CHAPTER 16

Everyone looked at Buffy, standing in the hallway. “Thought you were gonna get some sleep, B. The girls got things under control.” Faith watched Buffy closely. The blonde Slayer was still pale and worn.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Buffy shrugged, not looking directly at anyone. “I volunteer to be the guinea pig for the spell. Might as well be useful since sleeping isn’t part of the deal.” Wandering forward, she asked, “Will, what do you need me to do?”

Go away, Willow thought. It was too soon. She wasn’t ready for Buffy to be here. Out loud, though, she managed a strangled, “Have a seat anywhere and then just relax.” She wiped sweating hands on her pants as Buffy dropped to sit next to Xander. “Um, OK, do you have a memory in mind?” Like Buffy, she avoided eye contact as she asked the question.

Buffy nodded. “Yeah. I think so.”

Hesitantly, the redhead moved to stand behind Buffy. “Just put yourself in the memory, and I’ll work on expanding it.” Wide green eyes looked at Tara. “Once I make the link, you’ll need to do the Vicus spell.”

The rest of the Scoobies moved closer, watching the tense scene.

Willow’s hands shook when she set them on Buffy’s shoulders. “Ready, Buffy?”

“Yeah, Will.” The blonde head nodded forcefully.

“OK.” Willow sucked in a deep breath and tried to clear her mind. Her thoughts zoomed in a hundred directions at breakneck speed. All of the thoughts contained Buffy and kissing her in the bedroom. Slowly, she pushed her worries aside, regaining some inner calm, and reached out to the Slayer. It was easier this time. Buffy was open, accepting.

But as her mind got closer to her friend’s, Willow froze. Buffy felt the change. “Will? Shouldn’t something be happening by now?”

“Sorry.” Willow fought off panic, breath coming in harsh pants. What did Buffy want to remember? What if she chose the scene in the bedroom? Shaking her head, trying to focus her mind on the spell, Willow reached out again. Her mind brushed Buffy’s, establishing a tentative link. Good. I can do this. Time to get to work. Broadening the link, she started to tease at the memory Buffy was holding and dimly heard Tara start to chant.

In just a minute, there would be a three dimensional replay rife with emotions right in front of them. OK. I really can’t do this. Not yet… She broke the link with Buffy, grunting along with the Slayer at the abrupt termination of their connection. “It’s not working right. I can’t find the memory,” she babbled unconvincingly. “Um, m-maybe it would help if I knew what I was looking for?” Sweat soaked her shirt. She had to know if Buffy planned to use their kiss for the spell. No way did she want the Scoobies to see Buffy’s reaction to the very brief kiss.

“Damn it, Willow. What’s wrong now?” Buffy stared up at Willow impatiently. Something had happened between them. She understood that, but she didn’t remember. Shouldn’t this spell help with that? Willow had been the one to suggest the spell. Why was she freaking now?

Tears threatened, and Willow fought them back. Voice tight with strain, she whispered in Buffy’s ear, “Can we talk first? Please, Buffy. I can’t…I can’t do the spell until we talk.” She fled through the kitchen to the porch outside.

Six pairs of eyes followed her progress.

“Sorry, guys. It seems there’s a momentary delay.” Buffy climbed wearily off the couch and trudged toward the kitchen.

The Scoobies’ confused silence lasted only seconds, and then they all wanted to know what was wrong.

“Honey, is Willow alright?” Joyce started to get to her feet.

Buffy paused. “I don’t know, Mom.” She tried to smile. “Maybe she just wants to make sure I’m not going to embarrass all of you with my choice in memory.”

“You mean like Parker and the beer thing?” Xander asked, then shrunk back on the couch when Buffy leveled a glare at him. “Or something else. I’m sure she wasn’t thinking of that.”

Sensing even more questions were soon to follow, Buffy held up a hand to forestall them. “Look, Will and I need to talk. No talk, no spell.” She shrugged. “That’s all I know right now.” She went after Willow, who was leaning against the railing on the small porch, head bowed. “Will? You gonna maybe explain what’s going on now?” She gently stroked her friend’s arm.

She wasn’t prepared for the violent way Willow jerked away. “Don’t!” Willow sounded almost hysterical. “Don’t touch me. Goddess, just don’t.”

Pain slammed Buffy, and she struggled to breathe. “Will?” She bit her lip, tasting blood. “What did I do to you? I didn’t…” It all came together now. The kiss, Willow’s pulling away at her touch… “Will, did I hurt you? F-force you?” Nausea rolled through her, and she fought to keep from being sick.

“No, Buffy.” The words were quiet, and tears streaked Willow’s face.

Buffy took a staggering step backward, hand on the rail to keep from falling. “Wow. Not so big with the disagreement, Will.” She sucked in a deep breath, wincing as it hurt her throat.

“Buffy-“ Willow reached out a shaking hand, eyes dark with pain.

It was too much. Adrenaline surged, and Buffy responded by hurdling the railing. Landing lightly, she pivoted, sprinting through the tiny yard. Blinded by tears, she stumbled into the narrow alley behind the property, and fled Willow’s voice calling her name.

***

Willow tried to catch Buffy, but lost sight of her almost immediately. Sobbing, arm clamped against the stitch in her side, she jogged back to the safe house. Pulling the door open, she hurried inside.

“Good Lord!” Giles was the first to notice her, and he blanched at her condition. “Are you alright?”

Willow shook her head rapidly. “Buffy…” she struggled to get the words out, choking on sobs and exertion.

“B did this?” Faith’s voice was incredulous. She jumped off the couch and ran for the back door.

“No.Wait!” Willow managed, and Faith slid to a stop. “We…She wanted to know what happened when she was still drugged.”

Faith nodded slowly, frowning. “Where is she?”

“I don’t know,” Willow almost whispered. Tears poured from her eyes. “She didn’t give me a chance to explain.” She met Faith’s eyes. “She thought she’d hurt me, and she ran.”

“That can’t be good.” Xander stood and started pacing. “Upset Slayers mean big fights and many injuries.”

“Then we get our asses out there and keep that from happening.” Faith’s voice was determined. “G-man, Blondie, stay here and man the phone and keep digging for ways to beat Adam. The rest of us will split up and hit B’s favorite haunts.”

Joyce interrupted the exodus. “We need to go in pairs, guys. If Adam is still looking for us, we stand a slightly better chance if we aren’t alone. Xander, why don’t you come with me? We’ll check the house and the university first. Willow, you and Faith can try the nightclubs and cemeteries.” She grabbed her coat from the back of her chair. “Check in every hour or so.

***

Buffy slowed to a walk when she hit downtown. It was late, and the streets were empty. Rubbing at the tears drying on her cheeks, Buffy wrapped her arms around her stomach. I didn’t hurt Will. No way. Internal certainty warred with the look on Willow’s face and the way she’d pleaded not to be touched. Buffy’s head dropped to her chest. Tears threatened again. She clenched her fists. No more crying. It wasn’t helping. She had to find a way to get her emotions back on an even keel. Patrol usually helped her think. Maybe it was time to work out some of her confusion using vamp therapy.

Jaywalking across Main Street, Buffy ducked into an alley. The darkness between the buildings suited her mood, and the military garb she still wore let her disappear completely from view. Stomping in and out of puddles, she made her way quickly out of town and into Shady Acres. Not as large as many of the cemeteries in Sunnydale, it still managed a good number of vamps. Wandering through the tombstones and crypts, Buffy stayed alert. Nothing. Damn. “Hello? Anyone out there?” Buffy called out. This was just wrong. She needed something to beat on. “Come on, guys. I’m here – alone – in the middle of the night in the cemetery. Don’t you need a snack or something?”

No vamps, demons, or small furry animals emerged from the oppressive darkness. Buffy persevered, however. Arms swinging at her sides, she completed two full circuits of the grounds with the same results. “Never a fucking vamp around when you need one.” She considered her options. More fruitless searching in the cemeteries didn’t appeal. Walking meant thinking about the feel of Will’s lips on hers and the pain in her eyes on the porch. Not thinking sounded a whole lot better. Hmmm, maybe there’s a way to get a little fun and a little forgetting, too. Sprinting out of Shady Acres, she headed for Willie’s.

Pushing into the bar, Buffy paused to let her eyes adjust to the change in lighting. The place rang with emptiness. Even the space behind the large wood-topped bar was vacant. I guess the fun fighting is out. “Willie?” she called, moving forward.

A greasy head popped out of a storeroom to the left of the counter. “Hey, Slayer. What are you doing here?” Willie waved at the empty room. “As you can see, no one’s here. No need to break anything or make any threats.” He ducked back into the room, voice floating through the door, “Between you and that military group, I’m thinking of shutting down. Maybe heading to a new location.”

“Well, hold off on the move for one more night.” Buffy dropped heavily onto one of the stools at the bar.

“Oh, yeah?” Willie came out and grabbed a towel, wiping at the bar. “You looking for some information or something? I’m good for the latest demon gossip.” He slid a bowl of peanuts to Buffy.

She wasn’t on an information hunt. She wanted a nice, normal fight. Still, maybe Willie could help. “Got anything on a new demon? Calls himself Adam.” Buffy tossed a handful of nuts in her mouth, a flicker of hope pushing at the knot in her stomach. However, Willie shook his head. “Too bad.” The knot grew bigger. Hands twitching restlessly on the scarred wooden bar, Buffy chose the only option left. “How about a beer, then?”

Beady eyes widening, Willie looked at the Slayer slumped over the bar. “You wanna drink here?” Tilting his head to the side, he pressed for answers. Someone would be interested in word of the Slayer slumming in his establishment. When cold hazel eyes met his, though, Willie opted for personal safety. Wide smile pasted on his narrow face, he said, “Sure. I can help you there.” He reached under the bar and slid open a refrigerated compartment. “Anything in particular you like?”

Dropping her eyes, Buffy shrugged. “I’m not picky. Whatever you have a lot of.” She stared at her hands until a brown bottle appeared in front of her. “Nice. Thanks, Willie.”

“Sure. Got a deal on it from some Rrothnag demon last week. Plenty more where that came from it you’re thirsty tonight.” Willie went back to wiping down the bar, sneaking glances at Buffy as she raised the bottle to her lips.

The dark liquid was bitter, but not bad. Sliding off the stool, Buffy glanced around the bar. “I’m not looking for conversation, especially not with you, Willie.” She pointed at a booth in the back. “Bring the rest of your stash of this back there and then leave me the fuck alone.”

Leaving Willie to stare at her, Buffy strode through the tables to the back and sat down in her appointed booth, booted feet on the bench and back pressed to the wall. Tipping the bottle again, she quickly finished her first drink of the night.

CHAPTER 17

Willow sniffed back fresh tears as she followed Faith through the latest cemetery. So far, they’d visited five of Sunnydale’s many burial grounds. The brunette Slayer moved warily between shadowy tombstones. Faith’s voice halted the slim hand creeping up to wipe at the tears on her face.

“Red, she ain’t here.” The husky voice breathed frustration. “You wanna know what I think?”

“No.” Willow rudely answered. “I don’t.” Pulling her shoulders back, she clenched her hands into fists to keep them from shaking and met Faith’s eyes through the gloom. “We aren’t here to talk. We’re here to find Buffy. End of story.”

Faith opened her mouth, but then closed it with a snap. She shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her jeans, slumping forward. “Whatever. Nothing pressing on my social calendar. We can hike through all the cemeteries in town, but B ain’t gonna be there.” She spun on her heel and trotted ahead, putting a gap between them.

“Like you have a clue what Buffy would do,” Willow muttered to herself. Buffy had to be here. Or, if not here, then in one of the other vampire haunts. No matter how upset she might have gotten, Willow knew her best friend wouldn’t abandon her Calling. She’d still be out here protecting Sunnydale’s residents from creatures of the night.

They walked in silence for a few more minutes. Then Faith exploded. “Fuck it.” She stopped abruptly and stood, hands on hips. “I’m gonna give you my opinion, Red, whether you want it or not.” Seeing Willow stiffen, she hurried on. “If you want to blast me after, fine, but you’re going to listen for a minute. B ain’t here.” Faith emphasized each word. “Look around you. Use that brain you’re so proud of. There are no vamps here. Not one. Why would B be in an empty cemetery? If she’s anything like me, she’s out looking for something to pound on.”

“Well, there you have it,” Willow snarled back. “Buffy’s nothing like you.”

For just a moment, Faith appeared to flinch and blink rapidly. “Maybe you’re right.” Her voice was huskier than usual. “But that don’t mean I’m wrong. Even if B’s only out here to make sure Adam and his crew aren’t slaughtering the residents, there’s nothing to fight. I can’t feel a single vamp anywhere around, Red.”

Willow frowned, wanting to argue, but Faith’s words made sense. Voice quiet, she asked, “If not here, then where?”

“I don’t know.” Faith rand her hands through her hair and turned slowly in a circle. “I don’t exactly get the Scooby Newsletter. You’re her best friend, Red. Where the fuck would she go?”

Biting her lip, Willow tried to think. “She’s not acting like herself.” She wandered forward until she stood next to Faith. “The Bronze?”

Faith started in that direction. “You think she’s tipping a few back?”

“Buffy doesn’t drink.” Faith snorted. “Look, you asked. I answered.” Willow threw her hands in the air. “Why are you even here? It’s not like you’re one of us. Shouldn’t you be heading out of town to avoid the police or out finding your next one night stand?”

The look Faith leveled at Willow had the young witch backpedaling. “I was all set to do just that.” The husky voiced hardened. “And then I came across you and B putting on a show in the Bronze, and suddenly I’m hauling B’s ex halfway across town.”

Wrapping her arms tightly around her chest, Willow glared unrepentantly at the Slayer. “And now?”

“Fuck. What’s with you?” Faith shook her head and started to stalk off. Willow ran after her. “Are you all on drugs? Did the government put something in the water? Never thought I’d say this, Red, but I miss the shy version of you.”

“What…what do you mean?” Willow dropped her arms and ran after Faith. “Hey! Still talking here.” She grabbed Faith’s arm.

Faith stopped, even though she could easily have pulled away. “See. That’s what I mean. I take a long nap, and when I wake up, B goes all Primal Slayer and is kissing girls, and you’re the new Take Charge Willow. What the fuck happened?”

“Oh.” Willow dropped her hand. “We grew up. Or,” she grinned self consciously, “I did. Buffy…I don’t know what’s going on with Buffy.”

“I don’t think B knows what’s going on with her, either.” A warm hand hesitantly landed on Willow’s shoulder. “She don’t remember the Bronze, does she?” There was rough sympathy in the husky voice.

Not trusting herself to speak around the lump suddenly blocking her throat, Willow shook her head.

The hand fell away, and Faith started walking. “I must be crazy.” She smirked. “Hell, maybe whatever’s in the water’s affecting me, too. You really think B’s at the Bronze?”

“Not really.” Willow blushed when Faith smirked. “I mean, normally that’s where she’d go if she needed to blow off a little steam. But…but this isn’t really normal.” She glanced at Faith. “You used to disappear all the time before –“ she broke off.

“Before I went all evil?” Faith’s voice seemed to echo in the night air.

They exited the cemetery, and turned toward downtown. Ignoring the reference to Faith’s betrayal, Willow asked, “Where did you go, when you wanted some space?”

Faith blew out a breath. “Red, I ain’t like the Scoobies. The Bronze was way tame for me. Do you think B’s that far gone?”

“Don’t you?” Her voice cracked, and Willow swallowed more tears. “She threw you into a wall, Faith.”

“And eight months ago, she stabbed me with my own knife.” Bitter anger lashed at Willow. “It may come as a shock to you, Red, but B’s always been about violence. She’s a Slayer. Just because you’ve never seen it or dealt with it doesn’t mean it wasn’t there.”

“Fine!” Willow lost the battle with her tears. “Fine. So I don’t know anything about Buffy. Got it.” A shaking hand wiped at her face. “We have to find her Faith.” Her voice rose. “We have to.”

Responding to the brittle quality of Willow’s voice, Faith jammed her fisted hands against her thighs. “Calm down, Red. Sunnydale ain’t that big. There aren’t that many places to hide.” She dropped her head to her chest, thinking. “Man, if it were me, I’d be at Willie’s. If the vamps aren’t in the cemeteries, maybe they’re making merry at the bar.”

***

Buffy slammed the bottle onto the table. “Willie!”

“What?” The bartender popped up from behind the counter. “Come on, Slayer. I told you. There ain’t no more of that in the back. Now, if you want something else, let me know. Otherwise, stop with the yelling.”

“Fine,” Buffy spit out. She tossed the bottle across the room and smiled when it shattered against the far wall. “Something else.”

Narrowing his eyes, Willie watched Buffy, surprise and fear mingling. “You sure?” He stepped back when Buffy glared his way. “You’re sure. Yep. Gimme a second, and I’ll be right back with a little something special.” He ducked back into the store room, mumbling under his breath.

Still pressed against the wall of the booth, Buffy wiggled her foot impatiently. How long did it take to grab a case of beer? Even buzzing from the already consumed alcohol, Buffy’s senses lit up. “Well, fuck. I can’t even have a drink without interruptions.” Carefully, she slid out of the booth, and stood, swaying slightly. “Hey, Willie? You OK back there?”

No one answered.

“Time to get my own drink,” she muttered, moving with deliberate steps toward the storeroom. Buffy had almost reached the bar when a familiar blonde head appeared in the doorway. “Spike!”

“Slayer, fancy meetin’ you here.” He grinned sardonically. “Couldn’t find any college boys at the Bronze? Or were you hoping for someone a little more experienced?” Spike smirked, sitting on a bar stool and leaning against the bar.

Buffy waved a hand, nearly overbalancing. “Nah. Just wanted a quiet place to have a beer.”

“Just one?” Buffy frowned. Was he making fun of her? “Eh, who cares. I could use a stiff drink m’self.” Spike peered behind the bar. “Where’s Willie?”

“Don’t know.” Buffy managed the last few steps to the bar and sank down next to Spike. “He went to get more beer and never came back.” She stared at the vampire next to her for a minute. “What’re you doing here?”

The jacketed shoulders shrugged. “Needed a drink.”

Buffy nodded, and they sat in silence for a minute.

“Well, this is a bleedin’ waste of time,” Spike bitched. “Think I’ll wander into the back and find my own drink.”

“Grab me a beer while you’re up.” Buffy laid her head on the bar, eyes drifting closed.

She missed Spike’s eyes turn yellow. “Sure, Slayer. Whatever you want.” A cold smile crossed his pale features.

“Thanks.” A small hand flashed a thumbs up sign in acknowledgment.

Vaulting over the bar, Spike landed lightly and disappeared into the back. Buffy heard a scuffling sound and her senses tingled again. Dragging her heavy head up, she scanned the bar. Still empty.

“I think I’ve got something you’ll like.” Spike’s voice drifted out.

Buffy smiled and relaxed again. “Great. Can’t wait.”

“Thought you’d say that.” Spike reemerged, followed by six more vampires in full game face.

Pushing away from the bar, Buffy blinked, trying to bring things into focus. “Can’t kill me yourself so you brought some friends?” Sweat broke out all over her body. She was drunk. Maybe too drunk to handle a fight. “I thought it was your goal in life…um, unlife to kill me yourself,” she taunted, slowly backing away as the vamps fanned out around her.

Spike entered the vamp circle and smiled before letting his face shift to its demonic visage. “As much as I would enjoy killing you, I’m doing a favor for a colleague. Count yourself lucky, Slayer, he wants you alive.”

“I usually do.” Buffy kept her voice light and mocking. “After all, it’s my sacred duty to kick your ass. What more could a girl ask for?” Never taking her eyes off Spike, she grabbed a chair from one of the tables and wrenched it apart. Brandishing her new stakes, she waited.

Holding his arms out from his body, Spike moved closer. “Redecorating? Willie will be so upset.” He spun, lashing out with a booted foot.

Buffy ducked clumsily, then tried to sweep his anchor leg. She was far too slow. Spike easily leaped over the sweep, grabbing her by the throat and tossing her several feet into the air. Buffy landed against a table, shattering it before slamming into the floor. Gasping against the pain, she rolled, staggering to her feet.

Spike toyed with her. His punches were just slow enough for her to block, but the effort drained Buffy. Finally, she misjudged, and Spike’s fist connected with her jaw. Chilling laughter sounded in her ears just before she blacked out.

CHAPTER 18

Buffy woke slowly, head pounding. Her Slayer senses screamed even through the headache and an accompanying nausea. She stayed limp and regulated her breathing. Afraid to open hers eyes even slightly, Buffy concentrated on figuring out where she was. Shoes scuffled over a hard surface, echoing slightly. Some kind of open space? She drew in a slow, deep breath. Stale sweat with a heavy overlay of beer. Still at Willie’s. Either these were the dumbest vampires ever Turned, or she hadn’t been out very long.

Voices sounded and pain stabbed at her. She barely stifled a groan as the sound reverberated in her head. Through the fog in her mind, Buffy began to pick up pieces of the conversation in the room.

“Thanks, mates. I’ll take our little Slayer to her new home now.”

Spike. Buffy fought down the growl rising in her throat. Rage burned behind the lingering hangover. Her teeth clenched, and Buffy held the primal instincts of the Slayer back by sheer force of will. However, she promised herself as soon as she figured out what was going on, she’d make sure to kick his ass.

A new voice broke into her plans for vengeance. “When do we get paid, Spike? I mean,” the speaker chuckled, “if you offered me a taste of the Slayer, I’d forget all about money.”

Buffy thought she heard the whistle of wood in the air just before a pained gasp. “How about this? I dust you, and there’s more for the rest of us?” Spike asked.

Did he just dust one of the others? Buffy thought. She needed to get out of here. Wherever here was. Through the fog in her mind, she tried to remember what had happened at Willie’s. Six vampires plus Spike. So only five left. She’d deal with Spike after the others were out of the way. Using one of the meditation techniques Giles had taught her, Buffy pushed the pain into a corner of her awareness and focused totally on the task at hand.

The world slowed to the sound of her heartbeat and the feel of oxygen filling her lungs. From deep inside, the Slayer poured energy into her body. Her skin felt tight from the infusion of power. Wait, some inner voice whispered. Wait. Buffy wasn’t sure where the command came from, but she stayed still. The power inside continued to increase until the air around her seemed to crackle. Now! the inner voice shouted.

Buffy exploded off the ground, eyes flying open. Spike jerked back, stumbling over a barstool. “Bloody hell!” A pale hand reached into his coat.

Not waiting to see what weapon hid there, Buffy grabbed the nearest vampire and pulled him in front of her. His body shielded her from the electrical current spewing from the tazer rifle Spike unveiled. Buffy got a better grip on the unconscious vampire and heaved him straight at the bleach blonde Englishman. Spike went down in a tangle of arms and legs.

Grinning at the curses coming her way, Buffy went after the four vamps still standing. The first made a newbie mistake and charged straight at her. With a contemptuous smirk, Buffy stepped out of his path at the last minute. Reaching out, she caught his head in her hands, twisting violently. Bones snapped, and he dropped to the floor, not completely out of the fight, but down for the moment. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Spike almost on his feet. No time for cute now. Repeating her actions from earlier, Buffy ripped apart another chair and tossed two of the legs. Two piles of dust appeared on the floor. The final vamp ran for the door. Buffy let him go.

Tidying his ruffled blond locks, Spike glared at Buffy. “I don’t care how much that wanker is offering; you’re history, Slayer.”

“Let me think about that.” Buffy pretended to think. “Nope. Sorry. Not tonight.” She narrowed her eyes, feeling the Slayer pressing for a fight. Not used to feeling the Slayer so clearly, she paused for a second, confused. The primal scream inside got her started again. Tentatively, afraid of the consequences, Buffy listened to the inner voice a second time. The Slayer howled in her head and another surge of energy flowed. Growls tore from her throat and an orange haze covered the room.

Spike didn’t notice anything different in her appearance. However, he seemed to find the sounds emanating from her amusing. Pale lips lifted in a grin. “Never would have figured you for the beastly type, Blondie. Always had you pegged as the shy, virginal type.”

Buffy reached down and picked up another chair leg. “You talk too much.” She stalked slowly forward.

Her opponent was more experienced than his companions had been. Keeping his eyes on her, Spike slid away from the bar. They circled each other, tensed, looking for an opening. The vampire broke first. Fangs bared, he picked up a chair and swung. Buffy ducked. As soon as the furniture cleared her head, she was upright and moving forward. Spike didn’t even have a chance to defend himself. The chair leg made a fantastic club.

With a flick of her wrist, Buffy smashed the wood into the vampire’s head. The chair fell from his hands, and he staggered backward, crashing into a table. “Before this is over, Spike,” Buffy commented with eerie calm, emotions caged behind the orange glow, “you’re going to tell me who hired you to kidnap me.”

“The hell I am,” he shot back, regaining his feet. He dropped into a defensive stance.

“Better tell me now.” Buffy twirled her crude weapon in her hand. Not as balanced as Mr. Pointy. “It might convince me to kill you quickly. If you resist, I foresee lots of pain in your future.”

Spike licked his lips provocatively. “Bring it on then, luv.” He held out his arms in a mocking invitation.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Buffy leapt across the room into his open arms. Her momentum took them both to the ground on the shattered remains of the table behind Spike. His head cracked onto the floor. Buffy took advantage of his injury. Standing, she dragged the larger man up by his coat collar. “I warned you, Spike. Here’s a taste of what’s going to happen.” Hands jerked him down toward the floor, coinciding with a raised knee, and an enraged, pain-filled howl filled the air.

“Last chance, Spike. Who hired you?” Buffy waited a second. Spike didn’t answer. “Oh, sorry, I guess you didn’t understand the rules.” He was still limp in her grasp, hands clenched over his damaged privates. Locating an undamaged chair, Buffy dropped Spike into in before landing a punishing right to his chin. His head flew to the side only to be met with a left. A few more rounds, and Buffy got tired of playing. Holding Spike’s head up by his hair, she said conversationally, “You’re going to tell me who hired you, aren’t you, Spike.”

His yellow eyes dull with pain, Spike hissed out, “Yes.”

Buffy let go of his hair and stepped back. “Well? Who is it?”

“Adam.” Spike spit blood from his mouth. “Adam hired me.”

***

“Willie’s?” Willow squeaked out. “You think Buffy’s at a demon bar?”

Faith threw her hands in the air. “No, Red. You wanted to know where I went back in the bad old days to get away from you and the gang. I went to Willie’s.” Her voice rose.

The redhead blushed, glad the dark hid the bright color flooding her cheeks. “B-but you think she might be there? Drinking?”

“It’s as good a place to look as any.” Faith shrugged. “If she ain’t drinking, maybe she’s working out some of her aggression on Willie’s usual patrons. There used to be a pretty good crowd of vamps and demons in there to beat up.”

Exhausted from all the emotional upheaval, Willow acquiesced. “Willie’s then.” She stumbled along in Faith’s wake, legs leaden and head pounding. Through the pain, she heard Faith’s voice, but couldn’t make out the question. “Sorry. What?”

Brown eyes regarded her quizzically. “You OK back there? We can find a phone, see if Mrs. S’ll pick you up while I go to Willie’s.”

No way. Clenching her teeth, Willow forced herself to straighten. “I’m fine.” A raised eyebrow mocked her claim. “I’m not leaving,” she snarled.

“Whatever, Red.” Faith continued to stroll along in silence, hands in her pockets. “Since we’re bonding or whatever, where’d you find Blondie? She seemed kinda new to the Scooby experience.”

“You mean Tara?” Willow frowned, not seeing the importance in the question. Shouldn’t they be focusing on finding Buffy?

Faith shrugged. “Yeah. Tara.” It was so unusual for Faith to actually use someone’s full name that Willow glanced at her in shock. She received a smirk in response. “What? You didn’t think I could avoid a nickname, Willow?” Laughter floated through the air

Wrapping her arms around her middle, Willow dropped her head. “Sorry.”

Faith didn’t say anything to that. She simply picked up her pace until Willow had to trot to keep up. “We’ll be there in a few minutes. You sure you want to go in?”

“Of course.” Willow wasn’t standing outside while Faith looked for Buffy. It didn’t matter if Buffy never remembered their kiss. They were best friends, and no way did she trust Faith with finding her alone. “I’ve been to Willie’s before, you know.” Not exactly true. She’d come with Xander once; only, she’d stayed in the car while he went in.

“Fair enough,” Faith commented. “Then follow my lead and don’t say anything. Let me do the talking. Willie needs a firm hand to cough up information.”

The bar came into view. A single light illuminated the worn placard hanging over the door. “Maybe I’m wrong…aren’t there usually demons and stuff smoking by the entrance?” Willow swallowed hard. Something wasn’t right.

“Yeah. Hang on.” Faith stood very still, eyes closed. “B’s inside.” Her hand shot out, keeping Willow from sprinting for the bar. “She’s got company. Can’t tell how many, though.” She relaxed a little, eyes opening. Pulling a stake out of her jacket, she took off across the street.

Not wanting to alert the creatures inside the bar, Willow didn’t yell at Faith as the Slayer left her behind. Instead, she contemplated magical ways to get even and hurried after the other girl. By the time Willow reached the door to the bar, Faith was already inside. With slow movements, she pushed it open a crack, peering cautiously inside. The tiny opening revealed a swath of destruction through the room. Willow heard Buffy’s voice. Her friend was angry. Willow’s eyes widened. Very angry. She’d never heard the Slayer sound so out of control before.

***

Leaving Willow to catch up, Faith sprinted across the street to Willie’s. Adrenaline and fear swirled through her. Eight months in a hospital bed. Did she still have what it took to kick undead ass? Hand on the door, Faith paused just long enough to push the doubt back behind her usual bravado. It didn’t matter if she was in fighting trim. Buffy might need her. How often in the past had she gotten the chance to be the Slayer appearing just in time to save the day?

Faith knew little of finesse. She shoved the door open, leaping into the room and taking stock of the action. She stopped and stared at the scene playing out in the center of the room.

Buffy had a blond vamp in a chair. She systematically battered the bleeding demon, growling questions at him. Each time he refused to answer (which appeared to be often), Buffy added just a little more force to her blows. Moving a little closer, Faith nearly recoiled from the sudden energy infusing her body. Something powerful and almost angry woke deep inside. No! Faith screamed at the thing trying to take control of her mind and body. No, I will not do this again.

Shaking, conflicted, she dropped into a chair toward the back of the room. Breathing deeply and heavily, Faith fought the new energy back until the urge to release the Slayer dimmed. She heard Willow stumble into the room and feigned a nonchalance she didn’t feel. Propping her feet on the table in front of her, she called out to the pale and wide-eyed redhead. “Pull up a seat, Red. Looks like your girl is trying to get some answers about Adam.”

“You…You need to stop her.” Faith thought Willow might throw up. Freckles stood out on her face, and her throat moved as she swallowed repeatedly.

“Nah.” Faith grinned, dimples flashing, hiding her own unease with malicious humor. “B’s got things under control. I think that vamp just begged her to let him talk. Maybe he’ll know something to help us take out the Tin Man.”

Tears streamed down Willow’s face. “Please, you have to stop her. She isn’t…” Willow’s voice broke on a sob. “She isn’t like this.” Faith stayed put, refusing to respond to the teary green gaze turned her way. “Fine,” Willow said, then spun away. Before Faith realized what the redhead was doing, Willow ran through the debris and grabbed Buffy’s arm.

A snarl raised the hairs on the back of Faith’s neck as she scrambled to her feet. Already moving to protect Willow, she watched Buffy turn angry orange eyes on the slender witch.

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