Dawning

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Chapter 11

Kennedy moans loudly, her senses on overload as Dawn's lips and hands caress her. She pulls Dawn's lips from her neck back to her mouth and instantly her tongue is inside. She strokes against Dawn's as her hands slide under her girl's shirt pulling it up and off in one motion, stopping the kiss. They, however, return to it as the shirt hits the floor.

They stand at the bed in each other's arms kissing and teasing until both are moaning. With shaky legs Dawn breaks the kiss. She looks at her girl as she gasps for air. She finally makes her voice work. "Gotta sit down." She sits on the bed without waiting for a response from Kennedy. The older woman nods and does the same.

Soon their lips are joined again as they lie on the bed side by side, facing each other. Kennedy's hand reaches out and pulls Dawn's body a little closer to hers as she lets one hand brush up and down her girl's back.

They break after what may have been hours or just minutes for much needed oxygen, their hearts racing, their breath impossible to catch. Chests rise and fall at an extreme pace. Dawn smiles at her girl, letting her hand touch her cheek.

"Love you," Dawn pants out, her eyes locked with dark brown.

"Love you," the Potential returns as she lets her lips move to her girl's neck. With a soft moan the younger rolls onto her back, the older following, her body pressing onto Dawn's side as her lips and then studded tongue tease.

* * *

At the movies Buffy and the teens wait for the next showing. The girl's pay arcade games in the lobby while Buffy waits not so patiently. She looks up surprised when she hears her name. "Aren't you Buffy? Buffy Summers. Dawn's sister?" She looks to the man in front of her and nods unsure.

The man smiles and extends his hand, "Principal Wood, Robin. We met at the school a few weeks ago."

Buffy smiles, "Yes, right," she smiles back.

"I was wondering if we could talk after the movie, maybe grab a sandwich?"

Buffy looks worried, "Dawn. Is she in trouble, did she do something wrong?"

"No no, it's not about Dawn at all." He assures her, which only confuses the blonde Slayer more. "I could use your help with something."

She is a smidgen intrigued, then remembers the girls. "Well tonight's not good," she looks toward the teenagers overrunning the arcade.

"They're all with you?" He asks, his turn to be both interested and confused.

"Yeah, kind of a group outing, but you could call me, or I could come by school on Monday."

"Calling would be good. Maybe we could meet for coffee." He says with a smile. Buffy smiles back and nods.

* * *

At the house, Willow and Faith lie together on the bed, the rogue's body against the redhead's, both shirts gone. The kiss ends as both struggle for air. Hands however still caress bare skin as they both try to slow their breathing.

Willow wraps Faith in her arms as she sits up effectively placing the dark Slayer in her lap. The younger woman smiles as she locks her legs around the redhead's hips, pulling closer to her. Green eyes meet brown as Willow's hands touch the clasp of her girl's bra, but then move away. "Do it," groans out the brunette as she feels teasing touches on her back. She licks her own lips before kissing Willow's.

Experienced hands release the hooks and slowly pull the garment down her shoulders and off. Her eyes still looking into a now darker brown.

Faith's hands go around her back as well releasing the bra and letting it fall slighting before she removes it completely. Both seem nervous as they share another kiss, this one almost chaste.

The redhead's fingers still move up and down her back causing a ragged breath as they inch closer to her sides. Faith grins at her girl's slow approach, her eyes never leaving her face. She leans in and kisses her again but this time it's more intense. Needing to breath, she ends it. "You okay sweetie?" asks her witch, her words breathy.

Faith nods as she places her hands on Willow's shoulders.

They tease each other's skin until finally Willow speaks, "Can I?" Her eyes drop to her girl's chest before meeting hers again.

She watches the woman nod and she can't help but smile. They kiss again as she lets her hands trail down her rogue's back then gently up her sides to finally brush against the swell of her breast. That gentle touch causing both to gasp just a little. Willow's eyes drop down again and she licks her lips as she looks at the woman before her. She teases closer and closer to the hardening nipples, again licking her lips before biting her bottom one trying not to rush.

Faith is breathing harder, her heart speeds up as well, the slow teasing touches driving her crazy. She moans again, her forehead resting against Willow's, her eyes watching the hands as they touch her.

The redhead unfalteringly continues her mission, closer and closer until reaching her goal. She brushes the pad of her thumb over the peak.

Faith groans and lets her eyes fall shut. Little flashes of light behind her eyes tell her this is gonna be some make out session. Then suddenly, she finds her back on the bed and her witch between her legs kissing down her body. Naked breasts pressed together as lips taste her skin. She moans louder.

* * *

Dawn writhes beneath her girl, eyes closed tightly as the studded tongue yet again tantalizes her skin, this time across the swell of her bra covered breasts. Kennedy smiles as she watches and then listens as her girl moans.

The Potential lets her fingers tease slowly, torturously up and down her sides, nail scraping gently. The moans and the movement increase.

"Please-" Dawn pants out her chest heaving. "I need-" she stops not sure what she needs except more touching and less touching all at the same time.

Kennedy lips return to hers. The kiss is soft, sensual, the younger moans as she feels Kennedy's body settle on hers and her girl's lips dance across her jaw to her ear. "I love you," the older whispers as she raises up just enough to let her hands work between them to undo the buttons on Dawn's jeans.

Once she has them open, she lets her fingers brush along Dawn's newly exposed stomach. Moaning louder, the girl arches into the contact of her Potential. "Off," groans Dawn as she attempts to remove the pants.

Kennedy smiles. "Soon," she removes her hand, much to the displeasure of her girl. But the complaining groan turns to Kennedy's chanted name as the brown eyed girl lets her lips trail across Dawn's tummy as her hands slowly start to do away with the jeans.

Hips raise to help as the pants slip from her body inch by grueling inch. Kisses follow as Dawn fights to breathe. Finally Kennedy crawls down the bed to pull them completely off. "See all gone now," she grins as she kisses and caresses up her soon to be lover's body, inciting more moaning and movement. She can't help but smirk as she feels Dawn's hands in her hair trying to pull her back to her.

* * *

In the other room, both women lie together in only their panties. The redhead is still situated between her rogue's legs, their upper bodies slide together as the she kisses her neck, before licking and them nipping there.

A few minutes later her lips travel down Faith's body, kissing and licking, eliciting moans from deep within the rogue. "Red-" she pants out as the witch's lips get closer to her breasts. "Shit!" She complains as they by pass the place she wanted them and trace an enticing path down.

Faith arches into her trying to force more contact. It takes every ounce of Slayer strength she has not to flip the redhead on to her back and bury her face between her legs. She groans as she feels her body race even faster, her thoughts and Will's lips driving her towards release.

But suddenly the body that has been nestled against her is gone. When she manages to register the lack of contact and shake the fog from her brain, she leans onto her elbows to see her girl kneeling at her feet with a teasing grin on her face.

"Fuck!" Faith moans dropping back to the bed as she feels Willow's tongue trace torturously against her left foot.

* * *

Dawn clutches Kennedy's back tightly as they rock together frantically, thighs providing much needed friction for both. Their panties the only thing separating them.

The Potential's forehead rests on Dawn's, her chocolate eyes open, watching the emotions play across her girl's face as she gets closer to falling.

The older lets her lips drop to the younger's pulse point, there she licks and then sucks gently, her hand finding Dawn's breast.

"Kennedy!" Dawn screams out, her eyes opening, her body trembling as her first orgasm starts its journey. Her body stiffens, her breath catches as she begins the fall.

The jolt sends Kennedy over too and she smiles against her lover's skin, then begins to kiss down her body before she can recover. Slipping her hands to Dawn's waist she lowers her panties slowly, then kisses up the inside of her calf.

Dawn's eyes close again, moans fill the room as she feels Kennedy moving slowly, deliberately up her leg pressing kisses behind her knee.

* * *

As Willow's lips approach her center Faith, lets her fingers tangle in red hair. The witch however has other plans. "Turn over Sweetie," she says softly.

The frustrated Slayer complains, "Red-" her breathing labored.

"Trust me." Without any more words the rogue turns to lie on her stomach. Willow's hands caress her girl's legs, her nails trailing up and down the insides. She smiles as she feels Faith jump slightly. "Soon." She leans down and presses her lips to her Slayer's firm ass cheek, smirking at the shuddered groan she hears from her rogue, deeper than any before.. She kisses and licks upward, not in any hurry, her plan to lick and kiss every inch of her body.

* * *

Kennedy's studded tongue licks its way up Dawn's neck, her body pressed against her girl-one hand between them teasing in soft curls.

Dawn's moans fill the room, her hips moving against Kennedy's hand trying to find more stimulation. "Please," she begs.

"Don't want to hurt you," the potential pants against her neck. She lets her thumb press against her girl's swollen clit.

Dawn jerks as she feels her body tremble. "Close. Please just-" she groans as she feels her girl's lips nip and then suck on her ear lob. Her lower body arches into her lover's hand.

Kennedy lets the ear go and stills her own raging body with a deep breath. She teases Dawn's clit, her thumb leaving then returning. Her mouth works its way to her girl's breast, tongue enticing the peak before her lips envelops it. As she begins to suck, she slowly, painstaking allows one finger to find its way inside her girl.

Both moan, Dawn at the slight pain and full sensation, her lover at the feel of her girl's body tightening around her finger. Then both feel it. The tingle then the tensing as both are rocked with an orgasm stronger than before. They hold tight to each other.

* * *

Faith is on edge herself, she is again on her back, the redhead over her still kissing and licking her skin. She has spent literally hours mapping the rogue's body with her tongue. "Fuck - Red - I -" she arches into the redhead's mouth as she nears her aching nipples.

The redhead smiles against the skin as she knows it won't take much now. She lets her hand tease one peak as her lips fasten around the other. The sensation of the sucking causing Faith to spasm. Her body jumps, then trembles as the lights behind her eyes flash pretty colors. "Willow!" she screams out as wave after wave rushes on her and the witch's lips don't stop, only switch sides. One hand teasing nails down her stomach and then back up. She can feel her body building again trembling like never before. "Red-" she moans.

The witch moves her lips long enough to speak. "I got you baby. Just let go." Her mouth returns to its new home.

As another orgasm rips through her Faith cries out, "Love you. Love you Red!" The pretty colors get brighter and then her world is dark.

Willow looks up at the woman passed out under her and grins. She rests her head on Faith's stomach, her eyes watching her girl.

* * *

In the other room Dawn is snuggled in Kennedy's arms. Her eyes slowly open to look into the smiling face of her lover. "I fell asleep didn't I?" She groans, embarrassed.

"Just for a little while." She kisses her softly, letting her hand play over the naked body in her arms but then she giggles as her eyes trail down her lover's body.

"You're laughing at me." Dawn pouts.

"No. No. Not exactly." She looks at her girl's feet and Dawn's eyes follow.

The younger woman blushes again as she sees the only article of clothes either now wear are the striped toe socks on her feet. "I'm such a dork," she rolls her eyes and starts to take them off.

"No. Leave'em. They're sexy." Kennedy bites her bottom lip at the words.

"Really?" Dawn asks.

"Really," she lets her hand caress her girl's body and both moan as she leans into the touch. "I wanna-" she touches Kennedy's shoulder, her lips kissing against her neck. "Can I?"

Kennedy groans her eyes closing at the teasing, igniting touch of the shy fingers on her breasts and stomach. She forces her eyes open and takes her hand. She kisses it. "Later, can I just hold you like this for a while?" Dawn nods and snuggles in close again. They tangle legs and arms together as the hold each other. "I love you. You know that right?"

"I know-" she blushes. "Before - it was - wow - you were amazing."

Kennedy smiles and blushes at the words. "It was good. I'll show you amazing later." Her cocky grin escapes and Dawn rolls her eyes as they giggle.

But then the giggles stop, Dawn's eyes meet hers as they do share a kiss that instantly heats up. "Show me now?" Asks the younger woman as they break the kiss panting for air.

Kennedy leans her forehead to Dawn's, adjusts her body slightly so their centers touch and slowly begins to rock. "Slow, okay?"

Dawn lets her eyes close as she presses her forehead tighter to Kennedy's she lets her body synchronize with Kennedy's. Both bite their lips and moan as they dance together.

* * *

Willow lovingly strokes her girl's face as she fights to come back. She thinks about the words Faith cried in passion and wonders if they are true. And if they are how she feels about them. She knows she loves the rogue Slayer but also knows the words aren't ready to be spoken, Tara still on her mind and in her heart. Her smile saddens at the thought. She caresses her neck and then across her collarbone as she sees brown eyes open to her. She presses a kiss to Faith's lips. "Welcome back," she whispers.

Faith tries to speak but her throat is dry. She finally gets words out. "Back," she states as she tries to smile. Nothing seems to work as she tries to hug the redhead to her. "What - what did you do to me?" The smile finally in place.

Willow blushes but responses with a smirk. "Guessing I made you all melty."

"Got that right. And you didn't even... How'd you do that without-" her eyes glance down her body. "You didn't break the touching below the waist rule."

"Have I told you I'm a breast girl?" She grins. Faith's smile brightens even more.

"Come'ere. I wanna hold you-" Willow lays on top of her and helps Faith raise her arms to encircle her.

"This want you want?" Willow asks.

"No. Wanna do to you what you did to me and more but this is all I manage for now." She confesses with a pout.

"My poor Slayer," she kisses her lips.

Growling playfully and using the last of her Slayer strength she rolls Willow under her. "You're so gonna be sorry for the teasing soon as I can move." She lets her head rest against the redhead's chest as her eyes close.

Willow smiles and kisses the top of her head letting her hand trail up and down her girl's back soothingly.

* * *

In the other room, Dawn and Kennedy fall together, both crying out the others name. As they lie panting tangled together, Kennedy kisses her lover's neck. "Love you."

"Love you," Dawn whispers back as she lets her hand snake between them.

"Dawnie-" the Potential moans as her girl's fingers trace against her wet curls. Her breath hitches as she feels them slide between her lips exploring. The moans increase, her heart pounds and her body speeds forward, already close. Her hips buck as Dawn's fingers arouse her even more as they circle around her throbbing clit. "Dawnie!" She cries out again. Dawn gets nervous, afraid she did something wrong and stops. "God don't stop!" Kennedy begs.

"You're okay?" Dawn asks.

"Will be as soon as-" she stops as she feels Dawn's thumb on her clit and her fingers slip lower toward her entrance. "Just-" her eyes close and body arches as Dawn slips two tentative fingers inside.

"Okay?" Dawn asks, her fingers still. Kennedy nods unable to speak as she raises her hips trying to get Dawn to move inside her. Dawn takes a deep breath and starts a slow gentle pace that Kennedy's hips soon match.

* * *

Willow is napping with Faith, well was napping with Faith. The Slayer is now awake and eyeing the redhead under her with a smirk. She presses a gentle kiss to her lips and then her chin before moving to her neck. She licks and teases there mimicking the redhead's earlier actions. She smirks against wet skin as the redhead groans and her body arches, her green eyes slowly opening. "Whatcha doing?" She asks with a groan as Faith's lips get close to her ear. Her heart beats faster.

"Gonna make love to you," whispers the rogue as her tongue brushes long her ear. "Okay?" Faith pulls back to look into dark green eyes. Willow can't find her voice and simply nods. Faith shakes her head. "I need you to tell me it's okay." She reels in her rampaging desire.

Willow pulls her girl's lips to hers and kisses her passionately, her tongue inviting Faith in to explore, only she captures it and sucks gently. The Slayer's hands caress her redhead's body. The kiss ends and green locks with brown. "Make love to me," whispers the woman.

Faith grins, "Eventually," she teases. "I owe you. Slow and torturous wasn't it?" She raises an eyebrow and Willow groans as she awaits payback. Faith's lips return to her redhead's skin. The torture begins.

* * *

Dawn and Kennedy lie snuggled together. Kennedy runs a hand down the teen's back. "You should get a nice warm bath and I'll get the sheets in the washer. The others will be back soon."

"Don't wanna ever get up," she bites her lip as she touches Kennedy's cheek.

"I know but there'll be more nights. And afternoons and mornings," she grins her cocky side slipping out just a little.

"You bet there will be," she frowns. "As soon as I get brave enough to tell my sister."

"Maybe we'll do that tomorrow." Kennedy kisses her forehead. "Now, tub. I'll find something of Faith's for you to change into."

"Why Faith's?"

Kennedy smirks, "Listen." Straining she can barely hear the soft moans from across the hall. "We don't wanna interrupt," she winks at her girl.

Dawn rolls her eyes, "No. So don't need that picture in my head."

Kennedy smiles, "Nah, me either. Just pictures of you." They share a chaste kiss. Against her judgment Dawn moves from her girl and out of bed. "Clean sheets are in the hall closet."

Kennedy smiles at the girl still only in her toe socks, "Make sure you have those on when you come back."

Dawn blushes as she watches her lover get up and smiles at the words her head just thought. Lover. Kennedy gets one of Faith's tanks and a pair of boxers and hands them to her. They kiss and the naked teen streaks from the room down the hall to the bathroom. She smiles as the moans grow louder in her room.

* * *

Faith is still kissing her way down her redhead's body. Finally leaving her breasts, she maps out the most round about way to her destination. She teases her finger and then her tongue down Willow's stomach. Hands tangle in long brown hair as the witch tries to push her lower. Faith grins against her skin, then tilts her head up just enough to see her face. "Give it up Red. Ain't gonna happen anytime soon."

Willow groans as her Rogue tickles and plays against her skin with her lips and tongue. She arches and rotates her hips wanting and needing friction as the Slayer dips her tongue in and out of her belly button. "Easy baby." Faith admonishes as she presses her back to the bed with a gentle but firm touch.

She smirks a little then kisses down to the top of curls, getting a heady moan from the woman, before altering her path. "Please," begs Willow as she tries to hold her in place to no avail.

The Slayer simply kisses across to her hip bone then down her thigh-the rogues plan-to kiss and lick all the way to her toes. Willow moans as her realizes somewhere in her addled brain that payback is a bitch for sure.

* * *

Dawn is sitting in the newly made bed, waiting for Kennedy to return from the shower. She smiles as she thinks back over the evening. It was amazing, more than amazing. She didn't know a word to justly describe it. She is lost in her thoughts as her lover slips back into the room, dressed in some old pajamas she had left in the room. She watches from the doorway for just a minute, not able to stop the smile that crosses her face as she thinks of Dawn. She finally speaks. I'm gonna grab something to eat from the kitchen. You want something?"

Dawn smiles up and her and then stands. "I'll come with you." She walks to her girl and they hug then share a soft kiss. "I love you."

"I love you," Kennedy says as she touches her cheek. The moment is broken as her tummy growls loudly.

Dawn laughs and teases, "But not as much as you love food right?"

Kennedy shakes her head, "More." They kiss again and soon lips more together. Kennedy kicks the door closed as they move out of the doorway and into the room.

* * *

Finally Faith moves to the other side and retraces her path, moving back up just as slowly. Lips tantalize toes as her tongue snakes out to lick up her lower leg-to the inside of her knee. Then inches higher slowing even more as the redhead writhes and moans incoherent.

When she reaches her girl's center she pauses briefly, noting that Willow is more than ready, but bypasses it to dip her tongue into her belly button again.

Willow's body begins to tremble and Faith backs off, not wanting things to end to soon. She runs a soothing hand up her redhead's side and places a soft kiss on her lips. "Don't stop!" Willow's eyes open. "Don't stop." She pants out again. "Please Faith-"

The Rogue gives in to her words. With a soft kiss she rests her head on Willow's stomach and lets her fingers travel in small teasing circles across her hip, nails scratching gently. Willow's breathing increases, her lower body arches into the touch. "Like that?" Faith questions, then kisses lower. She presses fleetingly against her swollen bundle of nerves but them move farther down. Her tongue flicks out and delves between wet folds and strokes slowly up to the top. The redhead falls instantly, her body trembling. Faith's watches, amazed, before she takes action again, her lips closing around Willow's clit, sucking gently. Two fingers slip easily inside and she explores as one orgasm builds on top of the first.

* * *

Buffy and the Potentials come in the front door. "In the bags now. Early training session." There are a few groans but most head toward their gear.

"Thanks Buffy," Vi adds and a few girls follow suit.

"We'll do it again, don't worry. It was fun." She smiles and starts up the steps. She furrows her eyebrows as she thinks about Principal Wood and what he could want. She walks toward her room shrugging, deciding she has enough to worry about. He'll call and then she'll know.

A few steps from her room she stops dead in her tracks as she hears moans coming from Dawn's room. "Kennedy-" she mumbles. She jogs the last few steps and burst into the room- "Kennedy!" She blares then mumbles. "You are so-" Her words stop and her head turns as she hears Kennedy's voice in the hallway.

"What do you need Buffy?"

The blonde's eyes land on the Potential and her sister standing a few feet from her with plates of food. She turns back to the room and her face pales as she realizes just were Faith's head is.

The Rogue smirks up at her, "Door. Kinda doin' somethin' here."

Willow is so close and so lost that she doesn't realize anything is happening outside of the fact that Faith's lips have left her and she groans her complaint.

Buffy closes the door and leans shakily against it. She looks at Dawn and Kennedy who and now laughing and her. The laughter stops a few seconds later as they hear Willow scream Faith's name over and over. Instantly the hallway clears as all three head for the stairs.

Chapter 12

Faith walks down the stairs and Buffy immediately attacks. "You were supposed to be watching Dawn, notŠ well, what if they wereŠ while you wereŠ" she stops, frustrated and a little embarrassed.

Faith tries to keep the smirk from her face, a part of her knowing that Dawn and Kennedy were in fact having sex like she and Willow had. Her mind corrects her thoughts. [Not having sex, making love.] She smiles a little. "Sorry B."

"Sorry? That's what I get when you break a promise?"

"Look Buffy, things happen. Hey, it was watch little sis or watch the hot witch." She pauses, as if considering, then smirks. "Sorry, B. Little D lost that one."

Willow is standing on the stairs smiling but also looking a little sad. She listens as Buffy rants at her girl.

"You had a job to do."

"B, it's not like they're kids. They like each other and you can't stop'em if they wanna make love."

Willow comes into the room and wraps an arm around Faith's waist. "She's right."

Buffy looks away, then turns to her friend. "Will, I trusted you to..." her words stop. "Maybe I shouldn't have."

Willow tears up but it is Faith who speaks. "It ain't her fault. So don't go blamin' her. I had her all distracted."

"I'm sorry Buffy," a tear slips down the redhead's cheek.

Faith wipes it away and glares at the blonde Slayer. "Back off B."

"Let's just... I need some air." The blonde goes out the back door.

Faith pulls Willow into a tight hug. "I'm sorry Red, this is my fault."

Willow holds her close, her body responding to the feel of her lover. "Nobody's fault. We don't know if anything happened between them, right?"

"Right." Faith runs a hand up and down her girl's back. Willow looks toward the door. "Want to go talk to her?"

Willow shakes her head, "She needs some space. I'll talk to her tomorrow."

Faith kisses her forehead. "So, I guess we go back to bed?" She wiggles her eyebrows.

The redhead grins, "Wouldn't vote against it." They share a scorching kiss before turning and going up the stairs.

* * *

Dawn and Kennedy are snuggled together in each others arms, waiting for Buffy to come bursting in at any time. Kennedy lets her fingers trace along Dawn's arm. They are both quiet. "You sorry we..." Kennedy starts but Dawn stops her with a soft kiss.

"No. Definitely no. Even if Buffy grounds me till I'm 40."

Kennedy smiles at her words and kisses her again. "Let's just go downstairs and tell her."

"Not tonight. Tonight I wanna just lie here in your arms. That's not gonna happen when we tell her."

Kennedy looks into Dawn's eyes. "Probably not. Guess that means I sleep in a bag on the living room floor with the other Potentials."

"You can move back in with Faith."

Kennedy grins, "Don't think so, she has a new roommate."

Dawn blushes but smiles, "Yeah, guess she does." She pouts, "I don't want you all the way downstairs."

"It's not what I want either, believe me," her eyes caress Dawn's form. "Don't ever wanna let you go." She leans in and kisses her. Their lips find a rhythm almost instantly as they open and close together.

Finally needing air, Dawn pulls back slowly, her lips press to Kennedy's again feather light before she nibbles the bottom one and sucks in gently between hers. She repeats the act and her lover moans. Kennedy's body already starting to burn with desire.

Without thought, her body raging too, Dawn rolls Kennedy under her. Her lips travels to the smaller teens neck, licking and nipping there. Soon hands caress under clothes, fingers against skin, as they tease. "I love you," Dawn whispers against her ear as her leg works its way between Kennedy's.

"Love you," groans the Potential, already lost to Dawn's touch. "Dawnie!" She gasps out as the teen's thigh presses against her center. Words and thoughts become incoherent as Dawn's hand finds her breast, the pleasure overtakes the older girl as the rhythms synchronize.

The Potential is quickly on edge, her breathing fast, her heart pounding, her body lost to her girl. She moans continuously, getting louder as the pace quickens slightly.

* * *

Downstairs, Faith's eyes go large as she realizes what is happening upstairs. "Damn!" She stands and starts up the steps.

Willow looks unsure, "What's wrong?"

"Just... I'll be back." She hit's the landing in four strides. She goes to Dawn's door and knocks. The noise increases inside and she curses her Slayer hearing. She pounds this time. She can hear the goings on inside clearly now.

"Dawn!" Yells the Potential, from the other side of the door, as she falls.

Faith growls and pounds again before finally just opening the door. She steps inside and shocked faces look up at her. "Knock it off unless you just want Buffy to find out."

Dawn pales. "You could..." she stops.

Kennedy finishes, "Hear?"

"Hell yeah! You gotta show some restraint okay, or B's gonna know." Faith looks away then back at the teens. "Thinking you should come downstairs for a while."

"Downstairs, yeah-right." Dawn nods. Her body still resting on/tangled with Kennedy's.

"Five minutes," Kennedy says.

"Two," counters Faith. "Or I come back up here and not alone."

Both teens nod as the Slayer leaves. Dawn's head drops on her lover's chest. "Sorry."

Kennedy grins, "I'm not." She kisses the top of her head. "Better get moving though." Dawn nods against her. They share another kiss before untangling themselves.

* * *

The next day, Dawn is up early. She walks around the kitchen in her boxers, tank top and striped toe socks as she fixes pancakes and eggs.

Buffy is the next down the stairs. She looks at her sister unsure. "For Kennedy?"

Dawn looks at her sister, "And you too if you want. I can just add more." Buffy smiles and so does Dawn as she adds more eggs to the pan.

The blonde Slayer puts bread in the toaster and looks back at her sister. "So things with you and Kennedy, they're..."

"Good," Dawn finishes for her without thinking. Then suddenly she is nervous. "I mean you know the dating, is - is good."

"Right," Buffy nods and turns to get milk and juice from the refrigerator. "About that, the dating..." Buffy looks at her younger sister. "It's serious?" Dawn nods. "Really, really serious?" Again Dawn nods.

The young teen breaths a sigh of relief as Faith and Willow come into the room. "Told you I smelled food." Faith grins. "I win." She raises a playful eyebrow.

"Bet your winning will be good for me too." The redhead giggles and blushes as she realizes what she's saying too late.

Buffy looks at her friend a little surprised, "Teenager in the room."

"I'm not a little kid." Dawn protests.

"Nope, she's not Buff." Willow adds.

Faith grins again as she remembers the night before, what she heard. Before she can speak, Kennedy comes down the stairs.

The teenager's eyes lock on Dawn's form. They travel down and then up then down again, staying locked on the socks. A look of lust, then a mischievous, seductive grin finds her face apparent to Dawn, who blushes and a smirking Faith who also sees.

Buffy just looks annoyed wondering what happened to make her sister blush Willow red, then clears her throat. "Kennedy."

The teen's eyes shot to the older Slayer. "Huh? I mean, yes?" she stops.

"Why is Dawn blushing?"

"Well I..." Kennedy starts.

"No! No blush, just, it's hot at the stove,that's all."

Buffy changes gears. "Dawn made you breakfast, you should say thank you." Her eyes land on the older teen.

Kennedy nods. 'Will definitely thank her first chance I get' thinks the Potential. She smiles at Dawn, "You didn't have to, but thank you." She steps toward her girl and kisses her quickly, looking nervously at the blonde.

Dawn steps toward her and returns the kiss. It is slow and lingering. She doesn't care what Buffy thinks. "You're welcome." She smiles at her lover.

Kennedy blushes as she looks around the room. Willow smiles at the teenagers, then realization hits her as watches them together. Wide eyed she looks at Faith. "They've..." she squeaks.

Faith kisses her before she can say anything else. Playfully, she backs her girl out of the room. Buffy rolls her eyes at the pair, unaware of what her friend meant.

In the living room Faith finally breaks the kiss. Willow looks into her eyes. "They..." she stops again, this time without help. "And I was in charge of... This is all my fault. Buffy's gonna go all grrrr on Kennedy and it's..." before the babbling can continue Faith kisses her redhead.

Finally they part. "It's not anyone's fault. Fault means something was wrong, right?" A breathless Willow nods. "They didn't do anything wrong and neither did you."

Willow lays her head on Faith's chest. "But Buffy's gonna be mad when she finds out."

"At first, but I think she'll be okay with it. Kennedy's a good kid." Willow smiles as she looks into Faith's eyes. "You better not tell her I said that," she winks as she grins. Willow smiles and leans in, kissing her softly.

Buffy's voice from the other room pulls them apart. "You want food, Slayer, you better get in here."

"Want food?" Willow asks with a sly grin.

"It can wait." Faith smirks as she shakes her head and backs her toward the stairs as their lips meet again.

* * *

Later, after breakfast is finished, Dawn stands to gather up the dishes but Kennedy's hand touches her arm. "I got'em." She stands and picks them up, smiling back at Dawn as she leaves with a little wink.

Dawn blushes slightly as she sits back down with her sister. Buffy smiles a little too as she looks toward the kitchen. "That was nice."

Dawn nods, "She's nice."

"Maybe." Buffy agrees, though a part of her doesn't like the admission.

"Can we go to a movie tonight?" Dawn asks.

"You and me, sure." She grins, then laughs as she watches Dawn roll her eyes. "Oh..." she pretends to be surprised. "You mean you, with Kennedy?"

"Yeah, you know, a date? With my girlfriend?"

Buffy rolls her eyes. "I guess, but, no making out in the theatre."

Dawn looks at her like she grew horns. "Are you serious? You're trying to tell me you never made out in a movie theatre?"

"We're not talking about me." Buffy defends. Dawn glares and her sister smirks. "Got ya!" She giggles again.

Dawn stands and playfully swats at her. "Meanie!" She pretends to stomp off but stops in the doorway of the kitchen. "Thanks Buffy."

"Just be careful."

"We will, stakes and crosses." Dawn states as she bounces out of the room.

"Not what I meant," mumbles Buffy.

* * *

In the kitchen, Kennedy loads the dishwasher, then begins to wipe off the stove and the counter. Dawn walks in and slips her arms around her Potential's waist. The older girl turns her head and smiles as she looks up into her eyes. They share a quick kiss before Kennedy turns in her arms. Their lips meet again in a lingering kiss that ends before either want it too as the room fills with Potential Slayers.

Ignoring them, the girls begin to pull cereal and bread from the cabinets before going to the refrigerator to get milk and juice. Chatter fills the room and the lovers roll their eyes. "So much for a little quiet time," Kennedy complains.

Dawn smiles, "That's tonight." Her girl looks at her unsure. "We have a date, just you and me."

"And how did you manage that?"

"Just asked Buffy if we could go to the movies." Dawn smiles.

"And she said yes?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow.

"After the usual warnings and rules she did." Dawn kisses Kennedy. "So, you go get ready to train and..."

"And you'll come with me?" She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.

Dawn grins, "I was gonna say, I'd check the paper for the movie listings but I like your idea better. I'll just check you out instead." Kennedy's eyes show surprise at her girlfriend's words. The younger woman giggles. "Come on." She pulls her toward the stairs.

* * *

The Potentials have finished their work out. The outside training session finally ending after three grueling hours. Sweaty and aching, they start back to the house.

Faith smiles, then smirks at Kennedy as she watches her walk toward Dawn who is sitting on the porch. "K." The Potential turns to look at the Rogue. "Wanna get a little sparring in?"

Kennedy looks toward Dawn. "Dawn and I have plans."

"They can wait." Faith smirks. "Or can they." She moves closer as she smirks again . "Bad case of the Double Hs?" Kennedy looks unsure. "Ya know, 'hungry and horny'?"

The teenager fights back a blush as she realizes what she is implying and that Faith is right. She can feel the hunger building. "No," she lies, her eyes darting toward Dawn. Her girl waves at her.

"Right." Faith laughs. She decides to step up her teasing. "Better make sure you don't get caught, keep eyeing her up like this mornin' B's gonna know. She's slow but she ain't blind."

"This morning?" Kennedy seems actually confused.

"Damn K, you were all but droolin'! Like your were gonna get a taste right there in the kitchen." She grins at the blush her words cause.

Kennedy shakes her head, "I wasn't... I mean I didn't..." she stops.

The Rogue smiles and pats her shoulder. "Gotta be cool."

"I am cool," Kennedy defends but then concedes. "Well, I use to be. Man, what has she done to me?"

Faith's smile softens, "Pretty much the same thing Willow's done for me."

"What's that?" Kennedy asks.

"Saved us from our sorry selves."

The young Potential nods, "Think you might be right."

Dawn walks toward them. She wraps an arm around Kennedy when she reaches them. "Ready for lunch?"

The Slayer winks and leaves. "Have fun." She jogs toward the house.

"I can fix..." Dawn starts but Kennedy's lips on hers stops her words.

"You fixed breakfast, why don't I fix lunch and we can have a picnic out here?"

Dawn looks unsure, "You can cook?"

"A little. I can make sandwiches." She smiles and Dawn does too. "Just give me like ten minutes to shower."

"Need some help with that?" Dawn raises an eyebrow suggestively.

Kennedy grins, "Not this time, but..." She lets her fingers trace Dawn's cheek. "Rain check?"

Dawn nods. "Rain check." After another soft kiss Kennedy jogs toward the house.

* * *

Later that day, Dawn and Kennedy stand hand-in-hand in the living room. Buffy, Xander, Faith and Willow are there as well. The wanna be Slayers are scattered through out the house, some working out, some waiting in the growing line for the bathroom and others actually studying or doing homework.

Buffy looks at the young Slayer-to-be with her sister and states. "Don't let your guard down, there could be trouble. It's been too quiet lately."

Willow eyes go wide, "Buffy!"

The Slayer looks at her friend but it is Xander who finishes the redhead's thoughts, "Are you trying to jinx us?"

Faith chimes in, "Does seem a little like an invite, B."

Buffy rolls her eyes. "I just want them to be careful."

"And we will be," Dawn says.

Xander tosses his keys in Kennedy's direction and she smiles at him surprised. "Make sure the tanks full when you bring it back."

"You got it. Thanks." Kennedy says.

Dawn smiles and hugs Xander. "You always were my favorite." She whispers.

Buffy frowns, "Hey! I heard that."

"Heard what?" Asks Willow.

Faith looks at Dawn and the teens eyes go wide as she realizes the Slayer hearing has caused her trouble again. "Nothing-" She grabs Kennedy and pulls her toward the door. "Bye." They others stare at the spots the teens had been standing in.

"Why the quick exit?" Willow asks.

Faith winks at Buffy then looks at Willow, "Horny teenagers." They both smile, but Buffy glares at the thoughts the words cause. "What's a matter B?" Faith giggles.

"You're not helping." She pouts.

* * *

The movie ends and the teenagers walk from the theatre hand-in-hand. "Now what?" Asks Kennedy as they reach the car. She unlocks Dawn's side and opens the door.

The younger teen smiles. "I've never made out in a car before." Kennedy raises an eyebrow. "Okay, so once, that time in the cab,but he kept trying to look. It so doesn't count."

Kennedy grins and kisses her softly. "Get in." Dawn pouts but gets in the car and the older girl closes the door. She moves around to her side and gets in too. After closing her door she leans across and kisses Dawn again. "So, you know a place?" She grins.

The Key nods. Kennedy raises an eyebrow again. "What? I go to school I hear the locker room talk about..."

Her words stop as Kennedy kisses her again but then pulls back to look at the clock. "We got an hour, then Buffy comes hunting me."

"Plenty of time." Dawn smiles.

* * *

At the house, Willow and Faith are curled together on the couch. They kiss and caress as the movie plays. A soft growl from Buffy causes Willow to pull away slightly. Faith understands and snuggles into her arms. The blonde Slayer stands and leaves the room. Willow looks at way. "I should go talk to her."

Faith doesn't let her go, "I don't think so. She's okay."

"She's all lonely." The redhead looks sad.

"Mostly," Faith agrees. "She's gonna have to work on it herself, though. It's okay for you to be happy Will."

"I am you know?" She presses a soft kiss to Faith's lips.

"So am I." They kiss again. As they pull apart, Buffy walks back in with a bowl of chips. "Hey, not sharing?"

Buffy rolls her eyes. "No," she pouts still.

Willow grins, "Buffy?"

"Fine." She reaches the chips toward them. Faith takes a handful just as the door bell rings.

Xander calls from the hallway. "I got it." He walks toward the door and starts to open it just as both Buffy and Faith jog in. "What? I can answer the door. I don't think evil knocks." He chides.

"Still..." Buffy says softly as Willow walks in. Xander opens the door and stares at the man there. "Ah, Principal Wood."

"Buffy, I hope it's okay to just drop by."

"Ah, well, sure. We were watching a movie. You can join us. Right?" She looks around at her friends who all nod, except Xander.

"I don't want to interrupt your date," Wood starts.

Buffy laughs, "Date? No, no dating here, well except them," she waves toward Willow and Faith, "And mostly we just try to ignore them. Right Xander?"

"Right. It's hard, but we try." Xander attests.

"Hey!" Willow pouts.

The man smiles at their playfulness and comes inside. The door is closed and all go back into the living room. "You want something to drink?"

"That would be great, thank you."

Willow walks toward Buffy, "I'll help." She and the blonde Slayer leave the room.

Faith stares at the man in the room her, Slayer senses a little wonky. "So, what's your deal?" She asks bluntly.

"Excuse me?"

"Why you here? D in some kinda trouble or are you just scopin' out B?"

"Or are you evil," adds Xander a bit uncertain.

The visitor becomes nervous at their questions. Faith, however, pushes for answers, unable to shake the tinglies. "Start by answering any of the questions. Just... start soon." She crosses her arms to her chest, the Slayer in her wanting to come out.

The man looks at her, almost a glare, as he speaks, "D? B? Is that some kind of code?"

Faith looks at Xander and he asks, "And you think we need code why?"

The tension in the air becomes thicker and Faith's Slayer growls a little as she steps closer. "Dawn, Buffy. The Summers sisters."

"Dawn has missed some school recently, but no, she's not in trouble. As for scoping out Buffy as you put it," he smiles. "Not really any of your business."

Again Faith's eyes meet Xander's. "It kinda is," Xander informs the man.

"How's that? She said you weren't dating." Wood asks.

Faith relaxes as she smiles. "I'll let you explain the why, Xan-Man. Missin' my girl." She starts toward the kitchen, then stops glaring at Robin before looking at the lone Scooby. "Ya don't like the answers he gives, just let me know." She gives the stranger one last scowl then leaves for the kitchen and her girl.

* * *

At the make out point, Kennedy slips over the seat as she crawls to the back. She leans back, her legs stretched out as she grins at the taller brunette trying to do the same. Dawn has a little trouble but manages to get to the back seat, though not as gracefully. Kennedy struggles not to laugh but is able to stay composed.

Dawn moves over her, straddling her hips as she eases her body onto Kennedy's, holding most of her weight with her forearms. The older teen moans at the feel of her girl so close. Their lips meet in a gentle kiss. Dawn pulls back just a little to look into her girl's eyes. She starts to speak but stops as her eyes tear just a little. She shakes her head and leans back in kissing her again. This kiss is more, everything. It says what the teen is unable to voice with words. As she pulls back this time, she touches Kennedy's cheek with her finger tips. "I love you," she whispers. The unshed tears shine in her eyes.

Her lover brushes her thumbs against the younger teen's cheeks, then leans up just enough to press their lips together. "I love you," she breaths out as the kiss ends. "Come'ere," she adds.

Dawn's forehead rests on Kennedy's, their hands still caressing faces as they both bask in the surreal moment. Time seems to stand still as their lips touch yet again. Mouths open and close together as they pour all that they are into the kiss, trying to express so much. Finally when air is no longer available to them they break apart, both gasp-panting as they try to bring in air but neither moves away from the other too far. Fingers still stroke, almost as if there is something holding them there.

When heart rates slow and lungs aren't burning as badly kissing begins once more. Slow, sensual before need finds its way in and the tone changes. Kennedy sits up, in affect causing Dawn to sit on her lap before she lowers her to the seat. The younger teen's legs wrapping around her without thought.

Kennedy's lips find Dawn's neck and soft moans begin to fill the car. Fingers slip the buttons one by one from their holes. Hands map the smooth skin as it is exposed. "Yes!" gasps out the Key as Kennedy's hand cups her bra covered breast. She arches into the touch and groans at the sensations her lover causes deep inside her.

* * *

At the Summers' house, Xander still isn't sure about Principal Wood. He shivers at the thought of past Sunnydale High leaders. Principal Snyder eaten by the large snake at graduation and Principal Flutie eaten by... Xander shakes the thoughts away. Thankful he hadn't joined in the feast. He eyes the man sitting across from him.

Robin, Principal Wood, is a little uncomfortable too. The silence unnerving. "Think they need help in the kitchen?"

Xander glances that way. "No, pretty sure they can handle it."

Buffy walks in with drinks, "Here you go." She hands them to Robin and then Xander. Each thank her and she sits on the couch arm next to Xander and turns her eyes to Robin. "So, I hadn't had a chance to call..."

Robin takes a drink, his throat dry, "I was wondering if you needed a job?"

Xander and Buffy both look surprised. "Job?" Asks the blonde.

"I could use some help at the school. Counselor type stuff."

"I don't... I mean, me?"

"I'm kinda desperate." Buffy rolls her eyes. He amends, "That came out wrong."

"Really?" She grins.

"We keep losing staff..." as his words continue, the scene fades.

In the kitchen, Willow and Faith are kissing softly. Faith pulls back and Willow smiles slightly, "Why'd the kissing stop?" Asks the redhead. Faith looks toward the door unable to distract her Slayer self, even with the lips of her girl. Willow touches her face and Faith settles her eyes on her witch. "Don't trust him?"

Faith shakes her head, "Got a bad feeling."

"Then we should..."

Faith's lips are on hers again. She smiles as she breaks the kiss after a long few minutes. Both are out of breath. She gives an explanation when the redhead raises an eyebrow, unable to find words. "Makin' sure you don't forget where we were, for later."

Willow smiles and bites at her bottom lip, "Not likely that'll happen."

"I'm just sayin'..." Before she can finish, the door bursts open and Bringers fill the room. "I hate when I'm right." She grabs the closest one and tosses him back into the others. "Get Buffy!"

Willow yells, "Buffy!"

Faith growls and moves to keep them away from the witch. A couple of would be Slayers come down the steps and Bringers run for them. They scream and turn to go back up the steps as Buffy enters the room.

"Will?" But her words stop as she begins to fight. Bringers continue to pour in, more running up the stairs. Faith takes off after them.

Out front, Kennedy pulls up in Xander's car. She turns it off and looks across at Dawn. They share a soft kiss. "It's late, we should probably go inside."

Dawn notices the lights on, "Yeah, it looks like they're waiting up on us."

They share another kiss, this one a little more intense. They are both breathing hard as they pull back. Kennedy caresses her cheek with her hand. "Don't wanna go inside," she admits as she lets her fingers trail from Dawn's cheek to her neck and then down the front of her body.

She gasps as her girl's touch arouses her again. "Need to though," she manages as her breathing increases. She leans her forehead against Kennedy's and licks her own lips as her Potential continues to tease her body.

Kennedy stops her hand on the band of Dawn's pants, her fingers dipping inside. "I know." She pouts a little, then brushes a feather light kiss to her lover's lips and moves her hand away.

"Maybe we can snuggle on the couch later." Dawn says softly.

Kennedy smiles and nods as she opens her door. "Sounds good." She slips out and around to the other side to open Dawn's door. She takes her hand as she gets out and they walk up the sidewalk, toward the house.

However, before they reach the steps to the porch, Kennedy feels Dawn's hand on her stomach. She looks up into lustful eyes. "What are you doing?" She asks with a little grin as Dawn backs her against the tree, in the shadow of the house.

"Think you'll figure it out," Dawn smirks back as she lets her hands travel her girl's body.

The older girl takes her hand, holding still against her chest. "This is not a good idea." Dawn leans in and begins to kiss her neck.

"We're so gonna get caught," she half pants out as the lips tantalize her skin.

"Don't care."

"All I needed to know." Kennedy lets Dawn's hand go and immediately it continues its mission to tease. They get lost in each other.

A few seconds later, Buffy with a Bringer in tow, comes crashing through the window and onto the porch, then into the yard. The scene plays out, the new lovers, unaware.

As Kennedy's hands caress Dawn's body, Buffy growls out in frustration. More Bringers join in the fray. "If you could stop making out with my little sister, I could use a hand here!" Buffy informs the Potential.

The making out registers in Kennedy's foggy brain, then the rest of the words soak in slowly. She finally pulls away, "Bringers," she mumbles as Dawn tries to kiss her again. "Bringers! Shit!" Her body snaps to attention and she quickly assesses the situation. She sees Buffy fighting three Bringers and more flooding the yard. She starts toward the Slayer but stops. "Dawnie?"

"I'm okay-help Buffy." The younger girl states with certainty.

With her girl's words Kennedy jumps in. The Slayer and the Potential fight side by side. Bringers fall but more replace them. Buffy speaks as she battles. "Gotta get back inside to the others."

They work their way that direction. Dawn is slipping unnoticed that way too, when suddenly another no eyed visitor runs toward her, knife drawn. Buffy and Dawn see it at the same time, but the Potential is closer. "Dawnie!" Yells the Slayer as Kennedy runs full speed at the Bringer. As his knife slices toward Dawn the Potential dives into the air. She knocks her girl to the ground, taking her place as the weapon finds its mark.

Kennedy cries out as the pain travels through her body. She crumbles into a heap on the ground.

"Kennedy!" Dawn grabs a stick from the ground as she stands and strikes the Bringer repeatedly. She doesn't stop until she feels hands taking her weapon away. When she realizes it's Buffy, she begins to cry, then kneels beside her blood covered lover.

Looking up again she sees dead Bringers littering the yard and Faith standing there, a knife in each hand. She looks to her girl then her sister. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Faith sprint back toward the house.

"Stupid Slayer, how could I just-" the Rogue tears through the opened door to find Willow staring at Principal Wood. Around him are five bodies of dead or dying Bringers. She bristles and goes into Slayer protect mode as she stands between the man and her redhead. "Red, you okay? What's up?"

Willow just stares at the man then looks to her Slayer, "He fights like, well, you?" The Slayer raises an eyebrow and the witch amends, "Ah... well... ah... Buffy... I mean... Slayers."

Faith looks at Willow, then back at Wood. She scowls and steps toward him, the knives still in her hands forgotten at the moment. "Guys can't be Slayers, so that leaves vamps, demons or worse. So, which is it, pal?" she growls.

Xander walks in and sees her step closer with the bloody knives, "Faith?" No answer. "Everyone okay?"

Before anyone can respond, a frantic Dawn comes in with Buffy who is carrying an injured Kennedy. "First aid kit now." Buffy orders and the man goes after it. The Slayer puts the teenager on the couch and Willow walks toward them. "Gotta get the bleeding stopped."

Willow stands next to her. "Let me." She pulls off her blouse and presses it to the wound. Buffy moves to Dawn and the young woman collapses in her arms.

"She'll be okay." Buffy states.

"It looks bad." Dawn cries.

Xander runs in with the kit and gives it to the witch. As Willow works and Dawn calms a little, the Slayer notices for the first time that Faith is standing behind Wood with a knife at his neck. Memories flood back. "Faith?"

Willow looks up as she hears the name and her eyes go large.

Chapter 13

Dawn is out of Buffy's arms and at her girl's side with his words. Sitting next to her she caresses her face and tears fall from blue eyes. "Don't you leave me. Don't."

Kennedy's eyes flutter open. "Dawnie."

"Hey baby. You stay awake. Promise me."

"Try," she says her word weak and pained. "Hurts." Her breath comes is gasps.

Wood speaks, "Her lung is collapsing."

Dawn looks his way and Faith holds him tighter as he tries to move. "Don't you fuckin' move."

The older Slayer addresses the younger. "Faith! Okay, just relax and take a step back."

Faith shakes her head, "I don't think so B. He fuckin' killed like five Bringers by himself. Somethin' ain't right with that."

Buffy looks at Wood with a raised eyebrow and the man claims, "I can explain."

Willow states nervously, "Now would be a good time."

Buffy adds, "She likes knives."

He starts his story, "My mother, she was a Slayer."

"A what- who- huh?" Xander says looking up from Kennedy.

"A Slayer,"' he repeats. "After she was killed, her Watcher raised me, taught me."

Xander repeats, "Your mother, a Slayer?"

"She needs medical attention now." Robin states.

Willow checks the wound, carefully moving the shirt Xander holds on it. "How bad?" Buffy asks.

The witch glances at Dawn then back to the blonde. "Deep... gonna need stitches... might have hit an organ."

"Punctured her lung," says the principal.

"Hospital?" Buffy asks the redhead ignoring the man. The witch nods.

Faith answers, "She ain't gonna like that."

"She'll get over it," Dawn says.

"Car Xander." Buffy orders.

"On it," says the man as he goes toward the door.

Kennedy's breathing becomes more labored. "She can't breath." The principal states.

Dawn looks at him and Buffy glares, "We'll get her help."

"She needs help now."

"Will?" Buffy asks. Her best friend centers herself and puts a hand on Kennedy's side. She concentrates sending a wave of healing magic. *It's not going to be fast enough.* She sends to Buffy.

Buffy glances at Dawn, she knows what another loss would do to her sister. She turns to Woods. "You know what to do?"

He nods, "I need plastic, like a trash bag... and tape. Medical tape of some kind would be best." He moves toward Kennedy.

Willow stands and he takes her place. The redhead notices the blood covering her for the first time. The witch's mind races with flashes of Tara, her girl dying, then dead in her arms. She can feel the blood on her face and hands. Tears slip down her cheeks, but she wipes them away. Faith realizes where her girl has gone and moves to wrap her up tight in her arms as her redhead sobs against her chest.

Dawn watches Buffy leave to get what Woods' needs. She tries to control her tears but fails. Vi moves to her and cautiously puts a hand on her shoulder.

Buffy returns and Robin begins to work. Soon Kennedy's labored breathing calms a little. Buffy carefully picks her up and looks at the man. "You come with us. Faith you and Will keep an eye on things here."

"Got it covered B, no worries."

Buffy looks at the other Slayer, "You need me, Willow knows how to reach me." With those words she leaves with the injured girl in her arms.

* * *

At the hospital, Dawn, Xander, Buffy and Robin Wood wait. It seems as though they have been waiting for hours, when Dawn stands and walks toward the door Kennedy was rushed through. Buffy stands but it is Xander who speaks as he does the same. "I'll talk to her, you watch him, still not sure I trust him." He doesn't wait for an answer, he just goes over to the upset young woman.

Dawn cries as she feels his hands on her shoulders. "What's taking so long?"

Xander speaks softly, "They're just checking her over really good, so no surprises later."

She thinks about his words and nods. "Yeah, okay, that makes sense."

"It does, why don't we go get something to drink. A little caffeine maybe?"

"I don't want to leave, what if she-she needs me?" Dawn says, her eyes never leaving the door. "What if the doctor comes out?"

Xander gives up on his plan, realizing the teen isn't going to leave. "Okay," he pulls her body to his as he hugs her. "Then we'll wait right here together."

She nods as she lets her head rest on his shoulder.

* * *

At the house, Willow sits in the living room, her eyes stare at the couch, Kennedy's blood now dried there. She begins to cry, slow tears that become faster as she looks down at her own clothes blood smeared on them. With shaking hands she tries to rub it away.

Faith walks in, "When you gotta work so hard with the clean up, makes you appreciate vamps. They just blow in the wind, "She clammers before she sees the upset witch. "Red?" She gets no answer, she just sees the wipe frantically at the stains, only succeeding in spreading the drying blood to her hands. "Willow?"

"No, no, no, not again. Not again. "She shakes her head almost violently. "No-" she sobs.

Faith moves to her and wraps her in her arms. Willow tries to wrestle away. "Will, listen to me. Shhh, Red. It's okay. It's okay."

"It's not, it's not okay she's dead. She's dead."

"No, she's not. She'll be fine."

The witch's head drops to Faith's shoulder as her hands tangle in the Slayer's jacket. "Tara," she mumbles. "Tara, please baby come back." She sobs harder. "Don't leave me. Don't leave me."

Understanding hits the Slayer hard. The night brought back bad memories for her girl. She was reliving Tara's death. The blood, the fear all too much for her right now. Faith picks her up, Willow holds to her tightly. "Come on let's get you cleaned up." She carries her up the stairs, the redhead's face buried against her neck, tears covering her shoulder. "Shhh. It'll be okay. I promise Red. I promise."

* * *

At the hospital, Buffy and Dawn stand as the doctor comes out of the room and over to them. "The surgery went well."

Dawn nods as more tears fall. Buffy puts a hand on her sister's shoulder. "So she's out of danger?" Asks the Slayer.

"She still has some recovering to do, but barring any unforeseen setbacks she should be home in a couple of days."

"Can I see her?" Dawn questions.

"She's in recovery. When we have her settled in a room someone will come and get you."

Dawn nods and Buffy hugs her as the younger girl leans against her. "Thank you," she tells the doctor and the man leaves.

The Key cries relieved tears. She looks up, her eyes fall on Robin. "Thank you."

The man nods, "Glad I was there to help."

Buffy looks at her sister, "Let's get some hot tea, then you'll feel better. Don't want her to worry about you do you?" Dawn shakes her head and the two of them leave together.

Xander turns to look at Robin, "Your mother, she was really a-"

"Yes. I want to help fight the good fight."

"Plenty for you to do, but we can work out the details later," states the Scooby.

The son of a Slayer smiles a little, "So, Buffy isn't seeing anyone, right?"

Xander smiles and shakes his head. "Nope, not for a while."

* * *

A little later Faith walks out of the bathroom, Willow next to her, the redhead is wrapped snuggly in a towel-her wet hair hanging down her shoulders. Faith leads her to the bed and sits next to her. She rubs the red locks with the towel she is carrying and then begins to brush it gently. "We'll get you in your pajamas and you can get some rest 'kay?" Willow doesn't respond. Faith looks into her eyes, leaning ever so close to her girl. "Hey, this is gonna be 5x5 before ya know it. Just gotta trust me." She presses a kiss to her forehead.

The once Rogue stands in front of her witch and holds out her hand. Willow finally takes it and stands facing her. "Faith?"

"Yeah Red?"

"No clothes okay?"

The Slayer smirks, "I'll vote for that." She touches her cheek, then moves to turn down the covers on the bed. "Okay, in ya go." Playfully she takes the redhead's towel as she starts to lie down. Willow looks up at her, her eyes still haunted. "Get all comfy." She waits for her girl to lie down before pulling up the covers. "Get some rest Will."

"Stay with me?"

"Yeah, ya got it." Faith sits next to her, her fingers stroking her half dry hair.

Willow takes her hand. "Under the covers with me?"

Faith smiles and crawls in next to her girl. "Better?" Willow nods but only halfheartedly. "What's wrong?"

"Clothes," she says softly. Still under the covers Faith shimmies till her clothes lay in a pile next to the bed. She wraps Willow in her arms so that they are skin to skin. "Better," Willow states in a whispers.

Faith holds her tight, pressing her lips to her temple. "Got ya, now close your eyes."

Willow does but only seconds later they open again. The images flashing behind the closed lids too much for her. She holds her lover tighter.

* * *

At the hospital Dawn walks into Kennedy's room. The Potential has oxygen tubes in her nose and I.V.s in her arm. The younger woman stops at the door as she fights to control the fear rising in her. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she moves to her girl's side. She lets her hand rest gently on Kennedy's arm, the fingers of her other hand trace against her girl's cheek. Dark eyes open and look up at her. Dawn smiles. "Hey." She leans down and brushes her lips over her lover's forehead.

Kennedy's eyes flutter but she forces them to stay open. "Hey," she licks her dry lips. "What happened?"

"Your lung collapsed but the doctor fixed it, you'll be okay, just have to take it easy for a while."

"Can't. Got to fight." She tries to sit up but the pain is too much. She whimpers, her eyes closing.

"See, that's what happens when you don't listen to me." She kisses Kennedy's forehead again. "No fighting, just resting and getting better so we can go home."

"I have to stay here?" She looks back into Dawn's eyes.

"For a few days at least." She picks up the water pitcher and fills it as she sees her girl lick her lips again. "Here, take a drink." She holds it to Kennedy's lips and helps her raise enough to sip. She does then lays back down. "Now sleep, I'll be right here."

"Not safe here." She says as her eyes close again.

"We are, Buffy's right outside." She presses her lips to her girl's. "Now sleep."

The combination of the drugs, the pain and her weakened state keep her from protesting. Her mind knows that Buffy here, makes those at home more susceptible to attacks-less safe, but her injured body keeps her words unspoken. "Okay," is all she can manage as she feels the sleep overtake her.

Dawn holds her hand as she sits at the bedside. She looks to the door as it opens and she sees her sister.

"How's she doing?" Buffy asks softly.

"She's really weak." Dawn fights tears.

Buffy walks in and puts a hand on her shoulder. "It'll take time, but the doctor said she'd be okay."

"I know it's just... it's hard to see her like this. She's usually all with the teasing and the flirting."

"And she'll be her annoying self soon enough," Buffy teases with a wink.

Dawn rolls her eyes, "She's not annoying. Spoiled yes, but not annoying." Dawn runs her hand along Kennedy's arm. "She saved me." The tears fall. "She's hurt because she saved me."

"She loves you, she protected you." Buffy says.

"Yeah, but... I could have lost her."

"But you didn't." Buffy hugs her sister. "Why don't you let Xander take you home? I'll stay with her."

"No, I want to be here, when she wakes up I want to be here."

"Figured as much, told them to go on back." Buffy smiles. "I'll be in the waiting room across the hall if you need me." She turns to go.

"Buffy?" Dawn says softly.

"Yeah, Dawnie." She faces her sister and the younger woman stands.

"I love her."

"I know." Buffy says with a smile.

"And I... we..." she tries to get the courage to confess the words to her sister. "We've..." she stops.

Buffy nods her understanding, "I know that too." A little smile finds her lips.

"How?" Dawn squeaks unsure of Buffy's reaction.

"I kinda figured it out." She shrugs and grins. "But don't tell Willow or Xander, okay? They're having too much fun thinking I'm clueless."

Dawn tries to smile at the words but can't manage one. She is too worried about what her sister will do. "Are you..." Dawn looks down.

"I'm not gonna yell, but when she's feeling better, I want the three of us to talk."

"Okay." She nods. "Okay, talking when she's up to it." She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Got it, check."

Kennedy mumbles in obvious pain, and they both turn their attention to her. "Dawn..." she pants out.

The young Key leans down closer to hear better, "What is it Kennedy?"

"Thirsty," she says softly.

Dawn gets the glass and holds it to her lips letting her take small sips. She sets it down. "Better?"

"Yeah," the brunette's eyes close again.

Dawn looks back toward Buffy to find her gone. She sits next to her girl, holding her hand as she sleeps.

* * *

That night at the Summers' house, Willow sleeps a fitful sleep. She tosses and turns, mumbling as her mind is overrun with images of Tara. As the scene plays again the woman changes, no longer her blonde witch but her Slayer that takes the bullet and lies dying in her arms. "Faith!" She screams and sits up in bed.

The Dark Slayer is instantly awake beside her, scanning the room for trouble before pulling her witch into a tight hug as she realizes it was another nightmare. "Shhh, Red, it's okay. I was just a bad dream." She presses a kiss to her temple.

Willow pulls away, "It-it was real. He-he shot you and you were in my arms bleeding and-" she can't control the tears that run down her cheeks.

"Look Will, I'm right here. See?" She takes her lover's hand and places it on her bare chest over her heart. "Feel-see, I'm okay." She looks into her eyes.

Willow sniffs and nods a little. "It was-it was so real."

"Just a bad dream," she lays back down. "Come here," she pulls the redhead onto her body until every possible point is touching, wraps her arms around her and kisses the top of her head. "You're stuck with me."

"Promise?" Willow asks in a tiny voice as her head rests on her girl's chest.

"Count on it Red."

"'Kay," she moves just a little so that she can hear the steady thump thud of Faith's heart under her ear.

Faith feels her relax on top of her and kisses her head again. "Now sleep, I'll be right here."

Willow's eyes close and she lets the rhythm take her away. Faith allows her eyes to close when she feels her witch's breathing become even, knowing her is finally asleep. "I got you Red." She tightens her hold just a little.

* * *

The morning finds Dawn sleeping with her head on Kennedy's bed. Her eyes flutter open as she feels fingers playing with her hair. She sits up and is surprised when her eyes meet her Slayer-to-be's. "Hey." She can't help but smile.

"Hey." Kennedy answers back.

She moves her head over Kennedy and kisses her lips gently, "How ya feeling?"

"Been better, but not as bad as last night."

"That's good." She caresses her cheek. "I was worried."

"Sorry about that," the older girl tells her, her eyes reflecting her words.

"Don't do it again," Dawn states, a little tease in her words.

"Try not, but I couldn't let'em hurt you."

"Yeah, need to thank you for that." She kisses her softly.

"Nice," she smiles as she opens her eyes that had involuntarily closed. She musters a grin. "Maybe you can thank me again when I'm feeling better?"

Dawn nods and smiles, "About that," she rolls her eyes. "Buffy knows."

"Knows?" Kennedy asks unsure.

"Knows that we made love." She caresses her cheek with the back of her hand.

The young woman is nervous, "Was she... did she... should I try to sneak out of here before she comes back?"

"No, she was pretty calm actually. She said she wanted to talk when you were feeling better."

Kennedy feigns more pain, "Might be a long time before..."

Dawn stops her words with a kiss that is more passionate than the others they have shared this morning. "It's okay. She's not gonna yell, she promised."

"Good, I don't like yelling."

"I know." She caresses her cheek. "You want some breakfast?"

"Sleep, I think. Breakfast later." Her eyes flutter, then close.

"Then sleep," she takes her hand and lays her head on Kennedy's shoulder once she sits back down. Within minutes the injured woman is sleeping soundly.

* * *

Later, Buffy walks into the hospital room to find the teenagers sound asleep. Dawn's head still on Kennedy's shoulder and her hand resting protectively on the Potential's surgically repaired side. She frowns a little at the soft green light that seems to glow there. She steps forward for a closer look, bumping into a cart as she does.

The noise causes both girls to wake up and when she sees Buffy Dawn's hand slips away from Kennedy as she sits up. "Buffy?" She questions still not fully awake.

"Sorry, go back to sleep, I was just checking to make sure everything was okay."

Without further thought Dawn's head finds its resting place and her eyes close. Kennedy however looks nervously at the Slayer. "Talk now?"

The Slayer looks into the weakened eyes of the younger woman. "Later, rest now."

Kennedy nods and lets her eyes close. Buffy watches the two for a few minutes before slowly working her way quietly out of the room.

* * *

Over the heart of the Hellmouth, protected by the new school that covers it, evil works. A young girl strapped to a giant ceremonial wheel fights against her restraints to get away. Her attempts however are futile. The Bringer cuts her upper chest and her sides leaving symbols in the skin. The blood drips slowly from the victim and onto the seal below.

As more cuts are made and the blood continues its journey, the room begins to shake and the seal starts to open slowly. *Buffy* smiles as the creature rises into view. "Yes, my warrior, come forth. Arise," the evil smiles.

The prehistoric demon hisses and shrieks as it rises and steps into the room. Bald, fanged and looking much like the vampires of silent movie lore the creature turns, razor-sharp eyes taking in the room. "That's right, drink, feast! There is work to be done."

The Turok-Han begins to devour the helpless girl, drinking her life from her. *Buffy* looks on, an evil smile forming on her lips. The embodiment of The First enjoys the scene before it.

The creature looks to the other girls, five more, chained helplessly to the walls and starts toward the them. "Stop," instructs The First. "There is more work to be done, others to join us now while the threat is distracted."

The Bringers pull another girl from her chains and drag her to the wheel. As the dead girl falls to the floor she is replaced by the living, the ritual to begin again until warriors fill the night.

* * *

Buffy sits in the hospital waiting room. She stares at the door to Kennedy's room, her senses open, listening for any problems. She can't seem to shake away a nagging feeling that has rooted itself into her heart and mind. She takes her cell phone out of her pocket and dials. The phone is answered on the second ring. "Yeah," states Faith.

"Faith?"

"It's me, B, what's up?"

"I'm not sure. Just a bad feeling."

"Yeah. Felt it too, B. It ain't good. Something major and us all divided up... It just ain't good."

"Keep an eye on things, okay? We'll be home by breakfast."

"How you gonna... magic. I'll wake Willow."

With those words the conversation ends and the Slayers go to work. Buffy moves towards the young Potential's room.

Chapter 14

Dawn looks up at them unsure, "What's going on?" She asks quietly.

Willow smiles a smile that she tries to make reassuring. "Just thought I'd help the healing along, maybe, at least try."

The Key looks from the witch to the Slayer, "Why? What aren't you telling me?"

Buffy moves closer to the teens, "We just want to get her home as soon as possible, right?"

Kennedy's eyes open as she has been listening to the conversation, "It's okay baby, guessing the Slayers have a bad feeling." Her eyes meet Buffy's, "Trouble?"

"Not sure, but we think having everyone together will make things safer."

"You're right, I've been thinking that all along." She looks to the redhead, "So you've come to bust me out?"

"After a little witchy healing." The witch smiles at the Potential, then looks to her friend. "You keep an eye on the door, no surprise visitors."

Buffy nods and moves to look out. "All clear."

Dawn watches unsure as she lets her fingers tangle with Kennedy's. "This isn't gonna hurt her is it?"

Kennedy leans up, to her surprise almost pain free, as she lets her lips touch Dawn's, "I'm okay, feeling pretty good actually." She says as she rests her head back on the bed.

Willow raises the girl's top to see the stitches and notices that the wound is closing already. "Buff-" the blonde Slayer moves to her. They all look at the young would be Slayer's side.

Buffy raises an eyebrow, "You think it's from the spell you tried at the house when she was really bad, before we brought her here?"

"Maybe, yeah. Or maybe potential Slayers have some of the Slayer abilities before they're called."

Dawn looks at them, "You two gonna ogle my girlfriend or what?" She says with a smile for the first time in days.

Willow blushes, "So not ogling." She shakes her head, "Purely, medical observation."

"Uh huh, checking out her abs-" the teen's words causing Kennedy to giggle a little.

Buffy smiles and rolls her eyes at her sister then the Slayer seeks out Willow, getting back to business, "So, what do ya think Will?"

"Nice abs-" she mutters without really realizing it till she sees all three stare. "Ah- I-I think well that- we should just go home now." A red hue coming from her face.

The blonde laughs, "Love that shade on you Will." The words trigger a memory, the green color she saw in the room the night before. She files it away to discuss with the others later, not wanting to cause more worry for the teens.

"I'll get someone to start the paper work," says the witch just wanting to escape the teasing.

Buffy shakes her head, "No paper work, too many questions."

Kennedy smiles, "So we're really are gonna breakout? Cool!"

Dawn shakes her head, "No, I'm sure that's not what she means. You'll need medicine and the oxygen and- an-" she looks around at the others as her words stop. She frowns, "Buffy?"

"We have all she needs set up at home, we need out of here." her sister replies.

Kennedy seeing the concern squeezes her girl's hand, "I'm a lot better." They share a kiss, "I'd rather you take care of me."

Dawn smiles and then teases, "Not the nurse you were checking out earlier?"

"I wasn't checking out the nurse," Kennedy mildly protests.

Dawn giggles, "I love the way your eyes get all big, when you get nervous."

"Meanie," pouts the teen.

Willow and Buffy exchange a glance, the blonde nods. "One little glamour coming up." Willow concentrates and within seconds Kennedy, in the eyes of those who see her, is the nurse they were just discussing.

"That's just wrong," Dawn squeaks.

"What?" Kennedy questions.

"I'll explain Willow's not sense of humor later." She helps her girl remove the I.V. "Let's get you out of here."

"Just walk Don't you think there should be more stealth?" The Slayer to be asks as she gets up. Dawn and the others shake their heads. "Then ah... maybe more clothes?" Asks the teen as she feels the draft from the back of the hospital gown.

Dawn grins as she looks at her girl's butt, "Liking the view personally."

"Dawn Summers!" Buffy playfully chastises.

Kennedy rolls her eyes and then gives Willow a thankful look as the redhead gives her a robe. The group heads out the door.

* * *

At the house, the Scoobies are gathered in the living room. Buffy looks the people who help her keep the world in one piece, she thinks of how much they all have endured. She knows that this, this fight will cause more heartache and hardships for them, this fight will take more than any before it. "Guys this is the part where I say, this is bad, really bad."

Xander smiles, "World ending apocalypse generally not good Buff." He grins at her.

"True," she relays. "But this one could be worse then the others."

Willow, who holds Faith's hand looks at the blonde Slayer, "Are you saying we could lose?"

Faith shakes her head, "No way we lose. Two Slayers, an ass kicking witch... this beastie don't know what he's messin' with."

Buffy looks at the other Slayer, but it is Giles who speaks. "We are facing an evil like we've never faced before. It has no physical body, without a body it can not die."

The gang exchange a few unsure looks then Willow speaks, "We always win, we find a way, it's what we do." She moves from Faith and walks across the room. Picking up a book from the shelf she turns to her friends. "We research, find the hidden prophecy or ritual or whatever, then we just beat it." She sits with the book at the table.

Xander smiles and stands, "She's right, it's what we do." He goes to the shelf and takes down a book as well, with a grin he sits next to his childhood friend. The redhead smiles at him.

Buffy shakes her head and looks at Faith with a little grin and a raised brow, "Don't look at me," informs the Rogue. "I don't mess with books. What'd ya say we go get us one of the guys with the pointy knives and the ABC eyes, then torture his ass till he talks?"

"One of us should stay here." Buffy says.

"Ain't gonna be me Twinkie."

Buffy scowls at the name. "I'm not-" she starts.

Faith stands and goes to the weapons chest. She finds a crossbow and a knife. "This should work."

Giles stands and looks at the younger Slayer. "You shouldn't be alone." He picks out an axe as his eyes meet the Dark Slayer's.

Faith nods, "Okay Tweed. Just don't go getting yourself hurt."

Giles rolls his eyes, "Of course not."

"Stay close."

Giles sighs, exasperated. "Right."

The two of them start for the door but Faith stops and goes over to Willow. She leans in kissing the redheaded witch. "Back in a flash."

"Be careful." Willow says softly.

"Everyday in every way," she says with a wink and a smirk. She turns and the Slayer and the Watcher leave the house.

Buffy picks up a text and sits with her friends, Scooby research about to hit full stride. Willow and Xander both smile as she sits down. "See," says the man. "Just like old times."

* * *

Upstairs, Dawn lies on the bed, Kennedy's head resting on her shoulder as the Potential sleeps. The teen rests her hand on her lover's wounded side and frowns unsure as she notices the green light that emanates from her hand. "What the-" she pulls her hand back and the light is gone. Experimenting she returns it and the light reappears. She stares at it and her hand, then carefully slides from under her girlfriend. She kisses her forehead gently and stands.

At the door she looks back one more time to make sure she is okay. Confused by what's happened, she starts down stairs.

* * *

Dawn joins the others in the living room. Willow looks up and smiles, "How's the patient?"

Dawn smiles too, "She's sleeping." She sits next to the redhead. "How's the research going?"

"Just started," Buffy answers.

"But we'll find a way to stop the trouble soon enough." Xander states.

Dawn looks away, then back at them. "I know there's a lot going on, I mean you don't tell me stuff cause you think I'm just a kid, but I know it's big."

"We'll be okay," Buffy assures her younger sister.

"I know that too, we always are in the end." She smiles at her sister. "But there's something you should know."

"What's wrong Dawnie?" Buffy asks, the Slayer in her ready to react.

She hesitates not sure how to proceed. Willow puts a hand on her shoulder. "Is it Kennedy?"

Dawn shakes her head, then shrugs- "Maybe but I'm not sure." She tries to decide how to explain it. "Just now, while I was holding her, there... there was this green light and it was coming from me." She seems scared. "And all I could think of was Tara. Remember when she said-said I was pure green energy?" Willow nods. "What if I still am?"

Buffy looks at her sister. "If you still are then I think it's probably good," she forces a nervous smile.

"Good how?" Dawn seems unsure.

"I'm not sure, I just know that when I saw it at the hospital it didn't set off my Slayery senses. No tingles equals not bad."

Dawn reacts badly, "You saw it and you didn't think that maybe I should know?" She is a little irritated.

"I didn't want you to worry," Buffy starts to explain.

Willow looks at the Slayer and so does Xander, "Is that why you wanted them home?" Asks the witch.

Buffy nods, "Just thought we should all be together while we figured it out."

"Okay, but how can we figure it out if you don't tell me, the we it's most likely about?"

"I'm sorry Dawnie. I thought you worrying about Kennedy was enough till we knew something for sure."

Dawn thinks about the words and then nods slowly, "Okay, that makes sense."

Xander asks, "Do you think our evil guy and the glowing green light are connected?"

"There's a possibility," the Slayer says. Willow moves to get another text, she returns with it and riffles through it as she stands at the table. "Wills?"

The book girl doesn't answer, just continues to search. A few seconds later she stops, then begins to read. "**The Evil that roams the Earth unhindered will be locked away by the power of Good.**"

All eyes fall on the redhead. "Locked away?" Asks Buffy.

Willow nods and moves to get another book as Xander voices what all are thinking. "Like with a key?"

"Maybe the Key?" Asks Dawn her voice soft, a bit of fear slipping in.

Buffy shakes her head vehemently, "No! A thousand times no even."

Dawn looks at her sister unsure. However, all eyes turn to Willow as she reads from yet another book. "**The Good will glisten green allowing the Power to be found and the Line to be altered.**"

The research girl picks up yet another book, "**The Crucial one and her mate will be key in turning back the always present.**" The redhead looks up, "There's more."

She picks up another book, turning the pages but Buffy places her hand on the witch's. "So starting to see a pattern. I really hate prophecies."

"Does this mean-" Dawn fights back her fear as she speaks. "Does it mean Glory's coming back?"

"Glory's dead, Dawn." Buffy says simply.

From the bottom of the stairs Kennedy speaks, "Who's Glory?"

Dawn turns, surprised to hear her girl, "No one." She lies, "No one important and why are you out of bed?" She moves to her.

Kennedy pouts a little, "I woke up all alone."

Buffy manages to roll her eyes, then Willow quips, "Poor baby."

Kennedy's pout grows as the older women speak, "Dawnie." She whines.

"Okay, meanies. Quit picking on my girlfriend." Dawn defends as she wraps an arm around the injured Slayer-to-be.

Xander laughs. "Think it's time to find food."

"Food?" Kennedy perks up.

"Brownies or popcorn?" Asks the man.

"Yes please," says the teen with a smile.

Again he laughs, then leaves the room to get some snacks.

* * *

Later Dawn and Kennedy have left the group but the others still research. "Anything that tells us what this Power is?" Buffy asks.

"Nadda," Xander states as he closes the book he is holding and picks up another.

Willow shakes her head negatively as well. "Giles may know something when he gets back."

Buffy picks up another book, "Till then let's keep looking."

Willow looks at the blonde not sure it will do any good but she nods and does as she is asked.

Xander asks, "Glory can't come back right?"

Buffy says, "I did."

"Yeah but that was Willow, she doesn't have a Willow."

The redheaded witch says softly, "Evil is the root of Dark Magicks. I'm not the only one that can-"

The Slayer interrupts, "Can we just research?"

Willow understands her friend's worry for her sister, "Absolutely, researching it is." She begins to read.

The man moves closer to Buffy and then wraps an arm around her, "Don't worry Buff, we're not gonna let anything happen to her."

Surprisingly the Slayer moves into Xander's arms and buries her face against his chest. He holds her and her words are a soft whisper. "I can't do that again."

Willow moves to them and hugs both, "It'll be okay. I promise Buff, nobody's gonna hurt her." Her words have an edge that the Slayer hasn't heard since her friends return. They were spoken by confident Willow, Big Gun Willow. Maybe just maybe the witch was back and ready for a battle. The Slayer relaxes in the arms of her friends.

* * *

Upstairs in Dawn's room the young couple lie spooned together. The younger is careful not the hold too tight, afraid she'll hurt Kennedy's side. The older speaks softly as she turns to face her girl, "So this Glory... girlfriend?" Kennedy grins playfully.

Dawn shakes her head, "So not." She turns serious any, "She was a god."

"Goddess... you mean, as in hot?" Misunderstands the teen.

"No, a god as in super strong, evil hell bitch." Dawn clarifies. A little shudder passes through her body as she remembers the things Glory did.

Kennedy pulls her closer, feeling the wave of worry in her girl. "But she's dead."

"Yep, Buffy killed her. Or at least that's what everyone told me. Didn't see it personally."

"You weren't there?" Kennedy is confused.

"Nope, I was kinda tied up somewhere else." Dawn looks away at the words, again remembering. She tries to stop the images but they come anyway. She is on the top of the tower, Doc there- the cuts- Spike trying to save her, then her sister jumping to stop the portal from becoming bigger-overtaking the world.

The Slayer-to-be gently turns Dawn's eyes back to hers and sees the worry and fear there. "Just guessing there's way more to this story, but if you don't want to talk about it you don't have to." She presses her lips to Dawn's forehead.

Dawn looks away, then back at her girl as she tries to find the words and stop the tears at the same time. "She ah... she kidnapped me."

Kennedy fights the anger that starts to build, "Damn good thing she's dead then or I'da had to kill her myself." She press her lips to Dawn's softly. "Nobody's gonna hurt my girl and get by with it."

Dawn smiles at the words and snuggles closer to Kennedy hoping not to have to explain anymore, at least not yet. "I'm okay, and you should rest," she tells her lover.

Kennedy pulls her tighter and kisses her cheek, "'Kay, if you're sure you're alright."

"I'm okay now," she smiles, "I'm with you."

With those words Kennedy smiles and lets her eyes slowly close.

* * *

The door opens and Giles enters. Noise follows as Faith grumbles as she drags in a Bringer. The others stand as they see this. "Mission accomplished I see," says Xander.

"Quite," the Watcher replies. "Though I'm not sure it's of much use."

They look unsure and Xander questions, "Why not?"

"The fucker can't talk, ain't got no tongue." She looks at her redhead. "They cut it out I guess."

"Now what?" Buffy speaks for the first time and the frustration seems to build.

Willow speaks, "There's a spell it might work. It'll take me a few minutes to get the ingredients together."

Faith smiles at her girl but her Slayer senses can tell Buffy's ready to explode. "Where you want him B?"

"Basement, should be rope down there you can tie him up with."

"That's a plan," she goes that direction and Xander follows. Once out of earshot the Rogue asks. "So Xan-Man what'd ya find that has Blondie ready to pounce?"

He looks at the brunette Slayer and starts to fill her in as they go down the basement stairs. "Seems there's a prophecy."

"That's just great, like we don't have enough shit goin' on." She jerks the Bringer down a few more steps as she growls. "Can't catch a fuckin' break can we?"

The man shakes his head but then adds, "Who knows, maybe this guy can help us out."

"Maybe." She says though she isn't sure she really feels like it will help.

* * *

Willow gets what she'll need for the spell from her room. Buffy helps her carry a few things, both are silent. "Will, I'll be down in a few minutes okay? I want to check on Dawn and Kennedy."

"Sure Buff, it'll take a while to get things set up." She takes the items her friend holds and goes down the steps. The Slayer watches her out of sight then walks toward her sister's room. As she approaches the door she hears a voice that sends chills through body. She jerks it open and stands dumbfounded as her brain tries to process what her eyes and ears see and hear.

"Where's my Key Dawnie," asks the slutty blonde god. "Where'd you hide it?"

Dawn stands beside the bed, unable to move her eyes locked on the hellgod all thought was dead.

"Dawnie?" Kennedy questions unsure as she gets out of the bed and stands between the woman and her girl.

Glory grins at the brunette, "Are you the Key?" She asks.

An evil laugh fills the room as the Hell god advances on the young would-be Slayer, hands poised to take her mind.

Dawn pales at the thought of Kennedy being hurt again because of her. "Stay away from her! I'm the Key, so come get me! I'm the Key remember?"

The Slayer hears the words, sees the blonde god grin and start for her little sister, so Buffy acts without thought. She runs at the woman and jumps, feet first through the air, bracing herself for the impact, determined to kill the bitch for good this time.

Chapter 15

Buffy growls as she gets to her feet, the form disappears. "Damn lopsided ass bitch-" spits out the Slayer.

Dawn goes to her sister, "Are you okay?"

"Fine. That blonde, she insinuated that I'm dumb! That just really hurts." She pouts.

Dawn smiles, "It's okay Buff, she's gone now so no more bad puns to be hurled your way."

The Slayer growls but then calms, "Are you two okay?"

Kennedy nods as she lowers herself back to the bed. "That was just freaky! I mean, she's dead right, I mean the real one? She can't take Dawnie again?"

"Good and dead-" Buffy states. "She's not hurting anyone ever again," she pouts and rubs her back. "Unless you count half-cocked Slayers who go flying into walls." She groans, "Ouch."

Dawn smiles, "Want some ice?"

"No," she continues to pout.

"A back rub?"

"No-" she rolls her eyes.

"Buffy?" Comes a shout from the hallway. Giles comes into the room. "I heard a loud crash."

Kennedy giggles as Dawn sits down next to her. Buffy shoots them both a death glare and they are silent. "It was The First playing games."

Dawn grins, "Buffy forgot the whole non corporeal thing, kinda hit the wall."

"I see," grimaces the former Watcher. "Well if it's been handled then Willow is ready for us."

Kennedy tries to stand again but Dawn's hand on her leg stops her, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I want to help." Her sad brown eyes meet Dawn's blue.

"Not gonna work so just turn'em off, you need to rest."

"I'm better-" Kennedy tries.

Buffy actually feels sorry for the Slayer-to-be. "She can sit in the basement, what can it hurt?"

"Pleaseeeeeee," begs the girl as she bats her eyes at the Key.

She shakes her head, but gives in, "Fine. You can sit, but no doing anything else."

"I won't." Kennedy stands with a shiny smile. The group starts out the door, the young Potential and her girl a little slower then the others.

* * *

Later Kennedy sits in the living room alone. She shivers as the memories of what just took place return to her mind. She tries hard to shake them away but they keep haunting. That thing, that creature that embodied evil spoke through her, his threatening words sounded like her voice. How could that happen? Did it mean she was evil? Should she leave Sunnydale, would it keep the others safe?

The questions swirl in her mind and she is lost, unsure of what to do. Buffy and Giles assured her that it was the spell, it gave the Bringer a voice and that it choose hers was of no consequence. It meant nothing, only that maybe her weakened state gave it the opportunity. She wanted to believe the words but what if they were wrong?

She jumps startled as a hand touches her shoulder. She grimaces and holds her side as she tries to calm herself realizing it is only Dawn. "Sorry sweetie, I didn't mean to sneak." Her girl apologizes. "You okay? Should I get some more pain medicine?"

"I'm fine." Kennedy lies as she lets her eyes close briefly, before letting them meet those of the worried teenager.

"So what was the deep thinking?" She sits next to her Slayer-to-be.

"Nothing you should worry about," she tries a smile though she knows instantly Dawn isn't believing it or her as she watches her lover raise a questioning brow. "It was freaky, ya'know?"

"I bet." Dawn nods. "But it doesn't mean anything. You heard Giles."

"What if he's wrong?" Kennedy's eyes search hers.

"Giles?" She looks amazed. "Wrong? You're kidding right?" Dawn leans in and kisses her forehead. "Watcher type dudes, never wrong."

Kennedy manages a smile that's a little more real, "Never?"

"Nope never, at least not since I've known him." She lies just a little.

Kennedy leans into Dawn's arms as they surround her, "It was icky-" she pouts a bit. "I feel like he was inside me." She shivers again.

Dawn kisses her temple, "We'll get lots of mouthwash and there can gargling till you feel all better." She promises her girl.

Kennedy smiles at the words of her girl, "Okay, but can we do that now cause I really want to kiss you, but without Bringer breath."

Dawn can't hold back the laughter that follows the words. "Bringer breath. You silly girl, come on and we'll get rid of it." She stands and holds her hand down for her Potential to take.

Kennedy takes her hand and stands next to her. "Dawn?" She says softly.

"What is it?" She looks into worried brown eyes.

"What if I'm bad?" Dawn looks confused. "Evil like them?"

Dawn gives her a stern look, "Okay that's just crazy talk." She swats her butt playfully. "Go gargle, I need serious kissage, then you need sleep." She pushes her toward the steps and reluctantly she goes.

Dawn follows after her unsure of how to convince the stubborn girl that she is good.

* * *

Faith stands on the back porch staring into the darkness. She twirls the unlit cigarette in her fingers. As she places it between her lips and gets out a match she hears a voice behind her, "Whatcha doing?"

She laughs at her redhead's words. "Ya know, back sliding. All us bad guys do it." She lights it and takes a long drag.

Willow wraps her arms around her lover's waist. "You're not a bad guy Faith." She presses her lips to the once Dark Slayer's neck.

"Looked bad when I cut the guy's throat." She tries to step away but Willow doesn't allow it.

"The Bringer you mean?" Faith nods. "He got what he deserved."

"Maybe." Faith acknowledges as she takes another drag off of the cancer stick. "But it ain't my job to decide."

Willow holds her tighter. "You're a Slayer, killing the bad guys? It kinda is your job."

Faith takes another puff, "Right, killing's my job. It's what I'm good at, all I'm good at."

"I didn't say that." Willow stands her ground and turns the Rogue to face her. The first thing she does is take the cigarette and flips it out onto the lawn.

Faith glares, "Hey that was my last one."

"Good. Told you before I don't like those things. They're bad for you." She kisses her lips, then makes a face. "And they taste yucky." The words almost bring a smile. "Now before you go getting all broody-"

Faith interrupts, "I don't get broody, that's Fang."

"Well maybe he rubbed off a little cause yes you do." She kisses her before continuing. "You are way more than just a Slayer, okay? It's not all you are, but right now it's what you need to be. You keep people safe and that's what we need, what I need. I've lost too many people I love already." Her wet green eyes lock with now soft brown.

Faith leans in and kisses her softly, "I get that Red. I know whatcha had to deal with over the years, but the killing-"

Willow caresses her cheek, "I know, it takes away a part of you." Faith nods. She leans her forehead against her Slayer's. "When this is over-" her words stop not wanting to promise something she isn't sure she can do.

Faith listens to what she doesn't say out loud and takes in a deep breath letting it out slowly, "Since you threw away my cigarette guess you're gonna have to help me get rid of this frustration some other way." She pulls Willow tightly against her and a flashing, dimpled smile finds her face.

The redhead groans as their bodies touch in all the right places. "I can do that." She takes her lips in a passionate kiss. When they finally break apart, lungs burning, the redhead squeals as Faith picks her up and starts toward the door. "Put me down-" she giggles as Faith nuzzles her neck.

"Ain't likely." She smirks.

* * *

Buffy and Giles sit in the kitchen alone, the rest of the house dark and quiet. She looks at the man and finally voices her fears. "The apocalypse... Dawn's a major part of stopping it isn't she?"

"It would seem." He states with a short nod. "With Kennedy's help."

"And the weapons. The soldiers the Bringer talked about we'll have to face them?"

Giles nods once more, "First thing tomorrow we'll get blueprints of the tunnels."

Xander walks in and lays a large stack of plans on the table. "Thought you might need these." He sits down across from the blonde.

"How did you-" she stops and smiles. "You know a guy who knows a guy?"

"Something like that." They start to look over the plans.

Willow comes in, "Researching without me?" She sits next to them and swats both Buffy and Xander. "That's not allowed and you know it."

After exaggerated ows, the work begins in earnest.

Hours and many cups of coffee later, Giles takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. "The possibilities seem endless."

Willow moves to the next one, "There has to be something that we're missing."

Faith's arms slip around the witch. "Personally, I was missing you." She winks as she sits next to her. Willow blushes and then they share a soft kiss.

After a few minutes of silence the once Rogue asks, "What did that fucker say? Something about playing in the dirt?"

"The tunnels we're guessing," says Xander. "But it seems Sunnydale has more than your average town."

Faith is quiet while the others look at the maps. She peers at the one Willow has and smiles. "That one-" she points to one far from the city.

"How do you know?" Buffy asks.

"He said so, or Kennedy did... you probably missed it with all the screaming Dawn was doing. You were kinda trying to calm her down."

All look at her unsure except Willow, the redhead speaks, "What did he say sweetie?"

Faith tries to remember the words, "We build weapons to prepare for the coming war... at the farthest edge of town. Then some shit about them being everywhere. Got tired of hearin' him yap." She grows silent as she remember what she did next.

Buffy is now standing looking at the map, "What's that above it?"

Xander looks at another paper. "An old church or monastery maybe." He studies the paper in front of him. "It hasn't been used for centuries."

"How can you be certain?" The watcher asks.

"I can't. I mean someone could have set up camp there, but legally, it's not in use." The man answers.

Buffy hugs him tightly, "You're the greatest." She kisses his cheek and he blushes.

"Yeah, well, just doing the Scooby thing right?" He asks.

Willow looks unsure then smiles, "The prophecy talked about monks, monks equal monastery, so looks like a place to start for sure."

"First thing tomorrow," Giles interjects. "We all need rest."

Buffy nods her agreement. "Meet back here at seven sharp."

Faith smiles and stands, "You got it boss." She pulls Willow to her feet playfully. "Bedtime." She wiggles her eyebrows.

Willow blushes but then smiles as they make their way from the room sharing a few kisses along the way. The rest of the group heads for bed as well.

* * *

Upstairs Kennedy mumbles and whines in her sleep. She can't keep the flood of visions away. She relives the events of the day.

They are all in the basement with the Bringer chained to the wall. Buffy asks questions and gets no answers. Willow is confused, unsure of why the spell didn't work.

Suddenly words begin to come from the young Potential's mouth. Words she isn't saying but yet she can recognize her voice. All eyes turn to her and she can see the fear, worry and sadness in Dawn's.

"Kennedy," says the young woman softly. "Baby what's wrong?"

Kennedy begins to panic as well, you can see it in her eyes. She can't answer her questions, all she can do is say what is being sent through her. "We build weapons to prepare for the coming war... at the farthest edge of town."

Confused too she tries to ask questions of her own but they are only thoughts she can tell the words aren't heard by the looks on their faces.

She has no control as the words start again. "We are everywhere. We are like the ocean's waves. We watch your efforts and are not scared. We will laugh at you as you die."

Suddenly Faith has the knife and as she runs it across the Bringers throat, Dawn cries out and Kennedy's world goes black.

Kennedy is sitting straight up in bed. She can't stop the tears as they fall even though Dawn tries to calm her. "It was just a bad dream, it's okay. I got you it's okay."

The young Potential finally composes herself. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't," Dawn caresses her cheek. "You won't."

"But the things I said?"

She tries to pull away but Dawn won't let her. "It wasn't you, Willow explained, remember? It was just the magic using your voice." Kennedy nods and melts back into Dawn's arms. "Shhh, sleep baby you need your rest." She kisses her girl's head and runs her fingers through her hair trying to ease her fears.

The Key lies down, taking Kennedy's shaking body with her as she holds her tightly on top of her. She continues to kiss her gently. Kennedy begins to cry. "Dawn," she breathes out in a whisper.

"What sweetie?"

"I'm scared," she confides. "So scared."

Dawn holds her girl's face in her hands and makes sure their eyes meet. "It's okay to be scared." Kennedy tries to look away and starts to protest but Dawn cuts her off. "Don't even try to give me the Slayer bullshit," Kennedy raises a brow at the language and the statement. The Key smiles a little. "You should be scared-a lot has happened to you, they killed your Watcher and tried to kill you. I'd be worried if you weren't scared." She kisses her lips. "But it'll be okay, I'll keep you safe."

They share another kiss and as they end it, it is the young Potential that speaks. "We'll keep each other safe."

Dawn nods and leans in their lips meeting once more. "I like that even better. Now sleep."

Kenney rests her head on her girl's chest. Her fingers begin to trace against the body beneath her. A smile finds her features as she can feel Dawn's body arch slightly into her touches.

As her breath hitches Dawn speaks, "That's not sleeping."

Kennedy presses a tantalizing kiss between her lover's breasts. "Not sleepy." She moves lower, her lips and tongue trailing teasingly.

Dawn groans and tries to lodge an objection, "We shouldn't... you're hurt, and-" she gives up as her pajama bottoms are pulled away. As Kennedy's fingers begin to explore, her girl gives in.

* * *

Later, through out the house, all are finally asleep. Faith lies wrapped in the arms of her redhead. She mumbles and fidgets as her dream begins as well. She can see a tunnel, inside she leads a bunch of girls searching for something. Flashlights scour the walls and the floor, the group quiet as they go deeper into the unknown.

The Rogue Slayer stops, opening her senses she feels a tingle in her spine. She looks quickly left and then right-stepping forward she stops the girls. "Don't move."

"There's something up ahead," Amanda starts.

"Stay put, all of you." She looks into the eyes of every would-be-Slayer. "Something's not right." Hesitating for only a brief second, she starts toward the large trunk. "We build weapons-" she says softly. "Well I found your stash." She picks up her pace and as she reaches the steel box, she uses the heel of her boot to break the lock. Her eyes grow large as she sees the red numbers ticking away. "Get out of here!" She screams and runs for the others.

Her world goes suddenly blank as the explosion rips through the tunnel.

* * *

In Dawn's room however, it isn't the Slayer-to-be that dreams but the younger Summers. The scenes unfold like a freeze frame movie, underground in a room, a noise like pounding, then it stops. She enters to see a scythe embedded in a black rock. A man stands near it, an evil smile on his face. He looks her up and down, cold black eyes meeting hers. "You think it's yours too but it ain't. Just like it wasn't the others before you."

Another frame, the man held back by hands she can't see as she pulls the weapon from the stone with ease. She smiles as she thinks about The Sword and the Stone. "Guess you were wrong, it is mine."

The man struggles to free himself. "I'll get you... you can't have it... you're just a dirty little girl."

Dawn wakes up her eyes searching the darkness of the room, but relaxes as she sees Kennedy sleeping next to her. She lies back down but can't find sleep as she just watches her girl.

* * *

Later, Kennedy dreams too. She and Dawn walk hand-in-hand through a field. They laugh and talk, sharing kisses but it all stops as they reach an old white-haired lady standing in front of a curtain. The young couple stop unsure of what is happening. The woman speaks, "I'd forgotten. I'd forgotten how young you would be." The Slayer-to-be and her Key look at the woman unsure. "Comes from the waiting. Mind plays tricks. I see you've found our weapon."

Kennedy looks down at her hands to see the scythe in them. "I... we..." she looks at Dawn who shrugs with a smile. Kennedy meets the woman's eyes and she asks, "Who are you?

"One of many. Well...time was. Now I'm alone in the world."

"So what are you? Some kind of ghost?" Dawn asks now a bit nervous.

The woman chuckles softly as she shakes her head. "Nope. I'm as real as you are. Just... well... let me put it this way; I look good for my age. I've been waiting." She holds out her hands Kennedy reluctantly hands over the scythe. She looks at Dawn. "You pulled it out of the rock. I was one of those who put it in there."

Kennedy asks, "What is it?"

The old one admires the scythe. "A weapon. A scythe. Forged in secrecy for one like you who... I'm sorry. What's your name?"

"Kennedy."

"No, really." Kennedy and Dawn both nod.

Dawn speaks, "It's a cool name."

The woman begins to speak again. "We forged it in secrecy and kept it hidden from the Shadow Men, who... well you don't know them yet, but you will."

"Guessing we won't like'em." Kennedy rolls her eyes knowing by the tone they are trouble.

"Perceptive. And they became the watchers. And the watchers watched the slayers. But we were watching them."

Dawn gets excited as she has a thought. "Oh! So you're like..." she frowns as she realizes she might be wrong in her assumptions. "What are you?"

"Guardians. Women who want to help and protect you. We forged this centuries ago, halfway around the world."

"Hence, the Luxor Casino theme." Kennedy quips.

"Forged there, it was put to use right here... to kill the last pure demon that walked upon the Earth. The rest were already driven under. And then there were men here, and then there were monks." She looks at Dawn. "The monks made you."

Dawn looks at her in surprise, her eyes glance at her girl, knowing now that she has lots of explaining to do. "Ah... I..."

"That can be discussed later." She waves it away. She continues with her information. "And then there was a town, and now there was you and you. And the scythe remained hidden."

"I don't understand. How is it possible that Buffy didn't know any of this?"

"We hid, too. We had to until now. We're the last surprise."

Kennedy looks at the woman. "Does this mean we can win?"

"That is really up to the two of you. This is a powerful weapon." She hands the scythe back to Kennedy and reaches to place Dawn's hands around it as well.

"Yeah, I can feel it, the power."

"But you already have weapons." The guardian tells them.

"Oh. Right." Kennedy looks more confused.

"Use it wisely and perhaps you can beat back the rising dark. One way or another, it can only mean an end is truly near."

* * *

Willow mumbles in her sleep. She turns away from her Slayer as the dreams take over. She sees a school, Sunnydale High, and she frowns.

She walks slowly inside and down a long hall way to the office of Principal Wood. She walks closer still, she can now hear voices inside. She opens the door slowly to see Dawn and Kennedy sitting inside a circle, a scythe lying between them.

As she approaches them, they look up at her and smile. "We've been waiting for you."

"Waiting?" The redhead asks softly.

Dawn nods and holds her hand to the witch. "To stop the First."

Willow shakes her head, "But I can't break the circle." She looks down at her feet and sees the unfinished side. The Key smiles.

Willow enters and sits next to them. She looks at the scythe, "What's that?"

"The Key to saving the World." The Slayer-to-be speaks.

"How?"

"You must tell us, we do not know." Their eyes meet Willow's and the witch begins to panic.

"I don't know, how should I? I-I'm not a Slayer, I-"

"Nor are we," Dawn states as the circle begins to glow. The light bathes everything in white.

Willow suddenly starts to smile as if the light has given her a new found courage or insight. "But you could be." She whispers as she picks up the scythe.

Dawn and Kennedy look unsure as they watch the redhead's hair shift to white.

Willow's eyes shoot open as she takes in the room, her breathing rapid and her hands shaking. "What the frilly heck!" She demands and her Slayer wakes.

"Red?" Faith looks at her girl. "Gonna guess there was weird dreams?"

"You wouldn't be wrong."

Faith pulls her girl close and holds her. She frowns, "You're shakin'. What happened?"

"Really don't want to talk about it."

"Okay, for now," she settles her witch on top of her and wraps her securely in her arms. Willow buries her face into Faith's neck. "I got ya Willow." She says assuming the dream is Tara related. "I got ya."

* * *

In Dawn's room the dream taking place there ends abruptly as The Guardian's head cocks slightly to the side, and a cracking noise can be heard. The woman falls to the ground. Kennedy and Dawn look up and see a preacher standing there.

Caleb speaks, "I'm sorry. I didn't catch that last part on account of her neck snapping and all. Did she say the end is near... or here?"

The two young woman awake, turning to look into the eyes of the other. Both are afraid. "Did you just..." Dawn starts.

"Another dream yeah and you..." Kennedy stops. "What did the woman mean when she said you were made by monks?"

"All of that, everything she told us, and that's what you want to talk about?"

"Ah... yeah, I do."

Dawn looks at her girl, "Soon. But right now, we have to tell Buffy about the dream."

Kennedy sits up, "No, now. I wanna know now."

Dawn looks at the teen across from her, her eyes worried as she sees the set of Kennedy's jaw, knowing this isn't gonna be easy or pain free. She touches her cheek but her girl pulls away.

"Tell me what she meant Dawn."

* * *

Buffy sleeps on her left side, facing the door, the Slayer in her always ready to protect. Her floor is scattered with young Potentials.

They sleep too, unaware of the Slayer dream that begins in the mind of the blonde. As the images become clearer Buffy seems to frown, her mind taking in everything.

Everyone is in the living room, they seem to be in the middle of a very important Scooby meeting. Dawn speaks as she takes an object from Xander. "And these things are shadow-casters. You put them in motion, and they tell you a story. " She references the book in her hands. "It says you can't just watch, you have to see."

Kennedy asks, "What the hell does that mean?"

Xander answers, "It's cryptic. I don't like it. Every time instructions get cryptic, someone gets hurt, usually me."

The Slayer turns to the man that brought the Slayer box. "You can't just watch, you have to see? "Looking at Principal Wood, she asks, "See what?"

Dawn shrugs, "That's where all my fancy translating skills break down, but I think it's an origin myth. The story of the very first slayer."

"I-I saw her." The Slayer admits.

"You saw the First Slayer?" A note of disbelief in his question.

"The other night... in my dream. It's gotta mean something, right?"

The dream continues, in the darkened room, Xander strikes a match and lights the wick at the center of a metal mechanical object. The light fills the room, revealing Dawn, who's holding a large book open in her arms.

"Okay, according to this, I think, you put on those puppet guys one by one. They cast shadows and the shadows tell the story. First, there is the Earth." Dawn begins.

Xander puts the first metal figure on the mechanical object. The light at the center casts a shadow of the figure on the wall. A tribal drumbeat can be heard in the background.

Kennedy looks around a little freaked, "What's that sound?"

"Okay, so far, so creepy." Is the only response and it is from Xander.

"Hmm. Okay." She continues. "And then, there came the demons." As Dawn narrates the story, Xander puts on the corresponding pieces of the Shadow Casters. This adds sounds to the magical sounds track; growling, chanting and so on. "After demons, there came man. Man found a girl." You hear a girl scream. "The men took the girl."

Buffy speaks with a hint of anger, "Don't like where this is heading."

"To fight the demons." Dawn adds.

Giles shakes his head, "The First Slayer."

"All demons, they chained her to the Earth." Dawn shakes her head and makes a face as she tries to continue. "I-I can't read this." More trying to make out the words. "Something about darkness." The shadow casting device starts spinning on its own.

"What about darkness?" Buffy asks her sister.

The shadow caster device is spinning, making shadows of the figures on the walls, but the shadows are animated, moving, acting out the story.

"It says you cannot be shown. You cannot just watch, but you must see. See for yourself, but only if you're willing to make the exchange."

Xander looks at the teen, "When did you get so good at Sumerian?"

"It's not in Sumerian anymore." The words on the pages of the book are magically changing into English.

Willow and Kennedy stand, alarmed, as the shadow casters tell a story of a demon attacking the chained girl. The device spins faster and faster as the shadows move upon the walls. Suddenly, a bright blue light forms at the center of the device, growing in size until it forms a window of light. Buffy walks closer to investigate it.

"But what does it mean?" He looks at Buffy.

The dream ends when the Slayer is pulled to reality by pounding on her door. She hears the Potential on the floor stir as she gets up and goes to it. She opens it to see her sister there. "This better be good."

Dawn shakes her head. "Not so much, I had a dream. Kennedy and I..."

Faith stands in the hallway along with her witch. "Must be the night for it. Had one too."

Willow nods as well when Buffy's eyes meet hers. "Scooby meeting. I'll wake up the others, meet you downstairs."

Faith squeezes her redhead's hand. "I'll put you on some coffee." Willow smiles and kisses her lips as she leaves.

They stand in silence and then start down the hallway. "What do you think all this means B?"

Buffy quips, "Means things are about to heat up."

"What I figured."

Kennedy starts, "We're not ready."

"Ready or not Junior, here they come." Faith assures.

To Be Continued...

Go on to Part 4(Chapters 16-?) Go Back To Part 2(Chapters 6-10)

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