Part 22

Kate Lockley wasn't so sure if she was still a mentally sane member of the human race. She was exhausted a lot lately, thinking about taking a vacation, feeling burnt out and here she was, sitting in her car, driving towards a God forsaken town called Sunnydale, a convict next to her and to top it all off she'd taken three days of her precious vacation time for it.

Not to forget that she had needed to call in all the favors people owed her to get said convict out of jail for a couple of days, without actually giving them an explanation for it. So she lied. Kate Lockley, the detective with a conscience lied, for a vampire - who of course happened to be a friend, go figure – of all people. Or non-people for that matter.

But vampire or not, Angel was a friend. They'd been through a lot over the past two years. First Kate hitting on him - even now she felt little flush of embarrassment at that - then accusing him of murder, hating him for too long because of what had happened to her father and then having her life saved by him.

That man just never ceased to amaze her. He was too good to be true. But then he wasn't really true. Up until about two years ago she hadn't known vampires were more than just a creation of fiction. He was almost 250 years old and still alive - or not, however you wanted to see it. But fact was he was there, talking, walking, and being a friend.

Offering friendship and help to everyone in need. Even a heavily screwed up girl like the one sitting beside her now.

She turned her head to glance at said girl beside her, or rather the young woman, who was nervously chewing her lower lip, her hands tightly entwined in her lap, the knuckles white, while her forehead crunched into a frown from time to time. Kate remembered the shocked expression on her face when the detective told her why she was needed and where, but she'd instantly agreed to come with her.

And now they were sitting side by side, not talking, because there wasn't really a lot they could talk about. There had of course been some questions, about Angel - is there any lost soul he didn't know these days? - about Cordelia and then with a grin about Wesley, although even there something like pain had flickered through the brunette slayer's eyes. Or was it guilt? Kate remembered the former watcher's bruises and cuts the day Faith had showed up at the police station. Kate had never asked, but she had an imagination.

"Are you alright?" Kate asked finally, to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Sure," came the quick answer, but the slayer's eyes were cast down to her entwined hands.

"When was the last time you've been here?"

"A bit over a year, I think," Faith replied, frowning. "I was in a coma for eight months, woke up, went berserk. Then Angel sorta... uh... well, he seemed to care. Not that I wanted him to. But he just couldn't give up." She laughed slightly, but it wasn't a happy sound. "He's kinda stubborn. Even got in a fight with his ex over me. Go figure!" She laughed again, even unhappier this time.

More guilt, Kate assumed. Then the words sunk in, "His ex?"

"Uh-huh," Faith nodded, "skinny blonde. You should remember her she was there too. You sorta looked as if you've been in an argument."

The older woman did a double take, "*That* was his ex? This little girl?"

"Yeah," the slayer's breath came in a whoosh. "Her name's Buffy. We... uh... we're not on the best of terms. She helped though. Protected me from the watcher guys. We... go way back. It was," she swallowed hard, "difficult."

"A guy?" Kate asked, not quite understanding.

"Huh?" Faith laughed again, this time it was genuine. "No, not really. There was a bit of jealousy, but the guy only wanted her and to tell the truth, I didn't really want him," she cocked her head and grinned at Kate. "I'm not much into vampires."

"Angel?" the blond was even more surprised. "It was about Angel?"

"As I said, not really. He made it perfectly clear that he was hers. A one-woman-vampire." Then she was serious again, "No, a lot of... stuff happened. Me being a huge ass, and Buffy," she shrugged, "we could've been friends. She could be really cool, but I suppose I was already too screwed up to notice. I messed it up, big time. It wasn't her fault. It was mine."

Suddenly she smiled, "It's one of the first things I learned - you know at the group in jail - to accept what you've done. Without it there's no way out."

Kate frowned slightly, "You've still got a long way to go."

"Oh, I know that," the slayer waved her hand. "I know I'm going to go back after this, but hey, there isn't anything better than two slayers in action."

"From what I heard the current slayer died some months ago," the detective said.

"WHAT?"Faith's horrified shout had Kate almost driving into the ditch. At the last moment she got the wheel into direction again. "What's the matter?"

"Buffy died?"

"Huh?" now the blond was confused. "Buffy is the slayer? Angel's Buffy? His ex?"

"Yeah," the brunette replied fighting tears. God, what was the matter with her? Buffy and she didn't even like each other. Why the hell did she feel like bawling her guts out? Had to be her therapy sessions in jail. Nothing good ever came from them. "But who is the slayer then?"

"It's still her. They got her back somehow. I'm not quite sure. Gunn told me a few days ago. That's why Angel went to Sunnydale in the first place, there was something about a memory loss."

"Oh sh- I mean, that's really tough," Faith swallowed hard, feeling suddenly light from the relief that flooded her body. "So she's still kickin', huh? That's good." She quickly turned her head towards the window, wiping her tears away, hoping Kate wouldn't look. It wasn't that she didn't like Kate, but the detective was more or less a stranger to her. No need to open up your soul for her.

"From what Angel told me on the phone, I guess it's a safe bet. He and... Buffy, right?" she saw Faith nod and went on, "They were attacked last night by a very strong vampire. They couldn't handle it on their own."

The brunette's eyes went wide, "Holy sh- I mean, that doesn't sound too good. Too strong for Buffy *and* Angel. No wonder they wanted me there," there was more than a hint of pride in her voice and Kate smiled inwardly. This girl just wanted so desperately to be loved and needed, why hadn't anyone seen that before. Why did it take a vampire with a soul to see that she was trying to cover up the vulnerability laying underneath?

Suddenly Faith narrowed her eyes, tilted her head and watched Kate through her lowered lashes, "What's in this for you? Why are you doing this? Helping them?"

The detective shrugged, "Lots of reasons, first being a serious dislike of vampires."

"No kidding." Faith grinned and Kate did the same. For a moment they shared something. None of them knew exactly what, but it was there. Then the blond spoke again and the moment was gone.

"Vampires killed my father," she said quietly. "We weren't that close at the time, just trying to rebuilt a relationship or whatever, then he died."

"That's..." the brunette couldn't find the words, so she just said, "My watcher was killed by a vampire. He was the closest I ever had to a family then. My old lady wasn't much fun to be around you know."

In silence they shared another moment, realizing that they had more in common than they thought. "Angel was there," Kate went on. "When my dad was killed. Right in front of the door, but Daddy wouldn't invite him in, so he couldn't do anything. After that I was," she shrugged again, feeling helpless, seeing her father dead on the floor for a moment, "I just lashed out I think. At least that's what the shrinks probably would say."

"Yeah," Faith agreed. "Been there, done that. So I know. At least you're not going to jail for it. So it seems you've done better at a certain point."

"Or had a friend at the right time," the blond said with a small smile. "He made me believe again, you know. That there really was something worth fighting for and that we're always responsible for what we are and do."

"Yeah," Faith said again. "I know what you mean."

****

"Hi, can I come in?" Willow smiled at her childhood friend, doing her best not to start crying at his red-rimmed eyes and the dark circles underneath them.

"Uh..." Xander blinked at her, "sure." Then he added in a way to apologize, "Just don't look around. I didn't have time to clean up."

"No problem." The redhead followed him into the living room, trying her best to ignore the empty pizza box, the several cans of soft drinks lying around everywhere. Anya was gone for not even 48 hours and already this place looked pure Xander. "How are you?" she asked as soon as she found a free spot on his sofa and sat down.

"How do you think?" he asked, disappearing into the kitchen. His voice was louder when he said, "I just need some coffee. You want some?"

"No thanks, you know too much caffeine..." she trailed off with a smile.

"Yeah, I know," he replied, then came back holding a steaming mug. Throwing clothes from a chair, he sat down as well. He looked at her over the rim of his mug, sipping the hot brew, needing every drop of energy after a sleepless night of missing someone who obviously didn't give a damn about him. He was pathetic, he knew, but he was hurting and so he didn't care.

He wasn't like Angel, all stoic and suffering inside. He was just human and seemed to have a talent in falling in love with the wrong woman. Either they weren't interested in him at all, or preferred to switch off the light when kissing him, or they just ran away the moment he needed them. Face it Xander Harris, he thought, your love life sucks.

"Did you try to find her?" Willow asked after a long silence.

"Find her? Why should I try to find her?" he asked, slightly shaking his head. "She left me. And besides, even if I did try to find her, she's probably long gone, on her way to Europe I'd say."

"Don't you think you're a bit hard on her?"

Hard on her? He had been hard on her? Xander couldn't believe his ears. "Did you even listen to yourself? She just left. There is some danger coming and she left," he snipped his fingers, "just like that."

"Dawn said she wanted you to come with her," Willow argued gently. "So I think that shows she cares. At least for you."

"But that's the point, Willow," Xander shouted, setting the mug down. "You, Buffy, Giles, you aren't just friends. You are my family. I know there's Mom, who's suddenly interested in every step I take, but somehow I can't forget she ignored me for the first 20 years. But you have been the people closest to me. I can't just go and leave you."

"*I* know that," the redhead replied, "but Anya is still new to this. You know, the whole human thing. The concept of friendship, and of family. She's still learning and she's trying so hard and all this just to please you." She paused, and then slightly tilted her head, "And there's another thing you might have forgotten. She's actually seen it happen before and lots of other things. I think sometimes you tend to forget she's 1100 years old because she looks like the average 20 year old."

"Why are you defending her?" he asked, not understanding what she was up to.

"Because I'm trying to see both sides. Don't understand me wrong. If Tara would run, I'd be pissed royally," they both grinned at the expression, so unfamiliar for Willow. "But I'd still try to understand why she's doing it. Or at least I hope I would," she suddenly laughed, "after cursing her of course and trying to do some other horrible spell, that'll probably backfire." She sighed, both smiling at each other.

Xander sighed, reaching for his coffee, "I know you mean well, Will, but I just can't. I can't go after her, maybe that's the problem, but I haven't got it in me. If there is a chance for us, she has to come. She left, so she needs to come back, as simple as that."

Willow looked at him for a long time, and then smiled - but it was a bit sad, "I know what you mean, Xand, I just hope you know what you're doing."

****

"This is nice," Buffy, sighed, snuggling to Angel's chest, his arm automatically pulling her closer, planting a kiss on her head.

"Yeah, it is," he replied, feeling completely sated and relaxed. Buffy had spent the night at her house - much to his disappointment, but he understood that she wanted to be near Dawn, and Spike who had seemingly returned to the basement. But immediately after driving her sister to school she'd come to him, woken him up. Not that he minded, actually he didn't mind her disturbing him at all. How could he, when he'd been woken up by her soft, *naked* body pressing itself against him. In moments like this he could forget there was danger lurking near by.

They'd made soft, gentle love, and now they were just enjoying being together like this. "I didn't ask you yesterday," Buffy said, "I have only fuzzy memories of Faith. I suppose she's Kendra's replacement?"

"Yeah," he confirmed. "You remember Kendra?"

"Uh... not really. Willow told me. It kinda slipped. But I think I remember Faith. She's brunette right? Kinda like Cordelia."

Angel had to laugh at that, "Never let Cordy hear that. I don't think she'd ever forgive you for comparing her to Faith."

"Uh. Oh," Buffy giggled at his side and he turned his head to look at her. God, she was beautiful, her face flushed, her hair tousled in the afterglow of lovemaking. How had he managed to live without her for over two years he asked himself?

"You and Faith, you didn't really get along," the vampire said. "You had some differences about how to work, how to slay and," he chuckled, "boyfriends."

The blond raised a brow. "She had the hots for you?"

"It seemed like that, but it wasn't real." Angel propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at her, "You need to know that Faith had a very difficult childhood. And as it often happens she got very angry, began to hate the whole world, envied everyone who had more than she. In the end the situation was so difficult, she didn't find a way back anymore."

"I remember a fight between us, there's lots of shouting in my head and I'm... uh," she suddenly had a funny expression in her eyes, "Did we ever use... chains?"

Angel stared at her for a moment, then he began to laugh. "Oh Buffy," he shook his head, "no we never used chains. Well, we did, but not..." he sobered at her confused expression. "Maybe it would be better for you to remember on your own. But Faith had switched sides, she was working with the enemy, and we needed proof of that and a certain information. So we tricked her. Giles, you and I. And a friend of Giles'. We pretended I had reverted back into Angelus. Part of the plan was bringing you here and chain you to the wall."

"Oh, I see," she nodded, then frowned, "We... uh... you know. In front of her?"

"No," he grinned then hugged her to him. "Did you forget, there was still the clause in the curse."

"Oh, right," she seemed honestly relieved. "So Faith and I didn't get along. And now she's in jail?"

"Yeah. She killed a man in Sunnydale," he told her. Seeing her shocked expression he nodded, "That's where her downward spiral began. I think after that nothing made sense to her anymore. I tried to help her, but it didn't work. Then she came to L.A., tried to kill me. In the end she turned herself in. End of story."

"Or not," Buffy muttered.

"Or not," he agreed on a sigh, "But she's changed. I see her from time to time and she tries her best." Suddenly he laughed, "But I'll bet she's really looking forward to this fight. She always had a taste for her duty."

"And I don't have a taste for it?" the blond teased, running her fingers over his chest.

Angel wiggled his eyebrows, his mouth descending on hers, "Oh, you have. But fortunately you've got more than one talent."

"Isn't it great," she joked, giggling when he began to nibble at her earlobe, then drawing in a sharp breath at the sensations running through her body.

"Hmmm," he made, "You could show one more talent today."

"Huh?"

"Stop talking," he growled, his mouth wandering lower.

Stop talking? Why, of course she could do that!

Part 23

"Sit down, Agent Finn," the important looking man behind the desk didn't raise his head, while saying the words. He seemed more interested in the papers covering his desk.

"General Markham," Riley said in a matter of greeting and did as his superior had ordered.

With a sigh, the General put the papers aside, removed his reading glasses and rubbed his eyes. "I wanted to see you to discuss the situation. I've been through your record and it was quite interesting. It says you've been in Sunnydale before."

"That's right, sir," the commando replied, not sure where this would be leading to.

The General sighed again, "I suppose I've been down in Brazil for too long. This dry, hot weather is something you have to get used to again." He stifled a yawn, and then shook his head. "When I first went to Brazil, I thought I'd never get used to the humidity down there, now I don't seem to be able to live without it. But back to the matter at hand, Captain Miller reported you've met with the slayer."

Riley hesitated for a moment. Then he said truthfully, "Yes, I did. I thought it was the right thing to do. She's really good at what she does, sir. From my point of view it would be fatal to ignore her presence, especially in a situation like this."

General Markham nodded, "I also heard you and her were... involved?"

"I begging your pardon sir, but my private life is not up for discussion," the younger man said, his eyes serious. No way, he would discuss his relationship to Buffy with his superiors. He'd done it once, and he could still clearly remember what had happened. There would be no second Maggie Walsh.

The General cleared his throat, "I'm sorry, Agent Finn. It wasn't meant that way. I just wanted to know if you knew her well."

"I did once," Riley replied, "but we separated several months ago now and I am also to understand that she recently suffered some kind of amnesia. She's recovering as I was told, but there are still certain holes in her memory."

"I see," the older man nodded thoughtfully, "but you're sure her fighting ability is unaffected?"

"I think so." The commando watched the other man for a moment, considering his next words, but he knew his commanding officer needed to have all the facts, "Sir, there is another thing." "Yes?"

"There are two hostiles fighting with the slayer," Riley said slowly.

"There are what?" General Markham shot from his chair, glaring down at the blond. The older man leaned forward, bracing his palms on the desk, "Could you repeat that?"

"It's not what it sounds like," Riley said calmly, "One of the vampires has one of our chips. It works perfectly, he can't attack humans, and so to rid his frustration he decided to work with the slayer."

The General eyed the younger man closely then sat down again, "Go on."

"The other is a special case. He has a soul." He couldn't bring himself to say the vampire's name. The picture of Buffy sitting in his lap was still cutting deep. But he swore to himself that it was for the greater good he would push his personal aversion aside. Besides he had the impression that there was no way he could win a hand-to-hand combat with Angel.

General Markham raised a brow, "A soul?"

"Yes," Riley nodded. "He was cursed by gypsies about 100 years ago. Since then he's never attacked humans again, from what I've been told," he reported, deliberately leaving out the part Xander had told him about the happiness clause or the night where he and vampire had met in a dark alley. But if he was honest with himself Angel hadn't attacked him. No, it had been the other way round.

And remembering what he'd said in his jealous rage, still brought a feeling of embarrassment to the commando. His only excuse was that he was so blinded by his love for Buffy, that he hadn't been able to see straight. If it had been different, he would've realized much earlier that her heart still belonged to Angel, and that he, Riley, had never been more than a comfortable friend. With a little bit of sexual attraction thrown in. He had admitted his love repeatedly, yet the words had never crossed her lips.

"You are a very trustworthy member of our organization." General Markham's quiet words pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Thank you, sir."

The General made a dismissive gesture, "What I need to know is, do you trust those hostiles, Agent Finn?"

Riley looked at his superior for a long moment. He could say he didn't, and in Spike's case, it was probably true. He didn't trust the bleached blond vampire, not even for a second. Angel, he didn't know well enough, but obviously, Buffy had trusted him - even with her life. She trusted him now, and if the way he saw them together at Giles' was any indication, she loved him more than ever. He had a feeling that he and Angel would never be friends, but this was business and he knew enough about the vampire to see an important ally.

So he took a deep breath, threw all his personal feelings aside, when he said, "I think we can trust the one with a soul. In Spike's case," he shrugged, "he's still a hostile. But even although I don't like him, I think he won't change sides." He remembered the way Spike had looked at Buffy those last weeks before Riley had left, the way he'd taken care of Dawn. In his own twisted way, the chipped vampire would stay true this time. And if he didn't, well then Riley would take care of him himself.

For a moment, Riley thought he'd made the wrong decision, saying anything about this in the first place, but then General Markham looked at him, "Alright, Agent Finn. I'm going to put my trust in your judgment. And if we're going to survive this, I'd be very interested to meet this ensouled hostile and the slayer, of course." At Buffy's mention, his lips twitched into something that resembled a smile. The first smile that morning.

Yes, Riley thought, this was a good man. Not the kind of loony scientist like Maggie Walsh, so blinded by her ideas, that she couldn't see what she was doing and almost destroying all the good things he believed in. "I already took the liberty to inform the squads not to bother them."

"All right, Agent Finn," General Markham nodded again. "I think that's all. Maybe you could meet up with the slayer again. And her watcher. They probably have better sources than we do.""I will do that," Riley promised and stood. Reaching for the door, the General's voice stopped him again.

"And Agent Finn."

"Yes?"

The General suddenly shook his head, "Nothing, forget it. Go back to your men."

"Yes, Sir." Riley saluted, then was gone.

General Markham's thoughtful eyes rested on the door for a moment. Riley Finn was a good soldier and he believed in the right things. But he would bet his stripes that separated or not his feelings for the slayer were far from being over - not by a long shot. He just hoped this wouldn't cause trouble the wrong moment. With a sigh, he shook his head. He was getting old, if he survived the next few days he was thinking about taking his leave. Somewhere nice and sunny, with long days and less darkness.

****

Faith felt her whole body tremble the moment Kate knocked on the door of the old mansion. Images rushed through her mind. Trying to kill Angel, trying to seduce him, fighting with Buffy... God, how was she going to get through this? She felt sweat drip between her shoulder blades and on her palms and quickly wiped them on her denims.

She heard a noise from the inside, then the door opened, "Kate," Cordelia greeted the police officer with a smile that could've been friendlier. "And psycho-slayer, I see," she added, then turned and left the two woman to follow her.

Kate and Faith exchanged a short glance then stepped into the huge building. The blond felt a shiver run over her back, she didn't feel comfortable in this house, but as soon as she stepped into the great hall the feeling dissolved. A fire was burning, and the familiar faces looking at her direction lit up in a smile.

Wesley was on his feet in a flash, reaching out his hand, "Kate, how good of you to come," he said. Then he turned his head, regarding Faith, "I'm glad you're here," he said honestly and the brunette slayer was shock deeply. There was no accusation in his eyes, no anger. He was actually glad to see her. She had to blink hard for a moment.

"Yo, you two," greeted Gunn from the sofa without getting up, "Kate. And you have to be Faith?"

"Uh... yeah."

"Angel told me about you," the African American said with a grin. "He said you're tough. Good to have you on the team."

"Thanks," was all Faith managed to reply.

"Where is our favorite vampire?" Kate looked around, not seeing Angel anywhere.

"He's in bed," Cordelia announced coming back from the kitchen, carrying a tray with coffee. "Although I doubt he's sleeping," she added with a smirk.

"Cordelia," Wesley's voice was stern, "I think that's hardly our business. Whatever Angel and..." feeling suddenly embarrassed, he had to clear his throat, "Buffy do in their spare time is..."

"He's with Buffy?" Faith's eyes almost bulged out of her head. "Don't you think that's a bit... uh... risky?"

"Unfortunately not," Cordelia replied, rolling her eyes when the others stared at her. "Hey, I'm okay with it, he's earned all the happiness he can get, but that doesn't mean I have to like the mental images it gives me. And to answer your question, his soul is all glued in. So no worries, he can scr-"

"Yes, thank you Cordelia, I think we all know what you're talking about," Wesley interrupted her sharply, sending her a chilling glare. "Er... as it was indicated before, Willow found a way to fix Angel's soul for good."

"You mean he and Buffy are back together?" Faith's whole face broke into a genuine smile, "Hey, that's... so..." then she suddenly frowned, "What happened to that white bread boyfriend of hers? Riley."

"As far as I remember he left," came a voice from the doorway of Angel's room. "I'm still not too clear about the whole part, but the point is he isn't around anymore, or rather, he is, but..." Buffy shook her head then grinned. Turning towards Angel who was coming up behind her, she added, "Now it gets too complicated I think."

"Riley left," the vampire explained. "He's back in Sunnydale, but only because of the hellmouth. Hello Faith," he said with a smile towards the brunette slayer.

"Angel," her voice was warm. Then more uncertain, "Hi, B."

"Hi Faith," the blond replied. "I... uh... don't know how much they told you, but I can't remember a lot of things. So, uh... I'm just glad you're around. That vampire last night still gives me the wiggins. Having another slayer around can only help."

Confused the brunette's eyes darted to Angel, who just nodded, signaling her that it was all right. He understood perfectly well, that Faith wasn't quite sure how to behave around Buffy. "Buffy suffered from amnesia a few weeks ago," he explained, not sure how much Faith knew about the things that had happened in Sunnydale. "She's regaining her memories bit by bit, but there's still in the dark for her."

Buffy saw Faith gulp, and said, "Hey, don't look at me that way. I'm glad I'm still here. I died, you know."

"Yes, Kate told me," the brunette slayer said, "But what I don't understand," now she looked at Angel, "Why was no other slayer called? They did it when she died the first time, why not now?"

"Because you're here," Wesley explained, "The Council didn't like the concept of the two slayers. Kendra's calling just happened. I suppose because Buffy's death was prophesied. Then when they heard about her having survived, it was to late too to stop the calling of the new slayer. When Kendra was killed, they called you because..." he suddenly stopped, his heard turning towards Angel and Buffy, "Well, there was a lot happening at that time and they weren't sure of the outcome," he said simply. Now was not the time to reveal that the council had severely doubted Buffy's loyalty after all they'd heard about her relationship with a vampire.

Angel glanced at the tray Cordelia had placed on the table and gestured towards it, "Why don't we just sit down? I really need some coffee, even if Cordelia's made it," he grinned seeing her sticking her tongue out and added, "and my girlfriend isn't really useful without her daily load of caffeine." Buffy playfully nudged him in his ribs, but his grin just widened when he pulled her to one of the sofas.

Kate couldn't help but being amazed by the change of attitude in the vampire. She couldn't remember ever having seen him so relaxed. The way he wrapped an arm around Buffy's waist when she placed herself in his lap, the way he whispered into her ear and made her giggle and then winked at Cordelia when she rolled her eyes at their behavior.

This, she had to admit, was an Angel she'd never seen before. It wasn't that he was carefree. The concern in his eyes was always there, the glances he exchanged with Wesley told her that he hadn't lost his focus for a second, but it seemed as if he'd lost the darkness around him. As if this little girl in his arms had made the sun shine in his world again and with a pang of envy she realized it was probably exactly what had happened.

It wasn't that she was in love with Angel, or still had a crush for him although she had to admit that he was one of the most attractive men she'd ever met. But like Faith she didn't go much for the undead. Still, to see that a little blond chick could change his whole world made her take note that there was nobody in her life she could do this for. The feeling of loneliness was suddenly much sharper than usual and the longing more than ever.

She realized she'd zoned out when she saw everyone looking expectantly at her. Giving them an apologetic smile, she asked, "Sorry. What did you say? I was just lost in thoughts."

"I was just wondering how you managed to get Faith out of jail," Wesley repeated his question.

Kate shrugged, "I called some friends, it wasn't anything big." She didn't like that sort of attention and she hated it even more if people felt grateful for something. She'd done it for a friend, not to forget for the sake of the world and she didn't need handshakes.

Yet, she felt a warm feeling enter her chest, when Angel's eyes focused on her, and he quietly said, "Thanks." Telling her with that one word he understood how difficult it had been and what her help meant to him. She was about to reply something, when suddenly the phone rang.

A little bit confused Angel looked around, and then took his cell from Cordelia who smirked at him. Sighing slightly, he answered the call, "Angel here... Giles... yes... Of course, that's a very good idea. ... Yes, there's room enough. Alright, I have Cordelia..." Kate saw him glance at his cup, then grimace, "I'll make some coffee," he said finally. "Yes, see you then." He shut the phone down and looked at his friends.

"Giles asked if it was possible to continue the search here. And because I'm confined during the day and the urgency of the situation, I agreed. So they're all going to be here in around an hour." Patting Buffy on the hip, he added, "Xander's going to get Dawn from school, then he'll bring her here."

The slayer nodded and hopped from her boyfriends lap, "I suppose that means the honeymoon is over," she joked, and then sobered instantly. "How about some sparring then until they arrive?" she asked, then turned her head towards Faith, "Want to join?"

Part 24

The first thing Giles heard when he stepped into the mansion about two hours later, were the sounds of laughter and loud noises as if someone was fighting. Sparring, he thought. What seemed odd was that he was certain he was hearing two female voices and Angel's was missing.

He spotted the dark-haired vampire only seconds later. Angel was leaning against the wall in the far corner of the great hall, the slightest hint of a smile on his lips, his eyes focused on the scene before him. Table and sofas had been moved away to make room for sparring. Behind the vampire everyone else was already assembled and obviously equally fascinated by the action.

Giles felt as if he'd been kicked in his gut when he finally saw whom the second female voice belonged to. What the bloody hell was going on? Was the fact that he had announced his intention to join the watcher's council enough not to inform him about what was going on anymore?

The same moment Buffy's foot connected with Faith's chest and sent the brunette slayer flying across the room. The movement was only stopped by the wall, which met Faith's back with a loud crashing noise. She grunted loudly, and then moaned, "Wow, B. You've certainly improved."

Buffy was at her side in a flash, crouching down, touching her sister slayer's thigh, "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Are you okay?"

It was such a simple question. Buffy had hit Faith and was now inquiring about her well being, but the brunette slayer's eyes, to Giles' utter astonishment, began to fill with tears and she was blinking rapidly. He heard her swallow. "Uh..." she had to clear her throat, "Yes. I'll be fine. It wasn't big. You know, slayer healing and all." She forced a wobbly grin and the blond slayer's lips quirked in response.

"Yeah, comes in handy." Buffy stood and held out a hand for Faith who took it after only a short hesitation. She seemed completely overwhelmed by the blonde's new attitude. Which she probably was. After all that had happened between the two girls, two young women now, the scene before the watcher's eye was almost unreal. Faith and Buffy were not only civil with each other, but almost as if they were friends or at least not enemies.

Which, if he was honest with himself, was not only an improvement, but a big advantage regarding the current situation and probably the only good thing coming from Buffy's amnesia at the moment. For a short moment Giles' gaze flickered to Angel, well, maybe not the only one.

Still it didn't quite explain what Faith was doing in Sunnydale in the first place. Last time he talked to Wesley about her, the former watcher had assured him, she was still doing time in jail. That was the moment Giles noticed a stranger amongst the well-known faces. A woman in her early thirties he guessed, blond, quite attractive, and obviously familiar with at least Gunn with whom she was whispering from time to time.

"Hello Faith," Giles said his eyes on the brunette slayer, whose head jerked around. Her face was sweaty, her hair sticking to her forehead and neck and she was panting heavily. But once his eyes met hers, Giles realized that for the first time since he'd first seen her they had lost that almost haunted look, as if life had just been invented to torture Faith.

"Giles." Her voice was more than just a little bit uncertain, her lips twitching, as if undecided if a smile was the proper greeting, while a frown appeared on her forehead. "Nice to see you," she added, wiping her sweaty palms at the back of her jeans.

"Hey Giles," Buffy grinned, quickly glancing at Faith. "You missed quite a show."

"Yes, I can guess," Giles, replied with a tight smile, changing his focus to Angel. "I suppose this was your idea."

The vampire's brows rose slightly, but that was the only change in his expression, when he quietly said, "Yes. And I'm not going to apologize for my decision," he added.

"I wouldn't expect you to," the watcher said exhaling a breath he hadn't been aware of holding. "Besides, the situation is already more than just dangerous and we will need any help we can get." He saw everyone relax and couldn't quite hide a grin. Then he extended his hand at the blond woman he'd noticed before, "Hello, I'm Rupert Giles. I'm Buffy's... er... mentor."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, "That's Kate Lockley, she's a detective with the LAPD. And you can cut the act, Giles. She knows all about vampires, slayers and stuff. Duuh. She wouldn't be here if if she didn't."

The watcher slightly narrowed his eyes a the brunette, then smiled at Kate, "Nice to meet you."

"The same here," Kate smiled as well. "So you're a watcher," she said, her eyes quickly sliding towards Wesley, then back to Giles. Finally she nodded, "I can see there's some kind of pattern."

Giles heard the others snicker at the comment, saw Wesley blush slightly, but decided to ignore it. "Yes... er... you're a friend of Gunn's?" he asked.

"Actually..." she began, then stopped, a thoughtful expression entering her eyes. They were darting towards Angel for a short moment, and both smiled. Then Kate turned her head back at Giles, "Actually I'm a friend of Angel's," she said finally. "Or rather, we met about two years ago. We went through... uh... rough times, but I think we qualify as friends now."

The watcher raised a brow, sensing a story behind all this, but now wasn't the time or place to dive further into the subject. So he just nodded and looked towards Xander, "I could use some help carrying the books inside," he said.

Xander rolled his eyes, "Why do I always get the carrying jobs?"

"What else would you be good for?" Buffy asked, smiling sweetly.

He shot her a nasty glare and Willow patted his back, "Take it easy, Xand. Maybe you've just got the best muscles."

He gave his childhood friend a grateful grin, and then with a sigh walked towards the door, muttering something about vampires, sunlight, and the unfairness of being human, but nobody was interested.

****

It was already dark outside when Riley found himself standing in front of the mansion. He'd never been to a vampire's home before, and to tell the truth he never - not in his wildest fantasies - dreamt to ever do it. But life went mysterious ways, he admitted on a sigh. Thinking about the last two years, his certainly had.

Coming to Sunnydale had sounded so promising. He would work for an organization protecting humans from hostiles and for Maggie Walsh, who he admired beyond reason. To top it off, he'd met the girl of his dreams, fallen in love with her and somehow she seemed to return his feelings.

But the Initiative turned out not to be what it seemed mostly due to the fact that Maggie Walsh was a first class nutcase who had obviously lost all her grip on reality. The girl Riley had fallen in love with was not some nice blond Californian chick, but the slayer who had never stopped loving her former boyfriend - a vampire.

Life sucked, and Riley was sure he'd experienced more than his amount of it. So he cut his strings, joined the Initiative again, left for Belize only to find himself back in Sunnydale just a few months later, and was now about to step into the home of the former mentioned ex-boyfriend vampire. Who, to make things even worse, wasn't an ex anymore.

With another inward sigh, Riley raised his fist to knock on the door, when it suddenly opened and he was looking into a face he tried really hard to forget, but it was only one more proof of his bad luck. "Spike," the commando said his expression carefully blank.

"Oh, what a surprise," the bleached blond vampire had felt left out in there. He arrived only half an hour ago, but research wasn't one of his favorites and thanks to the darned chip he couldn't spar with the really hot brunette slayer, who instead of researching was pacing the hall punching one fist into the palm of the other hand. Little Bit had developed a sense for books all of a sudden and was no fun tonight.

So Spike had actually been on his way to find something to pummel or kill, but meeting one of his most despised people on this planet made this night suddenly a lot brighter. "May I ask what you're looking for? It can't be the slayer because she's found herself someone who really can keep up with her pace, if you understand my words." He ended his sentence with a wink that left no doubt what he was referring to.

It gave him a real kick to see Riley flinch at his words. It wasn't enough payback for the chip or the fact that the blond commando had managed to get into the slayer's pants, yet Spike felt better than he had for a long time.

Riley counted backward from ten and took a deep breath. No way he would let that hostile get to him, "I need to see Mr. Giles," he said, surprising not only Spike but himself with the way he calmly added, "and Angel."

The blond vampire narrowed his eyes, and then shrugged, "They're inside." Stepping out into the night, he left the door open for Riley to enter. Looking at the back of the commando, he thought about his former intention for a while. With another shrug, he pushed the idea of killing something aside and stepped back into the mansion. Maybe this evening wouldn't be as boring as he'd thought.

*

Everyone was already looking into his direction when Riley stepped into the hall. Of course, they'd heard his exchange with Spike at the door, and the commando felt a little blush creeping up his neck. He had to clear his throat before he was able to make his voice work properly, "Hi, everyone," he greeted, not able to curve his lips into a smile at the sight of his ex-girlfriend sitting comfortably on Angel's lap.He should've expected it after the display at Giles before, and it also wasn't any of his business, not anymore, but that didn't mean he could control the pang of jealousy he felt, making it very clear that his feelings for Buffy were far from over. He was working hard to get over her the last months, but now he knew it had been in vain.

He hadn't felt so bad when he'd seen her at Giles' apartment, maybe due to the confusion of seeing her together with Angel and all the news about her amnesia, but now it hurt like hell. More so to see the vampire's arm laying possessively around her waist, his hand almost unconsciously caressing her belly while he was reading - as Riley could see by the book at Angel's side.

"Hi, Riley," Willow chirped, waving a hand.

He flashed her a quick, grateful smile, then forced his thoughts back to business and turned towards Giles. He just couldn't look at Buffy and Angel any longer. "I told my superiors about Angel and... Spike," he began. "They won't be attacked by our troupes. I talked with General Markham and he was really open-minded about the subject."

"Listen to him, isn't he the proud soldier-boy?" Spike taunted, his back leaning against the wall.

Giles shot him a deadly glare that made the blond vampire snicker, and then looked at Riley, "That's good to hear. We also have to announce some reinforcements," he informed the commando, nodding towards a spot behind him.

Riley felt as if he'd been kicked into his gut when he recognized the person staring at him with unconcealed hostility. With an almost audible snap, his head jerked back to the watcher, "What is she doing here? She's a killer, and last thing I heard she was in jail."

"And I'm going back there, after we hopefully succeed in saving your sorry ass," she shot at him.

"Faith," Angel's voice was gentle but firm and he slightly shook his head. Now was not the time for personal problems. They were going to face a dangerous enemy and to overcome it they had to work together not against each other. "We managed to get her out for a few days," he explained, looking at Riley, "With the amount danger we're going to face, another slayer is wasted in jail."

Pushing his personal dislike aside Riley had to admit that Angel was right. Faith's strength and her fighting skills would be needed desperately. "Just keep her in check," he said, holding the dark-haired vampire's gaze. "We don't need accidental deaths on our side."

"Listen, soldier-boy," Faith made a menacing step towards him, but quickly stopped herself, seeing Angel tense. "On a second thought, forget about it, you're not worth the effort." With this, she turned and walked into the far away corner of the hall. Spike tilted his head, and then followed her.

"Faith won't cause any problems," Kate spoke for the first time. "Hi," she said then. "I'm Kate Lockley."

"She's a friend of Angel's," Cordelia smiled sweetly. "And a detective with the LAPD," she added loving the incredulous expression on Riley's face. Certainly, the commando hadn't expected a vampire to work together with the police.

After a moment of silence, Riley finally said the words he'd come for in the first place, "I need to know what you're planning. Or rather, we need to know. The Initiative, that is."

"Maybe you should tell us what you're planning," Buffy said. "How much do you know about... this?"

"Not as much as you, I think," he replied, focusing on her for the first time, ignoring the hand that was still holding her, the arm still laying around her waist, the fact that she was still sitting on the vampire's lap. "We were just informed that the energy on the hell mouth was increasing and that was enough to move our squad. We were chosen especially because some of my men, including myself, have had experience around here."

"So actually you haven't the slightest idea what's going on," the blond slayer looked at him through narrowed eyes, then threw her hands in the air, turning her head towards Angel, "and that's the great help we're getting."

He chuckled slightly, "At least they've been trained to fight vampires," he reminded her.

"Oh, right," her expression brightened, "and then there is Gunn's bunch."

"And there's that," he agreed with a grin. Gunn's friends had arrived in the afternoon and were now out to - as they'd called it - get an idea of the area. Gunn had left with them, while the slayers had stayed at the mansion for another training session. They would patrol later, together with Angel.

"You're telling us that your squad was moved simply because of the increasing energy of the hell mouth?" Wesley asked.

"Yes," Riley said, then amended, "And because of my experiences at Buffy's side I knew that could only mean a serious threat." He locked his eyes with Angel's saying this, the information holding a hidden message that said, I had her too and I'm not through with her.

To his disappointment, the vampire just smiled, "Good for you. We'll need every one. So far all we know is that there is a very powerful vampire coming to Sunnydale, maybe he's already here, we can't be sure of it. Together with some... uh... old enemies of ours he will probably try to open the hell mouth. But that's only the beginning. If our informants are telling the truth, and we believe they are, they will then try to open the Gate of Hell."

"The Gate of... Hell?" Riley swallowed hard. "What does that mean?"

"The Gate of Hell," Wesley said, nodding at a book lying on the table, "is the name for the gate that stands for the border between the outer dimensions and the core of evil. Once opened it frees the true evil, also called Lucifer or Satan in lack of a better term. Or in plain words, the Devil. It's not what the bible tells us, some horse-legged creature, pushing people into fire. No," he shook his head, leaning forward and skipping the pages of the book, finding another picture, "it is beyond our imagination I think."

Wesley took his cup of tea and sipped, "Angel has some experience with the demon dimensions. First hand. He doesn't talk about it, but I gather it wasn't pleasant. But compared to the core of Hell, the outer dimensions are a mere afternoon stroll."

Riley stared at the former watcher dread entering his gut, the picture of what they're going against slowly forming in his mind when the silence was suddenly shattered by Buffy's shocked gasp, "What does he mean you experienced the demon dimension first hand?"

Go to Part 25