AN: See previous chapters for disclaimer.

Previously…:

"Good. He needs a transfusion, bad," Buffy said. "Oh, and good shooting, Xander."

'Xander' beamed. Pete heard sirens in the distance. Help for MacGyver was close.

Now…:

MacGyver was rushed into the hospital. His blood volume was so low he had already arrested once in the ambulance. Pete could only watch helplessly as they set up the transfusion Mac so desperately needed. He was forced out as the doctors began their examination. Pete met Buffy, Willow, and Xander in the waiting room.

"How is he?" Buffy asked. Pete sighed and rubbed his hand over his eyes.

"I don't know yet. They've started a transfusion, but his blood volume is very low. He arrested once in the ambulance on the way here because of it. I…I just…" Pete sighed. It was then a doctor approached them.

"Are you here for Mr. MacGyver?" the doctor asked. Pete nodded.

"How is he?" Pete asked.

"His blood volume was well below critical levels. We're giving him transfusions now, but we have to watch him carefully to make sure he doesn't arrest again. We're also concerned about possible brain damage…" the doctor began.

"Brain damage?" Pete asked, fear for his friend in his voice.

"I'm afraid so. We're concerned that, because his blood volume was so low, his brain wasn't getting enough oxygen," the doctor said.

"Can we see him?" Buffy asked.

"One at a time, and only for a few minutes. We're placing him in ICU so we can monitor him," the doctor said. They followed the doctor to Mac's room. Pete was saddened to see his friend lying so pale and lifeless. Monitors were hooked up, measuring his heart rate, his blood-ox count was monitored, and he was hooked up to oxygen, which he was getting through a nasal cannula. Pete sighed and looked sadly at his friend.

"We're not leaving until he wakes up," Buffy said firmly.

MBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMB

Pete had managed to get permission for each of them to take shifts staying with MacGyver. It came with the understanding that they would only stay six hours a piece at a time. Not surprising, it was Buffy who drew the night shift.

MBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMBMB

It was on the third day, and on Buffy's shift watching him, when MacGyver's arch-nemisis, Murdoc, came to gloat.

"So, MacGyver, it seems you're down for the count," Murdoc hissed. It was early in the morning, and Buffy appeared to be asleep. He took a knife and placed it against the unconscious MacGyver's throat. He smiled. While it wasn't the kind of victory he wanted, it would be delectable to have MacGyver out of the game at last. It was a shame that his victory over MacGyver would be this easy though…

Buffy watched the strange man enter the room. She watched as he leaned over MacGyver and hissed something that sounded like "Down for the count." She only saw the glint of the knife as the man raised it over his head in preparation for plunging it into MacGyver's chest.

AN: Another cliffhanger. Can I be any crueler…joking. Please review.