Heroes 1.10 - Division

Research on the Brotherhood of Renraw is in full swing at Champion Investigations. Dawn discovers a tie between the cult and Los Angeles, and they investigate how Julia’s sacrifice might tie into what has been happening. The subject of sacrifices brings up an uncomfortable topic for Andrew.

Xander returns from an afternoon with Willow with Halloween candy in hand, causing Spike to recount a tale from his time in Los Angeles. When Lorne comes up in the conversation and Xander presses for details, Spike deflects the question by asking him about his time in Africa. Thus begins the tale of chickens and crocodiles in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Dawn reveals to Angel and Gunn about Andrew's past; specifically, the murder of Jonathan. Andrew protests, saying that he’s good now - fully redeemed and everything - but Angel and Gunn remind him that there are some deeds that you just have to keep paying for. Disturbed, Andrew leaves, and Angel leaves shortly after to meet with an informant.

Buffy, who had been out shopping for the day, is disappointed to have missed Xander but happy with the candy he left behind with Willow. Buffy and Willow discuss her recent break-up with The Immortal and Dawn’s new information about the Brotherhood. Buffy reveals that she has decided not to return to Rome, but she plans on finding herself a new place so that she doesn’t crowd her sister.

Nivel, Lord Prefect of the Brotherhood of Renraw, is preparing for a major ritual. A dear friend comes to visit, one that he thanks effusively for his support in recent months. This friend is Ethan Rayne, and upon Nivel’s departure, he seems less than supportive.

Illyria, watching the bustle of the harbor, reflects on her situation. She remains tied to a community of bickering humans and half-breeds, and she does so because she doesn’t perceive a viable alternative option. This dismays her. As a distraction for herself, she decides to move up the time of her appointment with Xander, and she hopes to also get Spike's opinion on certain matters, simply to have a topic to discuss. This would be a diversion for her, nothing more. She remains unsure of her place in this world.

Angel detours to find Andrew before he meets with his contact. They discuss the topic of redemption, a topic that Andrew is still unsure of, and they come to an understanding. Angel invites Andrew to join him as he meets with the informant.

Dawn, who has been noticing that Gunn has seemed distracted, calls him on it. Gunn admits that he is moving out. He isn't leaving Champion Investigations, but he wants to be more independent, and he believes that he now has the ability to do so. Dawn realizes that of the members of Angel’s gang that she has read about, Gunn is the last who is still on the team.

Xander emerges from his room later that evening to find Spike still on the couch instead of out and about. He’s been sucked in by a poker tournament on television. The conversation begins as cordial, but when Spike makes a joke about Xander going on a date, the room gets a little chilly. Xander explains that he’s going to have another chat with Illyria. Spike then decides to confront Xander on his reasons for helping Illyria, stating that he believes that Xander is using her to hide from other issues.

With Dawn's tip as a springboard, Willow conducts her own research and discovers a mention of Renraw tied financially to a doctor in Los Angeles who specialized in 'physical and mental upgrades, replacements, and modifications.' They decide to give this information to Angel and try to call a group meeting to pool everyone’s resources now that they are making progress.

Alone in a garden, Nivel speaks to the air, talking to a son who has been dead for months and asking his spirit to be with him as the moment of truth approaches.

Angel and Andrew arrive at the meeting place, but the Italian restaurant appears to be empty. After a discussion about the vampire-repelling qualities of garlic, they search the space. They find the informant in the kitchen, dead. As they turn on a light, a demon jumps them.

Spike and Xander continue their argument about Illyria, not knowing that she is listening to every word. When Xander admits that he might be helping Illyria in part for himself, she makes her presence known and voices her displeasure. As she departs, Xander tries to chase after her, but Spike stops him.

The fight between an unknown lavender demon and Angel continues, but the demon isn’t unknown to Andrew, he reveals the demon’s weakness to Angel, who is then able to defeat it. They find a file with the informant’s body and take it back to the office to review its contents.

Dawn returns home late from the CI office to find her half-awake sister waiting for her. Buffy talks to her about the information they discovered about the mysterious doctor, and also reveals that she'll be staying in town, albeit in her own place.

Angel and Andrew return to the office with the informant's file and start to review it, looking for references to the Brotherhood of Renraw. Instead, they come across references to another name: Xof. It seems that there are two cults in town.

Illyria, furious at Xander for his apparent offense, hears a call that she never thought to hear again. She enters a rose garden and finds Nivel waiting for her. He has undergone the ancient rituals and introduces himself as her new Qwa'Ha Zahn. He and his followers want to restore her to her former glory, bringing her kingdom back to prominence. Unseen, Ethan watches the exchange and muses about his plans.

Character Posts:

Xander tries to explain the situation with Illyria.
Dawn is more than ready to combine everyone's Renraw research.
Buffy's okay about working with Angel. No, really, she is.

Full Fiction Version of Heroes 1.10 - Division