Part 6 Patrolling Section Style
As Alex and Dawn were getting kitted out in their usual gear, swapping some of the smaller knives for stakes Dawn questioned Alex in a hissed whisper, "Are you insane. You know what the SGC is like. They were no better than Section and I thought we didn't want to get involved in that sort of thing anymore."
Alex sighed, "They weren't all bad, I know they tried to force us to join up. But O'Neill did keep the NID off our back."
"We wouldn't have needed his help if that bastard Set had been a terrorist and not a stupid alien with illusions of godhood. Hell we still wouldn't have needed him if SG-1 hadn't gone riding to the rescue halfway through our mission. We had things well under control."
Alex had to admit that point. Things had been proceeding according to plan, and they had contained the bio-agent that Set was using to hypnotize his followers. They had even gotten close to Set before SG-1 started blazing away.
"I still don't get how we managed to convince Kawalski we were civilians. Especially after the way you drove that knife through the back of Set's neck."
"Didn't have to do much convincing. A few tears, claims that the bastard had it coming after what he did to us. They were ready to believe the worst of the Gao'uld and we apparently got caught up in his nefarious plans. Everything was going fine and we were set to disappear when Maybourne stepped in with the NID."
Alex smirked, "And then Kawalski tried to bail you out by phoning O'Neill who immediately offered his protection."
"Like we needed help. He was just using the NID as a method of forcing us to join. Claimed if we were part of his command we would be protected just like Danny and Carter. If we hadn't been Section we would have had to accept the offer. It makes me furious, first they screw up the mission we spent weeks setting up. Then they endanger the very people they are trying to rescue by initiating a firefight in a room filled with hostages. AND then they have the gall to try and forcibly recruit us."
"OK fine if O'Neill is in charge we'll bypass him. But I know you liked some of the people at the SGC. We can try dealing with them first. Dr.'s Carter and Jackson seemed to have pretty good heads on their shoulders. But before we start worrying about the people, lets check and see who actually staffs the facility in this reality."
"Fine. So this Ra that the First had the bet with, do you think it was the one SG-1 killed or the original version?"
"Tough to say. I don't know enough Egyptian history to be sure, but I'd put money on the Gao'uld version. That ego thing sounds about right for them from the mission reports I've read. We could ask Daniel though. He'd know for sure."
"I'll take your bet. The way she specified Amon-Ra makes me believe she meant the actual god. But your money is no good to me I already have that. If I'm right you will be my slave for a day."
"And if you're wrong?"
Dawn flashed him a smirk, "I'll give you a kiss"
"Not good enough I already get enough kisses from my fiancé. If I win you have to watch the entire first season of Farscape."
Dawn gave a dramatic sigh, "Alright I'll watch the show but only if you win. I'm still sure I'm right and your going to be feeding me grapes."
"In your dreams."
"There to."
Dawn looked at the remaining gear in the back of the SUV, "MP5's?"
"Nah shouldn't need them and there is no sense in pushing the Sunnydale Police any further than we have to. We probably shouldn't even be carrying sidearms until our Federal carry permits arrive, but I feel naked without one."
Dawn's lip quirked upwards, "Remind me to take that from you later."
Leaning in and brushing his lips across hers he whispered, "Only if I can take yours."
From the porch Buffy shouted, "Hey I thought you two were here to patrol, now are you ready to go 'cause we are leaving."
Slamming the SUV's rear door closed he looked over at Buffy. "We've been ready for a while, got bored waiting for you so we were entertaining ourselves."
A couple of the potentials snickered before Buffy turned on them. Spotting Vi and Molly with grins she spat, "Dawn, you're in charge of these two. I don't want to deal with them or Xander, so keep them out of my way."
Dawn shrugged and smiled at her two trainees. "No problem, you'll hardly even know we are here."
An hour into the patrol the group had only met up with the odd Vampire. Alex and Dawn had kept their two potentials to the back of the group, instructing them on how to slip from shadow to shadow. The four of them were currently stalking the rest of the group holding true to Dawn's promise. Buffy hardly knew they were there even as they picked off the stray vampire that tried to sneak up on her crew.
Part of Dawn and Alex's instructions had been 'strike hard strike fast', and 'they can't hit you if they're dead'. Molly and Vi took these instructions to heart, and there were no witty comments made. For two of the three vampires they encountered the first strike was the only one needed. Thus proving the potentials were competent and quick learners. This strategy also gave them plenty of time to watch Buffy beat the crap out of any Vampire that came at the group head on.
When Vi failed to dust the third vampire with a single strike Dawn took the opportunity to use it as an instructional tool. Stepping in for Vi she started quietly pointing out weakness as she danced around the Vampire. Her first strike to the creature's throat silenced it. "They don't need to breath, but residual instincts will cause the young ones to panic when you crush the trachea. Plus it prevents them from screaming when you do this." Grasping one of the wild punches she spun to face them and snapped the elbow over her shoulder. The sickening crack of bone and feeble gasp of pain from the Vampire testified to the damage.
Dropping the arm she kicked back pushing herself out of range of the creatures other arm and turned to face it. "Now a wound like that will heal in a couple minutes but till then it won't be using that arm." The creature approached more cautiously this time before throwing a slow and clumsy kick towards her. Stepping to the side she returned with a snap kick of her own aimed at the Vampires supporting knee. The vampire actually managed a squeak as his kneecap shattered and he collapsed on the ground.
Dawn looked to her group, "OK now just because you have your vampire on the ground don't get cocky. He's hurt but he's far from out of the fight. Always approach from the injured side if you have a chance and before leaning over to stake him…" Dawn gave the creature two vicious kicks to the temple stunning it. "Make sure he's down for the count. I like to wear steel-toed boots for just this occasion. Now this is the point where you can dust him." Standing over the downed Vampire she jumped and aimed a heel strike right over the Vampires heart. The sound of snapping ribs followed by the whoosh of a dusting vampire was heard.
Dawn looked down at the ashes, "Cool, I read that their own ribs could dust them and I guess this confirms it. Now remember we are not slayers, a single punch will knock us out and then we're vamp chow. If your facing more than one vamp run. Get to the nearest house kick in the door and get inside. Shout your apologies to the residents, but the vamps can't get you once your inside. Alright troops that concludes this demo lets catch up to the rest of the squad."
They were just finishing the patrol of their third graveyard when the scream came. Buffy was off like a rocket her potentials strung out behind her. Willow was trying her best to keep the group together. But she wasn't having much luck as everyone made their best speed trying keep up with Buffy. Molly and Vi made to break and run after them when Alex stopped them.
"We follow but we watch and make sure that no one gets left behind. Keep your eyes and ears open where there is one vampire feeding there is likely more."
By the time they had caught up with Buffy Vi and Molly had added another Vampire each to their total and Alex and Dawn were up to four each. The potentials were struggling with six vampires while Buffy pummeled a demon and Willow held off another two.
Alex looked to Dawn with concern, "Way to much activity here. Nine vamps hanging around to pick off stragglers and block any retreat and only eight more to attack the slayer. Even adding a demon something doesn't add up." Pulling his Sig-Sauer he nodded to Dawn, "You take Vi and recon the south I'll take Molly and do the North." Turning to the potentials he continued, "You will stay with us. If we find something let it come to us. If we break and run you damn well better keep up." With that he turned and headed off.
Vi and Molly looked at each other each with wide eyes as they turned to follow their respective leaders.
Alex had reconned half the north side before he ran across a pack of four Polgara demons. He motioned Molly to stop before leaning over and whispering into her ear. "Polgara, the front of their heart is encased in bone. Sides are open. Groins are likewise protected. Knees are extremely sensitive. Watch out for their arm spikes and wait for them to attack us." Alex placed one of his knives in her hand before he shifted away and melted into the shadow of a parked car, Molly frowned and followed his example and concealed herself.
When the Polgarans were just passing his position he heard a faint noise as Molly shifted. One of the demons heard her and paused swinging his head around looking for the source of the noise. Taking advantage of the stationary demon Alex fired a round directly into the demon's heart.
As the first demon crumpled to the ground his death cry in the air Alex picked off another of the demons with a heart shot. He had enough time to fire a third round into one of the other creature's knees before he was forced to drop his gun. This time he opted for his Tanto knife over a stake figuring the possibility of slashing damage would be useful. The injured creature roared and charged the final few feet swinging wildly. Alex ducked the blow stabbing the creature in the right side 'Punctured lung, that should slow him a little bit'. Leaving the knife embedded he dropped to his knees and delivered a sharp savage punch to a point halfway between the creatures bellybutton and groin. A sharp crack was heard followed by a groan as the creature doubled over in pain. Pulling his dagger from the demon he stepped around it and plunged the dagger into the base of the neck severing the spinal cord. Retrieving his dagger he looked over to see how well Molly was fairing with her demon.
~~~~**~~~~
Molly was freaked. Sure she had done well against the vampires, but vampires weren't seven feet tall with armor-plated vitals. 'How the hell does Alex expect us to take on four of these creatures? Sure he gave me this fancy knife, but the thing is like seven freakin feet tall.'
Shifting slightly she pulled out her stake with her off hand. 'God I hope Alex can take these guys I don't want to fight them.'
She saw the first one turn his head towards her just before he crumpled to the ground followed shortly by a second. It wasn't until she saw a third demons knee erupt in spray of blood and bone that she realized what had happened. By that point she didn't have time to think anymore as the fourth one was charging her. Realizing that she would need higher ground if she hoped to hit anything vital she jumped onto the hood of the car and settled into a defensive crouch. The demons first strike was an overhand blow aimed to smash her into the hood of the car. Sliding back away from the punch she got a good look at the Polgaran's face and drove her stake into it's right eye just as it drove it's bone spike into the hood of the car. The crippled demon screamed in agony and ripped the hood of the car away before flailing around trying to remove the spike from its eye socket.
When the demon had ripped the hood from the car it had sent Molly sprawling on the pavement. Fortunately the creature was too concerned about it's damaged eye to take advantage of her position. Molly recovered quickly but with the way the creature was flailing around she was leery of charging in. Remembering her watchers advice she crouched behind the car waiting patiently for an opening. When it finally came she was ready for it. In its effort to extract the stake it had cut it's face quite badly, to the point where blood was running into its good eye making it virtually blind. When she recognized this she crept up behind it and with a sudden strike drove the dagger into the demons heart before skipping back out of reach.
~~~~**~~~~
Alex had to give Molly full points. She didn't rush the fight, attacked from an unexpected direction and delivered debilitating strikes. One Two and the demon was down. He only hoped that Dawn was having as good luck on her side. Walking over to Molly who was cleaning her knife he gave her a wide grin. "Nice work kid. One Two lights out, couldn't have done better myself."
Molly looked up beaming from the praise. "Got lucky is all, if it had attacked me while I was down…."
"Ah but it didn't cause someone stuck a pointy stick in its eye. It was a good move and it worked well. But I bet next time you don't stand on a car hood." Alex finished with a wink.
Molly's smile slipped a little, "Nope I'm not going to do that again."
"Come-on I think we're clear here, but we need to finish the recon."
~~~~**~~~~
Dawn hoped Alex was wrong about this, but she knew never to doubt his feelings. If he said there was something wrong here then there was. Frankly she was concerned as well she hadn't even seen a victim where Buffy was fighting, so where had the scream come from?
Her and Vi ghosted down the streets sweeping alleys and side streets. They were almost due South of Buffy's position when she spotted a group of six lizard like demons headed North. The two in the lead had red gems on their forehead and carried twin swords, while the remaining four carried a variety of club like objects. Crouching behind a car she motioned Vi to join her.
"See those two in the lead?" she whispered. "Those can only be killed by destroying the gem on their forehead. DO NOT get any of their blood on you. The ones in the back… head or heart will do the trick, not sure about their blood, try and avoid it if you can. Here take this, might work better than a stake on these guys." Dawn offered her a carbon black Tanto.
Pulling her Glock she fired at the demons, "I'll take the big guys and then we can deal with their playmates." Her second round was on its way before the first gem fragment hit the ground. With the two leaders dead there was enough of a pause for Dawn to fire twice more killing one and blinding a fourth demon before it fell to hand to hand. Her and Vi each had one creature while the injured one stumbled around.
Dawn stepped back, away from the demon attacking her and grasped the outstretched arm with a sharp twisting jerk she heard multiple pops. 'Compound elbow fracture with a dislocated shoulder. He's not using that arm any time soon.'
Ducking the swing from the creatures club she launched a wicked punch at the creature's groin. The demon didn't even blink and kicked forward hitting her in the shoulder. Spinning with the blow Dawn stuck out a leg, sweeping the creatures feet out from under it. Once she had it on the ground she followed up as she had in the demo. Two swift kicks to the head but this time she finished by crushing its trachea with the heel of her boot. Listening to the Demons death gurgle she looked around to see that Vi had finished off her demon and was going after the blind one.
~~~~**~~~~
Vi looked at the black knife in her hand and then over at the demons. Drawing in a breath she steeled herself. 'Right you can do this, you've killed two vampires already tonight you can take a demon or two.' Reaching into her ankle sheath she drew her own knife with her off hand.
She counted four muzzle flashes out of the corner of her eye and watched three of the demons fall. She noted that a fourth was clutching his eyes before one of them reached her. When the demon got within four feet she leapt to her feet and stepped inside the guard of the creature driving her dagger into it's unprotected belly. The Tanto she snaked around under it's left arm before driving it in to the hilt.
The creature gasped in shock before slumping forward heavily. Vi prepared for such a reaction shouldered it off her drawing both knives out with the same action. As the demon started to fall she drove the Tanto up under the jaw and into the brain. The demon jerked violently before continuing its collapse to the ground pulling the Tanto from her hand.
Drawing her stake Vi proceeded towards the blind demon that currently had its back to her and was trying to stumble away. Walking quietly up to the demon she drove her dagger in to the base of its skull killing the demon instantly. Retrieving her weapons she noticed Dawn watching her.
"So did I do good teach?"
"Not bad. Not bad at all. I think you had your first one down before I got mine. But I thought I told you to try and avoid their blood?"
"You also told us hit hard and hit fast. I figured if I killed them fast enough they wouldn't get me and I'm not squeamish, I can deal with a little blood." Vi argued back
"Didn't say you couldn't. It's just that some demon blood has hazardous qualities. Some is poisonous, some eats metals, and… well when you get back I want you to research aspects of the demon. It's not a pleasant thing, almost drove my sister insane, and that was only from a little blood. Those two with the gems, I believe contact with their blood is toxic to humans. Anyways as I was saying I'm quite impressed two vamps and two demons, and the night is still young. What's say we continue the recon and meet up with Alex and Molly?"
By the time both teams had completed their recons and joined up they had been away from the main group for fifteen minutes. Alex and Dawn were discussing their success as they headed back to try and locate Buffy. "So we hit four Polgarans headed towards Buffy. Got two with the pistol one hand-to-hand and Molly took the fourth. How did you guys do?"
Dawn smirked, "We ran into six lizards headed towards the potentials. Pistol got three and disabled one. I took one and Vi took one and mopped up. All around a good run, ten down and not a scratch." Dawn paused, "You were right though. This was set-up, if they had all hit Buffy at once there would have been no way she could have protected all the potentials. Hell even with the pistols doing fifty percent damage and all our training we were hard pressed. If we hadn't had those two this could easily have gone the other way. I'm really not liking this. Lets find Buffy and the rest of the potentials before any more surprises pop up."
"I'm with you on that." Turning to the rest of their crew he said, "Kids we are going to see how fast you can sneak, follow Dawn I'll pull drag. Bonus points if we can catch Buffy without her knowing we are coming."
When they finally caught up with Buffy it was near the end of the patrol and she was nearing the Summers home. Coming in from behind Buffy failed to notice their arrival. Chao-Ahn actually managed to pick them out before they joined the group and looked quite relieved to see them. Something both Alex and Dawn noticed with interest.
Dawn drifted over to Chao-Ahn, So you noticed we were missing and spotted us when we first arrived, I'm impressed.
Chao-Ahn gasped, You speak Mandarin. Recovering herself she continued You are very silent your teacher must be very good. I noticed you were missing after the big fight, but no one understood when I tried to tell them. The blond leader made shushing motions and sent me to the back of the group. I was worried you had been killed or captured.
Dawn smiled, I speak a little Mandarin. My accent is probably terrible. Deciding that she should tell the Asian girl what was going on as no one else could she explained. When we disappeared we went to clean up some of the straggler demons that were coming to join the fight. Alex and Molly ran across four Polgarans, while Vi and I eliminated six lizard guys. Difficult fight, without pistol it would have been bad, Molly got a Polgaran and Vi got two lizards. Add that to the two vamps they each got and they have had a decent night. How did you guys fair?
It took Chao-Ahn a second to understand Dawn, some of the inflections she used weren't quite right but her overall statement was clear. The blond leader got eight vamps and a Chaos demon. Red leader got two and I got one of the vampires in the big fight. Three of the other girls also got vampires before leader finished with the demon and killed the two remaining Vampires. One of the girls was struck on the head, see how the red leader is supporting her.
Dawn did the numbers in her head, Buffy faced 14 Vampires total and one demon and one of hers got hurt. Buffy's better than that, at the worst fighting there were 8 vampires and one demon she should have been able to take that alone. Shaking her head slightly she thanked Chao-Ahn for the information before heading over to join Alex.
Pulling Alex off to one side she started to fill him in on what she knew. "Pretty productive night Buffy's crew got fourteen Vamps and a Chaos demon. We got twelve Vamps, four Polgarans, and six lizards. All the vamps were fledglings from the sounds of it so we have what? A new master or the current big bad making a play to remove the slayer?"
Alex shrugged. "Doesn't sound like the First was making a play, not from the way Anya described his tactics. I'd say either a new master or one of the Firsts minions trying to make a name for it's self. We really need to find out what is going on here. What do you want to do, snag a vamp or visit Willy?"
"Well we could visit Willy but I'd prefer not to use snitches any more than we have to. Hit him up to often and soon he'll be useless, as any real information will be kept from him or he will be dead. After we get the potentials back to base we can re-arm and snag a vamp or two and see what they can tell us."
Alex nodded, "Sounds like a plan. We'll let Molly and Vi do the de-brief." Motioning for the two potentials to join them he started, "OK kids Dawn and I are going to do a little intelligence gathering after patrol. That means your going to have to debrief with Giles. Now when you give him the rundown on tonight stick to details. Don't try to embellish or describe the fights. If he wants more details he will ask you after. The purpose of after patrol debriefs is to map out where the demons are, what type and how many. We use this information in planning patrol routes in the future as well as checking prophecies so be complete and be accurate."
Dawn continued, "Vi expect him to ask for details on the Lizard guys, since we don't have a name for them he'll have to look it up. Think you two can handle it?"
Both potentials nodded eager smiles on their faces. "No problem teach, we got this covered."
As they approached the Summers place Buffy finally spotted them. "So you show up after patrol where were you all night? We could have used you during one fight. Eight vampires and a demon attacked me. One of the potentials got hurt before I finished them off. If you want to come on patrols you could at least be there when I need you."
Dawn's pasted a smile on her face that didn't reach her eyes. "We were there. You and Willow had the front covered so we covered the rear. You said you didn't want to see us so we kept to the shadows. You didn't seem to need any help with the demon and the potentials were fairing pretty well against the Vampires. Why they had all but two dusted by the time you finished off the Demon. Oh and Willow, two vamps at once, nice."
Willow blinked confused for a second. Fighting two vampires at the same time wasn't anything really new for her. If it had been three that would have been different but she could handle two fledglings. Then she realized that they were pointing out to everyone that they had been there. She gave Dawn a small smile as she realized that they hadn't abandoned the patrol after all.
Buffy scowled at the two before turning and leading the potentials into the house.
After Buffy disappeared inside Willow walked over to Alex's SUV where Dawn and Alex were re-arming.
"So how did Molly and Vi do?"
Alex replied "Not bad they followed our instructions, were quiet enough that Buffy didn't spot us, and they didn't break when attacked by a superior force. They each got a pair of Vampires. Molly got her first polgara demon and Vi took down two lizard creatures. Both need some more experience and some better weapons but I liked what I saw. I hope that all the potentials are as good. What about the one that got hurt?"
Willow shrugged, "She was paying more attention to me than the vampire she was fighting took a glancing blow to the head. I think she was milking the injury for sympathy."
Noticing that the two were re-arming rather than putting away their weapons Willow looked at them curiously. "You know patrol is done for the night. You can go home and get some sleep, and you don't need weapons for that."
Alex shrugged. "Something fishy is going on. We are going to see if we can find out what is going on in this town."
Willow looked at them, "And you need the big guns for that. You didn't take them earlier."
"Got to have something to intimidate Willy with. We won't have the big bad slayer with us."
"Do you want me to come along?"
"Nah. It's just going to be a quick visit. Get some sleep we'll see you in the morning."
"K."
~~~~**~~~~
"Why did you lie to Willow, you know we aren't going to Willy's?" Questioned Dawn.
"I don't think she would have understood if we said we were going to hunt down and torture a few Vampires for information. And if she did I didn't want her joining us."
Dawn raised an eyebrow.
"I trust Willow, but after the way she took care of Warren I'm afraid she'll develop a taste for that sort of thing. The last thing we need is for Willow to turn into another Madeline."
Dawn shivered. Alex was right the last thing they needed was Willow the emotionally dead master torturer. "So where do you want to go hunt for Vamps?"
"How about down by the bronze. They seem to enjoy snacking on the people there."
"Sounds like a plan."
Twenty minutes later found the two sitting outside the Bronze.
"So dear you want the front or the back door?" questioned Alex.
"Let's see sit out front and flirt with the bouncers or hang out in the trash around back. I think I'll take the front this time. You got to flirt last time." Dawn said with a smirk.
Alex coughed. "It was not flirting I was just discussing my career options to pass the time."
"Yah like you really wanted to become a bouncer. Anyway calls every ten minutes to check in?" she asked turning on her cell.
Checking to see his was on as well he replied "Sounds good. Give me a shout if you spot one we'll take him together."
"Will do. Now go the night isn't getting any younger and you have work in the morning."
"Yes dear." Responded Alex as they slipped out of the SUV.
Making his way around back he eventually took up position on the first floor fire escape across from the rear exit. "God I hope one shows up soon the smell here is going to kill me."
Meanwhile Dawn was thinking similar thoughts but for different reasons as she concealed herself in the entryway of a Chinese restaurant. "God I should have eaten more. I'm absolutely starved and this smell is going to be the death of me."
Fortunately for them they didn't have to wait long. A long legged beauty walked out of the bronze with a geeky looking guy and headed to the back alley.
"Alex, one bombshell and one geek headed your way."
"K"
Dawn waited for them to get out of sight before heading for the alley herself.
Alex saw them enter the alley and the blond woman was pressed up against the wall. The guy's hand disappearing under her skirt as she stuck her tongue down his throat. Unable to pick out which one was the vampire Alex trained his pistol on the most likely target. When the geek vamped out he had to shift his aim to take him. He destroyed both knees before dropping off the fire escape. Walking up to the woman he was surprised to find her in game face as well.
"You jerk you shot my Billy I'm gonna rip out your lungs and feed them to th…"
Her rant trailed off into a scream as Dawn's round destroyed her shoulder.
Looking over Dawn gave him an evil grin, "Looks like it's two for one night at the Bronze. Which one do you want to start with?"
"Blonde seems the most talkative. Billy here seems to have decided it was time for a nap." Alex prodded the prone vampire with the toe of his boot. "We should take this somewhere else though. We wouldn't want their screams interrupting peoples dancing."
"Building behind us has a walk in freezer that should cut the screams enough. Will that do?"
"Should be perfect." His grin sent a chill down the vampire's spine.
Using techniques they themselves had experienced as well as those taught by Madeline they quickly extracted the information they wanted. They quickly learned the location of three nests and a safe house.
They had also discovered that the attack that night had been arranged and paid for from Spike's estate. Demon lawyers were meticulous in following the wishes of the dear departed, and Spike had apparently been quite explicit in his will. The vampires were not sure of all the details of the will only that the estate had ordered that Buffy and her followers were to join him in death.
Sitting in the SUV Alex hit the steering wheel with his hand. "Damn it! We've dusted the bastard and he still haunts us. We have to track down the lawyer and find out what other contingencies Spike had in his will."
"We'll do that, but not tonight. It's been a long day and we need to recharge. As well we are not taking on a nest without some form of backup."
"Points noted. We'll see if we can get Willow and a couple or three potentials before we hit the nests tomorrow. I've got a meeting with Riley at noon and work till five. How about you meet me at the jobsite and then we'll grab our backup and start on the nests around six?"
"Sounds like a plan. Hit them during the day so they don't have a chance to scatter. If we enter through the sewer access they won't have anywhere to go. Can we pick up some food before we go home, I'm absolutely starved and I don't think I can wait for you to cook something."
"Not a problem. McDonalds OK?"
"Perfect I've been craving one of their apple pies ever since we got back."