Author's Notes: Well I think I have a rough idea where this story's going. Which, I've found in writing, is generally a good thing.
I've decided this is set in general 5th season, but that's only really the year and stages of the gang. It doesn't really involve any of the 5th season story arc. (e.g. Dawn exists, but Glory doesn't.) Riley isn't around. Neither is Tara. Or Anya. I just haven't seen enough of them to be able to write them half decently, so believe me you aren't missing out on much. Plus, who wants Riley in a story anyway? :-)
Dedicated to all the usual people, who(m) I can't really be bothered listing. (Sorry guys!)
"And you're sure he can be trusted?"
Buffy nodded. She had spent the last hour explaining everything she knew about Silence to the gang. Naturally, everyone had been slightly wary. After all, Buffy herself had been when she first encountered him. Nobody seemed to be able to get past the fact that he appeared to be nothing but a teenage kid. Nobody, but Buffy. She had a little experience in the field of teenagers having extreme power.
"I mean, I can't exactly guarantee it. But I get the gut instinct he's above level. I think we should give this guy a chance."
"Very well then. I have infinite faith in your...gut." Buffy smiled at her Watcher. Well, ex-watcher. She glanced at her watch.
"I told him to come by today, but we didn't really set a time. Guess we'll just have to wait." She said sarcastically. There was a brief silence. Everyone looked like they were expecting something. Xander noticed Buffy's discomfort.
"Freaked 'cause he didn't show up right after you said that?" he asked her, grinning.
"I guess I just got used to everything happening with perfect timing." admitted Buffy.
"We have been a little lucky with all that." Willow piped up. "I guess in real life people don't always show up exactly when it's significant."
The sound of somebody clearing their throat came from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Silence standing there, looking sheepish.
"Care to re-think that last part?"
"Why is it everybody seems to be able to sneak up on me recently?" Buffy demanded. "I mean, hello! Super-slayer-sense here!"
"A true enigma." Silence said dryly. "So, you're the Scoobies, huh? Always wanted to meet you guys."
"That's us. Famous world-wide for our unique resemblance to a fictional cartoon dog's lackeys." Xander said flatly.
Silence gestured to the door. Nobody spoke. "Can I come in?" he eventually asked.
"The door's open." Giles said carefully.
Silence grinned and walked in. "Nice to see you're cautious. Although, I don't think this would fall under that rule. It bein' a public place, and all." Buffy grew impatient.
"Enough banter. You told me you'd explain why you're here, so spill already."
Silence grew serious. "Alright. Are we all sitting comfortably? It's a long story.
I'm what you might call a worker ant for the PTB. There's loads of us – countless millions. They send us guys to earth to lend a hand when there's some big ugly goin' down.
When we're not on a mission, we have no form – we are nothing, and we are everything. Sounds kinda like a haiku, don't ya think?" Silence paused for a moment. He looked to Buffy, obviously asking for her approval to go on. She nodded.
"When we're sent down to earth, we take a random host. Now, it's not what you're thinking. You're say, 'oh, this guy has stolen some kids body, blah blah blah etc etc', am I right?
Well that isn't technically true. A form is created for us by the PTB, but as for the age, sex, race – that's pure chance. So by that rule, it would make sense that the powers we retain will vary from host to host.
It would also alter our character traits. You take a kid's form, you're likely to joke around and irritate people. Of course, that hasn't happened to me." Silence gave his trademark grin.
"Of course not." Buffy agreed dryly.
"Do I sense just a bit of sarcasm?"
"...just a bit."
"Anyway," Silence continued, as if the past exchange hadn't happened. "As I told ya before, I was sent here to help you guys against some big evil heading your way. PTB seem to think you'll need all the firepower you can get."
At this point Giles interrupted. "What evil would this be?"
Silence looked at him. "You think I know?"
"You mean you don't?" Xander asked incredulously.
"My friend, I'm as in the dark as you about this whole thing."
"Gee, that's helpful." Buffy said flatly. She thought a moment.
"You said your powers will vary. What can you do in this form?" she asked. Silence considered.
"Well, on the magick scale of things, I'm no substitute for cutey here."
Willow blushed.
"-On the fighting side of things, well I haven't had time to test yet. Why, you feel like throwin' down?" That grin again.
"I'm not in the mood to kick your ass right now." Buffy dismissed. "Maybe later."
Silence shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Just then the door to the Magic Box opened, and Dawn walked in.
"Hey guys, mom told me I could find you here. What's up? Any preternatural evil we should be a-fightin'?"
Silence turned, taking in Dawn.
"Whoa, she's hot!"
Chapter 3 coming soon.