Title: Innocence lost,someone found

Author:Sha

Rating:PG-PG13?

Spoilers:3rd season minor

Disclaimer: The characters are all owned by Joss and co. I'm only borrowing.

Notes:The idea wouldn't go away. More B/O stories are needed! Thanks to Darcy. I highly appreciate you and you ARE the best!

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"And the end of the world shall come to pass, the inhabitants to be ruled by the very scourge of hell. Nothing and no one can stop it but one. She will not work alone but it shall be her alone that puts it to a stop." Giles shut the book.


"Well, we have yet another prophecy to overcome.It sounds as though it's one that will be won but I do shudder to think what will be lost.NONE of you have ever seen or dealt with something like this before.Even you Buffy." He stated to the group around him.


They were all seated around the librarian's living room. Buffy, Xander, Anya,Joyce,Angel, Spike, Willow, and Percy.The last two were now a couple, much to everyone's surprise.Oz was there as well. It was a little awkward having him there but he insisted, saying he was still friends with everyone and wanted to help out too.


Giles thought a certain blonde might have something to do with it but kept those thoughts to himself.

Buffy raised her eyebrow's and questioned her former watcher, "Just what IS this that we have to deal with Giles?"

"Thi-this will sound - um - strange but we are dealing with a fallen angel."

"Are you trying to tell us that what we learned in Sunday School is what we have to fight? Come on G-man -uh Giles, isn't fallen angels what the devil and his cohorts are?"

"Yes Xander, I'm afraid so. Most of the rogue angels are bound with chains in hell. However, it is believed that a small few are unbound and able to roam the earth as long as they do the devil's work by bringing destruction to innocents of the earth.Unfortunatly, this is one of the worst, o-or best if you happen to be evil."


"Huh, a funny from Giles. Way to go."

"Oh, yes, thank you Oz. As I was saying,you are all used to demons,now what I'm about to explain is a bit scary and complicated so I'll keep it as simple as I can. Demons come from Nephilims. A Nephilim is part human and the other part rogue,or fallen,angel.What this means to us is a demon, which is tough enough, is only 1/4 to 1/2 a fallen angel.We will now have to fight a full blood,so to speak."


Looking around the room,Giles watched each person as they absorbed the information.
"Now, there a-are cer-certain ,powers, that an angel possesses.We must be very aware of these. I still need to do a bit more research on those but what I know so far is fallen angels have their own celestial bodies, therefore they have no need to inhabit bodies. Fallen angels have the ability to fly, to move things at will and project fire from it's eyes and hands."


"Well Giles, it would be a help if we knew what to look for, What does this thing look like? I, personally have never come up against one.Spike, what about you?" Angel turned to his childe "Surely in all your...experiences,you've seen one."


"As a matter of fact, there was this time in Brussels when......oh just the facts huh? OK then from what I remember this guy was really big on himself,thought he was some kind of super being or such rot. Really *funny* looking too. Had this black hair down to his knickers,wore jeans with just a long black coat over them, but the really strange part was his eyes.They were silver. Freaky bugger."


"Yes, I just found it here in the codex. Everything is as Spike said with the exception being that this one is blonde and prefers to wear no coat with his jeans."


"So we're looking for a half dressed hippie with a need for sunglasses.Right?"

Giles opted to ignore Cordelia.As did the others, a few strange looks aside.

"I know it's not much notice, but it happens tomorrow night. I think it only fair that we take a poll to see who all is willing to participate. There could be some major consequences in this and I want everyone to be aware of this. If you'd rather not, no one will blame you or hold it against you.I'll start. Even though I'm no longer a watcher, Buffy and the Hellmouth are still my concern. So, I'm in. Joyce?"

After giving Giles the 'duh' look, Joyce nodded,"I'm in.I'm not letting my baby fight without me this time.Spike?"

"Oh bloody hell. I just know I'll regret this, but yes pet, I'm in. How about you Peaches? Not too much of a Wanker are you?"

Glaring at Spike, Angel nodded."I didn't come all this way just to see you. Of course I'm in. Cordy?"

"Well, I had a hair appointment but I suppose that I can cancel and help Buffy, once again.How about you Zepp, too afraid?"

"Not a chance Queenie. Anya, how about you sweetie? Feel free to say no and run like hell."

"OK"
"Uh ok I didn't expect that, but that's fine."
"Geesh Xander, I was joking. Yes, you can count me in too."

"You can count me and Percy in.We've already talked it over and if Buffy's there, we are."

"Ahh Willow, thanks,you're always so good to me. Thanks Percy, I know you haven't been with the group long and this is highly appreciated."Buffy smiled at the two, while hoping like hell they all made it out of this alive.

Giles looked at the last person to speak up.

"OK that leaves Oz to decide." All eyes turned to Oz,who was gazing reflectively at Buffy.

"Oz I think it would be better if yo-" Oz cut Buffy off before she could finish the sentence, saying, rather adamantly for him,"Count me in on backing Buffy up."

A few eyebrows raised but he just calmly stared back at everyone.

"Well then, we need a plan.Idea's anyone?"

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"Willow, you look up the spell we need.Percy, I'll need you and Anya and Cordy to help prepare and to set things up. Umm this means snacks and books.Also, the items needed for the spell. Angel, you and Spike need to get weapons.Oh, take the sewers, sunset is still an hour off.Can't have you two go poof at this stage of the game." Ignoring their glares, Buffy continued with her orders. "Xander, you and Mom are to find more information on this bad Angel.A name,his complete powers and his beef with us would be nice. Giles, you help Willow.That leaves Oz to help me. I'm going to go talk to Willy and see if I can find out anything from the Vampires around here. Oz, you up for it? "


Oz looked at Buffy and nodded, "I'll drive,lets go."


Everyone went their separate ways to do the tasks given to them.A few had complaints about the work assigned but kept quiet. Although Spike did ask what in the bloody hell would work on an angel. No answer was forth coming.


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"Oz can I ask you something?"

"You just did.But hey, ask another one." Oz glanced over at Buffy and smiled to show he was joking.

"Why did you agree to help? I mean, I'm grateful and all but .....why?"

"Buffy, you have been my friend. Even after Willow and I broke up, you still helped me. And don't think that I don't know about the times you followed me to make sure nothing attacked me on my way home from the Bronze when my van was broke down. When I needed to talk, you would listen.And well, You always put yourself on the line for us, that ,when it's possible, we all like to give back. Besides, what else do I have to do on a Friday and Saturday night?"


"Oh that's sweet, nice even. I, well I had hoped that...... Oh look, we're here!"

Oz stopped his van and put it in park. Before Buffy could jump out, he reached out and took her arm in his hand and turned her in his direction. Smiling at her he reached out with his other hand and softly brushed her hair back.


"You hoped what Buffy ", he questioned quietly. "Tell me 'cause I heard reading peoples minds isn't all it's cracked up to be."

"Oz, I ... We ... well umm hey! We better get in there before Willy sees us sitting here and tries to slink away."

"Buffy."
"Yes Oz?"
"Spill. Out with it.I've never known you to be shy before."


"As good as it feels, I'm finding the way you're rubbing my arm is very distracting.Please, can we just go kick some ass and I promise when this is all over, I'll talk."


"Alright Buffy. But when the angel goes down, you talk."

"How do you do that?" Seeing Oz's raised eyebrows,she elaborated. "How are you ALWAYS *so* sure I'll win? You never doubt me.Never. Not with the zombies,not with the candy thing. Angel told me that when you guys thought Willow was a vamp, your first thought was to get me to fix it. Hell, at prom and graduation, I knew the others had doubts. But you, you seemed to think it was just another day, another fight to win, no questions asked. Why do you have so much faith in me? Even more than I do myself."


"You're Buffy.The vampire slayer, evil stopper,and all around wonder girl. You can do anything Buffy. I know that you would never let anything happen to us,even if it meant your life. I trust you Buffy, I... well we'll worry about that after. You're right, we better get in there."

"Oz? I c-care for you.And not because you were once my best friends boyfriend. When this is over we have to have a talk. Lets go."


Leaning forward quickly, Oz brushed a kiss across Buffy's lips. He jumped out of the van and turning to a immobile Buffy, smiled and asked,"You coming or are you gonna sit there until sunset? Which is only 25 minutes away.So hurry it up before the vamps come out to play."


Raising a hand to her lips she just nodded and slowly got out of the van.

*Mental note to self, kiss Buffy make her quiet and still.Of course,Kiss Buffy and heart may explode*
"Huh" Nodding his head, OZ walked into Willy's bar, Buffy right behind him.

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At the same time ,back at Giles apartment, Willow and Giles found the spell they needed. "Here it is Giles! It's pretty much the run of the mill binding spell but it should work just fine. The big thing that we need is a small cloth doll with the head unstitched so we can put something personal from this angel inside it.We'll need some supplies and such. I gave a list to Cordy that has just a few basic stuff on it. We will also need to do a casting spell after the binding one. We'll need some of the supplies blessed by a priest. You don't happen to have a really good priest friend who won't find it unusual that you want a needle,poppet doll and other assorted goodies blessed do you?"


"If he doesn't, I do." Giles and Willow turned to see Angel and Spike, loaded down with some weapons. "I can get Father Michael to help.Just tell me what he needs to know and do."


"Good. The less he knows, of course, is best.. The only thing he has to do is bless the items. Oh and if he would pray that would be great! Extra insurance and all. We need the items blessed since it's an angel we're dealing with."

"Not a problem.Giles, you want to check what we brought? I only hope they will work."

"We all do Angel, for Buffys sake and our own."
"I just love working with you cheerful buggers. I should have my bloody head examined."


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"Any luck Xander?"
"All I found is how these fallen angels could control women's mind and they are highly attractive to the women. Umm it seems unnaturally so. Wonder why or how. Cause I gotta tell ya, that would be cool!"


Seeing Joyce's disapproving look he smiled sheepishly and said,"Kidding just kidding.That's bad, real bad. hehehe."

"I haven't found much either." She closed the book she was looking through with a sigh.They had been at the gallery for an hour looking through the shipment of old books she had taken to ordering after Giles said it would help Buffy in her fights.


"Tell me, do you think Buffy is over Angel? I know she's your friend but you can tell me this little thing.Just between you and me."


"Uhh I don't know Mrs. S. have you ever seen Buffy really mad before? It's scaaaary!"

"It's just, well Xander, I've seen how that Oz has been looking at her and he seems like such a nice young man. So much more suited to Buffy. Don't you think?"

"Yeah, Oz is a real nice guy, well except at that time of the month. But that isn't my business and I'm staying out of it. I meddled in her business once and I vow NEVER AGAIN!"

"Time of the month? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, nothing. We better get back to Giles and the others."

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"Do you ever get tired of feeling like a grunt?" Anya put down yet another stack of books.The sweat dripping off her face.

" Nahhh I just like knowing that I can help Willow.Besides have you ever see her *really* mad?"
"Listen, I got stuck with you two lame-o's and I'll be darned if I'm gonna listen to your whining. Especially you freak show girl. Now, just shut up and let's get back to Giles and see what else is needed. We've done what we can here. Get out the snack list and we'll make a quick run to the store on our way." They headed out the door Cordy following behind.


"Geesh, the next time they try to pair me up with the lame troop I'm am *so* going to complain. Then again, with the group I've been hanging with who can tell which is the lamest? And *me* in a public library? Ewwwww."


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"Alright Willy, now talk. I know you know something about this angel. What's being said?" Buffy had the bar owner/snitch bent over the counter, her hands around his throat.

"Umm Buffy, he might be able to talk better if you would move your hands or at least loosen them."
Buffy looked at Oz and then down at Willy, "Oh, now talk you worm. Or I'll show you 100 different ways of bleeding."
"I don't know what you're talking about.I ----" Buffy grabbed his throat again and turned to Oz, "Hey Oz, give me that knife you had earlier, I want to test it's sharpness."
"OK, OK, I'll talk! His name is Mickalae and he came to the hellmouth because of you.You're his prophecy,that and you keep killing all of hell's minions. He's to arrive tomorrow night when the planets are aligned in some fashion or other.If he can't kill you, he's bound forever, if he does, he's free to roam the Earth. Word is the local vamps have mixed feelings about it. Some want him to win to be rid of you.Others want you to because having a fallen angel around isn't their idea of 'fun'.So, to keep from having a big 'vampire civil war', if you pardon the expression, they all have agreed to stay out of it either way."



"Hmmmmm so no vamp activity and the angel is here for me.Well, loving the vamp part anyway. Alright Oz, we're done here.Lets go look for a vampire or two to make sure Willy here isn't lying."

"OK, lets go. Oh, and Willy? If you're lying,I'll come back.....on the next full moon."

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"Hey Giles, we're back. I hope you appreciate this. I went into a cult shop for eyes and other nasty stuff. THEN I,Cordelia Chase, went to the public library, got all sweaty and broke two nails.I got stuck with these two and had to go to the store and buy chips and ho-ho's."


"Yes, Cordy, your sacrifice will be known to all in the history books.Are you through?Good.We're still waiting for Joyce,Xander,Buffy and Oz.When they get here we should have a complete picture. Or as complete as possible."


"I hope the info isn't all on us cause we didn't find a thing!" All the others turned to see Xander and Joyce walk in the door.


"Well we're all accounted for except Buffy and Oz. All in all we at least have a spell, and food for Xander. It could be worse. I suppose."

"Hey guys, why the long faces? We're back.We went to Willy's and found out some good stuff."
"Yeah, and he was actually telling the truth for once. Buffy and I found one vamp and with a little coaxing, he told us the same thing Willy had.It was fun. In a bully sorta way."

They all stared at Oz, amazement on their faces.
"Um Oz? Are you feeling OK?"
"Yes Xander, why?"
"No reason, no reason at all. Giles? Are we done for the night or what?"
"Yes, we've done all we can for tonight.We have all the stuff for the spell except for the poppet. So, go home,get some rest and meet back here in the morning."
Cordy waited until after the others left before approaching Giles. "Giles, tell me more about this poppet, I think I can help."


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"Should we all go to bed or go out somewhere. You know....just in case?"
"Well that's the power of positive thinking.Thanks for the uplift Xand."
"Personally, I have faith in Buffy and think that a good nights rest would be a good idea."
"Ummm yeah Oz, I agree.The better rested, the better chance of winning.Oh! Not that I don't have faith in you Buffy it's just well...help me out Percy."


"That's ok Willow, I understand what you're saying. I love you all and I'll see you in the morning.'K?"
"Um Buffy, can I talk to you first? I can walk you home after."
"Mom? Do you mind if I go with Angel? I'll come right home after."
"OK but don't be out late. Anyone need a ride?"
Everyone shook their head so Joyce left. Willow and Percy said their goodbye's and quickly followed.
Anya and Xander left in her car taking Spike with them. Oz, looking at Buffy, asked without speaking if she would be ok. She nodded and saying goodbye to Angel, he left.


"Want to take a quick patrol of the cemetery while we talk? I mean, if you're not too tired."
Sighing, Buffy shook her head, saying,"No, lets go. I don't want to take long though. I really do need to get some rest."


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"OK spill. Watcha want to say?"
"Buffy, I know my leaving was really hard on you and that I hurt you a lot. I just want you to know that I have always and will always love you.I've never stopped.If,...after all this is over I-"


"Angel, wait.Even if we all make it out alive, we still know that you and I can't be together. We can't kid ourselves any more.A part of me will ALWAYS love you but I have to move on. I've tried but until now I didn't think it possible."


"Wh-what changed to make you think it could be now?"
"I know it's a lot to ask that you be happy for me, but, well Angel *could* you be? "
"Always Buffy,always.So, what's up with you and Oz?"
"I don't really know. I-well never mind.Talking to my first and ex love about my love life is just strange.Even for me."
Laughing, Angel ruffled Buffy's hair." Come on, let's get you home. Buffy? If you ever need to talk to me, no matter *what* it's about,you can, ok? Oh, and just for the record, I think you and Oz would make a good couple.You know, If someone was to ask."


"Angel I love you very much and I always will. Lets get going.We have a lot of work ahead of us. And damn it! We are going to beat this guy with no deaths. I swear it!"

"Hey Buffy, no matter what happens, it wont be your fault. Well here you are. I'll see you at Giles.I'm staying over there tonight so I can help out in the morning."

Leaning over, Buffy kissed Angel,"see ya tomorrow." Then she walked in the house and shut the door.
Sighing, Angel turned and walked to Giles apartment.

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