CHAPTER 25

“She’s fine, Angel,” Willow assured him. She smiled. Reaching along their link, she felt Buffy’s returning emotional stability and a lingering headache. “She’s beating her frustrations out at the moment.” Meeting the worried eyes on the screen, Willow flicked a hand at the bodies crowded behind her. “We’ve got some new Scoobies, but I’m going to save introductions for another time. There’s a new evil in town. You met it a few years ago.”

“The First.” At Willow’s look of astonishment, the pale lips twitched into a smile. “I doubt there’s a vampire or demon anywhere that didn’t feel the ripple.”

Grinning ruefully, Willow nodded. “OK, that saves on part of the explanation. I don’t suppose you have something that tells how to kill it? Or just make it go away?” She ran a hand through her hair. “Or, even a Watcher’s Codex that mentions the First and a prophecy?” She met his eyes. “The Council is dead, Angel. We have a couple of books Giles managed to smuggle back from England and a whole lot of nothing else.”

More of Angel’s body came into view as he leaned back in the chair, fingers steepled in front of his face. “I know the basics, Willow. The First claims to be the very first and most powerful force for Dark the world has ever known. It can imitate the form of any dead or non-living being, but it won’t be solid.”

“Angel?” Dawn’s voice was high pitched and tight. “What did you mean, about the imitating thing?”

Frowning, Angel tried to explain to the pale teen. “The First doesn’t have a form of its own. It’s just massive amounts of energy.”

“Sort of like me? Only not so much with the green and glowy?” Dawn interrupted.

“Exactly. The monks, though, gave you a form when they created you. The First has to just pretend. It can look like anyone, as long as that person is dead.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “It’s bad. Bad like you’ve never seen. It gets into your head, reads your fears and weaknesses, and then preys on them.” He looked earnestly out of the computer. “I was willing to walk into the sun just to get it to stop tormenting me with visions from my past. Has it shown itself to you?”

“Not yet,” Willow replied.

Biting her lip, Dawn disagreed. “Yes, it has.” She flushed then paled again at the attention she got. “At least, I think it did. Last night, something happened at the house. Wind, electrical problems.” She took a shuddering breath, tears spilling from her eyes. “And Mom was there. I mean, it looked like Mom, but maybe it was this First thing.”

“It’ll be OK, D.” No one had noticed Faith’s arrival, but the brunette Slayer wrapped her arms around the teen from behind, resting her cheek on Dawn’s right arm. “Fang. Looking good.”

Genuine warmth flickered in the vampire’s eyes. “Faith. Back in the fold, it seems. Did you see Mrs. Summers last night, too?”

“’Fraid not.” She pulled Dawn tighter against her, rocking slightly as the other girl started to calm down. “You got information on how to kill this thing?”

Angel shook his head. “I’ll have Wes and Fred start looking. You can’t kill it the normal ways because it doesn’t really have a form. Stakes, knives, magic…it just goes right through. If we find anything, are you at Buffy’s?”

Willow opened her mouth to answer, but grunted and grabbed her head instead.

“Sweetie?” Jennifer asked, moving forward.

“Buffy…” Willow stood, swaying, the Slayer’s utter despair flooding her mind. “Something’s wrong with Buffy.” She pushed through the throng of people and staggered for the door. Dimly, she heard Faith ask if she needed help, but she didn’t slow or answer. All her attention focused on the pain screaming through her link with Buffy. Willow pushed against the emotion, but it was so strong, it blocked her out. She couldn’t reach Buffy.

Dragging open the door, she plunged inside. “Buffy?”

Heart-rending sobs answered her.

Buffy huddled against the far wall, head pressed tightly to her knees. “Goddess, Buffy!” Dodging equipment, Willow knelt next to the Slayer, pulling her into her arms. “Sweetie, come on, talk to me. I can’t reach you right now. What’s got you so upset? Do I need to go kill Giles? Hmmm?” Gripping Buffy’s chin, Willow tried to get her to look up.

Instead, Buffy closed farther in on herself. Drawing her knees closer to her chest and wrapping her arms around them, she was the picture of abject misery.

Willow started when a hand fell to her shoulder. “Have you tried the bond?” Jennifer inquired.

“I can’t get through. She’s funneling a whole lot of pain and it’s blocking me.” Her voice broke and wavered. “I think she’s on the verge of a complete breakdown, Mama.”

“Link with me,” Jennifer ordered.

With a quick nod, Willow opened herself, reaching for Jennifer. Show me the bond, her mother’s voice whispered in her head. Not bothering with questions, Willow pulled them deep inside, peering at the clogged channel that stretched between her and Buffy. Damn. I could clear it, but it might do more harm than good right now.

Could I do it? Willow asked. Buffy’s emotions pounded through her. Her stomach roiled and her hands shook. There was so much flooding her mind and body, Willow wasn’t sure how both of them weren’t just coming apart from the overload.

“No.” Jennifer slowly pulled away. “We need to get her someplace quiet, let her rest. Maybe then you can work through the bond.” Compassionate green eyes met Willow’s dilated ones. “Trust me?”

Throat tight around unshed tears, Willow simply nodded.

With a whispered thanks, Jennifer brushed her lips over Willow’s cheek and stood over Buffy. Willow watched the power ripple around her mother as she began to chant. The energy surrounded Buffy, and the Slayer’s shuddering sobs slowly eased. Finally they died off, and her arms dropped away from her upraised knees.

As Buffy dropped into spelled sleep, Willow relaxed a little. The emotion pouring through their bond didn’t stop, but it faded to a tolerable level. “Thanks, Mama.” Willow lowered Buffy to the floor and stood up. “Let me get Mom, and-“

“Will I do, Red?” Faith walked hesitantly forward. “I ain’t here to make trouble. I swear. Let me help, please.” Hands stuffed in her pockets, she waited.

Willow stared hard at the younger girl. Eyes narrowed, she noted the lack of Faith’s trademark smirk and the steady brown eyes regarding her. Letting out a slow breath, she nodded her acceptance of the offer. “Can you carry her? Otherwise, I’ll have Mom do it.”

“The tall brunette?” Faith asked

“Yeah.” Willow looked away for a second, glancing back at the still-sleeping Buffy, one hand gently caressing the tangled blonde hair.

“She’s trying to keep the Scoobies from flooding the place and getting info from Angel.” Taking a deep breath, Faith looked directly at Willow. “Anyway, B looks like she’s lost some weight, Red. No problem. Just point me in the right direction.”

Despite her lingering unease at Faith’s presence, Willow nodded. “Thank you. Mama, I’m going to have Faith take her to the guest house. I can shield it, and make sure she stays out for a while.”

Jennifer nodded. “I’d prefer Buffy stay at the house, so Drew and I could help you monitor her, but, with all of the research and activity going on, the guest house is the better choice for now.”

“Lead the way, then, Red.” Faith bent, slipping one arm under Buffy’s knees and the other around her back. With no apparent sign of effort, she picked up the older Slayer.

Willow moved quickly outside, skipping the path in favor of speed. “There’s a cabin Buffy and I were using.” She cast a worried look at her wife, compulsively monitoring her through their connection. “We’ll get her settled in and you can head back to keep the gang focused.”

Hurrying in Willow’s wake, Faith frowned, confused by the changes in the gang she remembered. Trying to fill in the gaps, she pressed for information. “Hey, Red? What the hell’s been going on up here? With you and B, I mean?”

“It’s a long story.” Willow bit her lip. “And, I don’t really want to get into too much detail without Buffy being awake.”

“Then, how about I tell you what I think is going on, and you can just nod or something if I’m on the right track.” Faith shifted Buffy in her arms, redistributing her slight weight. “You and B are together, and it’s done something to the Slayer part of her. That whole display with Junior earlier was big with the possessive.” She flicked a glance at Willow. “How’m I doing so far?”

“When did you get all Intuitive Gal?” she asked, voice rife with disbelief. Green eyes widened. “Ooops, sorry.” Blushing, Willow mumbled, “Pretty good.”

“Right.” Faith’s dimples flashed. “In other words, I’m dead on target.” She paused, letting Willow open the door to the guest house, and then following her inside. “The bed?”

“Please.” Watching intently, Willow waited until Faith laid Buffy on the rumpled bed and stepped back. Quickly, Willow removed Buffy’s shoes and loosened her clothes. “I’ll get the rest in a minute,” she commented, glaring at the brunette admiring the form in the bed.

With an unapologetic smile, Faith turned and trudged toward the door. “You got it, Red. Anything you want me to tell the gang? They’re gonna have questions.”

“Faith, wait.” Willow’s quiet command stopped Faith in her tracks.

Hunching her shoulders automatically, Faith spun to face the redhead. “Something you wanna say, Red?” she snipped out. Wary brown eyes skittered over Willow as she braced for whatever came next.

“Yeah, there is.” Willow didn’t give an inch. “I’m so not happy you are here.” She watched Faith flinch a little at that. “You’ve hurt and betrayed us all too many times, and I don’t trust you.”

“If you’re expecting me to go all Psycho Slayer, give it up.” Faith swallowed hard, heart pounding. Fuck. All this redemption and apologizing crap sucks. Still, she had to do it. She owed the Scoobies, especially these two, as much honesty as possible. “You shouldn’t trust me. I did a lot of stupid shit the last time I was in Sunnydale, and I ain’t expecting a big happy Scooby reunion. I’m here for one reason. Buffy asked me to come back.” Determined brown eyes met angry green ones. “Until B tells me to leave, I’m here to stay.”

“Fair enough.” Willow moved closer, hands clenched. “But I remember that knife you held to my throat and the times you tried to kill Buffy.” She tapped her reserves, letting the power flow through her. “If I suspect – for even one minute – that your loyalties are divided, there won’t even be ashes left.”

Faith jerked back. The green eyes she’d been staring into were solid blue. “What the fuck? Red?”

“I’m not so ineffectual these days, Faith.” A cold smile lifted her lips. “Just so we understand each other…” Without bothering to look away, Willow waved a slender hand and a grapefruit-sized fire ball appeared in the air between them.

Hands raised, Faith stepped back. “Got it, Red. I screw up again, you make me burn, no Hell involved. Nice to know where I stand.” She struggled to hold back her tears. “Can I go now? Or you got some other parlour trick you wanna show me?”

Grounding the energy, Willow sighed tiredly. “No more tricks, Faith. I’m not waiting for you to fail.” Seeing the blatant look of disbelief, she protested, “I’m not. But I did want to be clear on a few things.” She pulled a chair away from the table, still covered in the remains of last night’s dinner, and sat down. “Join me, please.”

Face pale beneath her tan, Faith sidled over and dropped into a chair across from Willow.

“Things have to change, Faith,” Willow started.

Impatient as always, the Slayer jumped in. “I got that, Red. Big ball of flame with my name on it.”

Willow held up a hand. “Wait. That’s not what I meant.” She took a deep breath, looking across the room at a sleeping Buffy. “She can’t take much more, Faith. I mean, look at her. She’s at the breaking point, and we…I put her there.”

This time, when Willow’s voice trailed off, Faith stayed quiet.

“She hasn’t been the same since the resurrection spell, and I wasn’t there for her.” Pausing again, Willow searched for the right words. “I am here now, and my primary job is to get her back to full health. I can’t keep her out of this fight. She wouldn’t let me, and we’ll need her.”

Sensing that Willow herself was very close to the edge, Faith sat forward. “What do you need me to do, Red?”

CHAPTER 26

Willow didn’t immediately answer. Instead, she bought some time, covering her face with her hands.

“Red?” Faith tried again. “I know you’re tired and all, but you gotta help me out here.” Her voice was rough with strain. “We’ve got history, you and me, but I’m all about trying to make up for the past. Let me help.”

“Thanks.” Willow dropped her hands, leaning her forearms on the cluttered table. “I just don’t know where to start. This isn’t my role, you know?” Freckles stood out against her pale face. “I’m Research Girl. Buffy’s always been the one making the decisions.”

“Yeah, but B’s not up to that,” Faith pointed out almost gently. “Hell, you don’t look as bouncy as I remember. You need to curl up with your girl and get some sleep.” Pushing a little harder, she tried again. “Before I change my mind and remember that I don’t do charity, what do you need me to do?”

Giving in, Willow smiled tiredly. “Everything.”

It was a start. “You wanna add a few details there, Red?” Faith leaned back, watching the redhead intently. She rolled her neck, tying to loosen the muscles.

“Sorry.” Most of Willow’s attention was focused on the bed and the Slayer behind her. It was hard to explain the situation to Faith. All she wanted to do was work on clearing their link, get Buffy back to normal. Still, that wasn’t going to happen overnight. She had to be realistic. “Buffy’s out of the game for now.” The admission burned her throat, and Willow wiped at a tear. “That’s a problem. We’ve got a house full of Scoobies, a big evil already in town, and a horde of teenagers soon to arrive.” Willow forced herself to look away from Buffy. “I need you to fill in.”

Eyes wide, Faith shook her head slowly. “Fill in…like be in charge?” She stood up abruptly. “No way, Willow. The Scoobies would never go for that, and I don’t blame them.”

“Just a minute ago, you offered to help.” Willow’s voice rose. “Was that a joke? Or did you just mean you’d hang around and kill things? You said it yourself. Buffy’s not up to making decisions. Who did you think was going to replace her as the leader, Faith? Giles? He’s a great Watcher, but he’s useless in the field.” Willow brought her voice down with effort. “Xander? Anya?” She rattled off names without pause, knowing Faith would eventually get her point.

“What about your parents?” Faith wrapped her arms around her waist, pacing. “They seem to know what’s going on. I could, ya know, give technical advice or something, when they needed it.” She was almost pleading by the end.

Willow considered that. “It’s got merit.” She hesitated, biting her lip, before groaning. “This so sucks.”

“Like that’s new.” Faith dropped back down into the chair, legs bouncing up and down. “So, we’re good on the parents thing, right?” she asked hopefully.

“Wrong.” The red head dropped tiredly to the arms on the table. “Faith, lots of things have changed in the last week, and I don’t have time to tell you all of it. You have to do this.”

Half afraid Willow might fry her, Faith slid a hand across the table, covering the slender fingers with her own. “Try the Reader’s Digest version, Red.” Clearing her throat nervously, Faith continued, “If you and B aren’t around to answer questions, I need at least the basics to get the gang through this alive.”

“Wow.” Willow dragged her head off the table and smiled wryly. “I didn’t think you’d put on the General’s helmet so fast.” She squeezed Faith’s hand when the Slayer started to pull away. “Don’t. I’m not mad; you’re right. I can’t ask you do go out there and be all with the rousing speeches and strategy sessions if you don’t know the facts.” Fiddling with a fork resting on the table, she worked to figure out where to start. “I don’t…”

Pushing aside her unease at the conversation, Faith tried to help. “Red, just start. If you forget something or whatever, at least I’ll have more info than I’ve got now.”

Nodding determinedly, Willow forged ahead. “Right. Just the highlights. I’m part of a prophecy, and the First is back because I cast the resurrection spell for Buffy.” Her voice quavered at the end, tears threatening. “When I pulled Buffy out of He-Heaven, I opened a door, and the First hid out in my head for awhile, pretty much recharging from my magical reservoirs.”

“It’s gone, now, right?” Faith asked, eyes narrowed and focused on Willow. “No way am I telling B that we had to stake her new girlfriend while she was napping.”

“No. The First is all gone. The fireball threat was all me.” She met the intent stare. “Unfortunately, we have less than nothing on the prophecy. The Council was destroyed before Giles-“ her voice thinned with stress, mentioning the older man. Clearing her throat, Willow tried again. “The Council was destroyed before Giles could track down anything else.”

The stuff about the prophecy wasn’t exactly riveting. Faith was more interested in Willow’s sudden loss of focus over Giles. Shooting for casual, she looked over Willow’s shoulder at a sleeping Buffy. “What’s up with the G-man, anyway? Ain’t never seen him so rumpled and shit, and he disappeared after your big talk.”

“Giles had some bad news for me and Buffy.” Willow’s voice was flat, discouraging questions.

The witch forgot, however, that Faith rarely responded to anything less than an outright threat. “What news?”

Squeezing her eyes shut, Willow fought to hold back the tears and the anger. Faith needed to know, and the younger girl was trying to do as Willow had asked. It wasn’t her fault the information was personally painful. “I’m going to say this only one time. All at once.” Her voice shook, and she sucked in a deep breath. “Don’t interrupt. Just listen.”

Sitting tensely in her chair, Faith responded to Willow’s stress. “Gotcha. I’m all ears, Red. Just take it easy, alright?” Not sure how to help, she clumsily tried to give the other girl a new focus. “You freaking out ain’t gonna help B.”

“One day soon,” Willow commented with a small smile, “we’re going to talk about the kinder, gentler Faith.” As quickly as it had appeared, the smile left, and Willow’s lips pressed tightly together before she began a rapid-fire delivery of information. “The Council has been lying to all of us from the beginning. There are Slayers and Potential Slayers all over the place. Kirstan, the brunette in the house, is a retired Slayer. Jennifer is a witch. They’re bonded. Married, because that’s what Slayers and Witches do. Buffy and I are married.”

Faith sucked in a breath, but bit back her response when Willow held up a hand.

“More about that another time. Like, after the First is history. My parents will be good resources, and can help with training the Potentials when they arrive. Don’t expect much help with the big stuff, though. I haven’t been here long, but I get the impression they never faced anything even close to what’s been through Sunnydale.” Finally running down, Willow rubbed her hands over her face. That hadn’t been so bad. A few more times, and it wouldn’t hurt at all. “Questions?”

A snort of laughter answered her query. “Fuck, yeah. Dozens.” Standing and wandering over to stand at the foot of the bed, Faith stared at Buffy for a minute. When she turned back to Willow, her face was set, determined. “G-man knows all the stuff about the prophecy and the Council?”

Not sure where the questions were leading, Willow nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“What about you and B? Who’s in the know on that? Do you want me to tell the Scoobies?” Faith shoved her hands in her pockets, rocking on her heels.

“My parents know about the bond.” Willow frowned. “And Giles,” the named ground out. She was still angry at the Watcher. “The Scoobies don’t need to know. Not yet. When Buffy’s on her feet, we’ll tell them.”

“They may already be wondering, Red.” Faith smirked. “Your little show with Junior was pretty eye-opening.”

Chuckling, Willow stood and walked to the bed. “She’s lucky it was just a show. Buffy was ready to tear her arms off.” Crossing her arms, she lightly touched their link. Her wife’s pain still blocked access. “Is there anything else, Faith?” she asked with an edge of impatience.

Faith had angled slightly, watching Willow study Buffy. “If something comes up, I’ll ask the old people for advice.” She needed to go. Fear held her back. Could she really do this? Hunching her shoulders, Faith took a step toward the door. “Take good care of her Red. B deserves some time off.”

***

The walk back to the house hadn’t helped with the fear. Faith stood in the hallway leading to the research room, wiping sweating palms on her jeans and fighting off nausea.

“Faith?”

She jerked around in surprise. “Damn it, D! Don’t sneak up on me like that.” The words came out harsh and angry. Panting from the adrenaline rush, Faith ran a hand through her hair, trying to calm down. She noticed how pale the teen looked and the tears hovering in her eyes. “Shit. I’m sorry.” Not thinking, wanting to help, Faith pulled the taller girl into her arms. “You caught me off guard. That’s never a good thing.”

A sniffle sounded, and then Dawn said tremulously, “I d-didn’t mean to do that. You just looked weird, standing there all stiff and stuff.” Another sniff. “Is Buffy OK? Jennifer didn’t tell us anything when she came back.”

“She’s asleep, D. Red’s gonna stay with her until she wakes up.” Faith pulled away, hands gently stroking Dawn’s arms. “I just needed a minute, ya know?”

Dawn giggled at that, poking Faith in the side. “Really? I thought you were always bragging about your wicked skills and stamina.”

Grabbing the poking finger and growling playfully, Faith smirked. “Yeah. Used to do that a lot. Couple a years in prison, though, kinda gives you a new way of looking at things.” She grinned, dimples showing. “Feeling better now. Let’s go on in. I’ve got some news for the gang.”

“Cool. Good news?” Dawn skipped along beside her.

“Maybe.” A little of Faith’s nervousness returned, and she drew in a deep breath. “It all depends on the Scoobies.”

Dawn tapped her on the back of the head. “Just do what Buffy does when she’s having one of her freak outs.”

“I don’t think I can raid the mall right now, D,” Faith commented dryly, rubbing the back of her head dramatically.

“Faith!” Dawn stamped her foot. “I’m serious. Buffy is so not good at pep talks, but she’s the one everybody expects to do them. When she knows it’s up to her to get everybody focused, she gets all,” she frowned, “I don’t know, cool and closed off. She doesn’t listen to what anyone has to say or act like she’s afraid. She just goes in and says ‘this is what we’re going to do,’ and we all nod and do it.”

Chuckling, Faith relaxed. It was nice to know Buffy wasn’t always as confident as she appeared. “Alright, D. Time for me to address the troops.” They moved down the hall, and, just before the crossed the threshold, Faith whispered, “Thanks, Dawnie.”

A beaming smile answered her.

“Hey, guys,” Faith called out to the bodies littering the room. “Got some stuff to pass on.”

CHAPTER 27

Faith’s announcement energized the Scoobies slumped in the living room. Voices swarmed around her, all of them repeating the same phrase: “What’s wrong with Buffy?” Waving a hand to silence the din, Faith jumped up to sit on the large table at the front of the room. “B’s fine. Just tired. I guess comin’ back from the dead ain’t as easy as it looks. Red’s got it covered, though. She and B are in some cabin sleeping and meditating.” The words were smooth, firm. However, Faith waited, sure someone would see her nervousness or realize she was glossing over a lot of information.

To her surprise, though, no one questioned her comments. Placing her sweating palms flat on the table next to her, Faith took a slow, deep breath and surveyed her little army. Not much when you considered what they were up against. “The girls are going to be out of it for a while. B asked me to play messenger until she got back.” Not exactly a lie…Faith thought.

“Really?” Anya piped in. “I thought Buffy hated you. And, if Buffy’s tired, why is Willow not here? Does Buffy need help sleeping?”

Sweat sprung out all over, and Faith fought the urge to wipe at the droplets dripping into her eyes. “Hey, Demon-girl, save it. If B wants to have a slumber party for two, I ain’t asking questions. I’m just glad Red didn’t fry me or something.”

Anya, of course, wasn’t content with that. “All I was saying is-“ Xander’s hand over her mouth stopped the flow of words.

“Sorry, Faith.” He grimaced in what Faith supposed was an attempt to smile. “Ignore her. Once she locks onto a topic, well, she’s kinda hard to get off.”

“No problem.” There was an uncomfortable silence, and Faith realized they were all waiting for her to say something. “So, um, I was catching some z’s when you were figuring stuff out. Wanna fill me in on where we stand?”

Tara smiled at her from the couch. “From a magic standpoint, we’ve got a good start. Jennifer and I have the beacon spell ready to go, and Willow’s sisters are reorganizing a couple of the outbuildings as barracks for the new Potentials.”

“Medical supplies are more difficult,” Jennifer joined in. “Kirstan’s got some contacts at a hospital in LA. Even if we can get what we need, transporting them means bringing in outsiders or sending some of us to pick them up.”

“What about Fang?” Faith grinned a little at the confused looks, some confidence replacing the nerves. “Is the AI gang coming to the rescue? ‘Cause they’re in LA. Couldn’t they grab the stuff you need and bring it along?”

Jennifer nodded, looking across the room at Kirstan. “That would work. We missed the last of that conversation, though. Are they joining us, sweetie?”

“In a few days. Angel and some ex-Watcher named Wesley are planning on driving out after they do some research on the First and what we might be facing.” Kirstan leaned against a bookcase, arms crossed. “You think they’d be willing to make a side trip?”

“In a heartbeat, if Fang had one,” Faith quipped. “D, can you give them a call? Make the arrangements?” She felt herself smile in response to the rapidly nodding head. “Cool. What’s next? Anything else we need to be doing?”

Xander waved a hand. “What about defenses?”

Feeling lost, Faith stared back. “Not sure I follow, X-man. What kind of defenses? I thought the witch team had all that under control.”

“If this First is as powerful as he claims, we’re going to need more than fireballs and a laser light show.” The voice was all Xander, but a soldier stared out of his eyes. “We need to figure out what we’re going to do…” He trailed off when Faith jumped down from the table and strode to the window. “Faith?”

“We’ve got company.” Faith was listening intently. “Fuck. They’re upstairs. Xan, grab some weapons and meet me up there.” She hit the door at a dead sprint, taking the stairs three at a time. Glass shattered as she reached the second floor landing. She followed the sound, taking out the closed door with one kick.

Kennedy struggled with a robed figure from her position on the bed. Faith leapt across the room and grabbed the intruder, throwing him into the wall. “You OK, Junior?” She glanced at Kennedy. No blood.

“Yeah.” The Potential’s arrogance was missing. The teen was pale, her eyes wide and shocked.

“Stay out of the way. I’ll handle this.” Faith moved toward the moaning figure. As she neared, it staggered upright, a pair of curved knives in its hands. “Nice blades. You think I could borrow them?” A snarl prefaced a slash with one of the knives. Faith twisted out of the way. “I’ll take that as a no.”

The room was a bad place for close-quarter combat. The space teemed with furniture, and Faith and her opponent had very little space for movement. Ducking and blocking as best she could, Faith worked to avoid the dual blades and maneuver the man into a corner. Finally, the robed figure lunged. Trying to lean back, Faith’s foot caught on the edge of a dresser. She hit the floor hard and lay there, gasping.

Before Faith could scramble to her feet, a fireball streaked across the room. It hit the robed attacker in the chest. Animalistic screams filled the small room as flames engulfed the knife-wielding creature. Scooting away from the fire, Faith looked over her shoulder. Dawn stood in the doorway, shaking her hand, staring at it in confusion.

“D, you OK?” Faith asked, suddenly concerned. “You get hurt or something?”

“No.” Dawn’s voice was bemused. “I didn’t know I could do that. You know, the fireball thingy.”

Gaze bouncing between the younger Summers and the now-smoldering corpse, Faith choked out, “You did that? Once this apocalypse is over and you all remember the shit I did, I am so fucked.”

***

As soon as Faith left the guest house, Willow reset the warding. They were protected, for now, from the outside world. Stretching tensed muscles, she wasted a few minutes cleaning up the dinner refuse still on the table. Buffy hadn’t moved. The Slayer’s chest rose and fell in a peaceful rhythm. Willow tested the link. Blocked. Maybe it was time for a little rest of her own. Quickly stripping off Buffy’s jeans, Willow pulled off her own pants and shirt before crawling into the big bed and snuggling next to her friend and lover. Buffy’s warmth soaked through her, and Willow’s eyes drooped closed. Tomorrow would be soon enough to worry about what had sent Buffy over the edge. For now, they both needed sleep…

…”Could I have onion rings with that, instead of fries?” Jesse asked.

Adjusting her bright orange cow and chicken hat, Willow smiled brightly. “Sure. Anything else?”

“Nah. That’ll do it.” Jesse peered behind the counter. “Buffy working today?”

“She’s in the back helping unload the truck.” Willow double checked her register display. “That’s one Doublemeat Medley with onion rings and a large diet coke, right?” Mrs. Summers nodded. “OK. Give me just a second and I’ll have that ready for you.”

Turning away from the counter, Willow frowned. There were an awful lot of people working today. Kennedy and Morgan were at the grill. It looked like they were trying to feed an army. Chicken and meat patties filled the cooking surfaces in neat rows, and stacks of paper serving boats stood waiting. Shrugging, she snagged one of the completed sandwiches and stuck it on a tray. Someone had already started filling the drink order. Eyes widening in horror, Willow watched the liquid overflow the cup, streaming down the stainless steel dispenser onto the floor.

She’d have to clean the floor – after filling the order. Willow removed the cup, replacing it with a clean, empty one. Making sure to press the button for a large drink, she hurried over to the fry counter and filled one of the cardboard containers. As she returned to the counter, she stopped. “What the…?” The diet coke was overflowing this cup, too. Growling under her breath, Willow punched the button to stop the dispenser. Nothing happened. Great. Just great. Diet coke continued to pour out, soaking Willow’s uniform and shoes.

“Ooops! Sorry, Will. I should have warned you about that puddle.” Buffy grimaced, staring at Willow’s soaked and mud-spattered boots. “Restfield isn’t that great with the drainage. Maybe they’ll come clean in the wash?” she added hopefully.

Rolling her eyes, Willow glared at her friend. “Buff, I know you don’t do much with the laundry, but leather and spin cycle so don’t go together.” She took a squelching step forward. Yuck. It was going to be a very long patrol. “Don’t worry about it. My parents are all with the guilt these days. I guess they finally realized they missed graduation. They’ve showered me in gifts and cash since getting back. I’ll just hit the mall after class tomorrow and pick up a new pair.”

“The mall?” Buffy’s eyes gleamed through the darkness. “Would you like a little company? I give good fashion advice.”

“It’s a pair of shoes, Buffy. Even I can get those without help.” She grinned at the dramatic pout the Slayer threw her way. “Well, I guess you can go with me. After all, maybe there will be some clothes calling my name, and, hey, I can certainly use your help with that.” Willow giggled at Buffy’s blinding smile. “You are so easy.”

Buffy didn’t respond, stiffening in place. “Hold that thought.” She sprinted away, stake in hand.

Willow hurried after her, following the sound of Buffy’s voice and pained grunts and curses. By the time she ran around the back of the Aaronson mausoleum, Buffy was alone. She stood with her back to Willow, examining a large, double-bladed scythe. “I don’t remember you stuffing that in your pocket before we left the dorms.”

“Gee, Will, pay more attention next time.” Buffy grinned faintly. “It’s nice, isn’t it? One of the vamps had it, and he was kind enough to drop it before he went poof.” Buffy swung it a few times, and the blades hummed as they cut through the air. “Giles will want to take a look at it in the morning. It’s got some kind of writing on the handle.”

“Can I take a look?” Willow bounced on her toes then stopped as water squished out of her boots. Buffy offered the weapon, smirking only slightly when the blade thunked to the ground. “Thanks. Just so you know, you’re batting a zero on the best friend scale tonight.” Kneeling, she peered at the runes carved into the haft. “Damn. I don’t recognize them.”

Hands stuffed in her jacket pockets, Buffy whispered, “What’s he doing?”

“Who?” Willow whispered back.

“The guy in the colored clothes. Why’s he standing with his back to us?”

Rolling her eyes at Buffy’s ignorance, Willow leaned closer to her friend, trying to ignore the death glares from the other people seated nearby. “He’s praying. ‘To Thee, O God, my God, I will give praise upon the harp.’”

Pulling back, Buffy stared at Willow in confusion. “The harp? Does anybody still play those?” She raised both hands in a sign of surrender when Willow pasted on her Resolve Face. “Sorry, I just don’t get it. I mean, what’s going on now?”

It was too much to hope Buffy would just sit and listen. “He’s kinda confessing his sins.” Willow pointed to the robed priest, who was tapping his chest with a closed fist.

“Why can’t he do that in English?” The Slayer slouched back in the pew, scowling. “This is boring. Let’s go.” She grabbed Willow’s hand and stood. Mumbling apologies, they squeezed by the people in the pew and hurried down the side aisle for the door. With the priest’s voice thundering after them, they stepped outside into the bright sunlight…

…Willow’s eyes snapped open. “What the…? Buffy?” Dazed hazel eyes blinked at her. “Wow. I just had the strangest dream.”

“That makes two of us. Welcome to the hell that is my life, Will. That wasn’t any dream.” Buffy smiled bitterly. “That was a Slayer dream.”

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