Intertwining Quests

Mild sexiness warning!

The Egyptian Afterlife

The group took off with some reluctance after the Boys of Baker Street.

As they walked, John turned to Sherlock, smirking. "So how do you know we're headed in the right direction?"

Sherlock smirked back, storm eyes flashing. "Well, judging by the shadows on the ground, it's approximately 1 PM. That means that our best likelihood of finding a significant clue to the whereabouts of these artifacts lies in the direction the shadows are facing. That is, East."

John rolled his eyes. "You're totally just leading us towards that rainbow, aren't you?"

Sherlock shook his head. "…Yes."

Susie chuckled. "Wow! The idiot has a little romance deep in that black hole where his heart should be!"

John cringed. "Oh, now you've done it. . ."

However, Sherlock surprised everyone by not responding. He just smiled creepily and kept walking.

Tobias moaned. "Why is that not comforting? I feel like that should have been comforting."

Violet rolled her eyes in Sherlock's direction and sighed. "Oh we are going to get lost!"

Susie just snickered quietly, back in her position in Tobias' arms. Then she sighed in worry. "I really hope this works Tobi. I can't help thinking we're on a wild goose chase."

As if on cue, a flock of fowls appeared, charging the group.

"So what exactly are we looking for again?" asked Violet. "And how are we to know where they ar… GAHH! where did they come from?"

Sherlock pushed his flatmate out of the way, pulling out a gun. "John! Get back!"

John stared at him in shock. "And where did you. . . oh, never mind. Damn it, Sherlock! They're just geese. What possible –"

They knocked Mira to the ground and began hissing at her. "Oww!" she cried. "Oh, oww! All my bones that weren't broken. . ."

Sherlock fired the gun in the air. The geese, red eyes gleaming, turned towards him and John.

"I hate birds," mumbled Sherlock petulantly.

John narrowed his eyes. "Maybe they'd be nicer if you put the gun down?"

Sherlock shook his head. "John. Trust me on this. These geese are out for blood."

Susie agreed. "Hey! You better have a damn good reason for upsetting us, my friends!" She charged into the middle of the flock, using her fists on beaks, and avoiding the flapping wings until she reached Mira's side. "What's wrong with all of you anyway?"

Violet moaned. "Oh, those damn birds. This isn't going to make it any easier on us!"

The geese grabbed hold of Susie's clothes and began tearing into fabric and flesh. She might have been dead, but it hurt a lot.

Sherlock aimed the gun back at the geese, his eyes cold.

Tobias ran towards him in panic. "You can't! You'll hit her!"

"Then tell her to stop flailing about like a dying goldfish!" he retorted.

Susie rolled her eyes. "Oh, let him shoot! He's been wanting to for years! 'sides, if he actually hits me, then I don't deserve to be in this field in the first place!"

John waved his arms. "Stop! Everyone, just stop. I've got a plan." Everyone looked at him, even the geese. A few of them honked in confusion.

He walked towards them, hands open. "Mira. That thing in your pocket. You know. The B-R-E-A-D? May I have it?"

Sherlock rolled his eyes at John's spelling. "John, I doubt the geese can understand you anyway."

John smirked. "Well, then, they certainly won't be able to spell, hmm? Hand it to me, Mira."

She tossed him the bread. The geese looked at him greedily.

He pulled a small jar out of his pocket labeled Emergency Jam, spreading some on the bread. Then he scattered the jammy crumbs on the ground. The geese feasted, honking happily.

He turned back to his companion, smiling like a young boy. "See, Sherlock? They were out for bread, not blood. Now may I have my gun back?"

Susie just looked at John in disbelief. "You carry Jam around?"

He blushed. "Yes? It's for emergencies. . ."

Mira eyed him warily. "Emergencies like?"

"Sometimes Sherlock says he's getting the groceries, and he. . . well, if he gets them at all he forgets the jam."

Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Jam is boring. Eating is boring."

John sighed. "So. . . yeah. Emergency Jam. For emergencies."

Tobias chuckled. "Jam emergencies. Huh. Ok, well, if I had any doubts whatsoever. . . you two are by far the strangest men I have ever met."

"Thank you," said Sherlock. He turned to John, smiling slightly. "Nice work, John."

Violet shook her head in disbelief. "You boys from Baker Street are more than bizarre."

Susie just shrugged. She'd actually seen worse. "Whatever works mate, nice one! Okay, so. What's next on our adventure in group playtime huh? Where to from here?"

Suddenly, a path appeared before them as the rainbow bent to earth, making a bridge.

Mira swooned. "Ohh! So cute! It's a little fairy tale stairway!" She dashed up it. The others followed awkwardly behind.

Susie sighed. "If there's a pot of gold at the end of this thing, I'm gonna be pissed."

Violet rolled her eyes. "That girl is going to get herself killed one day."

When they got to the top of the path, there was an old woman who smiled snaggle-toothed at them. "Why, hello, children. Would any of you like to help me with my hemorrhoids?"

Everyone except for Romana and John recoiled in disgust.

Romana sighed. "Guys, its a test. This is John's test. He willingly helps her, passing and getting the reward… well, artifact."

She watched, wondering what her own test would be.

Sherlock sniggered slightly.

John frowned at him. "What's so funny?"

"Pretty sure jam can't help you with this one."

John sighed. "I'll help you, ma'am."

Susie walked over to John, patting him on the shoulder. "Atta boy John. I'll help out if you need it, but I kinda think this is your moment."

Violet rolled her eyes at the detective. "One would think that John's manners would have worn off on Sherlock by now. But apparently not."

Susie just snorted at this. "Not Sherlock! manners are something that happen to other people, apparently!"

John knelt down and began to clean the woman's lower regions, doing his best to ignore Sherlock. As he worked, she transformed in front of him. It was the Goddess Mut.

She smiled warmly down at him. "Rise, John Watson. You have proven yourself to be truly kindhearted, even when situations are not pleasant. In return, I would like to bestow on you the shield of Mut. Wear it, and be protected from all harm."

She handed him a small shoulder shield with a rainbow painted across the front.

He smiled warmly, though is aware of Mira and Sherlock snickering at him. "What?" he asked them. "WHAT?"

Mira giggled. "It's just so. . ."

"It really. . . suits you," chuckled Sherlock.

He shot them a death glare, then turned back to Mut. "I shall treasure it always."

Violet scowled. "Oh, you two are rather mean together. I love you Mira, but really? OK so we got this shield thing that John needed, Where to next?"

Susie turned to Sherlock with a grin. "Bet your test won't be that fun!"

Sherlock frowned. "Just for that, Susan, we're doing yours next."

Tobias rolled his eyes. "Who made you the leader?"

"He is the sexiest!" replied Mira.

Sherlock cringed. "Thank you. I think. But more importantly, I am the most brilliant. And frankly, you need me."

"No we don't," hissed Tobias.

"Yes we do!" cried Mira.

John rolled his eyes. "Please, just shoot me now."

Sherlock obliged. Everyone stared in shock.

Sherlock sighed. "What? We're already dead. He's not getting more dead. And I wanted to test out the shield."

John gasped in pain as his head knit back together.

Sherlock grinned. "It works."

John rounded on him. "That was not meant to be taken literally!"

Sherlock smirked. "You need to be more precise, John. It's not like I can read your mind."

Susie muttered a little under her breath, something about brainless idiots and straight jackets. Then she cleared her throat and turned to Tobias. "It's okay, my love. I'm happy to go next, besides, if he's in charge it might keep him out of too much mischief…wait, that won't work, will it? Ah well, lets go anyway!" She kissed Toby passionately, just cause she could.

John punched Sherlock in the jaw. "You shot me!"

He sighed. "Once again, John, a brilliant analysis. But I do think it's time we move on. I'm bored."

He led the team back to terra firma. Things were going fine when suddenly he fell backwards, eyes wide in surprise as blood poured from his nose.

"What the hell?" he moaned.

Tobias sniggered. "Clumsy much?"

Sherlock hissed in displeasure. "There's a wall here. That really hurt."

Susie walked forward slowly, arms held out in front of her. When she encountered resistance, she guided her hands over the area. "Hmmm, wonder how high this goes? Can you give me a leg up my love?"

Tobias obliged, but all there was was more wall. She couldn't reach over it.

Mira thought for a moment. "Wait. What if we. . ." She ran around the perimeter. The wall went on for quite a distance in either direction. She came back, shaking her head. "No dice. We're stuck. Well, I for one think we should set up camp. I can cook, and we could get to know each other better." She winked at the oblivious Sherlock.

Romana walked forward too, curiously touching the wall. "An invisible wall… I wonder… Maybe only the next artifact seeker can pass? Or perhaps we have to wait…"

Susie meanwhile, had been tapping the wall, looking for any signs of weakness. She leaned her head against the invisible area, and found it to be smooth and warm. "So Sherlock…what's warm and smooth and invisible? Not to mention hard as a bloody rock!"

Sherlock gasped. "Oh. Yes! Why didn't I think of that?" His eyes were bright with joy. "Clearly, this is a wall made of pure light energy! No wonder I didn't see it. Now how do we get through something like that. . ."

He pulled the gun on it, but John twisted it out of his grip.

"No more shooting for you today, Sherlock."

Romana nodded. "Thank you, John. Last thing we need is more violence… I think patience is called for here." She leaned against the wall, feeling how warm it was, and smiled.

Mira followed suit. It was clear her smile was from a completely different set of ideas.

Tobias sighed. "So what's the plan, then? Susie, not Sherlock. It's your mission, sweetie."

Sherlock soured.

Susie giggled at the look on Sherlock's face. "I feel like we need to wait, my love. The time isn't quite right for us to pass…I think I'll know when it's time though."

Mira jumped up. "Yes! I'll get started on dinner right away! Tobias, how about you go draw some water. John, Susie, can you try and find bedding? Oh, and Sherlock?"

He looked up at her, still sore about not being in charge any more.

"You can just sit over there. I'll bring you dinner when it's ready."

He smiled gently at her. "Thank you."

Susie just shook her head at Mira's blatant seduction routine. Pity Sherlock still seemed oblivious! She linked arms with the two men and walked towards what seemed to be long reeds. "C'mon my lads, let's leave these two to their fun yeah? Come with us Professor, you could help us with the bedding!"

Romana nodded. "Right behind you." She caught up with Susie, Tobias and John, giving Mira a concerned glance. "You think it's ok to leave them alone?"

John looked at Romana, a bitter smile on his face. "If we had any reason to worry. . . Trust me. The man's as blind as it comes to romantic entanglements. He'll be fine."

Tobias smirked. "I don't think they're worried about him."

Susie looked at John in compassionate empathy. "I'm sorry John. But Tobi's right, it's not Sherlock I'm worried about! And I'm going to go ahead and apologise right now for anything I may be forced to do in the future to our idiot. Just letting you know!"

John groaned.

Susie just chuckled in amusement. "They'll be fine. Besides, from this close, we'll hear the gunshots if things get out of hand!" she was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she turned to John and Romana.

"I don't suppose you two would mind finding the bedding yourselves would you? It'd be nice to spend a few minutes alone with my still fairly new fiance!"

Romana glanced at John, then back at Susie, giving a nod and smiling "Of course! I don't mind at all. Come on then, John!" She tugged on his sleeve, leading him away.

Susie turned and took Tobias' hand in hers, leading him away from the other two. "Let's find somewhere a little more private my love!"

Tobias giggled nervously and followed her.

Romana smiled at the young doctor. "So, the famed John Watson… living as long as I have, I'm surprised I never ran into you and Sherlock before."

They reached the reeds, but she just stood there, looking out over them, and the water.

John blushed slightly. He was so extremely awkward with women. "I'm nothing special, surely. Most people say I'm just Sherlock's pet. And I'm not inclined to disagree with them."

She laughed softly, knowing he was a little shy. "Oh, come on! You've helped him solve cases, ones he wouldn't have without your help! If anything, he's your pet… You take care of him. I've never had a pet, but I'm assuming that's how it works."

John smiled warmly, but shyly at her. "Yeah. I guess that's true. But as far as pets go, I'm more of a turtle person. Sherlock. . . he's half bloodhound half neurotic labradoodle. Not exactly my first choice."

Romana chuckled over the description of Sherlock. "Ok, I see that… I bet he doesn't like it when you have a date.. I mean, if you do."

He blushed. "No, no. I'm not. . . well, It's not like. . ."

Romana was careful not to look directly at him, not wanting to embarrass him. "Not like what? No need to be shy, John, I've seen it all. I'm a lot older than I appear… I'm not even… well, that's another story."

John sighed. "Yes. He's annoying, and he interferes in every single part of my life. He touches my things without asking, never helps out, and treats me like a servant. And at the drop of a hat, he expects me to follow him halfway around the bloody world. And I do. So what does that make me, then?"

She didn't say anything for a moment, but turned and took one of his hands. When she did speak, her voice was soft and reassuring. "It makes you a good friend, John. You care about him, which is exactly what he needs… he needs to realize that."

John scoffed. "He needs to realize a lot of things."

He brightened suddenly. Too suddenly. "So. We should be getting supplies."

Her eyebrow rose, suspicious of his sudden change. "You… you love him, don't you? That's why you don't want to talk about it!" She sighed, nodding, looking around. "You don't have to answer that, we really should be…"

Moving away, she started looking for just the right reeds to use for beds.

John grabbed her arm. "Wait." He looked up at her, pleading. "Promise. . . promise you won't say anything. I don't think I could bear it."

She looked back at him, a small look of surprise on her face. She nodded, putting her hand over his. "Your secret is safe with me, John. I have no humanly reason to tell anyone."

Susie led her lover to a large clump of reeds that contained a small nest-like area in the centre. She turned and pushed Toby to the ground before straddling his abdomen. Leaning down so her hair fanned out around his head like a curtain, she kissed him hungrily.

Tobias gasped against her, his eyes closed. This has been a long time coming. "Susie. . . I. . ."

She placed her fingertips against his lips gently before kissing his jawline up to his ear. "Hush my love, let me just be with you in this moment. It may be awhile before we have another chance."

She continued to kiss his ear, biting down when he groaned in pleasure.

Tobias relaxed. "No reason I should get all the fun, though." He reached up and pulled her closer, nipping her neck gently.

Susie gasped in pleasure as her body responded to Tobias' actions, setting up a tingling low in her stomach. Her breath hitched at the feel of his teeth against her neck, and her hands fisted into his shirt before moving upwards to frame his face, bringing his mouth back to hers. She felt like she wanted to crawl into his skin.

Tobias reached behind her and massaged her back firmly but gently, his torso brushing up against hers.

She arched her back reflexively, before leaning backwards just enough to bring her hands down to his shirt. She dragged it out of his pants before pushing him to the ground again and kissing his stomach. She chuckled throatily when he gasped at the contact, her hands moving over his skin, slowly heading downwards.

"I think it's time we turn up the heat, don't you?" she murmured as her mouth followed her hands downwards.

Tobias smiled gently, his eyes worried. "Are you. . . are you sure?"

Susie raised her head, letting Tobias see all the love her eyes held. "Tobias Forth. I love you more than you will ever know. and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Tell me what would make you happy right at this moment and I will do my best to give it to you!"

Tobias smiled sadly. "Just that. What you said. That's enough. Everything else is extra. What do you want, Susie? I'd do anything in the world to see you happy. But I'm not -"

"I have everything I want right here," she cooed. With a sigh, Susie shifted her position, laying down on top of Tobias and resting her head on his shoulderblade for a moment, before turning and nipping his shoulder. "However, I'm very sure that I want this too. We've both been so patient, but I've run out of patience. I want you to make me yours in every sense of the word, and I won't take no for an answer."

So saying, she began kissing his shoulder, up his neck and jaw, until she reached his mouth where she kissed him as hungrily as she had at first. All the while her hands traced circles over his stomach, heading lower with each circuit. She gasped as Tobias' hands came up to encircle her waist, dragging her against his body before shifting and rolling over so he was above her. Then there was no more breath for words as they came together for the first time.

Back At Camp

When they finished getting the supplies, John and Romana returned to camp to find a very angry Mira poking at the fire with a stick. Sherlock's back was against the wall. He appeared to be napping.

John groaned. "What happened here?"

Sherlock didn't even open his eyes. "Oh good. You're back. Can you hand me my shades?"

John growled. "Where are they? I swear, if you say coat pocket again I'll kill you."

Sherlock smirked. "Oh you won't kill me. And yes."

"What's wrong with your hands, then?"

"They're busy."

Giving John a understanding smile, Romana set to work preparing the beds. When she was done, she turned to Mira. "Anything else I can help with, Mira?"

Mira sighed. "Not unless you can tell me what the hell's wrong with the pretty one. Hasn't said a word in hours. Completely ignores me. Am I that ugly?"

Sherlock rolled his eyes as John placed the sunglasses on his face. "Oh please. Naturally, it's all about you. I was thinking, you stupid girl. You were interrupting, and lucky I didn't shove you into the wall."

John smiled in understanding. "Haven't figured it out then?"

Sherlock frowned. "Why do you say that?"

"You're in a mood again. It's your I have no leads mood. I've seen it before. Stop bullying the poor girl and let me help, alright?"

Trying not to laugh at the situation, Romana led Mira aside. "Mira, I know he's very… sexy, but he's too much of a thinker to see what's in front of him. I doubt he's ever even been in a relationship. Personality wise, he's a high functioning sociopath. Not bad, but you can't approach him like a typical male. Use your mind instead of your looks and wiles."

She smiled at the girl, patting her shoulder, before going to finish dinner.

Mira smirked. "High-functioning sociopath is just another way of saying enigmatic and sexy. I understand it'll be hard but. . . no harder than. . ."

Susie and Tobias wandered into the group, arm in arm. "Okay kiddlings, who's figured out what we're doing now huh? Anyone?" She didn't really expect an answer.

Sherlock looked up at them, smiled, and looked away.

John frowned. "What took you two so long?"

Sherlock turned to him. "Are you blind? Can't you see that they —"

Tobias colored. "Yeah, anyways. . ."

John's eyes went wide. "Oh. OH!"

He sulked. Sherlock looked at him, confused.

Susie just smirked at Sherlock, but otherwise ignored him.

She looked at John in sympathy however, before leaning over to him and kissing him on the cheek. "It's okay John. I believe you will get the one you want…even if I have to smack some sense into them first!"

He groaned. "What? Does everyone know?" He blushed beet red.

Sherlock looked at him, grinning slightly. "Lady troubles, I take it. Can't help with that, I'm afraid. That's the one thing I freely admit I'm terrible at."

Susie sighed in disparagement, hitting her head against Johns' chest as if it were a wall. "Not everyone…but if I shoot the idiot, can he die more?"

Sherlock stared at them in confusion. "What? What's going on. . . have I gotten something wrong?"

"You have no idea," moaned John. He sighed, giving Susie a hug and walking away.

Sherlock watched him leave, unreadable. He turned to Susie. "So have you figured out the wall yet?"

Susie grinned. "Are you telling me you haven't? Score one for me then!" She looked around at the others. "We need a mirror. Anyone got one?"

"Wait," said John. He pulled off his shield. The underside of it was silver and shiny. "Will this work?"

Romana gasped. "A mirror! Of course, Susie, you're a genius!" She beamed at the Aussie, stepping over from the fire.

Susie looked at John in delight. "You're brilliant mate! Now, if you can convince our resident aspie here that holding this under the wall of light so us shorter ones can walk through is a good idea, we can keep going!"

Sherlock smiled. "Susie, you're brighter than I thought you were. Good work, John." He grabbed the shield, looking at John enigmatically. "Be careful."

Mira smiled back at him. "Oh, thank you, you sweet man!"

He ignored her. As everyone passed through, he lowered the shield. The wall closed behind them.

Faith's Half-World

Meanwhile, Faith was still lost in the void between life and death, her body covered and composed of a flock of locusts.

"Faith Harkness," crooned Osiris, lord of the dead. "There is one important thing I need from you before you rejoin your friends. It is. . . it is the only thing that can free them."

Faith looked at Osiris, feeling suddenly rather nervous. The last time someone had a request for her…well, the result is where she was…

"Um… Well if it will help, sure. What do you need of me, Osiris?"

"There is a spring of purest water, cried out by the blessed ones at the beginning of time. If you can bring back a vial of that water, a lock of the hair of an angel, and the left eye of my son, Horus, I can use this to save your friends. If they are still worth saving to you."

Faith stared at him. "What do you mean by 'if they are worth saving'?"

He sighed. "My fellow gods seem to trust them. I do not. Their faults are beyond measure: arrogance, lust, fear, brutality. . . I fear for the world if they return. Do you really think they are worth saving?"

Faith thought long and hard. Osiris did have a point. In fact, all of them possessed a critical character flaw that had the ability to be magnified if they got their hands on an artifact. Zephyrus proved that much. So were they really worth saving?

Faith took a deep breath and reminded herself of all the good. Tobias' kindness. Mira's determination. Lucian's protectiveness and love for his sister. Susan's desire to save Zephyrus and love for Tobias. Romana's mother-like Protectivness. Violet's passion. Shelock's wit and Watson's balance and kindness.

They were worth saving.

She opened her eyes and looked Osiris in the face, her eyes shining with a brilliance that had not been present for a long time. "Every being deserves a chance to prove themselves. We all have flaws. No one but the Perfect One does not possess one. The true test of virtue is countering the area of difficulty with the opposite virtue. I have faith in my friends. They are worth saving."

He smiled, handing her a small bag. "Then go with my blessing, child. Here are tools to aid you in your journey. But know this: even if just one of them fails in their quest, you will all be condemned."

Faith hesitated for a millisecond at the condemed part. But she had to trust them. They were more than capable of doing what they needed to do.

She took the bag and looked inside. It was empty.

Osiris chuckled at her shocked face. "When you need them, they will be there. Now go. You don't have long to save them."

He walked away.

Faith chuckled at the empty bag. "Osiris! Thank you for believing in me!"

He smiled over his shoulder. "Thank your mother!"

He vanished before she got a chance to ask questions.

Faith frowned. "My mother…" She shrugged it off. She was pressed for time, after all.

"Let's see… So I need to get a vial of tears from the blessed, a lock of angel hair and Horus' left eye. Well, I might as well start with the hair. So… where do I head?"

She began walking, thinking as she did. Then suddenly froze. "I'm looking for Weeping Angels."

She frowned. "Where does one find Weeping Angels?"

After a long pause she snapped her fingers. "In a cemetery! But where do I find one of those?"

The Locuts seemed to respond to the question and all of them began to flutter their wings at once…guiding her to Giza.

The Giza Necropolis

When she arrived, the Locusts settled. She gazed around the area to which she had been brought. A city of the dead.

"Oh… well this works."

She looked around, clutching her bag tightly. "I cannot blink. I must not blink. Then second I blink, I fail."

Within minutes, she spied a cluster of Weeping Angels circling a frightened-looking man. She gasped as she realized who it was.

"Oh, Dear God, No."

She hurried over. Maybe she could help.

"What the hell are these things?" cried Captain Jack Harkness.

"Weeping Angels," she replied, joining him. "Dare I ask, but What the Hell are you doing here?" Her mind was scrambling to find a way out of this.

Ironically, it was kind of like facing Death.

Jack stared at her. "What am I doing here? Oh. . . hey. You must be from the Time Agency. Wrist strap like that. Maybe you can help me?"

Faith frowned. "What wrist strap?" She refused to look down at her arm, but suddenly felt a pressure on her wrist.

Suddenly an idea hit her. "Don't take your eyes off of them."

She looked around wildly, trying to find something. She spotted it. The Great Sphinx… with its nose and beard still attached.

She smiled. "Jack! I have an idea."

She tried to lead him in the direction of the Sphinx. This would have to be done just right.

Jack paused, suspicious. "How do you know my name? I haven't even told you yet. And I prefer Captain."

He pulled away in panic. "Who are you? Where are you taking me?"

Faith sighed. "There is no time to be a coward, Captain. Just trust me, ok. And… you look alot like… someone I know. I'm a friend."

She continued to lead him towards the Sphinx.

He sighed."Fine. But after this, I expect an explanation."

"Yes sir."

After a moment, they finally arrived at the Sphynix.

Praying that something that could help them was in the bag, she reached in.

She pulled out a small round object. Jack looked at her in surprise.

"Where the hell did you get one of THOSE?"

"From… this bag. Um… what is it?" Her eyes moved around wildly, making sure that the angels were in her sights.

Jack beamed. "What is it? Honey, that's a top-of-the-line class five temporal grenade. The only one of its kind. I designed it when I was in school."

A smile tugged at her lips. "Perfect."

She looked up for a moment, and when she looked back, the angels were right in front of them. "Ok. How exactly am I gonna get up there…?"

"Up there? Here." He picked her up, judging her weight a little bit. He grimaced as the locusts crawled around his hands. Then he tossed her at the statue.

Faith grabbed purchase on the Sphinx's face. "How do I arm it, Captain?"

Jack stared at her. "I don't know! I never finished the design! Try spitting on it!"

"Spitting?" She looked at the object. She didn't have a lot of time. She spat and then set it on a ledge between the nose and the face of the Sphynix.

There was a voice from the grenade. "Oh, my. How rude."

Jack smirked. "Of course!"

The angels were gaining on him. He screamed up at Faith.

"Kiss it!"

She shrugged and kissed the object.

The grenade exploded. Rather than killing her, it appeared to open a hole in time. The angels and Jack were pulled towards it.

Jack cried out in terror. "Damn it! It still glitches! Help me!"

Faith sighed. "Crap. That is not what I expected…." She reached for her manipulator. "How the bloody hell does this thing work?"

Can it even help us right now?

Her manipulator fizzled. Angels began to get sucked into the void. Jack's eyes were desperate.

Faith moaned. "God! Help us! I can't lose any more people! I can't fail!"

Her mind was scrambling. What could she do?

"Calm down, Faith."

Faith froze That voice…the one that saved her from Gray…

"Think. That man is Jack. He'll be fine."

"But-"

"No. Listen to me. Jack can take care of himself. You need the hair of an angel in order to save other people you care about, Zephyrus included. Reach out! NOW!"

Faith's hand snapped out and grasped an Angel's head as it passed. Somehow, she managed to grasp the hair without being teleported to another time. As she smiled in triumph, Jack hoisted himself out of the hole, eyes narrowed.

"Are you crazy? I almost died! Selfish little brat."

Faith narrowed her eyes at him, but said nothing. She shrugged it off, knowing that he'd get over it eventually, and slipped the hair into the bag Osiris gave her.

Jack scowled. "Hey! I'm talking to you! Why are you ignoring me?"

Faith smiled at him apologetically. "I'm sorry. Are you alright?"

She looked up at the still open hole in time. "I think we should move away from here. Then I can answer the questions you asked me before."

"Fine," muttered Jack. He dusted himself off, still looking more than a little freaked out.

She led him to just outside the Necropolis. "What answers do you want first?"

Jack frowned. "First off, I want to know who you are. You seem so familiar, and I'm pretty sure you're a time agent. But I can't recognize you through all the . . .why are you covered in bugs anyways?"

She sighed. "My name is Faith." She gestured to the bugs. "I made someone… close to me… very angry. They cursed me. I'm sorry if they bother you."

Jack thought for a moment. "Faith? Wait. Faith?" He looked at her, trying to study her though the bugs. "It is you! Faith Harkness! My God. It's been. . . you don't seem any different."

Faith took a step back. He recognized her? Her voice fled her.

Jack smiled gently. "It's ok. Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you. And I won't ask if you don't want to tell me. Just. . . It's good to see you. Though I wish it were under better circumstances." He looked around at the desert. "So what are you doing here?"

"I'm on a mission."

Jack smirked. "Aren't we all? Anything I can help you with?"

As she was about to answer, a silver-haired man came stumbling towards them. He appeared to have fallen out of the time portal and looked extremely dusty.

"Where the hell is this, then? Who are you?"

Faith smiled. "Egypt. 200 B.C. or so. Are you alright?"

He gasped in pain slightly. "Christ! I seem to have sprained my ankle. Damn it!"

Faith's words sunk in, and his brown eyes went wide. "Egypt? How can I be in Egypt? Wait. BC? What? Ok, very funny, Sherlock. I know this is you. Where the hell are you?"

Faith lowered her head for a moment. "He's not here. But it is Egypt and it is B.C."

Jack walked up to the man, his signature grin ablaze in the desert sun. "Hello. I'm Captain Jack Harkness. And who are you?"

The man looked at him, slightly creeped out. "Detective Inspector Lestrade, CID. I'd like to say it's a pleasure, but honestly I'm not exactly in good spirits these days."

Faith studied the newcomer. She recognized the name, having read enough about Sherlock Holmes to know about Lestrade.

She smiled. "I'm Faith. May I ask what is wrong?"

"Besides the fact that I seem to be in the middle of the desert thousands of years before I was born?" He sighed. "There's a . . . situation. Many situations, actually. Ever since Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson vanished. They're presumed dead. And unsolved crime rates have begun to soar. We can't keep up. I'm at a thousand loose ends at once."

Faith thought for a moment. "I… I need to come clean about something." She looked between the two men. "Sherlock Holmes and John Watson are in the Land of the Dead right now. I'm on a quest to bring them and a small band of friends back."

She paused. "And I could really use your help. Both of your helps."

Lestrade shook his head, still trying to sort out the situation in his head. "As long as it gets me out of here, I suppose I'd be happy to help."

"Great!" she turned to Jack. "Captian. How did you get here? Do you have a ship or something? Because we may need it…"

Jack shook his head. "We are not using my ship. I'm sorry, but no. I won't endanger it. It's valuable."

Lestrade punched him in the face. "Selfish bastard."

Faith frowned at the violent detective, then turned back to Jack. "Jack. Lives are at risk here. At least two thousand or more. We need your ship. And I will use it, with or with out you."

Jack sighed and tossed her the keys. "Just don't let the silver fox here mess with anything. 21st century men are pretty, but stupid."

Lestrade glared at him. "Don't make me hit you again."

Faith grasped the keys. "Alright. We've got a spring to find."

On Jack's Warship

With Jack and Lestrade aboard, Faith was having Jack fly them north.

Very North.

She turned to the men. "We are looking for the tears of the Blessed. The best place to find that would be where Eden was."

Lestrade moaned. "You've got to be joking. Eden? as if Egypt wasn't weird enough."

Jack grinned. "Guess we'll have to get naked then."

Lestrade stared at him in alarm. "How is that at all a logical conclusion to what I just said?"

Jack chuckled. "It's not. But we're going to Eden. And besides, I like getting naked."

Faith rolled her eyes. "Not now, Jack. Focus."

He sighed. "Fine. But you can't keep me dressed forever."

Lestrade turned to Faith. "Why is he here again? We could have left him in the desert. He's worse than my eccentric."

Faith smiled slightly. "Because I need his help. Plus, when he's alone, he tends to get himself into a lot of trouble."

Jack laughed. "Trouble? I prefer to call it 'Sexy And Unplanned Adventures.' Unless you know something I don't?"

Faith rolled her eyes. "Nothing you need to know at the moment."