TITLE: Interim

AUTHOR: William Rayne

EMAIL: knytmareyahoo.com

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: Willow sends Buffy (and by extension, Dawn) to Kansas to find 3 newly chosen slayers. Who knew that a place called Smallville would become more than a routine search and train. AU, cross-over with Smallville.

SPOILERS: BtVS: Chosen, SV: Exodus

PAIRING: none

DISTRIBUTION: FanFiction.net, email me

DISCLAIMER someone else owns 'em, I'm just taking them out to play. Don't sue me, I have no money

FEEDBACK: Desired like none other.

NOTES AND NEWS: Fudged the universe some. Any 'Superman' related comments made in the show are now changed to 'Warrior Angel' as per Smallville continuity. My first BtVS fic, may Joss and all fans of his work forgive me for any inaccuracies or mis-characterization.

As always: bold italics for stressed, italics for thoughts or voice-over, and underlines for sarcasm or disgust. 

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Interim

Prologue

California, August 2003

"Where are we going again?" Dawn asked for the millionth time while she packed a suitcase.

"Dawn," Buffy said irritably, "For the last time, we're going to Smallville, Kansas. Willow's found 2 Chosen there and a third in the nearby city of Metropolis."

"Ugh, couldn't she have sent us to that one in Italy? I've always wanted to go there?"

"I figure after all what's happened, Xander could use being away from the States. Besides Smallville sounds cozy," Buffy said as she finished with her duffle bag.

"Yeah, right. I could've went to Italy with Xand, you know? Why do I get stuck going to Hicksville with you?"

"Because you're only 16 and I'm your guardian. You can finish your junior year there and then we can think about Italy after that. It'll take a while to find and train the Chosen," Buffy said with sense finality.

"Whatever. I still think Italy would've been better. There are a lot more hotties there. All I'll find in Kansas is probably a bunch of inbred rednecks," Dawn complained.

"Isn't saying 'inbred redneck' a lot like saying 'stupid moron'?" Buffy asked rhetorically.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Still. So not the point. Can't we at least stay in Metropolis? There'd be things to do there."

"Nuh-uh. No way my little sister is going to stay in a city like that. Especially with some bulletproof demon I need to hunt down when I go there. I know you can handle yourself but if we have ourselves another Glory, I don't want you anywhere near there. Hicksville, er, Smallville will be good enough for you."

Dawn rolled her eyes, "Isn't Smallville on a Hellmouth?"

"No, not according to Giles. Why do you ask?"

"Because," Dawn responded, "I remember reading about some pretty bizarro stuff online about that place. It struck me as odd since it came from a high school too. That reporter's in serious denial if she really thinks that meteor rocks are the cause for all those student deaths and freaky happenings. We might have a nest of some nasties to deal with when we get there."

Buffy blinked at her sister, "Uh, yeah. Glad to see you at least do your homework when it comes to the supernatural. Can't you put the same effort into your schoolwork?"

"Only if Smallville teaches the occult," Dawn beamed and quickly became defensive at Buffy's withering look, "I'm joking, sheesh."

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Smallville, August 2003

Jonathan Kent drove towards town. It was early morning and he should have been starting on the chores but he needed a part for the tractor. He spotted two still forms on the side of the road. As he neared, his heart stopped as he saw pools of blood near both forms. Stopping the truck, he went to see if they were still alive. The sight of the mutilated naked boy almost made him retch. He recognized him as a classmate of Clark's. The girl he didn't recognize, she was covered in blood but he could tell by the rising of her chest she was still alive. He went back to his truck and radioed for help on his CB.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Chloe Sullivan woke up to the sound of screaming. Ugh. Not again. This is the fifth time this week. It's been going on all summer. I know she's been having nightmares but it's starting to get on my nerves. Better go comfort her. Ok, Chloe, put on a friendly face for the princess. Chloe walked into the bedroom of her housemate and friend, Lana Lang. Lana was already awake and from the looks of the shredded beddings, very upset by the dream.

A/N: I think Dawn should be 17 really, but not sure. Besides, it works for my putting her and the rest of the Smallville cast in the same class.

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