by Rob Sorenson

The wind was now considerably stronger as the Scooby Gang walked outof the hotel, Buffy slightly ahead of the others. As a group they headedfor the Mustang convertible Xander had rented. She turned toward Angel, his face even paler beneath the bright lights of the parking lot.

"We have toys for everyone, I assume?"

"As much as we could carry out of the police station in one trip, yes."

He opened the trunk and removed the tear gas shells, handing some to Spike. After he'd finished with that, he stepped back and motioned with his free hand.

"I did a little shopping after I got the shells ready. There are a couple of other items we can use."

The group crowded around and looked inside. Buffy reached in and pulled out several police nightsticks. She put the bases in her hands and spread them out like playing cards.

"Ok, who wants a nightstick?"

Xander grinned.

"You know, normally people reserve that tone of voice for offering ice cream."

Faith took one and gave Xander a smile.

"Yeah, well, a bunch of soldier guys are about to find out how they taste. Close enough?"

Dawn slipped in and grabbed the white tape Angel had picked up at Wal-Mart. She leaned against the side of the car and proceeded to wrap her knuckles. Willow frowned.

"I thought you were coming with us."

The younger Summers shrugged and spoke without meeting her eyes.

"Pays to be prepared."

Buffy next brought out a roll of 1/4 inch thick steel cable encased in plastic, handing that to Wesley as well. She looked at the next set of weapons and hesitated a moment. Before she could say anything Xander was next to her.

"Give me one of those. I know how to use them."

Buffy gave him a long look.

"How did you know I was looking at tasers?"

He shrugged. "Pretty standard issue stuff for a cop these days. That's where most of this came from, right? Plus, you didn't want to say anything when you saw them. That pretty much told me what was up."

"You're getting perceptive in your old age."

They exchanged grins and Xander stepped back with an armful of the shocking weapons, passing them out to each person. Only Dawn didn't get one as she continued meticulously taping up.

Buffy next brought out cans of pepper spray and passed them out. Lastly she extended her arms and squinted at Angel.

"Why did you make me pass all this stuff out when it could have all gone in these?"

In her hands were five standard issue belts worn by most police officers in the U.S. Angel shrugged.

"I didn't know if anyone wanted to wear them."

Faith shook her head.

"Angel, my black leather pants don't have pockets. Where the Hell was I going to put all this crap otherwise?"

"Where did you keep your stake back in the day?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

Buffy sighed. "I can just hear the theme to 'Cops' playing in the background. Ok, five weapons belts."

She looked apologetically to Xander, Willow and Dawn.

"Sorry, guys."

Xander smirked. "Willow couldn't walk if she were weighed down by that thing anyway."

The Wicca glared at him and shook her head.

"You're such a chicken. Messing with people when they can't use their powers is really pathetic."

He spread his hands wide. "I never get the chance any more. A man has to take advantage."

"You think I still can't hurt you? I have three words for you, Mister Harris."

She moved close to him.

"Fifth. Grade. Protractor."

His eyes widened and he looked to Buffy.

"Ok, moving on then."

The blonde Slayer was scowling as she struggled to get the belt to fit snugly around her tiny waist.

"Wait a bit, luv. I'll get it."

Spike found the slack in the belt and pulled it tight. Once he finished his hands rested on her jeans. He stroked her hips gently and smiled as she gasped slightly. Buffy barely suppressed a smile and whispered as he backed away, biting his lower lip with a grin.

"If we live through this I am SO going to make you pay for teasing me."

"I'll be lookin' for you, pet."

She tore her gaze away from him reluctantly and checked the
remaining contents of the belt. Buffy frowned as she looked at her holster.

"I'm average at best with guns."

"You don't have to be Annie Oakley, B. We're gonna be right on top of these goons. Close range stuff."

Faith and Buffy stared at one another as the blonde Slayer spoke.

"I want us to avoid killing these guys if we can."

The brunette Slayer held up her hands.

"No arguments here. Just sayin', if it's one of those us-or-them moments, I'm pickin' the home team. Right?"

Buffy nodded slowly. "Right."

After a moment's hesitation she put her finger to her ear.

"Everybody's equipment in place?"

Spike, Angel, Wesley and Faith checked their ears simultaneously while Xander grabbed his crotch and spoke.

"Yup, everything's still there."

Buffy sighed patiently as Faith moved toward him with her right hand cupped.

"Lemme double check."

Xander blushed slightly and turned away from her. "Faith..."

"What? It's my equipment too. Don't say shit like that if you
don't want a response."

Dawn looked up as she finished taping.

"She's got you there."

"No comments from the peanut gallery."

Buffy forged on. "Xand, check in with us when you get there?"

He turned serious immediately.

"As soon as I get set up, we'll do a test run."

"Good. Ok, unless I've forgotten anything...?"

She looked around. After a moment of silence she nodded with
satisfaction.

"Ok, then. I call shotgun."

The blonde Slayer hopped into the front seat of the Mustang. Faith grinned and took the driver's seat. Angel, Wesley and Spike crowded into the back. Xander moved to the window and sought out Faith's eyes one last time.

"Do something for me?"

She looked at him questioningly as his face darkened.

"Kick all their asses. Every last one of them."

Her eyes flared and she kissed him hard on the mouth. Xander was slightly out of breath as she pulled away and spoke.

"You have no idea how much that just turned me on."

She winked at him as the Mustang roared to life. Xander cast his eyes toward the other Slayer occupying the front seat.

"See you in a little bit."

She simply nodded back as Faith hit the gas and peeled out of the deserted parking lot.

"Coming?"

Xander turned around to see Dawn at the wheel of Katzenbach's
Mercedes with the window down.

"I think I might be safer walking."

"If I have to get out of this car..."

He quickly hopped into the back seat.

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

Martineau stood to speak to his assembled squads, Peter and Paul Travers slightly behind him. Inge stood in the back of the room, much to the discomfort of the men.

"The tactical situation is simple: the Slayers and their followers will most probably attack with all their forces in one concentrated area. Frankly, it's all they know. Strategy is not a strong suit with this group. We will establish visual contact wherever they choose to strike. As you know, there are four possible entrances. We'll divide into four groups. I realize that will be uneven as there are thirty of you, but I trust you'll work that out. As soon as they make their move I'll adjust troop levels at that location as quickly as possible.

It is imperative that the first line of defense hold long enough for reinforcements to arrive. These are highly dangerous people we're facing. They cannot be allowed to get any sort of foothold. Is that understood?"

Nods were visible throughout the room.

"Very well. I want everyone in place in fifteen minutes.
Dismissed."

He quickly left the room, headed for the command center as the squad leaders began mixing and matching their forces.

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

Katzenbach had just activated all the monitors when Xander, Willow and Dawn quickly walked in and took their seats.

Xander spoke in a firm voice without preamble.

"Which four?"

The German pointed to the monitors directly in front.

"I was able to adjust them so that they were as close as possible."

"Ok, good. We're going left to right, people."

Xander pointed to each monitor as he mentioned a name.

"This one is mine. Willow, that's you. Mr Katzenbach gets number three, and Dawn takes the one all the way on the right. We clear?"

Everyone nodded in assent. Katzenbach spoke up quietly.

"Please call me Hans."

"I'll call you sweetheart if you show me where the radio is."

Blocking out the pain, the old Watcher leaned over and handed Xander a headset as he turned the dials.

"You should have a commlink now."

Xander nodded and spoke into his headset.

"Buffy, you with me?"

(I hear you, Xander).

"Good. One at a time guys, give me a shout-out when I call your name. Angel?"

(Check).

"Spike?"

(Yeah).

"Faith?"

(Gotcha).

Dawn wrote Xander a note and passed it over. He looked to her and nodded, addressing everyone.

"Dawn wants to know if everyone got their own salamander eye for the spell. Wesley first."

(I have it).

(Kinda oogy, though. B, is yours all mushy?)

Xander spoke quickly.

"Faith, I didn't call you. Nobody talks until I do. Understood?"

(Say what?)

"You heard me! No cross traffic. All communications go through me. Buffy can't hear you anyway...only me. You talk to me and me only. Got it?"

There was silence for a moment.

(Yeah, I got it).

He softened his tone.

"Faith, it could save your life. If everybody talks at once, we have a clusterfuck...and we may not be able to afford that if someone needs help. That's what I'm here for. I'm the only one who can see everything happening at once."

(I said I got it, Xand.)

"Ok."

Neither Faith nor Xander saw Buffy's smile. Soldier Guy!!

"I have a mike that will talk to all of you at once...like now. I also have one for each of you individually so that no one gets confused. Like I said, cross traffic could be dangerous."

He looked over as Dawn quickly lit a candle and began to chant.

"Everybody got their Mickey pins on?"

There was a chorus of affirmative responses, though Spike and Faith showed a considerable lack of enthusiasm.

"Stand by."

He covered his mouthpiece and looked to Willow, whispering so that he wouldn't disturb Dawn's concentration.

"How long till we see four of everybody?"

"Ten minutes, tops. The candle must stay lit until she performs the incantation. Once that's done, she blows it out and we have holograms. Honestly, this spell is so simple you could probably do it."

He gave his oldest friend a quick grin.

"Let's hope we don't have to test that theory."

His face turned all business again and glanced up.

"Hans, we should have visual contact with them, right?"

"Yes, Xander."

Katzenbach pointed.

"Near the top."

"Can we move it closer to these four down here? I want to see
inside and out more easily if I can."

"One moment."

As Katzenbach worked, Xander reactivated the radio.

"Angel."

(Go ahead).

"You guys should have holograms in ten minutes. How long will it take to disperse the gas?"

(Three minutes at the outside, assuming we get in and out without resistance).

Xander felt an urgent tapping on his shoulder. Willow pointed at a monitor, eyes wide. Xander nodded his understanding.

"Ok, listen up! I can see Martineau's men. No sign of the big guy himself, though. Looks like they're getting ready to move, so I'm guessing they've got their marching orders. If you're gonna do it..."

(Understood. Going now).

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

When they'd arrived, the Slayers and vamps--with one ex-Watcher in tow--discovered they wouldn't be able to see one another. The four exits were roughly 300 yards apart. Normally, that wasn't a difficult distance for anyone in the group save Wesley. In the Magic Kingdom, however, they
had no clear line of vision due to the meandering nature of its construction. There were twists and turns everywhere, providing guests with the illusion of much more acreage than there actually was.

Angel hurried over to Spike's position in front of the "It's A Small World" ride, tear gas shells in tow. The blonde vamp intercepted him and spoke quickly.

"What do we have to do to 'em?"

"Just throw them. Doesn't matter where. They'll break on impact. We didn't have enough for the entire tunnel network, but there's plenty to disperse in this particular section. We just need to be reasonably close. Are you ready? We got lucky. They haven't moved yet, but I'm willing to bet they'll spot us any second."

"Just got off the horn with Xander. He brought me up to speed."

Spike smiled slightly at his old running buddy.

"Haven't fought together in a while, you and I."

"Nope. Think we've still got it?"

"One way to find out."

Angel passed Spike half of the shells and nodded.

"Let's go see. When we get in there, I go left and you go
right. Go in a circle and throw like a madman. We'll meet at my exit on the opposite side of this building."

Spike simply nodded. Angel took a deep breath he didn't require and took off for the door, Spike close at his heels.

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

Martineau quickly entered the control room with Peter, Paul and Inge in tow. Quickly he seated himself at the monitors and scanned...

"Bloody HELL!!"

He slammed his palm on the intercom.

"Breach!! Breach at Tunnel Two!! I repeat!! Breach at Tunnel
Two!!"

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

Xander's eyes widened as he forced himself to remain calm.

"Angel, they've spotted you guys. Make it fast."

(Not exactly walking here.) Angel rolled his eyes as he ran,
flinging canisters every few seconds.

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

Martineau squinted into the monitor as clouds began to form in his picture.

"What in hell...Peter, any malfunctions in the monitors?"

"None that I can see, sir."

"Clearly something is wrong, because I can't see a damned thing in the laundry sector."

Paul spoke sharply.

"Sir! One intruder heading straight for the mess hall!"

Martineau hit the commlink to his squad commanders.

"Enemy closing fast on your position. Intercept."

(Yes sir.)

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

"Xander!"

Dawn pointed frantically at her monitor while standing up.

He looked over and caught his breath.

"Oh, shit. Spike!!"

(Bit busy right now.)

"Spike, bad guys look like they got the word and they're almost right in your path!"

(How many?)

"Ummm....pretty much all of them."

(Oh, shit.)

"That's what I said."

(Can I turn around?)

Xander looked from Dawn's monitor to his.

"No time. They'll mow you down on that straightaway you just hit. You got one shot, man. Throw everything you've got and hope the gas gets to them. Oh, and run like a son of a bitch."

Spike's voice became very calm.

(Best be off, then.)

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

Spike flung all his remaining canisters in front of him as his vampiric hearing picked up on barked orders. He yelled as he ran.

"Think you bastards can bag ol' Hostile 17 again, do you!? Bugger that!"

He lowered his head and pumped his legs for all they were worth.

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

Martineau suddenly understood what was blocking his vision.

"Oh, Bollocks."

Again he hit the intercom.

"Masks!! Gas masks, now!!!"

He quickly went to work on his own as Peter and Paul searched
frantically for something to cover their faces. Inge couldn't help herself.

"I knew there would be a time when not having to breathe would be
useful."

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

Xander, Willow, Dawn and Hans were like spectators at a deadly tennis match, looking from one monitor to the other as Spike, almost a blur he was running so fast, was on a virtual collision course with the emerging soldiers, guns at the ready. Willow clung to Xander's arm, bouncing on the chair.
Dawn couldn't contain herself and began to jump up and down and squeal with panic.

"GO SPIKE!! GOGOGOGOGOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Willow forced her eyes away from the monitors.

"Dawn!! You're blowing out the candle!"

"What?! Oh, crap!"

She fell to her knees and cupped her hands around the tiny flame, willing it to remain lit and preserve the sanctity of the spell.

Meanwhile Katzenbach momentarily forgot the burning in his abdomen, caught up in the drama unfolding on the screen as Spike and the gunmen drew ever closer to one another.

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

The first thing Spike saw was a gun barrel poking into his view.
Out of sheer instinct he lashed out as he sped by.

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

The point man in Squad Three was the first to reach the door;
therefore he'd heard the enemy say something nonsensical regarding the number 17. Quickly but cautiously, leading with his M-16, he looked around the corner with wide eyes and began to yell immediately.

"Enem- augh!"

Whatever the rest of his statement was became lost as he exhaled blood and broken teeth, slumping unconsciously back into the doorway. For a crucial few seconds there was a bottleneck that prevented the balance of the soldiers from entering the hallway. After the unfortunate Corporal was
practically thrown to one side, the balance of the men flooded the corridor, barely able to make out Spike's retreating form through the plastic windows of their gas masks.

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

"Dammit! Dammit!"

Martineau, now clad in his own shield against the gas, pounded the console with rage as Spike streaked toward the exit.

"Get him! Do you hear me?!"

(Sir, we don't have visual-)

"I'm your bloody visual, you stupid twit! Group Three, pursue and open fire!"

He hesitated a moment as he examined the monitors. Right. then. Spread too thin, they are. Counterstrike, Tony. This is the time.

"Groups One and Two break off pursuit of the vampire. Approach your designated targets and attack! Group Four, break off with Three and stand by for further instructions!"

Paul Travers looked sideways in alarm. "Sir, Groups One and Two are going directly toward the exits where the Slayers are located."

Martineau took a deep breath in his mask to regain his composure and regarded the demon hybrid calmly.

"I'm quite aware of that. Not even a Slayer can fight off seven or eight guns at once. Did you ever take military history, Paul? In World War II the Germans made a last ditch effort through the Ardennes in December of 1944."

"The Battle Of the Bulge?"

"Quite so. Hitler saw it as the only hope to win a peace in the West. They made an initial push with a surprise attack, but their lack of resources caught up to them, and the Allies took advantage. The Krauts had come into the open and run out of fuel. It was unbelievably naive to think they could capture fuel along the way, but they were desperate."

He pointed to the monitors.

"They're desperate and exposed, and their resources are stretched. One Slayer per exit won't get it done. The only chance they had was remaining together."

"With all due respect, sir, the Slayers are exceptional fighters."

"Indeed," Martineau agreed. "Unfortunately, they're not terribly bright. That's why we're necessary, Paul. They only understand plodding forward. The gas idea was surprisingly good, but it only delays the inevitable. Now is the time to finish them. Even if one of them gets the upper hand, I have a force in reserve. No...this is our moment, Paul."

Inge shook her head in the background, deciding to keep her own counsel at the moment.

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

Buffy was exercising every ounce of self control to maintain her position-and her calm. Spike was in danger. And I'm just standing here!

"Xander, what's going on?"

(Stand by, Buffy.)

"Dammit Xander, tell me what's going on or I'm going down there after him!"

(No! You wouldn't make it in time anyway, and there's backup in place. He's almost there.)

"Backup in place? What do you-"

(Buffy, I said stand by! I need this channel clear.)

In her current state of near panic, Buffy briefly forgot that she was speaking via the radio and merely nodded, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

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

Xander's eyes were hooded, watching the drama continue to unfold on the monitors before him.

"Almost there, Spike! About 200 more yards to the exit!"

(I can see it!)

He flicked his eyes at the other monitor, eyes widening.

"Spike! They're preparing to fire!"

(Bloody Hell!!)

Xander spotted the muzzle flashes and was relieved that Spike was still running unimpeded, now slowed slightly since he'd begun using a zig-zagging pattern. Nice move, Spike. He could still hear the blonde vamp, apparently unaware he was still broadcasting.

(That's right, you wankers! Not that easy now, is it?)

Dawn was now craning her neck to watch while guarding the fragile flame of her candle. Katzenbach adjusted settings to give their leader full view of Spike's current position in relation to the tunnel's exit. Xander spoke urgently.

"Spike! Ten more seconds!"

The blonde vampire didn't respond, concentrating on dodging bullets and hauling ass. Xander could've sworn he saw a smile on his face. Willow shook his arm.

"Xander, they're firing again!"

"Hang on...just a little more..."

Xander watched the monitors another three seconds and screamed.

"SPIKE, DOWN!"

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

Spike dove to the floor without hesitation, hearing bullets
whistling past his ear. He began to crawl frantically toward the exit when Wesley swung his body around the corner from the outside, a Walther in each hand blazing away.

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

"Incoming!"

The two squad leaders were hit in the chest, while the remaining five immediately flattened themselves and returned fire, using their elbows to balance the weapons.

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

Spike had been given three crucial seconds with the cover fire provided by Wesley. He'd just scooted clear of harm's way when he spotted Angel sprinting from the opposite direction. He frantically screamed for him to take evasive action, but his Elder was way ahead of him, already
pitching forward before the blonde opened his mouth. He skittered around the corner as Spike had, catching Wesley's sleeve and tugging to let him know it was time to retreat. Wes emptied both clips and hurried after the two vampires as they clambered to the surface.

Angel turned to Spike, grinning. "Everything went pretty smoothly on my end, how about you?"

Spike was bent over with his hands on his knees in exhaustion. He looked up with a glare--and burst out laughing.

"God, that was fun."

(Spike. You all right?)

"Yeah, fine."

Wesley arrived, breathing raggedly and holding his side in an
attempt to catch his breath. Spike clapped him on the shoulder.

"Cheers, mate. Showed up at a good time, you did. You get any of
'em?"

"I...believe I hit two. They had body armor, of course. A matter of a large bruise, nothing more."

"Right then. Probably gettin' ready to come up after us. Angel, you want to head back to your exit--"

The dark haired vampire held his hand up, staring at his friend.

"Wes?"

The young former Watcher stared at him, his face a ghostly white as he spoke hoarsely.

"Perhaps body armor would've been a wise idea for us as well."

He removed a hand from his stomach, revealing a growing flower of red pooling in his shirt. Angel's eyes widened in alarm and he barely caught Wes before he collapsed.

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

Katzenbach pointed to his designated monitor.

"Xander, troops moving."

He checked the monitors and nodded quickly, activating the radio.

"Buffy, you with me?"

(Go ahead.)

"Bad guys on the move, heading your way. Martineau must've spotted you."

(Ok. What about Spike?)

"He's fine."

Xander heard a harsh exhale of relief before Buffy spoke again.

(How many, Xand?)

Katzenbach held up bony fingers to indicate the count.

"Seven."

(My lucky number. Am I going to have imaginary friends soon?)

Xander looked at Dawn, eyes questioning. She nodded, speaking
confidently.

"Ready when you are."

He nodded back with a slight smile and a thumbs up.

"Buffy, company's coming."

(I'm not dressed for it, but I guess they'll just have to deal.)

Willow tapped him on the shoulder and nodded toward her screen. Xander's eyes widened.

"Faith, come in."

(Am I allowed to speak now, master?)

Xander ignored the attitude, though he couldn't stop himself from grinning. He could just picture her, with arms folded and head bobbing...pure Faith.

God, he loved her.

"You're in the game, babe. There's a group getting ready to
make a move on you."

(About friggin time. I was really gettin' tired of this standing around shit.)

"Glad to bear the good news. Here's the bad: you've got one more guy than Buffy to deal with. Total of eight according to Wills."

(That's cool. Just means I get to have a little more fun.)

"I guess."

She heard the hitch in his voice and spoke softly.

(I'll be ok, Xand. Trust me.)

There was slight hesitation before he spoke again, back to business.

"Ok, good. Dawn's about to send you some holograms."

(Got it.)

Spike' voice came through the receiver.

(Xander, need a minute.)

"Go ahead, Spike."

(Got an injured man over here.)

"What? When?"

Xander quickly looked back at his own monitors, seeing Wesley
stretched out on the asphalt, Angel leaning over him.

(In the shooting downstairs. He's hit rather badly.)

"Spike, hold on."

He turned to Willow. She looked at his screen with worry.

"Where is he hit?"

"Angel, Willow wants to know where he got shot."

The few people who knew him well were aware that this was Angel's voice of near panic.

(Stomach.)

Willow winced. "Xander, he needs a hospital...fast. He'll bleed to death otherwise."

He stared at her a moment. "You realize that leaves an open tunnel exit?"

"There is no other choice."

He nodded quickly.

"Angel, you need to get him to a hospital...like yesterday."

(I know that.)

"We can work on finding the closest one."

(I may have to...how long can someone hang on with this kind of wound?)

Willow motioned impatiently for the headset, resolve face appearing. Xander knew when not to argue and handed it to her.

"Angel, it's Willow. If you stay and fight, Wesley dies. It's as simple as that."

(Willow, I don't think I--)

"Yes, you can. And you will. We'll deal. He wouldn't leave you there."

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

Blood was seeping out of Wesley's wound at an ever increasing rate. Angel had a horrid moment of appetite that he shoved aside in disgust. Spike hunkered down next to him.

"Go, Angel. I'll cover both exits."

"You can't do that and you know it."

"Sod off. I'll tell you what I can and can't bloody do. Get him out of here."

Wesley grabbed Angel's duster and whispered hoarsely.

"No...stay. Must not put...personal..."

At that moment the rain began to fall.

Somehow Wesley's protests made the decision much clearer as he fell into unconsciousness, hand dropping limply. Angel nodded quickly.

"I'll get back as soon as I can."

"Right, then. Be off with you."

Angel cradled his friend in his arms and shared one last look with Spike before he turned and hurried for the exit.

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

Xander took the headset back from Willow, scanning the screens as he did so.

"Spike."

(Yeah.)

"Your soldier guys are regrouping. I think they're about to make a move."

(Really, now? I do believe I'm ready to make a few moves of my own.
Seems only right that I get a turn.)

"Ok, listen up people. These guys have body armor. That
means you can shoot them in the upper body if you want. It won't kill them, but it'll put them on their back for a while. That's all we need. Everybody got that?"

Three different versions of the word "yes" came in response.

"All right."

He looked at Dawn chanting, then to Willow. The redhead anticipated his question.

"She's doing the last line of the incantation right now. Fifteen seconds, tops."

Xander nodded and activated the mike once again.

"Places, everyone. It's go time."

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

Martineau smiled and turned to his companions in triumph.

"Two down, three to go."

The Travers "boys" nodded.

"Well done sir," Peter added.

Inge merely rolled her eyes and snorted. Martineau turned his smirk toward her..

"Now, now, Inge. Be nice. If you're a good little vampire, I'll allow you to sample the Slayer's blood."

"Really? Which one?"

He eyed the screen. "The soft one."

She raised her eyebrows, genuinely surprised.

"You consider Buffy Summers to be soft? She's been a Slayer for eight years, and she still breathes. Believe me when I tell you: that is not the achievement of someone weak."

"Perhaps a demonstration is in order. Allow me to show you what happens when a Slayer attempts to do things she's not built to understand."

Inge smiled brightly and waved her hand toward the monitors.

"Please do."

His smile faded slightly at her condescending manner, but he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she'd annoyed him. Abruptly he turned back to the monitors and hit his mike.

"Execute. Repeat: Execute."

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

Willow frowned as her cell phone rang.

"Hello?"

Xander's eyes darted around the screens again as Willow's eyes narrowed.

"I thought by now you'd--"

The witch was interrupted by a stream of dialogue, causing her to roll her eyes.

"I understand you want to help, but where are you?"

Xander looked to her with questioning eyes, but Willow was focused on the conversation.

"You're that close by?"

"Wills, who is it? We don't have time for-"

She waved him off as Katzenbach spoke sharply.

"Xander! They're coming out! All at once!"

Dawn blew out the candle at nearly the same moment.

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

"Angel.."

"Don't talk. I'm going to get you some help."

Wes moaned in pain as the vampire stepped off the sidewalk into the lot directly in front of the park.

"Stay with me, Wes. You with me?"

"Thought you didn't want me....to..."

"Talk. I know what I said. Just nod for me, ok?"

Wesley's head lolled in a slight approximation of Angel's request.

"You know, we haven't had much chance to talk since we got here."

The former Watcher didn't respond. Angel continued.

"Some things have happened that you should know about. You're
listening, right? C'mon Wes, nod for me again."

This time Wesley's chin raised ever so slightly.

"I've been thinking about Cordy a lot lately. I mean, I always have...but in a different sort of way. Do you know what I'm trying to say?"

Nothing.

"Wes, I'm in love with her. I'm in love with Cordelia."

Wesley's eyes flickered toward him as he tried to speak.

"L-love?" He began to cough. Angel looked down at him with
concern, trying not to lose it.

"Wes, just hang on. Let me get...shit!"

Faith had the keys. Angel laid Wesley down as gently as he could, whipping off his duster and placing it under his head.

"I'll be right over here, Wes. I've got to hotwire the car."

He approached the Mustang when he heard the screeching of tires in the distance. He turned quickly and saw headlights piercing through the rain, rapidly approaching his position. He moved as far away from Wesley as he could to draw away the potential enemy and tensed for a fight. Dammit! There isn't time for this!

To his horror the vehicle sped up as it's headlights fell upon Wesley's prone body on the ground.

"NO!" Angel ran over to stand protectively in front of Wesley, realizing as he did it that such a thing was pointless. He squinted as the lights bore down on him...and started slightly as the vehicle swerved at the last moment, fishtailing to a stop on the wet asphalt. The vampire finally got a clear look as his vision was no longer obscured.

He knew that truck. He also knew the voice that came from it. Intimately.

"Oh my God. Wesley!"

"Cordy, how..."

He trailed off as she hopped out, cell phone in hand.

"Angel, put him in the back."

The vampire placed Wes into the bed of Gunn's pickup as Cordelia continued her conversation.

"I turn right? What then? Ok, that's a little complicated, Willow. Hang on a sec."

She looked back at a now speechless Angel.

"Do you have a pen?"

He looked at her strangely. She smiled a little at his expression despite the horror of the situation.

"No, I guess you wouldn't."

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

Faith jumped slightly with surprise as an image of herself appeared directly in front of her just as Xander's voice came crackling through.

(All of you should have holograms. If not, let me know.)

Faith addressed her lookalike.

"You are such a hottie."

(They're coming out guys! All three of you are about to get hit!)

Faith took a quick look around and noted holograms of Buffy, Spike, Angel, Xander, Willow, Dawn, Andrew and Clem along with her own.

Andrew and Clem might've been a bit much, she thought.

She heard the sounds of shuffling feet, though clearly her enemies were well trained in the art of stealth. Normal human ears wouldn't have picked it up. Looks like the element of surprise thing's working for me. Gotta love it..

The brunette Slayer decided to start with the night stick and waited for the first sign of a barrel. Five seconds later it appeared and she gripped it, yanking it down and slamming her stick into a gas mask. Ignoring the scream of pain, she tore the gun from his arm -strap and all- and hammered the stock into the second attacker, who went down in a heap on top of his fellow soldier, providing Faith with a second to move as the remains of the squad were frantically attempting to leapfrog the two leaders. She ducked around a corner and took a quick glance at the M-16 she held.

Ok...finger goes here. Hope that's all I need to know. I suck with these things.

The third attacker appeared and she squeezed the trigger.

Nothing.

Oh, shit, Faith thought as the third and fourth machine guns were bearing down on her.

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

Buffy had been equally thrown by the appearance of practically everyone she knew, but recovered quickly as she picked up on her opponents making their way out. She zipped over to the wall next to the door and flattened herself.

Unlike her Slaying counterpart, Buffy decided to wait for everyone to come out firing and allow the confusion of the holograms to work for her. Or so she hoped. Willing herself to remain patient, she held her breath as the first soldier came into view. Let them come, Buff. Let them come.

Immediately the point man dropped to his stomach and began firing, allowing those behind him to take their own firing positions. Buffy covered her ears as the gunfire ricocheted against the souvenir shop directly beyond where she'd been thirty seconds before, shattering glass.

It took roughly eight seconds for the men to begin holding their fire as none of their targets appeared to be reacting to the hail of bullets being sent their way. Just as the seventh and final man emerged Buffy stepped into his path.

"Hi," she said as she slammed the heel of her hand into his face. Taking out her nightstick, she turned and saw all six of the remaining soldiers facing away from her. She held the handle and began whipping it in a circle, nailing the first two from behind. The next two barely had a chance to react before she clipped them, one in the forehead and the other on the scalp.

The two furthest from her had an extra moment to react. Realizing this, the blonde Slayer went for a surprise move, dropping and rolling sideways into the first one's knees, bowling him over.

He sent bullets into the dark sky as he fell. Beginning at his feet, she continued rolling over him until she reached his head, which subsequently took the crushing impact of Buffy's elbow.

The second man stepped directly toward her. Realizing he was out of ammo for his M-16, he took out his service pistol in a mere second and took aim.

It had taken him three quarters of a second too long.

Buffy yanked the pepper spray out of her belt and fired upward. Unfortunately the gas mask blocked any effect it would have had on his eyes. Moreover, the now forty mile per hour winds blew most of it into the air.

On the positive side, however, it blurred his vision enough to cause another second's hesitation, which was all Buffy had needed. She launched herself horizontally, driving her forehead between his legs. As he sagged down toward her, she met him with a thunderous uppercut that sent him into the popcorn stand fifteen feet distant.

"Oops," she said. Didn't mean to clock him quite that hard.

She took a look around, satisfied that all seven were out, and went to work.

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

Spike was smiling. Bastards wanted to shoot me. Let's see how you fare when I've got some weapons of my own.

Unlike the Slayers, he didn't have to wait for anyone to come out. I surely don't need some bloody holograms, he thought, looking at all the likenesses surrounding him. Once he knew exactly where the soldiers were, he ran into the tunnel. As he rounded the corner, he saw the lead soldier moving at double time through the haze of the gas.

He charged with a roar, pistol in one hand and taser in the other.

Before anyone had time to react in the poor visibility, he'd shot two and shocked one. The remaining four instinctively began to fall back while firing.

Spike just kept coming as he got hit in the shoulder that held the taser, causing it to fly from his hand. He screamed with pain and rage as he continued firing his pistol, hitting one more in the chest. Now out of bullets, he lowered his head and dove, catching the slowest man around the knees and twisting violently, blocking out the pain. The soldier brought the butt of his machine gun down on the blonde vampire's head just as he hit the concrete floor head first, rendering the human unconscious and Spike stunned. He rose to his knees, shaking his head to clear it...and found himself staring into the barrels of a pair of machine guns.

Just as he was about to roll sideways in an attempt to dodge the inevitable hail of bullets, Angel popped up from behind the two humans and ripped off their masks, causing them to sputter and cough in agony. It became a simple matter for him to crack their heads together after that.

Spike looked at Angel questioningly, holding his bleeding shoulder. The brunette vampire shrugged.

"There was nobody at my exit. I went looking."

"Good of you to look this way."

"You all right?"

"Hurts a bit. Nothing I can't handle. Wesley?"

Angel's eyes darkened as he looked down at the unconscious men, one of whom had been responsible for his friend's wound.

"On his way to the hospital."

Neither spoke for a moment. Spike looked at at the fallen men, then to him, speaking carefully.

"Hard to tell which one did the shooting. Probably the two furthest back..Wesley said he got a couple of 'em. Still, can't be certain."

Angel returned Spike's look.

"If you're implying what I think you are, that's not going to happen."

"Thought about it though, didn't you? Kill 'em all, let the Powers sort 'em out?"

Angel held his fellow vampire's stare for a moment, then began to pick up the nearest soldier.

"You get the cable ready. I'll get them outside."

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

Faith, thinking quickly, took two steps directly toward the two gunmen and took to the air as the firing began. She spread her legs wide, actually leap-frogging the fusillade of bullets, and kicked both soldiers directly in the face simultaneously, using the force of the impact to land on her feet with perfect balance. She dropped and rolled instinctively as the remaining four came charging out and blasting, bullets kicking up chunks of concrete and splashes of puddled water inches from her head. Without thinking she whipped the 9 millimeter Beretta out of it's holster and fired while rolling, catching one in the side and one in the chest.

Now there were two left standing, forced to hesitate as their comrades flailed back toward their path. The Slayer, acting on pure instinct now, bent down and power lifted one unconscious soldier in each arm, holding both directly in the path of the two remaining machine guns.

With a primal scream she charged with her two human shields, literally throwing them at their fellow gunmen. This time, however, her enemies had seen what she could do and were able to skip out of the way...but not before Faith could catch the man on her left. Moving in close, she took his arms in a viselike grip and faced the other man, putting her finger over his on the trigger. Against his will he squeezed.
This time she got it to work, sending her target flying. She utilized the weapon's strap to flip over the last man standing...until he no longer was.

Faith immobilized him as she looked wildly left and right, seeing three men attempting to rise after being shot in their vests. She quickly made her way over and sent sharp pointed blows to the side of their necks before they could react, rendering them unconscious as well. She stepped back and flipped her head from side to side, all attitude.

"Oh, yeah. That's what I'm talkin' about."

She dug out her cable and went to work, glancing at the motionless holograms.

"Thanks for all your help."

Faith continued tying the soldiers together, not seeing the first man she'd subdued slowly rising, weapon pointed between her shoulder blades.

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

"Bloody Hell," Martineau whispered. He was too shocked to yell.

Inge clucked her tongue. "Showed that Slayer, didn't you?"

The Colonel didn't have the energy to spar with her. He turned to his two assistants.

"What the Hell came up on camera? Some sort of spell? They were everywhere."

Paul nodded, more than a little shocked himself.

"Glamours of some sort, sir."

Martineau said nothing, staring at the screen as Buffy began to efficiently tie up his men, carefully extricating one from within a popcorn vendor's kiosk.

"Sir?"

He turned to Peter, slightly dazed look on his face as the demon spoke nervously.

"May I suggest a retreat? We still have one squad remaining. We could live to fight another day."

Martineau's look of shock gradually changed to one of burning anger.

"No. Never. I swear to you I will end this here. I'm not finished yet."

He leaned into his radio.

"Squad Four, Tunnel Two is exposed. Proceed outside and attack."

He turned to the demons and nodded confidently.

"They won't be able to fight my men out in the open."

Inge shook her head.

"You just don't want to understand, do you?"

He ignored her, watching the screens. She shook her head and continued.

"They drew you out. Once they did that your men were hit before they could make a move. How could this be possible? Somehow they had warning, Tony."

At last he slowly turned his head to face her.

"How?"

She spread her hands wide.

"You're asking me? I've been here for one day."

He took a long look at her, then back to the monitors, eyes narrowed in thought. At last, they widened.

"The other cameras. There is another group of cameras at a remote location. I'd simply assumed the Slayer had kept her weaker friends back to be safe. Instead..."

Inge smiled.

"They've been watching you. As I said before, you gave them time to work on the problem. Your "soft" Slayer and her team have a knack for finding a way, don't they?"

Martineau was shaking his head as his last squad made their way out into the storm unopposed.

"Not possible. How could they get into the building?"

"Hurricane Mitch caused everyone to evacuate. If these cameras are on Disney property..."

"They would be accessible," Martineau finished. "Still, who would know--oh, Jesus."

He turned to his three companions, eyes now slits.

"Katzenbach. Goddamned Hans Katzenbach."

Inge's eyes lit up with delight.

"He would know?"

"He would. He had a great deal to do with setting up this system."

He slammed his already bruised hand into the console yet again.

"Damn him. Damn that fucking Kraut."

"Say now...no need to be abusive to my people."

"Why...are you going to report me to the Society of Undead Germans?"

He stared at her with undisguised hatred. She returned his look with one of her own as he continued.

"You still belong to me, Inge. You still do whatever I wish if you ever want to feed again. Continue to annoy me and I will make it my business to watch you turn into a shell... then perhaps I'll stake you... after you've suffered a good long while."

Her eyes burned into him. Finally she spoke softly, with great sarcasm.

"What is your wish, oh brilliant commander?"

"I've seen Buffy Summers, Faith, Angel and Spike. I haven't seen the rest. While they're busy here..."

He looked to his three companions, eyes cold as he pointed to the Team Disney building on the park map.

"We go where their weaknesses lie."

Peter looked at Martineau hesitantly.

"Um, sir? What of our remaining men?"

The Colonel looked up at the screen and gave a careless wave.

"If they aren't strong enough to win this battle, they deserve what they get."

Inge smirked.

"Hitler said something like that once...not long after that famous battle you spoke of. How quickly things change."

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

Xander's eyes were darting back and forth, realizing that everything had left his control the moment the attack had begun. Now it was up to the warriors. It had been a bizarre experience for them all; they'd all seen each one of these fighters in action. Yet watching them all at once was equal parts thrilling and horrifying.

There was nothing anyone in that room could do to help.

With Angel gone, the three remaining warriors fought just as they'd expected: Buffy had used experience and strategy, utilizing all the tools she had; Faith had utilized street instincts combined with dash of intellect.

Spike, of course, went in with fists flying and fangs bared, throwing caution to the now howling wind. Willow figured he probably would have found a way to win without Angel's unexpected assistance. It just happened a little faster with some help, that's all.

"Why did he even have me do the damned spell," Dawn had grumbled.

Now after the short (yet extremely intense) period of battle was over, Xander chose to watch the woman he loved as she tied the men to one another back to back with the plastic covered cable. He wanted to tell her how proud he was, but decided against doing it publicly.

Suddenly he spotted movement from behind her and lunged to the radio.

"FAITH!! BEHIND YOU!!"

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

The brunette Slayer didn't even bother turning around when she heard Xander's scream of warning. She simply dropped and rolled a spilt second before bullets began whistling over her head. She kept rolling as the soldier followed her movement as best he could. Finally the shooting stopped and she rose up to jump him, only to find her resourceful enemy on his feet, holding a knife by the blade.

She moved, practically before he threw it, somehow knowing what he was going to do before he made any motion. Under normal circumstances, dodging it would have been a simple matter for a Slayer.

But in a hurricane...the knife caught a gust and took a sharp turn up and to the right, slicing into Faith's cheek.

"Ahhh!!"

She put her hand against her face and brought her fingers down, seeing her own blood. Before she could react he was charging into her, tackling her to the asphalt. She struggled mightily underneath him, grunting viciously as he reached for his pistol.

Unfortunately for him, Faith's hand was already there. She slammed the butt against his already bleeding face and flipped on top of him, now holding the gun against his nostril. Her eyes were wide as she seethed from the pain of the laceration of her face. Her finger trembled against the trigger.

(Faith, are you ok?)

Faith closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She then uncocked the gun and threw it aside, settling for punching the guy one more time to render him totally unconscious. She spoke into the receiver.

"I'm ok, Xand. Just a little scratched."

(Willow will take a look at it when you get back).

"It's no big. Be good as new in the morning."

(No way. That could need stitches.)

"Oh, it will not. God, Xander.."

She hesitated a moment, smiling even though it hurt her face to do so.

"You know what, baby?"

(Yeah?)

"When you get all commanding it's wicked hot."

(Ummm..thanks.)

"No, thank you. For the save, I mean."

(It's what I'm here for. Always.)

His last word had been full of feeling, and Faith swallowed hard to hold her emotion down.

"Faith? Everything ok over here?"

As soon as she'd finished, Buffy had hurried over to check on the others. Faith was her first stop.

"Hell, yes. No problem here."

"You're hurt."

"Yeah well, I had eight guys and you had seven."

"I always was the lucky one."

The two Slayers exchanged smiles and finished tying up the soldiers in Faith's group. They were just leaving to check on Spike when Xander's voice came on urgently.

(Guys! Eight more men came out from the spot Angel left open...headed toward you, Faith.)

Buffy responded.

"Toward US, Xand. See?"

She waved to the camera.

(Oh, you're the REAL Buff. Couldn't see the Mickey pin. Sorry.)

"How soon?"

(About a minute out. You might want to take cover.)

Faith snorted.

"Hey Xand, if one of us can take out a squad, why should two of us together worry about taking cover?"

(I didn't mean from the soldiers.)

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

One Minute Earlier

(Xander.)

He sighed to himself.

"Spike, is this important? Faith and I are having a moment."

(There's another bloody squad coming out from the tunnel where Angel was.)

"Hang on."

Xander was about to shout at Katzenbach for abandoning his post, but the old man was bent over in his chair, apparently looking at the ceiling. A concerned Willow and Dawn surrounded him. He felt guilty for a moment, but shoved it aside and did his job.

"Ok, I see them. Standard bunch. Eight men, fully loaded. Can you catch them?"

(Not before they reach Faith. Angel and I are gonna make it about ten seconds after they do. No worries, though. We've got machine guns of our own. Just tell Faith to hang on...and duck. Don't really know how to shoot these things straight.)

"Done." Xander leaned forward to call Faith.

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

Two minutes Earlier

Martineau led his band of demons to the opposite exit, a ten minute walk compared to the much shorter exits his men had attacked earlier. Inge walked slightly behind them.

"Oh, Tony?"

"Yes?"

"Can they see us as well? In the tunnels?"

He sighed.

"Probably, yes."

She stopped, watching the Colonel and his two demon sycophants exit. She turned and walked directly toward a camera, smiling brightly as she appeared just inches from the lens.

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

Katzenbach was scanning the cameras, looking for any unexpected activity. This young man was remarkably good, but one never knew...

His mouth dropped open.

His stomach burned with animal fury and he bent over with pain, yet somehow keeping his eyes trained on the camera.

Alarmed, Willow and Dawn scooted their chairs over. Willow spoke first.

"Hans?"

His body shook, unable to speak.

Xander was about to shout at Katzenbach for abandoning his post, but the old man was bent over in his chair, apparently staring at the ceiling. A concerned Willow and Dawn surrounded him. He felt guilty for a moment, but shoved it aside and did his job.

None of the other three were aware of Xander's thoughts at the moment...especially Katzenbach. At last Dawn followed his gaze.

"Who's she?"

The woman in the lens was smiling widely and speaking. Willow was now looking as well. Katzenbach began to breathe even more heavily and lurched out of his chair. He spoke in a choked voice.

"Please..."

Willow and Dawn continued to stare at the screen, mesmerized by the beautiful young woman. Katzenbach staggered out, just reaching the bathroom across the hall before either woman could tear away their gaze. Dawn rose to join him, but stopped as Willow put a hand on her arm and shook her head.

"Leave him alone."

Dawn looked back up at the now empty screen where the woman's stunning face had been.

"What did she say?"

Willow swallowed hard.

"It was German. I don't read foreign languages very well but...I think she said 'Uberraschung, mein liebling.' At least I think so."

"What does that mean?"

"Surprise, my darling."

- End Chapter Twenty-Six -