A Cold Day in Hell

Part 6

Buffy woke several hours later from a deep sleep, feeling totally refreshed and ready to fight a new day. She leisurely stretched out a yawn before noticing she was still fully dressed. Memories of the night before came rushing back and she sighed deeply. In the space of a few hours her whole life had been turned upside down again. Her dreams had been filled with confusing images of Riley and Angel, all mixed in with a faceless demon trying to steal her soul.

Climbing out of bed, Buffy walked across the room to find a set of fresh clothes - that could have only come from Cordelia - and a china wash jug and basin.

** All the comforts of home ** Buffy smiled as she poured cold water into the basin and shivered as she splashed it onto her face. Changing into the sweatpants and a tank top she walked out of the bedroom in search of the others.

Buffy found Wesley first, he was in the main hall meticulously checking a table full of weaponry. Turning, she caught her breath as Angel, naked to the waist, worked out on an old punch bag. She watched in fascination as the muscles in his strong arms and upper body rippled, beneath the skin, with each movement. A light perspiration covered his pale skin causing him to almost glow.

Unintentionally, Buffy ran her tongue over her lips to moisten her suddenly dry mouth.

She knew without doubt that Angel was still the most beautiful man she had ever seen.

A sad sigh escaped her lips as she remembered how those powerful arms had once held her so softly. So lost in her memories, she failed to notice that Angel had stopped training and was walking slowly towards her.

"Hey" he lifted the corners of his mouth in the small smile that had once stolen her heart.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you. Is Cordelia still asleep?" Buffy asked, fighting for something to say and keep her eyes from wandering over his wonderfully exposed flesh. Angel reached for his shirt and slipped it over his broad shoulders, much to Buffy's disappointment.

"No, she left to get supplies. We left in rather of a hurry. Giles phoned, the others will be over shortly" Angel's soft smile grew and Buffy tore her eyes away. **It just wasn't fair, nobody should look that good** her heart whispered with sadness.

"I see you've been working out, you look good" ** Oh God, did I really say that? ** Buffy felt her cheeks flush red with embarrassment. Angel pretended not to notice but secretly his heart soared. They continued to just stare at each other, both longing to speak and yet neither knowing where to begin.

"Good morning, Buffy. Good, I see you have already started" Giles' voice startled the pair, causing them to quickly break apart. Buffy spun around to find all the members of the scoobie gang filing through the door.

"Started?" Buffy found her voice and moved further away from Angel.

"Training. I asked Angel to put together a training program for you, that way you will be primed for any kind of attack." Giles smiled, turned and walked over to Wesley to examine the weapons on the table.

Running a hand over the wide assortment, Giles frowned.

"I'm not sure if any of these will be any good, we have no idea what this assassin will be. Vampire, demon, who knows maybe even human? Giles picked up a crossbow only to shake his head and return it to the table.

"No, I think Buffy will have to rely more on the strengths of being the Slayer than weaponry. So training it is".

"Count me in" Riley walked in late and quickly joined the party. He looked tired and drawn and Buffy suspected he hadn't slept much. When this was all over Buffy made a promise to make things right between the two of them, but even as she thought those words her heart doubted things would ever be the same again. Seeing Angel once more had reminded her only too painfully what real love should feel like and, although she cared deeply for Riley, sadly it wasn't in the same league.

For the rest of the afternoon Angel watched Buffy train. He watched as the Slayer skilfully annihilated all opponents.

Poor Wesley had been the first to volunteer, he had tried a surprise attack and had almost been sent into orbit for his trouble. Buffy apologised profusely, helping the dazed man to his feet. Wesley reassured the Slayer that there was no permanent damage and went off in search of a large ice pack and half a bottle of painkillers. He returned just in time to watch the next unfortunate volunteer take over the training. Much to his relief.

** Lambs to the slaughter** Wesley thought as he lowered himself gingerly into a hard, uncomfortable chair.

As the afternoon progressed the opposition became weaker. Xander and Giles' efforts were less than satisfying and, because of the chip, Spike was almost a waste of time.

After watching Riley sent sprawling for the fifth time, Angel decided to take over the training session himself. Riley had tried to protest but was quickly silenced.

Angel removed his expensive silk shirt again and the Vampire and the Slayer squared off against one another.

"Are you ready?" Buffy grinned, she knew she'd finally found a worthy opponent.

Angel quirked his eyebrows and smiled.

"I think we should give them a lot more room," Xander said quickly moving to the far wall. The others, having seen Buffy and Angel fight before, moved without hesitation. Only Riley stubbornly stood where he was.

Buffy and Angel moved gracefully around the room reading each other's movements almost telepathically. An attack was countered before it was delivered. They lunged, ducked and rolled in perfect synchronicity.

The audience watched in awe as the Vampire and the Slayer matched each other point for point.

"You've improved" Buffy laughed as Angel evaded yet another well timed attack.

"Thanks. So have you." He replied never once taking his eyes off her.

The pace soon became almost frenzied as the two perfect warriors tested each other's knowledge and strengths to the limit. For the first time ever they fought as total equals, each knowing just how far the other would go.

Their movements became almost sexual as their bodies thrust against each other. The air filled with the sound of tiny grunts and groans with each new contact. The low throaty growl Angel gave when Buffy slammed him to the floor with her body wasn't lost on Riley or Buffy.

Riley seethed with jealousy as he watched how flawlessly the ex lovers fought together, he realised then just how much Buffy had held back in her workouts with him and his male ego plunged further into despair.

The rest of the room continued to watch the amazing display with wonder, most had seen Buffy fight Angelus of course, but the show in front of them was breathtaking. Even Spike begrudgingly admitted being impressed.

Buffy and Angel covered every inch of the room as Angel continued to push the Slayer, the two perfect athletes were now both glistening with perspiration and yet only Buffy was panting for breath.

Just when it looked like neither would win, Angel caught Buffy's body in mid throw and she dropped beneath his weight.

Nobody moved.

Buffy breathed deeply to calm her rapid heartbeat and to take her mind off the delicious weight pressing down on her body.

The two ex lovers eyes locked and for a split second they were the only people in the room. Angel lowered his face and for a fleeting moment Buffy almost swore he was going to kiss her. At that thought her heart beat increased and her lips parted in anticipation.

"Wow! That was better than sex, come to think of it, in some cultures that was sex" Anya was the first to speak.

"Yes, well I think we'll call that a tie" Wesley coughed, feeling slightly uncomfortable, he was amazed at the sexual tension radiating off the slayer and his friend.

"Ha, that's not what I'd call it" Cordelia rolled her eyes. It was the same old Buffy and Angel show starting all over again.

Angel moved first, he offered Buffy his hand and slowly pulled her up, never once talking his eyes from her face.

"Thanks, I mean thanks for the workout, it was good" she smiled softly still holding on to his large hands.

All through the exercise, Spike had been observing Riley with extreme pleasure. The boy had gone through a hell of his own watching the two ex lovers passionately move against each other.

Riley understood now why his and Buffy's training sessions had never been that intense, **Nothing in their lives had ever brought that kind if intensity** Riley reflected sadly.

As if on queue, Spike sauntered over and stood next to to the troubled boy.

"And that was one of their lighter sessions, you should have seen them in the good old days" he teased and revelled in the pained expression he received for his comment.

**That will teach the little prick to punch me** Spike laughed to himself and walked off

*****

Later that evening...

"I need to get out of here I'm going crazy " Buffy picked up her jacket and checked for Mr. Pointy

"Buffy, that's really not a very good Idea." Giles quickly closed the book he was reading and walked to intercept the Slayer. He could tell, by the resolute look on the girl's face, that his objections would be useless but he felt he had to try.

"I need to patrol. I understand your anxiety but look, this threat could go on forever. I can't hide away like a frightened child, if I do he might as well have stolen my soul already. I'm the Slayer, I need to go slay". Buffy looked at Giles desperately hoping he would understand.

"Then I'm coming with you" Riley insisted picking up a crossbow from the table and walking towards his girlfriend.

"Me too" Xander added quickly, much to the disapproval of Anya. All this talk about the devil had thrown the ex demon into a deep depression and the thought of her lover facing that threat by the slayer's side terrified her even more.

Buffy turned towards her loyal friends feeling slightly awkward, she knew what she was about to tell them would be hard to accept but it had to be said.

"No, you're not, I appreciate you want to protect me but I have to be able to concentrate on slaying, On my own I can move at full slayer speed. If you're with me I won't be able to fully focus, I'll be too busy worrying about your safety." she told them truthfully,

"This is quite unacceptable, Buffy. You might well be the Slayer but you're not going out there on your own" Giles was adamant. The risk was simply too great.

" She'll not be alone, I'll cover her back." Angel said simply, he picked up his duster and slipped it over his broad shoulders.

"NO WAY" Riley shouted, his face turning red in anger; it had been hard enough watching them train together.** If that's what you call it** he turned his head and glared at the vampire with unadulterated hatred. Angel resisted a sneer and ignored the boy instead, he then continued to walk towards Buffy.

"I said, no way" Riley grabbed Angel's shoulder and was rewarded with a warning growl

"Riley, please. You must accept that Angel is the only one here that can safely patrol with Buffy without placing her life in danger. You have to put your petty differences aside and think of what's best for her" Wesley tried to defuse the situation, the way things were going he could see real problems brewing between the boy and the vampire and that wouldn't help anybody.

"Please" Buffy turned to her boyfriend, her eyes pleading for him to understand. She knew how unfair she was being and yet she was also relieved that Angel would be watching her back. Fighting with Angel had always been so uncomplicated in the past; they could both work without fear for the other.

Riley wasn't giving in, this time she was asking too much. It wasn't that he didn't trust Buffy, he did. No Riley Finn would never trust the *blood sucking monster* standing next to her, *especially* after the way they had trained earlier.

"Hey, Buff. What do you say I play chaperone?" Spike offered from the doorway, he had been feeling like a caged animal for far too long and the chance to kick some ass wouldn't go a miss.

"Well that's settled then, Buffy will patrol with *both* Spike and Angel. Safety in numbers" Giles answered quickly without giving Riley any chance to argue

*****

Spike wiped the dust from his hands and cackled evilly " That was just too easy"

Buffy shook her head in wonder; she still couldn't believe how happy the British vampire got when he dusted one of his own. The difference between Angel and Spike was as wide as the ocean. She really would have to keep reminding herself that at the end of the day, Spike didn't have a soul and no matter how much help he offered them he really couldn't be trusted.

The trio continued the rest of the sweep with little difficulty. If there were any more vampires in the cemetery that night, they were keeping well hidden. Buffy, Angel and Spike made a formidable team.

The three walked in silence, Buffy and Angel both fighting an inner battle of their very own, each desperate to steal a glance and yet knowing, that path led to damnation in it's own right. Spike could feel the growing tension and smiled mischievously.

"This is neat, just like the good old days" his voice was almost melancholy

"Hardly, in the good old days we were usually hunting you, and winning" Buffy laughed relieved that the silence was broken.

"Slayer, you really do have a way to ruin the perfect moment. Look, you guys, can I trust you not to get all groiny with each other for a few minutes? I really need to grab some dinner." Spike didn't give them time to protest as he jogged off in the direction of his mausoleum, leaving Buffy and Angel alone for the very first time.

Buffy stood waiting for Angel to speak, in the past conversation between the two of them had never been a problem but so much time had passed since those days.

"I miss this" she sighed deeply "I miss patrolling with you"

"I miss you" Angel replied simply, making no attempt to hide his feeling.

Buffy turned and Angel saw tears in her eyes.

"Don't, I don't want to hear how much you miss me. I stopped believing anything you said a long time ago Angel" Buffy whispered stepping away from him. After all this time It was just too hard to hear the words

"Buffy, I never lied to you about my feelings" Angel sounded hurt that she would even think such a thing. The reason he had always put her needs before his own was because he loved her so much. ** Surely she knew that**

"I think you meant them at the time but we grow, we change. I thought I'd die when you left me but I didn't. Part of me will always care about you" she avoided his eyes for fear that he would see through her casual denial.

"Don't trivialise what we had, you make it sound like a high school romance" Angel could hardly believe she was dismissing his feelings as casually as that.

"In 243 years I was the only one...You made it sound like forever. So one of us got it wrong. Maybe that's all..." she didn't get a chance to finish that sentence, Angel hands gripped her arms pulling her up roughly against his body, crushing his lips to hers, he slipped his tongue deep inside her mouth. Buffy gasped as long hidden emotions rushed to the surface.

** Angel was kissing her**

** Oh god, this is so wrong** her head screamed **Oh god, this is so right** her heart cried back as she wound her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer.

Angel cursed his weakness but lost himself in her warmth. He wanted nothing more then to devour her mouth with his. Angel needed to kiss Buffy until she couldn't breathe, he longed to kiss away all traces of that stupid farmboy that hung onto her every word like a love sick fool, like the same love sick fool that he used to be and wanted desperately to be again.

But then Buffy pushed away with a look of pure horror on her beautiful face.

"No, Angel. This is wrong...I'm ...I'm with Riley now, we can't do this" her small voice was strangely calm.

As he looked into her beautiful eyes, the pain hit him. All the love and passion that had always shone there when he kissed her had gone. Buffy's eyes held only guilt.

** She wasn't his girl any more** Angel knew then that she'd never be his girl again. p>"Buffy, forgive me. I should never.I'm so sorry" it took every piece of strength he possessed to keep his voice steady.

Buffy stepped back trembling

"Angel this is too hard, I really can't deal with this now, I need to be alone. Please" she begged knowing that if he stayed she'd break down and beg him to kiss her again and again and....... and then where would that leave them...

Nothing had changed. He would just head back to LA, leaving her heartbroken all over again, and her strained relationship with Riley would be irretrievable.

"Buffy"

"Angel, I appreciate your help and I always will but .I can't be alone with you anymore, Riley was right to worry" she hung her head.

"I can't leave you on your own" Angel couldn't leave her unprotected no matter how painful being together was. It was his sworn duty to protect her and he would carry out that duty until the day one of them died.

"I'll be fine.Spike will be back any time now. Go" her eyes pleaded and her resolve weakened. Everything she had ever wanted was standing right in front of her yet completely out of reach.

Angel turned, his broad strong shoulders stooped with sadness and regret as he walked away. Buffy watched until his tall dark figure blended into the shadows and then, with her heart breaking, she ran straight for the mausoleum.

Once inside she closed the heavy door and leaned her head against it breathing deeply.

She couldn't believe what she had just done, in rejecting Angel she had broken both their hearts, again.

** But nothing had changed, they still couldn't be together. Angel should never have kissed me**

" Damn you Angel," she cursed but knew the moment she uttered the words how wrong they sounded. Buffy knew in her heart that she wanted that kiss more than anything, she wanted Angel more than anything.

On hearing the sound of soft footsteps behind her she sighed heavily.

"Spike, I'm warning you. If you say one word I'll stake you and dance in your dust"

" Hello, Buffy. It's been a while"

Buffy spun around and came face to face with the being she knew wanted her soul

"So you're this famous assassin" she asked warily but then smiled

"Don't make me laugh"

Part 7

" You've been a very naughty girl, bad Buffy *grr*"

"Drusilla! I would say it's nice to see you again but we both know that's a big lie" Buffy was finally over the surprise of seeing Spike's old partner in crime, not to mention Angelus.

She watched as Dru's hypnotic eyes followed her every movement. In a strange way, Buffy felt relieved that at last the assassin was out in the open, so to speak.

Drusilla swept around the crypt casually picking through Spike's belongings, as if she owned the place. Her long crimson dress swirled around her delicate ankles.

"I like your dress Dru, then again, I bet people have been saying that for the last hundred years" Buffy smirked sarcastically. Drusilla had never been one of her favourite vamps and she was quite looking forward to dusting her sorry, insane ass.

"You were the reason it all fell apart, you frightened the stars and made the moon shiver"

Dru's sing song voice grated on Buffy's nerves. **The trouble with dealing with this insane bitch was that she was so unpredictable** Buffy warned herself and watched as the vampire circled closer, sliding into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

"Can we just cut to the chase?" Buffy asked slowly sliding her hand into her jacket pocket hoping to find Mr. Pointy.

"You took my poor daddy far away from me, you made him all soft with your humanity" Dru pouted her bottom lip. "Now you've done the same to my poor Spike" The dark haired vampire turned suddenly and moved closer to the Slayer. Her bright yellow eyes illuminating in the candle lit room.

"Spike! Humanity! Are you crazy? Of course you are, stupid question". At that moment Buffy's eyes caught sight of the blonde vampire laying unconscious in the corner of the room, a large red stain coloured his platinum head.

Drusilla picked up a stray piece of wood and snapped it between her strong fingers. She then turned towards Spike.

"Don't worry pet, mummy's here." Dru moved dangerously close to the fallen figure.

"He needs to be put out of his pain" she sighed and raised her arm.

Buffy had no doubt that Drusilla intend to dust her former lover. In her crazy head she believed she was doing him a favour.

** I'm gonna regret this so much** she thought as she tried her best to distract her.

"So, you came all the way to Sunnydale to dust a loser like Spike?"

Drusilla immediately turned back to the Slayer.

"The dark lord is calling for you, he sees all, he knows all" her attention was now back on the Slayer and thoughts of executing Spike were forgotten for the time being.

"There are names for people like that, I think weirdo is one of them" Buffy quipped and faked a small smile. The smile was more to cover her growing nervousness then anything else.

"He wants your soul"

"Sorry, not going to happen"

"You're wrong" Dru dropped the jagged piece of wood and reached into a concealed pocket in her dress, she then pulled out a large black crystal. Her eyes changed colour from yellow to red as she started chanting a language lost on Buffy.

Immediately Buffy felt a strong force enter her body and start to pull on her soul, her own eyes closed and she fought with all her might. She drew on the powers of her protection spell and prayed it was strong enough to fight this evil.

Drusilla continued to chant, her hypnotic voice wound it's way inside Buffy's head turning and twisting her mind. Buffy clenched her fist so tight her fingernails sliced into the palms of her hands. Her mind reached out to the circle of four for help, slowly she felt the affection of Tara and Willow wrap itself around her and then came the strength of the two vampires.

Dru ended her chanting with what sounded like a curse; a burst of black lightning shot through the crystal and danced around the crypt. Buffy watched with hypnotised eyes as the lightning bounced off the wall and passed right through her chest.

When the last of the light had faded from the room, Drusilla walked right up to the Slayer and pressed the crystal against her heart, Buffy didn't move she just stared ahead unfocused.

" And now your soul belongs to him" Dru laughed wildly, it really had been too easy.

"Buffy moved so quickly she caught Drusilla completely off guard, her fist knocking the surprised vampire clean across the crypt.

"You didn't do your homework, now did you Dru? The master couldn't pull that crap on me and neither can you. As for my soul, it's not going anywhere. Sorry, but once a psycho loser always a psycho loser" Buffy grinned, she felt so relieved that the protection spell had given her the strength she needed to hold on to her soul. She then pulled Mr. Pointy from her jacket pocket and stalked towards her prey

"I'm so going to enjoy this" Buffy approached the vampire. Drusilla had pulled herself to her feet and was now standing on the other side of the crypt.

She didn't try to escape as Buffy had expected, she just stood her ground as a large evil smile covered her beautiful features.

"Well, Buffy. if your soul won't leave without you" She leaped, and grabbed the Slayer by the wrist that was holding the stake. Using her other hand, Drusilla smashed the black crystal to the floor.

The room started shaking violently as a whirlpool in the floor appeared opening the vortex to hell.

Buffy struggled with all her might but was unable to shake off Drusilla's grip; her eyes then widened in horror as the vortex moved closer.

"You'll just have to come along too" Dru pushed the Slayer toward the hole and gravity did the rest.

Spike groaned in pain and opened his eyes just in time to see a very blurred Buffy disappear through the vortex, followed by his ex.

"Drusilla" he shouted as he dived for the hole, but the vortex closed in front of him leaving him totally alone..

Spike sat down on the floor of the crypt holding his blood soaked head in his hands. As he ran his hands over his wet hair he felt something prick into his finger. pulling back his hand, Spike discovered part of a computer chip

"Bloody hell"

*****

Angel walked the deserted streets of Sunnydale in brooding overdrive, cursing his stupidity. He should have known better, after all this time of course Buffy would have moved on with her life, he had no right complicating matters when there was still no possibility of a happy ending.

** Shanshu ** the word whispered in his mind, but Angel quickly shut it out. That could be years if not decades away. No, Buffy had found the closest thing to normality she was ever likely to have.

** You should be happy for her, its what you wanted** he tried to convince himself. **Then why do I feel so empty** his soul replied.

Angel shoved his hands deeper into the pockets of his duster, the cold night's breeze whistled through him as he carried on walking. The smell of dawn on the horizon brought him back to reality and Angel reluctantly returned to the mansion to face the consequences.

"You took your time, where the hell is Buffy?" Riley demanded as soon as Angel walked through the door.

Angel scanned the other worried faces realising that the Slayer had needed time to reflect as well.

"We got separated" Angel slipped into a necessary lie "Buffy's fine, she's with Spike"

"No, she's not"

Spike staggered into the room still bleeding from the gash to his head.

"Where's Buffy? What have you done to her?" Riley grabbed hold of the wounded vampire and pulled him off his feet.

Angel was right behind the boy and, once again, came to Spike's rescue by ripping the boy's arms away.

"I can't believe she did it" Spike seemed to be more in shock than pain.

"For god's sake man, Where's Buffy?" Giles demanded impatiently.

"She's gone" Spike looked up at the horror on Riley's face and swore the boy was about to stake him.

**That would be interesting** Spike thought and wondered just how much of the chip was still left in his head. He hadn't had the opportunity to try it out yet but, as he looked into the hate filled face of the Slayer's boyfriend, Spike promised himself that Riley Finn was first on his hit list.

"Oh my head" he groaned. Spike raised his hand and felt an enormous swelling on the top of his skull.

"SPIKE!" Willow's voice pleaded for information regarding their friend's welfare.

"She caught me off guard, one minute I was listening to..." his eyes looked towards Angel and decided now was not the time to continue with that line.

"And the next she hit me, knocked me out cold"

"Buffy hit you?" Giles asked in astonishment.

"No, not the Slayer, you fool.." Spike rolled his eyes and carried on

"Drusilla, my beautiful black goddess....She hit me. The lying, cheating bitch knocked me out cold" Spike was still slightly traumatised over the whole situation. It was hard enough seeing his ex love after all this time but to find out that she was the devil's assassin, he was still trying to swallow that one. Not to mention the possibility that he was now de chipped.

"And Buffy?" Angel was finding this news as difficult to believe as Spike.

"By the time I woke up the vortex was closing, Dru couldn't detach the Slayer's soul, so..."

Angel's eyes widened in realisation as Spike continued

"I guess the Slayer's well and truly in the depths of hell"

"How will we get her back?" Riley was almost frantic with worry. His eyes pleaded with Giles and Wesley for answers that neither man held.

"Then how do we get in?" the boy continued to beg for an answer.

"Are you crazy? We're talking about *Hell* here, not bleeding Disney land, you can't just buy a day pass." The stupidity of these humans never failed to surprise Spike.

"Hell is a very complex place, it's built upon many layers. Buffy herself has visited one of the upper levels but the main anti chamber, that's an entirely different picture." Giles explained to the confused and worried faces around him as much as he understood himself

" There's only two ways you get to the see the top man, old Lucy invites you, like he did with me and sends the vortex or..." Spike made a movement with his hand to show the other way in was death. " And even then only the really evil get that honour."

"There's another way" Angel's quiet voice was almost missed. By now, everybody in the room was arguing.

"QUIET" Giles yelled above the noise.

"Angel, what did you say?" Giles turned towards the the vampire, he had never seen Angel look so worried and he almost swore he saw real fear in those deep brown eyes

"I said there's a third way in, I know how to get into hell, I just don't know if I can get back out"

****

HELL...

Buffy fell to her knees; her hands clenched at her throat as she gasped for breath.

"Oh, look at the pretty lights" Drusilla cooed and moved around the same cavern Spike had been summoned to earlier. Lost in her own little world, the insane vampire ignored the choking slayer and explored the hellish cavern as an excited child would explore Santa's grotto.

Buffy turned her head as her poor lungs found their first wisp of air. The pretty lights that had caught Drusilla attention turned out to be fissures spewing fire. The heat was so fierce it burnt Buffy's eyes, sending tears streamed down her cheeks. She slowly pulled herself to her feet and continued her fight for air. After a few minutes Buffy felt slightly stronger, her slayer powers seemed to compensate for the change in climate. Her first trip into hell had never felt like this, but then again, this was Satan's lair itself.

"Well, well ,well. This is an unexpected pleasure" A deep throaty voice startled Buffy spinning her in every direction. Once more the red mist materialised into human form. Buffy trembled and gripped her stake until her fingernails snapped.

"We don't get many slayers drop in, I'm honoured" the sound of sinister laughter made her blood run cold, Buffy stood her ground refusing to let the creature see her fear.

"Hey! Maybe you should think about brightening the place up a bit, the décor is slightly on the dank side and that smell is really offensive. Have you ever heard of pastels" Buffy felt her voice run away with her in an attempt to cover her nervousness, at the same time, her eyes were checking for any chance of escape.

"How quaint, a smart mouth kid. Just how I like them. I've been told all about you, Slayer. You sent me some of my best disciples. The master, the mayor, Darla.No wait, that was the traitorous Angelus. Oh yes, I know all about your demon lover, slayer. I made his last stay here very pleasant"

Buffy shivered despite the intense heat as she remembered sending Angel to this dreadful place, her heart started to ache for him and the pain he must have suffered. A small tear trickled down her hot cheek as she also remembered their last encounter.

** He'll never know how much I really love him now** Buffy cursed her stupidity. ** So much wasted time, that was the story of their lives** she turned her thoughts back to the evil presence in front of her.

"The next time we meet I'll not be so gracious" it's evil eyes flashed in fury.

At that point Drusilla wandered over. "Her soul didn't want to come and play on it's own"

"You did a good job Drusilla, you can return to the world above whenever you're ready" the devil grinned causing Drusilla to giggle. Buffy watched in disgust as the vampire attempted to flirt with the devil, the sickening sight turning her stomach. Now she was more angry now then afraid.

"I've got a better idea" Buffy plunged the sharp end of Mr. pointy straight into the vampires back." Why don't you stay here" Drusilla had just enough time to give a startled cry before turning to dust. Buffy wiped her hands on her clothes and then defiantly raised her eyes to the devil.

His face darkened in fury and when he spoke the walls of the cavern shook. "You're going to be very sorry you did that" it growled

"Not as sorry as Drusilla" Buffy bravely shot back. She then noticed the cavern fill with an assortment of demons. They quickly surrounded the slayer with their hideous faces and soulless eyes. Buffy knew she was completely outnumbered but they wouldn't take her without a fight. ** That was a promise**

With only a stake for company, Buffy took up a fighting stance.

The devil almost looked impressed as his minions approaches the tiny wisp of a girl.

"You're a fool, girl. You can't possibly win"

For a split second, Buffy had a vision of Angel walking away from her in the cemetery, his shoulders stooped in rejection. ** That was the last mistake she was ever going to make** she sighed and then held her head up high.

"I've got nothing left to lose" she replied and attacked.

Part 8

" I said there's a third way in, I know how to get into hell, I just don't know if I can get back out"

****

"Acathla" Angel almost whispered the dreaded word. It was a part of his past he hoped he would never have to face again, the memories and guilt were just too raw to deal with in normal circumstances.

" Acathla" Giles voice echoed the word in almost as much pain. Xander, Willow, Spike and Cordelia all stood deadly still, each remembering the part they had played and how their lives had never been the same again.

"What's an Acathla and how does this help Buffy?" Riley asked impatiently, ignoring the pained looks on the two men's faces.

Tara and Anya were also in the dark over the name, although Anya was sure she'd heard it somewhere before. Both girls realising the seriousness of the situation took the decision to stay quiet.

Xander looked nervously towards Cordelia, then Willow and finally Giles, wondering which of them was going to volunteer the information. Who ever it was, Xander didn't envy them. That period of history had been rough on all of them, but especially Giles and Buffy, Xander seriously doubted Riley knew anything about it.

"Acathla, was a demon that came forth to swallow the world." Angel turned; his dark brown eyes haunted with grief as he started to explain the history of the demon.

"He was killed by a virtuous knight who pierced the demon's heart before he could draw a breath to perform the act. Acathla turned to stone and was buried where neither man nor demon would want to look. Until.until.." Angel faltered.

" Until Angelus discovered it's whereabouts and pulled out the sword, the demon took its' first breath and created a vortex" Giles took his own deep breath and looked at Angel with unexpected pity. The hatred he still felt over Jenny's murder and his own subsequent torture was reserved now, only for the demon, no longer the man.

" The only way to close the vortex was for Buffy to send Angel to hell in the demon's place, which she did"

"Yeah, with a sword through his chest. " Cordelia added dramatically.

"And how on earth is this trip down memory lane supposed to help Buffy?" Riley sneered at Angel's pain.

Ignoring Riley, Giles continued. " Angel came back from hell"

Angel's memory of that time had never fully returned, a real explanation had never been found but the simple facts were, there was a way in and there could be a way back.

" What happened to Acathla.after I left, where is it now?" he asked quietly, hiding the fear that was gnawing away at his soul.

The scoobies all looked at each other, nervously.

" We buried it again" Xander spoke quietly, unable to look Angel in the face. The whole Acathla history was something he wasn't proud of, luckily nobody had ever found out about his atrocious lie and that's how he intended to keep it.

" Angel, you can't possibly be thinking...." Wesley was too afraid to finish the sentence. Cordelia had also picked up on his train of thought and her eyes widened in horror.

" It's the only the way.... Was the sword still imbedded?" Angel gritted his teeth and physically flinched as he felt the pain in his chest again.

** And the pain in Buffy's eyes** his soul whispered

Giles nodded, he desperately wanted to object to this plan, but in his heart, he knew it was Buffy's only chance of survival.

The two men stared long and hard at each other, each closing the gap that had been forged by the demon all those years ago. A new respect and a new understanding was accepted without a word being spoken.

"Well, we better dig it up again, as soon as possible" Riley demanded, he didn't have time to waste on all this sentimental rubbish. As far as he was concerned, too much time had been wasted already and the sooner they started the sooner Buffy would return home, to him.

" The sun's almost up. I suggest you, Xander and Wesley see to Acathla. I'll go over the ritual with Angel" Giles was quietly relieved to see the back of Riley, he understood that the boy was worried about Buffy, but they were all worried and his hysteria wasn't helping anyone.

" I'm thinking, if Angel's going into hell shouldn't we bind his soul or something. Like the protection spell we did for Buffy?" Cordelia asked. The thought of sending her friend into hell, unprotected was terrifying her.

" She's right, the last thing Buffy needs is Angelus getting loose down there" Anya added with a helpful grin, she'd heard all about the famous Angelus and he was the last person they needed at the party.

Giles deliberated the question very carefully

" I'm afraid a binding spell wouldn't be strong enough for Angel's soul, he has lost his soul once already with the happiness clause. It would only take the devil to trick Angel into believing he was truly happy and we would have Armageddon on our hands all over again."

Tara pressed her mouth up against Willows ear and whispered, after a few moments, Willow nodded her agreement excitedly.

" Tara thinks it's possible to re-curse Angel, maybe take out the happiness clause once and for all " Willow offered helpfully. Angel's head shot up, hardly daring to believe that was possible.

Giles carefully considered the consequences of such a transaction before replying. ** Angel without an happiness clause could cause an awful lot of problems, but that was something they would have to deal with later. Getting Buffy home safely was the priority here and if that meant no happiness clause, then so be it.**

" Yes, that's a good idea. Do you still have the original curse, Willow?" as he asked the question Giles, tried desperately not to dwell on a certain computer teacher's face. He failed as her beautiful dark features entered his head, but the feeling that accompanied them was, thankfully, peaceful.

Willow said she knew exactly where the disc was stored and headed off with Tara to fetch it. Angel sat quietly contemplating how different his life could be if the re-curse was possible, then he remembered his last conversation with Buffy and realised, sadly, that it no longer mattered. Buffy had made it perfectly clear, she wanted Riley and he would never stand in her way, no matter how much it broke his heart. The only important thing now was getting Buffy back safely from hell.

Xander, Riley and Wesley returned to the mansion later that morning exhausted and covered with dirt. They lowered a large crate from the back of a borrowed truck and dragged it slowly inside. Willow and Tara arrived almost at the same time with the most unbelievable news.

" Read it, Tara saw it as soon as she read it, it's not the same" Willows voice grew higher with each word as she waved a piece of paper in front Giles face

" It's a transcript of every word, there's no mistake" Willows excitement had caught the attention of all present in the room.

Giles took the sheet of paper and proceeded to read aloud

"Quod perditum est, in venietur"
(What was lost shall be found)
"Not dead, nor not of the living.
Spirits of the interregnum, I call.
Let him know the pain of humanity, gods -
Reach your wizened hands to me, give me the soul of...."

Wesley and Angel walked in at that point; just the sound of the curse sent shivers through the vampire, he continued to listen as Giles finished the reading

"Gods bind him, cast his heart from the demon realm return ...
te implor Doamne, no ignora accasta rugaminte!
Lasa orbita sa fie vasul care - i va transporta sufletul la el!"
(I call on you, gods, do not ignore this supplication!
Let the orb be the vessel to carry his soul to him!)
"Este scris, aceasta putere este dreptul poporuil
meu de a conduce...."
(It is written, this power is my peoples right to wield....)
"Asa sa fie! Acum!"
(Let it be so! Now!)

" My god, you're right" Giles passed Wesley the paper for further inspection.

"You know what this means? There was NEVER a happiness clause in the second curse" Wesley looked up and was mortified by the depth of pain he saw reflected in Angel's eyes. All that time he and Buffy had denied themselves, it was all for nothing. Angel turned and without saying a word, walked from the room.

Willow found Angel standing by the grate of a roaring fire, lost deep in thought. She crossed the room quietly and stood next to the man that had saved her live more times then she wanted to remember. Angel had always held a sadness about him, but Willow couldn't help noticing how deeply this new information had affected him, it seemed as if a light had gone out in his eyes.

" Angel, what's hell like?" she asked softly

At first, Angel didn't seem to notice as he continued to stare into the crackling flames.

" Milton, describes hell as. *A place where peace and rest can never dwell. Where hope never comes. A place where torture is without end.....* He was wrong" Angel's voice sounded so distant, so cold it made Willow tremble.

" It's a million times worse" he added sadly still gazing into the fire.

"How can you possibly go back to a place like that?" Willow asked in amazement. As much as she wanted Buffy back, her heart went out to the sacrifice Angel was offering to make.

Angel turned away from the fire and faced the young girl.

"That's easy, I'd spend the rest of eternity in hell to give Buffy one more day in the sun" Angel replied truthfully letting his guard down for a second, he opened his heart and Willow saw that the love he still held for the Slayer blazed brighter than any fire in hell.

Unable to comment, Willow simply nodded that she understood. They stood watching the fire for a few more minutes and then Willow spoke again

"Tara thinks we should repeat the curse, I'm not sure why, but she insists it's really important. Is that all right, Angel?

This time it was Angel who simply nodded. ** They could curse him a million times now and it wouldn't make any difference to the way he felt. Just one more mistake to add to the long list of wasted opportunities.**

The pair then joined the others just in time to watch Acathla being uncreated. Both their eyes fell on the protruding sword that Buffy had used to impale her love. Angel felt Willow's small, warm hand slip into his and he gripped it for support.

" There you are, Angel. I'm not sure what kind of weapons you want to take with you" Giles asked holding two different types of axe in his hand.

Tara walked over, a shy smile turned up the corners of her mouth, placing her small hand on Angel's arm she asked.

" Angel, can we talk?" Willow smiled and walked away leaving them to their privacy.

" No weapon on earth can defeat the devil, you know that, don't you?" The shy girl blushed when Angel turned his eyes on her, he then nodded that he understood perfectly. Tara continued in a quiet voice

" The devil cannot not be destroyed, not by us, anyway. The ultimate battle between good and evil will be fought on a different stage, another place and time." Angel studied the girl carefully, she seemed to have a far greater understanding then expected.

" I have to try" Angel replied, any other thought was unacceptable.

" I said you couldn't destroy him, but it might be possible to confine him, not for long, but if we use the forces of Mother Nature and the purest of white magic, you might have a chance"

Angel looked slightly confused.

" The reason I want to re-curse your soul is to add the ingredients you will need, when the time is right the powers will flow"

" I still don't understand"

" You don't have to understand, Angel. You just need to believe. Do you trust me?" she held out her small hands. Angel stared deeply into her eyes, searching right down to her soul.

"I trust you" he replied simply, he reached out and clasped her small hands between his, Angel was shocked to feel an incredible surge of energy inside this small girl, the power of light.

When he removed his hand he felt something remain in his palm, opening his eyes in wonder he looked back at Tara.

" Acathla is the door to enter hell, this is your key home" she then smiled. Angel looked at the palm of his hand once more and nodded.

" Thank you"

The curse was then quickly completed with the aid of an 'Orb of Thesulah' and once again Tara confirmed the lack of a happiness clause.

" Hey! Spike. Just a thought, while we're doing deadboy here, how about we throw one your way? Two for the price of one" Xander grinned. The look of horror that crossed Spike's face was comical

" Not on your bleeding life, I like me just as I am thank you very much. Besides, one pathetic soul boy is enough for this world" Spike shuddered causing Xander to smile again

" Like I said, just a thought"

" Well next time, keep your daft thoughts to yourself " Spike walked off. The sooner he tested the strength of his chip the better. He just didn't want to give the game away too soon.

" Angel, we are ready whenever you are" Wesley said softly as the last part of the packing case was removed.

"Wesley, I don't want to do this in front of an audience, I want you to take the girls and leave" Angel requested quietly. His friend and ally desperately wanted to protest but simply agreed instead. He realised that Angel didn't want his friends around if anything went wrong.

" Well I'm not leaving" Riley stared at Angel not even attempting to hide his hatred for the vampire. This time Angel met his gaze, telling him in no uncertain terms that the feeling was mutual.

"If you think that curse is going to change things when you get back, you're wrong" Riley tried desperately to look as if he believed his own statement

** Buffy had promised him it was over with Angel, she didn't lie** he continued to remind himself.

Angel, really wasn't in the mood to humour the boy who had been a constant pain in his ass; he had better things to do. Sadly, Riley hadn't. He continued to push how good his relationship with Buffy was into Angel's face. Eventually Angel snapped.

" If you believe for one micro second that Buffy loves you more than she loved me, you're a fool" the intensity in Angel's eyes almost made Riley flinch.

" She adored you and you left her, so tell me Angel. Who's the bigger fool?" Riley smirked. He knew at once that he had hit a raw nerve.

" You really are a bastard" Angel pushed down the demon inside him that was fighting to surface and rip Riley's head off

" Yeah, but I'm a live bastard, not a walking corpse. Curse or no curse Buffy wants normal, you know it and I know it. So why don't you do us all a favour, send Buffy home, and then stay down there with your own kind. Riley turned and walked away feeling better than he had in days.

*****

Hell....

Heavily chained to a hot wall, Buffy opened her eyes. For a second she had almost convinced herself she was home, *home* she rolled the word around her mind and could no longer picture it's meaning.

** How long had she been here now? Weeks, months, years** Buffy no longer kept record of time. Back in her safe world above, only a few hours had passed, but here time moved so much faster or maybe that was just an illusion too. Buffy knew she hadn't aged, so maybe it was all part of the devil's plan to break her. She knew that he could kill her anytime he wanted but he'd never break her. Buffy closed her eyes and drifted back off to sleep. She reached out for comfort and found a picture in her heart of the same brown eyes she used every night.

" Angel" She sighed in despair and lost herself to her memories.

*****

Giles and Angel both stood staring at Acathla in total silence, each struggling with their own memories.

Eventually it was Giles that broke the stillness.

" Angel, are you absolutely sure you know what you're doing, this could be a potential Armageddon"

" It's the only gateway I know that's certain to take *me* back to hell" Angel walked over and laid his hand on the evil stone, a shiver of fear ran through his fingers and moved right into his soul. Pushing that thought away, Angel tried to smile but the memories were just too painful

" At least I won't get a sword through my chest this time" he turned from the stone demon and walked over to the table. Slipping his long duster over his broad shoulders, he placed a few necessary accessories into his pocket.

Spike sauntered into the room and strolled over to his sire.

" It doesn't matter what you take, you know you're not coming back, don't you?" he asked casually.

Angel turned to face his obnoxious childe.

"You've told us everything, right? " Angel asked simply, he knew he had no choice but to trust Spike.

" Yeah" Spike nodded truthfully. Angel seemed lost in thought for a moment.

" No one in their right mind would attempt this, It's suicide, well as close as it gets for a demon.... Angel, he wants you with a vengeance. You escaped once, he's never gonna let that happen twice"

" Buffy needs me" was Angel's only reply.

" I always knew that one day she'd be the death of you" the usual cockiness in Spike's voice was missing

" So did I" Angel spoke so softly it took Spike by surprise

" You still love her that much?"

" Always" Angel turned around and walked towards the stone demon, Spike followed.

" I'm coming with you, I'll watch your back" Spike offered

Angel quirked a surprised eyebrow.

" I thought you said anybody who does this is insane?" Angel asked, his childe's offer was the last thing he expected.

"I did and they are. I guess it's all the years I spent with Dru, some of it must have rubbed off.I owe the Slayer.she brought me my nice new duster" Spike tried to laugh it off and not face the real reason. He hated to admit it, but he couldn't let the Slayer die. ** There was something about the annoying little bitch that had grown on him and breaking in new slayers was always a real pain. And then of course there was Dru**

" You switched sides Spike, if you go down there again, it will be worse for you than me" Angel warned, he understood only too well what would happen if they were caught. In a way, Spike would suffer more then he would, Spike didn't have the excuse of a soul to fall back on.

" I like a good fight, what better way to go" Spike grinned and cracked his knuckles. Angel nodded ** They were in for a fight all right, the fight of their unlives**

" There's nothing I can say that will make you change your mind?"

Spike shook his head, his mind was made up.

"No, I'm a stubborn bastard. Remember?" Spike grinned from ear to ear. The thought of a really good ruckus cheered him up no end.

" You better bring that bag then" Angel pointed to the table on the other side of the room.

" What bag.?"

Spike turned his head back straight into Angel's fist.

"ANGEL!" Giles shouted in astonishment and the blonde vampire crumbled to the floor.

Angel looked down at the unconscious vampire and then back towards Giles.

" He'll thank me for it one day...I hope" The dark haired vampire smiled sadly and then picked up a small blade.

" Right, I've got some place to go" he ran the blade across the palm of his hand releasing a thin crimson line of blood. Angel then placed his hand on the sword and in one swift movement, withdrew it.

The demon awakened, its eyes started to glow as it prepared to take its first breath. The mouth slowly opened releasing a small whirlpool.

Angel looked at Giles and then, without another word he cut his hand once more and slammed it down onto the demon.

The vortex wrapped around the vampire, pulling him backwards. Angel closed his eyes and focused all his thoughts on Buffy, as he was sucked back into hell.

Part 9

Angel landed hard, rolled and jumped to his feet fully alert. As he adjusted his eyes to the darkness and cautiously moved forward, each step brought memories of his last visit, leaving a vile taste in his mouth. The smell of sulphur and brimstone mixed with hopelessness and despair was terrifyingly familiar, Angel swallowed the fear and moved on.

He found himself being led along a series of tunnels, almost by an invisible thread, Buffy was close. Angel could feel the weak beat of her heart calling out in the darkness. He could feel the presence of her soul, lost and alone in this heathen infested dimension; but more than anything, Angel could feel her utter despair. Quickening his progress, he sped toward the source of his quest.

The hideous stone gargoyles that marked the entrance to the devil's lair glowed like a beacon in the darkness. Angel remembered their faces only too well. This was the place that had nearly succeeded in breaking him; hundreds of years of torture had left him almost animalistic. Only the thought of one person had stopped his soul from going insane. Angel cast his eyes warily in both directions and entered the lion's den.

******

Buffy was hung, heavily chained to the furthest wall, like a gruesome prize trophy. Her head was dropped forward like a broken doll causing her long, dirty, hair to cover all of her face.

Angel growled in anger at the sight of the Slayer, he ran across the cavern without a second thought for his own safety. Crouching in front of the small girl, he gently moved her hair to one side and felt relief on finding her face relatively unmarked. Softly caressing the hot dry skin of her cheek, he pressed his mouth to her ear.

" Buffy?.Buffy?" Angel tenderly patted her cheek in an attempt to awaken the unconscious girl. She murmured softy and rubbed her face into the palm of his hand.

" Angel" Buffy whimpered this dream was so real she could almost smell him. The cool relief of his hand on her hot skin felt wonderful.

Angel shook her a little harder, this time her head moved and bloodshot eyes slowly opened.

Buffy flinched back in terror as her disoriented eyes focused on the dark figure in front of her.

" Hey! It's me..Buffy, It's Angel" he quickly reassured her by stroking her hair.

" Angel?" Buffy's first word was nothing more then a croak. Angel moved slowly forward until she could see him fully in the dim light. He lowered his lips to her head and softly kissed her skin. Buffy knew that touch anywhere, this was no dream, this was her soulmate. She tried to move her arms to his neck but they were heavily chained to the wall preventing any movement. Angel took hold of the chains and tried with all his strength to break them, without success.

" I'll have to find something" he started to move away looking for anything that would break the chains.

"No! " Buffy cried out in alarm " Don't leave me" her panic filled eyes pleaded not to be left alone again.

" Angel was torn, he hated the pain he saw in Buffy's eyes but knew realistically that they had to get out of there as soon as possible, the fact that he had got so far undiscovered was a miracle in itself. Angel looked back at her frightened face and realised that the Slayer was close to breaking.

"Okay" he smiled softly and tried to pull on the chains again. The rock they were imbedded in was almost like iron. Angel knew even with his strength he could never hope to break it on his own, Buffy looked far too exhausted to help.

" I still can't believe you're here. Why, Angel? After everything I said to you, why would you risk coming after me?" Buffy small voice sounded so confused, she'd spent hours and hours dwelling on their last conversation, regretting the pain she'd put them both through. Being chained to the wall in total isolation gave her little else to do, the devil didn't need to physically torture her, he'd played on her insecurities and Buffy had tortured herself.

" In the cemetery you were wrong, Buffy. I never lied about my feelings for you; I'd die for you without hesitation....I never stopped loving you, *I* never forgot anything, I just buried it deep inside my heart so it wouldn't torture me 24/7" Angel told her truthfully, now was not the time for lies and misunderstanding. Turning away from her bewildered eyes, Angel tried again to pull out the chains.

" Angel?"

He turned his head back slightly.

" I'd die for you too" Buffy whispered through dry lips, her eyes brimming with tears.

" Sssh, we're getting out of here. I promise"

A low evil chuckle sent icicles through Buffy's heart.

"Oh God, no" she trembled in real fear, more for Angel's safety than her own.

" Hope not ever to see heaven, I come to lead you to another shore, into eternal darkness, into fire and into ice.ANGELUS.Don't you just love Dante? He got it so right.Welcome home my boy.I've been waiting a long time for you."

Angel stood protectively in front of Buffy as the devil's presence moved closer. No longer bothering with human formation, this appearance represented pure evil in its most repulsive form.

" You wouldn't be trying to release my pet slayer now, would you Angelus? Angel's eyes followed every movement, he knew from experience that attack could come from any corner, he was wrong, attack came from *every* corner. Buffy screamed as Angel was surrounded and eventually smothered beneath a swarm of the devil's most vicious minions. Although he fought with every ounce of strength he possessed the vampire was seriously out numbered.

Buffy cried out at each blow her ex lover suffered. She shook the chains that were holding her wrists until a stream of blood ran down her arms.

Once Angel was overpowered, the devil moved majestically into full view of his court.

" I wasn't quite sure how I was going to torture the Slayer, but I think that question has just been answered. She loves you with all her pathetic soul, I can feel it, so her pain will be watching you suffer a millennium of torture. You remember the pain Angelus, the never-ending agony. This time I will break you and then I'll finish breaking her. The hatred in the devil's voice left no doubt to the validity of the threat.

" It's not gonna happen, I'll kill him before I let you hurt him again" Buffy's eyes glared in defiance, she was already feeling slightly stronger. If he wanted to scare her he had definitely hit the wrong button. Threatening Angel had always been her enemies biggest mistake.

" Kill your own lover? Spend the rest of eternity in his place? You haven't got it in you, little girl" the devil laughed ** This child's delusions of grandeur were really too funny**

Buffy looked towards Angel, her eyes softening for a second.

" You evil people are really bad when it comes to doing homework. I killed him once to save the world, I would certainly kill him to save his soul" Buffy twisted her wrist again ignoring the pain as the manacle cut further into her skin. But this time she felt the chain loosen and small flakes of rock slid unnoticed down the wall,

" And you're prepared to spend the rest of your existence in Hades without him? Because believe me slayer, you're never getting out. NOT EVER"

Buffy looked up at the devil and stared deeply into his evil flame filled eyes making sure there was no mistaking her meaning.

" I've been in my own hell for the last two years, In fact, ever since the day I first lost him. How much worse can it possibly get?" she demanded releasing all the pain and bitterness she'd saved in her heart since the day Angel first left her.

The devil just laughed at her pain. He walked closer and transformed into a more physical being, he raised his fist and brought it across the slayers face causing her head to snap back.

" It gets worse, believe me it gets much worse" came the sadistic laughter.

" Buffy" Angel screamed his eyes glowed amber and the ridges on his forehead protruded as he changed into his demonic face. Even with this added strength he was still unable to free himself.

Buffy watched the anxiety in Angel's eyes and knew he would endure the pain forever before he allowed the devil to touch her again, sadly that's exactly what the devil wanted, that way they would both die a little more each day.

"Strip him" the command was given and Angel's duster was ripped from his back followed by his shirt. The devil laughed as he watched the vampire twist and turn to free himself

" If he breaks free do the same to her" As expected, the struggling stopped.

Buffy watched as a bullwhip was brought out and cracked threw the air cutting a long crimson line across Angel's pale skin. Angel gritted his teeth as his body jerked in pain.

" Still enjoying your visit, Angelus?"

Angel turned his face slightly and caught Buffy's eye's, he silently begged her to look away. He knew what was coming next; he had suffered this all before and although he would hold out for a while, eventually he would be screaming as they stripped the flesh from his body.

The second crack was followed quickly by a third. Each time Angel bit down and screamed inside.

" A thousand will do for starters" the devil turned his back as the fourth and fifth rained down.

With each red stripe that flashed across Angel's back, Buffy pulled harder on her chains, every grunt of pain fed her anger and her anger gave her strength.

As Angel's back took another lash, Buffy poured all of her hatred into one final surge and ripped the chains from the wall. She moved across the cavern like a person possessed. Using the remnants of her chains as extensions to her arms, she decapitated every demon in sight. In the confusion that followed, the demons holding Angel turned their attention to the rampaging slayer and allowed Angel to take full advantage of the situation. He freed his hands and cracked the first two heads he reached. One by one the Devil watched his minions fall or flee. He raised his fist and a fire bolt crashed out towards the vampire, Buffy's warning allowed him to spring free and the three demons on his left were fried in his place.

"Buffy" Angel indicated to the entranceway, she nodded she understood and ran straight for it. Another flash of fire just above her head caused a rockslide, Angel threw himself at the Slayer and, using his body as a shield, he sheltered her from the rubble. Buffy felt him flinch in pain as the rocks fell on his badly slashed back. Throwing off the debris, Angel pulled Buffy to her feet and looked around. Fallen demons lay everywhere but the entrance was now completely blocked. The only other being left in the cavern was the Devil himself, standing grinning in the corner.

" You can run but where do you intend to hide" he laughed. Buffy turned to Angel.

" Can you see my duster?" he whispered searching around in the darkness. Buffy didn't understand why the duster was so important but accepted Angel's need to find it.

" How many times are you going to die for this mortal, vampire?" The disgust in the devil's voice was obvious. Angel's eyes indicated for Buffy to carry on looking for his duster.

" As many time's as it takes, I don't keep count" he replied trying to keep the devil occupied

" You are a weak fool, Angelus. To give up your chance of humanity, not once but twice"

Buffy's head turned back, her eyes full of confusion.

" I haven't given up on anything" Angel muttered silently cursing the information the devil had just handed to Buffy. His attention was then called to a loud crashing sound outside the cavern as the landslide was slowly broken down.

" But you already have, you gave up a day, Angelus. Remember, of course you do. But she doesn't, does she. I can give her back her memories, what do you say Buffy, do you want to witness the real powers of hell. I can show you how your hero here dumped you a second time...I can show you how all your dreams were erased"

Buffy scrambled to Angel's side dragging his duster with her.

" I don't understand" her eyes pleaded with Angel for answers. Angel just hugged her to him.

" He's just trying to frighten you"

"It's working. What day, Angel? How can you have given up a day?"

" Shall I tell her or will you?"

The devil moved closer as did the demons breaking through on the other side.

**You don't have to understand, Angel. You just need to believe. Do you trust me? **

Angel closed his eyes as Tara's voice filled his head.** when the time is right the powers will flow**

Keeping his eyes closed he felt Tara's essence flow through his body, funnelling a powerful energy in to every dead cell. Slowly rising to his feet Angel faced the devil.

" White magic" he sneered in disgust knowing it couldn't possibly harm him.

Angel found himself reciting Latin, he recognised some of the words from his childhood but the spell he was reciting came from Tara's essence not his. Tara was calling forth the might of Mother Nature and channelling its force through Angel.

The devil continued to watch the show in amusement.

"Asa sa fie! Acum!"
(Let it be so! Now!)

Angel finished and felt Tara's essence leave his body. The devil clapped his hands slowly in mock applause.

" And now it's my turn.." he smiled for a moment but then his head turned as the sound of crackling caught his attention. Slowly a white frost covered the walls of the cavern spreading rapidly across the floor.

" What the fuc...????" the white carpet touched his feet and seeped into his whole being, slowly freezing it's essence into a block of solid ice. The temperature quickly fell to below freezing and the devil was left standing in the middle of the cavern like a hideous ice sculpture. Angel wrapped Buffy in his duster pulling her body towards him.

" Are you all right?" he asked anxiously into her eyes

" I'm cold but..." Buffy couldn't understand any of this. The hottest part of hell had just turned into the Antarctic yet she and Angel were untouched.

" It's white magic, Buffy. It only freezes the purest of evil." Angel finally understood what Tara had told him about trusting her. Buffy moved carefully, trying not to slip on the ice beneath her feet. She stared up at the horrifically distorted features of the devil and shivered.

" What's that old saying about a cold day in hell?" she asked quietly

Angel walked over and wrapped his arm around her slight shoulders as he looked up to follow her gaze, he then noticed a small drop of water fall from the ice. It had already started to melt.

" Tara also told me this is only temporary, we really have to get out of here" Angel reached into his duster pocket and pulled out the key.

He held two small glints of silver in his hand.

" My ring" Buffy couldn't believe what she was seeing. The delicate claddagh ring that she had lost so long ago lay in the palm of Angel's hand next to a larger version she knew was his.

"I don't know how this is going to work, but Tara said somehow it's the key. I think this is what brought me home before" Angel picked up the larger of the two rings and slipped his on to his finger, he then looked at Buffy. She gingerly lifted the small silver band and moved it to her own finger, following Angel's lead, she slipped it on with the heart facing in and waited..and waited.and waited.Nothing happened.