Fairy, Lullaby and…Switch
by Vincent
Rating: PG-13
A bright light had suddenly woken her up…she was definitely not a morning person…she opened her right eye…then the left…and saw an angel in the centre of the light…. OK, not an angel, only Buffy but it was the same to her…
“Hey, B…what’s up?”
“Time to move, Faith…you’ve been laying there for 5 days…”
“I don’t feel so well, B…my back still hurts like hell…”
Buffy smiled and looked to the other slayer: “Don’t try to fool me…I received the same package as yours…slayer healing, remember? Didn’t think you’d stay in bed that long…becoming lazy?”
“Nah…I just like when Nurse Buffy takes care of me…” then, locking her eyes on Buffy’s, she added: “She’s wicked sexy you know… never thought wearing one of these white uniforms?”
“Faith.”
“What, you know what I feel for you…why should I keep it hidden?”
Buffy sighed. “OK…no, not OK…err…take a shower, come downstairs…I am going to make breakfast” and she left the room.
Faith smiled…she liked teasing Buffy…it was so easy…but they have to talk…her injuries have prevented this moment for too long…today would be the big day…part of Faith wanted it…part of her feared it…
Buffy was in the kitchen, speaking to Willow who was cooking pancakes when she came back from her room…now that Faith was healed, she would stop sleeping on the sofa.
“How is she?”
“A LOT better…”
“She teased you, didn’t she?”
“Said I was wicked sexy in Nurse Buffy.”
Willow cannot hide her smile. “As you said, a LOT better…”
Willow’s reaction had first amazed Buffy…she had never liked Faith but for the last week, they seemed to get along very well…at least the whole beast thing had brought something positive.
“We’ll do it now, Will…I need to talk to her now…”
“About the past…or her feelings for you?”
“Both!”
“As you don’t even know what your feelings are…I don’t think it’d be wise to discuss about it..”
“I have to, Will…she’ll understand, she has to…”
A heavy silence followed this statement…during a long minute, no words were pronounced…then, a hand took the plate Buffy was busy with.
“Thanks, B…Hey, Red.”
Buffy smiled at Faith who went to the living room, she had her usual outfit, black leather, etc…even her underwear were in leather…Buffy had noticed it when she brought her in her room…Wait a minute, Buffy thought…she left Faith 10 minutes earlier…it wasn’t possible that she had already taken her shower…and Faith, her Faith, didn’t call Willow Red anymore…bad memories according to her…so, that could only means…
Buffy ran to Faith, grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against the wall before throwing her in the middle of the living room.
“Fuck, B…not the nose, you almost broke it again, girlfriend.”
“Oh, I won’t broke your nose only…What are you doing here?”
“Sis is here…wanna check if she’s OK.”
“Yes she is and NO you’re so not going to see her…you’ll get out of here before I kick your ass…”
“Watch the language, B…it didn’t match with the pastels…Is that how you show your gratitude…I helped to save your…(licking her lips) assssssss….”
“You what…you were the one who put us all in this shit…how dare you?? You’re disgusting.”
“Oh, I am disgusting…Come on, B, tell me…Why do I disgust you…is it because I make you wet?”
“In your dreams.”
Then, with a soft and sensual voice “…Is it because I was the one who woke your primal instincts up?…”
Buffy hissed her next sentence: “Stop or you’ll regret it…”
“How, I’m scared…is it me you’re threatening like this?”
“You know it’s you…”
“Oh, yes, you said I was a disgusting pathetic whore…Was it because I changed you? Made you a victim? Poisoned Angel? Almost killed your friends?”
“Yes, because each time I see you, I want to vomit…happy with the answer?”
A cruel smile crossed Faith mouth: “Oh, yes, Girlfriend because I only changed you…She (pointing with her finger) did the rest.”
A flash of comprehension hit Buffy, slowly, she turned herself to watch the other Faith quickly running upstairs.
“Oh, shit, Faith, wait!” and she ran after Faith.
Faith sat on the sofa when she noticed that Willow had her resolve face and was very pissed off.
“What’s up, Red…wanna do the magic mumbo jumbo…you know you can’t caus it’s fucking Baaaaaaaaad.”
“I think I will make an exception…”
“And I don’t think so…there is a kid in the room…you don’t want her to see it, do you?”
Willow hadn’t noticed Dawn till now, she was right…she couldn’t do it while she was in the room.
Finishing her plate, Faith stood up. “I gotta go…I have a vampire to hunt…see ya.”
“Faith, Wait!”
“What, hurry up, Red…I don’t want to waste another minute here now that the show is over.”
“Why are you doing this?”
A sad smile crossed her face: “Because if I can’t have her…she won’t either…” and she left.
"Faith, open the door…please, we need to talk."
"It’s your room, B…can’t prevent you to come in…"
Buffy had a bad feeling. That wasn’t the answer she had expected. Interrupting her thoughts, Faith suddenly opened the door, facing Buffy.
"So, you want to go in, go in…I am going out."
"No, you don’t."
Faith locked her eyes in Buffy’s and hissed: "Didn’t know I was your prisoner, girlfriend…didn’t know you wanted a pathetic whore in your house…"
"Faith, this is so not what you think it is."
And Faith answered, her voice still carrying venom: "Oh, sorry, B…I think you made it fucking clear…I thought we could be pal again…I thought that if I opened my feelings to you, I would have a chance…I even thought that it worked…Guess I was wrong…"
Contrary to Faith, Buffy’s voice remained soft but her tone was resolute: "No, you weren’t."
"Oh, come on, B…you said to my double that you hated her for the things I DID…ME…so, it is pretty obvious that you think the same about me…I already knew I was a piece of trash…thanks for the reminder …"
As Faith tried to move to the stairs, Buffy blocked the way and it was her turn to locked her eyes on Faith’s.
"I meant every word I said to your double, Faith…"
Faith was hit by the sincerity in Buffy’s voice…even if she had heard the words, part of her still hoped she was wrong. She remained speechless, completely still.
"…but don’t you see that SHE is an amazing chance for us."
"W…what? What chance? There is no chance, B."
"Yes, Faith…there is a chance…You see, when your were in jail, I often thought about how things would be when we’d meet again…if I’d be able to forgive you…trust you again…if my anger would finally disappear…if my mind would accept the fact that you could be good again…because, I knew you could make it…and this other Faith is a gift for me…in my eyes, she represents all I want to forget about us, she represents the evil you managed to beat…and when I look at you, the only person I see is my friend, the one who makes me laugh, the one who embarasses me so easily, the one who saved my life more than once, the one I care about, the one I need in my life…"
Faith was on the verge of crying…the old Faith would have fighted the tears, but she didn’t want to do it now, Buffy’s voice was still full of sincerity, these tears were from joy. "So…so there is still a chance?"
"Yes, Faith…I’ve forgiven you and I know I need you in my life…as a friend and ...maybe more…it is just …I’m very confused right now…you see, I’ve been shut to feelings for months because of the beast in me and now, I’m in overload…I need time to deal with it…I…" …then, Buffy felt Faith’s finger on her mouth.
"I’ll wait, B…I’ll wait."
A long silence followed, then, coming from downstairs, Dawn’s voice broke the moment: "So, as you’ve finished now, can we eat? I am starving."
Both slayers smile and Faith answered, "Sure, Double M, we are coming."
"Double M?"
"She didn"t like Miss Muffet anymore…so, I updated it to Double M, besides, it reminds us of a cartoon we used to watch together…so, downstairs? I am hungry" then, as Buffy began walking to the stairs, she whispered "I’ll wait for the horny part too" then went to the kitchen leaving a blushing Buffy behind her.
Il Maestro was laying in the sofa, in his hotel room…pretending he was asleep. It was still early in the afternoon but he didn’t want to close his eyes…not with these guys in the room…
The man, Leo, was sitting in a chair, reading a book…he was on average height, dark brown eyes, a tanned skin and he always wore the most expensive outfits. This man was a cerebral…intelligent, he was an expert manipulator. Il Maestro had played three chess games with him and lost all of them…as he wasn’t used to loose at this game…that had only confirmed his deductions…
In the other room, Il Maestro could hear Nara, Leo’s wife, training. If Leo was the brain, Nara was the muscle, Il Maestro had no doubt about it…and she had to be deadly efficient…she was gorgeous but in every move, you can feel the predator in her…The sunglasses she always wore added an aura of mystery to the girl.
Asleep in the bed, their daughter, Laura, 10 years old…she had her mom’s beauty but her father’s eyes…It was strange to see how devoted Nara and Leo were when they were with her…
Anyway, even if they seemed a lovely active couple, Il Maestro knew that if the slayers weren’t erased tomorrow night…he’d be ashes the next morning…if Leo was who he pretended to be, there would be no mercy.
So, he stayed on the sofa, counting the hours, the minutes, the seconds...waiting...waiting for the night...and he smiled...
The Bronze, 11h30 PM
On the dance floor, Buffy was delighted…after a quick patrol, she had convinced Faith to join the gang to the Bronze …Willow and Xander seemed to have forgiven Faith either…there had been some awkward moments but, in general, everything was fine, finally… and now, Faith and her were dancing as if they were the only living beings on Earth…without reserve and they enjoyed it. But the thirst was there..she had to drink something. Looking at Faith, she made a quick gesture toward the bar. Faith nodded, she had understood and both slayers left the dance floor and walked to the bar. Suddenly, Buffy felt a hand on her left buttock. Looking at her fellow slayer, she asked:
"Faith…what’s this?"
"Sorry B, but you have my money…and I saw you put it in this pocket so as I didn’t want to bother you…"
"Sure!" Buffy took the money from her pocket and gave it to Faith. "Next time, keep your hands away from me, OK?"
Then, she walked to the bar but heard something…something that she could only heard thanks to her slayer hearing … "I said I’ll wait, B…I didn’t said I’ll behave."
OK, the old Faith was definitely back…the innuendos were there too…Buffy turned her head and walked to the bar, a wicked smile on her lips that Faith couldn’t see. Everything was as it had to be.
Spike left the Bronze…he had just seen the interaction between the slayers and felt sick…Buffy had told him she needed time to clear her head…and he had believed her. And presently, he had just seen her and Faith enjoying themselves and groping each other.
"Bitches…why do I have to fall only for bitches…"
After five minutes, a stop to buy a bottle of alcohol, he entered his crypt and knew something was wrong…someone was here.
"Who’s here, show yourself!"
"Bad day, Chip Boy?" saying it, Faith made a step out of the shadows.
"Oh! Great! Is it a slayer sport…. Torment the poor Spike? What is the price…a golden stake?"
"Nah, it’s just for the fun…so, you seem upset…am I right."
"That’s not your business, crazy cow."
"I think I know…Is there a link with two slayers…a sexy blonde and a pervert brunette?"
Spike didn’t answer.
Faith walked to Spike who had just sat on his chair. She stopped in front of him and looked at him before saying: "Poor Chip Boy! It’s difficult to accept it, isn’t it…losing your love for…"
"Shut up…I don’t want to hear your mad ramblings."
"No, you’re right…Buffy is a good girl…a saint…she’d never do that…no fucking doubt about it but what about my sis? Do you think she will be a good girl too…she is sleeping in her room you know…"
"Bloody Hell, could you shut up a second?"
"Do you think you can mix leather with pastels?"
Spike stood up, grabbed Faith by the collar and leaded her against the wall.
"I think the headache will be worth it."
"Mhh, nasty boy… I’ve always liked bad boys…bad girls too…might be a slayer thing…so, Chip Boy, how close were they tonight…that close?" and, even if Spike still maintained her neck against the wall, she pressed her body on his "…or that close?" She quickly took Spike’s arm and managed to gave him a quick kiss on the mounth. Spike made a step back, confused.
"Wh…what are you doing?"
"Kissing you…sorry, could have been better…didn’t have the time to put the tounge." Then she grabbed him by the collar and pinned him on the wall thanks to a knife she had inside her jacket. The blade entered just above his right shoulder, between the flesh and the shirt.
"Now, listen to me, Chip Boy…you don’t want to see my sis having B…Neither do I."
"And what are you suggesting, a partnership? Beware slayers, here is the legion of the neglected lovers…please…I’m over it."
"Oh, excuse me…I thought I was speaking with the Big Bad…but, you’re right…here is Spike, the white knight…the faithful protector of the Scooby Gang…"
"If I hadn’t this chip, I would …"
Faith took the knife out of the wall and put it under Spike’s chin.
"Listen, pal, I don’t ask you to hurt Buffy, Sis or Dawn or anyone else in the Scooby Gang, I don’t want to hurt them physically …all I want from you is information …tell me anything you’d hear about my sis and her acts…I don’t need anything else and when the time would come, we will make our move to separate them. How? I don’t have a fucking idea but I’m sure we’ll find something…deal?"
For the first time since he had entered his crypt, Spike smiled. "Deal."
"Perfect…mind if I sleep here?"
"What?"
"I don’t want to go back to my motel, I’m kinda tired."
"But…"
"I take the bed…wanna join?"
"Excuse me" with a disgusted face.
"Oh, yeah, sorry…Buffy’s faithful toy boy…never mind" then with a cruel grin she add: "Sure you don’t wanna join me?"
Il Maestro looked at his watch…2 AM…. Plan B has just begun.
At the same time, in Spike’s crypt,
"Bloody hell."
Buffy couldn’t sleep. She was laying on her sofa, thinking once again of the events of the last few days. Thinking also about the way Faith behaved with her…the same way she had behaved three years ago…but she was also different, she had opened herself for her…she had said she loved her…loved her…could she be in love with Faith? And what about the other Faith…the evil one, Buffy knew her Faith wanted to support her, lead her in the path of Redemption…but did the evil Faith want it…what if she was forced to fight her, maybe kill her? How would her Faith react? Would she hate her? Just thinking of a Faith who would hate her, Buffy felt sick…once again, the same question crossed her mind…she needed Faith, but did she love her???
She suddenly heard a noise then someone knocked on the door of the Summers House.
BAM BAM BAM
Carefully, she walked to the door, expecting anything.
"Slayer, open the door and quick."
Spike? What was he doing here…the sun would rise in a few minutes…it had to be very important. She opened the door and saw Spike enter the living room with someone in his arms…a young boy, arund 15, with dark hair, wearing what looked like one of Spike’s shirts. He seemed completely lost. Buffy closed the door and followed the vampire in the living room.
"Who is it?"
"Hey, Buffy, glad to see you."
"Spike!"
"OK, OK, HE is Faith…"
Buffy looked at him as if he was insane. "Duh?"
"Not the Faith who sleeps in your bed" he almost spat in saying that "…the other one…the evil one."
"So, you are saying that Faith changed into this boy?" she quickly glanced at him…he was sitting on the sofa now, as confused as he was a few seconds ago but he seemed scared too…what the fuck was going on?
"Yes, in the crypt, I saw it."
"And what was she doing in your crypt?"
"Tormenting me, what else could she do? Can we focus on the situation, please…she was asleep and …well she became this boy."
"Asleep? In your crypt?" Buffy hissed.
"Oh, please, don’t tell me you’re jealous?"
"I am so not jealous, I thought I could trust you but you let an enemy sleep in your crypt and…"
"What’s wrong, B?"
Buffy turned her head and saw Faith entering the living room…the boy also saw her, a smile crossed his face. "Fairy?"
Buffy saw Faith’s face becoming as pale as death; then she almost slipped to the ground…the boy suddenly ran to her, jumping with joy. "Fairy!"
When he reached Faith, she violently pushed him away, right on the sofa. "Don’t approach me…you’re not HIM…you can’t be HIM" the last part of the sentence was screamed to the boy’s face.
The boy seemed so lost at this moment, tears were runnings on his cheeks. "Fairy?"
And Buffy felt Faith’s mind broke…saw her sister slayer drop to her knees with empty eyes. "He is not him, he can't be him…no, he can’t."
Buffy rushed to Faith: "FAITH, oh my god, no…not now…not now…Faith, answer me, please, say something… Faith, do your hear me…Faith…FAITH, come back, I need you, baby…Faith."
Buffy cried now, she didn’t even notice that Willow and Dawn were downstairs now.
"Buffy, what happened?" As her best friend didn’t answer, she asked the same question to Spike.
"The evil Faith changed into this boy…I brought him here, the other Faith saw him and seemed to have lost her mind the same way Buffy did last year…don’t know anything else, Will."
Willow then looked at the terrified boy when Buffy stood up and said.
"This is his fault…he is a demon, I’m gonna…"
Willow stopped her: "It’s not true and you know it. I don’t know what happened but don’t you remember what Anya told us about the Devrash demons?…They become who they think they are…"
Buffy still full of anger asked: "Then who is he?"
Willow walked to the boy, kneed in front of him and said: "Shuut, don’t worry, everything will be fine…"
Still crying, the boy replied "What happened to Fairy? Is she hurt?"
"I don’t know…you care about her, don’t you."
"Yes, she has always taken care of me."
"Do you have a name?"
The boy nodded: "I’m Andy…Faith’s twin brother."
"Schizophrenia can be considered as the key of my plan."
Il Maestro gave a quick glanced to the others. The three of them were sitting on the room’s bed, listening to him…he liked it..; lectures…showing them that he still was in complete control of the situation.
"Six months ago, when I met my Faith, she was confined in a cel, in a psychiatric institute…the doctor in charge of her was one of my informants.. So, when he saw the first change, he called me."
Leo cut him "change?"
"You see, my Faith is a Devrash demon…as you know they copy the body and mind of the first human being they meet and forget what they truly are: DEMONS. But, if the Devrash demon suffers from schizophrenia…it is as if he had two minds in him…so, when it literally changes its mind…"
"The body changes also…"
"Exactly…so, when I received the shrink’s call, I went there and directly remembered who his patient was or who I thought she was in this period…remember when you hired me three years ago?"
Leo nodded and Il Maestro continued: "As you had just contacted me regarding the current contract, I decided to use this Devrash demon to achieve my mission…so, I took her out of the institute; killed all witnesses and began a therapy based on hypnotism…I managed to control Faith’s second personnality …"
This time it was Nara who interrupted him: "Why control it? Why didn’t you erased it…You needed the slayer personality to fulfil your plan…"
Il Maestro smiled, oh yes, he liked to be the teacher: "Because, erasing Buffy Summers was the first part of my contract…I needed the other personality for the second part…But, I’ll explain it later…so, I managed to impose Faith’s personality…convinced her that I was her only friend, that I would never betray her and used the night she killed Finch to focus her mind…I increased her hatred for Buffy and her love for her at the same time…convinced her that if she couldn’t have her, she would have to change her.., etc…etc…I had become her mentor…"
"She must be pretty upset now, she has realised you betrayed her."
"Yes, Nara, she was pretty upset the last time I saw her."
"You saw her?"
"The day after the factory…incident…fortunately for me, I put in her mind a kind of code that allow me to control her…Xérès, the name of a Mediterranean alcohol…so, I activated the change because I needed the other personality for plan B…I suggested her to 'bother' the slayers and said she had to be with a Scooby when the change would occur…"
"Who was this personality?"
"Her own brother’s personality, Leo…a sad story…I wanted to use him to erase Faith when she would have been free…but he will give me the opportunity to erase both slayer at the same time…tonight… tonight, I will become the first vampire to kill two slayers in a single night…"
The whole Scooby Gang was in the Summers House. Faith was sitting, on the ground, she hadn’t move since this morning. It was 11.15 AM and Willow was worried both for Faith and Buffy…the events of the morning had hurt the slayer…very much…they have to find a solution and quickly or Buffy would collapse too. Willow then looked at Andy who was sitting with Dawn, watching some cartoon on TV…the boy wasn’t lost anymore but was also worried for Faith…Buffy hadn’t talk to him, hadn’t look at him…for her, he was the cause of Faith’s state.
"Will? Will?"
"Oh, sorry, Buffy…you were saying?"
"Do you think Tara will be able to send me in Faith’s head like you did in mine? I know it isn’t an easy spell and another witch would be a plus but, Eona is still in Frisco and won’t be here before tomorrow…"
"Yes, Tara can make it but, we need some information first…I could do that because I knew you, Buffy…we…we didn't know Faith that much.. and we have to learn a bit more about Andy and Faith’s past."
Willow noticed Andy move…he wasn’t in front of the TV now. He was playing with some soldier that Xander had brought with him…while playing, he began to sing.
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
On the opposite side of the room, Faith’s voice echoed Andy’s…only the lips moved, Faith eyes were still empty.
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
Then came Xander’s comment: "Do you think it can go weirder?"
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
At noon, Leo, Nara and Laura left for lunch. Il Maestro waited five minutes to be sure that he was alone, then, carefully, he went to Leo’s room and took the box where he had hided his book, 15 minutes ago.
It had taken two days for Il Maestro to notice that Leo avoided to read the book in front of him, two days to notice that it had to be very important to him and that he probably contained details about Leo’s agenda in Sunnydale…knowing what was in the book could give him an interesting opportunity …it could be pivotal for his survival…
The third day, Il Maestro had tried to open the box but it was obviously under a protection spell, so the following night, he had gone to a Magic Shop, not the one in Sunnydale for obvious reasons, and had bought some books and ingredients.
The fourth day, he had broken the spell but found another spell protecting the 3 books and Laura’s doll that layed in the box. So, he had caught the spell again in order to prevent Leo to notice anything.
This day, he finally succeeded in breaking the spell on the books…or he thought so…only the thinest book was released from the spell…. So, he took it, sat on the sofa and began the reading.
Willow was on the phone, discussing with Eona who was on the road to Sunnydale. The other Scoobies were reading books, trying to find a way to bring Faith’s mind back. Buffy walked over and over or went upstairs to check Faith. Andy was sleeping in Dawn’s room, completely exhausted because of the events of the previous night.
"So, Eona, anything new?"
"No, Willow, I’ve received a copy of the coroner’s files from Boston and it confirmed that Andrew died 6 years ago…there is no mention of the events that were linked to his death except that the body was burned. Seemed to be a sad story…how is she going?"
"Not very well, I’m afraid…"
"And Buffy?"
"Same answer…when will you be here?"
"In the middle of the night…don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone…I’m counting on you, Willow."
Willow sighed "I’ll try…see you tonight then, bye."
Tara was behind Willow now, she had just put her hands on Willow’s shoulders and began to massage the witch.
"Thanks."
"I know you like it when you’re stressed…so, what are we gonna do now, Buffy is going to explode if we don’t find anything."
"Shhht."
"She’s not here, she’s upstairs, with Faith."
Willow sighed again: "I don’t know what to do, it is as if someone erased the proofs of the boy’s existence…and no sign of Faith too in the files. If only Andy wanted to give us her real name."
"Don't you think it’s strange, according to Andy, they are twins…but they don’t share the same family name…"
"Everything is strange in this case…anyway, our only clue is Andy’s name, Mathews…We have to keep searching and hope."
Tara seemed thinking about something.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, N..nothing important."
Willow smiled at her, she took her hands in hers and said with a soft voice "Tell me."
"She is falling for her, you know…she doesn’t know it but she is.."
"I know, she was also three years ago…I was kinda mad about it."
"Jealousy?"
"Yes!" Seeing a sad expression on Tara’s face, she quickly add: "Nonono, not the way you think it was…I didn’t know I was attracted to women then…it was just…I was her best friend and she was stealing her from me…I know it seems lame but…"
"I understand, stop babbling…it’s cute but it’s not the time" …after a pause, she asked: "What if they…"
Willow cut her "I don’t know…I’ve forgiven Faith, I like the new Faith but, I don’t know…We’ll see."
Tara nodded, then looked to the Xander who shook his head…nothing new…she stood up and took the next book on her pile.
Buffy watched Faith…her empty eyes…her cute brown eyes with no expression on it…that wasn’t fair…they found each other again, were getting along quite well and then this…why did it always happen when everything seemed perfect?
She kneed in front of her friend and tried again.
"Faith, it’s me…answer me…Faith, please tell me something…"
Nothing, not a single reaction…Buffy looked at her watch…11 hours…Faith was in this state for 11 hours…that was too much time…she needed her…she missed her voice, her perfume, her innuendos, her glance on her…hell, even her 'Five by Five' …and, for the first time since she had brought Faith here, Buffy cried…
"I’m gonna bring you back, Faith…you’re not alone anymore…we’ll solve this, I swear…"
Then she kissed Faith forehead went to the door, gave another look to her sister slayer then walked downstairs. It wasn’t time for research anymore…this time, she would act.
Xander was the first to notice that Buffy was back from her room, he was also the first to notice Buffy’s look…Willow wasn’t the only one to have a resolve face…
Once in the living room, Buffy asked: "Anything new?"
No answer came. So, Buffy went to Tara.
"OK, that’s enough…Tara could you prepare the elements for the spell, I want to do it as soon as possible."
Hearing that, Willow cut her best friends "I don’t think it would be a wise thing to do, Buffy…too risky for you and…"
"I don’t give a shit if it’s risky or not, Will…all I know is that I have to act…I have to help her NOW."
Xander watched the scene, embarassed…he knew that the conversation between his two friends would not be friendly…he saw Willow make her own resolve face and sighed…
"Look, Buffy, I know it’s hard for you to see her like this but we have to wait, we have to continue the research thing before doing anything else…It’s not an easy thing to penetrate another’s mind…you have to know her, her past in order to avoid any surprise."
"That’s the reason why I have to be the one to go there…I know her better than any of you…we have a connection that goes beyond anything you can imagine…I just feel it..I have to go now or we’ll loose her for good."
"That’s not the point, Buffy. Her state is linked with her past, with Andy…she never spoke about her past, she avoided any question we had about it and, excuse me to remind you that she isn’t the most stable person on earth and…"
Then, Buffy exploded: "That’s the point isn’t? You have never accepted her, accepted that I could be friend with her…You don’t accept that I care about her…are you sure you really want to help her?"
"How could you say that? How dare you to say such things?"
"Enough!" Xander stood up, went to Buffy and said: "Are you loosing your mind? Buffy, haven’t you seen that Willow has forgiven Faith? And now, she is here since dawn, trying to find something to help her…and what are you doing to thank her…nothing, you’re just insulting her."
Tears were falling down Buffy’s cheeks… She looked to Willow, and said "I know…. I’m sorry, Will, I didn’t want to…"
Then, all anger gone, Willow took Buffy in her arms "It’s nothing, Buffy…I understand…"
"No, I hurt you…it was harsh and you didn’t deserve that…"
"Shht. Yes, it was…but you needed a punching ball….unfortunatelly, you chose me."
A small smile crossed Buffy’s mouth… "Thanks, Will…"
"You’re welcome."
"But I still want to go in her mind now."
"Buffy, we…"
Buffy silenced Willow in putting a finger in her lips, her eyes imploring. "Listen to me, please. Yes, it’s true, I have no idea of what Faith’s past looks like…all I know is that it hadn’t been easy for her…but she was opening herself to me, even to you but mostly to me…you all know her, she isn’t the kind of girl that shows her thoughts and feelings but she tried to change it…what if we wait too long? What if she feels lonely and goes back to her old attitude, what if she builds new walls to protect her? Don’t you think it would make thing more complicate for us to bring her back?"
Tara who had listened to the talk without saying a word intervened then: "She has a point, Willow."
"I…I…OK, then, you’re right…I’ll help Tara to prepare everything for the spell…But, Buffy, please be careful."
"Thanks, all of you…I’ll be upstairs."
Night had just fallen on Sunnydale. When Leo asked him to join them for a walk, Il Maestro thought he had discovered that one of his books was missing…but he soon felt relieved when he noticed no changes in their behaviours. He quickly checked in his right pocket, just to be sure that the book was still there.
"What are you thinking about?" Leo’s question pulled Il Maestro out of his thoughts.
"Nothing, just checking the plan once again…I want to be sure that everything is ready before acting."
"I have no doubt about it."
Then, Leo made a sign to his daughter who was sitting on her mother’s shoulders. Il Maestro found it amazing that the three of them could look so normal…the perfect image of a happy family…and, in the same time, be in charge of the OLD GAME as the book’s author called it.
They walked in a new street…Il Maestro felt the vamps before seeing them. They had their vamp faces and seemed ready for lunch. Il Maestro didn’t move, analysing Leo’s reaction.
Leo smiled and begin to talk to the vampires…not the perfect solution according to Il Maestro.
"Gentlemen, Gentlemen…we don’t want any problem and neither do you…I think."
One of the vampires, probably their leader, laughed. "And why do you think we could have problems…are you gonna fight us?"
"No, No…I’m not a violent man…I won’t fight you, don’t worry…but if you attack us…my wife won’t be as accomodating as I am."
The vampires looked at Nara…Il Maestro did the same. Laura wasn’t on her shoulders anymore but was hiding behind her. Nara was smiling and …had her sunglasses in her left hand. For the first time, Il Maestro could see her eyes…her golden eyes that seemed to shine in the night…it was hypnotizing…then, a hand covered Il Maestro eyes and he heard Leo’s voice.
"I know my wife is beautiful but it’s not healthy for you to look at her now."
He then took off his hand and when Il Maestro asked why it wasn’t healthy, Leo just showed three piles of ashes where the three vamps were standing. Il Maestro turned his head to see that Laura was on her mother’s shoulders while Nara looked at him…her sunglasses on her nose and Il Maestro knew that if he failed tonight, Nara’s eyes would be the last thing he would ever see.
Buffy was sitting in front of Faith. Tara had just lighten a few candles and was burning some incense. The smell of the incense was strong and Buffy had difficulties to concentrate…then, a flash of light…Buffy entered Faith’s mind.
The first thing Buffy saw after the bright light was a tunnel that leaded her in a door, she opened the door and walked in a room.
This was a bedroom with a wardrobe that was open and containted very few outfits. Otherwise, a large bed was the only piece of furniture that was in the room. Then she heard it.
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
She followed the song and entered the other room of the apartment. A woman was sleeping on the sofa with several bottles of alcohol around her…the rest of the room wasn’t dirty as she had expected it first when she had seen the woman. There was no TV, a single cupboard, a table and three chairs. The kitchen sink was empty but still wet, someone had washed the plates and dishes.
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
On the other side of the table, sitting on the ground, two children, a boy and a girl, were singing while playing with old toys. They must be 10 or something and were obvioulsy related…Buffy had no difficulty to recognize the girl…it was Faith.
"Hey, B! I knew you’d come."
Surprised, Buffy turned to face the Faith she knew, her Faith who was sitting on the table. Seing her, she did the first thing that crossed her mind, she hugged her.
"Oh, Faith, I was so scared."
"I’m five by five, B…You don’t need to worry."
Then, Buffy escaped Faith’s grip, put her hands on the rogue slayer’s shoulders and said: "Don’t play with me, Faith. If everything was five by five you wouldn’t be trapped in your own mind right now."
Faith nodded but remained silent…
"So, this is the place where you lived when you were a kid?"
Faith smirked. "Yes, crappy isn’t it…"
"It could have been worse…It’s clean and not messy…"
"I tried to keep it livable…Mum was too drunk to do something…I didn’t have the choice."
Then, Buffy made a sign and showed the boy: "Is it Andy?"
Faith had a little hesitation before answering…Buffy noticed it but didn’t say anything. "Yes!"
"We made some research about him before I ….come in your head…You know that he doesn’t want to tell us your real name."
"He’s not my brother, B…he’s just a fucking demon that pretends to be him."
Buffy looked into Faith’s eyes. "Yes, he’s not…but he thinks he is him, he has his memories…and you know he didn’t want to hurt you…"
"Well, he did…Andy would never have done something like that."
"Was he so special?"
"You have no idea, B."
Still looking in Faith’s eyes, Buffy asked: "Tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"How was he?"
A little smile crossed Faith’s face. Then, she became serious. "He was fragile, B…innocent…"
Buffy gave a quick glance at the boy: "He seemed happy."
Faith looked at the two children "We were…this is probably the happiest period of my live…Andy and me, together…"
"How come you two didn’t have the same family names?"
"Family problems."
"Wanna tell me?"
"You never give up, don’t you?"
"Never when my friends are in troubles."
Buffy saw a glimpse of hope in Faith’s eyes then, the rogue slayer spoke.
"My dad belonged to a rich Bostonian family…you know, family traditions, the children had to be lawyers or doctors, the wifes had to be wealthy to be part of the family and they had to gave birth to a son to perpetuate the family traditions…my grandparents believed in that bullshit…My father didn’t…he escaped when he met my mother who had no education and worked as waitress in a restaurant. They were happy and my dad succeeded in becoming a famous reporter."
"He sounds like a great guy."
"He was…but I never knew him…he was making an interview with some kind of rebels in Centre America when he was killed during a gunfire…that was the day before my birth…he was supposed to catch a plane to come back and be with mum…he should have come back right after the interview…"
Buffy didn't say a word…she felt sorry for her but knew it wasn’t the time to interrupt Faith.
"My grandparents showed up the day after our birth…they didn't seem to care about their son…all they wanted was Andy…their heir…they had a lot of money…the bastards…they paid lots of people to be the tutors of Andy…Mum tried to fight back but had nothing to pay the lawyers…they took Andy…they never cared about the little girl who came out of mum’s belly five minutes before him…for them, I was just a garbage you could dump anywhere."
Buffy took Faith’s hand in hers and squeezed it, never broking the contact between her eyes and Faith’s to show her that she was there for her…that she knew how difficult it was for her to reveal those memories.
"Mum lost contact with the world after that…she began to drink, was fired and survived in doing small jobs while she wasn’t drunk or didn't beat the hell out of me…I don’t blame her…she was just lost…So, during 9 years we survived…"
"Did you see Andy during that time?"
"Twice a year…he never came in our apartment…We never go in their manor…we weren’t worth it…so, we met in parks, hotels, etc…I waited those meetings for months…And I know he did to…but it was only twice a year…could you imagine not seeing Dawn during six months?"
Buffy shooked her head.
"When we were able to write letters, things were easier, I send a letter to him each day and he did the same…it was great you know….Two weeks before our tenth birthday, my grandparents died in a car crash…when mum heard the news…it gave her a new strength and she fought to have Andy back…And she did…It didn’t take long for her to drink again but I was happy…Andy was with me…"
Buffy felt Faith’s joy when whe remembered this period…it made her smile…a smile that quickly disappeared when she heard: "It only last three months." Then Faith didn’t say another word.
"Faith, what happened after three months?"
Faith stood up but never released Buffy’s hand. "Nothing important…wanna drink something?" and without waiting for Buffy answer, she leaded her toward a door that had just appeared in the wall. They passed the door and went to…the BRONZE.
"What the…"
"It’s my mind, B…everything is possible."
Amazed, Buffy followed Faith’s lead…it was the Bronze, not the new one but before its renovation and then, she saw them…Faith and her…dancing on the dance floor…she remembered that night…the night when everything changed…that night Faith killed Finch.
They sat on a table and drinks appeared from nowhere.
Buffy sat and showed their doubles on the dance floor.
"We were good, weren’t we?"
"Why this night, Faith."
"I told you that the period I spent with Andy was the happiest in my life?"
"Yes."
"That’s not entirely true…You see, I only had two happy moments in my life…moments when I thought that maybe I could do something with my life…this is the second…that night I was in heaven, B…We were together…We were so good…Oh God, I wanted to tell you how much I loved you that day…I…"
Faith was crying now…Buffy pulled her and let her cry on her shoulder…Faith had opened herself a little more…trusted her enough to share a childhood with her…But it wasn’t over, Buffy could feel that the worse had to come.
Spike was smoking in the corridor of the first floor of the Summers house. He was waiting and he hated that. He was waiting for the little boy and he hated that…he was waiting because the boy needed a shower at 11h30…and he hated being locked during the night…after all, he only had the night to have fun. He didn’t have it for now. The boy was there for almost 20 minutes and Spike was upset. So, he quickly open the door to receive a kick in the nose, he fell backward but was grabbed by his opponent who threw him in the bath. He had just the time to see Faith, wearing Buffy’s clothes, before she jumped into the bath too where she immobilized him with her legs.
"Oh, that’s damn great…the mighty bitch is back."
"Hey, Chip Boy…wanna explain me what the hell I am doing here?"
Spike make a grin before throwing the slayer off the bad…her grip wasn't very strong, she probably didn't expect Spike to fight back. Faith quickly stood up, her face showing surprise.
"How…how could you hit me?"
"You know, chips are strange devices…now that I know you’re not human, I can easily beat the crap out of you and I’ll gladly do it."
"How…" then Faith sighed before saying: "Andy…Andy was there, wasn’t he?"
This time, it was Spike who was surprised: "You knew?"
"Of course, I knew…Damn, I’m the one who changes…Wouldn’t you feel strange if you’d wake up in a place you don’t remember? Yes? So, you’d try to find answers…and I found mine…"
"Oh, I think I’m gonna cry…"
"Shut up, Spike, you cannot understand."
"That’s true but what I understand is that your Houdini tricks hurt lots of people."
"What are you talking about?"
"Wanna see, come with me?" and he grabbed her hand and force her to follow him right into Buffy’s room.
Faith was speechless. In front of her, Buffy and Faith were face to face. Both slayers had their eyes empty, no signs of life were in there. Next to them, Willow and Tara watched as Spike and Faith 2 arrived and saw her worried look.
"Oh, God…what happened."
"Faith."
No answer, they were in the Bronze for a while now and Faith didn’t seem well. Buffy had thought it would be better if she remained silent a little. Faith had just done a huge effort in opening herself the way she did. After almost 10 minutes of complete silence, Buffy realized that she had made a mistake…silence was bad…it gave Faith time to think and in this case, thinking was not the best solution.
"Faith, answer me."
"What do you want, B…if you’re bored, you can go home."
OK, Faith was aggressive…not a good sign.
"Don’t, please."
Faith turned her head to the right, escaping Buffy’s eyes but, suddenly, she turned it completely to the left…something had happened and Buffy didn’t know what.
"Faith, look at me…you won't solve anything if you stay trapped here and you know it."
Still not looking to Buffy, Faith replied: "But, I’m not trapped, B…I can go back anytime to the real world…I’am just too good here, living my best moments again and again."
"You lie…I know you have the trademark but BEEN THERE, DONE THAT…I’ve been in your position, if you stay here it is because you can’t escape…" then with a soft voice, she added: "What’s wrong, Faith…please tell me."
Once again, Faith looked to her right instinctively before avoiding Buffy’s eyes again. Buffy quickly looked in the same direction but saw nothing important besides an exit door…an exit door that never existed in the real Bronze…Was it so obvious…Could it be…
"Faith, what's behind that door?"
"Which door,B?" No hesitation in Faith’s voice…Was she wrong? She pointed her finger to the exit and said: "This one."
Faith gave a quick glance and replied "I don’t know…nothing important I suppose."
"I don’t think so…you know what I think…I think you are staying here because it’s the only part of your memories you have under control…you are staying here because this place contains happy memories while other part of your mind are full of bad ones that you don’t want to face…and I think these bad memories are hidden behind this door."
Faith shrugged: "And I think you’ve followed too many psycho classes…it’s getting to your head now…stop with the bullshit, B…and let me alone…this is my head."
"No, you won’t get rid of me…The only way to get out of your state is to face what scares you, Faith…to accept it…and don’t tell me I’m wrong…BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, remember?"
Faith was becoming more and more nervous: "You’re so fucking stubborn…you can even admit you’re wrong, it has always been the case."
"Then prove me I’m wrong…Come with me and let's have a look behind the door."
Buffy had already seen Faith angry, desperate even scared when she had faced Kakistos but she had never seen the terror in Faith’s eyes…Until this moment. Faith seemed completely lost in her own terror, her whole body was shaking. Once again, Buffy took one of Faith’s hand and spoke to her fellow slayer.
"Faith, I know it’s not easy but you have to face it…we will face it, together because, you’re not alone, Faith…I’m here with you…"
Faith was fighting her tears. "You don’t understand, B."
"Maybe…but I can try to and support you."
Faith stood up, tears were running on her cheeks, she was screaming: "No, YOU don’t understand, yes, I admit I’m scared even terrorized to face my past…But I’m even more scared that you’d come with me."
"But, why, I’m your friend, I can help…"
"Because if you see what is behind that door, you’ll never love me…I…I just can't lose you now that I’ve find you again…. It’d be too hard."
Buffy put her hands on both sides of Faith’s face, wiped her cheeks and eyes with her thumbs and said:
"Faith, I’ve forgiven you for all the things you’ve done three years ago…I’ve said to you that I needed you in my life and I say it again now…I need you in my life, Faith just as you need me in yours…so, whatever is hidden there…don’t you think I can deal with it? It’s not the old Faith, the Faith of the past that I’m worried about now, she doesn’t exist anymore, she has been replaced by one of the most brave, kind and sincere friend anyone can dream about…"
"But, B…you don’t…it’s not the same…"
"FAITH…do you trust me?"
"Of course!"
"Then, do it…we can do it…nothing can resist the Chosen Two…nothing, right."
For the first time since they entered the Bronze, Faith showed a weak smile… "Nothing, B."
Buffy presented her hand, Faith after a short hesitation took it and followed Buffy’s lead…she didn’t know if she could face her past but, damn, she couldn’t disappoint Buffy now.
Faith was in the living room, looking through the window…Willow and Tara were still upstairs, near the slayers while Dawn had just left with Xander and Anya…for her own safety…they didn’t trust her…she couldn’t blame her….they had allowed her to stay, mostly because they didn’t had the time to argue about her presence here but they didn’t want Dawn to be in the same house than a psycho….her bodyguard, Spike was sitting on a chair, watching her…ready to jump if she made a step towards the stairs…they didn’t want her upstairs…the whole situation was her fault and she knew it…
"I thought you didn’t like to be in the inside at night…did you, Chip Boy?"
"Changed my mind, Bad Copy…"
"Touché!…You know, you could have taken advantage of the situation…"
"What do you mean?"
"Sis is KO, you could have prevented B to help her and then…" the next part of the sentence was hushed "comfort her."
"It crossed my mind."
"And?"
"Sure you know Buffy? When she wants something…"
"Nothing can stop her…"
"Nice catch…I don’t give up though …if your Sis wants Buffy, she’ll have to fight for her."
"Maybe you wouldn’t have to fight…"
"What?"
But Spike didn’t receive an answer…lost in her tought, Faith just repeated "Maybe you wouldn’ t have to…"
Il Maestro had just left the hotel, leaving Leo’s family in the room. He walked, he never liked cars…he enjoyed much more a little walk before the hunt and, as the preys were so special, he’d taste this one. In 30 minutes, he would enter the Summers house…he didn't need an invitation…he had already been invited, 4 months ago. He had bribed an official and had asked him to cut the current off in the whole neighborhood, then, with a team of real electrician…officially to solve the electrical problems…this night, he had visited 18 houses…the Summers house had been the 11th…Buffy was on patrol…the witch and the sister were suspicious at first but, as he had been very careful not to show his condition…everything had been fine.
Il Maestro smiled…he hadn’t thought it would be obliged to enter the house…but, as he always said, always be ready for a plan B…thinking about it, he touched the book he had in his pocket…he was still there…this book could be important…if Plan B didn’t work, always have a plan C…then the night swallowed the vampire.
The door closed behind them…the slayers were in a corridor…there was a door in the other end of the hall and two doors on her left. There was a wall with two large windows on the right side, people could see large overview of Boston from these windows…Buffy knew they were in Boston…it was Faith’s birth place. She could also feel that Faith hesitated…she was scared like hell…Buffy looked at her, smiled to her and gently squeezed Faith’s hand she was still holding.
Then, she saw them, the same girl and the same boy she had seen in the apartment…Faith and Andy…at this time, Faith began to speak with lots of emotions in her voice, Buffy could barely hear her.
"One day…Mum didn’t wake up…alcohol did kill her…I found her…strangely enough, the first thing that came to my mind was not that my Mother had just died…I was afraid…afraid to lose Andy again…I know it can seem inhuman but…"
Buffy squeezed Faith’s hand again to show that she understood her…she had been in the same situation…she hadn’t thought about losing her sister then but she could understand it…Faith’s mum hadn’t be Joyce Summers.
"There was nobody at the funeral except a couple I had never met…the responsible told us that it was my mother’s sister and her husband…Andy and I had never heard about them but I didn’t care, they were ready to take care of the both of us so…"
"And you lived here, in this house?"
"No, we lived here, in this corridor…and in the garden when the weather was good enough…my aunt didn’t want to see us elsewhere…so, we lived here….for two years it wasn’t that bad, you know."
Then, she walked to a door leading Buffy who had decided to keep Faith’s hand in hers as long as possible. They entered a room. Two people were there. A woman who didn’t seem very healthy, her skin was so pale, she looked like she was on the brink of death. The other person was a man who had the look of a wrestler with his strong muscles.
"Greta and Otto…he was my aunt’s driver…we rarely saw my aunt so, we can say that they raised us…I’ve never had a real mother or a real father B…but these two people…I consider them as my parents…"
"That was strange…Why couldn’t you go elsewhere or even see your aunt more often…was it because she was too busy with her job?"
Faith shivered…again, Buffy squeezed her hand and that seemed to calm her fears.
"You really want to know my aunt’s job?"
Buffy nodded.
"Then, follow me" and they went to the door at the end of the corridor, Faith pushed and Buffy could see women in underwears, smiling at men, following men upstairs…
"Oh, God!"
"She managed the most important brothel of Boston…THAT WAS HER JOB."
The last words were screamed, Faith tried to run away but Buffy kept her hand in hers then pulled Faith and hugged her, whispering soft words to Faith’s ear.
"Shhhhht! Keep calm…shhhhht! I know it’s hard but we have to do it…I’m still here, with you….together, remember…we can do it…"
Tears were running from Faith’s eyes "I can’t, B…it’s too difficult…I can’t…"
"We can, Faith….together.."
After a few minutes, Buffy heard Faith take a deep breath then, she made a step back…they weren’t in the house anymore…Buffy quickly noticed they were outside the house, just facing the front door. It was a huge and sobre manor.
"I was 12 and one day, I came back from school. Andy and I weren’t in the same school…My aunt didn’t want it…my school was closer than Andy’s so I usually came back earlier…"
New wave of fear…new squeeze on Faith’s hand.
"One …one day…when I came back…I met my uncle and a 'client' in front of the house…Oh, B…this guy looked at me as if I was a piece of meat…I’ve never forget this look."
Buffy understood…while Faith was telling her her story, she could see the scene as if she was watching a movie…She saw the look of the guy and felt sick…Buffy squeezed again.
"The same evening, my aunt asked me to come and see her in her room…"
Faith remained silent then…she never looked at Buffy, never answered her questions…she just stood in the middle of the room, her eyes closed. It was really weird because they were in the middle of the room, Buffy could see little Faith, standing in front of her aunt who was sitting on her pink bed, completely still..it was unreal…then, she moved and spoke…Faith couldn’t speak anymore but she could let the scene happen so Buffy could see it as if she had been there.
Faith’s aunt began the conversation.
"Ah, Faith…how are you?"
"I’m five by five, madam."
"Didn’I tell you not to use this silly answer? You’re not Otto…he’s a foreigner, you’re a real American."
"Yes, madam."
"Good girl. So, Faith, answer me…didn’t I treat you well during the last two years? Have you any complaint about your life here?"
"No, everything is fi…fine, Madam."
"OK, so, Faithy…don’t you think you can prove me your gratitude by doing me a favour?"
The sick feeling Buffy had a few minutes earlier was there again…no…she wouldn’t ask what she thought she was goind to ask.
"You know, Faith…you’re a very attractive girl now…some of my clients like to watch you…"
"No."
"Sorry, you were saying?"
"I know what you want me to do and I won’t do it…my life is probably not a bright success but I have my dignity…"
"I can throw you out if I want to."
"Do it…I don’t care…we don’t need you or your money to live."
"We…who talk about a we…I said I could throw YOU out…I never said Andy would be with you…you know some clients like boys…"
Buffy’s look matched young Faith’s…she was shocked by what she had heard…how could she…she was their aunt…she looked at her Faith, her eyes were still closed…the only thing that brought a little relieve to Buffy was the way Faith hold her hand…firmly…painfully but Buffy didn’t care…Faith’s pain was huge in comparison to hers.
Little Faith talked again.
"You…you can do that…he…he."
"He is too fragile, I know…his destiny is in your hands Faith…you agree to work for me…oh, I don’t ask you a full time job…just once or twice a month…and Andy will be a happy teenager…or you say no…and…I think you have understood what I mean…So, in or out?"
Buffy couldn’t contain her tears when she heard Faith's answer "In." Then, the aunt said:
"Of course, Andy will be transferred to another wing of the manor…you will only see him an hour or two a day…just in case…I know you Faith…Some crazy idea could cross your mind…escaping for example…it could be very bad for Andy, you know?"
Then, Buffy saw little Faith leave the room like a robot…
Faith succeded in breaking Buffy’s grip, she quickly turned her back to her sister slayer, looking to the wall. Buffy could see she was crying because of the awkward moves her shoulders made.
"So, you see, B…I’m just a piece of trash…no life, no parents, no future and no dignity" …as soon as she said it, some scene of Faith doing her 'job' were played in this sick and silent movie scene…Buffy wanted to vomit but she coulnd’t…Faith needed her.
"How could you love someone who did this…someone who let men use her body to satisfy their phantasms…how could you ever love me?" Buffy couldn’t understand what Faith was saying anymore…her tears, her sobs made her sentences incomprehensible. So, she gently put her amrs around Faith’s waist, put her chin on Faith’s left shoulder and said:
"You know what I’m thinking now, Faith…that you are the bravest sister a boy could dream about…"
"Wh…?"
"I would do anything to protect Dawn but…I never thought about this possibility and I don’t know how I would react…you didn’t hesitate a single second…you sacrificed yourself for Andy’s sake and knowing it makes me proud…not only of you but also proud of being your friend…" Then, not knowing what to do next, Buffy followed an intuition and began to sing.
"Andy and Fairy… on the way to a party… found thousands of candy… a comic and a barbie…"
"Do you know you, Spike?"
Spike moved his head up, watching Faith, surprised by her question. He wasn’t sure that he had understood it but he had noticed another disturbing point, Faith called him Spike…she had never done it before. He answered her question though.
"Most of the time, yes."
"I don’t…"
Spike looked at that girl who was still standing in front of the window, her eyes lost in the outside darkness…he felt sorry for her…another result of him hanging with the scoobies… "You know, basically I’m bad but with this Chip in my head and…a certain blonde chick…I act sometimes like a boy scout and that's not in my nature so….it’s confusing…."
"Welcome to the club…for a long time, I thought I was bad and did bad thing because I had screwed everything up when I tried to be good…but I cannot throw my fucking feelings away…there are still there, crawling under my skin…"
"When I became a vampire, I thought that the feelings that would lead me into the unlife would be fun, fun and fun …see, we’re both disappointed idealists…"
Faith grinned…. "Idealists…I’ve never had an ideal, Chip Boy…never had a fucking mentor…the only thing I ever did was survive, alone, but even then, it wasn’t really me…I desired to do some good deeds, I desired to dream about a better life but didn’t achieve these 'goals'…but I needed it…so I began to think about the purest thing I knew in my life…my brother…"
"And one day, you became him."
"Yes. Each time I felt lonely, guilty or helpless, I thought about him…then, one day, I woke up in the middle of nowhere and I didn’t know what the hell I was doing there…then the docs took me, they witnessed the change and…"
"And?"
"I found her!"
Spike and Faith were both taken by surprise by Il Maestro’s arrival. The Machiavellian vampire smiled while saying:
"I think that you’d have to change the lock of the back door…these things aren’t as solid as they were a few years back."
Faith still felt dirty but relieved at the same time…Buffy knew…and she didn’t run away…she even comforted her…and she sang…it could have seemed weird in the beginning but hearing Buffy’s voice repeating a dozen times the rhymes she and Andy invented when they were kids…hearing it helped her a lot…she already knew that Buffy Summers was an amazing girl… she hadn’t fully realized how much she was.
"Thanks, B."
"You’re welcome."
Faith sighed and looked around…they were in her former room…she could see her younger self playing with Andy…that was the night before…
"Faith, we can wait a little longer if you want."
"I don’t know if could do it later, B" then, she extended her hand toward Buffy’s; looking into her green eyes. Buffy smiled and took the hand.
Buffy waited a few second, still looking at Faith, supporting her by a single glance.
"I was my aunt’s…whore for almost 2 years…twice or three times a month. When some sick bastard wanted to try fresh meat…they came to pick me up…"
"And what about Otto and Greta? You said they loved you. Why didn’t they do anything to help you? I mean…"
"Because the bitch blackmailed them…have you seen Greta? She had some kind of very bad illness and she needed expensive medicine to stay alive…guess who paid for it…they were German foreigners, B…they didn’t have a single dollar to live…"
"Ho…"
"I blamed them though…a lot…avoiding them whenever it was possible…I know I hurt them but….anyway…one night, they came telling me that a new client needed my 'talents'…so I followed them and met him…"
Buffy couldn’t prevent a short scream that escaped her lips…it was the man that analysed Faith like a piece of meat…
"Yes, it was him…he wasn’t a regular, he came when he was in Boston…usually I was in school when he paid a little visit…I wasn’t that lucky this time…"
Tears were running anew on Faith’s cheeks…a new squeeze from Buffy and she forced herself to go on.
"Oh, B! You have no idea what the bastard wanted to do with me…he wasn’t sick…he was more than that…I was scared, I ran away, pushing him out of my way and I ran in the corridor …he…he was behind me, laughing like a maniac and I don’t know what would have happened if Otto hadn’t been there….he punched the guy again and again before taking me away…."
Buffy wanted to hug Faith again but she eluded her…so, still keeping Faith’s hand in hers, she let Faith continue her story.
"The next morning, my aunt came to see me in my room…We were alone…"
Buffy saw Faith close her eyes to let the scene happen…so, she sighed, knowing that she wouldn’t like it…the look in the bitch’s eyes confirmed her feeling.
"So, Faith…I heard you refused to satisfy a customer yesterday…"
"The man was insane….he wanted to…"
"I don’t give a shit about what he wanted to do, Faith…you have to learn that the client’s wishes must be fulfil even the most…exotic ones…this man is very important to me…he has lots of power in the region and keeps the cops away from my business."
"That’s the point, isn’t it…your business is more important than your employees…you’re just a fucking bitch who isn’t worth the paper she uses to clean her ass when…"
To Buffy’s surprised, the aunt didn’t seem upset…she just cut Faith’s sentence and spoke calmly.
"Well, that’s original…I give you that…but you’re right, I’m a businesswoman…I make deals with customers, officials, etc…and I keep my word…something you don’t seem to do…"
"What?"
"We had a deal, Faith…you didn’t respect it…you know what it means…"
"No…no…"
Buffy saw Faith jump to her aunt, punching her…she saw two men, probably her bodyguards, take her away from the woman Buffy wanted to kill…she had never hated someone like that….She saw the men lead a crying Faith to a bare room where they locked her in…she saw Faith knocked the door with all her strength and, for the whole scene, she could hear Faith say the same words, over and over again.
"No, don’t touch him… please…. I’ll do whatever you want but please, don’t touch him…ANDY…ANDY."
Then, the silence…heavy, oppressing …Faith was laying on the floor, in front of the door, crying…sobbing…pleading…but the most disturbing thing was really the silence that swallowed the scene. Buffy looked at her Faith who had her eyes closed and saw her collapse on the ground just before she heard the most horrible scream she had ever heard…still it was human…and Buffy guessed who it was and her heart broke when she saw the young Faith jumping to her feet to scream her brother’s name.
In Buffy’s room, Tara and Willow waited for any sign of recovery from both Buffy and Faith…but there were none. They were worried now, Buffy had been gone for almost three hours…much longer than expected.
"How long did it take for you?" asked Tara.
"What do you mean?"
"In Buffy’s mind, how long did you stay?"
"A couple of hours…you know, the perception of time is not the same in someone’s mind…Buffy is gone for three hours now but, I’m pretty sure she will awake with the impression that she had been in there for a day, maybe more."
"Do you…do you think she will bring her back?"
"I hope so…sincerely, I hope so."
They, they heard a big noise coming from downstairs. They ran to the living room, thinking that something had happened between Spike and Faith 2.
Il Maestro was smiling…he had just dodged the bottle Spike had thrown to him…presently, he studied his opponents. Faith was circling around the room, waiting for an opportunity to strike…Spike did the same on the opposite side of the room…then, the witches came from the first floor and remained still, amazed just in front of the stairs.
"Ladies, I’m delighted to see you…I don’t wake you up, I hope."
Spike grinned before saying "Why do they always have to chat…Could you please focus on the fight…We don’t have the whole night."
"Actually, you’re right…I have a job to do before sunrise."
"Oh, come on…Monkey Brain…you’re alone…we are four…sorry five, pal…"
Il Maestro quickly turned his head to see Eona, standing just behind him…he was first surprised then, still looking at Faith who he knew would be the first to strike, he regained his composure.
"Miss Whitecloud…I didn’t expect you tonight…"
It was Eona’s turn to be surprised… "You know me?"
"I have a very well informed employer…You messed up with my plans once…I won’t do the same mistake again."
"You think. You are not as careful as you used to be, you know...I had no trouble in recognizing you when I parked my car. And, about me messing up with your plans again...I don't think I would have to this time...you're outnumbered."
"Yes, Il Moronestro…if I were you…I would pray for a miracle."
"OK, William…you want miracles…I’m gonna give it to you. So, could a vampire win a fight against, a slayer, a fellow vampire and three witches?"
For the first time since he had entered the room, Il Maestro didn’t look to Faith who directly jumped towards him. Il Maestro didn’t move, the only move his opponents could see were the move of his lips when he said: "Xeres."
When she heard that, Faith stopped before falling on the carpet. Spike, Tara, Willow and Eona didn’t dare to move…they didn't understand what had just occurred. Still looking at Spike, Il Maestro spoke again: "Faith! Stand up!" The brunette quickly obeyed the order.
"Good girl…now, kill Spike for me."
Spike had just the time to avoid a kick from Faith who had just rushed at him…stake in her hand.
Once again, Il Maestro smiled and looked at the witches.
"Miracle one…the magic of hypnotism," and while Spike and Faith fought in the living room, Il Maestro went to the stairs and the witches.
Tara was the first to react. "Willow, Eona, go upstairs, make some protection spells. I’ll try to stop him."
"But, Tara."
"No, buts Honey…please do it."
Willow silently nodded before running upstairs with Eona. Once both girls out of her sight, Tara rose her hands and concentrated her kynetic energy in it…Il Maestro just watched, curious. Then, when she felt she had gathered enough energy, she launched it to the Machiavellian vampire…but it didn’t touch him…just before reaching his body, the bowl of energy vanished. Tara remained speechless.
"Miracle number two…every time you know you’ll face a witch…bring a Coraniac stone with you… it’s a natural immunity against magic. So, no more witches, just three ordinary frightened girls" and saying that, she jumped to Tara and knocked her out.
Willow who had seen the whole scene from the first floor, ran to protect the woman she loved…Il Maestro didn’t have problem to knocked her out too. Then, she looked to the living room where Spike and Faith were still fighting, looked at the two unconscious girls and put a foot in the first stair and went up, speaking to Eona even if he couldn’t see where she was.
"It’s just the two of us now, Eona…don’t worry, I won’t kill you… I won’t kill the other witches and I won’t kill my Faith once she would have killed Spike…no, I want them to see it…I want them to see they failed to protect their friends, the slayers."
He was on the first floor now and went directly to Buffy’s room still speaking.
"Everything was planned…Faith’s reaction when she had seen her brother…Buffy’s wish to save her sister slayer…everything…You see, Eona, I’m the harbinger of chaos and pain…I worship them because I like to be superior…I’m the guide in a melody of pain, despair and hate…" Then opening the door to find the two slayers sitting on the bed and Eona just in front of them, he added: "I’m Il Maestro."
Andy’s scream re-echoed over and over again in Buffy’s head…so horrible, so full of suffering…so human at the same time. The situation was strange…she was in the bare room where young Faith had been locked in but everything was still…the 14 year old girl was paralysed in a move…Faith, her Faith and her were the only peole that had kept the ability to move.
Faith, her Faith was sitting on the floor, crying. Her hand was still in Buffy’s but the blonde slayer didn’t feel a single grip of it…if Buffy released Faith hand, she was sure it would have fallen to the ground. She sat on her knees, took Faith’s face in her hands and asked:
"Faith! Are you OK?"
No answer, Faith’s eyes were still closed. The only indication of her being alive were the tears that were running on her cheeks and the tremblings of her body.
"Faith, look at me…Please."
No answer.
"Faith, tell me, what’s happening?"
Then, a whisper: "I can’t, B…too hard."
"Faith, we have to go on…it’s the last step…don’t give up now…please."
"No, …I…you…you have no idea what…he…they…"
"Shhtttt! There is no hurry…" then, she kissed Faith’s forehead, put her right arm on Faith’s right shoulder and began to rock her.
After a few minutes, Faith calmed down: "I can’t, B…I can’t see him like that."
Still rocking Faith, Buffy answered: "You have to, Faith…I think this is the point of all this masquerade…you have to accept his death…Faith, look at me." Opening her eyes, the brunette did as asked: "He is dead now…live goes on…you have to let the past behind you…"
Tears were back on Faith’s face when she said: "But, B, you don’t understand…I can’t see him like that knowing that…"
"Knowing what, Faith?"
Silence.
"Knowing what, Faith?"
"…that I’m responsible for his death."
And then Buffy figured it out…Guilt…since the day of Andy’s death, Faith had fought the feeling that she had caused her brother’s death by refusing what this sick man wanted. Everything had been caused by this feeling…her isolation, the 'hurt before you get hurt' attitude, her loneliness…Faith’s next sentence backed up this statement and broke Buffy’s heart even further…
"Everyone I love die, B."
Buffy wanted to cry, wanted to scream, wanted to curse God for all the suffering Faith had lived in her short life but couldn’t…not now…Faith, her Faith needed her.
"I’m still alive, Faith."
Faith looked at Buffy "And it’s not because of me…I tried to kill you…"
"What’s done is done, Faith..that’s what I told you…the past is the past…you can’t blame yourself for not accepting the sadistic games of this guy…Jesus, Faith, you were 14, just a kid."
"I swore to protect him, B…I."
"Stop the bullshit, Faith…what if you had died that day…do you think your aunt would have hesitated? She was mad enough to sell Andy and you know it…unless this scenario suits you better."
"What? How dare you?"
"Yes, that’s what I think…you think that you should have accept playing this guy’s games because you are saying to yourself…- if I had accepted it, I would have been dead when Andy would have died and I wouldn’t have to carry this guilt every fucking minute of my damn existence."
The punch hit Buffy on the nose and she fell backwards.
Anger had replaced tears… "How could you say that…I gave up everything for his safety…I would have died for him…to be sure he remained safe…"
"I know…and do you think dying there would have kept him safe?"
Faith was speechless…no sound came out of her mouth.
"Do you think that would have kept him safe?"
"No."
Buffy stood in front of Faith, she put Faith’s chin up with her hand in order to see her in the eyes.
"You see, you couldn’t have prevented anything …you kept him safe as long as you could…and he knows that…but you’ve suffered enough because of all this shit…it’s time to bury it…Let’s face it."
Faith remained silent a few second, her eyes still full of tears. She didn’t avoid Buffy’s eyes though. Then she said: "Together."
Buffy just nodded a small smile on her lips.
Young Faith knocked on the door again…but Buffy felt better…by a single gesture, Faith had reassured her…she had just taken her hand in hers.
Eona stood just in front of Il Maestro, protecting the slayers with her own body. She could see the grin on the vampire’s face…he was so sure of his victory…
"You know, Eona, I have a huge respect for you…I've heard you are very skilled in your area of expertise and I’m pretty sure that you probably are the one who knows me the best on this planet…"
"It’s always good to hear such things…I know it’s sincere." Eona; knowing the megalomania of her opponent, decided to play his game…she had to gain time…the slayers could be back in any minute.
"But it is…I wasn’t being sarcastic at all…you know, when I told you I didn’t intend to kill you…I think I’ve just changed my mind…I think I’m gonna sire you…make you one of my kind…"
"I won’t let you."
"Come on, don’t be so short minded…I would need persons like you…smart, cunning…you see, the world is changing…there is no more frontiers…all companies must act on an international level…it’s called progress…why should a vampire stay focus on silly little needs, generally local, while the world calls him?"
"You want to internationalize yourself?"
"I want to internationalize a concept…I want to form other vampires in the way I conceive my job…I want to become the head of a worldwide shadow company which would quickly become an icon in the underworld…and in order to achieve this goal, I need persons like you, Eona…think about it…immortality, wealth, fun…"
"I’m sorry but I have to decline…thanks for asking though."
"I’ve never said you had the choice…" Il Maestro’s face changed, for the first time, he showed his vampiric attributes… "You’ll be mine…willingly or not."
"I don’t think so…I’ll fight you."
"Oh, you’re going to throw me an explosive computer? Admit it, you have no chance to win, no chance to save the slayers…you’re doomed."
"Have you ever heard about the Loas???"
"What?"
"Then, you’ll be surprised…" and, to Il Maestro’s surprise, the voice that came from Eona’s mouth wasn’t hers…it wasn’t even female…it was something else…something unexpected…and Il Maestro didn’t like the unexpected.
Still holding the hand of a crying Faith, Buffy watched the rest of the scene. Young Faith was still knockning at the door even if there had been no more screams for a few minutes. Suddenly, the sound of a key, the door that opened to show Otto, tears in his eyes.
"Faith."
Faith didn’t wait, she pushed Otto out of her way and ran in the corridor, looking for her brother…Surprised by the move, Otto lost his balance with some precious seconds.
Young Faith was running and running, checking in all rooms, interrupting some clients. Her face showed no sign of despair…only fear…fear to loose her brother. Then, she notices a crowd just in front of a room…without hesitation, she rushed inside.
The scene Buffy was witnessing was indescribable…it was just revulsing…both her heart and stomach were broken…
Faith was holding her brother’s body in her arms, crying, screaming only one word: NO…according to the marks she could see on the boy’s wrists, he had been attached somewhere…he was naked, his body covered of cuts and bruises…how could a human being do such things…she could only imagine what the boy had to bear…the most horrible was that the knife and bars that had been used were still in the room, laying on the floor.
Buffy then looked at her Faith who seemed to be hypnotized by the scene…her eyes locked on her younger self and her brother…tears were still running on her face. Buffy gently released Faith’s hand an quicky put her right arm around her friend’s waist and pressed her body against hers. Faith just put her head on Buffy’s and both slayers continued to watch…it wasn’t a time for words…
Buffy then noticed Faith’s aunt….she was speaking with her husband before seeing her niece…after a quick glance, Buffy heard the bitch say: "Take Faith back to her room…and dump…it (a gesture towards the body) wherever you want but I don’t want to hear about this incident anymore…understood?" The husband made a step towards Faith and Buffy watched with horror that the man’s outfits were covered in blood…the sick bastard was the one who did this to Andy…Buffy had never had killing desires…this time it was different…she knew that if she had been there at that time, she would have killed the man without remorse.
"IT…IT?"
Buffy looked back at Young Faith who was standing before her brother’s body, the knife in her hand.
"His name is Andy…and you hurt him…you’ll pay for it…" Buffy noticed that Faith’s eyes were radiating the same weird look she had had when she had gone mad, three years ago.
Faith’s uncle tried to stop her but she stabbed him in the left thigh…screaming, the man collapsed on the floor, the knife still in his body. Faith looked at the bar on the floor and rushed to it but arrived too late, her aunt had already taken it.
"You, little scum…how dare you…"
The situation became confused afterwards…probably because Faith’s memories were confused at that time..she didn’t seem to pay attention to the events, her eyes locked on her brother. Buffy just noticed a scream, saw Otto rushed in the room, he grabbed Faith’s aunt by the neck and squeezed until Buffy heard a crack. Then, while the woman fell, she saw her husband approaching the German and stab him in the back with the knife Faith put in her thigh. It didn’t seem to bother Otto who punched to death the sick pervert. Then, everything turned black.
Spike was running upstairs, Faith was just behind him…he had taken advantage of a short hesitation of the slayer to avoid her kicks and go to the stairs…he just hoped the slayers were still alive…Faith managed to grab his foot and pushed it up, Spike lost briefly his balance but dodged Faith's stake…
"You know, I really don’t like you…that’s not a way to deal with fellow demonic creatures."
He gave a quick glance to the room, saw Willow who was standing just outside, looking inside with amazement. She had probably climbed here a few moments before he did. Carefully, still dodging and avoiding the kicks, he looked in the room.
Eona and Il Maestro were fighting and the girl was giving serious trouble to the vamp…her style was quick and efficient, she used Il Maestro’s strength to parry and throw him away…but how could she do it…how could she stand the vampire’s powers?
"Will, any idea?" and saying it, he just avoided Faith’s right foot.
"She said something about a loa…I don’t know what it is."
"A loa? Dead spirit who makes a deal with his living family…he takes possession of one of them to help them…in exchange, he can experience living feelings again…it’s a kind of owner – tenant relationship."
"OH," and Willow returned to watch the fight in the room while Spike tried to remain alive against Faith.
Faith and Buffy were in a small and dark street. They were facing Otto and Young Faith, sleeping near a dustbin. Buffy had still her arm around Faith’s waist and pressed her body against hers.
"Thanks, B" …and then, she cried rivers of tears once again.
Buffy sat, her back on the dustbin, and asked Faith to sit between her legs. Then, she gently put her hand on Faith’s forehead and pushed slowly until her neck was on her right shoulder. She began caressing and kissing Faith’s neck and hairs, while whispering soft words.
"Greta had died the same morning Andy did…; the medicine weren’t efficient anymore…in fact, he had discovered that the so called medicine were only colored water…the old bitch played with them…he went crazy that night, B…he…he killed my uncle and aunt…asked everybody out and burned the ..the…the house. He brought me with him…I wasn’t paying attention..I was kinda stoned…I know he brought me to this street and we fell asleep."
Buffy’s carresses and kisses relaxed Faith…it was amazing how her presence had changed everything…thanks to her, Faith had conquered her past…closing her eyes but only for the feeling of Buffy, she continued.
"When I woke up, the next morning, Otto was dead too…the knife had been very deep in his back…once again, someone I loved had died."
"Faith."
"It’s OK, B…don’t worry…" she opened her eyes, turned her head and looked into the older slayer's eyes. "No more guilt…just a statement."
Then, she put her head back were it was and closed her eyes again, glad that Buffy continued her carresses and kisses. "This day, I swore that I would never let feelings enter my heart…that I would only be a bad girl…that if I ever felt lonely, I would just have to find a guy and…oups…get gone, get done…and then I met you…you know the rest of the story…"
They stayed like that during long minutes, thinking about the last events, feeling each other presence and enjoying it. Buffy felt relieved…they did it…Faith did it…she fought her past and won…
"B?"
"Yes, Faith."
Once again, Faith turned her head to look her sister slayer. "Could I ask you a favour?"
"Anything."
"Could you call me Fairy?"
"Hu?"
Faith smiled: "You see, as I call you B…I think I’d like to have a nickname too…the only person I loved as much as I love you called me Fairy…I want you to call me Fairy also…I want you to be the only one to call me that…I want it because what you just did for me was so amazing…was so…I don’t know how to say it…but I couldn’t believe I could love you more than I did a day ago…it is the case though…I know, you don’t feel the same way about me but…I want you to know how special you are for me…and I want to be a little special for you too…I know it sounds selfish but."
"Yes."
"…I would be.."
"Yes."
"..so happy…"
"FAITH, Yes."
"You…you said yes."
Buffy was fighting her own tears…this request was so unexpected but showed so much…Finally, Faith had totally opened herself to Buffy…no more doubts, no more confusion, no more pain…just happiness.
"Yes, Fairy, I said yes."
They were still sitting in the dark street. No word had been said since Buffy agreed to call Faith 'Fairy'. Faith felt better, her head resting on Buffy’s chest, the feeling of Buffy’s fingers in her hairs was the most relaxing thing she had known…she could stay here forever…now that she had dealt with her past…but they couldn’t stay here, soon, they would have to go back to the real world, their duty but also their friendship.
"B?"
"Mmmm."
Faith smiled, Buffy didn’t seemed in a hurry to go either "I think it’s time to move our asses out of here."
"You sure?"
"No! But we need to go…I have nothing to do here anymore." Then she stood up, made some stretching moves while Buffy was standing up too. Without even thinking, the two slayers went to the the bright light that seemed to represent the exit, hand in hand.
Il Maestro was really upset. He didn’t know who the hell had taken possession of Eona’s body but the guy knew how to fight…still, Eona’s body wasn’t made for such efforts…his opponent was showing some signs of tiredness…and that made him smile…soon, he would win, soon, he would made of Eona his faithful lackey, soon, he would kill the slayers, soon, he would become the most famous vampire ever.
Eona or the spirit who was in her body made her move, tried to push Il Maestro in order to corner him near the windows…he was expecting it…he had studied every move of his particular opponent…he was a worthy fighter, yes but suffered from a lack of innovation…no imagination at all…so he grabbed her by the neck and made her hit the wall. She was stunned by this counter-attack…Il Maestro took advantage of this moment to dig his teeth in her throat…but stopped right after that…the slayers had just moved…both of them…
They both seemed a bit lost…he had thus a few minutes left…he made a quick glance to the corridor just in time to see that his Faith had Spike in her grip and was ready to stake him. He stopped her in her final gesture buy saying: "Faith…Hold on a minute."
"Faith…Hold on a minute."
Buffy connected to reality in hearing Il Maestro’s shout…for the last minute, just after they had come back from Faith’s mind, she had only thought about Faith’s health, about her state of mind without ever paying attention to her surroundings…and Faith looked like she needed her support…being back on reality wasn’t that simple after such an adventure…even Buffy didn’t feel the same after that…lots of thing were more clear now. Still, she had just realized that they weren’t alone and turned her head to see Willow hiding behind the door, the other Faith who was ready to stake Spike who was laying on the floor and a vampire who was threatening Eona….she didn’t have problems in recognizing him as Il Maestro. He was the first to speak.
"Well, it seems that the situation is a bit confused now…you know, you two have a very bad habit…survive."
"Let her go…you won’t make it and you know it." Buffy was looking around to find a weapon or at least an idea…she noticed that Faith was fully awake now and was also checking the room.
"Well, I’ll let her go…will dehypnotised Faith which will save your Billy Idol groupie…if you promise me I will leave your home in one piece."
"Fucking bullshit…you really think we are so stupid to let you go after all the shit you put us trough?" Faith wasn’t on the bed anymore…a quick glance from Buffy confirmed that the older slayer was ready to strike too.
"OK, OK…and if I add some information about the person who hired me…think about it…you can kill me but HE will still be there…HE will come back or send someone else to finish the job…would you take the risk…would you risk the lives of your friends just because you want to transform me into a pile of dust…I know your friends will follow your lead and won’t hurt me if you agree with my proposal…so, what do you think about it?"
The guy knew how to bargain…he was right, she couldn’t let revenge cost her some useful information that might save lives…if someone had hired one of the most famous killer on Earth to kill Faith and her…the same someone had to prepare something big…time was more than ever a key factor.
"You have my word."
Il Maestro smiled because of Buffy’s answer but also because of the disappointed look he could see on the other slayer’s face…he let Eona’s body go..she kneeled trying to recover some strength…then he spoke.
"Faith…let Spike go and listen to me…I will say the word and you will fall asleep…an hour later, you will wake up and be yourself again… Xeres."
Spike was released from his uncomfortable position when Eona collapsed on the floor, he stood up and said: "Does she do some housekeeping too because…" Buffy interrupted him.
"Spike! It’s not the time…"
"Just asking…"
"So, what about the last part of our deal?"
Il Maestro put his hand on his jacket’s pocket, and sent the book that was conceived in it to Buffy who caught it without problem.
"Now, if you would excuse me…" and saying it, he went to the room’s door…to find Faith standing between him and the stairs…he turned his head and said…
"Buffy, I thought you gave me your word…"
Buffy sighed before looking to the floor and saying: "Yes I did."
Then, he looked to Faith smiling but was cut buy the end of Buffy’s sentence: "…she didn’t."
And before he could react, Faith put the stake which was held by her double a minute ago into the vampire’s heart.
While Il Maestro’s ashes were falling on the ground, Buffy answered to the questioning look of Willow, Eona and Spike in saying "Not in a forgiven mood today."
Three hours later, the house was quiet…It had been decided that Dawn would stay at Xander’s until the next morning, Spike had gone in a quick patrol while the two slayers, Eona and Willow were analyzing Il Maestro’s book…so, no one saw the silhouette that was leaving the Summers home by the back door.
She had been awake for two hours but remained in the bed until this minute, waiting for the right time to escape…they had been checking her often during an hour and a half but were probably too absorbed by the book to notice her departure.
"Going somewhere?"
Or maybe not.
"Hey, Sis…should have known you weren’t Data Girl."
Faith was in the garden, sitting on the ground…she was looking at her but it wasn’t the same look she remembered..this one was different. Faith 2 knew that she had to go, quit Sunnydale and never come back but couldn’t do so…instead, she went to sit next to her double and hear herself asking:
"How are you?"
"Five by five…free."
"Free?"
Her double looked at her with so much conviction in her eyes that she felt a wave of envy go through her.
"Freed of my past, freed of my damn attitude…free to live for the first time in my life…that was strange…I have always thought I would be confused, sad or any other bad feeling…even when we went back but…no…I feel relieved…"
"Well, I’m glad to hear it…now, if you don’t mind.." she put her right hand on the ground to move but was cut by her double’s voice.
"I do mind."
"Hu!"
"Stay a little would you…please, Sis."
It had been said in a very soft tone and for the first time, the term Sis had been used in a really sisterly way…not knowing what to expect, Faith 2 sat and waited, unable to say a word.
"How long do you think you’ll continue to run?"
"You’re not going to play the shrink with me…do you? Because."
"Stop it, Faith…you forget to whom you’re speaking …someone told me that I have to drop my 'hurt before you get hurt attitude' to really live…I’m just asking you to do it during 5 minutes and listen to me."
"Someone told me… blablabla…you know me Sis…I don’t follow advices" and she stood up.
"And where did it lead you?"
"…."
"It’s not too late, Sis…I have changed, you can change either…you’re running to a bloody dead end…let me help you choose another path and I promise you it would be a damn good ride."
A brief smile crosses Faith 2’s face followed by a sad look: "Nice try but…you won’t trick me."
"What are you talking about?"
"You think I’m stupid…I know why you’re doing it…it’s him you want, not me…you’re thinking you will help me and see Andy again…"
"NO, I’m not" Faith was standing right in front of her double.
"I can’t blame you…if I could do it, I’ll do it too."
Faith locked her eyes in her double’s.
"Listen to me, Andy is dead…I’ve finally accepted it and you have to do it too…he is a beautiful memory, the only good one we have for our childhood and we’ll never forget him but life goes on…Jeez, listen to me, I sound like B."
A new smile crossed Faith 2’s face and wasn’t followed by a sad look.
"So, you’re interested in me?"
"Oh yeah, I’ll be very happy to have a real sister…"
"I don’t know…I’ve done terrible things…I need time and I need this time out of Sunnydale."
"Thought so, I have a deal for you."
"What kind of deal?"
"You know that I have to go back frequently to LA and follow some silly rules for a few months…otherwise, I would go back to jail."
"You didn’t say anything…"
"That’s true, never had the time..anyway…now, you’re aware of it…so, here is the deal…you go live with Eona as I was supposed to, you will follow the rules and behave as a good citizen for 8 months…and you’ll listen to Eona and her friends."
"What for?"
"They’ll help you, trust me."
"And you, you will stay here, staring at B, enjoying the view…"
"Hey, I’ve never said it was a fair deal…I’ve done my time…time to do yours… I don’t need your answer now..Eona will return to Frisco at 11 in two days…be there if you want to give it a try."
"I’ll think about it."
"That’s all I need for now."
"I’ve gotta go.." and she left.
Faith looked at her double until she couldn’t see her anymore then went back to the house thinking that maybe she could finally enjoy living.
In his hotel room, Leo was reading the morning paper…the sun will rise soon…suddenly, he heard quiet steps coming in his way…he smiled and said:
"Shouldn’t you be sleeping now…your mother will be very upset if she knew you’re not in your bed at this time."
Ashamed, Laura went to her father, her doll in her right hand.
"I was looking for my doll…I wanted to sleep with it."
"So you took it in the box…OK…I won’t tell anything to your mother but now, it’s time for the little girl to go to bed and have a good sleep." He took her in his arms and put her in her bed.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"A book was missing."
"What?"
"When I took my doll, I noticed that a book was missing in the box."
"The tiny one?"
"Yes, you don't seem surprised."
Leo sat on the bed and began caressing his daughter’s head: "What do you think?"
"I think Dmitri took it…you always put your books in the box when you don’t read it and Mum never read your books."
"Continue!"
"As you know that the book is missing…I presume you let Dmitri take it but, why? You told me that all these books where very important and that you were the only one who may read it…"
"It’s true, they are important…you’re a clever girl you know…I’m very proud of you…do you remember what I said when I taught you how to play chess?"
"That sometimes, you have to sacrifice a very important piece in order to win the game."
"Exactly!"
...continued in Old Game...