Chapter Two

"Faith."

"Hi big guy. Miss me?"

Faith span around and in one fluid motion decapitated a vampire trying to sneak up on her.

Angel stood up. "Don't think for one minute I am not glad to see you, but what are you doing here?"

"The New Council sent me and a Slayer team in when they heard of a massive build-up of mystical whammy."

"And here I was thinking the Council didn't care..."

"Well, actually I have orders to kill you if you were working for the devil lawyers.."

"Oh... well I hope I've made your job easier..."

Angel looked over Faith's shoulder. He saw about eight girls, all around sixteen, tearing into the remnants of the demon horde. The girls fought like a perfectly timed machine, all complimenting each others skills. Some fighting up close with swords, others holding back and using crossbows to provide support. The new council's team was impressive to say the least. Angel watched as they killed the last few demons.

Angel and Faith walked over to the Slayers. A dark haired girl in front of them barked an order and the girls assembled in a line.

"Angel," Faith said, "meet my Slayers."

Angel looked at the troops. They were just children! Then he stopped himself. Buffy was younger than most of these girls when she started slaying, and she has survived being killed. Twice..

"So this is the mighty Angelus," the dark haired girl said. "Somehow, I thought you would be taller..."

"KENNEDY!" snapped Faith. "Sorry Angel. This is my second in command, Kennedy. She's a tough fighter, but likes to run her mouth at times.." Faith shot Kennedy a sharp look.

"She's gotta be good if you will take her, Faith" said Angel.

"Yeah. Plus I told Willow I would keep an eye on her..."

"Well, well... look what the cat dragged in." Spike walked over. "Long time no see Faith..."

"Spike! I heard rumours that you were back. What happened?"

"Its a long story.." interrupted Angel.

"Came back as a ghost. I got better."

"Apparently not so long..."

Suddenly Illyria arrived at Spike's side. Faith looked her up and down.

"Now this might take a little more explaining..."

"So let me get this straight," Faith said after Angel had given her the rundown on Illyria, "Fred gets infected with some ancient demon-god, it eats her from the inside, burns up her soul, and now wanders around looking like Fred crossed with a smurf, and you guys are fine with this?"

"Well," muttered Angel, "Its slightly more complicated than that..."

"Oh its alright man... I ain't judging you. Just think its kinda creepy is all. By the way. Where's Wes?"

"He didn't make it. Neither did Gunn."

They all stood silent for a few moments, honouring their fallen comrades.

Then the silence was broken.

"Bloody hell, I could murder a beer.."