Title: Manifest Darkness
Episode 09
Authors: Sovereign and Elizafan568
Rating: R - things get dark fast.
Notes: This story starts half way through season five of Angel in the episode "Damage". It goes AU from there with some cannon parts to it.
Summary: The inevitable clash is nigh, and when over, a new destiny will be written.
Feedback: Sovereign - xsovereignx@yahoo.com and
Elizafan - elizfaith568@yahoo.com
For two days Samara and her fifteen Renegades endured the trip cross country. Always staying to the back woods or badlands, they crossed the expanse of Texas, the flats of New Mexico, and the badlands of Arizona. They had been able to steal a bus, but had to abandon it to roadblocks, unfortunately not meant for them, but still impeding them. Two failed attempts to recapture them were made by the mysterious enemy. Once at the Arizona/ New Mexico border, using a eighteen wheeler filled with troops. The second time using troops dropped from Helicopters. A well placed shot through the window of the chopper by Samara had stunned the pilot, and using the stolen tazers, they easily overtook the few troops who survived the ensuing wreck.
Now they had finally gotten to the front door of the place where Faith lived. Also the source of all evil too. Samara didn't understand the rogue Slayer. She didn't seem happy, ever. Never liked people, and seemed to always want to pick a fight. Alas, that was Samara's last order from Raven, and she accomplished it. They walked into Wolfram and Hart, trying to conceal the stolen tazer guns, which was much like trying to hide a cat in a soda can. Samara walked up to the reception desk, they all smelled like four polecats, dipped in a pig pen, and looked as though they fought the whole Iraqi war by themselves.
Wiping a bit of dirty grease from her cheek, Samara gave as good a smile as her hungry, sore and tired body would allow. "We're here to see Faith Winters. 'kay?" she asked politely, though noticing the security guard getting a bit tense.
The woman at the receptionist desk, name tag reading of Mary, looked over the girls, turning her nose up at the sight and smell. "Yes, well...Do you have an appointment. Is she expecting you?' she asked in a condescending tone.
"Nah, but its okay. We're like her many little orphan sisters." She tried a joke, then desperation filled her face. "We're hungry, tired, and have been attacked the whole way here. I don't want to pick a fight with the secretary of Evil Industries, so please.. cant ya buzz her or something?
Bobbie plopped herself on the counter next to Samara. "It be a right kindly thing if you could miss. We are plumb tuckered out, and those girls over yonder are too." she put on a pair of puppy eyes, but they just looked exhausted as well.
"Look girls. If I let everyone in who said they knew someone here, then anyone could come in. But I don't know you and see that no one here is expecting you, so I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. Your odor is scaring away potential clients." Mary said, as the security guard took a step forward, his hand on his gun, glaring at the girls.
As Samara got ready to fight, Spike exited the elevator in the lobby and took note of the scene playing out. He could smell a Slayer a mile away, and he was sure that's what these girls were. "Hold on a second, love. These girls are alright." Spike said as he walked over, giving Mary a coy smile, knowing she had a thing for him.
"Holy crap!" Samara said, recognizing the vampire. Buffy had spoken of him in the final battle at the Hellmouth. Though, according to Buffy, this guy was sun fried ash in return for his saving the world. "Check it out. It's William the Bloody, all not ash and stuff."
"Damn, kinda yummy for being fried like chicken." Bobbie added.
Spike gave them a what-the-hell look and then turned to Mary. "I'll take care of these girls, pet. You and your guard dog here can take it easy." Spike turned back tot he girls. "So, what are you Slayers doing here? Buffy send you to check up on Angel? Or to mock good ole Spike?"
"Buffy thinks your still ash." Samara said, walking up to him and poking him in the chest to check his solidness. "We were sent by Raven to find Faith. Told we could find her here at Evil Things Incorporated."
"Well, lets keep it that way as far as Buffy goes. And Faith, ya, the dark-haired, Miss likes-to-beat-up-Spike is here. She's up in her room, babysitting Mrs used to rule the world. Funny, a lot of Mrs. around here...never thought about it. Come on. I'll take you to her." Spike said, motioning them towards to the elevator.
"Great." Samara said wearily as he and her Renegades followed Spike into the elevators. When inside, the exhausted Slayers said very little, mostly it was Bobbie talking, since she never seemed to have alack of energy. "So, sweet thing, what are you doing here anyway? Buffy tells it you got the big send off in the Hellmouth. No wait, yeah, that's right, burnt up in the Hellmouth. That right? You a hero like she tells it?"
Spike smiled and stuck his chest out a bit, confidence filling him. "Yeah, well, you know what they say. Can't keep a hero down. Still got work to do, I guess. That's why I'm back. At least, that's how I figure it."
Bobbie nodded. "That sure took a lot of guts doin' that." she smiled, and it was a very pretty smile. The smile of a southern belle. "I read up all about you, and then you getting some chip in your head, and then a soul, and savin the world. Sorry If I'm gushin but, you are one of the derndest vampires I ever read about. Is it true they called you Spike cuz you did awful things to people with spikes? Or did you just have a really bad hang up with Billy Idol?"
"Bit of both, pet." Spike said as the elevator came to a stop, the doors opening. "Alright, girls. Down the hall, third door on the right. I would come but, that Slayer's gets too much pleasure out of beating me senseless. Especially now that she's been part demonized or whatever." The girls filed out of the elevator, turning around to look at him after that last point but the door closed before they could day anything.
Reaching the door, Samara took the initiative and knocked several times. She heard some voices from the other side of the door. "no, Illyria, I am not going to tell you about the birds and the bees right now. The concept of trying to get you to comprehend that just scares me." she heard the familiar, low raspy voice say as the door swung open. "Samara, what the hell are you doing here?" Faith asked, completely surprised.
"Looking for you." she bent slightly, looking around faith to see who was behind her. "We need your help if you can spare time from ...." Samara laid eyes on Illyria causing her yes to bug out a big. "...from the biggest smurf in the world"
Illyria sat on a couch, staring at Faith, her head tilted. Faith turned and looked back, allowing the girls to come in. "She's no smurf. But she is definitely a handful. Almost like a child in a way. A really old...blue...kinda hot in a weird way...smurf." Samara and the girls filed in, keeping their distance from Illyria as she looked them all over, her head tilting back and forth. "So, can I get you girls anything? Something to eat..drink...use of a shower?" Faith remarked sarcastically.
"Yes." Samara said. "I'll give you the heads up, if you could just get the girls some food and a shower Faith. Would really appreciate it." she yawned long and loud. "Woah. Sorry bout that. It's been a rough three days."
Bobbie Gordon just looked at the entity on the couch in front of her fascinated. She always did get fascinated with weird things, luckily they had broken her of the habit of going to mess with the weird things. Although the other Renegades were looking at Illyria curiously, and she, in turn was looking at them as well.
"Faith, who are these people. Acquaintances of yours. Am I required to do something?" Illyria asked with a child's curiosity.
"Nah, it cool. How about you go back in the bedroom for awhile and watch some tv. You remember, the box with the moving pictures and sound." Faith remarked as she started pulling food out of the fridge while getting some of the girls to help her with setting up some plates and glasses.
Illyria nodded her consent and headed to the back. She was unsure why as to why she obeyed Faith so easily and willingly, but she did. It felt right and the Vampire Slayer was too interesting...too unique..too much like her not to.
"So, we got two bathrooms, each with a shower and a tub if some of you girls wanna get cleaned up while we get some food ready?" Faith said, motioning to a hall on the other side of the huge den/kitchen combo room they were currently in.
"One girl at a time, each room. Make sure you got towels. I really ain't looking to see none of you nasties naked." Samara joked. "Bobbie, you and Erica go first. Then just go alphabetical after that, and don't fall asleep in there either, some of us want to not smell too." the small teenager commanded. She pointed at three others. "You bunch get in there and help Faith get the grub, she ain't our slave ya know? Have some respect for God's sake. You two, Jenny, Zoe. Outside. Guard the door. Might be her home but it ain't ours. Rest of you lazy lot start setting the table." With practiced ease the girls got moving, sluggishly, but efficiently.
Faith looked at Samara, amazed and impressed. "Well, seems someone has really come into her own since I left. I'm proud of you girl. So, what's the word? What are you guys doing out here and what the hell has Raven done?" Faith said as she left the preparations to the girls and plopped down next to Samara.
Samara looked up at Faith with a look of premature wisdom. "We split form Buffy, but I don't think you are surprised at that. Raven lead about thirty of us to start a new life. Fight the good fight still, but just not on Buffy's terms. Most of us wanted to kick the crap out of Buffy, but Raven said it wasn't the right thing to do, and if we were gonna be good guys, then we always had to find a way to do the right thing."
Samara flopped down on the floor, then gave a pained look as she adjusted something at the small of her back. "Anyway, we'd found a place in Georgia, but it didn't last. We were there for what a day?"
"If that?" a Renegade named Lina replied as she carried plates to the table wearily.
"Right." Samara continued. "We got attacked by some Terminator cyborg thing. Raven ordered the split. Jill, if you remember her, headed north toward Buffy, me and Justice and this lot managed to get down here, stole some blaster guns from them when they tried to take us out in Alabama. Been using them to protect ourselves ever till we made it here."
Samara lifted the blaster for Faith to have a look at. "just don't touch the blue button inside. Not sure what it does, but the soldier boys got all scared anytime we got near it."
Faith took the blaster and looked it over. "Well, quite the adventure huh? I have to say, I'm proud of you. Raven too for standing up for herself and doing what she thinks its best. I'm always one to side with the free thinkers...its why I couldn't stay either." Faith said with a smile, but inwardly was terribly worried. Samara's story reminded her of things she had heard about the Initiative, only worse. She had no idea what this all meant, except is was bad. "Well, you girls eat, shower, and get some rest. I'm gonna go talk to Angel and see what he thinks of all this. Don't worry, I won't call Buffy." Faith said, getting to her feet and handing the blaster back to Samara.
"Let her know we are okay Faith. We don't agree with her. It doesn't mean we hate her or even dislike her." Samara answered. "It would be the right thing to do. We'll stay here and eat everything." she half smiled at Faith before finally getting some food, having let the others get their share first.
"Well do, little general." Faith smiled as she headed out, the smile fading as soon as eh was out with the door shut. *okay, looks like our fears have come true. The shits hit the fan. Next few weeks are gonna be interesting. No telling what's gonna happen next.* Faith thought as she headed upstairs, sure that Angel would feel the same and hoping things would quite down, at least for awhile before anything else happened. Somehow, however, she doubted it.
Two weeks had passed since the incident between the Renegades and the unknown evil force down in Georgia. Phone calls had been exchanged between Buffy, Angel, and Riley, each informing the other of everything they knew about the situation, which wasn't much. From the information they had pulled, all they could surmise is that some type of alternate reality had broken through to this one and a huge force of evil was invading. They knew that an alt. Faith and Mayor Wilkins/Olvican was involved and probably in charge, as well as some sort of twisted version of the Initiative, but other than that, they knew little. As to where they were based or what exactly they were planning, none knew, for things had been seemingly quite since. Which only meant that something big was about to erupt.
Buffy had gathered the core Scoobies as well as Kennedy and some of the top newbies Slayers together for a meeting as to what they should do in case of an attack and how they could go about getting more intel. "So, that's everything we know so far, which amounts to little more than jack squat, so I'm open to any suggestions you guys may have?" Buffy said as she took her seat at the head of the table.
"We could try looking for any weird Draws of electricity off the grid." One girl suggested. "My dad worked power lines for years, said there is not way that anyone could use one volt without it having an effect on the grid."
Xander turned, focusing hie eye on Buffy. "Sandy's got a point Buff. If these weirdos are using power, we should be able to find it."
"Unless they're using generators." Kennedy interjected from the opposite side of the table.
"Kennedy has a point. They could very well have brought a power source of their own to use, and seeing as how they've been doing this quite awhile, I'm pretty sure they know how to keep themselves hidden until its too late." Giles said, taking off his glasses and wiping them in his usual manner. The situation had him concerned, but he still felt confident it could be handled.
"Yeah, and I've tried every kind of locator spell I know with no luck. Must have a really power black mojo worker with them too. I can tell some sort of clouding spell is being cast, but I can't pinpoint cause it seems to be coming from everywhere at once." Willow said, her brow furrowed in a way that Kennedy always found cute as she smiled at her from across the table.
Another Slayer stood next to a map of the United States. She had propped a piece of clear plastic over the map and had drawn small X's in places they had been but found nothing. Dredda Cowlings had been enlisted in West Point Military academy when her calling came, and was using what she knew, and what she had learned since being called, to try to figure out where this force could come up at. "I have an idea, but its very shaky at best." the former cadet said. "Something Samara said last time she called."
"At this point, shaky may as well be solid." Buffy said, her expression tired and grim. This was the first time she could remember information being this slim. Of course, she thought that about every new threat.
"Well, we know that Jill received a note after Raven's capture right. Now, let us think about Raven for a moment. She was a very observant type correct?" she gestured to her head. "Always thinking, and had the annoying ability to tell you what you were feeling just because you hiccuped in front of her. I believe the answer is in the note she sent."
Buffy thought of Raven a moment, her feelings a mixture of anger and amazement. She hated how Raven got to her all the time, but part of it was because she knew that Raven was right a lot of the time. "What about the note exactly?" she asked.
Dredda shrugged. Raven spoke in riddles. If I could see a copy of the note.." she was provided one rather quickly by one of the watchers present. "Thank you Daniel. Good show." Dredda stuck the note on the wall and stared at it for a moment. "Willow, could you do some voo doo or what not .. make this big enough for us all to see?"
"Oh, that's nothing special." Willow said as she looked at the note and said but a word. "Intendo." and the note blew up to poster size, every bit of it easily readable to everyone present. "There ya go, Dredda." Willow smiled.
"That's my girl." Kennedy said, shooting Willow yet another knowing smile.
Dredda looked closely at the note, then ever so gently pulled a pencil out of her pocket. "Anyone here ever hear or see Raven use improper English? I mean, like Willow does, invent a word instead of finding the right one?"
"Not that I can think of, why?" Xander asked as he looked around at the others, who shook their heads as well.
"Then why.." she started as she gently rubbed the pencil across the odd word. "...would she call a place Buffylessness? It's not even language really."
A light bulb went off in Xander's head. "Oh, you mean she's trying to tell us something...like in code or something. Maybe that word means their isn't a Buffy where these guys come from?" Xander said in a eureka-kind of way.
"Exactly." Dredda turned the sheet over and began to rub the pencil along the entire sheet gently. Only certain letters began to show in the grey lead rubbing. "Got it! Someone get a pen and paper. I knew that little bitch was gonna say more than one thing in this letter."
Kennedy went over to a desk on the other side of the room and grabbed some pen and paper from one of its drawers. She handed them over to Dredda, who snatched them quickly and went to work, doing what, no one was quite sure.
"Dredda, exactly what are you doing?" Giles asked, scratching his head.
"Raven pressed very hard on the paper, but only certain letters." she responded. "It's an old trick, I bet she had family in the Intelligence business. If you turn the paper over, then rub gently with a pencil, you get the message." she rubbed for a few minutes longer, wrote the letters down, then took a marker and circled something on the map, then steppes away. "Ladies and gentlemen, your land of Buffylessness is right there." she pointed at the circle that surrounded where Sunnydale once was, then showed the back of the letter to them all.
Everyone looked back and forth between the two pictures, amazed at both Raven's sneakiness and Dredda's intelligence. Buffy finally spoke up to break the silence. "Great, should of known. All roads of evil still lead back to good old Sunnydale."
"But that place is a wreck. It's a hole. It's a wreck in a hole." Xander replied. "There's nothing left but wreckage, and the Hellmouth is dead. Why there?"
"Maybe they have a fixed point of arrival. I mean, if they leave from the one place in one world, they have to land at the same location in the next? Meaning thank god they didn't jump from Disney land or Something" Willow added, shrugging.
"Makes sense, what better place for them to hide, but in a place they know no one will visit. They probably landed, saw the wreck, and decided it the best place to remain hidden. Highly intelligent really." Giles said, his worry changing from one thing to the next. "Now, the question is, since we know were they are, what do we do about it?" Giles said, looking at the group.
"Contact Angel, Riley, Samara and organize one seriously large and bloody assault." Dredda replied. "They know us, they've killed or enslaved us before in other worlds. We play good guy we can't attack until attacked here or we're gonna eat lead and die like dogs. Get your sharpest swords, best guns and heaviest bombs and let the bodies hit the floor, because if I were them, I would, and I'd start with Angel and his people, since they are closest.
"I don't know...seems a bit extreme to me." Giles said, his brow furrowing in deep thought.
"I'm all for an attack, better it happen there than anywhere else. No innocents to get hurt and no property to damage." Kennedy said, adding her two cents.
"I know I'm the last person you'd expect to here this from, but I say attack them now, it's our best shot. Dredda's right on all accounts about this one." Willow said, finally smiling back at Kennedy.
Dredda looked at Buffy. "I'll make contact with Major Finn if you'd like Buffy, but its gotta be your call."
"I don't see it any other way either Buff, I agree with them with all fifty percent of my vision." Xander replied, putting a hand on his long time friend's shoulder. "If you're willing, we're able."
Buffy let out a deep sight then stood up, firm and strong. "You guys are right. I don't see any other option. Make all the necessary calls and preparations. We have to attack now before its too late. Gather all our allies. The time to fight is now. We'll meet on Breaker's Bluff, just a mile outside Sunnydale. And tell everyone to hurry, cause tomorrow, we fight, and it will most likely be the biggest battle we have had yet."
**
For the third time in the last two weeks an accident had occurred. This time, a large piece of rusted iron had 'fallen' off the roof, nearly shearing Raven into halves. It missed her but caught her arm really well though, and she was on her way for the third time to see the CMO. She noticed, however that at every accident, one of the two, either Colonel Miller or Cain was within line of sight, but never both. She was sure they were trying real hard to ace her without raising the Empress'suspicions.
She had tried to explain it, but the Empress blew it off, calling it paranoia and that no one would dare touch Raven for fear of her retribution. Raven thought that was a crock of crap, and still did even as she went to get stitches again. The CMO bothered her, but not in a bad way. Jenny Calendar didn't belong with the Project. Raven could read it, like a newspaper on Sunday morning, right of her face. Raven thought, just maybe, she may have an ally in here yet, but wasn't sure. "Hello? You in here?" Raven announced as she opened the door to find no one in the room. "Jenny?"
"Ah, my dark princess. Have another "accident", did you? Well hop up on the table and I'll be more than glad to fix you right up." Jenny said with a cheeryness she did not feel, but showed just because she knew it irratated the majority of the Insurgence members, so it provided her with some small joy.
"Thank you." Raven replied, catching the odd look from the medic as she got on the table. Raven was feeling more than dead. Having sex with the Empress was tantmount to toss one's self into hell. Being with the evil made one start to think as evil ones, and Raven didn't like that much either. Add to that the fct to of the leaders were out and out trying to wipe her form the face of this earth, and she had a class one case of depression, which of course she had to hide, so, no help there either.
Jenny lifted a small medical bag onto the table, taking note of Raven's seemingly depressed mood. "So, what happenend this time, princess?" she asked as she pulled some bandages and wound cleaner from the bag. Not hinting at her true intentions until she was absolutly sure of where Raven's true intentions where.
"Cain and Miller tried to take me out." Raven laid on the table. It was a roll of the dice on this one, but she had her suspisions about the Chief Medical Officer. "Like I ain't gonna figure that out, stupid tin can and his freak pal are gonna bite the dust real soon ya know?"
Jenny was slightly taken aback by Raven's bluntness but still remained unsure. The empress was known to test the lotalty of her followers in such a way. "I'm sure that's not true. Just paranoia on your part. You are the empress' new princess and sex partner, after all, and she is known for taking good care of such things. Judging from the way you two have been going at it here lately, she really likes you." Jenny said, an innocent smile on her face. Raven's response would determine her next move as she cleaned the wound in her arm.
Raven's face fell into a haggard expression. "Please. Don't remind me. She thinks a lot of things, don't make them true right?" She looked at the CMO, judging the woman by her actions and responses, but she was good, giving nothing away.
"Well, if you really believe someone is trying to kill you..."Jenny said as she slowly reached into her bag and pulled out some stiches and a needle, "..isn't this the last place you should be. I could easily inject you with something and take you out. After all, I am evil to the core, just like everyone else here." Jenny said, for once looking Raven dead in the eyes.
"I know." she replied. "If you were evil you could go tell the empress what I just said. You could inject me or call those two goons in here. You won't though." she smiled slightly at the medic. "Evil things aren't referred to as Marshmallow."
It was then that Jenny decided to go for it. It was all or nothing, and she was going to bet the farm on this odd eyed girl. "Well, looks like you got me, Raven. I am a marshmellow and I don't belong here. But if I'm right, neither do you. I think we both want to get out of here but both have reasons to stay, am I right?" Jenny asked, praying she had made the right choice.
"Yeah. I hate this place and I just want to go back to my friends." She said finally letting down the defenses. "I'd even go back to hearing one of Buffy's rants, or even a stupid slogan from Xander. Jill thinking I'm higher than God. Anything. I only came here to save my friends. Now I'm a stupe killer and a bed toy for the local maniac." she slumped her shoulders.
Jenny put her hand on Raven's shoulder, lifting her chin with her other hand. "Don't give up. Everything you did was to protect your friends and the people you care about. There's nothing wrong with that. I've done terriable things since being here too, but at the same time, I've saved many lives that would have otherwise ended. Thats nothing to be ashamed of." Jenny said, tears welling up in her eyes at finally finding someone to connect to.
"My friends are gonna come." Raven said, a bit more pick up in her voice. "They're gonna bring Samara and Jill and Buffy and Faith and Giles the whole gang and a huge army of Slayers. They'll smash this whole thing to bits. I bet Willow even turns that freak Amy into a frog or something. Won't that be real nice to see?"
"It would, but I'm not so sure. I've seen the mightiest of groups and hero's fall to the Insurgence. The thought of them being stopped is almost a dream to me at this point. And I've heard whispers lately that something is going down in the next day or two. Something big and the empress is well prepared for it. If your friends are coming, I fear for them, no matter how strong and determined they may be." Jenny said as her own shoulders slumped, leaning aganist the far wall. "I just know what we should do, if any thing at all."
"What's that?" Raven asked, worry creeping into her voice "What is it we should do?"
"We need to get a message to your friends...get them to stop the attack. If the empress is prepared, they will get slaughtered and this world will be doomed like all the others. But no communications can be sent from here without the empress finding out about it. Best I can come up with, is when the attack comes, we cause some havoc from inside...hopefully disorganize things give, at least giving them a fighting chance." Jenny said, lost in deep thought of exactly what to do without getting themselves killed.
Raven furled her eyebrows in doubt letting the medic tend the gash in her arms. How to communcate without getting found out. Electronic devices were out, as were means of magic. She was no psychic and there didn;t seem to be any pigeons around. She glanced around the room aimlessly, her eyes coming to settle on a bent peice of machinery with bits of flesh on it. "Yuck. What the hell is that thing?" Raven asked, making a face.
"Piece of the terminator, Cain. Tried to tell him, but he was too busy being pissed at you. Let's just say, next time he tries to use his gatling guns, he's going to have some problems." Jenny said as she began carefully stiching up Raven's arm. "And don't try to think of a way to warn them from in here, its not possiable and would only get us both killed."
"No. Not here." She said looking at the device. "Maybe we should just grab a few grenades and chunk them around. Save the last one for ourselves." Raven said jokingly, trying to keep her own spirit up. "Wish Old Giles was here. He could have thought something up. He's really cool for a tweed wearin guy and knows bunches about magicks and stuff. He and Willow always cook up some way to save our hides."
Jenny stopped dead in the middle of her stiching."Giles? Did you say Giles? He's still alive here?" she asked, her voice low and full of pain once thought gone.
"Yes. He's gotten big too. I mean, he lifts weights and doesn't drink as much scotch as when I first met him. He likes going to car derbies though... way out of character for him and ... " Raven's mind began to strain, somethign she needed to remember, but wasn't able to.
"My dear Giles...alive." Jenny wiped some tears from her eyes, then seemed to be filled with a new confidence. "Then we have to make it out of here alive. I have to see him again. So, no to grenading ourselves, but I do have an idea, but we have to wait for the attack to happen to do it...it has to be timed just right." Jenny said, a plan formed at last.
"Alright." Raven said trying to place the whole thing. She knew Giles in her world, but that was something to come across later. "I'm in. Whatcha need?"
"Well, I can already tell you have a knack for pissing people off, especailly Cain. Well, I happen to know, that he and Miller will both be with the empress when the attack comes, they always are. If you can get him angry enough to fire his guns, then disorganization will be ensured. They will most likely be in the throne room, just themselves and the empress' honor guard. If he tries to fire his guns, he won't be able to control them without that part. His shots will fly everywhere and he won't be able to stop without being shut down...something only the empress will be able to do. That level of confusion on the top tier should give your friends an advantage at first, maybe disrupt some of the empress traps I know she has set. Thats the plan anyways." Jenny said, looking at Raven for hope
"Piss Cain off so he starts shooting all over the place. Oh yeah. I got the ace for that hand of poker." Raven smiled. "Until then, stitch me up Marshmallow. I have important shit to do." She returned her face to the hardened look she had been using for the last two weeks.
Amy stood before the empress, worry all over her face for she knew what she was about to tell her would anger her to know end. "Well, Amy, what is it? Said you had something important to tell me" Faith asked with feined interest.
"Yes, your majesty. It seems that in entity that sent our boys packing from Wolfram and Hart was indeed Illyria, an Old One and former God-King of the world. Meaning she was THE Old One back in the day and our lord Olvican was, excuse my bluntness, her bitch." Amy said, knowing this was going to go over very bad.
Kennedy turned and looked to the Empress witha look of surprise on her face. "They have a bigger meaner power than our lord your Majesty. The God King of our lord. We'll get smashed flat. we can't match the power packed by the Ancient. None were as powerful as she. I read the books and it says we're screwed."
"Silence!" Faith commanded, loud and full of a dull anger. "It doesn't matter who they have. This world will fall like all the others. I know for a fact that if it is Illyria, she can't be in her original form, much less at her full power. No Old One can, not even our lord. She must have been reborn into a human, which means she is vulnerable, but still one hell of an obsticle not to be taken lightly." Faith said, as she stood and walked down the steps from her throne.
My father has told me everything he nows of this Illyria. It was the first thing he did when we took control of our original world. He told me of her and all the other Old One's. He failed to mention the bitch part, however." Faith said, giving Amy a look that told her she would pay for that statement later. "I have some things to prepare for her if this is true. The attack will come tomorrow, and I'm sure Illyria will be a part of it, so you fools get with your preparations while I atend to this matter personally. Trust me, Illyria won't be much of a threat, at least not in this first assualt." Faith said, leaving her minions dumbstruck as she left.
"You screwed up dummy." Kennedy spouted at Amy with a laugh. As she turned to ready her Hunters for the incoming assault, leaving the witch to poder her fate on her own.
Amy knew, no matter how much magical power she had, she was no match for the empress on the war path. She didn't have time to worry about that now. She had to ready her shamans for battle. Her fate would be decided after the battle and Amy hoped that they won, and it made the empress be in a much better mood.
"No." Illyria replied, simply denying any arguament to her one word reply. This argument was spun from the alignment of forces to take on the Other Worlders. The Initiative, Slayer Central, Wolfram and Hart, and the Renegades were going to merge under one flag, but Illyiria refused to go along. Her reason very clear. "One leader, not four, can lead an army. You must not committ to a battle in any other fashion unless you wish to be slaughtered."
Faith stepped up, knowing she had the best chance of getting her to consent. "I undertand that, Illyria, but there are four very different groups with varying strengths and ways of doing things. Getting them all to following one leader, especially one they don't know and fear like you."
"No one's going to agree to follow you. Its just the way it is, and none of use wanna take solo command so this is our best option." Angel added, his arms crossed and expression hard.
"I did not say I wished to take command." Illyria replied looking to Faith. "She is the rightful Slayer, called last, unresurrected. She has your implicit trust, and the respect of the Renegades. The soldier, Finn, he will comply because it is his nature. One overall leader to lead the four groups."
"Woah, one minute here. I tried to lead a big group once and it ended with a big explosion and a lot of girls dead. I don't think I'm ready to be trying that again." Faith said, putting her hands up and taking a step back. "Besides, I know there's no chance in hell B would agree to that."
"Die well then." she replied simply. "I am only interested in Olvican. When his minions are slaughtering you in the streets of your ruined Hellmouth as your four groups stand alone again, do not cry for me to come pick up your bleeding corpses. I have grown tired of watching this same story over and over again."
Angel walked over to Faith, the truth of Illyria's view clear to him. "You know, Faith, she's got a point. One leader would be best and I don't really see anyone apart from Buffy having a real issue with it. I know Buffy can be very headstrong at times, but she's not stupid. If everyone else is for it, she'll have to consent if she wants to save the world. And I know that's what is most important to her, and all of us." he said, his tone friendly and protective.
Faith took a deep breather and slumped her shoulders, then shot them back up to full attention. "If I have to, I guess I have to. It really sucks being all responsible now." Faith said, brushing a strand of blue hair out of her face. "Alright, I'll do it, but your breaking it to B, not me. Consider that your first order." Faith said, giving Angel a little wink.
"You will do well." Illyria said in a first showing of confidence in the one time rogue, as she waved her arm to the wall, creating one of her neat little doorways. "We must hurry though, there isn'tmuch time."
Faith nodded in agreement. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Spike, Gunn, Wesely, and Angel all dressed and armed for battle. They were bringing along with them a small contengent of troops as well, supposedly Wolfram and Harts finest. "Everyone ready?" Faith asked, getting nods of agreement from all present. "All right then, I guess its now or never then. Let's head out." Faith exclaimed, jumping into the doorway first, followed by Angel, then Spike and the others. Illyria brought up the rear, closing the portal behind them.
**
Everyone was gathered at the former make out bluff of Sunnydale, the crater of which could be seen from this point of view easily. Barely a mile out of town, the strongest forces of good in the world had gathered in this one place, overlooking the scene of a battle that was about to give birth to another. From this vantage point, it could be scene that a good sized section near the center of the crater had ben cleaned up, and a complex of nice size had been constructed. No signs of activity could be seen, however.
Initiative troops marched back and forth, making last minute preparations such as weapon checks, head counts, and the like. Buffy and her fellow Scoobies where sat at a long table under a tent that had been set up as the command post. Riley, Kennedy, Samara, Justice, and Jill were also there. They were at the end of discussions for the planned assault when they saw the portal appear just outside the tent and Faith and company come forth, scythe in hand. "Hello B, long time, no see." She said with a grin on her face. Buffy simply rolled her eyes as she motioned for them to join at the table. Once everyone was seated, the final planning began.
The silence that came into the area was deafening. No one wanted to be the first one to break the ice on this lake of sludge. "I was unaware of any of you having telepathic ability." Illyiria started, looking at the group. Those who knew her, just kind of smirked, those who didn't seemed to have bit of a problem of this unknown making jabs at them.
Angel decided he better break the ice and get the leadership problem out of the way. "Well, first thing is first. The art of war dictates that we must have a single leader in a battle like this. Our group has decided to nominate Faith and she has agreed to do it. If none of you have any objections, I feel she is the best choice. We trust her and the Renegades look up to her. It's up to you Buffy and you Riley, you have to consent or this will all fall apart."
Wesley knew the two's history all too well and decided to speak up before she answered. "I know full well the problems you and Faith have had in the past Buffy and the one's you'll continue to have the rest of your lives, but all that has to be put aside for now. The fate of the world depends on it. I feel confident that Faith can handle it and assure you this is the best option."
Riley leaned back in his chair, unsure of exactly why he should give up his group. Faith wasn't military and his concerns were hardly personal, except a little body switch thing a few years ago. "Can't see me being told how to run my units by a person who does not know how military units are run. Not trying to be a bent cog in the wheel here but, I think my concern is legitimate."
"No, I think you misunderstood there Captain America. You run your own units. I simply direct traffic. I see something needs to be taken out, I see your boys are there to do it, I tell you, you go about doing it in the best way you know how. I don't TELL you how to do it.. just to do it." This got Riley's silence, but clearly a thinking expression was on his face.
"Personal feelings aside. Which is a major effort in itself. What says Faith is any better than I to run the show? I mean, years in prison and a bad childhood is not grounds to be the big kahuna." Buffy replied. "Really, you can see that I'm not making that up either."
Giles took the initiative, seeing merit in both sides, but actually agreeing with Faith. "That all is very true Buffy. We all know Faith's past, but she is trying to make up for it. This gives her a big chance and also gives us one flag to unite under. No one is saying she's better than you, Buffy, its just that the majority of our forces identify with her and her way of thinking than with you."
"Yeah, Buff besides..." Xander piped up, "...shouldn't you be thrilled to not have everything thrown on you for once. A chance for you to be just a warrior for once and not the head hancho. Just think of it as kind of a break is all."
Willow decided it was best she chime in as well. "I hate to say it Buffy, but they're right. Faith has a much more laid back way of doing things and is a bit more open minded than you, not saying your not, just Faith's more so, and that's what we need for this. Like she said, you'll still command the Slayers, just Faith will be a figure head of sorts. Just think of it that way if it helps. You know, whatever you decided, I'll back you up on, but I agree with them." Willow finished, giving Buffy her best empathic look.
Buffy looked over at Riley, who responded by shrugging and then standing up, offering his hand. "Agreed. But I don't have to salute you do I?" he asked mildly joking. The brunette smiled and shook her head in the negative.
"Years, and now Faith is going to take over. Funny thing is that's how it should have been. I should be dead and this should be Faith's show." She looked at the brunette, the Scythe clasped in her left hand, then stood and offered her hand. "Don't be afraid to lead." The two slayers hook hands in the middle of the camp, sealing the deal.
Faith squeezed Buffy's hand, smiling and tears could be seen forming in her eyes. "Thanks, Buffy, Really..." Buffy just blushed and shrugged it off, giving her a wink that Faith knew meant she understood. "Okay then, um, I guess everyone make any last minute preparations they need to. If we're gonna do this, gotta do it fast. We charge in thirty. Everyone cool with that?" Faith asked, looking over the faces of her "generals" and smiling. She got smiles and nods of agreement. "Okay, meeting adjourned then."
As everyone got up and started to mingle or ready themselves for battle, Angel walked over and put his arm around Faith's shoulders. "Faith, I am so proud of you." he said, giving her a hug that she returned in kind, forgetting about her added strength. "Good thing I don't have to breathe." Angel huffed out as Faith released him with an oops look on her face.
Illyria looked at the two, looking as though she had just come to understand something more about humanity. "I would wish a moment of your time, those from Wolfram and Hart I mean." she said, walking over to a somewhat quiet place, letting the others come to her. She looked at them with that almost blank look, then tilted her head, straightened it again, then looked at them again.
"You okay Illyria? Something wrong?" Gunn asked, raising an eyebrow at the antics.
She looked at Faith for a moment, then stopped the twitching around. "I am ...sorry .. that I caused your friend's death, and wish that I had not." She stated, looking almost, so very close to unsure.
"Well, well, looks like someone really is learning about humanity." Faith said as she walked over to Illyria and did the last thing anyone expected, including herself, she gave her a big hug. "Apology accepted. I know it wasn't your choice and I'm in no position to hold a grudge when it comes to an accidental murder." She said, pulling back and half expecting Illyria to smack her one.
"Well isn't that all sweet." Spike said sarcastically. "The two girls that like to beat me up giving each other some love. Make me want to heave..or, now that I think about it, have some interesting, dirty thoughts too." Spike said with a sneer, giving Faith a knowing look.
Illyria, using her time displacement, smashed Spike in the nose a really good shot, then turned to Faith while he was still slowly floating to the earth. "I shall endeavor to move our troops to the other three sides of the complex with the portals. Do not die. Anyone." she said in a commanding fashion, letting Spike hit the ground in a heap as she went to begin escorting the other three teams of warriors to the North East and West sides of the complex below.
"That's a good look for you Spike, freshly ass kicked." Angel smarted as he stood over the fallen vampire, offering his hand to him. When Spike went to take it he pulled it away. "Loser."
Spike growled low at Angel as he got to his feet but said nothing. Riley, Buffy, Jill, and Samara walked over to the group. "Preparations complete, Faith. We're waiting on your signal to attack."
"Oh man, this is gonna kick so hard. I'm ready for anything, and I can't wait to see Raven again. And don't worry, Riley, I'll protect you." Jill exclaimed, make a muscle and giving him a smile and a wink.
"Well, then I guess its settled then. No more putting it of, its time to go to work. Everyone, let's move out." Faith said, trying to make her voice as commanding and confident as possible.
T...B...C...
