Title: Into The Mirror
PART SIX - All My Friends
Buffy forced herself up, her vision blurred by the punch she had just taken. Faith stood on the ledge high above the street, staring at the blood on her hand, looking at her shirt as the blood soaked through it. Buffy could actually feel the stillness of the night between them, the emptiness of the moment as she realized what she had done. Her damp shirt clung to her back, chilling her. Faith slowly raised her eyes, meeting her own. And then Faith smiled.
"You did it, B. You killed me."
Buffy's eyes snapped open and she knew instantly where she was. She pulled the covers up to her neck and stared at the ceiling. It wasn't the first time she had the dream. And it was always the same, ending with Faith's laughter ringing in her ears. But it had been a long time since she had the dream. A very long time. Buffy closed her eyes and took slow, deep breaths, calming herself, slowing down her heartbeat.
She rolled over and opened one eye, glancing at the alarm clock. Seeing how late she had slept caused both eyes to spring open...until she realized that there really was no rush to get up today. Even though she had to do the laundry today, clean the house, make Dawn breakfast...with a sigh she kicked off the covers and stumbled into the bathroom.
She splashed water on her face to rinse off the soap, grabbed a towel and hid her face in it. Glancing up at the mirror, Buffy froze, her eyes opening wide. Staring back at her was Faith! She spun around and dropped the towel, hands automatically raised in a defensive posture. The room was empty.
Twisting her neck, Buffy looked back into the mirror, seeing only her reflection. She wondered if she had seen a ghost, but only for a moment. Her thoughts now drifted back to when she last saw Faith's reflection staring back at her...when Faith had taken possession of her body, had almost...
Buffy closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, feeling the bitter anger rise within her again. Any compassion she had felt for Faith melted away, replaced now with simple contempt. And Buffy was angry with herself as well for allowing any sympathy for the other Slayer's death to cloud her judgement. How could she have felt sorry for her? All she had to do was remember what Faith had done to Willow, to Angel...what she had put her mother through. All to get back at Buffy.
Buffy opened her eyes and glanced back into the mirror again, the reflection of herself a mask seething with resentment. She had been such a fool. No, there wouldn't be any mourning now for what had been lost.
*****
They watched as Wesley taped a note to the front door and waited until he had turned the corner, disappearing from view. Angel's car was still parked out in front. Collins walked up to the door and read the note, a quick scrawl that simply stated 'back in fifteen minutes'. He motioned for Weatherby to join him.
Weatherby stood behind Collins, blocking the view of anyone passing by, allowing Collins to pick the lock unseen. The street, luckily, was very quiet. A moment later both men were inside.
They didn't waste time on the ground floor but quickly made their way up the stairs to the second floor. Each now held a cross in one hand. Weatherby also had a vial of holy water, Collins carried a stake. Only two rooms had lights on last night and they silently moved down the hall towards the first room. The door was shut but a gentle twist of the knob revealed that it wasn't locked. Collins nodded at his companion and slowly pushed the door open.
The curtains were drawn but the room was illuminated well enough with the late morning light. Someone was sleeping in the bed, the covers drawn up over their head. Collins slipped the stake into his back pocket and crept up beside the bed, cross extended out in front of him. He reached for the covers, his hand shaking badly. Taking a deep breath, he ripped them away and reached for the stake.
"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing!?," yelled Kate.
Collins jumped back, more than startled, and bumped into Weatherby who almost dropped the bottle of holy water.
"Fool! We've been had," snapped Collins as he turned and stomped from the room.
"If you don't mind I'll just get on," stammered Weatherby, red faced.
"Come along, you sodding pillock!," yelled Collins.
Weatherby smiled uncomfortably at Kate and quickly followed him.
Kate put her hands behind her head and smiled.
*****
Sitting in Kate's car, Faith watched as Angel talked to the motel clerk. He handed him the room key, nodded and left the office. The sun had set only twenty minutes ago. He sat down behind the wheel and started the engine.
"Anyone ever tell you that you snore?," asked Angel with a straight face.
"Only my cellmate," replied Faith, suppressing a smile.
They drove for some time in silence.
"And by the way, don't expect me to buy you a Father's Day card this year," said Faith, looking out the window.
"That's okay. I don't think Hallmark has a card for...that," said Angel, keeping his eyes on the road.
"And don't be braggin' to your friends that you spent the night with me in some seedy motel. Girl's got a reputation to think of, ya know."
"Ah, they wouldn't believe me anyway," replied Angel.
Angel smiled and turned on the radio.
*****
There was a knock at the door. Buffy motioned to Giles not to get up and she walked past him, pulling the door open.
"Angel!"
"Buffy! I didn't...I was expecting Giles."
"What's wrong? Why are...oh my God! Faith! We thought you were dead!," smiled Buffy excitedly.
Faith was standing about thirty feet behind Angel. For the briefest moment she smiled, seeing Buffy's expression. And then she looked sadly down at her feet.
"Wait. The new Slayer...how did..."
Buffy's expression changed from one of confusion to one of fear. Giles and Dawn appeared and stood in the doorway behind her.
"It's a long story," said Angel.
"I died. He bit me. Here I am," shrugged Faith.
"Okay, maybe not that long," frowned Angel.
"Oh, the soul comes with the package. Part of his curse," pointed Faith.
Buffy's mouth dropped open and she stared accusingly at Angel. Giles was also speechless.
"I didn't kill her," offered Angel.
"Faith!," screamed Dawn, pushing past Buffy.
"Dawn, no!," yelled Buffy.
"Dawnie!," shouted Faith, all smiles.
Dawn ran into her arms and they hugged. Faith closed her eyes for a moment, still smiling.
"Look at you, girl! Wow! Tell me you don't have a boyfriend yet," laughed Faith.
Dawn slowly pulled back and looked up at her, her lower lip trembling.
"Faith, I'm so sorry...I can't believe..."
Tears started to well up in Dawn's eyes. Faith reached out and hugged her.
"Thank you, Dawn. It's nice to finally hear someone say that. And coming from you, it's even more special."
Dawn stepped back, holding her hands, and smiled.
"Dawn! Get over here," said Buffy loudly but not quite shouting.
Dawn rolled her eyes and Faith laughed. Walking back to her sister, Dawn glared at Buffy.
"I don't care if the memories are real or not, she never once tried to hurt me. And she could have, a hundred times over," snapped Dawn, stepping back inside.
Buffy began to say something but held back, looking helplessly at Giles.
"Giles, we have a problem," said Angel.
"And why am I not surprised at hearing that?," said Buffy, glaring at Faith.
"We need to talk. And we need a place to stay," said Angel.
"Of course. Um, sorry, it's just...a lot to take in, so suddenly," said Giles.
Dawn elbowed him gently in the ribs.
"Giles, I believe you have to invite Faith in."
"Oh. Right," winced Giles.
"No. That's okay," said Faith. "We shouldn't be here anyway. I doubt if we were followed, but..."
"Followed?," repeated Buffy, opening her eyes just a little wider.
"Like I said, we need to talk. Is that mansion on Crawford Street still vacant?," asked Angel.
"Um, yes. As far as we know," said Giles. Buffy nodded in agreement.
"Then let's go there," said Angel.
"Fine. I'll call Willow. She can come over and stay with Dawn," said Buffy.
"Buffy, I don't need a babysitter! I want to come with you!"
"No."
"So what, we all just stand around? It will take Willow almost half an hour to get here and Angel seems to be in a hurry. You want to leave me alone or can you for once treat me like I'm not eight years old and let me come along?," said Dawn, surprisingly calm.
Buffy looked at Giles and he reluctantly nodded his approval.
"Okay, you can come. But go put a cross on," said Buffy.
"Buffy!"
"Your sister's right, Dawn. Go put a cross on," said Faith.
Buffy and Dawn both turned and stared at Faith.
"Please? I want you to," said Faith, frowning.
Dawn seemed confused but slowly nodded and turned to go back inside, hesitating by Giles' side.
"You could have invited her in," growled Dawn, walking inside before Giles could react.
Giles looked at Buffy and she stepped closer to him, keeping her voice to a whisper.
"Maybe you should put a cross on too."
"Buffy, I don't think..."
Giles stopped his protest, seeing the angry look Buffy flashed him.
"She's right, Giles. Do it," said Faith.
Buffy's eyes went wide and she turned to face Faith.
"New improved hearing, B," smiled Faith, holding a hand up to her ear. "You should have known that."
Buffy turned back to face Giles, biting her lower lip. He smiled uncomfortably and went inside.
"Angel, I know the way. Why don't I meet you guys there? You need some time alone. To discuss...stuff," said Faith.
Angel nodded at her.
"And no smoochies! We've got enough trouble as it is," teased Faith.
Buffy glared at her to show that Faith was coming close to crossing a line. Faith smiled and waved goodbye. Buffy looked up at Angel and leaned back against the side of the door, letting out a long breath.
"How could you?," asked Buffy, shaking her head.
Angel put his hands into the pockets of his duster and didn't look at her.
*****
"Xander, can't we just hurry and get this over with?," asked Anya.
"Since when are you in a hurry? I thought you liked this."
"Usually, I do. But I wish you'd at least consider Willow joining us next time. Think about it, okay?"
"Alright, I'll talk to her about it. It's just, well...she's seemed tired lately," said Xander.
"So?"
"Anya, just relax. I think we're alone here, so..."
"Xander, it's a cemetery! I hope we're alone! Hey, wait a minute...we're alone. You, uh, feel like..."
"No time. Told Will we'd make a quick sweep before we picked her up. Said something about Buffy having a surprise for us," said Xander.
"No time. Don't hide behind that excuse, quick draw..."
Xander had stopped walking and Anya bumped into him. He was staring down at the ground.
"Looks like he struck again," sighed Xander.
On the ground a young girl was lying on her back, both of her arms crossed over her chest. She was very pale. Two puncture wounds were visible on her throat.
"This is what, number four?," asked Anya.
"Yeah. Let's go. Let's just go," said Xander.
*****
Buffy and Dawn stood in front of the mansion. Dawn looked behind them but Angel and Giles weren't here yet. They had gone around the block to hide the car.
"You going to stand here all night or are we going in?," sighed Dawn.
"Oh. Right. Sorry, it's just...this place holds so many memories. Most of them the heavy tug-at-the-old-heartstrings variety. Wow, I haven't been here since, since Graduation night," said Buffy, shaking her head.
"Pfft!"
"Excuse me?," questioned Buffy.
"Who you kidding? You moped around here almost that entire summer. You even came here the night before you went away to college," said Dawn, rolling her eyes.
"What...you followed me?," asked Buffy.
"Um, well...sometimes. We were worried about you, okay? And everyone knew, by the way," said Dawn with a sideways glance.
"They did?," grimaced Buffy.
"Well, duh! We just didn't want to bring the subject up."
Buffy smiled and shook her head.
"Come on, let's get this over with," laughed Buffy.
They walked in through the patio. Buffy stopped smiling as they walked past the now boarded up but unlocked doors. She had thrown Faith through these very doors and she tried not to think of that brutal fight. Even so, her hand moved up and brushed her cheek, the touch an echo of where Faith had landed an extremely vicious punch.
Faith had lit a few candles so that the main room was now very well lit.
"Sorry I didn't have time to tidy things up. I'll have to have a talk with the maid. It's so hard to get good help these days," said Faith, shaking her head.
"Dawn, could you wait outside? Faith and I need to talk. Alone," said Buffy, not taking her eyes off of Faith.
Dawn slid her backpack off her shoulder and dug out a flashlight.
"Might be safer if I stayed inside. I'll go do some 'splorin'," said Dawn, smiling at Faith and leaving before Buffy could object.
"So...where do we begin?," asked Buffy, pacing back and forth. "How about...what the hell are you doing here?"
"Not my choice, B. I'm only along for the ride," answered Faith.
Buffy shook her head and stopped pacing.
"I want you to leave. You're not welcome here," announced Buffy.
"Talk to Angel. It's his decision and like it or not, we're together now. Where he goes, I go," replied Faith.
"You're...together?," asked Buffy, wide eyed.
"Not like that. It's just...he needs to teach me a few things. I'm kinda new at this, ya know?," shrugged Faith.
"Yeah. And it's getting old, real fast," snapped Buffy.
Faith looked away for a moment but then faced Buffy and took a step towards her.
"Answer me this, B. You angry at seeing me...or at seeing Angel?"
"If he's with you now than the answer is both. It was his choice to leave and he's not welcome here either," glared Buffy.
"His choice? Is that what you believe?," laughed Faith.
"What?"
"C'mon, B. Give the guy a break! The last thing he wanted to do was leave Sunnydale. And you. Your mom practically ran him out of town," said Faith.
"Faith...leave my mom out of this," said Buffy weakly.
"She's the one who convinced him to leave! That you two had no future together," said Faith, taking another step towards her.
"Angel...he told you this?," swallowed Buffy, looking down.
"Yeah. He was...I think he was trying to explain to me why you weren't together after you tried to kill me," smiled Faith.
Buffy looked up, exploring Faith's face for any hint of deception. Faith stopped smiling.
"You didn't know, did you?," asked Faith.
"That's not important now," said Buffy, turning away.
"No. It isn't. What's important is...B, why didn't you come to me? I was only in LA."
"The distance between us was greater than that," answered Buffy, the anger again rising in her voice.
"You couldn't at least have called? To give me a chance to explain."
Buffy whirled around and walked up to her, their faces inches apart.
"Explain? Explain what? You can't defend what you did to me! What you did to my friends...my mom!"
"No. I can't. I can never make it up to you. Even if I knew how. B, I'm..."
"Don't say it!," warned Buffy. "Don't you dare apologize!"
"So tell me what to do! How can I make things right?," winced Faith.
"You can't! So don't bother even trying," hissed Buffy.
Faith's hand clenched into a fist.
"What? It's not good enough for you that I'm dead!? Are you sorry I don't have a grave you can piss on? What do you want from me!?," screamed Faith.
The stake came at her in a blur. Even so, Faith made no move to block it. Only Buffy's reflexes stopped it from piercing her heart. Faith lowered her eyes but didn't move her head, staring at the piece of wood that had barely punctured her skin but still drew a drop of blood. She swallowed, watching the red splotch spread across her white blouse in a small expanding circle.
Faith stood motionless but slowly raised her eyes until they meet Buffy's. The living Slayer's eyes were cold, her hard expression not concealing the hatred that dared Faith to move, to give her any excuse to plunge the stake in deeper.
And then Dawn screamed.
Even before Buffy's eyes grew wide in recognition of Dawn's voice Faith snatched the stake from her grasp and bounded for the stairs to the second floor. Instantly Buffy ran after her.
Faith stood in the doorway of the first room at the top of the stairs. The vampire was not ten feet from her, his hands gripping both sides of Dawn's face. Dawn's flashlight was on the floor by her feet, eerily illuminating the room. She whimpered and stared in terror at Faith.
"Another step and I snap her neck," growled the vampire.
Buffy almost bumped into Faith's back.
"Dawn!," yelled Buffy.
"The Slayer. Oh, I'm going to enjoy this kill," laughed the vampire.
Faith leaned forward, ready to pounce, held back only by Buffy's hand on her shoulder.
"You stupid bastard! You can mess with anyone in this God damned town, but you don't ever touch her!," yelled Faith.
The vampire grinned even more. Dawn tried to bite his finger and he glanced down at her, amused by her effort. He never saw Faith throw the stake until it plunged into his right eye with a squishing thwack.
Screaming in pain, he brought his hands up to his face to rip the stake free. Dawn fell to her knees and scrambled away, catching a glimpse of vampire face as Faith dove over her, tackling the vampire and driving him onto his back. Buffy helped Dawn to her feet and they hugged, both looking back as Faith's fist smashed into the vampire's cheek.
Ignoring his pain, the vampire reached up and grabbed Faith's throat. She turned her head and bit into his forearm, snapping bone. Shaking her head with a growl, she tore a chunk of bloody flesh free and went back to pounding his face with her fist. Buffy forced Dawn's face against her chest.
"Dawn, don't look."
The wet sound of muscle being ripped and bone cracking repeated itself over and over. Blood splattered onto the wall behind them. Dawn covered her ears with her hands, her body jumping with every punch.
"Worthless bastard! You! Don't! Touch! Her!," screamed Faith, pounding his face with each word.
"Buffy, she doesn't have a stake," whimpered Dawn.
"She doesn't need one," whispered Buffy.
Faith stood over the motionless body and kicked him in the ribs two, three, four times, her shoe becoming red with blood. She fell on him, gripping his head fiercely in her hands.
"You understand yet!?," screamed Faith, whipping his head to one side. His neck snapped loudly and even Buffy winced.
Faith stood and kicked at the base of his neck, tearing the flesh. Another kick and the head was separated from the body. The vampire exploded into ash. The room was quiet.
Dawn eased herself from Buffy's hug and turned around. Faith was bent over with her back to them, hands on her knees.
"Faith. Are you okay?," asked Dawn.
She took a step towards her but Faith put up a hand, motioning her to stop.
"Just...give me a moment," said Faith.
Dawn glanced at Buffy but her sister was staring at Faith. Faith slowly straightened up and turned around. Her face was human once again.
"Dawnie, are you alright?," asked Faith, sincerely concerned.
Dawn nodded but didn't speak, instead staring at Faith's face.
"I'm sorry you had to see me that way," winced Faith.
Dawn continued to stare and Faith looked at Buffy, confused. Buffy ran her hand across her mouth and pointed at Faith. Faith turned her head and wiped her shirtsleeve over her mouth, looking down at the blood on the fabric. She closed her eyes and shook her head.
"I'm sorry," said Faith, her voice cracking.
Dawn walked over to Faith and put her arm on her shoulder.
"Faith, it's okay. It doesn't bother me."
"But it bothers me," sniffed Faith.
"Hey," said Dawn firmly.
Faith turned her head and looked at Dawn, wiping her eyes.
"Thank you," smiled Dawn.
Faith smiled and kissed the top of Dawn's head.
"You sure you're alright?," asked Faith.
"Yeah," nodded Dawn.
Faith looked up at Buffy and stopped smiling. Buffy's mouth was slightly open and she was staring at Faith.
"You...you enjoyed that," said Buffy as if she didn't believe it herself.
"Buffy!," shouted Dawn.
Faith walked over to Buffy and stood by her side, shoulder to shoulder, her face almost able to hide how deeply those words cut. Her eyes challenged Buffy to return her stare.
"That's right, I did. I'm not human, remember? I'm not even real."
Buffy looked away first and ran her tongue over her lips.
"Take Dawn downstairs. I'll search the rest of the mansion to see if there's any other unwelcome visitors. Besides me, that is," added Faith.
Faith walked away before Buffy could respond in any way. She looked over at her sister. Dawn had her hands on her hips and was glaring at her. Buffy raised her hand out to Dawn but was ignored.
"She just saved my life and that's all you can say to her? Talk about driving a stake into her heart!," declared Dawn, shaking her head.
Buffy lowered her hand and Dawn stormed past her.
"Dawn, I..."
"Oh, shove it!"
Buffy took a deep breath and followed her sister downstairs. She heard Anya's voice before she saw her.
"So, getting to first base is like stealing a kiss. But in baseball you said you can't steal first base. Xander, I don't get it!," whined Anya.
"Buffy! So glad to see you," smiled Xander, ignoring Anya. "Sorry we're late. I did a quick patrol of the cemetery before picking up Willow and Tara."
"And?," asked Buffy.
Xander's face suddenly became serious.
"We, uh, found number four. Fits the profile...young girl, arms folded over her chest," shrugged Xander, glancing at Giles.
"Damn!," sighed Buffy.
"Buffy, you mentioned something about a surprise. Would that be Angel?," asked Willow.
"Oh my God! Xander, you said she was dead!," shouted Anya.
"She did...I was...I mean, I did, she was, or is...it must be a ghost!," said Xander, grabbing Anya's arm and pulling her behind him.
"No, that's no ghost," said Tara.
Faith walked down the last few steps and put her hands into her pocket.
"No, but I am dead," said Faith.
"Surprise," frowned Buffy, not looking back at Faith.
All eyes went from Faith to Buffy and then back to Faith.
"You mean...," began Xander.
"Yep. It's what you think. Isn't that right...dad?," asked Faith, now looking at Angel.
Everyone's eyes were now on Angel. Everyone...except for Willow. She stared at Faith, not even trying to conceal her contempt. Not one to be intimidated, Faith matched her glare. And then, just briefly, it seemed that the whites of Willow's eyes were replaced by black, the color of cold. Faith blinked and Willow's eyes were once again normal.
Not sure if what she had seen was even real, Faith looked away. What bothered her even more than what she might have seen was Willow's smile.
*****
"Well, that about brings everyone up to speed," finished Giles. "Angel, would you like to add anything else?"
Angel thought for a moment, looking around the room. The gang was sitting either on chairs or cross legged on the floor. Faith stood slightly apart from the group.
"Just one thing. I called Cordelia on the way here from a payphone. As we expected, the Council made an attempt on Faith's life. Kate pretended to be sleeping in a bed at our office. They thought she was Faith," said Angel.
"She didn't get hurt, did she?," asked Faith.
"No," replied Angel.
Faith nodded her head in relief.
"I still feel that we must try to talk with them. Faith can't just keep running. They have the resources to track her down," reminded Giles. He glanced at Buffy but she seemed distracted, not even paying attention.
"And Giles, they would listen why? Because they're sorry they tried to kill me when I was alive?," asked Faith.
"Um, well, it's a start, I suppose," replied Giles.
"Xander, what were you saying when you came in about another victim? Local vamp giving you a hard time?," asked Faith.
"Yeah. Buffy hasn't been able to hunt him down yet," replied Xander.
"I will," said Buffy absently.
"Buffy's only had a glimpse of this vampire. Very bold, he knows he's being hunted but he hasn't relocated. All of his kills have been young girls, found lying on their back with their arms folded over their chests. And they all have been found in the same cemetery, although we're sure he hunts in other areas of town," explained Giles.
"He drags them back there? Why?," asked Faith.
"It's a game," said Angel. "He's...having fun."
"Yeah. And Buffy can't get near him...because he knows your scent," said Faith, looking at Buffy. She looked up but showed little interest in looking back.
"Why are you interested in this vamp, Faith?," asked Xander.
"Maybe the Council isn't interested in talk. Maybe I have to show them I still want to work for them," said Faith.
"No way. You're too dangerous," commented Buffy. "Besides, this is my town and..."
"Dangerous? What the hell are you talking about?," demanded Faith. "Saving Dawn's life a few minutes ago meant nothing to you?"
Giles and Angel exchanged confused looks, then looked at Dawn.
"There was a vampire upstairs," explained Dawn. "Faith..."
"Yes. Dangerous. Someone with nothing left to lose is very dangerous," answered Buffy.
"If nothing else, I've got my soul. And I'm not about to lose that," scoffed Faith.
"Yes, and chaste is the first word that comes to mind when we think of you!," laughed Xander.
"What?," snapped Faith.
"You trying to tell me that the same rules that apply to Angel don't apply to you? Hello! I believe you're under the same curse as him, so when it comes to sex, well, let's just say I wouldn't be telling any nun jokes anytime soon," said Xander.
Faith knotted her eyebrows and looked down at the floor.
"None too soon. That's a good one, Xander," smiled Anya. "I like the double meaning."
"Hadn't thought about that one, did you?," grinned Buffy.
Faith glanced at Angel, obviously flustered.
"Well, what we're talking about is one true moment of happiness. A casual roll in the hay shouldn't matter," stated Angel, quickly silencing the room.
"And you know that how?," asked Buffy, her face a little pale.
Angel opened his mouth but no words came out.
"Still, better safe than sorry," said Giles, coming to Angel's rescue.
"Giles, which cemetery?," asked Faith.
"Um, Restfield. Faith, I don't think it's wise..."
"Giles, I need some fresh air."
Faith saw the confused look Xander shot her and she winced.
"Oh, um, I mean I have to do something! This vamp, he doesn't know me and even if he saw me coming all he'll be thinking is that I'm some long lost cousin, okay?"
"Faith..."
"Angel, I know my curfew. Be home half an hour before sunrise or I'm grounded," interrupted Faith.
"No, I was only going to ask if you had a stake," said Angel.
"Oh. Actually, no. I don't," pouted Faith.
Xander reached into his jacket and handed her one.
"Thanks," said Faith.
"Good luck," replied Xander, not letting go of the stake when Faith reached for it to show her he meant it. Faith understood and nodded appreciatively.
Faith turned and was three steps towards the door before Buffy called out to her.
"Faith."
Faith stopped, hesitated but then turned around.
"One more thing. You were talking about my mom before. You should know that she's dead," said Buffy, watching Faith for her reaction.
Faith swayed as if she had been hit.
"Wh-what?," said Faith weakly.
No one said anything. No one looked at either Faith or Buffy, not even Dawn.
"Oh my God, B...I'm so sorry. I, I didn't know."
Buffy looked away from her.
"Thanks, Angel," said Faith, venom in her voice.
Angel nodded and closed his eyes.
"It...it wasn't a vamp, was it?," asked Faith softly.
"No. She died of a brain aneurysm," said Giles, not taking his eyes off of Buffy. Buffy winced but didn't say anything or look at him.
"I'm sorry. I...I..."
Dawn looked at Faith and it was Faith's turn to look away. But Dawn still saw that Faith was crying.
Faith left. The room was very quiet. Only Tara noticed how upset Willow was. She reached for her hand but Willow stood up and walked over to the fireplace to be alone.
END OF PART SIX
PART SIX - All My Friends
Buffy forced herself up, her vision blurred by the punch she had just taken. Faith stood on the ledge high above the street, staring at the blood on her hand, looking at her shirt as the blood soaked through it. Buffy could actually feel the stillness of the night between them, the emptiness of the moment as she realized what she had done. Her damp shirt clung to her back, chilling her. Faith slowly raised her eyes, meeting her own. And then Faith smiled.
"You did it, B. You killed me."
Buffy's eyes snapped open and she knew instantly where she was. She pulled the covers up to her neck and stared at the ceiling. It wasn't the first time she had the dream. And it was always the same, ending with Faith's laughter ringing in her ears. But it had been a long time since she had the dream. A very long time. Buffy closed her eyes and took slow, deep breaths, calming herself, slowing down her heartbeat.
She rolled over and opened one eye, glancing at the alarm clock. Seeing how late she had slept caused both eyes to spring open...until she realized that there really was no rush to get up today. Even though she had to do the laundry today, clean the house, make Dawn breakfast...with a sigh she kicked off the covers and stumbled into the bathroom.
She splashed water on her face to rinse off the soap, grabbed a towel and hid her face in it. Glancing up at the mirror, Buffy froze, her eyes opening wide. Staring back at her was Faith! She spun around and dropped the towel, hands automatically raised in a defensive posture. The room was empty.
Twisting her neck, Buffy looked back into the mirror, seeing only her reflection. She wondered if she had seen a ghost, but only for a moment. Her thoughts now drifted back to when she last saw Faith's reflection staring back at her...when Faith had taken possession of her body, had almost...
Buffy closed her eyes and clenched her teeth, feeling the bitter anger rise within her again. Any compassion she had felt for Faith melted away, replaced now with simple contempt. And Buffy was angry with herself as well for allowing any sympathy for the other Slayer's death to cloud her judgement. How could she have felt sorry for her? All she had to do was remember what Faith had done to Willow, to Angel...what she had put her mother through. All to get back at Buffy.
Buffy opened her eyes and glanced back into the mirror again, the reflection of herself a mask seething with resentment. She had been such a fool. No, there wouldn't be any mourning now for what had been lost.
*****
They watched as Wesley taped a note to the front door and waited until he had turned the corner, disappearing from view. Angel's car was still parked out in front. Collins walked up to the door and read the note, a quick scrawl that simply stated 'back in fifteen minutes'. He motioned for Weatherby to join him.
Weatherby stood behind Collins, blocking the view of anyone passing by, allowing Collins to pick the lock unseen. The street, luckily, was very quiet. A moment later both men were inside.
They didn't waste time on the ground floor but quickly made their way up the stairs to the second floor. Each now held a cross in one hand. Weatherby also had a vial of holy water, Collins carried a stake. Only two rooms had lights on last night and they silently moved down the hall towards the first room. The door was shut but a gentle twist of the knob revealed that it wasn't locked. Collins nodded at his companion and slowly pushed the door open.
The curtains were drawn but the room was illuminated well enough with the late morning light. Someone was sleeping in the bed, the covers drawn up over their head. Collins slipped the stake into his back pocket and crept up beside the bed, cross extended out in front of him. He reached for the covers, his hand shaking badly. Taking a deep breath, he ripped them away and reached for the stake.
"Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing!?," yelled Kate.
Collins jumped back, more than startled, and bumped into Weatherby who almost dropped the bottle of holy water.
"Fool! We've been had," snapped Collins as he turned and stomped from the room.
"If you don't mind I'll just get on," stammered Weatherby, red faced.
"Come along, you sodding pillock!," yelled Collins.
Weatherby smiled uncomfortably at Kate and quickly followed him.
Kate put her hands behind her head and smiled.
*****
Sitting in Kate's car, Faith watched as Angel talked to the motel clerk. He handed him the room key, nodded and left the office. The sun had set only twenty minutes ago. He sat down behind the wheel and started the engine.
"Anyone ever tell you that you snore?," asked Angel with a straight face.
"Only my cellmate," replied Faith, suppressing a smile.
They drove for some time in silence.
"And by the way, don't expect me to buy you a Father's Day card this year," said Faith, looking out the window.
"That's okay. I don't think Hallmark has a card for...that," said Angel, keeping his eyes on the road.
"And don't be braggin' to your friends that you spent the night with me in some seedy motel. Girl's got a reputation to think of, ya know."
"Ah, they wouldn't believe me anyway," replied Angel.
Angel smiled and turned on the radio.
*****
There was a knock at the door. Buffy motioned to Giles not to get up and she walked past him, pulling the door open.
"Angel!"
"Buffy! I didn't...I was expecting Giles."
"What's wrong? Why are...oh my God! Faith! We thought you were dead!," smiled Buffy excitedly.
Faith was standing about thirty feet behind Angel. For the briefest moment she smiled, seeing Buffy's expression. And then she looked sadly down at her feet.
"Wait. The new Slayer...how did..."
Buffy's expression changed from one of confusion to one of fear. Giles and Dawn appeared and stood in the doorway behind her.
"It's a long story," said Angel.
"I died. He bit me. Here I am," shrugged Faith.
"Okay, maybe not that long," frowned Angel.
"Oh, the soul comes with the package. Part of his curse," pointed Faith.
Buffy's mouth dropped open and she stared accusingly at Angel. Giles was also speechless.
"I didn't kill her," offered Angel.
"Faith!," screamed Dawn, pushing past Buffy.
"Dawn, no!," yelled Buffy.
"Dawnie!," shouted Faith, all smiles.
Dawn ran into her arms and they hugged. Faith closed her eyes for a moment, still smiling.
"Look at you, girl! Wow! Tell me you don't have a boyfriend yet," laughed Faith.
Dawn slowly pulled back and looked up at her, her lower lip trembling.
"Faith, I'm so sorry...I can't believe..."
Tears started to well up in Dawn's eyes. Faith reached out and hugged her.
"Thank you, Dawn. It's nice to finally hear someone say that. And coming from you, it's even more special."
Dawn stepped back, holding her hands, and smiled.
"Dawn! Get over here," said Buffy loudly but not quite shouting.
Dawn rolled her eyes and Faith laughed. Walking back to her sister, Dawn glared at Buffy.
"I don't care if the memories are real or not, she never once tried to hurt me. And she could have, a hundred times over," snapped Dawn, stepping back inside.
Buffy began to say something but held back, looking helplessly at Giles.
"Giles, we have a problem," said Angel.
"And why am I not surprised at hearing that?," said Buffy, glaring at Faith.
"We need to talk. And we need a place to stay," said Angel.
"Of course. Um, sorry, it's just...a lot to take in, so suddenly," said Giles.
Dawn elbowed him gently in the ribs.
"Giles, I believe you have to invite Faith in."
"Oh. Right," winced Giles.
"No. That's okay," said Faith. "We shouldn't be here anyway. I doubt if we were followed, but..."
"Followed?," repeated Buffy, opening her eyes just a little wider.
"Like I said, we need to talk. Is that mansion on Crawford Street still vacant?," asked Angel.
"Um, yes. As far as we know," said Giles. Buffy nodded in agreement.
"Then let's go there," said Angel.
"Fine. I'll call Willow. She can come over and stay with Dawn," said Buffy.
"Buffy, I don't need a babysitter! I want to come with you!"
"No."
"So what, we all just stand around? It will take Willow almost half an hour to get here and Angel seems to be in a hurry. You want to leave me alone or can you for once treat me like I'm not eight years old and let me come along?," said Dawn, surprisingly calm.
Buffy looked at Giles and he reluctantly nodded his approval.
"Okay, you can come. But go put a cross on," said Buffy.
"Buffy!"
"Your sister's right, Dawn. Go put a cross on," said Faith.
Buffy and Dawn both turned and stared at Faith.
"Please? I want you to," said Faith, frowning.
Dawn seemed confused but slowly nodded and turned to go back inside, hesitating by Giles' side.
"You could have invited her in," growled Dawn, walking inside before Giles could react.
Giles looked at Buffy and she stepped closer to him, keeping her voice to a whisper.
"Maybe you should put a cross on too."
"Buffy, I don't think..."
Giles stopped his protest, seeing the angry look Buffy flashed him.
"She's right, Giles. Do it," said Faith.
Buffy's eyes went wide and she turned to face Faith.
"New improved hearing, B," smiled Faith, holding a hand up to her ear. "You should have known that."
Buffy turned back to face Giles, biting her lower lip. He smiled uncomfortably and went inside.
"Angel, I know the way. Why don't I meet you guys there? You need some time alone. To discuss...stuff," said Faith.
Angel nodded at her.
"And no smoochies! We've got enough trouble as it is," teased Faith.
Buffy glared at her to show that Faith was coming close to crossing a line. Faith smiled and waved goodbye. Buffy looked up at Angel and leaned back against the side of the door, letting out a long breath.
"How could you?," asked Buffy, shaking her head.
Angel put his hands into the pockets of his duster and didn't look at her.
*****
"Xander, can't we just hurry and get this over with?," asked Anya.
"Since when are you in a hurry? I thought you liked this."
"Usually, I do. But I wish you'd at least consider Willow joining us next time. Think about it, okay?"
"Alright, I'll talk to her about it. It's just, well...she's seemed tired lately," said Xander.
"So?"
"Anya, just relax. I think we're alone here, so..."
"Xander, it's a cemetery! I hope we're alone! Hey, wait a minute...we're alone. You, uh, feel like..."
"No time. Told Will we'd make a quick sweep before we picked her up. Said something about Buffy having a surprise for us," said Xander.
"No time. Don't hide behind that excuse, quick draw..."
Xander had stopped walking and Anya bumped into him. He was staring down at the ground.
"Looks like he struck again," sighed Xander.
On the ground a young girl was lying on her back, both of her arms crossed over her chest. She was very pale. Two puncture wounds were visible on her throat.
"This is what, number four?," asked Anya.
"Yeah. Let's go. Let's just go," said Xander.
*****
Buffy and Dawn stood in front of the mansion. Dawn looked behind them but Angel and Giles weren't here yet. They had gone around the block to hide the car.
"You going to stand here all night or are we going in?," sighed Dawn.
"Oh. Right. Sorry, it's just...this place holds so many memories. Most of them the heavy tug-at-the-old-heartstrings variety. Wow, I haven't been here since, since Graduation night," said Buffy, shaking her head.
"Pfft!"
"Excuse me?," questioned Buffy.
"Who you kidding? You moped around here almost that entire summer. You even came here the night before you went away to college," said Dawn, rolling her eyes.
"What...you followed me?," asked Buffy.
"Um, well...sometimes. We were worried about you, okay? And everyone knew, by the way," said Dawn with a sideways glance.
"They did?," grimaced Buffy.
"Well, duh! We just didn't want to bring the subject up."
Buffy smiled and shook her head.
"Come on, let's get this over with," laughed Buffy.
They walked in through the patio. Buffy stopped smiling as they walked past the now boarded up but unlocked doors. She had thrown Faith through these very doors and she tried not to think of that brutal fight. Even so, her hand moved up and brushed her cheek, the touch an echo of where Faith had landed an extremely vicious punch.
Faith had lit a few candles so that the main room was now very well lit.
"Sorry I didn't have time to tidy things up. I'll have to have a talk with the maid. It's so hard to get good help these days," said Faith, shaking her head.
"Dawn, could you wait outside? Faith and I need to talk. Alone," said Buffy, not taking her eyes off of Faith.
Dawn slid her backpack off her shoulder and dug out a flashlight.
"Might be safer if I stayed inside. I'll go do some 'splorin'," said Dawn, smiling at Faith and leaving before Buffy could object.
"So...where do we begin?," asked Buffy, pacing back and forth. "How about...what the hell are you doing here?"
"Not my choice, B. I'm only along for the ride," answered Faith.
Buffy shook her head and stopped pacing.
"I want you to leave. You're not welcome here," announced Buffy.
"Talk to Angel. It's his decision and like it or not, we're together now. Where he goes, I go," replied Faith.
"You're...together?," asked Buffy, wide eyed.
"Not like that. It's just...he needs to teach me a few things. I'm kinda new at this, ya know?," shrugged Faith.
"Yeah. And it's getting old, real fast," snapped Buffy.
Faith looked away for a moment but then faced Buffy and took a step towards her.
"Answer me this, B. You angry at seeing me...or at seeing Angel?"
"If he's with you now than the answer is both. It was his choice to leave and he's not welcome here either," glared Buffy.
"His choice? Is that what you believe?," laughed Faith.
"What?"
"C'mon, B. Give the guy a break! The last thing he wanted to do was leave Sunnydale. And you. Your mom practically ran him out of town," said Faith.
"Faith...leave my mom out of this," said Buffy weakly.
"She's the one who convinced him to leave! That you two had no future together," said Faith, taking another step towards her.
"Angel...he told you this?," swallowed Buffy, looking down.
"Yeah. He was...I think he was trying to explain to me why you weren't together after you tried to kill me," smiled Faith.
Buffy looked up, exploring Faith's face for any hint of deception. Faith stopped smiling.
"You didn't know, did you?," asked Faith.
"That's not important now," said Buffy, turning away.
"No. It isn't. What's important is...B, why didn't you come to me? I was only in LA."
"The distance between us was greater than that," answered Buffy, the anger again rising in her voice.
"You couldn't at least have called? To give me a chance to explain."
Buffy whirled around and walked up to her, their faces inches apart.
"Explain? Explain what? You can't defend what you did to me! What you did to my friends...my mom!"
"No. I can't. I can never make it up to you. Even if I knew how. B, I'm..."
"Don't say it!," warned Buffy. "Don't you dare apologize!"
"So tell me what to do! How can I make things right?," winced Faith.
"You can't! So don't bother even trying," hissed Buffy.
Faith's hand clenched into a fist.
"What? It's not good enough for you that I'm dead!? Are you sorry I don't have a grave you can piss on? What do you want from me!?," screamed Faith.
The stake came at her in a blur. Even so, Faith made no move to block it. Only Buffy's reflexes stopped it from piercing her heart. Faith lowered her eyes but didn't move her head, staring at the piece of wood that had barely punctured her skin but still drew a drop of blood. She swallowed, watching the red splotch spread across her white blouse in a small expanding circle.
Faith stood motionless but slowly raised her eyes until they meet Buffy's. The living Slayer's eyes were cold, her hard expression not concealing the hatred that dared Faith to move, to give her any excuse to plunge the stake in deeper.
And then Dawn screamed.
Even before Buffy's eyes grew wide in recognition of Dawn's voice Faith snatched the stake from her grasp and bounded for the stairs to the second floor. Instantly Buffy ran after her.
Faith stood in the doorway of the first room at the top of the stairs. The vampire was not ten feet from her, his hands gripping both sides of Dawn's face. Dawn's flashlight was on the floor by her feet, eerily illuminating the room. She whimpered and stared in terror at Faith.
"Another step and I snap her neck," growled the vampire.
Buffy almost bumped into Faith's back.
"Dawn!," yelled Buffy.
"The Slayer. Oh, I'm going to enjoy this kill," laughed the vampire.
Faith leaned forward, ready to pounce, held back only by Buffy's hand on her shoulder.
"You stupid bastard! You can mess with anyone in this God damned town, but you don't ever touch her!," yelled Faith.
The vampire grinned even more. Dawn tried to bite his finger and he glanced down at her, amused by her effort. He never saw Faith throw the stake until it plunged into his right eye with a squishing thwack.
Screaming in pain, he brought his hands up to his face to rip the stake free. Dawn fell to her knees and scrambled away, catching a glimpse of vampire face as Faith dove over her, tackling the vampire and driving him onto his back. Buffy helped Dawn to her feet and they hugged, both looking back as Faith's fist smashed into the vampire's cheek.
Ignoring his pain, the vampire reached up and grabbed Faith's throat. She turned her head and bit into his forearm, snapping bone. Shaking her head with a growl, she tore a chunk of bloody flesh free and went back to pounding his face with her fist. Buffy forced Dawn's face against her chest.
"Dawn, don't look."
The wet sound of muscle being ripped and bone cracking repeated itself over and over. Blood splattered onto the wall behind them. Dawn covered her ears with her hands, her body jumping with every punch.
"Worthless bastard! You! Don't! Touch! Her!," screamed Faith, pounding his face with each word.
"Buffy, she doesn't have a stake," whimpered Dawn.
"She doesn't need one," whispered Buffy.
Faith stood over the motionless body and kicked him in the ribs two, three, four times, her shoe becoming red with blood. She fell on him, gripping his head fiercely in her hands.
"You understand yet!?," screamed Faith, whipping his head to one side. His neck snapped loudly and even Buffy winced.
Faith stood and kicked at the base of his neck, tearing the flesh. Another kick and the head was separated from the body. The vampire exploded into ash. The room was quiet.
Dawn eased herself from Buffy's hug and turned around. Faith was bent over with her back to them, hands on her knees.
"Faith. Are you okay?," asked Dawn.
She took a step towards her but Faith put up a hand, motioning her to stop.
"Just...give me a moment," said Faith.
Dawn glanced at Buffy but her sister was staring at Faith. Faith slowly straightened up and turned around. Her face was human once again.
"Dawnie, are you alright?," asked Faith, sincerely concerned.
Dawn nodded but didn't speak, instead staring at Faith's face.
"I'm sorry you had to see me that way," winced Faith.
Dawn continued to stare and Faith looked at Buffy, confused. Buffy ran her hand across her mouth and pointed at Faith. Faith turned her head and wiped her shirtsleeve over her mouth, looking down at the blood on the fabric. She closed her eyes and shook her head.
"I'm sorry," said Faith, her voice cracking.
Dawn walked over to Faith and put her arm on her shoulder.
"Faith, it's okay. It doesn't bother me."
"But it bothers me," sniffed Faith.
"Hey," said Dawn firmly.
Faith turned her head and looked at Dawn, wiping her eyes.
"Thank you," smiled Dawn.
Faith smiled and kissed the top of Dawn's head.
"You sure you're alright?," asked Faith.
"Yeah," nodded Dawn.
Faith looked up at Buffy and stopped smiling. Buffy's mouth was slightly open and she was staring at Faith.
"You...you enjoyed that," said Buffy as if she didn't believe it herself.
"Buffy!," shouted Dawn.
Faith walked over to Buffy and stood by her side, shoulder to shoulder, her face almost able to hide how deeply those words cut. Her eyes challenged Buffy to return her stare.
"That's right, I did. I'm not human, remember? I'm not even real."
Buffy looked away first and ran her tongue over her lips.
"Take Dawn downstairs. I'll search the rest of the mansion to see if there's any other unwelcome visitors. Besides me, that is," added Faith.
Faith walked away before Buffy could respond in any way. She looked over at her sister. Dawn had her hands on her hips and was glaring at her. Buffy raised her hand out to Dawn but was ignored.
"She just saved my life and that's all you can say to her? Talk about driving a stake into her heart!," declared Dawn, shaking her head.
Buffy lowered her hand and Dawn stormed past her.
"Dawn, I..."
"Oh, shove it!"
Buffy took a deep breath and followed her sister downstairs. She heard Anya's voice before she saw her.
"So, getting to first base is like stealing a kiss. But in baseball you said you can't steal first base. Xander, I don't get it!," whined Anya.
"Buffy! So glad to see you," smiled Xander, ignoring Anya. "Sorry we're late. I did a quick patrol of the cemetery before picking up Willow and Tara."
"And?," asked Buffy.
Xander's face suddenly became serious.
"We, uh, found number four. Fits the profile...young girl, arms folded over her chest," shrugged Xander, glancing at Giles.
"Damn!," sighed Buffy.
"Buffy, you mentioned something about a surprise. Would that be Angel?," asked Willow.
"Oh my God! Xander, you said she was dead!," shouted Anya.
"She did...I was...I mean, I did, she was, or is...it must be a ghost!," said Xander, grabbing Anya's arm and pulling her behind him.
"No, that's no ghost," said Tara.
Faith walked down the last few steps and put her hands into her pocket.
"No, but I am dead," said Faith.
"Surprise," frowned Buffy, not looking back at Faith.
All eyes went from Faith to Buffy and then back to Faith.
"You mean...," began Xander.
"Yep. It's what you think. Isn't that right...dad?," asked Faith, now looking at Angel.
Everyone's eyes were now on Angel. Everyone...except for Willow. She stared at Faith, not even trying to conceal her contempt. Not one to be intimidated, Faith matched her glare. And then, just briefly, it seemed that the whites of Willow's eyes were replaced by black, the color of cold. Faith blinked and Willow's eyes were once again normal.
Not sure if what she had seen was even real, Faith looked away. What bothered her even more than what she might have seen was Willow's smile.
*****
"Well, that about brings everyone up to speed," finished Giles. "Angel, would you like to add anything else?"
Angel thought for a moment, looking around the room. The gang was sitting either on chairs or cross legged on the floor. Faith stood slightly apart from the group.
"Just one thing. I called Cordelia on the way here from a payphone. As we expected, the Council made an attempt on Faith's life. Kate pretended to be sleeping in a bed at our office. They thought she was Faith," said Angel.
"She didn't get hurt, did she?," asked Faith.
"No," replied Angel.
Faith nodded her head in relief.
"I still feel that we must try to talk with them. Faith can't just keep running. They have the resources to track her down," reminded Giles. He glanced at Buffy but she seemed distracted, not even paying attention.
"And Giles, they would listen why? Because they're sorry they tried to kill me when I was alive?," asked Faith.
"Um, well, it's a start, I suppose," replied Giles.
"Xander, what were you saying when you came in about another victim? Local vamp giving you a hard time?," asked Faith.
"Yeah. Buffy hasn't been able to hunt him down yet," replied Xander.
"I will," said Buffy absently.
"Buffy's only had a glimpse of this vampire. Very bold, he knows he's being hunted but he hasn't relocated. All of his kills have been young girls, found lying on their back with their arms folded over their chests. And they all have been found in the same cemetery, although we're sure he hunts in other areas of town," explained Giles.
"He drags them back there? Why?," asked Faith.
"It's a game," said Angel. "He's...having fun."
"Yeah. And Buffy can't get near him...because he knows your scent," said Faith, looking at Buffy. She looked up but showed little interest in looking back.
"Why are you interested in this vamp, Faith?," asked Xander.
"Maybe the Council isn't interested in talk. Maybe I have to show them I still want to work for them," said Faith.
"No way. You're too dangerous," commented Buffy. "Besides, this is my town and..."
"Dangerous? What the hell are you talking about?," demanded Faith. "Saving Dawn's life a few minutes ago meant nothing to you?"
Giles and Angel exchanged confused looks, then looked at Dawn.
"There was a vampire upstairs," explained Dawn. "Faith..."
"Yes. Dangerous. Someone with nothing left to lose is very dangerous," answered Buffy.
"If nothing else, I've got my soul. And I'm not about to lose that," scoffed Faith.
"Yes, and chaste is the first word that comes to mind when we think of you!," laughed Xander.
"What?," snapped Faith.
"You trying to tell me that the same rules that apply to Angel don't apply to you? Hello! I believe you're under the same curse as him, so when it comes to sex, well, let's just say I wouldn't be telling any nun jokes anytime soon," said Xander.
Faith knotted her eyebrows and looked down at the floor.
"None too soon. That's a good one, Xander," smiled Anya. "I like the double meaning."
"Hadn't thought about that one, did you?," grinned Buffy.
Faith glanced at Angel, obviously flustered.
"Well, what we're talking about is one true moment of happiness. A casual roll in the hay shouldn't matter," stated Angel, quickly silencing the room.
"And you know that how?," asked Buffy, her face a little pale.
Angel opened his mouth but no words came out.
"Still, better safe than sorry," said Giles, coming to Angel's rescue.
"Giles, which cemetery?," asked Faith.
"Um, Restfield. Faith, I don't think it's wise..."
"Giles, I need some fresh air."
Faith saw the confused look Xander shot her and she winced.
"Oh, um, I mean I have to do something! This vamp, he doesn't know me and even if he saw me coming all he'll be thinking is that I'm some long lost cousin, okay?"
"Faith..."
"Angel, I know my curfew. Be home half an hour before sunrise or I'm grounded," interrupted Faith.
"No, I was only going to ask if you had a stake," said Angel.
"Oh. Actually, no. I don't," pouted Faith.
Xander reached into his jacket and handed her one.
"Thanks," said Faith.
"Good luck," replied Xander, not letting go of the stake when Faith reached for it to show her he meant it. Faith understood and nodded appreciatively.
Faith turned and was three steps towards the door before Buffy called out to her.
"Faith."
Faith stopped, hesitated but then turned around.
"One more thing. You were talking about my mom before. You should know that she's dead," said Buffy, watching Faith for her reaction.
Faith swayed as if she had been hit.
"Wh-what?," said Faith weakly.
No one said anything. No one looked at either Faith or Buffy, not even Dawn.
"Oh my God, B...I'm so sorry. I, I didn't know."
Buffy looked away from her.
"Thanks, Angel," said Faith, venom in her voice.
Angel nodded and closed his eyes.
"It...it wasn't a vamp, was it?," asked Faith softly.
"No. She died of a brain aneurysm," said Giles, not taking his eyes off of Buffy. Buffy winced but didn't say anything or look at him.
"I'm sorry. I...I..."
Dawn looked at Faith and it was Faith's turn to look away. But Dawn still saw that Faith was crying.
Faith left. The room was very quiet. Only Tara noticed how upset Willow was. She reached for her hand but Willow stood up and walked over to the fireplace to be alone.
END OF PART SIX