not going to ride back,” said Spike.

“Just get on,” ordered Angel, “I don’t like it as much as you do Spike.”

“Fine,” Spike said, Angel pulled Spike onto the horse and they all rode out of the entrance.

Emma and Conner’s faces turned back. They rode down the hill, off the dirt road and down the hill. Demons following behind. “We need to find a hiding spot,” said Emma.

“There’s a league of caves over that way!” said Lorne pointing past Wesley. He grabbed onto Wes for dear life.

They road behind a gang of trees. Conner grasped Emma’s waist as she stopped the horse. The horse riled up. They stopped and got off their horses. Lorne lead the way towards the caves.

They ran into one. Emma covered the hole over with brush. She backed up into the hole.

Outside the demons on horseback road around the caves, “Find them, look in the caves!!” they ordered.

Everyone in the cave was quiet. Angel, the whole gang. Emma’s eyes drifted around the cave, making sure there wasn’t any other entrances. She stretched her fingers.

Angel looked at Conner, then at the doorway. The horses road by the cave. Light coming through the bushes into the dark cave. Demons walked around. Watching things. Looking around.

Groo gripped his sword, his eyes almost glowing in the dark. Lorne couldn’t keep his eyes off the entrance. Spike stood next to Emma, looked at her then back to the entrance, day hardly left.

Demons were yelling at each other, “They’re not there!” - “The cows have been swift in hiding!!”- “They aren’t here.” - “Feeble creatures ran far into forest!! Must look!!”

Night came. Then they could talk, then the looking for them stopped. “Wow,” said Lorne.

Spike looked at Emma, “You cut your hair.”

Emma looked at Spike, “Little, not good for battle. Still not.”

“It’s nice,” said Spike.

“Are you fixed Emma?” questioned Angel, “Are we ready to go back?”

“We can’t go, I can’t,” said Groo, “I must go back. Defeat Yorvik in Heroic defeat, show him. There will be independence.”

“No,” said Emma, “Not fixed, influenced, persuaded.”

Lorne sat down against a wall of the cave, “Well then what’s the Angel gang going to do?”

“Fix Emma and leave,” replied Angel.

“Won’t we be sendin’ big Muscles back there alone?” asked Spike.

“Groo deserves our help,” said Wesley.

“It would be appreciated,” replied Groo.

“Deserved?” smiled Emma, Groo looked towards her. Emma sat on a rock, hung her arms down casually. “Cow deserves?” she stuck her tongue out at Groo, smiled at him. “Someone grew your licker back.”

“I did,” said Conner.

“I wish to give my ancestries’ people independence,” Groo started to pace as he spoke, “Yorvik must be taken down.”

“My kid needs her memory back,” said Spike.

“How did she loose it?” questioned Lorne.

“Hit her head on some kind of red rocks,” replied Conner.

“Oh, red rocks. I know what those are, that’s as easy as pie,” said Lorne, “Well, except in this dimension. But getting the problem solved, as easy as pie in LA.”

“How?” asked Angel putting his hands on his hips.

“The stones turn to dust after use, so there’s collectors. All over town in fact, they wouldn’t mind with a little threatening to help the Townie out of Towners.”

Emma looked down, “Kill him viciously.”

“Is there a ritual to the stones?” questioned Wesley.

“No, just get them into her blood stream and she’ll be her good ole self,” said Lorne, “She was good right?”

“I will need an army,” said Groo looking down.

“Those people,” said Emma, “There’s some a live now back at the village. We helped them.”

“Good, we’ll head there,” said Angel.

“I will unite them in independence,” said Groo, “Wes, do you know a spell that’ll unite all the clans?”

“Spell?” asked Wesley, “Not really.”

“We’ll need many men,” answered Groo, “We’ll go back to the village. Unite them I will.”

“I don’t have spells I’m afraid,” said Wesley, “No spell books.”

“Magic users,” growled Emma.

“Only when we need to,” sighed Spike.

“Then we will have to rely on the way the world works,” said Groo, “I will have many villagers send to the next clan of rebels, tell them of independence.”

“Did you find them?” questioned Yorvik.

The two demon minions of his were bent down in loyalty, on there knees, heads bowed down, “No your greatness. The cows ran far and wide.”

“We’ve just lost our sacrifice to the gods. You fail to bring about death of the cows, fail to capture-”

“We mean nothing against you,” answered one.

“I am deeply offended and you will replace them,” growled Yorvik, he waved his hand.

“Wait sire, no!” yelled one of the struggling demons as he was being pulled away.

Yorvik turned away from them in shame.

They returned to the village. People were gathering there. Emma didn’t much like the feel there, didn’t like all those people. So she kind of ran off. Not far, just far enough that she could block out the gatherings. Groo’s yelling to the people about independence.

Conner stood behind her, “You don’t like staying where you’re told?”

“Don’t much like jumping when the master says,” replied Emma, she was drawing a picture on a note pad that Angel and them had left there. She put it down. He sat down next to her, she turned towards him, “Don’t like crowds either.”

“That hasn’t much changed,” sighed Conner. They were quiet. Looking straight forward, nothing much to do. The night was cool. Nothing stirred around them.

Conner looked at her, his eyes softly, “Are you worried?” he asked softly, “I can’t tell.”

“Not really,” she answered, “I don’t much like talking.”

“That changed, a little,” smiled Conner, looking at Emma. Emma looked at him, didn’t smile, didn’t reply, “I’m not sure if it changed, you talk when you want.”

“Do we talk much?” questioned Emma.

“Yes.”

“I don’t want to talk,” said Emma, Conner didn’t reply just looked at her. She had looked away out into the night, over the plain area.

Conner enjoyed looking at her profile. Didn’t have to talk. Together they sat for the long moment. Conner looked forward. Slowly, Emma put her hand on top of his.

He looked at her, confused. She scooted closer to him slowly. He didn’t move back. Emma place his hand on her leg, looking down at his hand, touching it with both of hers. Soft fingers, making his hand warm.

“I love you,” Conner sighed softly.

Emma took his hand off of her, he was worried he said the wrong thing. He wasn’t going to say it again, at least for right now.

She looked into his eyes. Her face was so close to his. He could feel her breath, hear her heart physically. Made him feel warm. Gave him cold chills.

Hard for his breath to slip his lips.

So close.

More. A little bit closer and their faces would touch. Conner felt that if he took a breath he’d ruin something.

Just wanted to kiss her. Didn’t feel he should be the one to choose to kiss. Conner felt nervous, the chills were bothering him. But they were so great.

Would she kiss him. He wanted to caress her soft cheeks. Kiss her.

So close.

He thought for a split second she just moved closer. Just closer. Do it, kiss.

Emma spoke quietly, “I like your eyes.”

Conner was frozen. Just looking at her nervously. Felt the way he had when Sunny first tried to kiss him. How he wanted more. Like he was floating like she’d already tried it. Sort of had.

She bent her neck a little moving her head like she’d lean in and kiss him, just spoke: “Gone daft now have we?”

“No,” Conner said softly, the chills in his voice.

Conner knew what she was doing. Playing with his feelings. Making him crazy. Wanting touch her all over.

Emma looked down, “What’s these?”

Conner just looked at her, then slowly down looked at what she was touching. The zipper on his jacket, “Zipper.”

She ran her fingers down the metal of the zipper, slowly. Found the end of it and slowly zipped it up. Conner licked his lips. Emma just zipped up the jacket slowly. Agonizing, her right there.

His heart was throbbing against his skull. He felt his stomach in his throat. Just had to breath.

Emma unzipped his jacket slowly.

So close.

She moved a little closer to him, sat on her knees over his left leg. Conner almost had to sit back on his elbows or fall backwards. Just looking her in the eyes. She leaned into his face.

Let her lips brush his. He fell backwards finally. Looking up at the sky now. He felt her on top of him, moved down for his face. Saw her.

Conner leaned up on his elbows and kissed her moving his right hand to her back. She started to heat up. He leaned back holding onto her, she lay on top of him kissing him.

He moved his left hand into her hair and kept kissing her. Her hair could still dangle down around their faces.

The grass was cold. Emma pulled back from his grasp slowly, he just watched her pull back. He sat up and leaned in and kissed her again. She held her hands on his chest, sitting on top of him he held her shoulders.

Someone cleared their throat. Angel stood there, Emma and Conner pulled away looking at him. Angel then officially cleared his throat and bent down and picked up Emma’s drawing.

“What’s this?” asked Angel.

“Village Map,” she stood up leaving Conner wanting more, which was kind of embarrassing for him, “Want to ram sack it, I think you’d need a map to know where you’re going. Need a plan.”

“Thank you,” said Angel, he looked towards the fires with in the village, “Got the people riled up, turns out they already sent for other clans when we weren’t here.”

“United,” sighed Emma.

Conner stood up, “We’re going to help?”

“Of course, Groo wants them to either have the demons and humans live together, or imprison the demons till-” said Angel.

“Not the best plan,” stated Emma.

“Groo’s plan,” said Angel, “I think you should go back, it’s best we all stay together inside the village, not on the out skirts.”

“Give me my picture back, I’ve got military planning to do,” said Emma, she took her picture from him.

“What?” asked Angel.

“You’ll see,” she said.

Conner walked over to Angel, “Thanks a lot.”

Angel kind of wanted to smile, “There’s bigger deals out there Conner then, getting some. Alone time.”

“I don’t think she would have wanted that. I kind of just wanted to touch her,” shrugged Conner.

Angel looked at Conner weirdly, “Don’t say that to anyone else, just go back to the village.”

Conner shrugged his shoulders then walked back.

Angel went into the hut where Groo and Wesley were, looking at Emma’s pictures, “Matches quite well,” said Groo, “How did you get them so suddenly?”

“I went back,” said Emma.

“Don’t do that anymore,” said Spike. “This is all good but, there’s a lot of those raving demons around there that’d want to make you part of Ritual sacrifice.”

Emma just looked at Spike. Spike smiled at her. Emma brushed her hair off her face.

“We’ll hit the village tomorrow morning,” said Angel.

“Not night?” asked Emma, “I am surprised, they’ll see us coming, you do know that?”

“Of course,” said Angel, “But we’ve got a powerful army, I’ve watched them training out there, I don’t think it’ll take a way, or help us.”

“Considering that, most of the demon clans around here have a nocturnal vision things going,” said Lorne.

“And humans do not have the same vision as demons,” said Wesley, “Going at night would actually take away.”

“Fine,” Emma shrugged her shoulders, “Do you know how many guards are on patrol, do you know where they sleep?”

“What’s that have to do with it, we have the map,” said Angel.

“I have a suggestion,” she replied going over to the map that sat on the table, “I can help. Lead a legion of soldiers around the outskirts here,” she drew her finger around a place that said, barracks. “Lead the soldiers in, have them take out the demons around the village, quickly, any guard around the barracks. Then before moving into village, we’ll catch the barracks on fire. That’s your signal to take a group into the village and start wacky off townies,” she lead her finger to the middle of the village.

“We’ll come in shortly after you, Groo’s group. I’m thinking he’ll want to be the one that kills this Yorvik, they’ll move in after that second group, whack their way through castle and to Yorvik,” she finished standing up straight from the map. “Shouldn’t be very hard.”

“That sounds well,” said Wesley.

“Emma, you’ve never taken an entire group of soldiers into, anywhere,” said Angel, “Leave this to the military minds.”

“Ha,” laughed Emma, “13, lead a legion of 15,000 demon soldiers into the La Cornoick valley. Then killed a 40,000 year old dictator in a humiliating defeat. The battle of Hathoryan.”

“Hathoryan,” said Conner, “I’ve heard of him.”

“Want more tales?” asked Emma standing up to Angel aggressively, “Battle of Horibian, part of the 40,000 member Calvary. Special Ops Mister, I was a legend to the village.”

Angel just looked down at the threatening little girl, “I was in Vietnam.”

“One battle,” said Emma, “I’ve slain for good, and won it.”

“I was helping in World War II,” said Angel.

“You can’t compete, so back down,” said Emma.

“Anymore?” asked Groo finding these tales quite interesting.

Everyone was really quiet, “A couple more.”

“We don’t need to know them,” said Angel, “Fine,” he sighed, “You can lead some soldiers.”

“My plan,” she said in a precise manner.

Angel looked at the map, “Have you done it before?”

“Of course,” she said firmly.

“Okay, Groo, you want to do it?” asked Angel.

“Surely, I see no immediate flaw,” said Groo, “Nothing nobody takes chances every time in battle.”

“Fine,” said Angel, “When we go into battle, you’ll lead a group. Remember this, if we fail, people die; it’s your fault.”

“Bloody hell, are you that selfish?!” demanded Spike.

Angel folded his arms across his face. Spike went at Angel, went to punch him in the face. Angel grabbed Spike by the arm and spun him around and put him in a head lock. Spike kicked him in the stomach and pushed him through the back of the hut.

“Angel,” said Groo, “This is not time for battle amongst your own.”

Spike kicked Angel in the head, “You listen Angel!” He grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him against a tree, “You will not speak to her that way!!” he punched him in the face. Angel punched back, tried it again.

Spike ducked out of the way. He kicked Angel between the legs, “You learn your place!”

Emma just looked at Angel, “Fine,” she stated, Spike turned towards Emma, his cheek was bruised, Angel stood up. Wasn‘t having a very fun time. Emma calmly folded her arms over her chest, “Everything is my fault, nothing I haven’t heard before.”

“It won’t be your fault, you’re a bright girl,” said Spike going to Emma. “Nothing is your fault.”

“I don’t care really,” she stated.

His cheek bone healed, the redness went away. Angel stood up, he limped over, “Sorry,” he said walking past Emma, “Whatever that may mean to you.”

Angel sat in his own little hut like place. Wesley came in, thought he was sleeping on that hay bed and turned to leave, “What is it Wes?”

“I thought you were sleeping,” stated Wesley turning towards him.

“Well, I’m not,” he sat up, “Can’t sleep.”

“Worried?” asked Wesley.

“The bed, hard,” stated Angel.

“Oh,” replied Wesley.

“I take it you want to talk about something,” Angel stood up.

“Why did you say that to Emma?” asked Wesley.

“Wes, I don’t know,” he answered quickly, he just sat down in a chair next to the table in the middle of the room, “I just said it okay.”

“Something bothering you,” said Wesley.

“Something,” stated Angel, “I don’t know, life. I’m old, as old as dirt.”

“Not quite that old,” smiled Wesley.

“Just old, can’t have a love, things. Aren’t right. This world isn’t right,” said Angel sitting his face in his hand.

“That’s why we’re going to be in a Revolutionary war Angel.”

“I don’t mean this world, I mean, ours. All of the worlds,” he sighed.

“That’s understandable. Sometimes you think about how lucky the people that can go a whole life time without finding out about the demons within existence, I do all the time.”

Angel looked up at him, “I guess I said that to Emma because, I’m old and I guess I feel, I need respect.”

“You feel you need it,” said Wesley. Angel just looked at him, “Oh, Angel. I’m not saying that you don’t deserve respect, you’ve been to hell and back. It’s deserved, but you want it from people that won’t give it.”

“That’s not my problem, I don’t think. Not the only problem,” said Angel feeling a little confused.

Wesley just looked down at his brethren, then spoke again: “We all have problems Angel.”

“I found out I raped my son’s girlfriend,” said Angel plainly. They didn’t speak for over a minute, that long instant, quiet. Angel sat up, “It weighs on you. Everything. I’m just a halted piece of time. Playing someone’s game.”

“You have a purpose,” said Wesley, “Which, you may not find out what for, for, years.”

“Kind of wish I’d know, like scheduling a little R&R,” said Angel. “I have to schedule that spa treatment before the schedule is full.”

“I don’t think you have anything that’ll be filled,” answered Wesley sitting down in front of him.

“My mind, with…hate, memories, sins. I can’t get away from evil. It just all messes with me, no matter what,” said Angel.

“You’re a vampire, that’s explanatory,” said Wesley.

Angel just looked at him a little confused, “I’ll fight this war, and the next one. And the next one. Till we have nothing left to fight and this world finally…kicks the bucket.”

“I will be with you till I’ve served my purpose,” said Wesley.

Angel looked up at him, “Good to know there’s a friend in this world. And the next.”

Day:

The group was on a hill, looking down upon the area. Village for you. Angel, Spike, Wesley, Groo, Lorne, Conner and Emma at the front.

“Alright when I say to,” said Angel implying to Emma, “Take your group and I’ll wait for the flames, “Spike, Lorne, Wesley, you’ll take the second group. Groo, I’ll be with you. Conner, where do you want to go?”

“Be useful,” said Conner, “With Wes and them.”

“Alright, Emma,” said Angel, “Go.”

Emma’s hair was up in a pony tail, she ran down the side of the hill, that meant time to leave. The group ran down the side of the hill going towards the barracks. The group split into two, quickly the group started doing in the guards below. Everyone up in the trees, down on the hill watching the fight. There wasn’t enough time for there to be yelling for the bad guys. Any moment though unfortunately, the demons inside the village would be alerted, had to get everything done before then.

A demon armed with horn to blow the war cry for his men to stand up and fight stood on the top of an outpost. Emma suddenly flipped up onto the ledge of it. The demon in front of her unknowing of her presence went to blow the horn. Emma slammed her left blade up into his gut and he dropped the horn. She removed her blade to the battle below. The humans had the upside. Of course the plan could back fire and any moment, demons had super strength.

She leapt down into battle. In the middle of the barracks.

Conner looked at Spike, “Think we’ll make it?”

“Sure boy,” said Spike, “They can’t kill you.”

“No doubt they have magic and can kill you,” stated Conner.

“We’ll fight to our deaths then,” said Groo.

Spike kind of thought for a split second, “Who made you boss of me?” Then he didn’t say nothing figuring it, he’ll fight to his death. Human independence, fighting for good. Worthy of dying for it.

Emma flipped forward kicked two demons down to the ground. Flipped back up onto her feet spun around and cut one’s head off. She went down kicked two off their feet, her eyes went red. Before they could do anything to get up she kicked their heads off.

Jumped up and grabbed a hold of a demon’s shoulder’s flipped over him and stabbed him in the back, spun around flowingly and clashed swords with another demon. Blade from her left hand against the blade of a sword. Quickly she stabbed her right blade into the demon’s chest.

Kicked the demon off of her blade. Dodged a sword swipe, kicked the demon in the head killing him. She flipped forward grabbed a demon by the head with her feet and pulled his head off pushed his body down on another.

Emma saw the men she lead defeating the demons. Many men. 5 at most for their casualties, many dead of demon enemies.

She jumped up and kicked two down quickly ran to a doorway and grabbed a torch, she went to the hay of the roof and threw the torch in it.

The group was watching for the signal, “There it is,” said Conner.

“Lets go then Pussy cats,” said Lorne armed with his sword.

Spike, Wesley, Lorne, and Conner went down the hill, the men quickly behind following. “What’s our signal sir?” asked one of the soldiers.

Groo looked at him, “When Wesley send red sparks above the area.”

The soldier shook his head meaning he understood.

The battle within had begun. Demon guards had seen the fire. Spike slammed his sword through the first one. Pulled it out ruthlessly and jabbed it into another. Spun around and cut one’s head off, “HERE COMES DADDY!!” he yelled over the yelling, he was enthralled with the excitement of the kill.

Conner had a sword as well. He ran into battle, stabbed his first enemy viciously pulling back the sword and jabbing the handle into one’s head killing him. He spun around cut another’s head off. One came up from behind, he kicked down the demon spun around and slammed the blade of his sword into it’s skull.

One of the demon village children jumped up and bit him in the arm. He grabbed his wrist. Looked at the child angrily, “What did Emma say?” he growled to himself.

Wesley was fighting his own, sword battles left and right. He was kind of hungry, thought about coffee, thought about Rebecca.

Lorne was helping, he was doing the job. He was singing a nice Barbara Streisand tune. Demons were just curling over in pain left and right. Lorne would stab them and get the job done, the singing made his job fun for him.

Spike sliced another’s head off, “WES!!” he yelled, “I think it’s time!” A demon ran at Spike with a sword. Spike ran up the side of a wall and flipped behind him, landed, spun around and sword no longer in his hand. Snapped the demon’s neck.

“I’m kind of busy Spike!” said Wesley getting up off the ground.

People fighting all around, “I can’t do it!!” said Spike punched a demon in the head, then he went into dodging blows vigorously.

“Wait a moment!” demanded Spike.

Suddenly the demon on top of Wes with the sword in hand was ripped off of Wesley and thrown through the air. Wesley looked up with amazement, “Conner, thank you.”

Red blood of the demons soaked into his skin, he stood before Wes, red eyed. “You’re Welcome.”

He dodged a sword blow and then kicked the down the perp, looked back to Wesley and helped him up. “Do it.”

Wesley pulled out a talisman from his pocket, “Emaxetora, Emazetury, Emazatora!!”

Red sparks shot into the air. Very visible even in the day.

“We must go now friend,” said Groo.

“I’ll help you all the way,” said Angel.

The red sparks shot into the sky. Angel and grew ran forward followed by their men. Groo let out a roar of excitement, and cooped up feelings of just being proud to be fighting for his people. Or half anyway.

Excitement of starting something for the next generation, he was going to win.

“Sire,” said a demon going into the chambers of Yorvik, “They come.”

“Don’t you think I see that, you cow scum?” hissed Yorvik, “Keep me safe, NOW!!”

“We will sire,” said the demon getting up off his knees and leaving the room. The room was bolted shut.

Nothing was going to get in and get Yorvik without him hearing it. Yells he heard out the window, his people dying at the hands of half breeds, traitors, and just cows themselves.

Emma pulled her blades into her sleeves. The demon on the ground trying to get up, his legs having been cut from him. Emma went at him and kicked his head right off. She turned around and dodged a blow grabbed the demon’s arm and snapped it back, around his neck then in a jerking motion killed him.

She pushed down the demon. Another demon of the village, the part she was in now swung at her, she ducked out of the way. She slammed her hands against his chest. He flew across the ground into a stone wall, death had fallen upon him.

She walked forward, sniffed the air. A demon on the ground, one of the villagers that hadn’t been willingly captured. Hemorrhaging. Emma went over to him, “You keep the stones?”

He just looked up at her in utmost shock. “I can save your life if you tell me,” she stated.

“In my bag,” choked the demon, “Why?”

Emma put her hand into his bag and found the stones, many. She smiled. “Thank you,” she smiled, she then knelt down and jammed her hand into his throat killing him. Pulled away.

Her eye’s reverted, she pulled a knife from her pocket and held out her hand and cut it. Hardly a sting to her. It’d heal soon.

Death around her everything quiet, demons, humans a like. Demons all and all. The yelling came from inside the village. She grabbed the rock and quickly smashed the rock in her hands.

Felt like something hit her in the head really hard, she fell backwards. Her chest rose, she saw things.

Flashes, quick. A bunch of things, people’s voices. First screaming and roaring. Things like glass smashing in her mind.

She remembered jumping out of the portal into the lobby.

There was a flash of when she hit Conner in the head with a 2 by 4.

Flash of Spike acting crazy.

Buffy standing in the Lobby.

Everything flashing by, Emma kissing Conner in the rain.

Trish.

The Harvester. Getting hit by The Harvester.

Angel. Saw Spike.

Angelus, she saw Angelus. Got a flash of something, she heard loudly in ears. Him say, “Struggling will only make it worse.”

The ice, the cold flooded her. Ice box. Conner braking her out.

Conner warming her. That zoo.

Dawn.

Las Vegas lights flashing in her eyes. Everything from then on out was just too quick for the moment. Her head hurt the images were becoming incoherent but she understood completely.

Suddenly Emma flew herself forward as a sword went down towards her neck. The sword missed. Emma stood up her eyes going red and she jammed her fist through the demon’s head. Pulled it out, blood, she looked at her hand. Picked up one of the stones put it in her pocket.

Yorvik stood in his throne like room. Nervous, but then again, he completely trusted his men. His military was stronger, “They’re stronger than any cow.”

He heard yelling on both sides, outside of that room. Windowless room.

Wesley was hit in the face by a demon, he was thrown to the ground. The demon stabbed him in the chest, stabbed him again. Wesley looked up at the sun, everything got really bright.

Lorne was slammed against a wall and his head taken off. “HEY!!”

Then his head was hit by a large rock. The poor head was out cold.

Conner slammed his fist into one’s head. Jumped up twirled around and kicked the three demons down. Landed flipped forward over one and kicked him off his feet. Grabbed his head and broke his neck. He spun around and punched one through the chest.

He turned around and with great strength punched down a demon. Killed it.

Spike was thrown to the ground bleeding, a demon went down for his throat. Went for Spike’s throat with his sword. Spike held the sword back. It was hard. There was blood in his eyes.

The sword coming down. Suddenly Spike got a little angry.

His skin went green, horns sprouted from his head. Eyes became red, ears pointed. He was becoming a Vantal, couldn’t have just held back. He leapt forward and pushed the demon.

Tore into it’s throat. Vicious. He loved the blood. Rip him up.

Spike pulled away and ran at another, taking them down one by one. He started jumping at the humans.

He was grabbed off suddenly. Conner threw Spike against a wall. Look back at the boy hungrily.

The demon just got right back up. Charged at Conner. Conner dodged him. Rolled back onto his feet and jumped up kicking Spike to the ground. Spike hit the ground hard then leapt back up at Conner and went for his throat.

Conner forced Spike back.

Yorvik stood in his throne room waiting hearing the battle coming ever so closer. The doors were suddenly thrown open by the body of a demon, two bodies. The bodies slid across the floor to Yorvik’s feet. Yorvik stood there, looked up at the hero come to save the day.

“Well, the Groosulagg,” stated Yorvik.

“We fight for independence,” said Groo.

“Cow breed,” snarled Yorvik.

“And we fight for central air conditioning,” growled Groo, he had his sword in hand, ready to brawl.

“I am no match for you,” hissed Yorvik, “Make your fiends stand down.”

Groo ran at Yorvik, he swung his sword at him quickly. Yorvik dodged the blow smoothly. He punched Groo in the chest. Groo flew backwards and hit the wall behind him.

He stood up, still ready, “I’ve met little girls that hit harder than you.” Really.

“Try again, Cow breed,” stated Yorvik.

Groo went back towards him they were circling each other. Battle still happening outside the doors. Yorvik backed up into a wall and pulled down one of the swords that was hung there nicely. He spun the sword.

Groo spun his. Went towards Yorvik quickly. Yorvik swung his sword around and went to hit Groo. Groo dodged the blow quickly and went down to kick Yorvik off his feet.

The demon was quite light on his feet, flipped over Groo and stabbed him in the arm, “Try again, fiend,” growled Yorvik.

Stood back up to fight Yorvik, he was hardly fazed. Groo swung at him, they clashes swords inhumanly fast. Clashed again. Yorvik slammed his leg into Groo and Groo flew back into the wall behind him.

Conner threw Spike to the ground. Both of them bleeding freely. Spike circled Conner, both of them red eyed and ready. Or close enough.

Spike came at Conner quickly. Conner was going to do it, give him one of those blows that could kill a vamp. Maybe it would knock out Spike. Suddenly Emma out of nowhere threw down Spike and grabbed Conner’s fist faster then Conner would of expected.

“Don’t,” said Emma.

Conner looked at her, “He’s evil.”

Emma looked at Spike, Spike growled at them both. “He’s just confused,” stated Emma.

She got down at her knees. Spike looked at her. Stopped growling.

Spike started reverting back into himself, he fell to the ground from all fours shaking. Emma went to him quickly, “It’s okay.”

Her father looked up at her trembling. “You?” asked Spike.

“I’m going to go help the others,” said Conner healing.

“I’m okay,” said Emma, she looked to Conner quickly, “Take care my dad, I have to do some stuff.”

Conner just looked at her. “Okay,” he said softly.

Groo was punched in the face and knocked into the thick stone, then Yorvik grabbed him and slammed him into of the pillars of the room. Punched him in the face again.

The Hero rolled onto the ground and up onto his feet, he went to punch Yorvik, Yorvik went to the ground from the blow. But he just got right back up and hit Groo in the face so hard that he flew through the entire wall into the next room.

Yorvik went to him quickly, “I am strong, I will never be beaten human, cow breed!”

“You might want to re-think that,” said Angel coming up behind Yorvik.

“Bring one of yours, a Vantal under wing. Most surprised,” said Yorvik.

“I don’t quite get that a lot,” said Angel sarcastically, “But I’ve kicked a lot of evil ass and I’m ready for some more.”

“Hmm…” laughed Yorvik, “I'm a demon, I know more about ass.”

“Whatever,” said Angel.

Groo grabbed Yorvik from behind around the throat. Yorvik put his demon, scaly hands on Groo and threw him over the front of him. Groo slammed so hard into the ground, the stone flew up. Groo rolled out of the hole quickly.

Angel went to punched Yorvik in the face. Yorvik swiped him across the face. Angel hit the nearest wall the way Groo had the floor. Angel was ready to go though.

He jumped over Yorvik and kicked the demon in the head. Yorvik went backwards and Groo punched him in the stomach. Yorvik grabbed Groo by the arm and slammed him into the ceiling. Then threw him down to the floor. Angel punched Yorvik in the back.

Yorvik went down, Angel kicked him in the head. Grabbed him by the head and broke his neck. Yorvik hit the ground hard. Angel went to Groo’s side.

Groo’s face was absolutely covered in blood, “I’m not doing good friend”
“It’s alright,” said Angel, “I killed him.”

Yorvik suddenly kicked Angel in the head. Angel went through the wall back into the throne room of Yorvik’s. Angel suddenly was kicked in the face and thrown into the wall behind him.

“I was given my power from the Wolf, Ram, and Hart. My Power knows no bounds,” Yorvik kicked him in the head again. Angel hit the wall, rock falling from the ceiling, this demon had some strong naked feet.

Angel coughed blood. Yorvik came at him again. “Haven’t you heard?” asked Angel, Yorvik grabbed him by the hair and punched him in the face, again, again. Angel kept talking, spat blood, “Wolfram & Hart is gone.”

Yorvik pushed Angel into the wall, “I shall feast upon you, Vantal.”

Suddenly a sword entered Yorvik’s stomach from behind. Groo stood there, hardly able to stand. He moved the sword inside Yorvik. Yorvik swung his arm back and hit Groo back into the other chamber. Groo slid across the ground. Blood smearing the floor.

Angle pulled the sword from Yorvik, “Thank you, Vantal,” hissed Yorvik.

Angel stabbed Yorvik in the throat. The demon started bleeding heavily from the blow. The demon roared in pain. Angel clamped his mouth over the demon’s wounds. Drank of him, tasted human he did. Powerful.

Rushing fire inside him. Yorvik’s demonic heart started dying. The demon in Angel’s arms as he drank on him fast, sucked through the wound like there was no tomorrow. He dropped the body.

Surely dead. Angel in a daze, dizzy, he fell back against the wall. Slid down it. He could feel the blood coming out of his skull, he actually wanted to faint. His vision wasn’t very good. He’d heal in time.

He winced, blinked to clear his vision. Emma stood knelt down on one knee in front of him. Angel coughed blood.

Angel allowed himself to speak, “I’m so, so, sorry.”

Emma put the rock his right hand. Bent his fingers over the rock, shinning red thing. Then made his fingers, bleeding fingers smash the rock.

Angel threw his head back. He gasped, blood went down his throat from the heaving breath he just took that he of course doesn’t need. He coughed, vision incoherent like hers came to him. Screaming, her screaming.

After a moment Angel suddenly opened her eyes, Emma sat down in front of him, “What?”

“The stones bring back wiped memories too,” said Emma.

“I’m so, so, so, sorry,” said Angel, he hurt all over, just wanted the aches and pains to stop. Wanted to be sorry even more.

“You’re not Angelus,” she stated.

Angel’s vision was still blurry, he put his hand on her cheek, felt that she was there, “I, hate, myself.”

“You’re Angel, you’re good,” she said, she looked down as he pulled away from her cheek. He started to heal, like a refreshing gust of wind against his skin or something, He felt the aches going away.

“Why?” asked Angel.

“Not why,” stated Emma, “It’s time to play pretend. Can you pretend?’

Emma helped Angel up, Angel just looked at her his hand around her forearm so he would get the feel of his feet again, “I can”
“Time to play pretend,” said Emma, she looked to Groo on the floor. “I’ll fix him, then we can go home.”

Day shined down on them. The whole gang stood around the car. Wesley, Lorne, Angel, Spike, Conner, Emma, and Groo, “Thank you for fixing me,” stated Groo.

“You’re Welcome,” said Emma, “Sorry I threatened to cut off your extremities.”

“I can forgive and forget,” said Groo.

“Well,” said Wesley taking the book out of the glove compartment, “Time to hop on in. Go back.”

“I swear, that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day, or, year,” smiled Lorne.

“I will stay here, and there will be independence, even if I don’t live it, the others will. I’m going to carry on life of human beings,” said Groo.

They all got in, “You do that,” stated Spike.

Wesley opened up the book. Emma sat between Conner and Spike again. Angel in the drivers seat, Lorne in between Wesley and Angel, “Okay, lets get the chanting on sugar fairies and dandelions, I can’t wait to get my hands on a sea breeze.”

“Good life Angel,” replied Groo.

“Okay,” said Angel, “Good luck.”

“Yes,” smiled Groo, “Good luck to you all.”

Wesley started to chant from the book.

CLOSING: GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD SUMMER:

Night in L.A. hadn’t changed a bit since they left. Angel was happy to throw open the good ole’ hotel doors. “Home, sweet, home,” said Angel.

“Don’t I know it Angel-mister Not Mr. I can‘t spell My-ster. , you know what,” he turned towards Angel and them, “I’m going to go on up to my room, take a bath. My room since, till I can get back in my lovely leather shoes and Armani that I’m your guest.”

He snapped his fingers at Angel and ran up stairs. Spike cocked his head to the side, “It’ll be funny if we suddenly get the water cut off.”

“Way to get him to sing,” said Wesley going behind the bar, “I’ll check the messages.”

“I think I need to go see someone,” said Angel, “After a shower of course.”

Wesley wanted to stay there the night, too late for him to drive. He could get a good night sleep in his room, if the sleepless vampire Spike would stop talking to him.

“I know just how to do it,” said Spike, he seemed very enthusiastic about something.

“Say it again?” asked the groggy Wesley sitting at the desk behind the counter.

“Haven’t you been listening?” demanded Spike, he was standing there, fresh clothing, showers are a great thing, “Alright, as I was saying. What’s behind this wall?” Spike pointed to the wall Wesley’s book shelf was on, filing cabinets.

“Bathroom,” said Wesley rubbing his forehead.

“Well I get a sledge hammer, knock it out. Not like we all go to the bathroom, I knock it out,” he took a drink of his blood, rather proud of the brew, smiled at it. “I knock it out and build in a kitchen.”

“Why?” asked Wesley.

“Nobody here really uses the bathroom, you do,” said Spike. “As I was saying kitchen, we don’t have really anywhere to put stuff. We all hang down here, Lobby, A. Scooby central.” He thought about that term, “Never mind that name, Angel investigations central.”

Spike went back to the wall, “I can tear out this wall, make that room larger, knock out another wall, run electricity, water, that stuff, phone. Put a table back there. Real Frig, microwave, coffee. Whatever, table. Got a good thing going for us. We don’t eat in that old thing, and I know a guy that can save us money on the supplies.”

“You’ll have to ask Angel,” said Wesley, “Just let me go to sleep. Wait, Spike, do you even know how to build stuff?”

“Well, I can bloody well take apart, not that hard putting it back together I figure,” said Spike.

“A lot more to it,” said Wes standing up.

“Fine, I’ll ask Angel. But this idea is going Revolutionize Angel Inc.!” stated Spike as Wesley went towards the stairs. “Well maybe not Revolutionize, but you can’t deny any of it not being good, great. FABULOUS!!”

Conner went into Lorne’s room. Lorne was standing in front of his mirror brushing his newly cut hair, “Conner boy, I knew you’d come. That hearing thing, sweet isn’t it.”

“I guess,” said Conner. Conner looked down at Lorne’s white leather shoes, then at the Armani, fancy suite, “You leaving?”

“Oh, no, what I said down stairs. I’m not leaving,” said Lorne.

“What?” asked Conner.

“I feel for you,” said Lorne putting his arm around Conner’s shoulders and leading him to the bed.

“What do you mean?” asked Conner, “You’ve got your arm on me.”

“Feel, I understand how that’d give you a bad vibe,” Lorne said sitting down with Conner.

Conner moved over a little away from Lorne, “Okay,” he said suspiciously.

Lorne looked at him like he was strange, “You know that girl of yours, Emma can work wonders with hair, did mine,” smiled Lorne.

“Yeah,” said Conner, he looked down, “She’s perfect.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” said Lorne.

“Emma?” asked Conner.

“I don’t think a punching you in the face is going to help,” said Lorne.

Conner looked up, “What are you going to talk to me about now?”

“Same thing,” said Lorne, “She did something”
“Stopped me,” he said in a moping voice. Kind of ashamed.

“I don’t know how to put this. Hell Cat, you need a little space,” sighed Lorne.

Conner just looked at him, “Space?”

“She makes you feel-”

“I know how she makes me feel! I love her,” growled Conner.

“Exactly,” said Lorne, “But you need to do something, make yourself feel like you belong.”

“I don’t understand, I don’t want to understand,” said Conner.

“Don’t get angry,” said Lorne, “We don’t need any of that. I wish I didn’t have to say it, frankly you’re meant for each other. But you’ve been feeling this way fro quite sometime.”

“Emma needs me,” said Conner.

“Not really,” answered Lorne, “But yes, she does.”

“You’re lying, filthy demon,” growled Conner.

“I’m not lying, you know that,” Lorne spoke. Conner stood up and stepped away from Lorne, “Conner, listen to the green man. I know love.”

“She won’t stop loving me,” said Conner.

“That’s your key, your worried she’ll stop loving you. But Conner, you can’t feel any better about yourself here. You don’t know what you’re meant here, sometimes people need to explore things to know themselves.”

Conner just looked at him aggressively, “I won’t stop loving her.”

“And if it was meant to be, she won’t stop loving you even if you went hostile and killed a thousand milk men and hung them upside down,” said Lorne, he looked at Conner. “Oh, yeah, that’s not funny around here. Still.”

Mary was packing up her belongings in her hotel room. Been a long stay, rocking road. Had a heart attack. She wore her hair up in a pony tail, it had grown out a little. She was dressed in the bright colors again, still not the Mary Janes though, those had left town sometime ago.

“Going home?” asked Angel.

Mary turned towards the window, “Angel.” Angel didn’t reply to her, didn’t seem like sudden turn, she answered, “Kind of.”

“Santa Monica?” asked Angel.

“Why, so you can stock me?” asked Mary, she didn’t say it mean like, just kind of said it.

“No, I want to know that you’re far away from here,” said Angel.

“Why?” asked Mary, “Come on, why?”

“The feelings-” said Angel.

“You killed my friend Angel, tried to kill me,” said Mary.

“I hate to be third grade, but, you kind of started it,” said Angel, “The second time anyway. And I wasn’t trying to kill you. Just defend myself.”

She went back to packing her clothes, “So I made you kill Nina?”

“No, that was a group of stupid people that wanted to live on. Of course they’re not around anymore,” said Angel.

“Cause you killed them,” she stated, “Killing, is that really how life should be fixed?”

“They were evil, sacrificing people. And some of them weren’t even human anymore,” said Angel going towards her.

Mary went towards him, “Going to protect me.”

“Yes, you stay away,” said Angel.

“Cause you’re the hero that never loves,” said Mary.

Angel just looked down at her, “I do love. I love all the time, just can’t keep what I love.”

Emma walked down the hall of the Hyperion towards her room. She walked into her room, loved it. Felt like home for once and not just somewhere to stay.

Conner was standing next to the window. Day was close. So close. He was crying. Sniffed, wiped his face.

She looked at him, knew he was scared. Ashamed. Felt inside her from their connection, “You were crying, why are you crying?”

She went to him. Conner looked from the window to her, “I don’t know, not really.”

He didn’t want her to see him cry any, any at all. Made him feel worse. She put her hand on his cheek, stroked it, “Holtz, he died today.”

Conner pulled away disgustedly, “Not why,” he said. The tears going back to his eyes.

Emma looked at Conner sadly. She went to him and put her hands on his shoulders, he let her, looking down at her sad face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“I was afraid you’d stop loving me.”

“I would never stop loving you. Never stop,” said Emma. She pulled him into a hug.

He laid his head on her shoulder, like hers was on his. Conner held her in his arms, said softly, “Sure?”

“I love you, never loved anything. Anyone as much as you. I’ll never stop loving you. Even if we weren’t connected,” she held his head in her hands looking into his eyes, she kissed him lovingly. Made Conner want to cry more. Emma smiled up at him. Hugged him again, “I want you forever, and ever.”

This made Conner happy. But so sad.

“I’m going to travel,” he stated.

Emma pulled away. She smiled, “How long would we be gone.”

“I’m going alone,” said Conner, sinking feeling inside.

Emma pulled completely away, she looked at him confused, “Why?”

Conner looked down, “I have to find something, out there.”

“Why not with me? What are you trying to find?” she demanded, she swore to herself this wasn’t going to scare her. That that sickness inside her wouldn’t make her cry. Felt the water works.

“I don’t know what I’ll looking for,” he sighed, turning towards the window.

“”Why can’t I come and help you find it?!” she questioned, “Find what you feel you’re looking for!?”

Conner turned towards her quickly, “Cause you make me feel bad.”

She felt the tears rising in her eyes, “How?”

Conner licked his lips, “You’re strong, smart, so smart.”

“What?” she couldn’t believe what she was hearing her heart, it was like it was bleeding, like getting stabbed. Or burnt a live. Her lips trembled with her words.

“I feel stupid around you,” stated Conner firmly.

“I can change, tell me when I’m acting-”

“I have to leave,” he groaned.

“No,” she cried.

“You can’t hold back pretending you’re something less than what you are,” tears came from his eyes, faintly running down his cheeks.

“”Try me,” said Emma.

“No,” ached Conner, “I love you.”

“You can’t leave me!” she sobbed.

“I’ll come back,” said Conner quickly.

“What if you like it out there?!” she demanded.

“I love you,” he answered.

Emma slapped him. Looked him in the eyes. Her face was wet, she didn’t like it. None of this.

Conner just looked at her, “I love you but, I have to find something.” His voice pleading.

“I don’t want to see your face,” she said, aching all over, tears stinging her eyes. The tears wouldn’t go away, “Go.”

“I love you,” he said softly going to her.

“Get out,” she said Firmly.

“I’m sorry,” he pleaded.

“Get out, get out,” she looked him in the eyes, “GET OUT!!”

Conner was scared by her. “GET OUT, GET OUT!!” she screamed, “LEAVE!!”

Her screams shook him up. Conner went next to the bed quickly and grabbed the bag he’d packed and went out of the door and slammed the door quickly before Emma could hit him with the nightstand. Emma went down on her knees screaming in her hands. Crying.

They stood on the balcony, “I want to keep you safe.”

“Why do you do this stuff Angel, save people?” asked Mary.

Angel stood in the night on a balcony. Staring over the edge, nothing much below. The cool air blew on his face.

“This town can’t save itself,” said Angel, “Could be what I was meant to do. I don’t know, keep everyone safe.”

“Almost day,” said Mary, “Better go back to the hotel, I’ve got a flight to New York.”

Angel just looked forward, “Sometimes,” said Angel, “I worry about this world.”

I read through this but If there's some confusion sorry, I've been so busy.