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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
- 22
- 23
- 24
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 23 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

"Angel, slow down!"

Xander, followed by Willow, is somewhat behind Angel as they make their way to the gymnasium. Angel stops, waiting for them to catch up.

"C'mon, you guys. We have to hurry. We don't have much time."

"Yeah, yeah, you said that," Xander stops, panting. "Problem is, some of us gotta breathe, you know?"

"What's the big rush, anyway?" Willow, standing next to Xander, pants. "You weren't real clear on the details back at my house."

"I don't have time to explain. Something's going to happen at the gym, and we have to get there, now." He starts towards the gymnasium. "Let's go."

They start running after him, and finally catch up at the door. Angel stands there, looking upset.

"What?"

"We're too late, it's locked." Angel says, grimly. "We've gotta find another way in." He looks around, and then up. He smiles.

Xander and Willow follow his sightline, and look up. They let out a groan.

"No way… we can't get up there…"

"Angel, there's got to be another way in," Willow says, her stomach churning.

"They've probably got them covered. So unless you want to fight your way in, that's pretty much it."

"Angel, are you forgetting something? Me and Will, not vampires. We can't exactly climb up the wall and … Ooof!"

Angel has grabbed Xander, and is climbing up the face of the gymnasium.

"Angel, what're you doing with Xander!" Willow calls out, worriedly.

Angel stops, and looks down.

"I don't have time to argue about this. I'm taking him in, then I'll be back for you. Now, try to be a little more quiet…"

He continues up the wall.

Willow's churning stomach turns into an erupting volcano.

"Oh, this is turning out to be a wonderful night," Willow mutters to herself, looking up where Angel disappeared. "Just wonderful."

2

"Hey, watch it!"

"The lights? What happened to the lights?"

"Betcha Snyder didn't pay the light bill!"

"There's someone standing here, moron!"

"Where's the exit?"

"Elbows! Watch the … hey, don't get grabby!"

"OUCH! You stepped on my foot, idiot! OUCH!"

"Gotta get outta here! Hate the dark!"

"Stop pushing!"

A general commotion is starting to break out as the blackout continues. Cordelia feels an arm go around her waist, and she's being pushed forward.

"Hey!"

"It's just me, Cor. We need to find a way outta here. Get these kids out before they trample each other."

"Swell, just swell. This is the perfect cherry on my crap sundae of a day. God, My best friend stabs me on the back, I'm outted and probably will never be popular again, my daddy catches me sneaking home nearly naked and…"

Faith stops in her tracks, pushing Cordelia away.

"Hey, I didn't like tell who I was with, or anything. You don't have to…"

"Cor? Shhh!" Faith shushes her.

"Rude much? I was just telling you…"

"Cor! There's something here. I can sense it. Be quiet!"

"Well, geeze, if you're gonna be that way about it!"

Faith sighs, and is about to answer when she hears a slight muffled sound, then feels something hit her in the side.

"What the…"

She instinctively ducks, and hears the air whoosh over her head. Grabbing her wrist, she shoves her elbow behind her, and connects with something that groans.

A pair of hands grab her arm from her right side. She kicks out in that direction, again hitting something solid.

"Why'd you do that, you bloody cow?" A voice says in the dark.

"Dunno. Call me touchy. Don't like to get groped in the dark."

"C'mere, you stupid git. The Master wants you!"

"Gee, and I want a pony. Guess we're both disappointed." Faith kicks out in the dark again, this time missing. "Hold still!"

"No thanks, Pet," the voice has moved, and a pair of strong hands grab her, lifting her off the floor. "I believe we'll just do this … DAMN!"

Faith head butts him backwards, and he drops her. She scrambles to her feet, trying to sense where he went.

At that moment, a spotlight is cast onstage, and Faith freezes.

A tall, bald headed vampire is standing onstage, flanked by two vampires, one holding Cordelia by her throat.

There are shouts and screams from the audience.

"Cordelia!" Faith blurts out. She starts to rush the group when the bald vampire's hand goes up.

"I'd be careful, slayer. One twist and your little friend here is rather dead." He turns to the vampire behind Faith. "Well, are you going to grab her, or what?"

The bleach blonde vampire grabs Faith, and pushes her forward.

The Master turns to the audience. "Children, be calm. There's no reason to panic," He smiles unpleasantly, "well, perhaps there are reasons, but it'll do you no good."

The crowd starts to scramble about, making their way towards the exits. They find their way blocked by more vampires. More screams.

"What's going on?"

"Let us go!"

"I'm afraid that's rather impossible," The Master grins. He takes a deep breath, and smiles broadly. "Ah, smell the fear. It's like a gourmet sauce on a feast, " He licks his lips," as you can see, I do have the entrances rather guarded. I wouldn't want you to miss out on the fun."

"Oh god, look at his face!"

"What do you want?"

"Want? Well, let's see, " The Master, "I want an end to you're pathetic existence. This scourge of humanity, like a blister on this world. I want to return the old ones to their rightful place of power." He rubs his hands together. "However, I believe for now, a good old fashion slaughter will do."

More screams go up.

"Ah, humans. They always panic so easily."

"You won't get away with this," Faith grunts, as the vampire holding her shoves her to her knees in front of the Master.

"Is that so?" The Master smirks. He reaches down, and grabbing Faith by the lapels, lifts her like a toy. "Who's going to stop me, exactly? You?" He grins at her, "I know you killed Darla, Slayer, and I'm rather angry about that one," He shakes her like a rag doll. "I'm going to enjoy tearing you into little pieces."

There's a thwacking sound, and suddenly a shaft with feather's appears in the Master's shoulder.

"ARRGGHH!" He drops Faith, grabbing his shoulder. He extracts the arrow. Looking around, he sees Giles, crossbow in hand, loading another arrow.

"Actually, I think I'd like to object to that plan," Giles says, firing.

"What're you idiots standing there for? GET HIM!"

Before anyone can move, another arrow strikes the Master in the leg.

The Vampire holding Cordelia releases her, rushing after the others to get Giles.

Faith moves over to Cordelia, checking her condition.

"Are you all right?" Faith asks, checking for wounds.

"I'm fine," Cordelia says, shaking it off.

"I need you to do something."

"What?"

"Try to find a way out. Try to start getting some of these kids out of here."

"What about you?" Cordelia asks, worriedly. "Aren't you coming?"

"Not now, I've got other things to take care of," Faith starts towards the group of vampires advancing on Giles. "Go!"

"God, she's always so bossy," Cordelia starts for the edge of the stage. "Just because she's the slayer and all…"

Cordelia jumps into the crowd, making her way towards the exits.

Faith makes her way towards the group of vampires surrounding Giles. She grabs on of them, and before he can react, there's a stake through his back, piercing his heart.

He turns to dust.

"Gee, boys, rushing away like that? Really make a girl feel unloved. I'm sure you didn't mean it," Faith quips as she delivers blows right and left.

"Get her," One of the vampires yell, shoving another one at her.

"You get her," The other vampire stumbles and stops. "She's the slayer."

"Well, well, looks like your mates aren't all that anxious to fight the slayer," Spike comments, watching the action.

"What're you standing there for, fool! Help them." The Master shoves Spike towards the melee.

"You don't have to get bleeding testy about. I'm going," Spike dusts himself off, and moves towards the fight.

"Incompetent fool! Why he ever chose you…" He stops when something crashes at his feet, splattering his clothes. They begin to smoke and burn.

"What in …" The Master looks up, and sees a familiar face. An unwelcome face.

"Hi. Remember me? The guy you had tortured? Thought I'd send you a little thank you gift," Another bottle drops from above, smashing on the Master's upturned face.

HE grabs his face, and screams.

"ANGELUS!" The master roars, as Angel drops on the stage next to him.

"Actually, I'm going by Angel these days, " Angel lands a blow directly on the master's blistering face.

The Master screeches, and launches himself at Angel.

3

"Hurry UP, Walter," Harmony shoves her brother, trying to get him to go faster. "We've got to find a way out of here."

"Don't think that's going to be happening, Harm," Walter says, rushing along the side of the gym. "All the entrances look blocked."

"That's so like you!" Harmony complains, shoving him along, "giving up even before you try something. No wonder you're a geeky loser!"

"Ok, that's enough, " Walter turns suddenly. Harmony comes crashing into him. "I- I'm tired of your crap, Harmony. You do nothing but give me a load every time you mess up. That's way over," he lashes out, slapping her.

"You hit me!" Harmony's hand flies to her face. "You little worm. What kind of man are you, hitting a girl."

"If I hit one, I'll let you know," Walter retorts, kicking her in the leg.

"You kicked me! You kicked me, and you hit me! You … you… girl kicker!" She kicks him back.

"You're so asking for it!" Walter shoves her, "I've been putting up with your I'm so better than you attitude for too long!"

SLAP!!

Harmony slaps him.

"Truth hurt, Walter?"

Walter goes wide eyed, and turns, running into the darkened gym.

"That's right, you girl kicker coward! Run away! But don't even think you can…"

Suddenly, Harmony is quiet. A vampire has snuck up behind her, and grabbing her, covers her mouth.

She tries to scream, but nothing is heard.

"That's right, shut up! You're giving me a headache! I hate it when my food screeches!"

Struggling, Harmony is no match for the vampire. She wriggles and kicks out, but the vampire won't let her loose. Finally, he draws her close, and sinks his fangs into her neck.

She screams, and then after awhile, goes very quiet.

4

Spike watches casually as Faith one by one dusts the group the vampires she's fighting. Just as she's staking the last one, he comes up behind her, and lands a kick in the small of her back. She goes flying into Giles, knocking him over.

"Hello, slayer. I've been waiting to meet you. Heard you were pretty tough," Spike comes over, and kicks her while she's trying to recover herself. "I'm thinking the rumors about you were exaggerated. You're not so tough."

He grabs her by the hair, lifting her to her feet.

"I've killed a couple of Slayers in my time. They were tough. You, on the other hand, seem a bit of a marshmallow," He slaps her across the face. "So, what do you say, slayer? Want a go 'round with old Spike?" Giles, on his feet, rushes at Spike. Spike back hands him, knocking him into the refreshment table. "Now, now, watcher. No fair entering the fight unless your teammate tags you." He turns to Faith.

Faith tries to punch him, but his reach is too long, and she can't land a blow.

"Well, I'll give you this, slayer. You're a feisty one. Not giving up, are we?" He grins at her. "You really should you know. If you do, I'll make it quick and painless. My promise to… OOOOWWWW!!!"

Spike drops Faith as she swings herself by her hair and delivers a blow to the family jewels. He bends over, grabbing himself.

"What's wrong, Captain Peroxide? Not so tough now?" Faith comes over, and kicks him in the head. The toe of her boot catches him across his forehead, opening a nasty wound over his eye. "Where's the bragging now?"

Spike shakes off the kick, and quickly straightens up. He grins tightly, morphing into his vamped self.

"I see there's more to you than I thought, pet, " He grabs a chair, and quickly smashes it across Faith's side. "Want to play rough, do you?" He swings it around, and hits her on the other side. "This might be fun yet."

The blow throws Faith into the refreshment table, causing it to collapse. Spike sneers, rushing towards her to finish it, when something hits him in the side.

"What the hell… watcher? Are you insane? Watchers don't fight, they watch!" He lashes out, hitting Giles in the jaw, knocking him off his feet. "Be a good boy, grandpa, and take a nap."

"Oh, Spike!"

Spike turns and barely ducks in time to avoid a large glass punchbowl hitting him square in the face. He grins maniacally.

"Oh, slayer, now that just wasn't very sporting at all."

He rushes the slayer just as she rushes him. They meet in the middle, slamming into each other.

5

Onstage, Angel and The Master are rolling on the floor, each trying to get dominance over the other.

They each get in some good blows, but neither can best the other. Finally, the Master uses his nails, clawing deep into Angel's back. Angel yells, and briefly relaxes his grip on the Master. Using the advantage, the Master jumps on him, straddling Angel and holding his neck to the floor.

"At last! I've got you where I want you, Angelus," The Master sneers at Angel. He backhands Angel across the face, his nails opening wounds. "You stupid, rebellious pup. Who do you think you are, defying me? Ever since Darla made you, you've been nothing but a thorn in my side! You defied me, you stole Darla away from me, and you spit on me and your heritage!" The master tightens his grip on Angel's throat."

I let it go, because you had a real talent for mayhem and destruction. I even thought, when the time came, you would sit at my right hand, be my protégé. Instead, look at you! You worthless, pathetic excuse for a vampire! You got a soul… a filthy, mewling soul."

He lifts Angel's head up, then bangs it back against the floor.

"Now you not only live amongst the humans, you think you're one of them." He slaps him again. "How dare you mock me?"

"Have you looked at yourself lately?" Angel gasps a little under the Master's grip. "Ok, maybe not. But trust me, you make it easy…"

"Silence, you impudent child!" He rakes his claws across Angel. "I'm going to enjoy killing you. Not right away, not quickly. Oh no, you'll suffer a long time, a very long time. I'll teach you the meaning of eternity."

Angel gathers his strength, then explodes. Managing to free his arms from under the Master's knees, bringing them up and boxing his ears, hard. The Master breaks his grip on Angel, grabbing his head.

Angel quickly grabs him and throws him off, skidding across the stage. He's up in a moment, as is Angel, facing each other off.

"So, Angelus, it's come to this. Think you can best me? I've seen your kind come and go, and I'm still here. I'll make you crawl like the insignificant worm…"

"Oh, shut UP!" Angel yells at him. "I don't know what's worse. Looking at your face, or listening to you as you go on and on and on. My god, do you love the sound of your own voice!"

Angel leaps at him across the stage.

6

Cordelia makes her way through the crowd.

She's been trying to find a clear exit out of the gym, but so far every one has been blocked by one or more vampires.

She looks around, trying to see over the crowd, and then sees something she forgot.

The locker rooms! She looks over, and sees the way isn't being guarded. Perfect.

She starts to make her way over towards the entrance when she sees to figures emerge out through the shadows.

Damn. That's not good at all! But they're going away from it. Maybe I can still make it work.

Slowly, quietly so not to attract attention, she moves through the crowd. She almost makes her destination when a tall figure blocks her way.

"And just where do you think you're going?" The vampire says, grabbing her.

"I…I just had to use the bathroom…" Cordelia gulps, realizing that she's probably got about 3 seconds here before she becomes the next meal. "Really, small bladder. Walnut size. Peanut size…"

"Yeah, sure you were. I think you were sneaking out," The vampire lifts her up, pulling her close. "We were supposed to wait until the Master gave the cue before we fed… but I'm thinking I could use a snack right now," he vamps out, "I'll feeling kind of peckish."

"Nooo, no, no, no!" Cordelia cries, beating on the vampire with her fists. "Let me go!"

"Shut up, I don't like to talk while I eat. And stop hitting me. It tickles" He turns his face, opening his mouth for the kill.

Cordelia feels a sharp pain in her neck as the vampire's teeth sink into her tender flesh.

"Really? So, how does this feel?"

There's a whooshing sound, and Cordelia feels a sharp pain in her ass when she falls suddenly on the ground.

She looks up to see Willow, flanked by Xander, stake in hand. She's standing just behind the pile of ashes that used to be the vampire.

"Are you all… oh, crap," Willow says, starting to bend over to help Cordelia. Seeing who it is, she quickly snaps back.

"I really think we should've let him finish first," Xander cracks.

"Yeah, well, missed opportunities," Willow shrugs, standing next to him.

"Ha-ha, very funny," Cordelia snaps. Her dress tore when she fell, and her butt hurts. "Can I get a little help here?"

"Do we have to?" Willow asks, an unfriendly look on her face.

"I suppose we do, Will," Xander reaches out, offering his hand to Cordelia. "Technically, she's human."

"Forget it. Don't put yourselves out on my account," Cordelia bats Xander's hand away, and shoves herself up off the floor. The skirt of her dress tears more as she rises. "Fine, just fine" She moans.

"Don’t worry, Cordy. I'm sure Daddy will buy you another," Willow says, her tone sarcastic. "Not like you'll be running out of money any time soon."

"God, cranky much, Rosenberg," She turns to Xander, a smirk on her face. "What's wrong, Xan? Not doing it right?"

"HEY!" Xander sounds offended.

"Shut UP!" Willow pushes her, almost causing Cordelia to fall again. "No one really gives a damn about you, got it Cordelia? Why don't you go get lost again, and next time, we won't be there to save your sorry ass!"

Both Xander and Willow almost faint at Cordelia's reaction.

"I'm sorry, you're right. I'm being a bitch. Thanks for saving me. Just, with everything going on…" She hears screams, and looks around to see more vamp attacks. "Look, I gotta find a way out of here. That's what Faith asked me to do."

"Faith asked you, huh?" Xander says, still a little wounded from her remark. "Sure it isn't your own ass your worried about."

"No, it's not, Alexander, " Cordelia grumbles, tired already of the nice routine, "I'm supposed to try to help get the kids out. Thanks a lot, but I got stuff to do."

Cordelia starts towards the locker rooms.

"Well, why're you going that way, anyway?" Willow asks, perturbed. "We checked. There's no way out that way."

"Oh, yes there is," Cordelia moves away.

"Hey! We're not stupid, or blind! We checked it, Cordelia. There's no door there!"

"Maybe if you spent more time in the gym, and less in the library, Willow, you'd know they remodeled the girl's locker room. They have to put in an emergency escape door, by law. It's there, just not in an obvious place." She starts walking away, calling over her shoulder. "I just have to see if I can open it. So, you coming, or not?"

Willow and Xander look at each other.

"You better follow. I'll stay here, keep an eye out," Xander says.'

"Oh, c'mon, don't even tell me it's not your fantasy to be in the girl's locker room," Willow teases him. "And I really don't want to be in there alone with her."

"Someone's got to stay here. That'll be me," Xander says. He knows Willow's animosity towards Cordelia. He's heard about it for years. He has no desire to be trapped between them; even if it means a pass on a tour of the girl's locker room.

"Fine, whatever, Mr. Harris," Willow starts down the hall. "Just hope you weren't expecting nothing later… if we survive." She disappears.

Xander just rolls his eyes.

Tell me something new, please

7

"So, slayer? Getting tired yet? Because I'm just getting warmed up, and you look a bit frazzled. " Spike smirks at her.

Spike and Faith are squared off, facing each other. While Spike does look like he's been in a fight, Faith looks as if she's gotten the worse end of it. Her tux is torn, she's bleeding from some cuts on her face, arms and legs, and she's beginning to bruise.

Faith just glares at him.

"What, no snappy comeback, pet? Tsk, tsk. Seems you're beginning to fade. Well, let me help you with that."

Spike rushes her, and Faith squats down, doing a sweeper kick. Unfortunately, Spike jumps over her foot, and delivers a kick to her chest, sprawling her on her back.

Spike quickly jumps on her, straddling her. He looks down at the prone Faith.

"Well, here we are, luv," He grins, leaning over. "Just you and me. I do have to say," He licks his lips," you're rather more appealing than the last slayer I killed. Want a little shag before I kill you?"

Without waiting for an answer, he starts ripping at her shirt.

He doesn't even see the baseball bat that swings and clobbers him upside the head.

"WHAT THE HELL?" He yells, as he goes flying off Faith.

Before he can react, Giles is at him, slamming the bat at every bit of Spike he can reach.

"Goddamn it, you bloody burke, stop hitting me with that thing!" Spike grabs the bat, stilling it. He kicks out at Giles, knocking him back.

Regaining his feet, he starts towards Giles, swinging the bat over his head.

"You couldn't take some friendly advice, could you, you bleeding sod!" Spike growls, cocking the bat back. "Well, let's see how you … WHAT?"

Something grabs the bat out of his hand. Turning, he sees Faith, bat in hand, taking aim.

"Batter UP!" She growls, just before she swings the bat.

8

Xander Harris is watching the crowd for vampires.

He's getting a little nervous, since Willow and Cordelia have been gone awhile.

What's taking them? Why haven't they come back?

He looks down the hall, then turns back towards the gym.

I hope they haven't killed each other. How am I gonna explain that one to Angel? Never mind Faith.

A hand falls on his shoulder, and he nearly jumps out of his clothes.

"Xander!" Willow hisses at him.

"Geeze, don't DO that!" Xander breathes heavily. "So, what happened?"

"There's a way out… through the girl's locker room. Cordelia's still there. C'mon, let's start getting some of these people out of here."

"And you trust her not to bolt?" Xander says, as they walk towards the crowd.

"Yeah, I do," Willow admits, reluctantly. "We've put our differences aside until we get out of this. Then, we'll kill each other."

Peace in our time! Who woulda thunk it??

"Ok, let's do this."

They start pulling people aside, herding them towards the locker rooms.

9

"So, Angelus, where's your witty repartee now?"

The Master has Angel in an iron grip, holding him up above his head.

"What's wrong, boy? Mind a little foggy? Let me help you with that!" He backhands him across the face.

Angel hangs somewhat limply in the Master's grip. His face is a mass of bruises and cuts, and his shirt is torn open. There are long claw marks down his chest.

"Did you really think you could defeat me, you fool?" The master shakes him like a rag doll.

" Who do you think you are?" The Master backhands him again. A trickle of blood appears at the edge of Angel's mouth.

" I was alive before Rome was anything more than a collection of mud huts." The Master tosses him on the ground, and stands over him.

"I was alive before Alexander conquered half the world." He kicks Angel in the ribs, causing Angel to groan.

"I saw the rise and fall of the Egyptian Pharaohs," He spits in Angel's face, "… and you thought you could fight me?"

He grabs Angel by the lapels, and pulls him halfway up.

"You arrogant, callow piece of trash!" He backhands Angel again. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" He shakes him.

Angel sits there, unresisting, his head lolling to the side. Then a small smirk comes to his face, and he looks up at the Master.

"Duck," Angel croaks.

"What?"

The Master looks to his side, and his eyes widen. Before he can do anything, a metallic cymbal, borrowed from the drum set, slices him neatly at the throat, decapitating him. His head goes flying even as his body begins to turn to dust.

Angel, suddenly freed, falls back down, groaning.

"Angel!" Faith rushes over to him. She cradles his head in her lap.

Angel opens his eyes, looking up at her. He half grins.

"What took you so long?" He mutters. "I thought he was going to talk me to death!" He chuckles, the coughs a little.

"Shut up. You're hurt!" Faith strokes his face, "Anyway I was fighting his flunky. I think he called him Spike."

"Spike?" Suddenly Angel reacts, looking around. "Spike is here?"

"Yeah, you know him?"

"I know he's a vicious killer. Where is he?" Angel evades.

"I left him over there. Giles is …" Faith looks over her shoulder, and groans. "Where's Giles?"

"Up here," A weary and somewhat self deprecating voice moans.

They look up to see Giles hanging in the air, his coat hooked to the end of a flagpole as if on a coat rack. His arms and legs are flailing about a little, and he looks more embarrassed than angry.

"Do you think I could get a little help here? Never mind the embarrassment, I believe my coat is beginning to rip."

Faith and Angel look at each other, hardly able to restrain the guffaws. Angel, despite his injuries, climbs up the stage curtain, unhooking Giles and more or less carrying him back down to terra firma.

"What happened to you?" Faith looks at him, her lips working to keep back the laughter.

"That bloody sod doesn't play fair," Giles exclaims, "He was still prone. I swear he was unconscious. So I merely glanced over to see what you were about, and the next thing I know, the pillock has got me by my neck, and he hung me up there like some old wash!" Giles doesn't know whether to sputter or blush.

"Well, maybe if you let me stake him like I wanted to…"

"No, I needed him alive to question." Giles looks a little grim. "He might have some answers I'm looking for…"

"About what?" Faith looks at the both of them. " The Master's dead. Threat's over, right?"

Angel and Giles look at each other, neither speaking.

"The threat's over, right? This was the Master's gig. He's dead, no more big bad, we go party."

There are screams, and all three look out into the thinning crowd.

"Ok, well, maybe there's some clean up to do, " Faith starts to head for the crowd. "Are you two coming?" She calls over her shoulder as she leaps offstage into the crowd.

"You're going to have to tell her, Giles," Angel says, "She can't fight if she doesn't know the facts."

"What are the facts, exactly?" Giles asks, looking after Faith. "I've no proof to what I suspect." His expression sours. "That's why I wanted to talk to that Spike fellow. He's new. Maybe he was brought in. He might've been able to fill in some gaps."

"You're not telling her because you're afraid you'll hurt her, "Angel starts towards the dance floor, "Thing is? If she finds out by herself, too late, then what? She'll never trust you again." Angel turns, and follows Faith into the crowd.

I'll just have to take that chance, Giles thinks as he heads towards the stairs.

10

"Oh, this is just great," Cordelia complains, "Trapped like rats."

The three of them are pressed up against a wall, flanked on each side by vampires. Willow and Xander are holding wooden crosses, holding them at bay. Cordelia is brandishing the fire axe she got from the emergency box on the wall.

"Shut up, Cordelia, we'll get out of this," Willow's words are braver than she's feeling.

One of the vampires rushes in at them, and Willow holds up the cross, while Cordelia brandishes the axe at them. It backs off, hissing.

"Oh yeah? How do you figure? They don't look like they're leaving any time soon."

"Panicking? Not helpful," Xander says. A vampire rushes him, and he shoves the cross at it. It backs off.

"Not panicking!" Cordelia pokes out with the fire axe, trying to keep the vampire back. "I left Panic three exits ago. We're going to die!"

"We're not going to die," Willow growls at her, "we just need a plan."

"Ok, well, I'm open to suggestion," Xander brandishes the cross again as the vampire makes another run at him. "Now would be good."

"Why do I have to think up the plan?"

"Cuz, you're the smart one, Will." Xander moves in closer. "You've always got the plan."

"Ok, here's my plan. We shove Cordelia at them, and while their feeding, we head for the exit."

"HEY! I don't like that plan, come up with another plan!" Cordelia lunges at the vampire with the axe.

"That's all I got," Willow admits.

The vampire closest to Xander lunges in at him, trying to knock away the cross.

"Xander, watch out," Willow calls out, distracted.

The other vampire, seeing his opportunity, rushes Willow, knocking her cross away. Cordelia lunges at it with the axe, but misses. It grabs Cordelia, and pulls her in, causing her to drop the axe.

Willow lunges for the axe, but the vampire kicks it away. It pulls Cordelia close, and heads for the exit. The other vampire drops back, joining it.

"Damn. C'mon, Xander, we've got to save her."

"Ummm… that's Cordelia, Will. Why are we saving her again?"

Willow doesn't get a chance to reply. The exit door bursts open, and Angel is standing there, blocking the way.

"Drop the girl," Angel says, advancing on the other vampires.

"What the hell is your problem, man? You're a vampire, like us. Why're you defending these … humans?"

"Believe me, I'm nothing like you…" Angel launches himself at the vampires.

They retreat, to find their access blocked by Willow, who's recovered the fire axe, and Xander, who's picked up one of the crosses.

They look at Angel, then at Willow and Xander. Without warning, they toss Cordelia at Willow and Xander, and break through, running towards the gym.

Willow and Xander help Cordelia up. Her dress is torn from the encounter, but otherwise she's ok.

"Thank god you were there, Angel," Willow says, steadying Cordelia. She watches as the vampires retreat. "Shouldn't we go after them?"

"I vote no," Cordelia says, still feeling a little shaky.

"Big surprise there," Willow cracks.

"Don't worry, it's covered." Angel smiles enigmatically.

"This is your fault, you know," The vampire in the lead yells at the other one. " 'Follow the Master', you said. Some Master, he got dusted pretty quick, I noticed."

"Shut UP!" The other vampire growled. "It was your idea to go in the locker rooms looking for strays. If we hadn't, we could've been outta here by now."

"I was hungry! And it seems we should get something out of this deal. God, what a waste of an evening."

"Just move. I don't fancy winding up on the wrong end of a stake." The vampire stops for a moment, looking around. "It looks like we lost them. Which way?"

"This way. Down the hall. We can slip out the entrance."

They start down the hall when somebody steps into the hall from the gym. Somebody carrying a crossbow. A loaded crossbow.

Faith.

"Gee, guys. Leaving so soon? And we so didn't get a chance to party. I'm really hurt!"

"Aw, fuck! The Slayer!"

The two turn, starting to run back down the hall.

One dies almost immediately, as a wooden bolt shoots through its chest, dusting it.

The second one almost makes it to the doorway, and out of view.

Almost. It dusts just as it's stepping through the doorway.

Faith looks almost disappointed.

"Well, that was… ridiculously easy," She shrugs, making her way down the hall. "Hello! Anyone back here? Coast is clear. Unless you’re a vampire, then I'd run if I were you!"

"Faith, that you?"

"Angel? You back there?" Faith walks down the hall, and into the locker room. "Find any strays?"

"Just these three," Angel says, turning the corner. Following behind him are Xander, Willow and Cordelia. "They got themselves into a little trouble, but it's over now."

"Hey, we were just helping, you know," Willow protests, "We got some of the kids out like you told us." She looks askance at Cordelia. "We were fine until she showed up."

"Oh, your such a liar, Willow Rosenberg!" Cordelia snaps. "Without me, you wouldn't have found that exit, and you'd probably be vamp food by now."

"Enough, ok?" Faith says, coming to them. "Are you ok?"

Willow's lips tighten, and her eyes narrow. She gives Faith a look.

"Do you really care?"

"Yeah, I care." Faith moves towards her. "Are you hurt? Did anything happen…?"

Willow just looks at her, and chuckles humorlessly.

"C'mon, Xander. We're done here."

Grabbing Xander's hand, she pushes past Faith, and walks out of the locker room. Xander looks over his shoulder as if to say "Don't look at me."

Faith watches them go, and sighs. Well, it's obvious somebody's still upset. She turns back to Cordelia and Angel.

"Well, I guess they're ok. How 'bout you guys?" She goes over and touches Angel's face. It looks pretty bad. " You gonna be ok?"

"I'll live," Angel grins crookedly. "I'm guessing by your expression it's a good thing I can't see myself in the mirror right now. I know it hurts like hell."

"Hey, what about me? Aren't you going to ask if I'm ok?" Cordelia huffs, a little hurt at being last.

Faith grins a little, looking at Cordelia out of the corner of her eye. "The fact that you're not bleeding, not bruised, and can ask that, with that tone? Tells me everything I need to know."

"Well, shows me what you know! I was nearly bitten!"

Angel and Faith look at each other, and start laughing.

"What's so funny?" Cordelia is offended. "It's NOT funny!"

Faith, her tux ripped and torn, half her face starting to bruise, dried blood on her face and arms, walks over to Cordelia, and puts and arm around her shoulders. Cordelia shrugs her off.

"I'm sorry," Faith pushes down her laughter, trying to keep a straight face. "But after everything that's happened tonight …" She shakes her head, feeling a little giddy. She pushes it down. " Are you ok?" Her expression is serious.

"Yeah, I'm fine. A girl just likes to be asked, you know." Cordelia looks at Faith, really looks at her, for the first time. Her expression changes to one of concern. "Look at you! You look awful!" She touches Faith's face. "Does it hurt?"

Faith winces.

"Uhhh… I think I'll go find Giles. Let him know everything's under control. At least, at the moment."

Smirking, he walks out of the locker room.

"Don't be such a baby," Cordelia says, pushing Faith down on a bench. "Let me look…" She shakes her head, looking at Faith's clothing. "you're never going to get the deposit back on that." She starts unbuttoning Faith's shirt.

"What exactly are you doing?" Faith smirks at her.

"Well, not that, gutter mind," Cordelia shakes her head, "I'm just looking for more wounds."

"Trust me, I'm black and blue all over, or at least, feel like it." She gently pushes Cordelia away, and stands up, letting out a slight groan.

"Well, we should take you to the hospital. Get you checked out. You might have…"

"Cor? I'm fine. Let it go." Faith shakes it off. "We better go. I think the dance is over."

"God, why are you always so stubborn!" Cordelia moves in front of her, hands on hips. "You might be really hurt."

"Cor? I'm the Slayer. Part of the package? Accelerated healing. I'll be fine in a couple of days…" Faith reaches out, putting a hand on her shoulder. "If we're going to be together, you better get used to the fact that I'm gonna come home beat up a lot. It goes with the job."

Cordelia's eyes soften, and she presses her cheek against Faith's hand.

"You meant it then? What you said earlier?"

"Said?" Faith teases her. "Did I say something earlier?"

"You know you did, you big tease!" Cordelia hits her.

"Ow. Could we not hit?"

"Sorry… ok, that's it. I'm taking you home, and bandaging you up proper…"

She takes Faith by the arm, and starts pulling her out of the locker room.

"Hold on. I'm going to your place? Don't you think you're dad would be a little suspicious?"

"No, stupid, I meant your place."

"Cor, no, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?" Cordelia looks hurt.

"Didn't you tell me you got caught sneaking home just today? I'm thinking your dad isn't going to be too happy if you don't show up at a reasonable time tonight. Do you?"

"I don’t care. You're hurt, and I want to take care of you!"

Faith smiles. "That sounds very nice. I just don't want the Sunnydale PD breaking down my door in the middle of the night, looking for you. "

"But…"

"Cor! I'm gonna be ok, and there's really not much you can do for me tonight, ok? I really just need to get home, take a shower, and flop into bed. Really, I'm ok. Really." She takes Cordelia's hand. "We better go find the others…"

"You're so stubborn sometimes. Why won't you let me help you?" She shakes her head. "So stubborn…" They walk to the door, and stop.

"Yeah, but that's why you love me, right?"

"Excuse me? I never said I love you," Cordelia raises her chin.

"Oh yeah you did. Onstage. Not… well, just a couple of hours ago…"

"You're delusional, and might I add?… egotistical. I said I love another girl… never said you."

"You so did. You pointed at me and said 'I love her' ".

"Get real. I was pointing at someone else…"

They walk out the door, but their pretend argument continues.

"There was no other 'her' in that direction."

"There so was…"

"Not…"

"So was…"

"Liar!"

"Am not… "

"Are too…"

Neither one of them notice the figure that emerges from the shadows behind them. He watches them disappear into the gymnasium, a small tight smile on his face.

"Well, well, now isn't this just too interesting?" Spike smirks to himself. "The slayer's got a thing for the prom queen. That might come in useful, that."

He winces, his forehead throbbing. Touching it gingerly, he brings his fingers down to see blood. His own blood.

He licks his fingers, and his little smile turns to a frown.

"This isn't over, slayer. You may think you've won this round, but we haven't had our dance yet. When we do, I promise you, you'll never forget it."

His fist slams into the doorjamb next to him, cracking the jamb.

"At least, for the few seconds you'll live after…"

Whistling softly to himself, he disappears into the shadows.

11

An hour later, Cordelia chase finds herself on her own front porch. She's taken the time to clean up a little, combing her hair, fixing her makeup. She's managed, using some safety pins, to at least hide the tear in her skirt.

She still feels a little woozy from the night's action. That, and what happened after. Despite looking like she'd been through a meat grinder, Faith started getting a little frisky as Cordelia drove her home.

Who knew slayers got hungry and horny… really horny… after a fight… mmmm…

Shaking off the memory, she straightens up, forcing herself to concentrate. The last thing she wants or needs is questions from her father. Not tonight. Not after all that's happened.

Just want to go in, say goodnight, and crawl into bed. God, how am I gonna explain to Daddy about what Harmony did tonight? Oh god, that's going to … She shivers, anticipating Cornell Chase's reaction to his daughter being, at best, a bisexual, and at worst… the G word. What am I going to tell him? Oh god, I can't even think of that tonight. Never mind the rest…

”Daddy? Remember telling me that vampires don't exist? Well, I've got some news for you! You're SOOO wrong!

Cordelia looks at herself, and nods. Ok, I should be able to get away with this, as long as I don't hang around too long, and he doesn't look too closely…

She opens the door to the house, and closing it quietly behind her, walks into the foyer. She stops, wrinkling her brow.

There are lights in the living room. That doesn't make sense. No one should be in there at this time of night. What…?

" Cordelia? Is that you?" Her father's voice drifts out of the living room.

"Yes, Daddy. I'm home. Just going upstairs to bed …"

Cornell Chase walks into the foyer. He almost immediately notices that something is a little off.

"Are you all right, Cordelia?"

"Hmmm? Oh yeah, sure, fine, Daddy. Why?"

"You seem… shaken." His brow furrows.

"Oh. Yeah, well, it's nothing. There were some rowdies at the dance. They kind of made a scene, but it's nothing, really."

"Are you sure?" Cornell gives her the once over, noticing the tear in her skirt. He frowns.

"Yes, I… everything is fine, Dad. Really. I think I'm just going to go upstairs now and…"

"Actually, dear, I need you to step into the living room. At least for a moment."

"Dad, do I have to? I mean, it's been kind of a rough night, and…"

"Cordelia, please," but Cornell isn't asking. It's more a command." I have some people I wish you to meet."

Cordelia feels a chill go down her spine. Something in the way her father is looking at her is slightly disturbing to her. What? He's just … She can't keep from shuddering a little.

"Daddy? Do I have to?"

"Come along, Cordelia," Chase holds out his hand.

Almost against her own will, she puts out her hand, and allows Cornell to lead her into the living room.

"Joyce. Buffy. I'd like you both to meet my daughter, Cordelia. Cordelia, this is Joyce and Buffy Summers. I told you about them, remember?"

Oh, perfect!

"Yes, of course, dad." Cordelia smiles, feeling her stomach turn over.

"This is your daughter, Cornell?" Joyce Summers gets up, going to Cordelia. "She's very lovely. I'm very pleased to meet you, Cordelia."

" Me too, Mrs. Summers," Cordelia forces a smile. "I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance." She offers her hand, which is taken briefly.

"And perfect manners, too." Joyce smiles at Cornell.

Buffy, who until now, hasn't risen, gets up and walks over to Cordelia. She's dressed in jeans and loose fitting blouse. On her feet are ankle boots, and despite it being night, and being indoors, she's wearing sunglasses.

Looking over her shades, she gives Cordelia the once over.

"So, you're the Queen of Sunnydale high, huh?"

Ok, rude much? Cordelia takes an instant dislike to the smaller blonde girl.

"I guess so," Cordelia responds, her tone slightly chilly. Don't mess with me, Blondie.

Buffy smirks.

"Well, gotta say. Not too impressed."

To be continued.
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The Slayer