This was not Salome as Connor knew her. She did not look any younger, despite it being nearly three years earlier. But the aura that surrounded her was somehow... Different. Her dark eyes were made yet darker by heavy black and purple makeup. Similar hues colored her lips. Her skin, pale even when Connor knew her, was almost colorless, like porcelain. Even her trademark purple hair seemed darker than normal, almost black. Both her ears and nose had several silver piercings. An array of silver jewellery hung from her neck.
"So..." She sneered. "Are you guys going to go or what?" She hopped onto the counter. While something of the Salome Connor knew was definitely there, she was... Harsher. Instead of her trademark Doc Martens, she wore knee-high stiletto boots. She wore a purple leather skirt in lieu of her cut-offs. Her shirt was cut just below her breasts, showing off the dark purple marks on her mid-drift. "Or if you're going door-to-door converting people to Jasmania." She put a hand on her chest. "I'm quite happy with my current God-King of the Primordium. Sorry."
Connor was still stuck in shocked silence. Jamie held up his index finger. "One minute, please." He put an arm around Connor's shoulders and turned him around so their backs were to Salome. He leaned in close. "Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Salome say she hightailed it out of this dimension when Jasmine was here?"
"She lied," Connor finally managed to get out. He shook his head. "Sadly, not all that surprising." He grunted. "Great. Instead of Marty McFlying my existence away, I'm just going to do it to my love life."
"You think this is really going to affect things?" Jamie asked. He glanced over his shoulder to Salome, who was yawning dramatically.
"I'm not supposed to meet Salome for three months!" Connor hissed back. "It's the whole thing with the butterfly and the completely changing the course of history!"
"Calm down, Dude." Jamie gripped Connor's shoulder tighter. He glanced back at Salome again. "Are we even sure that's her? I mean..." He watched as Salome lit a cigarette and blew out smoke rings. "She doesn't look like that three months from now."
Connor shrugged. "She said she softened up a bit when she went off to school," his voice was a little feeble. "And she's still kind of like Sal..."
"Hey," Salome called out. "You two girls going to stop chit-chatting and tell me what the hell you're doing here?"
Connor turned, taking a deep breath, trying to steel his nerves. "We're here to see Meerna. We need her help."
Salome shook her head. "'Fraid you're going have to go somewhere else." She puffed on her cigarette before blowing out the smoke and licking her dark lips. "She's elsewhere to the extreme at the moment. Other dimension." She moved a box. "Ever since the rain of fire."
"Why didn't you go with her?" Connor asked.
Salome hopped off the counter, eyeing Connor. "Who are you? Sixty Minutes?" She looked him up and down before sighing resignedly. "I had school. I want to go somewhere good next year." She butted out her cigarette on the counter. "I couldn't afford to miss any, even for the Apocalypse."
Connor glanced over at Jamie, shrugging slightly. "Screw it."
Salome crossed her arms over her chest. "Excuse me?"
"We need your help, Salome," Connor sighed. "And, not to be overdramatic... But the future of the world depends on it."
****
Andrew shook his head wildly. "No, no, no... This is impossible."
Salome rubbed her chest. "I'm just telling you what came to me, Andrew." She rolled her eyes. "You can stop being all... Well, you about it. Plain and simple: I met Connor and Jamie when I was in Los Angeles, before I moved to Palo Alto."
"Why didn't you mention this before?" Mandy asked. "Seems like a pretty vital piece of information."
"I didn't know it before," Salome insisted, glaring at Mandy. She took in a harsh breath. "Dammit, I think Faye-smine broke a rib."
Oni held out an icepack to Salome. "Are you sure your brain did not suffer damage during your fight?"
"I've had fights with Gods before." Salome hissed as she placed the icepack against her chest. "I never had hidden memories about meeting my boyfriend come out."
"Maybe you finally snapped," Mandy offered.
Salome's gaze narrowed further. "Somehow I doubt it. I'm telling you... This is what happened. Jamie and Connor came into Meerna's shop. And it wasn't like it was crazy, Jasmine-following Connor." She looked up as she thought about it. "If I remember correct, he was wearing the same clothes he was today."
"Are you positive?" Oni bit her lower lip.
Salome shrugged. "It was three years ago, I can't be sure. But if Connor and Jamie did go back in time... Maybe they did decide to track me down. I mean, I'm the only one of us who was in LA at the time."
"Okay..." Andrew nodded. "I'm not certain exactly how time travel works, but if they met up with you in the past, shouldn't you remember everything that happened?"
Salome shrugged. "Well, my knowledge of time travel boils down to Police Box or Delorian." When she saw Andrew grin, she gave him a small kick in the leg. "You're a bad influence. Anyway, it was like a fog lifted and suddenly I remembered meeting Connor and Jamie. But when I try to go any further... There's more fog."
"Is there anything you can tell us?" Mandy asked worriedly.
"They're safe." Salome's own expression showed her concern. "At least, for the moment."
****
In the backroom of Meerna's shop, Connor and Jamie sat across a table from Salome. She rested her chin on her hand, watching them carefully, suspiciously. Her lips were pursed tightly. "So... Let me get this straight... There are some people who want to guarantee that Jasmine stays in power and you want to stop that. And you think I'm the only person who will be able to help you."
"We know you are," Connor replied. "If you haven't noticed, there's a real shortage of people who aren't ready to crown her queen of the world."
Salome got up from her chair, slinking across the table so she was nearly nose-to-nose with Connor. "I need you to answer me one question, Tex..."
Connor licked his lips. The proximity to Salome-- from any time-- produced the same results. "What's that?" His voice was hoarse.
"Are you or are you not--" She pulled back slightly. "--Jasmine's father?"
Connor's shoulders slumped. "How did you know?"
"I'm not a complete Tard," Salome sat back down. "I do watch the news." She got up and strode to the door, yanking it open. She gestured to the doorway. "Now don't let it hit you in the ass on the way out."
"We're serious!" Jamie protested.
"Come on!" Salome laughed coldly. "I'm supposed to believe Jasmine's father came here to get me to take her down? Why the hell would I believe that?"
Connor stood up, ferocity burning in his eyes. "Because a week from now, I kill Jasmine."
The door closed a bit as Salome took a step back. "Huh?"
"I put my fist through her head and she dies." Connor stepped towards Salome. "And everything that's going on here ends. Those people who are trying to make sure Jasmine sticks around... They're from the future. And so are we." He stopped in front of Salome. "If they aren't stopped, you'll never be able to leave here. Jasmine will take over the world and will hunt down everyone who doesn't worship her."
Salome shook her head. "You're looking for help in the wrong place. I'm a high school student who works part-time at a magic shop."
"You're a Nyazian demon," Jamie pointed out.
"Nyazians aren't really known for their survival skills," Salome snapped. "That's why there's like four left."
"You're stronger than you think." Connor brought a hand up to touch Salome's cheek. Salome gasped, releasing the door and letting it slam shut. "You've gotta believe me... Jay and I need you. You're the only person who can help us stop the Acolytes and get back to our own time."
Salome reached up, covering Connor's hand with her own. She stared into his light blue eyes. Slowly, she nodded. "Okay..." She pulled Connor's hand away from her face. She lingered for a moment, holding his hand. "Against my better judgment, I'll help you."
Connor smiled. "What made you change your mind?"
"You've got an honest face," Salome replied. "And bashing in Jasmine's skull sounds a bit too random to be a lie."
"Oh my God..." Jamie got up. "That's it."
Connor let go of Salome's hand and turned to Jamie. "What's it, Jay?"
"Sarah Connor." Jamie nodded. "That's it... In a week, you take Jasmine out. How do the Acolytes guarantee Jasmine stick around?"
Connor's jaw dropped. "You think they came back in time to kill me?"
Jamie nodded. "Before we figure out a way back to the future, we better make sure you have one."
Connor nodded. "We better get back to the Hyperion. Salome, stay here and--"
"Hell no." Salome shook her head. "Your thing sounds a lot more fun than staying here and researching time travel. Besides, those Jasmaniacs probably have an exit strategy. I'm sticking with you two." She opened the door once again.
"Erm..." Connor winced. "Before we go." He looked over Salome. "You might want to put on something a bit more low profile."
****
Salome ran a hand down her thighs as she walked down the Hyperion Avenue with Connor and Jamie. "If you two made me put on jeans and a t-shirt just to lure me into a trap, I'm going to be severely pissed."
Connor looked over at Salome, smiling softly. Despite her protests, her clothes were still tight, accenting her figure. "If it makes you feel any better, you look really good natural." He reached over, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "Without all the make up."
Salome arched a brow. "Do I?"
Connor looked away bashfully. "Well, you look good in just about anything."
Jamie rolled his eyes. "Is this really the time?"
"Hey..." Salome bit her lip, nudging Connor. "Do we know each other?"
"Huh?" Connor feigned innocence. "What are you talking about?"
"Riiiight," Salome laughed. "'cause you randomly decided I'm your only hope for saving humanity. So frequently am I mistaken for a saviour."
"We go to school together," Connor admitted, keeping his eyes averted. "We'll be friends."
"That's all we can tell you," Jamie announced, looking over his shoulder. "Or the timeline will explode."
"For serious?" Salome looked to Connor as he began to walk towards the Hyperion.
Connor stopped beside the building and jumped up, grabbing onto the fire escape ladder and pulling it down. "Not really sure. Possibly."
Salome sauntered to Connor, tugging playfully on his collar. "Since I'm the only one here who's never time travelled, I'll trust you." She smiled down as Connor gave her a boost up the ladder.
"So what's the plan?" Jamie followed behind Salome up the ladder.
"At the moment, make sure I'm still alive." Connor brought up the rear, keeping a watch out for anyone-- especially himself or his father.
"I'm pretty sure you are," Salome commented. "Seeing as you're all--" She gesticulated at him. "--Still here."
"Then we're going to make sure I stay here," Connor continued. "I-- I mean, past me-- sticks pretty close to Jasmine, at least for now. I go out looking for Fred every once and a while, but the Acolytes won't know where I am. They'll be looking for me here. Stop on the second floor, Ba-- Salome." He caught himself quickly before he used his term of endearment. "That window is my room. But make sure I'm not in there first."
Salome peeked in the window. "Coast is clear." She pulled herself in the window.
Jamie looked around Connor's room. He frowned at the crib in the corner. "Dude, you kept your crib in your bedroom?"
Connor scowled. "We didn't know Jasmine was going to be an adult." He shrugged before going to the door. "Okay..." He fished his pocket watch out. "I think I'm in the hotel now."
"Think?" Salome groaned. "Doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence, Tex."
"It was three years ago!" Connor protested, opening the door. "Come on, let's go..."
"Connor?"
Connor pulled himself back into the room and slammed the door. He stood against it, looking down at the doorknob.
"What happened?" Jamie asked, climbing over the bed to stand beside Connor.
"My dad and Jasmine saw me." Connor's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "They're coming down the hall."
There was a gentle rapping on the door. "Connor?" It was Jasmine. "What are you doing?"
Connor squeezed his eyes shut, trying to will his heart to stop its rapid beating.
The doorknob rattled as one of them tried to turn it. "Connor?" Angel called out. "What's going on?"
"Open the door, dumbass," Salome hissed. "They already know you're here."
"What am I supposed to do?" He asked, grimacing.
"Lie!" She rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up in the air. "No wonder you need my help!"
Connor took a deep breath and stepped away from the door. He grabbed the knob and opened it, plastering on a large smile. "Dad... Jasmine... Hi..."
"Connor," Jasmine placed a hand on his cheek. "I thought you were helping Wesley and Gunn with the plumbing."
"Took a break," he answered quickly-- a bit too quickly.
Angel gestured to Connor's clothes. "Weren't you wearing different clothes?"
"Took a break to change," Connor amended, nodding. He looked down at his shirt, which still had a large cut in it. "But this... Obviously got ripped..." He looked up, eyeing Angel and Jasmine. "Must have been from patrolling. You know... Demon claws." He nodded. "I'm going to change again...." His eyes brightened as he was struck with inspiration. "Into what I was wearing before. You know, I really liked what I was wearing before." He took a step back, hoping Angel couldn't sense the thrum of his heart. As he retreated, he bumped into Salome.
"You have visitors." Jasmine smiled and nodded to Jamie and Salome.
"Yeah..." Connor looked at his friends. "The hotel was full and they really wanted to be close to you.... So I said they could stay here, with me. They're cool."
"That is so generous of you." Jasmine beamed. "My sweet boy." But as she smiled, she eyed Jamie and Salome suspiciously. "Well... Aren't you going to introduce us?"
"Umm..." Connor nodded. "Yeah. This is Jamie and Salome." Instinctively, he reached for Salome's hand and squeezed it. When he noticed Angel and Jasmine's eyes on him, he abruptly let go.
"May I have a word with you, Connor?" Jasmine asked. She looked to Jamie and Salome, then Angel. "Alone?"
Angel nodded and retreated back out of the room. Salome and Jamie waited for Connor to nod before following Angel out.
Jasmine sat down in the easy chair and held a hand out to Connor. He sat down in the chair across from her and took her hand. He stared at their joined hands, sighing.
"Connor, what is troubling you?" Jasmine stroked his knuckles.
"Nothing is bothering me," Connor replied. "Everything is great. Things are... It's good." He paused. "Except for Fred..." He looked up finally. "But you'll make everything all right. I'm sure of it."
Jasmine reached up and stroked Connor's hair. "Something has seemed different about you today."
"You don't have to worry." Connor averted his gaze again, afraid meeting Jasmine's eyes would reveal the truth. "It's just been a weird day."
Jasmine rose from her seat. "You should rejoin Wesley and Gunn." She walked to the door. Pausing mid-step, she turned back to Connor. "Oh, and your friends..."
Connor held his breath.
"Be careful," Jasmine said, her voice slightly dark. "I don't want you to be hurt."
Connor smiled, the perfect lie coming to his mind. "That's impossible with you here."
****
With Jasmine now gone, going down the hallway with Angel, Connor stuck his head out the door. He smiled in relief when he saw Salome and Jamie waiting in the hallway. "Good. I was kind of worried Jasmine was going to ask you two for a special audience."
"Your father was giving me a speech about getting the rest of the demon world to join Jasmine," Salome explained. She put her hands on her hips. "Yeah, you want to explain how he could tell I was a demon?"
"He's a vampire," Connor explained.
"Well, duh." She rolled her eyes. "I meant the part where you lead me into the House of Demon Hunters and not tell me people can tell I'm a demon!"
"He's not going to kill you as long as he thinks you worship Jasmine," Connor assured her, squeezing her arm. "You'll be fine."
"You might not be if we get spotted again," Jamie pointed out. He reached over and pulled the hood of Connor's shirt up to cover Connor's face. "Come on, you're supposed to be the hero around here, Connor. Gotta remember that."
"Sorry." Connor adjusted the hood so it didn't obscure his vision, but kept his face well hidden.
"So what's the plan now?" Jamie looked around, rocking on the balls of his feet anxiously.
"Jasmine said I was helping Gunn and Wes." Connor pointed up. "That means I'm one floor up, working on the plumbing. We should go up there and make sure the Acolytes hasn't gotten to me yet." He looked from Jamie to Salome then back again. "And when I say we, I mean you two."
"You recruited me to sneak around some old hotel?" Salome rolled her eyes. "Maybe I would have been better researching your time problem."
"I've talked you into worse," Connor commented wryly, looking back to his room. "You two head upstairs and I'll go back out, see if I can find any of the Acolytes lurking around."
He headed back into the hotel room. "Hey wait..." Jamie took a step towards Connor. "Any advice for how to stealth it up?"
Connor shrugged. "Don't talk to anyone?" He went back into his hotel room and shut the door.
Salome nodded. "Okay... He fills me with buttloads of confidence."
"I think the stairs are over here." Jamie grabbed Salome's arm to lead her down the hallway. "Let's just keep our heads down and get it done."
Salome groaned and allowed Jamie to pull her along towards the stairwell. They passed a few people. Each other them were smiling broadly, one or two saying "Praise Jasmine," as they went by.
"Try smiling," Jamie hissed to Salome as he opened the door to the stairwell. "We're supposed to be in a Utopia Funland. You're going to give us away."
"Sorry if I'm having a bit of trouble here," Salome licked her lips, looking around warily before she closed the door. "I'm not exactly used to putting myself in life-threatening situations..." She paused. "...Not caused by drugs or alcohol, at least."
Jamie looked back at her briefly as he started up the stairs. "Wow. Never thought I'd hear that from you."
Salome took a few steps to stand on an even level with Jamie. "So I do this sort of thing a lot in the future?"
Jamie eyed Salome, hesitating to answer. "I really shouldn't tell you. The timeline and all."
"You pretty much screwed that up when you came to see me," Salome replied. She gave Jamie a shot in the arm. "Come on... I actually put myself into danger?"
"Pretty much." They reached the top of the stairs and went into the hall. Jamie crept along quietly. "But you've got a massive rep as a huge demon badass."
"I'm just kind of surprised." Salome was actually smiling.
Jamie looked back at her. "Connor wouldn't let anything happen to you."
Salome didn't respond, she just looked at Jamie thoughtfully as he peered into an open door. "I see him," Jamie whispered, pointing inside. "He's going through a toolbox and... Handing it over to Wes." He pulled back. "We're good."
"All right." Salome nodded. "Let's go find Future Boy then."
****
Jamie let go of the fire escape ladder, grunting as he hit the ground. Salome looked over at him. "So where do you think he went?"
"Not far," Jamie said, walking alongside the building. "He wouldn't leave us." He pointed. "Look. He's right over there." Connor was near the back of the build, his hood down.
But Salome didn't look at where Connor was. She was looking up, hand held against her brow to shield her eyes from the sun. "What the hell is going on up there? There's someone..."
Jamie looked up and noticed a shadowed figure on the roof. He then noticed something else. "He has a gun!" He yelled. Before Salome could stop him, he had broken into a sprint. " Connor !"
Connor whirled around. "Jamie? What's going--"
Jamie dove, pushing Connor out of the way as the bullet whizzed towards them. He let out a cry as they both hit the ground.
"Jamie?" Connor's voice was laced with panic. He slid out from beneath Jamie and rolled him over. His eyes widened as he saw the blood staining Jamie's shirt. "Jamie!"