Third Slayer
by Holliday
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine I only own the air I breath and I’m not even sure if I own that.
I’m not going to pretend I stopped living. I’m not going to pretend I stopped loving. And I’m not going to hate you. Though I have tried forgiveness. And Love is stonger than Pride.
Buffy Summers lay buried in the ground. Six feet under from where she stood. One solem tear fell down her cheek as she turned to walk away.
I’m not going to pretend I stopped living. I’m not going to pretend I stopped loving. And I’m not going to hate you. Because I tried forgiveness. And Love is stonger than Pride.
“Faith.” The word was spoken just above a whisper. “No. Faith don’t go.” Buffy said as she slowly came to. A burst of energy shot through her. Punching thru the coffin. She began digging her way out into the world of the living.
As she lay on the ground coughing and wheezing. She began to black out. Before the abyss washed over her she called out. “Faith.” The last thing she heard was her name. “B?” Faith picked the smaller slayer up and carried her home.
Her rational mind screaming to take her to Giles. But her heart won out. All she wanted was for a few hours alone with her. Even if she was unconcious. She was with B. She wasn’t about to lose her again.
Buffy awoke in her bed. She had been bathed and was wearing a black tank-top and a pair of matching boxer-briefs. Feeling a warmth next to her she hoped to fine her there. She wasn’t dissappointed to find the other slayer laying next to her. Lying back down she snuggled into Faith taking in all that was the younger slayer.
A time later Faith awoke. Hoping that it all had not been a dream. That B, was alive was slowly becoming a sad reminder that Buffy was dead and that she was the Slayer. No longer apart of the Chosen Two. Just a slayer. She was about to return to her slumber when she looked around the room. She was not in the mansion. She was in Buffy’s house, she was in her room maybe it hadn’t been a dream. Getting out of the bed she began to walk around the room.
Just as she was about to the open the door. The older slayer entered holding a tray of food. “Wasn’t sure what you wanted so I grabbed everything.” Buffy said flashing a smile. Faith stood stunned her breath caught. She couldn’t speak. A tear fell down her cheek. Buffy sat down the tray and moved closer to her. Faith began to back away. “You’re not real.” “You don’t believe that.” “B?” “Faith it’s me.” “So what do we do now fight?” “No, this.” Buffy pulled Faith into her arms and kissed her.
Not wanting to end the moment they both reluctantly pulled apart. “We have to call Giles.” “I know but can’t we just stay like this for a while.” Buffy asked half pleading. She didn’t want this to end not yet. “I know I could stay this way forever but they're your friends and you need to see them they need to see you. B, please we have to see them.” “Okay.” Buffy said half heartedly turning to get dressed she kissed Faith one last time and was out the door.
Faith called Giles calling an emergency Scooby meeting. Buffy was scared she didn’t want to face this. She wasn’t ready. “Faith?” “Yeah.” “Promise you’ll be right there.” “Always B.” She said giving her a reassuring smile. Faith opened the door as the others waited for what she had to say. “I don’t’ know exactly how to begin. So I guess I’ll show you.” Faith walked to the door opening it she extended her hand. Buffy took it as she walked inside.
“Buffy.” Buffy stood looking at them. She didn’t know what do. Instead she leaned in closer to Fath needing the other girl's touch. Giles was the first to approach. He hugged her and immediately let go as she tensed up. “Buffy are you alright?” She just looked at him his eyes pleading with her to let him in. “I- can’t do this.” She said as she turned to leave. Buffy looked at Faith begging her to come with her. Faith silently agreed.
“Giles let me.” Faith walked out. And went after her. “Hey B, talk to me. What happened.” “I can’t.” “Buffy please.” “You said my name.” “I know I’m worried about you. Now please tell me what’s up.” “I was dead. I went to hell I came back. That’s it.”
“That’s not it there’s more.” “I saw- I saw.” Buffy was crying now. “I saw me stab you. I watched Giles, Willow and Xander die. Everything I love was dead and I did it all my gift is death. Everyone dies. And it’s all my fault. I lived it over and over. Until I saw you then I was back.” “B, it’s okay nobody’s dead.” “At least not today.” “That’s true but we take that chance every day.” Faith said pulling Buffy closer. She knew there was more but would wait until Buffy was ready to tell her.
“You want to go back in now. I’m sure Dawn wants to see you.” At the mention of her “sister” Buffy tensened up. “Okay maybe not. So what do you want to do?” “I just want to go home and lie in bed.” “Okay. I’ll take you home then I’ll go out on patrol.”
“No.” “B, I’ll make it a short patrol.“ “I don’t want you to go on patrol tonight I want you to be lying in bed with me.” “Oh.” Was Faith’s reponse. She knew that’s what she wanted but there was something off about all of this.
“Okay. Let me just tell the others we're heading home.” “Okay. I’ll be right here.” Faith slowly got up casting a slowly glance at Buffy, then she headed back into Giles. “So how’s Buffy.” “I’m not sure. she’s hiding something what I’m not sure.” “Well if you’re the one she feels comfortable with then we’ll wait until she’s ready.” “Look guys I know I’m not the person you think she should turn to but I want her better. I want B back. I care about her a lot.” Willow shot a look of pure evil at Faith. “We love her.” So do I Red so do I. Faith looked at the four gathered in the room and turned to leave.
When Faith returned Buffy sat in daze. Her mind swam with imformation. “B? B?” “Yeah?” “You okay.” “I’m fine I’d be better if we were at home.” Buffy said pulling Faith into an embrace. “Keep this up and we may not get home.” “Faith.” Buffy said smaking her arm. “Hey you started it.”
Buffy was lying in bed Faith lay on her stomache. As soon as they had got into her room Buffy fell on the bed Faith was right behind her. They had stayed like this for couple of hours. Buffy was now running her fingers thru Faith's hair. “Faith.” “Hmm.” The younger slayer sighed contently. “I- I’m sorry about before.” “B, don’t it’s the past what matters is that you’re here now and that we’re together. The chosen two in love.” “Faith you love me?” “B, how can you ask me that?” “I just…” Faith silencend her with a kiss. “I have never loved anyone more than I love you.”
Buffy kissed down Faith’s jaw. Slowly moving down her neck. Faith rolled her over placing herself on top. Kissing down her neck. She began to move lower. Buffy began to writh in pleasure as she worked. Two bodies began to move in rhythm all their own, as two souls joined as one.
Faith lay on her back as Buffy fell asleep in her arms. Faith kissed the top of her head as a tear fell down her cheek. “I love you Buffy Anne Summers.”
“Ahh.” Cordelia Chase screamed as she fell to the floor. “Cordy.” Angel called as he ran into the office. Wesley and Gunn weren’t too far behind. “What is it?” Wesley asked in his english accent. “SunnydaleBuffyandFaithbabyBattleThreeslayersdeath.” Cordelia passed out. Angel caught her before she hit the floor. “I’ll call Giles.” Angel just nodded his head as he tended to Cordy. “Come on Cor.” “Angel? What happened.” “You fainted.” “Vision too much.” “I called Giles and Buffy’s alive.” Angel looked up turning to the other three. “We're going to Sunnydale.”
“Morning sleepyhead.” Buffy said as Faith slowly awoke. Rubbing her eyes Faith took in the sight before her. This was bliss she thought. Buffy got off the bed and headed towards the bathroom. Picking up speed Faith was right behind her. “B, you okay.” “I’m.. huugh.” Was all she managed to get out before she began to vomit again.
Heading toward the sink she rinsed her mouth out. Turning towards Faith. Buffy knew exactly what was going on when Faith nearly fell over.
“B?” “Faith?” The two slayers just looked at each other neither quite sure of what to say. Faith slowly got up her mind was racing Buffy was pregnant and it was her’s. How this was possible well she sort of passed out when Buffy had explained it, but a baby they weren’t ready for this. She wasn’t ready. There was usually nine months for this they weren't sure how much time they’d have. One day was three months. At this rate the baby would be here at the end of the week.
“Faith. I know this is a lot to handle but. I need you. I can’t do this without you.”
At that Faith had pulled Buffy into her arms. The older slayer was crying. The front door was kicked in. As the Scoobys, Giles, Angel, Wesley, Cordy and Gunn stood stunned at the two slayers.
“So let me get this straight. Buffy’s alive because she is going to have a super slayer. And the only person capable in creating this other life was Faith. Anyone else find this weird.” Cordelia asked as everyone in the room raised their hand. Buffy shot a look at Faith who just shrugged her shoulders.
Angel stood brooding in a corner. He knew this would happen. Not the baby but he had seen the signs. Faith had always loved Buffy. And Buffy had felt something for Faith. The two were just too young to realize it. Had he not come back maybe they wouldn’t have gone thru so much pain.
“Don’t ever think that.” “Buffy I.” “Angel I know this is hard for you. But don’t ever think you coming back is a bad thing. Because it isn’t you saved my life and Faith’s and a lot of others. The world without you would be just as bad or worse. Okay maybe that didn’t come out right. But I think you know what I meant.” Buffy replied flashing a grin.
“Roughly I would say we have less than a week until she is born.” “She.” Both slayers exclaimed in unison. “Why yes she. Your child is a slayer it’s only logical that it is a girl.” “I think what they mean Giles is that it’s a little overwhelming to know the sex.” Willow said tossing a wink to Buffy. “Exactly what Red said.” Faith echoed taking Buffy’s hand in her own.
“So what do we do now?” Buffy asked. “Well I think you two should stay put. No one knows that you’re alive Buffy and if we keep it under wraps that Faith is here we might be able to find out what the danger is to the three of you.” Buffy was trying to remember what she could from her dream. There was something coming for Dawn but it wanted all of them not just Dawn but the baby too. “Dawn.” “She’s fine Buffy.” “No. I remember Glory as I went thru she was trying to bring something thru the portal. I’m not sure what but it wants Dawn and the baby.” “Buffy that’s impossible no one knew about the baby especially Glory.”
“I know but now we have two problems. Dawn has power how she can use it I don’t know but the baby has something to do with it. Where is Dawn?” “She’s with Spike.” Tara offered. “Oh god Spike does he knows.” “No he doesn’t know you’re alive.” Willow concluded. “We he was just inconsolable after your death and we didn’t know what to do but you're not dead now so you can tell him.” “Thanks Anya.” “It’s okay Buffy.” “Anya.” Xander called to his fiancee. The ex vegence demon just glared at him as if she had no idea why he was calling her name.
“Alright Faith and I will stay here while you guys find out what’s going on.” “Okay.” “Buffy try and get some rest.” Giles said. “Oh Will can you hack into the the city records and create like a birth certificate and stuff for the baby.” “No problem oh yeah as for your death certificate it’s already undone so no worries take care of them Faith or your death certificate won’t be too far behind.” Faith just looked at the wicca as she walked out the door.
“She didn’t mean it.” “That’s what worries me I think she did B. Actually I was thinking what is she going to look like.” “Who?” “Her.” Faith said pointing to Buffy’s stomache. “I don’t know maybe you.” “Nah I’m hoping you.” “Why.” “That way I’ll have two blondes to call my own.” “Faith your incourageable.” “Maybe she’ll be a mix. I’d like to think a daughter of our would kinda look like Angelina Jolie.” “What?” “I mean your blue eyes, my dark hair and full lips. And your utter sincerity. B it’s a perefect blend of light and dark.” Buffy just smiled.
“The gates of hell will be opened in less than a month.” “So we're talking Hellmouth right.” Faith asked. “No not just a Hell Mouth this is it.” “The Apocaplyse.” Angel said as he carried a book. “This is the judging factor of the world.” “So you're saying the entire world rests on our shoulders again.” “Well yes Buffy. The two..er are the chosen.” “Well did you find out what Glory was conjuring up.” “No nothing Buff. It’s like she was working on something that didn’t exist yet.” “Hmm, Ahh.” “B. Oh my god your stomache. It’s growing again.” “It’s happening.” “Alright Willow towels, Xander Hot water. Angel have you ever done this.” “No.” The vampire replied. “I-I have.“ Tara replied from a corner “Good.”
“What do you want me to do.” Faith asked. “Keep Buffy calm.” “I can do that. I think.” “Faith!” “Yeah.” “Relax.” Faith gave Angel a half smile. “Okay B, breath.” “Get it out of me.” “B. REMAIN CALM JUST BREATH.” “I AM Faith I’m going to kill you..”
Twenty minutes later…
“It’s a girl.” Tara said as she placed the baby in Buffy’s arms. “How you feelin B.” “I hurt.” “Well that’s to be expected..”
You two decide on a name.” “No.” “Hey wait. B how about keep tradition with five letters.” “Huh?” “Well I have five letters in my name and so do you so how about if you want Joy.” “That’s three.” Giles pointed out. ”I know so how about Joyce.” “Joyce?” “Yeah after your mom. Anne for you and Spencer for me.” “I like it Joyce Anne Spencer.” Buffy said as she snuggled the infant in her arms. Faith smiled looking at the two.
A dark force was converging on Sunnydale and all were in danger. Who would be the last standing.
Buffy sat in the magic shop. Joy sat on her lap in less than a week the child had doubled in size and appeared to be two or three years old. The rest of the gang had gone to find out where Faith had disappeared to. She had left for LA. With Angel and the others but three days had passed and she still wasn’t back yet. Cordelia had had a vision and Buffy was scared that it could be Faith. So the Scooby’s headed out. Leaving Buffy alone with their daughter.
“Mama-mama gone.” Joy was raising her hands. As Buffy looked at her. “No. Mama-mama will be back. I promise.” Joy started to fuss so Buffy put her in the play pen. She walked into the workout room intending to aleviate some stess. When she came face to face with one Riley Finn.
“Holy-Shit Riley what are you doing here.” Buffy said as she looked at her ex-boyfriend. Riley just glared at her with that dumb expression in which he thought he was looking sexy. “Buffy I came back to tell you’re in danger. They're trying to kill you.” “Who?” “What was that?” “Oh god Joy.” Before Buffy could explain what was happening she ran out into the magic shop. Joy was in the arms of a large demon.
“Okay we can do this the easy way or the hard way.” “The slayer will be ours.”
“Not as long as I’m around.” With that Buffy lept and delivered a sweep. Sending the demon to the ground. Picking Joy up she placed her back in the pen and proceeded to beat the demon. “What are you.” “You can’t comprehend as for the slayer and the key they will free my master. There is nothing you or the other one can do as it is written so shall it be. One will rise from her sacrifice to give birth to a pure slayer. The third slayer will unite with the key to link the gates and bring forth the desrtuction of this world.”
“Well if that’s all you can die now.” Buffy snapped his neck. Riley was still standing in the doorway.
“Buffy what’s going on?” “Riley what.” “Who’s baby is that.” “She’s mine.” “Huh?” “Actually beefstick she’s ours.” “Faith.” Buffy ran to embrace her. “God Faith what happened where were you.” “Well I had to deal with five of those things then some vamps and I had to pick up some thing for my two favorite girls.” Faith replied wiggling her eyebrows. The two walked over to the play pen looking down at Joy she had grown again.
“B, every day we wake up to a different little girl it’s a bit weird you know.” “Yeah. I..” “Hello I’m still here and confused as hell.” “Oh yeah Riley, Faith. Faith, Riley.” “Well we meet at least in the flesh.” “Faith.” “Sorry. Look what happened before I’m sorry but let’s not dwell on that. I only have three things I need you to do. See that little girl no matter what you keep her, Buffy and Dawn safe. Got it.” “Yeah.” “Faith where are you going?” “Dawn’s still with Spike. I want you three to head to the mansion will all regroup there if a battle needs be waged that’s a good a place as any.”
“Faith be careful.” “Always.” “Faith.” “B. I promised you once I’d be back. I always keep my promise.” Faith kissed Buffy as she turned to leave. Buffy watched as the love of her life walked out the door. As soon as she was gone Buffy was gathering weapons. The rest of the scoobys fell into the magic shop a few minutes later.
“So Buffy what did Faith mean when she said that the baby was 'ours'.” Buffy looked up suddenly. “I didn’t mean ours as yours and mine.” “I know. She. Joy is ours mine and Faith’s. I died trying to close a portal between this world and another..and when I came back. There was something I had to do if I wanted to stay in this world. I fell in love with Faith all over again and I knew I couldn’t go back. So I stayed and that night I got pregnant with Faith’s child. And now she’s in danger. And I'll do anything to keep my family safe they're all I have left.”
Riley just stood on in silence. There was really nothing he could say he knew Buffy really hadn’t loved him but he had at least hoped there was a chance for him. But as he saw the way Buffy looked at Faith he knew that there was no way anyone could ever come close. He wondered if Angel knew.
Twenty minutes later Faith, Spike and Dawn were safely in the mansion. Most of the Scooby’s were asleep. Tara and Willow had found a room to hole up in for the duration of the night. Anya was resting on Xander's shoulder on the couch. Cordelia had taken a seat next to Angel and the two hadn’t moved in almost an hour. Wesley stood pacing as Gunn had fallen asleep next to the couch. Giles sat reading over by the fire place.
“Hey.” Everyone looked up as the three came into the room. Spike shot a look at Riley who just glared back at him. Dawn took a seat next to the window. She moved when Faith told her it may not be such a good idea. “Where’s Red and Tar?” “Upstairs.” Cordelia said as she yawned. “How’s B.” “Well. She’s doing well considering.” “Has she remembered anyhing about..?” “No Faith she still won’t talk to us.” Faith let out a breath. “Okay I’m going to check on her and Joy.” Faith walked out of the room and went upstairs.
Buffy was laying on the bed Joy rested in her arms. She was now about seven.
Faith crept in not wanting to wake the two. Faith couldn’t help but smile they were the two most beautiful creations she had ever laid eyes on. “Faith.” Buffy rasped out. “Yeah B. It's me. Shh I don’t want to wake the baby. I guess she isn’t a baby anymore.” “I know it’s so weird. But you know it’s comforting to know we won’t be in our forties when she’s like in college.” At that the two both laughed causing Joy to stir. “Mom.” “Yeah.” “You're back.” “Yup shorty. I always come back.” The little girl was sitting in Faith’s lap.
“Okay not to be the one to break up the lovefest here but you two need some sleep.” “Moooom.” The two said pleading. “Not going to happen.” Joy and Faith each pouted their lips as they crawled into bed.
The next morning Buffy and Faith awoke in bed alone. “Joy.” Buffy called out. “Faith wake up she’s gone.” “What?” “Joy’s gone.” The two were out of bed and down the stairs in record time. “Guys Joy’s gone.” “Mom over here.” Buffy looked up to find a a five foot three raven haired angel standing next to Dawn. “Joyce Anne Spencer if you..” Buffy couldn’t even finish looking at her daughter it was just so unreal. “Whoa,” was Faith’s reply.
Dawn and Joy had spent the entire day with each other. The two were becoming fast friends. Dawn was teaching Joy about everything she knew as Joy listened.
Whenever one would speak the other would get this look that the there was nothing else in the world except the other girl.
“I think we should begin trainig.” “Giles do you think she’s ready.” “Yeah G-man I’m with B on this I don’t want to push her.” “She’ll be fine. I think you two are worried she’ll mop the floor with you.” “Well she does come from the best.” Faith replied with a sly grin. Buffy just looked on.
“Okay Joy block with your right and then lunge with your left.” Faith and Joy were now circling each other. Faith moved in like a panther each shot she delivered with power and speed. Joy watched every move study each step blocking the blows. In a split second Joy had Faith by the wrist twisting it she was on the floor in kneeling postion. Buffy took the time to see just how good her daughter really was jumping into the action. She delivered a kick to the much younger slayer's side. Never relequishing her hold on her mother Joy grabbed Buffy’s leg before she was able to retract it. Holding her in mid air. Joy smiled at the two women in her grasp. “Mom. Mom. I think you're getting a little too old for this.”
“Faith she’s truly your daughter.” “No way B. This kid is a mixture of us. Joy sweety you mind letting go now.” “Sorry Mom forget my own strength.” “Hey what about me.” “Mommy I’ll let you down if you let Dawn and I go to the Bronze.” “I don’t know. Joy it’s not safe.” “Come on mom I already beat you and mom I think I can handle anything else plus don’t you two want like a night alone.” Joy said wiggling her eyebrows. “FAITH DEFINITELY YOUR DAUGHTER. She’s got your finesse.” “B. I’m trully hurt.” “Mom please.” “Yeah Buffy come on we’ll be safe and take every precaution.” “Okay but only if you take Spike along.” “Hey where is Spike.” “Oh he, Angel, Riley, Gunn, Cordelia, Wesley, Anya, Xander, Tara and Willow went to the magic shop..” “All of them.” “Yup. Willow and Tara went to school after they left the shop. Gunn and Wesley were going to check out a few leads. Cordelia and Angel went to hang. And Spike and Riley went to train.” “Hmm,” were the two Slayer’s reply.
Buffy and Faith walked back up the stairs to shower and change. Leaving Joy and Dawn alone down stairs. “Dawn how old are you? Not in human years I mean.” “I don’t know pretty old like older than Angel and Spike combined. Why’d you ask?” “Well I just wanted to know.” “Well since were asking questions how did you beat them both I mean at the same time no less.” “Well little none slayer fact we can read each other. I know what they're gonna do because it’s what I would do. It’s hard to explain it but it’s connection we have. Kinda like you and me.” Dawn just looked at Joy and smiled.
“Faith I’m worried.” “Why B. it’ll work out it always does.” “Not the pending doom. Dawn and Joy.” “Oh come on B. They're just going to the Bronze.” “You don’t see it.” “See what?” “Joy’s taking Dawn out on a date.” “A date. B she’s only. How old is she.” “Old enough to..” “To what you don’t think Joy would try to make on move on Dawn.” “I don’t know they're both mystical beings. How hard is it to belive that Joy would like the key.” “There’s only one problem in your logic B. Dawn may not feel the same way about Joy.” Faith said with a quirk. Buffy just followed her girlfriend out of the bathroom.
“I don’t but we have to make sure that what ever could happen doesn’t.” “Why. C’mon B you can’t want to hurt Dawn like that not to mention Joy.” “I don’t. If they were any other girls it would be fine.” "It’s just that it’s your sister and our daughter that make it a no how no way.” “Faith that’s not it. If anything happens between the two of them they’ll unleash the gates of hell. We’ll all be sucked in. Just trust me that is one place you don’t want to be.” “Okay we’ll keep an eye out. But B let’s not do anyhing too drastic. We don’t need them rebeling.” “Alright.” “Good.”
Dawn was looking into Joy’s eyes she didn’t hear Buffy or Faith come down the stairs. She just found herself falling into the pools of azure eyes. Joy was staring in Dawn's eyes looking as creation unfolded itself to her. Faith grabbed Buffy’s arm stopping her in the doorway. The two watched the girls staring at each other as if there was nothing in the world but them.
“Faith there's your proof.” Buffy said whispering. “I know what do we do?”
“We can’t just let it play out. We have to keep them apart.” “Oh yeah how do we do that.” “You take one I’ll take the other we’ll find out how much they care for the other.”
“Hey guys.” Faith said rather loudly as the two turned into the room. Dawn and Joy quickly jumped apart.
“Mom.” “Faith, Buffy.” “Whoa calm down little ones lay off the coffee.” Faith said smiling at the two girls. “Um. Guys I think we should you know split up for awhile. With the two of you in danger it’ll be easier if we're not all together. So Joy you go with Faith and Dawn you're with me.” “So shorty where do you wanna go.” “Mom I’m not five.” “Tell you what since you're old enough to slay how about we go find a nest.” “Faith!!” “Relax B..she’ll be fine.” Faith and Joy head out in search of vampires.
Buffy and Dawn sat in a silence. “So um Joy’s grown up nicely huh?” “Okay Buffy spill it what did I do now.” “Nothing Dawn it’s what you're going to do.” “What?”
“Dawn there’s something about Joy that’s different right when you look at her you're heart stops and you think you’ll die if you can’t see her again.” Dawn looked at Buffy tears in her eyes. “I love her Buffy.” “I know but you can’t act on those feelings.” “Why you and Faith did.” “Yeah we did. But Dawn it's not the same.” “Why because you're slayers.” “That’s not it. You two are just different.” “Buffy why can’t I be with her it feels so right. She was born to be with me I feel it I see it in her eyes.” “It just can’t happen.” Dawn sat on the couch crying. Buffy sat next to her holding her in her arms.
“So tell me what you think about Dawn.” “Okay Mom. I know what you're doing but I’ll bite. She’s great. She’s smart funny and when I see her I get chills. Looking into her eyes it’s like watching life unfold.” “Wow.” “Yeah that’s what I thought too. But I know this can’t happen. I’m not going to hurt her. I know slayer’s don’t live that long and with the way I’ve grown my time could be shorter but I promise I won’t do anything to hurt her.” “Good now let’s go slay some vamps.” Joy walked with her mother but her mind was on the one person she couldn’t have.
Joy and Faith entered the magic shop. The two had just finished dusting a nest of vampires and both couldn’t wait to see there respective mates. Faith headed over to Buffy. Wrapping her arms around the blonde she placed a feather light kiss on her head. “So how bad is it.”
Buffy asked as she led Faith away from the others. “Well.” “That bad huh?” “Yup, so how did it go here?” “It’s the same.” “Wow B. How do we get into these situations.” “I don’t know. Any ideas on what we can do.” “Keep them away from each other.” “We can’t.” “We have to.” “ Faith.” “Look B. There is no way around it. If Joy and Dawn get together it’s the end of the world as we know it.”
Faith looked at Buffy one last time the pain showing in her eyes. Joy had ducked out to find Dawn. Dawn was in the workout room. As the door opened she knew instinctively who it was. Turning face the younger slayer her heart stopped the two were drawn together. Joy reached out a hand to cup her cheek. Dawn held the hand to her cheek. As the two moved in for a kiss.
The wall was pushed in. Pulling Dawn out of the way Joy came face to with death. Taking out her stake she began in a series of roundhouses. Hitting the demon in the gut she went for his heart. Grabbing her arm he picked her up and tossed her against the wall. Hitting her head Joy was knocked out. Dawn was captured and taken off.
Buffy and Faith were into action as the front door to the magic shop was kicked in by three demons. Faith was kicking the first demon in the face as she brought her knife to its neck. Finishing the demon she went to help Buffy with the last two. The demon had its hand around Buffy’s neck picking her up he threw her through a bookshelf.
Faith killed the last two in record time. Picking Buffy up she carried her to the stairs. Looking at the small gash on her head. “B. You with me c’mon answer me.” “DawnJoyBlood.” Faith was up in an instant running into the workout room she spotted Joy in the corner. The wound on her head was already healing over. “C’mon Romeo time to go." Picking her up the two headed back into the magic shop.
“Faith what happened?” Giles asked as he and the others entered. “We were flanked by demons they got Dawn. B and Joy have head injuries. Setting Joy down Faith went back to Buffy. “Remember.” “Sh, B it’s okay.” “No it’s the blood their blood opens the gates of hell.” “Oh shit.”
“Beefstick, Spike you two stay here with these two. Nothing is to happen to them if it does I’ll kill you both.” “The rest of you are with me.” “Faith I’m glad you're taking action and all but where are we going?” Cordelia asked “To get Dawn back. Now go and have one of your visions.”
Dawn lay unconscious on a slab of concrete her arms and legs chained to the slab. “Where is the slayer?” A large hoofed demon asked the half-dog man. “Master we were bombarded the other two slayers were there I barely escaped with the key.” “I need the slayer to perform the ritual now get her.” The beast turned and headed out the door.
The hoofed beast watched over the sleeping key. “Sleep child you’re going to need it.” Preparing the instruments for the ritual he couldn’t wait until the third slayer would be in his grasp then he could free the leader and bring hell to earth.
“C’mon Cordy a vision would be good here.” Faith said for the hundredth time as she paced the shop. “You know the pacing isn’t helping Faith.” Faith looked at the former beauty queen and just held her gave. “Faith,” Angel called. “What.” “Just go get some air.” “Fine. I’ll be on patrol take care of them.” Faith headed out what was left on the door hellbent on slaying something.
Indistinct chattering was heard as Buffy came to. “Faith?” “Hey Buffy take it easy come on lay back down.” Angel said trying to calm the blonde. “No, where’s Faith. I need to find her.” “Buffy calm down she went out to patrol.” Buffy slowly got up from the table heading for the door. She turned back around. “Keep her safe.” Then she was gone.
The half-dog man watched from the shadows as the last slayer left. Readying his minions he began to storm the magic shop.
Buffy caught up with Faith a half a block from the cemetery. “Faith?” “B what you should be resting.” “I was, I thought you might need some help. Plus I needed to put my plan into action. C’mon we need to get back.” “Hold it. I know that look and generally when ever I see that look I’m on the receiving end of it and violence usually ensues.” “You are correct. But this time it’s not for you. Now we gotta go.”
Buffy and Faith headed back to the magic shop. As the two made their way into the store, Buffy knew what had gone down before the others said a word. Turning to look at the rest of the scoobys she went to retrieve the weapon she needed. “Guy’s are you okay?” “Buffy we're sorry they got Joy.” “I know.” “B you know.” “Yes I knew they would come for her. She is fine but she won’t be if we don’t get to her and Dawn.”
The chosen two along with the scoobys and Angel investigation headed for one more final showdown between good and evil.
Joy was carried into the cavern kicking and screaming. She saw her laying there on the slab she was barely breathing. Getting free she ran to her kneeling down next to her she placed a hand over her head. “Dawn can you here me.” Dawn heard the soothing voice pulling herself from the darkness she came to. “Joy?” “Yeah I’m here shh it’s okay you’ll be okay.” Joy drew her closer.
“What shall we do with the slayer?” “You will do nothing, I’ve drained the key almost to the point of death now we wait.” “What if she doesn’t give her the blood?” “Then I kill them.” The large hoofed demon said as he stalked out of the room.
“B slow down will yeah.” Buffy stopped and faced the younger slayer. “What. I have to get to them.” “B we're going to save them but we’ll do them no good if we’re all tired.” “Is that the way you all feel?” Buffy asked looking at the assembled group. The rest of the group held their tongues. “Look you all have no idea what destruction will come if they open those gates and I- I can’t.” Buffy couldn’t finish all the pain and anguish she had been holding in resurfaced. Faith caught her before she broke down completely.
“It’s okay B.” Buffy just cried she realized that this was all she had and nothing would take it away from her. “Okay I can do this. Angel, Spike you two are with us. Willow, Tara you two have the spell. Can you implement it from here.” The two wiccas nodded in unison. “Good Cordy, Gunn, Riley, Wesley and Giles stay with them.” The five started to protest. “No no humans. Anymore more than that and I’d be here all night explaining.” Buffy replied giving a slight smile. Faith looked over to Buffy a strange look colored her features. “I’ll explain later.” “Yeah B you do that.”
“Dawn hold on Buffy’s on her way.” Joy was cradling her in her arms. As the gates lifted Joy came faced to face with her mothers. Buffy was glowing a strange white. Faith had started to emit Hughes of red and purple. Angel and Spike had reverted back into the true demonic nature. The portal that had been opened when Dawn had been pricked by Glory. Was now open again but this time instead of bring forth demons it was sending back. Buffy hovered over the two touching Dawn's face she seemed to grow brighter it was as if she was breathing life into Dawn.
Opening her eyes Dawn saw Buffy not as her sister she was her savior. Dawn realized that her existence wasn’t just being a cosmic key but it was the light to free Buffy’s soul in a since she was her sister but not by blood but light. Faith, Angel and Spike sent demons hurtling into the portal.
A scream sent Faith to her daughter, Joy was in the middle of a tugging match between two rather large demons. Spinning Faith was a mist of wind that scooped her daughter into her arms and sent a flying series of kicks to the demons and into the portal. “That was cool mom.” Joy said with a smile. Buffy was now faced to face with the large hoofed demon.
“Well slayer I would say you’ve done good but you're still alive.” “And I will always be.” “What you think that your death was the end, it’s just the beginning. You have the key and the third slayer more will come and one day you will fall you’ll have nothing.” “Are you done yet.” With that Buffy swung the sword taking the demons head off. Unlike the rest of his cohorts he was not allowed to pass thru the portal he instead got a oneway ticket to hell.
As the smoke cleared the six cleared out of the cavern. Stepping into the moonlight. Good had one and Evil had been stopped in its cold tracks at least for the moment. Taking Buffy into her arms Faith dipped the small slayer and kissed her.
“Wow.” “I know B. I say you and me take a vacation, get married and just have a few weeks off.” “Faith.” “Yeah. I love the idea but we can’t just leave there’s no one here to protect Sunnydale if an apocalypse occurs.” “Uhm.” It was at that moment that Joy made her presence known. “Mom if I may you have a perfect slayer here not to mention two powerful wiccas so I think we're all set oh and you never did answer Mom’s question.” “The kid’s right B you never did answer my question. Will you marry me?” Faith asked with a smile. “Yes.”
The two began heading off in the other direction. As Cordelia stopped turning she called out to Buffy. “Buffy what did you mean when you said no humans allowed?” Buffy stood as all eyes were on her. “I uh.” “We’ll talk about when we get back from our honeymoon.” Faith said as she pulled the blonde slayer away from the group.
...continued in The Honeymoon Is Over...