Dawn was getting tired. She and Buffy had been scouting out different daycare centers and schools all day with no sign of the demon anywhere. While that was good news in terms of casualties, Dawn's feet were beginning to ache and they hadn't yet stopped for food.
"C'mon Buffy, let's take a break OK?"
"You were the one who wanted to come with me," Buffy pointed out to Dawn. "I've got to find this thing."
"And do what exactly? Ever stop to think that maybe it's laying low? It probably knows you're after it."
"I'm not just going to sit around waiting for it to strike." Buffy insisted. "Not again. These are children we're talking about!"
"I know Buffy, it's just..." she trailed off, not sure how to phrase her thoughts. "It seems we're pointlessly running around. Wouldn't it be easier to do some research? Find out where this thing would most likely be hold up? Maybe we could find out if it needs to re-charge its powers or whatever. I mean it is pretty strong. I just think that since the legwork isn't doing much, maybe research would be easier. We could go back to the hotel, call Willow, see if she's found anything, and if she has..."
"Do you hear anything?" Buffy's suspicious voice cut into Dawn's diatribe. Dawn listened closely, then shook her head.
"No, why?"
"Thought I heard something." Her sister replied. Looking around, she shivered slightly. "I think someone's following us."
"OK, now I know you need a break!" Dawn exclaimed. "You haven't slept in almost two days and you're seeing things. Let's go back to the hotel."
"I'm not seeing things!" The slayer insisted. "I really do think someone's following us!"
"Well where are they then?" Dawn wondered. Buffy sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit.
"I don't know. If it were a vampire I could tell you immediately. They are terrible stalkers. Whoever this is....I can just feel it you know? Kind of like when Angel used to..." She trailed off, already fearing she'd said too much. "Anyway, maybe you're right. Maybe I am just being paranoid. Let's go back to the hotel room, call Willow and see what she knows."
"What a great idea!" Dawn exclaimed in mock sarcasm. "Why didn't I think of that?"
As they headed back however, Dawn found herself looking over her shoulder and wondering if she had indeed saw a shadow darting in the other direction. Convincing herself she hadn't, she continued on her way.