Chapter 4

AN: My bad for not updating this story. Really don't know what to write. Luckily, watching some Buffy/Faith music vids kinda inspired me to write something. Hope you like it though!

WARNING: Major spoiler of the season 7 starting to where Faith came back to Sunnydale. Totally different though...this is what I wanted to happen in season 7.

Buffy's POV

Willow called me and says that the girl they found is waking up. I quickly went there and found some interesting information. We have a new enemy...and based from what the girl told me...this guy is no ordinary guy. I sighed and just sat at the waiting room area. So many things are happening now...so many weird things. Could I possibly defeat them?

'Cmon Buffy! It's just not you involved here. You've got a key who's a pain in the ass sometimes...a watcher who's like a father to you...a witch who has some darkness issue...a construction worker who seems to be into sex all the time...an ex-demon who is also into sex all the time...a dorky guy who likes to video tape things...a vampire who has a thing for you...an army of girls who are potential slayers...and...and a slayer...an ex convict...your rival...your other half...'

I sighed and looked at the floor thinking about Faith. She seemed so...different when she came back from 'buying cigarettes.' That was a couple of hours ago. She seemed...distant. It was like she had the 'don't touch or talk to me until I tell you too' aura. She was like her old self...without the evilness. Her eyes were back to where it was when she killed the deputy mayor. It was lifeless.

I guess I'm sacred again...scared that she might go back to her old ways and join the evil thingies. Then...I might end up fighting her again...maybe this time I might be the one who end up in a coma.

'Oh God...I hope that event never happen again. I don't want to fight her. We should be working together...not fighting together.

I covered my face with both my hands afraid that a déjà vu might come into play...again. Afraid to loose Faith again...

"Buffy...are you alright?"

I looked up and found Willow looking down at me with a worried face. I just smiled at her trying to cover up my feelings.

"Yeah...I'm alright. Just a little overwhelmed with what she told us about the big bad..."

She sat next to me and laid her hand on mine, squeezing it a little.

"It's alright...we'll figure out something to defeat it...like always."

I nodded and smiled looking at the floor again. I guess my smiling really doesn't cover about what was on my mind when she asked...

"This really isn't about the...big bad is it? Is it about Faith?"

My smile disappeared when she mentioned Faith. I just looked at the floor staring at it...hoping that this is just some dream and when I wake up...we're back to where Faith and I got along...before she got evil...

"Buffy...I assure you Faith is a changed person now. There no reason not to trust her..."

'I'm afraid...afraid to trust her. Afraid that she might go evil again and betray me...afraid to loose this second chance to make peace with her and be her friend again...or...maybe more...'

I didn't say that out loud...but that's what I kept on thinking. I just kept on staring at the floor listening to Willow talk.

"You know what Wesley told me when I got there in LA? That the Faith now is far more different than the Faith that he once knew, who was evil. She drugged herself in order to trap Angel. She used herself and made Angel drink her blood in order for the drug to take its effect. She was in a coma when she did that...both of them were. And well...somehow she was inside Angel's mind. She brought him back...brought him back to the person you fell in love with."

'Faith...Faith did all that?'

I frowned still looking at the This was really not the Faith I knew. This was a different Faith...a new Faith.

"She seemed so...I don't know...unFaith like. I never knew that she would do that for a vampire. I mean...from what you told me in the past...she didn't want to be fed to Angel when she poisoned him. And now...she didn't hesitate and just let Angel bite her. I guess she really wanted to bring back to his old self...I think she really cares about Angel to let him do that to her just to bring him back..."

Again jealousy was coursing through me again the moment she said, 'I think she really cares about Angel...' I frowned and stood up not looking at Willow.

"Buffy...I...I didn't mean to say it like that. I meant that...Faith cares about Angel in a friendly way...not the way you and Angel feel about each other. It's totally not like that. What you and Angel had was..."

I turned to her and smiled at the way she's babbling again.

"...in the past. And I think that's where it will stay now. Don't get me wrong...I do love Angel...but...I'm really not IN love with him. I don't get butterflies in my stomach when I see him. And I really don't think about him anymore...not like in the past. He's my past...and definitely not my future..."

Yeah...he's not my future...I don't know who is...but I really hope my future is the one at home...my other half...

Faith's POV

I'm at the roof again...watching the sunset as I lay on the roof, listening to a damn walkman that I borrowed from Dawn. I don't know why...but music just seems to make me forget things...mainly a thing named Buffy. She's been gone for a couple of hours now, saying that she has to go to the hospital to see the girl that me and Red found. I don't give a damn about it anymore...her and Spike I mean. She can screw anyone she wants for all I care...

I frowned and looked for a station that might sound interesting. Soon enough...I did found something interesting. It's some station that's helping the callers about their problem with relationship. It always made me laugh to hear the different problems of people around. I listened to this crap once when I was in prison. We were playing cards when someone turned on the radio and this mumbo jumbo turned up. I couldn't help but laugh at some lame girl telling the DJ about his problem with his boyfriend. They really sound pathetic...

I turned up the volume and looked at the darkening sky smiling and smirking as I listened to the DJ speaking at the caller.

DJ: "Hello? What's your name?"

Caller: "Uh...Jason."

DJ: "It's rare to hear guys calling here..."

I couldn't help but smirk at the guy calling.

'Probably because that's a fucking chick station dumbass! This Jason guy must be gay or something...'

DJ: "So...Jason...what seems to be the problem?"

'His problem is he's GAY!'

Caller: "Well...um you see...I'm having problems with my girlfriend and well...I don't know whom to ask...and well...since this station seems to be...I don't know...girly...well I thought I could just ask here..."

I couldn't help but laugh when he said 'girly.' Kinda makes you think why HE...a GUY... is calling some girly station.

DJ: "I don't think our station is girly...it's for men and women..."

Caller: "smirks Yeah right...anyway...I got some really deep issue's with my girlfriend. Well...actually...ex-girlfriend. You see...we kinda broke up...and well...I can't seem to get her out of my mind. It's like when I was with her...I can't seem to stand being with her...being so bossy and all. And when...I'm not with her anymore...I can't stop thinking about her. I miss her...and well...I found out from a friend that...well...she has a boyfriend already. I can't get her out of my mind...what should I do?"

'Geeez...this guy got it bad...I wonder if this guy is related to Red...he seems to be babbling too much...'

The DJ didn't answer him at first...probably thinking of what he should say. If I were in that station I'd probably tell him to just get a grip and run away from the chick. That seems to be a good idea.

DJ: "Hmm...you really are in a serious problem. And I could only think of what to say to you... 'Fuck her and move on dude!'"

I burst out laughing at what I heard. This DJ ain't that bad after all...

DJ: "Find another woman! There are other fishes in the sea! Get a hold of yourself and just move on. If she doesn't want you then...just get another woman who will like you just the way you are! It's not like she's the only girl in the world! Surely there's someone whom you like other than her..."

Caller: "Well...I guess so..."

DJ: "Good...then ask her out already!"

Caller: "Uh...okay...um...thanks...I think."

DJ: "Good. Now for all you people who is in love with a bossy...self righteous chick who thinks that your world is at her feet and she could control you whenever she wants...I say just fuck em and ignore their bitchyness and move on."

Somehow...that Jason guy and I have the same problem. And I think this DJ guy is right...maybe I should just forget it...and move on.

DJ: "Now...is this station girly? Heh...don't think so! Anyway...here's a little music I'd like to dedicate to Jason...who's been blindly in love with a person that's totally not right for him. Hope you like it. It's called 'You're a God' by Vertical horizon..."

I just looked at the dark sky as I listened to the music. Somehow...I can relate my problems with it...kinda catchy...

I've got to be honest
I think you know
We're covered in lies and that's OK
There's somewhere beyond this I know
But I hope I can find the words to say

Never again no
No never again

'Cause you're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
That you would know
You're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
I'd let you go

But I've been unable
To put you down
I'm still learning things I ought to know by now
It's under the table so
I need something more to show somehow

Never again no
No never again

'Cause you're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
That you would know
You're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
I'd let you go

I've got to be honest
I think you know
We're covered in lies and that's OK
There's somewhere beyond this I know
But I hope I can find the words to say
Never again no
No never again

'Cause you're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
That you would know
You're a god
And I am not
And I just thought
I'd let you go

I can't help think of Buffy and her self-righteous attitude as I listen to the song. Brings back a hell lot of memories...

I sighed and closed my eyes for awhile. I quickly sat up when I felt a rock hit me on my arm. I frowned and took off the walkman and heard Dawn yelling.

"Faith!!! Get down here!!"

I sighed and jumped down right in front of Dawn. She was frowning and well...I can't help but notice the similarities that her and Buffy have. I grinned at her.

"S'up squirt?"

She sighed.

"Buffy wants a meeting in the living room. She says she wants you there."

Buffy's here already? I sighed and handed the walkman to Dawn thanking her. I slowly made my way upstairs...to the self-righteous chick named Buffy...

Buffy's POV

As we arrived I immediately asked for a meeting. Everyone was there...except for the potentials and Anya. Seeing that Faith was still not there I asked Dawn to get her. She nodded and walked towards the backyard. I sighed and sat down the couch as we waited for Faith. Soon enough she entered the living room. I just looked at her for awhile wondering what is on her mind. She looked at me and raised her eyebrow.

"Okay I'm here now. Care to start the meeting sometime before the silence kills me?"

I sighed as I found her voice to and sarcastic...so similar to the Faith I once knew. I stood up and looked at everyone and told them about the girl that Willow and Faith found...and her information about a man named Caleb who says that he has something that belongs to me. When I finished telling them...I just went ahead to what I'm planning to do.

"We need to start arming the girls. I wanna be ready to move when we find him."

Willow frowned.

"We don't even know where we're going."

"'S why I figured we'd do a little recon first."

I looked at Faith who was leaning at the wall with her hands crossed at her chest.

"You up for it?"

Faith's POV

"You up for it?"

I just looked at her for awhile with my eyebrow raised, confused at what she's asking.

'She...wants to patrol with me? Why not go with Spike instead?'

I just shook my thoughts away and shrugged.

"Point me where you want me."

Giles frowned and stepped forward...a little pissed off.

"And you're certain this is the best course of action? You don't even know what this man has of yours—if he, in fact, has anything."

I think he has a point there...I really think it's a trap...but it seems that I don't have say in this. I'm just here to lend a hand...nothing more. They don't give a damn about what I say...no one does. I looked at Buffy and she just looked at Giles trying to explain that it could be a potential needing our help. Giles just frowned.

"Could be a stapler."

I couldn't help but smirk at what he said. Buffy heard this and looked at me as if silently saying 'Your not helping!' I looked away from her and continue to listen to their argument.

"Going in anyway."

"With the girls? Most of whom have yet to be in the field, let alone in a life or death situation."

"Then it's time we test them. Look, I'll just take the ones that have been here the longest. The rest can stay behind."

Wow...Giles and Buffy seems to have a little problem with each other. I guess something happened between them. Soon Spike also joined the argument agreeing with Giles.

"Could be that's just what he wants you to do—the old bait-and-switch."

Willow nodded and looked at Buffy...pleading her silently to reconsider. I guess she's concerned about her girlfriend Kennedy...since she's obviously going with us.

"Yeah, he lures us away and then kills the girls we leave behind."

Buffy looked at Red and smiled a little...reassuring her that everything's going to be fine. But I think...everything's far from alright...

"I know. That's why I need you to stay here with them. You're my most powerful weapon, Will. I know you can keep them safe if anything happens."

Xander now also joins the argument. I feel kinda left out with nothing to say...just standing here and watching them argue for the first time. We're they just like this when they found out I had woken up in a coma. Was Buffy standing up for me telling them to give me a chance or...was she gritting her teeth and was cursing me for ever waking up. Probably the second one...

"An unknown man breezes into town, says he has something of yours. Buffy, this thing's got "trap" written all over it."

"He won't be expecting a full attack—not this soon, that's why we have to move."

'Geez B...four against one and you're still fighting for what you believe...that's Buffy alright...stubborn...'

Giles frowned still thinking that this plan of "HIS" slayer is a little...crazy.

"We know nothing about this man. We cannot go into battle unprepared. We have to have more time."

Buffy sighed and just head towards the door grabbing her coat as she looked at Giles and the others.

"Giles, we don't have time. And you're not going into battle. I need you to stay behind with the others. Help the girls who still need a teacher."

She looked at me and opened the door.

"Coming Faith?"

Now I felt everyone's eyes on me...looking at me to say something to Buffy and try to stop her. But I can't...my words won't stop her. If her best friends and lover can't...what the hell can I do? I'm nobody to her...I just shrugged and grabbed my jacket and headed outside with Buffy right beside me.

Buffy's POV

I couldn't wait to get out of there. I got this feeling that everyone just...doesn't trust me or something. Faith was the only one who didn't argue with me...or she was the only person who didn't say anything. I glanced at her trying to look at her face. She's quiet...like she's thinking of something. I sighed and continue walking towards the cemetery. Walking side by side with Faith...brings back memories. Nice memories.

I think I was too occupied with thinking of Faith that I didn't notice that she saw something walking ahead. She grabbed my arm to stop and pointed towards...a bringer

Faith's POV

We're following a...bringer from what Buffy told me yesterday. I frowned and just looked at it as it was heading somewhere.

"No eyes, but look at him go. He got SONAR or something?"

Buffy shrugged and continue to look at the bringer.

"Or something, I guess. Pretty good when they attack."

"Do they just roam free around town"

"Well, normally, they show up out of nowhere, and then either stab or get stabbed, and then they run off. Looks like this guy wants to be found."

Whoah...scary creatures. Maybe that's what is killing the potential slayers. I grinned.

"Lends weight to the whole "it's a trap" theory."

I looked at Buffy and she just frowned as we follow the bringer.

"I'm through waiting around for people to attack us."

"Hey, I'm with you. Drop me in the hornet's nest, what the hell? You got a rough sitch here, trying to turn a bunch of little girls into an army..."

"They're potential slayers, just like we were."

"Right. Maybe they'll do as good as us."

"They're getting better."

"I'll work with 'em. Some of 'em seem real eager. Fashion disasters, yeah, but they're ready to fight."

She suddenly stopped and turned to me looking confused.

"Why did you come back?"

I was taken back with her question that I frowned at her also confused.

"Willow said you needed me. Didn't give it a lot of thought. Do you—Am I getting you want me to be not here?"

She looked away from me and sighs.

"No, that's not what I meant. I'm...glad that you're here. It's good. Thank you."

She walked ahead and I just followed her scratching my head.

'Buffy...thanking me...that's new.'

I shrugged.

"No problem. You know me. All about the good deeds"

I glanced at her but she had this serious face. I was startled when she whispered so softly...

"Willow said you helped out Angel."

"Yeah. He says "Hi.""

"Really."

"Sure."

Another awkward pause. I glanced at her and she had her head bowed down a little.

"How is he?"

I knew she's going to ask that. Of course she will...it's the love of her life. But...this morning...Dawn said that she was jealous of Angel...I guess that's not true.

"Better. Had to do this whole magical mind-walk with him."

"You were in Angel's mind?"

The way she said it...it was more than a statement than a question. I sighed and just looked ahead looking at the bringer.

"Buffy..."

I stopped when I saw the bringer enter the weird looking barn house. I turned to her, frowning.

"What is this place?"

She shrugged and frowned looking at the house.

"Look, there's more of them."

Yep...I guess this is our destination. I sighed.

"I think we just found our hornet's nest."

She nodded and walked back, heading to where we came from. I followed her and frowned when she said.

"Let's get the cavalry."

I rolled my eyes having a really bad idea about what were going to do. I just hope that Buffy is right...that this isn't a trap.

'I hope that whatever is inside there that belongs to her...isn't really a stapler...'