"I'm still wondering why they call it a mace?", Willow rosenberg said as she and her friends sat in the Sunnydale High School library, bored to tears with nothing to do. Lately there wasn't many demons around. Ever since Buffy had killed Spike and Drusilla things had been really slow. Sure there was the usual kills every night, but no attacks on crowded places or large smurfs around. "I wouldn't be able to tell you.", Buffy Summers said. "I used to know.", Ophelia Summers said. She got a look that she knew they wanted to know why she knew why a mace was called a mace. "We studying weapons one year in the GATE program. We need to build a castle for the Rennaisance era and we needed weapons. It's something I came across. I just can't remember it any more.", she replied. They just looked at her for a second and went back to whatever it was they were doing. Xander, Cordelia, Willow, Oz and Ophelia were deep in a game of poker. The had bet lunches for a month. From what Buffy could tell, Willow was winning. She always amazed Buffy. She's smart yet she knows how to have fun. And she's really coming out of her shell, Buffy kept thinking. She seemed to be over Xander and was happy with Oz. And he was really good to her. Xander and Cordelia were as they always were. They argued, but always made up by making out. Buffy sat with Angel next to her holding hands. It was about 10:30 in the evening. They all really had nothing to do, but they didn't want to go home. "Do you want to go for a walk.", Buffy asked Angel. The other's didn't hear her. Giles was in his office reading. "Yeah.", Angel answered her. They got up and walked out hand in hand. The rest of the group sat imeresed in their card game.

______________________________________________________________________________"I'm glad you're back.", Buffy said. "It's good to be back." She had her head resting on hid bicept. They walked through the empty streets. He had always thought that the residents of Sunnydale were smart. They didn't know about the Hellmouth, but the went to bed early any way. The only people to walk by were the teenagers who came from the Bronze. They were the most to be found dead also. He had flashbacks from his days recently as Angelus. Buffy nticed how his mood had changed. "What's wrong?", she inquired. "I was just thinking." "About when you were Angelus?" "Yes.", he said with his head down. "It's okay. We've all forgiven you. Even Giles." "Xander hasn't." "Xander never will. He's always hated you for having me." "I'm glad I have you. That you forgave me. It makes things a lot easier that you all forgave me. That's seven less that don't blame me." "You still blame yourself. Don't. It was Angel us...not you. Just remember that I love you." He looked into her eyes. He still was getting used to being able to do that without all the pain. There was still pain, but not as much. They walked for about twenty more minutes. Then he dropped her off a block before her house. They didn't want her mother to see them together after what he ahd told her about them.

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It was dark and resembled the Matser's lair. Buffy knew it wasn't his, though. It was different, it had the same feel, but it wasn't the same. She saw an image. It was a woman coming from the shadows. Angel was there. They seemed to know eachother. It wasn't Darla, so who could it be? "She's pretty, Angelus", the woman remarked. She had long, red hair. She was about 5'5" and thin. Her face changed to have vampiric features. Angel looked at her then to Buffy. Suddenly a montage in images swept through her mind. She saw fire and wind. She was lost. Angel was dissappearing from her view.

Buffy sat up in bed. She had had that dream the night before. She didn't like it. The last time she had a dream like that, Angel left her. She couldn't bare loosing him again. She wouldn't be able to live without him. She got up quickly and put on a pair of black pants and black tank-top with little butterlies on it. She put her hair up and put on a pair of balck platforms. She walked out of the house quickly. Ophelia and her mother had not yet awaken. Buffy lefta note for each of them. Giving Ophelia the real reason and telling her mother she had to see a teacher about a test she had comeing up. At leats her mom would think she was making an effort to get better grades.

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Buffy knew she would find Giles in the library and when she walked in there he was sitting at the table readin a book as usual and sipping a cup of tea. She went a stood right in front of him. "What's wrong he said looking up at her. Knowing her as he did, he knew something was wrong when she came to school early. "I had a dream. It was like when I dreamt that Drusilla killed Angel. There was this place that felt like the Master's lair, but it wasn't. Angel was there and so was this vampire. A girl. They seemed like they knew eachother. And then wind and fire came up and he dissappeared with her. Giles, the last time I dreamt something like that Angel left. I couldn't handle that again." "I've been haveing the same dream the past few nights. But Buffy, Angel cannot lose his soul again. It's immpossible. We made sure of that. No matter what you or he does it cannot be taken from him." "I know, but I'm still worried." "Did you go see him?" "No. Not yet. I came here first. Last time I went there first and he left me. I'm tring to do this differently. No mess ups this time." "Good. I think when sunrise hits we should get Angel here. We need to know if he knows who the girl is and why we may be having these dreams. For now you should go to class while I research. That might help you get your mind off of the dreams." "Giles, I have a half an hour before school starts and twenty minutes before Xander, Willow, Ophelia, Oz and Cordelia get here. I'm gonna go get some breakfast. Yu want something?" "No thank you. Do be careful. I know it's daylight, but still." "I will." Buffy wakled out of the library quickly and bumped into Principal Snyder. "Miss Summers. You wouldn't be checking the school so you can set it on fire would you?" "Of course not." "Good. And I had better not catch you here early any more. And showing up to class might be a good idea. You'll have to earn to read and write so you can fill out the forms in the un-employment office." Snyder walked away leaving Buffy standing in the hallway.

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"Hey Giles!", Willow said as she bounced into the library. She was holding Oz's hand and the were followed by Xander, Cordelia and Ophelia. "What's up you tweed clad book cracker?", Xander asked. "Buffy's been having dreams. I have to research to see what they might be about. You should all get to class, so that I can get as much wotk done as possible." "Where's Buffy?", Ophelia said. "She went to get something to eat. She should be back by now." "Who should be back by now?", said a voice who gad entered the library. It was Buffy. She seemed a bit more up-beat than she had been. "Is something wrong, Buffy?" You seem different than you were earlier today.", Giles asked, concerned as usual. "No. I'm fine." "You stopped to see Angel.. Didn't you?", Ophelia said knowingly. "Kinda." "Oh. Did you tell him about the dreams?" "Yeah. He didn't want to talk about it just then, but he said he'd be here around ten tonight. He seemed distant. I'm a bit worried about him." "You don't seem to be.", Xander said under his breath. "I doubt there's something wrong with him. Why is he not comeing until then?", Giles replied. "He offered to go hunting for me, so I could have a night off." "Good." Oz looked down at his watch and then at Willow. "I have to get going. I'll see you later.", he said as he kissed her on the cheek and left. "We should probably get to class, too.", Buffy said. The rest agreed and they lieft Giles alone in the library to be with his books.

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"School was a lot more boring today than usual.", Buffy remarked. "That could be because you actually went to all your classes today.", Xander replied sarcastically. "That might have something to do with it.", Cordy added. They were all sitting at the their usual table in the Bronze. Willow was busy staring at the stage and at Oz, who was up there playing with his band, 'Dingos Ate My Baby'. They were half way through their last number, then the DJ would come out and Willow could have OZ all for herself. "Come on.", Xander said pulling Cordelia off her chair and dragging her to the dance floor. She didn't mind that Xander made an ass of her and himself when they danced. It was bomcoming kind of cute to her.

Buffy and Willow sat at the table. Neither said a word. Willow was too preoccupied watching Oz. "Will, I have to go now if I want to make to the library on time." "Huh? Oh. Are you sure you can't stay?" "Yeah. I need to find out what this dream means. I'll see you later." "Bye." Buffy made her way through the crowd and exiteed through the back door, just in case someone needed her help.

Xander and Cordelia came back to the table when the song was over. Oz started putting his equipment away and then walked towards the table. "Is any one else wondering where Ophelia is?", Xander asked. "No. I know where she is. She's at home reading some book she found in the library.", Willow said with a confidence, because she knew and no one else did. "Oh...That's nice.", Cordelia said with faint intrest. "It's some book on the Immortality of Vampires. She wanted to get home right away and read it." "Has any one else nticed how jumpy the Bronze is tonight?', Xander asked. "Yeah know it's like ever since Buffy survived Angelus and killed Spike and Drusilla all the vamps of Sunnydale are afraid to come out.", Willow said. "Well that's good. I've gone a week without breaking a anil. That's the first time that's happened in a while.", Cordelia said. She was getting better, but no matter what she would always have a bit of vanity in her Willow thought. They sat at the Bronze talking for a long time. One of them remarked that it had been a long time that any of them could remember sitting there carefree and all. It was almost as if this time was too good to be true. Living on the Hellmouth as they did, it probably was, but they weren't going to let that spoil their night. They would just let Buffy and Giles wory about the Slayer stuff and they would help when the time came.

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"Hi Giles. Did you find anything useful?", Buffy said as she walked into the library. "No. Research is taking me longer than usual latlely.", He commented. "Hmm.", she replied, because she wasn't sure what to say. "Angel should be here in about ten minutes.", he told her, feeling this would make her more receptive than she was. "Good." They sat in silence untill he got there. Buffy turned around when she heard the door open. Angel strode in wearing his usual black pants and shirt. Today it was blue. Like the one he wore on her birthday. Before they fdell in the water. He stood next to her resting his hand on her shoulder. She smiled. He was becomeong a bit warmer in the past few days. Ever since he was changed back to Angel, he was distant, because of guilt. "Hi." ,He said softly. His voice was always soft and tender. That was one of the things Buffy loved about him. He was so dtrong and muscular, yet he was sweet, down to earth and sensitive. "Buffy told me about the dream youtwo have been havin. I've bee having them too. It's me and a gril vampire. Buffy's watching us. And then there's wind and fire and the girl and I dissappear. Right?" "You've been having the same drea? We've all gone Manchurian Candidate now.", Buffy remarked. "Angel, do you know who the girl is?", Giles asked. "Yes. Her name is Lilith. I made her. She more evil that Drusilla, but she's not insane. She has these visions like Drusilla did though. Only they come further in advance that Drusilla's visionscame.wthin hours of the incident happening. Lilith's come about a week before. I don't know how long she's known about whatever's going to happen, but you can bet she'll be prepared. She's comeing here. That's what the dream means. She'll be here soon. She may already be here. Somethings going to happen. Something she feels threatened by. Do you two know of anything?" "No. I've been in here researching it all day and haven't been able to find anything. The key might be in one of those books, but they need translated. I wanted to translate them tonight. One has the title of "Vampire Rituals". I assume it's talking about rituals vampire perform on other vampires. Such as the time Spike tried to kill you to cure Drusilla. I need to continue to research. I'll have Willow translate he book tomorrow on her computer." "What book.", they heard Willow ask. "What are you doing here?", Buffy asked. "I wanted to see how things were going. Oz and I dropped off Cordy and Xander, so I asked him to bring me here. He's waiting out in the van. So what's this book you want me to translate?" "Well, it's in Latin. It's entitled "Vampire Rituals". We think it may be helpful." "I can take it home and translate it right away.", she said. "Yes. Good then. I used to have Jenny do it but...", his voice trailed off and sadness could be seen in every one's eyes especially Angel's. "I have to go Oz is waiting for me.", Willow picked up the book and left.

"Well you two let me know if you have any dreams tonight. I'll keep working. Buffy you should get to bed. It's late." "Giles it's not even ten -thirty. I'm usually not in bed for another three hours. At the least." Giles glared at her as if he were her father. And seeing him as sort of her father, she decided it would be best if she relented and went home. It's not as if she didn't need the sleep. "Will you walk me home?", she asked Angel. He nodded yes and they headed out the door. "See you tomorrow, Giles."

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Willow sat looking at the computer screen. She was waiting for the translaton to finish. The counter indicated that it only had about a minute and a half remaining. Willow was glad. She was really curious as the what the book contained. She sat listening to buzzing of the computer. Finally, after what seemed to be forever it was through translating. She had one more thing to do. She reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a box. She put her hand in the box and it emerged with a blue floppy disk. She inserted it into the computer and began saving it. After findin the disk of Ms.Calendar's she didn't want to be careless, so she began printing it as well. It was exactly what Ms.Calendar had taught the class. She was relieved when all the printing and saving was through. She out the papers in order, labeled the disk and placed it back in the box. She got up from the desk chair and made her way to her bed. She sat up reading intently.

After about an hour something caught her eye. It was a chapter entitled "The Humanity Of Vampires". She read along paying attention to everything the book had to say. She read that for a vampire to become human, the vampire's sire would be needed, but one of the vampire's minions would do. Just not as sure as if the sire were there. She read on hat the Slayer's blood would be needed. This frightened her. The two times Buffy had got bitten she died and then nearly died. She read on that the vampire would continue to be immortal, but would be able to do everything a human could do. They would be able to go out in the day, not have to live on blood and would not age. While she continued to read she was intrigued by the fact of returning Angel to his human state. Then he and Buffy could be together more. With the excpetion that Buffy would die and Angel would not. As she kept reading on she found herself nearly falling asleep. She woke up completly when she read that the Slayer, too would become immortal from this ritual. Now the only problem was finding a minion of Angel's. He had killed Darla, so his Sire could not be present. Buffy had killed Spike and Drusilla. She would just have to talk it over with Buffy, Angel and Giles.

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Ophelia sat in her room, reading the book she had taken from the library. She was eating a box of animal crackers along with it. Finally something caught her eye. She read that no matter what form the vampire will always be immortal. Dead or alive. She wasn't sure if this meant that they could make a vampire human or what. She decided to go see Willow. She still wasn't comfortable in Giles' apartment and Willow would know what to do with this. She got up and ran down stairs. No one noticed her because Buffy and her mother had both gone to bed already. She rean as quickly as she could to Willow's house. When she got there she climbed up the tree by Willow's deck doors.

When she reached the top she knocked on the door. Willow was always nervous when she heard a knock at those doors. It had always been Angel to comethrought them. She was shocked and glad to see that it was Ophelia. "Comeon in.", she said, "What's up?" "I was reading that book and it said that no matter what a vampire would always be immortal. I think it may mean that we can make Angel human." "We can. I was translating a book for Giles and I read it. It says everything we need to know to make a vampire human. The only thing is we need one of Angel's minions and he would have to drink from Buffy." "Uh-oh. That's not good the last time he drank from Buffy he nearly killed her." "Yeah, but this time he would only need to take a minimal amount. Much less than he took last time." "Don yoy think it'll work?" "Except for the needing one of his minions thing, yeah." "We should tell Giles then. First thing in the mrning." "Agreed. I can come get you about six and we can go wake him up." "Okay. I'll be ready. Should we tell Buffy?" "I don't think so. Not yet. We should talk to Giles first. I mean we don't want to get her hopes up and then have it not work." "That's what I was thinking. So I'll be ready at six A.M." "Bye." Ophelia climbed back down the tree and ran back home, not making a sound as she snuck back to her bed.

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Ophelia woke up at four thirty in the morning. She took a long hot shower and got dressed. She wore a pair of blue plaid pants with a solid blue shirt. She pulled her hair up in a pnytail. She did her make-up and brushed her teeth. When she was done with that she went down stairs and fixed herself a bowl of cereal. By the time she finished it, she had ten minutes until Willow would be there. With that time she wrote a note to Buffy and her Aunt Joyce. She left Buffy's on her nightstand and Joyce's on the refriderator door. When Willow got there she ran out and they walked quickly to Giles' apartment.

When they go there, they found him already awake with coffee brewing. They brought the books with in preperation for Giles' thoroughness(sp?). When they toled Giles of their plan he seemed intrigued by the challenge of chainging a vampire back to a human. They proceeded to tell him everything about the immortality and such. Then they got to what they thought was the bad news. "Giles, there is a drawback and something to hold us back from completing this. Angel, would have to drink from Buffy, that's the Slayer part we told you about, and one of his minions. We have Buffy, and I think she would do it, but we don't have a vampire that Angel sired.", Willow said in a disappointed manner. "Yes we do. Angel, Buffy and I spoke of our dreams last night. We have all been having the same dream. The girl in the drams is Lilith. She is a vampire Angel sired. And these dreams are letting us know that she is comeing here. This must have been what she saw in her visions.", Giles said. "What visions.", Ophelia asked. "Angel, informed us that Lilith has visions like Drusilla, only hers come further in advance. He also said that she would only come here if her visions gave her something to fear. That she would have to stop from happening." "Changing Angel back would have me worried if I were her.", Ophelia said. "We should probably tell Buffy as soon as she gets to school.", Willow said. "We can all meet in the library at sunset and see if Angel is willing to do this. But I don't think we should tell Buffy until we tell Angel.", Giles replied. "Okay. So we lie to Buffy again.", Willow answered him. "What do you mean again?", Ophelia asked. "It's a long story. To make it short Angel, Xander and I had to lie so that we could ivestigate a friend of hers. He was gonna give her to Spike to kill.", Willow told her. "Oh." "So, I'll drive you two to school. Remeber we mention nothing to Buffy." "Alright.", they said in union.

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The three of them got to school and as usual went strait for the library. Ophelia called Angel when they got there. "Hello.", she heard from the other end. It was a familiar voice, but it was not Angel's. Buffy was there and picked up his phone. Ophelia hung up the second she heard Buffy's voice. "Why did you hang up?", Glies asked. "Buffy picked up the phone. We weren't supposed to tell her about it so I hung up.", She answered. "It's a good thing Angel doesn't have *69 or caller id. Or else we'd have some explaining to do.", Willow said. "I didn't think of that.", Ophelia remarked.

"Didn't think of what?"., Xander asked as he entered the library. "Nothing", all three replied in unison. "When Buffy gets here go and call Angel.", Giles told Ophelia. She nodded her head yes and went to look through the book she was reading . "What's going on?", Xander asked. "We're making Angel human.", Willow replied simply. "What!?", Xander cried out. "Why", he added. "Because it wil make Buffy happy. But don't tell her. We want to know if Angel is willing to this ritual first. The we'll tell Buffy. We don't want to get her hopes up too high. And we're going to have to do some fighting again. A vampire that Angel made, Lilith, is coming to Sunnydale. She's knew about the ritual before us. She has visions like Drusilla did. She feels threatened so she's gonna try to stop us from changing him. Luckily it's also a good thing that she's coming. Angel's sire or a vampire he made has to be present and the vampire needs the Slayer's blood. The vampire would remain immortal and so would any one else who lived through the ritual.", Willow informed him. "So there's a chance Buffy might not make through this? How would the blood have be given?", Xander asked much calmer than he had been. "Angel would have to bite her, but she would live.", Giles told him. "Then I don't agree with this plan. In case you all need a reminder the last time Angel bit Buffy she ended up in the hospital." "But this time she won't. The vampire only needs a little bit of the blood.", Willow said in protest.

Cordelia and Oz entered the library. Oz went to Willow and Cordelia went to Xander. "Why does it seem like you all are up to something?", Oz asked. Because we are.", Willow answered him. "Oh.", he replied. "You and Cordelia go over to Ophelia she can explian it all. Giles, Xander and I have some work to do.", She added. "We do? Why me?", Xander asked. "Because your research boy.", Willow retorted. Oz and Cordy did as they were told and sat down with Ophelia. She began explaining there plan to them. When she was almost done Buffy walked into the library.

"What's up?", She asked. "Nothing.", Willow replied. "Giles told us about Lilith and we decided to start researching her." Every one looked at Willow surprised. They hadn't discussed telling Buffy any thing like thast. They decided it would be best to just go along with it. "Why did you leave early?", Buffy asked Ophelia. "Oh I had to run an errand. Nothing big. Just returing a video to Blockbuster." "Oh. Why do I get the idea that you guys are hiding something from me?", she asked. "Haven't the foggiest notion.", Cordelia told her. Buffy gave them all a strange look. "Willow could you get that book in my office?", Giles inquired. "Sure." Willow walked into Giles' office. She made sure that Buffy wasn't paying attention and she closed the door softly.

Willow walked directly to the phone. She dialed Angel's number. "Angel? It's Willow...Good. I have some news...I know why Lilith is here. Giles, Ophelia and I worked on it this morning. We found out a way to make you human...Oh I'm whispering so that Buffy doesn't hear me...Because if you don't want to do the spell than we don't want her to know. You know getting her hopes up...Well, you would have to drink from her...No not much. Just one sip. A really small amount...Well the vampires sire is needed, but since you killed Darla one of your minions will do...Yeah it would kill her...So you'll do it?...Right for Buffy...Okay come at sunset. Bye." She placed the phone back on the cradle and walked back out and was carrying a small book.

"Thank you.", Giles replied. "What book is it?", Buffy asked. She was asking too many questions for the Slayerette's. "You know we should get to class.", Xander said. Buffy gave him a weird look that he knew said you want to be on time for class? They walked out of the room. Buffy leading them as usual.

Oz had stayed behind. Since he was a senior he didn't hae to go to class. Lately he had stayed behind to help Giles with stuff. He didn't really care about school, so he had nothing better to do. "What do you want me to do?", he asked Giles. "Go to the stacks and look through the watcher's diaries for any thing on Liltih." "Okay."

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Giles was sitting in the dark library reading something as usual. Angel walked in and and went towards Giles. "Hello.", he said softly. "Oh yes. Hello. Sit down.", Giles asked him. Angel sat down in the chair. "So you found a way to revert me back to himan form?", he asked. "Actually it was Ophelia and Willow who found it, but Oz and I spent the entire day researching the ritual. We did not tell Buffy of this news yet.", he replied. His voice sounded eager. "So if I don't do this you won't tell Buffy?", Angel asked just to be sure. "Exactly we don't...", Giles began to say, but Angel cut in, "Want to get her hopes up. She gets that way." "I know.", Giles replied knowingly.

"Basically what it is is that you would take a bit of Buffy's blood and then Lilith's blood would mix in with your own and Buffy's in you. Lilith has a part of you. You see as a vampire goes on for years he looses his human characteristics more and more. This is lost when he becomes sire to other vampires. Because you made Lilith, her blood will restore part of your humanity. And Buffy's blood will give part of her humanity to you. It should give you enough to be human again. If we had Darla it would work better, because she made you and took your blood as a human." Angel sat listening attentivly. "How are you getting Buffy to come her tonight?", he inquired. "I told her to check in after ten. She's out hunting." "It's ten now.", Angel informed him. "Oh yes it is."

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Buffy walked to the library doors. When she looked through the window she saw Angel with Giles. A small smile crept up on her face. She was glad to see that they were getting along and that Giles was forgiving Angel for Angelus' deeds. She walked in brightly. "Hey you.", she replied as she walked towards Angel. "Hi.", he replied. "What's going on?", she asked.

Giles and Angel looked at eachother. "Buffy I think you should sit down for this.", Angel told her. She did as told, but not without looking at Angel first. "I say it again, what's going on?". "Buffy your cousin and Willow were reading last night and found a ritual to restore a vampires humanity.", Giles told her. This time a huge smile crept onto her face. Both Giles and Angel could tell that she becoming giddy. "We're going to make Angel human?!", she aske exitedly. "Only if you agree to help us.", Giles told her. "Was there any doubt that I wouldn't?", she asked them. "Buffy it could be dangerous. I would have to drink from you. And also I would need some of Lilith's blood. That won't be easy to get.", Angel informed her. The smile that had shone so brightly was now departing. But she still had a bit if excitiment left in her. "It's okay. I trust you.", she told Angel. "But the last time...", he tried to plea with her. She cut him off with, "Last time you were Angelus not my Angel. Last time you were trying to kill me. This time you won't." Inside he was burdting with pride at his girlfriend who understood him and his 'condition' so well. But soon that ugly part of there relationship would be gone. "So when does the ritual take place?", Buffy asked. "As soon as we kill Lilith.", Giles told her. "You have to kill Lilith and take what would translate in a liquid measurment as half a cup. I'll give you a measuring cup to keep the blood in. Then you'll have to bring it back to the library where the ritual will be performed. Now slaying Lilith will not be easy, but it must be done." "I understand. Guess this means extra trainging, huh?" Giles looked at her.

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A bus pulled up at the bus station. A woman who looked about twenty-three or so stepped off. With her she carried a medium sized duffel bag. She was about 5'5" and about 110 pounds. She was wearing a long sleeved black shirt and a pair light purple pants.(Obviously she and Buffy had the same fashion sense) Her hair waslong and red. She wore a pair of black suede shoes and wore no jacket. She turned to the alley way where a man was on his cigarette break. A cigarette sat in her mouth She walked up to him and gave a flirty look. "Can you give me a light.", she asked. When he came closer to light her cigarette for her, her's fell out of her mouth and she sunk her teeth deep into his neck. As he was trying to get the lighter to work he did not notice that her face had changed and it was too late. When she was through drinking she let the body fall to the floor with a quiet thump. She licked the remaining blood off of her cool lips and walked away from the body nonchalantly.

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"Buffy, is that you?", Joyce Summers yelled from the lving room sofa. "Yeah, mom.", her Slayer daughter answered. Buffy walked into the quaint room where her mother was sitting watching television. "Where did you go?", Joyce asked. "I spent some time at the Bronze.", was Buffy's usual excuse and her most believable. "Oh did you have a good time?", her mother continued to pry. "Yeah.", Buffy hated when her mother started to play a game of twenty questions. "Well I'm going to get to bed. I have to find out sme prices for the gallery. I'm going to be on the phone all day. And you have school tomorrow.", this was Ms. Summers subtle way of getting her daughter to go to bed. "Good night, mom.", Buffy said as she walked past her mother and went towards her room. Joyce Summers followed and went to her bedroom.

When Buffy was sure she was gone she went to Ophelia's room. She found her sitting on her bed watching sonme old balck and white movie. From outside the door she could here Ophelia laughing. That's what she liked best about her cousin. She always was able to laugh. Buffy admired the fact that Ophelia was so happy with life even though she faced danger every day.

Buffy entered the room and sat down at the desk chair. "So Giles told you about the ritual?", she asked. Buffy nodded her head. "And...?", she continued. "I'm gonna do it. I'll get to be with him forever.", Buffy answered. "Is that why your doing it? So that you two can always be together?" "No. With this Angel will get a chance at some tupe of a normal life. Even though he'll probably still help me fight vampires. That's why I'm doing it for him. And maybe partly for myself, but mostly for him." "What about us lying to you? Willow says it isn't the first time." "It's fine. I don't think I would have liked it if you had told me before asking him. What if he didn't do it? I'm glad you lied to me." "What about this Lilith?", Ophelia asked. "I slay her. I take her blood. I just have to find her first. Giles is gonna prepare the ritual every night until I find her. It's kind of an inconvienence, but we won't know any other way. The blood has to be fresh. SO Giles and Angel will hang out at the library. Until I bring her blood to them" "Good luck. We're all behind you.", Ophelia told her cousin. "Ophelia, do you ever wish you hadn't come here? I mean because of all the evil and stuff? Do you ever wish you could have stayed in Boston?" "No. I'm happy here. Sure there's that added less than bonus fact that demins roam around the streets, but I have friends and family here. I had that in Boston, but here the friends are different. They all share that one bond that they fight vampires and evil. It makes you all really close. Non of my friends in Boston were like that. And both you and Aunt Joyce have been great. I'm glad I came here. It's exciting and intresting. Nothing like this ever hapened in Boston." "I'm happy you came too. Goodnight.", Buffy told her cousin as she walked out of the room. Ophelia put her movie back on and continued to laugh(if your wondering the film I picture her watching is "Bringing Up Baby"). Buffy smiled as she quietly made her way to her room.

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"het Giles.", Willow said as she walked into the library. School was over and evry one had already congregated in the library. Willow was the last to arrive. "So Buffy you'll go hunting as usual and Angel and I will wait here.", Giles explained to the group. Xander, Cordelia, Ophelia, Willow and Oz were going to the Bronze while every one else was working. Willow had a pager just in case Buffy found Lilith and they were needed. Giles knew the number by heart and could get them in an instant. "Well that's all. I'll see you tonight Buffy. Check in when you through hunting. Angel and I will be here until then.", Giles said. They group said goodbye to him and left him with his books.

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Willow and Oz walked out of the Bronze hand in hand. Behind them Crdy and Xander were playfully giggling. Ophelia had stayed behind to go to the bathroom she would catch up to them later. They walked along not noticing a figure standing in the shadows watching their fun.

Ophelia walked out of the Bronze about five minutes later. The figure stepped out of the shadows and took Ophelia from behind. "Hello girl." Said the woman. It was Lilith. "Let me introduce myself. I am Lilith. I understand you are the Slayer's cousin. I need you to give her a message for me. But first lets go for a walk." Ophelia was unabel to break free of the vampires grasp. Lilith led ophelia to a street near the school.

"Tell your cousin I'm waiting for her. And tell my Angel that I count the hours until I see him again.", Lilith told the frightened girl. "Tell them yourself.", was the only thing Ophelia could come up with. "No you should tell her, but you will have to hurry. Time is running out. It's almost over.", Lilith continued. "What's almost over?", Ophelia asked. "Your life.", Lilith came back with. She sunk her teeth into Ophelia's neck.. Leaving her just enough blood to get to her cousin and give her the message, but she knew the girl would die. As she went along she would continue to lose more blood. Lilith let Ophelia go. The teenager went as fast as she could to the library. She held the wound in her neck with her hand as she made her way. She kept getting slower and slower though it was only a short distance.

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Every one with the exception of Ophelia was in the library. Buffy had come back from hunting and the others were back from the Bronze expecting Ophelia to join them any moment. And she would. As they were talked Ophelia staggerd into the library. When they saw her they ran to her. Buffy got to her first and gently laid her in the ground.

"What happened?", Buffy asked. After she said that she noticed the bite marks on her cousins neck. She tried to fight back the tears that were quickly building up. Not only was she near tears, but Ophelia could see the fear in her eyes. "Lilith.", Ophelia struggled to get out, "She said to tell you she's waiting. And she wants to see Angel.", it was extremly hard for the girl to get the words out of her mouth. Her breath was lessening. "It's alright. You'll be okay.", Buffy tried to reasure her cousin. "Kill her", Ophelia exclaimed breathing her last breath. Her body was limp and the hand that had been holding onto Buffy's arm so tightly let go. Buffy looked down at the hand and burst into uncontrolable tears. She clentched her cousin's lifeless body to her chest, sobbing loudly. Willow and Cordelia began to cry softly as well. Angel stood back along with Giles, Xander and Oz. None of them knew exactly what to do. This was the most upset they had seen Buffy since Angel lost his soul. Xander and Oz held each of their girlfriends in an embrace. Angel knelt down near Buffy and placed his hand on her shoulder. She was crying too much to notice even his touch.

Suddenly in a fit of rage Buffy got up and stormed out of the library. As she walked out she grabbed a stake lying on the library table. Angel walked out with his girlsfriend, who had a determined look upon her face. "Where are you going?", he asked. "To kill her.", she replied simply. No one asked any questions. The other stayed behind and Angel followed Buffy.

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Lilith was standing outside in the alley near the Bronze. She had gone back to feed. She kept her vampiric features waiting for the next meal to come along. A couple came out of the Bronze, but for some reason Lilith decided not to go for them. She just stood patiently waiting for the next kill.

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"Buffy, what's our plan?", Angel asked as he tried to keep up with her fast pace. "We're going to the Bronze. Outside the back alley. I think she'll be waiting there. She didn't take all of Ophelia's blood so she might still be hungrey. That's where I think she is. Waiting for food. You and I will walk out of the Bronze and foll around alittle. She won't recognize us and we attack. I'll slit her throat and take the blood while you hold her. When I'm done I kill her...for Ophelia.", A lump was growing in Buffy's throat as she spoke of her cousin. She figured Giles and the rest would make up some excuse for the police. After explaining her plan to Angel they continued to walk towards the Bronze. When they reached the main entrance Buffy turned around towards Angel. "Ready?", she asked him. "Yeah. What about you? Are you sure you still want to go through with making me human? We can just kill Lilith and leave.", he told her. "No. We're going through with it." She and Angel proceeded for the back exit of the club. When they got to the back door. Buffy grabbed Angel towards her. They stumbeled out the door. Buffy peaked through the corner of her eye while Angel had his head burried in her neck.

>From the shadows a figure came towards them. Buffy's spider sense kicked in and she pulled away from Angel. "NOW!!!", she cried to him. He pulled Lilith away from Buffy and held her tightly. "I was hoping you'd come. And my Angelus. So good to see you again.", she replied coyly. "Definatlly not mutual.", he told her coldly. "You killed her.", Buffy said softy as she layed her eyes upon the one who had murdered her cousin. "Get over it.", Lilith came back with. Buffy was angered by this remarck and took out a small swiss army knife. She released the blade from it's hiding place and quickly slit Lilith's throat. The vampire had not been expecting this. Buffy took out a small vlie and let the blood pouring out trlickle into the vlie. When she had enough she pulled out a stake. And jammed it hard into Lilith's heart. So hard in fact it nearly went all the way through and hit Angel. When the ashes fell to the ground Buffy began to cry again. This time softly. And held her in his arms and they walked slowly back to the library. She held onto the vile of blood as if if she dropped it her life would end.

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They got back to the library and found every one sitting at the table. No on was saying a word. When Buffy and Angel walked in her tears had subsided. They got up to greet her. Without saying anything, she knew that they were wondering what had happened. Buffy held out her hand to Giles , her palm facing upwards. In it lay the tiny vile. "This is her blood?", he asked. Her and Angel nodded. "So you want to go through with this?" "Yes.", Buffy replied softly. "Then we had better get ready. Every one got into the positions they were supposed to. "Are you two ready?", Giles asked them. Angel and Buffy looked at each other. "Give us a minute Giles.", Buffy told her watcher. He complied and gave them a few moments to themselves.

"I love you.", Angel told her. "I love you.", she answered back. "If this goes wrong and I take too much, I'm sorry. If I say it a million times it won't be enough to express how sorry I would be if I killed you." "You won't. Trust me.", she told him. He kissed her softly on the fore head. "We're ready.", Buffy told Giles. In the middle of the floor their was a cirlce enclosed in candles half of them burning. Willow, Cordelia, Oz and Xander each stood by a candle. They each held another candle also lit. They were wearing pure white robes. They lit candles were white and the unlit were black. Giles stood at one end of the circle holding a book. Willow stood with another. Ophelia was supposed to be reading another part, but Xander took her place. Giles handed Angel the vile of blood. Every one knew what they were supposed to do. Angel would drink Lilith's blood and then feed partially on Buffy. When Giles gave the cue Willow and Xander began chanting along with him. Angel quickly drank the blood. He looked at Buffy and she at him. She trusted him completly. She exposed her neck to him and he looked down at it. Willow, Giles and Xander were still chanting. Angel bent towards Buffy "I love you.", he whispered into her ear. Then he slowly sunk his fangs into her neck. She was shocked for a second and then it was over. He fell to the ground and she was still conscous. She had expected to black out. Angel was on the ground. A portal of lights wer above him. Different shades of blue and red. And then black.. He was lying on the ground out cold. The portal closed and they stopped chanting. Buffy rushed to Angel's side. He was still on the ground. She sat next to him and she looked at his face. She took the tiny mirror out of her pocket and put it in front if his face. When she looked into it she saw his reflection crystal clear. She smiled and began to cry again. Angel began to stir. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "Buffy?", he asked her. She nodded her head to tell him it had worked. "How do you know?", he asked. She held the mirror up ti his face. He stared at disbelief. He sat up and hugged Buffy. The others smiled with approval at thier work.

=====================================================================THREE DAYS LATER

It was a bright sunny day. Certainly not what you would expect for a funeral. Buffy and her mother were burrying her cousin that day. Every one had shown up. Their grandmother had flown in for the event. Willow, Xander, Cordelia, Oz and Buffy sat in the chairs around the casket. A large bouquet of probably a hundred white roses were atop the solid oak resting place. Each one of the friends was dressed completly in balck. Joyce Summers sat to one side of her daughter and Willow to the other. Each was crying quietly. The ministers words were nnot heard. No one was paying attention.

>From a nearby tree Angel stood in a black suit watching Buffy as she mourned for her cousin. She had not seen him since they changed him back. He was recouperating from the ritual which had tired him out. The minister continued and was soon through. The people began to leave for the Summers home. As Buffy got up she saw Angel. She went towards him. "It's nice to see you.", she said quietly. "I'm sorry.", he told her. "I'm sorry.", she answered. "About what?", he asked her. "That the first time you see me in the daylight it's today. At a funeral." "We have a forever for good days.", he told her. She kissed his cheek and turned back towards her firneds and family. She turned around again and looked at him. "I'll see you tonight.", she said then walked away.

THE END