A/N: This takes place the night Cordy and Angel are supposed to meet. Of course I'm changing the whole Skip-tricking-Cordy-to-the-higher-plains thing. In this fic, Connor takes his revenge a step further, involving Cordelia. This starts at the end of season three, then going through season four. Which will result with new and old things from the television series. Muah! Ha! Ha haaaaaaa!

Disclaimer: Hey, the characters in the Joss Whedon universe belongs to him and David Greenwalt. They're the geniuses who came up with the idea first. So, put down you torches and pitchforks, I'm not getting any money for this fic. Ha... Ha.

Ashes

Chapter 1: A Son's Betrayal

Cordelia couldn't stop grinning, even with the monster size butterfly's fluttering in her stomach. Tonight was the night when she bared her soul to the one man who would either shatter her completely, or make her the happiest woman on this earth. Plus, the thought of sharing some possible smooches with the hunky vampire was definitely a plus!

"Alright Dennis! How does this one look?"

Cordelia stepped out of her closet, wearing a knee length red dress with tiny spaghetti straps. Lights flickered quickly on and off, showing Dennis's male approval. Nervously, Cordelia looked at her image in her full length mirror. Doing the usual spin and look routine, Cordelia bit her plump lower lip with a look of doubt.

"It's not too Take-Me-Big-Boy, is it?"

A sticky note pad floated in front of her lovely, heart shaped face.

"Woman, you look beautiful! You look great in anything. Don't keep that big lug waiting and go!"

"I'm going to change,"said Cordelia to Dennis's annoyance.

Watching his roommate change yet again frustrated the ghost. He honestly hoped the vampire was worth the effort over this grueling clothes dilemma. Personally, he didn't like any male who came sniffing around Cordy's door. Just because Angel was a warrior for The Powers That Be did not exclude him from Dennis's dislike list.

"Agh!" Cordelia wailed. "There's nothing here good enough! Dennis, just hand me the phone so I can call Angel and cancel. I'll pretend I've got a cold or something."

Suddenly, a sticky note slapped Cordelia right in the forehead.

"Ow! Jeez, Dennis! Watch it with the smacking."

Cordelia read the note, and sighed.

"Don't even think about it! Groo was right, you're in love with him. Even if I can't see why, you are. Personally, I think nobody deserves you, but that's just me. Take it from someone who's been there. If you don't go through with this, you'll always wander what could have been."

The seer smiled, but then shivered. Her vulnerable side showed up.

"What if he doesn't feel the same? Buffy's always been the love of his life. How can I beat that?"

Another note floated over.

"Angel would have to be an idiot to not see what is right in front of him. As for Buffy, sounds like he's past her now. He did come back here after her resurrection. He could've stayed and tried to start again, but he didn't. Just follow your heart, Cordelia. You deserve some happiness."

Dennis watched as Cordelia grinned, her smile bright and filled with light. The ghost smiled back, even though she couldn't see it. Looking at the clock, Dennis began thinking of the girl he fell in love with so long ago. Tall, brunette, eyes that melted him whenever he looked deeply into them... He regretted how things turned out, it being one of the things that drove him to ghostly madness stuck in that wall for so long. If he only kept his secret get away with his love from his mother, then perhaps they would be together with a family and grand-kids.

The night they were supposed to meet was going to be the night he popped the question. Now, he'll always have this regret not being able too. That's why he was pushing for Cordelia to go through with this. Even if Angel did break her heart, at least she would know for sure and move on with her life... Of course he would be sworn enemies for eternity with the vampire if he did.

"Okay, I promise that this is the last one." Cordelia called out. Dennis waited, then watched with wander as the vision stepped out of the closet.

She had on a long white gown, showing a hint of her impressive cleavage. It was very conservative, yet had a romantic quality that would catch any males eye. If Dennis wasn't dead and could breath, he would be turning blue from lack of oxygen. Flicking the lights off and on continuously made Cordelia giggle.

"Well, I can see that nothing more needs to be said. This is it, the one dress that I've been saving for a special occasion. I thought I would never get the chance to wear it!"

Checking herself in the mirror, Cordelia finally felt satisfied. She then slipped on some high heel sandals, tiny glittering rhinestones decorated the two shoes. Then, she carefully did some touch ups on her makeup, for some reason keeping it light instead of the usual sexiness look she'd put on with a normal date. For Angel, she didn't need all of that to impress him. Like he once told her before, he liked the natural look on her.

The only thing she wasn't quite satisfied with was her hair. She went crazy on her little vacation with Groo, chopping her hair even shorter and coloring it blond. A color she honestly never thought she would try. Groo loved it, which was a good enough reason at the time to do such a radical change. Now, she wanted her shoulder length brown hair back. But what was done is done.

From the static electricity she was getting off of Dennis, she knew that she was running late.

"Okay, okay! I'm going! Just let me - Dennis!"

Cordelia felt her ghostly friend push her out of her bedroom urgently. Deciding that she didn't have time to argue, the young woman gave in and rushed to the door. She jumped when there was a knock.

Looking at the clock, she wandered who would be wanting to see her this late in the night. A thought occurred to her, scaring her to the state of numbness. What if it was Angel? He might have guessed why she wanted to talk with him, after all she did drop some heavy hints on what the reason could be. But... what if he wanted to let her down gently in a place where she would feel more secure? Her lungs constricted as heart ache and fear almost doubled her over.

Noticing his friends distress, the ghost decided that he should see who it was. Peeking out of the door, Dennis frowned. A young man, no, scratch that, a boy stood outside. His brown hair was slightly long, framing his pale face. His blue eyes were brooding and filled with the lack of usual human ease, instead filled with a strange coldness. Something about his features reminded him of someone. A hint of something that should click with his ghostly brain, but wasn't at the moment.

Still, if he was a relative of someone they knew or not, it didn't matter. The vibes he received from this teenager was bad and toxic. He was too dangerous.

Meanwhile, Cordelia got a hold of herself during her little freak out episode. Feeling embarrassed of her sudden cowardice, Cordelia straightened her shoulders and decided that she wasn't going to let a manpire scare her. After all, she was once called the 'Boy Slayer', a title she worn proudly back in the day. And tonight, she was going to reclaim that title by making Angel week in the knees, no matter if he loved her or not!

Cordelia grabbed the door handle, but yelped as a electric current shocked her hand. Dennis quickly ran to grab his note pad, trying to warn his friend of the danger.

"Damn it, Dennis! What was that for?"

A quickly scribbled out note was handed over. Dennis watched anxiously as his room-mate read the note.

"There's a teenager out there, and he's reeking of bad vibes. Danger!"

"Teenager?"

"Cordelia? It's me, Stev-... Er, Connor."

Cordelia relaxed. Dennis hastily began scribbling, then tried to stop Cordy from opening the door. But the stubborn seer ignored his ghostly influence and opened the door, allowing the teen to rush in.

"Connor, I didn't expect you here... Um, how did you know where I live?"

The pacing boy stopped, his cold eyes looking everywhere but her. Something was wrong.

"Your scent."

"Oh. Guess the old sniffer was another thing you got from your dad."

Cordelia didn't miss the wince when she called Angel his father. Not that she wasn't used to weird mood changes - thanks to her years around his father - but his agitation began to alarm her. She thought that after detoxing Conner would work out all that hatred and aggression out of his soul. But apparently, things were still not quite homey yet.

Looking down at her watch, Cordy left those troubled thoughts for another day and attempted to cut this visit short.

"So, what brings you here? Because, I've kinda got a place to be at and I'm running behind-"

"You're going to meet him, my... father."

"Yep. So, if this isn't an emergency, could this wait?"

"That's why I'm here," Conner stated with an edge to his voice as he stopped and finally looked at her, though still not in the eyes.

"What do you mean?" Cordelia asked, becoming very alarmed now.

"He called the hotel, about five or ten minutes ago."

"And?" Cordelia pressed, feeling frustration with the slow information.

"I don't know. I guess I panicked. Fred answered the phone, said she heard some shouting and the sound of a struggle on the other line. Dad tried to tell them where he was, but the line went dead. Gunn and Fred told me to wait at the hotel till they came back, but I... I just..."

Conner sund down to his knees, covering his face. Cordelia felt her excited and happy mood fall back to earth. Angel - her Angel - was in danger. Not like that wasn't normal for him, but just the thought of the possibility of losing him brought a overwhelming sense of dispair. She needed to find him. He just couldn't die. Not now, not after finally getting out of the river of denial.

Clutching her purse and car keys, Cordelia urged the teenager to his feet.

"Don't go all hopeless on me. You're a warrior, Conner. I mean Steven. Whatever."

"Conner," the teenager corrected.

"The point is - is that the manpire I love and your father, needs us. Let's go kick some ass."

The teenager smiled smugly as she began to lead him out the door. Dennis slammed the door on the boy's arm, almost breaking it. Cordelia reacted quickly as the teenager let out a short scream of pain, clutching his left bicep.

"Dennis! Knock it off! He's Angel's son, which means he's off limits!"

Dennis watched as the boy quickly exited the apartment. He tried flicking the lights on and off, but the two were long gone. Something wasn't right. That boy, his aura, was filled with rage. And anyone who was that much contaminated by it, was most likely to explode at the slightest thing.

Quickly grabbing the phone, Dennis phoned the hotel. He didn't believe one word that kid said. Yet, he hoped he was wrong. For Cordy and Angel's sake.

A

Fred and Gunn were closing shop for the night. Everything was coming to together at last. Angel and Conner were bonding, Wolfram and Hart were put in their place, and finally, the champion and seer were finally going to confess their obvious love for each other. It seemed that nothing could ruin these happy times. Not after all they've been through the past months.

"About ready, gorgeous?"

Fred giggled, looking down bashfully due to her boyfriend's endearment. A red blush touched her cheeks, boosting Gunn's ego. He waltzed over to the reception desk as she straightened some files.

"Almost. I just need to put these files back, then we'll be done for the night."

"Done? No, we're definitely not done. I've got a few things in mind for tonight," Gunn replied with a wiggle of his eyebrows. The blush deepened as the Texan quickly put the last files up.

"Okay! All finished," Fred said eagerly. She shuddered as two big strong arms wrapped around her middle, his lips slowly moving up her long, slender neck.

"Mmm, Charles. We should... oh my! We should go... Now!"

Gunn chuckled as the brunette snatched her purse, turned of the lights, and tugged him towards the back doors. The phone then rang, causing two groans to soon follow. Fred released Gunn's hand and began to march back over, but the young man wasn't having any of that.

"Oh no you don't," Gunn chided as he yanked her back in his arms. "Leave it be. They can leave a message."

"But Charles, that could be more work or someone in dire need of our help!"

Gunn grinned as he began to nibble on her lips. "I love the way you say dire. Only a woman like you can get away with that."

Fred was breathing heavily, forgetting the phone. Cordelia's familiar chipper voice on the message machine asked for the name and number of the helpless. Silence was all there was.

"See? Just another wrong number," Gunn cooed as he nibbled on Fred's neck. She nodded, reaching for the door handle.

"Yeah. Wrong... number," she sighed. The two lovers left, not hearing the sudden tapping on the machine as Dennis tried to deliver a message through Morse code.

A

"Turn here," Connor ordered.

"What do you mean? I told Angel to meet me at-"

"I told you, he was somewhere else. Whoever was attacking him probably kept him from even reaching your meeting place," Connor replied coldly.

Cordelia shut her mouth, ignoring the menace in his words. She blamed it on the stress of his night. After hearing of Wolfram and Hart's earlier attack on the father and son bonding time, she could really sympathise with the teenager. It seemed that the endless stream of danger that began before his birth still haunted his every step.

"Don't worry, Conner. Your father is going to be fine. He's strong, heroic, brave, handsome, soulful, and has these strong, hard mus-" Cordelia stopped herself as she began to ramble on with the list of things that she loved about him. Now wasn't the time to moon over his father when Angel needed help.

"He'll make it out, okay? He always does. He's Angel."

Conner looked at her, studying her. "You care for him. More than he knows."

Cordelia nodded. "Yes. I... I love him. I think I have for a very long time. Before you were even in existence."

Conner smiled, knowing he had the perfect target for his plot. "Good. It's good to know what I'm right about you."

"What do you mean by that?" Cordy questioned.

"It's obvious. The way you two look at each other. I just wasn't quite sure. I never saw a male and female relationship before."

"Well, a hell dimension will do that to you."

"Yeah. The closest thing I saw that touched affection between two creatures was with two Horn-crack demons."

"Really," Cordelia said with lack of enthusiasm.

"Yeah, except the female ate the males legs after the mating dance. Then after they mated and she lays the eggs, sh-"

"Is that it?" Cordelia pointed out to an abandoned warehouse. She really didn't want to go there with Conner. Learning the mating habits of demons was not on her to do list.

"Yes. That's it."

Pulling over, Cordelia looked wearily at the building. It was next to a dock, where a few boats were currently anchored. It didn't seemed that anything dangerous was occuring here. Then again, this was L.A., anywhere could be a dangerous lair for a demon.

"I've got some weopans in my trunk in a grey duffle bag. Some cross bows, small axes, stakes, holy water, and some short swords."

Conner nodded, quickly getting out of the tan jeep. Looking down at the jeweled watch she had on, Cordelia frowned. Gunn and Fred should be there by now. She didn't see the truck anywhere. Taking her cell out of her purse, Cordelia began to dial Gunn's cell number. But Conner was quickly opening her door, snatching the phone from her hands.

"Hey! What's your damage?"

Conner quickly crushed it with one hand, dropping the remains on the ground. Cordelia was stunned, but her Chase temper was quickly rising.

"Sorry, but you could alert the enemy."

"Excuse me, but I was trying to call Gunn and ask where he was!"

"Shh! We don't know what is in there! For all we know, the others could be inside, trying to silently ambush the enemy."

Cordelia narrowed her eyes. Though she could see where he was coming from, something didn't add together.

"They're not here, Conner."

"You don't know that," Conner retorted as he slung the duffel bag over his shoulder.

Cordelia's earlier instincts were now screaming. This whole situation was wrong. And the way Conner refused to look her in the eyes was really starting to confirm suspicions.

"You know, maybe you're right. I'll stay here while you go inside and look around."

Cordelia tried closing her door, but Conner wouldn't allow it. "I think that's a bad idea."

Cordelia shivered. Conner's hand clenched the door tightly, his strength putting tiny dents in the door where he gripped it. Her body began to hum as she tried to trigger that power from before. Maybe he needed more cleaning out. For now, she could understand what her ghostly friend meant by danger.

"Conner," began Cordelia in a soothing tone. "Let go of the door."

"I can't."

"Honey," she tried again. "Look me in the eyes."

Conner slowly looked up. His eyes were filled with hatred, coldness, and guilt. She gasped, realizing her instincts were correct. This was a trap.

"Angel isn't here."

Conner nodded. Cordelia held back the tears threatening to spill.

"Conner, what did you do?"

"Nothing," he replied honestly."Yet."

Cordelia closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. When opening them, she returned a fierce glare. Conner eyes shifted else were.

"Let go of the door. I really don't want to hurt you."

"But you will, if you have to," Conner finished for her. His cold eyes met hers. "I'm sorry that you have to be dragged into this. You gave me peace, even though it was short lived; I will always be grateful to you for that. But the mission has to be completed."

"What mission?"

"Justice," Connor snarled. He then tried to grab Cordelia's arm. A bright light hit him, knocking him ten feet back.

Cordelia quickly closed the door, starting the jeep. She quickly backed out, the wheels squealing their protest. Setting the gear to Drive, the determined seer stomped on the pedal and tried to flee the seen. It looked like she would be getting away, but it wasn't going to be as easy as she had hoped.

Connor leaped on top of the hood, his face set in a ferocious snarl. Cordelia swerved, starting to lose controle. But the miracle child hung on, refusing to let his prey get away. Seeing no way out of this situation, Cordelia stomped on the break.

She thankfully came to a safe stop. But Connor went flying, landing hard on the road. He rolled a couple of times, then laid there motionless.

Cordelia panted, her hands shaking. She desperately wanted to leave him there, and go find and warn Angel of his son's intentions. It would be the smart thing to do, since Connor was following the example of both parents and going all psyco and evil... But, he was Angel's son. And at one time, she secretly called him hers as well. She still loved him, something that hasn't changed despite of the bitterness instilled into him by Holtz. The mother instincts still were intact, even though he was almost a man now.

She just couldn't leave him there. Hurt. Alone. That would be no better than what Holtz did back in the hell dimension. Connor could still be saved. These thoughts continued to race through the seer's mind, making it harder to heed her fight or flight response. After all, she helped relieve that pain and rage once. She could do it again. For the sweet baby that was taken not so long ago, and for the vampire she loved.

Leaving the safety of her jeep, Cordelia ran to the motionless body. She knelt down, touching the pulse point in his neck. It was strong, just lightly elevated from what they just experienced. Smiling with relief, Cordelia laid her hands on both of his cheeks.

"Don't worry, Connor. I'm going to help you. Cause that's what we do. We help the helpless."

Connor's eyes flew open, his hands grabbing both wrists.

"I am not helpless!"

Connor quickly gave Cordelia a head butt, knocking her out. Picking her up, Connor looked down at the unconscious beauty. He ignored the guilt that was growing.

"Don't you see? This is the only way."

Then quickly, Connor ran toward the warehouse, holding Cordelia tight to his chest.

A

Angel sighed. She wasn't coming. And he had no way of reaching her because he stupidly dropped his cell phone. He really hated those things.

But it didn't matter. He waited there for an hour. That was enough to tell him that the traffic wasn't the one stopping her from seeing him. It was Groo. Which left room for one conclusion - there was no mutual feelings between them. It was all one sided. And he was the one again who was left to pine for a woman he didn't deserve or could give a normal life to.

Feeling tired from the emotionaly draining experiance of letting hopes rise to high, he turned around and began to leave. Angel didn't get far, stopping abruptly at what he saw. His son smiled, leaning against the Plymouth.

"Conner?... Is something the matter," he asked with confusion and worry.

"No, everything is fine, dad," Conner said a little too chipper. He began to walk towards his father. Angel saw the tenseness in his son's stance, but didn't dwell on it.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came here to see you. After all, we're family. Where's Cordelia?"

"She's on her way."

Conner stopped. "I really don't think so."

Angel narrowed his eyes, that old gut feeling of wrongness settling in. But before he could even think of reacting, Conner lunged for him with all his speed and strength - sending both over the ledge. They rolled down, both entangled with each other. Rocks that would normally break bones did little to both super beings as they hit the ground with shattering force; finally seperating by finding the sandy beach beneath their bodies. Then the battle began.

Conner landed some punches, but Angel quickly retaliated, but purposely taking it easy so he could talk some sense into his son's head.

"Conner!"

"Shut up!"

Conner tried kicking his father, but Angel blocked it. Both landed a few more punches. The battle soon brought them to the tide coming in. The waves crashed into their strong bodies as they duked it out.

"Son, tell me what's wrong," Angel pleaded as he received another hard punch across the jaw.

"What did I do?"

He quickly grabbed his son's arm, twisting it behind him. For a moment, he had the advantage.

"Calm down! Tell me what's wrong so I can fix it!"

"Fix it? You can't. It's all your fault! YOU LIED TO ME!"

Conner rage built up to the point that he was able to get out of Angel's hold. "I'll make you pay!"

Angel had to amp up his attacks as his son began battling him the way he recently been showing him. Every new techniqe that he proudly taught his curious son was now being used against him. Soon, Angel found himself in a dangerous situation. His only hope for both of them to survive this was to knock Connor unconcious. It was then that he prayed that Cordelia would not come, knowing that his son would most definitly take advantage of his feelings for Cordelia and attack her.

With that in mind, Angel stop holding back his strength and gave as good as he got. His face stony as he delivered a gut blow twice, causing the air to whoosh out of Conner's lungs. His heart broke for the pain he had to inflict on his own son, wishing that it didn't have to come to this. Shaking off all feeling that would cause the slightest hesitation, he reached down violantly and grabbed his son by the collar of his t-shirt and began shaking the teen.

"Stop it! Just listen to me!"

"No! It's all lies! All of it!"

"Shut up! I love you, damn it! Whatever I did or didn't do, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

Conner stopped struggling for a moment. In that second, Angel could have sworn he saw guilt and sadness. His grip loosened just slightly as he felt his son go limp. Then those flicker of Connor's concious was clouded over as the hate shown threw, winning against the pleading of his own soul.

"I hate you," Conner shouted as he tried to break free.

Angel quickly punched his son, the boy's head sagging as unconsciousness seemed to take over. A dry sob escaped as Angel closed his eyes, gasping for air he didn't need. His moment of reprieve was suddenly ended as a sharp electric current went through his body. Angel dropped to his knees, unable to move. His brown eyes looked up at his son. A tazor sparked with electricity as Conner stood triumphant over his father at last.

"Conner?"

Conner yelled as he stunned his father again, and again. He didn't stop till Angel laid motionless on ground, the waves crashing over his body. The plesant feeling of victory rushed through his veins, giving the teen a high. At last, justice shall be given, and his true father's mission can be finally accomplished. Looking down at the vampire, the troubled boy gave a rare smile. It lacked any of the innocence and light that he once had as an infant; now nothing more than a hollow echo of the baby that was loved by all.

Reaching down, Conner quickly dragged Angel further up on the beach, then grabbed the flash light waiting on the grey duffel bag that belonged to Cordelia. He flashed it toward the ocean. An answering signal came from a nearby boat. Conner signaled back again, then put the flash light back in the bag. Reaching back down to the still motionless body of his father, the teen began the track to the meeting place where Justine would be waiting for them.

A short time later...

Angel slowly opened his eyes, unage to comprehend where he was or what has happened. He saw stars. Lots of stars. Something you don't see much when in the city. He smiled. Cordelia loved the stars. It was one thing she complained about of the glittering city of Los Angeles, she never saw enough stars to her liking.

His vampire hearing could pick up waves of the ocean. Soft and wet, and gentle with its rocking motion. Was he at the beach - or a boat with Cordelia? He must have fell asleep or... There was something... something not right. His instincts were not fooled by the sight and sounds, easily picking up the old feeling of danger. Two heart beats were close by, one more rapid than the steady and calm pusle of the other. This confused him. Where was he?

Then the horrible experience with his son came back. Each blow, each hateful word being spouted from his son's mouth; it came with the sudden clarity that his epiphany had done close to year ago. Angel began to focas much more quickly than that of a human being, his senses sharpening with each moment that passied. And when realizing he couldn't move dawned on him, the small ball of dread in the pit of his stomach grew double in size. Moving a bit more violantly, Angel found to his growing alarm that his arms and ankles were restrained. Looking frantically around, he realized he was in a large metal box of some sorts. Was he just having a nightmare after all?

"This is it," said a vaguely familiar woman's voice. It wasn't something he heard often, if at all.

"Good. I think he's waking up," said Conner. That he definitely recognized.

"Well, hello sleeping beauty. Nice for ya to join us," Justine said as she peered into the box. Her eyes danced with evil glee as Angel growled at her.

"Uh-uh, big boy. None of that! Or Junior and I just might have to stake you."

"No! Don't even think about it," Conner threatened. Justine glared at the teenager, but didn't argue.

"Conner, what are you doing?"

"Giving justice. For all the people you killed. For killing my real dad's family, ruining his life, and ruining mine."

"What I did to Holtz can never be undone. I know that. But I never would ruin your life. Your my son, I love you Conner."

"Shut up! Just shut-up," snarled the boy. "You're nothing more than a demon, Angelus - so don't even tell me more of those lies. You killed the only man I will ever call father. He didn't deserved that! He didn't deserve being drained in a alley."

Justine didn't look comfortable where this conversation was heading.

"What are you talking about?" Angel asked earnestly.

"Don't bother denying it. I saw the bite on his neck. The night when you supposedly peacefully talked to my father."

Angel shook his head. He saw Justine shuffle nervously. Somehow, the vengeful red head had something to do with this.

"No. I'm not lying to you. I never killed Holtz!"

"I know who you really are. Even with a soul, you're still nothing but a monster. And you are going to pay for it."

Conner and Justine disappeared from view for a few seconds. Angel now was fighting his restraints as best as he could. All the while, he pleaded for his son to reason rationally.

"I never touched him, son. And killing me won't bring him back!"

Both reappeared, holding a large, metal door for the box. Angel's eyes widened. He didn't understand what was going on, and didn't want to.

"Killing you would only keep you from what you really deserve. I'm gong to let you live, locked up, unable to move forever."

"You, you had something to do with this!" Angel hissed at Justine. She nervously glanced at Conner as they settled the door on the prison. Before closing it, Conner seemed to be contemplating what was said.

"Tell him the truth, Justine! Tell him how Holtz really died!"

"He's nothing but a liar, Conner. Let's finish this. For Holtz."

Conner nodded as they pushed the lid into place. Angel was now shouting.

"I love you, Conner. Remember that! I forgive you! You'll later know the truth, and I want you to know that I'll always love you no matter what, son!"

Unwillingly, tears slid down Conner's cheek as they began to seal the door. When done, Conner looked down at the little window that was in the door. He had wanted it so he could stare into this monster's horror filled eyes. But instead, all he saw was hurt and unconditional love. Angry with himself for the weakness of the tears he was now shedding, Conner pushed the metal tomb off the boat. The two stood there watching as it sunk down into the ocean's deep.

"You alright, kid?"

Conner didn't answer. Justine shrugged, and walked beck to the stern. She would let the kid contemplate on everything he did tonight. After all, half of her job was done. Only thing left was to take care of loose ends. Other than that, Holtz now finally had his revenge.

A/N: Now that was fun to write! Well, even though it was filled with betrayal, I still liked how it turned out. Now it's time to have fun with the fourth season! Yay!