Oxford, England
Rupert Giles pulled off his glasses, cleaning them thoroughly with his handkerchief. "Dawn, I want you to call Shannen in San Francisco. Tell her to get to Palo Alto to cover for Faith."
Dawn nodded. "Right. On it." She headed towards the door. She hesitated in the doorway, turning back to face Giles. "Giles?"
Giles slipped his glasses back on. "Yes, Dawn?"
"Faith is missing... Connor is missing... Willow is missing... Angel is missing..." She looked down. "And no one has heard from Buffy."
Giles got to his feet. He crossed the room, gripping Dawn's shoulder. "I don't know if Buffy is with them. But if she is, there's no one better for her to be lost with."
"I guess you're right." Dawn frowned deeply. "But I'm still worried."
"Don't worry, Dawnster. She always comes through."
Dawn whirled around, facing Xander Harris. She broke into a grin. "Xander!" She threw her arms around him, hugging him fiercely. "I'm so glad you're here!"
"Of course I'm here." Xander squeezed Dawn tighter. "You need someone to make sarcastic quips during the crisis."
"So this is a crisis." Dawn pulled back, looking down. "They're in big trouble, aren't they?"
Xander shook his head, trying to look calm. "No... That was just one of my sarcastic quips."
"You wouldn't have come all the way from Africa if you didn't think this was serious," Dawn said firmly. She bit her lip. "We haven't heard from Spike or that girl with the weird name he's been hanging with. The only heroes we've got are inexperienced Slayers..."
"What you talkin' 'bout, girl?" A handsome black man in a hooded sweatshirt made his way up the hallway. "You've got me."
"Charles." Giles smiled, giving the man a nod. "Dawn, Xander... I would like you to meet Charles Gunn. He's an ally of Angel's."
Xander shook Gunn's hand. "Sorry to hear that." He sighed. "So Dead Boy's gone and gotten himself into trouble?"
"Possibly." Giles replied. "Dawn, can you make that call to San Francisco?"
Dawn nodded. "All right." She squeezed Xander's hand one last time before moving past Xander and Gunn and going down the hall.
Giles gestured for Xander and Gunn to follow him down the hall in the opposite direction. Both men trailed after him silently. "Faith disappeared in the middle of patrol in Palo Alto. Willow disappeared without a trace in Sao Paolo. All Nina could find of Angel in Cleveland was his abandoned ice bucket. We have no idea if anything's happened to Buffy, Spike, Illyria or Connor, but none of them have checked in."
"One of them goes missing, it's bad..." Gunn nodded slowly. "But seven..."
Xander furrowed his brow. "Hm. Well, I've just got one question..."
Giles turned back to look at Xander. "Do we have any clues as to who might have taken them?"
Xander shrugged. "Actually, I was going to go with 'who the hell is Connor'. But your question is good too."
"It sounds like they're taking heroes." Gunn followed Giles through a set of large, wooden doors. "So why the hell would they take Connor?"
"You have been away."
Gunn looked around the large room, which was filled with electronic equipment-- large screens showing girls in combat, clocks with different time zones. He smiled when he set his eyes on the man approaching him. "English. Been a while."
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce smiled. "Welcome to the war room." He and Gunn slapped hands in a complicated handshake.
"Heard a wild rumour you were up and runnin' again." Gunn nodded. "Never really thought a fatal gut wound would get the better of you."
Wesley nodded his head towards Gunn. "Nor you, from what I hear. As for Connor... He's changed quite a bit since you saw him last."
"Something we can all discuss in greater detail once the crisis has passed." Andrew, looking very dishevelled, came into the room, followed by Jamie. "Giles, Wesley, Gunn, Xander..." He shook hands. "It's good to see you all. We just got in."
"It's about time too."
Andrew let out a panicked cry and grabbed onto Xander. The six men all whirled around, looking in shock at Salome, who had suddenly appeared, perched on top of one of the large monitors. "I've been here for hours. Of course, being here has just made me more panicked."
"You teleported all the way from Brazil?" Jamie looked at Salome incredulously. "That's some wacky new power you've got your hands on, Sal."
"It's really quite fascinating," Oni Kato entered the room, helping Kennedy along, who looked very weak. "Of course, I don't believe Miss Lucas really cared for the trip."
Kennedy glared at Salome. "I think she did that on purpose."
Oni nodded. "Yes, considering the animosity you show towards each other, I do believe Salome enjoyed making you feel ill."
Kennedy jerked away from Oni, looking dour.
"Oni!" Andrew pulled Oni into a hug. "How you been, girl?"
"Gunn, Xander," Wesley gestured to the new arrivals. "This is Oni Kato, Jamie Black and Salome Simpson."
"New recruits," Gunn nodded. "So which one of you girls is the Slayer?"
Kennedy held up her hand. "I'm the only Slayer here..." She put a hand to her mouth. "And I've gotta go be sick again."
She ran off, looking green.
"We're not Slayer sidekicks, per se," Jamie replied. "But our Champion has gone and disappeared."
"Yeah." Salome jumped off the monitor. "And I'm really starting to get worried about him. Can we get back to the issue?"
"Y-yes," Giles nodded. "Of course." He turned to Andrew. "You said on the phone you found a clue."
Andrew nodded. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a wrapped object. He unwrapped it, revealing a dart. "I found this in the graveyard. Near where Faith was taken. Whatever chemical was used, there's still traces of it in there. But Kid Genius--" He jerked a thumb to Jamie. "Wasn't able to identify it."
"It's not my fault!" Jamie protested. "Just because I'm a scientist doesn't mean I can recognise every chemical compound I come across. Besides, we were on a red-eye, sub-coach flight while I was looking at it!"
Wesley took the needle from Andrew. "It's all right. I'll take a look at it. Oni, can you..."
Oni smiled at Wesley and scurried across the room, getting out a microscope from a cabinet and placing it on the table in the centre of the room. She held out a slide to him.
"You think whatever they used on Faith is a clue?" Xander frowned as he watched Wesley put what was left in the dart onto the slide and under the microscope.
"It would have to be," Giles said in reply. "There's not much that can take a Slayer down so quickly."
"Faith was gone before I even noticed," Andrew added. "It had to have taken her down right after the shot."
"If a similar compound was used on the others-- all very powerful individuals-- it would have to be a mystical compound," Wesley looked into the microscope. After just a moment, he looked up. There was a grave look in his eyes.
"You recognize it, Wesley?" Oni looked worried.
Wesley nodded. "I do. It's extreme rare, but highly recognisable... I used it myself before."
"You have?" Salome put her hands on her hips. "When?"
"When I assisted in tranquilizing Dana, the rogue Slayer." He looked to Giles. "There's only one group that uses this compound."
Jamie swallowed hard. "Who?"
****
Angel glared at Azriel before turning his steely gaze to Connor. "He a friend of yours?"
"I watched him die," Connor growled, his lip curling in a snarl. "Salome cut his head off."
Angel gawked at his son. "Are you telling me this is your girlfriend's ex-husband?"
Buffy stared at Angel incredulously. "Angel, this kid's girlfriend is really not our top priority!"
Lilah nodded. "Your Slayer is right, Angel. You do have more important things to worry about than Connor's continuing tragic taste in women. I need to tell you the rules of the game."
"Game?" Spike snorted. "You're telling me you kidnapped us to be in some sort of game?"
Lilah's cold gaze turned to Angel. "Angel can tell you how much I enjoy bloodsports."
"So what's this bloodsport?" Faith demanded. She placed her hands on her hips. "Locking us in an inescapable room to see how long it takes us to kill each other?"
"Not a bad idea," Lilah said coolly. "But it's something much more inventive."
"We're going to fight him," Connor growled, glaring at Azriel.
"More than just him, kid," Lilah purred. "You should all be proud, really. You're the best of the best. Out of all of the Champions in the world-- and believe me, there are way too many of them-- you've been selected as the best. It's something you should brag about."
"If we survive, you mean," Spike shot off. "That's the game, isn't it?"
"It's simple, really." Lilah shrugged. "You do what you do every day-- Kill demons before they kill you. If you do, you win. Of course, our other contestants are determined you lose. Some of Wolfram and Hart's most important clients have placed bets on who will be the sole survivor."
"Sole survivor?" Connor repeated. "So only one of us is going to get out?"
"It might not be one of you," Lilah replied. "It's time to meet the other team."
A portal opened. Six robed figures stepped through the swirling red vortex, lining up behind Lilah. One-by-one, they pulled off their hoods, revealing their faces.
Adam. Glory. The Beast. A Turok-Han. Caleb. Marcus Hamilton. Azriel took his place beside them.
"Seven of you," Lilah said. "Seven of them. I think that's fair."
The Beast made a noise, taking a step towards Faith. Lilah threw her arm out to hold him back. "Not yet, rocky. You'll have your shot at her."
Lilah laughed softly. "In fact... You'll have your shot at all of them."
Lilah looked back at the Champions. "Well, you all know the game now. I think it's about time we send you out." She stayed perfectly calm. "Oh... I should tell you... There is a time limit on this game. There's an active volcano on this island. And it's scheduled to go off very soon. So if you're going to do something heroic... I'd make it fast."
Before any of them could react, Azriel waved his hand and the world went black.
****
"Wolfram and Hart?" Xander repeated. He shook his head. "I'm sorry... I can't even pretend to be surprised that it's them behind this."
Oni nodded. "It does make sense. Wolfram and Hart is the only group with the resources to incapacitate champions of Faith, Connor and Angel's calibre."
Salome shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, I really don't care about the whys and wherefores... I just want to get my boyfriend back."
Gunn looked to the young woman. "I think Spike can handle himself."
"Who was talking about Spike?" Salome asked tersely. "I was talking about--" She gasped, staggering backwards. Her black eyes were wide. " Connor! "
Andrew raced forward, catching Salome in his arms as she swooned. He struggled to hold her, lowering her to the ground. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure." Wesley knelt down beside Salome. "Salome? What happened?"
"They..." Salome blinked, trying to reorient herself. " He ... cast a spell. On Connor. Someone... Familiar."
"Andrew, watch her," Wesley said firmly. "Report anything else she says. Jamie--" He looked to the young man looking worried over Salome. "--come with me."
Jamie nodded, vaguely, following Wesley out of the room. Shaking his head in frustration, Gunn followed after them. "What the hell is going on, English?"
"Salome is a Nyazian Demon, Charles," Wesley explained. "Probably the most powerful in this world since she absorbed the powers of Cyvus Vail two months ago. She is incredibly sensitive to spells..."
"Being cast on Connor ?" Gunn arched a brow. "Why the punk?"
"Salome and Connor have developed a psychic rapport, which they have utilized on occasion, including once to save my life. It's most likely stemming from their physical relationship."
Gunn blinked, shocked. "You mean that fine lookin' purple-haired demon ..."
"...Has been making the beast with two backs with Connor?" Jamie finished, nodding. "Oh yeah, constantly. It's actually really annoying."
Gunn shook his head. "Guess it has been a while since I've seen Junior. So, I think I get it... The purple-haired chick feels spells, especially with Connor involved and..."
"That gives us a hint as to what Wolfram and Hart is doing to them." Wesley then turned to Jamie. "And I have an idea where we can get some more information."
Jamie took a step back. "Whoa... Wes... Why are you looking at me like that?"
Wesley gave Jamie a cryptic smile before continuing down the hall. He opened the door to Giles' office.
"Want.... England... Find..." A garbled, computer-manipulated voice barely came through the speakers of Giles' computer.
Giles was behind his desk, hitting the side of his computer monitor. "Damnable thing!"
"Having trouble, Giles?" Wesley asked
"I don't understand why we cannot simply use telephones for our conversations with other offices!" Giles shook his head savagely. "When we retrieve Willow, I will be giving her a very stern talking to."
The computer monitor flipped back on, revealing the image of Daniel Osbourne. "Giles? You still there?"
"Yes." Giles turned his attention back to the computer. "Oz, I'm right here. What did you say?"
"I asked if you wanted me in England." His eyes darkened. "Help find Willow."
"No." Giles shook his head. "We need someone in California. Just keep an eye on the girls in Los Angeles and keep in contact with Palo Alto."
Oz nodded. "All right... Is there anything I can do?"
Giles sighed. "Find me a Champion that's not an inexperienced Slayer?"
Suddenly, Oz smiled. "Actually, I already made a call."
****
Angel opened his eyes, gasping out as the sun beat down on him. He jumped to his feet, scrambling to get into the shade beneath a tree.
"You've been unconscious for a while," Buffy said. She was standing on the top of a hill, in a clearing. "I don't think you're going to dust on me."
Angel peeked out from under the branch he was huddled under. Hesitantly, he stepped out. He tried to regain his dignity, feigning calm. "Alternate dimension. The sun doesn't affect vampires the same way. I guess Wolfram and Hart thinks this game will be less fun if Spike and I are huddled in the shadows."
He looked around. "Where is Spike?"
Buffy shrugged. "I not sure. That Azriel guy teleported us to this place... And I guess he split us up. I was about two miles away from here. You're the first person I've found."
Angel's eyes grew wide. He ran out from under his tree, racing up the hill to the clearing. He began to look around frantically. "I have to find him."
"Spike?" Buffy frowned slightly. "I didn't think you would be so worried about him."
"Not Spike... Connor." Angel cupped his hands around his mouth. "Connor!" He called out desperately. " Connor !"
"Angel!" Buffy grabbed Angel's arm, trying to pull him back. "Are you insane ?"
"I have to find Connor!" Angel snapped, jerking away from Buffy.
"I'm sure the kid can take care of himself," Buffy said firmly. "If Wolfram and Hart really thinks he's some sort of Champion, then he'll deal. Now what the hell is your thing with him, anyway?"
"It's..." Angel shook his head. "It's a really long story, Buffy. But it doesn't matter... I have to find him."
"Well, standing on a hill yelling for him isn't going to help!" Buffy snapped. "Besides, there are some really dangerous big bads looking for us. You never fought Adam, Glory or the Turok-Han. Believe me, you don't wanna."
Angel whirled around as he heard a noise. "But I think I'm gonna..."
Adam roughly pushed away branches. His look was impassive as he gazed at Buffy and Angel. "This is interesting." He brought up his arm.
"Angel!" Buffy shoved Angel out of the way, getting him to the ground as Adam's arm morphed into a large machine gun.
Angel looked up at Buffy, blinking. "Why did I have to get down? Bullets don't hurt me."
"Oh..." Buffy nodded. "Right. I forgot about that."
Angel rolled them over, covering Buffy. She looked up at him wide-eyed, shocked at the intimacy of the position.
"You've fought this guy before?" Angel said.
Buffy nodded. "Yeah. I killed him too."
"Good." Angel covered Buffy as Adam let out another round of bullets. "How did you do that?"
Buffy looked sheepish. "By combining my essence with Giles, Willow and Xander, creating a Super Slayer to tear out his uranium power centre."
"Right." Angel glanced as Adam briefly, who began to lumber closer. "Somehow, I don't think that's going to work this time."
"Plan B?" Buffy suggested.
"Always a good alternative." Angel got up, pulling Buffy with him. The pair fled, Angel using his own body to protect his ex-girlfriend from the barrage of bullets. He let out a pained cry as he was hit repeatedly in the back.
"Angel!" Buffy cried, trying to look back at Angel.
Angel pushed Buffy along, shaking his head. "Just keep going." His teeth were grit in pain. "I'll be all right."
"No, you won't."
Buffy came to a dead halt, stopping Angel. She pointed down at the deep canyon. A river raged below. "I was already over this way. We're not going to get away from Adam here."
Angel looked back. He could hear Adam lumbering closer. He grabbed Buffy. "Do you trust me?"
"What?" Buffy whirled back to look at him, but it was too late. He had already wrapped an arm around her waist and leapt off of the precipice.
Buffy shut her eyes tightly as she felt herself plummeting towards the water. She let out a yelp as they hit the water. The wind was knocked out of her, but she kept her cool, clinging to Angel while kicking her legs to try and stay afloat.
She looked up at the cliff. Adam was standing at the edge, looking down at them.
"He won't come after us," Buffy explained through gasps.
"Are you sure about that?" Angel asked, looking up at the demon cyborg.
Buffy nodded. "No tactical advantage. I bet his robo-demon parts don't agree with water, and he thinks the river can take us out.... And he might not be wrong."
True to her statement, Adam turned and abandoned his pursuit.
With a groan, Angel pulled Buffy and himself to the edge of the river. He pushed Buffy up onto the rocks first. "Well." He shook his head, trying to get the excess of water out of his hair. "That was bracing."
"He'll try to catch up to us later, if he thinks we survived." Coughing as she tried to regain her breath, Buffy pulled herself up furthur up the riverbank. She pushed her sopping hair off of her face, looking none-too-pleased. "What the hell was that?" She demanded.
"Impulsive decision," Angel replied tersely. He turned his head, looking over his shoulder to his bullet-ridden back. "Damn. That hurt."
"Well, of course it did!" Buffy cried. "I know bullets don't kill you and neither does a fall like that, but... Dammit, Angel! What the hell is going on?"
"I really wish I could tell you." Angel pulled himself to his feet. "All right. Let's get going."
"Going where?" Buffy asked brusquely. "Don't you think we should have a plan before we run off into Wolfram and Hart's Jungle Death Adventure?"
"I have a plan!" Angel snapped. "I find Connor and then find a way to get him the hell out of here before I go and tear Lilah's tenuously connected head from her body."
"That's not a plan!" Buffy exclaimed, throwing her hands out in exasperation. "That's insanity! We have to go after Lilah and make her let us out. It's not time to worry about some kid!"
"He's not just..."
"What?" Buffy spat. "He's not just what? What is it with you and this kid, Angel?"
Angel shook his head. "If you want to go after Lilah, Buffy, I can't stop you."
"If you would just tell me what the hell is going on, Angel..." Buffy shook her head sadly, her green eyes wide with concern.
Angel turned his back to Buffy. "Do what you have to do, Buffy. But don't stop me from doing what I have to do." He began to stride purposefully away.
"Angel!" Buffy shouted helplessly after him. "You're just going to leave me? Angel !"