University of Colorado Campus, one and a half years later; 1430 hours.
Faith stepped out fof the building that held her last class of the day; the day was chilly despite there being ample sunshine as the young woman zipped up the light jacket she was wearing. She then reached into her bag and took out a woollen cap while she slightly shivered as she pulled the cap over her shot shoulder length black hair. Smiling to herself, the Slayer then walked towards the parking lot and towards a red car that was parked at one corner of the lot. Reaching into her jeans pocket to take out the keys, the Slayer reached the car… a used car that Major Carter had gotten for her for her eighteenth birthday. Faith remembered that day clearly, it was a few days after the semester had begun nearly a year and a half ago.
It had been an eventful year and a half for the dark haired Slayer; she had nearly lost her mother after an alien entity invaded her body… an incident which left her just helpless since there was no way for her to punch or kick the entity since it was already in her mother. Faith just wanted to forget that day, but it stayed in her mind as she stayed by the Major's side even after she was hit twice with a zat. It was later they discovered that the entity had stored Major Carter's consciousness in the same system it used to travel through the Stargate.. the same system of computers it used as it's home once it arrived on this planet. Then there was the time when the Major and Colonel O'Neill were accused of being Zatarc – humans who were brainwashed by the Goa'uld to do their bidding, they were essentially sleeper agents who'd be activated once they had acquired their target. Faith knew that two SGC officers had already died, and she feared for Major Carter and the Colonel.
She was with the Major when Colonel O'Neill, without consulting Major Carter, volunteered himself to undergo a risky process that could deprogram him if he was a Zatarc; however, as they found out earlier… the process would trigger a failsafe in their programming that would possibly kill him. At the last minute though, it was the Major who admitted that they lied.. that they never told the truth.
"Mom?" asked Faith as she looked at the Major, and the at Dr. Fraiser, who was going to sedate her. It was believed that the Major and Colonel O'Neill were brainwashed to attack the President who was arriving on the base for a summit with the Tok'ra leaders on a new treaty between them and the humans of Earth, "mom, what are you talking about?"
"We didn't tell the truth" said the Major as she looked at Faith, "Ellie, there are some things that we couldn't admit.. I mean, we didn't know that we were lying in the first place. We need to be scanned again… trust me."
"Janet" said Faith as she looked at the doctor, "I believe her… we need to test her again. Please."
And that's what they did. Faith, Teal'c and Dr. Fraiser looked on as the Colonel was retested first, and the answers he gave still showed him as a Zatarc. It was then that Major Carter walked over to him and told him that the machine thinks they're lying because they never revealed everything… including why the Colonel didn't leave her behind when the shield went up the time they destroyed Apophis' ship during the time they had the Atanik armbands attached to them. Faith looked on as her suspicions about her mother and Colonel O'Neill were confirmed; the Colonel had admitted that he cared about the Major more than he should have, and later on… the Major admitted the same thing as well. The three of them in the Observation deck rushed out of there once the testing was over, and went to the room below.
"Hey" said Faith as she hugged the Major, "you're right."
The Slayer then looked at the Colonel and raised an eyebrow, while the older man narrowed his eyes at her.
"So they're not Zatarc's" said Dr. Fraiser "is there anyone else who hasn't been tested?"
Anise told than the she herself hadn't been tested since she wasn't ever placed into a position that she'd have to be around the Goa'uld, and the high Councillor and his team were checked before they arrived on Earth.
"How about Martouf?" asked the Major.
"He….." said Anise as a frightening realization came to her mind.
"The Gateroom" said the Major as she looked at faith who nodded her head before she took off running.
Faith knew that it was a three minute run from the observation room to the Gateroom; she could hear the others running after her while Colonel O'Neill was on the radio talking to Daniel. She heard Teal'c behind her, but she was already pulling away from him using all the speed she could muster.
"Out of the way!" shouted Faith as Airmen and other officers moved aside to let Faith through. In two minutes, the Slayer made it to the Gateroom, panting, as Martouf point a strange weapon at the man who was supposedly the President after pushing Daniel away. She saw him fire a plasma beam at the President, and the Tok'ra High Councillor who were pushed aside by their people.. the beam missing them.
"Marty!" shouted Faith as she ran towards the Tok'ra when he pointed the weapon at her. She slid down onto her knees and the weapon fired over her head, while at the same time Faith punched the man in his abdomen. While he doubled over, she then swept his feet from under him and caused him to fall onto his back where in a fluid motion the Slayer grabbed his weapon hand with one arm, and then with her other hand she grabbed the weapon. She was about to take the device off his finger when Martouf punched her face. Even while Martouf continued to punch her, she held on just as some of the Secret Service agents held his punching hand down while he screamed out loud before Faith slid the weapon out of his finger and then held his arm down by placing her knees on the arm itself.
"Zat" shouted Faith as she was thrown the alien weapon by one of the S.F's before she got off the Tok'ra, as did the agents, and fired one shot at Martouf. The whole incident had taken a little over a minute before Faith helped Daniel up just as General Hammond, who had been with the President's look-a-like, walked into the Gateroom once again with the Tok'ra High Councillor. They looked at the unconscious Martouf, and then at Faith.
That incident was the first time that the Slayer received commendations from both General Hammond, and the President, placed into her file a few days later. However, while Anise managed to gather information on the brainwashing portion of the Zatarc technology, Martouf's failsafe kicked in again.
And this time, he didn't make it; he had an aneurysm in his brain caused by a secondary failsafe. While they knew what to do the next time someone else was brainwashed, it had taken Martouf dying to save the next four Tok'ra who were Zatarc's.
Back in the present day, Faith remembered the day that Cassie was nearly dying and a Goa'uld called Niirti saved her. The cloaked Goa'uld had been spying on Cassie, and unfortunately for her.. Faith was in the room watching over the younger redhead who was unconscious. Faith knew that there was someone else in the room since she could sense the symbiote, and thanks to Teal'c intensive training with only using her other senses, Faith closed her eyes and concentrated on the changes in the surrounding air.. she listened for the tiniest sound of footsteps before she turned around and grabbed a hold of someone who was invisible. She then held on before delivering a punch that knocked Nirrti out before Faith called for some S.F's. In the end, they forced Nirrti to save Cassie's life. As the Stargate activated after she saved Cassie, Nirrti told SG-1 that she'd only have to restart her experiments to create a suitable Hok'Taur. She then looked at Faith and smiled before saying that Faith would have made the perfect Hok'taur because of her strength.. and her ability to detect her while cloaked.
"Leave" said Major Carter as she stood next to Faith.
"I will" said Nirrti who was facing Faith, "you are aware that you surprised me back then. Were I prepared, then…. Then you would be the one coming with me, little one."
"Oh, suck on a lemon" said Faith.
Nirrti just smiled at Faith before she walked through the Stargate; she'd would be killed by SG-1 nearly a year later.
As Faith started her car, the young woman pulled out of the parking lot and started her drive towards Cheyenne Mountain. She knew that SG-1 would be off-world for the next couple of days, and she had some work to do in Daniel's lab.
'Not Daniel's lab right now' thought Faith to herself as she remembered the biggest loss that the SGC experienced; Daniel's death and ascension. Faith remembered that day like it was yesterday, but it was Daniel's final moments that she'd remember the most. She held on to Major Carter as the archaeologist started to glow white before he became a formless being of energy that just floated away. However, sometimes when she's in Daniel's former lab with his replacement on SG-1, Jonas Quinn, Faith would just sense that he was around. She knew that the others felt the same as well… that there would be a light brush of wind in the closed base; followed by a calming sensation.
Back in the present day, it was while she was driving that Faith received a call on her phone. Looking at the screen, Faith saw that the call was from Tara. Faith then activated the call and then pressed a button that activated the speakerphone function of the phone.
"Hey, Tara" said Faith as she turned the car up another street.
"Faith" said Tara over the phone's speaker, "are… are you busy?"
Faith noticed that there was something in Tara's voice that made the young woman sit up and look at the phone with concern on her face.
"No, what's going on?"
"Faith" said Tara, "I know that Buffy won't call you about this.. I mean she didn't want to call you about what happened last year with some… never mind. Anyway…"
'Tara?" asked a concerned Faith, "what happened last year? You and I talked almost every day and I.."
"It happened like more like six months ago and…."
"Tara" said Faith shaking her head while wondering why Tara didn't tell her what was going on, "calm down, what's going on… what's B not calling me about?"
"This time it's Dawn" said Tara as Faith narrowed her eyes at the screen on the phone, "she… she's in danger and… and…"
"Tara" said Faith gently, "calm down, and tell me what's going on."
General Hammond's office, twenty minutes later.
The General was behind his desk going through reports when there was a knock on his closed door. Looking up while telling whoever it was to come in, he smiled and stood up when Faith walked into his office in a hurry before closing the door behind her.
"Ellie" said the General.
"Hey Uncle George" said the Slayer, "ummmm… some thing's come up. Tara called me and… and something important's come up and… well, we need to talk."
"Alright" said the General as he motioned for the dark haired Slayer to take a seat. As Faith was sitting down, she took out her phone and dialled Tara's dorm room phone number before putting the cell phone on the General's table. Once the line was connected, Faith activated the speakerphone function and started to talk.
"Tara" said Faith, "we're with the guy I told you about, General Hammond. Tell him what you told me."
"You… you sure that.. I mean…" asked Tara nervously.
"He can be trusted, Tara… and he can help" said Faith as she looked at the General.
"Tara, my name is General George Hammond.. commander of this base" said the General, "Miss Carter's told me that there is something important you wanted to talk about?"
"I… I don't really know how… I mean…"
"Tara" said Faith, "I promise you that he can help; just tell him what you told me, and then he'll decide on how to go on."
"Tara" said the General, "as of right now, I have no idea of what's going on… which I why I need you to explain it to me."
"It… it's about Dawn, Dawn Summers… Buffy's sister" said Tara as the General nodded his head, "she… she's in danger and…."
"How is she in danger?" asked the General.
"Tara" asked Faith gently, "tell him everything you told me, from the beginning."
Faith heard Tara a few deep breathes before she started talking. The blonde witch told the two of them about how Buffy and Kennedy were patrolling one night when they came upon two vampires near a warehouse. They dusted the vampires just before a security guard came out to see why there was such a commotion. Tara continued talking about how the guard gave the two girls an orb, which they them took to Giles.
"What happened to this Atwood fellow?" asked the General, "he's a watcher, right? Why was it taken to Giles?"
"We… we had an incident six months ago that… I mean we signed a non-disclosure and everything and… well… all I can tell you is that he died" said Tara as Faith and the General looked at each other surprised while mouthing 'non-disclosure' silently.
"Tara" said Faith, "you never told me that."
"We… we signed the paper and they said that if we talk about how he died… or what happened… then.. I mean… we'll all be jailed for treason and.."
"It's alright, Tara" said the General, "so I take it that Mr. Giles is Kennedy's watcher?"
"Yes" said Tara, "but… but I know that she still reports directly to the Council and…. Giles is a.. a watcher for her in name but…"
"She's still under their control" said the General.
"Yes" said Tara, "but… but soon after getting the orb… I mean a day later. Buffy and Kennedy went back to the warehouse.. I mean they wanted to check for clues and… and they found someone. They found someone.. they found a monk who they rescued from a woman. This woman was strong, I mean super strong… stronger than any demon or vampire. She beat Buffy and Kennedy like rag dolls and… and they were nearly killed. Kennedy took the monk out of there, while Buffy distracted the woman. Once they were out, Buffy got out of there just before the building collapsed. Buffy… Buffy told me that the monk said that Dawn's something called a Key… a Key to a doorway."
"What doorway?" asked the General.
"The monk died before he could tell Buffy and Kennedy" said Tara.
"Kennedy was there too?" asked the General as Faith nodded her head.
"Yes" said Tara, "General, he said that Dawn doesn't know who she is… that she's a human girl.. she's innocent. I… Buffy told me not to tell anyone, and this was a month ago. But.. but I wanted to keep her secret but… two weeks ago we had a snake demon come in for Dawn… Buffy later told me that this woman, Glory… she said something about reptiles being able to see the Key for what it was… living energy. Buffy told me not to say anything to anyone… we thought… she thought that we could handle it like we handled what happened last year. But.. but last night Mr. Giles called for a meeting to say that the Council were heading here today; that they had information about the Key and Glory and… and I know what the Council did to you, Faith. Whatever they found, Kennedy isn't sharing with us.. she said that Mr. Travers will let us know."
"I bet B was pissed" said Faith.
"All of us were" said Tara, "especially Willow, I mean… she… anyway, I told Buffy that we should call you. That whatever Mr. Travers told Kennedy, he'd want Dawn with him. Buffy doesn't want you involved.. she doesn't want the military involved but… but this is Dawnie, Faith. She's just a kid and if the Council do the same thing that they tried to do to you? I.. I didn't know what else to do."
"Tara" said the General as he sat back on his seat, "let me speak to my superiors, do you know when they're due to arrive in Sunnydale?"
"Kennedy said that the Council wants to give everyone a briefing at seven thirty this evening" said Tara.
"Tara" said the General, "where will this meeting be?"
"The Magic Box" said Tara.
"I need you to make sure that Miss Summers… Dawn, stays with you" said General Hammond, "Tara, make sure that she stays with you… use your magic to protect her."
"Gen.. General" said Tara, "Faith says that she trusts you so… so I do too; the.. the others may not after what happened last year but.. but I'll try to convince them."
It was a few minutes later that Tara got off the phone and Faith looked at the General who leaned forward.
"Do we call mom and the others?" asked Faith.
"Their mission in Kelowna is top priority" said the General as he frowned and then looked at the red phone, before looking at Faith once again, "if this young lady opens a doorway… any idea?"
"If the Council's getting involved?" asked Faith, "then whatever it is.. it's pretty bad. I've known Tara for a while.. I mean I've been talking to her a lot and… and I trust her. I mean she's the other one I've talked to after Oz… well the last time I talked to him he was headed up North; he said something about going back to nature so that he could control the.. well, supernatural part of himself."
"Ah" said the General nodding his head. He had heard of the young man, but he knew that Faith was hiding something about him… something personal; but the General didn't see fit to push the young woman on what it was, "let's assume the worst; given what you know about the supernatural, and the Council's involvement…"
"And that it's happening on the Hellmouth?" asked Faith, "and there's a crazy strong woman wanting this Key? Wanting Dawn? Then I'm guessing that it's really, really bad."
Faith then looked out the Generals' office window, to the window in the briefing room that looked out to the Stargate below before looking at the General again.
"Knowing B's luck in all of this… I'm guessing I'st a 'we need to take Dawn out of here' bad kind of situation" said Faith.
"We're not there yet" said General Hammond as he picked up the red phone while looking at Faith, "tell Walter to inform Peterson Bse that the both of us need transport for the Sunnydale Army Base. In the meantime, I'll talk to the President and inform him of the situation."
"How about the Council?" asked Faith as she got up, "you know they're not gonna walk away from this without some kind of a fight."
"We'll be going with a fully armed escort from the Sunnydale base" said the General, "let me take care of that. Do you think Miss Summers, Buffy, will listen to us if we offer to protect her sister?"
"I know she loves that kid" said Faith still in disbelief that the youngest Summers was a Key of some sort, "whatever issues she has with me, I think she'll want to protect Dawn at all costs."
"Whatever this is" said the General, "we listen to what the Council has to say…"
"But" said the Faith as the General put his hand up.
"We need to know what we're dealing with, Ellie" said the General, "depending on their answer; I'll authorize gate travel for Miss Summers, and her mother, to the Beta Site. If I'm not wrong, she's still a minor so.. I'll ask for the President to clear the both of them."
"And if the Council refuses?" asked Faith.
"Let's hope they don't, if they do… we'll come up with a quick plan" said the General, "get going Ellie. We're taking two Intars with us. Nothing else, no sense in frightening them more than they already are."
"Alright" said Faith as she got up and ran out of the office.
The Magic Box, 1935 hours.
Tara was leaning against the counter with Anya by her side while the rest of the Scoobies were sitting at the table near the book cases, while Giles walked out of the back training room where both Joyce and Dawn were being sequestered. The Watcher then walked up to Tara and put his hand on the young woman's shoulder before telling her that she made the right call in calling Faith. The young woman had nervously just revealed that she called Faith, and asked her for help; leaving the other Scoobies shocked.
"No she didn't" said Kennedy who was sitting next to Willow, who looked at Tara and then looked away, "she told the military that Dawn's the Key. You know what's going to happen now? They're gonna come in, take her away and experiment on her and…"
"Yeah" said Anya as she looked at Kennedy, and then at Tara who was hanging her head as she looked at the floor, before looking at Kennedy again, "and you were so honourable, right? You contacted the Council behind all of our backs after you found about Glory. You already admitted that… you told them about Glory and the Key, that Dawn is the Key.. and now they're coming here."
"The Council's coming to protect Dawn" said Kennedy, "the military killed Richard because of that thing they created and…"
"He died because you and Willow foolishly went with him, without any back-up to fight Adam" said Giles as he put his glasses on the counter while raising his voice, "then the both of you came to us crying about what happened. And now you tell us that you… behind my back, before even coming to me… your Watcher; you called the Council and told them about Dawn despite our agreement that we just ask them about the key… and its relationship to Glory. You were the one who told them that Dawn was the Key, Buffy and I wanted that detail left out."
"Buffy" said Tara as she looked at the blonde girl whose back was to her, "I… I know what the Council did to Faith. I didn't want that same thing to happen to Dawn so when I found out that the Council was coming here to talk about Dawn and Glory… you need to believe me that…"
"Tara" said Xander as he put his hand up, "I think we can take care of this on our own. Thanks."
"Xander" said Anya as she looked at her boyfriend who looked back onto the table.
"Buffy?" said Tara, "we… we need help and… and I don't think the Council's the best way to go and…"
"Neither is the military" whispered Buffy as she spoke without looking back at Tara, "I know you said you've been talking to Faith, and… that you trust her. But… Look, I know she's been through hell but I don't trust her. She's the last person I want Dawn with… and she's bringing military personnel with her and… I don't want that. You shouldn't have called her, Tara."
"Willow" said Tara as she looked at the redhead who looked back at her, and then looked away again, "is that what you think too?"
"Of course she does" said Kennedy as she walked towards he girlfriend and then sat next to her, "she…"
"Willow" said Tara as she took a step closer, "even though it broke my heart, I never told Faith what really happened between you and Oz. All she knows is that he's somewhere in Canada trying to control the wolf. You told me.. begged me never to tell her and I haven't. You blamed me for what happened.. for not teaching you…"
"Tara" said Willow with tears in her eyes as she looked up and shook her head.
"You're upsetting her" said Kennedy.
"I kept your secret, even now" said Tara as everyone looked down, and away from Tara, "I kept this secret for all of you… and Faith doesn't know, and it's killing me inside. But I'm not going to tell her, but with Dawn? You know she's still a child; a Key or not, she's still a child and.. and I don't trust the Council with children."
Tara then stepped back and leaned against the counter and whispered.
"If you don't want me here after all of this is over, then I understand" said Tara as she wiped her eyes while Anya looked at the blonde in surprise, as did Giles, "I'll leave. If that's want you guys really want, then I'll leave."
"Everyone's dealing with a lot of things, Tara" said Giles as he laid a hand on the blonde's shoulder as she wiped her eyes, "we're a family and sometimes we have disagreements. And I know how much it's hurting you, Tara… and you're not alone."
"I am alone when I have to hide it from someone he considered a friend" said Tara as she looked at Giles, and then at Willow who was wiping her eyes.
"That's why he's in the Canadian outback… or whatever it is that they call it; or at least he's supposed to be" said Kennedy as Willow looked up at her angrily. Kennedy then looked back down at her girlfriend and put her hands up before apologizing to her for making fun of Oz.
"Buff" said Xander as he looked at the blonde Slayer, "now we have the military coming in, and then we have the Council.. what do you want to do."
"No one's taking my sister" said Buffy as the door to the shop opened and everyone turned to see Quentin Travers, along with three other Council members and five people in black uniforms, and black masks with eyeholes; carrying weapons in their holsters while they stood behind Travers' group. Travers himself was in a suit and carrying a briefcase as he nodded to the men in black as one of them covered the front door while another covered the door to the back office as he walked past Tara, Anya, and Giles before walking around the counter; and finally the other two surrounded the table as Buffy stood up.. her hands clenched into fists.
"Quentin" said Giles motioning towards the people in black, "what is this?"
"Giles, old friend" said Travers, "thanks to Kennedy giving us information that you never provided us… which we will speak about soon enough, we've checked up on the creature known as Glory; and the Key. By the way, where is the younger Miss Summers? I believe she should hear this as well."
"She's in the back" said Kennedy as everyone looked at her while she headed to the back door.
"Kennedy" said Tara, "I brought her here for her protection… not so that you could…"
"Miss Maclay" said Travers as Tara turned to look at him while Kennedy walked over to the back door while Buffy followed her, "Kennedy's told me that you're a powerful witch…. However you're an unregistered magic user. We will need to rectify that so that you're just like Miss Rosenberg here who's been registered with us."
"Willow?" asked Giles as he, and the others then looked at the redhead, "when? Why?"
"Ken.. Kennedy said that the Council will give me resources to advance my magic and….. and they promised that I won't be working for them, Giles" said Willow as she looked at Giles while noticing the look of surprise on Tara's face, "they said that they'll help me, but I don't have to work for them and…"
"And we've kept to that agreement for six months" said Travers.
"Since Oz…" said Tara, "Willow… you could have come to me… I… I could have…"
"You are an unregistered Witch" said Travers as he nodded at another Council member who handed Tara a form, "fill that out by the end of the day. You'll then be given an…"
"No" said Tara as she ripped the form apart and dropped it on the floor.
"Then I'll make sure that our Coven binds your magic" said Travers to a shocked Tara before he looked at Dawn, and Joyce who walked out of the back room. They two women looked around at the men in uniform nervously. Travers then walked past Tara whose hands were shaking as she looked at Willow, who looked away again.
"Mrs Summers, Dawn" said Travers as he put up his hand to shake Joyce's just as Buffy pushed it away and stood in front of the two of them. Travers then sighed and took a step back, with Kennedy standing next to him, "my name is Quentin Travers, I am the head of the Watchers Council of Great Britain and…"
"The man responsible for kidnapping Faith when she was a baby" said Joyce as she held on to Dawn's hand, "yes, I know who you are. My conversation with her mother told me everything I needed to know, plus of course the hell you put my daughter through."
"Of course" said Travers, "sometimes we have to make hard decisions for the safety of this world, Mrs. Summers."
"Buffy just told me you came to take me away" said Dawn as Buffy looked at her sister, and then glared at Kennedy; she was mentally throwing knives at Kennedy for putting them all in this predicament.
"I am not letting you take her, you do realize that?" said Joyce as she stood in front of both Buffy and Dawn, shielding them while Xander, and Willow stood up and walked over to Buffy.
"Mrs. Summers" said Travers, "you're a mother. I can understand your feelings on this. But here is one thing you will have to understand, not only is the Council responsible for Slayers… it is also responsible for ensuring magic is used safely. Your daughter is a being of magic… a living matrix of energy made flesh."
"What?" asked Dawn.
"Dawnie" said Tara as she walked towards the young woman, but was stopped when Buffy looked at her and shook her head.
"Tara" said Buffy, "I need you to stay there, if they make a move… I need you and Willow to take these guys out and…"
"No" said Kennedy as she looked at Willow, "if Willow does anything to stop what's going to happen, then her powers are gonna be bound."
"Kennedy" said Willow as she took a step towards her.
"I'm sorry, baby" said the Slayer as she walked towards the redhead, who took a step back, "but… but that's a rule and… please, Willow. Don't interfere.. I'm begging you, don't interfere. Please. This is something we have to do and…"
"Will?" asked Buffy as she looked at her best friend who walked over to her chair in shock before taking a seat again, "Will?"
"No powers" asked Willow as she looked at her hands, "I'll have no powers.. no.. no magic."
"Will" said Kennedy, "please… I.. I love and I don't wanna see you get hurt. They'll do it… just… just stay back."
"So this is the real Council" said Anya.
"We know who you really are, Anyanka" said Travers as he looked at Anya, who in turn looked at Xander in shock, "I suggest that you do not interfere as well… if you do. Well, we know about your crimes… the wishe you granted… we know everything there is to know about you."
Travers then looked at Joyce again and smiled.
"Mrs. Summers, you daughter…. Or at least the being you think is your daughter isn't real" said Travers as he gave his briefcase to a woman next to him who opened it, before Travers himself reached in and took out a few files. He then opened it and looked up at the older blonde while Buffy was holding on to her shivering sister, "Dawn was created by moulding the energies of this Key into human form, at least that's from Kennedy's report on what Rupert already knew. What non of you know, is that Dawn has the ability to open doorways into hell… every hell dimension when she is bled at a certain place, and at a certain time. Glory means to bleed her so that she can go to her own hell dimension.. and in doing so… she will plunge the world into hell. Is that what you want? We will take care of her, keep her away from the hands of anyone… including yourself.. for all time."
"No" said Joyce as she looked at Dawn who was now sobbing while holding on to Buffy while the others all looked on shocked, "you will not…"
"This Glory that's coming after her?" said Travers as he looked at Joyce, "she's not a demon, she's a god… a bona-fide god and she's coming after the Key. From what I know, she doesn't know that the Key's in human form but…. but it's only a matter of time and…"
"She's a god?" asked Xander.
"It will crush all of us here in under a second" said Travers, "its powers are no match for a Slayer, or magic users. She's immortal, powerful, and she will find Dawn."
"What.. what will you do to me?" asked Dawn.
"My dear" said Travers, "you were never meant to exist. Once you're gone, no one will remember you and…"
"The monk said that she sent her to me" said Buffy, "that I'll be protecting her and now…. Now I want you to leave and…"
"If Dawn doesn't come with us" said Travers, "I'll make sure that Miss Maclay's powers are bound."
"No" said Willow standing up as Kennedy shook her head and rubbed the back of her head, "you…"
"I will bind your magic too" said Travers as he looked at Willow before he looked at Giles, and then back at Dawn and Buffy, "and I'll make sure that this store gets shut down, and Rupert gets deported by tomorrow morning."
"Quentin" said a shocked Giles as he stepped forward in disbelief that he was blackmailing a child.
"Why you.." said Buffy as she stepped forward and went for a punch but almost immediately, Kennedy stepped between Travers and Buffy and caught the punch in mid-air. Buffy looked at her sister Slayer and spoke, "Kennedy… you love Dawn, you've gone on movies and…"
"Buffy" said Kennedy shaking her head as the blonde Slayer jerked her hand away from Kennedy's grip, "she… look, her blood can end this world. You're putting the lives of seven billion people on a line for the life of one girl. One girl who, sorry Dawn… one girl who shouldn't exist."
"For my sister!" shouted Buffy as Kennedy wiped her eyes.
"You think this is easy for me?" asked Kennedy as she looked at Buffy and then at a frightened Dawn and Joyce, and then at Buffy again, "but I know… I know what can happen to Dawn. I know what will happen if Glory gets her hands on her."
"And if Dawn gets bled by Glory?" said Travers, "the only way to stop everything before even more hell becomes released here in this dimension is to kill her. Are you willing to do that?"
"I'll make sure it doesn't come to that" hissed Buffy.
"So will I" said Xander.
"Me too" said Tara and Anya.
"Me too" said Joyce.
"And me too" said Willow as she stood up and opened her palms to gather blue crackling magical energy.
"We will not take that chance" said Travers as he looked at Kennedy and then at Willow, "you know what to do."
"Willow" said Kennedy as she took out a necklace that was hidden under her shirt, "please…. Put the magic away… don't interfere. Don't force me to do this…"
"Miss Summers" said Travers as he looked at Dawn, "this is entirely up to you. We can bind Miss Rosenberg's power right now, I can have Rupert deported tomorrow… we will imprison Anyanka… we will do all of that unless you come with us."
"What kind of a human being are you?" asked Tara.
"The kind that wants to make sure that the world is safe" said Travers as he looked at Dawn, "Dawn has the capability to end the world… I am sorry if all of you see me as a monster but…"
"You are a monster" said Joyce.
"I… I'll go with you" said Dawn as Buffy turned to look at her younger sister in shock, "I.. I'll go and…"
"No" said Buffy as she looked at Dawn and then at Travers again, "No!"
"She's made her choice" said Travers as he nodded at the personnel in black who raised their tasers, and aimed them at teh Scoobies.
"Quentin!" said Giles as he looked around, "this is low, even for you… and…."
It was then that everyone in the Magic Box heard the screeching of car tyres outside the front of the store, and then more tyres screeching around the back of the store. While Travers was telling the man at the front of the store to go outside and check what was happening, Anya and Tara tried to move but they head the man behind them ordering them to stand still. He then turned to Giles sand told him the same thing.
When the door chime rang, Travers thought that his man was heading outside to tell whoever was coming in that this was a private meeting, that the Magic Box was closed. Instead, what he saw was Tara telling Anya and Giles to duck before he turned around and saw Faith punch the man before grabbing him by the collar and then throwing him towards the counter where he hit the one who was aiming the taser at Tara , Anya and Giles. She then knocked out the Council members who were coming at her. They fell onto the floor while Faith turned and looked out the door as a bald man in Air Force dress blues walked in.
"Hey B" said Faith turning around again as she looked at the Blonde slayer as she and General Hammond walked down the short set stairs, the dark haired Slayer's hands on the Intars located on holsters on both of her thighs as she eyed the other three men in black who were looking around nervously, "long time no see."
"Faith" said Buffy as she locked her jaw.
"Hey, Little D" said Faith as Dawn nodded her head.
"My name is General George Hammond of the U.S Air Force" said the bald man as he looked at everyone, including the three men at the back who had their weapons raised at the Scoobies, but were shifting uncomfortably while continuing to look at each other.
"General" said Travers as he nodded at General Hammond, "I'm afraid this is something that is, how would you American's say, out of your league?"
"Mr. Travers" said General Hammond as he looked at the remaining three men who were looked at each other and then at the General, and back at Travers, "I suggest that your people here put down their weapons. If not, I will have the officers outside come in, and arrest them for… I'm guessing it's attempted kidnapping? You really like racking up kidnapping children don't you."
"Dawn Summers volunteered to come with us, General" said Travers, "it was her choice and.."
"Only after you blackmailed her" said Giles.
"I see" said General Hammond, "Mr. Travers, while it's true that Interpol, Mi-5 and the FBI haven't found anything criminal on your part, specifically any proof of you kidnapping Miss Carter.. we all know it still happened. Now not only were you going to kidnap another citizen of the United States and…"
"She's not a citizen of any country" said Travers, "she was created by magic. She will end the world if the Council does not do anything, and we will do everything to ensure that does not happen. You may not be aware of the stakes, but she will open a portal into hell.. if she gets found by a creature called Glory.. who I'm sure someone here has already told you about given your presence. I digress, if the creature captures Dawn, she will be bled.. and her blood will bring hell to Earth. You have no resources to deal with this, but we do. We will take her with us; she's already chosen to go with us and there is nothing you can do. Oh, if you think that you can protect her from Glory, what you should know is that she is a god… she will smash whatever you use to protect her and…"
"As I was saying" said the General as he interrupted Travers, "Miss Summers is an American citizen, magically created or not. We've already checked her birth records and she exists."
"And about this god?" said Faith, "well, we've come up with a plan."
"Yea" said Xander sarcastically, "and we give Dawn to you because…."
"B" said Faith ignoring Xander as she held her heads to her side, away from her weapons and with her palms out, "look, I know you don't like me.. actually I think you left me a message the last time that you don't want me back in your city. Something about killing me was in there too… I think. But, Dawn has a shot with me.. than with the Council. You know what they did to me… I know you love Dawn; it doesn't matter if she is a Key.. or whatever. She's your sister, and Mrs. S's daughter. We can protect her; I swear."
"Faith" said Buffy as she glared at her sister Slayer.
"I'll stay and help with Glory" said Faith.
"Ellie?" asked the General in surprise as Faith looked back at him.
"I'll be the insurance" said Faith as she looked at the General who was frowning at her since this was not part of any plan that they discussed. Faith smiled at the General and then looked at Buffy who was looking back at her with her arms crossed over her chest, "Well, B? I'll stay and help until you get lil-D back. That's the best offer you'll get; ever. I don't even have to stay at your house, I can stay somewhere else and you can check in on me all you want. What do you say?"
"General" said Joyce while Buffy continued to glare at Faith, "where will you be sending Dawn?"
"Mrs. Summers" said the General after he looked away from Travers who was glaring at him, "since Miss Summers is still a minor, I've been given authorization to have both you and Miss Dawn Summers relocated for…."
"When's the ritual supposed to take place?" asked Giles as he looked at Travers who was locking his jaw in anger, "Quentin?"
"May I remind you, Mr. Travers" said General Hammond, "you said that you're here to help protect this planet, so… I'm asking you to tell us when is this… ritual is it?"
"Yes" said Giles as the General looked at him.
"OK" said General Hammond nodding his head as he turned to look at Travers again, "when is this ritual supposed to take place?"
"A month from now" said Travers.
"Then they'll be kept safe in a classified location for a month" said General Hammond before he looked at Buffy, "Miss Summers, you'll be able to talk to your mother and sister through an encrypted connection every two days. That way you'll know that they're safe… I can authorize a secure link from wherever Miss Carter will be staying. Mrs. Summers, Dawn… I can't tell you where you'll be going… but if you agree, then we'll be taking you very far from here."
"What will you do if Glory finds her?" asked Travers.
Faith and the General looked at each other before looking at Travers and answering at the same time.
"She's never going to find her."
"Lil-D" said Faith as she looked at Dawn, "this is all about you, kid. There's gonna be no experiments, just a medical check-up once you get there for you and Mrs. S. Nothing else. We can protect you."
"Buffy" said Xander as the blonde Slayer closed her eyes, "don't tell me you…."
"Will Glory find her?" asked Buffy as she looked at the General, "is there any way that she finds her?"
"No" said the General, "I guarantee it."
While they were talking, Tara was looking at the aura's of both General Hammond, and Faith. She was amazed at the truth in their answers to Buffy, Dawn and Joyce… particularly about sending the latter two far away for their own protection.
"They're telling the truth" said Tara as Faith looked at her, smiled and then looked at Buffy again.
"Yeah" said Kennedy nodding towards Tara, "we believe her 'cause she's been so reliable and.."
"You tried to bind Willow's powers" said Tara, "you shouldn't talk."
Kennedy then looked at Willow, who looked away sadly before Xander walked over to her and put an arm around her shoulders.
"I'd like to go with Faith" said Dawn.
"I'll be right here, lil-D" said Faith before she looked at the General, "the General here will take you guys where you need to go."
"You're all making a big mistake" said Travers before he looked at Giles, "Rupert, you know this is true. Think about your future."
"Leave my store, Quentin" said Giles, "I don't care if you deport me or…"
"Huh?" asked Faith as she looked at Giles in surprise, "who's doing what now?"
"He threatened Giles, Willow, Tara, and Anya" said Dawn as she nodded at Travers, "he said that he'll close this shop and send Giles away."
"Mr. Giles" said General Hammond as he looked at the Watcher, "Miss Carter's told me that you're knowledgeable about mysticism, and the occult.. in fact you're the one person that Miss Summers and the others come to for information. Is that true?"
"Ummm… well…" said Giles as he laughed nervously, "I mean…."
"Yes" said Dawn with a grin, "that's Giles for yes."
"Mr. Travers" said the General, "you are to hand over all pertinent information regarding Glory, and the Key, to Mr. Giles. If you do not? if you refuse? I will have you immediately arrested for the attempted kidnapping of a minor across state, and possibly international lines."
"That's blackmail" said Travers.
"You tried to blackmail Dawn" said Joyce as she held on to her youngest daughter.
"I'll be flagging his visa" said the General as he looked at Giles, and then at Travers, "if there's any funny business, then there'll be even more questions for you to answer. Next thing you know, I don't know if they have this in the U.K, but I'll make sure that you get placed on the sex offenders registry. Heck, I'll just do it right here in the States."
"Excuse me?" asked Travers with his eyes wide open while Dawn coughed nervously.
"You tried to take Dawn away" said Tara, "you tried to bind my powers, you tried to bind Willow's powers, you wanted to put Anya away… not so easy now, huh?"
"I want Kennedy to remain here" said Travers as he glared at Tara, and then at the General, "all information comes through her and then to Giles and…"
"You don't seem to understand me" said General Hammond, "all information is to come through Mr. Giles. If anyone here dies because you left something out, we will come after you… if anything suspicious happens to Miss Carter while she's here, we'll come after you. Don't make the mistake of again thinking that you could just take Miss Carter, or your other Slayer can take her for you; we look after our own, and we will come for you… this time we won't be calling on Thor; it's going to be a Special Forces team."
Faith could only smile at the General as Travers handed the files he was holding to Giles before telling Kennedy to stay in Sunnydale, that they still had Glory to deal with. He then looked at the General and told him that if Glory finds out that the Key isn't in Sunnydale, that if she find out that the Key is somewhere else.. and she goes after it; then he'll be waiting for the General to beg for help.
"You cannot stop a god" said Travers, "when she decimates you.. the Council will be there to pick up the pieces. Mrs. Summers… you just cost this world. Buffy, you have disappointed us yet again… your foolishness will cause the loss of billions of lives; I'd like to see your psyche try to handle that."
Travers then walked out of the building while the other personnel helped the still unconscious people get out. Once the Council members had left, Faith sighed and looked at Buffy again. She could still see the anger in the blonde Slayer's eyes, so she looked at Dawn and Joyce.
"Mrs. S" said Faith, "I heard about the operation that got rid of your tumour. Glad you're doing alright."
"How's your mother?" asked Joyce, "I mean other than just that one time six months ago…"
"She's been tied up… busy… she's under a lot of stress" said Faith, "she's actually supposed to be coming back in a few days from her deployment."
"Mrs. Summers" said the General, "if you'd follow me and Miss Carter outside, we'll get you situated in one of the SUV's and then we'll head directly to the Sunnydale Army base. And from there… I'm afraid the next stop is classified."
"Can't we get some clothes or…"
"You guys are high value persons" said Faith, "a fully armed convoy will take you and Dawn to the Army base. NAd from there, you'll be sent somewhere else. There's no time to stop to get any clothes or anything, you'll have clothes to wear once you get to where you're going. I mean it's not the best but… you guys will be safe."
"How far?" asked Buffy as she looked at the General, "How far away?"
"Very far" said General Hammond.
Faith glared at Kennedy, and then looked at Buffy again and said that there was no way that Glory will ever find her
TBC.