Title: Come To Play
Author: Starla
Email: starla@buffymail.com
Disclaimer: These Characters belong to Joss Whedon, except Gorlock, Alana, Adrian Townsend, and anyone else you don't recognize.
Distribution: Take it, but let me know. If you have any of my other fics, go ahead.
Author's Notes: It *will* be B/A I promise. I realise this part is a little depressing. Sorry. Season 4 did happen, Fish Boy did date Buffy, Angel went to LA, etc.
Spoilers: I dunno. Anything is possible, be warned.
Summary: 150 years after the Scooby Gang die, they return to Earth to help out the current Slayer and her Slayerettes.

Part 21


Faith slashed the knife across Buffy's throat. Buffy's eyes opened wide, and she looked at Faith, her eyes large and watery with fear, pity, and betrayal as she died.

Her body shimmered and disappeared seconds later.

Faith collapsed against the hard dirt, her own tears filling her eyes. Her sobs were bone deep as she shivered on the ground, guilt overcoming her as her anger washed away. It felt like her soul had been dipped in acid. It burned. The darkness cleared from her mind, but she took no joy in it. She'd killed the first real friend she'd ever had, and it gave her no joy. She was a monster. But there was no way to take it back.

"I'm sorry, B. I'm so sorry." She whispered, over and over again.

"Really wasn't worth it, was it?" A soft, gentle voice said from behind her.

Faith gasped, twisting slightly.

Buffy leaned against a large, ornate headstone, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised.

"But...." Faith whispered. "I killed you!"

"I've been dead for a hundred and fifty years, Faith." Buffy reminded her. "I just needed to recharge." She walked over to Faith, crouching down next to her. "You didn't answer my question. Was it worth it?"

Slowly, Faith began to shake her head. "No. I'm so sorry, B. I mean, I don't expect you to forgive me, but-"

Rolling her eyes, Buffy held out her hand, standing. Faith just stared at it.

"Aren't you going to get up?" Buffy asked. "Cause it's sorta dirty down there."

"B...." Faith started.

"Faith, I forgive you. No harm, no foul You've learnt your lesson. Get up." Buffy said softly.

Faith paused for several moments before hesitantly taking Buffy's hand and letting her pull her to a stand.

"What about the others?" Faith whispered.

"I can't guarantee anything for Alana and her crew, but the Scoobies will come around pretty quickly. They might not trust you at first..."

"And Angel?" Faith asked.

Buffy looked at her. "I think he *might* understand, Faith." She said finally, as if this should've been obvious.

"I tried to turn him back into a monster, B. I'd never forgive anyone if they pushed me back into the dark."

"The fact that you don't want to go back there is progress in itself." Angel said from behind her.

Slowly, Faith turned. "Really?"

"I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true." Angel assured her.

Faith nodded, and her gaze travelled to Alana, who stood next to Angel, looking extremely uncomfortable.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity before Alana stepped forward.

She extended her hand. "Hi. I'm Alana. I don't think we've met."

"It can't be that simple." Faith murmured.

"Sometimes it has to be." Alana replied easily.

"Ok." Faith said after several long moments, reaching out and shaking Alana's hand. "I'm Faith."

"Nice to meet you."

"Well isn't this sweet." An amused, sarcastic voice said from beside them.

The quartet turned, ready to face the intruder.

And simultaneously gasped.

Before them stood a team of ferocious looking monsters, demons, and vampires.

The leader smiled coldly. " I'm so sorry you've decided not to join us, Faith. We could've had such fun."

"Eat me."

"Planning on it." The vampire grinned, displaying a full set of glistening fangs. He steeped up to Buffy, looking down at her with a cruel smile. "Why Miss Summers, we meet again."

She swallowed, regarding him with fierce hatred. "Gorlock."




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