Chapter Three
Buffy/Troy/(Highlander) x-over
I own nothing but my rock collection so please don't sue.
I have no beta so any error in grammar or spelling is my own.
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Author's note: Thank you all for being so patient and sending me all the encouraging notes. I have been very busy: got married, graduated college, and I have been helping my mom who has stage 4 cancer. I was also extremely stuck on how to write this chapter and get the story to where I want it to go. I think I finally have a final plot outline. Sorry this chapter is so short but I love a good cliffhanger. I also couldn't get the descriptions just right, so I might flesh this out later. I should have another chapter in within the week.
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"The gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment may be our last." - Achilles (Troy)
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The Slayer and the blonde stranger clashed but Buffy still held back ever so slightly, not quite trusting the Slayer part of her that said this man could match anything the Slayer might throw at him. After she barely blocked his first few blows, the stranger cocked his eyebrow at the petite blonde.
"Why do you hesitate? You will not harm me."
The statement was made without arrogance or pride, only an underlying echo of truth. Having felt the power of his blows and seen the swiftness of his strikes, Buffy relaxed and allowed herself to shift into full Slayer mode, something she only did in the midst of battle or when sparing with Angel. The Slayer roared, ready for the challenge - free as she had not been since the final battle of Sunnydale.
The Slayer went from defense to offense in less than a heartbeat, holding nothing back. In the back of her mind Buffy noted the stranger also appeared to have been holding back also.
To on observer, the match seemed a beautifully choreographed, yet deadly, dance. Even Xander and Dawn, had seen Buffy spar and fight many times over the years, were speechless at the grace and speed of the pair. Even watching Angel and Buffy was not as impressive.
Sunlight glinted off blades as the struck at neck, torso, and limbs, only to be turned aside at the last moment by blade or shield. Each strike held the possibility of death yet neither feared.
With a crack, one of the Slayer's blows split the stranger's shield horizontally just above his arm. However, she didn't have a chance to take advantage of his loss because his next blow severed part of the Slayer's shield in return, barely missing her hand.
Both warriors tossed aside the useless shields and stepped back to circle once again. Both glistens with a light sheen of sweat but neither was breathing hard as they reassessed one another.
The blonde man saluted Buffy subtly with the tip of his blade, enough to show respect without leaving himself vulnerable to attack. He spoke jus loud enough for his opponent to hear.
"You fight extremely well, especially for a woman of this age. What is your name?"
Buffy frowns slightly at the strange complement.
"Buffy Summers. And have you fought many women from other ages?"
Her opponent simply gives her a smile that doesn't quite reach his frozen blue eyes.
"Perhaps. I am called Athanaius Leontarakis."
"Nice to meet you, Leo. Now are we going to keep chatting or are we going to finish this?"
The Slayer was chomping at the bit while Buffy waited for the man's next move while pondering his strange documents. Then she didn't have time to think as her opponent pounced on her once more.
To an observer, the match seemed to go on forever. To the fighters, it seemed moments. The blondes were perfectly matched, neither one faltering or gaining the upper hand.
Suddenly a young woman's scream split the air. Buffy's attention turned towards the familiar scream even as the Slayer in her yowled a warning, a split second before a slightly surprised Athanaius slid his blade into her shoulder.
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The stranger's name is the key to his identity (if you haven't figured it out yet). Anyone who can tell me the translation of the stranger's name will get a cookie (it is Greek).