Chapter Thirty-Nine: Two for the Road
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Her eyes caught sight of the bowl as it rolled out of the doorway of the armory and across the floor. Something hit the wall and Faith stepped inside to discover that something was Ana-Lucia.

Reacting immediately, she grabbed Henry by the shoulders and his grip around the former cop's neck was broken as he went flying into the wall. Ana rubbed at her throat and she fell limp against the cot, watched with wide eyes as Faith lifted Henry smoothly up by his neck with one hand.

He was kicking his feet and it made her chuckle to watch him. "It's a good thing I wanted to check up on you Henry." She shook him like a rag doll. "You're trying to have playtime without me."

His face was turning blue, fingers still trying to pry her fingers loose.

"Faith!" Locke clutched at the doorframe. "You're killing him!"

"Not yet. Besides, he was killing Ana." Faith smirked, releasing him and he crumbled to the floor gasping for air. "It seemed like a fair trade to me."

Ana's eyes darted around the room to each person. "She's telling the truth."

Locke grunted and balanced himself with his crutch. He remained quiet as Ana and Faith walked past him then turned to follow, "You're obviously feeling better."

Faith jumped up on the kitchen counter, swinging her legs so her feet banged against the cabinets and shrugged. "Guess I wasn't really sick." Her eyes followed Ana's progress to the couch. "It was more like one twisted hallucination, wicked trippy."

He moved closer. "What'd you see?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Faith shot back, flashing him a toothy grin.

"Even if he doesn't, I do." Ana cleared her throat. "I think you've got some explaining to do, starting with what I saw in the forest."

Their eyes connected, neither paying any attention to Locke's confused expression.

"It was pretty straight forward to me." Faith shrugged. "It even introduced itself."

"What did?" Locke frowned at them, "What happened?"

Faith continued to ignore him. "It calls itself the First, as in the first evil. Since the dawn of time, it has been an incorporeal being that blah, blah, blah." She waved her right hand around in the air. "It's annoying, it can take the shape of anything dead, and it loves to hear itself talk. That about sums it up."

"Why did it show itself to me? What does it want?" Ana leaned forward, hands resting on her knees.

"I don't know but you can bet all your mangos that it's not good."

Ana snorted, "You seem to know this First pretty well."

"We've tussled." Faith leapt down from the counter. She noticed Locke looking at her strangely and paused. "What?"

"How many people have you told? You know, about who you are."

"Well, she hasn't told me." Ana stood up from the couch. "I'm still fucking lost as to what's going on! Who or what exactly are you?"

"I deal with the things other people can't. I'm stronger, faster and the people that are on this island; they want a piece of me for some reason. I'm going to find out, starting with him." She jabbed her thumb over her shoulder at the armory door.

"I don't think that's such a great idea Faith."

"Oh yeah?" She turned to eye Locke. "You have a better one?"

"You still have the tape we found, that box… Give me some time to get better and we'll keep looking for more hatches."

"And then what?" Faith smirked. "Watch yet another Dharma tape that leads us to nowhere but more questions? I don't think so. I'm tired of being the last one to figure things out. These people, they have the answers I want and whoever that man is in there, it's not by accident he wound up in Danielle's net. He put himself in there willingly."

"Then what are you suggesting?" Ana questioned. "We let him go and he leads us to…"

"No, he wouldn't. He's too smart for that." Faith shook her head. "No, for now we just let him sweat it out. Whatever the plan was for the needle and Morana, it didn't work."

"Morana?" Locke scratched his head. "Who's Morana?"

"The blonde who stabbed me, the same woman that lived in that backroom in the armory, and the exact same blonde woman from my dream that was made to think she was crazy and forced to come to this island. They did tests on her, tests because she's like me. For what purpose, I don't know but I was just like her once: alone, scared, and stupid for letting someone act like they were my puppet master."

"So we find the girl and bring her over to our side."

"I wish things were that easy but we both know they're not. We just have to be patient." Faith stopped as she noticed a familiar look in Ana's eyes. "And that means all of us."

"I'm patient." Ana shrugged lazily. "I've got nothing but time, not like my schedule's booked with people dying to hang out with me."

Faith couldn't help but laugh as Locke shifted uncomfortably on his crutch. "And they say girls have no sense of humor."

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"Quit picking at it." Faith smacked Ana's hand away from her face and stepped back just as the other woman tried to slap her back. "That knock to the head made you slow."

Ana growled under her breath and turned her attention back to the chunk of mirror in her left hand. "I should have seen it coming." She swore as she touched the bleeding wound on her forehead.

"I should have seen a lot of this coming myself, not like I'm really surprised." Faith shrugged still watching her. "But it doesn't change the fact I didn't. Jack said you used to be a cop once…"

"That's right." Ana tossed the mirror onto the sand. "I quit."

"Because of that guy? The one we saw in the forest?"

The two dark haired women stared at each other in silence for a few minutes before Ana shrugged and glanced back down at the mirror.

"Some of the reason. I was pregnant once… During a call, the man you saw shot me. He got away and I got a trip to the hospital." She shook her head. "I don't know why I'm telling you this."

"How many times did he shoot you?"

"Several, why the hell does that matter?"

"Most people shot at point blank range numerous times don't survive," Faith glanced around, "It takes a strong type of person to make it through something like that."

"Like you've never been shot." A cocked eyebrow was the only reply she got and Ana snorted. "Maybe I should have died." Her dark gaze went back to the mirror. "Maybe I'm paying for living now."

"Some of us are stronger than others, just how life goes." Faith shrugged and her gaze landed on Sayid yards away, the man busy digging a large hole. "I think we should talk more about that later."

"Right and then we can hold hands and skip together down the beach. When did we suddenly become friends?"

"I don't remember ever calling you my friend." Faith smirked. "I doubt you're in any position to be picky about who you spend your time with though."

The next moment of uncomfortable silence was interrupted as Libby approached, her concerned gaze looking straight at Ana. "Oh my god. What happened to you?" She glanced at Faith as she came closer.

"Don't look at me, I didn't do it." Faith paused, eyes locked on the blonde. "Hey Libby, have you ever been in a mental institute?"

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind." She shrugged and walked off, heading straight for Sayid just as Hurley was leaving. "What's up Sayid? Nice hole."

He grunted as he stopped digging, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "How can I help you Faith?"

"Nice hole, that's kinda funny if you…" She cleared her throat. "Then again, maybe not." Faith looked in the direction Hurley was disappearing. "What'd Hurley want?"

"He's planning to take Libby on a date."

"On a date where? Is there suddenly a restaurant around here I don't know about?" Faith laughed, "That's awesome though, at least someone's getting some on this island." Sayid's look was scolding and immediately she cut off that train of thought. "Sorry Sayid, I wasn't thinking."

"What happened to Ana-Lucia's face?"

"Henry attacked her in the hatch but I stopped him, it was actually really funny watching him wiggle around like a worm on a hook."

Sayid nodded picking up his digging tool again. "Sorry I missed it. Why'd he attack her?"

"Are you seriously asking why someone would attack Ana-Lucia?"

He paused then continued digging. "It would be foolish of me to question you about an escape attempt when we both know he's had previous, more opportune chances in the past."

Faith snorted. "Like when I got my ass kicked by Morana Jackson."

"Morana Jackson?" Sayid stopped again, eyebrows furrowed. "Is that who attacked you?"

"Bingo. Seems she injected me with some hallucinogenic drug so that I'd feel a little better about her kicking me into a bookcase." Faith crossed her arms with a shrug. "From what I could tell, she was brought here by Ethan and another man on the premise of helping others. Don't ask what that entails or means because I don't know. I plan on finding out though."

"How?"

She glanced over her shoulder at Libby and Ana talking. "I have a feeling someone will help me out and he'll have no choice but to lead me right to the rest of his group."

"And if she simply attempts to kill him instead?" Sayid concentrated on digging, exerting energy every time he swung the digging tool towards the hard dirt.

"To quote someone I used to know, I'll bring the weaponry. You can bring the party mix."

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"I'm assuming the Others didn't show up to make a trade for Walt."

Jack shook his head, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Ana's cut. "Are you okay? What happened?"

"I left the water on in the bathroom and she slipped." Locke suddenly spoke up just as Faith entered the living area, catching the end of what he was saying. She looked at him in amazement and opened her mouth to interrupt when he looked straight at her. "She would have had an even worse fall if Faith hadn't been there to help her out."

Jack glanced between them, eyebrow cocked. "That so?"

Faith shrugged. "You know how old people are about forgetting things." With another glare at Locke, she shifted her attention, catching Kate's eyes with her own. "You still pissed at me?"

Kate's lips twisted. "Well at least your impeccable timing never changes."

"Thanks." She shot back clearly amused. "But what do you mean?"

"Michael's back." Kate glanced towards the bunk beds.

Faith's eyebrows rose and she leaned slightly past Kate to glance towards the bunk beds as well. "Where'd you find him?"

"At the line we're not supposed to cross. He came running out of the jungle and then passed out. It was like something was chasing him."

"Something or someone."

"Exactly." Kate nodded. Her gaze settled on Jack talking to Ana. "Everything been okay since we've been gone?"

"We didn't even notice your absence. No offense." Faith flashed the brunette a wide grin. "Add my sense of humor to that list you're keeping, it never changes either."

"Jack." Locke came hobbling out into the kitchen. "Michael's awake now."

One by one, they all proceeded to approach Michael, the man now sitting up and looking around. He looked confused as to where he was but slowly he greeted each of them, nodding at Faith who lingered by the doorway with Locke.

"How are you feeling?" Jack bent down in front of Michael. "We found you in the jungle and brought you back here."

Michael nodded clearing his throat as he rubbed his head. "I found them." His declaration seemed to startle each of them, Faith remaining in her casual slouch against the doorframe. "I went back to where Ana had found us and I saw one. I followed him back to their camp. You should see it." He glanced up with wide eyes. "They're living in huts, all of them dirty and relying on fish for substance. It's a joke man, there couldn't have been any more than twenty-two of them. They have a hatch too."

"How do you know that?"

"It has metal doors and a symbol on it. I think that's where they were keeping Walt. They guarded it day and night, always two guards."

"What about the others?"

Michael shook his head. "I didn't see anyone." He looked Jack in the face. "But I'm going back, I'm going back for my boy."

Having heard enough, Faith turned and headed back through the kitchen.

"Faith, Faith, wait!" Locke limped after her with his crutch, moving quickly as she paused so he could catch up. He nudged his head back in Michael's direction. "What do you think about all that?"

"Are you asking me if I think he's lying?"

Locke shrugged. "He's selling the group as hard as he can about going back. I'm just hoping it's the right thing to do. We haven't been able to take anything we've seen so far about these Others at face value, why would what he saw be any different?"

"True." Faith nodded. "They could be showing him what they want him to see and report back." She paused, "Or they could be exactly the way he's telling us. There's only one way to find out."

"Bit reckless don't you think? If they have more people like that woman, Morana as you call her…"

"I call her that because it's her name." Faith turned to walk into the kitchen and he watched as she pulled her bag up from the floor and placed it on the counter. She opened it up to pull out a small brown box. "I found this in the back room of the armory." She flipped open the lid and pulled out several photos. "There are pictures in here with her name on them and numbers," She flashed a couple at him, showing him the back of each picture, "Numbers like the ones we've been putting into the computer."

Locke frowned as he looked through the photos. "It's missing a number, there's no 42."

"Exactly." She nodded. "I had a dream the other day and I won't go into details but there's a reason it's missing. It's meant for me, it's my number."

"I don't think I get what you're saying."

"You too huh?" Faith laughed dryly. "You try to make sense of seeing a number on a grave that's supposed to be yours. I don't know what it means but those pictures aren't the only things I found in the box." She dug into the box again and pulled out a silver chain, a wide key attached to it. "I found this too."

Locke studied it for a few minutes. "I haven't seen a pattern like that around here. It must be for another hatch."

"Maybe but if so, why have a hatch that can only be entered with a key?"

"Because you're trying to hide something. You don't want anyone else to see."

"Exactly what I was thinking." Faith stuck the key back into the box and slid it back into her bag just as the group came back out into the kitchen, Michael not with them. "Done with the NRA meeting so soon?"

Jack ignored the remark, looking at Locke. "We're going get the guns from Sawyer and then we're going after Walt."

Locke and Faith exchanged looks and she sighed.

"Kate's coming with us to help persuade Sawyer to do it peacefully." He continued. "Are you with us?"

"I am." Locke nodded. "What about you Faith?"

She glanced at each of them then shrugged. "I'm always willing to lend a hand. Besides, faster we get answers, the happier I'll be about the fact I took a hit for the team." Faith smirked looking at Ana. "You coming?"

Ana-Lucia shook her head. "Michael's laying back down. Jack gave him some medicine and someone needs to keep an eye on Henry."

"Color me surprised," Faith muttered as Jack, Kate and Locke left to begin packing a few items quickly. "I figured you'd be the first one to sign up for the front line."

Ana shrugged nonchalantly. "I think I've signed up for confrontation with Sawyer enough for one life time."

Something shifted behind her eyes but before Faith could say anything else, Jack was ready and calling her name.

"Good luck."

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"Did you notice anything about the way Ana-Lucia was acting?" Faith glanced at Locke as they continued their steady pace behind Jack and Kate. "Maybe strange or unusual for her?"

"No, why?" Locke hopped over a large branch in the path easily. "Did you?"

"Maybe it was just my imagination." Faith sighed and watched Kate and Jack talking quietly. "Or maybe it was that lie you told Jack about Ana's forehead that's got me all paranoid."

"I'm sorry Faith but I had to think of something. I didn't want Jack to react in a violent way towards Henry."

"Why?" Faith glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. "Everyone else has beat up on the man, it's only fair Jack gets a few hits in…." She stopped in her tracks. "Buffy was right, I am slow."

"What?" Locke stopped too but Jack and Kate continued onwards, oblivious to the conversation behind them. "What is it?"

"I just realized I'm stupid." Faith laughed, "We left Ana back there with Henry Locke, think about it. He almost killed her this morning and we both know she's not the forgiving type."

Locke's eyes darted to Jack and Kate in panic.

"No." She stopped him from calling out. "I'll go back. Hopefully I'll get there and find that usual pleasant, bored look on her face. You go with them and get the guns back, I have feeling we're going to need them." She turned, adjusting her bag to head back to the hatch.

"Faith!"

She glanced at Locke from over her shoulder. "Yeah?"

"Good luck."

She returned his small smile with a nod. "You too Locke." She took off without another word.

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The hallway lights in the hatch were blinking spasmodically when she entered through the back and Faith inched slowly towards the living area. She resisted calling out Ana's name and gritted her teeth at the realization the only thing she had was her bag, not a weapon in sight.

Something was lying in the floor at the very end of the hall and Faith's breath caught in her throat as Libby's face came into view.

"Shit." She tossed her bag to the side, glancing around before she squatted down and checked Libby's pulse. Feeling nothing, she rolled the woman over onto her back and her eyes drifted to the two bullet wounds in Libby's stomach. Blood was coating the floor where she lay; her eyes open though it was obvious she had been dead for several minutes.

A gunshot had Faith scrambling backwards into the wall, flattening herself to the best of her ability. Someone collided into the opposite wall and she moved forward to catch the person.

"Oh my god." Michael fell into her and she helped move him back to lean against the wall. "Henry, he… he's out, he escaped." He panted as he clutched his bleeding arm. "Ana was going to shoot him and suddenly, I wake up to find he had already shot her and Libby. He shot me, god he just randomly shot me."

"Where is he?" Faith resisted shaking his uninjured shoulder. "Where'd he go?"

"He took off out the other door." Michael shuddered as he closed his eyes. "He's gone."

"How long ago?"

"Just now!"

"Okay, stay here." Faith moved away from the wall. "Stay with Libby."

"But she's dead!" He barely glanced at the body, panicked eyes shooting to hers. "You can't go after him alone, he has a gun! He just killed two of us!"

Faith looked at Libby then slowly entered the living room, instantly spotting Ana slumped over on the couch. She shoved the coffee table aside without looking to see where it fell and rolled the smaller woman onto the floor. She checked Ana's pulse and sat back in relief as she felt a light heartbeat. At the exact moment Michael came up behind them, Ana began to cough up blood, clutching at the wound in her stomach.

Faith glanced at Michael from over her shoulder, catching the amazed look in his wide eyes as he stared down at Ana who continued to whimper in pain. "Looks like he just killed one of us."