This fanfiction is exclusively dedicated to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it will also incorporate elements from other franchises.
The long hours of waiting were a mix of torture and boredom for both Hector and Hiro as they stood outside the hospital with their family, anxiously anticipating news about the birth of one of their adopted daughters. Earlier that day, her water broke unexpectedly, catching her husband completely off guard since she wasn't due for another week. Hector, seeing his son in distress, stepped in to help calm him down. Meanwhile, Hiro took charge of his daughter, gently picking her up and placing her in the backseat of his car. With the mother and her husband settled, Hiro drove them to the local hospital, while Hector stayed behind to call the other children, letting them know where their parents had gone.
As they waited, both Hiro and Hector couldn't help but feel it was strange to see a man who was already the father of so many children so worried about the latest addition to his family. This was not his first rodeo; he had been through the ups and downs of labor over a dozen times before. Why was this birth different? Hiro tried to lighten the mood with a joke, suggesting that their adopted daughter would handle this latest birth with ease, given her experience. In contrast, Hector had a nagging feeling that there was more to the story. He suspected that his adoptive son might be holding back some concerns that were too troubling to share. Something was clearly bothering him, and it wasn't just the excitement or anxiety that usually accompanied labor. Hector couldn't shake the feeling that there was a deeper issue at play, something serious enough to make his son uneasy about discussing it with them.
Hector felt a surge of irritation rising within him when he heard his son express his fears about an old legend. The legend claimed that if a family had five hundred children, the last one born would transform into a terrifying monster. This creature would not just lurk in the shadows; it would actively hunt down and mercilessly kill every family member, as well as any friends or relatives connected to them. Hector was ready to smack some sense into his son for even bringing up such nonsense. He firmly reminded the boy that they were nowhere near New Jersey, a place often associated with eerie tales and urban legends. In fact, he went even further, insisting that he had no intention of becoming the second coming of the notorious Jersey Devil.
Hector pointed out that they lived in a place much more precarious than any myth could suggest. Here, earthquakes were frequent, and wildfires could rage unexpectedly. Their city was situated directly atop what many referred to as the Hellmouth, a spot that seemed to serve as a focal point for calamities. To make matters more complicated, Hector recalled that at least one of his ancestors had married a devil. Bringing up such a rumor was almost like an insult to their own family's unique history and challenges.
As laughter escaped Hector, he shifted the conversation back to his wife's well-being. He admitted that he was concerned about how she was coping with the pregnancy, stating that she experienced this level of anxiety every single time they welcomed a new child into their family. Hector recognized that such worries were common among fathers waiting for their partners to give birth. His friend Hiro, sensing the need for distraction, suggested that instead of dwelling on scary stories, they could focus on something more practical. He proposed that they could think of names for the new baby, whether it turned out to be a boy or a girl. Hector, who already had the results from an ultrasound, quickly mentioned that the baby was indeed a boy. Hiro, however, reminded him that mistakes can happen with ultrasounds. He encouraged Hector to consider names for a girl as well, just in case. This small shift in perspective provided an opportunity for Hector to focus on the joy of impending fatherhood rather than the shadows of fear that the legend invoked.
Anthony paced nervously in the waiting room, his footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. The atmosphere around him felt heavy with anticipation, each minute stretching into what felt like an eternity. Hector, taking notice of Anthony's restless movements, pointed out that he was starting to wear a groove into the carpet. With that observation, Anthony paused, looking up at Hector with a furrowed brow.
"Have you ever felt like something terrible could go wrong, and there was absolutely nothing you could do to stop it?" he asked a sense of urgency in his voice. Hector chuckled lightly, shaking his head in understanding. He replied that he had experienced that feeling many times before—especially during the births of his own children. Each moment of joy was often mixed with the fear of the unknown. He also recalled the anxious feelings he had on the days his kids got married, as well as the times they became parents themselves.
Hector smiled knowingly, adding that he and his partner, Hiro, might not appear to be as old as they truly were. In fact, they had seen many years pass, filled with countless moments of joy and worry. However, Hector gently warned Anthony that stressing about the situation would only lead to health problems, like ulcers. Instead, he suggested that the best course of action was to simply wait and hope for the best regarding Jessica's delivery.
Reflecting on Jessica's past pregnancies, Hector reassured Anthony that she had faced little trouble when giving birth to her other children. He believed this one would follow suit, insisting that Jessica was far stronger than many people seemed to think. With those comforting words echoing in his thoughts, Anthony took a deep breath, trying to embrace a bit more optimism as he waited for news.
Hector had been feeling anxious about Jessica's delivery. He had shared his worries with Anthony, expressing the hope that everything would turn out well. Just as he finished talking, the doctor stepped out of the delivery room. His face was beaming with good news that resonated in the air like a sigh of relief. He informed Anthony with a reassuring tone that the delivery had gone smoothly, and both mother and baby were perfectly healthy. It was a joyful moment, as Jessica had given birth to a healthy baby boy.
Anthony's expression changed instantly; a surge of happiness washed over him. He looked over at Hector, a big smile spread across his face, reflecting relief mixed with pride. It was a proud moment for the family, and Anthony couldn't help but feel a bit smug as if he were savoring a personal victory along with the news of the new arrival.
As he glanced back at Hector, he anticipated a dramatic reaction from him. After all, this was another grandchild joining the family, and Anthony imagined Hector would be excited about the news. However, to his surprise, Hector remained calm and composed. Instead of the jubilant outburst, Anthony had expected, Hector simply shrugged and shared his thoughts. He mentioned that while having a grandchild is special after so many already making their way into the family, the excitement feels a little different. He suggested that the impact of the news lessens when it becomes a more frequent occasion. Anthony listened, slightly taken aback but also amused, realizing that for Hector, this was just another joyful addition to a growing family.
As soon as the mother and her newborn baby were brought into the hospital room for recovery, a strange feeling settled over Hector and Hiro. They sensed an unusual disturbance in the atmosphere, an unsettling sensation that something was not quite right. Despite the tension they felt, no one else seemed to notice the oddity surrounding them. The air was thick with an unspoken concern that only Hector and Hiro could perceive. They moved purposefully toward the mother and child, intent on uncovering the source of their unease. As they approached the crib, they activated their observation skill to assess the baby's condition. What they discovered left them both stunned and alarmed. The father, named Anthony, appeared frightened upon seeing the expression on his adoptive father's face.
At that moment, Hiro glanced at Hector, who nodded in agreement. This silent acknowledgment conveyed a shared realization that something significant was unfolding. Hiro took a deep breath and began, "I have both good news and some bad news for you. Our family has long been committed to protecting humanity from various threats. The good news is that the baby has awakened the Bard skills." This revelation ignited a wave of excitement among the family. Cheering erupted as they celebrated the fact that a Guardian had finally emerged in their lineage after generations. This felt like a miracle, a blessing that seemed to have come straight from the divine.
However, just as the joy began to swell, the mother's expression turned serious. She hesitated, fear creeping into her voice as she turned to Hector and asked, "What's the bad news?"
Hector's face was grave as he explained, "When he activated his Bard skills, it triggered the awakening of all his bloodlines at once. All of his bloodline traits were present within him, and the way they activated caused them to negate each other perfectly. As a result, the bad news is that all the skills he should have inherited are currently inactive, leaving him little more than an ordinary human." The room fell silent as the siblings absorbed this troubling news. They exchanged glances, fear dulling their previous excitement. Finally, one sibling found the courage to voice the unthinkable concern, "This doesn't make sense. He has all of his bloodline traits, but they couldn't activate because of how they interacted. It's like a fuse blowing out during a power surge; they shut off just when they should have turned on." It wasn't the most elegant analogy, but it captured the essence of their predicament.
Hector continued, "If our enemies find out about this, they will see little Alexander as an easy target. Although he retains the passive advantages of those bloodline traits, the fact remains that he cannot activate them. The other children have been able to harness their abilities because they each possess one primary bloodline trait that they are most compatible with. Alexander has all the bloodline traits, and they are working against each other instead of enhancing his potential. The Wolf, Ram, and Hart families would eagerly jump at the chance to eliminate him due to his unique combination of bloodlines. Therefore, the only option we have is for each of you to train Alexander until he can learn to defend himself. Through training, he must find a way to control his abilities so that he can activate one bloodline trait at a time."
Anthony pondered this challenge as he listened to their discussion. How could they successfully train his son to navigate such intricacy? Hiro then provided a glimmer of hope, mentioning that thirteen of his siblings could begin the training as soon as baby Alexander was able to walk. As time passed and Alexander's body developed, additional siblings and even family friends could step in to provide essential training and lessons that would prepare him for the challenges ahead. They all knew that it would require dedication and effort, but it was a necessary path for little Alexander's future.
Anthony turned his gaze toward his adoptive father, his face a mixture of concern and determination as he attempted to force a smile. "So Dad, since you mentioned that there are thirteen people involved, it sounds like you and Hiro have come up with some form of training program for my baby boy. That's great, but I need to be honest with you. Please, Dad, I really have to ask you to take it easy on him. We both know that he is just a normal baby, and really, he is no better than any other human baby. I mean, the training that Jessica and I went through was intense—far too intense for a child. I worry that he wouldn't be able to handle what we went through."
Hiro listened intently and then looked Anthony in the eye. "I understand your concerns," he said calmly. "We did train the others pretty harshly, it's true. But we only did that because we knew exactly what their limits were. If you don't believe us, you can just use the observe technique on baby Alexander. You will see for yourself that we are not cruel; we would never cause harm to a newborn. For at least the first two to three years, we promise that baby Alexander won't undergo any training at all."
As the family gathered around, they decided to follow the suggestion. They focused on baby Alexander and began to analyze the distribution of skills among the people in their circle. It was an interesting sight; the skills appeared in a circular formation. To everyone's surprise, they seemed to be counteracting each other, just as Hiro and Hector had described earlier. One of the siblings pointed out that if the skills were represented as people, it looked like they were all competing against one another for dominance. However, to their amazement, the competition among them ended in a draw. It was a curious situation that made everyone think deeply about the balance of abilities and the dynamics within their family.
Hector stood there in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the chaos surrounding him. All of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made to create a better and safer world seemed to be slipping through his fingers. They had put in countless hours of effort for the sake of making a positive change and saving so many lives. The previous slayers and guardians had fought bravely, risking everything to protect those they loved. Yet now, it felt as if the very foundation of their efforts was crumbling. It frustrated him to think that all the careful planning, nurturing of relationships, fostering education, and advocating for proper training seemed to benefit only one person: Alexander.
Alexander, born into a legacy, seemed to carry none of that shared history or responsibility that the others had fought so fiercely to uphold. It was a bitter realization for Hector, one that weighed heavily on his heart. The people they had come to consider family—those who had fought alongside them and formed unbreakable bonds—were still vulnerable to the threats they had worked tirelessly to shield them from. This reality was disheartening, painting a bleak picture of their struggle.
"This only means that the toughest task is just barely beginning," Hector finally said, his voice filled with a mix of determination and concern. "We need to focus on Alexander's training, and we must ensure that he learns from the best. Many of those highly skilled individuals are his siblings, and they are more than willing to help. But let's be clear: he cannot start any intense physical training until he is twelve. I refuse to let him become injured because someone here lacks the sense of moderation."
Hector emphasized the importance of beginning training at the right time, outlining a methodical approach. "At the age of five, we will initiate his training, taking inspiration from the successful methods we used to nurture both the Slayers and the Guardians. But since Alexander has a unique path ahead of him, his training will need to be even more demanding than theirs. We want to ensure he is well-prepared to face any challenges."
Hiro, listening intently, gently reminded Hector that they had already discussed these plans in detail. However, he understood that Hector's repetition was not just about strategy; it was a way for him to express his feelings and find some peace in the chaos. Hector wanted to share his worries, and through this discussion, he hoped to calm his racing heart while ensuring that Alexander would be equipped with the skills and knowledge he needed to protect himself and the family they cherished.
Hiro made it clear to everyone that everything that had happened up to this point was just the preliminary rounds. The real battle, the main event, was still ahead of them, and they had to focus on getting the last participant ready for the competition. This last fighter would be no easy task to train. They needed to prepare Gasper, Usopp, Franky, Jiraiya, and several legendary figures from various cultures and backgrounds, including Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. Additionally, they had to include skilled individuals like Hephaestus, Orona, and even Rose and Ayame in their training program. It was clear that this training had to be comprehensive and well-rounded to cover all aspects needed for success.
However, Hiro also understood that this process would not be simple. As time passed, the training and lessons would become increasingly difficult and demanding. He stressed that if they wanted to prepare the Guardian to confront the formidable enemy that lay ahead, there could be no shortcuts. They had to push hard and ensure that every lesson was geared toward making Alexander ready for what was to come.
Hiro noticed the alarmed expression on Jessica's face, realizing that she was feeling overwhelmed. It was a lot to take in, especially since Alexander hadn't even spoken a single word yet. Despite that, they were all discussing him as if he were already prepared for challenges that would require the strength and determination of someone raised in a Spartan family. This was a lot of pressure on a young boy, and Jessica understood just how daunting this could be for him.
Hiro looked deeply into her eyes and felt an overwhelming understanding of the emotions she was experiencing. No parent alive could fail to grasp the intensity of this feeling—the ache in her heart, the hope that her child could lead a life filled with joy and carefree moments. Every fiber of her being wanted to shield her child from the harsh realities of the world. Yet, Hiro knew, with a heavy heart, that this vision of a peaceful life would not be attainable. The dangers they faced were not just ordinary challenges; they were monstrous forces that aimed for complete and total annihilation.
These dark entities were not merely seeking victory in a traditional sense. It was not about winning a battle or proving strength; their objective was far more sinister. They sought to erase all life from the planet, to commit an act of violence and horror that history had never witnessed before. This was not a war in the usual sense—it was a desperate fight to prevent a genocide that could outstrip any tragedy humanity had faced. The stakes were unimaginably high, with the fate of all living beings hanging in the balance.
Hector, Hiro's friend, couldn't help but voice his disbelief at the concept of wiping out every form of life from their world. He regarded it not only as an act of extreme foolishness but also as an utter waste of existence itself. Yet, Hiro quickly interjected, reminding his friend of a crucial truth. Just because these dark forces were evil did not mean they were devoid of intelligence. They had their own twisted logic, and underestimating their cunning could lead to catastrophic results. Hiro understood that they were dealing with a threat that was not just mindless destruction but a calculated attempt to extinguish everything that lived.
To address the pressing issue of leaving Alexander vulnerable and without protection, Hector and Hiro took it upon themselves to explain the situation to Alexander's family. They emphasized the urgent need for two capable men to act as distractions, drawing the enemy's attention away from Alexander. This strategy would give Alexander the vital opportunity to undergo the training he desperately required. Curious, Anthony turned to his father and inquired about the identities of these two men and the significance of their involvement. Hector quickly intervened to clarify that both of these men were not just any individuals; they were retired heroes who had once served as hosts for Zarathos, essentially making them former Ghost Riders. Their past experiences and connections to Hector and Hiro meant that they would likely be willing to assist, as they owed a significant favor to the duo from prior encounters.
One of these men was Johnny Blaze, a daredevil motorcycle rider known for performing thrilling stunt shows at county fairs. The other was Carter Slade, a retired lawman with a strong sense of justice. Carter's unwavering commitment to helping those in peril made him a vital ally. Hiro pointed out that Johnny was unlikely to abandon anyone in distress, especially an innocent like Alexander. However, he also noted that Carter carried a burden of guilt from his past actions, while Johnny had narrowly avoided being outsmarted by a devil who sought to trick him into a meaningless deal. Thankfully, Hector and Hiro had stepped in to help them both during those trying times, solidifying the bond of trust between them. This history made it almost certain that Johnny and Carter would agree to help, allowing Alexander the chance to grow and train in safety.
With their decision made, the two men made their way to a local graveyard that Carter tended to. Upon their arrival, Carter's demeanor suggested that he was not pleased to see them. Hector greeted him and expressed his hope that they wouldn't have to call in the debt owed to them by Carter and Johnny. However, Hector was quickly reminded that circumstances had changed drastically since they last met, necessitating their request for assistance. The very future of the Guardians depended on a successful awakening of the Guardian line, which had failed to activate. Without their help, the Slayers would remain vulnerable.
Carter looked at them, visibly frustrated. He shook his head and asked about the severity of the situation that had led them to seek the aid of an old cowboy like him and a man who had been through similar challenges before. Hiro explained that if they did not find a way to awaken the Guardian line soon, there would never be another Guardian to protect them.
Concerned, Carter expressed his age, reminding them that he was nearing eighty and Johnny was already in his forties, both of them weary from past battles. Hector assured him that they possessed secrets that could reinvigorate both Carter and Johnny, giving them a fighting chance against the demonic threats they were destined to face.
Carter took a moment, tossing his cigarette to the ground before extinguishing it with his boot. He then pocketed the remnants, resigned but not defeated. "Fine," he relented. "I'll agree to help if Johnny is on board. We're basically acting like human shields for a helpless kid, and we all know how much Johnny likes to come to the aid of children." Hiro tossed a bottle to Carter, noting that they intended to meet up with Johnny afterward. As they left the graveyard, Carter humorously dubbed them "pushy bastards," eliciting laughter from Hiro as they departed, loyalty and purpose guiding their mission forward.
The next person, having just completed a safety class on proper motorcycle riding at a local driving school, appeared noticeably fatigued. Despite his weariness, he remained vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on his students as they navigated through driving drills on the course. His thoughts briefly wandered, and he muttered under his breath, "Damn it, how the hell did I know you two would show up today? Something was nagging at me, like a bad feeling in the back of my hand, and I just knew something was off. And it had to be connected to both of you. So what's the deal? Are you calling in that favor I owe you for saving my old man? Why bring that up now? What on earth made you two take such a risk?"
In response, Hiro began to explain the situation to Johnny. He detailed how they had already spoken to Carter, and the only thing left was for Carter to officially agree. Johnny, processing this information, asked, "So the old cowboy is involved in this too? Is the situation really dire enough for both of us to step in? What could possibly be so urgent that you had to reach out like this? I know you wouldn't waste these favors unless it was absolutely necessary."
Hector took the moment to clarify further, explaining the issues surrounding the bloodlines. He recognized that Johnny had a deeper understanding of magic compared to Carter, which meant Johnny would grasp the complexities of the situation much better. "So you're saying you need both of us to keep the demons away from the kid," Johnny summarized, showing he understood the gravity of their task. "This way, you two will have the time to fix whatever went wrong. Alright, I get it. Just hand over that potion, and you know I'll do everything I can to keep those demons at bay for the kid."
Hector quickly tossed the potion to Johnny, who didn't hesitate for a second before gulping down the entire contents. The moment the liquid slid down his throat, he felt a fiery sensation spreading throughout his body. It was an intense heat that ignited his senses, revitalizing him as he stood up. With renewed energy, he turned to look at both Hiro and Hector, who appeared just as transformed. They were back to their prime, exuding a strength and vitality Johnny thought he had lost forever.
As Johnny regained his footing, he witnessed something that seemed impossible just moments earlier: Carter Slade was back in action, confidently riding his horse. He was using his ghost rider powers with remarkable ease, which filled Johnny with a mix of admiration and disbelief. Unable to contain his thoughts, Johnny shot a teasing accusation at the old cowboy, suggesting that Carter was only showing off for the sake of it.
Carter couldn't help but smile at the remark, tipping his hat in acknowledgment of the playful jab. "So it looks like we've got some bad guys to take care of," he said with a laid-back demeanor. "Might as well get started. I suppose this makes us the Ghost Ranger and the Phantom Rider. Not a bad team name if you ask me."
His words hung in the air, carrying a sense of purpose. Carter continued with a touch of nostalgia in his voice, "At least we're giving that kid a better shot at a happier life than we ever had. That's got to mean something to the big man upstairs." The weight of their past struggles blended with a newfound mission, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.