Author: Tim Knight

Title: Slayer in Black

Copyright: February 2000

Rating: PG-13 (fight scenes)

Spoilers: Buffy: Season 2 until Phases.

Highlander: Season 5 until Season finale. Richie Ryan lives.

Nightbreed: Based on the novel, not the movie.

Chronicles of Wanderer: Witch Hunt.

Keywords: Buffy/Highlander/Predator/MIB: the Series/Renegade/Nightbreed/Serrated Edge (by Mercedes Lackey).

Summary: Set in the same universe as the Chronicles of Wanderer by Steve Pantovich. While the Wanderer and Section Seven head for the City by the Bay, Shaw Hunter and Kendra are caught between vampires and new players in town: A young Predator and the Nightbreed.

Legalese: All characters except those noted below with their respective rights, properties and copyrights are the property of their respective creators, authors, owners, producers and agencies. These characters are used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended or meant, and no money will be made from this story. This story may be copied in its entirety, and may be distributed as long as all copyright information remains.

The characters Shaw Hunter, Tobabaird and Agent I are mine. Anyone wishing to use them may contact me at doobytim@aol.com.

The characters Steve St. Wolf, Frank Iverson, Randi Jessup, and Joe N'Gato are property of Steve Pantovich, as is the universe in which this story takes place. Steve can be contacted at steve711@concentric.net.

Author's Notes: This story takes place approximately two months after the events in Born to Raise Hellmouth, and during the events in Witch Hunt, by Steve Pantovich. Kids hunting demons, men in suits, headhunting aliens, bloodsucking vamps, and coffee drinking worms. What a combination.

Dedications: Steve, for letting me use and work with his characters. To Rebekah, Mistress of the Red Pen and Letter Beta (reader). To Timbo, for not screaming when he found out we were both using the Predator concept.

Here are the changes from normal shows that may play a part in this story:

Buffy: 1. Due to her drowning at the hands of the Master in Prophecy Girl, Buffy is Immortal.

2. Passion and Becoming never took place, so Angel is evil, and Jenny and Kendra are alive and well. Kendra has taken up residence in Sunnydale and is attending UC Sunnydale.

3. Amy Madison is a full time Slayerette.

Predator: 1. The character Machiko Noguchi is from Dark Horse Comics, and the Alien vs. Predator crossover, "War." This story, however, takes place way before that story.

Part 1: That Time Again
(What Does Even The Slayer Fear?)

"This is about not being in class."
---Xander Harris
"The Pack"

Sunnydale Cemetery
Sunnydale, California
2 November 1998

"Well, well, well." the head of the group of six vampires chuckled. "What do we have here? Two little lovebirds, all alone."

The two teenagers stopped kissing, and rolled their eyes at the demons. The young man snorted.

"You know, honey, these guys are really stupid."

"No shit." Cordelia agreed. "Thinking we're a couple."

The leader smirked. "Then what are you?"

"A threesome, you blooddrinking bastard."

The vamps turned, just as the second female shot an arrow into one vampire's neck, dropping him to the ground, screaming at the blessed arrowhead burned.

Two more were immediately dusted from behind by Xander and Cordelia, who then drew Glock 21 .45 caliber pistols, as well as blessed silver daggers provided by their companion.

<The Hunter?!?> the leader thought, not understanding. <How did she.. it's a trap!!>

He turned both ways, looking for an escape route, but was surrounded as his remaining henchmen were destroyed. He waited to see what they planned.

"Well, Hunter, you want the last one?" Xander asked.

"Very well." The hooded figure with the red eyes said.

The leader snarled, "You merciless bitch."

The Hunter drew a sword, which lit up in dancing white flames.

"In truth, vampire, I am very merciful. Your death will be quick."

She quickly thrust the sword into his heart, and he vanished in a blast of smoke. She then placed the enchanted blade back into its scabbard in one smooth move that was an extension of the death stroke.

She looked at the other Slayerettes. "Adequate, Xander?"

Xander nodded. "Very adequate. They didn't know what hit them."

Shaw cocked her head. "They did not recognize our weapons?"

Xander and Cordelia sighed. Cordy explained. "Slang, Shaw. They weren't prepared for the two-pronged attack, and couldn't defend themselves."

She nodded. "Now I understand. Thank you, Cordelia."

"No prob."

"Well, girls, let's call it a night. Big day at school tomorrow." Xander said in a dry tone.

Shaw caught it. "You do not sound pleased."

"Of course not. You know what tomorrow is, right?"

"Yes. It is Tuesday. I fail to see the significance."

"Shaw, it's.. never mind."

Cordelia cut in. "Shaw, you want a ride home?"

The half-elven warrior shook her head. "No, Cordelia. The night is clear. I wish to simply enjoy the walk back to Ulric's."

"Your call. See you tomorrow."

Shaw nodded. "Good night." And she walked off into the night.

"She has no idea." Cordelia said. "Why didn't you tell her?"

"I didn't want to make her nervous." Xander said.

"Liar." she replied. "You want to see her reaction, to get even with her for Halloween. Hello, that was more mine and Amy's idea."

"I should have known." Xander sighed. "But really, I don't want her scared going into tomorrow. You know how high she sets her standards for herself, and what'll happen if she falls short."

"In English, be prepared for the fallout."

Xander just nodded his head.

*****

Sunnydale High School
Sunnydale, California
3 November 1998

"Ms. Hunter." Shaw's Math teacher called, handing Shaw a piece of paper.

Shaw looked it over, but it looked like gibberish. She couldn't make sense of it. She had noticed that other students were having emotional reactions ranging from fear to anger to pure excitement.

<What is the problem?> she wondered. <Could this be some Earth ritual?>

She decided to put the matter aside, placing the paper in her folder.

By the end of her third hour, Shaw was truly concerned. All of the students seemed affected in some way by the mysterious pieces of paper.

<Is this someone's magic?> she asked herself. <To cause these emotional reactions? I have to speak with Rupert Giles. So much for lunch.>

When the bell rang, she quickly set a brisk pace for the library. She walked through the doors, and went straight to the office.

Giles and Jenny were sharing some herbal tea, and quickly set the cups down at the determined look on Shaw's face.

"Shaw, what's wrong?" Jenny asked.

"Rupert Giles, Jenny, have you noticed the emotional states of the other students today?"

Jenny nodded, but Giles didn't. "I've been here all morning, Shaw."

"I believe someone may be using magic to affect them. It seems connected to papers that were passed around."

Jenny and Giles shared a look.

"Did you receive one?" At her nod, Jenny continued. "Why weren't you affected?"

"I am not sure. I could make no sense of it. Perhaps it is the partial resistance to mind control spells, from my elven blood."

"Can I see it, Shaw? I assure you, I am protected from such spells."

"As you wish." Shaw said, taking out her sheet. She handed it to Jenny.

Jenny gave the sheet a critical look, and looked back at Shaw.

"Shaw, perhaps you should sit down."

"Can you explain the language?" she asked, sitting on the couch.

Jenny nodded. "Yes, I can. I must say, I'm surprised."

Jenny handed the paper to Giles, who looked it over. He nodded. "Shaw, do you know what this is?"

"No, Rupert Giles. Can you identify it?"

Jenny looked at Shaw. "Shaw, it's your report card." At the look of bafflement on her face, she elaborated. "Four times a year, students receive these. It's an indicator of your progress. How well you're doing in your classes."

"It explains my.. level of success, or lack of it?"

Giles nodded. "Very correct, Shaw. You didn't know?"

"As I said, it made no sense to me."

"Well, you achieved an average grade in two of your classes.."

Shaw all but deflated. "I have done my best." she said softly.

"Yes, I'm sure you have." Giles said, still looking the paper over.

Jenny watched Shaw. "What's wrong? You look crushed."

"I have failed you, all of my teachers. Jonathan, Connor, Steven, and you two." she said, clearly upset.

Giles now looked at her. "Wherever did you get that notion?" he asked in amazement.

"From you. You said I achieved an average. . . grade in only two of my classes."

Comprehension flooded his face, and Jenny started giggling, drawing a look of anger from Shaw.

"Jenny, this is not a humorous matter!" she barked.

"Shaw, I may have given you the wrong impression. I apologize."

Shaw looked back and forth. "I do not understand."

"Come here, and I shall explain." Shaw walked behind his desk, looking over his shoulder. "In Math and History, your grade is a 'C.' That is an average mark. In English, as well as your Literature and Jenny's classes, you have 'B's.' That is good, above average."

"And this... 'A' as your assistant?"

"The highest mark you can receive."

Shaw looked at him. "Why did you give me such a high mark, Rupert Giles?"

Giles looked back at her. "I assure you, you earned it. I would not show favoritism."

"I would expect you to be stricter with me. That is why I am surprised. You two are my teachers in these matters."

Jenny giggled, drawing another glare from Shaw. "Shaw, this has nothing to do with the group. We treated you as a student, and treated everyone else the same, regardless."

Shaw slowly nodded as she finally got the point. "That is good. But what does this mean, in terms I can comprehend."

Giles smiled. "You're doing very well."

That compliment slowly sank in, and Shaw sat back on the couch. After a few seconds, she looked back at Giles. "How do I do better?"

Both teachers did double takes. "What do you mean, better?" Jenny asked.

"In Math and History. I wish to do better. Is that not right?"

"You could ask the others for help. Willow would be glad to help."

"Jenny, she already helps me with the computer. I would not want to ask too much of her, without giving something in return."

"Well, then," Jenny said, thinking, "perhaps you should think of something that only you could give her."

Shaw smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate your help. As well as explaining this."

"It was our pleasure." Giles said, handing her the sheet.

Shaw placed it back into her folder, and left the office. After waiting about twenty seconds to make sure she was out of her hearing range, Jenny and Giles started laughing.

"I can't believe she thought she'd failed." Jenny said. "Methinks our Hunter doth take this too seriously."

"Jenny, please. She takes it seriously because she truly wishes to adapt." he said. "Did you see the comments of her History teacher?"

Jenny shook her head.

"I quote: Unique opinions often spark lively debates. Intriguing student, slowly improving."

"But she doesn't see it that way. That's my point."

"That's why I approve of your suggestion she seek help from the others. So she doesn't try to handle it all alone."

Jenny's jaw went slack, then she smiled. "To get her to act as part of the group. Very devious, Rupert."

"I learned it from watching your matchmaking."

Both shared a chuckle at that.

*****

After school, Shaw met the others on the Quad, heading for Steve's for an afternoon training session. Xander had the usual quirky grin on his face.

"So, did you figure it out?"

"Do you mean the report card that you should have informed me of last night?" she asked archly.

Willow and Oz looked at each other as they caught the dangerous tone of her voice.

"So, how did you do your first time out?" Willow asked, trying to defuse any situation.

"I was not satisfied with the grades I received."

Cordelia and Xander shared worried glances. Xander mouthed "oh shit" silently.

"How bad was it?" Buffy asked.

"Jenny and Rupert Giles were.. surprised, as they put it."

"So spill, Doom and Gloom." Cordy called. "What did you get?"

"One 'A', three 'B's', and two 'C's.'" Shaw said. "I wish to improve the grades in Math and History."

The senior Slayerettes stared at her, wondering what was wrong with such a report card, but she didn't notice.

"I can help you there." Willow assured her.

"I know, Willow. I am going to give you something in return, but I wish to keep it between us."

"I don't like the sound of that." Xander muttered to Cordelia.

"And well you should not." Shaw called over her shoulder, a touch of humor in her voice, causing groans from the two.

Amy ran up, short of breath. "Sorry, been going crazy trying to figure out how to tell my dad about my grades." she said with a grin. "I got all B's. I'm on the honor roll!"

Amy almost collided with Shaw, who had stopped dead.

"Whoa, Shaw!" she said. "Warn someone about the sudden stops."

Shaw turned to Amy. "Your dad?" she asked. "Your father?"

"Of course. Who did you think.." she stopped at the look on the half-elf's face. "Oh, no. No way. I'm still getting used to this, and he knows nothing about my being a witch, let alone all the other stuff. Can you imagine his reaction if he learned the truth?"

Shaw lowered her head. "You are correct, of course. I apologize for being selfish, Amy. I simply wish to know more about the family."

"I can understand. Believe me, I can. I'm still trying to figure out how to bring it up in conversation. The relative part, I mean, not.. you know, the magic, the other dimension.."

"The ears?" Shaw added, a smile starting to creep onto her face.

"Yeah. I mean, NO!" Amy cried, then glared. "You're not making this apology very easy, you know."

"As easy as you and Cordelia made it for me on Saturday?" she countered.

"Touche. I'd like to call a truce on that too, no more pranks."

Shaw watched her, then nodded. "Agreed, Amy. Although I did enjoy the look on your face that day at the Mall."

"Shaw.." Cordy growled.

Shaw turned to her. "If you would cease interrupting, Cordelia, we could proceed to Steven's."

She turned away, leaving the others laughing at Cordelia's obvious frustration.

Cordelia turned to Xander and smacked him on the back of the head.

"Ouch! Why???"

"For being a bad influence on her."

*****

St. Wolf Residence
Sunnydale, California
3 November 1998

WHACK!

Willow blocked Shaw's thrust, and countered with one of her own. Shaw backed away, and spun in a circle, her practice blade aimed at the witch's neck in a backhanded swing. Willow ducked, and stood, only to duck again as Shaw used the momentum of her swing to launch a spin kick, her arms spread for balance.

Willow used Shaw's recovery to swing her wooden sword in a two-handed grip, and disarm Shaw of her similar blade. But as Willow began her backswing, Shaw's left hand darted forward and poked Willow's neck with one of the wooden blades Steve and the others used to hunt vampires.

"POINT!" Steve shouted.

The opponents backed off, and bowed to each other. They both walked over to the side of the gym, where Steve had set up a water cooler. Breathing hard, both sat on the nearby weight bench.

Xander and Cordelia were starting their own sparring round, but the Amazon and ranger ignored them as the others looked on.

"Sneaky." Willow said.

Shaw nodded. "Yes. I used the recovery to draw the dagger. I knew I had left myself open, but I have training in using two weapons at one time."

Shaw drank some water, then smiled. "Willow, you are improving with that sword."

Willow smiled back. "You're being kind."

"No, I am not." At Willow's frown, Shaw shook her head. "You disarmed me, even though I won. This is the first time that skill alone has not beaten you. I had to resort to an old saying."

"What's that?"

"Old age and treachery will always beat youth and skill."

"Very funny, Shaw." Shaw's age had become a running joke among the younger Slayerettes, which she took in stride.

"Willow, other than experience and years of training, you have the advantage. Physically, emotionally, and magically."

"Emotionally?" Willow asked.

"You are calmer, more... collected? You know of my temper." she said with a shrug.

"And magically?"

"Definitely. If it were spell to spell, you would win easily. I am limited to a certain number of spells each day, but you are not. And my magic is not really suited for offense."

Willow nodded. "You're getting better, too. Using that spin kick with a sword in your hand could not have been easy."

"That left me open to your counterattack, Willow."

Willow looked about to comment, but Steve walked over.

"Good round, you two. I heard you talking. Willow, Shaw's right, your improvement was easy to see." Willow blushed, and Steve looked to Shaw. "And you, you've been practicing. Good move, but you left yourself open."

At the lack of a reaction, he added, "Well?"

"You are correct. Why should I comment on that? My reaction time was too slow, so I must attempt to improve."

Steve nodded, a grin on his face. "Okay. And I heard about your

grades, keep up the good work."

Shaw nodded back, and Steve went to talk to Xander and Cordy.

"Okay, Shaw, you mentioned giving me something in return for tutoring?"

"Yes. To use a school phrase..." she finished the sentence in Elvish.

"What??"

"How does Elvish One-Oh-One sound to you?"

Willow's face went blank for a moment, then lit back up. "You mean.."

"If it is acceptable to you."

"I'd love to. That.. wait." she said. "Is this something to mess with Xander and Cordy?"

Shaw's shoulders sagged. "Willow, it is because of the help you have given me."

"In that case, I accept. Thank you." Willow grinned. "What about the others?"

Shaw shuddered. "I will not have Xander Harris making his jokes in the elven tongue. That thought.. worries me."

The two shared a laugh, which drew Buffy and Amy's attention.

"What's up?" Buffy asked.

"For helping with her math and history, Shaw's gonna teach me Elven."

"El-VISH."

"Oops."

"You have trouble with history, being fifty years old?" Buffy asked, incredulous.

"With only six months of that time being on Earth, Buffy."

"Ahhh." Buffy said, seeing the point.

"That's nice of you, Shaw." Amy said.

"I would be willing to teach you as well, Amy."

Amy watched her, then nodded. "I'll consider it."

Shaw smiled, and took a long drink of water, drawing stares from the three girls.

"Leave some for the rest of us, Shaw." Buffy ordered teasingly.

Shaw finished, and gave the Slayer an apologetic look. "It is warm in here."

"That's 'cause you're wearing that sweat suit. You should wear less."

Shaw started turning pink.

"Not in that way." Buffy said. "Like this." She showed off her tights and sports bra.

"No." she said sharply.

Buffy gave her a look at her tone. "Whoa, down, girl."

"I have my reasons, Buffy." Shaw said in the same tone. "I ask that you respect them."

"Okay, okay." Buffy said, walking away. Shaw heard her mutter, "What is up with that girl?"

Shaw started squeezing the cup she held, but Willow put a hand on her arm. Shaw looked at her, and the redhead shook her head.

"They do not understand, Willow."

Amy sat down on the floor in front of them. "Then let us. What is it?"

Shaw realized that Amy had heard her. "It was.. a choice between

morals and duty. Sometimes, the two are at odds."

"And?" Willow asked.

"I chose morals, but still fulfilled my duty." she said with a trace of bitterness. "And paid for it, on both sides."

"A 'damned if you did, damned if you didn't' choice?" Amy prodded.

"Yes, Amy. Exactly that."

"What happened?"

Shaw looked at Willow, who virtually saw her face go blank when she shut down her emotions. Shaw stood up. "Excuse me, Willow, Amy. I am not ready for this." And she walked out of the gym.

Amy shook her head. "See, she wants me to tell her about my side of the family, but says nothing about herself."

"She has her reasons, Amy. Trust me."

Amy gazed at her fellow witch. "You know something, Wil?"

"Not much more. It's gotta be one of those buried things that we were told about."

"So this is the first time she's mentioned it?"

"Yeah." Willow answered. "I know that she wants to talk. And she just lowered her guard a bit. It's not much, but it's a start. It scares her."

"She can fight vamps without blinking, she had a staredown with Angel, and will kill herself to save others." Amy said, barely above a whisper. "I'd hate to face whatever frightens her."

Shaw was sitting in Steve's living room when Buffy came out.

"Shaw, we're not done, you gonna join us?"

"Yes."

Buffy waited for her to add something, then turned. "Fine."

"Buffy?"

Buffy stopped, but didn't turn around. "Yeah?"

"Could we talk about this? Please?"

That last word shocked Buffy more than anything else. She turned and walked over, sitting down. "What is it?"

"I have my reasons for wearing this all of the time. I realize the dangers of dehydration, but.." she paused, seeming to gather her strength. "I do not want the others to see. Only Willow knows, but she knows nothing about the cause."

"Cause of what, Shaw?" Buffy asked, totally lost.

"My.. back is scarred."

"So you have a scar? What's the big deal?"

"Heavily scarred, Buffy. And I am not ready to talk about it. If you have something that will.. suffice, I will wear it. I only ask that nobody ask me what happened. I am not ready to discuss it yet."

"Okay. I'll be right back." Buffy went to her room, and returned a few minutes later with a black sports bra. "Here you go. And before you go modest, remember that you're gonna be fighting the boys." she added with a smirk.

Shaw blushed, but went into the bathroom. A minute later, she came walking out. Her face was almost crimson.

"Don't worry. You'll have too much to worry about to think about the boys staring. If they do, just do what you did to Xander."

Shaw walked towards the gym first, and heard Buffy's sharp intake of breath as she saw the truth.

"Shaw? One question, I need to know."

Shaw stopped dead in the doorway, drawing glances. "What?"

"Is.. whoever. . . dead?"

"Yes. By my own hand. And that is part of the problem, Buffy. Please, no more discussion."

"Okay. Let's go. You can do this."

"I have no choice." And Shaw walked in, and looked at Willow for support, and she gave her a supporting nod.

"Buffy." Steve said, making it a question.

She walked over to Steve. "It's alright. At least, I hope so. You'll see. I can understand, now."

"Understand what?"

"I'm not completely sure, myself. No more questions."

"Later. Shaw, you and Xander line up. Swords, and NO daggers." he ordered, looking at the half-elf.

"Am I not allowed to have any fun?" she asked, trying for humor, but failing.

"No. Now begin."

Shaw and Xander took up stances, and Shaw could almost feel the others behind her, staring. She put it down, concentrating on her opponent.

Xander went on the attack, but Shaw quickly dropped to one knee and used her sword to chop him on the outside of his left thigh with a two-handed swing, causing the nerves in both legs to short circuit. Xander went down into a kneeling position, and Shaw put the tip of the wooden blade under his chin.

"Do you yield?" she asked rhetorically.

"And if I don't?" he retorted with a smile.

"This." And she pretended to draw three straight lines across his chest, drawing laughs from everyone except Steve and Xander, himself.

"Why are you so surprised? You are the one who suggested I watch your television."

"And the only thing you picked up from it was 'Zorro?'"

"Among other things."

Shaw turned and walked over to the water cooler again.

Steve stalked over after her. "You want to explain that?"

"I won. He lost. What else is relevant?"

"Usually, you give them a chance. To gauge their skills. You just took him out in seconds."

"Yes. I was not comfortable, Steven. I am trying, but... it is difficult. Please do not ask."

"I understand. I was staring, too. I apologize."

"Do not. I do not need apologies. I need time to talk about it. And I am grateful for you allowing me that time."

"I've seen a lot. I don't think it would shock me."

"And the others?"

Steve nodded. "There I can understand. If you want to tell me in private, I could tell them afterwards. It's your choice."

Shaw looked at the Wanderer, and saw the truth in his eyes. "Not yet, Steven. I will tell you when I am ready."

"Okay, now go get ready for patrol."

*****

Part 2: The Eagle Has Landed
(A Hunting We Will Go)

"Be vewy, vewy quiet. I'm huntin' wabbits."
---Elmer Fudd

Sunnydale High Library
Sunnydale, California
5 November 1998

When Giles and Steve entered the library, Shaw was finishing Giles' paperwork. She looked up, and the guarded look in her eyes quickly faded. She nodded in greeting.

"Hello, Steven, Rupert Giles."

"Where were you this morning, Shaw?" Steve asked.

"I was here. I arrived early, assuming that the daily meeting was in the library. I took the chance to do some of the paperwork, to make Rupert Giles' duties easier today. Where was everyone else?"

"Giles called us all to my house. Ulric said you'd already left." Steve said. "We have a problem."

"Yes? What is wrong?"

"It seems that someone found an urn that supposedly contains the ashes of the man called the Dragon." Giles replied. "We're going to San Francisco to buy it, then destroy it."

Shaw's look became one of inquiry. "And who is this man? This Dragon?"

"Dracula."

Shaw's eyes closed. "Steven, please tell me that this is one of Xander's jokes."

"No, Shaw." Steve said with a shake of his head. "I'm sorry to say that it's quite real."

Shaw nodded, and a look of determination came over her. "When do we leave?"

"You don't."

"Steven, I have read that book. If this creature is half as dangerous as in the novel, you will need everyone in the group. If that thing is reanimated, people will die. Please notice that I did not say 'might,' I said 'will.' You might need a priestess such as myself, however limited my abilities."

"That's what we're here to discuss. If you'll permit me."

Shaw looked at both men. "Go ahead, Steven."

"First, I know about your dislike of cities." Steve began.

"I can put such discomfort aside for the mission, I assure you. If I have something to focus on, it will not be a problem."

"There's more. You don't know Kendra very well, but it's going to be a few days before she's ready to patrol. Joe N'Gato, a Knight of the Order of the Grail, has been helping with her therapy and training. But we can't wait to leave, and I do need everyone that is available. But, I also need someone to stay behind and hold the fort, to patrol while we're gone. When the locals find out Buffy and I have left town, they tend to get into a 'party mood.' So I want to put your proposal into action; you handle this while we're gone."

"You want the 'Hunter' to patrol for you?" Shaw asked, in understanding. "You trust me to do this?"

"Until Kendra's patrolling, at which time you take orders from Joe N'Gato."

Shaw sat down in the nearest chair. "Thank you, Steven. I shall do my best to honor this trust."

"I know. You've earned a measure of trust over this last month, and you earned a bit of respect with your actions the other night. I know it wasn't easy for you, but you showed that you're willing to drop the secrets for us, and we respect that. We'll see you when we get back. Giles wants to talk to you, then we have to leave."

"Good luck, Steven. May Mielikki watch over you."

"And you, Shaw." As Steve left the library, Shaw looked at Giles.

Giles sat down opposite her. "Shaw, I spoke with Principal Snyder on the way here."

"You have my sympathies." Shaw replied.

"I need to be serious. While we're in San Francisco, I shall need someone to run the library." His meaning was unmistakable.

"Rupert Giles.. Giles, I have classes to take."

"We agreed that you would be excused from your classes until after we return. You will still get credit, and you will be here all day. If a threat comes up, you can do research."

"This is more than fulfilling your duties, is it not?"

"It also gives you a place to go, to protect Father Johansen."

"That is a concern of mine. Thank you... Giles." she said, then grunted. "I find that discomforting. But calling you by your first name seems wrong, somehow."

Giles smiled. "We'll see you when we get back."

"I shall attempt to keep the damage to a minimum."

"What damage?"

"Use.. your imagination." she said, one corner of her mouth rising.

"I wish you hadn't said that."

*****

Giles Residence
Sunnydale, California
5 November 1998

Kendra got up and answered the door once the doorbell rang a second time. When she opened it, the new Slayerette, Shaw Hunter, was standing in the doorway.

"Shaw? What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Kendra. May I come in?"

Kendra nodded, and Shaw walked in. They walked into the living room, and sat down, Shaw on a sofa, Kendra in the chair.

"Kendra, how are you doing?" Shaw asked. "You are well?"

"Yes, Shaw." Kendra said. "Although I am still getting used to living here."

Shaw smiled. "I truly know how you feel. I.. am here to talk. About the next few days. Did the others talk about the arrangement?"

"Giles told me. You will handle patrols for a few days, then join Joe and myself." Kendra answered, then looked nervous. "Shaw, I don't mean any offense, but are you sure you can handle this? You aren't a Slayer, and Joe and I must admit, we are.. curious as to how you can patrol alone."

"Did the others tell you anything about me?"

The Slayer shook her head. "It was your decision, they said."

Shaw sighed. "Mielikki save me from well intentioned humans."

Kendra jumped a bit at that. "Humans?"

"I think you will have an easier time understanding than the others did. I am told your people have some knowledge of magic, and such."

Kendra nodded.

"Very good. I am half human, Kendra. My mother was Fey, or elven, to be specific. I have the ears to prove it," she said, attempting to lower the tension. At Kendra's look of confusion, she raised her hair, and Kendra's eyes widened a bit, but she nodded. "I have some of the long elven lifespan, and am fifty-three years old, the equivalent of an seventeen year old human female. I am a warrior, and a priestess in a manner similar to a Native American shaman. How I can patrol on my own is a combination of religion, magic, training, and experience that only Immortals can match or exceed. Of course, having an elf-crafted magical sword and several blessed daggers and arrows helps."

Kendra watched her, then nodded again. "Buffy said you would tell the truth."

"Yes. I do prefer to be direct and honest."

"Why did you stay here, after fulfilling the prophecy? You had no responsibility."

"To learn more about this world, to help in your fight. The greatest reasons, though, are friends and family."

"They did tell me about that." Kendra said, then looked back to Shaw. "How do you tell vampires from humans? Buffy and I have a sense that allows us to detect them."

"I have a similar ability." Shaw said mysteriously.

"What is it?"

"Turn the lights off, and I will show you."

Kendra got up, and turned the lights out, and turned back to her visitor. And backed up against the wall when she saw two glowing red dots at eye level.

"Turn them back on, Kendra."

Kendra couldn't do so fast enough. She walked back over to the chair, and gingerly sat down, her nervousness back in full force. "What is that?" she asked.

"Are you familiar with the term, infrared?"

"Yes, a bit. It is a light spectrum that is based on heat emanations, rather than visible light."

"That is how I see in the dark. People do not tend to believe me until they see for themselves. And vampires do not generate body heat."

Kendra smiled as the idea penetrated. "So you cannot mistake humans for vampires."

"Exactly." she said, returning the smile. "To use Buffy's words, a nice system."

"Is it magic?"

"No, genetics. From my mother's side. As well as the infamous ears."

Kendra laughed at the joke, but stopped, thinking Shaw might take offense. "I'm sorry."

Shaw sighed. "Now I see Xander's point."

At Kendra's renewed look of confusion, she elaborated. "He calls my sense of humor a 'work in progress.'"

Kendra got that one, and giggled a bit.

"Kendra, I look forward to working with you."

"Be careful, Shaw. We, Joe and I, are concerned about you being out there alone."

"I have an idea on how to make it easier."

*****

Willy's Alibi Room
Sunnydale, California
5 November 1998

The vampires and demons in the bar looked up as the short, black-haired woman walked in. She was wearing blue jeans, a trenchcoat, and boots. Shades hid her eyes in the low lighting. She looked normal enough, but they could sense a hint of "other" about her. They also recognized the look of "predator" in her body language.

The woman walked up to the bar, where Willy was serving drinks to a couple of wandering vamps.

"Hello, William." she said in a soft voice.

Willy nodded congenially. "What can I do for you, lady?"

"Information."

"What do you want to know?" he said, smiling.

She shook her head, and took a hundred dollar bill out of her pocket. She slid it over to the bartender. "I am here to provide it. With this money, you will buy each of these others a beer each, and keep the change. They will spread this information. Preferably, as quickly as possible."

Willy nodded. "Go ahead."

"It seems that the Wanderer and the Slayer have left this town." she began.

"That's not news."

"Perhaps not, but they have asked the Hunter to handle their duties in their absence. And she wishes it known that she is declaring the season open upon any vampires that have not left within five days. At that point, she will join the second Slayer and a fellow warrior in their patrols."

The patrons of the bar started shuffling nervously at that news. The air of tension shot skyward.

Willy choked. "A Slayer AND the Hunter, working together?"

"Yes. I look forward to working with the Slayer." Shaw said, lowering her glasses and showing Willy her red eyes.

Willy's own eyes started bugging out. The vampires in the bar started wishing there were someplace to hide.

"Oh, shit. Oh, shit."

"William, it is not polite to speak in such a manner." Shaw said, starting for the door. One vampire had the bright idea of charging her, but once he got near, Shaw turned, and the vampire gutted himself on Soulreaver. He vanished in a burst of light. Shaw walked back over towards Willy, who seemed about ready to have a coronary. She placed another hundred on the counter.

"For a second round, in that one's memory." She turned and walked towards the door. However, she couldn't resist one parting shot before she left.

"Enjoy the drinks."

*****

Unknown Location
North of Sunnydale, California
Early hours
6 November 1998

A soft whirr sounded as the craft's landing gear extended, as the vehicle prepared to land. After some seconds in a hover position, the craft landed with barely a sound.

The creature slowly turned off the power to various instruments, and left only minimal systems running.

The creature walked into his quarters and started checking his armor and weapons. Ceramic armor, capable of withstanding many projectile weapons. His arm claws, made of an unknown metal and capable of slicing through solid titanium. His shoulder blaster, able to fire short energy bursts. And his staff, with serrated blades at each end. He nodded in satisfaction, and prepared to have fun.

It was time to hunt. Time to hunt.. ooman.

*****

Section Six Headquarters
Under New York City, New York
Early hours
6 November 1998

"XLTCPQURZP."

"Go ahead, Bob."

"SZWPRRKCL."

"Damn. Get J and K up here, now."

J and K walked into the office of their superior, and quickly sat down.

"What's up, Zed?"

Zed looked at J, then turned to K. "We've got an unauthorized landing, K."

"Identified?" K asked solemnly.

"Yautja."

"Great. Let me guess; a youngster."

J looked at his partner. "Okay, K, what's a Yautja?"

"Imagine an interstellar big game hunter on safari, Slick."

"And you said youngster? As in a teenage alien Bwana?"

K gave the rookie one of his enigmatic smiles. "In a nutshell, yes."

"Why is that bad?"

"Because, J," Zed said, "The Yautja's entire culture is based on the Hunt. But they have one sacred law: Do not hunt intelligent species. Occasionally, a youngster gets it in his head to break the rules."

"Like hunting humans?"

K nodded. "They take the head, skin it, clean it, and hang it on a wall like a trophy. The good thing, Slick, is that a grownup will be hot on Junior's trail, only a day or two behind."

"So it's up to you two to stop Junior, until Daddy shows up."

"Where did he land, Zed?"

"North of Sunnydale, California. You two, plus L and I, are going within the hour."

"Why L and I?" J asked.

"There are rumors of a high death rate in that town, I want you to see if it's alien related. If you add a Yautja to the mix.."

"Oh, great."

"And I is going because of his... specialty." K said, nodding.

"What's I's specialty?" J asked.

Zed and K looked at each other, and they nodded. Zed turned to J.

"J, what I am about to tell you is classified 'eyes only.' That means you tell no one, outside of K, L, or myself. We're the only ones who know. I is.. not exactly like most humans."

"In what way?"

"He's Immortal, Slick."

"Immortal?"

"He can't be killed, permanently, short of being decapitated. He can tell you the specifics, but in short, he doesn't age." Zed finished.

"How old is he?" J asked, not really wanting to know.

"Six hundred and forty-nine years old, pup." I said, walking into the office. "Born in what is now Eastern Arizona, in the year 1349 by your white-eye calendar." the trim Apache said with a big grin on his face.

J moaned. "No wonder you're the expert in combat instruction."

"Exactly, pup." I said. "I hear we got a Hunter loose?"

"Yep." Zed answered with a nod. "North of Sunnydale, California."

"Not too far from the old stomping grounds. Zed, you realize that my people had more sense than to build a town there? Bad medicine."

"Don't tell me you're a medicine man, too."

"Hell no, J." I said, laughing. "I was a warrior, and a tracker, nothing more. But I've seen sights that make some of our alien friends look cuddly."

"I don't wanna know, then." J said, grimacing.

"Enough chatter. We've got a rebellious teenager to catch and send home without supper. J, K, I, grab L and head out."

"So, L, you ready to go?"

"One moment, J." L said, packing several grenades into a bag. "Yautja hunt using infrared scanners. Therefore, we're packing flash grenades to scramble his sensors."

"L, I have one problem with I going along."

L turned to J. "What is it, J?"

"Well, Zed told me how Junior hunts. And, well, I.."

"He's willing to take that risk, J. And he's the best tracker we've got. He's the best hope we have of finding the Hunter."

"So what's Sunnydale, California like?"

"Small. Thirty-eight thousand people. Two college campuses. And one mall, zoo, and beach each. The best way to describe it is that it's a one Starbucks town."

J and L walked out of the lab, closing the door behind them.

Four heads poked up behind them.

"Starbucks?"

"The Mecca of Coffee."

"Oh, baby."

"California, here we come."

*****

Part 3: Tourist Trap
(A Hunter Sees the Hunter, A Hunter Tracks a Hunter, MIB Tracks a Hunter, And Everyone Hits Sunnydale)

"Frankly, sir, it's a clusterfuck."
---Gunny Highway
Heartbreak Ridge

Sunnydale Cemetery
Sunnydale, California
7 November 1998

The three vampires were dragging their victim towards a crypt, attempting to get the girl out of sight so they could enjoy their snack. Somehow, the terrified teenager broke free, and started running for the gate.

"Heeeelllpp!"

From a tree limb in her path, Shaw cursed. <Harmony? This greatly complicates things.> Quickly removing her coat and sword, Shaw crouched on the branch. When Harmony passed under, Shaw rolled forward, somersaulting to the ground. As she landed on her feet, she used the momentum to hurl a wooden knife with all of her strength into the lead vampire.

Luckily, she hit him in the heart, eliminating one threat. Of the remaining two, one held back, but the other charged her. Shaw whipped a silver blade into his chest, and then spin kicked the dagger as the vampire fell forward. She broke the dagger through one of his ribs and into his unbeating organ. He vanished in a cloud of dust.

The third looked hesitant, hungry, but cautious about this woman.

"I'll, like, leave man. Let me leave, Slayer."

"I am not the Slayer. Did you enjoy the drinks?"

The vamp sank to his knees. "Oh, shit, Hunter. I'll leave, I promise, man."

"You should have thought about that before you attacked that girl." Shaw snarled. "Stand up, now."

The vampire slowly rose. He couldn't have been more than twenty when turned, probably a gangbanger. Being a vampire hadn't changed his clothing style.

"Please don't kill me. I.. I'll leave tomorrow." he pleaded.

"So be it." Shaw said. "Close your eyes."

He did, shaking in his boots. Shaw executed a spin kick..

..and the vampire howled, clutching his genitals.

"If I see you again, I will use a dagger." she promised.

Shaw walked away, leaving him wailing pitifully. She stopped by the tree, retrieving her sword and coat. She focused on her hearing, and heard a soft sobbing noise. She quickly trotted over to where Harmony lay propped against a large tombstone, crying. Her clothing had been partially ripped and completely disheveled.

Shaw knelt and softly called, "Harmony."

Harmony jumped, and looked, not seeing who was next to her. "No, no, no, leave me alone." she mumbled. "Leave me alone..."

"I play the flute, not the bagpipes."

Harmony's eyes crinkled together at that comment, but what mattered was that it seemed to penetrate. She slowly focused. "Hunter?"

"Who does not wear a kilt." she said, trying to get through. <I am not good at this.>

Now Harmony realized who was there. "Shaw? How.."

"I heard your cries for help. I came looking. I.. saw the three men who were chasing you." <Focus, human. You are still in danger. >

"Oh God. We gotta get outta here."

"They will no longer be a problem." Shaw said, hoping the honesty in her voice would spur the girl to action. "But we must leave."

"But those three.." she said, then started withdrawing again. <There is only one way. > Shaw thought in disgust. <Goddess, forgive me. > Shaw slapped Harmony across the face. It had the desired effect.

"Ouch!" Harmony shouted. "How DARE you!"

Shaw glared into her eyes. "I dare because I just risked my life to save yours, you ungrateful fool. I defeated those three, but they might have friends nearby. If you want to see your home again, you will come with me now!"

"Fine." Harmony snapped. She got up, and Shaw led her quickly out of the cemetery, constantly looking around. "Hunter, if you hit me again.."

"Harmony, I just defeated those three.. gang members in hand to hand combat." Shaw said. "And I could have been hurt, or worse, doing so. I may be new to America, but I do understand that one normally says 'thank you' when someone saves their life, or perhaps their virginity. So do not threaten me, or you can walk home alone."

"Virginity?" Harmony repeated dully.

"I saw the.. look in their eyes. I am sorry that I struck you, but we were in danger, and I had to get you out of there."

"Oh God. Hunter, how did you.."

"Yes?"

"You're an orphan from Scotland!"

"Yes, and if you had bothered to read further into my PRIVATE records, you would have discovered that my father and grandfather were members of the Special Air Service." <Due to Steven and Willow's computer skills. >

"The what??"

"The English version of your Navy SEALs." Shaw said lightly. "Like the Charlie Sheen movie?"

"Oh! I saw that. But how.."

"I learned some martial arts from my father before he died.. in battle." Shaw said, faking sadness. "You should have seen what I did to the last.. man."

"What?" she asked.

"Think of a Russian ballet."

"Swan Lake?" Harmony asked, confused.

Shaw shook her head. "The one about Christmas."

"The.." Harmony trailed, then her jaw opened. "You kicked him?!?"

"With a spinning karate kick. I do not do things halfway."

"Eeewww."

"Please keep in mind what he had planned for you."

Harmony cringed. <I hate to be cruel, but she must learn to be careful.> Shaw thought, then spied that the Bronze was still open. She quickly steered the blonde towards the club.

"Hunter, my home's.."

"The Bronze. A public place. The crowd will be safer," she spoke in rapid sentences, not giving Harmony a chance to argue. "You can call your parents. Driving you home will be quicker than walking."

"Oh. Okay. Hunter, uh, thanks. But.."

"You have a reputation to maintain." she finished.

"You understand."

"No." Harmony frowned, and Shaw smiled. "I am only a highland lass from Scotland, after all." she finished with a wink. "Your secret is safe with me. Now call your parents. Father Johansen will not be pleased with me as it is."

Shaw watched the girl get on the phone, then left, feeling glad that someone would sleep peacefully that night.

*****

Only a few minutes after the Hunter left, the remaining vampire rose. He was still clutching his groin.

"How can this be, man? I'm a vampire. The ultimate predator." he whined.

He heard something behind him, and whirled. He saw.. something, a distortion of light, rippling as it moved towards him.

The vampire cringed until the figure became visible, and relaxed. The new arrival was seven feet tall, lean yet muscular, and carried a wicked, bladed staff. Obviously, he was a demon of some sort.

"Aw, man! You had me scared, dude."

A starbolt ripped through the vampire, scattering his body parts all across the ground.

The creature picked up the vampire's head, and nodded.

"Ooman?" he asked, then shook his head. "Vamper."

The ultimate predator? It would be much more fun to hunt.. Vamper.

*****

Sunnydale Motor Lodge
Sunnydale, California
7 November 1998

"Can I help you?" George asked.

"Yes." the man in the black suit said. "Three rooms."

"Okay. Can I get you to sign your names?"

"We're here on company business. Immigration, Section Six." K informed him.

"I understand." George said, nodding. "Undercover?"

"That's classified." K said, with a slight grin.

"Okay." George said with the same grin. "204 through 206. Here are the keys."

"Thanks."

Once K had handed out the keys, the four agents started setting up in L's room, since she was the scientific expert.

"Okay, labrat," I said jovially, "what's your fancy technoplan for tracking our young Predator?"

"These sensors," L said, smiling at I's teasing and indicating certain equipment, "will detect any nonhuman biosignatures inside Sunnydale. It won't detect the Yautja while he's cloaked, but once he becomes visible, he'll leave tracks that we can follow."

"Why does he even become visible?" J asked.

"Honor." K and I said at the same time. They grinned at each other, and K nodded.

"Yautja honor, pup. He stalks the prey cloaked, but becomes visible, to give the prey a chance to fight. Survival of the fittest."

"Our Junior's a good sport." J said with a frown.

"Right, Slick. We'll start tomorrow night." K said firmly. "We need to be fresh."

The male agents were leaving when a thud sounded from one of L's equipment cases. The agents drew their sidearms, and aimed at the case as it popped open.

"Sunnydale!"

"Starbucks!"

"COFFEE HEAVEN!!" the four shouted, but stopped dead at the sight of four energy weapons aimed at them.

"What are YOU doing here!" J shouted.

The four worms cringed. "Uh, hi J."

L looked at them. "Why are you here?"

"Uh, one Starbucks town."

"The Mecca of Coffee."

"Sunny California."

The MIB's sighed, and put away their weapons. J walked over to the short yellow aliens. "I'll make you a deal, guys. Make yourselves useful, and I'll personally bring you each a cup, every day. You help L in here, you don't touch anything unless she says so, and you don't leave. Got it?"

The worms looked at each other, talked, and nodded.

"Deal, J. You promised."

"Good. You step out of this room, and I'll feed you to the Yautja."

The worms' eyes bugged out as they realized WHY they were in California.

"Yautja?"

"Hunter?"

"Young Hunter." I said, with an evil grin. "Behind you."

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"

The four worms dove under L's bed.

"Thanks, I." L said sarcastically.

"You're quite welcome, dear lady." I said, bowing. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dream quest to perform."

I walked out of the room.

"Uh, K, is he serious?"

"I don't know, Slick." K said, another enigmatic smile on his lips.

*****

Unknown location
North of Sunnydale, California
Early hours
8 November 1998

The small craft landed, a perfect touchdown. The second craft was a miniature version of the one it was next to, built for speed rather than comfort.

As the craft set down, the pilot swore continuously.

The pilot removed her helmet, and shook her hair loose. The black tresses fell well below her shoulders, and she straightened her five-foot-one frame. She walked over to the rack that held her gear, and shook her head. <If I find that youngster, I'll make him wish that Topknot didn't want him back! >

The woman took out a small mirror, and quickly wiped the sweat off her brow. She gazed at the small lightning bolt-shaped scar on her forehead.

<Full circle, Broken Tusk, old friend. > she thought. <Welcome home, Machiko Noguchi. >

The Japanese-American-turned Hunter moved to gather her gear, remembering the last time she'd been on this planet.

*****

**WARNING! FLASHBACK SEQUENCE AHEAD!**

Amazon Jungle
Western Brazil
17 January 1996

<God damn! What the fuck happened! > Corporal Machiko Noguchi thought. <These cartel fucks were torn open from the inside! >

Machiko's Force Recon team had been sent to clear out this cartel hideout, but someone had beaten them there. She was preparing to call the el-tee when the screaming started.

She ran out, and saw something that made her blood run cold.

A silver-colored.. thing, with a long cranium, fangs, a tail and clawed feet and hands.

It was quickly decimating her teammates. Noguchi targeted the creature with her M-16 and opened fire. Bullets bounced off the thing's head, doing nothing.

Noguchi cursed. <I need something bigger.> She looked, and saw Jackson, his weapons scattered all over the forest floor.

"Noguchi! Don't leave me here!" Martin cried. "Help me!" He was firing his SAW, ricochets bouncing into nearby trees.

"Just pickin' up a party favor!" she shouted, picking up Jackson's AT-4, and aiming it.

"Oh, fuck!" Martin shouted, trying to run.

The silver-toned creature grabbed Martin with a claw just as Machiko fired the anti-tank rocket. The projectile exploded on contact with the thing. A loud piercing scream filled the jungle.

The smoke cleared, and Noguchi's blood ran cold. All the rocket had done was rip an arm off, and there was no sign of Martin. The creature looked at her in rage.

Suddenly, an energy blast tore into it, followed by two more. The two foes turned to see a large creature, decked in armor, and loaded with weapons. The gun on its shoulder fired again, right into the creature's head, but it didn't have much effect.

Machiko grabbed an incendiary grenade off her belt. "Hey, Silver!" It drew "Silver's" attention, and it turned. She lobbed the grenade right into the thing's mouth, and it quickly swallowed it. Five seconds later, the creature exploded, corrosive acid flying all over the place. Noguchi dove for cover.

After the rain of green fluid ceased, a piercing howl shook her to her bones. She looked up. <Oh, fuck! >

The creature had removed its helmet, revealing a large forehead, and dreadlock style braids. Small eyes watched her, and four mandibles framed his fanged mouth.

Machiko drew her K-Bar, hoping to present enough of a threat to make him back off. "Come on, asshole. Try me."

The creature seemed impressed, but cocked his head. He tapped his chest. "Yautja." He then pointed to her. "Ooman?" He seemed confused.

"Human? Yeah, I'm human."

He shook his head, and pointed to Jackson. "Ooman."

"I'm human. Female."

The "Yautja's" eyes brightened in understanding, and he nodded. He tapped himself, then pointed at her. "Hunter?"

Noguchi's eyes rose. "Yeah, I'm a hunter, of sorts."

He nodded. "Broken Tusk." he said in broken English, tapping himself.

"Is that your name?"

He nodded.

"Machiko Noguchi." she replied, tapping herself.

He shook his head. "Small Knife." Then, in his language, "Duothadi."

Noguchi was confused, until she remembered her Ka-Bar. She sheathed it, and performed a perfect bow.

He nodded. "Come? Hunt?"

"Where?"

He pointed towards the sky.

As his meaning sank in, she looked around, and made her decision.

"Shit, yes."

Machiko's eyes misted as she remembered that fateful day. She'd been on many Hunts, and now she'd come home.

<First thing, find out where I am, and what's happened over the last two years. Second, find the youngster and get in touch with the clan.>

Machiko left the craft and walked off into the night.

*****

Part 4: Stakeouts Galore
(A Predator, A Half-Elven Ranger, An Ex-Marine and MIB, Yet None Of 'Em Has A Vamp Hunting License)
(And Who's That On The Bike)

"Adventuring usually consists of a few minutes of fighting, surrounded by hours of sitting in poor weather, feeling miserable."
---Elminster the Mage
Spellfire

City Hall
Sunnydale, California
8 November 1998

<Nice to see the old skills haven't faded.> Machiko thought gleefully. <Maybe it's good the youngster chose 'Mayberry' to hunt in.>

Machiko had broken into the town hall early Sunday, and had spent the last several hours reading local newspapers, getting a feel for the events of the past two years.

<Seems the Chief couldn't keep it in his pants. And what crappy taste in women. That Lewinsky broad.. Ugh.> she thought.

Noguchi froze as she heard a noise from outside. Backing against the door, brandishing a .44 she'd stolen from a local pawnshop, she cracked the door open. She saw two men walk into the Mayor's office.

<A politician that works on Sunday? What's the world comin' to?>

She strained her hearing, trying to pick up their conversation. Failing, she crept down the hallway, and leaned against the door to the office.

"So, Williamson, report. What's up?"

"Well, sir, the Hunter was as good as her word. She's opened the season, as she put it. She's covering for the Wanderer's group, and as per her style, being less than subtle."

"Did we ever find out exactly WHAT she is?"

"Uh, yes sir. She's half human, and.."

"And?" the Mayor, Noguchi figured, asked in an impatient tone.

"Fey, sir." the one called Williamson said.

<What the fuck? The Hunter's a frickin' Yautja. What is this shit?>

"Fey. Which eliminating would cause no end of problems with certain beings?"

"Yes, sir. It's rumored that the Lin-Kuei owe her an honor debt, as well."

"And she now works for the Wanderer." the Mayor sighed.

<That couldn't be the infamous legend? Nahhh.>

"It actually seems to be an alliance of convenience, sir. He hunts to protect the town, whereas she hunts for revenge for the deaths of relatives. There are also rumors of a rogue demon, hunting others, sort of a safari-style hunt."

<The youngster. But what's this other shit?>

"Any information?"

"No, the demon hasn't been seen. At least by anyone living."

"Okay, let's call it a day."

<Shit!> Noguchi knew she couldn't hide quickly enough, so she waited for the door to open. As soon as the person's shadow started to move, she fired a shot into the room, aiming upward to miss any of the people. She heard both men hit the floor, and she took off running. She quickly vanished out the back entrance to the building.

"Who the heck was that, Williamson?"

"I, I don't know, sir. I only saw the barrel of a .44 Magnum."

"Think whoever it was heard anything?"

"If so, nothing to report on." Williamson said. "I don't think we discussed anything that would force us to take action."

As Noguchi walked down the streets of Sunnydale, she was deep in thought.

<What the hell was that about? Hunters, demons, the Wanderer? They must have been discussing the youngster. Hell with it.>

She decided to put that stuff out of her mind. She had a mission to concentrate on.

*****

City Limits
Sunnydale, California
8 November 1998

A motorcycle quickly pulled over to the side of the road as the rider pulled up to the Sunnydale sign. The man pushed down the kickstand, and got up to stretch.

<Bobby and Cheyenne were right. This was a good idea. A two-week break, and I'll be as good as new. Sixkiller Enterprises can go on without me for awhile.>

He sat back down, and rode into town, spraying sand behind his back wheel.

As the rider left, J and K emerged from their hiding place. K keyed his communicator, and checked in.

"L? Testing, one two."

"I read you, K."

"What's the word?"

"Human, all right. The sensors work like a charm."

"Harley."

"Nice bike."

"Cool wheels."

"Be quiet, you four." L's voice came over the comm.

"At least they were watching the equipment, L." J said.

"L was watching it.. very intently." I said over the channel.

The sounds of worm laughter pealed over the net.

K smiled, and cut the link. "Let's go, Slick. I want to patrol tonight. See if we can't troll Junior."

"After we get the rest of these set up, right?"

"You got it, Slick."

*****

Sunnydale Motor Lodge
Sunnydale, California
8 November 1998

J and K walked into L's room, and J sat down at the table. J looked around, and called L. "Where are the guys?"

"In the bathroom." L said. "They've been in there for an hour."

"Since L gave 'em an 'if looks could kill' glare." I said. L gave him a similar glare, and he shrugged. "They're scared to come out."

J smiled. "Then I guess we can drink this coffee."

I and K were nearly bowled over by a yellow stampede running for the table. The worms took up the large cups and walked over to L's bed, which was the only clear spot in the room.

"Thanks, J."

"You the man."

"You saved us."

K looked at L. "So, are you ready to turn on the sensor net?"

"We were waiting for you two."

"Okay, so what's the way this thing works?" I asked.

"Simple. It'll start by detecting every biosignature inside the city limits, and then eliminate the human signatures within sixty seconds. After that, all Earth-based lifeforms, such as mammals and birds, etceteras. Anything left is unknown."

"Let's hit it." J encouraged.

L switched on the sensor net, and thousands of signs were illuminated. Almost immediately, the signs started fading. After five minutes, the last animal readings dissipated.

"Oh, my God." L muttered.

There were well over one hundred signatures left in the net.

"Can you narrow it down?" K asked.

"Just a second," L said, tapping some buttons. "It'll cycle through all known alien forms, and tag them."

After two minutes, J said, "I know you tested this, L. I saw you."

"Only five knowns?" I said, frowning. "What are they?"

"Let's see. Four, sitting on my bed." The agents groaned. "One,

Junior. He's in.. the cemetery?"

"The others?" J asked.

"Unidentified." Even as L spoke, two of them blinked out of existence. So did the Yautja. "He killed two of the unknowns."

"Look at this." K said. "One unique signature, in the park. With two more of the same unknowns."

Inside of five minutes, the unknowns vanished.

"We've got TWO Hunters?" J snapped.

"Damn. L, stay here. I, you're with us."

"Where we headed, K?"

"To the cemetery. The others can wait. L, how long can you keep this net running?" K asked.

"An hour at a time, with a recharge of two hours. I can keep it up indefinitely, if I run one section for an hour at a time."

"Do it." K ordered.

J, K and I walked briskly through the cemetery. There was no sign of the Predator, but they were looking for bodies.

"Nothing. No body parts at all." J said. "Why is that a bad thing on this job?"

"Because it usually means dinner." I said.

"I, there's someone over there." K said, pointing at a man approaching.

The man was white, wearing gang colors, and smirking as he nodded while approaching.

K's comm chirped.

"Go ahead, L."

"K, that's one of the mass unknowns."

K nodded to his partners, who started to draw their weapons.

"Freeze! MIB."

"Whatever." the ganger said, running up and grabbing K.

K tried to pull the trigger to his icer, but the thing grabbed him and threw him into J. Both agents fell to the ground, and the thing went after I.

The thing threw a clumsy punch, which I dodged, and countered with a reverse punch, an elbow smash, another reverse punch, and a roundhouse kick. The fake ganger staggered, and ran for his life. I started to give chase, but someone, or something stood up from behind a tombstone and shot something and hit the creature, which promptly burst into a cloud of dust.

I ran at the shooter, and got a sight of glowing red eyes, which disappeared as it took off. I stopped at the pile of dust that was the only remains of the "man" that had attacked him and his partners.

"What the hell was that?" J asked.

"Which one?" I returned.

"What happened, I?"

"Well, while you two were getting closer," I smirked, "I put a whoopin' on our boy, who decided to cut his losses."

I picked up an object, and shook his head.

"Someone, or something, stood up and shot the boy with this, an he was literally dusted." I said, indicating the pile on the ground.

"What was the weapon?" K asked, and his eyes widened slightly as he saw what I was holding.

A wooden arrow with a silver arrowhead.

When the MIB's returned, L was setting up diagrams.

"What happened?" she asked, noticing the dirty uniforms.

"One of our mass unknowns attacked, tried to run, was shot by another unknown with a bow." K said.

"I can tell you, the second unknown was the unique signature from the park." L said. "But I had to switch areas, so I lost it."

"The 'unique' is about five-six," I stated. "And a crack shot with a bow. And it gets better. I couldn't track it, this thing knows what it's doing."

L stared. "You lost a trail?"

"And no sign of Junior." J said.

"Let's get some sleep." K ordered. "Have the worms take shifts. If Junior shows, get us immediately."

The Yautja paced in frustration. He'd killed two Vampers by cutting off their heads, but they had burst into dust. The first one hadn't when he shot it in the stomach.

The Hunter paused. Was a stomach or chest shot required for his trophies? That was worth a consideration.

Hunting Vampers was much more fun than hunting Oomans. He decided to try again.

*****

The Bronze
Sunnydale, California
8 November 1998

Shaw watched as a pair of vampires emerged from the Bronze. She slowly drew an arrow, but stopped as something rippled in the light.

Something emerged from a cloak of invisibility, a large humanoid wearing armor, and weapons, as well as some type of helmet.

<A ta'narri? Goddess, this night has been difficult enough as it is.>

The ta'narri walked towards the vampires, who grinned.

"Want to cause some havoc, buddy?"

"Vamper."

The ta'narri swung his arm claws, quickly gutting the vampire on Shaw's left. The second started to run, but was quickly cut down by an energy burst.

Shaw's jaw was open. <I cannot believe this! This ta'narri killed two vampires! Why?!?>

The ta'narri quickly sliced each vampire's head off, picked them up, and turned invisible.

Shaw shook her head, attempting to understand what she'd just seen.

<What in the name of Mielikki? He took their heads as trophies.> she thought. <He is hunting. But, is he doing it for sport, or for some darker purpose?>

Shaw yawned, and shook her head again. <I can research in the morning. I need some sleep before school.>

Shaw turned and started walking home.

*****

Machiko was tired. She hadn't slept since arriving, and needed some rest, but had no money for a room.

<No good bastard youngster.>

The sound of a motorcycle brought her back to her senses. She looked, and saw a man on a Harley.

<Well, maybe I can get a few bucks.>

She silently stalked over, and saw the guy inside the gas station.

<Hit him hard and fast, knock him out, steal some moolah, but make sure he's safe.>

As he walked out, she trailed him. Once he left the lighted area, she lunged.

As was quickly thrown. She rolled, and spin punched him in the chest. She punched again, but he grabbed her arm, and threw her against the gas pump.

"Sorry, sweetheart, but I don't play rough."

Machiko's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. "Oh, fuck! Fuck!!"

"Didn't think I knew the arts, huh?"

"Shut the fuck up, Badge Boy. It's me, Raines!"

"What the.. Noguchi?!?"

"No shit, Sherlock."

"You're dead." Reno said.

"Then how come my frickin' back hurts?"

Reno let her go. "What happened to you?"

Machiko dodged the question. "What the hell are you doin' here, Reno?"

"It's a long story, Machiko." Reno said tersely.

"Looks like we both got long stories."

"Why'd you attack me?"

"To get money for a room. Been gone a long time, Raines."

"We'll go to my room, and we can talk."

Once they'd talked, Reno was staring at the wall. "I don't know what's worse. Your story, or the fact that your gear proves it."

"Tell me about it."

"So this youngster is what you're after?"

"Yeah, I catch him, there's people I can contact to send him home."

"Who's that, Noguchi?"

"Government people, don't ask."

"How can I help?"

Noguchi stared at him. "Are you nuts? He'd rip you apart!"

"I was a cop, now I'm a bounty hunter. I can track."

She considered that. "Okay, Badge Boy. It's a deal."

"No problem, Jarhead."

*****

Part 5: Get Togethers
(Things Get Even More Confusing)

"May you live in interesting times."
---Chinese curse

Sunnydale High Library
Sunnydale, California
9 November 1998

Shaw sat at Giles' desk, working through a small mound of Monday paperwork, quickly sorting it by date and priority. After the first half hour, she started shaking her head.

<How does Rupert Giles do any research at all?> she thought. <These Earth people and their need for paperwork.>

After an hour, she had finished a third of the paperwork, and decided to take a break by sorting through the returned volumes. She quickly went through and finished much quicker than she had hoped. As she finished, she heard someone enter the library. She exited an aisle and nodded a greeting.

"May I help you, sir?" she asked in her "student" voice.

The man nodded. "Sir Steve said to meet you when the time was right."

<Sir Steve? Ah. Good.> "You are Joseph N'Gato?"

"Yes. I take it you are Shaw Hunter."

"The same. Kendra is ready to patrol?"

Joe blinked. "You're just like Sir Steve. You get right to the point."

"I shall take the comparison as a compliment. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And yes, she'll be ready tomorrow night, Ms. Hunter."

Shaw grinned. "Joseph, if we are to fight together, I would prefer less formality. A little less, at least."

Now he laughed. "Okay, Shaw. Did Steve tell you of the arrangements?"

"Yes. You are in charge, Joseph. I will patrol tonight, then join you and Kendra tomorrow." Shaw said. "Joseph, I saw something strange last night."

"What happened?"

"A.. demon of some sort, I suppose, killed two vampires. While I personally have no problem with this, it was what happened afterwards that concerns me. He took their heads, and left the bodies behind."

"Do you know why?"

"If I go by my own experience, I believe he took them as trophies. That would be my guess as a ranger, and hunter."

"His appearance?"

"Six and a half feet, perhaps seven. Lean and muscular. Strong; he beheaded one blooddrinker with one swing of some form of arm-mounted claws. Artificial, metal, not natural. And an energy burst of some kind, which I believe was technological in nature." she reported. "He wore some kind of helmet, so I cannot describe his face. That, more than anything else, will make determining his identity somewhat difficult."

"You did well, memorizing that much."

"Also, Joseph, he can become invisible. I shall do my best to determine his purpose here."

"Very well. I'll inform Kendra-" he broke off as Shaw quickly moved up and embraced him. He stammered, "Uh, Ms..."

"Hunter!"

Shaw release Joe, who looked at her in complete shock. She looked over his shoulder, and smiled. "Good morning, Principal Snyder."

Joe quickly got the point.

"Not for you, Hunter. I warned you about..."

"Principal Snyder, this is Joseph N'Gato." she said warmly.

"I can't care less about your boy..."

"Sergeant Joseph N'Gato of Her Majesty's Special Air Service." Shaw added. "Joseph, this is Principal Snyder, the Head Master of my school."

Joe gave her a look, and turned to Snyder. "Sir, Shaw.. Ms. Hunter has told me of the regard she holds for you."

"Who are you?" Snyder demanded.

"Sir, you are setting a poor example for our school." Shaw said softly.

"What?" he asked, caught off guard. "Who is he, Hunter?"

"Joseph is a member of the Special Air Service."

"A pilot?"

Joe took over. "Sir, the SAS is Her Majesty's equivalent of the Green Berets and SEAL teams of your American Army and Navy."

Snyder's anger turned a bit to fear, as he understood the comparison.

"What are you doing here?"

"Sir, Joseph served under my father in the SAS." Shaw said. "Joseph was on the mission on which my father.. passed away."

"Oh.. uh..."

"Sir, the mission was classified, and thus Lieutenant Hunter's family was never given the specific details of his death. Now, since Ms. Hunter here is the last surviving relative, and nearing legal age, it was allowed for me, on personal leave, to come here and inform her of the mission on which her father died for the Queen." Joe said, playing up the part.

"I see." Snyder lied. "Go ahead."

"Sir, this information is top secret. Only Ms. Hunter can hear it."

"I can hear it."

"No, sir, you cannot."

"Then she won't either."

Shaw looked ready to cry. "Principal Snyder, please. I have waited several years to hear the truth. Would you deny me this? The only chance to learn about my father's sacrifice?"

Snyder looked extremely uncomfortable. He played with his tie, then nodded.

"Fine. You have one hour, then leave."

He quickly walked out of the library.

"What a thoroughly disgusting individual." Joe said, then turned to

speak to Shaw, who was holding her sides, rocking in silent laughter.

"You think quickly, Shaw," he said.

She just nodded, laughing so hard she couldn't talk.

"You found his reaction amusing? I suppose you are right."

Shaw shook her head. "The look on your face at the beginning."

"You did catch me somewhat off guard. How did you know?"

"Elven hearing." Shaw said, wiping tears from her eyes. "But seeing 'the troll' was worth it."

Joe sighed. "I can see that this will be a unique partnership."

"You know Steven, you know Kendra, and now you know me."

"I will get even with Sir Steve for this."

*****

Sunnydale Cemetery
Sunnydale, California
9 November 1998

As the moon continued to rise, Shaw was growing bored. She had been out for three hours, and no vampires, nor the new hunter, had made an appearance. <Not that I am complaining, Lady Mielikki, it is just that I feel I am missing something.> Shaw thought. After a few seconds, she made a decision. <One more hour. If I do not see anything, I shall retire early.>

Shaw climbed the back fence of the cemetery, and stalked silently through the graveyard. After several minutes, she heard voices on the wind. She crept forward, and spied a group of five beings walking. One of the creatures carried a torch, negating Shaw's infravision, but allowing her to see that three of the five were not human. The two that appeared human were female, one adult and the other not out of her fifth or sixth year.

Shaw stood stock still, as to hear their conversation.

"C'mon, Narcisse, hurry your sorry ass up." a reptilian-style humanoid snarled. He looked to be the most dangerous.

"Shut up, Peloquin. We have plenty of time." Narcisse replied. He looked like he'd had the skin ripped off the side of his face.

The third nonhuman, whose head was shaped like a crescent moon, just shook his head in amusement.

The child looked frightened. "Mama, the crypt feels strange. I'm scared."

"Don't worry, Babette." her mother said in an accent that reminded Shaw of a Vistani she once knew.

<Oh, no. They're taking them. Selanne, I repay my debt.>

Shaw donned her shades, and ran, attempting to get ahead of the group. She found a thick tree, and quickly climbed it. Once out of sight, she put herself into a position to drop onto the things herding the two women.

The reptilian, Peloquin, was in front. He slowed a bit, seeming cautious. He started looking around, sniffing.

"Trouble?" Moon-face asked.

"I'm picking up a scent, Pettine." he said. "A smell of.." Shaw jumped, drawing Soulreaver and a dagger. "..normal."

However, he was nonetheless surprised when the half-elf landed in front of him and gutted him with a dagger. Shaw released the dagger and backhanded him in the temple, knocking him to the ground.

Pettine moved forward, and Shaw landed a crescent kick to his jaw, sending him crashing to the grass. He dropped his torch, which fluttered out.

The one called Narcisse moved forward, but Shaw threatened him with her sword, and forced him back. She put herself between him and the two women.

"Take your daughter, Romany." Shaw ordered. "I will cover your escape."

Peloquin got up, and drew Shaw's dagger out of his gut. "You will die slowly for this, normal."

"Perhaps, but the Romany will escape."

Narcisse grinned. "Two on one, pretty girl. Even with that sword, you can only stab one of us."

Shaw nodded, and uttered a quick prayer. A flaming scimitar appeared in her left hand, and her lips formed a grim line. "I shall see your sword, and raise you one scimitar."

Peloquin looked a bit more cautious. "Wizard." he growled.

"Priestess, actually. But I do share your opinion of wizards in general."

Peloquin breathed, and smoke came out. He started changing. Shaw prepared herself to strike.

Pettine groggily stood up, and saw the situation developing. "Oh shit."

A voice shouted, "Peloquin, no!"

Both Shaw and the reptilian looked in surprise at Babette, who was the one who had screamed.

"Romany, get your child to safety!" Shaw snapped.

"We are not Romany, mortal." the mother said softly.

Shaw looked at them, and saw blue infrared signatures. Shaw's anger rose. "You turned your own child into a vampire?" she said seethingly.

Peloquin, who'd been preparing to charge, stopped short. "We are not vampires, normal."

"Then what are they?"

"My name is Rachel. We are Nightbreed." she supplied.

Shaw recognized the name from earlier research. "You are from the Tribes of the Moon?" she asked, drawing looks of shock from the three males.

"Yes, mortal, we are." Rachel answered.

"Goddess, forgive me my stupidity." she said. Shaw dispelled the flame blade, and slowly sheathed her sword. "I apologize for my unprovoked assault. I thought the women were Romany. I.. sought to protect them."

Peloquin sneered, but Pettine nodded. "You were doing a good job," he said wryly.

Babette smiled. "She wanted to help me and Mama."

Shaw looked at the child. "How did you know that, little one?"

Rachel smiled, too. "Babette is an empath."

Shaw looked at Rachel. "I have a similar ability, for creatures of nature."

"Now what, normal? You gonna get your friends and exterminate us?"

Shaw turned her gaze to Peloquin. "Define 'normal.'"

"Human." he said with a snarl.

Shaw smiled, which made him growl louder. "Allow me to disappoint you, Peloquin."

She removed her shades, allowing the three males to see her eyes.

Peloquin's eyes widened. "What are you, woman?"

Shaw paused, then spoke in Elvish. {If you can understand this, you will have your answer.}

The three males and Babette looked confused, but Rachel smiled a bit, and Shaw gave her one in return.

"Rachel, why is the Tribe here? This town is dangerous."

Rachel's smile settled into a neutral mask. "We wish to make a home here."

Shaw shook her head. "Do your leaders have any idea what this place is like? What lies under it?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Peloquin snapped. "And what are you?"

"Very well, if it will silence your prattling." she said. She removed her ponytail, and shook her hair loose, revealing her ears. "Are you satisfied now?"

The Nightbreed actually seemed to relax a bit, now that they knew the nature of this woman.

"Oh my God. It's Lady Spock."

Shaw quickly turned and grabbed Narcisse by the throat. "I will give you one warning. If you say one word more about that television show, I will hurt you." She released him. "Although I now understand Peloquin's disposition."

Pettine looked at her sidelong. "How is that?"

"He must tolerate this one's attempts at humor."

To everyone's surprise, Peloquin actually chuckled.

"Rachel, I would speak with your leader. He must be informed of the dangers of Sunnydale. Also, I can provide information on those who protect it, including myself. If he allows, I can arrange a meeting between us, perhaps to discuss an alliance."

"Why should we trust you, Faerie?" Peloquin asked.

"For your information, my father was human. And as I attend the local high school, I know how to keep secrets."

"Such as?"

"I am half-elven, carry a magical sword, wield shamanic magic, and hunt vampires. Do you still have to ask that question?"

"Tell me, if you can, in six words or less, what makes this town so dangerous."

Shaw smiled at him. "Is that a challenge?"

Peloquin nodded, showing off a toothy grin.

"Sunnydale sits atop the Hellmouth. Five words, I win."

The four adult Nightbreed now started to look nervous.

"That the reason for all the bloodsuckers?" Narcisse asked.

"And why my friends and I protect Sunnydale." Shaw said. "Now, will you permit me to speak with your Tribe?"

The adults looked to Pettine, who nodded. "We can take you."

Rachel added a caveat. "You must swear to keep our secret."

Shaw nodded. "Unless your leader allows me to inform my allies. I know what it is like to see people suffer persecution. Is this adequate?"

The Nightbreed, even Peloquin, nodded.

*****

Ruined Church
Under Sunnydale, California
9 September 1998

Shaw watched the various Nightbreed stare at her with looks ranging from curiosity to fear to hostility. None of the looks were positive. She purposely ignored them, defiant in their gazes.

"Lylesburg will be the one to speak. We must answer for you, unless he asks you directly, or if there is a question that only you can answer."

"Yes, Rachel. But do not tell him of my heritage, or of the Hellmouth. I must do so."

Rachel smiled. "He also knows your mother's language." Shaw nodded.

The Nightbreed that had escorted her took up positions alongside her, as if to form a square around her. Shaw waited at the foot of the stage, impatiently waiting for Lylesburg.

Finally, he approached, being followed by a human-looking Nightbreed, who looked at her with a look of amused interest.

"Why is this normal here, Rachel?" he asked.

"I will ask the questions, Boone." Lylesburg said. "Peloquin?"

"She attacked us as we approached the crypt." he said, drawing shouts of anger from the crowd.

Pettine stepped forward. "She thought Rachel and Babette were normals of Romany descent, and sought to protect them, especially the child."

The hostile reaction died a little, but not completely.

"And when she discovered the truth?"

Rachel smiled. "She immediately ceased her attack, greeted us as members of the Tribe of the Moon, and politely apologized for her mistake."

Boone tapped Lylesburg. "May I ask question of Pettine?"

Lylesburg nodded, and Boone spoke. "How skilled was she, Pettine?"

The moon-faced Nightbreed blushed. "She knocked Peloquin and myself to the ground, and placed herself in a guard position between Narcisse and Rachel in less than thirty seconds."

"How did she attack you without being seen?"

Peloquin answered. "She dropped out of a tree. Very clever."

Shaw gave the reptilian a cocked eyebrow, but he merely shrugged. However, she did not miss the murmurs of respect at his praise.

"And why did you bring her here?" Lylesburg asked, finally getting to the point.

"She has information about this town, and requested to speak with you. There is a war of sorts here, and she represents forces that protect normals."

"You are in error, Rachel."

The crowd shouted at this breach of protocol, but Lylesburg waved his arms to quiet them down. "On what is she in error, normal?"

"Sunnydale is but one of the main sites of this war. Also, I do not 'represent' my group, I am merely a warrior. I came to propose a meeting between my leaders and yours, at a neutral site if you so choose."

"And if I do not choose this?"

"Then I will keep your secret. I have my own to keep, among them the fact that I hunt vampires."

That drew gasps of surprise from the crowd, and Lylesburg seemed impressed. "Very well. Introduce yourself."

Shaw bowed. {I am Shawukay Madison Redarrow, daughter of Trocar Flamingarrow of the Clan of Madison, and Miyana Redstar, blood kin of the House of Nightstar of the Tuatha du Danaan. I am half-human, and half-elven.}

Lylesburg and some of the older Nightbreed seemed very surprised by her admission, and the younger ones were shocked, even after Rachel's translation. Lylesburg quickly recovered.

"Very well, young Fey. What is the information you wish to give us?"

Shaw switched to English. "Most importantly, Master Lylesburg, your feet are resting directly over the Hellmouth."

Lylesburg paled. "You can prove this?"

"Young Babette is an empath. She says this place feels 'strange,' to use her words."

Lylesburg looked to Rachel, who nodded. He turned back to Shaw. "We still wish to make a home here."

"I fulfilled a similar desire here. I have kin in this town."

"I see," he said musingly. "What forces do you fight against?"

"Those who would open the Hellmouth. Black Mages, demons, hundreds of vampires. Oh, also the occasional Cenobite, one of whom met his demise in this very chamber two months ago."

"And who are your allies?"

Shaw hesitated, pondering her answer. "I will only name those who reside here. Their names can wait, but their descriptions might suffice. I must protect their secrets, as I have vowed to protect yours."

"That is enough. Please proceed."

"Currently, most of my group is elsewhere. Three of us remain to patrol, however."

Peloquin gaped. "Only three?"

"Yes. Myself, a Knight of the Grail, and the current Slayer."

That drew murmurs of surprise among the audience.

Boone's mouth dropped a bit. "An impressive trio."

Lylesburg frowned. "There are rumors of one called 'the Hunter.'"

Shaw sighed. "Among humans, I am known as Shaw Hunter."

Boone and Peloquin chuckled, but the leader did not.

"And those not present? They are normals?" he asked, showing disapproval.

"Are you familiar with Immortals?"

Lylesburg nodded.

"Very good. Our leader, and his second in command, are Immortals, the Wanderer and the Slayer."

"An Immortal Slayer?" Pettine asked in awe.

"It was her first death that summoned the current Slayer, the one here in Sunnydale." Shaw answered. "The leaders wield Demon Slayer and Vampire Slayer, two of the Swords of Destiny."

"Why are you saying this, young lady?"

Shaw's eyes grew narrow. "Are you insinuating that I would lie, sir?"

Lylesburg smiled. "Your response confirms your truth, but I had to be sure."

"Very well. Of the other members of my group, there is a third Immortal, the wielder of the Sword of St. Catherine, last used by the human saint known as Joan of Arc. We also have several witches, and the Watcher for the Slayers."

"What is a Watcher?" Boone asked.

"Mostly, a combination of researcher, guide, sensei, and in this case, father figure." Shaw said.

"Can you tell us what type of leader this Wanderer is?" Lylesburg asked.

"He holds the rank of Knight Lieutenant in the Order of the Grail, and has friends among the Council of Dragons and Oberon's Children."

"Such as yourself?"

"No. He is my leader, as well as my teacher in human fighting arts."

"And she's a good student, apparently." Pettine muttered, drawing a small amount of laughter.

"But it doesn't tell us what type of man he is." Boone said. "Does he serve anyone but himself?"

Shaw must have given something in her glance, because Lylesburg nodded. "Please tell us. If he is worthy of someone's trust, perhaps he is worthy of ours."

"You will not believe me." Shaw said sadly.

"Try us." Boone said with a smirk.

"Very well. The Wanderer is the sworn champion of Merlin of Camelot and his wife, Niume."

A loud, collective gasp of surprise sounded throughout the chamber.

"I said you would not believe me," she muttered.

"Can you give us any other examples?" Lylesburg asked.

"Do you know of the vampire attacks in Los Angeles earlier this year?"

"We know of them."

"The Wanderer was the leader of the army that eliminated seven hundred vampires and twenty demons."

"Who was in this army?" Boone asked, unsure he wanted to hear it.

"I am told the army included over forty Immortals, four Amazons, both Slayers, a werewolf, a Gargoyle, two Los Angeles Special Weapons and Tactics teams. The Special Investigations Unit of the San Francisco police, and at least four special forces and anti-terrorist units of the American military, along with a ninja clan, the son of a Shao-lin priest, and the wielder of a third Sword of Destiny joined the fight as well."

"And a partridge in a pear tree." Narcisse sang.

"The partridge died in combat." Shaw added, drawing a deep laugh from Narcisse.

"Where were you during this time?" Lylesburg asked.

"In Paris, killing an Immortal who threatened my teacher, a son of the MacLeods."

"Who was this person with the third Sword?" Boone asked.

Shaw grinned at him. "You might have heard of the sword. It is known as Excalibur."

"He commanded the Once and Future King?" Lylesburg muttered, complete awe in his voice. Similar awe could be felt from rest of the Nightbreed.

"That is the answer to your question, Boone. The Wanderer is the type of man that even Arthur Pendragon will willingly follow. They, along with the Immortal Slayer, led the charge in the final battle. They teamed to weaken the demon Throlog, the Aztec God of War."

"They didn't kill him?" Peloquin asked.

"That duty fell to the Avatar of Shiva." Shaw said, and then added with an innocent expression, "Did I forget to mention him?"

"Unbelievable."

"Master Lylesburg, I had a similar response, despite the fact that my own kin was present. She personally fired several silver bullets from a military rifle into Throlog's head."

Lylesburg spent nearly three full minutes pondering, rubbing his chin, but finally nodded at the half-elf.

"Lady Shawukay, I will agree to your proposal, if only to meet this man. How shall we proceed?"

"When he returns, I will give him the proposal. I will NOT let him know of your location. I can come here with his decision, and give him your terms for a meeting, numbers, location, and time. But, your people must beware of vampires until then, as there are only three of us."

"Why you as a messenger?" Boone asked.

"I am known to my group, and to your people. They might accept a half-breed elf sooner than a human, even an Immortal one. Also, I am uniquely qualified to handle this duty."

"How?" Lylesburg asked, sounding suspicious.

"Being half-human, I can understand their caution about the unknown. Being half-elven, I know of the need to hide in secret among humans. Being someone who has lost kin to vampires, I see them as the reason for the fight in Sunnydale." she informed him. "Finally, seeing as the high school library I assist in is directly over our heads, I have some concern about noisy neighbors."

Lylesburg gave her a strange look.

"That was supposed to be humor. I do work in the library above."

"Very well. I look forward to meeting your leader." he said. "Peloquin, Rachel, please escort our guest to the surface."

The two Nightbreed started walking with the half-elf towards the stairs.

"He was impressed with your honesty." Rachel assured her.

"I am glad for his patience. Diplomacy is not one of my strengths."

"You did well."

"Thank you. Peloquin, keep that dagger. It will protect you."

"How is that?" the reptilian asked.

"It is blessed. It will affect vampires as a cross or holy water would, but it is a dagger. Plus, it has your germs on it."

Peloquin growled softly, but didn't comment.

Rachel and Shaw merely smiled.

*****

Part 6: Donnybrooks
(Everyone's Fighting Everyone, And The Poor Vamps Are Caught In The Middle)

"Lllllllet's get ready to rumbllllllllllllleeee!!!"
---Michael Buffer

The Bronze
Sunnydale, California
10 November 1998

Reno and Machiko were sitting at a table; enjoying some beers while the local kids danced and joked while the band on the stage played. To Reno and Machiko, it appeared the kids didn't care that the band didn't sound very good.

"So what do you think, Raines?"

"Hey, you're the one who's living with these things, Jarhead," Reno said. "I'm just your backup."

"Yeah, I know. That youngster pissed me off."

Reno laughed at her attitude, then slowly set his drink down. He caught Noguchi's attention.

"Noguchi, look at that guy, talking to the brunette."

She did, and shrugged. "Yeah, so what? He's hittin' on her."

"She looks stoned."

"Yeah? What of it?"

"He doesn't look like a dealer, she looks clean. Plus, he isn't drinking."

"Think he drugged her Coke?"

"Maybe. He's leading her outside. I wanna make sure this is kosher."

Noguchi smiled. "Kinky fucker, ain't ya, Badge Boy?"

"Let's go," Raines said, not bothering to comment further.

They followed the couple outside, where the man had the girl by the throat, and his eyes glowed as he turned to face Noguchi and Raines.

"Go away, and you live," he snarled.

"What the hell?" Reno said dumbly, but Machiko didn't hesitate. She pulled out a disc of some kind, clicked a button, and hurled it like a discus. The man moved to the side, but the disc shot through his stomach, out his back, and through his neck, before returning to Machiko's hand. The man crumbled into a cloud of dust.

Machiko was now the one staring. "What the fuck?"

"You don't know what it was?"

"I figure it was an alien o' some sort," she said with a shrug. "Hadda save the kid's life."

"Shit. Let me check on her." Reno walked over and touched her shoulder. "You okay, kid?"

The girl still looked a bit dazed, but shook her head, trying to clear it.

"Yeah, I'm okay. What happened?"

"Guy tried to drug you, we stopped him and drove him off."

"Who the hell are you two?" she asked.

Reno smiled. "Reno, LAPD. My friend's Machiko, she's Corps."

"What the heck is Core?" the girl asked.

"Marine, honey," Noguchi said with a grin. "The few, the proud, the insane."

The girl smiled, too. "Oh, shit. I bet you two kicked his ass. Thanks a lot!"

"No problem. Now go call your folks."

The girl walked back in, and Machiko laughed.

"Great. As if the youngster wasn't bad enough, now we got some other alien to watch out for."

"At least it's not boring."

Noguchi glared at Reno. "Shut the hell up, Raines."

*****

Sunnydale Pier
Sunnydale, California
10 November 1998

Shaw crept forward, slowly gaining on a trio of vampires tailing Joe and Kendra. Two of them started to move forward, and were speeding to get ahead of the pair.

Shaw laughed, as this was exactly what she'd wanted. She drew an arrow and nocked it into the bowstring. As the two lead vamps turned to step in front of the Knight and Slayer, and the third stopped to prevent a retreat, Shaw shot her arrow into the one in the rear.

The vampire went down with a scream, the wooden shaft sticking out of his ribcage. It distracted the other two long enough for Kendra and Joe to pull out their weapons.

Joe quickly fired his silenced pistol, dusting one vampire as the wooden pullet pierced his heart.

Kendra grabbed the remaining vampire as he charged, and she tossed him to the ground, and then kicked him in the neck as he rose. He went to his knees, grasping at his throat. Kendra quickly staked him, and he vanished in a burst of ash.

Shaw drew Soulreaver and beheaded her target, and quickly sheathed it again, to avoid showing their location from the magical flames on the blade.

Shaw heard Joe and Kendra arguing over something, and walked over to them to see what was wrong. She quickly determined that Joe was criticizing the length of time it had taken her to kill her opponent.

"You took too long, Kendra. You could simply have staked him, but instead threw him to the ground."

"I was reacting to his attack," Kendra insisted. "I'm sorry if I do not move quickly enough on my first patrol in six months."

"And you've been training for two of those months," Joe said, countering her argument with a frown. "You should have done better."

Shaw cleared her throat, drawing their attention. When the two looked at her, she set her gaze on Joe.

"Joseph, do you have any criticism about my opponent's demise?" she asked in a soft voice.

The Knight of the Grail shook his head. "No, Shaw."

"Then you are stupid."

Joe and Kendra's eyebrows both shot skyward with that statement, although a bit of a grin curved the Slayer's lips.

"My grandfather would have taken me over his knee for missing such an easy shot, a stationary target with no idea of my presence. I am in excellent shape, I have three times your combined experience, elven vision in addition, and I made a mistake. Yet you do not criticize me."

Shaw turned to Kendra. "Now, Kendra. Your kick did lack sufficient force. If you had put a bit more power into it, you could have broken his neck, saving having to stake him."

Now she turned to the bald-headed N'Gato. "And you. First, you could have moved to her aid after shooting your target, rather than watching her form. If you thought she was moving too slow, you should have offered her your aid. Next, Kendra does have a point to some extent. You, of all people, should know that all of the training in the world does not substitute for field experience. She did not hesitate, and cleanly defeated her opponent. Just because she is not up to your standard as of yet does not give you the right to demean such a clean victory."

Joe started to speak, and Kendra began to grin, but Shaw cut both of them off.

"And the two of you together! After defeating your opponents, instead of making sure there were no other vampires in the immediate area, you immediately drop your guard and begin arguing like lovesick children." Shaw let an evil grin onto her face. "Granted, Kendra has an excuse due to her youth, but you, Joseph, do not."

At her "lovesick" comment, Joe and Kendra promptly moved at least five feet away from each other, glaring at Shaw rather than each other.

The half-elf nodded in satisfaction. "Praise Mielikki for blessed silence," she said, before turning and walking away.

*****

South of Sunnydale, California
Early hours
11 November 1998

The abandoned building showed signs, many signs, of only having been recently lived in. The man standing in the center of the building took in his surroundings, and looked through the leavings.

<Yep. Nightbreed were here, just recently.> he thought. <This Council, whoever they are, said they'd pay good money for body parts. Sigh. I hate long-term contracts.>

Gib Cain stood up, and nodded in satisfaction. <Sunnydale, here I come. Hmmmm. Maybe I can get that werewolf pelt, as well.>

Cain walked out, and climbed into his '94 Humvee, loaded with firearms and hunting equipment, and headed north at a leisurely clip.

*****

Sunnydale California
12 November 1998

J and K rode around town in the LTD, checking for any sign of the Yautja, having had no luck thus far. J was starting to let his frustration show through.

"K, I thought you said that Daddy would be only a day or two behind Junior," the junior agent said. "Did he stop for directions?"

"Don't know, Slick. For all we know, they could have gone home already. But we have a lot of unknowns in this town."

"And since when does our luck run that good?"

"Exactly," K said with a smirk.

K's comm chirped, and he activated the link. "K here."

"K, this is I," the Immortal MIB's voice said over the line. "Junior's in the park."

"Got it. We'll take it from here." K cut the link, and pushed the button to "soup up" the LTD. "Fasten your seatbelt, Slick."

The LTD shifted, and took off at speeds heading towards a hundred and fifty miles an hour.

*****

Weatherly Park
Sunnydale, California
12 November 1998

J and K ran into the park, a light breeze blowing at their backs. The scanners couldn't pick up the Predator, which had to have recloaked, but there were three of the unknowns in the area.

"One hundred yards, this way, K," J said, drawing the Noisy Cricket.

"There they are," K said, seeing the three unknowns.

The three unknowns stopped their walk, looking at the approaching agents cautiously.

"Agents J and K, MIB," K shouted. "There's a Hunter in here, and he's looking for you guys. You need to find someplace safe, and quickly."

The unknowns looked nervous, and looked at each other. One stepped forward a bit. "Did you say the Hunter?"

"Yeah," J snapped. "So beat feet, guys. Don't wanna have your heads on the wall."

The unknowns looked at each other again. "How do you know about the Hunter?" the spokesman-by-default asked.

"We've been tracking him for a few days, trying to get him out of here," K assured him.

"Him?!? The Hunter's a her!" a second unknown shouted, just before being cut in half by a starbolt.

The other two turned around, their faces shifting, ridges growing over their eyebrows, and their eyes shifting to an eerie yellow color. The Predator fired another starbolt, cutting a second unknown into two pieces.

"Vamper," he said.

J and K drew their weapons. "Freeze, Junior!" J shouted. "MIB!"

J fired the Noisy Cricket, the recoil knocking him back six feet. The energy blast hit the Predator square, and sent the hunter flying back even further than the man who'd fired the shot, sending him off into the trees. K had prepared to fire his icer, but saw the third unknown taking off.

"Slick! The unknown's escaping!"

J looked over, and it gave the Yautja enough time to cloak. J started after K, frustration growing in him again.

After five minutes, an invisible being severed two heads, and carried them off, the heads appearing to float in midair.

*****

Sunnydale Motor Lodge
Sunnydale, California
12 November 1998

J and K walked into L's room, and I and L looked over at them.

"No luck, K?" L asked.

"Not much," K admitted. "Two unknowns got blasted, Junior escaped, and so did the third unknown, who lost us by jumping into the sewer system."

"Any good news?" I asked with a grin.

"Yeah," J answered, glaring at I's humor. "I blasted Junior, but I had to help K chase down our sewer-hopper. Junior called them 'Vamper.'"

L rubbed her chin, thinking. "I've never heard of an alien form called a Vamper," she said, then looked over in the corner. "How about you guys?"

The worms looked at each other, and started talking.

"Vamper?"

"Don't ring a bell."

"Never heard of him."

"Me neither."

They looked at L as one and shook their heads.

"Great," J said.

"Descriptions?" I asked. "Did you get a good look?"

"They look human," K said, thinking back to the park. "But when they're threatened, ridges appear over the eyes, the eyes glow yellow, and they're fast. The guy we lost could have been an Olympic sprinter."

"You're sure, K?" L asked, somewhat in doubt.

"I recruited Slick after he ran down a celeaphoid, on foot," K replied. "This guy outran that." He looked over at I, the Apache being deep in concentration. "You alright, I?"

I jerked just the smallest bit in surprise. "These 'Vampers,'" he started, "did you get a look at their mouths? Their teeth?"

"No, now that you mention it. You know something?"

I shook his head, laughing at himself. "Just old wives' tales, K. Old Earth legends. I wouldn't worry about it. Let's call it a night."

*****

Sunnydale Cemetery
Sunnydale, California
12 November 1998

The lone vampire remaining from what had started out as a quartet ran full out, trying to escape the three people chasing him. They were slowly gaining ground, and he moved out of sight between two crypts, after leaping and turning the corner into the space between the two crypts.

N'Gato started to give chase, but Shaw quickly grabbed his arm. He looked at her to order her to let him go, but held back at the concern in her eyes.

"Joseph, wait. Please," she said in concern.

Picking up the worry in Shaw's voice, Kendra extended her Slayer sense.

Shaw uttered a prayer, and a shimmering, gigantic hammer came into existence. Shaw concentrated, and the hammer slammed down into the earth over which the vampire had jumped. It disappeared, heading under ground.

Shaw dispelled the hammer, and said to Joe, "It is a trap. We have to leave, quickly."

"It's too late," Kendra said in fright. "There are twenty of them, all around us."

As she said that, several vampires started emerging from hiding spaces, surrounding the hunters on three sides. The Slayer, Knight and ranger backed up against one of the crypts.

"This is not good," Joe said, stating the obvious. "Shaw, I hope you have a spell for this."

"Healing spells would not be of much use in this situation, Joseph."

"Great. We're facing death, or worse, and you make jokes. We need reinforcements, badly."

Joe heard a sharp intake of breath from the half-elf, and turned his head. "Shaw?"

"Do you know what you are asking of me?" she asked, with something neither Joe nor Kendra would expect from her; horror.

"You have such a spell?"

"Yes, but I will not. . ."

"Cast it. Now!" he said. "That's an order."

Shaw's face went ice cold. "Very well, Joseph N'Gato." Her eyes closed. "May the Lady forgive us," she said, then turned to Kendra. "Kendra, here."

She threw Soulreaver to the Jamaican Slayer, whose eyes gleamed; she'd seen what the weapon was capable of. Shaw conjured a flame blade, concentrated for a moment, and handed it to Joe.

"I need twenty seconds, Joseph," she said in a cold voice. "You will then have your precious reinforcements."

"Just do it," he snapped.

The first two vampires that had the bravery to rush Kendra and Joe were quickly dispatched, as were the next three who tried to follow in their companions' footsteps.

Joe and Kendra heard Shaw praying furiously, and Kendra could hear the loathing and sadness in her voice.

"Get them, before the Hunter finishes that spell!" the apparent leader shouted.

A trio of vampires rushed to follow his command, but somehow tripped six to eight feet in front of the twin sword wielders. All of those still on their feet looked at the scene in confusion, until Joe and Kendra saw exactly why the vampires had fallen on their faces. Each of the three vampires had rotting, worm-eaten hands clutched around their ankles. Several pairs of arms emerged, followed by heads, and a rotting smell filled the area, causing Joe to gag. The bodies continued to rise, clearing the cemetery dirt, wriggling to escape the earth.

The vampire leader started to look concerned, looking in all directions.

"My God," Joe whispered in horror. "What are they?"

Kendra, born and raised on an island famous for such magic, instinctively knew exactly what they were seeing.

"Zombies."

An even dozen of the walking corpses finished emerging, attacking and grabbing, then biting, any vampire within reach. Their inferior strength and speed made them poor opponents for the vampires, but the psychological effect more than made up for it, as several vamps lost their courage and broke ranks, heading for whatever hiding space might be nearby.

The leader attempted to rally the eight vampires that were left, but Kendra used her Slayer strength to hurl her borrowed sword straight into his gut. As he was bathed in a white glow, he made the mistake of trying to draw the sword out by grabbing the hilt.

The electrical discharge blew him into several hundred tiny pieces of gore.

Joe and Kendra waded into the remaining group, Joe swinging his scimitar of magical flame, Kendra using Mr. Pointy to stake two vamps, before picking up Soulreaver and eliminating a third. Finally, the vampires were eliminated, but the Slayer and Knight were still surrounded by zombies. They backed up towards Shaw, waiting to see what happened next. As the final dust cleared, the zombies simply stood there, watching, and waiting patiently.

"Rest."

The lone, soft word drew the attention of the two, and they turned to see Shaw standing there, blood smeared across both cheeks, with the blood itself being smeared by tears flowing freely from horror-filled eyes. She held a dagger in her right hand, and there was a small amount of blood on the silver blade.

Shaw narrowed her eyes a bit, concentrating. "Rest," she repeated.

Joe and Kendra turned back to the zombies, which slowly began descending back into the earth. It was a truly scary sight, as the zombies sank, the earth rippled around them, not even looking as if it was being disturbed. The grass flowed around the descending corpses like water, until finally the last traces of the bodies disappeared.

Joe and Kendra stared, making sure that they would not rise again, and began to turn back to their companion.

<I can see why she didn't want to cast that spell.> Joe thought, genuine sorrow for her rising in his heart.

"Shaw. ."

The ranger was fifteen feet away, leaning over a tombstone, the sound coming from her plainly that of one disgorging the contents of her stomach. After a minute or two, she stopped retching, and her shoulders shook as she cried heavily.

"Shaw, I'm sorry. I didn't know. ."

The half-elf whirled on him, rage and horror in her eyes. "What in the Nine Hells did you think would happen?!? That I would simply wiggle my thumbs and conjure up the entire army of Evermeet?!? How could you order me to cast such a spell?!?"

"I should have allowed you to voice your objections," Joe said, in an apologetic tone.

Shaw calmed down a bit, but she was obviously still terrified. "No, Joseph. You made the only viable decision," she said, tears still flowing. "I will not dispute that. But I just violated one of my beliefs to fulfill my duty!" After that short outburst, she added in a small voice, "Where does one draw the line, Joseph?"

"I don't know, Shaw. But you saved our lives; if we had died, who would protect the town?"

"And what happens when the others find out what I just did?" she snapped. "Will they hate me? Will they fear me?"

Shaw turned on the Knight. "How will the only kin I have that even knows I exist react when she finds out I disturbed the rest of the dead?!?"

"They will understand, Shaw," Kendra said, walking over and returning the longsword to its owner.

"Can you guarantee that, Kendra?" Shaw asked, looking at the Slayer. "With absolute certainty?"

Kendra nodded. "With absolute certainty, Shaw."

Shaw just watched her, and nodded once, still crying.

"Joseph, Kendra, I apologize. I hope that you can understand. I do not believe in disturbing the dead," she said softly. "It is an abomination."

"The magic isn't evil, Shaw," Joe insisted. "Only the use to which the magic is put."

"And I do not fear you, Shaw," Kendra added. "We owe you our lives."

"No. It was you who allowed me to. ." she stopped, shaking her head. "Both of you, give me your holy water, now."

The others looked at each other strangely, but complied. Shaw sat down on the ground, crossed her legs, and began pouring the contents onto the ground.

"What are you doing?" Joe said in confusion.

"Be silent," Shaw ordered him, and closed her eyes and began praying. She continued for five full minutes, and Joe and Kendra both felt. . .something change in the air. Shaw slowly opened her eyes, and looked around. After a few seconds, she nodded in satisfaction.

"What did you just do?" Joe demanded.

Shaw didn't answer. "Kendra, reach out with your special senses. Tell Joseph and I what you feel."

Kendra closed her eyes, and extended her gift. After a few seconds of concentration, a tight smile touched her lips. "About fifty feet in every direction, I feel. .peace. I feel peace. If peace were tangible, something you could touch. ."

Joe looked down at the seated half-elf. "You consecrated the ground."

"Yes, Joseph," Shaw said softly, a sad look in her eyes. "I know the effect that it will have upon vampires who enter the circle. Hopefully, this will balance any debt for what I did here tonight."

Kendra opened her eyes and stared at Shaw in awe. "Shaw, this. .is a good thing, what you just did."

"Thank you. Joseph," she said, shakily standing, "I cannot patrol anymore tonight. This has taken much of my energy. Can you drop me at Ulric's, please?"

Joe nodded. "Of course. I am sorry, Shaw. I hope you can forgive me for violating your beliefs. Will we see you tomorrow?"

Shaw considered it, and looked at the Knight of the Grail. "Would it be permissible for one night off? I believe I could use it."

"Of course. You have more than earned it, Shaw."

Shaw nodded, and the three began making their way to Joe's car.

*****

Part 7: Confrontations
(What's An MIB's Worst Nightmare? An Alien Attack Armada, A Doomsday Device, Or A Female Klingon On Her Period)

"Are you the police?"
"No, ma'am. We're musicians."
---Elwood Blues
The Blues Brothers

Sunnydale High School
Sunnydale, California
13 November 1998

Shaw walked through the early morning air, the moon setting as the ti