Chapter 29.

Sorry about how long it's been since I updated.Will the excuse I've been really busy work here?

.........................................................

Giles entered the hotel in time to see Willow forcefully restraining Kennedy from stabbing Cordelia. It was a scene from Gile's worst nightmare, everyone yelling, no order, no one researching. Finally he shouted until everyone was silent.

"Now that all is quiet again." He said in his normal voice. "Perhaps we could proceed?"

"Of course Mr Giles." Wesley said embarrassedly "Capital idea"

"All right. Emerald?" Buffy asked "What exactly do you need?"

"A lot of room." She answered "That's about it."

"Ok we have the protective circle ready to be put in place." Dawn said "You do realize that once your in there you can't get out?"

Emerald nodded.

"That's right." Cordelia purred "Your all alone with me. Think you can handle that?"

"I doubt I'll have a problem." Emerald said coolly "I've dealt with worse. I will, however, say this won't be fun for you."

Angel was silent through this whole exchange.He hadn't said much since they left the council. Giles watched him and judged the distance between Angel and Dawn. Dawn, he was proud to see, was also keeping a wary eye on him. He intercepted a look and gave her a slow nod to let her know that he knew what was going on and was going to help. She smiled gratefully at him.

"I guess we are as ready as we can get." Xander said.

Everyone looked at each other for a moment before taking their places to begin. Emerald stepped up to Cordelia who involentarily shuddered.

"It seems the demon in her recognizes what Emerald is." Wesley whispered to Buffy.

"I'd be scared too." Buffy said observing the determined look on Emeralds face.

"Wait!" Andrew shouted. "Who else is going to restrain Cordelia?"

"What do you mean Andrew?" Fred asked.

"Well Emerald won't exactly be able to restrain her if she morphs into her body."

"Excuse me? Morph?" Emerald asked. Everyone just looked at her and rolled their eyes.

"Why would Cordelia need to be restrained?" Angel asked.

Gunn had been thinking hard and was the first to get what Andrew was saying.

"Because while Emerald is inside her there is a chance that an injury to Cordelia could kill both of them." He looked at Andrew with respect. "Good thinking kid."

"I will." Angel volunteered.

Dawn looked at Giles in a panic

"No not you Angel" Giles said quickly. "Your too close to her."

"What about me?" Came a voice from the back.Everyone turned to see Clem standing there with a serious look on his face.

"I'm pretty much immune to physical blows and though I hate using demon strength I do have it." He finished.

"Yes. Thank you Clem" Buffy said "I know you'll do a good job" She said for the benefit of those looking doubtful.

Clem moved to stand by Emerald inside the circle. Everyone was silent before Fred spoke

"I guess we are ready."

"Here we go" Dawn whispered.

.........................................................