"Yes!" Faith whooped as the Rock hit the Crippler with a Rock-Bottom. "One! Two! Three!" Faith punched the air as she dropped her X-Box control and sneered at Dana. "You suck! I rule!"

"You cheated," Connor protested from his seat behind them on the couch.

"How do you work that out?" Faith shot back. "I beat her fair and square."

"You disconnected her control when you reached for some popcorn."

Faith opened and closed her mouth several times before mounting out a feeble defence. "Damn, Conn," she stuttered. "Sticking up for your girl-friend?"

Connor reddened but wasn’t thrown. "Don’t dodge the issue, you cheated."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes as she passed a scowling Dana five bucks. "You win."

Faith was relieved to hear the sound of someone knocking on the door. "I’ll get that," she hurriedly rose and rushed to the door. "Hey-," her voice trailed off as she opened the door. After a second, she regained her voice. "Kate."

The blonde cop stared at her, her disdainful expression the look every cop got when looking at an ex-crim. "Faith," there was a pause and then the cop stepped into the hallway. Which was wicked lucky, ‘cause she’d never invite her in. Not that she was worried about the cop being a vamp; the sun would have fried her to a crisp. She just hated the bitch for putting her away. "Is Xander in?"

After a second, she nodded. "Yeah, he’s in his office." The police officer nodded before striding past her. "You’re welcome," she called out sarcastically. She sighed as she saw Dana scowling at her from the lounge doorway. "It was just a game," she tried. The Slayer’s only answer was slamming the door in her face. "Oh come on kid," Faith sighed.

* * *

"And Andrew wants some more money for groceries."

Xander groaned as Amy continued her report. "What for this time?"

"Connor, he says the boy eats like a horse at a pie-eating contest."

Xander rubbed at his forehead, the beginnings of a headache thudding at him. When he’d agreed to become a Watcher, he’d figured he’d have to learn demonic languages, plan strategies, and supervise training with the Slayers. What he didn’t think about was house-keeping. "Fine, put another 10% on the bud-." He was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Hello?"

"Hi, it’s Kate."

"Come in."

The blonde cop strode in. After a nod to Amy, the cop turned to him. The police officer threw a business card onto his desk. "We’ve got a problem."

Xander stared at the cop for a second before lifting up the card. His heart skipped a beat when he picked the card up and read it. "Wolfram and Hart, here?"

* * *

"We gotta go face them down X!" Faith paced the briefing room floor. "Tell those fuckers whose town this is!"

Xander idly wondered if the beautiful Bostonian would ever learn patience. Deciding the answer was probably no, he spoke. "How about we calm down and think about this?"

"Calm down!" Faith started towards the door, her face taut. "Fuck that! I’m-."

"Sit down!" Xander thundered, hoping his voice sounded enough like Giles to have an effect. He was surprised and a little gratified when the Boston Slayer’s eyes widened and she slunk, scowling, back to her seat. Maybe he’d try that tone more often. Or considering how much he liked his limbs, maybe he’d better off not pushing his luck. "I’m waiting for a call from Giles about last night." He stared meaningfully at the Slayer. "You remember last night, don’t you?"

"Someone can take a message can’t they?" Faith countered. "After all, they asked for you by name. We’ve gotta go, otherwise they’ll think you’re a chicken-shit. We gotta go!"

"Like Skywalker entering the Death Star to face his destenity."

Xander felt his headache increase at Andrew’s sagely-offered comment. Why him? Why did he end up with every misfit the Council could scrounge up? The unpalatable answer that came to mind was that Giles figured one misfit Watcher could relate to the other misfits. "I didn’t say we wouldn’t go," he hadn’t backed down from a fight since he’d left home, "just that we wait until after Giles had rung back."

"Screw, G!" Angel’s disappearance had hardened Faith’s feelings about his father-figure. "We’ve got an answering machine, right?"

"Faith," Xander silently counted to ten. "Fine, we’ll go. Just me, you, and Conn-," his voice trailed off as an idea occurred. "Kate are you available?"

"Whoa, Xander," the blonde shook her head. "I can’t come with you. I shouldn’t be even listening to this conversation."

"No," Xander chuckled nervously. "I was thinking you could stay here, help Andrew supervise the Slayers while we’re gone. And no," he looked towards Dana, "you’re not coming."

After a second the cop nodded. "I can do that."

"Great," Xander turned to Amy. "Will you come with us?" Amy nodded. "Excellent, now no weapons. We don’t want to give them a reason to call the police."

Connor nodded. "You smoking something?" Faith’s eyes widened. "No way am I going in there without a weapon!"

Xander decided not to point out the blindly obvious that Faith was a lethal weapon on her own. Instead he turned from the senior Slayer to two of her juniors. "Breena, you and Penda are coming, Faith’s staying here-."

"Fine, fine," Faith raised her hands in surrender. "No weapons."

Xander stared at the Slayer for a second before nodding. "Right, then let’s go."

* * *

Breena grabbed Dana as the meeting broke up. "I was wondering what do you think of Xander and Faith getting together?" Before the other Slayer could reply, she continued. "He’s kind and honest, she needs someone like that someone who she can rely on. And he needs someone to love," she sighed. "They’d be perfect."

"Can’t trust guys," Dana muttered.

"What about you and Connor?"

Dana blushed. "Just friends," she grunted.

Breena grinned. "Sure you are."

* * *

"And furthermore, you can tell the pissing’ Prime Minister, I will not do any photo opportunities with him!" Giles roared down the phone. "Does the buffoon have no understanding of the word ‘secret’? And no, I will not -."

"Mr. Giles!" the door to his office burst open, one of his research assistants charged in, a worried expression on his face. "I have news about the vampire, Miss Leh-," the man’s face paled when he realised Giles was on the phone. "Sorry, sir. I’ll come back."

"Nonsense." Shaking his head, he hung up. "It was just an idiot in search of a village. Now, what have you got for me?" Five minutes later the man had finished. "Is that it?" the research Watcher nodded. Giles sighed, his heart heavy, this was not good, not good at all. "Thank you, Greaves, most prompt. Now, if you don’t mind," he reached for the phone, "I have to make a call."

"Yes sir," the Watcher bowed slightly, some of them took deference and his rank rather too seriously, before leaving.

Giles stared down at the information before him before finally dialling the number of Xander’s operation. After eight rings, he heard a voice. "Hello, Andrew Wells speaking?"

Giles rolled his eyes. Bloody marvellous, he’d managed to get the Council in-bred. "Hello Andrew," he forced himself to patient civility, reminding himself it had been a bloody masterstroke to push the little pillock into Xander’s group. All very unfair of course, but one of the perks of leadership. And far more satisfying than his Bentley. "Is Xander about?"

"Ah, Mr. Giles!" his ears pounded at the strange young man’s shriek. "Always a pleasure to hear from our esteemed leader! I’m afraid the Hellmouth Watcher is currently out on an intrepid trip deep into the belly of the beast, accompanied only by the beautiful Faith, the mysterious Connor, and the powerful Amy. Can I take a message?"

Giles blinked, thrown by the conversation sudden turn. "Uh, no," he replied slowly. "Could you tell him to call me when he gets back?"

"Yes sir!" Giles could almost see the idiot saluting. "As soon as he gets in sir."

"Thank you, Andrew." Giles hung up then cursed. In his eagerness to get rid of the fool he’d forgotten to ask him where exactly Xander had gone. He comforted himself with the thought that he’d find out when Xander rang back later. Giles chuckled. "Knowing Andrew’s love of theatrics, they’ve probably gone to the mall."

* * *

Xander whistled as he entered the vast, open-plan lobby, impressed by all the gleaming chrome walls, new age artwork decorating the floor space, and beautifully designed furniture. "Ow!" he rubbed the back of his head where Faith had slapped him before turning and glaring at the east coast Slayer. "What was that for?" he hissed.

"We’re not fucking tourists!" the Slayer snarled back at him.

Xander winced. "Oh yeah, forgot." He strode up to the gleaming counter and smiled at the beautiful blonde receptionist, ignoring Faith’s growl, it never hurt to be polite. Especially to a hottie like the office worker. "Hey, I have an open invitation to see," he paused to look at the business card, "Solomon Emory."

"I’m sorry," Xander’s interest in the receptionist cooled when she shot him a smile that had all the warmth of a cobra’s. "But Mr. Emory is in meetings all -," the office worker was interrupted by the phone ringing. "I’m sorry, I have to take this." Even as he opened his mouth to speak, the receptionist answered the phone. The blonde’s eyes flickered to him, widening slightly. "Yes sir, of course sir." The woman hung up the phone. "The executive lift is that way, sir." The receptionist twisted her pleasingly curved torso and pointed over her left shoulder. "Mr. Emory will be awaiting you and your companions."

"Thank you." Xander nodded at the blonde before moving towards the elevator..

"Thank you," Faith mimicked sarcastically. "Jeez, ask for her number while you’re at it. Or just bend her over her desk."

Xander sighed, he had been thinking of asking for the office worker’s number on the way out, but given Faith’s attitude maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. "Just because they’re evil doesn’t mean we can’t be polite," he patiently replied as they entered the glass elevator. Faith’s eyes widened at his comment, the Bostonian’s mouth opened and closed, before she shook her head.

The elevator ride passed in a strained silence. Eventually the elevator stopped at the sixteenth floor, its glass portal sliding open. They stepped out onto a featureless corridor, it walls a bland yellow, and the thick carpet beneath their feet a soft red. Three security guards, each the size of a security truck, stood opposite them. "We’re going to have check you for weapons," one of the guards said, licking his lips as his gaze flitted from Amy to Faith.

"Fuck that -."

Faith’s voice trailed off when he raised his hand, his eyes fixed on the lead guard. "I wouldn’t if I was you."

The guard’s eyes didn’t shift from Faith. "Rules are rules."

Xander shrugged. He’d tried. "Faith. Connor. Reason won’t work."

"’Bout time!" Suddenly Faith was past him. Xander winced as the brunette beauty’s legs shot out, catching the man between his legs. The man’s eyes crossed as he doubled up, his face descending straight into Faith’s leather-clad knee, his nose disappearing in a visceral spray.

Even as the man plummeted to the ground, Faith was moving past him, grabbing hold of one of his companions around his bull-neck and flinging him face first into the wall. The man groaned and began to turn towards the Slayer, only to catch an elbow to the lower back that sent him back to his knees. A backfist to the back of the head and he was out cold.

Xander shook his head. It was always a little frightening to see Faith bounce around a muscle-bound giant twice his size, reminding him just how near he’d come to death at her hands five years ago. Shaking himself, he glanced at Connor. Seeing the weedy-looking youth stood over the third of the gorilla gang, he forced a smile. "I think we’re late for our meeting," he nodded towards the door at the far end of the corridor. "Shall we?"

"Of course," Amy agreed. "It would be rude to keep our host waiting."

"Rude?" he heard Faith mutter. "Fucking Sunnydalers! They’re all nuts."

* * *

Solomon Emery looked up from his reading as his door crashed open and an exceedingly angry looking brunette strode in. He smiled in appreciation of the young woman’s beauty, savouring her looks like a wine connoisseur would appreciate a fine vintage. The young woman appeared less than impressed with his approval, her face mottling with rage. "What the fuck ya looking at?" she challenged. "This ain’t some skin show ya know!"

"Faith," his gaze switched to the one-eyed man, his smile widened. Oh, he liked him, the sort who always doubted themselves, but would never give up, would always continue believing. He was like something out of a Raymond Chandler novel, someone who would keep on doing the right thing, the noble thing, no matter how corrupt the world was around him. "Calm down. Those thugs were just to get us off balance, the confrontation with Kate. It was all staged to see how we’d react."

Emory’s smile widened still further. Oh excellent, the youth might not be academically bright, but he could read people. "Please," he nodded towards the seats, "sit down."

"I don’t like people playing games with me," warned the second man, a youth in his late teens. Connor, Angel’s son, another intriguing case.

"Yes, I’m well aware of that." Emory reassured the youth. "Please sit." After a second the youths obeyed him. He thought about offering refreshments, but realised that they’d only suspiciously refuse. Such a shame, he believed in being polite. "Mr. Harris," he greeted. "Such a pleasure to meet you." He tapped the youth’s hefty file. ""Alexander Harris - quite the group you've got there.  The previously Evil Slayer, who helped to set an Ascension in motion and at one point actually worked for our firm; an ex-evil witch who corrupted your best friend; another Slayer, this time one with a very flimsy grasp on reality; and of course Mr Wells, who've you've left minding the shop, who's choice of heroic figures that he's admired include Warren Meers, who actually shot another of your friends, and Spike, who's probably got one of the largest body counts of the last century.  What exactly did you do to get given this particular cast as a team...?  Were you a naughty little Watcher, or does Mr Giles just think that you'd recognise evil if it occurred in any of them again, and be willing to take the necessary steps..?  There appears to be very little on your own record to indicate any real tendencies to evil - in fact, your own experiences in that direction seem to stem from your own stupidity - walking into a Hyena house, conjuring a singing demon... why do you think Giles has set you up as their... parole officer, as it were..?" he raised an eyebrow at the shocked look on the two women’s faces. Clearly Harris was a young man who liked to downplay or even hide his accomplishments. "You’re quite a legend in our world. I don’t suppose you’d consider switching to our operation?"

"No," Harris’ one word answer was flat, his eyes stony.

"Ah," he nodded in understanding. "A shame, a man of your resourcefulness could be either a good friend or a formidable enemy. Unless," he turned his gaze onto the gorgeous Slayer. "Miss Lehane, please snap his neck."

He noted both the Slayer’s momentary shock and the Watcher’s slight flinch. Clearly their shared past weighed heavy. Interesting. "Like hell!" the Slayer snarled, half-rising out of her seat before forcing herself to sit back down. "How about I snap yours instead?"

"That would be," he paused for a second. "Inconvenient. However, might I ask why not?" Seeing the Slayer’s cupid-shaped mouth open in a probably sulphurous reply, he hurried on. "After all, you did take a contract off us before." The Slayer paled at the memory. "One that you didn’t fulfil. So, technically we’re down $ 15,000. Fortunately, my law firm doesn’t hold grudges. Simply kill Mr. Harris and we’ll wipe out your debt, plus another $ 85,000. After all," he smiled again. "It’s not like you’ve not tried to kill him before."

The beautiful brunette shot the pale-faced Harris a haunted look before turning back to him. "Go fuck yourself," she growled.

"I have a young lady who takes care of that for me, thank you." He paused. "Although I’d be willing to add some more money to my offer if you’d be interested." He glanced at the brunette’s file. "After all, it would be far from the first time."

"You piece of shit!" The Slayer began to rise only to stop at the Watcher’s voice.

"So that’s the idea of this meeting is it? To show us how much you know about us in your wonderful files. I’m impressed. Your intelligence men do good work, we’ve got the message, how big and powerful you are." The Watcher stood. "Well here’s my message. Coming here was a big mistake. One of my people gets hurt because of you and I’ll come for you. And all your fancy lawyers won’t be able to help." The Californian turned and looked at his companions. "Come on. This meeting is over."

Emory smiled at the youth’s words. Yes, formidable indeed. Once the Council representatives had left, he picked up his phone noting his slightly sweaty palm. Yes, very formidable.

Gathering himself, he dialled ‘Propehcies’. "Yes, hello Mr. Emory here. Could you send ‘The Poems Of Sabola’ up, please? Which one? The one referring to the White Knight and the Dark Slayer. Yes, thank you." After momentarily replacing the phone, he picked it up again, and dialled ‘Operations’. "Yes, hello, Emory here. I’d like to order a review of our security arrangements, including our main base, satellite operations, and senior staff protection. Thank you." Hanging up, he leaned back thoughtfully in the chair. One could never be too careful, Mr. Harris had an unfortunate habit of accomplishing things that were logically beyond him. And he did so value his own neck.

An hour later he’d read the dusty tome the clerical worker had brought up six times, but unfortunately was none the wiser. Records clearly indicated that Angelus had referred to Harris as the White Knight, so chances were he was the one in the prophecy. The Dark Slayer and the White Knight would fight with The Wolf, Ram, & Hart at the end of days. But did that mean with them, or against them?

And who was the ‘Reborn One’ referred to?

Faith waited until they’d reached the law firm’s parking lot before speaking. "Guys," she looked from Connor to Amy, "could I have a word with Xan on my own?"

"Sure," Amy glanced from her to the Watcher, "we’ll go to the car." After grabbing Connor by his arm, the witch dragged him away.

Faith turned to Xander. "I’d never do it again," Faith said softly. Seeing Xander’s confused expression, she elaborated. "Hurt you. Strangle you like I did." She ignored Xander’s flinch to continue. "That ain’t me."

Xander chuckled and smiled. "Faith, of course it is." Faith winced at Xander’s damming verdict. Xander shook his head. "No, you don’t understand. What I meant is all of us have a dark side. Buffy screwing Spike. Giles being Ripper. Me and my temper. We all have dark sides. Controlling them is the key."

"But not Red, uh?"

Xander chuckled before unfastening his shirt and opening it up. "You never asked me where I got these scars."

Faith spent a few seconds oodling the hunk of manhood before shrugging. "Some big bad," she forced herself to look up into Xander’s face.

"Yeah," Xander nodded as he refastened his shirt. "Some big bad. Willow went psycho when Tara was murdered. Buffy couldn’t stop her. But I managed it. This is what I got. Sometimes, when Willow does magic I’ll flashback. I’ve forgiven you Faith; it’s the forgetting that’s the tough thing." Xander looked towards the car. "The others are waiting. Shall we?"

Faith stared dazedly at her friend before nodding. "Sure, X."

* * *

Andrew leapt up as his hero and his fellow three intrepid adventurers entered the kitchen. "Sir!" he saluted. "Did your confrontation with our nemesis go well?"

"It was interesting," Xander replied.

Andrew nodded. He had little doubt that Anya’s former fiancée could handle anything some piddling law firm could throw at them. "Sir," he licked his lip, "Mr. Giles rang."

"Oh yeah?" the Watcher’s face sobered. "Any message?"

"Only to contact him as soon as you got back."

"Right," Xander looked around. "Faith, Connor, get the Slayers and head for the briefing room. Every one else, follow me."

* * *

"Is it set up?" Andrew nodded at his question. Xander stared doubtfully at the web-cam the younger man had set up. Whenever he’d envisaged getting involved with web-camming, the person on the other side hadn’t been male. And certainly not Giles.

Shuddering at the thought, he picked up the phone and dialled Giles’ number. "Hello?"

"Hi, G-Man," he replied. "It’s me."

"Oh," Giles’ voice turned from serious to positively doom-filled. Xander could just tell this was going to be a fun conversation. "Ah, Xander, splend-."

"G-Man, I’m in the briefing room with the gang, could you turn your web-cam on?"

"Web-cam?"

Xander hid a grin at the Englishman’s horrified tone. "I know it’s not messaging by pigeon. New millennium, G-Man."

"Yes, very amusing," now the Watcher’s tone was miffed. Man, he knew his English tweed. "Give me a minute." Giles placed his hand over the phone but Xander still heard him shout. "Lisa! How do you set this infernal web-thingie up!"

Five minutes later and he and the others were staring at an uncomfortable-looking G-Man through the computer screen, thanks to the wonders of the internet. "Hello, everyone. Andrew, Amy, Faith," Giles eyes narrowed as he looked over their heads to the junior Slayers sat behind. "And I hope all you young ladies aren’t giving Xander too much trouble?" The Englishman chuckled. "Just enough to keep him on his toes."

"Hey G!" Faith shouted. "You and technology, what’s with that?"

"Ah, Faith," Giles smirked. "I’ve often wondered if the horrors of web-camming would be out-weighed by the delights of seeing you. I see that you’re looking as beautiful as always."

"Damn," Faith muttered from behind him. "He’s smooth. If he was ten years younger, I’d definitely take him for a spin." Xander shuddered at the terrible images. "What, I can’t do charity work for the old?"

"Yes," Giles sniffed. "Very amusing. Now, to business." The mood immediately sobered, the levity dissipating. "Faith, if I may, would you do me the courtesy of answering a couple of questions?"

"Sure, G," he half-heard Faith’s nod.

"You said the vampire claimed to be called Yelena?"

"That’s what she said her handle was," Faith confirmed.

"Uh, uh," Giles pursed his lips, took off his glasses and rubbed at the lens. "And she was a Slayer?"

"Yeah."

"What did she look like?"

"Tall, muscular, blonde hair, grey eyes."

Now the Englishman looked positively perturbed. "And she mentioned something about the Croc Dal?"

"Said they’d cap my ass for killing her," Faith’s tone was almost unreadable but Xander thought he caught a note of worry in the Bostonian beauty’s voice.

"Yes, well," despite the distance, Giles appeared to have caught the Slayer’s trepidation because he looked up from his notes to shoot Faith a reassuring smile, "we’ll have to show them what a mistake that was."

"Damn straight," Faith agreed.

"However," Giles sighed. "This matter is serious. There is a possibility that the young lady you fought was indeed a Slayer."

"Oh fuck," Faith muttered.

"Please Faith," Giles looked pained. "There are youngsters present."

Faith snorted. "They kill demons and you’re worried about a few cuss words?" Faith waved her hand. "Go on, G."

"Yes," after shooting the unrepentant Slayer a disapproving look, the Council Head continued. "Yelena was America’s first ever Slayer, she was reported killed in a fire in New York in 1696."

"Who killed her, G-Man?" Xander put in.

"Yes," Giles pursed his lips together. "This is where we enter the land of conjecture-."

"Is that anywhere near Mexico?" Faith queried. "’Cause I’ve always wanted to go there." Giles stared at the Slayer. "Ah, closer to the North Pole, I’ll give it a pass then."

Xander watched in fascination as Giles slowly counted to ten before continuing. "Our records show that at the time of her death, she was hunting a famed vampire by the name of Gellert." The Watcher paused. "The head of the Crimson Clan." When no one replied, he sighed long-sufferingly. "The Gaelic for Crimson Clan is Croc Dal."

"I knew that," Xander lied easily, "I just love it when your brow furrows like that," he giggled girlishly. "It’s just so."

The room exploded in titters as a vein began to throb on the senior Watcher’s temple. "Quite," Giles said through gritted teeth. "Very amusing. However, this is not a laughing matter, Gellert whose name means ‘Powerful Soldier’," Xander groaned. Why couldn’t vampires have names that meant ‘Peace Lover’ or ‘Sunflower’? "Was an Hungarian war chief in 6^th Century AD."

"He’s1,400 years old!" Andrew squeaked.

"Really?" Giles raised an eyebrow. "How astonishing. None of us had noticed that."

"Oh it’s really quite simple. Elementary maths-."

Amy sighed. "He’s being sarcastic Andrew."

"Oh," the youth’s voice trailed off.

"As I was saying," Giles continued. "There are few demons with a reputation even close to that of Gellert," Xander groaned. "For over four hundred years he held sway over much of Europe, clandestinely ruling Hungary, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Serbia, and Bulgaria." Xander slouched down in his chair, the weight of what they were facing weighing down on him.

"What stopped him?" asked Amy.

"Yes," Giles nodded approvingly at the Wicca’s question. "Gellert made the mistake of confronting a demon far older than him, Aurelius." Xander winced. Giles nodded at his reaction. "Yes, the Master’s sire. Defeated, and many of his followers dead, he fled into Romania, heading west, ultimately ending up in Asia where he became known as ‘Night’s Death’."

"Sounds like a bad hombre, G," Faith commented.

"Oh yes," the Englishman’s nod did wonders for Xander’s confidence. "In addition to his own quite horrific deeds, he was also the sire of Lothos and Kakistos." Faith hissed at the mention of her former arch-enemy. "At some point, both vampires attempted to rebel against him but were defeated and fled in fear of their lives. Upon his defeat by Aurelius , he formed the Croc Dal, the Crimson Clan, in response to Aurelius’ own fledging Order. But was himself quite selective in the turning of vampires. Any one of his childes who turned an unsatisfactory vampire was staked, together with the childe. His two most notable childes are Sophos, a Greek nobleman of 800 years of age, and Geir a seven hundred year old Viking." Xander felt like echoing Andrew’s squeak.

"He get any Slayers, G?" Faith queried.

"Yes," Giles rustled through his papers. "One in the ninth century, two in the twelfth, and a forth in fourteenth."

"Plus Yelena," he added. Five Slayers.

"Yes," Giles nodded, his expression grave. "In," the Watcher glanced at his notes, "the early seventeenth century, he moved to America, together with Sophos and Geir, and a number of lesser childes. In 1696, Yelena confronted him and was believed to have killed him in a house fire that we also believed claimed her life and her Watcher’s."

"Wait," Xander interrupted. "But another Slayer was Called, right?"

Giles nodded. "Yes, that’s why we thought he was dead."

"Have you got a full history of this Cor Dal?" Xander queried.

"Yes," Giles replied. "My secretary’s emailed you the information."

"I’ll check later." Xander promised before looking around the room. "Can I talk to Giles in private, gang?"

* * *

Gellert stared at the slightly-built vampire stood before him, Geir and Sophos flanking the minion. "This Slayer killed your brethren, Luther?" The named demon nodded meekly. "And my sweet Yelena." The minion nodded again. "Seven vampires dead, but not you, Luther?"

"Y….you had to be told, milord," Luther stuttered.

"Yes," Gellert nodded. Luther relaxed. "And thank you for that." He punched his fist through the 30 year old demon’s chest cavity, grabbing and withdrawing his heart. "I do appreciate it." He turned to his two minions as the dust settled. "This situation is most unsatisfactory."

"Let me kill them," Geir rumbled, his eyes dancing eagerly. "Slayer blood tastes so good."

"Let us not forgot the balance of power has changed," Sophos counselled. "There are far more Slayers than there ever was."

Gellert glanced from the hulking former Viking to the slender Greek nobleman. Geir as always was eager to kill, to add to his tally of three Slayers, while Sophos wasn’t frightened, a childe of his didn’t get frightened, but more cautious. "We’ll wait," he decided. Geir growled. He shot his childe a warning glance. "Let them wonder. And their terror build."

* * *

"Miss Lehane, can I speak to you."

Faith glanced over her shoulder to see Breena there. "Yeah, kid?"

"Not here," Breena shuffled nervously from foot to foot. "It’s private."

Faith squinted at the kid before shrugging. "Sure, Breen. Let’s go to the kitchen, I feel like a drink."

"Okay," the red-haired Slayer beamed.

* * *

"I take it from Andrew you were visiting," a smile tugged at the Englishman, "the belly of the beast."

"The belly of the beast?" Xander stared with befuddlement at his mentor. Then his confusion cleared. "Oh, you mean Wolfram & Hart?"

Giles’ eyes widened. "They’re here too? Good lord, you have quite a complicated situation there don’t you?"

"Yeah," Xander nodded before forcing out an unwelcome question that had been nagging at him since the revelations had begun. "When does my replacement get here?"

"Your replacement?" Giles looked puzzled.

Oh great, he was going to have to spell his humiliation out. "When are you sending over my replacement to deal with this, I know when I’m out of my depth."

Now Giles looked livid. "You stupid bloody idiot," the Englishman snarled. Suddenly he was grateful of the distance between the two of them. "I didn’t send you over there as a caretaker. I sent you there to run the Hellmouth because I trust you!"

"But I haven’t got the teaching -."

Giles’ expression softened. "Wesley had the learning. He was the best qualified Watcher of his year, a research Watcher of four years’ experience with a number of published papers to his name. And yet, he was a complete and utter failure as Faith’s Watcher. As," Giles grimaced, "was I. Why did Wesley fail?"

Xander sensed the question was rhetorical but answered anyway. "Because of the stick up his ass?"

Giles chuckled. "The stick would have had to make room for his head. He had all the teaching in the world. But thanks to certain things in his past, he didn’t know how to be a man. From all accounts he learnt to be one, but you, you know that already." Giles smiled at him. "Son, I sent you here because I believe in you. Do me the courtesy of believing in yourself."

"Okay," Xander looked down, too choked with emotion to speak.

"Of course that doesn’t mean you don’t have to send me the fortnightly reports."

"Phooey!"

* * *

"Want anything?" Faith queried as she opened the fridge. Seeing a packet of Andrew’s favourite Pop Tarts, she pulled them out, together with a soda can, X wouldn’t allow booze around the kid Slayers, and set them on the counter.

"N..no thank you."

Faith stood, opened the can and chugged half of it down before speaking to the red-haired Slayer. "So what’s the sitch? Got some question you need answering?" Faith perched on her stool. "Something about Slaying?"

"Not Slaying," Breena shook her head and reddened.

"Oh right," Faith hid a grin. "Guys, my other area of expertise. So, what’s his name?"

"No, no," Breena shook her head so violently that Faith half-thought it might fly off. Denial. Another sign of guilt. She had to want a guy. Or girl, Faith paled, maybe Breena’s hero-worship wasn’t that, it was a crush. Oh crap, as if life wasn’t complicated enough. "It’s not me. It’s you. I think you should be dating someone."

Faith chuckled, amused and relieved by the kid’s interest in her love life. "Sorry, kid. I’m kinda lone wolf. ‘Sides," she shrugged, "it’s not like this life lends itself to dating." She’d got the urge to get some and get gone occasionally over the past few months but had avoided temptation. That was old, bad Faith who thought she wasn’t worth shit.

"I’ve got the perfect person!" Breena bounced up and down on the spot, face shining
"Xander!"

Faith gaped at the kid. "You’re joking right?" she shook her head. "Me and Harris, don’t think so."

"Oh no," Faith groaned at the dreamy look in the red-haired Slayer’s eyes. Fuck, she was planning the wedding. "You’d be perfect, he’s so kind, funny, and brave."

"Kid," Faith shook her head. "I ‘ppreciate the thought but -."

"And he understands about Slaying and everything." Breena interrupted. "He’s such a gentleman, I bet he knows how to treat a girl. You’d make the perfect couple."

Faith’s temper snapped. "Perfect couple?" Faith lifted her hands up. "See these hands, kid? These hands you want me to hold him with? Once I had them ‘round his neck squeezing, even as I told him what a worthless piece of shit he was!" Faith’s voice trembled. "Perfect couple!" she laughed, the sound discordant even to her own ears. "Life ain’t a Harlequin story book, kid. I’m lucky he’ll even look at me after what I put him through."

The freckled Slayer paled and shook her head. "Faith-."

"Kid," Faith growled. "Just don’t," she paused at the sound of scratching at the outside door. She glanced out of the window. Rising, she snatched a carving knife out of the near-by knife-stand and made her way towards the door. If it was a demon, she’d decapitate the shit, a crim looking to score some stuff to get his next fix, she’d stick it in his thigh and twist.

"What-."

Faith impatiently waved her companion to silence as she flung the door open. "Yo!" she gaped as a naked man fell into her arms. A naked, very good looking man. A naked, very good looking man who she recognised. The blood drained from her face as she stuttered the man’s name. "A……..Angel?"

A\N: I don’t agree with Xander’s opinions on Angel expressed here. Direct any criticism at Xander not me. His opinion on Spike however….

Xander skidded to a stop as he entered the kitchen, eyes widening as he saw the man cradled in Faith’s arms, the Slayer knelt on the ground, beside him. "A…Angel," he stuttered. "How in the hell? Where in the hell?"

Hearing the sound of the other Slayers crashing through the door behind him, obviously drawn by the commotion, he gathered himself and spoke, his tone carefully neutral. "Faith, move away from the naked vampire."

"Vamp-."

"Shut up, Penda," he ordered, his voice terse. "Faith."

"It ain’t a vampire," Faith looked up at him, eyes dazed over, "it’s Angel."

Who also happened to be one of the dimension’s most dangerous demons. Why was it that only he got that? Resisting the temptation to headbutt something, he spoke again, his tone firming further. "Faith-."

"Dad!"

Oh crap. "Dana! Hold him back!" He winced at the sound of something, probably Connor, slamming into the wall behind him before turning his attention back to Faith. "Listen Faith, we don’t know just where he’s been for the past few weeks. If that is Angel or Angelus. Just come here."

"But he’s scared."

Xander counted to ten. Not as scared as he was right at this moment, only the laundry man would ever know just how scared he was. Why was he the one who always ended up the bad guy? "Faith," he growled. "Just for once, do as I ask."

"Oh wow." Xander groaned as Andrew entered the room. Great, a complicated situation made worse. "A naked man on the kitchen floor. As he just teleported in? Or were he and Faith-," the de facto housekeeper gulped at Faith’s volcanic glare. "Never mind."

Grabbing the table cloth off the table, he threw it to Faith. "Cover him with that and come here." Xander scowled when Faith pulled the sheet over the trembling man but stayed where she was. "Damn it, Faith," he pleaded. "You’re part of my team, work with me, please."

Faith looked at him, eyes suspicious. "I won’t let you hurt him."

"Let’s just work out who he is exactly before coming to any decisions, okay?" After a second, the Slayer nodded reluctantly before standing and stalking over to his side. Xander let out a breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. "Thank you. Amy," not shifting his eyes from the man laid on the floor, he continued, "can you sense if he has a soul?"

"Give me a minute, I’ll have to cast a spell." There was a pause. "Xander, if he doesn’t, I haven’t the power to put one in him. That takes a coven or a major player, it’s out of my league."

Xander winced. There were some days he wondered why he bothered to get out of bed. Had he kicked a dozen black cats or something? "Okay."

For several minutes there was a strained silence. "He’s got one."

Again, Xander let out a long rattling breath. "Right," even as he took a second to collect his thoughts, Faith rushed back over to the vampire, kneeling back down beside him. "Dana, stay with Connor. Bree, you and the rest of the Slayers take Deadboy up to my room, get him a shirt and some jeans. But stay together and be careful. Then, bring him to my office. Amy, can you do a truth spell?"

"I can do one that tells if someone’s lying but not one to compel them to tell the truth."

"Good enough," Xander nodded. "Set one up in my office. What’s everyone waiting for? Get this show on the move."

"X, I can take him on my ow-."

"Just do it!" he snarled before glaring at the suddenly paling Bostonian. "You and Buff might instantly drop to your knees and worship at the altar of Angel, but I want proof before I let him roam around here unescorted! I’ve got others other than just you and Connor to think of!"

Faith stared at him, eyes dazed. "Uh, sure X."

* * *

Faith couldn’t stop from staring at her mentor as she guided him down the corridor leading to X’s room, her stomach churning, a veritable maelstrom of conflicting emotions. She’d only just begun to come to terms with Angel’s death, and here he was, back again. But her glee was tempered by two very important questions. How? Why?

And then there was Xander.

X was great with the younger Slayers; he really was. Patient, kind, encouraging, kinda reminding her of Alice. Ignoring the tightening in her chest at the thought of her Watcher, Faith shoved Xan’s door open. "In here, big guy," she softly coaxed as she herded her mentor into Xander’s room.

But with her, it was a different story. He didn’t treat her bad or anything, he was polite, respectful, but she wasn’t one of ‘X’s girls’ like the others, and she surprised herself by wanting to be. She hoped the different treatment was because of her greater experience or status as senior Slayer, but maybe it was because of the past.

Still, he’d taken her in when he didn’t have to, and that meant something. Over the past few months she’d grown to like the guy, a hell of a lot actually, and it just tore at her to see his suspicion of Angel. The two could be friends if only they’d give one another a chance.

"Faith?"

Surprised, she glanced down at the man sat on the edge of the bed, relieved to see some coherence returning to her hero’s eyes. "That’s right, Angel," she agreed. Ignoring the thousand questions bubbling up inside of her, she turned to the others. "Get some stuff out of the wardrobe why don’t you?" She comforted herself with the thought she’d have some answers soon.

She just hoped she’d like them.

* * *

"We’re ready."

Xander nodded at Faith’s soft declaration, watching as the senior Slayer led the vampire to the chair at the opposite side of the desk before retreating to join the others stood against his office’s walls. At any other time, the sight of Angel dressed in khaki trousers and an ill-fitting Hawaiian shirt would have been funny, but right now Xander was struggling to find the humour in the moment. But at least Angel looked more with it than before. "Angel."

The vampire stared at him for a taut second before replying. "Xander."

"We’d heard news you were deceased," Xander stopped for a second, realising how ridiculous it was to talk about a deceased vampire, "well deader than you were before anyhow?"

Angel smiled slightly at his clumsy phrasing. "What exactly do you know?"

It was Connor who spoke. "That you, Illyria, Wes, Gunn, and Spike were going to take on the Circle of the Black Thorn."

"Wes," pain flickered in the vampire’s eyes, "died before we got to the last battle. He took one of their major players with him though. The other four of us met up with the Black Thorn. We beat them off, but everyone bar me and Spike died. Then he staked me."

"Say what!" Faith exploded. "I thought he was supposed to be good?"

Despite the gravity of the situation, Xander couldn’t resist a chuckle. "Good?" he shook his head. "Treachery is Spike’s stock in trade."

Andrew sniffed. "Spike would never betray anyone."

"Get your head out from up his ass, Andy," Xander retorted. "Once, when he was working with Angelus, he betrayed him to Buffy-."

"I remember B telling me that he did that to save the world," Faith objected.

"Nah, he said he was doing that to get Buff’s help. But think about this," Xander glanced at Faith, surprised at how intently she appeared to be listening, "a few months earlier he’d tried to resurrect the Judge, a demon that would have caused Armageddon. He was more than willing to wipe out mankind when it suited him."

"So why did he help?" Andrew’s demand came out as a squeak.

Xander looked towards Angel. "Because of him. With alpha vampire back, he wasn’t getting any from Drusilla. He knew Angelus was his superior and couldn’t take him down himself, so he figured he’d get Buff to do the job for him, and grab Dru at the same time."

"Buffy didn’t think so."

Xander raised an eyebrow at Andrew’s comment. "Buffy was too trusting. And it was far from the only time he betrayed us. Even after we’d taken his chipped ass in, he betrayed us to a demonic cyborg." He glanced at Andrew. "Which was another end of the world, apparently they’re cool as long as he’s not helping Deadboy."

"Ach," Breena commented, "you had the weirdest adolescence."

"You wanted to try living it," Xander commented dryly before glancing towards Angel. "For a staked vampire you’re looking pale, but surprisingly whole."

"I get by," Angel retorted before continuing. "I exploded into dust. Then reformed behind my grand-childe," Angel’s smile reminded Xander of a cold Sunnydale hospital corridor, "and chopped his head off."

"Spike would never act so dishonourably!"

"Andrew," Xander felt the beginnings of a headache. "Stop being a rampant fan-boy and either shut up or get out." He was gratified when the cook’s mouth clamped shut. He decided he’d have to have a long talk with Andrew, it was either a shut up and smell the coffee situation or get his ass out of here, his Spike worship was a bad influence on a bunch of impressionable young girls. Returning his attention to the vampire, he continued. "I am kinda of interested as to why he did it though?"

"Apparently he’d signed a pre-contract with W&H. He got rid of me, he got his humanity back."

"Ah, self-interest. Always the same with good old Spike," Xander nodded.

"I don’t know X," Faith’s tone was nervous, either his put-downs of Andrew or the gravity of the situation getting to the usually unflappable Slayer. "B told me about the time Spike let that Glory torture him rather than give up Dawn."

"How did she sound?"

"Wicked impress-," understanding flickered in Faith’s eyes. "Fuck, even by the standards of most the guys I’ve know," Faith shook her head. "What a piece of work."

"Amen to that," Xander nodded. "If he’d have given up Dawn, either Glory would have killed him anyway or Buff would have done the need. His only option was hold on and hope Buff rescued him. And it gave him leverage with her."

"Why didn’t you say anything to her?" Faith pressed.

Xander shrugged. "It worked so well when I pointed out the holes in her relationship with Deadboy-."

"Hey!" Angel protested. "Still here."

Yeah, Xander silently mused, he had been trying to forget that. "So, how did you find out all this? And how did you come back from being staked? I heard that usually sticks for vampires."

"Yeah," Angel looked faintly bemused. "Once I’d beheaded Spike I was hit by a flashing light and I was with the Powers That Be-."

"Oh crap," Xander muttered. Shaking his head, he raised his voice. "Oh I just bet this is a doozy, go on."

"They told me about Spike and said I had a choice. I could either take my chance with judgement or I could have another chance to achieve my Sanshu-."

"Sorry, Sanshu?" Xander queried, the faint call of recollection tugging at his consciousness. "I’ve heard the word somewhere?"

"My first year in LA., I stole Prophecies of Aberjian from the W&H offices-."

"If you’d just waited a few years you wouldn’t have needed to," Xander muttered.

Angel’s eyes narrowed but otherwise he gave no hint of hearing Xander’s dig at him. "Wes translated them, and they said that one day the vampire with a soul would gain redemption and with it his humanity-."

"WHAT! WHY DID YOU NEVER TELL ME!"

Xander winced at Faith’s screech. Angel swallowed. "It didn’t seem fair, talking about getting a second chance. What with you-."

"Getting old and wrinkly in prison," Faith nodded, "I guess." Xander glanced at Faith giving her a thorough inspection. Nope, no wrinkles that he could see. Although he’d have to give her a closer -. "You finishing perving X?"

Xander blinked, realising that Faith was smirking at him. "I was just thinking your anti-wrinkle cream does wonders." Deciding waiting for Faith to work out if his remark was an insult or compliment was the height of stupidity, he turned back to Angel. "And you decided you had unfinished business?"

Angel glanced towards Connor. "There were people I didn’t want to leave behind."

"Uh, uh," Xander glanced to Amy. "Well?" The witch nodded. Xander groaned, so a simple staking was out of the question. "Everyone out, me and Deadboy have some things to talk about."

* * *

A long minute passed after Connor, Faith, and the others left, closing the door behind them. Finally Xander spoke. "I’m not Giles."

Angel blinked, confused by Harris’ oblique comment. "The lack of tweed sort of gave that away," he joked in a feeble attempt to hide his puzzlement.

Xander didn’t crack a grin or even a half-smile, instead just continuing to stare through him with an intensity a laser would have been proud of. Just as he was about to speak again, the young Watcher spoke. "How old were you when you were turned?"

Again, Angel was confused. "What’s that got to do with anything?"

"Just answer the question," came the stoic reply.

"Twenty-six." From being uncomfortable under the younger man’s stare, he began to grow irritated.

"Twenty-six, Buffy was fifteen." Angel shifted uncomfortably as he realised where this conversation going. "The way I see it, there’s a paper-width’s of difference between you and Spike. You were both predators stalking a vulnerable girl, the only difference is at least you didn’t try and rape her."

"Now hold on!" Angel growled, his temper

It was as if he hadn’t spoken. "I don’t know why Giles let it happen. Maybe it was because he didn’t think it was his place to interfere. Maybe he didn’t want to strain relationships between himself and his Slayer. Maybe he thought you were an useful ally. I don’t know. The Watcher Journals that Wes sent to the Council before his death said you’d changed, I don’t know if that’s true either. I just know that you even look at one of the younger girls, and I’ll have so many Slayers swarming on you, you’ll wish you were back in hell."

Angel’s temper erupted. "What the hell!"

It was as if he hadn’t spoken. "You want to make a run at Faith, Amy, Kate, they’re all over 18, that’s their lookout and your business, but I won’t make Giles’ mistake, stay away from the underage girls."

"Saving them for yourself?"

The instantly regretted cheap shot did get a reaction, just a slight one, Xander’s left cheek twitching. "Don’t judge everyone on your standards. The only reason you’re here is because my senior Slayer thinks the sun shines out of your ass. But get this, you’re part of a team, not some Dark Avenger-."

"You’re still jealous that I got Buffy and you didn’t?"

Xander chuckled and shook his head. "Hell no. I’ve given up on that horse years ago, Buffy likes her men like you, Spike, and the Immortal. I’ve no intention of becoming anything like you, not even for her. I love her, but I’m no longer in love with her. That died the day I found out she’d been hiding you after your return from hell. No," the younger man shook his head again. "I try and keep my distance from Buffy these days. She doesn’t want my help and I can’t stand to see her debase herself any more. I won’t let you hurt any of my girls the way you hurt her, now get out."

"Xander," Angel tried for a conciliatory tone. "I realise I made mistakes -."

"Then don’t make them again," suddenly the young man looked weary beyond measure, "just go Angel."

* * *

"Now where did I put that bottle of wine?" Solomon Emory shifted through his drawers, searching for the drink his wife had requested he bring home with him.

"Sir!"

Solomon Emory looked up, irritated that his search had been interrupted. "Yes, Lois?"

His secretary paled at his icy tone. Or perhaps she’d been pale before he spoke, he wasn’t sure, he never paid much attention to the menials. "W…we’ve h..had a c..call f..from-."

"Oh spit it out woman!" he thundered.

"Surveillance has spotted the vampire Angel at the Cleveland Watchers’ residence!"

"Um," Solomon bit his bottom lip, gnawing anxiously on it. This was a most worrying and unexpected development. After a moment collecting his thoughts, he turned to his pale-faced personal assistant. "Get me everything Records has on Angel," the office worker turned and headed for the door, "oh, and ring my wife, tell her I’ll be late home tonight."

"Yes, sir."

* * *

Gellert smiled as he sensed one of his children approaching. Rising, he walked to the entrance to his underground cavern and waited. Sophos rushed around the corner, his childe walk looking somehow unhurried despite the speeds he was reaching, his boots rapping against the stone underfoot. "It’s arrived Mi’Lord!" the former Greek nobleman exclaimed.

"How much?"

"$ 75,000 for 100 ml!" his childe said.

Gellert nodded. "That’s what, 10 normal doses?"

"Yes mi’lord."

His smile broadened. "Most satisfactory," he muttered. The Slayer bitch would pay horribly for daring to slay his favoured childe. An eternity of screaming hell was most satisfactory indeed.

"See you tomorrow guys," Kate rose from the lounge sofa.

She was unsurprised when Xander stood. "There’s always a spare room if you want to stay over. Only it’s late," the young Watcher offered.

"Thanks," she smiled at the Californian male, as charmed as always by his clumsy politeness. And it didn’t hurt watching Faith’s hackles rise whenever Xander was nice to her. "But I’ve got an early start in the morning, I need to get some reports finished."

"Okay," Xander nodded. "Well see you."

"Bye everyone," she smiled at a couple of the younger Slayers’ waves before heading out of the room and walking out of the front door.

"Hey, Kate, wait up!" Kate turned at the voice behind her, shaking her head at the vampire stood there. Angel chuckled. "When you look this good you expect open-mouthed admiration, first time it’s ever happened though."

Kate blinked. Angel making jokes? "Sorry," she shook her head. "It’s just seeing you here in one piece."

"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

"You’re quoting Mark Twain at me, now?"

"Ach, he’s not Irish, but he’ll do."

"Never seen you so happy before."

Angel’s smile widened. "You never really knew me Kate," the vampire admonished. "People helped me realise that to be more than just a demon who happened to be a soul I had to actually connect with people, be a part of groups."

Kate flushed as she remembered something. "I never thanked you for saving me that night, not properly."

Angel waved her thanks away. "I didn’t do it for thanks."

Kate craned her neck to look up at the big man. "No, but you didn’t do it to be thrown out five minutes afterwards."

"True enough," the demon nodded, "in that case in penance you can let me buy me a coffee?"

Kate stared at the demon for a second. "Okay, sure."

* * *

"Andrew," Andrew gulped as the kitchen door slammed behind the Cleveland Watcher, "we need to talk."

"Uh," Andrew hurriedly began scooping up the recipes he’d been going through, shoving the assorted pieces of paper back into the battered shoe box he used as their container. "I was just going to be-."

"Sit down." He swallowed at Xander’s tone and gulped before immediately obeying. "Thank you." After a second, his boss continued. "Andrew, I’ve got to talk about you and Spike," the Watcher shook his head, "reality check, Andrew. Spike was only out for himself."

"If that’s true why did he stay with you all during the Summer Of Despair!" he protested.

"The Summ-," Xander nodded. "Oh, you mean when Buff died. My guess, if he couldn’t have the Slayer, he’d groom her sister. Or he was depending on us for food. One of the two."

"If you thought that why didn’t you kick him out?"

"I was busy holding the rest of the group together, if we’d ever got ourselves straight enough I was intending to call in some favours, get Riley to see about getting Faith released to take Buff’s place or preferably provide a military presence on the Hellmouth and stake Spike. And what choice did I have? We needed the muscle, and if there was one thing Spike loved it was a fight? But," Xander grimaced, guilt flickering in his eyes, "I let Willow convince to pull Buff back from the dead, I wasn’t strong enough."

"Even without a soul though, he helped you!"

Xander’s brow furrowed. "Helped us? He stalked Buffy, built a damn robot of Buffy to use as a sex-toy, betrayed us to ADAM, used her when she was emotionally damaged, and tried to rape her when she came back to her senses. How is that helping?"

Andrew shook his head. "He repented of his sins and went to get a soul for Buffy!"

"Sure Andrew," Xander rubbed at his forehead. "Leaving the soul issue aside, if he repented of his sins, did he ever apologise to anyone other than Buffy over the evil he’d done them?" Andrew opened his mouth to explain the mighty didn’t need to explain themselves to lesser beings. "No, because he was motivated by self interest." Andrew opened his mouth again. "You remember his leather jacket?"

"Oh yeah," Andrew nodded enthusiastically. "He looked so hot in that, I could almost fancy him."

"I’m sure," Xander rubbed at his forehead. "That coat belonged to Nikki Wood." Andrew stared blankly at the Watcher. "Robin’s mother, the Slayer, he took it off her cooling corpse." Andrew shuddered. "He still wore his trophy after he got his soul. He was proud of it. He was proud of everything he’d done."

"B…but-."

"It was all an act, Andrew. All he wanted was Buffy."

"He died for us all by wearing the amulet of doom!" Andrew defended his hero.

"Yeah, kinda wish that had stuck. Buffy gave him the amulet. If he hadn’t worn it, he wouldn’t have got any action. Buffy had no idea what it would do before she gave it to him, by the time it started working he didn’t have any choice in the matter," Xander sighed and stood. "The bottom line Andrew is this. You’ve got to stop acting like a Jas-Bar hill-troll." Andrew’s eyes filled with tears. How could Xander possibly compare him to the chronically stupid, foul-smelling followers of the demi-god, Spuffy, arch-demon of selfishness and arrogance? "I’m trying my best to bring these girls up well and I don’t need you warbling on about Spike. I don’t like Angel, but he seems to be on our side. Spike only had one side, his own. You don’t have to believe that. But if you keep on supporting him, you can get out."

"B..but this is my home."

"My house, my rules. This is the real world Andrew, people have to pay for the wrong they’ve done, and you glorifying Spike is just using him to hide your own screw-ups. Men stand up and face the wrong they’ve done, I’ve made mistakes, that’s why I’m here, trying to atone for them, you might want to think about atoning for Jonathan and Katrina." Andrew watched through teary eyes as Xander walked out.

* * *

Kate sipped at her steaming Mocha, glancing around the homely coffee house, filled with the differing flavours, the smells almost enough to give one a coffee high. "It’s nice in here."

Kate glanced at her companion. "It is," she agreed. After a lick of the lips, she asked the question that had been troubling her since Angel’s return. "What’s heaven like?"

Angel smiled wistfully. "Truth is I don’t know. All I remember is the details I told you all. My guess is a lower being like me isn’t able to cope with such memories without going insane."

"Oh right," disappointed at the answer, Kate took another sip before asking another question. "It must have been hard, making the decision to come back?"

"Not really," Angel shook his head. "There was Connor. And it would be a slap in the face to Wes and the others who gave their lives if I gave up a second chance, took the easier path."

Kate nodded. "I guess. It must be hard though, I mean Xander doesn’t like you much does he?"

"Is this an interrogation, Officer Lockley?" Angel chuckled before sobering. "No he doesn’t," the demon admitted. "Truth be told I can’t blame him."

"Why’s that?"

"We have a complicated history. You remember Buffy?" Kate grimaced and nodded, oh yeah, she remembered the obnoxious dwarf she’d briefly met the night she’d arrested Faith. "We both wanted her, he lost."

"He’s jealous of you? Still?" Kate couldn’t believe Xander would be that petty.

Angel grimaced. "I wish that was all of it. His best friend, I don’t know the details, never met the kid, was turned within hours of meeting Buffy. When he found out I was a vampire that was it. And," Angel sighed, "I was pretty in it just for Buffy guy back in Sunnydale. Xander saw that and didn’t like it."

"You’ve changed since then," she comforted. "You’ll just have to convince Xander of that."

"Well it’s not like I’m getting any older." Angel grinned for a second before turning serious. "You know Faith’s not a bad kid."

"Her rap sheet says different." Kate sighed at Angel’s penetrating gaze. "I know, I know, she’s saved the world, but she’s also killed innocents in cold blood. And with her power," Kate shook her head.

"She’s changed." Kate was unsurprised when Angel defended his protégée. "Things sure are complicated."

"And that’s without mentioning Connor, I was surprised you didn’t spend more time with him rather than coming after me."

"A beautiful woman or my son, tough call." Angel shook his head. "No, Dana and I have a history of sorts. She can remember everything that happened to Slayers that came before her," Kate’s eyes widened, "she can remember Angelus trying to kill Faith. And as Faith is her idol I figured it was best to give her time to get used to me."

"Are you going to try and take Xander’s place as leader?"

Angel smiled. "That’s the $ 64,000 question isn’t it?" Finally the demon shook his head. "No. That wouldn’t be right. Xander’s been made leader by Giles. And Giles is one of the two smartest men I’ve ever met, I’ll trust his decision," Angel chuckled. "Besides, there’s a number of Slayers who take turns killing me if I dare try usurp the mighty Xander."

Kate laughed. "He’s sure got a fan-club hasn’t he?"

"That he has."

* * *

"Yeah, Giles, I know," Xander winced as Giles swore again, words he’d never heard the Englishman or anyone use before. He’d have to take a note, some of them could come in handy. "I thought he was gone too. It’s not my fault, I didn’t ask for him here." Xander grimaced as he got another tirade of blue language in his ear. "Yeah, if I tell him to go, Connor and Faith will leave with him so I’m stuck. Yeah, I promise I’ll phone if he’s trouble. Thanks G-Man."

Xander shook his head as he hung up. Vampire clans, W&H, Angel, his talk with Andrew, this had to be his worse day eve-. He looked up at a knock on the door. "X," Xander groaned at the sultry Slayer’s husky voice, "can I come in?"

And apparently it still wasn’t over. Great, a lecture on the sanctity of Angel, he felt like he was sixteen again. Ah, the memories. "Sure."

"Thanks," a few immeasurably long seconds later and the door swung open. The clearly nervous Bostonian walked in, stopped, and looked expectantly at the chair. "You mind if?"

"Sure."

"Thanks," Faith sat down. Another long silence ensued. "Don’t make me chose between you and Angel, X."

"Why? I’ll lose," the old bitterness swelled up inside him. "I guess I should be used -."

"No," Faith interrupted with a shake of her head. "It’s ’cause if you do it’ll tear me apart." The east coast beauty looked him in the eye. "I ain’t had many good experiences with guys, you’se and Angel are the only two who’ve always tried to do the best for me, had my back. Most guys I’ve known have been one step up from Spike. I don’t wanna lose either of ya."

For a moment Xander was rocked by the pain and fear in Faith’s eyes. Finally he nodded. "Sure Faith, I can’t promise anything," Xander replied, "except to try."

"Thanks X," for a fleeting moment he thought the Slayer would leap across the table and hug him. Instead, she stood and backed towards the door. "He’s a good guy, if you just give him a chance." With that, the Slayer fled out of his office.

"Oh no," Xander looked around the empty office, "my life’s not complicated."

* * *

"Hey Connor," Angel shuffled from foot to foot as he observed his son. He always tried with Connor. At first he fancied he’d been a good father, but after Holtz had kidnapped him and his boy had returned as a teenager, things had never been quite the same. "How are things going?"

"Not bad," his son looked as uncomfortable as he did. But then it wasn’t often you had a parent return from the dead. Angel’s brow furrowed, although it probably happened to Connor more than mo-.

"Faith says I can trust you."

Angel glanced behind him, surprised that Dana could have gotten behind her. He was stunned just how beautiful the young Slayer was once cleaned up. "You can-."

"I saw you hurt her, beat her up," Dana continued over him, eyes hard.

Angel winced at you. "That wasn’t me-."

"Looked like you," Dana said flatly.

"Dana-," Connor put in, "that was Angelus not Angel."

The Slayer’s eyes didn’t shift from him. "Won’t let you hurt Faith or Mr. Harris," Angel resisted the urge to snigger at ‘Mr. Harris’, "they’re my friends. They look after me, give me a home." Dana glanced at Connor. "Won’t let you hurt him either."

"Look Dana, I’m not going to hurt anyone," Angel controlled his temper with the ease of decades’ practice, "you can see Faith’s memories, you can see me helping her too can’t you?"

"Only reason I haven’t staked you yet," Dana snapped.

Angel blinked. Well that was blunt.

* * *

"Can I come in?"

Faith took a breath. After a quick wipe of her sweaty palms on her jeans, she let out a shout. "Door’s always open to you Angel."

"Thanks," after a second, the door swung open and her idol walked in. "Hey."

"Hey," Faith nodded uncertainly. "Good to see you all non-ashy."

Angel’s smile had a stretched quality to it. "It was a close-run thing. But," her hero shrugged. "I managed it."

"Heaven, hell?" Faith chuckled. "You’re an indecisive bastard ain’t ya?"

"Not necessarily," Angel defended. "Just sorta fond of some people on this plane of existence."

"Yeah," reddening, Faith dropped her gaze to the carpet.

Crouching down, Angel cupped her face and lifted it up. "Never be embarrassed about someone caring for you, Faith," the demon chuckled. "After all, Dana certainly does. Told me in no uncertain terms what would happen to anyone who messed with Faith or ‘Mr. Harris’."

"Fuck!" Faith’s eyes widened. "Shit, Angel! I’m sorry!" she babbled. "I’ll talk to her!"

"It’s fine," Angel raised a hand, "she said it because she cares about you. And it’s no wonder, from all I’ve heard, you’ve done great with her."

"Had to help her," Faith shrugged. "It was a way of," she shrugged again, "of sort of paying you back, helping someone the way you helped me."

"There’s no debt Faith," Angel replied, "just friendship."

"Yeah," Faith searched desperately for a change of subject. "Well I’ll speak to her."

"Don’t," Angel smiled and shook his head. "She’s my new Gunn."

"Uh?"

"My safety net," Angel translated. "I once told Gunn I appreciated that I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to kill me if Angelus returned. She’s my safety net."

Faith stared at her best friend. "That ain’t gonna happen."

"I don’t intend to let it," Angel agreed before peering into her eyes. "You’re alright though? We haven’t spoken since…" For the first time Angel looked uncomfortable.

"Since I found Wood with his equipment inside some bitch?" Faith bitterly commented.

"He didn’t deserve you," Angel soothed.

"Thanks," Faith smiled. "I know, it hurt my pride more than anything else. Guy was a useless fuck anyhow."

"TMI, Faith," Angel shuddered. "Just because Wood turned out to be an asshole doesn’t mean you should give up having a proper relationship."

"You offering?" Faith licked her lips and arched a suggestive eyebrow only to laugh at Angel’s rare flustered expression. "Sorry, couldn’t resist."

Angel glared at her. "And how are things here? You settling alright?"

Faith shrugged. "Xander runs a tight ship, he’s real good with the kids, we’re well equipped, Andy and Ams handle the research. We’re cool."

"I didn’t ask about everyone else," Angel fixed her with a level gaze. "I asked about you. There seemed some tension between you and Xander before."

Damn his vampire eyes, Faith mused, he saw everything. "He’s still a little gun-shy of me. The others, they’re his gang, I’m just someone who hangs around with them."

Angel’s eyes went scary intense. "He doesn’t say or do anything to you?"

"No, no, no," Faith really didn’t need to see Angel getting pounded by her Watcher’s groupies. "It’s just there’s like a wall there that isn’t with the others." Faith shrugged. "Can’t blame him really. He tries, we both do."

"I’ll have a word with him."

"Fuck no!" Faith exclaimed. "It’d be like I was a kid running to my mommy for help. ‘Sides, when you," Faith shook her head, "when you died he pulled me back from going all self-destructive again."

Angel blinked. "He did?" then her mentor shook his head. "That’s irrelevant. Faith, you can’t react like that to loss, you’ve got to think of the damage you can do to yourself or others. Sides," the demon quirked a half-smile, "much as I appreciate the sentiment, you’ve got others who care about and depend on you. That little fireball my son’s dating for one."

"I know," she nodded. "It was just the shock and everything."

"Okay," Angel turned to the door. "But aside from some tension with Xander, everything’s okay?"

"Five by five."

* * *

"Trying a bolo punch might look fancy in the ring, but on the street it’ll get you killed."

Angel hid a grin when Xander stumbled at his voice. The younger man turned towards him, remaining eye wary. "Deadboy."

Angel chose to ignore his irritation at the all too familiar nickname. "Didn’t know you boxed," he commented.

"I didn’t," turning back to the bag, the youth slammed an useful looking left hook into it. "At least not when you were in town." The young Watcher peppered the bag with left jabs. "I started the summer you left."

"Oh," Xander’s eye widened when he went around the back of the bag and grabbed it, supporting it against the younger man’s punches. "You know I was at the Ketchel-Johnson fight in 1909."

Xander stopped and looked at him. "The what?"

"Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion, Stanley Ketchel, the world’s middleweight champion, known as ‘The Michigan Assassin’." Seeing Xander’ blank look, he shook his head. "Your education is sadly lacking."

An almost-grin tugged at Xander’s mouth. "You sound like my third, forth, fifth, well you get the idea, grade teachers."

"Why am I not surprised?" He grunted when the one-eyed man dug a left hook into the bag, denting it. "So who’s the bag meant to be?" he asked an overhead right pounded into the target. "Me?"

"Think," a two left jab and right body shot combo slammed home, "a lot," after a bob and weave the Watcher slammed a left hook into the bag, "don’t you?" A quick side shuffle to the right and another jab powered into the bag. "No," by now the Watcher was perspiring heavily, "Andrew. Sometimes," the youth dropped into a crab before firing right and left body shots off, "I wonder if he lives in the real world."

"That was my first thought upon meeting him," Angel concurred before swallowing. "I’m not here to tell you what to do, Xander," he grunted when a furious right hook threatened to tear the bag from his grip, "I just want to help. I’ve changed."

"So Faith tells me," suddenly Xander stepped back and unleashed a hard right cross before dropping his arms.

"She thinks a lot of you," Angel commented carefully.

"Huh, huh," Xander looked less than convinced.

Deciding not to push that issue just yet, he returned to the subject in hand. "You throw a mean punch Xander, good combos too. Train often?"

"I used to work out at a gym in town, but when Faith found out," Xander scowled. "She insisted I trained here as part of the team."

"Makes sense."

"I know," Xander shrugged. "But I liked having something that wasn’t here. Something private."

"I can understand that," Angel paused as an idea struck. "Faith said you have DVD nights once a fortnight where the whole team watch a couple of DVDs, eat popcorn and stuff?"

"I figure it’s bonding time, although I really hate it when one of the girls’ picks teen coms." Angel stared at the young man, eyebrow raised. Xander flushed. "Okay, well the cheerleaders are cool."

Angel chuckled before shaking his head. "Your perversion apart it’s a good idea. Like I said, I’m a fight fan, maybe I could get some DVDs on boxing, show you more of the history of the sport?"

Xander stared at him for a second before nodding. "Next one’s on Thursday."

"Great," Angel smiled. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

Faith couldn’t help but grin as she dressed, dragging on her black spandex shorts and matching cotton crop top. Angel was ali-, well here anyway. Her mentor was still in one piece. Grabbing her MP3 player, she hurried down to the basement, careful to keep quiet as it was still the early hours of the morning, but she was so hyped, she had to work out to burn off some of the energy.

Opening the gym door, she stopped dead in surprise at the sight that greeted her. "Andy, what the hell are ya doing?" Realising the youth’s face was purpling; she ran over and one-hand grabbed the wobbling barbell from the boy laid on the bench, placing it back in the stand. "Damn, Andy," she exclaimed, "I ain’t never seen you in the gym before!"

After a few seconds gulping in air, the teen answered. "Yesterday, Xander talked to me," Faith hid a wince, knowing X’s temper that wouldn’t have been pretty. "And I decided I have to walk down the path of redemption rather than be a dreamer."

Faith took a second to translate that. And failed miserably. "Uh?"

"I’ve decided," the youth stood, puffing out his pigeon chest, "that I need to be an active Watcher, assisting the defenceless against the evils of the night."

"Whoa!" Faith exclaimed. She comes down for a training session and what does she end up doing? Career counselling? "Why you decide that?" Andrew looked shame-faced and dropped his gaze to the floor. "Andy?"

"He made me realise that I’ve been hiding behind Warren and Spike, pretending everything I did when I as Buffy’s nemesis didn’t matter."

Faith sighed. She could see this was gonna take some time. "Andy, sit down." After a moment the housekeeper obeyed. "Evil can be wicked seductive. When I was in England I read the file on you," Andy winced. "About you looking up to Warren and Spike. Being accepted when you’ve never had anything to belong to is wicked cool. When I was with the Mayor, I didn’t give a shit about anything, just as long as he wanted me. I’d do anything to keep him happy, kill, steal, whatever. But someday," she took a breath, "you’ve gotta realise that it doesn’t matter how many friends you have saying you’re cool, you gotta be able to look yourself in the mirror, know that you’re a good person." Faith smirked as inspiration hit. "You need someone to act like your role-model. Angel, he’s looking for redemption like you. Or Xander, I mean he’s been fighting demons for years, but he’s just a normal dude like you."

"You," Andrew looked down at the ground.

"Uh?" Faith blinked.

"You, you went bad for the same reason I did, looking for someone to belong to. Besides," the young man reddened, "Angel and Xander scare me."

And she didn’t? Faith blinked, where was she going wrong? First Dana, now this kid, she was turning into freakin’ St Jude! Ah shit, she groaned inwardly at Andrew’s hopeful gaze before comforting herself with the thought at least this was one guy she didn’t have to worry about perving on her. "Okay," she stood. "But before you go out in the field, you’ll have to be fit. Let’s start with some crunches."

"Okay," Andrew’s beaming smile dropped, "uh, what are they?"

Faith groaned. This was definitely gonna take time.

* * *

"Mi’Lord!" Geir rushed into the cavernous "Our sources tell us the traitor Angel has been working with the Slayer team for the last few days."

"Um," Gellert gnawed down on his bottom lip in thought at this development. "He is of no consequence," he shook his head at Gier’s opening mouth. "No, Geir, you, Sophos, and of course I, are all more than twice Angel’s age, he is no match for any of us, and that is without taking into account the Croc Dal’s many minions. He is just an inconvenience, nothing more, nothing less. We go on as planned."

* * *

Gier stared at his master, the sight of his creator as always filling him with awe. His sire was a hulking six and a half feet tall, towering over even him with massively broad shoulders, thick chest, and tree trunk limbs. Many centuries had turned his Sire’s feet into claws and his hands into paws. His face had also been changed by the demonic presence within him, just a few wisps of hair remained on top of his head while his face now resembled a pig’s with his ruddy complex and snout-like nose, and his ears hung down, resembling a bat’s.

Realising his master was waiting impatiently for an answer, Gier dropped to one knee. "It will be as you wish, sire."

His sire’s face stretched into a warped smile. "But of course."

* * *

Faith busied herself making a sandwich, mind filled with planning schedules for the kiddie Slayers. She sighed as she also realised she’d have to put up with Andrew following her around asking for tips. She shuddered as a horrifying thought occurred. "Fuck," she muttered, "I hope he doesn’t ask me to feel his biceps. Not even I can lie that good."

She turned at the sound of the door opening. "I hear someone’s taken in Andrew as a special project. What are you," Xander smirked at her as he made his way to the fridge and pulled a soda can out, "the Slayer version of Mother Theresa?"

Faith opened her mouth to snap out a reply, but then realised for the first time she could remember, X had actually teased her like he’d tease one of the other Slayers. Like he wasn’t scared that she would react by beating his ass around the kitchen. Faith hid her elation behind a smirk. "But Xander," she licked her lips and purred even as she leered at the suddenly reddening man’s muscles, "if you’re jealous. I could take you in hand as a special project. Ummm," Faith tilted her head to one side, laughing to herself as the man backed towards the outside door, "what could I give you lessons in?" She laughed throatily as Harris bolted out of the back door. "Yeah," she smirked. "Still got it."

* * *

"Captain," Kate knocked on her Captain’s office before hurrying in. "Have you seen this report of vagrants turning up dead in the Clement Hills?"

"The coroner’s at a loss why they die," the portly police officer shrugged. "But hey, living on the street and in that area? We can only do so much Kate."

Masking her distaste at her boss’ casual discarding of human life, Kate nodded. This was definitely something that Xander and the others should look in.

* * *

Angel grimaced as Xander finished briefing him. Wolfram & Hart being here was a crushing blow after all he and his friends had gone through. But the Croc Dal? Angelus remembered Darla telling him about Gellert, the only vampire the Master himself feared. And anyone the Master feared was someone you did well to avoid. Very well. Swallowing his trepidation, he spoke. "Sounds like you’ve got quite a situation here."

"And you’re going to offer me your services as leader, fly in and save the day, that’s it?" Xander’s solitary eye hardened.

"No, no," he raised his hands placatingly. "I’m just here to help," he assured his former love rival. Besides, any coup would be swiftly followed by his beheading by Dana judging from the smouldering looks the previously insane Slayer gave him at any opportunity. "Offer my expertise." Xander stared at him, gaze sceptical. Which was the kid’s problem, he might have to work with him, but he wasn’t going to bay-sit him. "Look Xander, I’ve more experience of W&H than you."

"Well, yeah," Xander continued to stare at him. "You did sort of head their LA. branch for a year."

It was an effort but he ignored the boy’s baiting. After all, someone had to be the adult here and Harris wasn’t qualified. "And I spent five years fighting them too -."

He looked up gratefully at a knock at the door. Xander continued his stare for a second longer before calling out. "Who is it?"

"Kate."

"Door’s open."

"Thanks," the door swung open and the blonde cop hurried in, stopping slightly when she sensed the atmosphere between them. "Xander. Angel. I’ve got a report that you guys might be interested in." The former LA. law officer glanced from him to Xander as if confused which one of them to pass the papers in her arm to.

A fact that Xander also noticed. "I’ll take them thanks, Kate," the Watcher said, his voice laden with irritation.

"Sure," the cop quickly passed the folder over to Xander before sitting down in the seat beside Angel.

"Thanks," the youth opened the folder and began reading, forehead furrowing in concentration. "Nine dead in less than a week, that’s sloppy."

"Can I have a look?" Angel queried. After a couple more minutes, Harris nodded and slid the folder over the desk to him. "Thanks," he nodded at the Watcher before opening the folder and starting to read. His heart skipped a beat at what he found. "Oh no."

"Deadboy what is it?"

He waved Xander’s anxious query away, searching for the coroner’s reports. What he found confirmed his worst suspicions. "These people, they have to go down hard and fast."

"What is it Angel?"

He glanced towards the cop. "We need the others here for this." Seeing Xander’s mouth open, he shook his head. "Trust me Xander, Faith needs to hear this with everyone else."

Xander stared at him for a second. "Okay."

* * *

"What’s the sitch?" Faith queried as she strode into the meeting room, noting everyone was there and that Angel had an usually serious expression, even by his standards, on his face.

In answer, the vampire licked his lips. "I think Kate’s discovered an Orpheus den."

Faith’s stomach hollowed. Sucking her cheeks in, she made her way to the nearest chair, and collapsed in it. "Faith," she looked up to see Xander peering at her, "are you alright?"

After a second, she took a rattling breath and nodded. "Yeah." Fuck, the memories hit like a truck. She turned to Angel. "How sure?"

"Look Angel," Xander’s tone was verging on pissed, "I’ve done as you asked, waited until everyone was here. But now I want some answers."

Angel stared at her for a half second longer before looking towards her Watcher. "When I was Angelus in ’03, Faith injected herself with Orpheus, a mystical drug that vampires pay for and then feed off the junkies for the high. She let me feed off her and I fell into a coma on account of the fact she’d o’d-."

"You’re not serious!" Xander exploded, his face hard, harder than she’d ever seen it. "Who’s stupid idea was that?"

Faith groaned at the rage in Harris’ eye. Fuck, any excuse to hate Angel. Why couldn’t X just let go of the past. "Uh, that would be mine."

Xander glared at her only to sigh at her pleading look. It was Angel, the only man who’d ever done right by her, at the time she hadn’t had the cool home, a decent Watcher, and friends like she did right now, all she’d had was him. "Fine." Xander turned his look on Angel. Faith was half-surprised when the Irish Vampire didn’t burst into dust on the spot. "And this has relevance how?"

"In my year in charge of W&H, Wes and Gunn took down a group running Orpheus through the demon bars of the west coast. The first clue we got of their activities was a number of deaths in the runaway community, deaths with much the same symptoms and in the same age range of the girls reported here."

"Faith could have died?" Xander looked inches from launching across the desk at Angel.

Angel shifted uneasily in his seat, probably confident in his ability to take X down, but he’d be fucked if the girls swarmed over him. "It’s a possibility with Orpheus."

Seeing X’s face harden still further and his fists clench, Faith spoke. "My choice X," she said softly. "I rolled the dice."

"Fine," Xander let out a heavy sigh. "So you’re figuring a demon bar in this area?" Angel nodded. "We’ll hit it tonight."

* * *

"Five guards on the front door, two on the back, and there’s a skylight on the roof leading into the second floor gambling rooms.

Xander managed not to start when the demon melted out of the shadows to his right, sensing a reaction was just what the demon was angling for. After a second, he nodded at Angel’s scouting report. "Lighting?"

"Good."

Xander nodded again. That cut down on the chance of friendly fire in cramped conditions, made things simpler. "Right, Angel, you take Connor and Dana, come in through the skylight, Faith, you take Breen and Penda take the back. The rest of you are with me. We hit in," he glanced at the illuminated dial on his watch, "five minutes. And scorched earth people, if it’s demonic and in there," he nodded towards the building across the road, 80s power ballads blaring out of it, "it’s evil."

* * *

Faith grinned as she felt her heart begin to race, her mouth dry, and palms sweat. She lived for moments like this. Hearing the beep of her watch, she quickly unfastened the top two buttons of her blouse, pulled it out of her jeans and tied the bottom into a knot, revealing several inches of taut stomach. That accomplished, she grinned at her team-mates. "Watch a master at work, but don’t forget your parts."

"We won’t," Breena promised before darting up the back fire escape, hotly pursued by Penda.

Faith swayed her way down the back of the alley, towards the paint-flaked door and the two hulks flanking it. As expected, the vampires were mesmerised by her attire. Faith hid a grin, demon or human, men were all the same. "Yo!" she slurred her speech before slumping against the wall opposite, using the shadows offered to discreetly draw her stake. "W..where’z Marcuzz?"

The two thugs exchanged amused glances. "We don’t know any Marcus, babe," replied the bigger of the two, a chrome-domed black dude with the height of a basketball player and the build of a WWE wrestler. "But we could get you in. You do us a favour, we do you one?"

Faith saw two figures move into position on the landing above the vamps. All she had to do was get the vamps into position. She stepped out of the shadows, leaning slightly forward to give the duo of demons a look at her goods. "A favourz?" she giggled drunkenly. "What do ya wantz?"

The demons exchanged grins before stepping forward. "Well-."

Faith’s fellow Slayers leapt off the gantry above the oblivious demons, landing on their backs and knocking them stumbling forward to Faith who smoothly staked them both in quick succession. "Like taking candy from a baby," she smirked before nodding at her companions. "Ya did good kids, bet Harris never showed ya that play before," her smirk widened as she re-fastened her shirt, "for a shit-load of reasons."

Turning her attention to the door, she swaggered up to it, raised her right leg up into her chest and kicked out. Her heel smashed into the door, splintering wood, and sending the door crashing open. Faith stepped back when the music blasting from the place hit her with an almost physical force. "Are you alright?"

Forcing down her trepidation at entering an Orpheus den, she nodded at Breena’s question. "Sure, just jived. Let’s go kick some demon ass!"

Entering the club, she found that the back of the club was a maze of corridors and depressing, fluorescent-light lit rooms, consisting only of a bed and shitload of hopelessness. Behind every door lurked a vampire or two, usually with some doped up girl, but for the grace of god went her, etc, etc. Although it hurt like hell, Faith decided to leave the junkies behind, reasoning that bringing them would only impede their asses in a fight, they could always pick them up afterwards.

Seeing her companions had the sitch well in hand in the room to her right, Faith kicked the door open and started in, noting the two vamps waiting there.

Suddenly a vampire dropped from a hole in the ceiling above and behind her, his feet catching her in the side even as she twisted and stabbed her stake home. The momentum of the blow still threw her forward, stumbling into the room.

Seeing the two vampires charging her, Faith allowed the momentum of the blow to carry her between them and to the far wall. Ignoring the pain that shot through her shoulder as it crashed into the stony wall, she used the extra split-second her strategy had gained her to right herself for the rapidly approaching attack.

Standing side-on to the vampire to her left, she shot out a heel kick at his face that he knocked away while she herself blocked a right from his companion on her forearm. Leaping into a backwards somersault, she pressed her feet on the wall behind her and sprang over the two demons, landing in a crouch behind them.

Even as the demons turned to face her, she leapt into the air again, catching the furthest away in a dropkick, staking the other as she sailed past him. Landing on top of the other, she smirked down at his stunned face before driving her weapon home. "Easy as-," her blood stilled as she sensed something, "what the fuck?" Looking up she saw a swarm of demons charging out of a secret passageway in the wall in front of her, followed by a vampire’s whose aura outstripped Kaktosis’ by some way. "Gellert."

The demon smiled at her croaked whisper. "Quite so, and you must be Faith." Gellert’s eyes hardened. "Take her."

Desperate fear surging through her veins, Faith powered into action. Leaping to her feet, she ignored her first impulse to retreat, realising she’d never get away and might even lead Bre and Pen into trouble, and charged to meet her rivals. The first vampire to reach her was dispatched with a stake to the heart, the second took a side kick to the balls and a staking through his doubled-up back, the third was still holding his nose from her headbutt when she staked him. The fourth managed to grab her around the neck from behind and although a stamp to his right shin, and a quick spin around staking took him out, Faith bit back fear as she looked around at the demons still swarming around her, realising that this wasn’t a night she was going to survive. Grunting at an elbow to the left side of her face, she twisted her upper torso to face her attacker, smoothly ducking under his follow-up haymaker even as she thrust her stake into his unbeating heart. "Damn it!" she cursed as a foot smashed into her lower back, knocking her blow off target. Before she had time to right herself, the demon in front of her grabbed her by her throat and threw her into the air.

"Ahh!" Faith grunted as she hit the wall behind her before slumping doubled-up against it. Shooting out a kick, she caught her attacker in the chest, knocking him back a step. Before she could pull her leg back, another vampire had hold of her ankle. Faith screamed when he kicked her full in the groin, pain blazing through her.

Eyes watering and stomach heaving, she slid down the wall to her knees. Seeing her attacker approach through blurred vision, she brought her stake back and flung it into his heart. "Gotcha you bastard," she croaked defiantly as she reached for her reserve stake.

And screamed when her wrist was grabbed and arm yanked, her disadvantageous position ensuring she had no leverage to fight back, her shoulder dislocating with a blood-curdling pop. Forcing herself to straighten, she drew back her uninjured arm to throw a punch only to fall on her face when she was caught by a clubbing punch to the back of her head.

Instantly she tried to rise only to be caught by a barrage of kicks from half a dozen pairs of booted feet. After about thirty seconds, Gellert boomed. "Enough! Bring her!" Faith’s tortured body shuddered in terror. She struggled feebly as she was lifted, the hands of her assailants pinching, torturing her already brutalised frame. But the pain was incidental next to the thought plaguing her. What did they have planned for her?

Return To Cleveland Calling