DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer – it
all belongs to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Fox, etc. . .Neither do I own
anything to do with Charmed, which belongs to Spelling Entertainment and
Constance M. Burge. I think.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry, it's been over a week since my last update, I just wanted to get the entire storyline of this fic planned before I posted and wrote more, and I'm happy to say I know exactly where I'm going and have already written a couple of chapters ahead.
Also, I'd like to say that what I choose to do with Faith in this story may be a little controversial, and I'm sure some people will disagree with the way I've portrayed some things here, but it's all a case of interpretation, and I'm just challenging myself to see what I can do and whether I can make it believable or not. I've already decided the direction of the fic which I most probably won't change, but CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is appreciated for future fics.
IMPORTANT: At this point I want to make clear a policy about reviewing on this fic. I am well aware of problems that could be faced in crossing these two TV shows over, and that even though they have a lot of similarities, they also have a lot of differences. What I am looking for in feedback is whether you think the writing, the plotline or the interpretation of the characters is good, or even if you're simply enjoying the story. What I'm not looking for are people to point out problems with crossing the two over, because I assume that if you are interested in reading this story, you are willing to overlook the technicalities and appreciate the fic for what it is – a fun fanfiction which crosses over two of my favourite shows that I enjoy writing and hope that others enjoy reading.
I apologise for having to put such a serious tone on – I'm normally a fun laidback person when it comes to these stories – it's just I don't want a repeat performance of a review which I think was incredibly unnecessary for what I have envisioned. I hope the rest of you agree with me and understand. . .as for everybody else's comments, you have no idea how much I appreciate what you have to say and the fact that you're reading this. I thank you.
Anyway, I've babbled enough. . .shut up Nat. . .here is chapter 2 of my story!
Chapter 2 – Journeys and Discoveries
San Francisco
An hour later, Piper was carrying her heavy suitcase down the hall on the second floor. Her hands were struggling to pull the huge bag of clothes and supplies that she was sure she'd need. Eventually, she let go of it, knowing there was no way she could carry it all the way down the stairs.
'I give up!' she said to herself, blowing her fringe out of her face. 'Prue!' she called out. 'A little help here!'
Prue stamped out of her bedroom, already frustrated with the minimal amount of time she had for packing. 'What?!'
'Please can you do your Telekinesis thing on my suitcase?' Piper pleaded. Prue glanced over at the bulging bag.
'OK, but only down the stairs. To the car – you're on your own.' She squinted her eyes, and the suitcase zoomed lightly to the bottom of the stairs and propped itself down perfectly.
'Thank you!' Piper looked gratefully at her sister, who had already gone back to her room to pack.
Phoebe emerged from her room, dragging her own suitcase, her arms hanging back, trying with all her force to pull it.
'I think I'm all set,' Phoebe said smiling. 'Where's Prue?' She straightened herself out, placing her hands on her hips.
'In her room, a little moody,' Piper replied, stretching out the creases on her sweater.
'Can you help me with my suitcase?' Phoebe asked, looking at Piper's down in the hall. '. . .since you've somehow managed with yours?'
Piper excused: 'Yeah, that's because Prue used her powers on it.'
Phoebe looked pensive for a moment, and then shrugged. 'Fine. She can do that for me.'
The two sisters headed down the stairs, preparing themselves to leave.
'So I've been thinking. . .' said Phoebe slowly. 'About this whole. . .giant snake thing. . .' she gesticulated with her hands. 'We're obviously gonna need to. . .y'know. . .do magick and stuff, so uh. . .'
'Phoebe, spit it out,' Piper insisted.
'I think we should take the Book of Shadows,' she speedily blabbered.
Piper winced. 'I really don't think that's such a good idea, Phoebs.'
'What isn't?' Prue's voice was heard up the stairs. Two suitcases flew down and propped themselves next to Piper's. Behind them, Prue walked down the steps, holding on to the banister.
'Phoebe thinks we should take the Book of Shadows,' Piper said with a sigh.
'Absolutely not,' Prue said, not missing a beat. Phoebe stuck out her hands in front of Prue.
'Just hear me out, OK? We're leaving the house for a longer period of time – there's no one here, so anybody can just walk in to take it. . .' Prue was about to interrupt, but Phoebe kept speaking. '. . .AND we might need a spell in there to vanquish whatever that thing was.'
Prue sighed exasperatedly, stern look on her face.
'Come on Prue!' Phoebe urged, jumping up and down. 'I know we never take it out of the house, but I really think we need it now.'
Piper directed herself toward Prue. 'The girl does have a point.'
'We can ask Dan to guard the house,' Prue defended.
'From warlocks and demons?' Phoebe pointed out.
'What about Leo?' Prue suggested.
Piper became alert. 'Uh. . .I don't think that's the best plan. For one thing, Leo has other things to do than just hang around here, and another. . .yeah.' She stopped herself before she went into too much detail.
Prue watched Phoebe's desperate expression, and eventually gave in. 'Alright, go get it.'
Phoebe rushed up the stairs, squealing like a little girl. The two remaining sisters just laughed.
Piper went to open the door, but just as she swung it open, she caught sight of Dan who was just about to knock.
'Dan!' Piper said surprised. 'Hi!'
'Hey,' he said in a friendly tone. 'Can I come in?'
'Actually. . .' Piper began, but Phoebe rushed down the stairs, carrying the big book in her arms.
'OK, I got it, let's. . .' she silenced herself once she saw Dan. 'Dan, hi!'
Piper smiled nervously. 'Listen, uh. . .my sisters and I are going away for a while. Just a couple of weeks to get some things done, so. . .just. . .bear that in mind.'
Dan stood there, a clearly confused expression on his face. 'OK. . .I guess I'll see you soon. . .'
Hurriedly, Piper began shutting the door. 'OK, thanks for stopping by. . .' she closed it, turning her back to it. 'Phoebe, watch where you wave that thing!' She pointed at the Book of Shadows. Phoebe shrugged apologetically, unzipping her bag and putting the book in it.
'We all ready?' Prue checked. Her two sisters nodded, as they opened the door and dragged their suitcases to the car.
**********
Sunnydale
Oz and Xander made their way down the steps to Willy's. They were going over their interrogation strategy carefully.
'Alright. . .so we don't take any crap, right?' Xander encouraged.
'OK.' Oz nodded.
'If he refuses to give us answers, we'll beat him to a pulp until he does, right?'
Oz shrugged. 'If you say so.'
Xander stopped walking, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet. 'So. . .can I be bad cop?'
Oz hesitated, unsure of what to say. 'I wanna say yes. . .but I don't know whether you'll be able to handle it.'
Xander nodded eagerly. 'I can! I will! I promise!'
Oz acknowledged Xander's excitement. 'Well, OK. I think I would've done a better job, but you obviously want it more than I do.'
Xander smiled thankfully, as they entered the demon infested bar. Willy was drying a glass behind the bar, when he lifted his head up. 'Hey, it's you!'
'No friendly talk,' Xander said in a tone that was attempting to be menacing. 'We want some information, buddy, and we want it now.'
'Whoa, OK. . .' Willy lifted up his hands defensively. 'What do you wanna know?'
'There's this box. . .' Oz said simply. 'It's meant to help with the Ascension. Have you heard anything about it?'
Willy shrugged secretively. 'I. . .dunno what you're talking about. . .' He rubbed his glass even more nervously.
'Cut the crap, Willy,' Xander said. 'You know something and you just don't wanna tell us.' Oz took Xander's arm, muttering to him:
'Calm down, we got him right where we want him.'
Willy looked away from them while he spoke. 'Well. . .there might have been some gossip in here about a box, but I'm not sure it's related.'
'You either give us answers. . .or we'll make you give them to us!' Xander threatened, trying to come up with a cool line. Oz shushed Xander again.
'Well. . .' Willy leaned in, making sure no one else was eavesdropping, getting his voice to a whisper. 'There has been word of some box coming out of South America, not sure what. All on the demon black market. It's meant to be arriving tomorrow night at the airport. That's all I know, I swear.'
Xander nodded, mean look still in place. 'You better hope you're telling the truth. . .for your own sake!' He pointed his finger warningly at Willy.
'I am, of course I am – wouldn't want the Slayer after me,' Willy assured.
Oz spoke up. 'Thanks for your help. It really means a lot.' The two started walking away, but Willy called after them.
'Hey kid!' he was referring to Xander, who spun around. 'Very impressive – the interrogation technique's definitely improved since last time. Truly terrifying.'
Xander smiled proudly, walking out with Oz to the daylight. 'You hear that? He thought I was truly terrifying!'
**********
Faith lay on her back, in her bed in the apartment the Mayor had given her after she'd joined his side. It was truly luxury; a huge bed, her own bathroom, a Play station. . .any girl's dream. He was a daddy that loved her. More than she could say for her real parents. A father who'd abandoned her and a mother who spent all her time getting drunk and wishing she were dead. . .
She rolled over onto her stomach, deep in thought, flashbacks of the recent events going through her mind.
*Buffy stared disbelievingly at her. 'Why Faith? What's in it for you?' She'd turned to her, thinking she was so sure of herself, covering up her complete feelings. All she'd concentrated on was her rage; how she'd never be what Buffy was. . .she didn't dare think of the times Buffy had reached out to her. 'What isn't? You know, I come to Sunnydale. I'm the Slayer. I do my job kicking ass better than anyone. What do I hear about everywhere I go? Buffy. So I slay, I behave, I do the good little girl routine. And who's everybody thank? Buffy.'*
Faith had been harsh. She'd needed to so that she could carry out her boss' plan – her daddy's plan, because he loved her. She couldn't disappoint him. But at the same time, it had hurt so much to do that to Buffy.
She felt pulled apart. She had after she'd killed the Mayor's deputy, when she could have either turned herself in or run away. She'd gotten too used to running away.
So she'd opted for that. But she couldn't be all alone in it. Why had she gone to the Mayor at all? Because she knew that if she didn't face her crime and pay the price, she would have nowhere else to turn. Maybe he would have accepted her. And he did.
With Buffy's gang, it was do the right thing or be gone. At least that's the impression she'd gotten. She couldn't do time – she was a Slayer, she had her rights! She wanted to fight the good fight, be on the right side. . .but if that couldn't happen, she'd settle for the other one.
*Buffy was shocked. 'Getting rid of the evidence doesn't make the problem go away.' Faith turned to face Buffy, trying to ooze confidence. 'It does for me.' Buffy shook inside, not knowing what else to say. 'Faith, you don't get it. You killed a man.' Faith looked her right in the eye, not letting her inner feelings be revealed – neither to Buffy, nor to herself. . .'No, *you* don't get it. I don't care.'*
Faith wiped a tear from her eye, the pain catching up with her. That guilt had already started to gnaw away at her insides. . .this girl had been so worried about her, putting all her energy into making her a better person – and how had she repaid her? By going to work for the bad guy.
She crawled under the covers of her bed, letting the duvet cover her body completely, like a little cocoon that would protect her from the outside world.
She hated herself for what she'd done. But she had no other choice.
**********
Buffy had dressed herself completely in black clothing in order to easily hide. Angel had been the same when she'd gone to him to ask him for help in the mission, and now they crept the already darkening streets of Sunnydale towards City Hall.
'Do we know what we're listening for?' Angel asked, seeing the back of the building in the distance.
'There's a box,' Buffy explained. 'One that the Mayor apparently needs to Ascend. We don't know much about it – all we know is that we don't think he has it yet. . .'
'. . .so we're here to see if he plans on getting it, and if he mentions anything more about what it might be?' Angel finished off for her.
'Right!' They walked in silence, approaching City Hall more and more. Finally, Buffy broke it.
'So I've been thinking about college,' she said brightly.
'Yeah?' His tone made it clear he was interested in hearing more.
She nodded. 'I got into Northwestern. . .although I don't think I'll go that far. Especially with me being the only Slayer and all. . .so if that doesn't work out. . .there's UC Sunnydale. . .' She looked at Angel hopefully, seeing if he would react. He showed no sign of change. '. . .which would be a good choice too.'
He nodded. 'Those are both good.'
Buffy stopped walking, even though they were only a minute away from their destination. 'You really don't care where I go? How far apart we are?'
Angel turned away, embarrassed to look at her. 'It's your life. Your decisions. I could tell you what I want, or I could tell you what I think is best for you. I believe you'd prefer the latter.'
Buffy sighed, frustrated. Her voice had begun to shake. 'It would be nice to have some indication of whether you care about us!'
He looked her in the eye, complete seriousness on his face. 'Of course I care. I just think that what would be best for you would be to go on your own.'
Buffy felt that her legs couldn't hold her much longer. 'What's that supposed to mean?' He was about to answer, but then some voices were heard nearby. Instead, he said: 'In the bush. Hide.'
The two of them ran behind the greenery, shuffling next to one another as they saw the Mayor coming out of a limo, vampire minions in tow. They were at the back of the building, so things like this were not unusual to happen. It's what Buffy had been hoping for.
'Now, I just want to make it clear. . .' the Mayor said firmly to the vampires. 'This box is very powerful and very important. It contains billions of little demonic things that I need to digest to be able to Ascend. Without them, I am useless. I hope you understand that that is why I'm putting my Faith as head of the job, but of course I will make sure I am there.' His tone had been serious, but now switched to lighter. 'Oh, golly, this is just so exciting! Aren't you all excited? My plan is finally coming into action. And it all happens tomorrow night. Don't any of you be late, alright?' He laughed infectiously, before skipping into the building, minions at his tail.
Once Buffy was sure they were out of earshot, she stood up out of the bush. 'Well, that was convenient.'
'I think we've got everything we need,' Angel said, as they ran away from the scene. Buffy needed to talk to Angel about her future – their future. But for now, it would have to wait. More important things had to be dealt with.
**********
In the complete darkness, the Halliwell sisters approached Sunnydale, passing the 'Welcome' sign that had been seen by so many different people. . .and things.
'Finally, we're here!' Phoebe exclaimed, sitting up all of a sudden.
'What should we do now?' Prue asked. 'We can't go to Sunnydale High – I don't think – until tomorrow when there's actually life there.'
Piper looked at a building they were about to drive by. 'Hey Prue, turn left here, would you?' Her sister obeyed and they ended up in the parking area of a motel.
'How about,' Piper suggested, 'we stay here for the night, then head to Sunnydale High tomorrow morning, blend in as high school students, and see if we can find anyone that knows anything about demons, or if we're lucky, about Graduation.'
The other two sisters silently agreed as they parked the car, prepared to pull out the suitcases, and stay in whatever conditions were offered to them for the night.
**********
A/N: Next up, we have the Charmed Ones finding out a bit more about the Hellmouth and finally going to Sunnydale High. . .also, some more Faith and the Mayor.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry, it's been over a week since my last update, I just wanted to get the entire storyline of this fic planned before I posted and wrote more, and I'm happy to say I know exactly where I'm going and have already written a couple of chapters ahead.
Also, I'd like to say that what I choose to do with Faith in this story may be a little controversial, and I'm sure some people will disagree with the way I've portrayed some things here, but it's all a case of interpretation, and I'm just challenging myself to see what I can do and whether I can make it believable or not. I've already decided the direction of the fic which I most probably won't change, but CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is appreciated for future fics.
IMPORTANT: At this point I want to make clear a policy about reviewing on this fic. I am well aware of problems that could be faced in crossing these two TV shows over, and that even though they have a lot of similarities, they also have a lot of differences. What I am looking for in feedback is whether you think the writing, the plotline or the interpretation of the characters is good, or even if you're simply enjoying the story. What I'm not looking for are people to point out problems with crossing the two over, because I assume that if you are interested in reading this story, you are willing to overlook the technicalities and appreciate the fic for what it is – a fun fanfiction which crosses over two of my favourite shows that I enjoy writing and hope that others enjoy reading.
I apologise for having to put such a serious tone on – I'm normally a fun laidback person when it comes to these stories – it's just I don't want a repeat performance of a review which I think was incredibly unnecessary for what I have envisioned. I hope the rest of you agree with me and understand. . .as for everybody else's comments, you have no idea how much I appreciate what you have to say and the fact that you're reading this. I thank you.
Anyway, I've babbled enough. . .shut up Nat. . .here is chapter 2 of my story!
Chapter 2 – Journeys and Discoveries
San Francisco
An hour later, Piper was carrying her heavy suitcase down the hall on the second floor. Her hands were struggling to pull the huge bag of clothes and supplies that she was sure she'd need. Eventually, she let go of it, knowing there was no way she could carry it all the way down the stairs.
'I give up!' she said to herself, blowing her fringe out of her face. 'Prue!' she called out. 'A little help here!'
Prue stamped out of her bedroom, already frustrated with the minimal amount of time she had for packing. 'What?!'
'Please can you do your Telekinesis thing on my suitcase?' Piper pleaded. Prue glanced over at the bulging bag.
'OK, but only down the stairs. To the car – you're on your own.' She squinted her eyes, and the suitcase zoomed lightly to the bottom of the stairs and propped itself down perfectly.
'Thank you!' Piper looked gratefully at her sister, who had already gone back to her room to pack.
Phoebe emerged from her room, dragging her own suitcase, her arms hanging back, trying with all her force to pull it.
'I think I'm all set,' Phoebe said smiling. 'Where's Prue?' She straightened herself out, placing her hands on her hips.
'In her room, a little moody,' Piper replied, stretching out the creases on her sweater.
'Can you help me with my suitcase?' Phoebe asked, looking at Piper's down in the hall. '. . .since you've somehow managed with yours?'
Piper excused: 'Yeah, that's because Prue used her powers on it.'
Phoebe looked pensive for a moment, and then shrugged. 'Fine. She can do that for me.'
The two sisters headed down the stairs, preparing themselves to leave.
'So I've been thinking. . .' said Phoebe slowly. 'About this whole. . .giant snake thing. . .' she gesticulated with her hands. 'We're obviously gonna need to. . .y'know. . .do magick and stuff, so uh. . .'
'Phoebe, spit it out,' Piper insisted.
'I think we should take the Book of Shadows,' she speedily blabbered.
Piper winced. 'I really don't think that's such a good idea, Phoebs.'
'What isn't?' Prue's voice was heard up the stairs. Two suitcases flew down and propped themselves next to Piper's. Behind them, Prue walked down the steps, holding on to the banister.
'Phoebe thinks we should take the Book of Shadows,' Piper said with a sigh.
'Absolutely not,' Prue said, not missing a beat. Phoebe stuck out her hands in front of Prue.
'Just hear me out, OK? We're leaving the house for a longer period of time – there's no one here, so anybody can just walk in to take it. . .' Prue was about to interrupt, but Phoebe kept speaking. '. . .AND we might need a spell in there to vanquish whatever that thing was.'
Prue sighed exasperatedly, stern look on her face.
'Come on Prue!' Phoebe urged, jumping up and down. 'I know we never take it out of the house, but I really think we need it now.'
Piper directed herself toward Prue. 'The girl does have a point.'
'We can ask Dan to guard the house,' Prue defended.
'From warlocks and demons?' Phoebe pointed out.
'What about Leo?' Prue suggested.
Piper became alert. 'Uh. . .I don't think that's the best plan. For one thing, Leo has other things to do than just hang around here, and another. . .yeah.' She stopped herself before she went into too much detail.
Prue watched Phoebe's desperate expression, and eventually gave in. 'Alright, go get it.'
Phoebe rushed up the stairs, squealing like a little girl. The two remaining sisters just laughed.
Piper went to open the door, but just as she swung it open, she caught sight of Dan who was just about to knock.
'Dan!' Piper said surprised. 'Hi!'
'Hey,' he said in a friendly tone. 'Can I come in?'
'Actually. . .' Piper began, but Phoebe rushed down the stairs, carrying the big book in her arms.
'OK, I got it, let's. . .' she silenced herself once she saw Dan. 'Dan, hi!'
Piper smiled nervously. 'Listen, uh. . .my sisters and I are going away for a while. Just a couple of weeks to get some things done, so. . .just. . .bear that in mind.'
Dan stood there, a clearly confused expression on his face. 'OK. . .I guess I'll see you soon. . .'
Hurriedly, Piper began shutting the door. 'OK, thanks for stopping by. . .' she closed it, turning her back to it. 'Phoebe, watch where you wave that thing!' She pointed at the Book of Shadows. Phoebe shrugged apologetically, unzipping her bag and putting the book in it.
'We all ready?' Prue checked. Her two sisters nodded, as they opened the door and dragged their suitcases to the car.
**********
Sunnydale
Oz and Xander made their way down the steps to Willy's. They were going over their interrogation strategy carefully.
'Alright. . .so we don't take any crap, right?' Xander encouraged.
'OK.' Oz nodded.
'If he refuses to give us answers, we'll beat him to a pulp until he does, right?'
Oz shrugged. 'If you say so.'
Xander stopped walking, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet. 'So. . .can I be bad cop?'
Oz hesitated, unsure of what to say. 'I wanna say yes. . .but I don't know whether you'll be able to handle it.'
Xander nodded eagerly. 'I can! I will! I promise!'
Oz acknowledged Xander's excitement. 'Well, OK. I think I would've done a better job, but you obviously want it more than I do.'
Xander smiled thankfully, as they entered the demon infested bar. Willy was drying a glass behind the bar, when he lifted his head up. 'Hey, it's you!'
'No friendly talk,' Xander said in a tone that was attempting to be menacing. 'We want some information, buddy, and we want it now.'
'Whoa, OK. . .' Willy lifted up his hands defensively. 'What do you wanna know?'
'There's this box. . .' Oz said simply. 'It's meant to help with the Ascension. Have you heard anything about it?'
Willy shrugged secretively. 'I. . .dunno what you're talking about. . .' He rubbed his glass even more nervously.
'Cut the crap, Willy,' Xander said. 'You know something and you just don't wanna tell us.' Oz took Xander's arm, muttering to him:
'Calm down, we got him right where we want him.'
Willy looked away from them while he spoke. 'Well. . .there might have been some gossip in here about a box, but I'm not sure it's related.'
'You either give us answers. . .or we'll make you give them to us!' Xander threatened, trying to come up with a cool line. Oz shushed Xander again.
'Well. . .' Willy leaned in, making sure no one else was eavesdropping, getting his voice to a whisper. 'There has been word of some box coming out of South America, not sure what. All on the demon black market. It's meant to be arriving tomorrow night at the airport. That's all I know, I swear.'
Xander nodded, mean look still in place. 'You better hope you're telling the truth. . .for your own sake!' He pointed his finger warningly at Willy.
'I am, of course I am – wouldn't want the Slayer after me,' Willy assured.
Oz spoke up. 'Thanks for your help. It really means a lot.' The two started walking away, but Willy called after them.
'Hey kid!' he was referring to Xander, who spun around. 'Very impressive – the interrogation technique's definitely improved since last time. Truly terrifying.'
Xander smiled proudly, walking out with Oz to the daylight. 'You hear that? He thought I was truly terrifying!'
**********
Faith lay on her back, in her bed in the apartment the Mayor had given her after she'd joined his side. It was truly luxury; a huge bed, her own bathroom, a Play station. . .any girl's dream. He was a daddy that loved her. More than she could say for her real parents. A father who'd abandoned her and a mother who spent all her time getting drunk and wishing she were dead. . .
She rolled over onto her stomach, deep in thought, flashbacks of the recent events going through her mind.
*Buffy stared disbelievingly at her. 'Why Faith? What's in it for you?' She'd turned to her, thinking she was so sure of herself, covering up her complete feelings. All she'd concentrated on was her rage; how she'd never be what Buffy was. . .she didn't dare think of the times Buffy had reached out to her. 'What isn't? You know, I come to Sunnydale. I'm the Slayer. I do my job kicking ass better than anyone. What do I hear about everywhere I go? Buffy. So I slay, I behave, I do the good little girl routine. And who's everybody thank? Buffy.'*
Faith had been harsh. She'd needed to so that she could carry out her boss' plan – her daddy's plan, because he loved her. She couldn't disappoint him. But at the same time, it had hurt so much to do that to Buffy.
She felt pulled apart. She had after she'd killed the Mayor's deputy, when she could have either turned herself in or run away. She'd gotten too used to running away.
So she'd opted for that. But she couldn't be all alone in it. Why had she gone to the Mayor at all? Because she knew that if she didn't face her crime and pay the price, she would have nowhere else to turn. Maybe he would have accepted her. And he did.
With Buffy's gang, it was do the right thing or be gone. At least that's the impression she'd gotten. She couldn't do time – she was a Slayer, she had her rights! She wanted to fight the good fight, be on the right side. . .but if that couldn't happen, she'd settle for the other one.
*Buffy was shocked. 'Getting rid of the evidence doesn't make the problem go away.' Faith turned to face Buffy, trying to ooze confidence. 'It does for me.' Buffy shook inside, not knowing what else to say. 'Faith, you don't get it. You killed a man.' Faith looked her right in the eye, not letting her inner feelings be revealed – neither to Buffy, nor to herself. . .'No, *you* don't get it. I don't care.'*
Faith wiped a tear from her eye, the pain catching up with her. That guilt had already started to gnaw away at her insides. . .this girl had been so worried about her, putting all her energy into making her a better person – and how had she repaid her? By going to work for the bad guy.
She crawled under the covers of her bed, letting the duvet cover her body completely, like a little cocoon that would protect her from the outside world.
She hated herself for what she'd done. But she had no other choice.
**********
Buffy had dressed herself completely in black clothing in order to easily hide. Angel had been the same when she'd gone to him to ask him for help in the mission, and now they crept the already darkening streets of Sunnydale towards City Hall.
'Do we know what we're listening for?' Angel asked, seeing the back of the building in the distance.
'There's a box,' Buffy explained. 'One that the Mayor apparently needs to Ascend. We don't know much about it – all we know is that we don't think he has it yet. . .'
'. . .so we're here to see if he plans on getting it, and if he mentions anything more about what it might be?' Angel finished off for her.
'Right!' They walked in silence, approaching City Hall more and more. Finally, Buffy broke it.
'So I've been thinking about college,' she said brightly.
'Yeah?' His tone made it clear he was interested in hearing more.
She nodded. 'I got into Northwestern. . .although I don't think I'll go that far. Especially with me being the only Slayer and all. . .so if that doesn't work out. . .there's UC Sunnydale. . .' She looked at Angel hopefully, seeing if he would react. He showed no sign of change. '. . .which would be a good choice too.'
He nodded. 'Those are both good.'
Buffy stopped walking, even though they were only a minute away from their destination. 'You really don't care where I go? How far apart we are?'
Angel turned away, embarrassed to look at her. 'It's your life. Your decisions. I could tell you what I want, or I could tell you what I think is best for you. I believe you'd prefer the latter.'
Buffy sighed, frustrated. Her voice had begun to shake. 'It would be nice to have some indication of whether you care about us!'
He looked her in the eye, complete seriousness on his face. 'Of course I care. I just think that what would be best for you would be to go on your own.'
Buffy felt that her legs couldn't hold her much longer. 'What's that supposed to mean?' He was about to answer, but then some voices were heard nearby. Instead, he said: 'In the bush. Hide.'
The two of them ran behind the greenery, shuffling next to one another as they saw the Mayor coming out of a limo, vampire minions in tow. They were at the back of the building, so things like this were not unusual to happen. It's what Buffy had been hoping for.
'Now, I just want to make it clear. . .' the Mayor said firmly to the vampires. 'This box is very powerful and very important. It contains billions of little demonic things that I need to digest to be able to Ascend. Without them, I am useless. I hope you understand that that is why I'm putting my Faith as head of the job, but of course I will make sure I am there.' His tone had been serious, but now switched to lighter. 'Oh, golly, this is just so exciting! Aren't you all excited? My plan is finally coming into action. And it all happens tomorrow night. Don't any of you be late, alright?' He laughed infectiously, before skipping into the building, minions at his tail.
Once Buffy was sure they were out of earshot, she stood up out of the bush. 'Well, that was convenient.'
'I think we've got everything we need,' Angel said, as they ran away from the scene. Buffy needed to talk to Angel about her future – their future. But for now, it would have to wait. More important things had to be dealt with.
**********
In the complete darkness, the Halliwell sisters approached Sunnydale, passing the 'Welcome' sign that had been seen by so many different people. . .and things.
'Finally, we're here!' Phoebe exclaimed, sitting up all of a sudden.
'What should we do now?' Prue asked. 'We can't go to Sunnydale High – I don't think – until tomorrow when there's actually life there.'
Piper looked at a building they were about to drive by. 'Hey Prue, turn left here, would you?' Her sister obeyed and they ended up in the parking area of a motel.
'How about,' Piper suggested, 'we stay here for the night, then head to Sunnydale High tomorrow morning, blend in as high school students, and see if we can find anyone that knows anything about demons, or if we're lucky, about Graduation.'
The other two sisters silently agreed as they parked the car, prepared to pull out the suitcases, and stay in whatever conditions were offered to them for the night.
**********
A/N: Next up, we have the Charmed Ones finding out a bit more about the Hellmouth and finally going to Sunnydale High. . .also, some more Faith and the Mayor.
