CHAPTER 31
“Faith? What are you doing here?” Angel hid behind the door, sunlight streaming into the dark recesses of the Mansion.
Faith shoved past him, striding into the center of the vast space. “I need your help,” she repeated.
“I got that the first time,” Angel growled. He paced closer, arms crossed. “What makes you think I care enough to help you?” His eyes gleamed in the low light. “I remember the last time you came begging for my help. Remember that, Faith?”
She did. The memories threatened her emotional detachment. She could see – no, smell the blood covering her hands. Her stomach muscles spasmed. Faith gritted her teeth and shoved the memory down. Not now. She had work to do. “I remember, Angel. I’ll always remember. You told me that, before I went to the Mayor. Maybe some time we can have that chat over again. Hell, I might even listen this time.”
Angel didn’t say anything.
“Listen,
“Is Buffy-“ he started to ask.
Nearly snarling at his predictability, Faith cut him off.
“Listen up. This ain’t about B.
Angel’s jaw clenched, but he nodded. “Got it. What do you need me to do?”
“I want to do a little search of the Mayor’s office. See if he’s got information about the poison, an antidote, I don’t know.” Faith suddenly realized she didn’t know. She had no plan, Just a driving need to fix this.
“A little vague, don’t you think?” Angel mocked. “Should we
just take anything labeled ‘Cure for
Emotional detachment disappeared. If she’d had a stake, Angel would have been dust. Faith could feel the smooth wood in her hand. She imagined the stake going in, Angel’s eyes wide with surprise – maybe even a little fear. Breathing deeply, Faith clenched her fists and turned to face Angel. “That’s it.” Her voice shook despite all efforts to keep it level. “Red’s down, could be for good. B and the gang are freaking. And while they’re freaking, they aren’t researching.”
“So you want to help. Nice. Not what I
expected from you, but nice.” Angel walked over and sat down in an
antique, throne-like chair. “We need a plan, though. If the Mayor went after
Angel’s unspoken agreement to help steadied Faith a little.
She was able to unclench her hands and start thinking. “Maybe.
Maybe not. I didn’t think he’d go after the gang. As
far as he knows, they don’t have a clue how to stop the Ascension. What if this
wasn’t really about killing
“It’s a thought.” Angel nodded, stroking his chin. “Doesn’t give us a plan, though. What do you want to do?”
Faith bounced on her toes. She didn’t know....or did she? Smiling slowly, Faith replied, “We need to get you into the Mayor’s office. He’s got it rigged with cameras. You don’t show up on those, do you?”
“Digital, not the old ones,” Angel said.
“Saw a playback. Black and white. Grainy.” She tilted her head. “That gonna work for you?”
He grinned, a hint of fang showing. “Perfect. What am I looking for?”
“That’s where things get fuzzy,” Faith admitted, grinning sheepishly. “The Mayor has a secret cabinet behind a bookcase. Lots of books, some potions and stuff. I figure if he did the deed, there’ll be something there.”
“You want me to break in to City Hall, dodge a few security guards, and look for something on an unnamed poison?” Angel didn’t quite laugh, and Faith was glad. It did sound lame when he said it like that.
Shrugging, she wandered over to the French doors, dragging one of the heavy curtains back and peering out into the sunlight courtyard. “It’s a hell of a lot better than watching the Scoobies freak and reading a ton more musty old books looking for information on an unnamed poison.” Angel grunted. “Besides, I’ll take care of the guards. Got something in mind to keep them busy while you’re inside.” She turned back around, meeting his eyes.
“Big risk, you getting so close to the Mayor.” Angel watched her, and Faith worked to keep her face blank.
“Look at it this way, Big Guy. I get caught or go down, you get to take the goodies to B all by yourself. She could be so grateful, she forgets all about the brush off she gave you in the sewers.” The words burned her throat. Despite the pressure squeezing her chest, Faith knew she was right. If something did happen, at least Angel would be there for Buffy.
***
“Hey, she’s coming to,” Oz said, interrupting the tense scene.
Oz grabbed her, fresh blood staining the towel over the open wound. “Stay still. Please.” His voice rose, cracking on the plea. For the first time anyone remembered, his cool composure was missing.
“Good…good idea,”
“
The red head shook back and forth slightly.
Clearing his throat, Giles explained the situation. “You were shot – with an arrow. We believe it was poisoned. Do you,” he fiddled with his glasses, pushing them farther up the bridge of his nose, “feel anything odd, perhaps?”
It took a while for him to get his answer. Buffy wiped at
the tears on her face.
“My shoulder’s numb.” The soft words were tinged with panic. Wide green eyes pleaded with Giles to help. “I can’t feel my arm, Giles.”
Oz tightened his embrace, whispering softly into
“Giles, we can fix this, right?” She’d wanted to sound firm. The words came out shaky at best, though. Buffy cleared her throat and straightened to her full height. “Tell me where to look. I’ll find what we need.” This time her voice was sure.
“I have the book here, Buffy.” Wesley came back, large book
in hand. “The Council have records on all the known
toxins, mystical or otherwise.” He flicked a glance at the arrow still in
Giles’ hand. “Perhaps we could let
Buffy nodded. Wes made sense, and he wasn’t being all Lord
of the Manor like usual. “Oz, you and Giles stay here.” Oz didn’t even look up;
his attention was focused on
Striding out of the library, Buffy stormed down the hallway into the science lab, the rest of the gang at her heels. The array of beakers and Bunsen burners seemed more overwhelming than normal. Where did they even start?
“Alright. Here’s what we need to do,” Wesley seemed to answer her unspoken question. “Xander, find something to scrape the blood from the arrow. Buffy, are there any Petrie dishes?”
A what? Buffy stared at a suddenly collected and confident Watcher.
Her obvious confusion didn’t faze him. “A dish – with a lid – for the scrapings.”
“Oh!” Buffy smiled. She was back in the game. “I’m on it.” She didn’t wait to hear the rest of Wesley’s instructions. Dodging tables and stools, she headed for the supply cabinet. Locked. It didn’t even take Slayer strength to wrench the door open. Riffling through the supplies, Buffy finally located one of the requested dishes. She trotted back to Wesley. “Here.”
He took the dish with a small smile. “Excellent.” Wesley nodded slightly. Using what looked like a single chop stick, he scraped at the blood-stained arrow. The drying blood flaked off, landing silently in the plastic circle of the Petrie dish. The collection plate slid under the microscope next to Wesley.
Buffy huddled close to Xander and Anya. “Anything?” She knew it was too early. It didn’t matter. She had to ask, had to know. There was nothing to do except watch Wesley fiddle with the dials on the microscope and mumble to himself.
Wesley didn’t answer her question.
Fidgeting, hands rubbing nervously against her legs, Buffy scanned the room. Xander had his arms wrapped tightly around Anya. Both of them stared at Wesley. Joyce sat on a lab table, idly paging through the Council’s book on poisons. “Where’s Faith?” The words were loud, seemingly out of place in the tense room.
Bile burned Buffy’s throat when Joyce hopped off her perch and walked toward her. “Let’s go out in the hall.”
Buffy shook her head. No way. She wouldn’t be able to watch Wesley turn the microscope knob and listen to the clock tick out there. Plus, Buffy had the sinking suspicion Joyce didn’t have anything good to say.
“Now, Buffy. Xander or Anya can get us if things change.” Joyce strode passed.
Head down, Buffy followed more slowly. The air in the hallway was cooler. Or, she thought with a grim internal smile, maybe it was just the frigid aura around Joyce. “What’s up, Mom?”
“Faith’s gone.” The curt words hung in the air. Joyce watched her, arms folded.
“What?” Her mom had to be lying. Faith would leave. Not after…She’d promised…hadn’t she? The temperature dropped further. Buffy shivered, the cold sending icy tentacles crawling under her skin.
Buffy jumped when a warm hand cupped her chin. “Buffy, after you yelled at her about the Mayor, she left.”
The words didn’t make sense. Buffy could hear them. She could even understand them individually. It was when she tried to piece the meanings together that everything went fuzzy. “Left?” She laughed, the sound forced out of a suddenly dry throat. “No way. I mean, she would have told me she needed some air. I would have noticed she was gone.”
Joyce simply shook her head.
“Oh, God.” Buffy’s legs felt weak, shaky. Leaning against the wall, she squeezed her eyes shut. “I have to go after her,” she whispered mostly to herself. “I can’t let her leave.” Mixed with the need to find Faith was the heart-shattering thought that she was solely responsible for Faith running.
“No, not this time.” Joyce was firm,
even when Buffy’s head came up, angry hazel eyes glaring. “Right now, you need
to find a way to save
“Mom, I-“ Buffy was too numb to cry. Too many emotions, too much pressure inside.
Pulling her into a tight hug, Joyce murmured against her hair, “We’ll look together, Buffy. Right now, though,” Buffy stiffened, knowing what was coming, “let’s get back to work on the poison and the Ascension.”
CHAPTER 32
Buffy clutched her mother for a minute longer before
reluctantly pulling away. Feeling almost numb from the constant barrage of
blows to her emotions, she mumbled, “Right. A cure for
Nothing had changed. Anya and Xander still held each other across the room. Knobs turned under Wesley’s hand.
Buffy slunk over and dropped onto a lab stool away from the others. The cold from the hallway had followed. It clung to her, inside, stabbing her with frigid spikes with every breath.
She lost track of time. The maddening electric click of the classroom clock echoed in her head until its monotonous marking of time lost meaning.
“Mrs. Summers, the book, please.” Buffy’s head shot up at Wesley’s request.
“Wes?” All of Buffy’s hopes and fears lay in that single word.
He held up a hand, peering intently at the book handed him.
Buffy’s muscles tightened until she was sure cramps weren’t far
behind. Her heart thundered as each beat reverberated in her head. They had to
find the poison.
Wesley sighed. “I’ve found it.”
Cocking her head, Buffy wondered why he didn’t sound happy. The knot in her stomach tightened. “Spill, Wes. What do we have to do to save Will?”
“I’m not sure we can do anything, Buffy.” He looked pale, but he met her eyes. “The poison – it destroys souls.” Fumbling with the book, Wesley tried to explain. “As the toxin works its way into the body, it wraps around the victim’s soul. It combines science with very high-level magic.”
“Isn’t there an antidote?” Joyce asked into the silence filling the room.
Wesley grimaced. “An anti-toxin can be produced. However, it’s extremely difficult and can only be created while the maker incants the spell over the original ingredients.”
“What does that mean, exactly?” For once, Xander wasn’t making a joke. Buffy saw him frown, arms tight around Anya.
“It means that unless we find an existing vial of the
anti-toxin, there is no way to save
***
Concrete rough under her palms, Faith leaned over the edge of the rooftop and peered down at City Hall. “OK, Big Guy,” she said to herself. “Let’s hope I know what I’m doing.
Sweat trickled down her back under her too-large shirt. The bag slung over her shoulder bounced as she worked her way to a better vantage point. When she was sure she had the right angle, Faith pulled a lighter from her pocket and removed the first bottle from the bag. A flick of her thumb and flames leapt up the rag wick. With a throw only a Slayer could manage, the bottle shattered one of the large windows bracketing the doors to Sunnydale’s political center.
Seconds later, Faith’s sensitive hearing caught terrified screams. The Mayor’s human day-shift staff rushed from the building.
She was on the move instantly. Needing to keep the police and security guards spread out, Faith sprinted to the escape ladder and hurried down. She ran across the alley and climbed the next ladder to another rooftop.
Faith managed to throw two more cocktails before her pursuers got too close. Abandoning the rest of her arsenal, she concentrated on leading the Mayor’s human employees on a long hunt.
Her feet splashed loudly through the water trickling through the dimly lit alley. She could hear the group behind her. Too close. Somehow, Faith had miscalculated. Skidding around a corner, she came to an abrupt halt. Five uniformed security guards waited for her, guns drawn. Damn. She’d forgotten about that. Slayer strength versus bullets. Bad odds.
With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Faith raised her hands in the universal sign of surrender. “Guess you wouldn’t believe I was just out for a jog?”
Another group of guards came around the corner with more guns. Faith kept her hands up, muscles quivering with the need to run or fight. They were human. Fighting her Slayer instincts, Faith remained in place, praying Angel had had enough time.
“Let’s go.” One of the guards gestured with his gun. They made a strange cavalcade, Faith leading the pack of armed guards down the alley. Following directions, she wound her way to a service entrance at the rear of City Hall. A wry smile twisted her lips. No one would see them take her inside. Swallowing hard, Faith realized there was a good chance she wasn’t making it out of the building alive.
The guards didn’t lead her to the Mayor’s office or one of the conference rooms. Instead, Faith found herself prodded down a flight of stairs into the building’s boiler room. Dark and musty-smelling, the room had no windows. Her Slayer senses lit up. She sensed vampires and something new. A demon - not one she recognized by feel. Faith ground her teeth, cursing internally. Her no-plan plan was really lacking in the plan department.
***
“That’s not good enough.” Buffy’s mind wouldn’t wrap around
Wesley’s pronouncement. “Of course we’re going to find a cure for
She hated the pity in his eyes. Deep inside, she knew it meant he firmly believed there was no hope. “Buffy,” the pity was in his voice, too, “if we could find the anti-toxin and if we administer it in time, there is a chance.”
Buffy latched on to the thread of hope. “See. It’s not hopeless.” She hopped off the stool and started pacing. “The Mayor. He had the poison. That means he’s our best option for the antidote. I’ll just wait until dark and do a little breaking and entering.”
Clearing his throat, Wesley stood and straightened his tie. “That would be too late.”
The ringing in her ears was back, louder this time. “Too late?” Buffy grabbed onto one of the lab tables, knees suddenly not working right. “What do you mean, too late?”
“The poison works very swiftly. Within a matter of hours, it
starts to devour the soul, the very essence of its victim.” He rubbed a hand
over the back of his neck. “
This wasn’t happening. Buffy stared at Wesley, the world
starting to fade at the edges, the ringing in her ears making her head ache.
“No,” she pleaded. “No. Not
Wesley nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. “I’ll contact the Council. Perhaps they have a vial somewhere or know where we might procure some.” He was humoring her. Buffy could hear it in his voice. Wesley didn’t believe there was any real hope. For once, though, she was glad of the empty promise.
“Thanks, Wes.” Her voice shook, and Buffy cleared her
throat. “Thanks. While you do that, we’ll go check on
The quiet group snuck into the library. Oz huddled over
“Oz?” Xander whispered when Buffy’s voice failed.
Dull hazel eyes looked up. “She’s slipping away.” The words were barely audible, but they echoed in the room.
“Wes is contacting the Council. There’s a cure.” Buffy offered the hope, feeling almost guilty at the relief that sprang into Oz’s eyes. “Where’s Giles?” Moving away, Buffy blindly scanned the shelves of books. The room was closing in. She was hot and cold at the same time. The air pressed against her, making it hard to breathe.
“The office. He said something about planning for Graduation.” Oz didn’t sound very interested in the topic.
Without turning, Buffy commented, “Stay here, guys. I’m
going to see what’s happening on that front.” She wasn’t much more interested
in the Mayor and his Ascension than Oz. She just had to get away, away from the
stifling silence, the unspoken expectation that she’d pull a solution out of
thin air, away from
She tapped on the doorframe, waiting until Giles looked up and gestured for her to come in. “Oz said you were working on a plan?”
“Well, that was my intent.” He took off his glasses and tossed them onto his desk blotter.
“Oookay. Let me guess. You didn’t get very far.” Buffy dropped into the chair next to his desk. The day continued to get worse. It was so bad now. What else could possibly go wrong?
***
“Hello, Faith.” Faith flinched as the Mayor stepped out of the shadows. The familiar quirky smile crossed his face. “I’ve missed seeing you.”
Bile burned Faith’s throat as she watched him walk closer. “Boss.” The word came out before she could censor it, “Glad to know you noticed I’d changed sides. You weren’t looking good in the poles,” she pushed, not wanting him to sense how much this conversation hurt.
“Really?’ He laughed. “All my people say I’m a shoe in.” Wilkins stopped less than a foot from Faith. In horror, Faith noticed his eyes no longer looked human. They were flat, cold, the pupils slitted. Like a snake.
“You pay them. What else are they going to say?” Faith mocked. Her eyes swept the room, looking for a way out. She reached out, trying to locate the demon on her radar. The vamps she might be able to handle if she got the chance. A demon, though…
Her muscles trembled violently as fear gripped her. The demon…Her senses homed in on Wilkins. Faith shrank back, nearly whimpering. The Mayor wasn’t completely human anymore.
“Ah, you’ve discovered my secret.” Wilkins smile changed, the joviality gone. In its place – a greasy satisfaction. He moved even closer, until he almost touched Faith. “The Ascension is close. Soon, I’ll be the biggest thing this town has ever seen.”
He seemed disappointed when Faith didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The image of the demon in Giles’ book filled her mind.
“Too bad you won’t be there to see it.” He turned away, snapping his fingers at one of his pet vampires. Faith came back to the here and now to see him face her. In his hands lay her knife. The beautiful curved blade gleamed in the low light.
“That’s OK, Dick. I’m not a big fan of ceremonies.” Faith devoutly hoped he didn’t notice the quiver in her voice.
He did. “Why, Faith, you’re not afraid, are you?” Wilkins turned the blade, smirking as Faith’s eyes watched the hypnotic movement. “Don’t be. I’ll make sure it’s quick. Nothing’s too good for my girl.”
Faith’s stomach hurt, the words hitting her like a kick. She sucked in a deep breath against the pain.
“Now, your little friend, Buffy? She won’t get such gentle treatment.” The Mayor smiled coldly. “I’m going to eat her as a gift to myself at my Ascension.”
Faith didn’t think. Couldn’t think through the rage and fear pouring through her mind. Lunging forward, she grabbed the knife and plunged it into the Mayor’s chest. Rough hands grabbed her immediately, yanking her back.
They were too late. Faith smiled in grim satisfaction. The knife stuck out of the Mayor’s chest. He wasn’t going to make it to his Ascension.
Her pleasure disappeared when the Mayor straightened from his slump and pulled the knife out as if her were pulling a stray thread from his jacket. “Such violence. I always admired that in you. Too bad I’m invulnerable.”
Legs buckling, Faith dangled from the hands holding her. This couldn’t be happening.
Not even bothering to wipe the bloody blade clean, Wilkins paced toward her.
I’m sorry, B, for everything. Faith waited for the killing blow.
It never fell. A plastic bottle rolled across the floor until it stopped, resting against the foot of one of the Mayor’s vampire guards. Everyone – including Faith – watched it in confusion. A flame flickered near its mouth.
The explosion threw the vamps nearest the Mayor to the ground and staggered His Honor. Fire spread quickly, thanks to the clothing of the vampire who’d been in contact with the bottle. His screams of pain echoed in the room.
As Faith looked on, the Mayor stepped away from the undead torch, unease twisting his face. He stayed well away from the fire.
The vampires scurried around the room like ants at a picnic, looking for the bomber.
While they searched, two more Molotov cocktails rolled into the room. Each one aimed away from Faith and the Mayor.
A hand grabbed Faith, pulling her away from her guards. “Let’s go!” Angel dragged her through the disorganized vampires. A bent metal grating partially covered a hole in the concrete floor.
They dropped into the sewers, running full tilt away from City Hall.
CHAPTER 33
The sound of their footsteps and the splash of the brackish water in the tunnel echoed hollowly. “Please tell me I didn’t almost get dead for nothing,” Faith gasped out.
Angel held up the satchel bouncing against his side. “I don’t know. There were a lot of little bottles and boxes of powders. I took everything. Giles will have to look at them.”
The news wasn’t good. Faith ran in silence, mind whirling. Deep inside, she was cold. The change in the Mayor ate at her. She’d supported him. Hell, she’d loved him like a Father. Seeing his changed appearance and feeling the demon growing inside him…the world wavered, going grey. Faith staggered, dropping to a knee.
“Faith!” Angel spun, fingers digging into her shoulder. “Are you hurt?” Through the confusing waves of emotions exploding in her head, Faith was surprised. He sounded genuinely concerned.
Shaking her head increased the pain and the nausea. Faith held herself very still and muttered, “No. I don’t…it’s like someone’s trying to take over my mind or something.” Squeezing her eyes shut, she leaned her head on her upraised knee. Images, glimpses of other places and people flitted through her mind. She struggled to bring them into focus. It was like watching an movie in fast forward
Cold hands dragged her to her feet and down the tunnel. “Well, tell them to come back later. The Mayor’s vamps aren’t that far behind us,” Angel snapped.
“Right.” Forcing her eyes open, Faith pulled away from his grip, running with disjointed movements. The tunnel wavered and spun. Every once in a while, it disappeared, replaced by the kaleidoscope of other images.
They continued through the sewers, turning, doubling back, trying to lose their pursuers.
“This isn’t working.” Angel came to a stop. “We aren’t losing them.”
Faith agreed. She could feel the vampires behind them. “We don’t have a lot of choices. It’s more tunnels, or a trip back to the Mayor’s with our new ‘friends’ back there. Going up is out. Too much sunshine for you.”
“You could-“ Angel offered.
“Nope. Not leaving you behind.” Faith’s refusal was immediate. She tried to find another alternative; the continued whirl of images in her mind made it hard to concentrate, though.
Angel wasn’t impressed with her answer. “I think you were
the one who pointed out this was bigger than you and me. This is about
Nearly growling, Faith shook her aching head. Pain exploded behind her eyes. The tunnel disappeared. This time, the vision snapped into view, crystal clear.
“I’m sorry ,Buffy. There isn’t
anything else we can do. The Council doesn’t have any of the anti-toxin
in storage.” Dimly, Faith wondered why Wes was looking at her, but talking to
Buffy. She jumped off the research table she was sitting on.
“I told you.” Faith tried to clear her throat. The words
didn’t sound right. Too high pitched. Nothing happened except – she continued
talking, “Look at her, Wes. Look at her.” Swallowing against another surge of
nausea, Faith turned her head. Willow huddled in Oz’s arms, pale and sweating.
She breathed in harsh pants. “We can’t let this happen. I don’t care what we
have to do. I’m not letting my best friend die.”
Cold resolve filled Faith’s mind, despite the accompanying wave of confusion. Red, her best friend? Since when? What the fuck was going on?
“Buffy, honey, leave Mr. Price alone.” Why was everyone
calling her Buffy? She spun and glared at Joyce.
“I’m not giving up, Mom. The rest of you can sit on your
hands, but I’m finding a cure.”
The world flickered and changed again. Angel held her shaking body upright. “We go up, Big Guy. Don’t ask how or why…I just know we gotta hurry. Red’s dying.”
“Remember the sun, Faith? I can’t go up.” Angel was impatient, eyes restlessly scanning the dim tunnel.
“Maybe, maybe not.” Shoving him away, Faith prayed her legs would work. She felt weak and drained. However, the feel of their pursuers gaining ground pushed her on. “Where’s the nearest exit?”
Angel hesitated a minute then took off. “This way.” He led them down another offshoot. A ladder hugged one wall, leading to a manhole cover.
“OK, stay here for a second.” Faith clambered up the ladder and shoved the heavy metal plate out of the way. Popping her head out, she peered around. Not a bad location. They were just outside of the downtown area. “Angel, come on up. There’s cover not far away. Some shop has a thing out front you can hide under until we come up with a better plan.”
Climbing out onto the sidewalk, Faith rocked on her heels as she waited for Angel. He jumped out of the access tunnel and sprinted down the sidewalk. Smoke curled up from his duster by the time he reached the brightly striped awning. Tossing the cover back onto the hole, Faith trotted over to join him.
“Your planning skills haven’t gotten any better, Faith. I’m trapped here,” Angel snapped. He huddled against the side of the building, peering uneasily at the sunlight.
Faith shrugged. “Didn’t hear you offering
anything better.” For a second, they squared off. Then the vision of
“Leave me here, Faith. I’ll wait until it gets dark, and then head back to the Mansion.” He gave her a brave smile, and Faith rolled her eyes at his continuing need to play the martyr.
A cab pulled up to the curb, disembarking a load of shoppers. Holding her breath, Faith shoved a hand in her back pocket. The money was still there. “Wait!” she called out as the yellow car started to pull off. It stopped and she ran to the window. “My friend over there,” she pointed back at Angel, “he ain’t feeling well. Can you give us a lift?”
The driver nodded. Faith hurried back to Angel. “Wrap your coat over your head. We’re taking a ride.”
“Faith, there are windows in a taxi. Windows let in sunlight. Sunlight makes me a pile of dust.” Angel hunched further into his jacket. “I still think you should-“
“Look at the windows, Fang. See the dirt?” Faith rolled her
eyes. “Even the sun can’t get through that crap. Pull your coat up, run like
hell, and get in the car. Red’s waiting for us to save her.” Not waiting to see
if he followed directions, Faith slid into the cab’s backseat. Angel dove in
seconds later. “
***
Buffy had given up trying to hide in Giles’ office hours
ago. She sat with the rest of the gang, staring in fascinated horror at
“I still say it’s the only way, guys,” she said softly,
taking a second to glance around the room. Six bodies huddled in a sloppy
circle around
“It’s dangerous, and it involves civilians.” Wes sounded like a broken record. Buffy had lost count of the times he’d said the same thing.
Xander must have thought so, too. The normal joking absent from his tone, he snapped, “We got that the first ten times you said that. Buffy’s right. We don’t have a better plan.”
If the situation wasn’t so dire, Buffy would have appreciated the support. As it was, she was too numb to care. The conversation about Graduation continued around her. Buffy barely heard any of it. Her mind buzzed, almost literally. Exhaustion, fear, grief…
The library doors slammed open. Faith and Angel rushed in.
“Giles, check these.” Angel thrust a bulging satchel at a
stunned Giles. “They’re from the Mayor’s office. One of them may be the cure
for
Giles stared at the bag, not moving.
“Yo, G, get moving.” Faith grabbed him, shoving him none too gently toward the doors. “Red’s not looking so good, and I bet B won’t be real happy with you if things go bad ‘cause you were too slow.”
Buffy’s numb state started to lift. Faith was back. Faith was back and she had the cure. Jumping off the table, she ran across the room, hurtling the last few feet. “Thank you,” she bubbled, hugging Faith tightly.
It took a minute to realize Faith wasn’t returning the embrace.
“Faith?” Buffy asked, stiffening. What was wrong? “Are you hurt? Did something happen while you were getting the antidote?”
“I’m five by five, B.” Shit. That wasn’t good. The phrase sent Buffy into panic mode.
Looking into blank brown eyes, Buffy tried again. “I’m sorry about this morning. I…I just freaked. I know it wasn’t your fault, Faith.”
It wasn’t working. Faith didn’t look convinced. Her expression cool, she shrugged out of Buffy’s arms. “Sure, B. I understand. Red’s always been your best girl. Glad me and Angel could help.”
Stunned, Buffy watched as Faith sauntered across the room and perched on a chair near her mother. “Angel? What happened?” She must have missed something. Why was Faith acting so weird?
“Is she the reason you want me to leave?” There was no anger in the quiet voice, just resignation. Angel glanced at Buffy, head tilted. “She doesn’t look very happy with your choice.”
“No,” Buffy mumbled, “she doesn’t.” The euphoria faded. Buffy stared at Faith, wondering why God or the PtB or whoever hated her. She’d been so happy less than twenty four hours ago. Now…It was all slipping away, and Buffy knew she’d caused the rift. Wrapping her arms over her stomach, she tried to ease the ache. It didn’t help. Sudden nausea swelled. She had to leave. Sprinting, Buffy headed for the bathroom in the hall.
CHAPTER 34
Trembling hands gripping the white porcelain, Buffy stared at her reflection in the tiny mirror. She looked like hell, pale with deep bruising under both eyes. No wonder Faith ran. Who would want her like this?
An image of
Buffy retched into the sink until there was nothing left inside. Sobs mixed with gasping breaths as she sank to her knees on the cold tile floor.
***
Faith watched Buffy nearly sprint from the room. Tremors ran
through her legs, and she fought the urge to follow. She had to let it go. She
had to let Buffy go. The dream was over. Faith focused her attention on
A hand dropped onto her shoulder and she jerked forward. Spinning in her chair, Faith met Joyce’s eyes – and immediately looked away. The warm hazel eyes seemed to peer into her heart and mind.
“Welcome back,” Joyce said softly. Faith relaxed. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad. “Buffy was worried about you.”
Damn. Maybe it was. “I bet,” Faith commented bitterly. Not
wanting to talk about Buffy, Faith started to turn back to
“I had to keep her from going after you.” Joyce’s words
caused Faith to close her eyes against sudden tears. “As scared as she was over
Unable to say anything around the lump in her throat, Faith simply shrugged.
The fingers tightened slightly on her shoulder, their warmth slowly encroaching on the cold surrounding Faith’s heart. “Giles has this under control; there’s nothing you can do here. Go.”
The soft command had Faith scrambling out of the chair and striding across the library. Outside the double doors, she hesitated. With Joyce no longer touching her, urging her on, Faith’s momentum faltered.
A soft sound tickled her hearing.
Frowning, Faith crept cautiously down the corridor. As she advanced, the sound got louder. Someone was crying. Her stomach clenched. It had to be Buffy. Faith placed the palm of her hand on the bathroom door, pressing it slowly open.
On auto-pilot, Faith walked to Buffy’s side and stood, looking at the form huddled on the floor. Seeing Buffy’s pain first hand, Faith couldn’t rekindle her earlier anger. Dropping to one knee, she gently gripped Buffy’s arms and pulled her into a sitting position. “Don’t, B.” Her voice wavered on the plea. “Don’t cry. I’m not worth it.”
Buffy didn’t answer. Instead, she hurled herself into Faith’s arms, crying harder.
“Fuck!” Faith froze, hands flapping uselessly behind Buffy. “B, come on. It…it’s OK. Really.” Was it? With Buffy pressed against her, hot tears wetting her neck, Faith couldn’t remember why she had been so angry with Buffy. Pressing a gentle kiss on the blonde head, she just wanted ease Buffy’s grief.
“It’s…it’s not…OK,” Buffy gasped out. Her shuddering breaths warmed Faith’s neck. “I know you weren’t to blame. I do.” Buffy clutched Faith tightly.
Rocking them slightly, Faith let that sink in. “Buffy, I get that. I mean, I think I do.” She closed her eyes, and forced herself to go on. “It’s just…you don’t trust me, do you, Buffy?” The words physically hurt to say.
“What?” Buffy leaned back, teary hazel eyes peering up into soulful brown. “No! That’s not it.”
“Then what?” The anger, hurt, and
confusion were making a return. Faith glared down at Buffy’s hazel eyes. “I
didn’t shoot
Buffy nodded. “I never thought you shot her, Faith.” Her voice started to rise.
“Really?” Faith didn’t quite dump Buffy on the floor as she stood abruptly. “You might not have said the words, B, but I got the message pretty clear.”
Scrambling to her feet, Buffy stood to her full height and faced Faith. “I know you didn’t shoot her!”
“Yeah, but you think I should have known the Mayor had her on his hit list,” Faith responded.
Her comment caught Buffy off guard. Eyes wide, Buffy stared at Faith silently.
This was it. Faith stepped back, nodding. “You do, don’t you? Fuck, B!” she shouted in frustration and pain, arms waving in the air. “How am I supposed to know what the Mayor has planned? Even when I worked for him, he didn’t give me his fucking schedule. Red and I may have our problems, but I wouldn’t just sit on my hands and let this happen if I’d known.”
“I’m sorry,” Buffy listlessly repeated. She leaned her back against the sink. “I don’t know what else to say, Faith. I was wrong, and I’m sorry. The last few days…Hell, just yesterday was the happiest I’ve ever been. And now it’s all gone.”
Faith stood tensely, waiting for Buffy to tell her to leave once and for all. The dizziness and disorientation from the sewers returned. The room wavered, her perspective changing rapidly. She was Buffy…she was Faith…
“Faaaaiiiith?” Buffy’s voice echoed strangely, the sound dragged out.
As suddenly as the feeling started, it stopped. Faith staggered, falling into the stall door to her right. “B? What the fuck is going on?”
The fluorescent lighting in the tiny bathroom leeched all color from Buffy’s face. She stared at Faith, mouth opening and closing.
“B?” Faith took a step toward her. “You felt it, too, right? Like we’d switched bodies?”
Buffy’s head nodded.
“It happened earlier, when Fang and I were running from the Mayor’s vamps.” Moving carefully, Faith walked to Buffy. “And, you know, there was this weird vision thing when I was bringing you the dress. Like I was seeing where you were. Some crappy houses you were running past.”
Warning bells went off in Faith’s head as Buffy turned quickly away at her comment.
Eyes trained on Buffy’s averted face, Faith pressed for answers. “You knew about this, didn’t you?” No answer. “What the fuck, B! What’s happening to me, to us?”
“Nothing.” Buffy voice cracked, and she cleared her throat. “Nothing’s happening.”
She met Faith’s eyes in the tiny mirror. “Really.”
“Man, B, you expect me to believe that?” Faith grabbed Buffy’s arm, spinning her around. “Tell me what’s going on! How can you say that you trust me one minute and then lie about this the next?” Even with rage pounding in time with her heartbeat, Faith felt tears burn the backs of her eyes. Buffy’s on again off again emotions were ripping at her already tattered self confidence.
For a second, Faith thought Buffy would keep refusing to explain. Then Buffy slumped in her grasp, lower lip caught in her teeth. “It’s…it’s a long story, and…um, it’s going to sound really, really bad.” Raising her eyes to Faith’s, Buffy pleaded, “Promise you won’t freak until you’ve listened to everything? Please?”
Faith nearly groaned. How bad was bad? Still, she couldn’t resist those wide, scared eyes. “Alright, B. I’ll listen.” The blonde head came up, hope chasing some of the fear from her eyes. “And no freaking until the end,” she continued grudgingly.
“Thank you,” Buffy whispered. Taking a slow, deep breath, she started her story. “Remember the night at the Mansion? You, me, Angel, and a whole bunch of pointy things?”
Swallowing hard, Faith nodded jerkily. She’d never forget that night. The terror and shameful secret thrill of having Buffy at her mercy.
Small hands rubbing her pant legs, Buffy said, “I had Will do a spell for me, to show me how Angel really felt about me. You know, let me read his emotions.” A blush colored her cheeks, and her voice became an indistinct mumble. “I wanted to know if he wanted me, or…or you.”
In another situation, Faith might have laughed. Something told her, though, this wasn’t going to be funny. “Let me guess, Wonder Witch screwed up the spell?” She braced for the answer.
“Not exactly.” Buffy stopped talking and started pacing the bathroom.
When the explanation didn’t pick back up, Faith sighed. “B, I can’t read your mind here. You gotta talk if you want me to listen to the story.”
She didn’t understand Buffy’s strange smile – or her quiet, “Actually, I think you can.”
“I can what? Read your mind?” Faith straightened, dread and the first glimmer of understanding trickling through her. “Oh, no. You don’t expect me to believe that? You said the spell was for Angel.”
“It didn’t exactly work the way I planned it,” Buffy said with a small, wry smile. “Did you know vampires are, um…immune to emotion and thought reading? I didn’t.” She coughed, rubbing the back of her neck. “Apparently, neither did Will.”
Faith’s mind raced ahead, connecting the dots. The picture revealed by the lines staggered her. Arms wrapped tightly over her stomach, Faith whispered, “That’s what this was all about. It was all about being in my head.” The room blurred as tears filled her eyes. “Were you ever going to tell me? Twist the knife when you told me it was all a lie?”
“What?” Buffy sounded confused. “Faith, what are you talking about?”
“You found out I lo-“ Faith broke off. Maybe her one big secret was still safe. She started to back away. “You knew I wanted you so you used that, lured me away from the Mayor, slept with me.” The words burned her throat. “God, B, was it all a lie?” she half demanded, half pleaded. It couldn’t be. Buffy couldn’t have made love like that if it had been a lie, right?
Hands suddenly gripped her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “Oh my God, Faith. No!”
Buffy’s voiced echoed hollowly in her head, and Faith prayed she wouldn’t pass out. She felt so cold and sick.
The hands tightened, holding her up for a second before lowering her to the floor. Trembling lips brushed her cheek. “I can prove it. I can prove none of it was a lie, Faith. Whatever happened with the spell, I think you can read my mind, too.”
CHAPTER 35
Buffy waited until Faith looked up, dazed eyes meeting hers. “I think the link goes both ways, and that’s how you were able to see where I was.” Ignoring the nerves twisting her stomach at what she was about to do, Buffy continued, “If you extend your Slayer senses, there’s a wall, or a barrier. I think you can go through it.”
Watching Faith carefully, she saw her frown, the brown eyes go blank. Braced for an internal invasion, Buffy extended her own senses. Maybe if she could feel Faith’s entrance, lead her through the barrier, it wouldn’t be so bad. As she searched for Faith, Buffy lost awareness of the outside world. A dense mist seeped in, gradually enveloping them. Oddly enough, Buffy wasn’t alarmed…just curious.
She noticed a familiar scent in the air, and shook her head at the realization she was surrounded by the smell of leather and musk. Faith’s smell. The mist settled on her like a caress, and she swore Faith’s hand had just grazed her shoulder. Despite a lingering unease at allowing Faith so deep inside her mind, Buffy relaxed enough to smile. Faith’s gentle touch warmed her and chased away the chill from the strange fog.
Turning, she saw Faith scant inches away, hands on her hips, “Where the fuck are we, B?”
Buffy peered around. It was hard to see through the clinging grey mist. Concentrating, she was just able to make out vague shapes looming in the distance. Shrugging, Buffy turned back to Faith, whose image rippled as though she was surrounded by intense heat. “Um, I think we’re in my head.” She grimaced at Faith’s snort. “It could be yours. I don’t know. When I pushed through the barrier between us earlier, I didn’t get the MTV Unplugged version.”
Lightening flashed in the background as Faith took an angry step toward Buffy. “What do you mean, when you pushed through the barrier? I thought this mind reading thing was an accident. You’ve been mucking in my head on purpose?”
Skin tingling at the sudden electricity in the air, Buffy retreated a step. She tried to excuse her unauthorized look into Faith’s mind. “You were freaking out over the Mayor, and I just…I wanted…” The words trailed off. They were here – wherever here was, to clear the air. It was decision time. Stomach cramping with nerves, Buffy met Faith’s angry eyes and nodded slowly. “Yes,” she admitted quietly.
Faith spun away, one fist lashing out into the mist. “Fuck it, B.” The power of her punch scattered the swirling grey around them.
Buffy’s vision wavered. Moaning in pain, she grabbed her head. As Faith continued to pound the thickened air around them, the stabbing behind Buffy’s eyes grew. “Faith,” she pleaded, heart rate picking up. “Stop. Please.”
“B?” Through the blinding ache, Buffy felt Faith’s hands grab her chin, lifting it. “What’s wrong?” Even after their argument, Faith’s eyes were concerned. She peered intently at Buffy, callused fingers stroking Buffy’s cheeks.
“When…when you reacted just now, it hurt.” Buffy leaned into the touch, needing the contact. Needing Faith.
She heard Faith swallow then the husky voice said softly. “Sorry, B. I didn’t know.” As quickly as she’d moved to comfort, Faith stepped away.
Buffy shivered as the chill fog draped itself around her again.
“So, this is your head?” Faith asked, spinning around and looking at the bleak landscape.
Still shaky from the pain, Buffy smiled wryly. Even without reading Faith’s mind, she knew avoidance when she saw it. “The one and only, I guess.” Glaring at the mist, Buffy muttered, “I nearly failed Earth Science. How did I manage to create this?
“Whatever, B.” Faith didn’t really sound impressed. “Bigger question: what are we doing here?”
“I…I wanted to show you that I wasn’t lying. I didn’t sleep with you as part of a plot, Faith.” Shrugging helplessly, Buffy went on. “I did use what I felt in your mind, once or twice. I didn’t want you to leave, Faith.” Even trapped inside her own head, Buffy felt the heat suffuse her cheeks. God, this was so hard.
She braced for Faith’s reaction. It wasn’t what she expected. “We both know I wasn’t gonna leave, B.” Faith smiled wryly, not quite meeting Buffy’s eyes.
Stunned by the revelation, Buffy opened her mouth – and then closed it. The air around them warmed, a hint of sunlight breaking through the shadows created by the fog. Buffy smiled and stepped forward, arms extended.
Faith ducked the embrace. “What I feel ain’t a secret anymore, B. Not since you and Red started playing with magic. I want to know what you’re feeling.” Hands deep in the pockets of her borrowed pants, Faith turned away, staring through the thick fog. “It’s time for you to do a little sharing. Call up some wind, turn on the sun, whatever it takes, B,” she snapped. “Even Slayer strength can’t cut through this shit, and I left all my fog lights and flares at the sporting goods store.”
Wishing the warmer air and the sun had stayed, Buffy searched for answers. When she’d wanted to reach Faith, she’d simply reached. Simple, direct, with just a little brute force. This was a whole lot more complicated
“I’m not…I’m not trying to hide anything. I swear.” She pushed toward Faith with her mind, sweat beading her forehead with the strain. Trembling with effort, she gritted out, “Can you feel anything, Faith? I’m reaching out for you.”
Faith bit her lip in concentration. For just an instant, Buffy felt a feather light touch on her mind. A brief caress. Then it was gone.
“There’s something. A little more than just the Slayer thing.” Hurt brown eyes looked up. “Why can’t you let me in, B? All that crap in the bathroom. Was it a lie, too?” Her voice started to rise. “I knew you didn’t trust me.”
This wasn’t right. Frustrated tears pricked Buffy’s eyes. Why had it worked before? “Try harder,” she urged, voice pleading. “Please, Faith. I need you to understand. To believe.” She moved toward Faith again, and this time the fog parted.
Faith simply shrugged and shook her head. “Look, B, as wicked as this head trip is, it ain’t getting us anywhere. Take us back. You can check on Red, and we can kick the Mayor’s ass.”
“No!” This wasn’t over. Buffy rushed at Faith, grabbing her shoulder. If Faith wouldn’t reach through the fog, she would. Focusing on all of her emotions, she shoved them at Faith. “I’m not giving up. You have to understand.”
***
Faith didn’t want to understand. She was so tired of wanting and trusting – only to have Buffy or the Scoobs turn on her. Wrenching out of Buffy’s grasp, she sprinted into the fog. Ignoring Buffy’s calls, Faith sprinted blindly through the enshrouding grey. Sucking in deep breaths of damp air, she looked for a way out. An unseen object caught her foot. Hands flailing, Faith tried to cushion her fall. The impact never happened. Instead, the fog around her faded.
With a sigh of relief, Faith settled into her body, gravity and external senses returning.
Before she could stand and flee the bathroom, a kaleidoscope of colors and images exploded in her mind, and she snapped back into the shared astral world. This time, there was no form to their shared experience. Faith merely felt Buffy holding her hand. A frisson of warmth caressed her skin.
Faith twisted and turned in their color drenched landscape. It was all there. Every part of Buffy laid open for view. In one blinding instant, Faith felt/saw Buffy as she stood amid the flames at Hemery, choked and struggled in the dank puddle with the Master’s laughter echoing, and faced a grief-stricken Giles after Angelus had murdered Jenny Calendar. Finally, as she bowed under the flow of memories and sensations, Faith/Buffy arrived at the rooftop.
Tears streaking her cheeks, Faith pulled Buffy into her arms, reliving that night from Buffy’s perspective.
Swimming through a haze of shared desire and emotion, she lowered her head. Buffy might not be visible, but Faith knew she was there. They were one now.
Her lips brushed Buffy’s once, twice. As she leaned in for a third, Faith sank into and then through Buffy until the landscape changed again.
Blinking dazedly, Faith slowly spun. Dappled sunlight brushed her skin and the thick grass under her feet. A warm breeze rustled the leaves of the tall oaks around her, and a snow white blanket rested on the ground a few feet ahead.
“B?” There was no sign of Buffy. Frowning, Faith ignored the happy scene and felt around. Automatically reaching for Buffy through the link, she relaxed immediately. She might not be able to see Buffy, but she could feel her. Ephemeral lips brushed her neck. “Hey, cut it out.” She felt the pout in response to her words. Grabbing Buffy’s invisible hand with unerring skill, Faith explained softly, “We don’t have time for a picnic, Buffy. Not now. Red’s still down; the Mayor’s on the loose. Let’s take care of business and then I’ll be more than happy to do this for real.”
Buffy materialized in front of her. “I can’t believe you’re the one reminding me of our responsibilities. It’s just wrong.” She grinned faintly before growing sober. “It’s time, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, B. It is.” Faith’s shoulders tightened and her throat burned with unshed tears. It was nice here. Peaceful. “You picked just the right set up, though. Damn. I always wanted to do a picnic in the park, fight the ants for my food.” Rubbing her thumb over the back of Buffy’s hand, she admitted softly, “Maybe make love after we finished eating.” Faith sighed, memorizing every detail so she could recreate it in the real world. “Let’s go home, B.”
She maintained her hold on that small hand as they let the world around them fade. This time, Faith’s journey to her body was completed. Her limbs felt heavy and sluggish. Groaning, she tried to stand, Buffy still clutched in her arms.
“Come on, Faith. Where’s all that stamina you’re always bragging about?” Buffy taunted, peering up at her.
“Think it got left somewhere along your
As they entered the empty hallway, Buffy smacked Faith in the stomach, scowling fiercely.
“What the fuck?” Faith absently rubbed the sore spot.
“That was for the munchkin comment you were about to make.” Buffy glared narrow-eyed, chin set at an aggressive angle.
Pausing with a hand on the library door, Faith grinned faintly. “Oh, that.” She laughed as Buffy’s eyes narrowed even more. “Guess that means the link thing’s still there, huh?”
With an exasperated snort, Buffy pushed past her into the library – and stopped.
The Scooby gang, including its newest members, hovered
around
A/N: A heartfelt thanks to Lady Val for saving this chapter (maybe, the entire fic) from finding its way into the recycle bin. The muse hit a block and refused to work. The fantastic descriptions found early in the chapter were written entirely by Lady Val. As always, her work and her encouragement kept me going