Mirror
By Norwalker
Part 3
Summary: Alternate Buffyverse. Suppose Buffy didn't win one of those fights? And some Vampire with a wicked sense of humor decided to change things forever?
Pairings: They vary. Nothing is forever. Is it?
Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this story are the intellectual property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Fox. All rights reserved by the owners. I'm just using them in the story and not making anything on it. The story is mine.
1
" Too late, Angel. Way too late!"
Faith starts to push Angel back, out of her way. She's tired of the waiting game. Everybody wants me to wait around 'til they're ready. When's that gonna be? Never! She literally does a 180 when Angel grabs her wrists, swinging her back around and holding her fast.
" Let go of me, Angel, before I stake you too. This waiting around crap is over! "
" Faith, you can't lose it now. This is exactly what she wants. She wants you enraged, and not thinking. She wants you to be an easy target, don't you understand? You go now, and you're playing her game. Make it your game! Don't give in to the anger now!"
" That's a load, Angel. When do I get mad, then? After she kills Giles? Or Willow? Or maybe, when she dusts you! All this patience crap is getting us is more dead bodies. Maybe that doesn't bother you, though. I mean, you've had your share of kills in your time."
SLAP!
Faith, stunned into silence, holds her cheek where Angel slapped her.
Angel is furious. His face is a mask of anger. His eye glitter in the night.
" How dare you? You have no idea what I feel. I've murdered hundreds of people. All kinds of people. Men, women, and children. And every one of them haunts me, every day. I don't get days off, I don't get respites, unless I become the killer I was. Would you like that, Faith?"
Angel vamps out, and grabs Faith by the lapels, lifting her off her feet.
" Would you like to meet the REAL Angelus?" His amber eyes burn with a fire that even gives Faith a chill. " You wouldn't like him very much Faith, but he'd love you… after he tortured you for a good long while!" Dropping her, he shakes off the game face. " I'm angry Faith. You've got no idea how angry I am."
"Then why are you stopping me, Angel?" Faith looks at him, trying to suss out the reason. Her eyes narrow. " You still love her, that's it, isn't it? I don't give a crap about that speech you gave me on the front porch. You still love her, and you're trying to protect her. Even now!" She shoves him away. " you disgust me!"
" Protect her?" Angel laughs bitterly." I wish I'd protected her. Don't you get it, Faith? Don't you see it? All this, all that's happening, is because I didn't protect her. I left her, Faith. I walked away from her, from her life, knowing she was vulnerable. I … left… and I wasn't here when she needed me, really needed me!" Angel leans heavily against the wall. " I thought she was safe. She was strong, Faith. And I thought that was enough. I started a whole new life in L.A., trying to forget her, letting her go. I didn't think she had any real threats. But the biggest one was right here. Under my goddamned nose. Her heart, Faith, that's what killed her.
" Angel, you're making like zero sense."
" Her heart, Faith. She always wore it out on her sleeve, right there for anyone to see it. Including Spike…" Angel almost spits the word. " Spike, that bastard. That…" Angel loses it, and hits the post, almost breaking it. " He had that chip. The chip the government put in his head. I thought he was harmless. He couldn't kill humans anymore, The chip stopped that… I was an idiot, a total idiot!"
" Angel," Faith's tone has softened. She goes to him, putting a hand on his arm. " Don't. Don't do this."
" Don't do this? It was stupid . I should've known that Spike would figure a way around that chip. But I didn't think he could, and when I heard Buffy was depending on him more, I thought, " Great. I don't have to go up there now, skulk around. If she needs muscle, she can use him." It was easier, Faith, so much easier to deal with if I didn't have to see her. So I let it happen. I didn't know she was turning to Spike for more than battle support. I didn't know she was turning to him for comfort."
" Angel, it's alright…" Faith tries to comfort him.
" No, its really not, Faith, " Angel says quietly. " He got to her. I don't know how, but he got to her. Convinced her he'd changed. She turned to him, needing something. I should've been there. It was after Dawn's death, and she was broken. I came a few times, but I was working on a big case in L.A. I couldn't come more. And she needed more, and he was here…" his voice trails off. He stands looking out at the backyard, his expression pensive and sad. " I don't know how he did it, but he defeated the chip. Maybe it stopped working, maybe some magic , or he got it removed. All I know is, he was able to kill again. I learned it later, he'd started up again. Buffy didn't know, because he lied to her. Let her think it was still safe. He lured her, reeled her in…and…" his voice sounds hollow, " sired her. I don't know what happened after that, not for sure. But I'm almost sure she dusted him and Drusilla."
" That bastard, " Faith says low.
" No, he's not the bastard, Faith. I'm the bastard. For letting it happen when I could've stopped it. All these killings, Faith? They're mine. I might as well have turned to killing again, because if I hadn't been so … so goddamn… I would've stopped it. Buffy never would've been a vampire. All this is my fault. All of it."
" Then let me get her, Angel. Please, let me do this for you. You've done so much for me, let me do this for you."
" No! No, not yet, not now. You go out there, you walking into her trap. She'll get you Faith. You have to promise, Faith…"
" No, Angel, don't do this."
" Please, Faith. You're important to me. You've become very important to me. I couldn't deal if she murdered you, or worse, turned you… so , I'm asking you to promise me, that until we're ready, don't go off by yourself after her!"
" Oh, man, Angel, " Faith shakes her head, walking away, " You know I care about you. You know I'd do anything for you. Please, don't ask this." She's almost pleading with him. " I need the anger, Angel. Killing her is going to be hard enough. Without the anger, I …"
" Faith, I'm not asking you to give up the anger. Keep it. Hone it, refine it, and use it. But on her. ONLY on her. Don't waste it running here and there looking for her. We'll find her, we'll get her. Then use the anger to take her down." He sighs, feeling his own anger starting to dissipate. " To dust her, if you've got to."
Faith closes her eyes, and through an effort of will, brings her anger back in control. Her fists clench and unclench with the effort.
" Alright!" Faith replies sullenly. " I'll hold off, even though I wanna break her face and then the rest of her. Damn, I hate being the good guy. Too many goddamn rules. "She makes an angry gesture, This better work, Angel, or you're gonna have one pissed off slayer on your hands." She turns on her heel and walks into the house.
"Alright, she's gone. Show yourself, " Angel hisses into the night.
Nothing happens, and then suddenly, he jumps onto the porch roof, confronting Buffy.
"Well, I'd thought you'd gone deaf along with soft, Angelus, " Buffy smirks at him. " Hi, baby, miss me?"
" It's Angel. Why does every fucking one of you get that wrong?" Angel growls.
" Oooo, so hostile!" Buffy smiles at him. " Trying to protect Faith, aren't you, big boy?" She shakes off the wrinklies, and stands before him, looking sad. " But you couldn't even protect me, could you?" She laughs at him. " You're such a dope. Don't want or NEED you're protection, Angel. I can take care of myself… and you're little girl too." She vamps out.
" Why'd you do it? Why'd you kill Xander?" Angel growls " Doesn't matter, you're not gonna live long enough to answer." Angel, fast as lightning, goes to grab her.
Buffy is just a bit faster, and before he reaches her, she has her arm around his neck, and a stake at his heart.
" Getting slow, honey. Must be the age thing, " Buffy shrugs.
Angel struggles to free himself, and Buffy hits him in the forehead with the blunt end of the stake.
" Be nice. Remember, I've got the stake." She taps the pointed end on his chest." Why'd I kill Xander. I think that's what you asked. Well, lover, I'll tell you. I did it… because it was fun. If you could've seen his face, their faces, when I jumped down. It was… a classic. And then the fear, and the " No, don't Buffy. Don't you remember? We're friends." Too rich, it was just too good to pass up!"
" I'm going to kill you Buffy, " Angel says. " that's not a threat. It's a promise!"
Buffy laughs merrily, poking him gently with the stake. " You're so cute when you're trying to be all tough." She leans her chin on his shoulder. " You just can't do it though, can you? You can't kill me baby, and that's why I'm gonna win. I'll kill you, and all your little friends, and get what I want, anyway." She whispers in his ear. " It doesn't have to be this way, Angel." " You loved me once, lover. Still do, I think. So why not just join me, baby?" She nibbles on his ear. " It could be really good."
Angel pulls his head away from her. " You know why."
" You're a fool, Angel. We could have it all. Power. Rivers of blood. Everything. This town would be ours. All you have to do is say yes. There's even a bonus, little old Faith. Mmmm… I'll make her my pet, my sweet little growly guard dog. Just think of the fun. I want her, baby, and I want you. Think of the fun we could have, me and you, me and her… you and me and her…" She licks his ear. " Think about it real good lover."
" Sounds nice… " Angel says softly.
He rears back and head butts her, breaking her grip. He turns around, and grabs her arm, holding her over his head.
" … if I were Angelus. But I'm not. You're a perversion. You make me sick, and I'm gonna break your spine…"
Buffy wiggles in his grip, and brings her foot around, kicking him in the groin. Angel drops her, falling to his knees.
" Don't think so, lover. God, you've really got to remember to start wearing a cup, Angel," Buffy chuckles at him. " You know I'm gonna go for your balls."
The sound of a car starting distracts her. She looks over the roof.
" Sorry honey, gotta go. My ride's leaving. Think about it, Angel. "
She runs over the roof, and leaping, hits the next roof. She takes off into the night.
" Fuck, " Angel stands up, still gripping his groin, He goes to the top of the roof, and looks. He sees a car taking off. He recognizes it, and shakes his head.
Damn!
He jumps off the roof.
2
Faith hears a crashing sound in the living room.
" Oh god, now what?" She mutters to herself as she runs through the kitchen.
She bursts in, and finds Willow by the china cabinet, grabbing out plates and throwing them at the walls. Giles and Amy, looking bewildered and more than a little afraid, are in opposite corners, arms crossed to defend themselves.
" I . WANT. HER. DEAD!" Willow yells, throwing more plates. " SHE. KILLED. XANDER! I WANT THAT BITCH TO PAY!" Crash! Another plate hits the wall.
" Oh, geeze, " Faith runs over to Willow, and grabs her in a bear hug. " Calm down, Red!"
Willow struggles trying to free herself. Faith lifts her off the ground. Willow, beyond frustrated and angry, flails her arms and legs, trying to hit Faith.
" LET ME GO! DAMMIT, FAITH! LET ME GO, " Willow screams, " I'm gonna rip that monster's eyes and tongue out. I'm going to cut her into chunks. GODDAMMIT, FAITH! LET ME GO!" Her kicks hit Faith's shins, but Faith still grips her, holding her tightly.
It takes a minute or so, but Willow finally runs out of steam. Her struggle become weaker and her screams turn into sobs. The fight has gone out of her, and she goes limp in Faith's arms.
"Please, please let me go, " She says between sobs. " I hate her. I've got to get her for this. Don't you see? Xander was my bestest friend. She killed him, and I've got to kill her now."
She still is hitting on Faith, but her blows are like feathers. Her strength and rage are gone.
Faith lowers her gently to the floor, holding her almost like a child.
" Why? Why did she kill Xander? I don't understand. Why?"
" You and Xander were the closest to her, Willow, " Giles says, coming over from the corner. " You two remind her of what she was. She can't stand that, being reminded. It galls her." He nods towards the sofa.
Faith lifts the crying girl up, and carries her across.
"I … I'm next?" A note of fear comes in her voice, " She's coming for me next?"
" It's ok, Red. I won't let her, " Faith swears, " I'll get her, and we'll get this done."
She grips Willow's hand, and squeezes it reassuringly. She looks around the room, and her brow furrows.
" Hey guys, where's Buffy's mom? Where'd she go?"
" Joyce?" Giles also looks. " Oh… she must've ducked out when the commotion started. I'm afraid you scared her, Willow."
Willow looks up, guiltily.
" I don't think so, " Angel says, coming into the living room.
" What?"
" I don't think Joyce got scared and ran out, " Angel goes towards Giles. " I saw her car leave a minute or so ago."
" What?" Faith gets her first good look at Angel. " What happened to you?"
" Never mind that now. I think…"
" STUPID!" Giles hits his head with his palm. " I'm a bloody fool. I should've seen this. Do you think she…"
" Hold up, enigma boys. What exactly are you talking about?"
" Mrs. Summers. Joyce. She left, to meet with Buffy." Angel says.
" Why?" Faith looks puzzled. " How do you know that?"
" She's acting as a mole, Faith, " Giles says, " she's telling Buffy our plans."
" Are you serious?" Faith can't believe it. " She knows Buffy's a vampire… why …"
" She's still her daughter, Faith. IF you thought someone was trying to hurt your daughter…"
"Shit!' We gotta get there, now!" She spots the keys on the side table by the door. She's there, has them and is half out the door before the others can react. " Giles, you and Amy? Take care of Xander and Anya. You know what to do. We don't need anymore little helpers for Buffy." She slams the door behind herself.
" I better go with her, " Angel says.
Before he can even reach the door, Willow is there, starting out. He grabs her by the shoulder.
" Where do you think you're going? " He asks, a little irritated.
" I'm going with. Let go, " Willow says quietly, but firmly.
" There's no way you're going, Willow. We need you here."
Willow turns on him, and gives him a deadly look.
" Try and stop me, Angel, " she says, walking out the door, " anyway, Faith can't drive."
Angel turns back to the others, " You've got the bodies?"
" Yes, go, we'll handle that here, " Giles says, " just don't let them go alone!"
Angel exits.
" Looks like we get the clean up work, Mr. Giles, " Amy looks around ruefully.
" We have to take care of the bodies first, Amy. And make sure they don't come back."
Amy looks grim. " You think she turned them?"
" No telling… and frankly? I don't want to find out, " Giles heads towards the back.
" I've got a spell that'll do it. No fuss, no muss, no lighter fluid".
She follows him out.
Faith is leaning on Willow's car, pounding on the top in frustration.
" Hey! You'll dent it!" Willow says, coming around the front. " Gimme the keys."
" Where the hell do you think you're going, Red?" Faith palms the keys.
" Tip, Faith. Don't piss off the driver. I don't go, nobody goes. And oh, just try to stop me," She comes over to Faith, hand out.
Faith looks at Angel, who shrugs. Keys hit palm, Willow slides in the driver's seat, and in less than a minute, they're off.
" When we get there, you stay back," Faith says to Willow, " I don't need to be worrying about you."
" Don't worry, Faith. I'm here to help, not get killed. I'm angry, not stupid."
Gripping the wheel tightly, she makes a sudden left. Everyone in the car is thrown against the side.
" Maybe a little crazed?" Faith asks, holding on for her life.
" Maybe."
3
" Mom!"
Buffy sees her mom's SUV pull into the driveway, and calls out over the railing.
" Buffy, thank god you're here, " Joyce says, getting out of her truck. "Things are bad, Buffy."
Joyce walks up to the porch, and sits on the swing. Buffy sits next to her.
" What is it, mom?" Buffy looks worried, "what's going on?"
" It's bad, Buffy. Worse. They, all of them, believe you're behind these awful murders."
" No, mom, no!" Buffy stands up, walking away from the swing. " You know I couldn't do that!"
" I know, baby, I know. But they're convinced. I've tried to tell them otherwise, but they won't listen to me, " Joyce frowns. " I don't know what else I can tell them, honey."
" I know. It's hard for them to believe, " Buffy says, turned away so Joyce can't see her smirk, " they're so used to someone becoming a vampire and becoming evil. They just can't accept I'm different."
" Maybe if you sat down with them, Buffy. If you talked to them, told them your side of the story…"
" Is that before or after they stake me?" Buffy says, bitterly. " they won't listen to me."
" Have you tried, Buffy? On neutral ground? Where they can't kill you?"
" Mom, c'mon, with Faith there?" She turns back to her mother, frowning. " She hates me, you know that. I don't get it, I just don't. I do my slayer duties forever, and now, because of something that isn't even my fault, they turn on me. They listen to that psycho loony tune. All she wants to do is stake me, and take over my job. Be me. Remember I warned you about her, many times. Now she's gonna do it."
" Buffy," Joyce says, getting up.
" No mom, even you didn't want to believe it. You were all ' give her a chance, Buffy' ' She's just different Buffy' ' She can't help it, Buffy.' Then she went nuts and tried to kill everyone, and did I say , ' I told you so?'. Even once? No. I just got in there and saved you from her, is all. But now, because of this… this… curse, everyone is against me. Even you," Buffy shakes her head. " you go to their little meetings. How do I know you're not plotting with them behind my back? Maybe even now … maybe I should just go." Buffy starts to leave.
" No, Buffy! " Joyce calls out, going after her. " Please, baby. Don't go!"
Buffy stops, arms crossed. She's turned away, so Joyce can't see her expression.
" What?" Buffy says, impatiently.
" I can tell you what they're planning. About you."
" Really?" her voice softens. " What mom?"
" They're … going to try to capture you. that's the plan. Then, they're going to perform a rite of exorcism on you, to expel the slayer demon in you. They figure that's what became corrupted. They figure once that's out, you'll be yourself again."
" Right. Myself, without any slayer powers. God, how can they be so stupid! That's the only thing keeping me from becoming evil. Didn't you explain that to them?"
" I … I tried honey, but they wouldn't listen." Joyce says, quietly. " they don't listen to me."
" Do they ever?" Buffy says, a little sarcastically, " I mean really, mom, does anyone ever listen to you?"
" Buffy?"
" I'm… I'm sorry, mom. I'm just stressed."
" It's ok, honey, I know," Joyce says, putting a hand on Buffy's shoulder. " Maybe, you should get out town for awhile, honey. Get away. Let this blow over. Then come back , and together, we can talk to them, convince them."
Buffy shakes her head. " No, I don't think so. You were right before. I have to face them down. Get this settled. Otherwise, it's just going to hang over me like a …well, stake. " She shrugs.
" I think that's the best course, Buffy. I really do."
" Well, you would, wouldn't you?"
" Buffy?" Joyce notes Buffy's change of tone. " What do you mean?
" What I mean, mommy dearest, " Buffy says, still turned away, " is that you're not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, are you?"
" Buffy, I don't understand…" Joyce tries to back up, but Buffy grips her hand in a vise like grip
" Buffy, I don't understand, " Buffy mocks her, " well, of course you don't. But don't worry, mom. I don't hold it against you. I still think you're a peach." Buffy turns around, twisting her arm. She's fully vamped out. " Now, be a nice peach, and let me eat you."
" Buffy, no! STOP THIS! " Joyce screams.
" ' Buffy, no! stop this!" Buffy mocks her. " You moron!"
Buffy leans in, and bites her mother's neck.
Joyce screams.
4
" Hey, Buff!"
Buffy feels herself pulled off Joyce, and lifted by the hair. She looks into the face of one very, very brassed- off slayer.
BAM!
" I'm ready to play now!"
Before Buffy can recover, Faith starts pounding on her, driving her away from Joyce.
" Run, Joyce, NOW!" Faith calls out, as she attacks Buffy.
" I'm glad you came, " Buffy sneers, " I'm so gonna enjoy this!"
Buffy grabs Faith, and throws her against the door. Faith, ready for it, bounces back, and does a side kick, hitting Buffy in the stomach.
Buffy, unprepared, staggers back close to the plate glass window, and Faith leaps at her, crashing both of them through the window, into Buffy's living room.
Angel and Willow come up, and seeing Joyce, go to her. Angel presses a finger against her neck.
" Is she… I mean… is she…?" Willow looks sick.
" No, she's alive. Just unconscious." Angel starts to lift her. " Help me get her to the car."
Willow looks at the busted window, and hears the noises coming from inside.
" Don't you think you should help her? Faith I mean?" She comes over, and puts one of Joyce's arms around her shoulder.
Angel stares at the window. " No… I think she's got it."
They walk to the car.
Inside the living room, they roll on the floor, each trying to get the advantage. Buffy finally manages to throw Faith off, and leaps to her feet.
" You moron. You think you've got a chance against me? You couldn't take me when I was mortal. What makes you think you can now?"
" Seem to remember, B, I clocked you pretty good, right in this room, last time we fought." Faith grabs an urn and breaks it over Buffy's head. Buffy staggers back, but grabs a table behind her, and lifts it, throwing it at Faith. Faith ducks, letting it fly over her.
Faith knows her only chance is to keep Buffy off balance. She leaps at Buffy, pushing her back into the living room. She starts to pummel on her, her fists hitting Buffy's shoulders, face and chest.
" You know? That really stings, " Buffy says, bringing her arm up to block. She kicks Faith in the thigh, and then delivers a blow to her face.
" Dammit, B. What is your deal?" Faith , staggering back, hits the grandfather clock in the hall. " You always go for the face."
" Well, F, It's just such a great target. And it really pisses you off!" Buffy laughs as she rushes Faith.
Faith ducks aside, and grabbing the clock, pulls it over on Buffy. Buffy almost ducks it, but it clips her on the shoulder, knocking her down. Faith brings her boot up, catching Buffy under the chin, and sending her flying into the wall. Buffy lies still for a moment, and Faith rushes her, to deliver a knockout blow. She throws a kick at Buffy's face, but Buffy's arms come up, and she catches Faith's foot. She throws her back, hard.
" Not quite yet, Faith. We're not done chattin' yet," Buffy is up, while Faith flies into the coffee table, breaking into pieces. Buffy leaps on her, holding her down. " Now, where were we? Oh yeah. I think we were talking about your death. I'm thinking, slow, with lots of torture. "
Faith wriggles free enough to bring her legs up. She pushes Buffy off and over her head, literally kicking her ass into the couch. She rolls out from under, and leaps up, kicking Buffy in the ribs.
" I'm thinking, not!" Faith kicks her again
There's a growl, and Buffy has vamped out. She leaps up, and grabbing the sofa, uses it like a club, hitting Faith with it. Faith, caught flat footed, flies across the room into the banister. Buffy is on her in a flash. She grabs Faith and again pins her.
" Shut up and die, Faith." She leans in to bite her.
" What happened to slow and torturous?" Faith sneers, as she brings her knee up as hard as she can into Buffy's crotch. Buffy staggers back a little.
" Not quite as good as with a guy, but gets the job done, right, B?" Faith doesn't wait. She punches Buffy in the throat. Buffy grabs her throat, and Faith kicks her in the stomach, then brings her knee up into her face when Buffy bends over.
Buffy, enraged and hurting now, grabs Faith around the waist, and drives her back into the banister. Using her head like a ram, she hits Faith over and over in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her. She straightens up, smiling.
" Nice try, Faith. Real nice." She grabs Faith, and lifting her high, throws her over the banister onto the stairs. Faith, winded, trying to catch her breath, lies stunned.
Buffy is up the stairs in a flash. She looks down at the winded slayer, and sits next to her. Almost tenderly, she lifts her, brushing the hair out of her face.
" Why're you doing this, Faith?" Buffy asks, seeming genuinely confused. " This is all about you, don't you know? I want you, baby, really bad. It could be so good, you and me. I know that darkness is in there, " Buffy runs her hand over Faith's chest, tapping it. " I know you and me, would could rule this town. This fucking world. That's what I wanna give you. All of it. Just say yes, and it's all over. All of it. I won't harm your little friends. I'll even leave Angel alone. It'll be just you and me, baby, everything; all you gotta do is say yes."
" Buffy," Faith whispers, reaching her hand towards her.
" Yes, lover?" Buffy waits with baited breath.
Faith grabs her hair, and pulls hard.
BAM! She hits her in the face.
" Again, fuck you!" Faith starts to crawl away.
" You fucking …." Buffy is up, and grabs the crawling Faith. She throws her, head first, upstairs.
Faith hits the wall, cutting her forehead. She staggers up, then bounces off a wall, then another, and slides down.
Buffy is on her, and grabbing her, lifts her off the floor. She licks the wound on Faith's head.
" Mmmm… nice." Holding her, she punches Faith's face again. " Nicer."
She throws Faith into her bedroom, and Faith hits the footboard of Buffy's bed. Buffy comes in, and closes the door behind her. She goes over, and drags Faith up from the floor.
" So, baby, how're you doin? Not lookin' so good, Faith. Me? I'm just getting warmed up. I can go all night." She throws Faith on her bed, and leaps on her, straddling her. " So, here we are in my bedroom. Wanna fuck?" Laughing, she rips Faith's blouse. " C'mon, baby, it could be fun."
Buffy leans over to bite Faith's exposed breast. Faith gets her arm free, and rakes her nails across Buffy's face.
"I'd rather fuck a Zombie, you bitch, " Faith spits on her.
Buffy rears back, enraged. She hits Faith in the face, then slaps her repeatedly.
" You slut! You scratched my face!" Buffy yells at her. She takes her hand, and claws Faith's face in return. " how's it feel , you slut?" She spits on Faith. " You're mine, bitch, get used to it. I'm gonna have you, like it or not." She starts biting Faith savagely on the breasts, raising little welts of blood.
Faith brings her arms up, and boxes Buffy's ears, hard.
" DAMN YOU!" Buffy screams.
Grabbing her by the hair, Buffy hauls Faith out of the bed. She throws her against the wall. Faith slides down it, glaring balefully at Buffy. Faith, bleeding and exhausted, struggles to get up. Buffy kicks her in the chest, knocking her back down.
" Give it up, Faith. You're dead. You're gonna die in about 10 seconds. When I'm done with your corpse, there's not gonna be enough left to stuff in a waste basket. " Buffy smiles down at her. " And, you're going to die knowing you never could beat me, Faith. You never were my equal, you little slut piece of trash. Not even close. Even dead, I'm a better slayer than you'd ever be! You're not even second, Faith. Kendra was better than you. You're nothing, Faith. That's all you ever were, nothing." Buffy spits on her again. " And you'll die nothing."
Something snaps in Faith. All the anger, the humiliation, the pain she's suffered over the years coalesces into a hot ball in her chest. The pain, the exhaustion falls away. She feels strength flow through her; pure energy, white hot courses through her veins. She grabs Buffy's foot, and throws it off. She hauls herself off the floor, facing Buffy.
" Maybe so, B. Maybe so. But not now. Not today!"
And for the first time she in the longest time, Buffy feels a twinge of fear. She sees the look in Faith's eyes, and she sees madness backing it up. She starts to back up.
Faith, seeing only red, jumps on her. She starts pounding on her.
"We'll see who dies today, B, " Faith growls, hitting her again and again. " We'll just see."
Buffy , unprepared for the onslaught, somewhat weakened by the fight, quickly loses any resistance. She just lies there as Faith's fists hit her again and again.
Angel appears in the doorway. He rushes over, trying to pull Faith off Buffy.
" Stop it, Faith, you'll kill her!" Angel cries, trying to pry her up.
" Good, she deserves to die, " Faith says, shaking him off. She continues to pummel Buffy. " I want to kill her. I'm gonna kill her."
Angel punches Faith in the face, knocking her over. She's immediately on her feet, running on adrenaline, rage and pain.
" Damn you, Angel. Get the fuck outta my way. That bitch dies!" She charges Angel, forcing him back. She beats on him. " I'm not nothing! I'm not nothing! I'm NOT NOTHING!" She screams at him.
Angel lets her rage, knowing he'll have some bruises later.
Eventually the madness breaks. Faith breaks down and starts to sob, clinging to him. He picks her up gently, like a child, holding her in his arms.
Angel hears Buffy start to stir, and still holding the weeping slayer, he walks over, putting his foot on her throat. Buffy glares up at him.
" Don't even twitch, Buffy, " Angel says quietly, " My foot will be through your throat before you can lift an arm."
" Just stake me you prick and be done with it, " Buffy croaks." All that whining baby's screeching is giving me a migraine."
" Let me go, Angel, I'm ok, " Faith says, voice scratchy and emotional.
" Not yet, Faith." He holds her tighter.
" The crazy slayer's gone, Angel. I'm back. Let go, " She wriggles out of his arms, pushing away.
" Oh god, just kill me! All this sweetness is making me wanna puke."
" Kill you, B?" Faith pulls a wickedly sharp knife out of her boot. She comes over, and slides the flat edge along Buffy's cheek. " Now, where's the fun in that?" Taking the knife, she thrusts it in the floor next to Buffy's head.
Buffy flinches.
" Faith!" Angel growls at her.
" Aw, chill out, Angel. Just yanking her chain a little." She smiles down at Buffy, " Now baby, give us a kiss." She grabs Buffy by the ears, and head butts her. Buffy's eyes roll up in her sockets, and she's out.
" Man, you're girlfriend has a rock for a head," Faith complains, rubbing her forehead. She pulls her knife out of the floor.
" You could've just hit her, Faith, " Angel grins at her.
" Naw, my arms were tired. " Faith chuckles. She walks over to the curtains, and starts cutting off the pulls. " So, roll her over, champ. I wanna hog tie her nice and tight til we can get something more permanent."
In a few minutes, it's done. Faith has her tied leg to opposite arm, tightly. She's gagged her, and Faith uses a pillow case as a hood over her head.
" Why'd you tie her like that?" Angel asks.
" Well, if she tries too hard to break those ropes, she'll rip the arms right out of her sockets. That might sting a little, " Faith chortles.
Angel looks at her with an odd expression. " Where'd you learn that?"
" Lets just say a couple guys I knew? Really had some creative bondage ideas."
" You're evil, " Angel shakes his head, almost in admiration.
" Yeah, you're still not getting in my pants, buster," Faith cracks.
Lifting Buffy, they carry her out the bedroom door.
5
"OW!"
Faith dodges the antiseptic sponge Willow is using to clean her facial wounds. Willow holds her by the cheek, and daubs it on as gently as she can.
" Ow, ow, ow!" Faith repeats, pouting a little.
" God, stop being such a baby," Willow scolds her. " do you want those to get infected, so you have nice scars running on your face? Just hold still." She finishes cleaning the scratches, then daubs some antiseptic ointment on them and bandages her face. " There, done. That looks… ok, it looks ugly, but you only have to wear them a couple of days."
"Geeze, thanks,"
" Ok, take off your blouse…" Willow turns to get some more antiseptic solution.
" Whoa up. When did this become a game of playing doctor?"
Willow makes a rude noise.
" Grow up, Faith, and oh, get over yourself? All I'm doing is making sure you don't have any wounds that'll infect."
" Who died and made you Florence Nightingale?"
" Hey, if you don't like it, we can always go back to taking you to emergency."
" You really are a bitch, you know that?" Faith grumbles. She shrugs off her ruined top.
" Yeah, but I'm the bitch with the meds, girl, " Willow pokes at the wounds on Faith's breasts, making her jump. " Hmmm… she got frisky, I see." Willow pours out some hydrogen peroxide and cleans the wound.
" Hey, getting a little personal there, Red." Faith stares at her.
" What? Oh for god's sake. Listen you conceited, self centered moron… You're not my type, I don't go around molesting women, and oh, did I say… you're so not my type."
" Look, I beat up Buffy pretty bad. Why don't you go torture her for awhile?"
" Oh, yeah, I'm going to go over and start poking at the pissed off vampire. That's a great plan, Faith." She shakes her head in disbelief. " Anyway, she doesn't need it."
" What're you talking about?"
" She's already healing up. Vampires heal fast; at least that's what Angel says. It's an undead thing." She pushes on Faith's shoulder. " Turn around."
" Hey, watch it. That's sore!" Faith grumbles. " So, when are you guys gonna have this exorcism ready? I mean, come on. How long does it take to get her to spew the pea soup already?"
" Amy and Giles are still working on it. I'm gonna help them as soon as I get done patching you up, so the less you talk, the better."
" Hah, funny, Red. What's the hold up?"
" It's a little complicated, Faith. Not sure you'd get it. " She looks at Faith's back. " Holy malloley. What'd she do? Use you to sand down the head of nails or something? You got cuts all over your back. "
" Not a dope, Red. I can understand things you know, " Faith protests.
"Whatever. Here. Bite on this" She hands Faith a clean towel.
" Why?"
"Cuz, this is gonna hurt, and I don't want you to bite your tongue, or scream like …"
" A girl?" Faith chuckles.
" A baby…" Willow finishes." Go on, bite on it."
Faith complies, just as Willow pours the antiseptic over her back. Her eyes go wide, and tear up. But not a sound. Willow daubs the wounds on Faith's back gently, eliciting grunts from Faith.
" You can take that out, now, " Willow says, calmly.
" So what about this hoodoo of yours. What's the deal?"
" Look, this is not an ordinary demon we're trying to expel from Buffy. It's the essence of the demon the original Watchers used to make the slayer a slayer. It's sort of mystically tied to you. To expel it, we're going to have to find the original spell that imbued it, and adapt an exorcism ritual to take that into account. Not an easy task." Willow starts rubbing antiseptic ointment on Faith's back, " Oh ,and you probably don't want to be in the same room when the ritual is performed. It could affect you, too."
" And what's the bad part about that?"
" What do you mean, Faith? You stop being a slayer."
" Yeah, and?"
" We still need a slayer here, idiot."
" So? I stop being a slayer, the next one is called."
" Maybe. Or maybe it doesn't work that way, and only your death triggers it."
" Damn. And I was hoping to drop this gig," Faith grouses. " Well, you guys hurry up and get Vampirella over there fixed, and then maybe you can slit my throat, and have Buffy back."
Willow slaps Faith on the back, hard.
" SHIT!" Faith jumps up, spinning around. " What the fuck was that for?"
" What the hell kind of talk is that? Do you think I want you dead or something?"
" Don't you? Think I forgot the warm welcome I got comin' here?"
" Hey, remember, you were the one that went all Freddy Kruger on us, trying to kill us all. What did you expect? Chocolate and kisses? We, me and …" Willow pauses, trying to catch her breath, "… Xander thought you were the same. But I know now you're not the same, Faith. Not even close. So stop that kind of stupid ass talk." She throws the towel at Faith. " You'll live."
" Hey, aren't you gonna bandage my back?"
" Screw you, Faith, " Willow says as she disappears into the dining room.
" What the hell bug she got up her butt?" Faith shakes her head.
She hears an evil laugh.
Buffy is sitting bound up in a chair, heavy chains binding her . She's been watching the whole little scene, and is grinning like a fool.
" Shut up slutty, " Faith growls. " When I want the psycho vamp opinion, I'll let you know."
" Well, it's great to see some things never change, " Buffy chuckles. " You're still the densest dumb ass I've ever met!"
Faith walks over, and flicks her on the nose. Buffy flinches, and struggles against the chains.
" I'm free, and you're chained up. Who's the dumb ass again, B?" She laughs.
" Nothing's forever, Faith. When I get outta these, you're blood's gonna spurt red in my mouth, you slut." Buffy keeps struggling.
" As you bragged earlier, Buffy, you're done. Even if by some miracle you get outta those, the girls put a binding spell around you. You'll go about two inches, and boom, hit a brick wall."
Buffy doesn't say a word. She just leers at Faith, licking her lips.
Faith shudders. She wonders how that thing can make her feel so damned … dirty.
" Where the fuck did I drop my blouse, " Faith mutters, walking back over to the chair.
"Aw, c'mon Faith. Why cover up your best assets. They look positively bitable." Buffy drops into a sing song tone. " I know somebody who'd like to bite 'em."
Faith recovering her blouse, comes over and slaps Buffy hard.
" Shut up, you sick shit. Only thing you're biting is dust." She slips into her blouse.
" Not me, bitch, Though hey, I bet their a real mouthful and a half, " she chortles. " Naw, I'm talking about the airhead playing nurse before."
" Get real. Red? You're nuts. She can't stand me, and anyway, bonehead, I don't swing that way."
" Yeah, don't knock it if you aint tried it, Faithy. Though, seems when I had you all tied up before, you were getting a little breathy when I started biting you."
" Yeah, well, my boobs are sensitive, ok? Shit, what the fuck does this matter? You're toast, bitch."
" You're a crappy liar, Faith. I got enhanced senses. I could tell you were turned on."
" In your dreams, Vampira. You were a sexy as mold."
" Hmmm. That's not what my nose told me. No matter, cuz I wouldn't touch your skanky self except to drain you. But Red… now there's a different story."
Faith makes a disparaging noise. " Listen blood brain. Red barely tolerates me… only because I got the bitch that killed her best friend. I'm not gay, or bi… I like dick. And anyway, even if all that were diff? She's got a girlfriend. Or did the blood loss make you forget that?"
" She's got a turnip, you moron. Tara's been a vegetable for years. All that time, and old Faithful Will hangs in there, not getting none, just being the devoted girlfriend. But the girl's so horny, she could pop. And lonely, needing someone to talk to. Wow. Just put those together, and she's ready to lay back and open it right up… and baby, I can smell how much she wants you to be doing the lickin'."
SLAP!
" Shut up, you perverted piece of crap!" Faith hits her again. " SHUT UP!"
Buffy laughs, licking the blood from her cut lip. " Wow. I hit a sore spot, didn't I Faithy?"
SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!
" Hey!" An angry Willow comes in from the dining room. " What the hells going on in here!" She rushed over to the two of them, grabbing Faith's hand. " What the hell are you doing? Quit hitting her!"
Faith rears back, ready to hit Willow. Willow's eyes go wide, and she drops Faith's hand, crossing her arms in front of herself to protect herself. Faith just shoves her away.
" Quit fucking around and get this spell done. I'm tired of looking after this…" She storms out, slamming the front door after her.
"What the hell is her problem?" Willow mutters, angry and confused.
" These slayers. They're just so touchy, " Buffy chuckles, loving the effect she's had.
" Shut UP!" Willow slaps her, and storms out of the room.
Buffy laughs and laughs.
6
" You guys look like you escaped from a really bad movie."
Faith sits in a chair at the edge of the dining room. She points at the others, and laughs.
" Can this get more hokey, or what?" She chuckles.
Giles, Amy, Angel and Willow all give her a dirty look. They are dressed in dark robes, decorated with hand painted mystical symbols. Each is carrying a black candle, and a staff.
Faith is loving this.
In the center of the dining room, the table having been removed, is a circle of powder. And within that sits Buffy, still chained but with a new accessory. A gag. Everyone has grown tired of her rude remarks.
" You know, Faith, you really don't need to be here. Why don't you leave?" Angel , feeling the most foolish of the four, snaps at her.
" What?" She barely suppresses a giggle, " and miss you guys doing the hokey-pokey? I don't think so!"
" Faith, you should really leave," Willow adds, a little grimly
There is a pause while nothing happens.
" Now would be good, " Amy says.
" Oh, c'mon, this'll be a hoot, " Faith waves her off.
" Actually, Faith, for your own good, please step into the living room, " Giles says, pointing through the doors.
" The spell could affect you being a slayer, Faith," Willow says, " I told you that earlier."
" And like I told you, so the fuck what?"
The four of them stare at her.
" Faith, like it or not, you're the slayer, " Giles says, " and you have a sacred duty to perform as the slayer. Until you die, there can't be another slayer. There is no guarantee that another slayer would be called if you lose you powers during the spell casting. So, to be blunt, get out!"
" How sweet, Giles. I'm so touched by your concern, " Faith mocks, " Fine, I'll get out. "
She stands, and walks to the doorway.
" Not fair I don't get to see Buffy get hers."
She leaves. Then she pops back.
" If this don't work, I'm staking the bitch."
She's gone.
After they are sure she is gone, Willow speaks up.
" Ok, is everyone clear on the ritual? We each take a point at the circle. Giles, you're at 12 o'clock. Amy, you're at 3 o'clock. Angel, 6 o'clock. I'm at 9 o'clock." She looks around. Everyone nods their assent.
" Ok, then, " She continues. " We move in a counter clockwise direction. That's to the left, people. We chant the first verse, move to the spot left by the person in front of you. Chant the next verse, same thing. Etc. Remember. Tap your staff 3 times after you stop, and before saying the next verse. We've practiced this, so lets get it right!" she looks around again. " if we do this right, everyone should wind up in the same place they started. "
"Alright then, after the first part, I'll say the exorcism, and you all chant it in Latin. Everyone clear on that?"
" I don't speak Latin, Willow, " Amy says.
" Don't think you got to know what you're saying, just say it. Ok?"
Amy shrugs.
" Ok, we ready?"
Grumbles and other noises of assent.
" Places, people!"
---
Faith walks down the hall to the den, figuring she'll stretch out and get 40.
" Aw, who wanted to see their old stupid spell, anyway, " She grumbles.
" Willow? Is that you?" A voice float out from the den.
Faith looks in, and sees Joyce half laying on the couch, looking towards the doorway.
" Oh, it's you Faith. Sorry, never mind, " Joyce turns away.
Faith starts to leave, then turns back in.
" Mrs. Summers, can I talk to you?"
Joyce hesitates a second, her face reflecting her confusion. Finally she waves Faith in.
" Sure of course, Faith. Come in." She pats the sofa next to her. " Please, sit by me."
" Uhhh… no , I think I'll stand. I'm not gonna take much of your time, I know you're resting and all…" Faith tries to get it all out in a rush, " Look, let's just cut to the chase. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."
" Sorry?" Joyce looks confused, " I'm sorry, what for?"
" About everything, you know? I mean way earlier, when I was here and tried to hurt you, and now, for all the stuff we put you through. I just want you to know that I'm really sorry you had to go through all this." Faith paces, nervously, " I know you didn't really want to put me up. I know that was Buffy trying to get you to do it, or Giles, or something. I wasn't fair, any of them, to do that to you. I know me being there, even on your porch… must've been awkward and not pleasant. Heck, last time I was there, I kinda trashed your house, fighting B. Er. Actually, this time too… sorry 'bout that. But … I dunno, I'm just sorry you had to be involved in this. I know it must like really hurt." Faith shrugs, and heads for the door, " So, I just wanted to kinda say that, and I'll leave you alone now." She starts out.
" Faith… FAITH!" Joyce calls out, getting up. " Please? Stay?"
Faith looks back in, puzzled and suspicious.
" I'm glad you dropped by. I mean now. I wanted to talk to you, tell you how sorry I am, but I just didn't know how to do it. How to face you, after everything." She waves at the couch. " Could you sit down, please?"
Faith walks over, still keeping her eyes locked on Joyce. She sits. Joyce sits down next to her.
" There's so much I have to be sorry for, but especially with you, Faith. This is hard to explain." Joyce sighs " I wish you were a mother, it'd be easier for you to understand. But when I lost Dawn, in a way I lost Buffy too. Do you see what I mean?"
" Frankly Mrs. Summers, no," Faith says, quietly.
" Please, call me Joyce. Dawn was my baby. I mean, she was the youngest. She was special to me in that way. She was my little punkin belly, you know?" Joyce grins a little sadly. Catching Faith's look , she grins ruefully. " I know, she wasn't really mine. I know she was just an energy ball made to be human. But she felt like mine, like she belonged to me, do you get that?"
Faith nods.
" When we lost her, I was hurt deeply, even though my head knew that she wasn't really mine. But my heart felt like she was. But the worst thing, was Buffy. Dawn's death devastated her. The monks had used her to make Dawn. She was literally part of Buffy, her child, in a way, I guess. She loved her so much. She changed, she withdrew, a lot. I tried to talk with her about it, mourn with her, but she didn't want that. She started staying out a lot, and she grew closer to that Spike fellow. God knows why."
" Joyce, Spike's a vampire. Did you know that?"
" Yes, but he had that thing in his head. A chip or something that made him harmless. He couldn't hurt people anymore. That's what Buffy told me."
Buffy had it way wrong, Joyce.
" Then… when Buffy was … changed, I lost her too. My little star. That was Buffy. She was … everything to me, do you see?" Joyce face is full of pain. " When she came to me, soon after it happened, she explained because of what she'd been, a slayer, the .. .change didn't make her evil, like everyone else. She was still herself. She… looked like her, Ok, pale, but I figured that was because of what happened. But she acted like her, and talked like her, and she never harmed me. Not until…" Joyce frowns, letting out a soft, sad sigh. " I guess I wanted to believe, Faith. I wanted to believe my baby wasn't gone. I … just couldn't take another child being dead… and I let myself be fooled. I was stupid."
Faith reaches over, and covers Joyce's hand with hers. " I can understand it, Joyce. You needed her… I get it."
" When she told me they were bringing you here, to kill her, I panicked. I didn't want to lose her. She begged me to put you up in my house, to make the offer to you… and I went along, because I thought you were going to kill my little girl. That's what I really thought, Faith. And I sat in on the meetings, and told her what was going on. I was such a fool, Faith. Such a silly fool. I thought if I believed enough, if I really believed it; it would be her. That I'd have my little girl back again." Joyce turns away, hiding her eyes. Hiding the tears. " I was such a stupid fool, and I nearly got us all killed. I'm so … so … sorry Faith." Joyce can't hold it back anymore, the remorse and guilt too strong. She starts to cry.
Faith puts an arm around her, trying to comfort her.
" It's ok, Joyce. I get it. You'd do what any mother would do. Do anything to save and protect your daughter." Well, any mother but mine, maybe.
" Faith I don't have the right to ask you, but … if this doesn't work? If they can't cure Buffy… would you… would you… stake her? I don't want her to be remembered as some killer. I want her… them to remember her as she was… please?"
" I promise, Joyce. I won't let that … thing… hurt your daughter any more."
" Thank you, " Joyce looks at her, eyes full of tears. Faith holds her, letting her cry.
They hear a loud crashing sound from outside.
Faith jumps up, looking towards the dining room.
" What the hell was that?" She turns to Joyce, " You stay here!"
Joyce nods, and Faith runs out of the den.
---
In the dining room, Willow walks to the 9 o'clock position of the circle.
" Light your candles!"
Bics abound as the candles are lit.
" Let's do it!"
Each of the four taps their staffs three times.
Permissum illud ut es iunctus exsisto seorsum.
Let those that are joined be apart.
They move ¼ of a clock turn, then tap their staffs again.
Permissum ut confero exsisto infractus.
Let that put together be broken.
Each of the celebrant's candles flare up. There are a few gasps.
" Don't drop the candles, " Willow says.
They move again, and tap again.
Effrego vinculum ut erant no.
Break the bonds that were made.
For the last time, they move and tap.
Effrego seorsum phasmatis partum!
Break apart the spirit created!
At the last utterance of the spell, the candles suddenly flare brightly, almost blindingly so.
" What the hell!"
" Hey, what's going on?"
" Oh good lord!"
And as suddenly as they flare, they go out. The room is pitched into blackness.
" What happened?"
" Hey, what's going on?"
" LOOK!"
" I think it worked!"
In the center of the room, Buffy is unconscious. Surrounding her is a glow, shot through with red, black and orange. All of them stare at it.
" I think that's it, " Willow's voice is awed." The essence of the demon."
The aura around Buffy is in motion, and it flares up and down, moving around, but bound to the spot by the binding circle around it.
" I don't know, but I'm thinking it's not too happy, " Angel says.
" Perhaps, then we should proceed, " Giles interjects.
" you guys ready? Got your scripts?" Willow asks.
" Yes, let's just get doing it, " Amy says. She's looking a little freaked.
Willow moves to the center, being careful not to get too close to the binding circle. She takes out a vial of holy water, and begins:
" Demon, be afraid!" She shouts, shaking holy water on the essence.
The essence flares up, and Buffy screams
"Everto , timeo!" The others chant.
"Tremble in the presence of your god.
" Palpito in presentia of vestri Deus.
Foul thing, evil forever.
Turpis res , malum semper
Return to the darkness from which you come.
Reverto ut obscurum ex quod vos adveho.
Depart from this innocent, leave it in peace.
Recedo ex is insons insontis , licentia is in pacis.
I command you to depart!"
Ego mando vos proficiscor!"
Shrieks and moans are heard; not just from Buffy, but from all around the room. Glassware is tossed by no one, but shatters against the walls.
" Geeze, this is getting downright nasty, " Willow murmurs. She ducks quickly as a vase aimed at her head just misses. " Ok, now that's not nice!"
" What do you care, Willow!" A voice seems to be coming from Willow. " Tara's down here with us. She likes it here. SHE'S A REAL BIG WHORE!"
A thousand voices seem to laugh at her.
" Amy!" The voice of Catherine Madison issues from Buffy. A form takes shape in the chaos of the light surrounding Buffy. It looks like her.
" Come to mommy , Amy." Her arms begin to stretch, and stretch and stretch, reaching for Amy.
" Noooo, " Amy starts to move away, frightened.
" Its just illusion Amy, don't listen!" Willow calls to her.
The insane laughter gets louder. Amy stands still, but is shaken.
" C'mon, we've got to continue, " Willow shouts.
Out of the swirling lights, another form appears. It's a man, middle aged. Dressed in period 18th century clothing.
" Liam. Well, I see you've made a fine man of yourself then, " Angel's father approaches him. " So, how does it feel to be a mass murder, my son? I know I'm so proud of you, " The apparition mocks. It reaches out, and slaps Angel. " Wake up, boy, your worth nothin, and never will be!"
" Don't listen to them!" Willow yells, " we have to continue!"
" Rupert, " Jenny Calendar walks out of the lights. She is as she appeared in life, except her head is at an odd angle. Her neck is broken. " He killed me, and you let him do it. You , it's your fault , Rupert!"
" Jenny?" Giles goes white.
" Listen and be fearful, foul thing!" Willow calls out. None of the others respond. " DO IT, SAY IT!" She yells.
" Why should they?" the apparition of Tara approaches her. She looks angry. " They're weak, but you're the weakest!"
" DO IT!" Willow yells again
"Audio quod exsisto timidus , turpis res!" The others, a little shakily, call out.
"You let her do this to me!" Tara hisses at her.
" Baby?" Willow's face is sad. Then she clenches her jaw. " No, it's not you!"
"We call upon the Holy trinity to cast you out."
" Nos dico super Sanctus trinity jacio vos sicco. "
" This is you're fault, Willow. All of it, " Tara screams at her.
" You're not real!" Willow cries. " Abomination, child of filth, begone!"
" Abominor parvulus spurcamen , genitus "
Willow walks over to Buffy, and sprinkles Holy water on her. She screams.
" Stop this!" Tara screams at her. " You're hurting me, Willow!"
Willow is quivering. But she continues.
"We call upon the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit"
" Nos dico super Abbas , Filius , quod Flamen "
" Why are you hurting me, Willow?" Tara cries out, reaching for her. " I love you!"
" Tara, oh Tara, I'm sorry, " Willow whispers.
" Willow, don't listen, it wants to trick you!" Angel calls. " It's the beast. Don't listen to it!"
" SHUT UP, ANGELUS!" a dark voice issues from Buffy.
Things begin to fly around the room. Crashing into walls, into the furniture, into people.
" Please, stop, Willow. Please!" Tara begs her.
Willow feels tears rolling down her cheeks. She calls out.
" To cleanse this innocent of your foul presence."
No one answers in Latin,
" SAY IT!" Willow yells at them.
"Emundo is insons insontis vestri turpis presentia."
More moans, more screams, as if hundred of beings were in the room, are heard. A cold, ice cold wind blows through the room.
The doors to the dining room slam shut, trapping them within.
" Willow, for god's sake, finish this!" Giles calls out, ducking a glass.
" You want her, don't you?" The Tara before her screams at her, pointing at the doors. " You want her, and not ME!"
" No… no baby, no, " Willow moans.
" Willow!" Angel comes over to her, " don't listen, it's trying to confuse you. We're almost there!"
Willow, almost sobbing, calls out the next line.
" In the name of all that is holy, begone!"
Everything in the room starts to swirl faster. The sounds of laughter, the moans, the screams all get louder. The icy wind becomes gale force.
" You WHORE!" Tara screams at Willow over the cacophony. " I HATE YOU!"
Faith runs down the hallway to the living room. She sees the door open, and sees a man at the living room doors, pulling and beating on the doors. She runs over, and grabs him by the collar, hauling him back. She's ready to hit him when she finally gets a good look at him.
" Faith?" Wesley Wyndam-Price, disconcerted at having been lifted off the ground, gasps when he sees who it is.
" Wes?" To say Faith is surprised is understating it.
"What are you doing here?" They say together.
There's a pause.
" I'm here to help" They say together again.
Another pause
" Stop that!" Again.
" Wes, for Christ's sake, what're you doing here? I thought you were in L.A.!"
" I just arrived. I heard they were going to do an exorcism, and came to see if I could help. I seem to be late to the party."
" That's putting it mildly." She lets him down. The doors to the dining room open and slam shut repeatedly. " I think they're séance thingie is out of control."
" Faith, help me with the doors. We must get in there. I think they're in grave danger!" Wes starts to throw himself at the door. He bounces off.
" That's not gonna do it, Samson," Faith says sarcastically. " We need something, like an ax…"
" My weapons bag! Of course. It's out in the car!"
" Well, don't just stand there, genius. Go get it!"
Wes runs out, and Faith starts kicking on the doors.
Back inside is chaos.
Everyone is on the floor, avoiding the stuff flying through the air. The sound is deafening, and the nimbus around Buffy seems to be growing brighter, and stronger.
" Willow, finish it, now, or we're all done, " Giles, who's crawled by Willow, looks a little fearfully at the action.
Willow, however, doesn't seem to hear. She seems caught in a world of her own, where Tara is verbally abusing her.
" Angel, the last part, do it!" Giles calls out.
" I need the holy water, Rupert!" Angel calls back.
Giles wrests the vial of holy water from Willow's hand, and crawls over to where Angel is. Angel takes it, and stands up… and is almost knocked over by the wind.
" BEGONE!" He shouts, sprinkling the holy water on the aura.
" Genitus!" The others shout.
" BEGONE" He repeats, tossing more holy water.
" Genitus!"
" BEGONE!" He empties the vial on the nimbus.
" Genitus! "
Suddenly everything is still. The furniture and other things drop to the ground where they are. The wind stops. All noise ceases.
Then the light around Buffy seems to explode, turning the room into a bright white ball of light. Everyone is thrown back against the walls from the force.
Outside, the doors to the dining room burst open, revealing the white light.
Faith and Wes, who just got an ax each and were ready to start chopping the doors apart, are thrown back, into the furniture.
" What the hell?" Faith looks at the hand, realizing she still has the battle ax in it. She looks at the doors, which are barely hanging on the walls. They are broken, and warped.
" Oh, god, " Wes groans, getting up from the coffee table his body smashed to pieces. He offers Faith a hand.
" Got it Wes, " She brushes it away, getting up. " What happened?"
They look into the dining room.
It looks like a cyclone hit it. Things are tossed everywhere. Angel, Giles and Amy are tossed against the walls, while Willow seems to be unconscious in front of the chair holding Buffy. Strangely, that's the only thing that seems undisturbed. Groans and cursing is heard as one by one, they start to come around.
Angel stands up, and looks out. He sees Faith standing in the doorway next to…
" Wes? What're you doing here?" Angel gets up, moving towards him.
" Hello, Angel. It's good to see you too, " Wes says, slightly sarcastically. " What's going on?"
" You're supposed to be in L.A. on that case." Angel doesn't look too happy to see him.
Faith is looking back and forth at the two of them. Ok, what's going on here, then?
" The case is finished, Angel. Fred, Gunn and I got it done this evening. I came up here to see if you could use a hand," He looks past Angel into the room. " So, what have you been up to?"
Willow moans, and pushes herself off the floor. She looks around, and groans again. " Did it work?" She asks no one in particular.
" Exorcism, " Angel replies. " Not a whole lot of fun."
" Yes," Wes replies dryly. He walks into the room. " Is this the possessed?" He looks down at the bound person, then does a double take. " Buffy? But she was changed into a vampire…" He looks at Angel.
" Long story, " Angel says.
" We thought if we exercised the essence of Buffy's slayer demon, we could cure her, " Willow says, standing up. " did it work?"
" Ok, maybe not that long, " Angel shrugs.
By now, everyone in the room is back on their feet. They gather around Buffy.
Slowly, Buffy stirs in her chair. Her eyes open, and she sees all of them standing around her. She half grins.
" Hey guys, what's going on?"
She starts to get up, and then realizes she's chained to the chair.
" Why am I in chains?"
To be continued