Disclaimer: All Buffy or Angel characters were created by Joss Whedon. Not me.
Author's Note: Well, I decided to split this chapter in two, because I was writing and writing and still not even near to the end, so here's the first one. Oh and I'm sorry for not updating earlier, but my internet is so fucked up right now that it took me more than 20 minutes to post it. Thank you for reviews 'cuz all the time I forget to say that. Really, I'm grateful.
Chapter Four: Come As You Are
''How'd I get here?'' Faith asked.
''A little gratitude would be nice, y'know?'' Rain raised her eyebrows.
Slayer was slowly walking down the stairs. ''Who are you?''
''Hey, Lorne!'' Connor called.
After few moments green demon appeared. ''Hello sweetpie, I see you are awake.'' he greeted her.
''Hey.'' Faith came all the way down and sat down. ''You wanna fill me in what the hell is goin' on?''
Lorne opened his mouth but Rain beat him to it. ''Nothin'. Except you fought us and ran off with a vampire.''
Faith looked at her sharply, then her eyes traveled to Lorne. ''Is it true? Gunn's a vampire?''
''I'm afraid so.'' he answered.
''How?''
''We don't know. He just showed up and was a vampire already.'' Lorne thought about it, too. Gunn was supposed to take out the senator, she was surrounded by vampires. Maybe he didn't make it.
''So, how'd I get here? Last thing I remember was Gunn knocking the shit outta me.''
Three set of eyes traveled to Connor who was leaning against the wall. ''I brought you back.''
She sent him a doubtful look. ''There's no way someone like you could actually beat a vampire Gunn and bring me back here in one piece. What are you?''
He folded his arms across his chest. ''What do you mean?''
''You can't be human.''
Connor scowled. He didn't need anyone reminding him that he was part demon.
''Anyway, I didn't catch your name.'' Faith said and looked around. ''Or anyone's, for that matter.''
Boy made his way to stand behind Faith.
''I'm sorry, I completely forgot about that. This is Rain and Katie.'' Lorne pointed at brunette and blonde. ''And that's Connor. He's...'' he trailed off after seeing Connor's hand, telling him not to reveal his true origins.''...the one who brought us here.''
''Really? So you know Angel?'' she asked.
''You could say that.'' he replied.
''Yeah, about that... Where is the big guy? Or anyone else. Last time I've been here this place was full of people.'' Faith looked at Lorne. Green demon sighed. ''We don't know where is Angel. Wesley, Illyria, Spike... they all just vanished. We saw only Gunn and he is dead.''
''Who's this Illy-'' she stopped. ''Wait, what do you mean Spike? He's dead.''
Lorne looked at Connor who only shrugged. He met the vampire only once. ''Not quite. Long story short, Spike is, or at least was, alive and a part of our team.''
''How come we didn't know it?''
''Spike didn't want you to know. Any of you.'' Lorne explained.
Faith nodded her head. ''Wesley, he is dead.'' she licked her lips. ''Gunn said that he died during killing his demon.''
Fucking great. Another one dead. Connor exchanged pained look with Lorne. Granted, during his stay here, he and Wes never really got along, but he kind of respected the man. He didn't want him dead, that's for sure.
Rain and Katie just watched them silently. It wasn't their place to say anything, it just wasn't their business.
''What did he mean by that? While you're on it, explain to me what the fuck did you do to make L.A look like a war zone?'' Faith stared at Lorne. That was expected as he was the only one she, well, remembered.
''We destroyed the Circle Of The Black Thorn. It was a group of very powerful demons, giving orders, basically they held the power. Senior Partners didn't like that and sent their army to kill us.'' Lorne said.
''Why did you do it?''
He laughed a little. ''Let's say that Angel knows how to make good speeches.''
''You knew what would happen?''
He nodded.
''What the hell? You guys are insane. You could've at least ask us for help instead of doing it on your own. Maybe all of this could be avoided.'' Faith said, a little angry.
''Excuse me?''
''You shouldn't do it on your own.''
Lorne laughed. ''Really? Because I remember Angel twice asking for your help and what did we got? Big, fat no.''
''What do you mean?'' Faith asked, her tone softer.
''We asked for your help before this. We asked for your help when Fred was dying.'' Lorne said.
''What?''
''Fred is dead.'' Demon looked down. ''A god took over her body.''
''I didn't know.'' Faith whispered. ''Let me get this straight. You asked for help and we turned you down?'' He nodded.
''Damn. If I knew I'd do something. Fucking Scoobies.''
''Well, you didn't. You refused to help as long as we stayed in Wolfram & Hart.'' Lorne said bitterly.
''Who said that? Who were you in contact with?'' Slayer asked.
''I don't know.''
Faith sighed and silence greeted the lobby. ''Why didn't you run? Get out of city.'' she asked after few moments.
They all looked at each other. ''We heard there is a quarantine.'' Katie eventually answered.
''Well yeah, but you still could make it.''
''We need to close the portals first.'' Connor spoke up.
''Close what first?''
Boy looked at Lorne. He was better at this whole explaining stuff. ''When the Senior Partners figured out that we were against them, they opened number of portals to other dimensions, letting demons come. I mean, we don't know for sure, but they have to come from somewhere and it seems they're not getting less.''
''Really? All of you just, devoted your lives to close them?'' Faith smirked.
''No one forced you to come.'' Connor said. She turned to him. ''Watch it, junior.''
''Whoa, whoa, okay, okay. Relax guys. We don't need to fight between each other, we got a city full of monsters.'' Katie stood up and walked to the kitchen. Minute later she came back with a tray of food. ''Want something to eat?'' she asked Faith. Slayer immediately smiled. ''Hell yeah. At least you know how to keep a girl happy.'' Blonde set it down on a counter and Faith was instantly there, with a fork already in her hand. ''So, how do you guys want to close this portals?''
All pairs of eyes traveled from Connor to Lorne. ''No idea.''
''We need someone who knows.'' Lorne said.
''Willow. If anyone knows, it's her.'' Faith spoke up through her mouthful of food.
''How do you suggest we reach this Willow chick? Phones are dead.'' Rain asked.
''My cell. It's working and it's in my jacket... which I of course threw away. Fucking great.'' Slayer grunted.
''Wesley.'' Lorne exclaimed. ''He kept notes about anything big that came across us. If there is a way, he'd know it. He's a walking encyclopedia of the creepy and crawly.''
''You know where he lived?'' Connor asked. Demon nodded. ''Great.'' he disappeared upstairs.
''What was that about?'' Blonde asked. Before anyone answered, Connor came back down with a sword in his hand. ''Let's go.''
''Are you kidding?''
''No. We need to get them. C'mon, let's go.'' boy waited for Lorne.
''Hold up, hold up... you're not leaving this hotel.'' Faith finished her breakfast.
''Why not?'' Connor asked her.
''Because it's dangerous. We're gonna wait here for backup and then we'll think.'' Faith said.
''No.'' Connor told her. ''We're going now.'' He turned around and walked away. Slayer went after him and spun him around. ''I'm not letting you take Lorne just 'cuz you need some papers. It can wait.''
''No, it can't. With every second we got more demons here. We can't waste time.'' Connor continued his path, Lorne followed. He knew they needed to see Wesley's apartment. ''Faith, just let it go, sweetheart. We'll be back in no time.''
''Fine.'' she agreed. ''But if you die, it's his fault.''
''Through the sewers?'' she heard Lorne ask.
''Yeah, we can't risk going through the front door in daylight.'' boy answered and they voices faded away.
Faith turned back to find two women watching her. She quickly become uncomfortable. ''So, which one of you patched me up?''
''I did.'' Rain answered.
''Thanks.'' she muttered.
***B***B***
''Are you sure we're going in good direction?'' Miranda asked.
Kennedy rolled her eyes. ''I don't know. Check the map, I've never been in L.A.'' She and her group of five slayers managed to sneak in, previously agreeing that larger number of people would be spotted. She and few other older slayers set out small groups and decided to try their chances like this. Their meeting point was outside the city, after making quick patrols to see it. Her group was supposed to go to Hyperion, look for Faith.
''You're joking, right? You've got the map.'' younger slayer answered.
Kennedy stopped. ''Please, don't even tell me you didn't bring it.''
She shook her head. Kennedy groaned. ''Perfect.'' she breathed, trying to calm down. ''Okay, let's just make a quick scope and go to rendezvous point.''
Their little group slowly ventured further into the city. ''Okay, tell me why this street is under water? Like the rest of the way?'' one of the slayers asked. Water level reached just above their ankles.
''I don't know.'' muttered other. They walked through the water, trying to make as little noise as possible.
''Doesn't it strike you a little weird, that there's nothing here? I mean, completely nothing.'' Miranda said after nearly 10 minutes of walking through deserted city.
''Shh.'' Kennedy whispered.
''Why are we whispering?'' one of slayers whispered back.
Kennedy looked behind her and motioned to Miranda to come closer. Together, they walked away from the group, safe distance kept. ''I don't like it.'' younger slayer murmured. ''I can't even hear anything.''
Kennedy's heart began to beat a little faster. ''Think about it.'' she whispered, keeping her voice low enough not to be heard by the rest. She noticed that they were on one of rather big streets. ''This city should be white hot with demons. Where are they?''
''They either gathered somewhere or...'' Miranda's eyes widened in realization. ''Or this is a trap. Exactly.'' Kennedy finished for her. They slowly made their way back. ''Now, listen to me. Don't do anything sudden. Don't look around. Let's go, quietly, to that alley.'' she instructed them. In an alley they had bigger chances of getting through. Out in open space they would most likely get killed rather quickly. It was a risk. They would either manage to get to one of the buildings or maybe fight their way through, or they could continue their way through the street, possibly ending in them being surrounded.
''What's going on?'' rather tall slayer asked.
''Just go.'' Kennedy said and the group slowly reduced the distance. Miranda was in front, Kennedy in the back of their little parade. Suddenly, she whipped her head around, looking for any sign of demons. She heard something, no doubt. Her eyes scanned the street, the buildings, yet still came up with nothing. ''I don't like it. If there's something there I'd rather have them already.'' she muttered. The alley was long and considerably tight. She noticed a door, some distance away. ''Let's get in.''
Miranda nodded and led the group. ''It's locked.'' she announced after unsuccessfully tryin to open them. Kennedy pushed the slayers aside, reaching the doors herself. ''Damn it.''
They heard a splash and turned around, only to see some big demon breaking neck of the slayer closest to him. Alley had enough space for two slayers to fight in line. Kennedy saw more demons coming after this one and looked the other way. They were coming from there too. ''Keep them away!'' she yelled and kicked the doors. She heard a little crack, but they held. At third kick they opened. ''Get in!'' she commanded her group. The slayers ran through the door, Kennedy holding them open. The last one was crossing the threshold when a hand shot out and grabbed her by her hair, yanking her back into the alley. Kennedy closed the door and leaned on them, trying to stop the demons. ''Go!''
''B-but...''
''Go! Mir, take them away!'' she yelled. Miranda nodded and the group moved through the corridors. Kennedy counted to three and ran after them. She heard the door being hauled open, but she didn't look back. The building seemed like a maze. Mass of endless hallways and stairs. ''Kenn! Here!'' she heard from somewhere to her left. Without thinking, she sprinted there. ''How the hell are we supposed to get out?'' Miranda asked once they were safe. ''It's a matter of time before they find us.''
''I'm thinking.''
''We're all gonna die.'' one of surviving slayers muttered.
''Shut up, we're not.'' Kennedy snapped. She looked through the window. It was empty, no demons. ''We're going through here.'' she said and opened the window.
She jumped out, careful not to make any noise. Miranda followed and soon they all were on the street. ''We need to be fast and quiet, so... be quiet.'' Kennedy said and they hurried their way down the street. ''We can't be out in an open field. We need to find shelter, now.'' Miranda said. Slayers opened the nearest door and got in. ''Looks like it's empty.''
''Okay, split and search the place. If it's empty, we stay and figure out our next move.'' Kennedy muttered and went to her right. Five minutes later she returned, finding nothing. Few second later Miranda appeared, with Amy following. ''Where's Mel?'' she asked when the fourth slayer hadn't returned. They shook their heads. ''Fuck.''
Weapons ready, they walked in direction Melanie disappeared in. They checked few rooms, but didn't find her.
''Shit.'' Kennedy said after opening one of the remaining doors. Melanie was lying next to the wall, a trail of blood running down her chin. Dead eyes stared back at her. She had a big hole in her chest. Kennedy quickly back tracked to the hallway. She saw something very sharp behind Miranda who was walking to her. ''Look out!'' she called. On instinct, slayer dropped to the ground and a tail pierced the air just over her. Big, lizard-like demon stepped out of shadows. Amy appeared behind it and in one move, she cut off it's waving tail. Demon hissed and turned around, it's claws reaching out for his prey. Amy jumped back, but she wasn't quick enough. Four long gashes now were running down her stomach. Miranda jumped up and rushed at it, Kennedy right behind her. If they thought that it was distracted, they were wrong. Lizard opened his mouth, full of needle-sharp teeth, it's tongue reached for Miranda's hand. It was extremely long and let him to throw her to the wall. She lost her sword and cracked her head. It's big foot caught Kennedy in the stomach, as she was too late to stop. She gasped for breath and doubled over. Using it's tongue, it yanked Miranda to it's arms and bit into her neck. ''Mir!'' yelled Kennedy, getting to her feet. Amy stabbed it through it's side, lizard threw it's head away, with a big portion of Miranda's neck still in his mouth. Kennedy swung her sword and lizard's head rolled to the floor. They looked down. Miranda was dead, there was no sense in checking that. Half of her neck was bitten away. ''Fuck! God damn it, you... fuck!'' Kennedy cursed as she began to kick lizard's body.
''Kenn, come on. We gotta run, something must've heard that.'' Amy said, sadly looking at her fallen friend. ''Let's go to the rendezvous and get the hell out. We have no chance staying in the city.''
Numbly, Kennedy nodded her head and they quietly walked away.
***B***B***
Lorne pointed to the doors at the end of the hallway. Connor nodded and opened it, sneaking in.
They managed to get here without any incident, though streets seemed emptier than usual. Minute later, he came back. ''Come on.''
Together, they started to search through the house. It seemed that Wes left a mess. Books and random papers were spread over the floor, dirty dishes left on the table. ''You know we could leave the city, right?'' Connor said while going through drawers.
''You really think we'd make it?'' Lorne asked back.
''Faith got in. I'd say we could get out.''
''I think I owe it to Angel. To stay.'' Lorne eventually said.
''You mean for leaving?'' Connor asked.
''Yup.'' Green demon flipped the pages of some book.
''I think we should get Rain and Katie out. They don't deserve to be caught in our mess.'' Connor sat down.
''I agree.'' Lorne walked to the book regal. ''Why didn't you want Faith to know who you are?''
Connor stared at the floor. He didn't quite know it himself. ''There's no reason for her to know.''
''If you say so.'' Lorne muttered. His eyes scanned the books in front of him. He took few out. ''I think I found it.''
Connor walked over to him. Lorne opened the journals. ''Yeah, that's it. There's some stuff about Senior Partners, Angel, Circle Of The Black Thorn and uhh... you.''
''What do you mean me?'' Connor asked.
''Mostly it's about Wesley's thoughts after remembering you. Some prophecies, the way that things really happened...'' Lorne trailed off.
Connor sighed. ''Okay, let's just get back. We'll read through it in the hotel.''
''Maybe we should take the books too? Who knows what's in them.'' Lorne suggested.
''Sure.'' Together they grabbed the books and put them in a bag. ''Come on.''
***B***B***
Spike still couldn't believe that they actually let the demons take over Los Angeles. Of course, it was expected, there was no denying that. What he didn't expect was to be alive to really see it. Since he awoke, they didn't find anyone else alive. It was slightly demoralizing. He and Illyria walked through broken and deserted streets and Spike found himself sad. Shaking the feeling away, he followed Illyria. ''How far 'til we reach... wherever that is, that we're goin' to?''
''Be quiet, vampire.'' she said.
''What? Can't bloke even talk? That's just...'' he trailed of after the look that she gave him. ''Okay, what's wrong?''
''Demon is here.'' She stated.
''Demons are everywhere, luv.'' Spike replied.
''They're not. Not here.''
He raised his eyebrows. ''What do you mean?''
''There's no demons anywhere near us. There is only one. The one that we're looking for.'' Illyria said and walked to the middle of the street.
''So what is he doin' here? If the rest ran somewhere, why'd he stay?'' Spike asked.
''He knows I am looking for him. It is a matter of time before I would find him. It is inevitable, he decided to walk here on his own.'' she answered him and a demon walked out of the building. He was rather small, not very intimidating.
''Illyria.'' he said. Second later she put her fist right through his chest. Spike watched as she began chanting in some language he didn't even heard of. She withdrew her hand from his body and walked away. ''It's done.''
''You mean we got all we need?'' Spike had no option, but to follow.
''No. This was only the first piece I need. There is five.'' Illyria didn't even look back.
''All of 'em are like him?''
''He was the weakest.'' Now they were in yet another building.
''Oh, one more thing. Why did the demons ran away? 'Cuz of you?'' Vampire's voice carried through space.
''No. They didn't just run away. They were summoned somewhere.'' Illyria explained.
''Summoned? For what?''
''I don't know.''
***B***B***
Faith observed the pair in front of her. They were all basically sitting in the lobby, waiting for Lorne and Connor to return. She envied them. She saw Katie laugh at something brunette said and scooped her into her arms. They were really lucky to have someone to lean on in this situation. Faith thought back to her years in Sunnydale, before the whole Mayor deal. If she wouldn't screw it back there, then who knows, right now she could be with Buffy. But of course, she had to fuck it up. Right and proper. She sighed and her eyes dropped to the floor. All she had was an injury, a singing demon, pair of civilians and wannabe kamikaze boy. Shaking her head, she walked to Angel's office.
''Do you really think we could get out?'' Katie asked after Faith closed the door behind her. ''Out of city, I mean.''
Rain sat next to her. ''I don't know. I guess.''
''Should we?''
Brunette watched her lover's face. ''Not by ourselves. If that chick gets back to her full, then maybe we could make it.''
''So we wait, then get the hell out.'' Katie nodded. ''This city creeps me out.'' Blonde stared at Faith's back through the window. ''You think that maybe we should talk to her? She seems lonely.''
''I think it's because of us. We're close and she... she walked out after you hugged me.'' Rain noticed.
''A talk wouldn't kill her. C'mon, we gotta learn something about these people.'' Katie said and they stood up, walking to the office.
''Hey.'' Faith turned to them. ''What's up?''
''We were wondering, if you don't mind... tell us who are you?'' Katie asked.
Faith raised her eyebrows. ''Okay, that's not exactly something I like to talk about.''
''Oh... then how about what's a slayer? Connor mentioned it once or twice...''
Faith smirked. One girl in the world speech coming right up. ''Sit down.''
***B***B***
Gunn moved through the city, looking for something to snack on. He was still limping and unless he would eat something, that condition would stay for some time. Demon's were out. That was just...ugh. He looked anyway, though hoping to find anyone alive, but he didn't really think he would. He was aware that many demons didn't even look at him twice. For them he was just another evil being. That worked in his favor, though. He could search without being disturbed. He crossed an alley, trying to shorten his walk when a pair of strong hands grabbed him by his collar and threw into nearest doors. ''Shhh.''
He was set free and saw his assailant. It was a young woman, covered in blood with a sword in her hand. ''You're a slayer.'' he realized. Oh, that's just perfect.
''Yeah. What the hell is going on? My whole squad was wiped out by demons!'' she whispered harshly. He limped towards her. ''Are you okay?'' she asked before turning back, looking at the alley.
''I am now.'' he said, shifting to his demon face. Gunn sank his fangs deep into her neck, trying to hold her arms still. She freed one and tried to punch him, but he caught it and with his other hand, he pushed at her elbow. There was a crunch and he saw a bone sticking out of flesh. Slayer yelled in agony, but he quickly damped his hand over her mouth and his mouth went back to her neck. She fought a little more, but eventually last drop of life left her. He let go of her and the body hit the floor. Gunn breathed deeply. Slayer blood, it was like nothing he ever tasted before. However, it didn't smell so good, so irresistible as Faith's. Maybe it had something to do with Faith being called the traditional way instead of a spell.
***B***B***
He barely heard it.
Connor and Lorne were in the middle of way back to the hotel when he felt like being watched. He shook the feeling off, but soon felt it again. He walked a longer way, trying to gain as much time as possible, hoping to spot this before reaching the hotel. They couldn't go back with something following them.
''Uhm Connor? I think we've been here already.'' Lorne spoke up.
''Because it's true.'' he whispered. There was no mistaking that. Something big and heavy was trying to be stealth and quiet.
''What?'' demon asked, readjusting the bag over his shoulder.
''Something is following us. For some time now.'' Connor stopped.
''You mean that?'' Lorne slowly said, pointing somewhere behind Connor. He turned around and there was a demon. Big, massive demon. And he seemed less than friendly. ''Go back to the hotel.''
''Huh?''
''Go. Take the journals and go.'' Connor said. It was slowly coming closer.
''Connor...'' Lorne trailed off.
Boy gulped. ''Go. I'll meet you there.''
Lorne took few steps back. ''Since when are you so noble?''
''Guess it's genetic.''
Lorne ran off.
Connor raised his sword and met the demon in the middle. He attacked it with determination and though the demon wasn't the fastest, he was definetely strong. His skin was hard enough to deflect his blade, but it seemed lighter near his neck, kneecaps and waist. His fist shot out and Connor barely avoided it, kicking at his leg. He went to his knees and Connor swung his sword to decapicate him, his sword however, was stopped in the middle. They wrestled like that for some time and Connor started to loose. He refused to let go of the blade, knowing it was his only chance at killing that thing. The demon pushed it and Connor hit himself in the face with the handle. He stumbled and demon backhanded him. Spitting blood, he readied himself for next round.
The demon came at him again and boy was able to block most of his blows. The ones that got through, he avoided. It seemed that he was gaining ground, forcing the demon back. To the moment when his sword was ripped away. Still, he blocked the blows that came at him and landed few of his own. His arms started to hurt, it was like hitting the wall over and over again. Two powerful punches got through his defensive and hit him in the face. Connor felt his left cheekbone being shattered and demons face twisted in a grin. He rushed at him, but demon danced back and punched him in the ribs. Connor took a deep breath and kicked him in the face. Demon only shook his head slightly and landed couple more punches to Connor's face and ribs. His face felt like on fire and his side didn't fair any better. Next strong punch to his ribs and he heard a crack. He yelled in pain, leaving an opening. A kick sent him through the alley, landing in a trashcans, spilling junk everywhere and making an unbelievable loud noise. Demon stepped closer and suddenly stopped. He reached his big hand to the back of his neck and pulled out a bloody arrow. He turned and went still. Connor saw him fall to the ground, another arrow sticking out of his eye socket. Boy raised his head and someone dropped down from the roof. Figure started to come closer and Connor passed out.
***B***B***
Tell me what ya think ;) Please... Oh, I decied to do it a Faith/Buffy with Connor/Other. It'll be easier fo me to write and more fun. But hey, my mind is working on some more stories, one of them having Faith/Connor. But I won't start writing it before this and Memoria is done.