Chosen
by Vincent
Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: It has Angel's characters in it. As I haven't seen season 3 and am not a Gunn fan, they won't appear in this story...I send them away. The events take place a few days after the end of "Old Game". Hope you'll enjoy it.
The tide had just waken Andrea up, splashing water on her face. For the third day in a row, she had gone through the external part of the cyclone. Only this time, she had really believed that she had gone too far, she had nearly been taken away by the powerful winds that blew inside it.
Kelanu had told her that she had to determine her limits in testing herself again and again, first on a physical level, afterwards on a mental one. She had followed his advice in her way. The cyclone had been a wonderful opportunity to test her strength and, as she had never been patient, she hadn’t done it step by step. Each day, she doubled the area she had run into the spiral, going beyond her limits. Until today, she had always been sure that she could go further…she didn’t believe it anymore…she had found what she had been looking for, had had to deal with her fear, her willpower, her faith in herself and had understood that they were the feelings she had had to comprehend. But the physical step was the easiest part of what had to be done…it was time to undergo the second and last step, the one she was the most afraid of, facing her mind, her inner fears, her past.
Andrea stood up, cleaned the sand out of her body thanks to a towel then, went to her bike, it was time to go and see Mrs Babsen…it would be their second meeting but this woman was seriously annoying her. Sometimes, she wondered how “she” had been able to bear it so long.
Spike had known lots of different states of mind. From depressing poet, to bloodthirsty vampire, he had also felt the pain of betrayal, the joy of love, the harshness of rejection. Now, he was wondering if he would be able to survive the feeling he had felt growing inside him during the last hours. He was indeed, bored to death.
Tied in a torture table, surrounded by torture tools or devices with as sole companion, a very crappy waxy imitation of an executioner with a not so red but rather pink hood, and another dummy that was hanging on the wall on his right. They weren’t guys you could talk to for a little chat.
Thinking had been a good idea…for the three first hours then, it had become boring also and now, Spike didn’t know what to do…Maybe he could reconsidered Nara’s offer, after all, why should he refused a little fun? It is far better than boredom…The problem was that he knew why…because of a certain blond slayer who stole his common sense…the bitch. That was another thing that forced Spike to give up thinking…he couldn’t prevent himself to think about Blondie and Darkie, the vampire slayers, doing activities that were far from vampire slaying…the bitches.
Spike suddenly heard footsteps and saw a demon enter the room, a member of the Scourge as they were the only ones to dare to bear such faces.
"Hello, Frankenstein. Welcome home! Take a seat. Sorry for the mess, if I had known, you would come, I would have cleaned the place."
Trenchman smiled, or Spike thought it was a smile. He was even scarier when he smiled. He had no doubt that the guy was still single. Spike didn’t know a girl desperate enough to marry a demon like that.
"Thank you, Spike. It’s very kind of you."
"You’re welcome. So, what do you want? I have to tell you that I am a very bad bridge player. So, if you’re looking for a fourth man…"
"Nara was right. You’re a very special vampire. You know, I usually dust your kind first…pity. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against vampire but a man must remained faithful to the ideologies he teaches to his peers."
"OK, I get it. You’re the Scourge in chief…the guru who put all the 'Humanity equals bad' bullshit into the minds of those demons. Congratulations, nicely done."
"Ha Ha Ha. Spike, I really like you. You know, the others are too busy doing some stuffs and I don’t have to join my men before one or two hours. As I didn’t know what to do, I thought you might be a little bored and I think I guessed it right, did I?"
"No, you didn’t! I was just waiting for the O neg, the charming blond waitress promised me five minutes ago. She won’t be long and, I think she likes me."
"Oh, sorry. I just thought we could share some tales from our pasts. I’m sure you have lots of stories in stock and as I have had a long existence myself, I have some anecdotes in my bag…But, if you have a girl who is waiting for you…" Trenchman stood up but was cut off by Spike.
"You know, you can stay till she’s back. Between you and me, she didn’t seem to have something in her brain…I prefer smart chicks."
"As you wish. Do you want to begin?"
"No. After you."
And Spike and Trenchman spoke during the next two hours. Spike didn’t like the man, too megalomaniac for his taste but, hell…it was far better than boredom.
"OK, Wes! I get it, let’s hope Gunn and Fred would find something."
Angel saw the sad look on the former watcher’s face and could only share his deception. For the last four days, since the cyclone had appeared right above Sunnydale, they had tried to find a way to enter the town. The cyclone wasn’t natural, it was pretty obvious and it could only meant that something bad had happened or was about to occur…something big and Buffy and the others would need some help. They had looked into all the books of the office, Gunn and Fred were currently in the public library to find other sources but they hadn’t find anything useful yet.
Cordelia was watching them from her desk. She shared her friends’ concerns. She had had no news from Sunnydale for a while known almost three weeks. She had always said to Angel that they had to organize a kind of reporting schedule between LA and Sunnydale just to prevent creepy things to come from one city to the other…it could also be used as a help line.
Suddenly, the too familiar pain caused by a vision came on her, she grabbed her head between her hands and went backwards, taking her chair with her in her fall. Fortunately, Angel was already there to catch her but she didn’t notice it as she was experienced the most painful vision she had ever had.
…Sunnydale…black pyramid…Buffy…Faith…demon…Faith again, mmmmh other hair cut…golden eyes…golden hair mixed with dark ones…Xander and the gang fleeing…demons…ritual…Spike screaming…man with Egyptian outfits…people with Egyptian outfits…fight…fights…big boom… darkness.
Cordelia woke up and saw her two friends smiling. Her headache hadn’t disappeared but she was glad to notice her head was still there in one piece. Angel gave her his toothpaste salesman smile and asked.
"Feeling better?"
"Yes, I just don’t think I would stand up for a while…or work today."
"Don’t worry! So, what did you see?"
"Bad things. It’s not very clear. There was a bad pyramid in Sunnydale, Buffy was there, Faith too."
"Faith?" Asked a now worried Wesley. "She’s not in jail anymore?"
"The last time I went to see her, they told me she was ill, some kind of food poisoning but, I know that she was about to be released."
"OK, then, so psycho slayer bitch is back among us…and according to my vision we’ll have to deal with her…OK, Angel…holiday time for me" and she stood up.
Angel was about to reply to Cordelia when they heard.
"You’re going nowhere!"
Angel, Cordelia and Wesley were surprised, they hadn’t heard Buffy coming. She was just in front the entry of the Hyperion and seemed a little upset. She was holding the front door and they were expecting her to join them. Then, they heard another voice coming from the outside.
"B? It’s not that I want to complain but Melody Boy, here, isn’t feather light."
Buffy quickly turned her body towards the place from where the voice had came. "Sorry, Fairy. Let me help you."
Angel, Cordelia and Wesley hadn’t had problems to recognize the voice. They remained speechless, saw Buffy grab and pull something that appeared to be a wheelchair with a man sitting in it. Even if they knew that the rogue slayer was there, Cordelia and Wesley couldn’t prevent themselves to say in a mix of surprise and worry: "Faith!"
Angel did the same but it wasn’t the name of the brunette that escaped his lips…he had recognized the man in the wheelchair.
"Whistler!"
"What is she doing here?"
"Whistler, how come…?"
"Why are you not in Sunnydale?"
Other waves of questions or comments came after the slayers and Whistler had entered the Hyperion and neither Buffy, nor Faith had had the time to try to answer one of them. Yet, in the middle of this hullabaloo, the slayers could notice that Cordelia’s comments were all directed to Faith and not kind at all, that Wesley was more concerned about the fact that they were not in Sunnydale while Angel was wondering what the hell Whistler was doing with them.
Buffy smiled to her girlfriend, sighed loudly before shouting: "ENOUGH!"
The three associates remained silent, looking at Buffy.
"First of all, Hi guys, it’s been a while."
"Oh, sorry Buffy, hi…"
Faith couldn’t prevent a smirk when she saw her girlfriend interrupt Wesley by raising her right arm. Then, the blond slayer turned her attention to Cordelia and said to the ex-cheerleader with a harsh voice that convinced Cordelia not to reply to her:
"Cordy! Faith is with me, now. She has proven that she can be trusted, so if you ever spit on her like you’ve just did again, you’ll have to deal with me."
OK, so Buffy was now in the "Don’t mess with my girlfriend mode" and Faith noticed that she liked her that way. It was new to her but, hell, it was good to see Buffy stand up for her. God, she loved that girl and, as she did every time she had that thought, Faith smiled widely.
"Wes, Angel, we’ll answer your questions later. Now, we have to talk to Angel, alone."
Whoa. Big time had come. Faith’s heartbeat increased when she heard Buffy say it to Angel. They had agreed to announce their relationship to the broody guy as soon as they would meet him. And it was time to do so.
"OK, then follow me." Angel replied.
And the slayers followed the vampire to one of the Hyperion’s rooms.
Angel sat behind his desk and looked at the slayers. They seemed nervous, no, they were nervous, anxious. Faith leaned on the wall and crossed her arms, Buffy didn’t sit, put her hands on the back of the chair facing his desk and leaned on it.
"So? What do you want to talk to me about?"
OK, Faith was looking at Buffy who looked everywhere but on Angel’s direction. The vampire guessed that it must be something big, not Apocalyptic big, Buffy had never had problems speaking about it…must be related to private matters.
"Er…Angel, I…we…you…"
OK, Buffy had problems to find her words giving to Angel the confirmation of what he was thinking. Then, he noticed Faith moving towards Buffy and putting her hands on the blonde shoulders. Angel was surprised by this move that was not in the dark slayer habits but he saw also that this simple gesture seemed to have calmed Buffy down. Could it be possible that…
"Faith and I are together, as together in the in love with each other way and we wanted to tell you before anything else because we both care about you and do not want to hurt you by not telling it to you right away."
Angel couldn’t prevent a smile. The sentence had been said with such a speed, it was so funny.
"That’s not funny!" Buffy said, trying to look angry but failing miserably. She quickly followed Angel in his laugh.
Faith joined them, leaving her anxiety behind her thanks to this laugh.
They laughed during a couple of minutes before Angel said: "What can I say, except that I’m glad for you."
"You’re cool with it?" asked a far less nervous Buffy.
"Yes. I know and I appreciate the both of you, so, seeing you together can only please me and I don’t care you are both girls. It’s the feelings that count. Besides…" Angel cut his sentence off, suddenly embarrassed.
"Besides what?"
"I think that Soul Boy was going to say that he prefers to see you with me than with some GI Joke kind of guy."
"His name is Riley…Geez, why are you so mean to him, he is a nice guy."
"Yeah, B. He probably is but he wasn’t your kind of guy. Now, if you want to pout, do it. You know I like it when you pout."
"Grr, you’re the devil."
"No, I’m your devil." Faith said with a wink.
"Er…girls, I’m still here and if you have nothing to add, we could go and join the others."
Both girls shook their head and followed Angel who had already exited the room. Before exiting it herself, Buffy turned her head towards her girlfriend and saw a wicked smile on her face.
"What was that?"
"What was what, B?"
"You had your "I know we are in big trouble but I just thought about something really cool" kind of grin. So, what’s so funny?"
"Bad idea, B."
"Wanna share, Fairy?"
"Wanna see, Queen C speechless, B?"
It was Buffy’s turn to grin. "Fairy, tell me you’re not thinking about what I think you’re thinking about."
"Yes, I am and you like it. You have your sexy "I’m gonna like this" kind of grin printed on your face."
"OK, I’m in." She then closed the door. "I just need a minute to rehearse."
Laura was in the middle of the ritual room of the museum. The sarcophagus had just been taken out of the boxes, giving an image of mausoleum to the pyramidal room. In two days, the last ritual would begin, ending the Game.
"Hey, kiddo. What are you doing here?"
Laura turned her head and smiled to her mother. She had heard her coming and hadn’t been surprised by her arrival.
"Thinking."
"It’s difficult to become an adult, isn’t it?"
"I hadn’t had the choice."
Nara hugged her daughter and said: "I know, but it was now or never. We couldn’t wait. You only age once a century. Can you imagine the time we would have had to wait if we hadn’t done the growing up ritual?"
"A millennium."
"Yes, you can guess but you can’t imagine. I have been living for 5 millenniums, Laura and I can tell you that it’s a damn long wait."
"I know. It’s just that yesterday, I was just a kid and dad’s lessons were just theoretical. Now, I’m a grown up and I have just understood the importance of it…it’s…it’s scary and overwhelming and I don’t know if I would make the right choices, if I would be faithful enough to MAAT, if…"
"Shhhhh. Your father and I are aware of it, we both know that it’s a difficult time for you. But we trust you, we know you’d make the right decisions. Otherwise, your father would never have done the ritual."
Nara pulled her daughter to her and held her for long minutes, giving her all the support she needed.
"What are they doing? I thought they were following you." Cordelia said while she was looking at Angel.
"They’re coming." The vampire replied. The slayers had been in the room for five minutes now and Angel didn’t dare to go and see what they were busy at. Something said to him that they wouldn’t want to be interrupted.
The door opened finally and the slayers went to their direction. Cordelia glared at them, Wesley calmed down a bit, knowing full well that his questions would be answered soon and Whistler looked at them, intrigued.
Faith sat on the sofa, Buffy sat on her lap and…Angel couldn’t believe it. Buffy bowed her head to meet Faith’s lips. The slayers kissed deeply during two long minutes before pulling apart then, the first thing they did afterwards was to turn their heads towards Cordelia who was looking at them, shocked. Angel couldn’t hide the smile that appeared on his mouth.
"Ho…Yo…."
"15-0 for the slayers, B. We did it."
"Yep, and she is not the only one surprised. Look at Wesley, love."
Angel looked at the former watcher and the smile was back on his lips when he saw him, his mouth open in shock. But the fun time was over. Time to go back to work.
"Whistler? Now, that we all know about the slayers new relationship, I think it’s time to tell you your story."
"Yes, Angel. It’s time. It’s rather easy in fact. The whole story can be summarise in two questions. What is the oldest game on Earth? What is MAAT?"
The submarine had surfaced 15 minutes before and the last box had just been carried away from the grotto. Trenchman smiled the last elements for the ritual were here. In two days, the moon would be full, in two days, the Game would be over, in two days, he would enjoy a holiday break for the first time in his life…retirement, he had never thought he would be so happy at the sound of that word. Trenchman saw one of his men coming to him.
"Any problem?"
"No, sir. Everything is ready. But, if I may say so, why do we destroy this place? Because of the cyclone, this is the only way out of this town."
"It is also the only way in, soldier. I don’t want to receive uninvited guest. You have your orders, dismiss."
"Aye, Sir."
Trenchman looked one last time at the place then, went to the stairs. His men knew what they had to do. The fools had been trained to follow his orders and he had no doubt about their faiths in him. They would accomplish their missions, they didn’t need him anymore today. The only things he intended to do now was to see his niece, to play chess with Nef and, why not, have another talk with the vampire. He was in the bar when he heard the explosion. There was no way in anymore.
Dawn woke up in a place she couldn’t recognise first. Then, she remembered the events of the previous days. The Scourge had hunted them day and night and they had been lucky to escape them so far. Remembering the faces of these horrible demons made her sick.
She looked at the room, they were in the basement that had been Xander’s home for a couple of years. The parents of the carpenter were on a family trip so, they hadn’t had trouble in squatting it. She could see Xander sitting on the stairs, awake, with a riffle in his left hand while he was caressing Anya’s hair with his right hand. The former demon was asleep, her head resting in his chest.
In the other side of the room, she could see Tara, asleep too. She was laying next to Willow who hadn’t regained consciousness since her encounter with Narahi’ti. Even if her injuries weren’t as bad as they looked like, they were all very worried about her.
Dawn thought at Buffy and Faith. The slayers should know about the situation now and she was sure they were trying everything to come in Sunnydale and help them…but the questions were could they find a way in? or Would they be here on time to save them?
And what about Spike? Was he still alive?
So much thoughts, so much bad thoughts and no rainbow on the horizon.
"OK, so, "What’s the oldest game on Earth" and "What is MAAT"?"
Wesley was the first one to break the silence. The slayers knew the answers already and both Angel and Cordelia hadn’t spoken a word yet.
"I don’t know about the game but, I know that MAAT was an Egyptian goddess…The goddess of Equilibrium."
Whistler nodded to Wesley. Then with a second nod, he asked him to continue.
"According to Egyptian beliefs, the goddess MAAT was represented by a bird and it was with one of the goddess’ feather that was used to judge the souls of the death. When a man died, he was judged in front of Osiris, the God of the death and his 42 judges. A man was said worthy to enter the paradise if his heart was lighter than Maat’s feather."
"Student Wesley, I give you 10/10." Whistler said slapping him on the back before pursuing the speech.
"So, Maat was one of the names given to Equilibrium. It’s not a goddess though, it is a need. The Egyptian knew that the world would be in chaos if there was no balance…men and women, darkness and light and, as Faith said the first time we spoke about…" Whistler raised his hand towards the brunette, asking her to repeat what she had said a couple of days earlier.
"Cops and robbers."
"Exactly, and this is the oldest game on Earth…Cops and robbers or…Good versus Evil."
Further to Faith’s intervention, Cordelia had wanted to say something about the dark slayer and her knowledge of the game she had just mentioned but a glare of Buffy prevented her to do so…as if the blonde slayer had known what she intended to say.
"OK, I see what Maat is but, what’s the link between the events of the last days?" Asked a confused Angel.
"The PTB aren’t the only one who are involved in the fight between Good and Evil or the Old Game as we name it. It was also part of the duties of the watchers of Maat, the 42 judges I spoke about a minute ago."
"The watchers of Maat?"
"Yes, Wesley, there is a link between them and the Council of Watchers, I’ll come back to it later. These judges were also responsible of the preservation of the Equilibrium on Earth. Balance between Nature and Buildings, between sexes, …etc…they lived on Earth but could go to the realm of Osiris whenever they wanted to or when the God called them. They were his chosen ones."
Whistler stopped his lecture to drink then, continued.
"During the Egyptian era, everything was fine but, when foreign invaders came with new faiths and habits, the powers of Osiris and his judges faded away. They couldn’t guarantee the Equilibrium anymore, especially the Equilibrium between Good and Evil. The forces of evil were ready to strike to bring chaos on this world. So, the watchers of Maat chose one of their own to continue their task, they sacrificed their existence to give power and immortality to one of their peers…Nefer-tem."
"Also known as Leo," added Buffy.
"Yes, that’s his current name. Nefer-tem was a priest of Amon and was famous for his devotion to his duties. He was married to a former slayer, Narahi-ti. When his wife died, saving the world from a powerful demon, he pleaded Osiris to let her help him in his task. It was before the arrival of the foreigners in Egypt. Osiris asked Anubis to perform the last part of the mummification ritual and Narahi-ti was given a second life as a mummy. Not a mummy like in the movies, now, she had become a beautiful immortal, like her husband."
"I still don’t see the link with the Council," said Wesley.
"Nefer-tem had to keep the balance between Good and Evil so, he needed tools and allies. He was a close friend of a demon called Tren, who had also received the gift of immortality. Tren knew Nefer-tem mission and agreed to help him even before the judges sacrificed themselves. He had been Nefer-tem’s ally in the forces of darkness for millenniums and is currently the head of the Scourge."
Whistler stopped, noticed that Faith’s hand was caressing Buffy’s neck, tracing patterns on it and on the higher parts of her back. He looked at the petite slayer who tried to remain focused on what he was saying. He saw her bite her lower lip but she didn’t stop her girlfriend, visibly enjoying the touch. The slayers already knew what he was saying, he chose to let them do whatever pleased them. Soon, they would risk their lives once more.
"So, Nefer-tem had an ally on the evil side, he had to find allies on the Good side. He chose to create them, to gather the good ones in an organisation he called the Council of Watchers and succeeded in convincing the slayer to work for them. And, for millenniums, he stayed in the shadow, guiding the Old Game, helping the forces of good when it was needed to preserve the Equilibrium, siding with evil when it was needed, ordering the Watcher Council not to intervene when evil needed to win, etc…"
"And he was the fucking bastard who decided I had to go evil." Faith’s tone was full of venom, she had stopped her caresses on Buffy’s neck and her girlfriend had been quick to grab the brunette hand in her own, squeezing it reassuringly.
"Yes, he said that having two slayers on the same side would break the Equilibrium some day. In the opposite, having a slayer on each side would be perfect. He hired Il Maestro for that, knowing full well he was a specialist of this kind of mission. Again, I’m sorry, Faith, really."
Faith calmed down a bit, enjoying Buffy’s tender moves on her hand.
"And you work for him," Angel said, cutting the awkward silence that had followed Faith’s words.
"Yes, I worked for him. Even if Nefer-tem had allies on both sides, there were times where these allies couldn’t help him so, he trained some demons or other supernatural creatures to be his private operators when the need was there."
"So, now, we know who Nefer-tem is and what the Old Game is but, what have the troubles in Sunnydale to do with it? Is it a Equilibrium problem there?" Angel asked then.
"NO, it seems that Nefer-tem has gone insane. I don’t know what he is up to but I learned he had hired Il Maestro again to kill the slayers. I went to asked him his reasons and he locked me in an oubliette in the Watchers’ Council castle."
At that time Buffy spoke, still having Faith’s hand in her own.. "That’s where we found him. We found evidences of the Watchers’ Council involvement with the hiring of Il Maestro. We went to England and with the help of Giles, discovered that the whole Inner Council worked with Leo. They are all dead now and Giles is busy restructuring the organisation. By the way, Wes, he will need your help."
"OH." Was all the former watchers said, still shocked by what he had just heard.
Andrea left Mrs Babsen’s office. She had had trouble in convincing herself not to knock the woman out, but had succeeded in remaining calm. She sat on her bike, took her cell phone and dialed a number.
"Sunshine, it’s me. I’m going see your uncle. Yes, I know I shouldn’t but you know me and wisdom... I feel ready, Sunshine. We keep in touch."
She put the phone in her pocket, started the engine and went to the desert.
Dedication: To Broody, Jammley, Eliza Lover, Faithful Chickie and Piper. Thanks for your FB.
The silence had replaced Whistler’s lecture. Each person was lost in his thoughts, trying to find a solution. They knew now who was their enemy, a powerful and ancient creature who had been chosen to keep the balance between Good and Evil on Earth. But, they still didn’t know what his plans were and, more important, how to go to Sunnydale to fight him. In the middle of this silence, the telephone rang.
"I take it" said Cordelia, too happy to go away from this oppressing silence.
It was also the time Faith chose to ask: "Can we kill him? This Nefer guy, he is immortal but can we kill him by cutting his head off like in the movie?"
"Well, it’s not the same kind of immortality. Nefer-tem and his wife are immune to ageing or illness but can be killed like you and me…"
"Hey, see guys, that’s a good news."
"…but I suggest you not to kill him because of the curse."
Buffy was the first to react: "A curse?"
"Nefer-tem has been chosen by powerful forces to fulfill his mission and maintain the MAAT between the two sides. These forces, knowing that one side or the other could be tempted to hurt or eliminate Nefer-tem, warned them that a death curse would be cast on anyone who would attempt to the life of their "Chosen One". No one has dared to touch him, ever."
"Well, honey, I think your good news have turned into bad omen."
Buffy said that and kissed her girlfriend’s cheek at the same time. A move that made the younger slayer smile. Buffy couldn’t prevent her own smile. A month ago, she wasn’t sure if Faith would have smiled in the same circumstances. Now, her lover was more confident towards her feelings and could express them more openly. It was mainly in Buffy’s presence or when they were alone. And such signs as the little smiles that crossed her face when she kissed her or when she protected her like she had done with Cordy earlier were proofs of Faith’s new attitude, an attitude Buffy was proud to be the cause of. An attitude that made her love the brunette more and more each day. They had been a couple for less than a week but the events of the previous days had strengthened their relationship. The dangers, fears and feelings they had gone through lately had consolidated their love and understanding from each other to reach a level normal couples reached only after years of common life. That was the point that gave to Buffy an incredible faith regarding the future, their future. She then heard Cordelia coming back.
"It was Fred. They have discovered an old teleportation spell. The problem is that it only works for three persons…three human beings which excludes Angel and Whistler."
"OK so Faith and I can go there, that’s a plus. I suppose that when you say it only works for three persons, it means that being three is a necessity?"
"Yes but don’t count on me, I’m not a fighter. Take Wesley or Gunn, they would be more useful than I would," replied Cordelia.
It was Angel’s turn to speak. "Cordelia? Who did you see in your vision?"
"Queen C had a vision?"
"And it is only now that you say it?" added Buffy.
Angel made a pleading look to the slayers who didn’t insist then, turned his head towards the seer.
"No, I didn’t see them."
"Try to remember Cordelia. All information can be vital."
"I know, I know. I don’t like to be pushed and you know that. OK…so there was a black pyramid…people with Egyptian outfits that were sexy even if it is also so passé…I saw the gang running, Spike screaming and our beloved couple here." Glares and growls that were coming from the slayers, warning Cordelia not to venture on that area anymore followed her last comment.
"Anything else, even a dumb thing."
"Actually, yes. Faith, I didn’t know you liked ponytails."
Faith was surprised. "How do you know…"
"You like ponytails, Fairy? I’d like to see you with a ponytail."
"Shtt, B." Faith said softly before continuing: "It’s been a while since I made a ponytail…did I have this hair cut in your vision…that’s strange."
"Yes, you had a ponytail and shorts, Lara Croft style, still in leather though. Brown leather."
Buffy couldn’t repress a grin. Faith would make a very sexy tomb raider. Then she felt someone pinching her left thigh. Faith whispered then to her words that almost made her burst into laughs: "Not the time to think about such things, young lady."
"Hello…not teasing time."
"Er, sorry Queen C. You were saying?"
"I was just wondering if you had shorts in your bag. If I remember correctly, your wardrobe is kinda limited."
"No, I haven’t. I…" Faith stopped then asked: "Did you only see me with that look in your vision?"
"Er…no, I saw you with the clothes you’re wearing right now too. Why?"
"NO WAY!" exclaimed Buffy, suddenly nervous.
"YES WAY!" replied Faith.
"Yes way…what does that mean?"
"Not the point, B. We’ll need her and you know that."
"I won’t let her come with us. She can’t be trusted. Besides, she’s not human. End of discussion."
"Oh nonono, girlfriend. Don’t you remember what Anya told us about it? She is fully human now. She can come with us."
"Faith!"
"Buffy, remember what you said. If we had been able to accept our feelings, to deal with Finch’s death together, we could have avoided lots of problems. Agree?"
"I don’t think, I’ll like what you’re going to say but, yes, I agree."
"She is trying to find her place in the world, she wants to redeem herself and she needs help. You know that I want to give her that help and you know that if you support me in this case, her chances of success would be higher."
"As I said, I don’t like it but, you’re right." And then, she was interrupted by Faith’s lips on hers.
"You’re the best, B. I’ll be right back, guys, I need to use the phone."
Buffy’s anger had disappeared with the kiss. She was supposed to be the one that calmed Faith down with the kissing trick, not the other way around but damn, that felt so good. Then she noticed the others, they had seen the interaction and were smiling lightly.
"What?"
Wesley was the one to reply: "Nothing…except…who were you talking about?"
"OH…long story. See, when Faith worked for the Mayor…"
Willow felt really bad but she was glad to be alive. Hearing voices around her, she open her eyes and blinked several time before being accustomed with the light that was coming from the window right above her. She was in Xander’s basement, the one he lived in before moving to his new apartment. The whole scooby gang was there except Buffy and Tara was at her side, smiling.
"Hey!"
"Hey yourself! Feeling better?"
"Well, I’m not ready for the Olympics but I’ll survive. What happened?"
"Will, you’re awake." Xander stood up while saying it and soon, they were all gathered around the red head.
"OK? Let her breathe, please," said Tara. "You’ve been unconscious for days now. Do you remember the woman who did this to you?"
"Yes, I remember the street, the syringe then, the fire…"
"She is a thousands years old slayer. Spike protected Xander’s retreat and we have no news from him. There is a cyclone just above Sunnydale that prevent anyone to move out or in and the Scourge is hunting us. I think that’s pretty much summarised the situation."
"OH, so, there is no need to panic…I think, I can return to coma land, then."
"Do you want to drink or eat something? I’ve managed to feed you during your coma but, you must be starved."
"Yes, I’m hungry." Tara left to go to the kitchen. Willow asked Xander then: "Any news of Buffy or Faith?"
"No, Will. The phone lines don’t work anymore because of the storm."
"Bad situation, he?"
"Yes, but we’ve known worse."
Buffy had just finished explaining the two Faiths miracle when the brunette came back, a worried expression on her face.
"Is she coming?"
"Er…no, I’ve just had e-girl on the line. She is not with her now and.."
"What has she done?"
"Errr."
Andrea was facing the cave. There were thick curtains on each side of the entry. These curtains would be closed just after she would be in. She could see the smoke, could feel the heat, could smell the incenses coming from the cave. She looked at Old Timer who nodded then, she entered the cave and everything was dark. Her only light was coming from the fire that burned in the centre of the cave. She quickly undressed herself then, just wearing her panties, she sat next to the fire, crossed her legs, closed her eyes and let the incenses penetrate her body.
Dedication: To Broody, Jammley, Eliza Lover, Faithful Chickie, Piper, Elegy, Amy and Shadowmage. Thanks for your FB.
Angel had closed the door. The slayers had just left the office after getting the keys of Wesley’s car. The former watcher had agreed to drive them to Frisco where they would find Faith’s double. Angel would have liked to go with them but, the sun was high in the sky and each minute could be so damn important.
When he was back in the Hyperion central room, he noticed Cordelia looking at him with her inquisitive look.
"What is it, Cordy? You seem perplex."
"I was just wondering…What do you think of their relationship. You can be honest now, they’re gone."
"You don’t believe me when I say that I support them?"
"I don’t think it’s easy to see the woman you love come back with another love interest."
"What’s bothering you? Is it the fact that she has chosen Faith?"
"Well, a part of it, yes…but, usually, you don’t like Buffy’s boyfriends so…"
"I won’t lie to you, Cordy. It is always hard to see Buffy with someone else and I think it will always be. It is easy to dislike her boyfriends because I didn’t know them …"
"But Faith is different."
"I knew her before, I cared about her before because she reminded me of my own downfall and when I went to the prison to visit her, we formed a very strong bond. I love her like a sister. So, how could I be against their new love? I love them both. It’s hard, I won’t deny it but, it is also true that I’m very happy for them and I will always support them. Have I answered your question?"
Cordelia just nodded before Fred and Gunn opened the door. They were back with the book. It was time to analyse it.
Laura was sitting on the altar standing in the middle of the pyramidal room of the museum. She was in the centre of the circle formed by the 41 sarcophaguses that had been taken out the boxes in the morning. Inside the sarcophaguses laid the mummified bodies of the 41 judges of Maat who had sacrificed their lives for her father. It was ironic to think that these same judges would be the tools of her father greatest victory.
She then spotted the empty place of the circle, her place. The ritual required the 42 judges and the heir of the powers of Osiris, her father. Her father thus needed someone to take the 42nd seat…as her daughter, she shared the same blood, the same potential. This was the reason why he had trained her to be his heir, the reason why she had had to undergo the growing up ritual, if they had let her grow up at "normal" speed, they would have to wait a millennium, too much time.
Laura then noticed that everything seemed smaller than in her memories. It was a funny thing and it was scaring at the same time. She hadn’t had the time to adapt herself to her new condition, and in less than 36 hours, she would be the key of an ancient and powerful ritual that would fulfil her father’s dream giving him the opportunity to finally live. Knowing full well that she would need a big amount of concentration for the ceremony, she crossed her legs and focused on her inner centre, her balance point. Once she had found it, she relaxed a bit and thought about everything her father had taught her.
Buffy was lost in her thoughts. She was in the front seat, next to Wesley who was driving them to Eona’s home. Faith was in the backseat, asleep. She didn’t seem too worried about her double. It wasn’t Buffy’s case.
Faith had been very amused by the fact that her counterpart had thrown her parole officer out, literally, because he had worked for Wolfram & Heart for a while. Without Eona’s intervention, it could have ended with the end of Faith’s freedom…her Faith could have had problems because of…IT. Her anger grew with the miles, the double was a danger for Faith and, even if Eona had told them that it had been the only "problem" she had caused, Buffy knew that there was something else or Eona wouldn’t have asked them to come.
She was angry at Faith Bis but, another part of her knew that she would have to accept her existence one day, that she would have to "forgive" her in a way because it was important to her Faith. Besides, Faith was right, if the double really wanted to redeem herself, she would need Faith’s support, their support but Buffy didn’t know if she would be capable of it. She had indeed, rejected all her bad memories of Faith to the double. It represents the evil Faith she had fought with and her existence had facilitated the return of her feelings for Faith, had facilitated her acceptance of her love for the rogue slayer. Could she forget it and accept her new "sister-in-law"?
She turned her head to look at the sleeping brunette and noticed that Faith’s face wasn’t calm at all…sweat was covering her forehead. What was happening? A nightmare?
And then, Faith screamed.
"Wes, stop the car!"
The little girl was running in the dark. She was back in it. She was back in this horrible manor where she had wasted her youth. She could hear her, the mighty bitch, mistress of this realm of pain, suffering and betrayal, mistress of this realm that was ruled by money and lust, mistress of her brother’s destiny. The bitch was the ventriloquist, she was the puppet.
She could hear her and hear her own brother, begging for his life, pleading his tormentors and all she could do was running, running, looking for him, praying to find him on time to save him this time. She couldn’t fail him, it would be too hard.
She opened another door to find the face of this man, the one she refused to sleep with, wearing a butcher’s outfit. He opened his mouth to say three words, three words that came back again and again in her head while she was running away "Piece of Meat", "Piece of Meat". And he was behind every door she opened, laughing at her, repeating the words like a mantra: "Piece of Meat", "Piece of Meat".
The little girl put her hands on her ears, she didn’t want to hear those words anymore and, for a few seconds, there was only silence, a silence she was glad to experience. Then, her brother screamed and the mistress laughed like an insane.
"ANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY."
Buffy was worried. She had dropped out of the car even before Wes had stopped it. She had been next to Faith as quickly as possible, she was caressing her, shaking her sometimes but she couldn’t wake her. She knew that this nightmare had to be related to Faith’s past. The words, "Andy", "Piece of Meat" and "Bitch" came back regularly. She couldn’t wake Faith up and it was killing her. She didn’t want to see her girlfriend catatonic again. She had thought that they had gone through this point. Then, Faith opened her eyes and Buffy was shocked to see how lost the brunette was. She hugged her, held her strongly and told her reassuring words.
Faith was lost but she recognised Buffy, her scent, her presence and she let herself be guided by it. She cried on her girlfriend’s shoulder, listened to her words and calmed down.
Wesley was looking at the slayers, he had seen the whole interaction between them and was astonished of how close the two of them were. He had seen the kisses they have exchanged in the Hyperion and the loving gestures, the loving looks they had for each other but what he had just witnessed were signs of a love that was far more powerful than that. It was as if they complemented each other. If one of the slayers had problems, the other was there to help in a fraction of second. Faith had just had a nightmare that was more than a bad dream, it wasn’t difficult to guess that point but Buffy’s reaction had been so quick, had reacted on instinct, he didn’t find another word to describe it.
He then saw Faith pulling Buffy away, locking her eyes on the blonde one's before saying:
"Thanks, B."
"You sure you’re OK?"
"Yeah, could you just hold me until we arrive at Eona’s?"
"Sure" and she did so. She looked at Wesley who understood and ignited the motor.
Trenchman was standing on the roof of The Sunnydale’s Memorial Hospital. From where he was standing, he could see the target. He spoke into his talkie and asked:
"Are you sure, they are still in the basement?"
"Affirmative, Sir. They haven’t moved. We are waiting for your signal."
"We’ll wait till the night. The citizens are calmer now, they have understood that panicking wasn’t the solution. I want you to be discreet, soldier."
"Yes, Sir."
Trenchman switched off and smiled. The slayer’s gang would be his soon.
Buffy was relieved to see that Faith was much better. She was still holding her and had just felt a hand on her butt. A gesture that made her giggle. She looked at the brunette who was smiling. She smiled back, gave her a slight kiss and put her head on Faith’s shoulder. It was at that moment that Wesley announced they had just arrived.
They left the car, climbed the few stairs and knocked at the door. Eona quickly opened it and invited them in.
"I’m glad you’re here."
Buffy introduced Wesley who shook Eona’s hand. Then Faith asked:
"What had sis done? You seem very nervous."
"She is worse than you and I didn’t think it was possible. Anyway, I think we should go and look at her right away. I’ll explain everything on the road."
"Where are we going?" was Buffy’s question.
"In the desert, she is there."
"What does Faith Bis do in the desert?"
"Yeah, I don’t like it very much and I don’t think sis is mad on it too."
"Oh yeah. I have to say something to you. Faith is not Faith anymore."
Both slayers looked at each other, then turned her head towards the native American and said: "Duh?"
"The first thing your double told me after remaining silent for a couple of hours was that she didn’t want to be called Faith anymore. She wasn’t the original she said and she added that she had to build her own life, find her own place in the world. So she changed her name…"
The two slayers were listening attentively to Eona, they didn’t loose a single word of the girl’s speech.
"…her name is Andrea now."
Dedication: To Broody, Jammley, Eliza Lover, Faithful Chickie, Piper, Elegy, Amy and Shadowmage. Thanks for your FB.
"Andrea?"
"Yes, she said that you’d understand why she chose that name."
Buffy saw Faith lost in her thoughts again and she could easily understand the reasons. She had just had a nightmare about her past, about Andy. And now, Eona had just told her that her double had chosen the female version of her brother’s name as her new patronymic. The latter news wouldn’t have been a big deal if the nightmare hadn’t occurred but it had and with it, bad memories and old insecurities had come back. Buffy knew that freeing Faith from the horrors of her past wouldn’t be easy. She just began to understand how difficult it would be but her determination wasn’t fading, on the contrary, she was more determinate than ever. She will give a real and wonderful life to the woman she loved so much. They would be happy together. She then took Faith’s face into her hands, gave her a soft kiss on the lips and said:
"Your make up has poured on your cheeks, honey. Why don’t you go to the bathroom to clean it up? I want to see your face clean…" then whispering into her ear. "I want to kiss your cleany face."
A small smile appeared on Faith’s face. She nodded and went to the bathroom that was on the first floor. Buffy turned her head towards her two other companions and noticed the smile Eona displayed.
She smiled back, there was no need to explain the evidence. She was about to ask something to the girl but the techno-witch was the first to open her mouth.
"What happened, Buffy? Did she cry?"
"Bad dream, Andy related."
Another nod from Eona. Buffy liked the girl, she wasn’t the kind of person who used lots of words to express her feelings and meanings.
"Who’s Andy?"
"OH, sorry Wes. Andy was Faith’s twin brother. He died a few years ago…tragically."
"Oh, it explains why the Devrash demon chose this name, then."
"She is not a demon. She is full human now. All she remembers is Faith’s life until the mayor created her. So, please, stop saying it." Eona replied harshly.
"Oh yes, of course…I’m sorry."
Buffy wanted to ask her a question regarding Andrea again when she heard Faith come back. They would have all the time to discuss Andrea’s case on the road. It was time to move. So, she said: "Let’s go then." And they left the house.
Hawk watched the brunette wake up. He was relieved, she had been unconscious for more than 15 minutes. He gave her water and some food before throwing sand on the fire with her foot.
"What are you doing?"
"Andrea, it is over for today. I told you that it is an exhaustive experiment that asks a lot of energy."
"Listen, Old Timer, I know what my body is capable of and believe me when I say that. I’m not fragile. So, stop it and get out of here. I want to try again."
"I wasn’t speaking about physical exhaustion, Andrea. You might be though but the human brain has its limits. You brain and psyche have their limits."
"I don’t give a shit, Freud Boy. With our without your approval, I’m going back there and don’t tell me the fucking risks again, I know them, you have repeated them to me a million times."
"Is it really what you want?"
Andrea turned her head towards the fire to be sure that if was still "alive". Hawk knew her answer. He was against her decision but who was he to argue with her…an old man at the end of his journey on Earth while she was the slayer.
They were in Eona’s jeep, a far better vehicle to go through the desert. Wesley and Eona were in the front seats while Faith and Buffy were in the back. It was Faith who had insisted that Buffy and her sat in the back. Knowing her girlfriend, Buffy hadn’t be surprised to feel Faith’s hand back on her butt as soon as they had been moving. Knowing her girlfriend, Buffy was delighted to see her doing that, that meant that Faith wasn’t too worried about the nightmare, that meant that she was recovering and Buffy was overjoyed with that.
They hadn’t spoken since they had begun to move. They’ve just felt and enjoyed each other’s presence. Besides, Eona was ready to explain what she and Eona have done during the last week.
"I won’t talk about her glares, silences or threats, you can all imagine that it hadn’t been easy every time. It required time but, finally, we were getting along quite well the last days. She was all sombre and pessimistic and I tried to be as positive as possible, always showing her the bright sides of life. She even gave me the nickname of Sunshine because of that. She saw the shrink, Mrs Babsen, disliked the girl but was quite proud not to have punched her."
The last statement made Faith grin but she suppressed it quickly to ask.
"So, what’s the deal? She seems to respect her word, if we forget the whole parole officer incident."
"The problem is that her wish for redemption is turning into an obsession."
"How? Is she seeing vamps or demons everywhere?"
"No, by facing the cyclone."
"Wait a minute, Eona. Do you mean that she is suicidal or something? Because, I don’t know how she could find redemption in such a way."
"Yeah, B is right. Suicide is for the one who doesn’t want to face life, redemption is another matter."
"In fact, when I accepted to take Andrea with me, I wanted to introduce her to my uncle who is a shaman. He knows some purification rituals that can help someone to cope with his failures or guilt. The problem was that someone else told Andrea that she had to learn her physical limits first, that she had to be in full condition to undergo the rituals…So she tested it by walking inside the external part of the spiral."
"And who is the fucking bastard who told her that?"
"Kelanu!"
"Geez, Eona. Couldn’t you tell him to stop? He is just the tenant, you’re still the owner."
"It doesn’t work that way, Faith, you know it."
"Er sorry but who is Kelanu?"
"Keanu is my loa, Buffy."
"The spirit who had taken possession of your body when you fought the Maestro guy?"
"Yes, he is an ancestor of mine. He has had a deal with my family for ages. If we need his help, he comes and takes possession of our body to accomplish what we call him for. In exchange, the person who needs him accepts to let him take possession of his or her body for 2 hours. Kelanu likes to walk and watch, feeling the air, the grass, all the things dead people can’t do. As I called him to protect you, I agreed to let him take my body the day after we came back from Sunnydale."
"So, Sis is in the cyclone right now?"
"Actually, no. She is with my uncle. She phoned me this morning to say that she had found the limits and was ready for the ritual."
"She has found it? Isn’t it too early? I mean, she is only here since last week."
"We aren’t patient girls, B. I bet she went as far as she could, inside the cyclone, retreating only when she was on the verge of loosing her balance."
"Yes, but…Fairy, Faith, what’s happening…FAITH!"
In front of Buffy, Faith’s eyes had just become white.
The little girl was back in the manor. This time, things were different. There were large pieces of meat everywhere, hanging on the walls, attached to lamps. Blood was pouring from the walls. The little couldn’t hear Andy’s pleas for mercy, instead, they appeared on the walls, in letters of blood. She walked carefully in this oppressing silence but couldn’t prevent her to look at the meat, in the middle of each piece, there was a face…her face…and the little girl screamed and ran.
"Faith, answer me, please."
Buffy didn’t know what to do. Faith didn’t answer, she was sweating again, she could see her girlfriend dribble. And then, she heard the name of Andy and she knew that this time, it wasn’t a nightmare.
"Eona? Is it possible that Faith is sharing the things Andrea is experimenting through the ritual?" Buffy’s panic was perceptible in her voice.
"I’m not a specialist but, Faith and Andrea have the same psyche so, as we are very close to Andrea, I would say yes."
"Is it possible to cut the link between them?"
"No, B…don’t cut…"
"Fairy?" Even if the brunette’s eyes were still white, even if the sweat was still there, even if Faith’s body had just began to tremble, Buffy was sure that she had heard Faith’s voice.
"Yeah, B…can hear … don’t cut … link. Andrea …afraid…needs me."
"But…" Buffy’s reply was cut by Faith’s scream. The blond slayer hugged her lover, afraid to lose the contact again and barely heard Eona.
"Buffy, the ritual can be very dangerous. If Andrea is too weak to come back by herself, she could have a heart attack…and if Faith shares the visions…I don’t know if I would be able to cut the link but I can try."
"No…has to….Sis…"
Eona’s proposal was very tempting. Buffy couldn’t see Faith in this state any longer, it was too painful to see her having convulsions, behaving like a girl possessed. But, if they cut the link and Andrea died…she didn’t think she would be capable of supporting Faith’s grief in knowing that they could have saved the double.
"Are we far from the place?"
"No, we’re very close in fact."
"Wes, hurry up."
Buffy held Faith, placed the brunette’s head on her shoulder and prayed, hoping that they would arrive on time to save them…
Hawk didn’t know what to do. He had heard the scream, Andrea’s scream and didn’t know what to do. He had rushed inside the cave as soon as he had heard it to find Andrea, still sitting in front of the fire. The sight of the brunette sitting had given him hope but this hope had vanished when he had noticed her eyes, the trembling of her body, the convulsions that had followed his entry…and those signs had been proofs that the slayer had gone too far, that she had underestimated her capacities, her inner strength. Andrea was stuck in the spirit realm, a world where she had to fight her own demons, a world she could only escape by beating them or dying. According to the current state of the young woman, the latter solution seemed the more plausible.
Hawk sat next to the girl and began to call his ancestors, begging them to help the slayer, begging them for a miracle.
The little girl was moving among the pieces of meat with her face printed in them. These faces were very hard to look at because each one was reflecting a different feeling, anger, fear, rage, despair, grief,…all sad feelings, never a happy one. She decided not to look at them, focusing her attention to the red dot of light she could see at the end of the corridor. She moved towards this red light but couldn’t reach it. It was as if the light was moving with her. The light seemed to remain at the same distance even if she ran to it. She stopped wondering what she could do and, for the moment she stopped walking, her faces spoke, repeating over and over again the same sentence: "I am just a whore, that’s all I can do…I can’t save him, I’m too weak. I am just a whore, that’s all I can do…I can’t save him, I’m too weak. I am just a whore, that’s all I can do…I can’t save him, I’m too weak."
I am just a whore, that’s all I can do…I can’t save him, I’m too weak. Even if Buffy had heard the sentence for the third time, the feeling of pain in her heart was as deep as the one she experienced when these words had came out of Faith’s mouth for the first time. She didn’t know what to do. She was holding the love of her life but couldn’t do anything to help her. She was trying and trying to keep the contact with the brunette but couldn’t. Faith was zigzagging between this reality and the one she was prisoner of, the one she chose to remain in to help Andrea.
"Is this fucking machine capable of moving faster, Wes? We’re losing her."
Without waiting for Wesley’s answer, she looked back at Faith, caressing her cheek. For her, she was the only important thing in the world. She hadn’t heard a single vowel of what her companions had said during the last minutes. It didn’t matter to her; her life was in her arms and she didn’t want to lose her.
She looked through the door and all she could see was the sand, the dunes and the sky. No sign of anyone or anything was visible. Then, she kissed her girlfriend forehead.
"Don’t give up, Fairy. Suck my strength, my soul or anything you need in me but don’t give up, my love."
"Won’t, B…not…listen…move….save…"
"We’ll save her, I promise…together."
The little girl moved, following the advice of the voice she had just heard…the voices she had just heard, repeating the words they had whispered to her: keep moving and we’ll save him…together. For the first time since she had entered the spirit realm, a little hope had appeared in her mind…she must have the control of her demons, she couldn’t let them have it. So, she moved and the distance between her and the light decreased, the hope grew bigger, became wider in her body but suddenly, the two persons she was the most afraid of appeared, they were in the way and she couldn’t reach the light without passing through them. Her aunt and the butcher were in front of her and hope was replaced by fear…
Buffy had all the pain in the world to hold Faith. The younger slayer was jumping, trembling faster, but it wasn’t because of the convulsions, she was sure of it. It was something else, it was rage mixed with revulsion and fear. She didn’t know how she could be so sure of her but she could feel it. She knew only two persons who could make Faith react like that…she had felt her hatred and revulsion for them when she had been in Faith’s mind. Andrea should feel the same…Andrea must be facing Faith’s aunt and the guy who so wanted to…she couldn’t even think about that word, all she could think about was the hatred she had for those people now, the hatred that had grown in her since she had heard what they did to Faith. She could feel this hatred burning inside her and didn’t want to calm it down.
"Fairy…beat the crap out of them…stake them for good…feed in me, in my rage, in my own hatred for them…you can do this, you can convince her to do it…we can…together…"
"B..right…stake them…save Andy…"
"Save Andy, Faith…together…"
"Together…"
The little girl felt her fear disappear. Hatred and anger had quickly replaced the void that this disappearance had caused. She fed on these feelings, listen to the voices once more. "Stake them and Save Andy" were resounding in her head and, once again, she focused on it. A stake appeared in her hand and she ran to them, staking them. They disintegrated as soon as the stake reached their hearts…they were the demon from the past, the vampires she never had the courage to dust until now. Once the couple destroyed, she ran to the red light that had become white. She reached the light and found a room where a naked little boy was attached to a bed. She quickly freed him and held him in her arms. Then, all lights disappeared, they were in complete darkness and Andy screamed, scared as hell. There was no sign of an escape route…they had no idea where to go. The room seemed to be spinning and spinning around, making the little kids dizzy, making them loose their reference marks.
Faith’s shakings had weakened during a few seconds and Buffy had been relieved to notice that. Then, the trembling came back and Buffy had heard Faith shouting:
"All black, B…to do?…can’t see them…"
Despair was visible on her girlfriend’s face and she was wondering what she could do to help her when her head hit the door window. The car had stopped. Buffy looked at her surroundings, noticing it for the first time since 15 minutes. They were in front of a cave and she could see curtains on each side of it, she could see smoke coming from the inside. Without thinking, she opened the door and jumped outside the car, running to the cave, entering it. She couldn’t do anything for Faith in the car…she could do everything for her inside the cave. She didn’t notice the old man who was sitting next to Andrea. All she could see was the brunette, sitting in front of the fire with hollow eyes.
The little girl was lost but she had her brother next to her, safe. Then, a light came to her and it was the way out, she was certain of it. She stood up, still holding her brother’s hand. In fact, the light that was coming to her was brighter than any light she had experienced before. It lightened the whole room as if it was noon. She made a gesture with her head, showing the light’s direction to her brother but Andy didn’t move, only smiled. Then, he became transparent, still smiling at her sister and she understood…he couldn’t come with her and it was painful. On the other hand, she had saved him now…he was freed from the horrors of their past. She smiled back, holding her tears and moved to the light, extending her hand to touch it.
Buffy was in front of Andrea when she saw the brunette extending her hand, grabbing her owns. Instinctively, she pulled her arm to receive Andrea in her arms. Andrea was awake now, and she was crying…and Buffy surprised herself by caressing the girl’s head, kneeing with her, holding her…she did it, Faith was saved, Andrea was saved…she then heard someone coming towards them and didn’t need to turn her head to know who was coming. She extended her free hand and Faith took it. She pulled her girlfriend and the three slayers were gathered in a single hug…Andrea had fought and vanquished her inner demons, Faith had helped her with Buffy’s support and Buffy noticed that she actually cared for her "sister-in-law" more than she had thought. Maybe, one day, she would be able to forgive her.
The night had come to Sunnydale and Dawn didn’t know how far from the basement she was now. The Scourge had attacked the basement just before twilight, crashing the door, knocking Anya down in a second, threatening Willow to force Tara to surrender and blocking Xander in a corner to catch him…he had just had the time to protect Dawn’s retreat. She hadn’t run far though, she had stayed there, hidden, and had seen the demons take her friends away. She had followed them to the museum and then, ran to the west, not knowing where to go, cursing herself for being so weak, cursing her sister and Faith even if she knew that it wasn’t their fault. She was lost in her own town, a town she didn’t know anymore.
Angel and Cordelia had arrived an hour before, with all the instructions for the ritual. They were currently preparing Buffy for the ritual so, Faith and Andrea, were sitting on rocks, waiting for their turn. None of them had spoken about the previous events. They had holding each other for a long time before Andrea recovered her "sanity". She didn’t like to be seen like that, vulnerable but, strangely, she wasn’t ashamed by what she had done. She knew that both Faith and Buffy had helped her and she was grateful for it.
"Sis…er…"
Faith smiled before saying.
"There is no need. Told you, I care about you…that’s what people who care for each other do….I’m not expecting any thanks…it’s normal and I’ll redo it if I have too."
Andrea felt relieved, she wasn’t good at this at all. Then Faith added:
"It’d be different for B, though. I think she’d like to hear you thank her. She didn’t have to hold you and reassure you the way she did."
"I know…I know…"
Andrea looked at the sand, lost in her thought. After a whole minute, she took a look at Faith and noticed that she looked at the others, especially at a tiny little blond head in the middle of them.
"Don’t tell me you’re missing her already. She is only a few feet away."
"I know she is watching me too. It’s difficult to explain, Sis. It is as if I’m incapable of doing anything when she is away. It is as if I need to feel her by my side every single minute, every single second and if she isn’t, I’m not whole…"
"Whow…that bad…"
"Yeah. That bad and I won’t change it for anything. We’re together now and we’ll stay together."
Together, Andrea had heard the word again and again during her trip to the spirit realm, and seeing Faith and Buffy the way she had seen them since they had arrived, made her understand the real meaning of the word. Together, they irradiated joy, love, strength and confidence. Alone, Andrea was lost, sad and weak. Kelanu was right, she remembered the last thing he said to her: "You have to find the real strength, the one that could vanquish even the most powerful enemies." Love and Friendship formed this strength.
She then heard Faith laughing. What was so funny. She turned her head towards the others and was face to face with Buffy who had paintings on her face, she looked ridiculous and Andrea soon followed Faith’s lead and laughed.
"That’s not funny! It’s part of the ritual, which means that you have to be painted as well. Which means I would also laugh when I’ll see you, F." Buffy replied, her finger on Faith’s chest.
"…prob..probably but…damn…was worth it."
"Fairy…they’re waiting for you…do you want a lift?" said Buffy between her teeth.
"Er…no, thanks, B. I’m on my way."
"Wait…I want an apology."
"A what?"
"Just kiss me!" Buffy said, abandoning her hurt expression for a wide smile.
"Oh, I’d never been bored of this kind of things." And she kissed Buffy before leaving.
Andrea had witnessed the whole scene and was smiling. But, it wasn’t the time to smile, it was the time to take advantage of the moment.
"Er. B…uffy? Thanks for…you know…"
Buffy looked at Andrea, sat then spoke.
"Listen, Andrea. I did this for Faith…"
"Oh…" a little touch of disappointment was noticeable in Andrea’s voice.
"…in the beginning. It was simple to see you as the bad girl but, Faith convinced me that you could change. What I mean is that I don’t know if I can forgive you one day, we’re not cool or anything but I don’t hate you. I want to give you that chance for Faith mainly, I won’t fool you but, who knows, if you take the chance I’m giving you…."
"It’s more than I deserve…"
No other words were exchanged between the blonde and the brunette who left as soon as Faith was back even if they shared a laugh when they had seen the paintings Faith had. Once Andrea gone, Faith took Buffy in her arms and they laid on the ground.
"So, what did you discuss about?"
"I told her I agree to give her a chance."
"Thanks, B."
"Love is sharing Faith, it’s making concessions."
"I know and I know this one was hard for you to do…"
They were in the museum, locked in a storage room. Willow was laying on a bed. The demons had said that it was thanks to her that they had been locked in this room, that it was the most comfortable place in the museum. Willow was asleep, her hand holding Tara’s. The other witch had also fallen into sleep a short while after Willow had closed her eyes. Anya was pacing and Xander was sitting on a chair, waiting for another bad news…this whole week had been a nightmare, bad news falling on them one by one. And now, they were prisoners of a group of human haters and he wondered why they still had their heads on their shoulders. The only good thing in all this shit was that Dawn had escaped, she wouldn’t have to witness their downfall or he hoped so.
The door opened suddenly. Three demons entered the room, looking at them as if they would try some desperate move by attacking them. Then, their leader entered, followed but two other demons who were carrying a table…a torture table and, Xander surprisingly discovered he was happy to see Spike laying on it. The vampire was alive, maybe they would be able to try something together.
"Hello, dear friends. I thought you could enjoy some company."
"Hello, chaps…Took you long enough to find where I give my house warming party."
Willow who had just woken up asked then: "What are you gonna do to us? What have you done to Spike?"
"See, Ms Rozenberg, as we are the only race capable of ruling this world, we must abandon some barbaric practices like slaughtering our prisoners when it is not worth the kill. There will be a ritual in less than 24 hours and this ritual will change the face of Earth. You will be touched by the ritual too and feel its effects so, why should we bother to kill you?"
"So, why are we here now if we don’t bother you?"
"Excellent point, Ms Rozenberg. See, we, rulers, like to have spectators to our big days. As friends of the slayers, you’re the best candidates to fulfil this mission."
"And what about Spike?"
"He is an element for the ritual. I didn’t say this to offend you, my friend." Trenchman made a sign with his hand towards the vampire.
"No hard feelings. I’d like too, but I’m too stiff right now. Remind me to kick your demonic ass when I would feel my muscles again."
Trenchman smiled and answered: "I promise but I’m sure that you won’t think about it when you’ll feel them again. You’ll feel them and it will be the only sensation you’ll be able to concentrate on. Now, if you could excuse me, I have lots of things to deal with before the ritual. I wish you a very nice last day. The sun will be up soon so, take advantage of the sight, it’s just a friendly advice."
Trenchman left. The Scoobies remained lost in their thoughts. Then:
"Could someone move me away in the darkest corner of the room or do you really want a roasted vampire for dinner?"
They were all gathered around the fire now. Angel, Wesley and Hawk, who gladly accepted to help them, were singing and praying while the slayers were forming a triangle by joining their hands and extending their hands.
Andrea didn’t pay attention to the ritual in itself. Her attention was focused on the two other slayers, on the way they were looking at each other, smiling at each other, speaking to each other without saying a word. The sight of these interactions brought mixed feeling to Andrea. She was happy for both of them because she really cared about them but she felt also a bit of jealousy. Faith had succeeded in having Buffy, the woman they both loved. The old Andrea would have tried to break this new couple, just because she couldn’t have Buffy but, if she had done that, what would have been in it for her? Nothing, just loneliness, anger, self-hatred and other "happy" feelings.
She then looked at Buffy. She still found the blond slayer gorgeous. Could she ever love her like a sister? She didn’t know but she knew that she couldn’t live far away from her. Why was life so complicated?
Andrea noticed then that Buffy was looking at her and…did she just smiled to her? Yes, she had just done it again. It was a small smile, just an encouraging smile but it felt so good. Andrea returned a shy smile before looking to the fire.
At that moment, the final words of the ritual were pronounced and the three girls disappeared in a flash of light.
Dawn was walking in the dark again. She had found a shelter in Buffy’s old school, the one she had burned with the Mayor snake but they had found her and she had been forced to flee one more time. They were closed, she could feel them, closing the circle around her, expecting her to fall into their arms and the worse was that she was expecting it. She was tired of running away, tired of hiding, tired of losing everyone, tired, so tired. She decided then to sit and wait for them. She sat and thought.
She thought of the good old days when her mother and Buffy were around, took care of her, when she just had to exist, nothing more, nothing less, a time without evil catastrophes threatening the world, a time of peace.
Then, she let her imagination go and she created her vision of the perfect world. A world where her mother would still be alive, a world where Buffy would be a normal girl with normal friends, Xander, Faith, Willow and Tara. A world where she, Dawn, wouldn’t be running away, wouldn’t had to hide in dark and dirty places and wouldn’t have to see three demons coming towards her as they were now. Dawn sighed, let them approach and looked at them. They were smiling which made them uglier than they already were. She sighed again, was ready to stand up and followed them when whistle broke the silence of the place. A growl followed the whistle and Dawn could see that one of the demons had a sword in her torso, just at the place of its heart. She looked to the direction where the sword had been thrown and felt the hope that had just deserted her soul coming back. Buffy, Faith and..well the other Faith were there, Buffy talked to one of the Faiths.
"Is it so difficult to fight with the sword in your hand? What with this obsession of throwing swords?"
"Slayers," the two remaining demons, scared like hell, ran away, forcing Buffy and Andrea to throw their swords to them in order to prevent them for escaping.
"You were saying, B?"
"Me, nothing." Replied Buffy with an angelic face.
Dawn literally jumped in her sister’s arms and cried. Buffy just hugged her, waiting for the end of the sobs. When, she sensed her sister relax, she pulled her, smiled at her then asked:
"I suppose things hadn’t been that funny lately?"
"Yes, you away, everything collapse. Hi Faith…s."
The Faith with the Lara Croft outfits just crossed her arms but the "normal" Faith waved her hand and smiled at her. "Hey, Double M."
"So, Dawnie, what happened?"
And Dawn explained the events of the previous week to the slayers. She said everything, from the arrival of the Scourge, to the abduction of Spike from Willow’s injuries to their retreat to Xander’s basement, from the attack of the Scourge to the museum where the Scoobies had been carried.
"It’s over, Dawnie. We are here now and, believe me, we’re gonna kick some demon asses."
"You can’t imagine how I missed this sentence. So, let’s go to the museum."
Dawn began walking towards the museum but quickly noticed that the slayers didn’t follow her. She turned her head and saw Buffy, a little bit nervous, looking at Faith who just nodded.
"What’s up guys? Looks like you’ve something to hide. Is there a big terrible secret you want to share with me?"
"Secret? No!…No secrets…secrets are bad, you know that…it’s just that…see…"
"Come on Buffy. Say it. Faith, what’s wrong now? And don’t tell me I have to stay away from the fight. I don’t want to miss it."
"No, it has nothing to do with that. Errr…Look, Double M…What you sister is trying to tell you is…fucking delicate…"
"They screw!"
Three stunned heads turned towards Andrea.
"Or they will, soon. What? Why are you looking at me like that? If we had waited for you to tell it, we would have stayed here the whole fucking day; loosing some precious time. Now, it’s done. So, Mi…Dawn, your sister and Faith are in the kind of "groping, soon to be screwing" relationship. Smoochies, fantasies and high temperature to be expected."
Dawn’s jaw was wide open. Buffy didn’t know what to do, she was afraid of Dawn’s reaction, wanted to punch Andrea for being so...well...Andrea. She extended her hand, grabbed Faith's, relieved to feel her girlfriend in the same state of mind than her.
"Is it true?"
"Well, Yes, Faith and I are in love with each other…"
"Are we still cool, Double M?"
"Well, that’s kinda unexpected."
"And?" Asked two very nervous slayers.
"Well, I’m happy for you guys. I’ll have the two coolest sisters I could dream about and, yeah, that’s cool. No, objection here, you have my benediction. And, as there is Willow and Tara already, I don’t have problems with the bad visuals I had when she told me…Well what she has just told me."
Buffy and Faith felt relieved and quickly hugged Dawn before deciding to go to the museum. Faith let Buffy and Dawn go, she just nodded to her girlfriend, explaining by this simple gesture that she wouldn’t be long. She then, looked at Andrea and stopped her.
"That was…rude."
"He, I’m ME, right. You’re maybe softer now than before but I’m not. I still want to be part of your life but don’t expect me to fucking behave differently just because I want to be good. I have my way, I like my curses which, by the way, you seem to have lost in jail. Accept it or not, I won’t change."
"Finished?"
"Yeah."
Faith looked at the Summers who had just turn the corner and would probably wait for them in the street. She looked back at her sister and punched her in the jaw, sending her feet away.
"So, I’m becoming soft?"
Andrea stood up, put her hand to her jaw and smiled.
"That was a good one."
"Even?" Faith offered her hand.
"Even." Andrea took it and they both moved to join the Summers girls.
"Sis?"
"Yeah?"
"How come you curse less these days?"
"My cell-mate was a teacher…I kinda full the blanks of our education thanks to her. Wanna her phone number?"
"No way…vadre retro Satanas."
The first rays of the sun soon covered the four girls on their way to the museum.
Nara wasn’t paying attention to the last preparations for the ritual. She was looking the sun rising trough the window, her mind far away from the museum. Something was bothering her and Leo didn’t have to be a seer to notice it. He slowly approached his wife, put his hands on her shoulders and asked her:
"What’s wrong, darling?"
"They’re here, I can feel them."
"Who? The Slayers? How could they be here? The cyclone prevents anyone to come into Sunnydale."
"They have found a way. I can feel them, Ibis. We share a bond and I’m much used to it than they are. They’re really close now. They will come and fight."
"…and lose. They don’t know what we are planning to do, they are alone, we have their friends, we know they’re here thanks to you, we have all the aces in our game, Nara."
"Apparently, yes but we have never faced two slayers at the same time before and those two are different from the other slayers and you know it."
"Don’t get me wrong, Nara, I don’t underestimate them. I know what they are capable of and if you say they have succeeded in coming back to Sunnydale, I believe you. I’ll tell Trenchman to handle it…with your help, of course."
Nara smiled at her husband. Yes, her successors were very strong but she had much more experience than the both of them and so was Trenchman.
Faith hated the City Hall of Sunnydale. It reminded her a time she wanted to forget, to hide in the most unreachable part of her mind. It reminded her the time when she worked for the Mayor. On their way to the museum, they’ve changed their mind and have decided to postpone their entry in the heart of the enemy forces. Buffy had been right to say that they didn’t know the place enough while Nefer-tem and his minions had had plenty of time to prepare their defence. As electricity had been cut because of the cyclone, they couldn’t have access to the web files of the town, the only place to find a plan of the museum and its basement was the City Hall. So, they were in the place that had been deserted by the scared employees, reading books and checking numerous plans.
Buffy closed the book she had just read, no trace of any plan in this one. She took another book when she noticed that Faith seemed suddenly a little bit absent-minded. Her girlfriend was sitting in a chair but didn’t seem to be reading her book.
"You should go and speak to her."
Buffy jumped, surprised. She hadn’t noticed that Andrea had come so close to her.
"Andrea?"
"It’s hard for her to be here. It’s hard for me, so, should be for her too."
Buffy looked at Faith, unsure of how she should speak to the woman she loved.
"Never spoke about it yet, am I wrong?"
"Yes, we spoke about it. About how confused she was at that time, about how blind I was to refuse to admit my feelings for her, about how we screwed everything up the last time."
"That’s not what I meant. Have you spoken about him?"
"No! I mean, I know she went to him because she felt rejected by us and I know that he never judged her."
"Yes, actually, he cared about us. He was evil but with Faith, it was as if he let her human side take control of him, it was as if …it’s hard to explain but for the first time, we felt a kind of fatherly love…"
"I’m going to speak to her. You’re right."
Buffy stood up and made a first step in Faith’s direction. Then, she stopped, turn her head towards Andrea and said:
"Thanks."
Andrea smiled and just nodded.
Faith was still lost in her thoughts when she felt someone coming to her, giving her soft kisses on her neck and she couldn’t prevent herself from smiling.
"Hey, B. What’s up, found something?"
"Nah…nothing. So, I said, why not take a break and go taste my girlfriend."
"Do I taste good?"
Buffy put her forefinger on her girlfriend nose and said: "You know you do! In fact, you’re my favourite flavour."
"That’s good, because you’re mine too. May I?"
Buffy presented her neck to her girlfriend who quickly covered it with her mouth, reciprocating Buffy’s kisses on it.
When Faith finally broke the kisses, they stared in each other eyes for a long time.
"Fairy?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to speak of him?"
Buffy sensed Faith’s hesitation, her insecurities were still there but, she quickly felt relieved when she saw the resolute look that appeared on the beautiful chocolate eyes of the woman she loved.
"He was good to me, B. I know he was evil, he was a killer, he became a demon, he made us fight each other but…I can’t hate the guy, quite the opposite, in fact. I remember how he could make me laugh just by being him, how he made me feel comfortable and loved. He used me but he loved me, B. It’s kinda sick to say it, but he had been like a father to me."
Buffy had put her head on Faith right shoulder while she was listening to her.
"It’s not sick, Faith, just human. I personally didn’t have good feeling for the guy but I understand you. If only…"
"If only what, B?"
"If only I hadn’t been so focused on my problems, if only I had assumed my feelings for you then…"
"Hadn’t we agreed to let the past in the past?"
"Yes, we had. It’s just…"
"Buffy….I…er…The boss is my past, you are my future. You told me that, remember. I think about him, sometimes but, after the good memories, come the bad ones, it reminds me how unbalanced I was at that time. On the opposite, every time I see you, I think about you, there is only good memories, there is hope, you’re the first person on Earth that has ever given me hope, B."
"And I’d do everything to keep that feeling in you, Fairy. I promise."
They stayed a few minutes in each other’s arms, enjoying the moment before Dawn came to say:
"We’ve found it."
Laura was alone in the bathroom. She was in the hot water of the king sized tub of the room. She wondered why a museum had such a tub. Maybe she would ask it to the director who had been locked in the basement before the beginning of the ritual.
She let her mind go, enjoying the feeling of being in a tempered bath. She remembered the last hours, long hours when she had thought about the ritual, about her role in it, her role in the Maat. Her father had to be rehearsing his incantations for tonight, his night. His dream should be fulfil this night, thanks to him, thanks to her mother, thanks to her.
She let her body sink in the bath, just letting her head appear and thought once more time of Maat and its importance.
The plan was in front of them. There was indeed a passage between Sunnydale’s tunnels and the museum. The slayers could thus penetrate the museum through this way.
"Fairy, you and I will go to the central room, the pyramidal one."
"Why are you so sure they are there?" asked Andrea.
"Remember Cordy’s vision. There was a pyramid in it. This room is pyramidal and it is the only "pyramid" in Sunnydale. My guess: They are there."
"And who said that blond chicks weren’t smart?"
"A jealous, honey."
"Geez, guys, could you quit flirting for a minute," added Dawn then turning her head towards Andrea, she said: "You’re my witness. If they say anything about it when I’ll be with a boyfriend…"
"I’ll back you up, D. I’ll back you up."
"Kids, attention please."
Buffy had said the last sentence with a smile. She appreciated this kind of ambience, it was like family. Teasing each other, smiling because of it…etc…and she knew that everyone in this room felt the same. The coming hours would be pivotal. All of them would be in front of danger, even Dawn that she refused to let alone in such a situation.
"OK, let’s go back to the plan. As I said, Faith and I would go straight away to the central room. You guys, you’ll find our friends and lead them out of the museum. Questions?"
No question came. Buffy had expected something from Andrea. Being Faith’s alter ego, she shouldn’t have been pleased by her assignation. She hadn’t said a thing though and part of Buffy was glad she didn’t. The girl was on the good way…and she wasn’t surprised to care about her anymore. She was definitely part of the family.
The two demons that guarded the basement were glad to see the relief coming. Spending three hours in the basement just to check if anyone was trying to break in the museum through whatever hidden entry was definitely not enjoyable. So, when they had heard the steps in the stairs and had seen that it was indeed the relief, they were too happy to let other demons replace them. They exchanged banalities, made their report before leaving the room.
The two new sentinels made a quick patrol in the basement before coming back to the stairs to smoke cigarettes.
"Do you think it will be long?"
"No, Trenchman said that everything would be done an hour after sunset. The night will come soon, so, I’d say that in 1h30, we won’t have to worry anymore."
"And we will rule the world."
The second demon didn’t continue the conversation. He had just heard a noise coming from the right side of the nearest room. Asking his colleague to follow him with a sign, he grabbed his rifle and, carefully, entered the room. Several boxes were gathered in the place, probably waiting for some specialists to check their contents. The two demons were approaching the right side, they had let as much space as possible between the two of them, in order to prevent any attack coming from this side. They were very close to the pile of boxes now, in a few seconds, they would see if there was anyone hidden behind it.
At that moment, they heard a mewing coming from the pile. The demon, standing on the left looked at his pal and asked:
"A cat?"
"Or a trick. Let’s check it."
They both made another step before seeing a form emerge from the pile, a black cat that quickly ran under an old table.
The demons relaxed a bit. A cat, they had been scared by a cat. How ridiculous was it. The right demon smiled then went to the cat’s direction.
"What are you doing?"
"I like cats. I have plenty of them home. I like their independence, the way they always find a way to have what they want. As we are stuck here for a while, why can’t we use a little company?"
The other demon looked at his colleague amused then:
"Its name is Kitty Fantastico!"
The demons were completely surprised by the newcomer, a little brunette who couldn’t be over 16. They had both their rifles pointed to her. The demon that was looking after the cat said then:
"I recognise you! You’re the blond slayer’s sister."
Dawn smiled before replying: "Yes, I am. Would you like to meet her? Must be your lucky day, she’s just behind you with her girlfriend."
The demons quickly turned around but weren’t fast enough to avoid the swords that cut their heads off.
Buffy smiled to her sister.
"Well, that went well."
Then she turned her head towards Faith who was helping Andrea to climb out of the trap door that was hidden by the pile of boxes the demons were so interested in. When they had noticed that the demons had heard something, Buffy’s first reaction had been to jump on them. But Dawn had had a better idea and, even if she had been scared as hell for her sister’s life, she hadn’t prevented her of distracting the guards. Andrea was up now and Buffy decided to tease her girlfriend.
"See, honey. You can also use a sword without throwing it."
Faith smiled back: "Never said I couldn’t, B. It’s just less fun."
"Can I do something to increase your fun rate?"
"I have a couple of idea in mind, B but unfortunately, we’re not in the good place to do it."
"Too bad."
Dawn was witnessing the exchange between the slayers and sighed. Falling in love really made people senile. She looked at Andrea who was too glad to interrupt the lovers.
"OK, what do we do now?"
Buffy quickly asked Dawn.
"Are you sure about the cat?"
"Positive! She’s worse than a dog. She is literally in love with Tara and is kinda lost without her. If we let her go, she’ll find her."
"OK, Andrea?"
"Understood! D and I will follow the cat and you’ll look after the bad guys."
As soon as she finished her sentence, Andrea grabbed Dawn by the arm and the two girls were moving away when they heard Buffy’s voice calling them.
"Hey, girls! Be careful."
Then, the older slayer locked her eyes in Andrea’s, smiled and added: "Both of you."
Andrea just nodded before leading Dawn away.
Buffy looked at them a few more second, thinking. She had let Andrea in and showed it. Part of her was still worried about the girl sanity but she wanted to do it, part for Faith but she had discovered a few hours ago that she actually cared about the girl too. How couldn’t she? In a way, she was also Faith, the wild Faith and even if she wouldn’t never trust or love her the way she trusted and loved Faith, she knew that she really wanted Andrea in her family.
She then looked at Faith and smiled to her. No word was necessary, her girlfriend had understood. She gave a quick kiss to the brunette, took her hand in hers and made the first step on the stairs. Time for romance and thoughts was over, the battle had just begun and their timing seemed very short.
Nefer-tem looked one last time at the room. Everything was ready for the ritual. The sarcophaguses were at the right place, the beacon had just been taken out of the box, Laura would soon be here to take her place and the slayers wouldn't be able to do anything with Nara and Trenchman to stop them. No one would stop him now, no one would prevent the events of tonight. Tonight, the face of humanity would change, tonight, everything would change.
He looked at the Egyptian outfits he was wearing and smiled. He hadn't put them for ages. It was his favourite ones though, it reminded him the good old days, when everything was clear, simple, when the gods were present in the hearts of every individuals. The nostalgia was quickly replaced by melancholy when he thought at the present time, a time without faith, without self-respect. The present time was ruled by egocentrism, power and money, humanity had lost its way, humans were too weak to change anything and the Maat couldn't be restored because of them. The more he thought about it, the more he was certain to be right, humanity deserved what would happened.
The arrival of some of the Scourge demons connected Nefer-tem back to reality. They were carrying the main tool for the ritual, a blond vampire named Spike who was attached on a table.
"Hello, Mr Spike. Welcome to my private room."
"Sorry not to shake you hand but, I'm a bit stuck right now. Otherwise, I would have been happy to shake it and keep it once I would have tore it off."
"I'm sure you would. Anyway, I'm glad you could join us and I'm sure you will play your role perfectly."
"My role, what role?"
"You'll see it soon enough, my dear. You'll see it soon enough." Then, with a cruel smile, Nefer-tem added: "Actually, you'll feel it soon enough, boy."
Nefer-tem made a step back and waved his hand. Obeying to this silent order, the demons put a scotch on Spike's mouth, preventing him to speak then, they brought the vampire away and without detaching him, literally glued the table on the beacon.
The immortal didn't even looked at it, he was lost in his thoughts again and noticed that sunset would come soon. In less than a couple of hours, everything would be as it had to.
Kitty Fantastico, following its instinct and its sense of smell, was leading Dawn and Andrea to the upper levels of the museum. They were on their way to the second floor when Andrea noticed the strange look Dawn was giving her.
"What’s wrong, D? Why are you looking at me like this?"
"I wondered…never mind, it’s not really the time."
"Come on, spit!"
"It’s just…well, you’re exactly like Faith and…"
"You wanna know if I’m cool about them screwing?"
"Well, I wouldn’t have said it like this but…yeah."
Andrea didn’t answer directly, she was still following the cat that had stopped right in front of a door. It was pacing in front of it. The Scoobies had to be at this level.
"I’m not!"
Dawn was a bit surprised by Andrea’s reply. She wasn’t expecting an answer anymore but she had just received it. She looked at the older brunette who had a melancholic look in her eyes.
"It’s hard, D. Knowing that she is with…me, the me I could have become if the Mayor had chosen me to stay…and seeing them together, the glares they exchange, the loving gestures they have for each other…it’s fucking unbearable for me. Hell, since they have come to pick me up to come back in Sunnyhell, I have wanted to beat the hell out of them at least a million times."
"But…you didn’t."
"I’m tired of being bad, D. It’s a dead end. I wanna live D, not survive. I love Buffy and I love Sis. I’m glad they are together, happy but…it’s tearing me apart too."
"And what are you gonna do?"
"Leave. As soon as this fucking battle is finished, I’ll go back to Frisco."
"Will you come back?"
"You’d miss me?"
"I think so."
Andrea smiled to the young girl, then she said: "I’ll stay in touch, don’t worry. I can’t see them together 24 hours a day but, I can’t live without them too…Yeah, I know, I’m not the stable one."
"No, I think I understand. One last thing…what about Andy."
"He hasn’t be back since the last time. Kelanu said that as long as I can keep the control of my feelings, he won’t come back. Strangely, I went to dreamland lately, I was scared like hell but he hasn’t showed up…think it’s a good sign."
"I’m sure it is."
"So, Miss future shrink, are we done?"
"Yep, patient. We can go."
Andrea opened the door, let the cat enter first then followed it, protecting Dawn with her body just in case.
Buffy and Faith were walking carefully in the ground level of the museum. They hadn’t met any patrol and it was becoming scary. They were approaching the pyramidal room, they were sure it was the place that Cordelia described in her vision but they had seen no guard to prevent them to reach it until now.
They had crossed various rooms during their progression, each one gathering paintings, sculpture and other pieces of art. They were currently crossing one of these rooms, a room that was dedicated to the first forms of art. Faith found these pieces of wood and stone awful but had had a quick glance at the weapons they used at that time. She didn’t stay long though as Buffy had continued walking towards the next corridor. Her girlfriend was right, it wasn’t the time for a sightseeing tour. So, she joined Buffy and took her hand. It was a simple gesture but Faith had never hold somebody’s hand just for the pleasure to hold it and she would never be tired of holding the other slayer’s hand in fact, she would hold it every time she would have the occasion to do so. She sensed Buffy squeeze her hand, looked at her eyes, at her smiling lips and feel her own mouth forming a wide smile. That was love, a wonderful feeling she had rejected for so long, a deep and amazing feeling Buffy had awaken in her.
They arrived at the entry of the room, in full slayer mode. It was not the time for feelings anymore. They had just sensed someone in that corridor. It was a strange feeling, it was as if they could feel a part of themselves on the other side of the wall. After a last confident look at each other, they made the first steps in the corridor to see a woman, wearing black leather outfits and sunglasses. The slayers were now in front of Nara, a thousands years old slayer who was waiting for them, waiting to fight them and eventually kill them. And that woman was smiling at them.
"I was wondering when you’d come. I’m glad you’re here."
"So, what do you think, B. She’s rather well preserved for an antique."
"I’m not that impressed, Fairy. Today, with plastic surgery and stuff like that, you can do miracles."
"So, Mummy Slayer. What’s your secret?"
"What can I say…See, sex, sun and magic. That’s the key."
"Hey, Fairy. I like that program. Mind if we borrow it?"
"Not at all. You won’t live enough to use it."
"Geez, why do villains always have to spoil the fun? We had an interesting and pleasant conversation and she’s back with the killing."
"I think we should teach her how to be gentle, B."
"I agree, darling."
Buffy and Faith were facing Nara now. Each slayer had taken a fighting position, ready to fight, dodge or avoid any attack coming from each side. The eldest slayer didn’t seem to move, she obviously didn’t want to begin the fight. The younger slayers knew both what it meant.
"She’s gaining time, B."
"I know! Her husband must be doing something really important now, something bad."
"So, time is an issue I guess."
"Yep, which means…"
"…that one of us has to go, B. I figured it out."
"Wanna play with Grandma, Fairy?"
Faith looked at her girlfriend, a little surprised by the proposal. She had been ready to argue with Buffy about who would fight Nara, and now, Buffy had just agreed to let her fight their enemy alone. Buffy’s next sentence made her realised the reason why the blond slayer had proposed that to her.
"The last time, you were the one who left. Now, it’s my turn."
Faith looked at her girlfriend, at her beautiful face, tensed because of the upcoming battle, looked at the corner of her mouth, curled in a smile, she smiled because she knew that Faith was watching her and Faith was aware of it. It was Buffy’s way to show her that she trusted her completely now, that, according to her, there were no more doubts, issues or bad feelings to prevent her to give her entire trust to Faith. It was so different from the last time, when Buffy had forced Faith to run away, when Faith had been afraid to lose the one who meant so much to her. For the first time since the beginning of their new relationship, a week ago, Faith couldn’t see any clouds that could spoil their love. Together, the slayers had vanquished the brunette’s past, together, they had built an extraordinary relationship, they relied on each other in a way Faith wouldn’t have thought possible two weeks before. The fear to lose Buffy was still there, would never disappear but instead of paralysing the dark slayer, it gave her a new strength, a will to enjoy love, to enjoy Buffy’s love with all her soul, with all her body. For the first time since her childhood, Faith realised how good life could be.
"I’d be happy to kick her ass for you, B."
"Don’t be too long, the second, I’ll live this room, I’ll miss you."
It was the instant Nara chose to interrupt them.
"That’s really romantic you know. So, I’ll face Faith. That’s cool with me."
"You won’t stop me for leaving?"
"No, because your friends are too important for you. See, I’m not dumb. I might be a terrific slayer, I won’t be able to fight the both of you. So, I asked Trenchman to kill your friends in (she looked at her watch) 15 minutes now. So, you see "B" you have the choice. You go find my husband and your friends will die…or you go save your friends and won’t be able to stop my dear Nef. Knowing you, I already know your decision."
Then, Faith whispered to the blond slayer: "She doesn’t know about Andrea."
"I noticed. Let’s take advantage of it then. See you soon."
"Take care, B."
After a last look to her girlfriend, Buffy ran towards the exit, passed Nara who tried nothing to stop her and left the room.
"So, Grandma. How is your rheumatism? Should I kick you softly?"
"I’ll give you rheumatism, kid and you’ll beg me to stop."
Buffy ran in the corridor, worried, worried for Faith who, she knew, was facing a heck of a fighter. But, it wasn’t the first time she let Faith fight alone, and it wasn’t the last either. The fear would always be there but she trusted Faith trusted her skills. She was one of the most dangerous opponents someone could face and Grandma would bite the dust. She shut the voices of doubts down, focused on her mission and ran to the pyramidal room, the place where she would finally face the source of all their recent troubles.
Andrea and Dawn were progressing carefully in the second floor. Still following Miss Kitty Fantastico, they were ready to strike if anyone appeared. At one point, Dawn noticed something and whispered in Andrea’s ear.
"Have you noticed that the lights are on? There is no electricity in the town but the lights are working here."
"I didn’t pay attention but you’re right. Must be an autonomous electric generator. Guess the bad guys like to be comfy."
They stopped suddenly. They had just heard a conversation on the left of the corridor they were about to cross. Carefully, they approached the corner of their corridor to listen to the conversation.
"Can I kill them, Master?"
"Not now, corporal. I agreed with Nara not to kill them before the deadline. How many time should I explain to you that it is supposed to be a trap for at least one of the slayers, not necessary a massacre."
"But…"
"Trust me soldier. In less than an hour, our time will come and you won’t question my tactics anymore."
"Yes, Master."
"So, we wait and if a slayer has not come in the next 10 minutes, I’ll let you have fun with our guests."
"Too bad I’m here then."
To Dawn’s surprise, Andrea stepped out of their corridor after having said the previous words. How could she be so imprudent? They should have prepared a plan and now, what was she about to do? Dawn could imagine many other unwise things Andrea could do but she wasn’t prepared for the one the brunette slayer had chosen.
"They seem surprised to see us, D. Come on, move your ass, you have to see their faces, it’s too funny even if they are horrible."
Dawn was too amazed to discuss Andrea’s proposition. She stepped out the corridor too and faced the two demons. A soldier and the one she had seen lead the attack of the basement, the leader of the Scourge, the immortal demon named Trenchman who had begun to recover from its amazement.
"I…I didn’t expect you to show up like this."
"Well, you know, "Hitler", I’m kinda in a hurry. I have my Sis and B downstairs, having fun while me and D are here in rescue mission. I didn’t say it wasn’t important but... well…it’s so damn less fun. So, I decided to make it quick here, free my buds and go downstairs help my family. I have a question though. Before we begin the violent part of our talk, you’re like Leo and Nara, right? You’re immortal but can be killed by a violent death."
"Right but you won’t beat me. Besides, I’m not alone."
"I noticed. So, D, wait a minute here. It will only take 30 seconds."
"Do you really believe you would beat us in 30 seconds?" asked a very doubtful Trenchman.
"Yeah. With the good material."
Trenchman was intrigued by the confidence of the brunette. He had supposed she would be worried about her friends, tensed because of the upcoming fight. None of that, she moved as if she was sure that she would beat them easily. Trenchman made a gesture towards his corporal. In perfect synchronisation, the two soldiers moved carefully towards the brunette who put her hand on her back. She had something hidden in her Lara Croft’s short. Ready for everything, Trenchman couldn’t prevent himself to relax when he saw the water pistol Andrea pointed on them now. Smiling, he said:
"You want to drown us, slayer?"
Holding the water pistol in her right hand, Andrea smiled. Her left hand, hiding a lighter, was now just in front of the cannon.
"No, it’s barbecue day, bastards."
Trenchman immediately understood that there wasn’t any water in the pistol but it was too late. He saw with horror Faith’s lighter ignite the fuel contained in the toy, saw the flames rushing to him and his soldier, then felt the pain, the atrocious pain of its skin burning, melting because of the fire that was consuming him. He didn’t even see the corporal running away to the stairs, its body in flames. The pain was so intense that the relief was high when he felt Andrea’s sword penetrate its body. At that moment, the death he had been afraid of all his life wasn’t its enemy anymore and he welcomed it while its still burning body touched the floor.
Dawn didn’t feel well after seeing it and Andrea seemed also a little pale afterwards. She had had to drop the gun that was also melting because of the heat. So, when the anti-fire system dropped water on them from the ceiling, they enjoyed the feeling instead of cursing it. Andrea approached Dawn, put her arm around her shoulders and leaded her to the door the two demons had guarded.
"I prefer vampires, you know D. Once killed, they’re dust. That’s more hygienic."
Dawn gave Andrea a little smile. She had the same aptitude than Faith, she could lighten up the atmosphere thanks to a joke.
"Come on, D. Time to free the Scoobies."
The ritual had just begun and Nefer-tem exulted. After so many years of patience, victory was near. He had to stay focused though. The incense hadn’t impregnated the whole room yet. Having nothing else to do but rechecking that everything was as it was supposed to be, he let his eyes wander the room. The sarcophaguses and Laura formed the circle. The beacon, the terrible weapon of the Scourge that could burn every human being that felt its light was in its place, the vampire glued on it, his bodyguards were outside the circle and the doors were…no, they weren’t closed anymore. Someone had just opened them. The blond slayer, Buffy, had just entered the room.
"Hey guys. Is it a private party or can I join?"
Nara easily avoided Faith’s punch as she had avoided all her punches and kicks before. She liked to play with her opponents. It was like a game of cats and mice. She was the cat, Faith was the mouse. She wondered if she had to kill the dark slayer or if she would just continue to play with her, waiting for the big moment. Thinking about the younger slayer, she could guess that the brunette wouldn’t like what was coming. She’d rather be dead in fact. She would play with her for a minute or two then, she would end the fight.
Nara wasn’t the only one to think about cats and mice. But if it was an enjoyable thought for Nara, it wasn’t that funny for Faith. She didn’t like being played with, didn’t like feeling that powerless. Nara had avoided or dodged each kick and it was very frustrating. They were still in the corridor, between the room Buffy and Faith had crossed a few minutes before and a small room, probably a guardian office. Faith made a step back, breaking contact with her mighty opponent, trying to find a failure in Nara’s fighting style but couldn’t find any. Then, coming from the stairs that were behind Faith, a scream made them jump.
A demon in flames came from the stairs, rushed between the two slayers before entering the room then, he fell on the floor, starting the anti-fire system. Soon, the two brunettes were entirely wet because of it.
"Well, looks like someone is cleaning this fucking place with a flame-thrower."
Seeing the concerned look in Nara’s eyes, Faith continued.
"Oh, I think we forget to tell you that my Sis is here too. It’s probably her work. She’s real good you know."
Realisation came suddenly in Nara’s mind.
"But...if she’s upstairs then…"
"Yep, good guess. B must be "discussing" with Leo now, but don’t worry, she is a good and faithful girl, my girl in fact. So, she won’t try anything dirty with him."
"You…tricked us, bitch."
"Hey, we’ve never said we’d come alone. You were the ones who guessed that there would only be B and me, Grandma."
Furious, Nara ran to Faith and sent her right through the guardian’s office door in throwing her away by hitting her with the palm of her right hand. The door didn’t resist and Faith landed on the guardian desk then fell on the floor.
"I’m gonna kill you fast and then, I’ll find your girlfriend and I’ll kill her too, slowly just for my pleasure."
Faith could hear Nara steps approaching the office. Fortunately, the water coming from the ceiling helped her regaining her senses. She began to stand up and then see something, something that had fallen from the desk with her…and an idea began to sink in Faith’s head.
Willow felt her eyelids becoming heavy. She wasn’t ready to spend so much time awake, she was still weak after her encounter with Narahi’ti but, she didn’t want to sleep, didn’t want to let the Scoobies dealing alone with whatever catastrophe Nefer-tem was about to release on Earth. She could feel their despair, their shame of not being able to stop the Scourge and its associates. For the first time since she had discovered the existence of the shadow world, ruled by the darkness, she felt useless. This time was the one, this time, they couldn’t do anything to prevent the apocalypse.
She sighed loudly then, watched the other Scoobies. Xander and Anya were in each other’s arms, wishing to spend the night together, ready to face their fate, whatever it was. She had seen the former demon cry a few minutes before. It had been weird, she had never seen Anya this weak. She was usually very good at hiding her true feelings.
And there was Tara, the woman she loved. Together, they could invoke magical powers that could have helped them in their fight but she was too weak to perform any kind of spell. Once again, the feeling of being useless crossed her mind. She squeezed Tara’s hand (the other witch had refused to let it go for the beginning of their imprisonment), looking for a reassuring look from her lover and Tara didn’t disappoint her.
Suddenly, the Scoobies jumped. A scream had just resounded in the corridor. A horrible scream, betraying horrible pain and suffering. Could it be Spike? Had the ritual just begun? Was it the end? Then, they all could hear steps coming in their direction. Someone was behind the door that was now broken open by a powerful kick. The Scoobies held their breath, who had just broken the door open? Then, there was two brunettes coming trough the opening, two brunettes they knew very well.
"Dawn!"
"Faith!"
Hope had just came back in their hearts. The slayers were there. How? They didn’t care, they were there, it was what mattered.
Xander rushed towards the girl but was stopped by Andrea who raised her right hand.
"Sorry Xand-man, you know me, I’m not the hugging kind of girl." Then, she looked at Dawn and said to her. "D, lead them to the basement and leave the place by the same way we used to enter it. OK?"
"OK, take care."
"Don’t worry, my only fear is that I would probably be too late for the finish."
Willow looked at the two brunettes splitting up. Then, she saw Dawn coming to her.
"How are you doing? Can you walk?"
"Yes, Dawnie, I can walk. Anything is better than this place. Was it…Faith bis?"
"Yeah. She has changed her name, she is Andrea now."
"Does it mean that Buffy and Faith…"
"They are on their way to kick some Big Bad ass. Lots of things happened but I won’t tell anything now. Not the time. Besides, I think there are some… subjects that they would prefer to tell you by themselves."
Dawn stood up and said: "OK guys. We’ll hug later. Time to move. Xander, help Willow then, follow me."
Faith was still laying on the floor of the guardian office while Nara was entering the same room, the room wherein she had just thrown her opponent. In a few seconds, she would see the younger slayer. She had to think and quickly. The plan she had just thought about depended on so many things, so many problems could ruin it but somehow, Faith was sure of its success. As numerous mighty foes, Nara was suffering from her ego and that would be the key of her plan. She looked one last time at the pocket radio that was on her left, grabbed it quickly and put it on her jacket. Then, she stood up just in time to receive Nara’s next kick that sent her through the window.
She was back in the corridor now. Once again, the water that was still running from the anti-fire system was a blessing and permitted to Faith not to spend too much time to recover from the previous hit. She was on her back and could see the room she had crossed with Buffy, its white ceiling dominated by a huge Victorian lustre that seemed so displaced in the prehistoric context of the room. But it wasn’t the time to think about decoration. Nara was near, she could hear her steps. Faith waited until the last second, avoided Nara’s foot that was coming to crush her face on the floor, stood up quickly and with a flip flap that would have made Lara Croft jealous, she entered the prehistoric room.
The water reached her ankles but Faith didn’t care. In a fighting position, she was waiting for Nara who was slowly walking to her.
"So, Grandma. How does it feel to be on the dark side?"
"Dark side?"
"Yeah, after so many years fighting for the good of Humanity, how did you become a big bad whore?"
"Won’t work with me, Faith. Your insults don’t even touch me. I chose my fight now. I died, remember? So, now, it’s your turn to be limited by slayer rules. And for your information, Nef is not evil."
"No, of course not, and Santa Claus is his best bud."
"You can’t understand Faith. You’re too young. Pity that I have to kill you. You and Buffy had great potential."
Faith had taken the radio in her hand but was still keeping it in her jacket. Noticing the gesture, Nara, believing that Faith was ready to grab her sword, said: "Ohoh, I see you’re going to put your weapon in the game. I was wondering when you would do it."
"I won’t grab my sword, Grandma because I know that’s what prevents you to use the "Sight of Râ". See, if I take it and you manage to take it away from me, I’m dead."
"Good guess. But I don’t think you’d avoid death in fighting me with your bare hands."
"That’s not my intention." And in saying it, Faith threw the radio on the water, hoping that the batteries were still full, then, before the radio hit the water, she jumped on the wood plinth of some kind of statue watching as the electricity began to send waves of energy in the liquid. Then, she looked back at where Nara was standing before but saw nothing.
"Up there, moron."
Faith raised her head and saw that Nara had also jumped and had grabbed the voluminous lustre. She was hanging there with a cruel smile.
"Did you really think I was so stupid? Did you really think I was going to grill like a toast? I saw you hide the radio and with the water everywhere, it wasn’t difficult to guess what you had in your mind. It was so obvious. You forgot the first lesson a slayer has to learn, never underestima…" Nara interrupted her speech. She had expected a surprised look in Faith’s eyes or some kind of behaviour that would have betrayed fear or amazement but, instead, she could see the brunette smiled at her. And she was sure this smile had been there even before she saw her raise her head to look at her. Then, she saw the sword in Faith’s hand, saw the same sword flying in the air to cut the cable that was maintaining the lustre and she understood.
She felt the lustre fall from the ceiling and did nothing. There was nothing she could do. She had lost. Faith hadn’t been the one who had underestimated her opponent, she was. Faith had always known the radio trick wouldn’t have worked so, she had just waited, waited that Nara was just below the lustre to throw it, knowing that she would have jumped and grabbed the lustre.
She felt the floor under her feet but wasn’t able to move because the weight of the lustre was pinning her down, all she could do is admire Faith’s plan. When she was on the lustre, she was an easy target. She couldn’t jump because of the electric waves that were still zigzagging on the water, and she had nothing to throw because she was so sure of her power, Faith had a sword and she had used it cleverly.
If the first rule of slaying was not to underestimate an enemy, the second was to never forget the first rule and she had just done it and she was paying the price. She felt fear come to her when she saw the cable touch the water, creating more and mightier waves of energy in the liquid.
Faith was watching as Nara’s body was beginning to convulse because of the energy. The fight was over and she had won. She looked at the older slayer and said: "I like my toast well done, bitch."
Now she had to wait. Once the waves would end, she would leave the room and find Buffy. God, she hoped that Buffy was OK.
Buffy, her sword in her right hand, watched as the three demons were converging to her place. The demons were very different from the Scourge’s ones. The first one was so close from the traditional image people have from demons that it provoked a cliché feeling that would have made her laugh in other circumstances. The only thing missing was the tail. The second demon was black and had its body entirely covered by spikes. The last one was some kind of aerial demon, covered with feathers but Buffy doubted it could fly with those tiny wings. Each demon had a weapon, the regular had a sword, the spiked one had an axe and the aerial one was proudly presenting a sabre.
The demons had just run towards her but, they hadn’t crossed the circle formed by the sarcophaguses. The spiked one was coming on her left, the other two on her right but they suddenly stopped after an order from Nefer-tem.
"I wasn’t expecting you, Buffy. But, welcome to the party as you call it."
Still watching the demons, Buffy approached the sarcophaguses but couldn’t enter in it because of some kind of energy field that protected the entire circle.
"You can’t enter the circle, Buffy. The power of the 42 judges of Maat is too powerful for you. See, I’m connected with their spiritual essences, it is as if they were all here, merging their forces with me."
"And what are you gonna do with it, Leo? I don’t think Maat would appreciate an apocalypse."
"I see that Whistler taught you well but you’re wrong. I’m not looking for an apocalypse. I’m curing the world."
"Curing the world. Didn’t know you were a doctor or an ecologist."
"Your banters don’t affect me, Buffy. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the lamentable state of the world we live in? See, Buffy, for ages I have been the keeper of balance, the faithful servant of Maat and I have witnessed its degeneration. Humanity has lost itself in the hands of evil. Corruption, selfishness, violence are the characteristics of modern society. The Equilibrium can’t be restored, evil will eventually win and even you, slayers, won’t be able to do anything against it."
"So, destroying it is the solution? Well, our asylums are full of your kind, Leo. Yes, this world is not perfect but we have to deal with it."
"Not perfect? That’s an understatement. Don’t you get it. It is doomed if we don’t intervene. Believe me, I know very well what balance is. Even Trenchman, leader of the Scourge noticed it. He told me once that it wasn’t fun to do evil anymore because it was damn too easy. The Old Game is over, Buffy and the Good Side will lose unless…."
"Unless?"
Nefer-tem smiled then continued: "Since the last century, I’ve planned to save the Equilibrium and in a few minutes, I will succeed in it. With the power of the 42 judges of Maat, amplify by the Hellmonth, I will touch every being on this Earth with this beacon (he showed the machine Spike was attached on). And I will reshape the world."
"Reshape the world? You’re more insane than I thought."
"Have you ever seen ants, Buffy. That’s the perfect society. Every ant works for its anthill’s service. What I will do thanks to this beacon, is imposed an ant society to humans, demons, vampire, all intelligent species on Earth and they would all work for the planet society. There will be no more evil, everybody will care about their neighbours because they will live for it. This Hell will become a Paradise."
"And what about personal feelings, freedom, and other characteristics that makes humans well, humans? What you are describing to me seems like a society wherein no one would be allowed to think by himself. In your perfect society, citizen would just be robots, programmed to repeat the same gestures from their birth to their death. Sorry, Nefool-tem, I’d rather live in my Hell than in your Eden."
"As you wish, guards, kill her."
The three demons assaulted Buffy while Nefer-tem was beginning his ritual. Following each word that came out of his mouth, the light of the beacon seemed to become brighter. Buffy hadn’t much time to stop it but the demons were pretty good fighter and she couldn’t enter the circle because of the protective field.
The regular demon made a step to attack her right side while the spiked one did the same thing to her left, fortunately, this move prevented the last demon to do anything for a few seconds, seconds Buffy took advantage off by kicking the spiked one that lost his balance and fell on the last one. She avoided the regular attack and beheaded him quickly before turning towards the two remaining demons that were standing up with difficulty. Buffy ran as quickly as she could and finished them off before they could do anything. Then, she saw it, the light of the beacon. The ritual was almost finished, Nefer-tem pronounced the last words and yelled a scream of joy and victory mixed with the scream of horror that left Spike’s mouth.
Buffy hit the invisible wall again and again with all her strength but nothing seemed to be able to penetrate it. This protection field seemed unbreakable. Sweat was running on her worried face. She could see the overjoyed face of Leo, could see the light of the beacon becoming brighter and brighter, could see the horrified look that crossed Spike’s face and she could do nothing. The circle formed by the sarcophaguses and the young woman Buffy presumed to be Leo’s daughter was too strong. The only thing that crossed her mind was gaining time, hoping for an opportunity or a sudden idea. It killed her inside to feel that powerless but she’d find a way, she had to.
"Leo! Why Spike? Why did you need him?"
"You try to gain time, Buffy. It’s too late, the ritual is finished. The mystical energy of the Hellmouth passes through our circle and is filling the beacon in. In a few minutes, the light will become too bright to look at and Spike will be changed to dust. See, he is both human and demonic, vampires are the perfect mix of the two "species" I want to touch with the beacon. If vampires didn’t exist, I should have taken a human and then a demon to succeed in my project. As doing this ritual twice a day would have asked too much energy, I would have had to wait a day and who knows what could have happened during that day. Maat wouldn’t have been respected and I should have had to cancel my plan. Fortunately, vampires exist and the one you care about has to feel the first effects of the beacon. Do you hear me, Spike? Don’t hold your screams, boy. I like this sound."
"Well, actually, it seems that you forgot to pay the electricity bill, Old Boy. The light is gone and I feel very well, thanks for asking."
This reply let Nefer-tem completely amazed? The joking tone Spike had just used convinced him that something was wrong before he even turned his head towards the blond vampire. His eyes confirmed what his mind had told him. No light was coming out of the beacon anymore. The machine seemed empty, broken or something else but Nefer-tem knew better. It wasn’t a standard machine but a mystical and magical one. It couldn’t be a technical problem. Something had broken the circle’s power and according to Nefer-tem, it wasn’t possible. The circle was built on the mystical energies that were the last remains of the deceased Judges of Maat. They were dead, they couldn’t stop it so…and then, realisation hit him, horrible, almost impossible to bear for the mighty being but it was the only explanation. He turned his head towards the left part of the circle and, his voice full of grief, he said:
"Laura?"
His daughter didn’t reply but she didn’t have to. Just by looking at Laura, at her head that looked everywhere but at him, all in her moves, position showed Nefer-tem that he had been right. His daughter, his own flesh had just betrayed him. Tears running on his cheeks, he asked then:
"But why?"
And this time, Laura replied.
Buffy slowly approached Leo’s position. Laura’s decision to break the circle had made the beacon unusable but had also erased the protection field. Buffy was now in the circle, walking between the sarcophaguses. She walked carefully towards Leo, glancing around to be sure no other demon would show up and, it was at this time that she saw her. Andrea had just entered the room and was approaching the beacon. Buffy felt relieved to see her. Yes, she definitely cared about her but Andrea’s presence proved also that her friends were out of danger now, Leo had no more hostages in his grip. Andrea made a quick gesture to tell her that she intended to free Spike. Buffy just nodded and continued to walk towards Leo.
Andrea was very close to the beacon now but wasn’t very focused on it. She mainly paid attention to the conversation that was occurring between Leo and Laura. The girl seemed fragile and weak in front of her father but, damn, she had guts to defy him. It is not an easy thing to go against the intentions of a father. She finally arrived at the beacon, saw hope in Spike’s eyes and began to try to unlock his cuffs while still watching the family interaction.
"Why Laura?"
"Be…because it’s wrong, Dad. The slayer is right…I…I just can’t….let you do that."
"Laura…Laura (Leo sighed then continued) you missed the point."
"Stop speaking to me as you would to a little girl, Dad. I’m not…anymore…thanks to you." Laura’s tone was bitter and tainted with mixed emotions, mostly guilt and anger but, her voice carried also a high resolution.
"I…I don’t."
"Do you think I like to stand against you? Do you think I like to disappoint you? It hurt, it’s horrible (tears were now falling from her eyes) I wish you’d never take my youth away because it would have been much easier, I would have followed my dear Dad’s advice but, now that you…did…this to me, I can’t agree with this…it’s just wrong."
"Laura, honey, I now you’re a bit lost because of this grown up ritual but, trust me, I’m right. Maat needs…"
"MAAT (anger was the major feeling in Laura now, she needed to say it to her father, to show him how wrong he was and his apparent stubbornness was increasing her anger). Don’t you think I’ve had enough time to think about it? Since yesterday, Maat is the only thing I could think about. You taught me what Maat is and, taking your lessons into account, I can only say that you’re wrong."
"How dare you to contradict my views, I’m your father, I deserve your respect, I’m your elder, I know everything about Maat and I know what is needed to preserve it." Nefer-tem was furious now. How could she stand against him and pretend to know Maat better than he did? He was the chosen one, the Judges of Maat had chosen him because he was the one that comprehended it the most.
"No, you’re blinded by your holy quest to see how wrong you are. Transforming humans and demon into robots or ants as you said would only change the problem. Instead of having an external misbalance between good and evil, you’d have an internal one. I agree with you that evil has the leadership of this world and that if nothing is done, evil beings would finally rule this world but, intelligent beings need to have their free will, that’s also part of the Equilibrium. So, your precious ritual wouldn’t change anything, you’re just changing the issue."
"Shut the fuck up, Laura. You’re just a kid, a novice, you don’t know a darn thing about Maat, I’m the expert and I’m your father, you must obey me. So, now, you’ll be a good girl and help daddy end the ritual, OK?"
"No, I won’t!"
"THEN I DISAVOW YOU, YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER ANYMORE. YOU’RE JUST A BITCH WHO THINK SHE IS SMARTER THAN SHE REALLY IS. YOU ARE JUST AN IDIOT THAT HAS FORGOTTEN WHERE SHE CAME FROM, WHAT HER FAMILY DID FOR HER. YOU’RE NOT MY DAUGHTER ANYMORE."
Every word coming out her father’s mouth hit Laura, wounded her inside but she had to hold her position, she knew she was right. Her father had always taught her that power meant responsibility. She had the power to change the world but she wasn’t going to, her responsibility was to preserve it, not ruin it.
"This ritual doesn’t need me as the master of ceremony anymore. I’m gonna end it at my real place, as Judge of Maat. Move, Laura, you’re not at your place anymore."
"I stay, D…Dad."
"Then, you’ll die." And saying it, Nefer-tem took a knife in his belt and threw it to his daughter.
Buffy was six feet behind Nefer-tem now. She had stopped and let Leo and Laura speak. There was no present danger, the beacon being inactive and thus, she let the two of them speak their heart, they needed to. Now, it was different. She had never thought the guy would hurt his daughter but he was crazy enough to do so.
Then, Buffy saw a shadow jump, then grab Laura, pushing her to the floor while the knife continued its way to enter a wall far from Leo’s daughter. Andrea, still holding Laura in her arms gave a cruel smirk to Buffy who understood it directly. The girl was safe, it was her time to act and Andrea had just given her support.
Buffy had seen the brunette trying to free Spike but, apparently, the cuffs seemed sealed magically. She remembered the look of frustration that had crossed Andrea’s face when she had shaken her head to the older slayer to show her that she couldn’t do it. Then, Faith’s sister had given up the vampire to come closer to Leo, in case something wrong happened and it did. Buffy saw Leo look after something in his belt, probably another knife and she yelled his name.
"LEO!"
Nefer-tem felt Buffy approaching. He quickly turned around to face her. She was walking to him, her face showing no trace of anything but resolution and it scared him. He was walking back in the direction of the place Laura had stayed for the ritual but knew he couldn’t reached it on time if Buffy kept going like this. He invoked the spirits of the wind, the same spirits that had helped him to create the cyclone that was raging outside and launched waves of winds on Buffy who kept walking. The winds only slowed her down and it wasn’t enough to accomplish the last part of the ritual. Nefer-tem had to break her confidence to be able to reach his place. Gathering all his own confidence, he began his speech.
"No, Buffy. You won’t kill me, I know it. Whistler explained to you the curse, didn’t he? You have no idea what would come upon you if you kill me with the sword you have in your hand."
Buffy continued to walk, not paying any attention to the guy’s babble.
"You won’t be the only one to suffer…"
She was only two feet away from him and he didn’t have reached the place yet.
"…your friends, Faith, your sister, all of them would suffer from it."
Buffy was in front of him now, holding the sword firmly. She saw he was only one foot away from the place Laura had held before, looked into his eyes and said:
"Do you really think, they’d like your future?"
Nefer-tem had failed, he knew it now…but he had to try. He made the last step, and reached the place, forcing Buffy to act quickly. The blond slayer raised her sword and hit. The sword penetrated the flesh right in Nefer-tem’s heart and met something in the middle. Nefer-tem was dead, Buffy couldn’t hear her heartbeat anymore but the thing she had hit inside the old mummy’s body intrigued her. Buffy looked at the back of the body and found another sword. The two swords met right in the middle of the body, proof that the other sword had entered it at the exact same time than hers. Knowing full well who could have thrown it, she looked right in front of her to see Faith, her Faith, still in the position she had taken to throw her sword, a knee on the ground. The brunette stood up and walked to a smiling Buffy, relieved to see her girlfriend alive.
"Missed you, Fairy."
"Missed you too, B."
"Why did you…"
"I didn’t want you to have all the fun, B. Love is sharing, remember? If you have to be cursed, I’ll be too. Now, where is my welcome kiss?"
Buffy put her arms around her girlfriend’s waist and pulled her in a long and passionate kiss. They had just won another fight, prevented another apocalypse and put all their joy, their love in that kiss. Then:
"Sorry to bother you but…"
The couple broke the kiss to see Andrea standing in front of them. The other brunette tried to hide her anger but Faith could see it.
"What’s wrong sis?"
"Yeah, sil, what’s wrong?"
"Sil?"
"Yes, Sister-In-Law, don’t like it?"
Anger left Andrea’s mind. Buffy had just given her a nickname, something you only give to the persons you care about and it made her happy, this was the sign she needed, the sign that proved that Buffy had accepted her in her family. She gave them a short smile then, pointing to the body, she said:
"What do we do with her?"
Buffy and Faith looked at Leo’s body and saw Laura, kneeing near her father, shocked. The slayers didn’t know what to do. They owed Laura a lot but didn’t know what to tell her because she sacrificed a lot too to their cause.
Seeing that the other slayers didn’t know what to do with the girl, Andrea said then: "Go ahead. I’ll take care of her. She had to help me free Spike too."
"You’re sure, sis?"
"Go ahead, the Scoobies must be waiting for you."
The slayer couple nodded before walking towards the exit, still holding hands.
"Guys!"
They both turned to see Andrea who said: "Don’t forget to tell them about you…or I will." Then, Andrea gave them a wink before joining Laura.
Willow and the other Scoobies were waiting outside the museum. She had no doubt that the slayers had succeeded in their mission. There was no apocalypse in the horizon and the cyclone had disappeared a few minutes before. So, they were all happily waiting for the heroes of the day.
Suddenly, they appeared in the entry, they slowly descended the stairs, smiling to their friends. At first, Willow hadn’t noticed they were holding hands, she did when they reached the street and were forced to let the other go for a huge hugging time. When they arrived in front of Willow, still too weak to move alone, they had joined their hands again in a gesture that seemed so natural to Willow that she didn’t have any doubts concerning the new turn their relationship had taken.
"Well, girls, I think you have some things to tell us," said the red head showing their hands with her finger.
The slayers just smiled, raised their hands so the whole gang could see them, then, they kissed softly, showing love was always better and more enjoyable than explaining it.
The citizens of Sunnydale were overjoyed. Their town had just been spared by a cyclone and parties were beginning everywhere. Journalists and curious were coming in the town already. The following days would be good for tourism…as for vampires. Buffy and Faith would have lots to do the next days and they knew it. But for now, they wanted to party too so, once back in the Summers house, the party had begun.
The gang had accepted the news of the Slayers being a couple now without problems. Faith had been surprised first, she hadn’t believed that the gang had forgiven her and had been convinced that they wouldn’t agree with her relationship with Buffy. Once again, she had been wrong but this time she was glad not to be right.
The gang seemed to have fun. At first, Faith had been part of it but, after a while, she seemed absent-minded as if her mind was somewhere else and Buffy knew where it was. She sat next to her, put her arm on her shoulders and said:
"Still no news?"
"No, and I don’t think, she’ll come, B."
"I don’t either. I know we hurt her every time she sees us together. She needs time to deal with it."
"Figured it out, he?"
"She is you, Fairy. How couldn’t I figure it out that she has the same feeling as yours about me? She is you and you have me, must be pretty hard for her."
"I wish I could help."
"I know…she is a tough girl, Fairy. She’ll deal with it."
The phone rang and Dawn quickly took it, listened to the person on the line then asked Faith to come.
"It’s Andrea!"
Faith took the phone and began the conversation:
"Yeah?"
"Hey, Sis. Just wanted to say goodbye to you, D and B. I know I’m a fucking coward not to show up like this but…it’s just…it’s too hard…I love you guys but…it’s too early...fuck, I couldn’t even say something clear to explain it."
"I understand, sis and Buffy too. We love you, never forget that."
"I won’t…you know where to join me. Take care of you."
"Yes, you too. Bye, Sis."
"Bye."
Faith hung off the phone, joined Buffy on the sofa and let her girlfriend caress her hair.
"She's gone?"
"Yes. She said to say hi to you and that she loves us all but, it’s too early for her."
"She phoned, that’s a big step forward, don’t you think. She doesn’t leave without a word."
Faith just nodded then turned her head to Buffy and said:
"Wanna dance, B? A long and sensuous slow with you,…" she approached her mouth to Buffy’s ear and whispered: "you know, with our hands wandering on the other’s body, with dirty kisses and all."
Buffy didn’t say a word, she just stood up, took her girlfriend's hand and leaded her to the middle of the room transformed in a dance floor.
Andrea was walking in the street of Sunnydale. In a few minutes, she’ll be at the bus station and would wait for the next bus to Frisco. She was lost in her thought, the bad ones, the ones that always ended with a knife or a stake in Buffy or Faith’s hearts. Then, she heard something behind her. She quickly turned towards her follower, ready to fight but quickly recognised the girl in front of her. It was Laura.
"Geez, L. Why the fuck are you following me?"
"I…I just wanted to thank you to help me bury my parents, saving my life and all the stuff."
Andrea sighed. The girl hadn’t said a word since her father’s death, hadn’t said a word while they had freed Spike who quickly returned to his crypt. She had had pity for the girl and helped her to bury her parents, that was the reason why she was so late tonight.
"You’re welcome, L."
Andrea saw the little woman that was only a girl two nights before leave the place, her face was a mess, tears had fallen during a long time and guilt had to be present too, she was responsible for her father’s death and she knew it.
"L. Wait."
"What?"
"Grieving and crying alone is not a solution. Trust me, I know it. So, as I’m not that happy either and would be glad to forget all this crap for a while…I have a plan. We find a nice place to dance and have fun or just trying to. We find a couple of young studs to end the night and…" seeing Laura’s shocked face, Faith stopped, put her arm around her shoulder and added: "OK, OK, no studs for tonight, just dancing and having fun."
"But...I don’t know...I’ve never."
"That’s another good reason to do it. A new experience, you’ll see that sometimes, losing a little balance is a good thing."
Andrea leaded the young woman in the streets of Sunnydale.
"But…I mean…It’s not really the time, I…"
"L. You want to spend the night grieving and crying or you want to try to forget all the shits that happened today?"
"I..I…"
"Trust me, you’ll like it. Do you like beer?"
"I…I don’t know, I’ve never tasted it."
"OK, another thing you’ll have to try. Trust me, girlfriend, you won’t forget that night."
And the two girls disappeared into the night.
...continued in Lives are like Cigarettes...