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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 9 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

Los Angeles, California. Home of Hollywood, high tech and long, sandy beaches. A mixed bag, the super rich bordered by the super poor. Where housing prices are in the ozone, and the car is still king. A place of dreams, some realized, most broken. A place full of pretty, happy, shiny people.

Except maybe one young girl, in one small suburban home in the Valley.

" Damn it, she's at it again!"

" Keep your voice down, please. She'll hear you!"

" Well, maybe she should here me! She's getting into fights, she's cutting school, Principal Smith said if she cuts one more time, they're going to suspend her! What's going on with that girl?"

' That girl' pulled the pillow over her head, trying to block out the sounds of the argument raging in the next room. It was really useless. The sounds of anger and frustration still came through, no matter how many pillows she used. Even with the words muffled, she knew they were fighting about her… again.

" I don't get it. Why is she doing this? Up to last year, she was fine. On the cheerleading squad, popular, she seemed happy. Now she's getting in fights and cutting school. Her grades have gone into the toilet. What happened?"

Joyce Summers looks at Hank like he's just landed from Planet Moron.

" You don't get it? Her father's hardly ever here anymore, and when he is, he's fighting with her mom. Think maybe a little of this might be because of her home life?"

" What am I supposed to do, Joyce? Quit? You know the business has been going crazy lately. I'm doing my best here. But if I want to continue feeding this family, and keeping it together, I have to put in some crazy hours. I know I'm not dad of the year, but I'm doing my best here."

Buffy turns over in her bed, trying to escape. She knows in her heart it's not work, or the rest. It's her. They don't get it; they just don’t understand. And she can't tell them. If she did, they'd lock her away and throw away the key.

She can't tell them of the dreams. The dreams of monsters, and her fighting them, beating them back to save them, and the rest of the world. She can't tell them of the voice she hears in her head, telling her that her destiny is approaching, to get ready.

She can't tell them her new nickname at Hemery High. " Crazy Buffy". That's the reason for all the fights. She can't tell them she takes off to train, to build herself up, to become what she's going to become.

She can't tell them how she sneaks out nights to hunt. To find the monsters and do what she has to do. Find them. Fight them. Kill them.

It's her calling, her destiny. Soon, it'll come. It'll be her turn. She'll be chosen.

" So this is my fault now?" Hank yells. " I'm to blame because I try to provide for this family? She's acting like a brat, Joyce. Maybe if you didn't coddle her so much."

" By coddle, do you mean pay attention to her? Listen to her? Try to be part of her life? If that's what you mean, Hank, then yes, I'm guilty. I coddle her, and I'm going to keep coddling her!"

Mom, Dad. I know… you don't understand me. Don't get it. I wish I could tell you, but I can't. I have to keep you safe, please… stop fighting. Please…She bites her lip, and balls her fists, trying to keep back the tears. Please don't fight anymore. I love you both. I hate that I'm making you angry. Please…

Their fighting is tearing her up inside. More now, that she's believes she's the reason they're fighting. But even before, it felt like knives whenever they fought. And it's almost every night. If not her, something else causes them to go at it.

When she was younger, she used to ice skate to get away from the troubles. When she was on the ice, it was just her, alone. She could find some sense of balance, a sense of peace. Often she'd fantasize that she would become another Dorothy Hamill, her idol on ice. But she started way too late, and lacked the discipline( and money) to devote her time to becoming a star. But still, she dreamed about it. Being a star, hearing the crowd roar it's approval, feeling their love.

She still skates, sometimes. But more often, she's practicing, building, becoming. Waiting. For her destiny to kick in. To become the Chosen one, the Slayer.

She knows she won't get the kudos, or the stardom. Her destiny lies in the shadows ; she works in secret to protect those she loves. So, no roses, no trophies for Buffy.

But she doesn't care. Because she'll have something greater.

She'll be a hero.

And who wouldn't want that?

2

Faith doesn't feel like a hero. Pretty much, she feels like a jerk. And a fool.

It's been a week since Angel's rescue, and they're still struggling to figure out the Master's plans. A week since Faith nearly got herself killed, and blew up at Giles, Willow and Xander for coming back to rescue her. A week that, all in all, she'd rather have been anywhere but Sunnydale.

In short, it's been a crappy week. All around.

Faith is still on the outs with Xander and Willow, though Giles seems to have just forgotten about it. I think we're good, anyway. Hard to tell with Giles, having that whole British thing going. And he seems a little more reserve-y lately. But at least we're on speaking terms.

Faith is still not sure that Angel, or Angelus, or whatever name he wants to play it with this week, is on the up and up. Still thinking Dead Boy's playing us for a fool. Either he's with the master, or he's at least got his own thing happening, and wants us to take out the master. And if we get killed in the bargain? Bonus!

She's snooping around a bit, trying to find some clues about the master's plans. Also, to check up on Angel. See what she can find out about him. Mystery men? Not big with me. What's his deal, anyway? Yeah, yeah, that soul thing. But hey, is that really even true? He could be faking it… damn, I hate this crap!

And she's trying to figure out a way to fix it with Willow and Xander. Much as she hates to admit it, they're pretty useful. When this Harvest thing comes down, it would be good if they were onboard. Or at least, not getting themselves killed.

Stupid, really stupid! There was no reason for me going nuclear on them, Faith thought, as she walks through Rest Field Cemetery. They were only trying to help. Hell, admit it, Faith. You'd be nothing more than Vampire burps right now if they hadn't come back. And how do you thank them? Yell at them! Idiot!

Faith has pretty much cut out the witty banter portion of her slaying tonight. Matter of fact, she cut any ' style' she adds to it, merely staking and moving on.Giles would be so proud. Yeah.

" Damn, I really don't feel like this tonight," Faith looks around the graveyard, a little frown on her face. " I should just go see Giles. See if he learned anything more from dead boy … and ok, just get out here so I can kill you, already" Faith raises her voice and turns around , stake up.

" Aw, gee, Faith, " Angel comes from behind a tomb, smiling. "I thought we were getting to be buds," He looks at the stake, and takes a step back, "Aren't we ever going to get past your need to get hostile around me?"

" Yeah. Soon as I get that letter from Mother Teresa telling me you're really a great guy." Faith rejoins, moving towards Angel." Then I'll consider putting down the stake."

" And yet, you saved my life … well, un-life, from the Master and Co. Hmmm… rather a dichotomy you got going there."

" No dichotomy, Fang. Oh, thought I didn't know that word, huh? I still think you're evil. No question about that. But right now, you're useful. First time I feel differently, trust me, this stake plus your heart equals dust. Got it?"

" Why don't you trust me? Think I'm still trying to set you up? Rather elaborate plan, including lots of pain for me, for something like that, don't you think?" Angel shakes his head slowly, " What do I need to do to convince you?"

" Tell ya what, Angel. Take a walk with me down main street say at oh… noon… and not burn up? And I'll trust you, " Faith cocks her head. " What? Don't want a tan?" She spits on the ground. " You're a vamp. I'm a vampire slayer… I kill your kind. So, just because for now I gotta put up with you, don't get any stupid ideas. Oh, and please, after Darla nearly killing me, tell me it wasn't a big waste of time." She moves up to him, stake raised, " Or I might just finish the job they started, you know?"

" Actually, I was able to give Giles some information. And it seemed to help him. So much in fact, he asked me to find you… he wants to speak with you," Angel grins crookedly, " now, did you two crazy kids have a fight?"

" Really not your biz, Angel," Faith turns away and starts off. " Where'd you say he was?"

" Didn't actually. He's at his apartment," Angel says, starting after her.

" Where you going, Fang?" Faith stops and turns, " he wanted to see me, right?"

" Yes, that's right. Thought I'd walk along with," Angel catches up to Faith.

" Uh… no," Faith says, reaching out and pushing him back a little. " Didn't hear an invite in there for you. Frankly, don't think you should be in on things. So, why not go and find somewhere else to be?"

" Faith, I'm coming along, like it or not, " Angel shrugs. "I'm part of this too. I put my butt on the line to help you. You can't exclude me. Sorry."

"Yeah, and I nearly got my ass killed saving yours. So, tell you what? We're even, you go away." She shoves him harder. " I really don't like vampires. Or didn't you get that?"

" Got it," Angel says, staying to the side," but it might be more convincing if you weren't fighting with everyone. Seems I'm not the only one on your piss-off list."

" What's that supposed to mean, Angel?"

" Well, according to Giles, you seem to be fighting with everyone. Him, Xander, Willow… anyone that seems to want to help you, you're angry with. What's that about, Faith? I mean, isn't it usually easier to be on friendly terms with you allies? Seems to me you got some issues."

" No one asked you, Angel, " Faith starts to speed up, " So fuck off."

Angel catches up, grabbing her shoulder and twirling her around. " What's up with you? Why're you acting this way? What's your problem?"

Faith isn't looking at him, but rather over his shoulder. " Actually, right now?" She shoves him out of the way, pulling her stake, " those three large goons behind you!"

Angel recovers, and gets a look at the three vampires advancing on them.

They are all large, seemingly dressed in a quasi-medieval fashion, All carrying swords on their hips. Each is wearing a breastplate with the symbol of three rings locked together. Each has a grim expression, and all are focusing on Faith, seeming to ignore him.

Faith, in the meantime, has pulled out a knife, along with her stake. She is trying to find advantage on the group, a weak spot. All the while, she keeps moving not to be cornered.

"What's with the costumes, guys? No one told you were in the 20^th Century now? The armor thing? Really passé, you know?"

" Faith, be careful. Those aren't ordinary vampires. They're the order of Three."

" Three what? Stooges? This is the Larry, Moe and Wrinkly Joe of the vampire set? They don't look funny…"

" They're an ancient warrior sect, part of the order of Aurelius. They're assassins… and I'm thinking, they've been sent by the master …" He doesn't get anymore out, because one of the sidemen comes over and knocks him down to the ground.

Angel almost flies up. He shakes off the blow, and stares at the vampire in front of him. " Ok, now I'm mad." Without another word, he attacks him, giving him a combo punch-kick, knocking him back.

" Aw, how sweet. He sent me the Three Stooges. That really makes me feel bad I didn't get him anything."

" Oh, she's witty, too, " The middle one, obviously the leader, says to the others. " The Master didn't mention that. I guessing this is the part where we get confused and unsure about ourselves?" They laugh.

" Geeze, tough room, " Faith says, moving in on the middle vampire. She goes for a sweep kick, but he easily blocks it, grabbing her leg and flipping her up and over. She does a roll, and lands on her feet. " You know, I really hate when you do that, don't you?"

The other large vampire grabs her, holding her up as the leader approaches her. She struggles to free herself, kicking and trying to free her arms, but she's held tight.

" Ah, the Master will be quite pleased, " The leader comes up to Faith, leaning in. " He's rather upset with you, girl. He didn't even want a taste of you. Just your head." He leans in and smiles. " Well, what can I say? Just more for us, you know?" He leans in for the bite…

… and finds himself bashed upside the head with a grave marker. He turns to see Angel grinning at him. The third vampire comes in, rushing at Angel.

Angel brings the gravestone around, hitting the vamp square on in the face. " That's for the shot to the jaw, asshole, " Angel says, turning on the last vampire. " Faith? Duck!" Faith lowers her head just in time to avoid Angel's fist, which hits the vampire holding her square in the nose. He drops Faith to grab his nose.

The other two have recovered, and the leader hits Angel in the stomach, knocking him back and away. His blade seems to appear in his hand, and he goes after Faith, sticking the point under her chin.

" Well, guess we'll just decapitate you after all. Pity, would've loved to …"

He looks down, and notices a stake sticking out of his chest. He looks up, and then turns to dust, his sword plummeting to the ground.

Faith grabs it, and starts after the other two. They pull their swords, and begin to circle her, looking for a way in, trying to avoid the blade she's swinging freely.

Angel gets to his feet, and seeing the situation, looks around for something he can use as a weapon. Seeing the stake in the dust, he picks it up. He circles around the vampires, getting behind them.

Faith sees him, but doesn't let on . She keeps the vamps distracted, until one gets a lucky parry, knocking her blade down. The other advances on her, only to feel someone grab him from behind. He whirls and thrusts, driving the blade through Angel.

Angel starts back pedaling, the blade sticking out of his gut.

" ANGEL!"

Faith starts parrying with the other vamp, doing a 360 degree spin, cutting low and getting beneath the blade of the vamp she's fighting. She curves it up, and it slices cleanly through the vampire, decapitating him and turning him to dust.

The last member of the troika comes to Angel, thinking to recover the blade. Angel grabs the hilt, and pulls it out.

" That hurts like hell, but it didn't kill me, moron, "Angel growls. He quickly turns the blade, decapitating the third vamp. " Now that would've killed me!"

The last vampire turns to dust.

For a second, Angel and Faith stand, staring at each other. Then Angel goes to his knees, and groans loudly.

" Damn that hurts like a …." If possible, he goes paler, leaning on the sword to keep from falling over.

Faith comes over, and kneels by him. She opens his shirt, and blanches.

" Doesn't look really good, guy, " She says quietly

" Doesn’t feel really good either, Faith," Angel grumbles, trying to hide how bad it does feel.

Faith shrugs off her jacket, and begins to pull off her top.

" What the hell are you doing?"

" Don't get excited, dead boy. Just going to use my shirt so you can press it against the wound to stem the bleeding until we get to Giles'." She takes the t-shirt, and presses it against the wound." Here, hold this," She barks, then puts back on her jacket. She helps him to his feet, and slings his arm over her shoulder. Slipping her arm around his waist, she starts off. " Ok, c'mon, let's do this."

" I bet you say that to all the guys, " He smirks, leaning heavily on her.

" Don't get all hot and bothered…well, for you, all room temperature, anyway, " She growls," it's just because you might still be useful, though god, why I've keep saving your un-life, I'll never know." She mutters something barely audible.

" What was that? I didn't hear you." Angel grimaces a smile.

" I said, thanks for the help," She mumbles a little louder. Then her face goes tight. " Wait a minute, you've got vamp hearing…"

" Yeah, I know. I just wanted to make you repeat it, " He grins. Then he laughs, and coughs and groans.

" I hope you choke," Faith grumbles as they exit the cemetery.

" Gotta breathe to choke, Faith," Angel teases her.

" Prick!" but there's a little grin pulling at her lips.

" Bitch," Angel shoots back.

" Asshole!"

" Butthead!"

" Vampire!"

3

"INCOMPETENTS!!!"

The master looks at the three rings Luke shows him. He sweeps them off from Luke's hand, sending them flying.

" They're supposed to be my best warriors. My elite… and they failed me! How is this possible?!!!" He storms away, furious. " I give them one job. One easy job. Kill some little girl that keeps managing to wreak havoc on my plans. How hard is it for you morons to kill one little girl?"

" Master, she is a slayer!" Luke, still kneeling, speaks up.

The Master strides over to him, and rearing back, strikes Luke upside his head. Luke falls over on his side from the force of the blow.

" This… mortal… continues to make fools of you! You've all grown too soft, too comfortable," He rages, raising his voice. " All of you. It's been too long since you've faced a slayer, and now you're like mewling kittens against her. She should be dead many times over by now, and yet, somehow, it's YOU that wind up ashes!"

Briefly, he grabs his head as if the pain is too much to tolerate. Then slowly, he brings his will to bear, and regains his temper. He turns to his assembled flock.

" No matter. She is too late to stop us! The Harvest grows nigh! Luke!"

The Master waits for a response, and getting none, looks over to see Luke still down.

" Luke, get UP! Get UP!" The Master goes to him, and drags him to his feet.

Luke, somewhat dazed, still shakes him off, standing on his own. The Master points to the others.

" Take them and begin the ritual. Tomorrow night is the night, Luke. The Harvest ! Even that … annoyance can't do anything to stop it now. Prepare my boy, for you will carry the burden. Get them ready…"

" As you wish, so it shall be done, my Master," Luke half bows, and turns towards the assemblage.

" Oh, and Luke," The Master calls him back. He puts a hand on his shoulder. " Do see that nothing, NOTHING, interferes with the Harvest tomorrow night. Do whatever has to be done, kill whomever necessary. But be sure this happens, do you understand?" The Master grabs Luke's ear, twisting it savagely. Luke falls to his knees. " Otherwise, I might be rather upset. Am I clear."

" Yes, Master. Perfectly clear, " Luke says, his voice strained.

" Good, very good, " He pats Luke on the head. " see to it."

Luke rises and moves quickly away, before the Master can think of anything else to ' remind' him of.

So close, Slayer. So close… and there's nothing you can do to stop it. And once I'm free?

Well, let's just say you're time is very, very short.

4

Faith pounds on the door, temper starting to rise.

" C'mon, Giles, for Christ's sake, open the damned door," Faith mutters, waiting for some action from inside. She's still holding up Angel, who's leaning against the doorjamb, taking some of the weight off Faith. " C'mon, c'mon, wake up Giles. You said you wanted to…"

" Faith! Do you know what time it … oh good lord, what happened?" Giles says, noticing Angel leaning against the doorjamb.

" Couple of the Master's boys didn't take too well to us chatting in the cemetery… kind of attacked us… no, actually, they just out and out attacked us…" Faith grabs Angel, hustling him inside Giles' flat." Could really use a med kit right now, Giles."

She leads Angel over to Giles' sofa, getting him to sit down. She starts to remove his shirt.

" Getting a little personal there, don't you think, Faith?" Angel quips, grimacing when the shirt pulls on the dried blood.

" Funny, you're funny. " She pulls away the shirt, and Angel groans. " not liking that so much, huh?" She looks at the wound. She notices it's already started to close. " God, and I thought I healed fast."

" Trust me, god has nothing to do with it, " Angel says, looking down. " What is it about these guys sticking me with stuff. First Darla and her hot pokers, now swords."

Giles returns with the med kit, handing it over to Faith.

" Well, from what Giles told me about you? That thing with Darla was only foreplay, " Faith takes the med kit. " Thanks, Giles. " She starts applying antiseptic to Angel's wound.

" Angel here says you wanted to see me?" She doesn't look up at Giles.

" Yes, rather. Though it might have waited til the morning," Giles says, going to the kitchen. " Do you want tea?"

" Do you always do that?" Faith asks as she starts to dress Angel's wound. " I mean, the tea thing? Trust me, not looking for tea. I want to know what you wanted, and then I want to go home and sleep."

" What Faith isn't saying is we were attacked by The order of Three, " Angel says. " Ok, Faith, do you have to poke me with that stuff? Crap, it hurts enough!"

" Stop being a baby, Angel, " Faith wraps gauze around his abdomen. " It's almost over."

" The Three? You're sure?"

" They were wearing the symbols on their clothing."

" This isn't good. The Master really is trying to kill you, Faith."

" And this is news…how?" Faith asks, taping up Angel. " Not like he's been sending me chocolates and roses up to now."

" The order of Three is an elite assassination unit, Faith. He only uses them in cases where he wants to be sure the victims are… well, victims," Giles says.

" He won't be using them again. We dusted them, Giles."

" Well, that's a good thing. But I fear it means that The Master might decide to take matters in his own hands."

"In his own hands?" Faith looks at Angel. She frowns. " I thought you said this Master dude was stuck behind some mystical barrier. Got caught there while trying to open the Hellmouth. How's he going to …?"

" We fear that the Master is using the Harvest to free himself, " Giles continues, " normally, it's a ritual bloodbath to make a master vampire stronger… the power of his vessel is transferred to him, increasing his power. We suspect, however, he's going to use that increased power to free himself from the barrier that holds him."

" So? Bring him on, Vamps a vamp, stake will stop him same as any vamp."

Angel and Giles look at each other, then back at Faith.

" I don't think you get it, Faith, " Angel says quietly. " The Master got caught originally because he was trying to open the Hellmouth. The only reason he failed is because an earthquake happened, trapping him in the mystical barrier that separates the dimensions. But he'd already finished the spell…"

" So? Still not getting the dire here."

" If the master breaks through that barrier, it falls… and whatever else was waiting at the Hellmouth?"

Angel looks at Giles.

" It's coming out to party."

5

Faith stands by the doors leading to the school cafeteria with her stomach doing somersaults.

It isn't just the scent of mystery meat and other the other strange smells that always wafted from the place making her stomach uneasy. She has to do something she rarely does. Something enormously difficult ,and potentially embarrassing.

She has to apologize. In public. Even when she was convinced she's right. Mostly right… well, partially right, anyway. Damn, ok, I screwed up. But I had my reasons. Good reasons. She closes her eyes, the memories way too close, too cutting. Not that I can tell them the reasons.

She pushes open the doors, and sees them sitting at a table over in the corner. At least, they're alone. She watches them for a moment, noticing they seem deep in some discussion. Looks serious. Maybe I should try to catch them later. Faith thinks. No. Get this over. Just do it and get it done.

Faith starts towards the table.

" No way, there's just no way that could happen, " Xander shake his head emphatically." He wouldn't stand a chance."

" You don't know what you're talking about, Xander, " Willow is just as determined, " he'd be totally in control. There's no way he could lose!"

" Oh, he'd so totally lose. He'd be a grease spot. There wouldn't be enough left to wipe up after." Xander shakes his head. " You don't know what you're talking about."

" And you do? That’s just so like you!" Willow's voice rises, " you think you know all about it, and really, you're clueless!"

" Clueless? Look who's talking! You can't even see what's right in front of your nose!" Xander's voice starts to rise, " Just because you're all smart, you think that you’re the expert of everything. You're just being stubborn, is all. If you thought about , you'd know I'm right."

"Well, that'd be a first, " Willow says, " EVER!"

" Hey, that's not fair! I'm right lots of times," Xander huffs," I'm not stupid!"

" Well, you're being pretty stupid right now!"

" Am not! You're the stupid one!"

" So am not! You can't even…"

Hey, hey! " Faith cuts in, seeing the two of them seemingly about to come to verbal blows," Am I gonna have to call Snyder to separate you two?"

The two of them look up and see Faith looking down on them, puzzled. In the heat of their argument, they forget other considerations, such as they're mad at her. She sits at the table, leaning on her hands.

" So, what's this all about, guys?"

" We're just discussing something, and Xander's being a total bonehead."

" I'm not being a bonehead, " Xander declares, " You're the one being a moron."

" Fine. We'll ask her, " Willow turns to Faith, " Darth Vader versus Brainiac. Who wins?"

Faith just stares at them.

" She doesn't have a clue. I'm telling you, Darth Vader just keeps using the Force against Brainiac, eventually he's going to crush him!" Willow says, folding her arms over her chest.

" That's bogus. First of all, Brainiac has the ultra shield, which nothing can penetrate. Secondly he has mental powers like Darth Vader, and would just trash him back."

" Vader would just use the force to penetrate Brainiac's shield, and make mincemeat of his …" Willow stops when she hears laughter. " What?"

" You two," Faith is smiling hugely, looking at them. She lowers her voice. " We're on the verge of being attacked by a big daddy vamp, maybe having hell on earth, and you two are arguing over…" She shrugs, the laughter taking her over. She leans back against her chair, laughing.

The two of them look at her, irritated. It comes back to them that they're mad at her, and both get rather chilly.

" What did you want, anyway?" Willow asks, the temperature level declines precipitously. " Or did you just want to remind us what morons we are?"

" Lots of lunchroom, couldn't you find a seat somewhere else?" Xander says," I mean, pretty clear last time that you didn't want anything to do with us. Why're you here, anyway? You never come in here."

" Yeah, don't we get a Faith free zone?" Willow asks. She starts to stand up," C'mon Xander, lets go before she accuses us of getting in the way of her lunch. Hate to think she gets food poisoning or something, and she blames us…"

Xander just throws Faith a look, and gets up.

" Look, guys, I know we're kinda on the outs. But do you think we can talk?"

" About what, Faith?" Willow gives Faith a hard look, " You treat us like crap, and now we're going to be all buddy-buddy? All we did was … save your life… and you come and act like we're idiots. Well, you were right there. We were idiots. To give a damn."

" Will, maybe that's a little harsh, " Xander puts in.

" Oh, is it? Any harsher than she's been treating us, Xan? Like the tard cousins from Podunk, Iowa?" She turns on Faith," who do you think you are, anyway?You don't need us? Well, we don't need you either. So get lost, ok?"

" You treated us like jerks, Faith, " Xander says," I think you better get gone."

Dumb idea, Faith. Really dumb idea." You're right, I'm sorry," Faith rises, and pushing back the chair, starts to back away. " This was a bad, really bad idea. Don't know what I was thinking…"

Faith doesn't see the leg put out behind her. A leg belonging to Cordelia Chase, who’s grinning to herself. Payback's a bitch, baby.

Faith trips over the leg, and tries to right herself. Her arms fly out, waving in the air, but she's too far over. She falls, hitting her head on the table as she falls. She lies still on the ground.

Everybody who sees it laughs. Especially at Cordelia's table where they're glad to see the girl knocked down a few pegs. The laughter starts to fade when Faith doesn't move, but just lays there Cordy pushes her with her foot.

" C'mon, you big baby, get up. You just fell, don't be a drama queen about it." Her brow furrows. " Faith?" She pushes back her chair, getting up. " Faith, quit kidding around… get up." She goes around to the front of Faith, standing over her. " Get up now , Faith. Jokes over!"

Everyone gets quieter and quieter as Faith continues not to move. Willow, followed by Xander get up and go over to her.

" Faith, are you ok? We'll…" Willow reaches around, and then her face goes pale, she brings up her hand. There's blood on it. " Oh, geeze!"

Xander feels her pulse point. His eyes go wide, and he leans over, listening for her breathing. " She's not breathing. Oh god, she's not breathing!"

Faith feels like she's falling for miles and miles. She lands suddenly, but doesn't feel anything. Everything around her is dark. She pushes herself off the floor, and stands up.

" What the hell? What happened? Where am I?" She tries to look around, but can't see anything. " Where the hell are the lights?"

ahead of her, she sees a light suddenly appear, as if someone opened a door. " Well, it's about time, " She mutters, starting towards the light. " Hey, anybody there?" She calls out towards the light. " What's going on? How'd I get here, anyway? Last thing I remember I was tripping over something…"

As she gets closer, she notes that the light doesn't look so much like a doorway, but rather a tunnel. The closer she gets, the brighter the light gets, until it's almost hurting her eyes. Yet, she feels no pain, just the sensation that everything is washed in bright light.

" Whoa! This is wicked." She says, looking around as her feet move forward." Hey, do you think I'm…"

Something rushes down the tunnel at her, pushing her backwards.

" Not YET! It's not your time yet. Get out! GO BACK!" It shoves her hard, pushing her back into the darkness. Faith stumbles backwards a bit.

" What the fu… Bree?" Faith glances at the apparition before her. " Is that… ? Oooh shit!" Faith feels as if a thousand hands are pulling her backwards. She tries to fight it, but she slips and starts to fall.

She falls downwards, faster and faster, until she stops suddenly, hitting the floor. This time it hurts, bad. And damn, it feels like someone's slapping me!

" C'mon, c'mon Faith. Don't do this. Don't die on us. Dammit, don't die!" Cordy is leaning over her, slapping her face because she doesn't know what else to do. She's panicking. Oh god, what if I killed her? Oh god, Oh god, Oh god!

Xander has run to get help . " C'mon, c'mon, c'mon." She sounds panicked, still slapping Faith.

" I'd be careful doing that, " Willow says, trying to apply a damp cloth to Faith's head, " She won't like it."

" What're you talking about? She can't even feel it!"

Suddenly a hand reaches up and grabs hers, stopping it in motion. Cordelia squeaks in surprise.

" Told ya!"

Faith's eyes pop open, and she breathes deeply.

" Quit hitting me!" She growls, pushing Cordy's hand away. " God, I just… man, what hit me?? Where am I? Bree?"

" Now you've pissed her off," Willow smirks.

" I so haven't pissed her off!" Cordy asks, " And why is she asking for cheese?"

" She sounds pissed!"

" Does not!"

Faith starts to sit up , then gets very dizzy. She braces herself with her arms. " What the…? Cordy?" Her eyes are a little unfocused. She nods to Cordelia. " C'mere… closer."

" What?" Cordy, seeing she's alive, starts to recover her native snobbishness. But she leans in closer.

Faith leans in very close, " Nice panties you're wearing." She winks. " I like lace."

Cordelia turns three shades of red, and not thinking, slaps her. " You bitch!" she hisses. She stands up, and raises her voice. " This is what you get for helping the terminally clumsy." Turning in a huff, she marches away, her Cordettes following.

Faith chuckles, then winces. " God, she can hit." She reaches behind her head, and feels something wet where it shouldn't be wet. She looks at her hand. " Fuck. Blood!" Her eyes roll back in her head, and she faints.

The next time she wakes up, it's all bright again. She tries to cover her eyes with her hand, and realizes she can't move her hands. She closes her eyes tightly. God, my head feels like someone used it to bowl with. She again tries to move her hands, without luck. What the hell is going on? Am I dead? Is this hell? Cuz, I think you can move your hands in heaven. She warily and very narrowly opens her eyes.

She realizes she's not dead, just in a room somewhere. A big white room, with lots of lights. And a head that feels like sledgehammers are pounding against it. And faces. She's surrounded by faces. Some look worried.

" What's going on?" She asks, looking at them." Why do I feel like I need a Tylenol factory in my head?"

" You feel and hit your head. You've got a few stitches in your head," Giles says, sounding tired. " The doctors want to keep you overnight for observation. Policy, really. They think you're fine."

" So, what about you guys?" Faith looks at the assembled group, " you've got a good grim going here."

" I think I'll wait outside, " Giles says moving towards the door. " I believe these two have something to say to you." He exits.

For a few moments, nothing's said as the three of them look at each other. Or maybe it should be said, Willow and Xander look at Faith, and she looks at the both of them.

" So, what happened?" Faith finally says, looking at them. " I remember I was backing away, and then I kind of lost balance, and then … I woke up to Red slapping me," A little grin pulls at the corners of Faith's mouth. " No fair hitting when I'm down, Red."

" You were backing up, and it looks like you tripped on something, and hit the table when you fell." Xander puts it simply.

" Really?" Faith sits for a moment, thinking about it. " How's the table?"

" Huh?" The two say together. " It's fine, I guess, " Xander adds.

" Damn. You'd think anything hurt me this bad, I'd at least give it something to think about." She turns her head towards Willow, and winces. " Guess I'm not as hard-headed as you thought, Red."

Willow stares at her, then her bottom lip starts to tremble, and tears spill out of her eyes.

" Hey, hey, what's the waterworks for. I lived," Faith says, grinning. " That was what you wanted, right?"

" Stop it!" Willow says, hitting her arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" Faith rubs her arm. " Guess I should be glad you didn't slap me again. Now, that would hurt!"

" We thought you were dead!" Willow cries, a little angrily, " You scared us." She walks away from the bed, and then turns back. " I thought you were gonna die…and… shit…I'm so sorry, Faith… I … god, I didn't mean what I said, not really. I … was just angry because you made us feel so bad that day. I … and then you got up, and tripped and fell and hit the table…

" Yeah, you stopped breathing and didn't have a pulse and everything," Xander says. " Sorta freaksome."

" And you just lay there, not moving. Even Cordy got panicked, trying to hit you awake… I guess that worked… but you were… and I thought… and oh shit I don't want you dead don't you see that?" She looks at Xander, " We don't want you dead. "

Well, that explains that. Wonder what that was about, anyway? " Wasn't my time" ? Oh well, guess it wasn't.

" Aw, c'mon, guys, What kinda wimp you think I am? Some little table's gonna take me out? Geeze, what's next? I get wounded by a throw pillow?"

" That's really not funny, Faith, " Willow says, frowning. " You …you could've been dead." She says almost to herself, " Then what would we do?"

" Yeah, I get that, " Faith looks at her. " So, you can see why I get a little concerned about you guys?? Vamps a whole lot more dangerous than lunch tables. Well, they should be, anyway." She winces " but, ummm… I meant what I said. I'm sorry for getting so harsh with you. Really. I just… well, Darla just made me her punching bag, and I was seriously thinking I should've bought burial insurance… and then you guys showed up and hey, gotta admit, pretty cool stuff with the Molotov's and all . But I'd just told you not to do something like that, and you did it anyway… and ummm… well, thanks." She turns away onto the good side of her head." I shoulda said that. Thanks."

" I guess that's really all we wanted to hear, Faith, " Xander says, " Not like we hate you, or anything. It just floored us that after we helped get you out, you kinda made us feel… well, really crappy."

" Yeah, ok, I guess that was pretty crappy of me, I admit," Faith still doesn't turn towards them. " I'm not looking for friends, ok? But I guess if we're going to work with each other, we shouldn't be at each other's throat. Deal?"

Willow gets a small grin on her face. " Really. We're like working together now? No more trying to kick us off the team?"

" I still think it's a bad idea, ok? You're not slayers, and you can get seriously…" She shakes her head, and groans…man, that hurts… "… hurt. If you were as smart as you say you are, Red, you'd be happy just doing the school thing. But you were resourceful, and … ok…I can't stop you, really. Especially since you got Giles on your side. But just don't do any stupid stuff, ok?"

" Stupid stuff like taking on all the vampires while we're what? Supposed to run away and leave you behind? That kind of stupid?"

" That's my job, Red. I'm the slayer. Anyway, I would've gotten out of it, " Faith says, " I was just holding their attention while you guys… ok, maybe it wasn't my best thought out plan… still, I'm the slayer, Red. I'm still the one who calls the shots."

" Unless they're stupid ones…" Willow sees Faith frown. She puts up her hands. " Ok, ok… you're boss. Destiny and all that stuff. You're boss, I got it."

" Good."

" Good."

" Good."

Ok, one more thing, " Faith says," and there's no negotiations on this one, got it?"

Groans from Xander and Willow

" I'm really not kidding, you gotta agree, or everything's off. Ok?"

Xander and Willow look at each other. They lean in and whisper together for a few seconds.

" Ok, we agree. What?" Willow says.

" Training. You guys gotta get some training. From either Giles or me, or both maybe. But I'm not wanting to think of you out there, with nothing to back you up. So, you gotta get some know how. Ok?"

Really big grins now out of the two of them.

"Really? That'd be so totally awesome!" Xander says, " So, can we like carry weapons too, and stuff?"

" I want a crossbow. I think they're just cool!" Willow say, almost geeker joyous in her enthusiasm.

" Hey, it's not all about the toys. It means working out too. Learning how to move, how to duck blows, etc. Means sweat.

Frowns.

" Sweat, like in, more gym?"

" Kinda, yeah."

Bigger frowns, and some groans.

" Hey…"

" Ok, ok, we're in!" Willow says hastily, not wanting to lose the gains she's made.

" Cool then, " Faith says, nodding.

" Great!"

" You betcha!" Xander adds, already fantasizing about black ninja garb and throwing stars. " So totally cool."

There's a long pause, when they look awkwardly at each other.

" So, we're not going to like hug now, are we?" Faith makes a face.

" Heck no!" Willow sees the look of disappointment on Xander's face. " Xander?"

" Huh? No, of course not. No hugging, " Xander throws up his hands. " We're all about the not hugging."

"Great, so we're done here?" Faith looks around, and frowns, " I sorta hate these places. If I gotta stay here, kinda want to sleep through it."

" Ok, we'll just be …" Willow starts.

" Bye," Xander finishes, pulling Willow after him.

And there goes the team that's going to help me fight the Master. Ok … now I'm scared!

" How are you feeling, Faith?" Giles enters, walking to the bed and looking down.

" You're kidding, right?" Faith's temper seems to have taken a turn. " I trip in the school's cafeteria, hit my head on the table, and nearly die. I feel like a total fool, never mind my head feels like twin sledgehammers are hitting it from the inside. Do I really need to go on?" Faith makes an impatient noise. " I'm sorry. I just keep having the feeling that the damned roof's gonna fall on me next. Crap, what did I do to deserve this day? So far? It sucks big time. And I'm stuck in this room, when I should be out patrolling, watching for the Master's next little fun move."

" Don't worry about patrolling, Faith. I have it covered, and Angel…"

" Angel? Mr. Sword through the gut last night Angel? Exactly how much good is he going to be, patrolling or anything else? Never mind I don't trust him."

"Actually, he's remarkably healed. And he's not going to get into any fights, just look around, keep an eye out."

" And you, you're going to keep to the background too, right? I don't want to lose a night's sleep worrying my watcher's out fighting vamps. Just keep a low profile. No heroic stuff, ok?" She looks at him intently. " Promise?"

Giles nods.

" Say it," Faith insists.

" I promise, I won't do anything heroic," Giles says.

" Good," Faith says, gets impatient. " No, not good. I'm stuck here, and I need to be out there. Damn, not good at all." Her mouth turns down into a frown, " How can I do my job in here? Can't I get outta here? Please?"

" Faith, they want to be sure you didn't do any permanent damage. And they want to be sure you not concussed, either."

" I hate this, it's stupid. I'm fine, " Faith growls, already antsy, " I'd be even better if I were out of this stupid bed. Dammit, how could I be so damned clumsy? Doesn't like the slayer stuff come with slayer grace or something. Crap!" She pulls on the wrist restraints. " Can't we get these off me, at least? God, am I like a prisoner?"

"No, Faith, of course not," Giles says calmly," you just … were rather difficult, even in a semi conscious daze. They finally had to strap you down for your own safety, as well as the staff's".

" Well, ok, not dazed now. Think I can get out of these?" She arches a brow," Unless of course, you reconsidered my earlier offer, and have some kinky fun in mind."

"Faith!" Giles blushes just a little. Then he laughs quietly. " Sometimes, your humor is most… unsettling. I'll go check with the duty nurse, see if it's ok to remove the restraints."

" Uhhh… and if it's not ok? I mean… a girl has needs you know," She looks just a touch embarrassed, " and unless they want to have a rather stinky mess to clean in the morning, these things better come off."

" Well… they have provided for that contingency," Giles says dryly, bending over and picking up something from the cart by Faith's bed. " I'm sure this would be helpful." He waggles the bedpan at her.

Faith pales a little, then gives Giles a harsh look.

" No way, no way am I using… that!" She mutters," Get these things off, or I'm taking the bed rails with me!"

" I'll be back momentarily," Giles says mildly, somewhat enjoying her discomfort. Maybe she'll be a little less… brash in the future. He tucks the bedpan next to Faith's hip. " In case nature calls while I'm absent." He turns, and walks out the door.

" Hey…anyone think…how'm I supposed to place the damn thing if I'm… Arrgh"

Faith lies there, stewing for awhile. She starts thinking up revenge fantasies, involving a certain tweed encased watcher bound to a chair with ropes, including such fun items as spray cans and lighters, and very sharp knives. Giles finally returns, looking somewhat amused.

"Well?" Faith looks at him, hopefully. She even puts on a smile, to make herself look less threatening.

" Well, it took some convincing. Frankly, they wanted to add leg restraints too. I just told them that you were a naturally strong young woman, and were just hallucinating because of the blow to your head. So, they relented. But they said that if you do anything untoward, they will add the leg restraints." Giles doesn't move towards the bed, he just stands there looking at her.

" Ok, then, get these things off me," Faith barks, " really need to pee, Giles."

Giles still continues to stand, not making any movement.

" C'mon, it's not funny!"

" Oh I think it's most amusing, actually," Giles smiles.

" Giles, I really gotta pee!" Faith sounds irritated and desperate simultaneously.

Giles leans against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his chest. " I haven't heard the magic words yet."

" Please, Giles….god!" Faith is starting to get wiggly.

" Funny. I know you apologized to Xander and Willow for your little fit of the other day, but strangely, I haven't heard one word of apology out of you. I take it to be just an oversight on your part, what? Considering your head trauma and all."

" Giles!"

" So, I think now is a good time as any to make that apology, don't you?"

"GILES!I" Faith hisses out from between clenched teeth. If my bladder doesn't burst, and I don't die, a certain Watcher may find himself on the critical list around here, Faith thinks to herself. " Ok, fine. I'm sorry. I was a brat. Now please!" She whimpers a little from the pain in her bladder.

" That could sound more sincere," Giles says, dryly, " but it'll do." He walks over, and releases the first of the wrist restraints, standing well away from any possible slayer love taps. He walks around the bed and releases the other, retreating quickly.

" IF I didn’t have to pee so badly," Faith growls at him. Instead, she runs for the bathroom, slamming the door after her. There's the sound of the ring lowering, and then a huge sigh of relief. A few seconds more, and the sound of the toilet flushing is heard. Faith emerges from the bathroom, a look of relief fighting with one of irritated anger. She glares balefully at Giles. " You just enjoyed that way too much, didn't you?" She makes her way back to the bed. She stops, and turns, a wicked smile on her face. " Of course, if you'd just told me what your kink was, I'm sure we could've made some accommodation." She winks at him, and slips into bed.

Giles just looks on, impassively.

" Goodnight, Faith. Get some rest. I'll be by in the morning to retrieve you, " He turns, starting to walk out. He stops, cocking his head and talking over his shoulder. " Just remember, Faith. Whatever 'kink' as you put it, you can think up in that head of yours? I probably did it 20 years ago, more often, and probably enjoyed it more."

He walks out, leaving a rather bemused and annoyed Faith behind him.

Faith watches him go, and nods, a small grin on her face.

" Good one, Jeeves."

6

Cordelia Chase, heels clicking quietly, walks down the hall to Faith's room. Saunter might be a better word, because she stops to study each room number, moving very, very slowly onto the next one.

Clutched in one arm is a small stuff panda, with a bandage wound around its head. In the other hand is a bouquet of flowers. Total guilt gifts, because she knows that if not for her, Faith wouldn't be in the hospital.

Why am I here, anyway? She's not going to want to see me. And hey, ok, I tripped her. But I never meant for her to hit the table. If she'd just fallen like any normal person, rather than try to keep on her feet, the only thing wounded would've been her pride. This is so her fault, for trying to be better than anyone, you know?

Better than you, you mean, right Cordy? Oh, and maybe if you hadn't stuck your foot out, she wouldn't have tripped, and none of this wouldn't have happened.

Not my fault! She started it! She tripped me first.

So mature, Cordelia. What, are you still in playgroup? " Mommy, mommy, she pushed me first!" Grow up!

Tell her to grow up! She's always acting like she's so cool, and so hot, and …

Yeah, and you're loving it. Don't EVEN deny it Cordelia Chase. You get all weak and girly when she's tough with you!

She's a perv! God, how can you think I like that? I mean, god, here I am, trying to help her, and she's looking up my skirt!

And you so dug it.

You're so wrong. I didn't like it at all. God, it was so …

Hot? Man, if she'd actually touched you, you'd cream that thong of yours. Which I notice, you're still wearing. Oh, and I noticed how you rolled the waist of your skirt, so it's even shorter. Yeah, you didn't like it one bit, did you?

You're a perv, TOO!

I'm you, moron. So what does THAT say, Ms. Sugar and Spice and overheated lil peach?

It means, SHUT UP! I'm only here cuz I feel a little guilty. I just wanted to embarrass her a little, like she's ALWAYS doing to me. Not hurt her.

Oh yeah, cuz, if you hurt her, she'd never probably kiss you again like she did that night at the Demon bar? You remember, the night when you had to throw away that pair of panties, they were sooo soaked! Oh, and how you wanted her to do sooo much more than just kiss you, you little slut!

I'm not the slut, you're the slut!

Again, dope. I'm you!

Oh. Wait, no, not…damn. This is just totally moronic. Best just to get the hell outta here before…

" Well, you comin' in, or not?" A voice drifts out from the room ahead of her.

Crap! She knows I'm here. How the hell does she know I'm here?

Not like you're good at sneaky, dummy. Not in heels. She probably heard your heels clicking a mile away!

Crap!

And you're wearing a lot of perfume. Trying to cover something? She probably smelled that!

Crap. Crap!

" Cordelia? You gonna play games? I can smell your perfume . So, come in, or go, but don't stand there like a moron."

Shit!

" Hey, Faith," Cordelia pushes herself into the room, a big, and obviously fake smile plastered on her face. " Thought I'd come see how you were doing." She walks over to the bed, noting her hips are in total sway mode. Cut that out!

Faith notes the extra little sway in the hip, and bounce in the walk, and how tightly Cordy's sweater fits. Gotta admit, the cheerleader? Pretty nice eye candy. Too bad she's like a total bitch.

" So, what's the deal, Cor? Trying to figure how to finish the job?"

" What're you talking about? I just came to see how…"

" Oh, c'mon, Cor. It's just you and me here. We both know that NO ONE else at that school wears 400 dollar Gucci heels to school. Gimme a break, ok? I know it was you that tripped me."

God, the girl knows her shoes! Who woulda thought?

" Oh," Cordy says, with a touch of guilt in her tone. " But you tripped me first. I was just getting back at you."

" Oh great, going schoolyard on me. Do I need to remind you? You hip checked me first, trying to knock me into the water fountain. Or did that just conveniently slip your mind?" Faith gets a slightly disgusted look on her face." Thought we called a truce. Or did that kinda just slip your mind, too?"

" I'm sorry, ok? I never thought you'd hit your head. I just … wanted to embarrass you a little."

"Well, gee, then I guess the concussion? Just a bonus, huh?"

" I said I'm sorry! Why're you being so mean?" Cordy whines a little.

" Mean? Gee, I guess it's the twin sledgehammers pounding my brain at the moment. " Faith makes an angry noise. " See, this …" She points at her head," … is why I wanted a truce. Before one of us got hurt, like…me! I just don't get you. I thought we'd just go back to pretending that you didn't think I existed, and visa versa. No harm, no foul, everybody's just jolly as hell. But you just can't resist taking the shot, can you Cordy? Always got to find a way to put me down. What's your deal, Cordelia? Why am I such a threat to you?"

" Threat? Don't get so full of yourself, Faith! You're no threat. You're nothing. You mean nothing!"

" Then why the hell do you keep calling my attention to you? Why do you keep doing this crap, if I'm nothing. Ignore me, please! I won't get near you!"

" Fine!"

" FINE!"

Silence descends on the room. Neither girl looks at the other.

" Anyway, why'd you have to be so rude?" Cordy breaks the silence.

" Rude? When was I rude?"

" God, you passed my table on the way to those loser friends of yours, and you didn't even say anything. Not even an insult. You just ignored me!"

" What the hell did you want me to do? Sit with you?"

" Hell no! but you could've at least said something as you passed by."

" Like what? ' Looking good, Cor. And Hey, that dress doesn't really make you look like a slut.' Like that?"

" God, you're so damned mean! Why do you treat me so nasty?"

" C'mon, Cor! You've treated me like trash since day one. What the hell did you expect? Hugs and kisses?"

" No, but you could treat me with a little respect!"

" Why? When did you ever treat me with a little respect? You've treated me like some kind of lesbian slut since I got here!"

" I have not!"

" You so have! Called me everything but a fucking whore, you crummy little bitch!" Faith gets a wicked smile on her face.

"What?"

" You know something, Cor? I just figured it out …" Faith starts to laugh.

" What? WHAT?" Cordelia's voice gets a little shrill.

" God, don't you know what being a such a homophobe means, stupid?" Faith sneers at her. " Maybe you're lookin' for a little titty…"

Cordelia's eyes go wide. She drops the flowers and bear, and hauls back, and slaps Faith, hard!

" Dammit!" Faith growls, her face flushing red. " My head. God, my head already… oh I'm so fucking tired of this!"

" Tired of what?" Cordelia asks." Someone who doesn't just let you get away with your crap?"

" Look who's talking! All week you've been getting in my way, saying nasty little things about me when you know I'm gonna hear them, and what's the deal with telling Giles about the demon bar. Do you got any idea how angry he got about that?"

" Well, maybe you'll learn you can't just mess around with anyone, Faith!" Cordelia leans in closer, " maybe you'll learn some respect for your betters!"

Faith goes very quiet. Her eyes turn hard as diamonds, and her face goes pale.

" Betters, my ass!"

Before Cordelia can react, Faith sits up and grabs her. Holding her hands together with one hand, she bends Cordelia over, and starts to spank Cordy with the other, It's not a gentle spanking.

" Stop it! STOP IT!" Cordelia cries out. " Stop it right now or I'm gonna…"

" What? What're you gonna do, Cordy? Cry?" Faith whacks her again, hard. " it's 'bout time someone spanked your spoiled, pampered ass!" She spanks Cordelia about 5 more times, then shoves her away.

" Oh, that's it you crummy dyke! You're so dead! I'm gonna get the police in here, and have your ass hauled to jail! You don't hit me and get away with it!"

" Oh? Who hit who? I mean, I'm just a poor patient in the hospital, and you came in here, and hit me. Gee, Officer, I think she tripped me too. Caused me to hit my head on the table. Is that battery, officer? Should I make a complaint, officer?" Faith mocks her. " Go ahead, bitch. We can have adjoining cells. Doesn't scare me a bit. But I'm sure some Big Bertha in Jail would love that cute ass of yours!"

A nurse pops in from the floor.

" What's going on in here?" She goes over and checks on Faith.

" Yeah, Cordelia, " Faith smiles sweetly. " What's going on in here?"

Cordelia looks at Faith, murder in her eyes. But she puts on a smile, and says, equally saccharine , " Nothing. Nothing's going on."

The nurse looks at Faith, then at Cordelia.

" I think maybe you should leave."

" Aw, c'mon. I'm sorry, " Faith says, pouring on the charm. " Me and Cor, we're old buddies. We go way back, don't we Cor?"

" Uhh … yeah," Cordy replies, going along with it.

"We get a little noisy when we get together. But I promise, we'll be good!" Faith smiles broadly at the nurse," Besides, I'm feeling a whole lot better now that she came." She smirks at Cordy.

The nurse looks suspiciously at the both of them, but shrugs. " Ok. But if you get loud again, you're friend is going to have to leave."

" Oh, don't worry. We'll be little mice, you won't even know we're here." She looks at Cordy, " Right, Cor?"

" Right, Fay, " Cordelia is on to the game, and plays it so well. " We'll be good, promise."

" Ok, then, " The nurse says, walking out. Stupid teenagers. I swear. She thinks as she walks back to her station.

The two girls glare at each other for awhile. Faith finally smiles a tight little smile.

" So nice to have you come visit, Cor. Hope that little love tap of yours didn't open any stitches."

" My pleasure, Fay. Hope you rot in hell." Cordelia smiles.

" Sure, baby, if you're right there with me, " Faith winks." We'd have a hot old time, don't ya think?" Faith winks.

" Fuck you, Fay, " Cordy says, her tone sweet as sugar.

" You wish, Closet Queen, " Faith responds, equally sweet.

" Think I'll go now, before I catch a disease from you, you slutty dyke." But she doesn't move away; instead, she moves closer.

" Aw, baby," Faith faux pouts, " Does that mean no more…" Faith hits the palms of her hands together in a rather suggestive way.

Cordelia again flushes red.

" I really should…" She glares at Faith.

" What? Whatcha gonna do, Cor?"

IF you asked Cordelia later why she did it, she couldn't answer you. Hell, if you asked her at the time, she couldn’t.

Cordelia walks over to Faith, and pins her shoulders to the bed. She leans over, and kisses Faith hot and wet on the lips. She breaks the kiss, then stares into Faith's eyes. Straightening up, she turns to leave. Seeing the flowers and bear, she bends over to pick them up, making sure Faith gets a ringside view of her ass. She gets up, and turns, dropping the stuff on the bed.

" Those are for you," Cordy smiles. " Seeya."

She turns, and walks out, her hips swaying confidently.

Faith sits there, still tasting Cordy's hot, spicy lips on hers. Her perfume wafts about her nose, keeping her presence fresh. She closes her eyes, breathing her in. Why that brand? Why does she have to wear that brand? It's so much like… Faith sighs, and opens her eyes.

She looks at the bed, and grabs the stuff, setting it on the table tray. Her brow is furrowed.

What the hell just happened?

7

Candles are everywhere. The Master's retreat, a dark and long abandoned church under the present City Hall, was light brightly. As fit the occasion. For this was a special night.

The Eve of the Harvest.

Luke stands quietly, meditating. His role in the Harvest is most important. He awaits his master's arrival, dressed in his acolyte's robe. He knows that he can't fail, or his Master will have his life. He bows his head, and prays.

The Master, dressed all in leather, wearing a scarlet robe, seems to rise out of the ground. As he appears before his faithful, he raises his hands, to cease the whispering amongst his people.

" And so, my children, what we have waited for has finally come. The portents are clear, and the time has arrived. The Harvest is about to be celebrated, and you, my precious children, shall go forth and bring about what is written. Luke?"

The large vampire comes before his Master, and kneels. The Master pulls back his sleeve, and with a brush of his over long nails, opens a vein on his arm. He offers the wrist to Luke.

Luke takes the wrist in his large hands, as if it were a sacred, holy object. He vamps out, and brings his mouth to the Master's wrist. He drinks of his Master's blood.

He stops, and looks up in supplication to his Master.

" With this we are bonded, you and I. We become one, and whatever you consume, I feed upon!"

The Master dips his finger in his own blood, and draws a three pointed star upon Luke's forehead.

" Luke is the Vessel. Through him, all energy will flow to me. Tomorrow night, you will travel with him, giving him offerings so he can feed me. Once I have the power, I will free myself of this prison…" The Master pounds his fist against an invisible barrier holding him to this place, " …and I shall walk the Earth once more!"

There are general cries of approval.

" And lo, as it is written, we, the children of those that came before us, shall free the Old Ones, and return them to their rightful place as rulers of this reality.We are blessed, for we are the children of the dark. We shall be lifted up, and be made whole."

" Woe to those who oppose us, for they shall be cast down, and torn, and they shall be made to suffer a fate worse than death. The Old Ones have waited millennia upon millennia to be free, and soon they shall, and now will end the plague that is know as man!"

Shouts and cheers greet his words.

" Go, my children, and prepare. Tomorrow we prepare the way for the return of the Old Ones, and we shall bring Hell on earth!"

The vampires begin to mill about, moving into groups and scurrying away. The Master watches them with a tight grin on his lips.

And tomorrow, I shall have my revenge on that girl that dares to interfere with my plans.

He stops, and his tight grin relaxes into a broad smile. He licks his lips in anticipation.

I hope she's young and fresh. I do like them fresh.

8

Los Angeles, night.

" I don't know about this, Summers."

Billy Fordham, a.k.a " Ford", looks down the shadowy alley before them. His brow is furrowed, and he's frowning. He turns and looks at Buffy, who's standing next to him.

" I mean, taking on vamps out in the open? Cool. If things go wonky, we can run like hell. But … in an alley? Not so loving this." He looks down the alley again, his butterflies beating their razor sharp wings against his stomach.

" Ford, it's gonna be fine. Trust me." She walks to the edge of the alley, and looks down into the gloom. " They're there. I can sense them."

"Yeah, what's that about anyway? You've been acting all spazzy and weird today. Ever since lunch, when you nearly fainted, and dropped your tray. God, that was totally not cool." He comes up to her, and looks at her. " Are you ok? You’ve been all quiet… it's freaky, Buff."

" I'm great, Ford, " Buffy smiles. " I feel…strong! Man, I've never felt so… good!" She starts down the alley. " Let's do this!"

" Wait, Buffy, " Ford reaches out, and grabs her arm. " Maybe we should think about this some more? I mean… what if there's like a nest of them? We could get majorly dead!"

" Ford, it's gonna be all right. Trust me."

" Yeah, last time you said ' Trust me', I was bruised for a week, and nearly got my ass booted from school."

" Hey, Ford," Buffy turns towards him, a frown on her face, " If you're scared, it's cool . Go home, I'll handle it."

Yeah, that's so gonna happen. I'm gonna let you get your ass killed, while I'm off hiding. Man, can't you see I got it bad for you, Summers? God, why can't I ever pick the sane ones? You're a moron, you know that? And I'm a bigger one, for following you.

"Naw, it's cool, Summers," Ford says out loud, " just wanted to make sure you were sure."

Buffy cocks her head, and grins at him. " You're kinda weird, you know?"

No shit? Ford thinks, Look who I hang with!

Buffy starts down the alley quietly. " Come on," She whispers, " let's kick some vampire butt!"

Ford, knowing he's gonna regret this, sighs and follows.

To be continued.
- 8
- 9
- 10
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The Slayer