*ATTENTION* If you know a web site where I could get a complete and
detailed summery of the episode "First Date" that was on a few weeks I
would very much appreciate it if you would review and tell me it. Also, web
sites where I might find direct quotes from the episode would also be
helpful. Thanks a ton, on with the chapter!
Chapter 5
We were in Texas. There was nothing wrong with the state itself, unless it's summer, really hot out when your air conditioning's not working very well, and your watcher is telling you that you still have to practice. Then we have a problem.
The fact that we hadn't come across a new vampire for the past two months didn't matter. I still needed to work, and this week we were working on swords.
The training room was the largest in our house, which was basically an over sized shack with a basement. The basement was the biggest open area so that's where we worked. The windows were covered on one side, blocking out the sunlight. Weapons were lined up on the wall, everything in the best of shape.
I was standing in the middle of the training mat, Todd standing near by, both of us were sweating and tired, and if it wasn't for Lloyd watching us Todd would have called a break and we would be resting right now. Fortunately Todd and Lloyd were taking the time to criticize me so I was sort of getting a break.
"You're speed was good, but your style's a little off. You need to work on. . ." and the list went on. My arm needed to be held differently, I needed to change my stance, I wasn't aiming right, everything was just a little off. I tuned it all out and considered how nice a glace of orange juice might be.
"Oh well you shut up already!" Alucard yelled from his dark corner. He was sitting on his cot, glaring at us, irritated that we wouldn't let him get some sleep.
Both watchers glanced at him. He was trapped in a cage that we built when we first got here. Alucard agreed that it was a step up from being chained to the wall, but he still didn't like it. After having him around for a year we had gotten use to his complaints, and whether or not they would admit, the watchers actually listened to what he said.
Alucard had this annoying habit to tell us something, or at least to hint at it, then to seam to forget what he had been talking about or give us only half the information, but we had been able to piece together quite a few things over the year. The first thing was that Buffy was alive again, that was a surprise, but Alucard said that if she hadn't come back to life I wouldn't have either.
It had been a month before he had explained that, and we still were fuzzy on details. Basically what we knew is that I had to be the third slayer, So there had to be two others. At the moment they were Buffy and Faith.
The prophecy that he kept refereeing to wasn't something short and simple. According to Alucard, it was a book, a long book, on the whole story of what happens, or on the many things that could happen. He also mentioned that it was written during the time he was alive, but he never mentioned where or in what language.
"Alucard, if we bug you so much I'd be happy to get you some ear plugs, and a gag," Todd muttered.
Alucard ignored the gag comment while answering, "If you two are going to be drilling her then I'd love the plugs. Frankly though, she doesn't need your comments. How many vampires is she going to be fencing with anyway? She'd do better with a stake."
Todd took a moment to glare at him. "Yes, well, how many vampires have we seen around here?" he asked. There hadn't been any, something to do with the mystical energies that were keeping us safe. Vampires didn't like it, but some demons thrived in it. Those demons did use swords.
Alucard must have been thinking the same thing so he simply shrugged and looked away. "She still has no need for your comments. If she was going for the kill I guarantee you she wouldn't make a mistake," he stopped to smile for a moment, as if remembering something funny. "Yes, that would be fun to watch."
"And how do you know so much?" Lloyd asked, hoping for a real answer instead of one of Alucard's more common riddles.
Alucard turned to me for a moment, carefully looking me over. "Just a hunch I have," he murmured in his half serious half joking voice. That normally meant that he didn't want to talk about it.
"Bloody hell Alucard," Todd muttered. "For once can't you just tell us something strait out? God, I have half a mind to let Beth stake you already."
Smirking Alucard got to his feet. "Fine then, if you feel that way, let me fight her. Sword combat. I bet you a pint of blood that if she goes all out not only will her performance be perfect, but it'll be something you've never seen before." Coming from Alucard that meant he was sure of himself. He was never one to risk his meal being taken away unless he knew he would win.
Todd knew that so he took a moment to consider the bet. The fact that Alucard was so sure of himself was intriguing. "This doesn't have anything to do with the prophecy? You got me last time with that I won't make that mistake again."
Grinning Alucard took a moment to think himself. "Well, in a sense it has something to do with the prophecy, but no it wasn't written in it as far as I know. Hell, Liz's life is a legend to some people, either that or a tragedy, I'm sure she can fight off one measly vamp."
That was actually his way of avoiding the topic.
Todd quickly looked to Lloyd for permission. Lloyd didn't look too sure of the idea, but he grabbed a cross for the weapon wall and nodded his approval. That was all Todd needed to step forward with a key, well, several keys. He unlocked four locks before opening the door to Alucard's cage.
Alucard knew the drill. He wasn't let out much, and he knew if he ever attacked we would do our best to kill him. It was all explained to him the first time he was told to get in one. The rules were simple. He would get blood once a day, he was to remain at least a foot away from the edge of the cage when someone was near it. He was to stand away from the door when it opened. He couldn't kill anyone when leaving it. He was to follow all other instructions. As I said, quite simple.
Alucard casually stepped out. He paused before moving on, and I saw why. We hadn't covered up the windows on our side of the room and he would get burnt if he stepped into the light. He motioned to the windows impatiently.
"Wait, you never asked me if I would fight you," I said, suddenly getting an idea.
Rolling his eyes Alucard sighed. "Fine, whatever. I must warn you though, I don't care how hard you fight, I'm going to kill," he raised a hand to shut the watchers up. "No, don't argue. I have no doubt that she'll be able to stop me from killing her, if not you have those lovely cross bows and axes, I'm sure you can at least get the shades off the windows soon enough to stop me.
Again the watchers were about to argue, but this time I stepped in. "No, it's okay. I just have one condition." Alucard raised an eyebrow curiously. I didn't grin, but I wanted to. I had a way of checking just how serious Alucard was. There was no way around it. "If you lose the bet, you have to tell me your real name."
Alucard's face flashed surprise before quickly returning to the more familiar grin. "Eck, should've seen that coming. Hmm. . . Now that does through in a twist," He stopped to seriously consider how he should answer. While he treated it like his personal joke I knew keeping his name secret meant something to him, though I didn't know why. That was why he had chosen such a common name as a cover, he could claim it was a joke and no one would push it. I couldn't help it though, I was curious.
"Fine then, it's a deal. Double the blood when I win this bet and we're game," Alucard finally said. His chin was set stubbornly and I knew he truly had no doubt that he would win this bet. That didn't mean, however, that he would go easy on me. That wasn't his style.
Todd nodded to the new conditions. "Yes, very well then. For the swords," he quickly selected two of the actual fighting ones, not the practice swords we had been using earlier. Handing one to Alucard before giving me one he went to secure the curtains. "I suppose we should set boundaries, so I suggest that you stay on the mat. We will allow exceptions, but try to keep it close." Once the windows were secure he quickly joined Lloyd on the sidelines. "Don't suppose the Jordan might want to watch this?" he asked.
Lloyd considered the option. "Yes, maybe we should ask him."
"Oh come on now, just let us fight," Alucard snapped.
Lloyd gave him his 'I'm in charge' look and left the room. A few minutes later not only did Jordan stroll in but Chris came as well.
Jordan looked on with casual interest, examining each of us before moving a few knives to the side so he could sit on a table. Chris looked a little nervous, but he always looked that way. He followed Jordan to the table, but pulled the chair out from behind it before taking his seat.
Alucard coughed to get attention. "Can we start now?"
"Of course, please begin," Todd said, as if it was just a normal training exercise.
I made the mistake of blinking as Todd said that, and because of it I almost missed Alucard's attack. Instinct took over and I lifted my sword to block it without even thinking. The moment our swords touched Alucard jumped back then attacked again. I began to relax a little as I adjusted to the faster than human speed.
The adjustment was easy. Ever sense the incident in Chicago I had been at full strength. No, I had been better than full strength. Not only was I faster and stronger than I had been when I first became a slayer, I was also seeing things more clearly. I'd fight a demon, or just be practicing, and just like right now, I'd feel like I had done it before. It felt as if it was easy, as if I had always been this fast. Alucard's only opinion to that was to mutter, "So you're as strong as a demon, you're the slayer after all."
He had known I'd get this strong though. Alucard knew so many things, and he wouldn't say it, but you could just tell. He seamed so smug with al his knowledge that it was nice to catch him by surprise.
At the moment though that wasn't happening. The moves we were making felt routine. I knew them, but so did he. For every attack I made he knew it was coming and had the required counter, and vice versa. The fight seemed to be little more than a warm up. I felt that we were starting to repeat ourselves so I backed up, away from the fight. Funny thing was that Alucard did the same thing.
"Ready for something hard?" He asked.
Not waiting for an answer he moved again. Expecting his attack I met it, and then he were moving too fast for me to keep up. I blocked his attack, then blocked another, barely being able to keep up with him. I was falling behind and I was beginning to doubt that I could do this. Suddenly Alucard tripped me and I was on the ground. I rolled onto my stomach to avoid his sword, then rolled again as I felt it coming at me. Staring up at Alucard I saw him swing again, and suddenly things changed.
My mind focused on one thing, Alucard. His sword became a part of him and I was able to see clearly exactly what would happen. There was no thought involved in moving my sword, everything was instinct. His sword crashed into mine. Some part of my mind was telling me that my arm hurt from the blow, but that part wasn't controlling things. There were no thoughts to the part that was.
In a moment I was on my feet. I stood still, waiting for Alucard's attack. He paused for a moment, staring at me very hard as he searched for something. In an instant he found whatever he had been looking for and grinned. In a moment he was once again the cocky, arrogant vampire that I had first met, but at the same time he knew he wasn't going to win.
All of that happened at once, and then he attacked. My sword was raised to block before I realized I had moved. Then I was attacking with such speed and force that I didn't bother to try to follow my own movements, I couldn't keep up with myself.
Alucard was losing ground quickly. I pushed him back further and further, and the more I did the happier he seamed.
I swung the sword at his neck and he grabbed my arm before swinging his sword for my neck. Twisting I threw myself to the side. My arm twisted out of his hold as I hit the ground. Even as I was rolling though I got back onto my feet and was ready for what came next.
The fight went on, but we weren't getting anywhere and I was starting to slow down. Knowing that whatever was giving me my edge was going away I started to panic, and that made things worse. Alucard saw it, however, and suddenly he was caught up in my discomfort. As quickly as it came his arrogance faded. Just as quickly his attacks changed, and somewhere in the back of my mind I knew what he was doing.
Each swing was like a memory, and my body responded to the memory. The problem was that this wasn't me. I was playing out someone else's actions and something was wrong with this memory. Even as I took the upper hand I knew that things weren't right, even if this was how the memory happened the out come had been wrong.
Suddenly his sword came at my head from above, and this time I reached out and grabbed it. The force drove part of it into my skin, but for the most part I was able to keep it at a safe angle. With Alucard's guard down I stared at him. I saw him looking back at me and for a moment I had it, I knew when and where this had happened.
Then I shoved my sword into his heart, and everything vanished.
Letting go of both swords I took a step back in confusion. Something had happened, something important. I just didn't know what. The room was filled with noise and none of it was making it to my head. My body was numb, but that was going away, just not as quickly as whatever had been in control of me.
It hadn't been something else though, that was me. Just a part of me I didn't know existed.
Alucard had known though, that's why he had made that bet. Somehow he had known exactly what would happen. I shuddered. That was a scary thought. If he knew that, then what else did he know? A lot. Definitely a lot.
Laughter brought me out of my state of shock. Alucard was lying on the floor with my sword sticking out of his heart, laughing. No one else had moved.
"Be a dear and get this sword out of me," Alucard asked me cheerfully. If I hadn't felt so bad for stabbing him in the first place I wouldn't have helped, but the nagging feeling that I had done something wrong led me to retrieve my sword. He watched me for a moment as I quickly dropped the sword once I pulled it out of him. He was clutching his chest as blood pored out. We all knew he would live, but it was still unsettling to watch.
"So, how bout you help me back into the cage and get me a bandage and my blood?" Alucard suggested.
None of us moved at first. Surprisingly Chris was the one to break the silence. "Right, a bandage," he murmured as he quickly got around to grabbing one. He quickly walked up to Alucard then stood awkwardly as if he wasn't sure of what to do.
Alucard pushed himself to his feet as he smirked at Chris. He easily took the bandage from Chris. I wondered how long he would be able to stay on his feet before the wound would catch up with him.
Lloyd spoke up as Chris hurried back to his spot. "That was quite a performance," he started, but like everything it brings up more questions. Would you care to explain what just happened, Alucard?"
Shaking his head Alucard merely shrugged Lloyd's question off. "Nothing to explain. We fought, she won. Nice job, too," he added to me. Nodding I gulped. Too good of a job, there was no way I knew how to fight like that.
"Anyway, my blood?"
Jordan hopped off the table. "Yeah, I'll get tha-" he paused. "Did you hear something?"
Everyone's focus changed as we turned to Jordan. He was just standing, listening. I hadn't heard anything, and neither had Alucard. Maybe we just weren't listening.
"There it was again," Jordan said.
Alucard nodded, "Yeah, I heard it that time. You're not expecting anyone are you?" he asked.
"No," Lloyd said. He was watching Jordan, who was still listening for what I couldn't here. When Jordan looked up his attention was on the windows, Alucard was staring at them too.
Turning to try to see what the deal was someone suddenly tackled me as Alucard yelled "Duck!"
I saw Jordan roll over and get off me before turning to see a knife in the floor some feet away and the broken window where it came from. From the angle of the knife I was guessing it was aimed at my heart.
"Get up," Jordan said as he pulled me to my feet.
"It's sunlight, they aren't vampires," I stated.
Jordan was shaking his head. "No, not vamps. Damn, I don't have a clue," he was muttering more to himself than to me.
Suddenly there was a crash,, and the basement was being invaded. Three of the windows were broken and people were coming in; four people from each window.
There wasn't time to get a good look at them, but I got a clear view of their weapon of choice: A deadly looking knife which I'm sure they were quite good with. Four of them came at me and I dived for the closest weapon, Alucard's sword.
One of them dived at me with his knife. Grabbing the sword I held it up to block him from me. He ran right into it. The body collapsed onto me and I didn't have time to get the sword out of it. Instead I grabbed his own knife and used it to defend myself against the other three demons.
I slit one of their throats and another ended with his own knife in his heart. When I finished with him I faced the fourth, just in time to see a dagger drive into his forehead, right above where his eyes should have been, but instead were scares xed into his sockets. I watched the body fall before turning to see who had thrown the dagger.
Jordan stood beside the table he had been sitting at earlier fighting off two of the demons while behind him Chris stood shaking. I was sure the dagger had come from that direction but I didn't know who threw it, then for just an instant Chris stood up strait and let loose a dagger I hadn't know he had been holding. It hit its target dead on, dropping another of the demons.
Surprise didn't get the chance to set in. While my mind was in awe that Chris could actually help in a fight my body was responding to the continued fight. Todd and Lloyd were handling their demons well enough, and Alucard was working his way along the wall, avoiding the broken windows and the sunlight.
When the demons saw I was without an attacker they came at me, the first at a rush. I ducked and flipped him over my shoulder then rose back up to grab another's arm before he could stab me. Twirling him around I threw him into a wall, and then dodged another dagger before delivering a kick.
Before I knew it I was fighting next to the cage, and while I wasn't doing bad I was fighting too many demons at once. Alucard was leaning against the door to the cage, slowly letting the hole in his chest heal. Getting an idea I grabbed the closest demon and threw him into Alucard. Both of them fell back into the cage and I swung the door shut, locking it in place.
"What the. . ." Alucard yelled, "You can't leave me in here with him!"
"Can and will, take care of him for me? Thanks." I ignored Alucard's protests as I continued with the fight. He would take care of himself or get killed, either way the odds were getting better and after another knife in the heart and breaking a demon's neck I stood alone among a sea of black robbed demons.
The watchers stood around the room, each of them responsible for several of the dead demons. I heard a cry from behind me and then a bunch of curses followed by a thud.
"Damn it slayer! You almost got me killed!" Alucard yelled. I ignored him.
Turning to Lloyd who stood panting next to Todd. "Glad to know we can all fight, but who were these guys?" I kicked own of the corpses. "What are they doing here?"
Lloyd rubbed his eyes as he tried to think things out. "I don't know, they look familiar. I've probably seen a picture somewhere. . ."
"There bringers you idiot!" Alucard yelled from behind me. "I don't know why or how but you've ticked off The First and it sent bringers. Damn it, you're going to get me killed."
"Quite yelling," Jordan snapped. "Are you sure they were bringers?"
"What're bringers?" I asked, but my question went unheard as Alucard talked over me.
"Of course I'm sure. You don't joke about The First. You don't even begin to joke about The First."
"Why would it be after us though?" Asked Chris. "The First doesn't usually mess with slayers, and how would you know what a bringer is?"
"What're bringers?"
Alucard growled under his breath. "You don't try to figure out The First. You run, and fast."
"But how do you know they're bringers?" Chris asked.
"What're you talking about?"
"I've been around for over a thousand years. Plenty of time to run into bringers."
Todd was nodding. "Yes, that makes sense, but this is a problem. We need to know what going on."
"Agreed," added Lloyd. "I'll call the council right away. Alucard's right, The First isn't someone to be messed with."
"I asked, who's The First?" This time I shouted to make sure they could hear.
Everyone turned to me. "Bloody hell," Jordan muttered. "I'm going to call the coven to see what they know." he said as he walked out the door leaving the others to explain.
Following his pattern of unusual events Christ was the first to talk. "The first evil. We have a volume on it, but it doesn't say much. The bringers are its minions. The first can take on the appearance of any dead person, but it can't touch anything. The bringers take care of the killing."
It was my turn to rub my eyes, and I realized I was rubbing them with bloody hands. "Ah crap. I need a shower." With a sigh I took a moment to plan things out. "Chris, get Alucard his blood, he lost a lot in the fight we might need him later-"
"So you can lock me in the cage with them," Alucard growled.
"-Lloyd call the council, I'll be back to clean this up. I need to get out of here," with that I followed Jordan's example and walked out of the room.
My mind was still on the fight--both fights. There was too much to think about and I didn't have the effort to bother. Walking to the bathroom I quickly stripped and walked into the shower. After turning the shower on cold I just stood there and let the water fall on me.
Closing my eyes I relaxed. For a moment I wasn't thinking about the bringers or what went on with Alucard. I was just standing there in peace. Then I opened my eyes and saw blood under my fingernails and the peace was shattered. Groaning I grabbed the soap and began to scrub. Hopefully the bringers would be easy to clean up. Then at least when I showered again I might not have to scrub as much.
I spent at least half an hour cleaning before I finally stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. I wrapped it around myself and walked to my bedroom. Quickly I got dressed, putting on sweats and a long sleeved t-shirt despite the hot weather. I didn't have time to worry about my hair so I let it hang loose, though I brushed it on the way to the training room.
Chris and Todd were already on clean up duty while Alucard laid on his caught sipping blood. The bringer in his cage had it heart ripped out. I was glad I hadn't seen that.
Todd saw me walk in and gave me a weak grin. "Well, we have our work cut out for us. Lloyd and Jordan are still getting info."
I nodded as I stared at the carnage. Not sure where to begin cleaning I carefully avoided the corpses. All the weapons had been pulled out of the bodies. Some were simply tossed into a pile others were cleaned and put away in their appropriate places. Crossing my arms I shivered. All the heat in Texas couldn't keep the chills from me. I didn't know what was going on and that scared me. Todd seemed to understand and he didn't say anything as I just stared and watched him work. For the most part the room stayed quite.
Then Lloyd walked in, looking disheveled and worried. I could tell he was going to be the barer of bad news.
"I've talked to the council," he began. "It seams we aren't the only people the bringers have attacked. They're killing potentials all over the world."
I looked around to see if anyone else wasn't sure what that meant. "Potentials?"
Lloyd sighed before he continued. "Every watcher is assigned to a potential slayer or to assist the council. The potentials are the girls that will become slayers when the current slayer dies. There are hundred, or there were hundreds. Now it seam our numbers are dwindling." Again he sighed. He looked like he was about to collapse from exhaustion, but he continued to explain. "The council is still trying to figure out what's happening. We don't know why the first is attacking, only that it's happening and we have to do something about it."
Todd paused in his work to ask a question. "So do we have orders?"
Lloyd nodded. "They say that the bringers can attack us anywhere, but the boss hasn't found us yet. Jordan says that The Boss has a coven working for him, and that they know about this place, all of the hot spots really, but this one is special because we have a vampire with us we can stay hidden. Because of that it's the only place they can't find us."
"So we stay put," I summarized. Lloyd nodded. "And we watch out for bringers?"
"That's the plan."
"So what happens when they come back, or when The Boss finds us?" Alucard asked, his voice sounding strained. He wasn't hiding his pain anymore and I could hear in his voice how much it hurt.
"When they find us?" Lloyd asked. He leaned his head down and thought. When he looked up his face had changed. While still tired and worried he also looked stubborn. He had just made up his mind and no matter what any of us said, or the council, he wasn't going to change it.
"When they find us, we're going to Sunnydale."
~
Okay, so, what did you think? Shorter than the last chapter, and I actually had it finished and ready to go last weekend, then I left the saved copy at my dad's house and I had to wait until my sister could e-mail it to me, that's why it so late. *sorry* But for the thank yous . . .
Beyondthesilence: yes, last chapter was a bit long, trust me, I was editing it, a task I'm not good at. Buffy's birthday? Season six, spike's beat up rather nicely, but still hot. Wow, you are behind there, but if you want you can send me an e-mail with English phrases and stuff for the watchers. I only know what Spike says and that's not a lot. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I was thinking about splitting it in two, I just didn't get around to it. Um, btw, while I will be completely changing the plot to the story, at first I will try to follow it kind of close (kind of being the key words) so while a lot is just stuff I throw in, a lot of it actually happens, so you'll get part of the plot to episodes you haven't seen. Just so you know. . .
Gidgetgirl: Wow. . . *blinks* Wow. . . that is the longest review I have ever gotten. I'm glad you liked the chapter though ^.^ Okay, now I'm going to try to work with this piece by piece, I'd like to say it's late and my mind's not working too peachy like, but I'll manage.
You mention Jordan first, this chapter starts to hint at what he does, I think. He actually beomes a main character for a few chapters after this one, can't say why though. With Zeke. . . Well, he was Liz's best friend for about sixty years, so yeah it's kind of complicated. I'm glad you like my style, and the humor. The clown comment was because I wanted him to be sarcastic, funny and a little punk rockish all at the same time, so it fits. The prophecy. . . I actually figured it out. Well, not word for word, but I have a real plot now and the prophecy is important to it, just not in the way you might suspect. As for Elisabeth's name. I've actually heard somewhere that Buffy's a nickname for it, but I wasn't thinking about that when I wrote this. Do they have a connection? Yes and no, but it's kind of hard to explain. The name's 'Liz' and 'Beth' do play a role, however. No, you didn't review ch. 3 but don't feel bad, you more than made up for it. Plot bunnies, ah yes, I know those. . . but as for her crossing paths with other people. *coughs, coughs again. Bite's tongue to keep from talking. . .* No comment. Um, as for the evil-slayer thing. Well, back to her name. It's too early to notice yet, but as the story goes on for vampires (other than spike) she's called Liz, while the scoobies and her watcher's call her Beth. They're kind of alter egos in a way, latter explained. Okay, back to the love interest. Can't be Oz, sorry, I know how he's showing up and it's not for the love interest. Todd. . . I don't know, I'm getting a good idea of where I want the story to go and I don't think Todd will work with it. As for Spike. . . um. . . they can't be together for reasons you will discover in the next chapter or so. That's all I can say because I'm too tired to leave any hints without telling everything.
Okay, long answer to a long review, again I'm glad you liked the story! One last thing, you offered to proof read my story, and I'd really like that. I'm leaving my e-mail at the bottom so send me an e-mail and I'll work on getting you the sixth chapter to look over.
Thanks again to everyone!
~Rave
liwen_13@yahoo.com
Chapter 5
We were in Texas. There was nothing wrong with the state itself, unless it's summer, really hot out when your air conditioning's not working very well, and your watcher is telling you that you still have to practice. Then we have a problem.
The fact that we hadn't come across a new vampire for the past two months didn't matter. I still needed to work, and this week we were working on swords.
The training room was the largest in our house, which was basically an over sized shack with a basement. The basement was the biggest open area so that's where we worked. The windows were covered on one side, blocking out the sunlight. Weapons were lined up on the wall, everything in the best of shape.
I was standing in the middle of the training mat, Todd standing near by, both of us were sweating and tired, and if it wasn't for Lloyd watching us Todd would have called a break and we would be resting right now. Fortunately Todd and Lloyd were taking the time to criticize me so I was sort of getting a break.
"You're speed was good, but your style's a little off. You need to work on. . ." and the list went on. My arm needed to be held differently, I needed to change my stance, I wasn't aiming right, everything was just a little off. I tuned it all out and considered how nice a glace of orange juice might be.
"Oh well you shut up already!" Alucard yelled from his dark corner. He was sitting on his cot, glaring at us, irritated that we wouldn't let him get some sleep.
Both watchers glanced at him. He was trapped in a cage that we built when we first got here. Alucard agreed that it was a step up from being chained to the wall, but he still didn't like it. After having him around for a year we had gotten use to his complaints, and whether or not they would admit, the watchers actually listened to what he said.
Alucard had this annoying habit to tell us something, or at least to hint at it, then to seam to forget what he had been talking about or give us only half the information, but we had been able to piece together quite a few things over the year. The first thing was that Buffy was alive again, that was a surprise, but Alucard said that if she hadn't come back to life I wouldn't have either.
It had been a month before he had explained that, and we still were fuzzy on details. Basically what we knew is that I had to be the third slayer, So there had to be two others. At the moment they were Buffy and Faith.
The prophecy that he kept refereeing to wasn't something short and simple. According to Alucard, it was a book, a long book, on the whole story of what happens, or on the many things that could happen. He also mentioned that it was written during the time he was alive, but he never mentioned where or in what language.
"Alucard, if we bug you so much I'd be happy to get you some ear plugs, and a gag," Todd muttered.
Alucard ignored the gag comment while answering, "If you two are going to be drilling her then I'd love the plugs. Frankly though, she doesn't need your comments. How many vampires is she going to be fencing with anyway? She'd do better with a stake."
Todd took a moment to glare at him. "Yes, well, how many vampires have we seen around here?" he asked. There hadn't been any, something to do with the mystical energies that were keeping us safe. Vampires didn't like it, but some demons thrived in it. Those demons did use swords.
Alucard must have been thinking the same thing so he simply shrugged and looked away. "She still has no need for your comments. If she was going for the kill I guarantee you she wouldn't make a mistake," he stopped to smile for a moment, as if remembering something funny. "Yes, that would be fun to watch."
"And how do you know so much?" Lloyd asked, hoping for a real answer instead of one of Alucard's more common riddles.
Alucard turned to me for a moment, carefully looking me over. "Just a hunch I have," he murmured in his half serious half joking voice. That normally meant that he didn't want to talk about it.
"Bloody hell Alucard," Todd muttered. "For once can't you just tell us something strait out? God, I have half a mind to let Beth stake you already."
Smirking Alucard got to his feet. "Fine then, if you feel that way, let me fight her. Sword combat. I bet you a pint of blood that if she goes all out not only will her performance be perfect, but it'll be something you've never seen before." Coming from Alucard that meant he was sure of himself. He was never one to risk his meal being taken away unless he knew he would win.
Todd knew that so he took a moment to consider the bet. The fact that Alucard was so sure of himself was intriguing. "This doesn't have anything to do with the prophecy? You got me last time with that I won't make that mistake again."
Grinning Alucard took a moment to think himself. "Well, in a sense it has something to do with the prophecy, but no it wasn't written in it as far as I know. Hell, Liz's life is a legend to some people, either that or a tragedy, I'm sure she can fight off one measly vamp."
That was actually his way of avoiding the topic.
Todd quickly looked to Lloyd for permission. Lloyd didn't look too sure of the idea, but he grabbed a cross for the weapon wall and nodded his approval. That was all Todd needed to step forward with a key, well, several keys. He unlocked four locks before opening the door to Alucard's cage.
Alucard knew the drill. He wasn't let out much, and he knew if he ever attacked we would do our best to kill him. It was all explained to him the first time he was told to get in one. The rules were simple. He would get blood once a day, he was to remain at least a foot away from the edge of the cage when someone was near it. He was to stand away from the door when it opened. He couldn't kill anyone when leaving it. He was to follow all other instructions. As I said, quite simple.
Alucard casually stepped out. He paused before moving on, and I saw why. We hadn't covered up the windows on our side of the room and he would get burnt if he stepped into the light. He motioned to the windows impatiently.
"Wait, you never asked me if I would fight you," I said, suddenly getting an idea.
Rolling his eyes Alucard sighed. "Fine, whatever. I must warn you though, I don't care how hard you fight, I'm going to kill," he raised a hand to shut the watchers up. "No, don't argue. I have no doubt that she'll be able to stop me from killing her, if not you have those lovely cross bows and axes, I'm sure you can at least get the shades off the windows soon enough to stop me.
Again the watchers were about to argue, but this time I stepped in. "No, it's okay. I just have one condition." Alucard raised an eyebrow curiously. I didn't grin, but I wanted to. I had a way of checking just how serious Alucard was. There was no way around it. "If you lose the bet, you have to tell me your real name."
Alucard's face flashed surprise before quickly returning to the more familiar grin. "Eck, should've seen that coming. Hmm. . . Now that does through in a twist," He stopped to seriously consider how he should answer. While he treated it like his personal joke I knew keeping his name secret meant something to him, though I didn't know why. That was why he had chosen such a common name as a cover, he could claim it was a joke and no one would push it. I couldn't help it though, I was curious.
"Fine then, it's a deal. Double the blood when I win this bet and we're game," Alucard finally said. His chin was set stubbornly and I knew he truly had no doubt that he would win this bet. That didn't mean, however, that he would go easy on me. That wasn't his style.
Todd nodded to the new conditions. "Yes, very well then. For the swords," he quickly selected two of the actual fighting ones, not the practice swords we had been using earlier. Handing one to Alucard before giving me one he went to secure the curtains. "I suppose we should set boundaries, so I suggest that you stay on the mat. We will allow exceptions, but try to keep it close." Once the windows were secure he quickly joined Lloyd on the sidelines. "Don't suppose the Jordan might want to watch this?" he asked.
Lloyd considered the option. "Yes, maybe we should ask him."
"Oh come on now, just let us fight," Alucard snapped.
Lloyd gave him his 'I'm in charge' look and left the room. A few minutes later not only did Jordan stroll in but Chris came as well.
Jordan looked on with casual interest, examining each of us before moving a few knives to the side so he could sit on a table. Chris looked a little nervous, but he always looked that way. He followed Jordan to the table, but pulled the chair out from behind it before taking his seat.
Alucard coughed to get attention. "Can we start now?"
"Of course, please begin," Todd said, as if it was just a normal training exercise.
I made the mistake of blinking as Todd said that, and because of it I almost missed Alucard's attack. Instinct took over and I lifted my sword to block it without even thinking. The moment our swords touched Alucard jumped back then attacked again. I began to relax a little as I adjusted to the faster than human speed.
The adjustment was easy. Ever sense the incident in Chicago I had been at full strength. No, I had been better than full strength. Not only was I faster and stronger than I had been when I first became a slayer, I was also seeing things more clearly. I'd fight a demon, or just be practicing, and just like right now, I'd feel like I had done it before. It felt as if it was easy, as if I had always been this fast. Alucard's only opinion to that was to mutter, "So you're as strong as a demon, you're the slayer after all."
He had known I'd get this strong though. Alucard knew so many things, and he wouldn't say it, but you could just tell. He seamed so smug with al his knowledge that it was nice to catch him by surprise.
At the moment though that wasn't happening. The moves we were making felt routine. I knew them, but so did he. For every attack I made he knew it was coming and had the required counter, and vice versa. The fight seemed to be little more than a warm up. I felt that we were starting to repeat ourselves so I backed up, away from the fight. Funny thing was that Alucard did the same thing.
"Ready for something hard?" He asked.
Not waiting for an answer he moved again. Expecting his attack I met it, and then he were moving too fast for me to keep up. I blocked his attack, then blocked another, barely being able to keep up with him. I was falling behind and I was beginning to doubt that I could do this. Suddenly Alucard tripped me and I was on the ground. I rolled onto my stomach to avoid his sword, then rolled again as I felt it coming at me. Staring up at Alucard I saw him swing again, and suddenly things changed.
My mind focused on one thing, Alucard. His sword became a part of him and I was able to see clearly exactly what would happen. There was no thought involved in moving my sword, everything was instinct. His sword crashed into mine. Some part of my mind was telling me that my arm hurt from the blow, but that part wasn't controlling things. There were no thoughts to the part that was.
In a moment I was on my feet. I stood still, waiting for Alucard's attack. He paused for a moment, staring at me very hard as he searched for something. In an instant he found whatever he had been looking for and grinned. In a moment he was once again the cocky, arrogant vampire that I had first met, but at the same time he knew he wasn't going to win.
All of that happened at once, and then he attacked. My sword was raised to block before I realized I had moved. Then I was attacking with such speed and force that I didn't bother to try to follow my own movements, I couldn't keep up with myself.
Alucard was losing ground quickly. I pushed him back further and further, and the more I did the happier he seamed.
I swung the sword at his neck and he grabbed my arm before swinging his sword for my neck. Twisting I threw myself to the side. My arm twisted out of his hold as I hit the ground. Even as I was rolling though I got back onto my feet and was ready for what came next.
The fight went on, but we weren't getting anywhere and I was starting to slow down. Knowing that whatever was giving me my edge was going away I started to panic, and that made things worse. Alucard saw it, however, and suddenly he was caught up in my discomfort. As quickly as it came his arrogance faded. Just as quickly his attacks changed, and somewhere in the back of my mind I knew what he was doing.
Each swing was like a memory, and my body responded to the memory. The problem was that this wasn't me. I was playing out someone else's actions and something was wrong with this memory. Even as I took the upper hand I knew that things weren't right, even if this was how the memory happened the out come had been wrong.
Suddenly his sword came at my head from above, and this time I reached out and grabbed it. The force drove part of it into my skin, but for the most part I was able to keep it at a safe angle. With Alucard's guard down I stared at him. I saw him looking back at me and for a moment I had it, I knew when and where this had happened.
Then I shoved my sword into his heart, and everything vanished.
Letting go of both swords I took a step back in confusion. Something had happened, something important. I just didn't know what. The room was filled with noise and none of it was making it to my head. My body was numb, but that was going away, just not as quickly as whatever had been in control of me.
It hadn't been something else though, that was me. Just a part of me I didn't know existed.
Alucard had known though, that's why he had made that bet. Somehow he had known exactly what would happen. I shuddered. That was a scary thought. If he knew that, then what else did he know? A lot. Definitely a lot.
Laughter brought me out of my state of shock. Alucard was lying on the floor with my sword sticking out of his heart, laughing. No one else had moved.
"Be a dear and get this sword out of me," Alucard asked me cheerfully. If I hadn't felt so bad for stabbing him in the first place I wouldn't have helped, but the nagging feeling that I had done something wrong led me to retrieve my sword. He watched me for a moment as I quickly dropped the sword once I pulled it out of him. He was clutching his chest as blood pored out. We all knew he would live, but it was still unsettling to watch.
"So, how bout you help me back into the cage and get me a bandage and my blood?" Alucard suggested.
None of us moved at first. Surprisingly Chris was the one to break the silence. "Right, a bandage," he murmured as he quickly got around to grabbing one. He quickly walked up to Alucard then stood awkwardly as if he wasn't sure of what to do.
Alucard pushed himself to his feet as he smirked at Chris. He easily took the bandage from Chris. I wondered how long he would be able to stay on his feet before the wound would catch up with him.
Lloyd spoke up as Chris hurried back to his spot. "That was quite a performance," he started, but like everything it brings up more questions. Would you care to explain what just happened, Alucard?"
Shaking his head Alucard merely shrugged Lloyd's question off. "Nothing to explain. We fought, she won. Nice job, too," he added to me. Nodding I gulped. Too good of a job, there was no way I knew how to fight like that.
"Anyway, my blood?"
Jordan hopped off the table. "Yeah, I'll get tha-" he paused. "Did you hear something?"
Everyone's focus changed as we turned to Jordan. He was just standing, listening. I hadn't heard anything, and neither had Alucard. Maybe we just weren't listening.
"There it was again," Jordan said.
Alucard nodded, "Yeah, I heard it that time. You're not expecting anyone are you?" he asked.
"No," Lloyd said. He was watching Jordan, who was still listening for what I couldn't here. When Jordan looked up his attention was on the windows, Alucard was staring at them too.
Turning to try to see what the deal was someone suddenly tackled me as Alucard yelled "Duck!"
I saw Jordan roll over and get off me before turning to see a knife in the floor some feet away and the broken window where it came from. From the angle of the knife I was guessing it was aimed at my heart.
"Get up," Jordan said as he pulled me to my feet.
"It's sunlight, they aren't vampires," I stated.
Jordan was shaking his head. "No, not vamps. Damn, I don't have a clue," he was muttering more to himself than to me.
Suddenly there was a crash,, and the basement was being invaded. Three of the windows were broken and people were coming in; four people from each window.
There wasn't time to get a good look at them, but I got a clear view of their weapon of choice: A deadly looking knife which I'm sure they were quite good with. Four of them came at me and I dived for the closest weapon, Alucard's sword.
One of them dived at me with his knife. Grabbing the sword I held it up to block him from me. He ran right into it. The body collapsed onto me and I didn't have time to get the sword out of it. Instead I grabbed his own knife and used it to defend myself against the other three demons.
I slit one of their throats and another ended with his own knife in his heart. When I finished with him I faced the fourth, just in time to see a dagger drive into his forehead, right above where his eyes should have been, but instead were scares xed into his sockets. I watched the body fall before turning to see who had thrown the dagger.
Jordan stood beside the table he had been sitting at earlier fighting off two of the demons while behind him Chris stood shaking. I was sure the dagger had come from that direction but I didn't know who threw it, then for just an instant Chris stood up strait and let loose a dagger I hadn't know he had been holding. It hit its target dead on, dropping another of the demons.
Surprise didn't get the chance to set in. While my mind was in awe that Chris could actually help in a fight my body was responding to the continued fight. Todd and Lloyd were handling their demons well enough, and Alucard was working his way along the wall, avoiding the broken windows and the sunlight.
When the demons saw I was without an attacker they came at me, the first at a rush. I ducked and flipped him over my shoulder then rose back up to grab another's arm before he could stab me. Twirling him around I threw him into a wall, and then dodged another dagger before delivering a kick.
Before I knew it I was fighting next to the cage, and while I wasn't doing bad I was fighting too many demons at once. Alucard was leaning against the door to the cage, slowly letting the hole in his chest heal. Getting an idea I grabbed the closest demon and threw him into Alucard. Both of them fell back into the cage and I swung the door shut, locking it in place.
"What the. . ." Alucard yelled, "You can't leave me in here with him!"
"Can and will, take care of him for me? Thanks." I ignored Alucard's protests as I continued with the fight. He would take care of himself or get killed, either way the odds were getting better and after another knife in the heart and breaking a demon's neck I stood alone among a sea of black robbed demons.
The watchers stood around the room, each of them responsible for several of the dead demons. I heard a cry from behind me and then a bunch of curses followed by a thud.
"Damn it slayer! You almost got me killed!" Alucard yelled. I ignored him.
Turning to Lloyd who stood panting next to Todd. "Glad to know we can all fight, but who were these guys?" I kicked own of the corpses. "What are they doing here?"
Lloyd rubbed his eyes as he tried to think things out. "I don't know, they look familiar. I've probably seen a picture somewhere. . ."
"There bringers you idiot!" Alucard yelled from behind me. "I don't know why or how but you've ticked off The First and it sent bringers. Damn it, you're going to get me killed."
"Quite yelling," Jordan snapped. "Are you sure they were bringers?"
"What're bringers?" I asked, but my question went unheard as Alucard talked over me.
"Of course I'm sure. You don't joke about The First. You don't even begin to joke about The First."
"Why would it be after us though?" Asked Chris. "The First doesn't usually mess with slayers, and how would you know what a bringer is?"
"What're bringers?"
Alucard growled under his breath. "You don't try to figure out The First. You run, and fast."
"But how do you know they're bringers?" Chris asked.
"What're you talking about?"
"I've been around for over a thousand years. Plenty of time to run into bringers."
Todd was nodding. "Yes, that makes sense, but this is a problem. We need to know what going on."
"Agreed," added Lloyd. "I'll call the council right away. Alucard's right, The First isn't someone to be messed with."
"I asked, who's The First?" This time I shouted to make sure they could hear.
Everyone turned to me. "Bloody hell," Jordan muttered. "I'm going to call the coven to see what they know." he said as he walked out the door leaving the others to explain.
Following his pattern of unusual events Christ was the first to talk. "The first evil. We have a volume on it, but it doesn't say much. The bringers are its minions. The first can take on the appearance of any dead person, but it can't touch anything. The bringers take care of the killing."
It was my turn to rub my eyes, and I realized I was rubbing them with bloody hands. "Ah crap. I need a shower." With a sigh I took a moment to plan things out. "Chris, get Alucard his blood, he lost a lot in the fight we might need him later-"
"So you can lock me in the cage with them," Alucard growled.
"-Lloyd call the council, I'll be back to clean this up. I need to get out of here," with that I followed Jordan's example and walked out of the room.
My mind was still on the fight--both fights. There was too much to think about and I didn't have the effort to bother. Walking to the bathroom I quickly stripped and walked into the shower. After turning the shower on cold I just stood there and let the water fall on me.
Closing my eyes I relaxed. For a moment I wasn't thinking about the bringers or what went on with Alucard. I was just standing there in peace. Then I opened my eyes and saw blood under my fingernails and the peace was shattered. Groaning I grabbed the soap and began to scrub. Hopefully the bringers would be easy to clean up. Then at least when I showered again I might not have to scrub as much.
I spent at least half an hour cleaning before I finally stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. I wrapped it around myself and walked to my bedroom. Quickly I got dressed, putting on sweats and a long sleeved t-shirt despite the hot weather. I didn't have time to worry about my hair so I let it hang loose, though I brushed it on the way to the training room.
Chris and Todd were already on clean up duty while Alucard laid on his caught sipping blood. The bringer in his cage had it heart ripped out. I was glad I hadn't seen that.
Todd saw me walk in and gave me a weak grin. "Well, we have our work cut out for us. Lloyd and Jordan are still getting info."
I nodded as I stared at the carnage. Not sure where to begin cleaning I carefully avoided the corpses. All the weapons had been pulled out of the bodies. Some were simply tossed into a pile others were cleaned and put away in their appropriate places. Crossing my arms I shivered. All the heat in Texas couldn't keep the chills from me. I didn't know what was going on and that scared me. Todd seemed to understand and he didn't say anything as I just stared and watched him work. For the most part the room stayed quite.
Then Lloyd walked in, looking disheveled and worried. I could tell he was going to be the barer of bad news.
"I've talked to the council," he began. "It seams we aren't the only people the bringers have attacked. They're killing potentials all over the world."
I looked around to see if anyone else wasn't sure what that meant. "Potentials?"
Lloyd sighed before he continued. "Every watcher is assigned to a potential slayer or to assist the council. The potentials are the girls that will become slayers when the current slayer dies. There are hundred, or there were hundreds. Now it seam our numbers are dwindling." Again he sighed. He looked like he was about to collapse from exhaustion, but he continued to explain. "The council is still trying to figure out what's happening. We don't know why the first is attacking, only that it's happening and we have to do something about it."
Todd paused in his work to ask a question. "So do we have orders?"
Lloyd nodded. "They say that the bringers can attack us anywhere, but the boss hasn't found us yet. Jordan says that The Boss has a coven working for him, and that they know about this place, all of the hot spots really, but this one is special because we have a vampire with us we can stay hidden. Because of that it's the only place they can't find us."
"So we stay put," I summarized. Lloyd nodded. "And we watch out for bringers?"
"That's the plan."
"So what happens when they come back, or when The Boss finds us?" Alucard asked, his voice sounding strained. He wasn't hiding his pain anymore and I could hear in his voice how much it hurt.
"When they find us?" Lloyd asked. He leaned his head down and thought. When he looked up his face had changed. While still tired and worried he also looked stubborn. He had just made up his mind and no matter what any of us said, or the council, he wasn't going to change it.
"When they find us, we're going to Sunnydale."
~
Okay, so, what did you think? Shorter than the last chapter, and I actually had it finished and ready to go last weekend, then I left the saved copy at my dad's house and I had to wait until my sister could e-mail it to me, that's why it so late. *sorry* But for the thank yous . . .
Beyondthesilence: yes, last chapter was a bit long, trust me, I was editing it, a task I'm not good at. Buffy's birthday? Season six, spike's beat up rather nicely, but still hot. Wow, you are behind there, but if you want you can send me an e-mail with English phrases and stuff for the watchers. I only know what Spike says and that's not a lot. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I was thinking about splitting it in two, I just didn't get around to it. Um, btw, while I will be completely changing the plot to the story, at first I will try to follow it kind of close (kind of being the key words) so while a lot is just stuff I throw in, a lot of it actually happens, so you'll get part of the plot to episodes you haven't seen. Just so you know. . .
Gidgetgirl: Wow. . . *blinks* Wow. . . that is the longest review I have ever gotten. I'm glad you liked the chapter though ^.^ Okay, now I'm going to try to work with this piece by piece, I'd like to say it's late and my mind's not working too peachy like, but I'll manage.
You mention Jordan first, this chapter starts to hint at what he does, I think. He actually beomes a main character for a few chapters after this one, can't say why though. With Zeke. . . Well, he was Liz's best friend for about sixty years, so yeah it's kind of complicated. I'm glad you like my style, and the humor. The clown comment was because I wanted him to be sarcastic, funny and a little punk rockish all at the same time, so it fits. The prophecy. . . I actually figured it out. Well, not word for word, but I have a real plot now and the prophecy is important to it, just not in the way you might suspect. As for Elisabeth's name. I've actually heard somewhere that Buffy's a nickname for it, but I wasn't thinking about that when I wrote this. Do they have a connection? Yes and no, but it's kind of hard to explain. The name's 'Liz' and 'Beth' do play a role, however. No, you didn't review ch. 3 but don't feel bad, you more than made up for it. Plot bunnies, ah yes, I know those. . . but as for her crossing paths with other people. *coughs, coughs again. Bite's tongue to keep from talking. . .* No comment. Um, as for the evil-slayer thing. Well, back to her name. It's too early to notice yet, but as the story goes on for vampires (other than spike) she's called Liz, while the scoobies and her watcher's call her Beth. They're kind of alter egos in a way, latter explained. Okay, back to the love interest. Can't be Oz, sorry, I know how he's showing up and it's not for the love interest. Todd. . . I don't know, I'm getting a good idea of where I want the story to go and I don't think Todd will work with it. As for Spike. . . um. . . they can't be together for reasons you will discover in the next chapter or so. That's all I can say because I'm too tired to leave any hints without telling everything.
Okay, long answer to a long review, again I'm glad you liked the story! One last thing, you offered to proof read my story, and I'd really like that. I'm leaving my e-mail at the bottom so send me an e-mail and I'll work on getting you the sixth chapter to look over.
Thanks again to everyone!
~Rave
liwen_13@yahoo.com