Connor Awakening, Pt 2
Outside on the road she held out her hand to Connor. He looked at her questioningly.
"It's quicker, and safer."
"I thought you wanted to talk."
"We can do that at the hotel."
"Everyone's there."
"No one has to hear us."
"They want to bring Angelus back, you know."
"I know. That's why we have to hurry."
Connor shrugged finally and reached for her hand. "Do I have to close my eyes?"
"It's less disorienting that way."
"Go ahead." He closed his eyes, and she smiled and gestured with her other hand.
"You're back." Fred said in surprise when they came back into the lobby.
"I told you we would, Fred." Deirbhile said, glancing around. "Where is everyone?"
Fred made a face. "Downstairs making a cage…I think."
"They're going to do it? How?" Connor asked.
"Wes found a sage who can remove and restore souls. Angel's not very happy about it, but he agreed."
"I don't blame him." Deirbhile murmured.
"Ah, Connor." Wes came up from the basement. "We could use your help downstairs."
"I'm busy right now. Maybe later." Connor caught Deirbhile's arm and propelled her towards the stairs.
"We won't be long. We're going to fight." Deirbhile explained.
"Fight? Why?" Fred asked.
"Stephen's mad at me. It won't take long." The pair disappeared down a corridor, leaving the others alone in the lobby.
"Why would Connor be mad at her?" Fred asked, frowning.
"I don't know. Particularly since I have no idea who she is."
"Oh. Right. She…it's a long story."
"Tell me later then. Did you get the, ahh…"
"Yes. I'll just…" She gestured vaguely and turned away.
"Ow." Deirbhile commented mildly. Connor pushed her through the door into her room and closed it behind them.
"Tell me what happened." he demanded.
"Stephen, you're…"
"And stop calling me that!" He glared at her. "Only my father calls me that."
"You're going to have to be more specific." she said gently. "What do you want me to explain?"
"Everything! Since when am I a Champion?"
"Angel told you when he…came back, after the summer."
"What…'life is hard so be a good boy'?" Connor said.
"Not…quite." She leaned back against the wall, considering. "I was listening then; wasn't easy, this place is so old…Angel told you that Champions come when life is hard. That…"
"I remember the speech." Connor interrupted her.
"Right. The world is in trouble; it's slowly dying. My Champions are rising in response, and you are the best. The brightest. Angel was wrong, you know." she added. "You've been a Champion all your life. He's just not looking for the right things."
"How long have you been watching us?"
"Watching's not the right word. I've always been aware of you. I tend not to watch people unless something really important's happening."
"Like him coming back?" Connor asked bitterly.
"I couldn't care less what Angel's doing. He's not my Champion."
"And I am."
"If you ever talk to Cole again, ask him about the time you were gone."
"Why?"
"Because I didn't move, speak, eat, or—as far as I remember—breathe the whole time. Way too busy watching LA for you."
"You knew I'd come back?"
"I knew you'd try. I knew you wouldn't stop until you made it back…not unless something stopped you. And I knew it'd be soon, because I knew Quor'toth is so much quicker than here."
"Are you crying?"
"Yeah. A little bit."
"Why?"
"For you." She looked up at him. "Holtz loved you, right? Tell me he loved you."
"He did."
"And…he took care of you?"
"He kept me alive." Connor took a careful step towards her. "Why are you crying?"
She shrugged. "Someone ought to. No one here did, I know that. What you lost…" She looked down. "I don't blame you for being angry with me, Connor. But even if you don't forgive me, try and remember something. Remember I did the best I could for you."
"I'm not angry." Connor muttered, turning away.
"You're…not?"
"No. Not anymore. Cole's good."
"The kid's a genius." She moved, slipping around him to face him. "Really not?"
"Explain some things to me."
"Anything."