Rupert Giles shifted uncomfortably in his hospital bed. He hadn't wanted to
come here, but Xander was insistent. He needed medical attention, badly. No
first aid kit in the world was going to suffice in his case. Angelus had
been thorough enough, not to mention Drusilla's mind-rape. He cursed
himself for being so weak so as to fall for her psychic tricks. It didn't
matter, though. It had been a week since the vampires had attempted to
awaken Acathla, and since he wasn't in Hell, assuming anyone thinks
hospitals are Heaven, he knew that his Slayer, his Buffy, the girl he
thought of as the daughter he would never have, was successful. She had
stopped Angelus from opening the Vortex, and with any luck, sent that
sadistic bastard to his just desserts. He grinned at that thought, knowing
that maybe, just maybe, his darling Jenny would rest in peace at last. He
could move on with his own life, help Buffy deal with the fallout of her
vanquishing Angelus. It's not every day that you are asked to kill the man
you love for the sake of billions of people who don't even care about you.
Yet, that's exactly what she did. So selfless, so brave. So willing to do
what was necessary, and yet, so tender and fragile. After all, she was only
17, an age when her biggest fears should be what boy likes her and what
college should she go to, and not will the world still be here tomorrow.
The life of the Slayer is so unfair. Just like the life of the Watcher,
duty and service. Never mind if you'd like to live a little. Rupert often
thought of how his life would be, if he never answered that clarion call,
as his father and grandmother had. Would he have been a fighter pilot in
the RAF? Or a grocer? Would he have never outgrown the "Ripper" persona he
had affected during his Oxford years? Would he be dead, killed by the
mischief he and his mates had caused? Not that it mattered, really. He knew
the past was the past, and he needed to focus on the present. Like that he
was presently in an inordinate amount of pain. "O-oh dear", he murmured
through clenched teeth, "that hurts."
"Excuse me, Mr. Giles? You have a visitor. Are you up to it?" said a very pretty redheaded nurse as she peeked into his private room.
"Y-yes, o-of course. P-please, send them in", he said as he did his best to put a smile on his face. He barely was able to manage a grimace when a bespectacled young man with very, British, fashion sense tentatively entered the room, ushering in a tall brunette girl who looked rather angry at having to be there. She had a rather unique look about her, trashy and low class, yet exuding wave after wave of raw sexuality. She took one look at Giles' battered form and exclaimed, "Damn, Mr. G., I'd hate to see what the other guy looks like!"
"I-I'm sorry, do I know the two of you?" queried Giles.
"Oh, well, uhm, yes, I suppose introductions are in order. Mr. Rupert Giles, I am Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, and this is my charge, Miss Faith Evers. We have been sent to assist you."
"A-assist me? In w-what regard?"
"Mr. Travers sent us."
"Ah. So she is."
"Yes, she's Kendra Sandoval's replacement."
"She knows.about this town?"
"Hey, 'She' is standing right in front of you people! Christ, do I look dumb or something? You wanna know about me? Ask me", said Faith, obviously getting frustrated, "I know all about the fun and games that come with Sunnydull. I know all about my 'Sacred Duty' and all that crap. 'In every generation there is the. yadda, yadda, yadda."
"Ah, y-yes, I suppose you d-do indeed", said Giles wearily. "M-my apologies."
"Chill, Geeves. It's five by five. Winston here filled me in on all the details on the trip from Boston."
"Actually, it's Wesley, not."
"Winston, Wesley, whatever. Just point me in the direction of the bloodsuckers and let me get to work, 'cause I'm feelin' kinda jumpy. Need to have some fun."
"M-my, you certainly are quite.enthusiastic about slaying", said Giles, slightly perturbed by her last statement.
"Yeah, it's such a rush. Like morphine, or X. Slaying just gets me so amped!!"
"Y-you've encountered vampires already?"
"Yeah, in Boston when Wes here came to tell me about the Call, then in St. Louis when we stopped for a couple nights to.rest up", Faith said coyly, looking at Wesley shyly as he turned beet red.
"Faith, would you please excuse us, we need to speak privately", said Wesley, barely able to contain his embarrassment and anger.
"Sure thing. No prob. I'll go find some cute orderly to flirt with", Faith said as she sauntered out of the room, exaggerating her movements to call attention to her figure.
Once she was gone, Wesley turned to Giles and said, "I-I just want you to know that-that, what she said, that is what she inferred."
"Relax, Mr. Pryce, I could tell she was lying. She's not very good at it."
"Uhm, yes, well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet with Principal Snyder."
"Oh? W-whatever for?"
"Two things. First, I have to get Faith enrolled in school. And get myself a job, as well."
"A j-job? As what?"
"English teacher. I had completed my certifications when I was at Oxford, shortly before I was called on to be Faith's Watcher."
"You're not good at it either. Try the truth, young man. It's easier."
"Yes, well, my Watcher's training is not complete. That's why we were sent here. Once you have signed off on me, I'll be Faith's Watcher. Until then, she will be under your charge, along with your own slayer, of course. I'll be your assistant, unless, of course you've an issue with that."
"No, that's fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to scream in bloody agony for a few hours."
"Sorry? Oh, yes, of course. Good day to you, sir."
"Cheers."
"Right", with that, Wesley left. Giles began rolling his eyes. "What have I done to deserve this? Not only do I have to nursemaid some initiate, but I get to deal with 'Lolita' the Vampire Slayer? What more agony could possibly I have to deal with?"
"Mr. Giles, you have more visitors."
"Oh, that's lovely. Please send them in", he grumbled. "Of course", he thought, "more good news, I'm sure."
The nurse retreated from the room again, admonishing his new visitors, "Please be brief. Mr. Giles needs his rest."
"We won't be long, but he needs to hear this from us", said a gentle, innocent female voice that Giles immediately identified as Willow Rosenberg.
"Yeah, it's important. It's about Buffy", said a male voice. That had to be Xander.
"Buffy?" asked the nurse. "Who's Buffy?"
"Oh, she's the S-, owww!!!" said an irritating female. Cordelia Chase, most likely. What was wrong with Buffy that the Scoobies had to come tell him, and not Buffy herself?
"Stepdaughter. Yeah, she's his stepdaughter", covered Xander.
"Stepdaughter? I don't have Mr. Giles even listed as married, much less having children of any kind."
"He's divorced, but he and Buffy are still tight," said another male voice, quieter and more confident than Xander. Had to be Oz.
"Oh, well, since it's about family, stay as long as you need to. But bear in mind that upsetting Mr. Giles right now will not help his condition any."
"But he has to know!! Of all of us, he's the one who needs to know!!" cried Willow. She began to sob loudly.
"Willow, w-what's the matter? Come in, children, and tell me what's the matter with Buffy? I-is she hurt? O-or.?"
"Well, G-man, we'd love to tell you, but we don't know, either", said Xander angrily.
"I-I don't u-understand. How could you not know what's wrong with Buffy?"
"Giles, she's.gone", said Willow, still sobbing.
"Gone? I-I'm afraid I still don't understand. Gone where?"
"We don't know. All we've been able to figure out is that she skipped town after stopping Angel", said Xander.
"And you waited until now to tell me?!"
"We wanted to tell you sooner, but you were still so weak, we didn't think you could take it."
"How kind of you all", he spat. The Scoobies all looked ashamed. He continued, "How did she leave? Where did she go? Did she leave a note or a l-letter?"
"She left a letter to her mom. She called us as soon as she read it. It looks like she just grabbed some clothes and money, but that was it. She didn't even take any weapons with her", said Willow, attempting to compose herself.
"D-did you check the bus station? Airport? Contact all the taxi services? S- surely, one of them had to have."
"We did all of that. However she left, it wasn't any of those. She just.vanished. Kinda cool, if you think about it", said Cordelia. When everyone began to stare at her, she remarked, "What? She escaped Sunnydale. I'll give anyone who can pull that off all the props in the world."
"Now is not the time to be talking about Buffy's 'coolness'! She ran out on us. She left us to deal with the Hellmouth and all the big fun that it brings. Oh, and did I mention, there's no slayer!! How can we deal with all the creepiness that is sure to take advantage once they find out the Slayer is splitsville!!" yelled Xander.
Giles took a deep breath, and coolly stated, "Buffy may be gone, but the Slayer is in Sunnydale."
"Huh?" the Scoobies said at once.
"As soon as I'm released from the hospital, I'll take care of finding Buffy. But for now, we have Faith."
"Faith in what?" asked Oz.
"Not what, whom. Faith is here, and for better or worse, she's our only hope in keeping Sunnydale safe."
Xander chimed in, "I'm guessing Faith is."
"Kendra's replacement, yes."
"That was fast."
"Yes, well, why do tomorrow what you can do today?"
Night fell on Sunnydale. Out of the inky blackness, a black stretch limousine cut through the night time traffic, making it's way toward a Happy Burger fast food restaurant. The limo glides into the drive thru lane, stopping at the menu board. The completely darkened windows rolls down to reveal a slender black man, apparently in his late thirties, wearing an expensive suit. To his right sits a dark figure, completely obscured by shadow.
The speaker at the menu board squawks to life, "Welcome to Happy Burger, may I take your order?"
"Diet soda, medium."
"That'll be 89 cents at the drive thru window, sir."
"Thank you."
The man, known only as Mister Trick, leans back towards his mysterious associate as the vehicle made its way to the window. "Sunnydale. Town's got quaint. And the people? He called me 'sir'. Don't you just miss that? I mean, admittedly, it's not a haven for the brothers, you know, strictly the Caucasian Persuasion here in the Dale. But, you know, you just gotta stand up and salute their death rate. I ran a statistical analysis, and hello darkness. It makes D.C. look like Mayberry, and ain't nobody saying boo about it. We could fit right in here. Have us some fun", he said as he counted out his change.
"I've been here before, a long time ago. Nothing's changed. It still reeks of humanity, overpowering the sweet smell of the Hellmouth."
"My brother, according to what you told me, you was here last week."
"Doesn't matter, all I want is to tear this place apart until I get my hands on the Slayer. I have this urge to repay her for what she did to me."
"Chill, man. You'll get that chance. But we gotta lay low for a spell, get situated, establish our power base. Otherwise, we gonna end up like the cat I used to work for. Staked by a rookie slayer and her bookworm watcher."
"Kakistos was staked by the new slayer? The one who replaced the Jamaican girl?"
"Yeah man, real quick too. Like he was some chump. Which he was, but that's not the point. Point is, we need to be ready. Then we take her on."
"That'll be 89 cents, sir", said the drive thru attendant. Trick handed the man his change, and received his soda. He turned to his associate. "You sure you don't want anything?"
"I want to tear the Slayer limb from limb, and suck the marrow from her bones. After I make her watch what I do to her friends."
"Damn, now I'm hungry." With that, Trick morphed into his game face, reached out and grabbed the drive thru attendant. He sucked the man dry as the limo sped away. Once he was finished, he dumped the body on the street and looked back at his associate. "Where to now?"
"City Hall. I learned a few things about this town when I was here last. Things that the Slayer doesn't even know. Like who really runs the show."
"And that is."
"Richard Wilkins III, Mayor of Sunnydale."
"Now, why is that so hard to believe?"
"Appearances are deceiving, my friend. Driver?"
"Yes, milord?"
"City Hall, best speed. I have an appointment with destiny."
"Right away milord."
Some minutes later, the limo pulled up to City Hall. The two associates exited the vehicle, Trick donning a stylish trench coat and his associate wearing a black robe with the hood pulled over his head, and made their way inside. Security guards attempted to stop them, only to be slaughtered by the duo. They reached the Mayor's office when the Deputy Mayor Allan Finch stepped in front of them. He swallowed nervously and said, "Do you gentlemen h-have an appointment?"
"Why don't you make one for us?", said Trick, grinning evilly as his game face slid into being.
"Uhm, I-I'm sorry, but the Mayor cannot be disturbed r-right now. I-if y- you make an ap-pp-ppointment for tomorrow, I'm sure he'd b-be g-glad t-to see you."
The associate leaned in close to the Deputy Mayor and whispered, "Let us in or feel pain of the likes you have never felt before."
Just then, the intercom on the desk outside the Mayor's office buzzed. Finch nervously looked over to it and pushed the button. "Allan! If those two gentlemen are in such dire need to see me, then by all means, send them in!"
Allan had a look of relief on his face. He looked to Mr. Trick and said, "The Mayor will see you now."
Trick walked right up to the Deputy Mayor and, with a blur of speed, snapped the man's neck. As the body hit the floor, Trick looked down at it and merely said, "Chump."
Upon entering the Mayor's office, the first thing that Trick noticed was the smell. It was antiseptic, almost as if the Mayor was working in a sterile environment. Then he was struck by the sight of the office. It was a clever hodgepodge of bright cheerful everyday life, and hidden dark underbelly. In closets that were no doubt closed during daytime, there were demonic artifacts, remnants of human and demon bodies and other disturbing knick knacks. At least disturbing to a normal person. To Trick and his associate, they were.interesting.
"You know, it's a shame you had to kill Allan and all those other fine people. They were just doing their jobs. I mean, its not like I was going to let them live after my Ascension anyway, but I digress. So, how can I help you gentlemen?"
You can help us by dying", stated Trick, game face still on.
"Oh, ha ha, that's very amusing, Mr.."
"Trick, my name is Mr. Trick, and my associate is.", he held off, allowing his associate to introduce himself.
"I was thinking you could call me.Master. For the thirty seconds before you die, that is."
"Oh, now that is really funny. Do either of you know who I am?"
"Yes. I know who you are. And what you are. And that you aren't invulnerable, yet. So, in my book, that makes you meat. And since my book is the only one that matters." The associate lifted back his hood, revealing his features. He had dark, almost black eyes that seemed to stare through the Mayor. His hair was a similar color, tousled spikes pointing every which way. His face was striking, very handsome, almost as if he was from Heaven. Heaven. The word sprang forth in the Mayor's mind. He knew this person, this vampire. "I know who are you", said the Mayor, fear growing within him, "You're Ang-gahhh!!!" he screamed as the vampire attacked him, shifting to his game face, golden eyes and feline facial features. As he began shredding the Mayor like so much cardboard, Mr. Trick merely remarked, "Whoever named you had a great gift for irony, my brother. Damn!"
"That name will NOT be spoken again! That chapter is closed! There's no prophecy, no hidden text that'll explain everything! I'm writing this book! I choose the names, and for me, I choose.Azrael!"
" 'The Islamic Angel of Death, forever writing in a large book and forever erasing what he writes: what he writes is the birth of man, what he erases is the name of the man at death.' Man, that is beautiful! You one well read bloodsucker, my brother."
"I thought you'd approve. Now, let's work on that 'power base' of yours. See if we can bring some Hell to the Hellmouth."
"True that, my brother."
The television was on, but Giles could barely hear it. His thoughts were a maelstrom, his head unfocused. Buffy was gone. What could possibly cause her to leave. She was at terms with the loss of Angel, and she was determined to stop Angelus. Giles began to focus on that. Angel. Angelus. They had been unsuccessful in restoring Angel's soul earlier that evening, but what if they tried again. Xander hadn't said anything about that, but would he? He was against it from the beginning. What if Buffy had to send Angel to Hell, soul and all? Could that have been what drove her to leave all she had known and loved? "Oh, my. I must ask Willow", he said to himself. Now focusing on his surroundings, he turned his attention to the news on the television. What he saw there made him wish that he'd stayed oblivious.
"This just in, the Mayor of Sunnydale, Richard Wilkins III, and most of the City Hall staff, including Deputy Mayor Allan Finch, are dead. Police believe a street gang, high on PCP, stormed City Hall last night and embarked on a vicious killing spree. Witnesses to the massacre report that the bodies of the people inside looked like they were mauled by animals. The City Council has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation and elect a temporary Mayor until special elections can be held later this month. For more information on this breaking story, stay tuned all day as we will be giving updates as they become available or log onto our website, www.kytv.com/breakingnews.htm for to-the-minute updates. And now a word from our sponsors."
"Oh dear."
To Be Continued.
"Excuse me, Mr. Giles? You have a visitor. Are you up to it?" said a very pretty redheaded nurse as she peeked into his private room.
"Y-yes, o-of course. P-please, send them in", he said as he did his best to put a smile on his face. He barely was able to manage a grimace when a bespectacled young man with very, British, fashion sense tentatively entered the room, ushering in a tall brunette girl who looked rather angry at having to be there. She had a rather unique look about her, trashy and low class, yet exuding wave after wave of raw sexuality. She took one look at Giles' battered form and exclaimed, "Damn, Mr. G., I'd hate to see what the other guy looks like!"
"I-I'm sorry, do I know the two of you?" queried Giles.
"Oh, well, uhm, yes, I suppose introductions are in order. Mr. Rupert Giles, I am Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, and this is my charge, Miss Faith Evers. We have been sent to assist you."
"A-assist me? In w-what regard?"
"Mr. Travers sent us."
"Ah. So she is."
"Yes, she's Kendra Sandoval's replacement."
"She knows.about this town?"
"Hey, 'She' is standing right in front of you people! Christ, do I look dumb or something? You wanna know about me? Ask me", said Faith, obviously getting frustrated, "I know all about the fun and games that come with Sunnydull. I know all about my 'Sacred Duty' and all that crap. 'In every generation there is the. yadda, yadda, yadda."
"Ah, y-yes, I suppose you d-do indeed", said Giles wearily. "M-my apologies."
"Chill, Geeves. It's five by five. Winston here filled me in on all the details on the trip from Boston."
"Actually, it's Wesley, not."
"Winston, Wesley, whatever. Just point me in the direction of the bloodsuckers and let me get to work, 'cause I'm feelin' kinda jumpy. Need to have some fun."
"M-my, you certainly are quite.enthusiastic about slaying", said Giles, slightly perturbed by her last statement.
"Yeah, it's such a rush. Like morphine, or X. Slaying just gets me so amped!!"
"Y-you've encountered vampires already?"
"Yeah, in Boston when Wes here came to tell me about the Call, then in St. Louis when we stopped for a couple nights to.rest up", Faith said coyly, looking at Wesley shyly as he turned beet red.
"Faith, would you please excuse us, we need to speak privately", said Wesley, barely able to contain his embarrassment and anger.
"Sure thing. No prob. I'll go find some cute orderly to flirt with", Faith said as she sauntered out of the room, exaggerating her movements to call attention to her figure.
Once she was gone, Wesley turned to Giles and said, "I-I just want you to know that-that, what she said, that is what she inferred."
"Relax, Mr. Pryce, I could tell she was lying. She's not very good at it."
"Uhm, yes, well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet with Principal Snyder."
"Oh? W-whatever for?"
"Two things. First, I have to get Faith enrolled in school. And get myself a job, as well."
"A j-job? As what?"
"English teacher. I had completed my certifications when I was at Oxford, shortly before I was called on to be Faith's Watcher."
"You're not good at it either. Try the truth, young man. It's easier."
"Yes, well, my Watcher's training is not complete. That's why we were sent here. Once you have signed off on me, I'll be Faith's Watcher. Until then, she will be under your charge, along with your own slayer, of course. I'll be your assistant, unless, of course you've an issue with that."
"No, that's fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to scream in bloody agony for a few hours."
"Sorry? Oh, yes, of course. Good day to you, sir."
"Cheers."
"Right", with that, Wesley left. Giles began rolling his eyes. "What have I done to deserve this? Not only do I have to nursemaid some initiate, but I get to deal with 'Lolita' the Vampire Slayer? What more agony could possibly I have to deal with?"
"Mr. Giles, you have more visitors."
"Oh, that's lovely. Please send them in", he grumbled. "Of course", he thought, "more good news, I'm sure."
The nurse retreated from the room again, admonishing his new visitors, "Please be brief. Mr. Giles needs his rest."
"We won't be long, but he needs to hear this from us", said a gentle, innocent female voice that Giles immediately identified as Willow Rosenberg.
"Yeah, it's important. It's about Buffy", said a male voice. That had to be Xander.
"Buffy?" asked the nurse. "Who's Buffy?"
"Oh, she's the S-, owww!!!" said an irritating female. Cordelia Chase, most likely. What was wrong with Buffy that the Scoobies had to come tell him, and not Buffy herself?
"Stepdaughter. Yeah, she's his stepdaughter", covered Xander.
"Stepdaughter? I don't have Mr. Giles even listed as married, much less having children of any kind."
"He's divorced, but he and Buffy are still tight," said another male voice, quieter and more confident than Xander. Had to be Oz.
"Oh, well, since it's about family, stay as long as you need to. But bear in mind that upsetting Mr. Giles right now will not help his condition any."
"But he has to know!! Of all of us, he's the one who needs to know!!" cried Willow. She began to sob loudly.
"Willow, w-what's the matter? Come in, children, and tell me what's the matter with Buffy? I-is she hurt? O-or.?"
"Well, G-man, we'd love to tell you, but we don't know, either", said Xander angrily.
"I-I don't u-understand. How could you not know what's wrong with Buffy?"
"Giles, she's.gone", said Willow, still sobbing.
"Gone? I-I'm afraid I still don't understand. Gone where?"
"We don't know. All we've been able to figure out is that she skipped town after stopping Angel", said Xander.
"And you waited until now to tell me?!"
"We wanted to tell you sooner, but you were still so weak, we didn't think you could take it."
"How kind of you all", he spat. The Scoobies all looked ashamed. He continued, "How did she leave? Where did she go? Did she leave a note or a l-letter?"
"She left a letter to her mom. She called us as soon as she read it. It looks like she just grabbed some clothes and money, but that was it. She didn't even take any weapons with her", said Willow, attempting to compose herself.
"D-did you check the bus station? Airport? Contact all the taxi services? S- surely, one of them had to have."
"We did all of that. However she left, it wasn't any of those. She just.vanished. Kinda cool, if you think about it", said Cordelia. When everyone began to stare at her, she remarked, "What? She escaped Sunnydale. I'll give anyone who can pull that off all the props in the world."
"Now is not the time to be talking about Buffy's 'coolness'! She ran out on us. She left us to deal with the Hellmouth and all the big fun that it brings. Oh, and did I mention, there's no slayer!! How can we deal with all the creepiness that is sure to take advantage once they find out the Slayer is splitsville!!" yelled Xander.
Giles took a deep breath, and coolly stated, "Buffy may be gone, but the Slayer is in Sunnydale."
"Huh?" the Scoobies said at once.
"As soon as I'm released from the hospital, I'll take care of finding Buffy. But for now, we have Faith."
"Faith in what?" asked Oz.
"Not what, whom. Faith is here, and for better or worse, she's our only hope in keeping Sunnydale safe."
Xander chimed in, "I'm guessing Faith is."
"Kendra's replacement, yes."
"That was fast."
"Yes, well, why do tomorrow what you can do today?"
Night fell on Sunnydale. Out of the inky blackness, a black stretch limousine cut through the night time traffic, making it's way toward a Happy Burger fast food restaurant. The limo glides into the drive thru lane, stopping at the menu board. The completely darkened windows rolls down to reveal a slender black man, apparently in his late thirties, wearing an expensive suit. To his right sits a dark figure, completely obscured by shadow.
The speaker at the menu board squawks to life, "Welcome to Happy Burger, may I take your order?"
"Diet soda, medium."
"That'll be 89 cents at the drive thru window, sir."
"Thank you."
The man, known only as Mister Trick, leans back towards his mysterious associate as the vehicle made its way to the window. "Sunnydale. Town's got quaint. And the people? He called me 'sir'. Don't you just miss that? I mean, admittedly, it's not a haven for the brothers, you know, strictly the Caucasian Persuasion here in the Dale. But, you know, you just gotta stand up and salute their death rate. I ran a statistical analysis, and hello darkness. It makes D.C. look like Mayberry, and ain't nobody saying boo about it. We could fit right in here. Have us some fun", he said as he counted out his change.
"I've been here before, a long time ago. Nothing's changed. It still reeks of humanity, overpowering the sweet smell of the Hellmouth."
"My brother, according to what you told me, you was here last week."
"Doesn't matter, all I want is to tear this place apart until I get my hands on the Slayer. I have this urge to repay her for what she did to me."
"Chill, man. You'll get that chance. But we gotta lay low for a spell, get situated, establish our power base. Otherwise, we gonna end up like the cat I used to work for. Staked by a rookie slayer and her bookworm watcher."
"Kakistos was staked by the new slayer? The one who replaced the Jamaican girl?"
"Yeah man, real quick too. Like he was some chump. Which he was, but that's not the point. Point is, we need to be ready. Then we take her on."
"That'll be 89 cents, sir", said the drive thru attendant. Trick handed the man his change, and received his soda. He turned to his associate. "You sure you don't want anything?"
"I want to tear the Slayer limb from limb, and suck the marrow from her bones. After I make her watch what I do to her friends."
"Damn, now I'm hungry." With that, Trick morphed into his game face, reached out and grabbed the drive thru attendant. He sucked the man dry as the limo sped away. Once he was finished, he dumped the body on the street and looked back at his associate. "Where to now?"
"City Hall. I learned a few things about this town when I was here last. Things that the Slayer doesn't even know. Like who really runs the show."
"And that is."
"Richard Wilkins III, Mayor of Sunnydale."
"Now, why is that so hard to believe?"
"Appearances are deceiving, my friend. Driver?"
"Yes, milord?"
"City Hall, best speed. I have an appointment with destiny."
"Right away milord."
Some minutes later, the limo pulled up to City Hall. The two associates exited the vehicle, Trick donning a stylish trench coat and his associate wearing a black robe with the hood pulled over his head, and made their way inside. Security guards attempted to stop them, only to be slaughtered by the duo. They reached the Mayor's office when the Deputy Mayor Allan Finch stepped in front of them. He swallowed nervously and said, "Do you gentlemen h-have an appointment?"
"Why don't you make one for us?", said Trick, grinning evilly as his game face slid into being.
"Uhm, I-I'm sorry, but the Mayor cannot be disturbed r-right now. I-if y- you make an ap-pp-ppointment for tomorrow, I'm sure he'd b-be g-glad t-to see you."
The associate leaned in close to the Deputy Mayor and whispered, "Let us in or feel pain of the likes you have never felt before."
Just then, the intercom on the desk outside the Mayor's office buzzed. Finch nervously looked over to it and pushed the button. "Allan! If those two gentlemen are in such dire need to see me, then by all means, send them in!"
Allan had a look of relief on his face. He looked to Mr. Trick and said, "The Mayor will see you now."
Trick walked right up to the Deputy Mayor and, with a blur of speed, snapped the man's neck. As the body hit the floor, Trick looked down at it and merely said, "Chump."
Upon entering the Mayor's office, the first thing that Trick noticed was the smell. It was antiseptic, almost as if the Mayor was working in a sterile environment. Then he was struck by the sight of the office. It was a clever hodgepodge of bright cheerful everyday life, and hidden dark underbelly. In closets that were no doubt closed during daytime, there were demonic artifacts, remnants of human and demon bodies and other disturbing knick knacks. At least disturbing to a normal person. To Trick and his associate, they were.interesting.
"You know, it's a shame you had to kill Allan and all those other fine people. They were just doing their jobs. I mean, its not like I was going to let them live after my Ascension anyway, but I digress. So, how can I help you gentlemen?"
You can help us by dying", stated Trick, game face still on.
"Oh, ha ha, that's very amusing, Mr.."
"Trick, my name is Mr. Trick, and my associate is.", he held off, allowing his associate to introduce himself.
"I was thinking you could call me.Master. For the thirty seconds before you die, that is."
"Oh, now that is really funny. Do either of you know who I am?"
"Yes. I know who you are. And what you are. And that you aren't invulnerable, yet. So, in my book, that makes you meat. And since my book is the only one that matters." The associate lifted back his hood, revealing his features. He had dark, almost black eyes that seemed to stare through the Mayor. His hair was a similar color, tousled spikes pointing every which way. His face was striking, very handsome, almost as if he was from Heaven. Heaven. The word sprang forth in the Mayor's mind. He knew this person, this vampire. "I know who are you", said the Mayor, fear growing within him, "You're Ang-gahhh!!!" he screamed as the vampire attacked him, shifting to his game face, golden eyes and feline facial features. As he began shredding the Mayor like so much cardboard, Mr. Trick merely remarked, "Whoever named you had a great gift for irony, my brother. Damn!"
"That name will NOT be spoken again! That chapter is closed! There's no prophecy, no hidden text that'll explain everything! I'm writing this book! I choose the names, and for me, I choose.Azrael!"
" 'The Islamic Angel of Death, forever writing in a large book and forever erasing what he writes: what he writes is the birth of man, what he erases is the name of the man at death.' Man, that is beautiful! You one well read bloodsucker, my brother."
"I thought you'd approve. Now, let's work on that 'power base' of yours. See if we can bring some Hell to the Hellmouth."
"True that, my brother."
The television was on, but Giles could barely hear it. His thoughts were a maelstrom, his head unfocused. Buffy was gone. What could possibly cause her to leave. She was at terms with the loss of Angel, and she was determined to stop Angelus. Giles began to focus on that. Angel. Angelus. They had been unsuccessful in restoring Angel's soul earlier that evening, but what if they tried again. Xander hadn't said anything about that, but would he? He was against it from the beginning. What if Buffy had to send Angel to Hell, soul and all? Could that have been what drove her to leave all she had known and loved? "Oh, my. I must ask Willow", he said to himself. Now focusing on his surroundings, he turned his attention to the news on the television. What he saw there made him wish that he'd stayed oblivious.
"This just in, the Mayor of Sunnydale, Richard Wilkins III, and most of the City Hall staff, including Deputy Mayor Allan Finch, are dead. Police believe a street gang, high on PCP, stormed City Hall last night and embarked on a vicious killing spree. Witnesses to the massacre report that the bodies of the people inside looked like they were mauled by animals. The City Council has called an emergency meeting to assess the situation and elect a temporary Mayor until special elections can be held later this month. For more information on this breaking story, stay tuned all day as we will be giving updates as they become available or log onto our website, www.kytv.com/breakingnews.htm for to-the-minute updates. And now a word from our sponsors."
"Oh dear."
To Be Continued.