The Seventh SlayerBy Kantayra
Chapter NineteenAjaya was ravenous by the time they returned home or, at least, to the temporary home they were borrowing from the Devonshire branch of SCBI while they cleaned up the loose ends of their attack on the Watchers Council.
It was a medium-sized two-storey brick building with not nearly enough space to host the two squads that had been left there. Fortunately, they didnt plan on staying for more than a few days while Fletcher fixed up the paperwork with the British government and hopefully tracked down the Watchers that had escaped.
Fortunately, Monica was just as starved as she and Isabelle were and led them directly to the kitchen. It wasnt really more than a standard-sized kitchen in your everyday home, and it got to be pretty damn funny watching virtually all of Beta and Gamma Squads trying to cram into the little room, all seeking the fridge simultaneously.
Jeren finally called for a halt to the chaos, his antennae twitching deep blue in irritation. Complicated instructions for obtaining food in an orderly manner followed, and Ajaya, Isabelle, and Monica slipped out of the crowded kitchen, having already built their sandwiches.
They sat in the large sitting room that had been labeled the womens dorm during their stay and occasionally helped with rolling out the seemingly endless supply of sleeping bags Alex brought in between eating and discussing the mission.
Promise you wont tell anyone this? Monica leaned into them conspiratorially, casting a nervous glance over to where Spike and Alex were arguing about something in the hallway.
Zipped lips, Isabelle agreed, making the gesture.
Ajaya nodded as well.
We did a count of all the Watchers we captured, Monica began, and it wasnt even half of what we expected.
The Watchers were not all there, then? Ajaya inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.
Monica nodded grimly. What we got was mostly just the hired help. The core of the Council, they all got away
Isabelle and Ajaya exchanged a furtive look, both thinking the exact same thought: the traitor
* * *
What do we do?
It had taken Ajaya and Isabelle almost a day to find some time to talk alone together, and theyd been growing progressively more tense as every time they tried to discuss their suspicions, another suspect would just happen to enter the room. They knew they were growing a bit paranoid, but it was hard knowing that someone in the small house might be planning their demise right now
We have to find out who it is, Ajaya insisted, glancing nervously about.
And we had so much success with that earlier Isabelle retorted sarcastically, fingers idly playing with a lock of auburn-highlighted hair.
Im hoping our weakness is our enemys weakness, Ajaya said.
Isabelle gave her a classic huh? look.
The traitor will be having as much difficulty trying to contact the Watchers as we are trying to plan, Ajaya explained.
Unless its one of the Witches, who are living it up in the comfy, spacious mansion back in New York, Isabelle countered.
Ajaya frowned. We have to check on them, she decided, make sure theyre not up to anything
Yeah, Isabelle sighed, well just take off and say bye, guys, were off to accuse your friends of mass murder Thatll go over real well
Ajaya rolled her eyes. No, she said in annoyance, Ill manage to hook a ride with Dawn next time she comes over, tell her I left my science project back in New York, and
Ha! Isabelle exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger in Ajayas direction. I knew it! This is all just a clever scheme to get your homework done!
Ajaya couldnt help but laugh. You got me, she confessed. This whole thing was just a diabolic plan to distract attention from myself while I worked on my engineering project.
Isabelle gave her a mock-suspicious look. Wouldnt put it past you, she teased.
Right, Ajaya giggled slightly, so Ill go back and make sure our Wiccan friends arent up to something
While I manage to simultaneously follow everyone, making sure theyre not sending secret messages to the Watchers Council. Sure, no problem, I can be in fifteen places at once.
Just dont let anyone be alone for too long, Ajaya advised. It shouldnt be too hard given how were all packed together like sardines and all Plus, youve got all of Gamma Squad to help you.
What? You want me to tell them about the traitor? Isabelle asked in disbelief.
No, of course not, Ajaya shook her head, but were pretty sure theyre not involved, so you dont really have to worry about them. And you can use them to make sure that no one in Beta Teams alone
Tyler, Isabelle said in a mock-sweet voice, fluttering her eyelashes, can you help me find Xeris? Pretty please?
Ajaya laughed at the way Isabelle had gotten the easily-enamoured human under her thumb in less than an hour. Youre getting the idea, she agreed. And, while Im gone, she added as an afterthought, why dont you try to really question Alex?
Isabelle rolled her eyes. Do I have to? she whined. Hes just going to scream at me like a big baby.
Ajaya gave her a stern look.
Oh, fine And youre not going to get so buried in your books that you forget about frantic, little ol me? Isabelle demanded.
Promise, Ajaya agreed. Ill try to take off as soon as possible. Hopefully, Ill be back by this evening.
Good luck, Isabelle said quickly when she heard someone open the door to the basement laundry room.
You, too, Ajaya agreed, giving Alex a quick little smile as she bounded up the stairs past him
* * *
Hitching the ride with Dawn had been easy, especially since she really was eager to finish up her project despite Isabelles teasing.
She frowned when she realized that she only had another week and a half before the new semester started. Getting involved in firefights sure took up a lot of valuable study time. She might have to amend her schedule to graduate in two years and move it up to two and a half. That wouldnt cut into her grand plans too much since she was already two years ahead, and she could keep up the slaying while she was at it
It struck her odd for a moment that it didnt even occur to her to give this lifestyle up anymore. Actually, to tell the truth, she had never had more fun in all her life. For the first time ever she had a good friend, she was comfortable in social situations, she was finding herself to be a competent leader and fighter, she actually had a purpose in life The list just went on and on. She absentmindedly wondered when being the Slayer was something she wanted to do, rather than something that had been forced upon her.
Her mind came back to focus on the topic at hand when she reach her and Isabelles room, however. The metal grates that covered the window were now up and some of the debris had bee cleared up; apparently things were getting back to normal at SCBI HQ.
She quickly grabbed her project, a few data pads she needed for reference, and checked under her bed to make sure that their suspects chart hadnt been found. It was still hidden securely among the bedsprings.
With that, she made her way up the stairs to Willow and Aidas suite, hoping that Lily was still there. She considered it a great personal failure that she hadnt managed to interrogate Lily earlier and fully intended to remedy the situation.
There was no response to her soft knock. She knocked again, a bit more loudly this time. Still no answer. She looked back and forth down the hallway to make sure no one was watching before she tried the knob. It turned easily in her hand, and she slipped inside, shutting the door softly behind her.
The living room of the suite was empty, and she quickly affirmed that the kitchenette and Willow and Aidas room were as well.
That left one door unopened the one the Witches wouldnt let her enter before
Slowly, she turned the knob, feeling a telltale click that indicated the door was locked. She paused for a minute, debating the pros and cons of breaking through the lock. There would be no way to cover up that someone had broken in, but it was about time that the mystery that was Lilys disappearance was solved
Her hand returned to the knob, and with a super-strong twist, the door opened.
Ajaya looked inside the room for the first time and gasped
* * *
Washing the mud out of your uniform? Alex inquired casually as he set down his own laundry bag, together with a small book bag.
Im still going to kill Spike for pushing me into that puddle, she agreed, getting up from her position atop the vacant washer and sitting down on the opposite end of the old sofa from his book-bag. Whats your excuse? she asked curiously.
In order to maximize the value of laundry detergent, as well as save on buying excessive clothing, its necessary to do laundry exactly every two and a half weeks, he informed her.
She gave him an odd look.
Someone I knew once calculated it all out for me, he explained sheepishly.
And you brought your laundry with you in order to keep the schedule? Isabelle asked in disbelief.
He had the decency to blush. Its sort of in memory
Of that other Slayer? Isabelle asked curiously. What was her name?
Nina, Alex said in a weak whisper. Then his voice returned to normal again. No, it was my mother.
You still follow your mothers laundry instructions? Isabelle couldnt help but tease. How cute
He scowled at her. Ill have you know that only a fool would question Moms financial advice, he said smugly. Its been over a year since she left and her investments are still paying off.
Huh, Isabelle commented, guess who didnt get the commonsense in the family.
Alex brows lowered into a scowl, but to Isabelles surprise, he didnt blow up at her. Instead, he turned back to the washer, shoving the rest of his clothes inside and setting the machine. Mom had enough commonsense for all of us, he said simply.
Isabelle blinked at him in confusion for a minute. This wasnt the Alex shed deeply regretted getting to know for the past week. His reactions were unexpected and made her oddly uncomfortable.
He turned back to look at her. Sorry.
And now Isabelle knew that an alien imposter had taken over Alex body. W-What? she stammered, completely dumbfounded by his behavior.
Right before the Watchers attacked, he clarified. You were right. I was out of line. There was really no way you could have known
Damn straight, I was right, Isabelle scowled, coming back to herself once more. Where do you get off yelling at complete strangers like that, anyway? she demanded.
His eyes narrowed. Oh, like you have any idea of what I went through when they died, he retorted.
People you love die, sadness and loss, yadda-yadda-yadda, she shrugged. Its not you have a monopoly on grief or anything.
Ill have you know! His face turned bright red again before he cut himself off mid-rant. I was trying to apologize, he finally said in a quiet, sulky voice.
Isabelle suddenly felt guilty. Er, yeah sorry about that. Apology accepted and all, she added nervously. Then she sighed in frustration. This is the most dysfunctional conversation ever, she decided. Do you want me to just go? Cause it would be a hell of a lot easier
Alex looked up at her in surprise, then quickly looked away again, staring intently at his bag as he dug through it. Uh, sure, he agreed, if you want to, I mean
He sounded strangely hurt. Isabelle studied him intently with her hands on her hips. All right, she finally declared, who are you, and what have you done with Alex?
He flashed her an annoyed look and then proceeded to ignore her, flipping through the book in his lap.
Isabelle couldnt resist the urge to peek over his shoulder and see what it was. After all, it wasnt all that common to see actual books anymore now that most everything was digital
Pictures? she asked in surprise.
He looked up at her, startled, obviously having assumed that shed left him alone. Yeah? he countered defensively. What of it?
Why do have hard copies? she inquired. Major weirdness.
He rolled his eyes. Yes, heaven forbid anyone should keep anything real anymore, anything they can actually hold onto he grumbled under his breath, obviously beginning a long-practiced rant.
Jeez, Isabelle snapped her gum, you sound like youre from the twentieth century or something
I am, he retorted before pausing to think for a second. Well, almost, he amended.
Isabelle laughed. Yeah, right, she retorted. Youre like what? Twenty-five?
Fifty-four.
Isabelle snorted in disbelief. Just how stupid do you think I am? she asked sarcastically.
You really want me to answer that? he retorted. But seriously, fifty-four as of last October.
Uh-huh, Isabelle crossed her arms in front of her, a no way am I falling for this look on her face.
Look, Alex said in exasperation, flipping through the picture book in his lap. Here. He presented a picture to her.
She cocked her head to see a young Alex twelve, tops sitting between a man and a woman he bore a striking resemblance to, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake. Right in the center of the cake, written in bright blue frosting, was the number 26.
She looked back up at him skeptically. No way, she insisted.
Im half Vengeance Demon, he explained. I only age at about half the rate of normal humans. My sisters, too.
Youre not kidding me? Isabelle began hesitantly.
Cross my heart, he said with a bemused, lop-sided grin. It brought out the resemblance to the older man in the photo even more.
She nodded absentmindedly. Those your parents? she asked casually.
Thats them, he agreed, looking at the picture nostalgically.
Can I see? she asked nervously.
He gestured for her to sit beside him
* * *
Ajaya stood perfectly still in surprise and horror for a second before she cautiously entered the room, shutting the door softly behind her. Slowly, almost as if in a trance, she walked over to the sight before her and gasped
Lily lay in the direct center of the bed, amidst several machines, each making their own little beeping noises. Several needles were in her arms, attached to various medications, and little air hoses had been inserted into her nose.
But all of this was standard hospital patient stuff. What truly terrified Ajaya was the young Witchs physical appearance. Her skin was white as a sheet, and her lips were tinged slightly blue. Her skin hung loose on her frame, not as if she had merely grown thin, but as if something was draining her from the inside out.
Occasional little black sparks flashed across her skin just before it sank further into her emaciated form.
Ajaya took a shaky step back. This Lily was so different from the strong woman whod fought by her side against the Magic Drinkers that she would barely have even recognized her. She had never imagined that Lily could really be this weakened from the attack. After all, Magic Drinkers were just supposed to temporarily zap your powers, right?
Ajaya must have made some sound then because Lilys eyes fluttered slowly open, her vision obviously foggy at first.
Mom? she whispered in a weak voice.
Th-Theyre not here, Ajaya said softly. Its just me, Ajaya. Do you want me to get them?
Lily managed a small smile. No, thats OK. I was just wondering
Yeah? Ajaya reached forward and squeezed Lilys hand, desperate to offer the ailing Witch some comfort, slight though it was.
Th-The spell theyre working on for me, she said, obviously growing tired again. Let me know when its done
Her grip on Ajayas hand loosened as she drifted back off into sleep. Ajaya gave her one last smile before turning and slowly walking out of the room.
She froze at the door when she saw that it was open again and both Willow and Aida waited outside, looking at her suspiciously.
Sorry, she said nervously, stepping out of Lilys room and shutting the door softly behind her. I-I didnt know she was that bad
Willow and Aida exchanged a quick look, and then Aida went in to go check on Lily while Willow gestured for Ajaya to sit in the armchair opposite her.
Ajaya fidgeted nervously for a minute, not knowing how to explain what she was doing here.
No one knows shes that bad, Willow finally said, her voice sounding far wearier than Ajaya had ever heard it.
Wh-What happened? Ajaya finally ventured to ask.
The Magic Drinkers, Willow said soberly. The Watchers did something to them. Whatever it was, the drain on Lilys powers is continuous. A-At first, her powers just werent returning, but then She broke off abruptly and bit back a tear.
Its killing her, Ajaya realized.
Willow nodded. Draining her life now, instead of just her magic.
Ajaya frowned. They didnt hurt me, she commented. I mean, one of them zapped me, but Im fine.
Its still only dangerous to magic users, Willow agreed. We got the body of one of the ones the Watchers had with them when they attacked Were working on a cure.
Ajaya nodded slowly. A spell?
Its hard, Willow agreed. Most of the magic we try just gets sucked up by the, er infection. But were getting there.
Shes sleeping.
They both turned to look at Aida who had just reentered the room.
Willow nodded slowly.
We dont want anyone to know that shes like this, Aida explained softly to Ajaya. Not until we find the cure. If the other members of the Coven found out
A lot of them arent that brave, Willow clarified, and we dont want to publicly announce it yet. It could destroy the school
The school will be destroyed anyway if the Magic Drinkers get a hold of them, Ajaya pointed out.
Aida nodded. If we havent found a counterspell by the end of break, I fully intend to shut the school down for next semester. But until then theres a chance we could avoid all the troubles.
I understand, Ajaya agreed.
You wont tell anyone? Willow inquired.
I wont, Ajaya assured them, but I hope you find that spell soon. Cause, honestly, Lily doesnt look like shes going to be able to hold out for that much longer
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