Chapter 4
"So, who's this Caleb I keep hearing about? Cuz all you've told me so far is we have Uber Vamps with extremely hard sternums which makes it that much harder to stake them and the Bringers who like chasing down little Potentials and poking them full of holes." I said plopping down in a dining room chair. Willow glanced at me wearing a small frown as she looked to the hallway. "Front door was open."
"Oh." She replied then exhaling heavily she sat up placed both hands on the table and looked at me. "The Bringers belong to Caleb. He sends them after the Potentials-."
"Hey, I have a question." Xander cut in. His excited expression and animated fidgeting grabbed everyone's attention. "If she's a Potential then how come she's just as strong as Buff-."
"What?" I glanced at Faith then Willow in wide eyed astonishment. They couldn't be talking about me. "Who's a Potential?"
"You are." Xander replied in a huff. He was obviously upset at being interrupted halfway through his question.
"I am Not!" I retorted standing up so fast my chair toppled over. "Who the hell came up with that brilliant-?" all eyes turned to the end of the table and one red head was hunched down in her seat with a look of embarrassment on her face.
"Again!" I exclaimed though it was more of a question. "What? What did I ever do to you?"
"Chill out Phade." Faith waved a hand in my direction pretty much saying I should sit my ass down. "Red's got a good explanation." Her brown eyes turned to the red head who smiled a bit crookedly.
"Fine." I replied without any grace. I picked up the chair and plopped it down with unnecessary force then sat down glaring at Willow.
"Uhm," she cleared her throat and after a deep breath regained her composure. "I'm assuming you're a Potential because of the spell I did to find Amanda. You said yourself that a glowy ball-."
"Knocked me off my feet and sent me flying half way across the Hyperion's lobby then bounced me on the floor before finally going away?" I asked quietly. The others didn't miss the sarcasm or the underlying anger I still felt.
"Uh- yep." Willow smiled crookedly. She'd already apologized so it wasn't very nice of me to keep bringing it up but I don't let go of my anger that easily. I'm trying though.
"So then if you're not a Potential…" Xander re-iterated his question looking expectantly around the table.
"You're a nosy bunch aint ya?" I asked with a scowl. I glared at my hands which I held on the table. This was personal- my personal life they were asking about. Still, if they thought I was under the Powers That Be they were so wrong and shouldn't I tell them? "I'm not a Potential. I'll never be a Slayer."
"But the spell…" Willow began. I glanced up seeing the confusion I'd caused and sighed. Why do people have to be so nosy?
"You know, communication works both ways and whatever happened with Buffy and Angel shouldn't get in the way of this ongoing war both sides are fighting." Xander scowled opening his mouth for one of his snappy comments on 'deadboy' as he referred to Angel. I held up a hand to stall him and continued. "I don't care. You coming to help us was a good thing because I don't think- well the Powers That Be wouldn't be happy."
"Yeah, well the Powers That Be aren't helping us out much." Faith muttered darkly.
"You really expect them to?" I asked. I looked to Xander who obviously hoped they would but wasn't so sure anymore. Then to Willow who looked thoughtful, maybe she knew more than we did, still she wasn't saying anything. "Look, Angel's a big player in this coming apocalypse so he needs to be here. Buffy's also a champion for the Powers That Be, she's the Slayer." I turned to Faith who was looking a bit uncomfortable. "So are you." I waited for her to look at me and once she did I continued. "You're a champion for the Powers That Be. You're a Slayer as well with all the responsibilities that go along with the position. Whatever happened- it's not important unless you make it important or let someone else make it so. You've grown up kiddo," I winked so my next words wouldn't sound harsh. "You just need a little more book learning to keep up with these egg heads."
Faith laughed at that and glanced around the table. I did as well noticing the scowl on Xander's face and the serious look on Willow's. Oh well, so much for the pep talk. Maybe I should've left it for a private moment…?
"Look, I don't work for the Powers That Be. Lorne says I'm here to help so here I am."
"So what are you?" Buffy asked from the hall way. I turned to her with a smile.
"I'm a completely different animal."
I watched from the hallway as Xander gave the girls pointers on how to kill the night beasties. He was doing pretty well; he actually knew what he was talking about and the girls were paying attention for once.
"Chest and throat if it's a vampire. Stomach, chest and face if it's a Bringer."
"What if it's something else?" Rona asked and she looked absolutely freaked out. Most of these girls weren't ready for what Buffy wanted, for what she was asking them to do. I was wondering if she knew what she was doing. Maybe Rupert had a point in asking her to wait, gather more information on Caleb before they attacked.
"You people are even crazier than her." Rona exclaimed. I frowned tuning into the conversation again. I was noticing this Potential liked to complain a lot.
"Than who?" leave it to Xander to ask the obvious.
"Buffy, man. I mean, taking us right into the bad guy's lair."
Well, she had point there.
"Well, that's where, generally speaking, you'd go to find the bad guy. And I don't think you came here to fight plaque."
"No, I came here for protection."
I could see most of these girls agreed with her. Well, that's not good because all that does is lead to trouble.
"Well, you signed on to fight with –."
"Look, I know, but... this plan is trouble. OK, Buffy doesn't care how many of us she puts in danger - ."
"Let me tell you something about Buffy. In fact, you should all listen to this."
"Uh, we kinda were." Kennedy replied in a tone I didn't like. Come to think of it I didn't really like her. She's the type of girl who can't be wrong and if she is denies it until you give up and so she wins! I was scowling at her when I realized Xander was sticking up for Buffy. I finally heard what he was saying as both Buffy and Faith came in a listened as well.
"I've been through more battles with Buffy than you all can ever imagine. She's stopped everything that's ever come up against her. She's laid down her life - literally - to protect the people around her. This girl has died two times, and she's still standing. You're scared? That's smart. You got questions? You should. But you doubt her motives, you think Buffy's all about the kill, then you take the little bus to battle. I've seen her heart, and this time - not literally. And I'm telling you, right now, she cares more about your lives than you will ever know. You gotta trust her. She's earned it."
"What a tear jerker." I muttered but there was no denying he had true love for the Slayer. It takes years and a lot of trust to earn that kind of loyalty.
"Damn. I never knew you were that cool." Faith quipped glancing down at the shorter Slayer.
"Well, you always were a little slow." Buffy replied with a shrug. She looked ready to cry herself. I couldn't help my laugh. They really are too cute with that dry sarcasm; I wonder why they can't ever get a long for more than a couple of hours at a time.
"Are you planning on waging a war?" Buffy asked looking my clothes over. I glanced at myself as well with a small frown. There was nothing wrong with my clothes.
"Liking the leather." Faith grinned looking me over lecherously. "Nice knives." I rolled my eyes shaking my head at the common misconception.
"What is it with you all?" I grouched. I pulled the Sai from the sleeve at my thigh and flipped it expertly to show them the three pronged blade. "This is not just a knife, this is called a Sai- didn't anyone teach you about weapons?" I asked easily returning the Sai to my side.
"Sure." The girl was full of jokes and ready to tease when she wasn't fighting. Actually, Faith didn't do the snarky comments as much as Buffy did when they were fighting. Faith just went in swinging and fuck the rest. I kinda like that about the girl, get the job done then poke fun at the bastards.
"It's my hunting gear." I replied crossing my arms again. I looked at the others who were staring instead of arming themselves. "Bare hands aren't going to keep you alive, children." Their eyes quickly returned to the arsenal and began choosing what they would take. I was beginning to feel just a little hot in the leather gear. It was cooler here than in LA so I wore the jacket instead of the vest. Still, the length reached to my waist while the pants hung low on my hips. The weight of the belt only pulled them lower leaving about a hand span of skin exposed. I love my gear but at moments like these I feel just a bit self conscious. I mean I'm not as young as these girls are but I'm not an old hag either and I work out. Well, that's if hunting demons and fighting one beast or another is working out because I do that, a lot.
Kennedy's features hardened at my use of the word 'children'. As one of the oldest and first girls at the Summer house she felt she was due some sort of respect, behaved as if she were just under Buffy and now Faith for command. It wasn't that the girl couldn't handle herself when needed because she was good but she was so eager to be in control Kennedy didn't see the dangers coming at her. She was going to get someone killed, if she didn't die first.
So the plan was to follow Buffy and the others to the vineyard.
"I have a better idea." I whispered to Faith and slowly blended into the shadows of the forest around us. It wasn't a real forest, not like the ones you normally think of and Faith just wondered what the hell I was doing. If I listened carefully I could pick up on their voices, each one sounding fainter the more I moved off into the foliage. There were soft steps and the rustling of leaves as Bringers moved through the forest.
I followed the sounds tracking them until I accidentally ran into a group of four.
"Heh-aa…" I smiled barely laughing as I took a step away from the now redirected Bringers. I mean seriously, do they have fucking sonar or something? How do they know where to shove that pointy knife?
"Hi." I straightened setting both hands on my thighs, fingers curling ever so gently around the hilts. The first Bringer made a swipe at my head with his dagger but I moved back and stupidly hit the tree. Two others decided that was the perfect time to attack and they weren't half wrong because my back was effectively pinned to that damn tree.
Still, I learned to be sneaky, kinda had to what with the others being so much more knowledgeable and older. God, Angel never got tired of bringing that up whenever we had our training sessions.
I slid down and both Sai slipped out silently. The blades made no sound as they cut through the robes at knee level; neither did the Bringers as they recoiled from the wounds on their legs. I rose kicking one of blades out of their hand and moved into a small clearing. Another Bringer materialized from the trees so I had three to play with.
"What are the odds?" I muttered blowing a strand of hair out of my face that had fallen out of my braid. Seriously, I was thinking of chopping it all off what with the trouble it cause me most of the time. The buzzing in my ear startled me and I jumped barely avoiding the next Bringer and his knife. I blocked, parried and kicked him back before reaching up to my ear.
"Where are you?!" Xander's exasperated voice came through my head piece clearly. I still couldn't get over how good these mini ear cell phones were.
"Kinda busy, why?" I replied with a grunt. This blind monk or whatever they called them selves were harder to get rid of than I'd first thought.
"You're not where you're supposed to be!" he hissed. I could tell he was trying to keep it quiet but I heard the girls, they just could not shut up! I mean, it's not like their lives depend on it.
"Right, well, you see-." I ducked getting a good shot at the Bringers middle and jabbed my Sai in twisting as I pulled it out. I stood turning to face the next one and motioned it to come closer. "I ran into some friends of yours." Of course the Bringer couldn't see me taunting it and yet he was charging at me.
The blade came too close and I frowned flipping both Sai so they pointed out. I slashed right then left and while the Bringer was staying away from the blades I threw a side kick that knocked him over.
"Phade! You're supposed to be-."
"I'm busy so I'll meet you there. Later." The line clicked and I concentrated on the Bringer.
Xander glared at the cell phone before snapping it closed. He'd heard the sounds of clashing metal and the soft thuds of flesh hitting flesh. There was no doubt as to what she was doing.
"What?" Faith asked as she stepped next to Buffy who seeing his look already knew. Her own frown was replaced by a glare. Buffy turned to the building ahead.
"We go in. Just like we planned." She said.
Faith glanced at the girls who had different looks of fear on their faces. They clutched their weapons to their chests as if that would keep them alive.
'Man o man, this so doesn't feel like a good idea. They're just kids.' Faith thought following Buffy and Xander. But she had been no older than most of them when she had been called. Her life hadn't been 'pleasant' before she became 'The Slayer' but then the pressures that came with that title turned out to be more than hard to carry, not least the fact that she might not live to be 18 let alone 16?
'Just the life I always pictured for myself.'
"OK. Set up a perimeter." Buffy said. She glanced at each one in turn as she gave out orders. "Guard the door. I don't want anything getting in behind us. My team goes in first, we check the place out. You guys are our safety-net. If this place is a trap, we give the signal; you guys come in, guns a-blazing."
"So, what's the signal?" Xander asked leaning very close. His expression was fiercely intent, as if he were afraid he'd miss something.
"I'm thinking lots and lots of yelling." Buffy replied straight faced. She wasn't trying to be funny but at times like these, well it couldn't hurt.
"Got it."
Faith turned at the sound of rustling but she couldn't be sure it wasn't one of the girls. Then, out of the trees before them dropped down a shadowy figure.
Buffy was already swinging before Faith could tell her who it was.
I blocked her jab and lifted my leg out of her kick pushing her away.
"Ok, I get it." I said. Buffy stopped her eyes narrowing dangerously. I could see why the vampires wouldn't want to piss her off. "Next time I'll give a little warning." Then in a low whisper only her and Faith could hear I told her she was leading with her shoulder just a bit. Those green eyes glittered again hardening like agates. There was a fire burning in her, like this- this- God there's no words to explain how she looks.
Trying to compare Buffy and the snooty higher being that was… What the hell was Angel thinking? He traded down with the other one.
I wonder why they really gave up. Angel and Buffy. She didn't seem the type to let the Romeo and Julietan tale of star crossed lovers put her off. Not if she really wanted him. Then again I was finding out all kinds of icky stuff just being here. Like the fact that little blondie had been- eew- doi- God I cant even say what it was they were doing together! Eew.
Ugh! And the blond infection is right here too.
"So." I looked around at all the faces just to get those thoughts out of my head.
They were too young… "You all waiting for a second invite?"
Buffy led us into the cellar being very careful and quiet. Her head kept turning looking from one side to the other in constant search for danger. I could've told her the danger was all around but it wouldn't have done any good. The smell inside was a bit stale, it was uncomfortable to breathe and I kept remembering the summer storm's in Mexico. They hit hard and last about five minutes and after they're done they leave everything clean, awash in brilliant colors when the sun comes out again and the earth? The earth smells wet. It's that heavy wet smell that makes it difficult to breathe outside only right now it was in this cellar.
"What is this place?" Molly asked holding up her mace. She was looking around obviously frightened. It was annoying to watch them all behaving like such-. What? They are children.
"Looks like an old vineyard." Buffy replied in a low voice she managed to imbue with confidence. Then again I was sure she was confident, she wasn't going to die here, not the Slayer.
"An evil vineyard, huh?" I wondered if Kennedy ever shut up. Her voice was grating on my nerves the more I had to hear her bitch about shit.
"Like Falcon Crest." Spike commented. What the hell is Falcon Crest? I'd probably go and Google that later. That's if I remembered.
"Stay alert, you guys. Bringers are here somewhere. Just need to find out where." Ever vigilant Buffy was calling everyone back to their tasks. Right now that meant we were supposed to be watching our surroundings and looking for whatever Caleb had of hers.
"Shouldn't be too hard." Spike commented dryly. He was swaggering along when the Bringers came out of the shadows. They stepped from behind the barrels of wine and came right at us.
"You had to open your mouth." I retorted moving to the front. I kept my eyes on the girls watching them in case one might need help while I gutted my own attacking Bringers. I had a bloody pile, ok so there were four Bringers at my feet when the rest just stopped. Weird, I know. They just stopped fighting and moved back into the shadows blending in so well they were invisible.
I could still find them if I wanted but I didn't think this was the time to freak them out or give away my secrets.
He came into the light.
He was tall, dark brown hair a little long and straight, kinda had the bowl hair cut going. I noticed his clothes, the black shirt and trousers with the white preachers neck tie but it was the look in his eyes that caught me.
The high forehead tapered down to a straight nose set above thin medium sized lips, they were almost too thin but some how fit his face just right. He had thin eyebrows, straight with barely an arch to give them shape and soulful brown eyes.
"Well, now, you girls are just burning with righteousness, aren't you? Problem is, you think you're blazing like suns, when really you're burning like matchsticks in the face of the darkness." The moment he started speaking I could hear it in his voice. There was a sad note to the righteous tone. He actually believed everything he said and that made him dangerous. "You having fun? Now, I hope my boys haven't worn you out too much - I need you fit for when I purify you."
His voice drew me in, the cadence of it was lulling, it comforted me. There was the southern drawl to it and the husky intimate sound as if he'd just woken up or he was whispering in your ear. Here was the other side of danger and I was letting it befuddle me. The worst part is… I didn't mind it.
I could stand there and listen to him speak, give a sermon and I'm not even into church but his voice… it drew me in.
"Save the sermon, padre. I heard you have something of mine." Maybe Buffy didn't notice maybe she did but the next words spoken by him took her by surprise.
"Well, I do now." He chuckled. We were the something of Buffy's he had only Buffy had walked us in here like a gift wrapped present. "You liked my little message, did you? You know, I ruined a perfectly good knife on that girl. Got her soiled blood all over the place. I may have to get a new truck." He just spoke so… it was like he was talking about buying more napkins or something of equal insignificant value. "So, you're the Slayer. The Slayer. The strongest, the fastest, the most aflame with that most precious invention of all mankind - the notion of goodness. The Slayer must indeed be powerful." He moved closer striking suddenly and we watched as Buffy sailed across the room to land in a heap. "So, what else you got?" he looked at us, his face so smug and our leader? She was out cold.