Because I have forgotten most of this, and no doubt some of you will have as well, I am posting bits from Part One of this story here as an update.
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"Is she staying then?" Willow asked Buffy.
Buffy nodded. They had saved Faith from being sent back to England and to the Watcher's Council, but what they would do with her now was the question. Buffy didn't know if she could trust her again, and slaying was hard enough without not being able to trust the person you were slaying with. She'd always had doubts about Faith and now she was sure she had been proven right on them. She'd always enjoyed the slaying far more than she should. And now with the death of the Deputy Mayor, Buffy was even more sure tha something wasn't right with Faith. Whether or not they could help her was anyone's guess. She only hoped it wasn't too late. Angel had tried and he might have succeeded, but with the intervention of the Watcher's, his work was most likely in vain.
"Buffy?" Willow said softly.
"Sorry Wills, I was miles away," she replied, pushing her hair back behind her ear. "I just don't know what we're going to do now. I mean, Faith killed a man, and everything has changed. How do we move on now?"
"I don't know Buff."
"You had no right to interfere, it was Council business," Wesley snapped.
"And if you had of left things alone, we would have been able to deal with it appropriately in our own way," Giles snapped back.
"Whoa! War of the Watchers," Xander wise cracked.
"Not now Xander," both Watchers shouted.
Giles wasn't in the mood for all this. He had enough to deal with and the last thing he wanted was Xander's remarks adding fuel to the fire. He'd lost his position as Buffy's Watcher and now there was Wesley to deal with and Faith out of control as well. Maybe it was time for him to give up. To go do all the things he had always dreamt of doing. But deep down, he had loved his duties as Watcher, and he had grown to love Buffy. She was like the daughter he'd never had but always wanted. There was no way he could or would abandon her. Especially not to an inexperienced Watcher like Wesley. He obviously had had no idea what the world of a Slayer was like. It would be quite a wake up call for him. He'd almost blown things and gotten them killed by Balthazar. Luckily, Angel had arrived in time and Balthazar had been killed.
"So...er..what happens next?" Wesley finally said.
"You are the Watcher," Giles said as he grabbed his bag. "You figure it out."
He strode out the door leaving Wesley and Xander alone in the library. Xander was not sure whether he should follow Giles or stay. Either way, it was late and he needed to get home.
"I've gotta..go too," he said awkwardly, standing and slowly walking to the door.
"Its quite alright," Wesley replied. "I have a lot to read up on. Goodnight."
Xander waved as he left the library. Things were definately getting odd around here now and he wasn't liking it.
"Back out on patrol already?" Xander gasped.
"You shouldn't sneak up behind me," Faith replied climbing off him. "I could have hurt you."
Xander sat up. His ribs felt bruised from her kick. She'd been the first woman he'd slept with. She'd even tried to kill him. Still, she drew him to her. There was an attraction between them. He could sense it. Why couldn't she?
"Its a bit late to be out isn't it?" Xander asked as he struggled to his feet.
"Just walking," she said. "I heard a noise. Anyway, what are you doing out?"
"Just walking."
Truth was, he was hoping he'd bump into her. That night was amazing, and although she had tried to hurt him, he wanted her still. He didn't see her psychotic side slipping though. He knew he could help her. He could be the one to get through to her. If she'd let him.
"Faith....." he started to say.
"Duck," she shouted.
From behind them sprung two vampires. Faith lunged at both, striking the smaller one, sending him sprawling onto the ground. She threw Xander a stake.
"Make yourself useful," she said as she kicked the larger one in the chest.
Xander grabbed the stake and drove it into the smaller one's chest. He gasped then turned to dust. Faith seemed to be handling herself with the larger one. He sat and watched, waiting to see if he was needed to help. She had him in a headlock and was bashing his head against the wall. One last punch had him on the ground. She grabbed her stake and jumped on him.
"Soon," the vampire muttered. "Boromir will destroy you all."
"Well Boromir will have to wait his turn," she replied as she sunk the stake into the vampire's heart.
He was dust. Faith stood up, wiping his remains from her clothing.
"You ok?" Xander asked, rushing over to her.
"Yeah," she said pushing him away. "I can take care of myself. I don't need you."
Xander's face fell. She'd change her mind and see she needed him. He could wait.
The flash of light caught them both by surprise. It blinded them for a second. When their eyes adjusted to the dark again they saw two figures standing in the darkness. Faith reached for her stake. As they drew nearer she saw they were like no vampires she'd ever seen before. One was very blonde and tall. He carried a bow and had a quiver of arrows on his back. She could just make out something different about his ears too. The darker man was tall, dressed in leather and carried a sword.
"Well well well," she said. "If it isn't Robin Hood and Little John."
Aragorn looked around. Nothing made sense. This place was like nothing he had ever seen before. The buildings were strange and different. They stood so high and he couldn't tell what they were made from. Even the ground was strange. Instead of dirt or grass, it was black and hard. He knelt down and touched it. Again, he couldn't tell what it was.
"Well well well," came a female voice. "If it isn't Robin Hood and Little John."
Aragorn stood back up and drew his sword. He saw the woman standing around ten feet in front of them. With her was a male. Legolas slowly pulled out an arrow and placed it against his bow.
"Wait," Aragorn whispered.
He could see they were unarmed, but that didn't mean they were not dangerous. This was a strange place. There was no telling what powers or weapons these strangers had. They had to be careful.
Slowly the woman walked closer. She was dressed like no woman they had seen before. Her body was barely covered by what she wore. Her shirt barely covered her chest, leaving her stomach bare. Her pants were so tight, she must have trouble walking. Never had either seen any woman so indecently dressed. Legolas looked down at the ground, a slight blush suffusing his handsome features. Aragorn continued watching her drawing nearer. She reminded him of his beloved Arwen. She had the same fire in her eyes and same dark beauty.
"So," she said as she stopped in front of them. "Demon or Vampire or just lost on your way to a costume party?"
Aragorn was happy to discover he could understand her.
"I am a man," he replied.
"I can see that," she said, slowly circling them both. "What's with the Robin Hood bit?"
Aragorn was puzzled. Robin Hood? He watched her, keeping one eye on the male. He was staying back for now, but at any time he could attack and Aragorn wanted to be prepared.
Faith stopped in front of Legolas.
"Are those ears real?" she asked, reaching up to touch them.
Legolas jerked his head up and slapped her hand away. He let out a loud shout in Elfish. Faith pulled back her arm and swung at Legolas, but Aragorn caught her fist before it connected with the Elf's face. He laughed.
"That's not how you greet an Elven Prince," he chuckled.
"Prince huh?" Faith said as she wrenched her hand out of Aragorn's.
He could see she was more like Arwen in a lot of ways. It was just making his heart ache more.
"So what did he say then?" she asked.
"You don't want to know," Aragorn chuckled.
"Um, Faith," called Xander. "Everything ok?"
She had forgotten all about him. He was waiting back in the shadows, just watching. Not that she expected anything different from him. Xander was many things, but he was not brave.
"Fine," she called back. "Everything is just fine."
Slowly Xander walked up to the others.
"Hi," he said. "Xander, is me. You are?"
"Aragorn," he replied. "This is...."
"Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood," Legolas said at last.
"Royalty," Xander said. "Here in good old Sunnydale."
"Sunnydale?" Legolas turned to Aragorn and broke into Elfish again.
"Ah guys," Xander interrupted. "In a language we all know."
"In Elven legend, there is a mention of a Sunny Dale and a warrior who will come to save Middle Earth from an evil," Aragorn replied. "But its legend, and cannot be this place."
"Cool," Xander said.
"Middle Earth? What's that?" asked Faith.
"Its where we're from. Our home," replied Legolas. "Home of the Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves, Men, Fairy Folk, and the Evil Ones."
"Ooooooook," said Xander. "Time out. Anyone else just lose reality?"
Faith raised her eyebrow. She was just beginning to like these two too. They were just a couple of crazies out for a lark.
"Lets go," she said grabbing Xander's arm. "We had better tell someone that there is a Boromir in town."
"Boromir?" gasped Aragorn. "How do you know Boromir? He's dead. They killed him."
"So you claim you know Boromir," Giles said as he reached for a book.
"Mr Giles," interrupted Wesley. "I am the Watcher here. I suggest you sit down and just..."
"Watch?" Xander wise-cracked.
"Precisely," said Wesley. "Now, you say you know Boromir?"
Giles let out an exasperated breath. At this rate they'd be here all night. This new Watcher was intolerable. He sat and watched as Wesley rummaged through the books on the shelves looking for the Demon Guides. If the new Watcher didn't want help, he wouldn't offer it again.
Aragorn nodded. He glanced around the room they were in. Books were everywhere. He still felt draw to the dark female they had met and who had brought them to this place. His eyes were constantly washing over her. He could sense something about her that was different. She had a strength the others were lacking. She also had a darkness within her. He wondered if she even knew it was there.
Legolas was still unsure of the strangers and was refusing to talk except in his native Elven tongue. He stood by the door, ever alert for anything that might happen. He understood them, but made no reply. He had decided to let Aragorn handle the communication. His thoughts were still on the legend. Could this be the Sunny Dale he had heard about all through his childhood? He looked around at the people in the room. Two men who lived in a world of books, a male who looked afraid of his own shadow and a woman warrior. This couldn't be the Sunny Dale of his people's legend.
The door flew open and a small blonde woman followed by a redheaded one came in. Legolas reached for his bow.
"Its ok," called Giles. "They belong here. They can help."
Buffy looked first at Legolas and then at Aragorn.
"Did I miss my invitation to the costume party?" she asked.
"Very funny," replied Giles. "These two say they are here from......"
"I thought we agreed that you would watch," Wesley said as he returned with the book he had been searching for.
Buffy looked at Giles. She knew he didn't trust this new Watcher anymore than she did, but for now, they had to put up with him and his bumbling. She sat down at the table beside Xander and waited for Wesley to speak.
"Here it is," he said, flicking through his book. "The Demon Boromir. Its rather sketchy on his origin details, but he's been around for as long as history has been recorded. The theory is he was once human like us, but was perverted by magic into a Demon."
"He was human," Aragorn said sadly. "He was a great warrior and a friend."
"You knew him?" Buffy gasped incredulously. "But if he was human that far back, how are you still alive?"
"And why are you here? Now?" added Willow.
Aragorn looked over to the door where Legolas stood. They wouldn't be able to find the ring on their own and if the Valarauko, the Demon, who stole it was indeed Boromir, they were going to need help. They had to trust these strangers. He could see the small blonde was a warrior like the dark one. But where a darkness was worming its way through the dark one, no darkness existed in her. Her soul was pure. He sensed a deep love and a deep sadness within her. He also knew instinctively he could trust her.
Legolas sensed the same things about the small blonde that Aragorn did. She knew about Demons and other creatures that were long forgotten even in their time. Even the ones that were struggling into existance when they were journeying with Frodo. She was also not afraid and that puzzled him. He could see in her eyes that she had seen things no human should see and she still lived to continue their battle against them. He nodded at Aragorn. They had no choice but to trust these people.
"Big sword," said Xander. "You fought much?"
Aragorn smiled. He was beginning to like this guy more. At first he'd seemed spineless and not worth noticing, but he saw now it was an act. He used his humour as an act to throw others off guard. He could see how it worked. He'd thought him nothing at first, but he now saw his loyalty, his strength. All these strangers had the same will and the same spirit. They had all been through a lot together and it showed in their devotion to each other.
The dark female, Faith, was an enigma. He didn't feel the same devotion and love around her as he did the others. What he did sense was turmoil and mistrust. Maybe her dark side was beginning to show itself and the others were seeing it. Either way, no matter how much he was drawn to her, how much she reminded him of Arwen, he would have to be on his guard around her.
"Many battles," he replied.
"And now you are looking for this Boromir Demon to get back a ring?" Faith asked.
"Yes," Aragorn said, turning to look at the Slayer.
"Must be some ring," she said.
"It is."
A spark flew between them. Aragorn sensed it, Faith sensed it and so did Xander. He didn't like it at all. He had first dibs on the sexy Slayer. After all, he'd known her longer and been the one she'd turned to after the fight with the Apocolypse Cult. She'd been his first, and in time, she would see he was the one for her.
"So we find the Demon, get back the ring, then what?" Xander interrupted.
Aragorn turned away from Faith and looked out into the night.
"Then we kill him and return home to finish what we started."
The library door burst open and Angel strode in.
"Giles,' he gasped. "Something is up. I can feel it all around."
"We know," interrupted Wesley. "Whats more, we don't need your help. Please leave."
"New Watcher?" Angel asked.
"New Watcher," Giles replied.
"Figures," Angel laughed.
"I am still here," Wesley said slamming down his book. "Kindly refrain from talking about me as if I'm not. Its getting awfully tiresome."
Angel turned back to Giles. He owed nothing to the new guy. But Giles had always held his respect and he owed him so much still.
"So what do you know?" Giles asked him, cutting Wesley off with a look.
"There is an evil circling around the town. All the other Vampires are either leaving or moving towards it. I'm not sure where it is, or what it is, but its big. I don't know if it can be stopped this time. Its growing in strength with each passing minute. Soon it will be beyond us, beyond anyone."
Giles removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. He only hoped that Buffy and the others could find Boromir and that they could stop him before it was too late.
"We know," he replied. "We found out from, well, some visitors from another place and time."
"Now really Mr Giles," Wesley said, beginning to feel very put out now. He was the Watcher here, not some child to be ignored. "Do we really need the help of some Vampire?"
"I think you are forgetting that this Vampire saved your life," Giles replied. "I think you need to shut up and sit down unless you have something useful to add."
Angel laughed. Giles rarely lost his temper anymore, but when he did, it was fireworks. He had expected Buffy to be here and he was disappointed to find she wasn't.
"Where is everyone?" he asked.
"I sent them out looking for the..."Giles started to say.
"Alone?" yelled Angel. "Without knowing what they are up against?"
"Not alone," He continued. "If you will kindly let me finish. As I was saying, we have some visitors who know what is going on. They are out with Buffy, Faith and the others."
"Is it wise to have Faith out so soon?" Angel asked.
"I am her Watcher," said Wesley. "I felt she would be of use."
Angel ignored Wesley and continued addressing Giles only.
"These visitors. Who are they and why would they be of help?"
"They come from a distant time, from where this evil threat comes from. They are here to retrieve a ring that was stolen from them before they could destroy it. They know the Demon who has stolen it and might know how we can stop him."
Angel nodded. They were going to need all the help they could get.
Boromir could feel their presence before he could see them.
"Aragorn," he growled. "Still chasing the ring. Nothing ever changes does it?"
Aragorn and Faith stepped out of the shadows. He held out his hand stopping Xander from following. If anything happened to them, he'd need to return to the others and lead them there.
"Its good to see you again Boromir," he replied.
His eyes quickly flicked around the room. They were vastly outnumbered and he knew they had no chance against the gathered Vampires and Boromir. Faith's eyes were drawn to the flash of gold on the Demon's finger. She knew this was what they were searching for. Its power was like a magnet to her, filling her with the desire to possess it. She took a step forward. The Vampires closed around Boromir. It was as if they could sense her desires and longing.
Aragorn was soon disarmed and held between two of them. Faith never moved once. Her gaze never once left the ring.
"Put him in there," Boromir ordered pointing to the small room in the corner. "I want him around to see my new World before he dies."
"The woman?" asked one.
Boromir smiled as his eyes returned to Faith.
"Leave her," he said. "I will deal with her myself."
Xander watched as the Vampires dragged Aragorn off and Boromir took Faith away from his sight. He knew he was no use to them on his own. He needed help. Reluctantly he slipped away and ran into the night.
"Maybe Faith and the others had more luck," Buffy said as she pushed open the door of the library.
Legolas and Willow walked inside. They had walked around for hours and seen nothing out of the ordinary, except a distinct lack of Vampires.
"Ah good, you're back," said Giles, looking up from his book. "Any luck?"
"Nothing is out there," Buffy replied as she sunk down onto a chair. "Its not natural."
Willow walked over to the computer and sat down at it. She was soon typing away furiously into it. Legolas watched with awe as she worked. This world both fascinated and scared him. It was filled with things beyond his imaginings. But his interest was still with the blonde called Buffy. She had beauty, strength and honour he valued so highly. She was also so much like him.
"Buffy."
She turned.
"Angel," she said softly.
Legolas instantly saw that this man was the cause of the sadness in her eyes. He also got the feeling this man wasn't mortal. He couldn't put his finger on what he was. He was like nothing he'd ever encountered before. He could see an evil inside him, but it was held back by something. He could also see the same sadness echoed in his eyes. They loved each other, but could not be together.
Angel noticed Legolas watching him and Buffy. He had to be one of the visitors Giles had spoken of. He could almost feel the the Elf's probing into his mind. He also noticed Buffy's look of guilt as she looked up at him.
"Any word from the others?" she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"No, nothing," Giles replied. "But they will be back soon I imagine."
Wesley coughed.
"I am still here you know," he said. "And I am still the Watcher in charge."
"And a bang up job you have done so far," Buffy retorted.
"Why thank you," Wesley replied, her sarcasm totally lost on him.
"So what have you discovered in our absence?" she asked.
"Well, actually," Wesley said. "Not a lot."
"Again, bang up job you're doing," she said. "Giles...."
The door flew open and Xander ran in.
"Faith....captured.....warehouse.....danger.....ring.......Demon.....help.....now," he managed to say before collapsing.
Legolas reached him first.
"Aragorn?" he asked.
"They have him too," Xander said.
"Then we have to find this warehouse and get them back," Buffy said as she handed Xander a drink.
Faith sat down on a chair, watching as Boromir slowly walked around the room. He was certainly one of the best looking Demons she had seen. She noticed his eyes washing over her more than once. Advantage, Slayer. She was still drawn to the glint of gold around his finger. The urge was building inside her. Want....take....have. She wanted that ring and she had no idea why. She would take it from Boromir. She had never failed obtaining anything she'd ever wanted in the past and she had no intention of starting now.
There seemed no way out of the room. Aragorn continued looking. He couldn't give up now. Who knew what Boromir was doing to Faith. She may have had the spirit of his beloved Arwen, but he had no idea she was just as capable as Arwen of taking care of herself. He had to get out of this room. Boromir could not be allowed to succeed. The ring had to return to Frodo and to Middle Earth. It had to be destroyed.
"Over there," Xander whispered pointing to the room where Aragorn was held.
Angel quickly strode over to it and kicked it open. Aragorn jumped back. He was wondering how long he'd had until Boromir got sick of waiting and came for him. So he'd sent one of his followers to get him. Well, he would not go quietly. A solid blow connected with the Vampire's face, knocking him off his feet. He had to find his sword. He always felt lost, almost naked without it. He left Angel sprawled on the filthy floor as he ran out of the room.
"Aragorn," Willow called. "Its ok. Its just us."
He paused. It was the little redhead from the library. He turned back to Angel and offered his hand to help him up.
"My apologies," he said.
Angel took his hand and climbed back onto his feet. He dusted himself off.
"No worries," he replied. "We have to leave now."
Angel turned back towards the door. A shout from Aragorn behind him made him stop.
"But the girl?"
"She will be saved," he replied without turning back. "Buffy and your friend are finding her now. Faith will be fine."
"Anyway," added Willow. "She can take care of herself."
Buffy quietly opened the door at the top of the stairs.
"You should wait here," she said softly. "I'll go in and see what, if anything is in there."
Legolas nodded even though he didn't agree with her. She shouldn't go in alone. If Boromir was waiting, she could be caught or even killed. All he could do was watch as she silently slipped inside.
It took Buffy's eyes mere seconds to adjust to the darkness. She could hear the noises, louder now, and coming from the far side of the room. Slowly, she crept towards where she heard them. She was still hidden in the shadows when she saw what was making them.
Faith, and she wasn't alone. She was in bed, making love, with Boromir.
Angel turned towards the noise he heard behind him. He saw a Vampire's shocked face as he turned to dust. Looking beyond, he saw Legolas putting another arrow in his bow. The Elf had saved him from a Vampire. He didn't like owing anyone anything, let alone the creature that had stolen his Buffy away from him. The fact that she was no longer his Buffy eluded him.
Seeing a gap, Buffy shouted for everyone to get out.
"Faith...." gasped Xander. "We can't leave her here."
"We have to," Buffy replied grabbing his arm.
"We can't leave her," he said, wrenching his arm from her grasp.
He ran for the stairs but Legolas stopped him.
"Its too late for her," he said softly, repeating Buffy's earlier words. "We have to go."
Xander slumped against the stairs. Buffy ran to his side.
"She's not dead," she said as she stroked his hair. "She's just switched teams mid-game. Come on Xand, we have to get back to Giles and figure out what now."
She grabbed one of his arms and Legolas the other and they dragged Xander out. His eyes were firmly on the stairs, looking up to where faith was. He was imagining the torture she must have had to endure to turn on them. He had no idea what it was she was doing and that it was voluntary.
Wesley and Giles looked up from their books as everyone rushed back into the Library. Giles could see Aragorn, but no Faith. He stood up and rushed over to them.
"Faith?" he asked.
Buffy shook her head. She led Xander over to the table and helped him sit down. The rest soon followed. Wesley looked from one to the other. He didn't understand. Why had they left Faith behind? Was she dead?
No-one was talking. They all just sat and looked sadly at each other. He noticed the two visitors in a corner whispering in a language he couldn't understand. The tall blonde was very upset about something and the dark warrior was having trouble calming him. He wished he could understand them. But he was getting used to being the one always left out of the loop. It had happened all through his life. Firstly at school, then when he trained as a Watcher. No-one took him seriously. But here, HE was the Watcher, not Giles. They would have to listen to him and follow his orders.
"Excuse me," he said loudly. "What happened and where is Faith?"
Everyone looked at him. Aragorn and Legolas stopped talking and joined the others. Then Wesley noticed everyone turn to look at Buffy.
"It was too late for Faith," she said softly, taking Xander's hand in her small one.
"She's dead?" Wesley gasped.
"She's joined them," Buffy replied.
Faith watched Boromir sleep. He definately was a good lay. She finally saw Buffy's attraction to the demonic kind. Angel was, after all, a Demon too. There was just something about them. Maybe the added evilness that banished all their inhibitions. Whatever it was, she liked it so much more than the "boys" she usually slept with. Take Xander......please...she thought to herself. What could she have been thinking that night? She shook her head and focused back on the ring. Her eyes wandered down to Boromir's finger.
The thin band of gold seemed to glow. It almost seemed to have a life of its own. She reached out her hand, her fingers wanting it. Wanting to touch it, feel it, possess it. She couldn't explain it. A desire was running through her body. All her senses and every cell of her body felt alive and the tingling was driving her crazy. She needed that ring.
Boromir stirred.
Faith pulled back her hand and watched. His eyes stayed closed and his breathing was still heavy. She had worn him out. Gently, she eased the ring off his finger. He didn't move. She stood beside the bed and looked down at the ring cradled in her palm. She could feel the weight in her palm, and warmth. An energy seemed to flow within it. She slipped it onto her finger. Instantly she felt its power. She felt like it was a part of her and it had come home.
They were all exhausted. Buffy noticed Willow was asleep in a chair in the corner. She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the way Buffy was feeling inside. She also had noticed Aragorn and Legolas speaking in the corner. They knew something, she was sure of it, but they weren't sharing. There was no time for secrets. She stood up and walked over to them.
"What's going on?" she asked.
They looked at her. Legolas was torn between the feelings he was having for the little blonde and his duty to the quest. His loyalty lay with the latter and he knew it. His mind, however, was on the legend. It was constantly on his mind, much like the little blonde was. More and more his eyes and thoughts were drawn to her.
Aragorn didn't agree with him however about this being the Sunny Dale where a saviour for Middle Earth would come from. It was a legend after all, not a prophecy, and not a foretelling. Just a fairytale he'd grown up with. It certainly had no bearing on anything that was going on here and now. Did it?
"There's more to this isn't there," she continued, looking from Aragorn to Legolas.
They knew they had to tell the others about the legend. She'd never give up. Sighing, Legolas sat down at the table.
"For many generations, my people have spoken of a saviour that would one day come to save Middle earth from an unknown evil," he said.
"And what has that to do with us?" Xander asked.
"The saviour comes from the Sunny Dale," Legolas continued looking at Buffy as he spoke.
"The Sunny Dale?" Giles said softly as he closed his book. "And you think that......."
"Its a story told to children at bedtime," Aragorn interrupted.
Legolas jumped out of his seat and turned to the warrior, saying something in the language only they understood. Soon they were shouting at each other again. Their argument woke Willow up.
"Ok boys, don't make me separate you," Buffy said as she stepped between them. "Whats going on?"
"It's not important," Legolas said, shooting an angry look at Aragorn.
"What have I missed?" asked Willow as she yawned and wiped her eyes.
"Welcome back to wackyville Wills," Xander said smiling at the redhead.
She smiled back. She always missed the good stuff though and it seemed she'd once again missed something important.
"So anyway," Giles continued. "How will you know this 'saviour' if this is indeed the Sunny Dale of your story?"
Legends had always fascinated him and the chance to actually be in one, was mind blowing to him. He'd always been the one reading and wondering about them. Now he was hearing one from another place in time and it involved people he knew. Might even involve him. He wanted to know everything.
"In the times of dark, trust and the saviour will come from the Sunny Dale to be your protector against the evil ones," Legolas quoted softly.
"Oh good," yawned Xander. "They talk cryptic there too."
Giles glared at him, his mind already trying to unravel the meaning of the words. To him, the "trust" placed where it was seemed too out of place to him. It was like it was trying to tell them something. He noticed everyone seemed to be on the point of exhaustion. It had been a long and terribly interesting night.
"I suggest we continue this later after some rest," Wesley piped up at last. "Not much we can do right now."
Everyone was startled. They had all forgotten the new guy in all the excitement. He had a point though, they could all see it.
"Right," said Giles. "You had better get home and get some rest. We'll meet back here later."
"Ummm Giles," said Willow as she stood up and stretched. "What about them?"
Giles looked at Legolas and Aragorn. He'd forgotten them too. They would need rest too and they couldn't stay here.
"They can come with me," he replied. "We'd better get a move on before it gets much later."
"Wee Willy Winky," sang Faith stepping out in front of the little barman. "What's the hurry?"
Willy halted. It was the Slayer, the other one. This one scared him.
"Just...on my....way home," he stammered.
She slowly circled Willy, taking perverse pleasure in his terror. She knew he was scared of her. More scared of her than he was of the Demons and Vampires he hung out with every day. He knew she didn't need him and therefore, his life had no value to her. To the Demons, he was a link to the outside world, not to mention the only place they could get cheap booze. To Buffy, he was a source of information, but to Faith, he was nothing.
"But I'm thirsty," she pouted. "Don't you wanna buy a girl a drink?"
Willy thought about Angel passed out in the bar. He'd be ok with Faith. After all, she was a Slayer too, and friends with the blonde one. He didn't trust her, but he really had no choice. He turned back towards the bar.
"Ok, but just one," he said reluctantly. "I need my sleep too."
Faith grinned and skipped after him. She felt better than she had in a long time. In fact, the last time she felt this good was when she set her last Watcher up to die by Kakistos' hands. No-one ever suspects the Slayer, she thought to herself. She watched as he unlocked the bar.
"Ah one thing," he said. "Angel is inside..."
Faith's smile grew. She didn't have to search for the Vampire after all. He had fallen into her lap, so to speak. She grabbed Willy's face and kissed him.
"Now scram," she said.
"But...." he said looking around.
"I'll lock up," she replied, taking his keys from his hand.
She pushed Willy out of the door and locked it. Angel was slumped over the bar. She stood watching him sleep for a minute. He was beautiful. Her desires rose within her body. She also noticed the ring started glowing as she moved closer to him, a warmth spreading through her finger from it. She'd start with Angel. He would be hers, then everything else Buffy had. She'd be the one they all wanted to be like, be the one they all praised. Soon it would be "Buffy who?" and she couldn't wait. She sat down at the bar beside him and stroked his hair. A surge ran through the ring. Its power was growing.
Angel stirred.
"Buffy?" he whispered softly.
Always Buffy, Faith thought angrily. But no more. It was her turn to be the one.
"No Soul Boy," she whispered softly back into his ear. "Its me."
Angel opened his eyes. He had no idea where he was. Then it came rushing back. Buffy, in the arms of another, whiskey, Willy's Bar. He knew where he was. But how or why or what was Faith doing there? He wanted to sleep, to forget what he'd seen.
"Shouldn't you be with the others?" she asked.
Angel threw the bottle at the wall. Faith jumped as it shattered. Trouble in paradise? Her timing was perfect. He was ripe for her to pluck from Buffy. She ran her hand slowly down his cheek, turning his face to hers. She leant in and kissed him.
For a second, Angel returned her kiss, then he remembered. He didn't want Faith. He wanted Buffy and only Buffy. In his 200 plus years he'd never loved like he loved her. She was his heart and his soul. He couldn't exist without her. He didn't want a substitute Buffy. Especially not one as dark as Faith. He felt it inside her, growing, worming through her soul. The darkness she tried to hide but now, was increasingly unable to. He pushed her away and staggered to his feet.
"Let me guess," Faith spat. "Buffy. Its always Buffy. Am I not good enough for you? I'm a better Slayer than she'll ever be, and I would be so much better for you. Why can't you see it?"
Angel wavered unsteadily on his feet. He had to get away from her. He sensed the power growing, it was getting stronger. Soon it would be too late. He staggered into the back room and pulled up the entrance to the sewers below.
Faith ran after him.
"Angel, please," she begged.
She grabbed his arm. Angel could feel a burning. The ring. It was glowing firey red and was burning through his leather jacket and into the skin below it. He yelled. It burned worse than holy water. He felt a surge of energy rush through him, then nothing.
Faith felt the same surge. She watches Angel fall to the floor, then she turned and left the bar, and the unconscious Vampire. She made her way back to the library. No-one was there. She curled up in a chair and waited. They'd be back soon.
"Faith?"
Buffy shook her gently awake. Faith opened her eyes and looked up.
"You're all back," she exclaimed happily. "I missed you guys."
She bounced around hugging them one by one. There was a stunned silence. Giles actually blushed.
"Anyone else lost?" asked Xander.
Willow and Buffy both raised their hands.
Aragorn noticed it immediately. She was wearing the ring. The gold band gleamed against her skin. The darkness inside her had retreated. She had somehow escaped from Boromir and been able to take the ring with her. There was no denying it now. The legend was true, and the saviour wasn't the blonde Slayer, but the dark one. He looked over at Legolas. The look on the Elf's face confirmed it. He sensed it too. Even her name, Faith, seemed to fit. In certain languages, Faith translated as trust. She was the saviour of the legend. She would return with them to save Middle Earth from the coming darkness. It was time to return before Boromir realised what she'd done and came after the ring.
"Its time," he said as he took Faith by the hand and led her over to Legolas.
"Time? Time for what?" asked Xander following him over. "And where are you taking Faith?"
"She's the one," Legolas replied, his heart heavy. He'd hoped it had been Buffy.
"The one what?" Buffy was confused.
"She's the one in the legend, the saviour. We're taking her home, to Middle Earth."
"Like hell you are," yelled Xander rushing forward.
There was a flash of light eminating from the ring, followed by a loud crash. By the time their eyes adjusted to the room again, Aragorn, Faith and Xander were gone, and Legolas was standing before them still.
"Nooooooo!" he yelled. "I should have gone, not the boy."
"Oh dear God no," Giles suddenly exclaimed. "It suddenly makes sense. Your legend. Its not a prophecy.....its a warning. You phrased it wrong."
He pointed to the book he on the table and read...
"In the times of dark trust, the saviour will come from the Sunny Dale to be your protector against the evil ones. Don't you see, she's not the saviour, she's the evil."
Angel woke up. Suddenly he felt incredibly hungry. He watched the setting sun with a grin spreading across his angelic face.
"Well hello Sunnydale," he said triumphantly, his features changing into his true Vampire face. "Its good to be back."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Is she staying then?" Willow asked Buffy.
Buffy nodded. They had saved Faith from being sent back to England and to the Watcher's Council, but what they would do with her now was the question. Buffy didn't know if she could trust her again, and slaying was hard enough without not being able to trust the person you were slaying with. She'd always had doubts about Faith and now she was sure she had been proven right on them. She'd always enjoyed the slaying far more than she should. And now with the death of the Deputy Mayor, Buffy was even more sure tha something wasn't right with Faith. Whether or not they could help her was anyone's guess. She only hoped it wasn't too late. Angel had tried and he might have succeeded, but with the intervention of the Watcher's, his work was most likely in vain.
"Buffy?" Willow said softly.
"Sorry Wills, I was miles away," she replied, pushing her hair back behind her ear. "I just don't know what we're going to do now. I mean, Faith killed a man, and everything has changed. How do we move on now?"
"I don't know Buff."
"You had no right to interfere, it was Council business," Wesley snapped.
"And if you had of left things alone, we would have been able to deal with it appropriately in our own way," Giles snapped back.
"Whoa! War of the Watchers," Xander wise cracked.
"Not now Xander," both Watchers shouted.
Giles wasn't in the mood for all this. He had enough to deal with and the last thing he wanted was Xander's remarks adding fuel to the fire. He'd lost his position as Buffy's Watcher and now there was Wesley to deal with and Faith out of control as well. Maybe it was time for him to give up. To go do all the things he had always dreamt of doing. But deep down, he had loved his duties as Watcher, and he had grown to love Buffy. She was like the daughter he'd never had but always wanted. There was no way he could or would abandon her. Especially not to an inexperienced Watcher like Wesley. He obviously had had no idea what the world of a Slayer was like. It would be quite a wake up call for him. He'd almost blown things and gotten them killed by Balthazar. Luckily, Angel had arrived in time and Balthazar had been killed.
"So...er..what happens next?" Wesley finally said.
"You are the Watcher," Giles said as he grabbed his bag. "You figure it out."
He strode out the door leaving Wesley and Xander alone in the library. Xander was not sure whether he should follow Giles or stay. Either way, it was late and he needed to get home.
"I've gotta..go too," he said awkwardly, standing and slowly walking to the door.
"Its quite alright," Wesley replied. "I have a lot to read up on. Goodnight."
Xander waved as he left the library. Things were definately getting odd around here now and he wasn't liking it.
"Back out on patrol already?" Xander gasped.
"You shouldn't sneak up behind me," Faith replied climbing off him. "I could have hurt you."
Xander sat up. His ribs felt bruised from her kick. She'd been the first woman he'd slept with. She'd even tried to kill him. Still, she drew him to her. There was an attraction between them. He could sense it. Why couldn't she?
"Its a bit late to be out isn't it?" Xander asked as he struggled to his feet.
"Just walking," she said. "I heard a noise. Anyway, what are you doing out?"
"Just walking."
Truth was, he was hoping he'd bump into her. That night was amazing, and although she had tried to hurt him, he wanted her still. He didn't see her psychotic side slipping though. He knew he could help her. He could be the one to get through to her. If she'd let him.
"Faith....." he started to say.
"Duck," she shouted.
From behind them sprung two vampires. Faith lunged at both, striking the smaller one, sending him sprawling onto the ground. She threw Xander a stake.
"Make yourself useful," she said as she kicked the larger one in the chest.
Xander grabbed the stake and drove it into the smaller one's chest. He gasped then turned to dust. Faith seemed to be handling herself with the larger one. He sat and watched, waiting to see if he was needed to help. She had him in a headlock and was bashing his head against the wall. One last punch had him on the ground. She grabbed her stake and jumped on him.
"Soon," the vampire muttered. "Boromir will destroy you all."
"Well Boromir will have to wait his turn," she replied as she sunk the stake into the vampire's heart.
He was dust. Faith stood up, wiping his remains from her clothing.
"You ok?" Xander asked, rushing over to her.
"Yeah," she said pushing him away. "I can take care of myself. I don't need you."
Xander's face fell. She'd change her mind and see she needed him. He could wait.
The flash of light caught them both by surprise. It blinded them for a second. When their eyes adjusted to the dark again they saw two figures standing in the darkness. Faith reached for her stake. As they drew nearer she saw they were like no vampires she'd ever seen before. One was very blonde and tall. He carried a bow and had a quiver of arrows on his back. She could just make out something different about his ears too. The darker man was tall, dressed in leather and carried a sword.
"Well well well," she said. "If it isn't Robin Hood and Little John."
Aragorn looked around. Nothing made sense. This place was like nothing he had ever seen before. The buildings were strange and different. They stood so high and he couldn't tell what they were made from. Even the ground was strange. Instead of dirt or grass, it was black and hard. He knelt down and touched it. Again, he couldn't tell what it was.
"Well well well," came a female voice. "If it isn't Robin Hood and Little John."
Aragorn stood back up and drew his sword. He saw the woman standing around ten feet in front of them. With her was a male. Legolas slowly pulled out an arrow and placed it against his bow.
"Wait," Aragorn whispered.
He could see they were unarmed, but that didn't mean they were not dangerous. This was a strange place. There was no telling what powers or weapons these strangers had. They had to be careful.
Slowly the woman walked closer. She was dressed like no woman they had seen before. Her body was barely covered by what she wore. Her shirt barely covered her chest, leaving her stomach bare. Her pants were so tight, she must have trouble walking. Never had either seen any woman so indecently dressed. Legolas looked down at the ground, a slight blush suffusing his handsome features. Aragorn continued watching her drawing nearer. She reminded him of his beloved Arwen. She had the same fire in her eyes and same dark beauty.
"So," she said as she stopped in front of them. "Demon or Vampire or just lost on your way to a costume party?"
Aragorn was happy to discover he could understand her.
"I am a man," he replied.
"I can see that," she said, slowly circling them both. "What's with the Robin Hood bit?"
Aragorn was puzzled. Robin Hood? He watched her, keeping one eye on the male. He was staying back for now, but at any time he could attack and Aragorn wanted to be prepared.
Faith stopped in front of Legolas.
"Are those ears real?" she asked, reaching up to touch them.
Legolas jerked his head up and slapped her hand away. He let out a loud shout in Elfish. Faith pulled back her arm and swung at Legolas, but Aragorn caught her fist before it connected with the Elf's face. He laughed.
"That's not how you greet an Elven Prince," he chuckled.
"Prince huh?" Faith said as she wrenched her hand out of Aragorn's.
He could see she was more like Arwen in a lot of ways. It was just making his heart ache more.
"So what did he say then?" she asked.
"You don't want to know," Aragorn chuckled.
"Um, Faith," called Xander. "Everything ok?"
She had forgotten all about him. He was waiting back in the shadows, just watching. Not that she expected anything different from him. Xander was many things, but he was not brave.
"Fine," she called back. "Everything is just fine."
Slowly Xander walked up to the others.
"Hi," he said. "Xander, is me. You are?"
"Aragorn," he replied. "This is...."
"Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood," Legolas said at last.
"Royalty," Xander said. "Here in good old Sunnydale."
"Sunnydale?" Legolas turned to Aragorn and broke into Elfish again.
"Ah guys," Xander interrupted. "In a language we all know."
"In Elven legend, there is a mention of a Sunny Dale and a warrior who will come to save Middle Earth from an evil," Aragorn replied. "But its legend, and cannot be this place."
"Cool," Xander said.
"Middle Earth? What's that?" asked Faith.
"Its where we're from. Our home," replied Legolas. "Home of the Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves, Men, Fairy Folk, and the Evil Ones."
"Ooooooook," said Xander. "Time out. Anyone else just lose reality?"
Faith raised her eyebrow. She was just beginning to like these two too. They were just a couple of crazies out for a lark.
"Lets go," she said grabbing Xander's arm. "We had better tell someone that there is a Boromir in town."
"Boromir?" gasped Aragorn. "How do you know Boromir? He's dead. They killed him."
"So you claim you know Boromir," Giles said as he reached for a book.
"Mr Giles," interrupted Wesley. "I am the Watcher here. I suggest you sit down and just..."
"Watch?" Xander wise-cracked.
"Precisely," said Wesley. "Now, you say you know Boromir?"
Giles let out an exasperated breath. At this rate they'd be here all night. This new Watcher was intolerable. He sat and watched as Wesley rummaged through the books on the shelves looking for the Demon Guides. If the new Watcher didn't want help, he wouldn't offer it again.
Aragorn nodded. He glanced around the room they were in. Books were everywhere. He still felt draw to the dark female they had met and who had brought them to this place. His eyes were constantly washing over her. He could sense something about her that was different. She had a strength the others were lacking. She also had a darkness within her. He wondered if she even knew it was there.
Legolas was still unsure of the strangers and was refusing to talk except in his native Elven tongue. He stood by the door, ever alert for anything that might happen. He understood them, but made no reply. He had decided to let Aragorn handle the communication. His thoughts were still on the legend. Could this be the Sunny Dale he had heard about all through his childhood? He looked around at the people in the room. Two men who lived in a world of books, a male who looked afraid of his own shadow and a woman warrior. This couldn't be the Sunny Dale of his people's legend.
The door flew open and a small blonde woman followed by a redheaded one came in. Legolas reached for his bow.
"Its ok," called Giles. "They belong here. They can help."
Buffy looked first at Legolas and then at Aragorn.
"Did I miss my invitation to the costume party?" she asked.
"Very funny," replied Giles. "These two say they are here from......"
"I thought we agreed that you would watch," Wesley said as he returned with the book he had been searching for.
Buffy looked at Giles. She knew he didn't trust this new Watcher anymore than she did, but for now, they had to put up with him and his bumbling. She sat down at the table beside Xander and waited for Wesley to speak.
"Here it is," he said, flicking through his book. "The Demon Boromir. Its rather sketchy on his origin details, but he's been around for as long as history has been recorded. The theory is he was once human like us, but was perverted by magic into a Demon."
"He was human," Aragorn said sadly. "He was a great warrior and a friend."
"You knew him?" Buffy gasped incredulously. "But if he was human that far back, how are you still alive?"
"And why are you here? Now?" added Willow.
Aragorn looked over to the door where Legolas stood. They wouldn't be able to find the ring on their own and if the Valarauko, the Demon, who stole it was indeed Boromir, they were going to need help. They had to trust these strangers. He could see the small blonde was a warrior like the dark one. But where a darkness was worming its way through the dark one, no darkness existed in her. Her soul was pure. He sensed a deep love and a deep sadness within her. He also knew instinctively he could trust her.
Legolas sensed the same things about the small blonde that Aragorn did. She knew about Demons and other creatures that were long forgotten even in their time. Even the ones that were struggling into existance when they were journeying with Frodo. She was also not afraid and that puzzled him. He could see in her eyes that she had seen things no human should see and she still lived to continue their battle against them. He nodded at Aragorn. They had no choice but to trust these people.
"Big sword," said Xander. "You fought much?"
Aragorn smiled. He was beginning to like this guy more. At first he'd seemed spineless and not worth noticing, but he saw now it was an act. He used his humour as an act to throw others off guard. He could see how it worked. He'd thought him nothing at first, but he now saw his loyalty, his strength. All these strangers had the same will and the same spirit. They had all been through a lot together and it showed in their devotion to each other.
The dark female, Faith, was an enigma. He didn't feel the same devotion and love around her as he did the others. What he did sense was turmoil and mistrust. Maybe her dark side was beginning to show itself and the others were seeing it. Either way, no matter how much he was drawn to her, how much she reminded him of Arwen, he would have to be on his guard around her.
"Many battles," he replied.
"And now you are looking for this Boromir Demon to get back a ring?" Faith asked.
"Yes," Aragorn said, turning to look at the Slayer.
"Must be some ring," she said.
"It is."
A spark flew between them. Aragorn sensed it, Faith sensed it and so did Xander. He didn't like it at all. He had first dibs on the sexy Slayer. After all, he'd known her longer and been the one she'd turned to after the fight with the Apocolypse Cult. She'd been his first, and in time, she would see he was the one for her.
"So we find the Demon, get back the ring, then what?" Xander interrupted.
Aragorn turned away from Faith and looked out into the night.
"Then we kill him and return home to finish what we started."
The library door burst open and Angel strode in.
"Giles,' he gasped. "Something is up. I can feel it all around."
"We know," interrupted Wesley. "Whats more, we don't need your help. Please leave."
"New Watcher?" Angel asked.
"New Watcher," Giles replied.
"Figures," Angel laughed.
"I am still here," Wesley said slamming down his book. "Kindly refrain from talking about me as if I'm not. Its getting awfully tiresome."
Angel turned back to Giles. He owed nothing to the new guy. But Giles had always held his respect and he owed him so much still.
"So what do you know?" Giles asked him, cutting Wesley off with a look.
"There is an evil circling around the town. All the other Vampires are either leaving or moving towards it. I'm not sure where it is, or what it is, but its big. I don't know if it can be stopped this time. Its growing in strength with each passing minute. Soon it will be beyond us, beyond anyone."
Giles removed his glasses and wiped his eyes. He only hoped that Buffy and the others could find Boromir and that they could stop him before it was too late.
"We know," he replied. "We found out from, well, some visitors from another place and time."
"Now really Mr Giles," Wesley said, beginning to feel very put out now. He was the Watcher here, not some child to be ignored. "Do we really need the help of some Vampire?"
"I think you are forgetting that this Vampire saved your life," Giles replied. "I think you need to shut up and sit down unless you have something useful to add."
Angel laughed. Giles rarely lost his temper anymore, but when he did, it was fireworks. He had expected Buffy to be here and he was disappointed to find she wasn't.
"Where is everyone?" he asked.
"I sent them out looking for the..."Giles started to say.
"Alone?" yelled Angel. "Without knowing what they are up against?"
"Not alone," He continued. "If you will kindly let me finish. As I was saying, we have some visitors who know what is going on. They are out with Buffy, Faith and the others."
"Is it wise to have Faith out so soon?" Angel asked.
"I am her Watcher," said Wesley. "I felt she would be of use."
Angel ignored Wesley and continued addressing Giles only.
"These visitors. Who are they and why would they be of help?"
"They come from a distant time, from where this evil threat comes from. They are here to retrieve a ring that was stolen from them before they could destroy it. They know the Demon who has stolen it and might know how we can stop him."
Angel nodded. They were going to need all the help they could get.
Boromir could feel their presence before he could see them.
"Aragorn," he growled. "Still chasing the ring. Nothing ever changes does it?"
Aragorn and Faith stepped out of the shadows. He held out his hand stopping Xander from following. If anything happened to them, he'd need to return to the others and lead them there.
"Its good to see you again Boromir," he replied.
His eyes quickly flicked around the room. They were vastly outnumbered and he knew they had no chance against the gathered Vampires and Boromir. Faith's eyes were drawn to the flash of gold on the Demon's finger. She knew this was what they were searching for. Its power was like a magnet to her, filling her with the desire to possess it. She took a step forward. The Vampires closed around Boromir. It was as if they could sense her desires and longing.
Aragorn was soon disarmed and held between two of them. Faith never moved once. Her gaze never once left the ring.
"Put him in there," Boromir ordered pointing to the small room in the corner. "I want him around to see my new World before he dies."
"The woman?" asked one.
Boromir smiled as his eyes returned to Faith.
"Leave her," he said. "I will deal with her myself."
Xander watched as the Vampires dragged Aragorn off and Boromir took Faith away from his sight. He knew he was no use to them on his own. He needed help. Reluctantly he slipped away and ran into the night.
"Maybe Faith and the others had more luck," Buffy said as she pushed open the door of the library.
Legolas and Willow walked inside. They had walked around for hours and seen nothing out of the ordinary, except a distinct lack of Vampires.
"Ah good, you're back," said Giles, looking up from his book. "Any luck?"
"Nothing is out there," Buffy replied as she sunk down onto a chair. "Its not natural."
Willow walked over to the computer and sat down at it. She was soon typing away furiously into it. Legolas watched with awe as she worked. This world both fascinated and scared him. It was filled with things beyond his imaginings. But his interest was still with the blonde called Buffy. She had beauty, strength and honour he valued so highly. She was also so much like him.
"Buffy."
She turned.
"Angel," she said softly.
Legolas instantly saw that this man was the cause of the sadness in her eyes. He also got the feeling this man wasn't mortal. He couldn't put his finger on what he was. He was like nothing he'd ever encountered before. He could see an evil inside him, but it was held back by something. He could also see the same sadness echoed in his eyes. They loved each other, but could not be together.
Angel noticed Legolas watching him and Buffy. He had to be one of the visitors Giles had spoken of. He could almost feel the the Elf's probing into his mind. He also noticed Buffy's look of guilt as she looked up at him.
"Any word from the others?" she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"No, nothing," Giles replied. "But they will be back soon I imagine."
Wesley coughed.
"I am still here you know," he said. "And I am still the Watcher in charge."
"And a bang up job you have done so far," Buffy retorted.
"Why thank you," Wesley replied, her sarcasm totally lost on him.
"So what have you discovered in our absence?" she asked.
"Well, actually," Wesley said. "Not a lot."
"Again, bang up job you're doing," she said. "Giles...."
The door flew open and Xander ran in.
"Faith....captured.....warehouse.....danger.....ring.......Demon.....help.....now," he managed to say before collapsing.
Legolas reached him first.
"Aragorn?" he asked.
"They have him too," Xander said.
"Then we have to find this warehouse and get them back," Buffy said as she handed Xander a drink.
Faith sat down on a chair, watching as Boromir slowly walked around the room. He was certainly one of the best looking Demons she had seen. She noticed his eyes washing over her more than once. Advantage, Slayer. She was still drawn to the glint of gold around his finger. The urge was building inside her. Want....take....have. She wanted that ring and she had no idea why. She would take it from Boromir. She had never failed obtaining anything she'd ever wanted in the past and she had no intention of starting now.
There seemed no way out of the room. Aragorn continued looking. He couldn't give up now. Who knew what Boromir was doing to Faith. She may have had the spirit of his beloved Arwen, but he had no idea she was just as capable as Arwen of taking care of herself. He had to get out of this room. Boromir could not be allowed to succeed. The ring had to return to Frodo and to Middle Earth. It had to be destroyed.
"Over there," Xander whispered pointing to the room where Aragorn was held.
Angel quickly strode over to it and kicked it open. Aragorn jumped back. He was wondering how long he'd had until Boromir got sick of waiting and came for him. So he'd sent one of his followers to get him. Well, he would not go quietly. A solid blow connected with the Vampire's face, knocking him off his feet. He had to find his sword. He always felt lost, almost naked without it. He left Angel sprawled on the filthy floor as he ran out of the room.
"Aragorn," Willow called. "Its ok. Its just us."
He paused. It was the little redhead from the library. He turned back to Angel and offered his hand to help him up.
"My apologies," he said.
Angel took his hand and climbed back onto his feet. He dusted himself off.
"No worries," he replied. "We have to leave now."
Angel turned back towards the door. A shout from Aragorn behind him made him stop.
"But the girl?"
"She will be saved," he replied without turning back. "Buffy and your friend are finding her now. Faith will be fine."
"Anyway," added Willow. "She can take care of herself."
Buffy quietly opened the door at the top of the stairs.
"You should wait here," she said softly. "I'll go in and see what, if anything is in there."
Legolas nodded even though he didn't agree with her. She shouldn't go in alone. If Boromir was waiting, she could be caught or even killed. All he could do was watch as she silently slipped inside.
It took Buffy's eyes mere seconds to adjust to the darkness. She could hear the noises, louder now, and coming from the far side of the room. Slowly, she crept towards where she heard them. She was still hidden in the shadows when she saw what was making them.
Faith, and she wasn't alone. She was in bed, making love, with Boromir.
Angel turned towards the noise he heard behind him. He saw a Vampire's shocked face as he turned to dust. Looking beyond, he saw Legolas putting another arrow in his bow. The Elf had saved him from a Vampire. He didn't like owing anyone anything, let alone the creature that had stolen his Buffy away from him. The fact that she was no longer his Buffy eluded him.
Seeing a gap, Buffy shouted for everyone to get out.
"Faith...." gasped Xander. "We can't leave her here."
"We have to," Buffy replied grabbing his arm.
"We can't leave her," he said, wrenching his arm from her grasp.
He ran for the stairs but Legolas stopped him.
"Its too late for her," he said softly, repeating Buffy's earlier words. "We have to go."
Xander slumped against the stairs. Buffy ran to his side.
"She's not dead," she said as she stroked his hair. "She's just switched teams mid-game. Come on Xand, we have to get back to Giles and figure out what now."
She grabbed one of his arms and Legolas the other and they dragged Xander out. His eyes were firmly on the stairs, looking up to where faith was. He was imagining the torture she must have had to endure to turn on them. He had no idea what it was she was doing and that it was voluntary.
Wesley and Giles looked up from their books as everyone rushed back into the Library. Giles could see Aragorn, but no Faith. He stood up and rushed over to them.
"Faith?" he asked.
Buffy shook her head. She led Xander over to the table and helped him sit down. The rest soon followed. Wesley looked from one to the other. He didn't understand. Why had they left Faith behind? Was she dead?
No-one was talking. They all just sat and looked sadly at each other. He noticed the two visitors in a corner whispering in a language he couldn't understand. The tall blonde was very upset about something and the dark warrior was having trouble calming him. He wished he could understand them. But he was getting used to being the one always left out of the loop. It had happened all through his life. Firstly at school, then when he trained as a Watcher. No-one took him seriously. But here, HE was the Watcher, not Giles. They would have to listen to him and follow his orders.
"Excuse me," he said loudly. "What happened and where is Faith?"
Everyone looked at him. Aragorn and Legolas stopped talking and joined the others. Then Wesley noticed everyone turn to look at Buffy.
"It was too late for Faith," she said softly, taking Xander's hand in her small one.
"She's dead?" Wesley gasped.
"She's joined them," Buffy replied.
Faith watched Boromir sleep. He definately was a good lay. She finally saw Buffy's attraction to the demonic kind. Angel was, after all, a Demon too. There was just something about them. Maybe the added evilness that banished all their inhibitions. Whatever it was, she liked it so much more than the "boys" she usually slept with. Take Xander......please...she thought to herself. What could she have been thinking that night? She shook her head and focused back on the ring. Her eyes wandered down to Boromir's finger.
The thin band of gold seemed to glow. It almost seemed to have a life of its own. She reached out her hand, her fingers wanting it. Wanting to touch it, feel it, possess it. She couldn't explain it. A desire was running through her body. All her senses and every cell of her body felt alive and the tingling was driving her crazy. She needed that ring.
Boromir stirred.
Faith pulled back her hand and watched. His eyes stayed closed and his breathing was still heavy. She had worn him out. Gently, she eased the ring off his finger. He didn't move. She stood beside the bed and looked down at the ring cradled in her palm. She could feel the weight in her palm, and warmth. An energy seemed to flow within it. She slipped it onto her finger. Instantly she felt its power. She felt like it was a part of her and it had come home.
They were all exhausted. Buffy noticed Willow was asleep in a chair in the corner. She looked so peaceful, a stark contrast to the way Buffy was feeling inside. She also had noticed Aragorn and Legolas speaking in the corner. They knew something, she was sure of it, but they weren't sharing. There was no time for secrets. She stood up and walked over to them.
"What's going on?" she asked.
They looked at her. Legolas was torn between the feelings he was having for the little blonde and his duty to the quest. His loyalty lay with the latter and he knew it. His mind, however, was on the legend. It was constantly on his mind, much like the little blonde was. More and more his eyes and thoughts were drawn to her.
Aragorn didn't agree with him however about this being the Sunny Dale where a saviour for Middle Earth would come from. It was a legend after all, not a prophecy, and not a foretelling. Just a fairytale he'd grown up with. It certainly had no bearing on anything that was going on here and now. Did it?
"There's more to this isn't there," she continued, looking from Aragorn to Legolas.
They knew they had to tell the others about the legend. She'd never give up. Sighing, Legolas sat down at the table.
"For many generations, my people have spoken of a saviour that would one day come to save Middle earth from an unknown evil," he said.
"And what has that to do with us?" Xander asked.
"The saviour comes from the Sunny Dale," Legolas continued looking at Buffy as he spoke.
"The Sunny Dale?" Giles said softly as he closed his book. "And you think that......."
"Its a story told to children at bedtime," Aragorn interrupted.
Legolas jumped out of his seat and turned to the warrior, saying something in the language only they understood. Soon they were shouting at each other again. Their argument woke Willow up.
"Ok boys, don't make me separate you," Buffy said as she stepped between them. "Whats going on?"
"It's not important," Legolas said, shooting an angry look at Aragorn.
"What have I missed?" asked Willow as she yawned and wiped her eyes.
"Welcome back to wackyville Wills," Xander said smiling at the redhead.
She smiled back. She always missed the good stuff though and it seemed she'd once again missed something important.
"So anyway," Giles continued. "How will you know this 'saviour' if this is indeed the Sunny Dale of your story?"
Legends had always fascinated him and the chance to actually be in one, was mind blowing to him. He'd always been the one reading and wondering about them. Now he was hearing one from another place in time and it involved people he knew. Might even involve him. He wanted to know everything.
"In the times of dark, trust and the saviour will come from the Sunny Dale to be your protector against the evil ones," Legolas quoted softly.
"Oh good," yawned Xander. "They talk cryptic there too."
Giles glared at him, his mind already trying to unravel the meaning of the words. To him, the "trust" placed where it was seemed too out of place to him. It was like it was trying to tell them something. He noticed everyone seemed to be on the point of exhaustion. It had been a long and terribly interesting night.
"I suggest we continue this later after some rest," Wesley piped up at last. "Not much we can do right now."
Everyone was startled. They had all forgotten the new guy in all the excitement. He had a point though, they could all see it.
"Right," said Giles. "You had better get home and get some rest. We'll meet back here later."
"Ummm Giles," said Willow as she stood up and stretched. "What about them?"
Giles looked at Legolas and Aragorn. He'd forgotten them too. They would need rest too and they couldn't stay here.
"They can come with me," he replied. "We'd better get a move on before it gets much later."
"Wee Willy Winky," sang Faith stepping out in front of the little barman. "What's the hurry?"
Willy halted. It was the Slayer, the other one. This one scared him.
"Just...on my....way home," he stammered.
She slowly circled Willy, taking perverse pleasure in his terror. She knew he was scared of her. More scared of her than he was of the Demons and Vampires he hung out with every day. He knew she didn't need him and therefore, his life had no value to her. To the Demons, he was a link to the outside world, not to mention the only place they could get cheap booze. To Buffy, he was a source of information, but to Faith, he was nothing.
"But I'm thirsty," she pouted. "Don't you wanna buy a girl a drink?"
Willy thought about Angel passed out in the bar. He'd be ok with Faith. After all, she was a Slayer too, and friends with the blonde one. He didn't trust her, but he really had no choice. He turned back towards the bar.
"Ok, but just one," he said reluctantly. "I need my sleep too."
Faith grinned and skipped after him. She felt better than she had in a long time. In fact, the last time she felt this good was when she set her last Watcher up to die by Kakistos' hands. No-one ever suspects the Slayer, she thought to herself. She watched as he unlocked the bar.
"Ah one thing," he said. "Angel is inside..."
Faith's smile grew. She didn't have to search for the Vampire after all. He had fallen into her lap, so to speak. She grabbed Willy's face and kissed him.
"Now scram," she said.
"But...." he said looking around.
"I'll lock up," she replied, taking his keys from his hand.
She pushed Willy out of the door and locked it. Angel was slumped over the bar. She stood watching him sleep for a minute. He was beautiful. Her desires rose within her body. She also noticed the ring started glowing as she moved closer to him, a warmth spreading through her finger from it. She'd start with Angel. He would be hers, then everything else Buffy had. She'd be the one they all wanted to be like, be the one they all praised. Soon it would be "Buffy who?" and she couldn't wait. She sat down at the bar beside him and stroked his hair. A surge ran through the ring. Its power was growing.
Angel stirred.
"Buffy?" he whispered softly.
Always Buffy, Faith thought angrily. But no more. It was her turn to be the one.
"No Soul Boy," she whispered softly back into his ear. "Its me."
Angel opened his eyes. He had no idea where he was. Then it came rushing back. Buffy, in the arms of another, whiskey, Willy's Bar. He knew where he was. But how or why or what was Faith doing there? He wanted to sleep, to forget what he'd seen.
"Shouldn't you be with the others?" she asked.
Angel threw the bottle at the wall. Faith jumped as it shattered. Trouble in paradise? Her timing was perfect. He was ripe for her to pluck from Buffy. She ran her hand slowly down his cheek, turning his face to hers. She leant in and kissed him.
For a second, Angel returned her kiss, then he remembered. He didn't want Faith. He wanted Buffy and only Buffy. In his 200 plus years he'd never loved like he loved her. She was his heart and his soul. He couldn't exist without her. He didn't want a substitute Buffy. Especially not one as dark as Faith. He felt it inside her, growing, worming through her soul. The darkness she tried to hide but now, was increasingly unable to. He pushed her away and staggered to his feet.
"Let me guess," Faith spat. "Buffy. Its always Buffy. Am I not good enough for you? I'm a better Slayer than she'll ever be, and I would be so much better for you. Why can't you see it?"
Angel wavered unsteadily on his feet. He had to get away from her. He sensed the power growing, it was getting stronger. Soon it would be too late. He staggered into the back room and pulled up the entrance to the sewers below.
Faith ran after him.
"Angel, please," she begged.
She grabbed his arm. Angel could feel a burning. The ring. It was glowing firey red and was burning through his leather jacket and into the skin below it. He yelled. It burned worse than holy water. He felt a surge of energy rush through him, then nothing.
Faith felt the same surge. She watches Angel fall to the floor, then she turned and left the bar, and the unconscious Vampire. She made her way back to the library. No-one was there. She curled up in a chair and waited. They'd be back soon.
"Faith?"
Buffy shook her gently awake. Faith opened her eyes and looked up.
"You're all back," she exclaimed happily. "I missed you guys."
She bounced around hugging them one by one. There was a stunned silence. Giles actually blushed.
"Anyone else lost?" asked Xander.
Willow and Buffy both raised their hands.
Aragorn noticed it immediately. She was wearing the ring. The gold band gleamed against her skin. The darkness inside her had retreated. She had somehow escaped from Boromir and been able to take the ring with her. There was no denying it now. The legend was true, and the saviour wasn't the blonde Slayer, but the dark one. He looked over at Legolas. The look on the Elf's face confirmed it. He sensed it too. Even her name, Faith, seemed to fit. In certain languages, Faith translated as trust. She was the saviour of the legend. She would return with them to save Middle Earth from the coming darkness. It was time to return before Boromir realised what she'd done and came after the ring.
"Its time," he said as he took Faith by the hand and led her over to Legolas.
"Time? Time for what?" asked Xander following him over. "And where are you taking Faith?"
"She's the one," Legolas replied, his heart heavy. He'd hoped it had been Buffy.
"The one what?" Buffy was confused.
"She's the one in the legend, the saviour. We're taking her home, to Middle Earth."
"Like hell you are," yelled Xander rushing forward.
There was a flash of light eminating from the ring, followed by a loud crash. By the time their eyes adjusted to the room again, Aragorn, Faith and Xander were gone, and Legolas was standing before them still.
"Nooooooo!" he yelled. "I should have gone, not the boy."
"Oh dear God no," Giles suddenly exclaimed. "It suddenly makes sense. Your legend. Its not a prophecy.....its a warning. You phrased it wrong."
He pointed to the book he on the table and read...
"In the times of dark trust, the saviour will come from the Sunny Dale to be your protector against the evil ones. Don't you see, she's not the saviour, she's the evil."
Angel woke up. Suddenly he felt incredibly hungry. He watched the setting sun with a grin spreading across his angelic face.
"Well hello Sunnydale," he said triumphantly, his features changing into his true Vampire face. "Its good to be back."