"Now, to complete the Ritual of Deverol, we need to-." A wave of dizziness hit Rack, tilting his world on its axis, dropping him onto one knee.

When he came round he saw Amy lying on her side, her eyes staring out into nothingness and drool running out of her open mouth. Strawberry, well she was on her knees, holding her stomach and whimpering. And, Rack felt a surge of panic, the magic, he couldn’t reach the magic. "What’s happ-."

Suddenly the front door splintered and swung inwards. Rack looked up as he heard a shout. "Grab the mages!" He opened his mouth to protest only to have it filled by a truncheon and his world turn black.

* * *

Clem’s saggy jowls tightened at the sight of the three jeering demons kicking the moaning woman. It wasn’t right, he hated bullies. He started across the road, he might not be a Slayer or anything, but he knew the difference between right and wrong. His eyes widened as he recognised the female’s leather pants. "Faith," he growled deep in his throat. He had to rescue her.

* * *

Xander surged forward, catching Giles as he pitched to the ground. He winced as his hands came away sticky from the blood leaking from the Englishman’s chest. Scooping the former librarian up in his arms he hurried towards his car. "Keep breathing G-Man," he pleaded, the Watcher’s crimson viscera staining his jacket. "I’ll get you to a hospital fast."

* * *

Dawn’s eyes burnt as she forced them to focus. Using the skills Faith had taught her over three years ago, she forced the car door open and quickly hot-wired it. She had to find the others and fast. What had Willow done now?

* * *

"Listen to her whimper," one of the demons taunted from above her. "She’ll be screaming in a few minutes!"

"You know it!" another one jeered.

"N…no," Faith felt a cold hand grab her insides and twist them. This wasn’t going to happen, never again.

"Leave her alone." Her attackers began to turn at a deep voice behind them. Suddenly one of her assailants flew into the wall behind her, his skull hitting the bricks with a deeply satisfying crunch. Another had his sword snatched from him and thrust through his stomach. The third demon threw a punch that was blocked on a bulky shoulder before getting a clumsy but effective overhand right to the forehead that knocked him to his knees. The demon began to stand but Faith’s gigantic rescuer, she could only see blurred shapes through her glassy eyes, snatched hold of his head and twisted, his neck snapping with an audible crack. A half-second later and the body joined the others on the ground.

"Now what’s wrong with my friend then?" Faith screamed in terror when the big man lifted her into his huge arms, she struck out wildly, but her panicked blows bounced off the mammoth demon. "Hey, hey, Faithie, why you hitting old Clem?"

Clem? She looked up through blood-crusted eyes to see the saggy-faced demon looking down on her. "You’re not going to hurt me?"

The demon looked as if she’d just given him a Slayer-powered kick in the balls. "Hurt my movie buddy?" her friend shook his head. "Never happen. What happened?"

"T..th..they took my powers away."

She began to shake with fear only for the demon to pull her even closer. "And we’ll get them back. Why, Mr. Giles is the smartest man I’ve ever met and I’m sure he’ll be able to fix you straight up. Is that a good idea?" after a second she nodded. Clem beamed. "Then that’s settled. The Magic Box!"

* * *

"Oh shit!" Xander peered through the window of his car, heart racing as he noted the demons posted around the hospital. There was no getting in there without being spotted. He glanced over his shoulder to the middle-aged man lying in the back, Giles was fading fast. "Sorry Faith," he whispered as he put his car into gear, at least his girl-friend had her powers to protect her. If he was lucky, some of the side-roads would still be open.

* * *

"Oh no," Clem whispered. He stepped back into the shadows as he noticed the sentries posted outside the Magic Box. They’d already passed the Summers house and seen the destruction wrecked there.

"What are we going to do?" Faith’s shaking had stopped, but the battered Slayer seemed in shock. "Where are the others? I need Xander!"

"Hush," Clem stepped deeper into the shadows. "Don’t alert them," he warned.

"O…okay," Faith whispered. "What are we going to do?"

"I’ll take you back to my place." His friend’s eyes widened in fear. "Just to dress your wounds that’s all," he hastened to reassure his friend even as he wondered at the terror in her eyes. "If that’s okay by you?" the de-powered Slayer nodded. "Okey dokey."

* * *

"Shit!" Xander glared at makeshift barricades and grey-suited demons blocking the road ahead of them. He glanced at the unconscious Englishman beside him, noting the blood straining the Englishman’s tweed and the paleness of his face. "Hold on G-Man!" he growled before nailing the accelerator to the pedal. The car crashed into the barricade with shuddering impact, splintering wood, and scattering demons. "Open road to LA, Giles," he muttered to his father. "Just hang in there."

* * *

"Where is everyone?" Dawn wiped her eyes as she drove Giles’ car through Sunnydale’s darkened streets, Faith having taught her how to hot-wire a car way back in her first run through Sunnydale. She’d been to Xander’s place, nothing, and The Magic Box was being patrolled the demons like those who’d kidnapped Tara, who according to what she’d seen had probably been taken to the Bronze. "What should I do?" Dawn smiled tremulously as an idea hit her. "I know where to go."

* * *

Angel stepped back when Cordy’s eyes flashed white. He was glad his best friend no longer suffered with her visions but he’d never get used to that. "What do you see?"

Cordelia glanced over his shoulder and towards the door. "Them."

Angel turned to the hotel doorway, eyes widening at the sight of a blood-splattered Xander cradling an unconscious, grey-skinned Giles in his arms. "Groo! Gunn!"

* * *

"Strawberry, are you awake?"

Willow heard the voice from a distance. Her eyes slowly fluttered. The first thing she noticed was her thumping headache, the second thing was her lack of magic. She looked around; they were in the Bronze, the nightclub filled with people she recognised as local witches, sorcerers, and occultists, the upper-walk patrolled by grey-suited demons with a glowing yellow machine behind the counter.

Her jaw dropped as a sickening realisation hit her, oh god what she had done these last few months? Blinded by her lust for power and corrupted by black magics she’d bullied and hurt the people closest to her. "Stay away from me!" she snarled, pushing Rack away from her. "You come near me again and I’ll carve your heart out!" Seeing Tara lying crumpled in a corner, her right eye swollen, she hurried over to her former girl-friend. At least she could protect her.

* * *

"There, there," Clem clumsily comforted Faith as he dabbed gingerly at the last of his best friend’s wounds, his normally saggy grey flesh a neon blushing blue. He’d seen most of the Bostonian’s body tonight while dressing her wounds and, judging from the human porn, nothing compared to kitty porn in his opinion, of Spike’s he’d seen and the way human males reacted around her at the video library, she was exceptionally attractive. But that wasn’t the only reason he was uncomfortable, it was the way she flinched when he was about to touch her, as if scared he’d….

His mind shied from the thought. "That’s the last of them," he soothed as he helped the pained girl back into her shirt and fastened the buttons back up. "Now why don’t you take a nap?"

"N..no," Faith struggled to a seating position. "I have to make sure everyone’s okay," the Slayer’s swollen eyes widened in panic. "Fuck! Xander! I have to-."

"You have to rest missy," he pushed the girl down on the bed. Seeing the brunette’s mouth open, he shook his head. "No young lady, rest. Xander is a smart boy he’ll be okay," Clem said with a confidence he didn’t feel. He hadn’t recognised the uniforms at the time but he did now. And he was scared. You didn’t cross them and live.

"I’ve got to," now panic entered the Bostonian’s voice. "I was real shitty to him, he might think I don’t care about him."

"I’m sure Xander knows exactly how you feel, he’d be a fool not to. And," Clem tried for a firm note. "You aren’t going anywhere young lady, not in this condition."

"But-."

"Open up in the name of General Harnes!"

Clem swallowed at the voice, his blood freezing. "Stay there." He walked to the door, drew himself up to his full height, and flung it open. "Hello," he smiled at the four demons, sure to show his pointed teeth. "How can I help you gentleman?"

"We’re rounding up powered humans," the demon leader looked at Faith’s body. "Who’s she?"

"She’s mine! Tried to escape, that’s why she’s got the bruises. You know these humans; always have to be taught who’s in charge." Clem babbled. "I won her in a card game. She’s not much use for anything other than cleaning and cooking, but she’s mine."

One of the demons shook his head before turning to his leader and speaking. "I recognise her from the wanted posters, she’s the Slayer, and," Clem’s heart dropped as the demon turned to him. "You’re a stinking traitor."

* * *

"I can’t get in touch with them."

Cordy guided her former boy-friend to a seat outside Giles’ hospital room. "Get in touch with who Dweeb boy?"

Xander didn’t give her the hoped for smile at his old nickname. "Faith, Tara, Dawn, I’ve even tried Willow. I’ve tried them all." He shook his head, a look of bewilderment on his face. "Nothing."

"Giles will be alright," Cordy looked up to see the ensoulled vampire. "Xander, what happened?" Xander’s explanation was dazed and rambling but by the end of it, Angel and her were exchanging shocked and fearful looks. "The Scourge," muttered the Irish demon. "They’re back."

Thinking quickly, Clem punched the lead soldier square in the face, knocking him back into his companions, before slamming and locking the door. Turning, he winced at the terror in the Slayer’s liquid brown eyes, if she knew who the Scourge really were she’d be even more frightened. He picked the Bostonian up in his arms, while all the time wincing at the banging at his door behind him. It wouldn’t hold for long. "Come on Faithie," he soothed as he hurried towards the back door, wondering all the time what would greet him there.

He sighed in relief as he flung the back door open. Fortunately the Scourge had neglected to station a guard at the back door. Although, he grimaced as his floppy ears picked up the sound of charging feet, they were coming. He winced as he heard the front door splinter. He wasn’t build for speed, he was built for power. If he left Faith… No, he mentally shook his head as he looked down at the trembling brunette in his arms. This little girl, which was all she was really even by human standards, had been abandoned too many times in the past, old Clem wasn’t going to do that.

"We’ll be fine Faithie," he lied between wheezing breaths. Already he could hear the soldiers gaining. "Just you see, Clem has a-."

Suddenly a car screeched to a halt in front of her and a door swung open. "Get in!"

Clem paused for a second, his mouth dropping open. Dawnie? Shaking himself, he climbed into the car. "You’re not old enough to drive!" he declared in outrage.

"Gee!" Dawn snapped. "Do you think I should wait until a responsible adult turns up?"

Clem looked towards the rapidly approaching Scourge demons. "Uh no?"

"Good answer! "Now hold on!" the teen ordered.

Clem screamed as the car launched itself into the air like a shot fired from a catapult. Maybe the Scourge weren’t that dangerous after all.

* * *

Xander blinked, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Turning, he grabbed his blood-stained coat. "Where are you going Dweeb Boy?"

"To get Faith," he replied without looking back at his ex, unable to show her his shame. He’d left Faith to face that alone? She was right; he was just like the other men she’d known.

"Not on your own you’re not!" Cordelia shrilled. Xander winced, it appeared becoming an ascended being hadn’t tempered the sharpness of the former High School queen’s tone. "Angel, tell him!"

Angel sounded world-weary. "Why? It’s not like he ever listened to me."

"Angel!" Cordelia squawked.

"But she’s right," Angel continued. "Xander, you can’t take the Scourge on your own. You need help." He reluctantly turned to face the Irish vampire. "And," the former Scourge glanced as he stood, pushing back the chair he’d been sat behind, at Cordelia, "we have a score of our own to settle." The vampire turned to the stairs. "Gunn, Groo! Get your stuff, we’re going to war!" The vampire groaned as Cordelia walked across in front of him and towards the weapons cabinet. "Cor, what are you doing?"

"Doyle was my friend too." Xander blinked when the former head Cordette began to expertly wield a 19^th century Civil War sabre. Apparently she’d picked up a few things since leaving the old hometown. "I’m coming with you."

"No way Cor," there was far too much familiarity in the way the Irish vampire had his hand on his ex’s shoulders for Xander’s tastes. "We need someone here to watch out for Giles and the busi-."

"And you’ve got Fred and Lorne for that," his ex interrupted.

"Gee Cor," he scoffed. "What are you going to do, give the Scourge make-up-."

In a flash, the brunette was by his side and, even more unbelievably, lifting him in the air by his collar with an effortless that made his eyes bulge. "Want to finish that sentence Dweeb?" his former girl-friend whispered in his ear.

Right at that moment in time there was nothing in the world he wanted less. "Uh," Xander gulped, unable to believe how fast Cordelia had moved. Not to mention with which the ease she was dangling him in the air. "I vote Cordelia can come."

* * *

"Damn it!" Xander threw his half drunk soda across the hotel garden and into the far wall, it clattered to the ground. "What’s taking them so long?"

"They’ve got to find a discreet route into town."

He started at his first girl-friend’s voice behind him. After a second he spoke. "I know but I’ve got to get back to her-, them," he corrected.

"You really care about her don’t you?"

"I care about them all, Dawn, Tara, even Willow, but yeah, I care," he didn’t turn to face his ex.

"She’s a lucky girl."

He smiled with surprise at the compliment. "Thanks Cor."

"’Course, she’s far more tolerant of your dress sense than I ever was."

Xander laughed. "Something I’m eternally grateful for." He sobered immediately, his eyes blurring with tears. "But I’m the lucky one."

"Hey," despite being behind him, his ex had somehow sensed his grief and engulfed him in a hug. "She’s gonna be okay, Team Angel doesn’t lose many."

"It’s the ‘many’ and not ‘any’ that worries me," he muttered.

"So what makes Faith special?"

It was on his lips to say ‘her chest’, but conscious of Cordelia’s new powers he decided it was wiser to go the more diplomatic and, if he was honest, more heartfelt route. "She’s been through so much, but she’s still got this spirit, she doesn’t know how to give up, she makes me laugh, and when she smiles at me, man I feel like I’m gonna cry with happiness that she thinks enough of me to waste her time smiling at a guy like me." Xander’s breath caught. And what if he’d lost her, after Buffy and Anya, he couldn’t…. A pained gasp escaped his mouth before he realised it.

"Hey," Cordelia squeezed his shoulders. "She’s going to be okay." His former paramour chuckled. "Or even five by five."

"Guys!" It was Angel. "We’re ready!"

Xander nodded, the doubt shoved ruthlessly down into the darkest piece of his heart. She would be alright, she had to be… And if she wasn’t, Xander growled, then Sunnydale would be painted in Scourge blood. "So am I."

* * *

"What’s up with her?" Dawn demanded as she screeched around the corner, sideswiping both a car and a uniformed demon, crushing the demon between the two cars. Things were awfully chaotic. Strange demons all over town, Tara kidnapped, Xander and Giles missing, and Faith, she glanced across at the lithe brunette wrapped up in Clem’s huge arms, a hysterical, shaking mess. But she was having fun, what a rush. She squealed with delight as she speeded up, careful not to allow the speedometer to drop below 100 kph.

"P..please Dawnie, keep your eyes on the road." For some reason Clem seemed really nervous. "Something’s happened to Faith," the demon leaned towards her, his voice a whisper, almost as if Faith wouldn’t be able to hear him. "She’s lost her powers."

"WHAT!" this time her head snapped towards the demon, her eyes bulging. "How is that even -."

"DAWN!" Clem screamed.

Dawn’s head turned back to the front. Her blood drained from her face as she realised they were heading straight for a shop window. "Hold on!" She might have done some stuff in her time, but not even Faith had ram-raided.

She hit the brakes until they were screaming in protest, but the car was still doing 50 when she hit the kerb in front of the shop, launching it into the air and through the shop window with a cataclysmic crash. Dawn winced as the car began to descend, this landing was not going to be pretty.

Suddenly Clem had his arms around both her and Faith, using his bulk to cushion them from the crashing landing. Still, it hurt, like she’d been punched in the gut and all her wind driven out of her body, and then she’d been worked over with a baseball bat. After a few seconds she managed to force a smile. "Thanks Clem," she groaned as she moved, this really sucked. Her smile broadened as she realised what the shop was they’d crashed into – a sporting goods store. "Hey!" she exclaimed as she stumbled out of the car and looked around, her eyes hungrily taking in the goods – those they hadn’t destroyed. "We got lucky!"

"Lucky!" Faith screamed, her liquid brown eyes filled with disbelief. "You nearly got us killed!"

"I just saved your ungrateful ass," she replied back, her coolness belying her disgruntlement. "Now let’s get some weapons together so we can fight -."

"Fight them?" Faith shook her head. "We can’t fight them, I haven’t-."

"HEY!" Dawn’s never-long temper snapped. "So what if you haven’t got your damn powers? Xander’s fought vamps for over five years without any powers!" Seeing the flicker in her friend’s eyes at the mention of her one-time crush, she pressed on. "Anything could have happened to him, he never gave up on you, are you going to turn your back on him?"

Faith swallowed before shaking her head. "It’s best we hide, maybe we should try get to Angel -."

"Faith!" she slapped the other girl across the face. "Get with the program, we’re all there is right now!"

A homicidal rage entered the Slayer’s eyes. "You little bitch!" the Bostonian swore before leaping towards her.

Dawn went nose to nose with the de-powered Slayer. "What ya gonna do Faith?" she taunted. "Hide behind Clem and get him to beat me up for you?" God, she hoped Faith wouldn’t hold a grudge if she got her powers back. Alaska was probably a nice place to visit. Or even live.

"Fine," the Bostonian was shaking, although with anger or fear Dawn wouldn’t have been able to guess. "Let’s get some and get gone."

Dawn did so hope Faith meant weapons and not sex. "I’ll take this," grabbing a pool cue she shoved one end through a near-by glass cabinet. Ignoring the blaring alarm that erupted an instant later, she pulled out a crossbow and several bolts before taking two hunting knives. "What about you guys?"

Faith grabbed a pair of hatchets. "Light, I’ll give them a go."

"Mark McGuire’s a hero of mine," Clem picked up a baseball bat. "And I’ll take a crossbow too."

"Okay." Dawn passed some binoculars and camping equipment over to Clem. If nothing else they’d be able to camp out, although how safe that was in Sunnydale, banishing such thoughts with a shake of her head, she turned to the others. "Let’s make like a tree and leaf."

"Make like a tree and leaf?" Faith snorted. "Who says that these days? Where are we heading?"

Dawn’s eyes widened slightly, surprised at Faith giving her command. "The Bronze," she finally decided. "That’s where they seem to be taking everyone. Maybe whatever they have there is what is causing all humans to lose their powers."

"Yeah-, wait!" Faith grabbed her by her arm and spun her around to face her. "All humans? What the hell’s that’s supposed to mean?"

"Oh," Dawn realised she hadn’t filled the others in on what had happened. "They turned up at our house, somehow took Tara’s powers away from her. She told me to run so I did." Tears of shame rolled down her face as she remembered running out on her friend, the events of the past few hours catching up with her.

"Hey," the older girl had her arms around her shoulders, pulling her into a hug. "We’ll get Tar back, she’ll be five by five."

* * *

Tara groaned. Her head pounding, she just laid there, concentrating. Panic set in as she tried to remember what had happened. Oh yeah, some demons had broken into their house, stripped her of her powers and kidnapped her. Just a normal night in Sunnydale.

"Oooh," it hurt even to open her eyes. Her mouth dropped at what she saw. She was in the Bronze, but not the usual night-club she’d spent much of the last two years in. Instead it was a club bereft of the normal riotous pop music and flashing lights and she and maybe three dozen other humans were crowded onto the dance floor, surrounded by twenty or so uniformed and armed demons. With, she smiled softly, Willow beside her, holding onto her hand.

* * *

"This is not good," Faith muttered as she looked through the binoculars they’d stolen from the sports good store. Now she’d had time to think, she’d calmed some, the previous hysteria disappearing, but still, she was frightened, more frightened than her first night in the big house. "There’s two, no make that three, guards outside the place. And," she directed her gaze upwards, "two more on the roof. In short we are fucked."

"What are we going to do?" Dawn whispered.

It was on the tip of her lips to say ‘run like fuck’. But chances were X was in there. And she couldn’t run out on him not after the way she’d spoken to him just a few short hours ago, if her dying in a blaze of glory saving him was what it took to convince him that she really loved him then so be it. A guy like X was worth ten of a worthless bitch like her. And, she smiled bitterly, Slayers were like buses, another would be along in a minute. "Clem’s gonna take me in, say he heard there was a ransom on the Slayer. And then -."

"Your plan-making really sucks Slayer," a deep voice commented from behind her. "Anyone tell you that before?"

Faith’s head twisted round at the voice, her heart rising in recognition. In an instance she’d spun round, sprung up, and charged into Xander’s waiting arms. Shaking with emotion, she sobbed into his chest. "I’m so sorry," she muttered. "I didn’t mean all those things I said."

"Hey it’s okay," she relaxed, comforted as she always was by Xander’s voice and his hands gently tousling her hair. "Nobody’s going to hurt my Slayer." She tensed, self-doubt assailing her again. ‘His Slayer’, was that the only reason X was with her, because she was different? If she didn’t have her powers would he be interested? "Faith," Xander’s voice was full of concern. "What’s wrong?"

"T…they," her voice choked up. What if…. Swallowing her fear, she finished what she’d been about to say. "They took my powers away."

"Hey," Xander pulled her even further into his arms. "And you’re thinking something dumb aren’t you? Like I’d love my sexy, brave, and funny girl-friend any less? Well that’s just stupid," she felt Xander’s lips on her forehead. "We’re going to get your powers back. And even if we can’t…"

"Still your girl?"

"Still my girl," her boyfriend confirmed.

"Please," it was her hero. "It’s sunlight in a couple of hours."

"Cor," it was Gunn. "You brought the sick bags right?"

"No, but I’m beginning to wish I had."

* * *

Kalaz glanced at his companions as a bulky, loose-jowled demon with not very bright eyes and wearing a tattered coat stepped out from the shadows at the alleyway dragging a whimpering human female behind him. "Wicca, aura-reader, or soothsayer?" he growled, "which one you reckon she is?"

"Hi guys," the grey-skinned demon stopped when he was about a foot from them. "I seen the posters about the Slayer," he grabbed the girl’s raven-dark hair and yanked her head back. "You’re paying good money for her right?"

"The Slayer?" Curious, Kalaz took a step forward; he’d never seen a Slayer before. Realising his fellow guards hadn’t come with him, he glanced back in puzzlement.

And saw their furiously writhing bodies in mid-air, held there by nooses around the neck. Mouth opening in alarm, he took a step towards his companions, his hand dropping to the sword sheathed around his waist. Feeling hands on his neck, he began to turn and then pain erupted.

* * *

Clem stared distastefully at the body as it dropped lifelessly into his arms. Swallowing his disgust, he carried the corpse to the near-by bins and flung it in. "You did well Clem."

Clem managed not to jump at the quiet voice of Faith’s mentor and hero by his side. Blushing neon blue, he glanced down at his feet, unable to meet the legendary vampire’s eyes. "Uh, thank you Mr. Angel."

The Irish demon chuckled before patting him on the shoulder. Clem blinked, Angel had actually touched him? He could sell this coat for dozens of kittens. No, he decided, he’d get it framed. Maybe get a certificate of authenticity off the vampire. "Just Angel Clem, just Angel." The former Scourge’s tone turned serious. "You will make sure Dawn and Faith are okay?"

He glanced towards the two brunettes. "They’re my top priority."

"Then," Angel smiled at him. "I’ve nothing to worry about."

He beamed at the vampire’s praise. "You’re alright Mr-, uh Angel," the vampire’s smile faded at his next words. "Not at all the prancing poofter that Spike said you were." He turned at Xander and Dawn’s giggles. "What?" he asked. "What did I say?"

* * *

Faith took a breath as she led her group to the front of the Bronze. She glanced at Xander who winked. "Go for it Clem," she whispered, hating herself for the tremble she heard in her voice.

"It’ll be alright Faithie," Clem soothed. She nodded, although why she didn’t grab X and get the fuck out of town she had no idea. Having a conscience really, really blew at times.

Clem raised his foot and sent it crashing through the thick door. In an instance, she was through the splintered doors, leading her group into the teen night-spot, hoping that their ruse worked. "I heard ya were looking for a Slayer," she drawled. Seeing Tar, she threw her friend a wink before turning her attention back to the demons, her heart racing. "Guess what? Ya found one."

* * *

General Harnes’ head snapped towards the splintering door. He growled at the raven-haired girl swaggering through the entrance, flanked by a pair of powerful looking males and followed by a bulky demon and another girl. The Slayer, but empowered? How? Shrugging off his doubt, he let out a bellow. "Get them!"

* * *

Angel looked down through the skylight as the majority of the demons surged towards Faith and the others before glancing at his companions, the only two who could also take the impact of the fall, an ascended Cordelia and Groo. "You two ready?" he queried.

"Indeed we are mighty warrior," Groo replied.

Angel resisted the urge to shake his head. And he’d thought Wes was pompous. "Let’s go!" he leapt through the skylight, sending glass flying to the ground.

* * *

Heart racing, Faith looked at the on-rushing demons. She’d noticed the whirling machine behind the bar. Maybe that had something to do with her loss of powers. The only question was how to get to it?

Suddenly the skylight exploded, causing the demons charging her and her companions to stop and half-turn. Seizing her opportunity, she fired her crossbow at the nearest demon, catching him in the eye. Flinging her crossbow to the ground, she drew her two hatchets, hating the way her hands sweated with tension. Mouth drying, she looked up at the monster charging her. "Faith! Hit the ground!"

She instantly dived to the ground at Clem’s shout. Looking up, she watched as the demon’s baseball swung through the air to crash into her would-be attacker’s head, exploding it like an over-ripe tomato. "Thanks Clem!" she shouted. Rising, she darted between two demons only to be grabbed around her shirt collar by the demon leader and flung into the optics behind the bar and onto the ground.

* * *

Angel shook his head at Faith’s dart through the monsters. Powers or not, she was still the same reckless, fool-hardy…. "Damn fool girl," he growled. Not bothering to hide his true face, he parried a clumsy sword thrust before driving his forehead into his assailant’s face. A knee to the stomach later and he quickly deposited the doubled-up Scourge member with a downwards decapitating slash. A glance to his side reassured him that Groo and Cordy were holding their own.

* * *

"Oh crap," Faith moaned as she looked up from her position on the floor behind the counter. Her head was thumping and her entire body aching from her landing. "Note to self, you do not fly as well when human as you do as a Slayer. Although," she grinned as she realised she was laid by the table on which the grinding generator sat, "being a crash test dummy has its benefits." Grabbing the table and gritting her teeth with the effort, god she hoped she was right, she pushed the table over, sending the machine crashing to the ground.

Her eyes widened with delight as power surged through her body, the pain of a half-second ago dissipating to be replaced by a high that no drug could equal. "Baby I’m back!" she grinned at the demon charging around the bar opening. She flipped up to her feet. "And boy are you fucked!"

* * *

Xander grinned as he heard his girl-friend’s elated whoop over the din of the battle. "My girl’s back," he muttered. Turning his attention back to the see-saw melee, he deflected a sword-slash with the flat of his double-bladed axe before chopping his rival’s head off.

* * *

"Listen Strawberry-."

Rack flew through the air, slamming into the wall and sliding down to land in a heap. "I think," Angel strode over to the crumpled mage, the battle having ended a few minutes earlier, "you’re the one who needs to listen." He grabbed the mage around the neck and lifted him to arm’s length. "You stay away from Willow, otherwise," he smiled, displaying his fangs. "I’m going to be a very unhappy vampire."

"More than usual?"

He ignored Xander’s comment as he looked the squirming mage in the eye. "Willow’s seen through you. If I was you, I’d give serious consideration to leaving town," he flung the wizard to the ground. He was disappointed when the mage’s companion ran to his side. It seemed that although losing her powers was enough to give Willow a reality check, the same could not be said to the other witch. He turned to the others. "Let’s go."

* * *

"Hey Pip," Dawn watched as the now completely back to her usual cocksure self Slayer strode into the hallway of her home. "G out at the shop?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"Good," she gulped at the feral look in the Bostonian’s eyes as she began to advance on her. "Because we’ve got to discuss you cracking me a good one across the mouth. And I really don’t want any witnesses for what I’m gonna do. What ya got to say for yourself?"

"Well, ah, you see," her voice trailed off as she backed into the wall.

"Nothing to say uh?" Faith arched an eyebrow. "Well I’ve got plenty." Suddenly the Slayer was on her, tickling her ribs before picking her up in a hug. "Like, thanks little sis," the east coast native muttered in her ear before planting her back on the floor. "Gotcha going then eh?"

"Did not!" Dawn protested over the pounding of her heart.

"Did too!" Faith winked at her. "Thanks kid."

"Guys," Willow took strength from Tara’s hand in hers. "There’s something I have to tell you." She talked for a few minutes, watching nervously as Faith’s brown eyes grew darker and her rosebud lips thinned out into a hard, unyielding line. Finally she’d finished.

There was silence for a few seconds. "You fucking irresponsible bitch!" Faith screamed as she jumped out of her seat. "Why I oughta-."

"Please honey," she was relieved, although a little disgusted, when Xander placed his hand on the Bostonian’s slender shoulder guiding her back into her chair. "Willow knows she made a mistake. And she’s trying to fix it. Question is what to do about it?"

Faith took an audible breath. The brunette’s glaring eyes still fixed on her, the Slayer replied. "What am I gonna do? Fix up Red’s shit. I’m just getting some warm fuzzies about this." The east coast native shook her head, Willow bristled inwardly, how dare the skank look down on her? Who did she think she was, Buffy? "Where is this vamp anyhow?" She mumbled the address to the guttermouth. "Five by five."

"I’m coming with you."

"Wicked, it’ll be a regular hunting party," Faith growled at Xander. "Let’s get this done."

* * *

Faith cautiously entered the darkened basement, slowly making her way down the dirty stone steps. Her Slayer’s sense was telling her there was definitely a demon down here. She peered into the darkness. "Yo, no point hiding, I can see ya," she bullshitted.

After a second, a sniffing, unkempt vampire stumbled out of the shadows. Faith’s eyes widened. The blonde’s hair straggled down, framing a gaunt, drawn face, that from the look of it had been clawed to ribbons by the vampire’s fingers, and her yellow eyes shone with madness. The vampire’s once designer clothes were now filthy rags that looked as if they hadn’t been washed or, Faith’s nose wrinkled, even taken off in a long while. This couldn’t be Harmony Kendall.

Except it was. She hefted her stake, not wanting to say anything smartass for the first time in a long while. "Sorry about this Harm-." She blinked as the vampire leapt onto the end of her stake. "Well shit," she muttered. "Why can’t they all do that? I might reach retirement age." She stared at the falling dust for a second before shaking her head and heading for the door, each reluctant step taking much longer than her walk down here.

She blinked as she reached the surface, her eyes re-adjusting to the light. "You okay Faith?"

It was Xander who called out to her as she left the derelict building, but she directed her gaze towards Willow. "Oh yeah, cool. Only," she paused and shook her head. "Only let’s just say I know just how the hunter who shot Babmi’s mom felt."

"You’ve seen-," Dawn shut up at her glare.

"Really not the point I was trying to make Pip. Let’s get out of here," she looked up pleadingly at Xander. What she really needed was a bucket to puke the memory of Harmony out into.

* * *

"It’s not going well is it?"

Tara shook her head sadly at Xander’s question. She loved Willow so much, but Faith was important to her too. And it tore at her, seeing the anguish in Xander’s eyes that his two favourite people in the world couldn’t get on. "I keep expecting them to start cat-fighting." Tara sighed when she saw Xander’s eyes glaze over, a sure sign her words had sent his mind drifting off into one of his dreams. "Focus Xander."

Xander shook his head. "Sorry, I was just -."

Tara laughed. "I know what you were just doing. Did it involve baby-oil? Mine does," she teased.

"Yea-, Tara!" Xander cried. "That’s my girl-friend you’re fantasying about."

"Hello, lesbian?" She raised an eyebrow. "I notice that you’re dating a hottie Xander." She turned serious. "So, what are we going to about them? A double-date?" she suggested.

Xander shook his head again. "Too obvious. How about a group meal, Giles and Dawn there too, much less dateish." After a second Xander shuddered. "Remind me to never use the words ‘Giles’, ‘Dawn’, and ‘date’ in the same sentence ever again."

"Agreed," Tara nodded. "That sounds like a better idea."

"Then I’ll set it up," Xander stood. "Have I ever told you about my fantasies involving you and Willow?"

"No, and don’t ever."

Xander scowled. "Spoilsport. I was hoping for the videotape."

* * *

"Well this is nice," Giles forced a smile as he looked around the tastefully lit Italian restaurant, a string quartet playing in the background, and the hum of conversation from the tables surrounding them combining to make for a pleasant back-ground. No it wasn’t their environment that the problem, it was the ravishing brunette and the pretty red-head that were glaring daggers at one another that were causing the problems. "Well, this restaurant is certainly full, and yet I find myself in the fortunate position of being sat at the table seating the four most beautiful women in this establishment. Don’t you agree Xander?"

"Couldn’t agree more G-Man," Xander looked as nervous as he felt. Giles took a sip of his wine. At least that was good, this was going to be a long night.

* * *

Faith halted as she exited the toilet cubicle to see Willow stood glaring at her. Faith’s mood dropped still further. She’d been so buzzed when Xander said they had a date at Marco’s, a rare chance for her to dress fancy. And then they’d got here to find G and the others waiting. Sneaky bastard. "Red," she grunted.

"Just so you know," the Wicca sniffed. "I wouldn’t have come here if I knew you were coming."

Faith’s temper flared. "That right? Ditto for me Red. Say," she drawled. "I got a question that only a smart girl like you could answer."

"And what’s that?" Willow scoffed. "Forgot your times table?"

"Nope," Faith shook her head. "Just wondered after all the shit you’ve done to X and the others these past few months what gives you the right to look down on me?"

"I’m not a murdering jail-bird!" Willow snapped back at her.

"You think?" Faith raised an eyebrow. "And what do you think Harm did when her soul disappeared at night? Take fashion classes?"

Willow paled. "You bitch!"

"You think?" Faith scowled. "Let me make this very clear, you hurt any of them again and I’ll rip your heart out. Remember, you just said it - I’m a murderer."

"And I’ll do the same when you cheat on Xander," Willow shot back.

"Whatever Red."

* * *

Giles glanced at the two girls’ set faces as they returned from the toilets. He sensed words had been exchanged. Bloody marvellous. He cleared his throat before starting to speak. "I have some news."

"What’s that G?" Faith winked at him. "Got yourself a new squeeze? Some Wicca half your age I bet. Oh the scandal. Hey Xan," the beautiful brunette grinned at her boyfriend, "you think the Sunnydale Chronicle would be interested in the story?"

"I should be so lucky," he grinned at the Slayer’s teasing. "Or have the energy. No," he turned serious. "I have to return to England-."

"What?" Faith exclaimed. "But you’re my Watcher! You can’t just fucking leave me!"

Giles hid a wince at the look of betrayal on the supernatural warrior’s face. So many people had deserted her, it was difficult for her to trust anyone. "Faith," he soothed. "It’s only for a few days, a week at the most. I have to make reports to the Council about you. Tell them what a splendid Slayer you’ve become."

Faith looked briefly pleased, then worried. "But what about the shop? It can’t run without you?"

"She’s got you there," he heard Willow mutter. "She’ll probably sell the shop and spend the proceeds partying with a biker gang."

He decided to ignore that. "Faith, you’ve proven to be very competent in the shop." The Bostonian beamed at his compliment. "I’m sure it’ll be safe in your hands."

* * *

"She betrayed us."

"I know dear," Rack stroked Amy’s hair before kissing her neck, his eyes fixed on the group leaving the restaurant. "But Strawberry will pay."

"Promise?" Amy looked up pleadingly at him.

"I promise," Rack glared at the departing party. "They all will."

A.N: To Summersfan (seeing as you don’t have an email address).

First, thank you for all the nice stuff you said in your reviews, now to your criticism, mainly regarding the difference between Faith’s attitude to Spike and Clem:-

1. Spike has killed Slayers, Clem hasn’t.

2. Clem has Giles and Xander to vouch for him, Spike doesn’t.

3. Spike is a soulless vampire, Clem isn’t.

4. Clem never threatened any of their lives, Spike did.

In addition, as far as any one with an ounce of intelligence (ie. Not Buffy) could see there was always a chance Spike’s inhibitor chip would fail and he’d be back to murdering in no time. The safest thing to do was take him out of the picture while he was helpless. I never bought noble Spike, unsoulled or not, and to my mind someone as street-smart as Faith wouldn’t either, and she wouldn’t have any qualms about killing a ‘helpless’ vampire. Just my opinion, never liked the guy (S2 & S4 aside).

I guess just as I like ‘Deconstructing Hell’ for your chars other than Spike, you like ‘She’s Gone’ for the same reason. (BTW: Anyone reading this, read DH at - http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2047783/1/ (very original plot-line).

"It’ll be fine Faith."

"What?" Faith glanced away from staring at the phone to look at Pip sat at the Magic Box table doing her homework. Faith allowed herself a small smile. Her as Dawn’s babysitter, what crazy alternate universe had her hot little ass been dropped into? "I’m just waiting on some suppliers," she lied.

Dawn grinned knowingly. "You wouldn’t be missing a stuffy but kinda cool Englishman would you?"

"Nah," she drawled. "Bond hasn’t called since I wore him out that lost weekend in Vegas. And FYI, 007? Real generous, personal experience says more like 004.5" Faith joked. She forced a grin at Dawn’s giggle. God she hoped things went okay with the Council. She looked up as the door opened. "Hey Clem!"

"Hi Faith!" The demon grunted slightly as Dawn launched herself into his side before chuckling. "Hello Dawnie." The floppy-eared monster smiled at her. "What lifting needs doing boss?"

Faith resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but just barely. Ever since G had left, Clem had come into the shop every day at closing to check if she needed any heavy lifting doing. Which was sweet and all, but real dumb too. She’d considered arguing, but she didn’t want to hurt the big goof’s feelings. "Sure Clem," she nodded and smiled at her friend. "There’s some crates in the basement I need bringing up."

"I’ll show you!" Dawn volunteered with all the eagerness of a teenager looking for any excuse to bail on her studies. Before she had time to object, Dawn had the saggy-skinned creature behind the counter and heading to the steps.

Shaking her head, she returned to her book-keeping, the classes she was taking at the college were really helping. She glanced at her watch to see how long it was ‘til closing and sighed. "An hour," she grinned unwillingly. And then X would be here.

* * *

"And that concludes my report," Giles looked around the vaunted Council hall, remembering the days the likes of Travers and Whyndham-Pryce had in turn awed and intimidated him. Now he just held these traditionalist pencil-pushers with contempt, cowards that hid behind their desks while children fought their battles for them.

Reminding himself that displaying his disdain could only hurt his charge’s chances, he kept a bland expression as he stared at the five men sat before him. "In the past eight months, not only has Faith fought off demon biker gangs, Wolfram & Hart assassins, a Malltac, and the Scourge, she has also slain Drusilla," alright that was Dawn, but he was sure the teen wouldn’t mind his Slayer taking the credit if it kept her in the Council’s good graces, "the killer of her predecessor. In addition, she has proven herself a diligent employee at my shop, has entered into a stable, loving relationship with a young man I consider to be my son, and is studying hard at the local college. All in all, she is blossoming into a well-rounded young woman."

"Yes," Travers seemed less than pleased at his glowing report. "But there is still the question of her worthiness. After all, she has not yet Tested."

"Excuse me?" Giles stared at the Council Head in disbelief. "Faith is almost twenty, two years past her Cruicatmen."

"Yes," Roger Whyndham-Prcye nodded. "And we all know why she didn’t face her Cruicatmen at the prescribed time. She was in prison for two murders. She should have been put down at the time, like the mad dog she was. I for one was in favour of turning her life-machine off when she was in her coma," Wesley’s father sniffed. "Saved all us a lot of inconvenience."

Giles shoved his hands in his pockets to prevent the panel of senior Watchers from seeing his suddenly clenched fists. "Yes," he nodded slowly, his always tenuous hold on his temper slipping. "One accidental death and the other which might have been avoided if the Council, myself, and," he stared directly at Pryce, the intensity in his eyes, making the older man flinch. "Your son hadn’t made terrible mistakes in caring for her-."

"A Slayer isn’t to be cared for," Pryce huffed, his face reddening with outrage as he rose out of his chair. "She’s a weap-."

"She was a scared girl, you thundering bloody pillock!" Pryce paled at his rage and returned to his seat. After a second, he continued, his voice cold. "A scared girl who’d been forced to watch as the only person she’d ever loved and been loved by was brutalised and murdered before being likewise tortured. A Slayer’s body might heal better than a normal human’s, but let me assure you, her mind doesn’t. Yet despite that, she turned herself into the authorities to receive punishment and so that she wouldn’t hurt others. I’d say Faith has been more than tested."

"Huh," he turned his stony gaze onto Travers as the Head Watcher spoke. "You’ve become notorious not only for the lack of respect you show our organisation but also the unseemly amount of care you show those put into your care. I start to wonder if you were the right choice as Watcher after all. "

Giles reached into his jacket pocket and dropped his trump card on the desk before him. "That is a letter from a Colonel Riley Finn, the head of the UN’s demon-hunting unit."

"Amateurs.."

Pryce’s voice trailed off at his glare. "Detailing Faith’s help in stopping a particularly nasty species of demon from breeding in Sunnydale. It also contains his strong hope that no hostile move that would be taken against an American citizen on American soil."

"The US. Government and even the UN. have no jurisdiction over the Watchers’ Council," huffed Travers.

"Perhaps," Giles stared at his titular superior, "I haven’t made myself clear. If any attempt is made to hurt Faith or perform such a barbaric test on her, then I’ll do what I have should have done when you enacted such savagery on Buffy." His eyes glittered. "Then myself, Angelus, anyone I can pull in from my varied occult contacts, and several dozen US. Special Forces troops will spend the following few weeks making sure every damn one of you pays!"

"How dare you!"

"You are an anachronism Mr. Travers," Giles cut in, his voice disapproving. "I had wished to avoid this confrontation but it seems you insist on pushing for one." He nodded. "Very well. So be it. I resign from the Council-."

"Outrageous!"

"Oh do belt up!" He roared at the man who’d been introduced as Samuel Zabuto. His disdain he could at least understand. If he’d been any sort of Watcher he’d hate the idea of another replacing his Slayer. He continued in a calmer voice. "This meeting is over. Faith has proven her worth a dozen times in the past eight months. Come at her and you can consider me your enemy. And gentlemen, that is something you do not wish to entertain." Turning, he strode out of the room without a second glance.

* * *

Willow smiled as she looked at her fellow Wicca and girl-friend. A beautiful spring-day, a picnic, she glanced at the basket, she’d made up earlier, and the woman he loved. "How are you feeling sweetie?"

Her girl-friend didn’t open her eyes, just laid back on their garden sheet. "Pretty good, you?"

"The same." Her smile slipped when she considered Faith’s presence. That bitch would never be good enough for her Xander. And the way she sneered at her, looked at her as if she was dangerous. She’d made a couple of minor mistakes, but she’d never killed anyone. And bringing her to town to replace Buffy, it was a disgrace. "Something will have to be done," she murmured.

"Sorry sweetie?"

"Nothing Tara," she lied. Rolling onto her side, she leaned into her girl-friend and kissed her. "All these clothes," she whispered. "We can’t work up an appetite with them on."

Her only answer was a giggle.

* * *

"You’ve mastered the bindings?" Rack smirked at Amy’s nervous nod. "Remember you’ll have to be quick, otherwise she’ll beat us both. We have to catch her by surprise."

"I won’t fail," Amy promised, her eyes hardening. "I want our revenge."

Rack pulled his remaining addict into a hug. "Oh, we’ll have it my sweet," he promised. "We’ll have it." They’d been forced to run and hide after their confrontation with Angelus but now they were returning to finish off first Strawberry’s precious girl and then Strawberry herself. "A dish best served cold," he murmured.

* * *

Xander grinned as he glanced at his watch. "Time to go home," he rose, grabbing his coat off the hook. "See you in the morning guys."

"Leaving on the dot?" laughed one of his crew, "not like you boss."

"Have you seen that sweet thing he’s poking?" one of the others leered. "Man I’d never -," the man’s voice trailed off at his glare.

"Johnson," he said, his voice cold. "It looks like you’re going to be getting up early to open up the site all next week. Any other comments?" The man shook his head. "Good," quelling the urge to smash his subordinate’s nose through to his brain, he grabbed his bag. "See you guys."

* * *

"My, how deliciously carnal."

Willow’s head snapped up from kissing her girl-friend, pulling her blouse together even as she glared at the smirking Rack stood in the shadows of trees some thirty feet away. She reached out to magically assault the mage. And gaped when she couldn’t find her power. "Thank you my dear," the mage purred before advancing on them.

"You’re welcome." Eyes widening, Willow looked behind her to see Amy stood behind her. "Who’s in charge now?" her fellow Sunnydale High graduate demanded.

"And now," Rack shook his head as he looked at Tara. "Far too pure. You make me sick." Rack smiled as Tara began to scream. "Ah, nausea over."

* * *

Tara writhed under the mage’s magical attack, sweat pouring off her body as he bombarded it. She attempted to reach her powers but found them blocked off, something that seemed to have happened to Willow too. She screamed as her heart exploded.

* * *

"Those callous, unthinking idiots!" Martha watched as her student paced the floor of his cottage. "All she’s endured, the effort she’s put in and they think they can just treat her like she’s nothing. Less than nothing!"

"She is a kindred spirit isn’t she?"

Rupert stopped at her words, his eyes widening. "The girl is less than half my age," her now very proper protégé protested. "And she’s dating a boy I consider my son!"

"And once such things wouldn’t have mattered in the slightest to you," she needled. Seeing Rupert’s eyes darken, she chuckled. "I’m only teasing Rupert. That wasn’t what I meant at all. I just thought this Faith sounded more than a little like ‘Ripper’."

A wry but pained smile flickered across the middle-aged man’s face. "You are right, there’s a wildness in her that scares me at times, excites me too," the Englishman admitted. "Makes me remember myself at that age." The light in the Englishman’s eyes dimmed. "But there’s a desperation there too, something I never had. A need to be loved, cared for. She judges her worth by what others think of her."

"A dangerous cocktail in a Slayer."

"Quite," her student agreed. "Her evil was never as focused as mine, but for all that, she was by far the greater dan-," Rupert’s eyes widened. "Martha, what’s wrong?" the Englishman rushed over to take her in his arms, preventing her from pitching face first to the floor.

It was a struggle to speak, the terror she felt constricting her throat. "Rupert, a great evil has arisen in Sunnydale."

"Faith," Rupert’s eyes filled with pain.

"No," she shook her head. "This has magical power. Immense, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to sense her, not at this distance."

Rupert paled. "Willow," he breathed. "What have you done?"

* * *

Rack smirked to himself as the witch slumped to the ground, blood pumping out of her ears and nose, staining the grass. "My dear," he turned to the sobbing red-head. Still restrained he noted, while he could attack both Strawberry’s partner and magically bind her, Amy had neither the power or the experience to do that. Taking her chin in his hand, he lifted. "Your-."

His voice trailed off when Willow’s eyes turned jet-black. Sensing that the Wicca was about to escape her prison, he turned and ran.

* * *

Amy’s eyes widened in horror as her master hurried away. Realising she’d never be able to hold the enraged witch, she sobbed. "Please Willow," she pleaded. "It was Ra-. ARGGGH!" she screamed as her world turned to pain, bursting into a column of fire.

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