Giles was kneading his temples while silently worrying. No Buffy, blue man group attacks, and Willow being hunted.

"So you haven't been able to find anything on them?" Willow asked.

"No," Giles removed his glasses. "Nothing. the coven has consulted texts, ancient and otherwise. There's nothing on them."

"And no Buffy."

"No." The response was barely above a whisper.

Kennedy spoke up. "Have you contacted Xander and Dawn?"

Giles nodded. "Yes we have. Dawn's staying put in school for now until we know more. Xander is flying out to her. She wanted to come here, but I wasn't sure how safe it would be with you coming."

"Yeah, I understand."

"I am hoping the coven's magic is effectively hiding you. I don't believe binding you is the answer. I don't want to leave you defenseless."

"I didn't do anything the last time."

"Well based upon what we know, we can try and figure out something!" Kennedy exclaimed.

Willow's eyes began to moisten. "It's...Buffy...I..." Willow broke down and the tears flowed freely. Kennedy's face softened.

"I'm sorry." She put her arms around Willow and gently stroked her back.

"Willow..." the sound came from the corner of the room. Willow, Kennedy, and Giles looked up as Buffy and Lenara suddenly materialized. Willow rushed over and hugged her best friend.

"You're alive!" Willow squealed.

Buffy smiled. "Of course. Well, almost not. But I am here now."

Kennedy placed herself in between the two women. "How do we know it is you?"

Buffy leaned over and whispered in Kennedy's ear, "You are annoying. And you snore. Loudly."

Kennedy smirked. "Yeah? You're bossy, and a pain in my ass. But I am glad that you are safe." The two Slayers hugged.

Buffy looked at Lenara. "Guys, this is Lenara. That's Giles, Willow, and Kennedy."

Lenara was met with stares. A small nod was all she managed.

"Pleased I am sure. Umm, who are you?" Giles asked.

"A friend," was the small answer she gave.

"I see. Buffy, what happened to you? We went to the house in Italy, but obviously couldn't find you."

Buffy led Lenara to the couch in the room. "On Pellin. I was attacked in Italy by Druscilla. In broad daylight. She had some improved skills, and I got my ass kicked. Lenara showed up just before Dru snapped me in half."

"What?" Giles exclaimed. "Druscilla shouldn't have been any match for you."

"Don't remind me. More of her friends showed up, and Lenara got us out of there. Only after someone tried to attack from behind."

Buffy relayed the entire story of what happened while everyone else sat quietly and listened. When she was done, Willow began recounting what she and Kennedy had experienced. After both stories were told, Giles sat back, closed his eyes, and tried to wrap his mind around everything.

"Well, what do we do now?" Willow asked the group.

Giles addressed Lenara. "So, you healed Buffy and magically infused her bones? And your companion, uh?"

"Zaz," Lenara answered.

"Zaz. Yes, right, well, he healed Kennedy and did the same?"

"Yes."

"So at least these two may be able to fight the next time."

"Um, hello Giles? You are forgetting the blinding speed, disappearing act, and energy balls. I can't hit what I can't catch." Buffy said.

"Not yet. But you could perhaps. At least be able to move quicker." Lenara stated.

"How?"

"Zaz and I could teach you and Kennedy."

"The disappearing thing too?"

"Not immediately. But over time, possibly."

"So if Druscilla could though?"

"Someone has been working with her awhile I'd say."

"Which means Savon has been here awhile. Or at the very least Pron has."

Buffy sat back. "So at least we would be able to defend ourselves and Willow."

"Yes, but,"

"But?"

Giles interjected. "The coven has bought us some time in hiding Willow. Learn speed from Lenara and Zaz. I think I have an idea on how to draw them out."

Lenara stood up. "Very well then. I will fetch Zaz and we'll get to work."

Buffy stood. "I'd go with you, but I feel I should stay with Willow."

Lenara smiled. "That's fine. You should stay with your friends."

Buffy took Lenara's hand. "Thank you." Lenara smiled and disappeared. Kennedy began chuckling. Buffy turned around.

"What?"

"Nothing." Kennedy grabbed Willow's hand. "Thank you," she breathily mocked.

"Stuff it Kennedy. Lenara and her family are good people."

"Uh, ok."

"They are you weirdo."

"Ok Buff. It's cool. She's cute."

"You are a pain in my ass."

Giles smirked, and then asked, "So if Lenara and Zaz are family, and he's blue, and from what you have told me they all are, then why isn't she?"

Kennedy added, "She does look more like us."

Buffy contemplated the question. "Her mother fled Pellin. I guess wherever she was born changed her hue."

"Probably. But try and find out more from her. I can't place it, but there is something she is not revealing."

Kennedy chuckled again. "I don't think that she is the only one." She looked up at Buffy. Willow swatted Kennedy's leg.

"Stop it," she lightly chided. Kennedy threw her hands up in mock submission.

"I'll go and get the training room ready. Uh, Giles, is there a training room here?"

"Basement. I will show you."

Kennedy leaned over and kissed Willow's cheek and then exited with Giles. Buffy moved over to where Willow was sitting.

"Your girlfriend is a terd."

Willow giggled. "She can be. But it's cute."

"Hmmph. Cute. Real cute."

"I'm glad you are here with me. Kennedy makes me feel safer, but you make me feel protected. Don't tell her i said that."

Buffy smiled. "Willow, can I ask you something? When you look at Kennedy, how does that make you feel?"

"Warm. And sometimes tingly. And sometimes..."

"Forget it. Nevermind."

Willow smiled. "Why? What are you feeling?"

"Nothing looking at Kennedy."

"Buffy..."

"Kidding. Not really. I don't know. Different."

"Different how?"

"I don't know her."

"Lenara right?"

"But I catch myself staring at her. And my stomach feels weird. Not sure if it is something I ate on Pellin, or the whole disappearing thing."

Willow grinned. "Ok."

"She just, well, she's, not a guy."

"Very observant."

"Seriously Will. She...she seems genuine."

"And?"

"She's pretty."

"Ok."

"And her smile lights up her whole face."

"Mmmhmm."

"And she smiles at me when she catches me staring."

"And..."

"And I like it when she smiles at me."

"Perhaps a little crush?"

Buffy's eyes closed. "Maybe. No. This is silly. I don't really know her."

"It's okay Buffy. It's sweet."

"Blech. Sweet."

"Relax. You guys could end up being great friends. Not best friends mind you. 'Cause that's what we are."

Buffy laughed. "And we always will be."

"Whatever it is you are feeling, just go with it. Enjoy it. Maybe you guys will be friends, maybe more, but relax. See what happens."

"Yeah. This is weird."

"What is?"

"Talking to you about girls."

Willow laughed. "How do you think I felt telling you about Tara?"

Buffy smiled. "That was awkward. But I am glad you told me. Tara was a wonderful person."

"Yes, she was. I still think about her."

"I do too sometimes. But, I am happy you are happy now too."

"Yeah, I am. So Buffy..."

"Hmm?"

"What are you going to wear?"

"What?"

"Well, you'll be training, and sweaty. And I love when Kennedy sweats."

"Eeww, Will, didn't need that!"

Willow laughed. "What are you going to wear to catch your woman?"

"What happened to slow and seeing what happens?"

"Doesn't mean you can't look good doing it."

"Willow, we are England. My clothes are in Italy. I think you see what I will be wearing."

"Jogging shorts and a tee shirt?"

"You're right. I haven't changed since I was attacked."

"You haven't bathed either!"

"You can tell?"

"Of course Buffy. You stink!"

"She told me I wasn't offensive."

"Umm, yeah, well sweetie she lied."

"Great."

"Go get cleaned up. Surely Olivia has clothes you can borrow."

"That's even better," Buffy said sarcastically. "I'll be wearing the high fashion of someone who is forty-something." Both women laughed.

"How much time do you think we have Buffy?"

"Enough to make a clothes run I hope."

"C'mon then. We'll drive into town and get you ready."

"Problem though. I don't have any i.d. or credit cards on me."

"I think I can manage just fine with mine. We are rich now."

"Tell me about it."

Buffy bought a weeks worth of clothes, and toiletries. When they walked into a perfume shop, Willow began laughing.

"What? I wear perfume."

"I didn't say anything."

After trying out different smells, Buffy settled on one and they headed back to Giles'. Buffy got cleaned up, thoroughly scrubbing herself head to toe. Twice. She looked at all her new clothes, but decided if she was going to be training then practical was best. She opted for a pair of wind pants, and a simple v-neck tee shirt. She went downstairs and found Willow.

"Well, at least you smell better."

"Funny," Buffy leaned in and breathed on Willow's face. "Good?"

"Fine."

"Should be. I brushed them twice."

Willow laughed. "Shave your legs too?"

"Maybe. I'd say yes, but you'd just laugh at me anyways. This is retarded."

"Nice clothes. Jogging look again?"

"No. But it's hard to be fashionable when getting your ass kicked in training."

"Well, you smell good, so that's a start. Giles made some food. Eat something and we'll start without them if needed."

When they got to the kitchen, Giles, Kennedy, and Olivia were already waiting. Buffy grabbed a sandwich and sat down.

"So, Giles, plan wise, whatta got?"

"Well, Savon is attracted to power, so we will give him something to taste so to speak."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning we'll do a bit of magic that will show up on his radar."

"Sounds dangerous for Willow."

"She won't be there. At least not the way she looks now. I think a little morphing will be in order for all of you. And we'll let him snatch whoever plays Willow, assuming we can't overpower them."

Buffy nodded. "I'm game. I'll play Willow."

Kennedy mumbled, "Already researching the part?"

Buffy shot up. "You know what Kennedy? Don't bite off more than you can chew."

Kennedy stood up immediately. "Chill out Buffy. I'm teasing you. But anytime you..."

Willow interjected, "Guys, this doesn't help. Please sit."

Kennedy slowly sat down and Buffy turned her back on her. Willow leaned over and whispered into Kennedy's ear, "We'll talk about this later, but for now, knock off the teasing please."

Giles stuttered a bit, "W-Well, I don't think Buffy should play Willow. I think Lenara should."

Buufy's eyes shot up. "Why?"

"Well Buffy, she is the strongest magically. If we opt to let her get captured, worse case scenario she has the best chance to get away if necessary."

Buffy shook her head. "I don't know."

Willow nodded in agreement. "I agree, but we should talk to her and see what she says. But I think we are ahead of the game right now. For now, Buffy and Kennedy should see if they can learn some new skills."

Almost on cue, Lenara and Zaz appeared in the kitchen. Kennedy mumbled, "Speak of the devil."

Buffy smiled, "Hello again. Hi Zaz."

Zaz nodded, "Buffy."

"This is Willow and Kennedy, who you already met. And this is Giles and Olivia."

"Pleasure." Zaz turned to Lenara, "I still think we should take them to Pellin. Training there will be easier. Plus we know we can keep the witch concealed."

"The witch has a name Zaz. It's Willow." Lenara corrected. "And we discussed this already. Buffy, I thought it would be best here. While I think Willow would be much safer with Mahzi and my grandmother, I also feel this is a better place to train. I think the magic of the palace would amp up your abilities and I think you will get a better understanding of them here where most likely you will be using them. Without interference so to speak."

"What do you think Willow?" Buffy asked.

"I'd rather be closer to you and Kennedy. So if the best shot at training is here, then that is where I should stay. I appreciate the offer."

"If things get too hairy for any reason, I would appreciate it if you did the disappearing thing with Willow though," Buffy asked Lenara.

"I will," came the soft response.

Zaz looked over at Kennedy, "How are you feeling?"

"Brand new, thanks."

Buffy offered the plate of sandwiches to the guests. "Hungry?"

Zaz waived off the plate. "No, thank you. Nessa's leftovers."

Buffy leaned in and smiled, "Good stuff?"

Zaz grinned while Lenara mimicked his eating habits behind his back. Buffy laughed.

"Not too full are you?"

"No."

"Good. We're ready. You?"

"Lead the way."

Giles reached out his hand, "This way please."

Lenara and Buffy followed behind everyone.

"Lenara, do you guys always wear the green and white robes?"

"No," laughed Lenara. "But it is a part of my grandmother's curse. Those who have joined Savon are cursed to wear black. She says it shows their hearts. We wear the green."

"Oh."

"You don't like the robes?"

"They're fine, but how do you fight in them?"

"We won't."

"Oh, by the way, I am a little peeved with you."

Lenara stopped. "Why?" Concern spread across her face.

"You lied to me earlier."

"About what?"

"My smell. Apparently I stunk to high heaven."

"Oh! Hahahahaha, that. Well, I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

"And now?"

Lenara leaned in and smelled the air near Buffy. "Very nice." The two women smiled at each other. Two strides ahead, Willow elbowed Kennedy.

"What?" The Slayer asked her girlfriend.

"I know what you were thinking. Let it rest."

"Killjoy."

The group entered the training room. It had a wooden floor with a couple of punching bags in the corner. There were various weapons lining the walls. Kennedy looked at Zaz. "How do you want to do this?"

Zaz looked at the Slayers. "What skills do you already have?"

Kennedy looked at Buffy. "Ready for round one?"

"Oh yeah. Don't worry. I'll try not to embarass you in front of your girlfriend."

Kennedy leaned in with gritted teeth, "Really? What about yours?" And with the last comment she nodded her head at Lenara.

"Bitch."

"Hag."

And the punches began flying. Buffy knew she was a better fighter than Kennedy. Years of practice and battle tested skills were too much for the younger Slayer. Within minutes Buffy had knocked Kennedy flat on her butt. Buffy reached down and extended her hand to Kennedy. Kennedy grabbed it and sent the Slayer flying overhead. She landed on her back at Lenara's feet.

"You okay?" Lenara looked down at Buffy.

"Better than she will be in a minute."

Zaz walked over to Kennedy. "Nice. Way to turn a disadvantage around."

Lenara glared at Zaz. "What? Zaz, that was cheap."

"But effective. Our enemies won't fight fair Len."

Lenara leaned down and lifted Buffy up by the hand. She took off her robe and let it drop to the floor. She was wearing a tight green tank top, and a gold locket rested on her chest.

"Black leather pants? You have leather on Pellin?" Buffy asked looking Lenara up and down.

Lenara turned her head towards the Slayer. "I told you we didn't always wear robes. You don't like the pants?" Lenara walked towards Zaz and Kennedy. Buffy watched her walk away, "I didn't say that," she mumbled under her breath.

Lenara looked at Zaz. "Two on one isn't fighting fair either. Let's go."

Zaz grinned. "Lenny, this isn't a good idea."

"I'll take it easy on you Zaz."

"Grandmother will be pissed when I kick your ass."

Lenara snorted. Zaz took off his robe. He was wearing a green shirt with black leather pants as well. Willow leaned over to Buffy, "Maybe you should rethink the jogging gear."

The moment the robe hit the floor, Zaz lunged blindingly fast. With ease, however, Lenara side stepped him. They parlayed around the room in fast forward speed, each throwing punches and kicks at each other. Buffy's eyes would barely catch where they were before they were gone again. Zaz began coaching his partner in between blows.

"Just feel the speed Kennedy. Don't think about it. It's there."

Kennedy nodded her head and took two slow steps forward and then she shot off her feet. Lenara just missed being hit.

"Good, Kennedy. Keep moving. Find the advantage and press it." The two attacked rapidly and in unison. They were backing up Lenara to a wall.

"Join me anytime Buffy," she panted.

Buffy closed her eyes and sprinted at lightning speed. She grabbed Zaz by the back of his shirt and sent him tumbling backwards. And the four continued to fight until Buffy and Kennedy could no longer stand. Once the two girls bowed out, Zaz and Lenara stopped. Buffy was panting.

"Damn that was some serious cardio."

Kennedy huffed and puffed in agreement. "No kidding! Holy shit that was amazing!"

Zaz walked over and smiled at Kennedy. "Your endurance will build the more you practice. For now let's stop. Your muscles will start aching soon from the exertion. We have to build up your body's endurance."

"I never thought I would be unable to keep up with someone," Buffy uttered.

Lenara grinned. "It took me awhile too, but Zaz is a great teacher. We can teach you exercises to combat the muscle fatigue. There are breathing techniques you can do as well to help your body adjust."

"I bet the hot spring helps too," Buffy added.

"It does work miracles. It feels amazing."

Kennedy slowly got up. "Well, no spring here. But I'll settle for a hot shower." She looked at Willow. "Coming?"

"Absolutely." The couple left giggling.

"Right, well, I'll be leaving as well," Giles added as he walked out.

"What do you say Len? Hot spring back home?" zaz asksed.

"Go ahead Zaz. I'll catch up," she replied.

"very well. good job Buffy. Your body will adjust in no time I'm sure." He picked up his robe off the floor and disappeared.

Lenara walked over to Buffy. "You okay?"

"Fine. Just whipped."

"Come here."

Buffy followed Lenara to the center of the room.

"Close your eyes. Concentrate on your muscles, but try to relax your body."

Buffy complied.

"The magic that was infused is a healing one. Let it do it's work. Control your breathing and feel it flow through your arms and legs."

Buffy stood still and in silence. She could feel tingling all over. Not too sure if it's her proximity or not.

"Relax, but maintain your focus on your body."

Buffy could feel her fatigued muscles relaxing and beginning to loosen up. Her breathing became steady.

"Can you feel it?"

"Mmmm..."

"Good. Keep doing that and you will recover quicker each time. Zaz hasn't taught that to Kennedy yet, and that is advantage for you."

Buffy opened one eye and smiled. "That's hardly fair."

"Those two don't exactly fight fair either."

"True. You know I could have kicked her ass."

"I'm sure."

"You only saved her from a total beating."

"I thought it was sweet not to demoralize her in front of Willow."

"Yeah. It would be bad to do that in front of her girlfriend."

"Most embarassing..."

Buffy closed her eyes and continued to breathe slowly. "That's a beautiful locket."

Lenara touched it lightly. "Thank you. It was a gift. It is very special to me."

Damn. Boyfriend. Buffy couldn't help feeling disappointed. "It's, uh..."

Lenara edged closer to Buffy. "It was a gift from my grandmother."

"Oh, I thought maybe,"

"No."

"Oh."

"You?"

"No."

"Oh."

"Lenara?"

"Hmmm?"

"My eyes won't open."

"What? Why?"

"You're too close."

Lenara smiled. "Then don't open them." She leaned in and brushed her lips lightly over Buffy's The moment was quick, and Lenara pulled away after seconds. Buffy's smile was huge, but she still didn't open her eyes. Lenara looked at Buffy's grin.

"How about now?"

Buffy giggled loudly. "No, they still won't cooperate." She reached out and felt the air until she found Lenara's hand. She pulled the woman closer again. She trailed her hand up Lenara's arm, over her shoulder, and stopped behind her neck. She pulled gently and found the other woman's lips again. This time the kiss lasted longer and was more intense. Buffy couldn't stop the involuntary moan. Lenara responded by deepening the kiss. The two women couldn't get their bodies close enough.

They were interrupted by giggling upstairs. They both looked up at the ceiling as the bathroom door shut hard and footsteps scurried across the floor. A moment later a bedroom door slammed amidst female laughter. Buffy laughed along with them.

"Poor Giles. His house is being overrun."

Lenara deadpanned. "How do you know it wasn't Giles giggling like a girl?"

"Ew."

Lenara and Buffy laughed. "Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Now that your eyes are open?"

"I, uh, am not sure what to say."

"Me neither."

"Want to hang around a bit?"

"Sure."

Buffy led Lenara out of the training room by the hand.

A/N: Well? Like it so far? It will earn it's "M" rating soon enough. And the twist is coming...