Alex- about an hour later

"Where are you going…We gotta get this thing to Angel," Vi cried out as I practically came up onto the sidewalk, finally stopping. "We don't have time…The hotel was closer," I snapped as I threw the parking break and jumped from the SUV. I guess some of the girls got curious because a few trickled out of the building curious as to what we were doing.

Between the four of us, there was a panicked atmosphere. None of us wanted to leave Kennedy and Rona in the same area as the demon we had chained up in the back. "Get them inside," I yelled as a few of the girls approached. Vi handed Kennedy's limp body over to one of the girls that was waiting, and Rona slowly made her way into someone's arms. I watched and waited till they were both a safe distance. I didn't expect it to turn out like this. We were all supposed to make it out unscathed and at least all conscious. There was just too many of them. Now that I think about it, I don't know how we made it out of there alive.

We happened to catch the one that tried to chase us. He's wrapped up in the back of the SUV with a lot of chains. Big, thick, heavy chains. There was a small crowd now. "Go back inside," Vi said ordered, trying to calm them as she ushered them back in. "We' can keep him here…Angel will come and get him… right?" Angie asked. She looked worried. I felt as worried as she looked, but there wasn't time for hesitation. Hesitation is what got us into this mess. I didn't want to open this door as much as she did. He was unconscious when we tied him up. Pretty sure the stopping on a curve and yelling woke the thing up; which is probably why the Escalade is shaking a little. This is going to be one pissed off demon.

"One…two…three," I counted then lunged for the back of the SUV, opening it up. As I did, Vi yanked it out by the first chain she could grab. It hissed as it hit the concrete and kicked back its legs; nearly taking mine out. I dropped as quickly as possible, grabbing the now loose chain that I managed to get around its neck and yanking it tight upward. Its screams were cut short to a gurgle, and it coughed hard once before spitting into the air. "LET'S MOVE!" I commanded as I held up the chain as best I could. Vi and Angie kicked at it, getting it to move. I put my knee into his back, pulling the chain backwards over my shoulder and trying to get it to stand. The demon staggered to its feet. Franticly, we moved around; trying to keep it under control. Now would be a good time to have Buffy and Faith around.

We struggled with it almost the entire way into the basement. It swung when it could and hit Vi once before she practically pushed it down the stairs. None of us bothered to release it from its chains. I kicked its back while letting go of the chain. It slid across the floor, hitting the back wall of the cage. Vi slammed the iron bars shut and locked it. We all backed up and stared it down as it hissed and struggled to get out for a second. Then it just stared back, it almost appeared to be smiling. "Come on, let's go check on the girls," I suggested as I placed my hand on Vi's lower back. She winced a little. Then we all turned to go back upstairs.

As I climbed the stairwell, I felt the ache creep through my body. Then I heard my name being call over and over again along with the thuds of fast running, bare feet. I don't want to turn around. I have a feeling what they want, and I'm not sure I want to deal with the questions of a curious fifteen year old. "Wait…, hold on, please," she said as she skidded to a stop next to me. I look over at her, Vi and Angie fast pace it to Rona's room. Ken's is two doors down; one away from mine, but I stop at hers. "Did you really go fight for angel?" she questioned. REALLY?

"Yes, Jenna," I answered, trying not to sound annoyed. "And you caught one too?" she continued in excitement "Don't you have some training to do?" I advised, and she rolled her eyes. Doesn't she see these cuts all over me that I want taken care of? "Yes, but…I want to see it…Come on…, just a peak," she begs, and I shake my head no. "You'll have nightmares," I state as I open the door behind me. I can hear Cordelia's voice, she's softly talking to Ken.

"What in the hell happened?" she asked; just barely looking over her shoulder. I haven't seen Ken yet. Rona had a pretty bad gash on her shoulder up to her neck. "Well, there was one that charged us. And one that came up from the water. I don't know, they tried to take her…They tried to take her and Rona." I tried to explain what I saw. "We killed one, the other two got away. When we saw the opportunity to run, we did. One chased us…That's the one we managed to catch…." I described. "Whoa, ok, I just wanted to know what happened to her," Cordelia declared, interrupting me. I sat on the bed opposite side of her. She looked up at me as if she understood the worried look on my face. I glanced down at Ken; who was barely recognizable. I wished her slayer healing kicked in a little because maybe she wouldn't look so bad. The drawer behind me vibrated. I opened it up and pulled out Ken's phone, Willow's calling.

"It's Willow," I mentioned. "I'm pretty sure the wicca already knows," Cordelia claimed as I pressed answer. Ken stirred and opened her eyes. Ken searched the room as if she was attempting to find something. She couldn't focus, but I'm not sure how hard she was trying.

"Hello," I greeted; worried I was about to get zapped or something. "Where is she…is she ok?" Willow pleaded, and I could feel the panic in her voice. "She's alive…She's awake, I think," I reassure as I examine Ken. Cordelia was talking to her and making sure she could still feel everything. "I want to talk to her," Willow requested. I heard it as a request, but I know it was more of a command. I held the phone up to Kennedy's ear, and her eyes widened. Then her eyebrows furrowed. "You'll be ok honey, I can come home now. I can be on a flight as early as tonight," I heard Willow say. Kennedy shook her head away and back to the phone. I'm sure it meant that she didn't want her to come back just yet, not before they're finished. "No," Ken managed to get out. "No, no what?" Willow gasped. "Stay, you only have a few days left…," Ken stated before her eyes rolled backwards as she passed out. I pulled the phone back up to my ear. Willow's soft sobs fill my head, and I almost hope Faith or Buffy was nearby to help her out. This could turn out bad quickly.

"Red…She'll be ok…She'll probably be better before you get back," I insisted and there was a hitch in her breathing then sniffles on the other end. "Red, is everything ok?" I could hear Faith come into the room. "Red, hand Faith the phone," I told her and she started crying. "Willow, don't cry, she'll be ok," I repeated. "Who else got hurt?" Faith asked, catching me by surprise. "Rona, Vi, Angie, and I got some nasty cuts but we'll be fine by tonight," I explained, and there was a pause for a second. I could hear Red's sobs get a little closer. "And Ken…Um, not sure. Pretty sure she hit her head. One of those things got his arms around her. Tried to drag her off, so she might have a few broken ribs… I think her arm is broken too," I guessed and stopped. "Uh huh…I told B to wait. Had a feelin' this was gonna go down badly," Faith revealed said and walked away from Red; whose cries were now loud sobs.

Pretty sure Willow's trying to channel pain to her now. She had done that once with me. I don't remember much, but I do remember everything being very floaty, like I was high. "We caught one," I confirmed as I hoped to sound excited. I don't think Faith shared it though. "Good…Hope it's tucked in nice in tight," she warned before continuing, "You girls did good. Keep it up, we should be home by Friday." Then I heard a click. I looked back to see Wood walk in. "You guys need anything?" Wood asked, and I observed Cordelia. She shook her head, he left.

Friday-

I sat in the lobby on a couch with Ken's legs on my lap as we watched the girls play and wrestle each other. I'm not sure if it's some form of show of dominance or power over one another. Trying to show who's tougher when none of them has even seen anything other then the demon we had locked up in the basement. Ken gripped my calf; bringing me out of my stare at the young slayers. "I win…I pinned ya again," one of the girls yelled and stood up, holding her hand over her head. The other girl was lying on the floor and propping herself up on her elbows. I peered down at Kennedy; whose smile grew to a cheese. "They're back already?" I questioned, and she nodded.

I knew she wouldn't get up. Ken's been up and moving around the past day or so. Her head's been hurtin' pretty bad, so she wears sunglasses non-stop. I guess she can feel Willow's approach. If I was anyone else, I would think it's weird how they can sense each other. "How far away?" I teased her. Ken just shrugged. With that, I know they're not going to be walking through the door this second. Ken's bruised face is pretty much cleared up, but the black eye could go away by the end of the day. We didn't think Ken was going to wake up when she did. But now that I think about it, I wouldn't have wanted to see what Willow would have done to that demon we still have in our basement.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Buffy called Angel after she heard how the mission went. Somehow, she convinced Angel to leave the demon in the basement. None of the newbs are allowed down there, but every two hours we switch off. I opted for the morning watch when that thing is asleep. It tends to snarl and hiss when it's awake. I avoid it as much as possible.

"She keeps hitting me with this weird warmth," Ken replied then smiled again. "Like how?" I responded, and she lifted her glasses a little. "Kind of like a ping off some radar thing" Ken answered. I don't know how she does it. I wouldn't be able to date a witch, especially one as powerful as Red. Will power or Willow power?

I chuckled at Ken's facial expression because it looked as if she was repeatedly being injected with crack or some other high. Ken went from cheese to grin and back again several more times with the next ten minutes. "I hope LAX wasn't too busy," someone commented, and I directed my focus toward the voice. At the same time, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Faith and Buffy are close, but I don't see them. I bet most of the other girls feel them too. I'm not sure what the younger girls know what to expect. It's the small tingle at the base of the neck that lets you know there's a slayer close. Buffy and Faith's tingle is particularly strong. Willow rushes past the people in the doorway. It takes her a second, but she eventually spots Kennedy with me on the couch. As soon as she reaches us, they immediately start making out.

"They're back they're back," someone screams and a rush of feet come from everywhere. Let the anarchy begin. Girls fly out from everywhere. Xander and Dawn are the first two that are seen after Willow. I looked around as Rona turns in her seat at what would be the front desk along with Vi. I watched as Wood walked through the front door followed by Buffy and Faith. The girls crowd around them and start bombarding them with questions about the trip. Buffy gives Faith this annoyed look that's says, 'Were we gone that long?'

"Ok, girls, let's give them a minute. I'm sure they're all tired," Wood lectured over the screams and yells. Buffy makes it to the bar. "Go back to your studies, I'll train with you guys later," Buffy groans, and there's a few yes's and wahoo's here and there. I sit back and shake my head. The newbs look at Buffy and Faith like they're some sort of super stars. The rest of us kind of laugh at the two because of it. The have groupies. It fits, we're in LA.

"Honey, are you ok?" Willow repeatedly asked, and that's the first time I noticed her voice. Ken takes off the aviators; which she hasn't done in a couple of days. They exchange a look that could only be something of love and understanding. "I am now," Ken whispered and smiled something super wide.

I watch as Faith wraps her arms around Wood's waist, and Buffy stares for a second before turning away to Dawn, who's behind her. Wood and Faith have been somewhat of an item. But still, why Buffy would look annoyed by it is beyond me. "Come on, let's get out of here," Red declared in Ken's ear, but I could still hear her; thanks to the slayer hearing. Red touches the side of Ken's head. Ken takes a deep breath as her eyes widen. Slowly, the dark purple around her eye fades till it's gone. Ken slowly reaches up to her eyes and inspects it. Then nods almost in approval. Red tends to do that a lot. She can speed up slayer healing or something.

Ken reached for the side of Red's face and pulled them together. "Ok, I'm leaving," confess as I stood and walked over to the bar/front desk; not wanting to see the intense lip locking. "There's way too much going on, let's get outta here," Rona muttered as I approached. The lobby must have filled with every newbs in the building. We found ten new girls while the Scooby gang was gone. The thirty or so other girls are quite the handful when it comes to hormonal teenagers reaching out to their mentors. God, I sound like Maury helping a orphanage by getting a celebrity to come and visit.

"Where the fuck are we going to go?" I griped as I scanned up toward the stairs as our only possible safe haven. I nod towards the stairs, and Rona smiles. Before anyone could call either of our names for us to do something or go somewhere, we all three book it towards the stairs.

"My room," Rona states because she has a balcony overlooking the garden and is one of the more comfortable rooms that we occupy. She rooms with Vi and Angie, so they all three got the bigger room. I chose a single, just so I could have my own private hideaway. But if I'm not in my room, I'm in theirs or Kennedy's. Faith normally joins us if she's not with Wood or training with B.

We make it to the room and out of the chaos. There is a deep sigh of relief. Standing against the wall, I spy out the door to see a super sad Buffy walk by. I turn back to Rona. "Grab her," Rona requested. So I reached out and pulled Buffy inside before closing the door behind her. After B stumbles, she regains her balance, stands straight up, and glares at us.

"What the…?" B growled as she took in her surroundings. Vi laughs a little. "You should have seen your face," Vi said between breaths as she tried to hold something down like a sly smile. "Why so serious, B?" I ask as I walk to the nearest couch and sit down. "Nothing, but uh, thanks. I was trying to avoid some new girls," B babbled as she smiled, but it looked as fake as ever. We all noticed. Vi saw the look in my face, walked over to our fearless leader, and directed her to a seat. "We'll hide you as long as you spill," Rona offered and sat on the arm of the chair opposite of Buffy's. We looked like we were holding am intervention.

"Come on, B, the trip couldn't have been that bad. Fill us in," I assume, and Buffy takes this deep breath then faced all of us. "Well, you're going to hear it anyways tomorrow." We all kind of lean forward queuing in like a group of girls huddled around a camp fire for our ghost story. "It's bad in Cleveland. We found a few slayers, but they're really young. So we left them where they are at because they're safe. The streets are too dangerous for a two person patrol. There's a clan of vampires and several demon clans. We didn't investigate because there was too many of them. I'm pretty sure the epicenter is a high school of course, just like Sunnydale. Faith and I checked it out one night. They haven't found the seal yet, so we're good there for now. It seemed like it all really took a turn for the worst last month," B explained, and we all sort of sat back. "They're all fighting for control of the seal," she added, and I nodded. "You'd think they would work together," Vi scoffed. "So when do we leave?" I ask as I sit up. B stares at me, and I can see there's more to this story then she's letting on. Something else happened.

"Hey, where's Giles?" Rona questioned as she moved to her bar area; grabbing a bottle of water. "He's still there. He's setting up housing and stuff like that. He's not coming back to LA. You girls and a few others are going there with me and Dawn, Monday," she informs us and we all gawk at her. I wonder if we're ready. We just got our asses kicked by a clan of demons here. What makes her think we can take a shit ton of clans in Cleveland? Here we go again, B and her crazy 'I can take on the world.' plots.

"Alright, so that's all great. But why do you look like someone kicked your puppy? This ain't the worried 'We're moving to hell mouth.' look where you're going to lose girls," Vi questioned, and some time during that, Rona chimed in and did a tag team. B's eyes widened, and she gaped at each of us; confirming it. We were all happy to hear about the fruit of what's happened since. It all just seems like B's gotta get something off her chest, and we all feel it.

"Ok…Ok…I get it. It's not a big deal. Faith and I got into it," B said and peeked up. All of our eyebrows rose in surprise. Those two are like best friends. There's the Trio, and there is Red and B. Then there's Buffy and Faith, but I haven't seen them fight since that night we kicked Buffy out of the house, and they weren't really fighting. "Well, what happened?" Vi asked as we all sat forward in our seats.

"I called her out on a few things, and she got all defensive. It's no big deal, we'll get over it by the time she gets up to Cleveland," Buffy predicts, and I snap up. "Wait, your breaking up the Trio?" I complained and think my voice just peaked its volume with a squeak. Rona and Vi studied me, and Buffy smiled; holding back a laugh. "Well, Ken is going with us…Faith is taking Wood up there the Sunday after with most of the newbs. It's only a week, chill," B announced said as she focused from me to Vi and Rona; who of course didn't care. These next few weeks are going to suck.

Faith- same moments

As I followed Robin to our room, I pushed him against the door before he could open it. "Some one is in a hurry," he chuckled, and I bit into his back. I felt his muscles tense on my cheek as I rushed him to open the door. I've been taking cold showers for the past couple of days, having major post slaying hornies and no Robin Wood to cure what he can of them. He finally opens the door, "God, I bet if I had a grandmother, she'd move fasta den ya, Robin," I taunt, and he turns of what he can to face me as he dropped my bags; still backing up.

"Oh, yeah," he said as he tried not to trip over himself. My hand found his chest as I look to his side and seeing how far we were from the bed. I wanted it, hard and fast wondering if he would be able to keep up being a couple of days out of practice. The boys got stamina but I'm still able to rock 'em.

"I'm about ta to rock your world," I admitted as Ipushed him onto the bed and sat on his lap. I could feel his little friend through his pants and ready to be let lose. He kissed my neck and then our lips found each others. I got lost in the searing kiss before Wood pulled away. "Do you like me, Faith?" he asked; still breathing hard but finding his composure. I really didn't want to get into this right now. I just wanted some. "Yeah, yeah…,of course I do," I sort of lied, in the hope that this is the end of it for now, and pulled his lips back to mine, but I felt him go soft.

"What's wrong?" I question; sitting back up. He has this super questioning look in his eye that I don't like and or understand. "Really, Faith, what am I to you?" he continues. I didn't say anything. I didn't know what we were. Everyone knows were fucking, and it's steady. We don't exactly hide it or try to, but I never considered him my boyfriend. I mean that's what normal people do. But whoever said I was normal got anotha thing comin'. I'm rock sock 'em, right? Faith Lehane don't do 'tied down relationships'.

I get up and slide off his lap. I fix my shirt, and then sit down next to him. Now I'm just a little pissed, but I don't want to fight either. I was about two seconds away from slippin' out of my shirt. "What's wrong, Wood… this ain't normal for even you?" I complain. "Faith…, I like you. I like you a lot, and this past month has been incredible. I just… I want to know you can take this to the next step," he stated, and I almost glare at him. He sounds like one of those counselors from the inside. Always talking about the next step and controlling your emotions. Controlling you anger. I can't lose control of my emotions.

Robin reaches for my hand, only I pull away. "This is fun, right…We're having fun, aren't we, Robin?" I commented and stare into his eyes, hoping he would understand where I'm comin' from. I want him, just not the way he wants me. The next step leads to white picket fences and a dog. I'm guessing my face looks as if it's slightly pleading for him to accept that I don't want to move on or up whatever. I couldn't take a relationship right now. "Yes, Faith, I'm having fun," he agreed as he wrapped his arms around me, but I almost didn't want him to touch me. My body cringes a little, and I could feel his arms tense around me. "I gotta go, Wood." I revealed as I pulled myself from his arms and stood again. I turned and walked out of the room without looking back.

Out in the hall, it feels as if this light weight was lifted. I feel bad a little. But hey, I'm single. I plan to keep it like that for now. "You look like you need a hug." I turn to see Alex and Ken a few feet away from me. My two partners in crime. "Nah, I need a drink," I confessed as I walked up to them. "Hotel bar it is," Ken suggested, and I shook my head. I don't want to be in sight of anyone right now. "Then what? You know B would flip if we ended up at a bar. Member last time?" Ken reminded me as she scolded me a little. I rolled my eyes. I honestly didn't care what Buffy Summers thought after the way she flipped out in Cleveland. I'm no alcoholic. Alcoholics admit they have a drinking problem and go to rehab and shit. I don't do either, I just drink.

"Ehh…Let's just get our asses to a liquor store," I mutter; being the responsible slayer mentor B wants me to be. Alex chuckles at my realization, and then Ken gives her a shoulder check. After Alex regains her balance, I step between them before this turns into one of their many wrestling matches where Alex often gets her ass whooped. She's beat Ken a few times. But for some reason, she always falls for something because Ken plays dirty. One thing though, no matter what, Alex always has Kennedy back when they're in a pinch.

About an hour later, we're back at the hotel and sneaking past everyone back upstairs with a bottle in each arm. As I'm walking down the hall, I feel B about to round the corner. I look to my left to see an open door. B would flip if she saw all the liquor we were holding. I swing my bottle behind my back to feel one of them take it, and they head into the open room. I could hear the sshh's as they enter. By the sounds of it, this is Vi's and Rona's room. Ehh, I guess we can share.

"B…What's up? How's it going?" I greet and try to appear less suspicious then I do. She has this automatic, defensive expression going on that turns into suspicion. I tap on the door lightly because I could hear their muffled voices. "I'm ok…I figured you were still pissed off and still didn't want to talk about your problem," B determined as she closed in the ten or so paces between us. "I don't have a problem. But I'll be sure to let you know, B, when I think I do," I announce; which will be never. We will never get along, will we? I mean I worry about the girl, but it's hard for us to stay in the same area before we start trying to bite each others head off. Maybe it's a love/hate thing we got going. Is that normal?

"Uh huh," B relented as she turned and continued to walk down the hall. I breathe a sigh of relief and watch as she walks her cute, little ass… I mean walks to the stairs. Shaking my head, I turn and bang on the door. I look back down the hall to make sure no one is the wiser. After the door opens, I'm yanked into the room and thrown off balance. "Damn, you ain't even drunk, and you already falling all ova yourself," Rona jokes with the biggest smile I've seen in a while. "Well, where's my shot? Maybe my unbalance will balance itself," I challenged as I viewed the table that now housed the liquor as if it was the local bar.

We had four bottles of jack and two of SoCo by choice of my mini me, Alex. The only thing that people can honestly tell between us is the fact that she looks nothing like me. The girl has a dark past like mine though. She's got a bit of an attitude when you push her, so I suggest you don't. She's also got a wicked left hook, which surprised me the first time we sparred. So I've taken her under my wing; along with Kennedy, who I was already close with.

"Can you handle SoCo?" Alex prodded as she under handed the bottle to me. I frowned at it. She knows I like jack, so why she's tossing me this shit I don't know. "Yeah," I confirmed as I twisted the cap; showing my dominance and non submission to something as simple as SOCO. I took the cap off and swung it up. The cool, amber liquid burned my throat as it coated it on the way down. "Come up for air some time soon, Faith," Ken ordered as I set it down and searched the room. I licked my lips. It was jack but it was still pretty good.

I sat at the table across from Vi. She smiled and somebody placed a shot glass in front of each of us. "She think she can out drink you, Faith," Alex murmured said as she knelt next to the table. "Shot for shot," Ken taunted as she placed both hands on the empty space between us. "Loser gets what?" I dared. "Watch all tomorrow morning," Ken concluded. I hold out my hand and Vi shakes it. Vi and I here are the same age. I've been a slayer longer, but I've never drank with but for once and not got truly trashed.

Ken pours me a shot then Vi. I hold up the glass. "To being single," I toast, and everyone looks at me as I take the shot. Vi takes hers. "You broke up with Wood?" Rona implied, and I nodded. "I didn't know we were together like that," I indicated and watched as she poured another shot. "Damn…," Alex exclaimed, and I took another. "This can go on forever…Look, if she wins, I tell you all about it" I asserted; taking another shot.

About an hour later, Vi squinted up from her arm as she laid her head back down on it. I wasn't doing too good myself, but I couldn't let that show. Three bottles of jack in a hour between the two of us. Alex wouldn't let us touch the SoCo because she thinks it's a waste. Seeing as how one of us is probably going to puke. "Ok, so can you just tell us anyway? It looks like you going to win," Ken judged as she poured another shot then picked up her own drink. I leered at it. I almost didn't want to take it. It tastes like water I'm pretty sure something is going to come up eventually.

"Ok, Ok…First we were fucking, now were not…Me and very cold showers are going to become very acquainted," I confided. There, it's all out on the table, I think. I take the shot. Vi's eyes bug out and she just about whines. She downs hers and yet another one is poured. I know none of the other girls are as drunk as us. It's a good thing, I don't plan on leaving the room anytime soon. "I still think we should have just gone to a bar," I mumbled while glaring dead on at Ken. There's this thud, and I can't quite tell where it's coming from. Till I turn back around, and Vi is gone. I chuckle and take my shot then hers. I would try and stand, but I'm pretty sure that would be a very bad idea. But who said bad ideas aren't fun?

I stand and walk over to one of the couches; where Rona is sitting, sipping on a glass of pure jack. The room starts to spin a little, and I feel this rush of air. When I open my eyes again, Ken's kneeling over me. Sleep sounds really good right now. Would you stop staring at me and help me up. "Wow, she's out like a light!" Ken divulges before smiling, and the room fades into a blur of colors.