Part III
Andrew was bored. He leaned against the wall of the large crypt, smoking a cigarette and idly picking at the sleeve of his Sunnydale High letterman jacket. He hated recruiting missions, particularly since the Master had decreed that they were to take no chances on letting the Slayer catch the fledgling vampires as they emerged from the grave. They had to sit and wait while the new vampires woke up, then help them hunt. . .and that was always a drag. . .new vampires were notoriously short on interesting conversation. He looked down at the strangely dressed corpses, waiting for them to rise. He looked over at his partner, Doug, and wondered where the other four vampires that had been with them were. It had been two hours, and no sign of them. Those tourists couldn't have given them any problems. . .could they? Or had the Slayer shown up? The Master had been infuriated at the horrendous casualty rate that she had inflicted on the undead in Sunnydale, and now, with Angelus helping her. . . He shuddered: if the Slayer had killed four more hunters on this night, the Master's rage would surely be epic. . .and he and Doug would certainly suffer the consequences.
Doug seemed to divine his thoughts, and tersely commented, "They should have come back by now. . .I think the Slayer might have gotten them. . .the Master's going to rip out our eyes and eat them for breakfast."
"Perhaps not." Both vampires turned to where the two fledglings had arisen, wearing their true faces but looking far calmer than newly emerged vampires typically did. The one who had spoken noted that he had his audience's attention, and continued, "You see, my friend Davidson and I have some information that your Master just might be interested in. . .that might turn the tide against that Slayer that you've found so annoying. Interested in finding out more?"
Since most things beat having one's eyeballs ripped out, Andrew and Doug listened, and though their rational minds told them that these were the ravings of a lunatic, something deep inside their psyches told them that this strange vampire was telling the truth, and when he finished, they were feeling relief at their salvation. . .and glee at the thought that the Slayer might finally get what was coming to her. Andrew nodded at Brennan and Davidson, and the four vampires exited the crypt at a brisk pace.
* * * * *
Angel had identified several crypts as potential locations for emerging vampires to be stashed out of the way of any intruding Slayers, and the group was methodically checking them out. They had broken up into small groups, covering a wider area while staying in earshot of one another. Buffy and Pike had taken point position, and were quietly discussing what they had found in the previous two crypts that they had searched. Spock, Boyce and Giles were carefully going over the intricacies of vampire vulnerabilities as they walked. Xander and Tyler carefully checked out their surroundings from their position at the rear of the group. Number One, Colt, and Willow stood in the middle of the group, wielding stakes and holy water bottles, while Angel stood nearby, ready to assist if those measures proved inadequate.
Buffy called out, "All right, this one is a bust. Move on to the next location." She stalked off, Pike staying at her side with effort.
As they followed, Spock turned to Giles and raised an eyebrow, "For one so young, Miss Summers shows remarkable poise and leadership ability, Mr. Giles. Perhaps placing the fate of your world in the hands of such a person. . .is not as irrational as it seems on the surface."
Giles frowned and replied, "It's a cruel trick of fate, Mr. Spock. . .Slayers, even the most capable ones, tend to die very young. . .only a handful live past twenty. Buffy can be exasperating at times: she's stubborn, occasionally frivolous, and her use of the English language causes me to shudder. . .but she's resourceful, brave, and I can't imagine anyone I'd rather see in the job. . .though I wish she could look forward to a better fate than she is likely to suffer." He looked downcast, and Spock felt a moment of inadequacy as he realized that Giles could use a comforting word that he was not equipped to deliver. He felt relieved as Boyce walked up behind Giles and put his hand on the Watcher's shoulder.
Giles didn't react, but Boyce spoke anyway: "Giles, we all have to deal with the hand that life has dealt us: Buffy's not that different from any of us in that way. Your job is a lot like mine: we give the person options in trying to survive as long as they can. . .and they ultimately end up making the choices. From what I've seen, you are about the best chance Buffy's got to live as long as she can. . .and I'm sure she appreciates it."
Giles turned at Boyce, and then to Spock before giving them both a nod of thanks before turning to continue to scan the perimeter for intruding vampires.
* * *
Tyler looked back nervously, then continued keeping stride with Xander as he asked, "So just how good are vampires at sneaking up on people, anyway? I've heard some of the old stories. . .but I assume that there's a lot of stuff that people just made up along with any truth in them."
Xander frowned and replied, "From what I've seen, most of them aren't any better than people are at it. . .though Dead Boy over there has lurking down to an art." He indicated Angel with a casually rude gesture, then continued, "Until recently, they didn't bother to be sneaky. . .no one was around to give them grief, until Buffy showed up." He spoke the last sentence with a grim pride, and a note of longing that Tyler didn't miss.
Tyler grinned and commented, "You've really got it bad for her, don't you?"
Xander started and turned to the helmsman, replying, "Whatever gave you that idea. . .Buffy and I are just friends. . .can't have me getting in the way of her obsession with Dead Boy, can I?" There was more than a trace of bitterness in his words, and he turned away from Tyler in discomfort.
Tyler smiled and commented, "Believe it or not, it hasn't been that long since I was sixteen, and I've seen that look in the mirror enough to recognize it." Xander looked back at him, and Tyler continued, "So what's the deal with them, anyway? Are they an item?"
Xander frowned and replied, "Since she found out he was a vampire, they've kind of kept their distance. . .but she's still into him. . .even if there's no future in it. I don't know what to do."
Tyler sighed and commented, "Basically, you've got the same two options that you would if Angel was the Big Man on Campus, Xander: you can sit back, hoping that she gets over him so you can step in, or you can step forward and try to make things happen. Both approaches have their good and bad points. . .but if you step forward. . .at least you'll know, one way or the other." He nudged the teenager in the ribs and concluded, "Besides, I'd say she's worth sticking your neck out a little for, wouldn't you?"
Xander nodded and turned to Tyler, replying, "Guess you've got a point. . all right, I'll spend some time figuring out my smooth pickup line later. Right now, we've got other things to worry about."
Realizing the boy had a good point, Tyler nodded and checked behind them again as they moved along.
* * *
". . .so Malcolm turned out to be this demon that we inadvertently let loose on the Internet, and Buffy, Giles, and Miss Calendar the computer teacher had to save me from becoming his love slave. . ." Willow paused, noting the appalled expressions on Number One and Colt's faces, and apologized, "I'm sorry. . .I forgot how this all sounds to people who don't have to deal with this stuff regularly."
Number One and Colt turned to each other, then Number One turned back to Willow and replied, "It is a lot to absorb, Willow. . .I'm still struggling with the whole concept of vampires being real here. It seems like a lot for you to deal with: Buffy has her supernatural powers, but you. . .you've been dealing with all of this with only your wits to defend yourself. . .as bright as you are, that can't be easy."
Willow smiled ruefully and replied, "It hasn't been easy, and without Buffy, Giles, and Angel I'd have been gone a long time ago. . .but it has to be done, and it's nice to be able to help Buffy out. I just wish things could be easier on her. This whole thing with Angel being a vampire hit her hard. . .unrequited love is bad enough-", she commented as she turned back and looked at Xander conversing with Tyler: both Number One and Colt could see the emotion in her eyes as she turned back and continued, "-but knowing that circumstances, duty, and any number of other things will keep you from being with the one you care about. . .how awful would that be?"
Both Number One and Colt looked straight ahead at the tall figure keeping stride with Buffy, then turned back to Willow before speaking:
"Can't imagine."
"Me either."
* * *
Pike was embarrassed to realize he was becoming winded: he prided himself on keeping in tiptop condition; unfortunately, that training was proving inadequate for matching the stamina of the Chosen One. He cleared his throat and commented, "Buffy, I think it is counterproductive to leave the others behind. . .and I could use a breather, to be honest."
Buffy turned, annoyed, only to note the sheen of sweat on Pike's brow and the distance she and Pike had put between themselves and the others. She immediately slackened her pace and replied, "Sorry. . .sometimes I forget. Anyway, we can use the extra time to discuss some more things you need to know about vamps." She launched into a lengthy description of various vampiric attributes, and Pike noted that amid all of the mangled grammar and casual manner, a keen mind was clearly present. He smiled and commented, "So, basically, you chop off their heads or stab them in the heart with a pointy stick, right?"
Buffy stopped in mid-sentence, annoyed, and gave Pike a dirty look. After a moment, she noted the glint of humor in the blue eyes, and realized that he was teasing her. * Didn't think he had a sense of humor. . .go figure. * She smiled sheepishly and replied, "Yeah, that's about it. . .and don't get bitten." She sighed and continued, "This all must seem low-rent to you. . .Earth swarming with monsters and stuck with primitive technology, while you and your crew visit all kinds of strange places and live in a peaceful society. . .you've got it pretty good."
Pike frowned: he could see the weight of the burden the petite teenager carried with her. He met her gaze and replied, "Yes, we do have it good. . .but a lot of people in our twentieth and twenty-first centuries had to go through endless misery, including nuclear war, to come out on the other side. The Federation has encountered hundreds of humanoid civilizations, and every one of them had to go through great difficulties to reform their societies. . .and we've found a lot more that didn't make it at all. The difference between those who made it and those who didn't is a little luck. . .and people like you. . .and Giles, Xander, Willow. . .and even Angel. People who saw what was wrong and tried to fix it, even if it meant risking everything they held dear. The Federation owes its existence to those people in our dimension. . .and, since our counterparts in this place can't be here to do it for themselves, I will say it for them: thank you, Buffy."
Buffy blinked to clear away the tears that had suddenly appeared in her eyes, and replied, "I can see why you get to be the captain. . .thanks." She grinned ferally and commented, "All right. . .pep talk over. . .let's find those vampires."
She moved out into the lead again, and Pike strained to keep up, noting that Buffy was standing a little straighter and her walk was a little more confident. He smiled and followed the Slayer.
* * * * *
Andrew knew that a few of the Master's minions were hanging out at Willy's place: he went over and found four bored vampires, drinking blood and exchanging horror stories about the poor bastards who ran into the Master when he was in a bad mood. He quickly briefed them on what he and Doug had found, and the disbelieving vampires followed him outside, where Brennan and Davidson waited with Doug. It didn't take long to convince them of the newcomers' bona fides, and the group headed back to the crypt to plan how to present this gift to the Master. Andrew was ecstatic. . .he pictured the Master's pleasure at the find. . .perhaps he would make Andrew his primary assistant. . .after the Anointed One, of course. . .He would be at the Master's side as he ruled for a thousand years. He-
"Now what are you all doing wandering around out here on a fine night like this? And where did your friends do their shopping? Red and black are definitely not spring colors, people."
With a sinking feeling, Andrew turned and saw the Slayer, her friends, her Watcher, and Brennan and Davidson's former crewmates. . .armed to the teeth and looking angry. The Slayer smiled coldly and stared at the new vampires as she continued, "Sorry, friends. . .no vampires from another universe wanted here. . .you'll have to leave."
Brennan glared at the Slayer and replied, "Big talk. . .but there are eight of us. . .I'd love to see you try to take us out."
The Slayer chuckled and replied, "I do love it when they ask nicely." She rushed forward, and, with a flurry of activity, battle was joined.
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired
Andrew was bored. He leaned against the wall of the large crypt, smoking a cigarette and idly picking at the sleeve of his Sunnydale High letterman jacket. He hated recruiting missions, particularly since the Master had decreed that they were to take no chances on letting the Slayer catch the fledgling vampires as they emerged from the grave. They had to sit and wait while the new vampires woke up, then help them hunt. . .and that was always a drag. . .new vampires were notoriously short on interesting conversation. He looked down at the strangely dressed corpses, waiting for them to rise. He looked over at his partner, Doug, and wondered where the other four vampires that had been with them were. It had been two hours, and no sign of them. Those tourists couldn't have given them any problems. . .could they? Or had the Slayer shown up? The Master had been infuriated at the horrendous casualty rate that she had inflicted on the undead in Sunnydale, and now, with Angelus helping her. . . He shuddered: if the Slayer had killed four more hunters on this night, the Master's rage would surely be epic. . .and he and Doug would certainly suffer the consequences.
Doug seemed to divine his thoughts, and tersely commented, "They should have come back by now. . .I think the Slayer might have gotten them. . .the Master's going to rip out our eyes and eat them for breakfast."
"Perhaps not." Both vampires turned to where the two fledglings had arisen, wearing their true faces but looking far calmer than newly emerged vampires typically did. The one who had spoken noted that he had his audience's attention, and continued, "You see, my friend Davidson and I have some information that your Master just might be interested in. . .that might turn the tide against that Slayer that you've found so annoying. Interested in finding out more?"
Since most things beat having one's eyeballs ripped out, Andrew and Doug listened, and though their rational minds told them that these were the ravings of a lunatic, something deep inside their psyches told them that this strange vampire was telling the truth, and when he finished, they were feeling relief at their salvation. . .and glee at the thought that the Slayer might finally get what was coming to her. Andrew nodded at Brennan and Davidson, and the four vampires exited the crypt at a brisk pace.
* * * * *
Angel had identified several crypts as potential locations for emerging vampires to be stashed out of the way of any intruding Slayers, and the group was methodically checking them out. They had broken up into small groups, covering a wider area while staying in earshot of one another. Buffy and Pike had taken point position, and were quietly discussing what they had found in the previous two crypts that they had searched. Spock, Boyce and Giles were carefully going over the intricacies of vampire vulnerabilities as they walked. Xander and Tyler carefully checked out their surroundings from their position at the rear of the group. Number One, Colt, and Willow stood in the middle of the group, wielding stakes and holy water bottles, while Angel stood nearby, ready to assist if those measures proved inadequate.
Buffy called out, "All right, this one is a bust. Move on to the next location." She stalked off, Pike staying at her side with effort.
As they followed, Spock turned to Giles and raised an eyebrow, "For one so young, Miss Summers shows remarkable poise and leadership ability, Mr. Giles. Perhaps placing the fate of your world in the hands of such a person. . .is not as irrational as it seems on the surface."
Giles frowned and replied, "It's a cruel trick of fate, Mr. Spock. . .Slayers, even the most capable ones, tend to die very young. . .only a handful live past twenty. Buffy can be exasperating at times: she's stubborn, occasionally frivolous, and her use of the English language causes me to shudder. . .but she's resourceful, brave, and I can't imagine anyone I'd rather see in the job. . .though I wish she could look forward to a better fate than she is likely to suffer." He looked downcast, and Spock felt a moment of inadequacy as he realized that Giles could use a comforting word that he was not equipped to deliver. He felt relieved as Boyce walked up behind Giles and put his hand on the Watcher's shoulder.
Giles didn't react, but Boyce spoke anyway: "Giles, we all have to deal with the hand that life has dealt us: Buffy's not that different from any of us in that way. Your job is a lot like mine: we give the person options in trying to survive as long as they can. . .and they ultimately end up making the choices. From what I've seen, you are about the best chance Buffy's got to live as long as she can. . .and I'm sure she appreciates it."
Giles turned at Boyce, and then to Spock before giving them both a nod of thanks before turning to continue to scan the perimeter for intruding vampires.
* * *
Tyler looked back nervously, then continued keeping stride with Xander as he asked, "So just how good are vampires at sneaking up on people, anyway? I've heard some of the old stories. . .but I assume that there's a lot of stuff that people just made up along with any truth in them."
Xander frowned and replied, "From what I've seen, most of them aren't any better than people are at it. . .though Dead Boy over there has lurking down to an art." He indicated Angel with a casually rude gesture, then continued, "Until recently, they didn't bother to be sneaky. . .no one was around to give them grief, until Buffy showed up." He spoke the last sentence with a grim pride, and a note of longing that Tyler didn't miss.
Tyler grinned and commented, "You've really got it bad for her, don't you?"
Xander started and turned to the helmsman, replying, "Whatever gave you that idea. . .Buffy and I are just friends. . .can't have me getting in the way of her obsession with Dead Boy, can I?" There was more than a trace of bitterness in his words, and he turned away from Tyler in discomfort.
Tyler smiled and commented, "Believe it or not, it hasn't been that long since I was sixteen, and I've seen that look in the mirror enough to recognize it." Xander looked back at him, and Tyler continued, "So what's the deal with them, anyway? Are they an item?"
Xander frowned and replied, "Since she found out he was a vampire, they've kind of kept their distance. . .but she's still into him. . .even if there's no future in it. I don't know what to do."
Tyler sighed and commented, "Basically, you've got the same two options that you would if Angel was the Big Man on Campus, Xander: you can sit back, hoping that she gets over him so you can step in, or you can step forward and try to make things happen. Both approaches have their good and bad points. . .but if you step forward. . .at least you'll know, one way or the other." He nudged the teenager in the ribs and concluded, "Besides, I'd say she's worth sticking your neck out a little for, wouldn't you?"
Xander nodded and turned to Tyler, replying, "Guess you've got a point. . all right, I'll spend some time figuring out my smooth pickup line later. Right now, we've got other things to worry about."
Realizing the boy had a good point, Tyler nodded and checked behind them again as they moved along.
* * *
". . .so Malcolm turned out to be this demon that we inadvertently let loose on the Internet, and Buffy, Giles, and Miss Calendar the computer teacher had to save me from becoming his love slave. . ." Willow paused, noting the appalled expressions on Number One and Colt's faces, and apologized, "I'm sorry. . .I forgot how this all sounds to people who don't have to deal with this stuff regularly."
Number One and Colt turned to each other, then Number One turned back to Willow and replied, "It is a lot to absorb, Willow. . .I'm still struggling with the whole concept of vampires being real here. It seems like a lot for you to deal with: Buffy has her supernatural powers, but you. . .you've been dealing with all of this with only your wits to defend yourself. . .as bright as you are, that can't be easy."
Willow smiled ruefully and replied, "It hasn't been easy, and without Buffy, Giles, and Angel I'd have been gone a long time ago. . .but it has to be done, and it's nice to be able to help Buffy out. I just wish things could be easier on her. This whole thing with Angel being a vampire hit her hard. . .unrequited love is bad enough-", she commented as she turned back and looked at Xander conversing with Tyler: both Number One and Colt could see the emotion in her eyes as she turned back and continued, "-but knowing that circumstances, duty, and any number of other things will keep you from being with the one you care about. . .how awful would that be?"
Both Number One and Colt looked straight ahead at the tall figure keeping stride with Buffy, then turned back to Willow before speaking:
"Can't imagine."
"Me either."
* * *
Pike was embarrassed to realize he was becoming winded: he prided himself on keeping in tiptop condition; unfortunately, that training was proving inadequate for matching the stamina of the Chosen One. He cleared his throat and commented, "Buffy, I think it is counterproductive to leave the others behind. . .and I could use a breather, to be honest."
Buffy turned, annoyed, only to note the sheen of sweat on Pike's brow and the distance she and Pike had put between themselves and the others. She immediately slackened her pace and replied, "Sorry. . .sometimes I forget. Anyway, we can use the extra time to discuss some more things you need to know about vamps." She launched into a lengthy description of various vampiric attributes, and Pike noted that amid all of the mangled grammar and casual manner, a keen mind was clearly present. He smiled and commented, "So, basically, you chop off their heads or stab them in the heart with a pointy stick, right?"
Buffy stopped in mid-sentence, annoyed, and gave Pike a dirty look. After a moment, she noted the glint of humor in the blue eyes, and realized that he was teasing her. * Didn't think he had a sense of humor. . .go figure. * She smiled sheepishly and replied, "Yeah, that's about it. . .and don't get bitten." She sighed and continued, "This all must seem low-rent to you. . .Earth swarming with monsters and stuck with primitive technology, while you and your crew visit all kinds of strange places and live in a peaceful society. . .you've got it pretty good."
Pike frowned: he could see the weight of the burden the petite teenager carried with her. He met her gaze and replied, "Yes, we do have it good. . .but a lot of people in our twentieth and twenty-first centuries had to go through endless misery, including nuclear war, to come out on the other side. The Federation has encountered hundreds of humanoid civilizations, and every one of them had to go through great difficulties to reform their societies. . .and we've found a lot more that didn't make it at all. The difference between those who made it and those who didn't is a little luck. . .and people like you. . .and Giles, Xander, Willow. . .and even Angel. People who saw what was wrong and tried to fix it, even if it meant risking everything they held dear. The Federation owes its existence to those people in our dimension. . .and, since our counterparts in this place can't be here to do it for themselves, I will say it for them: thank you, Buffy."
Buffy blinked to clear away the tears that had suddenly appeared in her eyes, and replied, "I can see why you get to be the captain. . .thanks." She grinned ferally and commented, "All right. . .pep talk over. . .let's find those vampires."
She moved out into the lead again, and Pike strained to keep up, noting that Buffy was standing a little straighter and her walk was a little more confident. He smiled and followed the Slayer.
* * * * *
Andrew knew that a few of the Master's minions were hanging out at Willy's place: he went over and found four bored vampires, drinking blood and exchanging horror stories about the poor bastards who ran into the Master when he was in a bad mood. He quickly briefed them on what he and Doug had found, and the disbelieving vampires followed him outside, where Brennan and Davidson waited with Doug. It didn't take long to convince them of the newcomers' bona fides, and the group headed back to the crypt to plan how to present this gift to the Master. Andrew was ecstatic. . .he pictured the Master's pleasure at the find. . .perhaps he would make Andrew his primary assistant. . .after the Anointed One, of course. . .He would be at the Master's side as he ruled for a thousand years. He-
"Now what are you all doing wandering around out here on a fine night like this? And where did your friends do their shopping? Red and black are definitely not spring colors, people."
With a sinking feeling, Andrew turned and saw the Slayer, her friends, her Watcher, and Brennan and Davidson's former crewmates. . .armed to the teeth and looking angry. The Slayer smiled coldly and stared at the new vampires as she continued, "Sorry, friends. . .no vampires from another universe wanted here. . .you'll have to leave."
Brennan glared at the Slayer and replied, "Big talk. . .but there are eight of us. . .I'd love to see you try to take us out."
The Slayer chuckled and replied, "I do love it when they ask nicely." She rushed forward, and, with a flurry of activity, battle was joined.
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired