Angelus bit into her neck and started to drink, when the drugs hit. "You bitch, you drugged me."
He threw Faith's body away from him with his last remaining strength as he fell to the floor unconscious. Wesley stepped from the shadows. He looked down at his former slayer with a proud smile. Connor and Gunn, scrambled down from their hiding place in the rafters to quickly retrieved large vampire. They carried their 'prize' into the hotel. Wesley followed close behind, holding Faith close against his chest as if she were delicate cargo rather than the indomitable warrior everyone knew her to be.
"Man, how did he get this heavy drinking blood? He sure has packed on the pounds the last few years," Gunn complained as he struggled to maneuver Angelus' large cumbersome body down the basement stairs.
"Don't know, don't care. Why didn't we just dust him there, rather than dragging him back here?" Connor glared daggers at the demon who wore his father's face. He pulled as Gunn pushed at the large imposing body of the man/vampire who seemed to invade every waking moment of his life.
"English, think there's still a chance to get Angel back, so shut up and hold up your end."
Wesley had carried Faith upstairs. He gently placed her on Angel's bed. His fingers reached out to brush dark silken tendrils from her face.
"Is she going to be all right?" Fred asked, stepping into the room. Her expressive brown eyes filled with worry for the younger girl.
"I think so, Winifred. She fought bravely and her will to live is strong." Wesley's bright blue eyes wandered over the still body of his Slayer. He wondered where her mind wandered in her Morpheus-laden mind, and whether she would indeed return to them.
Faith fought her way through Angel's dreamverse. She woke and shakily sat up in the bed. Her hands immediately searched her neck, where she found the proof that it hadn't all been in her head. Placing her feet on the floor, she stood up, and fell to her knees. "Way to go, some Slayer you are. I bet B wouldn't have passed out. She'd have kicked the Beast's ass with some weird ass plan she pulled from the pocket of her newest leather pants then went ahead to give Angelus the proper spanking he deserved. Damn, girl! That was some wicked bad drugs, if it has you crawling around talking to yourself. Get your ass up."
She placed her hands flat on the floor ready to push her body up when her fingers brushed against something. It felt cool and smooth to the touch, but sent tingles across her skin. Angel was such a neat freak and for there to be anything under his bed was, well just odd. She knew the tingles meant magic, which peeked Faith's curiosity even more. Her curiosity got the better of her, so she looked.
"Whoa, this is that putang jar Wes was talking about. What is it doing under the bed? This is the big guy's room. Whoever put it here was smart; no one would think to look under his bed for the stupid thing. I better get up off my ass and take this to Watcherman, so he can get on with the mojo to put Fang's soul back."
Her hands wrapped around the jar. She sat it on the mattress then used the side of the bed to pull herself back to her feet, determined to get downstairs under her own power. Gunn and Connor turned to watch the dark-haired Slayer walk down the stairs.
Fred's breath caught when she saw what Faith held in her hands. "Wesley, come here. Hurry!"
The Englishman stepped out of Angel's office and followed Fred's finger. "Faith, where did you find that jar?"
"Underneath the big guy's bed. If you even dare to crack a smile, I'll personally kick your ass," she warned, with her dark eyes blazing. Her tough girl persona was firmly in place, even though she felt as if she might crumple at any moment.
Buffy turned around and there stood Angel. She leapt into his arms. He caught her, kissing her passionately. "Buffy." Only Angel said her name that way.
"Angel, you're here. Why are you here? Oh, I don't care just kiss me again." She grabbed his face to pull his mouth down to her waiting lips. Their lips were just about to touch when Caleb interrupted. "Stay right here, I have to go and kick the evil priest's ass."
She ducked under Caleb's punch and gave him a swift kick to the head. The scythe seemed to hum in her hand. Caleb moved back to hit her again when he felt the steel bite through his skin. A look of shock crossed his face. It wasn't supposed to happen this way; the First had promised him a place in its reign. The last thing he saw before he died was Buffy's smile.
Before she knew what was happening, Angel was pushing her against the wall. Buffy wrapped her legs around his waist as they devoured each others mouth. He pulled her shirt apart then cupped her breasts as his thumbs stimulated her nipples. Buffy moaned her head moving side-to-side when he replaced his hands with his lips. Her fingers slid into his thick hair, remembering the feel.
"We...have...to...mmm...stop...curse."
"No, no more stopping. I want you, Buffy. I need to feel you. My soul's safe. Promise," he whispered huskily, while nibbling at her neck.
His tongue snuck out to tease at the raised flesh of his mark. Angel pushed her further up the wall to allow him better access to her breasts. Buffy's eyes closed as the rapture swept through her body. She felt whole, where all her pieces fit together once more.
"I've missed you so much. I thought we'd never have this again, especially after..."
Angel lifted his head to stare into her passion-glazed eyes. "Buffy, forget about the last time we were together. I lost my way, became a different person. It was a strange time for us. Please, beloved let me show you how much I love you, that I've only ever loved you."
He heard the soft hitch in her breath. Angel stilled in the way only vampires seemed able as he waited for Buffy to decide his fate.
"Yes, Angel, show me. Help me remember when I felt safe and loved."
Buffy happily sighed into his mouth, when Angel kissed her with all the love and tenderness that he could shower on her, and helped her remember. Gently stepping away from the wall and setting her on her feet, Angel wrapped his coat around her shoulders. She picked up the Scythe from where she dropped it, slipping from her hands forgotten at Angel's first kiss. Angel lifted her into his arms and carried her out to his car. They drove to the mansion in companionable silence; simply holding hands lost in thought as they eagerly anticipated being together again.
Angel pulled up to the mansion, jumped out and rushed around to sweep Buffy back into his arms. Walking into the place that held such intense memories for them, the good and the bad, caused them to cling tightly to each other as they crossed the threshold. Angel strode single-mindedly straight through the great room and up the stairs to his former bedroom, where he gently placed Buffy back on her feet. She propped the Scythe next to the door for easy access. They moved in unison toward the bed, removing the dustcover, pulling away the duvet leaving only the decadent black satin sheets beneath.
By some unspoken signal, they moved toward each other meeting at the foot of the bed. Their eyes never left each other as if they feared looking away would cause the other to wake from this wonderful dream. Angel leaned down to capture the plump pink lips that had captivated him from the first time he had seen them wrapped around a lollipop on that fated sunny day. Their hands busily started removing their respective clothes. Occasionally stopping to taste and touch each other with a tender kiss or caress as each piece of cloth disappeared. Angel picked her up, placing her lovingly on the cool sheets. He kissed his way up the soft golden skin, crawling forward with each kiss, until he reached her side, stopping once they were face to face. He leaned on his side so he could look at her. His fingers slowly moved down her body from her collarbone to the back of her knees.
"You are so beautiful, Ioniin. Let me show you what I see when I look at you."
He captured her mouth with his own. Buffy's arms wrapped around his neck as she turned her body toward his. She put her thigh over his and her foot slowly rubbed along his legs while her hips pressed closer to his hard body.
"Why don't we show each other?" Her voice husky with passion.
Angel gave her a tender smile. Look at the beautiful vibrant woman she became, while I was gone. She's no longer the innocent girl that I once knew. She's completely comfortable in her own sensuality.
Buffy pushed him onto his back as she moved to straddled his thighs. She kissed his neck, nipping the jugular with her blunt teeth. Angel bared his neck to her, a gesture of surrender and submission, groaning deep in his throat at the sensation of Buffy biting him. This was a fantasy come true for him. She's acting as if she already knew how to please a vampiric lover, briefly wondering how she would know such things, before his eyes nearly crossed when she nipped and scratched him simultaneously. It hit him hard that he wasn't the vampire in question and it certainly wasn't something she could have learned in any book. Angel knew he had never shown her that side of him. Their rare times together in intimate situations weren't conducive to him introducing Buffy to the darker side of vampire sex.
His brow furrowed as his darker thoughts started to invade his mind, but got distracted when Buffy bit him harder this time, nearly drawing blood. She tormented and teased the fleshed, sucking it into her mouth, causing Angel to forget his train of thought completely. Her nails gently scratched down his side. Buffy guided their actions, and Angel found he was happy to follow her lead.
"Buffy!" He moaned not knowing whether he prayed she would continue or take all of him.
"Shush, Angel, this is my ride. Just lay back and enjoy yourself, baby. Feel how much I want you."
Her husky whisper caused shivers of pleasure to race down his spine. He took a deep unneeded breath at the effect her words were having on him. Angel fought to control his body, not wanting this to end too soon.
"Buffy, please show me, baby. Show me how much you want me, want us."
No one had ever felt like she did. There was something indefinably, unique about her, and Angel couldn't deny it. His hand moved around to her back, feeling the play of her muscles as she moved on top of him. The carnal dance continued until, Angel grabbed her hips with a growl, and took over the mating rhythm. Their breaths came in rapid gasps until they shouted each others names when their release overtook them. Holding her close, he laid her down on the bed, and gathered her close in his arms as he brushed the hair away from her face.
"I love you, Buffy."
"I love you too. I tried to forget you, forget us, but I couldn't. No matter what I did, it didn't change anything."
"I know, beloved, I know," his deep voice rumbled under her ear. "Why were you out there alone tonight?"
"They kicked me out of my house, Angel," she mumbled, bending her head down so she didn't have to look in his eyes.
"Who? Why?"
His hands smoothed down her back, soothing her and encouraging her to confide in him.
Buffy told him about the potentials, Giles and haltingly - Spike.
"I was confused, Angel, especially, after I met with you. Everything felt wrong here, harsh, too loud, too bright. They expected me to just bounce right back to normal, but I wasn't normal anymore. My skin didn't fit me anymore. The people around me wanted the Buffy I was before I died and I didn't know how to be her anymore because I didn't feel like her anymore. I didn't feel much of anything anymore. I just wanted to feel something, anything."
His body stiffened at her words then he asked her in a strangled voice. "You slept with Spike, willingly? He's evil, Buffy. It doesn't matter whether he's chipped or not," Angel growled, vamping out.
He shoved her off him then jumped out of the bed, furious. She slept with him, slept with my childe.
"I came to see you, but also because I have information that could help. I thought you needed me. What a fool I am, you already have a vampire lover - MY CHILDE. So, why did you crawl in bed with me? Old times or will any vamp do?"
*SMACK* Angel's head rocked to the side. He turned back to stare at Buffy in equal parts shock and anger. She stood glaring at him furious. She had actually slapped him and her eyes held a hardness he had never seen before.
"How dare you? How dare you come here and try to judge me, Angel! What right do you have to be angry with me?! You left and if you don't remember our last meeting, I do! You couldn't even tell that I was in heaven, you self-righteous ass. While you scuttled off to LA to charge for your help, I've lived in this Hell, where you left me. My friends ripped me from heaven to bring me back to more bills than anyone my age should even know about. My sister's unhappy that I don't spend more time with her, but when am I supposed to do that between working, cleaning and slaying. She tried to get my attention by stealing stuff, and attracting the attention of some Vengeance Demon for kids, which I so didn't need. So, I fucked Spike, so what. You left me, not the other way around. You wanted me to go out and have sex, right? Well guess what I did! Lots of it. Oh, just forget it. Why do I even bother? I love you, Angel, but you're selfish and self-centered. Not everything is about you! You want everything the way you decide it should be."
She marched across the room and started to pull on her clothes. Her movements spoke of her rage with every pull and jerk.
"This isn't going to work."
"Buffy!" Angel exclaimed, realizing he had stepped over the line, and she intended to walk out on him.
Her hand came up to stop him from saying anything else.
"No, if you have some information that will help, fine, I'll take it. Maybe when this is over, we can talk about this and us, but not right now. I have had just about all the crap I can choke down. Everyone wants to tell me what to do, how to live, how to fight. Well guess what, Buffy's a big girl, she's all grown up. I'm going to do whatever I think's right for this fight and for me. No one had better get in my way, not anymore."
Finishing her tirade, she looked at him in aggravation, "So, what is this information?"
"Buffy, I can help you fight; you don't have to do this alone." His eyes pleaded with her to let him stay.
"Information, Angel!" Her arms crossed over her still bare chest.
On anyone else, it would have looked silly but Angel realized he was talking to a furious Slayer, in all her glory. His shoulders sagged, admitting defeat.
"Fine, W&H offered me a deal for a folder and an amulet. The Beast took out their entire LA division and since we defeated it, they turned over the offices to us. When this is over, promise that you'll come to me there. I'm sorry, Buffy; it's just that I hate the thought of you with anyone else. But most especially, Spike, he and I have always been rivals. Promise you'll come to me in LA?" Angel asked her, while she turned her back to him and finished getting dressed.
"If we survive this then I promise to come to LA. But, Angel, you might want to prepare in case we don't," Buffy said softly as she left the room, grabbing the scythe on her way out.
When she got to his car, she looked in the backseat and there on the floor was a folder and a large ugly amulet. She picked them up then headed for the house, her house.
Buffy walked up to the door and kicked it open. "Lucy, I'm home," she called out in her best Ricky Ricardo imitation.
"What are you doing here? We kicked you out, voted you off the island," Kennedy replied from the stairs as she and Willow descended them into the living room. Willow gave Buffy a shy smile but said nothing.
"Shut up, Kennedy. When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." Coming straight from her conversation with Angel, the last thing she needed was another bout with the aggressive Potential.
"You can't talk to me like that you aren't in charge here anymore," Kennedy shrieked, shoving her chin out and daring Buffy to dispute her words.
"Willow, either shut your little playmate up or I will," Buffy growled as she gave her 'best' friend a look that told Willow she wasn't kidding.
"Kennedy, honey, let's stay calm. Why don't we find out what's going on? Buffy must have some news." Willow placed a calming hand on the younger girl's arm as they continued into the room.
"Wow, Willow, she must be good. You treat her as if she's fine glass or something. Especially, since you chose her over me, your 'best' friend, for the last seven years. You have known her what is it, a month maybe two?"
"That's enough, Buffy." Giles entered from the kitchen. His stern tone and furrowed brow showed Buffy clearly he was still disappointed with her, and felt that he had done the right thing with regards to his earlier actions.
"No, it really isn't. But you're right, I didn't come here to tell you I was right and you were wrong, well I did but it'll have to wait. Call everyone down, 'cause I'm only going to say this once," she ordered her former Watcher while she defiantly looked him straight in the eyes. "No, it really isn't. But you're right, I didn't come here to tell you off, well I did but it'll have to wait. Call everyone down, 'cause I'm only going to say this once," she ordered her former Watcher while she defiantly looked him straight in the eyes. Buffy swallowed trying to reign the Slayer back under control. Her emotion were running high and she wasn't sure how much more she could take before she shattered. She was ready to come back and talk with everyone after finding the Scythe. Seeing Angel had sidetracked her, their tryst at the mansion had scrambled her emotions even more so then his accusations had sent tumbling back to reality.
Taking in her stance, expression and tone of voice, Giles understood Buffy was in full Slayer-mode. There was a hard edge about her that he'd never seen before. Have we done this to her, have I?
"Very well; Kennedy, Willow gather the others. Buffy has some important information to share."
"But, Mr. Giles," Kennedy spluttered, her face flaming red with indignation.
"I believe 'your' Watcher gave you a direct order, chop-chop." Buffy glared at the hateful, spoiled girl.
Kennedy stomped from the room. Her anger evident in every step. Buffy leaned against the doorframe, not entering the house. She held the scythe firmly across her breast, with the folder and amulet tucked between her and it. She remained silent, until everyone was present and finally quit talking.
"Okay, listen up. Here's how this is going to work. I'm going to give you some information and my plan to defeat the First. Anyone who doesn't want in can find some transportation and get the hell off my Hellmouth. That's right mine. "I" am the senior and resident Slayer and no one is going to come here and tell me how to do the job that I've done since I was 16. This is what the First had hidden in the vineyard." She held the Scythe up one-handed, while still keeping the folder tight against her side. "It's handy, too. Slices, dices and juliennes preachers, and can dust Ubervamps with a single whack. Guess I'm not soo stupid saying the vineyard was where they were hiding the power after all," she finished her speech with a smirk.
"Buffy!" Xander spluttered. "We never said you were stupid. We just..."
She raised her hand stopping him before he could continue. Buffy didn't want to rehash the horrible scene again, once was enough. Every time she had closed her eyes last night it replayed in her mind. "Yes, you and several others got hurt. I'm sorry about that, truly. But, we are fighting to save the freakin' world here, people. It isn't going to be an easy day at the park." She looked around the room, letting each of them see the deep sorrow she felt. It slipped away quickly behind the wall she pushed her emotions behind, some swore they had imagined it.
Giles stopped his perpetual cleaning of his glasses to exclaim, "Calm down, Buffy."
"I will not calm down. I'm so tired of everyone telling me what to do. This time I'm letting everyone know exactly what I plan on doing. I'm not asking for your input or advice. Anyone who wants to come along and lend some muscle with the fighting is welcome. Right now, I couldn't give a flying fuck."
"Wow, big sister has a potty mouth." Faith grinned at Buffy, liking this new attitude. She had always wondered how long it would take Buffy to finally tell off the Scoobies. Faith thought it was long overdue and what her sister Slayer needed the most.
Buffy cut a glance at Faith, saying, "Yeah, big sister has lots of things lil sis still doesn't know about. Now, here it is in a nutshell. We can use the Scythe and have Willow temporarily grant the power of the Slayer to the potentials to help fight the First. This lovely doo-hicky gets worn by someone more than human to destroy the First, first. So, I guess that's me." She wrinkled her nose as she held up the gaudy bauble.
"No, Slayer, I'll wear it. Give me a chance to stick it right proper to the evil Bitch for messing with the Big Bad."
Buffy nodded in understanding as she tossed him the mystical necklace. "Spike's in, who wants to sign up for the 'Kick Ass' express?"
"Of course he's in, if you are he is," Xander announced sarcastically. His former attempt to get her to understand his position forgotten when his underlying distrust of Spike resurface. "Probably thinks it'll win him points toward getting back into your bed," he muttered under his breath.
"Jealous-much, Xander?" Buffy's eyebrow rose in question. "Either put up or shut up. My personal life is no longer up for debate or discussion, by anyone, including you. You've each made your own choices and your own mistakes, so, unless your life is perfect then don't go bitching about mine."
"I'll help Buffy." Dawn stepped up to her big sister. Her face bright with enthusiasm as her eyes begged for forgiveness.
"Fine, Dawn. You've always wanted to fight here's your chance. Who else?" Buffy returned Dawn's tentative smile.
"You know I'm always up for a fight, B." Faith sauntered over and a wealth of understanding passed between the two former rivals.
"Well, you can count me and Willow out. I'm not going to let you use her magic or get either of us killed," Kennedy announced. The jealousy she felt toward the blonde Slayer clearly written across her face.
"Speak for yourself, Kennedy," Willow said, releasing her lover's hand. "I'm in, I'm with you Buffy, and I want to apologize for, you know, what happened before. If I could look at the Scythe, I could tell you if the spell will work."
"Sure Willow, but don't leave my sight."
"We are in too," Anya and Andrew chimed.
"Cool," Buffy replied with no further comment. She liked Anya and Andrew wasn't that bad once she got to know him.
"Buffy, I'm with you and I think your plan is exceptionally brilliant."
She nodded at her former Watcher. "We are in, too." The potentials chorused in unison.
"Why does the spell have to be temporary? Why can't Willow activate us as permanent Slayers?" Kennedy spoke up, seeing an avenue to achieve her lifelong dream.
"Oh, so you want in if you get to be a real Slayer. The reason this whole mess started was caused by the world getting out of balance. Miss Know-It-All, what do you think would happen with say twenty active Slayers running around?" Buffy saw understanding dawn across Kennedy's face. "That's what I thought. Tell me, do you ever think before you speak?" The other girls were enjoying watching Buffy knock Kennedy down several pegs. The more experienced potential had bossed them around for far too long. "Are you in or out? You'll have the Slayer power temporarily, take it or leave it."
"Fine! I'm in since Willow is," Kennedy reluctantly agreed. She knew that she could convince Willow to let her keep the power as soon as she got the red-haired witch alone. There wasn't much she couldn't convince her lover to do once she put her mind, or should she say her body to it.
"Good, everyone get some rest. We go in tomorrow morning. It's time to end this once and for all. Willow, what's the verdict."
"I can do it; we can do the spell tomorrow morning before we leave. Giles, I'll need you, Robin and Andrew to help me." They nodded in agreement.
"Cool, I'll see you in the morning about eight." Buffy put out her hand for the scythe. Willow reluctantly handed it back. The power was addictive; it sent tingles across her skin.
"You're not staying here, Buffy?" Dawn asked, her big blue eyes pleading.
"No, you kicked me out, remember? So that's the way it is." Turning away from her sad look, she asked, "Robin, can you get a bus? Everyone should pack their stuff and load it on the bus. We can head for LA if we survive."
"We aren't coming back here? Why?" The questions burst from everyone's lips.
"First, you don't live here, no matter what you think. For another, according to those files there's a good chance nothing will remain of the town. Dawn, pack up my things with yours, but right now would you run up and bring me something clean to wear." Dawn nodded then headed upstairs.
"What's going to happen to us? Are you just going to kick us out?" Kennedy challenged, she wasn't sure her parents would allow her to return. No matter what she told the others, her parents weren't thrilled with her choice of lifestyle. They kicked her out right after her Watcher came for her, saying her fate and choices were her own. She had knew that once she became the Slayer they would welcome her back as the hero she knew she was fated to become.
"In case you haven't noticed, well you haven't come to think of it. I'm only 22 years old, and already raising one teenager. If I'm not mistaken, Kennedy, your family is still alive and you have your own money. It's up to Giles to decide what to do with the other girls. I imagine he'll try to send the ones who have homes back to them. It isn't mine or your business." Dawn interrupted to hand Buffy the requested bag of clean clothes. "Thanks Dawn, I'll see you in the morning." The sisters exchanged smiles, starting down the slow road toward rebuilding their relationship. They knew they had a long way to go and that they may not live past tomorrow, but for tonight it was a good start. Buffy walked out of the house after handing the file to Giles.
"Slayer, wait up," Spike called after her as he ran down the walk.
"What do you need, Spike? I'm tired and want to get some sleep."
"What did Peaches do to you?" He searched her eyes as if he could pull the answers from their emerald depths.
"How do you know about Angel? Were you following me?" The anger associated with her meeting flooded back into her body as it tensed ready to fight.
"Smelled him on you, Slayer. What happened?" Spike's dark blue eyes held a wealth of understanding.
"Just typical Angel crap. He swooped in to help, swept me off my feet with his permanent soul. When I told him about the past year, it didn't fit his picture of me. He said things; I slapped him, told him off, sent him on his merry way then came here. I'm tired of everyone trying to change me, Spike. Why couldn't I fall in love with you? You're the only one who took me as I am, warts and all," she answered forlornly.
"Can't help who you love, pet. Certainly didn't plan on falling for the bloody Slayer, me'self. So, how did you leave it with Peaches?"
"I promised to come and see him in LA if we live past tomorrow. If he ever wants there to be an 'us', he'll have to grow some and grow up, which is funny considering his age." Her lips curled up in a half-hearted smile, which he returned.
"You want me to come back with you tonight, luv?" He prayed that she would allow him to stay with her, but already knew she wouldn't.
"No, I just want to be alone." Buffy kissed his cheek. "Thanks Spike," she whispered softly before she walked alone into the night.
He watched her go then muttered, "Peaches, you're a bloody fool. I'd kill for even a crumb of what she offered to you." Spike went back inside, closing the busted door behind him.
A group of twenty Slayers walked into the high school. Robin, Giles, Andrew, Anya, Dawn and Xander positioned themselves to guard the entrances. Willow, Spike, Buffy and Faith led the newly created Slayers past them to the basement. Each Slayer dropped blood onto the seal causing it to open.
Willow warded the seal. It marked those who entered and would only allow them to exit. She had determined that it would also provide the easiest manner to strip the Slayers of their borrowed power when they exited. Kennedy hadn't spoken to her or anyone else since Willow had cast the spell to create the new Slayers. Everyone had welcomed the respite from her angry diatribe, and the other Slayers had ignored her attempts to join her in protesting the loss of their powers.
"All right, everyone get ready. This is what you've been training for; your body will know what to do. Spread out and let your senses take over. Your Slayer will do the rest. Everyone ready?" She looked at Spike, who was wearing the amulet; he winked at her in answer, then to Faith who cracked her neck and nodded. "Ok, let's do this, Willow."
The powerful witch closed her eyes to center her magic. The candles she had placed around the seal flared into flame. She started chanting quietly under her breath and stopped when everyone heard a loud pop. A proud smile lit up her face as she announced, "Okay Buffy, its ready. You go in first, with Faith next, followed by the girls with Spike going last. He'll close the loop and I'll hold it in place. Good luck, Buffy, I know that you'll kick its incorporeal ass."
Buffy walked down the steps, feeling like she was going through a wall of water. She popped out the other side and patiently waited on the others. Once the last Slayer joined them, she silently turned with the Scythe firmly in hand to lead them into the fight.
During the heat of the battle, when the first new slayer died, her borrowed power hit Buffy's body, causing her to cry out in pain. This unexpected development distracted her enough to allow an Ubervamp the opportunity to stab her. Buffy fell to the ground only to look into her own face smiling back at her.
"Get the hell out of my face, bitch."
The First frowned when Buffy got back up almost instantly. She felt even more powerful than before as the Scythe started to slice through the ancient vampires five and ten at a time. As the fighting continued, with each Slayer's death their borrowed power slammed into her. Buffy braced when she felt each new wave of power rush toward her. She finally heard Spike's shout and knew the battle was nearing its end. She turned around to see that the amulet starting to glow.
"Get out, get everyone out," she yelled at Faith.
The light streaming from Spike dusted every vampire in its path. Buffy ran to Spike while the ground shook under her feet. She realized the Hellmouth was coming down around them.
"Spike, enough, you've done enough. Come on there's still enough time to get out."
"Go on Slayer, I want to see how this ends." His piercing blue eyes glowed with an internal light. It was his soul shining back at her.
"Spike, I do love you, thank you for being my friend." She held his hand causing a blue fire to burn where their fingers touched.
"Oh, go on Slayer. Don't mess up my finale." He smirked at her before it turned into a soft sad smile. "Buffy, give 'em hell for me, most especially my old grandda."
"I will, Spike. I will."
Buffy rushed up from the basement to climb to gym's roof. She jumped from one falling building to another, making a final spectacular jump onto the roof of the bus. It pulled to a stop once it cleared the crumbling town that was once Sunnydale.
Giles jumped out of the still moving bus. "Buffy, Buffy are you up there?" He frantically called while he prayed to hear her voice.
She hopped off the roof and walked to the edge of the huge crater that had demolished the entire town. They had closed the Hellmouth, forever. "Good-bye Spike, I'll miss you."
Giles quietly walked up beside her. He patiently stood waiting. "I'm sorry, Buffy. He was a good man and he truly loved you. I was wrong about him, about many things. Can you ever forgive me?"
She nodded as he held her for a moment. Pulling away, Buffy shakily took in a deep breath. "Giles, who else didn't make it?"
"Robin, Amanda, Vi, Rhona, Samantha were all killed." Giles stopped to find the words for what he had to tell her. "We lost Xander, Buffy. He was protecting Dawn when a Bringer got him."
Buffy didn't say a word. She just stared out at her old hometown, the place where she had met her two best friends. She remembered Xander falling over the railing on his skateboard her first day of school. Then she recalled the last few days, hell the entire last year and realized she wouldn't ever have the chance to make things right with her Xander-shaped friend. "Is everyone else, okay?" Her voice a mere whisper as if it took great effort to talk.
"Some cuts and bruises, nothing too major, come along, dear girl. Let's get on the bus. I believe you wanted to go to LA." He gave her an encouraging smile as he tentatively placed his arm back around her shoulders much the way one would an injured animal. This time she didn't pull away from him.
"Yes, I promised Angel I'd contact him as soon as it was over," Buffy answered, and wondered why her voice sounded so muffled. It wasn't until she brushed her hair away from her face that she realized she was crying. Funny, she thought she had no more tears left.
Giles led her back onto the bus. As soon as Buffy sat down next to Faith, he pulled away from the place that had been their home for the last seven years.
Cordelia walked into Angel's office without knocking. He sat behind the desk lost in thought and jumped when the doors hit the wall.
"Don't you ever knock?" he growled at her.
"When are you going to quit being mad at me about Connor? I told you it wasn't me, the Beast was controlling me."
"Save it Cordy, W&H handed over their files. Yes, it controlled you when you helped Angelus hide my soul. That's it. If that's all you needed, I'm busy." He waved his hand in dismissal.
"Doing what, brooding about Buffy? I know you went back to her just to punish me." Her hands went to her hips as she gave him her stern look, the one that always worked on him before.
"Have you always been this self-centered? I can't believe I was so blind to it before. For your information, I went to see Buffy, because I love her. I always have and I always will," he roared, while his eyes flickered from brown to amber.
"Then what were you doing with me for the last year? Huh, buddy? Does the ballet ring a bell? What about when I came back and you said we were in love?" She crossed her arms over her ample chest as her lips tilted upward into a triumphant smile, working their way toward full mega-watt ampage.
"About that, guess what else I found in my file? Turns out W&H decided to try magic when all their other attempts failed. They were under the idiotic impression that if I slept with you, I'd lose my soul." His tone said how absurd the notion was to him.
"What are you saying, you wouldn't have? That Miss Saves-the-World is the only one that can give you the big happy? Then why haven't you been with anyone else, huh Angel, tell me that?" Her chin went up as her hands went back to their place on her hips as her breast stuck out like missiles ready to launch. They started to heave with anger.
"You don't know everything about my life, no matter what you think, Cordy. Darla, ring a bell? How about the Furies? You don't think they 'ooh Angel' from a hundred years ago. I'm good granted, but no one is that good." His eyebrow rose for her to challenge his words.
"You mean to tell me that the entire time I've worked for you that you've been out having sex every woman we've worked with!"
"Demons, Cordy. They were demons or vampires, well except for Kate." He leaned further back in his chair, glancing down at his nails before placing his hands behind his head. The smirk he gave the seer was pure Angelus.
"What! You slept with that blonde bitch." Her voice hit a high note that caused Angel to wince. "Then why didn't you sleep with me when you were under the spell? I'll tell you why, because you were afraid of getting the great big happy from Cordelia Chase, that's why." She smiled triumphantly. Why won't he just admit he loves me? We can finally be together, and I'm so much better for him than Buffy.
"Because, dear Cordelia, no matter what you do, underneath it all, I'm not attracted to you. You simply aren't my type. You're too buxom. There's simple too much meat on your bones. I've always been aroused by slender, petite women, mostly blondes. You are none of those." Angel grinned at her. It felt so good finally to tell her off, after her harping at him for years.
"Are you trying to say I'm fat? There's no way I'll believe that, men love my body." Her hands automatically went from her hips to the sides of her breast to slide down her body. It drew the eye to her ample cleavage slender waist and rounded derriere.
"Then I suggest you go find one to do just that because it won't be me."
Cordelia fumed at the smug look on his face. Turning on her high heel shoes, she stormed from the office, slamming the doors while cattily choosing to forget to tell him the news about Sunnydale.
Angel grinned when the door closed. His smile became different, more mocking than usual. He moved his chair back to reveal a head with long auburn hair buried in his lap. Eve looked up at him from beneath her lashes, while she continued to pleasure him. It took some work to remain focused enough to carry on a conversation with the bleach blonde seer, and yet still enjoy the pleasure. It was an interesting conversation though.
"Now, where were we? Ah yes, dear girl." Quick as a snake he grabbed her hair shoving his cock to the back of her throat. His hips started a hard pace as he brutally fucked her mouth. Angel roared with his release. Eve swallowed every drop with an evil satisfied smile.
"Is there anything else you need, sir?" Her voice held a hopeful note, not ready for their afternoon play to end.
"No, that's all, just be available when I call you. You do understand your place don't you, Eve?" His voice took on the hard edge that meant she had to tread carefully.
"Yes sir, the Partners were explicit."
She straightened her clothes as she moved toward the door hidden in the wooden paneling. Eve had just exited the room, sealing the door shut behind her, when his intercom buzzed.
"Angel, they just called up from the downstairs. Buffy's here and uh, Angel, she isn't happy. She kinda took out the entire security staff when she tried to barge in without identifying herself," Harmony announced, her voice trembled over the intercom.
Angel's eyebrow rose at the news. "Fine Harmony, I'll take care of it. You may want to clear the floor though." He clicked off his phone. A deep frown creased his brow. "What in the hell happened to piss her off?" No sooner were the words out of his mouth than someone kicked his door open. Buffy stood there practically glowing red from the anger. Angel could practically see it coming off her in waves. "Buffy, you're safe. Thank the Powers. What's wrong, Ioniin? Tell me who made you this angry and I'll take care of them myself." He walked around the desk with a smile.
"It'll be kinda hard to kick your own ass. Guess I'll just have to do it. You had the nerve to get mad at me about Spike, when you were involved with Cordelia." As soon as the name left her lips, her fist connected with his jaw, knocking him backward onto his desk.
"Buffy, I can explain."
She advanced on him, cold fury in each step she took. "I'll just bet you can. You came to see me, crawled into my bed then got angry over something that happened last year. The entire time you were yelling at me, you just forgot to mention anything about your involvement with her. You chose the one person in the world who was cruelest bitch to me all through high school."
Without another word, she picked him up and threw him through the glass of his office into the front reception area. She jumped through the opening with single-minded determination as she followed her target. The others finally caught up to her, stopping in their tracks at what they found. Their jaws dropped open, when they saw Buffy holding Angel above her head then throw him into a wall. His body crashed into it leaving a huge impression from the impact.
"Damn G, you been feeding B some super Wheaties?" Faith asked, while she watched Buffy pick Angel up with one hand and shake him like a rag doll.
"Oh dear, I knew she'd gotten stronger over the years, but nothing to this extreme. I suppose we should go and rescue him." He pulled his glasses off, cleaning them from nervous habit as he blinked his eyes several time unsure at what he was seeing unfold.
Just then, the entire AI team rushed from the elevators. "By the Powers, I'll tear her hair out." Cordelia started forward already glowing with her new demon powers.
"Listen Queenie, if you want all your parts where they are I'd stay out of it," Faith offered her opinion, knowing Cordelia would ignore her.
"Like I would listen to you, right!" Cordelia stopped when she saw Buffy toss Angel like a ball, spin then kick him back into his office. He crashed onto his desk breaking it in two.
"Damn, where was she when we were fighting the Beast?" Gunn exclaimed. His eyes roved over the beautiful blonde, whose eyes seemed to shoot sparks of green fire.
"Whoa, talk about a towering inferno. That little piece of golden goodness is powerful enough to light up this whole town." Lorne couldn't understand why the power coming off her was twenty to twenty-five times stronger than Faith. This must be Angel's slayer. Now, I see why he was so crazy about her. Can you say hubba, hubba, boys and girls.
Faith walked over to Wesley. "Hey ya, Wes, ya still look all rugged and manly. What do you think of She-Ra over there? G says she's way more powerful than she was before we fought the FE. Guess I shouldn't have told her about mine and Fang's head-trip and the stuff going on here. We were just talking. You know shooting the shit. It was nice to be 5x5 with B again. She asked me what happened here, so I gave her the 411. I don't think she liked what she heard."
"Yes, I believe that is abundantly clear. I'm not sure why the occurrences here should disturb her, so," Wesley replied, as he smiled at Faith then turned back to watch what was happening in Angel's office.
"Oh, she told me that big A dropped in at ole Sunny D. They hooked up for a little rumble in the sheets. She told him about her past but he didn't mention his. Big explosion of pissed off Slayer flew all over the bus. I had to talk her down from taking it out on one of the SiTs. Although, it was tempting to let her go, since it was Kennedy, you know." Faith gave him a mischievous grin.
He looked over the group of people and noticed a dark haired girl with a black eye and a busted lip. "Oh dear, we have to get this situation contained. Goodness, I believe I've spoken too late."
They turned to watch Cordelia stomp over to Buffy with fire in her eyes. "What's your damage? This is even beyond your normal freakazoid behavior. You have no right coming in here and attacking my boyfriend." Her hands went to her throat, while her eyes grew large as she suddenly found herself looking down at Buffy.
"Shut your mouth. This is between Angel and me. If he's your boyfriend, what was he doing in Sunnydale in my bed, fucking me?!" Buffy's voice went quiet and cold.
The Scoobies as one backed up several steps. The AI team looked at them in confusion then did likewise unsure why, but somehow understanding an unspoken sense of self-preservation.
"You put her down," Connor growled, advancing on the small woman who held Cordy by the throat.
"You must be the bouncing baby boy. Children shouldn't interrupt when grown ups are talking."
Connor ran at Buffy, she never looked away from Cordy. Her foot lashed out to the side of his head. "You stay the hell out of my business and I'll stay out of yours." She threw Cordy away from her then walked back into the office.
"Uh, milkdud, would you mind not killing our boss? We need him." Lorne gave her a big smile.
"Oh, I promise not to kill him. He'll just wish I had," she replied in the gentlest tone. She walked back toward the office her steps leaving no sound in their wake. Her hand opened the door wide enough for her to enter. She slammed the door shut behind her and they all heard the lock click into place.
"That was Buffy, Angel's Slayer? She's so tiny." Fred looked toward the closed door. "And well, pretty. She doesn't look the way Cordelia described her. I like hair."
Cordelia shrieked while she got to her feet before going over to the door and tried to open it. When she found it locked, she started banging and yelling. Gunn sighed deeply before going over to drag the seer away.
"Let me go, Gunn. Angel needs me. She could be killing him in there," she shrieked as she fought against him.
"Give it a rest, Cordy. He doesn't want you and has told enough times that it should sink in even for you. Can't say I blame him. If I had someone like her, I'd fight to keep her." His eyes landed on Fred and they smiled at each other. Only last night, they had finally gotten back together.
Wesley walked over to where Giles was standing. "You don't think she'll accidentally kill him, do you?"
"No." Wesley sighed in relief, until Giles continued. "If she did, it wouldn't be an accident. Some events happened recently that have caused Buffy to analyze her life. She's no longer taking input from anyone else and is doing as she sees best."
Wesley's brow went up at that. "Is that wise? The girl that I remember could be rather, well, flighty."
"Yes, and just as I'm sure that the Watcher she remembers screams like a girl. Buffy has faced some insurmountable odds the last few years that would have broken a lesser person," Giles answered with a proud smile.
"Oh please, like she's the only one whose had to face tough times. In case you people haven't noticed, we do the same thing here. The only difference is that we are successful at it. We make a living doing it. Bet Buffy couldn't do the same," Cordelia replied loudly, hoping her voice would carry though the broken glass of Angel's office window.
"You're right, Cordelia. She couldn't because she would never profit off other people's hardships and suffering. I say, you should be proud of yourself and what you're doing to help your fellow man," Ripper said in a derisive tone.
The other team member looked away, but the bleached blond just stuck out her chin. "Oh, give me a break. You're just jealous because you didn't think of it."
Cordy thought she had the last word until Anya spoke up. "That isn't true. I tried to convince Buffy to charge for slaying. She said it would be like asking your lover for money after sex. I think that means you're all prostitutes." Anya smiled looking at Gunn and Wesley. "If that's true then I'll take both of you. I could use several orgasms, right now. Faith is right, fighting does make you hungry and horny."
Faith started laughing. "Sorry, An, that one is taken," pointing to Gun, "and I think Wes might be, too." She gave him a hungry grin, causing him to blush.
"Err, um, yes, I believe that I have a prior commitment that will be occupying my time," he stammered out his reply, while he surreptitiously glanced over at Faith. She caught his eye and winked at him, causing him to blush bright red.
"Well, what about him?" She pointed at Connor. "He's scrawny, but I'm sure I could teach him a thing or twenty." Anya looked over his slender body like a farmer at a fair, sizing up a young stud.
"Anya, that's enough, they aren't for sale." Giles pulled his glasses off his face and started rubbing them furiously.
"Fine, but I still want an orgasm buddy," the former vengeance demon answered crossly, crossing her arms in a stubborn pout.
"You want to explain all this shit to me? I think I'm calm enough to listen." Buffy sat in a chair watching Angel drag himself off the floor.
When did she get that strong? "I'm sorry, I was wrong to get so angry over Spike. Sit with me on the couch and I'll tell you everything." Angel told her about the last few years, even the women he had slept with. He knew that if he didn't Cordy would.
"Why didn't you just tell me? When are you going to quit treating me as if I'm still 17? You slept with other people and so did I. I realized I was trying to fill the space that you left in my life. None of them did, Angel, none of them could."
He tentatively reached up to caress her check. "I know. I tried so hard to let you go. It didn't work. I think that's why I even looked in Cordy's direction. But, it was a spell, Buffy. I never cared for her the way I do for you. I'm happy that you're here and safe, even if you did dent me first."
"Is it bad? We kinda changed the potentials into Slayers for the fight. But, every time one of them died, their power came back to me. It was way freaky. The first time scared me so much that I ended up getting stabbed by an Ubervamp."
"What? You're hurt. Where? Let me see." He pulled her onto his lap frantically searching her for injuries.
Buffy pushed his hands away with a sigh. "I'm okay. That's the weird thing. I healed almost instantly. Look." She raised her shirt to show him a smooth, toned unblemished stomach. "Not even a scratch, it went straight through, see." She showed him the slice mark in her shirt.
Angel pulled her forward, ignoring the pain in his ribs. He brought her stomach up to his mouth, then licked and kissed where the wound should have been.
Buffy laughed, "Angel that tickles. Stop, that, oh, umm, Angel."
Everyone heard her through the broken window.
"I think we should leave them alone. I don't see her doing anymore damage. Apparently they have, err, settled their differences," Giles said to the combined group.
"Way to go, B," Faith crowed. She sent Wesley another heated glance, letting him know exactly what she had in mind for him later.
"I don't believe him. He's just trying to make me jealous," Cordelia huffed, putting her nose in the air.
"Oh yeah, Cordy, I'm sure that's what he's trying to do," Dawn paused. "NOT!"
"Listen you little brat don't talk to me like that."
"Cordy, I wouldn't mess with Dawn. She's a hair puller and your hair is already a total mess. Don't make it worse." Buffy's voice came from the doorway of Angel's office.
Everyone's eyes turned to look at her; Angel stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. His chin was resting on her head. They looked right together.
"There's nothing wrong with my hair. You need to teach your sister some manners, but what else could you expect from a Summers."
Angel lifted his head to give her a cold, hard look. "That's enough, Cordelia. Take your bad mood somewhere else. The rest of you please come in and take a seat." He looked back at his wrecked office. "Maybe we should take this down to the lounge."
"We're tired, Angel, and you need get back to work. We'll go find somewhere to stay," Buffy responded, as she started to pull away from his arms.
He pulled her back where she belonged and where he intended to keep her. "Don't be silly, Buffy. There are suites on the upper floors. There should be enough room for everybody. Hello Willow, Dawn, Giles, sorry, I wasn't available to greet you, but I was a little busy. Where are Xander and Spike?"
The girls tried to hold back their sobs while they clung to Giles. He put his arms around the closest ones then they held onto the one next to them. It looked like a football team huddling to discuss the next play. Giles was the only parent they had left, their father in everything but blood.
Buffy moved her head to the side to speak directly to Angel. "They didn't survive; we lost them, Robin and five of the girls."
"I'm sorry, I never liked Xander but I know how much he meant to you." He kissed the crown of her head.
"What about Spike, aren't you sorry about him?" Dawn glared at him. She forgave Spike for what he did to Buffy right before they went to fight the First. They talked for several hours after Buffy left the house that night. She had been so happy to have her friend back in her life again.
"Dawn, that's enough," Buffy warned her sister. She wasn't going to put up with temper tantrums from her, ever again.
"No, she's right. Spike and I never got a long, but I'm sorry his loss hurts you," he said softly to the heartbroken teen. Angel squeezed Buffy while he looked at Dawn.
Buffy leaned back against him. "I guess I better fix what I broke. Where's your first aide?"
"We can go up to my apartment; everything we need is there."
"Including a bed," Faith snarked.
She was glad to see Buffy and Angel together again. It was a strange feeling not being jealous of her sister Slayer. If she stopped to think about it too long, it saddened her. She could have had Buffy in her corner all along if she hadn't been so green with envy. When the potential's voted her in and Buffy out, there was a voice inside her head that had crowed with delight. It was only afterwards when she stepped into Buffy's shoes that she realized that they were a tight fit and not at all comfortable. Faith admired her sister Slayer even more. This time it was different. Her stay in prison caused her to look at herself and she didn't like what she saw. She decided to become a person that someone could love the same way that Angel loved Buffy. With that thought in mind, she sauntered over to Wesley, looking at him and she liked what she saw. He gave her a heated smile then took her hand in his and practically dragged her to the elevators.
The others looked on with amusement. Lorne turned back to them when the doors closed, but not before he saw the former meek Watcher push Faith against a wall and passionately kiss her. "Well my little chickadees, I guess it is up to moi to play host."
He couldn't stop the mega-watt smile that burst out at his little private joke. The Host was playing host. The tired teenagers wearily returned his smile while their eyes begged him to show them to their assigned beds.