Sundown on Storybrooke

Chapter One

Storybrooke had been through a lot of late. In order to save Regina, Rumple, Snow, David, Henry, Robin, Leroy, Sneezy, Happy and Doc from being dragged to the Underworld Hook pulled all of the darkness from all of the Dark Ones that ever lived into Excalibur and sacrificed himself upon the blade. This heroic and selfless act was the only way to stop the Dark Ones and to save the woman he loved from losing everyone she cared for, other than himself. The stain of that dark night seemed to linger sapping the fairytale town of its hope and wonder. Everything seemed so hopelessly bleak.

The Savior was inconsolable spending days on end staring at the ceiling. Without the will to live it seemed she had to be reminded of simple things like eating and sleeping. Regina and Snow had gone on another goodwill mission bringing a home cooked meal to the distraught sheriff. As the more together mother didn't wish Her son to see his other mother in this condition She left Henry at the relative safety of the town library. The teenage young man had no desire to see Emma's pain either, but even his beloved books couldn't keep his mind from worrying about his birth mother. He quickly grew restless.

"We just got some new arrivals on the mythologies and folklores of some fairly exotic places like New Guinea and Tibet if you're interested," Belle offered trying to ease the young man's troubled mind. A weak grin of appreciation tugged half-heartedly at one side of his mouth as Henry replied, "No thanks, I think I might head over to the author's mansion and see what I can find there." Blue eyes sparkled encouragingly over a brave smile as the librarian replied, "Alright, will you tell your mother or shall I? I'd hate for Her to come looking for you and get cross with me." A wry chuckle leaked from Henry as he sympathetically offered, "Don't worry, I'll tell Her."

Throwing his backpack over one shoulder the young author headed for the door. He strolled through the door with his face in his phone. With the text app open he selected the mic speaking his message, "Hey mom, I got bored at the library so I thought I'd head over to the author's mansion." His thumb hovered over the send button as an eerie voice trickled over his shoulder, "Mansion? Aren't you the lucky boy?" When Henry turned to face the creepy, unfamiliar voice the disfigured stranger's ghastly appearance shocked the young man. "Who are you?"

The question had barely left his lips when the stranger lunged forward. As Henry stumbled backward clumsily his thumb struck the send button. Whatever was wrong with this stranger went further than facial deformities. This guy had sharp looking fangs and his eyes were a putrid yellow. Whatever it was it didn't look altogether human. An engine roared in the distance as Henry ducked a clumsy attack. The creature, missing him, grabbed the young man's bag. The startled teenager slipped free of his backpack quickly turning to face this strange new danger.

Henry wasn't sure if he should run or try to find a weapon. Would it do any good? What was this thing and better yet what would hurt it? The attacker seemed remarkably fast and strong, realities that sunk in as it slipped behind him arms like iron bands holding him in place. The brave young man tried to wiggle free but no avail. "I don't know who you are or what you want, but I'm warning you this is a bad idea," the captured teen cautioned. "Warning me? And who do you think you are besides lunch," the vampire chuckled before sinking its jagged teeth into the author's throat.

Henry screamed at the agony racing up his neck as that engine roared closer. Before the reality of what was happening could sink in a motorcycle came flying down the street. At the last moment, the driver stopped the bike on a dime causing the back end to spin around and knock the vampire from the young man's back. A second motorcycle came sliding around the corner. The rider pulled a stick out of their leather jacket and stuck it in the creature's chest causing it to explode into dust.

Henry's eyes were as wide as his mouth when his rescuer removed her helmet to reveal long, wavy brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. Wide lips curved into a dimpled smile as a deep throaty voice inquired, "You alright, kid?" After a few stutters the awestruck teen recovered his voice to declare, "Uh yeah, I am now. Who or what was that guy?" A saucy, daring look challenged the young author as a third motorcycle pulled around the corner all of them converging on the first. "What do you think it was," the obvious leader asked as though daring his intellect.

With a swallow to clear his dry throat Henry proudly announced, "Seemed like a vampire to me." A deep, rich chuckle met his words. "You're pretty smart kid," Faith encouraged the brave young man. This kid was way too young to be her type but his wide-eyed optimism and lack of fear of things that go bump in the night was quickly growing on her. The second biker removed her helmet to reveal pale skin and long flowing red hair. "That looks like the only one on this block, but Georgia and I can do a full sweep of the town if you want, boss," Vi offered in a tone that was all business despite the generally soft nature of her voice.

"Sounds like a plan," the head slayer instructed. "Give this place a good once over and secure us a home base. I'll call when I'm done." Vi nodded her obedience before replacing her helmet and riding off down the street. The other biker rode off in the other direction without a word. Henry blinked in wide-eyed wonder at the strange interaction. The feisty brunette turned her attention back to the lightly bleeding young man.

"We better get you home before something else decides you look tasty." Henry merely blushed in reply to the bold statement. "Here," Faith ordered holding out her helmet, "Should probably protect that big brain o' yours." Henry obeyed strapping on the helmet without a word. "Hop on," the slayer commanded as she revved the motor. The excited author's heart leaped into his throat as he climbed onto the back of the bike and wrapped his arms around this wild new woman's waist.

/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

It had been years since Sunnydale imploded under the dark slayer's feet dragging down tons of baggage and shitty memories with it. Faith wasn't the same confused, conflicted girl so desperate for someone to tell her she more than a piece of shit or an easy lay that she would do anything to get that kind of approval. No not this slayer, not anymore. After a handful of months of traveling and training girls with Queen Self-righteous, the dark slayer quickly struck out on her own. A couple of the original potentials left with her. Along her slow, meandering trip home the bean town slayer picked up a few more fresh to the slay types to train and nurture.

Faith's slay college was definitely a school of hard knocks, but her girls loved her for it-not to mention the post-battle ragers she would throw. Work hard, play hard was definitely Faith's philosophy. After coming home to South Boston the dark slayer faced down a few other demons lurking in the old neighborhood in her own time and her own way. Not being the share, hug and grow type the feisty brunette kept her struggles to herself. Her girls knew by now when their Heir General locked herself in her room with the music loud to leave her the hell alone until she was ready to come out.

By this point, the sound of operatic heavy metal, like Evanescence and Within Temptation, filled the girls with dread. Once the usual yelling hard rock, ala Halestorm, Pretty Reckless, etc. that often graced their practice sessions and parties, returned the slay squad breathed a collective sigh of relief. Overall life in Boston had been pretty great. Faith was really growing into her leadership role even enjoying passing on her collective knowledge to the girls with her usual gruff delivery. The dark slayer may not hold their hands or dance around their feelings, but she made damn sure her girls were prepared-not just to face down demons or monsters but also the world at large.

Her ragtag little band of slayers had slowly grown into a tight-knit group each girl's abilities, beyond slayerness, and personalities balancing each other pretty well. After several years of intense training, there wasn't all that much more she could teach them about combat and tactics. These days their training sessions revolved more around practicing coordinated attacks. As each of her girls completed their basic training Faith rewarded them with their own motorcycle. It was a badge of pride and a necessary step to the next level of training.

Her most skilled students, Vi, Rona, and Georgia, practiced coordinated attacks from their motorcycles. It was the natural next step. Faith had always had a love for the machines and they were far more proficient vehicles for inner-city combat. Not to mention once Georgia joined her crew, a southern slayer from a military family with a long line of service, the girl brought with her some mounted combat tactics her grandpa had taught her that they used in WWII. That little gem gave the southern slayer a special place in her leader's heart, which is part of why Faith brought her along when she got the call from Willow.

Usually Buffy and crew gave the dark slayer a wide berth letting her do her own thing. They knew full well they and the world were much safer that way. Faith and her slayers had a high success ratio and impressive morale. A feat that boggled the poor blonde's mind and amused the dark slayer to no end. At least B was smart enough to know if she wanted something from Faith it was better coming from Willow. Besides, it was Red's vision that had the whole network in an uproar.

The big bad Wicca mamma was frantic when she rang up the dark slayer freaking about some rising danger. Apparently, it was Armageddon all over again. Would the forces of darkness never quit? Ah hell, if they did Faith would be out of a job and a kick-ass pastime, so no point bitching anyway. "Woah, slow down, Red. What's the 911? You sound like an air raid siren," Faith grumbled at the high pitched panic on the other end of the line. Seemed like the rising evil was in her own backyard this time. Some little shit town in Maine.

Figuring it was time to do some gardening Faith took Vi, her tech nerd, and Georgia, her medic and tactics adviser, and left Rona in charge of the other girls while she took off to pull a few weeds. "Look out, Storybrooke. Here comes trouble," the dark slayer purred mounting her bike before barking at the other two, "Let's move out!" Several hours later the slay crew rode through, no shit, picket-fenced streets wondering what the hell could be so bad in a tiny ass town like this. Just when Faith was about to call and bitch Red out for pranking her and wasting her time they came upon a vamp attacking some lanky kid.

Something about the kid's dark hair, pale skin, and sweet face struck a protective chord in the dark slayer. Enraged at the filthy bloodsucker putting the death moves on that baby-faced boy Faith viciously sent the leech flying. Her girls read her moves and reacted in a flash enacting a coordinated attack with practiced ease. Careful of the innocent's safety the slay boss stayed close to make sure the vamp didn't have some friends lurking to pick up strays. No way was she going to let this kid fall through the cracks.

And wouldn't you know it, her instincts were dead on again. The kid was smart and funny with an adorable grin, just chock full of the kind of potential she wanted to protect. When something that pure and innocent looks at you like a hero you can't help but stand a little taller and work a little harder. As they slid through the Rockwellian streets a wicked grin curved wide lips at the way the kid silently conveyed directions by tugging at her waist or tapping an arm to indicate a turn. It was clear the kid wasn't new to riding bitch. Chalk up one more charming character trait for junior. This kid was getting more interesting by the minute.

When they pulled up to a break in high sculpted rows of bushes Faith's heart fell into her stomach. Just looking up at the mini-mansion made the dynamic slayer feel tiny by comparison. The feisty brunette had barely climbed off the bike when her jaw about hit the floor at the sight of a heartbroken Egyptian looking version of Scarlet O'Hara flying down the walk in a heart-stopping dress that looked like it was straight up poured on. Faith's chest seized like she had been clocked by the Beast again at the look of pain on those proper looking features. When the kid took off her helmet, the femme fatale lit up like Christmas tree. It was clear this bitchin' kid was special to her but there's no way she was old enough to be his…. Faith didn't even get to finish the thought before the kid whose name seemed to be Henry proved her wrong calling Ms. Wicked Tempting mom.

/\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Playing candy striper to a heartbroken Savior had been grueling at best. The ordeal of even coaxing Emma to eat had been as emotionally draining as it was painful to see Her son's birthmother so broken. Regina set down her purse and sighed heavily as She leaned against the counter. Thick lashes drifted together silently wishing with all Her might for a moment's peace before facing Her son's curiosity. No doubt Henry would want to know how Emma was doing. The queen's heart sank. What could She possibly tell Her sweet, caring child? This pain ran too deep and She didn't want him to understand it. The sorceress's heart longed to keep him innocent of such despair, at least for a little while longer.

Just then Regina's phone buzzed inside Her purse. As She withdrew it She smiled to see Her son's name. It was as though the thought of him had conjured a message. A soft smile lit worn features as She pressed the button to see what Her darling child had sent. The contents of the message flooded the sorceress with an icy dread. The phone fell from numb fingers as She turned racing for the door. A keen mind spun deliberating if She should teleport directly to the library or do a quick locator spell first to determine his whereabouts.

Before Regina could even decide which course to take a motorcycle roared down the street stopping in front of Her house. The panicked mother raced down the walk hope flooding over Her at the sight of Her son standing there removing the motorcycle helmet. "Henry!" Desperate arms pulled the boy tightly to Her as though to reassure the mayor of Her son's safety. With a soft laugh, the young man returned the embrace assuring his mother, "It's alright, mom. I'm fine."

With a sigh of relief, Regina pulled back to get a good look at him. The sight of blood on Her own arm stole Her breath. "The hell you are!" A dark worried gaze flowed over Her son's features turning his face this way and that until she discovered the wound. A deep, whiskey rich voice purred over Her shoulder, "Woah, slow down there, moms. Your little man is gonna be alright." A dangerous glare flew over the sorceress's shoulder to find an impishly dimpled bit of cavalier woman climbing off of the motorcycle.

"What the hell happened," Regina demanded an answer furiously. A calming hand ran through voluminous brunette waves as the slayer gathered her thoughts. From the minute her eyes landed on the curvaceous, stunningly stylish woman Faith had trouble thinking about anything besides peeling the fiery creature out of that sinfully tight dress. Right now the dark slayer needed her mind working faster than her hormones but the competition was fierce.

Before Faith could determine how to toe the company line concerning the public's lack of knowledge on all things supernatural the kid burst out with, "I was attacked by a vampire. It was awesome!" Brown and black eyes both bulged at the statement for completely different reasons. "Kid," the dark slayer groaned slapping her forehead. With a shocked gasp, Regina sharply rebuked Her son, "It most certainly is not awesome!" With a nervous shuffle of feet Henry explained, "Well no, being bitten by a vampire wasn't cool but being rescued by a squad of super cool biker chicks definitely was."

Faith brightened at the description of her ragtag band of slayers standing a little straighter with pride. Obsidian orbs astutely examined the leather-clad buxom creature. From the tightness of her pants to the cock of her hips to the cheekiness of her grin everything about this woman screamed sex and danger. Not only was that Regina's raison d'etre but the strict mother was none too happy with Her son's fascination with this woman. "Just what is going on here? And who the hell are you," the sorceress demanded dark eyes flashing threateningly.

Tucking her hands into her pockets a dimpled chin rose with a cocky grin to announce proudly, "I'm Faith. I'm the one who saved your boy and brought him home in one piece." An elegant hand impatiently wiped Her son's blood from Her own arm holding it aloft to challenge fiercely, "That's debatable!" Henry stepped forward and gathered his breath searching for the right words to calm his overprotective mother, but before he found them another impulsive woman spoke up.

Brown eyes flared with a defensive flash of temper as Faith bit back, "Look, Stacy's mom.." Whatever the slayer had been about to say was cut off by a succinct, "It's Regina!" The author clutched his mouth failing to choke back the chuckles at the hilariously feisty interaction. The irritated slayer took a half step forward waving a hand in silent dismissal of the name she had no intention of using before talking with her hands as she continued in a challenging tone, "Whatever mean girl, the point is I'm the reason he's breathing. You're welcome!"

Rage boiled within flashing in obsidian orbs at the gall of the lackluster champion before Her demanding respect. Unable to deny that, while perhaps somewhat less than completely successful, this aggravating woman had nonetheless rescued Her beloved child. In the light of such knowledge, Regina took a moment to compose Herself before replying begrudgingly, "I suppose thanks are in order." Toned tattooed arms crossed over full breasts barely caged by a black cotton tank top as Faith taunted in a gruff tone, "Well don't hurt yourself sayin' it."

Clenched teeth accompanied the twitch in a regal jaw as Regina desperately battled for some semblance of civility in the face of blatant rudeness. After a slow, calming breath the queen gestured towards Her home inviting, "Can I offer you a drink?" Chocolate brown eyebrows bobbed proud features softening at the concept. "Sure, I'd rather drink your thanks than hear it anyway," Faith replied with a nonchalant shrug heading up the walk. Dark eyes rolled in irritation before the sorceress turned Her attention back to Her impishly grinning child.

"Come on, Henry. Let's get you inside and take a look at this," the dotting mother fussed over the wound. "Alright," Henry agreed with a sympathetic smile. The pain was a dull ache at this point and far less interesting to him than this amazing stranger and her amusing effect on his mother. Regina was somewhat relieved that the obviously ill-bred woman at least had the courtesy to wait at the door for Her to open it. Once inside the conflicted queen immediately pulled Her son aside flippantly indicating the direction of the study to their uncultured guest, "You can wait through there. I'll be with you in a moment."

Brown eyes followed the direction she was supposed to take, but Faith delighted in being contrary-especially to prim, prissy types. So the slayer instead leaned against the wall arms folded indulging in a nice view of the backside of the foxy bossy bitch before her. It seemed a cryin' shame to waste an ass like that, not to mention all the other mouth watering parts, on such a raging snob- a damn shame. Faith shook her head contemplating the continued unfairness of the universe while the chick went to work on the kid.

With a sigh and a roll of dark eyes, Regina brought the full focus of Her will to bear on Her beloved son's wound. It looked raw and angry with jagged edges but mercifully not terribly deep. For a moment the sorceress silently debated the dangers of using Her magic in front of a stranger, but this stranger seemed to have forbidden knowledge as it was and ultimately Henry's safety came first. A tender hand cupped the wound as a purple glow seemed to erase it as though it were never there. "There, that's better," Regina soothed cupping Her child's cheeks as a glowing smile lit aristocratic features. A half grin tugged at Henry's lips at the healing affection as he replied in a sweet voice, "Thanks, mom." A light peck was lovingly pressed to Her son's forehead as relief flooded them both.

When the harpy went all soft maternal and moved her hands a shocking lack of vamp bite caught Faith's eye. Startled from her leering the dark slayer sprang from the wall stating simply, "Woah." Before she could continue Regina quickly ordered Her son, "Henry, I think it's time for bed." Crestfallen and desperate to learn more about the mysterious stranger Henry argued, "Aww, but it's early yet." Not willing to be tossed aside for this little episode of the Waltons Faith interjected, "Woah, wait a minute here."

Jet black brows rose over a commanding but gentle stare as Regina stated in no uncertain terms, "Now, Henry." Knowing better than to argue with that the face, the teenager grumbled his way up the stairs. Two long strides conquered the distance between them as the slayer pointed up at the retreating boy undeterred, "What was that?!" A smug smile claimed Regina's face as She offered, once more motioning towards the study, "Perhaps we could discuss that as well as vampires over a drink?" Faith wagged a determined finger assuring the mystery before her, "Oh we're discussing… and drinking."

With that settled both stubborn women crossed into the study. Keen brown eyes kept a close eye on the mysterious bit of prim and proper approaching the liquor set as the slayer plopped down onto the overstuffed couch. A sadistic glee gripped the sorceress at having turned the tables on this intriguing, if uncultured, stranger. A feline grin taunted over a slim shoulder as Regina purred, "What would you like?" Not thrown for a moment by that sexy ass smile Faith replied with certainty, "Besides an explanation? I'll take whiskey if you got it."

The queen chuckled at the fittingness of her crass guest's drink preference. "Of course," Regina snarked in barely disguised derision. Faith's body tightened defensively feeling judged and mocked although she wasn't exactly sure how or why. The poised woman poured both drinks and crossed to the slayer offering the liquor with an elegant gesture. The leather-clad brunette accepted the glass suspiciously but took a brave sip anyway. The queen gracefully took Her seat and a slow sip of Her scotch before inquiring, "So what is this about vampires?" Keen brown eyes took stock of the cold, imperious creature before replying cautiously, "They're real. They're here and they're my problem. I know how to handle them."

Jet black brows rose in surprised curiosity. "Clearly," Regina admitted somewhat reluctantly. It was obvious that this dark dangerous woman had knowledge of the creatures that She Herself did not and that did not sit well with the regent. "However, as mayor, I feel it is my duty in the interest of public safety to have some knowledge of what is going on in my town," the queen stated plainly.

Faith's eyes rolled on a groan barking, "Fuck me! Really?" It was like double déjà vu all over again. Not only was there Lilah version 2 haunting and taunting her with that hot body in tailored clothes but this irritating chick was gunning for evil mayor version 2 as well. It was like fate had waited to double kick the slayer in the ass. Not a single one of these ironies amused the plucky fighter.

"Excuse me?!" Regina's shock and outrage at Her uncouth guest's language was clear from the harshness of Her tone to the ramrod straight posture. A chocolate brown eyebrow quirked challengingly as the down to earth slayer inquired, "Why? Did you fart or something?" A deep sigh of aggravation leaked from the queen before responding to the insulting question, "I will thank you to watch your language in my home as well as around my son!"

Brown eyes rolled at Ms. Prim and Proper's offense. "Normally I'd make a crack about giving me a mirror to watch my language, but I doubt it'd get a laugh from someone as uptight as you," Faith prodded in an unamused monotone. An icy voice replied evenly, "How astute of you." A quick flick of the wrist tossed the rest of the drink down the suddenly impatient to leave slayer's throat before continuing, "Let's get one thing straight, I change me for no one. This is how it is. Find a way to deal."

Dark eyes glared at the rampant unrepentant rudeness of Her ill-mannered guest. "And don't think for a minute that your prissy attitude or mayor status is gonna distract me from what you pulled back there on the kid. Just what was that" Faith demanded stubbornly. Fire crackled in obsidian orbs at the loutish insistence of information that the sorceress was hesitant to share anyway. With a searing glare and imperious air the queen taunted, "I would think one familiar with vampires wouldn't be so shocked by a simple display of magic."

A slight scoff accompanied brown brows rising at the understatement of what Faith understood to be heavy duty Wicca. "I know some magic slingers and that's no mean feat done so casually where I come from," the slayer challenged. An arrogant half grin graced aristocratic features as the sorceress taunted, "Perhaps the magic users you know aren't as skilled as me." Brown eyes rolled at the concept of another magically evil mayor. This was exactly the kind of mess that Faith didn't need.

The saucy slayer rose eager to escape from this dangerously tempting and endlessly infuriating influence. "Look Mayor Hotstuff, I'll only be in your town long enough to figure out what the vamps are up to and put a stop to it. So you don't have to worry about me or my language for long, alright?" The stranger's words while bothersome were somewhat of a comfort. True, this harridan and her gang of woman warriors were an imposition at least it would be a temporary one. Regina rose gracefully preparing to show Her ill-mannered guest to the door. "Well that is a relief," the mayor stated in an icy tone.

A stubborn jaw clenched and unclenched biting back a slew of curses the slayer knew wouldn't do any good either way. "Well, you're welcome, again," Faith growled under her breath before turning to stomp towards the door. The clack of heels of heels behind her raised the hairs on the back of the slayer's neck. Even the way the voluptuous woman walked was like fingernails on a chalkboard. As the slayer flung open the door a firm hand caught it. Brown eyes followed the arm up to dark dangerous eyes as the mayor got in one last dig, "Thank you for saving my son and I'll thank you to stay away from him in the future. He doesn't need your language or your influence, Miss…."

Temper flared in hard brown eyes as the slayer replied, "Faith. Just Faith." There was no way in hell this bitch was getting one more iota of knowledge to hold over the slayer's head. Regina recoiled a bit startled by that dangerous look as much as the refusal to share such simple information. "Well goodnight, Just Faith," the queen replied before soundly closing the door in the unwelcome guest's face. Faith growled in frustration as she backed away from the door before the temptation to kick in out of pure spite overwhelmed her.

A movement in an upstairs window caught the slayer's eye. As she looked up hard brown eyes softened at the sight of the kid smiling and waving at her. Unable to resist such simple charm a dimpled grin flashed across the flustered fighter's face. Faith pointed at the door and shrugged as though silently asking what the bitch's problem was. The kid chuckled and rolled his eyes shrugging his lack of explanation in reply. A swell of sympathy for the amount of strict that kid must live under overcame the secretly big-hearted warrior. Faith offered a smile and wave before leaving that was eagerly returned. Mom or no mom, warning or no warning she would have to come back and check on the kid tomorrow, just to make sure he was okay. For now, it was past time to see what her girls were up to.

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