Author's Notes: I have a few other projects I'm currently working on, but inspiration came. I'm not quite sure when it's set, because I'm not quite sure what it's going to be about yet. But I'll keep ya posted. ;-)
Dedicated to Pippa, because she, unlike most, is always there.
And also to Lynne, 'cause she's just such a sweetheart.
It was night, and a cloak of darkness had covered the town of Sunnydale. The streets were empty, even those who didn't know of the town's hidden horrors felt the instinct to stay inside after the sun set.
Call it intuition.
A figure walked in an even pace along the streets, not particularly afraid for it's own safety. Then again, not exactly suicidal either. Pretty much indifferent.
It made it's way towards it's destination slowly, not having any sort of a need to be swift. For she would be there for many hours following. The figure smiled. There was no hurry.
No hurry at all.
* * *
"Hope you don't feel left out, Francis," Buffy Summers said, reading the vampire in front of her's name tag. "But I'm not in a quipping mood."
She then plunged the stake into it's unbeating heart, effectively adding to the considerably large pile of dust scattered over the cemetery. Buffy really wasn't in the quipping mood. Patrol had been of the dull variety lately, and all Buffy wanted to do at this point was finish up and get home.
She decided to make another scope of the cemetery, checking for any more new-born vamps. That sort of opponent best suited her current mood anyway – they were usually too half-crazed with hunger to get any of her jokes.
Buffy groaned. Despite her anxiousness to get home, she was restless. She needed more of a challenge, something to push her further. I may as well try the usual method.
"Will something please happen!"
She waited. Nothing.
"Damn. That usually works."
Then...
"I'm not one for big entrances."
Buffy whirled around, taking in the owner of the voice. It was what appeared to be a kid around Dawn's age, wearing a black trenchcoat. Much like Spike's.
"Who are you? It's not safe out here."
The kid grinned.
"You got that right."
He was standing about five metres away from her; obviously wanting to keep his distance. Buffy decided there was no immediate cause for concern.
"Ok, I'm guessing you know about this town's...unusual night population. I'm not getting any sort of a demony vibe from you, so you're probably human. Which leaves the question – what are you doing out at night alone in the cemetery? And you still haven't told me who you are."
The kid walked a little closer to her. The trenchcoat flowed with his movements. He glanced down.
"You know, I really love this coat. I wanted the full length, but they only had quarter." He still had that slightly annoying grin on his face. "You really ought to think about getting one. It'd suit you."
He looked at her to see her reaction, but she wasn't there. Suddenly, the kid felt a strong hand clamp over his neck.
"And you really ought to be thinking about answering my questions, and then getting home. Now, one more time. Who. Are. You."
"Nice move. Didn't see that coming! Jeez, and they didn't think you'd hurt a kid. As for my name. Well, I wanted Angelus but that's taken. Damn, too bad. In that case, call me Silence."
"Silence. Original. Now for the next question – what are you doing here?"
"Let me go and I'll tell you."
Buffy shoved Silence away from her. She didn't want to go about hurting a kid, but she couldn't just let him wander around a dark cemetery filled with the undead.
"Well, I was kinda sent." Buffy rolled her eyes. He grinned again. "Cliched, I know. But doesn't make it any less believable though, right?"
Buffy considered this. He had a point.
"Guess not. What were you sent for? To kill me? Cause I gotta say – it isn't working too well."
Silence seemed amused. "They told me you were perky. Nope, I wasn't sent to kill you."
Buffy waited.
"Well?"
"You got any aspirin? Because that neck crunch thing back there really-" Silence was cut off when Buffy took another step towards him, eyes flashing. "Alright! I was sent to help ya against this new evil thing comin' up. Happy?"
"What evil?" Buffy interrogated him.
Silence glanced around the scene. "Is this really the best place?"
Buffy realised he had a point. Damn, this guy gives Dawn a run for her money in the annoying category. She thought for a moment.
"Alright. There's this place...where my friends and I kind of hang out. The Magic shop, you know it?"
Silence nodded.
"Come by it tomorrow. You can give me the sitch there. Ok?"
Silence grinned. "It's a date. I guess I'll see ya tomorrow, then. Ta ta."
He turned and began to head off in the direction he'd came. Buffy called out to him.
"Hey!"
He turned.
"You really think you're gonna be able to help me fight? You're just a kid."
Silence looked at her, his face serious.
"Lady, I am anything but."
Chapter 2 coming soon.