| Chapter Two "Is this enough sand?" Cordy had constructed a large circle where Willow and Angel would sit in during the spell. Willow didn�t answer not having heard her, and Cordy decided that it wouldn�t hurt to retrace her steps and lay down more sand. Her stomach was knotted in anticipation, that finally her best friend would have one the things he wanted most in life. Besides having his humanity back, he�d have a permanent soul. �I just hope he doesn�t waste it on Slutty.� Cordy stole a glance in Angel�s direction feeling the butterflies in her stomach again just at his presence. Thank God he was oblivious to her feelings for him, she really didn�t want to sit through the �I�m flattered but Buffy is my life speech.� Willow was prepping Angel on his part in the ceremony, occasionally he�d nod or ask a question, but mostly he listened. It was amazing what college life and a new haircut could do for a girl. Willow hardily resembled the awkward girl she had been growing up. Though the redhead would probably always have a slight bounce in her step, she now walked with confidence and grace. Her witchy powers had advanced remarkably, making her a force to be reckoned with. "So how will we know if this spell works?" Gunn asked stepping up besides Cordy. "I�d hate for him to take a test drive and end up on the top most wanted list." Cordy shrugged. "I don�t know. Willow said that he should be able to tell the difference." "From what I�ve heard happening with her spells can we trust her to do this right?" Gunn looked nervously at the redhead. "Everything will be fine. Sure for awhile her spells went a little awry, but lately she�s had no problems. Plus don�t forget she�d the witch that brought his soul back. If anyone can do this Willow can." Cordy gave an exaggerated nod to prove her trust in her words. "She�s right. Giles said that Willow�s powers have exceeded his own, and he had the confidence that she can do this." Wesley came to stand with the two, overhearing the conversation. "She has to at least try." Gunn studied Willow and Angel again. He had a bad feeling about this; he had been trying to shake. Angel flashed an unsteady smile at the three and followed Willow into the circle. Willow closed her eyes and started to chant. Dipping her fingers into a chalice she traced a pattern on Angel�s forehead. Angel repeated her words, dipping his own fingers into the bowl. Tracing a pattern on his bare chest. Gunn and Wesley watched in fascination as the ritual proceeded. Cordy was holding her breath, knowing that it shouldn�t be long. Angel sat and concentrated on doing everything Willow had instructed. He felt a tightening in his chest, and began to worry. This was how he felt the last time Angelus was released. He almost called a halt to the ceremony, but something made him stop. The pain increased, and his muscles tensed for the ripping pain that was sure to come next. Doubling over panting for unneeded breath he was yelling out to his friends in his mind, but no words could pass his lips. Willow continued on, as though another force had taken over her body. Gunn was ready to rush the circle to stop whatever was happening to Angel, only to be stopped by Wesley. "It�s fine. You can�t interrupt or you could cause serious damage." "What if I don�t stop it and serious damage happens because I stood here and watched?" Gunn shot back ripping the Englishman�s hands from his body. Cordelia was ready to agree, when Angel sat up again, seemingly under control. Willow finished by gracefully passing out. Angel sat forward and gathered her in his arms, pulling the redhead into his lap. Cordelia rushed forward to help. "Willow? Willow are you okay?" She brushed the red hair from Willow�s face and was relieved to see her coming to. "Did it work?" Willow snuggled into Angel�s lap, loving the strong safe feeling from having him hold her. Angel stayed silent for a moment then nodded his head. "You don�t even know just how well." He smirked. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They had all finally left, to get ready for the big celebration that night. Cordy and Willow talking about needing to get a new outfit for the occasion. Gunn had to check in at the teen center to make sure all was well in his neighborhood. Wesley to get some rare book he had ordered from a magic shop. He stood lazily gazing around the hotel. Remarkable how one moment he was caged, unable to break the bonds that lousy soul created. Then BANG he was back, larger than life. This time though he�d do it right. There was no way some group of teenyboppers were going to take him down. Friends or not with the slayer. Nope this time he was in control. And the wonderful thing was that the little witch and cheerleader had handed him a game plan to follow. It was perfect. It gave him the freedom to be himself, plus keep that damn bitch slayer off his ass. With a powerful law firm like Wolfram and Hart at his feet there was no limits to what he could do. Unlife was great, and after a few adjustments it was only going to get better. Just a few days trapped in the brood boy act, then watch out world cause the Big Bad was back |
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