Chapter One
Faith
Indianapolis, 2007
Annabelle Stepford didn't fully understand how it happened, or why it happened. She didn't know where the strength came from, or the sudden acuteness of her senses. She didn't even understand what her nightmares were all about, or her sudden desire to roam through graveyards. Of course, she didn't have much time to think about it, as she slugged a guy in the jaw.
All she knew, all she understood, was that on March 14th, 2007, her life changed forever.
It began just like any other day, even though it was her sixteenth birthday. A few of her friends convinced her to celebrate it at one of the local underage bars in her neighborhood. Being the carefree, innocent teen that she was, she had agreed without hesitation. After all, her parents didn't really seem to care what happened to her, aside from punishing her for the littlest things.
But that all changed that night. It changed as a vampire held her best friend, trying to drain her dry… and a mysterious stranger showed her a new path.
Of course, that only occurred after she had slugged the vampire in the face, forcing him to shift his attention towards her.
Annabelle backed up slowly in mute horror as the vampire glared at her, massaging his jaw painfully. At his feet, barely conscious due to blood loss, was Kristie, her best friend. But she was alive, holding her neck in attempt to prevent even more blood from draining from her.
Her focus shifted to her fist, and her horror briefly turned to disbelief. Despite the fact that she had just clocked this guy in the face, it didn't hurt in the slightest. In fact, it had felt right. Like she was supposed to do that. She felt a surge of confidence go through her.
"So, we've got a newbie Slayer in the mix," the vampire snarled, his teeth glistening with her friend's blood, forcing her to shift her attention back to her more immediate problem, the confidence leaving her in an instant. "The rest of you, grab something to eat. We can always have seconds. The Slayer's mine."
There were about eighty of them in there, situated all around the area. They had blocked every exit, preventing the escape of everyone inside. Not only that, they had been ready to feed the second they entered. If they had their way, a whole lot of people were going to be very pale before the night was up, and maybe even turned. She really didn't want to be a demon's meal, but what could she do? Could anyone really save them? After all, she didn't think Professor Van Helsing was going to charge through those doors. Who could they hope for?
As if to answer her question, one of the vampires situated near the main entrance suddenly let out a scream, before turning into a pile of dust. His two fellows followed suit just a second later, before either one could even think of doing anything.
Everyone's attention shifted in the direction of the apparently spontaneous act, every vampire figuratively stopping in their tracks, some literally centimeters from sinking their teeth into their prisoner's necks. They all stepped away immediately, making their way towards the doors.
The lead vampire, the one who had wanted to make her the main course, gestured silently to search the crowd. They couldn't feed as long as there was someone there ready to pick them off.
Annabelle also looked around as well, hoping to see if she could find whoever was crazy enough to take on thirty bloodsuckers on his or her own. Either that person was very crazy, or she really knew what she was doing.
She was leaning towards the latter when two more suddenly vanished in a cloud of dust before her eyes. She saw something move out of the corner of her eye, almost like a blur, blending back into the crowd before anyone could actually locate him/her. She actually doubted she had seen it either.
One of the vampires started making his way to the doors, fear apparent even on his face. It was clear that he at least had an inkling of what was going on, and didn't want anything to do with it. "It's her," he whispered, as the crowd began milling about, their terror diminishing in the face of this unexpected and most welcome reprieve. "It's the Ghost. The Lone Slayer who preys on the demonic hordes all across the globe. She's here."
"Impossible!" the Leader snarled, though he looked somewhat less than sure of it. "She was reported to be in Miami! There is no way she could get here that fast!"
"The new guys say that she can be anywhere she wants to be with just a thought. They say she can't be beaten. They say…"
"They say 'Help!' before the big bad Slayer stakes their undead asses," a new voice interjected, a husky timbre that was still easily identifiable as female. "All part of the deal, ya know? Me, Slayer. You, Vampire. Guess where I'm goin' with this."
That voice, while not sounding particularly threatening, was still more than enough to put the fear of God into every vampire there. Annabelle could tell just by the sudden paling of already pale skin, and the terror that took root in their yellowish eyes. Whoever this Ghost was, they had definitely heard of her. And apparently, they knew what she could do.
The vampire that the Slayer interrupted screamed suddenly as he died, joining his fellows in whatever hell he had come from. The others turned around, trying to locate her, but were unable to. She had already vanished once again, darting through the now rapidly diminishing crowd, as the humans streamed out of the building. They couldn't even see her well enough to attack.
Of course, that meant the crowd wasn't the only thing that was diminishing.
One by one, each bloodsucker fell to the one they called the Lone Slayer, the Ghost. She lived up to both namesakes, weaving in and out of them, dealing death with incredible speed and grace without once being touched. In fact, she was so fast that even Annabelle couldn't track her. Deciding not to even try, she knelt down next to Kristie, cradling her head in her hands as she pressed her fingers against the two bite wounds. "I'm still here, Kristie," she whispered. "Don't die on me, girl."
Suddenly, all was silent. She looked up, and stared.
The last vampire, the Leader, the one who had almost killed her friend, was now the only one that remained within the now deserted bar. He was holding a metal pipe in his hands, though he looked decidedly less than sure of himself. To his credit, he rallied himself, standing his ground against this foe. "You're a coward not show your face, Slayer!" he bellowed, turning around and around. "I am not afraid of you! I'm not afraid of a ghost!"
"Ya should be, buddy," the voice stated again from behind him, with just a hint of amusement this time around. "Then again, ya won't be around in a few seconds, so I really don't care."
The vampire spun around, his eyes going wide as he gazed upon his executioner. It was obvious that she was possibly the last person he had expected to see. "You?! You're the ghost?!"
"Freaky, ain't it?"
Annabelle was stunned too, but for entirely different reasons. There was no way a demon hunter was supposed to be that hot.
The Vampire Slayer, the Ghost, was a woman of about twenty five years of age, and decked in leather. Luxurious brown hair fell down her back, coupled with piercing dark eyes. A great sword, one that had strange symbols running up the blade, was in one hand, a wooden stake in the other, and a sack slung over one shoulder. Another sword, one of possible oriental origin was strapped to her waist. Confidence shimmered from her like a dam about to burst. This was someone who knew what she doing, and she apparently did it with the best of them.
The two combatants stared at each other for a long moment; one in fear; the other with a simple smirk on her face. Finally, the vampire let out a demonic roar of defiance, charging at her, swinging the pipe over his head.
The Slayer easily sidestepped his rather sloppy and unimaginative attack, slicing the pipe in half with her sword in a gesture of contempt. The stake she held slammed into his chest a split second later, in a move so smooth and fluid, it was almost like she was dancing.
All the vampire could do was look down at his chest in surprise before he vanished in a cloud of dust. He couldn't say whatever was on his mind at the particular moment, though it would have probably have been just as unimaginative, and just as crude.
Annabelle suddenly found herself and Kristie at the center of attention as her savior made her way over to her without even slowing down, like the slaying of eighty vampires was the norm for her. Sheathing her weapon in a back holster as she crouched, she pressed her fingers against Kristie's neck, checking for a pulse. "She's alive, though barely," she announced, setting her stake down and removing her bag. She quickly pulled out a bag of clear liquid and an IV needle, getting it ready. "I put a call out to some specialists in the city just before I took the vamps out. They should be here shortly to help you. By the way, that was a nice right hook. Probably would've knocked my block off if you were hittin' me."
"Uh… thanks." Annabelle watched as the woman located one of the large veins in her friend's arm, slipping the needle in, before handing her the bag, thrown by the unexpected comment. Then again, up until recently, she had actually thought demons hadn't existed. She caught sight of the oriental blade at her waist, and wondered just where this woman's been, and the wonders and horrors she had to have seen. "What is this?" she asked, focusing back on the here and now.
"It's something a bunch of witches came up with 'bout a year ago. I don't know the name, or how it does what it does, but it's supposed to simulate whatever type of blood a person has, and help their body produce more at a faster rate for 'bout two hours, or until the body has replenished what it lost. Really handy if you're nowhere near a hospital and you're slowly bleedin' to death. This is my last bag, so your friend got real lucky." She reached into her sack again, pulling out some bandage gauze and medical tape. "And in case you're wondering, this ain't the first time I've had ta do this. Kinda necessary when you're traveling alone to be prepared, ya know?"
Annabelle finally shook her head, watching as this Slayer quickly treated and covered the bite marks efficiently, making sure that they couldn't get infected. She believed her, especially considering the ease in which she did it. She had to have had plenty of experience treating herself or others she came across. "Who are you?" she asked.
The woman looked at her, not answering for a second. Apparently, she was trying to decide whether or not to tell her. "Ya heard the vampires," she said at long last. "I'm called the Lone Slayer these days. Another name for me is the Ghost, because I keep vanishing before they can track me. Honestly, I don't care for 'em much. Got enough monikers as is, some that I ain't proud of. As for my real name… I don't really tell anyone. It makes it even more difficult to find me if they're turned later on." She checked the drip, noting that it was doing its job perfectly, before focusing back on Annabelle. "Those specialists are gonna be here soon. Do what they ask you to do, and your friend will make it just fine. Just remember to keep the bag held up so the fluid can enter her body, okay?"
That she could do. She nodded. "Anything else?"
"… Are you ready to be strong? Are you ready to be a Slayer?"
"… And then she just left, right before you showed up," Annabelle finished up, shaking her head. "I still don't know what was in that IV bag, but it definitely saved Kristie's life. A whole lot of people owe her their lives, even if they don't know it."
Kennedy Adams, Vampire Slayer and co head of the American branch of the International Vampire Slayer Corp, nodded in complete understanding, as two medics placed Kristie on a stretcher. Already, color was returning to her cheeks, as the mystical formula continued helping her body create more blood. Her breathing had evened out, and she was even looking around, if a little dazedly. "Thank you Annabelle," she said. "Considering the number of vampires you saw, you were very lucky she was here." Stepping back, she took a look at the scene again. "It's your call, but you might want to tell your parents about what happened here. Someone will come around tomorrow to talk to you, give you the sales pitch… whatever you wanna call it." Her duty fulfilled, she started towards the door.
"Ma'am… do you know the ghost?" Annabelle suddenly asked, curious, noting how the other woman seemed to freeze in place. That gave her the answer.
Kennedy smiled sadly as she turned back around. Somehow, she should have known that the question would be posed. It was always posed by every new Slayer these days. "She wasn't always a ghost," she replied, giving her the same answer she always did. "Once, she was one of the Chosen Two, the second Matriarch of the new Slayers. But most of all, she was someone trying to find her place in the world. She's been journeying for almost two years to do just that."
"Did she find it?"
"… I'm going to find out, if I haven't missed her leaving already."
The search didn't take as long as she thought it would, surprisingly enough. Then again, thanks to the incredible joy that was magic, she arrived only ten minutes after the whole bar fight had ended. With a little luck, as she had told Annabelle, the Lone Slayer hadn't skipped town yet.
She was presently in the center of a somewhat rundown, but rather clean hotel, staring at Room 415. Taking a deep breath, praying she wasn't too late, she knocked quickly. "Hello?" she called out. "Is anybody home? Any fighters against the Forces of Darkness?"
There was nothing but silence on the other side. Her heart started to sink… before she heard the sound of boots treading across extremely worn carpet. She reached for her hip, where a stake was located within easy reach. To ensure that she had the element of surprise, she knocked again. "Come on, I know you're in there, girl. We really need to talk."
She felt the movement, and reacted instinctively, catching the fist before it could hit her. Her stake came up swinging forward to drive into the vampire's chest… only to have her wrist caught. That was when she took note of two things.
One; the hand grabbing her wrist was warm. Human warm. So was the fist in her other hand.
Two; she recognized her opponent immediately.
The Lone Slayer grinned as she also recognized her attacker. "Looks like ya got some experience on ya, Kenn," she said, the unmistakable Boston accent that was as familiar to her as it was to her closest friends still there, still un-faded by time. "I actually thought you'd grow soft. Glad I was wrong."
"And you're still an asshole, but I don't care," Kennedy retorted, grinning as well. She put her stake back in its holster, before the two girls embraced. "I thought I missed you leaving, Faith. I'm glad I was wrong."
Faith Lehane, the Redeemer, the Dark Slayer, One of the Chosen Two, and several other monikers that she really, really hated, pulled back, returning the grin. She didn't release her hold yet, just grateful to see one of the old gang after so long, especially since it was the one person she viewed as a little sister. "I'm glad you were, too. It's been a long time." She finally pulled away, looking her over. "Not that I'm glad to see ya, but what the hell are ya doin' in Indianapolis? Last I heard, you were trainin' the newbies in Cleveland with Red."
"I was. Still am, actually. … Look, why don't we step inside? I really don't wanna talk about suckheads in the middle of a hallway. Might attract the wrong kind of attention."
There was no argument there, considering everything that had happened, and the two Slayers entered Faith's current and temporary home. It was something of a fixer upper, but so was just about every other place the older woman had stayed in throughout her entire life. The nicest places she had ever been in were the apartment she had lived in when she had worked with Mayor Wilkens, the Los Angeles Female Maximum Correctional Facility cell she had resided in for three years, and her old room in Scotland. The only difference was the lack of empty beer bottles and cigarette butts anywhere and everywhere. It also smelled cleaner, which was both impressive and surprising.
Faith turned, catching sight of Kennedy's surprised expression. "I stopped smoking and drinking just before… well, ya know what. I've been booze and nicotine free ever since," she explained, watching understanding blossom. "On the other hand, I've also been livin like a monk for the same amount of time, which isn't always good."
"You? The horny dog of the Slayers?" Kennedy accepted a bottle of vitamin water from Faith. "That brings your abstinence period on all fronts to… what? Two years?"
"Pretty close."
"What about the H&H's?"
"Deal with one of them as usual, ignore the other. Quite easy these days, if ya haven't guessed." Faith sat down on the relatively comfy couch, opening her own. "So, still teachin' the girls how to hold the stake right?"
The younger brunette nodded, chest puffing out a little in pride. "Yep. Willow and Xander always said I was a good instructor. I'm so glad she was right. I was going to send one of the younger girls to talk to Annabelle about her great destiny. But then I heard the rumors that the Lone Slayer had taken down a particularly massive vampire nest here, so I decided to come investigate myself. Andrew's idea, backed by Xander."
"Andrew's still a nerd?"
"But in charge of the Italian branch."
"So he's busy corruptin the girl's there."
Kennedy shrugged nonchalantly, taking a swig. "They were probably closet nerds to begin with. Nothing wrong with that. I'm dating one, after all. There's something sexy about brainiacs that gets a girl fidgeting in her pants."
Faith chuckled, nodding in agreement. Some of the guys she had slept with when she was younger had been certifiable geniuses, and they knew how to make a girl sing. "Well, that's what ya get for hangin' around strange crowds, Kenny. So, how're the Scoobies? They still kickin' ass?"
"Well…" Kennedy hesitated for a second, unsure on how to tell her. "Our strange crowd, as you put it, hasn't been the same since you left." She took note of Faith's expression, how the surprise showed through for a second. "Things haven't been going so well for the Scoobies back home," she elaborated.
"How bad could it be?" Faith asked, quickly schooling her features. It was instinctive of her, completely second nature. She had been doing it ever since she was six, after all. "G's probably keeping them under control… right?" She suddenly caught sight of the younger woman's expression. "What the fuck am I missin'?"
"Giles… has become something of a recluse. He spends his days either in Council chambers, or in the library with his books. I don't think he sleeps a lot anymore either. Whenever your name comes up, he gets this somewhat distant look in his eyes, and drops whatever he's holding at the time. After a while, most of us just stopped mentioning you in front of him."
Faith blinked, though not in surprise at the information. It did sadden her, though. Giles had helped her find a new path in her quest for redemption, had somehow managed to use his influence to get the manhunt for her ended. Thanks to Buffy and the other Scoobies, he had really come out of his Watcher's shell. And he was one of the few people on the planet who could really understand the pain she had gone through, becoming something of a father to her. It hurt her to hear that he had fallen back into that shell when she had left. It probably hurt Buffy even more, though. The guy had been a better father than the one who helped give birth to her. "Well, if he's become a recluse, then who's keepin' an eye on the X-man and Dusk?"
Kennedy grinned, happy to disperse some happy news. "Well, Xander's got himself a girlfriend named Renee, who you recommended if you'll recall, and he's overseeing the Scotland division with tech support and construction. As for Dawn… well considering the fact she's the physical representation of near infinite power, she decided to dabble in Wicca… and going to College online. So far, she hasn't turned everyone into Ragnoc demons, and she's managed to stay in the upper third of the class. Did spend a bit of time as a giant, then as a centaur, but those were rather fleeting."
"And of course, you and Willow are still together," Faith finished, smiling widely. She had been happy to hear that Willow had found someone after Tara had died who could make her happy. She deserved that, especially after all of the crap she had to endure over the years.
"Still going strong, even after several stumbles. We're planning on getting married… if Ohio will ever let it happen, that is. We're hoping you'll attend."
"I will definitely try to make it." She meant it too. Willow had been the first of the Scoobies to welcome her back with open arms. She was another one who knew how Faith felt, as she had walked a similar road for a few days. Trying to destroy the world always did give someone a new perspective on others.
The slight smile faded though, as she reached the one question she had been trying to avoid, but had wanted to ask the most. "Okay, let's have it. How's B doing? Is she still slayin with the best of them?"
Kennedy let out an internal sigh. She had been wondering how long it would take for Faith to even ask, and had been impressed with her self control. She wasn't going to like the answer, though. "To be honest, I don't know," she replied. "All anyone from Scotland will say is that she's… different. She rarely leaves the castle grounds, unless it's on a mission of some kind. She did have a dalliance with Satsu for a while, though I'm guessing that was an experiment on Buffy's part. That ended the moment Satsu went to Tokyo to take command of their ranks. She just… spends a whole lot of time in the library with Giles, reading."
That alone was enough to send warning bells through Faith's mind. Even though they were an ocean apart, the unique Slayer bond the two of them alone shared had told her something was off, even if that was all it told her. Buffy didn't really like research, even when the fate of the world was at stake. To hear that that was all she did these days was heart breaking.
On the other hand, the fact that Buffy had made an honest effort to move on from her was something of a relief. Unfortunately that relief was tempered with the sorrow that it failed. Apparently, the Fates themselves didn't want either of them to be happy.
The two Slayers sat in silence for a few moments, before finishing off their water at the same time. At that moment, they both wanted something stronger, but that was simply not possible. And the desire faded in Faith almost as fast as it appeared.
Kennedy finally let out a puff of frustration. "Faith, we're worried about them," she stated. "Rona, Jessica, every Slayer that was in Sunnydale… we're worried that they're falling apart since you left. I mean, you practically ran after the doctors gave the all clear."
Faith remembered that day well, and was glad that Kennedy had held out on reminding her for as long as she could. Of course, out of everyone who knew the people behind the legends, she was the only one who knew the full reason why she had left. "Kennedy… I still haven't let go. I'm no good in a leadership position if I can't even get over what happened. And I didn't run. This time, I let everyone know my intentions, and spent my last few days there with 'em."
Kennedy understood that. She had been there when the Doctor gave them the unexpected and tragic news. And it hurt to see that Faith, despite all that she had accomplished, despite how much she had changed and grown, was still unable to handle the one inescapable truth of the world. "You can't keep beating yourself up for something beyond your control. We can't save everyone, despite our powers. You, more than anyone else, should know that."
"It wasn't the fact an innocent died, Kenn. That I can handle. It was the fact that an innocent I didn't even know existed died… before he ever had a chance to really live." Damn, her voice was cracking. Even after all of these years, it still hurt. It was the death that changed everything for her.
Kennedy caught the myriad of emotions playing through Faith's face, and suddenly wished she had kept her mouth shut. She had forgotten how truly emotional Faith was, and how much she had already lost. The still mysterious but obviously terrible childhood she experienced in Boston, the death of her first Watcher at the hands of Kakistos, the murder of Alan Finch by her own hand and her own subsequent betrayal, the battle that had left her with a scar and in a coma, her incarceration, and her near death experience while fighting Angelus and the Sunnydale High School all weighed heavily on her soul. But this last one was by far the most painful of all, as it ruined any chance she had at a normal life. "Faith… I'm…"
"Don't apologize," Faith interrupted her quickly, a watery smile managing to appear on her face. "Ya got nothin' to be sorry for." Taking a deep breath, she rubbed her eyes. "Ya think after two years, I'd stop grieving, ya know?"
"I don't think anyone stops grieving after that kind of loss." The younger Slayer stood up, stretching her legs. "Why don't you come back to Cleveland with me? I know some of the girls will be happy to see you. I know Willow will be happy to see you." She held up a hand. "And before you begin protesting, I won't tell the Scoobies you're there… well except for the aforementioned, anyway."
Faith had to laugh at that, because it was true. Willow had a way of getting almost anything out of her friends that was far more effective than any truth spells. All she had to do was look at them in a certain way, and they'd spill their guts. "I'll definitely think about it," she finally said. "But not right now. I've already got a new job. I'm heading for Africa."
"Because of the rumors that a cult of demons wanting to begin their own apocalypse?"
"Exactly… and for the fact that their first target was a prominent Egyptian official. I met his son a year ago, and he asked me if I could check it out. A favor, ya know? So I won't be here tomorrow. In fact, I'm leavin' tonight."
"… Oh."
Faith could almost feel the disappointment coming off of the young Slayer, and grinned as an idea occurred to her. She was going to leave the younger Slayer a bone, give her hope that she would visit. "On the other hand, I think I know a way to make me come to Cleveland in the future," she added conspiratorially. "I need someone to keep an eye on my bike. I kinda don't want it goin' through the desert. Sand'll wear out the gears and everythin'."
"Oh, don't tell me. She's about an inch shorter than you, a brunette latino, confirmed lesbian, and has a penchant for slaying big bad demons in her spare time." Kennedy pretended to think about it for a second. "I suppose I can take it off your hands for you, until you get back."
"Thanks, Kenn. I owe ya big."
Kennedy grinned as well. "The way I see it, a whole lot of us owe you and Buffy a whole lot more," she said. "So, when's your flight leaving?"
"Not leaving by plane," Faith replied, as she picked up her travel bag. "The Coven gave me a teleporter whatsit before I left England. Been using it to get around the planet for the last few years. All I have to do is think it, press the lapel of my jacket and I'm wherever I need to be. It's runnin' outta juice, though. Got enough power for two more trips, so it'll probably be months or even years before I see you again."
Kennedy nodded in understanding, deciding to forego the usual tough girl act. She gave Faith a rather affectionate hug, before stepping back. "Sorry, but you're probably right about me not seeing you for a while," she said. "So you be careful. I don't want Willow dragging your ass outta heaven so she can kick it right back in."
"No promises." Pressing a small button on the lapel of her leather jacket, Faith gave her one more customary smirk… before smiling softly. "Bye, Kennedy. You take good care of Red," she said, before vanishing in a burst of light.
And, in that moment, Kennedy had the terrible feeling that she, or anyone else for that matter, would never see Faith again.
Cleveland, Slayer's American Training facility
Here is Willow Rosenberg in a nutshell:
She was a beauty, red hair either tumbling down her back or cropped closer to her neck, freckles covering her face. She had a bit of an innocent air about her, a wholesome personality that enabled her to calm and soothe everyone around her. She was a book and computer nerd, and could fix anyone's equipment like it was nothing. She was also a confirmed lesbian, with whom every lesbian in the Slayer force wanted to be with at least once.
On the other hand, she possessed unmatched magical power, and was growing stronger by the day. She could do spells that most wicca couldn't even conceive, and accomplish them without burning herself out. She could even bring the dead back to life, though she had only done that once. For all intents and purposes, she was virtually unbeatable. She was also a world class hacker, able to bypass even the most sophisticated blocks with ease.
She was one of the original Scoobies, Buffy's best female friend in the world. She had helped the older of the two Matriarchs in her darkest period. She had also been Earth's greatest threat, as mad with grief over the loss of Tara, she had come closer to destroying it than any villain before or since.
In the offices of the co heads of the American IVSC, the young witch remained in the same position she had adopted almost a full hour before; namely, legs crossed Indian style, and hovering in midair to boot. She found it helped her meditate better, keeping that very darkness within contained by near impregnable walls. They couldn't afford her to go crazy again, ever.
Not for the first time, since their titanic battle with the First Evil, she found herself musing how much alike she and Faith had become. Though their life journeys had been completely opposite, and even how they were raised were obviously different, they had ended up doing many of the same things, though for different reasons. They had both killed a man. Her; deliberately. Faith; accidentally. Both had lost someone dear to them. Her; Tara. Faith; Her first Watcher. And both of them had lost themselves in their pain, and had had to claw their way out of the darkness one day at a time. Neither one had completely lost those shackles on their souls, but they had regained the trust of those nearest to them.
She no longer hated Faith, but she didn't feel sorry for her, either. She did understand her a little better, though. She had found a kindred spirit of sorts in the Dark Slayer. And from that newfound perspective, a stagnant friendship had finally been rekindled. Faith had found a new calling, helping Slayers who had lived lives like hers and guiding them. Within the space of one year, she had managed to turn more than fifteen young girl's lives around for the better, a feat that the old Council would never have accomplished, or even tried to. All of them were now in command of squadrons, leading them into battle against the forces of darkness. One was in even in command of a Slayer branch in Lebanon, with more than six commendations for exceptional valor most likely collecting dust in one of her drawers.
At the end of that first post Sunnydale year, with Buffy endorsing it surprisingly, Faith finally joined the inner circle, becoming part of the tight knit group of friends, as it should have been all of those years ago. It had been the proudest moment in their lives, and one of the most fulfilling.
Willow smiled as she finished her meditations, landing on the ground softly as she remembered that day. She had rarely seen Buffy so happy in all of the time she had known her. The solidarity the two Slayers had begun forming during the battle with the Turok Han had only grown as the two of them made peace with the past, and began resolving their numerous differences one at a time, growing closer with each day. No one complained. After all, considering everything the two Slayers had gone through, they had earned that right many times over. Soon, they were closer than most people could ever admit to.
Even then, in those early days, the signs had been there for Willow to see. Faith had definitely softened a bit, opened up a little more. Though she was still the perennial drinker and partygoer, prone to finding the closest guy to satisfy her more lustful urges, she no longer went out alone as often, spending more and more time with Buffy and the rest of them. And in those moments, the first signs of true glory could be seen. The notoriety that had defined Faith's early years had been quickly superseded by the growing legend that she had become. If only those days had come sooner, then perhaps a great deal of suffering between the two Slayers could have been avoided. Perhaps the First Evil would never have had her chance to strike.
Unfortunately, after only two years of stability, as Faith finally found her place in the world, everything changed for the Dark Slayer once again. And not for the better.
The witch remembered the night when Faith's team had coming running back into the main base in Scotland, carrying the Dark Slayer's bloody body, followed by a group of children. She had been at the brink of death, only holding on through sheer force of will. A will that transcended anything the world had do to break it. No explanation was given, except that she needed immediate medical attention or she would die.
Only after they had managed to get her to medical wing and stabilized did they all learn the truth. The Tagra demons they had been sent to deal with had been more numerous than they had anticipated, and they had been unable to call for reinforcements due to mystical defenses. They had been outnumbered and outgunned from the get go. Faith had gone to help one of her teammates when their leader managed to impale her on his spear. The Junior Slayers had all seen this, and were shocked by the savagery, as well as the extremely bloodthirsty and triumphant expression on the demon's face. At that moment, they would have probably begun panicking. Some of them had only been on the field once, others none at all. This was supposed to be an easy mission, a way to ease them into the game. Instead, it had the makings of being their last.
However, on that day, those young, very green Slayers learned exactly why Faith was one of the original Chosen Two. It was a revelation that would carry them throughout the rest of their days.
With a gaping wound in her belly and blood pouring out of it, Faith had nonetheless kept on leading and fighting, mowing through the opposition like so much paper. By the time the others had dealt with their own opponents, she had killed over half of the remaining demons, with a berserker fury that had once been her trademark, but had only been seen once since Buffy's freshman year in college, when the aforementioned Slayer had almost been killed by a massive Vampire's nest. She had single handedly saved the twenty five children that would have been otherwise sacrificed to some demon god, and had injected new courage and determination into ten young Slayers. She had taught them the most important lesson a Slayer could ever learn; you don't stop fighting until they have literally torn you apart.
And to make the news even better, Faith had recovered within three days, which was record for even the Slayers. All she needed was a little blood, and her body did the rest.
But things would never be the same after that. The moment Faith was cleared to return to active duty, she had tendered her resignation and vanished the very next day. No one, save Kennedy, knew what had happened, and Faith had given no explanation. But the expression on her face did tell them something.
The Dark Slayer's spirit had been struck a mighty blow, one more damaging than any she had taken before. It was like she had lost something on that day, something precious. Something she had never known she had, and would never get back, no matter how hard she tried. To her credit, she spent her last night with them, enjoying the closeness she had finally gotten and accepted, but she was gone by morning.
Her departure had crippled the original group for several months, and even now, years later, they still hadn't fully healed. Buffy had thrown herself into Slaying with an intensity that was somewhat disconcerting. But the enthusiasm she used to have for it was now absent. She began sequestering herself in the library more and more, reading up on everything she should have when she was the only one, only being seen at meetings. Apart from a dalliance with a fellow Slayer, one that lasted until the Slayer in question transferred to the Japanese branch, she was rarely seen from the castle.
But although Buffy was hurt the most, the others had also been affected by her leaving. Willow had moved with Kennedy back to the Slayer's hometown, taking residence within their ancestral home. Fortunately, it was close to the American branch, so they took control of the American division. They also took the time to build a life for themselves, post Faith.
Xander threw himself into his role as Morale Officer and Tech Support, a role he had had ever since his days in High School. It had taken him a good year to recover, but he did have help from Renee, one of the most promising Slayers Faith had ever found. The Dark Slayer herself had sang her praises like a nightingale. And, as her last request, she had asked that Renee take her place in the Inner Circle. They had all honored it, and most of them were grateful.
Kennedy never told anyone the reason why Faith left, and they had respected that. Faith deserved that much respect, even considering the little they knew of her life. She deserved some peace. If she chose to stop Slaying, and find some small corner of the world to set up shop, they would respect that.
But then, a mere month after her departure, the rumors started. New Slayers entering every branch around the world spoke of a lone woman decked in leather, traveling the world on a somewhat road weathered motorcycle, and wielding two swords the likes of which had never been seen before. She apparently destroyed consolidated demon hordes, vampire nests that were far too large and organized to take on for the local Slayers, and minions of the Senior Partners, who had been Angel's primary foes in Los Angeles before his disappearance. The Lone Slayer and the Ghost, they called her. Unbeatable. Unstoppable. Her victories over creatures rivaling the Beast in power or immense overwhelming odds had carved her a place of legend equal to Buffy's own. A fan club spanning six continents had even been formed surrounding the Lone Slayer, as they traded stories about their meetings with her.
Willow and Kennedy, both who knew how those legends were made, had immediately guessed who the mystery woman was. So when an anonymous tip was called in from Indianapolis, concerning a vampire nest that no longer existed and an attack that had been foiled, Kennedy had jumped at the chance. She had only hoped she was right.
As if to give her an answer to her unspoken questions, a Junior Slayer came up to her, grinning. "Portal's open," she reported. "Boss Lady's coming through."
"Thanks, Rori." Smiling, the witch made her way out of the office. It had only been three days, but it felt like forever. She had missed her.
As she approached the main entrance, she saw Kennedy leaving a small entourage of Slayers into the building, along with a young girl in a wheelchair. "Hey there," she said in greeting, gesturing at them. Who are these two?"
Kennedy grinned. "This is Kristie Waller and Annabelle Stepford. Annabelle is a new Slayer who was just activated, and Kristie is presently recovering from being vamp chow. That anonymous tip was right on the money, on so many levels."
Willow smiled at them. "Well, welcome to Cleveland. I'm Willow, co head of the American Branch of Slayers."
Annabelle shook her hand shyly. "I asked if Kristie could come with me," she explained quietly. "I hope you don't mind. I mean, I really hope I didn't overstep. If I did I could…"
"And we've got another one." Kennedy gave her a light slap on the shoulder. "If there's one thing I learned in Sunnydale, it's that every Slayer needs their Scoobie. Now, Rori will show the two of you to adjoining rooms. Kristie, if you start feeling like you need to drink blood or wearing sunglasses during the day time, see one of the Wiccans immediately. Okay?"
Kristie nodded. "Okay," she replied quietly, as Annabelle wheeled her down the hallway.
The moment all of them were out of sight, the young brunette grabbed her girlfriend up in a tight embrace, twirling her around. "God, I've missed you, Will," she murmured. "And I'm gonna prove it to you tonight. Multiple times."
"Oh, Slayer's horny," Willow teased, accepting a very passionate kiss. "We'll have to deal with that tonight, all right." She finally pried herself from her girlfriend. "So, how was Indianapolis, besides the obvious?"
"Boring during the day. Not so boring at night. Oh, and a special bonus. Our suspicions were confirmed. I saw Faith."
The witch blinked in surprise. Despite her every hope, she hadn't really thought it to could happen. "She's actually in the States?"
"Was, actually. She's apparently heading back for Africa to take care of something. We talked for about thirty minutes before she vanished. She's alcohol and nicotine free by the way, which should tell you something. And here's something even more telling; she's been living like a monk. Hasn't had sex in two years."
"And…?"
Kennedy sighed, stepping back a little. She didn't want to tell her this, but she had to. "She's not coming back, Will," she said quietly. "She asked me to take care of her bike for her."
Willow knew how much Faith loved that bike. It had been Buffy's birthday gift to her when she turned twenty, and Faith had gotten her license so she could ride it. To give it up… it spoke of how long she planned on staying away this time. Kennedy was probably right. Faith wasn't planning on returning any time soon… if ever.
The brunette drew Willow close, letting her cry. She wanted to as well, but there was no reason to. Faith had made her choice long ago.
And she had also chosen to live with the consequences of those choices.
Cairo, Egypt
On top of the roof of one rundown building, a young woman stood, facing the night.
Faith stood facing the general direction of Scotland, her Slayer connection to Buffy open to the fullest. It was a ritual she had performed religiously every night since Sunnydale.
Even now, when she was far from the woman she loved.
She had never told Buffy how she truly felt, as she had been afraid to shatter the bubble that had become their friendship. And even if she had, she couldn't have told her for how long.
She knew how she felt, but Buffy was a different story altogether. Until she had heard of Buffy's experiment with Satsu, she had always thought Buffy as on the straight and narrow. Now, she wasn't so sure.
It was one of the reasons why things hadn't worked out with Robin. She let him try, and was appreciative of it, but in the end, she didn't love him, couldn't lower her walls enough to let him in. But their parting was amicable, and they were still friends. He had gone to Los Angeles to help Gunn and Spike fight the good fight there, and they had remained in contact until Faith had left. Just another lost cog in the machine of destiny for her. Just another missed chance.
Just like Buffy.
Through the link, she could feel Buffy's pain, and felt her heart break all the more. This was something she did every night without fail, and she accepted the pain she had caused, unlike the last time she had caused it. It hurt more than she could bear, but she took it. She deserved it.
"Good night, B," she whispered, allowing a peaceful feeling through the link, letting the other Slayer know that she was still there in spirit, that with their bond, they were never truly apart. "Please have wonderful dreams… because I know I won't. Not for hurting you like this… for so long."
A tear slowly slid down her cheek, the only sign of her sorrow showing through… of the life she knew she would never have.
Of the life she would never even see.
Scotland, Main Slayer Headquarters
In a bedroom located near the heart of the castle, a blonde Slayer felt the sensation in her mind, and cried.
Buffy Summers, the Golden Girl, the most powerful of the all the Slayers, knew Faith was out there still, still alive, but she didn't know where. Their Slayer Connection didn't allow for that degree of precision.
But she could feel her.
On the day Faith had left, she had told Buffy that she didn't know if she would ever return. The blow she had taken from those Tagra Demons had done more than add a new scar to her list of battle wounds. Its aftereffects had hurt her emotionally. And, despite all of the time they had spent together, Faith wouldn't tell her why. Not that she had needed to.
That time around, Buffy had respected that, hadn't needled her. She had known instinctively that it wasn't a question of trust. Whatever had happened, it was personal, and literally had nothing to do with her or any of the other Scoobies. Besides, she already knew.
She had left as she had arrived in Sunnydale all those years ago, with only the clothes on her back and a few personal effects. She didn't give a speech, which was just like her, but she also didn't shy away from the contingent of Slayers, many who she had helped personally climb out of darkness, who had gathered to say goodbye. Faith had left her mark on them all, showing once and for all she had changed. She made a good counselor, and an even better leader.
In their eyes, she had been redeemed, even if she didn't think so.
Buffy had no doubt that she would have also made a good mother as well, despite her own childhood. She had taken care of those girls, like she had been taken care of years ago by a kind woman.
She could feel Faith through their bond, could feel the peaceful feeling she sent her way, and blinked back her tears. If it hadn't been for this connection, she doubted she would have held up as well as she had. Even Satsu, who she knew was still desperately in love with her, had told her not to give up hope just before leaving for Tokyo. After all, they were all still young. There was a chance they would still find their way back to one another.
She had feelings for Satsu, certainly. She had the feeling she had even fallen in love with the Asian girl, but that very girl had also pointed out that she was still suffering from the Dark Slayer's departure, and pursuing a relationship in that atmosphere would prove to be a bad idea.
She took solace in that peaceful feeling as she rolled over in bed, ready to sleep. Perhaps Satsu was right. She thought about Faith day and night, and it was slowly becoming too much to bear.
But how do you tell someone like Faith that you love her, when the only contact they give you is through something that isn't even true telepathy?
Indianapolis
"We just missed her… again."
"Well… we simply have to find her again."
"Yes, but this is getting tiresome. Why does she not want to be found?"
"She has always been like that, and she has been doing this for years. But she wields the sword… and that makes her our responsibility. Understood?"
"Of course, Master."
"Well then, let's head for Egypt. That would be the next logical place for her to go."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because she goes where her skills are needed most."
"Yes… of course."
Chapter One is basically setting up the groundwork for Faith's personal story arc. As you have probably already guessed, I have taken names and events from the Season 8 comics that I have already read, as well Faith's own back story, and are incorporating them into my own story. So Satsu will play an important role in this, and Renee, the Slayer who I believe died at the end of #14, will definitely make an appearance. Chapter Two will shift to Adelle Dewitt and Caroline's meeting, where I will be adding on to it. Hopefully, you will like it.
Well, in preparation on writing Chapter Three, I actually purchased the complete series of Tru Calling, and have been watched it over the last few weeks. Hopefully, I can get the characters down right.