Three Slayers 9 – Fallout

Wesley shuffled from foot to foot as he watched the quartet of men climb down from the private plane that had just landed.  Ever since he’d made the phone call to England he’d been plagued by self-doubt and second thoughts.  Seeing the four square-jawed thugs making their way across the small airfield towards him only increased his trepidation.  He’d acted hastily. 

Forcing a firm expression on his face, he hurried to meet the men.  “Hello, I’m Wesley Wnydham-Pryce.”

The group’s leader, a tall, broad-shouldered man with cold grey eyes and a craggy face nodded at him, holding out a meaty hand.  After a second’s hesitation, he took it, wincing at the power of the man’s grip. “Mr Travers sends his regards.  I’m Smithers,” the man spoke in a broad Dorset accent.

Wesley’s eyes widened as he noticed some of the equipment being carried by the men.  “Guns!  We can’t use guns!  This is no longer the bloody Wild West!”

“We’re dealing with a Slayer not a schoolgirl,” Smithers grinned at his mates, “shame really.  Been a while since we got our hands on a schoolgirl.”

Wesley forced aside his distaste at the round of unpleasant laughs that followed Smithers’ remark.  “B..but, they’ll be innocents involved.  Mr Giles and Faith for two, and -.”

“Yeah we saw that Faith’s photo, a real nice piece of skirt,” one of the men leered.

Smithers silenced the man with a look.  “Pryce,” all jocularity left Smithers’ voice leaving only coldness, “we’re here to retrieve this bird who has broken one of the most sacred rules in Council law.  Rupert Giles is not only attempting to hide her crime from the Council he’s harbouring her too.  Mr. Travers is of the opinion that Mr. Giles’ insolence has been tolerated for far too long.  An example has to be made of her, if Giles gets hurt in the fallout,” Smithers shrugged before pushing past him, “so what?”

“Oh bloody hell,” Wesley hurried after the men.  He had definitely made a mistake.

He just hoped nobody was too hurt by it.  Especially himself.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Oh dear!”

Buffy hurried into the lounge, alarmed by her mother’s shocked cry.  “What’s up mom?”

Joyce wiped at her eyes for a second before replying.  “The Deputy Mayor has been murdered,” Joyce put her tissue away, “the poor man.  I met him once at a fundraiser, he was such a gentleman.”

“Oh,” Buffy couldn’t help but be relieved that her mother was okay.  She pouted as a sudden suspicion hit her, “this fundraiser, it wasn’t for MOO was it?“  She paled at her mother’s glare.  “Never mind.”  She was saved from a rebuke by the ringing of the phone.  “I’ll get that,” she said.

Rushing into the kitchen, she grabbed the phone.  “Hello Summers residence?” she smiled at the familiar voice at the other end of the phone – it was a long time since he’d rung her at home.  Her brow furrowed as she realised how lifeless the caller sounded.  “You want to meet me at Angel’s, but why?”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“G-Man, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Xander,” Giles forced himself to remain patient.  Xander’s refusal to leave Kendra’s side was understandable, admirable even, but unfortunately impractical.  “Buffy has to be told.”

“G,” this time it was Faith raising objections, “we can’t trust her-.”

“That’s quite enough Faith,” he growled, “whether you like it or not Buffy is part of our group,” Faith fell into a sulky silence, Giles softened his tone.  “Faith, lying to Buffy isn’t an option.  She’s a Slayer, she’ll know we’re lying about Kendra being injured, that a Slayer would be back patrolling in a few days from a torn knee.”  After a second the brunette nodded silently.

“Why does Deadboy have to come?”

”Because,” Giles replied to Xander’s angrily asked question, “as much as we dislike him he is a calming influence on Buffy.”

“Fine,” Xander took a breath, “after I’ve been up to see Kendra I’ll ring Buffy and ask her to meet me at the vampire’s.”

Giles reached across and squeezed Xander’s shoulder.  “Xander, she’ll be fine.”  He smiled at Faith.  “We won’t let anything happen to her will we Faith?”

“Damn straight G!”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Do you know why Xander asked you to come here?”  When Buffy shook her head Angel sighed.  He found himself in a perplexing situation, Xander and he had never been friends and the gap had only widened since his return from hell. And yet Xander had now specifically requested his presence at his home, the very building that Giles had forcibly refused him entry to.

Not that he blamed the youth, unlike Buffy he had the detachment to understand the pain he’d caused the others and the antipathy his actions inspired.  He even had a grudging respect for the way the teen had faced Angelus down.  For that if for no other reason he’d sacrifice himself for Xander without a second thought.

Unless, a worrying thought occurred, the youth had been possessed by some demon that could walk about during the day and was leading them into a trap.  He relaxed when the youth in question walked through the front door, he couldn’t sense any demonic presence.  His eyes narrowed as he noticed puffiness around the boy’s eyes as if he had been crying, and the aura of desolation surrounding him.  He exchanged a worried look  with Buffy.  “Xander what’s wrong?” he asked gently.

The teen’s answering smile lacked its usual warmth.  “Got your blanket Angel?” Angel’s brow furrowed even as he nodded, he couldn’t remember the youth ever referring to him by his chosen name, something was definitely wrong.  “Let’s go.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Giles looked worriedly at the rocking Slayer sat curled up on the lounge sofa, the arms of Faith around her, holding her in a hug.   When Xander had left to pick up Buffy and Angel, wouldn’t that be a fun conversation, he’d decided that Kendra couldn’t be left alone so he’d sent Faith upstairs to bring her down.  In the half hour since Xander had left she hadn’t spoken or taken a bite out of the breakfast he’d made for her or drunk any of the tea he’d brewed.

Faith released her grip on Kendra and stood.  “Faith, what’s wrong?” 

“There’s someone outside,” Faith replied, a worried expression on her face. 

“It’s probably Xander.”

“Too soo-.”

Suddenly the front room window exploded and a gas canister flew through to land on the carpet, Giles’ eyes widened in shock.  “What the bloody -,” his voice exploded into splutters as his vision blurred and, his limbs suddenly weak and his head woozy, he fell on his knees.  He looked up to see some gas-masked men wielding rifles stood by the windowsill.  “Basta-,” he began before oblivion claimed him.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“G!”  Letting out a roar of animal fury, Faith started forward, her limbs not moving as easily as they would normally thanks to the gas’ effects on even a Slayer’s system.  She let out an out-raged squawk as a dart hit her in the chest.  She growled ferally and tried to continue on her way only for her legs to fail her, sending her crashing to the carpet and into unconsciousness.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Well that worked well,” Smithers beamed as he climbed through the window, his gas-mask still through.  The wog Slayer hadn’t moved but one of his men had shot a tranquiliser dart into her too.  Smithers shook his head, a knockout canister and an elephant tranquiliser dart to take out a girl weighing around a hundred pounds.  Unbloody believable.  “Jones, get her, throw her in the back of the van and chain her up.”

“What about the other slapper, we could take her for a little in-flight entertainment?”

Smithers looked across at the other two men crouched over the other Slayer – Faye, Freda – what was her name?  He opened his mouth to agree, after all she was a real looker, Slayers were nothing but cannon fodder, they had the drugs to keep her pliant, and after they’d had their fun they could throw her out over the ocean, not even a Slayer could survive that.  Hell, Travers would be grateful, they’d get a more pliable Slayer in her place.  “No you will bloody not!” he turned with a groan at the Watcher’s voice, “she’s not your concern, the target’s been acquired now let’s get her to the airfield and go before they recover or are discovered.”

Smithers toyed with the idea of killing the nervously watching Watcher then nodded.  “Fine, Regis, Johnson.  Let’s go.” Killing a Slayer was one thing, a Watcher something entirely different.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Xander, are you going to tell us what’s happening?” Buffy stared worriedly at her friend, she’d seen that sort of out-of-it look on the faces of people she’d saved from vampires or demons.

“Giles will explain,” Xander replied shortly. 

Buffy sat back and sighed in frustration.  She glanced over her shoulder to the figure huddled under a blanket.  “Are you alright -, Xander!” she screamed as the car swerved violently.  She snapped round to glare at Xander.  “What was that about?”

“Didn’t you see that damn lorry?  It was on the wrong side of the road!”

“Maybe it was!” she snapped, “but if you weren’t driving so recklessly!”

She heard Angel snort.  “You can talk.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded.

Angel was saved from answering by Xander’s frightened shout.  “Shit!”

Once again her head snapped forward to see Giles’ lounge window was shattered and gas billowing out of it.  “What’s happening?”

Xander didn’t reply choosing instead to screech his car to a halt and leap out without opening the door.  “Angel, you’re invited!” her friend yelled as he climbed through the front window.

“Buffy, what’s happening?” Angel asked from under his blanket.

“I don’t know,” she replied as she helped the vampire out of the car.  “Somebody’s attacked Giles’ house.”

“What!” Angel’s fingers smouldered as he lifted up his blanket and stared with concern at the house.  “Let’s get inside.”

“Why didn’t I think of that,” she muttered sarcastically as she raced in after her boyfriend.  Her heart missed a beat at the sight of Faith curled up on the carpet vomiting and Giles But..

“Where’s Kendra?” Xander asked the question in her mind, a terrified look on his face.

“I’m guessing the Council have found about Kendra’s involvement in Finch’s death and took her, I assume for trial,” Giles gasped between wheezes.

Buffy was rocked by Giles’ revelation.  “She murdered someone?”

“It was,” Faith threw up again, “a fucking accident!  She thought he was a vampire!”

“Buffy,” she looked at her grey-faced Watcher, ”go with Xander and get her back.  And,” Giles’ eyes flashed with rage, reminding her of the times Ripper had come out to play, ”bring Mr. Wnydham-Pryce back with you.”

“B..but if she killed someone,” Buffy babbled, her mind still struggling to come to terms with Giles’ shocking revelation, “shouldn’t be punished?”

“G, I’ll go with Xand,” Faith said shakily, she struggled to her feet only for her legs to crumple beneath her, sending her crumpling back to the ground.

“Buffy can I speak to you in the hallway?”  After a second Buffy glanced at her boyfriend and nodded.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Buffy,” Angel hissed, his face expressionless but his tone angry, “what are you playing

at?  You have to go, you owe it to Xander!”

“I owe what to Xander?”

“Remember the night Angelus hospitalised you?” Buffy nodded.  “The next night Angelus came to the hospital to turn you.  The only problem was,” a note of respect entered her boyfriend’s voice, “Xander was waiting for me.  Without a stake and cross but he was willing to give his life to protect you.  Angelus was scared that Xander’s death would cause you to lose your reservations about killing him so he backed down and left.”

“But Kendra killed someone,” Buffy muttered as her mind reeled at the thought of what Xander had done for.  So loyal and brave, and she’d just discarded him.

“And what do you think Angelus did after you allowed him to live after that confrontation with the Judge?  Take up flower-arranging?  Twenty-eight people I killed after that day,” she shuddered at the number, “twenty-eight people whose lives you could saved by ending mine.”

Buffy felt as if she’d punched in the stomach.  “B..but,” she shook her head, any justification she could make for her actions didn’t hold up for inspection.  And this discussion could wait, she had more important priorities.  Turning, she hurried back into the front room.  “Xander,” her friend continued to stare into space. “Xander, Kendra needs us.” Nothing.  Steeling herself, Buffy stepped forward and slapped Xander across the face knocking his head.  Instantly life flickered into the youth’s eyes, the rage she saw there causing her to step back.  “Xander,” she forced her voice to steady, “get your keys we need to go after them.”

“Xander,” Giles wheezed, “it’s up to you and Buffy to stop them.”

Suddenly Xander moved.  “Let’s go.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“How do you know that they’ll be going to Avers’ Airdrome rather than Sunnydale Airport?” Buffy had her eyes firmly closed as she spoke, or rather screamed over the screeching of the car’s wheels and the roar of its engines, she really didn’t want to see what her crazed companion crashed them into.

“Two things.  First, they need somewhere secluded to put a drugged girl and the arms they used on the raid onto a plane.  And second, remember that lorry I nearly hit on the way to Giles’?” she nodded.  “It was on the wrong side of the road, the side of the road Brits drive on, and heading away from Sunnydale Airport.  And,” a triumphant note entered her friend’s voice, “there it is.  So,” now her friend sounded desperate, “what do we do?”

Buffy reluctantly opened her eyes and glanced across at Xander’s face.  The poor guy looked destroyed.  She glanced at the van just ahead of them.  Steeling herself she started to talk.  This was a really bad idea, but she owed him.

“Are you ready?”

Buffy gritted her teeth and nodded.  “Just do your part!”  She stood on the car seat, her calves burning with the effort of balancing, and waited for Xander to pull the car parallel with the van.  “GO!” Letting out a shriek she launched herself into the air, landing on the van roof on her feet.  Her heart missed a beat as she nearly tipped off, nearly plunged to the hard gravel ground below.  Taking a breath she somersaulted backwards, flying off the back of the van, grabbing the edge of the roof, and swinging feet-first into the van’s doors, sending them crashing inwards.

Landing on the van floor she snapped out a side kick sending one of the rising men to the floor.  A second man lunged at her but she simply sidestepped him, causing him to fly out of the van and crash on the road.  “Hey, nobody tell you to wear about a seatbelt?”

Suddenly the van veered to the right and came to an abrupt stop, its brakes screaming in protest as Xander completed his part of the plan by running the van off the road.  Surprised by the braking Buffy fell onto her face.  “Ow!” Seeing the man she’d kicked starting to rise, she grabbed hold of his ankle, and pulled, knocking him back to the ground, his head cracking against the seat.  At the other end of the van its third and final occupant began to draw a gun.  Eyes narrowing in concentration, Buffy pulled her knife out of her ankle sheath and threw it into the thug’s forearm.  The man let out a scream of pain and released his gun, allowing it to drop to the floor.  Leaping to her feet she rushed over to the man, shrugged off a left jab that bounced off her head, clutched the man around his throat and lifted him into the air.  “You know,” she tried for a John Wayne drawl, “this town isn’t big enough for the two of us.”

“The Council want her,” the man gasped, “you’re disobeying the Council.”

“Guess what?  Don’t care.”  She punched him on the chin, wincing at the sound of his jaw breaking before throwing him into the wall.  Buffy rushed over to a manacled Kendra, her chains fastened to a bolt in the floor, and crouched down in front of her.  “Kendra,” the dazed girl didn’t seem to register her presence.  “Kendra these thugs are out cold, I’m going to check on Xander,” there was the barest flicker in Kendra’s eyes at Xander’s name, “then I’ll come back and get you okay?”

She waited for a second for an answer.  When she didn’t get one, she stood and hurried out of the van.  “Xander are you -,” her voice trailed off as she turned round the back of the van to find Xander holding a sweating Wesley against the van, the muzzle of an automatic pressed against his throat.

“Miss Summers-,” the Watcher stared pleadingly at her.

“Shut up Wesley,” she ordered tersely before turning her attention to Xander, “please Xander, put the gun down.”

“They were going to hurt Kendra,” Xander growled through gritted teeth, “they need to learn a lesson.”

“Tried to hurt her,” Buffy said as she measured the distance between her and Xander, she’d never make it in time.  “Please Xand-,” suddenly she had an idea.  Turning she hurried back into the van and over to Kendra. “Kendra!” the girl continued to stare dully at her.  “Kendra!  Xander needs your help.”

“Xander, suddenly there was a spark in her counterpart’s eyes, “Xander needs me?”

                                                *                                  *                                  *

“I heard how you were going to sell us all out last night,” Xander thumbed back his gun’s safety as he stared into the Watcher’s terrified eyes, “what gives a coward like you the right to judge a girl who’s risked her -.”

”Mr.  Harris -.”

“Quiet, I’m talking,” Xander growled.  The Watcher’s mouth clamped shut.  “You sit safe in your offices and you think you can judge Ken-.”

“Xander don’t.”

 

He shook his head at his girlfriend’s soft voice.  “I’m not going to let him hurt you.”

“Xander you’ll hurt me more if I have to watch you kill him.”

He glared into the Watcher’s eyes for a second.  “You just got lucky,” he growled, “the girl you wanted to kill just saved your life.” He slammed the gun’s butt into the Englishman’s forehead, knocking him to the ground.

“Xander,” he glanced towards a nervous-looking Buffy, “what happened to the driver?”

“Hadn’t got his seatbelt on, he flew out of the window when he did the emergency stop.  We going back to Giles’ now?”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Giles stared at the Watcher sat on his sofa, a very unGileslike rage bubbling up beneath his clam demeanour.  “Could you all take Kendra upstairs and check her out please?  I would like to have a few words with Mr. Pryce in private,” Buffy’s mouth began to open only for Angel to motion her to silence and guide her outside.  He waited until he heard the creak of the top step before striking.  “You bastard!”

Lunging forward he grabbed his surprised fellow Englishman by the throat and threw him to the carpet.  “You bug my house,” he slammed a foot into his compatriot’s ribs eliciting a moan, “you attack me and my wards,” he stamped hard on the younger man’s kidneys, “you make one of my Slayers sick,” he pushed the man’s face into the vomit he had purposely not cleaned up from earlier and,” suddenly he felt strong arms dragging him off the man, “let me at the bugger, I’m going to bloody kill him!”

“Giles!” it was Buffy.  “Calm down, this is not the way we deal with things!”

“The bugger was going to imprison Kendra!”

“But he’s not anymore.  Now where’s the bug?” the Watcher stayed silent.  “Faith, I think maybe we should take Kendra out shopping to relax her.  Xander, could you drop Angel back home?  We hate to leave you Wesley, but I’m sure Giles will treat you well while we’re gone.”

“The radiator it’s in the central heating timer” Wesley began to babble.  “That’s why I took so long to join you, the Council wanted a bug in place to keep track of what was happening here before sending a man in.”

“Xander, can you?” he asked.

The teen nodded and crouched by the timer.  Seconds later he dropped an electronic device into his hand.  “Yeah that’s a bug alright, soldier boy remembers them, a little more advanced, more miniaturised but that’s the same design.”

Giles nodded before glaring at the man still lying on the carpet.  “This is what’s going to happen.”

Three Slayers 10A – Enemies

“I must say Xander your plan is reckless in the extreme.”

Xander sighed at the doubt in the Englishman’s voice.  “I know that G-man,” he glanced up at the hallway door, he wanted nothing more than to be upstairs with Kendra, holding, comforting her but he had to concentrate on the job in hand.   “I’m not exactly cart-wheeling about it either.  But given what Faith found on Finch we have to find out more about the Mayor’s operation.”

The Watcher stared at him for a few seconds before nodding.  “Very well, when do you propose putting your plan into action?”

“As soon as possible.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“How’s Kendra?”

Faith glanced across at her companion, taking a second to weigh up her thoughts before replying.  Xander and G might be able to forgive her for all the shit she’d put them through because she’d rescued Kendra but she hadn’t.  She might be grateful but she wasn’t stupid, she’d been conned too much by people’s acts in the past to take one action as proof of a change of character.  She wasn’t going to let the blonde get into a position where she could stab, her, Ken, and the guys square in the back.  “Five by five,” she muttered, “office’s this way.”  The blonde nodded before following her down the corridor.

Faith took a nervous breath.  It was a few years since she’d done any breaking and entry, and this was big shit, way out of the league she used to play in.  Not only did the office building belong to the town mayor, the same guy was also a budding black mage attempting to ascend to demonhood.  Her full lips quirked up in a slight smile.  “So no pressure then,” she whispered.

“Here it is,” Buffy pointed at the brass plaque on a mahogany door. 

Faith raised an eyebrow.  “Gee B,” she said, “what gave it away, Wilkins’ name on it?”

The blonde reddened at her sarcastic tone.  “So how do we get in?”

“Try this.” Grabbing the door handle, she twisted it forcing the look and pushed the door open.  She sauntered into the office and stopped.  “Fuck.”  Every drawer in the filing cabinet inside the office was open and empty.  “We’re too late B.”

“Damn,” Buffy looked at her, “Wilkins beat us to it.”

“Yeah,” Faith nodded, “let’s split.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Wilkins pursed his lips as he watched on the security monitor as the Slayers leave his office.  Somehow they were onto him.  He wondered how the Slayers had found out about him.  Perhaps Finch had talked to them before his unfortunate demise.  “The how is not important,” he muttered, “what I do next is.”  Fixing a smile on his face he turned to the figure behind him.  “Mr. Trick it’s time for you to earn your salary, take your boys and kill them.”

The vampire morphed into his demonic face and grinned.  “My pleasure.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *         

“Any luck?”

Faith started as Xander slid out of the darkness.  Fuck, a normal human shouldn’t be able to sneak up on a Slayer, how did he do that?  Before she could speak Buffy broke in.  “Nothing, is Kendra okay?”

Faith gritted her teeth; there it was again, all that gushing concern.  Was it sincere?  “Giles is looking after her,” Xander replied. 

Faith shook he head, her bud looked so destroyed, if she was the touchie-feelie type she’d grab hold of him and give him a hug.  Instead she stepped forward and punched him gently on the arm.  “She’ll be five by five Xand,” she winked at her friend, “we’ll make sure of it.”

 

Her friend’s answering smile died when a group of vampires hurried out of the shadows to surround them.  “Oh crap.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Xander felt the familiar coldness come over him as the three of them moved back to back.  He quickly counted the vampires, three to eight, the two Slayers could handle this many on their own.  His brow furrowed when he noticed the almost terrified expression on Faith’s face.  “Faith,” he muttered, “what’s up?”

“T..that’s Trick,  Kakistos’ main henchman,” the Slayer’s voice trembled.

“So?” Xander kept a wary eye on the approaching vampires as he encouraged the brunette, “you killed his boss, now it’s time to clean up the remains.  Right?”  Faith nodded.  “Good,” Xander pulled out his stake, “now that’s settled, let’s kick some undead ass.”

Instantly the two Slayers exploded into action, charging the vampires.  Xander took a different approach, choosing to wait for the vampires to come to him.

He didn’t have long to wait.  A Nordic-looking vampire leapt towards him, her fangs bared.  Xander waited to the last instant before sidestepping the vampire’s charge and bringing a knee up into his rival’s thigh.  The female vampire let out a pained grunt.  Reaching out he grabbed a hold of the vampire’s golden, shoulder-length hair as she stumbled past him and pulled her back towards him and onto his stake, the vampire  shrieked before exploding into dust.

Xander turned to re-join the fray but before he had chance a fist crashed into his jaw, knocking him into the alley wall.  As Xander attempted to shake his head clear he saw his assailant approach.  The vampire was only short, not more than five foot and a half, but judging from his body’s thickness and muscularity he’d been a highly successful bodybuilder before his death.  “Great,” Xander muttered as he pushed off from the wall, “I get the Sylvester Stallone of vampires.”

Sidestepping the vampire’s rush he right crossed the vampire in the eye, grinning at the highly satisfying crunching sound of his rival’s eye socket shattering under his blow.  The vampire growled low in his throat before reaching out, grabbing him around the lapels and flinging him back into the wall.

“Ah shit!” Xander screamed as his back and head thudded into the wall before sliding down to hit the ground.  His eye already swelling, the snarling vampire walked over to him.  At the last instant he drove the point of his foot up into the vampire’s groin.  The vampire groaned and fell to his knees, before the vampire had chance to recover Xander drove his stake up into his rival’s heart.

Xander’s eyes burnt for a second with the vampire’s exploded dust.  Looking up he saw Buffy being strangled by the vampire Faith had identified as Mr. Trick.  Groaning slightly with the effort he pushed himself to his feet and started towards Buffy only for Faith to sneak up behind Trick and slam a stake into his back. 

The brunette turned towards him and grinned.  “Fuck Xand, you look like shit.”

He grimaced.  “Thanks Faith.”  He looked at Buffy.  “You alright?”  Her hands rubbing at her throat Buffy nodded, he turned back to the brunette Slayer.  “Back home?”

The brunette glanced towards her blonde counterpart before shaking her head.  “No Xand, got things to do.”

“Things?”

Faith looked at Buffy.  “Thinking about shit B,” she explained.  “You go home, I’ll see you there later.”

 

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“So you think you can send your hired killer after me?”

Oh dear, Wilkins looked up from his desk to see the brunette Slayer stood in the doorway.  This was most troubling, while the Slayer couldn’t actually kill him, he imagined she could hurt him considerably and at some length.  “Shouldn’t you be at home tucked up in bed young lady?”

“Why Mayor Wilkins,” the brunette smirked at him, “how very Clinton of you.  Were you making an indecent advance towards me?”

“Not at all,” he huffed.  Good gracious, the very idea, what would his long dead wife say?

“Shame,” the Slayer perched on the side of his desk, “been a while since I had an older man.”  To his dismay the Slayer began rummaging through his carefully organised desk.  “So now your hitman’s dead you’ll be needing a replacement.  How much does the job pay?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m thinking of branching out from just being a Slayer, so what do ya say?”

“Young lady this offer is highly tempting,” the Mayor replied, careful not to anger the Slayer, “but why would you want to work for me.  After all your friends-.”

“Friends?” Suddenly the bantering humour left his guest’s eyes to replaced by a searing anger.  “Try the new fucking Watcher who’s obsessed with trying to perv at me in the shower after training?  Try Blondie whose spends time sucking face with a fucking vampire, but is still G’s blue-eyed girl?  Or Kendra whose the good perfect little Slayer? And try my so boring boyfriend or my supposed best friend who I caught going through my underwear drawer!  I want more than this shit!”

Impressed by the veracity he heard in the Slayer’s voice he nodded.  There was a way he could test her loyalty.  A smile on his face he began to talk.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Are you alright Faith?”

The Slayer stood in his hallway smiled wanly at his concerned query.  “I’m five by five G, how’s Ken?”

“She’s sleeping with Xander.”

The brunette raised an eyebrow.  “Encouraging underage sex?  You dawg G, you dawg.”

Giles sighed.  “Sleeping as holding her while she sleeps Faith. Do try and get your mind out of the gutter.”

The Slayer chuckled.  “I’d have to get it out of the sewer first,” she nodded at him, “night G.”

“Good night Faith.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Faith took a breath as she stared at the forbidding mansion, night had just fallen, giving the building an even more eerie feeling.  She was taking the biggest gamble of her life.  If things went wrong, she could be in a world of trouble.  “Play it cool girl,” she muttered.  Schooling her face she strode up to the front door and knocked.

Seconds later the door flew open to reveal a surprised looking Angel.  “Faith!”

“Ten out of ten for observation Fang.”  She hesitated.  “Can I come in?”

The vampire stepped aside to allow her in.  After a second’s hesitation she nodded and walked in.  “What brings you here Faith?”

She shrugged casually, her hand slipping into her jacket, grabbing hold of the flask she had hidden in there.  “This!” Moving suddenly she threw the bottle’s inky contents over the vampire’s chest. 

Angel looked down at her, his eyes widening in horror.  “Faith!  What are you doing?”

“Giving you your groove back,” Faith replied, her nonchalance masking the terror gripping her heart.

Suddenly there was an explosion of lights and a shrouded figure stepped out of a gleaming portal to their left, uttering a succession of arcane words.  Angel’s eyes bulged as he went into convulsions before crumpling to the ground.  She glanced up at the shrouded figure.  “That it?”  The man nodded.  “Talkative chap ain’t ya?”  The man turned and disappeared back through the hole.  “Hey call me!  That all mystery thing can really get a girl wet don’t ya know?”  She glanced down at the limp body at her feet.  “So what happens next?”

Her muttered question was answered when the vampire leapt to his feet, fully in game–face.  “I’m back baby!”

The vampire’s back-handed slap sent her down to one knee.  Shrugging it off she leapt back up, grabbed the vampire around the waist and flung him back to the ground.  The vampire let out a laugh.  “Oh you like it on top Faith?  Not my favourite position,” her adversary snapped her head back with a right hook to the mouth, bloodying her bottom lip.  “But I can work with it!”

Ignoring the taunt she cracked a left hook into the vampire’s left cheek, rocking his head to the side.  “Oh feisty,” the vampire laughed again, “I bet you’re a wriggler!  I just love a wriggler!”

Finally she managed to pull out her stake.  Holding it an inch or so above the vampire’s heart, she spoke, her voice low and controlled. “So the spell worked uh?  Angelus is back, how about we go and see the town’s boss, he really wants a meet and greet with you.”

Angelus’ face morphed back into its human mask, damn if he was human she’d so jump his bones.  “I don’t have a boss.”

“You do now,” Faith pressed the stake down, “so what’s your answer?”

The vampire nodded.  “I’m always willing to learn,” a sly look entered his eyes, “how about sealing our new understanding with a kiss.”

“Do I look blonde?  Now,” she rose, keeping a careful eye on the vampire, one thing she knew about Angelus was that he couldn’t be trusted, ”let’s go.”

Three Slayers 10B - Enemies

“Well hello Angelus,” the Mayor beamed at the sneering vampire, Faith had done it, brought back the vampire that had dominated the Summers Slayer the previous year.  “Tell me,” must be polite, “do you prefer Angel or Angelus?”

“Well actually,” Angelus began to stride the office floor, his eyes never leaving his face, “I'm thinking more along the lines of you calling me Master.”

Mayor Wilkins shook his head before waggling his finger at the vampire.  “Ah. Angelus you need to park that attitude mister. We’re all team players here, isn’t that right Faith?” the brunette nodded dutifully.  “And I am the one responsible for your new attitude.”

Angelus nodded thoughtfully before picking up a letter opener and dragging it across the desk surface. “So you’re the reason I’m back?”

He nodded.  “No problems with the transition?” he did like to get value for money.  “No side effects? “

Angelus shrugged.  “Had a soul, it’s gone.”  The vampire started throwing the letter opener from hand to hand.

Wilkins beamed.  “Not having a soul, that must be liberating!”

“Whatever,” Angelus raised an eyebrow.  “Hey, I don't mean to rush things here but are you trying to get to some kind of point? “

“Tut, tut, tut,” the Mayor shook his head, “I’d have thought with your immortality you’d have learnt patience.  Well the point is Angel, you're a very powerful young man, with plenty to offer, and there may just be a future for you in Sunnydale if you’re co-operative. I see you're admiring my letter opener.”

Angelus smiled.  “Well, actually, I was thinking of stabbing you through the heart with it. “

“Violence, violence.  Why is it always violence with you vampires?”  He shook his head in disappointment before spreading his hands. “Be my guest. “

Angelus threw the letter opener at him. At the last second Wilkins brought his right hand in front of the projectile and the blade embedded itself up to the handle though his palm. “Nice shot.  Tickles a little. “    After smiling at the vampire’s stunned expression, he pulled the weapon out of his hand and held up his palm so the vampire could watch it heal in seconds. “You see, I'm what you might call impervious. Can't be killed, or harmed in any way,” he wiped the blade with a tissue.  “And that's just a cornerstone in my plans for this great town of ours.”

For a second the vampire looked shaken then he smirked.  “Mmmm. Can't be killed, but you don't like germs? “

Wilkins shuddered.  “Uck, eew, awful things, unsanitary. But my question is, now
that Faith has brought you back, what are your intentions?  I trust they’re strictly dishonourable?“

“Well gee sir, I thought I'd take care of some unfinished business and find Buffy,” Angelus’ smirk widened, “trouble and torture, maim, and kill her.“

The Mayor beamed.  “Ah you’re the industrious type, not like those slackers, school drop-outs and bums.  Torture Buffy. Killing her's fine, just make it a slow one.”

“My favorite kind of death,“ Angelus replied.

“Good to see we’re on the same page,” Wilkins beamed. “Now have fun.”

Faith was almost bouncing with eagerness.  “Let's do it.”

“Ah,” something important struck him, “Angelus, try to have her home by midnight.”   He shook his head at the girl’s pout.  “There’s no need to pull a face young lady, rules are there for a reason.”  He smiled as Angelus and Faith left before wiping away a tear.  “She's not a little girl anymore.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Hi B.”

Buffy looked up from packing her bag, careful not to let her disdain for the traitor show.  If not for the mage contacted by the Mayor being an old friend of Giles she’d be walking into a trap.  She always knew Faith was trash.  “Where have you guys been? “

“Been looking for you. Good thing we found you before we left.“ Angel bent down and kissed the top of her head.  “We’ve found some information on the ascension; I’m storing it at the mansion.”

“We'd take 'em to Giles ourselves but,” Faith shrugged, “Fang thinks strength in numbers is the way to go. Come on.”

Buffy reached for her weapons  bag but Angel grabbed it before her and smiled.  “Let me get those for you.“

Quarter an hour later and they were in the mansion.  “So where’s this information,” she demanded, this plan was scary very scary.

“Actually,” she turned at Angel’s tone, her blood chilling as her ears picked up the subtle nuances in his voice that separated Angel from Angelus, “there's been a slight change in plan, Buff.”

Buffy let out a not wholly feigned gasp.  “Buff? You just called ... What's the matter with you?”

“Nothing,” Angel vamped out.  “Matter of fact, I haven't felt this good in a year.”

“Angel? “

“Guess again.”

“No.“

Angel grinned.  “Yeah, and I'm just wondering where do I start? Card? Fruit basket? Evisceration?” her boyfriend grabbed her arms.

“No,” she shook her head.

Angel’s grin widened.  “Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Maybe there's still some
good deep down inside of me that remembers and loves you. If only you
could reach me. Then again, we have reality where I’m a murdering vampire and you’re a bimbo.”

 Buffy pulled away from him, deciding to give Faith one final chance to follow her rightful lead.  “I will kill you before I let you touch me. Faith, we need to get out of here, now.“

“Speak for yourself, B. Me, I like it here.”

Hearing Angel’s growl she turned towards the vampire only for him to knock her out with a roundhouse blow.

                        *                                  *                                  *

Buffy groaned her way to consciousness to hear Faith cheerfully taunting her.  “Hey B, bondage looks good on you, B. The outfit's all wrong, but we can work with that!”

“You don't know what you're doing,” Buffy attempted to reason with the skank Slayer.

Faith gave her one of her trademark smirk.  “Really? Weird, because something about all this just feels so right. Maybe it's one of those unhappy childhood things. See, when
I was a kid I used to beg my mom for a dog. Didn't matter what kind.   I just wanted something to love. A dog's all I wanted. Well, that and toys. Got some now though,” the bitch lifted a blanket to reveal torture instruments.   “But mom was so busy enjoying the drinking, screwing, and passing out parts of life that I never really got what I wanted, until now.”

Buffy licked her lips, even though it was still Angel, a bad Slayer was far from more dangerous than a Master Vampire, even one with the reputation of Angelus.  “Faith, listen to me very closely. Angelus is a killer. When he's done with me, he'll turn on you.”

Angelus laughed, the sound chilling her even though she knew he was really Angel.  “She's right. I probably will.”

Faith raised an eyebrow.  “Yeah? Hunh. Guess we'll just have to keep you around for a
while then. Before we get started, I just want you to know, if you're a screamer, feel free.  After all, the longer you last, the longer before we start on the rest,” Faith grinned, “we’ll save Red for last.”

“Why, Faith? What's in it for you?“

“What isn't? You know, I come to Sunnydale,” Faith began to stride the floor, “ I'm the Slayer. I come here for help, what do I get?  A sneering bitch who looks down on me ‘cause I never got the great mom, the chances she had.  So I slay, I behave, I do the good little girl routine.  I try and fit in, but you and Willow just sit there whispering behind your hands.  Well I’m sick of taking your shit.”

Buffy’s mouth dropped open, it wasn’t her fault, she was the lead Slayer Faith should follow her.  “Faith, listen to me!”

“Why?” the fiery rage in Faith’s eyes was frightening.  “So you can impart some special Buffy wisdom, that it? Tell me you think you're better than me? Do you? Say it, you think you're better than me.”

“I am,” she sneered.  “Always have been.”

A snarl on her lips, Faith backhanded her. Ignoring the blood in her mouth, she glared at her counterpart.  “You had to tie me up to beat me. There's a word for people
like you, Faith. Loser.“

Her eyes gleaming, Faith stepped towards her.  “Faith,” it was Angel.

After a second the brunette stepped back and shook her head.  “Uh huh. You're just trying to make me mad so I'll kill you. I'm too smart for that. Stick around.”

“For what? Your boss's lame Ascension. Like I couldn't stop it.”

Faith laughed.  “Let’s see.  The Master killed ya, Spike ran rings around ya until me and Ken offed him, Angelus killed G’s one steady and treated you as his personal bitch, you’ve got a wicked record there B.”

Buffy reddened at the brunette’s recounting of her record, it wasn’t like that she was the best Slayer ever!  “I will.”

Faith sniggered.  “Keep dreaming. No one can stop the Ascension. Mayor's got
it wired, B. He’s been around for a century, built this town for demons to feed on and come graduation day, he's getting paid. And I'll be sitting at his right hand. Assuming he has hands after the transformation.”  Her rival tilted her head to the side, a quizzical look on her face.  “I'm not too clear on that part. And all your little lame ass friends are going to be party nibbles. Think about that when your boyfriend’s cutting into you.”

Buffy shook her head, she never realized she’d treated Faith so badly.  Her, Kendra, and Faith could have all been friends if she hadn’t treated them both so badly, looked down on them.  “I never knew you had so much rage in you. “

“What can I say? I'm the world's best actor.”

“Second best,” Angel spoke up from behind the brunette causing her counterpart to spin round.

“Graduation day. You think we missed anything?”

Angel replied, a sad smile on his lips.  “I think we know everything she knows.”

“May I say something?” Buffy pulled her hands free.  “Psych!”

“You played me. You played me!“ Snarling ferally, the brunette leapt for the window, Buffy rushed towards her, but somehow Angel got in the way, knocking her to the ground.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“So what are we going to do about that bitch?” Buffy growled impatiently, she didn’t understand why they were meeting at the Bronze instead of the library and why Jonathan had grabbed Willow and dragged her away to check out some hacking software he’d written, Willow needed to be here.

Her blood froze as Xander stared her dead in the eye.  “We’re doing nothing Buffy, nothing at all.”

“But -.”

“Miss Summers,” it was Wesley, “Mr. Harris came up with a plan whereby one of the Slayers would be secreted into the Mayor’s operation to gain details of what he had planned.  Today’s charade was undertaken with Angel’s full knowledge beforehand.  It was merely a way of ingratiating Faith further with Wilkins as well as getting some information out without risk to Faith.”  The Watcher nodded at a stern-faced Xander, “a plan that worked most admirably.”

Her counterpart was a double agent?  “Why wasn’t I told!” she demanded.

“Loose lips sink ships,” at her confused expression Xander continued.  “Because I decided that the fewer people knew, the less danger Faith was in.” 

“Fine,” Buffy nodded, “so why are we meeting here rather than the library?  And why isn’t Willow here?”

“We’re meeting here because there’s a chance the library and other places we meet might be bugged by the Mayor.  Here is impossible to bug.  As for Willow,” Xander hesitated, “I didn’t want to tell either you or Deadboy but you had to be told because of your part in what happened today.”

“You can’t leave Willow out of this!”

“We can and we will,” Xander’s eyes hardened even further.  “I don’t trust either of you,” the man’s gaze took her and Angel in, “but you have to be told.  Willow doesn’t have to be, and if she was she’d just ‘forget’ and babble it at the wrong time to get Faith killed.”

“How dare you!” Buffy began to rise only to stop at Angel’s hand on her shoulder.

“G-Man, tell her what Willow was doing when we were kidnapped by Spike,” Xander’s eyes didn’t shift from her face.

Buffy’s mouth dropped open at the Watcher’s recital; Willow had tried mind-control?  But then again, Kendra and Faith had stolen Xander from them.  “So she made a mistake!  That’s no reason to cut her out!”

Suddenly Xander smiled, causing her to break out in a cold sweat.  “Fine, tell her.  Oh and by the way, if Willow blabbers and gets Faith killed, then it’s your responsibility.  And because you cost me my best friend and Jonathan his girlfriend.  I’ll kill your best friend and,” Xander looked at Angel, “your boyfriend.”  The teen turned to Giles, his gaze softening.  “I’m going to see Kendra.  See you there.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“How dare he talk to me like that!  I’m his best friend!” Buffy wiped at her eyes.  After delivering his own warning Giles had left taking Wesley back to his apartment, leaving her behind with Angel.

“Are you?”

“Of course!”

“Buffy if you had a little puppy who adored you but you neglected and ignored it, what would the puppy do?”

Buffy’s forehead furrowed.  “What’s that got to do with it?”

“Just answer me,” her boyfriend’s tone was gentle, coaxing.

“It bites you.”

The vampire nodded.  “Think puppy = Xander.  For two years you and Willow treated as an add-on as nothing.  Then first Kendra, and then Faith come to town.  One girl loves him, the other hero-worships him, giving him the respect he’s always craved but never got from you -.”

”That’s so not true!” her protest sounded weak even to her own ears.

“Is it?  I remember the dance you used to humiliate a man who’d brought you back to life just months earlier,” her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the reminder, “how you put Angelus’ life above that over your friends-.”

“Now hold on!”

Angel appeared not to hear her protest.  “And how you threatened him when he was angry about my return from hell.  What do you expect?”

Suddenly the realisation of what she’d done came crashing in.  “Do you think we could ever be friends again?”

Angel shrugged.  “I don’t know, but things will never be the same.  Kendra and Faith have taken your places in his affections.  You ready to patrol?”

Buffy nodded numbly.  Whatever it took she’d make Xander understand how sorry she was.  She’d make it up to Kendra and Faith too.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“How is she?”

Jonathan turned at his whispered question, his face drawn not only with worry for Kendra but also Faith.  “Sleeping,” his friend replied, “how did the meeting go?”

Xander grimaced.  His temper had got the better of him but he was getting sick of Buffy’s self-centered Weltanschauung.  “Buffy understands,” if she didn’t then she’d signed her own death warrant.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

The Mayor smiled.  "Well, you win some, you lose some. From where I'm sitting,
it's batting average that counts. So you lost some friends.”

Faith shrugged.  “I wouldn't exactly call them friends.”  God she hoped G and the others were five by five.

“Well, what are you worried about? Chin up! You don't see me looking disappointed. Heck, no. You know why? Because I know you'll always have me, Faith. I'm the best, the most important friend you'll ever have. Besides, you know, once the Ascension starts, the 'in' crowd you're so concerned about? Whoo! They'll be lucky if there's enough left of them to fill a pothole. Promise.”

Once the Mayor had left Faith looked around her new apartment. It was fancy, real fancy, far plusher than the makeshift room she had at G’s.  But, but it wasn’t home.

Three Slayers 11A – Earshot

“Ken, are you sure you’re alright to patrol?”

Kendra smiled up at Xander's worried face.  Even at the depths of her despair over Finch’s death she’d been able to garner comfort from Xander’s concern for her.  “’Tis my duty Xander,” she replied softly, “Mr. Giles says I’m ready. Xander,” Kendra swallowed. “What happens if I kill someone again.”

“Ken,” she felt Xander’s arm snake around her shoulders, “remember what Giles said.  Council records go back in fourteen centuries.  And in that time you’re only the sixth Slayer to have an accident.  It isn’t going to happen again.  “Besides..” her boyfriend’s voice trailed off.

Kendra looked up at her love’s face.  “Besides what?”

“Besides, they’re definitely not human.”  Kendra’s eyes widened as she saw two demons in the park’s picnic area.  Drawing her axe she hurried over to the demons, a pair of ugly flesh-coloured monsters with no mouths.

“Hi guys!” she said brightly as she launched herself into the air, her feet smashing into the nearest demon’s chest staggering it.  Landing on her side, she rolled up instantly to her feet. 

The second demon grabbed her around the neck, Kendra’s hands flew up to snatch hold of the beast’s forearm and threw it into the swing set pole. Both demons bounded up and charged her.

Kendra caught the first demon with a swift kick to the stomach, grabbed the monster and threw it over her shoulder onto a picnic table, shattering the table under the impact. While the demon laid stunned Kendra brought her axe down separating the beast’s head from its shoulders, its blood splashing up, some of it catching on her hand. Kendra spun round to kill the other demon but it had gone.  “Damn it,” Xander took a breath before speaking again. “Why didn’t you wait?”

 

“Xander, I had to do it on my own.”

 

Xander nodded in reluctant understanding.  “Do you feel better?”

Kendra grimaced as Finch’s face flashed before her.  “Not really, but I will.  Let’s go home.”

                                                *                                  *                                  *

“Giles can I speak to you?”

Giles looked up at the second Slayer and smiled.  “But of course Kendra,” he gestured to the other chair in his office.  “Please take a seat.”

“Thank you,” Kendra hesitated, “I’ve got an itch.”

An itch?  Giles felt Ripper ripple to the surface, if that little bugger had given his girl a STD he’d castrate him.  Forcing a comforting smile he nodded.  “Don’t worry about it dear they’re most discreet at those sort of clinics.”  Oh yes, Xander had most definitely best move dimensions.

Kendra looked confused.  “Clinics?  But how could clinics help me with an itch caused by demon blood?”

Demon blood?  Giles felt his cheeks flame.  “Ah, quite right.  I heard a rumour about an infection sweeping the school,” he lied smoothly, “but you being a Slayer you’d be more immune than most.”  Deciding a change of subject was most definitely in order, he glanced distastefully at the computer perched on his desk.  When Jonathan had joined the ‘Scooby Gang’, one of the first things he’d done was write a comprehensive database of demon species and famous vampires.  No scanning of-course, they’d learnt their lesson with Moloch.  “Could you give me that description again please?” he asked as he turned the computer on.

“Is this it?”  Kendra nodded at the photo he’d printed off, Giles grimaced at the accompanying text, oh dear.  “Here it says they can infect the host.”

Kendra’s eyes widened.   “Infect? Infect?” Giles continued to read. “GILES! INFECT?!”

He looked up reprovingly.  “Kendra, shouting does not get the answers any quicker.”  When the Slayer fell into a pouty silence he continued to read.  “Oh um, infect the host with an aspect of the demon. That's all it says.”

Kendra gulped.  “An aspect of the demon? You mean like a part of it?”

“Calm down,” Giles soothed.  “There could be any number of explanations for your hand. A new fabric softener can cause irritation. In any case, I would advise not attempting to track the one that got away. Let's minimize your exposure.”

“It’s a bit late for that!”  Kendra had gone a grayish colour.  “I’m going to end up looking like that.  WITHOUT A MOUTH!”

Giles winced at the Slayer’s screech.  “And wouldn’t that be a shame,” he muttered.

                                                *                                  *                                  *

Kendra hurried through the corridor a beaming smile on her face.  She’d awoken this morning to find her itch gone, problem solved.    “Look at the ass on Kendra, what I’d like to do to tha-.”

Cheeks flaming Kendra spun round.  “Who said that!”  Whoever it was they were going to get a pounding.  Suddenly Kendra realised that nobody in the busy hall was talking.  Puzzled she turned and bumped into a teacher.  “Oh sorry Mr.  Beech.”

The teacher, a short balding man in his late forties waggled a finger at her, a friendly smile splitting his bespectacled face. “ Ooo, whoa there. You watch where you're going now young lady.”

 

Kendra smiled in apology.  “I'm sorry Mr. Beech, I will.”

 

”Good girl.”  Mr. Beech walked away.  Suddenly Kendra was assaulted by Beech’s voice in her head.  “Students.  I don’t know why we bother, we should cut out the middle man and send them straight to juvenile hall.”

“Oh boy,” suddenly Kendra knew what the aspect of the demon was – she could read minds.

“Do you mind?” Harmony Kendall brushed past her, the blonde’s thoughts entering her head.  “Students shouldn’t be allowed unless they wear fashion labels!”

Kendra smiled.  Good to know Harmony was really as shallow as she appeared.  Realising she had to tell Giles about this development she hurried to the library.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Astounding, that’s why they didn’t have mouths,” Giles stared at her in disbelief.   “God I hope she doesn’t read my mind and find out I thought Xander had given her that itch through other means – oh bollocks.”

Other means?  Kendra’s mouth dropped open as she realised what Giles meant.  “Giles!” 

Her Watcher paled at her anger.  “Um, the point is this power has fantastic potential,” the middle-aged librarian hurriedly interrupted.  “Imagine being able to predict your opponent’s moves,” the Englishman babbled.  Inside her head she heard Giles’ panicked gabble.  “Oh god, change the subject.”

Kendra grinned both at her surrogate father’s discomfort and the point he had raised.  “Good point.”  Imagine the advantages come exam time.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Kendra sat in Xander’s arms, a pained grimace on her face as the thoughts of all those in the busy cafeteria assaulted her.  Her new power wasn’t quite the boon she’d thought it had been.  Things were great at first, she’d aced an English test.  But the thoughts of some of her classmates and some of the teachers were disturbing – what was it with the principal and ‘Jive Talkin’?  And the others were very uncomfortable around her, with only Giles, Xander, and Jonathan bearing to be around her. 

Still, a smile creased her face.  At least she no longer had any doubts about her and Xander.  He really, really loved her.  Although he did have a disturbing tendency to mentally check out any pretty girl who walked past him.  She’d have to ask Faith’s advice about how to re-train him, her best friend was a wealth of helpful if eye-opening information about such things, better than any teen magazine agony aunt.

Her planning was interrupted by a new voice exploding in her head.  “Kill them.  Kill them all.  Every single one of them!”  The voice pounded inside her head, rocking her with the intensity of the hatred contained within it.  This was no idle threat.  Ignoring Xander’s concerned questions she stood and hurried into the centre of the cafeteria, desperately searching for the source of the anger-filled voice.  Kendra’s distress grew as not only could she not find the voice owner’s but the clamour in her head grew until she thought her head would explode.  The last thing she saw was Xander’s concerned face and then the world went black.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Kendra!”  Xander grabbed Kendra’s limp body as she fell to the ground, his heart thumping with terror.  Realising it must have something to with the demon infection, he lifted his girlfriend’s slender form into his arms and decided to take her to Giles, his cold eyes backing an approaching Snyder off.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Giles!”

Giles spun around from his cataloguing at Xander’s tension-filled cry, his heart dropping and his mouth drying at the sight of the youth carrying one of his Slayers in his arms.  The expensive first editions he’d been examining fell to the floor through nerveless fingers as he rushed over to assist the younger man in putting his precious passenger down on the coach.  “Good lord Xander what happened?”

The anguish in the male Scooby’s eyes only added to his pain.  “I don’t know Giles, one second she walking through the cafeteria babbling about having to find him.  And then she collapsed.”

“Find who Xander-.”

 

“The killer,” they turned to see Kendra gingerly sitting up on the couch.  Xander made to push the girl back down on the couch but she resisted his attempt.  “Giles, there’s a killer out there.  Someone who really wants to kill the other students.  Everyone in the school.  I have to find him -.”

“You’ll do no such thing young lady,” Giles said firmly.

Kendra’s mouth opened but whatever specious argument she was about to expunge was lost when the doors of the library crashed open, eliciting a wince from the obviously still-hurting girl, and Buffy and the others rushed in.  “Kendra!  What happened!”  Buffy bellowed.

“Hush Buffy,” he reproved gently.  “It appears the voices are taking an unexpected toll on Kendra, Oz could you take her and Xander home in your van.”  The guitarist nodded.  “Thank you, now Kendra could you tell the others about the voice in the cafeteria?”

Kendra talked for a few minutes, answering questions about the voice until Giles noted her speech beginning to slur.  “Enough!” he ordered, his concern for his Slayer giving his voice a rough, almost animalistic quality.  “Oz, Xander take her home, the rest of you search for the killer.”

Jonathan raised a timid hand.  He nodded towards the youth.  “Yes Jonathan.”

“Um, in Psych class we studied serial killers,” Giles raised an eyebrow, the American Education system, bloody marvellous, “I’ve got a profiling questionnaire on my computer that police psychologists use to identify suspects in serial killer cases.  We could use it.”

 

“An excellent idea,” Giles nodded his approval.  “Now come on get to it!”

Ten minutes later and he was alone in the library.  Hearing the doors open he looked up, expecting it to be one of the children with news.  Instead it was the prat.  “Why wasn’t I informed of  Kendra’s condition?” Wesley demanded prissily.

In his fraught condition Giles thought of telling the twit the truth – that he simply couldn’t be arsed.  Deciding that the last thing he needed was another argument he settled on tact.  “Somebody was sent,” he lied.  “Obviously they didn’t find you.”

“Oh,” the other Watcher looked somewhat mollified, then his expression turned serious.  “Mr. Giles, I’ve found some information on those demons, including a cure.”  Giles began to smile. “But also the fact if the cure isn’t administered, Kendra will be driven insane and die within a matter of days.”

Giles groaned.  Oh no, not good.  Not good at all.

Three Slayers 11B

 “So this demon thing’s causing Ken to black out and shit?”  Faith’s tone was casual but her heart was thundering nearly enough to explode out of its constraining ribcage.  It had taken her ages to get to the meeting with Xman and now to hear this.  She couldn’t lose her sis.  “How serious is it?”

“According to Wes we’ve got to track the demon’s mate and Kendra’s got to eat its heart to reverse the process.  Otherwise,” Xander swallowed, “the last person this happened to went mad.”

Faith nodded, well that was simple anyway.  “Right, I’ll cover the south side, you take the north, and B can -.”

“No Faith,” Xander interrupted, his tone heavy. “It’s too risky somebody might see you and wonder why you’re trying to help an enemy.”

“Fuck that Xan!  This is Ken we’re talking about,” she replied hotly.  “Your girl-friend and my sis, I’m not gonna sit on my pretty little ass whi-.”

“Damn it Faith!” Xander’s roar made her take a step back.  “Can’t you just do as you’re told!  We can’t risk you getting discovered okay!”

Rage and hurt bubbled up inside Faith, she didn’t take that sort of tone off anybody and she didn’t expect it off Xman.  Not trusting herself to respond she nodded brusquely, her set face hiding her turbulent emotions.

                                                *                                  *                                  *

Angel swallowed nervously before knocking on the front door.  After a few seconds it swung open.  Xander’s expression changed from harried to distast(ful).  “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help with Kendra.”

Now the boy’s face turned aggressive.  “No way I’m letting a vampire near my Ken when she’s ill,” he growled.

Angel remembered the last time he’d seen that look in the teen’s eyes, outside Buffy’s hospital room.  Unfortunately for the boy he wasn’t a coward like Angelus.  “Xander-.”

He was interrupted by the arrival of Giles, the Watcher wearing a scarcely less baleful expression than the younger man.  “Angel,” Giles said, his voice ice cold.  “What are you doing here?”

“Buffy told me about Ken-.”

“Come to gloat?” Xander put in, his eyes bubbling with hate.

“Xander enough!” Giles snapped before turning back to him.  “Go on Angel.”

Angel nodded his thanks before continuing.  “It’s impossible to read a vampire’s mind, part of that reflection thing.  I could look after her without causing her any pain.  I’m also,” he licked his lips, “strong enough to restrain her if she goes into seizures.”

“Restrain her?” Xander stepped towards him, his eyes flaming but Angel didn’t back down.

In an instant Giles was between them.  “Xander, bloody calm down!”  The Englishman turned to him, his eyes considering.  Finally the Watcher nodded.  “Come in Angel.”

“You’re not serious-.”

The youth’s words trailed off at an angry look from the middle-aged man.  “Xander I would strongly advise that you don’t engage in a pissing contest with Angel when Kendra’s health is at stake.”

“Fine,” the teen glared at him, “but you hurt a hair on her head and I’ll submerge you in a vat of holy water in a coffin filled with crosses.  Do we understand each other?”

Angel’s face remained expressionless but he was shaken by the resolve in the youth’s voice and eyes.  Not trusting himself to respond without escalating the situation he pushed past the youth and made his way upstairs.

                                                *                                  *                                  *

“Angel will take good care of her Xander.”

“He better.”

Buffy looked up into her companion’s eyes and sighed.  Sometimes Xander scared her, the night she messed up and caused the others to be kidnapped by the Master’s disciples and when he’d found out Angel had returned from hell for example, but both occasions were nothing to the look in his eyes right now.  When they caught up with the demon she suspected her and her sword might very well be redundant.  “Where did Giles and Wes head?”

“To Willy’s to see if he’s got information.”  Xander cast her an angry glance when she chuckled.  “What’s so damn funny?”

“Sorry,” she smoothed her face, “I was just picturing Wes putting the hard word on somebody.”

The beginnings of a smile tugged at Xander’s lips.  “Maybe we should have sent Jonat-,” the smile died. “There it is!”

Seeing that Xander was about to race towards the monster and probably get himself killed, Buffy swept his legs from beneath him, knocking him to the ground.  Ignoring the youth’s angry bellow she rushed towards the demon.  “Sorry Xand couldn’t let you do something stupid.”

Reaching the demon she sprung into a flying-drop kick at the monster’s head but the beast sidestepped her attack and slammed a right hand in her chest, knocking her to the ground.  Instantly she spun back to her feet and ducked under a overhead right before snatching her assailant’s arm and pulling him into an elbow to the jaw. 

The demon’s head snapped back before swinging another punch that Buffy smoothly swayed away from, bending backwards at the waist.  Seeing the beast was off balance she snapped out a heel smashing the creature’s knee knocking it off balance.  “Jeez, you’re like the Buster Keaton of demons aren’t you?” she commented before exploding into a flying spin-kick that connected solidly with the side of the monster’s head knocking him to the floor.  Before the monster had chance to recover his feet, Buffy’s axe came down, slicing its head off its shoulders even as she leapt back to avoid the blood splatter.  “That was easy,” Buffy’s face fell as she realised something and heard Xander hurrying to catch her up.  “Now for the heart.”

Sometimes she really hated her calling.

                                                *                                  *                                  *

Seeing the young girl he and Buffy had force-fed the heart to begin to shift, Angel rose and hurried to the door.  Leaning over the stairs he called out to the others who’d sat downstairs in the hope that some distance .  In an instant Xander was half-way upstairs, his speed even out-stripping that of the blonde Slayer.  “Is she alright?” the youth demanded.

Damn, thought Angel, if he looked that pale he’d definitely use some tanning lotion.  “She hasn’t spoken yet.”

Xander swallowed, his body shaking.  “If it doesn’t work out,” the boy’s words came in gasps, “thanks for trying.”

“My pleasure,” he smiled and stepped aside but the youth didn’t move.

“Dea-, Angel I’m scared,” the teen’s voice trembled, “I’ve never loved anyone, not before Kendra, never thought I’d find anyone to -.  What if we were too late?  What if she’s-.”

“Xander-.”

At the weak sound of Kendra’s voice, the young man’s face expanded in the hugest, most genuine smile he’d ever seen.  “Coming Ken,” after a grateful nod to him, Xander pushed past and hurried into the bedroom.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Forcing his trembling legs under control Xander walked into the bedroom.  “Hi Ken, how you doing?”

The smile that used to reply to his whispered question was a wan one, but no less beautiful than her normal effervescence.  “Better thank you Xander.  The silence is wonderful.  How was I cured?”

“Um,” Xander wished she hadn’t asked that question. “Buffy killed the other one.”

”Ah,” Kendra’s eyes filled with understanding.  ”And that freed me?”

“No,” Xander swallowed, “what freed you was when you ate its heart.  So you want any breakfast?” he added in a voice redolent with false cheer. 

Kendra’s face turned queasy and for a second he thought she was going to throw up.  “No, I’m quite full,” Kendra looked him dead in the eye.  “Did the others find the killer?”

“No.”  Kendra nodded at his answer and started climbed out of the bed.  “Where are you going?”

“To find the killer.”

“No way -.”

“’Tis my duty Xander.” 

Seeing the unshakeable resolve in his girl-friend’s eyes he nodded.  “Fine, but I’m coming with you.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Kendra!” She was surprised when Buffy engulfed her in an enthusiastic hug.  Behind her blonde counterpart Willow was glaring jealously at her.  “How are you feeling?”

“Much better Buffy, thank you for your help,” she smiled at the older girl before turning serious.  “Is there any news on the killer?”

“No-.”

“It’s Percy!” Kendra turned to see a red-faced and panting Jonathan racing towards them.  “We found a letter in Freddy Iverson’s office from him, there’s a lot of hate in it.”

“Okay,” Buffy took charge.  “Split up and look for him, if you see him and he’s not doing anything dangerous, come find us.  If he is,” Buffy grimaced.  “Good luck.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

Buffy ran into the Quad, her gaze going over the groups stood there, no sign of Percy. Growling in frustration she turned and looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun. Her heart missed a beat as she saw a silhouette in the clock tower holding a rifle. Buffy looked around, her blood freezing at the people milling there, it would be a massacre.  Looking round she charged forward, when she reached the base of the stairs, she hopped onto the railing and ran up it. Once the roof was in reach she leapt towards it onto the edge and swinging forward in a ball, then back, up, and over into a flip forward to land on her feet on the roof tile.  Her heart pounding she raced across the roof and leapt through a boarded up tower window.  Instantly Percy spun round and pointed the gun at her.  “Get away from me!”

“Ok Percy,” Buffy struggled to stay calm.  “You wanna point that somewhere else? Bullet holes aren’t really in this season.”   

Percy shifted the barrel slightly to the side. “Don’t you try and stop me!”

 

Buffy raised her hands but took a step forward.  “No, no no stopping. Just thought I’d take in the view.”

 

Percy shook his head.  “Go away!”

 

“Never gonna happen,” Buffy retorted, her tone hardening.

“You think I won't use this?”  Buffy’s heart sank as she noticed Percy’s hands had started to tremble.

“I don't know Percy,” she stepped forward.  “I just-.”

“Stop doing that!”  Percy lunged backward.

 

“Doing what?” Buffy stopped.

”Coming closer!”  Percy, “I have to do this!”

“Why?”

Percy looked confused for a second then his face became hate-filled.  “Because of Harris!”

“Uh?” now Buffy was really confused.

“Before he started playing Mr.  Tough Guy, I was somebody, respected.  Any girl I wanted I got, because they didn’t dare say no to the town star.  But after your friend decided to get tough, I’m just a laughing stock!”

Buffy couldn’t believe how self-centred this asshole was, he was going to kill people because somebody had stopped him from bullying them.  Her temper snapped, surging forward she snatched the rifle from the surprised footballer and flung it to the ground.  Growling angrily she lifted him by the throat, ignoring his frantic struggles.  “Let me get this right,” she said through gritted teeth, “you were going to massacre people because you weren’t top-dog anyway?”

“I..I wouldn't ever murder anybody,” Percy gasped.  “I came up here to kill myself.”

“Oh crap,” Buffy muttered.  That meant the real killer was still out there.

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Damn it I’m hungry.”  His stomach growling, Xander hurried into the school kitchen.  “Maybe Percy-, hey jello!”  A grin on his face he hurried  the tray full of jello in little bowls and grabbed one only to stop.  Out of the corner of his eye he could see the obese lunch lady standing over a cooking pot pouring in a box labelled 'Rat Poison'. “Oh boy, maybe I should go on a diet,” he muttered.

Even as he stared at her, the massive woman looked straight at him.  Xander dropped the bowl, normally in such a situation he’d stay and fight – but he didn’t hit women.  Well he didn’t hit women twice his size and carrying butcher's knives anyway.  Turning he fled into the canteen yelling and knocking over tables as he went.  “RAT POISON! RAT POISON!”

Behind him he heard the sound of the lunch lady bursting out of the kitchen doors. Another student standing to escape the panic knocked a chair into him, knocking him to the floor.  Before he has chance to rise the lunch lady was stood over him, her cleaver raised.  “I can’t be letting you hurt him,” Kendra clamped her hand on the lunch lady’s wrist, preventing her from swinging.   “I know he’s annoying but he’s grown on me.”

 

“Hey!”

Kendra ignored him.  “Now let’s calm down.”

The lunch lady had other ideas.  “Vermin!  You're all vermin. You come in here and you eat, and you eat. Filth!”

”I don't see this being settled with logic. “  Kendra pulled  the lunch lady forward by her arm, then twisted her wrist back sending the cleaver falling to the ground. The lunch lady let out a bestial growl before taking a swing at Kendra who easily ducked under the attack before retaliating with two hooks that crashed into the large woman sending her flying into the canteen wall and sliding into the floor.  Kendra looked down at him, a smile playing on her lips.  “Do you need a hand up Xander?”

Xander glared up at his girlfriend.  “You’re going to pay for that annoying remark you know.”

Kendra’s smile widened.  “What sort of gratitude is that, I just saved your life!”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you?”

Kendra smiled wearily.  It had been a close thing, so close in fact that if she hadn’t been a Slayer she’d probably be dead.   Xander’s attentiveness was sweet, but it was also to quote Giles ‘bloody annoying’.  “Just one thing – go to see Buffy.”  Seeing her boyfriend’s face harden she hurried on.  “I read her mind when I was ill.  She realises she made mistakes and she really wants to be your friend again.  And mine and Faith’s too.”

“Really?”  She nodded.  “What about Willow?”

Kendra winced inwardly at the look of hope on her love’s face and at what she’d seen in Willow’s mind.  “Willow’s mind wasn’t pretty Xander.”

 

Xander’s face fell.  “Okay,” Xander stood and softly kissed her on the forehead.  “See you later.”

“See you Xander, and make sure you make up with Faith too.”  Kendra smiled at her boyfriend’s surprise.  “Mind-reader remember?  Oh Xander”

“Yes Ken?” her boyfriend turned back to her, his expression questioning.

“Stay away from Cordelia.”

“Uh?”

“She has lustful thoughts about you and I’ll not be standing that.”

A smile played on Xander’s lips.  “Well she is only human.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“She’s gonna be alright though?”   Xander nodded.  “Five by five.“ Faith turned to leave, still angry after last night’s confrontation.

“Faith,” she turned at her friend’s voice.  Xander was looking down at the ground.  “I’m sorry for shouting at you last night.”

Faith shrugged, her nonchalance hiding her hurt.  “Didn’t mean shit.”

“It does.  I was so worried about Kendra I forgot other people care about her too, you more than anybody, and that you were only trying to help out of concern.  It was selfish and unforgivable.  I’m sorry.  So we five by five?”

An unwilling smile played on her lips at hearing her catchphrase from somebody else.  “Always Xman, always.  Same bat-time, same bat-channel tomorrow?”

“You bet,” her friend flashed her a grin.  “Any message for Jonathan?”

“Tell him,” Faith hesitated, she nearly said ‘I love him’, but fear of rejection stopped her.  “Tell him I find out he’s even been looking at another girl I’ll cut his dick off.”

“How romantic,” Xander chuckled, “see you tomorrow.”  Her friend turned away.

“Xand,” Xander turned back to her, his expression questioning.  “Tell him to be careful.”

“Will do.  And do the same yourself.”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

“Oh hello Xander,” Joyce’s face showed her surprise at his arrival on her front step.  “It’s been a long time.”

Xander smiled, as uncomfortable with the situation as the middle-aged woman plainly was.  “Hi Joyce, Buffy in?”

Joyce smiled before turning in direction of the stairs.  “Buffy!”

“Jeez Mom, you bellow like a -,” Buffy’s voice trailed off as she noticed him stood in the hallway.  “Xander.”

“Hi Buff,” Xander glanced down at his feet, “Ken said I should come round to see you.”

The blonde smiled uncertainly.  “You want to come up?”

“Sure,” Xander smiled at Joyce, “good to see you again.”

“And you Xander.” Buffy’s mother smiled at him before scolding, “try not to make it so long before you come round again.” 

“Yes Ma’am.”  After nodding his head in acknowledgement at the telling-off he’d received he joined Buffy on the stairs.  He patted the bag he’d brought with him.  “Got some munchies and vids for us to watch.”

“Great,” Buffy smiled maliciously, “Mr.  Gordo’s missed seeing you.”

Xander groaned.  “Buffy, I am not talking to your cuddly toy.”

The blonde raised an eyebrow.  “You’ll do what this Slayer tells you.”

“No,” Xander shot back with a grin and a stuck-out tongue. “That doesn’t work anymore. I’ve got a Slayer of my own to hide behind now.”

“Damn,” Buffy giggled before turning serious.  “I’ve missed you Xander.”

“Missed you too Buffy.”

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