Part 9

“Okay, I’ve got it,” Buffy said to Willow and Angel from the backseat of Angel’s car. They had just explained the particulars to her of the demon they were after. “Pork Pie demon. Dunk his head in water and he’s a goner. Avoid his black spit no matter what…it’s a killer.”

“Right,” Willow murmured from the front seat. “Except, it’s ‘Pordkai’. Pork Pie is a hat…and probably a meat pie.”

Buffy fidgeted. “Okay, Pordkai.” She leaned towards the front, “look guys, I’m *not happy* about what’s going on with you two…obviously. I can tell you’re worried about bringing me along. Just know, I can put aside my issues and help take down this demon. When work is done, we’ll get back to personal problems.”

Angel remained quiet and just nodded. He was glad to hear her say it. Although he had brought her along, he had been questioning the decision. He did trust her, years of being the Slayer had taught her that the job comes first. As Angelus, he’d done his part to drive the point home. Proof that she had learned the lesson was when she had *driven the point home*…and through his chest, at great personal cost to herself. And him, since he was the one sent to hell as a result.

Willow turned to look at her. “I know, Buffy. I would never doubt for second that you would do your best. Thank you.”

Buffy nodded once and turned her head to look out the window. She remained quiet for the rest of the car ride.

Soon, Angel pulled to the side of the road. “This is it.” He scented the air and was fairly certain it hadn’t been there yet. “It hasn’t been here, I’m pretty sure, so we needn’t bother going in, we’ll check the perimeter. Willow, you’re with me. Buffy take the north side of this building and we’ll take the south, then meet you around back.” Wordlessly they followed Angel’s orders. As soon as Buffy was out of sight, Angel pulled Willow to him and kissed her. Looking at her meaningfully, he said, “Willow, you mean everything to me. *Please* be careful.

She caressed his cheek. “I know. We *both* need to keep that thought in mind.”

He smiled softly, “okay. Let’s go.”

The entire neighborhood was seedy. The building Cordelia had sent them to was a low rent bar that didn’t seem to do much business. Good thing too, it’s a lot easier to fight demons without civilian casualties that way.

Willow crept along behind Angel, trying to take no notice of the unsavory smells assaulting her. She whispered, “What, human hearts in *nice* neighborhoods aren’t good enough for this demon?”

Angel smiled, even though she couldn’t see his face. “Shh.” They reached the back where Buffy was waiting for them, prowling around the dumpsters. Angel said, “Not a sign. You?”

The Slayer sighed. “I got nothing either, except…” She glanced around searchingly, “something feels funky.”

Willow shuddered. “Me too. Kinda doomsday-ish.” Willow and Buffy shared a look, neither understood the feeling, but felt a little spooked by it.

Angel was circling the area behind the bar, trying to separate the stale urine and vomit smells from potential demon smells. “I guess vamps lack a sense you two have. I’m not getting either of those things…or maybe I’m just used to feeling funky and doomsday-ish.” Willow and Buffy both chuckled, but left that one alone.

Willow pushed aside her feeling of foreboding and shut her eyes and just *felt* the surroundings. The sound of pounding feet startled her.

Angel pushed Willow to the building as a punked out teenage boy came running around the corner. Right behind him was the Pordkai. Angel thrust out his ax and tripped the demon. The boy disappeared into the night, probably unaware of just how lucky he was. The Pordkai shrieked in rage as he hit the ground. Buffy leapt around behind him quickly.

Willow began her spell. She created a boundary about three feet in diameter that the demon couldn’t penetrate. It was one way. Buffy and Angel could still breach it from the outside.

The Pordkai raged when he realized he was contained. Buffy and Angel nodded in silent agreement. Angel stepped back as she swung her ax.

As the ax flew to the demons neck, he turned to Willow. “Die witch,” he screamed as he spewed his venom toward Willow. The deadly substance broke through the barrier and spattered Willow just as Buffy’s ax took the Pordkai’s head off.

Angel roared as he ran to Willow. Buffy froze for a moment in shock, then grabbed up the head and burst into the bar to find water, careful to keep it’s mouth facing away.

Willow was conscious, but fading fast. “Angel, stop! Don’t touch me…*do not* get this venom on you,” she gasped out. Her eyes were pleading with him.

Angel didn’t know what to do. He agonized as he hovered inches from his love. There was a sizzling sound and the venom disappeared from Willow as the demon disintegrated. Angel grabbed Willow and held her to him, eternally grateful to Buffy for finding water. Willow had lost consciousness.

Angel buried his face in her hair. “Willow, Willow,” he sobbed.

Buffy came running out of the bar. “Angel! Angel!” Devastated, he looked up. “Get up now! Take her to the car, we’ve got to get her help.” Angel rocked Willow, holding her tight and just stared blankly at Buffy. “Angel!” Buffy bellowed, “if you let her die, I will stake you myself!” She kicked his leg. Finally reason penetrated his pain fogged brain and he stood and rushed Willow to the car.

Wesley pulled up at that moment. Angel climbed into the backseat, clutching Willow. Buffy ran to the drivers door and got in while yelling at Wes to get in. Wesley did what he was told and got the spare keys out of the glove compartment and handed them to Buffy. Buffy started the car and floored it. She chanted, “thank god, thank god, thank god. Thank god men are idiotic about the kind of power they think they need under the hood.”

Wesley held on for dear life and silently agreed. Absurdly powerful engines couldn’t help, though. No explanation was necessary, he had a pretty clear idea about what had happened back there. What a terrible tragedy. Wes grieved for Angel’s loss.

end part 9