They had never been to England before. Giles always kept that part of his life separate from the Scoobies. That was why it had been so surprising when Nate had intercepted a call from Giles to the Summers’ household telling them to come to London, to the Watchers’ HQ specifically. Raven and Gabe were still off somewhere training. Sasha had insisted that Eve and Nate remain behind to watch over Sunnydale. She was afraid the First might try something to kick-start the already impending apocalypse. Spike had been left behind as well, considering that any flight would require some amount of sunshiny travel.

"Okay gang, let's try and stick together," Buffy called as the Scoobies left the jet.

"Whoa, so this is London?" Dawn said looking around the crowded airport. "I thought it would be, well, cleaner."

"I think it gets cleaner. I mean this is just the airport terminal, Dawnie," Tara said, helping Willow with her luggage.

Giles had told them that the Council was sending a car for them, but as they looked around, they saw no one looking for them.

"I guess we are going to have to get a cab or something. Do you think anyone knows where the Watchers’ Council Headquarters is?" Buffy said as she looked up and down the streets of London.

"You would think that they would be a bit more professional. I mean, you are the only slayer that is on the clock now, Buff," Xander said sarcastically.

As Buffy began to hail a cab, she saw a familiar face walking quickly towards them.
"Giles!" Dawn exclaimed as she ran towards him.
"Dawn, so good to see you again," Giles said in a fatherly tone.
After the salutations, Giles’ face became grave. His every movement seemed to be anxious, as if something could jump out and attack at any moment. When his eyes darted back to Buffy and the Scoobies, they could tell that he hadn't slept in a while. The bags under his eyes told that story.
"Giles, what’s wrong?" Buffy questioned.
"There is a problem...a rather large problem actually," Giles said, his eyes still darting around the street. "I'll tell you more once we are safe. Everyone follow me."

"So, we're walking now? I thought the British were supposed to be more hospitable than this," Xander said in a mocking tone.

"Xander, do shut up," Giles said, walking back the way he came with the Scoobies in tow.
*
After a long walk through the streets of London, the gang arrived outside what appeared to be a large, empty factory. It looked like it once had been a grand building but had now decayed into a lifeless hunk of brick.

"Okay, if they wanted to torture us, couldn't they have just done it back in the US?" Xander whined.

"Believe me, if you were visiting when there wasn't a dire threat, the Council would have provided very luxurious suites for all of you," Giles responded in an irritated tone.

"Okay, what is this threat you keep talking about, Giles?" Buffy asked, her mind now solely on the business at hand.

"Inside, everyone. Believe me, everything will be explained," Giles said, walking up the stairs leading to the large front doors of the factory. The others looked at one another and then followed Giles.

The interior of the building was sadder than the outside. It was dusty, and rats inhabited the dark corners. Some antiquated machinery was still in place, looking like it was waiting for the factory to be reborn. Giles walked right up to one of these machines and pulled a lever that wasn't quite as dusty as the others. A trapdoor opened just on the other side of him. From Buffy's viewpoint, it looked like the trapdoor opened to a large stone stairway.

"The Watchers’ Council relocated after our main office was infiltrated," Giles said as he walked down the stairwell. "It was vampires; they attacked at night. We don't know whom yet, but someone informed them of our whereabouts. Many people were killed in the attack, and eventually, we just had to abandon the building. We moved here, because we had to leave documents detailing all the other safe houses we had around the city."

"So, you sent for us to help take them out?" Willow asked when they had finally reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes and no. I thought that I could handle this, but then, Gabriel came back with Faith," Giles answered as he took off his glasses to give them a cleaning.

"Faith," Buffy spat. "She's here?"

"Yes. Gabriel told me that he had released her from prison, because she was supposed to be a champion. She was to train the new slayer. However, Faith's murderous tendencies got out of hand once more, and Gabe had to incarcerate her again. He couldn't take her back to a normal prison; there would be too many questions. Also, we apparently still need her to battle the First," Giles explained.

"He never told us that," Buffy said. "We know about Raven, but Gabe never told us that he had broken Faith out to help train her."

"Faith is currently heavily sedated in a padded cell on the premises," a voice behind them said. The voice belonged to one of the most odious people the Scoobies had ever known…Quentin Travers.

"Quentin?" Buffy asked in a surprised tone. "I was hoping you were someone's Happy Meal."

"Sorry, my dear, the vampires found me a bit too tough," he jabbed back. "You know why you are all here now. I think it would be a good idea for everyone to get some rest. I have a feeling tonight is going to be rather long. Rupert, please show them to their sleeping quarters. Then, please meet me in the War Room."

"Yes, Quentin. Everyone, follow me," Giles sounded irritated with Quentin, yet he knew better than to voice his concerns in public.

After walking through rows of tables laden with ancient texts and stuffy looking people reading over them, the gang arrived at an area that had been arranged into sleeping quarters. From what Buffy could tell, it was just 30 cots with meager blankets piled on top of them.

"Try and get some sleep, everyone. I know it's not the best situation, but it just couldn't be helped," Giles said as he tried to straighten the blankets on one cot.

"It's fine, Giles," Dawn said, taking his hand off the blankets. "Buffy will take care of everything, won't you?" Dawn directed the questionto Buffy, her eyes looking for some kind of reassurance.
"Of course. I mean, this is what I do," Buffy replied, her hands on her hips.

"Okay everyone, time for some sleep," Willow said, putting down her
suitcase next to a particularly disheveled cot.

"Can I go the bathroom first?" Tara asked, saying her first words since they had arrived at the safe house.

"Follow me," another voice sounded from behind them. It belonged to a woman the group had never seen before. She had white-blonde hair, haunting gray eyes, and large, pursed lips.

"Ah, allow me to introduce Lydia Vanderbilt," Giles said, seeming a
bit agitated.

"Nice to meet you all. Miss, if you would please follow me, I will show you to the lavatory," Lydia said, looking first at the whole group and then focusing in on Tara.

Tara thanked the stranger and followed Lydia out into the main area.

"Was it just me, or did she creep everyone out?" Xander asked, looking
at the others.

"No, wasn't just you. Definitely creepy," Dawn said with a shiver.

"Well, I can assure you she is a great asset to the Council. She just had a little trouble in Bulgaria. She was stationed there and ended up almost being murdered by some priest. A tad jumpy at times, though," Giles explained. "Well, I best be off. Quentin won't like it if I don't jump at all of his commands."

"See you soon," Buffy said as she watched Giles walk away. "So, everyone in bed. I think tonight is going to be interesting. Wonder if any of the watchers are going to help us?"

"I don't think so. They seem to be just about the research," Xander replied.

"Well, at least they don't seem to want to kill you again," Willow said, her voice filled with amusement.

"No, they just have someone doped up in a padded cell who wants to kill me. I don't think they will be able to hold Faith for long," Buffy worried.

"Well, like you said, big sis, sleepy time," Dawn said before launching a pillow at Buffy's head.
"You are so dead," Buffy said as she picked up her pillow to retaliate.
*
After the gang had finally gotten some rest (and been awakened only three hours later by Lydia), they were asked to assemble in the area of the safe house designated as the War Room. It was really nothing more than a large table, its seats occupied by watchers of obvious importance. The Scoobies and Giles were forced to stand before them, as if they were the ones who had asked for help. Right in the middle of this legion of smugness sat Quentin, quite possibly the most pompous of them all.

"Ms. Summers, you are aware of our current predicament. We know that we can never return to our former headquarters; however, we would still like you to rid it of its current infestation. Many volumes and records of the Council's activities were left behind in the rush to escape. These must be recovered. Also, we would like to ask you to contact Gabriel. We need to discuss some matters with him," Quentin said in the most polite tone he could muster. Buffy was astounded that he didn't throw in some glib remark.

"I can handle the infestation, as for the getting in touch with Gabe, that may prove to be a problem. He tends to just show up. I think Willow has his e-mail address though," Buffy said, nodding her head toward Willow. Buffy could hear Xander snicker at the thought of an angel having e-mail.

"That would be greatly appreciated," a woman at the other side of the table said.

"We will send Lydia and Giles with you when you go to our former headquarters. I think you should go there now. It is almost dusk, and I have a feeling it would be better to attack the vampires as they are just awakening," Quentin ordered.

"Fine, just remember this the next time you decide to try and evaluate me," Buffy said, turning her back on the Council and walking over to the weapons area with Giles and the Scoobies in tow.

*

"I swear, I hate that little toad," Buffy hissed as she and the others walked toward the Council's former headquarters.

"He is kinda unlikable," Willow said glibly.

"He just has his underwear in too tight of a bunch," Xander added.

"Should you really speak about the head of the Council that way?"
Lydia asked in a disapproving tone.

"It's not like we haven't done it before, Lydie," Giles reminded.

"Yes, but well, it is just different. We’ve had so much longer to hate the git than they have," Lydia said in a humorous tone. She seemed much more lively now that she had gotten out of the safe house.

"Well, believe me, we catch on quick," Buffy explained. "Giles, I don't think anyone ever told me exactly how many vampires we are going to have to slay."

"Well, I am not quite sure we have an exact number. We are estimating in the twenties, at least. There were more, but some were staked during the initial attack," Giles explained.

"I’m glad Tara decided to take Dawn somewhere," Buffy sighed, sounding relieved for her sister's safety.

"Yeah, I don't think either of them liked it that much in the safe house," Willow chimed.

They had arrived in what could only be described as one of the most peaceful looking neighborhoods that Buffy had ever seen. Houses with lights on at their front stoops lined the street. It looked almost quaint. She could see why the Council had located their headquarters in this neighborhood. It would just be too hard to believe they were here.

"So, which one are we?" Buffy asked looking up and down the street for any unusual activity.

"Third on the left," Giles said, pointing at the only house without a light. "We had best get going. The sun is almost down."

They marched to the front door of the building, and Buffy pushed it in slightly. The entire house was empty. It had been stripped of its previous belongings.

"Giles, is it supposed to look like this?" Buffy said, looking around.

"No," Giles said harshly.

"There is nothing in here at all. Looks like the vamps decided to clean house," Xander said.

"Only they weren't that very good at it. Look, blood," Willow said, pointing down at the floor.

"If they aren't in here, then that means that they are out in the city. We have to find Dawn and Tara," Buffy said, with fear seizing her as she ran outside to look at the already darkening sky.

"Willow, do you know where they were going?" Buffy asked almost in a panic.

"I think Dawn said something about wanting to see the Tower of
London," Willow said, her eyes flashing with fear.

"We need to find them. I have a feeling we were lured here on purpose," Buffy said.

*

"Having fun Dawn?" Tara asked with a smile as Dawn walked along, tapping all the glass display cases.

"Oh, yeah. I was thinking London would be…I don't know, better somehow," Dawn replied.

"Dawn, can you hear that?" Tara questioned, looking around with a flickering of emotion.

"Nope," Dawn answered.

"Sounded like Willow. I think something is happening. They might be in trouble. I can't get a clear reading, because we are too far apart. You okay with cutting this trip a little short?" Tara inquired

"Let’s go. If they are in trouble we are going to have to find some way to help them," Dawn said, sounding like a little Buffy.

They walked back, retracing their route through the tower. Its halls seemed to echo with the memories of a long gone era.

They were just about to leave when they saw ten vampires entering the tower. The vampires had already fed on half of the tourists who had been unlucky enough to be trapped in the building.

Tara and Dawn shared a look of terror and then turned back the way they had come. They tore down halls and up staircases looking for someplace to hide. Tara finally pulled Dawn into what looked like an abandoned office. Tara used her gifts to move a large cabinet in front of the door and then helped Dawn to move the desk against the door as well.
"Can’t you do something?" Dawn asked fear rising in her voice.
"I'll try and call to Willow. I hope they can come and help," Tara said as she sat down and called on the mystical forces that flowed through her.

"Just hurry," Dawn said, her eyes still on the door.
*
"Buffy!" Willow exclaimed as she stopped running with the others.
"What? Willow, are you okay?" Buffy asked as she turned around.

"I'm fine, but Tara and Dawn aren't, though. The vamps have shown up at the Tower. Tara and Dawn are..." Willow said scrunching her eyes, trying to keep the connection alive. "They're safe for now up in an office close to the top. I think there are ten vampires. They already ate some tourists and security."

"We have to get there now," Buffy said, proceeding to walk out into the street in front of a moving car. The driver had put on the brakes in time, and the car stopped three feet in front of Buffy. The driver then proceeded to roll down his window and shout obscenities. Buffy walked to the window and threw the man out.

"Giles, drive," Buffy commanded as she jumped in the passenger's side.

The others jumped in just before Giles tore off down the streets of London.

*

The pounding of the office door had only started a few minutes ago, but Dawn felt like it had been going on forever. So far, their little barricade had managed to keep the vampires out, but it looked like it wasn't going to hold much longer. Tara had tried to contact Willow ten minutes ago, but she had no idea if the message had gotten through. Dawn closed her eyes and wished she were someplace else…someplace with a little more sun and a lot of wooden stakes. Then, the door was suddenly smashed in. Three hands had pounded through and were attempting to push the cabinet and desk out of the way. Tara and Dawn shared a scream that only comes when one knows death is imminent. They were still screaming when, suddenly, the arms pushing through the door turned to dust.

"Buffy!" Dawn yelled as she ran to the door and helped Tara remove the desk and cabinet.

"Are you two alright?" Buffy asked as she hugged Dawn tightly.
"We’re fine. Did you get them all?" Tara questioned through an equally tight hug with Willow.
"We only saw these three. I think the others are still somewhere in the building. We need to find them. One of them might have some answers for us," Buffy said, releasing Dawn.

"I think we should try and find them before…" Giles began but was interrupted when the other seven vampires burst into the room.

Giles and Xander were put out of action almost immediately. Buffy had staked the first two she had faced. Willow and Tara grasped hands and knocked three of the vamps on their backs. Dawn had retreated to a corner and was watching in horror. A vampire had grabbed Lydia by the wrist and was pulling her toward him. Death was glinting in the vampire's eyes and was only bested in intensity by the fear in Lydia's. Just as the vampire was going in for the kill, a scream like none of them had ever heard before ripped through the Tower. It didn't seem to faze the vampire, though, and he had soon drained Lydia.

The scream didn't stop, though; it got louder and louder. A form that looked like silvery light crashed into the room. The remaining vampires took one look and ran. The screams had awakened Giles, who now yelled at Buffy to do something. Buffy jumped at the silvery phantom and passed completely through it. The phantom seemed drawn to Dawn. It floated to her and seemed to surround her. Dawn just looked at it. She didn't scream or even seem afraid. Willow threw red sparks at the phantom, who seemed afraid and then fled back from whence it came.

"What the heck was that?" Buffy asked loudly, her hands over her ears.

"I think it was a banshee, but I have never seen one act like that before," Giles answered as he walked over to Lydia's body to check for any signs of life. "She's dead," he said sadly.

"We have to do something about those vamps. They seem to know an awful lot about us," Xander said as he stood up.

"I think we should be more concerned about the banshee. If she has locked on to any of us, it might mean our deaths," Giles replied, wiping his glasses.
"Research?" Buffy questioned.
"Research," Giles answered.
*
After they had gotten back to the safe house and informed the Council of everything that had happened, they hit the books. Apparently many of the large, dusty volumes that had been saved from the vampire invasion contained information about banshees. After about two hours of research, they had come to one conclusion.

"This thing couldn't have been a banshee," Buffy said, looking up from the book she was reading. "It didn't have a solid form. It says here all banshees have a solid form."

"I know. But, the thing fits so many of the other traits that banshees possess. I mean, it heralded Lydia's death, and the scream," Giles said, clearly frustrated.

"I think we need some help on this one. I say we call someone from the higher authority," Willow said, looking at Buffy for approval.

"I definitely agree, Will," Buffy said, nodding.

"But, I thought you said you couldn't get in touch with Gabe," Giles asked, sounding confused.

"We mean Sasha. She is this mega-powerful sorceress who works for the
Powers," Tara explained.

"Ah, so how do we get in touch with her?" Giles asked.

"Call Buffy's place. Sasha is playing den mother to the others," Xander
informed.

*

"What?" Sasha asked over the loud music Eve and Nate were playing for their party. "Banshee?"

"What's up, Sasha?" Nate said, coming in the kitchen to get a drink.

"Something about a banshee," Sasha said, holding her hand over the receiver of the phone. "Could you please turn down that racket?"
"Sure," Nate said as he went into the living room to turn down the music.
"So what is this about a banshee?" Sasha asked Buffy. "You say this
banshee is intangible? I would guess that it has been cursed… Probably put up a counter-spell just before it was cursed, and it backfired a bit… You want to know how to kill it? Oh, I don't think you can... You are going to have to try and get it to redeem itself…
I think that should be sufficient to break the curse… I have to go; talk to you later... Bye…"

Sasha hung up the phone and walked into the living room to find everyone gone and a large mess left behind.

"I can't believe I am a champion, and I still have to clean house."
Sasha sighed, and with a wave of her hand, everything was back in order.

*

"Well, Sasha says that the banshee is actually someone who was cursed. We can't kill it either. Just find some way to redeem it," Buffy said slightly agitated. "I could have sworn they were having a party. I could hear music and everything."

"Well, at least someone is having fun," Xander whined.

"So, we just have to redeem the banshee?" Dawn asked.

"Yeah, that is about it. But, I have no idea on the `how to' part.
Giles?" Buffy said, looking from Dawn to Giles.

The discussion that followed seemed to involve more research, but Dawn didn't hear most of it. She was already trying to slink her way outside. No one had noticed that she was gone, but she was used to it. She was going to save this banshee. There was something about it that seemed friendly.

Dawn walked through the dark streets of London looking for the banshee. She had only just begun to realize how stupid she was being when she heard the noise behind her. It was a wail, not as loud as it had been, but still, there was no mistaking it. Dawn turned and began to follow the wail. It seemed to be coming from an abandoned building on the other side of the street. Dawn looked for passing cars before walking across. She had no idea what was following her or how much trouble she was in.
*
It had been almost ten minutes before anyone had noticed that Dawn was missing. Tara was about to ask her a question when she had realized that she was gone. The Scoobies immediately became frantic. Then Buffy had a burst of insight. Dawn was going to look for the banshee.
"Do we know where a banshee hangs out?" Xander asked as they all grabbed weapons and began to walk out of the building.

"I don't think we need to. Listen to that," Buffy said, motioning for everyone to be quiet. The noise was unmistakable. It was the banshee, and it was shrieking.

*

"Please stop that," Dawn asked the banshee, her hands over her ears. The banshee did not seem be listening to her. Then Dawn saw why, four vampires walked into the building and blocked off the exits.

"If they don't kill me, Buffy definitely will."

As the vampires rushed toward her, her eyes had the same look as Lydia's had. Then, something happened. The banshee moved in front of her and punched the first vampire in the face. It moved with a fury, and every blow it landed made it become more solid. Buffy and the rest of the gang had arrived in time to see the vampires flee the building. The Scoobies walked in to see the banshee doubled over. White-hot energy was lancing up from her, and then, it just stopped. A large, heavy gray cloak covered the now human-like body.

Then, something seemed to rise up from beneath the cloak. Something was taking form, becoming...wings. After a moment of being fully outstretched, they disappeared again. And, what once had been a banshee, stood upright.

"I am Uriel," the former banshee said. "I am an angel. You three are champions," she said, gesturing at Buffy, Willow, and Dawn. There is another champion close by who is in danger. I see only death for Faith and the rest of the Watchers’ Council."

"What?" Buffy said, still in awe over the transformation she had witnessed.

"We must go to them, quickly. We still might be able to save them," Uriel said, running out of the building with the rest of the Scoobies trying to keep up.

They had just arrived outside the old factory and tried to proceed inside. Uriel was standing in front of the safe house with her arms outstretched, blocking their path.

"It is too late for them," Uriel said, with a touch of sadness in her voice.

With these words, an incredible energy ripped through the building, eradicating anything that had been there. Buffy looked on in horror. This was why she had been called here. She was supposed to die…again.