Sorry (for the millionth and first time) for the late updates. But if it
isn't work, then it's friends or the loss of power in my house for the last
few weeks.
Disclaimver! : I do not own anything in this story. Guyver is not mine and neither is Buffy. All characters belong to other people. Except for the warrior baboon in this chapter. Just kidding.
41 reviews. Wow. I really don't know what to say. Oh yes I do, THANK YOU! Thanks for all your kind words. They're a real confidence booster. Because of you guys, and 1 girl if I remember correctly, I will write better, faster and will finish this story. Because I want to do the sequel!
On with the show!
................................................................................................................................................
Previously, on Buffy/Guyver Zoanoid Slayer: Sean Barker, the Dark Hero known as The Guyver, has travelled to Sunnydale California to investigate potential Chronos activity. But not only is a rogue unit of Zoanoids planning to take control of the town, but Sunnydale is also home to vampires, demons, monsters and all kinds of evil.
And Buffy Summers. "In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer"
After confronting a vampire, Sean attempted to call upon The Guyver, but instead of forming, he was sent hurtling through his own memories. Buffy found Sean; whose right arm was encased in the bio booster armour, and took him to Giles apartment. Shortly after, Spike informs them that a challenge had been issued to Buffy by a new creature in town and they go to face it. Sean regains consciousness as Spike describes the creature, and Sean knows exactly what it is. Gregole. A Zoanoid.
... ... ...
The small jet touched down on the runway and screeched to a halt. The door opened as the stairs rolled up. As he stepped out of the plane and down the stairs, the man put his hand above his eyes and blinked repeatedly to get accustomed to the bright sunshine beating down on LA. But he was as cool and calm as ever. Unlike the young woman behind him, who was wearing sunglasses in an attempt to cover the look of the jet lag she was feeling. Flying from Japan to America, with a quick stop off and pick up in Europe, hadn't bothered Atkins in the slightest. But what with arriving at a dig, getting settled, getting a call in the middle of the night and then having to meet Atkins at the airport, well, all that had left Cori Edwards a little exhausted.
"So tell me again what we're doing?" Cori was struggling a little to keep up with Atkins' brisk walk.
"For the third time, we are going to our lab to see how you're doing," Atkins had tried to explain on the plane but if she wasn't sleeping then she was running through the worst case scenarios list of things that have happened to Sean, "then I'm of to California to see what's happened to your boy."
"Is it really that bad? What could have happened? Do you think he's alright?" Cori hadn't stopped worrying about Sean since Atkins had told her. Agito and Sho had both felt something. Something big. Something bad had happened to Sean. Real bad.
"Look we don't know. We can't reach him by the laptop or through Guyver 1 or Guyver 3."
"Why can't we both go to where he is right now? Let's go to this Sunnydale. Now."
"No, because right now you are my top priority. The kid can take care of himself. You however have more pressing engagements."
"In a lab?"
"Yes." Atkins said calmly, looking at her reassuringly. "We have to run every test we've got Cori. We have to know. We have to know what it means. What effects it might have. And now more than ever, you're a target."
"Because I'm pregnant."
... ... ...
She knew that she wasn't the most patient, rational and easy going person around, but some being the slayer meant that everything else in life had to step aside when trouble came calling. If she would miss the prom because she had to stop devil dogs ruining it fro everyone else, then so be it. If, to save the world, she had to drive a sword through the heart of the man she loved, sending him to hell, then she had to do it. She had done what was necessary. Made decisions, seen things and done things no one else ever could. But this, she couldn't handle. This she couldn't block out. It was cruel, evil, torture. Clawing, chipping away at her steel like resolve. It was unbearable.
Spike. Making casual conversation.
The horror. The horror.
"So that guy, well he saw it coming but what could he do? Deer in bloody headlights, poor sod. So after that it was Spike. William ain't exactly gonna scare the crap outta you and Spike was appropriate. Had a bit of 'grr' to it. People would remember Spike, the big bad. Forget all about that other poncy tit I was 'associated with'."
Buffy, who was not even half-heartedly listening, gave a small smile at the term 'poncy tit'. He wouldn't be too thrilled about being called poncy, or a tit. She just hoped that this little field trip would end soon. No matter what it was waiting for her, a trap, 100 vamps or the devil itself, nothing could be worse than this.
"And did you know I was on the Titanic?"
"You where on the Titanic?" Buffy stopped dead in her tracks, "THE Titanic? Then Spike, why aren't you at the bottom of the ocean instead of up here bothering me? Talk about a waste of lifeboat space."
"I wasn't on the bleedin' thing when it sank." Spike stopped and turned to face her, "I said I was 'on' the Titanic, the day before it set off to Iceberg."
"What where you doing?" Buffy wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know.
"Having a bite. An engine room worker." Spike frowned, "filthy bugger, had the taste of coal in my mouth for a week."
Buffy just shook her head and started walking. What did she expect Spike to say, that he saw 2 star crossed lovers? Spike had become very confusing lately. The chip in his head had, well not so much as tamed but mellowed him out. He almost seemed humble. Almost.
"So I might take a trip."
Buffy laughed, "Where? A nice sunny island on the other side of the world would be nice."
"Funny. Seeing as I can still beat vampires around, I might go back to L.A. Had me a bit of fun last time I was there. Got reacquainted with an old friend. Perhaps you know him. But then again, you might not have recognised him after the number I did on hi . . . "Spike didn't have time to finish, as a right hook caught him on the chin, sending him stumbling backwards.
"Shut. Up. If you wanna talk me to death, fine, whatever, but talk about Angel, ever, and I'll beat where we're going out of you and stake you right here. You get me?"
Spike rubbed his chin and smiled, "Scouts honour. No more talk about Captain un-dead America." They kept walking in silence. He of course had no honour, nor was he a scout, although he had turned a few. He thought vampire scouts would be something Drusilla would like but it all went horribly wrong. As these things do. So Spike decapitated 6 vampire scouts just to make Dru happy, which is all Spike ever wanted.
They continued until they reached the construction site by the freeway. Spike had torn up the area looking for the gem of Amara, some time ago, and had caused massive sinkholes. Work was being done underground to rebuild the foundations and steady the area. Large cave networks had been formed with scaffolding being put up so workmen could fix the cable, gas and water pipes. Demons and vampires had occupied some of the smaller caves, or 'hollows' as they had been dubbed. But every week Buffy and the gang had gone and cleared them out so the workers weren't at risk.
"He's waiting in the large hollow. It's been closed cause the gas pipes are knackered. They're shuttin it all off tomorrow. We can go down here, it's quicker." He opened up a hatch and peered down into the dimly light shaft. Turning round. He put his foot back and down, found the rung of the ladder and began to descend.
"Wait a minute, now I know where to go, why are you still coming?" Buffy asked.
Spike popped his head back up, "cause I wanna see if this guys got the stones to do you in. Put you outta my bloody misery."
Buffy gave a swift kick to Spikes head, causing the vampire to lose his grip and fall 20 feet down to the bottom of the shaft. Buffy smiled when she heard a cry of pain and some rather foul abuse coming from below. Looking around, feeling certain she wasn't being watched, she started down the ladder, stepping on Spike when she reached the bottom.
"It's called Gregole. Well, it's a Gregole." Sean had been propped up with a little help from the red headed girl. He was in an apartment, lying on the couch and being questioned, in particular by an Englishman with Glasses.
"You mean there is more than one of this Gregole?" asked the Englishman.
Sean tried to steady his left hand too drink the glass of water he had been given but he couldn't. One of the other girls kneeled down and slowly raised it to his lips. He sipped a little and nodded when he'd had enough. Breathing slowly, he was recovering his energy. He was so drained that even talking was an effort but that's what was required at the moment. "Thank you. Look, I can't tell you much at the moment, not knowing you and all but believe me, you don't want to go up against one. That girl, the one who went to fight?"
"Buffy. She can handle herself." Said the dark haired guy standing with an arm round the shoulder of the third girl.
"Not against a Gregole. I understand this town has nocturnal problems. Hell, I saw a vampire and I'm guessing they're tougher than normal people so this Buffy must be good if she can take one out, but this is out of all your leagues."
"And I suppose it would be in yours?" the Englishman had a harsh tone in his voice. Sean couldn't tell if he was mad at the lack of info Sean was giving him or the fact that that he obviously cared deeply for Buffy.
"It's 15 times stronger than a normal human." Sean decided to give them enough so maybe they would get Buffy to return. He was in no condition to fight, especially as he couldn't even stand.
"Buffy has super strength. 10 men or so." The third girl suddenly chimed in. "And she's killed millions of big evil thingies." The guy with his arm around her pulled her in close. She looked up into his eyes and he just shook his head.
"No conventional weapon can kill it." Sean continued. He knew extensive information on most zoanoids through combat or files given to him by Atkins or Agito. Weaknesses, battle strategies, all manner of data had been collected for each Zoanoid. Basic know thy enemy.
"Buffy is unconventional to say the least." the Englishman removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, possibly with frustration at this, thought Sean. "None of this matters now. All we can do is wait. We have no idea where Spike has taken Buffy to face this Gregole."
"And I'm not to comfy what with Spike being involved." The dark haired guy obviously wasn't happy.
"Spike, the one leading Buffy to Gregole, he can't be trusted?! "
"Judas." said the red head.
"Wonderful. Is he dangerous?"
"Not lately." Smirked the dark haired guy.
Getting up off the floor, Spike brushed off as much of the dust that was clinging to his clothes as he could. "Great. Just great. That'll probably not come out. Don't even wanna know what that is."
Buffy watched Spike finish grooming himself and shot him a look that said 'well? Are we going?'. She knew where the main hollow was but she felt a bit more reassured knowing where Spike was, even if he couldn't hit her, he could still tip the scales in the upcoming fight. But that's Spike, one big pain in the ass. After walking for a few minutes they stepped out into the main hollow. Scaffolding and ladders where set up against the walls, tools left cluttered on the floor. Drops of water fell to the ground from the water pipes that ran along the roof. In fact, the only thing that was different from when Buffy was here a few days ago was a man standing in the centre of the cavern with his back to them.
He turned around and Buffy wasn't sure what to make of him. He was about the same height as Spike, a little less muscular and had brown hair. The oddest thing about him was the silvery grey jumpsuit he was wearing.
"Good," Said the man in a pleased voice. "You came."
"Um, Spike, wasn't it a big greenish thing that wanted a fight?" Buffy was confused.
"That would be me." the man replied. "My name is Greg, I will be killing you in a minute."
"Wow. Not long to go then. Gotta tell you though, nice to see a man with good timekeeping."
"You think this is a joke?" Greg asked angrily.
"I think it's bloody funny." Spike said, "I came here to see a big nasty take down Barbie here and all we find is you." Spike sighed, turned and started walking.
"Where you going?" said Buffy.
"To get my mate Jack Daniels, grab a take out and go home."
"Time to die now little girl," smiled Greg, "and then I'll kill the other dumb blonde."
Spike stopped. Turned around real slow. Looked Greg dead in the eyes. And said, "Say what?"
"You heard. She dies and then you do. Or maybe you die together."
"Listen mate, unless you've got holy water, crosses, stakes, kryptonite and a shotgun on you, you're in real bloody trouble."
"I don't have any of those. But I can do this."
Greg snapped his head back violently, then forwards again. But his face was contorted. Like when a vampire shows it's true 'colours'. But unlike a vampire, Greg's face kept changing. And so did his body. His shoulders and back hunched over before arching back and growing out. His muscles grew, ripping through the jumpsuit, his skin turning dark green. The smaller horns on each side of his head where crowned of by a large one coming out of his forehead and his chin had elongated to a sharp point. When the transformation had finished, his yellow eyes locked on to Buffy and Spike, who broke the stunned silence.
"Now that is good. You could take that to Vegas. What else can you do, Greg?"
"I am Gregole now. And I can kill you."
"Gregole, huh. Seen anything like him before Spike?" asked Buffy, getting into a fighting stance.
"Nope. And that's not a face you'd forget."
"Any last words?" growled Gregole.
"You're ugly." Said Buffy.
"Tell everyone I did it my way." Said Spike.
The fight began.
Buffy swung a left-right combo that connected with Gregoles chin, but it only staggered him. It was Spike's turn. He swiftly got a few blows in to his opponents' midsection before capping it off with an uppercut. This seemed to work better than the slayers effort.
"You gotta hit it hard, fast and everywhere."
Spike whirled the corners of his coat, flapping them through the air as a distraction while he span behind Gregole, a hard kick to the small of the back sent the Zoanoid stumbling towards a spinning heel kick from Buffy. This put Gregole down to one knee. She drove her stake down towards the side of the neck, hoping at least severely wound it but the stake splintered on impact without leaving a mark on it's intended victim. Buffy leapt back as a giant claw lashed out but she was a second slow as it slashed across her leg. She looked down as blood came through the tear marks.
"Ow. That's it, no more designer clothes whilst slaying."
Meanwhile, Spike had gone back to his theory, but wasn't making any progress, he threw a punch but had it caught. A giant fist smacked into his chest and then his face, sending him flying backwards. Coughing up blood, he slowly got to his feet.
"Shoulda known this was a bad idea."
"Why isn't this guy even hurt?" Buffy asked Spike, as she dashed past him, leapt up and grabbed Gregole, trying to drag him to the ground. But Gregole caught her in mid air and held her in a bear hug. Buffy gasped, she struggled for air as the grip tightened. Spike grabbed a large lead pipe and charged forward. The pipe cracked on the back of Gregoles head repeatedly but each time, the Zoanoid just shook his head, clearing the cobwebs, and continued holding Buffy, who was now starting to lose consciousness. Desperate measures, thought Spike. So stepping right in front of Gregole, Spike put everything he had into one swift powerful kick between the legs. There was nothing there but it had the desired effect. His grip loosened a little, allowing Buffy to get one arm free. Grabbing a small knife from her belt, she drove it as hard as she could into Gregoles left eye. Gregole roared and threw Buffy into Spike, knocking both of them to the floor.
"The eyes are always weak spots." Spike said getting up off the floor, again. "But it's the skin. It's spreading the impact."
Gregole was breathing heavily, his hands clasped over his eye.
"How'd you know?"
Gregole lowered his hands. His eye was gone. He started to advance towards them.
"I don't. Just guessing."
Gregole roared at them.
"Double team?"
"Go."
The two charged forward, each of them grabbing an arm and together, using all the strength they had, they rammed Gregole into the scaffolding on the far wall; the whole lot came crashing down as the two retreated to safety. When the dust had settled and the rocks had stopped falling onto the pile of rubble and metal, Buffy waited, hoping for the calm to be the final bell.
"If that doesn't do it..."
The rubble shifted, as a growl came from beneath it.
"... nothing will." finished Buffy.
A large hand tore up through the rocks and started clawing it away.
"Ah come on!"
"I'm off." Spike said. He turned and walked towards one of the exits.
"What?! You're just gonna leave? It wants to kill you too you know. And it knows how to find you."
"Big whoop. I'm going on holiday remember. Oh, and, Hello! I don't like you!" Spike walked down a tunnel, went round a corner and was gone.
"And then there was one."
Buffy turned around. She hadn't even realised that during Spikes farewell speech, Gregole had dug himself out.
"Oh crap."
Gregole laughed before laying into her he swung wildly with left and right swipes, not intending to kill, not yet, just play with her. She was his toy. All Buffy could do was put her arms up and shield the blows that staggered her backwards and side to side. She couldn't take this forever. Her arms began aching and she could feel the bruises forming. Even if she could dodge and shield, one slip up and that would be it. And any opening for her meant nothing because she couldn't harm this thing. Even with one eye she couldn't kill it. No, she thought. There is a way. If she can't hurt it, she'll just have to break it, one piece at a time if necessary. All she needed was an opening.
"Even though you have cost me an eye, you have been fun to play with. But all good things must . . ."
Buffy fluidly leapt back and dived forwards between Gregoles legs; she rolled over and kicked the back of his knees with all her might. The sickening wet crunch of bone tearing through flesh was accompanied by a comforting sound, a cry of pain as he fell to his knees. She flipped to her feet, but as Buffy circled him, Gregoles right arm shot out for her. Grabbing his forearm with both her arms, she swung herself up so his arm was between her legs, which where across his chest. The momentum of this, combined with the damage to the knee, caused the two to fall flat on the ground. Then, with all her might, she pulled the arm towards her, bending and wrenching it as hard as she could. Pop, squelch and snap. And more cries of pain.
Gregole used his remaining arm to grab Buffy and hurl her into a corner. After a few seconds, she coughed and sat, propped up in the corner. Slowly recovering her breath, Buffy looked at her foe. She was really worried by the fact that he looked like he could still go a few more rounds. Even with one eye gone, broken, shattered knees and an arm that had been pulled out of its socket and broken in numerous places.
"Before I kill you," said Buffy, still breathing quite heavily, "why? What was this for?" Keep him talking; get some strength back. That was the plan. Hopefully he would co-operate.
"Fun."
"Fun? "
"Yeah, fun. I'm new in town, my friends and me. We're here to take over. We've been letting people know."
"You're the ones who killed the Ferrakas' in Breakers Woods."
"Yeah, that was funny. And we've been watching you as well."
"I'm flattered."
"Don't be. Just be ready to die."
"You said that a while ago. If there are more than one of you, why aren't they here?"
"Because I wanted to see what you are. See if you're like us."
"Like you, big and green with horns coming out my head? Nope. Not me."
"He wanted to wait for you. He wanted to take you himself, but I wanted you done with. I'm not real patient."
"Who's 'he'?"
"My boss. But that's enough talk. I wouldn't want to spoil it all for you would I?"
"Well I was hoping."
Gregole slowly rose to his feet, barely able to support himself, and started walking towards Buffy, his right arm hanging lifelessly down by his side. Buffy pushed herself up to her feet, looking around for options. It was wounded but what would it take to kill it? The bones can break, which normally meant the neck would be a target, but it had no neck. What could she do? She had no weapons, no help no idea how to kill it. She had no hope.
Gregole stopped a few feet in front of her.
Buffy was cornered.
Disclaimver! : I do not own anything in this story. Guyver is not mine and neither is Buffy. All characters belong to other people. Except for the warrior baboon in this chapter. Just kidding.
41 reviews. Wow. I really don't know what to say. Oh yes I do, THANK YOU! Thanks for all your kind words. They're a real confidence booster. Because of you guys, and 1 girl if I remember correctly, I will write better, faster and will finish this story. Because I want to do the sequel!
On with the show!
................................................................................................................................................
Previously, on Buffy/Guyver Zoanoid Slayer: Sean Barker, the Dark Hero known as The Guyver, has travelled to Sunnydale California to investigate potential Chronos activity. But not only is a rogue unit of Zoanoids planning to take control of the town, but Sunnydale is also home to vampires, demons, monsters and all kinds of evil.
And Buffy Summers. "In every generation there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer"
After confronting a vampire, Sean attempted to call upon The Guyver, but instead of forming, he was sent hurtling through his own memories. Buffy found Sean; whose right arm was encased in the bio booster armour, and took him to Giles apartment. Shortly after, Spike informs them that a challenge had been issued to Buffy by a new creature in town and they go to face it. Sean regains consciousness as Spike describes the creature, and Sean knows exactly what it is. Gregole. A Zoanoid.
... ... ...
The small jet touched down on the runway and screeched to a halt. The door opened as the stairs rolled up. As he stepped out of the plane and down the stairs, the man put his hand above his eyes and blinked repeatedly to get accustomed to the bright sunshine beating down on LA. But he was as cool and calm as ever. Unlike the young woman behind him, who was wearing sunglasses in an attempt to cover the look of the jet lag she was feeling. Flying from Japan to America, with a quick stop off and pick up in Europe, hadn't bothered Atkins in the slightest. But what with arriving at a dig, getting settled, getting a call in the middle of the night and then having to meet Atkins at the airport, well, all that had left Cori Edwards a little exhausted.
"So tell me again what we're doing?" Cori was struggling a little to keep up with Atkins' brisk walk.
"For the third time, we are going to our lab to see how you're doing," Atkins had tried to explain on the plane but if she wasn't sleeping then she was running through the worst case scenarios list of things that have happened to Sean, "then I'm of to California to see what's happened to your boy."
"Is it really that bad? What could have happened? Do you think he's alright?" Cori hadn't stopped worrying about Sean since Atkins had told her. Agito and Sho had both felt something. Something big. Something bad had happened to Sean. Real bad.
"Look we don't know. We can't reach him by the laptop or through Guyver 1 or Guyver 3."
"Why can't we both go to where he is right now? Let's go to this Sunnydale. Now."
"No, because right now you are my top priority. The kid can take care of himself. You however have more pressing engagements."
"In a lab?"
"Yes." Atkins said calmly, looking at her reassuringly. "We have to run every test we've got Cori. We have to know. We have to know what it means. What effects it might have. And now more than ever, you're a target."
"Because I'm pregnant."
... ... ...
She knew that she wasn't the most patient, rational and easy going person around, but some being the slayer meant that everything else in life had to step aside when trouble came calling. If she would miss the prom because she had to stop devil dogs ruining it fro everyone else, then so be it. If, to save the world, she had to drive a sword through the heart of the man she loved, sending him to hell, then she had to do it. She had done what was necessary. Made decisions, seen things and done things no one else ever could. But this, she couldn't handle. This she couldn't block out. It was cruel, evil, torture. Clawing, chipping away at her steel like resolve. It was unbearable.
Spike. Making casual conversation.
The horror. The horror.
"So that guy, well he saw it coming but what could he do? Deer in bloody headlights, poor sod. So after that it was Spike. William ain't exactly gonna scare the crap outta you and Spike was appropriate. Had a bit of 'grr' to it. People would remember Spike, the big bad. Forget all about that other poncy tit I was 'associated with'."
Buffy, who was not even half-heartedly listening, gave a small smile at the term 'poncy tit'. He wouldn't be too thrilled about being called poncy, or a tit. She just hoped that this little field trip would end soon. No matter what it was waiting for her, a trap, 100 vamps or the devil itself, nothing could be worse than this.
"And did you know I was on the Titanic?"
"You where on the Titanic?" Buffy stopped dead in her tracks, "THE Titanic? Then Spike, why aren't you at the bottom of the ocean instead of up here bothering me? Talk about a waste of lifeboat space."
"I wasn't on the bleedin' thing when it sank." Spike stopped and turned to face her, "I said I was 'on' the Titanic, the day before it set off to Iceberg."
"What where you doing?" Buffy wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know.
"Having a bite. An engine room worker." Spike frowned, "filthy bugger, had the taste of coal in my mouth for a week."
Buffy just shook her head and started walking. What did she expect Spike to say, that he saw 2 star crossed lovers? Spike had become very confusing lately. The chip in his head had, well not so much as tamed but mellowed him out. He almost seemed humble. Almost.
"So I might take a trip."
Buffy laughed, "Where? A nice sunny island on the other side of the world would be nice."
"Funny. Seeing as I can still beat vampires around, I might go back to L.A. Had me a bit of fun last time I was there. Got reacquainted with an old friend. Perhaps you know him. But then again, you might not have recognised him after the number I did on hi . . . "Spike didn't have time to finish, as a right hook caught him on the chin, sending him stumbling backwards.
"Shut. Up. If you wanna talk me to death, fine, whatever, but talk about Angel, ever, and I'll beat where we're going out of you and stake you right here. You get me?"
Spike rubbed his chin and smiled, "Scouts honour. No more talk about Captain un-dead America." They kept walking in silence. He of course had no honour, nor was he a scout, although he had turned a few. He thought vampire scouts would be something Drusilla would like but it all went horribly wrong. As these things do. So Spike decapitated 6 vampire scouts just to make Dru happy, which is all Spike ever wanted.
They continued until they reached the construction site by the freeway. Spike had torn up the area looking for the gem of Amara, some time ago, and had caused massive sinkholes. Work was being done underground to rebuild the foundations and steady the area. Large cave networks had been formed with scaffolding being put up so workmen could fix the cable, gas and water pipes. Demons and vampires had occupied some of the smaller caves, or 'hollows' as they had been dubbed. But every week Buffy and the gang had gone and cleared them out so the workers weren't at risk.
"He's waiting in the large hollow. It's been closed cause the gas pipes are knackered. They're shuttin it all off tomorrow. We can go down here, it's quicker." He opened up a hatch and peered down into the dimly light shaft. Turning round. He put his foot back and down, found the rung of the ladder and began to descend.
"Wait a minute, now I know where to go, why are you still coming?" Buffy asked.
Spike popped his head back up, "cause I wanna see if this guys got the stones to do you in. Put you outta my bloody misery."
Buffy gave a swift kick to Spikes head, causing the vampire to lose his grip and fall 20 feet down to the bottom of the shaft. Buffy smiled when she heard a cry of pain and some rather foul abuse coming from below. Looking around, feeling certain she wasn't being watched, she started down the ladder, stepping on Spike when she reached the bottom.
"It's called Gregole. Well, it's a Gregole." Sean had been propped up with a little help from the red headed girl. He was in an apartment, lying on the couch and being questioned, in particular by an Englishman with Glasses.
"You mean there is more than one of this Gregole?" asked the Englishman.
Sean tried to steady his left hand too drink the glass of water he had been given but he couldn't. One of the other girls kneeled down and slowly raised it to his lips. He sipped a little and nodded when he'd had enough. Breathing slowly, he was recovering his energy. He was so drained that even talking was an effort but that's what was required at the moment. "Thank you. Look, I can't tell you much at the moment, not knowing you and all but believe me, you don't want to go up against one. That girl, the one who went to fight?"
"Buffy. She can handle herself." Said the dark haired guy standing with an arm round the shoulder of the third girl.
"Not against a Gregole. I understand this town has nocturnal problems. Hell, I saw a vampire and I'm guessing they're tougher than normal people so this Buffy must be good if she can take one out, but this is out of all your leagues."
"And I suppose it would be in yours?" the Englishman had a harsh tone in his voice. Sean couldn't tell if he was mad at the lack of info Sean was giving him or the fact that that he obviously cared deeply for Buffy.
"It's 15 times stronger than a normal human." Sean decided to give them enough so maybe they would get Buffy to return. He was in no condition to fight, especially as he couldn't even stand.
"Buffy has super strength. 10 men or so." The third girl suddenly chimed in. "And she's killed millions of big evil thingies." The guy with his arm around her pulled her in close. She looked up into his eyes and he just shook his head.
"No conventional weapon can kill it." Sean continued. He knew extensive information on most zoanoids through combat or files given to him by Atkins or Agito. Weaknesses, battle strategies, all manner of data had been collected for each Zoanoid. Basic know thy enemy.
"Buffy is unconventional to say the least." the Englishman removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, possibly with frustration at this, thought Sean. "None of this matters now. All we can do is wait. We have no idea where Spike has taken Buffy to face this Gregole."
"And I'm not to comfy what with Spike being involved." The dark haired guy obviously wasn't happy.
"Spike, the one leading Buffy to Gregole, he can't be trusted?! "
"Judas." said the red head.
"Wonderful. Is he dangerous?"
"Not lately." Smirked the dark haired guy.
Getting up off the floor, Spike brushed off as much of the dust that was clinging to his clothes as he could. "Great. Just great. That'll probably not come out. Don't even wanna know what that is."
Buffy watched Spike finish grooming himself and shot him a look that said 'well? Are we going?'. She knew where the main hollow was but she felt a bit more reassured knowing where Spike was, even if he couldn't hit her, he could still tip the scales in the upcoming fight. But that's Spike, one big pain in the ass. After walking for a few minutes they stepped out into the main hollow. Scaffolding and ladders where set up against the walls, tools left cluttered on the floor. Drops of water fell to the ground from the water pipes that ran along the roof. In fact, the only thing that was different from when Buffy was here a few days ago was a man standing in the centre of the cavern with his back to them.
He turned around and Buffy wasn't sure what to make of him. He was about the same height as Spike, a little less muscular and had brown hair. The oddest thing about him was the silvery grey jumpsuit he was wearing.
"Good," Said the man in a pleased voice. "You came."
"Um, Spike, wasn't it a big greenish thing that wanted a fight?" Buffy was confused.
"That would be me." the man replied. "My name is Greg, I will be killing you in a minute."
"Wow. Not long to go then. Gotta tell you though, nice to see a man with good timekeeping."
"You think this is a joke?" Greg asked angrily.
"I think it's bloody funny." Spike said, "I came here to see a big nasty take down Barbie here and all we find is you." Spike sighed, turned and started walking.
"Where you going?" said Buffy.
"To get my mate Jack Daniels, grab a take out and go home."
"Time to die now little girl," smiled Greg, "and then I'll kill the other dumb blonde."
Spike stopped. Turned around real slow. Looked Greg dead in the eyes. And said, "Say what?"
"You heard. She dies and then you do. Or maybe you die together."
"Listen mate, unless you've got holy water, crosses, stakes, kryptonite and a shotgun on you, you're in real bloody trouble."
"I don't have any of those. But I can do this."
Greg snapped his head back violently, then forwards again. But his face was contorted. Like when a vampire shows it's true 'colours'. But unlike a vampire, Greg's face kept changing. And so did his body. His shoulders and back hunched over before arching back and growing out. His muscles grew, ripping through the jumpsuit, his skin turning dark green. The smaller horns on each side of his head where crowned of by a large one coming out of his forehead and his chin had elongated to a sharp point. When the transformation had finished, his yellow eyes locked on to Buffy and Spike, who broke the stunned silence.
"Now that is good. You could take that to Vegas. What else can you do, Greg?"
"I am Gregole now. And I can kill you."
"Gregole, huh. Seen anything like him before Spike?" asked Buffy, getting into a fighting stance.
"Nope. And that's not a face you'd forget."
"Any last words?" growled Gregole.
"You're ugly." Said Buffy.
"Tell everyone I did it my way." Said Spike.
The fight began.
Buffy swung a left-right combo that connected with Gregoles chin, but it only staggered him. It was Spike's turn. He swiftly got a few blows in to his opponents' midsection before capping it off with an uppercut. This seemed to work better than the slayers effort.
"You gotta hit it hard, fast and everywhere."
Spike whirled the corners of his coat, flapping them through the air as a distraction while he span behind Gregole, a hard kick to the small of the back sent the Zoanoid stumbling towards a spinning heel kick from Buffy. This put Gregole down to one knee. She drove her stake down towards the side of the neck, hoping at least severely wound it but the stake splintered on impact without leaving a mark on it's intended victim. Buffy leapt back as a giant claw lashed out but she was a second slow as it slashed across her leg. She looked down as blood came through the tear marks.
"Ow. That's it, no more designer clothes whilst slaying."
Meanwhile, Spike had gone back to his theory, but wasn't making any progress, he threw a punch but had it caught. A giant fist smacked into his chest and then his face, sending him flying backwards. Coughing up blood, he slowly got to his feet.
"Shoulda known this was a bad idea."
"Why isn't this guy even hurt?" Buffy asked Spike, as she dashed past him, leapt up and grabbed Gregole, trying to drag him to the ground. But Gregole caught her in mid air and held her in a bear hug. Buffy gasped, she struggled for air as the grip tightened. Spike grabbed a large lead pipe and charged forward. The pipe cracked on the back of Gregoles head repeatedly but each time, the Zoanoid just shook his head, clearing the cobwebs, and continued holding Buffy, who was now starting to lose consciousness. Desperate measures, thought Spike. So stepping right in front of Gregole, Spike put everything he had into one swift powerful kick between the legs. There was nothing there but it had the desired effect. His grip loosened a little, allowing Buffy to get one arm free. Grabbing a small knife from her belt, she drove it as hard as she could into Gregoles left eye. Gregole roared and threw Buffy into Spike, knocking both of them to the floor.
"The eyes are always weak spots." Spike said getting up off the floor, again. "But it's the skin. It's spreading the impact."
Gregole was breathing heavily, his hands clasped over his eye.
"How'd you know?"
Gregole lowered his hands. His eye was gone. He started to advance towards them.
"I don't. Just guessing."
Gregole roared at them.
"Double team?"
"Go."
The two charged forward, each of them grabbing an arm and together, using all the strength they had, they rammed Gregole into the scaffolding on the far wall; the whole lot came crashing down as the two retreated to safety. When the dust had settled and the rocks had stopped falling onto the pile of rubble and metal, Buffy waited, hoping for the calm to be the final bell.
"If that doesn't do it..."
The rubble shifted, as a growl came from beneath it.
"... nothing will." finished Buffy.
A large hand tore up through the rocks and started clawing it away.
"Ah come on!"
"I'm off." Spike said. He turned and walked towards one of the exits.
"What?! You're just gonna leave? It wants to kill you too you know. And it knows how to find you."
"Big whoop. I'm going on holiday remember. Oh, and, Hello! I don't like you!" Spike walked down a tunnel, went round a corner and was gone.
"And then there was one."
Buffy turned around. She hadn't even realised that during Spikes farewell speech, Gregole had dug himself out.
"Oh crap."
Gregole laughed before laying into her he swung wildly with left and right swipes, not intending to kill, not yet, just play with her. She was his toy. All Buffy could do was put her arms up and shield the blows that staggered her backwards and side to side. She couldn't take this forever. Her arms began aching and she could feel the bruises forming. Even if she could dodge and shield, one slip up and that would be it. And any opening for her meant nothing because she couldn't harm this thing. Even with one eye she couldn't kill it. No, she thought. There is a way. If she can't hurt it, she'll just have to break it, one piece at a time if necessary. All she needed was an opening.
"Even though you have cost me an eye, you have been fun to play with. But all good things must . . ."
Buffy fluidly leapt back and dived forwards between Gregoles legs; she rolled over and kicked the back of his knees with all her might. The sickening wet crunch of bone tearing through flesh was accompanied by a comforting sound, a cry of pain as he fell to his knees. She flipped to her feet, but as Buffy circled him, Gregoles right arm shot out for her. Grabbing his forearm with both her arms, she swung herself up so his arm was between her legs, which where across his chest. The momentum of this, combined with the damage to the knee, caused the two to fall flat on the ground. Then, with all her might, she pulled the arm towards her, bending and wrenching it as hard as she could. Pop, squelch and snap. And more cries of pain.
Gregole used his remaining arm to grab Buffy and hurl her into a corner. After a few seconds, she coughed and sat, propped up in the corner. Slowly recovering her breath, Buffy looked at her foe. She was really worried by the fact that he looked like he could still go a few more rounds. Even with one eye gone, broken, shattered knees and an arm that had been pulled out of its socket and broken in numerous places.
"Before I kill you," said Buffy, still breathing quite heavily, "why? What was this for?" Keep him talking; get some strength back. That was the plan. Hopefully he would co-operate.
"Fun."
"Fun? "
"Yeah, fun. I'm new in town, my friends and me. We're here to take over. We've been letting people know."
"You're the ones who killed the Ferrakas' in Breakers Woods."
"Yeah, that was funny. And we've been watching you as well."
"I'm flattered."
"Don't be. Just be ready to die."
"You said that a while ago. If there are more than one of you, why aren't they here?"
"Because I wanted to see what you are. See if you're like us."
"Like you, big and green with horns coming out my head? Nope. Not me."
"He wanted to wait for you. He wanted to take you himself, but I wanted you done with. I'm not real patient."
"Who's 'he'?"
"My boss. But that's enough talk. I wouldn't want to spoil it all for you would I?"
"Well I was hoping."
Gregole slowly rose to his feet, barely able to support himself, and started walking towards Buffy, his right arm hanging lifelessly down by his side. Buffy pushed herself up to her feet, looking around for options. It was wounded but what would it take to kill it? The bones can break, which normally meant the neck would be a target, but it had no neck. What could she do? She had no weapons, no help no idea how to kill it. She had no hope.
Gregole stopped a few feet in front of her.
Buffy was cornered.