A/N: Mucho gracias guys for the reviews. I'm happy that you're enjoying my story so far. I'm having a lot of fun writing it as a matter of fact. There will be lots more upcoming B/A interaction, which means the next chapters will also be a bit longer. Chapter 11 will be posted soon. I've also added a reference to the Buffy movie as well, hehe. Enjoy!

"Wait, so you're like one of those vampire hunters they play in the movies? Like what Kristy Swanson played in that horrible Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie?" The girl questioned in wonderment. Buffy reluctantly nodded, but had difficulty processing a grin. " Don't make fun! We share the same name, but technically, yeah. Like the original Buffy, I didn't choose this gig. It chose me. I can't even quit because the pay's so low. That's how bad things are out there. They've been that way for a long time now. Even before I moved here."

"So, what are you gonna do now? I mean, don't think I'm ungrateful, because it's totally the opposite and I'm thankful you saved me, but what next? All these girls might be getting hurt, and nobody's doing anything. Not even the police are helping." The girl slightly tensed her shoulders, her hands folding nervously, her lips developing into a worried pout.

"What do you mean the police aren't helping? Doesn't anybody know about what's been going on? I mean, if it's all true?" Buffy's mouth was agape, attempting to steady herself against the chair.

"Not really. Police think it's gangs that are taking these girls. There hasn't even been any articles mentioning anything about the kidnappings since all of this started. It's like the town is ignoring it on purpose. I found out about it from one of the workers at The Bronze earlier tonight. As a matter of fact, she told me about it right before Angel had showed up."

A shiver coursed through the Slayer's spine, uneasiness settling in. She didn't like where the conversation was heading. As if things weren't bad enough already.

"I see. Did this worker tell you anything else?"

The girl pondered for a second. "She did tell me that Angel had arrived at The Bronze more than once tonight. Seems he was there with another girl a couple of hours before I showed up. The last I was told was that the girl he was with had went outside with him for a quick make out session, and that when he came back inside, she never returned. It was like she disappeared into thin air."

Another shiver surmised. I have a total bad feeling about this. Well, okay, even worse than before. "Okay, then. After everything you just told me, it looks like I'm gonna go scope out The Bronze and ask if anyone knows anything more, because obviously, something needs to be done here, and I'm the only one who can stop this." Buffy stood to her feet.

"Are you crazy? What if Angel knows you're there asking questions?" The girl was worried. "Don't worry. He doesn't even know what I do. As far as I know, he only knows that I'm a normal girl, and not someone with super powers. But I can't risk it for you to come. It's too dangerous. I should probably walk you home as a matter of fact. It's getting late," Buffy offered, gathering her leather jacket and stake from a well hidden area under the kitchen counter.

"Why not? At least let me come with you. I was almost vampire dinner tonight. I deserve to get some revenge, don't you think?" The girl insisted, scurrying to her feet, her amber eyes pleading.

Buffy shook her head. "I can't do that. Going up against these vamps is much too dangerous for you, you could put your life at risk. You need to learn how to protect yourself, and I can't do that and watch you in case if The Bronze is swarmed with them." Buffy pulled on her jacket, inserting the stake into the inner pocket.

"Oh c'mon, it can't be that bad. At least, if the girls being kidnapped are true, they're gonna be too busy with them to even come to The Bronze, especially if they have a big appetite and can't wait that long to start sucking their blood."

At this, Buffy had to admit that what the girl had said was hitting close to being right. "Okay, you can come with me. But keep this with you just in case if there's trouble. You'll need it." Buffy ventured to the nearest closet, opening it to reveal a hidden shelf, occupied with various stakes and crosses as she offered one to the girl.

"Keep this inside your jacket. You don't want to show those off in case if there's any vampires inside the club. Sometimes it's hard to tell who is who. They tend to blend in at times and act just like regular people."

The girl nodded. "You sure you want to do this? You can go home if you like. It's not a problem," Buffy queried. "I'm sure. By the way, I didn't catch your name."

Buffy allowed a snort before answering. "It's Buffy."

"The name's Clarice. I know it's a stupid name, but that's what my parents gave me, so I'm stuck with it. Forever." She rolled her eyes.

Buffy gave another laugh, then spun to exit the house through the kitchen door. "Okay. Ready?"

Clarice nodded with assurance. "Ready."

"Let's go."

~~~~/////

It was close to two in the morning. Despite the fact that dawn was about to rise in a few hours, it didn't stop Buffy and her newly discovered friend from entering The Bronze, which was oddly opened, despite the late night hour.

"I thought The Bronze closed early. Why is it still open?" Buffy whispered, peering at Clarice. She shrugged her shoulders, a baffled look flitting her face. "Tonight was the grand reopening, so they wanted to keep the place open late. They've been doing some remodeling over the past month or so."

"It sure looks a bit quiet, for an open place. Stay close to me, and keep quiet. We don't want to bring attention to ourselves," the Slayer ordered, creping against the building, boots tapping lightly on the cement pavement.

"No problem. Should we enter through the front door? It looks like no one's there, except the bouncer."

"Good idea. Got your stake?"

"In my coat pocket."

"Good. Let's get to it. Ready. Set. Go."

Both girls trotted towards the entrance of The Bronze, arms pumping at their sides as they steered to the left. Immediately upon Buffy's vision, she witnessed the bouncer laying motionlessly against the door, head lolling to the side, his thick neck revealing two puncture wounds, stained with dried blood.

Clarice let out a gasp, hand clamping her mouth. "Is he dead?"

Buffy nodded sternly. "Yeah, he's dead. Too late to help him. Damnit."

"Is he gonna turn into a vampire?"

"No, I don't think so. He's fully drained, and it looks like he hasn't had any of their blood. We better get inside, we don't know what could be lurking out here."

"Good idea." Cautiously, they trotted past the entrance, entering the club, both pairs of eyes scanning their surroundings. "Seems like everything is normal. Just your normal drinking, dancing, and people talking. I don't think they even noticed the dead bouncer outside," Clarice announced.

"That's how much people here are oblivious to the unusual. It's a pain in the ass sometimes when you're one of the few ones who knows what's going on," Buffy huffed, eyes preening through the darkness.

"Should we start asking people about the girls?" Clarice took a step forward. " I say we should start with the coffee attendant over there. Seems like she might know something," Buffy suggested, pulling at Clarice's hand as they made their way over to the convenience stand, pushing swaying bodies aside.

"Wait, it looks like we might not have to. Angel's here, over by the corner, with a blond girl in a silver halter top and black pants." Clarice pointed to the nearest right hand corner. Close to the concert stage, Angel leaned against the wall, casually enjoying his female company, with what appeared to be a wine glass held in his hand. The liquid was dark red.

Slayer senses tingling all over, Buffy turned towards Clarice. "I want you to stay here. I'm gonna go check on things."

"You're gonna go after Angel, aren't you?"

"That I am. I'm well equipped though. Don't you worry. Stay in an area where you're not alone. Vampires tend to prey on the lonely and vulnerable." Clarice nodded, taking two steps back.

"Here, kitty kitty kitty kitty," Buffy muted, stalking towards the stage when she noticed both Angel and his female companion leaving towards the nearest exit, his hand gingerly placed on her lower back. Buffy knew one thing was about to transpire: Trouble.

Pulling the stake from the inner pocket, she made her way towards the side exit door, entering into the darkened alley that connected to the club and train tracks. Angel and his escort were no longer there.

"Just when I had him too," Buffy scowled when her ears picked up a sound that sounded remotely like a shrill yelp near the far corner dumpster.

Quickening her pace, she trudged towards the dumpster, when Angel's appearance sidestepped in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. She noticed blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, fangs glistening, eyes blazing a golden hue.

So it's true. I can't believe it.....

"Buffy," Angel whispered, his expression one of shock, and a faint trace of hurt.