Angel paced the lobby of the Hyperion. "I want to go after Wesley."

"Angel, we can't. We don't even know where he is. We don't even know if he's still alive," Xander told him gently.

"He's alive, I can feel it. I would know if he were dead," was the grim answer.

Cordelia, face stained with dried tears, hung up the phone. "There are five teams left alive in New York. They say the battle is almost over; there are just small groups still going at it. So, London, New York, Tokyo, Belgium, and Rome have all checked in. I had to turn off the news finally. They've got the most updated information."

"What was the death toll?" Willow asked softly. Giles, a bandage over his mutilated eyes, blood still staining it, had his head in her lap. She was stroking his hair soothingly.

The seer shook her head. "Too many. Actually, the news stations are calling the other line with their numbers. I just can't deal with it right now. Besides, what does it matter? We're losing."

"But we haven't lost," Riley put in. He, like the others, was bloody, only in his case, it was mostly the blood of others. His prosthetic leg had been knocked off early and the stub had been hurt. Still, after it was bandaged and his spare leg attached, the former solider had insisted on going out into the field to bring back wounded. Now he, like the Oracles, had been ordered out of the ballroom/field hospital to rest. "We can't have lost," he continued, "It would have to feel different."

"No," Oz said. "The Leviathan hasn't been released."

"Azazel is waiting," Eden added.

"When The Powers fall, then we've lost," said Graham. He shook his head, putting a hand to it. "How do you guys handle this?"

All three of them had a slightly trance-like tone to their voices as The Powers were channelled through them.

Eden put a hand on him. "It's different, right now, not right. We're all merged; it wasn't like this before."

Angel shook his head. "Wesley needs our help."

"But how do you know, mate? He's pretty powerful, what can we do?"

"Moral support. He would count on us to be with him. He does need us, right? Oz? Eden? Graham?"

They nodded. "It would help. The closer we are to him, the more powerful is available. If we can find a way, we can help," Oz replied.

Spike snapped his fingers. "I've still got this." He pulled the portable gate to Azazel's dimension from his pocket. "We can get through with this. Except... except maybe I shouldn't go. He's still got some control over me. Not much, but..."

"And Cordelia shouldn't go," Angel added.

"I'm going."

"But you're pregnant."

"What?!" everyone exclaimed.

Cordelia's eyes were determined. "So? Wesley needs our help; he's my family, too, and I want to help him. I'm going."

"Just let her come," Xander said. He put his arm on Angel's shoulder. "The time for being protective is over. We need to fight."

Angel sighed. "Fine. Everyone, let's get ready to go. We'll leave the gate here. Spike, as soon as you've got the spell broken, come through."

Spike and Riley looked at each other. "Umm, Angel, to break the bond," Riley started."

"Yes, I know," the vampire interrupted. "Just do it then come."

"Always the romantic, huh, Peaches?"

"This is for the sake of the world, boy; surely you can rise to the occasion." Angel glanced around at his companions. "Come on; we've got some friends to save."

*****

Xavier was kissing Wesley, who was terrified. He'd never been forced sexually before and this man, with his insistent hands and mouth, was almost overwhelming. After the first whimper, the sorcerer hadn't made a sound. He lay like a board under the warlock, concentrating on his breathing and his powers.

The detached part of his mind found it odd that it was so easy to keep his powers under control. He was so anxious and could feel the energy swirling through and around him, but he wasn't even close to losing control. A part of his mind told him this was probably Tara's doing; the sorceress always had incredible control. When she died, perhaps she had transferred that ability to him.

Xavier kissed his way from Wesley's chest to his face, his mouth hot and wet on Wesley's skin. The robe had been thrown open as the warlock had ravished him.

"I've waited so long," Xavier murmured. Once again, his lips covered Wesley's in a deep, probing kiss.

Abruptly, Wesley was thrown out of his body and into a dream-like state.

/ A man was kissing him, his arms wrapped around Wesley's body. Except it wasn't his body - it was smaller and younger somehow, but still him. While the man kissed him, Wesley felt uncomfortable, surprised, and... and sad.

Suddenly, the man pulled back and Wesley gazed at him, a blue streak of recognition shooting through him. The face was slightly different and the eyes far less hard and cynical but it was Xavier.

"I'm sorry!" not-quite Xavier said, his eyes wide in shock. "I'm sorry." He pulled away and began running.

"Mordred! Wait!" Wesley reached out for Xavier/Mordred, but the other man kept running.

The scene shifted. Wesley found himself standing at the mouth of a cave. Xavier/Mordred was there. A dagger was in his hand, covered in blood; one of his wrists was bleeding and there was blood mixed with the tears on his face.

"Mordred, what have you done?"

"I have to go, Galahad. I, I am evil. I don't deserve to be near you. I'm going back to Camelot so you can finish your quest. It's better this way. Good-bye." /

The vision ended and Wesley slammed back into his body. He jerked under Xavier, gasping and tried to pull away.

"Wait! Please, I need..." He started to rise.

Xavier pushed him back onto the bed. "No. I will wait no long-"

"Mordred!"

The warlock froze, his eyes wide in sudden shock. He gazed down at the man under him, his eyes searching.

As Wesley looked into his eyes, everything between them changed. Centuries melted away and they saw in each other the men they had once been, so long ago.

"Galahad?" Xavier, in Mordred's voice, managed.

"Why did you leave me?" Wesley asked; his voice had also changed. He sat up, taking Xavier's hand in his. He traced the warlock's wrist with the tip of his index finger. Immediately, blood began seeping from the wound that opened. "Why this? I never understood. You left me alone." Gone was the feelings of hatred and anger towards the man. The one he hated was Xavier, twisted and shaped through years of searching. Mordred, his Mordred, was different: younger, more innocent, more easily bruised. Wesley remembered that much. He remembered how his friend had held his heart and soul out to the world, searching for acceptance and finding only scorn.

Xavier watched himself bleed impassively. "I couldn't stay, it hurt too much. I, I loved you so much and it was wrong. I was an unclean being; I was no better than my birth, no better than *him.*"

"Arthur?"

"Yes."

Wesley shook his head. "No, it wasn't wrong. It was love, and love is never wrong or impure. It is, by nature, good. It can save."

Xavier smiled faintly. "But we are talking about me, Mordred, the evil knight, the man who single-handedly destroyed the dream, loving you, Galahad the Pure. The only knight worthy of finding the Grail."

"Yes, and look what happened; I lost it. I was brought back to watch it through the ages and I lost track of it. And that's not the point. I never believed you were evil." Wesley caressed Xavier's face. "I always saw you for what you were: human." He covered the wound on Xavier's wrist, feeling the pulse beat against his hand. "You followed me through time."

"Yes."

"If we only had known. As Galahad, I was different from most men. I had been born with the mission to find the Grail; to do so, they made me different from the rest of humanity. I could not lust and did not understand love beyond the love of God. After I found the Grail, I was transformed. Sent back, I was given the ability to love." Wesley looked into Xavier's eyes. "I could have loved you once, in one of those lifetimes." He smiled ruefully. "Perhaps the next?"

Xavier shook his head, tears of despair welling in green depths of his eyes. "I am so tired. I only want peace. I found you finally, and heard what I longed to hear. Now I only want to rest."

"Oh, Mordred, I am sorry." Wesley kissed him gently. "Give yourself to me? Give me your essence and I will lay your soul to rest. I swear."

Slowly, the warlock nodded. "Yes. For you, my love, I will give you the power to stop Azazel. For you."

The sorcerer kissed Xavier again, long and deep. The warlock's energy began flowing out of his body and into Wesley's, filling him, making him more.

Just before the last of Xavier's life left, Wesley heard him sigh into his mind. "Thank you and good-bye."

*****
Part 33: The Last Battle

Angel stepped through the dimensional gate, blinking in slight disorientation. As he had gone through, there had been a slight but noticeable pressure that had squeezed him threateningly. Now, to his surprise, he stood in what appeared to be a well-furnished house. He didn't know what he had been expecting, but costly furniture and paintings hadn't been on the list.

"Nice," Xander remarked, stepping beside Angel.

"No fair. A demon can live in this kind of splendour, but we can't? There is no justice," said Cordelia.

The three Oracles, followed by Willow and a blind Giles stepped through. He had insisted on coming and the Oracles agreed; they were probably all going to die anyway. The more power available to Wesley, the better.

"Let's go."

"Which way?" asked Willow.

Angel glanced around before choosing a direction. "That way." He led the group down the hall.

Suddenly, a door opened and Wesley stepped out. Everyone gasped and Angel had to fight the urge to kneel.

Wesley looked like a god.

He shone like a star, blue light surrounding him like a halo. He was dressed in a blue and ivory robe, his eyes silver, his face serene and purposeful.

"Wesley?" Angel managed.

"Angel," he replied, smiling beatifically. "You came, good. Follow me."

Walking a step above the carpet, Wesley led the awed group down the hall.

* * *

Lindsey stirred and looked up. Azazel was standing before him, smoking a cigarette, gazing into space.

The Prophet groaned as a thousand complaints assailed him.

Azazel glanced down. "You're awake. Welcome back to the land of the living and, in your case, the soon to be dead."

"Where is Wesley?" Lindsey demanded.

A strange smiled played around the demons lips. "Believe me, you don't want to know. Let's just say that he's safe and let it go at that."

"But..."

"Trust me. In this case, ignorance is bliss. Oh, hell, you've convinced me. He's off fucking Xavier. Cigarette?"

Lindsey felt his stomach drop sickeningly. "What?"

"Wesley, Xavier, bumping and grinding, moaning and sweating. Fucking. Come on, you've done it plenty of times. In fact-"

The doors blew open and Wesley floated in. Lindsey's eyes widened at the sight; his love resembled nothing less than a divine being.

"Wesley!"

Azazel turned. "Fuck!" He immediately threw a wave of power at the sorcerer, which he easily deflected.

Wesley glanced at Lindsey. The barrier fell and Lindsey leapt to his feet as he and Wesley *joined*. He threw himself at Azazel, knocking the demon off his feet.

Azazel tossed Lindsey off, into Angel and the gang as they entered. The air grew dark around him, angry flecks of red and black emanating from his body.

"You surprised me, Wesley. You promised not to murder him."

"I didn't. He surrendered himself to me."

"That romantic fool." Lightening bolts sprung out of his fingertips, hitting Wesley.

He doubled over in pain, stopped for a moment before fighting back. Blue exploded around him, and he lifted his own hands. He threw water out at Azazel, soaking him.

"Oh, I'm melting, I'm melting!" Azazel cried mockingly. "Did you really think-" A stray bolt escaped and hit the water. The shock was enough to send the demon flying into the air, hitting the back wall.

Wesley threw a rope of power out, trying to catch him, but Azazel was too fast. His red/black energy clashed with Wesley's blue. They fought in the air, both physically straining. Sweat was pouring off the sorcerers' face as he pushed, throwing everything out at the demon.

After a minute, Wesley began to minutely give way. Lindsey could feel his lover *pulling* energy through his body, focusing it so it fed his own energy, but it wasn't enough.

"You can't win, sorcerer. You will never have enough energy to destroy me or the orb."

/ "The orb," Lindsey thought. "You have to destroy the orb" /

/ "I know, but I don't have enough. We're still not enough; we need more power." /

The Prophet strained, trying to draw more energy into him when suddenly he knew what to do. He grabbed Angel's hand. The rush of power was immediate, jerking his body as Angel's energy flowed into him, then into Wesley.

"Grab Xander!" he managed to gasp. "Take hands."

Somehow, Angel understood. He took his lover's hand; Xander took Cordelia's, Cordelia took Willows, Willow took Oz's, Oz took Graham's, Graham took Eden' and Eden took Giles's. The power sent them all to their knees, gasping.

Wesley was thrown into the air, flying, not quite able to control all the energy pulsing through him. Quickly, he fought for control and levelled out. He managed to *pin* Azazel down with a heavy weight. The demon was shouting and struggling, but he didn't have enough power. The amount it took to do this was infinitesimal compared to the power coursing though him. The rest of the power concentrated on the orb.

Lindsey knew, as Wesley did, he couldn't destroy it; to do so in this dimension would release the Leviathan. So, Wesley opened the dimensional barrier. Going inside himself, he *saw* earth. He manoeuvred the orb through the gate and took it out into the world. Raising it high into the sky, Wesley *plunged* himself into the centre of the orb and *exploded* outward.

The orb broke apart with an eruption that echoed around the world.

All over the plant, people ran outside to see what had happened. Power looking like thousands of sparkling lights fell from the sky. It was absorbed into the world, back into the fabric of reality, waiting to be used by the people who inhabited the dimension from whence it came.

Inside Azazel's dimension, Wesley and his friends were on the floor, power still running through them. It was silent except for their gasps as they came down from the first rush; the energy dropped to a steady stream.

Azazel sat up as Wesley released him. Scowling, he looked over at Wesley and his family. "So, what are you going to do now, Wesley? Kill me?"

*****
Part 34: The Joining

Wesley, on his hands and knees, his heart pounding, gasping for breath, looked up into Azazel's's eyes.

Azazel smirked. "You don't have the power to kill me. Not even joined with all your friends. I am a true Immortal; the amount of power required needed for you to kill me would destroy you. The Power could pump everything they have into you, and it might be enough, maybe, but you would die. I don't think you're willing to risk that. I don't even think the Powers are willing to risk that. So, I repeat, what are you going to do?"

For a long moment, the sorcerer couldn't answer. Then, though the link, starting from the Oracles, the answer came.

Wesley looked at Lindsey; the Prophet shrugged. "You have to, baby. It's what they want."

He rose and walked over to Azazel. The demon gazed up at him, confusion in his bright eyes. Wesley reached out with one hand, still glowing blue, and gently touched Azazel's face. He kneeled, bringing his other hand up to undo the fastening on the demon's black robe.

The demon's eyes widened in understanding. "No! God damn it, no, you can't." He tried to pull away, but Wesley held him close, both in his arms and with his power.

Kissing him gently, he slid Azazel's robe off. On the periphery, he was aware that his family was standing in a circle around them, trapping Azazel with their combined energy.

Wesley ran his hands over Azazel's smooth, perfect skin, and gently but insistently turned him over. The demon reluctantly complied. Kissing the nape of Azazel's neck, Wesley brought his erect cock to Azazel's entrance.

"This may hurt," he said wryly.

"Just get this over with," the demon snapped back.

Wesley entered Azazel slowly, his eyes widening as he was engulfed in the tight passage. He began sliding in and out, one hand resting on the demons back, the other reaching down to take his penis. Wesley began the pump the demon, forcing him to feel some pleasure. He went faster and faster and suddenly, both of them stiffened, groaned, and came as one.

Wesley collapsed on Azazel as a bright light flashed around them. When he opened his eyes, he was lying in the centre of the lobby in the same position.

Suddenly self-conscious, he rose and pulled the robe closed around him. Willow helped Azazel find his robes as Lindsey threw himself at his lover. They embraced and kissed passionately.

Spike and Riley came out of the den, hastily dressed in boxers and tee shirts.

"What's going on?" Riley asked. He crossed his arms tightly in front of him, obviously self conscious.

Angel was rubbing his head. "I'm not sure. Wesley?"

Wesley pulled away from Lindsey. "I... Uh... well, I..."

"Oh for Christ's sake, you don't even know what just happened, do you?" Azazel said in extreme annoyance. "That's what I love about the fucking Powers That Be; they tell you what to do, but they don't always tell you why. You, my friend, are now tied to me for eternity. Our souls will be together until this plane of existence ends. Congratulations."

"What?" the sorcerer said, aghast.

Azazel smirked. "I told you, you don't have enough power to kill me. And if The Powers decided to destroy me, someone would have to take my place. I have too much power to simply be released into the world. They would have to chose someone to take my place, and finding the right person isn't easy. They'd rather not go to all the trouble. Instead, they've chosen you as my guardian. Only you, out of everyone in the world, are morally and magically strong enough to do it. Anyone else would eventually be tempted by my ambition and would help me in my eternal quest for absolute power. You? You're too pure of heart." The demon's tone was dripping with scorn. "I can try all I like, but The Powers have faith that I will never succeed. Won't stop me from trying, by the way."

Lindsey, holding onto Wesley tightly, said "So, he's immortal?"

"No, not now. He could be, if he so chooses. Since he's tied to me, he'd be like me: a true Immortal, unable to be killed by any methods but The End or The Powers. If he doesn't choose that, then he'd continue on as he has been. For those of you who haven't caught on, he'd be reincarnated over and over, and in every life his task would be to keep me in check. It's all up to him." Azazel pulled a cigarette out, lit it, and took a long drag. "This should be fun." He glanced up at the ceiling. "And here's my ride."

A dimensional portal opened and two angels descended. One male, one female, one black, one tan, both beautiful and dangerous looking, they walked up to Azazel.

"Greetings Prophet, Sorcerer. Thank you for stopping our renegade and releasing the power back into the world. You have saved us all."

Wesley and Lindsey rose.

"What about Angel's reward? The scrolls said-" Wesley started.

"This was not the war the scrolls referred to. We are sorry," the male said to Angel, bowing slightly. "You have distinguished yourself and pleased The Powers. The soul is yours to keep for all time, but we cannot reduce you to mortal status. You are too important in the future."

Angel shrugged. "I understand."

The angels looked at each other. "The Powers have decreed that you may taste food once again."

"Oh... okay, good." Angel didn't quite seem to know what to say, but Wesley could tell he was pleased.

"Sorcerer, you do not have to make your decision soon. If you have any questions, refer to the Oracles. That is, when they come back."

"Come back?"

"They need to come to the heavenly court with us. We need them to give testimony against Azazel and to sort their personalities out. They are not as they should be."

Eden, Oz, and Graham stepped up to the angels. "We are ready," they said as one. Azazel rose and stood between the angels. "So, off to the court for sentencing. But trust me, Wesley; I'll be back. And we will have some fun." He smiled, saluted mockingly, and then lifted the cigarette to his mouth again as he, the angels, and the Oracles faded away.

*****
Part 35: Epilogue

Five months later

"Nervous?" Angel asked, stepping into Wesley's room.

"Nervous? Of course not. Why should I be? I mean, I'm only getting married in fifteen minutes in front of crowd of, what, two, three hundred people plus five different news stations that will be broadcasting this all over the world. Why would I be nervous?" Wesley stopped suddenly. "I don't think I can do this."

Angel walked up and put his hands on Wesley's shoulders. "If you stand Lindsey up, he will kill you. Besides, where would you go? Everyone knows you. You'd disappoint millions. They need this, Wes; they need some joy after everything. They want to see their saviour achieve 'happily every after'."

The world had been hit hard by Azazel's army. The population had been reduced drastically, causing thousands of empty buildings, homes, parks, schools, everything. The world was in mourning for those they had lost. Separated by miles, different beliefs and centuries of antagonism, humans and demons were slowly beginning to reach out to one another and rebuild their world together. People began to put aside their old feuds and work together regardless of race, religion, or creed; for the first time they also began to acknowledge demons and their place in the grand scheme of the world. Of course, there were many who fought against this; random violence from the more radical groups happened periodically as well as protests from the more peaceful. But change was being made.

Wesley and Lindsey had emerged as the heroes of the war. Already recognized going into the final battle, the wounded who had taken refuge inside the Hyperion lost no time in reporting to the news of Wesley's role in defeating Azazel. The world turned to them for guidance and hope in their time of despair. Reluctantly, Wesley had risen to the demand, this time Lindsey by his side. They were often on television, seen as various places from religious to secular, advising, spreading hope and asking for acceptance for all.

The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and transgender community loved them. Through Wesley and Lindsey, they too were gaining widespread acceptance. In fact, a spiritual leader had been the one to finally convince to two men to stop putting off their marriage and celebrate their union with the world.

It had taken Lindsey two weeks to convince Wesley to marry under those circumstances. But, recognizing the need for some joy, the sorcerer had agreed to invite the world to his and Lindsey's day.

"There're just so many people."

Angel hugged his friend. "You'll do fine. Just concentrate on Lindsey, get though the celebration, and tomorrow morning you'll be on your way to Hawaii where the two of you will lock yourself in your hotel room until it's time to come home."

Wesley pulled away. "Right. I can do this." He straightened his bow tie and walked to the mirror. "Everything has been so big lately, I feel overwhelmed. Hopefully there won't be much to distract us on our honeymoon. I need a vacation."

"It'll be fine." Angel snapped his fingers. "Oh, I wanted to tell you the Oracles are here."

"Really? How are they?"

"Good, they've pretty much gotten their personalities sorted out. Graham is still a bit messed up with everything. Eden and Oz had training before they were linked to prepare them, but since Graham didn't, well, it's hard. They were telling me that they're going back after the wedding; hopefully within the next few months they will be coming home."

"So they want to live here?"

"Yes, all three agree that this is their home and where they wish to be. By absorbing the orbs they're pretty much immortal now, except if they are killed." Angel paused. "Speaking of which, have you decided what you're going to do?"

Wesley sighed and shook his head. "No. I haven't given it much thought. Angel, I... I'm so confused about that. On the one hand, I don't want to live forever; it would mean living without Lindsey and all of you. A large part of me would rather die and come back."

"But?"

One of the model X-wings on the dresser rose and began flying as Wesley, silver-eyed, played with it in agitation. "But it seems irresponsible. I know that The Powers will lose interest in Azazel if he behaves for a number of years; I know it and he knows it. And if I die every hundred years or so, there will be gaps where I can't do anything, when I'm a child or extremely old. He could take advantage of those situations to begin planning whatever he wants. I just don't want to take that risk." He sighed. "I'm not all human anymore, Angel."

"Yeah, I know."

"You do?"

Angel shrugged. "You're scent changed after you were bound to Azazel. I knew something was different. Do you know what it means?"

"Not exactly. Xavier wasn't totally human either. I suppose what happened to him also happened to me. I will live longer than a normal human but I'm still technically not immortal. And immortality is so permanent; they want to make me a True Immortal. I wish... I wish there were some way I could live for long periods of time, with someone - preferably Lindsey - then if nothing happens and I wish to try a new life, I could allow myself to die and come back. If they make me Immortal, it would be permanent, but if there were some way..."

"Well," Azazel's voice suddenly drawled from behind Wesley.

The sorcerer spun. Draped across his bed, smoking a cigarette, dressed in a black tux, was Azazel.

His eyes twinkled up into Wesley's. "There is always the Grail."

Fin