Chapter 8~
The rampage of emotions that showed across the group's faces could have been a funny cartoon, had it not been such a serious situation. Eight years separated them from the four survivors. It seemed impossible, but then again, Xander had said they always found a way to do the impossible.
It was an awkward silence. No one knew quite where to start. There were hundreds of questions they all had, and issues that needed to be addressed. It was especially problematic for them all, as they had to rely on Faith for any answers they currently sought. It was clear that she wasn't the threat, but it wasn't easy for any of them to come to terms with her being an ally or friend after all that had occurred with the Dark Slayer.
Giles was the first to speak, having been absolutely amazed at the revelation, "So, not only did Willow successfully bring four people back through time without any major unexpected incidents as of now, but she managed just two years short of an entire decade?"
"Well, Red's in a coma, so that's a fucking damper on shit," Faith replied angrily, not really at anyone in particular. Her heart sank at her own reminder that Willow was out of the game for good.
"I said 'unexpected' for a reason, Faith," Giles saw her face go from anger to grief and he gently continued, "I'm sorry. It seems you've come to be close to her. To all of them, I'm guessing, from your reactions." Silence once again followed the group.
"I guess that means Dawn's no longer the little sister, Buffy. You're officially younger than her," Anya broke up the quiet, "I mean she was technically older than all of us, including me, being the Key. However, she presented as the youngest of the group physically. Now she's older than most of us. Well, except Giles. That would have been really weird, her being an old woman."
Giles scowled at Anya, clearly offended, "I'm not even fifty, Anya. Not even half a century. If anyone's old around here, you are. You've been around for over a millennium."
"Yes, but I don't look like the crypt keeper," Anya's brutal reply came with not even a hint of acknowledgement that she was saying anything wrong.
Tara saw the situation taking a dive, quickly taking control, "Guy's? M-maybe it would be better for Faith to tell us why Willow would feel the need to come back so far?" It occurred to Tara the reason that her picture was in the condition it was in. Willow had chosen this time, specifically. That picture was only from a few months ago, and was probably used by the redhead as a guide in the spell.
Faith knew where this was going, and as much as they probably wanted to get filled in, she just didn't have the energy. It may not have been considered a 'major unexpected consequence', as Giles had put it, but she felt like every last bit of her strength was drained, almost every square inch of her was in pain. Eight years of very difficult and painful history was not going to be easy to unravel, either. There was also the fact that she was back in a time where hot showers and french fries existed, "Look, I'm more than happy to do the whole story tellin' thing, but can it wait? Cause I'm pretty sure, with how I feel right now, even Xander could kick my ass around," Faith added the last part as a joke, forgetting that he wasn't her 'buddy' yet. They had grown fond enough, in her time, to pick at each other without offense.
"Hey, you're currently sitting in MY favorite chair, inside MY apartment. Little respect please?" He said angrily.
"Sorry, I didn't mean that as a jibe, Xan man. You and I are pretty cool in the future," Faith gave a sad smirk, then their eyes met, "Good to see both those big care bear eyes though, instead of an eye patch."
At this, Buffy decided to join the conversation, "Eye patch? Like the one he wore for his pirate costume?" At Faith's confused look and raised eyebrow, Buffy remembered Faith had not been there, "He was a pirate… for Halloween."
"Uh, I'm not sure it was that exact one, B. This one mighta been medical or some shit cause he lost his eye," Faith responded, not realizing the effect the simple piece of information would have.
"I lose an eye?! But I like having two eyes. It's helpful with the seeing and the driving, and a bunch of other stuff," his voice was panicked, as he unconsciously reached for the eye he had worn the costume patch over.
Buffy noticed, once again, things were going to start getting into a flurry of issues and the truth was, she wasn't sure she was ready to hear everything just yet, "Alright, one thing at a time. We need to get my place cleaned up anyway, and everyone moved. Faith, you get some time to prep for your big story telling event and to rest. Xander, Anya, and Giles will come with me to do that, Tara will stay here to help Faith and keep an eye on Willow, Dawn, and…" Buffy stopped here, looking over to the unconscious woman on the couch. She recalled Faith's angry words earlier, "Mermaid?"
Faith chuckled a bit at her fellow Slayer's obvious confusion, "Just a nickname, B. Her name's Melody."
"You'll have to explain that one later," Buffy looked over at Faith as if she had grown a second head.
"Why do Xander and I have to help clean your house? And why does Tara get to stay and watch everyone? This is OUR apartment." Anya had put on her best pout, as she didn't want to clean today. Not only would she have to spend, possibly, hours picking up tiny shards of glass, but that meant no one was at the magic box making money.
"Anya, I think Buffy's correct. We don't want to overwhelm Faith just yet. Both you and Xander wouldn't be able to refrain from constant questions, while Tara somehow has the patience to deal with you personally on a daily basis without wanting to duct tape your mouth shut." Once again, wide stares came from the group, this time resting on Giles. The earlier 'crypt keeper' comment obviously having struck a nerve.
Off Anya's look, Xander quickly jumped in, "Hey, I've never had the desire to use duct tape on my fiancé."
Anya seemed to consider Xander's words, forgetting (or perhaps choosing to ignore) Giles comment for the time being, "No, but you did buy those handcuffs…" Her reply was quickly muffled by Xander's hand.
"So, Buff! Clean up duty it is!"
-x-
Tara had gone to the kitchen, slowly finding her way around the different cupboard contents. Faith had made only the simple request of coffee, and it gave her something to focus on. Everything seemed surreal at the moment, and there was so much they didn't know. She also felt she could desperately use a shower and a change of clothes. Her hair was a mess as the small braids throughout had started to loosen, and she was exhausted.
Faith watched silently, just trying to breathe through the constant ache she was feeling everywhere. The Slayer had noticed earlier that the scoobies had made an attempt to patch Melody up, and she wondered how long the vampire would stay out. This also reminded her that the rest of them had no idea who or what was currently on their couch, and that was going to be a headache to explain in itself. Focusing, once again, on Tara, Faith couldn't help but marvel at the fact that there hadn't been any other questions brought forth. Any other person would have been interrogating her like cops with a murder suspect, but the witch stayed reserved and quiet as she moved about making fresh coffee. She was also thankful to her, as Tara's demeanor wasn't uncomfortable when addressing her, where the others still looked at her with slight uneasiness and distrust.
"Do you like anything in your coffee, Faith?" Tara asked as she located a mug, the steaming liquid finally ready in its pot.
Faith shook her head, "Black is fine. Gotta get used to the small luxuries again."
Tara brought the mug over, confused by the statement and also not sure if Faith was up to being handed the hot cup, she chose to put it on the small end table beside her. After making a move to the spare room to check on Willow and Dawn, she moved to Melody's side grabbing the aid kit from where it was left on the floor by the couch, choosing to check the wound and possibly change the bandage.
After a minute, as Faith finally took her first heavenly sips from the steaming mug, she heard Tara slightly gasp, "Everything five by five over there, T? Is something wrong?" The worried tone evident in her voice.
"It's fine. It's just that, um, the w-wound is pretty much healed. I'm only used to Buffy healing that f-fast," Tara replied gently as she turned to look at Faith for a moment.
Biting her tongue in contemplation, Faith decided it was a good time to introduce the idea of what Melody was in a very slow manner, "Uh, yeah, about that. Look, Mermaid's a good person, and while I'm kinda pissed off at her for recent events, it doesn't take away the fact that she's not only a good guy, but she's got a different way of lookin' at the world that, sometimes, just makes sense. Ya know?"
Tara gave her a quizzical glance, "Um, I don't think I said anything of the contrary. Anya said it was probably a newer wound that wasn't healed before the spell and that's why it maybe healing faster," Tara hadn't thought she'd said anything against the woman.
"I just…. I don't want you to freak out or, or not make sure she's OK," Faith couldn't quite figure out what exactly to say, and Tara's blue eyes were trained on hers, patiently waiting for her to get out what she was trying to say, "It's vamp healing. She got busted when Red did the magic mojo and we got attacked." She took another long sip of her coffee, letting it warm her through.
Tara was trying to follow what the Slayer was saying, but half the words didn't make sense. She turned towards the woman again, hesitantly reaching out to feel for a pulse. When she found one, she looked back towards Faith with a raised brow, "Um, Faith, she's kind of alive."
Faith rolled her eyes in frustration, wishing the vampire was awake, or even Dawn for that matter. She was never good with the explanations, "Ya, that's normal, well, for her," sighing in frustration, she just went full for it, "It's some sorta magic shit. I don't really know the details. Hell, she's been searching ten fucking years to figure out exactly what her girl did, she ain't found an answer. Mermaid's a vamp, with a pulse," Off Tara's wide eyes she continued, "You know what? Can we talk about anything else? You got any questions about Red or D? Way easier shit for me to go over. I don't know nothin' much about the witchcraft voo doo stuff."
Tara nodded, giving a small smile. She finished cleaning around the area where only a newer scar remained, then went towards the table. After grabbing a chair and setting it down a few feet in front of the recliner, she sat down. With a million questions in her head, she knew there was a lot she wanted to know. She also knew that Faith probably needed to start slow, and with less stressful information. However, the situation as it was, it seemed impossible.
"You've grown close to them? Willow and Dawn?" Tara asked, hoping that wasn't too much for the worn out looking Faith, "And Melody," she added as it occurred to her that, just because she didn't know the woman, didn't make her less important than the others.
"It's alright, T. I know you don't know her. Red said you'd have liked her, though," Faith read straight through Tara's thought process, "As far as D… Dawn and Willow, ya. We've gotten pretty tight. I didn't join the whole thing until a little over a year from now, but seven years is still a lot of time bonding and shit when you're fightin' a war." Faith realized her mistake a moment too late. Tara's eyes were once again wide as saucers after she had uttered that three letter word.
Taking a deep breath, Tara tried to remain calm and focus on the current question, and ignore the final word Faith had uttered for now, "Are they ok? I m-mean… other than the obvious."
"Doing the best they can. We all are. It's been a fucking shit show," Faith swallowed a lump in her throat, "D's been through the ringer trying to keep everyone patched up. Been learnin' some medical shit for awhile cause people keep gettin' hurt and well, D wanted something to focus on that wasn't fightin'. Something at least a little positive. Ya know, healer stuff and all. Red's been helpin' her study as best they can since school ain't been a thing for awhile."
Faith took a breath before going in for another drink from her mug, closing her eyes as she could literally feel her skin and muscles starting to relax little by little, "Why the hell this hurt so damn much?"
"Anya was explaining that to us, and seeing how it's been eight years instead of three, it's no wonder it's hitting so hard," Tara started, Faith giving the woman her full attention, "You've obviously all gone through a lot, specifically of the physical sense. Your p-present bodies had to catch up with the people you've become. Every bruise and wound you sustained, you went through it at, um," remembering Buffy's words about growing pains on steroids the night before, "Hyper speed, I guess."
Faith blinked at her, absorbing the information, "Well, shit. Ouch," her eyes suddenly widening, "Might be fucking luck Red's in a coma then."
Tara gave her a hard look, clearly not happy with her love's current condition, no matter what the circumstances. Faith immediately regretted her words, "Sorry, T. I didn't… She's just been through hell." Tara raised an eyebrow, her sapphire eyes holding an edge as she waited for an explanation, "Red has not only been put through a lot with enemies, but she also put herself into a bad place for awhile. I would go into that more, but no. I wasn't there for that, and it ain't my place to explain it. I'll leave that for D. She's been here the whole time."
It was Tara's turn to swallow down an emotional lump in her throat, wondering exactly what Willow had done to herself that Faith would refuse to talk about, "S-she hurt herself? Badly enough that you're g-glad she's not awake to feel it?"
"No, not like you're thinkin', T. It's just….D said she got lost. Like, really fucking lost. She wasn't Willow, that's what Dawn said. Can we go back to Mermaid's issues?" At Tara's exasperated look, she continued, "The comment about her being lucky being knocked out, I just meant that she was stabbed pretty good once. We almost lost her then. She took a really bad hit trying to protect D, and… well, it's a fucking good thing D had been studying so hard, 'cause we did lose her for a minute or two. D got her back, but it felt like forever trying to get her back in working order. She had a blade come way to close to her heart."
Willow had died. Even if it was only for a minute, her heart had still stopped. Tears formed in Tara's eyes as she grappled with this new information. It had been in protection of Dawn. The world didn't make sense to her at this moment. They were in such danger that Dawn had almost been stabbed, instead Willow having taken the hit. She knew right then that nothing was going to be the same for any of them again. Whatever it was, this war? Nothing they'd been through could compare. Even though she knew next to nothing about it, she knew this was more dangerous than anything they'd faced.
Wiping heavily at the tears on her face, she turned her head back towards Faith and with a shaky breath she asked, "Willow died?"
Faith gave her a worried look, realizing Tara was having a hard time coming to terms with the information, "Just for like, two minutes. D was amazing, she was doing the whole pressure on the wound and even threw a little magical mojo healing in there she said you taught her in secret before they lost you. I wasn't allowed to tell Red that last part though, so don't go getting me in shit deep with D."
"I taught her?" Tara realized it must have been some time in the future because she didn't remember teaching Dawnie anything like that. She tried to focus on the present, Willow was alive. They were going to work on pulling her out of a coma. Dawnie was alive, and would wake up sometime soon, hopefully. Whatever this war was, Willow had now bought them valuable time and knowledge they most definitely wouldn't have had in their own timeline. She took some calming deep breaths, and seeing Faith yawn, decided to pause the conversation, "Why don't you get some rest. It'll be a few hours before the house is cleaned up."
"What the fuck happened at B's place anyway?" Faith asked as her eyes started getting heavy once again.
"The spell you guys did, it caused some sort of surge in the house. Supposedly about the time Willow and Dawn d-disappeared, all of Buffy's lights went pop," Tara answered as she grabbed the blanket Buffy had been laying on, and covered Faith with it. The Slayer nodded in understanding, her eyes closing. After a minute she was out, and Tara made her way back into the spare room. She squeezed Dawn's hand tightly, leaving yet another kiss on her forehead, before taking her claimed space in the chair next to Willow.
Curiosity got the better of her, as she leaned into Willow, moving her shirt just enough to show the skin above her heart. A very rough and angry red scar lay on the redhead's chest. While the other scars were slowly disappearing like Faith's, this one seemed as though it was going much slower, "Willow." More tears came to her eyes. She wondered what more was in store for her. What exactly did Faith not want to say? What could be worse than this?
-x-