Part V
August 16, 1999
Faith walked up the steps of Danielle's apartment building and let herself in the front door. She had called, saying that she needed to meet with Faith on a matter of great importance. With her patrol several hours away due to the long summer days, she headed directly over, wondering what could be so important that would not involve Buffy, Giles, and the rest of the group. She shrugged and knocked on Danielle's door.
Faith's watcher opened the door and invited quietly, "Come in, Faith." Her expression was somber, and Faith's concern deepened: what could be bothering Danielle? She stepped inside and froze when she saw the two tweed-clad men standing in the living room. They turned to her and Danielle, looking uncomfortable, continued, "Faith, these gentlemen are here from the Watchers' Council." She gestured at a tall, blond man in his forties who was respectfully gazing at Faith and said, "This is Walter Morris, Special Investigator for the Council." Morris nodded respectfully at Faith and even managed a friendly smile, which Faith returned as Danielle nodded at the other man, who seemed to be in his late fifties and was visibly balding: "This is Quentin Travers, who-"
"I know who he is." Danielle flinched visibly at the icy tone of Faith's voice: it only appeared when the Slayer was intensely angry, and the look she was giving Travers implied that she was ready to disembowel him on the spot. The Watcher felt a tingle of intense pride as she watched Faith visibly calm down and calmly ask Travers, "So, you're still with the Council. Funny. . .I would have thought that making a recommendation that almost got the world destroyed would have gotten you fired. . .besides, Wesley the Weasel was your idea too, wasn't he?"
Travers flushed angrily, then replied coldly, "It seems that the reports of your insolence were not exaggerated, Miss Stevenson. . .undoubtedly the result of less than adequate training."
Danielle remained silent, and Faith slowly turned and met her eyes as she retorted, "Mr. Travers, I have had three Watchers." Travers bristled at the conspicuous omission of his own choice for Watcher, and Faith smiled sardonically before continuing, "One of them died horribly to save my life, and I am proud to call the other two my friends. . .they are among the best people I know, and I would gladly risk my life for either of them." Danielle smiled softly as Faith turned and locked eyes with the older Watcher as she continued, "You, on the other hand, are an incompetent, sadistic idiot who almost got my best friend, her mother, and her Watcher killed in a stupid test that wasn't even being conducted correctly anyway, from what I've been able to find out. I'm just glad that you aren't running the whole show over there, or we'd all be dead right now. . .and that, Mr. Travers, is what I've learned from the people you seem to enjoy putting down so much." Faith turned to Morris and stated, "Mr. Morris, Giles has mentioned you before. . .he says you are one of the good guys. I'll talk to you about whatever you want. . .but he has to go."
Travers sputtered in outrage, and turned to Morris, only to see the younger man looking at him calmly. The Special Investigator paused for a moment, then commented, "Well, Quentin, you heard her. Go wait outside; in fact, why don't you go down to the store and get some Earl Grey. . .Miss Edwards seems to have an inadequate supply."
Faith restrained herself from snickering at the outraged look on Travers' face as he snapped, "Walter, you can't do that! The Council-"
"Ordered that I bring you along. . .they didn't order me to let you sit in on this meeting. . .careless oversight, no doubt." Morris looked smug, and Faith was starting to seriously enjoy herself as he continued, "Don't worry, Quentin. I'm taping this meeting." He gestured to the video camera set up in a corner of the room, and concluded, "You'll be able to make your report. . .as will I."
Without another word, Travers turned and left the apartment. Faith looked at Morris and asked, "Mr. Morris, could I ask you for one favor before we go any further?"
Morris looked at her and replied, "Of course, Faith, what is it?"
The Slayer grinned and responded, "Could I have a copy of that tape to show to Buffy and Giles?"
Morris started to smile himself, but a sense of decorum restrained him as he replied, "Well, Faith, as this meeting concerns your future, it would seem to be relevant information for your sister Slayer and her Watcher. . .I believe that a copy could be provided for them." Faith's grin widened, and Morris once again had to restrain himself from echoing her response as he continued, "In any event, we need to get down to business." He gestured to the sofa, and Faith and Danielle sat down next to each other while the Special Investigator settled down in the large easy chair across from them. He took a deep breath, and began: "First, Faith, I have been ordered-and it is my deep honor to comply-to inform you that the Council-Mr. Travers' rudeness notwithstanding-is very pleased and impressed with your performance as a Slayer. You have had any number of unfortunate occurrences in your life both before and after becoming a Slayer, and you have gotten past them. . .you should be very proud."
Faith smiled: hearing this from Ripper in a Slayer's dream was nice, but hearing it from the representative of a group that had seemed to spend most of its time making the lives of Faith and her friends difficult was sweeter still. She replied, "Thank you, Mr. Morris. . .but I've had a lot of help here."
Morris nodded and responded, "Of course. . .and the results that you and Buffy have been producing have forced some of the more conservative members of the Council to re-think their ideas on how Slaying should be managed. . .tradition dies hard, but results get attention. . .and it's pretty clear by now that traditional methods applied here in Sunnydale probably would not have succeeded in dealing with most of the world threatening crises that arose." He frowned, and continued, "Unfortunately, on some issues the traditionalists have not yet been swayed. . .which is why the Council has sent me here."
Faith frowned and stated flatly, "The Cruciamentum."
Morris nodded and continued, "The Council is evenly divided, Faith. Ironically, the fact that Travers bungled Buffy's Cruciamentum so badly has served as an argument for the traditionalists. . .some say that a properly conducted test would not have had the deleterious effects of the one in January. They still wish to conduct the test upon your 18th birthday; on the other hand, an equally large faction believes that the Cruciamentum is an outdated relic that has no place in the modern world, and that its last use almost led indirectly to the destruction of the world. . .not to mention coming close to permanently alienating both living Slayers at a time when such crises seem to pop up regularly. Of course, there is also the practical problem of your being aware of the Cruciamentum's existence, which would make proper administration of the test difficult, if not impossible." He sighed, then concluded, "My mission here is to discuss the situation with both of you, and come up with a solution to break the deadlock. . .before the friction leads to our inability to effectively support your activities in Sunnydale."
"Mr. Morris, this is simply outrageous." Danielle's voice was even, but both Morris and Faith could hear the undertone of anger in it as the Watcher continued, "Faith and Buffy have been through an extraordinary amount of conflict with the enemy, even by the past standards of Slayers. It was bad enough that the Council was foolish enough to put Buffy through the Cruciamentum. . .but to put Faith through it now. . .I won't stand for it."
"Hold on, Danielle."
Both Watchers turned to Faith, who was looking at Morris with a contemplative expression. The Slayer took a deep breath, then continued, "I've made it pretty clear how I feel about what was done to Buffy. . .if she hadn't asked me to stay on here afterwards, I would have told all of you to go to hell. Buffy shouldn't have had anything to prove at that point. . .but maybe I do." She turned to Danielle and commented, "Danielle. . .you said it yourself when you came here. . .I'm a little reckless when I fight. . .maybe something like this will give me the perspective I need to get over that."
Danielle's eyes narrowed, and she retorted fiercely, "Faith, at this point, you have nothing to prove to anyone."
"Except maybe to myself." Faith's tone was flat as she replied to Danielle and turned back to Morris, continuing, "All right, Mr. Special Investigator. . .I want you to take this plan back to the Council. . ."
* * * * *
"Quentin and I will be flying back to London in the morning, Danielle. . .the decision should be made within the week." Morris' eyes held Danielle's for a moment before he turned to Faith and looked at her with respect for several seconds. At length, he stated flatly, "Faith, it has been a genuine honor meeting you. Whatever the Council decides. . .I will remember what you said today, as will many others." With that, he nodded to both women and walked briskly down to the end of the corridor, when the fuming Travers was waiting.
Danielle waited for the men to leave, then went back into her apartment without speaking. Faith followed, noticing that the muscles in her Watcher's shoulders were knotted with tension. She was about to mention it when Danielle turned on her and bellowed, "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?"
Faith took a step back, raised an eyebrow, and replied calmly, "No. . .but I may have just lost my hearing. . .Danielle, don't you think I can do this?"
Danielle paused, realizing that any answer she gave could cause problems. She took a deep breath and calmed down before continuing, "Faith, the original Cruciamentum was dangerous enough with the Slayer facing a single vampire without the use of her powers. . .but what you propose. . .going out on patrol without your powers until you have slain three vampires. . .even the traditionalists will flinch a little at that thought. The danger involved is great. . .and your combat style is very dependent on your powers, Faith. . .I'm not sure how well you will adjust to fighting without them."
Faith nodded and replied, "I know. . .so we'll just have to work on my defense some more." She locked eyes with her Watcher and motioned for her to sit down. They did so, and Faith was silent for a long moment before continuing, "Danielle. . .I can read between the lines here. The Council hasn't been up to dealing with Slayers who can think for themselves, and they have really managed to make a mess of things since Buffy showed up here in Sunnydale. On the plus side, the old guard seems to be dying off. . .I was happy to hear that the mix between new and old is about fifty-fifty, and that even some of the old fogies seem to be willing to learn something from the way we do things here. The way I figure it, the Cruciamentum is history as soon as the new blood takes over the Council. . .but that doesn't help me and Buffy right now. . .we have to do something to keep them on board, and going along with this is a way of doing that." She smiled grimly, then continued, "Plus, Danielle, this is a better deal than Buffy got. . .she didn't have a clue about what was going on until everything blew up in Travers' face. . .I'll know the score going in. . .it might even convince some of those old fools that having Slayers who can think on their own without being manipulated into it might be worth while."
Danielle nodded thoughtfully, then replied, "True. . .and the rules you suggested allow for the rest of us to stand by in case a large group comes by that night. . .but, still, Faith, this is very risky. . .are you sure you want to do this?"
Faith looked into her Watcher's eyes and saw concern. . .but also pride, and a sudden warmth filled her as she responded, "I can do this, Danielle. . .trust me." She glanced at her watch and commented, "I gotta book. . .I've got some things to do before I patrol tonight." Faith grinned at her Watcher and laughed, concluding, "Relax. . .we've got three months before I've got to do this. . .plenty of time."
Faith nodded at Danielle and left the apartment without another word. She exited the front door of the building and paused for a moment: she could feel her top sticking to her shoulder blades from the cold sweat that she had just broken out in. She took a deep breath and headed for a familiar location.
* * * * *
"You're going to do WHAT?"
Willow looked anguished, and Xander flabbergasted: Faith was amused that it had been Oz who had managed the strangled question. She looked at the musician calmly and replied, "On my eighteenth birthday, I am going out on patrol without my powers. . .and I will kill three vampires."
"I thought that's what you said. . .I was so hoping that I was hallucinating it." Xander had managed to recover his voice, though he clearly was still shaken. He looked at her with concern and commented, "Faith. . .I don't know what kind of impression Giles, Oz, and I have given when we've fought vamps in front of you. . .but it isn't fun fighting vamps when you're not a Slayer. We had a lot of close calls last summer while Buffy was gone."
"I know." Faith's voice was calm, not betraying the nervousness she felt as she faced her three friends. They were in Willow's room, which was in a state of disrepair reflecting Willow's preparations for moving to the UC Sunnydale dorms. Faith sighed and continued, "Look, I know this looks stupid. . .but I have to do it, for a lot of reasons. I came to you guys because you've done this before, without me or Buffy, or even Giles really looking over your shoulder. . .I need you to help me stay alive."
Xander looked at her for a long moment, then coughed self-consciously and replied, "All right. . .what do you need?"
Faith smiled and responded, "I need you and Oz to train with me. . .Xander, I've seen some of the moves you use. . .I need something that will discourage a vamp without a Slayer's muscle, and you're just the one to show me." She turned to Oz and continued, "Oz, I've watched you fight too. . .I'm guessing that being a werewolf makes you naturally tougher, stronger and faster than a normal human your size. . .not vamp level, but enough to give me a taste of what to expect. . .and I don't want you holding back, either."
Xander and Oz nodded, and Willow asked, "What do you need me to do, Faith?"
Faith turned to Willow, and the redhead could see the hint of fear in Faith's eyes as she replied, "I'm guessing that I won't have access to that crap that they used on B, and it would be too risky anyway, what with my having to patrol every night. . .so I need you to find a spell to block my powers on a short term basis. . .it's the only way we can make this work."
Willow's eyes widened, and she responded, "I've seen a few spells like that, Faith. . .they require the consent of the subject, which obviously isn't a problem here. . .but Faith, I've never cast a spell anything like this before. . .are you sure you want to risk it?"
Faith laughed, and replied, "Hell no, I'm not sure. . .but I need you to do it anyway, Willow." She looked at her three friends thoughtfully for a few seconds, then concluded, "We've got a few months to pull this off. . .and I've suddenly got some free time on my hands." She pulled an envelope out of her shoulder bag and handed it to Willow, who opened it and squealed in delight as she recognized the contents. She moved forward and hugged Faith, who was grinning from ear to ear. Xander raised an eyebrow at Willow's reaction and asked, "What is it, Willow?"
Willow turned back to Xander and called out in delight, "Faith passed her high school equivalency exam!" Oz smiled at the news, meeting Faith's eyes and nodding in approval, while Xander assumed a look of mock annoyance and asked, "So let me get this straight. . .you get your high school diploma without having to suffer through the four years of misery the rest of us went through?"
Faith looked at him and nodded with an impish grin on her face. Xander sighed and commented, "Somehow, I feel like I should resent that. . .but for some reason all I want to do is say. . .nice going, Faith." He walked forward and clasped hands with her, giving them a good squeeze and smiling at her, and he could see the pleased look in her eyes as she acknowledged the compliment. After a moment, she moved back from Willow and called out, "All right. . .celebration over. . .we've got some planning to do."
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired
August 16, 1999
Faith walked up the steps of Danielle's apartment building and let herself in the front door. She had called, saying that she needed to meet with Faith on a matter of great importance. With her patrol several hours away due to the long summer days, she headed directly over, wondering what could be so important that would not involve Buffy, Giles, and the rest of the group. She shrugged and knocked on Danielle's door.
Faith's watcher opened the door and invited quietly, "Come in, Faith." Her expression was somber, and Faith's concern deepened: what could be bothering Danielle? She stepped inside and froze when she saw the two tweed-clad men standing in the living room. They turned to her and Danielle, looking uncomfortable, continued, "Faith, these gentlemen are here from the Watchers' Council." She gestured at a tall, blond man in his forties who was respectfully gazing at Faith and said, "This is Walter Morris, Special Investigator for the Council." Morris nodded respectfully at Faith and even managed a friendly smile, which Faith returned as Danielle nodded at the other man, who seemed to be in his late fifties and was visibly balding: "This is Quentin Travers, who-"
"I know who he is." Danielle flinched visibly at the icy tone of Faith's voice: it only appeared when the Slayer was intensely angry, and the look she was giving Travers implied that she was ready to disembowel him on the spot. The Watcher felt a tingle of intense pride as she watched Faith visibly calm down and calmly ask Travers, "So, you're still with the Council. Funny. . .I would have thought that making a recommendation that almost got the world destroyed would have gotten you fired. . .besides, Wesley the Weasel was your idea too, wasn't he?"
Travers flushed angrily, then replied coldly, "It seems that the reports of your insolence were not exaggerated, Miss Stevenson. . .undoubtedly the result of less than adequate training."
Danielle remained silent, and Faith slowly turned and met her eyes as she retorted, "Mr. Travers, I have had three Watchers." Travers bristled at the conspicuous omission of his own choice for Watcher, and Faith smiled sardonically before continuing, "One of them died horribly to save my life, and I am proud to call the other two my friends. . .they are among the best people I know, and I would gladly risk my life for either of them." Danielle smiled softly as Faith turned and locked eyes with the older Watcher as she continued, "You, on the other hand, are an incompetent, sadistic idiot who almost got my best friend, her mother, and her Watcher killed in a stupid test that wasn't even being conducted correctly anyway, from what I've been able to find out. I'm just glad that you aren't running the whole show over there, or we'd all be dead right now. . .and that, Mr. Travers, is what I've learned from the people you seem to enjoy putting down so much." Faith turned to Morris and stated, "Mr. Morris, Giles has mentioned you before. . .he says you are one of the good guys. I'll talk to you about whatever you want. . .but he has to go."
Travers sputtered in outrage, and turned to Morris, only to see the younger man looking at him calmly. The Special Investigator paused for a moment, then commented, "Well, Quentin, you heard her. Go wait outside; in fact, why don't you go down to the store and get some Earl Grey. . .Miss Edwards seems to have an inadequate supply."
Faith restrained herself from snickering at the outraged look on Travers' face as he snapped, "Walter, you can't do that! The Council-"
"Ordered that I bring you along. . .they didn't order me to let you sit in on this meeting. . .careless oversight, no doubt." Morris looked smug, and Faith was starting to seriously enjoy herself as he continued, "Don't worry, Quentin. I'm taping this meeting." He gestured to the video camera set up in a corner of the room, and concluded, "You'll be able to make your report. . .as will I."
Without another word, Travers turned and left the apartment. Faith looked at Morris and asked, "Mr. Morris, could I ask you for one favor before we go any further?"
Morris looked at her and replied, "Of course, Faith, what is it?"
The Slayer grinned and responded, "Could I have a copy of that tape to show to Buffy and Giles?"
Morris started to smile himself, but a sense of decorum restrained him as he replied, "Well, Faith, as this meeting concerns your future, it would seem to be relevant information for your sister Slayer and her Watcher. . .I believe that a copy could be provided for them." Faith's grin widened, and Morris once again had to restrain himself from echoing her response as he continued, "In any event, we need to get down to business." He gestured to the sofa, and Faith and Danielle sat down next to each other while the Special Investigator settled down in the large easy chair across from them. He took a deep breath, and began: "First, Faith, I have been ordered-and it is my deep honor to comply-to inform you that the Council-Mr. Travers' rudeness notwithstanding-is very pleased and impressed with your performance as a Slayer. You have had any number of unfortunate occurrences in your life both before and after becoming a Slayer, and you have gotten past them. . .you should be very proud."
Faith smiled: hearing this from Ripper in a Slayer's dream was nice, but hearing it from the representative of a group that had seemed to spend most of its time making the lives of Faith and her friends difficult was sweeter still. She replied, "Thank you, Mr. Morris. . .but I've had a lot of help here."
Morris nodded and responded, "Of course. . .and the results that you and Buffy have been producing have forced some of the more conservative members of the Council to re-think their ideas on how Slaying should be managed. . .tradition dies hard, but results get attention. . .and it's pretty clear by now that traditional methods applied here in Sunnydale probably would not have succeeded in dealing with most of the world threatening crises that arose." He frowned, and continued, "Unfortunately, on some issues the traditionalists have not yet been swayed. . .which is why the Council has sent me here."
Faith frowned and stated flatly, "The Cruciamentum."
Morris nodded and continued, "The Council is evenly divided, Faith. Ironically, the fact that Travers bungled Buffy's Cruciamentum so badly has served as an argument for the traditionalists. . .some say that a properly conducted test would not have had the deleterious effects of the one in January. They still wish to conduct the test upon your 18th birthday; on the other hand, an equally large faction believes that the Cruciamentum is an outdated relic that has no place in the modern world, and that its last use almost led indirectly to the destruction of the world. . .not to mention coming close to permanently alienating both living Slayers at a time when such crises seem to pop up regularly. Of course, there is also the practical problem of your being aware of the Cruciamentum's existence, which would make proper administration of the test difficult, if not impossible." He sighed, then concluded, "My mission here is to discuss the situation with both of you, and come up with a solution to break the deadlock. . .before the friction leads to our inability to effectively support your activities in Sunnydale."
"Mr. Morris, this is simply outrageous." Danielle's voice was even, but both Morris and Faith could hear the undertone of anger in it as the Watcher continued, "Faith and Buffy have been through an extraordinary amount of conflict with the enemy, even by the past standards of Slayers. It was bad enough that the Council was foolish enough to put Buffy through the Cruciamentum. . .but to put Faith through it now. . .I won't stand for it."
"Hold on, Danielle."
Both Watchers turned to Faith, who was looking at Morris with a contemplative expression. The Slayer took a deep breath, then continued, "I've made it pretty clear how I feel about what was done to Buffy. . .if she hadn't asked me to stay on here afterwards, I would have told all of you to go to hell. Buffy shouldn't have had anything to prove at that point. . .but maybe I do." She turned to Danielle and commented, "Danielle. . .you said it yourself when you came here. . .I'm a little reckless when I fight. . .maybe something like this will give me the perspective I need to get over that."
Danielle's eyes narrowed, and she retorted fiercely, "Faith, at this point, you have nothing to prove to anyone."
"Except maybe to myself." Faith's tone was flat as she replied to Danielle and turned back to Morris, continuing, "All right, Mr. Special Investigator. . .I want you to take this plan back to the Council. . ."
* * * * *
"Quentin and I will be flying back to London in the morning, Danielle. . .the decision should be made within the week." Morris' eyes held Danielle's for a moment before he turned to Faith and looked at her with respect for several seconds. At length, he stated flatly, "Faith, it has been a genuine honor meeting you. Whatever the Council decides. . .I will remember what you said today, as will many others." With that, he nodded to both women and walked briskly down to the end of the corridor, when the fuming Travers was waiting.
Danielle waited for the men to leave, then went back into her apartment without speaking. Faith followed, noticing that the muscles in her Watcher's shoulders were knotted with tension. She was about to mention it when Danielle turned on her and bellowed, "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?"
Faith took a step back, raised an eyebrow, and replied calmly, "No. . .but I may have just lost my hearing. . .Danielle, don't you think I can do this?"
Danielle paused, realizing that any answer she gave could cause problems. She took a deep breath and calmed down before continuing, "Faith, the original Cruciamentum was dangerous enough with the Slayer facing a single vampire without the use of her powers. . .but what you propose. . .going out on patrol without your powers until you have slain three vampires. . .even the traditionalists will flinch a little at that thought. The danger involved is great. . .and your combat style is very dependent on your powers, Faith. . .I'm not sure how well you will adjust to fighting without them."
Faith nodded and replied, "I know. . .so we'll just have to work on my defense some more." She locked eyes with her Watcher and motioned for her to sit down. They did so, and Faith was silent for a long moment before continuing, "Danielle. . .I can read between the lines here. The Council hasn't been up to dealing with Slayers who can think for themselves, and they have really managed to make a mess of things since Buffy showed up here in Sunnydale. On the plus side, the old guard seems to be dying off. . .I was happy to hear that the mix between new and old is about fifty-fifty, and that even some of the old fogies seem to be willing to learn something from the way we do things here. The way I figure it, the Cruciamentum is history as soon as the new blood takes over the Council. . .but that doesn't help me and Buffy right now. . .we have to do something to keep them on board, and going along with this is a way of doing that." She smiled grimly, then continued, "Plus, Danielle, this is a better deal than Buffy got. . .she didn't have a clue about what was going on until everything blew up in Travers' face. . .I'll know the score going in. . .it might even convince some of those old fools that having Slayers who can think on their own without being manipulated into it might be worth while."
Danielle nodded thoughtfully, then replied, "True. . .and the rules you suggested allow for the rest of us to stand by in case a large group comes by that night. . .but, still, Faith, this is very risky. . .are you sure you want to do this?"
Faith looked into her Watcher's eyes and saw concern. . .but also pride, and a sudden warmth filled her as she responded, "I can do this, Danielle. . .trust me." She glanced at her watch and commented, "I gotta book. . .I've got some things to do before I patrol tonight." Faith grinned at her Watcher and laughed, concluding, "Relax. . .we've got three months before I've got to do this. . .plenty of time."
Faith nodded at Danielle and left the apartment without another word. She exited the front door of the building and paused for a moment: she could feel her top sticking to her shoulder blades from the cold sweat that she had just broken out in. She took a deep breath and headed for a familiar location.
* * * * *
"You're going to do WHAT?"
Willow looked anguished, and Xander flabbergasted: Faith was amused that it had been Oz who had managed the strangled question. She looked at the musician calmly and replied, "On my eighteenth birthday, I am going out on patrol without my powers. . .and I will kill three vampires."
"I thought that's what you said. . .I was so hoping that I was hallucinating it." Xander had managed to recover his voice, though he clearly was still shaken. He looked at her with concern and commented, "Faith. . .I don't know what kind of impression Giles, Oz, and I have given when we've fought vamps in front of you. . .but it isn't fun fighting vamps when you're not a Slayer. We had a lot of close calls last summer while Buffy was gone."
"I know." Faith's voice was calm, not betraying the nervousness she felt as she faced her three friends. They were in Willow's room, which was in a state of disrepair reflecting Willow's preparations for moving to the UC Sunnydale dorms. Faith sighed and continued, "Look, I know this looks stupid. . .but I have to do it, for a lot of reasons. I came to you guys because you've done this before, without me or Buffy, or even Giles really looking over your shoulder. . .I need you to help me stay alive."
Xander looked at her for a long moment, then coughed self-consciously and replied, "All right. . .what do you need?"
Faith smiled and responded, "I need you and Oz to train with me. . .Xander, I've seen some of the moves you use. . .I need something that will discourage a vamp without a Slayer's muscle, and you're just the one to show me." She turned to Oz and continued, "Oz, I've watched you fight too. . .I'm guessing that being a werewolf makes you naturally tougher, stronger and faster than a normal human your size. . .not vamp level, but enough to give me a taste of what to expect. . .and I don't want you holding back, either."
Xander and Oz nodded, and Willow asked, "What do you need me to do, Faith?"
Faith turned to Willow, and the redhead could see the hint of fear in Faith's eyes as she replied, "I'm guessing that I won't have access to that crap that they used on B, and it would be too risky anyway, what with my having to patrol every night. . .so I need you to find a spell to block my powers on a short term basis. . .it's the only way we can make this work."
Willow's eyes widened, and she responded, "I've seen a few spells like that, Faith. . .they require the consent of the subject, which obviously isn't a problem here. . .but Faith, I've never cast a spell anything like this before. . .are you sure you want to risk it?"
Faith laughed, and replied, "Hell no, I'm not sure. . .but I need you to do it anyway, Willow." She looked at her three friends thoughtfully for a few seconds, then concluded, "We've got a few months to pull this off. . .and I've suddenly got some free time on my hands." She pulled an envelope out of her shoulder bag and handed it to Willow, who opened it and squealed in delight as she recognized the contents. She moved forward and hugged Faith, who was grinning from ear to ear. Xander raised an eyebrow at Willow's reaction and asked, "What is it, Willow?"
Willow turned back to Xander and called out in delight, "Faith passed her high school equivalency exam!" Oz smiled at the news, meeting Faith's eyes and nodding in approval, while Xander assumed a look of mock annoyance and asked, "So let me get this straight. . .you get your high school diploma without having to suffer through the four years of misery the rest of us went through?"
Faith looked at him and nodded with an impish grin on her face. Xander sighed and commented, "Somehow, I feel like I should resent that. . .but for some reason all I want to do is say. . .nice going, Faith." He walked forward and clasped hands with her, giving them a good squeeze and smiling at her, and he could see the pleased look in her eyes as she acknowledged the compliment. After a moment, she moved back from Willow and called out, "All right. . .celebration over. . .we've got some planning to do."
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired