Title: Falling Toward Apotheosis
Rating: R
Author: Banquo
Email: banquo@fanfiction.net
Summary: Xander and Faith have returned home after the events of "Leaves of Grass" but all is not as it seems. Dark dreams and plans set into motion allude to the danger that waits beyond the horizon.
Disclaimers: I own nothing except the story and all the characters I create in between. Buffy and all character related there in belong to Joss and Mutant enemy. While the concept of Immortality and all characters pertaining to Highlander belong to Panzer-Davis.
Archive: Go right ahead! Just email me a link where you plan on archiving my fic.
Though this story can stand on its own there are references to my first story so I strongly recommend that you read my first story "Leaves of Grass" which can be found at www.fanfiction.net search for the title and it will appear on the top of the list. Or you can go here directly to get to the story.
I'd like to thank my beta readers for this story, Ray, Vega, Joe and Saffi, without you guys I'd be a grammatical mess. I'd also like to take this time to thank all those who read and commented on my first story "Leaves of Grass." All of your comments and suggestions really helped me in the creative process as well as encouraged me to continue to write even when my muse and desire to write waned. I can only hope to live up to all of your expectations. So without further ado, here it is: Falling Toward Apotheosis.
Darkness. That is all there is. Darkness.
He can feel whispers of movement, shadows moving in the blackness. The whispers grow louder as he reaches out with his hands trying to feel his way around, or perhaps to scratch the black fabric of darkness to unveil a hidden light. Out of the corner of his eye he thinks he sees something moving. He turns to face the movement only to hear the sounds that only a sword being unsheathed can make. His sword is in his hands immediately, as if the very thought of a sword made it appear ready in his hands.
The whispers grow now sounding more like the gentle whistling of the wind. He could feel something. But it was all around him, all-encompassing, almost suffocating. The darkness seemed press closer to his body, if such a thing was possible. Above the light whistling of the breeze he did not feel he could hear the echoing of footsteps growing louder and louder as the seconds ticked by; assuming that seconds actually tick by in this place. How could time be kept in a place where there is no reference for time? The echoes grow louder and louder until they match the sound of his heart pounding in his ears.
Turning around in slow circles hoping to prepare for the opponent he could hear but could not see. He felt like a caged animal with the wall to his back, but there was nothing at his back, only the oppressive darkness that surrounds him. That is until he felt the coldness of steel on the back of his neck.
.
Xander bolts upright in his bed. Breathing hard and looking around he finds that he is in his own room, in his own bed. He sits in silence as his heartbeat slows and the sweat begins to evaporate from his skin. He was in his bed. His empty bed, he sadly adds. Removing the sheets covering his legs he swings his legs off of the bed and plants his feet onto the floor.
His head hung low, he slowly turns and faces his bed, his empty bed. Standing up and making his way to the bathroom he thinks to himself that if Faith had been in the bed with him the dreams would have never have come. Or at least he would have felt better every time he woke up, but Faith wasn't in his bed.
Faith had not been in his bed ever since they had returned. The first night she had spent in his house, Faith had a breakdown and Xander was there to help her through it. They had fallen asleep together that night, secure and safe in each other's arms. For Faith it was her first good night's sleep since leaving Sunnydale, for him it was his first contented night's sleep he could remember. Every night after that they slept together in the same bed.
When they returned from Sunnydale however, he had found that along with her memories Faith also lost the need to sleep with him at night. Turning on the cold water in the faucet he cups the cold liquid in his hands and splashes it in his face, the cool liquid calming and steadying him. He had not really realized how grounding it was for him to have Faith at his side while he slept until she had begun sleeping in her own room.
Chuckling, he grabs a towel as he remembers the comment Faith had made when she first saw her room. "It doesn't look very lived in does it? You sure this is my room?"
Well it was her room, the only thing was that she had only used it for a day and then she started sleeping with him in his room. He shrugged off the comment on the fact that she didn't get much time to do any decorating due to what had come up in Sunnydale. Thankfully she accepted the answer without too much question.
Returning to his bedroom Xander just stands there contemplating what to do. Looking over at the bedside clock he sees that it is already four-thirty, he usually wakes up in an hour so going back to sleep won't do him any good. TV is full of infomercials around this time and the paper won't be arriving for another half hour. Seeing that his only option is his computer he quietly opens his door and softly walks down the hall to where his computer sits.
Xander pauses a moment at the door leading to Faith's room, it is cracked open just a bit allowing him to look into the room. Pushing the door softly and quietly opening the door Xander leans on the doorframe watching Faith sleep. Though her back is turned to him he can see the outline of her body underneath the sheets, her breathing slow and even. Closing his eyes he remembers the early mornings where he would wake up hours before her and just look at her in the early morning light. Her face peaceful and content, his hand lightly stroking her hair, he looks back on those times as some of the happiest in his life.
Sighing he quietly whispers mostly to himself, "Sleep tight Faith, sleep tight," before closing the door and walking to his makeshift office. Seating himself at his desk he reaches over and pushes the button that brings power to his computer. The fans whirr and the sounds of the hard drive spinning accompany the messages confirming that his computer is booting up correctly. Pressing the correct buttons to bring up the login screen Xander types in his username and password gaining him access to his files.
Xander opens a series of folders to reach a familiar file entitled "Xander." When he had first started living with Adam and Cassandra he had suffered from chronic nightmares and insomnia getting maybe two or three hours of sleep each night. They had approached him about it concerned that his lack of sleep would lead to his early demise. Adam had suggested a journal to write down the dreams and the reason why he couldn't sleep saying dreams have no power over you once you understand that they are just dreams and that writing them down would give him control over them. So it was with that suggestion that Xander Harris decided to start an electronic journal. Mostly because he was tired of not sleeping but partly because he couldn't read his own handwriting so writing it down electronically would be the only way he could look back and read what he had written.
Opening the file he begins to write.
It's been a while since I've written in this but I think that I'm going to need to start writing here again.
The dreams have come twice this week. Dreams that keep me awake at night when I should be asleep. Adam says that I took a very substantial Quickening and that it's normal for stuff to come out of the woodwork so to speak. Cassandra had offered to help clear some of it out but I said no, I should be able to deal with this by myself. I mean I did it before, right? So I'll live.
Now where was I? Oh yeah, the dream or in this case the nightmare. I'm in a dark room, I'm not sure it's a room, its too dark and I don't see any walls. The only thing enclosing me is the darkness so I'm going to say that I'm in a dark room. Even though I can't see anything I know something is there, in front of me, behind me, at my sides, all around me in the darkness trapped just as I am, only whoever or what ever it is feels completely at home in the darkness.
That's when I can hear it moving, shuffling around in the darkness, I never see it but I know its there. Watching, waiting for the right time, that's when I hear it. The sound that only an Immortal can understand, the sound that induces both excitement and fear, the sound of a sword being unsheathed. I feel my sword in my hands suddenly as if I had drawn my sword at the same time only I don't remember drawing my sword. Then again the movement has become second nature for me so maybe I had unconsciously drawn my sword as a reaction to the sound.
I turn around in small circles trying to get the sounds to stay in front of me but they keep moving and now they echo all around, it's hard to pin point and hard to follow but I try to anyway. That is when I feel it, cold metal on my neck, and then I wake up.
I don't think that it is the dream that is bothering me, though. I think that maybe it's the fact that I'm waking up alone. I had gotten used to sharing my bed with her, her presence was warm and comforting. Something I could use right now. I miss her, I miss everything that we shared, I miss that I could look into her eyes and see the affection and love in them.
Listen to me! I'm talking as if I'm mourning her passing! She is alive and well and part of my life still. We still share things, only not on the level that I'm accustomed to. I must have patience. She fell in love with me once, I'm sure she'll end up doing it again eventually. I just have to wait.
Suddenly very tired Xander pauses his typing and yawns. Taking a deep breath he looks over what he just wrote. Satisfied with what he sees he saves the document and closes the program. After shutting down his computer he just sits there a while staring at the blank screen. Patience. If Adam and Cassandra were able to wait nearly three thousand year to find each other, then he should be able to wait however long it takes for Faith's heart to find it's way back to him. It's just hard to watch someone you care about everyday and know that the potential for love is there and not being able to say or do anything about it.
Yawning again Xander decides that going back to sleep isn't such a bad idea after all. Slowly getting up he makes his way back towards his room. He stops at Faith's door and quietly opens it sticking his head in. She is still facing her open window, her back facing him but the only difference is that the colors outside framed by the window are now softening with the early morning. Thinking that he could probably get another hour of sleep by the looks of things he takes one last look at Faith before closing the door. Her hair cascades down her back and onto her pillow much like the way it would on his chest. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes he burns that picture into his memory. He closes the door and walks back to his room and closes the blinds. Moving back to his bed he slides underneath the sheets and lays his head down on the pillow. As he drifts off to sleep he thinks back to when he and Faith slept in the same room together and how he would fall asleep gently stroking her hair. Those are the last things he thinks of before going to sleep.
.
Down the hall Faith stirs quietly as she dreams. Images, sounds and words all come at her.
She is in a dark alley; she can fell herself breathing hard. She turns to someone and says. "You know you shouldn't be running with pointy objects like that, let alone riding around on a motorcycle, you could poke your eye out"
The man grins back and tells her "I seriously doubt that."
The scene changes and fades into another. She is lying down in bed and a man, Xander, asks her, "Do you like jazz?"
Sleepily and quietly she responds to him, "Mmmmm, I love it."
"Then you'll like this." Xander tells her and the room is filled with soft piano notes, slow, relaxing and beautiful. The music seeps into her allowing her to float with the music. She can feel his warmth next to her as he slides into bed next to her. Like a moth to a flame it draws her to him, using his chest as a pillow she falls asleep listening to the sounds of the music and his heartbeat.
Those are the last things that linger in her mind as Faith stirs and begins to wake up. As her eyes flutter open and adjust to the early morning light the images from her dream disappear into the void of her sub- coconsciousness. Outside she can see the breath-taking scene outside her window. The sun not quite ready to rise causes the sky on the horizon to turn a rosy pink and the sky high above slowly changes from black to dark blue. For the first time she can remember she has a home and someone who honestly cares about her well being. But all of that cannot explain why every morning she awakens with the strange and empty ache inside of her, an ache that brings her nearly to the verge of tears.
Turning over and closing her eyes she tries to fall back asleep. As she does so she can feel a single tear fall down her cheek. As sleep begins to take her once more she wonders why does the ache leave so quickly when she sleeps?
.
Far away, nestled in between the hills located between the countries of Scotland and England, lies the town of Skipton. Atop a rocky bluff with long sloping ground to the front and a steep nearly sheer precipice falling to the Eller Beck behind lays Skipton Castle. Once used to repel attacks from bordering Scotland, the castle has now been turned into a tourist attraction where almost all of the castle's rooms are available for public viewing.
However the castle has another purpose. Beneath the rooms of the ground floor are hidden rooms and alcoves. Places where many hid during the Battle of Bannockburn where the first Lord Clifford of Skipton, Sir Robert Clifford, was killed. The rooms are still in use today only not to hide from intruders trying to attack the castle but to hide the actions of a group with close ties to the Clifford family.
The Clifford family is an old and powerful presence within the Council of Watchers. George Clifford the third Earl of Cumberland and Queen Elizabeth's champion had been the head of the Council until his death in sixteen hundred. Though no longer in control of the Council, Skipton Castle remains an important meeting place for the Council of Watchers when absolute secrecy and discretion is needed, and today that is exactly what the Skipton Castle provides.
In one of the hidden underground rooms the Council of Watchers have met. Far above their heads, tourists move about the castle grounds staring in wonder at the magnificence of the medieval architecture none of them suspecting the ulterior motives of the men and women far beneath their feet.
The room is lit much like the way it would have been lit in the thirteenth century, with torches all around the room. The circular table gives no clues as to the station of those sitting around it save the eight-foot tall high backed chair flanked by two smaller six-foot high backed chairs on either side. These spots reserved for the five members of the council chosen to lead the Watchers, the other spots at the table are reserved for the lesser positions of power within the council.
Quietly from doors hidden by the shadows members of the council begin to fill the seats, each of them had come to the castle under the disguise of tourism but their unique knowledge of the Castle allowed them to navigate their way to the hidden chambers unnoticed by the people wandering about the Castle. As soon as all the members were seated the man sitting on the eight-foot high backed chair quickly whispers a few words.
The center of the table is adorned with a metal design of a large triangle surrounded by a dragon; in the center of the metal triangle is the All Seeing Eye. Around the outside of the table are smaller circles in front of every chair each with a smaller representation of the design in the center of the table. After finishing his words the eye begins to glow, capturing the attention of all those present.
Murdoch the oldest living member and leader of the council, states loud enough for all to hear, "I Murdoch, leader of the High Council of the Watchers hereby call upon all those present to begin this meeting as the Council has throughout the ages."
Placing his hand on the circle in front of him the All Seeing Eye lights up as well. "In the beginning the fires of Hell rampaged throughout the land, demons and evil saturated the earth."
The person to his right continues, "It was during this time that the greatest warriors of the Heavens descended onto the mortal plane, driving the evil back to whence it came."
The person to his left places her hand onto the symbol in front of her and speaks, "However the warriors of Heaven realized that they would not be able protect the Earth themselves."
To the far right of Murdoch Quentin Travers stands up placing his hand on the symbol in front of him and continues with the story. "It was then she was born, from the ashes of the great battle the Slayer was created with the strength and power to fight the darkness."
To his far left a young woman places her hand on the symbol in front of her, "But the Slayer was savage, uncontrolled and wild. It was then the warriors called upon mortals to guide and bring direction to the Slayer."
The others at the table all place their hands on the symbols in front of them as they all say in unison, "We hold the line against the darkness, we stand between the Heavens and the Abyss and we alone carry the mantle bequeathed to us by our ancestors. We are the Watchers, trained from birth to lead and guide the Slayer in the battle against the darkness."
As they finish chanting the symbol on the center of the table brightens and flashes, a bright yellow momentarily filling the room. As the light dies down the All Seeing Eye in the center of the table continues to illuminate the room. Some of the others begin to walk around the room putting out the torches save the ones that frame the exit from the room.
Once they are seated Murdoch turns to face Travers and asks him, "So tell me Travers, why have you called a meeting of the High Council and the Lesser Council today and why did you insist on using a protection spell that hasn't been used for over six hundred years once we all get here?"
"As you all know that the responsibility for finding and stopping potential threats to humanity has fallen upon me, much as it did for my father, grandfather, great-grandfather."
The young woman to Murdoch's far left cuts him off, "We are well aware of your pedigree Mr. Travers. Could you please, as the Americans say, cut to the chase?"
"I was only providing my background on the subject Ms. Johnson. In case anyone would think of questioning my research or the validity of my claims."
Sighing like he was a parent among bickering children Murdoch stops the potential argument before it even starts. "No one here will question your claims Mr. Travers. I am just curious to the reason of this meeting the amount of security you have requested."
The gathered Watchers murmur their agreement. The Oath of Loyalty is a ritual used only when the greatest of secrecy is needed. The Oath forces the knowledge that is given at the time of the ritual to be shared with other Watchers and the Slayer. Should the Watcher attempt to give the information to someone other than a Watcher under duress or under their own volition the Oath will cause that Watcher's blood to boil and heart to stop, or that is what the books say.
"I have reason to believe that Glory has begun her search for the Key."
The shocked silence that fills room confirms the severity of the situation. Lauren Fletcher, the older woman to Murdoch's direct left, addresses Travers directly, "Are you certain? The Demon Goddess has not made an appearance for quite awhile."
Travers motions to his assistant standing behind him who begins to hand out files to those sitting at the table. Once each person at the table has one Travers begins his explanation, "The pictures you see are pictures of a very old monastery. From what we were able to garner from our research the monks who reside there house and protect The Key. If you turn to the next picture you will see that same monastery three days ago."
Some gasp while others pale as they look at the pictures. Where there was once a beautiful monastery now was a building in rubble. Bodies lying and the floor missing limbs their faces frozen in horror by the rigor mortis, it is a sight that would make even the most hardened of field Watchers sick to their stomach.
"We believe that Glory is responsible for the destruction you see."
Mr. Ratcliffe, the man sitting between Murdoch and Travers asks, "But you said earlier that Glory has begun her search for the key. I take it then that she did not succeed in obtaining it from the monks?"
"I do not believe so. The room that we suspected the Key to be located was left unguarded."
"How could you tell?" Ms. Johnson questions Travers.
"There were no dead bodies outside the room. We followed Glory's path to the room. She went directly to the room as if she knew where to look but once there it seems that she punched one of the walls in frustration."
"Frustration?"
"Ah yes, well actually it looks like she knocked it down. We think however that some of the monks were able to escape the slaughter."
"How could you tell?" Ratcliffe asks.
"My team was able to find traces of tracks leading to the woods around the monastery, in the woods we were able to find blood and torn pieces of cloth that matches up with the tunics worn by the monks. My guess is that they took the key and fled."
"Do we know where?"
"Unfortunately no." Travers answers. Murmurs fill the room as all those present whisper quietly to each other the seriousness of the situation. Glory, the Goddess from the demon dimension, is now out and actively searching for the key to return to her home. Humans, Vampires and even the stronger demons all have weaknesses. But to fight and win against a God? No Watcher or Slayer has ever gone up against such power; few Slayers live past their first fight against a Master Vampire.
Murdoch asks Travers, "What do you expect us to do Travers? The Alpha line is currently operating without the direction of the Council and the Beta line is currently rogue whereabouts unknown."
"The current Slayers Buffy and Faith are definitely of no use to us." Travers answers. "But that is the reason I requested this meeting of the High and Lesser Councils." He pauses briefly, "I propose that we activate the Delta line."
The outburst that fills the room is of no surprise to Travers. What he had just proposed is something that was unfathomable to many in the room. Then again the existence of two Slayers was once unfathomable as well.
"What you are saying would dilute the Slayer line even more than it is already! How could you even think of that as a possibility?" A member of the lesser council exclaims.
A purist, Travers thinks to himself before finding the right words for a rebuttal. Right when he found the proper response someone else answers for him. The older woman on the High Council Lauren Fletcher says, "I hate to say this but I believe that Mr. Travers' suggestion is the most prudent one."
Murdoch softens a bit as he addresses Ms. Fletcher, "Are you sure Lauren? Jacob would have been against."
"Jacob is dead Murdoch. My husband was short sighted when came to many aspects of the Slayer, I do not have those faults." She answers crisply.
Murdoch sits back in his chair and says, " Very well then, I'd like to hear your arguments in favor of this course of action. Who will argue against?"
"I will." Ms. Johnson answers.
"Good. Mr. Travers?"
"The Council has been weakened severely due to the fact that both active Slayers are outside of our sphere of influence. The dismissal of the Watcher Rupert Giles only drove the Alpha Slayer Buffy Summers farther away from the Council rather than too us. The Beta Slayer Faith spiraled out of control and was lost to us as well."
Pausing for a moment Travers lets his comments sink into the collective minds of his audience. "Without a Slayer we can have no direction. As Watchers we cannot hope to have any type of success against the Goddess Glory, we need to have a Slayer to spearhead the attack. Therefore I think it is prudent that we activate a third line, the Delta line so that the Council will have a Slayer during this dangerous time."
"Thank you Mr. Travers. Ms Johnson?"
"The activation of a third line of Slayers would severely affect the abilities of all three Slayers. The Alpha and Beta lines now show the potential and ability to fight Glory and survive. By adding a third line we would take away from the other two. The proposed Delta line will not be able to face Glory by herself and survive. We need to rebuild the Council's relationship with the Alpha and Beta Slayers in order to deal with the current situation."
Turning to the face the table Murdoch asks, "You all have heard the arguments for and opposed to Mr. Travers' idea. All in favor of the idea?" Murdoch silently counts the number of hands raised. "Those opposed?" Murdoch silently counts the remaining hands even though there is no need.
"The Council vote is dead locked, half for and half opposed. As leader of the High Council I shall be the deciding vote and I vote in favor of Mr. Travers' suggestion." Looking over to Mr. Travers Murdoch says to him, "Your request has been approved Mr. Travers. Go ahead and call a third Slayer. Pray to the powers that be that you idea works Travers, if it fails it just might mean the end of us all."
.
Xander's eyes open as he wakes up. Sitting up in bed he stretches and looks over at his clock. Seeing that it is about eight o'clock Xander mentally chides himself for sleeping so late. However he realizes that he is feeling better than he has all week and thinks to himself that a few hours lost to sleep really didn't hurt anyone.
Getting out of bed he walks over to his dresser and opens one of the drawers and pulls out a pair of warm-ups. Opening another he pulls out a shirt. Quickly changing Xander walks out of his room and into the hallway. Quietly passing Faith's room so that he wouldn't wake her Xander makes his way to the workout room.
Walking down the stairs Xander goes through a few breathing exercises to prepare him for his workout. As he begins his breathing exercises, he remembers the time when Adam had explained to him the importance of breathing.
.
"Xander listen to me this is important. You need to know how to breathe correctly." Adam scolds.
"It's not to difficult Adam," Xander says sarcastically, "Breathe in, breathe out. In with the good air, out with the bad."
He was about to add to his witty commentary when Adam suddenly attacks him. The attack is so fast and furious Xander is only able to let out a surprised "Eep!" before trying to run away from his mentor.
Xander tries to flee but Adam keeps pressing on forcing Xander backward. Adam speaks to him while attacking showing no strain or exertion at all, "Breathing is the key to any situation Xander. The human brain has engrained in it the fight or flight reaction to every situation."
Adam pauses slightly to let Xander to get a few breaths before starting his attack again. "You either face the situation or run away from it. Through breathing and mediation you will be able to control the fight or flight mechanism in your own brain." Adam goes through a flurry of quick punches before Xander feels the pull of gravity and the hard floor at his back knocking the wind out of him.
Standing above him looking down, Adam tells Xander, "Breathing is the source of power, stamina and focus. Breathing will help you take control of the situation giving you the choice to run away or face it, never forget that." Seeing Xander still gasping for breath and nodding Adam tells him, "Now, are you ready to learn how to breathe?"
.
He was halfway through his morning kata by the time he sensed Faith at the top of the stairs. His movements are slow and deliberate, his breathing matching his movements. He has a nice sheen already on his forehead as he begins to move into the final stages of his kata. He can only wonder what he looks like to Faith who is still standing at the top of the stairs. When he had seen Cassandra and Adam go through the same kata he looked on in awe at the precise beauty of the exercise. He could only hope that he is doing the kata the same justice.
Usually at the end of the kata he would usually meditate for a while during which Faith would quietly make her exit and return to her room and come out and meet him in the kitchen as he made his way up the stairs. She had been doing this ever since they returned, today however he thought that it was time to change things up a bit.
Without opening his eyes or turning around Xander says, "Would you like to join me?"
The comment almost catches Faith off guard, still surprised by the fact that Xander knew that she was there. She had discovered Xander's morning regimen by accident when she had awakened early one morning. She quietly tiptoed to Xander's room to see if he was awake or not and was surprised to see him gone. Searching the rest of the house she found him down stairs in the workout area in the middle of a complicated martial arts exercise.
His movements were graceful and sure. Each movement's purpose and form clear and precise. Simply put, it was beautiful. She could appreciate the physical attractiveness that Xander possessed but it was the kata itself that stood out in her mind the most. The sheer determination and discipline that it takes to learn such katas is tremendous. She herself had only attempted to learn one of the katas that her first watcher had tried teaching to her but she had found the exercise tedious and boring. She stopped trying to learn the kata altogether opting rather to use her innate Slayer abilities to help her fight. What Xander was doing was beyond her, she could admit that, but the beauty of it was stunning. So stunning in fact that she made it a point to watch him in the morning as he practiced.
He would finish his kata and then sit in the middle of the room and meditate. Every morning she would quietly slip into the room, sitting at the top of the stairs watching him perform his beautiful dance. He never once even acknowledged her presence during his workout sessions. That is until today.
Xander turns around slightly and looks up at her. "That is unless you like to watch? But I find working out with someone is much more fun."
Faith can feel a smile tug at her lips at Xander's words. "Its not like I don't like to play, its just that I don't know how to play that game."
"I could teach you."
"I don't think so, that stuff really isn't my style."
"Why is that? I know you know how to fight."
"That's the point, I know how to fight. I'm not that great with the non- confrontational stuff."
Xander walks over to the stairs and looks up at her, Faith notices that the look in Xander's eyes has changed slightly, as if he knew something she didn't, "I think you'll manage. Why don't you come down here? Life isn't always about fighting, you might find that you actually enjoy it."
He reaches his hand up to her as an open invitation his words reverberating in her mind as if she had heard them some where before. Faith stands there a moment, looking at his outstretched hand before bringing her own hand up and into his. The moment of contact sends sparks up her spine as he walks her to the foot of the stairs. The gentle tug to the center of the room warms her as she releases the breath that she didn't know she was holding.
Now standing in the middle of the room Faith reluctantly releases Xander's hand and asks him, "Okay how do we start?"
"First you have to learn how to breathe. Are you ready to learn?" Xander asks her.
Taking a deep breath and then releasing it she nods, "Show me how to breathe."
.
Quentin Travers walks into a room bustling with activity. His team of researchers have been combing over the ancient texts to see if they could find any loopholes or even any catches they might have missed that could hinder the calling of a third Slayer.
The Slayer could naturally be called when the former Slayer dies. At that point the new Slayer's powers would be activated and then would be trained on how to use them properly. But there were two Slayer lines now: The Alpha line, or Buffy Summers, and the Beta line, Faith. The Summers girl, according to Mr. Giles' explanation, died temporarily only to be revived a short time later. However her "death" was enough to call forth the new Slayer, Kendra. Her subsequent death at the hands of the vampire Drusilla called forth Faith as the new chosen one.
Since Summers had died of natural causes the second Slayer was called naturally. Upon hearing of the existence of two slayers the Council had been up in arms. Should Summers dies again would that mean another Slayer would be called again?
After a much-heated debate it was found that the death of Buffy Summers would not result in the calling of a new Slayer. She had died and her mantle was passed on to Kendra and from Kendra to Faith. So the terminology that the Council had adopted for the two Slayer lines is actually wrong. Buffy is not the Alpha line and Faith is not the Beta line. Rather Buffy is Alpha Major and Faith is Alpha Minor. Two parts of the same line, what Travers believes is that when Summers dies her mantle will be passed to the other active Slayer thus bringing the line back to a single person.
However the task Travers has set out to accomplish is one that is both dangerous and unnatural. In the ancient Watcher texts are stories as passages that refer to the Council, during times of grave importance, forced the calling of another Slayer while the primary line was active. The necessary ingredients for The Calling were easy enough to obtain and the presence of the existing Slayer, or in this case Slayers, is not needed. The ritual would take something from the active Slayer and then pass it on to the vessel that they wish to endow with the power of the Slayer. Since the new Slayer is not called naturally, should she die, a new Slayer is not called.
However according to the old texts the process is a long and strenuous one and incredibly painful for the active Slayer. The process actually rips away a small part of what is needed to activate the next Slayer. Since that part of the Slayer is engrained onto her physical and metaphysical self do so would cause pain beyond belief. But such is the price to pay in order to protect the world. Sacrifices must be made.
"How much longer until we can begin?" Travers asks one of his researchers.
"At least one more day. We want to do this the right way or we'll end up with no Slayer at all."
"Good, we'll play it safe. We need a Slayer in top condition if we are going to stop Glory."
"Sir?" The researcher stops Travers before he walks off.
"Yes?"
"Do you really think that this will work? Activating another Slayer I mean."
"Of course it will work, it was shown in the ancient chronicles that it would work."
"But the chronicles say that it is potentially dangerous not to mention painful for those involved."
Travers sighs as though he s talking to a little child. "Tell me, what is that thing you are holding in your hand?"
"This?" The researcher asks holding up the hand in question.
"Yes, that."
"It's a pencil."
"What do you do when the pencil gets dull?"
"I sharpen it."
"Good. Now what happens if you break the pencil, or if it becomes too short to sharpen or better yet if I take it from you? What happens when the pencil is no longer useful to you?"
"I get a new one."
"Precisely!" Travers exclaims. "That pencil is a tool. When a tool is longer useful it is time to get a new tool to replace it. The Slayer is a tool to fight evil, Buffy is no longer under Council control and Faith has disappeared her whereabouts currently unknown. Both are no longer useful to us therefore it is time for the Council to get itself a new tool."
"But the pain must be unbearable."
Sighing once again Travers takes a moment before speaking. "The Slayers are tools. It is the tool's purpose that is important, not what it feels, its purpose. The right tool in the right hands is nearly unstoppable. Right now the most able hands of the Council is without a tool. Our goal is to provide the Council with a tool. A tool to defeat Glory, I hope you're getting all this because I really don't want to go through it again."
"Yes sir, I understand now, sir." The researcher answers hoping to help himself out from the scrutiny he is receiving from Travers.
"Some how I doubt that, but I'll leave you at that." Walking around to inspect the rest of the progress being made Travers makes several mental notes of which team members are working especially well marking them for more involvement later on as his plan begins to take shape.
He is leaning over a table inspecting a scroll when he glances up and sees another figure descend the stairs into the room. He stands and straightens out his coat as he walks over to his colleague.
"Lauren! So good to see you again, I'd like to thank you for your support with the Council. I really appreciate."
"Can it Travers. Jacob never liked you and I never really liked you either, but I agreed with your position. Do not mistake agreement for friendship."
Bristling slightly Travers responds coolly, "Yes, I see. Nevertheless I thank you for your support. No matter how unexpected the source."
"I have my reasons for supporting you Travers, none of which you could possibly understand. I am here to check on your progress in the matter, nothing more."
"Of course. My team has reported that we should be ready to begin within a day. After we gather the necessary ingredients we will proceed with the ritual."
"Good. Keep me informed on your progress. I wish to be present for the ritual as well. Can that be arranged?"
"Of course, I will personally tell you when it is being held."
"Have we found the next vessel?"
"Yes. She will be present tomorrow as well."
"Good. Until tomorrow then." With those last words Lauren Fletcher turns on her heel leaves the room the same way she came in, ascending the stairs up into the darkness. As she disappears, Travers wonders about the reasons that Ms. Fletcher must have for supporting him before he goes back to his inspection of his team's work.
.
Lauren Fletcher stands before the large portrait of her husband that she had placed in the study. She looks up at it, her eyes longing for her husband who has been gone for so long.
"I'm sorry Jacob, I know that you wouldn't have wanted it this way, but it had to be done."
Looking up at the portrait a single tear falls down her face.
"I'm so sorry Jacob." She whispers as she fingers a small frame sitting on her desk as the first rays of sunlight begin to spill over the horizon.
.
When Faith walks into the kitchen that morning she finds that Xander is already up and talking lividly to Adam on the phone.
"I will not put Faith or myself in this kind of situation! What do you mean it's not going to be so bad?" Xander listens to what Adam has to say, "Of course it will! We'll get used to it? I'm sorry but we don't have the experience with this kind of stuff that you and Cassandra have." Xander listens again before exclaiming into the receiver, "Then why don't you two do this! Fine! I'll do it but I won't force Faith to do anything she doesn't want to do." Pulling the receiver away from his head slightly before speaking into it again he says, "Okay, I promise I'll at least ask her, but I won't guarantee anything."
Hanging the phone up on the cradle Xander sighs and mutters, "Damn old man, I can't believe him!"
Faith decides that now would be the best time to make her presence known, "Hey Xand, something up?"
Spinning around quickly Xander sees Faith leaning against the doorframe. "Uh, not really its just Adam just called." Seeing her eyes squint slightly he can tell that she doesn't believe him, "How much did you actually hear?"
"Something about not forcing me into any situation that I don't want to be in and you say that you would at least ask me if I'd do it. But from the way you told Adam it didn't sound like you were going to ask me at all." Faith says a little mad at Xander for automatically assuming that she wouldn't do it. She was far from invalid and could make her own decisions.
"How do you know that I wasn't going to tell you?"
"I've been living with you for few weeks now Xander, I know you better than you think."
Seeing that he wasn't going to win this one he concedes. "Well Adam had faxed something over this morning and had asked us to take care of it, I told him no and that I wouldn't put you in this kind of situation."
"As cute as I think it is that you are trying to protect me from something Xand, I think that you should remember that I am a Slayer. You know? Fights evil dark creatures and a large assortment of things that go bump in the night."
"I know that, it just."
"I can handle it." She says plainly.
"I don't think so." Xander tells her.
"You don't think so?" She asks Xander seeing the fire that comes to her eyes when someone challenges her.
"I know so."
"I'm going to do it then." She says defiantly. The moment she says it though she sees the look in his eyes and immediately regrets saying them.
"You asked for it." He says grinning handing her the fax.
Looking down at the piece of paper Faith falls into a nearby chair and pales. "You've got to be kidding."
"I told you, but now you're stuck with it." Xander tells her as he starts to make breakfast. Faith looks down at the paper again and thinks to herself what have I gotten myself into?
"Adam thinks we'll need some training for that. The address and phone number for a few people are at the bottom. I think the first one is our best bet."
Faith just looks at Xander as he beats eggs for breakfast and then back down at the paper in front of her and she thinks again, what have I gotten myself into?
.
Faith is walking down the sidewalk and her heart is threatening to jump out of her throat. She has faced all matters of evil and demons but she has never, ever, faced anything like this before. This is something so frightening that she doesn't think that anyone could be brave enough to face it.
Xander who is walking by her side must have noticed her tension, leans over and says softly in her ear, "Lighten up Faith, you've faced much worse before."
"No I haven't."
"Sure you have." Xander says with a smile playing across his lips
"I'm glad you're enjoying this Xand."
"Don't blame me, miss I'm a Slayer and I can, how did you say it?"
"Don't start with me Xand."
"Oh yeah I remember now, I am a Slayer and I fight evil dark creatures and a large assortment of things that go bump in the night. OW!" Xander says rubbing his arm where Faith had punched him. "What was that for?"
"I told you not to start with me so I decided to stop you. You're lucky that I haven't bailed out on you." She tells him.
"I know you better than that Faith, you wouldn't bail on me unless something killed you. You said yes and now you have to stick with it."
Growling under her breath she continues to walk.
"What was that?" Xander asks
Turning to face him she sweetly says, "I was just wondering when we were going to arrive at our destination."
"Somehow I don't think that is what I heard, but to answer your question, we're here."
If at all possible Faith's heart beats even faster than before. Xander opens the door for her and she walks in. He leads her up the stairs to a room on the second floor of the building; the stairwell isn't lit very well with only a single light fixture on the wall working correctly. They arrive at their destination and Faith can feel her hands trembling because she is so nervous.
The door opens and Faith's first reaction is to turn around and try to bolt, but Xander is able to snake his arm around her waist pulling her back to his side. She throws him a dirty look as he smiles at her. A woman appears at the door and introduces herself.
"Hi! Welcome to Arthur Murray Dance Studios! My name is Melanie, are you here for the Ballroom lessons?"
Xander can feel Faith trying to run again so he tightens his grip on the dark haired slayer's waist. "Yes we are. I'm Harry and this is my wife Amanda." Xander introduces himself and Faith.
"It great to see young couples like yourself learning how to ballroom dance." Melanie says with bubbly enthusiasm.
Faith gives her a saccharine smile as Xander pleasantly tells Melanie, "Actually we have to go to a fund raiser that will have a live big band with a large dance floor. So rather than sit around during the whole function we thought it would be best to learn how to dance to the music."
"Well you've come to the right place! We're going to get started soon. Before we start though have any of you had any dance training?"
Both shake their heads no, "That's okay, since you're married I won't have to worry about you two feeling comfortable with each other no do I? Now lets get started, shall we try a simple Foxtrot?"
Leading the young couple onto the dance floor Melanie preps the two on the correct dancing position. "Okay now I'll need you guys to get into dance position. Do you know what that is?"
Seeing the blank look on their faces Melanie sees that she'll need to be more proactive in this situation. "Okay, in that case, turn and face each other. Good, now move a little closer you are married you know." Melanie says lightly.
"Now Harry I want you to take your right hand and place it on Amanda's left shoulder blade." Xander does what he is asked and places his hand on Faith's back. He is reveling in the feeling of the proximity of Faith to him until Melanie's voice and hand moving his brings him back to reality.
"Harry don't you know where a shoulder blade is?" Faith suppresses a shiver as she feel's Xander's hand move across her back. She is so focused on the feeling as it runs through her body that Faith doesn't hear Melanie's next instructions.
"Amanda? Are you listening?" Faith turns to Melanie with a blank look on her face.
"You need to put your left hand on Harry's shoulder."
Faith quickly responds and puts her hand on Xander's shoulder. She can feel his musculature underneath his shirt as she places her hand on his shoulder. She can feel the muscles shift as he adjusts his arm still trying to find the correct position on her back, his hand sending little sparks throughout her body.
Finally Melanie instructs them to bring their other hands up and demonstrates the correct position to hold their hands. After a few tries, and a few pointers from Melanie, Faith and Xander were finally able to get into the ready position almost automatically.
Stepping back Melanie looks at them with pride, "Perfect! Now this is what we call a 'frame' a frame is basically how partners fit together. You two have a great frame. How does it feel to you?"
Xander looks at Faith and says, "Like a perfect fit."
Faith can only return his gaze for a moment before she turns away trying suppress the shivers she can feel trying to make their way to the surface in response to Xander's remark. Looking at Melanie she smiles and answers, "It feels good."
"Good!" Melanie responds. "Now let me go see what music I have and we'll start with a foxtrot."
As Melanie walks away, Xander can feel Faith's hold on him loosen and he too releases his hold on her. It was a reminder of how close she was to him but still far enough where he couldn't do anything to act on his feelings. The position reminds him so much of the way they slept together, the way his arm would stay warm resting lightly on her back. Knowing that he was in a dangerous position he lets his arm slowly slide from her.
As Xander's arm leaves Faith's back she feels her self shiver slightly because of the sudden loss of warmth. Again for the second time that day, Faith can feel the emptiness inside of her, the feeling that is present every morning when she wakes up. But before she can figure out what the source of the feeling is Xander's hand on her shoulder shakes the feeling away.
"Hey are you okay? I mean if you don't want to do this we can stop now." Xander tells her.
Faith tries to search for the feeling for a moment but finds that it is gone. Turning her head to Xander she smiles slightly. "What? You're going to give up? Afraid of showing me your amazing dancing skills?" She pauses a moment before her grin turns into full smile when she says, "I've heard the legends of the infamous snoopy dance."
Her smile grows even bigger when she sees the slightly annoyed look on his face. "I'll have you know that the snoopy dance is a very complicated movement. It takes concentration, discipline, focus and."
"A complete lack of rhythm?"
"and a complete lack of.No! I have rhythm! Damn good rhythm at that!" Music starts in the background as Xander says to her enjoying their verbal sparring, "Besides, how do I know that you're not trying to use my supposed lack of rhythm to hide the fact that you're frightened to dance ballroom?"
Faith's retort is cut short by Melanie's return. "Okay I put some music on but we'll ignore it for now. Get into ready position. Good! Now to foxtrot you need to just remember slow, slow, quick, quick, slow." As Melanie begins to teach the two how to dance she can't help but smile. Out of all the people she likes to teach the young couples are probably her favorite. The love that they feel for each other, the ease that they fall into each other's arms, the easy comfort that can be found only with young love, it just warms her heart. It wasn't long until the young couple is gliding around the floor stepping lightly with the music.
Melanie watches from across the floor as her newest students chuckle about a missed step and continue on. "Young love." She says with a sigh. She looks at the young couple again before turning to the music collection, she can tell by just looking at them how much in love they really are.
.
Lauren Fletcher sits at her desk. The only source of light is a fire blazing in the room's fireplace. Her desk is cluttered with her work, all of which has been forgotten for now. Her chair tilted to the side, she is leaning back with a small picture frame in her lap. Her arm moves to the small tumbler sitting on her desk half filled with amber liquid. Taking a sip from the glass she feels the fire of the liquid running down her throat, burning away her sorrow and anger.
She is about to take another sip of the strong liquid when the telephone on her desk rings. Looking at the caller ID she sees the number originates from the Watcher network and picks up the phone.
"Hello." She speaks into the receiver.
"You asked me to tell you when we were ready. The ceremony will begin tomorrow evening at Fountains Abbey."
"I'll be there." Is all she says before hanging up the phone. Gazing down at the picture frame on her lap she whispers softly. "Soon my love, soon."
.
Rating: R
Author: Banquo
Email: banquo@fanfiction.net
Summary: Xander and Faith have returned home after the events of "Leaves of Grass" but all is not as it seems. Dark dreams and plans set into motion allude to the danger that waits beyond the horizon.
Disclaimers: I own nothing except the story and all the characters I create in between. Buffy and all character related there in belong to Joss and Mutant enemy. While the concept of Immortality and all characters pertaining to Highlander belong to Panzer-Davis.
Archive: Go right ahead! Just email me a link where you plan on archiving my fic.
Though this story can stand on its own there are references to my first story so I strongly recommend that you read my first story "Leaves of Grass" which can be found at www.fanfiction.net search for the title and it will appear on the top of the list. Or you can go here directly to get to the story.
I'd like to thank my beta readers for this story, Ray, Vega, Joe and Saffi, without you guys I'd be a grammatical mess. I'd also like to take this time to thank all those who read and commented on my first story "Leaves of Grass." All of your comments and suggestions really helped me in the creative process as well as encouraged me to continue to write even when my muse and desire to write waned. I can only hope to live up to all of your expectations. So without further ado, here it is: Falling Toward Apotheosis.
Darkness. That is all there is. Darkness.
He can feel whispers of movement, shadows moving in the blackness. The whispers grow louder as he reaches out with his hands trying to feel his way around, or perhaps to scratch the black fabric of darkness to unveil a hidden light. Out of the corner of his eye he thinks he sees something moving. He turns to face the movement only to hear the sounds that only a sword being unsheathed can make. His sword is in his hands immediately, as if the very thought of a sword made it appear ready in his hands.
The whispers grow now sounding more like the gentle whistling of the wind. He could feel something. But it was all around him, all-encompassing, almost suffocating. The darkness seemed press closer to his body, if such a thing was possible. Above the light whistling of the breeze he did not feel he could hear the echoing of footsteps growing louder and louder as the seconds ticked by; assuming that seconds actually tick by in this place. How could time be kept in a place where there is no reference for time? The echoes grow louder and louder until they match the sound of his heart pounding in his ears.
Turning around in slow circles hoping to prepare for the opponent he could hear but could not see. He felt like a caged animal with the wall to his back, but there was nothing at his back, only the oppressive darkness that surrounds him. That is until he felt the coldness of steel on the back of his neck.
.
Xander bolts upright in his bed. Breathing hard and looking around he finds that he is in his own room, in his own bed. He sits in silence as his heartbeat slows and the sweat begins to evaporate from his skin. He was in his bed. His empty bed, he sadly adds. Removing the sheets covering his legs he swings his legs off of the bed and plants his feet onto the floor.
His head hung low, he slowly turns and faces his bed, his empty bed. Standing up and making his way to the bathroom he thinks to himself that if Faith had been in the bed with him the dreams would have never have come. Or at least he would have felt better every time he woke up, but Faith wasn't in his bed.
Faith had not been in his bed ever since they had returned. The first night she had spent in his house, Faith had a breakdown and Xander was there to help her through it. They had fallen asleep together that night, secure and safe in each other's arms. For Faith it was her first good night's sleep since leaving Sunnydale, for him it was his first contented night's sleep he could remember. Every night after that they slept together in the same bed.
When they returned from Sunnydale however, he had found that along with her memories Faith also lost the need to sleep with him at night. Turning on the cold water in the faucet he cups the cold liquid in his hands and splashes it in his face, the cool liquid calming and steadying him. He had not really realized how grounding it was for him to have Faith at his side while he slept until she had begun sleeping in her own room.
Chuckling, he grabs a towel as he remembers the comment Faith had made when she first saw her room. "It doesn't look very lived in does it? You sure this is my room?"
Well it was her room, the only thing was that she had only used it for a day and then she started sleeping with him in his room. He shrugged off the comment on the fact that she didn't get much time to do any decorating due to what had come up in Sunnydale. Thankfully she accepted the answer without too much question.
Returning to his bedroom Xander just stands there contemplating what to do. Looking over at the bedside clock he sees that it is already four-thirty, he usually wakes up in an hour so going back to sleep won't do him any good. TV is full of infomercials around this time and the paper won't be arriving for another half hour. Seeing that his only option is his computer he quietly opens his door and softly walks down the hall to where his computer sits.
Xander pauses a moment at the door leading to Faith's room, it is cracked open just a bit allowing him to look into the room. Pushing the door softly and quietly opening the door Xander leans on the doorframe watching Faith sleep. Though her back is turned to him he can see the outline of her body underneath the sheets, her breathing slow and even. Closing his eyes he remembers the early mornings where he would wake up hours before her and just look at her in the early morning light. Her face peaceful and content, his hand lightly stroking her hair, he looks back on those times as some of the happiest in his life.
Sighing he quietly whispers mostly to himself, "Sleep tight Faith, sleep tight," before closing the door and walking to his makeshift office. Seating himself at his desk he reaches over and pushes the button that brings power to his computer. The fans whirr and the sounds of the hard drive spinning accompany the messages confirming that his computer is booting up correctly. Pressing the correct buttons to bring up the login screen Xander types in his username and password gaining him access to his files.
Xander opens a series of folders to reach a familiar file entitled "Xander." When he had first started living with Adam and Cassandra he had suffered from chronic nightmares and insomnia getting maybe two or three hours of sleep each night. They had approached him about it concerned that his lack of sleep would lead to his early demise. Adam had suggested a journal to write down the dreams and the reason why he couldn't sleep saying dreams have no power over you once you understand that they are just dreams and that writing them down would give him control over them. So it was with that suggestion that Xander Harris decided to start an electronic journal. Mostly because he was tired of not sleeping but partly because he couldn't read his own handwriting so writing it down electronically would be the only way he could look back and read what he had written.
Opening the file he begins to write.
It's been a while since I've written in this but I think that I'm going to need to start writing here again.
The dreams have come twice this week. Dreams that keep me awake at night when I should be asleep. Adam says that I took a very substantial Quickening and that it's normal for stuff to come out of the woodwork so to speak. Cassandra had offered to help clear some of it out but I said no, I should be able to deal with this by myself. I mean I did it before, right? So I'll live.
Now where was I? Oh yeah, the dream or in this case the nightmare. I'm in a dark room, I'm not sure it's a room, its too dark and I don't see any walls. The only thing enclosing me is the darkness so I'm going to say that I'm in a dark room. Even though I can't see anything I know something is there, in front of me, behind me, at my sides, all around me in the darkness trapped just as I am, only whoever or what ever it is feels completely at home in the darkness.
That's when I can hear it moving, shuffling around in the darkness, I never see it but I know its there. Watching, waiting for the right time, that's when I hear it. The sound that only an Immortal can understand, the sound that induces both excitement and fear, the sound of a sword being unsheathed. I feel my sword in my hands suddenly as if I had drawn my sword at the same time only I don't remember drawing my sword. Then again the movement has become second nature for me so maybe I had unconsciously drawn my sword as a reaction to the sound.
I turn around in small circles trying to get the sounds to stay in front of me but they keep moving and now they echo all around, it's hard to pin point and hard to follow but I try to anyway. That is when I feel it, cold metal on my neck, and then I wake up.
I don't think that it is the dream that is bothering me, though. I think that maybe it's the fact that I'm waking up alone. I had gotten used to sharing my bed with her, her presence was warm and comforting. Something I could use right now. I miss her, I miss everything that we shared, I miss that I could look into her eyes and see the affection and love in them.
Listen to me! I'm talking as if I'm mourning her passing! She is alive and well and part of my life still. We still share things, only not on the level that I'm accustomed to. I must have patience. She fell in love with me once, I'm sure she'll end up doing it again eventually. I just have to wait.
Suddenly very tired Xander pauses his typing and yawns. Taking a deep breath he looks over what he just wrote. Satisfied with what he sees he saves the document and closes the program. After shutting down his computer he just sits there a while staring at the blank screen. Patience. If Adam and Cassandra were able to wait nearly three thousand year to find each other, then he should be able to wait however long it takes for Faith's heart to find it's way back to him. It's just hard to watch someone you care about everyday and know that the potential for love is there and not being able to say or do anything about it.
Yawning again Xander decides that going back to sleep isn't such a bad idea after all. Slowly getting up he makes his way back towards his room. He stops at Faith's door and quietly opens it sticking his head in. She is still facing her open window, her back facing him but the only difference is that the colors outside framed by the window are now softening with the early morning. Thinking that he could probably get another hour of sleep by the looks of things he takes one last look at Faith before closing the door. Her hair cascades down her back and onto her pillow much like the way it would on his chest. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes he burns that picture into his memory. He closes the door and walks back to his room and closes the blinds. Moving back to his bed he slides underneath the sheets and lays his head down on the pillow. As he drifts off to sleep he thinks back to when he and Faith slept in the same room together and how he would fall asleep gently stroking her hair. Those are the last things he thinks of before going to sleep.
.
Down the hall Faith stirs quietly as she dreams. Images, sounds and words all come at her.
She is in a dark alley; she can fell herself breathing hard. She turns to someone and says. "You know you shouldn't be running with pointy objects like that, let alone riding around on a motorcycle, you could poke your eye out"
The man grins back and tells her "I seriously doubt that."
The scene changes and fades into another. She is lying down in bed and a man, Xander, asks her, "Do you like jazz?"
Sleepily and quietly she responds to him, "Mmmmm, I love it."
"Then you'll like this." Xander tells her and the room is filled with soft piano notes, slow, relaxing and beautiful. The music seeps into her allowing her to float with the music. She can feel his warmth next to her as he slides into bed next to her. Like a moth to a flame it draws her to him, using his chest as a pillow she falls asleep listening to the sounds of the music and his heartbeat.
Those are the last things that linger in her mind as Faith stirs and begins to wake up. As her eyes flutter open and adjust to the early morning light the images from her dream disappear into the void of her sub- coconsciousness. Outside she can see the breath-taking scene outside her window. The sun not quite ready to rise causes the sky on the horizon to turn a rosy pink and the sky high above slowly changes from black to dark blue. For the first time she can remember she has a home and someone who honestly cares about her well being. But all of that cannot explain why every morning she awakens with the strange and empty ache inside of her, an ache that brings her nearly to the verge of tears.
Turning over and closing her eyes she tries to fall back asleep. As she does so she can feel a single tear fall down her cheek. As sleep begins to take her once more she wonders why does the ache leave so quickly when she sleeps?
.
Far away, nestled in between the hills located between the countries of Scotland and England, lies the town of Skipton. Atop a rocky bluff with long sloping ground to the front and a steep nearly sheer precipice falling to the Eller Beck behind lays Skipton Castle. Once used to repel attacks from bordering Scotland, the castle has now been turned into a tourist attraction where almost all of the castle's rooms are available for public viewing.
However the castle has another purpose. Beneath the rooms of the ground floor are hidden rooms and alcoves. Places where many hid during the Battle of Bannockburn where the first Lord Clifford of Skipton, Sir Robert Clifford, was killed. The rooms are still in use today only not to hide from intruders trying to attack the castle but to hide the actions of a group with close ties to the Clifford family.
The Clifford family is an old and powerful presence within the Council of Watchers. George Clifford the third Earl of Cumberland and Queen Elizabeth's champion had been the head of the Council until his death in sixteen hundred. Though no longer in control of the Council, Skipton Castle remains an important meeting place for the Council of Watchers when absolute secrecy and discretion is needed, and today that is exactly what the Skipton Castle provides.
In one of the hidden underground rooms the Council of Watchers have met. Far above their heads, tourists move about the castle grounds staring in wonder at the magnificence of the medieval architecture none of them suspecting the ulterior motives of the men and women far beneath their feet.
The room is lit much like the way it would have been lit in the thirteenth century, with torches all around the room. The circular table gives no clues as to the station of those sitting around it save the eight-foot tall high backed chair flanked by two smaller six-foot high backed chairs on either side. These spots reserved for the five members of the council chosen to lead the Watchers, the other spots at the table are reserved for the lesser positions of power within the council.
Quietly from doors hidden by the shadows members of the council begin to fill the seats, each of them had come to the castle under the disguise of tourism but their unique knowledge of the Castle allowed them to navigate their way to the hidden chambers unnoticed by the people wandering about the Castle. As soon as all the members were seated the man sitting on the eight-foot high backed chair quickly whispers a few words.
The center of the table is adorned with a metal design of a large triangle surrounded by a dragon; in the center of the metal triangle is the All Seeing Eye. Around the outside of the table are smaller circles in front of every chair each with a smaller representation of the design in the center of the table. After finishing his words the eye begins to glow, capturing the attention of all those present.
Murdoch the oldest living member and leader of the council, states loud enough for all to hear, "I Murdoch, leader of the High Council of the Watchers hereby call upon all those present to begin this meeting as the Council has throughout the ages."
Placing his hand on the circle in front of him the All Seeing Eye lights up as well. "In the beginning the fires of Hell rampaged throughout the land, demons and evil saturated the earth."
The person to his right continues, "It was during this time that the greatest warriors of the Heavens descended onto the mortal plane, driving the evil back to whence it came."
The person to his left places her hand onto the symbol in front of her and speaks, "However the warriors of Heaven realized that they would not be able protect the Earth themselves."
To the far right of Murdoch Quentin Travers stands up placing his hand on the symbol in front of him and continues with the story. "It was then she was born, from the ashes of the great battle the Slayer was created with the strength and power to fight the darkness."
To his far left a young woman places her hand on the symbol in front of her, "But the Slayer was savage, uncontrolled and wild. It was then the warriors called upon mortals to guide and bring direction to the Slayer."
The others at the table all place their hands on the symbols in front of them as they all say in unison, "We hold the line against the darkness, we stand between the Heavens and the Abyss and we alone carry the mantle bequeathed to us by our ancestors. We are the Watchers, trained from birth to lead and guide the Slayer in the battle against the darkness."
As they finish chanting the symbol on the center of the table brightens and flashes, a bright yellow momentarily filling the room. As the light dies down the All Seeing Eye in the center of the table continues to illuminate the room. Some of the others begin to walk around the room putting out the torches save the ones that frame the exit from the room.
Once they are seated Murdoch turns to face Travers and asks him, "So tell me Travers, why have you called a meeting of the High Council and the Lesser Council today and why did you insist on using a protection spell that hasn't been used for over six hundred years once we all get here?"
"As you all know that the responsibility for finding and stopping potential threats to humanity has fallen upon me, much as it did for my father, grandfather, great-grandfather."
The young woman to Murdoch's far left cuts him off, "We are well aware of your pedigree Mr. Travers. Could you please, as the Americans say, cut to the chase?"
"I was only providing my background on the subject Ms. Johnson. In case anyone would think of questioning my research or the validity of my claims."
Sighing like he was a parent among bickering children Murdoch stops the potential argument before it even starts. "No one here will question your claims Mr. Travers. I am just curious to the reason of this meeting the amount of security you have requested."
The gathered Watchers murmur their agreement. The Oath of Loyalty is a ritual used only when the greatest of secrecy is needed. The Oath forces the knowledge that is given at the time of the ritual to be shared with other Watchers and the Slayer. Should the Watcher attempt to give the information to someone other than a Watcher under duress or under their own volition the Oath will cause that Watcher's blood to boil and heart to stop, or that is what the books say.
"I have reason to believe that Glory has begun her search for the Key."
The shocked silence that fills room confirms the severity of the situation. Lauren Fletcher, the older woman to Murdoch's direct left, addresses Travers directly, "Are you certain? The Demon Goddess has not made an appearance for quite awhile."
Travers motions to his assistant standing behind him who begins to hand out files to those sitting at the table. Once each person at the table has one Travers begins his explanation, "The pictures you see are pictures of a very old monastery. From what we were able to garner from our research the monks who reside there house and protect The Key. If you turn to the next picture you will see that same monastery three days ago."
Some gasp while others pale as they look at the pictures. Where there was once a beautiful monastery now was a building in rubble. Bodies lying and the floor missing limbs their faces frozen in horror by the rigor mortis, it is a sight that would make even the most hardened of field Watchers sick to their stomach.
"We believe that Glory is responsible for the destruction you see."
Mr. Ratcliffe, the man sitting between Murdoch and Travers asks, "But you said earlier that Glory has begun her search for the key. I take it then that she did not succeed in obtaining it from the monks?"
"I do not believe so. The room that we suspected the Key to be located was left unguarded."
"How could you tell?" Ms. Johnson questions Travers.
"There were no dead bodies outside the room. We followed Glory's path to the room. She went directly to the room as if she knew where to look but once there it seems that she punched one of the walls in frustration."
"Frustration?"
"Ah yes, well actually it looks like she knocked it down. We think however that some of the monks were able to escape the slaughter."
"How could you tell?" Ratcliffe asks.
"My team was able to find traces of tracks leading to the woods around the monastery, in the woods we were able to find blood and torn pieces of cloth that matches up with the tunics worn by the monks. My guess is that they took the key and fled."
"Do we know where?"
"Unfortunately no." Travers answers. Murmurs fill the room as all those present whisper quietly to each other the seriousness of the situation. Glory, the Goddess from the demon dimension, is now out and actively searching for the key to return to her home. Humans, Vampires and even the stronger demons all have weaknesses. But to fight and win against a God? No Watcher or Slayer has ever gone up against such power; few Slayers live past their first fight against a Master Vampire.
Murdoch asks Travers, "What do you expect us to do Travers? The Alpha line is currently operating without the direction of the Council and the Beta line is currently rogue whereabouts unknown."
"The current Slayers Buffy and Faith are definitely of no use to us." Travers answers. "But that is the reason I requested this meeting of the High and Lesser Councils." He pauses briefly, "I propose that we activate the Delta line."
The outburst that fills the room is of no surprise to Travers. What he had just proposed is something that was unfathomable to many in the room. Then again the existence of two Slayers was once unfathomable as well.
"What you are saying would dilute the Slayer line even more than it is already! How could you even think of that as a possibility?" A member of the lesser council exclaims.
A purist, Travers thinks to himself before finding the right words for a rebuttal. Right when he found the proper response someone else answers for him. The older woman on the High Council Lauren Fletcher says, "I hate to say this but I believe that Mr. Travers' suggestion is the most prudent one."
Murdoch softens a bit as he addresses Ms. Fletcher, "Are you sure Lauren? Jacob would have been against."
"Jacob is dead Murdoch. My husband was short sighted when came to many aspects of the Slayer, I do not have those faults." She answers crisply.
Murdoch sits back in his chair and says, " Very well then, I'd like to hear your arguments in favor of this course of action. Who will argue against?"
"I will." Ms. Johnson answers.
"Good. Mr. Travers?"
"The Council has been weakened severely due to the fact that both active Slayers are outside of our sphere of influence. The dismissal of the Watcher Rupert Giles only drove the Alpha Slayer Buffy Summers farther away from the Council rather than too us. The Beta Slayer Faith spiraled out of control and was lost to us as well."
Pausing for a moment Travers lets his comments sink into the collective minds of his audience. "Without a Slayer we can have no direction. As Watchers we cannot hope to have any type of success against the Goddess Glory, we need to have a Slayer to spearhead the attack. Therefore I think it is prudent that we activate a third line, the Delta line so that the Council will have a Slayer during this dangerous time."
"Thank you Mr. Travers. Ms Johnson?"
"The activation of a third line of Slayers would severely affect the abilities of all three Slayers. The Alpha and Beta lines now show the potential and ability to fight Glory and survive. By adding a third line we would take away from the other two. The proposed Delta line will not be able to face Glory by herself and survive. We need to rebuild the Council's relationship with the Alpha and Beta Slayers in order to deal with the current situation."
Turning to the face the table Murdoch asks, "You all have heard the arguments for and opposed to Mr. Travers' idea. All in favor of the idea?" Murdoch silently counts the number of hands raised. "Those opposed?" Murdoch silently counts the remaining hands even though there is no need.
"The Council vote is dead locked, half for and half opposed. As leader of the High Council I shall be the deciding vote and I vote in favor of Mr. Travers' suggestion." Looking over to Mr. Travers Murdoch says to him, "Your request has been approved Mr. Travers. Go ahead and call a third Slayer. Pray to the powers that be that you idea works Travers, if it fails it just might mean the end of us all."
.
Xander's eyes open as he wakes up. Sitting up in bed he stretches and looks over at his clock. Seeing that it is about eight o'clock Xander mentally chides himself for sleeping so late. However he realizes that he is feeling better than he has all week and thinks to himself that a few hours lost to sleep really didn't hurt anyone.
Getting out of bed he walks over to his dresser and opens one of the drawers and pulls out a pair of warm-ups. Opening another he pulls out a shirt. Quickly changing Xander walks out of his room and into the hallway. Quietly passing Faith's room so that he wouldn't wake her Xander makes his way to the workout room.
Walking down the stairs Xander goes through a few breathing exercises to prepare him for his workout. As he begins his breathing exercises, he remembers the time when Adam had explained to him the importance of breathing.
.
"Xander listen to me this is important. You need to know how to breathe correctly." Adam scolds.
"It's not to difficult Adam," Xander says sarcastically, "Breathe in, breathe out. In with the good air, out with the bad."
He was about to add to his witty commentary when Adam suddenly attacks him. The attack is so fast and furious Xander is only able to let out a surprised "Eep!" before trying to run away from his mentor.
Xander tries to flee but Adam keeps pressing on forcing Xander backward. Adam speaks to him while attacking showing no strain or exertion at all, "Breathing is the key to any situation Xander. The human brain has engrained in it the fight or flight reaction to every situation."
Adam pauses slightly to let Xander to get a few breaths before starting his attack again. "You either face the situation or run away from it. Through breathing and mediation you will be able to control the fight or flight mechanism in your own brain." Adam goes through a flurry of quick punches before Xander feels the pull of gravity and the hard floor at his back knocking the wind out of him.
Standing above him looking down, Adam tells Xander, "Breathing is the source of power, stamina and focus. Breathing will help you take control of the situation giving you the choice to run away or face it, never forget that." Seeing Xander still gasping for breath and nodding Adam tells him, "Now, are you ready to learn how to breathe?"
.
He was halfway through his morning kata by the time he sensed Faith at the top of the stairs. His movements are slow and deliberate, his breathing matching his movements. He has a nice sheen already on his forehead as he begins to move into the final stages of his kata. He can only wonder what he looks like to Faith who is still standing at the top of the stairs. When he had seen Cassandra and Adam go through the same kata he looked on in awe at the precise beauty of the exercise. He could only hope that he is doing the kata the same justice.
Usually at the end of the kata he would usually meditate for a while during which Faith would quietly make her exit and return to her room and come out and meet him in the kitchen as he made his way up the stairs. She had been doing this ever since they returned, today however he thought that it was time to change things up a bit.
Without opening his eyes or turning around Xander says, "Would you like to join me?"
The comment almost catches Faith off guard, still surprised by the fact that Xander knew that she was there. She had discovered Xander's morning regimen by accident when she had awakened early one morning. She quietly tiptoed to Xander's room to see if he was awake or not and was surprised to see him gone. Searching the rest of the house she found him down stairs in the workout area in the middle of a complicated martial arts exercise.
His movements were graceful and sure. Each movement's purpose and form clear and precise. Simply put, it was beautiful. She could appreciate the physical attractiveness that Xander possessed but it was the kata itself that stood out in her mind the most. The sheer determination and discipline that it takes to learn such katas is tremendous. She herself had only attempted to learn one of the katas that her first watcher had tried teaching to her but she had found the exercise tedious and boring. She stopped trying to learn the kata altogether opting rather to use her innate Slayer abilities to help her fight. What Xander was doing was beyond her, she could admit that, but the beauty of it was stunning. So stunning in fact that she made it a point to watch him in the morning as he practiced.
He would finish his kata and then sit in the middle of the room and meditate. Every morning she would quietly slip into the room, sitting at the top of the stairs watching him perform his beautiful dance. He never once even acknowledged her presence during his workout sessions. That is until today.
Xander turns around slightly and looks up at her. "That is unless you like to watch? But I find working out with someone is much more fun."
Faith can feel a smile tug at her lips at Xander's words. "Its not like I don't like to play, its just that I don't know how to play that game."
"I could teach you."
"I don't think so, that stuff really isn't my style."
"Why is that? I know you know how to fight."
"That's the point, I know how to fight. I'm not that great with the non- confrontational stuff."
Xander walks over to the stairs and looks up at her, Faith notices that the look in Xander's eyes has changed slightly, as if he knew something she didn't, "I think you'll manage. Why don't you come down here? Life isn't always about fighting, you might find that you actually enjoy it."
He reaches his hand up to her as an open invitation his words reverberating in her mind as if she had heard them some where before. Faith stands there a moment, looking at his outstretched hand before bringing her own hand up and into his. The moment of contact sends sparks up her spine as he walks her to the foot of the stairs. The gentle tug to the center of the room warms her as she releases the breath that she didn't know she was holding.
Now standing in the middle of the room Faith reluctantly releases Xander's hand and asks him, "Okay how do we start?"
"First you have to learn how to breathe. Are you ready to learn?" Xander asks her.
Taking a deep breath and then releasing it she nods, "Show me how to breathe."
.
Quentin Travers walks into a room bustling with activity. His team of researchers have been combing over the ancient texts to see if they could find any loopholes or even any catches they might have missed that could hinder the calling of a third Slayer.
The Slayer could naturally be called when the former Slayer dies. At that point the new Slayer's powers would be activated and then would be trained on how to use them properly. But there were two Slayer lines now: The Alpha line, or Buffy Summers, and the Beta line, Faith. The Summers girl, according to Mr. Giles' explanation, died temporarily only to be revived a short time later. However her "death" was enough to call forth the new Slayer, Kendra. Her subsequent death at the hands of the vampire Drusilla called forth Faith as the new chosen one.
Since Summers had died of natural causes the second Slayer was called naturally. Upon hearing of the existence of two slayers the Council had been up in arms. Should Summers dies again would that mean another Slayer would be called again?
After a much-heated debate it was found that the death of Buffy Summers would not result in the calling of a new Slayer. She had died and her mantle was passed on to Kendra and from Kendra to Faith. So the terminology that the Council had adopted for the two Slayer lines is actually wrong. Buffy is not the Alpha line and Faith is not the Beta line. Rather Buffy is Alpha Major and Faith is Alpha Minor. Two parts of the same line, what Travers believes is that when Summers dies her mantle will be passed to the other active Slayer thus bringing the line back to a single person.
However the task Travers has set out to accomplish is one that is both dangerous and unnatural. In the ancient Watcher texts are stories as passages that refer to the Council, during times of grave importance, forced the calling of another Slayer while the primary line was active. The necessary ingredients for The Calling were easy enough to obtain and the presence of the existing Slayer, or in this case Slayers, is not needed. The ritual would take something from the active Slayer and then pass it on to the vessel that they wish to endow with the power of the Slayer. Since the new Slayer is not called naturally, should she die, a new Slayer is not called.
However according to the old texts the process is a long and strenuous one and incredibly painful for the active Slayer. The process actually rips away a small part of what is needed to activate the next Slayer. Since that part of the Slayer is engrained onto her physical and metaphysical self do so would cause pain beyond belief. But such is the price to pay in order to protect the world. Sacrifices must be made.
"How much longer until we can begin?" Travers asks one of his researchers.
"At least one more day. We want to do this the right way or we'll end up with no Slayer at all."
"Good, we'll play it safe. We need a Slayer in top condition if we are going to stop Glory."
"Sir?" The researcher stops Travers before he walks off.
"Yes?"
"Do you really think that this will work? Activating another Slayer I mean."
"Of course it will work, it was shown in the ancient chronicles that it would work."
"But the chronicles say that it is potentially dangerous not to mention painful for those involved."
Travers sighs as though he s talking to a little child. "Tell me, what is that thing you are holding in your hand?"
"This?" The researcher asks holding up the hand in question.
"Yes, that."
"It's a pencil."
"What do you do when the pencil gets dull?"
"I sharpen it."
"Good. Now what happens if you break the pencil, or if it becomes too short to sharpen or better yet if I take it from you? What happens when the pencil is no longer useful to you?"
"I get a new one."
"Precisely!" Travers exclaims. "That pencil is a tool. When a tool is longer useful it is time to get a new tool to replace it. The Slayer is a tool to fight evil, Buffy is no longer under Council control and Faith has disappeared her whereabouts currently unknown. Both are no longer useful to us therefore it is time for the Council to get itself a new tool."
"But the pain must be unbearable."
Sighing once again Travers takes a moment before speaking. "The Slayers are tools. It is the tool's purpose that is important, not what it feels, its purpose. The right tool in the right hands is nearly unstoppable. Right now the most able hands of the Council is without a tool. Our goal is to provide the Council with a tool. A tool to defeat Glory, I hope you're getting all this because I really don't want to go through it again."
"Yes sir, I understand now, sir." The researcher answers hoping to help himself out from the scrutiny he is receiving from Travers.
"Some how I doubt that, but I'll leave you at that." Walking around to inspect the rest of the progress being made Travers makes several mental notes of which team members are working especially well marking them for more involvement later on as his plan begins to take shape.
He is leaning over a table inspecting a scroll when he glances up and sees another figure descend the stairs into the room. He stands and straightens out his coat as he walks over to his colleague.
"Lauren! So good to see you again, I'd like to thank you for your support with the Council. I really appreciate."
"Can it Travers. Jacob never liked you and I never really liked you either, but I agreed with your position. Do not mistake agreement for friendship."
Bristling slightly Travers responds coolly, "Yes, I see. Nevertheless I thank you for your support. No matter how unexpected the source."
"I have my reasons for supporting you Travers, none of which you could possibly understand. I am here to check on your progress in the matter, nothing more."
"Of course. My team has reported that we should be ready to begin within a day. After we gather the necessary ingredients we will proceed with the ritual."
"Good. Keep me informed on your progress. I wish to be present for the ritual as well. Can that be arranged?"
"Of course, I will personally tell you when it is being held."
"Have we found the next vessel?"
"Yes. She will be present tomorrow as well."
"Good. Until tomorrow then." With those last words Lauren Fletcher turns on her heel leaves the room the same way she came in, ascending the stairs up into the darkness. As she disappears, Travers wonders about the reasons that Ms. Fletcher must have for supporting him before he goes back to his inspection of his team's work.
.
Lauren Fletcher stands before the large portrait of her husband that she had placed in the study. She looks up at it, her eyes longing for her husband who has been gone for so long.
"I'm sorry Jacob, I know that you wouldn't have wanted it this way, but it had to be done."
Looking up at the portrait a single tear falls down her face.
"I'm so sorry Jacob." She whispers as she fingers a small frame sitting on her desk as the first rays of sunlight begin to spill over the horizon.
.
When Faith walks into the kitchen that morning she finds that Xander is already up and talking lividly to Adam on the phone.
"I will not put Faith or myself in this kind of situation! What do you mean it's not going to be so bad?" Xander listens to what Adam has to say, "Of course it will! We'll get used to it? I'm sorry but we don't have the experience with this kind of stuff that you and Cassandra have." Xander listens again before exclaiming into the receiver, "Then why don't you two do this! Fine! I'll do it but I won't force Faith to do anything she doesn't want to do." Pulling the receiver away from his head slightly before speaking into it again he says, "Okay, I promise I'll at least ask her, but I won't guarantee anything."
Hanging the phone up on the cradle Xander sighs and mutters, "Damn old man, I can't believe him!"
Faith decides that now would be the best time to make her presence known, "Hey Xand, something up?"
Spinning around quickly Xander sees Faith leaning against the doorframe. "Uh, not really its just Adam just called." Seeing her eyes squint slightly he can tell that she doesn't believe him, "How much did you actually hear?"
"Something about not forcing me into any situation that I don't want to be in and you say that you would at least ask me if I'd do it. But from the way you told Adam it didn't sound like you were going to ask me at all." Faith says a little mad at Xander for automatically assuming that she wouldn't do it. She was far from invalid and could make her own decisions.
"How do you know that I wasn't going to tell you?"
"I've been living with you for few weeks now Xander, I know you better than you think."
Seeing that he wasn't going to win this one he concedes. "Well Adam had faxed something over this morning and had asked us to take care of it, I told him no and that I wouldn't put you in this kind of situation."
"As cute as I think it is that you are trying to protect me from something Xand, I think that you should remember that I am a Slayer. You know? Fights evil dark creatures and a large assortment of things that go bump in the night."
"I know that, it just."
"I can handle it." She says plainly.
"I don't think so." Xander tells her.
"You don't think so?" She asks Xander seeing the fire that comes to her eyes when someone challenges her.
"I know so."
"I'm going to do it then." She says defiantly. The moment she says it though she sees the look in his eyes and immediately regrets saying them.
"You asked for it." He says grinning handing her the fax.
Looking down at the piece of paper Faith falls into a nearby chair and pales. "You've got to be kidding."
"I told you, but now you're stuck with it." Xander tells her as he starts to make breakfast. Faith looks down at the paper again and thinks to herself what have I gotten myself into?
"Adam thinks we'll need some training for that. The address and phone number for a few people are at the bottom. I think the first one is our best bet."
Faith just looks at Xander as he beats eggs for breakfast and then back down at the paper in front of her and she thinks again, what have I gotten myself into?
.
Faith is walking down the sidewalk and her heart is threatening to jump out of her throat. She has faced all matters of evil and demons but she has never, ever, faced anything like this before. This is something so frightening that she doesn't think that anyone could be brave enough to face it.
Xander who is walking by her side must have noticed her tension, leans over and says softly in her ear, "Lighten up Faith, you've faced much worse before."
"No I haven't."
"Sure you have." Xander says with a smile playing across his lips
"I'm glad you're enjoying this Xand."
"Don't blame me, miss I'm a Slayer and I can, how did you say it?"
"Don't start with me Xand."
"Oh yeah I remember now, I am a Slayer and I fight evil dark creatures and a large assortment of things that go bump in the night. OW!" Xander says rubbing his arm where Faith had punched him. "What was that for?"
"I told you not to start with me so I decided to stop you. You're lucky that I haven't bailed out on you." She tells him.
"I know you better than that Faith, you wouldn't bail on me unless something killed you. You said yes and now you have to stick with it."
Growling under her breath she continues to walk.
"What was that?" Xander asks
Turning to face him she sweetly says, "I was just wondering when we were going to arrive at our destination."
"Somehow I don't think that is what I heard, but to answer your question, we're here."
If at all possible Faith's heart beats even faster than before. Xander opens the door for her and she walks in. He leads her up the stairs to a room on the second floor of the building; the stairwell isn't lit very well with only a single light fixture on the wall working correctly. They arrive at their destination and Faith can feel her hands trembling because she is so nervous.
The door opens and Faith's first reaction is to turn around and try to bolt, but Xander is able to snake his arm around her waist pulling her back to his side. She throws him a dirty look as he smiles at her. A woman appears at the door and introduces herself.
"Hi! Welcome to Arthur Murray Dance Studios! My name is Melanie, are you here for the Ballroom lessons?"
Xander can feel Faith trying to run again so he tightens his grip on the dark haired slayer's waist. "Yes we are. I'm Harry and this is my wife Amanda." Xander introduces himself and Faith.
"It great to see young couples like yourself learning how to ballroom dance." Melanie says with bubbly enthusiasm.
Faith gives her a saccharine smile as Xander pleasantly tells Melanie, "Actually we have to go to a fund raiser that will have a live big band with a large dance floor. So rather than sit around during the whole function we thought it would be best to learn how to dance to the music."
"Well you've come to the right place! We're going to get started soon. Before we start though have any of you had any dance training?"
Both shake their heads no, "That's okay, since you're married I won't have to worry about you two feeling comfortable with each other no do I? Now lets get started, shall we try a simple Foxtrot?"
Leading the young couple onto the dance floor Melanie preps the two on the correct dancing position. "Okay now I'll need you guys to get into dance position. Do you know what that is?"
Seeing the blank look on their faces Melanie sees that she'll need to be more proactive in this situation. "Okay, in that case, turn and face each other. Good, now move a little closer you are married you know." Melanie says lightly.
"Now Harry I want you to take your right hand and place it on Amanda's left shoulder blade." Xander does what he is asked and places his hand on Faith's back. He is reveling in the feeling of the proximity of Faith to him until Melanie's voice and hand moving his brings him back to reality.
"Harry don't you know where a shoulder blade is?" Faith suppresses a shiver as she feel's Xander's hand move across her back. She is so focused on the feeling as it runs through her body that Faith doesn't hear Melanie's next instructions.
"Amanda? Are you listening?" Faith turns to Melanie with a blank look on her face.
"You need to put your left hand on Harry's shoulder."
Faith quickly responds and puts her hand on Xander's shoulder. She can feel his musculature underneath his shirt as she places her hand on his shoulder. She can feel the muscles shift as he adjusts his arm still trying to find the correct position on her back, his hand sending little sparks throughout her body.
Finally Melanie instructs them to bring their other hands up and demonstrates the correct position to hold their hands. After a few tries, and a few pointers from Melanie, Faith and Xander were finally able to get into the ready position almost automatically.
Stepping back Melanie looks at them with pride, "Perfect! Now this is what we call a 'frame' a frame is basically how partners fit together. You two have a great frame. How does it feel to you?"
Xander looks at Faith and says, "Like a perfect fit."
Faith can only return his gaze for a moment before she turns away trying suppress the shivers she can feel trying to make their way to the surface in response to Xander's remark. Looking at Melanie she smiles and answers, "It feels good."
"Good!" Melanie responds. "Now let me go see what music I have and we'll start with a foxtrot."
As Melanie walks away, Xander can feel Faith's hold on him loosen and he too releases his hold on her. It was a reminder of how close she was to him but still far enough where he couldn't do anything to act on his feelings. The position reminds him so much of the way they slept together, the way his arm would stay warm resting lightly on her back. Knowing that he was in a dangerous position he lets his arm slowly slide from her.
As Xander's arm leaves Faith's back she feels her self shiver slightly because of the sudden loss of warmth. Again for the second time that day, Faith can feel the emptiness inside of her, the feeling that is present every morning when she wakes up. But before she can figure out what the source of the feeling is Xander's hand on her shoulder shakes the feeling away.
"Hey are you okay? I mean if you don't want to do this we can stop now." Xander tells her.
Faith tries to search for the feeling for a moment but finds that it is gone. Turning her head to Xander she smiles slightly. "What? You're going to give up? Afraid of showing me your amazing dancing skills?" She pauses a moment before her grin turns into full smile when she says, "I've heard the legends of the infamous snoopy dance."
Her smile grows even bigger when she sees the slightly annoyed look on his face. "I'll have you know that the snoopy dance is a very complicated movement. It takes concentration, discipline, focus and."
"A complete lack of rhythm?"
"and a complete lack of.No! I have rhythm! Damn good rhythm at that!" Music starts in the background as Xander says to her enjoying their verbal sparring, "Besides, how do I know that you're not trying to use my supposed lack of rhythm to hide the fact that you're frightened to dance ballroom?"
Faith's retort is cut short by Melanie's return. "Okay I put some music on but we'll ignore it for now. Get into ready position. Good! Now to foxtrot you need to just remember slow, slow, quick, quick, slow." As Melanie begins to teach the two how to dance she can't help but smile. Out of all the people she likes to teach the young couples are probably her favorite. The love that they feel for each other, the ease that they fall into each other's arms, the easy comfort that can be found only with young love, it just warms her heart. It wasn't long until the young couple is gliding around the floor stepping lightly with the music.
Melanie watches from across the floor as her newest students chuckle about a missed step and continue on. "Young love." She says with a sigh. She looks at the young couple again before turning to the music collection, she can tell by just looking at them how much in love they really are.
.
Lauren Fletcher sits at her desk. The only source of light is a fire blazing in the room's fireplace. Her desk is cluttered with her work, all of which has been forgotten for now. Her chair tilted to the side, she is leaning back with a small picture frame in her lap. Her arm moves to the small tumbler sitting on her desk half filled with amber liquid. Taking a sip from the glass she feels the fire of the liquid running down her throat, burning away her sorrow and anger.
She is about to take another sip of the strong liquid when the telephone on her desk rings. Looking at the caller ID she sees the number originates from the Watcher network and picks up the phone.
"Hello." She speaks into the receiver.
"You asked me to tell you when we were ready. The ceremony will begin tomorrow evening at Fountains Abbey."
"I'll be there." Is all she says before hanging up the phone. Gazing down at the picture frame on her lap she whispers softly. "Soon my love, soon."
.