Chapter 7: Sleuthing with the Enemy Part 2
January 10, 2002 - Thursday
Streets of San Francisco
Buffy, Prue, Piper, and Krell swiftly maneuvered through the dimly lit alley, their determined strides echoing against the walls. The scent of Cole lingered in the air, guiding their pursuit.
"I can smell his blood, he's close," Krell remarked, his senses heightened.
Piper's voice held a mix of anticipation and urgency. "Where?"
"Get your potions ready," Krell commanded, his tone filled with grim resolve.
Prue couldn't help but voice a thought. "You know, it's too bad that he's such a bad guy because he could really come in handy."
Buffy's eyes rolled at Prue's remark.
"Don't push it," Piper cautioned as they continued their determined path down the alley.
Krell swiftly moved aside some boxes, revealing a sleeping homeless person. "Vanquish him."
Confusion filled the homeless person's voice as he woke up. "Hey, what's going on? Who are you?"
"It's a trick," Krell warned, his instincts sharp. "He's in his human form. Throw the potion."
"He's not a demon," Buffy interjected, her voice firm.
Ignoring Buffy's words, Krell snatched the potion from Piper and hurled it at the homeless person, but to no effect.
"And you call yourself a Zotar," Piper mocked, her disappointment evident.
Krell's attention shifted to Cole's coat, raising suspicion. "Where did you get this coat?"
"I didn't do anything," the homeless person pleaded, his fear palpable.
Krell seized the homeless person, forcefully pushing him against a fence. "Tell me."
"I just found it," the homeless person confessed, his voice trembling.
Buffy stepped in, her protective instincts taking over. "Leave him alone," she commanded, pulling Krell away from the homeless person and positioning herself as a barrier between them.
"Touch me again, Slayer, and I'll kill you," Krell threatened, his voice seething with rage.
Buffy's tone remained resolute. "If I go down, believe me, I won't be the only one. I will be more than happy to take you with me." She glanced over her shoulder at the homeless person. "Run."
Seizing the opportunity, the homeless person swiftly fled the scene.
"He's a pathetic wretch. His life means nothing," Krell scoffed. "If you'd let me torture him, we'd know where he found the coat."
Prue's voice aligned with Krell's dark sentiments. "Whatever it takes."
Krell's agreement was swift. "That's right."
Prue's voice carried a hint of determination. "Well, from here on out, it's going to take doing this our way."
"Hah, then we will fail," Krell retorted, his disdain apparent. "Because your morality cripples you. It blinds you from doing what must be done."
Buffy interjected, her voice firm. "There are better ways of getting answers out of people, Krell." She held up Cole's coat, a realization dawning on her. "Think Aunt Phoebe could get a premonition?" Prue studied the coat intently. "What?"
"How long ago did the Triad send Belthazor?" Prue inquired.
"Half a year," Krell answered, curiosity piqued. "Why?"
Buffy's eyes widened as she scrutinized the coat in her hands. "You don't think?" she trailed off; her voice laced with uncertainty.
"I do," Prue confirmed. "Cole has one exactly like it."
"Cole?" Piper interjected, shock reverberating in her voice. "You think Cole is..."
"Belthazor's human form," Prue affirmed, conviction coloring her words. Just then, a portal materialized before them, and out stepped Dawn. "Dawn?"
"I think Aunt Phoebe is with Belthazor," Dawn confessed, her voice laden with concern. "Leo and I reluctantly left her at Cole's apartment. Phoebe took us there because Cole was hurt."
Krell couldn't hide his frustration. "Tell me that your Whitelighter didn't heal him."
"Not completely," Dawn admitted, her voice tinged with worry.
"The idiot," Krell muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"The reason I suspected Cole was Belthazor was because the wound that Cole had that Leo tried to heal was in the exact same place as where I sliced Belthazor," said Dawn.
Prue's voice held a note of determination. "Open us a portal, sweetie."
As if summoned by Prue's request, a portal materialized behind Dawn.
Cole's Apartment
Emerging from the portal, Buffy, Dawn, Piper, Prue, and Krell found themselves standing in the dimly lit hallway just outside Cole's apartment.
Piper's voice quivered with uncertainty. "What are we going to do?"
Prue's voice held unwavering determination. "We're going to vanquish him."
Piper's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "We're going to vanquish Phoebe's boyfriend?" She sighed. "That's going to cause some problems."
Krell's voice cut through the hesitation. "If you hesitate, he'll kill us all."
Piper's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Excuse me, we're having a private conversation over here," she retorted, her voice laced with annoyance.
Prue's self-reproach seeped into her words. "You know, I cannot believe I let him out of that demon trap when I caught him. What was I thinking?"
Buffy, the voice of reason, chimed in, attempting to assuage the guilt. "You didn't know, Mom," she reassured, her voice filled with understanding.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The tension in the room thickened as Phoebe confronted Cole, uncertainty and suspicion hanging in the air. Their words were filled with veiled accusations and unspoken questions, each grappling with their own doubts and fears.
Cole's voice carried a hint of defiance. "Is there something wrong, Phoebe? Something you're not telling me?"
Phoebe mirrored his tone, pushing back. "Don't you think you have that backwards?"
"Meaning?" he questioned.
Confusion laced Phoebe's smile. "You're the one with all the secrets, right?"
A touch of frustration tinged his response. "Am I? You sure about that?"
Phoebe shrugged, her confidence wavering. "I don't really know what I'm sure about anymore."
Sighing, Cole echoed her sentiment. "Yeah, I know how you feel."
"I doubt that," Phoebe shot back, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Unfolding the dramatic tension, Cole attempted to shed light on the situation. "I think I know what's going on here, Phoebe, and I'm sorry it's come to this. But I'm not sorry about us. You need to know that."
Phoebe redirected the conversation, seeking answers. "You never told me where you were from."
A small pause followed before his reply. "You never asked."
Her smile persisted, though now tinged with curiosity. "I'm asking now."
"Why don't you ask me what you really want to know, Phoebe," Cole urged, his voice carrying a sense of honesty. "I won't lie to you."
Taking a decisive turn, the room burst into action as Prue, Piper, Krell, Buffy, and Dawn stormed into the apartment. The tension escalated, and the truth became clearer.
"Krell." Cole swiftly transformed into Belthazor, a knife materializing in his hand as he seized Phoebe. Krell's attempt to intervene was met with Prue's interference, preventing the attack. As Belthazor shimmered from the room, he took Phoebe with him.
The room buzzed with accusation and urgency. "You let Belthazor escape," Krell accused.
Prue's voice crackled with anger. "You almost killed our sister…" she then motioned toward Buffy and Dawn, "…and their aunt."
"She is dead anyway," Krell dismissed callously. "He only needed her to get away."
Piper's voice carried a hint of hope. "I don't think Cole will hurt Phoebe."
Prue countered, considering the possibility. "No, but maybe Belthazor would."
Buffy interjected with a critical revelation. "Mom, he won't. If he's been posing as Cole for half a year, he's had plenty of time to do it."
"He just used her until he could get all three of you," Krell confirmed, looking at Piper and Prue. "The Charmed Ones. The Slayer and the Key would just be added bonuses. Why he couldn't follow through, I'll never understand."
"I think I know why." Buffy's words resonated; her gaze fixed on Dawn. "The same reason Angel couldn't when he lost his soul."
Dawn's voice echoed with certainty. "Because he loved you."
Buffy nodded, accepting the truth. "And Cole fell in love with Aunt Phoebe."
Prue voiced her skepticism. "That could have been a trick. I mean, demons will do whatever it takes, remember?"
Buffy countered, her tone firm. "Not all. Some will, yes. Some will even go as far as ending the world to get what they want. Some are just talk, others will do what they say. When Angel lost his soul, he was all talk. Was going to kill me. The only thing he actually did was try and send the world to hell. For months he kept tormenting me, threatening to kill me. But he never did. Why? Even without his soul, I think he still loved me."
Amidst the turmoil, Krell proposed a desperate plan. "I can save her if it's not too late."
Prue's voice carried a note of caution. "Why would you want to?"
"I wouldn't," Krell admitted, his words laced with bitterness. "But I'll do it if it's the only way to kill Belthazor. Give me the potion. I can find him and get to him faster alone."
Dawn refused to let Krell try and rescue Phoebe alone. "Faster than a portal? You are not going alone, right, Mom, Aunt Piper, Buffy?"
Their determination united them. "Right," they agreed in unison.
Prue reminded Krell of the limitations. "You already said that you can't track him if he can shimmer."
"But he can't shimmer well. He needs time to recharge," Krell countered, his voice holding a glimmer of hope. "Your Whitelighter only healed his human half."
Confusion tinged Piper's voice. "I'm sorry, his human half?"
Buffy offered her knowledge. "There are actually half demons. I've met a couple. One works or worked for Angel, and the other works for the Powers that Freaking Be."
Recognition flickered across Krell's face. "Whistler?" he asked, receiving a nod of affirmation from Buffy.
"Ran into him during the time Angel was trying to open the portal created by Acathla," Buffy shared, a hint of vengeance in her tone. "I promised the next time I saw him I would wear his ribcage as a hat."
A brief moment of levity dispersed the tension. Krell's laughter filled the air. "Nice. He deserves that and more." The seriousness returned as he refocused on the matter at hand. "The Triad sent Belthazor because he was half human. He understands you. He can blend in. A full-blooded demon could never have gotten so close. Give me the potion."
Prue handed Krell the potion, knowing the risks. "If you hurt her, we'll track you down," she said as he shimmered out.
"Do you really trust him?" Piper asked.
"No," Prue answered. With determination burning in her eyes she prepared for the next step. "Dawn, a portal," she commanded.
Dawn questioned their destination. "Where are we going?"
Prue's voice held a steely resolve. "Oh, to where demons hide."
San Francisco Cemetery
Phoebe's stomach churned as she and Belthazor shimmered outside a dimly lit mausoleum. The constant shimmering had taken its toll on her senses, leaving her feeling nauseated and disoriented. "Can we stop with the shimmering all over the place?" she asked. "I'm going to vomit."
"I had to lose Krell," Belthazor explained, his voice strained.
Phoebe's frustration boiled over as she elbowed him in the stomach, swiftly flipping him onto the ground. She retrieved the potion, her determination evident. "And now it's time to vanquish you," she declared as Belthazor morphed back into Cole. "Don't even think that's going to save you."
Cole's voice carried a hint of vulnerability. "I don't. I just wanted you to see who I really am, Phoebe."
Phoebe's eyes narrowed as she readied herself to throw the potion. "I've seen who you really are... Belthazor," she stated firmly.
Cole attempted to plead his case. "Wait, wait, I won't hurt you."
Phoebe's anger flared. "No? It's a little too late for that, don't you think?" she snapped. "Why? Why didn't you just kill me? Why did you have to put me through all this? Was it some sick twisted demonic thrill? Was that what it was?"
Cole's admission caught her off guard. "No, that's not it," he confessed.
Phoebe's voice dripped with scorn. "Then what was it?" she demanded.
His words held a mix of remorse and honesty. "I couldn't kill you. I tried. I was supposed to," Cole confessed. "I mean, at first you and your sisters thwarted my attempts. Even when I went back in time to destroy your line on All Hallow's Eve."
Her voice filled with disbelief. "That was you?"
Cole nodded; his expression filled with regret. "Then Troxa, Andras. I got him to strip your powers and that of your nieces, to make you all vulnerable. I had you too, right where I wanted you. All I had to do was finish the job. But I couldn't. Because I realized I loved you."
Phoebe's anger intensified. "You bastard," she spat, her words laced with anger and betrayal.
His tone held a note of truth. "That's the truth, Phoebe. I admit everything else is a lie, but not that," he pleaded. "I know you know that too. In your heart. This isn't a mask, Phoebe. It's who I am. Who I really am? I'm half human. My father was mortal."
Phoebe's skepticism remained. "You're lying," she asserted.
Cole's voice carried a note of desperation. "How else would I bleed red?" he questioned. "Even as my demon self. You have to believe me, Phoebe. I forgot what it was like to be human. To feel, to care. Then I met you."
Her internal struggle was evident as Phoebe weighed her emotions. "No, it doesn't change anything," she declared. "Because you're still a demon."
Cole acknowledged his past actions. "One who's done unspeakable things," he admitted, just as Krell appeared nearby. "But you've awakened something in me, Phoebe. Something I thought had died a long time ago. My humanity, my ability to love."
Phoebe admitted her internal conflict. "I want to believe you," she confessed.
"Then let me prove it to you," Cole pleaded, opening his arms. "Vanquish me."
As Phoebe contemplated her decision, Krell seized the opportunity and unleashed an attack on Cole, sending him hurtling through the air before crashing hard onto the ground.
"Cole!" Phoebe cried out, rushing to his side. "Cole, you've got to get up. Cole, get up!" With her assistance, she helped him to his feet and guided him toward a nearby mausoleum, seeking refuge from Krell's assault." Come on, come on!" They hurried inside as Krell's zapping narrowly missed them.
Cole coughed and leaned on a nearby coffin, his strength waning. Phoebe approached him; worry etched on her face. "Cole, no, don't do this. Come on." She supported him as they made their way to a secluded corner within the mausoleum.
Krell's voice echoed as he entered the mausoleum, his malevolence palpable. "I should've known you'd come back here."
Cole pleaded with Krell. "Don't hurt her," he implored, his voice filled with desperation.
"You disappoint, Belthazor," Krell sneered. "You've changed, letting your weaker human side affect your better judgment. It's going to cost you your life." He held up the potion, ready to strike, when a sudden portal opened beneath him, and he plummeted into it.
With a mixture of relief and curiosity, Phoebe turned to Dawn and Buffy, who had been silently observing from behind Krell's position. "Where did you send him?" she inquired.
Dawn spoke up first. "Volcano," she answered simply.
Buffy added a sense of urgency to the situation. "You need to hurry. Mom and Aunt Piper are on their way. Dawn portaled them to another part of the cemetery and then we came straight to you. I know how you feel, Aunt Phoebe. I loved a vampire; he even had his soul."
"Angelus," said Cole as Buffy nodded.
Phoebe's gaze shifted between her nieces, realization dawning on her. "Cole loves you, Aunt Phoebe," Dawn affirmed. "And love is a powerful thing."
Phoebe looked at her nieces, gratitude and understanding in her eyes. "You're right," she acknowledged. "Delay them."
Buffy and Dawn nodded in unison, swiftly leaving the mausoleum to divert Prue and Piper's attention.
Cole's smile was bittersweet as he leaned in to kiss Phoebe. "I better go," he whispered.
"They'll keep looking for you until they find you," Phoebe warned.
Cole questioned her concern. "Your sisters?"
Phoebe's reply carried a mix of determination and sorrow. "Them too. But not my nieces. They're apparently on your side. Give me your shirt."
"My shirt?" Cole questioned, puzzled, as he complied and removed his shirt.
Phoebe dropped the shirt on the ground and retrieved the potion and a dagger. "Give me your hand. Trust me," she urged, cutting Cole's hand with the dagger, causing him to wince. She squeezed the blood from his hand onto his shirt, a solemn ritual taking place. Dropping the potion onto his shirt, it sizzled and exploded. "Nobody will look for you anymore. You're dead. You have to go. Please," she pleaded, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and hope.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Prue and Piper sprinted toward Buffy and Dawn, their hearts pounding with worry. "Buffy, Dawn?" Prue called out; her voice filled with relief.
"We found them," Dawn replied, her voice laced with urgency. "In here."
Buffy and Dawn turned, leading Prue and Piper into the mausoleum, their steps quick and determined.
As Prue's eyes scanned the room, she spotted Phoebe amidst the chaos. "Pheebs?" she called out, her voice filled with concern and love.
Phoebe stood amidst the remnants of a burning pile on the floor, her face filled with a mix of guilt and reassurance.
"Phoebe, thank god you're okay," Piper said, her voice filled with genuine relief.
Phoebe's gaze darted toward Buffy and Dawn, silently conveying a message of trust and secrecy. They nodded in understanding; their shared secret protected.
Prue stepped closer to Phoebe; her arms outstretched for an embrace. "And you did what you had to do," she said, her voice filled with compassion and understanding as she enveloped Phoebe in a heartfelt hug.
Phoebe sighed, feeling the weight of their support and love. "I know," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and acceptance.
January 11, 2002 – Friday
Halliwell Manor
Dawn's was unpacking some of her clothes when her gaze fell upon an envelope tucked away in a forgotten corner, and a spark of recognition flickered within her. She had completely forgotten about its existence, buried beneath the layers of time. Pulling out the envelope she looked at it. It still bore the postmark dated the very day Buffy had leapt from the tower, sacrificing herself for her.
Dawn's heart ached as she remembered that moment, the weight of loss still fresh in her mind. Slowly, her fingers traced the words etched on the envelope, revealing the return address of California Institution for Women.
A wave of curiosity mixed with apprehension washed over Dawn, compelling her to call out for her sister. "Buffy!" she called, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. Within seconds, Buffy entered the room, her presence both comforting and steadfast.
Dawn extended the envelope to Buffy, her hands trembling slightly. "I completely forgot about this," she confessed, her voice tinged with a mixture of guilt and excitement. "It's from Faith. It was sent the day you died. I read it, it helped me through the grief back then. I think Maybe... maybe it's worth you reading."
Buffy nodded; her gaze fixed on the envelope. "Thanks, Dawnie," she whispered, her gratitude evident in her voice. With a sense of purpose, Buffy left the room, making her way up to the attic. There, she sought the solitude that the space offered, a haven for reflection and contemplation.
With trembling hands, Buffy opened the envelope and unfolded the letter nestled within. The words on the page held the weight of Faith's presence, her voice reaching out from behind prison bars. Buffy's eyes scanned the lines, absorbing the raw emotions and truths expressed within.
Dear Buffy,
I'm not really sure how to start this, but here goes. I wanted to apologize to you for everything I did to you. What I did was unforgivable. You see, it's like this, B—I'm sorry.
Looking back over the time we spent in Sunnydale, as the Chosen Two, I've come to realize something. It's something Willow tried to tell me once, but I never let it sink in until I was in here: I had it all, and I threw it away. I had your friendship, your trust, and I stomped on both. I messed everything up, and you want to know why? Because I was in love with you.
I never understood the depths of my feelings until now, when I'm separated from the world, locked away in this prison. It took this isolation for me to see clearly and admit the truth to myself. Buffy, the love I felt for you was intense, consuming. It was more than admiration or friendship—it was a love that shook me to my core.
But instead of embracing it, I let fear and jealousy guide my actions. I lashed out, betrayed you, and hurt those around us. I let my own insecurities poison our relationship, and for that, I am truly sorry.
I want you to know that I have spent countless nights replaying our moments together, both the good and the bad. The memories of our battles side by side, the late-night talks, and the laughter we shared—they haunt me. I ache for the connection we had, for the trust that was shattered, and for the chance to make things right.
I understand if you never want to forgive me. I wouldn't blame you. What I did was unforgivable, and I carry that guilt with me every day. But I needed to confess my love for you, to let you know the depth of my remorse, and to ask for your forgiveness.
Buffy, you deserve happiness, love, and a life free from the darkness that has followed us. If I could turn back time and undo the pain I caused you, I would do it in a heartbeat. But since I can't, all I can do is hope that one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
I don't expect anything in return. I don't deserve it. But I needed you to know the truth, to understand the weight of my regret, and to realize the love that has always been in my heart for you. You are strong, brave, and compassionate—the person I aspire to be.
I hope that wherever this letter finds you, it brings you a moment of peace amidst the chaos. And if there is ever a chance for redemption, for me to make amends in any way, please know that I would do anything to prove that I've changed.
With sincere regret and an unwavering love,
Faith
Buffy's eyes scanned the contents of the letter, each word etching itself into her consciousness. She read it repeatedly, the weight of Faith's revelations sinking in with each pass. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and Buffy saw herself reflected in the mirror of honesty and self-discovery.
The realization hit her with a force she could no longer ignore. Faith's words echoed in her mind, reverberating through the chambers of her heart. Her psychologist, Janice, had seen what Buffy had been blind to all these years. The truth emerged, unyielding and powerful—she had never been attracted to men. The relationships she had pursued were nothing but a facade, a desperate attempt to conform to societal expectations.
A mix of emotions coursed through Buffy's veins—relief, validation, and a touch of regret. She had buried her true self beneath layers of denial, denying the very essence of who she was. Society's whispers had drowned out her own desires, leaving her in a state of perpetual confusion.
With newfound clarity, Buffy's heart raced, urging her to take action. She couldn't ignore her truth any longer. Determination surged within her, propelling her down the stairs and into the living room where Prue sat, absorbed in the glow of the television.
"Mom," Buffy said, her voice brimming with urgency. "I need to make an international phone call."
Prue looked up, her eyes filled with curiosity. "For what?" she inquired, her motherly concern shining through.
A surge of courage swelled within Buffy as she declared her intention, unfiltered and unapologetic. "So, I can bring home the woman I love," she confessed, her words ringing with the authenticity that had eluded her for far too long.
Prue's eyes widened in surprise, her initial shock quickly melting into a supportive smile. She recognized the weight of Buffy's revelation, the significance of her journey towards self-acceptance. With a mother's unwavering love, Prue stood by her daughter, ready to embrace the truth that had been laid bare.
February 14, 2002 – Thursday
California Institution for Women
As the guard guided Buffy into the visitation room, leading her towards the designated area, she expressed her gratitude with a simple word of thanks. Time had passed since Giles had embarked on the task of making all the necessary arrangements to secure Faith's release. Now, on Valentine's Day, everything was finally in place, and Buffy believed it to be the perfect occasion to demonstrate her profound love for the brunette Slayer. Taking her seat in front of the glass partition, Buffy's gaze fixated on the phone hanging to her right. In that moment, its color captivated her, an unexpected fascination seizing her attention. Lost in her thoughts, she remained oblivious to the door swinging open, allowing Faith to enter the room. Only through her peripheral vision did Buffy catch a glimpse of the brunette taking a seat opposite her, the unyielding barrier of bulletproof glass now separating them.
Silence enveloped the space for several seconds before Faith's hand reached out for the phone, waiting patiently for Buffy to do the same. "B," she called out, her voice laced with surprise. "You're the last person I expected to see here."
"Faith," Buffy reciprocated, a small smile gracing her lips. "I got your letter, nearly a year later though."
"You did, hunh?" Faith remarked, her brow furrowing in wonder at the delayed response.
Buffy's smile dimmed slightly as she revealed the truth behind the extended wait, the profound impact it had on her existence. "You see, for five months, I was dead. I sacrificed myself so Dawn wouldn't have to," she confessed. "Officially, they spun it as a coma. The postmark on the envelope indicated it was sent the exact day I died, so I never had the chance to read it. Dawn packed it away along with many of my belongings. Then, five months later, with the help of Willow, Tara, Xander, and Anya, I was brought back. For a while, just getting through the day was a struggle. But slowly, I've been finding my way back."
"I'm glad, Buffy," Faith replied sincerely, her voice carrying a mixture of relief and understanding.
Buffy's gaze met Faith's brown eyes, filled with remorse and sincerity. "Did you mean everything you said?" she inquired, seeking confirmation.
"Every single word," Faith affirmed with conviction. "Being in here made me realize it all."
Buffy's voice softened with genuine remorse. "I'm sorry for giving up on you, Faith. I promised I wouldn't, and I did. I'm sorry for that," she confessed, her gaze unwavering as she expressed her heartfelt apology. "But now, I have a gift for you," she motioned towards a nearby guard.
With a sense of anticipation, the guard approached Faith, placing an envelope in front of her. Faith's eyes shifted between the envelope and Buffy; a glimmer of curiosity evident in her gaze. "What's this?" she inquired; her voice tinged with intrigue.
"Open it," urged Buffy, her voice laced with anticipation.
With a mixture of curiosity and excitement, Faith carefully pulled out a piece of paper from the envelope and began to read its contents. As her eyes scanned the words, a mix of surprise and disbelief washed over her.
"From the desk of Governor Matt Andrews," Faith murmured, her voice filled with astonishment. "Ms. Faith Lehane-Halliwell is hereby pardoned of all crimes committed in Sunnydale, California." She paused, absorbing the gravity of the statement. "It was brought to my attention that the crimes Ms. Lehane-Halliwell was convicted of were ordered at the behest of former Sunnydale Mayor Richard Wilkins the Third. And that Ms. Lehane-Halliwell was acting undercover to end a threat posed by former Sunnydale Mayor Richard Wilkins to not only the town of Sunnydale, but to the State of California and to the United States of America."
The weight of those words hung in the air, and Faith's mind grappled with the implications of the pardon. After a moment, she turned her attention back to Buffy, ready to seek answers. "Two things," Faith began, her voice tinged with curiosity. "First, what's with the name? And second, what's with my reportedly being undercover?"
Buffy took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before responding. "Let me address the undercover situation first," she began, her tone steady. "I spoke to Giles and explained how you chose to remain incarcerated for two years, even though you had the opportunity to leave. That decision spoke volumes about your desire for redemption. So, Giles reached out to the Council, and after regaining his position last year, he arranged matters with the Governor."
A glimmer of hope sparked within Faith as she absorbed Buffy's words. "So, I'm free?" she asked, a mix of disbelief and relief coloring her voice.
Buffy nodded, her eyes conveying reassurance. "You're free, Faith. Any time you want to leave, the choice is yours," she confirmed, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
Faith's gaze shifted to the second question; her curiosity piqued. "And the name?" she inquired, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Buffy's expression softened as she delved into the deeper significance behind the change. "Dawn's birth mother is Prue Halliwell," Buffy explained. "Mom adopted me, with my consent, as I am over eighteen. So, my name is now Payson Elizabeth Halliwell."
Comprehension slowly dawned on Faith, her features relaxing as she absorbed the revelation. "So, what does that have to do with my name?" she asked, seeking further clarity.
A mixture of emotions swirled within Buffy as she met Faith's gaze. "We've been caught in a cycle of confusion and denial for years, haven't we, Faith?" Buffy posed the question, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I've spent my life suppressing my true feelings because I was told it was wrong to love a girl the way I love you. That's why I dated Angel and Riley—because I had internalized the belief that being gay was wrong, that I had to ignore my own desires."
Faith's understanding gaze met Buffy's, her own experiences mirroring the struggle. The difference between them was that Faith had been unapologetic about her true self.
Buffy took a deep breath, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Part of my journey toward healing after my brief death has involved seeing a psychologist," she revealed, her words carrying the weight of self-discovery. "She made an observation that I might be gay. At first, I didn't give it much thought until I read your letter. It made me reflect deeply. While I will always cherish my love for Angel and, to some extent, Riley, they were never the ones I truly loved. It was you, Faith. I've been in love with you since the moment our paths crossed. And now, I want to explore this connection and see where these feelings lead us."
Faith's eyes searched Buffy's face, seeking sincerity and confirmation amidst the torrent of emotions that surged within her. "You still haven't addressed the matter of the name change," she gently reminded Buffy, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Buffy nodded, acknowledging the importance of Faith's question. "The answer lies within the paperwork," she explained, gesturing toward the documents that rested in front of Faith.
Unaware of the second sheet that had escaped her notice, Faith's eyes fell upon the document. As her gaze settled on its contents, her heart skipped a beat. It was a marriage license bearing both her and Buffy's names. Buffy had already signed it, leaving only Faith's signature to complete the commitment. The realization sank in, stirring a mixture of excitement and trepidation within her.
Meeting Buffy's gaze, Faith's voice quivered with a newfound hope. "If I sign this, B," she hesitated momentarily, allowing the weight of her decision to settle. "I want us to do it properly—dating, proposal, the whole wedding experience. I want to build our love step by step, creating a future together."
A tender smile played on Buffy's lips, mirroring the affection that radiated from her eyes. "I'd like that," she responded, her voice filled with sincerity and love.
Filled with conviction, Faith called out to the guard, her voice resonating with certainty. "Guard," she called, the anticipation bubbling within her. "I think I'm ready to go home with my girlfriend," she announced, her voice carrying the newfound joy and sense of belonging that now enveloped her.
Halliwell Manor
Buffy parked her car in the Manor's driveway, the anticipation and nervousness bubbling inside her. As she and Faith stepped out, their footsteps echoed on the path leading to the front door of the majestic Victorian mansion. Buffy's hand trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. With a deep breath, she turned the handle and led Faith into the house.
"Mom?" Buffy called out, her voice carrying through the Manor.
"Attic," Prue's voice floated back, drawing them upstairs.
Ascending the stairs, Buffy guided Faith to the attic, where Prue, Piper, Phoebe and Dawn had gathered around the Book of Shadows. It had been decided that due to Faith's role as a Slayer and her deep connection with Buffy, that they would reveal the family's secret.
Pushing open the attic door, Buffy smiled at the sight of her family. Prue stood tall and poised, radiating elegance and warmth. Piper crossed her arms, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, while Phoebe exuded confidence and a genuine curiosity.
"I would like you all to meet Faith Lehane," Buffy introduced, her voice steady and filled with pride.
Faith returned their gazes with a warm smile, a blend of nerves and gratitude evident in her expressive eyes. "Nice to meet all of you," she said sincerely, her voice carrying genuine appreciation.
Dawn stood to the side, watching the scene unfold with a knowing smile. She had always been a steadfast supporter of her sister, and now she fully embraced Faith as well, understanding the depth of their connection.
"Faith, this is my adopted mother and Dawn's biological mother, Prue Halliwell, and her sisters Piper and Phoebe," Buffy continued, her heart swelling with love and a sense of belonging. "And of course, you already know Dawn."
Faith nodded, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over her. "It's an honor to meet all of you," she expressed sincerely, acknowledging the significance of this moment.
Prue approached Faith with a warm smile, her hand gently resting on Faith's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "We've heard a lot about you, Faith," she said kindly. "Buffy has endured so much, and we're grateful to see her find happiness with you."
Piper and Phoebe joined Prue, extending their hands as a symbol of welcome and acceptance. "Indeed, Buffy has faced numerous challenges, and as her family, we're naturally protective," Piper admitted with a chuckle. "But if she loves you, then you are more than welcome in our home."
Phoebe playfully grinned, nudging Buffy teasingly. "Besides, Buffy is a grown woman capable of making her own choices," she chimed in, her eyes twinkling with sisterly affection.
Buffy rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She knew the depth of love and care her family had for her, and their approval of Faith meant everything to her.
"Now," Prue began, her voice carrying a touch of mystery. "It's time for a revealing moment, which is why we've gathered here in the attic." She took a step forward, her gaze focused on Faith with a mix of seriousness and compassion. "Faith, we are not an ordinary family," she began, her voice carrying a weight of ancient knowledge and power. "We are witches."
Piper nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting Faith's with a blend of curiosity and warmth. "That's right," she affirmed. "We possess supernatural abilities and use them to protect innocent lives from evil forces."
Phoebe, ever the intuitive one, chimed in with a mischievous smile. "And our powers come from our ancestry, a long line of powerful witches," she revealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Buffy stood by Faith's side, her hand gently intertwining with Faith's, offering support and reassurance.
"We don't fight vampires like you and Buffy. We fight upper level demons and warlocks," Dawn added, her voice filled with a sense of purpose and determination.
Prue continued, her voice carrying the weight of wisdom and experience. "But like you we have a sacred duty to preserve the balance between good and evil," she explained, her tone resonating with the gravity of their responsibilities.
Piper stepped closer, her eyes meeting Faith's with sincerity. "But we're not just here to warn you about the dangers," she said. "We want you to know that we embrace you as part of our family, Faith. We understand the sacrifices you've made and the battles you've faced."
Phoebe's smile widened; her enthusiasm contagious. "You've already proven your strength and loyalty to Buffy," she said. "Now, we're offering our support and guidance as well. You're not alone in this journey."
Faith's eyes widened as she absorbed the weight of their revelation. The gravity of their secret settled upon her, mingling with a sense of awe and acceptance. She glanced at Buffy, their connection stronger than ever, and then turned her attention back to Prue, Piper, Phoebe and Dawn.
"I... I don't even know what to say," Faith finally spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and wonder. "To be welcomed into this family, to be trusted with this secret… It means more to me than words can express."