There it was again. For several weeks Faith had the feeling of being watched when she left work. At first it had unnerved her, that there was someone out there who was stalking her. She didn't know whether her shadow was friend or foe. In her life that could be bad either way.
However, as time went by she had started to relax. Whoever, or whatever, it was seemed to be non threatening. Also, for some strange reason Faith got the impression that it was protecting her. Whenever she was being followed, a feeling of safety came over her. She liked the feeling that something was watching over her. It made her feel like things might turn out okay.
She turned into the park, continuing her patrol. Even though she no longer worked for the council didn't mean that vamps didn't need staked.
What she didn't know was that her life was about to change.
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Ian watched Faith from his perch in the woods. Since seeing her he had learned very little. She lived alone in a flea bag apartment. She went to the library every chance she got. And she seemed to be almost as lonely as he was. It puzzled him why she seemed reluctant to interact with other people. He had seen several men ask her out. Everyone was turned down. What was strange was that she never considered it, she just automatically told them no. A girl her age should be going out more.
Another thing that suprised him was the fact that she knew about the local 'nightlife'. Not only that but was good at exterminating them. Ian grinned.
"Who are you, Faith Wilkins?"
Laughing, Ian followed her through the park. So far she had been able to handle everything that came after her. When she was hunting and fighting Ian could swear that she was smiling.
"A girl who appreciates a good fight. I'm starting to like her more and more."
Ian froze. About 50 feet from Faith, what looked like 8 were lying in wait. He couldn't be sure but he didn't think all were human. A mongrel gang. Comprised of humans, fledglings, and the occasional demon breed, they were extremely dangerous. Although no one who was a member of the few he knew of were particularly powerful, they did overwhelm by numbers. He had barely survived several altercations with them.
Ian was too far and Faith was too close for him to yell to her. They'd be upon her before he could get to her. Ian moved silently closer.
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"Slayer!"
Faith whipped around, She was now face to face with a small group of assorted beings.
"That's my title. What can I do you for?"
The vampire laughed "So your the second Slayer. To tell you the truth, we're kind of disappointed. We were expecting someone taller."
"So your telling me that your going to get your asses kicked by a midget. I'd be offended if you weren't so pathetic."
The vampire looked amused. "We're not the ones who are going to lose. Get her!"
At his command all those assembled went into motion. Faith quickly dropped into a fighting stance.
As the fight went on Faith realized she was in trouble. None of her opponents were particularly good fighters. In fact she had already dusted two vampires and broken the neck of a thug. The problem was that there were just so many. As soon as one was knocked down another took its place. Faith was quickly tiring.
With a triumphant roar one of the vampires kicked Faith in the head. Disoriented, Faith was thrown to the ground and quickly had her arms and legs held down. Try as she might, she was just too weak to throw them off.
Grinning, the leader said, "The Slayer has spunk. You killed four of my gang. That was very rude." He kicked Faith in the head again.
"Those men were hard to come by. You owe me." In as much pain as she was in, Faith knew what that meant. Her eyes widened. She didn't want to go out like this. "Maybe we'll take it out in trade." Using his middle claw, he slit her her shirt open. "Very nice indeed."
"We'll be known as the gang that FUCKED a Slayer." One of his followers laughed.
"No you won't."
Turning, the assembled looked at the source of the voice.
6'2", with shoulder length blood red hair, the man walked casually toward the group. Even though it was dark out all could see that this man had a great deal of power behind him. Grinning, the man said, "I'd be suprised if I let any of you leave this park alive."
Snearing, the leader walked toward the man. "Really. Cause from where I'm standing it looks like your about to meet your maker. What makes you think you'll live another minute?"
"The fact that your combined I'Q's don't equal my shoe size." He grinned.
"We got a funny man here. Okay funnyman, I want to know who i'm about to kill."
Standing nose to nose with the vampire, the redhead grinned. Grabbing the vampires lapels, the man said, "I'm Batman."
The redhead then drove his forehead into the head of the vampire. He then right roundhouse that sent teeth flying. Continuing the turn he drew a dagger and shoved it into the beasts heart. For a moment the vampire just looked with disbelief before turning into dust.
Turning, the red haired man looked at the remaining members.
"Who feels lucky?"
Two of them took off running. Only one was left. He was human. A very big human.
"Let's see you try that shit with me."
The redhaired man jujst said, "Kay."
The large man sttarted running full tilt at redhead. Hew just stood there, waiting. As his assailant got closer he just stood there. When the charging man was within range, redhead jumped towards him with his arm extended. The combined force of the two created a nice crfack as the charging man hit the ground, his neck at an odd angle.
"Damn I'm good."
Turning towards Faith, Ian saw that she had lost consciousness. He removed his jacket and wrapped her in it. Picking her up, he turned towards where her apartment was. As he walked he just revelled in being this close to her.
"Just my luck. We finally meet and your unconscious."
Reaching her building, Ian went through her pockets looking for her keys. Finding them, he unlocked the buildings front door. Picking her up again he carried her to the number on her key. Entering her apartment he went into her bedroom and divested her of her pants. Putting her under her covers he turned to leave. Stopping, her turned towards her.
"Ahh, what the hell."
Ian returned to Faith's side. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. Standing straight again, he just looked at her.
"Soon you won't have to worry anymore."
As Ian left her bedroom to return home, two things were missed. No one heard Ian say, "I am turning into such a wimp.". And no one saw the content smile on Faith's face.