"So, we have to get here

"So, we have to get here?" Buffy placed a finger on the map. Giles sighed and nodded, cleaning his glasses again. "Why, again?"

"Because it is to be said that we need the Sacred Sword for the ritual to get rid of the evil that has tried to kill the world."

"But how are we going to get there? We can't fly. And I'm really sure I can't walk on water." Buffy leaned back and crossed her arms, foot tapping impatiently as she stared at the Englishman in front of her.

"Sail. I have heard from my sources that this evil is stirring some talk among the sailors."

"No!" Giles blinked and slid his glasses on as Buffy stamped her foot. "I mean," Buffy gave a sigh, "I mean, do I have to. I've never been sailing but I hear it messes up your hair. And doesn't that take longer than flying?"

"Well what do you want to do, let the demons and evil creatures take over the world? Then there would be no, no, beauty salons' or some such! Then what?

We are sailing to the Forgotten, to get the Sacred Sword, to perform the ritual, to stop this apocalypse, and that is that!" Buffy stared at the huffing Giles', eyes widened just a bit.

"Okay. Just, calm down. I'll go tell mom and back." She said, slowly walking away from the fuming Watcher. He nodded and shook his head as she ran.

"Why, why did I have to get the stubborn slayer?" He asked no one as he threw his hands up to the air.

She turned black eyes to the shaking vampire in front of her. "The Forgotten, you say?" He nodded. She smiled as she took a breath. His fear was stained with the urine he'd just released on himself. "Good. Thank you for your help." She stood slowly, making her form seeming bigger than she was.

Faith turned and slowly moved to the entrance. She stopped, putting on the black hat that hid her eyes, by the side of a chubby, shaggy man. She cast a last glance to the vampire before turning her black eyes to the man. "Kill him." She breathed, a cruel smile splitting her black lips. She closed the door behind her, leaning against it to soak in the sounds of the vampires' screams.

She exited the church completely, stopping at the last pew to pick up the blonde that sat there waiting for her. "I waited, just like you asked." She gave the blonde a small smile, using the many folds of the blondes' dress as a shield so she could hug the shining blonde.

"I know. Thank you for waiting for me, Tara." Tara smiled up at her, green eyes twinkling.

"I'll always wait for you, silly! You're my sister and I love you!" To prove this she used her handkerchief to kiss the white cheek that Faith offered. "Are we going home, Fai?" Tara asked as she hung onto the arm Faith offered her.

"To the ship tonight, Tara. But don't worry, we'll have a proper meal sent to us." Tara gave a cross between a squeal and a laugh.

"It'll be just us tonight, Fai?" Faith nodded and smiled, the blackness of her eyes softening as she looked at her sister.

"Yes, Tara." Tara gave another squealing laugh and tugged at the arm Faith had given her to hurry her up. "But first, we have to make a quick stop. Don't worry; we'll be no longer than a few minutes. And you will get to see Willow again."

"Yippee! I like Willow!"

"I know. Do you like her, more than me?"

"Of course not. I love you! I just, think I like Willow in a, different way." Tara looked up at her sister, faint fear shying into the gleaming green of her eyes.

"Different is okay." Faith nodded her head, strong smirk on her face.

"Good!"

They stopped at Tree's Magic's. Willow was behind the counter, her red hair blending with the bright red of the tapestry behind her. Willow looked up her smile widening as she saw the two, very different sisters enter the shop. "Hey Tara, Faith. What brings you here today?"

"I'll be seeing Xander, and Tara here wanted to see you. So, I'll be back in a little."

She entered the back of the shop and further, down the stairs to the man with the answers—or the questions depending on whom you asked. "Xander." The one eyed man turned to her, black hair in his eyes and beard looking scruffy.

"Ahh, my black eyed friend! What brings you here today? Answers about the Forgotten, perhaps?"

"Yes."

Faith sat down on the wooden chair her offered, watching him with blank black eyes as he wobbled over to grab glasses and drinks.

"Well, good. Considering this will affect you. And Tara."

"Tell me what you can. Now."

"A blonde will come. She will be as strong as you, but with all the light of her the world."

"The opposite of me?"

"Yes."

"Who will win?"

"You. And her."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"You didn't ask the right question."

Faith felt her eyes narrow as her sense seek out her sisters reassuring form. She drank from the glass, not feeling the burning liquid as it seared the back of her throat. The darkness easily numbed the effects of the liquid.

"Will Tara live—and be all right."

"Yes."

Faith stood and nodded, slammed the rest of her drink back and turned to leave.

"Black eyes."

She stopped to listen to the last of his advice.

"Don't fight what she offers, and trust that she will take care of Tara."

She turned to stare at him a moment longer before leaving—the Forgotten, Tara, and this mysterious blonde that is to come. A wicked, evil smile split across her lips as her senses picked up the death of another person. It was time to assemble her crew and stir of rumors of her own, now was the time for packing and waiting.