Buffy Summers just couldn't believe it. "I'm sorry, you want me to what?" She sputtered, hopelessness descending upon her. "What we want," Quentin I'm-So-British-And-Stuffy-I-Have-A-Stake-Shoved-Up-My-English-Butt-The-Size-Of-An-Emu Travers said, "Is for you to go to Mystic Falls. There has been a rash of deaths and so-called 'Animal' attacks."
Buffy rubbed her temples gently before shaking her head, "So, what you're saying is, you want me to uproot from my life here and move? Again?" A few moments later, Buffy exited the library, tears streaking her face.
Giles looked up from his position against the wall. "What am I supposed to do, Giles?" She asked helplessly as he walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her. "What you have to, I'd suppose."
"Great," Buffy drew back, "So, I just explain to my mom and friends that the Watchers Council has requested that I move to another state because they want me to stop some force of evil?" Giles shook his head, "I could help, if you want."
A small smile formed on Buffy's lips. "No. It's okay, Giles. I can handle it. I think. Oh, my God. What about Mom?" "Well, I should think she would want to go with you, of course." "And Willow? Xander? Can they go too?" Buffy asked with a frown.
Giles emitted a low chuckle before guiding her down the hallway, "I don't think they can, Buffy." "Well, what am I supposed to do? They're shipping me to the South, Giles. The South! What, am I supposed to say, "Hello, ya'll!" And greet people with – with chewing tobacco?!"
Buffy's voice grew increasingly shrill as Giles lead her towards the school entrance, "It'll all be okay," he said as soothingly as possible, "And I'll be with you." "You will?" Buffy asked hopefully. "Yes," Giles said with a nod.
"Hey, Buff!" Buffy turned to the voice, seeing her closest friends, Willow and Xander rushing towards her. Buffy took them in one last time. Willow's ivory skin, flushed with happiness today, and flame of red hair, and her knowledgeable eyes.
Xander's crooked smile, his dark eyes, and his tanned complexion. "I'll leave you alone, to explain." Giles murmured to her before clasping her shoulder comfortingly. She heard him walk away as she swallowed thickly.
"So, how'd it go, Buffy?" Willow chimed happily. Buffy tossed her long flaxen locks over her shoulder before drawing in a deep breath. "Well," She began distantly. Her voice carried on, but it sounded so much like a stranger speaking as it explained that she's being shipped off to Virginia.
Her voice hitched as she said brokenly, "And that means, I'll be away from you guys. Angel. Possibly even Mom." Willow and Xander glanced at each other, solemnly.
"It's okay, Buff," Xander said with false cheerfulness, "They need you more in Mystic Falls. It's all good. Besides, you'll probably come back as soon as you're done," He uttered a weak chuckle, finishing, "Right?"
Buffy nodded gravely, "I'll just miss you guys, so much." Suddenly, Willow and Xander were moving towards her. The next thing Buffy knew, she was enveloped in a warm Willowy and Xander-like hug.
"It'll be okay, Buffy. It'll all be okay." Willow said softly. "Yeah," Came Xander's muffled voice, "See? The Wilster isn't scared, so I'm not either." Buffy laughed softly, closing her eyes, "I hope so."
"So, now they're transferring me," Buffy finished faintly. Angel's dark eyes were fixated on her the entire time. "I don't wanna leave, Angel," Buffy said sadly. "But, you have to." Angel said in his soft voice.
"And I'll still be here when you get back." Buffy's emerald orbs flickered over to him, a frown forming on her lips. "But, I can't leave. If I'm not here, who'll protect everyone? Who'll slay the vampires and keep the Hellmouth from opening?" "I will." Angel said, standing. Buffy swallowed hard, "So, that's it, isn't it?"
Mystic Falls High School the sign above the entrance read. Well, we have one of those back home. Buffy thought irately as she stepped into the crowded hallway. People glanced at her as she made her way to the principal's office.
Principal Smith was a woman of her late forties. Her still golden hair cascaded down her back. "Buffy… Summers, is it?" The woman asked in a warm voice. "Yes." The Slayer said vaguely, doing her best to not be affected by the warmth of the woman's voice.
She remained at the doorway for a moment. The woman looked up at her. Crystalline blue eyes stared at Buffy searchingly. "You can have a seat, you know," Ms. Smith said, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"Despite the rumors, you've no doubt heard, I don't bite." Buffy felt herself begin to relax and warm to this woman almost instantly. The Slayer hesitantly walked over to the chair the principal had indicated.
Buffy sat down and handed the principal her transcript papers and her transfer form. The woman looked over the paperwork, occasionally humming and signing the papers. After a few moments, the woman's shrewd blue optics raised to Buffy's face.
A small smile appeared on the woman's lips as she handed back the paperwork and a class schedule. "Welcome to Mystic Falls High, Buffy." Buffy breathed a soft sigh of relief before standing, "Thank you, Ms. Smith." She said with a nod before walking out of the office.
The day passed in a blur. Once again, Buffy had to consult her map of the school to make her way to her classes. After the final bell had rung, Buffy wandered aimlessly through the school, she wandered towards the football field and climbed the bleachers, plopping down onto a metal bench.
Reaching into her bag, she unearthed a bottle of Vitamin Water and a granola bar. Unscrewing the top, she gratefully gulped down the drink. Tucking one foot behind the other, she sat in silence.
Unable to shake the eerie feeling of being watched, she glanced around, the Southern Sun shining down on her mercilessly. The small hairs on the back of her neck prickled as they stood on end.
A chill shimmied down her back as she stared around, the school grounds basked in silence. One of the metal doors slammed open abruptly, causing the Slayer to jump, her nerves frayed.
A group of chattering girls descended upon the football field. Cheerleaders, Buffy thought, remembering the time when she was one of them. But that was a long time ago. Buffy watched as they laughed and spread out, beginning their routine.
Out of her peripheral vision, she noticed a girl with auburn hair standing at the edge of the field, watching them with that same sadness that Buffy felt. A pang struck her heart as she saw the girl's beautiful face cloud over with sadness.
Buffy climbed down from the bleachers and made her way over to the girl. "Hi," The Slayer said as friendly as possible. The girl jolted, startled. A faint smile formed on the girl's lips as she gazed at Buffy.
"Hi," the girl said with a sigh. "I'm Buffy," the Slayer said genially, offering the girl her hand. "I'm Elena," the brunette replied. They both smiled at each other before turning to glance at the cheerleaders.
Buffy tensed when she saw, at the edge of the field, a young man, standing and looking right at her. "Damn it!" the Slayer hissed under her breath. "What's wrong?" The other girl asked, frowning.
"Nothing," Buffy said breathlessly, her gaze focused on the young man. A smirk formed on his lips as his oceanic spheres danced with amusement. He began to make his way across the field. His movement predatory and exuding arrogance.
The cheerleaders started when they saw him. They froze, licking their lips to rewet them as they watched him ravenously. What is his deal?Buffy thought almost disgusted with the way the girls eyed him. Almost as if he was a delicious meal.
Maybe they'll eat him and get rid of him. Buffy thought venomously, a giggle rising in her throat. The young man paused in front of her. "Hello, there." He said. Buffy gazed up at him, unaffected by his charms. "Hi."
"My name's Damon Salvatore. And you are?" He gave her a cursory glance. His eyes pausing momentarily on her curves. "None of your damn business," Buffy quipped.
Elena coughed to cover up her laugh as she cast Buffy a praising glance, showing her newfound respect for the Slayer. Damon's eyes flared with the same respect.
"Now, don't you have an elsewhere to be?" Buffy continued, waving him away as she turned and walked towards the parking lot, attempting to hide how rattled her brief encounter with Damon left her. "Hey! Wait up," Elena called after her, rushing to catch up.
Buffy turned to the girl, "What's his deal? He walks around all arrogant-like, like he's some big somebody." Buffy ranted, clearly shaken. "His family's one of the Founding Families. They're big important somebodies." Elena replied, flashing her a faint smile.
"Sorry, I didn't fully introduce myself. I'm Elena Gilbert. Of the Founding Families." Buffy halted in her tracks, "Oh, I'm so so –" She began, stammering. "No, it's okay. In fact, I don't like Damon that much either," Elena said, waving away her apology.
"He's… just.. Well, you've met him." Elena offered Buffy an apologetic smile. "Yeah," the Slayer sighed. "Well, this is my stop," Elena gestured to the car in front of them, indicating the girl standing next to the driver's side.
"Okay," Buffy nodded. Elena turned and walked over to the girl, who was extremely pretty, with dark hair and skin the color of coffee with a touch of cream. "Hey," Elena called turning to face the Slayer once more. "I never got your last name."
Buffy laughed and nodded, "It's Summers." "Well," the brunette smiled, "See you tomorrow Buffy Summers." The Slayer chortled waving to the girl, "Same, Elena Gilbert." She turned and walked across the parking lot, swinging her arms awkwardly.
"Buffy," Giles called, stepping out of the double-door entrance of the school. "Giles," Buffy said, brightening at the sight of her Watcher. "I was looking for you," The older man said, pulling off his glasses, cleaning them.
"Well, now you found me." Buffy said with a nod. "How was your first day?" Giles asked, putting his glasses back on. "Crazed. The classes here are so different from Sunnydale, I can't even begin to tell you. Oh, and I met this guy, he's so arrogant you would not –"
"Buffy," Giles said with forced patience. "Sorry." Buffy said sheepishly, "But he is! He's so arrogant and frustrating. Oh, and I think he might be evil." Giles raised a brow, amusement crossing his face, "Evil?" "Yeah. I was picking up some serious wrong vibes off this guy, Giles."
"Or it could be that you're so frustrated with his arrogant nature that you're thinking you're picking up something, where there's nothing." "But, what if he's a vampire?" "Out in broad daylight?" "Ohh…" Buffy sighed.
"Well, he's something, Giles. I just know it." Giles uttered a low sigh, "Alright. I'll look into it." Buffy nodded, "Great. Now, I have to get home. Mom's waiting." Giles nodded, "You should also get some rest. Your training begins early tomorrow."
"Joy," Buffy said sarcastically before glancing at her Watcher as they began to walk towards the road, "I almost forgot, how was your first day as Library Man?" "Joyless and frustrating." "No kids came to check out books?" Buffy snickered.
"No. That wasn't the problem. The problem was, too many young people wanted books." Buffy skidded to a stop, her mouth dropping open in horror, "You've got to be kidding me." Giles laughed cynically, "Well, I wish I was."
"So, the Council uproots me from my life in Sunnydale and sticks me in Nerdville?" Buffy almost shrieked. "Well, that's not fair." Giles stared at her, a stern expression on his face before he burst out laughing. "This isn't funny, Giles!"
Damon watched from afar as the new girl chattered with Elena. Elena, the girl who looked so much like Katherine. As he reached out with his Power, he skimmed the top of the new girl's; Buffy, Elena had called her, mind.
He felt a rush of power and purpose. Her mind was blocked. But he felt her strength. And it shook him to his very core. She's not human. She's far more than that. But he couldn't put his finger on exactly what. Damon could almost taste her blood.
It'd be rich with Old World secrets, and her power. It'd be thick and sweet. It'd be potent with all her abilities. Damon could almost feel it sliding down his throat. She'd taste like a fine wine. Intoxicating. Invigorating. And powerful.
His fangs broke through his gums; he traced them to the deadly needle points with his tongue. He'd have her. He'd drink her dry. But first, she's going to want it. Damon's pride still stung from the way she rebuffed him.
Oh, she will pay. Damon shot her a deadly glance before taking to the shadows, vanishing instantly. She'll pay. I will kill her...
Buffy opened the front door of the brand-new Summers residence. Paid for by the Watcher's Council. Buffy thought that was extremely generous of them when Giles offered her mother, Joyce, the keys.
He'd said they offered to. But Buffy had the distinct feeling that Giles had convinced them. And knowing Giles' past, it must've taken some arm-twisting, of the literal kind. The house was nice, but it wasn't enough to make her not miss Sunnydale.
It was spacious and well-furnished. The living room was cavernous, as was the rest of the house. The staircase twisted its way upstairs, like some kind of mutated vine. Needless to say, the house was enormous. Buffy wasn't quite sure that it wasn't a mansion.
"Buffy?" Joyce Summers called from the kitchen. "Yeah, Mom," Buffy called back, "It's me." Her mother stepped into the hallway, joining her daughter, "Well, how was your first day?" "Frustrating," The Slayer said, unusually laconic, "Oh, but I made a new friend."
"That's great, Sweetie." Her mother said encouragingly. "Yeah. So, did Willow or Xander call?" Buffy asked expectantly. "No, I don't think they did…" Her mother trailed off, realizing the conversation had come to an end. "Okay," Buffy said with a nod, before hurrying upstairs.
"So, how was your first day?" Willow Rosenberg almost squealed. Buffy chuckled flopping onto her bed as she held the handheld, cordless, phone to her ear. "Boring. Of the extreme kind," Buffy said, sighing softly. "How's everything in Sunnydale?"
"Quiet. Almost scary-quiet." "And the gang?" Buffy prompted. "We're all good. Missing you in a serious way." Buffy swallowed, feeling a lump grow in her throat. "Is that Buffy?" Xander's voice asked. "Yeah." Buffy heard Willow respond. "Tell her, 'Hi' for me?" Xander said.
"You can tell her yourself, you know." Willow replied. There was a click as a second receiver was picked up. "Hey, Buffster! We're missing you out here in Sunny Cal!" Xander's usually cheerful voice rang out. "Hey, Xand." Buffy chortled.
"So, you were telling me about your day? Was it good?" Willow inquired. "Well, kind of. I met this guy –" There was an immediate uproar. "Who?" Willow cried. "Yeah, Buff. Details." Xander added. "Does he go to school there? What's he look like? What's his name?" Willow gushed.
"Yeah, tell us. It's not like I'll tell Angel or anything." Xander said with mock innocence. "Xander!" Both girls shouted in unison. "What?" Xander said sheepishly. Buffy sighed, relaxing as she rolled onto her stomach.
"Okay, his name's Damon Salvatore. He's got these piercing blue eyes, I swear. It's almost like he's staring into you. And he's gorgeous of the extreme kind. And he's so…. Frustrating." "Wow." Willow said weakly. "I know!" Buffy cried, flailing.
"Also, I think he's evil." "Did anyone ever tell you that you have sucky taste in men, Buff?" Xander said. "Xander," The Slayer said reprovingly. "It's not like I'm looking to date him. If he's evil, he must be stopped."
Night had fallen quickly. A dense fog blanketing the town of Mystic Falls. Buffy had gone out to patrol. The fog only increased her anxiety. On the other side of town, Damon Salvatore broke into the school offices.
He rummaged through the file drawer, flipping through the files. Names jumped out at him. Somers, J. Sorensen, E. Stephens, P. Summers, B. Damon pulled out the file, and sat down at the desk.
It read, Buffy Summers moved to Mystic Falls, Virginia from Sunnydale, California after the divorce of her parents. Her criminal record includes the assault of many of her classmates and teachers, and destruction of school property, (i.e. burning down the school gym of her previous school Hemery High of Los Angeles.)
Damon whistled under his breath as he looked up from the file. "Hmmm," He murmured to himself. He stood, pushing the file drawer shut. "Seems like I have some reading to do," Damon slipped the file into his jacket as he snuck out of the building, quiet as the night itself.
Buffy's nerves jangled violently as she paced the town. Something was wrong. Off, somehow. She couldn't pinpoint what. Maybe the Watcher's Council was right. There is something seriously wrong with Mystic Falls.
