Chapter Ten The Wolf Pt 2
The Master turned as Belle, Darla and Absalom walked into the room. He was curious. Belle's hands were empty. "Were you unable to get the Orb of Souls?" he asked as his greeting.
"We got it, my Master," purred Belle, a wicked smile on her face. "It's just that, we can't bring it HERE. Despite it being sunken, despite your presence, this is STILL a church and the orb is a thing of pure evil. The lingering holy," she said the word "holy" with distaste. "energy would disrupt the orb, and we need it to both capture and contain the Slayer's soul. We left the orb in the warehouse."
The Master nodded. The church was not large enough to hold all of his followers, so, most of them bunked at an abandoned factory. The orb would be well protected there.
"So then," came a cocky voice with a British accent from the other side of the room. "When we gonna get this show on the road?" The Master gritted his teeth as Belle and the other's turned to look at the vampire who had spoken.
""Ello Darla," said William The Bloody, otherwise known as Spike. "Been awhile."
"Spike," Darla almost sighed. "Drusilla. What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Grandmummy," said Drusilla, leaning on Spike. The Master almost smirked at Darla's reaction to that.
"Heinrich here summoned us," answered Spike, removing all amusement from the Master. "Apparently, a Slayer needs killing, and when a Slayer needs killing, you call The Slayer of Slayers."
"You're always bragging about that, Spike," came a snarly voice from behind them. They all turned to see a huge, bald vampire in his "game face". He was shirtless and his upper body and head were covered in almost ritualistic tattoos. "You've killed exactly two of them."
"And how many have YOU killed, Randarr?" asked Spike as the other vampire came and loomed over him, pretty much dwarfing Spike.
"More," said Randarr simply, obviously taking Spike aback at how he wouldn't brag about the actual number.
"So, then," said Spike, attempting to stare the larger vampire down. "When DO we get this show on the road?"
"Tonight," said the Master. "Tonight, the Slayer will fall, and no new Slayer shall rise!"
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Santana had been to antsy to stay home after her talk with her mother, so, she had convinced her mother to let her go to school. She got signed in, just in time for lunch, so, she headed to the cafeteria. She quickly found her friends, all sitting together, and walked over to join them.
"Santana!" said Buffy in surprise, jumping up and hugging her. "I'm glad you're ok. You call this morning worried us."
"Yeah, Santana," said Quinn. "Could you have been any MORE cryptic?" Xander and Willow nodded. Santana hadn't called them, but the others had filled them in.
"Sorry guys," Santana said as she and Buffy sat down. "Didn't mean to worry you."
"THEY were worried," said Bill after swallowing a mouthful of food. " I didn't really care." He nudged Santana's arm and the look in his eyes told her what she already knew. He was lying.
"Jerk,"she muttered as she started to unpack her lunch. She noticed everybody staring at her. All the girls were light eaters, but today, Santana had brought a lunch to rival Bill's own. She looked back at them. "What? I'm HUNGRY today."
"What's up with you?" asked Xander. "Cryptic phone calls. Lunches that coudl feed a village of starving kids in Africa."
Santana sighed. "We're still meeting with Giles after school, right?" she asked. The others nodded. "Something IS up and I'll tell you all then. Giels will need to know, and i really don't want to tell the story twice."
"Is it bad?" asked Buffy in a small voice.
Santana smiled and took her hand. "I'm honestly not sure, Buff,' she said.
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"My word!" said Rupert Giles, removing his glasses and chewing on the stem, a bad habit he had when he was concentrating. He'd known something was up when Buffy and her friends had come in to the after school meeting, just from the looks on their faces. Santana had just finished telling them about the conversation with her mother, and Giles had been the first to speak. Everybody was pretty flabbergasted.
"Giles," said Willow, looking thoughtful. "Have you ever heard of anything like this?"
Giles looked at them, thoughtfully. "I've heard stories," he said. "Stories of werewolves who turned into actual wolves rather than the typical "wolfman" form. Or who turned into either and could control the change. Even hereditary werewolves. But, so far as I know, only the bitten werewolves who turn into the "wolfman" form have been substantiated."
"Mami says the Gifted are careful not to let too many people know," she said. "Just like the Afflicted. If people ever found out about us, we'd be in real trouble."
"Yeah," said Xander. "Those who didn't want to kill you would probably want to run experiments on you."
Quinn shook her head. "You've seen waaaaay too many movies, Harris," she teased. She was sitting on Santana's left, holding her hand. Bill was on her right, Buffy behind her with her hands on Santana's shoulders. Giles noted that none of them seemed eager to leave Santana's side. Which was a good thing, as Santana seemed to need the support.
"Are you ok?" asked Buffy, worriedly, squeezing her shoulders.
"Just getting used to the fact that I'm a freak," she said. She looked around the room. "And...worried about what you all think about this." Everybody, even Giles, was surprised by this. From what he knew of her, Santana Lopez didn't care what ANYBODY thought of her. She seemed to pick up on their surprise. "What? You guys, along with my parents are the most important people in the world to me." She looked up at Buffy and over at Giles. "Plus, you two hunt monsters like me."
Giles smiled reassuringly. "You're not a monster, Santana," he said. "Even an Afflicted werewolf is not a monster. Even the Watchers Council understands this and only takes out a werewolf as a last resort."
"Tana," said Quinn. "You, Bill and I have been together essentially all our lives. I hope you don't think either of us would abandon you over THIS."
"Us either," said Willow. "Xander and I have known you just as long. You're still the same Santana Lopez we've always known."
"As much of a pain in the ass as ever," said Xander, making everybody laugh.
"And as far as being a freak goes," added Bill with some mischief in his smile. "You're in a whole roomful of freaks. Vampire Slayers, Watchers, Vampire/Immortal hybrids...Xander."Everybody laughed, then he turned serious. "We love you, baby. You're one of us."
Santana gave Bill a watery smile and turned to look up at Buffy, hopefully.
"I'm not even going to dignify that with an answer," she said firmly. She locked eyes with Santana meaningfully.
Giles smiled at them all. In one sense this was a good thing. Santana, Bill and Quinn had all promised to help Buffy out, and as a werewolf, Santana was stronger and faster than a human, so, she should be of immense help. "Well," he said. "I think, perhaps, we should do a little testing to see the extent of Santana's abilities. Then...you should all take the night off. Go do something fun."
"I have a training session with Macleod tonight," he said. For some reason, he never called Macleod "Duncan". It was always "Macleod" or "Mac".
"Duncan and I had already agreed to give you the evening off," said Giles. He looked at Buffy. "You as well. Things have been quiet since The Harvest and you deserve an evening off. Duncan was coming over to my place tonight. I've always been interested in history and it's fascinating to talk to someone who has lived through so much of it." He didn't add that he felt Santana needed an evening out with her friends.
"The Dingo's are playing at the Bronze tonight," said Bill. "I...hadn't gotten around to telling them yet that I couldn't make it."
"Great," said Xander. "Bill will rock, we'll all dance," Giles smirked inwardly at the hopeful look Xander gave Quinn when he said that.
Santana smiled at them all. "It's a date," she said, smiling meaningfully at Buffy. And thank you all. I'm still a little scared, but, it means a lot to me to know you are all on my side."
"Always," said Buffy. As she squeezed Santana's shoulders again, Giles couldn't help but wonder about the expression on Buffy's face.
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Later, as she was getting ready to leave for the Bronze, Buffy found herself ill at ease. She couldn't put her finger on it, but, it felt like something was up tonight. It was a feeling she couldn't shake, so, she got a duffle bag out of her closet, and opened her chest. After some digging, she removed the false bottom, so expose her weapons cache. Still not knowing why, she loaded the bag with stakes and holy water, then looked at the item at the very bottom of the chest.
She reached in and pulled out a small sword, obviously made for a woman's hand. She looked at it reverently. It had been the last gift Merrick had given her, the night he died in fact. He'd told her that this sword had belonged to a Slayer in the 17th century, an exceptional Slayer, and that the weapon had been blessed so that vampire's could not even touch it. Buffy choked up as she remembered the pride in his eyes when he'd given it to her. He'd seldom looked proud of her, and it was clear that by giving it to her, he was saying he thought SHE was exceptional too. Buffy had never used the sword, except for practice, not even when she'd face Lothos, not even when she'd taken out Luke last week at the Bronze, but, tonight, she slid it into the bag and zipped it up.
"Hi, Sweetie,' came a voice from her doorway. Buffy looked up and smiled at her Mom. "I know you were meeting the gang at the Bronze tonight. Did you need a ride?"
"No thank you, Mom," said Buffy standing. "It's a nice night and I'd like to walk."
"Ok, Sweetie," said Joyce, running her fingers through Buffy's hair, a loving smile on her face. She looked a little emotional, which was weird, because Buffy herself was feeling the same way. "So, you've been spending a lot of time with Santana, Bill and Quinn lately. What's up with that?"
Buffy shrugged, blushing a little. "They've just really quickly become the best friends I ever had," she said. "Willow and Xander too, but, there's really jsut something extra with Tana, Bill and Quinn. I can't explain it. Like, we were always MEANT to be friends."
Joyce nodded and Buffy could tell she knew that wasn't the whole story. "There's more isn't there?" she asked. "One of them is more than a friend. Something special."
Buffy nodded.
Joyce smiled lovingly. "It's not Bill is it,' she said more than asked.
Buffy looked at her, and her jaw dropped. Joyce smirked. "You kids today,' she said, sounding like Buffy's grandma. "You really think this sort of thing is something new. There have been people who liked the same sex for as long as there have been people. I've only met them once, but, I see how you and Santana look at each other. How you're never far apart. How EVERYTHING she says is funny to you. Those are some pretty big clues there." Buffy just nodded. "Do you love her?" asked Joyce, seriously.
Buffy looked up at her, feeling every bit the lost little girl. "I think so, Mom," she answered. "We've only just met, but, I feel more at ease, more COMPLETE with her than I ever have with anybody else." She looked at Joyce, with a touch of fear in her heart. "Are you mad?"
Her heart was immediately at ease when she saw the look on her Mom's face. "No, Baby," she said. "I'd rather it was a boy. You two are setting yourselves up for a hard road. People are often not accepting of this sort of thing. But mad? No. Never. You, Buffy Anne Summers, are my baby girl, and all I want is for you to be happy. And, if Santana Lopez you happy, I have one thing to say."
Buffy looked at her, tears in her eyes. "What's that?"
"Go for it," finished Joyce quietly. "You let her know how you feel, and, if she feels the same, which I think she does, you grab onto each other and never let go, no matter what anybody says. Your friends, her parents, your father, me. Don't let ANYBODY stand in your way." Buffy saw she was in tears too.
Buffy threw herself into her mothers arms and the two hugged tightly for a long time. "Thank you, Mommy," Buffy whispered in her ear just before they disengaged.
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"Bill, can I talk to you a minute?"
Bill, who as usual had arrived a little early to help the rest of the band set up, turned to see Devon standing near him, a serious look on his face. Which, was rather unusual for Devon, his expression usually being more...vacant. "Yeah, Dev, what's up?" he asked.
Devon took a deep breath. "Bill, it's no secret, you've missed a couple of rehearsals the last week," he said. "You're the best guitarist we've ever met, and one of the best singers, the whole band agrees, you know all the songs better than any of us, so, we've over looked that, but, man, last week you cut out on a PAYING gig and Oz had to take over lead. He's good, but he's not you."
Bill sighed. He'd been half expecting this. Between his training sessions with Macleod, and going out on patrol with Buffy he hadn't had time for rehearsals. "So, you waiting until the night of another paying gig to tell me I'm out?" he asked, a touch challengingly.
Devon shook his head. "Not yet," he said. "You're too good to just kick out, but, we need someone who is committed to the band. So, if you miss one more paying gig, yeah, you're out."
Bill nodded. "I get that," he said. "Look, a lot has changed in my life the last week or so. I wish I could promise I won't miss another gig, but, it COULD happen. But, if it does, I promise, no hard feelings if you do boot me on my part. As far as I'm concerned, we're all still friends."
"Same here," said Devon, fist bumping him. "I know you love music, but, sometimes, that's not what someone is looking for."
"Why, Devon Macleish," said Bill with a sardonic grin. "That was actually philosophical."
Devon grinned back. "Don't tell anyone," he said. "I have a rep. Now, get your guitar ready and let's rock this bitch!"
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Though she'd known him most of her life, Quinn was always amazed at Bill's musical ability. Right now, as she danced with Willow and Xander, she'd decided to give Buffy and Santana some space, Bill was on stage ,truly rocking it out. He was one of those people who, no matter what instrument he was playing, it looked like an extension of himself. She was having a great time, but, getting a little exasperated with Willow. The sweet, shy, redhead kept staring at Xander but, would never make her move with the big doofus. It was enough to make Quinn scream.
The music slowed, and the three started to leave the dance floor, even as Santana and Buffy drew a few leers and a few stares, especially from Cordelia Chase, by moving into each others arms. Quinn smiled at how unashamed they were.
"Quinn," blurted out Xander. "Want to dance?" He held out his hand to her, looking all nervous.
Quinn tilted her head as she regarded Xander. He'd asked her such things before, but, she'd always taken the invitation in a friendly way. But with the way he stood there, looking all slack jawed and nervous, she wondered. She was about to politely refuse when she saw the look on Willow's face. She grinned inwardly. Maybe THIS was what her friend needed. "Sure, unless someone else wants to take my place," she said, looking at Willow. The poor girl's eyes went wide as she shook her head and ran to their table. Quinn sighed and took Xanders outstretched hand.
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Santana sighed happily as she held Buffy in her arms, feeling the tiny blonde's breath on her neck. So, far, the evening had been magical, though Buffy seemed like she had something on her mind. The Slayer felt SO right in her arms, Santana couldn't help but think "Nice".
"Doesn't suck, huh," said Buffy softly, making Santana realize she'd said that out loud.
"Not at all," answered Santana, resting her cheek against the side of the shorter girls head.
"Santana," said Buffy, after a moment. "I need to talk."
"Ok," said Santana, pulling back a little to look Buffy in the eyes.
Buffy took a breath. "Tana," she said. "We've only known each other a week, but it's pretty damn clear we have feelings for each other. "She smirked. "Even to my Mom. A week ago, we admitted this to each other, and I said I needed time to think about what all this means. This is big, Santana. This is potentially life altering. And, I'm not sure that a week is long enough to figure things out, or to make a decision."
Santana nodded. As sure as SHE was, she knew there was a good chance it was too soon for Buffy to make a decision. And she was fine with that. "I understand, Slayer,"she told her. "And I'm sorry if I've somehow been putting pressure on you. I..."
Buffy lifted a finger to cover Santana's lips. "Shhhhh,' she said. "I know it's hard for you, but shut up and listen." She grinned sassily as Santana rolled her eyes and nodded. "It may not be enough time," Buffy continued.
"But, I don't CARE. I don't want to wait any more. Santana, last week, we lost Jesse, we actually lost Bill, but we got him back. I'm a Slayer, Santana. Slayer's have notoriously short shelf lives. Plus, we live on a Hellmouth, in a town with a high death rate. A week may not be enough time, but, it may be all we have.
"I want to BE with you, Santana. I want to walk down the hall's of Sunnydale High and have everybody say "There goes Santana Lopez' girl." I want them to look at you and say "There's Buffy Summers' girl." I want us to be US. Santana, you do things to me, to my heart, nobody has ever done before. I don't care how tough it will be.
"Santana. I think I love you."
Santana's heart nearly burst from her chest. "That's what I want too, Buffy," she said. "This is so new to me, but, I want it. I...I think i love you too." Before she knew it, Buffy had a hand on each side of her face, and the two were kissing, right there in the middle of the dance floor. Santana had no idea how many people saw them, but she heard some light applause. As they broke off, she looked over to see Quinn and Xander, dancing together for some reason, smiling at them. She and Quinn exchanged looks. "Excuse me for a moment?": said Santana, smiling at Buffy. Bill was still on stage, but, she wanted to talk to one of her best friends.
Buffy laughed and kissed her softly. "Go, brag to Quinn," she said. "I'll get us a couple of soda's." She squealed as Santana smacked her on her bottom and said "Smart ass" as she followed Quinn to the ladies room.
"Nice call, Lopez," snarked Cordelia as Santana passed her. "I don't think they want any lezbo's on the cheer team."
Santana turned and smirked at her. She pointed to her eyes. "Cordelia, do these look like the eyes of someone who CARES?" she asked. "Buffy and i may really have something. And I'm not going to give it up for cheerleading." She stood there, looking at Cordy, defying her to say anything more negative. They were not nearly as close as Santana was to Bill and Quinn, but, she and Cordelia WERE friends.
The two brunette's regarded each other for a moment. Them, unexpectedly, Cordelia smiled. "Good," she said. "I won't pretend to understand the girl/girl thing, but, I DO know true love is rare. So, if that's what you nd Buffy have, good for you." She gave her a sassy wink. "Besides, without you around, I have a much better shot at head cheerleader."
"Go to Hell, Chase,' said Santana with an eyeroll. Then she too winked. "Thank you," she said as she went off to fill Quinn in on everything, and maybe splash some cold water on her face.
This was the best night of her life. Buffy was hers, and she was Buffy's.
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Buffy felt like she was walking on clouds as she turned away from the bar, holding drinks for both she and Santana. Wow. She'd done it! She'd asked Santana to be her girlfriend, and Santana had said "yes". Well, not in so many words, but that was what their conversation had meant. She smiled to herself as she walked back to their table and sat their drinks down. She was in the middle of deciding whether or not to join Willow and Xander on the dance floor, when she eyes a young man standing to the side of the dance floor. She'd never really been able to sense a vampire the way Giles had said she should, but, every sense she had started screaming at her. She took in his looks,. the scar above his eye, the bleached white hair, the long black duster, and she knew this was a vampire. He looekd up and nodded at her, an evil smile on his face. he moved his head to gesture towards Willow and Xander, then moved it again. Buffy followed his gaze. Over by the door was a large black teenager with a shaved head, wearing a Sunnydale High letterman's jacket, and, on the other side of the room, was a rather skeezy looking man with a brown overcoat and long,black hair. She turned her gaze back to the first guy, who looked a lot like Billy Idol. He smirked, looked at Willow and Xander again, licked his lips, and left, the other two following him.
It was clear to Buffy that Willow and Xander were on his "list". She knew she had to protect her friends and take this guy, and his friends, out. She started towards the stage to get Bill, but, quickly realized she might lose them, so, she grabbed her bag and exited the Bronze, feeling confident.
She was the Slayer. She could handle three vampires. Especially with a blessed sword. Right?
What she didn't see was Willow and Xander see her leave, and Willow head to the ladies room.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. This story has so few followers and feedback, I have no idea if anybody is enjoying it or not, so, please, let me know what you think. And warning, the flying excrement is about to collide with the oscillating cooling device. See you next chapter.
