Disclaimer: All Buffy or Angel characters were created by Joss Whedon. Not me.
Author's Note: Yeah, so it's been a really long time. I don't know what else to say, because... well, it's life. But as you can see, the story is progressing. By the way, A Happy New Year, if a little late.
Chapter Fifteen: Fifteen Minutes
The Scythe. It was here, just before her eyes. Squeezed between other exhibits on an exposition. Swords, axes, daggers... The Scythe, not even hid behind a glass. In her reach. She spent so much time, wasted so much energy on finding that damned weapon and now here it was. A means to end this whole nightmare, complete her mission. But... should she take it? Why there was this little voice inside her head, warning her, screaming at her not to do it? She slowly took one more step towards it. This is it, her chance to prove herself. To show the world that she alone can save it. She was always omitted in 'The Hall Of Fame'. Only Buffy and her friends had place there. Even Angel has been kicked out. It was her time to shine. Her ten minutes of fame.
With that, Faith took The Scythe. No alarm went off, no big earthquake. Nothing. Brunette seized the weapon in her hand, weighting it. She knew what she had to do. With a perfect clarity, no room for a doubt. Take out Illyria. She went back to Anthis.
''Take me to Illyria.'' She ordered.
''What? Why?'' Demon questioned. She eyed the weapon suspiciously.
''She is the source of Angel's power. If I kill her, he'll be powerless.''
''Why do you think that-''
''Because you found it.'' Faith cut her off. ''Because you found me. You found Connor. Do it.''
''It's getting dark. We'll rest now, go in the morning. You don't want to be out in the night, trust me.''
''Bullshit. Nothing out there can take us on now.''
''We need to rest.'' Anthis pressed. For a moment, Faith seriously considered going off on her own, leaving Anthis behind. Eventually, she rolled her eyes. ''Fine.''
***B***B***
''Is either one of them getting better?'' Spike asked, even though deep down he knew the answer.
It was morning. Sometime during the night, Rain stopped convulsing. She just laid there, only breathing. Katie stayed by her side all night, never leaving the room. Illyria was laid out on the couch, her condition unknown. None of them knew what happened to her. Right now he was standing by the window, staring at the rising run. He could feel the gentle warmth on his face, something he forgotten a long time ago, yet not providing him any comfort. He wasn't counting the whole deal with Gem of Amarra.
''Not that I can tell.'' Amy answered, staring at the glass of water she held in her hand. She was sitting in the corner, having view on both of them. Connor and Lorne were asleep, their shift ended an hour ago.
''Something big came down last night.'' Vampire said quietly. ''You felt it, didn't you?''
Slayer raised her eyes. ''What do you mean?''
''I mean this... this force, this feeling that I have ever since Blue fainted.'' He stopped to gather his thoughts. ''Like there is something coming. Not in the general sense. Coming straight for us and we should get the bloody hell out of here. You know that I can feel The Scythe, right?''
''Huh?''
Spike sat down. ''Not like you, slayer lot. Just this... unpleasant feeling that I get whenever I'm close. Suspect every demon feels it. I'm picking that vibe since yesterday. Why? What changed?''
''I'm getting more like... warm fuzzies, really.'' Amy said. ''Maybe whatever hid it from us is no longer functioning. It's rightful place is near the slayer. Maybe somehow Faith found it.''
''Maybe.'' He mused. ''There's something else, isn't there? Feels different than the last time. Wrong, somehow.''
Amy set down the glass. ''You mean that feeling I have beneath the warm fuzzies?''
Spike stared at her.
''That I feel on the edge all the time? Like I should be wary of something. Like... Like the interior is not as pretty.''
He heard a sharp intake of breath. Quick checking on Amy told him she did too and together they rushed to Illyria. Both of them stopping on the way. Not knowing what to say.
There she stood, without any shade of blue on her body, her hair wavy instead of straight. She looked just like Fred. Except her outfit.
''You okay luv?'' Spike took a step closer.
Illyria stared at her hands, clenching and unclenching her fists few times. She looked at Spike with big, bewildered eyes. And then she sent a right hook right to his face.
''What the hell?'' He exclaimed after succesfully avoiding contact.
''My powers.'' She said, still in her low voice, yet it felt different. Not as hollow. ''They're gone.''
Spike and Amy exchanged looks.
***B***B***
After killing the summoner and his guards, Gunn let himself be guided by the blade. Sure, first he took care of his wounds and rested, but moved in the right direction. And right now it was pulling him down. Subway. Vermont/Santa Monica station. He looked down the steps, his eyes not able to fully penetrate the darkness. He took the axe off his back. With a weapon in each hand he walked down the steps. His sight slowly adjusted to the situation. The sound of his footsteps made a terrible echo as he moved deeper and deeper into the dark. Now he could clearly see the stains of blood on both the walls and the floor. Even though his pace was slow, it never wavered. He got to the platform after few tense minutes. The tunnel was blocked by a train. He felt as though he should go down it. Gunn got onboard and walked to the back. The exit was sealed shut. He fought with it for some time before finally wedging it open. Vampire jumped down on the tracks. And walked.
***B***B***
''What do you mean your powers are gone?'' Amy risked.
''They're gone. Vanished.''
''Like how?''
''I don't know.''
''You're kidding, right?''
''Angel.''
''What?''
''He did it. He actually did it.''
''What is she on about?'' Amy turned to Spike, who was just staring at the two of them without a word.
''You mean that Angel cut you off.'' He said slowly to Illyria. ''You're human.''
''Am not.'' Illyria gritted through her teeth.
''Or at least like one.'' He continued. ''So now he can come here and finish you off. Once and for all. You'll die. Permanently.''
She just stared at him. He ran his hand through his hair. ''Okay. What the hell does that mean?''
''He is ready for his final move.'' She answered.
''What, what is that? Take off the barrier and conquer the world?'' Amy asked.
''No.'' Illyria examined her body. ''Get a new vessel. A slayer.''
''Huh? What, Angel's not enough for him?''
''What do you mean a slayer? Like me?'' Amy said before Illyria could answer Spike.
''No. Not you. The other one. Older one.'' She opened her mouth to say something else, but stopped. ''I have to go to the... bathroom.''
''Do you even know what to do?'' Spike raised his eyebrows.
''I've got Fred's memories. Some of them at least.''
''Oh.''
None of them moved.
''What are you waiting for?'' Amy asked. ''Bathroom's this way.'' She pointed.
''I don't know how to shed this attire.'' She looked at Spike.
He held up his hands. ''Whoa, don't look at me, honey. How the hell did you put it on in the first place?''
''I've been clothed when I called on my sarcophagus.''
''Is that thing even removable? I don't see how...'' Amy walked in circles around Illyria.
''Yeah, well... Why don't you ladies go get some clothes to switch with this... attire, and I'll go wake the rest of the team and bring them up to speed, huh, what do you say?'' Spike walked back few steps and smiled, rather innocently.
Two women watched him. One with her mouth gaping open in disbelief, the other with calculated look. ''Endurable.'' Illyria decided and left.
Amy sent a murderous look at Spike, before reluctantly following.
***B***B***
Faith's eyes shot open, immediately searching for a threat. Nothing. She was still in the place she and Anthis squatted last night. She had to admit, she was tired yesterday. Brunette slowly got up. She scanned the area, but Anthis was nowhere in sight. Either bailed on her or she's checking the area. The Scythe was safely near the bed, along with the crossbow. She didn't want to let go of it, but her companion managed to convince her to. She felt somehow cleaner. Lighter, now that she wasn't holding it.
It was still early, from what she could tell. Faith searched through all the cupboards in the kitchen and came up with something to eat. Mostly stuff from cans. Then she visited the bathroom, put a little tooth paste on her finger. Proceeded with all the neccesary things to start the day.
When she went back to the bedroom, Anthis was already there, staring at the weapon suspiciously.
''What?'' Faith asked.
Demon shook her head. ''Nothing.''
''Right.'' Slayer grabbed her jacket. ''Ready to start the day?''
''Yes. I think I've picked up a trail. Maybe.''
''Uh-huh.'' She grabbed her crossbow and strapped it to her back. ''By the way, don't you, like eat anything? Not hungry or what?''
''I can survive without food or water for nearly a month.'' Anthis said.
''And you still keep in shape? Damn.'' Faith shook her head. ''Ever since I've come here, all I've been doing is losing weight. A month and I'll be all skin and bones with no room for muscles.'' She took The Scythe and eyed it for a moment. ''You're positive that when I off Illyria, Angel, or whatever that demon inside him is, will lose his power?''
''Absolutely. With little luck, he will be forced out of his host's body. Then he can be dealt with.''
Faith nodded. ''Lead the way.''
***B***B***
Amy walked back to the living room. Whole team waited for her there, even Katie who left her lover's bedside.
''What took you so long?'' Spike asked.
''Try to tear that thing off her, see how you do.'' She answered and sat down. Illyria came in, dressed in normal, if a little too big, clothing.
''Lookin' good, highness.''
Illyria looked at vampire. ''Don't mock me. This is no laughing matter.''
''She has a scent.'' Connor said from his seat a little farther. ''A heartbeat. Everything.''
Lorne fixed his gaze on her, as if trying to read her. ''She seems the same to me.'' He sighed and lowered his head a little, troubled. Connor narrowed his eyes.
''So, let's go back to our discussion.'' Spike offered. ''What the hell does he want with a slayer?''
''A new host.'' Illyria said. ''Angel's body is strong, but it lacks certain things. If he doesn't find it, the body will be destroyed.''
''Okay, back up. Why does he even need a host? Can't he like... manifest?'' Katie asked.
''No. His own body is not strong enough. Not on this plane.'' Illyria locked eyes with Connor. ''You're in danger too. I can't protect you anymore.''
''Huh? Why him?''
''He is capable of withstanding the power.''
''Great.'' Spike leaned back. ''So, we've got one person we have to protect, one we have to find and one who could serve as a back-up plan. That about right?''
''Yes.''
''How do we want to find Faith?'' Katie asked. ''We can't exactly go out on the streets. Your plan doesn't work either.'' She added to Spike when he opened his mouth.
''Me and Connor can try to track her.'' He offered.
''That only leaves Amy here. No, we are not separating.'' Blonde said. ''Every time we do, something bad happens.'' She looked towards the bedroom.
''She has a point.'' Lorne murmured. ''We have to stay here at least until we're all able to travel.''
''We are few in a city of many, vampire.'' Illyria said. ''We should not divide our strength.''
''What about Gunn? Where the hell is he, anyway?'' Spike looked at everybody.
''He went to ask Wolfram & Hart for help.'' Connor spoke up. ''Thought it was the best course of action. He could be anywhere.''
Heavy silence overcame them. ''Looks like we're stuck here until Rain...'' Spike trailed off, suddenly staring at Illyria. ''You said we shouldn't give it to her. Why?''
''It could kill her. That mixture works on molecular level.''
''So?''
''She means demons.'' Lorne said. ''They're build other than humans, you know that right? Obviously, it works on her but...'' He couldn't end the sentence.
''But to give it to a pure human means complications.'' Illyria continued. ''Physically she seems alright. Who knows what is happening inside her body?''
''What? What do you mean? What's gonna happen to her?'' Rush of questions came from Katie.
''Maybe nothing. Maybe she'll just never wake up.'' She answered. ''Or she might be different somehow. One thing is sure though. She'd be dead by now if not because of that.''
***B***B***
''Look's like I'm a little late for the party.'' Gunn whispered to himself. He found them. Still alive, just as Wesley said. He was standing in the tunnel, maybe halfway between stations. On the right wall, there was a mirror of water, flowing down. He couldn't tell where the water came from, or where it went, since the ground was dry. It was just there. So that is how they managed to stay off radar. Maybe someone in there was actually semi-intelligent. He reached out with his hand and surely, it went through. Vampire chuckled and stepped forward.
The feeling wasn't pleasant. Like walking through a veil of ice cold water. He looked around. It was pretty much an empty room, as far as he could see. Stone walls, lit by torches. A door few feet down the way. Some sort of chatter or other kind of sounds came from behind them. He sighed and opened them up. Any sound immediately died down and he was faced with many eyes. Demons of... many kinds were now looking at him. He looked over them, the room seemed to go on and on, without an opposite wall.
''So...'' He began. ''Can any of you speak any language I'm familiar with? Or understand me?'' He noticed that, even though now he knew many demon languages, some species he didn't recognize. From those he did, some didn't have mouths to actually speak, instead relied on facial mimics or other forms of communications, ones he wasn't capable of performing.
He was met with grunting, growling and other various sounds.
''Why, yes we do.'' A voice broke through the noise. It's owner was now coming closer to Gunn. He was taller and broader in shoulders than Gunn. He was a light shade of blue, with completely white eyes. No pupils, nothing. There were some tendrils or tentacles coming off his face, forming something like a beard. They reached all the way down to his chest. Cloven feet and a tail completed the picture. Also, Gunn noticed, he had a very lethal looking mace strapped to his back. ''Who exactly are you?''
Gunn eyed him. ''Charles Gunn.''
Every demon made some sort of sound, none of them sounded pleasant.
''You must be very, very stupid to come here Charles.'' Blue demon told him. He reached for his weapon.
''Whoa, hold on a second.'' Gunn raised his arms in surrender. ''I'm here on behalf of Wolfram & Hart.''
''Really?'' His tone said he didn't believe him.
''How else would I find you?'' Vampire showed them the blade. Demon reached out his hand and Gunn settled it into his palm.
''Real deal.'' He eventually said. ''How did this happen?''
''I gather you're the one in charge around here?''
''I am Danar. Currently leading these... survivors.'' He nodded.
''Right. Any place here we can talk?''
***B***B***
''How on Earth is asking Wolfram & Hart for help the best course of action?'' Spike asked Connor. The two of them were now on the lookout. They went in small circles around the house, checking for any signs of life.
''Well, we figured out that whatever it is inside Angel didn't come from them. Why else kill your own people?'' Connor said. They went down into the sewers. ''Gunn thought that if we were able to contact them they'd lend a hand.''
''Don't know how I feel about that. We are getting kinda desperate, but making deals with them? 'Cause I don't see no other way they could possibly help.'' Spike voiced his opinion.
''Enemy of my enemy and all that.'' Connor shrugged. ''Haven't heard anything since we left. Seems clear.''
''Always does.'' Vampire remarked. ''C'mon. One more sweep and we'll go back.''
They resurfaced onto the streets. Connor looked up. ''You know, we still don't know how to take this thing down.''
''The barrier? It will break. Somehow.''
''Don't be so optimistic about it.''
''Just tellin' how it is.''
''You noticed there is something off about Lorne?'' Boy asked, looking at all the windows he could see, trying to find someone there.
''How so?'' Spike got into a car and searched through it. ''Oh, here we go.'' He muttured to himself and opened a pack of cigarettes he found. Empty. ''Bummer.''
''He's different. Quiet. Like... like he's slowly giving up.'' Connor said. ''And now Illyria's human and it's no difference to him. If we're able to pick it up, shouldn't his reading powers give him a heads up?''
They continued their round. ''Maybe. I don't know. Reckon he's just tired of all of this. He wanted out, you know? This, our not so last stand, as it turns out, was supposed to be his last gig. And he's been pulled back in. He ain't build for this kind of life.''
''We'll have to scavenge soon. You're running out of blood, we out of food. We can't sit there and pretend everything's alright.'' Connor voiced his thoughts.
''Hopefully by then we'll be able to move.'' Spike answered.
''You did a good thing, you know.'' He said. ''Blowing up that gas station. Brought us back together.''
''Really? Faith's missin' and Rain's as good as dead for now. Great job.''
''In the end, it was worth it.''
Spike stopped. Connor looked at him questionably. ''What?''
''You feel that?''
''That unsettling buzzing that made us go check the area in the first place? Yeah.''
''I think it's getting closer. A little.'' Man said.
''Closer as in coming for us?''
''Yeah.''
''How do you want to approach this?'' Connor let his eyes wander around, not noticing anything threatening. ''We make a stand right here or go back and regroup?''
''It's still pretty far, I think. Let's head back, think of a defense line of some sorts. Or a quick way out.''
They took the next turn left and headed to their temporary shelter.
***B***B***
''What exactly do you expect us to do? As you can see we're a bit...'' Danar said, looking at the demons nearby. ''We can't win this.''
''I'm not asking you to go into a full-blown battle. This is still a formidable force here. We can start by picking them one by one.'' Gunn started. ''You can't stay here forever. This place is temporary. Sooner or later it will collapse and you will be forced to go back there. Better to do it on our own terms.''
''He will be able to feel us when we go back.'' Demon told him. ''He'll come running once he does. And that will be the end of us.''
''Angel can't be that powerful. To slaughter all of you in one place?''
''Angel? No. Adrian? Yes.''
Gunn furrowed his brows. ''Who's Adrian?''
''The one who's walking around in vampire's body.'' Danar explained. ''We had a run-in with him. We lost.''
''You should be able to overcome him with sheer numbers.'' Gunn noticed.
''Yes. Except he can't be hurt. Not by our weapons. Plus, we are not strong enough to hold him down.''
''Great. That's awesome.'' Vampire ran his hand over his head. Hair was slowly growing back. ''Why is that?''
''His power. The protection spells and charms he placed upon himself. Name it.''
''You know of any weapon that can hurt him?''
''Nothing we can get access to.'' Danar said. ''So you see, our position is not so great.''
''Think of something. Wolfram & Hart sent me down here for a reason. We have to figure something out.''
''Maybe they want you to sit this one out.'' He suggested.
''No. No this can't be it.'' Man sighed. ''Okay. Look, there are some key players still up there. Maybe if we joined forces...''
''The only way I can think of is to get him out of the dead body and shut his own down. With magic. Unfortunately we don't have nearly enough power to do that.'' Blue demon waved his tail in small circles.
''Every single thing you suggest is a dead end. You sayin' we are doomed?'' Gunn asked.
''Unless you find a solution... yes.'' Danar said.
''What about that crafty little knife I brought? Thought it would be useful.''
''Perhaps.'' He slowly said. ''Let me look into things a little further.''
***B***B***
''What are we doing back here?'' Faith stared at the remains of the gas station.
''This is the place we parted ways.'' Anthis explained. ''It's only logical we start here.''
''Yeah, whatever. Just lead the way.''
''This is not an easy job.'' Demon snapped. ''You want to try it out yourself?''
''Hey, you're the one who seems to be able to find anything.'' Slayer said impatiently. ''You are a hunter right? The prey's waiting.''
''You seem a bit... overconfident in your capabilities.'' Anthis noticed. ''Why of all the possible reasons do you think that Illyria will be an easy kill? You haven't even met her. And neither have I. Who knows what she is still capable of?''
Brunette turned on her heel and advanced on her threateningly. ''You should be more careful with your words. What makes you think I won't discard you here, right where we stand?'' She hissed. ''You're one of the things I should be slaying.''
Anthis, who was over a head taller, subconsciously took a step back. Her words, however, were cold and calculated. ''You need me to find her. You wouldn't risk wandering around the city cluelessly for days.''
''And once that ceases to be true?''
''I guess I will have to be faster than you.''
''Smart girl. Might be hope for you yet.''
They stood like that for a minute, before Anthis broke the staring contest and walked down the street. The exact same one Spike carried Rain to safety.
***B***B***
The sun was about to set. Amy was on her way back to the house. Last check, as Spike called it. The feeling grew stronger each second, so they went out, patrolling just in case. When they left, Katie was asleep next to Rain. Lorne talked with Illyria and Connor about Angel. She just reached the front door. Vampire should be back real soon, too. They just circled the house, each in opposite direction and met here about 5 times already.
A noise.
She turned her head immediately. Saw nothing.
''Hey.'' Her heart skipped a beat. To her left, maybe 10 feet away, stood Faith. How she got so close without Amy noticing, she had no idea. That's not what caught her attention though.
''You found it.'' She breathed.
''Yeah.'' Faith looked around. ''Anyone around?''
''How did this...'' Slayer tore her eyes away from The Scythe. ''Yeah. Yeah, come on. We're all in here.''
''Really?'' Brunette took a step closer. ''Illyria too?''
Amy narrowed her eyes. ''Yeah, she's in there. Let's get in, we shouldn't talk here, out in the open.''
Faith nodded. Then Amy turned to the door and in the next second some blunt object connected with the back of her head. She fell to her kness, dazed. A pair of hands cut off her air supply. She tried to break free, but the whole thing went down without any noise at all. Dark slayer lowered Amy's unconscious body gently to the ground. No need to kill her. She managed to control her breathing and entered the house. She held The Scythe ready, trying not to appear menacing. If first she saw someone else than Illyria, she'd simply pass them by.
''Faith.'' A quiet voice said. She looked to her right. Connor.
''Hey kid.''
He seemed to take it all in. ''How'd you find us?'' He eventually asked.
That was not a question she expected to hear first. Truth was, the moment she saw Amy walking down the street, she turned to Anthis, only to find her gone.
''Oh, ya know. Not only you have some mad tracking skills.'' She shrugged.
He focused on her weapon. ''Is that The-''
''Yes.'' She immediately said and discarded her crossbow.
''There is something... something off...'' He came closer to her.
Suddenly Illyria appeared next to Faith and whatever words she had to say died in her mouth. They locked gazes for a second and slayer wasted no more time in attacking. Illyria sensed this and moved back, but her now not supernatural reflexes couldn't save her. Connor's did, though. He pushed Faith at last possible moment and The Scythe, instead of hacking through Illyria, only sliced up her arm. Still, she fell down, clutching it to herself with a cry of pain.
''What are you doing?'' Connor asked her, standing between them. ''She's with us, remember?''
Faith looked at him dangerously, angry at her failed attempt. And she launched herself at Connor.
Very quickly he realized it wasn't the 'move away' kind of attack. She was out for kill. He managed to avoid the axe, but a fist caught his face. He struck back, not connecting with anything. What happened later could be described as a very brutal beatdown. Sure, boy somehow removed The Scythe from Faith's possession. Yet, for each punch he blocked, four more got to him and he didn't land even one. Illyria ran away and Faith, after dispatching Connor with a powerful kick that sent him crashing into the commode, grabbed The Scythe and pursued.
The racket they created alarmed the others. Lorne emerged from wherever he was and she, without stopping, jumped up and brought a nasty elbow to his face. Slayer caught up with Illyria in what appeared to be a living room. Faith held onto Illyria's arm, turning her around and kicked her in the stomach. Ex-goddess gasped silently in pain, not being able to scream due to all air removed from her lungs. Brunette grabbed a fistful of her hair and bashed Illyria's head into the table, hard enough to splinter the wood. Faith watched the numb body crumble to the ground. She raised The Scythe to end her.
''Don't.'' A new voice. Slayer faced Katie. Rain's gun aiming at her.
Faith lowered the weapon. ''Just let me do this.''
Katie shook her head. Faith dove down and the bullet that would've pierced her arm, flew through the air and into the wall. Blonde had no chance to pull the trigger again, Faith's fist shot up and connected with her chin. Dark slayer didn't put all of her strength behind it, otherwise Katie'd be dead. She sensed a danger from behind. Connor was back in the game and hit her in the face. She blocked another right hook and answered with one of her own. Followed it with a headbutt, a strike to his legs, bringing the boy to his knees. Forcing his head back, she intended to cut it off, but The Scythe was caught in something.
''Oh, come on...'' She growled under her breath and turned to see what it was. What held it back was Rain's hand. She looked like hell, with two days spent in the bed, fidgeting, sweating and crying in pain. The look on her face was feral. And was that her imagination or did her eyes seem a bit darker? Or redder?
A punch to the gut from Connor shook her back to the world. She punched him back, but the axe was torn away from her grip. She heard it crash into something. A punch from Rain connected with her face and Faith was surprised at the force. It knocked her head back, right into Connor's kick. Brunette's back hit the wall. She immediately pushed back from it, crashing into Rain and sending her into the opposite wall. With one opponent, she quickly gained the upper hand and with a high kick that got him partially in the ear, Connor left the fight not on his own terms.
She went back to Rain. Even though she appeared improved and got few good hits due to Faith's surprised state, was no match for her. She went down and Faith placed a boot on her chest, keeping her there. She increased the pressure and saw Rain fighting back. Slayer actually had to use most of her power to keep the trashing woman beneath her.
Reeling in pleasure of having a life depending on her, Faith hadn't heard someone approaching. Spike appeared and hit her with Faith's own crossbow over the head. She fell to her knees, but immediately tried to get back up. Only for Spike to get her straight in the face with the butt of it. She grasped at the last straws of consciousness leaving her.
''Sorry, luv.'' Faith heard Spike say, without a hint of remorse in his voice. Then darkness surrounded her.
Vampire dropped the crossbow. He slowly took the whole room in. Rain was on the ground, arms spread wildly, breathing heavily. Katie, Illyria and Connor were unsconscious. All of them bloody.
Amy slowly walked in, she still seemed disoriented. He hastily brought her back to the land of the living on his way in. Her eyes eventually found Faith.
''That bitch.'' She groaned.
''Why'd she turn terminator?'' Spike asked and offered his hand to Rain, who gladly took it. ''And since when are you awake? What the bloody hell is happenin'?''
Rain and Amy both shook their heads helplessly.
''I'll wake Lorne.'' Slayer said.
As if she said something magic, Rain ran to Katie's side. Spike kneeled over Illyria. She seemed like she got the worst of it. He got no response from her, but she was alive. Luckily, Connor began to stir after few shakes.
''She's not waking up.'' He heard Rain's voice. Vampire joined her and looked over Katie.
''Blue too seems really out of it.'' He muttered. ''She'll be fine.''
Amy walked in with Lorne, just in time to see Connor getting to his feet.
''Okay.'' Spike said, getting everyone's attention. ''Connor, find something to immobilize Faith. We don't know what's wrong with her. Lorne, get Illyria here.'' He ordered. ''We're leaving. Now.''
''Why?'' Lorne asked.
''All that noise could attract something. I'm not even talking about a gunshot. Let's grab what we can and move.''
Five minutes later, Spike held Illyria, Rain had Katie and Connor, with Lorne, secured Faith.
Amy grabbed the crossbow and picked up The Scythe. She grunted and looked at it strangely. Few seconds later she hissed in pain and dropped it.
''What's wrong?'' Spike asked.
''I don't know. It felt... wrong holding it. The longer I did, the hotter and heavier it became.'' She explained.
''Huh. Let me see.'' His attempt ended even sooner. They each tried to, but the succesful one was Rain. She picked it up and examined curiously. ''I don't feel anything.''
''Yeah, okay. Good. We can't explore it here, let's head out.'' Spike ordered. And so they left. Lorne with Katie, Spike with Illyria, Connor and Amy with Faith. Rain the one on guard.
And Anthis, watching them from the shadows.
***B***B***
''Please tell me we didn't totally waste the last 6 hours.'' Gunn groaned when Danar walked into the room.
''No. No, I don't think so.'' He said.
Vampire watched him with interest. ''So does that mean you found a way?''
''Possibly.'' He confirmed. ''We are not completely sure yet, but based on what you told us happened when you killed Hazzlit-''
''Who's Hazzlit?'' He interrupted.
''The summoner.'' Demon explained. ''Anyway, we believe if, poured enough magic into, the knife could actually hurt Adrian.'''
''How do we do this?''
''There are some... wizards and warlocks here that will attempt it. It comes with a price, though. Once they're done, this place will collapse.'' Danar said.
''You mean that when we get the weapon, he will come for us?'' Gunn asked.
''Yes.''
''Perfect. I can't wait to shove it up his ass.''
''Are you sure about this?''
''Yes. Yes, I am sure. How long this gonna take?''
''A day. Maybe two. We don't know how much energy can the knife take.''
''Good. Get on with it, immediately. When you're done, we're ending this.'' Vampire growled. ''Once and for all.''
***B***B***
So, that's it for now. But, know this. The next one will be up in about a week. Now that, I guarantee. As always, any kind of response is very, very welcome.