CHAPTER 26
At first, Faith thought the shrill sound was her head trying
to explode. It took a long minute to realize Dru was
laughing. The sound echoed in the large stone chamber, going on and on. Barely restraining
the urge to clap her hands over her ears, Faith watched
“Now, do I look like a Red to you?” Two hands came up, held
away from
Even the words sounded wrong. Faith couldn’t place what was
wrong. It was clearly
Before
***
Phoebe noticed two new cars in front of the Manor when she pulled into the drive. Reinforcements? Too tired and sated to be on full alert, she opened the door and stepped into the foyer. Voices drifted out of the kitchen. Of course. Piper rarely used the living room if the kitchen sufficed.
Inside the sunny room, Phoebe waved a tentative hello to the three newcomers. Two young women and a scruffy looking man. ”Looks like the Elders really are going to let us get to work. You all friends of Faith?”
The man cleared his throat, glancing warningly at one of the brunettes. “Yes,” he answered in a warm British accent. “I’m Wesley Windham-Price. I was Faith’s Watcher, many years ago. We both work for Angel, now, in LA.”
“You were her Watcher?” Phoebe shook his hand, confused. “You aren’t any more?” She really needed to get Faith talking about her past. The brief highlight of all the bad stuff left out the other details.
Her question netted a pained smile. “Perhaps we could do the question and answers another time? Faith and I…well, our past is complicated.”
“No, it wasn’t, Wes.” The younger brunette looked at him
impatiently. “It’s not complicated at all. You were a British wuss and Faith was all Going Evil Girl. Can we get down to
business? I’m a little freaked no one can tell me where
“Yes, we aren’t very happy with that, either.” Piper stood with crossed arms, watching the byplay. “We’re still adjusting to all the lack of information from our hired research experts.”
This was getting them nowhere. Sighing, Phoebe realized the lingering peace from her time with Faith had faded. “Look, guys, pull back on the Alpha thing. I’ve got some details from Faith. Let’s concentrate on that.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the room.
“Good idea,” a soft drawl commented. “I’m Fred.” The brunette next to Wesley smiled shyly. “I work with Faith, too. What did she tell you?”
A pair of piercing blue eyes stared at Phoebe. “Yes, what did Faith have to say?”
Gritting her teeth, Phoebe ignored the challenge. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t get your name.”
“Dawn. Dawn Summers.” The words were offered grudgingly. What was this girl’s problem?
The name suddenly connected with a memory –
More silence filled the kitchen.
“Right. Sorry. My bad.” Dawn slumped, running a hand through her shoulder length hair. “You said you had something on the vamp army?”
“Not much. Maybe it will head us in the right direction, though.” Phoebe relayed what Faith had told her before leaving for her meeting.
Wesley straightened in his chair. “I recall something. About
the number of the soldiers in the unit.” Stroking his chin, he paused.
“However, I can’t quite seem to remember what was so unique about a force that
size. Piper,” he said, turning to her, “do you still have the volumes
“Up in the attic, yeah.” Piper’s arms dropped from their crossed position. “Did you want me to-“
Wesley was already striding for the door. “Is it up the stairs?” Everyone scrambled after him.
“At the top, where attics usually are.” Phoebe smirked at the bite in Piper’s voice. Wesley was running now. That meant an increased pace for the rest of the gang. They arrived in the attic panting, spreading out to find seating while Wesley rooted through the pile of books on the floor.
With a pleased shout, he pulled one book from the others. “Here. I remember it was in here.” Bringing his prize to the low coffee table in front of the packed couch, he opened the yellowed pages. Once he located the proper page, he began reading, “The Spartan Army at times contained three hundred hippeis, or knights. These elite soldiers acted as the Royal Guard should the king venture out on campaign with the troops.”
“Royal Guard?” Fred looked at Phoebe. “Did Faith mention that? And, from our earlier research, the Turned Phalanx didn’t contain a single member of the Royal Family. Who would they be guarding?”
***
“Unless you’ve changed a lot in the last few weeks,” Faith managed to get out with only a tiny quiver in her voice, “you aren’t on Red’s team.”
A flash of fangs answered her. “Teams? Who needs them. I have something better. Power.” He looked over at Cole, and Faith took a second to wipe her hands on her tunic. “Now that Old Home Week is over, can we get down to business? The Senior Partners didn’t send us up here to meet with the help.”
A cold smile turned Cole’s lips. “Of course. There’s just a little matter of your loyalties.” His solid black eyes touched Faith and she shivered. “All of you, the old friendships…I need to be convinced you are working for me and not another power.”
His eyebrows rose slightly as he caressed the leather cover. “The Grimoire?” Excitement edged the words. “Where did you find it? It got…lost a while back.”
“Lost? You don’t lose a book under a mountain. Someone put
it there.”
Tension coiled in Faith. Grimoire? What the hell was that? From the reactions, nothing good.
“Nice touch, lover.” In disbelief, Faith watched Angel kiss
Two of Pausanias’ men dragged a man into the room. The guards tossed the middle aged, pudgy figure at Angelus contemptuously.
“I knew you’d want me to prove I wasn’t just Angel in disguise. You know, a do-gooder here to make sure you don’t gain too much power, tip the scale between Good and Evil.” The whole time he talked, he held his victim by the back of the neck. “Well, here’s your proof.” Faith flinched at the wet squishing sound his fangs made as they penetrated the man’s neck.
***
Phoebe stared across the room at Piper. “Well, does it have to be a vampire or a Spartan?”
Wesley looked confused. “I assume so; we are talking about a member of the Spartan nobility.”
“Normally.” Phoebe suddenly felt tired. Tired and trapped. Everything always came back to one decision. One moment of stupidity. “What if they were guarding some other important person? A demon, maybe?”
Her attempts to skirt the truth didn’t get very far. Dawn leaned forward. “You know who it is, don’t you?” she more demanded than asked.
“I think so.” Responding to a sudden urge to run, Phoebe paced the attic with rapid strides. “A demon…half-demon, named Balthazor. He’s the current Source of All Evil. The bigger question is: why does he need a three hundred vamp guard?”
CHAPTER 27
“You say this demon styles himself the Source of All Evil?” Wesley closed the book, perching on a stack of old boxes.
Not sure where he was heading with the questions, Phoebe merely nodded.
“Hmmm.” With that stunning revelation, Wesley lapsed into silence, stroking his chin.
“While Wesley does his impression of the Thinker,” Piper commented bitingly, “does anyone else have any idea what’s going on?”
Fred smiled and drawled, “There have been some shifts in
power structures in
“Quite,” he finally uttered. “In the last month, we’ve gotten word through sources that the leaders of the demon world are allying with a new power. I wonder…could the Royal Guard be here to protect a future king?”
“I don’t see Co-“ Phoebe broke off. Clearing her throat, she tried again, “I mean, we’ve dealt with Balthazor before. He isn’t much for playing second fiddle.” Standing, she paced over to the Book of Shadows and turned to the page on Balthazor.
Leo finally joined the conversation. “I could always ask the Elders what they know.”
The three newcomers looked approving, but Piper snorted. “Right, like they’re giving away information these days. We need you here, not stuck up there,” she waved her hand at the ceiling, “We can’t risk them keeping you away right now.”
Looking uncomfortable, Leo nodded. “Then we need another way to find out whether Cole is the person the vampires are guarding.”
Phoebe stopped pacing abruptly, eyes slamming closed. Damn it. She hadn’t wanted to explain about Cole and Balthazor.
Right on cue, Dawn asked, “Who’s Cole? I thought you said we were dealing with a demon named Balthazor?”
“Cole is Balthazor’s human half.” Phoebe heard the waver in her voice and bit her lip. Still turned away from the group, she argued with herself over telling Wesley, Dawn, and Fred the whole story. They’d find out eventually. They deserved to know. On just a phone call, they’d rushed to help.
Arms wrapped around herself, Phoebe slowly pivoted. “There are a few things you need to know about Cole.”
***
The body thudded to the floor. Faith stared at it in
horrified fascination. She felt sick. And angry. Why were the PtB dragging Angel and
Faith was so intent on her thoughts, she jumped visibly when Cole said her name. “What?” she snapped, completely off balance.
A narrow eyebrow rose. “Testy, aren’t we?” When Faith merely scowled, Cole went on smoothly. “Have you gotten any information from Phoebe?”
Lots, Faith wanted to say. Instead, she shrugged and commented, “Not much. We went out last night. Mostly I got the lowdown on her advice column. Like I need her take on how to find love.”
“Surely there is something,” Cole said coldly.
The warning was clear.
Mocking her less than confident statement, Cole murmured, “Do tell.” He crossed his arms, leaning against the raised altar behind him.
Faith flushed as anger and humiliation burned her skin. “Phoebe was all twisted over some member of her family being out of town.”
Cole looked bored. “Her sister Paige?”
“No. Some guy named Leo.” Faith tugged at her skirting again, hands slick against the leather.
“Leo’s out of town?” She had Cole’s interest now. He uncoiled from his position and stalked closer. “Why?”
Praying to the meddling PtB that her nerves didn’t show, Faith spread her hands. “Couldn’t tell ya’. All Phoebe said was that he went out of town and hasn’t come back. She went on and on about it. Even the crap about her job was better.”
“Interesting.” Cole paced back and forth in front of Faith. “I wonder why he isn’t here?”
“Want me to give her a call? Set up another date?” Faith took a slow, deep breath and decided to push. “Or are you ready for something else? Maybe something a little rougher than dinner and a movie.
Stopping right in front of her, Cole stared at her silently for a minute. Faith fought a need to fidget, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “Not yet.”
Faith stayed in character. Crossing her arms, she scowled. “Why the fuck not? I’m not getting any information playing the new girlfriend. The sex is good, but I can find that anywhere.”
She took enormous pleasure in the rage that crossed Cole’s face. “I said not now.” The smooth edge was missing from his voice.
Hiding a smirk, Faith nodded. “You’re the boss.”
“Make sure you remember that,” Cole hissed, spinning away.
He snapped his fingers and the guards came back in. “Get rid of that” The soldiers dragged the corpse out.
“Ladies,” he nodded at
Faith watched as the three left the room, Dru humming and swaying not around Cole, but
“Isn’t she?” Angelus smirked, fangs protruding. “She was a very special project.”
Faith tried not to shudder at the sadistic pleasure in his voice.
Pausanias moved from behind her. Faith cursed herself. She’d
been so focused on Cole and the Dark Duo she’d forgotten he was there. “It’s an
honor to meet the great Angelus. Even in
Angelus ignored the outstretched hand. For a second, Faith thought Pausanias would lose it. His pale lips pressed tightly together and his right hand dropped to the hilt of his sword.
Leaping forward, Faith stepped between the two vampires. “Let it go, General. I don’t want to find you in a little pile of dust because the Boss gets pissed. Angelus is kinda hard to take sometimes. Let’s head to the arena and I’ll run you around a bit, work off that anger.” Although letting the two duke it out had appeal, Faith wasn’t sure how the death or one (or both) of them would affect Phoebe’s vision.
“Another time,” Pausanias spat at Angelus. Cloak whirling around him, he stalked off. Faith moved to follow when a cold, hard hand grabbed her arm.
“Be careful, Faithy. I’d hate for you to get caught in the crossfire when I finally take out the Old Man.” Angelus’ breath brushed her face as she stared up at him.
If she hadn’t been watching so closely, she would have missed the change. His face regained its human appearance, the brown eyes warming for just an instant. “Remember that, Faith,” Angel warned softly. “Be careful.”
***
Running through the corridor after Pausanias, Faith fought the grin wanting to spread across her face. Angel was here; it had all been for show. For the first time since starting her undercover assignment, Faith believed they might actually survive.
“Hey, Soldier Boy, wait up,” she called after the ancient vampire.
He stopped and turned. Faith noted he was still fully vamped out, yellow eyes burning in his pale face. “Slayer, I do not know why you interfered in there-“
Faith forced a grin, hoping Pausanias didn’t notice the missing dimples. “Come on. That’s easy.” She got a growl in return and held up her hands in surrender. “You two get all aggressive, you might get to retire sooner than planned.”
Disbelief filled Pausanias’ voice as he asked, “You believe that boy would beat me?”
“Don’t know, Soldier Boy. Angelus is pretty wicked with weapons.” Faith dodged a couple of soldiers as they hurried by. “I’m thinking Cole might get a bit testy that his two leading men were more concerned with marking territory than in getting the job done.”
Pausanias stopped so abruptly Faith cannoned into him. “You surprise me, Slayer. That doesn’t happen often.
“People only see the hotness, you know?” Dimples flashing, Faith held out her hands, letting Pausanias take in the view. “I do have a brain, though. Shocking, ain’t it?”
He chuckled, resuming his trek. “Indeed, Slayer. Those of us built for the kill rarely do well outside the arena. I’ll have to keep a closer eye on you.” They reached the arena, now crowded with uniformed soldiers. Pausanias dodged the sparring vampires, leading Faith back to the dais. In seconds, his cloak lay on the scarred planking. He stepped back onto the sand and drew his sword. “I believe you mentioned working off my frustrations?”
“I did,” Faith agreed. Wrestling with the fastenings for the cloak, she finally managed to remove it. She moved toward the General, muscles tensing for battle. The snick of her sword clearing its sheath sounded loud in her ears. “Ready when you are.”
CHAPTER 28
The dim light reflected off Faith’s blade as she stepped farther onto the practice sand. “Bring it on, General. Let me show you how a Slayer does it.”
Her taunt fell flat. Pausanias was focused, poised for the fight. Feeling out of line at the remark, Faith opened her mouth. Before she could apologize, though, he struck.
Faith heard the whistle as the bright steel slashed at her right leg. Damn. For an old man, Pausanias was fast. Whipping her own sword across her body, Faith managed to meet the blow, but her angle was bad. Metal screamed against metal as her blade slipped against his. With a hard shove, she pushed him away enough to dance back a few steps.
The fight continued.
Pausanias tested Faith, pressing the advantage of height and weight to their limits. For her part, Faith employed all of her augmented speed and strength, mixing them with every dirty trick she’d ever learned on the streets.
Faith’s focus narrowed to the play of Pausanias’ muscles, the clash of metal on metal, and the exhausting struggle to keep her footing in the shifting sand.
Panting, arms and legs heavy with fatigue, Faith almost missed her opening. Despite his amazing skills, Pausanias was a formation fighter. He was used to using a shield, to having a fellow soldier at his side. After a fierce exchange of blows, Pausanias fell prey to habit. His shield arm dropped low – probably to swing the large, square shield he was used to carrying. The movement left him exposed. Ignoring the searing pain in her lungs, Faith slid to the right, arm flicking into the unprotected space.
The gold-washed breastplate saved Pausanias’ life.
Trembling from exertion and adrenaline, Faith staggered back a step. “Looks like I win, Soldier Boy.” The taunt was automatic, a gut-level attempt to hide her shock at almost killing the vampire.
Pausanias stepped back, a growl rumbling in his chest.
“Put it away, Old Man,” Faith snapped, watching Pausanias tensely. “I didn’t keep Angelus from killing you just so I could do it myself.”
The growl continued, though it dropped in volume.
Taking a chance, Faith tossed her sword onto the sand between them. “I didn’t peg you for a sore loser.” She dropped into a defensive crouch when he took another step in her direction.
The general glared down at her for a long minute before his eyes lost their feral gleam and his fangs retracted. “Usually, I am not, Slayer.” His sword joined Faith’s in the sand. “It has been centuries, however, since I have fought one of your kind. She had nothing like your skill.”
Faith slowly straightened. “I told you, I’m good at what I do.”
Pausanias nodded. “Indeed. Very good.” Walking past Faith, he leaned both palms against the wood planking of the platform. “My men will be very lucky to learn from you, Slayer.” His shoulders dropped briefly before he surged erect and spun to face her. “And I am honored you are one of us.”
For a second, Faith forgot about Phoebe, forgot about the PtB. Pride suffused her, and she met his eyes levelly. “Never thought I’d be glad to wear a uniform…this one feels good, though.” Energy snaked through her teamed with a cold, calculating satisfaction.
Examining her with gleaming yellow eyes, Pausanias nodded. “It is an excellent fit. I look forward to the end of this contract, Lieutenant. If you are not bound to this location, I believe you would be an asset to our regular training facilities. I have long resisted the urgings of my captains to create a small unit of assassins. Perhaps the time has come to reconsider.”
“What do you have in mind?” Moving next to Pausanias, Faith pulled herself into a sitting position on the platform.
Pausanias answered slowly, as if he were thinking about his answer even as he spoke. “This Phalanx has been an example of the old ways since its creation. We have dedicated our lives to protecting royalty throughout the world. Bodyguards, trainers, field commanders.” He paused, scanning the soldiers sparring on the sand. “However, those ways are reactive. Rarely do we initiate a skirmish. It limits our usefulness, creates predictability in our actions.”
Still not sure where he was headed, Faith waited impatiently for him to continue.
Perhaps sensing her silent urging, Pausanias grinned mockingly at her. “You, Slayer, are also occasionally predictable. I will endeavor to teach you patience and strategy.”
“The price?” Faith rolled her shoulders against sudden tension.
“I would consider it more of a trade, Slayer. Your skills as an assassin in exchange for tutoring in the arts of organized warfare.” This time, Pausanias waited for her response.
“You want me to teach your boys how to kill from the shadows?” Faith frowned, the earlier satisfaction seeping away.
Tilting his head, Pausanias considered her question. “It is not our usual style. However, the days of frontal assault and marching into battle are long gone. Our traditions live in the past – not our future.”
Jumping off the dais, Faith busied herself with retrieving their discarded weapons. She worked to hide her unease at his words. Scenes from her past flickered in front of her eyes as she brushed sand from the short swords. Memories replaced the sight of the sharpened steel in her hand.
The dagger stopped abruptly as the hilt pressed against
the Professor’s back. Warm blood stained her hands and the white T-shirt she
wore.
Staring blankly into the past, Faith narrowed her eyes
against the flood of near-sexual pleasure her younger self felt. The Boss
was going to be very happy with her work. Anticipation of his approval drowned
out the ancient and powerful voice screaming deep inside.
Still locked into the memory, Faith fast forwarded a couple of hours in time.
“Don’t you need anyone dead?” She waited for an answer.
The Mayor only smiled and shook his head. “Or maimed? I can settle for maimed.”
The Mayor laughed indulgently.
Forcing the memories away, Faith finished cleaning sand from the leather wrapped around the hilt of Pausanias’ sword. The inner voice from her memory was still alive and screaming its warning. This time, Faith listened. The days when she lived for the hunt and the kill – regardless of target – were over. Keeping her back to Pausanias, she sheathed her own weapon and steadied her seesawing emotions. That wasn’t her. This wasn’t her. She wasn’t really a soldier in a vampire army. It was only a pretense.
Pivoting slowly, she met Pausanias’ eyes calmly. “Let’s get
this job done first, Soldier Boy. We both walk out alive, we can talk about me
moving to
His thin lips lifted in a smile. “A good plan, Slayer.” Pausanias took his blade from her, nodding in satisfaction at the lack of grit and sheathed it smoothly. “Will you be staying with us today? I have some very promising recruits for you to train.”
“Not today.” Faith grimaced and created an excuse. “With the Dark Duo here, I think I need to remind everyone who’s the number one Bad Girl in town.” She plucked her cloak over the dais, settling it around her shoulders and fumbling with the fastenings.
Snorting, Pausanias slapped her hands away. Seconds later, the cloak was firmly attached to her tunic. “Perhaps I should find you an orderly, Lieutenant.”
“Whatever.” Faith grinned faintly. “I’ll figure it out. Now…we on for tomorrow?” At his nod, she took a deep breath and rolled her neck. Her muscles ached – from tension and the sparring match. “Good enough. I’ll see you then, General. I’m off to play the dutiful girlfriend and spy.”
Cloak whirling around her, Faith stalked across the arena toward the nearest portal.
***
“And I thought Buffy’s taste in men was bad,” Dawn said then burst into laughter.
It was definitely not the response Phoebe expected. “Is she OK?” she asked Wesley and Fred.
The question garnered a smirk from Wesley. “Oh yes. Dawn is fine – and quite correct. I’m afraid even Spike was a better selection than your Cole.”
Phoebe had expected shock, horror, anger…anything other than laughter and good-natured ridicule. “It’s not funny!” she snapped, taking a step toward Dawn. “I loved him, and he turned out to be the leader of the Underworld. Do you have any idea how much it hurt to realize that?”
Dawn’s laughter died, and the silence in the attic was stifling.
Taking a deep breath, Phoebe gritted between her teeth, “Cole won’t stop until we’re all dead. My sisters and me, anyway. Can we stop all the Bad Boyfriend comparisons and get back to figuring out why Cole has Paige and who the Royal Guard is protecting?”
Books opened and pages rustled in response.
The somber mood and lack of conversation continued until the soft thud of the front door closing roused the researchers.
“Phoebe?” Faith’s voice called from downstairs.
Abandoning her book, Phoebe vaulted out of her chair. “Faith!” Excitement sent her scrambling down the stairs and hurtling into Faith’s arms. Faith held her closely, and Phoebe’s tension disappeared. “I was so worried about you,” she said into Faith’s neck.
When Faith didn’t respond immediately, Phoebe pulled back.
“No worries, Moonbeam. I’m good.” Faith didn’t sound good. Her voice was flat, lacking its usual confidence. “Had a meeting with your ex and some new members of the crew, though.”
Footsteps on the stairs interrupted her explanations.
Phoebe felt Faith stiffen against her. “Hey, D.” Lowering Phoebe to the ground, Faith stepped around her and started slowly up the stairs. “When did you get in?”
Something was wrong. Phoebe spun, watching Faith intently. It looked like Faith; it sounded a little like Faith. Small talk, though? No way. Hands clenching into fists, Phoebe held back, letting the reunion continue.
“This morning.” Dawn and Faith faced off on the landing at the bend in the stairs, not touching or moving.
Face expressionless, Faith said, “We need to talk, D. About…about a lot of things. I’ve got news about what’s going on.” Phoebe thought she looked pale.
Dawn stepped back, gesturing up the stairs. “Wes and Fred are up in the attic.” Staring hard at Faith, she murmured, “Are you OK? You look funny.”
“I’m five by five, D.” Faith’s words sounded nearly rote.
Phoebe was certain something was wrong. Even Dawn frowned at Faith’s strange behavior. Trotting up the stairs, she seized Faith’s hand. It was cold and stiff. “What did Cole have to say, Faith?” Phoebe prodded as they made their way to the attic.
Faith’s hand dropped away, and Phoebe’s eyes narrowed. What the hell had happened this morning?
When they reached the attic, Faith ignored Wesley’s and Fred’s greetings. Arms wrapped around herself, she paced across the room and peered out of the windows. “I met the Dark Mistress and her boy toy this morning.”
CHAPTER 29
Phoebe heard the words, and the dim attic darkened further.
“Her date looked familiar.” Faith’s voice stayed flat, almost disconnected to her tale. “Angelus.”
“Dear Lord,” Wesley interjected. Phoebe glanced his way. He was pale underneath the scruffy beard. “Are you quite sure?”
“He drained a guy right in front of me, Wes.” Faith turned away from the window. Her jaw was set, brown eyes glaring at Wesley. “I know Angelus better than anyone, Wes. Remember? You were the one that put me in his head.”
Frowning, Phoebe tried to make sense of that. There was too much history here, between Faith and Angel’s crew. She started to interrupt and ask for clarification. Faith went on, though.
“That was bad. His ‘date,’ though, was worse.” Her eyes lifted, staring at Dawn. That look…Phoebe sucked in a deep breath, feeling suddenly sick.
***
Faith pleaded with Dawn with her eyes. “D, I don’t…I’m
sorry. Angelus was there with
She saw Dawn’s lips twitch as she started to smile.
“It ain’t funny, D. It was
Now Dawn understood. Faith saw the change in her expression. She held out a hand, wanting to apologize and not knowing how. “I’m sorry,” she repeated softly. Muscles aching with tension, she waited for the explosion.
It started with a bang.
Dawn’s eyes flashed a fiery green, and she waved a hand at Faith, words spewing from her lips. The room seemed to shake.
Faith stood her ground; although, her legs trembled and bile burned her throat.
The air around her thinned. It was hard to breathe. Gasping, head pounding, Faith sucked in one lungful after another.
“That’s enough!” Piper’s voice rang through the room. This time, the explosion wasn’t metaphorical. Shards of glass flew through the air as the lamp next to Dawn shattered. “Somebody better explain what’s going on right now!” She spun, hands on hips, and glared at Dawn. “Turn off the tornado, too. You want to play with the weather, go outside. We spend enough money cleaning up from demon attacks.”
Dawn’s eyes glowed brighter, and Faith took a couple of steps forward. “Piper-“ she started, trying to explain.
“I’ll get to you in a minute.” Piper held up a single finger, pointing it at Faith.
Feeling nearly torn apart by the guilt and fear inside, Faith stopped. Maybe, if she told everyone that Angel was playing a role…
A small hand gripped hers. “Faith?” Phoebe asked quietly.
“Moonbeam.” Just knowing Phoebe was so close eased some of the ache in her chest. Wrapping her arms around the smaller girl, Faith held on for dear life. “Sorry about the drama.” She kissed Phoebe’s neck. “It’s a Scooby thing.”
Determined brown eyes locked with her own. “I’m not letting you get away with that this time. I want details, Faith.”
Faith squirmed in Phoebe’s embrace. “Moonbeam…”
***
“No, Faith! We need to know what’s going on. No more ‘woman of mystery.” Phoebe stepped back, glaring at Faith.
“She can tell you all about her sordid past later.” Dawn was
still angry. Phoebe winced internally at the bite her voice. “What happened,
Faith? Did you do something? Tempt
Spinning, Phoebe got ready to fight back. They were all wound up, worried. That didn’t mean Faith had a target painted on her forehead. She never got the chance.
Piper waved her hands, and everyone froze. Everyone except Piper, Phoebe, and Dawn. “I told you to back the hell off.”
Dawn strode across the room, toe to toe with Piper. Phoebe thought about stepping in then reconsidered. This was definitely a power struggle in progress. Plopping down on the couch next to an unmoving Fred, Phoebe settled in for the show.
“I don’t take orders from you,” Dawn snapped. “Unless you want us to leave-“
Unable to resist, Phoebe gave up her non-combatant status. “You can leave. I’m not sure how Fred and Wesley will do at that.” She grinned at Dawn when she turned around. “Watch this.” Hopping up, she waved her hand in front of Fred. “Huh. How about this?” She repeated the gesture with Wesley. “Nope. I think if you leave, you’re going alone.”
Eyes darting around the room, Dawn took in the three frozen figures. “What did you do to them?” Her voice was less antagonistic and more freaked.
“Not me,” Phoebe was quick to deny. “Her.” She pointed to Piper. “She can freeze time.”
“Freeze…time?” Dawn’s throat moved convulsively as she swallowed.
Smiling grimly, Piper nodded. “Among other things. Unfortunately,
I don’t have time to play magical show and tell. You want information on
“Faith,” Phoebe commented when Dawn didn’t respond. The situation had been amusing at first. It was growing less so the longer they talked. “Look, Dawn, Faith’s mentioned there’s some history between you. Whatever she did, it bothers her.”
It was the wrong thing to say.
Dawn’s eyes turned green again.
“Oh for Goddess’ sake, either play nice or go home.” Piper threw her hands in the air. “I’m done arguing about this. We have too much to do and we’re operating on a deadline. I’m going to unfreeze them. If you can’t leave Faith alone, the door is there.” She pointed to the door to the stairs and then waved her hands again.
***
“…I want to-“ Faith broke off. Where was Phoebe? Slowly pivoting on her heels, she saw Piper, Phoebe, and Dawn standing in front of the couch. “What the fuck?” She shook her head. “Weren’t you just over here?”
“Not now, Faith.” Piper was in Control Mode.
Faith nodded automatically. Pausanias and a sword fight she could handle. A seriously pissed off Piper…no way. “Got it.” Feeling her way, she looked at Dawn. Blue eyes stared back. Shoving shaking hands in her pockets, Faith went on. “Lots of stuff to pass on, if you’re ready to listen.”
“We’re all ears,” Dawn said then grimaced and waved a hand. “What did you find out?”
Launching into a detailed recounting of the morning, Faith
relayed everything she could remember. “Just before Angel…I mean, Angelus
drained the guy,
“What kind of magic?” At least Dawn wasn’t trying to kill her any longer.
“Um, not real sure, D,” Faith admitted. She frowned, going
back over the scene in the Underworld. “She just waved her hand, said some
funky word, and this book popped out of nowhere.” She left out the terrible
pull she’d felt from
“A book? That’s it?” Piper sounded confused. “What could be so important about a book?”
Wesley cleared his throat. “Perhaps we could find out if Faith were allowed to continue?” He sat back at Piper’s laser-like glare.
Faith rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long.day. “Look, guys, let me finish and then you can duke it out while I catch some sleep. Me and Phoebe have to do a night on the town so Cole doesn’t think I’m slacking, OK?” Heads nodded. At least the bickering was on hold for a minute.
“The book was old, beat up.” Faith wracked her brain, trying to remember everything. “It had a name…” Frowning, she muttered, “The Grimmer? Something with a ‘g’.”
“The Grimoire?” Leo asked, looking concerned.
“Sounds right.” Faith couldn’t be more specific. “Phoebe’s ex got all excited, though. He dragged Red and Doll Lady off for a big conference.”
She fell silent, her tale over.
Wesley and Fred seemed lost, sitting absently on the couch.
The
“I left it under a mountain, Phoebe.” Running a hand through his already rumpled hair, Leo looked at Phoebe helplessly. “The Elders couldn’t destroy something that powerful. Hiding it was my only option.”
“You didn’t count on Dark Willow.” Everyone looked at Dawn. She was pale, and tears tracked a path down her face. All the fight seemed to have disappeared. “She’s unbelievably powerful. She almost destroyed the world a few years ago. Moving one tiny mountain wouldn’t even count as a warm up exercise.”
Faith had to agree; although, she did it silently. The force
of
No one said anything.
“Great.” Grinning humorlessly, Faith shoved her hands in her pockets and hunched her shoulders. “We’re fucked, aren’t we?” A wave of the old bitterness crept in. “Gotta love the PtB, you know? They rig the test so I fail.”
“I think failing a test is the least of our worries.” Piper walked over and leaned into Leo. “Why the Grimoire?”
Wrapping his arms around his wife, Leo answered quietly, “I don’t know. The last time Cole had it, he used it for his Coronation as the Source. I could ask the Elders.” He sounded reluctant to try that option.
“Coronation?” The word had Faith frowning. She’d heard that recently.
Wesley tried to help, in his usual pedantic style. “A
coronation, Faith, is a ceremony to crown royalty. In
“That’s it!” Faith bounced across the attic and hugged Wesley. “You’re a genius, Wes.” While he blushed and stammered, she faced the rest of the group. “The big meeting with Cole and Will – he told us they had to talk about his coronation.”
CHAPTER 30
“That’s not possible,” Leo told Faith. “Once Cole – or Balthazor – was crowned as the Source, he was infused with the powers he’d been granted. It only works once. A new coronation wouldn’t give him any more powers.
Faith shrugged, not impressed with his information. “Maybe so, but that’s what he said.”
“Perhaps this Cole is being elevated to a different throne.” Wesley stroked his beard thoughtfully. “The demon world is filled with a variety of power structures and spheres of influence. It might be impossible to expand his current abilities; however, a new position comes with new authority.”
Pushing at Wesley’s shoulder, Faith waited until he shifted before taking a seat next to him. “It makes as much sense as anything. Question is: how do we figure out which hill he wants to be king of?” She yawned then apologized, “Been a long day. Wes, Piper? How do we find out what he’s up to?”
“We don’t have much information on the Underworld’s movers and shakers, I’m afraid.” Piper tilted her head, looking up at Leo. “If I let you go up there to ask the Elders, you have to promise to come back.”
Faith smirked a little at Leo’s hangdog look. “Piper,” he mumbled in protest, “you know it doesn’t work that way.”
“Today, it works that way, Leo.” Piper pulled away and paced across the attic. “Until we know what Cole is up to, we can’t move forward. That means we can’t rescue Paige.”
“Plus, we have to keep sending Faith into the Underworld,” Phoebe added quietly. Faith looked up, watching the way Phoebe huddled in on herself, arms wrapped tightly around her stomach.
Lips pressed together, Leo nodded. “I’ll do my best. You know that.” He disappeared in a swirl of blue lights.
“You think he’s comin’ back this time?” Faith asked. She didn’t trust Leo’s bosses. This whole thing felt more and more fixed – like they wanted to make sure she didn’t walk away from their test.
“He better, or I’ll find a way up there and do a little redecorating,” Piper vowed.
Rubbing her hands on her thighs, Faith stood up. “I hate to leave you guys to the research,” she ignored Dawn’s snort, “but I need some sleep. If anything comes up…”
“We’ll get you.” Wesley patted her arm. “Go, Faith. I’m afraid what you could contribute – even fully awake – would be questionable, at best.”
“Sweet talker,” Faith said, answering his smirk with one of her own. Then she stretched and looked at Phoebe hopefully. “You joinin’ me, Moonbeam?”
***
Phoebe hurried across the attic, seizing Faith’s hand and pulling her toward the door. “You have to ask?” she teased. They clattered down the stairs together, and Phoebe closed and locked the bedroom door behind them.
Leaning back against the door, she watched as Faith sprawled on the bed fully clothed. “This is really a nap?” Phoebe asked. “No love in the afternoon?”
Faith’s lips turned up in a smile; although, her eyes never opened. “After? I’m beat, Moonbeam. Red and Angelus, then a bit sparring match with the General…” The words ended in a huge yawn. “Let me recharge the batteries and then we’ll work on embarrassing the gang, if that’s OK.”
Phoebe left her post by the door and curled up next to Faith. “More than OK, Faith.” Pressing a kiss to Faith’s tanned cheek, she wrapped her arms around the other woman.
As Faith’s breathing evened out, Phoebe rested her cheek on Faith’s shoulder and let her mind wander. Things had moved so quickly. Three days…In just three days, Faith had become such an integral part of her life. The light snores in her ear called to her. Phoebe blinked sleepily, heavy thought disappearing as her eyes drifted closed.
***
The soft knock jarred Phoebe awake. A quick glance showed Faith was conscious, too. “Just a minute,” Phoebe called, voice husky from sleep. She untangled from Faith’s arms and trotted over to open the door.
“Sorry to bother you.” Fred hovered in the open doorway. “Leo’s back. He says he’s got news.”
“Hope it’s good news,” Faith muttered. She stretched, popping sounds filling the room. “What about the coronation thing? You guys find anything on that?”
Fred grimaced. “No. I called the office. The team there is
working on it, and Dawn has her group in
Sighing, Phoebe leaned into Faith. “Well, let’s go see what the Elders have to say.” She forced a smile. “At least Leo’s back.” She held onto Faith as they followed Fred out of the room.
“We relocated,” Fred informed them in her soft drawl as she went down the stairs rather than up.
“Let me guess,” Phoebe said wryly, “Piper’s cooking.”
Giggling, Fred shook her head. “She was too upset after Leo left. She burned three batches of cookies.” She stopped on the stairs and looked back at them. “We had to open the windows in the kitchen to let the smoke out.”
Phoebe groaned. “That’s bad. The last time that happened, it took a week for her to get things under control.” She felt Faith shaking against her. “You alright, Faith?”
Faith’s dimples flashed and choked chuckles broke out. “I’m good. Just…I had a vision of your sister getting pissed and blowing up the stove after the cookies burned.”
Bouncing down the last few steps, Fred chirped, “She did threaten it earlier.”
Phoebe followed more slowly. “Back to work, I guess.” Looking up at Faith, she murmured into her shoulder, “At least I get you all to myself tonight. Where are you taking me this time?”
The slow and gentle smile she got in return squeezed her heart. “I don’t know, Moonbeam. I’m still learning the whole dating thing.” Faith stroked a callused thumb over Phoebe’s lips. “While Leo’s giving us his big news, why don’t you give it some thought? I’m open to suggestions.”
Lost in Faith’s eyes, Phoebe nodded before going up on her toes, lips brushing Faith’s.
“We’re waiting.” Phoebe jerked out of Faith’s arms at Piper’s snapped comment. Spinning, she saw Piper, hands on hips, in the entryway to the living room. “I hate to interrupt this tender scene, but we have work to do.”
***
“Right,” Faith mumbled. Gripping Phoebe’s stiff shoulders, she pushed lightly. “Come on, Moonbeam. I’ve already had one pissed off witch after my ass today. I’m thinking two is pushing my luck.”
Phoebe didn’t move.
Sighing, Faith used a little Slayer strength to move Phoebe down the stairs. “Leo got anything good, Piper?” she asked as she marched Phoebe into the living room.
“I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell us until you were here.” Piper was still snippy.
It seemed the Scoobies weren’t the only crew big on drama. Faith pushed Phoebe gently onto the couch and dropped to sit next to her. “Well, I’m here now. Let’s get this show on the road.” She looked across the room at Leo. “Whatdya find out, L?”
Leaning against the mantle of the fireplace, Leo met her eyes. “A lot. It seems you are on the right path, Faith.”
For some reason, Faith didn’t feel thrilled with the pat on the back. “We’ll throw a fucking party later. Spit it out. What’s up with Angel and Red? And why is Cole planning the big ceremony?”
“I’m afraid Angel and
“How can they not know?” Faith braced for another tantrum at Dawn’s strident question.
Leo frowned, actually appearing stern. “They aren’t all-knowing, Dawn. Each side, Good and Evil, have powers and a hierarchy. Upper level demons and the Elders’ counterparts on the other side have the ability to shield. Someone is blocking our attempts to see what’s happening.”
“It ain’t Cole?” Faith leaned forward, latching onto that fact. “You said ‘someone.’ If Cole isn’t doing this blocking shit, that means he has help. Big help.”
“Exactly.” Leo moved closer, crouching to sit on the arm of
Piper’s chair. “Although the Elders couldn’t tell me who was backing
Cole, they did say the power emanated from
Faith didn’t understand.
Wesley, however, did. “Good Lord.” Everyone looked at him.
“There is only one group anywhere in the
“Wesley, you don’t mean the firm, do you?” Fred asked, turning on the love seat to face him. “Angel wouldn’t back anything that would shift the balance of power.”
“Angel, no.” Voice sounding more English by the second, Wesley pointed out, “Angelus, however, would.”
Faith sprang off the couch. “No way. Fang wouldn’t do that.” Faith tried to tell them, again, that Angel was playing a role. No matter how hard she fought to get the words out, they wouldn’t come.
“The Elders believe that he has.” Leo’s words slammed into Faith with near-physical impact. Staring at him numbly, she shook her head, ignoring the compassion in his eyes and the hand he held out toward her.
Faith didn’t understand. How did the PtB not know? Had she been wrong? On shaking legs, Faith stumbled to the couch, falling on it and pressing into Phoebe. Right now, Phoebe was her anchor, the only thing keeping her from running out the door. No matter how bad it got, Faith and her Slayer wouldn’t – in fact, couldn’t – leave Phoebe.
“It gets worse,” Leo continued into the stunned silence of the room. “The Elders think Cole’s coronation is meant to cement his position as the leading player for Evil on the entire West Coast.”