Chapter 9
Faith's POV
I can feel the pain on my body. I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a bed. I looked around and saw wood everywhere. Nothing seems familiar. I slowly stood up and found a mirror. I looked at it and found my clothes to be...different. I was wearing some kind of rags. I was wearing a white shirt and some brown weird slacks. Weird clothes...I feel like I'm in a play or something... I turned around and looked at the mirror closely.
"What the hell happened"
I slowly thought of what happened and it hit me. I fell in a portal... I was surprised when someone opened the door and looked inside. It was Xander…in a weird clothes too.
"Are you awake now"
I quickly ran to him and grabbed his shoulder.
"Xander! Thank God you're here! Where are we"
He looked at me his eyebrows raised.
"Who is this Xander? Are you alright, Janet"
"Janet! Who the hell is that! B! Where's B"
"I do not know these persons that you are talking about. Perhaps you had a bad dream, since you were drinking too much yesterday..."
"Argh! You talk like Giles now! Tell me, where are we"
"Were in Ashford! You must be sick if you are talking like that..."
"I'm not sick! I'm just..."
I wanted to hit him so hard that he could return to his normal self, instead I ran towards the window and looked outside. I almost fainted with what I saw. There were horses and people were dressed in...Rags...like mine.
"What the hell...where am I"
Buffy's POV
What kind of a car hit me? I slowly opened my eyes and found myself in a weird house. I quickly stood up and looked around. There's a fireplace and a few furniture's around. I walked to the mirror and found that I'm wearing a weird night gown. I quickly ran outside and noticed that the stairs were in a spiral I quickly ran downstairs but stopped when I passed someone. I turned around and found myself staring at...Riley!
"My lady...what are you doing? You might get sick running here wearing only that..."
He was wearing a knights armor but without a helmet. I walked closer to him.
"Riley! Where are we? Where's Faith"
"Calm down my lady. I think you were having a bad dream. Come. I'll escort you back to your chamber..."
He walked ahead and headed towards the place that looks like a room. I followed him and went inside. He went inside too but he bowed at me.
"I'll fetch the chamber maid for you my lady. Until then...rest well. The king might be alarmed if he finds out that you are not feeling well."
He smiled at me then left. King? There's a king? I remember we were in the cemetery and we met...Chronos! So he sends us to the middle age! But...where is Faith? I know she was with me in the portal... I was disturbed when someone opened the door. I found myself staring at...Willow. She was wearing a dress. I quickly ran to her and gave her a hug.
"Willow"
"Uh...you must be mistaken you're highness. I'm not Willow...my name is Emilia. Lord Frederick told me you were not feeling well..."
I pulled away from her. Oh! That's right! I'm not in my time. So her name is Emilia in this time? Who's Frederick? Is that Riley?
"Well yes...I ah...had a bad dream."
"Oh...that's terrible. Maybe a bath should help you relax my lady..."
She turned around.
"Wait! Um...you said you're highness...does that mean I'm...some kind of royalty"
She turned back around her eyebrows raised.
"You are the princess of Ashford..."
"Oh...I'm a princess..."
She walked closer to me and felt my forehead.
"You are not hot..."
"I'm not sick...I'm just confused. You can go now..."
She bowed then headed to the door. So I'm a princess eh? Wow, I always liked being a princess. So this is what it feels. Oh! I forgot to ask her what my name is! I sighed then lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. I wonder where Faith is?
Faith's POV
I took a bath...in a weird way and headed outside. I was still wearing the rags and some boots. Geezz! This place really sucks! I walked towards the stable and found Xander brushing a brown horse, beside that horse was a black horse with a white hair on his forehead. I walked near him and he seems to know me. I touched him and was glad that he didn't bite me or something.
"...soft..."
"Of course she's soft, you always brush her everyday..."
"Her"
"Yes, she is a girl. That's why you named him Andrea."
"Andrea...I like it."
"Don't you remember? You named him after the princess..."
"The princess"
"Yes! The princess of Ashford! The one whom you are dying to meet, because she is the most beautiful girl in the village! Did you hit your head"
"Sorry...I'm just...confused."
I continue to stroke the horse. So I'm in the world of knights and princesses... I looked at Xander.
"So...what's your name"
"That is it! We are going to the doctor now"
He climbed the horse.
"Come! You ride Andrea."
I looked at the horse and went to her side. Okay...Riding a horse isn't that bad right? I climbed on the horse. Xander rode ahead and stopped when I he realized that I wasn't moving.
"Janet! Hurry"
Okay...this isn't hard. I've seen movies like this before... I tapped my foot on her side and tapped the rope. I was surprised when the horse moved. I saw Xander on my back ridding the horse too. I saw him stop and I panicked. How the hell will this stop! We were heading forward fast and I saw a cart moving on my way. Luckily the horse jumped forward. Geeeez! Stop now! I didn't realized that I pulled the rope. The horse stopped.
"You are fast..."
I pulled the rope again towards the direction of Xander's horse and he followed me. I'm getting the hang of this... I tapped the rope again and stopped when I was near Xander.
"What were you doing"
"Nothing...just practicsing..."
He got off of his horse and headed towards the house. I followed him and walked inside. There were many furniture woods again. I saw a shelf of many books and some kind of potions and stuff.
"Doctor Albert"
I heard footsteps and saw...Giles. he was wearing a monk costume.
"How can I help you"
"Doctor...I think Janet here is sick. He doesn't know where she is...who she is...who I am...who the princess is...and it seems that she doesn't know how to ride a horse! She's the best rider in the village"
I'm the best rider? Cool! I saw Giles...I mean Albert looking at me from top to bottom. Is he checking me out?
"She keeps talking about a Xander fellow and someone called B...please doctor help her..."
"Calm down, Alexander..."
So his name is Alexander...nice. I saw Giles adjusting his glasses and looking at me closely.
"She does seem pale...are you okay Janet"
"Yeah...five by five...I mean...I'm fine."
He touched my forehead.
"She doesn't have a fever...she's fine. I think she's just suffering from the hurting of the head since I heard she drank soo much yesterday."
"It's called hangover..."
"You are not going to be hanged just because you drink too much Janet..."
I rolled my eyes. The people here sure are low... I just sat in the chair and looking at both of them. They seem to be worried.
"Look...I said I'm fine"
They both look at each other.
"We are just worried about you Janet. I'm afraid you won't go to the princess's birthday tonight...you were planning to meet her for days."
I raised my eyebrow to the Xander look alike.
"I am"
He pointed his finger at me and looked at Albert.
"You see! She's been planning it for days now and, now...she doesn't remember! Doctor, please cure her"
Albert looked at me for awhile then headed towards his shelf full of books. He grabbed a book then began to read it.
"I told you I'm fine! I just had a very...confusing day yesterday"
Albert looked at me then closed the book that he's holding. He walked closer to me then looked at me again.
"Are you sure you are alright"
"Yes...I'm sure. Now stop staring at me"
They looked at each other for awhile then Albert pulled a small pouch bag and handed it to Alexander.
"Give this to her when she doesn't remember something...It's a special herb. I do not think it will work but...we can just hope."
Alexander nodded. I sighed then headed outside.
"See ya doc..."
Buffy's POV
After the bath I decided to look around the castle. I was wearing a very long gown and a crown on my head. I looked around and found another room. I looked inside it and saw Dawn looking out the window. She was also wearing a gown. She turned around and looked at me.
"What are you doing here? The guards told me you are not feeling well...maybe you should stay in bed. You do look pale..."
Wow is this really Dawn in this time! She actually is nice to me. I hope the Dawn in my world is this nice to me... I smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Thank you I'll do that..."
"You should...or else you would not enjoy the party tonight..."
"There's a party tonight"
"Yes...don't you remember? It is your 18th birthday today...which means that you have to pick one of the guests to be your husband..."
"Like a Cinderella thing"
"Who is that"
"Uh...it's nothing..."
She looked at me her eyebrow raised. I just shrugged then smiled at her.
"I think Lord Frederick will also join your party...He does like you..."
"Lord Frederick? Oh! Riley..."
"Uh...yes."
"What kind of a party is this anyway"
"It is a masquerade party like you wanted...are you really alright"
"Uh...yes. Anyway...I should get some rest just like you said."
"Yes...I think you should do that..."
I slowly walked outside her room. Today's my birthday? And I have to pick my husband? I walked around the castle and found a garden. It's beautiful...there are flowers everywhere...I saw a stone bench and decided to sit on it. How can I go back to my world? Faith...where are you? I sighed and was startled when someone held my shoulder. I looked up and saw that it was...mom! She was wearing a very long gown with a crown on her head. She smiled at me.
"What is wrong? You seem sad..."
I quickly stood up and hugged her tight. I was crying. I know this isn't my real mom but...I can't help but hug her. I missed her so much...
"Shh...It's okay..."
I pulled away slightly and looked at her. She smiled at me and wipped my tears using her hand. I hugged her again. She was stroking my hair.
"What is the matter? Why are you crying"
I pulled away and looked at her.
"I...I just...missed you so much..."
"You missed me? We just saw each other yesterday...are you alright, Andrea"
"I...I had a dream...a very bad dream...I thought you were gone...I..."
"It's alright...It is just a dream..."
"But...what if...it comes true"
"If it does come true. Remember that I always love you and that you should protect Margaret. Will you do that for me"
"Yes..."
She pulled me towards her and kissed my forehead.
"I'll always look out for you both...remember that..."
She smiled at me and I smiled back still crying a little.
"Now come. We have a party to attend to. And it needs two princesses there..."
She pulled me up and we began to walk inside the castle.
Faith's POV
After the little trip to the doctor we decided to got to the village. I got a look around and noticed that everyone is busy preparing for the princess's birthday. We went inside a house that looks like a tavern and noticed the noisy men drinking at the far side of the room. We got to the bar and talked to...Angel?
"Janet...Alexander...what will it be today"
"The usual for me...water for Janet."
"What? Why"
"She is sick..."
"Oh...too bad."
He walked inside the room for awhile then took out two wooden glass. Alex took and began to drink. I just stared at mine and heard someone walk in. It was Willow. Some guys walked towards her obviously drunk and decided to invite her. I walked towards him and held his hand.
"I don't think you should do that..."
"Really now... hic maybe you can join us..."
"No thanks..."
I kicked him on his balls. I know I don't have my slayer power here, but I can survive with em The group with him saw this and stood up looking at us. Alex also stood up and handed me a sword. He was also carrying a sword. They got closer to us but picked up their friend. They glared at me as they walked out of the tavern. I sighed and put the sword back to its sheat. Angel walked towards me his hands on his forehead.
"Not again Janet! This is the 4th time this week! If this continues I won't have anymore costumers tomorrow"
I looked at Willow and she smiled at me.
"Thanks Janet...but I don't think you should have done that..."
"No prob! So...what's your name"
Willow raised her eyebrow and looked at Alex who just shrugged.
"It is a long story Emilia..."
"She sounds like the princess."
"How is the princess anyway"
"She does not seem fine when I checked her. She seems troubled."
"Maybe she is just nervous of what will happen tonight."
"Yes...maybe you are right..."
I was listening to them. I was not in the mood to talk because I was planning on a way to escape this nightmare. Emilia seem to notice.
"Janet...what are you going to wear for the party tonight"
"Uh...I...don't know."
"You are going to pretend you are a man right? That is the only way you can dance with the princess. Nobody will recognize you if you have a mask on anyway..."
In this world I'm in love with the princess...I wonder what she looks like? I hope she looks like B... I sighed.
"I...I'm not going to the party..."
"What"
I don't want to be in love with someone who is not...B. I looked at them and smiled a little.
"I decided not to go...I'm not feeling well..."
"But...you've been planning this for days now"
"I'm sorry...I just...can't..."
I couldn't take their staring so I decided to go outside. I climbed Andrea then began to ride. I don't know where I'm heading...
Buffy's POV
I was sitting in what looks like a throne room. On my right side was Dawn, on my left side was my mom and on the other left was my dad...the king. I don't really remember my real father, but I think that the king and my real father is the same. I looked around and found many royal people was in the room. Riley was standing near the king.
"Your highness...Lady Alice and Lady Samantha is here to present their gift."
I saw Anya and Cordelia walked towards the throne and bowed at us. They held the gift and gave it to Riley. After that they walked away towards the crowd.
"Your highness...Lord Alexander."
Xander walked towards the throne then bowed to the king.
"Lord Alexander. Why is Lady Janet not with you"
"I'm sorry your highness...she seems to be sick and can't be here tonight. She sends her congratulation to Princess Andrea..."
"I see...carry on."
Xander bowed again then headed towards the crowd. The king stood up.
"Now let the party begin"
I also stood up when Frederick came to me.
"May I have this dance my lady"
"Uh...sure."
We danced but...I wasn't in the mood. I kept on thinking of Faith... I looked around and saw Emilia talking to Alexander. It's a good thing I'm near them.
"Have you found Janet yet"
"No...He took Andrea with her."
"Alexander I have a bad feeling...what happened to her anyway"
"I don't know...but when I came to her room she kept saying some weird things. She said that I was a person called Xander. She also kept looking for someone named B..."
My eyes were wide when I heard that. Faith! It's got to be her! I quickly stopped dancing and looked at Frederick.
"I'm sorry Lord...Frederick...I have to go somewhere. Excuse me."
I walked towards Emilia and Alexander.
"Where is Janet"
They both bowed down when they realized that I had come to them.
"She...We do not know..."
"Then let's find her."
"But..."
"Please"
They both looked at me then at each other. Emilia nodded but Alexander shook his head.
"We cannot do that Emilia."
"Why not"
"She's a princess. We can't get her out of the castle."
"We can."
"How? It is her birthday! Everyone will come look for her."
"Not if she will not be seen."
"You are planning something..."
"Of course I am."
Emilia took my hand and lead me towards what looks like a kitchen. She took a brown cloak froma cabinet then handed it to me. I took it and looked at her.
"Where this...so that you will not be recognized by the guards."
I removed my crown then began to put on the cloak. I put on the hood in my head. Luckily the cloak is big enough to hide the gown that I'm wearing. Alexander came in and looked at Emilia.
"Okay...what should I do"
"Prepare your horse..."
"How do we keep her from the guards outside"
"That is where you came in..."
"What do I have to do"
"Lie..."
"I'm not good at that"
"Just try."
"Alright! Princess...let's go."
"Good luck. Tell Janet that she better thank me."
"I will."
Xander took me outside of the kitchen where the stables were located. He took out his horse and climbed up. He gave me his hand and I climbed up too holding his waist. He tapped the rope then the horse was running.
"Better hide yourself..."
We slowed down a bit and saw that there are guards outside the main gate. I tried to cover myself real tight and held on to Alexander. Please let me see Faith...
"Good evening my Lord. Going home already"
"Yes...my companion here seems to be sick...so I decided to bring her to the doctor."
"Is she alright"
"Apparently no...she seems to be suffering to a weird disease that needs to be treated quickly."
The knight decided to touch me luckily Alexander stopped him.
"Do not touch her! One touch from her and you will be diseased as well."
"But...she's touching you."
"I drank an antidote at home so that I can't be caught in this disease."
"What is happening to her"
"She lost her sight her hearing and her voice. If you don't let me pass and bring her to the doctor immediately she will die"
The guard seemed alarmed that he opened the gates quickly. Alexander immediately tapped the rope and we began to ride outside of the castle.
"You are a good liar"
"Thank you. I learned that from Janet..."
So in this world...Faith's name is Janet... I smiled and began to enjoy the ride.
Faith's POV
I quickly head home as I saw the sun disappearing. Luckily I remembered the route to go home. When I got there I rode towards the stable. I climbed out of Andrea and grabbed a brush. How did Alexander did this? I slowly brushed the horse and got a response from her.
"You like this huh"
She responded again.
"You know...you remind me of my car...you two have the same color. And she also has a name...would you like to know her name"
She responded again, this time it was loud. I smiled at her.
"Her name is...Anne. It's a beautiful name huh? That was the time when I met her...she said her name was Anne. She's beautiful...like you."
She tapped her foot and responded again. I laughed a little when she did that. Geeez! I'm talking to a horse! I must really be crazy... I turned around when I heard a horse stop by the house. I went outside and found Alexander helping a girl climb off a horse. I walked closer to them. I can't seem to see the hooded girl because of what she was wearing. They didn't notice me.
"Hey Alex! How was the party? I see you got yourself a girl on the way home! You lucky dog"
Alexander looked at me his eyebrow raised. The hooded girl walked closer to me and removed her hood. I was now face to face with...Buffy. Even if it is dark outside I can still see her green eyes full of tears. She was smiling at me.
"B..."
She quickly hugged me tight letting her tears fall. I couldn't help but hold her tight also. She had her head on my neck. I can feel her tears slowly going down my neck.
"Faith...I thought...you weren't in this world...I was scared."
"Shhh...It's okay...I'm here."
She slightly pulled away and looked at me. I dried her tears using my thumb. She was smiling at me. I caressed her cheek and smiled back at her.
"Ahem! If you are ready now...I want to know what is going on. How come both of you know each other"
I looked at Alexander and grinned at him.
"I think Alex here needs to know the truth B..."
Buffy's POV
We're inside Faith's house...I mean Janet's house. We were sitting in the dinning room. I was sitting next to Faith and Alexander was sitting face to Faith. We told him everything but he doesn't seem to believe him.
"So...both of you are from the future and someone send you here"
"That's what we've been trying to tell you"
"If you are both from the future...then where is the real Janet and Andrea"
"Uh...I don't know..."
"How can I believe you if you don't have enough answers"
"I believe them..."
We looked up and saw Emilia with...Tara. She was wearing a black cloak. They walked towards us and I can see that they are...holding hands. I guess they are still together in this world... I smiled at them. It was nice that they are together in this world but...I'm a little bit jealous...
"Sandra, this is Alexander, Janet and Princess Andrea..."
"Honored to meet you all..."
She bowed down to me then stood up.
"So you are the so-called travellers from time..."
"Yeah...and how come you believe us when Alexander couldn't even believe us"
"It is because of your spirits. They are different form Janet's and the princess...although the four of you have the same feelings towards each other...you are still different from the two from this time."
Does that mean that in this world...I'm still in love with Faith? I...hope so... I looked at Faith. She was looking at Sandra, frowning. She's so serious... I smiled at her and she seems to notice that I was looking at her. She smiled back and held my hand, squeezing it softly. She looked back at Sandra leaving me to stare at her.
"Then where is the real Janet and Andrea"
"They are simply sleeping in their bodies."
"Then they're still inside us"
"Yes..."
"How do you know all this"
"I can see your spirits...I can also see theirs..."
"Do you know how we can go back to our real time"
"I'm sorry but...I do not have any idea how you two can go back. Perhaps the only person to do that is the person who send you in this time..."
Chronos? But how can we see him? I felt Faith squeez my hand. She whispered something very soft that only I could hear...
"Don't worry...I'll find a way for us to get back...so...don't be sad..."
Faith's POV
She squeezed my hand and whispered something very softly.
"No...I won't let you look for a way to get back...we'll do it together..."
She smiled at me when she said that. I smiled back. God she's so beautiful...I feel like I'd do anything just to make her happy...no...I will do anything just to make her happy... We were disturbed when someone broke down the door. It was a knight...he is carrying a sword.
"Princess Andrea"
Buffy's POV
Someone broke down the door and I saw that it was Frederick. Faith stood up and walked closer to him.
"Princess Andrea"
"Who are you and why the hell did you break down my door"
"You"
He pulled his sword and held it towards Faith's neck. I quickly stood up and walked towards Faith.
"Frederick! Stop it! Put down your sword"
"That I cannot do my lady. This person kidnapped you and is going to the dungeon. Guards! Take her away"
Many guards ran inside the house and grabbed Faith's hands. Faith keeps on struggling but has a hard time getting free. They began to take her outside and I followed them. Once they were outside Faith quickly tried breaking but she still can't break free. We don't have slayer ability in this world...
Faith's POV
Why can't I get free! I'm a slayer god dammit! They took me inside a caravan and closed the door. I see Buffy walking besides Frederick trying to talk him ot of it.
"Frederick! She didn't kidnap me! I came here on my own"
"That's not what I heard from the guards. Come now"
He grabbed her in her arm and dragged her inside the carriage. I was so mad I was kicking the door but it won't budge.
"DON'T FUCKING TOUCH HER"
I was still kicking the door until we reached the castle.