18<\/u><\/p>\n
Reunions were overwhelming to say the least, if Xander\u2019s bone-crushing hug when her and Buffy had walked into his apartment the night before was anything to go by. But even that paled in comparison to *this* most recent feeling of overwhelming. At least that was how Willow Rosenberg felt the moment she stepped into Wesley Wyndam-Price\u2019s office flanked by Buffy and Xander, not just one but a swarm of familiar faces greeting her.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking hot, Red.\u201d Faith rose from her seat first, looking fantastic as always, her long hair pulled back into a ponytail, the leather pants and simple wife-beater she wore hugging her figure in all the right places. Wesley stepped forward next, pecking her on the cheek, charming and fetching as ever in his pressed grey suit, his blue eyes sparkling brilliantly behind the slim frame of his glasses.<\/p>\n
He pulled back, revealing the one of the two remaining people in the room whom Willow recognised. Cordelia was as gorgeous as she remembered her – sexy, elegant and truly beautiful in a way that would have been intimidating had it not been for the way her lips melted into a genuine smile, her arms warm as they embraced. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou too.\u201d Willow said, her breath catching in her throat when the man suited up in Armani came to stand beside Cordelia, extending his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Angel.\u201d He offered, and Willow shook his hand, blushing deeply. Golly, he was handsome\u2026 \u201cThank you for coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Willow ducked her pink cheeks beneath her scarlet hair, following Buffy when she led her to a couch. \u201cI\u2019m happy to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell then, we\u2019d best get started. Do you have the lock of hair?\u201d Wesley asked Angel, taking the small plastic wallet from the vampire when he handed it to him. \u201cExcellent. Willow, we were rather hoping you\u2019d lend us your expertise, first and foremost in a location spell. I trust Buffy filled you in?\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow nodded, taking the packet Wesley handed her. She slid her bag off her shoulder and rifled though it. She pulled out a medium-sized pouch, unzipping it and emptying a few of its contents onto the table.<\/p>\n
Buffy grasped one of the strange looking objects that fell out, staring quizzically at it. \u201cWould you look at this stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander made a face. \u201cWill, we need to get you a hobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow rolled her eyes, twirling her fingers around a chain that was attached to the object she was looking for. She held it up slowly, waiting until she had everyone\u2019s attention. The object was a thick, lilac stone, shaped like a cylinder with a sharp point at the end, its texture rough and bumpy. Wrapped around it was a slim, silver sphere, holding the stone in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s pretty.\u201d Cordelia said, taking a seat beside her. \u201cIs it some sort of locator?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could call it that.\u201d Willow said, her lips curling in a smile. She glanced up at Wesley. \u201cI\u2019m gonna need a map.\u201d She turned slightly in her seat to face Faith. \u201cAs well as that key you picked up last night.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The room was silent, every eye captivated and mesmerized by the glowing, shimmering stone that dangled loosely from Willow\u2019s hands as she chanted in Latin, the large key Faith had acquired the night before in her free hand, the lock of hair wrapped around her fingers. The lilac stone moved hypnotically over the map, making Faith a little dizzy as she watched it, though she couldn\u2019t bring herself to look away.<\/p>\n
Willow\u2019s eyes fluttered shut and Faith could almost *feel* the energy surging through her as the stone glowed erratically, moving across the surface of the map. Willow\u2019s hold tightened on the lock of hair intertwined between her fingers and the key in her hands suddenly slipped from her hand, rattling noisily onto the table.<\/p>\n
Faith flinched at the sound, her eyes widening when the lilac stone dimmed, dropping unceremoniously from its hovering position and onto a spot atop the map, its sharp tip pointing at a particular location.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that it?\u201d Cordy asked, leaning forward, her hands on her knees.<\/p>\n
Willow\u2019s eyes flashed open and she followed the stone with her finger, her eyes squinting as she attempted to read the possible street name or area.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouldn\u2019t get a bigger map, huh Wes?\u201d Faith asked.<\/p>\n
Wesley ignored her. \u201cWhat do you see, Willow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need paper and a pen.\u201d Willow replied, never taking her eyes off the map. Wesley handed them to her and she scribbled down something, presumably an address, ripping the sheet out of the notepad and handing it to Wes. \u201cThat\u2019s where it is. That\u2019s where they\u2019re hiding the coin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t recognise it.\u201d Wesley adjusted his glasses, frowning. \u201cBuffy, look it up. See if you can find out what sort of building it is exactly. I don\u2019t want to send you in without knowing exactly what we\u2019re dealing with here.\u201d He handed the sheet to Buffy as she moved towards the computer, turning back to Willow. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The computer screen went blank momentarily and Buffy waited, her hand resting on her chin as the results from her search slowly began to load. She scrolled down the screen with the mouse, frowning when she couldn\u2019t find anything.<\/p>\n
\u201cTry typing it differently.\u201d Xander offered from where he was perched on the desk, handing over the sheet of paper. \u201cMaybe zip code before street?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded, immediately typing the information into the search engine. She clicked enter and waited.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave I told you how hot you are when you\u2019re in research mode?\u201d Xander muttered next to her ear and Buffy looked up, shooting him a wicked grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come over when I have nothing on but my reading glasses?\u201d She winked, glancing back to the screen. Before Xander could respond, her eyes widened and she waved her hand at the other occupants of the room as her search got a hit. \u201cWhoa – hey, hello! I found it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley stood immediately, walking over to her. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a warehouse.\u201d Buffy said after a moment, making a face. \u201cWAY secluded, near the docks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright.\u201d Wes returned to the table, picking up the map and strolling towards the back room. \u201cI\u2019ll make copies. You\u2019ll need to go there tonight with Angel. Take as many weapons as you can carry and be prepared for any security or defence they throw your way.\u201d His voice was calm but firm. \u201cIf there is any sign of unmanageable danger, leave at once. With or without the coin.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure we can handle it.\u201d Angel said casually.<\/p>\n
Wes peered disdainfully at him through his glasses. \u201cThat may very well be Angel, but I\u2019m not thrilled about risking the lives of my girls without a little forewarning if that\u2019s quite alright with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel looked a little taken aback, his eyebrows shooting up in slight amusement, his hands raised in mock-surrender as his attempt to be reassuring backfired in the face of Wesley\u2019s black mood. Cordelia grabbed his arm, pulling it down as her hand slid into his, squeezing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley paused momentarily, taking in their collectively startled expressions. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d He said finally, releasing a breath. \u201cI\u2019m not entirely happy with this operation, as you can probably tell.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy stood, coming over to rest a hand on his shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll be fine Wes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith nodded. \u201cFirst sign of any major badness and we\u2019ll be out of there like\u2026well, Xander.\u201d<\/p>\n
The indignant reply came barely a second later. \u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley sighed again, removing his glasses and nodding. \u201cYes, alright.\u201d He shot Buffy a smile, turning his back on them and walking into the back room.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned her head back against the sofa, her eyes fluttering shut. \u201cAnyone else got a bad feeling about this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd this isn\u2019t even supposed to be the hard part.\u201d Buffy rolled her eyes, taking a seat next to Willow. \u201cIt\u2019s the next bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Came Angel\u2019s soft voice from where he was seated on the arm of the couch, and Buffy immediately felt bad. \u201cThis is such a burden on you all and I – \u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shook her finger at him, cutting him short. \u201cNuh-uh, none of that mister.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we told you \u2013 this is our job and we\u2019re gonna see it through.\u201d Faith added, resting the back of her head against her palms. \u201cPlus, there\u2019s only so much boy-drama in one day I can take.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard that.\u201d Wesley retorted, back to his usual composure as he walked towards them, handing them each a photocopy of the map. \u201cWhile you\u2019re gone, I\u2019ll discuss the finer details of the case with Willow, fill her in on what\u2019s to come and get her input on the spells. We\u2019re going to have to formulate a definitive plan for our trip to the home office and the restoration of Angel\u2019s soul to its rightful owner.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued as the other occupants of the room began to stand, picking up their coats and jackets and making a move towards the door. \u201cAnd remember – once you acquire the coin, you\u2019ll need to head right home.\u201d Wesley said. \u201cWe can\u2019t risk the possibility of anyone following you here or exposing your identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
\u201cBe careful, Buffy.\u201d Xander told her as they exited the office, Cordelia, Angel and Faith heading towards their respective vehicles. \u201cWesley made it sound a little ominous.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWes is a drama queen.\u201d Buffy said with a shrug. She squeezed his hand reassuringly. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. I\u2019ll see you tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander smiled. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
She returned the grin, leaning up on her toes and pecking him on the lips. Then, with a quick spin of her heel, she was gone.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The breeze was light, soothing as it ruffled through Angel\u2019s hair, the Plymouth cruising gracefully over the streets of Los Angeles. Cordelia sat beside him, her hands drumming rhythmically against the dashboard. Buffy and Faith were in the car just ahead of them, the trunks of both cars stocked full and heavy with weaponry.<\/p>\n
Guilt burned in the back of his throat as he thought about what they might face tonight, about what these people, good, innocent people were doing for him. His eyes closed briefly as he thought of Wesley\u2019s earlier snap. Granted, he\u2019d been concerned for all of their safeties but it still sucked to be reminded of what Angel himself felt most guilty for \u2013 the involvement of others in this, his self-earned battle.<\/p>\n
The demon inside had reacted to his steely tone with an odd mixture of mild amusement and pent-up rage but Angel had counted to three and let it go \u2013 all because he\u2019d felt guilty. Well, that and –<\/p>\n
He glanced over at Cordelia. As if sensing him, she shot him a smile, lifting the weight from his heart slightly. His chest constricted with a rare, almost foreign emotion and he stared at her for a moment longer before returning his eyes to the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever look at this car the same way.\u201d Her voice commanded his attention and he shot her a look. \u201cNot that it wasn\u2019t a great ride\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel waggled his eyebrows. \u201cAre we talking about me or the car?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia laughed, running a hand through her hair. \u201cYou\u2019re not gonna make me choose are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t dream of it.\u201d Angel muttered, his tone suddenly becoming sombre. When he looked at her this time, he held her gaze. \u201cPromise me you\u2019ll be careful tonight, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
She must have seen something in his eyes then because she nodded without argument. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
The warehouse was, as Buffy had said, incredibly secluded, enclosed by a maze of alleyways and other block-shaped buildings similar to it. Dark and menacing in appearance, it towered over them, a flat slate of brick without windows. The stench of dead fish riddled the air and Angel scrunched up his nose, cursing his heightened senses.<\/p>\n
\u201cYa know, you\u2019d think a law firm could afford better property than this.\u201d Faith muttered, grimacing at their surroundings. Her voice came out funny, hollowed, and Cordy glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. \u201cWhat? I\u2019m holding my breath.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a moment she gasped, sucking in a breath again. \u201cSome of us are not of the supernatural.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grinned, searching the flat surface of the warehouse for an entrance. He rounded the corner, holding a hand up. The girls paused, staring after his retreating form as he checked down one side, shaking his head when he couldn\u2019t find an opening.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver here!\u201d Buffy said, drawing their attention and the three of them followed her voice around the second corner of the warehouse, finding her before a large, shackled wooden door.<\/p>\n
Cordelia frowned. \u201cNot exactly user friendly.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cAh well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel watched in amazement as the three girls lined up in front of the door, moving in sync. With two swift kicks, the heavy door broke apart beneath the weight of their combined boots. Regally, Cordelia flipped her hair over her shoulder, leading Faith and Buffy inside without breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n
Angel blinked, closed his jaw and followed.<\/p>\n
The interior of the warehouse was a dark, black open space, though there was a dim light coming from somewhere. He was glad for it, though it wouldn\u2019t have mattered for him anyway \u2013 everything was as clear to him as day.<\/p>\n
The space they stood inside was medium to large, the emptiness of it interrupted by big, circular tub-like constructions. There appeared to be liquid inside them, a strange cylinder of light rocketing and hovering from their centres and casting a dim glow across the floor and ceiling.<\/p>\n
Faith made a face. \u201cI don\u2019t get this\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy tore her eyes away from the light. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow exactly is it that this coin is conveniently located here in Los Angeles?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t think it is.\u201d Angel answered, stepping towards the tub closest to him. \u201cI mean, from the readings, I get the impression that it\u2019s somehow accessible from over a hundred points all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith didn\u2019t look convinced. \u201cRiiight. Well if this is the place, where\u2019s the coin?\u201d She looked around, raising her hands. \u201cOkay, great. It\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel narrowed his eyes in contemplation. \u201cMaybe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy walked up to him. \u201cWhat maybe? I don\u2019t see it, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d He reached his hand out slowly, his fingers skimming the glow. \u201cBut the light must be coming from somewhere.\u201d His hand reached the centre, the slim line of light suddenly concentrating across his fingers, rippling into a solid, blinding sphere.<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes were wide. \u201cAngel\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s some kind of dimensional hub.\u201d Angel murmured, concentrating on the task at hand. His hand had disappeared entirely from view now, his fingers reaching around inside the sphere. \u201cThat\u2019s why the coin can be in a hundred places,\u201d They brushed something and Angel grabbed a hold of it, pulling it out, \u201cat once. Ah. Ah!\u201d<\/p>\n
He removed his hand, the coin tightly enclosed in his palm, smirking at the girls. \u201cI\u2019d say things are starting to look up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy grinned at Faith\u2019s gobsmacked expression. \u201cHe\u2019s handy, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Buffy released a breath, sharing a relieved smile with Angel as he pocketed the coin. Honestly, she\u2019d expected more of a challenge. Not to say this place didn\u2019t give her the creeps. There was something about it, something eerie \u2013 as though there were evils lurking in the shadows, watching and waiting to crawl out and pounce.<\/p>\n
Buffy swallowed. \u201cWell, now that we have it, what do you say we get the hell out of – \u201d<\/p>\n
The ground shook suddenly beneath her, cutting her off as her heart leapt into her chest. She reached for Faith\u2019s hand as Cordy reached for Angel\u2019s, balancing her feet on unsteady ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell\u2019s going on?\u201d Faith shouted, her free hand flying helplessly through the air.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my god\u2026\u201d Cordelia\u2019s frightened whisper made them all spin around to face her. Buffy\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n
The sphere beside Angel glowed red, shaking violently and abruptly sinking down into the circular tub beneath it. It disappeared and the ground began to shake further, uncontrollably, causing Buffy to nearly lose her footing.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we get out of here now?\u201d Cordelia shouted and together, they edged slowly backwards towards the exit, Buffy breathing heavily as she balanced on wobbly knees. The warehouse shuddered all around her, the noise deafening to her ears as she concentrated on moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n
She spun around, nearly slamming into Faith who\u2019d stopped in her tracks. One look at her shocked face had Buffy following her gaze, staring pointedly at the now blocked exit.<\/p>\n
Her heart stopped.<\/p>\n
A figure stood before the door, nearly as tall as it and levitating half a foot off the ground, its deep claret-coloured coat swirling around its form. The hands that poked out from beneath its flared sleeves were anything but human, grey and skeletal, the tips of its fingers sharp and threatening.<\/p>\n
Buffy couldn\u2019t see its face, couldn\u2019t identify who or what it was because of the hood covering its head nearly entirely from view, though the dark crevice between the fabric didn\u2019t leave much to the imagination. It appeared hollow, void of any emotion or compassion \u2013 or soul.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell is that thing?\u201d Faith asked softly, her hand tightening in Buffy\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a senior partner.\u201d Angel whispered, pushing Cordelia behind him. \u201cAnd we\u2019re as good as dead.\u201d<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
She\u2019d read about them in books, heard about what they did, what they looked like \u2013 but nothing could have braced Buffy for the horror of actually seeing a senior partner in the flesh. The odour it gave off was repugnant, like the stench of death, so strong it nearly made her eyes water.<\/p>\n
Buffy didn\u2019t dare to move, didn\u2019t dare to breath \u2013 no one did, all of them uncertain as to what to do next. She glanced over at Angel, almost waiting for *him* to do something, especially since he was the only one of them who\u2019d actually faced a senior partner before.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo we have a plan?\u201d She asked finally, looking at each one of her friends in turn.<\/p>\n
Cordelia swallowed, her voice coming out lighter than what she must have been feeling. \u201cI\u2019m open to suggestions\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to get out of here.\u201d Angel said resolutely, as though it was the easiest thing in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cYa think?!\u201d Faith took a step backwards, stopping abruptly when the senior partner moved its head, as though looking at her. She released a breath, never taking her eyes off it when she addressed Angel. \u201cThe \u2018HOW\u2019 would be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
What happened next nearly sent Buffy\u2019s frazzled nerves into overdrive. Angel opened his mouth to respond, snapping it shut a split second later as the senior partner reared its arm back, flinging it forward like a sling-shot. A powerful flash of light shot from its fingers, heading right for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook out!\u201d Faith yelped as four of them dove out of its way, crashing haphazardly to the ground on either side. Cordelia groaned from across the warehouse, Angel\u2019s weight atop her.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re gonna have to fight it!\u201d Angel shouted. \u201cIt\u2019s our only way out!\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy was breathing heavily. \u201cI thought you said it was impossible to kill?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI said it was hard to kill.\u201d Angel replied, getting to his feet and pulling Cordelia with him. \u201cYou up for trying?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia smoothed out her hair, her expression hard. \u201cThat thing just broke my nail. Hell yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n
Between them, they had four weapons, Faith\u2019s knives, Buffy\u2019s axe, and Cordy and Angel\u2019s swords. Cordelia and Angel were the first to move, each sprinting forward from around the tub that had given them shelter. The senior partner threw a bolt of light at Angel which he ducked swiftly, his face contorting into the features of a vampire, his arm reared back.<\/p>\n
Cordelia made it there first however, her sword making contact with the senior partner\u2019s lower arm. It growled, lurching backwards before regaining balance. When she moved her sword a second time it was prepared, its skeletal talons clasping tightly around the blade and jerking it from her grasp. Without a moment\u2019s hesitancy, the senior partner twisted the sword, shoving the hilt into Cordelia\u2019s abdomen and sending her flying backwards into the side of a tub.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy!\u201d Faith threw herself into the fray, expertly winding her knives through the air though in vain. Buffy noticed that she was only cutting and slicing through the space in front of her, never quite catching the senior partner who evaded and manoeuvred its shapeless form with ease. Within seconds, it lashed out, sending Faith flying in the other direction to Cordelia.<\/p>\n
Angel had stopped in his charge towards the senior partner, his head turned towards Cordelia who was slowly getting onto her hands and knees from the ground. Buffy paused, axe raised in mid air as the senior partner ceased all movement, turning towards Angel.<\/p>\n
For a moment, it merely stared. Then suddenly, it released a low, agitated growl, its body contorting in anger and recognition. It opened its palm and Buffy watched in alarm as a ball of light, bluer and more blinding than the last formed between its fingers.<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s stomach lurched. \u201cCrap\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cAngel, look out!\u201d Cordelia\u2019s terrified voice could be heard from across the room where she\u2019d been flung. A sudden burst of strength must have propelled her because she got to her feet and raced over.<\/p>\n
Angel spun around, eyes widening when he saw the senior partner rear its arm back, the ball of light swirling, deadly inside its palm.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, NO!\u201d Buffy screamed out, watching in horror as her friend launched herself in front of Angel, just as the senior partner released the ball. It seemed to happen in slow motion. The ball soared through the air, slicing deep into Cordelia\u2019s chest and exploding in a burst of light. Her and Angel were thrown back several feet from the force of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my god\u2026\u201d Faith had gotten to her feet and rushed to Cordelia\u2019s side. Buffy followed swiftly, her heart pounding in fright against her ribcage. Both of them knelt down beside the fallen girl as Angel recovered quickly, wrapping her up in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. He lifted a trembling hand, pushing her hair away from her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cCor?\u201d His voice was shaking and the look on his face broke Buffy\u2019s heart. \u201cCordelia, look at me. You\u2019re gonna\u2026you\u2019re gonna be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s voice was barely above a whisper, as though it hurt her to speak. Her eyes were unfocussed as she reached for his face. \u201cI – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSsh, don\u2019t talk.\u201d Angel demanded, his arms tightening around her, his fingers intertwining with hers. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine. You\u2019re – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t – \u201d Cordelia sucked in half a breath, her eyes fluttering when Buffy squeezed her shoulder, as though trying to see all three of them at once. A tear spilled from beneath her eyelid, chest tensing in pain as her throat struggled. \u201cI\u2019m so\u2026sorry. I lo – \u201d Her hand dropped in Angel\u2019s and her body went still in his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Buffy whispered, anguish crashing over her like a wave and coiling grossly in her stomach, making her nauseous. She covered her mouth with her palm, tears spilling over her cheeks. \u201cNo, no, no, is she -?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Angel\u2019s voice was gruff with emotion as he shook Cordelia slightly. \u201cShe\u2019s fine. Cordelia, wake up.\u201d He shook her harder this time, his palm curling around the nape of her neck, pressing her closer to him. \u201cWake up, baby – \u201d<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s eyes were moist as she placed a hand on his arm. \u201cAngel,\u201d She whispered brokenly, \u201cAngel, let her go, she\u2019s – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNO!\u201d Angel barked at her, madness in his eyes, and Buffy bit her lip when she saw a tear slide down his face. \u201cShe\u2019s fine! She *has* to be fine. She can\u2019t – \u201d His voice broke as he leaned his forehead against Cordy\u2019s, the tears coursing freely over his cheeks now, as though he couldn\u2019t control them.<\/p>\n
There, beneath the cold, dark ceiling, in what seemed like the very heart of hell, their best friend released her final breath.<\/p>\n