Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own these characters. Somehow, I feel compelled to write about them

Author's Note: More of the story, more of the story, more of the story. Thanks for hanging in there with me, and hopefully all will be rewarded soon. Provided I don't go crazy.

" Revenge is a dish best served cold" Old Arabic saying

Summer of faith

Chapter 8

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Buffy:

I've been awake all night, watching over her. I've never seen this side of her. The little girl side of Faith. The vulnerable side, the side that needs to be taken care of. It's kind of attractive. Of course, I can't tell her that. She would get weird. I don't think she likes the idea of depending on someone else. I hope someday I can get her to realize it's ok to need someone else. That leaning on someone isn't weak, but necessary sometimes.

She looks so young when she sleeps. Like the child she never got to be. I get all teary when I think of how bad she's had it; how lucky I've been. She never had a mom or dad who loved her, held her; made her realize how special she is. And despite it all, she is so strong. Wanting to protect me from the big bad. I could cry. I just wish she would let me protect her back. Sigh… fat chance of that.

Sleep, precious one. Dream no dreams, just be happy for a little while.

Damn, look at the time. It's 6 a.m. already. Damn. I have to go to work…ahhh…fuck that. I'm no way facing Ponce-face today and dealing with his crap. Get up Buffy. Make an excuse that you are sick. Grrrr. I hate getting up, it is so warm here. Sigh… just do it.

( Buffy gets up and goes to phone, calls diner)

Buffy(faking cold): Can cobm in today. Gaw heab code

Ponce: Yeah… Sure. More likely out all night . Look, you comin' in or not?

Buffy: heab code. Wamme to sneeze all ober your custodmers?

Ponce: Fine, fine, fine. In tomorrow, or don't bother comin' back

Buffy: tobmorrow, probmise

Ponce:(click)

Whatta dork. Sigh. I better go home and catch some z's. We're gonna have to talk more later, and right now my brain is fuzzy. Need sleep.

( Buffy looks at the bed) It is so close….so warm.(Wavering). Maybe just five minutes. I will lay down 5 minutes, then go home and sleep. Yeah

(Buffy crawls back in with Faith, and promptly drops off to sleep).

Faith:

Laying here with my eyes closed. Don't wanna wake up. So tired. What time is it? 8 a. m. Ohhhh, my head aches so bad. How much did I drink last night ? Ow, Ow, Ow. What happened, anyway? I remember me and Buffy having some words, coming home, and then trying to drink myself to sleep. Had the fucking dream again, and then…oh...fuck yeah, Buffy called and came over. What happened then? Think Faith. We talked, she got the story out of me, and then it gets hazy…..

( Faith hears some quiet snoring and realizes there is an arm around her waist)

Whatda fuck? What's goin' on? WHO is IN HERE with me? Did I go out after B left? Fuck, can't remember….'K , Faithy, turn around…see who it is…. Be nice, but get rid of them….

( Faith turns around, and nearly has a heart attack)

BUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

( At that moment Buffy opens her eyes)

Buffy(sleepy voice, soft smile): Mornin', sleepy

Faith(panicking, big time): B..B…Buffy?

Oh, my god what IS she doing here?

Faith: B, ummm…what happened?(oh please no, oh PLEASE NO , Say I didn't)

Buffy(Gets a hurt look): Oh, baby? Don't you remember?

Oh no oh NO oh NONO NO, NO, NO,NO, NO

Faith: B…uhhhh…B?

Buffy(sighs): It was…wonderful(sighs)

Oh….shit

Buffy(sighs): I never knew it could be so wonderful

Ohhhh…..shit, and I missed it to boot. Shit, shit. Shit.

Buffy: You were like a tigress…mmmmm…you ate me right up(giggles)

Faith(really panicking now): Oh, B. I am sooo sorry, I took advantage of you…I am ..( then I hear B laughing)…What????

Buffy(grinning): Gotcha!!!!!!!!!

Grrrrrrrrrrr. I am gonna kill her someday…right after I make love to her oh a million times or so

Faith(growls): Not funny, B. So not funny!

Buffy(giggling). I don't know. Somebody thought it was funny when they recounted how I made a fool of myself that night I got drunk. Turn about is fair play, Faithy.

God, she never lets anything go !

God, if she weren't so cute, and so sexy and so…HORMONES, FAITH, HORMONES!!!!

Buffy(smiling, but it is an evil smile): Oh, and Faith?

Faith(growls, but a little less): Yes?

Buffy(deadpans): You still gotta cute ass( and she pinches my butt...and starts to tickle me).

Faith(giggling and laughing): Stop it stop it stop it gonna pee if you don't stop it stop it!!

Buffy: 'k

And she stops… but I'm backing up, just in case.

Buffy(serious now): Now, I gotta get some sleep, and so do you. I'll be back later, and we can figure out what we're going to do about Kakistos

Damn, I had almost forgotten that .

Faith(putting on my best pout): Can't you stay?(sad eyes)

Buffy(wavering…then she gets that look): No(sighs). I suspect sleep won't happen if I stay

WHAAAAAAAAAAAT????????????????????????

Buffy: Goodnight, Faith. Or Good morning. Get some sleep

And she walks out, leaving me to like go nuts

She got me again. Damn!!!!!!!!

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Later that afternoon, Buffy is approaching Faith's room . She can't help but think of how scared Faith looked when she told her she had made love to her. '(giggling) If she had tried to collect her thoughts, she would have remembered we were BOTH fully dressed. It was just too cool. So…. Why then when I went home, did I fantasize about that…Get a grip, Buffy. Time to work. Time for that kinda thinking, later'

Buffy knocks on Faith's door, and Faith opens it. Faith has showered, freshened up, and cleaned up. ' She looks so much better'

Buffy: Feeling a little better?

Faith(reluctant to admit Buffy was right) yeah

Buffy: So, can I come in, or do I get to sit out here?

Faith: Come in, already. Geeze

Buffy comes in, and is impressed that Faith has made an effort to clean the place. The bottles are gone, and it is aired out and doesn't smell like a cheap bar anymore ' nice'.

Buffy: So, what do we know about this … Kakistos?

Faith: He is big. Ugly. Strong. And mean.

Buffy: I think you just described about half the vamps out there….anything else?

Faith: My Watcher told me he was old… very old. That would explain, she said, his cloven hands and feet.

Buffy(cracking wise): So, we are going against Vamp Cow then?

Faith(serious): this is one mean bad-ass vamp, B. No kidding. He is strong, he is vicious, and he is very hard to kill

Buffy(chastened) : Sorry

Faith: I am just saying. I tried to kill him after he killed my watcher. I only wounded him. Nasty wound, but not enough.

Buffy(seeing faith starting to get the fear back): It's ok, Faith. There are two of us now. We can take him.

Faith: I dunno, I just know he is one bad vamp

Buffy: Damn, wish I could talk to Giles right about now

Faith: Giles?

Buffy: My Watcher. I know he would know something, or know where to find something. Kakistos' weaknesses, or whatever.

Faith: You really miss your friends, don't ya B. ?

Buffy(looking a tiny bit blue): Yeah. A lot .

Faith rubs Buffy's back comfortingly

Faith: Don't worry, B. We'll find it

Buffy: Yeah, I know. I guess we're gonna to have to hit the Public Library, try to get on the 'Net. See if we can find anything out about this Kakistos. Also, try to find where he might be nested. Any ideas about that?

Faith(shrugs): Not a clue. Wait. I seem to remember when I attacked him in Boston, he was in a big building… warehouse I think. Maybe that is a clue? He likes big open spaces?

Buffy: Well, it's a start. Also, maybe we can try and see if any demon haunts are around. Kinda shake up the locals…spill a bit of gossip, if ya follow?

Faith(admiring): You've done this before, haven't ya?

Buffy: Oh yeah. Too much

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The slayers spend the next week trying to track down Kakistos. They only things they find out about him are pretty much what they know. Old, very old. And his name means " Worst of the worst".

Buffy: Well, that makes me feel better

Faith: Yeah

Other than that, there is not much on him. So, they try other sources. Looking around awhile, they finally find some of the places Demons and such like to hang out. Now, One slayer going into these places, looking for information(ala beating the crap outta the patrons) is not popular. You can imagine what the effect 2 slayers have. One being Faith, who likes beating the crap outta vamps and demons anyway. Let's just say to get rid of the pests, they got some cooperation. They finally find that he is in an old abandoned warehouse about 2 miles from where the slayers live.

Buffy: From what you tell me, I don't think stakes are going to do it. We are going to need some other weapons.

Faith: Well, I can…

Buffy: No, I have some stuff. We don't need you're skills in that area this time( she grins, to soften the blow)

Faith(stung): Right. Gotcha.

Buffy: Look, let's meet at your room say around four. I'll bring some stuff, then we can head out from there.

Faith: 'k(still a bit put out)

Buffy: Faith…no big, ok?

Faith(grins): ok

Buffy arrives at Faith's at the promised time. She is carrying a long black gym bag. She sets it down in Faith's room

Buffy(going through the bag): Ok, let's see… this might work for you( holds out a short handled twin headed axe for Faith, and a dagger.)

Buffy pulls out a short sword for herself. And another dagger, which she puts in her belt. And she puts on her slayer coat…a black coat that conceals much of what she is carrying.

Faith watches Buffy, and is kind of awed by her determination. She is beginning to have a small bit of hope they might actually pull this off.

Faith: Where did you get this stuff?

Buffy(cracking wise): Even trying not to be a slayer, a girl has to be prepared. Muggers ya know.(pause). Lets go outside, I need to get the feel for this thing again( holding up the sword).

They get outside, and Buffy looks around for a secluded spot. Spotting one, she heads towards it, followed by Faith
Buffy: I don't think Mr. Desk Clerk likes me anyway. Don't think this would help(laughs)

Faith: Yeah, have to agree. Wouldn't put you on his warm- fuzzies list.

They head to the alley, and Faith starts playing with the axe. She is really liking the way it feels

Faith: Hey, B. This axe is so….(stops)

Faith watches, as Buffy is working with the sword. It looks like a part of her, an extension of Buffy. She moves with it like the grace of a dance. The motions fluid, and timed. Faith is in awe. She has never seen the Warrior aspect of Buffy, and she is totally impressed.

Faith(to herself): Will she never stop surprising me?

Somehow, Faiths hopes not.

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The slayers approach the building where they have been told Kakistos is making his 'nest'. It is dark now, and they are moving quietly. They are hoping for the element of surprise, to give them any advantage they can exploit. They find a side door to the warehouse, but it is locked. Buffy takes matters in hand, and breaks the lock…slayer strength, never leave home without it.

They sneak in, trying to be quiet. They look around, best they can, but it fairly dark.

Faith(whispering): Where is ugly and co.?

Buffy(whispering):Shhh…

All of a sudden, the lights snap on. In front of them is about half a dozen vamps…behind them, is Kakistos, smiling his evil smile.

" Hello, little girls" Kakistos mocks. " We have been expecting you"

" Well, I guess surprise is out, B." Faith says

" Man, they are such party poops" Buffy mocks them. " Shall we?"

" Let's Party"

The slayers lay into the vamps. Faith tries out her new Axe, taking a few Vamps by separating their heads from their necks. Buffy does a sweep kick and manages to floor two vamps, whom she quickly dispatches with a stake. They are just getting an upper hand, when about 10 more vamps come out of the woodwork.

"Didn't think I would make it easy for you, did you ?" Kakistos laughs

The slayers go to work, dispatching the vamps left and right…literally. Faith flips one on the ground , and stakes him quickly. Buffy does a flying kick punch, knocking one into the wall. She makes short work of him with the sword, and turns just in time to stake another coming at her. Meanwhile, Faith does a round house kick on a vamp, then takes off his head with the axe, dusting him. "I could get real used to this" She says, liking how the axe feels. Two more come at her but she does a flip, and kicks them mid air , sending them flying backwards.  Buffy meanwhile is going through the vamps like a hot knife through butter. She uses the sword to separate head from shoulder on three vamps, and a fourth just gets it thru the chest, turning him to dust. She's about to dispatch the last vamp when she is knocked for a loop…slamming into a wall, stunned. Kakistos laughs and mocks her, "What, did my love tap hurt, little girl?" Faith, seeing Buffy hit, screams " B!" and starts after her…when the lights go out for her

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Faith wakes up, her hands bound behind her. She is faced by Kakistos and the two remaining vamps.

" Ahhh…you are awake. How nice, Faith" Kakistos mocks. " So much nicer to hear your screams when I torture you. Guess your little friend ran out on you, but don't worry. We will find her eventually"

Faith struggles against her bonds, thanking whoever that B got away.

" No use in that Faith" Kakistos laughs " You probably won't be around long enough to get away" He kicks her viciously

"I was going to turn you both, make you my minions. But, I think that one slayer turned will be enough. We'll do that to your little friend. As for you" Kakistos sneers, rubbing the scar Faith gave him " I think I will get more pleasure tearing you to bits"

"Big words, Ugly" mocks Faith " For a Vamp that has to tie me up to kill me. What say? Cut me loose, we can party. Ya know, a gallon of mouthwash, a quart of cologne, a bag over your head, you might not be so bad. Whatya say, big boy?" Faith sneers

"Always the joker, eh Faith?" Kakistos slaps her

" Yeah, that is what I hate about her" a voice comes from behind him " she is always stealing my best lines. 'Hey, tall, dark and fangy, what say you pick on someone your own size?' See what I mean?" Buffy mocks Kakistos from the shadows…then moves out to the light. She throws stakes at each of the lesser vamps, quickly dusting them.

" Guess it's just you and me, Hoof Boy" Buffy mocks. She throws a dagger that sticks in his shoulder, but barely.

Damn, that shoulda gone deeper, she thinks

"What? Think this is going to do anything? I guess Blondes are dumber" he pulls the knife, throwing it over his shoulder. It lands by Faith's feet

Seeing an opening, she grabs the knife with her feet, and brings it back to her hands. She starts working on her bonds.

Buffy does a flying kick at Kakistos, but he barely budges. She goes for a kick punch, but he grabs her leg and flips her back. She goes flying backward, hitting a beam. She is stunned, and slides down it

" Will you little girls never learn? You can't kill me. Just die like nice little girls" Kakistos starts to go after Buffy

Faith gets her bonds loose. She sees Kakistos going for Buffy, and something snaps. She goes ballistic.

" NOOOOOO YOU SONOFABITCH…YOU CAN'T HAVE HER!" and she if literally flying at him. She lands on his shoulders, and is like white on rice. She starts pounding on him, and stabbing him with the dagger. She is like a woman possessed. He tries to throw her off, but she clings to him like glue, all the time beating on him, and punching him. She gets the knife around, and stabs one of his eyes. He roars in anger, and redoubles his efforts to shake her loose. But she is not getting off. She is determined to kill him.

" YOU CAN'T HAVE HER, YOU CAN'T HAVE HER" she screams over and over, pounding, stabbing and beating at him.

Buffy recovers from being thrown, and sees Faith going ballistic on Kakistos. But she knows that it can't last forever. She looks around for something to stake him with, and sees the broken beam. Lifting it, she runs at him.

" This. Is. So. Over." She yells. And thrusts the beam through the Vampire.  He roars " NOOOOOOO" and turns to dust.

But, it isn't over for Faith. She falls to the floor, but her madness continues. She is beating and stabbing the dust, saying over  and over

" You can't have her. You can't take her from me. You can't , you can't , you can't"

"Faith, Faith…it's over" Buffy comes to Faith…but Faith keeps stabbing at the dust. She is sobbing now

" You can't…can't" She sobs, her energy running out

Buffy takes her in her arms, holding her. The younger slayer just cries, over and over. " He can't have you, he can't , he can't"

" It's over baby. He's gone" Buffy soothes her.

Slowly, Faith recovers. They stand up, arms around each other.

Not looking back, they make their way out of the warehouse, and go home.

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TBC

Ok, I promise. Faith/Buffy goodness in the next chapter( at last).