Tail of Faith
by helenakyle2002
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Author's Note: This fic is a continuation of I Must Be Dreaming.
Feedback: Please feed the feedback junkie.
JANUARY 1, 2005 2 A.M. BREANNA'S HOUSE
Faith and Buffy were holding up the wall, or so they told themselves. Drinking more toasts than either could count or remember...well, the silly-assed matching grins and slightly unfocused eyes told the story.
"You know Faith...HIC...I'm thinking we have too many friends who wanna get us drunk...HIC."
"Gotta love friends B...and who...HIC ya calling drunk?" Faith leaned forward into a swaying upright position.
Buffy poked Faith in the chest with what she hoped was only one finger, and Faith went backwards and bounced off the wall back into an upright position.
The brunette growled and poked Buffy back, forgetting there was no wall behind her.
Windmilling her arms, after dropping her drink, Buffy swore; "Oh shit...Faithhhhhh!"
Her fellow Slayer moved quick enough to catch Buffy, but tripped over her own two feet doing so. Both girls landed hard on their asses.
"FUCKKK!" Faith yelled as she jumping up rubbing her ass.
"OWIEEEE!" Buffy said as she looked up at Faith.
Breanna and Giles made their way over to the girls, hooked arms and walked them over to the only available chair. Sitting Faith down first and then Buffy on her lap, garnered them a brilliant set of matching grins.
"How be ye feeling Dearheart?"
"Great...awesome...uh what was the question?" Faith was blinking up at Breanna and Giles.
The amused older woman and Watcher just laughed.
"How many fingers do I have up Buffy?" Giles wondered if the blonde girl could even see that far.
Buffy leaned forward, blinked a few times; "You have fingers?"
"Hey B, he's got at least one..he is always shaking it at me...us, remember?"
"Oh yeah," Buffy squinted up at her Watcher. "Got one for him too."
"Wee One!" Breanna admonished.
Faith snickered and quickly grabbed Buffy's hand and kissed it, thereby preventing Giles from getting his 'finger'. As soon as she inhaled Buffy's scent, Faith started squirming and nuzzling her neck.
Buffy could have swore she heard Faith purring, among other things. Faith sent pictures of the beginning of a full body tongue bath. The blonde shivered with anticipation and desire.
Their shared grin and increased wetness alerted the less than sober vampires. They each grabbed a Slayer and ran upstairs. They deposited the women on the bed in their room and closed the door on their way out.
Brian had observed the little scene and greeted the vampires with a healthy shot of Irish Whiskey. "To the return of our weary travellers."
"Funny mate," Spike made a grab for his glass.
Angel took his glass, raised it to the top of the stairs and drank it down. Breanna, Brian and Wesley who had wandered over, followed suit.
The majority of the crowd had left, leaving the Sunnydalians alone in the library.
The two witches refilled everyone's glass before making their toast. "Here's to having survived another year of..."
"To survival luv, continued survival." Spike finished for her.
"Hear bloody hear," Wesley said as he made quick work of his drink.
UPSTAIRS
Faith and Buffy lay on their sides facing each other thinking the same thing.
*How the fuck did I get so lucky?*
*How did I get so lucky?*
Buffy grinned, got up off the bed and went over to the dresser. She pulled out a small box.
"Willow did stop me from getting you a ring that day...but, I went back."
Faith sat up and smiled at her gorgeous fiance. Buffy got down on one knee beside the bed, opened the box and said; "Faith..."
"YES B...I WILL." She grinned down at the kneeling blond woman.
"Hey, at least wait til I ask you," Buffy pouted and Faith thought it was so cute.
"I'm sorry B, go ahead," a properly chastised Faith said softly.
Buffy cleared her throat, "Faith...I promise I'll never leave you...by choice...ever. I love you. Will you marry me?" She took out the ring and put it on Faith's fourth finger of her left hand.
Faith lifted Buffy up and pulled her close. "Yes B, I will marry you whenever and where ever you want. This is all I ever wanted B, to be close...fuck that...to love you and be loved by you."
"You are Faith." Buffy gently pushed Faith back down onto the bed and began removing her oh so sexy girlfriend's clothes. Faith didn't waste any time taking Buffy's off either. As always their skin to skin contact caused them to moan and slide against each other. But both were too tired and realized that just being in each others arms was enough for them both.
IN THE LIBRARY
Breanna handed Tara a box and smiled. The blond Wicca handed her drink to Willow and carefully opened the box. She instinctively knew it would the matching necklace to the ring her mother had left her.
"Br...Breanna, I can't t...take this." She tried to hand the box back to the old woman.
"Ye can and ye will, I'll hear no more about it young lady."
"Thank you," Tara said with tears in her eyes.
Willow gently brushed those happy tears away. "It's beautiful baby...just like you."
A very tipsy Anya and Xander saluted all and staggered out of the library on the way to their room.
The Brits made their way over to Breanna and each kissed her on the cheek, and hugged her. "The party was an unqualified success I would say dear lady."
Wesley raised his recently filled glass in a toast to their host. "To Breanna, a wonderful woman that we are all lucky to have in our lives."
Breanna blushed as all present seconded the toast and raised their glasses to her.
"Happy New Year Mother, may we have many more." Brian leaned down to kiss his mother.
"Thank ye all. In a very short space of time I have gained a second family. First me darling Faith, the young witchling Willow and Liam. Then Wee One Buffy, William and two fine British gentlemen and if ye repeat that...well as an Irishwoman, I would deny it, and then Tara...the great grandaughter of me childhood friend. Life just doesn't get any better."
IN THE SLAYERS ROOM
Staring into love filled, barely open eyes would be the last thing the newly engaged young women would remember from their special night.
EGYPT VALLEY OF THE QUEENS
An old woman threw some small bones down on the ground, swayed and wailed. "The time has come. Be afraid all who denounced Bastet and her daughter."
IN THE CAIRO MUSEUM
The Minister of Antiquities felt a migrane coming on. Several ancient artifacts connected to the Cat Cult of Bastet had been stolen over night. One ring in particular that had a pictograph of Bastet and her daughter. That artifact being missing fortold the coming of dire consequences for all. Warnings of death and destruction abounded.
VALLEY OF THE QUEENS
A Mummy sat up and growled. Several turban-headed people were bowing and scrapping to it. "We are your faithful servants m'lady."
"Bring me the 'Chosen One' before the transformation is complete." The Mummy put on the ring and the bandages disappeared, leaving behind a woman that could be mistaken for Faith Winters.
BREANNA'S HOUSE NOON
Faith was having another nightmare and Buffy shook her gently. "Faith? Baby, wake up...it's just a dream."
"AHHHH...B?" Faith took several minutes to get her breathing back under control. "OWWWW!"
"Hey, be careful...I kinda like those luscious lips."
"Didn't do it on purpose B." Faith, using her tongue felt carefully around her teeth. "WHAT THE FUCK? B, go get Red and Blondie...NOW!"
Buffy grabbed a robe and put it on, she threw the other one to Faith who also put it on. Buffy was back in minutes with a pair of yawning Wiccas.
"What's wrong Faith?" Willow asked sleepily.
Faith opened her mouth and showed her friends her newly forming fangs. "I know I didn't get turned...so what's the what?"
Willow ran her finger along the now much more pronounced eye teeth. "WOW! Ummm, how do you feel Faith?"
"Warm, but getting cranky. Can you fix this...whatever it is?"
"Buffy close those curtains again," Willow asked.
"Now Faith close your eyes and open them again. Tell me what you see."
"Holy shit Red...everything is green and red." Faith blinked and shook her head.
Buffy had seen her girlfriend's eyes glowing. "Uhhh, Willow?"
"Get dressed and meet us downstairs in the library, we'll get Giles and Wesley."
"It will be done," they scampered off.
DOWNSTAIRS IN THE LIBRARY
Giles, Wesley and the Wiccas were talking when the Slayers walked in.
"Faith, let me see." Giles came over to the brunette.
Faith opened her mouth and showed the Watcher her pointed teeth. "I knew it, I am being possesed...aren't I?"
"It is possible. Tell me about your dreams."
Faith explained about the cats, the tomb and the warnings. Suddenly her head jerked around and she made a quick grab. She had a mouse in her hands, a very unhappy one at that. She was surprised and tossed it out the window.
Her friends saw her eyes change as she moved quicker than they had ever seen her move.
"Uhhhh...Faith?" Buffy questioned.
"Red...will you come with me to the Valley of the Queens? We need to find that damn tomb and stop the...whatever from doing whatever is planned."
"Of course I'll come with you Faith."
"I'm coming too," Buffy stated strongly. "Don't even try to talk me out of it Faith!"
"But B, you have to be Slayer girl in Sunnydale. Tell her G-Man."
"Well uhhh, yes. Buffy should return to Sunnydale but...I insist that you and Willow take Wesley along...for research of course."
"Spike will you, Tara, Xander and Anya cover for me in Sunnydale?" Buffy asked.
"Not a problem Buffy."
"Good then it's settled, when do WE leave for Egypt?"
"I hate to spoil anything..." Angel said softly.
"What's the what Gramps?"
"Well I leave for the other dimension shortly and you and Willow will be transported to me next weekend. I hope a week is enough time to straighten this out."
"It better be Gramps, I don't wanna turn into a cat forever ya know?"
"Faith, close you eyes and then wait until I tell you to open them," Giles requested.
Faith closed her eyes, Giles turned out the lights and then told her to open her eyes. "Describe what you see to me Faith."
When Faith opened her eyes they glowed. She had trouble sorting out what she saw at first.
"Faith?" Giles gently proded.
"Everything is green and red. And the red things are you guys...I think."
Giles turned the lights back on and Faith's sight returned to normal.
"What the fuck was that all about?"
"Your sight is akin to that of a cat now Faith. You have the teeth, the increased quickness and I'm afraid the next thing will be..."
"WHAT?!"
"Quite possibly a tail."
"You're kidding right...fucking tell me you're joking," Faith demanded.
"I wish I were dear girl. This transformation takes place over four days and can only be stopped by finding and burning the mummy of Bastet's daughter."
"Are you advocating the destruction of an ancient artifact?" Breanna asked.
"It is necessary if we want Faith to return to normal Bre."
"Plan B is Red and Blondie," Faith said casually.
"Do we want to know what Plan A is?" Buffy asked immediately.
"JOYCE!"
~Yes Faith.~
"I need you to talk to your fellow light thingees."
~Dare I ask...about what?~
"See if they can turn Spike into a Daywalker...even for a few days."
~Sorry Faith, that can't be done.~
"K, Plan B. Red, Blondie, make with the mojo."
~Faith, that won't work either.~
"Why the fuck not?"
"I haven't proven myself for a long enough period of time yet pet...right Mrs. Summers?"
~Yes Spike, I am sorry.~
"Well at least I am sort of trusted here. So I will do my best to help Buffy while Faith and Willow are gone."
"I'm going too. Faith, remember the first dream? You said you were looking for me when you found the temple or tomb or whatever. So I have to be there...even if it is just to get lost." Buffy said smugly.
"B...let me and Red go and get some information first, then you can join us."
Breanna had slipped out of the room and brought back an old photo album. "These pictures may be of some help Dearheart. When my late husband and I went there, we stayed at this hotel. It is just one hour from the Valley of the Queens."
Faith looked through the photos adding colourful comments at times. "Holy Shit! Where was this one taken Gran?"
Breanna looked carefully at the picture before replying; "There was a little wadi about three miles behind the hotel. Why?"
"Look, sticking out of the sand...a black statue...looks like a cat...sorta."
"It is, I believe it may still be in the attic. Angel?"
"Be back in a few minutes." Angel ran upstairs to the room with the ceiling door to the attic. As he was about to pull a chair out, he felt himself being lifted towards the door.
"Be..be careful Angel, I have a b..bad f...f...feeling about this," Tara said softly and she moved Angel so he could open the door.
Angel pulled himself up into the attic and using his vampiric site, found the little statue in a matter of minutes. He leaned down and dropped it into Tara's waiting hands. He jumped down beside the blond Wicca.
"If it's evil, tell me now and we won't be showing it to Faith."
"The statue is not e..evil Angel, but e..evil is dr..dr..drawn to it."
Angel put the statue in his pocket and they returned to the library.
IN THE LIBRARY
Faith got up and started pacing and growling. "I need...I need to get outta here." The front door slammed before anyone else could say or do anything.
"FAITH! Wait for me."
Breanna caught Buffy, "Wee One...let her be, for now. She will come back, trust her."
"I do Breanna, but she is so scared...I can feel it."
"Do you know what her greatest fear is?"
"Turning evil again."
"No, she is terrified of hurting you. Please let Angel and Willow go after her."
Willow and Angel had already ran after the fast moving Slayer.
IN THE WOODS NEARBY
Faith stopped running and leaned against a tree. *FUCKKKK!!!! Why can't I catch a break?* Her ears perked up and she sniffed dramatically. "GO AWAY Gramps...you too Red."
"Can't do that Faith, you wouldn't leave us alone if the situation were reversed." Willow stepped out into the open and Angel followed. Both had their hands held forward and open.
"GROWWWLLLL..."
Angel growled back and Faith blinked. Willow looked from one to the other. *Oh Godess...now that we caught her, what do we do?*
Faith's augmented eyes stared at Angel before she spoke; "Egypt...NOW!"
"Wait here, I'll go grab your passports." Angel flew to the house and was back in minutes.
Willow tried talking to the Slayer. "Faith...tell me, how can I help?"
Faith shook her head and when she looked at the redhead, she had tears in her eyes. "Help me...stay me."
"Whatever it takes Faith, I promise you we will fix this...somehow."
Angel rushed back with both girls passports and two knapsacks. He had thrown clothes together with the help of Tara, who would tell everyone they had left to go to Egypt. But she would wait an hour first, to give them time to be on their way so that Buffy would have to wait for their call.
*My poor baby, she will have her hands full dealing with a pissed off Buffy.* Willow knew her girlfriend could handle it.
AT THE AIRPORT
The 'Triad of Trouble' boarded the plane and it took off immediately.
"The answers we need are in Egypt, I know they are. I just fucking hope we find em before..." Faith started pacing and Angel wondered if sparing would help.
"GD?"
"What?" Faith growled and then apologized.
"Would you like to spar for awhile?"
Willow looked at Angel and mouthed the words 'Brave Soul'.
"Thinking I might hurt ya Gramps, so another time k?"
"Faith, actually I think you should shadow box. Your strength, speed and agility are increasing by the hour. Tara told me she read your aura and that very soon you could probably take all the vamps in the world single-handedly and win. So I think you should get used to the increases. I know hurting Buffy is your biggest fear, but the rest of the list is hurting anyone accidently. So let the learning begin."
Faith threw a punch and the snap of her jacket was deafening.
Angel's eyes flew open. *Damn! The sword...we forgot her sword.*
"Willow can you get her sword now?"
Willow closed her eyes and concentrated. The sword appeared on the floor.
"GD, pick it up. Maybe it will drain some of excess power for now."
Faith grabbed it and felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. "Thank god. I felt like I was gonna explode or something. Umm, Angel?"
*She used my name.* "Yes?"
"How many times can I do that before the sword gets too full?"
"I have no idea Faith. But I think that you will be able to find people that will need your healing skills. You are drawn to them. So I think you may be able to use at least a few times.
"Joyce?" Angel spoke into the air.
~Yes Angel?~
"I need you to remind the PTB's that they gave their word that if Faith really needed me, I would be able to go to, or in this case, stay with her until this is seen through to the end."
~I'll try.~
"Going against the PTB's would not be a good thing Gramps. As much as I want you here to help...we gave our word that you would go to the other dimension today at noon."
"And you made them promise to send you to me whenever I needed you and I received the same promise to be allowed to help you whenever needed. They agreed."
Joyce reappeared. ~You have until next weekend. It's the best I could do.~
"Thank you and thank them. Faith does need me now and I need to be here for her."
Willow drew in a sharp breath and approached Joyce. "Can you arrange for me to talk to PTB's please?"
A flash of light and Willow was gone. Both Faith and Angel growled before being soothed by Joyce. ~It seems that they wish to speak to her as well.~
IN A WHITE ROOM
"Uhhhh....Hello?"
{What do you wish young mortal?}
"I uh..."
{Speak up.}
"If this thing with Faith takes longer than a week, I offer a second weekend of my time, every month, to help Angel if you let him stay until Faith is back to normal completely."
{Your offer is accepted.}
ON THE PLANE
"If they hurt Red..." Faith put her fist through one of the seats.
"Easy GD, that seat didn't do anything to her." Angel hoped for laugh but accepted the half smile Faith threw his way.
"Should I ask what the seat did first?" Willow cracked as returned and saw the damage.
"Red! Are you okay? If they hurt you...I'll..."
"Easy Faith, no they didn't hurt me. I got them to let Angel stay past the week Joyce gained him, if necessary."
"At what price Red?" Faith demanded.
"That is between her and them, but I don't honestly think it matters because we won't need that much time. We are the 'Triad of Trouble', the redeemed dark souls...and we will cast a light into the darkness the likes of which no one has ever seen before. There will be no where for them to hide from us."
Willow and Faith's eyebrows flew up and their mouths dropped open. Neither had ever heard Angel speak in that manner before.
IN BREANNA'S LIBRARY
Tara came back in.
"Finally, I thought you got lost. How is Faith? Where is she? Is she..."
"Slow down Wee One...give the lass a chance to speak."
*Oh Goddess! What do I say?*
"WELL!" Buffy asked heatedly.
Tara took a deep breathe, to calm herself before speaking. "B...Buffy, they are on th...their way t...to Egypt."
"WHAT!?"
*OH SHIT!* Breanna thought...as did everyone else in the room.
"She left without me?" Buffy yelled and stomped both of her tiny feet.
"Now Wee One..." Breanna stepped back quickly when she saw the absolute fury flashing in Buffy's green eyes.
"Buffy, Willow and Angel are with her. You know they are a force to be reconned with at any time, but when Faith needs their help...well I almost feel sorry for whom ever they are after." Giles cleaned his immaculate glasses for lack of something to do.
"MOM!"
~Relax Buffy. By using her sword, she is slowing down the transformation at the moment. Her special memory will help them to find the tomb.~
"But Mom, why doesn't she want my help?"
~She does Buffy, but her fear of hurting you is stronger. You know Angel will send the jet back right after they land. You and Wesley can fly directly to Cairo then.~
"Mrs. S...Summers?"
~Yes Tara?~
"Will the rest of us be able to protect Sunnydale while they are gone?"
~Of course dear. Spike?~
"Yes?"
~You will be the fighter, are you sure you are willing to do this?~
"Whatever it takes to help the Slayers...I will do. You have me word."
~Good enough for me. Thank you Spike.~
ON THE PLANE
Faith was pacing again and it disturbed Willow. "Faith?"
"WHAT?! Uh...sorry Red. What's the what?"
*Goddess, how do I tell her?* "Uh..."
"Out with it Red, it can't get any worse...can it?"
"Unless your butt cheek is damaged, I'd say the tail is starting to grow."
Faith rubbed her butt and freaked out. "SON OF A BITCH! Make it go away Red."
"I can't do that Faith...I'm sorry."
"Cut it off then!"
"Faith! Relax, it isn't hurting you is it?" Angel asked softly.
"No and god knows I love getting some tail but....this isn't what I meant." She pulled her hip hugger pants down a little lower. All could see the fuzzy black tail which was about three inches long now.
Angel handed her the sword and she grabbed it like a lifeline. As soon as she felt the energy pass through her, she also felt the tail wither up and vanish.
"Thanks Gramps. Now what?"
"Close your eyes and tell us what you see."
Faith closed her eyes and started swaying. Willow sat her down gently and waited for her to speak.
Faith could see Bastet's minions bowing to her and promising to bring 'The Vessel of Retribution'. As she spoke, she looked into an ancient mirror and saw herself and Faith. *She is perfect.*
Faith screamed. "AHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Easy GD, tell us what you saw."
"What the fuck is a 'Vessel of Retribution'?"
*Oh oh.* "Ummm, Faith?"
"Yeah?"
"Tara said that you might become the host for Bastet's daughter return. They both want revenge for what was done to her long ago. But the writings I saw said nothing about changing into a cat. I mean she was a Slayer right? Wouldn't her slayer healing prevent that?"
"It doesn't seem to be helping me much. It's only the sword and my extra healing that is sorta keeping me...me." Faith tugged at the neck of her blouse. *Damn it's gettting hot in here. Red is kinda cute. OH FUCK... gotta get outta here as soon as possible.*
OVER THE SPEAKER
"We will be landing in ten minutes at the Cairo airport folks, so please fasten your seatbelts. Thank you."
Angel pulled out his cell phone and made a few quick calls. "We will be staying at the same hotel that Breanna did years ago. I booked a three room suite. I thought we should stick together."
"Good thinking Gramps." Faith remembered the name from when Breanna told them. She had every intention of bolting as soon as they landed.
"Definitely a good idea Angel," Willow agreed. She felt Faith's gaze on her and turned to face the brunette. "Uhhh Faith?"
Angel's vamperic senses told him that the Slayer was getting very turned on and he also sensed her panic. He quickly grabbed the sword and tossed it to her. She caught it and breathed deeply, praying it would take the unwanted case of the hornies away and that Willow would not catch on. She should have known better. Willow saw the flushed skin tone and the brunette's eyes were showing total out and out lust. She quickly said the cool down spell and prayed it worked.
Faith felt herself calm down considerably and nodded her thanks to the redhead. *I won't blush...I won't, ah hell.*
"It's okay Faith, I know what's happening and I can help whenever you need me to. I mean...," the redhead's face turned the same color as her hair.
"S'okay Red, I knew what you meant." *God, she is sexy and hot and...*
The speaker came on. "Sorry folks, we have been put into a holding pattern for at least ten to twenty minutes."
*Shit! I need...I need to stop thinking about that.* Faith's skin was flushed again and Willow didn't miss it.
Willow snapped her fingers and quickly reached for her cell phone. She handed it to Faith and pointed to the bathroom.
The brunette grinned and raced towards her temporary salvation. As soon as she shut the door, she growled. She yanked her pants down and called Buffy.
AT BREANNA'S HOME
Buffy answered her phone. "Faith! God damn it, you left without me...I should..." Buffy felt a wall of desperate need through their bond and decided that the scream fest would have to wait.
"Oh God...B, please. I need you," Faith growled again and Buffy answered the same way.
The little blond slayer started gently kneeding her nipples and heard Faith moan. "Love me later B...fuck me now."
Buffy immediately shoved two fingers into herself and opened that special bond.
"Yesssssssssss," Faith roared her approval. In her lust filled haze she barely remembered to finger herself for Buffy's enjoyment. "Harder B...faster...oh fucckkkkkkkk!!!!!!"
As the dark slayer's breathing slowly returned to normal she could feel Buffy's equally desperate need to cum. She moved her fingers around inside herself and using her other hand, she pinched he throbbing clit. Her loud moan sent Buffy over the edge into oblivion.
"Faithhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...UGGGHHHHHHH!!!!"
Both young women took several minutes to return their breathing to normal.
"Oh god B, I needed that...needed you. This transformation is driving me nuts."
"Well if you had taken me with you Faith...." Buffy whined.
"I can't...won't hurt you B. Please understand," Faith begged.
OVER THE SPEAKER
We will be landing in a few minutes, please refasten your seatbelts."
"I gotta go B, I'll call you when we get settled into the hotel."
"Make sure the pilot knows to get back here pronto. Even if you don't want me by your side...I'm gonna be there for you. You're stuck with me Faith and don't you forget it."
"I love you B."
"Love you too silly. Be careful and don't go anywhere without Angel and Willow...promise me."
"K, B. I promise. See you soon."
"Bye baby."
When Buffy hung up she turned to the Watchers; "We need all the information you two can come up with about Bastet, Egypt and the transformation that is happening to Faith. Yesterday would be nice, but I will settle for today."
Breanna showed the men the section of books covering Egyptian history in her library.
AT THE AIRPORT
"Took him fucking long enough to land," Faith groused.
"Let's just go to the hotel while Angel arranges the refueling of plane and sends it back to get Buffy and Wesley." Willow hooked her arm through Faith's and they headed out the front gate to hail a cab.
"The suite is in Faith's name. I'll join you soon. Don't go anywhere until I get there, please." Angel had a pretty good idea of where Faith would head and hoped his request would be met.
AT THE HOTEL
Willow dragged a cranky Slayer into the right suite and slammed the door. "Dammit Faith, calm down!"
"Easy for you to say Red, you don't have a freaking tail. Where's my sword?" Faith growled as she rubbed the forming tail.
"Angel will bring it. Relax...go take a nice hot shower. And don't bother trying to leave out the bathroom window either missy, it's shielded now."
Colorful cursing could be heard as Faith started dropping her clothes on the way into the bathroom. "Damn witch thinks she can keep me here."
"Faith...RIBBIT RIBBIT."
Faith did a quick one-eighty and stomped over the redhead. She growled and pointed her now curled nails at Willow. "REDDDD!!!"
Willow gasped when she saw how far the transformation had gone in the last few minutes. Very pointy little fangs were present. The tail was also rather prominent, considering it was almost a foot long. In between blinks, Willow saw Faith's eyes changing to more elonged cat eyes as they lightened from dark brown to amber.
Faith launched herself at Willow. As soon as Willow landed on the floor, the brunette started sniffing dramatically. The witch's eyes grew in size as she quickly said a spell that brought the special sword in its box.
"Faith! Grab your sword!" Willow pulled the box close.
Faith shook her head as if trying to decipher what the heavily breathing woman wanted. She flipped the box open and stared at the gleaming sword.
"PICK...IT...UP," Willow screeched as she felt Faith absentmindedly move her fingers down across her stomach and lower.
Faith picked up the sword and immediately felt its power course through her. She stood up and held her hand out to Willow. Her eyes glowed brighter silver than Willow had ever seen. She began to smile as the tail shiveled up and vanished. Faith's heavy breathing sounded like an avalanche as the fangs faded. Only her eyes remained the same.
"Red...you really are...red. Turn the lights off and then back on." Faith closed her eyes and waited for her friend to do what she asked.
Willow sprinted over to the light switch and turned the lights off, counted to ten and turned them back on. Praying that it worked, she looked over at Faith.
Faith looked around and sighed with relief. "Thank god, I can see normal again...sorta. Everything is kinda bright, but at least it's not just red and green."
"Faith, look in the mirror. Your eyes are the right shape again, but the color is halfway between the amber cat and your dark brown. They're kinda coppery and beautiful...I mean..." Willow blushed as she tried to remove her foot from her mouth.
Faith skidded to a stop in front of the full length mirror by the door. "Hey they are kinda cool." Faith stiffened, turned and ripped the door open quickly. She grabbed a black leather lapel and threw the wearer clear across the room before realizing it was Angel.
"HEY! What did I do?" Angel said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"OH god...sorry Gramps. I just heard someone and needed to protect Willow."
"Appreciate the thought Faith, but I can take care of myself ya know."
Angel looked at the Slayer's eyes and wondered how to tell her. "Uh, Faith? Your eyes...they're...they're different."
"I know, cool huh?"
AT BREANNA'S HOME
RING RING
"Hello?" Breanna answered. "Yes, I'll tell them, thank you. Wee One, Wesley?"
"Yes Breanna," both said at the same time.
"That was the pilot, he just left Egyptian air space and will be here in a little over four hours."
"I'm ready now!" Buffy wanted to be with her girlfriend now not later.
"That's enough Wee One! Do ye think throwing a tantrum will get that plane her any faster?"
"No M'am, I'm sorry. I just...She's scared and I need to be there for her."
"I know, let Angel and Willow help her for now. They won't let her do anything stupid until you get there. Bloody hell, I mean..." Breanna blushed and grinned as the Watchers snickered into their hands.
"Thanks loads Breanna," Buffy pouted.
HOTEL SUITE IN CAIRO
Angel pulled out a hand drawn map and showed it to his friends. "I know most of these are a dime a dozen fakes made for tourists, but this one is old. Willow can your laptop decipher it? The man who sold it to me said it leads to a tomb full of cats. It sounded like a good place to start."
"Lemme see it," the redhead said as she pulled her laptop out of her knapsack.
As Willow was typing away on her computer, Faith was getting a bad case of the "I gotta do something". She grabbed Angel's hand; "Let's go see the Wadi Gran told us about." Looking at the witch, she said; "We'll be back soon, get as much info as you can."
"Take your sword Faith, you may need it."
"Good idea. Uh Gramps?"
Angel hid it under his long duster and they left together.
OUTSIDE
Faith breathed in deeply, "Smells like home...what the fuck? I've never been here before. Man, this cat bitch is gonna drive me nuts."
A stranger bumped into Faith and when he saw her eyes he prostrated himself in front of her. "You have returned...the prophecy is true. Retribution is at hand."
"Get up asshole, what the fuck are you talking about?" Faith barely kept her temper in check.
"Faith, we should go." Angel tried pulling her away from the man but she was having none of it.
When the man heard Angel address her as Faith, he smiled and ran off.
BASTET'S TOMB
"She is here...I can feel her presence. Find her. Bring her to me!"
"Yes Goddess, it will be done." A dozen or so men pressed the right combination of bricks and a stone door opened. They rushed out to do their mistress' bidding.
AT THE WADI
Faith and Angel kicked around some sand and looking off into the horizon. "We have to find that tomb Gramps and soon. I don't know how much longer I can be totally me. The sword took a longer time to get rid of the tail last time. Could have been cause it was almost a foot long, but still. Me thinks ma sword is running outta juice."
"Well you're fine now, try putting some energy back into it." Angel handed Faith her sword after making sure no one was around to see it.
Faith clasped the handle of the sword and scrunched her face up tightly.
"Don't try so hard GD, let it flow naturally."
Faith relaxed her grip, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She felt a release of energy go into the sword and held on. "It's working."
The dark haired vampire smiled, "I can see that."
After a few more minutes, Faith handed the sword back to Angel who put it back inside his coat.
"Do any of those hills look familiar to you? Close your eyes first and then open them slowly. Let your ancient memory show us what we need to know." Angel put his arm around the Slayer and sat her down on the closest flat piece of rock. He started the breathing exercises that he had taught her in the past.
Soon the Slayer's breathing was in sync with the vampire's and she let pictures play out in her mind. Not trying to make sense of any of it just yet, she picked out landmarks to remember. *Damn remembering sure saps my strength.* She felt the protectiveness of Angel's arms around her and laid back.
"Enough for now Faith," Angel could feel the energy draining out of the weakened Slayer.
Faith opened her eyes and shook her head. "What color and shape are my eyes?"
"Almond shape and copper color. Just like before. How do you feel?"
"Tired and confused. Can we go back to the hotel? I wanna have a nap before a pissed off B gets here."
Angel smiled and agreed. He helped her up and kept his arm around her as they walked back to the hotel.
IN THE SUITE
Angel and Faith walked back into the room and noticed Willow hadn't moved from the desk and was still pounding away on her laptop.
"Hey Red, all work no play...yadda, yadda, yadda."
"Faith, I'm glad you're back. Do me a favor will ya?"
"Sure...what?"
"Draw the glyphs you saw in your dream for me. I'll call Giles and ask him to send the picture Wes showed you."
"Okay...uh, why?"
Faith began to draw the pictures as she listened to Willow.
"There is something in the back of my mind that says one glyph is different. I need to find it. I only glanced at the picture that Wes showed you and the one your drew...I can't quite...ARGHHHH!"
"Easy Willow, it will come to you. Faith is gonna go lay down now," Angel said in a voice that brooked no arguement.
BREANNA'S HOUSE
Buffy had her bags packed and waiting beside the door.
"C'mon Slayer, a bit of sparring may get rid of some of that excessive energy." Spike opened the front door and waited for Buffy.
"I might just hurt you Spike, now would not be a good idea." Buffy protested.
"Me now...or Wussley on the plane luv, your choice."
"Spike now," Wesley answered quickly.
Breanna and Giles shared a laugh.
"Don't say I didn't warn you Spike."
"Have at it shorty." Spike said as he jumped up to avoid the leg sweep he knew was coming. "Gotta do better than that pet."
Next thing Spike knew he was flying through the air and might have continued had it not been for the large tree that stopped him rather painfully.
"Bloody Hell Slayer!" Spike put his nose back into place. "Figures, the healing Slayer is gone."
"I did warn ya Spike, but I am sorry. Are you okay?"
"Will be soon enough. This may get me the beating of the century but listen to me...Buffy. When Breanna asked you to see Faith's side of this, you only gave lip service saying you understood. How can you? She is changing mentally and physically and it scares the shit out of her. She is terrified of hurting you...of screwing up what you both have together now. I know you love her pet, but try...really try to see and feel it from her side. Your anger will only hurt her...more than me bloody nose."
"I just wanna be there to help her Spike, she wouldn't willingly hurt me and I know that. I just wish she could see herself the way I do."
"Maybe someday...with your help. But for know, you need to show a lot of patience. When you get there, don't scream at her about leaving you behind...ask how you can help now."
"You really care about her don't you Spike?"
"Sod off," the blond vampire said as he walked back to the house.
Buffy smiled, *He does care and I know he's right. But she left me here. I have to try to feel her fears through our bond. I need to understand.*
BREANNA'S LIBRARY
Spike walked over to the bar and poured a double Irish Whiskey and downed it. No one said anything about his bloody nose.
Breanna handed him a damp handkerchief and refilled his glass.
"Did you get a chance to talk to her before getting knocked around?" Wesley asked.
"Yes, she is going to try to see and maybe understand Faith's fears and hopefully not be angry when she gets to see her."
Tara came over quietly. "W..would you l...let me h..help?"
"Sure thing." Spike leaned down so that Tara could touch and reshape his nose.
"How's that S...Spike?"
Spike wiggled his nose and grinned. "Thanks luv."
The front door closed and Breanna went out to greet a very subdued Slayer. "How does she live with that kind of fear inside constantly? Why doesn't she trust herself as much as I do?"
"Teach her Wee One. Show her that her fears and yours can only be dealt with by the two of you together. I know me darling Faith isn't much of a talker, but she is learning. You like to talk, so show her that you can also listen."
"I have to be with her to do either Breanna."
"And if you and Mr. Price leave now, you should get to the airport just before the jet lands. Be safe and take care of Dearheart."
"I will and anything that stands in my way is dust. Let's go Wus."
Wesley sighed and picked up his one suitcase and three of Buffy's four. "I say, how long to you think we will be there?"
"That bag has Faith's stuff in it, she left in a hurry remember?"
"Of course."
"Buffy, you could carry your own luggage..." Giles chided.
Buffy blew her Watcher a raspberry and said; "He likes to feel useful."
"WEE ONE!"
"Sorry Bre, hang on Wes...I'll carry them." Buffy quickly grabbed all four of her suitcases and tossed them in the trunk. "Give me the keys."
"Not a chance. I for one would like to get to the airport in one piece. Besides, have you ever driven a standard, with the steering wheel on the right hand side of the car and driving on the right side of the road?"
"Huh? That's nuts."
"Now Buffy, when in Rome remember. Let Wesley drive or you will be here all day and miss your plane."
Still grumbling, Buffy got into the car. She did a double take when she saw the wheel to her right. "Freaky."
"Petal to the metal Wussley or I just might add my foot to yours...understand?"
"I will obey the speed limits Buffy, we will get there in plenty of time." *My kingdom for a Slayer sedative.*
AT THE HOTEL IN CAIRO
Angel came over to the still furiously typing away redhead; "Is there anything we can do to help her now?"
"I'm doing the best I can Angel," Willow said rather testily.
"I know...and I'm sorry Willow, it's just..."
"I know, Faith is family and she is having a hard time. You just want to make it all better. We will help her, I promise. Why don't you order dinner for us all and I'll wake Faith up. Buffy should be here in a couple of hours."
"Alright, what would you like?"
"Anything that is not spicy."
"One order of mild and two spicy large orders of Donnair's."
Willow knocked lightly on the door to Faith's room in the suite.
"Come in," a groggy Faith answered.
"Angel is ordering dinner, I thought food might help. How are you feeling now Faith?"
"Fucking tail is back and my teeth are fangs again. Where's my sword?"
Willow ran to get the sword. "Angel, can you put it back into the box so I can take it to her."
Angel quickly replaced the sword and closed the lid before handing it back to the witch.
"Uh..,Angel, maybe you should take it to her."
Angel walked into the Slayer's room and found she had fallen asleep again in the few minutes that Willow had been gone.
AT THE AIRPORT
"Get a move on Wussley," Buffy yelled as she threw the bags into the plane and boarded.
The younger British Watcher drew in a sharp breath and speaking to himself...*Don't make her mad...don't make her mad.* He quickly joined the anxious blonde and put his seatbelt on.
Buffy removed her seatbelt as soon as the announcement was made. She found a piece of paper in her back pocket and pulled it out to read.
Show her your love pet...not your anger.
Wesley saw and read the note and nodded. "She needs you now more than ever Buffy. Your anger won't help her and it could drive her away permanently. You don't want that do you?"
"No, I just wanna be there to help her."
AT THE HOTEL IN CAIRO
Faith snapped her foot out and if Angel hadn't had Vampire reflexs, his shin bone would have been snapped in two. "Easy GD, it's just me."
Faith rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and sat up. "Grmps? Sorry bout that. OW!!! Fucking fangs...How the hell do you talk with them?" Angel handed Faith her sword and in minutes she was back to normal again. "It takes longer, and now it hurts when I change back. We have to stop this."
"We will. I promise. Come on, dinner awaits."
*Yeah and B will be here soon. She's gonna kill me for leaving her behind.*
Angel saw the frown and correctly interpreted its source. "Buffy may be angry at you for leaving her, but she loves you and she will forgive you. Let her help."
"You have to promise me you won't let me hurt her."
"You wouldn't, but if it becomes necessary...I promise that I won't let you hurt her or anyone else." He pulled the scared Slayer into his strong arms.
Faith felt an infusion of strength and she pulled back and smiled.
"Thanks Gramps. What would I do without ya?"
Angel licked his lips, opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it and closed it.
Faith smirked and laughed. "I don't wanna know either."
They joined Willow at the table and ate in silence. Each thinking about how to help the present situation.
*I need to find an herbal shop. That just might help.* Willow grinned and uknowingly said out loud; "Better living through ancient herbology."
"HUH?" Faith looked at the redhead.
"Angel, I don't suppose you know where a shop that sells herbs is?"
"The market around the corner. What are you looking for?"
Not answering, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
"Red?"
"Don't worry so much Faith, you know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you. I just thought of a backup plan that Buffy can use to...detain you without hurting you...if you do become, uh...uncontrollable."
The witch was back within twenty minutes. Angel's sense of smell told him just what the backup plan was. He smiled at her and raised one eyebrow.
Faith looked all around; "B's here, I can feel her."
RING RING
Faith answered. The hotel manager said; "Your friends are on their way up now."
"Thanks."
The door flew open and Buffy rushed in shouting; "Faith!"
"Here B," came the soft reply. Faith flinched and waited.
Buffy rushed her fiance and jumped into her arms. Faith stepped back to regain her balance. *She's not yelling or swinging at me...*
Buffy slowly eased herself off of her oh so sexy lover but didn't lesson the strength of the hug. She put her engagement ring in Faith's face; "Nothing and nobody is gonna interfere with us. How can I help?"
Faith opened her eyes and looked into totally compassionate green ones. "B...guess it's us against the world...again."
"And this is different from any other day how?" The little blond smirked and waited.
A small smile that grew into an ear to ear grin grew on the dark slayer's face. Finally Faith lost it. Buffy and all present joined in the laughter.
Wesley staggered in huffing and puffing as he was carrying all four suitcases, which he dropped as soon as the door was closed.
"Oops, sorry Wes...I kinda forgot about those." Buffy explained unnecessarily.
Faith felt the almost immediate change come over her. She backed away from Buffy.
"And how are we feeling now Faith," Wes asked as her turned around to look at her.
"GROOOWWWWLLLLLLLL!!!!" Faith snarled as both Willow and Angel looked around for the sword. Buffy grabbed her around the waist as Wesley backpeddled straight into the door.
Angel put the sword into Faith's hand and waited. Nothing happened and Faith threw the sword into the far wall.
"She hasn't had time to recharge after the last use, Willow...about that backup plan you have...?" Angel requested rather strongly.
Willow grabbed the bag she brought back and opened. She pulled a scraggly looking tanish coloured weed. She waved it in front of Faith and the dark girl smiled and started purring. Buffy took it from Willow with a 'what the hell is this' look and kept it near enough to keep Faith happy.
"Good Lord...that's, that's catnip. Willow?" Wesley grinned as he realized the young witch had in fact found a painless way to contain what he now firmly believed to be a very dangerous woman.
Willow looked at Buffy, at the door to Faith's room and back. Buffy got the hint and took her there and closed the door. Faith started pacing, "B...you smell soooo good," she shook her head. "B...you gotta go away, I...I don't trust myself...please B."
Buffy brought the catnip back and waved it under Faith's nose. The she got the brilliant idea of rubbing it all over clothes and skin. Faith's immediate growl held a different meaning as she pounced onto the smaller blond woman. Buffy had the sense to be leaning against the side of the bed before dosing herself in the catnip. They landed on the bed, Faith's inner kitty and slayer coming forward at blinding speed as Buffy let her inner slayer out as well.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Willow raised her hands and set a silence spell on their room. The Vampire, the Watcher and the Witch all breathed a sigh of relief.
Willow suddenly snapped her fingers. "GODDESS! I remember what I saw that bothered me. OH SHIT!"
Since the redhead rarely swore, both men turned their heads.
"The ring!" The redhead said as if that made perfect sense, which to her it did...sorta.
"What are you trying say? What ring?" Wesley asked understandibly confused.
"What he said," Angel added.
"Wesley, did you bring the pictures you showed Faith?"
"Yes, they are here." He pulled out the envelope from the inside pocket of his immaculate suit.
Willow quickly looked for the the right photo. "Here it is. Look really closely guys, the ring on the woman's finger."
Angel vamped out for a better look and Wesley cleaned his glasses. They saw it at the same time.
"How is that possible?"
"Faith is not going to be happy and that's not a good thing right now. We HAVE to find that tomb fast."
"Angel, this picture is of an ancient piece of a wall right?"
"Yes, so?"
"Well then there is nothing we can do, she will be who she was."
"It could be a coincidence," the young Watcher replied.
The witch and vampire just looked at Wesley. "I think not," was uttered by both.
IN THE BEDROOM
Faith landed on Buffy and started ripping her clothes off, an action that was repeated by Buffy. A pile of rags lay beside the bed as the Slayers gave into their mutual desires.
In the middle of one of the most passionate kisses she had every experienced Buffy felt an intrustion. *Faith's hands are on my breasts, what the hell?* "Faith?" Upon hearing her name, she leaned back and saw that her prehensile tail had snaked through her legs and up into Buffy.
"B? Oh god." She concentrated on keeping the furry tail rubbing through her wet lips, across her clit every time it entered and exited the now squirming, moaning blond.
"Faith," came the smokey reply of a breathless Buffy. *Questions, later. Feel now.* "Oh yeah....feels so good...faster, faster. So close," Buffy leaned up and put a liplock around Faith's left nipple.
Faith felt ready to explode, the original ruffness of the fur had excited her, but the now covered in girlie juice tail slide faster and faster bringing them both over the edge together.
"BUFFFFYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!" Faith growled and screamed out as she pumped a few more times as Buffy joined her in orgasmic bliss.
"FAITHHHHHHHH!!!!Yeah...fuck meeeeeeee....cummingggggggggggg!!!!"
Several minutes later, when both could breath and speak they said in unison; "WOW!"
Faith noticed the change first this time. "Faith, how do you feel?"
Faith knew the fangs and tail were gone. "Uh...pretty fucking good right now B. That was a great piece of tail huh B?" Faith laughed.
"Faaaaith! That is so not funny...it's not." If she were standing, she would have stamped her feet.
"But it felt good B...really fucking good...didn't it? It wasn't supposed to be funny."
Buffy thought about it for a moment, "True...holy shit Faith. You really didn't know you entered me with your tail at first?"
"Uh Uh B, I swear. I was kinda distracted by your tits ya know. It kinda had a mind of it own." Faith grinned at her counterpart and spaced out long enough to scare Buffy.
"Faith...Faith?" She waved her hand in front of her and saw Faith's gorgeous copper eyes revert back to her own beautiful dark brown.
"I....I think it's over B." Faith blinked a few times as Buffy pulled her closer and just held her.
*Whadda ya know?...Love really does conquer all.*
IN THE TOMB
"NOOOOOOOO!!!" The Faith lookalike screamed.
"What has happened M'lady?"
"The transformation...it has stopped...it must be..ginnnnn a..gainnn."
The mummy shrivelled up again and fell back into the Sarcophagus.
*What was...must still be. Destiny will not be robbed.* The followers stood around wondering just how that would come to pass.
IN THE HOTEL ROOM
The small black cat statue exploded in Angel's pocket. "Ahhh."
"Is that good or bad?" Wesley asked.
IN THE BEDROOM
Faith felt herself slip into her ancient memories once again. This time it was clear. She knew what she had to do, but not how to accomplish it. She turned to Buffy. "B, we gotta get dressed. Willow has a lot of work to do and so do we."
The dark haired woman jumped out of bed, looked at the pile of what used to be clothes and blushed. "I guess our other clothes are out in the other room right?"
Buffy's face went red as well. "Yup."
Faith turned to the door and yelled out; "Red could you grab some clothes for me and B and bring them here?"
"Okay Faith, gimme a minute." Willow looked to Wesley who pointed to the black one. "That's the one Buffy said she packed for Faith, the others I believe are hers."
Willow opened the black case and grabbed a pair of black demin cut- off shorts, a white t-shirt, socks, bra and underwear. Then she opened the next case and found a light blue short tube top and blue jean cutoffs.
She searched all the other bags and of course the last one had Buffy's unmentionables. She carried her arm load over to the room and handed them to Faith. "Be out in a minute Red...we gotta talk."
"Okay." *Yes we do and you aren't gonna like it.*
Wesley had pulled out his cell phone and filling Giles and everyone in on what had happened so far.
"Don't show your fear to Faith Wesley, it will not only anger her in her present condition but it hurt her when this is all over." Giles advised.
"You didn't see her growl...you weren't backed into a wall...well door."
"Buffy has done worse to me when angry, just remain calm and patient."
"How is me darling Faith really Mr Price? She must be so scared."
"Faith...scared? Frankly I don't believe she is afraid of anything, not that this behavior differs from the Faith we know and love. Buffy is with her, so I believe Faith is fine...for now. Hang on, here they come now."
The phone was place on speaker.
"Dearheart...how be ye?"
"Faith, are you alright dear?"
"This part is over now. No more cat shit. But the next part will begin as soon as Willow sends me to the past."
"Say what? No...no...no. Faith, what the hell are you talking about?" Buffy was getting angry again and knew she had to try to control it if she wanted to get some kind of answer or explanation.
"You know?" Willow looked the Slayer. "Of course, the genetic memory. You figured it out?"
"Yes, I did."
"Well don't keep us in suspense Faith, what is going on now?" Angel looked even more worried.
"The ring," was Willow's answer once again.
*Damn.* Angel shook his head.
*Bloody Hell.* Wesley wondered how much more Faith could handle.
"For those of us who have no idea what you're taking about, you will explain...please." Giles demanded.
"Check the picture of the tomb with the 'Slayer' glyph. Look real closely at the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand."
Giles and Breanna looked under the magnifying glass provided by Giles. "Oh good lord. It can't be."
IN THE HOTEL ROOM
Buffy's stomped her feet..."GOD DAMNIT...someone tell what's going on."
"It's like this B," Faith started. "That glyph...it's me. The ring you gave me last night...that's on her finger. That means, somehow I have to go into the past to become her."
"Not gonna happen. Not losing you to the past anymore than I would lose you to anything or anyone."
"It already happened B, just not to me...yet. Make sense?"
"NO! MOM?"
~Buffy, this is part of her personal destiny. You will help her to find it, but only she can make it happen.~
"She's right B. I can feel it. I have to do it alone. You guys will help me to find a way to get to the past, but only I can go back there."
"Mom, tell the PTB's to get someone else. Why can't they just leave us alone...let us be happy."
~I can't do that Buffy. The only question is, are you going to help or not?~
"What do you need me to do Faith?" Buffy asked wearily.
"Get lost."
"Hey!"
"You said it yourself B. If ya don't get lost, how can I go find you and the tomb?"
"Oh...yeah...that kind of get lost," Buffy grinned sheepishly.
"Yeah B, what did ya think...ohhhhh. I'm sorry B, I love you and I didn't mean that the way it sounded...honest."
"S'okay Faith. I get it. I love you too. I just hate not being able to be with you when it counts. I mean last time, at least Angel and Willow were there to help you...this time...you will be alone."
~It will only be for ten days real time.~
"And to me Joyce? How long?"
~Ten...years. I'm sorry Faith.~
"Years? FUCK ME...no way. I can't be without B for that long, hell ten days would drive me nuts."
"Years? Mom?" Buffy was close to tears.
~I'm sorry girls, that how it will be.~
"Dearheart?"
"Yes Gran?"
"Keep the cross, that the witchling gave to you, at all times. May it bring you all the luck ye will be needing."
"I'll take any luck I can get Gran. Blondie?"
"Y..yess Faith?"
"You will need to come here and help Red to bring me back."
A flash of light revealed itself to be Tara. "We need re-animate your mummy at the right time and then destroy it so you can cross the time continuum and return ten days after you leave."
"I know. It's pretty freaky knowing that the mummy is me, or will be, or was...fuck it. Let's go find this damn tomb. B, you have to leave first, don't tell anyone where you're going. In one hour, I'll come looking for you. Be careful."
"I will be, just make sure you do find me...yeah?"
"Yeah B. Our Slayer bond will see to that."
"Good Luck," Giles said.
"Come back to us...both of ye."
"Yes Gran."
"Yes, M'am."
Buffy pulled Faith in for one very passionate, longlasting kiss before leaving. Seeing the silly-assed grin put a smile on her face as well.
"F...Faith?"
"Yeah Blondie?"
"When you do f...find the tomb, you k...know what to look for don't you?"
"Yeah, a crazy blue-purple Vortex. I just step through and voila...I hope."
"Be...Be careful."
"Always am now Tara, look at what I have to come back to." She pointed to Buffy, then around to all her friends.
Tara looked at Willow and said; "We should get to work on the computations for her return trip."
Faith pulled Buffy in for a scorching kiss before smacking her ass as she shoved her out the door.
"Witchling?"
"Yes Breanna?"
"Could Tara bring Giles and I there?"
Tara vanished immediately and returned with them.
"I say that was...unusual," Giles stated straighting his glasses.
Breanna looked around and swayed for a minute. Angel was there in the blink of an eye, as was Faith.
"Easy there Bre."
"Sit down Gran, are ya okay?"
"Yes Dearheart, that was...that was amazing."
"I hate to break up this reunion, but I have to go 'get lost'", Buffy laughed.
Wesley handed Buffy a knapsack.
"What's in this, it's heavy."
"Dig tools, you may need them. Also three bottles of water."
"Right, thanks...I think." Buffy hoisted the sack onto her back and headed for the door.
As soon as Buffy left Faith turned to the two witches. "Look Red, Blondie...I know the list of favors already owed is pretty long but..."
"What do you need Faith?"
"H...how can w...we help?"
"I need you guys to give a full understanding of the ancient Egyptian language. I'm gonna need it."
"Y...you already h...have it Faith. It's part of the g...genetic memory."
"Will I be able to take anything back?"
"Like what?"
"Weapons, clothes, picture of B and me?"
"I don't believe you will be able to take anything other than what you are wearing at the time you enter the vortex."
*FUUCCKKKK...this really sucks.* "Any idea what time period I'm gonna end up in?"
Wesley spoke up; "I believe it to be the fourth century BC. That was when the cult of Bastet really began. It started at a place called Bubastis, now known as Zagazig."
Willow quickly pulled up ancient maps of Egypt and finally located the spot. "Here Faith."
Faith came over and studied the map. "I can take several knives with me and store them here." She pointed to what appeared to be a well.
"You can't take modern weapons back Faith. The material will not exist at that time and they will turn to rust or dust."
"Stakes?" Faith asked hopefully.
"Nothing other than yourself and clothes you are wearing. Which reminds me, we need to get some proper attire." Wesley and Angel left and returned quickly. They handed Faith a light blue what looked to be a long slip and a multilayered white robe. A pair of reed sandles completed the outfit.
Faith's eyebrows raised; "You're kidding right? Tell me you're fucking kidding."
"No Faith, this is what you need to put on before..."
Faith went into her room and put on the strange clothes and came back out. Wesley stepped forward and handed her several pieces of jewellery. "Why can't I take B? Or anyone else?"
~Because Faith, you need to do this by yourself. But you won't always be alone.~
"Channeling Yoda again Joyce."
~A deal, similar to the one you all made with the PTB's has been made.~
Faith thought quickly. "You mean YOU can come to me one weekend a month?"
~Yes.~
"Will I be able to get to her if she really needs help?" Angel asked in a worried tone.
~Unfortunately not Angel, but she will have help when needed.~
"How so? And why not, they gave me their word."
~Tara?~
"Y...Yes Mrs. Summers?"
~First, call me Joyce please.~
"Joyce...how can I h...help?"
~Can you teleport another person here first?~
"Who?"
~Please go get Spike and bring him to this room. Willow close the curtains...all of them.~
Angel walked softly over to Joyce and he whispered; "It's Spike's turn for redemption isn't it?"
~Yes, if he accepts it. You can't force him.~
"That won't be necessary. He has changed almost as much as Faith. I think he will be happy to help."
A flash of light appeared and Tara stepped out with Spike in tow.
~Spike, you know of the deal between the PTB's and them?"
"Yes, how does that concern me?"
~Well Spike...put this ring on.~
Spike put the copper band on his left pinkie finger. "Nice, but what's it for?"
Joyce waved her hands and the curtains all opened to allow the sun in.
Spike froze and then realized that he wasn't smoking.
Tara spoke up; "That ring...it's ring of Amon-Ra, the god of the sun."
~It will protect you from the sun only when you are in the past with Faith and this demonstration. Close the blinds again please Angel. If she needs help...you, Spike, will be transported there to help in any way possible and then returned til the next time. Do you accept this challenge Spike?~
"Yes, I will protect her, help her or do whatever is needed. Will I have any warning about going back?"
~The ring will give you a slight shock thirty seconds before you travel back to Faith.~
"No insult intended Spike, Joyce...why not Angel?"
"None taken luv, and that's a good question."
~Because Angel will be very busy where he's going. Do you want your chance at redemption or not Spike?~
"I already said yes...just wanted some answers is all."
"I'm sorry Spike, you can say no ya know?"
"Not a bleeding chance luv. I just realized that there is something even more important than redemption."
The brunette woman and all present looked at him, waiting for the conclusion.
"Helping a friend. Believe it or not Slayer...you were the first to really accept me as a friend. That's not something I will ever forget. So let me help."
"Okay Spike...you're in. Hey Joyce?"
~Hey what?~
Faith grinned at the immediate response from the older woman. "Can Spike come with me...you know, help me to settle in kinda."
Both looked to Joyce for the answer.
She had vanished and returned seconds later. ~Spike, you can go with her...~
"But?"
~If you do, you will need to remain there for the full ten years.~
"That's bloody wonderful." Spike actually smiled.
"I feel a whole lot better now, at least I know he will have your back whenever needed. I'm sorry it can't be me GD."
"It's okay Gramps. Joyce?"
~Yes?~
"Since the PTB's have already proven their word can't be trusted...if Angel needs me, will they still send me to him...from the past I mean?"
~Unlikely,this situation wasn't known about when they gave their word. You must go back and do what needs to be done. He must stay on the other world, but Willow can go whenever...not just weekends, if she choses to.~
"I do."
"Could I t...take F...Faith's place. I k...know, I'm not her...but my m...magic could help."
~Okay, I guess everyone knows where they are going, when and what to do.~
"By god Joyce, were you this busy when you were alive?" Breanna marveled at how everyone readjusted their lives in an instant.
~No, I had next to nothing to do with this kind of thing while I was alive.~
"Well what can I do to help Dearheart?"
"Don't forget me Gran." Faith sighed deeply. *FUCK! I just get a family and everything I always wanted and the shit hits the fan again. I swear the minute I get back...me and B are getting married and buggering off on a very long and private honeymoon.*
"Never happen Dearheart. But even ten days without you will make me a little cranky."
"G-man, I need your word that whatever Gran needs or wants, you get it for her until I get back."
"I will Faith. I promise. Good luck to both you and Spike."
"Thanks, I hope we don't need it."
"Appreciate the thought Watcher."
Angel handed Spike a bag of clothes. "How did you know I would need these Angel?"
"One of the hiergylphs showed a thin man with fangs fighting with Faith."
Spike went into the bathroom and changed. "This is hot and heavy and I feel like a right proper fool I do."
~Spike...the ring will work again here, but only for a couple of hours. Find my daughter quickly.~
"Understood."
"Come on Spike, it's a big city and Buffy has had an hour to get lost."
OLD RUINS 5 MILES AWAY
Buffy sighed deeply. *I just have to find a way to go with Faith. She will need help.* Not watching where she was going, she tripped over a flat rock protruding up out of the sand. "OWIE!" the little blond got up and dusted herself off. "WHA....?" Buffy was suprised to say the least when men started coming up out of the sand and surrounding her.
"She is not the one. Kill her quickly, we must find the 'Vessel of Retribution'." The tallest of them said. "We can still save our glorious leader by preventing the 'one' from going back. We owe it to she who was our life."
"Yada, yada, yada...bring it." Buffy got into a fighting stance and waited.
1/2 MILE AWAY
Faith and Spike were looking around. "I thought I sensed her...guess I was wrong."
"Well, luv...you can always find her."
"Yeah Spike...the bond. Hang on." Faith closed her eyes. ~Hey B?~
~Little busy right now baby, gimme a minute.~ Buffy kicked out and leg swept the two closest. The third and fourth recognized a fighter when they saw one and backed up just long enough to pull knives out of their inner pockets.
1/4 MILE AWAY
"Come on Spike...she's got company," Faith took off at Slayer speed and it was all the blond vampire could do just to keep up.
AT THE RUINS
Buffy had pulled apart one of the robes and used it to tie up the four men. Unfortunately the other three had gotten away. She sat down to wait for Faith. She could feel her girlfriend's presence and knew she was close by.
"BUFFFFYYYYY?" Faith ran around the corner of one of the dilapidated buildings.
"Over here baby." Buffy stood up with open arms and Faith ran right into them.
"Are you okay?" Faith pulled back to gaze at her gorgeous lover.
"Fine, they're normal human...well...normal is up for debate. But three got away."
Spike came around the corner and saw the Slayers. "About bleeding time."
"Spike?" Buffy looked at him and realized that he wasn't smoking.
"We need to find that tomb now. I'm starting to feel the heat, I think the couple of hours Joyce bought me is running out." spike looked around, he needed to find shelter fast. He walked towards a small column and tripped over the same rock that Buffy had. "BLOODY HELL!" Spike picked himself up and dusted himself off.
Buffy smiled slightly, "BTDT."
"Huh?" The dark Slayer asked.
"Been there...done that. Hurt too."
Spike was moving the sand around the rock away. "Uhhh Faith? It has writing on it. We need to dig it out." His hand started smoking.
Faith quickly came over and ripping one the the thin straps of her costume around both hands separately, she then dragged him towards a shaded area. "Stay here for now Spike. I can't afford to lose ya."
"I want to help."
"You will...later." Faith went back to the rock and found that Buffy had dug down almost two feet. "Can you read this Faith?"
Faith leaned down, looked at the writings, closed her eyes and waited for what she hoped would be clarification. It wasn't long in coming. "B, ya did it."
"What did I do?"
"Ya found the tomb. It says here that the gods have abandoned the one who lies here. Here lust for power had consumed her. Sounds like our gal."
~You have found the right tomb girls, but you need to come back at midnight to start digging. Everyone can and will help with the uncovering of enough of the tomb for Faith and Spike to get to the Vortex.~
Out of a flash of light, Tara appeared.
Faith pointed to Spike leaning against a column in the shade. "Get him to the room safely Blondie."
Tara reached for Faith's hand. "Take her h...hand Faith and come with m...me."
They walked over to Spike, Tara took his hand and they all vanished. They reappeared in their room.
"A cold shower might help that slight pinkness Spike. Thanks for coming and I'm real sorry about that sunburn."
"Not to worry luv, I'll be alright soon enough."
Willow crossed her arms and stared at him for a minute before giving a slight telekinectic shove towards the bathroom."
"Alright...alright, bloody hell." Spike went into the bathroom, closed the door and turned the shower on. While he removed his clothes, he smiled. *I can do this. I can help the Slayer. I will help her.* He stepped into the shower and growled, the water, although cool, still put an almost unbearable pressure on his hands and face.
IN THE ROOM
"Tell us Dearheart. What happened?" Breanna patted the sofa and Faith sat down beside her. "Well Gran, B and Spike kinda found the tomb. We have to dig it out. Joyce said we have to go back at midnight to start uncovering it."
"I say, an archeological dig...it should be very stimulating." Giles pulled out his credit card. "We will all need tools."
"Indeed."
Angel spoke softly in a determined voice, "I will get what we need, put that away Giles."
"Now look here, I may not be rich like most of you are now...but I will contribute."
"Your back will be giving you hell later for your contribution." Angel smiled for a moment. "Good thing we have two witches who can deal with the aches and pains we will all suffer from tonight or tomorrow."
IN THE SHOWER
Spike watched as his skin returned to its original paleness and the sting faded. He turned off the shower and stepped out.
Willow heard the shower turn off and she grabbed his washed modern clothes and headed for the bathroom. "Spike, stay behind the door but open it please."
"Why?"
"Do you want your jeans and stuff or would you rather wear that robe thingee?"
The door opened slightly and the redhead tossed in the clothes and closed the door.
Spike quickly dressed and came out.
"Ya okay now Spike?" Faith spoke in a concerned voice.
"Fine luv, told ya I would be. Joyce, can we talk privately?"
~Of course Spike.~
They went into the small kitchen.
~What's on your mind Spike? Have you changed your mind about wanting to help?~
"Not at all, I just want you to answer a question with total honesty."
~What's the question?~
"Will we get back after this little historical adventure?"
~Yes and then Faith will, if allowed by you, use you as a test subject.~
"To do what exactly?"
~You said one question and I answered it. I'm sorry Spike, I've said more than I should already.~
KNOCK KNOCK
Breanna got up and answered the door. A bellhop pushing a dolly loaded with large boxes walked in and deposited them in the centre of the room. The older woman handed him a generous tip.
"Thank you, have a nice day M'am."
"Tools for everyone," Angel said with a slight grin.
Willow was typing furiously on her laptop again. "Faith?"
"Yeah Red?"
"Show me exactly where the tomb is on this map...if you can."
Faith looked at the screen, closed her eyes and stabbed at the map. "There. Whatcha doing now?"
"Getting permits to dig. We don't wanna end up in jail. I can, with Tara's help, put a 'Glam' around us all, but that would take a lot of energy."
"Okay. No Glam, unless absolutely necessary and then only for a short period of time."
"Faith, how can you be sure that you have found the right tomb?" Wesley stepped back at the looks given by everyone in the room.
Buffy growled, "You calling my fiance a liar Wuss?"
"No...Not at all. I just..." Sweat broke out on his brow.
~It is the right tomb Mr. Price.~
"Yeah Wuss, the writing on the column or whatever it is said something about a woman losing the gods favor or some such shit." She rubbed her temples. Buffy immediately pointed to her sword. "Uh, Faith...what happened to your special sword? Why is it stuck in the wall?"
"It didn't work the last time I went a catgodessy and threw it. You were here."
"Oh yeah, well go get it. I don't know if you can charge it up, but if you can then maybe that pounding headache will go away. It's worth a try right?"
"K," the brunette Slayer walked over and pulled the sword out of the wall. She held it and knew she couldn't charge it while she had a headache. "Nope, not charging."
"Use your healing baby," Buffy asked.
"Tried that B, running on empty. I'm gonna go lay down for awhile...K?"
"Want some company?"
Breanna brought over a towel full of ice. "Let Wee One help you Dearheart. You know she can...distract you." Breanna grinned.
Faith grabbed her head and dropped to her knees. Buffy swayed for a moment then picked up her girfriend.
"B, ya gotta pull back from our link. I don't want you to be in pain cause of me."
"Not a chance baby. let me help." She gently picked up Faith and carried her into their room. "Come and get us when your're ready to go."
"We will. I think that you both should eat something just before we leave. So we'll come get you in a few hours." Giles gently caressed the dark Slayer's brow, while mouthing to Buffy; "Take care of her."
Spike walked over to Tara, "Can't you help her?"
"I...I wish I c...could Spike. But using G...Genetic Memory in the present will cause her p...pain and there is n...nothing anyone can do about it."
"Will it cause her pain in the past as well?" Breanna asked quickly. She didn't like seeing her grandaughter in pain.
"In the p...past, it won't h...hurt her."
IN THEIR ROOM
Buffy gently lay Faith down on the bed. She laid down beside her, pulled her into arms and placed the ice filled towel across her forehead. "Shhhh, baby...I'm here." Hearing Faith moan in pain was not something she enjoyed.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
"I say, can't you at least let her sleep for awhile?" Wesley questioned the witches.
"Why didn't we think of that?" Willow quickly spoke a few phrases. "Done."
IN THE BEDROOM
Faith cuddled into the warmth of Buffy and closed her eyes. The older Slayer smiled and kept the ice in place for the time being.
"ZZZZ, love you B...ZZZZZ."
"Love you too Faith."
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Breanna walked over Tara; "Can ye go get Alexander and Anya? We did leave them alone and I believe they will want to help."
Tara teleported back to Breanna's home.
BREANNA'S HOME
Xander woke up and wished he hadn't. "Oh god, never again."
"Never what again Xander?" Anya asked as she stuck her head out of the bathroom door.
"Too much to drink, too big a head," Xander moaned and laid back down. He was waiting and praying the room would stop spinning.
A soft knock on door was heard.
Anya pulled it open forgetting that Xander was naked in bed.
"Oh goddess, uhhhh..,X..Xander..."
Xander quickly pulled the sheet up and was sorry. He jumped up and ran into the bathroom.
"Oh...my precious Xander...what's wrong?"
"It's called a h...hangover Anya and as soon as he c...comes out, I will get rid of it. I came t...to bring you both to Egypt. W...Will you come and help?"
"We will, help how exactly?"
"Buffy and S...Spike found the tomb and it will t...take all of us to dig it out of the m...nilleniums of sand that cover it."
"Why is that when we help, we always get dirty?" Anya complained, but Tara knew it was just a front and that the former demon would do anything for her friends.
When Xander came out, he was wearing a hotel robe he found in the bathroom. "Tara?"
"Come here," she raised her hands and placed them gently on his head and face. She said a few words and his hangover was gone.
"Bless your entire bloodline Tara. Thanks."
"Could you stop touching my Xander now?" Anya's jealous side was coming out in forcce.
"An...relax. Tara and Willow. like this; he crossed his fingers."
Anya looked down at her feet; "I'm...sorry Tara."
"It's okay A...Anya. I understand, I wouldn't w...want anyone touching Willow unless n...necessary either."
"Please get dressed and packed. We leave for Egypt in a few minutes." Tara exited their room and went downstairs into the library to wait.
"Egypt? Are the girls in trouble already?" Xander asked as he pulled on a pair of jeans.
"They found the tomb and need people to dig it out."
"Dig it out?"
"Yes Xander, now finish getting dressed."
"Yes, my little buttercup." He ducked the incoming playful swat.
"I AM NOT A LITTLE YELLOW FLOWER! I'm..."
"The woman I love," Xander kissed her softly and smiled at her.
IN THE LIBRARY
Tara went over to the book case and pulled out a couple of books relating to the magics of ancient Egypt. *These may be useful, I hope Breanna won't mind if we borrow them.*
Xander and Anya walked into the library and saw the wicca reading.
"Good book?"
"Yes Xander, it m...may be usef...ful. Are you ready?"
"Yes," Xander held onto a small suitcase and Anya held hers. Tara told them to join hands and she took Anya's. They all appeared in the hotel room.
Looking around Xander asked; "Where are the Slayers?"
"Faith gets a bad headache whenever she uses the genetic memory, she is laying down and Buffy is, of course, with her." Giles supplied.
"What about the cat thing?"
"That is over with, this tomb will allow Faith and Spike to go back in time to do what was done and must be done."
"HUH?" A confused Xander asked.
Willow quickly filled them in.
"They just can't get a break can they?"
"Apparently not," wesley answered. Even he wondered if the Slayers could ever be left in peace for more a few minutes.
"We should order dinner for everyone. We will all need our strength for digging and more importantly keeping Faith and Spike's spirits up. They will be alone in the past with only each other to trust and turn to. Both are used to having some or all of us around when needed. This will be as hard on them as it will be on us." Breanna picked up the phone and ordered enough food to feed an army.
"Maybe you should go wake Faith and Buffy Bre," Giles suggested.
"Witchling, could you turn off that silence thing for a minute...I wouldn't want to interrupt anything."
Willow giggled and waved her hands, ready to put it back up. No sounds were coming out of the room and Breanna knocked softly. "Dearheart, Wee One?"
Buffy answered; "Come in Breanna."
The older woman came in and saw Faith cuddled next to Buffy, she was still sound asleep. "Dinner will be here soon. You should wake her."
"I'm awake Gran," Faith sat up and cracked her neck both sides and stretched.
"How be ye feeling Dearheart?"
"Better...B is the best medicine in the world...for me." She blushed and kissed her lover's cheek.
"As it should be. Wee One?"
"Yes Breanna?"
"The gang is all here, after we eat we'll go start to dig up this tomb."
"Sounds like a plan...Gran," Faith gave her patented goofy grin.
As soon as they walked out into the living room, Spike, using a pen, pulled it out of the wall and handed Faith her sword dangling from the oen.. "Charge it up luv...it may be needed later."
Faith took it and felt a minor release of power. "It's not fully recharged, remind me later. SHIT! G-Man? Tell me I can take this sword at least?"
Giles turned to Joyce, the question in his eyes.
~All specials dispentatins have been made for Spike, I believe he will be able to bring it back. Spike you must hide it in your robes, no one can know about it. Since it is a magical device, it will survive the trip, but you must hide it close so that Faith has access when needed.~ She handed him a shiny glove.
"What's this for then?"
"It will allow you touch the sword when retrieving it for Faith. Do not try to use the sword itself.~
"Understood."
After a quiet meal, everyone rose from the table and picked up various knapsacks. The Slayers and Vampires picked up the heavier boxes and headed down to the lobby.
Wesley had rented a large cube van and once the equipment was stored and everyone was settled in, they headed out into the open desert.
1 HOUR AND 10 MINUTES LATER
As Xander was walking around the ruins he fell into the small ditch that Buffy had dug around the pilar found earlier.
"That's three," Buffy giggled. "Don't worry about it Xander, Spike and I both tripped over that damn thing."
"Well at least I'm in good company then," he grinned.
"Okay people we need to start diging in grids. Check this map and start where I placed your name." Willow pointed out everyone position.
"Let's get this show on the road y'all." Faith was both anxious to get started and at the same time, she wanted to take Buffy in her arms and run like hell.
"I know baby," Buffy kissed her passionately.
"Hey! Smoochies later, dig now." Willow tossed the Slayers shovels.
...to be continued...