Title: Phoenix Risings: Phantasmal Terrain
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 5
Author: White Werewolf
Category: Buffy/Xander, Eric/Faith, Sam/Daniel (Maybe), Gabrielle/Joxer
Spoilers/Timeframe: All I know for sure it is after "Becoming Part 2."
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the ideas and my computer.
Summery: After Buffy leaves Sunnydale, Xander decides to go looking for her. On the other side of the universe, Ninedinna wants the book she created...the Necronomicon Ex Mortis: the Book of the Dead.
Author Notes: This part is just a prologue to the Phoenix Risings Trilogy; whichs is in turn the starting fic to a huge series. This is the second part of the trilogy. It will be mainly focused on the Buffy/Xander relationship and it will be housing many crossovers.
Special Thanks: Danii, Tenhawk, Teri, Silent Bob Foley, and X-Lander
Crossovers Planned:
Buffy: the Vampire Slayer
Hercules: the Legendary Journeys
Evil Dead
Stargate SG-1
Xena: Warrior Princess
Boy Meets World
Cameo Crossovers will suddenly appear. Take a read, and see if you can spot one.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The six people walked into the cabin as Eric closed the door behind him.
The young man watched the scene in front of him. He could obviously tell that this was a group of people that had a nice family vibe growing.
He didn't have the slightest idea who was who though. All he knew was well...no one really. Kevin Sorbo was a nice guy. A guy who was able to get him a job at the studio and a guy that was going to give him an opportunity to try out for a show.
Eric smiled as the idea processed through his brain. A serene smile crossed his lips.
"Hey, Eric?"
He answered, "Yeah, Kevin?"
The demigod smiled and said to his young friend, "Come on over. Meet Faith, Ash, and Wesley."
The Philadelphia native walked over to the group of people. "Sit over there, next to Ash."
"Sure." He said as he sat down. "Nice to meet you."
The former promised one asked, "How ya doin, Kid?
He shrugged, "Good I think." The teenager glanced at the young woman, "how does it feel to be 17?"
Faith just stared at him. (What the fuck is wrong with you, Girlfriend?)
(Nothing's wrong.)
(Sure, nothing is wrong. Sure, Nothing! He's a damn hottie!)
(No he isn't.)
(Yes, he is. His ass looks smoking.)
(Stop it!)
"Faith..." Eric Matthews said to the girl who looked like she was lost in thought. He glanced at Xander, "I think I broke her."
Xander smiled, "I hope not. Hold on a second." He immediately stood out of his seat, grabbed Faith's hand, and walked out of the room.
Eric looked at the other people, "What did I do?"
Ash smirked, "If you only knew."
He showed a confused look, "Knew what?"
Hercules grinned, "She likes you."
He chucked, "Me? Nah! I'm just a guy from Philadelphia who graduated high school. I'm a nobody."
The son of Zeus said, "Well, Mr. Nobody. I think Faith thinks you're cute."
"Well, girls have always found me to be cute. But that's all. I didn't move my hands through my hair did I?"
Wesley said, "I don't think so. May I ask why?"
"It's just something I found that makes a girl interested in you."
"Uh huh." Ash said with a slight grin, "Kid, Faith is a girl that...well, that you have to be careful with. You don't want to make her mad."
He chuckled, "What's she going to do, make me her man servant? No thank you. Went through that already."
***
Xander placed Faith on her bed and sat her down. He sat down next to her and said, "Faith?"
No answer.
"Earth to Faith? Anyway in there?"
No answer.
Xander chuckled, "I thought Harmony was the only airhead."
The word, 'airhead' snapped her out her inner musings. She immediately pinned her friend on her bed. "I ain't no fucking airhead, X!"
He smiled, "I knew my charms had to work on you eventually."
She showed a confused look. Then it hit her. "Get over yourself, Xander. What would B say if she heard you say that?"
The boy shrugged, "Buffy's not here, Faith. If she was, she knew I'd be kidding."
The Slayer rolled her eyes, "Sure."
He grunted, "Can you get off of me?"
"Sorry." Then she sprang off of him.
Sitting up himself, he said, "You like him, don't you?"
"What?" Faith shook her head, "God no!"
Xander nodded slowly, "Right." He then changed his voice, "Hi, Faith is me. I mean, my name is Faith."
She glared at him, "I do not sound like that!"
He nodded, "Yeah, you're right. For me to sound like you, you'd have to hit me in the balls. And I don't think you're the type to do that."
Continue to glare, she said, "Tell that to the guy who made a pass at me a couple years ago. Last I heard, he was learning how to speak through his ass."
Xander sighed, "Somehow, I believe it." Turning his voice to normal and serious, he said, "seriously, Faith. Just between me, you, and this room. You like Eric, am I right?"
Faith said slowly, "Just between us?" Her friend nodded, "Yeah, I do. What do I do, X?"
He sighed, "I'm not the type to give you boyfriend advice. From what I've learned about slayers. Whether it be Buffy, Kendra, or you, you got to be careful when deciding on who you like."
She showed a confused look, "What you talkin' about, X?"
Xander chuckled, "Listen, Coleman. From what I've seen. The person that a slayer wants to hook up with has to be ready to deal with the whole slayer package. That means the human half and the slayer half. With Buffy, I understand the person. I understand Buffy Summers. She's a girl who just sent her boyfriend to hell. A girl that needs comfort, a girl that needs a stable male influence in her life.
She needs someone who can help her through her life. Someone who can give her the love, friendship, respect, and loyalty that a human needs.
Angel could never get that. Yes, he loved her. But can he give her a life? Can he be someone who give her children? No. I can, and I have had experiences in my life...dark ones. Whether it be from Ampatta, my parents, or Ms. French.
She always found a way to get through the problems in her life, Faith. She's my hero, and I love her for that. I just hope she sees that someday."
Faith just looked at him and saw the love he had in his eyes for this slayer. It was obvious that he loved her for who and what she really was. "That's deep, Xander."
He smiled, "Yeah, I guess it is. It's how I feel about her, Faith. You just met Eric. He seems like a nice guy and all, but like I said, be careful with who you want to go out with. If it was me, I wouldn't do anything to create a relationship with him right now. Hell, if I was a female slayer, I'd be exploring myself right now. Actually, I'd freak, scream like a girl, get confused, and then do the exploring."
The Slayer laughed, "You're an ass. You realize that, right?"
Xander smiled, "Yeah, I do have so ass-like qualities. People tell me I have a great ass."
Faith laughed again, "Stop it, X!" After her breathing slowed down, she said, "Seriously, what do I do about, Eric? I have a hard time talking to him."
He answered, "I always was told to imagine people in their underwear when you have stage fright."
(Underwear,) she thought, (nice underwear that wraps around Eric's ass.)
"Faith..."
The female was brought back to reality, "Damn it, X! That won't work. What do I do?"
He replied, "All I can say is to think about what you have to say to him. I'm sure eventually you'll be able to get through your problem."
"So the answer to my problem to is to think about it? That's hardly an answer."
Xander shrugged, "I don't know what to tell you. I had the same problem when I first spoke to Buffy. After that, I was able to talk to her fine. So, maybe it was just the initial shock to meeting her."
Faith gave it some thought, "You're probably right. So, I should be able to talk to him?"
He nodded, "Yeah. But what are you going to do? Are you going to slow things down and get to know Eric before asking him out?"
She replied, "That's what I'm going to do. Thanks, Xander,"
The boy grinned, "That's what I'm here for. C'mon, F. Let's go and get you your presents."
Faith smiled, "It's about damn time. I want to see what you got me."
He grinned, "I hope you like it. C'mon."
With that said, the two headed out of her bedroom with her saying to him, "B's lucky to have you."
Xander smiled, "And I'm lucky to know a girl like Buffy."
***
"Everything alright, Faith?"
She nodded as she and Xander walked in, "Sure is, Uncle Ash. X helped me."
Her watcher said, "That's wonderful. Now, I believe it's time for what you're waiting for...the presents if I'm not mistaken."
Faith smiled, "You know it, Wes. So what you get me?"
The color in Eric's face just dropped, "Uh...Faith?"
She looked up at him. (Get it together girl.) After taking a breath, she asked, "Yeah?"
"I didn't get you anything." That was hard for him to say. But he hoped she wouldn't mind.
The Slayer grinned, "S'alright, Eir. Just glad you could make it."
He smiled, "That's cool." (Man, that was pure luck.)
Xander whispered to her, "See, I told you, you can do it."
She grinned, "Thanks to you, X. Thanks to you."
"Right." Hercules said bringing everything back on course. "Who wants to go first?"
Ash, Xander, Wesley, and Hercules looked at each other waiting for someone to say something.
Wesley smiled, "I'll go first." He then went over to the coffee table and picked his gift up. He gave it to her, "Here you go, Faith. Happy birthday."
She grinned, "Thanks, Wes." With that said, she quickly read the card, followed by the red wrapping paper. Uncovered, it was sure enough...a book. She looked at the cover, "Vampyr." Faith read to herself.
Eric smiled, "You like horror stuff?"
Faith smiled, "Yeah, it's what my life is all about."
He smiled, "I love horror movies. I like that one with that hotty, hot hot from Party Of Five."
Xander asked, "Neve Campbell?"
Eric said, "Duh."
Faith smiled, "I figured you for a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan."
He shrugged, "She's alright. But she whines way too much."
Bringing the conversation back on track, Wesley asked, "What do you think of it?"
Faith replied honestly, "I love it, Wes."
He grinned, "Well, knowing your thirst in the horror genre, I thought you'd be quite interested in it."
The Slayer nodded, "I do."
Ash lowered his gauntlet-handed hand down the side of the couch and pulled a gift that was placed in a black paper bag. A red ribbon tied the two handles together. There was a card that hung from the right handle. "Happy birthday, Faith."
A smile crossed her lips as ripped off the card. With eagerness, she read it. Following this, she untied the ribbon and opened the bag. She pulled out a black leather jacket.
"Look inside the jacket." He said with a lopsided grin.
Faith did and to her amazement, there were a ton of pockets. It didn't have the typical one pocket on the inner chest. This jacket had four. Two on each side.
Ash said, "Those pockets should come in handy. Y'know, to carry back-up things hidden inside. "
She sprung to her feet and kissed her uncle on the cheek, "Thanks, Uncle Ash. I love it." The Slayer immediately put the jacket on. "It's a little big."
He shrugged, "Yeah, it is. But look at this way, it gives you more jacket to cover the things you want to hold inside."
Xander whispered to the former promised one, "Nice save."
His friend whispered back, "You better believe it, Kid."
Faith continued smiling, (Damn! Now super hearing? I'll just let that slide, X. Just this once.)
Breaking from her inner monologue, she asked, "What's next?"
Xander smiled, "Here you go, Faith."
She grabbed his gift, read the card, and unwrapped the green wrapping paper. When the gift was revealed, her mouth hung open. Low and behold was Metallica's Master of Puppets, which was a CD from 1990. "Damn, X! How did you find this?"
The boy grinned, "Well, I remember you telling me that this was the first album that you ever heard from Metallica. But you lost it in Boston after you were robbed. So, I know this store that had these old albums. When I saw it, I knew you had to get it for you."
Faith wrapped her arms around him and held him tight, "Thanks, Xander. Thanks a lot."
"Woah" Eric said. "Have to say that's a kick ass album."
Faith let go of her best friend and smiled at her new one, "Yeah, it is a good album."
The boy from Sunnydale said, "I knew you'd like it."
Hercules coughed to bring the attention back to him. "Now that Wesley, Ash, and Xander have given you their presents. Here's one from me." He then gave her a plane white box. "Sorry it isn't wrapped."
The brunette female said with a smile, "No big." She took the box from him and placed it on her lap.
Easily taking the lid off the box, her eyes widened. Inside was something that she never thought that she'd ever get. Faith very carefully lifted the weapon and said in awe, "Is this the one that Alex Young uses as Xena?"
He nodded, "Yeah. What she uses is the safer model. This chackram is the original. I thought you might like it."
She couldn't believe what she just got. "And you're giving it to me?"
Hercules grinned, "Yeah. Xander said you were a fan of the show and about your life. So I thought what not better to give you a weapon that could come really handy."
"Uh..huh." Faith said with uncertainty.
Xander whispered into her ear, "Faith. The chackram here's the real deal. Kevin knows the truth."
She gulped. (This chackram is fucking real!)
Faith shook her head, "I couldn't. I couldn't take this, Kevin."
He grinned, "No, it's okay. Alex won't miss it. Anyway, Alex'll be getting a new chackram as the show wraps."
The Slayer looked down at the weapon, "Wow. So this is fucking mine?"
The demigod nodded, "Yeah, it is, Faith. Enjoy."
***
Xander sighed as he walked down the sidewalk.
His friend looked at him, "What's wrong, Kid?"
He sighed again, "It's been three weeks, Ash. Three weeks since I've been in LA and no Buffy."
The former promised one said, "Look it at this way. Because of you, Faith is becoming a much better slayer. Never mind slayer, she's becoming a happier person. You never knew how bad she had it in Boston."
He showed a confused look, "I know her parents died, and that your sister did too."
The elder man nodded, "Yeah, we lost some good people. She moved to LA with me when I got offered the job at S-Mart from Michigan. So we've been living there for about a year now."
"Just a year?"
"Yeah, a year. Faith was going to start her junior year of high school. But now, it looks like we're moving to Sunnydale."
The younger man looked at the ground, "The hellmouth. Dammit! I hate that. I hate vampires. I hate the lives we have to lead down there. I hate having to watch the woman that I love fight every night of her life. I hate that one night she might not come home to her mother, to her friends."
This time, the former promised one sighed, "Kid, you make the most of it. You have heart. You'll find Buffy, bring her home along with Wes, Faith, and me. You just made your home team stronger.'
He said in a low voice, "I know, Ash. It's just like I'm at a standstill. I don't know where to find her, Ash. I don't know how to stop this ghost. I don't know where to start the ghost searching."
At that moment, Ash looked up in to the sky, and yelled, "Watch out, Kid!"
Without a second thought, Ash leaped at full speed and pushed Xander out of the way.
The two friends landed in a heap as they heard a large bang coming from a few feet away from them.
"Are you okay?" Ash asked as he got to his feet. He offered Xander his hand.
He nodded, "Thanks to you, Ash."
The two friends looked at what fell and their eyes widened. There on the ground was...
"You got to be kidding me? First was a flower pot, a telephone post, trashcans, a television set, a playstation, a trashbag, and now a stereo!"
Ash looked at the younger man, "You mean to tell me all those things fell on you?"
He sighed, "Yeah, I guess I'm cursed, huh?"
Then it him, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Xander. But you have to stop a ghost before you find Buffy, right?"
Xander nodded, "Right."
Ash said, "Well, wouldn't you classify objects falling from the sky as something of the supernatural?"
The boy chuckled, "And to think I was having a Chicken Little complex."
"So, now that we figured that the falling objects are from the ghost. Why would the ghost want to do that? Are you the only one the ghost is targeting? And what does this have to with Buffy?"
Xander answered honestly, "I don't know."
The former promised one said, "As much as I hate to say this, Kid. I might as well as go back to Lorne. He might know something."
The teenager nodded, "That could work, Ash. But, Lorne already gave us the information that we need. Maybe Wesley and Faith found something."
The elder man nodded, "You could be right. They're back at the cabin. C'mon."
With that said, the two brunettes headed back to the cabin.
***
THWAK!
"Nice throw, Faith. This chackram has proven to be very powerful, and your handling it much better. You have been using it for a week now. But, I feel I must remind you, don't throw this weapon in the house or you're bound to ruin the wall." Her watcher said. "Take a look at what you did over by the door."
Faith said, "Sorry, Wes. Just trying to get better."
Wesley nodded, "And practice makes perfect. But right now you need to put down that weapon, and help me research Xander's phantasmal matter."
She nodded, "Right." Faith walked up to the door and yanked the weapon out of the wall. "This chackram's fucking incredible by the way."
"That it is, Faith. Now, I've only heard from one of my sources. Unfortunately, the J'koptoth demon wasn't as resourceful, as I had hoped. Which just leaves the two others."
The Slayer showed a confused look, "Two others, I thought you told me that you were asking four?"
He nodded, "I was. But the other one is known as a Whedenox demon."
"Whedenox demon?"
Her watcher replied, "Yes, Whedenox demon. Highly intelligent demon that is easily misguided by the whole demon demographic. Basically, they are the lemming species of the demonic population. They have become highly undependable for valuable information."
The brunette said, "Well, Wes. That means we're zero for two. Have any idea when you'll get any more information?"
"Hopefully I'll hear from someone within the next hour or two."
Faith sighed as she slumped into the couch. She placed the weapon on her belt and looked at the tabletop. It was covered with books.
"These sources you have are X's last chance at finding B. You know that, right?"
Wesley sat down next to his slayer, "Faith, we will find this ghost and find a way for it to stop whatever hold it has on Buffy."
"I know. It's just that Xander and Buffy really belong together. If B knew how hard Xander has tried to search for her, if she knew how much she changed him, made him a better man. I don't know what B would really think of him. The thing is, I don't even know her, Wes. I don't even know what she looks like. I could've seen her already, and I never told Xander."
She stated into space, "What if I saw her and never told him?"
He shook his head, "Faith. You mustn't do this to yourself. Xander has been searching for Buffy as well as you, Mr. Sorbo, your uncle, and I. You yourself saw her picture in Xander's wallet. Remembering how she looked into the photograph, have you seen her in Los Angeles?"
Faith thought back to the picture and tried to see if she saw the elder slayer these past few weeks. "No, I haven't."
Wesley nodded, "You are correct. You and I haven't seen Buffy. We don't have anything to worry about. What you are feeling for Xander is concern. Xander is your best friend, and you only want to see him happy. For him to be happy at this moment, he has to find Buffy. I have no doubt in mind that he will find his friend."
Faith smiled, "I know you're right."
"Good."
She sighed, "I just wish we knew where X and my uncle were."
TBC
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I'd like to thank all the people who have read this fic, and I am glad that you are enjoying this. Now, I was hoping if you don't mind. Would you please leave me some feedback? How am I doing with this? I'd love to read what you think. Thanks in advance.
White Werewolf
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 5
Author: White Werewolf
Category: Buffy/Xander, Eric/Faith, Sam/Daniel (Maybe), Gabrielle/Joxer
Spoilers/Timeframe: All I know for sure it is after "Becoming Part 2."
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the ideas and my computer.
Summery: After Buffy leaves Sunnydale, Xander decides to go looking for her. On the other side of the universe, Ninedinna wants the book she created...the Necronomicon Ex Mortis: the Book of the Dead.
Author Notes: This part is just a prologue to the Phoenix Risings Trilogy; whichs is in turn the starting fic to a huge series. This is the second part of the trilogy. It will be mainly focused on the Buffy/Xander relationship and it will be housing many crossovers.
Special Thanks: Danii, Tenhawk, Teri, Silent Bob Foley, and X-Lander
Crossovers Planned:
Buffy: the Vampire Slayer
Hercules: the Legendary Journeys
Evil Dead
Stargate SG-1
Xena: Warrior Princess
Boy Meets World
Cameo Crossovers will suddenly appear. Take a read, and see if you can spot one.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The six people walked into the cabin as Eric closed the door behind him.
The young man watched the scene in front of him. He could obviously tell that this was a group of people that had a nice family vibe growing.
He didn't have the slightest idea who was who though. All he knew was well...no one really. Kevin Sorbo was a nice guy. A guy who was able to get him a job at the studio and a guy that was going to give him an opportunity to try out for a show.
Eric smiled as the idea processed through his brain. A serene smile crossed his lips.
"Hey, Eric?"
He answered, "Yeah, Kevin?"
The demigod smiled and said to his young friend, "Come on over. Meet Faith, Ash, and Wesley."
The Philadelphia native walked over to the group of people. "Sit over there, next to Ash."
"Sure." He said as he sat down. "Nice to meet you."
The former promised one asked, "How ya doin, Kid?
He shrugged, "Good I think." The teenager glanced at the young woman, "how does it feel to be 17?"
Faith just stared at him. (What the fuck is wrong with you, Girlfriend?)
(Nothing's wrong.)
(Sure, nothing is wrong. Sure, Nothing! He's a damn hottie!)
(No he isn't.)
(Yes, he is. His ass looks smoking.)
(Stop it!)
"Faith..." Eric Matthews said to the girl who looked like she was lost in thought. He glanced at Xander, "I think I broke her."
Xander smiled, "I hope not. Hold on a second." He immediately stood out of his seat, grabbed Faith's hand, and walked out of the room.
Eric looked at the other people, "What did I do?"
Ash smirked, "If you only knew."
He showed a confused look, "Knew what?"
Hercules grinned, "She likes you."
He chucked, "Me? Nah! I'm just a guy from Philadelphia who graduated high school. I'm a nobody."
The son of Zeus said, "Well, Mr. Nobody. I think Faith thinks you're cute."
"Well, girls have always found me to be cute. But that's all. I didn't move my hands through my hair did I?"
Wesley said, "I don't think so. May I ask why?"
"It's just something I found that makes a girl interested in you."
"Uh huh." Ash said with a slight grin, "Kid, Faith is a girl that...well, that you have to be careful with. You don't want to make her mad."
He chuckled, "What's she going to do, make me her man servant? No thank you. Went through that already."
***
Xander placed Faith on her bed and sat her down. He sat down next to her and said, "Faith?"
No answer.
"Earth to Faith? Anyway in there?"
No answer.
Xander chuckled, "I thought Harmony was the only airhead."
The word, 'airhead' snapped her out her inner musings. She immediately pinned her friend on her bed. "I ain't no fucking airhead, X!"
He smiled, "I knew my charms had to work on you eventually."
She showed a confused look. Then it hit her. "Get over yourself, Xander. What would B say if she heard you say that?"
The boy shrugged, "Buffy's not here, Faith. If she was, she knew I'd be kidding."
The Slayer rolled her eyes, "Sure."
He grunted, "Can you get off of me?"
"Sorry." Then she sprang off of him.
Sitting up himself, he said, "You like him, don't you?"
"What?" Faith shook her head, "God no!"
Xander nodded slowly, "Right." He then changed his voice, "Hi, Faith is me. I mean, my name is Faith."
She glared at him, "I do not sound like that!"
He nodded, "Yeah, you're right. For me to sound like you, you'd have to hit me in the balls. And I don't think you're the type to do that."
Continue to glare, she said, "Tell that to the guy who made a pass at me a couple years ago. Last I heard, he was learning how to speak through his ass."
Xander sighed, "Somehow, I believe it." Turning his voice to normal and serious, he said, "seriously, Faith. Just between me, you, and this room. You like Eric, am I right?"
Faith said slowly, "Just between us?" Her friend nodded, "Yeah, I do. What do I do, X?"
He sighed, "I'm not the type to give you boyfriend advice. From what I've learned about slayers. Whether it be Buffy, Kendra, or you, you got to be careful when deciding on who you like."
She showed a confused look, "What you talkin' about, X?"
Xander chuckled, "Listen, Coleman. From what I've seen. The person that a slayer wants to hook up with has to be ready to deal with the whole slayer package. That means the human half and the slayer half. With Buffy, I understand the person. I understand Buffy Summers. She's a girl who just sent her boyfriend to hell. A girl that needs comfort, a girl that needs a stable male influence in her life.
She needs someone who can help her through her life. Someone who can give her the love, friendship, respect, and loyalty that a human needs.
Angel could never get that. Yes, he loved her. But can he give her a life? Can he be someone who give her children? No. I can, and I have had experiences in my life...dark ones. Whether it be from Ampatta, my parents, or Ms. French.
She always found a way to get through the problems in her life, Faith. She's my hero, and I love her for that. I just hope she sees that someday."
Faith just looked at him and saw the love he had in his eyes for this slayer. It was obvious that he loved her for who and what she really was. "That's deep, Xander."
He smiled, "Yeah, I guess it is. It's how I feel about her, Faith. You just met Eric. He seems like a nice guy and all, but like I said, be careful with who you want to go out with. If it was me, I wouldn't do anything to create a relationship with him right now. Hell, if I was a female slayer, I'd be exploring myself right now. Actually, I'd freak, scream like a girl, get confused, and then do the exploring."
The Slayer laughed, "You're an ass. You realize that, right?"
Xander smiled, "Yeah, I do have so ass-like qualities. People tell me I have a great ass."
Faith laughed again, "Stop it, X!" After her breathing slowed down, she said, "Seriously, what do I do about, Eric? I have a hard time talking to him."
He answered, "I always was told to imagine people in their underwear when you have stage fright."
(Underwear,) she thought, (nice underwear that wraps around Eric's ass.)
"Faith..."
The female was brought back to reality, "Damn it, X! That won't work. What do I do?"
He replied, "All I can say is to think about what you have to say to him. I'm sure eventually you'll be able to get through your problem."
"So the answer to my problem to is to think about it? That's hardly an answer."
Xander shrugged, "I don't know what to tell you. I had the same problem when I first spoke to Buffy. After that, I was able to talk to her fine. So, maybe it was just the initial shock to meeting her."
Faith gave it some thought, "You're probably right. So, I should be able to talk to him?"
He nodded, "Yeah. But what are you going to do? Are you going to slow things down and get to know Eric before asking him out?"
She replied, "That's what I'm going to do. Thanks, Xander,"
The boy grinned, "That's what I'm here for. C'mon, F. Let's go and get you your presents."
Faith smiled, "It's about damn time. I want to see what you got me."
He grinned, "I hope you like it. C'mon."
With that said, the two headed out of her bedroom with her saying to him, "B's lucky to have you."
Xander smiled, "And I'm lucky to know a girl like Buffy."
***
"Everything alright, Faith?"
She nodded as she and Xander walked in, "Sure is, Uncle Ash. X helped me."
Her watcher said, "That's wonderful. Now, I believe it's time for what you're waiting for...the presents if I'm not mistaken."
Faith smiled, "You know it, Wes. So what you get me?"
The color in Eric's face just dropped, "Uh...Faith?"
She looked up at him. (Get it together girl.) After taking a breath, she asked, "Yeah?"
"I didn't get you anything." That was hard for him to say. But he hoped she wouldn't mind.
The Slayer grinned, "S'alright, Eir. Just glad you could make it."
He smiled, "That's cool." (Man, that was pure luck.)
Xander whispered to her, "See, I told you, you can do it."
She grinned, "Thanks to you, X. Thanks to you."
"Right." Hercules said bringing everything back on course. "Who wants to go first?"
Ash, Xander, Wesley, and Hercules looked at each other waiting for someone to say something.
Wesley smiled, "I'll go first." He then went over to the coffee table and picked his gift up. He gave it to her, "Here you go, Faith. Happy birthday."
She grinned, "Thanks, Wes." With that said, she quickly read the card, followed by the red wrapping paper. Uncovered, it was sure enough...a book. She looked at the cover, "Vampyr." Faith read to herself.
Eric smiled, "You like horror stuff?"
Faith smiled, "Yeah, it's what my life is all about."
He smiled, "I love horror movies. I like that one with that hotty, hot hot from Party Of Five."
Xander asked, "Neve Campbell?"
Eric said, "Duh."
Faith smiled, "I figured you for a Jennifer Love Hewitt fan."
He shrugged, "She's alright. But she whines way too much."
Bringing the conversation back on track, Wesley asked, "What do you think of it?"
Faith replied honestly, "I love it, Wes."
He grinned, "Well, knowing your thirst in the horror genre, I thought you'd be quite interested in it."
The Slayer nodded, "I do."
Ash lowered his gauntlet-handed hand down the side of the couch and pulled a gift that was placed in a black paper bag. A red ribbon tied the two handles together. There was a card that hung from the right handle. "Happy birthday, Faith."
A smile crossed her lips as ripped off the card. With eagerness, she read it. Following this, she untied the ribbon and opened the bag. She pulled out a black leather jacket.
"Look inside the jacket." He said with a lopsided grin.
Faith did and to her amazement, there were a ton of pockets. It didn't have the typical one pocket on the inner chest. This jacket had four. Two on each side.
Ash said, "Those pockets should come in handy. Y'know, to carry back-up things hidden inside. "
She sprung to her feet and kissed her uncle on the cheek, "Thanks, Uncle Ash. I love it." The Slayer immediately put the jacket on. "It's a little big."
He shrugged, "Yeah, it is. But look at this way, it gives you more jacket to cover the things you want to hold inside."
Xander whispered to the former promised one, "Nice save."
His friend whispered back, "You better believe it, Kid."
Faith continued smiling, (Damn! Now super hearing? I'll just let that slide, X. Just this once.)
Breaking from her inner monologue, she asked, "What's next?"
Xander smiled, "Here you go, Faith."
She grabbed his gift, read the card, and unwrapped the green wrapping paper. When the gift was revealed, her mouth hung open. Low and behold was Metallica's Master of Puppets, which was a CD from 1990. "Damn, X! How did you find this?"
The boy grinned, "Well, I remember you telling me that this was the first album that you ever heard from Metallica. But you lost it in Boston after you were robbed. So, I know this store that had these old albums. When I saw it, I knew you had to get it for you."
Faith wrapped her arms around him and held him tight, "Thanks, Xander. Thanks a lot."
"Woah" Eric said. "Have to say that's a kick ass album."
Faith let go of her best friend and smiled at her new one, "Yeah, it is a good album."
The boy from Sunnydale said, "I knew you'd like it."
Hercules coughed to bring the attention back to him. "Now that Wesley, Ash, and Xander have given you their presents. Here's one from me." He then gave her a plane white box. "Sorry it isn't wrapped."
The brunette female said with a smile, "No big." She took the box from him and placed it on her lap.
Easily taking the lid off the box, her eyes widened. Inside was something that she never thought that she'd ever get. Faith very carefully lifted the weapon and said in awe, "Is this the one that Alex Young uses as Xena?"
He nodded, "Yeah. What she uses is the safer model. This chackram is the original. I thought you might like it."
She couldn't believe what she just got. "And you're giving it to me?"
Hercules grinned, "Yeah. Xander said you were a fan of the show and about your life. So I thought what not better to give you a weapon that could come really handy."
"Uh..huh." Faith said with uncertainty.
Xander whispered into her ear, "Faith. The chackram here's the real deal. Kevin knows the truth."
She gulped. (This chackram is fucking real!)
Faith shook her head, "I couldn't. I couldn't take this, Kevin."
He grinned, "No, it's okay. Alex won't miss it. Anyway, Alex'll be getting a new chackram as the show wraps."
The Slayer looked down at the weapon, "Wow. So this is fucking mine?"
The demigod nodded, "Yeah, it is, Faith. Enjoy."
***
Xander sighed as he walked down the sidewalk.
His friend looked at him, "What's wrong, Kid?"
He sighed again, "It's been three weeks, Ash. Three weeks since I've been in LA and no Buffy."
The former promised one said, "Look it at this way. Because of you, Faith is becoming a much better slayer. Never mind slayer, she's becoming a happier person. You never knew how bad she had it in Boston."
He showed a confused look, "I know her parents died, and that your sister did too."
The elder man nodded, "Yeah, we lost some good people. She moved to LA with me when I got offered the job at S-Mart from Michigan. So we've been living there for about a year now."
"Just a year?"
"Yeah, a year. Faith was going to start her junior year of high school. But now, it looks like we're moving to Sunnydale."
The younger man looked at the ground, "The hellmouth. Dammit! I hate that. I hate vampires. I hate the lives we have to lead down there. I hate having to watch the woman that I love fight every night of her life. I hate that one night she might not come home to her mother, to her friends."
This time, the former promised one sighed, "Kid, you make the most of it. You have heart. You'll find Buffy, bring her home along with Wes, Faith, and me. You just made your home team stronger.'
He said in a low voice, "I know, Ash. It's just like I'm at a standstill. I don't know where to find her, Ash. I don't know how to stop this ghost. I don't know where to start the ghost searching."
At that moment, Ash looked up in to the sky, and yelled, "Watch out, Kid!"
Without a second thought, Ash leaped at full speed and pushed Xander out of the way.
The two friends landed in a heap as they heard a large bang coming from a few feet away from them.
"Are you okay?" Ash asked as he got to his feet. He offered Xander his hand.
He nodded, "Thanks to you, Ash."
The two friends looked at what fell and their eyes widened. There on the ground was...
"You got to be kidding me? First was a flower pot, a telephone post, trashcans, a television set, a playstation, a trashbag, and now a stereo!"
Ash looked at the younger man, "You mean to tell me all those things fell on you?"
He sighed, "Yeah, I guess I'm cursed, huh?"
Then it him, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Xander. But you have to stop a ghost before you find Buffy, right?"
Xander nodded, "Right."
Ash said, "Well, wouldn't you classify objects falling from the sky as something of the supernatural?"
The boy chuckled, "And to think I was having a Chicken Little complex."
"So, now that we figured that the falling objects are from the ghost. Why would the ghost want to do that? Are you the only one the ghost is targeting? And what does this have to with Buffy?"
Xander answered honestly, "I don't know."
The former promised one said, "As much as I hate to say this, Kid. I might as well as go back to Lorne. He might know something."
The teenager nodded, "That could work, Ash. But, Lorne already gave us the information that we need. Maybe Wesley and Faith found something."
The elder man nodded, "You could be right. They're back at the cabin. C'mon."
With that said, the two brunettes headed back to the cabin.
***
THWAK!
"Nice throw, Faith. This chackram has proven to be very powerful, and your handling it much better. You have been using it for a week now. But, I feel I must remind you, don't throw this weapon in the house or you're bound to ruin the wall." Her watcher said. "Take a look at what you did over by the door."
Faith said, "Sorry, Wes. Just trying to get better."
Wesley nodded, "And practice makes perfect. But right now you need to put down that weapon, and help me research Xander's phantasmal matter."
She nodded, "Right." Faith walked up to the door and yanked the weapon out of the wall. "This chackram's fucking incredible by the way."
"That it is, Faith. Now, I've only heard from one of my sources. Unfortunately, the J'koptoth demon wasn't as resourceful, as I had hoped. Which just leaves the two others."
The Slayer showed a confused look, "Two others, I thought you told me that you were asking four?"
He nodded, "I was. But the other one is known as a Whedenox demon."
"Whedenox demon?"
Her watcher replied, "Yes, Whedenox demon. Highly intelligent demon that is easily misguided by the whole demon demographic. Basically, they are the lemming species of the demonic population. They have become highly undependable for valuable information."
The brunette said, "Well, Wes. That means we're zero for two. Have any idea when you'll get any more information?"
"Hopefully I'll hear from someone within the next hour or two."
Faith sighed as she slumped into the couch. She placed the weapon on her belt and looked at the tabletop. It was covered with books.
"These sources you have are X's last chance at finding B. You know that, right?"
Wesley sat down next to his slayer, "Faith, we will find this ghost and find a way for it to stop whatever hold it has on Buffy."
"I know. It's just that Xander and Buffy really belong together. If B knew how hard Xander has tried to search for her, if she knew how much she changed him, made him a better man. I don't know what B would really think of him. The thing is, I don't even know her, Wes. I don't even know what she looks like. I could've seen her already, and I never told Xander."
She stated into space, "What if I saw her and never told him?"
He shook his head, "Faith. You mustn't do this to yourself. Xander has been searching for Buffy as well as you, Mr. Sorbo, your uncle, and I. You yourself saw her picture in Xander's wallet. Remembering how she looked into the photograph, have you seen her in Los Angeles?"
Faith thought back to the picture and tried to see if she saw the elder slayer these past few weeks. "No, I haven't."
Wesley nodded, "You are correct. You and I haven't seen Buffy. We don't have anything to worry about. What you are feeling for Xander is concern. Xander is your best friend, and you only want to see him happy. For him to be happy at this moment, he has to find Buffy. I have no doubt in mind that he will find his friend."
Faith smiled, "I know you're right."
"Good."
She sighed, "I just wish we knew where X and my uncle were."
TBC
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I'd like to thank all the people who have read this fic, and I am glad that you are enjoying this. Now, I was hoping if you don't mind. Would you please leave me some feedback? How am I doing with this? I'd love to read what you think. Thanks in advance.
White Werewolf