Chapter Three

When Spike awoke he was lying on the back seat of Connor's car. The radio was on some Brittany Spears song, which further proved to Spike Connor was Angel's son. The bad taste in music must be genetic. He groaned as he sat up. "What happened?" he asked groggily.

"You were displaying extreme amounts of anger at a wall, and Layla incapacitated you," Illyria stated not looking at him.

Connor grinned. "She means you lost you temper, and Layla made you go night night."

"I believe I stated that already."

"Yup, but I said it more flowingly."

"You two are a double act, anyone ever tell you that?" Spike grumbled. 'When I get my hands on Miss Wings...' he thought. "Where are we?" is what he asked aloud.

"Almost home," Connor replied. "I want to view this tape, and find out what these assholes think they're up to." His face pulled into an angry scowl.

Spike looked at him, his eyes widening slightly. 'My god, he's a blooming mirror image of him!' he thought to himself. Illyria had noticed it too, and was staring at him like she had seen a ghost. Connor caught her looking out of the corner of his eye. "What?" he said worriedly.

"It is nothing," she whispered. "You look much like ..."

"Angel," Spike finished.

Connor blushed, and gave a sheepish smile. "I've been told the sneer is genetic." He then turned his attention back to the road. Within a couple of minutes, they had pulled into the driveway.

Layla had arrived at the Riley's home before the others. Gunn had nearly fallen off his chair, and Laurence almost dropped his coffee mug, when she phased in front of them. Colleen had jumped into the air, as Layla spoke from behind her. "We were unsuccessful. The men watching your son had already abandoned their dwelling."

"Jeeze girl!" Gunn exclaimed at her appearance. "You need to let a brother know when you are about to do that. I think I just lost another five years."

Colleen looked at her worriedly. "Unsuccessful? Are they ok?"

Layla nodded. "Everyone is fine, and are returning as we speak." She turned to Gunn, ignoring his previous comment, "The place was completely empty. The only item remaining was a small, black box with Connor's name on it. This made them very angry, but I am unclear what this box is."

"It's a video tape," Connor said as he came through the door. He pulled it out of his pocket, and headed for the VCR. Spike and Illyria followed him inside, and the former shot Layla an extremely irritated look. She looked back at him coolly, but didn't say a word.

Everyone sat down, and the air stilled as the image of a middle-aged man filled the screen.

"Hello, Connor. Congratulations on finding our headquarters, but as you see around you, we have long left. It pains me that you did not accept our associate's invitation to join us. Your talents could have come in very useful. Times are shifting and changing Boy. Be careful you are not swept aside with the tide." The man paused, got up from his desk, and walked over to the camera. "Bartleby tells me that you think you are not a slayer. And sadly, I do have to agree with your assessment. He also tells me you keep company with some interesting friends; it seems a particular one of the blue variety. Yes...we know all about (the man looked down at a file on the desk)...Illyria; fascinating being that she is. It really is a shame you did not join with us. We could have offered you so much. Now you will be alone to face...well...that doesn't matter." The man waved his hand in dismissal, and walked back to his desk. "Protect yourself Connor, for now no one else will."

The screen went black.

Everyone seemed to take a collective breath. Connor looked furious, and Illyria was enraged to the point of violence. Layla just shook her head sadly, and Gunn sat back in his chair trying to process what had just been said. Spike got up, and stormed outside.

Laurence took his wife's hand, and looked at his son. "Connor, what's going on? I mean, it's good that they're gone, but what are they talking about. Why would you need protecting?"

Connor looked at them, the anger on his face still evident. "Just empty threats, Dad. They can't get me in their little club, so they're going to try to scare me in." He turned, and looked at the black TV screen. "But it's not going to work. I don't care if I'm alone. They won't intimidate me. Hell, I've faced worse than them."

Colleen let go of her husband's hand, and walked over to her son. She pulled him into a hug, and whispered in his ear, "You will never...and I mean never...be alone." She pulled back, and took his head in her hands. "You are our son, and we will always be here for you. You are NOT alone." Tears poured down her face. Laurence got up, and hugged them both.

Gunn stood up, and looked at the parents desperately trying to reassure their son. "They're right Connor, you are not alone," he said resolutely. Everyone turned to look at him, including Spike who had returned, and was standing in the doorway. "'Cause now you have got us covering your back as well."