Buffy stirred uncomfortably. She moaned softly and tried to bury her face deeper into her man's shoulder to make believe the noise didn't happen. Just as she was about to drift off again, the noise repeated.

Someone was knocking loudly on the door. Two things struck her still-groggy mind immediately. Number one, she could've sworn she heard two people lightly snoring, neither of which was her. Secondly, the shoulder she'd been nuzzling was, well...beefier than the one she generally spent her sleepy time with. As she began to process thoughts more clearly she remembered where she was. She was cuddled up against her best friend.

Opening the eye that wasn't against his shoulder she did a quick check to make sure no arms and legs were placed inappropriately. Satisfied that nothing was rubbing anything the wrong way, she looked over at her hand, placed over Xander's chest. Faith's hand was resting on top of hers, her dark hair obscuring her face as she lay against his left side.

Just as Buffy decided that she was perfectly comfortable and was drifting back into dreamland, the door was pounded upon for a third time. A sleepy male voice spoke softly.

"Whoever's doing that is in serious trouble for messing up my dream."

Faith was smiling slightly, eyes still closed.

"What were you dreaming about, baby?"

"I was sleeping with two hot Slayers at the same time."

Buffy sighed heavily and willed herself to rise, removing her hand from underneath Faith's. Xander made a whining noise that made her smile through her morning crankiness.

"I got it. You guys were nice enough to let me stay here. Allow me to pummel whoever is making that noise."

"Go get 'em, B. Hit 'em once for me."

Buffy rolled out of the bed, groaning audibly as she looked at the digital clock on the end table. Six fifty-three. The world better be ending. She padded barefoot to the door, opening it to find her younger sister rummaging through her gym bag, wearing gray sweats with a white tank top. She spoke while still searching for something.

"Took you long enough. I tried to get Buffy, but apparently she couldn't get her lazy ass up to get the door. Anyway, I need a workout partner and--" Dawn looked up and stopped, surprised to see Buffy's glaring face. "Do I have the wrong room?"

"No, it so happens you have the correct room, and for your information my ass has a great work ethic, thank you very much. Now go away. Meeting's at 10:30." The Slayer began to close the door in her sister's face, but Dawn held up her hand.

"Come on, Buffy. How long has it been since you had a decent workout?"

"Not long enough."

Faith's voice came calling from within the room.

"Are they gone yet? Are you hitting them?"

"Still here, Faith, and hitting is becoming a more likely option every moment."

"Hey Faith," Dawn called out. "You wanna work out with me? Buffy's being a wuss."

"Again?"

"Hey! I thought you were on the side of pummeling her a second ago."

"Oh, I still am. Had to agree with the obvious, though."

Buffy folded her arms. "Ok, I'm motivated now. Congratulations. Faith, you're coming too...unless you can't keep up, of course."

Faith looked up at Xander. "Can you believe she's using such cheap tactics?"

"Don't get me involved. This is girl power stuff."

"Yeah? Guess what. You're coming too, big guy."

"Huh? Wait a minute. Since when did I get included?"

"If I gotta get up, so do you. Come on." She slapped him on his thigh. "Rise and shine, otherwise I'll just carry you down there right in front of everybody." He groaned as she playfully tugged on him.

"Can't I just get you guys some donuts and provide moral support? That's what I do best, really."

Dawn had walked in to wait while Buffy had gone into the bathroom to brush her teeth. She addressed him earnestly.

"Xander, it's good for you. You've been laying around in a hospital bed for two weeks. You need to get the blood flowing. Plus, I need someone to tire out before I do to prop up my self-esteem. Even out of shape Slayers like these two can outdo me because of their totally unfair advantage."

"Owwa shate ma ash."

Dawn raised an eyebrow. "What was that, Buffy?"

Faith answered while slipping into her tennis shoes.

"That was mouth full of toothpaste talk. Ditto for me, by the way." She raised her voice. "Hurry up, B, Xander has to get in there. He's doing the I gotta pee dance."

Buffy rinsed and walked back into the bedroom, almost bowled over by a rushing Xander.. "I have to go to my room and change."

"That reminds me....why the need to stay here?"

"The boys got a little tipsy. I gave them some alone time."

Xander spoke as he was loading his own toothbrush after his necessary morning pit stop.

"The guys went out and got drunk? No one told me. I feel so whipped sometimes."

Faith went into the doorway as he brushed. "Yeah, but you got something better right here at home, dintcha?"

Xander rinsed and smiled. "Can't argue that. You haven't officially said good morning to me, by the way."

She moved into him. "Good morning, Xander."

Buffy was putting on her slippers. "Dawn, I'll be right back. Let me grab my toothbrush." She went into the bathroom to find Faith and Xander kissing. "You think you guys can keep your hands off each other long enough to help us out today?"

The dark haired Slayer broke away. "I'll manage to hang in there if you keep your mitts off Blondie. From what Xander told me last night, you're quite the little machine."

"Yeah, like you're not. I'll be right back."

"We'll be here." Faith gave Xander a seductive look and a glance into the shower. "Possibly in there."

"My sister is in the next room."

"Right. We'll have her turn the TV up really loud."

Buffy sighed melodramatically and left the hotel room.

****************************************************************************

"Mmmm. Slayer, I've got something sweet to give you."

Spike moved his hand over the chest of his companion, eyes still closed. He loved waking up to the feel of....he frowned. A couple of his favorite things were missing...

"Oh, Bloody Hell!!"

He scooted as far back as possible, almost throwing himself off the bed.

Angel moaned. "Uggh. Stop screaming, please." He opened his eyes. They widened quickly. "What the Hell are you doing in my bed?"

"Your bed? This is MY--" he looked around. "Wait a moment. Not sure whose bed this is, actually."

Angel placed a hand over his throbbing eyes.

"We were going to teleport, right?"

"Oh, yeah. Must be in Florida." Spike glanced down. "Right then, issue number two. Clothing is...where exactly?"

"There's some over here," Angel replied. "These must be for you. They're little boy sizes."

"Sod off."

They were putting on their underwear when Buffy slid her key card into the door and walked in. She stopped and shook her head with a smile.

"Took you guys long enough to get dressed. Anything I need to know?"

Angel slipped on his black khakis, groaning as he bent over to pick up the shirt he'd dropped. He lay back on the bed, again covering his eyes. Buffy sat at the edge, still grinning.

"Hung over, are we?"

"Mmmf. I can't believe I let Spike talk me into this."

"Don't blame me. I just provided the alcohol. Never put it in your mouth. You just need more practice, is all. I feel fine, myself."

"Is that really something to be proud of?"

"Beats the Hell out of being in pain, now doesn't it?"

"Mmmf."

Buffy shook her head and began digging in her suitcase for her sweats. "We're going to work out. You guys wanna join us?"

The vampires just stared at her.

"Naah, didn't think so. Meeting's at 10:30. Angel, will you be ok by then?"

"Good enough to show up and listen. No guarantees beyond that."

"Well, that's enough for now. I'll see you guys in a couple of hours. Oh....by the way. How much of last night do you two remember?"

The men exchanged glances. Angel was the one who spoke.

"Pretty much nothing. It'll come back eventually."

"Right. Ok, then. See ya."

"Wait a second, Buffy. Did we do anything....regrettable?"

She shrugged. "Not with me. Can't say what you may have done to each other, though."

She left the room with a smile as the two vampires stared hard at one another.

*******************************************************************

Walt Disney was a man of many eccentricities. In his time he was hailed as a visionary in some circles; many also believed him to be terribly naive. While his original dream of building an affordable place for families to go to experience Disney magic in California nearly resulted in his financial destruction, it eventually turned into a multi-billion dollar corporate giant, though once this occurred he was no longer alive to see it.

In the mid-sixties, shortly prior to his death, he did something deemed even crazier than his improbable success in California by investing a considerable amount of money on undeveloped land in Florida. Tens of thousands of acres, regarded by most as useless, now belonged to Walt Disney Inc. In 1971, five years after the death of the man himself, Walt Disney World opened to the public.

Over the next thirty-three years Orlando has transformed from a rather sleepy hub for citrus growers into a major city, with nearly a million inhabitants when the surrounding suburbs are factored in. The once defunct Air Force base that now serves as the city's civilian airport now transports a staggering thirty million people per year, traffic that rivals the country's largest cities.

An entire economy has literally been built on the strength of one man's dream. Over time, what was originally the Magic Kingdom grew exponentially. Now when a family comes to the "happiest place on earth" their choices include EPCOT Center, Disney's MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, two major water parks, five and a half championship golf courses, three miniature golf courses, a campground, a racetrack, a House Of Blues, a Cirque De Soleil, a Planet Hollywood, dozens of restaurant choices that serve every possible taste, twenty-three on property hotels--

"And a partridge in a pear tree," Xander finished, looking up from his copy of Willow's fact sheet/essay. Each member of the Gang sat in the room she and Dawn shared in the Contemporary Hotel, two floors down from the rest of the group. All were holding their own pages. Buffy looked up from her copy.

"I particularly like the section where you state that despite the crass commercialism that runs contrary to Walt Disney's original values, the magic remains. Very nicely written."

Willow smiled. "Thank you. It's also true. I remember when I went to Disneyland with Xander when we were eight. I saw Goofy walking toward me right as I went through the gate, and it was an amazing moment. I was overwhelmed."

Xander frowned. "I thought you peed your pants."

"Well....yes. I define that as being overwhelmed. Thanks for sharing that little factoid with everyone, by the way."

"So Red, this rule that says no one who works with the public can have a mustache, is that actually true?"

"Yes, though they've relaxed it a little in certain areas."

"What a bunch of tightasses."

Buffy smiled.

"Thanks for the contribution, Faith. So Will, there are tunnels underneath the parks themselves like Wesley said?"

"Yes. I was able to do a little research. In discreet little corners all over the Magic Kingdom, for example, there are doors that say 'Cast Members Only'-cast members are employees-that lead down to this huge network of tunnels. Lots of rooms and big hallways that can fit forklifts and stuff, a big cafeteria....pretty much an underground city. Only there, though. Nothing like that was done with the other parks."

"Vampire heaven," Angel commented.

Buffy turned to Wesley. "How much do you know about this Colonel guy? Outside of the fact that he isn't the one with the white beard who knows how to use eleven herbs and spices?"

"Martineau has been with the Council for over twenty years. He's highly respected." Wes considered a moment. "Perhaps feared would be a more proper word. I barely knew of him. Most of what I know is based on rumor. He was very much in the shadows during my time there."

"Well, he's center stage now. Nothing specific you could give us? Strengths, weaknesses?"

Wesley considered a moment.

"As I said, I knew little of him personally. It was all rumor. If I were to assume that half the rumors were true, however, I'd say he is utterly ruthless. A good example is the legend that went around during my early years of Watcher training. There had been reports surfacing that Plague Demons had been found in a remote region of the northern provinces of China. Travers dispatched Martineau to deal with this emergency."

Spike's ears perked up. "Really? Plague Demons? Haven't heard about them in a while. Thought they were a myth. They don't kill in the traditional manner, right? Something about just touching victims."

Wesley nodded.

"Yes. They supposedly spread disease through the pores of the skin. Many believe the Black Plague of Europe during the Middle Ages was caused by this particular breed. They literally feed on contagious disease. Humans, of course, do most of the work for them once they're infected by spreading it amongst themselves.

It was feared that another Plague was about to take place. Martineau entered the village and captured the demon--it turned out there was only one--and tortured it for information. The demon told him that he wasn't a Plague--in fact, as the story goes, the demon told him they were indeed a myth--but admitted to killing four villagers. Martineau destroyed him....then ordered that the village be destroyed as well. His men gathered all the inhabitants to the middle of the village and...."

Wesley hesitated a moment, looking for a proper word. Finally he grimaced and finished.

"They were executed."

Faith frowned. "What? Why?"

"It's said that he didn't trust the demon's word, and did what he had to do for the public good."

Buffy's voice was quiet. "How many?"

Wes met her eyes steadily.

"Versions vary widely....most of them place the death toll at around four thousand people."

No one could think of a thing to say at that moment. Dawn spoke quietly.

"He killed them all without knowing any facts? What if the demon wasn't lying?"

"In the Council's charter, all demons are liars and murderers. We're taught to believe nothing any demon has to say. I think Martineau considered the executions to be acceptable losses for the greater good. If the demon had spread Plague, many more would die in the more undeveloped regions in the area."

Buffy shook her head.

"Acceptable losses? Slaughtering a few thousand people is a good thing?"

"I didn't say I agreed with him, Buffy. I was merely stating it from his point of view. An addendum to that story, by the way: apparently Martineau ordered the executions on his own initiative. When he returned home and reported to Travers, he was given a special medal and a raise in pay. The medal was in recognition of fortitude in the face of great peril."

Faith shook her head. "I'm feeling more comfortable with the idea of ending this guy. You think that story is true, Wes?"

"Knowing what I know now? I do, yes."

More silence. Angel spoke at last, ignoring his still pounding head.

"So we stop him. We track him and do what we have to do."

Wes frowned.

"I wish it were that simple. Angel, the Security Council is a highly trained group of men. I don't know how many they have now, but there was once 100 of them, with training that closely resembles the American Special Forces. I'm at a loss as to what our group can do. Hand to hand, of course, we have a legitimate chance to win because of the presence of two Slayers and vampires, and the rest of us can certainly contribute, but they will have other weapons to use besides their hands. Other than you and Spike, we can't stop bullets."

Buffy spoke softly. " So we find them before they find us, and we cut the head off the snake. Then we hope the body dies. Otherwise....let's not think about otherwise."

Dawn cut her eyes toward Spike after hearing the familiar phrase. He looked back at her for a moment and then toward the wall, lost in thought.

"We have a lot of ground to cover," Angel said. "We'll have to split up."

Buffy nodded. "Ok, teams of two. Dawn, you're with me. We'll hit Magic Kingdom and check out the tunnels. Wes, you and Willow take EPCOT Center. They have that World Showcase thingy. Seems like a good spot for them to hang. Faith and Xander take MGM Studios. I don't know what you guys will find, but we should check things out anyway, just in case. Any objections or thoughts?"

"I guess we just sit here all bloody day," Spike grumbled to Angel. Buffy nodded sympathetically.

"I thought about that. After sundown you two can check out Pleasure Island. Most of the clubs don't open till after dark anyway. I checked."

Angel closed his eyes. "If I have to look at any alcohol I might be ill."

Spike clapped him on the back, eliciting a groan.

"Fair enough. All things considered that's where I'd like to be anyway. Angel will just have to manage."

Buffy grinned. "I figured as much. Ok, gather round. Tickets for everyone."

*********************************************************************

"I think we're in the hot spot today."

Wesley looked at her strangely.

"It is rather warm, I suppose."

"Oh...yes. That's not what I meant, though," Willow said.

They'd just arrived in EPCOT Center, mainly trying to look around without giving off the appearance of looking. Willow was checking her park map under the huge shade provided by the signature landmark of the park, Spaceship Earth. Locals often referred to it as the Giant Golf Ball. Finding her desired destination she began walking, with Wesley quickly joining her.

"What I mean is, if I were a member of the council I could blend in here rather easily."

"I suppose. Considering its multiethnic nature, a theme park works rather well. People come here from all over the world every day. No nationality sticks out."

Willow raised her eyebrows.

"Exactly. Plus, in this particular park they have a built in cover."

"Such as?"

Willow nodded her head forward, indicating deeper into the park. "Buffy mentioned it earlier. Come on, I'll show you."

They walked further back toward the World Showcase, a sort of mini-parade of nations around a man made lake. Several different nations were represented by individualized pavilions, some providing brief, rather generic descriptions of their respective cultures. Each featured a restaurant with a menu that reflected their nation's national cuisine. Willow stepped into the Mexican pavilion, for little reason other than to take a respite from the extreme heat. On the June asphalt, Disney World could often feel like a moist oven in the afternoons.

"You want to get some lunch?"

Wesley considered.

"Well, not in here. There's a Mexican restaurant in LA on every block. Let's try something different."

They decided to head toward France.

"Can I ask you something that's been bothering me all day?"

"Certainly."

"What exactly are we supposed to be doing? I mean, what are we looking for, specifically?"

Wesley considered her question.

"That's a good question. I'm not certain. I believe Buffy wants us looking for signs of the Council's presence, but it seems to me that she and Dawn will have the best chance of that. These are extremely intelligent people. It's not as if they just pop up out of nowhere."

At that moment he sensed a presence appear to his right.

"Wesley."

The former Watcher turned, seeing an old man dressed in the clothing that Disney deemed acceptable for an authentic Norwegian. He squinted and looked harder; he could've sworn he knew that voice. Still, this man had a completely different face. Wesley spoke cautiously:

"Herr Katzenbach....is that you?"

*******************************************************************

Faith and Xander were holding hands, walking out of Star Tours.

"That was okay."

"I'd give it a five."

"Pretty cool flying in behind Luke and R2. Blowing up the ole' Death Star."

"I guess."

Xander frowned with concern.

"Everything ok, honey?"

Faith took her hand from his and walked away from him slightly.

"I feel like we're wasting time. I mean, we're supposed to be on the lookout for bad guys and instead we're going on rides. This is a serious life or death deal and we're screwing around."

"Not so easy to find the bad guys when they don't change their face or have funky colors and shapes, is it? You never know. We might find something."

"Come on, Xand. Are you trying to tell me that this is what we're supposed to be doing? You and me aren't exactly the brains of this outfit."

Xander stopped in his tracks.

"Faith, you're one of the brightest people I've ever met. You need to believe that."

Faith looked down at the ground.

"That's cool of you to say, but I'm pretty much fighter girl. Buffy points, I slay. Works easier that way."

"You underestimate yourself. When things are happening fast, you piece things together just fine. Spike told me it was you who figured out Travers was using me to weaken Buffy. If you hadn't, Buffy would be dead right now."

Faith just shrugged.

They walked in silence. Faith began feeling distinctly uncomfortable. It wasn't like her man to be this quiet for this long.

She attempted to retake his hand, but he pulled away from her. The dark Slayer frowned, hurt.

"What's wrong?"

He merely shook his head. Faith moved faster and stood in front of him, forcing him to stop.

"Xander."

He tried to walk around her, but she caught his arm.

"What is up with you? What did I say?"

He looked into her eyes, clearly troubled.

"I guess I never realized some things until just now."

"What things? You're losing me."

"Probably, yeah."

Faith shook her head and held up her hands. "Hang on. Rewind. What's the what, here?"

It was Xander's turn to put his head down.

"You think I'm stupid."

"Huh? When did I say that?"

"Just now. I'm not the brains of the outfit, or something like that."

"Whoa. I said WE aren't."

"That's better somehow?"

"Xand, you're not stupid. It's just that....you know, Willow and Wesley are genius types, Buffy's the leader, Angel and Spike have seen everything in the last 100 years or so."

"I agree with all of that. It's just that...let's just forget it."

Xander tried to keep walking, but Faith again blocked his way.

"Nope. No forgetting happening here. Talk to me."

He sighed heavily. "I understand that I'm always going to be a part of things. There are certain things I do well in life. I seem to have a knack for building stuff. I'm a swell bowler. When it comes to fighting bad guys, though, I just do the best I can. I always wish I could do more. I get the feeling that you don't respect me very much."

Faith was speechless. She opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out as he went on.

"I mean, you can fight just about anything. So can Buffy. Willow can lift a finger and kill a demon now, and her brain is like an encyclopedia or something. She comes up with more thoughts in five minutes than I do all day."

Faith shook her head at him and walked away. He frowned and followed her.

"Hey. You wanted me to talk and then you take off?"

She spun on him. "You know when you're really stupid? When you say shit like this. How many times do we have to tell you we need you until you're going to believe it? When you got hurt, leaving you behind to track down these Watchers was never even talked about. You know why?"

He stared at her, eyes unblinking as she raised an eyebrow at him and continued, shrugging her shoulders.

"I don't have a friggin' clue what the exact reason is. All I know is we couldn't imagine going to war without you. Hell, I couldn't imagine trying to live without you."

She took a deep breath to gather her composure and gripped his arm.

"If I didn't respect you I wouldn't be with you. Don't you dare say something like that to me again."

She turned and walked away from him. Xander caught her, turned her around and kissed her forehead.

"Hey."

She pulled away, arms folded.

"Tell me you're sorry."

"I'm sorry, Faith."

"Yeah, you are."

They exchanged slight smiles. Xander put his arm around her and they continued walking together.

"B gets all the fun," Faith grumbled.

"What do you mean?"

"These guys are holed up in those tunnels. That's where B's headed."

"Why didn't you ask Buffy to take you? Dawn could've come with me."

"Uh-uh. Until this is over, wherever you go, I go."

"Faith-"

"No arguments. Not about this."

"Your priority right now-"

"Don't tell me what my priority is! I...stay...with you. Got it?"

He sighed inwardly. It was she who didn't get it, but hopefully it wouldn't be necessary for anyone to tell her that. Neither spoke for a few minutes. Xander decided things had been heavy for long enough.

"You want to go on MuppetVision 3-D again? Except this time when you see the Count you have to promise to keep your stake in your pants."

Faith tried hard not to crack a smile, but the bastard was irresistible.

"The Count was on Sesame Street, numbnuts. He's not even in the damn show."

"Right. Sorry. So can we go again, Faith? Please, please, please?"

"Ok, but this time try not to scream like a girl during the show. 3-D is not real, okay?"

"I wasn't screaming. I was screeching with delight at Beaker's antics. I love Beaker."

"You kinda look like Beaker."

"Yeah? Guess who you look like, Faith?"

She stopped and faced him, eyes alight.

"Go ahead, Say it. I want you to say I remind you of her."

Xander was slightly taken aback. "Ummm..."

"You know why?"

Xander was smiling at Faith's enthusiasm. "No, honey, tell me."

"Because Miss Piggy doesn't take any shit. She's got stuff to do and she doesn't have time for stupid people making fun of her. Sometimes that dumbass Fozzie Bear steps over the line, and you know what happens? Do you?"

He shrugged. She poked a finger into his chest.

"She kicks that ass. Miss Piggy rears back and does this."

Forgetting where she was for a moment, Faith stepped back and performed a breathtaking crescent kick, foot making a whistling sound in the air.

"HIIII....YAH! See ya, Fozzie. Not so funny now, are ya?"

Xander was trying to ignore the stares that came their way. He saw a men's bathroom out of the corner of his eye. Slowly he backed toward it as Faith continued her rant.

"So say it, Xand. You know you want to. Say it!"

His voice was very quiet.

"Actually, I was going to say you look like Gonzo."

Faith's face betrayed no _expression for a moment. Xander waited.

"HIIIIIII---"

He ran into the bathroom as fast as he could.

*****************************************************************

Buffy and Dawn were walking slowly down Main Street USA toward Cinderella's castle, the very heart of the Magic Kingdom.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"How are we going to find these tunnels?"

The Slayer shrugged. "I figure eventually we'll see one of the characters. When they're done mingling with the kids or whatever, we simply follow them."

"That's the plan?"

"Does it always have to be clever?"

"No...I guess not. I'm just not sure how we're going to mingle."

"Right. Good point. We have to score some name tags."

"Uniforms too, Buffy."

The Slayer winced. "Yuk. My last uniform had a hat with a big bird on it."

"Don't even bring that up. I still have nightmares."

"YOU have nightmares? I had to wear that thing."

"Speaking of big birds.." Dawn pointed with a smile.

"Hey, it's Donald! I love Donald. He's so cool."

"Yeah." Dawn frowned. "Wait a minute. Buffy, we have a job to do. Let's keep our focus."

"Oh, well excuse me, Miss Mature 2004. Forgive me for getting a little caught up in Disney magic."

Dawn's eyes lit up. "That's it!"

"What's it?"

"Come on. We need to find someone in your size. It could take a while to find someone that little."

"Hey, I'm not that little."

Dawn was already gone. Buffy scurried to catch up with her sister's long strides.

"There's some emaciated girl in the ice cream shop. That should work for you."

Buffy's mouth was open, clearly offended.

"I am SO not emaciated. Especially petite, maybe, but definitely not--"

Dawn had left her again. Buffy growled and caught up to her once more. The place was on the corner of the street, and extremely busy. Dawn looked around, and was pleasantly surprised to find a tall, shapely young thing working behind the same counter. This would be perfect. <Ok. Now comes the hard part.>

"Buffy, don't listen to me."

"Sounds like a dream come true.'

"I'm serious. Cover your ears."

When Dawn was certain that Buffy wouldn't hear, she closed her eyes and spoke loudly..

"Lama Ragashu Goyim."

Instantly everyone in the room froze. A drip of ice cream was suspended in midair from a cup of Rocky Road; a scoop of strawberry was in the process of tumbling off a child's cone. Dawn turned to her older sister.

"Come on. We need to get them out of sight."

"Dawn, what about security cameras? They're all over the park."

"They're not operating in here until I reverse the spell. I just stopped time in here for a few moments, but nothing outside these doors. If we move fast enough, security won't even notice. You take the girl that's built like me; I'll grab the anorexic."

They moved quickly, Buffy mumbling through gritted teeth. "I am not anorexic."

Dawn, showing the strength she'd developed over the last year, lifted her girl over one shoulder as Buffy took the other. The Slayer took one last look, relieved that no had had chosen the last fifteen seconds to enter, and hesitated.

"One second, Dawnie."

"What? Come on already!"

Buffy grabbed a napkin and approached the child who'd been losing his strawberry scoop. She placed it firmly back into the cone.

"Ok, I feel better."

Dawn shook her head and smiled as she and her sister made their way into the back room to change outfits. Minutes later they came out of the back and slipped outside, now Diane and Patti, Disney cast members. Dawn leaned toward Buffy.

"How are we supposed to act?"

"Do what all the other employees do. Put a really huge fake smile on your face."

They walked together, smiling at everyone who made eye contact. Between her tightly smiling teeth, Buffy stage whispered.

"Where the Hell is Donald?"

"I don't know. I guess he left. There's Pluto, though."

"Fine, we follow Pluto. Why is he just standing there?"

"He's posing for pictures and signing autographs."

"What a glory hound."

Before Dawn could remark on the worst pun in Scooby Gang history, they were interrupted.

"Excuse me. I'm looking for Big Thunder Mountain. Which way is Frontierland?"

The Summers sisters' eyes widened, frozen smiles even wider than before. Buffy pointed.

"That way, ma'am."

The tourist turned and looked in the direction the Slayer had pointed, frowning.

"Could you be a little more specific?"

"Ummm, yes ma'am. Do you know where they sell those really expensive drinks? It's right behind that."

"They sell really expensive drinks every twenty feet."

"Oh, right. Of course. It's the fifth one down on your left."

"Oh, I see. Thank you."

The tourist's eyes lit up. "Say, Patti, you're from Houston originally?"

Buffy almost lost her smile. "Huh?"

The woman pointed. "Your name tag says you're from Houston."

Buffy looked down. Sure enough, right below her name said Houston, Texas.

"Yes, I am."

"What part? I've lived there all my life."

"Oh. Well. <Think, Buffy. Think!!> A few miles away, actually. The suburbs, like. West side of town."

"Near Katy?"

"Uhhh, nope. Didn't know anyone by that name."

The tourist got a strange look on her face.

"I mean the city of Katy."

"Oh, right. Of course. Pretty close to there, yeah. You know, I don't get back home much, and I forget stuff."

"I imagine so. I don't even notice your accent."

Again Buffy froze for a moment.

"Right. Way'll....it kinda comes and goes, y'know."

She jerked her thumb behind her.

"Folks, I gotta git back to work now. Y'all have a right pleasant time now, y'hear?"

Dawn's eyes slid toward Buffy's, huge frozen smile locked in place.

The woman just stared. "Right. Thank you."

She turned and walked away, seriously concerned about Patti's sanity.

Dawn and Buffy turned back toward Pluto's last known location.

"Really smooth, Buffy."

"Hey, next time you try it."

"What was up with the accent? It was horrible."

"It wasn't that bad. I sounded like Scarlett O'Hara."

"She was from Georgia, not Texas. Plus, you sounded like Elly May Clampett, for God's sake."

"Ok, fine. You win. I'm aware that I suck at undercover work. Just keep smiling and shut up. Where the Hell is Pluto now? These characters move fast."

"I don't know. He's gotta be around here somewhere."

"Oooh!" Buffy pointed. "There he goes. Follow that dog."

They spotted him going around a corner behind a souvenir shop. Buffy and Dawn slipped into the hidden door after him. As soon as they got inside, they immediately started rubbing their jaws and lips.

"How can these people smile all day like that?"

Buffy shrugged. "Drugs, maybe?"

"Must be."

"Ok, game face, Dawn. The bad guys are close by. I don't want to fight anyone without backup."

Dawn glared at her. Buffy sighed.

"Ok, I don't want US to fight without backup. Better?"

"Yup. Thanks for noticing."

"Told you I was going to work on it."

They shared a brief smile, took a deep breath, and made their way down.

***********************************************************************

"Sir? The Slayer has just entered the tunnels."

Martineau's head snapped up.

"Slayer? Not Slayers?"

"Just the one, sir. Buffy Summers. She's accompanied by her sister Dawn."

The Colonel smiled.

"Just those two? How typically silly of them. Well, let's be good hosts, then. Draw them toward us and arrange a welcoming committee."

"On our way, sir."

***************************************************************

Katzenbach took Willow's arm gently. "You are Miss Rosenberg, yes?"

She removed her arm and backed up, eyes glinting dangerously. Alarmed, the old man held up both hands.

"Please. I mean you no harm."

"How do I know that?"

Katzenbach looked to her left. "Wesley? You know me. Do you believe I mean you any harm?"

Wesley Wyndham-Price had known Hans Katzenbach for many years, though not especially well. The German was an intensely private man who had survived many purges within the Travers regime. Yet it was known that he was no friend of the now dead Chairman. Many theories had been presented as to why this anomaly took place; the most popular whispered rumor was Katzenbach "had" something on Travers, and was therefore protected.

His reputation was that of a decent man who had no political desires whatsoever. More often than not, when a Watcher lost his active Slayer, Hans Katzenbach had taken it upon himself to reach out. Hence his legendary nickname "Father Hans."

Most importantly, he was the one man Wesley would never consider treacherous, which is a virtual necessity in the High Council as Quentin Travers built it.

All these thoughts went through his mind in mere seconds, but it was an eternity to Katzenbach. If the young redhead was truly as powerful as the Council records described, he could have been dead at least five times over with the merest flick of the Wicca's forefinger. Finally Wesley spoke.

"Willow, I think we should speak with him."

Without removing her eyes from the German, she nodded. "All right. You seem to know him. I'd better not find out that he had anything to do with hurting Xander or shooting at Dawn. I don't want to hurt anyone today...but I could adapt in this case. Ok?"

Katzenbach nodded quietly. "I'm very sorry about those things. If I could have stopped either of them I would have done so."

"I barely recognized you, sir."

"I've left the Council, Wesley, quite recently. Colonel Martineau has been actively searching for me ever since. Therefore the disguise. I speak fluent Norwegian, so that was rather simple."

"I wasn't referring to your clothing."

"Ah. Well, the beard is false. You may also be referring to my weight. Since you last saw me Wesley, I'm probably one hundred pounds lighter."

"Of course. That is a major difference. That is an impressive amount of weight to lose."

Katzenbach couldn't help but smile slightly.

"I'm glad someone is impressed."

"Excuse me?"

"My diet plan isn't highly recommended."

The old man waved his hand.

"It is of no consequence. I must speak with all of you. Where is Faith? Miss Summers?"

Willow eyed him suspiciously.

"I don't know if we should share any information with you right now. I can accept that Wesley trusts you, but only to a point."

Katzenbach nodded his understanding.

"Of course. Forgive me. Perhaps you could search me for weapons or devices for listening and tracking. Once you are satisfied, I beg you to allow me to speak with the Slayers."

Wesley looked to Willow. After a moment's thought, she nodded.

"Ok. Wesley, search him. If he's clean we go back to the room and wait."

Wesley nodded toward the men's room, drawing a nod of agreement from the German. Five minutes later they emerged, Wesley's face slightly pale. He simply nodded to Willow, not responding to her questioning look. After a moment, she nodded back.

"Ok. We go back to the hotel and wait for the others."

"Miss Rosenberg, we must be careful. The Council has eyes everywhere. We could be seen at any moment."

She sighed. "Ok. We need to find a dark, quiet spot. We'll teleport back."

Wesley nodded his approval. "The safest way to travel at this point."

A minute later they arrived back in the hotel, shocking Spike and Angel. The elder vampire covered his eyes and moaned with pain, the headache back again. Spike spoke harshly, a deep frown on his face.

"Dammit, Willow! Call me on the bloody cell if you're gonna do that."

"Sorry."

Spike's eyes fell on Katzenbach in his work uniform as they readjusted from the flash.

"Who's the cross country skier?"

Wesley nodded toward him.

"Hans Katzenbach, meet--"

Katzenbach interrupted him.

"William The Bloody, yes?"

"Got me at a disadvantage, mate. You knowin' me and all. You must be a Watcher, then?"

"I was, yes." Hans looked to his left. "You would be Angel, yes?"

"I would."

"An honor to meet you both."

He turned toward Willow.

"Where are the Slayers?"

"They'll be back soon."

"It is vital that I speak with them as soon as possible. I'm aware of certain aspects of Martineau's plans."

"You will speak to them. Buffy is in the Magic Kingdom-"

"Wait a moment, Willow." Spike was glaring at the old German. "Why are we telling this bloke anything?"

"We checked him out. No tracking devices of any kind."

Spike simply stared. "All well and good, but let's keep things within the family as much as possible."

Katzenbach was looking hard at the Wicca.

"How much do you know about our operation?"

Spike interrupted again.

"Why do you want to know, mate? Gathering intelligence, are you?"

"No, I am here to help you. Please believe that. I ask because she is in great danger if she attempts to breach the tunnels. The Council will see her coming. She won't see them until it is too late."

No one spoke for a moment. Angel reacted first, reaching for the hotel phone. He dialed, hoping for an answer. A few moments later, he hung up.

"Voicemail. I know she has it turned on."

Wesley spoke quietly. "If she's underground--"

"There would be no signal," Willow finished, glancing worriedly toward Spike.

Katzenbach was slumped against the wall.

"This is very bad. The tunnels are the lion's den. No one can attempt to breach them and survive."

Spike rose quickly.

"Then we go get her."

Angel placed a hand on his arm.

"Daylight, Spike." The blonde vampire jerked away.

"Sod that. I'll find a way. Willow, teleport me in there."

"I can't teleport anyone underground."

Spike paced the room, deeply agitated.

"Fine, then. We call Faith. Get her over there."

Willow snatched her cell phone to call as Katzenbach shook his head.

"I don't see how she could survive these odds."

Willow stared at him while waiting for the phone to ring.

"You don't know Buffy."

He stared back. "I have known a few Slayers before. This is too much to ask of any of them."

The rest of the group spoke simultaneously.

"You don't know Buffy."