Down in the basement training area of Lamia House, Connor snapped the cuffs onto Salome's wrist, securing the shackles. She was still unconscious, but her sleep was restless. She writhed around and made small, pathetic noises, like a wounded animal.
"It's all right," Connor said, motioning to Andrew and Oni. "She's secure now."
"For the moment," Andrew said, taking a step forward. "What if she flips out again? She was able to get past the protection spell at Caritas. What makes you think shackles will stop her?"
"Blind hope," Connor snapped irritably. He held out a hand. "Hand me that blanket."
Oni grabbed the blanket off the dryer and cautiously walked over to Connor, handing it to him. "What was that? Such an occurrence is very unlike Salome."
"I don't know if it is her." Connor stroked her forehead, which felt warm. "It'll be all right, baby." He bent down, kissing her forehead. "I'll save you."
"What if--" Andrew started, but Connor glared at him to shut him up.
"That's not an option," Connor growled. "We are going to find a way to help her." He strode to the stairs. "Starting with finding out exactly what Lorne read."
Oni scrambled after him. "Are you sure Krevlornswath will be forthcoming? Salome did just single-handedly destroy his livelihood."
"I'll make him." Connor threw open the door and stormed into the kitchen. Lorne was at the table, holding an ice pack to his head. Crawford held out a drink to him which Lorne took in his trembling hand.
"What did you see?" Connor demanded, sliding into the seat across from Lorne. "When you read her?"
"You don't want to know," Lorne moaned, sipping his drink.
"If I didn't, I wouldn't be asking." Connor leaned in closer. "You've never held out on me, Lorne. What's going on?"
Lorne glanced up at Connor, his expression one of dread. "The last time I did a reading like that... Fire rained down on Los Angeles."
Connor nodded. "Cordelia."
"Yeah." Lorne downed his drink in one gulp. "Even then, I was still able to stay conscious. And not many people are able to monkey with the Sanctorum spell. Whatever's going on with Sal is powerful and it's dark."
"Is it her?" Connor questioned. "Was everything you saw from her?"
"You know the answer to that already, slim." Lorne moved the icepack from his head. "Of course it's not. She doesn't have that in her. But it's got a hold of her and it's not going to let go any time soon."
"What are we supposed to do?" Andrew asked, his voice shaking.
"Pray," Lorne responded coldly. "That she's strong enough to fight it."
"If she's not..." Connor's hand tightened into fists. "I'm strong enough to fight her. I've defeated Salome before."
Lorne leaned back. "I don't know. That's not how my powers work." His grim expression darkened. "But you haven't had a real fight with Salome since she took Cyvus Vail's powers. Even she doesn't know how much she has." He shook his head. "If she's running hot, you might not be able to beat her."
He paused. "Add to that, you won't go for the kill."
"Of course I won't!" Connor jumped to his feet. "She's my-- She's Salome."
"And that's not going to stop her-- or whatever she is-- from killing you." Lorne got up. "I have to go clean up the disaster area that used to be my club. But you--" He prodded Connor in the chest with his index finger. "I know how you feel about her. But remember, that didn't stop Angel from trying to kill Cordelia. You're a Champion, Kid. And some times that means the hard choice."
He turned and strode out without another word.
"Somehow, I feel less hopeful," Andrew's voice was small and pitiful.
Crawford took Oni's hand, squeezing it tightly. "Is there anything you need me to do?"
Oni smiled at him, squeezing back. "That is very sweet of you." She shook her head. "But I believe it would be best for you to return to your basement. It will be safer for you."
Crawford nodded and looked away. "Yeah... I'll leave it to the experts."
"I do not wish to de-include you," Oni said desperately, biting her lip. "I just wish for you to remain somewhere safe. Salome nearly electrocuted both of us."
"That's why I want to help," Crawford whispered. "You were nearly killed too."
"She is my best friend," Oni replied. She leaned in, kissing Crawford gently. "Please. Stay safe for now."
Crawford nodded and caressed her cheek. "Just watch out, all right?"
Oni smiled and pulled away from Crawford. He pulled up his hooded sweatshirt and left.
"What's the next step?" Andrew asked, looking to Connor.
"I want to stay with her," Connor replied. "Make sure she'll all right. And if something goes wrong..." He shook his head to dispel the unpleasant notion. He swallowed hard. "Andrew, get back on the phone with the Slayer's Council. I want everything they know. Oni, you hit the books. Mandy's skipped class to patrol. We should be covered for now."
"Maybe you should be out too," Andrew said quietly. "Maybe Salome's not the only demon this is affecting. There could be more..."
"She needs me," Connor whispered. He shook his head. "Don't ask me to leave her."
Andrew nodded, gesturing for him to go. Connor smiled gratefully and went back down into the basement.
Connor paused as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Salome was sitting up, her hands extended above her head. He looked at her warily. "...Salome?"
Salome wriggled her fingers in a pathetic wave. "You know, it was a lot more fun the last time you chained me up."
Relief washed over Connor and he rushed to her side. He pulled her close, kissing her firmly. "How are you?" He murmured, resting his forehead against hers.
"I'm all right," Salome sighed. "I'm... Really tired." She blinked, as if having trouble keeping her eyes open. "Do I remember destroying Caritas?"
Connor nodded. "Yeah. Kind of."
Salome considered this for a moment. "I'm fired, aren't I?"
Connor shrugged. "I dunno." He ran his fingers over her cheek. "But it's safe to say you're not going to be working for a while." He took a deep breath. "You seem all right now. Do you know what's been going on?"
Salome shook her head. "Not a clue. It feels... I know what's going on, but it's like I'm not there." She shifted. "There's something inside of me. It's dark and..." She shivered. "I'm trying to fight it and I can't."
"You can," Connor insisted. "Come on, Sal... You're the strongest woman I know."
"All the Slayers you pal around with and you still say that?" Salome arched a brow.
Connor shook his head. "No contest." He kissed her forehead. "What was the last thing you remember clearly?"
Salome shut her eyes for a moment, thinking back. "My Professor. He was lecturing me on my attendance."
Connor's brow knit. "You're having trouble in school?"
"Oh, there's a shock." Salome rolled her eyes. "Connor, I spend all of my time fighting the forces of darkness and tending bar. It's a little tough to work in lectures on Picasso." She sighed. "And this really isn't the point. After that, it's just little bits... I remember..." She grimaced. "Do I remember cutting Blondie?"
Connor nodded. "Did a number on her cheek."
"Huh." Salome frowned. "I'm actually kind of sorry about that."
"Maybe you're growing as a person." Connor checked her temperature. "You're still running really hot."
"It won't stop," a voice said from behind him. He turned around to see Mistress Meerna. She shook her head. "Not with the fires of hell raging in her veins."
"What?" Connor stood up. "What are you talking about?" He glared at her. "And what took you so long? Jamie called you hours ago."
"I--" Meerna paused. "I was afraid."
"Afraid?" Salome repeated. "But it's me."
"I know." Meerna took a deep breath. "But I've seen many people, good people, turn dark. I didn't know if I could survive it again."
"Well, you're here now," Connor crossed his arms over his chest. "What was that about the fires of hell?"
"We're not going to talk about it here." Meerna cast a wary eye on Salome.
"Why not?" Salome demanded, standing up. "This is happening to me. I deserve to know."
Meerna shook her head. "You won't feel any better knowing the truth." She gestured to Connor. "Come on. The rest of your little friends should probably hear this too."
****
Mandy stood in the middle of a darkened alley. She nodded as she held the cellphone to her ear. "Don't worry. I understand, Andrew. If Demon Girl is going crazy, there's no way Connor would go out patrolling."
Not dropping her phone, Mandy flipped a ruddy-skinned demon over her shoulder. It landed flat on his back in front of her. She drew her knife from its sheathe and plunged it deep into its heart. Black ooze spattered onto her face. She pulled the knife out and used the back of her hand to wipe her face. "Keep me posted, all right?"
She cleaned her knife on the demon's dirty robes before standing up again. "Oh hey..." She smiled. "If Connor's feeling icky about doing it, tell him I'll totally kill Salome for him."
She nodded. "Okay, talk to you later." She snapped the phone shut and slipped it back into her pocket.
Jamie jumped down from his hiding place on the fire escape. "You know, you're kind of a bitch some times."
Mandy thought about it, before shrugging. "I'm comfortable with that." She eyed Jamie, taking particular interest in his sling. "You know you didn't have to come with me. It's not like you can lend a hand." She gestured to him. "You only have one to spare as it is."
Jamie shrugged. "With Connor and Salome out of commission, I didn't think you should be here alone."
"Very sweet," Mandy said with a smiled. She strode out of the alley and began down the street. "Not very smart, but it's nice to have some help." She pointed ahead. "There's been a lot of demon activity out near the construction site. We should go check it out."
"Any news on Salome's condition?" Jamie asked, following a few paces behind Mandy.
Mandy shook her head. "Nothing solid. They're about to have some big group meeting. Hope you don't mind if we miss it." She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Of course, you can always go join them if you want."
"Salome is like a sister to me," Jamie replied. "But I'd really rather avoid any and all demon lectures." He caught up to Mandy. "Much more exciting being in the thick of it... Fighting that evil."
"I'm sure," Mandy laughed softly. She noticed a flash of light by the half-built building at the corner. "What's going on up there?"
She broke into a sprint. Jamie followed behind her as best he could. Mandy came to a stop next to a bulldozer. "Whoa!" She pointed down into the hole in the ground. "Look."
Jamie stopped beside her and looked down. "Whoa is right..."
There was a large cauldron located in the center of the hole. The ground surrounding it was cracked, but it was as if reality itself had been fractured, not just the earth.
Jamie looked up. He spotted the elderly man in a suit standing across from him. "Trying to speed things along, are you?"
Doc shook his head. "Not me." He pointed behind them.
Mandy whirled around. Magnimus smiled at her. "So... You're the Slayer." She punched Mandy, sending her flying. "It's about time we met."
****
Connor was hunched over on the couch, leaning against his folded hands. He shook his head slightly. "Salome told me Quortoth was affecting her, but..." He looked up. "Are you sure?"
"You know Nyazians are sensitive to the changes in reality," Meerna explained, pacing the length of the floor. "As the fissures increase, Salome is being infected by the dark forces seeping in from the hell dimension."
"But wait..." Andrew piped up. "You're a Nyazian. Why aren't you affected like she is?"
"One of the conditions of me leaving the Nyazian clan was I gave up my title and position," Meerna explained. "With Nyazians, titles are more than words... They're physical changes. My exile meant I gave up any claim to the Nyazian birthright."
"What does that mean?" Oni asked.
"It means I was made human," Meerna sighed. "Well, not exactly... But close enough."
Andrew nodded, understand. "That's why we've never seen you in a demon form, like Salome."
"Exactly." Meerna smiled tightly. "I no longer have one." She sat down on the couch. "Salome is taking the power of Quortoth into herself. It's strengthening the demon within her. But her human aspects-- her soul-- are fighting against it."
Connor swallowed hard. "She said she was being torn up."
"Spiritually, she is." Meerna rubbed her forehead. "Her illness is a battle within herself to maintain control. The violent outbursts... That's her pure demon side breaking free."
"But there are good demons," Oni pointed out. "Demons who do not hurt other beings. Krevlornswath... Clement... Chico... My mother..."
"All hybrid species where the humanity has overpowered their demonic nature," Meerna sighed. "The power from Quortoth is strengthening the demon, making her something that hasn't existed in this realm for millennia: A Nyazian from the Time of the Old Ones. And there's more."
"Of course there is," Andrew groaned.
"Quortoth isn't only strengthening the demon... It's forcing its way through Salome." Meerna stood back up. "If it were only the demon, maybe-- maybe-- you would have the chance to reach her. But all of the chaos and malice of the Dark Dimension are seeping into Salome. It's destroying her mind. And there's only one thing all of the beings in Quortoth want."
She turned to Connor, eyes glimmering. "And that's you dead."
Connor rose to full height. "You're her aunt." He took a step forward. "Now tell me you're not telling me to kill her."
Meerna kept her head held high. "I love my niece... Believe me. But I love this world more." She stared down Connor. "Salome was supposed to die when she absorbed Cyvus Vail's magicks, but you saved her. And I helped." She looked absolutely fierce. "And now I'm thinking I shouldn't have."
"I won't kill her just to save myself," Connor replied, turning away.
"It's not for you," Meerna replied. "It's for the world. I know I haven't been your biggest fan, but you are a Champion. The world needs you."
"And I need her!" Connor yelled back. He turned back to Meerna. "Find me another way to help her."
"Fine." Meerna put her hands on her hips. "Close the fissures to Quortoth. Problem solved."
"If you're not going to be any help, then you can just go." Connor growled.
Meerna sighed. "Salome is a Champion as well." She pulled her hood up. "Maybe she needs to be reminded of that so she can fight what's happening." With that, she disappeared.
There was a piercing shriek from the basement. Connor's eyes widen and he raced towards the door. He thundered down the stairs and stopped at the bottom. "Salome..." His voice filled with panic.
She was writhing in pain, red spark emanating from her hands. She pounded a hand against the wall. "Connor!" She sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh God.... Connor." She grabbed at her stomach. "It's...."
He raced to her side. "Baby, shh..." He tried to brace her.
She choked back her tears. "It's inside me... Eating me up...." She clenched her fist against her stomach. "It's going to destroy me."
"You're not going to let it," Connor whispered. He stroked her wild hair. "You're strong enough to beat this, Sal. I know it."
"There's something else," Salome hiccupped.
"What?" Connor asked.
Salome's hand darted out, grabbing him by the throat. She smirked, lifting him off the ground. "Psych."
"Sal..." He gasped, fighting against her grip.
"Love is so easily exploited," Salome growled, choking Connor harder. "You'll believe anything I say, won't you?"
Connor kicked Salome hard in the stomach. She released him, hitting the wall. Connor crouched on the ground, rubbing his throat. "Not that afraid of someone chained up."
Salome tugged her arm and the brace holding her chain to the wall gave way, concrete crumbling around it. She swung her arm, the chain striking Connor in the head. He stumbled and she pulled her other arm free.
"Even a God couldn't contain me," Salome growled. "You remember what I did to Jasmine, right?"
Connor's lip curled in a snarl. He swung his fist, hitting Salome in the jaw. "Remember what I did to her too." He kicked Salome hard in the gut. "I don't want to fight you."
"Don't you?" Salome asked, cocking her head. "Aren't you curious if you can? Been a while since we got in a rumble, Ace."
She swung her arm. The chain connected to her shackles wrapped around Connor's throat and one of his hands. She pulled it tighter, trying to choke him. He fought against it, pushing his hand forward. The chain bit deeply into his palm. "I'm not the girl you nearly killed after we screwed," she hissed. "I'm more powerful than you can imagine."
The pressure Connor put on the chain caused it to snap. Freed, he rushed at her, hitting her hard in the side and knocking her down. "Then why do you always need me to save your ass?"
Salome laughed coldly from the ground. She tugged on the chains on her hand, breaking them from the shackles. She dropped one, keeping the other in her hand. As she rose, she began to whip it above her head like a lasso. She thrust it forward, hitting Connor in the mouth. Connor's head snapped back and he stumbled. He spit out a mouthful of blood.
"It's your own ass you should worry about." Salome held up her hand and red energy coalesced. She threw it at Connor, knocking him back into the staircase, which collapsed from the sheer force of the collision.
Connor struggled to his feet, trying to find solid ground amongst the rubble. He licked the blood off his teeth. "I'm not down yet."
"You will be," Salome growled.
Connor shook his head. "Not quite." He leapt up, grabbing onto the edge of the door, pulling himself up onto the first floor. He limped, clutching his side. He spat more blood onto the linoleum floor of the kitchen.
"Sorry." Salome appeared in front of him. She punched him, sending him flying down the hallway, landing by the front door. "You don't get away that easily."
She stalked to him, bending over him. "This is it, Destroyer... All of your fighting..." He grabbed him by the shirt, punching him hard, making his nose bleed profusely. "All of your enemies..."
She ran an inch-long claw down the side of his face. "And it is the woman you love who finally bring your end."
"Salome," Connor croaked out, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
There was no affection in her face. There wasn't even a glimmer of recognition as she brought her hand up in preparation to deliver the final blow.
The front door swung open, a powerful blast nearly knocking it off its hinges. Another blast and Salome was knocked backwards, releasing Connor in the process. He collapsed to the ground. From his vantage point on the floor, he could see black boots striding towards him. He then saw her, purpose and grandiose etched in her features, Illyria looked down at him, cocking her head slightly. "Never send a man to do a God's job."