"Faith. Faith, where are you?" Buffy slowly made her way to their pond and stopped. Faith was standing under a small waterfall, letting the water run over her perfectly toned and tanned body. Buffy froze; the younger slayer was breathtaking.

Quietly, the blonde moved in closer and watched. *Faith looks amazing.* Buffy could feel her heart pounding as she took in the rogue slayer's exotic features. To her Faith was like a panther, dark, beautiful, and dangerous. The little slayer smiled as she spied. She had come to realize that she was absolutely head over heels in love with Faith. Just the sight of the younger girl was enough to get her going.

Buffy licked her lips and leaned in for a better view. Her hands traveled over her own body, imaging that it was Faith touching her.

The younger slayer closed her eyes and ducked her head under the water. *Mmmm. feels great.* A soft smile played upon her full lips as she remembered the night before. *Buffy was soooo sexy.* The brunette grinned. "Buffy. mmmmm." Faith whispered before diving back into the pond.

Buffy paused. *Did she just say my name?* An enormous smile spread across her lips. Her hand moved faster. She was so close now. *Oh yes!. mmmmm. Faithy licking me. ahhhhhh!* The slayer moaned and tensed up as the orgasm coursed through her. She rolled onto her back, giggling. Buffy didn't have the strength to get up.

*Huh?!* Faith heard something. "B?" The brunette slipped from the water and glanced around. *It couldn't be any of the villagers. They would never sneak around, would they?!* She crept over to a tree and quickly climbed it. From that vantage point, Faith could see the whole area around their pond, and what she saw brought a smile to her face.

Buffy was laying on her back in a pile of leaves, panting. Her hand still rested between her legs, and her eyes remained closed. Faith recognized that serene expression. The brunette bit back her laugh. She had just caught Buffy masturbating, but not just masturbating, spying on her and masturbating.

Faith made her way down, silently. She peered through the leaves and watched with amusement as Buffy glanced back, looking for Faith. The little slayer now puzzled over the younger girl's disappearance.

Faith snuck up, grinning. She stood behind Buffy. "B, whatcha doin'?" She laughed as the blonde almost jumped out of her skin.

"GOD! Faith, don't do that! You scared me half to death!" Buffy peered up at the grinning brunette. *She knows!. Look how she's looking at me!* The little slayer could feel a blush spread over her entire body. She tried to pass it off as outrage. "Really Faith!"

"Really what?" The dark-eyed beauty arched an eyebrow, giving Buffy her patented dimpled grin.

"Ugh! Sometimes you're so infuriating!" The small slayer quickly stood up. "I have to go check on Mr. Peepers, excuse me."

Faith grabbed her wrist and brought Buffy's fingers to her lips. Licking the wetness from them as she smirked. "Are you sure?"

Buffy moaned. "Um. uh. huh?"

They both stood still as they heard it. Faith looked up. "Shit! A plane! C'mon B!" The brunette was off in a flash.

Buffy shook her head still stunned. "What?"

*****
Part 36: Mixed Signals

Faith quickly climbed the cliff and made her way over to their fire pit. Angling the glass just right, she got a spark and blew on it. The brunette then threw the dried leaves into the flame and sat back smiling as the dark smoke wafted up.

Buffy slowly made her way toward the cliff. She could see the smoke. *Faith must have gotten the fire lit.* The blonde stopped, surprised by the sudden sadness that overwhelmed her. *What if they see the smoke?!. What if they come for us?!* Buffy sat down and tearfully pondered the possibility.

She was happy here. She didn't have to slay, and there was no evil to tempt her Faith away. They were a family with friends and a home. Buffy wiped at her eyes. *What's wrong with me?! Of course, we have to go back!* She stood up and headed toward the plane to check on Mr. Peepers. She had left him out playing on his little jungle gym that Faith and the natives had made him.

Buffy smiled when she thought of the anniversary present. Faith had made a play area for Mr. Peepers. It was because Buffy got so worried every time he went off into the jungle. Now he had his own playground behind their home. It was such a considerate gift. Faith had actually spent most of the month making bamboo playground equipment, her and the natives. Every time the blonde looked at it, she felt a tug at heart. Faith had become so thoughtful. so unFaithlike. *Mmmm.* Buffy sighed.

Her reverie was interrupted by Faith's excited cry. "B! Did you see that?! I got the fire lit! They had to have seen it!"

"Yes." Buffy turned and looked at the grinning brunette. *Faith wants to go home.* Her heart sank.

"B, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Faith tenderly reached for her, her eyes filled with concern.

"Yeah. I'm fine." The little slayer waved her off and walked past her. "I have to check on Mr. Peepers. He hasn't had lunch."

"Okay." Faith stood and watched her go. She shrugged and headed toward the shrine, Elei was waiting.

"F� do goddess, voc� viu o p�ssaro? Veio fazer exame para tr�s de voc� ao heaven?" [Goddess Faith, did you see the bird? Has it come to take you back to heaven?] The boy asked, distressed.

The slayers had picked up some of the natives' language in their time on the island. She essentially knew what he was asking. Faith lowered her head and spoke quietly. "I'm sorry, Elei. We have to go when the time comes."

His eyes filled with tears, but he nodded. "Sim" [Yes.]

.....

Buffy sat watching Mr. Peepers play on the monkey bars. She suddenly realized how appropriately named that piece of equipment was. Especially since the tiny monkey seemed to favor it above all else.

He shrieked and swung around, climbing to the top and leaping to the tire swing. Somehow Faith had managed to pry it loose from the plane wheel and now it was part of Mr. Peepers' playground. Buffy leaned back and smiled. *Maybe they didn't see the smoke.*

"B, you hungry?" Faith held up a crab she'd caught. "Get the pot and let's cook this puppy."

"Faith, what are we going to do if that plane was searching for the council?" The blonde's tone took on a miffed quality.

"Dunno. Fight them I guess." Faith threw the crab down and went inside to get a pot.

Buffy stood outside lighting the fire when Faith returned she snapped at her. "You know, you might have thought this out before you ran off and lit that fire. How about consulting me next time?! I thought we were a team." The blonde sat down with a huff.

"Is that what you're all ticked off about?! Because I didn't consult you?!" Faith was suddenly livid. "Well screw you Buffy! I'm sick of you always thinking I can't make a move without you!" The brunette strode past her, heading for the jungle.

"Faith, wait!" Buffy sadly watched her leave, whispering. "What about lunch?"

.....

The pilot called out. "Over here! Look! Smoke!"

Quentin Travers rushed up to the cockpit and peered out. "Mark the coordinates down." He ordered the copilot before turning to his companions. "As soon as we get back, charter a boat and make the necessary arrangements."

The assistants nodded. They knew what needed to be done.

*****
Part 37: Another Misunderstanding

Faith climbed into the cave and sat down. She needed to hide from Buffy for awhile before she lost her temper again. Faith loved the little blonde. But damn! The chosen one sure pissed her off sometimes. *B always wants to control things!*

Faith picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. It was high tide and the caves under the cliff always filled up at this time. Leaning back she stared out over the ocean. Quiet and contemplative, the rogue slayer thought about how everything had changed for her, but not for Buffy. Somehow she managed to stay the same.

Faith began to wonder what it would be like once they got home. If Buffy still treated her pretty much the same, did that mean she'd ditch her again once they got home? Faith suddenly felt ill at the thought. Tears well up in her eyes and she kicked at the jagged shells lining the inside of the cave.

*Dammit! How could I have been so stupid! Never should have lit that fire! Once we get home, Buffy will go right back to that clean marine.* Faith covered her eyes and cried. The thought of losing Buffy again made her miserable.

.....

Buffy paced back and forth, occasionally glancing at the little monkey who sat in his chair eating dinner and watching her. Something was wrong. He screeched and threw his half eaten banana at Buffy. Where was his dark haired mommy?! He was angry that they must have fought again, and he had a feeling it was blonde mommy's fault.

Buffy scowled as she picked the banana from her hair. "That's enough! Time for you to go to bed!" The little blonde angrily scooped up the tiny monkey and put him in his crate. He went and picked up his doll before turning back to stick his tongue out at her.

Buffy cursed to herself as she slipped on her sneakers and headed for the beach. She couldn't wait any longer. She needed to go find Faith and apologize. But what should she tell her? The truth? `Faith, I'm mad that you lit the fire because I don't want to leave.' She imagined trying to explain. `You see, I'm so selfish that I want to keep you trapped on a deserted island so you can never leave me.' *Oh boy, that's romantic!* Buffy frowned as she trudged deeper into the jungle.

.....

The brunette dried her eyes and stood up to leave. She had cried herself out, and now was ready to go home and except the consequences. If Buffy left her. so be it, and if the scoobies still treated her like scum, fine. whatever!

She couldn't be so selfish as to try to keep Buffy on an island just because she needed her. The world needed Buffy too. Faith understood that now, and she wouldn't do anything to keep her hero from fulfilling her destiny. *Hero? Yeah, I guess she's my hero too.* Faith smiled as she dove into the ocean and swam back around toward their little stretch of beach.

Faith made her way into the plane, prepared to tell Buffy, but the little blonde was gone. *Huh?. Guess she's still mad.* Faith sadly stripped off her wet shorts and shirt and slid under the covers. From her bed she could see Mr. Peepers' sleeping form. He was sucking his thumb and hugging the doll he loved so much. Faith suspected it was because the stupid doll had blonde hair like Buffy. The slayer smirked as she rolled over and fell asleep.

.......

"Faith! Faith!" Buffy called out over and over, while scrambling through the thick underbrush. She glanced back at the sky. It would be light soon. *Dammit Faith! Where are you?!* She sniffled and sat down. *She must be hiding.* And experience told Buffy that if Faith didn't want to be found she wouldn't be.

Sighing heavily, the little blonde stood up prepared to head back to the plane. She'd just have to wait until the morning. Glancing up, she noticed it was close to a full moon. Soon it would be their tenth anniversary. The realization made her smile as she went up the stairs. *My longest serious relationship is with Faith.*

Carefully she stepped inside. Her eyes needed to adjust to the darkness inside the plane. The moonlight lit the beach, but didn't reflect very well inside the plane with only the front door open, and Buffy had blown out all the candles before she left. So it was close to pitch black inside.

Gingerly, the little slayer made her way over to her mattress and stripped. She slid under her blanket, and quietly cried herself to sleep. She missed Faith holding her.

.......

When Faith got up she glanced over at Buffy's bed and was happy to see the little blonde all snuggled up. She grinned and crept over to the mattress but before she could climb in next to Buffy, Mr. Peepers held out his arms and complained. He wanted out.

Faith dutifully picked up the tiny monkey and carried him outside. She yawned and stretched, peering out over the water. Something was out there. The slayer squinted, trying to make out the shape. It was a boat. Faith casually leaned back against the plane. She knew that she should run and light the signal fire, but she couldn't seem to get herself motivated.

The brunette silently struggled with her dilemma until she heard Buffy's shouting. The little slayer was inside cursing and throwing things around. Faith quickly ran to light the fire.

"God dammit, Faith!" Buffy threw another pot against the wall. "Stay out all night! That's really mature! And to think I was going to apologize to you!" She glanced up at the shelf with the china dolls that Faith hated. The slayer began plucking them from the shelf and flinging them across the plane, satisfied as she heard each one smash.

The brunette hesitantly peered into the plane. "B, it's okay. I lit the fire."

Buffy glared at her and flung a doll in her direction. "Sometimes you're so inconsiderate! I can't take it! Every time we have a few words you just run off. Glad to see you haven't changed how you handle things one bit!" With that the tiny slayer picked another doll from the shelf and threw it.

Faith ducked and glanced back at the shattered doll. "Geez! That time of the month, B?" She knew Buffy hated when she said that. The little blonde growled and hurled another doll in her direction. Faith laughed easily moving out of the way. "Smash `em all! See if I care. I always hated those damn things."

"OH! YOU'RE SO INFURIATING!" Buffy stamped her foot, and strode past the snickering brunette.

Faith stuck her head out and watched as Buffy headed for the shrine. *Awww. going to go complain to the other women, no doubt. Huh! Whatever!*

The brunette grabbed the binoculars and headed for the beach to check on the ship.

*****
Part 38: Faith Is Missing

*That's weird.* Faith watched as the ship dropped anchor but no smaller boat disembarked. The brunette climbed higher on the cliff to get a better look..

.......

Buffy sat cross-legged among the women villagers complaining about Faith. "Ugh! And she leaves her wet clothes just laying on the floor as if I'm the maid!" The little slayer grumbled, pleased that the other women nodded and agreed with her. Yes, a partner can be so irritating.

One of Buffy's close friends, Mari immediately joined in, spouting some of her complainants. "Sim, o dourada. N�s sabemos o que voc� deve resistir. Meu marido ca�a e traz sua faca dentro ap�s gutting o porco... sem lavagem uniforme ele!"

[Yes, Golden One. We know what you must endure. My husband hunts and brings his knife inside after gutting the pig... without even washing it!]

The rest of the women mumbled and nodded. Buffy made a horrified face. "Without even cleaning it?! Oh, that's just intolerable!" The little blonde waited while one of the other women, Sheina passed her more dry grass. They were making their skirts for the upcoming celebration. Tomorrow night was a full moon. They would have a feast and dance late into the night. Buffy was excited about that. She loved the monthly event.

It was a perfect family outing. They all had so much fun, and sometimes Faithy would get drunk off the natives special punch. She was really wild in bed on those nights. Buffy smiled fond of the memories from last month's full moon festival.

"O dourado � voc� que vai deixou a f� do goddess sentar-se ao lado de voc� no partido? Talvez voc� deve faz�-la sentar-se com as crian�as. Aquele � o que eu fa�o quando eu estou irritado com Selui."

[Golden One are you going to let Goddess Faith sit next to you at the party? Perhaps you should make her sit with the children. That is what I do when I am angry with Selui.] Mari waved her hand to indicate her husband's banishment. The women laughed.

"I should. It would serve her right!" Buffy nodded her head as finished weaving Mr. Peepers' new skirt. She glanced out past the huts to where the children were playing.

Elei and the others where carrying Mr. Peepers around on a small litter that the children had made for him.

Buffy smiled at the sight. The little monkey was waving a palm frond urging the children on. He liked playing with them. They all treated him so well, carrying him around, giving him toys, and feeding him sweet things. Mr. Peepers liked the villagers almost as much as his two mommies. Elei lifted the tiny monkey from his little thrown and ran while the other children chased after them squealing with delight.

"Elei cuidadoso com Sr. Peepers. Dourado alimentado apenas lhe o pequeno almo�o." [Elei careful with Mr. Peepers. The Golden One just fed him breakfast.] Malaki shouted to the children as he sat down next to Buffy. He gave his goddess a lovesick smile. Malaki was smitten with Buffy.

Mari gave her friend a wry smile. Causing Buffy to nudge her playfully. The women all giggled as Malaki blushed. "Oh o dourado, talvez eu posso desgastar sua flor para a ca�a?" [Oh Golden One, perhaps I can wear your flower for the hunt?]

Mari became angry and stood up, wagging her finger at Malaki. "O shame em voc�, voc� sabe que a f� do goddess desgasta o dourado one flor! Como o desafio voc� insulta nossos goddesses com tal arbitr�rio indicam de seu lust!"

[Shame on you, you know that Goddess Faith wears the Golden One's flower! How dare you insult our goddesses with such a wanton display of your lust!]

Malaki looked as if he were about to cry. He bent his head and bowed low. "Eu imploro seu forgiveness o dourado. � justo que o goddess que a f� a disse n�o ca�aria esta vez." [I beg your forgiveness Golden One. It is just that the Goddess Faith said she would not hunt this time.]

Mari waved him off while Buffy sat pondering the implications. *Faith had told them that she wasn't going to hunt?* A large smile spread across Buffy's face as she stood up.

"I have to go Mari. Can you watch Mr. Peepers for awhile? I want to be alone with Faith." The blonde slayer brushed herself off and headed for the canoe.

.....

Faith watched as the dinghy came closer. She didn't recognize anyone in the boat, and they weren't wearing tweed. *Maybe it's not the Watchers' Council.* The brunette made her way down the steep cliff and toward the beach.

The sailor toward the back of the boat picked up his walkie talkie. "I can see a dark haired girl. She's about average height, long hair, fairly tan, and very pretty. Is that her?"

Quentin paused before responding. "Yes, where is the other one?"

"I only see one. She's waiting on the beach for us." The sailor took his gun from his belt. "Should I shoot her?"

........

Buffy ran back to the plane. "Faith! Faithy! Honey, where are you?" The little blonde came back out and peered down the beach. Faith was nowhere to be seen. The slayer turned and scanned the water. *Maybe Faith is swimming.* That's when she saw the ship. "Omigod! Faith, there's a ship!" Buffy ran down the beach and headed for the furthest point out which were the caves.

She stopped immediately when she saw the binoculars floating on the water. *Faith had been here.* Buffy looked down at the sand squishing between her toes. She lifted her foot; the sand was wet with blood. "Faith!" Buffy cried and fell to her knees.

*****
Part 39: The Ship Sets Sail

Quentin Travers leaned close to the cage. "Faith. Faith, can you hear me?" The brunette groaned and rolled over.

He peered up at the sailors. "I told you not to hurt her!"

"Well what was I suppose to do, mate?! She wasn't exactly willing to just leave!" The sailor slipped his pistol back into his belt.

"The slayers aren't to be harmed. That whole rogue element of watchers has been purged. I want Faith back in England for rehabilitation." Quentin glanced back at the injured slayer. "Sedate her and prepare her for the trip home. We set sail immediately."

"What about Miss Summers?" Quentin's assistant asked, his concern evident.

"We will send another vessel with Mr. Giles. He can fetch that one and take her home."

......

Buffy sat on the beach, holding Mr. Peepers in her lap while the natives prepared the canoes. As soon as it was dark, they would try and board the boat. The men were sharpening their spears and the women were chanting and praying for the safe return of Goddess Faith.

Mari brought some food over to Buffy, but neither the slayer nor the monkey would eat. Both sat in stony silence, waiting for the sun to set while Mr. Peepers held tightly to his blonde mommy. She was very sad. It was upsetting him, and dark haired mommy was gone, that upset him too.

The baby monkey sat still on Buffy's lap, sucking his thumb. His tummy hurt so he didn't want any food the nice lady brought him.

"O dourado, talvez voc� deve tentar e dormir antes do salvamento." [Golden One, maybe you should try and sleep before the rescue.] The man in the headdress suggested, worriedly watching the tiny blonde who hadn't moved since they'd arrived.

Buffy seemed not to hear him as she gazed out over the water at the ship.

....

"I've just received a phone call." Giles informed the group. "Buffy's alive."

Willow tearfully hugged Tara, while Xander and Riley high fived each other. Spike let out a whoop causing them all to glance in his direction, confused. "Bloody `ell!" The bleach blonde vampire stormed out. "Never mind!"

......

Buffy sat in stunned silence with the rest of the natives. The ship was sailing away. They didn't even come for her. *Faith must be dead!*

Mari held the little slayer as she sobbed in misery. "Faith. Faith. I'm so sorry."

Mr. Peepers screeched as Elei held him and cried.

*****
Part 40: I'll Find You

"BUFFY!" Faith screamed until her throat was sore. "B! B! IN HERE! BUFFY!"

"That's quite enough Faith or we shall have to sedate you again." Quentin peered into the cage. "Miss Summers will be fine. In fact, her watcher is on his way to retrieve her as we speak."

"I don't believe you! If you've hurt her.!" The brunette growled, straining against her chains.

"You'll what? Kill me? No. I don't think so Faith. By the time we're done with your rehabilitation, Miss Summers will be a distant memory."

......

Buffy laid on her mattress unmoving while Mari and Elei fed Mr. Peepers. Several of the native women cleaned the plane for her while the men went to hunt and get her meat. The little slayer barely blinked as she stared at the wall and held Faith's jacket. It still smelled like her Faithy. The tears ran down her cheeks unchecked.

....

Giles stood on the deck next to Riley and Xander. The commando held binoculars and gestured. "It's that one."

The captain turned the ship, and headed around to the north side of the island. They could probably get right to the cliffs from there.

....

Buffy rolled over and looked at Mr. Peepers. He sat clutching his doll and sadly watching her. The little slayer held out her arms and the tiny monkey ran to her. "You're going to miss her too, aren't you Mr. Peepers?"

Buffy cried as she gently smoothed back his hair and spoke to him. "Did you know that your dark haired mommy is the one that brought you home? That's right. She wrapped you in her jacket and carried you all the way here for me." The slayer sniffled, hugging him tight. "You're all I have left now."

....

Willow walked along the deck and gazed out over the water. To think that Buffy was alive after all this time. It was still a miracle to her. She smiled as Tara took her hand. "It's going to be okay." The blonde witch reassured her.

"I know." Willow squeezed her hand before following the watcher back into the cabin with the others.

Giles looked around at the group. "As soon as the sunrises, we will go ashore. Now Buffy has been away from everything that she's known. She may not be the same. It is important that we all remain patient and understanding."

The group nodded before heading off to their individual sleeping quarters. Riley approached Giles separately. "Maybe just you and I should go ashore tomorrow."

The watcher looked at him with sympathy but shook his head. "No. I think that she will benefit from seeing all of her friends."

......

Buffy carefully dressed Mr. Peepers in his grass skirt. She put hers on too, along with several leis. "Come here, sweetie." The tiny monkey obediently sat still while Buffy combed back his hair and put on his flower crown.

It was almost time to go to the shrine. The natives were holding a memorial service for Faith. Leading him quietly out, they stood on the beach for a moment. *It's such a beautiful morning. How can Faith be dead?!*

She sat down and sobbed. The baby monkey screeched and hopped around her. It was more than he could take, seeing blonde mommy so sad. Mr. Peepers climbed into her lap and hugged her.

.....

"There she is! I see her!" Xander shouted out as he reached back to pull Willow up. "Come on."

They raced on ahead while Riley helped Giles and one of the crew pull the dinghy ashore.

"Are you sure?" Willow squinted, trying to get a good look. She snatched the binoculars away from Xander, peering through them. The witch sighed as she took in Buffy's sun kissed skin and long blonde's locks blowing softly from her face. It was definitely Buffy. She looked like an angel, as always. "Buffy!" Willow gasped as she ran toward the slayer overjoyed.

Buffy spun around. She distinctly heard someone call her name. Standing up, she carefully scooped Mr. Peepers into her arms and held him close. The little slayer's face lit up when she recognized the figure coming toward her as Willow.

"Wil!" Tears spilled down her cheeks as she hugged the witch tight. "Oh my god, Willow.. Xander!"

He picked her up and swung her around causing Mr. Peepers to squeak with fear.

"Xander put me down." Buffy gently calmed the terrified monkey.

"Who's your little friend?" Willow reached for the tiny monkey who cocked his head and studied her. Mr. Peepers decided that he liked her and went willingly into her arms. "Awww." The red head cooed as she held the monkey and looked at his tiny skirt and crown. "You're wearing matching outfits."

Buffy glanced down at herself and realized that she was topless in front of Xander. She immediately lifted her arms to cover her chest. "Is Giles here too?"

"Yes. And Riley." Willow replied, smiling lovingly at her best friend. She missed Buffy so much it hurt.

"Come on Wills, I have to get a shirt."

"No, really. You look fine." Xander hurried to reassure her, earning a glare from both girls. He held up his hands. "Okay. I'll just wait here."

.....

By the time Buffy and Willow returned, Riley and Giles were also waiting. The farm boy raced over to his girlfriend and picked her up. "Buffy, I knew you were alive." He was jubilant as he leaned in for a kiss.

Buffy's discomfort was evident to Willow. She quickly intervened. "Careful Riley. Buffy is still a little shy." The red head gently pulled her friend loose. Earning a grateful look from Buffy who then turned and hugged Giles.

"I missed all of you so much." Tears filled Buffy's eyes as she glanced back at the plane. She would miss this too. It had been her and Faith's home for close to a year. The slayer quickly wiped her eyes. "We have to say goodbye to my friends."

"Friends? So you weren't alone?" Xander asked, surprised.

"No. I wasn't alone. In fact up until two days ago, Faith was here with me." Buffy turned away from the group as she began to cry again.

"That must have been hell!" Xander snorted, glancing around at the group. Willow shook her head, indicating he should be quiet. She walked over and took the slayer's hand.

"We're going for a little walk. Girl talk." Willow led Buffy away.

"Thanks, Will. I don't know how much more I can take of Riley's puppy dog eyes and Giles' worried watcher routine." The blonde sniffled, picking the tiny monkey up and heading for his playground.

Willow followed behind her, smiling when she saw the tiny playground equipment fashioned from bamboo. "Wow, this is really neat." The witch grinned as she watched Buffy put Mr. Peepers down, and he ran to play.

"Yeah, Faith made it for him." Buffy sat down sadly.

"Faith?" Willow studied her best friend for a moment. "Buffy, how were things between you and Faith?"

"Perfect. Okay, so we did fight sometimes, but mostly we got along." Buffy peered up at the witch, uncertain of how much she should reveal.

"I'm sorry then that the Council had to shoot her." Willow took a seat next to Buffy. "They told Giles what happened." Green eyes sadly peeked up at her, Willow swallowed as she took in Buffy's broken-hearted expression. "There was more, wasn't there?"

"Yes." Buffy took a deep breath. "I don't know how to tell you this Will. So I'll just say it. We were together. like a family."

Willow hugged the little slayer close. "It's okay, Buffy. You can tell me anything. I understand. You two trapped here. well, you were bound to work out your differences." Willow chuckled slightly. "Or kill each other." She leaned back and gazed at the blonde. "I have news for you too. Do you remember Tara?"

.....

The scoobies sat around watching with surprise as Buffy seemed to communicate with the natives. One boy in particular seemed devastated by the slayer's news that she was leaving.

Willow felt sympathy for the boy as he bid farewell to her and Mr. Peepers. Glancing around, Giles took in with amazement the villagers attitude toward Buffy. Xander whispered to the watcher. "What's going on?"

"Well, it appears that these natives thought of Buffy as some sort of god. She rescued them from an evil demon." Giles removed his spectacles and cleaned them. "Extraordinary."

"That's the Buffster. Making friends wherever she goes." Xander chimed in, smiling at the little slayer as she brought out the last of her stuff.

"Okay. I'm ready." Buffy announced, standing back while the men filled the boat.

Riley glanced down at the tiny monkey who stood holding Buffy's hand. "Aren't you going to leave it here?" He gestured to Mr. Peepers.

"No! Of course not. He comes home with me." Buffy picked the terrified monkey up. He shrieked and clung to his blonde mommy. He didn't want her to leave him too. Mr. Peepers chattered nervously as he took in the group staring at him.

Willow smiled and held out her arms. "I think he's adorable." The tiny monkey happily made his way over to the witch and sat in her lap for part of the boat ride. Every time Riley stole a peek at him, Mr. Peepers stuck out his tongue.

Xander smirked. "He is kinda cute. Aren't you little fellow?" He held out his hand and the monkey slapped him five then stuck his tiny hand back out for Xander to slap. "Look at that he even knows how to give five."

They all laughed except for Riley who glared at the tiny simian. "I don't know. It might have a disease. We'll have to leave it in quarantine when we get back."

Mr. Peepers squeaked and hid his face against Willow as he clutched his doll. "Shhhh. Riley, you're scaring him." The red head chastised the soldier as she gently stroked the tiny monkey. "It's okay, Mr. Peepers. I can't wait for you to meet Tara." She smiled as she thought of her girlfriend's probable excitement over the tiny animal.

......

Once they were aboard, Buffy went to her cabin to rest, and Willow and Tara were left to monkey sit.

"Isn't he the cutest?!" The red head sang out as she watched Mr. Peepers jump on their bed.

"Yes, he is. We can put clothes on him, and take him to the park." Tara hugged her girlfriend.

"Ooh.two words." Willow squealed with delight. "The Baby Gap!"

"Sweetie, that's three." They both laughed when the monkey stood up and began doing a hula dance.

.......

Faith peered out the porthole window next to her cage. "B, I promise I'll find you. No matter what.. I'll find you again."

The End