The Three of Us

Reviews and Feedback are more than welcome. (Big Hint!)

This Chapter is beta free. Please disregard all gramma tickle errors and mastikes.

Last time I checked none of these Characters belonged to me!
***********************************************************************

Faith stumbled away from Buffy; she pushed her arms out to help keep her balance. She shook her head from side to side, trying to clear the fog. “Christ,” she muttered. “Red?” she asked. The rest of the group stared at her. “Red?” she asked again, a little louder.

“You okay, Slayer?” Spike asked.

The dark haired slayer blinked and looked at him, “Yeah,” she said after a moment. “This carryin’ somebody is a doozy when they come and go.”

“What are you talking about?” Buffy asked, looking between the two.

“When Red’s spirit enters or leaves my body, it knocks my balance for a loop.” Faith took a couple of nervous steps, still holding her arms out. “Takes a minute for me to adjust.” She looked up as a set of headlights swept through the open door of the warehouse. She cocked her head for a second, “It’s Jeeves, you take Mrs. S, and I’ll take B.”

“Righto,” Spike leaned forward and picked Joyce up out of the chair.

She wrapped her good arm around the vampire and stared at him for a moment, “Thanks, Spike.”

He smiled warmly at her, “No trouble, just glad to help.” He cast a quick glance to see Faith watching him.

She had a stake in her hand and a smirk on her face, “ ‘Member what I told you.”

“Yeah,” he snorted, “I’m bein’ bloody careful.” Grumbling, he stomped off towards the warehouse door.

Buffy smiled at her girlfriend, “You shouldn’t be so mean to him. He’s only trying to help.”

Faith shrugged, “Ain’t my fault he makes it so easy.” Buffy just looked at her. “What?” the dark girl threw her arms out as she looked back. “He does!”

“You don’t have to take advantage though.”

“It’s like, part of my job,” Faith smiled at her. “C’mon, we can argue about this later. Time to take you to the hospital.” She stepped toward the blond and started to pick her up.

“I can walk you know,” Buffy huffed.

“Yeah,” Faith adjusted the girl in her arms, while Buffy wrapped hers around Faith’s neck. “But we ain’t got all night. Ready?” Faith started walking to where Giles had pulled the car up to the loading dock. Buffy leaned forward slightly, and nibbled on Faith’s ear. A shiver ran through the slayer, she stopped and turned her head to look at the blond, “You want me ta drop you?”

“No, it just looked so inviting.” Buffy whispered, her breath tickling against Faith’s ear.

Another shiver ran through the dark slayer. “I’m sure yer mom’ll be really impressed with me tearin’ your clothes off and doin’ ya here on the floor.” Faith growled.

Goosebumps started popping up all over Buffy’s skin, “Hmmm.” She seemed to be considering it for a moment. She sighed, and leaned into Faith, “you’re probably right, but I think Spike would enjoy it more.”

“Eww,” Faith made a face. “I so don’t want ta be fodder for his fantasies.” She shuddered in repulsion. “That just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.” She walked across the warehouse to the doors.

Spike had put Joyce in the front seat of the car and was holding the rear door open for Faith. She bent forward and eased Buffy onto the seat, moving her into the middle. “I see you checkin’ out my ass,” She stood and faced the blond vampire.

He rolled his eyes, “How the bleedin’ ‘ell was I s’posed to miss that?” He shook his head, “Yer hangin’ it out there like that, what’s a bloke s’posed to do?” He was mumbling to himself.

Smiling, Faith reached across the door and lightly smacked him on the shoulder, “Just playin’ with ya, Bleach-boy.”

“Excuse me, Faith?” Giles was standing next to the cars open trunk. “Why do you need the boot open?”

“That’s where ass-wipe is gonna ride.” She turned back to Spike, “Speakin’ of shit head, I’m gonna go get him, can you get me my duffle bag? I left it where I found ya earlier.”

Spike took his hand off of the door, “Yeah, be back in a sec.” He walked off down the alley into the darkness.

Faith leapt up onto the loading dock and strode into the warehouse. Little bits of dust whirled into the air behind her as she made her way over to Kralik. She crouched down and looked into black eyes burning with hatred. “Welcome back to the living, asshole.” She smiled coldly at him, “At least for the moment.” Kralik tried to curse her around the gag in his mouth. “Lemme explain this to ya,” she stared straight back into his eyes. “Yer powers’ve been bound. You ain’t got any magic left. Not now, not ever.” Realization started to creep into his brain. “Second, you and the Council, tried to kill my girl. You get why I’m pissed, right?” She paused for a moment to let that sink in. “Third, I’m takin’ ya back to the council. You,” she poked him in the chest, “are going to be my intro to them. They ain’t ever met me before and yer my callin’ card.” He blinked as he started to figure out what was going on. A sly smile appeared on her lips as she watched it creep across his face. “First, I got one thing I gotta do.” His eyes widened as she pulled out a stake and pointed it toward him. “Relax, I ain’t gonna stake ya. Yet.” She flipped the stake in her right hand, so the blunt end was pointing toward him, she slowly raised it up over his face, his eyes watching it move away from him. Her left hand grabbed the gag and pulled it down over his chin. He vamped out, exposing his teeth as he hissed at her. Her right hand dropped in a blur, once, twice, a scream of pain echoed through the warehouse.

“Jesus!” Spike yelped from behind her. “What the ‘ell are you doin’?”

“Fixin’ him,” Faith answered without looking up. She rolled Kralik over on his stomach, grabbed his hair and pulled his head off of the ground. She gave the back of his head a quick smack and smiled as he spit his fangs out onto the floor. She flipped him on his back again, and stuffed the gag back into his mouth. “You didn’t think I was gonna play fair did ya?” She stood and slipped the stake back into her duster. She pinned Spike with a look, “You got somethin’ to say?”

Spike shook his head and backed away a step, “Just seein’ if you needed a hand.”

“Nope.” Faith bent over and flipped Kralik back onto his stomach. She grabbed his bound hands and yanked him off the floor. He screamed through the gag, at the pain in his shoulders. Faith smiled and dragged him toward the car. “Where’s my duffel?” she asked Spike.

“Next to the car.”

“Good.” She reached the edge of the loading dock and pulled Kralik to a standing position. Spike watched a sadistic smirk slowly crawl across the dark slayers face. Kralik stood wobbling on his bound feet, trying to maintain his balance. Faith quickly took a step back and behind him. Her foot shot out and connected with the middle of his back, propelling him to the ground below. “Oops.” Spike grimaced as Kralik bounced and slid across the pavement. Faith hopped off the loading dock, and approached the fallen vampire. She grabbed him by the front of the shirt and lifted him partway off the ground; she banged his head on the bumper when she tried to put him in the trunk. “Geez am I ever clumsy tonight.” She banged his head off the bumper again. “You okay?” she asked, “Not like I really care, I’m just tryin’ to be polite.” She picked him up with both hands and slammed his body into the trunk. His legs were still hanging over the edge; she reached up and slammed the lid down. She pulled it up again and stared at him with lifeless eyes, “Either you pull ‘em in, or I cut ‘em off. Your choice.” Kralik groaned and slowly moved them into the trunk. Faith closed the trunk, and looked up at Giles, “You have a problem?”

He blinked, “No,” he squeaked. He cleared his throat, “To the hospital now?”

Faith nodded, she turned to Spike, “You can ride in the back as well.” She walked around to the passenger side, put her duffel on the floor and got in behind Joyce. She slipped her arm over Buffy’s shoulders and pulled her close. The blond groaned when she nestled into her girlfriend and relaxed. Spike got in and casually draped his arm over Faith’s.

A low growl emanated from her throat, and Spike pulled back like someone had dipped his hand in Holy Water. “Bloody ‘ell, Slayer” he gaped at her. “Can’t ya take a bleedin’ joke?”

“Not now,” she turned to Giles, “Drive.”

Ten quiet minutes later, Giles pulled the car up to the Emergency doors of Sunnydale General. Faith leaned forward and tapped Giles on the shoulder, “You wait with the car. I’ll be back shortly.” She sat back and looked at Spike, “You get an orderly and two chairs to help us.”

Spike opened the door, “Right,” and headed into the hospital. Faith got out and gently moved Buffy to the edge of the seat. She glanced over her shoulder to see Spike coming through the doors with two orderlies.

“Here we go,” she picked Buffy up and turned. The orderly held the chair while Faith slowly set her girlfriend into it. “You’re gonna be ok, B,” she whispered quietly, “Yer gonna be ok.”

“I really can walk you know,” Buffy huffed.

Faith checked to see that Spike had put Joyce in the other chair, “I know you can walk,” she smiled at the blond, “But again, we ain’t got all night. I got some shit to finish up.”

Faith walked beside the wheelchair while the orderly pushed Buffy toward the Admittance desk. “When do I find out what this is all about?” Buffy asked earnestly. “I’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on for a while, and I’m not getting anywhere. Will somebody please tell me what the hell is going on!” She winced, when she angrily crossed her arms across her chest.

Faith noticed the grimace that crossed her face at the sharp stab of pain. “First we get you checked out, then tomorrow when we get both of you home, the English guy will tell you.” She gently laid her hand on the blond’s shoulder, “Yer just gonna have to wait till then.” Faith turned and addressed the nurse behind the desk, “These two need ta get checked out.” She pointed to Joyce, “I think her arm’s broke, and this one’s pretty beat up.” The harried nurse looked up from her cluttered desk. Her hair pulled back into a tight bun accented the severity of her pursed lips. Faith watched as a jaundiced eye travelled over her before taking a look at Buffy and Joyce. The nurse’s head dropped slightly as she turned back to the myriad of papers spread out before her. “Mm-hmm,” was all she said, ignoring them.

Faith blinked, waiting for the next statement. Time slowly ticked by, nothing was said. The nurse shuffled a few pages around her desk before she started typing on her keyboard. “Uhh, excuse me?” Faith was incredulous, “I said they need ta get checked out. Are ya gonna do somethin’ or what?”

The nurse looked up at the dark slayer, pinning her with a look, “They’re not bleeding, there’s no rush.” Faith’s mouth dropped open. The nurse quickly glanced at the two women in the wheel chairs, and coming back to rest on Faith again. “Are you responsible for their condition?”

“What?” Faith blinked. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

The nurse waved her hand at the Summers. “These injuries,” her unblinking stare never left Faith’s eyes, “Did you cause them? Is this your fault?” She paused for a brief moment, “Are you responsible for their condition?”

Faith growled, the knuckles on her clenched fists looking like snow capped peaks, “No, but I’m gonna be responsible for what’s about...” She turned quickly when she was interrupted by a cough on her right side.

Giles mouth twitched up in a nervous smile. It disappeared with the glare the irate slayer gave him. He cleared his throat, turning back to the nurse. He smiled gently, “Good Evening, Nurse,” he quickly read her name tag, “Cratchett.” He placed a folder on the desk in front of her. “This is the information you require to admit these two for diagnosis and treatment of their injuries.”

The nurse sneered and flipped open the folder, blinking, when she saw the header on the top page. “Oh,” she looked up at Giles and a small smile creased her face. “Of course,” she glanced at the page, “Mr. Giles. I’ll arrange for a room and have them admitted.” She looked at her monitor and tapped a few keys. She looked back up at Giles, “You can wait over there. It should be about 20 minutes or so.” She was pointing at an empty area of the waiting room. “Will you need anything else?”

“No,” he smiled at her. “That should be all.” He took the handles of Joyce’s chair and pushed her toward the row of empty orange chairs the nurse had indicated.

“I was handlin’ it,” Faith grumbled while she turned Buffy’s chair to follow the watcher.

Buffy turned and looked over her shoulder at her girlfriend, “You most certainly were.”

Faith glared at the laughing eyes looking back, “I so had that under control.”

“Mm-hmm,” Buffy was biting her bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud.

“Whatever,” Faith huffed. She stopped the chair in front of an empty seat. She moved from behind the chair and sat in front of the blonde.

“Why aren’t we sitting with...”

Faith reached out and held Buffy’s hands, “I got a couple a things to say, and I don’t want them overhearin’ ‘em.” She looked down at their clasped hands; slowly she rubbed her thumbs over Buffy’s knuckles.

The seconds ticked past with the slayers hands resting in Buffy’s lap. “Hey,” Buffy whispered, gently squeezing Faith’s hands. “What’s up?”

Faith sighed and looked up into the concerned hazel eyes, “How you feelin’?”

“I’m fine,”

“Don’t lie to me, B,” Faith spoke quietly. “I can feel where yer hurt. I know you got some serious pain goin’ on.”

“What do you mean you can feel where I hurt?” Buffy looked at the dark slayer through narrowed eyes.

“Red and Blondie did a locator spell to find you and your mom. They needed somethin’ of yours to make it work. I told ‘em to use me.” Faith briefly looked toward the two adults before returning her gaze to Buffy. “They kinda implied that it was dangerous, but I made ‘em do it anyway.” She looked down at their entwined hands again.

“And?” Buffy prompted.

Faith shrugged, “It worked,” she paused, “But there was a side effect.” She sighed, and looked away again. “The connection between us, it’s stronger. Queen C could feel me and she wasn’t even halfway here yet. You shoulda heard that call.”

Buffy’s brow furrowed as she thought about what Faith was saying, “What do you mean?”

“It’s stronger, more sensitive I guess,” Faith looked at her again. “I can tell what parts of my body hurt from that scuffle,” she quickly looked to see if anyone could overhear, “And I can tell what’s hurt on you.”

“Huh?” Buffy asked. “I don’t understand.”

Faith let go of Buffy’s hand and reached out to the blond’s ribcage, “It really hurts here.” Buffy winced when Faith’s fingertips gently touched her. “There’s a lot more, so drop the tough girl act and tell me how ya feel.”

Buffy blinked, tears welling up in her eyes. “There’s so much pain, Faith,” she sobbed. “Everything hurts; I’ve never felt so much hurt in my life.” She slowly collapsed forward.

Faith pulled her out of the wheelchair and into her lap and gently wrapped the petite blond up in her arms, “It’s gonna be okay, B, I’m here.” Faith looked down the row of chairs to where Giles and Joyce were watching them. A warm smile and a slight nod from Joyce, told her she was doing okay. She gently cradled Buffy in her lap, the blond’s tears dripping onto her shoulder. “It’ll be tough gettin’ through the next coupla days,” she whispered in Buffy’s ear. “Yer strength and powers‘ll come back and everythin’ll be back to normal.” She gently hugged the girl in her lap.

“H-how do you know that?” Buffy sobbed into Faith’s hair.

“Just do,” Faith answered back. She pulled back and looked into the hazel eyes questioning her, “Yer Buffy. Trust me, it’ll happen.” Buffy curled back up into Faith and closed her eyes. Faith held her, looking around the room, everything including the people seemed to be beige. Except for the hideous orange chairs. Some people watched them, others just ignored everything but their little bit of the world. She sighed, and hoped she hadn’t lied to Buffy. “Hey,” she said quietly.

Buffy slowly moved off the slayers shoulder, “What?”

Faith smiled, “It’s Queen C.” She rummaged around in her coat pocket, trying not to jostle Buffy too hard. She pulled out her phone and handed it to her, “Here, you answer.”

“Faith, your phone isn’t...” Buffy yelped when it started to vibrate. “How did you...?”

Faith chuckled, “’Member, I said the connection was stronger? It’s weird, but I can tell when she’s gonna call me. Just a tingle, but I can tell the phone’s gonna ring.” It buzzed again. “You gonna answer it?” The blond blinked at the dark slayer, “Answer it B,” Faith smiled.

“He-hello?” Buffy was tentative. Silence answered her back; she questioned Faith with a look.

“Buffy?” Cordelia spoke.

“Yeah,” the blond replied.

“Thank God,” rushed out of the phone. “Where’s Faith?”

Buffy smiled, “She’s right here.”

“Is she alright?”

“Yeah,” Buffy answered. “She’s good. We’re both okay.” Faith glared at her. “Well,” she started, “I’m kinda sore.” Faith’s left eyebrow slowly arched upwards in disbelief. Buffy sighed, “Okay, I’m a lot sore.” She stuck her tongue out at Faith, who smiled back at her.

“Where are you?” Cordy asked.

“We’re at Sunnydale General, in the emergency room,” was the reply. “They’re going to admit Mom and me shortly, then we’ll get checked out.”

“Good,” Cordelia was curt. Buffy heard a large sigh from the other end, “What the hell were you thinking?!!” Buffy winced as she pulled the phone away from her ear. Faith smirked as Cordelia’s tirade continued. “You could have been killed! Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been? Why the hell didn’t you call Faith? Did you develop a case of the stupids when nobody was looking?” Buffy cringed when she heard Cordelia inhaling, “What?” Buffy shrugged at Faith, neither one understanding what was happening on the other end of the phone. “I’ll damn well calm down when I’m ready to calm down!” screeched out of the phone. Buffy and Faith tried to stifle the laughter, “You just shut up and drive, Angel, or I’ll stake your ass!”

“Buffy?” they heard over the phone.

“Yeah, Cordy,” Buffy held the phone to her ear again.

“God, what did you ever see in him?”

Buffy smiled warmly, “He cares a lot Cordy, and he worries about you.”

“Right now he should be worried about him getting us there, and not about me,” Cordelia huffed. “You didn’t answer me.”

Buffy’s shoulders sagged, and she looked at Faith. “They had mom, and they told me not to call anyone.”

“And you listened?” Cordelia screeched. “You really did get the stupids didn’t you? Buffy, they took away your powers, what the hell did you think was going to happen? They were asking you out for tea?”

Buffy’s eyes dropped down to her lap, “I thought I could handle it,” she sighed. Faith gently started to rub circles on her back. “It won’t happen again.”

Faith reached across the blond and took the phone, “Queen C,” she said quietly. “She already got the message from me and her mom.”

“I know, I just needed to vent,” Cordelia sighed. “Tell her I’m sorry, but I was worried. Is she going to be okay Faith?”

“Yeah,” Faith answered. “She’s gonna be okay. It’ll be tough ‘til her powers come back, but she’ll get through it.”

“Good,” Cordelia paused, “Are you sure she’ll get her powers back?”

Faith looked at Buffy, “It’s B, course she’ll get ‘em back. They sure as hell won’t leave me in charge.”

“What was I thinking?”

Faith could hear the teasing in Cordelia’s voice and smiled in return. “I, uh, got some things I need to, uh, tidy up, are you comin’ here?”

“To the hospital?” Cordelia asked.

“Yeah,” Faith answered. “Who’s with ya?”

“Angel, Wesley, Gunn, and Fred.”

“Gunn,” Faith questioned her, “Is that the guy I spoke too before?”

“Yeah, he called after I had the vision, why?”

“Just tryin’ to figure out who’s who,” Faith replied. “It looks like they’re about to take B and Mrs. S to see the doctor.” She was watching two orderlies and a man in a suit with a stethoscope approaching. “I won’t be here when ya get here.”

“Where will...” Cordelia started to ask.

Faith cut her off, “Takin’ care of some things.” Buffy noticed her voice get noticeably colder. “I’m leavin’ Bleach-boy to keep an eye on ‘em. If Angel wants, he can also stay tonight. You and Gunn can stay with the two of ‘em during the day. I’ll come back when I’m done. ‘Kay?”

“Yeah,” Cordelia paused for a few seconds. “What are you doing Faith?”

“Just cleanin’ up some loose ends C.”

“Uh-huh,” Cordelia sighed. “Just be careful, Faith. We both want you back. We also need to talk to Angel about that idea we had.”

Faith smiled into the phone, “I’ll be careful, C. I need you two as well.” She handed the phone back to Buffy, “Here, your turn.” As Buffy took the phone, Faith stood to put her back in the wheelchair.

Giles turned the chair around and parked it at the end of a row. He locked the brake and sat in the plastic chair next to Joyce. “Rupert,” she looked at him, “What is Faith talking about? What do you have to explain?”

Giles sighed, “I want to tell you Joyce, but I’m afraid I can’t. Everything is a bloody mess and I’m in the middle of it.”

Joyce frowned, “I don’t understand, what are you talking about?”

Giles lowered his head and sighed, “I like you, Joyce, and I’m afraid I’ll never get the chance to know you as well as I’d like to.” He looked up into her quizzical eyes, “I owe it to you and Buffy to tell you everything, and I will. I promise you’ll know everything tomorrow. Tonight, I just want to make sure you’re both alright.”

She smiled and placed a hand over his, “I’m sure we’ll be fine.” She squeezed gently, “I’m sure you’re blowing whatever it is, all out of proportion.” Giles sighed and looked toward the girls as Faith pulled Buffy into her lap. Joyce smiled warmly and nodded when the dark slayer caught her eye. “They really are good for each other,” Joyce looked at the watcher. “What have they told you about their relationship?”

“Do you mean that it now includes Cordelia?” he raised an eyebrow.

Joyce smiled, “Yes that’s what I was talking about.”

Giles shrugged, and looked down the aisle at the two slayers. “They seem to be comfortable with it. They’re happy and that’s all that really matters. I don’t think it will interfere with their slaying, actually,” he paused. “I would suppose it would help them with that.” He pursed his lips and thought for a moment, “It would be interesting to study the dynamics of it, but I probably won’t be able...” his voice trailed off.

Joyce’s eyes hardened and she stared at him. “Why not?” she asked in a clipped voice.

Giles sighed and looked away from her. Removing his glasses he pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed again. “Everything’s a bloody cock-up and I don’t think they’ll let me. They may want to keep their private life private.” He looked toward the slayers again, “Can’t say as I blame them either.”

“Rupert,” Joyce looked worried, “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, well...” he looked up and saw the doctor and orderlies approaching, “It seems that you’re being admitted.” He stood and unlocked the brakes on the chair. Leaning over her shoulder, he spoke quietly. “I promise you, you’ll know everything tomorrow. I suppose I’ll be going with Faith, and I assume she’ll be leaving Spike here for security. At least until Cordelia and Angel arrive.” He watched as Faith called Spike over and spoke quietly to him. He smiled when the blond vampire nodded and looked about the room.

Faith and Giles watched as the doctor and orderlies wheeled the Summers away. “You got any rope at home?” she asked without looking at him.

“Yes,” he looked at her, “How much do you need?”

“About thirty feet,” she watched the elevator doors close on the little group.

“Do I want to know why you need it?”

She turned and pinned him with an icy glare, “No.” She spun on her heel and headed for the exit. Giles sighed and followed her out the door.

He pulled up to the curb in front of his house, “Thirty feet, you say?” It was the first words spoken since they’d left the hospital. Faith had spent the entire trip staring out the windscreen. She nodded in response. “Anything else?” he asked.

She turned and looked at him; he pulled back sharply at the death he saw in her eyes, “No,” she spoke quietly. “You just get the rope. I gotta check a couple things with Red, then I’m takin’ shithead back to the council.” She opened the door and strode toward the house. Giles got out of the car and quietly followed her in.

Faith sniffed the air as she walked into the house. The Scoobies looked up as she came into the living room, they could see a smirk on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. “Pizza and sex,” she smiled. “I assume yer feelin’ better, Red?”

Xander choked on the piece of pizza he was chewing, and the three girls in the room blushed. “H-how did you know?” Willow stammered.

“Been there, done that,” she smiled, “I can smell it.” She laughed at the pale faces surrounding her. “What’s goin’ on with the council?” She stopped in front of the table and turned the lap top to face her. She cleared the screen saver and started checking the different views.

“What’s up?” Willow stood beside her.

“Looks like they stopped takin’ shit down when you locked ‘em in.” Faith mumbled. She pulled back the view on the camera in the living room and scanned it. Quentin was sitting on the floor, jammed into a corner, wildly looking around. Three others were sitting just in front of him, all of them looked frightened and nervous. Faith turned the volume up, the nervous rasping of their breath echoed out of the speaker. “Wonder what’s got ‘em so scared?” She clicked on the window for the room that had contained the two newbie’s, “Ahh, she muttered.

“What?” Willow asked.

Faith pointed at the open door to the room, “Looks like somebody got up.” She turned her head and yelled, “Jeeves,” she paused, “Get yer ass in gear. Those vamps are chewin on your pals.”

Giles entered from the kitchen, he had a length of rope in his hands. “There’s fifty feet here,” he handed it to her. “I’m ready when you are.”

“Right,” she turned to back to the laptop. She clicked on another view and quickly scanned the room. She zoomed in on something, “Good,” she muttered and closed the view. “Red,” she spoke to Willow, “I want you to save the files to a secure server, encrypt them with a 256 bit key, and password protect them. Then turn the laptop off, I don’t want you to see this. Gimme the location and password when I get back and I’ll change it”

“Oh,” Willow said slowly. “I can do that, but why can’t we watch?”

Faith looked away for a moment, “What I got planned ain’t gonna be pretty, I care for you guys and I don’t want you to be a part of it. This is entirely on me.” Willow blinked, the rest of them just watched Faith. She reached out and put a hand on Willow’s shoulder, “I’m trustin’ ya on this, Red.” Faith started to turn away, “And thanks for your help tonight.”

“No trouble Faith,” Willow pulled up a chair to the table and sat. “I’m glad I could help.”

“Yeah, thanks all the same,” Faith replied. She grabbed Giles by the shoulder on the way by and propelled him out into the hallway. “Get movin’ or yer buddies’ll be dead.”

Faith tossed the rope into the back seat as she got into the car. Giles got in and started it, “Faith...” he turned his head and faced her.

“I know,” she was staring straight ahead. “Same goes for you. This is on me. I already thought it through, and I ain’t changin’ my mind.” She paused for a second, “Now shut up and drive.”

Giles brought the car to a halt in front of a dilapidated old house. The gate was broken, and the yard overgrown. A set of rickety steps led up to a battered porch. Faith squinted through the passenger window to inspect the house. “Huh,” she mumbled, “Ya gotta look real close to see the windows’ve been bricked over.” She opened the door and looked up and down the street. There were no street lights nearby; the house was sitting in a dark hole.

Giles stood with the driver’s door open, “Faith,” he started again, “I would be remiss...”

She started to interrupt him, “I already...”

“No!” his voice had hardened, “Let me finish.” He paused and took a deep breath, “I would be remiss if I didn’t caution you for what you are about to embark on. I understand what you’re feeling and what you think you have to do to ‘even the score’ so to speak. But there are better ways.”

Faith’s dead eyes glared back at him. “In case it slipped your mind, those assholes in there tried to kill my girl. Well one of ‘em anyway, and they gotta learn that was a fuckin’ huge mistake. The other minor detail is you,” she pointed at him, “Played a major fuckin’ role in it.”

Giles hung his head, “Do you not think I know that? You cannot punish me the way I’ve been punishing myself.”

“I’m pissed at you,” Faith said quietly, “And I don’t get why you did what you did. But, B, is the one yer gonna have to answer to. Those guys in there,” she pointed her thumb over her shoulder at the house, “are gonna answer to me!” she jammed her thumb into her chest.

“Faith,” Giles pleaded. “I don’t want you to do anything you’ll regret later. I also don’t want you to do anything that will destroy your relationship with Buffy and Cordelia.”

A snort of derision exploded from Faith. “That’s rich, now you care.” She stared at him for a second, “If you cared so much for her, why did you take her powers away?”

He looked down the street, slowly he turned his head to face her again, “I was trying to protect all of you from the Council. They’re a very large and powerful organization Faith, larger and stronger than some European countries.”

“So’s IBM,” was the reply.

“Yes, but IBM won’t use magic to track you down and kill you.”

Faith nodded and opened the back door of the car. She pulled her duffel out and opened it up. She stood and looked at him, “They’re welcome to try.” She took two stakes out of her duster and slipped them into the waistband of her leathers. She slid the duster off and rolled it up neatly before tucking it inside the duffel. Two wicked looking knives came out next, each one slid into a sheath on the outside of a boot, the handles blending into the leather. She slipped her arm through a black leather strap and pulled it over her head. She pulled another one on from the other side and tightened them up. They crossed over between her breasts, pulling the tank top tight around them. Giles watched solemnly as she girded herself for battle. Next she pulled the two bokken out of the duffel and slid them through the loops on her back. She readjusted the straps, pulling each of the wooden blades out, and reinserting them. Faith looked up to the night sky, by looking at the stars she figured out which way was east, then turned in that direction. She bowed her head, then brought her hands together in a thunderous clap. Giles started at the sound and looked toward the house. He returned his vision to Faith; she was standing still, her head bowed over her hands while a light breeze ruffled her hair. She raised her head and stared straight ahead for a moment. He saw her shoulders sag in resignation for a split second, she wheeled quickly and pointed at the trunk, “Open it.” It wasn’t a request. Giles reached into the car and thumbed the release. With a muffled clunk the latch released, and Faith yanked it open. With a smirk on her face and death in her eyes, she looked at Kralik. “Miss me?” she said as she yanked him upright. There was a muffled yelp when his forehead collided with the release mechanism. He could feel the blood trickling into his right eye from the cut. “Tsk, tsk,” She said, “I guess I still ain’t all that coordinated.” She pulled him out and dropped him to the ground. She looked at Giles, “I’ll be back shortly, wait here.” She grabbed Kralik by his bound hands and started to drag him up to the house.

“Good luck,” Giles whispered to the night wind.

Kralik groaned through the gag when his head bounced up the steps. Faith dropped him on the porch and pulled out her phone. She hit speed dial for Giles’ place and waited for an answer.

“Hello?” it was Xander.

“X,” Faith spoke quickly, “Lemme talk to Red.”

“Yeah, okay,” he replied. “Where are you?”

“Not now,” she was all business, “I gotta talk to Red, now. We can chat later.”

“Oh, sorry,” there was a brief pause while he handed the phone over.

“Hello?”

“Red, it’s me,” she spoke quickly. “I need ya to unlock the doors on the Council house. Gimme a couple of seconds, count to five, then lock ‘em again. I don’t want anythin’ makin’ a break for it. Ya got that?”

“Are you sure Faith?” Willow was nervous.

“Yeah,” she answered. “Did you do what I asked with the files?”

“Uh-huh,” the redhead spoke. “The feed is being stored on a secure server and it’s encrypted. Just like you asked. I’ll give you the password when you get back.”

“Thanks,” Faith smiled a little. “And don’t forget to turn the laptop off.”

“I won’t,” Willow paused, “Good luck, Faith.”

“Thanks Red, I’ll see ya,” Faith thumbed the end button and tucked the phone away. She nudged Kralik with her foot and looked down into his hate filled eyes, “Showtime.”

She picked him up and steadied him on his feet. Reaching out with her slayer powers, she could sense the two vampires were away from the door. When she heard the click of the lock’s release, she pushed the door open and pulled him through, slamming the door behind her. Quentin and the two council goons that were left screamed, when she came into view. Standing in the foyer she glanced up the stairs to check for danger, before turning toward the three frightened men. Holding Kralik by the throat, she had him pinned against the wall, out of sight. “Which one is Travers?” she growled. They stared at her wide eyed, not moving or breathing. “I asked a question!” she barked.

The scared fat guy, trying to make himself look smaller in the corner, squeaked “Why?”

“’Cause I fucking asked!” she yelled. Kralik was starting to squirm; he could smell the fresh blood and knew the two vamps he had sired would be there to help him shortly. Faith gripped his throat a little tighter, pulled his head forward slightly and slammed it into the wall. From the corner, it looked like she had punched it.

“‘E is!” the stocky one she recognized from the graveyard was pointing at the slimy fat one.

She smiled at the three men; she could hear the two vamps coming to check out the noise. “Stand up,” she commanded, he didn’t move, “Now!” she yelled again. He slowly stood, his legs shaking. It looked like he’d collapse at any second.

The two newbies stopped at the edge of the room, Quentin looked from Faith to the vamps and back again. “Oh, look,” the taller vamp spoke, “Quent’s volunteering to be next.” They both cackled. “Bloody first time for everything I suppose. Didn’t think ‘e’d ever grow a pair.” He stepped into the room and spotted Faith in the foyer. He blinked, and sniffed, “Who the fuck are you?”

His partner moved beside him and looked. “Bloody hell!” he exclaimed. “She’s a right bit, wouldn’t you say?” He nudged his partner, “I say we kill the rest of ‘em quick like, then take our time wiff ‘er. Wadda ya think?” He started to move forward, but stopped when his partner grabbed him.

“Something isn’t right,” he spoke slowly while looking around. “This place was locked up and we couldn’t get out,” he stroked his chin. “How did she get in?”

An evil grin crept across Faith’s face, “Fat boy over there lost somethin’ and I’m just returnin’ it.”

All five of them were perplexed, “What could ‘e have lost that you would possibly want to return? And that still doesn’t answer how you got in here.”

“Let’s just say I’m special,” she smirked. “Fat boy,” she turned to face Travers, “Know what ya lost?”

“N-no,” he was trembling uncontrollably now.

“Tsk, tsk,” her smirk changed to a half grin, “This.” She stepped away from the wall and threw the bound Kralik at the three council members. They all screamed and tried to get out of his way as he slid into their corner. “I thought you might want him back.” She could see the damp spot growing in Travers’ crotch as he stared at the snarling vampire lying at his feet.

The two vamps stepped back when Faith had thrown Kralik into the room. “What the...” was all they got out before Faith leapt into the room, pulling the two bokken out of their saya, and attacking the two vamps. They recoiled under the onslaught, and tried to defend themselves, but she forced them back. Using short strokes to their arms and bodies, she pushed them away from Kralik and against the far wall. The bokken flashed through the air and contacted the sides of their skulls with a sickening thud. She slotted the bokken back into their saya as the two unconscious vamps slowly slid to the floor. She turned and stared at the council members who had pushed a growling Kralik away from them.

Travers was leaning against the wall and trying to get his breathing under control. “Who,” he started, then paused and took a deep breath, “Who are you?”

Faith smirked, but there was no mirth in her eyes, “C’mon Q, don’t ya recognize me?”

He blinked and looked at her hard. She slowly moved toward him. “No, I uh, no...” he was starting to shake again. Faith waited for him to finish. “No, I don’t think I do,” he paused, “Should I?”

Faith laughed, the hollow sound was reinforced by the deadness in her eyes. “I’m disappointed Q,” her voice dropped to a low growl. “I’m your dream come true. I’m what ya want for Xmas, Easter, and Halloween, all rolled into one.”

All three of the council members stared at her. “Umm, yes, well...” Travers was starting to take control of himself again, “We can discuss this later if you don’t mind?” He quickly looked around the room, “Yes, uh, thank you for your help and we’ll look after everything from here on.” He raised his arm and pointed toward the foyer, “I will contact you later, thanks again.” The one she recognized from the cemetery tilted his head and looked at her. His brows furrowed in concentration.

Faith crossed her arms, “I’m gonna assume yer used to gettin’ yer way.” Quentin stared at her. “See,” she pursed her lips and stared back, “I don’t take direction so well.” She stepped toward him again. “Fact is, if you’d ask G-man, he’d probably tell ya I was uncontrollable.” Another step closer. “Must really piss you off he listens to her and kinda ignores you, huh?”

He looked almost as confused as his hirelings, “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about. Perhaps later we can go over whatever it is you wish to speak about.” Again he pointed toward the foyer.

“Is there somethin’ over there you want me to see?” she asked. “Ain’t nothin’ there to look at. Everythin’ I need to see is right here.”

“Look,” Travers’ voice had become stronger. “I,” he emphasized, “thank you for your help, but this doesn’t really concern you. Now if you’d be so kind as to leave, we’ll look after everything from here.” He was starting to get pissed that this impolite whelp of a girl was challenging him.

“Uh,” the stocky one spoke up. “Mr. Travers, sir?” he looked up at his boss. He waited a couple of seconds, “Mr. Travers?”

Quentin looked down with disdain, “What?” he yelled. This whole thing was really starting to tick him off now.

The stocky guy glanced at Faith, before turning back to his boss, “I think she’s one of the slayer’s friends.”

Quentin’s head snapped up and his eyes narrowed, “Hmm.” He stared at her while he thought. Time slowly ticked by, nothing moved. “Is this true?” he demanded.

Faith smirked at him, “Wow, that’s a penetratin’ question.” She took another step toward the three of them. The stocky guy started getting up, “I ain’t said you could go anywhere.” She paused, “Sit.” He immediately dropped back to the floor. She looked at Travers again, “You could say I’m a friend of the slayer.” She stepped forward again, the two peons traded looks. Their nervousness was growing. “Matter of fact, we,” her finger slowly moved between the two of them, “need to have a little chat about that.”

“Yes, well,” Quentin replied, “To reiterate, that is none of your business. So if you would please leave, we’ll get on about ours.”

“Oh,” Faith looked contrite for a brief second. “Nah, that ain’t gonna work Q. There’s a coupla things you need to know.” She locked her fingers together and stretched her arms out toward him. He was surprised at how close she’d gotten to the three of them. He realized he wasn’t in control anymore. “First thing is, do ya know how many slayers there are?”

He frowned, “There’s one.”

“I, see,” there was a smirk slowly appearing on her face again. “Ya sure ‘bout that?”

He sighed, “Yes, there’s only ever been one.” he was starting to get exasperated.

“I heard there was two,” she crossed her arms and stared at him.

He rubbed his forehead, “There was once, but when she died, another wasn’t called, so we’re back to one girl in all the world.”

Faith’s mouth became thin, the two hirelings exchanged another look, they knew something unpleasant was coming. Faith brought the index finger of her right hand up and tapped her lips twice, “Good time to tell ya I’m from Boston?” She watched him think for a moment.

“What the bloody hell does that have to do with anything?” He stepped toward her and was shocked with the force with which he was pushed back into the corner. He could hear Kralik trying to mumble something through his gag, but he ignored it. “Now see here,” he yelped, “I’ve had enough of this!” He took a breath, “I’ve tried to be polite, you insolent...” His eyes widened with the pressure of a bokken pushed into his throat. He’d been looking directly at her and he hadn’t seen it drawn. His mind recorded some kind of a blur, but nobody could be that fast, unless of course she was a slayer. A grin crossed Faith’s face as she saw the shock of realization in his eyes. He started to sputter, “B-but...”

She leaned forward slightly increasing the pressure on his throat, “It gets better.” She slowly drew the other bokken out of its saya, still staring directly into his eyes. “Q,” she spoke quietly. “Wadda ya think the chances are,” she paused, “of two slayers, not knowin’ about each other, endin’ up in the same town?” Travers blinked. “Not only in the same town, but meetin’ and likin’ each other?” He gurgled and his eyes watered from the pressure on his throat. The two toadies were really getting nervous now. “See,” she continued, “They liked each other enough to start datin’. What are the odds, huh?” His eyes widened. “I really like this part.” she pulled the bokken away from his throat and stepped back. She toed Kralik’s chest with her boot, causing him to groan. “Didn’t want ya ta think I forgot ya,” she said to his bound form. She stood in front of the three Council members, a bokken resting on each shoulder; she looked between them. “Now, where was I?” her eyes were focused on Travers again. “Yeah, turns out tomorrow,” she paused, “is the slayers birthday.” Her foot shot out and connected with the side of Kralik’s head, knocking him out, “And this is her present.” The three men blanched at the statement. “Seems that there’s this kinda support group for the slayer, and they got this idea for the slayers birthday. They take away her powers, then lock her in a house with a vamp.” she paused and looked at each of them in turn. “If she survives, they pat ‘em selves on the back and congratulate each other ‘bout how well they’ve done.” She inhaled a breath, “IF she don’t make it, they just shrug and go find the next sap that’s called.”

“Now,” her voice growled out of her, “When I heard that, imagine how pissed I got.” She stared hard at Travers, “I finally find someone who gives a shit about me, and the people who’re supposed to be takin’ care of her are tryin’ ta kill her.” The two bokken rotated off her shoulders, around in a circle then came to rest at her sides. “Turns out that these ‘friends’ don’t really like their slayer. They brought a vamp in that’s able to do magic. Not only that, he’s known to be rather sadistic. So ya know he ain’t just gonna kill her, he’s gonna torture her first.” Sweat was beading on Travers’ bald head. Faith continued, “But these guys screwed up, seems their ‘present’ had ideas of its own. It broke out, and turned,” she pointed at the two vamps on the far side of the room, “Two of the head guy’s cronies, then escaped. Wadda ya think he did then?” She waited for a beat, “Ya don’t think he kidnapped the slayer’s mom and tried to call some demon to help him take over the world and kill the slayer, do ya?” She looked at each of them again, “Nah,” she answered her own question, “What are the chances of that happenin’?”

“Now see here,” Quentin was trying to regain control of the situation.

“Shut up fuckstick,” Faith spat, “I’ll tell ya when ya can talk.” Quentin tried to back away from the rage focused on him, but he had no where to go. “So after I dealt with that little incident,” she paused. “By the way, Mrs. S., the slayer’s mom, she’s been really good to me ya know? Kinda don’t want ta see anythin’ happen to her, and your fuck up puts her in danger too.” She smiled at Travers, “Not only that, the slayers ‘friends’ were gonna pin the blame on the slayer’s watcher and ‘terminate’ him” The bokken in her right hand rose up and came to rest on Quentin’s shoulder. He was trembling and glanced at it nervously, before looking back to the dark slayer. “That is what you said wasn’t it?” Quentin’s eyes popped out of his head. An evil smirk grew on the slayer’s face. “So I’m returnin’ your lost property,” she kicked Kralik again.

“Seein’ as my eighteenth ain’t for a while. I got this crazy idea that this is the end of the Cruciamentum.” The bokken slashed out, cracking the two peons in the head and knocking them out. Travers was visibly shaking now. “So, Q,” her eyes were burning holes in him, “How do ya think we’re gonna accomplish that? Any ideas?” He slowly shook his head from side to side, his eyes riveted to hers. “That’s to bad, ‘cause I don’t think yer gonna like mine.” Her fist hit him in the chest and winded him. He collapsed, wheezing onto the floor. Faith crouched down and eyed him, “You wanted a Cruciamentum? Yer gonna get one.” Her fist connected with the side of his head and his eyes rolled back toward his brain.

The shock of cold water roused the three of them at once. They sputtered and spit trying to clear the fog from their brains. They were surprised to find they couldn’t move. They were sitting on the floor, their backs to someone but unable to see who. Quentin’s knees were against his chest because he was jammed into the corner. All he could see was the two walls. He turned his head to the side and he could see the three vamps with Kralik, in the same position, on the other side of the room. “What the...” he started to demand.

“I told ya I’d tell ya when ya can talk,” Faith was walking back into the living room from the kitchen with a pail in her hands. She approached the three vampires and soaked them. They sputtered to life, the same as the council members had. They growled and hissed as they looked around the room. “All of ya shut up and listen!” she yelled. She waited for a moment, “Like I told Q, he wanted a Cruciamentum, he’s gonna get one.” She moved over to the council group, “I could just kill ya outright, but I thought I’d give ya a fightin’ chance.” She stood and walked back to the center of the room. “Here’s how it’s gonna work,” both groups were paying attention. “Yer tied together. If one of ya moves, the other two gotta go with ya. It’s kinda a weird team buildin’ exercise. All three of ya gotta work together.” She turned and slowly paced across the room, “Now what’s team buildin’ without a goal?” She stopped at the far end of the room from the two groups and got down on one knee. “The first objective is to get to the knife.” She pulled the blade out of her right boot, raised it over her head and drove it up to the hilt in the floor. “Now whoever gets the knife out, can cut the ropes tyin’ ya together,” she paused for a brief moment. “As far as the other team is concerned, chances are yer gonna die. Either they stake you,” she pointed at the vamps. “Or they chew on you,” she pointed at the council. “Now what can I do about an incentive?” she waited, then snapped her fingers. “I got it!” she disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a candle and some matches. The six of them watched as she moved fifteen feet past the knife, and lit the candle. She crouched down and turned the candle sideways, letting the molten wax drip onto the floor. When there was a small puddle she turned the candle upright and jammed it into the wax. She stood, pulled out her phone, hit speed dial and held it to her ear. “Red?” she spoke, “Yeah, I’m okay.” She rolled her eyes as Willow babbled on, “Look, Red,” she interrupted, “I need ya to unlock the door, and leave it unlocked. Can ya do that?” She waited a few moments, “Yeah, I’m almost done. I’ll call ya later; I got a coupla things to do.” She exhaled, “Right, thanks Red.” She thumbed the end button and smiled, “See how nice I am, I’m leavin’ the door unlocked.” She looked at both groups, “I’m not feelin the love here guys.” She sighed, “I guess I can’t please everyone.” She ran a hand through her hair and checked the bokken in their saya, “Oh yeah, your incentive.” She walked into the kitchen and out of view. The vamps and council members heard the scraping sound of an appliance being moved across a floor, followed by the sound of twisting metal and a cough. Faith walked back through the living room and into the foyer. She stopped with her hand on the doorknob, “Two things, first is I’m gonna be waitin’ outside for whoever comes through that door. Judge accordingly to what you think might happen.” She stared hard at both groups, “Second is the gas for the stove was still hooked up. Key word is ‘was’. Ya don’t get to the candle before the gas builds up, nobody gets out. Any questions?”

“You can’t do that!” Quentin yelled.

Faith laughed, “Shoulda thought a that before you tried to kill my girlfriend.” She opened the door and stepped through closing it behind her. The candle flickered in the breeze and they held their breath, but it steadied and seemed to burn a little brighter.

Giles was pacing up and down the boulevard as Faith came out of the house. He sighed with a sense of relief while he watched her walk toward him. “Are you okay?” he asked when she got close. She just nodded, and started to put her things back in her duffel. “Umm,” he hesitated, “Is everyone else...” his voice trailed off.

Faith looked up, “They’re still alive, Council and vamps. Up to them if anyone makes it out alive.”

Giles blinked and looked at the house, “What are you talking about, Faith?”

She shrugged, stood, and slipped her duster on. She stared at him, “They wanted a Cruciamentum, they got one.”

“Oh dear,” Giles was perturbed, “How can you justify...”

“They tried to kill my girlfriend,” she rounded on him. “They’ve been given a test and if they succeed they’ll live. They don’t? Too bad.” She pulled the katana out of her duster and turned back to the house. “Ya might want ta move to the other side of the street, just in case,” she said over her shoulder. “Actually, it’d be better to move the car down the block and wait.”

“Why...” he started to question her.

“’Cuz,” she turned so she could see him and still watch the house. “If this all goes for shit, I want you out of the way.”

“Oh,” he hesitated. He looked from her to the house, wondering what was happening on the inside, and if he’d ever know. He slipped in the driver’s side, started the car and moved down the block. He parked under a street light, got out, and stood beside the car. Not sure what to expect, he waited nervously to see what would happen.

Quentin’s group was pushing, pulling and slowly moving across the floor toward the knife. “Get a bloody move on will you?” he yelled. The two hirelings were using their feet to try and pull the group forward, while Quentin pushed. Two of them could see the vamps heading for the knife as well. It looked like they would arrive about the same time. The taller peon rasped out to Travers, “Should we go for the candle?”

“No,” Travers answered. Sweat was running into his eyes, he couldn’t tell how much was from nerves and how much from tension. “We can’t let them get the knife. They’ll kill us.”

“I think it would be better to blow out the candle first, the house could blow up,” the peon replied.

Travers could see the vamps had worked out a system, and were gaining. “No!” he yelled droplets of sweat flying around the room from his shaking head. “Get the knife first, and then the candle!”

The three of them humped along the floor a little faster, slowly edging toward the knife. The vamps were getting closer; Travers could see the blood in their eyes. “Hurry,” he screeched, he pushed harder, knocking them off their stride for a second. “Please hurry!” he wailed.

“Got it!” the shorter watcher yelled as he pulled his body past the knife. He grabbed the hilt with his bound hands and tried to pull it out. The knife didn’t move. He yanked a second time, again nothing happened.

“What the hell is going on?” Travers screamed. The vamps were almost on him, their fangs bared, the smell of fear urging them forward. “Pull the fucking thing out!” he yelled. He threw a kick at the closest vamp, only to get kicked in return.

“The bleeding thing don’t want to move!” the short one yelled back. He was trying to wiggle the knife free. It wasn’t moving. Quentin was kicking at two vampires now, trying to keep them off of them. The smell of gas was getting stronger, and burning their eyes. The taller watcher got a hand on the knife and pulled while the short one wiggled it. “I Think it’s coming,” he muttered through clenched teeth. Everybody stopped and stared when the candle flared up.

Faith was using her powers to track the vampires, when she felt the three of them disappear together. The wall of the house bulged outward, bright gouts of orange and white flame reached toward her. Then it all went dark.