Three Slayers 12b
"You idiots!" Wilkins raged. He knew his amiable mask had completely evaporated but didn't care. Without the Box he couldn't ascend. He glared at his minions taking a sliver of delight from their fear. They might well be scared, after tonight's disaster they'd be lucky if he didn't stake each and every one of them out in the mid-day sun. "You incompetent nincompoops!"
"Take a chill pill boss." The office door swung open to reveal his girl frog-marching a short, frightened-looking teen into the room. "My dumb bastard of an ex decided to stop by for a visit. Sweet of him uh? Back off bozo," the brunette growled at one of the vampires who'd reached for the youth. "I figure the white hats will swap him," his girl back-handed the boy across the back of the head eliciting a pained yelp. "For the Box. Unless you don't want it back, then," Faith cast a significant glance to the room's vampiric occupants. "Well he'll make someone an afternoon snack."
"Such unpleasantness is unnecessary," Wilkins decided. "Put him in one of the store rooms, Faith. Nobody," his gaze impaled every one of the room's vampires. "Is to touch him. Faith."
The beautiful brunette, he really would have to set her up with someone suitable – perhaps that Lindsey fellow from Wolfram & Hart, oh what a lovely couple they'd make, turned back to him. "Yeah boss?"
"Well done, you showed commendable initiative." Seeing the Slayer's smirk, he decided she needed taking down a peg or two. "But Faith, cut out the slang and cussing, nobody likes a gutter mouth."
He thought he saw the merest flicker of anger in the brunette's eyes before her dutiful nod. "Yes boss."
* * *
"Nobody likes a gutter mouth!" Faith hissed furiously as she stormed the empty corridor. "That self-righteous ass. When he's dead I'm gonna crap on his -."
"Faith." Jonathan cut off her rant with a gasp.
"WHAT!"
"Can't breath."
"Oh," in her anger she'd tightened her grip around Jonathan's neck, causing her boyfriend to begin to blue. "Sorry babe," she eased up. "That better?"
"Yeah." "Okay," seeing the storeroom she shoved the door open and pushed Jonathan inside before following him inside. After closing the door she looked with concern at her boyfriend. "You got the lock-pick kit?"
"In my sock."
"Ugh," she wrinkled her nose. "Nobody will blame me for not finding it, way your feet smell." She grinned at her boyfriend's glare before turning serious. Placing her hands on his shoulders she looked deep into his eyes. "Sweetie," she heard but didn't care about the tremble in her voice. "If you don't want to do this that's five by five. We can tell the others you couldn't break into the office. It'll just be our secret."
Jonathan looked at her for a second before shaking his head. "N..no, I've got to do this. I've got to make myself useful."
Faith sighed, god his bravery made her so wet but she got so scared he'd get hurt, only Ken and G were more important to her. "Five by five," she hugged Jonathan. "But be careful." She stepped away from her boyfriend and grinned. "Now," she began to stroke Johnny's shoulders and kiss his neck. "Time for your interrogation. Might get a little rough."
* * *
Xander slowed as he entered the library. The brazier with the potion was sat bubbling in the centre of the floor and the others were all there. With one exception, casting Kendra and Giles a worried glance he spoke. "Where's Johnny?"
His heart leapt when Buffy raised a computer disk. Faith and not a vampire had grabbed him. "He's missing. We found this where he should have been."
Xander took a breath. "Someone working for the Mayor must have snatched him."
Xander turned to Giles. "What do we do?" the desperation in his voice not completely feigned for the benefit of any possible bugs.
Giles sighed, a look of defeat in his eyes. "I'll ring Wilkins, organise an exchange for tomorrow night."
"I'm afraid not," Wesley rose from his seat. "I've given the matter considerable thought," Xander judged from the over-acting the younger Watcher had been in his boarding school's drama society. Probably playing the women's parts. "We simply cannot risk the lives of thousands to save one boy."
"That's what the good guys do," Xander replied. It's part of being loyal and honourable, helping your friends. Besides I seem to remember -."
"Do you think I bloody want this!" Wesley interrupted his tirade. "Well I don't but bloody -."
Suddenly Angel had his hands around the Englishman's throat, lifting him into the air. "He was under our care and we lost him. So we do whatever it takes to get him back, get it?"
"Put my boyfriend down!" Xander rolled his eyes back. Trust Cordy to get involved. "Kendra! Buffy!" the head cheerleader's tone got more strident with every word. "Kill!"
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "We're not attack dogs Cordy."
"Uh," the queen of Sunnydale High snorted. "Could have fooled me."
Seeing Kendra and Buffy's eyes widen at the insult Xander decided to step forward. "Angel, not helping."
The vampire turned to look at him and, unseen by the others bar him and Wesley winked. "Fine," dropping the Watcher to the floor, the vampire turned to Giles. "Giles?"
The older Watcher nodded. "I'll ring the Mayor's office right now."
* * *
Jonathan wiped the sweat out of his eyes. At first he thought he hadn't remembered what Giles had taught him but now the door was open. Peeking through he gasped in relief as he found the coast was clear. He started to tip-toe down the corridor then, realising how conspicuous he looked he walked normally, keeping his ears and eyes open for any sign of trouble. Every time he turned a corner he was sure he'd be grabbed by a couple of waiting vampires.
His heart attempting to pound its way out of his ribcage and his mouth drier than a desert, he eventually reached the inner sanctum. After standing by the door for a couple of minutes, reassuring himself that the room was empty he took a breath and eased the door open. Taking a breath he stepped through and hurried over to the cabinet where Faith said the Books of Ascension were kept. Sliding the walnut brown door open, he paled. "Oh shit!" Jonathan whispered at the sight that greeted him. He had to force down the vomit that rose in his throat at the macabre collection of arcane objects arrayed on the top and middle shelves, including human and demonic body parts. Still shuddering, Jonathan rapidly turned his attention to the bottom shelf. Crouching down, he pulled out the first heavy red leather-bound volume and began reading.
"What you got there sugah?"
Jonathan jumped at the sound of his girl-friend's voice, whirling round he glared into her mocking eyes. "Faith," he gasped. "You nearly gave me a heart attack." "Ah but look at the side benefits," the brunette purred.
"Benefits, what benefits?"
Faith's shark-like grin widened. "While you're ill I'll have to slip into my nurse's uniform," Jonathan's mind went into overdrive. "Give you sponge baths and," Faith moved closer to him, her breath hot on his neck. "Attend to your every need." Suddenly the Slayer's tone turned business-like. "Found everything you need?"
Still caught up in the images conjured up by his girl-friend's previously seductive tone it took him a second to answer. "Yeah."
Faith beamed, a genuine smile she seemed to save just for him and always made his blood race. "Well done," she praised.
Jonathan blushed and stared down at the ground, he always got embarrassed when Faith complimented him. Suddenly his head exploded in pain and he was lifted off his feet and flung over the office desk and into the far wall. He stared up in disbelief as his girlfriend advanced on him, what was happening? "Look what I found boss!" Faith shouted, her lips mouthing 'sorry' as she kicked him in the ribs, pulling the blow at the last minute.
"Our canary tried to fly the cage." Faith slapped him, this blow more stinging than bruising. Grabbing him by his collar she lifted him effortlessly upright and drew back her fist. He cringed.
"STOP!" the Mayor walked into the room, his eyes scanning the wrecked office in distaste. "Really Faith, must you be melodramatic? And in my office. I think your boy-friend has learnt his lesson. Besides, your former friends have agreed to do an exchange for him tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow boss?" Faith's tone was questioning and her face troubled. "Why not tonight?"
"I have to regain my composure Faith," Wilkins explained. "Besides, it's pushing it to get to the school, affect the exchange and get back here before dawn. And while sunlight doesn't bother you and I, we're going to need our vampires as surety against any underhanded dealings."
"I've got your back boss, I can handle the others. We don't need the leeches."
"Two Slayers and Angelus? I have no doubt my girl could handle any of them in a fair fight. But three to one?" the politician shook his head. "Somehow I doubt even you could handle all three. And that's without considering their friends. No," the Mayor shook his head. "We need back- up."
"Five by five," Faith nodded before slapping him around the back of his head, a blow that probably looked painful but had little actual force behind it. "You want I should take him back to his room? I'll stay with needle dick." Jonathan winced, had she been peeking? "Make sure none of the vamps try and feed on him and he doesn't try and make another break for it?"
"An excellent idea," Wilkins beamed.
"Five by five," still gripping him by his collar, the Slayer dragged him out into the corridor. "Sorry about the beating," Faith whispered. "Had to make it look convincing for Wilkins. I'll make it up to ya, promise."
"This making it up, does it involve that nurse's uniform?" he asked hopefully.
Faith's throaty chuckle was his only answer.
* * *
Xander felt his mouth dry as he looked around. It was eight-fifty in the evening and they were in the school cafeteria awaiting the Mayor's arrival. Who was twenty minutes late. What if he'd found out about the plan and right now both Jonathan and Faith were being tortured to death? Glancing around the room he saw the same worry reflected in the faces of the two Slayers, the pair of Watchers and the ensoulled vampire. Suddenly the cafeteria doors swung open and Wilkins arrived, together with Faith, Jonathan and an entourage of six vampires. "Budget meeting for the new childcare centre ran late, you know how bureaucrats like to chat."
"Why bother?" Xander asked, his casual tone hiding his relief at the Mayor's arrival and Jonathan's apparent good health. "After all you're going to eat all the kiddies."
"True," Wilkins' smile didn't reach his eyes. "But look on the bright side Mr. Harris. Think of how much lower taxes will be next year, what with the lessening in day-care demands."
"That Reganeconmics?" Angel muttered.
"Yes very amusing," Wilkins laughed. "As you know I'm a family man." The Mayor cast Faith a fond look. "Now, the exchange."
Angel stepped forward, box in hand. Faith did the same, her arm around Jonathan's neck. And suddenly the doors swung open. Xander groaned, Snyder together with two policemen. "Look what we have here," the principal sneered. "The usual suspects, creating trouble." Snyder turned his attention to Angel. "I don't know which one of these floozies you're with mister but you're trespassing. Give me that box."
"Why," the vampire's tone was redolent with menace. "Don't you take it?" He laughed as the two policemen began unholstering their guns.
"Angel," Giles' tone was strained. "There are those without your advantages."
At the Watcher's words the vampire relaxed. "Okay."
After snatching the box from Angel, Snyder passed the box to one of the policeman. "Open that for me."
"NO!" the Mayor bellowed from the shadows he'd slid into at Snyder's entry.
Too late. Xander's eyes widened as a spider the size of a large hand leapt onto the policeman's face, tearing it off in an instance before leaping onto the next victim, the Mayor who knocked it off with contemptuous ease, his face healing in a second. Faith dived for the box just as another spider escaped. Cursing, the brunette slammed the box shut just as Buffy's dagger flew through the air impaling the spider as it made to leap for Faith's face. At the same instant Kendra spun round and threw her knife through the first spider as it readied itself to drop from the ceiling onto Wesley.
"Mr. Mayor," Snyder practically kissed the politician's feet. Xander supposed it made a change from kissing his ass. "I'm sorry I didn't know- ."
"No problem Principal," Wilkins smiled. "Just make sure this stays between us, okay?" The politician's smile widened at Snyder's nod. "Good man. Faith, we're leaving." After a last longing glance at Jonathan, Faith followed the Mayor and the vampires out of the room.
"As for you," Snyder turned towards them, his composure returning. "I should have know you'd all be involved in dru-."
"Oh bloody shut up you pillock," Giles growled. In an instance Snyder's mouth clamped shut. Xander chuckled nervously, well at least the evening had a good ending.
* * *
Xander glanced across at a miserable-looking Jonathan. Motioning to the smaller youth he led them away from the two Englishman excitedly discussing the pages of the Books Jonathan had smuggled out of city hall and to the counter of the coffee shop they'd brought the meeting to. "How was she?"
Jonathan's face was strained. "She was okay Xander. But there's a ton of vampires there. If she gets found out she's got no chance."
"Then we'll have to make sure that doesn't happen."
"You idiots!" Wilkins raged. He knew his amiable mask had completely evaporated but didn't care. Without the Box he couldn't ascend. He glared at his minions taking a sliver of delight from their fear. They might well be scared, after tonight's disaster they'd be lucky if he didn't stake each and every one of them out in the mid-day sun. "You incompetent nincompoops!"
"Take a chill pill boss." The office door swung open to reveal his girl frog-marching a short, frightened-looking teen into the room. "My dumb bastard of an ex decided to stop by for a visit. Sweet of him uh? Back off bozo," the brunette growled at one of the vampires who'd reached for the youth. "I figure the white hats will swap him," his girl back-handed the boy across the back of the head eliciting a pained yelp. "For the Box. Unless you don't want it back, then," Faith cast a significant glance to the room's vampiric occupants. "Well he'll make someone an afternoon snack."
"Such unpleasantness is unnecessary," Wilkins decided. "Put him in one of the store rooms, Faith. Nobody," his gaze impaled every one of the room's vampires. "Is to touch him. Faith."
The beautiful brunette, he really would have to set her up with someone suitable – perhaps that Lindsey fellow from Wolfram & Hart, oh what a lovely couple they'd make, turned back to him. "Yeah boss?"
"Well done, you showed commendable initiative." Seeing the Slayer's smirk, he decided she needed taking down a peg or two. "But Faith, cut out the slang and cussing, nobody likes a gutter mouth."
He thought he saw the merest flicker of anger in the brunette's eyes before her dutiful nod. "Yes boss."
* * *
"Nobody likes a gutter mouth!" Faith hissed furiously as she stormed the empty corridor. "That self-righteous ass. When he's dead I'm gonna crap on his -."
"Faith." Jonathan cut off her rant with a gasp.
"WHAT!"
"Can't breath."
"Oh," in her anger she'd tightened her grip around Jonathan's neck, causing her boyfriend to begin to blue. "Sorry babe," she eased up. "That better?"
"Yeah." "Okay," seeing the storeroom she shoved the door open and pushed Jonathan inside before following him inside. After closing the door she looked with concern at her boyfriend. "You got the lock-pick kit?"
"In my sock."
"Ugh," she wrinkled her nose. "Nobody will blame me for not finding it, way your feet smell." She grinned at her boyfriend's glare before turning serious. Placing her hands on his shoulders she looked deep into his eyes. "Sweetie," she heard but didn't care about the tremble in her voice. "If you don't want to do this that's five by five. We can tell the others you couldn't break into the office. It'll just be our secret."
Jonathan looked at her for a second before shaking his head. "N..no, I've got to do this. I've got to make myself useful."
Faith sighed, god his bravery made her so wet but she got so scared he'd get hurt, only Ken and G were more important to her. "Five by five," she hugged Jonathan. "But be careful." She stepped away from her boyfriend and grinned. "Now," she began to stroke Johnny's shoulders and kiss his neck. "Time for your interrogation. Might get a little rough."
* * *
Xander slowed as he entered the library. The brazier with the potion was sat bubbling in the centre of the floor and the others were all there. With one exception, casting Kendra and Giles a worried glance he spoke. "Where's Johnny?"
His heart leapt when Buffy raised a computer disk. Faith and not a vampire had grabbed him. "He's missing. We found this where he should have been."
Xander took a breath. "Someone working for the Mayor must have snatched him."
Xander turned to Giles. "What do we do?" the desperation in his voice not completely feigned for the benefit of any possible bugs.
Giles sighed, a look of defeat in his eyes. "I'll ring Wilkins, organise an exchange for tomorrow night."
"I'm afraid not," Wesley rose from his seat. "I've given the matter considerable thought," Xander judged from the over-acting the younger Watcher had been in his boarding school's drama society. Probably playing the women's parts. "We simply cannot risk the lives of thousands to save one boy."
"That's what the good guys do," Xander replied. It's part of being loyal and honourable, helping your friends. Besides I seem to remember -."
"Do you think I bloody want this!" Wesley interrupted his tirade. "Well I don't but bloody -."
Suddenly Angel had his hands around the Englishman's throat, lifting him into the air. "He was under our care and we lost him. So we do whatever it takes to get him back, get it?"
"Put my boyfriend down!" Xander rolled his eyes back. Trust Cordy to get involved. "Kendra! Buffy!" the head cheerleader's tone got more strident with every word. "Kill!"
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "We're not attack dogs Cordy."
"Uh," the queen of Sunnydale High snorted. "Could have fooled me."
Seeing Kendra and Buffy's eyes widen at the insult Xander decided to step forward. "Angel, not helping."
The vampire turned to look at him and, unseen by the others bar him and Wesley winked. "Fine," dropping the Watcher to the floor, the vampire turned to Giles. "Giles?"
The older Watcher nodded. "I'll ring the Mayor's office right now."
* * *
Jonathan wiped the sweat out of his eyes. At first he thought he hadn't remembered what Giles had taught him but now the door was open. Peeking through he gasped in relief as he found the coast was clear. He started to tip-toe down the corridor then, realising how conspicuous he looked he walked normally, keeping his ears and eyes open for any sign of trouble. Every time he turned a corner he was sure he'd be grabbed by a couple of waiting vampires.
His heart attempting to pound its way out of his ribcage and his mouth drier than a desert, he eventually reached the inner sanctum. After standing by the door for a couple of minutes, reassuring himself that the room was empty he took a breath and eased the door open. Taking a breath he stepped through and hurried over to the cabinet where Faith said the Books of Ascension were kept. Sliding the walnut brown door open, he paled. "Oh shit!" Jonathan whispered at the sight that greeted him. He had to force down the vomit that rose in his throat at the macabre collection of arcane objects arrayed on the top and middle shelves, including human and demonic body parts. Still shuddering, Jonathan rapidly turned his attention to the bottom shelf. Crouching down, he pulled out the first heavy red leather-bound volume and began reading.
"What you got there sugah?"
Jonathan jumped at the sound of his girl-friend's voice, whirling round he glared into her mocking eyes. "Faith," he gasped. "You nearly gave me a heart attack." "Ah but look at the side benefits," the brunette purred.
"Benefits, what benefits?"
Faith's shark-like grin widened. "While you're ill I'll have to slip into my nurse's uniform," Jonathan's mind went into overdrive. "Give you sponge baths and," Faith moved closer to him, her breath hot on his neck. "Attend to your every need." Suddenly the Slayer's tone turned business-like. "Found everything you need?"
Still caught up in the images conjured up by his girl-friend's previously seductive tone it took him a second to answer. "Yeah."
Faith beamed, a genuine smile she seemed to save just for him and always made his blood race. "Well done," she praised.
Jonathan blushed and stared down at the ground, he always got embarrassed when Faith complimented him. Suddenly his head exploded in pain and he was lifted off his feet and flung over the office desk and into the far wall. He stared up in disbelief as his girlfriend advanced on him, what was happening? "Look what I found boss!" Faith shouted, her lips mouthing 'sorry' as she kicked him in the ribs, pulling the blow at the last minute.
"Our canary tried to fly the cage." Faith slapped him, this blow more stinging than bruising. Grabbing him by his collar she lifted him effortlessly upright and drew back her fist. He cringed.
"STOP!" the Mayor walked into the room, his eyes scanning the wrecked office in distaste. "Really Faith, must you be melodramatic? And in my office. I think your boy-friend has learnt his lesson. Besides, your former friends have agreed to do an exchange for him tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow boss?" Faith's tone was questioning and her face troubled. "Why not tonight?"
"I have to regain my composure Faith," Wilkins explained. "Besides, it's pushing it to get to the school, affect the exchange and get back here before dawn. And while sunlight doesn't bother you and I, we're going to need our vampires as surety against any underhanded dealings."
"I've got your back boss, I can handle the others. We don't need the leeches."
"Two Slayers and Angelus? I have no doubt my girl could handle any of them in a fair fight. But three to one?" the politician shook his head. "Somehow I doubt even you could handle all three. And that's without considering their friends. No," the Mayor shook his head. "We need back- up."
"Five by five," Faith nodded before slapping him around the back of his head, a blow that probably looked painful but had little actual force behind it. "You want I should take him back to his room? I'll stay with needle dick." Jonathan winced, had she been peeking? "Make sure none of the vamps try and feed on him and he doesn't try and make another break for it?"
"An excellent idea," Wilkins beamed.
"Five by five," still gripping him by his collar, the Slayer dragged him out into the corridor. "Sorry about the beating," Faith whispered. "Had to make it look convincing for Wilkins. I'll make it up to ya, promise."
"This making it up, does it involve that nurse's uniform?" he asked hopefully.
Faith's throaty chuckle was his only answer.
* * *
Xander felt his mouth dry as he looked around. It was eight-fifty in the evening and they were in the school cafeteria awaiting the Mayor's arrival. Who was twenty minutes late. What if he'd found out about the plan and right now both Jonathan and Faith were being tortured to death? Glancing around the room he saw the same worry reflected in the faces of the two Slayers, the pair of Watchers and the ensoulled vampire. Suddenly the cafeteria doors swung open and Wilkins arrived, together with Faith, Jonathan and an entourage of six vampires. "Budget meeting for the new childcare centre ran late, you know how bureaucrats like to chat."
"Why bother?" Xander asked, his casual tone hiding his relief at the Mayor's arrival and Jonathan's apparent good health. "After all you're going to eat all the kiddies."
"True," Wilkins' smile didn't reach his eyes. "But look on the bright side Mr. Harris. Think of how much lower taxes will be next year, what with the lessening in day-care demands."
"That Reganeconmics?" Angel muttered.
"Yes very amusing," Wilkins laughed. "As you know I'm a family man." The Mayor cast Faith a fond look. "Now, the exchange."
Angel stepped forward, box in hand. Faith did the same, her arm around Jonathan's neck. And suddenly the doors swung open. Xander groaned, Snyder together with two policemen. "Look what we have here," the principal sneered. "The usual suspects, creating trouble." Snyder turned his attention to Angel. "I don't know which one of these floozies you're with mister but you're trespassing. Give me that box."
"Why," the vampire's tone was redolent with menace. "Don't you take it?" He laughed as the two policemen began unholstering their guns.
"Angel," Giles' tone was strained. "There are those without your advantages."
At the Watcher's words the vampire relaxed. "Okay."
After snatching the box from Angel, Snyder passed the box to one of the policeman. "Open that for me."
"NO!" the Mayor bellowed from the shadows he'd slid into at Snyder's entry.
Too late. Xander's eyes widened as a spider the size of a large hand leapt onto the policeman's face, tearing it off in an instance before leaping onto the next victim, the Mayor who knocked it off with contemptuous ease, his face healing in a second. Faith dived for the box just as another spider escaped. Cursing, the brunette slammed the box shut just as Buffy's dagger flew through the air impaling the spider as it made to leap for Faith's face. At the same instant Kendra spun round and threw her knife through the first spider as it readied itself to drop from the ceiling onto Wesley.
"Mr. Mayor," Snyder practically kissed the politician's feet. Xander supposed it made a change from kissing his ass. "I'm sorry I didn't know- ."
"No problem Principal," Wilkins smiled. "Just make sure this stays between us, okay?" The politician's smile widened at Snyder's nod. "Good man. Faith, we're leaving." After a last longing glance at Jonathan, Faith followed the Mayor and the vampires out of the room.
"As for you," Snyder turned towards them, his composure returning. "I should have know you'd all be involved in dru-."
"Oh bloody shut up you pillock," Giles growled. In an instance Snyder's mouth clamped shut. Xander chuckled nervously, well at least the evening had a good ending.
* * *
Xander glanced across at a miserable-looking Jonathan. Motioning to the smaller youth he led them away from the two Englishman excitedly discussing the pages of the Books Jonathan had smuggled out of city hall and to the counter of the coffee shop they'd brought the meeting to. "How was she?"
Jonathan's face was strained. "She was okay Xander. But there's a ton of vampires there. If she gets found out she's got no chance."
"Then we'll have to make sure that doesn't happen."