Buffy finished recounting to Faith the details of Spike's speech as the two slayers arrived at the cemetery. Faith had a bemused expression on her face as she absorbed what Buffy had said.
"Wow B, maybe Spike should be a motivational speaker. That was one hell of a speech.", She said honestly.
"Oh yeah, he's the Tony Robbins of the undead.", Buffy said sarcastically before continuing, "Still, most of what he said made sense, and he managed to convince me not to give up."
"No way you'd ever give up B.," Faith said confidently, "It's just not in you."
Buffy looked at Faith, she was surprised by the level of belief the brunette had in her counterpart. Actually, when she thought about it, Faith had done everything in her power to support Buffy since she had gotten back into town. She even tried to tell the gang not to put her in charge when they had forced Buffy to leave, going so far as to follow Buffy outside to try to convince her to stay. A pang of guilt hit the older slayer, and she remembered how she had lashed out at Faith, accusing her of wanting the takeover. 'Faith was right. I don't know how she feels about all this, but I'm going to try to understand.' She looked at Faith, and realized that she hadn't responded to her statement yet. In fact, the younger girl seemed to be studying her intently. Buffy blushed with embarrassment, and Faith decided to speak.
"You okay B? You seemed kinda' lost in thought for a moment there.", Her voice was filled with concern for the older girl. Buffy smiled as she heard this, and quickly answered.
"I'm okay Faith, I was just thinking about how I've treated you since you came back.", Buffy paused before continuing, "I'm sorry I accused you of trying to take my place again, I wasn't thinking straight.", She apologized, thinking to herself, 'Willow was right, I was still hanging onto my insecurities about Faith coming back, even though I knew how much she wanted to help.'
Faith was slightly surprised at Buffy's apology, but she tried not to show it. "No problem B, I know you were just looking for an easy target. All's forgiven. No harm, no foul.", She flashed Buffy a grin as a sign of reassurance. She found it easy to forgive Buffy, even though she was hurt by Buffy's earlier accusation. 'No more holding grudges Faith, especially against B.', she mentally reminded herself. She had conquered her feelings of anger and resentment a long time ago, focusing instead on the future. 'Maybe even a future with B...' She smiled at that thought, and gently squeezed Buffy's hand, but it was a gesture more to comfort her than Buffy.
***********************************************
After a walking for a little while longer they finally reached the part of the graveyard that contained the unconsecrated grounds. They searched among the tombs until they finally came across a pyramid-shaped tomb. It appeared to be very old, and was definitely Egyptian in design. The slayers stopped at the door, examining the heavy stone barrier.
"How do you think we open it?", Buffy asked as she turned to Faith.
"Simple B, we knock.", Faith replied, gesturing toward the door, "Slayer style."
Buffy looked at the door, and realized what Faith meant. "Makes sense to me. Are you ready Faith?", she asked as she lined up next to the brunette.
"Ready B. On three?", she said as she prepared herself.
"One."
"Two."
"Three!", they both said, as they kicked the door in unison.
Wham! The impact knocked the door over with a heavy thud, sending a cloud of dust up and into the tomb. The slayers cautiously entered, eyes open for any danger. They were halfway across the tomb when they heard a voice from the shadows.
"I'd forgotten."
The slayers turned around, their gaze falling upon an old woman dressed entirely in white. Before they had a chance to react, she spoke again.
"I'd forgotten how young you would be. It comes from the waiting. The mind plays tricks.", She gestured to the scythe Buffy was holding. "I see you found our weapon."
"Who are you?", Buffy asked.
"One of many. Well, time was. Now I'm alone in the world. I'd gamble you know what that's like.", She turned to look at Faith, as if seeing her for the first time, "Or maybe not." She turned back to Buffy as she spoke, "Two slayers. This has never occurred before. You are both fortunate to have each other.", She glanced briefly at each girl, "But I sense you already know that."
Faith was uncomfortable with the woman's direct insight, and tried changing the topic. "So, what are you? Some kind of ghost?"
The woman smiled, a warm, friendly gesture that put the slayers at ease. "No. I'm as real as you are, just . . . well, put it this way; I look good for my age.", She paused briefly before continuing, "I've been waiting." The woman held out a hand, gesturing toward the scythe, which Buffy handed to her. She examined it as she spoke, "You pulled it out of the rock. I was one of those who put it there, and don't think that was easy."
"What is it?", Buffy asked curiously.
"A weapon. A scythe. We forged it in secrecy for one like you, kept it hidden from the Shadow Men, who . . . ," she was briefly interrupted by Buffy.
"Yeah. Met them. Didn't care for 'em.", She said, an expression of disgust on her face.
The woman looked at Buffy with a new level of respect, handing the scythe back to her before continuing. "Yes, then you know. They became the Watchers, and the Watchers watched the Slayers, but we were watching them."
Faith now had a question of her own. "So, what are you?"
"Guardians. Women who want to help and protect you. The scythe was forged centuries ago by us, and used only once before. It killed the last pure demon that walked upon the earth. After that, the scythe was hidden, until a time when it would be needed again."
"Does this mean I can win?", Buffy said as she held up the scythe, gesturing to it.
"That is really up to you.", The guardian pointed at the scythe, continuing. "That is a powerful weapon, but you already have weapons. Use it wisely, and perhaps you both can beat back the rising darkness. One way or the other, it can only mean an end is truly near."
The guardian finished her speech, and the slayers were about to respond, when two hands reached out from the shadows, snapping the guardian's neck. The rest of the figure stepped from the shadows, revealing itself as Caleb.
"I'm sorry, did you still need to talk to her?", He said, gesturing to the body on the floor.
"I thought platinum boy was supposed to be watching this loser.", Faith said, moving into defensive position next to Buffy.
"Look like he gave Spike the slip. Oh well, I guess we'll have to kick his ass.", Buffy spoke, raising the scythe to attack.
"Ready B?"
"Ready Faith."
At this confirmation the slayers leapt into battle, fighting Caleb in a dual attack. The preacher seemed to have found more power, but he was no match for the synchronized slayers. The battle would soon be over.
****************************************
Buffy and Faith exited the graveyard, discussing all that had just happened, the guardian's speech, the defeat of Caleb, the surprise encounter with Angel, and what they should do next.
"I tell ya' B, the last person I expected to see tonight was Angel."
"Yeah, I didn't expect to see him, but it's a good thing that he showed up. This," She held up the amulet he had given her, "might give us the edge that we need. Besides, you two seemed to be getting along all brother and sister like.", Buffy said, waiting for Faith's response.
"Well, I guess you could say that we understand each other a little better. That little mental mind-walk we did gave me another reason not to give up this redemption gig.", Faith glanced at Buffy, waiting for her reaction.
"Another reason? What was your first reason not to give up?", the blond asked curiously.
Faith turned away from Buffy as she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "You are B."
The blonde slayer stopped, she had heard what Faith had said, and was in a bit of shock. 'Did I hear that right? I was the reason she changed? I'm the reason she doesn't give up?' The thought that she was the reason Faith continued on the path to redemption was overwhelming. However, Faith had noticed her delay, and walked back to where the other slayer stood.
"B? Are you okay?", she looked at Buffy with concern.
Buffy was pulled from her thoughts by Faith's voice. "Huh? Oh, yeah Faith, I'm fine. It's just . . . Did I hear you right?", she said, the blond's expression a mask of emotional confusion.
Faith smirked at Buffy's reaction, responding truthfully, "Yeah B. No matter how tough things get, thinkin' of you is what keeps me goin'. Kinda' my own personal motivation."
Buffy was touched by the brunette's honesty. "You know Faith, you've changed a lot, we both have, and I want you to know that I'm really proud of you."
Faith blushed at Buffy's praise, and paused a moment before answering. "Thanks B. I'm proud of you too. The work you do here, it really matters."
The two slayers smiled at each other, as no words were necessary to express how they felt. They were each aware of a mutual attraction, but both were afraid to say anything about it. They continued walking, and were soon back at the Summers' home.
*********************************************
After the slayers had a chance to explain what they had found, and relayed the news of Caleb's death, Buffy spent a moment patching things up with her sister, who hadn't been pleased with Buffy's plan to send her away. They quickly made up, after which Buffy and Faith headed upstairs to get some well deserved rest.
Buffy entered her room, followed by Faith, who sat on the edge of the bed. They were both tired and anxious, knowing that this was the first time that they had ever slept in the same room. They both sort of fidgeted for a moment, wondering what to do next. Buffy moved to the bed's edge, sitting down next to Faith.
"So, I guess we should get some sleep. We've got a big day ahead of us.", Buffy's nervousness was evident in her tone.
Faith was just as nervous, hesitating before she spoke. "Yeah, sleep. That sounds good B."
Buffy removed her shoes, and Faith quickly followed her lead. Soon the girls were changed and ready for bed. Faith crawled in on one side, and Buffy got in on the other side. The slayers lay on the bed facing each other. The air was thick with anticipation.
Buffy looked into Faith's eyes, searching for a clue on what to do next. She was amazed at how calm she appeared, and reached out to touch her cheek. Faith didn't move, merely smiling at Buffy's tender touch. After a moment Faith reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Buffy's face. She tucked it behind the blond's ear, her touch feather light, as she drew back her hand.
Faith was contentedly basking in Buffy's gaze, when she noticed the older girl move closer, bringing them mere inches apart. The brunette knew what was coming next, and she held her breath in anticipation as she moved to make contact with her counterpart.
The kiss was soft and tender, and both girls savored the touch. It was filled with love and longing, and the slayers were soon in a passionate embrace. Their touch was gentle, as hands caressed skin, each exploring the simple sensation of contact. Faith lightly traced her fingers across Buffy's side, marveling at the smooth, warm surface. Buffy's hand wandered to Faith's taut stomach, touching her with pure passion, but she stopped when she felt a change in the skin's surface. She immediately recognized what it was, and broke away from the kiss as she spoke.
"Oh god. Faith, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to . . . I never should have hurt you. It was just . . . ," she trailed off, as her eyes welled with tears, her voice lost to the emotion of the moment.
"No, don't cry B. Please. I'm alright now. It's all in the past. This," she took Buffy's hand, placing it on the scar, "is a reminder of how I hurt you, and that's something I never wanna' do again." She moved Buffy's hand further up, resting it on her heart as spoke, "I love you Buffy, I always have, and nothing will ever change that."
Buffy was crying tears of happiness now, as Faith's declaration of love had touched her deeply, and she smiled as she responded honestly, "Faith, I-I love you too, I'm sorry I didn't see it before, and I promise, I'll never hurt you again, no matter what." She reached over and hugged Faith, pouring all her feelings into the embrace.
Faith allowed herself to be enveloped in Buffy's touch, finding comfort from the simple contact. Both slayers were physically and emotionally drained, and soon fell asleep in each other's arms.