Chapter One

I took out the crumpled up picture and tenderly ran my hand over the fading image of my mother. It had been over five years since I heard her voice, and everyday I missed it more than the last.

I didn't let my feelings overwhelm me, and just as I began to feel the tears fill my eyes, I folded up the paper and slipped it back into my little box that held all that remained of my life with my mother.

I was fourteen, almost fifteen, when she was killed… brutally murdered was a more accurate term. Before that night I had never known of the dark creatures that walked this earth; but on that night when a vampire emerged from the darkness in our back yard and had bitten into her neck while I watched from the safety of my home, I panicked.

With my mom dead, all I had left was my step dad, and I didn't want to be left alone with him. So, I did the only thing I could bring myself to do; I ran. I packed a bag and the few hundred dollars I had saved up and I ran.

No one came looking for me. I managed to find connections on my way, learning how truly resourceful I could actually be. I got myself a new look and a new identity. I had decided to go by Danni, short for Danielle, my real name.

When I had picked the name for my new identity I was told to pick something completely different than my original name, but I couldn't do it. I had never gone by Dani before. My grandmother had been the only one to ever call me that, but no one else knew and my grandmother was no longer around to even think of it.

I had wondered around for a few years and started doing my own research on vampires. Funny thing is, the information is out there, you just have to look for it. I was eventually led to the Watchers.

They are a rather ominous and secretive society of sorts. I was told of a legend… history, of slayers. Slayers were born to fight the demons from hell: vampires, werewolves, and all the other things that go bump in the night. The scariest part was to learn that there were scarier things than vampires.

There was something about each generations having a Slayer born, there were potential slayers awaiting for when the current slayer was killed… They also told me that there were now, for the first time as far as they knew, more than one slayer only because of the current slayer's death and resuscitation.

The Watchers thought that I was a potential, for whatever reason, so I started training. I learned how to fight and I studied. I was a star pupil. My memory of my mother's death pushed me further than they could handle. I was sent to Watchers across the globe for a couple of years and then I ended up in LA, California. That's where I had eventually met Angel.

Angel was a vampire. The difference being that he had a soul. I wasn't entirely certain what all of that meant. Angel once explained to me that as a vampire it changes everything about you riping your conscience away and leaving behind a monster; but with a soul he had his conscience and his humanity. He wanted to help people.

I fought along side him and decided to stay with him. He had shared with me that he knew the slayer, calling her Buffy Summers. I wondered who would name thier daughter Buffy. He told me everything he knew of slayers and their watchers. Together we roamed the darkness of LA hunting and helping those we could.

I found it ironic that I was friends with a vampire, but oddly enough, he was the closest thing I had to a best friend; and he gave me something that I hadn't had since my mother died: someone who cared about me and looked after me.

I tucked my box under my pillow at the sound of footsteps coming toward it. Angel opened the door, "Hey," he said with a small smile.

"Hi."

Angel was very good looking. He had broad shoulder, he was tall and his dark hair all added to dark and handsome look. I had feelings for him, but I wasn't entirely certain if it was more than firendly. I also knew that Angel's heart belonged to Buffy, though I never pushed to find out any details.

"i know that it was your idea to start the Angel Investegators and you know that I love having you by my side…" He paused as my heart pounded at his use of the word 'love'.

"What?"

He sat down on the bed beside me, "What I'm about to ask you to do is big, but I wouldn't ask you if there were someone else."

I furrowed my brow at him, "Is something wrong?"

"yes and no."

"That's not helpful, Angel."

"it's Buffy."

"Is she ok?"

"Of course, she's fine, but I need to keep it that way. Unfortunately, she has a tendancy to get herself into trouble. She starts college soon and I need her to be looked after."

"So, what is it that you are asking me to do?"

"i want you to go to college with her. Befriend her, keep an eye on her. Help her if necessary. Youre strong and skilled in ways that she has yet to develop, I believe that you could help her."

I glanced down at the hands in my lap. My mother had always wanted me to go to college. I had received a high school diploma through the Watcher's council, it surpassed what a normal high school graduate would have. I knew college would be easy enough for me to get into academically speaking.

Angel handed me a packet I hadn't realized he was carrying. "This is all the college information you'll need. You have full financial aid and a dorm. All the information is in there. I'll even send you money as often as I can. You don't have to even stay in the dorn, though I did manage to get you a single room."

I took the papers and stared at them, "You didn't even ask me first. How do you even know I'll say yes?"

"Because I know you and you know that I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important." He sighed. "But if I happen to be wrong and you decide to stay, I will accept that. I'll call the college myself and cancel all of it."

I snickered. He knew I would go. I would do anything for him and he knew that. "When do I leave?"

He smiled at me, "Classes start in just over a week. Your orientation date is in the packet, but you have permission from the Dean to move into your dorm room as soon as you want."

I nodded, "Good thing I don't have much to pack."

I had been living out of a duffle bag for years, not attaching myself to too much. The only other thing I had now was my motorcycle, that would travel to Sunnydale with me.

"Am I allowed to come back and visit?"

"As often as you want! I wouldn't have it any other way."

Angel left with a wide smile and gratitude clearly written all over his face.

After he left I began to gather my things and stuff them in my bag. That night I said my goodbyes. Angel gave me a picture of the "scooby gang", Buffy and her friends in Sunnydale. He told me about them all.

Buffy, of course was the blonde; Willow, the witch, was the small girl with red hair and Buffy's best friend; Xander was the tall guy with dark hair, and I found myself drawn to him, for some reason. Standing in the back, like a loving father, was Giles, Buffy's Watcher.

When dawn came I pulled my bag onto my shoulders, stuffed the picture in my pocket and said a final goodbye to Angel.

"Thank you, for doing this for me, Dee." Angel had started calling me Dee when I first met him, it kind of stuck, and I liked it.

"you wouldn't have asked me if it didn't mean so much to you. How would I have turned you down?"

He handed me a cell phone, "So, you can call me whenever you want. My number is already in it. I will always answer it, I promise."

He wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug. "Remember to have fun, make friends and experience a normal life for once."

"Normal is overated!" I said playfully as I climbed on my bike and put my helmet on.

I had settled into my single dorm nicely, though I had to buy a new comforter set and some other odds and ends for my room. It was nice to be surrounded by others my age. Although I was technically a bit older than the other freshmen, my ID said I was 19.

Students were flowing into the college at an alarming rate, the halls were full of noise.

I had registered for my classes, keeping it rather light. I choose an english literature class, psychology, and a basic algebra class to get started. I had already spent a lot of time finding Buffy's house and locating the houses of her friend's as well.

The day before classes officially started the campus was busy and I was in the book store trying to gather the books I needed. I was looking for a book for Intro to Psychology when i noticed Willow and Buffy looking for the same thing. Buffy managed to find them, on a high shelf. When she reached for them she accidentally knocked them down onto a guy kneeling beside the bookshelf.

"Oh God, I'm so sorry." Buffy says with a look of guilt on her face.

The guy stood up, revealing his broad shoulders and height. He was swoon worthy. "I'm okay. It's okay. Well, that was bracing."

"I'm so… the books were just too high, and then everything was bad." Buffy said, sounding a bit childish. She bent down to pick up the books.

"Let me give you a hand." He helped her with the books as I squeezed through.

"Great! I was looking for this book! Thanks!" I said as I took one.

"Let's put a few of these down here." Tall and handsome said as I put the remaining books on the shelf where others could actually get to them. "So, uh, are you girls taking Intro Psych, or do you just want me dead?"

I giggled.

"Uh-huh. I mean the first one." Buffy said shyly.

"Well, you'll have a lot of fun. Professor Walsh- she's quite a character."

"Oh, have you taken it?" I chimed in.

"I'm a TA, I'll be helping the Professor out. I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners in all the concussion… I'm Riley."

"Willow, and this is my friend Buffy." Willow said sweetly, not showing any of that shyness Angel had told me about.

Willow, Buffy and Riley turned toward me, "Oh, sorry, I'm Danni, friends call me Dee." I smiled sweetly.

Riley's smile widened slightly. "It's nice to meet you all."

"I'm nice to meet." Buffy replied, letting her nerves get the best of her.

It was strange, out of everything that Angel had told me about her, she seemed so different… so lost and very unsure of herself. I kind of felt sorry for her.

"Hey, do you know if we're going to by studying 'Operant Conditioning' in the first semester? 'Cause I hear that's kinda Professor Walsh's specialty." Willow asked.

Riley seemed to beem, "Absolutely!"

I was well versed in psychology and had done my study on the teachers to be in their good graces, I knew of Walsh's work and classes and i couldn't wait to delve into what ever she had to teacher.

"Oh fantastic! I can't wait. Have you read her treatise on Dietrichs work?" I asked with enthusiasm.

Riley looked started, "I was just going to ask you that."

"i know of it." Willow added.

"It's not on the syllabus, but it's a fascinating read… it you're into that sort of thing. They have it here." Riley said.

"Oh, where?" Willow asked.

"I'll show you. I don't meet that many freshmen that know that much about psychology. It's rather refreshing."

"Well, it's fascinating." Willow smiled.

i nodded.

"Yeah, you know, 'cause everyone's got a brain." Buffy added.

Riley gave her a polite smile and kind of shook his head as he headed to lead us to the fascinating read.

Willow walked next to me as Riley led us to the book. The three of us talked briefly about what I had already read and I explained to Willow that if she were to divulge into Walsh's treatise she would probably better grip certain future lessons. Riley agreed and handed us each a copy.

"Guess I'll see you all in class tomorrow."

The three of us bought our books and headed out. Buffy excused herself and headed toward her room. Willow and I were engrossed in discussing Walsh's syllabus and everything we were excited for. I purchased a coffee at a small espresso stand and we sat down and continued to talk about how excited we both were for classes to start.

Willow had a thirst for knowledge that even rivaled my own. Eventually the talk transitioned to more personal things.

"Are you from around here?" Willow asked kindly.

I shook my head, "Not really from anywhere, to be honest. Kind of been everywhere."

"Wow, that's exciting! What about your family, where are they from?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I don't have any family left. My mother died when I was fourteen, and I never knew my real father."

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

I smiled reassuringly at her, "Don't worry, It's fine. It was so long ago that I've had time to heal."

She looked at her watch, "Oh, I've gotta go, but it was really nice meeting you!"

"Of course. It was so good to meet you and Buffy too, glad I finally made a friend!" before she left I gave her my number and told her to call me anytime.

Once I found my way back to my own room I called Angel, even though I knew he would be sleeping.

"Dee, what's wrong?" His voice was nice to hear on the other line.

"Nothing… well, not really anyways."

"How's it going?"

"Well, I ran into Buffy and Willow in the bookstore when I was getting my books for my classes. Willow and I seem to have a lot in common. She's really smart and so nice."

"And Buffy?"

"She's… different than you described her. She seems really overwhelmed with college and hasn't even picked her classes yet and they start tomorrow. She almost seems lost in a way. College doesn't seem to be her forte."

"She's strong and she'll get there. It's just an adjustment. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good. Really excited about classes and I think that Willow really likes me, so I may have my in to the 'scooby gang'. I think I might patrol tonight though, feeling a bit restless."

"Do you think that's the best?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, what if you run into Buffy on patrol, how are you going to explain that. It isn't as though she has given the last slayers she's run into a warm welcome."

"I'm not a slayer."

"Might as well be. Her and Giles aren't exactly on the good side of the council either, they might not appreciate you being there like a baby sitter."

"But I'm not with the council anymore, haven't been for awhile. I work with you and I'm here because you asked me to be. Don't you think that Buffy will understand that?"

"I'm not sure. Just be careful."

Suddenly, it dawned on me. "You don't want me to tell Buffy that I know you, do you?"

"Not just yet. Give it time. Become her friend, tell me everything and I'll tell you when it should be the right time to tell her."

"Angel?" I was hesitatant.

"What is it Dee?"

"What happens if she doesn't want me around when she finds out I kept this from her?"

"She's not like that. If she thinks of you as a friend she will understand."

"Alright. I should go."

"Okay, take care of yourself Dee."

"I will."

I set my cell phone on the desk and walked over to my bed. The sun was just beginning to set. If I couldn't patrol and take on vamps, then I would need to find something else to do. I had heard of students talking about The Broze, a local club that apparently didn't check IDs or just allowed all ages… I wasn't certain, but it seemed promising.

I changed my clothes, throwing on a tight pair of jeans and my heeled boots with a slinky top. As i looked in the mirror I wondered whether I should change again. i looked like I was asking for attention, but i guess a part of me was. Perhaps a new boyfriend would make my adjustment to Sunnydale easier.

I managed to ask someone directions to the club and made my way there on my bike. I parked my bike and took off my helmet. tousling my hair gently I entered the club. My hair feel in light curls along my shoulders.

I found a table and sat down after I ordered a drink. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a familiar face. I had his picture back in my dorm, it was Xander. I was a bit confused, as I thought he was still out of town, seeing the country or something like that.

I downed my shot of whiskey I managed to get with my actual ID that said I was 21 and headed toward Xander, standing alone and looking rather lost.

"Lose something or someone?" I asked sweetly.

"Neither, really. Just hoping to run into a friend. Haven't been wanting to bother them since they have college that just started and all."

"Well, why don't you be my friend tonight and dance with me?" I flashed him a rather sultry look that I'm sure made him falter.

"Um, are you sure?"

I held my hand out to him, "Come on, show a girl a good time."

His smile widened and he took my hand. We danced for a while, he told me about what he had been doing during the summer, which was not what Buffy and Willow thought he was doing. And he made me laugh. More than I had laughed in a long time.

We ended up on one of the back sofas lining the club. He had such funny stories that we lost track of time and soon enough it seemed the club was clearing out.

"i guess we should get going, it's getting late." Xander said with a glance at his watch.

I liked Xander a lot and honestly, I was feeling really lonely. "Well, you could come back to my dorm with me. I have a single, so no room mate."

Xander looked at me with a wide grin and shock clearly written on his face. "Really? I feel like this is a prank. Some sororiety girl initiation thing, you know, find the dorkiest guy and bring him back to your place, make him think he has a chance, then shut him down."

I giggled, "Do I look like a sorority girl to you?"

He eyed me, "Kind of."

I moved closer to him, "I promise I'm not. I like you, you make me laugh. But you can feel free to decline my offer. I'll just slink back to my room, lonely and dejected."

his face sofetened, "Can't have that, now can we." He stood up and held his hand out to me.

I took it and he gently pulled me to my feet. Before he could turn to walk away I wrapped my arms around his neck and placed my lips on his. A warmth spread through my body and I felt him stiffen briefly before wrapping his hands around my waist and returning my kiss.

i pulled away slightly.

"Okay, I'm officially convinced that youre not playing with me, but just to be sure, could we do that again?"

I chuckled and nodded, pulling him closer. I parted my lips for him, inviting him to deepen the kiss and he did.

We finally managed to pull away from eachother and I walked him outside to my bike.

"That's your ride?"

"Yeah, ever been on one?"

"Not really, should I be worried?"

"Not at all." I handed him the helmet and he managed to get it on. "Come on," I said as I got on my bike.

He nodded and climbed up behind me, "Do I just…" he started as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Hold on tight, I'll be sure not to go too fast."

It only took a couple of minutes to get back to my dorm building. Xander took off the helmet and handed it back to me.

"Do I have helmet hair now?" He asked playfully.

I shook my head, "Nope." i took my helmet from him and grabbed his hand. Together we walked into my dorm building.

I dug out my room key and unlocked my dorm. Xander entered, looking a bit surprised.

"Not what you thought it would be?" I asked.

"It's almost bare! Where's all your stuff?"

"Guess it's my turn for sharing." I said as I set my helmet down and locked my dorm room behind me.

I don't know what drove me to my little box, but before I knew it I was opening it and pulling out my mother's picture and handing it to him.

"My mom died when I was fourteen. Without a dad to take care of me, I ran away. I made it from one home to another and eventually found myself over seas. Now I'm here. My mother always wanted me to go to college."

"Why here? I mean after all those amazing places, why did you decide a college here?"

"Let's just say a friend convinced me to come here and start over kind of."

I sat down on the bed beside him and placed my mother's picture on my nightstand.

"Well, I guess you just have to make the best of it."

I turned to Xander and smiled at him as I leaned toward him, "I think I'm going to."

We started talking and eventually we started kissing. Before I knew it we had fallen asleep together. My head rested on his chest while his arms were wrapped tight around me.

I was comfortable with him. He had a certain magnetism that drew me to him. Perhaps we were meant to be together, who knew?