This fanfiction is exclusively dedicated to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it will also incorporate elements from other franchises.
AN: If you happen to develop a dislike for this narrative, please be aware that I strongly dislike this series as well. The sole reason I even contemplated writing this piece is because it was requested of me. Therefore, if you anticipate an identical rendition of that abysmal creation, I apologize, but I will introduce certain alterations. I kindly request that you express your opinions respectfully, as I understand that many individuals have grown fond of this chaotic disaster. However, this is not a novel occurrence, as someone had to appreciate it at some point.
The Goddess eagerly awaited the arrival of her two loyal servants while engaging in conversation with a group of six extraordinary women. These women hailed from various corners of the universe, and the Goddess had a strong desire to dispatch her finest duo to assist them. It was evident to her that this particular universe was in dire need of their aid.
Without hesitation, the Goddess already knew that one of her servants would enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to venture into this universe. He possessed an unwavering love for the series that served as its foundation, and he would seize any chance to immerse himself in its captivating world. On the other hand, the second servant made no effort to conceal his disdain for the show, openly expressing his detestation. He adamantly refused to find joy in a place he deemed worse than Hell itself.
Despite their contrasting opinions on the matter, these two men had been inseparable friends for countless millennia. They had embarked on numerous missions together, traversing countless universes side by side. The Goddess could easily count on one hand the number of universes that evoked such strong aversion from this particular servant. Alas, she now had to add one more universe to that list. This universe was intricately tied to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, encompassing comics and games. The servant who adored the series, Hiro, made no secret of his fervent fandom, proudly proclaiming his admiration to anyone who would listen.
Hector, the person who despised the series, held no reservations in expressing his disdain to Hiro. He didn't hold back in labeling the show as a colossal pile of flaming garbage. This infuriated Hiro to the point where he locked himself in a room with Hector for a marathon of seven seasons. During this marathon, Hector went on to claim that he would rather listen to Montgomery Scott drunkenly singing Danny Boy than endure that abysmal show.
Fed up with Hector's strong aversion, she confronted him and questioned why he harbored such intense hatred towards that particular show and its universe. She found it perplexing that he had no qualms about voicing his opinion in front of six women who were associated with that very same universe, even though two of them hailed from alternate timelines. Determined to understand his reasoning, she urged him to explain while Hiro continued to glare at him, along with four of the women.
I remember a time when I stumbled upon a show called Kim Possible, followed by Totally Spies. Little did I know that I would soon be coerced into enduring all seven seasons of a certain show that can only be described as a turd. The only silver lining was that compared to this abomination, the previous shows were absolute gems.
Let me explain why I despise this turd so much. The so-called Watchers Council, who are supposedly the good guys safeguarding humanity, are nothing but self-serving morons. They are fully aware of the consequences if the special person they are supposed to protect gets killed, yet they do absolutely nothing to assist or train them. Instead, they provide them with inadequate equipment and weapons, less than what an army grunt would have. On top of that, they constantly engage in actions that hinder, weaken, or even put them in harm's way.
It's mind-boggling to think that these are the people responsible for keeping humanity safe. Without a slayer in that universe, the entire realm would be doomed, and they are well aware of it.
Buffy couldn't help but agree with these sentiments. She had experienced firsthand how they almost killed her multiple times and even poisoned her to strip her of her powers. And to top it all off, they made her fight vampires on her own birthday. It was truly outrageous.
It's astonishing to think that Sunnydale, a seemingly ordinary town, is actually under the control of Wolf Ram and Hart. This means that all the public positions are occupied by demons or demon worshippers. Surprisingly, one of the women pointed out that this was technically true. She couldn't help but wonder why nobody had ever noticed that the mayor, the principal, and even a significant number of police and civil servants were part of this dark alliance.
The question arises: why do people continue to live in such a perilous place? After dark, the town becomes a dangerous zone where no one is truly safe, except perhaps on Halloween when even demonic creatures respect one sacred holiday. However, the chances of encountering a vampire, werewolf, or demon are alarmingly high. These creatures pose a threat not only to one's physical well-being but also to their very soul.
Take Alexander, for example. He was just an ordinary guy, trying his best to be a decent person. Yet, the only women who showed genuine interest in him were a horde of demonesses, a vampire, an undead Incan princess, and even a ghost. Sunnydale is a place where common sense seems to go out the window, and nice guys either meet their demise or have their lives utterly ruined. Perhaps the sign at the town's entrance should read: "Welcome to Sunnydale, a place even worse than Hell."
Three of the women stood up abruptly, vehemently disagreeing with the statement. "Alright, Cordelia twins, let's start with you," one of them exclaimed. "You had the opportunity to have a stable relationship with him, but what happened? You dumped him and made it clear that he wasn't your boyfriend. And now you end up with Buffy's leftovers in a law firm in Los Angeles. And you, Buffy, every time you need help or someone to come to your rescue, who do you call? Xander. He risks his life for you time and time again, yet you never appreciate him. Instead, you focus on that cursed vampire, Angel, who is far from angelic, by the way. And let's not forget, he was known as the scourge of Europe!"
Hector, sensing the tension in the room, decided to change the subject. "Speaking of insanity, Jenny, your people cursed Angelus in a way that not only punishes him but also puts the rest of humanity in danger. A single moment of true happiness, and his soul is gone, leaving Angelus to wreak havoc once again. Do you even realize how many situations can trigger true happiness? This curse not only affects Angel, but it also screws over Buffy because if she's with the only guy she loves, he turns into a homicidal monster. Yet, she can't bring herself to kill him because of her deep affection. If it were me, considering everything I've said so far, she would stake me in less than ten seconds."
He glanced at the women before shaking his head in disbelief. "Why is it that instead of a united force combating the supernatural menace, they burden a hormonal teenage girl with the responsibility? There was an attempt by a group called the Initiative, but their so-called achievement was creating a monstrous demon-human hybrid that makes Frankenstein's monster seem saintly. And guess what? This abomination desires nothing more than to annihilate humanity, transforming their lifeless bodies into mindless slaves under his rule. The world was left in utter shock."
"Where are the exorcists when you need them? Where are the devoted soldiers of the church, the so-called holy order of Iscariot? Hell, I'd even welcome an amnesiac version of Dracula who actually remembers his own son's name and works for an organization owned by the descendants of Van Helsing. Where are all the organizations responsible for handling such global threats? Our planet is in such a dire state that even the one in Independence Day seems better equipped to save the world. Yet, they choose to burden a horny teenager with this immense task. Seriously, most militaries wouldn't even consider recruiting teenagers."
Buffy's fiery response to Hector's accusations was immediate and fierce. With a determined stride, she approached him, her eyes burning with anger. "Hold on a second," she snapped, "that's absolutely not true. I've saved the entire human race and even the entire planet multiple times. I refuse to sit here and let you say that I'm terrible at being the Slayer, especially after everything I've sacrificed to fulfill my duty."
Hector, however, remained unyielding in his criticism. He bluntly pointed out her supposed lack of determination, discipline, and commitment to her role. He reminded her of the instances where her personal feelings for Angel clouded her judgment, potentially leading to the deaths of innocent people. He even brought up the tragic loss of Ms. Calendar, a victim of Angel's actions. Buffy, not one to back down, retorted that Angelus was responsible for that, not Angel himself.
The Goddess had finally reached her breaking point and decided to intervene before things spiraled even further out of control. It was clear to her why you despised the situation so much, "You never cease to amaze me, my dear husband. You noticed the unnecessary suffering, the pain, the misery, and the anguish inflicted upon the people. You detest the fact that Buffy is being used as a sacrificial pawn without her consent or anyone caring about her well-being. You voiced your concerns about the curse, but you did it all for her sake. If it weren't for that one aspect of the curse, where true happiness would cause it to shatter, she and her love could have found happiness together. You may pretend to say and do things to go unnoticed, but deep down, you are still the kind-hearted fallen archangel I fell in love with all those years ago."
In that moment, Hiro had a realization. "Just how old is Buffy, and how does she possess all this knowledge?" The Goddess chuckled and explained that they had taken quite some time to reach her office, so while they waited, she decided to grant them golden tokens that would unlock the memories they would gain from a particular universe where Xander was trapped in a time loop for over a century. Hector expressed his concern, stating that it wouldn't be a pleasant experience at all. In fact, they would all want to give Xander a good beating for his actions in those time loops. The Goddess quickly corrected him, informing him that only four of them received the tokens, and even after they left, they would only remember fragments of it, like distant dreams, triggered at specific moments and places, particularly during Halloween.
The other two individuals do not require the tokens as they are considered divine beings, serving the powers. One of the advantages of their status is having complete knowledge of reality. Therefore, there was no need for her to use a golden token. Hector informed her that she had wasted four of them. However, he understood that she did it to prevent any potential difficulties they might encounter later on. He reluctantly accepted the high cost of each golden token. Curious, Jenny asked about the composition of these tokens. Hector explained that they were made from a combination of metals, primarily orichalcum. This explained their exorbitant price, as the main source of this metal no longer existed on Earth - Atlantis.
One of the women inquired about the true cause of Atlantis' destruction. Hector clarified that it was more of a continent than an island, and he pointed at Hiro, stating that it was his fault. Hiro, clearly irritated, responded, "I've told you countless times, I don't need to be reminded of that. I did nothing wrong, and you know it! That accursed place deserved its fate, and you damn well know why I did it. So stop blaming me for it, damn it! Shall I reveal to them what you're known as in other places we've been? They might be suspicious of you, especially after her comment about you being a fallen archangel. How about an apology, and you can continue pretending to be a nice guy? Or should I expose the name you desperately want to keep hidden?"
Hector couldn't believe what he was hearing. Buffy's words cut deep, accusing him of being the embodiment of evil itself. He felt a surge of anger, a fiery rage burning within him. How dare she make such outrageous claims without knowing the truth? He had to set the record straight.
With a stern expression, Hector looked Buffy straight in the eyes. "You think you know who I am? You think I'm some kind of monster?" he retorted, his voice filled with intensity. "Well, let me tell you something, Slayer. You have no idea what you're talking about."
He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Yes, there are secrets, dark secrets that lie within me. But they do not define who I am. And they certainly do not make me Lucifer Morningstar." Hector's voice grew stronger, his words laced with determination.
"In other universes, in different realms, I am known by many names. But here, in this world, I am Hector. A man who values truth and honesty above all else. So, before you pass judgment and label me as the devil, perhaps you should take a closer look at yourself and the darkness that resides within you."
Hector's words hung in the air, challenging Buffy to reconsider her hasty accusations. He refused to let her tarnish his reputation any further. It was time for her to see the truth, to understand that appearances can be deceiving.
"I've never managed to persuade or coerce anyone to do anything, as if I have all the time in the world to perch on people's shoulders like a mystical parrot, whispering sinister commands. I don't create evil; I simply punish those who engage in wicked deeds. That's been my purpose since the beginning, and it will remain so until the end. However, since you've been rather impolite, I'll share a little secret with you: I don't even have the authority to determine which souls end up in Hell. That's beyond my control."
Jenny inquired about who is responsible for sending souls to Hell, and Hector responded with a smile. "It is the humans themselves who choose to enter Hell, burdened by their guilt for their actions. They willingly enter that realm, punishing themselves and reliving their painful memories repeatedly. As for me, I am tasked with providing a place for you all to reside, without any reward for my hard work. And just to add a little extra for your benefit, since I am so kind, the gates of Hell have no locks and are always open. You humans could leave whenever you wished, but strangely, nobody ever does. However, meeting my daughter has given me a new purpose - to heal the souls of the damned. Honestly, without her, I would have never discovered this. Then again, I might be saying this because I am also an incredibly proud father."
Cordelia turned her attention to him and inquired about the whereabouts of his daughter, prompting him to respond with a hint of pride, "She's currently taken over my previous role. It's highly likely that she's become one of the new Archangels in Heaven." His voice carried a weight of both admiration and concern as he continued, "But let me tell you, despite all the hype and glamour surrounding that position, the responsibility is a real burden. The expectations are immense, and the challenges can be relentless. Personally, I'd much prefer to devote my energy toward running my own businesses, thank you very much."
Intrigued by his passion for entrepreneurship, Joyce leaned in and asked him to elaborate on the specific business that brought him such pride. Without a moment's hesitation, he began to paint a vivid picture of his venture in the bustling heart of Los Angeles. "In my universe, I own a delightful and secure bar called Lux," he explained. "It's not just any bar—it's a sanctuary where the atmosphere is meticulously curated, and a set of essential rules governs the behavior of all our patrons. We maintain a strict policy: no fighting and no drugs allowed. As long as people can commit to a standard of civility and refrain from causing any disturbances, they are free to enjoy their drinks and the company of others."
He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words sink in, before adding, "However, if someone dares to break these fundamental rules, our bouncers are instructed to have a serious conversation with them. It's a gentle reminder that such behavior is unacceptable and that their actions have consequences. In fact, it's highly unlikely that anyone who crosses that line would ever be welcomed back into the bar again."
With a glint of determination in his eye, he continued, "I run my business like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that everything is in order, impeccably clean, and functioning smoothly. Disruptions of any kind are something I thoroughly despise, and I have zero tolerance for anything that causes trouble. Let's just say I'm not above giving someone a fitting punishment for their actions if they overstep their bounds. After all, I wasn't called a judge of souls for no reason." His tone reflected both authority and a deep-seated commitment to maintaining peace and order in his beloved establishment.
Buffy, intrigued, couldn't help but ask if he had truly been cast out of heaven. Hector admitted that for a long time, he had felt that way. His anger, pain, and resentment towards his father had caused some family issues. However, after seeking therapy and having a heartfelt conversation with his father, he discovered that he hadn't been cast out at all. In fact, he had been placed in that position because his father believed it was his true calling. His purpose was to guide wicked souls towards accepting their guilt, paying for their evil deeds, and helping them overcome their pain and negative emotions. Once everything was accomplished, these souls would have the opportunity to enter the kingdom of heaven and begin the process of rebirth. It was a chance for them to live again, hopefully without repeating their past mistakes.
"And let me make one thing clear, I despise disruptions and troublemakers," he added. "So, if someone deserves an appropriate punishment for their actions, I, as a judge of souls, am not above delivering it."
Buffy inquired about Hector's cryptic conversation, and he simply explained that Joyce, for some inexplicable reason, wanted to know how he met the mother of his daughter and why humans and angels are completely different species. "I don't understand why you're so worked up about this. Actually, vampires and humans can also have children. They're called Dhampirs, and they can be quite peculiar for parents to raise. They possess all the powers of a vampire but none of the weaknesses. Once they reach maturity, they stop aging. They'll forever look like a twenty-five-year-old, even if everyone they know ages and dies of old age."
He glanced at Buffy and the others, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It took me over three thousand years to realize something that seems so obvious now. Being a parent can bring a couple closer, filling them with joy, pride, and an overwhelming love. But it's also a massive pain in the rear because every child goes through that phase where they believe they know everything in the world, always right, while their parents are clueless. When I became a parent, it hit me. The reason why parents always want grandkids is, in its purest form, revenge. They want their little brats to experience the same challenges they faced while raising them. And that's why they're so jolly—they're laughing their butts off."
"Someday, when you become a parent, you'll truly comprehend the immense effort and sacrifices your own mother made to raise you. It's in that moment of realization that you'll grasp the depth of your mother's love for you. Even if she had to make difficult decisions, like sending you to a mental hospital to protect you from a demon, she did it out of love, unaware of the true reason behind it. Buffy, deep down, you yearn for a normal life filled with friends, fun, and excitement over the latest fashion trends. You don't want to deal with the supernatural or demonic horrors that lurk in the shadows. And you can have that life, as long as you're willing to accept the consequences. Just bear in mind that by doing so, you'll be condemning the entire human race, including yourself, to a fate worse than Hell. So, take it from someone who knows, embrace your destiny, fulfill your duty, and shape your life around what you need to achieve it. Otherwise, you'll be burdened with the guilt of causing the annihilation of everything on Earth. Trust me, I speak from personal experience."
Hiro takes a deliberate step forward, his eyes locking onto Buffy's with a piercing intensity that conveys both empathy and determination. In this moment, he is resolute in his belief that he can present her with a flicker of hope that might illuminate her path. "Listen," he begins, his voice steady and filled with conviction, "he's not saying you can't have a normal life." He pauses briefly, letting the words sink in before continuing, "What he's suggesting is that there's something you haven't fully considered, an idea that may not be immediately apparent to everyone around you."
Hiro leans in slightly, emphasizing the significance of his next statement. "It's actually a rather simple concept, yet it encapsulates a profoundly Zen-like perspective. What you truly need in your life is the acceptance of your uniqueness, your inherent role as the Slayer. This acceptance is not merely about acknowledging who you are; it's about embracing it wholeheartedly. Alongside this acceptance, you must also cultivate balance in your life—a term that carries deeper meaning than it may initially suggest."
He takes a moment, ensuring that Buffy is fully engaged with the weight of his words. "Now, when I mention balance, I'm not referring to the trivial act of balancing a ball on your finger or executing some sophisticated dance move," he clarifies, his tone earnest and passionate. "I'm speaking about the kind of balance that governs how you navigate your life on a day-to-day basis. You see, it's simply not feasible for you to embody the Slayer every single hour of every single day. Therefore, moderation becomes not just advisable, but essential."
Continuing, Hiro outlines a vision for Buffy's life that is both realistic and fulfilling. "It's important to dedicate certain hours to participating in activities and pursuits that you genuinely enjoy. Maybe that means exploring your love for fashion or engaging in lively discussions about the latest trends that captivate your interest." He smiles slightly at the thought before shifting to the necessities of her responsibilities. "Simultaneously, you will need to allocate time to the more mundane, yet necessary aspects of life, such as going to school and hitting the books. These elements are crucial, too. They ground you."
Hiro's expression turns serious as he emphasizes the importance of her training: "And of course, you must never neglect the commitment to continuously train and hone your skills as the Slayer. This means learning to fight, not only to improve your physical abilities but also to cultivate mental resilience and strength." He finishes with a sense of resolute hope, encapsulating his message: "By finding this balance, you can preserve your identity as a Slayer while also enjoying the richness of life beyond it."
Hiro's voice transitions from a calm narrative to an enthusiastic crescendo, his excitement palpable as he elaborates on the fantastical journey ahead. "And before you know it," he exclaims, his imagination igniting, "you'll find yourself navigating the eerie shadows of a local graveyard, where the air thrums with tension and the thrill of the unknown. Picture it—a dramatic confrontation with a host of monsters, formidable vampires, and a plethora of nightmarish horrors that lurk just out of sight. It's a world where danger and adventure collide, and every moment is charged with adrenaline. But if you're skilled and quick on your feet, you might carve out a few precious hours amidst the chaos—time enough to share a playful flirtation with your charming, yet undeniably undead boyfriend. Just think about it; the prospect alone should bring a lightness to your heart, a smile to your face, as you weave through this web of supernatural encounters. As for sleep, don't fret. A mere couple of hours will more than suffice. With the incredible powers you possess, fatigue will hardly be a concern."
His gaze locks onto Buffy's, brimming with unwavering belief in her latent abilities. "You possess an extraordinary strength within you, Buffy," he states earnestly. "You have the potential to lead a life that is both rich and fulfilling. Embrace the uniqueness that defines you, and if you strive to find that delicate balance between your extraordinary responsibilities and the life you crave, you will discover that a semblance of normalcy is not just a dream—it can be your reality."
Just then, Cordelia interjects with curiosity piqued, inquiring about the identity of this enigmatic undead boyfriend. Oh no, Hiro realizes, the awareness of her high school girl instincts for gossip sharpens the air. Normally, he would clarify that he was discussing an ensouled demon-possessed undead being, but given that vampires undeniably fall under the umbrella of the undead, it seemed a fitting description. He was, of course, referring to Angel. Cordelia's response is hardly one of surprise; after all, the allure of someone like him is undeniable, drawing interest from many a girl.
However, Hiro can't help but feel a twinge of caution as he quickly adds a warning. "Just remember," he cautions, "Angel's curse is an ever-present shadow. Unless it's altered, he will never know true happiness, and that's a ticking clock — the moment he feels that joy, Angelus will emerge. And let's be honest, who in their right mind would willingly choose to be around Angelus? Dating him would be an act of sheer madness; only someone with a death wish, an unstable mind, or a morally questionable compass would even consider it." The gravity of his words hangs in the air, a reminder of the perilous complexity that surrounds relationships with the undead.
