Title: Shadows and Regrets
PART SEVEN
"Willow, I can't stay long. My host isn't strong enough. She's tired and...well, it's hard to explain. Willow, I'm fine and, and I've accepted this. But I need you to do something for me, okay?" asked Dawn.
"Your host? You mean your sister!" said Tara. Willow frowned at her.
"Anything! Just tell me..."
Willow stopped, her eyes drifting up behind Dawn. Everyone but Dawn looked in that direction. She froze, staring at Willow, her hands tightening their grip with both Giles and Anya.
"Faith! What are you doing here?" shouted Willow.
"You tell me. You're the one who called," answered Faith.
"Don't mind me. I just tagged along," added Spike.
"But, but I didn't...what are you talking about?" asked Willow, ignoring Spike.
"Willow, I heard you. Here," said Faith, pointing at her temple. "You brought me here."
"No, I didn't!" protested Willow.
"Um, yes, you did," said Anya.
"What?," shot Willow.
"I believe you said... 'bring the dead Slayer to me' ...and, well, she is a dead Slayer," grimaced Anya.
"Oh. Oh!," groaned Willow.
"Be careful what you ask for," smiled Spike.
Another of the candles flickered out.
"Willow, make them go away. Now!" yelled Dawn, her body trembling. She tilted her head to one side but wouldn't look at Faith. Willow looked at her and realized that she was terrified.
"Buffy, what's wrong? It's only Faith and Spike," said Willow.
"Buffy? What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Faith tensely.
"Faith! Don't you recognize her voice?" asked Xander, incredulous.
"Yeah, I do. That's Dawn's voice," replied Faith, eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What?" spat Xander.
"Uh, not that we're taking a vote, but I'm with Faith on this one. That's little bit's voice," agreed Spike.
"Willow, please! Make them leave!" begged Dawn.
Willow looked from Dawn to Faith, unsure of what to do.
"Faith, maybe it would be best if you left," suggested Giles.
"I don't think so," responded Faith, not looking at him but keeping her eyes on Willow.
Dawn finally turned to face Faith and Faith's eyes popped open wide. It wasn't the blackness of her eyes that frightened her but the seething hatred and contempt that twisted Dawn's face now.
"That's not Buffy," swallowed Faith, taking a step back. Dawn twisted her neck back to face Willow.
"If they don't go, I will!" threatened Dawn.
"Faith, go. Now," said Willow, eyes not leaving Dawn.
"Willow, you can't..."
"Go!" screamed Willow, now glaring at Faith. Faith looked at Spike and then glared back at Willow.
"No," came her whispered reply.
Another candle died out, its smoke coiling upwards and then fading away. Willow closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them with a smile.
"Willow, no!" shouted Tara.
"Leave!" commanded Willow. And Faith was flung off the platform. Spike twisted around to watch her plummet towards the ground. She landed square on the top of a car parked below, the glass of each window exploding outwards like water. Faith lay there, not moving. Spike looked back at Willow. She was now staring at him.
"Just leaving!" he announced, running for the stairs and not looking back.
"Faith!" yelled Matthieu.
Faith opened her eyes, blinking several times and wincing in pain.
"It's okay, Matty. I'm...still dead," laughed Faith, immediately regretting it because of the pain it caused. "Help me up."
Matthieu eased an arm under her shoulders and gently helped her sit up. Faith hid her face in his shoulder briefly, then glanced up at the tower.
"Faith, are you...are you okay?" asked Spike, suddenly standing next to them. Faith nodded.
"Yeah. Thanks for asking."
Faith slid off the roof of the car and stood uneasily on her feet, held up by Matthieu.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I was asked to leave. But I don't like being told what to do," said Faith, pushing his arms away and rotating her neck several times.
"Why would Buffy be afraid of us?" said Spike out loud, looking up at the tower.
"She wouldn't be. That wasn't her," said Faith.
"I'm not so sure," answered Spike.
"Hey, she was mad at me at times and maybe even hated me, but she never once was afraid of me. Not Buffy. Not because of me."
"So it was a seance," said Matthieu.
"Well they weren't playing Twister," snapped Spike.
"Dawn was talking," explained Faith, ignoring Spike. "They thought it was Buffy's voice but Spike and I heard only Dawn's voice. It doesn't make sense."
"Unless...," began Spike.
"Unless you two have something in common that Buf...that she didn't like. Now what could that be?" smiled Matthieu.
"Well, she was afraid of both of us, so it's not a Slayer thing," said Faith.
"And why would someone who's dead be afraid of...well, someone who's dead?" shrugged Matthieu.
"Maybe it has something to do with what we like to dine on," offered Spike.
"Or maybe because we're dead it couldn't fool us," added Faith.
"So then there's no chance it could've been Buffy?" asked Matthieu, looking at both of them in turn. Faith looked at Spike and shook her head.
"No. My gut tells me no," said Faith. Spike looked down, unconvinced.
"Spike, I know you want to believe it's her, but don't listen to your heart. Use your head," said Faith.
Spike stared at Faith but wouldn't answer.
"But why didn't they want you there?" asked Matthieu. "Aren't they your friends?"
Spike looked at Faith, Faith looked at Spike. And then they both looked down at the ground.
*****
There was only one candle lit now. No one spoke but instead they all glanced from Willow to Dawn and back. Dawn was still visibly shaking and now sweat beaded upon her forehead, her blouse clung wet to her back.
"Willow, I can't stay. I'm, I'm tired and...I can't stay. My...sister," said Dawn, challenging Tara with a glare, "is exhausted. Dawn won't remember any of this and, and that's not fair to her. Tomorrow night...in Dawn's room...be there. I'll...well, you'll see. And Dawn will be able to talk to me there. You'll see."
"Is there anything I have to do?" whispered Willow. "To contact you, I mean."
"No. I'm here now. You'll see. I need your help, but...tomorrow. Thank you, Willow. I missed you," smiled Dawn.
A single tear ran down Willow's cheek.
"Don't go. Please," begged Willow, her voice less than a whisper.
"I have to," answered Dawn, shaking her head. She turned and simply smiled at Giles. Nothing more had to be said. He smiled back, his face tormented, tight with sorrow.
"Buffy, what's your middle name?" asked Tara. Even though her voice was soft everyone looked at her, shocked that she could ask such a question. And since they were looking at her and not Dawn, only Tara noticed the momentary apprehension so clear on Dawn's face.
The last candle went out and Dawn's head fell forward. Tara looked at Willow and saw very plainly how angry she was.
"You can break the circle now," announced Willow, pulling her hand free from Tara with a little more force than was necessary. The others followed and stretched, easing sore muscles in their backs and necks. Dawn awoke like someone had splashed water on her face and looked around her, confused and afraid.
"What happened?" she asked anxiously.
"Dawn, do you feel okay?" asked Tara.
"I guess," nodded Dawn. "But I'm really tired. Why's everyone staring at me?"
"It's nothing. Come on, let's go home. I'll tell you all about it," sighed Willow, needing to lean on Giles to stand up and ignoring Tara's hand as she did.
Tara pouted and looked back at Dawn. The whites of her eyes were now completely red.
*****
She watched them from her hiding place across the street. Xander was carrying Dawn in his arms and Willow leaned heavily on Giles, finding it difficult to put one foot in front of the other. No one spoke and no one looked at the smashed car by the curb. No one except Tara who paused and then looked back up at the tower. The others walked across the street towards her but Tara didn't seem to be in a hurry to catch up.
Pat gripped the stake in her hand tighter, her knuckles turning white and the back of her hand quivering with the effort. The wood snapped and she flung the now useless weapon to the ground. Taking a deep breath, Pat turned and slipped away unseen.
*****
Spike slammed shut the door of his crypt and stood there, hands on hips, trying to control the rage that had been building all the way back here. He turned and kicked the door. Hard. And immediately regretted it.
"Bloody hell! You'd think that door had a soul!" yelled Spike, jumping up and down while holding his foot in both hands. He limped over to a candle and pulled a lighter out of his duster but froze before even thumbing the flint to light it.
"Who's here?" demanded Spike, peering into the darkness around him, seeking a shadow that didn't belong.
"You don't know?" came an answer from behind him. Spike slipped the lighter back into his coat and slowly turned. The shadow moved slowly towards him, taking form.
"I think you just hurt my feelings, Spike. You telling me you don't get that deep down tingle when we're both in the same room anymore?"
Spike swallowed, his eyes opening just a little bit wider as she approached.
"And I may only be sixteen, but I know that tingle means something a little more to you, doesn't it? Or do you get off only on certain Slayers?"
Pat moved in front of him, head tilted seductively to one side, a smile at each corner of her mouth. Spike involuntarily glanced down, taking in the young girl's body, noting how her legs pressed against the skirt she wore.
"Well, if it isn't the Slayer wanna be," smiled Spike, though not as confidently as he intended. "What brings you to our humble burg?"
"Buffy," replied Pat. Spike blinked. He hadn't expected that reply.
Pat slowly walked around him in a circle, seemingly unimpaired by the darkness. Spike stared straight ahead, motionless. She stopped in front of him, looking up with her arms crossed.
"So...what did she have to say tonight?" asked Pat.
"Who?"
"Buffy. I know what they were doing."
"So go ask them. I wasn't invited to the tea party," spat Spike.
Pat backhanded him across his face, hard. Spike didn't flinch and ignored the blood at the corner of his mouth. Pat smiled.
"You liked that...didn't you?" she taunted. Spike only stared at her.
"Either was I. And I wouldn't have been even if they knew I was here. Which they don't. You and I, Spike, we have two things in common now," sighed Pat.
"And what would that be?"
"Well, we're both on the outs with the Scooby gang. Me, because I wasn't here where I was needed, when I should have been. And you...because you didn't keep a promise."
Spike glared at her, knowing instantly what she meant, but was calmed by what he saw in her eyes. It wasn't contempt he found there, but sympathy.
"Glory was already dead. If you had protected Dawn, like you had promised..."
"You think I didn't try!" shouted Spike, his hands clenching into fists. It was Pat who looked away first.
"And the other thing we have in common?" asked Spike through clenched teeth.
"We both want to make up for failing. That's why I'm here," said Pat calmly.
"How?" asked Spike, suddenly interested.
"The Council doesn't trust Faith, they never will. They want me here. But Sunnydale already has a Slayer. And besides, Faith loves Dawn like a sister. And to me, that's even more important. She needs her now. They need each other."
"So why tell me?" asked Spike.
"Because I think you're still trying to fulfill your promise. And I think Dawn trusts you. I need your help. And so does Giles," added Pat. Spike smiled, suddenly understanding.
"Giles is Faith's connection to the gang. Get rid of Giles..."
"I see I've made my point," interrupted Pat. "So, you interested in helping me?"
"I guess I am," nodded Spike. Pat smiled.
"And here I thought I'd have to smack you around some. Oh well. We can have that fun another time," teased Pat. Spike frowned at her but Pat only seemed to be amused by his reaction.
"Tell me about Giles. How's he holding up?" asked Pat, now serious.
*****
Faith sat on the bike long after Matthieu had turned off the ignition and just stared at the house.
"Sure you don't want me to wait?" asked Matthieu over his shoulder.
"No. Getting kinda late anyway," said Faith, glancing towards the eastern horizon. She slid off the back of the bike and pulled off her helmet, wedging it under her arm. He looked at her with an unapproving frown.
"It'll be cool. Willow just freaked. Hell, if I know her she'll feel so guilty she'll wait on me hand and foot all week," smiled Faith.
"Or maybe let you feed off her again," countered Matthieu.
"Uh...wow. Way to spring something on a girl when she ain't got the time to explain," said Faith, frowning with one side of her mouth.
"Sorry, that was low. What say you 'splain it over a beer tonight?" asked Matthieu.
"Sounds great."
"How ya feelin'?" asked Matthieu.
"Little sore. I'll be fine. Wasn't the first time I fell like that. Why can't I be more catlike and fall on my feet?"
"Faith, you were amazing tonight. Like a squirrel jacked on coffee," smiled Matthieu. Faith looked up, moving her eyes side to side as she considered that.
"Guess I'll take that as a compliment. And Matty, about what happened tonight...I mean what almost happened. That can't...I was a little out of control," winced Faith.
"And your point is?"
"Hey, I'm serious here. I get caught up in the moment like that and you could get hurt, big time," said Faith sternly.
"Okay, but tell me this; how did you feel? Not what did you think, past tense, Monday morning quarterbacking here...how did you feel?"
Faith looked down for a moment and then smiled.
"It was intense," she whispered.
"Isn't that what it's all about? Don't take this the wrong way, but...didn't it make you feel alive?" asked Matthieu confidently.
"It's not always that simple. There's...consequences. No free rides. Everything has a price," shrugged Faith. "I know."
"You didn't answer my question."
Faith again glanced towards the sky.
"Is that why you're with me? Pushing the envelope make you feel alive?" asked Faith.
"That's only a small part, a very small part. Do you excite me? Hell, yes! Who knows why you feel the way you do about someone?" sighed Matthieu. And Faith smiled.
"And how do you feel about me?" she asked.
"Ah, you're right, it's getting late. Best you get inside,' grinned Matthieu.
"Who's avoiding the question now?" complained Faith.
"Fine. I'll answer it this way. You make me happy. And you or I could be dead this time tomorrow. So why not experience life to its fullest? Faith, all I'm saying is don't hold back. Live. You offered yourself to me...I want to do the same for you. I, I just want to make you happy."
Faith met his gaze and held it. The only sound just then was that of a cricket chirping the night away and somehow this only intensified the quiet surrounding them. She leaned forward and kissed him, pulled away with only a tease of a smile and then touched his warm cheek with her cold hand.
"Get some sleep," whispered Faith, adding a wink as she turned and walked away.
"Faith, does Spike have a soul?"
Faith stopped and didn't turn around for a moment. Then she answered him over her shoulder.
"No, but he's beginning to make me wonder. Goodnight already!"
Matthieu laughed and kicked the engine over. She could barely hear the bike by the time she reached the front door. Sliding her key into the lock, she turned it and pushed the door open...and her eyes opened in shock as she realized that she couldn't enter. Faith pushed out against nothing but it was as if there was an invisible wall in front of her.
"Oh shit. Dawn! Hey, anybody awake in there? Hey!" yelled Faith, looking behind her as the sky began to pale. She pushed the doorbell but then remembered that it didn't work.
"Okay, this is so not funny! You made your point, Tara, now let me in! Hey!" screamed Faith.
Finally a pair of pajama'd legs came down the stairs. Faith winced when she saw that it was Tara.
"Faith, what are you..."
"Tara, jokes over, very funny. Now go get Dawn. Please?"
"Wha...why? I don't..."
"Tara, don't play dumb, I can't get in!"
"What!? But I didn't...oh my...Faith, the sun!"
"No shit!"
"Maybe I can...Faith, please come in! You, you're welcome here!" cried Tara. Faith reached out and her shoulders drooped as she glared at Tara.
"I'll get Dawn," said Tara, turning towards the stairs. Then she looked back at Faith. "Don't go anywhere!"
"Will you hurry up!? And where the hell am I going to go!?" barked Faith.
Tara grimaced and ran up the stairs, pausing in front of the hall closet before she reached Dawn's room. She whipped the door open and pulled out a blanket.
"Dawn! Wake up! Now!"
Tara ran back down the stairs, almost tripping over the blanket. She reached the doorway but Faith was gone. Her helmet was on the porch, tilted on its side.
"Faith?"
Tara knelt down but there was no ash to be seen. It was getting very bright out now. She turned when she heard Dawn descending the stairs. She had slept in the clothes she wore last night but now had also slipped on a pair of sunglasses.
"Tara, what's going on?"
"It's Faith. She couldn't get in!"
"You mean she didn't have her key?" asked Dawn, confused.
"No. I mean she couldn't come in. Dawn, it wasn't me. I didn't..."
Tara stopped, her eyes looking up at the door to her bedroom. It still took another moment for Dawn to catch on.
"Faith!" yelled Dawn, now running outside. She looked left and right and, groaning, up at the sky. The sun had cleared the horizon. She turned back to look at Tara, her face a mixture of pain and fear.
"Tara, where could she have gone?" asked Dawn, holding her hands out.
"Well, I don't think she poofed," grimaced Tara.
Dawn looked around again and then ran towards the back of the house.
"Faith! Faith, where are you?" called Dawn. Tara ran after her and caught up with her in the back yard.
"Tara, why would Willow..."
"I don't know. Dawn, it's okay, I'm sure Faith made it...somewhere. Somewhere safe," said Tara. But Dawn wasn't looking at her. Tara turned to see what Dawn was looking at and saw that some side boards along the back steps were broken...as if they had been kicked inward. They both looked at one another and then ran to the porch and peered in.
It took a moment for their eyes to adjust and for a second Tara thought a cat was staring back at them from under the porch. Then she realized the yellow feral eyes were Faith's own. Faith turned her face away from them, huddled far in the corner by the house.
"Faith! Oh, thank God we found you! Faith, I don't know what happened. I'm so sorry," said Dawn. Faith didn't answer and didn't turn to face them.
"Tara, go get a blanket...no, get the comforter off my bed, it's thicker. We need to get her inside."
"No! Just...leave me alone," yelled Faith. But she didn't sound angry. And it was more than being upset by this betrayal. Very simply, Faith's tone resonated fear. Dawn sat up and looked at Tara, shocked.
"Dawn, she only...she only looks like that," whispered Tara, "when she's very angry or, or hurt. M-maybe we should let her, well, calm down first."
"No. Go get the comforter. Now," ordered Dawn. Tara nodded and left. With a sigh Dawn stuck her head back under the porch.
"Dawn, just go. Please," asked Faith. Dawn winced, realizing that Faith was crying.
"No. Faith, you are welcome into my home. I invite you in. And I'm not going to have out here like this. No freakin' way."
Faith didn't answer but Dawn could see that her body still trembled.
"Are you telling me that you're afraid to try to get out of there? Spike runs around with a blanket out here all the time," sighed Dawn. Faith turned her head, her face now in human form, and Dawn smiled. Tara came out the back door, comforter in hand.
"Leave me alone," begged Faith, her eyes red, her face smudged with dirt. Dawn glared back at her.
"If you don't get your wuss ass out here right now I'm going to tell Spike what a fraidy cat you were and you'll never hear the end of it. So move!" shouted Dawn, holding her hand out for Tara to give her the comforter.
Faith pouted and reluctantly dragged herself forward on her elbows.
"Tara, take an end. Spread this out."
Tara nodded and did as she was told.
"Come on, Faith. It's okay. We'll cover you up," encouraged Dawn. Faith emerged and they wrapped the comforter tightly around her and helped her to her feet. Dawn held her and guided her towards the house as Tara opened the door.
Faith sat down in a corner of the kitchen and pulled her head free but kept the blanket wrapped around her as if she was cold. Tara quickly made sure the shutters above the sink were closed tight as Dawn knelt down next to Faith. But Faith wouldn't look at her. Instead she just stared at the floor in front of her. Biting her lower lip, Dawn leaned forward and hugged her but got no response from Faith.
"I'm so sorry," whispered Dawn.
Faith slowly raised her eyes and glared at Tara.
"Faith, it wasn't me, I swear," winced Tara. Faith looked back down at the floor but then looked at Dawn as she sat down next to her.
"What's with the glasses?" asked Faith.
Dawn hesitated but then briefly lowered them just enough for her to see that her eyes were completely red. Once again Faith glared at Tara, this time even more menacingly.
"Tara thinks they'll clear up in a day or two," shrugged Dawn. "It doesn't hurt."
"What's going on?" demanded Faith coldly.
"It's only a side effect of the...the possession," frowned Tara.
"Did any of you even for a second consider Dawn in all this?"
"Faith, that's not fair. I agreed to the seance," defended Dawn.
"And we didn't know...we weren't sure how Buffy would try to contact us," sighed Tara. "Not that it matters but I tried to talk them out of it."
Faith took one arm out of the blanket and ran her fingers along Dawn's cheek, brushing back her hair.
"You okay?" asked Faith.
"Yeah. Just a little tired. And, and a little disappointed, I guess. See, I don't remember anything. Nothing! And...it's not fair, you know? I mean...she's my sister," said Dawn, her voicing cracking.
"Dawnie, it wasn't her," said Faith.
"What? But, but they said...it was her voice. They heard Buffy's voice!"
"I didn't. I only heard your voice. Now why is that? And why was...Buffy...so afraid of me?" asked Faith. "No, Dawn, I'm sorry, but I don't believe it was her. Do you, Tara?"
Tara took a deep breath.
"I don't know. I just don't know," replied Tara.
"Faith, I don't get it. Tara's been living here for a while. She invited you in. Why didn't it work?" asked Dawn. Faith looked up at Tara and smiled.
"Probably because she isn't comfortable here yet, feels...awkward, sleeping in your mom's bed," said Faith, not taking her eyes off of Tara.
"Tara, is that true? You don't consider this your home?" asked Dawn, surprised.
"I, I hadn't thought about it. But...no, maybe I don't. Willow and I, we, we can't replace Joyce. No one can, Dawn," sighed Tara, looking away.
"I'm not asking you to. And you don't have to. I don't know what I would've done without you and Willow here. Tara, this is your home. Okay?" smiled Dawn.
Tara nodded, her face turning pink. Just then Willow stumbled into the doorway, leaning on the door frame for support.
"Morning," greeted Willow. "What's going on?"
Faith slowly stood up, letting the blanket fall to the floor. Tara moved to stand next to Willow but Faith ignored her, keeping her eyes on Willow. Even Dawn edged her way over to get between Willow and Faith.
"You trying to kill me? Talk fast, witch, 'cause I'm wicked pissed right now," taunted Faith.
"Faith, I'm sorry about last night. I overreacted. Hell, I freaked. But Buffy would've left and, and...Faith, I'm sorry. It just...happened. Are you okay?" winced Willow.
"And what about this morning? Faith nearly died!" snapped Dawn, turning to face Willow. Willow's eyes opened wide and she covered her mouth with her hand.
"The invite! Oh, goddess! I forgot!"
"So you did do it. When we were waiting in the car," said Tara, shaking her head from side to side.
"Yes," admitted Willow. "Giles told me to."
"Giles? Giles told you to do that?" exclaimed Faith. Willow nodded.
"In case we had to come back here last night. There wouldn't be time to...oh, Faith, I am sorry! I forgot. I didn't mean to...oh, shit," sighed Willow.
"But...why? And why did you think I wouldn't want to be with you last night?" asked Faith, not even trying to hide the ache that she felt.
"The ritual involved Helios, the sun god. Giles felt that, you being a, a..."
"Vampire," said Faith.
"Yeah. That little detail might've interfered or even prevented contact, so..."
Willow could only shrug. She cautiously took a step forward, somewhat unsteady on her feet, and opened her arms to Faith. Faith looked down, grinding her teeth.
"Faith, I'm sorry," whispered Willow.
Faith looked up and caught the mocking laughter in Willow's eyes. Reaching for a knife by the side of the sink, she grasped it and spun, pushing Dawn out of the way. Her hand came up, lifting Willow off her feet as the blade ripped upwards. She felt the metal grate against bone even before the sticky warmth of Willow's blood gushed over her fist. Faith's nostrils flared as the tang of her blood, the scent of her fear washed over her.
Willow tried to scream but spit up blood instead. Her eyes dilated from fear to anger as the darkness spread across the whites like flowing watercolor. From somewhere far off Faith could hear Tara shrieking. Ignoring her, Faith twisted the knife harder, tearing flesh. Willow's head slumped forward and she fell into Faith's arms.
Faith looked up. Willow was holding her in her arms, her lips were moving...but Faith couldn't hear her. She shook her head to clear her vision.
"Faith! Faith, what happened? Are, are you okay?" asked Willow with sincere concern.
Faith looked around. She was in the kitchen. Tara was staring at her and Dawn...Dawn was frightened. She looked back at Willow and Willow let go of her, taking a step back with her eyes wide open. And Faith understood why. For a moment the witch had seen what Faith was feeling, had touched a part of her that she had always hid, even from herself. Willow had seen Faith afraid.
"Faith..." whispered Willow, aghast.
"Hey, I'm okay," said Faith, quickly looking away from Willow. "Must've...I, I just got a little light headed. That's all."
Faith stepped back and supported herself by leaning against the counter. She forced an unconvincing smile on Dawn but didn't fool her. Glancing at the sink she saw the knife there and her hands gripped the counter tighter as she suddenly did feel light headed. Looking up, she saw Tara had followed her gaze and was staring at the knife. And then Tara looked at her, looked into her...and Faith knew that Tara understood what had happened. Tara mercifully looked away.
"Faith, maybe you need to eat? Think that would help?" asked Dawn.
"Um, I don't know...I, uh...sure. I guess it couldn't hurt," nodded Faith, still avoiding Willow's eyes. Dawn opened the refrigerator and pulled out a white plastic cup, whipping off the lid and tossing it aside. She took an experienced step towards the microwave but Faith stopped her with her hand.
"No, that's okay, I'll just..."
Faith attempted to smile again and got a nod from Dawn as she handed her the cup. Hesitating, Faith glanced up at Willow and was met with genuine concern and sympathy. She closed her eyes and gulped down half the cup.
"I think I'd better go lay down. Not that this is over," added Faith, looking at each girl in turn. She set the cup down on the counter and stared at the floor.
"Did...did she say anything?" whispered Faith.
"Um, no. Not much. She...recognized us," said Tara. "We'll know more tonight."
"Tonight?" repeated Faith, looking up at Tara. She caught the warning glare from Willow and waited for her to look back.
"Yeah," nodded Willow. "Buffy...she said she'd meet us in Dawn's room."
Faith turned to look at Dawn.
"She said...she said she was already here. It won't be the same as last night," said Tara.
"Already here?" repeated Faith, wrinkling her eyebrows at Tara. Tara just shrugged. Willow walked over and put one hand on Faith's shoulder, the other on Dawn's arm.
"I won't let anything happen to her. I promise," said Willow. Faith bit her lower lip, knowing Willow meant what she said.
"I know. But I'm in. I'm going to be there," warned Faith. Willow began to object, then simply nodded her agreement.
"I'd better go," said Faith.
"I'll come with. You, you m-might feel dizzy again. On the stairs," said Tara.
"No, I can..."
Faith stopped, seeing the look on Tara's face. Her eyes all but begged her.
"Thanks," nodded Faith. She headed upstairs without waiting for Tara. Willow and Dawn exchanged surprised expressions as Tara moved to catch up with her.
On the stairs Faith let Tara take her elbow even though she didn't need, or want, her help. Neither of them spoke or looked at one another until they were in front of Faith's room. The anticipated awkward silence had barely formed when Tara spoke.
"How do you f-feel?"
"Okay, I guess. Thanks for your help," said Faith, trying to quickly dismiss Tara.
"It happened again, didn't? You...you had one of your visions," said Tara.
"Was it that obvious?" frowned Faith.
"No. And I don't think Dawn has any idea that you have these," reassured Tara.
"Had these. Past tense. It's been a long since...and anyway, Dawn does know. I told her. It helped explain why I had to stay away. Well, a little, I hope," said Faith.
Tara swallowed, uncomfortable talking about this but needing to push on.
"The knife. It was the knife...right?" asked Tara timidly. Faith nodded and looked back towards the stairs behind them.
"Yeah. And, and Willow. Hey, look, this doesn't mean anything. I'm tired, a lot of...stuff went down tonight. Tara, you don't have to worry. I'm okay," smiled Faith.
"But I do. Worry. And know this...I will protect her. With my life if it comes to that," glared Tara, her face hard, cold and so unlike her that it startled Faith.
"Tara, if I have these visions again, you won't have to uninvite me. I'll leave. It's that's simple. Good night," snapped Faith, pushing past Tara and closing her door.
Tara stood there for a moment, took a deep breath to calm the chill that was trying to overcome her. Holding her arms, rubbing them, she turned and walked away, hesitating only when she heard Faith click the lock shut on the door behind her.
Faith lay down on her bed and pulled her pillow to her, hugging it tightly, her eyes wide open. She found herself staring at the photo of Buffy by the side of the bed.
END OF PART SEVEN
PART SEVEN
"Willow, I can't stay long. My host isn't strong enough. She's tired and...well, it's hard to explain. Willow, I'm fine and, and I've accepted this. But I need you to do something for me, okay?" asked Dawn.
"Your host? You mean your sister!" said Tara. Willow frowned at her.
"Anything! Just tell me..."
Willow stopped, her eyes drifting up behind Dawn. Everyone but Dawn looked in that direction. She froze, staring at Willow, her hands tightening their grip with both Giles and Anya.
"Faith! What are you doing here?" shouted Willow.
"You tell me. You're the one who called," answered Faith.
"Don't mind me. I just tagged along," added Spike.
"But, but I didn't...what are you talking about?" asked Willow, ignoring Spike.
"Willow, I heard you. Here," said Faith, pointing at her temple. "You brought me here."
"No, I didn't!" protested Willow.
"Um, yes, you did," said Anya.
"What?," shot Willow.
"I believe you said... 'bring the dead Slayer to me' ...and, well, she is a dead Slayer," grimaced Anya.
"Oh. Oh!," groaned Willow.
"Be careful what you ask for," smiled Spike.
Another of the candles flickered out.
"Willow, make them go away. Now!" yelled Dawn, her body trembling. She tilted her head to one side but wouldn't look at Faith. Willow looked at her and realized that she was terrified.
"Buffy, what's wrong? It's only Faith and Spike," said Willow.
"Buffy? What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Faith tensely.
"Faith! Don't you recognize her voice?" asked Xander, incredulous.
"Yeah, I do. That's Dawn's voice," replied Faith, eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What?" spat Xander.
"Uh, not that we're taking a vote, but I'm with Faith on this one. That's little bit's voice," agreed Spike.
"Willow, please! Make them leave!" begged Dawn.
Willow looked from Dawn to Faith, unsure of what to do.
"Faith, maybe it would be best if you left," suggested Giles.
"I don't think so," responded Faith, not looking at him but keeping her eyes on Willow.
Dawn finally turned to face Faith and Faith's eyes popped open wide. It wasn't the blackness of her eyes that frightened her but the seething hatred and contempt that twisted Dawn's face now.
"That's not Buffy," swallowed Faith, taking a step back. Dawn twisted her neck back to face Willow.
"If they don't go, I will!" threatened Dawn.
"Faith, go. Now," said Willow, eyes not leaving Dawn.
"Willow, you can't..."
"Go!" screamed Willow, now glaring at Faith. Faith looked at Spike and then glared back at Willow.
"No," came her whispered reply.
Another candle died out, its smoke coiling upwards and then fading away. Willow closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them with a smile.
"Willow, no!" shouted Tara.
"Leave!" commanded Willow. And Faith was flung off the platform. Spike twisted around to watch her plummet towards the ground. She landed square on the top of a car parked below, the glass of each window exploding outwards like water. Faith lay there, not moving. Spike looked back at Willow. She was now staring at him.
"Just leaving!" he announced, running for the stairs and not looking back.
"Faith!" yelled Matthieu.
Faith opened her eyes, blinking several times and wincing in pain.
"It's okay, Matty. I'm...still dead," laughed Faith, immediately regretting it because of the pain it caused. "Help me up."
Matthieu eased an arm under her shoulders and gently helped her sit up. Faith hid her face in his shoulder briefly, then glanced up at the tower.
"Faith, are you...are you okay?" asked Spike, suddenly standing next to them. Faith nodded.
"Yeah. Thanks for asking."
Faith slid off the roof of the car and stood uneasily on her feet, held up by Matthieu.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I was asked to leave. But I don't like being told what to do," said Faith, pushing his arms away and rotating her neck several times.
"Why would Buffy be afraid of us?" said Spike out loud, looking up at the tower.
"She wouldn't be. That wasn't her," said Faith.
"I'm not so sure," answered Spike.
"Hey, she was mad at me at times and maybe even hated me, but she never once was afraid of me. Not Buffy. Not because of me."
"So it was a seance," said Matthieu.
"Well they weren't playing Twister," snapped Spike.
"Dawn was talking," explained Faith, ignoring Spike. "They thought it was Buffy's voice but Spike and I heard only Dawn's voice. It doesn't make sense."
"Unless...," began Spike.
"Unless you two have something in common that Buf...that she didn't like. Now what could that be?" smiled Matthieu.
"Well, she was afraid of both of us, so it's not a Slayer thing," said Faith.
"And why would someone who's dead be afraid of...well, someone who's dead?" shrugged Matthieu.
"Maybe it has something to do with what we like to dine on," offered Spike.
"Or maybe because we're dead it couldn't fool us," added Faith.
"So then there's no chance it could've been Buffy?" asked Matthieu, looking at both of them in turn. Faith looked at Spike and shook her head.
"No. My gut tells me no," said Faith. Spike looked down, unconvinced.
"Spike, I know you want to believe it's her, but don't listen to your heart. Use your head," said Faith.
Spike stared at Faith but wouldn't answer.
"But why didn't they want you there?" asked Matthieu. "Aren't they your friends?"
Spike looked at Faith, Faith looked at Spike. And then they both looked down at the ground.
*****
There was only one candle lit now. No one spoke but instead they all glanced from Willow to Dawn and back. Dawn was still visibly shaking and now sweat beaded upon her forehead, her blouse clung wet to her back.
"Willow, I can't stay. I'm, I'm tired and...I can't stay. My...sister," said Dawn, challenging Tara with a glare, "is exhausted. Dawn won't remember any of this and, and that's not fair to her. Tomorrow night...in Dawn's room...be there. I'll...well, you'll see. And Dawn will be able to talk to me there. You'll see."
"Is there anything I have to do?" whispered Willow. "To contact you, I mean."
"No. I'm here now. You'll see. I need your help, but...tomorrow. Thank you, Willow. I missed you," smiled Dawn.
A single tear ran down Willow's cheek.
"Don't go. Please," begged Willow, her voice less than a whisper.
"I have to," answered Dawn, shaking her head. She turned and simply smiled at Giles. Nothing more had to be said. He smiled back, his face tormented, tight with sorrow.
"Buffy, what's your middle name?" asked Tara. Even though her voice was soft everyone looked at her, shocked that she could ask such a question. And since they were looking at her and not Dawn, only Tara noticed the momentary apprehension so clear on Dawn's face.
The last candle went out and Dawn's head fell forward. Tara looked at Willow and saw very plainly how angry she was.
"You can break the circle now," announced Willow, pulling her hand free from Tara with a little more force than was necessary. The others followed and stretched, easing sore muscles in their backs and necks. Dawn awoke like someone had splashed water on her face and looked around her, confused and afraid.
"What happened?" she asked anxiously.
"Dawn, do you feel okay?" asked Tara.
"I guess," nodded Dawn. "But I'm really tired. Why's everyone staring at me?"
"It's nothing. Come on, let's go home. I'll tell you all about it," sighed Willow, needing to lean on Giles to stand up and ignoring Tara's hand as she did.
Tara pouted and looked back at Dawn. The whites of her eyes were now completely red.
*****
She watched them from her hiding place across the street. Xander was carrying Dawn in his arms and Willow leaned heavily on Giles, finding it difficult to put one foot in front of the other. No one spoke and no one looked at the smashed car by the curb. No one except Tara who paused and then looked back up at the tower. The others walked across the street towards her but Tara didn't seem to be in a hurry to catch up.
Pat gripped the stake in her hand tighter, her knuckles turning white and the back of her hand quivering with the effort. The wood snapped and she flung the now useless weapon to the ground. Taking a deep breath, Pat turned and slipped away unseen.
*****
Spike slammed shut the door of his crypt and stood there, hands on hips, trying to control the rage that had been building all the way back here. He turned and kicked the door. Hard. And immediately regretted it.
"Bloody hell! You'd think that door had a soul!" yelled Spike, jumping up and down while holding his foot in both hands. He limped over to a candle and pulled a lighter out of his duster but froze before even thumbing the flint to light it.
"Who's here?" demanded Spike, peering into the darkness around him, seeking a shadow that didn't belong.
"You don't know?" came an answer from behind him. Spike slipped the lighter back into his coat and slowly turned. The shadow moved slowly towards him, taking form.
"I think you just hurt my feelings, Spike. You telling me you don't get that deep down tingle when we're both in the same room anymore?"
Spike swallowed, his eyes opening just a little bit wider as she approached.
"And I may only be sixteen, but I know that tingle means something a little more to you, doesn't it? Or do you get off only on certain Slayers?"
Pat moved in front of him, head tilted seductively to one side, a smile at each corner of her mouth. Spike involuntarily glanced down, taking in the young girl's body, noting how her legs pressed against the skirt she wore.
"Well, if it isn't the Slayer wanna be," smiled Spike, though not as confidently as he intended. "What brings you to our humble burg?"
"Buffy," replied Pat. Spike blinked. He hadn't expected that reply.
Pat slowly walked around him in a circle, seemingly unimpaired by the darkness. Spike stared straight ahead, motionless. She stopped in front of him, looking up with her arms crossed.
"So...what did she have to say tonight?" asked Pat.
"Who?"
"Buffy. I know what they were doing."
"So go ask them. I wasn't invited to the tea party," spat Spike.
Pat backhanded him across his face, hard. Spike didn't flinch and ignored the blood at the corner of his mouth. Pat smiled.
"You liked that...didn't you?" she taunted. Spike only stared at her.
"Either was I. And I wouldn't have been even if they knew I was here. Which they don't. You and I, Spike, we have two things in common now," sighed Pat.
"And what would that be?"
"Well, we're both on the outs with the Scooby gang. Me, because I wasn't here where I was needed, when I should have been. And you...because you didn't keep a promise."
Spike glared at her, knowing instantly what she meant, but was calmed by what he saw in her eyes. It wasn't contempt he found there, but sympathy.
"Glory was already dead. If you had protected Dawn, like you had promised..."
"You think I didn't try!" shouted Spike, his hands clenching into fists. It was Pat who looked away first.
"And the other thing we have in common?" asked Spike through clenched teeth.
"We both want to make up for failing. That's why I'm here," said Pat calmly.
"How?" asked Spike, suddenly interested.
"The Council doesn't trust Faith, they never will. They want me here. But Sunnydale already has a Slayer. And besides, Faith loves Dawn like a sister. And to me, that's even more important. She needs her now. They need each other."
"So why tell me?" asked Spike.
"Because I think you're still trying to fulfill your promise. And I think Dawn trusts you. I need your help. And so does Giles," added Pat. Spike smiled, suddenly understanding.
"Giles is Faith's connection to the gang. Get rid of Giles..."
"I see I've made my point," interrupted Pat. "So, you interested in helping me?"
"I guess I am," nodded Spike. Pat smiled.
"And here I thought I'd have to smack you around some. Oh well. We can have that fun another time," teased Pat. Spike frowned at her but Pat only seemed to be amused by his reaction.
"Tell me about Giles. How's he holding up?" asked Pat, now serious.
*****
Faith sat on the bike long after Matthieu had turned off the ignition and just stared at the house.
"Sure you don't want me to wait?" asked Matthieu over his shoulder.
"No. Getting kinda late anyway," said Faith, glancing towards the eastern horizon. She slid off the back of the bike and pulled off her helmet, wedging it under her arm. He looked at her with an unapproving frown.
"It'll be cool. Willow just freaked. Hell, if I know her she'll feel so guilty she'll wait on me hand and foot all week," smiled Faith.
"Or maybe let you feed off her again," countered Matthieu.
"Uh...wow. Way to spring something on a girl when she ain't got the time to explain," said Faith, frowning with one side of her mouth.
"Sorry, that was low. What say you 'splain it over a beer tonight?" asked Matthieu.
"Sounds great."
"How ya feelin'?" asked Matthieu.
"Little sore. I'll be fine. Wasn't the first time I fell like that. Why can't I be more catlike and fall on my feet?"
"Faith, you were amazing tonight. Like a squirrel jacked on coffee," smiled Matthieu. Faith looked up, moving her eyes side to side as she considered that.
"Guess I'll take that as a compliment. And Matty, about what happened tonight...I mean what almost happened. That can't...I was a little out of control," winced Faith.
"And your point is?"
"Hey, I'm serious here. I get caught up in the moment like that and you could get hurt, big time," said Faith sternly.
"Okay, but tell me this; how did you feel? Not what did you think, past tense, Monday morning quarterbacking here...how did you feel?"
Faith looked down for a moment and then smiled.
"It was intense," she whispered.
"Isn't that what it's all about? Don't take this the wrong way, but...didn't it make you feel alive?" asked Matthieu confidently.
"It's not always that simple. There's...consequences. No free rides. Everything has a price," shrugged Faith. "I know."
"You didn't answer my question."
Faith again glanced towards the sky.
"Is that why you're with me? Pushing the envelope make you feel alive?" asked Faith.
"That's only a small part, a very small part. Do you excite me? Hell, yes! Who knows why you feel the way you do about someone?" sighed Matthieu. And Faith smiled.
"And how do you feel about me?" she asked.
"Ah, you're right, it's getting late. Best you get inside,' grinned Matthieu.
"Who's avoiding the question now?" complained Faith.
"Fine. I'll answer it this way. You make me happy. And you or I could be dead this time tomorrow. So why not experience life to its fullest? Faith, all I'm saying is don't hold back. Live. You offered yourself to me...I want to do the same for you. I, I just want to make you happy."
Faith met his gaze and held it. The only sound just then was that of a cricket chirping the night away and somehow this only intensified the quiet surrounding them. She leaned forward and kissed him, pulled away with only a tease of a smile and then touched his warm cheek with her cold hand.
"Get some sleep," whispered Faith, adding a wink as she turned and walked away.
"Faith, does Spike have a soul?"
Faith stopped and didn't turn around for a moment. Then she answered him over her shoulder.
"No, but he's beginning to make me wonder. Goodnight already!"
Matthieu laughed and kicked the engine over. She could barely hear the bike by the time she reached the front door. Sliding her key into the lock, she turned it and pushed the door open...and her eyes opened in shock as she realized that she couldn't enter. Faith pushed out against nothing but it was as if there was an invisible wall in front of her.
"Oh shit. Dawn! Hey, anybody awake in there? Hey!" yelled Faith, looking behind her as the sky began to pale. She pushed the doorbell but then remembered that it didn't work.
"Okay, this is so not funny! You made your point, Tara, now let me in! Hey!" screamed Faith.
Finally a pair of pajama'd legs came down the stairs. Faith winced when she saw that it was Tara.
"Faith, what are you..."
"Tara, jokes over, very funny. Now go get Dawn. Please?"
"Wha...why? I don't..."
"Tara, don't play dumb, I can't get in!"
"What!? But I didn't...oh my...Faith, the sun!"
"No shit!"
"Maybe I can...Faith, please come in! You, you're welcome here!" cried Tara. Faith reached out and her shoulders drooped as she glared at Tara.
"I'll get Dawn," said Tara, turning towards the stairs. Then she looked back at Faith. "Don't go anywhere!"
"Will you hurry up!? And where the hell am I going to go!?" barked Faith.
Tara grimaced and ran up the stairs, pausing in front of the hall closet before she reached Dawn's room. She whipped the door open and pulled out a blanket.
"Dawn! Wake up! Now!"
Tara ran back down the stairs, almost tripping over the blanket. She reached the doorway but Faith was gone. Her helmet was on the porch, tilted on its side.
"Faith?"
Tara knelt down but there was no ash to be seen. It was getting very bright out now. She turned when she heard Dawn descending the stairs. She had slept in the clothes she wore last night but now had also slipped on a pair of sunglasses.
"Tara, what's going on?"
"It's Faith. She couldn't get in!"
"You mean she didn't have her key?" asked Dawn, confused.
"No. I mean she couldn't come in. Dawn, it wasn't me. I didn't..."
Tara stopped, her eyes looking up at the door to her bedroom. It still took another moment for Dawn to catch on.
"Faith!" yelled Dawn, now running outside. She looked left and right and, groaning, up at the sky. The sun had cleared the horizon. She turned back to look at Tara, her face a mixture of pain and fear.
"Tara, where could she have gone?" asked Dawn, holding her hands out.
"Well, I don't think she poofed," grimaced Tara.
Dawn looked around again and then ran towards the back of the house.
"Faith! Faith, where are you?" called Dawn. Tara ran after her and caught up with her in the back yard.
"Tara, why would Willow..."
"I don't know. Dawn, it's okay, I'm sure Faith made it...somewhere. Somewhere safe," said Tara. But Dawn wasn't looking at her. Tara turned to see what Dawn was looking at and saw that some side boards along the back steps were broken...as if they had been kicked inward. They both looked at one another and then ran to the porch and peered in.
It took a moment for their eyes to adjust and for a second Tara thought a cat was staring back at them from under the porch. Then she realized the yellow feral eyes were Faith's own. Faith turned her face away from them, huddled far in the corner by the house.
"Faith! Oh, thank God we found you! Faith, I don't know what happened. I'm so sorry," said Dawn. Faith didn't answer and didn't turn to face them.
"Tara, go get a blanket...no, get the comforter off my bed, it's thicker. We need to get her inside."
"No! Just...leave me alone," yelled Faith. But she didn't sound angry. And it was more than being upset by this betrayal. Very simply, Faith's tone resonated fear. Dawn sat up and looked at Tara, shocked.
"Dawn, she only...she only looks like that," whispered Tara, "when she's very angry or, or hurt. M-maybe we should let her, well, calm down first."
"No. Go get the comforter. Now," ordered Dawn. Tara nodded and left. With a sigh Dawn stuck her head back under the porch.
"Dawn, just go. Please," asked Faith. Dawn winced, realizing that Faith was crying.
"No. Faith, you are welcome into my home. I invite you in. And I'm not going to have out here like this. No freakin' way."
Faith didn't answer but Dawn could see that her body still trembled.
"Are you telling me that you're afraid to try to get out of there? Spike runs around with a blanket out here all the time," sighed Dawn. Faith turned her head, her face now in human form, and Dawn smiled. Tara came out the back door, comforter in hand.
"Leave me alone," begged Faith, her eyes red, her face smudged with dirt. Dawn glared back at her.
"If you don't get your wuss ass out here right now I'm going to tell Spike what a fraidy cat you were and you'll never hear the end of it. So move!" shouted Dawn, holding her hand out for Tara to give her the comforter.
Faith pouted and reluctantly dragged herself forward on her elbows.
"Tara, take an end. Spread this out."
Tara nodded and did as she was told.
"Come on, Faith. It's okay. We'll cover you up," encouraged Dawn. Faith emerged and they wrapped the comforter tightly around her and helped her to her feet. Dawn held her and guided her towards the house as Tara opened the door.
Faith sat down in a corner of the kitchen and pulled her head free but kept the blanket wrapped around her as if she was cold. Tara quickly made sure the shutters above the sink were closed tight as Dawn knelt down next to Faith. But Faith wouldn't look at her. Instead she just stared at the floor in front of her. Biting her lower lip, Dawn leaned forward and hugged her but got no response from Faith.
"I'm so sorry," whispered Dawn.
Faith slowly raised her eyes and glared at Tara.
"Faith, it wasn't me, I swear," winced Tara. Faith looked back down at the floor but then looked at Dawn as she sat down next to her.
"What's with the glasses?" asked Faith.
Dawn hesitated but then briefly lowered them just enough for her to see that her eyes were completely red. Once again Faith glared at Tara, this time even more menacingly.
"Tara thinks they'll clear up in a day or two," shrugged Dawn. "It doesn't hurt."
"What's going on?" demanded Faith coldly.
"It's only a side effect of the...the possession," frowned Tara.
"Did any of you even for a second consider Dawn in all this?"
"Faith, that's not fair. I agreed to the seance," defended Dawn.
"And we didn't know...we weren't sure how Buffy would try to contact us," sighed Tara. "Not that it matters but I tried to talk them out of it."
Faith took one arm out of the blanket and ran her fingers along Dawn's cheek, brushing back her hair.
"You okay?" asked Faith.
"Yeah. Just a little tired. And, and a little disappointed, I guess. See, I don't remember anything. Nothing! And...it's not fair, you know? I mean...she's my sister," said Dawn, her voicing cracking.
"Dawnie, it wasn't her," said Faith.
"What? But, but they said...it was her voice. They heard Buffy's voice!"
"I didn't. I only heard your voice. Now why is that? And why was...Buffy...so afraid of me?" asked Faith. "No, Dawn, I'm sorry, but I don't believe it was her. Do you, Tara?"
Tara took a deep breath.
"I don't know. I just don't know," replied Tara.
"Faith, I don't get it. Tara's been living here for a while. She invited you in. Why didn't it work?" asked Dawn. Faith looked up at Tara and smiled.
"Probably because she isn't comfortable here yet, feels...awkward, sleeping in your mom's bed," said Faith, not taking her eyes off of Tara.
"Tara, is that true? You don't consider this your home?" asked Dawn, surprised.
"I, I hadn't thought about it. But...no, maybe I don't. Willow and I, we, we can't replace Joyce. No one can, Dawn," sighed Tara, looking away.
"I'm not asking you to. And you don't have to. I don't know what I would've done without you and Willow here. Tara, this is your home. Okay?" smiled Dawn.
Tara nodded, her face turning pink. Just then Willow stumbled into the doorway, leaning on the door frame for support.
"Morning," greeted Willow. "What's going on?"
Faith slowly stood up, letting the blanket fall to the floor. Tara moved to stand next to Willow but Faith ignored her, keeping her eyes on Willow. Even Dawn edged her way over to get between Willow and Faith.
"You trying to kill me? Talk fast, witch, 'cause I'm wicked pissed right now," taunted Faith.
"Faith, I'm sorry about last night. I overreacted. Hell, I freaked. But Buffy would've left and, and...Faith, I'm sorry. It just...happened. Are you okay?" winced Willow.
"And what about this morning? Faith nearly died!" snapped Dawn, turning to face Willow. Willow's eyes opened wide and she covered her mouth with her hand.
"The invite! Oh, goddess! I forgot!"
"So you did do it. When we were waiting in the car," said Tara, shaking her head from side to side.
"Yes," admitted Willow. "Giles told me to."
"Giles? Giles told you to do that?" exclaimed Faith. Willow nodded.
"In case we had to come back here last night. There wouldn't be time to...oh, Faith, I am sorry! I forgot. I didn't mean to...oh, shit," sighed Willow.
"But...why? And why did you think I wouldn't want to be with you last night?" asked Faith, not even trying to hide the ache that she felt.
"The ritual involved Helios, the sun god. Giles felt that, you being a, a..."
"Vampire," said Faith.
"Yeah. That little detail might've interfered or even prevented contact, so..."
Willow could only shrug. She cautiously took a step forward, somewhat unsteady on her feet, and opened her arms to Faith. Faith looked down, grinding her teeth.
"Faith, I'm sorry," whispered Willow.
Faith looked up and caught the mocking laughter in Willow's eyes. Reaching for a knife by the side of the sink, she grasped it and spun, pushing Dawn out of the way. Her hand came up, lifting Willow off her feet as the blade ripped upwards. She felt the metal grate against bone even before the sticky warmth of Willow's blood gushed over her fist. Faith's nostrils flared as the tang of her blood, the scent of her fear washed over her.
Willow tried to scream but spit up blood instead. Her eyes dilated from fear to anger as the darkness spread across the whites like flowing watercolor. From somewhere far off Faith could hear Tara shrieking. Ignoring her, Faith twisted the knife harder, tearing flesh. Willow's head slumped forward and she fell into Faith's arms.
Faith looked up. Willow was holding her in her arms, her lips were moving...but Faith couldn't hear her. She shook her head to clear her vision.
"Faith! Faith, what happened? Are, are you okay?" asked Willow with sincere concern.
Faith looked around. She was in the kitchen. Tara was staring at her and Dawn...Dawn was frightened. She looked back at Willow and Willow let go of her, taking a step back with her eyes wide open. And Faith understood why. For a moment the witch had seen what Faith was feeling, had touched a part of her that she had always hid, even from herself. Willow had seen Faith afraid.
"Faith..." whispered Willow, aghast.
"Hey, I'm okay," said Faith, quickly looking away from Willow. "Must've...I, I just got a little light headed. That's all."
Faith stepped back and supported herself by leaning against the counter. She forced an unconvincing smile on Dawn but didn't fool her. Glancing at the sink she saw the knife there and her hands gripped the counter tighter as she suddenly did feel light headed. Looking up, she saw Tara had followed her gaze and was staring at the knife. And then Tara looked at her, looked into her...and Faith knew that Tara understood what had happened. Tara mercifully looked away.
"Faith, maybe you need to eat? Think that would help?" asked Dawn.
"Um, I don't know...I, uh...sure. I guess it couldn't hurt," nodded Faith, still avoiding Willow's eyes. Dawn opened the refrigerator and pulled out a white plastic cup, whipping off the lid and tossing it aside. She took an experienced step towards the microwave but Faith stopped her with her hand.
"No, that's okay, I'll just..."
Faith attempted to smile again and got a nod from Dawn as she handed her the cup. Hesitating, Faith glanced up at Willow and was met with genuine concern and sympathy. She closed her eyes and gulped down half the cup.
"I think I'd better go lay down. Not that this is over," added Faith, looking at each girl in turn. She set the cup down on the counter and stared at the floor.
"Did...did she say anything?" whispered Faith.
"Um, no. Not much. She...recognized us," said Tara. "We'll know more tonight."
"Tonight?" repeated Faith, looking up at Tara. She caught the warning glare from Willow and waited for her to look back.
"Yeah," nodded Willow. "Buffy...she said she'd meet us in Dawn's room."
Faith turned to look at Dawn.
"She said...she said she was already here. It won't be the same as last night," said Tara.
"Already here?" repeated Faith, wrinkling her eyebrows at Tara. Tara just shrugged. Willow walked over and put one hand on Faith's shoulder, the other on Dawn's arm.
"I won't let anything happen to her. I promise," said Willow. Faith bit her lower lip, knowing Willow meant what she said.
"I know. But I'm in. I'm going to be there," warned Faith. Willow began to object, then simply nodded her agreement.
"I'd better go," said Faith.
"I'll come with. You, you m-might feel dizzy again. On the stairs," said Tara.
"No, I can..."
Faith stopped, seeing the look on Tara's face. Her eyes all but begged her.
"Thanks," nodded Faith. She headed upstairs without waiting for Tara. Willow and Dawn exchanged surprised expressions as Tara moved to catch up with her.
On the stairs Faith let Tara take her elbow even though she didn't need, or want, her help. Neither of them spoke or looked at one another until they were in front of Faith's room. The anticipated awkward silence had barely formed when Tara spoke.
"How do you f-feel?"
"Okay, I guess. Thanks for your help," said Faith, trying to quickly dismiss Tara.
"It happened again, didn't? You...you had one of your visions," said Tara.
"Was it that obvious?" frowned Faith.
"No. And I don't think Dawn has any idea that you have these," reassured Tara.
"Had these. Past tense. It's been a long since...and anyway, Dawn does know. I told her. It helped explain why I had to stay away. Well, a little, I hope," said Faith.
Tara swallowed, uncomfortable talking about this but needing to push on.
"The knife. It was the knife...right?" asked Tara timidly. Faith nodded and looked back towards the stairs behind them.
"Yeah. And, and Willow. Hey, look, this doesn't mean anything. I'm tired, a lot of...stuff went down tonight. Tara, you don't have to worry. I'm okay," smiled Faith.
"But I do. Worry. And know this...I will protect her. With my life if it comes to that," glared Tara, her face hard, cold and so unlike her that it startled Faith.
"Tara, if I have these visions again, you won't have to uninvite me. I'll leave. It's that's simple. Good night," snapped Faith, pushing past Tara and closing her door.
Tara stood there for a moment, took a deep breath to calm the chill that was trying to overcome her. Holding her arms, rubbing them, she turned and walked away, hesitating only when she heard Faith click the lock shut on the door behind her.
Faith lay down on her bed and pulled her pillow to her, hugging it tightly, her eyes wide open. She found herself staring at the photo of Buffy by the side of the bed.
END OF PART SEVEN