The room was packed. Dawn walked slowly with Rick wrapped around her arm. He wore a simple black tuxedo. His smile was wider than ever. He greeted everybody with a firm handshake. Others hugged the vampire and congratulated him for his work. Rick even had the courtesy of introducing her to everybody. Dawn just smiled and looked around.

That is when she saw Angel. He was making his way towards her with a slow pace. Another man accompanied him. He seemed to be Angel's age in human years. Both wore dark suits. I guess Rick had made them dress up for this.

Dawn smiled softly as Angel stood before her. He kissed her softly on the cheek and hugged her. Right than, Dawn felt the hurt in Angel's being. He had visited Buffy's grave a week after the incident. They both had stood over the tomb for what seemed hours. He than walked her home. They were quiet most of the journey. Now here he was. The reason was still unknown to the girl though.

"Wow!", Rick exclaimed. "You guys look different when you dress decently".

"Give one reason why I shouldn't pierce your heart right here and now?", the stranger asked.

"How rude?", Rick said as he faked being offended. "You haven't even let me introduce you to the young slayer." The vampire turned towards Dawn. "Dawn… this evil vamp here is Nikon".

Dawn looked at the vampire closely. This was the guy. He seemed to try and hide from her eyes. Dawn guessed he found out the problems his letter had caused. Nikon turned towards Rick. "Let's talk Rick", Nikon said. "Alone."

Rick looked at Angel with a smile. "I will be right back".

Nikon and Rick walked off as Angel stood alongside Dawn. "I am sorry", Angel finally said.

"Why?" Dawn asked. "No one put a gun to my head."

Angel looked at her in the eyes. "Nikon is a good vampire", he said. "The problem is that he has been busy with other problems."

"He didn't know?" Dawn asked.

Angel shook his head. "He tried to find a way to survive an apocalyptic war", Angel said. "When he found out, the letter had already been sent and read. That is why he is here".

"But it is not his fault", Dawn said. "I chose this. Sooner or later I would have found out".

Angel smiled at the brunette. He than motioned her to walk towards the bar. Angel asked for his usual red drink while Dawn asked for fresh water. "You are not that far from reality", Angel finally said.

"What do you mean?" Dawn asked.

"As soon as Nikon found out that you were in this contest" Angel started. "He contacted me and we both tried to find out where you were. It didn't take long. Rick is very picky in his places. By eliminating the obvious, we found his location".

"And the fact the he called you", Dawn said with a smile. "helped you even more".

Angel smiled back. "Yeah", he said. "That to. When he called us, we contacted Giles and the others. They think some demons have kidnapped you".

Dawn frowned. "I guess I messed up in not telling them huh?"

"We all make mistakes", Angel said. "I am vivid example of that. But at least your mistake is mendeble. We will soon get you out of here"

"After my finale fight?", Dawn asked.

Angel looked at her. "When Rick told me that you were ok and that you had fought in this thing, I automatically figured he was forcing you to. Are you telling me that you want to stay here and finish it?"

Dawn looked at Angel. The vampire was always serious around her. He explained everything in English so that she would understand. But he never treated her as a child. Dawn saw in his eyes why he cared. "Rick is not a bad vampire", she said. "He needs our help".

Angel frowned at the answer just as Nikon came with Rick. Rick's smile never seemed to disappear. Nikon on the other hand was ready to explode. "Ok", Rick said. "In a few hours this will be over.

Nikon shook his head and ordered a drink. Dawn looked at him. He was very cold. Or was it the atmosphere that surrounded him? The guy simply avoided contact with her. All of the sudden a green goblin approached them. "Good evening Rick", he said.

Dawn immediately recognized the being. He was pulled out of the pens the day Rick visited her. She had also seen him in action. He was good. Dawn guessed that was the reason he was there.

"Hey Kit", Rick said. He than turned towards his ´friends´. "Kids this is Kit, or as we call him… The Unreal".

Kit turned towards Dawn. "I saw what you did in your last bout", he said. "I think you did great. I hope we can duke it out in the future".

Dawn smiled and shook his hand. "I've seen what you can do", Dawn replied. "Maybe in the future. I am booked".

"Fantastic", Kit said. "Rick… you make sure to get this slayer for next year. It gives me a lot of time to prep up".

"Fabulous", Rick said. "After your fight today, follow the right indications and I will contact you".

Kit smiled and left. Rick than turned towards the brunette. "Look at you", Rick said. "Accepting a challenge".

Dawn looked away. Rick wanted to say more, but Angel interceded. Rick shrugged and looked at his watch. "Dawn", he said. "Why don't you go to your room and get ready. Things are about to start".

"What am I supposed to do?" Dawn asked.

"Follow my lead", Rick said. "For I am Rick The Vampire… and I will lead you to victory". Rick smiled and left.

"Are you guys in this?", Dawn asked.

"We are just as blank as you are", Angel said. "But there is nothing we can do… yet".

Dawn nodded and headed out of the room. This vampire was full of surprises.