Chapter 8 – Last patrol

As we all stalk around the 3rd cemetery I suddenly realize that the feeling of being watched has passed. I haven't felt it all night. I must have been right about the paranoia from the town being quiet. Now that the girls were here helped as well, it certainly wasn't quiet anymore. I look over at the girls and listen to their chit chat for a moment. It's been a little busier tonight than normal. "So, you guys ready to take over your very own Hellmouth?"

"Oh my goodness yes! I am so happy you picked us Buffy." This was from Valerie.

"Buffy we appreciate the chance to handle something like this. We also are very happy that you will be getting a much needed break."

"Thank you Ginger. I appreciate you saying that. Doing this for 10 years has sapped all my energy up. I need a good recharge. I want to be the 'Energizer Buffy' again." The girls all crack up at this.

Renee' asks "Buffy what should we expect from a Hellmouth exactly?"

"Well there is no limitation girls. Anything can happen. Sloth demons, Vampires, Werewolves, Lizard demons, Snake demons, anything. Anything and everything is drawn to a Hellmouth. They feed off it. I picked you four for your different strengths. Valerie you are spunky and a little wild. That is needed. It can keep the enemy off balance. Not sure where you are going to go next. Renee' you are outgoing when it is called for, but can reign it in when it isn't. It shows maturity and strength. Ginger you are logical and restrained. I trust in you to hold off those that will most likely run in half cocked. Last, but not least Stephanie. You spent a little time with Willow and with your Wicca knowledge I know you can help protect and defend all of you. I'm asking a lot of you I know, but I also know that you all can handle it. Have faith in your abilities. Use your knowledge and power wisely. Number one rule of a fight. Don't Die. It's my motto….one that I have found hard to live by….but I have faith you won't have the issues I have had to deal with if you rely on each other and your strengths."

"We promise to watch each others back Buffy. We will make you proud."



"I know you all will Valerie. Don't forget that if you ever need my help just give me a call. For any reason."

"We promise Buffy." Ginger replies.

"Let's head on to the next cemetery. It's sad that all vampires tend to have the same pattern. You would think they would learn a different pattern every so often."

Buffy settled back into her thoughts as the girls started the chit chat back up. I notice a new grave and I notice a slight movement which is what really drew my attention I decide to wait a moment. It is still an awe to see a vampire claw its way out of the earth. It is also hard to remember that I had to do that very same thing not so long ago. I prepare for a fight as the girls watch from the other side of the tombstone. In a split second decision I decide to see how they do. I grab hold of the newbie and bring him face to face. As I see the teeth descend and the yellow gleam in the eye I shove with all my might and surprise the four girls standing by watching. The vampire makes a lunge for Ginger. She lands a few good blows to the vampire's face and stomach. As she delivers the last kick to his face the vampire spins perfectly into the next kick from Stephanie. As she takes little time to knock him around Renee' grabs the vamp from behind and flips him over her back. All the while Valerie is waiting readying her stake for the perfect time to jab it into his heart. As soon as the vampire slams the ground Valerie plunges her stake in and all that is left is a cloud of dust. I congratulate them and start moving on again as if nothing happened, all the while thinking that this showed my excellent skills of finding a good team to replace myself.