Author: Steve711 - Steve Pantovich
E-mail Address: Steve711@concentric.net
Title: The Chronicles of Wanderer - Training Blues Series -
Midnight Visitations
Copyrighted : October 2001
Category: Crossover
Rating: PG-13 to Heavy R because of violence, sexual acts and
horrific scenes The last scene, Epilogue 4 is NC-17
Spoilers: A few, but who cares?
Keywords: X-Files/Highlander/Buffy the Vampire Slayer Crossover with a few guest
stars.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: All rights and properties owned by Joss Whedon, Warner
Bros. and Mutant Enemy, etc.
Highlander: All rights and properties owned by Rysher Entertainment.
The Legendary Adventures of Hercules/Xena: All rights and properties owned by
Renaissance and Flat Earth Productions.
The X-Files are owned by Chris Carter Productions, 20th Century Fox and 1013
Productions.
Gargoyles are owned Walt Disney Productions and Bene Vista Productions.
The Black Widow, Wolverine, Agatha Harkness and the Town of New Salem is the
Property of Marvel Comics/Entertainment.
Casey Ryback is the property of Alcor Films, Canal Plus, Regency
Enterprises, Warner Bros.
The Profiler cast are the property of Sander/Moses, Cynthia Saunders, NBC
Casca and Jubala are the property of Barry Sadler and his family.
Summary: A night to remember, a night to cherish and a night to kill.
Any character whose names and descriptions are used are the property of their
original owners, and no copy right infringement is intended or meant.
No money can be made from this story. It can be distributed freely so long
as it is kept in its entirety, with all notices and copyright information
intact.
The characters Wanderer/Steven St. Wolf, Frank Iverson, Duke the Guardian
Spirit, the rest of the Guardian Spirits, Brother Aaron, Robert McCallister, The
Knights of the Order of the Grail, The Whitehalls, Randi Jessup, Brian Jessup,
Krtog the 2nd circle demon and this story are mine. Anyone wishing to use
them, please contact me at my e-mail address: Steve711@concentric.net
Comments and Criticisms are appreciated, please post to the above referenced
E-mail.
Author's Note's: When I started to write this story I decided
to change some things concerning the characters.
X-Files Mulder and Scully are married and Immortal - So Non-Relationshippers
beware.
Highlander: Richie Ryan shouldn't have died in the end of the fifth season.
So here he hasn't.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Buffy is an Immortal and this series splits from the
third season show, The Judge.
Author's Thanks:
I'd like to thank the people who helped me in writing this story. It took
the better part of four months to complete, but I think that it was worth it,
but they stuck with me, helping and encouraging me to complete it. They
are:
Rebekah Sandell, Tim Knight, Mike Weyer, Timbo and Jack Canyon. Thank you all
for your time and input on this story. I would also like to thank the
readers and the people on the Wanderer e-mail list.
In memory: I'd like to dedicate this story in memory of four great writers,
whose works have been a constant enjoyment and delight:
Gene Roddenberry, Don Pendelton, Mickey Spillane and Barry Sadler
I know I always dedicate the stories to these four, but who could ask for
greater muses?
I'd also like to thank all those great fan fiction writers out there, whose
stories I've enjoyed. They showed me that I could let my imagination run.
(Where it went I don't want to know :>))
Thanks and here's the Story. Enjoy.
May 3rd, 1998
Whitehall Farm, Portland Oregon
Heather Whitehall stares at the body of her youngest daughter, Tracy, as she, her sister, Claire, and their Mother, Brenda, prepare her for her final journey. Heather looks up with tear soaked eyes at the altar with the small statue of a woman, dressed in leather hunting clothes, and carrying a bow stares back at her. "Goddess," She quietly prays. "Please give us Justice for our lost daughter."
"You know that it's never going to happen." Mindi Whitehall replies from the side as she watches her Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt prepare her sister's body in the ancient methods. "Artemis doesn't exist and if she ever existed, she doesn't care."
Brenda Whitehall looks up with tears in her eyes. "And who else is going to get us Justice? The Police? They don't care! The FBI? Those fools couldn't find their asses with both hands in broad daylight. We will pray to Her and ask Her to help us. She will answer us somehow."
Palace of Artemis, Mount Olympus
Artemis looks into her reflecting pool and sees three of her devoted Amazons preparing one of their own for the final passage and Artemis begins to cry as the girl's soul calls to her. She leaves her palace and quickly finds her and takes her back to Olympus and accepts her into her home with her sister Amazons. Artemis rushes away when she sees the five other young girls so recently sent to her and she makes a decision to hunt down the man responsible for the deaths of her daughters. "That bastard will learn what the meaning of true Justice!" Artemis swears as she disappears from her palace and begins the hunt.
May 4th 1998 - 09:00 PST
Basement, Location Unknown, Sunnydale, CA
Mirna shivers as she lands on the cold floor. She tries to scream, but the gag in mouth prevents her from making any noises louder than a muffled gurgle. Mirna feels her dress being roughly pulled up. She tries to kick out, but suddenly feels the world reeling around her as her kidnapper hits her, hard. "Dumb fucking Jewish Bitch!" The harsh voice snarls and Mirna feels her legs being forced apart. She feels her panties being forced to the side and the man brutally savages her. She tries to fight back, but he easily overpowers her and he slams her head into the floor. As Mirna's world goes dark as her life leaves her body and her soul departs, blissfully unaware of the degradations he continues to perform on her corpse.
May 6th 1998 - 02:00 PST
Corner of Cypress and Howell Roads, Sunnydale, CA
Wanda Carstairs grimaces in distaste as the body of Mirna Kranowitz is zipped up in a body bag. < God! First the fucking vampires, now a serial murderer! This town is the freakin' pits. > She looks over and sees the head detective walking up to her. Wanda feels her stomach turn as Stein looks at the girl's body and grins sickly.
"I see you found the Kranowitz brat. Any witnesses?" Stein replies grumpily.
Wanda shakes her head, trying to clear it. "No. No one was out this late." < Except the vamps. I hope they got the bastard who did this. >
"Okay. You and Patterson go and talk to Snyder in the morning. See if the girl had any friends that we can talk to." < I hope he mentions that Summers bitch. I want to get her alone. >
"Yeah, Detective." Wanda replies in disgust as Stein leaves the scene. She turns to her friend, Daniel Patterson. "Stein doesn't care about who murdered the Kranowitz girl."
"I know." Dan replies in disgust. "How that guy got to be chief of detectives is beyond me. He probably wants to pin it on the Summers girl."
"What did she do to Stein that makes him hate her so much?"
"Made him look like a fool." Dan replies as he watches the body being taken by the coroner. "That and what her boyfriend did to him a couple of months ago."
"Catching Wazuki Churchill and disarming him in less than three seconds? That made Stein's day. The Mayor and the Chief chewed him a whole new asshole for that."
May 7th, 1998 - 14:15 PST
Sunnydale High School Library, Sunnydale, CA
Giles cups Jenny's chin in his hand as he raises her lips to his. As they kiss, a snarling whirlwind enters the library.
Snyder storms into the library, glaring at the two teachers that were causing him so much grief. When he sees the man kissing his female companion, he angrily yells out. "I finally have you!! You two will be fired for this. . . this. . . Fratinization!!" Both teachers turn and glare at the man who thought he ruled their school. Snyder backs away, but quickly regains his courage as he begins to scream at them. "It's all your fault!! The police questioned me for over two hours about that Kranowitz girl!"
"And why did they spend two hours questioning you?" Giles asks.
"Because that bitch cop thought I knew something about the girl's disappearance!" Snyder angrily snaps. As he wipes a trembling hand over his sweat-dampened bald crown, his mind flashes back to his office and what had happened there.
May 7th, 1998 - 11:55 PST
Snyder's Office, Sunnydale High School, Sunnydale, CA
Snyder glares out the window, watching the students as they walked around the school. He notes how high the girls' skirts were this warm day and grins. < They were never this high while I was going to school. > He feels his groin grow warm as he watches one blonde cheerleader bend down to pickup a piece of paper. < Oh yes! Now that's quite a nice sight to behold. > Snyder thinks to himself as he puts down the small binoculars. Snyder's musings are interrupted by the sound of his office door opening. "I thought I told you not to bother me during lunch?!" Snyder barks out at what he thinks is his secretary.
Suddenly, his chair is forcibly turned around. < St. Wolf?! > Snyder closes his eyes, waiting to be hit, but doesn't feel the smack he's waiting for. He opens his eyes and sees two uniformed police officers standing in front of his chair. Snyder gulps and quickly tries to hide the small pair of binoculars. The female officer grimaces in distaste as she notices his groin area and sees the binoculars. She leans down and whispers in a dangerous and low voice. "Tell me something, you little piece of shit."
"Wa. . . wha. . . what?" Snyder manages to stutter out as he covers his groin area.
"Who the hell hired a little pervert like you to be the school principle!?" Wanda demands angrily.
"The ma. . . mayor." Snyder replies hastily. He sees Wanda grimace in distaste. She leans down until her eyes were level with Snyder's.
"Well woopdedoo! That won't stop me from asking you some very interesting questions, you little shit!"
Snyder grimaces in anger over what happened during the last two hours and rails into his most convenient targets, Rupert Giles and Jenny Calendar. "It's all your faults! You and those little delinquents that you call students! I've been embarrassed, harassed, and humiliated for the last time!!"
Giles and Jenny just stare at the little man and wonder how long it would take for him to get tired and leave. Giles leans back against the counter and Jenny snuggles into the crook of his arm, getting comfortable. The sight of them standing next to each other only infuriates Snyder more.
May 7th, 1998 - 14:22 PST
Sunnydale High School Hallway near the Library, Sunnydale, CA
Buffy grins as she holds up her history paper and flashes the B+ that she got on it. Willow smiles as Buffy gushes about the high grade that she got on the pop quiz earlier that day in Math. "I can't believe that I was able to score a B on that test!"
"I think that Mr. Aardema was more surprised than you were." Willow replies with a grin. "What are we going to do now?"
"Go to Disney World?" Xander replies with a grin as Cordelia hugs him to her. He turns and quickly kisses her.
"I think we'll settle for the library." Buffy replies with a laugh as she pushes open the doors and stops dead in her tracks as she sees Mr. Snyder yelling at Giles and Jenny. "Oh shit!" Buffy mutters as Snyder turns on her and begins to scream.
"You!! You little Bitch! You're the cause of all of this!!!" Snyder snarls out when he spots Buffy standing at the door. He doesn't even slow down for a breathe and starts again. "You are responsible for every death in this town since you came here! You're the reason that everyone dies around here!!"
"I am not!" Buffy barks back, her anger beginning to grow.
"You are the reason that Mirna Kranowitz is dead!"
"Mirna's dead?" Willow replies in shock. "How?"
Snyder glares at Willow for upsetting his momentum. "Shut up Rosenberg! Your opinions aren't wanted here!!" Willow gulps at Snyder's open hostility. Snyder turns back to Buffy and starts again. "You are the cause of all of these deaths. This town would be nice and normal without you and your friends!!" Snyder barks out. When he sees that Buffy doesn't reply, he continues his tirade. "You are the reason that your parents divorced!! Your Father couldn't stand having a piece of shit like you in his house and so he got rid of you and your slutty Mother!! He should have had you committed to an insane asylum!!"
Buffy stares at Snyder as she feels his hate permeate the room. Before Buffy could reply, Snyder begins his harangue again. "You fucking Slut! I wonder how many of the boys in this school have had you and your slut friends!? I should suspend you just for wearing what you're wearing now!"
"That's enough, you little shit!!" Giles growls out as he takes off his glasses to beat Snyder into the ground. Before he can, Buffy runs from the Library, her books forgotten. Snyder turns back to face an enraged Giles and Jenny. He gulps as he looks into their smoldering eyes.
"Oh shit!" Snyder mutters as he sees death in both of their eyes. He quickly makes his exit when he realizes that Buffy's friends were also staring at him with the same, cold expression in their eyes.
Giles, his anger forgotten, asks. "Where did Buffy go?"
"To Steve's probably." Willow replies.
"We'll go there first and if she isn't there, then we'll start a search."
May 7th, 1998 - 15:00 PST
St. Wolf Residence, Sunnydale, CA
Steve and Casey look up from the stove as Buffy angrily stalks into the house from the side door. She wraps her arms around Steve's neck and Steve feels her shudder against him. He gently picks her up, carries her to the couch, and sits down with her in his arms. Buffy continues to cling to him as Steve holds onto her and murmurs soft words into her ear. Casey lowers the heat on the food and follows the pair into the living room. Casey sits down across from them and wonders about the young girl in Steve's arms. A noise from the door makes Steve and Casey look up and see the Slayerettes walk in from the open side door. The entire group has a look of anger on their faces. Giles and Jenny sit down across from Steve and Buffy. "What happened?" Steve asks.
Giles grimaces. "That little Toad dressed Buffy down in the library today. He blamed her for every death that the student body and the rest of Sunnydale has suffered for the last two years."
"What really hit her hard was when he started into Buffy being the cause of her parents' divorce. He told her that her Dad was repelled by her and that she should be institutionalized in a home for the criminally insane." Jenny adds.
Steve growls lowly and looks over to Willow, who nods her head and moves over to Buffy's other side, Steve gently pushes Buffy toward her. At first, Buffy resists, but accepts Willow's arms after Steve's promises he'd return quickly. Steve rises from the couch, nods towards his office, and Giles, Jenny and Casey follow him. When he gets into the office, Steve picks up the phone and calls Joyce. "Joyce, this is Steve. Can you come here?"
"Sure Steve. Is anything wrong?" Joyce asks.
"Buffy's on my couch, very angry and ready to do some harm to Snyder. Snyder dressed her down in the library today and said some very bad things to her. She needs you here to reassure her."
"What did that little Weasel say to my child!?" Joyce demands.
"Giles and Jenny will tell you when you get here." Steve replies. Steve then walks out of the office and checks on Buffy. Duke walks up to him and growls lowly.
// Can I go and kill that bastard? // Duke asks.
< Not yet. > Steve replies as he looks at Casey. "I'm sorry Casey. Looks like that cooking lesson is going to have to wait."
Xander looks up from where he and Cordelia are sitting and asks. "I know I might regret this, but why are you learning to cook?"
Steve sighs. "Because our three month anniversary is coming up. I thought Buffy would enjoy a romantic home cooked dinner."
"So that's who that guy is? A cook?" Xander with a lopsided grin.
Steve shakes his head as Casey walks up to Xander and leans down into his face and smiles. "You got it in one, son. But I'm not just a cook. I'm also a five star international chef." Xander returns his grin, but quickly loses it when Casey tells him. "And a former Navy SEAL."
Cordelia giggles as Xander gulps for air and a comeback, but hopelessly fails as Casey glares at him. Casey then looks at Cordelia as she comments, "When are you going to learn, Xander? Never trust anyone in Steve's house; they'll surprise you every time." Casey then notices the guns that both Cordelia and Xander were carrying.
Casey turns back to Steve. "You're training these kids?" Casey whispers.
"I am." Steve replies as Casey looks at him with pure hatred.
"I need to talk to you in private!" Casey demands. Steve nods to his office and they both enter it and shut the door. Everyone looks at everyone else and just shakes their heads in resignation. It wasn't the first time that one of Steve's friends found out about them. Nor would it be the last.
As the door closes, Casey gets into Steve's face and angrily demands. "Are those kids the group of Squires that you're training?" Steve quietly nods his head. Casey grits out, "What the Fucking Hell are you doing?!! Those are kids out there! None of them should even know you, let alone work with you! Does Merlin know this is going on?!"
"Merlin knows, but he's reserving judgement, for now."
"Why is he reserving judgement? I thought his rules were unbreakable when it came to the age that anyone could be a Squire."
"Want to sit down and I'll tell you?" Steve replies as he sits down on the edge of his desk.
"This had better be good or I'm going to kick your sorry Green Beanie ass all over this town." Casey mutters darkly.
"From the top?" Steve asks as Casey nods his head. "To start off, these kids were a team for two years before I got here. They've been protecting this town and in several cases they've prevented the world from going literally to Hell."
Casey looks back at the door. "Those kids have saved the world? How?"
Steve grimaces and goes forward. "Casey, you've been a Knight for the last two years. And Merlin wants this kept quiet and limited to as few people as possible. For now." Casey nods his head in agreement. "This town sits on top of something called the Hellmouth."
"Hellmouth?" Casey asks, his interest piqued, "As in the actual . . ."
"It's a dimensional gateway that leads to the dimension that people call Hell." Steve nods.
"Shit!" Casey mutters and stares at the door. "And these kids protect this town from what exactly?"
Steve grimaces. "Vampires and the odd demon. I take it that you've never hunted any demons or vampires?"
Casey stares at his old friend and shakes his head. "No. I've only been involved with human beings. But I've heard stories from other Knights." Casey murmurs as he wonders about his old friend's sanity in training those kids. "How do the kids protect the town?" Casey asks.
"They patrol the town in small groups, killing any vampires or demons that they come across."
Casey stares back at the door. "Those kids were doing this before you got here?" Steve nods his head.
"I tried to get them to quit, but they refused. They feel they've earned the right to decide whether or not they'll continue fighting."
Casey sits back and shakes his head in disbelief. "No Shit?" Steve nods his head. "But what about the cops?"
Steve grimaces, remembering Detective Stein. "They don't give a shit. All of the cases that concern the vampires and demons get dropped and remain unsolved. The really bad thing is that Buffy and her friends have become targets of the Police by protecting the town."
Casey glares at Steve. "What are you doing about them?"
"Can't do anything right now. The bastards are too well connected for me to get at them, yet. But sooner or later, someone will fuck up and I'll take all of them down."
"And that Buffy girl? You're dating her?" Steve nods his head. "How old is she?"
"Seventeen." Steve replies.
"And you're dating her? What does her Mother have to say about this?"
"She set us up." Steve replies with a grin.
Casey shakes his head in disgust. "Her Mother set you two up? Does she know how old you really are?" Steve nods his head. "And she lets you date her teenaged daughter."
"Well, yeah." Steve replies with a grin.
"Let me guess. Buffy is an Immortal."
"Yeah. She died defeating a Master Vampire who almost succeeded in opening the Hellmouth. But before she became an Immortal, she was a Slayer."
"What's a Slayer?"
"A chosen champion of humanity who is given mystical strength, speed and agility to hunt and kill vampires and demons. They're usually girls, around the age of fifteen."
"How long do they survive?" Casey asks.
"Less than a year." Steve replies sadly. "Jacques DeClares' granddaughter, Monique, was Chosen, she only lasted ten months. I was too late by a week to find her. And you know what I did to the things that killed her."
"Yeah, I heard stories about what you did. Merlin reamed you out a new asshole for going off alone and attacking those demons."
"You didn't have to deliver Jacques his granddaughter's body in a closed casket. I'd rather deliver her with the news that everyone who had a hand in her death was dead."
Casey hangs his head. "I know. I heard that Jacques almost went insane when you came back with Monique's body. I'm sorry you couldn't save her."
"I know, but I learned the hard way that I can't save everyone." Steve replies, remembering a cold November night eight years before.
Casey sighs in understanding. "And the rest? Any of them Immortal?"
"No. But the girls are Amazons, if that helps." Steve replies with a grin.
"Amazons?" Casey replies in shock. "You mean like on Xena?"
"The Xena stories are actually based on fact." Steve replies. "Artemis has chosen Jenny, Cordelia, Willow and Amy to become her champions on Earth."
"How did they get involved with Artemis?"
Steve chuckles. "Back in February, I was starting to train the kids and Cordelia wasn't cutting it. One night I sent her out to relax in the living room while I continued to train the rest. She picked up this statue of a woman warrior that I had on a shelf and started talking to it. Turns out that the statue was a holy relic of Artemis' and by talking to it, she contacted Artemis. Naturally, Artemis got interested and followed Cordelia around until Cordy tried to rescue a friend of hers by taking on a dozen vampires by herself. Cordelia killed one of the vampires, but the rest caught her and Artemis rescued her. Artemis liked her courage and determination and made her an offer she couldn't refuse. She made the same offer to Jenny, Willow and Amy the next day. Now I have a Slayer and four Amazons working with me."
"What about the boys?" Caseys asks as he watches Steve grin. "Do I really want to know?"
"Why not? You're a part of the 'family'." Steve replies with a small laugh. "Xander has the memories and experiences of a Green Beret."
"That kid is a Green Beret?" Casey asks in shock.
"No, he's not a Green Beret. He has the experiences and memories. But I'll bet you good money that Tex and Gunner would love to have him. Last Halloween, some nutcase Chaos Mage made the kids become their costumes. Xander had the luck to be dressed in some used fatigues that were once owned by a guy who was a Green Beret. When Giles found the Chaos Mage and stopped the spell, Xander kept most of the memories and abilities."
"Who is that Giles guy? And why are he and that woman associating with these kids?"
"Giles is the school's Librarian and Jenny is the computer teacher. Giles is also Buffy's Watcher."
"What's a Watcher?"
"Watchers find and train the Slayers. They also help with research and other support. But Giles is also a half decent fighter and a competent Mage. Jenny is a talented computer hacker and a competent witch."
"What happened to the Watcher who found Monique?"
Steve grimaces. "Don't ever tell this to Giles. I gave his name and address to Henry and Ann. They went after him and his two assistant Watchers."
"Oh Damn. Did they ever find the bodies?"
"Yeah, minus their heads." Steve replies softly.
Casey rubs his neck and quickly changes the subject. "What about the red headed boy?"
"Oz is a werewolf." Steve replies with a grin.
Casey gulps in surprise. "Oz is a werewolf?" Steve nods his head, Casey shakes his in awe. "I can see why they don't want to be left out of the fight. Each of them is special in their own way and they're not afraid to stand up for themselves."
"That pretty much sums them up, Casey." Steve replies as his office door opens and a whirlwind enters. Both men get up as Joyce Summers storms into the office, closely followed by Sherlock.
"What the Hell is going on in that school?" Joyce demands.
"I don't know, Joyce," Steve replies as he heads toward the door. "But I want to hear from Giles what happened."
"I'm going to kill that little weasel." Joyce mutters as she walks out with Steve and Casey. When they enter the living room, Sherlock immediately goes to Buffy and licks her face. Buffy hugs the dog to herself and Sherlock quietly beams to Joyce.
// I'm going to kill this man. //
< Not before I do! > Joyce sends back and takes Buffy from Willow. She glances over to Jenny and Giles and asks. "What happened?"
"It all began at this afternoon." Giles said. "Snyder had just finished haranguing Jenny and me about Buffy, Willow, Cordelia and the rest when they walked into the library. Snyder quickly turned on Buffy and ranted that it was all Buffy's fault a girl was murdered in town last night. He does this for a full quarter of an hour and finishes by telling Buffy it was her fault you divorced Hank."
"And that you should have sent her to a mental hospital for the criminally insane." Jenny adds in as Buffy sniffles into Joyce's shoulder.
Joyce comforts her daughter and quietly tells her. "Buffy? Honey?" Buffy looks up. "Nothing that evil little man said was true. Not a single word. You didn't hurt that girl and you didn't cause the divorce. Your Father and I were just going in different directions and decided to start fresh."
"I know, Mom. Mr. Snyder hates me. I don't know why, but he does." Buffy angrily replies.
"What happened to that girl?" Steve asks. "I don't remember anyone dying from any vampires in the last three weeks."
"She was raped and murdered by someone human. The police found her body this morning and it hasn't been reported in the news yet. Snyder found out when the police questioned him about the girl's friends and acquaintances." Giles mutters as he looks at Steve. "Steve, I know this isn't our job, but can we hunt him down before he strikes again?"
"Go for it." Steve orders as his entire group breathes a sigh of relief.
"How are you going to locate him?" Casey asks. Giles looks at Steve and Steve nods his head.
"By getting some of the DNA evidence. We'll be able to create a locator spell and find him through that." Jenny replies with conviction. "And when we do, that bastard will find out how vengeful a Goddess can be."
"Goddess?" Casey asks.
"That would be me, Mr. Ryback." A voice replies from behind Casey. Casey turns and sees a tall woman, about five feet, ten inches, dressed in brown leather and boots. The women quickly rise and bow to her, even Joyce and Buffy. Casey watches as the woman hugs Buffy and smooths her hair and gently murmurs soft words into her ear. Buffy nods her head and sits down next to her Mother. "I want this animal who murdered that child found and brought to me for Justice."
"Why you, Artemis?" Steve asks.
Artemis sighs. "He's responsible for the death of twenty young women. Six of them were descendants of my original Amazon tribes. The Mothers of the six have prayed to me for Justice. Because of this, I claim the right of Justice for them."
Steve nods his head in understanding. "We'll do it, Artemis. An animal like this doesn't deserve to live."
Artemis smiles. "Brings back some unpleasant memories, Steve?"
Steve grimaces and curtly nods his head. He walks over to his office and calls an old friend. The phone is quickly picked up by a woman. "Logan? Is that you?"
"Hello Tasha. I need your help." Steve tells him.
"Who is this?" Natasha Romanoff demands.
"You owe me a favor, Red, I'm calling it in." Steve tells her.
Natasha finally recognizes the voice and softly says. "I thought you were dead."
Steve grins as he does his John Wayne impersonation. "Not Hardly."
"Obviously." Natasha dryly replies. "What do you need?" < Damn Boy Scout! >
"I'm hunting down a serial killer who just murdered a girl in Sunnydale, California. He's also responsible for the deaths of nineteen more girls all across the United States. I want to see any evidence that the police collected on the case."
Tasha growls lowly. "I'll be in Sunnydale tomorrow. Where can I meet with you?" Steve gives her his home address. "Why, Darling," she purrs, "will I be spending the night with you?"
"Only in my guest room." Steve promises and quickly hangs up.
Natasha stares at the phone in her hand and smiles seductively as she hangs it up. "So the boy scout is still doing good deeds. Why am I not surprised? And now he's making me help him, again. I must teach him a lesson for his rude behavior. But first, the death of that child must be avenged." Natasha silently promises to herself as she gets up and goes to her dresser and pulls out a dark purple body suit. "Yes, this animal will learn fear from the Black Widow."
"Who will learn fear, Mother?" A soft voice asks from behind Natasha. Natasha quickly turns and smiles as her oldest daughter enters her bedroom.
"Tanya?! How did you get into my apartment without my knowledge?"
Tanya smiles as she ties her hair up in a ponytail. The twenty five year old brunette grins. "Anastasia let me in as she was leaving with Wendy and Bridgette." Tanya looks at what was in her Mother's hands. "I thought you gave up the costume."
"The Widow is needed again, Tanya. A friend of mine needs help bringing a child murderer to Justice."
"What about the police? The FBI? What are they doing while this man is murdering children?"
Natasha laughs. "When this man finds this murderer, he won't be a problem any longer."
"Who is this man? A friend of Father's?"
"Not really." Natasha replies with a smile.
"So, who is he?"
"Steven St. Wolf."
"The man that you call a pain-in-the-ass-boy-scout? The same man that caught you and conned you into helping him stop those terrorists?"
"Yes, that's him. Why?" Natasha asks with a smile.
Tanya grins. "You mentioned that he was very handsome. Mind if I go with you?"
Natasha grins openly. "Of course not, my dear. You need a good man. And Steven is someone who'd treat you well. But you do realize that he is an Immortal, and you're not?"
Tanya giggles. "But it'll be so much fun making him all hot and bothered."
Natasha laughs merrily. "Oh but that will be most amusing to watch."
Steve leaves his office and turns back to Casey. "Casey? You want to patrol with me tonight?"
"I'm in." Casey replies with a grin.
Steve then turns to Buffy and her friends. "Buffy, I want you at home tonight. You and Joyce need to talk. The rest of you have the night off as well. We'll talk tomorrow about the other matter."
"But . . "
"No buts, Buffy." Steve replies. "You and the rest are not at one hundred percent. And I don't want you getting hurt because of what Snyder said and did today."
Buffy looks to her Mother, but Joyce nods her head in agreement. She turns to Artemis, who also nods her head, but tells her, "You should go home and talk with your Mother. Whether you know it or not, you do need to talk."
"But Steve will be alone out there," Buffy replies. "I'm not leaving him to face any vampires alone!"
Casey watches Buffy's reaction and nods his head in wonder. < This child is hurting, but she's ready to back him up. > "Miss Summers." Casey calls to her. Buffy turns to him. "Steve's not going out alone, I'll be with him."
"Excuse me, but. . . who are you?" Buffy asks, as she notices Casey's chef's hat for the first time.
"My name is Casey Ryback. I'm an old friend of Steve's."
"And you're what?" Buffy asks, noticing Xander's grin. < Oh Goddess, not another one of Steve's 'friends'. >
"Navy SEAL." Casey replies with a smile.
"Uh huh," Buffy turns to Steve, demanding. "Steve?"
Steve sighs. "It'll spoil the surprise."
Buffy briefly flashes a smile. "Spill it, honey."
"Casey is teaching me how to make a fancy meal for our three month anniversary." Steve replies with a weak grin. "You know I don't know how cook anything but scrambled eggs, pancakes, and the odd hamburger."
Buffy gets up and hugs Steve. "Thanks, honey. At least part of the day wasn't a total waste."
"You're welcome, Buffy. Now I'll have to come up with something different for the anniversary."
"No, you are not!" Buffy snaps with a smile. "I want that dinner! And you will make it!"
Before Steve could reply, Artemis leans in and tells him, "I suggest that you do as your woman tells says."
Steve sighs and relents. "All right. I hope Casey can spare some time tomorrow to finish the lesson."
Artemis cocks an eyebrow and looks at Casey, who squirms under her glare. But he quickly gets the drift. "All right, I'll finish the lesson. But Steve will owe me a big one."
Artemis smiles and looks over to where her sister, Aphrodite, was standing off to the side, phased out of time. "Mr. Ryback, I do believe that you're kindness will be more than adequately rewarded." Aphrodite begins to laugh merrily and quickly nods her head in agreement.
"May I ask how I will be rewarded?" Casey asks, wondering what this Goddess had in mind for him.
"All in due time, Mr. Ryback, all in due time." Artemis replies with a grin as she disappears.
Casey looks at the spot where Artemis stood and muses out loud. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
"Because Artemis is a Goddess." Cordelia prompts. "And she's known to be a real Bitch to her enemies, and a warm and loving Goddess/Mother type to her friends and worshipers."
Casey gulps. "And where do I fall?"
"Obviously a friend, Mr. Ryback." Jenny replies with a knowing smile. "And that could lead to all sorts of things."
"Oh Shit!" Casey mutters as Steve claps him on his back.
"Don't worry, Casey. Artemis doesn't hurt men . . . much." Steve adds with a laugh. "Let's finish today's lesson and then we can go out and hunt."
Casey sighs. "All right." And watches as everyone quickly moves in to see what was being cooked. Casey glares at them. "If everyone doesn't mind? I'm teaching Steve how to cook, not all of you."
"Besides, it'll spoil Buffy's surprise." Willow adds in as she gets ready to leave.
"But I want to see what I'm going to eat." Buffy whines good naturedly as Joyce takes her arm.
"No, you don't, honey." Joyce tells her as she sniffs the air. "But I'll be expecting a doggie bag when you come home."
// Joyce, I love you. // Sherlock replies as he trots to the door. // That stuff smells great. //
< Whoever said the doggie bag was for you? > Joyce replies with a grin. < I want some of what they're cooking. >
// I want half. // Sherlock mutters. // And I'm sure that Sarah will want some as well. //
< I'll tell Steve to make extra. > Joyce replies with a grin.
// Good. // Sherlock replies as he waits for Buffy and Joyce to leave.
Casey watches as the group leaves and turns to Steve. "So, what should I expect from Artemis?"
"Don't ask me. I can't read a Goddess' mind." Steve replies with a snicker. "But if she's anything like her Amazons, then she's in matchmaking mode and I'm betting that her sister is somewhere nearby."
"Her sister?"
"Aphrodite." Steve replies with a grin.
Casey gulps as it hits him and he stares off into space. "You have got to be kidding me?!" Steve shakes his head and Casey groans, realizing that he was a dead man. "The Goddess of Love is going to set me up? Oh God! I can't believe this shit is happening to me!"
"Get used to it if you hang around here, Casey." Steve replies with a laugh. < Poor bastard. >
"When do we go hunting?" Casey asks, trying to change the conversation.
"After nightfall." Steve replies as he cuts up some scallions. "Are these fine enough?"
"That's good." Casey replies as he hands him bowl. "Put them in here and we'll saute them for the sauce in a couple of minutes. Now, the beef should be prepared. . ." Casey tells Steve as he shows him how to prepare the dinner.
May 7th, 1998 - 16:00 PST
Home of Joyce and Buffy Summers, Sunnydale, CA
Buffy tosses her book bag onto the couch and quickly follows it. She crosses her arms and stares out the living room window. Joyce moves the bag and sits down next to her and gives her daughter a hug. Sherlock and Sarah grab the seats across from them, watching Buffy closely. Buffy turns to her and quietly asks. "Mom? Why did Steve send me away like that?"
"Because he cares for you and you need to talk to me." Joyce replies.
"But he's going to be alone out there tonight. Why doesn't he want me to be with him?"
"Because you're upset and angry."
"But why send everyone away like that?"
"They're also angry, Buffy. You didn't see their faces, but I did. Steve thinks that they might make a mistake tonight and get hurt. If that happens, you'll blame yourself even more." Joyce replies.
"But, Steve's angry too. Why is he going out?"
"Steve's a lot older than you or your friends Buffy. He's done a lot more and he can control his anger better than any of you can, even Mr. Giles." Joyce replies softly. < I hope he doesn't do anything stupid tonight. >
"Who is that guy with him?" Buffy asks. "And why is Steve taking him out tonight?"
Joyce smiles. "Mr. Ryback is a Navy SEAL, like his friend Frank is. Don't you think that the two of them can handle anything that could happen tonight?"
Buffy grins, remembering her first training sessions with Steve's best friend, Frank Iverson. "Yeah, I think they can handle anything short of the Master."
Joyce also smiles, changing the subject. "But what was really interesting was the meal that he was cooking this afternoon."
"Yeah," Buffy murmurs. "I can't believe that he remembered our three month anniversary. Not many guys would."
"I hope you appreciate all the trouble he's going through for you." Joyce replies. "Your Father never bothered to learn how to cook for any of our anniversaries."
"Dad was never that romantic?" Buffy asks.
"No, he was and still is a very simple man. He doesn't think that romance is important after you get married." Joyce replies with a sigh. "I'm glad that Steve is at least trying to be romantic with you."
Buffy giggles. "I know. But what really is bothering me is how slow he's going. Most guys would already be trying to have sex with me."
Joyce smiles wanly. "Now I know you're off your game if you're willing to talk sex talk with your old Mom!" Buffy looks at Joyce wide-eyed and Joyce laughs heartily. "That's okay, honey. I'm glad that he's going slow with you. It tells me that he cares a lot for you and wants to build a lasting relationship with you. Most boys your age and a lot of older men would have had sex with you and then left."
Buffy nods her head. "I know. I saw how this girl named Lisa Richards got treated by a guy name Percy Williams. She liked him and went to bed with him after only a month of dating. He dumped her and told every guy that she was easy. She doesn't want to go back to school anymore."
Joyce sighs in exasperation. "There will always be boys and like that, Buffy. They date a girl promising her the moon, then throw her away when they get what they want." Joyce notices Buffy's grin. "What are you going to do about him?"
Buffy giggles. "Cordelia, Willow and Amy are already planning something. I don't know what it is, but Willow said that the punishment fits the crime."
Joyce grins. "It must be nice to be Amazons."
"They love it." Buffy replies with a predatory smile. "Jenny approved the plan and wants them to do it next week."
"Are you going to help?"
"Nope. They want to do this alone, so I'm out of it." Buffy replies with a grin. "Besides, Snyder will think I did it anyway and they want me to have plenty of witnesses to prove that I wasn't there."
Joyce snickers. "After tomorrow, Mr. Snyder will be treading very lightly where you're concerned, honey. I'll make sure of it."
Buffy smiles and hugs her Mom back. "Thanks, Mom." She looks around and wonders. "What am I going to do with my night off?"
"Homework?" Joyce prompts.
Buffy grins. "Too late. . . I've been doing it in the library during lunch and after school. My grades are better than ever."
Joyce smiles. "I see associating with Steve has helped you quite a bit."
Buffy nods her head. "Yeah, I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can go to college. Now I know I'm going to be alive for a long time, I want everything that life can give me."
"Even if you look like a teenager the rest of your life?" Joyce asks.
Buffy nods her head. "Yeah, Steve's going to get this guy who specializes in makeup to show me how to age myself from ten to twenty years at a time."
"That's very long term, Buffy. I'm very surprised that you're thinking like that."
"Steve's survived fighting monsters a lot longer than I have and he doesn't see himself dying anytime soon. In fact he once told me that I'm invited to his one thousandth birthday party." Buffy replies with a grin.
"What happens if you don't make it?"
Buffy grins. "Steve swore to drag me out of whatever prison I was locked away in and drag me to it. If I was dead, he'd make me come back from the dead." Joyce has a good laugh and again hugs Buffy.
"You see, even Steve thinks he's going to live a long life. I'm glad that you now believe that as well."
"What are we going to do tonight?" Buffy asks.
"There's a Molly Ringwald marathon on TNT." Joyce replies as she looks at the TV Guide on the table. "I'll order the pizza and you turn on the TV." Buffy giggles as her mother picks up the phone.
"What about Sara and Sherlock?" Buffy asks.
"We'll order extra pizza." Joyce replies as she dials the phone.
// Joyce, we love you! // Sarah replies as Joyce orders them an entire large meat lover's pizza from Romero's Pizzeria.
Joyce and Buffy both laugh as Sarah and Sherlock begin to drool at the thought of all that meat and cheese.
May 7th, 1998 - 16:30 PST
Home of Jenny Calendar and Rupert Giles, Sunnydale, CA
Giles storms into the apartment that he and Jenny shared and throws a book against the wall. Salem looks up from his position on the couch and asks. // What the Hell!? Since when does Rupert throw books around? //
< Rupert is pissed about what Snyder did to Buffy this afternoon. > Jenny beams back. She quickly tells Salem what happened and the cat begins to growl lowly.
// Let me go out tonight. // Salem beams back. // I want to pay this shit head a visit. //
Jenny smiles as she picks up Salem and cuddles him. < No can do, Salem. Steve ordered us all to stay inside tonight. He doesn't want us making any mistakes because we're so angry. >
// And what is he doing while you're all stuck inside? //
< Patrolling with a friend of his named Casey Ryback, a former Navy SEAL. >
Salem doesn't move for a full minute, but then begins to laugh. // I just talked to Duke. Steve's even more pissed than Rupert and he's going hunting tonight. Oh, how I feel sorry for the vamps that are stupid enough to be out tonight. //
Jenny smiles. < Is he going to do something stupid? >
// Nope. He's just going to take out his frustration on the vamps. //
Jenny laughs softly. "Poor, poor vampires. I really pity you all tonight."
May 7th, 1998 - 16:33 PST
Home of Willow Rosenberg, Sunnydale, CA
Willow walks in and throws her bag against the wall and screams out in frustration. "You stinking Bastard!! How could anyone sane let someone like you be a Principal!"
"Willow? What's wrong?" Ira Rosenberg asks from the kitchen doorway.
Willow turns around and takes a deep, calming breathe. "Principal Snyder verbally abused Buffy today." She quickly tells her Father.
Ira's eyes harden. He walks over and takes Willow's hand and sits her down on the couch as he asks. "What happened?"
"Principal Snyder verbally attacked Buffy today, Dad. He blamed her for everything that went wrong at the school and for the death of a girl that was found murdered today."
"Why does he blame her?"
"I don't know, Dad. He just hates Buffy and tries to torment and brow beat her as much as he can."
"What did Buffy do to set him off?"
"The only thing that Buffy did was walk into the library to do her homework like she's been doing every day for the last two months and he begins to scream at her. The police questioned him for two hours over the murder of Mirna Kranowitz and he blamed her for that. He even told her that she was the reason that her parents divorced."
Ira shakes his head in disbelief. "I can't believe that this man is in charge of this town's kids."
"It gets better, Dad. Before he attacked Buffy, he was screaming at Mr. Giles and Miss Calendar."
"Why did he do that?"
"Mr. Giles and Miss Calendar often protect the students from Mr. Snyder's abusive language and power trips. He can't stand either of them and wants to fire them both, but he can't."
"Because there are no other teachers willing to work for him or come to work in Sunnydale." Ira replies. "What is Buffy's Mother planning to do?"
"She's going to have it out with him, tomorrow. If he doesn't stop trying to hurt Buffy, she's going to press charges."
"What about Buffy's boyfriend? What is he planning on doing?"
"Uhm, well, I don't know, Dad. Steve was very angry about this, but Mrs. Summers said she'd handle it."
"I find it hard to believe that, that young man will still idly by while his lady is being abused like that." Ira replies with a smile. "He seems like the type that would do some serious bodily harm to Mr. Snyder." < With good cause. >
"Mrs. Summers clearly told him that she would take care of Snyder. I don't think that Steve will do anything, yet."
Ira snorts. "I'm sure he won't, but I think that Mr. Snyder's days are very numbered."
"I know. Steve is extremely angry that Snyder did that to her. Especially since tomorrow is their three month anniversary." Willow replies. "Steve has a friend over who's teaching him how to cook a special meal for Buffy."
Ira grins. "That's very romantic, Willow. Does Buffy's Mother know about this 'special' meal?"
"She's demanding a doggie bag." Willow replies with a giggle. Ira glares at his daughter, thinking she doesn't understand the meal's implications. Willow giggles again. "Dad! Get your mind out of the gutter. Steve is not like that! He knows that Buffy isn't ready for that. Especially since she lost Angel back in February."
"Who's Angel?"
"Buffy's first love. He died in February." Willow half lied. "She was pretty broken up until she met Steve. Steve knows about Angel and isn't pushing her into anything."
"So, he does care for Buffy." Ira replies. "He cares enough that he's willing to wait for her and treat her like she deserves to be treated. I wonder if he has a younger brother?" Ira remarks as he looks at Willow.
"Uh, Dad? What are you thinking?"
"Just that any Father would like to have his daughter dating a young man like that." Ira replies with a smile on his face.
Willow blushes and murmurs, "Steve's an orphan, Dad. He never had any family."
"Who raised him?"
"Catholic Nuns, Dad. The Mother Superior of the orphanage that he was sent to raised him as her own son."
"She raised him well. Does he go to Father Ulric's Church?"
Willow grimaces. "No, he doesn't go to church, Dad. But he does believe in God." < Boy, does he ever. And several other Gods and Goddesses as well. >
Ira smiles. "Tell me what happens tomorrow. I may want to visit Mr. Snyder as well, if Mrs. Summers doesn't get what she wants." Ira tells Willow as he gets up and goes back to preparing dinner. Willow gets up to get her book bag and Ira asks one more question. "Willow, who is this friend of Steve's who's teaching him how to cook?"
"A guy named Casey Ryback. He's a Cordon Bleu trained chef who owns a restaurant in Seattle."
"My oh my. Now that's class, Willow." Ira replies with a grin. "How does he know this man?"
"He's a friend of Steve's best friend Frank Iverson. They served together in the Navy SEALs."
Ira stares at Willow. "A Navy SEAL? Willow, that is a very dangerous man."
Willow smiles. "Steve was a Green Beret, Dad. He knows how to handle himself."
"Does Buffy's Mother know this?" Ira asks.
"Yes, she does. Steve's told her and Buffy everything about himself. She was surprised, but she got over it."
"Mrs. Summers is a strong woman, Willow. I can see where Buffy gets it from."
May 7th, 1998 - 14:35 PST
Home of Cordelia Chase, Sunnydale, CA
Cordelia angrily stalks into her house. She slams the door open and throws her jacket across the room. Xander follows her inside and quietly closes the door behind him. Cordelia stares around the room, looking for something to throw, but Xander's arms around her waist and settles her down. She sighs as Xander hugs her. Cordelia quickly melts into his embrace as they stand together. "I hate that bastard!" Cordelia utters and Xander rests his chin on her shoulder.
"I know. We all hate him. Especially for what he said to Buffy today." Xander replies. "Just when she's getting her life back in order, that little weasel hurts her badly."
"It's like, he's on a schedule or something." Cordelia mutters as she breaks away, but takes Xander's hand and leads him to the couch.
// Oh Goddess. I hope you two aren't planning on rutting in here. // Arial mutters from her pillow on the end of the couch. Cordelia glares at her, but Arial continues. // What's got you two so pissed off? I can smell the anger oozing out of you. //
< Snyder verbally abused Buffy today. > Cordelia replies and beams Arial her memories of what happened. Arial growls lowly.
// Can you take me to school tomorrow? I want to teach this bastard a lesson. //
< Sorry, Mrs. Summers already called dibs on Snyder. > Cordelia mentally replies as Xander wraps his arm around her shoulder. She leans in and begins to kiss him.
// I would stop that, if I were you. //
< Why? > Cordelia asks as her lips attach themselves to Xander's.
"Ahem!" A deep voice interrupts from the doorway. Both Xander and Cordelia turn and see a tall, dark haired man dressed in an expensive grey business suit. Xander notices the man bears a close resemblance to Cordelia.
// Daddy's home. // Arial replies with a snicker as she dodges a thrown pillow from Cordelia.
Cordelia and Xander break apart as Charles Chase stares at his daughter and the young man with her on the couch. He scans Xander's muscular form and clear, piercing brown eyes and nods his head. < Who is he? He's no football or basketball player. Those morons always come in here with their team jackets on like they were badges of honor. > "Cordelia, would you care to introduce me to your friend?"
"Dad? Why are you home so early?" Cordelia stammers out.
"My last two appointments were canceled. So I decided to come home early for once."
< Oh Shit! What do I say? >
// Introduce Xander as your boyfriend. // Arial tells Cordelia. // And don't be ashamed of him, Cordelia. Xander is more man than anyone you've ever dated. //
Cordelia stiffens her back and nods slightly to Arial. "Dad, I'd like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Xander Harris."
"Will he be staying for dinner?" Cordelia's Father asks. "After all, I would like to get to know my daughter's boyfriend." < Of the week. I hope this one lasts. He looks like a good kid. >
Cordelia looks at Xander who nods his head, Cordelia turns back to her Father. "Yeah, he will, Dad. Is Mom also going to be here?"
"No, she's not." Cordelia's Father replies as he walks to his home office. "You two have some fun while I finish some paperwork."
"Sure, Dad." Cordelia mutters as she steps away from Xander. Cordelia's Father smiles and leaves the living room. He enters his office and closes the door behind him. Cordelia stares after him and gulps.
"What's wrong, Cordy?" Xander asks.
"Oh Goddess! He saw you!" Cordelia mutters, not believing her luck. She doesn't notice how Xander stiffens at her outburst. Cordelia looks back at him and sees the hurt in his eyes. "Oh Goddess! Xander! I didn't mean it that way!"
"Then what way did you mean it?" Xander asks neutrally.
"Xander, honey. Please don't take this the wrong way, but my Dad is very nosy and pushy. If he thinks that you're dating me just to have sex with me or you're after our family money, then he'll treat you like crap." Cordelia babbles as she hugs him, but Xander's arms stay at his side. "Xander, I love you, I just don't want my Dad to ruin it for us."
Xander's stance softens as he wraps his arms around Cordelia. "Okay. I can understand his feelings from knowing the last guys you dated."
"Yeah, they were all jerks." Cordelia mutters as she holds him tighter.
"Ahem!" They hear again as Cordelia's Father walks out of his office. "May I ask how serious the two of you are?"
Cordelia bites her lip as Arial prompts. // Tell him Cordelia. You may as well get it out of the way now and see how he reacts. //
"Dad, I really care for Xander and want him to be a part of my life, forever." Charles Chase nods his head as he watches Xander hold his daughter's hand.
Charles Chase looks Xander over closely and sees a young man who looks back at him with a level gaze. "Cordelia, go help Maria with dinner, Xander and I will be in my office. Call us when it's ready."
"But Daddy, that is so unfair!" Cordelia whines.
"Don't worry, honey. I won't hurt him . . . too much." Charles Chase replies with a smile. Cordelia glares at her Dad, but leaves. Charles nods his head to Xander. "Come with me, Xander." Xander nods and follows him into his office. Cordelia watches from the kitchen door.
"Oh Shit! I hope Dad doesn't ruin it for me and Xander."
"Don't worry about your young man, Miss Cordelia." Maria replies from the stove. Cordelia turns to her with a cocked eyebrow. Maria chuckles as she stirs her sauce. "He sees that you care for this one like no one before him. He wishes to. . . How do you say it? Oh yes, get to know him."
Xander takes in Mr. Chase's office and quietly sits down in the chair in front of the desk. Mr. Chase sits down behind the desk and studies Xander for a full minute before asking. "How long have you known Cordelia?"
"Since first grade." Xander replies.
Mr. Chase stares at the young man and nods his head. "Have I met you before?"
"You did. My Dad cursed you out when you and he met while Cordy and I were in the fifth grade." Xander replies as he remembers the one time his Father showed up for a Parent/Teacher conference. "He called you several dirty names and you walked away while he was shouting at your back."
Charles thinks back and sadly nods his head. "Does he still drink?"
"Yeah, a lot."
"What about you?"
"I don't drink at all." Xander replies. "I've seen what that stuff did and still does to my Mom and Dad. I won't repeat their mistakes."
Charles nods his head in agreement. "How do they treat you?"
Xander sighs. "Most of the time, they don't know I exist. But sometimes, they remember."
"And what do you do then?"
"I usually leave and spend the night at a friend's house. If I can't do that, then I sleep in the backyard." Xander replies.
"How are your grades?"
"I'm not going to be the Valedictorian or get into Harvard." Xander replies with a grin. "But they're high enough that I can get into UC Sunnydale after I graduate."
"What are your plans for college?"
"I don't know yet. I was thinking about going undeclared for the first year and then see what I liked."
"How long have you been dating Cordelia?" Mr. Chase asks, suddenly changing the flow of conversation.
"Since November of last year. We only started dating openly in February."
"Why didn't you date openly back in November?"
"Cordelia was still in her 'popular' stage and thought that her so-called friends would disown her and make fun of her."
"And what happened in February?"
"She had enough of Harmony and the rest and kissed me in the hallway just before the first bell." < Thank you Artemis for that gift. >
"And now she only has you?" Charles asks, worried about his daughter.
"Actually, she now has some real friends who care for her because of who she is, not how large your bank book is."
"Who?"
"Our best friends, Willow Rosenberg, Buffy Summers, Amy Madison and Oz Green."
"Who does Oz date?"
"Willow. Buffy dates a guy named Steve St. Wolf and Amy's still looking." Xander replies with a smile.
"Does this Steve St. Wolf go to Sunnydale High School with you?"
"No, he works at Lawrence Antiques as a salesman." Xander replies.
"And why is he dating a High School girl?"
"Because they like each other." Xander replies neutrally.
"Does Buffy's Mother know that she's dating this older man?"
"She set them up." Xander replies with a grin. Mr. Chase waits for an explanation. Xander nods his head and continues. "Mrs. Summers met Steve when she visited her friend Carol Lawrence. Mrs. Summers got to know him and she set them up for their first date."
Mr. Chase snickers. < Trust a Mother to help her daughter find a good man. > "And how serious are they?"
"Pretty serious. Steve's a great guy and they really like each other."
"How is he going to support her earning an antique salesman's salary?"
Xander grins as Mr. Chase waits for his answer. "Steve makes over a hundred thousand dollars a year doing his job. He's got some major clients who constantly come to him looking for stuff."
"Like who?"
"Fox and David Xanatos are two of his major clients. He also sells to Fox's Dad, Halcyon Renard, Lennox McDuff, Bill Gates, some of the Rockefellers and the Heinz family have his cell phone number on their speed dial." Xander replies as Charles Chase sits back, stunned.
"Why is he working out of a small antique shop in Sunnydale? He should be working for a large house like Sotherby's, Christie's or Buckland's. Why is he here in Sunnydale?"
"Because he likes it here. He doesn't have to listen to the people acting important and trying to prove how much more they know than him."
"So he likes the peace and quiet here?"
"Yeah, he does." Xander replies. < If you only knew the truth, Mr. Chase. You'd keel over in shock. >
"Is he a college graduate?"
"No. He learned antiques from his cousin, Duncan McLeod."
"The Duncan McLeod of Seacover?"
"Yep, same guy." Xander replies with a grin. "I see you've heard of him."
"Of course I have. Several of my clients speak highly of him. And this man is his cousin?"
"More like a second cousin, but still family." Xander replies as he turns when he hears the door open. Cordelia stands in the doorway, very nervous.
"Daddy, dinner's ready."
Charles Chase nods his head and turns back to Xander. "Do you mind if we continue this over dinner, Xander?"
"Sure. I never pass up free food." Xander replies with a smile. Charles Chase has a good laugh and gets up. All three of them head to the dining room and their first meal together.
May 7th, 1998 - 20:15 PST
St. Wolf Residence, Sunnydale, CA
Casey watches as Steve pulls out various weapons and explains their use. "The knives are weighted and balanced for throwing and stabbing. Aim for the heart and the vampire will turn to dust. The bullets are Dutch loaded with compressed wood and enchanted silver. Aim for the heart or the head. A head shot with the wood won't kill a vampire, but it will stop him long enough for a second shot with the silver."
"What's the sword for?" Casey asks as Steve puts his sword away. He looks on in wonder as the glowing sword disappears into thin air. "And how the Hell do you do that?"
"Magic." Steve replies with a grin as Demon Slayer disappears.
"Can I ask one question Obi-wan?" Casey sarcastically replies.
"Sure."
"Why is that sword making like a light saber? My sword doesn't have a night light."
"It's an enchanted sword that destroys demons." Steve replies.
"Oh boy." Casey mutters. "And where did you get it from?"
"I saved a Dragon's life, but lost my sword in the process. They gave me Demon Slayer as a replacement."
Casey just shakes his head in disgust. "No wonder Frank was grinning from ear to ear when he asked me to help you. I'm going to kill that bastard when I see him again."
Steve chuckles evilly. "Want some help?" Casey nods his head. "Just ask Cassie. She's always ready to have some fun at Frank's expense. So long as it's not physically harmful."
"Speaking of Cassie." Casey begins. "How come she's dating Frank? She's over two thousand, seven hundred years old. Shouldn't she be dating another Immortal guy?"
"She loves Frank. It's that simple." Steve replies. "Besides, Frank loves her and I'm not standing in the way of his happiness."
"Love is truly blind." Casey mutters as he slips on his leather jacket. "So where are we going?"
"To the local hot spots. We're going to prevent any of the local kids from becoming a vampire happy meal."
"Lead on, Steve." Casey replies as they get into Steve's Tahoe and head to the Bronze.
May 7th, 1998 - 20:45 PST
The Bronze, Sunnydale, CA
Casey watches as the kids crowd into the converted warehouse and grins. "Looks like a great place to hang out."
"But it's also the vampiric version of McDonalds to the local undead." Steve replies as he scans the crowd with a heat detector. "Bingo. We've got two of them."
"Which ones?"
"The blond male with the long hair standing by the door and the red headed girl next to him." Steve replies. "Looks like they're trying the hook and bait gag."
"Hook and bait?"
"Yeah, one of them, usually the girl, hooks the victim, usually an oversexed boy, and takes them out of the public area. They both feed on the poor sap. They repeat until both are full."
"That's fucking cold." Casey angrily mutters as Steve calmly walks over to the pair. Steve smiles at the girl and the girl immediately reacts by taking his arm and seductively smiling at him. Steve whispers something in her ear and the girl giggles. Casey watches as Steve is lead away by the female vampire. The male waits a few minutes, then follows.
Casey waits thirty seconds and follows the male vampire into the alley that the female had lead Steve into. Casey hears the sound of a fight and rushes in, gun drawn in his right hand, a wooden knife in his left.
Steve calmly walks up to the female and shakes his head in disgust as she lithely moves her body to attract him. Steve notices the way her long legs were barely contained by the ultra short mini shirt. Steve looks at her heart shaped face and long red hair and wonders. < This kid looks like she would have been a nice kid while she was alive. > He smiles at her and she returns his smile. Steve leans down and whispers. "How about we go some place quiet and do the wild thing?" The girl giggles.
< Oh Hell. How stupid is this guy? Must go to UC Sunnydale. > The female vampire thinks as she takes in Steve's size and build. < Guy's really built. I'm gonna turn him. He should be fun in the sack. > She looks back at her Sire and watches him nod his head. She eagerly takes his arm and leads him away. "I'm Brenda."
"Steve." Steve replies with a stupid grin on his face.
"You go to UC Sunnydale?"
"Nope. Work in an antique store."
"Oh?" Brenda replies. "Make much money?"
"Enough to live on." Steve replies as they enter the alley behind the Bronze. Brenda grins and pushes Steve against the wall. She sensuously reaches up and wraps her arms around Steve's neck. He smiles a sad smile as his left hand moves and Brenda quickly turns to dust. Steve looks across the alley and sees the blond male vampire rushing towards him.
"I'm going to kill you, you bastard!" The male vampire angrily hisses. "That little bitch was the best partner I've ever had!"
"I take it that you were the bastard that turned her?" Steve calmly asks as he moves forward.
The male vampire gulps as he realizes that Steve wasn't running. "Who are you?"
Steve grins evilly. "Just a guy who's royally pissed off and needs to let off some steam."
"Bring it on!" The male vampire yells as he tries to disable Steve with a kick to his stomach. Steve blocks it and counters with a punch to the vampire's solar plexis. Steve connects and the vampire staggers back into a pile of garbage cans. He quickly recovers and goes after Steve, anger blazing in his yellow eyes. Steve waits for the vampire to attack and sidesteps out of the way of the clumsy attack. With a steel-like grip, he grabs the hapless vampire and slams him head first into the wall. Steve steps back and waits for the vampire to get back up, but the vampire just looks up from the ground and whines.
"Shit man! What the hell are you?"
"The Slayer's boyfriend." Steve replies as Casey walks into the alleyway.
Casey watches as the vampire on the ground begins to shiver when Steve tells him, "The Slayer's boyfriend." Casey just shakes his head in disbelief as the vampire openly shudders. Steve doesn't look up as the vampire tries to crawl away at a dead run. He spies Casey and pleads.
"Hey man! Please, please, don't let him have me."
"Why?" Casey asks.
"Because he's the Bitch's boyfriend. He's as dangerous as She is! I'm not ready to die yet."
"But you're already dead." Casey replies as he watches Steve walk up and stab the vampire in the back. Casey watches as the vampire turns to dust. He looks up at Steve. "What happened to him?"
"When you kill the demon, the body breaks down to it's most common elements." Steve replies as he picks up his wooden knife. "We'll do one more sweep around the Bronze. Then we'll head over to the cemeteries."
"Good." Casey replies as he pulls out the heat sensor and checks out the crowd near the entrance. He studies it for a few minutes and puts it away. "Nothing there, let's go."
Steve nods his head and they head to the nearest cemetery. "We'll hit the one by Weatherby Park first."
May 7th, 1998 - 21:10 PST
Green Lawn Cemetery, Sunnydale, CA
Casey watches as Steve takes out his third, fourth, and fifth vampires in less than two minutes. Casey shakes his head in awe and quietly asks Steve as he pounds the last vampire's head into a crypt wall, "Are you sure, you're all right?"
Steve looks up as the vampire collapses on the ground, begging. "Please, just kill me now." Steve looks down and stabs him in the back. Casey continues to stare at Steve, this time in disgust.
"What is wrong with you?!" Casey barks out. "You've never done shit like this before. Every mission we've ever worked together on, you've always killed quickly. Not this shit."
"Just letting off a little steam." Steve replies as they both walk away.
"A little steam?!" Casey wonders as the walk out of the cemetery and walk to another one three blocks away.
May 7th, 1998 - 23:20 PST
1st Baptist Church Cemetery, Sunnydale, CA
Casey quickly ducks under a female vampire's swing and counters with a sweep kick. The female goes down and Casey stabs her with his stake as she lays stunned on the ground. She disappears and Casey picks himself up and watches as Steve cuts one vampire in half with his sword while shooting two more with his gun. < Fucking Hell! That sword is actually glowing brighter than before. I wonder what's up? > Casey wonders as a roar fills the night.
Casey looks around as an eight and a half foot tall thing with a huge battle axe shambles into the light of the moon, heading straight towards Steve. Casey shakes his head in wonder, but pulls out his gun and quickly unloads his entire magazine into the monstrosity. However, the armor that the monster wears shrugs off the bullets like a hard rain.
It looks at Casey, points at him, and the six vampires following the thing rush towards Casey, thinking him easy prey. Casey reloads his gun in less than two seconds and shoots four of six vampires down. Casey then loses sight of the demon as the remaining two vampires attack him. Casey disables one of the vampires with a crescent kick to her throat. As the female goes down, Casey goes hand to hand with the last vampire, a six foot tall male, wearing a suit. Casey counters the punch that the male sends his way and attacks with a straight jab into his heart with the wooden knife in his hand. Casey grunts in satisfaction as the vampire becomes dust.
He moves to the attack as the female rises to attack him. Casey steps back and lets her rush him. The vampire, now cautious, moves forward slowly. Casey grins, realizing that this vampire was going to try to kill him slowly. Casey nods his head and mutters. "All right, Bitch! Let's dance!"
The female smiles a wicked smile, apparently relishing the challenge. "You're good, mortal. But I've killed thousands of you over the last hundred years."
"You won't be killing anymore people, Bitch." Casey swears as he feints to the right and attacks in the front. The vampire grunts as she's forced back, but she regains her courage and renews her attack. Casey blocks each of her blows before he finally finds an opening and stabs forward into her unliving heart. The female lets out a scream and quickly becomes dust. Casey turns around, searching the area for anymore vampires. He sees Steve fighting with the eight foot tall monster wearing the battle armor.
Steve breathes deeply as he finishes his eighth vampire of the night and turns to give Casey a thumbs up sign and freezes as he hears a roar fill the night air. Steve turns to the sound and sees a eight and a half foot tall demon coming at him. Steve watches as the demon almost trips from the number of bullets fired at it by Casey. He grins as the demon rights itself and calls out. "Sword Bearer! I am Krtog! I will kill you!"
"A lot of Demons have said that," Steve replies calmly. "And so far no one's been able to keep that vow."
"Phaaphaag!" Krtog spits out. "I have killed Sword Bearers before, mortal. Prepare to die!"
Steve enters into his attack stance. "I am Steven St. Wolf, Bearer of Demon Slayer, personal Champion to Merlin and Niume of Camelot. Knight Lieutenant of the Order of the Grail. Name yourself Demon."
"I am Krtog of the Second Circle. Champion of the Armies of Hell and Chosen Killer of the Sword Bearers!" The Demon replies as he comes to his full eight and a half foot height. His face and shaved head, an ugly pock marked crater field. Steve grimaces as Krtog exposes the three inch tusks rising from his lower jaw.
"Wrong." Steve replies.
Krtog looks at him with his head cocked. "Wrong? What did I say that was wrong?"
"You're fertilizer, asshole. You picked the wrong night to fuck with me." Steve replies with an evil grin as he rushes forward and attacks. Demon Slayer shines brightly as Krtog's axe moves forward and blocks the first blow. Steve quickly shifts his attack to the Demon's hip. Krtog jumps back out of range and grins, showing all of his teeth.
"You are skilled Steven St. Wolf! Finally a Bearer worthy of me!" Krtog chortles. "But that won't be enough to stop me from killing you."
Instead of replying, Steve just attacks. Demon Slayer goes high, then low, then high again. Krtog dances back and around, attempting to wear Steve's guard down. Krtog glances about, looking for his vampire lackeys and doesn't see any of them. He sees the lone human standing there, waiting and waving to him with a maniacal smile on his face.
Casey watches as Steve attacks the monster, first going high, then low, then to the side, testing the monster's defenses. "Oh Shit!" Casey mutters as he reloads his gun with a magazine of pure silver rounds. He grins savagely as the monster looks around for his vampires, but only sees him. Casey raises the gun and fires into the monster's skull. The bullets hit Krtog and he staggers back, further away from Steve.
Steve grins as Casey shoots the Demon with his enchanted silver bullets. As Krtog is distracted, Steve dances in and slices a shallow cut on Krtog's stomach. Krtog roars in pain as Demon Slayer's magic causes him agony. He moves back and goes on the defensive.
"So, you use others to fight your battles, mortal." Krtog grumbles.
"And those six vampires weren't going to help you?" Steve replies with a sarcastic laugh.
Krtog's only reply is a roar and a flurry of attacks with his battle ax. He swings the ax with all of his considerable strength, trying to force his way past Demon Slayer. Steve ducks back and quickly moves back in on the back swing. He stabs forward and hits Krtog's elbow. Krtog screams in rage as his ax falls from his nerveless fingers. Steve moves in cautiously, ready to strike or dodge. "Ready to die, Demon?" Steve asks as he pulls out one of Tyr's Fangs.
Krtog's face blanches as he recognizes the mystical blade. "How in the Nine Hells? That blade was destroyed centuries ago!"
Steve grins. "Finders keepers, asshole. Now you die."
Krtog's mouth splits into a merciless smile. "Not yet, Steven St. Wolf." Krtog replies as he clutches an amulet that hangs around his throat and disappears.
Steve stares at the ground where Krtog was standing and angrily screams out. "Fucking Hell!!" He looks around him and sees only Casey standing and staring at the spot where the Demon disappeared from. Steve walks over to the fallen ax and picks it up. He glares at it and calmly walks over to Casey. "Bastard ran away!"
"I know. What was that thing?"
"Second circle Demon." Steve angrily replies. "Looks like I've pissed off one too many of the bad guys."
"Heavy hitter?" Casey asks.
"Yeah, pretty heavy." Steve replies as they walk back to Steve's Tahoe. He opens the back and takes out some chalk. He picks up his cell phone and calls his superior. "Marc, this is Steve."
"What is it, Steve?"
"A second circle Demon just tried to kill me. Tell the old fart someone might be trying to get at him by first taking me out. Also increase his and Niume's bodyguard details. I don't want any surprises."
"It will be done. Are you and Sir Casey all right?"
"How do you know that Casey is with me?"
Marc laughs. "Frank called me after you asked for his help. The betting is going hot and heavy when you will marry your Slayer."
Steve shakes his head in disbelief. "Gods, what the hell did I do in a past life to deserve this?"
Marc laughs. "If you don't know, I'm not telling you."
Steve sighs as he looks at the moon, but quickly gets back to business. "Marc, I confiscated the Demon's battle ax. Do you want it?"
"Yes, please draw a containment circle around it and I'll get it transported here."
"You got it. But make sure that you use the usual safety protocols before you take it out of the containment circle. And make sure that they check for mundane threats as well as magical. We don't want the boss man taken out by a poison dart, mutated disease or an ounce of plastique."
"I'll personally oversee the transport." Marc promises as he hangs up.
Steve puts down the cell phone and quickly draws a circle on the sidewalk with the chalk. He puts the ax in the center of the circle and quickly utters a phrase. Casey and Steve watch as the circle glows for a brief second and the ax disappears. "That takes care of that," Steve mutters as he takes out a water gun and washes the circle off the sidewalk. "Do you want to do anymore patrolling or do you want to head back to the house?"
"You still need to let off some steam?" Casey asks as he watches Steve closely.
Steve sighs. "Is it that obvious?"
"It is." Casey replies as he looks up at the sky with a grin on his face. "Would you happen to know where this Snyder guy lives?"
"Yeah, I do. Why?"
"I'm in the mood to pay him a 'little' visit. You in?" Casey replies softly. His body tense.
"Why do you want to pay Snyder a visit?" Steve asks.
"It's simple. I respect what your lady and her friends have been doing. A piece of shit like Snyder shouldn't be able to do something like that and expect to get away with it."
Steve chuckles. "I'm sure that Joyce will agree with you. And I'm sure that Snyder will be very sorry tomorrow when Joyce 'visits' him."
Casey grins. "She loves her daughter. I can't fault a woman for being a good Mother. But I can teach that little turd a lesson that he won't be forgetting anytime soon."
"And how will you do that?" Steve asks as his dark mood begins to lighten.
"By visiting him and introducing myself as Buffy's Uncle."
Steve begins to laugh. After a few minutes he stops and grins evilly. "That just might be fun."
Casey also grins as he walks to the passenger side of the Tahoe. "Well?"
"Give me a second to stop laughing." Steve replies with a laugh as he gets into the driver's seat. "Casey, has anyone ever asked you if you're related to a guy named Connor McLeod of the Clan McLeod?
"Who the hell is Connor McLeod?"
Steve chuckles. "Just a guy who has a very warped sense of humor. And, knowing several members of his 'family', it appears that it's hereditary."
Casey laughs. "Sounds like a guy I could get to like."
"Gods." Steve mutters under his breath. "I don't deserve that."
Casey continues to laugh as he and Steve make their way to Snyder's house.
May 8th, 1998 - 00:12 PST
Snyder's House, Sunnydale, CA
Steve and Casey park in front of Snyder's house and look it over. Steve glances at his friend. "Are you ready?"
Casey grins and opens the passenger side door. "Let's do it." Steve follows as Casey walks up to Snyder's front door and kicks it open without hesitating. They both walk in and look around the cheap furniture and just shake their heads in disgust at the mess that Snyder had in his living room. "Guess the guy doesn't like to cook." Casey disgustedly replies as he opens a pizza box and finds several slices of two day old pizza.
Steve nods to a door in the back of the house. "Think that's the bedroom?"
Casey shrugs. "Only one way to find out."
Steve held Casey back for a second. "Think he might have a gun?"
Casey shrugs and pulls out his H & K USP and Steve pulls out his Glock 21. They stand on each side of the door and Casey nods his head and they both kick it in. Casey rushes in low and Steve covers him from the edge of the door. Steve watches as Casey easily moves from his crouch and covers the man still sleeping in the queen sized bed. Casey looks back to Steve, who confirms that the man sleeping in the bed was Snyder.
Casey grins as the man continues to sleep and puts away his gun. Steve does the same and watches as Casey gently sits down on the edge of the bed. Steve can't help but grin when Casey softly calls to Snyder. "Wakey, wakey, Snyder." Snyder murmurs in his sleep, but doesn't wake up. Casey sighs and sits back. He reaches forward and grabs Snyder's pajama top and pulls him roughly into a sitting position. Snyder jerks awake and opens his eyes. His eyes bulge when they see Casey's cold, dead eyes.
"Wha-a-aat?" Snyder murmurs in shock as he quickly backs up away from the stranger in his bedroom. Casey's mouth splits into a merciless grin. Snyder gulps and quickly loses control of his bowels and a stain spreads across his pajama bottom. "What do you want?" Snyder asks in a hushed whisper.
"Good evening. Mr. Snyder, I presume?" Casey quietly asks him in a cold, dead voice. Snyder nods his head slightly, very afraid of this strange, dark clothed man. Casey smiles as he tightens his grip on the pajama top. "Good. I want to talk to you."
"Couldn't this wait for tomorrow?" Snyder weakly asks.
Casey's eyes bore into Snyder as he rasps out. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Casey Ryback. I'm Buffy's Uncle."
"Oh Shit!" Snyder mutters as he glances at Steve, seeing him for the first time. Steve glares back at him, ready to tear him apart. Snyder gulps and looks back at Casey.
"Don't look to Steve for help. He wants to kill you right now."
"And you don't?" Snyder nervously asks.
"No." Casey neutrally replies. "I want to beat the hell out of you, but that's counter productive."
Snyder gulps, and winces his face, waiting for the first blow. "Go ahead. You're all alike. You pretty boys will beat me up because I talked to your girlfriend. I can take it. But someday, I'm going to get even with you!"
Casey looks at Steve and shakes his head in open disgust. "He's not worth hurting, Steve."
"I can see that." Steve replies as he glares down at Snyder. "But he's going to fix what he did today."
"What do you mean?" Snyder asks weakly, relieved that he wasn't going to be beaten on.
"Tomorrow morning, you will publicly apologize to Buffy for what you said today."
"I will do no such thing!" Snyder angrily replies, but quickly cowers when Steve's face begins to grow very angry.
"You will do it!" Casey angrily replies. "Steve and I will be there tomorrow and if we don't hear you apologize over the intercom, I'll let Steve kill you."
"You won't? He couldn't?!" Snyder mutters as he looks into Steve's eyes and doesn't see anything remotely resembling mercy in them. "Oh Shit! You are a stone cold killer!"
Steve continues to glare as Casey grabs Snyder's throat with one hand. Snyder stares in muted shock as Casey squeezes his throat with his hand. Snyder tries to pull away, but Casey holds him tight. Casey leans in and tells Snyder, in a tightly controlled voice. "Listen to me, little man. Steve and I work together." Snyder stiffens and gulps. "Buffy is important to the both of us. To me, as my niece. To Steve, as his girlfriend. You hurt her today and we don't like that. Hurt her, or any of her friends, again and we will be back and then there won't be anything left of you for the police to clean up."
"You couldn't?" Snyder asks as he watches Casey closely and realizes that Buffy's 'Uncle' was as dangerous as her boyfriend. "Oh God! You would!"
Casey gets up and stands next to Steve. "Remember, Snyder. We'll be watching and listening. Screw with us and you won't be alive the next day." Snyder watches the pair walk out of his bedroom and his house. He gets out of bed and watches them climb into the car that he sometimes saw Buffy drive to school and he shudders. He quickly runs over to the phone and dials a memorized telephone number. The phone is picked up after two rings and a chipper voice asks.
"Mr. Snyder? Why are you up so late? You shouldn't be up so late on a school night."
Snyder gulps and quickly reports. "I just had a visit from Buffy Summers' boyfriend and a man who claims to be her Uncle. Both men threatened me and said that if I didn't lay off Summers and her friends, I'd disappear. You have to protect me!"
"What did they want from you?" The voice seriously asks.
"They want me to publicly apologize to the little bitch!" Snyder barks out.
"Please do not use profanity around me, Mr. Snyder." The voice replies in a low whisper. Snyder gulps and rubs his neck as the voice sighs. "Do it."
"What?" Snyder mutters softly, afraid of the man who was on the other end of his phone.
"Apologize to Miss Summers." The voice orders. "Miss Summers' boyfriend is more than capable of killing you for insulting her like that. And you'll still have to face her Mother tomorrow." Snyder shudders. "Don't worry, Mr. Snyder, everything will even out in the end." And the voice hangs up the phone in Snyder's ear.
Snyder stares at the phone for a full minute. He takes a deep breath and rips it from it's box and throws it into the wall. "That little Bitch!! How dare she screw me over like this?!" He stares at the phone lying in a heap and shudders in anger. "I'm going to get even for this. By God I will!"
May 8th, 1998 - 00:33 PST
Mayor Wilkin's House, Sunnydale, CA
Mayor Wilkins quietly puts his phone down and glares at Krtog. "I thought you could kill him?"
"The bastard doesn't fight alone, like the other bearers did. It will take more than just me to kill him."
Wilkinson's nods his head, deep in thought. He begins to pace the length of the office and looks over to Krtog several times. After a few minutes, he asks. "What do you think we'll need to kill off the Wanderer?"
"Much more than me." Krtog mutters. "That damn sword is stronger than ever. No other Bearer has ever been this powerful. What's worse, he carries at least one of Tyr's Fangs. It will be most difficult to kill him so long as he holds Demon Slayer and one of Tyr's Fangs."
Wilkins sighs in exasperation and pinches his nose in thought. "Do you think he knows about the Accession?"
"That is doubtful. But he will be a problem up until then." Krtog replies. "When you become a first circle Demon, you should be able to kill him easily. Even Demon Slayer and Tyr's Fang will not be enough to stop you."
"I thought Tyr's Fangs were destroyed five hundred years ago."
"They were. Where he found this one is unknown to me. If he has both, then every Demon in the world is in danger. Even the unkillables will die from those two blades."
Wilkins sighs again. "Why wasn't Demon Slayer and it's mate destroyed two hundred years ago when you killed the last Bearers?"
"Fragnar and Smaug." Krtog replies in disgust. "Those two lizards forced me and my army of vampires back when we were about to attack that Half-elf Bitch who defeated my battle companion, Tanetal, with both swords. They took both of the Slayer swords and incinerated the bodies of their Bearers, releasing their souls, preventing us from turning them. I don't know what happened to that Half-Elf Bitch. But if I ever find her, I'll destroy her."
"Too bad. A pair of turned Bearers would have aided our mutual causes greatly. What is St. Wolf's relationship to Fragnar?"
"If the rumors are true, Fragnar calls him friend and brother." Krtog replies. "And the Dragon called Smaug also considers him a friend."
Wilkins stares at the window in his home office and shivers. "I've been here for over one hundred years, preparing for my Accession. I can't believe that this one man is capable of destroying everything that I've built up over the last century."
Krtog grimaces, exposing his fangs. "He's more than capable. Especially if he's allied with the Slayer. If they set the prophecy in motion, we will all be doomed."
"What prophecy?"
"There is a prophecy that a pair of Immortal Avatars will be chosen to lead the forces of the Light against the Darkness. They will bring the Nine Swords of Destiny together and waken the Army of the Light. The fighting will last for centuries, but in the end, they will win."
Wilkins gulps and stares at Krtog. "What will set the prophecy in motion?"
Krtog snorts in laughter. "The end of the Immortals' 'Game'. The birth of an Immortal Slayer. The joining of the Slayer Swords with the other seven Swords of Destiny. The return of the Once and Future King. The return of the Old Gods. The Old Gods choosing mortal Champions to battle for them in the mortal world. The chances of all that happening are almost nonexistent."
"I agree, the chances are very slim for all of that to occur." Wilkins replies with a smile.
"What about this human 'pet'? Will he do as you order?"
"He will." Wilkins confirms. "He knows what I'll do to him if he doesn't do as he's told."
"Good! That will put him at ease and tomorrow night I'll attack him with some allies."
"Do you think you can kill him?"
"With the allies that I'll have with me?" Krtog asks with a snort as the Mayor nods his head. "Of course, that bastard is dead."
"Good, because you know what will happen to you if he survives." Wilkins replies as he opens a cabinet. "And to make sure that he dies, I'm sending twenty of my vampires with you and your allies. Do you have any problems with this?"
"No, I don't." Krtog rumbles in reply. "In fact, they can clean up the mess when we're done."
"Of course they will." Wilkins replies with a smile as he turns back to Krtog with a tray. "Want some fresh cookies? I just had them made from a girl scout."
May 8th, 1998 - 07:44 PST
St. Wolf Residence, Sunnydale, CA
Natasha and her daughter pull up to the home at 317 Bryant Terrace and they both admire the home and it's well manicured lawn. Tanya turns to Natasha after staring at the home for a full minute. "This is a nice home. Do you think he's here for a while?"
"Steven has always wanted a sense of permanence. This home is probably something that he's wanted for a long time." Natasha replies.
"You got all of that from the short time you were together?" Tanya asks in wonder.
"Yes." Natasha replies with a smile. "While were waiting for the terrorists to make their move, we were able to talk."
"And he told you about wanting a home like this?"
"You can only go over a plan so many times before it becomes tedium and you begin to make mistakes. Besides, it made for a nice change of pace and calmed the both of us for the coming battle." Natasha replies as she knocks on the door.
The door is opened and a tall, dark haired man answers the door. Tanya looks him from head to toe and stares in appreciation. < God! I hope this is St. Wolf. >
Natasha's eyes narrow as she asks. "I'm looking for Steven St. Wolf. Is this his home?"
"It is." Casey replies as he looks at Tanya and gulps as he stares at her. < Oh God! I hope she's not married. >
"Ahem!" Natasha clears her throat. "Is Steven home?"
"Yes?" Casey answers absent mindedly as he watches Tanya smile shyly at him.
"Are you going to invite us in?" Natasha asks with a smile as she watches the body language between her daughter and this strange man.
Casey jerks back to awareness as Natasha touches his arm. "Yes, please do come in."
Natasha smiles as Tanya walks next to the man. She looks around the room and likes what she sees in the decor. < Steven must have had help in designing the decor. No way a man would have chosen the furniture and the matching colors. I wonder who helped him and whether he's seeing someone. > Natasha grins as she walks into the living room and feels the 'Buzz'. She looks around and sees Steve standing next to the kitchen counter making fresh coffee. "I hope you remember how I like my coffee, Darling." Natasha calls out.
Steve stiffens and turns around as he feels the 'Buzz' of an approaching Immortal. < That's not Buffy. > He reaches for Demon Slayer as an accented voice calls out. "I hope you remember how I like my coffee, Darling." Steve relaxes as he recognizes an old friend's voice. He turns around with a smile as Natasha warmly hugs him. "Been a while, Natasha. I'm glad you came to help."
"I'm always ready to help a friend with a good cause, Darling." Natasha replies as Casey walks in with an unknown woman. "Allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Tanya Romanov."
Steve grins as he watches Casey stare at the young woman and she back at him. < Artemis doesn't kid around. Damn but she and Aphrodite are fast. > "Allow me to introduce you to my old friend, Casey Ryback. He's visiting and helping me with a little project."
"Does this little project have to do with the person murdering those girls." Natasha asks.
Steve shakes his head. "No, Casey's here on a different matter."
Natasha looks Casey over and notices several things about him and quietly asks. < He's Special Forces. Has to be. > "What can a man like Mr. Ryback help you with that doesn't concern the matter that you asked me to help you with?"
"Uhm, well." Steve mutters as Casey watches him squirm.
"Steven? What aren't you telling me?" Natasha demands as she glares at him.
Casey begins to laugh as Tanya watches Steve squirm. She leans in and quietly asks. "Why are you here, Mr. Ryback?"
Casey grins at her and holds up his finger to his mouth. "That's a secret, Miss Romanov. And you can call me Casey."
Tanya smiles. "Very well, Casey. And you can call me Tanya. But I like secrets. So can you please share?"
"Only if Steve lets me." Casey replies with a grin.
May 8th, 1998 - 07:52 PST
Summer's House, Sunnydale, CA
Buffy bounces down the stairs as she quickly moves to the front door. She stops as her Mother calls out. "Buffy, honey. Please come here."
"Sure, Mom." Buffy replies as she walks into the kitchen and asks, "What's up?"
"I'm taking you to school today." Joyce replies calmly.
"Why?"
"I'm going to be paying a visit to Mr. Snyder." Joyce replies neutrally.
Buffy grins. "What are you going to do, Mom?"
Joyce grins evilly. "I'm going to have it out with that little toad. And if he doesn't apologize to you, I'm going to ram his head through the wall."
Buffy giggles. "Oh that's going to be fun to watch."
"Where were you off to in such a hurry off to?"
"To Steve's. I want to make sure that he's all right." Buffy replies.
Joyce smiles. "We'll stop by on the way to school. I'm sure that he's all right."
"Let's just make sure, okay, Mom," Buffy replies as she patiently waits for Joyce to finish her coffee.
Joyce quickly finishes and both women head out the door.
Natasha glares at Steve, demanding. "Will you tell me what your friend is here for or do I have to get it the old fashioned way?"
"The 'old fashioned way'?" Steve repeats as Natasha moves in and wraps her arms around his neck, and stares into his eyes.
"Yes, the 'old fashioned way'." Natasha repeats as she kisses Steve on the lips. As Natasha deepens the kiss, she hears a voice screech, "What the Hell is going on here!!!"
Buffy and Joyce pull up to Steve's house and both get out. Buffy grins as she walks up to the side door and into the kitchen. She stops dead in her tracks when she sees a very beautiful red haired woman, wearing a short Prada leather shirt with a white silk blouse wrap her arms around Steve's neck and deeply kiss her man. "What the Hell is going on here!!!" She loudly demands.
Natasha quickly breaks away and stares that young woman yelling at her. She notices that the girl looks to be about sixteen years old and was probably a very recent Immortal from the way her 'Buzz' barely registered. Natasha turns to Steve. "Who is this child?"
"That's my girlfriend, Buf. . . Umph." Before Steve can finish, Natasha kicks him in his balls. As Steve falls over, Natasha curls her hand up in a fist and punches him in the jaw.
"You are sleeping with that CHILD?!" Natasha screams out and is about to kick Steve in the face when a small hand grabs her shoulder and pulls her away. Natasha breaks away and kicks out, trying to force Buffy away. Buffy blocks and counters with a stabbing blow to Natasha's throat. Natasha blocks and attacks with Tiger's claw strike to her face. Buffy drops and lashes out with a sweep kick. Natasha jumps up and tries to kick Buffy in the face. Buffy kicks up and forces Natasha's leg up and over. Natasha lands on the other side of her opponent, whirls to face her, and stares in disbelief. "No way you could know all those moves! You're too young to be this well trained."
Buffy snarls and growls. "It's no big thing when you're the Slayer."
"You're the Slayer? But she's only a myth! Children's tales." Natasha replies in shock. She glares at Steve. "Is it true, Steven? Is this child the Slayer?"
"Yeah," Steve replies in pain from the floor. "She is. She's also Immortal, my student, and my girlfriend."
Natasha moves to hit Steve again but Buffy angrily tells her. "Lady, I don't know what your problem is, but you won't hit Steve again."
Natasha glares at Buffy and the older woman next to her. "Listen, child, that man is not supposed to take advantage of you like he is. Sleeping with someone as young as you are is not good for you."
Buffy begins to laugh. Natasha looks at her and then at Steve, who just shrugs nonchalantly. She sighs and asks. "I take it that you and her have not slept together?"
"No, we haven't." Steve replies as he tenderly touches his jaw. "I see Logan's been teaching you how to box."
"Steve?! Who is this WOMAN?!" Buffy demands. "And why was she kissing you?!"
Steve grimaces. "Buffy, before you get too upset, let me introduce you to Natasha Romanov, an old friend I called in to help us with the serial murderer case."
"Why was she kissing you?!" Buffy demands.
"It's an old joke between us." Natasha replies with a grin. "Steven once joked that the only way I could make him talk was, to use an old Hollywood clique, seduce it out of him."
"And when did this joke start?" Buffy demands not liking this brand of humor.
"About five years ago. After we killed a lot of terrorists and Natasha wanted to know who I was." Steve replies with a grin. "I told her that I was just some guy passing through. Naturally Natasha didn't believe me. She wanted to know who I was working for."
"And I threatened to seduce him if he didn't tell me." Natasha replies with a grin. "I've met very few truly decent men in my life. Steven is one of them. Any other man would have jumped at the chance to be seduced by me."
"So there's nothing between you two?"
"No. There isn't. Steven knows that I love a man called Logan." Natasha replies with a smile as she watches Buffy cool down. "What is your relationship with Steven?"
"We're only dating and taking it one day at a time. Steve is going to cook me a romantic dinner tonight." Buffy replies with a smile.
Natasha's eyebrows raise when she hears this and turns to Steve. "I thought you couldn't cook anything but the basics?"
"Well, that's why Casey's here. He's teaching me how to cook." Steve replies from where he's sitting.
Natasha turns to Casey. "And you know how to cook, Mr. Ryback?"
Casey sighs. "I'm a Cordon Blue trained chef, Ms. Romanov. I also own my own restaurant which Zaggats rates at four stars."
Natasha grins and helps Steve up. She gives him a quick hug and peck on his cheek. "I'm glad to see you haven't changed much, Boy Scout."
"It's only been five years, Natasha." Steve replies with a grin.
"Ahem!" Joyce replies. Everyone turns to her. "Why did you attack Steve, Ms. Romanov?"
Steve grins. "Joyce, Natasha attacked me because she thought I was taking advantage of Buffy. This is going to be happening a lot with my friends until everyone of them gets to know her."
Natasha looks at Joyce and how much Buffy looked like her. "You must be Buffy's Mother." Joyce nods. "Why are you letting your daughter date Steven? You must know that he's older than her."
Joyce smiles. "I know that Steve's forty and Immortal. But Buffy's also an Immortal and she likes him and he likes her. I have no problem with them dating."
"Mom set us up. Steve wouldn't date for the first three weeks we knew each other until she approved of our relationship."
"Oh?" Natasha asks with a smile.
"A Mother always knows." Joyce replies simply as Buffy glares at her.
"You will never let me live it down, will you?"
"No." Joyce replies with a grin as Natasha, Tanya and Casey all laugh at Buffy's adorable pout.
"Joyce?" Steve asks as he wisely holds in his laughter in the face of Buffy's glare, daring him to laugh. "Why are you two here?"
"Buffy wanted to make sure that you and Casey were both all right after patrolling alone last night."
"We're fine. Only had to take out fifteen vampires and fight a second circle Demon. Nothing special." Steve replies calmly.
Buffy stares at Steve and then at Casey. "Fifteen vampires?! A second circle Demon?! What the hell was going on last night!?"
"An assassination attempt." Steve replies as Buffy and her Mother look on in shock.
"Who did they want to kill?" Joyce asks.
"Me." Steve replies as Buffy looks on in shock.
"You? Why?" Buffy asks, but quickly understands. "You pissed off too many of the bad guys over the last fifteen years. And now that you're here, they've found you."
Steve grimaces. "Yeah, that about sums it up."
"Steven?" Everyone turns to Natasha. "What are you people talking about? Vampires? Demons? What is all that about?"
Steve sighs. < Here we go again. > "Natasha, I don't know how to explain it, but this town tends to draw in certain mystical beings. Most of whom are vampires, but there is the occasional Demon."
"Steven, vampires and Demons only exist in mythology, not in real life." Natasha grimaces as Buffy, Joyce and Casey begin to laugh softly. Natasha glares at them, but turns back to Steve. "Please explain further."
"Natasha, vampires and Demons really exist. I'm a Demon hunter. I hunt Demons and kill them when they become threats to humanity and the world at large."
"I thought you worked for the CIA." Natasha replies.
"Only part time." Steve replies with an easy grin. "I work for myself first and foremost." Steve glares at Casey as he begins to laugh under his hand.
"And why do you hunt Demons?"
"Call it a destiny thing." Steve replies with a smile as Buffy begins to giggle.
"And why is it destiny that you hunt Demons?"
Steve pulls out Demon Slayer. Natasha and Tanya watch in awe as the glowing blade appears from thin air. Both of them gulp as they feel the power coming from the blade.
"What is that thing?" Natasha asks in shock.
"It's called Demon Slayer." Buffy replies. Natasha turns to her. "It's one of the Nine Swords of Destiny. The Nine were created to protect humanity from the monsters and Demons that try to constantly destroy it." Steve grins as Buffy blushes. "Giles had me learn all about the Swords a few weeks ago."
"Who is this 'Giles'?" Natasha asks.
"My Watcher." Buffy replies with a smile. "He researches for me and Steve, telling us about the monsters that we fight. What their strengths and weaknesses are."
"And why were you hunting those terrorists?" Natasha asks Steve.
Steve shrugs. "I occasionally also take out terrorists when they become threats to the world. Call it a Boy Scout thing."
Natasha sighs and begins to laugh, enjoying herself. "I deserved that." She replies between laughs, but quickly grows serious, her eyes become very hard. "But I want to know why you're hunting this child murderer."
Steve grimaces. "Besides the fact that he murdered a girl in this town?"
"Yes, besides that fact. What will you do to him when you find him?" Natasha replies folding her arms across her chest.
"Turn him over to someone who has claimed him for herself." Steve replies.
"A past victim that survived?" Natasha asks.
"No, he's been claimed by someone who has the capability to see true justice is done." Steve replies.
Natasha grimaces in distaste. "Who can do that?"
"I can." Artemis replies as she appears in the living room. Natasha quickly moves to block the woman from her daughter. She looks the woman up and down, taking in the deer skin blouse and skirt. The calf high boots and the long sword carried in a sheath on her belt. Natasha looks into her eyes and shudders at the depth of history held in them.
"Who and what are you?" Natasha demands softly.
Artemis smiles. "Would you care to do the honors, Steven?"
Steve grins. "Certainly, my Lady Goddess." Natasha and Tanya stiffen at those four easily spoken words and both begin to shake when Steve introduces her. "Natasha, Tanya, allow me to introduce you to Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt and Patron Goddess of the Amazon Nation."
Natasha glares at Steve's grinning face and savagely aims a kick at Artemis' throat. Artemis smiles and catches the foot in mid air and holds it there. Natasha's eyes bulge when she realizes that Artemis' hands hadn't moved. She tries to retract her foot, but can't. She glares at Artemis, who's got a small smile on her face as she studies Natasha's form. She walks around Natasha, humming and noting her perfect form and the execution of the kick. Natasha glares at Steve. "Have her let me go!"
Steve grins. "Can't do that, Natasha."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not about to piss off a Goddess. Especially one who can ruin my love life." Artemis smiles at this and nods her head in agreement.
"And how could she ruin your love life?" Natasha asks sarcastically.
"By calling a favor with my sister Aphrodite." Artemis replies with a light laugh. "I'm sure she could steer any woman that Steven was interested in to a better prospect."
"I hope so!" Buffy replies with a giggle. "I don't want any competition for Steve. She could always make them go after Brad Pitt."
Natasha stares in disbelief at the young woman in front of her. "Could you please let me go?" She asks Artemis.
"Certainly." Artemis replies and Natasha finds her foot landing on the ground. Natasha glares at the Goddess and especially at Steve.
"Why don't you get this animal yourself?" Natasha asks Artemis.
"Because I am limited in what I may do on the mortal plane. I have my Amazons to act for me and they will bring this animal to me for justice."
"Amazons?" Natasha asks in disbelief. She turns to Steve. "What does she mean that she has Amazons?"
"Only four, so far." Steve replies. "All four work with Buffy and me, protecting this town from the Demons and vampires."
"And you don't have a problem working with these women?" Natasha asks in surprise. < How can any man work with such strong willed women? >
"I never had a problem working with you, did I?" Steve asks.
"But I'm not an Amazon." Natasha replies.
"Not yet." Artemis replies with a sly smile as she looks Natasha over, liking what she saw. "But that could always be changed."
Natasha glares at Steve. "What the hell is she talking about?"
"She wants you to become an Amazon." Buffy replies with a giggle. "Oh boy! I can't wait to see Cordy's face when she sees you."
"I don't think so!" Natasha replies. "I know about these 'deals'. The stories always tell about the high cost of these so-called 'gifts' enact."
"I will not force you Natasha Romanov, but always know this; Call on Me and I will answer you." Artemis replies.
"Thank you, Lady Goddess," Natasha humbly replies. "But why don't you have any of your Amazons get the items that they need to capture this animal?"
"Because none of them are any good at Breaking and Entering a locked police evidence vault." Steve replies.
Natasha laughs softly. "What can they do?"
"Each one is an accomplished fighter with multiple black belts. I've been cross training them on handguns, rifles, machine guns, swords, staves, bows, every hand weapon that I know. Each Amazon is on par with any member of Delta Force and I'd bet good money that in an even fight, they'd kick Delta Force's ass." Steve replies. "And three of them are also very powerful witches."
Natasha gulps and looks at Artemis, who tells her. "They were witches before I empowered them."
Natasha glares at Steve. "Tell me, Steven. Why the hell did you call me into this madhouse?"
"Because I needed your help?" Steve replies meekly, giving her a puppy dog look.
"Bastard!" Natasha laughs, giving in. "I'll help, but I will get even for today."
Steve grins as Artemis laughs softly. "Steven, I have to complement you on your taste in friends, especially the women. But I must go now. I will speak to you again when you have the man in custody." And with that she disappears.
Natasha and Tanya watch the space that Artemis had occupied and both turn to Steve, glaring daggers at him. "Will you tell us what that was all about?" Natasha demands.
Steve shrugs. "Just Artemis paying a visit."
"Does this happen often here?" Tanya asks in awe.
"Not too often, but she likes coming here and talking to her Amazons." Steve replies as he puts his Glock 21 in a pancake holster. Casey does the same with his H&K USP. All four women watch as Casey adds a ten inch combat Bowie to his belt. "You'll meet the Amazons at the local High School. Buffy and Joyce will take you there and introduce you. Casey and I have some business to take care of elsewhere."
"What sort of business?" Buffy asks.
Steve grins. "Gotta go shopping for dinner tonight."
"And you need handguns for that?" Natasha asks.
"Nope. But you know the old Green Beret motto. 'Always be prepared and carry more firepower than the enemy.'" Steve replies with a laugh as he and Casey walk towards the side door. "If you four want some coffee, the pot's fresh."
The four woman look at the pair's retreating backs as they turn and eye each other. "Do any of you have the feeling that we've been dumped?" Tanya asks as Buffy, Joyce and Natasha all nod their heads.
"Steve is so dead." Buffy mutters with a grin. "I wonder what they're up to?"
"We'll find out. Sooner or later." Joyce replies with a smile as she helps herself to another cup of coffee. "So, Natasha, you've known Steve for five years?"
"But I've only seen him for short periods of time during those five years." Natasha replies with a laugh. "Are you fishing for information on Steven, Joyce?"
"Of course she is." Buffy replies with a giggle. "But I want to know how you two met up."
Joyce checks her watch and looks at Buffy. "That story will have to wait, honey. We need to get you to school. And I have that appointment with that little toad."
"May I ask what is going on?" Natasha asks as she notes the look of disgust on Joyce's face.
"The school principal, Mr. Snyder, has been waging a war of verbal and mental abuse against Buffy and her friends for the last year and a half. He went overboard yesterday when he told her that all of the deaths in this town were her fault. He also told her that Buffy's father and I divorced because of her."
"And this man is running a high school?" Natasha angrily asks. "What fool gave him that position?"
"We don't know. But he was supposedly the only candidate who applied for the job when the old Principal, Mr. Flutey, was killed by those were-hyaenas." Buffy replies softly. "I actually like Mr. Flutey." < I wish I could have saved him. >
Natasha softly squeezes Buffy's shoulder. "We can't save everyone, Buffy. I learned that a long time ago when I couldn't save my parents from one of Stalin's purges. We just have to go on and do the best we can. That's all any of us can do." Buffy nods, but the hurt still shows in her eyes.
"Pardon me." Tanya replies. "What are were-hyenas?"
Buffy grimaces at the memory. "Some idiot at the local zoo tried to become powerful by becoming a were-hyena. The only thing he did was infect five of the kids in my school with the spirit. Four of them attacked and ate Mr. Flutey."
"What happened to the man who caused all of this?"
"We transferred the spirits back to the hyenas and let them have the bastard."
"And the kids who were the were-hyenas?" Tanya asks.
"The four that ate Mr. Flutey left town. The fifth one, my friend Xander, is still with us." Buffy replies as she finishes her coffee. She looks at the clock on the wall and nods her head. "We can go now. I'll introduce you to the rest of our group at the High School."
Natasha nods to Tanya and the both of them get up and move to the side door. Buffy takes out her spare key and locks the door.
"Why doesn't Steve have an alarm system?" Tanya asks as they enter Joyce's car. She smiles as Sherlock looks up from the back seat. Sherlock quickly makes room for Tanya and Natasha.
"Did you see the black Shepard pup in the house?"
"Yes, I did. But he won't be able to protect the house from anyone serious enough to break in." Natasha replies as Buffy and Joyce both begin to laugh softly. "All right. I want to know. What's so special about that dog?"
"We'll show you at the library." Joyce promises as Sherlock mentally sends her.
// You are a stinker, Joyce. // Sherlock tells his companion.
< I know. >
// I'm surprised that Duke didn't do it already with them. //
< I know, I wonder why? > Joyce wonders.
// Maybe he wanted to do it tonight. //
< Too bad for him. > Joyce replies with a mental chuckle.
// My heart bleeds for him. // Sherlock replies with a mental snicker of his own as they pull up to the back entrance to Sunnydale High School library.
The four women get out of the Cherokee and walk to the back door. Natasha and Tanya watch as Buffy takes out her key ring and quickly opens the door. Natasha leans in and quietly tells her daughter, "This little girl has a lot of access. I'm more surprised that she has a key to Steven's house." Natasha snickers. "And that her Mother doesn't complain about it. If you had a key to a man's house I would be all over you."
Tanya grins. "Some Mothers know better." They both stop talking when Joyce and Buffy walk up to a group of young men and woman and greet them.
"Hey everyone," Buffy calls out.
"Hey Buffy, Mrs. Summers." Willow calls out, but quickly goes quiet as she sees Natasha and Tanya.
Natasha and Tanya both notice how the group starts to break apart, creating multiple targets. Various members of the group begin to reach for weapons, but calm down when they see Sherlock enter the room. They continue to watch the two strange women closely and wait for an introduction. Natasha stares as the four women and a young, dark haired man, take up positions that would allow them to create an overlapping field of fire. < Shit! Steve's been training these children. I'll kill him! > "What has that bastard been doing in this town? Training children to be killers?" Natasha snarls out.
Buffy turns around. "Natasha. Steve's only been here for about three months. We've been working together as a team for over two years."
"Two years? You've been hunting vampires and demons for two years with only these children to help you?" Natasha asks in shock.
"Pretty much." Buffy replies as Giles clears his throat.
"Buffy, a moment, please. Who are these two women?"
"Friends of Steve's." Buffy replies. "Natasha, may I introduce you to my friends?"
"Please do so."
Buffy nods and points to a man dressed in tweed. "Natasha, that's Rupert Giles, my Watcher. Next to him is Jenny Calendar, his girlfriend and the school's computer teacher. The girls are in order, Willow, Cordelia and Amy. The boys are Xander and Oz. Everyone, this is Natasha Romanov and her daughter Tanya. Natasha is an old friend of Steve's. She often works under the code name, the Black Widow."
"And she's here why?" Cordelia asks, not liking the well dressed pair. < Damn! They've got better outfits than I do. >
Buffy grins. "Besides being a super spy and an Immortal? Natasha's here to get us the things we need to track down that serial killer that Artemis wants."
Natasha stares in shock as everyone begins to smile. She angrily turns to Buffy, demanding, "Why did you tell them that I was an Immortal?"
"Because everyone here knows about Immortals. My friends will keep your secrets, Natasha. Just like they've kept theirs, mine and Steve's."
Natasha sighs in frustration. "And what sort of secrets do they have?"
Buffy grins. "Let's see. Cordelia, Amy, Willow and Jenny are Amazons. Willow, Jenny and Amy are real witches as well. Xander has the memories and abilities of a Green Beret. Oz is a werewolf. And Giles is my Watcher as well as a Mage."
Natasha stares at the group and shivers. "Please tell me that you're joking."
Giles steps forward and calmly tells Natasha. "I'm afraid that Buffy is being truthful, Miss Romanov. We are who we are."
"How could you allow children to fight your battles?" Natasha asks Giles. "Why didn't you contact one of the other groups and get adult fighters to help you?"
"We didn't know that those groups existed when we started out, Miss Romanov. Until Steve came here, we didn't even know any organized groups existed to help us." Giles replies. "Since he started to working with us, we've received much better training, weapons, and help from various groups that he's associated with, when we needed it."
Natasha takes a seat and watches the young women in the group and calmly asks. "Do you like doing what, you're doing?"
Cordelia glares at Natasha, but her gaze softens when she sees the concern in her eyes. "No, not really." Cordelia replies. "But we know that no one else is going to do it."
"If I can provide a permanent group of fighters for this town, will you stop fighting?" Natasha asks.
"No, we won't." Willow replies. "Steve and Buffy would continue fighting and we won't desert them. Besides, Artemis has given us her blessing and we won't disappoint her." All of the women nod their heads in agreement.
Natasha turns to Xander and Oz. "What about you two? Artemis hasn't made you into Amazons has she?"
Xander and Oz both grin. "No, she hasn't." Xander replies. "But our girlfriends are, and we won't desert them."
Natasha turns to Giles and Jenny and glares at them. "What about you two? You both should have prevented these children from fighting. Why didn't you?"
Giles grimaces. "Jenny only recently joined us, so I'll speak only for myself, Miss Romanov. I'm a Watcher. What a Watcher does is find, train and aid the Slayer. Buffy is my Slayer and I will continue to support her and aid her in any way that I can."
"Do you realize how insane you people sound?" Natasha replies. < And how brave? God help me, but I can see what Steven sees in these young people. >
"We do, Natasha." Buffy replies. "But we have a job that needs to be done and we're good at it. We've managed to save the world four times by ourselves."
"You've saved the world four times?" Tanya asks in shock.
Everyone nods their heads as Buffy ticks off. "We've killed the Master, forced Tiamat back into Hell, stopped the Judge and what else was there?"
"We prevented the Demon called Moloch the Corrupter from destroying the world when he tried to take over every computer in the world and start World War III." Willow replies.
Natasha gulps and looks at Joyce. "You know about all of this?"
"I learned about it about two months ago. The hard way." Joyce replies as she scratches Sherlock behind his ear.
"How? Or do I want to know?" Natasha replies.
"That's a story for another time." Joyce replies softly while looking at Buffy and her friends. "But right now, I have to deal with a certain toad."
"Mom. Don't do something that bastard can get you arrested for." Buffy replies.
"Don't worry, honey. I know how to deal with a piece slime like Snyder." Joyce replies with conviction. "Giles, is it all right if Sherlock stays here? He might be tempted to hurt Snyder."
"Of course, Joyce."
// Spoil my fun. // Sherlock mentally mutters.
"How could a half grown puppy possibly hurt a grown man?" Tanya asks.
Joyce smiles. "Sherlock, please show Natasha and Tanya your true form." Sherlock barks twice and changes into his Dire Wolf form.
Natasha and Tanya stare in disbelief at the huge wolf and both gulp as Sherlock pads forward. Natasha prepares to defend herself incase the monster attacked her or Tanya. She glares into Sherlock's dark brown eyes and wonders what he was planning. She tries to jump back as Sherlock opens his mouth and quickly licks her face, ruining what little makeup she had on. Natasha sputters in disbelief as Sherlock turns around and changes back into his half grown puppy form. Natasha glares at the dog and begins to move forward, but stops as everyone has a good laugh, including her daughter. Natasha whirls on her, demanding, "You think that's funny?"
"The look on your face is funny." Tanya replies with a giggle. "Oh Mother, chill out! The dog didn't mean any harm."
Natasha glares at the entire group until a giggling Cordelia hands her a compact and Natasha looks into the mirror and laughs at herself. "Oh God! But he made a mess of my mascara."
"Here," Cordelia and Jenny reply as they pull out their mascara pencils. Natasha takes Cordelia's pencil and napkins and quickly fixes her mascara.
After a few seconds Natasha looks presentable again and glares down at Sherlock. "You are a pain in the ass, Sherlock." Sherlock barks twice. Natasha looks at Joyce.
"That means, yes." Joyce replies.
"What is he?" Tanya asks.
"Sherlock is a Guardian Spirit. We each have one at home. Steve got them for us to protect our homes and families from the monsters who might try to attack them." Giles explains.
"All of you have dogs?" Tanya asks.
"No, half of us have cats," Cordelia replies with a smile.
"And the cats become wolves as well?" Natasha asks.
"They become Saber Toothed Tigers." Jenny replies with a smile. "Two hundred, fifty pound Saber Toothed Tigers."
"Shit!" Natasha curses. She looks up at Joyce and mutters. "I can see why Steven doesn't need to set his alarm at home."
"Duke is very protective of Steve. Just like Sherlock and Sarah are protective of Joyce and Buffy. And the rest of the Guardian Spirits are protective of their respective companions and their families," Giles replies with a smile as Sherlock sits down next to him.
Joyce sighs as she looks at her watch. "Time to go." As Joyce walks to the library entrance, Natasha joins her. Joyce looks at her with a raised eyebrow and Natasha grins.
"I'll pull you away in case you get too rough with this Snyder person." Natasha replies with a smile.
Joyce grins and she leads the way to Snyder's office.
May 8th, 1998 - 08:05 PST
Sunnydale High School, Sunnydale, CA
Snyder looks at his clock as he prepares for the school day. He leans back in his chair and revels in the power that his office gave him as he plans to worm his way out of his promise. < I don't have to do a thing. Those two can't do anything to me. The Mayor will support me. He'll see that I'm not some weak willed fool. > He turns his chair around to look out the window and watch as the first students were arriving. He watches as the young women talk with the young men. < God, how I hate all of them. But I hate Buffy Summers and her friends the most. > He hears the door to his office close. "I thought I told you that I didn't want to be disturbed!" < Insufferable cow! >
"I'm sure your secretary won't mind if we pay you a visit." A cold, hard voice replies.
Snyder's bowels freeze and he gulps air for a full minute as he tries to think of a way out of his office. He swallows the scream that rises up >from his throat as his chair is roughly turned around. He looks into two pairs of dead eyes and losses control of his bladder and bowels. Steve and Casey grimace in distaste as the smell permeates the office. Casey turns to Steve. "I owe you five bucks."
Snyder, seeing that the two men were distracted, tries to move out of his chair, but a hard arm causes him to crash back. "Don't go anyway Snyder." Casey replies as he glares down at him. "We still need to talk about what you're going to say when you apologize to Buffy."
"I thought you would let me take care of that by myself." Snyder softly replies as Steve and Casey both laugh.
"Mr. Snyder, I've known you about for the last three months." Steve replies as he gets into Snyder's face. "I don't trust you."
Snyder gulps and tries to squeeze back into his chair. Steve steps back and Casey steps forward and hands Snyder a pen and a pad of paper. "Write this down." Casey orders as he begins. "I apologize to Buffy Summers for every cruel thing that I said yesterday. I also apologize for everything I've told her for the last year and a half. And I also apologize to her friends and to Mr. Giles and Miss Calendar for anything I said that could be considered an insult."
Snyder looks up from the note and shivers. "If I say this over the PA system, I'll be the laughing stock of the school. I won't have any respect left with the students."
"I don't care. You started this, you're finishing it. Or we will finish you!" Casey angrily replies.
"All right." Snyder angrily replies. "I'll read it. But I want to know one thing."
"What?" Casey replies.
"