"What?" Andrew slowly approached Connor. "But... He can't be..."

"Stay back!" Connor hissed, throwing his arm out to push Andrew out of the room. "Get everyone out of here right now."

"Might as well keep them here." Angelus shrugged, keeping his gaze locked on Connor. "After all, I'm going to find them eventually. Might as well not put yourself through the trouble of trying to hide." His lip curled in a twisted smile. "You'll be last... Son."

While Angelus was focused on Connor, Salome used the opportunity to teleport next to Mandy, trying to collect the barely conscious girl into her arms. Connor noticed his girlfriend and flinched.

Without ever tearing his gaze away from Connor, Angelus swung his fist, striking Salome in the face. Reflexively, Salome teleported herself and Mandy back into the hallway, the force of the hit making her hit the wall.

"Interesting trick," Angelus laughed. He finally moved his gaze to Salome, eyeing her. "I guess Connor was right when he said you were... Talented."

Salome swallowed hard, uncomfortably under Angelus' gaze. She got to her feet, carrying Mandy to Lawrence. "Get her to the hospital. She needs blood."

"But..." Lawrence glanced into the living room.

"Dad." Connor tightened his hands into fists. "Go now. Take Gill and Mom with you."

"It's day." Spike stepped up alongside Connor. "He won't be able to follow you out."

Lawrence hesitated, holding Mandy to his chest.

"Dad, please!" Connor begged. "You have to go!"

"Be careful," Lawrence said quietly as he moved towards the door.

Connor nodded briefly, but stayed focused on Angelus.

"They'll go first," Angelus' voice was dangerously soft, his smirk sadistic. "Then Andrew and the gimp. But your little girls..." Angelus glanced at Oni and Salome. "I think I'll make it last with them. That one--" He smiled at Oni. "--She's ripe. I can smell it."

"Still the same Angelus as always," Spike taunted. "All talk."

Oni swallowed hard. "Is it really prudent to goad the psychotic vampire, William?"

Connor took a step towards Angelus. "You're going to stay the hell away from my friends."

Angelus stepped forward, almost nose to nose with Connor. "You think you can take me? What makes this time any different than the last hundred times you tried to kill me?"

"I think this time you don't have anywhere to go," Connor snapped. "Daylight, jackass. No way out."

"He's also got help." Salome stepped up alongside Connor. "Between him, me and Spike, we can beat you into a coma."

"Shame Darla staked herself." Angelus smirked at Connor. "Maybe you wouldn't be led around by the dick as much if you had a real mother."

Connor snarled, leaping onto Angelus. Angelus laughed as Connor tried to wrestle him to the ground.

Salome and Spike moved to assist him, but Connor turned back to them, glaring. "He's mine."

Connor savagely pounded his fists into Angelus' face. He could feel the cool blood spread over his knuckles. He continued the beating until Angel had stilled.

"I'll get a stake," Andrew said quietly.

Connor shook his head. "I don't need one."

"It's protocol," Andrew insisted.

"I don't need one!" Connor repeated, dropping Angelus' unconscious body to the ground.

"He's right." Spike crossed his arms over his chest. "Angel and I came up with the rule ourselves. If something like this happens, we're not supposed to fool around with trying to re-ensoul."

Andrew looked deadly serious. "Too many people have been lost trying that, Connor."

"Are the manacles still in the basement?" Connor asked.

Salome nodded. "But Connor... What are you going to do?"

Connor swallowed hard. "I still haven't figured that out yet." He looked down at Angelus once again.

*****

Starring

Vincent Kartheiser	Anna Paquin	Bret Harrison	Kou Shibasaki	Allison Mack	and Tom Lenk

****

Based on the Characters by Joss Whedon	Created by Emcee

****

*****

Chains rattled as Connor manacled Angelus to the wall. He tried to work fast as Angelus was beginning to stir.

"Are you sure you don't want a stake?" Andrew asked.

"Shut up and get the hell back upstairs!" Connor snapped angrily as he got the final cuff on Angel's ankle. "I don't want you down here!"

"Why not?"

Connor looked up. Angelus was awake now, tugging at his chains. "You afraid I'm going to hurt the little queer?"

"I'm just trying to keep him from staking you," Connor replied darkly. He rose to his feet, not afraid to get dangerously close to Angelus. "I want the pleasure all to myself."

Angelus glanced at the chains holding him. "Chains, Connor?" There was a mocking tone in his voice. "Really, son? What have you let that girl talk you into?"

" This is the great and terrifying Angelus?" Salome sneered, holding an icepack to her eye. She stood next to Spike, behind Connor. Salome shook her head slowly. "This is why you should never meet a legend. It's always a disappointment."

Angelus narrowed his gaze on Salome. "It's hard to kill a Nyazian... Right?" He chuckled softly. "It'll be interesting to see just how long it takes."

Connor's fist connected with Angelus' jaw. "If you even think about touching her, I'll kill you."

Angelus licked the blood from his lip. He smirked at Connor. "That gets more convincing   every time you say it."

Connor turned away from Angelus, striding off. He stopped at Spike's side. "Spike, I want you to watch him."

"Just going to leave me?" Angelus taunted. "What about what you promised Angel?" He laughed coldly. "What you promised Holtz?"

Connor's fists tightened. He clenched his teeth. "Spike?"

"I've got him, Slim," Spike kept his gaze locked on Angelus.

"You don't kill him," Connor's voice was deadly even. "If something's up, come get me. I don't want him dead."

Angelus shook his head. "You know, kid... You may have been psychotic, but at least you had edge when you were dumping me into the Pacific."

"Is it all right if we lock you in?" Connor reached over, grabbing Salome's wrist.

Spike nodded briefly, still glaring at Angelus. "If I'm allowed to hurt him a bit if he gets out of line."

"Spike," Connor hissed.

"Only if he needs it. I won't dust him." Spike rolled his eyes. "Don't get your tighty-whities in a bunch."

Connor ignored the comment, continuing up the stairs, tugging Salome along with him.

"Connor?" Andrew called down the stairs.

"Stay up there!" Connor snapped. "No one comes down."

At the top of the stairs, Connor pushed past Andrew and Oni. He frowned when he saw the empty wheelchair in the middle of the kitchen. "Where's Jamie?"

Oni lowered her head. "He was worried about Mandelina. He went to the hospital to check on her."

"Probably best," Connor muttered. "The farther away from Angelus the better. He's unpredictable and I don't know how long those chains will hold." He turned to Salome. "Is there anything you can do?"

"Like what?" Salome asked.

Connor shrugged, looking uncertain. "Put Angelus and Spike in another dimension? Like you used to do with the Nyazian Fang."

Salome nodded. "Yeah. I could probably rig something up. I can't guarantee it'll last long. Half a day at most."

Connor nodded. "Hopefully, that's as long as we need."

Salome caressed Connor's cheek, concern in her dark eyes. "Ace..."

"I'm fine," Connor insisted. He covered Salome's hand with his own. "I know it's not really him."

"Do you?" Salome asked softly.

Connor shook his head. "I... I gotta keep telling myself that. I can't just..." He pulled away from her. "Just see what you can do, okay?"

Salome nodded and went back to the door. She began to run her hands over the edge.

Connor turned his attention to Andrew and Oni. "Tell me what you know." He strode into the living room.

Andrew and Oni followed behind him. Andrew wrung his hands. "About what?"

"This demon," Connor snapped. "The one that took Angel's soul."

Oni looked grim. "Connor, this entity it did not just take Angel's soul. It's consumed it."

Connor flinched. "Can we get it back? Last time, Willow did a spell..."

Andrew shook his head. "It's not that simple, Connor. The demon... Angel's soul is inside him. And with every minute, it's getting digested."

"Oh!" Oni jumped, clasping her hands over her mouth. "There is a chance! According to Department H's research, the soul is only irreparably damaged after twenty-four hours in the demon's digestive tract."

Connor thought about it. "We were attacked at around two last night..." He looked at his watch. "We've got less than twelve hours to find the demon."

"What are you going to do once you find it?" Andrew asked.

Connor pulled the knife from the back of his jeans. "Then I'll tear the soul right out of him and put it back where it belongs."

****

The doctor stepped into the hospital room. The nurse handed him a chart. "She was admitted half an hour ago. Nineteen year old girl, suffering from extreme blood loss due to trauma to the jugular."

"Another one?" The doctor sighed, shaking his head. "So you've gone through the regular procedure?"

The nurse nodded. "If she responds to the treatment, she should..."

Mandy's eyes snapped open. She took in deep, gasping breaths. She looked down at her arms, frowning. She then began to pull them out one by one.

As she was pulling out the final one, the doctor noticed her. "Miss!"

"Angel," Mandy murmured. She climbed out the bed, ignoring the doctor's protests. She shuffled towards the door. "Why..."

"Miss!" The doctor got in front of the door, trying to block her path. "You have to get back into bed."

"I'm sure you're good at your job," Mandy murmured dismissively, pushing past him. "I have to go."

She smiled when she reached the hallway and saw Jamie standing there, waiting for her. "You're not supposed to be on your feet." She reached out, taking his hand.

"Neither are you." Jamie drew her close, kissing her soundly. "Are you all right?"

Mandy nodded. "A little shaky, but I'll be fine." She blinked, looking down. "Angel... He's Angelus isn't he?"

Jamie nodded. "Connor's got him locked up in the basement. They're going to go looking for the Devora Demon."

"Sounds like they could use my help." Mandy pulled Jamie towards the exit. "Let's get out of here."

"Miss Boyd!" The doctor called after Mandy. "You--"

 "Just send me the bill!" Mandy called back.

The Rileys turned at the sound of Mandy's voice. "Oh good," Colleen sighed in relief. "You're all right. We were worried, but the doctor wouldn't tell us anything."

"I'm fine," Mandy sighed. "One of the advantages of Slayer strength. Jamie and I are going back to the house."

Lawrence nodded. "We'll go too."

Mandy hesitated. "I..." She shook her head. "That's not a good idea. Not with Angelus in the house."

"Connor needs all the help he can get," Colleen said gently. "We're not going to just sit here."

Mandy felt the Rileys staring at her. She shifted uncomfortably. After a moment, she sighed resignedly. "Connor is going to kick my ass."

****

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Connor crossed his arms over his chest, looking down on Salome and Oni.

Salome set the map down onto the floor. "Are you doubting my prowress, Ace?"

Connor arched a brow. "Remember when I was sticking out of the kitchen table?"

"I'm never going to live that one down, am I?" Salome sighed, shaking her head. "This is just a simple locator spell. If we've only got a few hours left, we don't have time to be running around campus." She looked to Oni. "All right, Babe... You ready?"

Connor licked his lips nervously. "Come on, Baby..."

"Thespia, we walk in shadow," Oni said, closing her eyes tightly. "Walk in blindness. You are the protector of the night."

Salome raised her head, eyes closed tightly. "Thespia, goddess, ruler of all darkness, we implore you... Open a window to the world of the underbeings."

Both girls opened their hands and blew powder from their palms onto the map, creating a shimmering glow.

Salome opened her eyes. "With your knowledge, may we go in safety. With your grace, may we speak of your benevolence." She slumped slightly, groaning. "Man! Those damn Wicca loved to hear themselves talk."

"Did it work?" Andrew asked slowly.

Salome looked down at the map. "I... I honestly can't tell."

"What do you mean you can't tell?" Connor knelt beside the map. "It either worked or it didn't."

"Well..." Oni sighed, examining the map. "It should show each individual demon in the Palo Alto area, represented by small dots, colour-coded by demon."

Connor studied the map. Instead of small dots, there was a bright gold glow in the centre with long strands of red spider-webbing from it. "Then what's this? This doesn't look like demon dots."

"Holy Moses," Salome murmured softly. "It's overpowering the demons. The only thing in this world that's dark enough to show up is the Hellmouth."

"Quortoth," Connor whispered.

Salome nodded slowly. "This map is showing us every single rift in the Palo Alto area." Her eyes widened. "And they're getting bigger."

"How will be able to halt this encroachment?" Oni asked softly, her voice weak.

Connor picked up the map, shaking the glow away. "We'll do it. Right now, I don't care. I want to find this demon. What are our other options?"

"I can track it the old fashion way," Salome offered, getting to her feet. "From what I picked up when I fought it, its teleportation signal is a mile long."

Connor bit his lower lip, looking over Salome. "Sal..."

"Hm?" Salome looked to Connor. "What is it, Ace?"

Connor took a step towards Salome. "I gotta know..." His eyes were filled with fear. "What'll happen if you lose your soul? Nyazians can survive without one, can't they?"

Salome looked down. "You met Azriel and Cyvus, Connor," her voice was dark. "You know the answer already."

Connor squeezed his eyes shut, turning his head away from Salome. He considered it for a long moment before shaking his head. "No. You're not going after this thing."

"Ace!" Salome protested. "You can't be telling me you're benching me because this demon won't kill me."

Connor brought his hands up, burying them in Salome's hair, cradling her face. "Sal... I already have Angelus to deal with. I might have to... I can't do it twice. Not to you."

Salome caressed Connor's arm. "There's no guarantee, Connor."

Connor shook his head. "I don't want to take the chance."

"We're running out of options," Salome pulled Connor's hands away from her face, squeezing them gently. "What do you suggest we do?"

"Andrew." Connor let go of Salome's hands. "Call Willow. She's gotten Angel's soul back twice."

"I already told you it wouldn't work," Andrew pointed out.

Connor shook his head. "Do it anyway. She might know something we haven't thought of yet."

Oni stood back up and walked to the computer. "I'll strike the online community in the hopes of discovering an alternate way to track this creature."

"What should we do?"

Connor turned to the door. His eyes widened as he saw Mandy and Jamie enter, followed closely by the Rileys. "What the hell did you bring them back here for?" Connor snapped angrily.

"Language!" Colleen admonished. "I didn't raise you to be so rude!"

Connor flinched at her choice of words.

Mandy paused beside Connor. "Don't get all macho on me. This is a family issue."

Connor took a moment, taking a deep breath. "I'm trying to keep you safe." He grit his teeth, trying to control the anger in his voice. "That thing in the basement... It's a killer. I need to protect you from it." He pushed past them, striding out the door.

He went into the hallway and kicked open the weapon's chest beside the front door and pulled out an axe. He then began to gather other bits of weaponry, sliding them into any available pocket.

"You're going after the demon."

Connor turned briefly, looking to Lawrence. He then tugged up his sleeve. "I have to."

Lawrence shook his head, taking a hesitant step towards his son. "You don't have to."

Connor looked down, shaking his head. "It doesn't work that way."

"You have a choice," Lawrence stressed, putting a hand on Connor's shoulder. "This is your life, isn't it?"

Connor jerked away from Lawrence. "He's my father!" He looked away, only then realizing what he had said. "I..." His voice faltered. "I can't just leave him like this." He took a breath. "You're right, Dad. I have a choice. And this is it."

"So this is going to be your life?" Lawrence shook his head sadly. "Fighting demons? That's not what you want. I know that."

"I don't have time for this." Connor pulled open the door. He paused, not looking back at Lawrence. "If you're staying, get Salome to cast a spell to protect you." He strode out and slammed the door.

****

"He's under a lot of stress," Jamie apologized, setting coffee down in front of the Rileys. "You know the world might get sucked into hell."

Mandy nodded. "That'll make anyone crabby." She looked to Salome. "Are you going to go after him?"

Salome sighed. "I really want to Slayer... Unfortunately, I doubt that's what he wants at the moment. I'm hoping maybe this anger will help him track this thing down." She looked to the Rileys. "If you guys will go upstairs, I can cast that protection spell."

Lawrence and Colleen shared a look. Colleen got to her feet and put a hand on Jamie's shoulder. "Jamie... I was wondering if you could do me a favour."

Jamie nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Riley."

Colleen smiled at Jamie. "I've told you a million times to call me Colleen, Jamie." She gave him a one-armed hug. "Now... Do you know somewhere safe? Somewhere away from here?"

Jamie thought about it for a moment then nodded. "Yeah. I do."

"Good." Colleen became serious. "I want you to take Gillian there."

"Mom!" Gillian jumped to her feet, knocking over her chair. "But--"

Colleen released Jamie and faced her daughter. "Gillian, get your backpack. You're going to go with Jamie and do your homework."

" Mom ," Gillian whined.

Colleen glared at Gillian. "Go with Jamie and do your homework. And I don't want to hear another word." She looked briefly to Jamie. "Can you do that?"

Jamie nodded. "Yeah. Just don't get mad at me for taking your fifteen-year-old to a bar, kay?" He walked to Gillian, draping an arm over her shoulders. "Come on, Munchkin. Let's get out of here."

"Mrs. Riley." Andrew leaned against the wall, phone in hand. 'You're not really planning on staying here, are you?"

Colleen pulled the apron off the hook and put it on. "I'm planning on making my son's birthday dinner."

"Umm..." Salome held up a hand. "Actually, that's kinda my job tonight." Her cheeks were fuchsia.

Colleen smiled at Salome. "That's very sweet, dear. So what were you planning to make?"

"Umm... Well..." Salome shifted, the colour in her cheeks deepening. "I... I don't actually know."

"Have you ever cooked before?" Colleen cocked her head.

Salome ran a hand through her hair. "Well... I can make Mac and Cheese. Most of the time."

Colleen took a step towards Salome. "And don't you have powers that are needed to help Angel?"

"Well..." Salome nodded. "I guess so?"

Colleen cupped Salome's chin. "Then don't you think your talents would be better suited to fighting evil than worrying about dinner?"

"Well..." Salome frowned. "I... Well..." She looked to her friends. "I'm confused."

Colleen gave Salome a pat on the cheek. "I can't fight demons. But I can cook. Let's both do what we're good at."

Salome swallowed hard. "Mrs Riley..."

Colleen looked grim. "Help him. Please."

Salome nodded, smiling softly. "I always do."

****

"So..." Angelus tested his manacles. He glared at Spike. "Been a while since you and I got to chat."

"Not long enough." Spike leaned back, cigarette dangling from his lips.

"I've been meaning to ask..." Angelus worked the chains. "Just how pathetic are you? So desperate to follow me, you got a soul shoved in you."

Spike glared at Angelus. "Didn't have anything to do with you, git."

"Of course..." Angelus kept pulling at the chains. "Willy the Slayer Killer. You're not pissed you went through all that trouble... Only to have her bone the Immortal?"

Spike cocked his head, smirking. "You know, mate ..." He took a step towards Angelus. "While you were playing Daddy after the Game with Wolfram and Hart... The Immortal was the last thing on her mind."

Angelus laughed. "So you got to lay Buffy again. Good for you. Of course, trying to use her to upset me..." He shook his head. "Just gives me more reason to track her down... If only to piss you off."

Spike blew a cloud of smoke into Angelus' face. "So you don't care at all? How she screamed and begged. Last time, she wouldn't have been able to pick you out of a line up."

Angelus' lip curled in a snarl. "So how do you feel about following the twerp's orders? He's not really big with the leadership skills."

"He's a good kid," Spike crossed his arms over his chest. "Must be because you didn't raise him."

Angelus winced over-dramatically. "I think I'm gonna cry." He whimpered. "If you wanna hurt me, just stake me."

Spike smiled tightly. "Don't tempt me."

"Otherwise, Connor'll get mad..." Angelus tugged at his cuffs. "And you wouldn't wanna make the stick mad..."

"You of all people should know he's pretty tough." Salome strode down the stairs, crossbow in hand. "If you could look in a mirror, you'd see he turned your face into hamburger." Salome held out a mug to Spike. A drop of red liquid oozed down the side. "I thought you could use something to eat."

"Thanks, Princess." Spike accepted the mug, drinking it down.

"Don't I get anything?" Angelus asked, glaring at Salome.

"An arrow up the ass if you don't shut up," Salome snapped waspishly. She turned to Angelus, pointing the crossbow at him. She stepped towards him, only a foot away. "I thought you'd be full after your Slayer snack."

"What can I say?" Chains rattled as Angelus got enough slack to loop his bonds around Salome's neck. He pulled her to him. "You can never have just one."

Angelus morphed into his demonic visage and buried his fangs into Salome's neck.

Salome gasped, her eyes widened. Angel's chains clattered to the ground as they both disappeared.

ACT TWO