Part 4
Chapter Four
**denote thought
~~dreaming
// telepathy
~~Willow!! Watch out! Oh my God, Catherine, Noooooo! Buffy, Duncan help I think she's dead!~~ Willow awoke in a sweat, her hands shaking and the only thing she could think of was seeing Catherine's death. All she could remember was Catherine sinking to the ground with a look of shock on her face. **I have to talk to Catherine and Buffy.** Willow thought as she climbed out of her bed and started down the hall to buffy's room.
"Well that is kind of disturbing Willow, but to tell you the truth I already knew that my death was coming soon." Catherine said in a nonchalant voice while lazily staring at Willow and Buffy. "Perhaps I should clear that last statement up a little." Catherine said looking at the shocked faces of her new friends. "You see guys every immortal is different, and therefore their deaths are different. For some of us our deaths are sudden and unexpected and for a rare few of us death calls us. My death has been calling me for the last month, its taken all of my will power lately not to just let Logan's claws strike when we're sparing or do something more drastic like jump off the roof." Catherine said looking down at her bed sheets. Buffy and Willow just sat quietly letting the information sink in.
"Does Bobby know? I mean you two seem pretty close." Buffy asked. "No and it's better this way. He tries to protect me, but you can't protect someone from destiny. But I don't need to tell you about that do I." Catherine said looking at Buffy and Willow. "Hey now guys no sad lumpy faces! We're on vacation, we should let the grown-ups worry. We'll just call giles and you can call that Joe guy and between your Watcher and Buffy's we should be able to figure out everything before any has to get hurt." Willow said trying to brighten the mood. "Okay Willow. What do you guys say we get an early breakfast and I finally get to see what and Buffy and you are really made of." Catherine said with a sudden wicked grin on her face. "Ooh is that a witchy challenge I smell?" Willow asked. "Better believe it. You're the only other witch I've ever met, you would not believe some of the crazies I've run into." Catherine said in an aggrivated tone. "My life has been immersed in the supernatural since six months ago and you guys maybe the only people in existance who really know what I'm going through. Now lets get some showers and breakfast before everyone wakes up and we miss our chance to be "natural"." Catherine said as she bounded out of her bed and headed towards her bathroom.
Catherine, Willow, and Buffy gathered in the kithen about 30 minutes later. To look at the three you'd think they color coordinated thier workout clothes. Willow was wearing a dark green sweater with the neck cut out and matching drawstring pajama pants, Buffy was in typical black pajama pants and black sports bra with a jacket tied around her waist, and Catherine had on a black body suit with red accents that ran down her sides. To say they looked like a team would be an understatement to say the least.
"You never dress down do you?" Buffy asked Catherine. "Never, not my style. My mother taught me to look good no matter what you're doing. A woman's beauty can be as sharp a weapon as any sword." Catherine said. "You have some pretty powerful magic, you shouldn't need any weapons." Willow commented as she ate her breakfast. "Not true Will. Every spell has a counter spell, I may run into someone or thing that can block my powers someday. If that happens I'll have to rely on the skills I've always had. Ha, a good theif always has more than one escape plan." Catherine said.
"Well ladies, Catherine said changing the subject slightly, we'd better do this before the others wake up." They headed out into the woods to Catherine's favorite clearing. It reminded her of the place in her mind where she last saw Cassandra. At 5:00 am the sky was still dark, but there was enough light for what they planned to do. Catherine and Buffy circled each other in a vain attempt to size each othe up. "Okay witch lets see what you got." Buffy said taughting her friend. "Watch it slayer I've got moves a thousand years in the making." Catherine boasted. Both young women punched and jabbed at each and neither landing a solid blow. As far as fighting skill went Buffy and Catherine seemed even. "So Buffy who trained you to fight?" Catherine said panting as the two decided to call it quits. "Most of it's natural, but the rest is Giles. He's a pretty awesome guy, although you never heard me say that." Buffy said. "Same hear, although I've got more trainers now than I care for these days. Between my training here, and with Duncan and Conner I get spread pretty thin." Catherine said.
"Okay Willow you're up. What kind of spell are we going to preform? Catherine asked. "I was thinking an invisibility spell." Willow said. "I don't have all the ingredients with me right now, how about a spell even Buffy could use. Its called a "Soul Point"." Catherine suggested. "Whats a "Soul Point"?" Willow and Buffy asked at the same time. "Its a way of focusing all your natural energy into a single ball of light that can be used to heal or as a weapon." Catherine stated. (AN.: Think of the second highlander movie when Remirez saved Conner from the spinning blades in the ceiling.) There was a collective silence from the others as Catherine continued. "The first thing we have to do is shove all other thoughts except those about the spell out of our minds. Second we visualize the energy coming into being and finaly we concentrate on how we want to use the energy and just let it go." Catherine instructed. "I'm not a witch, how can I do that?" Buffy asked. "Anyone who has the proper concentration or any supernatural element in their lives can do it." Catherine stated flatly and continued. "So lets get this spell on the road. It won't be long until the others wake up."
When it came to her new powers Catherine was strictly bussiness. All three girls stood in a circle facing each other. Slowly the only thing that could be heard was their breathing. As if on cue each girl raised a right hand and extended them outward into the circle. A faint but growing glowing could be seen in the palm of each girl's hand. **Wow this is so cool. I wonder if Catherine will let me scan her archives into my data base. I've never even heard of this spell before today.** Willow thought. The balls of energy grew large until each was the size of a softball. Willow's energy ball was a deep green. Buffy's was a sky blue color with spots of grey and black. Finally Catherine's ball was white as lightening with a thin line of red around it. "Make your choice ladies, wepon or healing." Catherine stated. Willow of course chose healing and her energy was turned into a green cloak with a hood. Buffy chose a weapon of course and her enegy was formed into a black leather belt with sky blue, grey, and black jewels on it. Catherine also chose a weapon, her energy formed into a lightening white broad sword with a red jewel at the hilt.
MEANWHILE SOMEWHERE DARK
The thin figure of a woman thrashed in her bed. Her head and body thrashing as if trying to rid itself of an attacker. "No!!! Dollies the slayer and her friends are getting stronger, I can feel it crawling over my skin like roaches." The woman said in a shrill English accent as she got up and walked around her dark room. "I can't wait any longer I have to the slayer dollies, I know dollies the slayer is bad thats why I'm going to collect some strong help." The woman said. " Tonight the Hunter becomes the hunted." The Woman began to laugh and spin around her room.
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE CLEARING
Catherine, Buffy and Willow found out they couldn't get their weapons or the cloak to disappear after calling them for some unknown reason. "Well guys I guess we've got some powerful new toys to play with." Catherine said sounding very peeved that she didn't forsee this. Catherine looked at her watch. "Ack! We'd better get back into the mansion pronto before we're missed. I'll use Willow's cloak to cover my sword. You're lucky you can wear yours Buffy." Catherine said. "Yeah and its kinda cute too. I think it even brings out my eyes." Buffy joked. Catherine and Willow grinned and rolled their eyes at the slayer as they walked back to the mansion. In the background, Logan watched the three girls leave. **I knew there was something different about those two. Jubilee is wrong about waking up early, it can be very interesting.** Logan thought. "Well Scott has a Slayer in the family, this is going to be one hell of a day." Logan said out load. He had no idea how right he was.
On a plane headed to New York
Giles' day had started hours ago with a frantic call from Dawn. Dawn had came home from school to find the only mother she had know on the couch dead. Giles could only imagine how much strength it had taken Dawn to call 911 and then him. He found her kneeling over her mother's body sobbing and in a corner what remained of the lunch she had taken to school. She didn't even notice Giles put his arms around her in comfort. Thirty minutes later the coroner came and collected Joyce. His heart was tearing apart not only for the girls that he considered his daughters but for himself. Deep down he was in love with Joyce. Her love for her daughters and her willingness to protect them no matter the odds had struck a cord in his heart. He wanted close himself off like Dawn had done but her knew the worst was yet to come. Telling the others and then Buffy.
Everyone's reactions were as expected. Xander was angry and heart broken, while Tara was trying to Comfort Dawn, and Anya just didn't understand. She started ranting about being mortal and it all being stupid and useless not being able to live on. Dawn shut down completely. Staring off into space. Buffy's reaction was going to be the worst to face, her fuse would be lit and it would either, explode or fizzle out like Dawn. Giles imagined that Buffy would probably go off somewhere and kill something brutally or just try and destroy anything that happened to be in the room. Xander agreed to come to New York with Giles to help keep an eye on Dawn plus Buffy and Willow were his best friends and they'd need all the support they could get.
Giles let his gaze land on a nervous and tired Xander and a withdrawn and sleeping Dawn. "Giles when is the plane supposed to reach New York?" Asked a worried Xander while holding Dawn's limp body in his lap. "In a few hours, I'd say at least by nightfall." Giles said. Xander could see the worry aging his friend. "Why Giles? Just when we get a little control in our lives stuff like this happens? Why Joyce?" Xander asked. "I don't know Xander. I don't know. We are all going to have to adjust to this change. Buffy and Dawn may be strong in their own ways, but this is going to hurt both of them a lot longer than any attack." Giles said in a hushed sad tone. Xander leaned back in his seat hoping to get a little sleep, but doubting it. **Only a few more hours until we reach the Big Apple, Buffy I hope you can survive this blow. God knows you've had enough for a lifetime.** Xander thought as he dozed off into a fitfull slumber.
Back at the Mansion
Catherine's usual training seemed to be more strenuous than usual she guessed that I had to do with making the Soul point weapons. She really needed to get some sleep, maybe Logan would excuse her from their morning sparing match. She knew she'd get no such luck from Duncan and Conner.
"Come on girl you're moving too slow! Pick up your feet! If I wanted your head you'd be dead by now." Conner half yelled, half threatened. Catherine was loosing her usual patience due to lack of sleep and the Highlander was getting on her nerves more than usual. Usually his quiet brooding and moody scholarly nature was somehow very attractive but today she didn't feel like dealing with one of his moods. "Screw you Conner! I'm tired and know I'm leaving!" Catherine yelled and started walking toward the Danger Room door. Yelling at Conner was definately a mistake. Conner caught her arm and turned her around so she'd be looking him straight in the eyes. "I don't know what's gotten into you today but it stops now. This isn't a child's game lass this is your life and the prize." Conner said in a calm ice like tone that sent shivers up her spine.
"I know this isn't a game Conner, maybe more so than you or Duncan think. I'm not a child anymore. I stopped being a child when all this shit got dumped in my lap." Catherine said in an equally icey tone. **Catherine why are you snapping at Conner like this? Its because you're tired. You can apologize later, but for now you've got to leave.** Catherine thought as she walked out of the Danger Room and practically ran over Bobby and Jubes in the process.
"Hey Conner whats her problem?" Jubilee asked. Conner Humphed and walked in the other direction. "OOOOkay, none of my business I just live here." Jubilee said as she walked into the Danger Room for her training session. "Hey Jubes start without me, Bobby said, I've gotta go check on Catherine." "What am I susposed to tell Scott this time? You know how he rants when we're late for training." Jubilee asked. "Tell him I'll be in in a few." Bobby said as he walked off. ** Great leave me to face soldier boy again.** Jubilee thought as she went to face the music.
In Catherine's Room
** Oh God my head hurts. I need some sleep. That spell can really drain you the first time, I hope Buffy and Willow are all right.** Catherine thought as someone knocked on her door. "Conner if thats you I don't want to talk to you, go away." "Catherine its me Bobby can I come in?" "Come in." Catherine invited him in because she knew he wouldn't go away. It was starting to get on her nerves. Ever since Paris he was constantly trying to protect her, even after her display of power that resulted in the death of the shadow king. And when he wasn't watching her like a hawk their romance seemed to be more like a friendship to her. She knew it was going to end soon for them but she didn't want it to end badly.
"What's up? You don't seem yourself today." Bobby asked. "I'm just tired and tense. Sometimes Conner just pushes a little too hard for me and today he just hit a couple of nerves. Don't worry about it. We'll survive, I doubt this will be the last arguement we ever have." Catherine said with a fake grin plastered on her face. "Anything I can do?" Bobby asked. "A shoulder rub would be nice. BUT JUST A SHOULDER RUB BOBBY!" Catherine warned. Bobby had a way of getting under her skin that was just unnerving.
Bobby slowly began to rub her shoulders and was surprised at how tense she really was, and to make things worse he could tell their relationship was fizzling too. Lately it seemed more like a deep friendship than anything else. Catherine could probably handle the break up and still be his friend, but the Highlanders would be a problem. How could he ever face them again after all the stuff he spouted off about loving her and always being there for her.
Don't get him wrong he did love her, but not that way, not anymore so much had changed in her, she was a different person now. Catherine was now older than both her true age and physical age. Inside she now had the experiences of a woman literally thousands of years older. Not to mention the whole witchcraft thing seriously freaked out sometimes, especially when she started actively persuing her studies in that area. At times she seemed like Hank Pouring over her books in Cassandra's mansion.
Catherine had started to feel better, but had noticed that Bobby's mind was elsewhere. She knew what he was thinking and was relieved that he had noticed. "Bobby what are you thinking about?" Catherine asked knowing fully well. Bobby let out a sigh. "I was thinking.....how this isn't working out." Bobby waited for her response. For the all reactions he could have imagined nothing could have prepared for a smile, that was not on his list. "You knew this was coming didn't you?" Bobby asked. Catherine just nodded. "And don't worry about the Highlanders, they knew it was coming too. We'll still be friends right." Catherine stated. "Yeah best friends." Bobby stated with a relieved grin.
Outside at the Boathouse
The Professor and Jean decided that a boat ride would be the perfect excuse to get their new guests out of the house while the Danger Room sessions were going on. Even though the lower levels of the house were sound proof some noises always managed to escape or at least the slight rocking of an explosion. "So girls how are you enjoying your stay at the school?" The professor asked. "Its really cool, everyone has made us feel all comfy cozy." Buffy said cheerfully. The professor thought it would be awkward for them to be in the middle of a group of mutants, but amazingly after initial shock they blended in perfectly. with the others. **Strange.** The Professor thought. Jean smiled at the girls, but just like the professor she felt that something didn't quite fit about the two. Especially her new cousin Buffy, there was definately something that just made the girls older than their years. She kept it to herself though. Scott was so attached to the girls you'd think he was their father or big brother. Buffy and Scott were so much alike at times it was scary. Having two Type A personalities in the house was definately something to contend with. Both were born leaders and cared for their companions more than they let on sometimes, and both were more fun than anyone could handle once you got to their cores and they loosened up a bit. The one major difference was that Buffy had absolutely none of her husband's military discipline. She could tell Buffy liked improvising as she went along rather than planning out every major detail like her husband. **Who knows maybe they'll be good for each other.** Jean thought.
"Jean what kind of clubs do they have around here? I mean Buffy and I usually hang out at the Bronze when we're at home and ya know we haven't really seen anything except for the mall." Willow said beating around the bush. "What Willow means is where can we go to shake our groove thangs?" Buffy said. (A.N. I don't know if Buffy would ever say that but in my world she would.) The professor raised an eyebrow and grinned while Jean laughed out loud while stearing the small sailboat around the artificial lake. "I think I know a place we can all go. How about a trip to New York City tonight." Jean said. "Cool, what should we wear?" Willow asked. "Nothing fancy, your usual will do." Jean said. "We'd better see what Catherine's wearing, wouldn't want to underdress." Buffy said with an evil grin. "Yeah and while we're there we can raid her closet." Willow said with a happy squeak.
"So professor are you coming tonight? I mean who wants to stay cooped up in this big place all by themselves when they could be having fun?" Buffy asked. She wanted the professor to come because he reminded her of Giles and even Giles hung out with the scooby-gang sometimes. There's no reason he can't hang with his students too. "Hmph. Why not? It's been awhile since I've been out." The Professor said, while Jean stared, impressed by her new cousin. The only people she'd ever get the professor out of the mansion were herself, Catherine, and maybe Jubilee on a good day.
The rest of the Day
The rest of the day went as usual except for Catherine's absense from her training sessions. She'd fallen into a fitfull sleep that lasted for hours.
~~"Willow duck!!! Oh my God Scott don't go near her you don't know what she is!" Buffy said.~~ Catherine woke up with a start and the sound of Scott's scream in her head. **Its just a bad dream. It's just your overactive imagination.** Catherine thought. "Man, I've got to research those spells better before I test them out. I hope Buffy and Willow didn't have to spend the whole day sleeping. I'd better go down to dinner." Catherine said out loud. Just then there was a soft knoct at her door. "Come in Willow." Catherine said as she scooted out of her bed and toward her bathroom. "How'd you know it was me?" Willow asked. "If it was anyone else they probably would've walked straight in, plus I'm a mutant remember." Catherine said with a teasing smile as she disappeared into her bathroom to freshen up.
"So any idea whats for dinner?" Catherine asked from her bathroom. "That's what I came in here for. We're going out for dinner tonight, all of us." Willow chirped. "Somewhere called Joe's" "Joe's huh. Well you guys are going to have to raid my closet, unless you have something for a New York blues club." Catherine said from her bathroom. "I came to ask that too." Willow chirped half way to Catherine's closet. Buffy barged in next while Willow and Catherine were discussing their wardrobes and "witchy stuff", as Willow put it, and started rumaging through the large walk-in closet. (A.N. Catherine's room is different because the rest the school is set up like a dorm, the only reason she doesn't share a bathroom with the rest of the mansion is that she somehow managed to get the professor to remodel her room, which she insisted be on the third floor next to storm's penthouse and garden. :) just thought you should know.)
It was now eight p.m. and everyone was waiting for the "Trio" as they were now called, thanks to Bobby. Lets just say the X-Men were not prepared. The "Trio" cleaned up very well. Buffy was the first to show. She was wearing a short t-shirt with a sky-blue print of the sun and white puffy clouds that matched a sky-blue belt that looked like it had grey and black gemstones on it. She also had on black Jeans and pale blue strappy sandals. Willow decided to go with a more comfortable look. She had on a loose black sweater, tight blue jeans, black strappy sandals, and a rather strange looking hunter green pendant. As always Catherine had to make an entrance. She decided to go with her usual color scheme Black and silver. She wore a black leather halter top that had her midrift showing, black leather hip huggers, and black strappy sandals like Willows. What really set off her outfit was the lightening white sword shaped pendent around her neck. It was suspended by leather band and the sword seemed to have single red diamond in the sword charm's hilt. On each of her arms were silver celtic arm bands with symbols for infinite life on them.
All three girls decided to wear their hair down and straight, which made them all the more striking. The girls were very pleased by the stunned silence from the others. Even Jubes was speechless for once. She decided to wear her usual white Joe's t-shirt and blue jeans. "Well you guys ready or not? We don't have all night." Catherine said in her patented Amanda voice, that literally sent shivers up the professor's spine. That voice meant mischief. Everyone filed into their cars. Catherine, Jubes, Willow, and Buffy hoped into Catherine's black Cadilac and cruised to the club.
--------Flashback Catherine's Room-----------
Catherine Willow and Buffy were literally tossing clothes left and right. Unable to find anythin they liked when they came across Willow's cloak with Catherine's sword wrapped in it. This prompted a major question from Catherine. "You guys feel any after effects from the spell we cast this morning?" Buffy and Willow looked puzzled. "I'll take that as a no." Catherine said. "I must be working myself too hard like Bobby says." Catherine said as she picked up the items and stared at them. "I wish this was a little less conspicuous." Catherine said aloud. "Maybe it can be." Willow interupted. "These things are our energy, maybe we can reshape them into what we want. Afterall you made the sword, and mine is a cloak, and Buffy's is a belt for some reason." Willow suggested while pointing at each girl. "Hey I was thinking I needed a new belt." Buffy said. "Okay Willow You're idea you go first." Catherine said.
Willow picked up her cloak and examined it. It seemed vibrate in her hands. **Okay what do I want you to look like she thought.** Willow smiled and closed her eyes. Buffy and Catherine watched as the cloak shrank and reformed itself into a small but beautiful hunter green pendent with a black leather strap. Willow was pleased by her handy work when she opened her eyes. "Perfect." Willow giggled. "Okay jewelry it is." Catherine said as she formed her necklace. Buffy decided not to mess with a good thing, afterall she did need a new belt.
------End Flashback-------------
At Joe's Club
Everyone arrived safely and headed in. Willow and Buffy were really digging the atmosphere of the place as they stepped in. Joe decided on a 1920's decor like Catherine and Amanda suggested. Definately high class considering that he decided to branch out into the resturant business. "Catherine! Babe! Long time no see. Looking beautiful as always." Joe said obviously flirting. "Who are these lovelies, I know I'd remember faces like those. Two angels from heaven maybe?" Joe said flirting even more. Catherine rolled her eyes.
"This is Scott's cousin Buffy and her friend Willow. They're both too young for you old man." Catherine said teasingly. "Catherine I'm hurt." Joe said with a mock look of hurt on his face. The others just wathced the scene they were putting on. "Well girls, Joe said addressing Will and Buffy, whatta ya think? The best of chicago in the heart of New York." "So far so good, now where our table and the dance floor?" Buffy said. Joe was taken back for a second. "You sure she's your cousin Scott? Seems way too much fun to be in your gene pool." Joe said with a joking smile. Scott frowned a little and asked where the table was. Joe directed everyone to a large private table on the second floor that over looked the dance floor and stage. The professor took the elevator while the others strolled up the stairs.
Buffy leaned over and whispered in Catherine's ear. "So he's the man with the info huh. He's kind of cool for an old guy." "Yep, besides Scott, he's the man with the plan. He's also the head of the local watchers here. He keeps my identity a secret from the Society, plus he's like another father to me." Catherine whispered back. "Hey Catherine your Dad said he was stopping in tonight. I asked if Conner was coming but he had plans." Joe commented. Catherine knew where this was going. Sometimes Joe was worse than her dad, always trying to make sure everything was harmonious. "I wasn't expecting him to. We had a little tiff today." Catherine said trying not to sound cold and failing. Joe heard the hint in her voice and left it alone.
At the crypt
"Wake up dollies! Mommy's going out tonight. Its time for me and my new babies to have some fun and I know the right place." Drusilla said as she started to slip into something skin tight and small. She was also hoping to catch some breakfast with her outfit too. Slowly her fledgelings rose from their nests, and awaited her lead.
Back at Joe's
Catherine was making the best of her night out and sipping her LongIsland ice tea. Buffy and Willow were enjoying the band on the first floor with Scott and Jean. Hank was talking with Joe and Logan at the bar, and the Professor and Orroro were sitting at the table with her enjoying the music. Catherine couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen. Just as she started to daydream a playful set of hands covered her eyes from behind. She smiled as she felt a small chill. "Bobby you always have to be the cold one don't you." Catherine said. Catherine leaned back and kissed him on the cheek. "Why don't you and I show those two old folks on the dance floor how to really move." Bobby asked. "You sure afterall we're just friends now, friends don't steam up a dance floor like that anymore." Catherine said. The Professor and Orroro raised an eyebrow at Catherine's remark. "Yes, we're not together anymore. The thrill is gone." Catherine said sarcastically. The Prof. and Storm left it alone.
On the dance floor Buffy was dancing with some college student and Willow was dancing with Joe. Jean caught a stray thought from Willow about wanting to dance with the hot Red-head in the corner. Jean turned to look and found that it was a girl and blushed. The blues band started playing "The Thrill Is Gone." As if on cue all eyes where Catherine and Bobby. "They're really steaming up the dance floor." Said Willow to Joe. "Yeah they're my favorite attraction." Joe said.
On the otherside of the bar another "attraction" had just entered with two rather dusty young men. Buffy's slayer senses started to tingle and dance in the back of her head. She decided to separate from her dance partner and scan the room. What she saw she didn't like. Two fledgling Vamps and two unsuspecting college coeds. **Oh man this is suposed to be my vacation! Wait what the Hell is she doing here!** Buffy thought as she spotted Drucilla. Buffy went into slayer mode as she closed the distance between them. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the slayer. Aren't you susposed to be sitting on top of a hellmouth or something?" Drucilla said trying to antagonize the slayer. "Aren't you susposed to be somewhere begging spike to come back to you?" Buffy said trying to beat the Vamp at her own game. "Aren't you wasting time? My babies are going to have a good meal tonight. Too bad you won't be able to stop them." Drucilla said as her face morphed into the demon she truly was. Buffy turned to see the two vampires hustling thier victims out a side door. **Damn too much talking not enough punching.** Buffy thought as she turned away from Dru. Big mistake. Dru took the opportunity to grab a bottle from behind the bar and smash it on to Buffy's shoulder.
Catherine who had stopped dancing by know watched the scene unfold and scanned Buffy's mind.**Damn vampires here? And me with no sword tonight. Whoa what am I thinking I've got a sword.** //Buffy I'll handle the two vamps outside, you handle Dru.// Catherine said to Buffy. Buffy nodded and flashed a viscious smile at Dru. In the flash of an eye a chair came crashing down on Dru's head. Not like that phased her very much but it did send a message, Buffy was all hers tonight. Thats when the shit really hit the fan. Splinters from the chair managed to hit some of the more intoxicated patrons and punches started to be thrown left and right much to the delight of a very bored Wolverine.
Meanwhile outside Catherine was about to have her first encounter with Vampires. She decided to play "Bait". "Hey boys what's up? Looking for a little fun tonight?" Catherine said leaning against the wall of a nearbye ally. She could tell that both monsters where about to make a quick meal out of the two very frightened coeds. "Piss off bitch!" Vamp one said. "Sorry, can't do that, especially after using such bad language in front of ladies." Catherine said. Catherine told the girls to run telepathically now that the Vamps were distracted. They didn't have to be told twice. "I guess me and my friend will have to share you since our breakfast got away." Vamp two said. "Ya think so Huh?" Catherine said with a smirk as she took her necklace off and formed it into the broad sword it was before. Vamps one and two charged. Catherine jumped and swung her sword with Lightening speed and accuracy, beheading the monsters and watching them instantly turn to n dust.**That was intense.** Catherine thought.
Back inside somehow Dru had managed to ditch Buffy, but that wasn't the worst of it. The cops just barged in and the X-Men had to make a b-line to the back door. Mutants in a bar fight wouldn't look to good in the morning newspaper. Catherine was outside using her telepathy to easedrop on the happenings in the club. There was no way she was going back in there. The rest of the X-Men came out in somewhat of a shambles, including the professor. Catherine smiled and gave Buffy a thumbs up on her end. Scott on the other hand was not happy at all and ordered everyone home.
Back at the Mansion
"Alright Buffy what was all that about!?" Scott said almost yelling. "Do you have any idea how much the damage is going to cost us?" Buffy shrugged her shoulders and looked at Catherine for support. Catherine nodded and telepathically told her to spill it. Buffy knew she'd have to tell them about the other side of her life, she wanted to delay it a little while longer. "Scott there's some stuff you don't know about me. I'm the Slayer." Buffy said. "The What?" Scott said. Catherine decided to help her new friend out a little. "What she means Scott is that She's the Vampire Slayer." Catherine said. This lead to a very long story for Buffy and an up to the date report of her life, including the her "sister" Dawn who is actually the Key in human form. Needless to say Scott thought Immortals were weird, but her never would have suspected Buffy. What was it with his family? Things got weirder when Willow made her little confession as well. The only people who weren't in complete shock were Logan and Catherine.
Logan had heard of slayers before, but up until that morning he'd never thought he'd actually ever meet one and poor Scott his family must be cursed with weird.
Just then a buzzing came from the front door. Bobby went to answer it. Catherine felt a wave of dread come over her and a middle aged gentleman, a guy around Buffy's age, and an obviously traumatized child came into the rec room. "Giles what are you doing here? And with Dawn too?" Buffy said with fear peeking in her voice. "Buffy I have something to tell you dear, Its about your morther." Giles said.
In the next few moments there was silence. Then a deafening wail coming from Buffy and Willow.
Okay peeps there you have it Part 4 all shiny and new. Tell me what you think as always, I want to know whether I should continue this. R&R I live on It. Oh and Read my friend Marcus' interlude Fic METHOS you'll love it. And for those of you who haven't read OF MUTANTS AND IMMORTALS read it! Lots of Important details about Catherine in there. It'll make this story easier to understand. bye bye now.
Chapter Four
**denote thought
~~dreaming
// telepathy
~~Willow!! Watch out! Oh my God, Catherine, Noooooo! Buffy, Duncan help I think she's dead!~~ Willow awoke in a sweat, her hands shaking and the only thing she could think of was seeing Catherine's death. All she could remember was Catherine sinking to the ground with a look of shock on her face. **I have to talk to Catherine and Buffy.** Willow thought as she climbed out of her bed and started down the hall to buffy's room.
"Well that is kind of disturbing Willow, but to tell you the truth I already knew that my death was coming soon." Catherine said in a nonchalant voice while lazily staring at Willow and Buffy. "Perhaps I should clear that last statement up a little." Catherine said looking at the shocked faces of her new friends. "You see guys every immortal is different, and therefore their deaths are different. For some of us our deaths are sudden and unexpected and for a rare few of us death calls us. My death has been calling me for the last month, its taken all of my will power lately not to just let Logan's claws strike when we're sparing or do something more drastic like jump off the roof." Catherine said looking down at her bed sheets. Buffy and Willow just sat quietly letting the information sink in.
"Does Bobby know? I mean you two seem pretty close." Buffy asked. "No and it's better this way. He tries to protect me, but you can't protect someone from destiny. But I don't need to tell you about that do I." Catherine said looking at Buffy and Willow. "Hey now guys no sad lumpy faces! We're on vacation, we should let the grown-ups worry. We'll just call giles and you can call that Joe guy and between your Watcher and Buffy's we should be able to figure out everything before any has to get hurt." Willow said trying to brighten the mood. "Okay Willow. What do you guys say we get an early breakfast and I finally get to see what and Buffy and you are really made of." Catherine said with a sudden wicked grin on her face. "Ooh is that a witchy challenge I smell?" Willow asked. "Better believe it. You're the only other witch I've ever met, you would not believe some of the crazies I've run into." Catherine said in an aggrivated tone. "My life has been immersed in the supernatural since six months ago and you guys maybe the only people in existance who really know what I'm going through. Now lets get some showers and breakfast before everyone wakes up and we miss our chance to be "natural"." Catherine said as she bounded out of her bed and headed towards her bathroom.
Catherine, Willow, and Buffy gathered in the kithen about 30 minutes later. To look at the three you'd think they color coordinated thier workout clothes. Willow was wearing a dark green sweater with the neck cut out and matching drawstring pajama pants, Buffy was in typical black pajama pants and black sports bra with a jacket tied around her waist, and Catherine had on a black body suit with red accents that ran down her sides. To say they looked like a team would be an understatement to say the least.
"You never dress down do you?" Buffy asked Catherine. "Never, not my style. My mother taught me to look good no matter what you're doing. A woman's beauty can be as sharp a weapon as any sword." Catherine said. "You have some pretty powerful magic, you shouldn't need any weapons." Willow commented as she ate her breakfast. "Not true Will. Every spell has a counter spell, I may run into someone or thing that can block my powers someday. If that happens I'll have to rely on the skills I've always had. Ha, a good theif always has more than one escape plan." Catherine said.
"Well ladies, Catherine said changing the subject slightly, we'd better do this before the others wake up." They headed out into the woods to Catherine's favorite clearing. It reminded her of the place in her mind where she last saw Cassandra. At 5:00 am the sky was still dark, but there was enough light for what they planned to do. Catherine and Buffy circled each other in a vain attempt to size each othe up. "Okay witch lets see what you got." Buffy said taughting her friend. "Watch it slayer I've got moves a thousand years in the making." Catherine boasted. Both young women punched and jabbed at each and neither landing a solid blow. As far as fighting skill went Buffy and Catherine seemed even. "So Buffy who trained you to fight?" Catherine said panting as the two decided to call it quits. "Most of it's natural, but the rest is Giles. He's a pretty awesome guy, although you never heard me say that." Buffy said. "Same hear, although I've got more trainers now than I care for these days. Between my training here, and with Duncan and Conner I get spread pretty thin." Catherine said.
"Okay Willow you're up. What kind of spell are we going to preform? Catherine asked. "I was thinking an invisibility spell." Willow said. "I don't have all the ingredients with me right now, how about a spell even Buffy could use. Its called a "Soul Point"." Catherine suggested. "Whats a "Soul Point"?" Willow and Buffy asked at the same time. "Its a way of focusing all your natural energy into a single ball of light that can be used to heal or as a weapon." Catherine stated. (AN.: Think of the second highlander movie when Remirez saved Conner from the spinning blades in the ceiling.) There was a collective silence from the others as Catherine continued. "The first thing we have to do is shove all other thoughts except those about the spell out of our minds. Second we visualize the energy coming into being and finaly we concentrate on how we want to use the energy and just let it go." Catherine instructed. "I'm not a witch, how can I do that?" Buffy asked. "Anyone who has the proper concentration or any supernatural element in their lives can do it." Catherine stated flatly and continued. "So lets get this spell on the road. It won't be long until the others wake up."
When it came to her new powers Catherine was strictly bussiness. All three girls stood in a circle facing each other. Slowly the only thing that could be heard was their breathing. As if on cue each girl raised a right hand and extended them outward into the circle. A faint but growing glowing could be seen in the palm of each girl's hand. **Wow this is so cool. I wonder if Catherine will let me scan her archives into my data base. I've never even heard of this spell before today.** Willow thought. The balls of energy grew large until each was the size of a softball. Willow's energy ball was a deep green. Buffy's was a sky blue color with spots of grey and black. Finally Catherine's ball was white as lightening with a thin line of red around it. "Make your choice ladies, wepon or healing." Catherine stated. Willow of course chose healing and her energy was turned into a green cloak with a hood. Buffy chose a weapon of course and her enegy was formed into a black leather belt with sky blue, grey, and black jewels on it. Catherine also chose a weapon, her energy formed into a lightening white broad sword with a red jewel at the hilt.
MEANWHILE SOMEWHERE DARK
The thin figure of a woman thrashed in her bed. Her head and body thrashing as if trying to rid itself of an attacker. "No!!! Dollies the slayer and her friends are getting stronger, I can feel it crawling over my skin like roaches." The woman said in a shrill English accent as she got up and walked around her dark room. "I can't wait any longer I have to the slayer dollies, I know dollies the slayer is bad thats why I'm going to collect some strong help." The woman said. " Tonight the Hunter becomes the hunted." The Woman began to laugh and spin around her room.
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE CLEARING
Catherine, Buffy and Willow found out they couldn't get their weapons or the cloak to disappear after calling them for some unknown reason. "Well guys I guess we've got some powerful new toys to play with." Catherine said sounding very peeved that she didn't forsee this. Catherine looked at her watch. "Ack! We'd better get back into the mansion pronto before we're missed. I'll use Willow's cloak to cover my sword. You're lucky you can wear yours Buffy." Catherine said. "Yeah and its kinda cute too. I think it even brings out my eyes." Buffy joked. Catherine and Willow grinned and rolled their eyes at the slayer as they walked back to the mansion. In the background, Logan watched the three girls leave. **I knew there was something different about those two. Jubilee is wrong about waking up early, it can be very interesting.** Logan thought. "Well Scott has a Slayer in the family, this is going to be one hell of a day." Logan said out load. He had no idea how right he was.
On a plane headed to New York
Giles' day had started hours ago with a frantic call from Dawn. Dawn had came home from school to find the only mother she had know on the couch dead. Giles could only imagine how much strength it had taken Dawn to call 911 and then him. He found her kneeling over her mother's body sobbing and in a corner what remained of the lunch she had taken to school. She didn't even notice Giles put his arms around her in comfort. Thirty minutes later the coroner came and collected Joyce. His heart was tearing apart not only for the girls that he considered his daughters but for himself. Deep down he was in love with Joyce. Her love for her daughters and her willingness to protect them no matter the odds had struck a cord in his heart. He wanted close himself off like Dawn had done but her knew the worst was yet to come. Telling the others and then Buffy.
Everyone's reactions were as expected. Xander was angry and heart broken, while Tara was trying to Comfort Dawn, and Anya just didn't understand. She started ranting about being mortal and it all being stupid and useless not being able to live on. Dawn shut down completely. Staring off into space. Buffy's reaction was going to be the worst to face, her fuse would be lit and it would either, explode or fizzle out like Dawn. Giles imagined that Buffy would probably go off somewhere and kill something brutally or just try and destroy anything that happened to be in the room. Xander agreed to come to New York with Giles to help keep an eye on Dawn plus Buffy and Willow were his best friends and they'd need all the support they could get.
Giles let his gaze land on a nervous and tired Xander and a withdrawn and sleeping Dawn. "Giles when is the plane supposed to reach New York?" Asked a worried Xander while holding Dawn's limp body in his lap. "In a few hours, I'd say at least by nightfall." Giles said. Xander could see the worry aging his friend. "Why Giles? Just when we get a little control in our lives stuff like this happens? Why Joyce?" Xander asked. "I don't know Xander. I don't know. We are all going to have to adjust to this change. Buffy and Dawn may be strong in their own ways, but this is going to hurt both of them a lot longer than any attack." Giles said in a hushed sad tone. Xander leaned back in his seat hoping to get a little sleep, but doubting it. **Only a few more hours until we reach the Big Apple, Buffy I hope you can survive this blow. God knows you've had enough for a lifetime.** Xander thought as he dozed off into a fitfull slumber.
Back at the Mansion
Catherine's usual training seemed to be more strenuous than usual she guessed that I had to do with making the Soul point weapons. She really needed to get some sleep, maybe Logan would excuse her from their morning sparing match. She knew she'd get no such luck from Duncan and Conner.
"Come on girl you're moving too slow! Pick up your feet! If I wanted your head you'd be dead by now." Conner half yelled, half threatened. Catherine was loosing her usual patience due to lack of sleep and the Highlander was getting on her nerves more than usual. Usually his quiet brooding and moody scholarly nature was somehow very attractive but today she didn't feel like dealing with one of his moods. "Screw you Conner! I'm tired and know I'm leaving!" Catherine yelled and started walking toward the Danger Room door. Yelling at Conner was definately a mistake. Conner caught her arm and turned her around so she'd be looking him straight in the eyes. "I don't know what's gotten into you today but it stops now. This isn't a child's game lass this is your life and the prize." Conner said in a calm ice like tone that sent shivers up her spine.
"I know this isn't a game Conner, maybe more so than you or Duncan think. I'm not a child anymore. I stopped being a child when all this shit got dumped in my lap." Catherine said in an equally icey tone. **Catherine why are you snapping at Conner like this? Its because you're tired. You can apologize later, but for now you've got to leave.** Catherine thought as she walked out of the Danger Room and practically ran over Bobby and Jubes in the process.
"Hey Conner whats her problem?" Jubilee asked. Conner Humphed and walked in the other direction. "OOOOkay, none of my business I just live here." Jubilee said as she walked into the Danger Room for her training session. "Hey Jubes start without me, Bobby said, I've gotta go check on Catherine." "What am I susposed to tell Scott this time? You know how he rants when we're late for training." Jubilee asked. "Tell him I'll be in in a few." Bobby said as he walked off. ** Great leave me to face soldier boy again.** Jubilee thought as she went to face the music.
In Catherine's Room
** Oh God my head hurts. I need some sleep. That spell can really drain you the first time, I hope Buffy and Willow are all right.** Catherine thought as someone knocked on her door. "Conner if thats you I don't want to talk to you, go away." "Catherine its me Bobby can I come in?" "Come in." Catherine invited him in because she knew he wouldn't go away. It was starting to get on her nerves. Ever since Paris he was constantly trying to protect her, even after her display of power that resulted in the death of the shadow king. And when he wasn't watching her like a hawk their romance seemed to be more like a friendship to her. She knew it was going to end soon for them but she didn't want it to end badly.
"What's up? You don't seem yourself today." Bobby asked. "I'm just tired and tense. Sometimes Conner just pushes a little too hard for me and today he just hit a couple of nerves. Don't worry about it. We'll survive, I doubt this will be the last arguement we ever have." Catherine said with a fake grin plastered on her face. "Anything I can do?" Bobby asked. "A shoulder rub would be nice. BUT JUST A SHOULDER RUB BOBBY!" Catherine warned. Bobby had a way of getting under her skin that was just unnerving.
Bobby slowly began to rub her shoulders and was surprised at how tense she really was, and to make things worse he could tell their relationship was fizzling too. Lately it seemed more like a deep friendship than anything else. Catherine could probably handle the break up and still be his friend, but the Highlanders would be a problem. How could he ever face them again after all the stuff he spouted off about loving her and always being there for her.
Don't get him wrong he did love her, but not that way, not anymore so much had changed in her, she was a different person now. Catherine was now older than both her true age and physical age. Inside she now had the experiences of a woman literally thousands of years older. Not to mention the whole witchcraft thing seriously freaked out sometimes, especially when she started actively persuing her studies in that area. At times she seemed like Hank Pouring over her books in Cassandra's mansion.
Catherine had started to feel better, but had noticed that Bobby's mind was elsewhere. She knew what he was thinking and was relieved that he had noticed. "Bobby what are you thinking about?" Catherine asked knowing fully well. Bobby let out a sigh. "I was thinking.....how this isn't working out." Bobby waited for her response. For the all reactions he could have imagined nothing could have prepared for a smile, that was not on his list. "You knew this was coming didn't you?" Bobby asked. Catherine just nodded. "And don't worry about the Highlanders, they knew it was coming too. We'll still be friends right." Catherine stated. "Yeah best friends." Bobby stated with a relieved grin.
Outside at the Boathouse
The Professor and Jean decided that a boat ride would be the perfect excuse to get their new guests out of the house while the Danger Room sessions were going on. Even though the lower levels of the house were sound proof some noises always managed to escape or at least the slight rocking of an explosion. "So girls how are you enjoying your stay at the school?" The professor asked. "Its really cool, everyone has made us feel all comfy cozy." Buffy said cheerfully. The professor thought it would be awkward for them to be in the middle of a group of mutants, but amazingly after initial shock they blended in perfectly. with the others. **Strange.** The Professor thought. Jean smiled at the girls, but just like the professor she felt that something didn't quite fit about the two. Especially her new cousin Buffy, there was definately something that just made the girls older than their years. She kept it to herself though. Scott was so attached to the girls you'd think he was their father or big brother. Buffy and Scott were so much alike at times it was scary. Having two Type A personalities in the house was definately something to contend with. Both were born leaders and cared for their companions more than they let on sometimes, and both were more fun than anyone could handle once you got to their cores and they loosened up a bit. The one major difference was that Buffy had absolutely none of her husband's military discipline. She could tell Buffy liked improvising as she went along rather than planning out every major detail like her husband. **Who knows maybe they'll be good for each other.** Jean thought.
"Jean what kind of clubs do they have around here? I mean Buffy and I usually hang out at the Bronze when we're at home and ya know we haven't really seen anything except for the mall." Willow said beating around the bush. "What Willow means is where can we go to shake our groove thangs?" Buffy said. (A.N. I don't know if Buffy would ever say that but in my world she would.) The professor raised an eyebrow and grinned while Jean laughed out loud while stearing the small sailboat around the artificial lake. "I think I know a place we can all go. How about a trip to New York City tonight." Jean said. "Cool, what should we wear?" Willow asked. "Nothing fancy, your usual will do." Jean said. "We'd better see what Catherine's wearing, wouldn't want to underdress." Buffy said with an evil grin. "Yeah and while we're there we can raid her closet." Willow said with a happy squeak.
"So professor are you coming tonight? I mean who wants to stay cooped up in this big place all by themselves when they could be having fun?" Buffy asked. She wanted the professor to come because he reminded her of Giles and even Giles hung out with the scooby-gang sometimes. There's no reason he can't hang with his students too. "Hmph. Why not? It's been awhile since I've been out." The Professor said, while Jean stared, impressed by her new cousin. The only people she'd ever get the professor out of the mansion were herself, Catherine, and maybe Jubilee on a good day.
The rest of the Day
The rest of the day went as usual except for Catherine's absense from her training sessions. She'd fallen into a fitfull sleep that lasted for hours.
~~"Willow duck!!! Oh my God Scott don't go near her you don't know what she is!" Buffy said.~~ Catherine woke up with a start and the sound of Scott's scream in her head. **Its just a bad dream. It's just your overactive imagination.** Catherine thought. "Man, I've got to research those spells better before I test them out. I hope Buffy and Willow didn't have to spend the whole day sleeping. I'd better go down to dinner." Catherine said out loud. Just then there was a soft knoct at her door. "Come in Willow." Catherine said as she scooted out of her bed and toward her bathroom. "How'd you know it was me?" Willow asked. "If it was anyone else they probably would've walked straight in, plus I'm a mutant remember." Catherine said with a teasing smile as she disappeared into her bathroom to freshen up.
"So any idea whats for dinner?" Catherine asked from her bathroom. "That's what I came in here for. We're going out for dinner tonight, all of us." Willow chirped. "Somewhere called Joe's" "Joe's huh. Well you guys are going to have to raid my closet, unless you have something for a New York blues club." Catherine said from her bathroom. "I came to ask that too." Willow chirped half way to Catherine's closet. Buffy barged in next while Willow and Catherine were discussing their wardrobes and "witchy stuff", as Willow put it, and started rumaging through the large walk-in closet. (A.N. Catherine's room is different because the rest the school is set up like a dorm, the only reason she doesn't share a bathroom with the rest of the mansion is that she somehow managed to get the professor to remodel her room, which she insisted be on the third floor next to storm's penthouse and garden. :) just thought you should know.)
It was now eight p.m. and everyone was waiting for the "Trio" as they were now called, thanks to Bobby. Lets just say the X-Men were not prepared. The "Trio" cleaned up very well. Buffy was the first to show. She was wearing a short t-shirt with a sky-blue print of the sun and white puffy clouds that matched a sky-blue belt that looked like it had grey and black gemstones on it. She also had on black Jeans and pale blue strappy sandals. Willow decided to go with a more comfortable look. She had on a loose black sweater, tight blue jeans, black strappy sandals, and a rather strange looking hunter green pendant. As always Catherine had to make an entrance. She decided to go with her usual color scheme Black and silver. She wore a black leather halter top that had her midrift showing, black leather hip huggers, and black strappy sandals like Willows. What really set off her outfit was the lightening white sword shaped pendent around her neck. It was suspended by leather band and the sword seemed to have single red diamond in the sword charm's hilt. On each of her arms were silver celtic arm bands with symbols for infinite life on them.
All three girls decided to wear their hair down and straight, which made them all the more striking. The girls were very pleased by the stunned silence from the others. Even Jubes was speechless for once. She decided to wear her usual white Joe's t-shirt and blue jeans. "Well you guys ready or not? We don't have all night." Catherine said in her patented Amanda voice, that literally sent shivers up the professor's spine. That voice meant mischief. Everyone filed into their cars. Catherine, Jubes, Willow, and Buffy hoped into Catherine's black Cadilac and cruised to the club.
--------Flashback Catherine's Room-----------
Catherine Willow and Buffy were literally tossing clothes left and right. Unable to find anythin they liked when they came across Willow's cloak with Catherine's sword wrapped in it. This prompted a major question from Catherine. "You guys feel any after effects from the spell we cast this morning?" Buffy and Willow looked puzzled. "I'll take that as a no." Catherine said. "I must be working myself too hard like Bobby says." Catherine said as she picked up the items and stared at them. "I wish this was a little less conspicuous." Catherine said aloud. "Maybe it can be." Willow interupted. "These things are our energy, maybe we can reshape them into what we want. Afterall you made the sword, and mine is a cloak, and Buffy's is a belt for some reason." Willow suggested while pointing at each girl. "Hey I was thinking I needed a new belt." Buffy said. "Okay Willow You're idea you go first." Catherine said.
Willow picked up her cloak and examined it. It seemed vibrate in her hands. **Okay what do I want you to look like she thought.** Willow smiled and closed her eyes. Buffy and Catherine watched as the cloak shrank and reformed itself into a small but beautiful hunter green pendent with a black leather strap. Willow was pleased by her handy work when she opened her eyes. "Perfect." Willow giggled. "Okay jewelry it is." Catherine said as she formed her necklace. Buffy decided not to mess with a good thing, afterall she did need a new belt.
------End Flashback-------------
At Joe's Club
Everyone arrived safely and headed in. Willow and Buffy were really digging the atmosphere of the place as they stepped in. Joe decided on a 1920's decor like Catherine and Amanda suggested. Definately high class considering that he decided to branch out into the resturant business. "Catherine! Babe! Long time no see. Looking beautiful as always." Joe said obviously flirting. "Who are these lovelies, I know I'd remember faces like those. Two angels from heaven maybe?" Joe said flirting even more. Catherine rolled her eyes.
"This is Scott's cousin Buffy and her friend Willow. They're both too young for you old man." Catherine said teasingly. "Catherine I'm hurt." Joe said with a mock look of hurt on his face. The others just wathced the scene they were putting on. "Well girls, Joe said addressing Will and Buffy, whatta ya think? The best of chicago in the heart of New York." "So far so good, now where our table and the dance floor?" Buffy said. Joe was taken back for a second. "You sure she's your cousin Scott? Seems way too much fun to be in your gene pool." Joe said with a joking smile. Scott frowned a little and asked where the table was. Joe directed everyone to a large private table on the second floor that over looked the dance floor and stage. The professor took the elevator while the others strolled up the stairs.
Buffy leaned over and whispered in Catherine's ear. "So he's the man with the info huh. He's kind of cool for an old guy." "Yep, besides Scott, he's the man with the plan. He's also the head of the local watchers here. He keeps my identity a secret from the Society, plus he's like another father to me." Catherine whispered back. "Hey Catherine your Dad said he was stopping in tonight. I asked if Conner was coming but he had plans." Joe commented. Catherine knew where this was going. Sometimes Joe was worse than her dad, always trying to make sure everything was harmonious. "I wasn't expecting him to. We had a little tiff today." Catherine said trying not to sound cold and failing. Joe heard the hint in her voice and left it alone.
At the crypt
"Wake up dollies! Mommy's going out tonight. Its time for me and my new babies to have some fun and I know the right place." Drusilla said as she started to slip into something skin tight and small. She was also hoping to catch some breakfast with her outfit too. Slowly her fledgelings rose from their nests, and awaited her lead.
Back at Joe's
Catherine was making the best of her night out and sipping her LongIsland ice tea. Buffy and Willow were enjoying the band on the first floor with Scott and Jean. Hank was talking with Joe and Logan at the bar, and the Professor and Orroro were sitting at the table with her enjoying the music. Catherine couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen. Just as she started to daydream a playful set of hands covered her eyes from behind. She smiled as she felt a small chill. "Bobby you always have to be the cold one don't you." Catherine said. Catherine leaned back and kissed him on the cheek. "Why don't you and I show those two old folks on the dance floor how to really move." Bobby asked. "You sure afterall we're just friends now, friends don't steam up a dance floor like that anymore." Catherine said. The Professor and Orroro raised an eyebrow at Catherine's remark. "Yes, we're not together anymore. The thrill is gone." Catherine said sarcastically. The Prof. and Storm left it alone.
On the dance floor Buffy was dancing with some college student and Willow was dancing with Joe. Jean caught a stray thought from Willow about wanting to dance with the hot Red-head in the corner. Jean turned to look and found that it was a girl and blushed. The blues band started playing "The Thrill Is Gone." As if on cue all eyes where Catherine and Bobby. "They're really steaming up the dance floor." Said Willow to Joe. "Yeah they're my favorite attraction." Joe said.
On the otherside of the bar another "attraction" had just entered with two rather dusty young men. Buffy's slayer senses started to tingle and dance in the back of her head. She decided to separate from her dance partner and scan the room. What she saw she didn't like. Two fledgling Vamps and two unsuspecting college coeds. **Oh man this is suposed to be my vacation! Wait what the Hell is she doing here!** Buffy thought as she spotted Drucilla. Buffy went into slayer mode as she closed the distance between them. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the slayer. Aren't you susposed to be sitting on top of a hellmouth or something?" Drucilla said trying to antagonize the slayer. "Aren't you susposed to be somewhere begging spike to come back to you?" Buffy said trying to beat the Vamp at her own game. "Aren't you wasting time? My babies are going to have a good meal tonight. Too bad you won't be able to stop them." Drucilla said as her face morphed into the demon she truly was. Buffy turned to see the two vampires hustling thier victims out a side door. **Damn too much talking not enough punching.** Buffy thought as she turned away from Dru. Big mistake. Dru took the opportunity to grab a bottle from behind the bar and smash it on to Buffy's shoulder.
Catherine who had stopped dancing by know watched the scene unfold and scanned Buffy's mind.**Damn vampires here? And me with no sword tonight. Whoa what am I thinking I've got a sword.** //Buffy I'll handle the two vamps outside, you handle Dru.// Catherine said to Buffy. Buffy nodded and flashed a viscious smile at Dru. In the flash of an eye a chair came crashing down on Dru's head. Not like that phased her very much but it did send a message, Buffy was all hers tonight. Thats when the shit really hit the fan. Splinters from the chair managed to hit some of the more intoxicated patrons and punches started to be thrown left and right much to the delight of a very bored Wolverine.
Meanwhile outside Catherine was about to have her first encounter with Vampires. She decided to play "Bait". "Hey boys what's up? Looking for a little fun tonight?" Catherine said leaning against the wall of a nearbye ally. She could tell that both monsters where about to make a quick meal out of the two very frightened coeds. "Piss off bitch!" Vamp one said. "Sorry, can't do that, especially after using such bad language in front of ladies." Catherine said. Catherine told the girls to run telepathically now that the Vamps were distracted. They didn't have to be told twice. "I guess me and my friend will have to share you since our breakfast got away." Vamp two said. "Ya think so Huh?" Catherine said with a smirk as she took her necklace off and formed it into the broad sword it was before. Vamps one and two charged. Catherine jumped and swung her sword with Lightening speed and accuracy, beheading the monsters and watching them instantly turn to n dust.**That was intense.** Catherine thought.
Back inside somehow Dru had managed to ditch Buffy, but that wasn't the worst of it. The cops just barged in and the X-Men had to make a b-line to the back door. Mutants in a bar fight wouldn't look to good in the morning newspaper. Catherine was outside using her telepathy to easedrop on the happenings in the club. There was no way she was going back in there. The rest of the X-Men came out in somewhat of a shambles, including the professor. Catherine smiled and gave Buffy a thumbs up on her end. Scott on the other hand was not happy at all and ordered everyone home.
Back at the Mansion
"Alright Buffy what was all that about!?" Scott said almost yelling. "Do you have any idea how much the damage is going to cost us?" Buffy shrugged her shoulders and looked at Catherine for support. Catherine nodded and telepathically told her to spill it. Buffy knew she'd have to tell them about the other side of her life, she wanted to delay it a little while longer. "Scott there's some stuff you don't know about me. I'm the Slayer." Buffy said. "The What?" Scott said. Catherine decided to help her new friend out a little. "What she means Scott is that She's the Vampire Slayer." Catherine said. This lead to a very long story for Buffy and an up to the date report of her life, including the her "sister" Dawn who is actually the Key in human form. Needless to say Scott thought Immortals were weird, but her never would have suspected Buffy. What was it with his family? Things got weirder when Willow made her little confession as well. The only people who weren't in complete shock were Logan and Catherine.
Logan had heard of slayers before, but up until that morning he'd never thought he'd actually ever meet one and poor Scott his family must be cursed with weird.
Just then a buzzing came from the front door. Bobby went to answer it. Catherine felt a wave of dread come over her and a middle aged gentleman, a guy around Buffy's age, and an obviously traumatized child came into the rec room. "Giles what are you doing here? And with Dawn too?" Buffy said with fear peeking in her voice. "Buffy I have something to tell you dear, Its about your morther." Giles said.
In the next few moments there was silence. Then a deafening wail coming from Buffy and Willow.
Okay peeps there you have it Part 4 all shiny and new. Tell me what you think as always, I want to know whether I should continue this. R&R I live on It. Oh and Read my friend Marcus' interlude Fic METHOS you'll love it. And for those of you who haven't read OF MUTANTS AND IMMORTALS read it! Lots of Important details about Catherine in there. It'll make this story easier to understand. bye bye now.