Chapter 12: Power
THE HALLWAY - SAME DAY - 6PM
BUFFY’S POV
Emma drops her packages and moves next to me. I put an arm around her, “Hey, it’s ok.”
Ms. Hartness smoothes back an errant hair behind her ear. She must be in her 70s and it’s been a couple of years but she looks exactly the same; how does she do that? Magic? Her hair is completely white and pulled back in a bun. Her green eyes are incredibly penetrating as she surveys us then the orbs rest on Emma. She takes a step towards us which only freaks the girl out further. “There’s no reason to fear me Emma.”
“I don’t fear you,” she spits out, full of venom.
“Really? Then why did you just call the PtB’s Champion for help?”
“Because I don’t trust you.” I swear you can feel the hostility coming off her.
Ms. Hartness bows her head. “I see. Emma, I know you were young when you father... passed away, but did he ever teach you the basic tenant of Wicca?”
Emma sneers at her, “Actually before he was MURDERED he did tell me: Harm None. Too bad that didn’t apply to the members of your Coven.”
Ouch – Ok, things are getting way out of hand, so I decide to put a stop to it, “Hey, I think we should all just calm down right now. We’re all on the same side here and there is a lot to talk about. We’re going to get nowhere fast like this.”
“But Buffy...” Emma starts.
“Come on, let’s go to my office and talk this out.” I think I have everybody on board when Faith and Kennedy come rushing through the front door. “Whoa, whoa,” I put up my hands, “Everything’s cool here.”
Out of breath, Faith looks from me to Emma, “You’re killing me kid.”
“Sorry Faith, I just... needed you here,” she hangs her head, “didn’t mean to sound desperate.”
“It’s ok, we’ll work on it,” Faith is bent over hands on knees trying to catch her breath, “didn’t realize you were ready for telepathy.”
Ms. Hartness voice booms over their conversation, “There’s a great deal you haven’t realized, all of you, the foremost being exactly what Emma is capable of; which is why she needs to come back to England with me.”
Faith straightens up immediately, “You will take her nowhere.” She looks Ms. Hartness up and down. “With all due respect Ma’am, I know exactly what I’m capable of.”
“Oh my God enough,” I can’t believe this is happening, “will everybody please just stop? Come on, my office, now.”
Kennedy is standing next to Willow, concern showing on her face, “Buff, we’re going to let you guys sort this out.”
Nodding I look at Willow, “You ok Wills?”
“Yeah, we’ll talk later.”
I put on a smile for her, “Of course.”
The four of us file into my office. Immediately the battle lines are drawn: Emma and Faith sit on the couch, Ms. Hartness takes the chair opposite them. Sighing, I grab the other chair and sit between them, trying to bridge the gap. I begin, “ Ms. Hartness, while I’m sure you know a great deal about Emma’s past and the Goddess that seeks her out, she has a mind very much her own. She has made it abundantly clear she wishes to stay here with us and we will do everything in our power to keep her safe.”
“Ms. Summers, Buffy, you don’t understand - ”
Faith cuts her off, “Then why don’t you just explain it to us? Why all the fucking mystery and intrigue?”
She looks over to Faith and smiles, “I see why the Powers favor you, your no-nonsense manner is quite refreshing.”
“It’s part of my charm,” Faith shrugs trying to lighten up.
“Yes, I see it is.” She takes all of us in then sits back in her chair. Looking at Emma, “I’d rather speak to you in private.”
“No, I want Buffy and Faith here.” A small smile escapes my lips.
“So be it. The Coven was concerned the Goddess would seek you out, claim you in a manner of speaking, when you were old enough to realize your powers. It was decided – without my consent – to remove you from your parents. Young, inexperienced members were sent which resulted in catastrophe. I tried to quickly place you with a family that would give you a more ‘normal’ up-bringing, but that didn’t end well either.”
Faith speaks up, “With her parents gone, why didn’t you take her then?”
“Patience, dear,” Ms. Hartness turns her gaze to Emma.
Emma’s eyes suddenly get very wide, “Oh my God, I killed them.” She whispers.
“Not without some cause dear: the Coven members did kill your parents, then you in turn killed them. It was your first major use of magic, it was massive, we felt it in England.”
“Oh,” Emma’s head is down now.
“So when your adoptive parents placed you in hospital we actually thought maybe it would buy us some time to research the Goddess and the extent of your power more. So we disguised you with a glamour, then there was the nurses’ strike at the hospital in Johannesburg. You missed a few days of sedation which led to the Goddess locating you then her minion kidnapping you.”
“So you called us.” I add.
“Yes, we put together from reports that it was a M’Fashnik demon and you were the only one we knew of to defeat one. So we called the expert.” She stopped to look at me, “I didn’t know what you would lose in the process, again my condolences.”
“Yes, thank you, please continue,” Maybe there is some feeling in this woman.
“Well, after you brought Emma to us, we changed hospitals to the one in Durban. It’s there she was to stay until we figured out what the dark Goddess wanted of her.”
Faith leans forward, “You were going to let her rot in that asylum until you ‘figured it out’? She shakes her head, “I don’t know how Red puts up with you.”
Ms. Hartness narrows her eyes at her, “We needed to know what we were dealing with.”
Now I was angry, “At the risk of Emma’s mental and physical health? And you still don’t even know after all this time.”
At first she looks a bit defeated then suddenly steals herself, “It was the choice made at the time. It cannot be changed now.”
Emma looks over to her, “Did you know I was also a Slayer?”
“Not until you got here, we felt it then.”
We are all quiet for a moment, letting it all sink in. Then Emma speaks my name, “Buffy?” her voice is shaky.
“Yeah Em?”
“How did you know to come for me in Durban?”
“Dawn. Last week she got a report of a PSNA, my specialty, so off I went.” I promptly received three blank stares. “Sorry, it’s our acronym: Potential Slayer Needs Assistance.”
“But if I was drugged, so effectively cloaked, then how did she know?” she continues.
I look at her then to Faith who nods knowingly, “The PtB”
Ms. Hartness shakes her head, “Too many cooks.” Sighing she continues, “I appreciate your efforts so far, truly I do, but Emma really needs to come back to England with me...”
Her words trail off as Dawn peeks in, “Hey Ms. Hartness, how’s it going? Sorry to barge in, but I just got off a plane and Buffy needs this.” Dawn locks eyes with mine. I walk over to her and take the envelope she is holding out. “I’m sure we’ll talk later,” Dawn calls out as she closes the door.
I open the seal and look through the contents. Ms. Hartness tries to continue but I hold up my hand, “One sec.” I finish leafing through the papers and smile. “Emma’s not going with you unless she wants to.” I state firmly once again holding my hand up to stay the Witch’s protests. I remove a passport from the envelope, “This is from the US Secretary of State, granting Emma immediate US citizenship. And this,” I pull out the rest of the papers, “is from the Governor of Ohio, granting me custody of Emma to act as her legal guardian until she reaches the age of eighteen.”
“Ms. Summers you have absolutely no idea...”
I don’t hear what she’s saying; I’m looking at Emma’s reaction to what I’ve said. Her head is darting back and forth from Faith to me. Not really believing what’s going on she stands and comes to me. “You did this for me?” As I nod she engulfs me in her arms. “Thank you. God I don’t know how to thank you.” I catch Faith’s gaze and hold it for a moment. She mists up then turns away.
“Hey Em?” Faith calls.
“Yeah?” She breaks away from me to face her.
“Why don’t you help Andrew with dinner and let us finish up here, ok?”
Emma looks back to me and I nod. “But I want...”
“Go on,” Faith says a bit more sternly, “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Alright,” She hesitantly leaves the room.
Ms. Hartness watches the scene unfold in front of her. “She responds to you two as parents,” her voice has a touch of awe in it, “a bond has indeed been forged.” She takes an appraising look at Faith, “I would assume you and Willow will conduct the lions-share of Emma’s training?”
Faith nods, “That’s the plan. The others will help out in their specialties and B will keep it all on an even keel, but for the most part it will be me and Red.”
“It may have to be just you in the beginning.”
I cut her off, “What’s wrong with Willow?”
“She cast the cloaking spell on Emma. Now normally her magic would not be so easily traceable, but because she took Rack’s power and made it her own, the Goddess feels that power in Willow, therefore has a link to her. That’s what happened this morning; she was basically flexing her muscles. We must find a way to close the conduit she has opened to the Goddess.”
WILLOW AND KENNEDY’S ROOM - ½ HOUR LATER
FAITH’S POV
“So call me crazy but why should we close the conduit? Why not use it to find out what the Goddess wants? I mean the Coven hasn’t found out squat in seven years, what makes us feel we are going to?”
Kennedy tears into me, “Are you fucking insane? You want to keep Willow tied to a fucking dark Goddess?”
“Babe, don’t, Faith’s right.” After a half hour Red finally speaks, “There are dark Goddesses that are not malevolent.”
“Exactly,” I add, “Even in Red’s Wicca there’s the “Crone” a Goddess of darkness but not evil. I want to know why the Coven assumes she is.”
The room is silent for a moment until Ken picks up a chair and throws it against the wall. She looks up sheepishly, “Sorry, frustration.”
I kneel down in front of Red. “Look, I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t feel comfortable with. I just think we should make Ms. H work with us while she’s here. Maybe find a way to communicate with this Goddess. At the very least maybe we can find out what she wants with Emma.”
Red nods, “That way we’ll know for sure, good or bad.”
“Yeah.”
Kennedy rubs Red’s shoulder, “You don’t have to do this.”
“Sure I do. I killed her son and now I’m helping raise her granddaughter. Me and the Goddess, we’re like this,” she holds up her right hand showing her fore and middle fingers crossed, “this is her,” she points to the forefinger, “and this is me,” she points to her thumb.
Kennedy makes a sour face, “Babe, old joke, not funny.”
I shrug, “I thought it was funny.”
Red inhales then surveys our faces, “It’s time we talk about what happened with Emma and the Coven members.” We all look down. “We’ve all taken life and know the guilt that comes from it. Emma’s taken two and her memory of it has been hiding for the past seven years. Ms. Hartness has at least one valid point: We have no idea what kind of power Emma has nor do we know if she can even begin to control it.”
I nod, “She seems very reactionary. She needs to learn how to control her impulses. When she reached me telepathically I thought you guys were under some kind of attack because all she sent was ‘trouble, come now’.”
B folds her arms and leans against the wall, “You’re right, as the drugs are wearing out of her system she is getting sharper and no doubt stronger mystically, so let the Wicca training begin. Why don’t you guys start tomorrow morning? Ken and I will convince Ms. Hartness to help us find a way to communicate with the Goddess. Meanwhile, I’ll try to help Emma through the mess of what happened to her parents.” B looks around and sees we’re all on the same page, “Do you think we can try to have one normal night?”
“Dinner’s ready,” Emma says as she stands in the doorway. Now how much do you wanna bet she heard just about all of that?
I move to her, “Great I’m starved.” I decide to start her training now: ‘Did you overhear all of that?’ I send her the thought.
‘Just from the joke, I thought it was funny too. The door was open you know, it’s not like I was spying.’ I get back from her.
I put my hand on her shoulder then move it up to rub the base of her neck, “So, you cool with it?” I say aloud.
She looks up at me and smiles, “Very.”
We leave the others silent and slightly confused.
DINING ROOM – 1 HOUR LATER
FAITH’S POV
So it’s kinda wild but after all the heavy shit, dinner was a lot of fun. Andrew made an intense roast beef with every side you can possibly imagine, the boy can cook. Now he’s a bit tipsy and trying to get the rest of us to join him. He’s celebrating the hologram program being able to read Emma and my hybrid DNA. Even Ms. H is finally relaxing, accepting defeat in typical British fashion: acknowledging it but pointing out at every possible moment how superior her plan is. Jeeze, she’s like a female Giles. Maybe all the wine Andrew has poured for her is having some effect.
When Andrew and Dawn bring her into their office to show her the hologram map and complex’s security the five of us sit in a very comfortable silence.
“More wine anyone?” B is opening another bottle as Andrew took the other one with him. A chorus of ‘Yeah’ and ‘Sure’ is heard. She pours out the bottle giving Emma a half glass. Raising her glass, “A toast,” We raise ours as well. “Welcome Emma and Faith. It’s been a crazy few days since we all got here. But tonight is the first semblance of what our quasi-normal life is like. I hope you two grow to love it here as much as I do.”
There are tears in Emma’s eyes as she touches B’s glass with her own. She doesn’t realize she’s speaking for both of us when she answers, “I already do.”
MEANWHILE IN ANDREW & DAWN’S OFFICE
DAWN’S POV
Ms. H is intrigued by the hologram map and how it works. Andrew needs no prodding to explain his genius in great detail. It is his. He likes to tell people I helped, which I did a little bit, but the map and the science behind it really is his baby.
“Buffy seems to be doing quite well.” Hmmm, someone is fishing.
“As a matter of fact she is,” I answer cautiously.
She sips her wine as Andrew watches us. “I can only hope she raises Emma as well as she did you, Dawn. You have become such an integral part of the New Council.” She stops for a moment trying to gauge if she can push further. “I wasn’t expecting her to seek legal custody of Emma. Is that something she does often?”
It’s time to put the kibosh on this, “It might be best for you to have this conversation with my sister.”
“I’m not trying to be coy, Dawn. I’m genuinely curious. I haven’t seen any of you except Willow and Kennedy in nearly three years. Buffy seems so very different and I was wondering if it had to do with Emma’s arrival.”
“We aren’t children anymore, Ms. Hartness.” Willow’s standing in the doorway.
“Yes, I’m well aware.”
Slowly Willow comes into our office, “Are you? Really? We’ve seen more death, demons and vampires in the last seventeen years than most in our craft do in a lifetime. That’s probably because no one who’s fought this close to the battle has ever lived this long. We’ve stopped the apocalypse more times than any of us can remember. We’ve cheated death on many occasions and Buffy, well; no one has given more or lost more than Buffy. Now you think she’s changed because of the arrival of one girl?” Willow looks at her closely, “She became the confident resourceful woman you see now, many years ago.”
“I understand, but her adopting Emma - ”
“”Makes complete sense,” Will cut her off. “Ms. Hartness, Emma needs many things, training being just one of them. You and the rest of the Coven have been forgetting something from the day she was born: she’s a girl. She needs people around her that understand what she’s going through, that share the same power, that feel the same sense of purpose. Yes, she is a witch, but she is also a Slayer and a demon. Look at the map,” we all turn to it, “Andrew’s program has been searching all live recorded DNA samples in the world since this morning and there are still only two purple lights: Emma’s and Faith’s. Why would you want to separate them?”
“I didn’t - ”
“Since the three of them arrived on Thursday they have barely slept, let alone had a proper meal until tonight. The level of stress is incalculable. Then this morning you tell me the Goddess is her grandmother and you are coming on the first flight over here.” She shakes her head, “We couldn’t let you take her away. Buffy and Kennedy were on the phone most of the morning getting in touch with every contact they have in politics to help push this through,” Willow pauses, “she needs stability and love in addition to the training, Ms Hartness. We will give her everything she needs.”
THE KITCHEN
FAITH’S POV
B, Ken, Em and I finally finish cleaning up. God, Andrew can cook, but the dude sure made a disaster of the kitchen. Dinner for 8 made a mountain of dishes, pots, pans, Jeeze.
Emma put a hand on my shoulder, “Faith?”
“What’s up?”
“Just,” she gives me a hug, “Goodnight.”
“Sleep well” I whisper as I hold her tightly, ‘Remember to concentrate on your mental barrier to keep everyone’s thoughts out of your head,’ I send to her.
“I will,” she answers aloud.
B walks with Em upstairs; I guess she wants to be sure Em is cool with the adoption stuff. Kennedy is off to find Willow. I told her she’s probably sticking it to Ms. H which gets a wry laugh. Seeing I have a moment to myself, I grab my jacket and go out back for a smoke.
It’s gotten cool out, I’m glad I grabbed my leather jacket. When I’m almost done with my cigarette, I feel B in the kitchen. She comes outside and slides her arms around my waist as she rests her head against my back. “It’s cold out here,” she shivers.
Holding my cigarette up, I turn in her arms wrapping the sides of my jacket around her as I pull her closer to me. “That better?”
“Mmmm, closer to you is always better,” she nuzzles into my neck as I take my final drag. “We’re going to have to put an ashtray out here for you.”
“Is it a problem?” I ask as I snap off the tip of the cigarette, extinguishing it. Then I pitch the dead butt in the garbage in the corner.
“Actually, no.”
“Thanks.”
We’re silent for a moment, “Emma’s very happy,” she leans her head on my shoulder.
“I thought she would be,” I rub my chin against the top of her head. “You know, all these years we’ve trained and fought and it’s all been about power. But what you did today, that was real power, nothing mystical just you. Jesus, woman, the Secretary of State and the Governor? Very impressive.”
“Yeah, Ken and I did good today.” She pauses then whispers, “Are you happy?”
“Oh, baby,” I hold her tighter, “more than words.” I kiss her forehead.
Her lips move to my throat as she snakes her arms around my neck. I exhale, slowly savoring the feel of her warm mouth against my cool skin. She pulls my head down to hers and runs her tongue over my bottom lip then I’m lost in her kiss. Suddenly it’s not cold at all anymore and have I mentioned it drives me crazy when she drags her nails through my hair? “Take me to bed,” she murmurs into my mouth.
“You have no idea how much I want you,” my voice is hoarse with need as I backpedal her to the kitchen door.
Twisting the door knob behind her, we stumble inside, “Show me.”
And I do.
Chapter 13: The Devil You Know
BUFFY’S POV
There’s a faint glow coming in through the window from the streetlight, it gives my room a greenish hue. As soon as we’re inside Faith closes the door and turns the lock, “No interruptions.” She prowls closer to me until I feel the heat of her body surround mine. There’s something magical as we touch, electric but at the same time soothing.
Her hands move to my waist as she gently, but firmly pushes back from me. “Babe?” I mourn the loss of her against me.
“Shhh,” she leans back and kisses me quickly, “not going anywhere far.” Kneeling down she removes my boots and socks. As she rises I tilt my head towards her. She kisses me again. This time I lock onto her mouth and let my tongue tell her how much I missed her. Once more she pushes back from me, albeit panting now. She rests her head against mine, “You asked me to show you...”
I nod and allow her to continue.
She lifts my turtleneck over my head then tosses it to the floor. Starting at my shoulders her hands lightly trace across my collarbone, down my arms then up my sides. Bending down she kisses my shoulder, neck, jaw. Her hands slide around my back and unclasp my bra, it quickly joins the turtleneck. She keeps her nails short but still manages to scrape them down my bare back leaving me no option except to arch hard into her. Then she ever so lightly trails her fingertips up the same path, I can’t help but shiver. My God, I want her.
Those hands, those hard, calloused, incredibly strong, beautiful hands are now on my stomach slowly moving north. When they cover my breasts we both whimper. She takes each nipple in her mouth in turn; an exquisite pull, then blow, then kiss. I’m beginning to think someone can die from sheer ecstasy. Her hands are on the move again, now unbuckling my belt, unzipping my jeans. Her movements are so slow, so deliberate, I feel... I feel every single nerve ending in my body responding to her touch. She’s kneeling once again in front of me, sliding my jeans and underwear down my legs. Trance-like, I step out of them. Her fingertips are running up and down my legs as she kisses my stomach, hips, and thighs. I can’t believe I have the strength to stand, then her thumb brushes against my wetness as she closes her mouth on me.
“God, Faith.” I manage. Just when I think my knees are about to buckle, she scoops me up and carries me to bed.
It seems as if she’s naked in a second and now she’s kissing me everywhere; slow languid kisses backed up with gentle licks and nibbles. Her touch is so soft, so tender, I feel like she is making love to every inch of my body. And I’m so helpless; I can’t move, I’m paralyzed with pleasure. I am so caught up with the feel of her lips trailing down my stomach, her hands caressing my breasts I think I forget to breathe. I remember immediately when she once again takes me into her mouth. The sound of my sharp intake of breath cuts though the quiet night. She halts her ministrations; I feel her smile then continue. As her tongue brings me closer, the feel of her fingers entering me finally pushes me over the edge. “Faith,” I call out, not so much spoken as exhaled. Every nerve is raw, on fire, it’s absolute sensory overload, then a calm envelopes me.
She lays her head on my stomach and wraps her arms around my waist. Senses still tingling, I marvel at the softness of her hair as I hold her to me. “I - I’ve never... felt anything so...” Jesus, I can’t even speak in sentences.
Now she’s sliding up my body, I swear I can do nothing right now except try and catch my breath. She’s leaning on one arm, the other tracing imaginary lines on my hip. “Now do you know how much I want you?”
Finding my strength, I reach up and hold her face in my hands. Looking into her smoky brown eyes as I brush my thumbs across her cheeks I realize exactly how much I love this woman, how I always have. “Yes,” I answer, then I feel her lips on mine and I’m lost all over again.
“ATTENTION PASSENGERS:”
My head jerks up from its perch on my hand and bangs against the plane’s window. Son-of-a-bitch that hurt.
“WE ARE MAKING OUR FINAL APPROACH, PLEASE BE SURE YOUR SEAT BACKS ARE UP AND YOUR TRAY TABLES ARE PROPERLY STOWED. WE WILL BE LANDING IN APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. LONDON’S HEATHROW WELCOMES YOU TO ENGLAND. THE LOCAL TIME IS 7:00 AM.”
With the announcement finished, the blaring cabin lights come on to wake my fellow bleary eyed trans-Atlantic travelers. I wasn’t asleep, more like zoning, remembering that incredible night. It’s only been seven hours since I left and I miss her already. God, what a wuss I’ve become. But I feel her, yes, even with an ocean between us I sense her and it’s incredibly comforting.
It’s been a month since I found Faith sitting in my living room. Seems like a lifetime in those 30ish days. But then I’ve been living on borrowed time for a while, so I’ve learned to treat each moment as a lifetime. This is my first trip since then, to London to console the mother of a Slayer who lost to a vamp. It’s a girl Dawn had put on the ‘watch list’. So I’m feeling a little responsible, maybe if I spent more time with her things could have been different. In the end she was arrogant in her ignorance and now she’s dead.
I’m actually amazed this doesn’t happen more often. How did those crazy Bushmen decide a girl with hardly any life experience should be filled with untold strength and power to fight the forces of evil? They must have been smoking prehistoric crack. It’s remarkable more don’t die or simply crumble from the pressure. It’s a heavy load to bear.
I only have my carry on so I went straight to the tube station after my brief chat with the immigration agent. While figuring out how many Pounds I needed to get to Victoria Station I hear a familiar voice, “Hello Buffy.” It’s Giles, standing there all casual like. I wrap my arms around him and bury my head in his chest.
“You have no idea how good it is to see you.” I’m crying, they’re happy tears, it’s been so long and I miss him so much. I pull back to see him a bit red in the face, “Sorry, didn’t mean to jump your bones.”
He grins broadly, “You’ve always had such a way with words my dear.”
“You didn’t have to meet me; I could have taken the tube.”
“I know, but I have my car, so come on then.”
It takes a few minutes to get to the car, when we do I ask, “So how is she?” The girl’s mother is an acquaintance of his.
“Angry.”
“Great.”
“Vanessa’s, um enthusiasm is definitely a trait learned from her mother. I’m afraid she’s a rather formidable force and can make a lot of trouble for us, well, you.”
I stare out the window at the homes that line M25, “I guess I have my work cut out for me. She’s expecting me at 11, so I’m going to grab a quick shower then hop the tube to Kensington. I’ll be back in time to take you and the misses out to dinner.”
He nods. “And how are you Buffy, really?” He will never shake that fatherly tone. “Dawn gave me some highlights but...”
Smiling, I look over to him, “I’m really good, actually so much so that I’m starting to worry.” He glances over brow creased. “You know, tempting the Gods?”
“Yes, of course.” He laughs.
“Dawn tell you Faith is with us?” Ok, why do I feel like I’m 17 again?
“Yes she did, how is that going?”
Looking at him I take a deep breath then go back to staring out the window, “I love her Giles.”
“I know my dear.” He’s silent for a minute. “Both of you had such an incredibly violent and emotional transition into adulthood. It seems quite fitting for circumstances to have allowed you to come together now. Tell me, how is she?”
“Different.” I continue to scan the horizon as we sit in rush hour traffic. “She’s extremely powerful now, you can actually feel it come off her when she’s not cloaking. She doesn’t use it though, well not as much as she could, it’s like she’s guarded, more than that though, stoic maybe? But not detached more like exceptionally self-controlled.”
“That certainly is different.”
I laugh. “She’s very, I don’t know, thoughtful, as in full of thoughts, but not calculating. I can’t imagine what she’s been through with the PtB all these years, but whatever happened, it’s put its mark on her.” I stop to look at him, “Is any of this making sense?”
“Yes. And what of your new charge, or shall I say your daughter?”
I narrow my eyes at him, “Somebody is still having tea with Ms. Hartness.”
He colors as I bust him. I know Dawn never would have told him that. “Um, yes, actually.”
I can’t help but smile, “Emma’s wonderful. She’s learning a lot and is really a sweet girl.” After a sideways glance at him I add, “Ms. Hartness left us no choice Giles, Emma needed more than to be prodded by the Coven. She’s more than a witch, more than some descendant of a Goddess.”
“I actually agree with your decision, Buffy and told Ms. Hartness as much.” He turns around then changes lanes to get off the exit ramp. “You have grown so much since you stumbled into my library at Sunnydale. I’m so very proud of you.”
I cover his hand that’s resting on the stick shift, “Thanks, I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
Flustered, he clears his throat, “Well, Olivia also took the morning off today, so she made quite a large breakfast for us.”
Smiling as I look at him, “Great, I’m starved, even in First Class, plane food still sucks.”
MEANWHILE IN THE BACK ROOM OF WILLY’S BAR – 3AM (8am UK)
FAITH’S POV
Man, demons are easy. Give them a couple of drinks and they throw themselves at you. Well, their DNA that is. Willy had a drink special tonight, any demon who gave me a sample would get a chip to be redeemed at the bar for two free drinks. That Willy, he’s a marketing genius, he knows they’ll be a little loopy after a couple so they’ll drink more and tip better. He’s closed now just cleaning up; I’m packing the samples in this James Bond type briefcase Andrew gave me, he’s such a trip. I’m shutting the case as I get a familiar tingle: Vampires. Putting the case in the corner I lean against the door and hook my head around the corner to see what’s going on.
Willy’s pinned up against the bar by this little blonde vamp, she looks really familiar. Two dudes are lurking by the door.
“What’s the what?” I call out coming forward.
“Just looking around,” she looks me up and down, “we don’t want any trouble.”
“Yeah? Then why are you fucking with Willy?” Vamps are such lying sacks of shit.
“Just wanted to ask what’s with the test tubes.” She walks over to me. “Are you playing doctor?” The two guys laugh. “Can we play too?” she reaches up to touch my face but I lean out of the way.
Narrowing my eyes at her, it clicks, “You from the diner downtown.”
“Was,” she purrs as she once again tries to close the distance between us. “Are you a lab rat? You’re a cute lab rat.” Once again she eyes me up and down this time licking her lips.
I step away from her. “Look no offense but I don’t do the undead.”
One of the guys pipes up, “Once you have a vamp, you never go back.”
I laugh, “Ok, here’s the deal: if you guys back off and leave now I won’t stake you and ruin your little love search. What do ya say?”
The little chickie comes closer still, “I don’t think so.”
Willy jumps behind the bar whipping out a sword. “Get the fuck out of my place or we’ll dust your asses.”
The girl tries to grab me but I step to my left, jump up and kick her in the chest. She goes into the wall and slides to the floor. Ugly Dude #1 vamps out and is so busy snarling at me he doesn’t have time to stop the stake I tomahawk into his heart: ok, one down.
Willy is holding his own against Ugly Dude #2, so I turn to the girl. She’s up and running towards me. For a newbie the chick can fight. I block a punch then a kick, then I toss her into the wall but she pops up looking for more. I bring her down with a full force kick to the jaw. But before I can take two steps she’s in front of me again, just like those fucking moles in the arcade game. She grabs my jacket as I slam her against the wall, “Where’s Emma?” she asks sweetly.
“What? How do you...” then I feel the air move behind me. Still holding her, I switch positions so Ugly Dude #2 slams her with the bar stool. She curses him then brings her knee up between my legs. Now I know I’m a girl, but mother fucker that hurts.
Willy lets out a scream. When I look up Ugly Dude #2 has him disarmed and is ready to indulge in a late night snack. I can’t let go of the girl so I scan the room. Seeing a shattered piece of barstool on the floor I concentrate for a second then it’s flying through the air and he’s dust: two down, one to go.
“Holy shit,” The chickie gasps and it’s just enough to flip her once more so she’s against the wall again.
“What do you know about Emma?” I growl as my hands hold hers pinned to the wall. I push my entire body into hers completely disabling any movement.
“Mmmm, that feels good baby.”
“Start talking, now.”
Then her whole demeanor abruptly changes. “You will kill this vessel regardless of what it speaks, truth or lie.” I lean back getting a really weird vibe now. “Is she alive? I can’t feel her anymore.”
“Shit, you’re her.” Letting her go I stagger backwards.
“Answer me now.”
I can’t seem to tear my eyes from hers or stop my mouth from moving. “She’s fine, safe, I won’t let anything happen to her, I - I think you know that.”
She inspects me for a moment then reaches out and puts her hand over my heart. I feel it scorch though my clothes as a current runs through me. She nods then walks away. Suddenly she crumbles to the floor. As I stumble to her she turns and I see her face change into a smirk - shit the vamp is back. Not only back but has Willy’s sword which she quickly slices across my stomach. “Fuck!” I go down, hard.
She’s too busy celebrating to see Willy behind her with a stake. I feel the dust fall on me as I try to stop the puddle of blood forming on the floor; three down, job’s done, time to sleep now.
LONDON 10:30 AM (5:30am US)
BUFFY’S POV
It weird but when we reach Giles and Olivia’s place I was really queasy. I never get car sick so I chalked it up to lack of sleep and being terrified of Giles driving on the wrong side of the road. It passes soon enough for me to enjoy the huge spread Olivia laid out when we arrived; I didn’t realize how hungry I was. Maybe it was just the crumpets – Yum! We caught up for a little bit then I had to shower and get into London.
I take the National Rail to Victoria Station then transfer to the District Line for Gloucester Road. After walking a few blocks over to Cornwall Gardens, I’m here. A little early, but from what I remember she’s a stickler for punctuality. I take a deep breath and ring the bell. I don’t know why, but I’m surprised when a servant answers the door.
“Miss Summers?”
“Yes, sir.” He looks very proper.
“Please come in Mrs. Pinnington is waiting for you.”
He brings me to a large study. She is sitting behind her desk on a phone call. She motions me to come in and sit.
“Would you like a beverage?”
Water would be great, thanks.” He leaves us alone and I have the luxury of watching her for a moment. She’s younger than I remembered; I doubt she’s even 40. If I recall correctly, Vanessa would have been 20 this year, shit.
“Miss Summers.” She is off the phone and addressing me.
“Mrs. Pinnington, I wanted personally give you my condolences, Vanessa was a remarkable girl.”
“Yes... she WAS, wasn’t she?” She stops as the servant comes back in with a carafe of water and glasses. “Thank you William, that will be all for now.”
“Yes Ma’am.”
We’re alone again, she pours the water and hands me a glass. “Why are you here?”
“I wanted to let you know if you needed any kind of support...” my carefully rehearsed speech dies on my tongue as her stare cuts through me.
The look was bad, but her words are worse than any wound I’ve ever received. “Do you really think I will cry on your shoulder?” She sneers. “How dare you come here throwing around your slick American psychology nonsense? Sorry to disappoint you but this will not be a warm and fuzzy Kumbaya moment. My daughter is dead Miss Summers and I will never see her again thanks to you. Do you know what it is to lose a child? Have any idea? I think not.”
She snatches her glass of water from the table and stalks to the window. I can’t speak, because if I do I’m afraid of what I might say. I vow to sit here and take what she dishes out because it is partly my fault.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t check up on you and your whole sordid organization before I let Vanessa become involved with you?” She eyes me again, “Rupert was the only reason I allowed it. I trusted him with this mystical gobbledygook and now she’s dead. What am I supposed to tell her grandparents? That she was killed by a vampire? Hardly!”
“Mrs. Pinnington - ”
“I’m not quite finished,” she cuts me off. She continues as she stands over me “If you allow this to happen to another girl I will see to it you pay, one way or another, I promise you. I know Vanessa was headstrong and at times a discipline problem, but she didn’t have to die because of it. Her death is on your head Miss Summers, so as you Americans would say: get it out of your ass and start taking better care of these girls.” She stormed over to the door opening it, “We’re done here.”
CLEVELAND - BUFFY’S ROOM – 8AM (1pm UK)
KENNEDY’S POV
God, Faith can really make you crazy, “You are such a fucking pain! Why can’t you just lie down and rest?”
“Ken, I’m fine,” she gets up slowly.
“You know Buffy is going to kick my ass if something happens to you.” I’m shaking my head at her. I’ve been with her all night, every since Willy brought her here. The cut wasn’t too bad; it actually was almost healed by the time he got her here. But she was unconscious until a few minutes ago so I’m trying to keep her in bed.
Sitting up she looks around then slides back into bed. “Ok, maybe a little more rest.”
“Faith, you have to take it easy. Willow said - ”
She leans back and looks at me, “Ken, Red doesn’t know the whole story.”
“What?” Faith proceeds to tell me every minute detail from last night and I just sit there stunned. “Did it hurt?”
“Nah, it just felt warm, now it kinda itches.” She pulls her T-shirt out a bit and looks down, “There’s no mark or anything, and I feel ok.” She shrugs, “Just kinda tired.”
“Yeah, but she made contact – that’s huge. And she knew to come to you – huger. Let me get Will – and you stay put!”
“Not going anywhere,” she laughs.
I find Willow drinking coffee in the kitchen. After I give her the Reader’s Digest version I grab some mugs full of java and head back upstairs.
We walk into the room to find her on her cell. She puts her fingers on her lips telling us to be quiet. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell Andrew and Dawn to start putting it together.” Pause “I’ll pick you up.” Pause “Call me when you get back to Giles’ place.”
She hangs up and warily looks at us. “First of all, I didn’t say anything to her and I’m not going to; she’s got other shit going on and this can wait for now. Second, Red before the interrogation begins; you want to get Dawn and Andrew? I only want to do this once. Last, Ken if that’s my coffee better give it here and can you get my smokes? I need a cigarette.”
