46. Part 46 Warnings and a New Un- life
Friday, December 13, 2013
Lost Connections
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 46 Warnings and a New Un- life
Jessie had no idea what was happening. However he loved and trusted Xander and Willow. He looked around and noticed that they were all watching him warily. He felt his hunger stir.
"Man I am starving here. But the thought of eating well it makes me sick. I must be coming down with the flu or something. But I gota eat to stay strong cause we have to save the others."
Spike snorted at that. It seemed that another vampire was on the road to redemption and going to be a white hate. It should have bothered him but oddly enough he found the idea pleasing. He hated being the only vampire on the team. Plus he liked the kid he was not nearly as annoying as Xander.
Xander glared at him. "Go get him something to eat. Some of that soup we made. You like Tomato right Jessie?"
"Oh yeah that's wicked good. Maybe can I have some of those little crackers with it? I mean I hate to be a bother but I cannot think when I am starving and I feel kind of weird. I mean…Never mind you would think I am crazy."
Spike rolled his eyes but went to get some blood for the boy. He toss in some tobacco and tomatoes so the kid not get a clue. Yeah the boy was in for a rude awaking. Being a vamp had some great advantages but the taste buds sure got dulled.
He could however appreciate Xander trying to spare his friend for the moment however he soon have to learn he was a vampire and he'd have to get a handle on his cravings quick like no way was Spike risking the boy trying to snack on the gang. Immortal or not he did not want them being anyone snack. Though he had to admit it might solve some feeding problems.
No the slayer dust him if he even suggested it. Oh well to bad it be great to have slayer blood on tap without the worry of killing them. He almost looked forward to taking the fledgling under his wing. He always wanted a little brother and maybe Jesse could fill the role. Because there was no way the kid could go home until he had his soul locked in and he had his cravings under control it be just a real problem if the kid ate his folks.
Willow and Tara raced to their room to find the orb of Thesela. It seemed that maybe they should start ordering them by the case load. Yeah like that happen. Willow was just glad she spotted the last few on ebay.
Hopefully they would have enough. The idea of more than one of their classmates being turned again was wiggy. Staking them the first time had been hard. She hated to think they have to do it all over again.
The master laughed as the teens cried out in terror. However he was not allowing any more to be killed or turned. They work better as bait alive and semi normal state. The slayer would likely not care to rescue vampires after all.
He watched as Adam measured and marked out notes.
He wondered what the demented cyborg planned on doing with the teens. He knew the creature was every bit as evil as he was. It should prove interesting to see.
Glory snacked on several humans. She was annoyed to be kept from the teens but maybe later. In any case they were kind of foolish and intelligent prey was far better tasting. She snacked on a scientist and decided maybe Adam and the master had a point. Teens were kind of useless.
The Immortals pulled books and began to research. It was clear that the teens had their hands full for the moment with Jesse so they had to deal with this time change. It was rather disconcerting. Adam had never heard of time folding or going back in time or anything similar though he had seen portals to other dimensions. He wondered if perhaps the whole of Sunnydale had somehow imploded through a portal?
"Giles is it possible the whole city fell into a portal?"
"Interesting theory; I do not know?" Giles said. "I'm not even sure where to look?"
"Well we better figure it out because it's going to be an issue."Joyce said.
Amanda snorted at that. Yes it would be. Of course it could be profitable too because hey they knew which stocks would soon be worth a lot. She began to plot what investments to make. She looked up and locked eyes with Adam who grinned it seemed he had the same idea.
"Amanda it be unfair." Nick began.
"I dunno I agree with Amanda we will be needing funds to start a new council so maybe…we should follow that plan."
Everyone looked at Duncan in shock. "What it's not stealing or anything it's going to take a lot of money and while most of us have that the more the better especially if we plan on gathering potentials. We need to be sure to be able to take good care of them."
"I agree."Connor said."We owe the lasses to ensure they are safe well trained and protected. It won't be simple nor easy to pry many from the Council. Money will help with that. "
Adam began to chuckle and reached in his pocket and handed Amanda a twenty. Both Highlanders looked at him confused. "I told Amanda it take another Hundred years or so before you both got practical. So you all just cost me twenty dollars. I'll be taking it out of your hides in training later."
They all laughed at that.
It was good to laugh considering how insane things were becoming. Laughing prevented them all from panicking. It was this scene that the kids all walked into with Jesse.
The immortals all froze when they saw the new Vampire and Joyce began to cry hating that this young man would be condemned to be a vampire for eternity.
TBC….
47. Part 47 Spice and Ethics
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Lost Connections
Disclaimer:Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part47 Spice and Ethics
The immortals argued over what stocks to buy. Joe listened with amusement even as he considered maybe investing a little himself. He did want to retire one day.
He also had to admit Methos had a point on the Highlanders. Sometimes they were just too damned
honorable for their own good.
Nick resigned himself to investing in profitable stocks as every dollar would matter. He sighed at the insanity of his life but felt Amanda's arms wrap around him. Maybe it was worth it and if they could help save some children his personal ethics could and would be set aside. Clearly the world had been shaken up who was to say it be the same anyway.
Jesse looked confused at everything that was going on and at the crying but since he did not know Mrs. Summers all that well he said nothing instead taking a seat at the table to eat his soup maybe something was going on he did not know about. He knew the lady been sick and he did not want to pry so instead he took a sniff of his soup. It smelled great if a bit spicy. However his stomach growled viciously so he dug in. Time enough to worry about the flavor later besides he liked spicy and hot, it was not like he was not used to it being born and bred in California as Mexican was a definite influence on the palate. He could not imagine eating bland food. He took his first spoon fool and soon was almost gorging himself.
Xander looked away sickened however this was Jesse his brother and vamp or not he was not letting anything happen to him. For the first time he understood why Buffy had such a hard time staking Angel. He resolved to apologize later for being such a bastard about it. He felt really bad because they had failed to save Jesse yet maybe it be ok. After all vampires were basically immortal too, that thought made him smile because Jesse could be with them. Of course they had to keep him inside so he did not go all dusty at sun rise which would kind of suck as Jesse loved the sun. He was however grateful his friend was still here well sort of. He would be back completely once Willow and Tara made with the mojo. Yes he live with Jesse being a vamp. Xander never considered that made him a bit hypocritical but it was just his way.
Buffy looked on annoyed. She felt Joyce hand on her shoulder.
"What's wrong Buffy?"
"He's a vampire. I should stake him." She said softly so that Willow and Xander did not hear. "He could be or will hurt someone."
"Not if Willow and Tara's plan works. He will have a soul just like Spike. Who knows maybe he's the one who prophesied."
That made Buffy frown Jesse with a soul sure would put a crimp in Angel's plans. That would make three vampires with a soul. It certainly changed everything.
"Yeah it be different especially if Jess has not fed yet. He would still be kind of innocent. I don't know mom it's all just happening so fast and its all messed up. What am I supposed to do?"
Joyce pulled Buffy into a hug. She really had no answers. "We will work it out. You are not alone anymore honey. We can make this work. Besides if we are all back in time we have a chance to make some things right. We can maybe save some lives and not just of the people in Sunnydale. It occurs to me that maybe Kendra alive here and now as well."
Buffy froze as this news hit her. "Oh dear Lord!"
Giles head snapped up at hearing this. It was usually him that shouted that phrase.
"What is it dear Girl?"
"Mom just had a though. We can save people but not only the people in Sunnydale, we can maybe save potentials and Kendra. Kendra might still be alive and if she is she might be a slayer again. That would help right?"
Giles pulled off his glasses and then put them back after a quick clean. He reached for the phone and dialed Samuel Zubuto. Yes this could be a good thing. Kendra for all her being raised as a Council Slayer had been skilled and her assistance would be valuable. Plus he if they really were back in time…they could save some potentials and watchers. Not that he cared about some of the Council members but the girls deserved better.
"B have the newbe's even been called yet? Maybe we need to find that Scythe again and have red move with the mojo and call them. We might get more this time, plus we need to move them here either way for safety." Faith said. She was clearly thinking ahead.
"Giles, Faith is right. Could you maybe start calling the watchers and potential here?"
"I am on it Buffy. I am calling Samuel first. I am certain he will want to help. Between us we should be able to start a chain call."
Buffy nodded glad they had a plan and not feeling so lost all of a sudden.
Through all this Jesse ate his soup and felt good. Damn Mrs. Summers was a fine cook. Buffy was so lucky to have her. He loved his own mom but her soup was just bland.
TBC…
48. Part 48 Changing the game
Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 48 Changing the game
Sam Zabuto watched as his charge worked through her exercises wielding her Katana with some awkwardness though to be fair Kendra had only just begun to use this weapon.
She swung it awkwardly at the arranged targets and he was shocked when it suddenly split in half. Up until now all she had managed to do was hack out chunks of the target.
His charge froze and looked at the blade then spun around and began to move through a routine he had never taught her. She began to smile as she moved faster and faster her awkwardness now gone as she was filled with grace and skill.
Sam froze for a moment then looked away suddenly sad. He despite appearances did care deeply for his charge. It took a great deal of effort to give the appearance of emotional distance. All too he had wept at night for the fact he had to remain distant and detatched when all he really wanted to do was hold and comfort the child he had come to think of as his grandchild. With a deep breath to calm himself he said. "I do believe you may have just been called."
Kendra looked up and the feral smile on her face told him his assumption was correct the slayer was dead long live the slayer and now suddenly the duty to protect the hell mouth fell on them. Unfortunately they were a long way from where they had to be.
He pulled out a phone and rapidly dialed Rupert Giles. He had to know what was going on. With luck the Watcher would have survived and be able to give him information.
Sam sent a silent prayer that the world would not end before he and Kendra could get to Sunnydale to stop whatever evil had killed the slayer. He also sent a silent prayer that Rupert survived or at least left notes so they would not have to walk into this blind. He would inform the council after he checked with his counterpart offered his condolences and arranged a flight to the United States for he and Kendra.
His mind raced as he considered the complications and life changing events.
Kendra frowned now as she looked at the Katana. It was now almost an extension of her hand. It fit now where before it had been hard to work with.
Oh she knew in time she could and would master the weapon but now there seemed to be an instinctual knowledge of how to use this item. She knew she had been called as she had felt the slayer roar and cry out as it raced to join with her. She felt it like a living breathing part of herself.
Kendra suddenly felt like she had woken from a long deep sleep and the world seemed so different. It was brighter more light and she felt powerful. The slayer was with her and she had suddenly for the first time felt worthy. She would not let her down and she would make the ones who killed her sister Buffy Summers Pay for their deed.
It was the code and she was always one to follow the rules. This was one she approved of deeply. It was oddly comforting to know that when she fell the next slayer would do as she was doing avenge her. It was a final way to honor those that served and it was only right. Because it was what family did and despite the fact that they would never meet at least not in life Kendra saw Buffy and all the slayers that came before her as family and she would not let them down. Kendra would take up the mantle of slayer and fight as hard and as well as she could and when it came time for her to join her sister slayers she silently prayed she would be worthy of joining them in heaven. She never noticed the slight green glow as her vow took.
The Seers at the Coven in Devon cried out and fell to their knees. This action broke the circle they were weaving in the purification ritual. Fortunately it had no ill effects other then the twin witches falling face first into the sandy circle. Elena and Helena Waters were both shaking in shock and awe.
They looked over at Althenea who had just as shocked look on her face.
The elders of the coven rushed to their sides. Ms. Harkness the leader of the coven asked.
"What has happened?"
"The slayer line has split again Ms. Harkness and there is a new great power for good awakening. A new slayer has been called and she is different somehow. She is more than the others. Somehow someway she is connected to both the chosen. It is strange as we can still sense them and they live. How a new slayer has been called is ….unkown as we can sense both Buffy Summers and Faith Lehane live. Only it's as if there is another near them as well an echo….a third no fourth slayer has been called."
Althenea said speaking for all the seers knowing full well her younger cousins were still in shock and not certain how to articulate what they had seen and felt.
She herself was not so sure what was happening or how to process the idea that there were now four called slayers this had never happened before.
Althenea looked up and said. "This will change everything and we must hurry or the Council will attempt to interfere and if they succeed then the dark will rise and humanity will be doomed."
"I see so it is just another Tuesday then." Ms. Harkness said dryly.
The coven all laughed ruefully at that. Of late Tuesdays seemed to be the bane of their existence. It seemed that ever since Buffy Summers had called to inform them of her newly acquired sister Dawn Tuesdays were a trial.
Dawn…oh this could indeed be a problem if the key to the universe was now a slayer….it would so explain the echo and damn Althenea was right this was going to complicate and change everything.
Ms Harkness suddenly longed for a deep long drink to bad she had sworn off such things years ago. I so should have known that this was going to get complicated.
TBC…..
49. Part 49 Sober and calling in the calvery
Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
A/N: I recently saw an old Dean Martin movie using Matt Helm and read some fics here on sight referring to him. I am so crediting both the recently read fics and the movie I saw with my mom and her friends. So here he/ Matt is or here is coming. So do we make the man immortal or do we just make him a younger version of the book version? Yes Immortals are not supposed to be able to have kids but this is Xander and he does tend to make the supposed to not work. So please help me with a vote on this one.
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 49 Sober and calling in the calvery
Jessica Harris sighed as she looked over the bills. Well at least she was done supporting Tony that lazy no good drunk.
Ok maybe she should not blame the man for all her mistakes but if she was honest he had been a large part of her issues.
Jesse/Jessica pushed her red hair back and decided in the end it hardly mattered she had to deal with what life was not what she wanted. Fortunately she had a good paying job and without having to buy booze or bail Tony out of jail or cough up the money for his fines she would likely in the end be ok.
With great reluctance picked up the phone and dialed the local lock smith and security agency. She was going to get all new lock and have security system put into place. It was time for Jesse to start being smart again.
Jessica then dialed Mathew Helms an old friend/lover and hoped he would help her out. She knew he was not exactly an innocent. Hell she had worked with the man for five years he was so not a passive personality. He had often offered to deal with Tony for her but, she had known it would be a case of Tony disappearing for good and at the time she had not wanted Xander to lose his father figure no matter how much of a bastard Tony was to her. He had once cared about her son or so she had believed until he hit the boy.
Jessica sighed and decided Matt was right he should have been buried long ago. However Tony had taken off and now she could ask Matt to come help train their son for whatever it was he got up to with that Summers girl. Jessica might seem to be unobservant but she had once been a government agent and somethings did stick she knew her boy was out fighting the darkness.
She just hoped it was not drug dealers because the local gangs on PCP made the worst of the Colombians look like pussy cats. In any case Mathew would help her son survive and maybe just maybe they could reconnect and he might forgive her for leaving the life well once she explained that Xander was his son and not Tony's. Jesse was still slightly ashamed she had let Matt believe otherwise but he had just saved her and…well it was the only way to protect her baby boy to many in the world would have used her and Alex to get to Matt and he risked his life enough as it was. Jesse had loved the man to much to make him choose to leave the work he excelled at and to be honest she did not want to risk his rejecting her. So she chosen to let Tony appear to steal her away from Matt.
She picked up her phone and sent a text and hoped Matt would forgive her.
TBC…..
50. Part 50 Relief and stuffing the soul back in.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Lost Connections
Dislclaimer:Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 50 Relief and stuffing the soul back in.
Xander and Buffy sat with Jessie as he at his blood er tomato soup. Neither could believe how fast he was guzzling it down however it did give them hope that perhaps their friend had not yet fed. Xander noted that Tara and Willow came out with an orb and were setting it up nearby it seemed operation Soul Jessie was a go. Xander watched Buffy and noted her had twitched and seemed to drift toward a stake. He glared at her. Not even caring he was being hypocritical at this time nor did he have any idea of what she was thinking other than she might slay his brother in all but blood. He shifted to his other side and sat down grabbing some chip as he pushed Buffy back. "So bro what's the what where did you go? Me and Willow lost sight of you."
Jessie who still thought it was that long ago day at the Bronze laughed and blushed. "Well I kinda…..I hooked up with this hot girl. Xan you would not believe it I mean she was so cool."
Xander rolled his eyes and Buffy gave the youthful vampire a look like are you insane?
"We ah kind of made out a little and she gave me this wicked Hicky." He pulled his collar away to show a vampire bite. Not the normal tear out your throat type but a small bite. It could in fact look a little like a love bit or hicky. "It was awesome I never felt so connected to anyone."
Spike snorted at that and looked at Xander and wondered how this clueless boy had survived so long. Xander himself was wondering that but if Jessie was not aware of his being turned then maybe he was still innocent as in not having fed. He looked at Buffy with eyes daring her to protest Tara and Willows plans to resoul his friend. Buffy tossed her hands up in the air.
"Ok you win but you get to explain it and no snacking on the town's population he goes to the butchers. If Spike has to so does Jessie."
"That's cool Mr. Morgan has the best meat in town. His steaks and stuff are wicked and he makes this really great Blood sausage. I had some at home before I headed over here." Jessie said. "It was wickedly good I scarffed about four of them. Dad had the grill going and I just could not resist. Though I think I freaked dad out a bit as I ate them almost raw but I was so hungry. Still this soup is good too. I guess I am just a growing teen age boy."
"Well that explains his not attacking us and not eating his folks." Dawn said softly. "I mean they are ok right."
"Hey Xander Mom wants to know if you still want to go to the truck pull. If so she said you can stay over so you can give your folks the slip for the weekend at least." Jessie said as he took another mouthful of his blood soup.
"Yeah, well we can see about that some stuff changed." Xander said remembering their long ago plans to do more guy stuff. He wondered how that would work now?
As they sat there Willow and Tara took each other's hands and began to chant. Their soft voices called Jessie's soul back to his vampire body. It was amusing to watch as he froze shook his head then resumed eating. No great trauma occurred much to their relief. They noted Buffy looked a little annoyed then again if they were right Jessie had only been gone a little while and he was still the clueless teen age boy for all of being turned.
"So what are we doing today?" Jessie asked clearly not really getting anything had changed. Xander and Willow both sighed in relief their friend had his soul back and maybe just maybe it could work out. Xander was just glad that the girls had reworked the curse he so would not want to live with the catch in it. Though in Jessie's case souless was not so bad or at least not yet as he not fed on people.
TBC…..
51. Part 51 Gathering forces and plans
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Lost Connections
Dislclaimer: Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 51 Gathering forces and plans
Buffy was slightly annoyed with the double standard her friends were showing however for the moment she would let it pass. Jesse had always been a sore point between them because Buffy felt she had failed their friend. She would have liked to have thought that in time she would have become as close to Jesse as they had been but his turning had changed that. She had also always felt guilty that Xander had to be the one to stake him. However a part of her also felt angry. Angry that despite their closeness Xander had not warned his brother in all but blood about the night life. From their stories Buffy knew they were close and that they had shared their lives from an early age. Jesse would have believed them or at least considered things more deeply. Then again teenagers tended to think they were immortal and that death would not claim them. Perhaps Xander had not realized the true danger then. However it did not stop Buffy from wanting to stake the vampire. However if he now had a soul he had a chance to do good. Plus all indications were that he had not fed on humans yet which meant he was still relatively innocent. Perhaps it would be enough. If not soul or not he would meet Mr. Pointy. However the fact that he was back could be a good thing it would give Xander a male ally and perhaps someone to help keep him safer. Immortal or not her friend was a trouble magnet. She rose and went to speak to Willow. Cordelia was right they could save their classmates. It was time to start a list and see who was first up for the savage.
The immortals were all on their phones calling various brokers and agents. Setting up a parallel council was going to be expensive and while they all had wealth it would not need to be diverted and invested even more aggressively to ensure their families had the funds needed to survive. It was clear they were all now staying away from the game. Not that any of them had really actively fought in recent years unless they were directly challenged. However now they had a new plan and idea. Their new home would be large and on Holy ground warded and protected. As insane as it was the hell mouth would become their safety and refuge.
Howard looked at the listing. The place was large enough for the groups needs and defendable. The walled estate would provide the protection his family needed and on the positive side it had once been a temple and monastery so it was holy ground. Sometimes Janus did favor them. He put a bid in and with luck the property would be theirs by nightfall. The vineyard was also a plus as it would provide and income in time.
Connor McCloud of the clan McCloud made several calls. The first were to contact his brokers as the others were doing the second to contact a friend who sold rare and valuable books. Giles would need an alternative source of research materials and Jo Anna was one of the best in this field. Not to mention she owed him a favor or three. Having her acquire the books needed would not look so odd as she often did special commissions. He silently vowed to make sure she took as much away from those bastards in the council as possible. They had almost let his friend's children die and that he took personally. Methos may be a pain in the ass even more so then Duncan but he was also one of the few immortals Connor truly respected outside of his "family" like Ramerez he was a man of honor and Connor respected that. There was also the fact that if Methos had a family to love and protect he would not be in the game in any meaningful way which suited Connor fine as he never wanted to play in the first place. If something happened to Adam/Methos new family Connor had no doubts what so ever that 'Death' would ride again and that this time the world would likely not survive. That was a scary thought so he would help the slayer and her family if only to keep the world turning and his own head on his shoulders. Sometimes self interest meant keeping the world spinning.
Cccccccccccccccc
Amanda slipped away from the group unlike the others she had been to the hell mouth a long time ago. Back before the mayor had founded the city. She had a hide out here that she could find and retrieve her gold. It would be enough to help fun their new council and plans. She had decided it was a good investment. Not to mention the fact that she had a score to settle with some people in town and she needed funds to do that. Rack was so going to pay. It had taken four deaths to break his hold on her and she was still afraid to use magic. Yes he was going to pay and maybe when she was done killing the bastard they could raid his stash of books and potion supplies.
TBC…
52. Part 52 Sunset
August 08, 2015
Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please see Part One
A/N: Not betaed read at your own risk
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Part 52
The phone rang and Mathew Helm got out of bed to answer it. He stumbled over to it not really happy to be woken by it. However it was his land line and a phone hardened to survive a nuclear fire and only one person alive still had that number. He knew if it was ringing something really bad had happened. He pulled on his robe and tied it off. While he knew Jessie might not be able to see him it was still the right thing to do. His heart skipped a beat as he considered the one woman who might have made him leave the business. He pushed it aside and picked up the phone on the third ring. "Helm what has happened Jessie."
Jessica Harris sucked in a deep breath. She was shocked Matt knew it was her on the phone then again maybe she shouldn't be. She paused not certain what to say to the one man she truly loved. She was now really ashamed of her life for the past few years.
"Jessie you just woke me and pulled me out of bed so spill or I'm hanging up."
Jessica sighed and said the three worlds he had longed to hear. "I need you."
Matt looked down at the computer screen that was connected to the phone and saw Jessie was still in her home owned by that bastard Harris. He could get to her rather quickly.
"I'll be there in less than 12 hours I have a few loose ends to tie." He hung up not trusting himself to say more.
"Hey baby what's wrong you left me all by myself." A sickly sweet voice said as she sauntered out of his bedroom. He turned and sighed. "I have a work Emergency Brenda. I guess this was fun but I've got to go. Be a good girl and see yourself out."
The redhead glared at him not happy her seductive skills were being ignored. It took a lot to look this good when one first woke up. "Ah baby it can wait why not come back to bed?"
"Get dressed and get out. Look this is not going to work. I know why you are here and who sent you but it was a hot night. However I am never turning and I won't switch agencies. I like where I am though if it helps you can tell your bosses I am retiring."
"What why?" Brenda said so shocked she forgot her cover.
"Let's just say you were that good. Or at least that's what you can tell your bosses. I have other priorities now. So please let's keep this professional and polite. I would really hate to break you and toss you out san cloths."
"OK Mathew but this had better not be a game." Brenda said.
Mathew laughed at that. "No games, I just have other issues to deal with. A few loose ends to tie then I am off to the sunset I am retiring from the field."
"Ok, see yeah Matt and for the record it was worth it." Brenda said turning and leaving swinging her hips in seduction giggling and happy she'd at least had one night with the legend an if it was true he was retiring well it be a feather in her cap.
Mathew sighed and went to grab a shower in the guest room. He'd let Brenda use his as it was faster. The sooner he was dressed the sooner he could get to Jessie. He just had one call to make first. One friend or two who deserved the heads up as he would now be getting more work and may be tossed into Mathew's old roll. He dialed the number on his cell phone as he headed to the guest room.
"Stetson here how can I help you?"
"Lee its Mathew, the thing we talked about and the lady in question. She called and I am gone. Heading to the Sunset and I thought you should have the heads up. Please warn Francine and don't make my mistakes grab you love and hold her close and don't let them put you in my spot."
Agent Lee Stetson felt like he been pole axed. "Yeah got it Matt, I ah…won't take your place no one could and I will warn Francine she's going to miss you as you are like her big brother."
"I still am but….I will not toss this chance aside. I should have stayed back then should have ended Harris but….well you know. I'm calling Billie with my resignation when I get there. Lee be careful Brenda was here headhunting."
"Yeah she can be a pain. All right good luck and if you need anything…" Lee said.
"Yeah I'll call. Be safe and good luck." Matt said hanging up. Lee was one of the few agents he called friend. He Billie and Francine were perhaps the reason he had not gone insane when Jessica left the agency. However he had to move on and because of where he was going he had to warn them so they would stay clear. He owed them that. Besides they fought enough darkness without having to deal with the fugglies.
Jessica hung up the phone. It had been a hard call and it had actually gone a little better then she had expected. While it was clear Matt was annoyed she had woken him and if she did not miss her guess he had a bed mate. Oh that hurt but she hardly could complain given her life. She pushed her hair back and set the phone down and went to clean the house. It might not help much but she'd be damned if it smelled and looked like more of a wreck then it was. She pulled out her phone and called a cleaning agency maybe it be faster they could do the heavy work and she decided to also call in for the day. She had to clean up and losing a day's pay would be worth it.
Buffy wondered why Jessie was taking the news so calmly. He seemed to not care he was a vampire much less that he had his soul.
"Xan this is cool. I mean I should be wickedly strong and fast. No more getting stuffed into lockers."
"Jessie my man ah school….well the sun buddy we have to keep you out of the sun for you to be safe."
"Man that blows, never thought of that. Well maybe with lots of sunscreen?"
Spike snorted and went to slip away but Willow stepped in front of him. "Oh no you don't buster. You need to mentor Jessie show him how to be a good vampire."
"What…I'm not good I'm a big bad." Spike protested. "Sides Darla turned him."
"Yeah and that make him family." Dawn said. "Like your cousin or brother or something."
"Sodden hell, Bit come on he's a teenage boy."
"Yeah he is and he is kind a cute."
"Oh hell no, no Dawn he is a vampire." Buffy said.
"Pot calling Kettle Buffy, Angel, Spike…."
"Yeah well that ended oh so well." Buffy said clearly not happy.
"Hey Jessie our friend and brother like figure plus he's not that much older than Dawn." Xander said.
Buffy glared and left not wanting to fight this fight. Xander had always condemned her choices but he was ok with Dawn and Jessie double standards much? She was hurt by this and was not talking about it anymore. Amanda saw her leave and headed to follow her. She got it. Double standards hurt when friends did not get it.
"Hey Buffy wait up. I could use some help maybe you could play guide I need to buy some more shoes and cloths if I am staying in Sunnydale?"
Buffy sighed and decided maybe having the immortal thief along would be a distraction. "Yeah sure I can do that come on. We can hit the mall and I can do a quick patrol."
"I suppose Demons hit the mall as well?" Amanda questioned.
"Yeah they do. There's a ¼ Braken that works at the Hair salon Called Dreams he is absolutely fantastic with hair. He is really nice and he sometimes gives me the heads up on what could go down. He and his family are really nice folks. I do my best to stop by now and again so the evil demons know that I protect them. He and his family have done a lot to keep the neutrals out of the fight. Some demons are a live and let live type and I really have no problem with them. I mean if they are not feeding on humans and don't want to end the world or kill for fun I see no point in wasting time hunting them. It would be stupid to make enemies out of beings that want peace. So we kind of have an accord or treaty. I mean I cannot force the council to abide by it but they know if they do no harm I won't hunt them and as long as I am slayer they are safe here in Sunnydale. I also give them the heads up on potential world endage so it's a good system. Not perfect but it's better than going in blind at times. Heck even the evil ones sometimes send messages by way of them if only because they want the world to keep spinning too."
"Sounds practical and pragmatic, I suppose if we are to stay and help we will need to learn more about these demons the good the bad the ugly and maybe even the peaceful ones. Maybe we can expand the treaty thing to get them to be more proactive." Amanda said as she led Buffy out to the car she had delivered. It was a sporty little mustang and was a fully loaded.
"Nice wheels." Buffy said smiling at the candy apple machine. It was certainly not designed to blend in.
"What can I say I love speed. In our case we need speed or durability and I know the boys will get the SUV's and trucks. While I like truck well enough this suits my image far better. Not that I won't get one of those and maybe a bike too. But for daily use this is best. Duncan and Connor want us to blend in as local business people and if I have to do that I need a car that says successful but not too much. Besides I've always like the mustang it just sings when driving it."
"I can see that and it suits you. Don't get me wrong I love the chargers and trans ams but mustangs rock." Buffy said wistfully. "I guess I will have to work hard to get my driver's license if I ever want a machine like this. Not sure I can do it though driving is hard."
"Hum maybe it's because you are a slayer. I would guess your reaction time is faster than most humans and driving an automatic probably is too difficult for you. I had a similar issue when I started out. I'll tell you what when we get a place with some open space I work with you. We will get an old banger truck with a stick shift and see if that helps. That way if you bang it up it won't be a big loss. If all goes well your grandfather will get that vineyard and there are lots of tracks there to practice on. I think he said it has over 500 acres and that should be enough room to learn how to drive. We can teach Faith too. Also if we have to maybe we could try the bikes. I know one of the reasons Richie wanted a motor cycle was he felt too hemmed in with a car. He said the thing was to slow to react. So a bike especially one designed for speed may also be an option for you both."
"Amanda why did Giles not suggest this I mean what you are saying makes sense to me?" Buffy asked.
"Well maybe he did not think it though. He is a male after all and they tend to see women as not being good drivers. It's a male thing. I like Giles but he like many watchers seem to underestimate slayers. I was reading some of the journals and I can see that most never took the full slayer package into account when training slayers. They are only human and even a highly skilled one or immortal would be hard pressed to keep up with a slayer who is growing into their power. I think it's probably one of the reasons for that damned test they give. A way to keep slayers under control before they get to strong using that test to kill them off ensures no slayer is ever powerful enough to challenge their will and plans. If a slayer out grown the watcher's council then they can start to think and question and that is something that hind bound group would never stand for." Amanda said. "I've seen a lot of male societies like that. It's only recently that women seem to have some roll to play and even that seems limited. I was surprised to learn Faith had a woman watcher then again maybe it was to get them both killed off early. Faith like you was a wild slayer and they don't seem to like those at all."
"Yeah her being called was weird." Buffy said.
Her phone rang and she answered it. "Hello."
"Buffy we got some good news." Giles said he seemed to be smiling through the phone.
"What news Giles?"
"Kendra and Sam are coming to Sunnydale he just called." Giles said.
"Wait, what? How is that possible we saw her die?" Buffy said shaken.
"Well I would say this is proof time has been warped. Maybe it is a positive point. The thing is we now have one more slayer. I wanted your permission to offer them a place with us at the compound."
"Hell yes, offer and we will brief them but make sure they know we are not following the old councils whims." Buffy said she began to smile this was the best news she had heard of late. "We also need to tell them Jessie and Spike are on the no slay list."
"We will inform them of that. I think this will be a good thing. Sam is a wonderful researcher and it will give us an extra set of eyes on patrol. Perhaps you can switch out and actually have time to study this time around."
Buffy scowled at the reminder she had to go back to high school. "I suppose so. We will see Giles I am seriously thinking of just taking my GED."
"We will discuss this later with your mother and father I am not sure either would like that choice." Giles said his clear disapproval noted.
"Yeah, ok look Giles we are at the mall so I gota skate be by latter. You need anything from here?"
Giles sighed and said. "A pair of trainers for me and Xander and probably Spike, we all trashed our shoes. In fact maybe get some boots as well for all of us. I know you will excel at picking out the proper foot ware."
"Cool glad you are finally seeing my wicked skills. I'll get them for the group maybe they have discounts. Good thing I know everyone's sizes. Sneakers, boots and shoes it is." Buffy said with a grin this was the kind of duty she liked. In fact as she thought about it she decided to give her new credit card a work out. The whole gang needed cloths as they had been trashing a lot lately. Maybe she could find something to make them all look stylish when slaying a kind of uniform that would not stand out. "See yeah Giles." She hung up and turned to Amanda. "Hey Amanda what say we go shopping. I have a wicked cool idea. We could get matching slaying outfits for everyone and shoes and boots. With everyone working so hard our stuff gets trashed a lot, Dad and Grandfather gave me cards to use so I say we put a dent in the limit."
Amanda laughed at this. She knew full well the centurion cards had no limit but it would be fun to try. "Yeah sure and I can help. I have learned over the years what looks stylish but is easy to fight in. I suppose slayers don't have restrictions but the former humans will. Immortals can fight in almost everything but we need to at least look like normal's no point in drawing unwanted attention."
"Ok good point. Something to look decent in but not to flashy or fashionable I mean it's likely to get trashed. Practical but designed to fit in. Lets hit Old Navy they have a good selection and maybe Abercrombie for the guys."
"Sounds like a plan lead on Buffy." Amanda said laughing this would be almost as much fun as stealing. Of course she planned to case the mall too. It was only right as the mall and its patrons should have to pay for protection.
TBC…..