Prey for a Slayer

Title: Prey for a Slayer - A Birds of Prey and Buffy The Vampire Slayer crossover
Author: Helenakyle
Rating: R
Pairing: Faith/Huntress
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Author's Notes: This is an answer to Desi's birthday request. It is pure PWP. I will be continuing this series (Faith/Huntress) eventually under the title: "Huntress' Diary" unless someone else has a better title.

Huntress sensed a presence behind her but before she could turn around she found herself flying through the air and meeting the unforgiving brick wall.

"What the fuck!" The brunette jumped to her feet looking for her attacker. She swayed for a minute then saw him. With not much more than a gut feeling, she dived at the mystery man. She knew she had missed before she landed. How'd he move so damn fast? She came up quick and managed to sweep his legs out from under him. That's better. Huntress sensed another presence but was too busy avoiding the 'crazy' that seemed to want to bite her. Two more 'crazies' appeared out of know where.

[Oracle! I need help.] Her plea was met with silence. [Oracle?] Huntress ducked and managed to land a fist on the man in front of her. She reached up to wiggle her comm unit, hoping it was just a minor glitch. When her necklace fell off into her hand in pieces, she realized she was alone. A cold shiver ran through her body. Then she felt the coldness emanating from her wrist, where the pasty looking man had a hold of her. Shit, when did I close my eyes? How come I'm on the ground? Why can't I breathe? Opening her eyes, she saw an eerie red glow to the eyes of the man who was choking the life out of her with one hand and holding her right wrist with the other.

Huntress coughed several times as the dust cloud the creep had become settled. She saw an angel with black wings, or so she thought until she rubbed the dust out of her eyes and reached for the helping hand. She stood up and looked around, seeing several piles of dust asked quite plainly, "What the fuck is going on and who the hell are you?"

Huntress' sight had improved greatly and she saw a young brunette woman standing in front of her. Hmmmm... black leather duster, pants, and black sweater, gotta like her style.

"They were vampires and you have to dust them to stop them. I am a Vampire Slayer."

"Drac-dude shit? Dust them? A lot more information... now!" Huntress grabbed her mystery benefactor's arm. Huntress felt the muscles in the arm and wondered just what a Slayer was. Some new kind of meta maybe.

"Yes, the fang-boy club was here. Dust them means staking them and watching them turn to dust."

"That's pretty fucking freaky." Huntress laughed, then sobered up thinking of some of the problem meta's she had dealt with in the past.

"I'm starved, part one of the after effects of Slaying. Where can we get something to eat? Gotta take care of the hungry half first."

"If hungry is the first half, what's the second?" Huntress could smell the younger girls arousal and it matched her own.

"Fine, there's a burger joint around the corner. Follow me." Huntress led the way and soon both girls were inhaling double burgers with everything imaginable on them. After eating, Huntress looked at her companion and beckoned her to follow.

Who is this girl and why does she affect me so much? She fights vampires like it's an every day occurrence. Huntress didn't like unanswered questions.

Who is this girl and why does she make me just wanna jump her? It's like she is part animal, I know I heard her growl earlier. Christ, it was so fucking sexy.

Just then Huntress growled, low in her chest. She grabbed the fire escape ladder and swung around to drop kick whoever was foolish enough to be following them. She heard a knife hit the ground and she made sure the guy was out cold. She pulled out her cell and made a call.

"Hello Oracle, my comm set is ruined. Send Reese to pick up an idiot in the alleyway at Oak St. and Taylor Blvd. I'm gonna do a quick sweep and head home, we'll talk tomorrow." Huntress hung up before Oracle could say anything.

"Okay mystery lady, now we can talk. So what is second part of what Slaying does to you? Hungry and...?"

"I would have thought that was obvious... Horny of course." She smirked at Huntress. Her Slayer sense of smell told her that Huntress was just as hot and wet as she was.

Huntress found herself up against the wall in a tight clinch. She had to admit, she was feeling the extra adrenalin and knew only more fighting or hot loving would take care of that.

"Any more words of wisdom?" Huntress said breathlessly. She could feel the leather clad leg of her new friend pushing into her hot wet sex. Leather on leather was turning her on even more.

"Just three." She leaned in and kissed Huntress senseless. "Want," her tongue dueled in the other woman's mouth finding a very willing playmate. "Take," she whispered into the ear she was nibbling on. "Have," she moaned into the Huntress's neck and she licked a trail down to the top of her shirt.

Thirty seconds of flying leather and the two lust-filled warriors were skin to skin. Both woman fought for dominance, neither gaining any ground. They fell with Huntress landing on top. That quickly changed as the younger girl flipped them over and started to run her fingers over already sensitive nipples. Huntress shivered, she didn't remember ever being this turned on by any one. Their kiss was deep and full of hunger.

"Oh fuck, mmmm good," Huntress mumbled as she felt three fingers enter her. The speed of the fingers sliding in and out ensured Huntress would get off quickly... the first time.

Huntress started purring loudly. For a moment, the movement of the well placed fingers stopped. Then the woman sped up again, smiling at what she was doing to the squirming Huntress beneath her.

"Oh fuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk," Huntress screamed and bucked wildly. The woman managed to hang on and draw out the orgasm. She sucked on her fingers, enjoying the taste of the love juice.

MMMMM, gotta have more of this. She leaned forward and breathed in the musty scent.

As soon as Huntress stopped gasping for breath, the other woman started sucking on her clit. Using her fingers to hold open the lower lips, the talented tongue explored its new home. It wasn't long before Huntress was crying out again, just as loud as the first time.

When Huntress's eyes stopped spinning, she pulled the other brunette up to her face and started licking the full length of the soaking wet pussy lips. "MMMMM, you taste good Slayer." Huntress's tongue delved deep inside causing the other woman to growl. Huntress growled back and shoved three fingers in as her tongue teased the throbbing clit.

Huntress obeyed and soon felt the internal muscles clamping down around her fingers. She sucked the little love bud into her mouth and bit down.

Huntress lapped up all the warm juice before looking up into the dark brown eyes of her lover.

Huntress sat up and looked around for her hastily discarded clothes. Once both women were dressed again, the mystery lady pulled Huntress in for one final, breath stealing kiss before walking away.

Huntress heard the whispered words, "Faith... my name is Faith," as the woman disappeared out of the alley.

Huntress stretched like the part cat she was. MMMMM, I'm gonna sleep good tonight.

Upon replacing the phone, Faith felt her knees turn weak. This can't be happening... not to her.

With tears in his eyes, Giles hung up the phone. The nurse at the station turned away allowing Giles a moment to regain his composure. Once his proper British reserve was in place, Giles walked back down the hall until he stood toe to toe with an angry redhead.

"She uh... she is on her way," Giles removed his glasses and cleaned them unnecessarily for the millionth time, and replaced them.

"You should have called her before this happened Giles. What do you think she will do when she finds out that little nugget of information?"

Willow blinked and stepped back. "Works for me. So are you going to tell her or will I?"

Giles swallowed heavily, "I will." He looked in through the window of door to his right. Is Willow right Buffy? Would you have accepted Faith's help if I had sent for her? Am I the reason you're here? Please wake up dear girl... please.

Giles squared his shoulders and refaced Willow. "Faith will need back-up. I won't be responsible... for... putting someone else here."

"You're bloody well right you won't. I'll watch the Slayers back." Spike looked into the room and quickly shut the door again. He growled at Giles and only barely prevented himself from tearing the Watcher limb from limb for allowing Buffy to be hurt. There was no way in hell he would let the same thing happen to Faith. He had always liked the dark haired slayer's spirit.

"And I'll be watching you watching Faith's back," Angel said as he joined the group.

Spike thought better of saying the first thing that went through his mind, and simply stuck his hand out.

"Whatever did that to Buffy, won't get through us to do to Faith." Angel loved stating the obvious.

Angel growled and stepped forward but stopped by Willow. "This is not the time or the place for your testosterone shooters."

"What exactly did do this to Buffy?" Angel asked and Spike spun around, also waiting for the answer.

"Some kind of ubervamp." Willow shuddered. "My fireballs were caught, made larger and thrown back at me, he spit acid, and that was really gross, he floated and all without saying any spells." Willow babbled on, "He had really long fangs and... and Buffy said she saw him in human form during the day."

"Huh, oh yes right. Uh... A daywalker. An almost mythical vampiric line that is impervious to sunlight. They are twice as strong as a normal vampire and are quite adept at blending in. As for the rest of those... acid did you say?"

Suddenly Giles found himself being smashed into a wall. The part of his brain that wasn't dummied realized that Faith was present and not happy.

"Easy there luv, throttling him; although a nice thought, would not help matters right now." Spike turned Faith to the window and when she saw Buffy she silently opened the door and went in.

"Now look here you bloody bastard, I just saved your ungrateful hide. I'd think a 'thank you' Spike would be a good place to start, don't you," Spike vamped out so that only Giles saw. The Watcher gulped, and parroted: "Thank you Spike."

"Thank you Spike," Faith repeated while giving Giles the evil eye. "Now someone tell me what the hell could do that to B?"

After being filled in Faith grew thoughtful for a moment. Her face lit up as she snapped her fingers. I know just whose help I need. Angel, lemme borrow one of those fancy Wolfram and Hart jets. I promise to be back before the final fight."

"Where are we going?" Angel asked as he hooked his arm through Faith's walking down the hall.

"We aren't going anywhere. I'm going to get help I trust for this kind of situation. This person isn't real good with new people. I'll be back with or without her in time," Faith said as she unhooked her arm.

Her? Giles cleared his throat and started cleaning his immaculate glasses... again.

Faith went to the alley... the alley where she had lost and found herself. She whispered on the wind, "Huntress, I need your help."

A block away Huntress had just signed off with Oracle for the night when she thought she heard a familiar voice. She raced across the buildings to the alley... the alley where she had found and lost herself to another warrior woman. She looked down, her senses hyped up and she smelt her... her, Faith. She heard the leather clad young woman's plea for her help. Jumping down and landing just in front of her, she said: "What kind of help are we talking about sexy?" Huntress purred seductively.

"Ubervamp with mind powers. Interested in coming to sunny California... Sunnydale for a few days?" Faith answered seriously, which was kinda of hard to do with the gorgeous woman checking her out.

"What kind of mind powers?" Huntress tilted her head, she could recognize the smell of fear coming from the Slayer and wondered what could do that to her.

"Well according to Red, he can catch fireballs, make em bigger and toss em back, he floats and spits acid. Ring any bells?"

"I remember an acid spitting guy, but he died and the guy that took his meta power also died. Floating, that sounds like telekinesis, and the fire stuff could be a firestarter. But I have never heard of one person having that many different abilities."

"Well this one does and is a vamp too. It put Buffy in a coma and that means its strong, fast and smart. So will you help me kill it?"

"Huntress, that sounds dangerous. Would your friend let me come along to help too?" Dinah asked over the comm set.

"No Dinah, you are needed here. I will be gone for..." Huntress looked at Faith who held up two fingers, "a few days."

"Huntress, bring your friend back to the tower. I'll see if I can find any useful information for you both. And Alfred is pulling Barbeque Ribs out of the oven." Barbara smiled, she knew Huntress couldn't resist Alfred's special sauce.

"Follow me," Huntress made it sound like a challenge as she scaled the building to the roof. Faith stared for a minute, backed up and jumped up to the fire escape and rapidly climbed it. The look on her face said, 'so there, what else ya got?'

Huntress grinned as she came forward. Without giving the Slayer a chance to get a breath, she kissed her hard and when she pulled back she was smirking. "Catch me if you can." Huntress ran across the rooftop and sailed over to the next one.

Faith ran to catch her and skidded to a stop at the edge of the roof. "Hey kitty, I can jump about twenty feet... but that is a lot further away."

Huntress came back, scooped Faith up into her arms, took a few steps backwards and ran forward.

Huntress grinned and kept going. She leapt out into the open air and landed with several feet to spare.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH," Faith screamed only stopping when Huntress landed back on the roof again.

Huntress kept running across the rooftops, Faith didn't scream again but was actually beginning to enjoy the ride when they landed on a balcony of the clock tower. Huntress set her down and laughed when Faith needed a steadying hand for a moment.

"Once ya get over the initial terror, it's not so bad." Faith thought that being in Huntress's strong arms felt very good in fact.

"Whatcha got Oracle?" Huntress leaned over Barbara's shoulder to read the screen. Newspapers from Sunnydale for the last week. All make mention of a serial killer. Victims have unusual burn marks, puncture wounds in their necks, and shattered bones."

"That's him and he is so going down," Faith said confidently. "Add to that he is a daywalking vampire. That bastard put one slayer in a coma already. I know Huntress isn't a Slayer, but she can fight damn well, and her senses are almost as acute as mine. She is willing to help me, but I think if you say no, she will stay."

"I said I would help you and I meant it." Huntress growled at Barbara and Dinah daring them to say anything. They wisely just nodded.

"I have a jet waiting at the airport. We should leave now Huntress. We will need a couple of training sessions for you to get use to the weapons of my trade. The battle goes down in just over two days."

"Huntress headed out to the balcony again and then looked back when she realized Faith hadn't followed her. "Well what are you waiting for?"

"A cab?" Faith blew out a breath and shaking her head walked out to join Huntress. I must be nuts.

When Huntress landed on a storage facility at the airport twenty minutes later, Faith was weak kneed again. She pointed to the hanger her plane was in. She scooped Huntress up into her arms and jumped down to the ground.

"Whatsa matter kitty? Don't like freefall when you're in someone's arms?" Faith grinned like a loon and then pulled the angry young woman into her arms and kissed her like there would be no tomorrow.

Huntress didn't stay angry for long. Damn, she's a good kisser. Huntress followed her onto the private jet.

Faith went up to the cockpit and poked the pilot, who was snoring softly. Make with the return flight plan. Chop Chop."

Huntress threw herself into the plush seat and buckled up. Faith wasn't surprised to find herself pulled down into the seat next to the raven haired beauty. Once the plane had lifted off, both young women undid their seatbelts and headed for the bar.

"Name your poison Kitty."

"JD on the rocks... make it a double." Huntress slipped up behind Faith, causing the dark slayer's breathing rate to increase.

"Uhhh, of course... here," Faith swung around and handed the drink to a smirking Huntress. "What?"

"Did ya do the dirty with that other Slayer... Biffy?"

"Buffy! Her name is Buffy, and no... she prefers stick."

"Foolish girl, not jumping you every chance she could." Huntress downed her drink and set her glass down, all while licking her lips seductively; not losing eye contact with the Slayer.

Faith stood rooted to the spot, she wanted to lick those lips, wanted that teasing tongue somewhere else. She moaned as she grabbed her tormentor and kissed those soft, sexy lips.

Huntress gripped Faith's ass and pulled her flush with her own now hyper sensitive body. Both women could feel their mutual heat, desires... outright absolute need. Huntress decided she was going to be in control this time. Sucking on the Slayer's neck while unbuttoning her blouse caused the Slayer to sway and moan. She pulled back, "Ya like em... lose them," Huntress growled referring to the 'my skin isn't that tight' black leather pants.

"You first Kitty," Faith managed to get out in between moans as she grabbed and yanked the meta woman's top over her head. They finished in a dead heat for getting the rest of their obstructive clothes off. The fact that neither of them wore underwear made it a lot easier. For a split second the two naked women just stared at the other while licking their lips.

Huntress moved lightning fast and had Faith down on the seat with herself on top. "You're so fucking sexy Slayer, gotta taste ya... all of ya. She licked down along the right jawline under the ear and blew softly before nipping it and continuing downwards.

Faith could only moan in appreciation; since moving was totally out of the question at the moment. "Kitty... mmmmm, yeahhh."

Huntress ran her pulsating tongue excruciatingly slowly down the path of the jugular. A little nip here and there; just to keep her squirming girl happy, had Faith unknowingly running her nails across the other girl's scalp. Getting an unexpected but happy result, Faith wanted to see just how loud her Kitty could purr.

"God Kitty, that sound... it's just soooo fucking sexy. What could up the volume I wonder?... Hmmmmm," Faith grinned mischievously at a not entirely present, totally aroused, beyond happy... Huntress. Latching onto a rock hard nipple, the Slayer sucked on it like it was a favored lost lollipop. First one, then the other. Faith added lowly moaned slurping sounds. Huntress's purr would have given the best Harley a run for it's money. The scents of their combined arousal permeated the room and drove both young women further into their lust filled haze. Huntress's amber eyes locked onto dark chocolate brown ones. In that moment time stood still, until she leaned down to claim the Slayers sexy lips. Faith met her halfway. As tongues dueled, Huntress started a slow grind that saw to it that every third grind made their pulsating clits gently kiss.

"Oh fuckkk, Kitty...," Faith unconsciously ran her nails up and down her lover's back. Huntress arched into them and started purring... loudly. "That's so sexy Kitty," Faith worked her fingers down over a smooth tight ass and between Huntress's legs. Pushing three fingers into a sopping wet pussy, Faith groaned as she felt the inner walls clamp down hard. Damn, she's got Slayer pussy walls.

"Slayerrrr..," Huntress ground down onto Faith's clit non-stop. She wanted to bring the dark girl as close to the edge as she was. After all, this was the just the first of many happy screams to come.

"Scratch me, claw me... harder Slayer... NOW SLAYER!" Huntress knew she had lost control of this round, but quite frankly didn't care. Faith used her long well trimmed nails to perfection as far as Huntress was concerned. Starting at the crown of her head and slowly running the entire length of the meta woman's spine, Faith gave her what she needed. She ground her hips in Faith much faster now.

"Oh fuck Huntress, so close." Faith rasped out. She twisted her fingers up towards the sweet spot inside of Huntress. Huntress increased the riding motion on Faith's fingers which also brought her lover closer.

"Gonna cum... with me Kittyyyyyy?" Faith could feel the precipice and wanted company for her fall over it.

"SLAYERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!" Huntress grabbed onto Faith's Shoulders, shoved herself down onto the well placed fingers one last time.

CRACK... THUMP

"What the fuck!"

"What the hell!"

Faith found herself on her back on the floor with her legs securely wrapped around Huntress.

Huntress found herself on top of Faith looking at the now broken seat on the floor.

Still gasping for breath, both young women stood up with each others help. Looking at the broken seat, they both burst out laughing. "Angel's never gonna believe this... then again, he just might."

"Who is Angel?" Huntress tilted her head and grinned.

"His company owns this jet." Faith smiled for a moment.

"Is he rich?" Huntress's eyebrow's went up.

"Oh yeah... why?" The question was in her eyes.

"Round two?" Huntress winked.

Faith smirked and before Huntress could say or do anything, she found herself being pushed rather forcefully back into the seat across from the broken one. Faith dove between the short dark haired woman legs and started lapping up all the juice she could find.

"I earned this Kitty, mine... mine... mine." Faith twisted her tongue as she scooped out the wetness between the lips. Teasing her growling friend by not entering, Faith smiled up at her and made the same slurping sounds she had earlier. Huntress started purring again. God, that sound... gotta have her. She ran her tongue quickly across the enflamed clit and back up along the length of the oh soft body beneath her. Slowly making her way back down, after tickling Huntress's bellybutton with the tip of her tongue, Faith open her mouth wide and took in as much of soaked pussy as possible. She tasted every part like the highest paid wine taster.

"OH fuck! You're good at that Slayer. You're the only one who can get this wet this quick... again. Thank god for meta-human stamina."

"MMMMWork's for me Kitty," Faith said around a mouthful of drenched pussy. "Slayer stamina against Meta stamina. Let the cumming commence." Faith sucked the growing little pebble into her hot accommodating mouth.

Huntress squeezed her eyes tight. Not gonna cum this quick... gotta make her work for... it... oh fuck."Faithhhhhhhhhh, suck it baby... for youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu." What begin as major eruption between her legs cascaded into a full body screaming orgasm. Huntress convulsed several times, only being held down by extreme Slayer strength. Back bowing, nipples tingling, her blood boiling, every cell in her body stood up to attention and, she heard colours behind her eyelids; When the fuck did I close my eyes?, her world exploded. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Faith made a quick grab for the back of the seat and also grabbed ahold of Huntress's bucking ass as she went for the ride of her life. Go Kitty go."YEE FUCKING HAW!!!" Huntress surged forward and backward taking a very willing Faith along for the ride until....

CRACK... THUMP

"Oh fuck," the bone weary, limp linguini legged Huntress said.

"Not again." She didn't really care since she was still enjoying the very pleasant after shocks her body was reacting to.

"Cheap seats," the smirking Slayer replied.

Huntress could feel the Slayer dripping on her leg. Her scent was overpowering and she had to have her. "The only part of me that can move right now is..." She stuck out her tongue and wagged it suggestively to Faith.

Before Huntress say anything further, Faith leaped forward and with the accuracy that only a slayer or a meta, could accomplish, landed straight on the inviting tongue.

"Mnclmdg." Huntress mumbled.

Faith understood just fine. (Nice Landing), and smiled down as she leaned back a little and reached behind her until she felt two little solid mounds.

Huntress immediately made her tongue stiff and started pulsating it. She felt her lover's inner walls vibrating response.

"OH fuck... good god," Faith's verbal skills vacated the premises swiftly.

Huntress deliberately started purring around slick pussy lips as she worked her tongue into a rhythm that turned Faith into a frothing, growling mess.

"YESS, purr for me baby."

"Gonna cum for your Kitty?"

Faith squeezed Huntress's nipple and twisted as she felt every nerve in her body contract and explode. She jerked sideways, back and forth, returning the ride she had experienced earlier.

Good thing this seat is already busted. Huntress’s thumb had slipped down between them and was flicking Faith's clit, drawing it out for a long as possible.

Fly baby... fly."MMMPHMMM," Huntress slipped her tongue out and replaced it with two fingers. They slid in and out easily in the cream filled passage.

When Faith finally stop gushing, screaming and bucking, she collapsed onto Huntress's well stacked chest. A few minutes later, Huntress looked up into happy, tired eyes she said, "Draw?"

Faith look confused for a second and nodded. "To be continued at a later date." She lay her head back down and Huntress wrapped her arms around her. She felt satisfied and... safe enough to fall asleep in the arms of her fellow warrior.

"Count on it," Huntress whispered as she kissed the top of her sleeping lovers head.

Mid-way through her stretch, Faith realized that the warmth beneath her was Huntress and that the broken furniture was not a dream.

Huntress slowly opened her eyes to see the Slayer smiling down at her. "You make a great blanket Faith... all warm, and soft... and.."

Faith leaned down and kissed her lover softly on the lips before jumping up and extending her hand. "We should get dressed Kitty, not that I want to or anything... believe me, but I need to fill you in on a few things before we land."

As the girls were getting dressed Huntress asked: "So tell me how you and I are gonna take down this demon thingee."

"Well, it won't just be us."

"Explain!"

"Angel and Spike are vamps that are on the do not stake list.

Angel is dark and all broody and Spike is kinda like a Billy Idol wanna be. Then there's Red... Willow."

"How's a tree gonna help us? OOOO I know... stake material?"

Faith laughed and shook her head. "She's a witch and definitely someone you don't wanna piss off."

"Anyone else?"

"Just G-Man... my Watcher."

"Kinky... you own private peep dude."

"It's not like that Huntress. He is research man, not a bad fighter... for a normal man... and he's Buffy's Watcher too."

"Yeah, damn limey just watched as she was hurt. I don't trust him," Huntress growled.

"He wouldn't just watch, that's why the council doesn't like him much. He cares about me and Buffy... like family. If he could have prevented Buffy from being hurt, he would have."

MISS SPENCER, WE WILL BE LANDING IN TEN MINUTES

Faith went over to a speaker and acknowledged the message. She and Huntress laughed again at the broken chairs and took two other seats. After buckling up, Faith turned to Huntress, "You should go back Kitty, I don't want anything to happen to you. I'll tell the pilot to turn around and... MMMMM"

Huntress pulled the Slayer in for a very passionate, wet kiss that left them both gasping for air. "Please Slayer, don't do that. When Oracle sends me out, it's because something has already happened... this is the first time anyone ever asked me for help to prevent something... and, I don't want anything to happen to you either. So we watch each other's backs and we get outta this alive with a dead critter laying at our feet."

"You will need to train using stakes, crossbows, knives and pretty much anything else we can think of. Are you sure about this Huntress?"

"Yes, I've never been more sure of anything in my life." Huntress stared into worried dark brown eyes. "Let me help."

Huntress's simple plea went straight to Faith's heart and she could only nod. "You stay close to me at all times... understood?"

Huntress grinned, "Wouldn't have it any other way."

HOSPITAL PARKING LOT

With tires squealing, Faith pulled into the parking lot.

"Holy batshit, and Oracle thinks I drive too fast." Huntress finally let go of her death grip on the dash in front of herself.

"Batshit? Not catshit?" Faith cocked her head waiting for an explanation.

"Uhhhh... long story to number one, and even longer for number two. Another time... I promise."

"K Kitty, lets go meet the troops." Faith led Huntress to Buffy's room. No one missed their arrival. It would have been difficult not to notice two black leather clad gorgeous women walking down the hall.

"Hulloooo luv." Spike whistled his appreciation.

"Clawing out one eye is acceptable, he will need the other to see well enough to fight," Faith cracked.

To say Spike was surprised to find himself a couple of feet off the floor and against the wall would have been an understatement.

"Bloody Hell! Easy there luv, I was just being friendly."

Willow, Angel and Giles eyes bugged out at just how fast and strong the new arrival was.

"Hey all, this is Huntress and she's on our side." Faith laughed and waited for the multitude of questions she knew would be forthcoming.

Giles stepped forward first and held out his hand, "I'm Giles."

"Hey Peep Dude, what's happening?" Huntress smacked his palm with hers.

Giles shook his now stinging hand and immediately looked at Faith who was busy trying hard not to crack up. She failed miserably when Willow started giggling. Spike laughed and even Angel smiled.

"Well holy shit Huntress, even Broody Boy cracked a smile at that one. Well done."

Huntress went over to Buffy's room and looked in. "She's so tiny."

"Don't let B's size fool ya Huntress, she could give you a run for your money... if she was awake."

"Spike, I need you to start training Huntress in the use of a stake. G-Man has a few rubber ones for training. I'm gonna go see if Lorne has heard anything. I'll meet you back at the Hyperion in a couple of hours."

"G-Man, can you take Faith to the hotel, Spike and Angel will meet you there."

"Why can't they come with us," Huntress asked.

"It's still daytime luv. Sun isn't exactly good for our complexions. We will see you there." Spike and Angel headed for the stairwell that led to the basement. From there they would make there way through the sewers and up into the hotel kitchen.

"Red, I need you to do a major protection spell for Huntress and the rest of us asap."

"I'll get right on it Faith. I need to pick up a few things first. Maybe we should all meet in Angel's office in a couple of hours."

"Sounds good to me Red. The sooner we get this shit done, the sooner we can kick some ass and kill the damn thing."

AT THE HYPERION

Faith and Giles walked in the front door and we met by the two vampires. "Faith go with Spike, I need to talk to Giles."

Huntress looked at Spike and growled. "You try anything funny bleach boy and I'll gut you faster than you can move."

"Wouldn't think of it pet. This way. Oh... catch." Spike tossed two things at Huntress. She caught them both and stared at them.

"Rubber spikes?"

"Well you need to get used staking vampires in the heart. Missing only pisses us off. Hurts like hell, but won't stop one from fighting. You have to nail the heart and I don't want to be dusted practising with you."

"All I have to do is listen and stab," Huntress said confidently.

"Really luv. Come here then." Spike leaned into Huntress's private space and waited.

"Shit... no heartbeat at all?"

"Nope, that's why we are called the undead. Now get used to stabbing with this and aim for where you think my heart is. I will tell you if you get it, but beware I will be fighting back as well. Are you ready?"

Huntress decked Spike, "Think so." She quickly stabbed at Spike's prone form only to have him kick out quickly. Huntress barely sidestepped it. Fuck, he's quick.

Bollocks, she's quicker than the Slayer. Spike's respect for the strange woman went up a few notches as did his in Huntress's eyes. Spike swung, fully expecting to be stopped but his other hand got through knocking Huntress on her ass. She jumped up gasping but had the good sense to position the stake and nailed him perfectly as he stepped forward.

"Ow! Dusted. Nicely done luv." Spike held out his hand and Huntress slowly took it and allowed him to help her to her feet. Huntress spun around and threw the stake and heard it bounce off Angel's chest. She looked at him expectantly.

"Sorry, just a hair off." He flew at Huntress and flipped her towards a wall. She spun around and kicked off it. Spike didn't move fast enough. She sent him flying into Angel. As the vampires tried to untangle their legs, she staked them both.

"Bloody Slayer was right, she's magnificent. Bloody thing won't know what hit it."

"Yeah, damn glad you're on our side." Angel had finally managed to stand up. He handed her a crossbow, "How are you with this?"

"Deadeye. What would happen if I put an arrow between a vamps eyes or even through them?"

"They wouldn't die. A head shot would incapacitate it long enough to stake it. Through the eye would do the same. But there will be a large number of them to get through before we see the leader. So a kill shot would be better."

"What about soaking the arrows in holy water first?" Huntress remembered reading something about holy water being deadly to vampires, but back then she didn't believe they existed.

"Good idea, just don't scratch either of us," Spike said.

Huntress shook her head, she looked confused for a second. Willow walked in chanting and asked the meta woman how she felt.

"Strange... my senses... it's like they're working overtime. What did you do to me?" Huntress was having a hard time dealing with magic being real enough to affect her reality.

"I increased your abilities... temporarily. Also, you can take more physical damage before blacking out now. These increases are only good for the next seventy hours though and can't be done again." Willow looked tired.

"Well done Willow, I believe Huntress will be a very valuable asset when the final battle begins."

"That's Giles speak for take a break for now, because when Faith gets here, she will probably wipe the floor with you... metaphorically speaking of course," Willow knew she was babbling.

"Don't bet on it."

"Bet on what Huntress," Faith asked as she walked into the dojo that Angel had in the basement of the hotel.

"You think you can take me down easily?" Huntress raised her eyebrows dramatically.

"Don't really know, why?" Faith was more that ready to take up the gauntlet that Huntress had tossed down.

Huntress smirked and waited for the Slayer to take up the unspoken challenge.

Faith came forward grinning. Huntress threw a punch that was easily blocked by Faith as she tried to leg sweep the meta woman. Huntress jumped up to avoid the leg and brought her interlocked hands down on the back of Faith's neck. Faith collapsed but bounced right back up. "Nice one... won't work again." She twisted around grabbing the back of Huntress's shirt and tossed her into the wall. Huntress bounced back landing on Faith and taking them both down. Faith kicked her leg up and smacked Huntress on the back of the head hard enough to dummy her. She shifted her weight and was soon leaning over Huntress. Her chokehold was strongly secured. Huntress came forward too quick for Faith to avoid. The head butt knocked both young women out cold.

Giles winced when he heard the crack of their skulls. Willow just turned away covering her eyes.

"Oh hell," Angel rushed over to the unconscious women. He picked up Faith and motioned Giles to pick up Huntress. They were carried upstairs to the room that Faith used when she was in town. "They're not gonna be happy when they wake up."

"No shit Sherlock," Spike replied. He placed a jug of ice water and a bottle of Advil on the nightstand.

Angel ushered everyone out and closed the door. Once downstairs he asked Giles if their was anymore information about this ubervamp.

"I haven't found anything about a weak spot... nothing about how to destroy it... nothing useful I'm afraid."

"Not bloody good enough! There is no way I'm letting them go after this thing without at least knowing what can hurt it," Spike stated rather forcefully. "And we don't have a lot of time to find out. You know they will just go in and damn the consequences."

"We will find something Spike... we have too," Willow sent a silent prayer.

RING RING

Angel answered his cell phone, "They did what? How many are broken? Yes, yes... replace them at once." Angel hung up and looked up the stairs to where then now awake Faith and Huntress stood. They knew what was said in that phone call and both were blushing and damn grateful to be in the shadows.

"I can explain Dead Boy." Faith said quickly as she stepped out of the shadows bringing Huntress with her.

"I'm sure I don't want or need to know," Deep down Angel was happy that Faith had found a kindred spirit, he just wished they had a little more control.

Willow, Giles and Spike looked first at Angel then at the young women coming downstairs. No answers were forthcoming and they knew better than to ask.

"Uhhh, yes," Giles took off his glasses and cleaned them. "Dinner anyone?"

"Hey Slayer, can your Peep Dude afford to feed all of us?"

"I do wish you would stop calling me that... Huntress." Giles said in a miffed voice.

"Not to worry Huntress, Angel's firm will be footing the bill, won't it Deadboy?

"Not if you insist on calling me that!"

"You been taking 'touchy' lessons from G-Man?"

Huntress pulled Faith in for a very passionate kiss.

"MMMMMM, what was that for?" A smiling Faith asked.

"Felt like it. Besides, if we keeping ticking off your friends, we will starve."

"Good point."

"I thought so."

"I'm thinking that ordering Chinese would be best Giles. I'm not sure those two can keep their hands off each other much longer."

Willow smiled and raised her eyebrows a few times at the two brunettes.

"RED!" Faith yelled.

"Witchy-Poo!" Huntress growled menacingly.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me that you two aren't only eating to build stamina for an all-nighter?" Willow challenged.

"Not the point Red," Faith pouted.

"Of course not," Willow giggled.

"I know you could probably turn me into a newt or something, but I think you should back off... for health reasons," Huntress glared at the redhead.

"What's a newt?" Faith questioned.

"It's a lizard witches takes eyes from. You know, eye of newt, bat wings... shit like that."

"EWWWWWW!"

"Hey, I... you.... god, there's two of them. ARGHHHHH!" Red stammered.

Angel was enjoying the banter going on, as was Giles.

30 MINUTES LATER

Giles and Angel carried in many bags delivered from the local Chinese Take-Out.

"Come and..." Giles started to say.

Faith and Huntress grabbed several bags and sat down at the board room table. Plates and plastic utensils were already laid out by Willow.

Umm errr ahhhh... Huntress?" Giles stammered.

"Yeah Peep Dude?"

"Do stop calling me that please. I wanted to know how you feel about this upcoming battle. Are you sure you want to take part in it?"

"Yes, I'm ready to kick this bastards' ass. Just give the word. I won't let it hurt Faith... or the rest of you."

"Don't want it hurting you either baby." Faith took Huntress' hand and squeezed for a moment. "Maybe you should call Barbara and let her know that you got here safe and sound."

"Okay, maybe Dinah has come up with a way to fight the TK."

"Who is Dinah?" Angel asked.

"She is my partner in New Gotham... she goes by the name Canary."

"Barbara... as in Gordon, the daughter of the former Police Commissioner?" Giles asked.

"You know her Peep... sorry, Giles?"

"Yes, I met her several years ago. She was amazing. Some ridiculously dressed man with green hair was terrorizing people and she and a giant bat captured him. But the local constabulary lost him."

"GROOOOWWWWLLLLL, Joker. That bastard... he..." Huntress didn't know if her tears were from anger or regret.

"Joker! You're bloody kidding right Huntress?" Spike looked at the beautiful meta woman.

"No, he killed Helena's mother and shot Barbara in the back. He has terrorized and tortured Helena, Dinah and myself before we put him back in Arkham Asylum."

"Who is Helena?" Willow asked.

"Long story Willow."

"We have time."

Huntress closed her eyes for a minute and when she opened them, they were no longer golden cat eyes... they were an icy shade of blue.

"Hello, who are all you people. Where am I?"

Faith blinked before answering. "Uh... Helena?"

"Yes, you're Huntress' friend aren't you?"

"Uh... yeah. Where is she now?"

"She's here," Helena tapped her forehead.

"There are two personalities in you? Fascinating." Giles said.

"We co-exist for the most part, peacefully. So why are we here?"

HUNTRESS: Helena, we are in LA. Faith came to me to ask for help dusting an ubervamp that put the other Slayer in a coma.

HELENA: Ubervamp?

HUNTRESS: Yes, a vampire with meta powers.

HELENA: Vampires aren't real.

HUNTRESS: Wanna bet?

Huntress opened her eyes and she looked at Spike and Angel. "Would you guys vamp out for Helena, she doesn't believe in vampires.”

Helena came back out and watched as Spike and Angel put on their game faces.

"HOLY SHIT!!!!!"

Helena stared at the vamps and shook her head. "That was way weird, and believe me... I've seen weird. Wait a minute, vamps are bad aren't they?"

HUNTRESS: These two aren't. And the redhead is a witch.

Helena looked at Willow and grinned. "Zeep, zap zoad... you are a toad."

Everyone laughed.

Willow started mumbling a few words when Huntress came back out with her hands raised in surrender. "Hey now Witchy-Poo, Helena was just kidding.

"May I speak to Helena for a few minutes, please Huntress." Angel asked quietly pointing to the smaller office connected to the board room.

"Sure thing." Huntress vanished and Helena followed the dark vampire into the office.

"What's on your mind?"

"Is your full name Helena Kyle?"

"How the hell... Huntress has a big mouth."

"She didn't say anything to any of us about you. I remember you. I met you and your mother a long time ago."

"I don't remember you."

"You were only about two or three years old at the time. Some creep with question marks on his suit tried to force her off a roof. You bit him on the leg and were thrown against a wall. Your mother went ballistic. The fight continued on my balcony. She was a very beautiful warrior... like yourself."

"The Riddler."

"Riddler, Joker... and I thought I fought weirdos." Angel laughed.

"How is your mother? I owe her a favor and she has never collected."

"She died, Joker sent Clayface to kill her. She was stabbed in front of me when I was sixteen. I think that's when Huntress came into being. I couldn't deal with the anger and pain. I went to live with Barbara then and she started training me in fighting techniques. You know my late mother's name, did you also know what she did for a living before I was born?"

"She was a cat burglar... I think. One of the best."

"Yeah, she went by the name of Catwoman."

Angels' eyes flew up at that admission. He produced a business card and handed it to Helena. "If you or Huntress ever need help... call me and I will do whatever I can."

"Thank you. Not to be impolite or anything, but, how old are you?" Helena wondered out loud.

"Over two hundred."

"WOW! But you seem kinda normal. I mean, you aren't trying to bite me and Huntress trusts you."

"I have my soul back, I don't drain people anymore. Details are not necessary... are they?"

"Nope. And the other one?"

"Spike, won't hurt anyone here. He chooses to help us occasionally. He cares deeply for Buffy and Faith."

"Who is Buffy?"

"The Slayer this powerful vamp put into a coma."

"I know Huntress is helping out because she cares about Faith."

"Yes, that is obvious to everyone. Is that a problem for you?"

"Not yet. It might become one if she decides she wants to stay here with Faith."

"Why?"

"I have a girlfriend too... Dinah. She is a beautiful young blonde touch telepath and telekinetic."

"If I put one of the company jets at Huntress' command. Would allow Faith and Huntress to continue to see each other?"

"It would be hard at first, but yes I would. It will take a lot of explaining to Dinah though. I know how deeply Huntress cares about Faith. I won't interfere in that. I want her to be happy too. I've always known she was more than just my meta-half."

"You really are your mother's daughter... Beautiful, thoughtful and one hell of a fighter. Thank you for letting your alter-ego Huntress help us."

"She will be the one in charge until we get back to New Gotham."

Huntress came back out and looked at Angel. "You really knew Selina?"

"Yes, I met her and little Helena. She was a very interesting woman... as are you both. May I ask you a personal question?"

"You can ask, no guarantee that I will answer."

"Fair enough. Are you falling in love with Faith?"

Huntress smiled, "Yes... but I'm not sure how strong her feelings for me are. I don't want to push her. I think she has commitment issues."

"And trust issues as well. Understand me, if you make her cry... I will make you cry. Are we clear?"

"You threatening me?" Huntress growled low in her chest.

"I don't make threats." Angel matched her growl.

"You care about her as more than a friend?"

"No, she is a good friend, but that's all. She has had a very rough life and her past is not all roses and poetry. I don't want to see her hurt any more."

"Okay, I have no intention of hurting her. You have my word."

"Alright, that's all I needed to hear. You should get back to her, she is probably climbing the walls wondering what we have been talking about."

"More likely, her ear to the door." Huntress laughed.

The vampire and meta walked back into the room and almost nailed Faith and Willow with the door when they opened it.

"Is everything okay Huntress?"

Huntress smiled and kissed her Slayer. "Better now." Huntress shook her head. "Is it getting warmer in here?"

HELENA: Oh shit, the date.

HUNTRESS: Huh?

HELENA: We are going into heat.

HUNTRESS: Oh shit!

HELENA: Can Faith handle you?

HUNTRESS: Oh yeah. How much time do we have?

HELENA: A few hours at best.

HUNTRESS: I will have to explain it to her first.

"Are you okay Huntress?" Faith could feel the heat coming from her girlfriend and could also sense her increasing need.

"Yeah, I'll explain later k?"

Faith nodded. "Wanna join me on patrol?"

"Sounds like a plan. Were do we patrol?"

"The graveyards of course."

"Of course. Let's go. Spike?"

"Yes Huntress?"

"Do I get a stake?"

"Damn right, you get a couple. I will be trailing behind you both. Before you try to rip my head off, it's for the protection of you both. Hey Poof, load em up."

"Don't call me that William."

Both vamps growled at each other.

"I think we missed the testosterone shots," Faith laughed.

Huntress smirked and grinned at Faith. She grabbed Angel and kissed him while Faith grabbed Spike and kissed him.

The vamps stood stunned and the girls winked at each other. "Not as good as you baby," Faith said.

Willow cracked up and Giles cleaned his immaculate glasses yet again.

"No one is a good as you Slayer," Huntress blushed and hid her face.

"Ummm... yes. About patrol... Be careful both of you." Giles wanted both young women back in one piece and not just for the major battle coming up. He honestly cared about them.

"Yes Dad."

"Yes Peep Dude."

Both girls laughed and loaded up on stakes and holy water containers.

"Huntress, you forgot to call your friend." Giles handed her a cell phone.

BACK IN NEW GOTHAM

RING RING

Dinah answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi kid. Is Barbara there?"

"Yup, hold on."

Dinah passed the phone to Barbara mouthing 'It's Huntress.'

"Hello Huntress, is everything okay?"

"Yeah Babs, everything’s fine. Faith and I are going out to patrol in a few minutes. I wanted you to talk to Witchy-Poo, she is a computer nut like you. Maybe you two can find some useful info that we can use. Hang on." Huntress handed the phone to Willow.

"Hello?"

"Willow?"

"Yes, are you really good with a computer?"

Barbara was silent for a moment, deciding whether or not to tell the young woman about her skills. Huntress trusts her, maybe I should as well. "Have you ever heard of 'Oracle"?

"Of course, she/he is the absolute best. That's you?"

"Yes, but I expect that information to remain within your group."

"It will. Give me an addy and I can link to your computer and we can do research together... that is if you're interested." Willow went over to her computer and punched in a code. Up popped the face of a beautiful redhead in her mid thirties.

"She is a lovely bird." Spike said.

"Down boy."

"Just saying, that's all. Well I better follow them, later all."

"Who was that Willow?"

"Spike, one of our good guy vamps."

Giles leaned forward and was startled by the appearance of the other woman. "My god... Babs?"

"Ripper?"

Willow looked at the Watcher, then at Barbara. "You guys know each other?"

"We met in England years ago. I had thought that she was a vigilante, but she never confirmed my suspicions. There had been a rash of robberies and then they stopped. There were rumors of two people dressed like giant bats. Ridiculous of course, or so I thought."

"I was Batgirl. Ripper. But that was my past, now I am the information broker of the century."

"Indeed. Now you're Oracle. Your help, along with Willow will be just what we need."

"Tell me what you need me to do."

"Can I help too?" Dinah yelled.

"I would guess that you are Dinah also known as Canary?"

"Yup that's me. I wanna help too. Is Hel... Huntress okay?"

"They are both fine, I assure you. They just left for patrol with Faith and Spike."

Angel stepped into view. "Hello Miss Gordon, my name is Angel. May I talk to you privately for a few minutes please?"

Willow got up and she and Giles went to start a pot of herbal tea. Both knew this would be a long night. Angel sat down and summarized the discussion he had with both Helena and Huntress.

"Hello Angel. Yes, it is rather complicated dealing with Helena and Huntress at times."

"Try dealing with Slayers, witches, demons and other vampires."

"Point taken, how can I help?"

"Willow is great on the computer, but her translation program is rather slow. If I scan a text, can you translate it faster than a couple of hours?"

"Easily. Scan and send now."

Angel did as asked and when Barbara began humming, he knew she was in full computer geek mode. He had seen it often enough on Willow's face to recognize it and therefore remained quiet.

"Eureka! Damn, this guy is more powerful than I thought. All he needs to do to steal power and knowledge, is to touch someone. Warn the girls to wear gloves and avoid being touched."

"Hang on." Angel pulled out his cell phone and called Faith.

RING RING

"Hello?"

"Oh hi Angel, what's the sitch?"

Angel explained what Babs had found.

"Gloves? We will have to get a few pair later. Hang on, I my Slayer sense is going nuts. I'll call you back." Faith hung up in time to see Huntress stake two vamps and kick a third. She joined in the fight. There were at least a dozen normal vamps and one very ugly-assed demon. Huntress staked it and it was still standing. It back-handed her into a tomb stone.

"HUNTRESS!" Faith charged the demon. Spike came running up and handed the Slayer a sword. Faith immediately chopped the demon's head off.

"NGGNNN," Huntress got to her feet slowly. "Lemme me at it! Butt ugly fucker is gonna learn the meaning of pain."

"It's dead now baby, how's your head?" Faith handed the sword back to Spike who stood back.

"Smarts a bit. Thank you. Spike?"

"Yes Huntress?"

"Thanks for backing us up. I screwed up and Faith could have been hurt because of me. Will you train with me some more tomorrow?"

"Yes I will, but you didn't screw up. How were we supposed to know a demon would be here? I don't think Faith blames you."

"I don't. I blame me for you getting hurt."

"Uh Slayer... we aren't done yet."

Six more vamps came out from behind a large tomb and started punching and kicking. Ten minutes later there were several mounds of dust. The young woman high-fived each other and Spike.

"Well, I think we are finally done for tonight. I'll be heading back, yell out if you need help ladies." Spike sauntered off.

HELENA: Huntress, I can't hold off our needs much longer.

HUNTRESS: I know. Lemme me explain to my girlfriend.

Suddenly a wall of passionate need enveloped Huntress and she threw Faith against a tree and started purring and rubbing her neck and face.

"H… Huntress?" Faith could smell the increased wetness between her lover's legs. She is kinda like a cat... it's like she just went into... oh shit."Baby, are you going into heat like a cat?"

"Yesssssss," growled Huntress.

"We should get back," before Faith could finish Huntress cupped both of the dark slayers breasts and squeezed mumbling, "Smell... good... taste now!"

Faith reached for the button on her pants but the meta-woman couldn't wait. Huntress grabbed the seam across the crotch and ripped it apart. She dove in nipping, licking and purring.

"Hey! My pants... ohhh, fuccckkkk… goodddd!" Faith was lost in the feelings Huntress was creating. Feeling her legs beginning to weaken, the Slayer grabbed on Huntress' shoulders. Panting and moaning only served to encourage her lover. Huntress' animal instincts were out in full force. She bit down on the larger than normal clit and Faith screamed out her orgasm.

"Kittttyyyyyyyyyyyyyy....fuckkk meeeeeeee!!!!!"

"MMMMM, in a minute, wanna suck your pussy dry." Huntress sucked all of the wet pussy into her mouth and using her tongue, she used soft and hard strokes everywhere but where Faith needed her to be.

"Huntress... pleaseee, fuck me."

Huntress stood up and forced three fingers into her girlfriend and leaned in to kiss her.

"Yesssss," Faith moaned and started riding the fingers inside. "Oh god Kitty... so good... faster, harder... gonna cum again.”

Huntress knew the only thing keeping Faith on her feet was her arm around her waist. She felt the walls clench on her fingers tightly and then a creamy wetness seeped out over her fingers and dripped down the insides of Faith's legs. Huntress fell back but kept joined to Faith. As soon as she landed, Huntress pulled her fingers out and placed Faith on her face. "Taste good... want more."

Faith quickly reversed their position so that they could both quench their thirst for each other. She pulled off Huntress' pants in no time. "Fuck baby, your so wet. Do I do this to you or is it just the timing?"

"You... all you. Love you," Huntress whispered around sensitive pussy lips.

Faith looked over her shoulder into love filled amber eyes. "You, you... love me?"

"I'll tell you again tomorrow, then you'll believe me," Huntress said between gasping for air.

Hearing those words and the truth in Huntress' voice caused Faith to come... hard. Huntress came screaming a few seconds later.

Faith turned Huntress around and pulled her into her arms whispering, "I love you too Huntress."

Their kiss was passion filled, but gentle... this time.

For the first time Faith noticed Huntress' eyes, they were a deeper golden colour and darkening by the second. Getting back to their room became a priority.

AT THE HYPERION

Faith and Huntress flew upstairs, past a blushing Willow. The redhead had seen the condition of the Slayer and Meta woman’s clothes and just knew they were in for a long and probably loud night. "Uh... Angel?"

Angel came out of his office and looked around. "What's wrong Willow?"

"Not wrong... exactly. Just, uh..."

"Sometime this century would be nice," Angel said.

"Thinking that I might want to get a room far away from Faith and Huntress... that's all." The red creeping up Willows neck made Angel's comprehension kick in.

"I think you may be right about that. Uh, take a room on the second floor in the west wing."

"Thanks Angel."

Giles came downstairs, the look on his face was priceless. "I say, might I exchange rooms with someone... bloody hell. They are, what I mean to say is..." Giles just couldn't bring himself to say any more.

Willow leaned over and grabbed a key to a room on the first floor, just across the hall from her. "No need to explain Giles."

"Gotta like them that work hard and play even harder," Spike grinned at everyone. "Night all."

Angel rubbed his eyes. Why me? "I think we all should get a good night's sleep. Since our guy is a daywalker, we may be needed before tomorrow night."

"Quite right, night all." Giles looked at the number on the key and went upstairs.

Willow turned to Angel, "She is just full of surprises... isn't she?"

"Which she?"

Willow laughed, "I was talking about Faith. But Huntress is an amazing person too. I wonder how they met?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure it was memorable to both. I worry about what will happen after we defeat the bastard."

"Helena will want to go back to wherever they came from, and Huntress looks like she wants to stay with Faith. That will be a problem I don't think will be handled as easily as this ubervamp." Willow wondered how Faith felt about Huntress. *Is it serious or just fun and games?*

FAITH'S ROOM

Huntress slammed the door shut while pulling off Faith's falling apart pants. Faith was pulling Huntress' top over her head. The heat between the women would have melted the polar ice caps.

HELENA: I want Dinah. Hot... need...

HUNTRESS: She's not here, I'm dealing with it... GO AWAY!

Faith saw her girlfriends eyes open and lust held within caused her to go primal. The rest of the young women’s clothes went flying in all directions. The Slayer picked up Huntress, who instinctively wrapped her legs around Faith's waist, and put her on the bed. She fell forward onto of the meta and skin to skin contact had them both moaning. Huntress was using her tongue to swipe up along Faith's collarbone. Her auto-purr engaged and she bucked upwards rubbing her clit against Faiths.

"Oh fuck... Kitty feeling extra frisky?" Faith panted.

"MINE!" Huntress growled and looked deeply into the Slayers eyes.

"As long as you want me Huntress." Faith vowed.

"FOREVER!" Huntress ground her hips into her lover.

Faith leaned down and sucked Huntress' tongue into her mouth moaning louder and when she pulled back she said, "MINE! ALWAYS!"

The two women’s lips' had a language all their own as they slowly started riding each other. Rubbing breast against breast and feeling the stiffness in both sets of nipples immediately, the women recognized that this was where they were meant to be, doing what they needed to do, just being themselves with each and doing what comes naturally to two very hot, sensual warrior woman of the twenty-first century. This was more than 'Slayer hornies' and ' Meta heat', it was a joining between two long lost soul mates.

AT THE HOSPITAL - BUFFY'S ROOM

Buffy felt detached, a floating feeling. Is this some kind of Slayer dream? When she looked down, she saw her fellow Slayer and another brunette making love. She saw for the first time, happiness on Faith's face and the mysterious woman who put it there. She knew she would never forget those golden eyes.

The nurse monitoring the small blonde woman’s vitals was surprised to see a jump in the readings for a moment. The blonde woman mumbled; "Faith... happy... good." Then the readings went back to that of a coma patient. The nurse dutifully noted it in the chart: Patient returned to consciousness temporarily at two o'clock a.m. Readings returned to previous level of non responsiveness three minutes later.

IN FAITH'S ROOM 2:15 a.m.

Both brunette women were panting and their chests were heaving, trying to suck in some much needed air. Their voices were deeper than usual due to all the happy screaming.

"B?" Faith mumbled.

"Wha..." Huntress replied.

"I thought I felt her presence."

"Nobody here but you and me baby. Are you sure I'm the one you want to be with?" Huntress questioned.

"Absolutely Kitty. I love you and I know you love me. It's just B and I share this Slayer connection thingee sometimes.” Faith reached for the phone and dialed the hospital. She spoke to the nurse who was astounded that Faith knew exactly when Miss Summers readings had changed. "But she didn't open her eyes and isn't awake now?"

"No, I'm afraid not Miss Winters. Her readings went back to those of a normal coma patient almost immediately after speaking those three words."

"What three words?"

"Faith... happy... good." The nurse parroted what Buffy had said.

"Thank you, I will be there in the morning to check on her. Bye."

"B does know about us... that you make me happy and she's okay with it."

"How do you know that?"

Faith explained what the nurse had said. Huntress looked thoughtful and somewhat afraid. I can't lose her to the blonde.

Faith recognized what Huntress was thinking and feeling. "You have nothing to worry about Huntress, there never has been anything coupley between me and B, and there never will be. I'm yours... forever, I believe you said."

Huntress snuggled down into her Slayer and smiled, "Mine."

Faith wrapped her arms around her Meta and grinned, "Mine."

8:00am

KNOCK KNOCK

"Faith? Huntress? Are you guys awake? We have problems." Willow knocked again.

"Huh? Who... wha?" Huntress growled at the door. Faith sat up, grabbed a robe and answered the door.

"What's wrong Red? We're kinda tired... long night, ya know." Faith smirked but it faded when she saw the seriousness on Willow's face.

"Get dressed you two, we have to go to the mall. Daywalkers are

terrorizing people there and at the Cinaplex. I'll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes." Willow closed the door behind her.

When Faith and Huntress finally got downstairs, Spike was waiting with their weapons. Slayer, you make sure you watch Huntress' back and you Huntress watch hers. Right?"

"Yes sir Spike," Faith laughed.

"Count on it. Hey aren't you coming with us?"

"It's daytime luv... Angel and I can't go there now. We could get there, but the glass roof allows too much sun in for us to do any good. Willow you will protect them won't you?" Spike demanded.

"Of course I will Spike. As long as its only vamps, they will have a ball hooverizing them. Faith loves her calling and I think Huntress loves fighting too. I'll probably have to buy them lunch afterwards, but that's a small price to pay. Then again, with the amount they can put away... Angel, credit card please."

Angel handed it over. "Be careful, all of you."

Giles pulled up in front and the girls got into his little noisy rust bucket. "Hey Peep Dude, I can run faster and quieter than this old thing."

"You are welcome to try Huntress and use my name damnit!" Faith flicked Giles on the back of the head. "OW! Faith that was uncalled for."

"So was yelling at Huntress, wanna try for round two Watcherman?"

Willow grabbed Faith hand and intertwined it with Huntress' hand. Both young women smiled and squeezed gently. Giles breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at the redhead. Discretion is the better part of valour... so they say. But they never had to deal with Bloody Colonial young people. Pulling up in front of the mall, they all saw people running and screaming. Faith and Huntress were out of the car and running before it had even stopped.

"I'll go left, you go right. Yell out if ya need help... promise me Kitty."

"I will, trust me." Huntress turned right and plowed through the frightened people and saw four obvious vamps and proceeded to dust them. She took a few punches and kicks but managed to take them out anyway. She heard Faith cussing and ran full speed to help her lover.

"Leave her alone ya ugly fucks!" Huntress drop kicked two and smiled when they turned green. Guess that works on any guy, alive or dead. Faith staked those two and yelled out a warning just as Huntress turned, she was tossed through a window. Faith went nuts. "You bastard," she beat him bloody and was still beating on him when Willow got there.

"Faith, just stake him already. Huntress is in trouble."

Huntress had gotten to her feet but was bleeding badly from a cut above her eyebrow. She was unsteady on her feet. Suddenly a big black smoking blob appeared and staked two vamps before ducking inside a closet.

Faith ran over to Huntress, she has seen the mysterious stranger help her girlfriend, but didn't see where he went.

"I'm okay Faith. I think it was Spike and he kinda flew into the closet over there. Are we done?"

"For now."

Huntress knocked lightly on the door and heard Spike ask if she needed any more help.

"No, thanks for that save. I saw you smoking, are you hurt? How can I help you?" Huntress knew the vampire had to be burned and in pain.

"Ask Red to meet me back at the Hotel. My arms and hands are a bit crispy. Don't worry about me Huntress, I heal almost as quick as Slayers and whatever you are."

"RED! Come here please." Huntress motioned the witch over and explained Spike's condition.

"Spike let me in and I will start a healing spell now. Then finish it back at the hotel. Huntress open and close the door real quick, the sun line is moving over to here now."

Huntress grabbed the redhead and shoved her inside and slammed the door. Once inside Willow gently touched Spike's arm and started the spell. "Okay Spike, now get back to the hotel and I will meet you there."

"Thanks Willow." Spike pulled the grate up and dropped down. When she was sure he wasn't directly underneath, she opened the door and asked Huntress to replace the grate.

"Is he okay Witchy-Poo?"

"He will be Huntress."

"I can't believe he came," Faith was amazed at the blonde vampires loyalty to them.

"I can, he really cares about you... us. You know he wanted to tear Giles apart when he found out what happened to Buffy. He promised right there and then to protect you Faith. And he and Angel both… hell all of us can see that you and Huntress are the forever kind of couple. He just decided to protect Huntress as well... for you Faith. He may not say it, but he does consider us to be his only friends. Same for Angel. They are vampires and having friends is next to impossible for them... except for us."

"I think Spike has the hots for my girlfriend," Faith groused.

"He isn't that stupid Faith, Huntress would clean his clock and so would you. He knows that. Besides you have to know your girlfriend is gorgeous and everyone likes looking at her. But only you... have her."

"What she said baby... only you... forever." Huntress purred softly in Faith's ear.

"We should head back, I want to finish healing Spike. He will be needed again."

AT THE HOTEL

Willow came over to Spike and asked for twenty minutes to make a poultice for his arms and hands.

Huntress came over and looked at his burns. "You shouldn't have come... but I thank you."

"Anything for the good guys. I think we will have pass on training for a little while... unless Poof wants to take you on."

"Stop calling me that... William. Huntress, I would be happy to train with you. Why don't you go warm up with Faith and I will join the two of you in a few minutes."

"Hold on, Huntress... that cut needs stitching first. Faith grab the kit."

Faith stitched up Huntress and put the kit away. "Ready when you are guys."

"Gimme a few minutes to check messages and I will come downstairs."

"Okay Angel, come on Kitty... let's get ready to rumble." Faith laughed and was joined by Huntress.

Willow came back with a really revolting smelling potion. She handed Spike a bottle of Jack Daniels and told him to drink heavily.

"Cor, that stuff stinks." He tilted the bottle to his lips and drank down a few healthy shots before putting it down on the table.

Willow gently put the green slimy goop on Spike's hands and arms. "Leave it on for about one hour, then wash it off. That was a good thing you did for them."

"Have you ever seen Faith happy... until now I mean?"

"No, but she really is happy with Huntress."

"Exactly, and I for one don't wanna see that happiness go away any time soon. So protecting Huntress is helping Faith."

”And the fact that Huntress is gorgeous has nothing to do with it right Spikey?" Willow grinned at the blonde vampire, daring him to disagree.

"Doesn't hurt the eyes, that's for sure. But did you expect Faith to hook up with an ugly person?"

"No, but Huntress is special. I knew she said she was a Meta-human, but I think she might be a potential slayer as well."

"Can you find out if that's true?"

"Yes, I can do a spell and if she is a potential, then she will keep the extra strength I gave her temporarily."

"Let's go see them in action." Spike held the door open for Willow and together they went down to the training room.

IN THE TRAINING ROOM

Huntress started stretching and was watching Faith do the same. "Okay Slayer, lets do it." She jumped up and tried a quick leg sweep that Faith jumped over. When she came down, she shot out a quick rabbit punch that landed and Huntress stepped back. "Nice one, my turn." Huntress faked a right handed punch and kicked Faith in the ribs sending her back into the wall.

Willow, Spike and Angel just watched, fascinated by the moves the girls were capable of making. Both moved almost faster than the normal eye could see. Jumping over each other and swinging around to try to attack from blind sides wasn't working too well. Angel dropped down soundlessly and swung at Huntress. After picking himself up from the floor he tried for Faith. Faith moved and ducked, while Huntress swept his legs out from under him.

"Okay, maybe taking you both on at once is a bad idea. Spike! Get down here."

Spike jumped down. He had just washed the goop off of his arms and hands. There were fine now. He tossed Huntress a rubber stake. She immediately nailed Angel in the right spot. "Gotcha!"

Spike laughed and found himself down on the floor with Huntress' foot across his throat and the stake poised in perfect position for the kill. She only tapped him. She grinned and allowed Faith to help Spike back to his feet. "Faith, your girlfriend is faster than you and bit stronger too. We will beat this critter that hurt Buffy... I just know we will."

Willow was saying a lot of Latin words and suddenly Huntress blinked. "Huh? What did you do to me now?"

"I was right."

"Right about what Red?"

"Huntress is actually a potential Slayer. I think she would be the first Meta-Slayer."

"Indeed, this is interesting. I say Huntress, tell me what you felt like when Willow uttered the spell."

"Like she supercharged me again. Is this what it feels like to be you Faith?"

"I think so. Lot's of energy and the need to pound something?"

"Oh yeah... among other things," Huntress smirked and stared at Faith's rack.

"I think I can help ya out with that." Faith took Huntress' hand and they ran all the way back to their room.

The two vamps, the witch and the Watcher blushed as they watched the two brunettes leave at superspeed.

"Ummm... err... ahhhh... I think we should contact Babs and see if she has any more information for us. And Angel’s office should be far enough away from..." Willow grinned at the embarrassed Giles.

Angel walked over to Giles. "You never did tell me exactly where Buffy was hurt. Maybe I can find some kind of clue later tonight."

Giles told Angel that Buffy was found at the edge of Prospect Cemetery. "Spike and I will check it out before they go out to patrol so that we can watch their backs."

UPSTAIRS IN FAITH'S ROOM

The door slammed and clothes were ripped off. Both Slayers were feeling the 'horny' half of their fighting after-effects.

Huntress was momentarily thrown off when she felt Faith through their new Slayer bond. Her need increased exponentially. Although Faith was used to her bond with Buffy, this one with Huntress was much more intense. I wonder if B can feel Huntress now?

IN BUFFY'S HOSPITAL ROOM

Buffy found herself in a Slayer dream... again. This time it was just her and Huntress. She approached the apprehensive woman and introduced herself.

~Hi, I'm Buffy and I don't know why or how you came to be in a Slayer dream. Is Faith okay?~

The understandably confused Huntress looked at Buffy before answering; ~She is fine. Where are we?~

~Don't know. Faith and I have shared Slayer dreams before. We just appear here and talk about whatever is happening out in the real world. But I still don't understand, how you got here.~

~Witchy-Poo said I was a potential and she made me a Slayer too... I think. I can feel Faith in my mind and on my body.~

~ Willow turned you into a Slayer?~

~Yeah... I think so.~

~Well the more the merrier since I'm pretty useless at the moment.~

~I need to ask you something.~

~ Faith and I have never slept together. I'm not in love with her and she isn't in love with me. I saw the two of you together last night. You both fit together perfectly. Nothing or nobody will ever come between the two of you and that's how it should be.~

~Thank you for that. Do you have any idea about how we can wake you up?~

~Nope. I wish I were there to help you all. That fucking vamp is the most dangerous enemy I have ever faced. He has all these powers and I didn't know how to handle them.~

~Do you know now... how to kill it I mean?~

~Sorry, I don't. I just know it will take two Slayers, which makes sense now that I know you are one too, two vampires, a witch and a Watcher.~

Huntress began to sway. ~What's going on?~

~This dream is over. Good luck and take care of Faith.~

~I will.~

Huntress blinked a few times and saw a worried Faith looking down at her.

"You... you were talking to B... weren't you?"

"Yes, a white place..."

"Did you learn anything?"

"You were right, she does know about us and thinks we are meant to be together. She doesn't know how we can wake her up and she doesn't know how to kill this ubervamp."

Faith felt herself being drawn into a Slayer dream. Huntress rolled out from under her and took her into her arms to wait.

Oh boy, here we go again. Buffy turned around in the white room and saw Faith this time.

~Took ya long enough~ Buffy teased.

~Yeah, well... had other things on my mind.~

~And body too... hmmmm?~

~Please B, give Huntress a chance... don't hate her because of what I did in the past... or because we are together.~

~I don't hate her Faith and I don't hate you either... any more. Let the past remain in the past. I think we all need a new beginning. I'm definitely liking the new and improved, happy Faith. I've known you for almost five years and other than Slaying, I've never seen you happy... really happy til now. Huntress must really be a special woman. I'm glad you found each other.~

~She is special B, I can see myself with her when we are both old and grey. Never thought I would have that with anyone... ya know?~

Faith looked thoughtful for a moment.

~Is something wrong Faith?~

~I was just wondering what will happen after we kill the thing that put you in a coma. Helena will want to go back to Dinah...~

~Who and who?~

Faith explained about Helena and her girlfriend Dinah.

~Wow Faith. Do you want to be with Huntress?~

~God yes. But she doesn't have a choice about going back to New Gotham.~

~So go with her. Convince Helena to let you and Huntress continue to be a couple.~

~I think Helena is okay with it, but I don't think her girlfriend will be too happy about it.~

~Love will find a way.~

Faith raised one of her eyebrows at Buffy and vanished out of the dreamscape. When she opened her eyes she saw a worried Huntress.

"I'm okay, was just talking to B."

"I know. I could hear the echo of you two talking. Didn't mean to eavesdrop." Huntress looked away.

"Will you let me talk to Helena for a few minutes?"

"Okay, I already asked her if we could be together and she said she wouldn't interfere with that."

Helena came out and Faith quickly pulled the covers up to hide her nudity. She realized at once she was in bed with Faith and moved to the edge.

"I will let Huntress be with you as often as I can. It may take time for Dinah to accept you two. She knows intellectually that Huntress and I are separate people. But since we share the same body... she might think that I am screwing around on her. Give me and her some time... can you do that?"

"Anything as long as I get to spend time with Huntress. I love her... really love her." Faith knew that whatever time Helena gave them would be precious.

"I know, and she loves you too. You are her first love, the first person to care about her separately from me. You didn't even know I existed. I want you both to be as happy as Dinah and I are. It's just gonna take time to work out the details."

"Thank you Helena. I appreciate anything you can do to let Huntress and I be together. I just hope it doesn't really blow a hole in your relationship with Dinah."

"Me too. Trust me when I say you don't want her pissed off and looking for you." Helena shuddered and had a fearful look on her face.

Faith looked frightened for a moment.

"Your power is physical and hers is mental. She could toss your ass into the middle of the next millennium before you get close enough to do anything."

"Then I better enjoy the here and now. Will you let Huntress back out please?"

"Of course. Bye."

Huntress opened her eyes and saw a somewhat mollified Faith.

"We will find a way to make it work between us Huntress. I'll move to New Gotham to be with you whenever Helena says we can."

Faith wasn't willing to give up Huntress without a fight.

Huntress smiled and kissed her Slayer. A kiss that got more passionate with each passing second.

"MMMMM, midnight munchies," Huntress laughed.

"But Kitty... it's not midnight." Faith couldn't have cared less what time it was, but was curious to see how Huntress explained herself.

"Wanna bet?" Huntress set her watch for twelve o'clock and then smashed it against the wall. "Now it's midnight forever. C'mere Slayer," Huntress crooked her little finger.

"Helena isn't gonna be happy bout that... mphmmmm," Faith gave up speaking the minute her lover's lips touched her neck. Huntress smiled and sucked on the pulse point. Faith laid back and pulled Huntress on top of her. The meta woman began a slow sensual sliding motion up and down the dark Slayer's body. Faith immediately grabbed on to Huntress' ass and her lips locked onto her girlfriends lips.

"Oh god Kitty you're so gooooddddd."

"Slayerrrrr... my Slayerrrrrrr."

The bed began bouncing off the wall and plaster started to fall, not that either young woman saw or would have cared if they had.

DOWNSTAIRS

THUMP THUD THUMP THUD

Willow looked up and blushed. She spoke several Latin phrases and the sounds stopped.

"They are gonna kick your bloody arse for stopping them Willow," Spike said.

"Do I look stupid Spike? I didn't stop them... I just prevented the sounds from leaving their room."

"Why didn't you do that last night Willow?" A bemused Giles asked.

"Didn't think of it."

Angel had been talking to Babs and came in to look for Huntress.

"Barbara wants to talk to Huntress and I believe Dinah is rather insistent about talking to Helena. Dare I ask where they are?"

All hands pointed up.

"It's quiet, maybe I can..."

"I wouldn't Angel, it's only quiet because I put a silence spell on their room. Interrupting them would probably get you black and blue in places you don't want to think about." Willow smiled knowing that Angel was going to have to come up with something to say to Dinah and Barbara.

Angel shook his head and went back into his private office.

"I'm sorry Barbara but Faith and Huntress... are unavailable at the moment. I will have them call later." Angel heard in the background; "What does that mean? Lemme talk to Helena... now!"

"She's not there at the moment Dinah, calm down. I'm sure Angel will pass along the message when he is able to."

"They better not be... be..." Dinah fumed.

"You have a class to get to don't you?" Barbara was trying to buy time. She had a pretty good idea why Huntress wasn't available and had no idea of confirming Dinah's suspicions.

Angel heard a door slam and Barbara let out the breath she had been holding. "Warn Helena that Dinah is pissed just thinking that Faith and Huntress may be... uhhhh together."

"I will. They do make a good couple Barbara. For the first time in her young life, Faith is happy. Huntress seems so too, but they both know Huntress and Helena have to go back to New Gotham. But I believe Faith will go back with them. Helena has said she will let them be together whenever possible."

"This has all the possibilities of becoming really ugly. Dinah may not forgive Helena."

"Why not? It's not Helena that is with Faith, it's Huntress and it is abundantly clear that Helena and Huntress are two separate people... so to speak."

"Yes, two people... in one body... Helena's. Personal crisis aside, when will you all face the vampire?"

"Late tonight, they defeated a few of his minions at the mall. So he now knows there are several people capable of fighting his army and him. And for your information... Huntress is now a Slayer too."

"What! How did that happen and why?"

"Willow thought she might be a potential Slayer and did a spell to see if it was true. It was and it activated Huntress as an additional Slayer. She is stronger and faster than Faith, probably because her meta abilities have been combined with Slayer abilities."

"I hope she doesn't get too cocky." Barbara knew she had good reason to worry. Huntress generally jumped into a fight without having any intel first.

"All good fighters have confidence in themselves, it's necessary. But Spike and I will keep an eye on both... well, all three of them."

UPSTAIRS

"Cum with me Faithhhhhhhhh!"

"Fuck yeah... Huntresssssssss!"

The sliding motion started to slow down until Huntress collapsed on Faith. A satisfied purr was coming from Huntress. Faith smiled and wrapped her arms around the dark haired woman. God I love this woman. What are we gonna do after the fight. I can't, I won't give her up.

Huntress instinctively knew what was running through Faith's mind. "We will find a way to be together Slayer... I promise."

She hugged her girlfriend tighter. A few minutes later, both of them got out of bed and got dressed. On the way down the stairs they both heard Angel discussing how angry Dinah was.

Oh shit! Huntress looked at Faith with a worried expression.

HUNTRESS: Helena?

HELENA: Yeah?

HUNTRESS: Dinah is pissed about not being able to talk to you earlier.

HELENA: What? Why didn't you... you were with Faith.

HUNTRESS: Yes, we just heard Angel as we came downstairs.

HELENA: SHIT!!!! It begins already and we aren't even home yet.

HUNTRESS: I'm sorry Helena... I really am.

HELENA: I know, it's not really your fault. I'll talk to her.

HUNTRESS: Me thinks in this case, it's a good thing we are not in the same state as Dinah.

HELENA: You're a lot of help.

HUNTRESS: Sorry.

HELENA: Just tell me that you really are in love with Faith, not just lust.

HUNTRESS: I DO LOVE HER!

HELENA: Okay, then I will hopefully make peace with Dinah and we will see what happens.

HUNTRESS: Good luck.

HELENA: Thanks, I'll need it.

Huntress kissed Faith and Helena came back out after she pulled away.

"I better call Dinah right away." Helena moved towards Angel’s office.

Faith pulled Willow aside. "Just how pissed is she? Will she try to hurt Huntress?"

"Let's say that right know... I wouldn't care to be in Helena's shoes."

"Shit! I should have known it was too good to be true. Fucking PTB's just couldn't let me be happy... could they?" Faith barely contained her tears but wasn't sure if they were tears of anger, pain or both.

Willow brought the upset Slayer into her arms and held her as she regained her composure. "Love will find a way Faith and I really believe that you and Huntress love each other and belong together. Give Helena time to convince Dinah."

IN ANGEL’S OFFICE

Helena sat down at the recently vacated desk and saw Barbara on the screen of the computer.

"Hi Barbara. Is Dinah gonna kill me or just beat me senseless?"

"She is hurt and angry. In time maybe she will be able to wrap her mind around that you are not responsible for what Huntress does and with who. Since you seem to have given her freedom before all of this started, you can't very well take that away from her now."

"I won't, I promised her that I would find a way to let them be together. But losing Dinah wasn't part of the bargain."

"She's in the elevator, on her way up now. Do you want me to leave and give you two some privacy?"

"NO! I mean no, that's not necessary Babs. I may need you to help calm her down." Helena was sweating bullets and her nervousness was only obvious to those who knew her best.

"Dinah, Helena is on the screen." Barbara saw her young protege's eyes light up before her anger returned in full force.

"Where were you earlier?"

"Sleeping."

"With Faith?" Dinah spat out angrily.

"No, Dinah. When Huntress is out, I sleep unless she asks me to stay alert."

"Did you sleep with Faith?"

"NO... I didn't. She is Huntress' girlfriend, not mine."

"It's your body... so you did." Things started shaking all around the Delphi.

"Dinahhhh. Calm down. Don't break Babs baby."

"Do you want to be with... her?" Dinah promised herself that she would not let Helena see her cry.

"NO! I love YOU. Huntress loves Faith. You have to accept that we each have our own lives... and the right to live them as we see fit."

"Will Faith be coming back with you?"

"I think so. She loves Huntress Dinah. I promised both of them that I would let them be together."

"Without even discussing it with me?" Dinah yelled.

Barbara reached out to try to calm the young girl and was brushed off.

"Look Dinah, as long as you're acting like a spoiled child, there is no need to continue this discussion. Leave it at, we'll talk when I get back. I love you and want to be with you, but I won't take this shit from you... or anyone." Helena broke the connection and broke down. Angel had heard every word and was worried about both the New Gothamites as well as Faith.

HUNTRESS: How did it go? Are you alright?

HELENA: It may be over for me and Dinah.

HUNTRESS: NO! Let me talk to her.

HELENA: Not a good idea, believe me Huntress. She is throwing a temper tantrum. She is unwilling to recognize the fact you have a right to your own life.

HUNTRESS: I'm so sorry Helena.

HELENA: It's not your fault. It's not like you fell in love with Faith just to piss Dinah off.

HUNTRESS: Of course not. I never expected to feel this way about anyone. Never thought I would have the chance. I can't give her up Helena... I just can't.

HELENA: I know, and I don't expect you to. Give it time. You need to get your head around tonight's fight. If you are worried about Dinah and me, then you will be unfocused and vulnerable. We both need to survive this so we can work things out.

Faith knew that Helena would be in for a hard time and felt guilty. Can I give her up? she wondered and knew the answer was an unequivocal NO.

Helena let Huntress back out. A very subdued Huntress came into the conference room and sat down. Faith was by her side instantly. "Kitty? Talk to me... please."

"They may break up," Huntress growled.

"FUCK! NO! Lemme talk to her." Faith headed for Angel’s office until she felt Huntress grab her arm.

"Now would be a really bad idea. Helena doesn't even want me to try to talk to Dinah now."

"Lemme talk to Helena then, please."

HUNTRESS: Helena, Faith wants to talk to you.

HELENA: Tell her it's not either of your faults. Now get your mind on the fight cause getting us killed would put Dinah and Faith at each others throats for sure and I don't think you want that.

HUNTRESS: K.

Huntress looked at Faith, she said; "It's not our fault and that we should be concentrating on tonight’s fight. We will deal with this later."

"Excellent suggestion," Giles said. "Now we know that he has vampiric strength, speed and agility. He has telekinesis and can throw fireballs. He also can steal any meta, slayer, or witch abilities if he gets his hands on any you. So the first order of business is to get gloves for all of you. Your clothes should cover as much as possible. This is no time for fashion fetishes."

"Hey G-Man, there's nothing wrong with looking good while we kick ass."

"You always look good to me Slayer," Huntress said as she took the Slayer’s hand. Faith smiled and squeezed her hand.

Spike snapped his fingers in front of the Slayers. "Hello? Come back"

"We're back." Faith smacked Spike’s fingers.

"Where will this battle take place Peep Dude?" Huntress turned to Giles smiling.

"Will you stop calling me that!" Giles huffed.

"Yell at her again G-Man and you will be spitting teeth... are we clear on that?" Faith marched over the annoyed Watcher.

Giles knew enough to be scared. "Yes, perfectly clear. But do tell me what she has against my name. I happen to like it."

"Nicknames are easier and generally suit people better than their real names. But since it bugs ya so much, I will let Faith do the talking," Huntress sat back with her arms folded.

Angel shook his head. "Giles, it's just a name... Huntress, communication before during and after a battle is paramount. If you have something to say... say it. What kind of force for good are we if we're at each others throats before the battle even begins?"

All concerned lowered their gaze to the floor. They all knew Angel was right.

"How about a late lunch?" Willow hoped that would get everyone back on the same page even it was only temporary.

"Italian?" Huntress asked.

"Sure, why not. What does everyone want? Willow pulled out a menu from Antonio's Italian Feastaurant. Food was ordered and eaten when it arrived. Giles went out and purchased five pairs of long black gloves. He handed the two leather pair to Faith and Huntress.

"Thanks... Giles and I'm sorry I upset you earlier." Huntress said sheepishly.

"Apology accepted Huntress. Now I think that you and Faith may want to practise a few moves on our resident vampires." Giles said pointing to them.

"Oh great, we get our bloody arses handed to us on a plater... again." Spike complained.

Willow had been researching and making a grid of all the activity since Buffy's attack. She saw a pattern emerging and called everyone's attention to it. "It's a spider web... Black Widow to be exact. And if I do this," she pressed some buttons and it became three dimensional. Ground Zero should be here. But there is nothing there... no building... nothing. Hang on, lemme check a topographical map." She pressed more buttons. "AHA GOTCHA! There is a system of tunnels used by pirates centuries ago. It runs for miles in every direction but the centre is right here. Lemme see if I can find blueprints for the tunnel system. No choice, we have to enter here and walk about two miles to the centre."

"You kickass types go train while Giles and I see what else we can dig up."

IN THE TRAINING ROOM

Faith, Huntress, Spike and Angel squared off against each other. Spike ducked behind Angel as Huntress threw a punch and Faith sweep his legs out from under him.

"Thanks for the assist there Spike," Angel complained as he picked himself up off the floor.

"Yeah, well one Slayer can take both of us... two is asking for trouble. How bout we split us up. One Slayer and vamp against the other Slayer and vamp?"

"Sounds good to me Spike, us young’uns against the old folks."

Huntress laughed and came over to the blonde vampire's side.

"You are so gonna pay for that 'old folk' crack Kitty." Faith came forward quickly. Spike kicked her in the ribs and ducked as Huntress swept Angel's feet out from under him. Faith dived on Huntress as Spike threw a punch at Angel.

"OOOMPH!" Huntress landed on her back with Faith on top of her.

"Hey I thought we were supposed to be sparring, but hey I'm flexible." Huntress moved her leg between Faith's and heard her moan. Faith jumped up and was knocked back down by Spike. Huntress grabbed him and tossed him at the wall. Angel put his hands up in the universal surrender position.

"Now about that 'old folk' crack Kitty... how old are YOU?" Faith grinned at her girlfriend.

"Well Helena is twenty-five... I guess technically speaking I'm only nine. I came out when she was just sixteen... right after her mother was murdered by Clayface and Barbara was shot by the Joker."

"Hey Faith, that makes you a cradle robber," Willow laughed but stopped the minute she saw the look on Faith's face.

Faith blanched and looked at Huntress. Huntress immediately came over and kissed her. Could a nine year old make you feel that way? I started out as a teenager, so I am twenty-five.. same as Helena."

Faith visibly relaxed into Huntress' arms. The vampires decided to leave the Slayers alone to talk. Grabbing Willow, they went back upstairs.

"Have your feelings for me changed because of my age or lack of?"

"No, I was just surprised that’s all. You never had a childhood?"

"No, I'm only what you see now."

"Nothing 'only' about you Kitty. I love you."

"MINE." Huntress squeezed Faith a little tighter.

"MINE." Faith squeezed back.

The girls went to change and went back upstairs.

IN ANGEL'S OFFICE

Willow was talking to Barbara about what would happen when the fight was over.

"I know Dinah will still be furious when Helena gets back. And Helena doesn't react well to being yelled at." Barbara knew there trouble coming and had no way to head it off.

"I know Faith is planning on going back with Huntress. Helena promised them both that they could be together."

"I know... and it is the right thing to do. But Helena is Dinah's first love and she sees Huntress sleeping with Faith as a betrayal by Helena. I think your fight tonight will be a cakewalk compared to what is coming between the four of them."

"Well, let us get through the fight... then we worry about them later. I don't suppose you would consider sending me a copy of your translation program?"

Barbara pressed a series of buttons and voila. Willow smiled and put the program into a file to be opened late. "Thanks Barbara."

"We computer geeks need to stick together. Your security program... the one you recently sold to Wayne Industries... is fantastic."

"How do you know about that and what's your connection to Wayne Industries?"

"Ask Helena. I have to grade some papers. I'm only a beep away if you need my help or just want to talk."

"Okay Barbara, thanks. We'll talk later."

Huntress walked into Angel's office, "Was that Barbara... or a pissed off Dinah?"

"Barbara. Huntress, would you let me talk to Helena for a minute please?"

"Sure thing."

HUNTRESS: Witchy-Poo wants to talk to you.

HELENA: Okay

Helena came out and looked at Willow. "What's on your mind?"

"What can you tell me about Wayne Industries and what's Barbara's connection to it?"

Helena scowled. "That's my fathers company. I have nothing to do with it... or him."

"Your father is Bruce Wayne?"

"Yes, why do you want to know about it?"

"I sold a security program to it a couple of months ago and Barbara commented that it was a good one. I was curious, but I promise not to mention it or your father again."

"Thank you. Not my favorite subject."

"Yeah, I got that."

"Look Helena... I know you're not a big fan of magic but..."

"Spit it out," Helena said fearfully. She wasn't at all comfortable with magic.

"I'm casting an extra protection spell around all of us for tonight. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes. I still can't believe it... magic, vampires, demons. And I thought my life was complicated." Helena laughed.

"I've been doing this for years, but I understand how overwhelming it can be to someone new. We appreciate that you were willing to let Huntress come to help us. She's not a fan of magic either, but tolerates it."

"We both know, she came to help Faith and tolerates whatever you all do for the same reason. I hope Faith watches her back tonight. I can't explain it Willow... but, I have a bad feeling about what's gonna happen... changes... big ones, I can feel it."

"We will all be watching each others backs... as best we can."

Willow explained and showed Helena the maps of the tunnels. "Can Huntress see and hear if you're out?"

"Yes, hang on."

HELENA: Willow wants you to see and hear this.

HUNTRESS: Okay, I'm listening.

Willow spread out the maps and explained they would have to separate and go in from different entrances once they got there.

"We have four fighters, a witch and a Watcher. Giles and I have to stay out of their way when they are fighting."

HUNTRESS: Ask her...

HELENA: Ask her yourself. I'm here if you need me, but this is your show.

HUNTRESS: Thanks

Huntress came out and checked out the map of the tunnel system.

"Why not just use one of those big yellow construction thingees and dig a hole straight down here... to the cavern?"

"Useful items, those yellow things are... but not very stealthy. You know he will have an army of vamps and demons to get through before we even see him. With only four fighters, we need the element of surprise."

"Oh yeah... sorry." Huntress hung her head.

"Don't be Huntress, if we had more people then we would do exactly that. Haven't you noticed how well you fit in around here… with us? Your ideas are sound and your input is appreciated."

Faith was talking to the inhouse vamps. "I told you two, I would bring someone who could help us and I did. It's just pure luck that Huntress turned out to be a potential. So now she is faster and stronger than any of us. This bastard is going down."

"That he is luv, that he is." Spike answered.

"You guys trust her right?"

"Absolutely Faith, she is a bloody marvelous woman. I think she could take you me and Angel all at once." Spike said.

"Probably Spike, so it's a good thing she's on our side," Faith smirked.

"And on top of you hmmm Faith," Spike grinned and ducked the fist he knew would be coming his way.

"I knew it... you have the hots for my girlfriend don't you Spike?" Faith tensed up.

"Easy there Faith," Angel came between them. "Huntress is a very beautiful woman, as are you. You both turn heads where ever you go. As long as no one touches her, they can look."

"He's got a point Slayer. I know better than to touch, but tell me you don't enjoy just looking at her?"

Faith bowed her head, she knew her girlfriends exotic looks drew people's stares. "I do."

"Besides, I like looking at you too." Oh shit. Spike realized his mistake instantly.

Faith almost dislocated her neck swinging around to let loose on Spike. Angel grabbed Faith and pulled her back.

"Give him a break Faith, he is telling the truth. You know you are both gorgeous women and people are always going to give you both a second look to say the least."

"Maybe we should join the brain trust." Spike walked into Angel's office, making sure to not stare at Huntress.

Giles came in with a pot of tea for himself and Willow. He pointed to the coffe pot and Huntress made herself a cup and asked Faith how she took hers. Once everyone was seated around the table, Willow explained how each person would use a different entrance so that they could meet up in the centre.

"But we can't help each other if we do that," Faith wondered why the plan of sticking together had changed.

"Well, we know he will have an army of ugly things waiting. We can't afford to let any of them out of the tunnels. If we are all underground and some get loose, what happens to the people topside? We have to fight our way through them to get to him. Giles will follow Spike and I will follow Faith. Huntress... as a meta Slayer, you're our powerhouse. I need you to go down the main tunnel, while the rest of us make our way here, here and here. Goddess willing we will all meet in the cavern and then the shit will really hit the fan."

"Excellent plan Willow," Giles knew that the girls didn't want to be separated, but it was necessary. Bloody hell, if anything happens to Huntress... Faith will lose it for sure. And I doubt even Angel will be able to help her then. Please God, let them both... all of us make it through tonight.

Huntress yawned and quickly covered up. But it was noticed by Giles. "I think a short nap," he looked at the Slayers, "real sleep, would be a good idea. I'll have dinner here in a couple of hours and then we'll give it a go."

UPSTAIRS

Both Slayers took off their shoes and laid back on the bed. "Are you scared Kitty?" Please don't let me be the only one.

The affirmative answer was spoken so softly that Faith only heard it because she was listening with her full Slayer ability.

"Yes," Huntress whispered as if sharing a great secret. As her insecurities started to take hold she said, "What if I fuck this up? You could be hurt or... they could," Huntress said waving her arms around.

"Shit happens baby, but hear me... whatever does happen, your already a hero to me." Faith pulled the uncertain brunette into her arms. Rubbing her girlfriends back and using her nails gently, she heard the difference in Huntress' breathing and knew she had fallen asleep. Faith took a deep breath and closed her eyes, joining her lover in slumberland.

WILLOW'S ROOM

The redheaded witch was pacing in her room. Mumbling ancient phrases to bring good luck, she even prayed in Yiddish.

IN BUFFY'S ROOM

The nurse checked her readings on the hour and was never late... til today.

Buffy felt herself propelled forward towards a beam of light. Her head hurt and she felt her stomach lurch. She heard a whispered, "What will be... will be. Confusion will complete the Slayers happiness."

As the nurse walked in she saw the elevated pulse rate and brain wave activity. She spoke to the blonde in bed. "Can you hear me Miss Summers?" She flashed a penlight into unresponsive green eyes. The reading returned to what they were. This woman is certainly a fighter.

FAITH'S ROOM

KNOCK KNOCK

"Uhhhh, girls?" Giles asked as he knocked on their door.

Huntress rolled over and blinked as Faith disentangled their arms and legs.

"Come in G-Man," Faith answered as she and Huntress off the bed.

Giles opened the door and was looking at the floor when he entered.

Huntress laughed," Relax... we're decent."

"For now," Faith whispered.

Giles looked up into two pairs of dancing eyes. Both girls had identical smirks on their faces.

"Ummm, welll... yes. Food is waiting downstairs." He turned to leave and was followed by two growling stomachs owned by the brunette women.

Huntress and Faith noticed that neither Giles or Willow had eaten much. " Willow, Huntress and I are not the only ones who need the stamina supplied by eating. You need it to stay on your feet and do your mojo. G-Man, you need it to be able to stayed focused and be where you are needed when you're needed. Like you said Red, fighters are kinda obvious, but you two are our hidden aces in the hole."

"Eat... or spit teeth," Huntress shook her fist at the reluctant two and smiled, letting them know she wouldn't really hit them but that she was just concerned.

"Works for me," Faith gently uncurled Huntress' fingers while grinning.

"They are right," Angel added.

"Hey Giles, I didn't see you give the guys gloves for their protection... why not?" Huntress was looking at the table containing gloves and several weapons that would be needed soon.

Spike looked at Huntress, "The bloody bastard is already a Daywalker... a vamp that can get around night and day. So you see luv, there is nothing for him to steal from P... Angel and I."

Angel didn't miss the correction of his name coming from Spike. He nodded his thanks.

"Guess I should have thought of that," Huntress replied.

"I for one appreciate the thought luv, but since other than knowing how to kill us... in general of course, you don't have much real information about us..."

"He's right Huntress and thanks for your concern also." Angel wanted to put Huntress at ease.

Huntress looked thoughtful for a minute.

"This asshole has been planning whatever he is planning for a long time now."

"What do you mean Huntress," Giles asked first.

"Well his meta abilities... he had to have stolen them from two people in New Gotham. One could spit acid and the other could copy meta abilities if he was close enough. Your vamp must have been in New Gotham last year to get those abilities."

"Go on," Giles asked.

"Well... don't take this the wrong way but... sounds like a lot of work just to take down Slayers. We must be missing something. I mean, beating his ass for what he did to your friend and to us makes perfect sense, I understand our motivation. But why does he need the Slayers gone? What's he really up to?"

Everyone immediately turned to Willow and Giles.

"The Hellmouth is back in Sunnydale. Having Buffy transferred here was a smart move Giles," Faith said. "What's here in this town that a powerful bad would want?"

Willow began typing quickly on the computer. "Ummm, lets see... the History of L.A and cross it with paranormal reports."

"We should have done this before, how foolish of me not to think of this angle." Giles muttered under his breath.

"Okay this soooo qualifies," Willow said excitedly.

"There were rumors of a ghosty squid creature appearing every seventy-five years and tonight is the anniversary of its last appearance. It always came out of the cavern we are going into tonight. The reports date back to the early eighteen hundreds. Listen to this: "We are overrun by creatures of the night and the sea itself has sealed our doom. The page supposedly comes from the diary of Mr Edward Longbottom."

Huntress snickered. "Hey Witchy-Poo, Barbara's computer has way more buttons... maybe she can find more information... like how it was stopped last time."

AT THE CLOCKTOWER

Barbara heard the Delphi chime. She saw Willow and called out, "Hello Willow, how can I help you?"

Willow sent the information she had managed to dig up.

"Interesting... and you want me to do what with it?"

"See if you can find out any thing useful. Huntress says you have mad skills on that city sized computer of yours." Faith answered.

"On it, give me a sec," Barbara rolled between keys boards while punching in several codes and codebreakers. Barbara was engrossed in her task so she didn't hear Dinah come up behind her.

"Whatcha doing? Is that Helena?"

"Looking for a sea monster and no, it's Willow.” Huntress quickly stepped out of camera range along with Faith. The look passing between said; no need to stir up Dinah more than she already was.

HUNTRESS: Helena, Willow is talking to Barbara and Dinah is there. Do you want to talk to her?

HELENA: Is she in a better mood?

HUNTRESS: I doubt it, but I don't know for sure.

Helena came out, came around the corner of the desk. As soon as Dinah saw her she let lose with a scathing accusation. "Busy fucking Faith again?"

"DINAH!!!" Both Helena and Barbara yelled.

"Come home Helena," Dinah demanded. "Vampires, demons and now sea monsters, it's too dangerous."

"I can't do that Dinah. Huntress would no more leave her friends in the lurch than I would. I'll be home tomorrow and we will definitely have a long talk then."

"Not tomorrow, now Hel!"

"No," Helena vanished leaving Huntress staring into a very pissed off set of baby blues.

HUNTRESS: Oh fuck... thanks loads Helena.

HELENA: I can't talk to her now... I might say something that can't be taken back.

Huntress started to get up and Dinah roared; "Where do you think you're going?"

"Away from you. Barbara, I'll let you computer geniuses talk. Wish us luck." Huntress walked out of site of the camera.

"Good luck Huntress. Call us as soon as it's all over."

"Huntress! Let Helena back out!"

"You know kid, I'm really getting tired of being yelled at and ordered around by you."

Faith stepped into view. "Lemme me ask ya something brat. Have you ever slept with Huntress?"

"Bitch. No, of course not... she's not..."

"Helena," Faith finished. "You sleep with Helena not Huntress because you love and are in love with Helena. I sleep with Huntress because I love her. You can't have it both ways."

Dinah closed her mouth. The gall of the woman. But she knew in the back of her mind there was a whole lot of truth in what she said.

"You should be down on your knees thanking God that Helena is in your life. Not trying to push her out of it. One more question."

"What?" A petulant Dinah asked.

"Do you love Helena?"

Dinah closed her eyes and looked at the floor for a minute and when she looked back up at the screen she was smiling. "Yes." Dinah sighed deeply. "You love Huntress that much?"

"More." Faith said simply. "No one chooses who they fall in love with... we just have to learn to accept that we can't be with the one we love twenty-four hours a day. But if you really love Helena, like I love Huntress, then you know that any time spent together is precious."

Helena came back out into view. "Quality... not quantity Dinah."

"I'll... try."

"That's all we are asking Dinah. Thank you and I love you too." Helena smiled.

"I found something," Barbara said. All eyes turned to her. "A prophecy: The flaxen haired deadman holds the weapon of destruction... should it be needed." The older redhead sent a picture of what appeared to be a letter opener.

"Your daft Barbara. How could a silly prize won in my youth be dangerous to this evil creature?" Spike asked in a skeptical voice.

"If you aren't successful in stopping its resurrection, then that letter opener can kill the monster. Something about the heart of a poet."

"Then we bloody well better stop it, because I have no idea where that damn opener is. It's been a century since I've seen it."

"So lemme see if I have this all straight. We kick critter asses in a tight tunnel and if successful then we face the Big Bad, who just happens to be calling a sea monster to sic on us."

"That's about it Kitty. Wanna back out?"

"Not a chance Faith. Let's get this over with." Huntress grabbed a couple of stakes and put them in two of the inside pockets of her leather duster. "G-Man, can you bring the cross-bow for round two?"

"Of course Huntress. I will be carrying yours and mine. Please pass me several of those bottles of Holy Water. Huntress watched as he broke the seal on one and dipped several arrows into the bottle. "A most excellent suggestion earlier."

"Beauty and Brains... and all mine." Faith kissed Huntress lightly on the lips and pulled back before either could deepen it.

"Let's do it," Angel said as he also grabbed a pair of stakes and tossed flashlights to everyone.

Once everyone was sufficiently armed they headed to Angel's car. As the beach came into view, all present noticed the circular layout. Each person went to their assigned cave entrances and without looking back, headed into the darkness.

MAIN TUNNEL

The first thing Huntress noticed was the stench. "Fuck, something died in here."

HELENA: As long as it's not us.

HUNTRESS: No shit. Keep alert please. I can use all the help I can get.

HELENA: Duck! Low ceiling ahead.

HUNTRESS: Thanks.

TUNNEL 2

Angel stared into the darkness and sighed deeply. He knew this fight was going to be nasty.

TUNNEL 3

Faith took a deep breath and strode into the unknown. Willow whispered; "Want me to light up this passage?"

"Yeah Red, it would be good to know coming at us."

TUNNEL 4

Giles walked into Spike's back. "Bloody Hell Watcher, stay back a bit more."

"Sorry Spike, but I thought I heard something just to left. Can you see anything?"

"OOOMPHHHH, yeah hang on." Spike punched one vampire and kicked another before staking both. He touched his now split lip and growled.

MAIN TUNNEL

Huntress could smell something coming at her. It was big and black. She pulled out her stake and short sword. Ducking quickly and slicing in front of her, she heard a howl. Her meta sight showed her the demon trying to get up. She calmly slit its throat and stepped over it.

TUNNEL 2

Angel felt them before he saw them.

"Angelus... are you here for the ceremony?" The demon asked cautiously.

"No." The souled vampire snapped the demon's neck and hurried forward.

TUNNEL 3

"Oh shit! Red back up, I need lots of room." Faith started kicking and punching. Willow mumbled spells and some of the vamps turned to dust instantly. Walking around several piles of dust, Faith checked Willow. "You okay there Red?"

"Fine Faith. I told you, I've got your back."

"Make with a fireball... now!" Faith ducked and gave Willow the room she needed to throw the forming fireball. The screams of whatever was in front of them died out and they continued on.

TUNNEL 4

Giles felt something grab him and he screeched in pain. Spike came back and grabbed the Hell Hound. He snapped the spine and dropped it. "Hey Watcher are you alright?" Spike saw the wound and pulled a bandage out of his inner pocket.

"Thank you." Giles shoved the thick bandage inside his shirt.

"Can you use the crossbow in here?" Spike knew any further inquiry as to the injury would be ignored.

"I think so," Giles cocked it and raised it.

"Nine bells low." Spike said as he attacked something slimy on the right. Giles fired and heard it strike flesh.

IN THE CAVERN

"ALL HAIL REDEMUS!"

"We need only wait a few more minutes to start the ceremony my friends." A tall blonde vampire said. "I have waited a millennium for everything to fall into place and tonight, those of you who survive will be my lieutenants in the new world order."

"Survive?" Several voice said at once.

"The Slayers are here. They are coming for me."

"They will not interfere."

"Go my friends, kill all that cross your paths and return quickly."

Demons, vampires and werewolves headed into the connecting tunnels.

MAIN TUNNEL

Faith's Slayer senses were going nuts.

"Faith look out!" Willow yelled and knew she wasn't in time.

"ARRRRGGGGHHHH," Faith felt the knife enter her back and fell immediately.

" Willow threw more fireballs and soon the tunnel ahead was clear and she could see the light coming from the cavern.

"Faith, how bad are you hurt?"

Faith's answer was a moan of pain. Willow quickly checked the wound. Shit, she needs a hospital now. "Listen to me Faith, the wound is very close to your spine... you need medical attention asap." She gently raised the injured Slayer and they staggered back out to the beach. Willow ripped her sleeve and put in on the wound which was bleeding profusely. "I'll go get Giles, stay here."

MAIN TUNNEL

Huntress stopped short and began to howl. She knew Faith was hurt badly.

HELENA: Why did you stop? What's wrong?

HUNTRESS: It's Faith... she's hurt... bad. I have to go to her.

HELENA: You can't do that Huntress. Everyone, including Faith, is counting on you. Willow is with her right?

HUNTRESS: Yeah… but I...

HELENA: The faster we take care of the big bad, the faster you can get to Faith.

Huntress felt her world slip away. She was back in the white room with Buffy.

"Trust me Huntress, Faith will be okay. You need to get to the ubervamp in the next fifteen minutes or the sea monster will kill everyone."

"But Faith is hurt. I need to be there for her."

"And you will be... later. Please Huntress, make sure no one else gets hurt."

Huntress opened her eyes and was surprised to find herself back in the tunnel.

It moves... it dies. Faith... baby, I'm coming.

TUNNEL 4

Willow ran down the tunnel, stepping over piles of dust and critter parts. She found Giles and Spike and quickly explained that Faith needed medical attention.

"So does he, can you take both to the hospital Willow" Spike wanted to get going.

"Bring Huntress there when this is all over."

"I will luv, now get going, something is coming fast." Spike grabbed the two crossbows, slung one over his shoulder and loaded the other.

Willow helped to steady Giles as they walked back out of the tunnel. She put him down next to Faith and went to get the car.

"My word Faith, how badly are you hurt?"

"Didn't want to worry Red, but my legs are going numb and my back hurts like hell."

Giles quickly touched Faith's legs and got no reaction.

Faith noticed the bloody bandage hanging out of Giles shirt.

"Hey, your hurt too. How bad?"

"The bleeding seems to have slowed down. So, better than you for the moment. Come tomorrow, you will be fine and I will still be sore. I think Watchers should have Slayer healing."

"OH FUCK!"

"Faith?"

"Look! The water, its churning. Shit he must be doing the ceremony now. I have to..." Faith tried to get up but it was not possible. "Huntress... I love you," she said as she passed out.

Willow pulled up in front of her injured friends and using magic managed to get them both into the car. Her healing magic was running low. It was pure luck that the hospital was only five minutes away. She ran in and grabbed two orderlies and told them to bring two wheelchairs. They went back out and gently got Faith and Giles out of the car and into the chairs.

"They were mugged on the beach and I need to go back to look for the rest of our friends. Her name is Faith and his is Giles. I'll be back, take care of them."

The tires squealed as she peeled out of the hospital parking lot. She was back at the beach five minutes later. She could see the head of the sea monster raising out of the water. Goddess give me strength. The redhead threw multiple fireballs. She erected a shield around it, threw rocks at it, whatever was at hand.

MAIN TUNNEL

Huntress drove the vamps in front of her into rocky outcroppings on the tunnel wall and staked them. As she entered the cavern, she saw Spike and Angel coming out of their tunnels. Spike let lose with a crossbow bolt and it was stopped in mid air by the ubervamp.

The vampire realized that he just might be in trouble and tried calling his minions, slaves and friends.

"No one left but you dickwad," Spike growled.

"CONFUSIUM!"

Angel, Spike and Huntress stopped dead in their tracks.

HELENA: Huntress?

Helena came out and punched the creep in the face. He was staggered and totally surprised. He had seen the eyes change and knew he was dealing with a different person. He raised his hands and began chanting. A shield appeared in front of him that Helena's foot bounced off.

"THAT WHICH IS MORE THAN ONE SHALL BE TWO. SEPARATIUM IMMEDIUS!"

Helena was enveloped in a blue ball of light. She screamed, Huntress yowled and then an unholy sound no one ever wanted to hear again was heard.

ON THE BEACH

Willow heard Helena and Huntress scream. Torn between trying to stop the sea monster and helping her friends... she used up almost every last bit of energy she had in throwing their car at the monster. She ran into the tunnel and joined her friends. When she got there, she felt the magic. With only the strength for one more spell she cancelled out the confusion spell and collapsed.

Angel and Spike shook their heads and rushed the vamp before he could finish the final passage of the ceremony. He was double staked, from the front by Angel and from the back by Spike. As soon as the dust hit the floor, the frothing water became calm and the monster disappeared... til the next time.

The blue ball of energy surrounding Helena and Huntress faded away.

"Bloody hell!" Spike yelled as he ran to one naked woman and Angel ran to the other. They both took off their coats and put them on the semi-conscious girls.

"Helena?" Angel said softly.

"Huntress? Spike whispered.

Willow got up slowly using the rock wall to steady herself. She was as stunned as the vamps at seeing two Helena/Huntress'.

"NGGGGH," the woman in Spike's arms moaned and opened her eyes.

"Spike? What ha… happened?"

"Huntress?" Spike asked cautiously.

"Yeah, who were ya expecting?"

Spike pointed to where Angel was helping the other woman to her feet.

"Helena?" Huntress stared at her.

"Huntress?" Helena stared right back at her.

Both women looked at each other and if not for the helping hands of their friends, they both would have collapsed in shock.

"How... what the fuck happened? Where's Faith... and Peep Dude?" Huntress looked around the cavern.

"They were injured and I took them to the hospital. I got back as quick as I could. I tried to stop the sea monster, but when I heard you scream, I just tossed the car at it and came running.”

"Tossed the bloody car at it? Well done Willow. Guess we'll be taking a cab then... right? Who's got cash?" Spike turned out his empty pockets.

"Faith... how badly was she hurt Witchy-Poo?" Huntress was close to tears.

"Stabbed in the back and Giles was clawed by something.”

Huntress growled, she went over to the pile of vamp dust she knew had to be the big bad and kicked the shit out of it.

"It's dead Huntress, you should get to the hospital. Faith will want to see you. And we have a lot of explaining to do... after someone explains it to us." Helena looked at Willow.

"Is this split temporary or permanent and who has the meta abilities and slayer abilities?" Helena knew they both needed answers.

"Later Hel, I need to see Faith and I don't care if I have any abilities." Huntress stated strongly.

Once they were all back out on the beach, they began to breathe a lot easier. They walked the path up to the road. Seeing several taxi's in the parking lot of the mall across the street they headed for them. Angel pulled out cash and handed to Willow, "We'll meet at the hospital."

AT THE HOSPITAL

Giles awoke and discovered moving was not a good idea. He looked over and saw Faith sleeping in the next bed. The nurse sitting between them smiled at Giles and said, "She will be fine, she heals rather quickly doesn't she?"

"Umm, yes. Will she be able to walk?"

"Yes, the numbness was temporary. The spine was not damaged. But she will need to take it easy for a time and I'm thinking that won't be easy, will it?"

"No, as soon as she wakes up, she will want to leave."

KNOCK KNOCK

Giles looked at the closed door and answered, "Come in."

A rough looking Willow, Angel and Spike came in... followed by both Helena and Huntress.

Giles' mouth dropped open and was left speechless.

Huntress went over to Faith and took her hand. She began to purr distressfully. "Faith... baby can you hear me?"

"You know visiting hours will be over soon and there shouldn't this many in one room… but since, I'm going on my break..."

"Thank you M'am," Helena said.

Giles looked at what appeared to be twins and then looked to the rest for an explanation. Angel filled him in.

"Are you both alright?" Giles was amazed to say the least.

"Yes...I think so," Helena answered. "But she won't be until Faith wakes up."

SLAYER DREAMSCAPE

Buffy and Faith could see down into the room that Faith, Giles and the rest of their friends were in.

"UHHHH,Faith... there's two Huntress', what the hell happened?"

"Beats me B, I missed the big battle. But I need to let Huntress know I'm okay. So talk to me, what's up?"

"You did good Faith, I'm proud of you."

"Really B?"

"Yes really Faith, now get back to your girlfriend."

Faith could feel and hear the rumble of Huntress' distress purring. Knew it wasn't the sexy purr she was used to. She opened her eyes and smiled up at the brunette.

"Faith! Slayer... are you okay? I'm so sorry for not being there to help you." Huntress' guilt brought her to tears.

"I'm sorry for not being there to watch your back in final battle, and I will be fine... Slayer healing, gotta love it."

Willow walked over to the Slayers and sat down gingerly on the bed. "Huntress, do you blame Faith for that cut above your eye?"

"Fuck no, a vamp did it. You were there when he threw me through the window."

"But Faith blamed herself, remember? What did you tell her?"

"That she's not responsible for what a vamp.... Catching Willow's meaning, "Your sneaky Witchy-Poo."

"Yeah she is," Faith agreed.

Faith saw Helena for the first time. "What happened, how are there two of you and do I get to keep one?"

Huntress laughed," If ya still want me... ya got me."

Faith looked Huntress straight in the eye and said; "MINE!"

Huntress answered; "MINE!"

Helena smiled and waited a minute before introducing herself. "Hi Faith... I'm Helena."

"What the fuck happened? Are you both real? Am I dreaming?" Faith was understandably confused and curious at the same time.

Spike came over and explained what happened and the result. "In case I forgot... Helena, that punch to his face was a thing of beauty. And Willow, your timing was perfect. We nailed that bastard good."

Angel simply asked, "How are you feeling Faith... Giles?"

"Sore, but I will be fine." Giles answered.

"I wanna go home," Faith said as she sat up and groaned.

"Easy there Slayer, please relax. The big bad is gone and you will be fine soon. Huntress gently traced Faith's lips and smiled. Faith leaned into the touch, closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.

"Ummm, Angel?" Helena asked hesitantly.

"Yes Helena?"

"Can we go back to the office? I need to call Barbara... and Dinah."

"Of course."

IN BUFFY'S ROOM

Buffy opened her eyes and looked around. It took a few minutes for her brain to realize where she was. Hospital... crap! She threw the covers off, pulled the leads that were reading her vital signs off, moved her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. She swayed and sat back down again. A nurse came running in after seeing the reading change to a flat line when the leads were taken off. She saw the young blonde woman sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Oh... hi, could I borrow a wheelchair please. Two of my friends are hurt and they are here somewhere."

"I need to get a doctor to check you out first." The nurse walked out and came back with a young doctor in tow.

"Now then Miss, do you know your name and where you are?"

"Buffy Summers, hospital... now gimme a wheelchair so I can go see my friends."

The doctor looked at the nurse.

"I believe she means a Mr Rupert Giles and Faith Winters. They were brought in earlier with stabbing injuries. The redhead who dropped them off said they were mugged on the beach."

"Are they alright?" Buffy was desperate for answers.

"They will be fine. Wait here." The doctor went to her friends’ room. "Excuse me, would one of you please come with me for a few minutes."

Faith and Huntress said at the same time, "It's Buffy... she's awake!"

Angel followed the doctor and brought Buffy back in the wheelchair supplied.

Everyone rushed to hug the newly awoken Slayer, except Faith and her Watcher.

"B! Are ya okay?" Faith asked immediately.

"Five by five Faith," Buffy smiled and everyone else laughed.

Buffy looked from the brunette at Faith's side and the one standing next to Spike and Angel. Her eyes asked the question; "What's going on?"

Spike explained for what he hoped was the last time.

"Well that will make life easier for both of them. Huntress can stay with Faith and Helena can go back to Dinah."

"Yeah B, I bet the ubervamps dust is spinning. Man if he knew he actually gave us the greatest gift possible..." Faith squeezed Huntress' hand and whispered; "Take me home, please."

Spike spoke softly to Angel who handed him some money. Spike left and when he came back he handed Faith a bag. He handed the second bag to Helena.

"What's this Spike?"

"Well I know you Slayer. You will want to be going home and hospital gowns aren't exactly known for their coverage. That isn't leather, but it will cover you til you back to your room."

Faith pulled out a powder blue sweatsuit.

"See, the jacket even has a zipper so you won't have to raise your arms over your head. I'm sure Huntress would help you get dressed."

Assisted by Huntress, Faith got out of bed and stood. She walked slowly towards the bathroom with Huntress. A few curses later, they walked out and Faith sat down on Giles bed to catch her breath.

Helena went into the bathroom and put her suit on. She came back out and thanked Spike. "Your coat is nice Spike, but clothes are better. I appreciate this."

"No problem... Helena."

"How are you doing Peep Dude?" Huntress asked once she was sure Faith was comfortable.

Giles snorted, "I will be fine Huntress... but please... call me Giles."

"I'll try. Hey Witchy-Poo, can you speed up the healing process for him?"

"Not right now Huntress. I'm kinda drained." She looked at Giles and apologized.

"None needed dear girl. You look like you could use a good meal and a long undisturbed nap."

"I think we all could Giles," Angel said. He walked over to Huntress and handed her some cash. Huntress looked at him.

"Cab fare."

"Thanks Angel."

"Huntress, would you go get my walking papers please?"

"Sure thing, be right back." Huntress flew out of the room and down to the nurse's station. "Excuse me, I need papers to take my friend home."

"She isn't ready yet and we don't release patients this late at night. I'm sorry."

"Well we are leaving and there is nothing you can do to stop us, I just thought the paperwork would make your life easier."

Huntress turned and started to walk away.

"This is highly irregular," the nurse pulled out a green form. "Have you friend sign this and you will have to use a wheelchair to leave... it's hospital policy."

Huntress grinned and thanked the woman. When she walked back into the room, she held up the paper. "I bring 'get the hell outta here' papers."

Faith quickly signed them and Huntress returned them to the helpful nurse. A wheelchair was waiting and Huntress pushed it back to the room. "Your chariot awaits."

"No way, I can walk... well, with your help."

"This, or stay the night."

Faith pouted, "Fine."

"I wanna get outta here too." Buffy said.

"Not bloody likely," Giles answered.

The nurse came in and said, "I'm sorry but visiting hours are over and there are far too many people in this room."

"Hey B, use my bed. At least you and G-Man will have someone to talk to until we come back to get you both tomorrow." Faith pointed to her bed.

"That could be arranged," the friendly nurse said. "Give me a few minutes to send an orderly to change the sheets."

"Hey, I didn't do nothing to them!" Faith said indignantly.

"Hospital policy."

"Come on Slayer, let's get you home and comfortable." Huntress sat Faith down in the chair and wheeled her out, saying over her shoulder, "We'll be back tomorrow."

"You better be," Buffy pouted.

"Are all Slayers that stubborn?" Helena whispered to Angel. She forgot about the increased hearing.

Faith, Buffy and Huntress all grinned and said, "You bet."

"Good lord," Giles said not quite under his breath.

"Come on Kitty... at least pop a wheelie... pleaseeeee." Faith begged as they exited the hospital.

"Got a better idea," Huntress leaned down and gently picked Faith up out of the wheelchair and started walking towards the taxi stand.

Faith snuggled against her girlfriend, "Liking this idea a whole lot better."

Huntress looked at Spike and he quickly opened the back door on the closest cab. Once Faith was settled comfortably, Huntress got in and motioned Spike to get as well.

Angel, Helena and Willow hopped in the back of the cab beside their friends.

AT THE HYPERION

Faith insisted, rather strongly, that she could and would walk in unaided. Huntress and Spike flanked her as she slowly made her way over to the soft Italian leather couch in Angel's office.

Helena cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention. "I think telling Barbara and Dinah about this... split should wait til I see them in person. But I do need 'Little Red' to contact 'Big Red' so I can let them know we are all fine... well, will be."

Helena smiled at Faith. She wondered if the protective streak being shown by Huntress for Faith, was the same thing Barbara sees. When she looks at Dinah and me.

"Little Red?" Willow said in a wounded voice. "And I'm betting Barbara wouldn't like to be called 'Big Red' either."

Huntress just growled at Willow.

"Okay... okay, this is me connecting to Barbara."

CLOCKTOWER

Barbara came onscreen in seconds. She and Dinah both look worried.

"Willow, are Helena and Huntress... and your friends alright? What happened?" Barbara barely breathed between requests for information.

Helena stepped into view. "Hi Babs, we're alright, for the most part. Giles and Faith were hurt, but will be fine in a few days."

"What happened? Details please Helena."

"Are you sure you're alright Hel?" Dinah stepped into view.

"Yeah, I'm fine. My fist is a little sore." Helena laughed remembering the stunned look on the ubervamps face when she surfaced and punched him.

Angel started to explain everything that he knew and the others filled in their parts. They had agreed to let Helena tell Barbara and Dinah about the split when she got back to New Gotham.

"And one of the best part Babs... The other Slayer, she woke up."

"That's great news Helena. You said 'one', what else?" The ever inquisitive Oracle asked.

"I'll tell ya when I get home which will be sometime tomorrow. We're all beat, so Angel said I can use the jet tomorrow whenever I want."

"Sleep on the plane, come home now... please Hel?" Dinah asked softly.

"Tomorrow Dinah. We have a lot to talk about, but it will have to wait cause I'm beat. Night all." Helena walked out and asked Angel which room she should use.

"Pick one Helena. You were magnificent tonight. Thank you for your help."

"You're welcome Angel. Glad I could help. At least now Huntress will have the future she wants and deserves... with Faith. Not so sure about Dinah and I though."

"She's younger than you... isn't she?" Angel asked.

"Yes, she is... why?"

"Her anger and jealousy... if she is as powerful as you say then she could be very dangerous. It was only when Faith pointed out the possibility of losing you that she was barely willing to consider allowing Faith and Huntress to be together. She is still furious about physical aspects of that. And I can see that you don't like being yelled at, falsely accused, and ordered around anymore than Huntress. I don't envy you on your return. If there is anything that any of us can do... don't hesitate to ask. Promise me."

"You have no idea just how dangerous she can be. As far as helping me... there is nothing you can do. Either she sucks it up and gets over it... or she doesn't. Goodnight Angel."

"Night Helena."

As Angel walked back into his office he observed the protectiveness of Huntress towards Faith. He whispered; "Huntress, why don't you take her upstairs where she will sleep more comfortably?"

"K, manyana y'all." Huntress gently picked up the sleeping brunette and carried her upstairs to their room.

Spike handed Angel two fingers of Irish Whiskey. Angel tossed it back and sat down. Willow yawned and Spike handed her a hot chocolate laced with chocolate liqueur. Willow almost chocked when she took a big sip. "Spike!"

"Easy with that luv." Spike toasted to their successful evening.

IN FAITH'S ROOM

Huntress held Faith with one arm and pulled the sheets and blankets back. She put Faith down and covered her up. She took off the leather duster and climbed into bed. Faith rolled over into her arms and moaned softly. Huntress rearranged herself to keep the sleeping Slayer in her arms comfortably for both of them and closed her eyes.

IN THE CLOCKTOWER

Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. Helena and Huntress had survived their latest battle.

Dinah knew that she and Helena would need to talk when she got back, but right now all she wanted was to have her in her safely in her arms. She's with Faith now... damn! "She just couldn't wait to get back to Faith. I can't do this."

"If anyone is with Faith, it's Huntress... not Helena. You had better get used to the two of them being together or you will lose Helena." Barbara was worried about both of her younger friends.

Dinah was cursing under her breath. "I'm going for a walk... to try to clear my head. I'll stay at Hel's apartment tonight, call me when she finally shows up. I'm not going to my classes tomorrow."

"You forget I know your schedule. You only have two classes, one at ten and one at one. Do you think Helena would want you to skip them?"

"She seems to care more about what Faith and Huntress want instead of me, so why should I care what she wants?" Dinah sounded like a petulant child.

"With that attitude, you can forget about continuing your relationship with Helena. You will have no one to blame but yourself. Good night Dinah." Barbara hung her head knowing tomorrow was NOT going to be a good day.

IN GILES AND BUFFY'S ROOM

Buffy had been settled comfortably in the bed next to Giles. She wouldn't admit to being tired but Giles could see it.

"Buffy, you should get some rest now," Giles said in a fatherly voice.

"Body says yes... mind says no. Tell me about Huntress... and Helena."

"Huntress was a meta-human. She had all the characteristics of a cat. I know you noticed her eyes, well she is fast, strong and extremely agile. Then Willow found out she was in fact a Potential Slayer. So when she gave Huntress extra strength and then did a spell... well the young woman became a Slayer in front of us all. As a Meta-Slayer, she's stronger, faster and more agile than you, at one hundred percent, and Faith put together. As for Helena, she is the original. Huntress was somehow created when Helena was sixteen. Helena saw her mother stabbed and she died in her arms. At first 'Huntress' was believed to be just Helena's code name, but Helena set everyone straight on that. Huntress is a complete, but different personality and the two of them make it work. That is until Huntress fell in love with Faith and Dinah, she's Helena's girlfriend, got jealous. Now Huntress and Faith are together and Helena and Dinah are having problems."

Buffy let all that her Watcher said sink in. "Damn it Giles, this must be killing Faith. I mean, for the first time in her life, she is happy. But at someone else's expense. She's not the same person we all knew before, she has changed for the better. I know this has to be bothering her. And what about Huntress? All this mess started because Helena was willing to let Faith and Huntress be together. Now there are two of them. Huntress for Faith and Helena for Dinah. But Dinah still treated all of them pretty shitty."

"I don't think its easy for any of them right now. But I do hope and pray that Helena can work it out with Dinah and be as happy as Faith and Huntress obviously are. That would take a great weight off of their shoulders."

NEXT MORNING IN FAITH'S ROOM

Faith stretched out full and winced. She was still a little tender, but for the most part, she was healed. Gotta like Slayer healing.

Huntress' eyes snapped open and she turned to face Faith. "How do you feel Faith?"

Faith smirked and pulled Huntress in for a very long and passionate kiss.

"Y... your back," Huntress said with concern.

Deliberating misunderstanding, Faith grinned at her girlfriend and wiggled her eyebrows; "Thas right Kitty... I'm baaaack." Faith leaned down and kissed the pinned woman beneath her.

"MMMMMM," Huntress began purring and clutched at her lover.

"Yeah Kitty, that it... that's the purr I love to hear." Faith moaned as Huntress continued purring into her sensitive skin along her shoulder. The floor beside the bed was swiftly decorated with unneeded clothes from the previous night. Huntress licked her lips as she gazed down at the beautiful woman who had stolen her heart. "MINE". That one word said so much more as did the return answer from Faith; "MINE".

DOWNSTAIRS

Helena came downstairs and helped herself to the coffee that Willow had made. "Morning Little Red."

Willow made the coffee in Helena's cup vanish.

"HEY!" Helena stuck her tongue out and poured another cup... tried to pour one. The coffee vanished as it landed in the cup. "What the... okay, okay. Good morning Willow."

Willow smiled and the coffee reappeared, but Willow forgot that Helena had poured two cups into the same cup. As it over flowed, Helena did a little dance. "SHIT! RED!"

Willow quickly cleaned up the mess, "Oopsie?"

"Imma gonna sic Huntress on you," Helena laughed at the temporary look of fear on the redhead's face.

"Truce... have a donut," Willow held out the box, "Besides, I don't think she’ll be down any time soon."

"And you know this because?" Helena smiled at the flustered witch.

"I had to strengthen the silence spell on their room a little while ago."

Helena just nodded and turned quickly. Angel found a foot an inch in front of his face. "Well... I guess that answers one of my questions."

"Do I want to know the others?"

"Well I would say that you still have your meta abilities. Your eyes... they looked just like Huntress'."

"Willow, will Huntress still have the meta and slayer powers?"

"I won't know til she comes down and we ask or test her."

Spike sauntered in and sat down. "Morning luv, how did you sleep?"

"It was strange. For the first time in nine years, I was alone in my head. It's... it's like a big part of me is missing. We used to talk a lot, sometimes about important things and other times just shooting the shit. I'm not sure how to handle the silence... ya know?"

"I'd imagine that would be just as difficult for Huntress. You miss the voice, the friend. She is learning to deal with being a whole person now. And the person she is used to turning to, isn't in her head either now. This really is a whole new beginning for both of you."

Helena looked thoughtful for a minute. "I only hope my future is as happy as hers obviously is. Anyone can see that they are true soulmates. They understand each other in ways no else ever can and it doesn't require words. I thought I had that with Dinah..."

Willow came over and put her arms around Helena. "Talk to her. I know you're hurt over her false accusations, but give her a chance. You still love her don't you?"

"Yes, but I don't like her much right now." Helena's shoulders drooped as did her whole demeanor.

Angel gently tapped Helena on the shoulder. She turned around to face him.

"Jealousy is an ugly emotion, but you need to remember it does come from love."

"Not sure love is enough anymore."

"That's a decision only you can make."

IN HELENA'S APARTMENT

Dinah woke up and stretched out, immediately sensing that she was alone in Helena's bed. She ran her hand over the vacant spot, I can't lose her. She quickly showered and came out into the living room. Her memories of time spent with Helena assaulted her senses. Sharing her with a beautiful sexy woman... oh god... what if... No I can't think that way, she did say she still loves me...

IN FAITH'S ROOM

The post coital bliss of the Slayers was interrupted when Huntress froze. Faith recognized a panic attack when she saw one. She pulled the woman into her arms. Huntress' purr was not the happy one and Faith looked deep into her almost vacant eyes. "Kitty, what's wrong? I know this in not the sexy purr, it means you're really upset. Talk to me... please."

In a childlike voice Huntress answered; "It's quiet... in here," she said pointing to her head.

She misses Helena. I wonder how she is taking this?"She's here in the hotel, do you want me to go get her?"

Huntress grasped onto Faith in a near deathlike grip. "Don't leave me too."

"I won't... ever Huntress. Look at me."

Huntress focused on the beautiful brown eyes in front of her.

"I love you and I am here for you. Just tell me how to help you and I will do it." Faith tenderly cupped Huntress's face and kissed her softly on the forehead before allowing her to snuggle back down in her arms.

Faith could feel the panicked breathing rate start to return to normal. She unconsciously rubbed Huntress' back and the purr changed again. Hmmm, one for upset, one for sexy, and one for happy... at least I hope that's what this is.

"Will... will you help me to become a real person?" Huntress asked softly.

"You have always been a real person to me. I know that not having Helena inside is difficult, but it doesn't make you any less of a person than your were yesterday. If anything, you're much more and can be or do anything with your life. I'm just happy to be part of your life. You do still want to be with me, don't you?"

"MINE!" Huntress said in no uncertain terms.

"MINE!" Faith responded instantly.

The kiss they shared was the most tender either woman had ever experienced.

"You won't get mad if I say I need to talk to Helena?"

"Not at all Huntress. Let's get dressed and join them all for breakfast. " Faith jumped out of bed and held her hand out.

Huntress clasped it, kissed it and then got out of bed.

DOWNSTAIRS

Spike came in carrying a large bag.

"What's in there Spike," the ever inquisitive Willow asked.

"Clothes for Helena and Huntress."

Helena smiled, as soft as the sweat suit she wearing was, she wanted something a little more her style. Spike handed her a pair of black leather pants... size eight, he knew Faith took size six and the New Gotham ladies were a few inches taller.

"I had to guess at the size," Spike said as he handed over the pants. He dug back into the bag and pulled out a black sweatshirt with Scooby Doo on it. The added words of: 'LIFETIME MEMBER' had been added. Helena laughed and ran upstairs to change. She almost ran into Faith literally.

"Hey, morning... Spike has real clothes for us both. She showed Huntress who also laughed at the shirt. Huntress raced downstairs, over to Spike and held out her hand. Spike laughed and handed her the pants and matching red sweatshirt. A blur flew past Faith as she walked over to her friends.

"Thanks Spike. Uh Red?"

"What's up Faith, is Huntress okay?"

"Sorta. I mean, she misses Helena... being in her head. She's a little afraid of what to do with the freedom she now has."

"Helena was a little disturbed by the emptiness as well," Angel replied.

"Angel....?"

"Must be serious, you used my name." Angel's half smile disappeared as soon as he saw the look on Faith's face. "How can I help?"

"You know what it's like to have someone else in your head for a long time. Doesn't matter that 'Angelus' is a bastard, when you came back... he was gone. How did... I mean... Fuck! I don't even know what I'm asking." Faith started pacing and cursing under her breath.

"I do," Angel said quietly. "I'll talk to her... them before Helena leaves.

RING RING

Spike answered the phone after recognizing the number. "Hello Watcher."

"Hello Spike, please put the phone on speaker." Giles pushed speaker on the hospital phone so Buffy could hear everything.

Spike did it, "Done mate. How are you feeling today?"

"Sore and grateful to be alive. How is Faith?"

"She's seem fine except for worrying about her girlfriend."

"Did something else happen?"

"No, just a minor crisis. The separation has turned their world completely upside down. Both of them miss the other being in their head."

"It will take time."

"Is Faith there Spike?" Buffy asked.

"Hey B, how ya doing?"

"I want outta here NOW NOW NOW! But other than that, I'm good."

Faith chuckled, "Well let us get some breakfast and then we'll spring you both. They are turning you lose right B? G-Man?"

"Oh yeah." Buffy smirked and Giles frowned.

"B? What did you do or say?"

"I just politely asked to leave... as soon as possible."

"B?" Faith knew that wasn't the whole truth.

"Welllll, I did have one hand around his throat and his feet were kinda dangling for a minute."

"That's my B," Faith cracked up.

"That's not funny girls, you could have been..." Giles was shushed by Buffy.

"Yada yada yada Giles. If you wanna stay here, fine by me. They said the paperwork would be ready by noon, so noon oh one, I'm gone."

"We'll be there to pick you up," Angel said. "Spike wants to know your size in pants and top."

"Why?"

"Do you plan on leaving the hospital in that peek-a-boo gown pet?" Spike answered.

Buffy told him just to grab a sweatsuit in a small.

"Will do... Watcher tell Willow what clothes to grab for you."

UPSTAIRS

Huntress and Helena came out of their rooms at the same time. They stopped dead and stared at each other. "This is gonna take time to get used to." Helena said.

"No shit. You gotta help me Hel."

"How?"

"Tell me how to be romantic, how to make a relationship work, how live day to day... how to..."

"Hey slow down, take a breath. "The first two, you got covered and the rest you will figure out day to day. There isn't an instruction manual for life... wish there was."

"Watching her back, sparring and making love isn't all a relationship is about... is it?"

"No, of course not. Spending time with Faith, with her friends, working and learning. You wanna know what Alfred said to me when I asked his advice about my relationship with Dinah?"

"Yes. Alfie may be old, be he's pretty much on the ball."

"Yeah, he is. He said to make a relationship work you need one important thing... more important than trust and love..."

"What's more important than that?"

"Learning something new about each other every day, so you don't ever get bored. That way, the relationship grows and expands."

"Smart old bugger."

"Yup. Huntress...?"

"Yeah?"

"I miss you too. That inner wild child, the person who could laugh and have fun... I'm afraid that with you gone... that part of me is also gone."

Seeing the fearful look on Helena's face showed Huntress that they both had lost a major part of themselves. They would need their loved ones and friends more than ever.

"If I was your inner 'wild child', then you were my 'common sense', the one who kept me from doing stupid things. I know that if you and the kid can beyond this... then she can help you find the fun again."

"Not sure either of us can get past this."

"Go back to her Hel, find a way to make up. We need our lovers and friends to help us through this. We're only as alone as we want to be, or something like that. Faith told me to look at it like a new beginning. I want to explore the world, but I need to find out about me first and Faith will be there with and for me. You need Dinah to help you regain your wild child and find a balance."

Helena nodded and the former head roomates hugged each other, linked arms and came back downstairs.

After breakfast Faith, Huntress, Helena and Willow piled into Angel’s car to go get their wounded friends.

Angel stopped Huntress and Helena from getting out of the car.

"Got a minute Huntress... Helena?"

"Sure... meet you inside," She said turning to Faith and Willow.

"How are you both... really?" Angel looked into one set of slightly confused amber coloured eyes and one set of equally confused ice blue ones.

Helena knew instinctively that Huntress was having a harder time dealing with being alone in her head. "I'm okay... Huntress?"

"Trying," Huntress answered.

Helena took Huntress' hand and cupped her chin. "You have always been my strength... until Dinah. I'm sure Faith would happy to have you lean on her when you need someone. Your life is here, with her... with these people. We both have a redheaded computer hacker that can see to it that we stay in touch whenever needed or wanted."

"That blank space within each of you can and will be filled with new memories, and experiences that will take you both in many different directions. I know what it's like to begin a journey of the soul... I just haven't figured out the steering mechanism for it yet." Angel allowed the young women to see his own confusion, but also to see that hope for the future was a very tangible thing.

The brunettes laughed and their spirits were lifted. Walking in they ran into Willow who was standing in front of an elevator.

AT THE HOSPITAL

Faith and Huntress could hear Buffy's threats to do bodily harm if she wasn't released... and released right the fuck now.

Huntress and Faith laughed and explained to Willow what they could hear on their way up to Buffy's floor. As soon as the doors opened Buffy yelled; "Bout time, let's go."

Giles was seated in a wheelchair beside Buffy. He would be glad to leave and have a calmer Buffy to deal with. Faith wheeled out Giles and Willow wheeled out Buffy. Helena walked behind them.

"I guess, here is where we part company." Helena held out her hand to Willow. "I'll miss ya... Little Red." She turned to Faith and Huntress; "Be happy," She hugged them both.

Buffy got up and walked over to Helena. "Thank you for what you were willing to do for them, for what you did last night... for everything."

Helena threw a quick punch at Huntress. Huntress grabbed her hand squeezed tight, and forced her to the ground. "What the fuck was that for?"

"OWWWWW, you needed to know if you were still meta and a slayer. My hand says, fuck yeah, you're still both."

Huntress let go and Helena shook her hand. "Damn girl, those critter things will never know what hit them. Faith, take care of her. Don't let me ever find out that my trust in you was misplaced."

"I will... you won't. I hope Dinah realizes how lucky she is to have you. Call us... please."

"In a few days, I need time to figure out a few things first. Besides I still have to tell them about us... there being two of us now. Not to sure how Dinah will react to that. I bet Babs wants to put me under a damn microscope. She will want you to come back for tests soon as well Huntress."

"Not gonna happen Hel. I'm no one's lab rat. I can still fight beside Faith and these good people, that's all I need to know. As for Babs, she only wants to know, she doesn't really need to know anything. It's my life, my decision."

Helena smiled. Watching Huntress become more of her own person was gratifying. "Damn straight."

"Nope... and neither are you." Huntress ducked in incoming playful fist.

Faith and Willow laughed.

Giles stood up and pulled the brunette into his arms, "Now you keep in touch young lady."

"Yes sir... Peep Dude." Helena laughed and got into a cab.

"Bloody Hell! Huntress!"

"What? Wasn't me this time."

Faith smacked Giles upside the head. "Told you if you ever yelled at her again..."

"OW! Yes I do seem to remember something along that line."

Huntress snickered and took her lovers hand.

Buffy was enjoying the show immensely. She got into the front seat of the car. The brunette slayers got into the back. Willow got in and turned the key. Their new life awaited.

AT THE CLOCKTOWER

Dinah was pacing back and forth and it was driving Barbara nuts. "Dinah, sit down... please. Helena will be here in a few minutes. She called from the airport.”

"She said she has earth-shattering news, she's gonna break up with me isn't she? Dinah wailed.

"That depends on you."

The elevator door opened and Helena felt Dinah crash into her.

"I missed you... I love you... I'm so sorry..."

"Later Dinah, right now... I need both of you to listen to me very carefully."

"You have our undivided attention Helena, what is this earth-shattering news?"

Helena explained the end of the battle to both women.

"There's two of you physically?" Barbara asked astonished.

"I don't have to share?" Dinah said, then covered her mouth.

"Call 'Little Red'... 'Big Red'."

Barbara rolled her eyes at Helena but contacted the LA group.

Angel's face appeared and Faith peeked out from behind him. She pressed the intercom; "Hey Kitty, it's showtime. Give poor Spike some time to heal. You know, one on one with you isn't exactly fair to him... considering you could wipe the floor with all of us and not even break a sweat."

"Gimme time for a quick shower. See ya in a few."

15 MINUTES LATER

Huntress walked into the office all nice and clean. Faith went over to her immediately and kissed her. She whispered; "I'm here for you." Huntress smiled and nodded. She stepped around in front of the screen, took a deep breath; "Hi Babs... Dinah."

The blonde and redhead looked at the screen, at Helena and back to the screen a few times.

" Willow... did you do this?" Barbara asked.

"Nope, not me. Would have if I thought of it, but it was the ubervamp. I kinda missed that. I passed out after I cancelled the confusion spell."

Helena told Barbara that the spell stopped Huntress dead in her tracks, but it didn't seem to affect her. So she came out and punched the vamp, but he shielded and put the ball of energy around her and Huntress. "Pain... lots of it, then next thing I knew Angel was leaning over me and Spike was leaning over Huntress. We're like twins now. I still have my meta abilities and she has both meta and slayer abilities. But the silence in our heads can sometimes be deafening and will take some time to get used to."

"Yeah, we may need 'Big Red' and 'Little Red' to help us keep in touch." Faith smiled when Barbara frowned. "Who started this "Little Red and Big Red?"

Huntress pointed to the screen at Helena... Helena pointed to the screen at Huntress.

"Whatever, they're great nicknames." Faith said smiling.

"Huntress, I need you to come back for some tests."

"No Barbara, it really is my life now and I'm not your lab rat anymore."

"That goes double for me Barbara, no tests. You either take my word that I'm my usual self or you don't. No more tests for me either." Helena crossed her arms defiantly.

"But I need..." Barbara pleaded.

"NO!" Huntress growled

"NO!" Helena said stepping back.

"Look me in the eyes Helena and tell me you really are okay," Dinah asked softly.

"My meta abilities are back to normal, I will be fine." Helena reached out to touch Huntress on the screen at the same time Huntress did.

She misses Huntress, she's hurting but won't show it. Dinah walked up behind Helena and took her hand squeezing it. "With or without Huntress, you're the woman I love. Anyone can see how happy they are just by looking at them... I finally see that they have as much right to be together as we do. I think I would have been able to share you... but I'm damn glad I don't have to."

Helena's relief was obvious. She didn't like fighting with Dinah.

"I'm glad you agree Dinah and believe me, I'm kinda happy about the final outcome myself. But I need you to promise to stop and think before jumping to anymore conclusions. No more making false accusations... understand?"

"Yes. I'm sorry Helena."

When Barbara looked over her right shoulder, she saw Helena and Dinah in a passionate clinch. On screen Huntress and Faith were in the same position. She and Angel made the universal praying motion and smiled at each other.

"Kids," Angel smiled as he shook his head.

"Bloody Colonial kids," Giles started cleaning his glasses.

"Kids," Barbara took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Keep in touch... Oracle. If you ever need us... we'll be there."

Angel promised.

"Same goes for you guys. I know Helena considers you to be friends and so do we. Between us, we have the East and West coast covered for putting down... weirdness."

"That we do." Angel signed off.

Angel looked at the Slayers still in each others arms kissing,

"Go to your room."

"Yes dad." The girls flew upstairs.

CLOCKTOWER

Barbara saw Helena and Dinah starting to grope each other, "Go to your room."

"Yes mom." The girls flew upstairs.