Marooned (1/?)
AUTHOR: faithful_chickie
EMAIL: faithful_chickie@yahoo.com
WEBSITES: http://members.fortunecity.com/sananomiko/fc/ , http://pub84.ezboard.com/bfaithinlove
RATING: NC-17
PAIRING: Buffy/Faith
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property of Joss Whedon.
FEEDBACK: Yeah, sure. Okay, Pleaseee.
DISTRIBUTION: Sure. Just tell me where.
SPOILERS: Season four of BTVS. : Who Are You?
SUMMARY: Buffy is transporting Faith to the Council for rehabilitation when a plane crash leaves the two slayers stranded on a deserted island.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story was inspired by Ripe Wicked Plums' Buffy/Spike fic - Castaway. Castaway can be found at - http://wickedplum.cjb.net/sa/castaway1.htm

*********************

Prologue:

After Faith's post coma troublemaking, Buffy resolves to turn Faith over to the Council for rehabilitation. Arrangements are made for Buffy to deliver the slayer to Quentin Travors who will take her to an undisclosed location. The rendezvous point chosen was Hawaii.


Part 1 - Two Slayers, Third Class


Giles and the scoobies stood by the car after hugging Buffy goodbye. The watcher then cast once last dubious glance in Faith's direction. The rogue slayer remained shackled and only semiconscious.

"Buffy are you certain about this? We still can cancel and make other arrangements." Giles looked hesitantly at his slayer as he handed her bags to her. "It's not too late to change your mind, you know?"

Riley nodded his head vigorously. "Amen to that. Look Buffy, I don't want you doing this alone. I mean, she's proven how dangerous she can be." He tilted his head toward Faith who swayed slightly.

"No, I'm certain. This is the only to be sure that she's really gone and finally out of our lives. I need to deliver her personally. It's going to be okay. She'll be drugged and shackled the whole time she's with me." She chuckled. "Besides, I've always wanted to see Hawaii."

"Very well." The watcher stepped forward and handed her the keys to Faith's chains which the little blonde tucked deep in her jeans' pocket. "Now the syringe is in the bag. Give her another dose in about an hour."

"Got it." Buffy turned and looked at the plane the watchers' council had chartered. "Not exactly the lap of luxury, is it?" She snorted as she made her way to the freight plane, pulling the dazed brunette along with her. "Come on, you." Her green-eyes narrowed as she looked at the younger slayer. "You better not give me any trouble." The tiny blonde glanced back at the plane and grunted. "Hawaii here we come... two slayers, third class."

*********************



Part 2 - Two Birds, One Stone

Buffy sat grimly watching her fellow slayer sleep. The drugs were obviously very potent. She glanced toward the front of the plane. It had been very quiet since they had made that sudden turn. Peering out the window Buffy noticed the storm clouds with some apprehension. They had hit a patch of turbulence and it only seemed to be getting worse.

*Leave it to the Council to put me on this hell flight. Ugh! Damn that Quentin Travors!* Buffy got up anxiously and made her way past the crates and other freight that crowded the otherwise empty plane.

She did understand the need to keep Faith away from other people, and the whole her being chained wouldn't have gone over too well on a regular flight, but still... a freight plane? *Thanks for nothing Watchers' Council!*

The little slayer scowled as she was tossed unceremoniously against the wall by another abrupt shake of the plane. Hesitantly, she pushed open the cockpit door. "Hey! What's with.." The question died in her throat as she saw the co-pilot pointing a gun at the pilot.

The man glanced hatefully at her. "Shut it slayer, unless you want to see his brains splattered all over the cockpit!"

Buffy's eyes widened in fear. "Look, I don't know what the deal here is, but I'm sure we can work something out... just put the gun down." She tried reason. "The Council won't like this."

"You really aren't the sharpest knife in the drawer, are you slayer?" The gunman chuckled cruelly. "Who do you think arranged all this? Hmmm?" A cold smile settled over his features. He snickered as he watched the realization flit across her face.

"No?... They wouldn't.." She gasped in terror. "Why me too?"

"It's what you call killing two birds with one stone." The co-pilot snorted at her naivety. "You didn't really think they wanted her for rehabilitation did you?" He laughed when he realized she'd believed it. "Huh?! I figured you at least knew they were going to kill that bitch."

"As if I would just deliver her to her death, knowingly?!" Buffy became incredulous. "You Council people are something else!" She edged toward him.

"Back slayer!" He warned as he waved the gun about. "You see I can shoot you now or just let you plunge into the sea and drown. Either way this plane is going down with both of you rogue slayers on it." He leaned over and flipped a switch near the fuel gauge then glanced quickly out the window. "See that?... it's jet fuel. A precious commodity when you're out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean."

"What about you?!" Buffy challenged, but she immediately paled as he shouldered a parachute. *Oh great!*

"Don't worry about me Miss Summers. I won't be staying on this flight. I've made other arrangements." His aimed his gun and shot the radio.

The slayer saw an opportunity and lunged at him, wrestling for the gun. It went off; this time hitting the pilot who slumped over the controls, causing the plane to go into a steep dive.

"Oh shit!" Buffy panicked as she turned to assist the stricken pilot. "I'm so sorry." She helped him sit up a little as he fought to control the plane.

The Council's crony stumbled back and to his feet. "Don't feel bad slayer. You're all going to die anyway." He laughed as he made his way toward the door. "This is where I get off."

"You son-of-a-bitch, no you don't!" Buffy moved to attack but froze as he leveled the gun at her chest.

"I didn't think so." He snorted as he slammed the cockpit door. Buffy stood for a moment in shock, before remembering Faith was still back there and helpless.

"Faith!" Buffy rushed out to see the door opened and things being sucked out. The unconcious slayer's body was sliding across the floor toward the door.

The little blonde leapt over several crates and caught the door. Pulling with all her strength, she closed the exit right before Faith would have been sucked out.

*********************



Part 3 - Crash Landing

Buffy quickly made her way back to the cockpit. The pilot was struggling with the plane. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the slayer. "Is he gone?"

"Yes." Buffy peered at him nervously. At least the wound was in his shoulder; he would survive. "Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked as she took the seat next to him.

"I'm afraid not. The bastard jettisoned most of our fuel. We're going to have to land somewhere soon."

Buffy paled considerably. "Well... um... that's okay, right? They'll be able to find us. They kind of know the route we are taking, right?"

"No. Not long after take off. He altered our course." The pilot decided the truth was the best thing now. "They may not know where to begin looking."

"Is there any good news here?" She asked hopefully.

"Yeah, he didn't shoot us all dead before he bailed out."

Buffy became quiet as she noticed a vein twitching in the pilot's jaw. He was just as frightened as her. She needed to remain calm. "So we can't make it to any airport... what about landing on any strip of land? That's better than the ocean, right?"

"Yes. But I'm afraid there's nothing on the charts for this area." He eased back in his seat. "I'm sorry, Miss."

"Buffy, my name is Buffy." She gingerly held out her hand.

He smiled at the pretty slayer. "I'm Dave. Well Buffy, it looks like we're in a mess of trouble." He peered over his shoulder. "What about the other girl?"

"She's fine. Still drugged and chained in back."

He glanced at the little blonde and saw that she was trembling. "Look, it's going to be okay." Dave lied. "Why don't you go check on your prisoner? We have another half hour of fuel. I'll try to get this radio working." He gave her a reassuring smile.

"Okay." Buffy left the cabin, shaking with fear. She was really going to die this time. The little blonde walked over to her younger counterpart. *This is all your fault! I wouldn't be on this plane if it weren't for you!* She roughly lifted Faith and carried her further back in the plane then she glanced about for something to brace against when they impacted. She found a cushiony place between some of the freight towards the back.

*This box feels like it will give.* The slayer took in its shape and on a hunch tore into it. *Mattresses!* She quickly pulled them free and placed Faith in the middle of them then she unchained the brunette and rechained her to the rail running above their heads. "Stay put." She grumbled more to herself then to Faith who remained mercifully unconscious.

After another ten minutes of preparation she went back to the front of plane to check the status.

"How are we doing, Dave?"

"Well, I have good news and bad news. Which first?" He asked without looking up.

"You choose." She sat down wearily next to him.

"I can't fix the radio, so contacting help or sending our position is out of the question. The good news is there appears to be a string of islands up ahead."

"What?! I thought you said there wasn't any land out here?" She chirped excitedly.

"No, I said that there wasn't anything on the charts. But this news still isn't that great." He announced, turning slightly to take in her perplexed expression. "I still have to set this thing down. I seriously doubt that there's a runaway on any of these islands." He said sarcastically.

"Oh." Buffy became deflated.

"Look, I want you to go back there. It's safer than the cockpit. Get yourself secured and prepare for a crash landing." Dave looked at her relieved that she was keeping a relatively cool head. "Okay, Buffy? And get the girl tied down too."

Buffy nodded mutely, terrified once more.

"You have five minutes." He watched the slayer get up on wobbly legs and exit the cockpit while he said a silent prayer.

................

They came down hard, skidding along the beach and careening out of control. Buffy held on to Faith with all her strength as she peered out one of the few side windows. A horrible sound echoed through the plane as one of the wings was sheared off. She ducked her head down and pressed Faith against the mattress.

It was her responsibility to protect the younger slayer. Faith was always her responsibility. She squeezed the brunette tighter in her arms as the plane jolted and came to a sudden stop. Buffy stood for a moment catching her breath before running to the cockpit, jubilant. She threw open the door and was horrified by what she saw.

The cockpit had been crumbled, and the pilot was crushed in the mess. She scrambled over to him. "Dave! Dave!" Leaning over the slayer checked his pulse, it was weak but he had one. She struggled to free him from the the twisted metal. "It's okay, Dave. I'm going to get you out of here. You'll be okay. Come on." She gently lifted him free and pulled him to the back with Faith. She stood for a moment struggling with the back door. It at least it had stairs.

Finally it gave. Buffy pulled the crank and the stairs unraveled. She exited on shaky legs, glancing around. They had come to rest on the beach parallel with the ocean. She took a few breaths before rushing into the plane to remove Dave first, and then unchain Faith. She hefted the brunette over her shoulder and grabbed a first aid kit as she stepped out.

Dave's breathing had become even shallower. She laid her fellow slayer down next to the pilot then leaned over him checking his injuries.

He opened his eyes wearily. "Thanks Buffy. You're a sweet girl."

She squeezed his hand. "Well if you think I'm sweet now, you have to stick around." She teased trying to lighten the mood. He was going to die and they both knew it.

Dave smiled weakly before coughing hard. Blood gurgled from his mouth. "Listen." He whispered. "Make a fire to signal for help." He shook and coughed again as Buffy wrapped her jacket around him. She glanced at him sympathetically as he smiled once more then convulsed.

"Fuck!" Buffy cried out as she watched him die. "Oh god!" She knelt over him in tears. "I'm sorry, Dave." Carefully, she pulled the jacket over to cover his face then she glanced over at Faith. *It's just you and me now.*

*********************



Part 4 - Where We Left Off

Faith opened her eyes slowly, squinting against the bright sun. *Fuck! Where am I?!* She replayed the last memories she had. It was of her and Buffy fighting.*Shit! The bitch must have knocked me out!* She sat up quickly and glanced around, confused. "What the fuck!" She mumbled as she took in her surroundings then glanced down at her hands and legs which were shackled.

*Okay, this is wicked weird! I'm wearing chains and I'm laying on a beach?!* The brunette turned her head slightly and saw the plane. "Holy fuck!" She leapt to her feet.

Buffy chuckled as she approached. She could see Faith's complete confusion and couldn't help but be slightly amused. The expression on the younger slayer's face was priceless. "Hey, sit down!" She barked the order impatiently at the stumbling slayer. Faith's drugs hadn't worn off entirely. "Don't make me chain you to the plane, because I will. Now sit down."

Faith glared over at her still baffled. "Buffy?" She blinked, trying to clear her head and make sense out of the situation. All she immediately noticed was that Buffy was filthy, covered in mud, and there was blood streaking her clothes. "What happened to you?" She gestured weakly at the older slayer's appearance.

"I was digging a grave." Buffy sat down solemnly.

Faith snorted. "For me? Well, I'm ready! Let's go at... Unchain me and we'll see whose body ends up in that grave!"

"Shut up, Faith! I'm not in the mood!" The little blonde feverishly wiped at the blood on her hands. She had buried many things, but never a human being. It was a nauseating task.

"Just say the word, Blondie!...Just say the word." The dark slayer raised her fists.

"Faith, I said sit down! Sit down before I put you down!" Buffy stood suddenly.

"Go to hell!" Faith took a swing at the tiny blonde which she easily ducked.

"That's it. I warned you!" Buffy growled as she punched Faith in the temple, knocking her out. She shook her head, peering down at the unconscious brunette. "You never learn, do you?"

........................

When Faith came to, she was lying near the plane. She grimaced as she struggled against her chains. Buffy had made good on her promise. Her chains now looped through an eye bolt on the plane. "Goddamn you!" She cursed for several more minutes, shooting hateful glares in Buffy's direction.

The tiny slayer sat only few yards away, cross legged with several maps unfolded in front of her. She pointedly ignored the younger girl as she tried to determine their whereabouts.

"When are you going to tell me what the fuck is going on?!" Faith screamed, kicking at the plane.

Buffy turned and looked at her in annoyance. "When you calm down then we'll talk." She chewed the end of her pen and made notes, writing down how long they flew after the Council guy jumped and a few other details while they were still fresh in her memory.

The raven-haired beauty fell back in a fit of temper, finally tiring herself out. "Fine." She spoke through gritted teeth. "I'm ready to talk, B. Now tell me where the fuck we are! And how we got here!"

Buffy let out an exaggerated sigh as she refolded the maps. "I have no idea where we are. We've crashed. I'm sure you can guess that much." She gestured at the plane. "The Council screwed us over again."

"THE COUNCIL?! YOU WERE ACTUALLY TURNING ME OVER TO THOSE MUTHERFUCKERS?!" Faith raged, struggling to get loose. "Unchain me now, so I can kick your ass!"

"What the hell did you expect me to do?! You wake up from your coma, and you're immediately up to your old tricks! Well forget it Faith! I've had it with you and your shit!" The little slayer leaned close and growled.

"So you were turning me over so they could kill me, and get another slayer? Why didn't you just do it yourself?!... you nearly did last time." Faith sat back down, fuming.

"NO! They weren't suppose to hurt you... They were supposed to rehabilitate you." Her voice tapered off as Faith broke into a fit of laughter.

"What are you, a complete friggin' moron or somethin'?! Of course, they'll kill me!... Then they get their new perfect slayer. I'm just a throw away at this point."

"And who's fault is that Faith?! Now be quiet! I'm trying to figure out what to do." Buffy began to pace, muttering to herself.

"Great! The fabulous superhero has lost her marbles, and I'm chained to a friggin' plane!" Faith squeezed her eyes shut and leaned back.

Buffy sat down and started writing some more.

"What's that, your shopping list?!" The brunette snorted as she unbuttoned her outer shirt. "It's so damn hot!" She continued to grumble as the little slayer sat quietly writing.

*********************



Part 5 - Bananas

Faith watched Buffy curiously as the little blonde walked in and out of the plane with her pad of paper. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Taking inventory."

"Hey, where are the other people?" Faith glanced around. Suddenly it registered that they were alone.

"There aren't any. It was a freight plane." The little slayer went back inside to open more crates. As soon as she emerged, Faith persisted with the questions.

"So B, I'm guessing you didn't fly this plane. Where's the friggin' pilot?"

"Dead. That's whose grave I dug. Now please wait. I'm trying to count." Buffy went back in, only to emerge a few moments later with a tool box. "These will be handy."

"Hey, I have to go pee." The brunette complained.

"Not yet."

Faith watched as the pretty blonde disappeared inside. "HEY!" She shouted until Buffy poked her head out. "When are you going to unchain me? You have to sometime, you know?!" The dark slayer insisted, raising her wrists toward Buffy.

Green eyes flashed at her suspiciously. "Are you going to behave?"

"Yeah, sure." Faith looked at her with a smirk, causing Buffy to frown.

"I'm serious Faith. One wrong move and I will totally kick your ass! And then chain you right back up."

Faith snorted at this but said nothing as she presented her wrists again.

"I want you to help out too. We need to move some of these crates then we can sleep in here. We'll use the plane for shelter." Buffy explained as she cautiously removed Faith's shackles.

"It's about time!" The brunette had an overwhelming urge to slug the little slayer, but held back. There would be plenty of time to kick her ass later.

"At night you're going to have to wear these so I can actually get some sleep."

"Screw you! I'm not letting you chain me back up!" Faith stepped back defiantly.

"If you want to sleep in the plane you will." Buffy picked up the shackles and carried them back inside, fastening them to the rail on the floor. She called out to the other slayer. "Help me move this crate." Waiting for a moment, she called out again. "Faith. Faith!" She stepped out to see that the brunette was gone. "DAMMIT!" The little slayer cursed and kicked at the sand. "I knew it... never should have unchained her."

........................

Faith climbed over another set of boulders and slid down. *YES!* She ran to the fresh stream excited, scooping up the water and drinking. The slayer sat back, pleased with her success. She reclined and took in the beauty surrounding her. It was like paradise. *This might be a fun break... `til they come for us.* Faith sighed and stood back up.

*Too cool! Bananas!* Faith ran over to the tree, looking up. Shimmying up would be no problem, she was an awesome tree climber as a kid. *The whole tomboy thing might be paying off. *

.........................

Buffy scowled as she struggled to drag another crate out. Suddenly it seemed extremely light. "Hey!" She peered around the side to see Faith had picked it up too. "Where have you been?"

"Scouting around, yunno." The brunette gave her a dimpled grin and nodded her head. "So where do you want this?"

"Outside of the plane with the others." Buffy was still fuming over Faith's sudden disappearance. "I'd appreciate if you'd not wonder off to screw around anymore. We have a lot of work to do before it gets dark."

It was Faith's turn to frown. "I wasn't screwing around, B. I was finding things. Seeing what's here, yunno?" She turned away angry.

"Fine. I'll bite. What'd you find?"

"Water we can drink and these." The dark slayer gestured at a stack of bananas.

Buffy smiled. "Good job!" She picked up her list and crossed out one of the items. "How'd you get the bananas?"

Faith rolled her eyes. "How do you think? I climbed the tree."

The blonde laughed, her green eyes sparkling. "I have my own little monkey."

Faith growled and brushed past her to finish dragging the crates.

*********************



Part 6 - Working Together Again

"B, I'm taking a break." Faith flopped down on the sand, panting.

Buffy regarded the younger slayer for moment before going up the stairs and peering into the plane. "That's fine Faith. We have enough room for now. I'm going to set up the signal fire."

Faith laid back in the shade and closed her eyes.

.................

The little slayer walked around for awhile looking for a suitable place to build the fire. Locating a jutting cliff, she made her way around the rock face. *Perfect. This isn't too far to get to and it's nice and high up.*

Buffy sat for a moment, gazing out past the lagoon. *Wow, this looks like a postcard.* She smiled as a cool breeze gently brushed across her. *Mmmm... it's so peaceful.* She stood up reluctantly, knowing that she still needed to bring the kindling and set things up. Plus she was going to have to find some way to light it.

When she returned, it was to find Faith had fallen asleep. "Hey... hey..." Buffy nudged her carefully, knowing it was unwise to startle a slayer.

Faith slowly rolled over, groaning. "Mom, I'll clean my room later."

Buffy jumped back. "Mom?!" She scowled and shook Faith more roughly. "Wake up! I'm not your mother!"

Irritable, the younger slayer sat up. "Geez! What's with you?!"

Buffy suddenly realized how silly her anger was. "Nothing. Just get up. You can sleep later. I want to have that fire pit done and fresh water brought back here before it gets dark."

"Yes, mom." Faith smirked at Buffy's exasperated expression.

The little slayer marched past her and began digging through the crates.

"Whatcha lookin' for?"

The pretty blonde glanced over. "Matches... or a lighter. We need something to light fires. I don't think either of us wants to sit around striking stones together."

Faith laughed. "Don't have to, B. Take it from a pyro. There's other ways." The young slayer stood up with confidence and went inside the plane. She returned carrying a piece of glass. "Here. Check this out." Faith grabbed Buffy's pad of paper and tore off a piece.

Buffy crouched down and watched while Faith held the glass focusing the rays of the sun onto the paper. It began to smolder, then she blew softly on it. A little flame licked the edges. Buffy looked up at Faith in amazement. The brunette winked. "See. Just have to use your imagination." Faith leaned back. "It won't hurt to learn how to strike stones though, considering this ain't gonna work at night."

"We'll worry about that later." Buffy took the piece of glass from faith. "Break up one of those crates. We'll put this and the wood at the signal site. That way, we're ready."

The sexy brunette strode over to a crate and shattered it with one kick. She turned and gave Buffy a smug smile. The little slayer rolled her eyes in response.

Breaking the pieces off with her hands, Faith soon had a neat little pile of wood. She glanced over at Buffy and gestured at the kindling. "Where to, B?"

Buffy led the way carrying the piece of glass and a makeshift tool for digging. They made their way up the cliff in silence.

"Wow!" Faith gazed out at the expanse.

"I know." Buffy stood next to her staring. The view was truly breathtaking. They shared it for a moment until it became awkward then Faith backed away and dropped the kindling. The little blonde knelt down and began digging a small fire pit. "Faith, will you go and get me some stones to line this with, please."

The brunette merely nodded and disappeared over the side. Buffy had the pit dug by the time Faith returned. "Here." She dropped a pile of rocks in front of her and stood waiting while Buffy set it up.

"Okay, that should work." The little blonde brushed her hands off, pleased with herself. She glanced over at Faith who was very patiently waiting, a small smile settled on her lips.

"What?" Faith insisted on knowing what Buffy thought was so funny.

"It's just that... well, never mind." The blonde shook it off.

"No, tell me."

"It's just that this is the first time we've sort of worked together in forever. It's nice." Buffy turned, prepared to head back.

"Yeah, well don't get use to it, Blondie. Because as soon as we're off this island, you and me... we're gonna throw down again, got it?!" Faith snapped, stomping off and muttering. "... damn you... turning me over to the Council... self-righteous bitch."

Buffy stared after her in confusion which quickly changed to rage. "Bite me!" She brushed past Faith, bristling over the brunette's attitude. She stopped right in front of her. "Hold on. Before you disappear again, I'd like you to show me where the water you found is at."

Grabbing Buffy's hand, Faith tugged her along roughly not stopping until they reached the spot. "There." She gestured toward the beautiful stream, but didn't let go of Buffy's hand.

The small slayer cleared her throat as she glanced down at their clasped hands. *Why is she still holding my hand?* She peered back up at Faith who seemed to have forgotten her fingers where now entwined with her mortal enemies.

Buffy fidgeted as the younger girl pulled her along. "Taste it, B. It's pretty good even."

"Oh.. umm.. okay." The blonde casually tried to pull her hand away.

"Oh.. sorry." Faith blushed furiously as she let go, and stepped back. "I'll go get something to carry the water in." With that the brunette rushed off before Buffy could utter word.

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