Dark Protecters Chapter 2, a Buffy: The Vampire Slayer + Criminal Minds Crossover fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire slayer or the Silence of the Lamb universe. Both wonderful story lines belong to those who created them and their companies that produced them. I am just borrowing their worlds for a bit.

A/N: "Speech", 'Thoughts or Telepathy' . This is spell and grammar checked however sometimes both miss something or I do so please read at your own risk. This is a very dark version of the series and if such things offend you please move on.
Fire

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Dark Protector

Part 11

While Buffy was grateful for the offer of support by her new family she did not want to quit her job until she had an idea of what they would bring to the table financially. She also knew her being at the Double Meat Place kept the vampires from using it as a takeout dinner. Not that she loved her job but the stupid and lazy vampires did tend to stop there. Buffy had a feeling it was because they had eaten there in their lives and it was habit. In any case she kissed Joyce's cheek and headed out. She knew Spike would be back to watch Passions with her and keep her safe.

Buffy took off at a run to get to her job on time. It sucked but jobs that worked with Slaying were not easy to find. As she headed out she was thinking about her Joyce and the things she had learned. It was a shock to learn that she had been kidnapped. She had thought that she had escaped the Council's notice but now it seemed that was not really true. She wondered why she had been taken? If her father was a watcher it seemed kind of foolish to take her away from him and her mother. If she had been raised with him she would have been able to be trained from a young age and with people who had reasons to help her excel. Something told her that she would have been trained and still had a loving protective home. A tear fell as she thought about the fact that her mother and father were caring and loving. If Joyce/Mum believed that then she had to as well. Joyce was many things but she was very good at judging people. Buffy knew that from her time in the Asylum. It had been Joyce who had pulled her out when she had suspected the doctors were more interested in Buffy physical power then her mental health. Even when she had doubted her about Buffy being the Slayer she had supported her against Snyder and his petty power trips. Joyce had judged Snyder after five minutes and come to understand he was not there to help the students. Buffy trusted her mother because she had not just told her in the beginning she had checked into Dr. Starling and her Merrick. It still seemed weird to think of a Merrick as being her father and now her watcher. Her first watcher had been a good man. While in the beginning he had wigged her out that had changed as she learned to be a slayer. Her memories of him were a mixed bag but in the end he had been there for her and he had died to help her survive Lothos and that mattered. He had been a great man who lived his calling. While she loved Giles he had betrayed her as often as he had supported her and that was not something that was simple or easy to forget. She had forgiven him because in the end he was there but it was on ongoing process. She just hoped that if she let her biological parents in they would not betray her. Buffy was not sure her heart would survive another betrayal.

Spike looked out the window and saw Buffy running to work. It was clear the news that Joyce had given her had shaken her to the core. He was not so sure he liked the idea of some long lost family showing up. However his vampire senses could tell that Dr. Starling shared blood with Buffy and Dawn. It was going to change things. Spike however knew family was often by choice as well as blood so perhaps the Slayer and the Nibblet had gotten lucky and found more family to love and care for them?

"Joyce I have to go speak with my husband. I am rather certain he will want to have an in depth discussion with Dr. Giles if he has not already done so. It would not due for him to end the watcher. While Dr. Giles has clearly made a few mistakes Buffy and you would not care so much for him if he was totally irredeemable. I will have to stop him from being strung up." Clarice said with a wary grin.

Joyce nodded at that. "Please do, Buffy was hurt by Rupert's actions but more because she loves him. In many ways he has been the father figure to her and her friends these last few years. Lord knows Hank has been absent more often than not. He is off in L. A. and rarely finds time to show up for the girls. Hank had fallen behind in the child support but I called him last night and he wired the back monies to my account so things should be easier as far as the house payment goes. The rest I am not so certain of. I still cannot believe Rupert brought those girls here without ensuring we had Council monies. However I suppose there really was no option."

Clarice snorted at that. "I am not so certain of that but I suppose he thought to keep them safe. We can help with funds for now and I am sure we can track the Council's accounts down. They had deep pockets according to Hans. I would say it is past time the money used for potentials and slayers. "

"So true poor Faith was almost living on the streets," Joyce said "I still don't know how she managed to get here from Boston."

"She's a slayer Joyce she probably hitched rides when she could."Spike said. "In a way the crowded house is better than what she had. The Prison not very nice and before that she was in that Flea bag motel in town. If she had not called the place; "Home Sweet Home." Well she would have been in a world of hurt. Even then it was by luck and mocking Buffy for trying to say something nice about the place. Even a fledgling could have gotten lucky as slayers have to sleep sometime. Gotta say it was poorly done by Rupert. I have to give the old mayor credit he did move her to decent digs."

"Yes he did, I have to say if he had not turned into a snake he would have been one of my favorite public leaders. He would have made a great Governor if not for his desire to be a demon." Joyce agreed. "He was very civic minded up until he tried to eat the high school class."

Clarice giggled at that. "I am betting my love would have loved to have him for dinner he likes snake."

Joyce almost spit out the water she had tried to drink. "I could so do without that image."

Spike laughed and Clarice grinned as she headed out. "Take care Joyce I will see you soon."

AAAAAAAAAAA

"Hi Anya I was wondering if I could ah… hire you-" He gave her a look admiring her beauty and fashion sense she was as hot as ever.

Anya smacked Xander across the face. she could not believe he was leering and dared say that to her.

"Hey what was that for?" He said backing up as the angry ex-demon grabbed a baseball bat from behind the counter of the Magic box.

"Alexander Lavelle Harris I am not a Whore! You cannot hire me for sex. In fact we are never having sex again. How dare you come here to my store and insult me. I know you don't respect me and are mad about Spike but I am not a Slut or Whore!"

"Huh, what ….huh that is so not what I meant damn it." He said backing away as she swung the bat at his legs. He jumped back barely escaping the bat hitting him between the legs. "I so don't want that. I mean I do want sex but I so am not paying you for it." Xander tried to explain but found himself digging a deeper hole. He tried to back away and tried to placate Anya. He so did not intend to insult her.

"What so now I am not worth the money!" Anya shouted. "I'll have you know I am priceless."

"Yeah I know. Hey stop swinging that you could hurt me."Xander said jumping out of the way. "I came over to hire you to help me with some stuff. Not sex….I need some advice for decorating. I need appliances, drapes stuff like that." He raised his hands above his head as he fell back wards over some merchandise. "I just bought a condo and need stuff for it. A couch, chairs stuff like that. You know I have no skills in decorating."

Anya stopped mid swing. "You want me to help you decorate your home? So you were not offering to pay me for sex?"

"Well yeah, I mean do I look like I know fashion? No I would so not insult you, I mean even if you were into that business I could never afford you Anya. You are golden, not that I think you'd sell yourself but you are way too good and top of the line for me."

Anya dropped the bat and said. "Ok I can see that point." She looked over his flannel shirt and sighed. "Ok so no sex? You are right you could not afford me, and I guess I did jump to conclusions."

"What ah no, I mean I honestly want to hire you for your advice. I would never insult you by offering money for sex; give me a break do I look like I would want you to call some old friends to hex me?" Xander asked. "I may not express myself well but I am not stupid you know. I like my parts connected and working right."
"I suppose that is a valid point. Ok maybe I could help. It will have to be after the shop closes though." Anya said. "I am not closing early and losing the money from sales. Giles and I have a deal. He put up some extra cash and I watch the store until close on certain days. I honor my contracts."

"I figured that. I was thinking I could pick you up about 7 pm. We could go to the store after that then maybe to dinner. I mean it's the least I could do." Xander said. "I mean I did kind of insult you even if it was not intended so dinner's on me. Plus your fee for getting me some decent stuff, I so don't want to look like I live in a barn or worse yet a circus. Clowns are evil and worse than vampires so I so don't want to risk making it appealing to them. I figure dinner tossed in is fair because you will get home late and not want to cook."

"Fair point, I want 20 dollars an hour and I will be nice and not charge you for my time at dinner. You will take me someplace nice maybe Haug's as I feel kind of hungry for Chinese tonight."

Xander nodded that was fair. He had expected to have to pay her to eat dinner with him. However given he had already put his foot in his mouth he was so not saying that. "Ok I will see you about 7 then. The stores are open until 9 and we can get dinner after if that is ok?"

"That is fine, don't be late or if you are call." Anya ordered.

Xander grinned "Sure thing, see you then." He headed off to work feeling better now that Anya was at least willing to work with him. He planned on dragging out the shopping for a few trips or so. Maybe they could begin patching things up. He was an idiot and almost blew it but at least Anya had not called vengeance down before he could explain that had to mean she still cared a little right?

TBC….
A/N: This fic is not intended to bash Xander at least in regards to Anya so please bear with me. He has a lot of fences to mend after leaving her at the altar no matter his reasons.
Fire

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Dark Protector

Part 12

Spike looked out the window and saw Buffy running to work. 'It was clear the news that Joyce had given her had shaken her to the core. He was not so sure he liked the idea of some long lost family showing up. However his vampire senses could tell that Dr. Starling shared blood with Buffy and Dawn. It was going to change things. He just wondered how it had happened and what it would mean to the situation in Sunnydale. The last few months had been hard. The whole situation with the DIR had altered things in Sunnydale. It had created an almost truce like situation with most of the good or neutral demons. They did not forget that Buffy had worked to save them. They now were far more open to giving her information when there was a danger to the town. It was one of the reasons he was so worried about this Glory and First Evil situation. So many demons had eyes out but none of them had any really useful intelligence to pass one. That sadly meant they had to rely on those wankers in the Watchers Council and after that crap they had pulled on Buffy's 18th birthday none of them were really in the mood to trust them. Spike may have tried to kill Buffy on several different instances. He fully admitted that. The thing was he had come out and told Buffy the truth. He had made his intentions clear. Not that it should have been any real surprise as he was a vampire. However he had let her know and had warned her even. She expected him to be evil. Hell Joyce had almost ended him back in the day. That still amused him even as he was a little embarrassed by the situation. A mere mortal had almost taken him out. If she had used the sharp end of the ax oh well he only had gotten a really nasty headache out of it. Well that and a deep down respect for the Slayer's mum. Buffy had always known where he stood and what he was capable of. The Council on the other had pretended to be the "White hats" Yeah right. He was still pissed at those buggers. Learning they had drugged Nikki Wood pissed him off. He was not sorry he had killed the slayer but it went against his personal code to kill one in anything other than a fair fight. That killing was complicating things now. The new principle was out for his blood. He sighed. Well he would have to deal with it. However he somehow had a feeling that the Slayer having more family about was going to change things up quite a bit. He hoped so she looked so tired and worn of late. That was never good for a slayer's life expectancy.'

Hannibal Lector AKA Hans Merrick walked into the local sporting goods store. 'He was not at all happy with the supply of weapons his daughter had. He spotted several very nice crossbows and various knives and even a spear gun. Yes those will do nicely. Perhaps a bow or two as well too bad they do not sell swords here. '
"Can I help you sir?" An overly eager clerk asked.

"Yes you may. My son and I wish to go shooting with a few of his friends. I was hoping to purchase several crossbows and regular bows. They have formed a club of sorts. Many of the young people's parents have no idea what type of gear to purchase so I am going to do it for them." Hans explained.

"I see sir how many of the crossbows would you like?"

"How many do you have available?"

"Well sir we have several models of both bows and cross bows. All together we have 20 in stock."

Hannibal smiled and said. "I will take all of them and I would like to order 20 more as well as 100 bolts and 100 arrows. Half wood and half composite materials with various tips, I would also like to order 40 of those survival type knives and camping gear. I would say 60 sleeping bags and 40 of those hatchets."
"I take it you will be going on a trip?" The clerk asked. Privately it sounded like this group was planning to go to war. However if they were doing that they would have been ordering guns, so he felt he did not have to report this.

"Yes, the club plans to go to various competitions and it is cheaper to camp out. I would like some multi-person tents as well. Say 10 of those four person tents and one of the larger ones for a mess tent no make it two of those. We could also use any other gear you think we could use."
"Sir this will cost thousands of dollars."The clerk felt he had to explain the cost. He had no desire to gather all the gear and make orders if this guy could not pay for it.

"Here is my card spare no cost I want only the best equipment."

The shiny black Centurion card made the clerk's eyes light up. "Of course sir at once I might suggest a camper or two for the adults. My uncle sells them. They would also be better if you have bad weather."

"Now that is a good idea. However I do believe I will still take the tents. Call your Uncle young man I will be purchasing at least two of those campers providing they can sleep at least six a piece."

"They can sir my folks have one that sleeps eight. We use it all the time. It's a bit tight but it works well enough. Of course us kids only sleep in it when it's rainy out. We all like the tents too much to sleep indoors."

"I am sure it is more enjoyable to sleep under the stars." Hannibal/Hans agreed. He pulled out his phone and dialed Clarice 'campers would definitely help with the housing crunch and provide a means of escape which frankly was far more important than the housing right now. Giles having called the potentials to Sunnydale was putting a strain on the housing situation and they had to find a way to ease that mess. He just wondered what the BIA would think of so many young people living in the Summer's household. This idea of a club might be the best way to throw them off. He decided to make some cards and fliers up.'

"Clarice I ordered some gear for the children. I was thinking that perhaps you could contact your friends and see if anyone else has registered for the club met?"
Clarice who was on the other end of the phone smiled. She got what her beloved was suggesting and it was brilliant. "Of course I can check. I'm glad you are getting supplies. Yes I'll meet you at the RV sales office in a little while. I have a meeting with the BAU. See you soon." She rung off and smiled. She then called Joyce.

"Joyce do you think Willow could whip up a web site. I want to throw off my colleagues as they will be living near our homes. They are investigating the high murder rate and having so many young people show up will raise red flags all over the place. Hans suggest a camping/archery club as a cover. It allows him to purchase the supplies we will need and not raise any flags."

"That is a very good idea I'll call her and ask her to get on it. She is a whiz at computers perhaps she could backdate the start of the club to high school." Joyce suggested.

"That is a very good idea." Clarice agreed. "We will do what we can. We are going to pick up one or two RV's as well."

Joyce began to protest the cost.

Clarice waved off her concerns. "I am very wealthy Joyce my books sell really well and my investments are making me 10 times my annual salary. I work now because I want to not because I have to. Hans is not exactly poor either."

"If you are certain I mean you are already offering three of your houses to us and you are housing the BAU."

"The FBI is paying me rent for that Joyce. The houses I am lending the potentials were not being rented anyway at this time. I fully intend to bill the Council for them."

"What if they refuse to pay? They never like supplying proper gear for the other children who seem to always help Buffy and Giles."

"I expect they will, however I still will not leave those girls jammed up in one house. It would be to stressful for everyone. Besides it will ease Buffy's worries some and I can live with sacrificing a little money to help her feel more secure and less stressed." Clarice said."Besides you have opened your home to the girls how could we do less they all will need protecting as well."

"I suppose, I just worry this will compromise you with your job." Joyce said worried.

Clarice laughed at that. "Don't worry about it. I am too valuable for them to fire for sponsoring a club." As if she was not already compromised by her mate. Of course Joyce would never say that over the phone. "I have to get to that meeting so rest and take care. I'll be by later to see you. Take care." She did not say goodbye as she refused to jinx Joyce's recovery.

Joyce replied. "See you later then." And hung up, maybe this would save them all.

TBC…..

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dark Protector

Part 13 Into the breach

Clarice parked her SUV and headed into the house where her allies in the BAU were staying. She knew it was probably a little cramped but it was still safer and better than them all being in a motel which any vampire in the city might chose to enter. She knocked on the door. Jennifer answered it and let her in. She was smiling. It was more than clear that everyone had settled in. Clarice entered house with a smile.

"So is everyone settled in all right?"

"Yes, we are, I was surprised you own a house out here?"

Clearly she was probing for information. Clarice simply smiled. "I have houses all over the county J.J. most are rented out to make me some income. I charge fair rent but it is not as high as the houses might make of it was purely to make money. I often have my company rent to lower income families. I honestly have to talk to my accountant to find out what properties I own in every area. However I happen to like Sunnydale as I vacationed here once many years ago. So I keep a bit of a closer of an eye out on my investments here. I knew that my homes were empty and saw no point in us all being in some no name motel. I hope everyone is comfortable?"

"We are. We all had to double up before. In fact I would say this is one of the nicer places we have stayed recently. We generally do get stuck in some pretty unremarkable places. Hotch and Rossi are in the dining room they set it up as a H.Q. for us. Garcia claimed a corner and has her lap top hooked up. Reid has the coffee pot going. Amazingly he brought coffee. I don't know about food yet?"

"Once we check in with Sunnydale PD. We can order food or shop. I can always whip something up. The house may have some basic supplies but; not a great, as it was not rented recently." Clarice said She seemed to be checking her PDA. "This location is often rented to business men who are here longer term we stock it when they are in."

"Oh well that makes sense then. We are due at the PD in an hour. So we have time to check in with the others. I was surprised to learn you won't be staying with us?"

"Well I do have a home her J.J. it is already tight. Not to mention Hans is in town and I like to see him sometimes." Clarice grinned. "Just so we can give Hotch the heads up there will be several groups of young women arriving in town. My god niece convinced Hans to sponsor a club. It is kind of a renaissance/ archery type thing. So I suspect we will soon have more teenagers arriving. I just learned about it now." She said raising her hand to forestall the questions. "That's what happens when one is out of touch for a few days."

J.J. nodded she got it. It sometimes happened with her and her beloved when she got called out of town. So far Henry had not suffered from it but it did have her concerned she might end up missing some key parts of his childhood if they kept having to travel so much. Will wanted her to consider switching jobs but she was still hesitant as she loved the BAU they were her family as much as Will and Henry were.

The two women walked into the dining room and found Hotch had already set up a board. Normally it would be at the Police Department and a duplicate would likely be set up there as well. However since they were all staying in one house he wanted a board close so they could look and work on it without prying eyes. The reputation of the Sunnydale police department was not good. None of the FBI agents were sure they trusted the Police here at all.

"Agent Starling I see you have returned to us."

"Yes Hotch I have. I settled in and touched base with Hans and my family. So are we ready to head to the police department to get this investigation moving more quickly?"

He gave her a hard look. "Yes of course." He grabbed his jacket and pulled it on. The others did the same and followed him out to the vehicles.

Clarice rolled her eyes. The SUV's screamed government but maybe that was a good thing. This city was not safe and she wanted to be certain to protect her people the best she could.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Anya worked on setting the displays up. She was rather surprised by Xander's request. It was not like him to seek to hire her for her decorating skills. In the past he had done all he could to keep her from doing so in his old home. Then again he had not made much money so maybe it had been more about that then his belief or lack there in of her sense of style. She was still hurt by his actions but it was clear he was remorseful and wanted to make amends. She was not certain it was not his way to try to get back with her. However if she was honest she missed him and was starting to forgive him. Buffy drama with Spike proved love was not always enough and her years as a vengeance demon showed love went wrong often. However her initial desire to maim Xander was gone. Now all Anya felt was sadness and loneliness. So she let him ask her for advice and have dinner with him and then see. Maybe they could have sex. It did not have to mean anything after all. Jerry said sex between Ex-lovers happened all the time. It could just be release for them. Who knew maybe they work better as friends with benefits then true lovers. In any case she hated sleeping alone.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Xander worked hard anything to keep his mind off Anya and the "decorating Date". His co-workers thought he was nuts. He did to but he had to try. He hurt her so bad. The least he could do is help her make some money legally. He pounded the nail and once more cursed himself for being a fool. He lost the best woman in the world because he was an immature idiot.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Joyce rested. Her head pounded but she felt better then she had in many months. Having Clarice and Hannibal here eased her mind. She did not care he was a serial killer and that actually reassured her. He would kill anyone and anything to keep Buffy and Dawn safe. She could ask for no more than that. Joyce closed her eyes and wondered when the world had gotten so insane. Of course she still hoped Hannibal have a sit down meal with Travers that bastard.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dexter leaned back in his seat. He closed his eyes and pulled his hat down. He was going to take a nap on this flight. The movie was a joke. He pulled on headphones and soft classical music lulled him to sleep. Soon he would be in Sunnydale and his vacation could begin. He had a feeling hunting demons would be a blast.

TBC...

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Dark Protector

Part 14

Giles was not happy at all. The Council had once more been trying to influence and control his slayer. He had gone back to England to try to sort out the mess when various Council locations and safe houses had been attacked. He had quickly learned that potential slayers and their watchers were being slaughtered by unknown forces for unknown reasons or so main branch of the Council leadership claimed. He cursed them for fools. Anyone would see that it was a direct attack on the slayer line. Giles had contacted the watchers he knew and trusted and told them to come to Sunnydale if they had to flee. He and Buffy would take care of them. He had not considered that such an action would put a strain on Buffy and her family. Rupert Giles had just offered. Of course seeing a house full of dead watchers and potentials some as young as three had not really been conducive to thinking it through. He had only thought to save as many lives as he could. Now his in depth talks with Merrick reminded him he should have thought things through. It really was unfair to expect Buffy to house and protect so many. Yet they had to be kept safe.

"Rupert your heart was in the right place." Joyce said. She was rather glad that Clarice had sent Giles to her. He would need convincing to accept the help her daughter family brought and she really was the best person to do so. "The problem is my house is not large enough for all those children and their guardians. Though I am glad several watchers will be coming along. I hate the idea of that many teens around without more adults to keep an eye on things."

"Yes well, I'm sorry Joyce but, if you had seen what I did and dealt with Travers. The fool won't do anything to protect them. Oh he may gather them all in one place and put guards on them but its more to see they don't run off. I doubt they would get more than basic training. Here at least they can live a little and perhaps we can upgrade their skill sets. I am just not certain having them stay in houses owned by an FBI agent is a good idea. Though buying mobile homes is wise. That along with the other vehicles will allow us to move about some if we have to." He cleaned his glasses. "Are you certain we can trust this Clarice Starling? I am having some rather deep concerns about Merrick."

Joyce sighed. She hated to lie to Giles but what he did not know he could not tell and it would protect him some if the ruse was ever discovered. "She is Buffy's biological mother and he is her father. I really wonder what the council was thinking surely having someone like Clarice and a watcher like the Merrick family would have been a good idea for a potential slayer."

"It does concern me as well." Giles said. "I am making inquires." He said looking away. "So much makes little sense of late. Their sudden reappearance and Spike becoming an ally to Buffy, I just have no idea how this will impact the situation."

"I'd not look good luck in the face." Joyce said. "In any case we have bigger worries. The FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit is investigating Sunnydale." Joyce explained.

"Yes it could be a problem. At least we have a cover. I dare say it is better than the one I devised. Though to be fair I never expected so many students to join the fight. I never wanted that Joyce not even for Buffy or Faith."

Joyce nodded. "Well the club will help and the gear Hans purchased will make life safer. I am just glad the houses are close by and that the trailers can be parked nearby as well. If only the principle does not inhibit the idea of the club."

"Principle Wood will help. He understands the value of the potentials." Rupert explained. "He has even agreed to enroll some of the students officially in the school. Buffy will be able to watch over them in her role as councilor."

"I am glad he offered that. It will give her more funds." Joyce said giving Rupert a hard look.

"I am trying Joyce the council refusing us funds. I asked my Father and family for help. They will send it as soon as they can."

"I know, however we are being eaten out of house and home." Joyce said. "On the plus side Hans said John left Buffy some money it will help and he and Clarice are insisting on helping with the money situation. I just hope I can get out of here soon. I feel like I am such a drain on Buffy's resources."

"You are not dear lady. Buffy needs you and so do Dawn and the others. If for no other reason than to knock common sense into me, I dare say I can be bloody minded at times."

Joyce laughed at that.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The planes landed and several potentials stumbled off. Their watchers looked around with care.

"Come on girls we need to find the car." Alexis Holyfield said. Her fellow watcher raced to gather their bags.

"Yes Mrs. Holyfield. Will you and Mr. Hollis be getting two cars?"

"No Cara just one. We think sticking together might be wisest." Mrs. Holyfield said as she herded the four potentials toward the rental place. It was not safe to stay in one place long. She just hoped they would arrive in Sunnydale before sunset. Cara, Sara, Megan and Cayla all allowed themselves to be ushered to the vehicle. They knew they were very lucky that they had survived and that they had good watchers. Some of the other potentials had not been so lucky. Calya and Cara were twins who had been raised by Mrs. Holyfield since they were infants and they dearly loved the old dear like their own mother. She had never had children when they came along and she had accepted them as her own. She was a widow who husband had died the year before and now at 35 she never even considered remarrying or having other children. Mr. Hollis was 45 and a researcher for the Council he had been mentoring Sara and Megan who were cousins distant of Cayla and Cara thought their actual watcher had fallen to the blind men with sharp knives. It was only because he had come by to pick them up for their specialized language lessons that they survived. The girls had been running for their lives when he happened to pull into their home. Their watcher might have been a bastard when it came to training and their personal lives in somways but he died to protect them and they would always be grateful to Damien Trent for that and for his having papers drawn that made Hollis their guardian in the event he passed on. Hollis had quickly seen what was happening and pulled them into his car. They had raced over to Mrs. Holyfield's cottage and fled as soon as they could. She had the twins packing as she gotten the message about the attacks on various potentials and their watchers. So far over a dozen had been killed that they knew of. Neither watcher was taking any chances. Hollis might not be a field watcher but he took his duty to the potentials seriously and he had immediately arranged for them all to flee to Sunnydale. Neither adult trusted Travers in the least and given the deaths they knew of it was no longer safe to be in England. They had been allies and friends for years and they had already made contingency plans. Both sets of girls had bags at the others homes for just such an event. They had left as soon as they could load the boot. Now they had the two hour drive from L.A. to Sunnydale and it was their hope that they would at last be safe.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Travers wet work team stalked the Hospital. They had orders to kill the elder Summers woman along with the Rogue slayers. However so far the woman was too well guarded and in to busy of an area to reach easily, moreover they learned that she had some very powerful friends and allies. The team would do the job but the simple in and out was not going to happen. On the plus side this meant their fee would likely be doubled. Too bad really Joyce Summers sounded like a decent woman.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hannibal watched his wife and her team. They were highly efficient. He was rather glad they were not hunting him. He briefly wondered if perhaps he could direct them to take down the Council's wet work team? Then again why deny himself and Dexter the fun of the hunt.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Spike followed Buffy. He was very worried for the slayer. Of late she was under such pressure. He wished he could take her out on a picnic on the beach. She could use some sun. He sighed and headed away from her. He needed blood and it would not due to be hungry around her and her allies. Maybe once he had eaten he could come up with a plan to make her life better. Perhaps a moon light walk and a bottle of wine under the stars would work? It had been a long time since he thought of a human type date but surely such a thing was still considered romantic?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You know I at first I thought Reid's idea of a gang or pack of serial killers was absurd." Morgan said. "However now it seems probable. I would say several have made Sunnydale their hunting grounds."

"The statics bear it out Morgan."J.J. replied. "I am just still surprised it took them so long to ask for help."

"There is no real pattern."Rossi said. "Perhaps they were afraid of looking foolish."

"Yes, that is a likely scenario."Hotch agreed. "However we are here now and have to stop these deaths."

Garcia walked in looking pale. "I just got this alert. There was a killing last night near the docks. Four people were killed and the crime photos look like it may be proof of multiple killers working together. I sent the photos to your phones."

The team all checked. Emily Prentiss cursed. "Messy is not the word. I can see why they might try to call these attacks animal but this was clearly in an urban area."

"Yes, we should go take a look."Aaron said. "I will inform Dr. Starling of our information."

"Sure thing Hotch," Morgan said. It was clear he did not know what to make of their new boss "Is she going to let us run with this?"

"I believe so. She said something about checking out some old paper files." Hotch said. "She is trying to look into some of the Rosenberg's case files. She is meeting their daughter Willow for coffee to discuss accessing them. Dr. Shelia Rosenberg sent authorization this morning and Dr. Starling seems to want to check more details on the town and its statics along with her profiles. It seems that the doctor kept many of her records in paper form as there seem to be several highly skilled hackers in the area." Hotch explained.

Penelope snorted. "I agree, I spoke to the SPD and they explained one of the reasons for their high security is they have been hacked repeatedly. No one knows who or why. It got so bad that they had to hire Willow Rosenberg and her partner Daniel Osborne to add the security they now have. Miss Rosenberg and Mr. Osborne run a private security company for online security. I checked them out they are both really good. Mr. Osborne is traveling at the moment but Miss Rosenberg is here in town. She is Dr. Rosenberg's daughter. I am betting that she suggested the paper files to her mother as a precaution against being hacked."

"It does make sense."Reid said. "That is if your security was tight enough to secure the paper files. Then again perhaps no one thinks to look for such sensitive information in a paper form in today's technical age."

"Well hopefully she will find more information. She should join us soon." Aaron said. "Now has anyone found a pattern?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Spike found Buffy on her break. She was sitting under an awning outside the sunlight. He had to admit it was nice and shady. Spike decided to risk it and slipped up next to her. "Hello Slayer."

Buffy almost jumped out of her skin. She glared at Spike then smiled. It made her almost glow.

"Hello Spike you gave me a start."

"Sorry but you really do need to be alert."

"I know I was just thinking."

"Really since when?" he teased.

Buffy glared at him but supposed she deserved that given how often she ran headlong into situations. "Since always, when I have time it does happen now and again you know."

"Well then I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me maybe a patrol with me later, ah...down on the beach after the sun sets. The moon will be out and ...well you could use a break."

Buffy smiled. She noticed how nervous Spike seemed. He was asking her out on a date. It was sweet. "Sure that would be lovely. Maybe we could go for a swim. It has been a while since I did that."

Spike grinned. "Sure thing slayer, we can do that. Maybe roast some hotdogs and marshmallows."

Buffy smiled. "I'd like that."

Spike grinned then leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. He slipped away as he sensed the sun shifting. Buffy watched him go coat flowing behind him. Damn he looked good. She just wished he could walk in the sun with her. She sighed and decided to be glad he cared to try.

TBC...

Friday, February 19, 2016

Dark Protector

Part 15

Dexter smiled as he got off the plane. It was sunny and bright out. At least Elaina/ Buffy lived on a warm Hell mouth. It so hate Cleveland. I suppose California not so bad. It's not Florida but it is warm and I should be able to get decent oranges for drinks. One can never have too much vitamin C. He grabbed his go bag and headed toward to gate. He was glad he had taken the direct flight in. He had heard of Mayor Wilkins and the guy may have been a bit of a demon but one thing you had to say for him is he did wonders for the town's infrastructure. He quickly found a cab and climbed it. A rather large man tried to push him out of the way. Dexter glared. "I'll share the cab buddy but I am so not waiting for another."

The business man cursed at him but got in as well. "I am in a hurry. I suppose we can share."

The cab driver gave him a look then said "Get in if you lot want to drive into Sunnydale. I want to be out of there by sundown."

Dexter chuckled at that. "Don't worry I don't bite."

The business man grinned. Dexter felt the wave of evil flow off him. "I so love it when prey comes to me. I can relax a bit before I meet the family. Cool."

They drove into town the business man directing them to a warehouse. The cab stopped and they driver got out to get the guy's luggage. As he did so the large business man grabbed him. His face changed and tentacles popped out. "I so hate rude cabbies." He said.

Dexter saw this and jumped out. He pulled out a small stick and swung it down. It extended into a long pole and he hit the demon across the back of the knees. This action caused him to drop the cabbie. He then pulled him off striking his back and neck. "Hey now the cabbie was decent enough to you and he even made sure our luggage was stowed properly is that any way to treat him?"

The cabbie scrambled backwards shocked. He watched as Dexter used his extended club and flashlight he had pulled from his bag to beat the demon to a pulp. He systematically broke every bone in his body. The cabbie watched in shock. He had seen the slayer work and she made a beat down look easy but rarely if ever did he see a human do this to a demon. "I hate rude businessmen. You lot think you can treat people rudely. Well the cabbie here he don't deserve that now. So say you are sorry."

The demon cursed him and spit out a venom which Dexter sidestepped.

"Now that was rude. I should tell my niece about you. You might know her she goes by Buffy here."

The Cabbie Jarrod Maximilian watched in shock but hearing this guy was related to the slayer made the beat down made sense. He was just glad he was a peaceful type demon. He held up his hands to show he was not interested in causing issues.

"Well that was fun, it was too easy but fun." Dexter said as he pulled the club apart and removed a large knife he slit the demons throat then poured some powder onto the dead body. It dissolved. "See no muss no fuss." He tossed the cabbie a roll of bills. "That should cover our fares."

"Wow, ah this is more than the fair sir."

"Yeah I bet, but this guy was seriously rude. Take the money enjoy yourself take care of your family maybe treat them to a movie or something."

"Wow, sure will, my spawn will love that."

Dexter grinned. "Good just remember don't give Buffy and her people a hard time. Ah and if they need a ride sometime…"

"I got them." The cabbie said. "Would have done it anyway, I mean she keeps the world spinning you know."

Dexter laughed and grabbed his stuff and got back into his cab. "So can you get me to my familie's house?"

"Yep sure thing it's next to the slayers house. Nice place that."

"Never been there but I sure it is. Hannibal told Clarice to spend what she wanted on the remodel so it's probably really cool."

"It is, my cousin Vinny he worked on the inside. Helped remodel it, said it looks like a small palace now."

They drove to Clarice's home and Dexter wiped off his tools.

"You can leave the rags in the back. I'll toss them in the fire. Not the first time I've had to clean demon goop."

"Hazard of the job I suppose." Dexter joked.

"Yeah, I don't do runs after sun set. To likely to get a vamp and those bastards never want to pay their fare. I mean I got ten spawn to feed. Then they stiff us. They give all demons a bad name."

"Yeah they do, so where can I go to fine the deadbeats?"

The demon cabbie laughed and thought it be a hoot to direct the Slayers uncle to the worst demon bar maybe he would help clean up the city for the decent sorts. I mean his lot were vegetarians and just wanted to live and let live.

Ccccccccccccc

Clarice watched as Aaron and Dave began to make some order out of the killings. Each type was listed and charted on the white board. It was rather impressive when you looked at it. She could see how the BAU had come to the conclusion that a there were several groups of serial killers using Sunnydale as a hunting and killing ground. The irony was not lost on her. The senior agents work might actually prove useful to Buffy if she had a chance to see it. Clarice took a snap shot of it. No point in wasting all the team's hard work.

Rossi saw her do that and asked. "Is there a reason you are taking a picture of our murder board?"

"Yes Agent Rossi, I am not staying here as I am staying with Hans. I look this over later. I can not exactly take the board with me now can I?"

Rossi nodded. It was a bit shocking that Clarice was not staying with them. However given the fact that they all spent so much time on the road he could not fault her for trying to find some time with her husband. Lord knows his own previous marriages might have survived better if he had tried to spend more time with his wives. He had been doing better when he was with Director Straus but, that was still a sore point. He missed her deeply. He had not realized how much he was falling for her until she was gone. He swallowed hard and nodded.

Clarice watched the emotions play over David Rossi's face. She felt a pang of sympathy for him. However she would not bring it up in front of the others. Erin Straus had been a friend and she knew that she had cared for Rossi and had things been different Clarice fully expected them to have gotten together. The only positive thing in that situation was that Hannibal had managed to end two of the three people who ordered her killed. The BAU caught the other. That one was lucky. She had wanted to kill him herself. However the BAU had been a bit quicker. It was part of the reason she come back.

"Well I see you have found some good information. How would you suggest we proceed with the investigation Agent Hotchner?"

The senior agent raised his brow. "I think we need to interview the students of Sunnydale High. That School seems to be the center of a great deal of the deaths."

"I'd say." Garcia popped up. "I mean what high school has their own Obituary section in the High School Paper? Not even New York in the 1980's was that bad."

"There does seem to be a high level of young people dying. Perhaps it is gang related, not the random killing the locals think but more ritualistic a way to initiate gang members into the gang that does not allow them an easy way to escape." Reid offered.

"It would beat jumping someone in. I mean if they all are killers no one could rat the others out without falling themselves." Morgan said. "It is actually kind of ingenious if that is the case. It would also spread fear of the gangs to others."

"Yes but wouldn't killing that many discourage others from joining." Emily said.

"I don't know, it could be join or die." Morgan said. "Like the Nazi's did on a smaller scale, fit in and be a part of us or you will be the next kill."

"I might believe that if they had a type." Rossi said. "It's all over, that is no one group is being targeted per say. They are all races, ethnic groups and even ages, genders and types."

"Garcia can you find a pattern, we are missing something with our search?" Morgan asked.

"No, I am not finding one Morgan, there is not even a set time for the killings though to be fair a lot happen on weekends but that could be because people are out and about on the weekend days. More targets of opportunity and more time to get into mischief."

"Do we have any specifics on gangs?"Emily asked. "A location of gangs or their makeup, maybe if we could figure that out we could find out how they are choosing their kills and kill zones."

"I'll run a search." Penelope said looking determined.

Clarice listened and sipped her coffee. She wondered if they would find Willies?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hans went to check on Joyce Summers when he spotted Rupert Giles heading in. He stayed back. No point in creating more tension. As he slipped into the shadows he spotted the Council's wet works team. Not that he realized that was what they were at first. He moved in closer and upon hearing their plans frowned. This would not do at all. While he wanted his daughter back she could not lose her "mother" Joyce was a good woman and a touchstone for Elaina/Buffy. She needed her. It was also more likely Buffy would accept them if Joyce was healthy and supporting the decision. So the Council's team had to be dealt with. He had been willing to let them be or hunt them at his own time when Dexter got her until they became a direct threat. Now they had to go. He slipped away and pulled out his phone and texted his beloved. She needed to be warned and they might as well use the BAU. Perhaps them taking the team would solve several issues. They would find real killers and perhaps leave. If not well at least the wet works team would be out of the picture and Buffy would not be blamed. He began to plan how to do that. Hans hoped Clarice would have a plan as well. Two heads were better than one. His phone beeped and he read the text. Well at least Dexter had arrived that gave him options. He liked options.

TBC….