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: I've been getting a lot of requests to keep Angel and Buffy together, so I've decided to let you – the reviewers – choose the ending of that plot. Despite the next scene, trust me when I say I can make it go either way. In your reviews, tell me whether you want Angel to stay or to leave (as well as if you like how the story's playing out). Enjoy!
Chapter 5 – Showdown for the Box
The sun slowly set, and Buffy walked through the familiar cemetery alone. She hoped to God she wouldn't encounter any vampires or similar because she knew that she would have to sustain all her energy for tonight's showdown.
She came up to the mausoleum she had so many times before, and gently pushed the door open. She popped her head around the frame, seeing if her boyfriend was in any range of view.
'Angel?' she called out. She walked in, still looking around, until he emerged from the side, buttoning up a shirt.
'Buffy.' He did up the last button and edged closer to her. 'Is everything alright?'
She stood confidently. 'You in the mood for a fight?'
He smiled mildly. 'As long as it's not with you.'
'The gang and I are heading to the airport in an hour. That's where the Mayor's picking up the box. I kinda need your assistance on the big confrontation part.'
'Of course, I couldn't let you face it alone,' Angel grabbed his duster and started putting it on.
'Well, I won't be totally alone. . .' she took his hand and felt a surge of energy flow through her, excitement she always felt when he touched her. 'We've got company.'
'What kind of company?' he asked uneasily.
'It's nothing bad, it's just. . .they're these three super-powerful witch sisters – one of them had a premonition about Graduation, they came down here to help and. . .they're really useful of course, it's just I get the idea that Willow's feeling a little useless at the moment – magick was always her department, y'know?'
Angel stopped walking. 'Are you sure we can trust these witches? Do we know who they are?'
'Uh. . .' Buffy gestured with one hand, trying to remember. '. . .they said they were called. . .the Charmed Ones?'
'The Charmed Ones?' he sounded impressed. 'That's quite an honor.'
They started walking again. 'You know who they are?'
Angel nodded. 'The three most powerful witches in the world. Each with their own unique power and able to perform spells with barely any effort. Use it to fight demons and warlocks. Yeah – if Willow's serious about becoming a witch herself, there's nobody better to get tips from.'
Buffy let out a small laugh. 'I can't believe you know that much and you never mentioned them.'
Angel shrugged his shoulders. 'Never came up.' He paused. 'So they're going to help?'
'Only because they insist.' She smiled at him, and he could hold it in no longer.
'Buffy, I've been thinking a long time about us. . .'
She immediately frowned.
'Especially now with you going to college and all. . .I think you should have the opportunity to do what you want.'
She snatched her hand away from his, startling him. 'What are you trying to say?' she said sharply.
He looked down, not able to see her face.
'After you've defeated the Mayor – whether it be tonight or Graduation or sometime in between – I'm going to leave Sunnydale. . .for good.'
She put her hand over her mouth, tearfully forcing him to look up at her. 'So that's it? You're just giving up on us?'
'I'm not,' he insisted. 'I just don't want you to. . .feel tied down because of me.'
'That's my decision to make!' she cried out, droplets of tears streaming down her cheeks.
'And I've made mine,' he regretfully said. 'You've helped me so much, Buffy. You loved me when I thought no one else could. But we need to go our separate ways. Deep down, you know that too.'
She was still sobbing, and nothing seemed to be stopping it. 'You had to tell me this now, totally break me down emotionally when I'm going into a fight where everything matters.'
'I'm sorry.' He felt his own eyes water at seeing her in this much pain. 'I couldn't keep it from you much longer.'
She ran her fingers though her hair, finally getting a hold of herself.
'We can't talk about this right now,' she said, wiping her tears away. She treaded in the direction of her high school, Angel just behind her.
'Buffy, please, don't. . .'
'Look!' she spun around, her voice a croaky shout. 'I have to fight now, so I'm gonna put on a brave face and be the Slayer. But just so you know, you have hurt me more than I ever thought you possibly could with a soul.'
Her words stung in the air, and Angel felt the worst guilt he'd had in years take over him.
**********
Faith sat at her dressing table, picking out a bright red lipstick, smearing it over her lips. She pressed them together, making it even, and just stared at herself in the mirror.
It would go fine. . .they'd get the box, get out of there, and the Mayor would use it for his Ascension. No problems.
But deep down she knew it wouldn't be like that. If Buffy hadn't found a way to be at the airport that night, she'd find some other way to try take the box away.
She couldn't let herself give in – she was a better warrior than Buffy. She worked for the Mayor now and would help him. She had to stop thinking about the past and what could've been, and start looking ahead to her future.
Two taps from the door echoed into her room. She swung her head around, jumping up as if expecting someone to attack her.
The doorknob turned, and Mayor Wilkins leaned his head in.
'Knock knock?' he said with a grin. He noticed Faith's position and laughed heartily. 'Relax Sugarplum, it's only me!'
Faith dropped her arms casually at her sides, breathing a sigh of relief. She snatched her jacket off her bed, threading her arms through her the sleeves. 'We all set?'
He put his hands together. 'Absolutely. We're heading to the airport now.' His tone darkened as she stood in the doorway, but he held her by her right shoulder. 'Remember Faith, you're in charge tonight. I want everything to go smoothly, and I trust you will take care of whatever you have to.'
She nodded. 'Yeah, boss.' She looked away, not allowing herself to look him in the eye.
**********
Back in the library, everybody seemed to be armed and ready. Buffy and Angel had arrived, looking like they always did.
'Alright,' Xander hid an axe in the left side of his coat, a crossbow in the right and a stake up his sleeve. 'I'm ready.'
Oz slung a weapons bag over his shoulder, Willow standing by him. 'We're good too.'
Giles was the most armed, a variety of weaponry cleverly concealed in each part of his body. He lifted his head towards Buffy and Angel. 'You two need anything?'
Buffy shook her head. 'I've got a stake. Apart from that, it's the good old fists.'
The Halliwell sisters looked on in awe. 'This is unbelievable,' commented Prue. 'To think – they've probably been doing this longer than we have.'
'And they don't even have powers like we do,' said Piper. 'Well, apart from Buffy being the Slayer, and that Willow girl kind of a witch. . .'
'Yeah, they're nice. . .' Phoebe said absent-mindedly, staring at the office. At that moment, Wesley emerged, completely covered in weapons and some sort of armor. It looked as if he was part of some Renaissance Fair.
'Wesley!' Phoebe called out. She skittered over to him, but before she could take his arm, Cordy budged in front of her. She hooked her arm over his.
'Wes, you look so manly in that armor!' Cordy admired, stroking her hands over the metal and plastic.
He gave a proud smile, and his voice sounded strained as if from all the weight pressing upon him. 'It's always important to keep safe on missions.'
A smile played at Giles' lips, as he went over to Wesley. 'I agree, Mr. Wyndham-Pryce.' He patted Wesley on the back hard enough so that the Watcher lost his balance and collapsed on the floor like a plank.
Buffy snorted, despite her low mood, putting her hand under her nose, while Phoebe rushed over to assist him.
'Oh God, are you al. . .' her voice broke off as she touched his arm, and was gripped with a premonition.
The image she witnessed terrified her. Wesley's 'armor' had almost been entirely stripped off, and he was cornered into an alley, fighting heard in the background. She noticed the detail of the airport, as her crush got bitten, letting out a silent cry.
She thought it would be over, but it didn't stop. She saw Buffy grabbing the box and running off with it, every other ally surviving – just Wesley left behind to suffer and die because of the blood being sucked out of his body.
As soon as her eyes snapped open, she burst out: 'Wesley can't go.'
'What?' his voice was painful.
'I have no problem with that,' stated Buffy.
Phoebe stood up from her knees. 'I just had a premonition. About Wesley.'
'Did he scream like a girl?' Giles joked.
Phoebe shook her head seriously. 'No. . .no. He was killed.'
There was a stunned moment of silence. The only sound emitted was a little whimper from Wesley.
'I think it's best he doesn't go,' Oz suggested.
'But I have to!' Wesley lifted his upper body on his elbows. 'How accurate are these premonitions of yours anyway?' He directed the question at Phoebe.
She winced. '100%.'
'Oh.' He dropped his arms at his sides and lay lifelessly on the floor.
She tried to brighten up. 'But the good news is that I also saw us getting the box.'
'Really?' Buffy was intrigued. Phoebe nodded definitely, and Buffy felt her confidence boost.
'We can't waste anymore time,' she said determined. 'Wes – you stay here. Everybody else ready?' She faced the Halliwells, waiting for their response. 'You girls?'
'Yeah,' they let out nonchalantly.
'We've got some general Demon Distraction potions,' Prue announced.
Buffy furrowed her brow. 'Demon distraction?'
Piper shrugged. 'We just found it in the Book of Shadows. We're not sure if it'll work or not, but it's meant to keep them distracted for a few seconds.'
'C-could you leave that recipe for me?' Willow piped up. 'It could help Buffy if. . .y'know. . .it works.'
Prue hesitated, cupping her elbows. 'We don't really like giving out spells from the Book of Shadows to other witches. They were actually only meant for us to perform.'
'Oh.' Willow dropped her head, saddened by this. Oz affectionately rubbed her back with the hand that was holding no weapons.
'We have to leave *now*,' Buffy said seriously. 'Let's go.'
They left the library in a line, one after the other, while Cordy nursed Wesley, who was still on the ground.
**********
They marched together in the breezy night, Buffy leading them, Angel closely by her side, the Halliwells in a row behind them, and the rest of the gang behind them.
They could hear a plane engine in the background. Silently, they turned a corner and saw a small jet plane parked, stairs out, with a group of men at the bottom of them. They were looking around eagerly as if waiting for someone and indeed, a group of men guarding what seemed like a standard sized box.
'That's it,' Buffy quietly said to herself. She turned to face everyone. 'Willow, Giles, Xander, Oz – stay here. Angel, the sisters and I will go and try get the box without a struggle.' She looked over her shoulder and she imagined a light bulb flashing on over her head.
'And I just had an idea.'
She gestured for the four to follow her. 'Act casual, and follow my lead.'
They walked up to the men at the plane, Buffy trying to keep a confident stride in place.
'Hello boys,' she called out. 'I think you have something of mine.'
'Yeah?' the man who seemed like the leader challenged. He spoke with a Spanish accent. 'Who might you be?'
Buffy crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. 'The name's Faith.'
Angel stood closer to Buffy. 'We're here for the Mayor. We believe you have a box for us.' He spoke in a tone that was as menacing as when Buffy had heard Angelus speak.
The man looked suspiciously over them. 'Who might you three girls be?' He looked over at the Charmed sisters.
'All you need to know,' Prue answered assertively, 'is that we're powerful sorceresses the Mayor's hired to make sure no one interferes with this transaction.'
"Hmm, she's good on her feet," Buffy thought to herself.
'This box is incredibly powerful,' the man informed. 'I'm sure the Mayor would've come himself for something as important as this.'
Buffy put on an attitude, trying her best to imagine herself as her enemy- Slayer. 'I'm the Mayor's right-hand-girl, OK? I don't take crap from anyone. My boss needs this for the Ascension – just give me the damn box!'
The man still looked doubtful, despite Buffy's convincing performance. 'Fine. Boys. . .'
The guards around the box picked it up and began handing it to Buffy and Angel. The two of them snatched it away, taking a handlebar each, and began walking away.
'Walk quickly, let's get out of here,' Buffy whispered to Angel.
The men had already all walked back into the plane, and for a minute it seemed as if they would get away with it.
'Going somewhere, B?'
Buffy's heart stopped as she turned to the direction of that all-too- familiar voice, keeping a firm grip on the box.
Faith stood there, hands on her hips, with several vampires surrounding her and the Mayor standing just behind, any path to him blocked by his minions.
'I believe that's ours.' She pointed to the box. 'Didn't your mommy teach you not to take things that weren't yours?'
Buffy muttered: 'Angel, take the box. Take it to the gang and tell them to run.' Her gaze never left Faith.
Faith didn't budge. 'Boys, go.'
A herd of vampires viciously threw themselves upon the five, and Buffy was instantly fighting most of them off, Phoebe kicking the occasional vampire away from herself while Prue flung them away with her mind.
'I can't. . .handle. . .this. . .' Buffy barely managed to utter.
Piper hyperventilated. 'Prue – the potions, get the potions!'
Prue took a break from her mind-fighting, and took the potions out of her pockets, giving a small bottle to either sister, and they threw them at the vampires. They chanted together:
*'We call upon the spirits that have fought for good,
Faze the demons in our midst so they may be destroyed as they should.'*
A swirly pink smoke came out of the liquid that was leaking onto the ground, and for a few seconds, the vampires all seemed in a trance, staring transfixed at the smoke. Buffy grabbed the opportunity and thrust her stake into a couple of them.
Unfortunately, what the Halliwells hadn't realised was that one of their allies was a demon.
Angel stared at the pink smoke with wide childish eyes, mouth slightly open.
'Oooh, pretty. . .' he dropped the box at his feet.
'Angel – no!' Buffy yelled. Before she could do anything, Faith had seen what had happened and made for the box. She grabbed it and carried it towards the limo. Buffy ran after Faith.
'Whoa!' Piper stuck out her hands, freezing everyone in the scene. 'What just happened?'
'I think the cute brooding guy's got a slight skeleton in his closet,' Phoebe walked over to Angel, frozen staring at the pink smoke.
'He's a demon,' Prue clarified.
'Well done ladies. . .' the Mayor walked among the frozen figures. 'You've just made a revelation about a vampire with a soul! He fights on your side girls, has for years!'
'Prue, he didn't freeze. . .' Piper said urgently. 'Do something!'
Prue looked around anxiously. She saw a steel rod by where the plane was, and with her hand made it fly into the Mayor's heart.
He looked stunned for a second, but then stood casually. With one strong pull, he plucked out the rod and the wound healed itself. The sisters stared, completely shocked.
'What you girlies don't understand,' he said conceited, 'is that you can't kill an invincible demon with fancy tricks.' He walked over to Buffy's frozen figure that was stuck a few yards away from Faith.
'I also thank you for making this so easy.' He grabbed Buffy, and with that, Piper's freezing undid itself. He coiled his arm around her throat, and she helplessly tried to pull it away, legs flailing wildly.
'Oh my God!' Phoebe cried out.
'One move girls,' the Mayor threatened. 'One move, and the Slayer's neck gets broken – if she doesn't get strangled in the process of course. That goes for you too, Angel.'
By now, all the vampires, including Angel, had gone out of their trance. Faith turned back to see the scene and gasped.
Flashbacks of the time she'd spent with Buffy plagued her mind.
**Dancing at the Bronze together, surrounded by adoring guys. . .**
**Heading for a vampire nest together, with no plan of course, but deep down knowing that together they could beat it. The vampire nest was gloomy, only a few rays of sunlight getting in. Vampires lay all over the floor waiting out the day. Buffy and Faith kicked in the door. Bright sunlight washed in and onto one of them, who quickly burst into flames. The lot of them scrambled to their feet and began to run. The Slayers smiled onto the nest. Faith announced proudly: 'Rise and shine, people.' Buffy went on after her sister Slayer. 'It's your wake-up call.' They both pulled out stakes and ran in for a good fight.**
**And her favorite memory. . .in the weapon store. Even though they weren't exactly being good Samaritans then, she knew it was when they had bonded most, been the closest. . . Faith checked the trigger mechanism on the gun. 'When are ya gonna get this, B? Life for a Slayer is very simple. . .' she walked to a vertical case. 'Want...' she broke it, 'take...' she reached out for a set of nun- chucks, 'have.' She stuffed them into her pants. Buffy felt a bit unsure, but changed her mind when she spied a case of hunting knives. 'Want...' She walked to the case, 'take...' She stopped in front of it. 'Have.' She punched the glass with her fist, breaking it, and catching a dagger as it fell. She pulled her hand out and turned the blade over in her hand, smiling. 'I'm getting it.'**
And now, Buffy was dying.
She handed the box to some vampires passing by. 'Take this to the limo.' She watched her sister Slayer helplessly, not knowing how to act. A part of her wanted to rush over and pry away the Mayor's hands, but another knew that wasn't the wisest thing to do.
'Boss!' she called out to the Mayor, who barely loosened his grip. He looked at her.
'We got the box. It's not worth it.' Her insides shook as she said this. She hoped to God it sounded convincing, but more importantly, that it would save Buffy.
He took one last look at the girl whose life was in his hands, and threw her away from him. Buffy landed on the hard ground, hands around her neck, choking noises still sounding.
The Mayor took Faith's arm, digging his fingers into her. Faith looked back at Buffy for a precious moment, whose friends had already gathered around her.
**********
A/N: As I said before, remember to vote for whether you want Angel and Buffy together or not. . .coming up, the aftermath of the fight, the Mayor confronts Faith, Prue runs into someone, and a visit from our favourite Whitelighter. . .
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've been getting a lot of requests to keep Angel and Buffy together, so I've decided to let you – the reviewers – choose the ending of that plot. Despite the next scene, trust me when I say I can make it go either way. In your reviews, tell me whether you want Angel to stay or to leave (as well as if you like how the story's playing out). Enjoy!
Chapter 5 – Showdown for the Box
The sun slowly set, and Buffy walked through the familiar cemetery alone. She hoped to God she wouldn't encounter any vampires or similar because she knew that she would have to sustain all her energy for tonight's showdown.
She came up to the mausoleum she had so many times before, and gently pushed the door open. She popped her head around the frame, seeing if her boyfriend was in any range of view.
'Angel?' she called out. She walked in, still looking around, until he emerged from the side, buttoning up a shirt.
'Buffy.' He did up the last button and edged closer to her. 'Is everything alright?'
She stood confidently. 'You in the mood for a fight?'
He smiled mildly. 'As long as it's not with you.'
'The gang and I are heading to the airport in an hour. That's where the Mayor's picking up the box. I kinda need your assistance on the big confrontation part.'
'Of course, I couldn't let you face it alone,' Angel grabbed his duster and started putting it on.
'Well, I won't be totally alone. . .' she took his hand and felt a surge of energy flow through her, excitement she always felt when he touched her. 'We've got company.'
'What kind of company?' he asked uneasily.
'It's nothing bad, it's just. . .they're these three super-powerful witch sisters – one of them had a premonition about Graduation, they came down here to help and. . .they're really useful of course, it's just I get the idea that Willow's feeling a little useless at the moment – magick was always her department, y'know?'
Angel stopped walking. 'Are you sure we can trust these witches? Do we know who they are?'
'Uh. . .' Buffy gestured with one hand, trying to remember. '. . .they said they were called. . .the Charmed Ones?'
'The Charmed Ones?' he sounded impressed. 'That's quite an honor.'
They started walking again. 'You know who they are?'
Angel nodded. 'The three most powerful witches in the world. Each with their own unique power and able to perform spells with barely any effort. Use it to fight demons and warlocks. Yeah – if Willow's serious about becoming a witch herself, there's nobody better to get tips from.'
Buffy let out a small laugh. 'I can't believe you know that much and you never mentioned them.'
Angel shrugged his shoulders. 'Never came up.' He paused. 'So they're going to help?'
'Only because they insist.' She smiled at him, and he could hold it in no longer.
'Buffy, I've been thinking a long time about us. . .'
She immediately frowned.
'Especially now with you going to college and all. . .I think you should have the opportunity to do what you want.'
She snatched her hand away from his, startling him. 'What are you trying to say?' she said sharply.
He looked down, not able to see her face.
'After you've defeated the Mayor – whether it be tonight or Graduation or sometime in between – I'm going to leave Sunnydale. . .for good.'
She put her hand over her mouth, tearfully forcing him to look up at her. 'So that's it? You're just giving up on us?'
'I'm not,' he insisted. 'I just don't want you to. . .feel tied down because of me.'
'That's my decision to make!' she cried out, droplets of tears streaming down her cheeks.
'And I've made mine,' he regretfully said. 'You've helped me so much, Buffy. You loved me when I thought no one else could. But we need to go our separate ways. Deep down, you know that too.'
She was still sobbing, and nothing seemed to be stopping it. 'You had to tell me this now, totally break me down emotionally when I'm going into a fight where everything matters.'
'I'm sorry.' He felt his own eyes water at seeing her in this much pain. 'I couldn't keep it from you much longer.'
She ran her fingers though her hair, finally getting a hold of herself.
'We can't talk about this right now,' she said, wiping her tears away. She treaded in the direction of her high school, Angel just behind her.
'Buffy, please, don't. . .'
'Look!' she spun around, her voice a croaky shout. 'I have to fight now, so I'm gonna put on a brave face and be the Slayer. But just so you know, you have hurt me more than I ever thought you possibly could with a soul.'
Her words stung in the air, and Angel felt the worst guilt he'd had in years take over him.
**********
Faith sat at her dressing table, picking out a bright red lipstick, smearing it over her lips. She pressed them together, making it even, and just stared at herself in the mirror.
It would go fine. . .they'd get the box, get out of there, and the Mayor would use it for his Ascension. No problems.
But deep down she knew it wouldn't be like that. If Buffy hadn't found a way to be at the airport that night, she'd find some other way to try take the box away.
She couldn't let herself give in – she was a better warrior than Buffy. She worked for the Mayor now and would help him. She had to stop thinking about the past and what could've been, and start looking ahead to her future.
Two taps from the door echoed into her room. She swung her head around, jumping up as if expecting someone to attack her.
The doorknob turned, and Mayor Wilkins leaned his head in.
'Knock knock?' he said with a grin. He noticed Faith's position and laughed heartily. 'Relax Sugarplum, it's only me!'
Faith dropped her arms casually at her sides, breathing a sigh of relief. She snatched her jacket off her bed, threading her arms through her the sleeves. 'We all set?'
He put his hands together. 'Absolutely. We're heading to the airport now.' His tone darkened as she stood in the doorway, but he held her by her right shoulder. 'Remember Faith, you're in charge tonight. I want everything to go smoothly, and I trust you will take care of whatever you have to.'
She nodded. 'Yeah, boss.' She looked away, not allowing herself to look him in the eye.
**********
Back in the library, everybody seemed to be armed and ready. Buffy and Angel had arrived, looking like they always did.
'Alright,' Xander hid an axe in the left side of his coat, a crossbow in the right and a stake up his sleeve. 'I'm ready.'
Oz slung a weapons bag over his shoulder, Willow standing by him. 'We're good too.'
Giles was the most armed, a variety of weaponry cleverly concealed in each part of his body. He lifted his head towards Buffy and Angel. 'You two need anything?'
Buffy shook her head. 'I've got a stake. Apart from that, it's the good old fists.'
The Halliwell sisters looked on in awe. 'This is unbelievable,' commented Prue. 'To think – they've probably been doing this longer than we have.'
'And they don't even have powers like we do,' said Piper. 'Well, apart from Buffy being the Slayer, and that Willow girl kind of a witch. . .'
'Yeah, they're nice. . .' Phoebe said absent-mindedly, staring at the office. At that moment, Wesley emerged, completely covered in weapons and some sort of armor. It looked as if he was part of some Renaissance Fair.
'Wesley!' Phoebe called out. She skittered over to him, but before she could take his arm, Cordy budged in front of her. She hooked her arm over his.
'Wes, you look so manly in that armor!' Cordy admired, stroking her hands over the metal and plastic.
He gave a proud smile, and his voice sounded strained as if from all the weight pressing upon him. 'It's always important to keep safe on missions.'
A smile played at Giles' lips, as he went over to Wesley. 'I agree, Mr. Wyndham-Pryce.' He patted Wesley on the back hard enough so that the Watcher lost his balance and collapsed on the floor like a plank.
Buffy snorted, despite her low mood, putting her hand under her nose, while Phoebe rushed over to assist him.
'Oh God, are you al. . .' her voice broke off as she touched his arm, and was gripped with a premonition.
The image she witnessed terrified her. Wesley's 'armor' had almost been entirely stripped off, and he was cornered into an alley, fighting heard in the background. She noticed the detail of the airport, as her crush got bitten, letting out a silent cry.
She thought it would be over, but it didn't stop. She saw Buffy grabbing the box and running off with it, every other ally surviving – just Wesley left behind to suffer and die because of the blood being sucked out of his body.
As soon as her eyes snapped open, she burst out: 'Wesley can't go.'
'What?' his voice was painful.
'I have no problem with that,' stated Buffy.
Phoebe stood up from her knees. 'I just had a premonition. About Wesley.'
'Did he scream like a girl?' Giles joked.
Phoebe shook her head seriously. 'No. . .no. He was killed.'
There was a stunned moment of silence. The only sound emitted was a little whimper from Wesley.
'I think it's best he doesn't go,' Oz suggested.
'But I have to!' Wesley lifted his upper body on his elbows. 'How accurate are these premonitions of yours anyway?' He directed the question at Phoebe.
She winced. '100%.'
'Oh.' He dropped his arms at his sides and lay lifelessly on the floor.
She tried to brighten up. 'But the good news is that I also saw us getting the box.'
'Really?' Buffy was intrigued. Phoebe nodded definitely, and Buffy felt her confidence boost.
'We can't waste anymore time,' she said determined. 'Wes – you stay here. Everybody else ready?' She faced the Halliwells, waiting for their response. 'You girls?'
'Yeah,' they let out nonchalantly.
'We've got some general Demon Distraction potions,' Prue announced.
Buffy furrowed her brow. 'Demon distraction?'
Piper shrugged. 'We just found it in the Book of Shadows. We're not sure if it'll work or not, but it's meant to keep them distracted for a few seconds.'
'C-could you leave that recipe for me?' Willow piped up. 'It could help Buffy if. . .y'know. . .it works.'
Prue hesitated, cupping her elbows. 'We don't really like giving out spells from the Book of Shadows to other witches. They were actually only meant for us to perform.'
'Oh.' Willow dropped her head, saddened by this. Oz affectionately rubbed her back with the hand that was holding no weapons.
'We have to leave *now*,' Buffy said seriously. 'Let's go.'
They left the library in a line, one after the other, while Cordy nursed Wesley, who was still on the ground.
**********
They marched together in the breezy night, Buffy leading them, Angel closely by her side, the Halliwells in a row behind them, and the rest of the gang behind them.
They could hear a plane engine in the background. Silently, they turned a corner and saw a small jet plane parked, stairs out, with a group of men at the bottom of them. They were looking around eagerly as if waiting for someone and indeed, a group of men guarding what seemed like a standard sized box.
'That's it,' Buffy quietly said to herself. She turned to face everyone. 'Willow, Giles, Xander, Oz – stay here. Angel, the sisters and I will go and try get the box without a struggle.' She looked over her shoulder and she imagined a light bulb flashing on over her head.
'And I just had an idea.'
She gestured for the four to follow her. 'Act casual, and follow my lead.'
They walked up to the men at the plane, Buffy trying to keep a confident stride in place.
'Hello boys,' she called out. 'I think you have something of mine.'
'Yeah?' the man who seemed like the leader challenged. He spoke with a Spanish accent. 'Who might you be?'
Buffy crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. 'The name's Faith.'
Angel stood closer to Buffy. 'We're here for the Mayor. We believe you have a box for us.' He spoke in a tone that was as menacing as when Buffy had heard Angelus speak.
The man looked suspiciously over them. 'Who might you three girls be?' He looked over at the Charmed sisters.
'All you need to know,' Prue answered assertively, 'is that we're powerful sorceresses the Mayor's hired to make sure no one interferes with this transaction.'
"Hmm, she's good on her feet," Buffy thought to herself.
'This box is incredibly powerful,' the man informed. 'I'm sure the Mayor would've come himself for something as important as this.'
Buffy put on an attitude, trying her best to imagine herself as her enemy- Slayer. 'I'm the Mayor's right-hand-girl, OK? I don't take crap from anyone. My boss needs this for the Ascension – just give me the damn box!'
The man still looked doubtful, despite Buffy's convincing performance. 'Fine. Boys. . .'
The guards around the box picked it up and began handing it to Buffy and Angel. The two of them snatched it away, taking a handlebar each, and began walking away.
'Walk quickly, let's get out of here,' Buffy whispered to Angel.
The men had already all walked back into the plane, and for a minute it seemed as if they would get away with it.
'Going somewhere, B?'
Buffy's heart stopped as she turned to the direction of that all-too- familiar voice, keeping a firm grip on the box.
Faith stood there, hands on her hips, with several vampires surrounding her and the Mayor standing just behind, any path to him blocked by his minions.
'I believe that's ours.' She pointed to the box. 'Didn't your mommy teach you not to take things that weren't yours?'
Buffy muttered: 'Angel, take the box. Take it to the gang and tell them to run.' Her gaze never left Faith.
Faith didn't budge. 'Boys, go.'
A herd of vampires viciously threw themselves upon the five, and Buffy was instantly fighting most of them off, Phoebe kicking the occasional vampire away from herself while Prue flung them away with her mind.
'I can't. . .handle. . .this. . .' Buffy barely managed to utter.
Piper hyperventilated. 'Prue – the potions, get the potions!'
Prue took a break from her mind-fighting, and took the potions out of her pockets, giving a small bottle to either sister, and they threw them at the vampires. They chanted together:
*'We call upon the spirits that have fought for good,
Faze the demons in our midst so they may be destroyed as they should.'*
A swirly pink smoke came out of the liquid that was leaking onto the ground, and for a few seconds, the vampires all seemed in a trance, staring transfixed at the smoke. Buffy grabbed the opportunity and thrust her stake into a couple of them.
Unfortunately, what the Halliwells hadn't realised was that one of their allies was a demon.
Angel stared at the pink smoke with wide childish eyes, mouth slightly open.
'Oooh, pretty. . .' he dropped the box at his feet.
'Angel – no!' Buffy yelled. Before she could do anything, Faith had seen what had happened and made for the box. She grabbed it and carried it towards the limo. Buffy ran after Faith.
'Whoa!' Piper stuck out her hands, freezing everyone in the scene. 'What just happened?'
'I think the cute brooding guy's got a slight skeleton in his closet,' Phoebe walked over to Angel, frozen staring at the pink smoke.
'He's a demon,' Prue clarified.
'Well done ladies. . .' the Mayor walked among the frozen figures. 'You've just made a revelation about a vampire with a soul! He fights on your side girls, has for years!'
'Prue, he didn't freeze. . .' Piper said urgently. 'Do something!'
Prue looked around anxiously. She saw a steel rod by where the plane was, and with her hand made it fly into the Mayor's heart.
He looked stunned for a second, but then stood casually. With one strong pull, he plucked out the rod and the wound healed itself. The sisters stared, completely shocked.
'What you girlies don't understand,' he said conceited, 'is that you can't kill an invincible demon with fancy tricks.' He walked over to Buffy's frozen figure that was stuck a few yards away from Faith.
'I also thank you for making this so easy.' He grabbed Buffy, and with that, Piper's freezing undid itself. He coiled his arm around her throat, and she helplessly tried to pull it away, legs flailing wildly.
'Oh my God!' Phoebe cried out.
'One move girls,' the Mayor threatened. 'One move, and the Slayer's neck gets broken – if she doesn't get strangled in the process of course. That goes for you too, Angel.'
By now, all the vampires, including Angel, had gone out of their trance. Faith turned back to see the scene and gasped.
Flashbacks of the time she'd spent with Buffy plagued her mind.
**Dancing at the Bronze together, surrounded by adoring guys. . .**
**Heading for a vampire nest together, with no plan of course, but deep down knowing that together they could beat it. The vampire nest was gloomy, only a few rays of sunlight getting in. Vampires lay all over the floor waiting out the day. Buffy and Faith kicked in the door. Bright sunlight washed in and onto one of them, who quickly burst into flames. The lot of them scrambled to their feet and began to run. The Slayers smiled onto the nest. Faith announced proudly: 'Rise and shine, people.' Buffy went on after her sister Slayer. 'It's your wake-up call.' They both pulled out stakes and ran in for a good fight.**
**And her favorite memory. . .in the weapon store. Even though they weren't exactly being good Samaritans then, she knew it was when they had bonded most, been the closest. . . Faith checked the trigger mechanism on the gun. 'When are ya gonna get this, B? Life for a Slayer is very simple. . .' she walked to a vertical case. 'Want...' she broke it, 'take...' she reached out for a set of nun- chucks, 'have.' She stuffed them into her pants. Buffy felt a bit unsure, but changed her mind when she spied a case of hunting knives. 'Want...' She walked to the case, 'take...' She stopped in front of it. 'Have.' She punched the glass with her fist, breaking it, and catching a dagger as it fell. She pulled her hand out and turned the blade over in her hand, smiling. 'I'm getting it.'**
And now, Buffy was dying.
She handed the box to some vampires passing by. 'Take this to the limo.' She watched her sister Slayer helplessly, not knowing how to act. A part of her wanted to rush over and pry away the Mayor's hands, but another knew that wasn't the wisest thing to do.
'Boss!' she called out to the Mayor, who barely loosened his grip. He looked at her.
'We got the box. It's not worth it.' Her insides shook as she said this. She hoped to God it sounded convincing, but more importantly, that it would save Buffy.
He took one last look at the girl whose life was in his hands, and threw her away from him. Buffy landed on the hard ground, hands around her neck, choking noises still sounding.
The Mayor took Faith's arm, digging his fingers into her. Faith looked back at Buffy for a precious moment, whose friends had already gathered around her.
**********
A/N: As I said before, remember to vote for whether you want Angel and Buffy together or not. . .coming up, the aftermath of the fight, the Mayor confronts Faith, Prue runs into someone, and a visit from our favourite Whitelighter. . .
