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The Slayer	By : norwalker Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 19613 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 10 of a multipart story.

Summary: What if Faith came first? If she were the slayer before Buffy( if Buffy even became a slayer)? Just my take on what might have happened. AU, of course.

Pairings: Not sure yet. You might be surprised.

Rating: M( R )

Disclaimer: Characters depicted in this story, except for original characters created by the author, are the sole property of Mutant Enemy, Fox and Joss Whedon.

1

Faith lays in her bed, staring at the ceiling. She can't sleep.

It isn't the pain in her head keeping her awake. Slayer healing, plus the drugs they gave her for pain, pretty much stopped the pounding in her head. She feels woolly, and a little achy, but it isn't nearly as bad as before.

Nor, really, is it the events of the day that were on her mind. Humiliation? Sure How stupid is this? I fight monsters and vampires, and what knocks me out?A cheerleader and the corner of a lunch table. Damn. They should have signs posted with warnings about lunch tables. You just gotta know that everybody got a good laugh outta that one. Yup, Faith makes a fool out of herself, courtesy of one Cordelia Chase. Thanks again, Cor.

Damn, I can't get the taste of her lips out of my mind. Her lips, and that damned perfume. Does she bathe in the stuff? Damn.

She hugs the bear that Cordelia brought, and realizes it's covered in the scent. Well, no wonder. She goes to toss the bear away, then smells it again. She holds it closer, almost cuddling it.

It 's the same scent Bree used to wear. Bree, her best friend, her buddy.

The first girl she fell hopelessly stupidly in love with.

2

Faith doesn’t remember exactly when she fell in love with Brianna " Bree" Hannigan.

I know by the time we went to that stupid carnival together, I was gaga over the girl. And she didn't have a clue. At least, that's what I thought…

The carnival was sponsored by the church, and somehow Faith scraped up the cash to take her and Bree, both just turned 14, to the carnival.

That was probably the best fucking day of my life. We were together, and man it was good. She was sooo damned beautiful. A little taller than me, she had this long curly brown hair that smelled like shampoo and oranges. You know what I mean? And god, her eyes were like china blue. So deep, so pretty. And that cute upturned nose and the freckles. Ok, ok, remember, I was fucking crazy about her…

" Fay, look… oh, man you gotta win me the bear. Please?" Bree tugged on Faith's sleeve, pulling her over to the milk bottle toss. " Oh, he's sooo cute!"Bree was dancing around excitedly, pointing at the bear. " I'll just die if I don't get it! Please, you're good at this! Win me the bear!"

" Aw, c'mon, Bree. You know this stuff's rigged. I can toss my arm off and I'll never win the bear. They weight the bottles."

" Fay, Fay, Fay!" Bree hugs her tightly, giving Faith major warmth all over. " You're the best. I know you can do it. Please. Please, please, please?"

Well, shit, she was looking at me with those eyes of hers, and she looked… ok, I'm a softie. I admit it. I wanted to win that bear for her.

" C'mon, try your luck. Knock down the bottles, win a prize. 3 balls for a buck!"

Well, dumb me. I suckered right into it, taking three balls, and of course, I didn't knock 'em down. Bree got that lip of hers going, and I sighed. God, could I refuse her anything? Not that day.

I guess I dropped 10 bucks to win that stupid little bear for her. Part of that was my fucking dinner money, but it didn't matter. I wanted to win that bear. It was a pride thing.

I finally figured out how to do it. I threw the last three balls, knocking down three rows of milk bottles. The carnie looked at me like I cheated, but he paid up. One bear.

" My hero!" Bree teased Faith, hugging her, clutching the bear in the other arm. She leaned over, and kissed Faith on the cheek.

" God, Bree, don't get all girly on me, " Faith wiped her cheek, but was blushing pink. " So, you got your bear. You happy?"

" Uh huh," Bree smiled, and Faith just felt her heart go gooey. " Got my best bud and my best bear. What more do I need?"

I know we spent more hours there, riding the rides, and that crap. But I really don't remember much about that night except winning that stupid bear for her. God, she loved it.

Man, I miss her. Stupid girl.

Why'd she have to go and die on me?

3

Faith is up early, ready to leave.

After a restless night, full of bad dreams and worse memories, she just wants to get out of this place. Never a big fan of hospitals, she's feeling itchy and out of sorts. Grabbing her handbag, she moves towards the mirror in the bathroom, checking out the damage.

Oh, nice. They cut my hair away from the wound. Swell. Nice job, guys. Where'd you get your haircutting training? Attica? Crap, I'm gonna look like a dork til that grows back. She pulls the hair back, and looks at the bandage. Well, at least it covers the evidence. Man, I swear. That stupid cheerleader's had it in for me since I got here. I'll be damned glad when this job is done, and I can get out of this crappy little town.

She brushes her teeth, and notices there's no shower in the room. Sweet, I get to be all stinky, too. Oh well, I'll go home, grab a shower, try to get some real 'Z's'. God, I feel like shit. She splashes some cold water on her face, and then looks at herself critically in the mirror. Ok, I look like shit too. Glad I match.

She opens her bag, and takes out a few items of makeup. She starts to put on some foundation, trying to cover the dark circles under her eyes.

" That's not going to do it. You're going to need concealer to cover those steamer trunks under your eyes," A voice floats in from her room. She nearly jumps out of her skin, surprised.

Faith turns and sees Cordelia, dressed as if she just stepped off the cover of Cover Girl, standing in her room, hand on hip, looking at her.

" Nobody asked you, did they?" Faith turns back to the mirror, continuing where she left off. " What the hell are you doing here, anyway?"

"Well, good morning to you too," Cordy says cheerily, turning towards the bed. "Is this your stuff?"

" Yeah," Faith says, applying some lipstick. " Hey, don't touch, ok? I got it!"

Cordelia, who is starting to stow some of Faith's stuff in her bag, lets it drop to the bed.

" Fine. Gee, I see they didn't forget your grumpy pill this morning, " She grumbles, walking away from the bed.

Faith, finishing up, throws her makeup back in her purse, and walks into the room, looking at Cordelia with a slight distaste. She walks over to the bed and starts stowing her stuff.

" You didn't answer. Why're you here? Where's Giles?"

" He was busy this morning. He sent me over to pick you up."

" God, why? Does he hate me? Does he want me dead?"

" What are you babbling about?" Cordy says, watching her.

" He sent you to finish the job on me, didn't he?"

" Funny. You're funny," Cordy's tone is a little icy." C'mon, hurry up, would you? I gotta get to school."

" Geeze, who died and made you boss?" Faith looks at Cordelia with a funny expression.

" What?"

" You didn't like try to kill Giles too, did you?"

Cordy frowns and flushes.

" Do you want to walk home?"

" I might be safer."

" Not if you keep this up, you won't!" Cordy's tone gets edgy.

" What? You're gonna push me into the nightstand or something, Cor?"

" Just stop being a brat, and let's go!" Cordy walks to the door, " Think you can do that?"

Faith slings her bag over her shoulder, and heads for the door. She's on a straight through course, and isn't stopping for anything. Cordelia realizes if she doesn't move, Faith is going to plow right through her. She does, and makes an impatient noise.

" God, can you be ruder?" Cordy complains, backing out of the way.

" Hey, Princess, it was you that wanted to get going. So, let's go. Move that little ass of yours, " Faith says, striding down the hall.

Cordelia's eyes are wide, and her nostrils flared. God, she's such a … I swear, if she wasn't already injured, I'd slap that face of hers silly.

I might do it, anyway. Grrr.

Cordelia follows Faith down the hall, fuming.

4

" I know what her problem is. She needs a guy!"

Willow and Xander are in the student lounge, waiting to go to homeroom. For some strange reason, Principal Snyder didn't show up for early detention this morning, and they have some time to kill. Willow has been trying to figure out why Faith is so testy all the time.

" Huh? Where'd that come from?" Xander, who's been scheming on some smoochies, draws back. " Who're you talking about?"

" Faith of course, Xan," Willow looks at him as if to say ' keep up, ok?'.

" How'd Faith get in our conversation?" Xander slides his arm around Willow's waist, pulling her closer. Willow snuggles up to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

" She's always so…"

" Bitchy?"

" Well, I was going for stressed, but yeah, bitchy works," Willow says. " She's got all this stress going on, and no …well, nothing to take work it off on."

" Willow!" Xander says, tone shocked. But he has that slightly goofy look on his face when he thinks about Faith working off her frustration on a guy.

" What? Oh, god, I didn't mean that, gutter brains!" Willow gives him a hard look." Is that all you ever think of?"

"Well, you being all snuggly and all not helping matters," Xander grins.

" You know I'd have to hit you, Xander Harris, if you weren't so darned adorable," so instead she leans in and gives him a kiss." Mmmm." She pulls away a little, " Now think. Who can we get for Faith?"

" I dunno, Will. Fixing someone up? That almost never works, " Xander looks at her. " Remember what happened when you tried to fix me up with Marcia Stevens?"

" We were in the sixth grade, Xander," Willow says," and anyway, you kept bugging me to fix you up with her. Gosh, you were nearly slobbering over her!"

" Maybe," Xander admits, " But all I remember is that it didn't go so well."

" I'm thinking you sticking that garter snake in her lunchbox in the fourth grade really didn't help."

" You helped me with that, remember?"

" I only took her lunchbox!" Willow protests, " I didn't know you were going to stick a snake in it!"

" I guess like you forgot to mention her dad is a karate instructor, and she's a brown belt in Karate."

Willow starts to giggle.

" What's so funny?"

" I'm remember the look on your face when you showed up at the 6^th grade cotillion , all dressed up, Marcia on your arm, and she turns and attacks you in front of everyone."

" Ha-Ha, " Xander grouses," I guess my humiliation was funny."

" No, just the look of utter shock when she high kicked you wearing a full length skirt. You got to admit, that was pretty impressive." Willow giggles.

" There was nothing funny about it! I walked funny for a week after she got done, and my dad grounded me for ruining my suit!"

" Aw, poor Xan. Beaten up by a girl. Who was 6 inches shorter than he was, " Willow giggles.

" Yeah, go ahead and laugh," Xander pouts," But I'm still kidded about that." He looks at Willow. " For a couple of years, I thought you were in on it."

Willow looks away, flushing a little. A definite guilty look creeps over her face. Xander sees her expression and goes wide eyed.

" You WERE in on it!" Xander exclaims, " Will! I can't believe it. You're my best friend! How could you?"

" Well, Marcia was my best girl friend at the time. And I thought it would be funny. I didn't think she was going to go as far as she did." She looks at Xander. " She was pretty pissed about the snake, Xander. You caused her to pee her pants right there! She's deathly afraid of snakes."

Xander withdraws his arm, and scoots down the couch. He looks miffed.

Oh, oh. Crushed male ego. Willow sighs. Boys are sooo fragile!

She scoots over by Xander, who studiously ignores her. She strokes her fingertips over Xander's sleeve.

" Aw, c'mon cutie. Don't be that way," Willow says in a soft, sexy voice, " I mean, it was over 4 years ago, Xan. C'mon, be nice."

" Not funny, Will, " Xander says, pouting. " That really hurt!"

" Aw, poor Xan man!" Willow coos, insinuating herself under his arm.

Xander doesn't pull away.

" Does my sweetie bear need some sugar?" Willow snuggles closer, pouting her lips prettily.

Xander looks at the adorable red head under his arm, and melts like a Popsicle on a hot August day.

" Yeah," He says, softly. " Needs lots of sugar."

Willow slips her arm around his neck, and pulls him into a long, warm kiss. Then she gives him little raspberry kisses on his neck. Xander chuckles.

" Does my sweetie bear feel better?" Willow nuzzles his neck.

God, I'm so easy, Xander thinks, feeling her warm lips close to his neck.

" A little," He says, loving the attention.

" Well…If you're a real good boy, maybe we can go back to my house after school and play kiss the boo-boo."

Xander is just a big warm puddle.

" The boo-boos are all gone, " He complains.

" Well, " Willow says, softly, " I guess you'll just have to show me where they were then." She smiles shyly at him.

" Really?" Again with the goofy look.

" Uh-huh," Willow says, kissing him again. She slips her hand under his shirt. He's so easy. You gotta just love the goof. She snuggles up to him. " So, what about Faith?"

" Well, that's a mood killer, " Xander says, straightening up.

" C'mon, Xan. She's our friend. We gotta find her a guy."

" Yeah…well, wasn't she like with Parker Scott? I mean, she said he was her date that night. I mean, after you got done rubbing up against him." Xander pouts a little.

" Oh, look at that lip," Willow coos, " Gonna get it." She sucks on his pouted lip.

" I really so can't think when you do that, Will, " Xander pants. Oh, please, I don't want to think right now. Please, please, please!

He is sooo mine, Willow giggles to herself. " So, Parker huh? Not sure," Willow frowns a little.

" What?" Xander says, wondering where Willow's lips got to.

" Well, I saw Parker a couple of days after that night. When I mentioned her name, he got this kind of dazed look in his eyes, then wandered off, mumbling something, " Willow looks perplexed. " I think she broke him."

" Wouldn't surprise me," Xander nods. " She looks like she eats guys for breakfast."

" Xander!" Willow says, a little shocked.

" Now look who the gutter brain is. I just meant, she kind of… wears them out fast." He sees her expression. " Ok, maybe that came out wrong. I mean she's just a lot to handle… god, I'm never going to get this right, am I?"

Willow giggles, " I know what you mean, " She rubs his arm, " Just, there's gotta be somebody who can 'handle' her."

" Yeah, but Clark Kent's got a girlfriend already."

" Somebody real, Xander!" Willow sighs." There's got to be someone."

They think about it for awhile. Both get a major case of brain wearies.

" Well, Angel certainly is strong enough to handle her…" Xander puts out there.

" Now, that's just plain dumb. They can't stand each other. Anyway, a Slayer and a vampire, even one with a soul? Who'd ever believe that?"

" You're right. Crazy idea." Xander nods. " I got nothing."

" Me either, darn it, " Willow pouts. " But we can't give up. We're just going to have to look for a guy who's patient, sensitive, strong and isn't intimidated by a very strong woman."

They look at each other.

" It's hopeless!"

5

"We're here," Cordelia says, pulling the car up to the curb in front of the Rosenbergs.

" Hmmm," Faith grunts, looking straight ahead. She seems lost in her own little world.

" Hello, Earth to Fay. Wake up Fay. We're here" Cordy says, sniping at Faith a little.

The car ride from the hospital was a study in tension and awkward silence. Every attempt Cordelia made to talk was rebuffed by silence, or at best a grunt. She was more than a little irritated.

" What?" Faith seems to come out of it. " Don't call me that please. My name is Faith, not Fay."

" Yeah, well, you call me Cor."

" I can think of other things to call you, " Faith snipes back at Cordelia.

" Ditto, girl," She frowns. " Look, let's just get you upstairs and then we can end this happy little meeting, ok?" She starts to get out of the car.

" Where do you think you're going?" Faith , opening the door, notices Cordelia getting out. " I can get it from her, thanks."

" Nuh-uh. No way. Mr. Giles told me to make sure you got upstairs ok, and I'm gonna do that."

" Oh for God's sake. I'm not an invalid. Just tell Giles you watched me get upstairs ok, " Faith grabs her bag from the back. " Don't worry, I won't tell him."

" Right. And you trip and stumble, and fall on your head and kill yourself, and Giles will roast me alive. No thanks." Cordy sees Faith's look. "Don't give me that look, Bratticus. I'm coming with you, so get used to it."

"Whatever," Faith growls. She grins evilly. " Hey, I live on the second floor. If you play it right, you can push me off the landing right down on the sidewalk. That should break my neck. Whatcha think?"

" Would you just stop it!" Cordelia comes around to Faith's side of the car, and confronts her. " I'm sorry. God, how many times do I have to say it! I never meant for you to get hurt. I didn't. I just wanted to embarrass you a little, because, you've been doing it to me since the first. I didn't know you were going to be such a clumsy cow and knock your head against the table. I'm NOT trying to kill you, ok? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. So just let it go already!"

" Ok, ok," Faith grins, putting up her hands, " I surrender, sheriff. I was just kidding. Geeze, lighten up!"

" Well, it's 10 past funny o'clock, and it's getting old, " Cordy grouses. She grabs Faith's bag and starts off. She gets about 3 steps before the weight kicks in and almost pulls her off her feet. She drops it on the ground. " God, what're you carrying around in that bag? Bricks?" She kneels, as if to open it up.

Faith rushes up, and puts her hand on the bag. " Don't do that. I got it." She hefts it up on her shoulder. " See?"

" What do you got in there?" Cordy's curiosity is piqued.

" Encyclopedias. I go door to door in my spare time."

"Fine, be a smart ass. So, where's your place?"

" Look Cor, I told you. I got it from here. Just go home, or to school. Aren’t you supposed to be in school?"

Cordelia stands there, in front of Faith. She crosses her arms over her chest, and sets her face in a stern expression.

" I already told you, I'm walking you upstairs to be sure you get in ok, so cut the stuff and tell me where to go."

Oh, man, she stepped into that one.

" You want me to tell you where to go, Cor?" Faith asks, sweetly.

" Yeah, " Cordy isn't liking her agreeable tone.

" Well, let's just say, you'll never need a parka there." Faith smirks, walking around Cordelia and striding quickly down the driveway.

" Hey, wait up" Cordy calls after her, starting to trot. God, she's impossible. And you know? Shoving her off her porch? Starting to sound better and better.

She catches up to Faith, who's standing on the third step, not moving. She seems all of a sudden lost and confused. Faith starts to weave in place.

"Oh crap," Cordy mutters, hurrying up the stairs.

She catches Faith just as she loses balance. She realizes that Faith is to heavy with the bag to hold, so she presses her body up against her, pinning her to the side railing.

Faith looks at her, and for a second Cordy sees her stripped of all the masks, just looking like a frightened, confused girl. It goes right to her heart.

The curtain quickly drops back in place, and Faith smirks at her.

" Well, Cor, if you wanted to get all up close and personal, you shoulda just said something." She reaches around, and pats Cordy's butt. " Nice," She leers.

Cordy makes a disgusted face, but inside she's getting way mixed emotions. You're so not fooling me, girl. You act all tough, but there's a scared little girl there. I saw it.

" You can stop rubbing up against me now, Cor," Faith mocks, "I'm fine."

Cordelia immediately opens a space between them. Faith starts up the stairs, Cordelia following.

They make it to the landing, and Faith pulls out her key. She turns to Cordelia, and grins.

" Ok, you can go now. I'm home. I'm safe. Got it from here, " Faith shoves the key in the lock.

" Oh no, I'm comin' in. You're still weak, and I'm not letting you be alone. So, I guess I'm playing nurse today."

"Get real, Cordelia," Faith says, a bit impatient. " I really don’t need someone hovering over me. That's just going to irritate me, and you know how I get when I get irritated, " She frowns at Cordelia. " Don't ya?"

" That a threat, Faith?" Cordelia grins at her, " I saw you on the stairs. You're barely standing. Think you can scare me?" She feints a blow at Faith's head. Faith throws up her arm to block it, and teeters a little. Cordy steadies her. " Yeah, you're so right there, huh?"

" I don't need you're damned help, " Faith growls, " If not for you, I wouldn't be screwed up. So get lost."

A wave of dizziness comes over her, and she shuts her eyes, leaning against the door.

" Damn."

" Faith, listen to me," Cordelia slips her arm around Faith's waist, turning the key in the lock. " I know you're one hard assed tough bitch. I got the memo. Now, stop being a stubborn jackass, and let me help you. I promise, I won't tell anyone you needed help from an airhead cheerleader. Deal?"

Faith opens her eyes, and again, Cordelia sees the softer side of Faith. No hardness, no cynicism, just fear and some guilt. But this time the eyes don't go hard. Faith leans against Cordy as she is helped inside.

" Thanks," She whispers.

6

Buffy Summers feels like she's walking on air.

She strides confidently down the sidewalk, holding her petite frame erect to its full 5'1" height. She can almost feel the energy flowing through her veins, and her walk has taken on a swagger. She stops, and does a little toe dance in place, holding her arms over her head high, ala Rocky.

" Hey, Summers… " Ford calls out from behind her, trotting to catch up.

Buffy waits, continuing her little victory dance. Ford catches up, and immediately falls in with her, pretending to box, throwing air punches and weaving. They tap fists, and both laugh.

" Wow, you were just … wow last night, Summers," Ford says, a new admiration in his voice.

" Did you see me? God I was so on fire last night!" Buffy starts to circle him, throwing air punches. " Boom- boom, you're dust, bam- bam, you're history, bam boom bam! Man, I was sooo on!" Buffy continues to circle him, doing little air punches.

Ford turns with her, utterly charmed and enchanted by the little blonde's enthusiasm. He grins as she continues to shadow box, ducking and weaving with her. Finally, he grabs her arms… and finds himself still being hauled around.

" Whoa, whoa, whoa, Rocky. You're gonna wear yourself out," Ford pants, feeling a bit tired himself.

" Naw, I feel great!" Buffy smiles, dancing around him. "I've never felt so good " On impulse, she goes in and hugs him, hard. Ford groans, and looks at Buffy with some dismay. " Ooops, sorry," Buffy giggles, lightening up her hug.

" What's with you? You … god, don't get me wrong, I'm loving the new, improved buff Buffy here, but damn, I think you might have cracked a rib. When did you get to be like Supergirl?"

" Not Supergirl, " Buffy says, slipping her arms about his neck, " Super Buffy." She lays her head on his chest, and looks up at him. "It's happened, Ford. Just like they said it would. Like I told you it would." She smiles up at him.

" Happened?" Ford looks doubtful, maybe a little confused. She's been babbling about some destiny, but … c'mon, that was just … " Oh, c'mon, Buff, you're not on that ' chosen' stuff again, are you?"

" Ford, you don't believe me?" Buffy pulls away from him, brow furrowed. "You think I made it up?" She moves further back, her face reddening. "What about last night, huh? Didn't you see what happened?"

" Yeah, I did, Buff," Ford says, calmly. " It kind of worried me. All this is kind of worrying me…" he moves closer. " Buffy, are you…using?"

" Using? What?" Buffy looks at him, then gets it. " Using drugs? Is that what you think?" She starts to shake her head slowly, backing away. " God, I thought you believed in me Ford. I really thought… " she keeps backing away, as Ford advances," you know me, Ford. You know how hard I've worked for this. How I've trained myself. Gave up my free time to … and now… god, Ford, how could you?" Buffy, clearly upset, turns and takes off running.

" Buff! Buffy! Wait…wait!' Ford takes off after her.

He follows her for blocks, losing and gaining ground. Finally, she turns a corner, and by the time he reaches it, she's gone. He stops, hands on knees, trying to catch his breath.

Smooth, Ford, really cool. Now she's out there alone. Are you the worst friend in the world, or what? Never mind you're crazy about her. How could you be so stupid?

" Buffy…" He breathes out, finally.

Standing up, he turns and starts towards school.

7

Cordelia had to admit; this wasn't at all what she expected.

She expected to come in and find a place that looked like a tornado hit it. Clothes everywhere, dirty dishes 3 weeks old in the sink, take out containers littering the floor.

Instead, the place was neat and almost obsessively clean. Sure, things were rather on the Spartan side( practical vs. pretty), and there was the requisite TV set and VCR… both on the smallish side. But everything was orderly, the fridge was stocked with food, the bed made, and the bookshelves… it looked almost as stuffed as her daddy's bookshelves.

" Cor, for god's sake, would you settle down? You're making me nervous, " Faith groused from the couch, where she was half napping.

" You really should be in bed," Cordelia says, coming from the kitchen carrying a tray. " After all, you're not going to get better if you don't rest."

" I'm fine, Cordelia, " Faith says, sitting up. " I'm just watching the news." She was curious to see if anything strange had been reported, hoping for some clues to the Master's plans. She looks down at the tray suspiciously. " What's this?"

" I made you something to eat, " Cordelia says, " gotta keep your strength up!"

" I'm not an invalid, Cor. I can make my own food." But she looks at the sandwich and other stuff on the tray, and it looks pretty good. " Well, I gotta say, this is a side of you I didn't expect." She picks up the sandwich, and tentatively bites into it. " Pretty good, " She grins, taking a much larger second bite.

" You're welcome," Cordelia says, a little smirk on her face. She sits down across from Faith, and watches her eat.

Faith gets up, and immediately, Cordy's on her feet. " What do you need? I'll get it."

" Sit down!" Faith barks. Cordy sits. " I'm just getting something to drink. Geeze, Cor. You act like I'm bedridden." She walks towards the kitchen.

" I just want to make sure you're ok," Cordy says, watching her.

Faith can feel Cordy's eyes on her, and stops. She turns around, frowning.

" Ok, Cordelia. What's up? Why're you doing all this?"

" Huh?" Cordelia shrugs, " you were hurt. You seemed a little out of it, so I just am hanging around to be sure you're ok."

" Ok, Cor, if I were like stupid, I might buy that explanation. But since I'm not stupid, I'd really like the truth. Why're you here? What's in it for you?"

" God, I'm trying to do you a favor here, and you're being a real…" Cordy bites back her words.

" Bitch? Yeah, well, we established that one already, " Faith grabs a soda out of the fridge, and comes back into the living room. She stops by the couch, but doesn't sit. " What we haven't established is why you're being so … well so unlike yourself. Florence Nightingale? So not you, Cordelia. You're more the " Kill 'em all, and burn the bodies" type. So again, what's your angle? I'm pretty sure Giles didn't tell you to play nursemaid to me, so what's up?" she gives Cordy a hard look." What do you want?"

" I don't ' want' anything, Faith, god!" Cordelia suddenly feels very uncomfortable under Faith's stare. " Ok, maybe I'm feeling guilty. I caused you to get hurt. I mean, really hurt. I didn't mean it to happen, but it's my fault. And I'm trying to make it up here, ok? I mean, ok, we're not friends, I know that. But still…" She mumbles something low, so Faith can't quite hear it.

" What? Didn't catch that."

" I said, I'm not the evil bitch you think I am."

"Really?" Faith has to grin at that. " Funny, cuz you put on a great act. You should be up for an Oscar, I mean, really. First, you play spoiled rich bitch daddy's girl, and now it's Florence to the rescue. God, what's your deal. Just be straight with me, for once?"

" I am being straight. I'm trying to help you, cuz I feel bad about you getting hurt." Cordelia frowns, and goes quiet. " I'm sorry, really sorry."

Faith looks at her, then sets down her can and starts to clap.

Cordelia looks up at her sharply.

" Nice, really nice, Cor, " Faith says, the sarcasm dripping. " God, I'm a moron, why didn't I figure it before?" She shakes her head and laughs. She sits down, pops her can, and takes a long swallow.

"What're you talking about?" Cordy stands up, looking at her.

" Great performance, girl. You almost had me there. I was buying it. Maybe you should've added a tear, that would've been the clincher."

" Ok, Faith. Maybe we should check that head wound. I think you're going delusional. What the heck are you talking about."

" Oh please, Cor. Don't! I already gave you your props. Stop fishing for more compliments, ok?" She stands up, walking over to Cordelia. " You can go now. I know it was an accident, ok?" She winks at Cordy. " Well, we know different, but hey, don't worry. Not gonna sue daddy, so you're off the hook. Get your fucking ass outta here now!"

Cordelia just stares at her, open-mouthed. Her face goes pale, and pink spots appear on her cheeks.

" Really, Cor. You look kinda like Cletus the slack jawed Yokel that way. You really want to …"

SLAP!!!

" Whoo hoo," Faith grins, rubbing her cheek where Cordelia slapped her. She touches her lip, which is bleeding. " There's my girl. Man, you gotta temper on you. better be careful, girl. You're next victim might decide to sue."

Faith turns to go to the bathroom to clean up.

" Don't you walk out on me, bitch, " Cordelia grabs her arm to turn her around.

SLAP!!!

" You HIT me!" Cordelia rubs her cheek where Faith's hand connected with it.

" Don' t you ever… EVER … grab me like that, get it?" Faith is in her face, her face red and angry.

" You HIT ME!" Cordelia yells at her.

" Yeah, well, you hit me first, " Faith says, calming down. " And you cut my lip. So back off." She turns again, and starts for the bathroom.

" I wouldn't have slapped you, except you … how can you think that? I was really worried about you, and you make it… dirty!"

" Oh, c'mon, Cor. Drop the act. The only thing you ever worried about in your life is whether you Gucci's are coordinated with your Prada purse. The only reason you're here at all is because your daddy probably told you to get your ass to the hospital and make sure I didn't sue his ass."

" That's so not true. Daddy doesn't even know about it. I didn't even tell him I was going to the hospital, or nothing. If he knew I wasn't in school, he'd have a fit."

" C'mon, Cor. You think I'm an idiot? You probably have daddy wrapped. You're his ' precious lil pumpkin' I'm betting, and he'll do anything for you. Even probably have me killed, if he thought I was a threat to you. So don't give me this crap." Faith goes over and sits down. " Just get out. I'm tired, and the last thing I need is your crap." She stares at the TV. " He's safe, you're safe, so just go, ok?"

Cordelia goes over and blocks the TV.

" Not going, not til we have this out. I'm tired of your " I'm so cool and I'm so right and you're a spoiled brat" ' tude you got going. You're so cynical, you'd probably think Mother Teresa would have an angle if she did something for you. What's YOUR problem, Faith? Why do you figure everybody is out to get you every fucking minute of the day? Shit, you're not that important, you know? So get over it. I'm here, because I WANT to be here. Not because someone's making me be here. You're hurt, and I'm worried about you. So knock off the 'tude!"

" ' Tude?" Faith gets up, and suddenly is right in Cordelia's face. " Look who's talking. You're whole existence is a 'tude. An ' I'm better than anyone and I'll use you and then kick your ass to the curb and if you don't like it, I'll make your life miserable' ' tude. " Faith presses against Cordy, pushing her back, " So, what is it, then, Cordy? If you're not here to be sure that I don’t' sue Daddy's rich ass? What's do you want? You never do squat without wanting something back. So tell me, what is it Cordy? What do you WANT FROM ME!?!?"

" BREE!" Cordy, scared, shouts at her.

Faith looks at her like she's loony.

" What? Brie? You want cheese?"

" No… not Brie… Bree!" Cordy looks at her for a reaction. " Bree. Bree, Bree, Bree… "

Faith stares at her, and starts laughing.

" Have you gone nuts? I don't have any Brie, for god's sake. And you can get that at any store. Man, you're a total loon!" Faith turns away, walking to the couch. She sits down, and starts laughing harder.

Cordelia, furious, again, comes over and kicks Faith in the shin.

" OW! Goddammit, what's your problem!" Faith grabs her leg, rubbing it. " That hurts like a mother!"

" Stop playing dumb with me!" Cordy scolds her. " Bree. Who is it? When you woke up in the cafeteria, you looked at me and said " Bree". So I wanna know… who's Bree?"

Cordy can almost hear the steel curtains dropping behind Faith's eyes. Faith's face becomes closed and hard. Oh, crap, that isn't good, she thinks.

" That's none of your business, Cor." Faith gets up, her presence forcing Cordelia back. " So, since that's what's been on your pimple of a mind, why don't you leave now?"

" No," Cordelia answers, not moving an inch.

Faith pushes her back, just a little. " I can throw that ass of yours out of here, Cor. Don't think I can't."

" Maybe, maybe not. Doesn't matter. Cuz, I'm not leaving til you tell me about Bree."

" There's nothing to tell, Cordelia. She was a friend, long time ago. You happen to wear the same perfume she used to wear. I'd hit my head, and was confused. So I guess I thought you were her for a second. No big. Now, happy?" Faith suddenly feels very tired. " Just go now, ok? I wanna shower, and I got stuff to do. I'd like to catch some Z's, cuz I didn't sleep all that good. So, how bout being nice, for once, and going?"

" Nuh-uh" Cordy shakes her head, " that's not the story. Not by a long shot. I saw the look on your face. You looked scared. What's the deal?"

" God, doesn't private mean jack to you?" She sees Cordy's resolve. " I'm guessing, not. Fine, you wanna know about Bree? I'll tell ya. But you gotta promise me something."

" I won't tell anyone, Faith, I promise," Cordelia says.

" That's not it, though if you did tell, I'd have to kill you," Faith frowns at her.

Cordelia gets a chill, not entirely sure Faith is kidding.

" What then?"

" You'll leave."

Cordelia thinks about it for a minute. I better take the deal. She doesn't look like she'll share, if I don't. What's the big mystery though? And why do I care again? Never mind, I gotta know.

" Ok, deal. You tell, and I'll leave."

" Ok, fine. Bree. Where do I start? We grew up in South Boston together…"

Faith gives Cordelia the edited version, cutting out her deep feelings for Bree, and the whole slayer part. While Faith is talking, Cordelia notices something. Something's wrong… something about her face. But she can't quite figure it out.

" … When I got back to Southie, and looked her up, I found out things had changed. Bree had started running with a wild crowd. She'd become quite the party girl. Life was one big party for her. She loved the drugs. Majorly loved them. Hooked bad , she'd do anything for more. She got the rep as a party slut, big time."

" It killed me to see her that way. I tried to protect her, cover her ass. Tried to get her off the junk, you know? But it wasn't gonna happen that way. She was breezin' along, and she didn't want to be bothered listening to her old party poop of a friend."

" Well, one day, the party stopped, and she was still strung out. She started stealing to get the money for drugs. But she was a crappy thief, and got caught. Big time.

"When her parentals heard about it, they hit the roof. Of course, you know who got blamed for it. Yeah, me. The bad girl. Never mind I'd been gone for a year. They didn't want the truth. They wanted someone to blame. And I was it."

" They sent her upstate for a rehab program. Her daddy cornered me one day, and pretty much told me if I ever got near his daughter again, he'd throw my ass in jail so fast, my head would spin. I got the message. But I hated it, and them. For being the blind, stupid Micks they were."

"After that, I didn’t hear much about her. Only that Rehab didn't take too good, and she was soon back to stealing. And doing whatever to get her fix. " Faith's face gets bleak. " Then she disappeared…"

By the end of the tale, it no longer seems important who's listening, because Cordy can see Faith's totally wrapped in the story. Her heart sort of melts for Faith, realizing how hard it was for her, and on her.

" … so, after I was sure it was her, and she was dead, I lit outta there and called the cops." Faith just stops talking , staring at the ground.

I can't tell her I was a slayer, and that I found her in a vampire nest. Dead from bites and using Orpheus. That I had to burn her body, so to be sure she wouldn't come back… Faith feels tears sting her eyes, and she wipes them surreptitiously, hoping Cordelia doesn't notice.

The worst thing? One of her druggie friends survived. I pulled her out, and she knew who I was. That day, after she was dead, I found out. She'd loved me. Like I loved her. I never knew, and when I left to become a slayer, she took it hard. Really hard. She got crazy, missing me.

God, if I'd only told her how I felt. If only I hadn't left… maybe she'd still be alive. We'd be together…shit, shit, shit. She died, never knowing how I felt. Damn…

There's a long pause, neither really wanting to break the silence. Finally Faith looks up.

" Are you still here?" She asks, getting up. " I thought you’d be gone. Ok, I held up my part of the bargain, now honor yours, and get out." She walks towards the bathroom.

Cordelia's no fool. She knows Faith has left out some parts. Some pretty important parts of the story. But she also realizes she's not going to get them now. She'll just have to wait til Faith is ready to spill it.

" Faith, I'm really sorry. About what happened at school, and about your friend."

Faith has stopped at the bathroom, as if again the confusion has set in. Cordelia comes to her, and lightly lays her hand on Faith's shoulder. Faith turns to look at her, and it's at that moment that Cordy gets what's been bothering her.

Her lip. It was cut. I remember it bleeding. But it's not cut now. What …?

She reaches out to touch Faith's lip. Faith jerks her head back.

" What?"

" Your lip. I swear it was bleeding before, but it's not even… I don't see it cut."

" Huh? You must've been imagining it." Faith says. " Are you leaving like you promised? Or do I have to boot your ass outta here?"

" Ok, ok, don't get all hostile, " Cordy retreats, starting for the door. " But, can you tell me something?" She turns in the doorway.

" What?" Faith is quickly losing patience.

" Are you the Slayer?"

8

The Master, clad in a scarlet cape, walks to the podium. He stands there, looking over the assemblage of his followers. He smiles, an almost benevolent smile. He knows his long wait is almost over.

" My children, " He calls out , raising his hands, " The hour is near. Tonight, the Harvest begins. You, my faithful, will go out into this beautiful night, and assist my vessel, Luke, to bring me forth into the world. After three score and ten being trapped with these accursed symbols of their impotent god, I will be free once again to prepare the way for those that follow me. Do well, my children, because I send you out on a sacred mission. Tonight you free not only me, but those who long to once again rule this miserable, human plague infected planet. They long to once again trod these lands, to bring carnage and chaos to that which is theirs."

" Now, remember. No one feeds until the vessel has been served. Until I, and those trapped behind the barrier are free, you are to serve up the vessel, giving all to it. I need the energy to break this cursed barrier that holds me…" He punches at the air, and a shockwave goes through the invisible shield."…I must be free. Remember, and serve your master well."

" At nine, all must be in place, so arrive at the human's nightclub, called the Bronze, early. Keep close to the exits, and make sure they're secure. NO HUMAN IS TO LEAVE THAT CLUB ALIVE!!! Do you understand?"

There are shouts of assent.

" Excellent. Now go, and get ready for this unholy night. This night that ends the miserable human's reign on this planet, and brings a new age to our old, very old masters!"

The crowd breaks up into groups, excitement and anticipation filling the air. In the hubbub and noise , one figure quietly slips back into the shadows, watching. When it's clear, he makes his way out of the underground, heading for the surface.

" Tonight, " The figure mutters to himself, as he makes his way quickly through the passageway. He comes to a door, and doffs the robe he wearing by the door. He steps through the doorway, into the basement underneath the new City Hall.

" Tonight, " Angel repeats to himself, his expression grim." That old fart couldn't have picked a better time… for himself. Faith is hurt, and … never mind, we have to find a way to stop him."

Angel quickly strides across the basement floor, and climbs the stairs leading to the lobby and the street.

9

Faith stands looking at Cordelia, outwardly calm. Inside, her guts feel all twisty and acidy. Oh, crap. Double and triple crap!

Faith smiles at Cordelia, as if humoring a slow child.

" Slayer? What the heck is a slayer?" Faith shrugs, looking puzzled." No, wait. I know. Weren't they like some 2^nd rate thrash metal band in the early nineties?" She shrugs. " Despite how I might dress, really not into metal babe. Sorry."

Cordelia's smile tightens. " Don't play stupid, Faith. Really doesn’t suit you. The Slayer. The Chosen one. The one born in each generation to fight the forces of darkness. That Slayer."

" Cordy, baby?" Faith smiles at her tolerantly, as if she were stupid. " You really must watch waaay too much TV. There's help for that, I understand. Support groups to get you over TV addiction."

" Ok, Faith, I'll play your little game. Remember that night in the demon bar? When you were talking with those… things at the table. One of them called you ' The Slayer'. Now, what was he talking about. Oh, and spare me the metal thrash band crap, ok?"

" Sure, Cor. Demons? Not known for their smarts, you know? They rank pretty high on the Stupid-O-meter. He probably believes in Santa Clause and the tooth fairy, too."

" Ok, how ' bout today? Downstairs, by my car. Your bag. Now, that thing was so heavy, it nearly pulled me off my feet. Yet, you walked over and picked it up easy as pie. Now, you're not bigger than me, so I'm wondering, exactly how you did that?"

" Baby, didn't ya notice the first day we met? I work out. I was sure you were lookin' at me, " Faith grins, a slightly salacious leer in her look.

Oh, I noticed. That's one tight body you got, 'babe'. But not that tight.

" Nice try, but you don't have the muscle mass upstairs hon. Seen you sans coat. No developed biceps and delts. Your arms aren't much thicker than mine. So, that really isn't washing." Cordelia smiles.

" Yeah, well, moron, I got really good legs, I lift with my legs, and I bench press 325. So, once it's on the shoulder, not too much strain baby." Faith grins. " Next?"

" Ok, Faith," Cordelia walks towards her, and gets close. Really close. Faith backs off a little, but Cordelia reaches out, gripping her shoulder. She reaches her other hand out, and brushes it over Faith's lip.

" Earlier, this was bleeding. I slapped you pretty hard, and I have a ring on. I cut your lip. Yet now, you can't even tell it's been cut. Isn't that funny?" She leans in closer. " One of the attributes of the Slayer? Accelerated healing. Now, I wonder. If I were to take off that bandage on your head from the hospital, would your scalp wound be pretty healed, too?"

Faith just stands there, and swallows hard. Never mind the slayer thing. Cordy being so close, her scent wafting into her nostrils, her warm breath tickling her cheek, is making Faith have a major tingle moment.

" Sooo," Faith's throat is suddenly dry, and her voice squeaks a little, " I heal fast. So what?"

" Faith, please, " Cordelia leans in closer, her lips barely an inch from Faith's. " I might act blond? But I'm really not that dumb, you know? I've watched you, seen how you move, how you acted in that bar. Like you didn't have nothing to fear. So gimme the skinny. Are you the slayer?"

Faith is like the little bird with the cobra bobbing and weaving back and forth. Her head nods, as if hypnotized.

" I knew it!" Cordelia says, shoving Faith away. She walks over to the couch and plops down on it. She looks angry and hurt. " Why didn't you just tell me?"

" Tell you?" Faith acts as if coming out of a spell. " What, are we like friends all of a sudden? Don’t you remember up to yesterday, you were giving me loads of crap? Why would I tell YOU, Cor? God, why'd I even tell you now? I must be losing my fricking mind!" Faith rants. " You cant' tell anyone, is that clear?" She comes over to Cordelia. " You can't, do you get it? Do YOU GET IT?"

" YES, I GET IT!" Cordelia yells at her. " I'm not going to tell anyone, stupid. Who'd believe me anyway? My dad studies the occult as a hobby, and HE doesn't believe in you. God, get a clue, Faith. "

" What clue is that, Cor? That you’re a rich, spoiled daddy's girl? I got that one, big time. This isn't some game, Cordelia. This is life and death. Lives can be lost here. Do you even understand that, or care?"

Yeah, I care, dumb ass. I care a lot. Or do you think I'd be sitting here, taking your crap?

" I want to help," Cordy says, quietly. "How can I help?"

" Help? Geeze, Cor, when I need a cheerleader out there, you'll be the first I think of, ok?" Faith turns away, heading for the bathroom. " Go home, Cordelia."

" Stop it! Dammit, you treat me like a child, but I'm older than you are, Faith. And hey, I'm not one dimensional. I'm not just a cheerleader, dope. I can do stuff. I'm smart," She catches Faith's look, " a lot smarter than you think, Ms. Know nothing! I can help you if you let me."

Instead of the anger Cordelia expects, she sees sad resignation on Faith's face. Again, an arrow goes straight to her heart.

" Cor? The best way you can help me is to go home, and be safe. I gotta shower, and then I'd like a little nap before I gotta go patrol"

" You can' t go patrolling!" Cordy gets up off the couch, going to her. " You're hurt. You'll get hurt worse if you meet up with any vampires or… something else."

" It's my sacred duty, yada, yada, yada. Didn't you read the book?"

" Yeah, especially the chapter on how the dumb ass slayer goes out patrolling when she's hurt, and gets herself killed!" Cordy has more passion in her voice than she wanted to show. " You're not going out there alone. I'm coming with you!"

" The hell!' Faith turns on her, " I don't need you out there mucking things up, getting us both killed!"

" I need to be there, to back you up. I need to protect you!"

" You'll protect me alright. Right into my grave, you moron. I don’t need your help, get it?"

" I'm going!"

" No, you're not going!"

" I so am !"

" Cor. Remember what happened at the hospital last night? When you royally pissed me off?" Faith raises her hand, showing the palm.

Cordy gulps, remembering how her butt cheeks burned for an hour after.

" You wouldn't dare!" Cordy says.

" Wanna bet?" Faith starts towards her.

" Ok, ok… be a stupid ass. Get killed, see if I care!" She turns, and flounces to the front door. " I'm gone, hope that makes you happy." She exits, then comes back. " But if you get smart, and change your mind? I'll be at the Bronze."

Faith waits until she hears Cordy's steps fade away. She turns, and heads towards the bathroom.

Not gonna happen Cor. Nobody's going on patrol with me.

Nobody else is gonna die because of me.

She closes the bathroom door behind her.

10

" You're absolutely positive it's going to happen tonight?" Rupert Giles looks upset. He'd hope they'd still have a little more time.

" I'm sure, Giles," Angel says, standing at his door, " I heard the Master tell the others. They're going tonight. It's happening at the Bronze."

" What time?"

" The festivities are going to start around nine. But the Master has his minions getting there earlier, to seal the place off."

Rupert looks at his watch. " Damn. It's nearly 5 p. m. now. That doesn't give us a lot of time." He looks up at Angel. " I need you to find Faith, and bring her to the Bronze. I need to get a few things. I'll meet you both there … say around 7?"

" Earlier if you can, " Angel says. " Kinda like to beat the vamps there."

" No later than 7, whatever the case may be. " He starts to turn, then turns back. " If you happen to see Xander and Willow? Warn them off. Tell them not to go to the Bronze tonight."

Angel nods, and quietly slips away into the shadows.

Rupert Giles feels his stomach clench.

He's so not ready for the end of the world.

11

Late afternoon, early evening.

Los Angeles.

Buffy sits alone on the steps after school. She really doesn't want to go home, because she knows either her mom will be there, upset, or if her dad is home, he'll be upset and they'll be fighting. Again.

Right now, she can't take fighting. She's upset, because of what happened earlier with Ford.

Why doesn't he believe me? He's the only one that ever believed me! Now, he's acting like I'm crazy, or some kind of druggie, or something. He was there. He saw what happened, how I kicked ass. But he's still thinking I'm … damn him. He should know me by now. I'd never do drugs. Ever!

Is he right? Am I crazy? Maybe I am… I mean, damn, all I got to go on are some dreams, and that voice in my head…ok, now that does sound crazy, Buff. And that stuff I found on the net. But maybe I'm just kidding myself. Maybe I'm trying to make myself ' special' , when I'm nothing. Just nothing but a trouble maker and crazy!

God, I don't know, I just don't know…

" Buffy Summers?"

Buffy looks up, and sees a middle aged man with a mustache looking down at her.

" Yeah? So?"

" My name is Merrick. You need to come with me."

" Whoa, hold up. You aren't from Bloomies, are you? I mean, I meant to pay for that lipstick…"

" Ms. Summers. I'm from the Watcher's Council. In every generation, one is born to fight the vampires, demons and forces of darkness. She is the Chosen One, The Slayer. You are the Chosen One, Ms. Summers. I need to talk to you about your destiny."

Buffy just stares at him, her mouth a little open. But inside, she's going nuts.

I knew it. I knew it! I'm not crazy! I'm it! I'm chosen.

Wait. Did he say my destiny?

To be continued
- 9
- 10
- 11
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The Slayer