Chapter 6

Two weeks later, Wesley returned to the prison – alone this time. "Faith, we've got everything set. All we need is for you to confirm you're still willing."

"Really? That quick? Angel's got some clout."

"He's pulled in some big guns. So, we just have to iron out the final details. Once you leave, you'll head for Sunnydale. Xander's arranged for you to have an apartment in one of the buildings he's been working on. We've set up a bank account for you to use for food, clothes, whatever else you might need. And they whole group will go over the prophecy with you to see if anything else shakes loose."

"Sounds good to me. How you planning on getting me to good old SunnyD?"

Wesley glanced up from his notes. "We thought we'd get your input on that."

Faith gave a calculating look. "So, if I wanted a motorcycle waiting at the front gate, it'd be there?"

Wesley met her eyes. "If that's what you want, we could arrange that."

Faith grinned and leaned back. "Man, you guys must really be desperate. I could just hop on that bike and disappear, and then you'd be totally screwed." She paused a moment. "Nah, I can't even ride a bike. Always wanted to, but never found the time to learn."

Wesley frowned. "So, we passed your little test?"

Faith nodded. "Yeah, I'm in."

Wesley gave her a cold smile. "We've actually seen just how this prophecy works. If you had gotten on that bike and headed off to disappear, you'd still find your way to Sunnydale – just maybe a little later, or after having done something else necessary for the prophecy." He glanced down to his notes again. "So, now that we've gotten that silliness out of the way, how would you like to get to Sunnydale?"

Faith actually thought for a moment. "I never got a license, and besides I'm pretty rusty. Think you can swing me a ride? I suppose I could take a bus or something, but I'm getting the feeling that the sooner, the better."

Wesley nodded. "One of Angel's contacts has a good relationship with a limousine service. An actual limousine would be a bit ostentatious, but they could arrange for a driver and... more mundane car to get you there. He won't be... 'one of us,' so I would recommend limiting discussions with him. Just get in, enjoy the ride, play with the stereo, try not to clean out the minibar, and let him get you to Sunnydale. He'll also be well paid and won't be expecting a tip, and won't be asking any questions."

"And once I'm there?"

Buffy's group have made their arrangements. Xander and Anya will contact you the day after you arrive, then take you around for food, clothing, shopping, and whatnot. You've never met Anya, and she's a bit curious to meet you, and Xander is... a forgiving fellow."

"Yeah, I don't remember any Anya. What's her story?"

"She's Xander's girlfriend, the owner of the Magic Box, and an 1100-year-old former Vengeance Demon. She's also... slightly lacking in social amenities." He smiled. "I strongly suspect you'll either become best friends or worst enemies."

Faith grimaced. "I think B might fight her for that second title."

Wesley gave her a reassuring smile. "You've changed a great deal, Faith, as has Buffy. That, along with the current situation, ought to do a great deal to smooth things over."