Once more unto the breach...

[dark_wesley]

I can't say that I felt one particular way at any given moment as the motorbike slipped its way through the relatively quiet streets of Sunnydale as I set out to find Faith. Better to say that I was feeling random combinations of emotions. I was dubious and hopeful at the same time, wary, nervous and anxious about confronting this person who at

Comments

[dark_wesley]

"Caritas, yes," I replied. "Giles and I were there a few hours ago. Tried to close the portal mystically. We were unable, obviously. With everything coming out of that portal, the bar was rather short on patrons, particularly of the kind who might know anything about the thing."

It was then I realized that I'd removed my gloves and was holding them tightly, the leather stretching between my hands. I tucked them into my pocket, fumbling with the zipper.

"As I'm sure you know, if Willie doesn't actually have information directly regarding the portal, he will at least be able to point us in the direction of someone who will."

I headed for the door, and without thinking, I held the door open for Faith to enter. The dive inside was a bit more crowded than usual, because of Caritas being closed, I supposed. But there was a sudden drop in volume as we walked in. They might have recognized me, and one or two might have known who Faith was-- but most of them could feel what she was. It was precisely the effect I had counted on

[_xfaithx_]

"Giles and I were there a few hours ago. Tried to close the portal mystically. We were unable, obviously. With everything coming out of that portal, the bar was rather short on patrons, particularly of the kind who might know anything about the thing."

I cracked my knuckles idly as I listened and I nodded. "Must be some pretty big meanies," I chuckled rather amusingly, "sounds like a party." I had to admit, I was wicked excited to get back into the swing of slayin'.. being in the slammer somewhat refrained me from being able to do such, y'know?

"As I'm sure you know, if Willie doesn't actually have information directly regarding the portal, he will at least be able to point us in the direction of someone who will.""Oh trust me," I assured with loud hinting tone within my voice and a dark smile, "he will." I made my steps up to the bar but froze for a second as the door was held open for me. This was.. new. I looked at him for a second before I head myself in and my eyes darted throughout the gathering of vampires and demons. I had

[dark_wesley]

I don't know why Faith's actions surprised me, even for a moment, but it happened. When she'd struck Willie against the bar, my hands had first moved to help the man, but I stopped. A few of the demons rumbled in anger, but quieted just as quickly when my revolver found its way into my hand. They're not interested in helping Willie, I thought to myself, they just don't like us.

I turned back to the whimpering barkeep.

"Where were we?"

The rodent-like man was clutching his hand against a broken nose, blood seeping between his fingers. "This is how you come here for information? What are you, animals?"

I shook my head, a resigned smirk on my face. "Willie, it's not good form to insult someone with a Slayer's strength. The portal in Caritas, Willie. Tell us what you know and we'll be gone."

[_xfaithx_]

"This is how you come here for information? What are you, animals?"

I closed my eyes briefly before removing my hands off him. The moment he said that sent me back a shitload of memories I just didn't need.. from when everything just started to me turnin' myself into the cops. I was an animal then.. but I changed.. right?

I shook my head to break my thoughts as I watched the other demons grow more tense. I shot them all a warning glare before turning my attention back upon Willie. "We don't got all damn night," I warned, "but I'm willing to play if you are." This wasn't as enjoyable as I thought it would be.

"Hurry up!"

[dark_wesley]

"Okay, okay, okay!" Willie was holding up his hands, but the more nervous he was getting, the more tense the room was getting, I noticed. "There ain't much talk on the street that'll do you any good. It's like Kennedy-- everybody's got them a theory. Best I can do for ya is that it's being kept open by at least two power players, and one's gotta have some serious mojo."

I frowned at Willie for effect. "But why would someone do that?"

The little man almost laughed. "I dunno, limey, maybe 'cuz they're evil? That's all I got, now get the hell outta here!"

Faith and eye kept our eyes sweeping the patrons, all of whom stared at us as we exited the bar. When I was sure none of them were going to follow us outside, I holstered the revolver. It was then I finally noticed the small, tense movements Faith was making. That was never a good sign.

"Faith, what's wrong?"

[_xfaithx_]

I rolled my eyes to Willie's response. What a waste of time. "Thanks for nothin'." I muttered as I made my way out, not really taking much notice upon the other demons who seemed to be starin' upon me. If they want some.. they can come and get some, I thought.

I lifted my hand and pressed my fingers against my forehead, sighing out. Fuckin' bastard..

"Faith, what's wrong?"

"What?" I blinked, turning my gaze upon Wesley. Why the hell would he care if he wasn't just askin' to be all noble guy.. "Five by five as always, Wes," I replied, "just we still got an open portal and there ain't crap we know about it." I leaned myself against his positioned bike, shaking my head. "Dunno where we go from here. Any suggestions?"

[dark_wesley]

Why did I do it? I honestly can't give you a definitive answer.

"I've seen you 'five by five', Faith, when you're really as sure and controlled as you usually appear to be, under all manner of circumstances. This isn't one of those times."

I pulled the Triumph closer to a nearby building, trying to make this conversation a little more private.

"Your particular state of mind at this moment aside... Faith, I need to know where you stand. On most subjects, good enough for Angel is more than good enough for me. But there are some things one finds difficult to forget, and even more difficult to forgive."

She could have snapped my neck like a dry twig or cave in my cranium without so much as breaking a nail, but I stepped up to her, anyway.

"Who's side are you on, Faith?"

[_xfaithx_]

"I've seen you 'five by five', Faith, when you're really as sure and controlled as you usually appear to be, under all manner of circumstances. This isn't one of those times."

He just keeps pushin' it and pushing it. What the hell is he? My shrink? If he had any sense in him he would know I wouldn't want to talk about these.. touchie matters. I sighed, pushing my gaze away from him as my body turned to follow. I could feel every muscle in me tense and a knot being tied in my throat.. I didn't want to deal with this shit. I didn't want to talk about it.

I kept silent for the time being.

"Your particular state of mind at this moment aside... Faith, I need to know where you stand. On most subjects, good enough for Angel is more than good enough for me. But there are some things one finds difficult to forget, and even more difficult to forgive."That's it. That was enough. I turned myself back around with my teeth clenching tightly together. "What the hell do you want me to say, Wes? What the hell do you want me to DO?" My fustration

[dark_wesley]

"Just so we're clear on the point," I replied, my voice low to match Faith's.

What in the bloody hell was I doing? Why did I give a damn about this girl's redemption, anyway? But I knew the answer to that. I still felt responsible for her. The Council charged me with being her Watcher, and she fell. If Faith had simply died in the line of duty as a Slayer, everything would have been just as they had always been. But she didn't. The power that made her a Slayer corrupted her into something terrible. And I had watched it happen, a ponce in a suit.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I took a step back.

"This isn't going to be easy on you, Faith, and let's face it-- it shouldn't be. I've watched Angel walk this path for the last few years, and if you think you've got it hard, you're not a former mass-murdering lunatic. People don't take Angel's desire for redemption at face value-- he's constantly earning it, and that's what you'll have to do

[_xfaithx_]

(( Decided to change it 'round a bit.. hope you don't mind. :D Makes more room for RPness. <3 ))

"This isn't going to be easy on you, Faith, and let's face it-- it shouldn't be. I've watched Angel walk this path for the last few years, and if you think you've got it hard, you're not a former mass-murdering lunatic. People don't take Angel's desire for redemption at face value-- he's constantly earning it, and that's what you'll have to do."

I was still fired up. "I know the speech," I snapped, "I heard it ten billion times from Angel's mouth an' I don't need another replay." Difference is.. Angel never had a soul then. I still had mine.. and I felt nothing. I had no care for that man in the alley.

I took in a deep breath to calm myself down, closing my eyes. Calm down, Faith.. before you just snap.

"We know you're trying, Faith. And that's the point. And even as terrible as it sounds, it might even help you to actually talk to someone from time to time."That brought me to open my eyes and I only gave Wesley an odd look. Talk to

[dark_wesley]

((No worries at all. Good game.))