Disclaimer: Just for the record, I did not create, nor do I own any of the characters or non-original storylines from BTVS featured in this story. Enjoy. And please- r&r

Future Shadows, part 1.

A sudden crack of lightening broke the darkness as a figure made her way, darting between gravestones, memorial statues and burial plots and all the while tapping a wooden stake playfully on her thigh as she went, through the shadows. With every powerful spark in the sky the dreary place lit up, exposing elaborate crypts and a large number of freshly dug graves. She stopped next to an old, weeping tree and leaned casually against it, arms now folded as she took in the familiar surroundings of one of the Sunnydale districts several cemeteries. A short distance away she saw what she had given up an evening at the Bronze to find.. trouble.

About ten feet away, crouched over one of the freshly dug grave plots was a figure shrouded in a long coat. Even through the darkness she could see it was big, and scratching furiously at the damp soil beneath it. "Ehem" she coughed loudly as she tucked the stake into the back of her pants and took a step forward. Two dog-like ears pricked as the creature stopped digging. It turned toward her and glared with glowing scarlet eyes before another crack of lightening lit up the cemetery, illuminating what she could now see was a Frawn demon. At first it looked fairly unimpressive.but then she got a little closer. Upon inspection she could see the creature for the beast it was, like some sick combination between a werewolf and a great lizard. It was a juvenile male, and even so nearly 9 feet tall, with brown, reptilian skin covered in scales, with a number of sharp bony outcrops protruding from its shoulders. At the end of long muscular arms were claws that could have shamed a 5 inch dagger and within a wolf-like skull it bared jaws that would make your average orthodontist scream and run for cover.

It reared up, throwing the coat to the ground to reveal battle armor and a glimpse of its true, imposing height. "YOU MADE A MISTAKE GIRL". It growled, taking a step forward. She cocked her head to the side as a thin smile crept over her face. "Wow, you can talk people talk. I'm impressed.. And who might you be?" She took a step forward to match the demons, acting almost childlike as she did so. It eyed her for a moment, a little confused at how confident she was. *This blonde human girl who wasn't even six-foot tall.wasn't afraid of him.why?* It bared its fangs. "Obviously not a representative of the world dental society" She sneered openly. The demon lunged toward her with unnatural speed, its menacing claws raised as she took a fighting stance in readiness.





MEANWHILE - at the bronze

An angsty rock band played loudly on stage, filling the club with music as the night wore on. Near the entrance was a lounge area with a couch, some tables and chairs, and the bar; even though most of the people who were dancing needed a fake ID to get any drinks.fortunately the staff at the Bronze were somewhat lenient toward their under aged clientele. At one of the tables sat two of the many students of Sunnydale high who frequented the place.

"Xander" A concerned Willow looked across the table at her miserable friend as he played aimlessly with his glass of coke. "Xander?". No response.

Dozens of teenagers enjoyed themselves on the dance floor; in fact everyone in the Bronze was having fun.everyone that was except for Willow and a rather distraught Xander. She tapped her fingers a little before continuing. ".So that's when we decided to just rip off our clothes and frolic like pixies". He looked up, obviously distracted. "What, who's frolicking?" he arched back in his chair and stretched before looking around the crowded night club, paying little attention to the irate red-head who sat before him. "Xander, you've got to stop this, so ok she said no.that doesn't mean the end of the world. Besides, you'll meet someone else". She put her hand on his. "Yeah, I know, after it's not my fault I'm not dead, two hundred years old and own a cool leather jacket". He paused. "Mr. Dark and brooding vampire guy...' What should I do tonight.I think I'll sneak up on someone, cool for a while, start a mysterious conversation about peril and then leave before we finish.then I might brood some more." He trailed off with nothing less than malice in his mocking tone before staring at his watch. She gave him a look. "You know, this isn't healthy.I'll bet Manson started out like this" she smiled nervously in an effort to lighten the mood. "Thanks Will, that makes me feel a whole better." (Sarcastically). He got up and turned toward the back door. "Sorry, I was just making with the funny". He looked back at her now apologetic face. "I know.look it's not you.I'm just not the best company right now.I hope she's alright". She could see the concern in his eyes. "This is Buffy we're talking about- I'd be more concerned for whatever she's fighting right now, especially after those Biology results she got back today.School may be over for the summer, but we can still be haunted by the evils of Ecology and natural selection". She responded with a desperate attempt to counteract his concern and he allowed a small smile to creep its way over his mouth. "That's true, but even so, I hope she's ok" (a part of him liked to think of her as the vulnerable girl she was underneath the slayer).. Think I'll call it a night". As he walked toward the exit Willow silently echoed his thoughts: *I hope she's ok*

BACK AT THE CEMETARY-

"Tough guy huh?" Buffy puffed out as she ducked, avoiding several vicious swipes from the demons claws. A swift kick to the stomach sent it reeling back in shock as she followed up with a volley of left and right hooks, finishing off with a backhand that sent it to the ground with a thud. "SLAYER?" it grunted. With a swift movement of its leg, the demon swept her off her feet, bringing her to the ground as well. "Wow, you catch on fast" She replied as she flipped up and the demon jumped to a crouching position like an animal, seconds away from striking at its prey. "Now since you're in such a talkative mood, why don't you tell me what's getting all of the nasties around here on edge?". She questioned as she caught her breath again. "This town is starting to look like a great big Adams family reunion and I want to know why". They resumed fighting.

From the same tree that Buffy had been leaning against minutes before, another shadowy figure looked out into the darkness, watching silently from the cowl of a blackened cloak. It observed the ensuing battle. It also knew what the outcome would be. The new Slayer was strong and well trained. She could be a challenge if she interfered. But the future was at stake.