Chapter 16

The Initiative

Jonathan Levinson was ecstatic when the Initiative offered him an internship. He finally felt as if he held some type of importance in the world. They valued his opinion and his intelligence. After nineteen years of existing and never truly being noticed, it was refreshing for people to actually acknowledge him as a human being and to ask him questions and respect his opinions. It was pure heaven. Even though his first time in the Initiative was all because of a drunken frat boy (who happened to be one of the soldiers) showed him in on the eve of a party. He was put on suspension of course for his recklessness, but once Maggie Walsh checked his background and gave him some tests (of the mental sort), he was a shoe in. She totally let the 'gun in the high school' thing slide. Hey, we all make mistakes. He kinda felt bad for the other guy (Dave or something) but was also very greatful for his slip up.

For the past two week, he had done some intense studying on demonology and got up close and personal with some of the hostiles. He had always wanted to do this. Especially to join up with Buffy and her friends. Sure, that one time with the snake mayor but, it never happened. No regrets. He was happy where he was. But who new? Maybe he would cross paths again with his high school friends, well, not so much as friends, but maybe since they were now (officially) on the same team, they would maybe become more acquainted in time. Yet, they haven't been around so much on campus the past few days. Maybe one day, he'll be one of those high rankings scientist - respectable and looked up to (metaphorically speaking of course). People beyond the Initiative will take notice of him too. Maybe someday...

**************

Riley was tired. All around he was getting no respect. Running around for Maggie, running around looking for Faith; it was exhausting. He decided to find some relief at one of the local bars. He never thought he would ever result to solve his problems, but what he soon found out was that it may not have solved his problems but eased the pain of it.

Chasing - the story of his life. Chasing for his parents approval, chasing after good grades, chasing for Maggie's good graces, after demons, after Buffy, after Faith, and now finally for relief; for freedom. Now, it could possibly be the alcohol talking, but did it really matter? Maggie's a grown woman, and Faith's a slayer. Surely they could look after themselves. When the hell was someone going to chase after him?

"Hey there. You look about as lonely as I feel about now. Mind some company?" the pretty and leggy brunette asked as she sidled up next to him.

"Sure. Why not?" It's about time he thought.

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The sons of bithces wouldn't let up. Faith sat slumped against the wall in the tiny, all white cell for hours, immobile. She figured it had to have been less than three hours, and so far she hadn't had to use the bathroom. Until about now. Damn. Probably shouldn't have thought about it. She was very much aware of what was going on, but her mind and movements were incredibly sluggish. They kept her on tranquilizers of some sort that refused to put her to sleep. It was incredibly boring and she had nothing but her thoughts to keep her company. She couldn't help but wonder if dear ol' Riley knew where she was, cause he damn sure better be doing something about it!

Just when her eyelids were finally drooping closed for a quick nap in spite fo the slight uncomfortable sensation in her bladder, Maggie decided to give her a visit. Apparently, her capture was no mistake. Surprise, surprise.

"Well, well, Faith my dear. I am quite pleased to have you here. Though I did prefer to study Buffy during her mysterious pregnancy with a most peculiar vampire's child, it was recently that I decided it best to see what wold happen during the pregnancy from conception to birth. Therefore, you are to be my new test subject." Faith could feel the once rhythmic pattern of her heart to speed up a great deal in her chest. The woman was obviously unstable, even more so than herself. Pain and torture, sure. But to try and knock her up with some vampire's child was fucking insane!

"Oh, don't worry. We'll take good care of you. After all, you are now a prized patient. Being the Slayer and all. Tomorrow we will test your blood and the like, potency of your ovaries, etcetera. Then we will proceed to mate you with one of our top hostiles." Maggie continued with a particulary evil glint in her eyes. "When I say 'mate', I mean it in the most literal sense. Not only will the vampire claim you, taste your blood, whatever else it is they do, we will then commence the pregnancy the old fashionedway. Give it the old college try, shall we? Oh, not to worry. I know what you're thinking. I would never let it drain you. You wouldn't be of much importance to me as a corspe."

Fuck, that evil bitch! She would die before anyone one of them touched her. Better yet, Maggie would die before anyone touched her. Hey, it was all gonna be five by five. She would get out of there before... Where the hell was Riley?!

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The Hyperion

"So, major convo with Angel when he- " Buffy stopped and had a pained expression on her face.

"Buffy, you alright?"

"Fine, Cordy. Maybe indigestion or something..." Buffy didn't look so sure. She looked up as Spike came in through the door.

"Hey, success in finding Angel?" Cordy asked.

"Yea. Said he just, uh, needed to blow off some steam. He should be back soon." He looked at Buffy and sensed something was wrong. She wasn't looking too good.

"Luv, you alright?" he asked with a concerned expression as he walked over to her. Her eyes were rapidly becoming watery. Something was definitely... oh, god no.

"Cordelia, call an ambulance, quick." Spike commanded as went to Buffy's side. He wasn't sure if Buffy knew, but he was certain he could smell blood.

"Oh god, Spike. It hurts so much. What's happening to me?"

"S'alright, luv. I'll take care of you." Please let them be okay, please let them be okay... he pleaded silently in his head.

tbc

*Please don't hate me!*