Shady Hill Cemetery was one of the more active demon hotspots in Sunnydale. Buffy had always managed to score some sort of action when she went through there on patrol, and it had been where she had encountered the Locquas demon the night before. Most demons were not known for their spontaneity and they generally had some sort of habit that allowed one to make an educated assumption on what the monster's next move would be. Therefore, it had pretty much been a no-brainer for Buffy to return there a second night in hopes of seeing the demon again.
It was the perfect night in the cemetery for both demons and slayers alike. The trees were still and the endless rows of white tombstones made an ironic contrast to the dense, dark that engulfed them. Nothing was out of place. The dead slept peacefully and the graveyard was pleasingly silent … sort of.
Xander munched loudly on another handful of potato chips and Buffy gave him an annoyed look. When compared to the quiet around them, the noise from the rustling bag and crunch of the chips sounded like they were being broadcasted on a megaphone.
"Did you really have to bring those with you?" Buffy cast a resentful glare towards the Lays bag.
"A man has to keep his energy up if he's expected to properly fulfill his duties of watching the slayer kick some demon ass. And since when did you become the metaphorical poop of this party?"
Buffy wrinkled her nose at his metaphor and turned away to observe the cemetery.
"I just really want to concentrate on finding this demon so I can bring Giles some good news."
Xander shrugged and began to shake the Lays bag carelessly in an attempt to gather all of the crumbs together so he could finish them off.
"Ah, don't let that drama queen get to ya, Buff. You're doing a great job. I, for one, think that the G-man is getting just a little – AAHH!" Xander's scream abruptly shattered the night's silence.
Buffy whirled around and immediately felt sick at what was in front of her. The Locquas monster from the night before was hovering over Xander's seated form and had sunk its large jaws into Xander's shoulder. The teenage boy screamed in agony and his eyes grew wide with fear as the demon began to drag him over the tombstone he had been leaning against. Buffy flew into action, forgetting about and dropping the battle axe that Giles had recommended she bring with her for this very moment.
She took two giant leaps as her running start then leapt into the air to deliver a powerful front kick to the demon's head. Her aim had to be precise in order to avoid injuring Xander unintentionally, but the slayer didn't falter. As intended, her powerful blow caused the demon to release his victim and sent the monster tumbling backwards while Xander fell to his knees. Buffy did not relent although the demon was still dazed and disoriented by her attack. Her face screwed up with fury and concentration, the slayer executed a backhand and followed up with a right hook to the side of the demon's head. She was sure that she heard something crack. Now running on pure adrenaline, she easily pushed the demon's claws away as it made a sloppy attempt to grab her and delivered a powerful uppercut that sent the monster flying through the air until it landed painfully on its back a few feet away. The demon wailed pitifully and rolled onto its front, obviously in a tremendous amount of pain as it tried to push itself up. Buffy was at its side within seconds and instinctively shoved the heel of her boot against the demon's upper back while simultaneously reaching down with her hands to snap its neck with one graceful twist. Another crack perverted the silent night and then the demon slumped lifelessly against the grass.
Buffy did not look back as she hurried back to Xander, who was still lying on his knees where she had left him. He was cringing in pain and cradling his shoulder the best he could without agitating the wound. A fearful expression construed the slayer's face as she wrapped her arm around her friend's back and hoisted him to his feet.
"Oh, God, Xander. We need to get you to a hospital."
Xander hissed and a pained look came over his face. Buffy stood stock still and supported him until he relaxed. Finally he was able to nod and voice a strained agreement. With Xander leaning heavily against Buffy's sturdy frame, they slowly made their way towards the cemetery's exit.