Something To Atone For. BtVS/AtS, Doyle SI.

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 30: Fight The Future​

Liam may not have been ecstatic about leaving town so soon. But he barely put up a token argument and that can only mean he finally believes me.

Sudden pain in my ribs reminds me to focus, getting me to wrap my arm around the attacking vampire. Once secure in my grip, I flip the demon onto his back like Liam showed me and plunge the stake into his chest.

A headstone cracks in half as Liam kicks his own foe into it, creating a cloud of ash only a moment later. "That's the last of them."

"All of this just for the car?" It was supposed to just be a light patrol around the Bronze. "What's so special about it?"

But no. The second we saw the ocean blue Camaro, you insisted it would get you to Boston faster.

"You want me to spend a few weeks looking for this girl Faith first. I'm not doing it in the Corolla, I have some self respect." Grabbing the jacket he tore off the lead vampire before dusting her, Liam searches for the keys eagerly.

"It was just an offer..." Scowling at the smug Irish vampire, I follow him to the parked car. "Could have just said no."

He hops into the driver's seat and starts adjusting everything to his liking. "You're sure I shouldn't stick around to help you deal with the preacher?"

"If the plan worked, Fred and Willow should be working on the android right now." Once Ted is up and running, we can work on getting a guard dog model. "Besides, it looks like Mayor Wilkins is pretty upset. The cops are actually out looking for Caleb in force right now."

"Not going to join the search?" Liam watches me carefully as starts the engine, very clearly trying to hold in a giddy smile.

"Got enough on my plate right now and we have no leads." For all I know, the guy caught a flight to Australia this morning. "Need to figure out a way to deal with a witch before she works her magic."

Shifting into gear, Liam still hasn't fully relaxed. "Be careful with Madison. Word around town is that she's a nasty piece of work."

"Lorne just thinks she's lonely and that I need to work my charm on her." Fred wasn't quite so amused with the suggestion. "I'm leaning more on the call her in for a parent teacher meeting and set an ambush plan." Only need to wait a few more weeks and it will be report card time.

"You really don't mind looking after my stuff?" He only has room to bring a couple suitcases and so I've offered to store everything in the attic.

I hate the feel of leather on my skin so the furniture will be safe and sound. "Your namesake may end up stealing most of the clothes, she really likes the baggy look. But everything else should still be waiting for you."

"You better keep up the training while I'm gone." Glaring at me intently, Liam shifts into fifth gear once we reach the open stretch of road near the airport.

"Oh no!" With mock horror I slap my cheeks. "I need to roll around every day with my girlfriend and she's going to be wearing work out clothes each time. The horror."

"You sure you shouldn't be coming with me?" I catch his smirk out of the corner of my eye and can only growl in frustration.

"And leave Buffy alone for over a year?" Sounds like a fantastic idea after stirring the pot.

An uncomfortable cough escapes the vampire and he concedes the point. "True."

"I know I threatened you with it before..." Trying not to piss him off too much, I make it clear he can tell me to shut up at any time. "But how do you really feel about me giving Darla back her soul?" You know, if I can convince Jenny to recreate the spell.

"Why her?" It's not an instant no, that's a good sign.

"Because I'm pretty sure the Master is protected by the Hellmouth's barrier." And if it fails, he'd know exactly what my plan was. "I don't know anything about Luke or the other minions. But you're my charge and that means more than a few of my visions had Darla in them."

Liam doesn't like my tone and hisses. "So you can manipulate her?"

"So I can convince her to let me help." Turning to my left, I don't bother holding in the derisive snort. "You mopped around for a century. I don't have that kind of time and will need her to show me how to find the Master."

"He'll kill you." It's not a warning, just a promise of what will happen if I try.

"Which is why Fred's working on a robot right now." Rig Ted to explode and I can at least keep the city safe if I fail. "But that's just the back up plan. I'm hoping one of the Chekhov's Guns work."

"The what?" Scowling at another one of my odd words, Liam really starts getting a feel for his new car as the speedometer climbs past seventy.

"Vaguely powerful artifacts you collect and find out later can save the day by pure coincidence." My vague expression comes with a smirk. "You know, stuff like a glove that controls lightning or a Letterman's jacket that seduces girls."

He nods his understanding. "Or a glowing paperweight that can hold a soul?"

"A little pricey. But with Wiley placing my bets for a thirty percent cut, I don't have to worry about money for much longer." It's probably not allowed for me to gamble with my visions. But my own memories are fair game as far as I'm concerned.

Liam scowls at me, his brow creasing with doubt. "How can you know the exact score of so many hockey games if you aren't abusing the visions?"

"Must have been a Canadian in a past life." Blowing a raspberry at the irritated vampire, I try to play it off as just being a fan. "If I was getting visions of hockey games, I'd have made sure we went to one by now."

Not fully convinced, Liam does at least turn around at the next rest stop. "... I guess that makes sense."

"Even if I did use the visions to keep myself fed, it's not like the Powers have given any of us a pay check." And until they do start paying champions, I'm completely fine using my future knowledge to feed as many as I can.

"So you're handling middle management?" Scoffing at my grin, he slows down enough to keep the cops off his tail.

"Until they send someone else down to take care of coordinating everyone." All I can do is shrug and hope for the best. "The visions make it pretty impossible to just sit back and ignore things. I feel exactly what the victims do when they die."

His expression shifts into one of empathy that would bother me from pretty much anyone else. Because from most people it would just be sympathy.

"I've known a few seers. But only one was even close to as accurate as the visions." Liam's look turns into one of newfound respect. "All lost themselves to some degree. Even Drusilla was well on her way to madness before..."

It takes a few seconds for the vampire to convince himself to continue, the words so at odds with his last hundred years of guilt ridden existence. "Before Angelus shattered her mind completely."

"First time you haven't taken responsibility for the demon's actions." Progress.

"I'm just tired of you pulling out the spray bottle." His glare pierces into me and it's hard not to chuckle at the fib of filling one with holy water.





Notes: This one just took a few tries to get right. Think this is my fifth rewrite of the chapter, just couldn't get the setting right.

 

[Flightless Man]

Interlude 4: Coping Mechanisms​

The motley group of teens end up taking the city bus to the mall, the gift cards already split up among them. With only Amy frustrated at what seems like a waste of time, she suggests they split up.

"I don't really need any new clothes. But I need to get a..." Amy's lips quirk oddly as she tries to think of a mundane word. "Present for my mom. Can one of you big strong men help me carry it?"

"Jesse's taller!" Blurts out Xander as soon as physical labour is mentioned, throwing his best pal under the bus.

Annoyed, Jesse fires back with his own measurements. "You weigh forty pounds more than I do."

"Who almost 'beat up' Larry today?" Counters the slightly heavier boy, his dark curls shaking along with the chuckles. "Think that makes you the strong one here. What say you Yehonatan?"

It takes the shortest boy a moment to remember Willow had translated everyone's names into Hebrew. But when he does, Jonathon has no shame giving him the thumbs up.

"I know I'm never going to do that." Before he can feel to bad about it, Marcie gives hives hand a supportive squeeze.

"Harris one, McNally zilch." Glad to settle another pointless argument between her boys, Willow leads her charge inside the mall.

Rushing after the girls with Jonathon and Marcie only a few steps behind him, Xander practically cackles over his shoulder. "First ones done have to save a table near the Cinnabon!"

"You know this means you two get to carry our bags, don't you?" With a teasing grin, Marcie Ross revels in being part of a group.

This makes Xander stop, hands resting on his hips as the shaggy haired brunette realizes something. "I know why he has to. But what's in it for me?"

"The gratitude of someone cooler than all of us." Rolling his eyes, Jonathon brings up who she was talking to when they met. "Because I'm pretty sure Devon would have been just fine driving her here."

"He was pretty persistent," Admits the extremely nervous Angel as she starts picking at the dry skin of around her nails. "He even invited me to something called the Bronze?"

Blinking at the news, Willow notices a few cheerleaders going into a shoe store and her voice gets squeaky. "Are you sure you want to be seen with us?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Overwhelmed by all the attention, Angel only wishes she had this many friends before meeting Father Caleb. I never would have left with him.

Not bothering to sugarcoat it, Marcie lays out the pecking order. "Because once you're seen out in public with us, that reputation is as good as dead."

"I've had more than enough attention." Face paling, Angel flashes back to being on the news when Allen was in his coma. "I'd just like to make some friends. But I don't think Amy really likes me."

"She's just going through something right now. It's got nothing to do with you, I promise." Willow assures the older teen, while trying not to look completely lost in the goth clothing store.

Blinking at the choice of clothes, Jonathon finds a flaw in Angel's plan. "None of this stuff is going to help you blend in."

"But no one will really be looking at me once I'm wearing it. Angel gets all the attention and she's the brave one." With a smile full of regret, the runaway uses the money Allen gave her to replace her entire wardrobe.

Willow quickly rejects anything form fitting. But both Marcie and her boyfriend end up grabbing a few things. With the blushing Jonathon very interested in how short the skirt was.

Eventually Xander decides it's not charity and allows himself to pick out a few dress shirts of a far higher quality than his usual Hawaiians. Just need to put them on once I leave the house, so Dad doesn't throw a fit thinking I have any money.

"How about this Willow?" Holding up a corset style leather top, Marcie smirks at how quickly the nerd looks like a tomato. "What, too low cut?"

"Too everything!" Flustered at the idea of showing so much skin, the redhead just tries to keep it together until they can eat.

Not ready to give up in her attempt to push Willow, Marcie gets a salacious look in her eye. "So should we go look at the underwear instead? Only you'll know what you're wearing."

"Uh..." Realizing things are suddenly taking a turn for the uncomfortable, Xander pokes his fellow male in the ribs. "I think we should go get that table now."

The shorter boy nods fervently, only for Willow to quickly put a stop to such an idea. "I already have a drawer full!"

"That was way too easy." Rolling her eyes at her friends stammering, Marcie hands her boyfriend a red and black flannel shirt.

"Underwear isn't for the showing of people." An incredibly pale Willow shakes her head back and forth as if her life depended on it.

"And that's why you haven't gone a date since first grade." Bringing up the stolen Barbie incident, Marcie teases her genius friend with a warm grin.

Eyes suddenly wide, Xander's whisper to Jonathon is just loud enough to be overheard. "You saw Marcie's underwear already?"

Instead of answering smugly like Jesse would have, Jonathon just smirks mysteriously. This only frustrates a curious Xander even more and he almost starts whining.

"Dude?" The entire walk to the Cinnabon is filled with never answered pleading.

"And that's why you haven't had one in just as long," Groans Willow as even she tires of her crushes behaviour.

Approaching the Jesse and the table he already claimed with Amy, Xander can't help but point. "What, you think I should try throwing myself at everyone? Hasn't worked out for him yet."

"Uh, Jess?" Willow can't help but notice the new additions to the lanky teens wardrobe. "What's with all the... stuff?"

Her eyes bounce between the various good luck charms being worn. From the rabbits feet on each belt loop to a bracelet made of woven four leaf clovers, Jesse seems to have a new obsession.

"You don't like it?" Frowning at her tone, Jesse holds up the silver horseshoe necklace. "I figured it couldn't hurt."

"He already got yelled at for throwing salt over his shoulder." Scowling at her bag carrier, Amy manages to hide her book before Angel sees the cover. "I definitely picked the wrong one."

Despite the tone, Willow notices Amy is also wearing something she hadn't when they split up. "New earrings?"

"Uh..." Turning pink, the witch in training grabs one of the brass acorns dangling from her lobe. "It was the only thing Jesse suggested that didn't look stupid. I guess the luck couldn't hurt."

"That's what I thought. So I got one for each of you." Grinning like he's the smartest man on Earth, Jesse hands out a good luck charm to each of his friends.

Even Angel gets one, holding up the intricate dream catcher with misty eyes. "Thank you."

"You mentioned nightmares on the bus. Thought this could do double duty." Relieved at the jokes being over, Jesse gives Willow the next charm. "And since you never forget anything, I thought you should have the elephant."

Once he gives Marcie a golden frog with three legs, Jonathan gets a brightly painted scarab. With the best saved for last, Jesse hands his best buddy a piggy bank. "Did you know pigs are lucky in Germany? That's why kids store money in them."

After the studying and snacking is done for the afternoon, Angel doesn't even need to bother pretending she forgot the way home. Since they all used the gift-card bribes, not even Amy has a problem bringing the new girl home first.

With the conversation on the trip home being more relaxed and natural than the one to the mall, Angel leads them up the driveway with a nervous smile. Fred better have everything ready.

Turning the knob, the goth girl calls out awkwardly as she pushes it open. "I'm home!"

Just like they had planned before school this morning, Fred has the robotic body of Ted on the kitchen table. "Hey, how was the ma-"

Not giving the college aged girl in safety glasses a chance to finish, Xander unleashes a very manly shriek at the sight of what he thinks is a dead body. "What the hell is going on here?"

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 31: Partial Truths​

Everyone freezes when I step inside the house. All seven teens turn to me, each expression a varying degree of fear.

Snorting at the sight, Fred puts her wrench down beside Ted's body. "How did it go, Liam insist on picking his own car?"

"Yeah and I got a bunch of his junk to move into the attic now." Acting casual, I drop a box of the vampire's clothes in front of the boys on the couch.

They jump at the loud clap, with only Xander keeping a grip on his Super Nintendo controller. The announcer cries out his victory only a few moments later, getting frustrated curses from Jesse.

"Any of you guys want to look through this?" Even if I wanted it for myself, no of it will fit my slighter frame. "Otherwise I'm dumping it all in the lost and found tomorrow."

All three boys start to look. But pretty quick it's clear the clothes will only fit one of them and Xander makes a show of sighing.

"Fine. I guess I can take them..." He makes eye contact long enough for me to discreetly nod. "Thanks."

"Doing me a favour, don't worry about it." Knowing the proud teen would reject the gift if it seemed like pity, I keep the whole interaction casual.

Angel looks up with a fake expression of guilt. "I got a little lost and they had to show me the way home. Hope you aren't mad Allen."

"No one ran out of the house screaming and 'everything' has been explained." You did everything perfectly, I'm nothing but ecstatic right now.

Standing with Marcie beside my bookshelf, a very interested Amy strokes her chin at the collection. "Fred said this is all your stuff."

She holds up a blue tome, reading off the title with obvious intrigue in her voice. "Remedial Witchcraft. That's a curious choice for you to have Mister Doyle."

"Monsters of the Mojave..." Marcie's voice has a hint more fear as she reads off the other titles I grabbed at the Dragon's Cove. "Bloodlines to Fear, Western Wolves, and the Shaman's Drum?"

"What about these ones," Adds a smirking Amy as she grabs a couple more to show off. "Magic for Beginners and the Treatise on the Mythology and Methodology of the Vampire Slayer."

Waiting for the teen witch to make a mistake first, I find I am having far too much fun with the deception to let it end quite yet. "I have esoteric interests."

"You have glowing paperweights." The scowling blonde points at the two Orbs of Thessulah on the desk.

"Thought they looked pretty." They really do.

Grabbing a silver dagger, Marcie holds it up with a triumphant look. "You going to try calling this a letter opener? Because we aren't stupid."

"Xander is," Amy mutters with clear annoyance at the winner of the video game. "Jury's still out on Jesse."

"He's unmotivated." Shaking my head at the bickering, I remind them who grades the homework. "But Alexander is no idiot, he just needs a reason to apply himself. Can't blame him for thinking school is just a waste of time, I know I was the same way a few years ago."

"... Really?" Shocked at not being ridiculed, Xander doesn't even correct my use of the whole name.

"And my school didn't even have it's own obituary page in the paper." I had reason to believe I would have a future. "But the day I found my passion, everything just clicked into place."

Still not convinced a teacher has any of life's answers, Jesse chimes in with his own creased brow. "How long did that take?"

"About two months ago." Shrugging at the lanky teens stunned face, I can only chuckle.


"Is that when you started learning magic?" Done playing dumb, Amy decides it's time to confront me with her conclusion.

None of the teens react with anything but interest and so I decide to reward the confidence. "That's next weekend when I make a trip to Los Angeles."

"Well what happened two months ago?" Wrinkling his nose, Jonathon looks about ready to have an aneurysm.

"Decided to help save the world. No big deal or anything." Smirking at the shocked faces on display, I give Amy my full attention. "Now Miss Madison, why are you so interested in magic?"

Meeting my open eyes with her own hard stare, Amy only hesitates for a few seconds before wavering. "My mom, she's...."

"A really powerful witch?" That shocks the girl into revealing the rest.

Once I know everything and have promised to help, Amy only has a single question of her own for me. "But how did you know about my mom?"

"Cathryn has quite the reputation around town." That is something the teens hadn't known and has them exchanging worried whispers.

All but Xander that is, who's face was still screwed up in concern the whole time. "Can we please get back to this whole saving the world thing? Seems like kind of a big deal to me."

"Thousand year old vampire wants to open a portal to hell and I'm going to stop him. Don't worry about it." Of course that's the wrong thing to say and Xander just gets more riled up.

"See, now I can't do anything but worry." His friends start murmuring different levels of agreement. "In fact. I'm kind of terrified right now."

The shortest boy raises his hand and waits until I call on him. "Shouldn't you be calling the army or something?"

"Not unless you want Sunnydale turned into a glowing crater." My casual dismissal just seems to frustrate them more.

"Well let us help you," Insists Jesse, only correcting himself when he hears a stern cough. "After we stop Amy's mom of course."

"Give me a minute." I thought I had more time and now my mind is racing for a solution.

Nothing comes to me at first. But eventually my eyes roam towards the glowing orbs. That might work.

"Alright, here's the plan." Suddenly back in my stricter teacher mode, I start splitting everyone up with tasks. "Miss Ross and Mister Levinson. I need you two to check out the Incan exhibit at the museum. Take pictures of everything and get them developed."

"Okay?" Confused at the request, Jonathon accepts the offered fifty with a strange look.

I don't bother explaining and turn to Willow next. "You keep helping Fred with my 'dad'. That's pretty much my back up plan for making sure everyone survives the spring."

"Got it." Pale as paper, Willow tries not to let the panic overwhelm her.

"Amy, I need you to get a copy of the spell your mom is going to use." Realizing she may not be on board, I get some clarification on her feelings. "And I need to know how you feel about Cathryn. She wants to be you, so only fair if you choose her fate."

"What do you have in mind?" A shimmer of cruelty hides behind Amy's eyes as she follows me into the kitchen.

"We really only have a few choices." The others aren't ready for such blunt honesty, Amy however needs to make an informed choice. "Death is always an option."

Amy doesn't instantly reject the idea and I'm concerned enough to move on to the next choice. "Or we can switch her for someone else who got screwed over."

"What do you mean?" Curious at my claim, the budding witch eagerly leans closer.

I explain the process and Amy thankfully has no issue with my plan. In fact, she might be a little too eager once I tell her about the visit to the zoo.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 32: Phase One​

"Why don't I just move into the apartment until he comes back?" My ward frowns at how much junk is already in the attic. "I don't think you really have room for everything. Ted was kind of a hoarder."

"Because you're a teenager." And sorry to think this. "One I'm kind of responsible for now." But you really don't have a good track record with decisions right now.

An intrigued glint flashes in Lorne's eyes while he holds the ladder down. "Well if the place looks any better than the basement, I could always keep an eye on the place. Especially if you're going to keep having a gaggle of teens over."

"You didn't have to hide from them all night," Fred reminds him with a smirk, climbing down the ladder first.

"I notice Allen didn't tell the kids about his demon half." Crimson eyes twinkle at me when I join the others in the hallway. "So until he does, I should probably keep laying low around any of you pink mammals." What does that make you, a reptile?

Frowning as I think back, I realize awkwardly that Lorne was never introduced to anyone in the crew. "You do know we come in a few colours, don't you?"

"But you said that was just a prosthetic when I asked about Chubbs." Blinking in confusion, Lorne brings up his curiosity during movie night.

"I thought you meant his wooden hand," Admits a pink faced Fred when she catches on to the source of confusion.

With scarlet eyes shining as if he just solved the greatest mystery of the universe, Lorne strokes his chin. "No wonder all the demons want to come to Earth. You have all the flavours of people here."

The chime of the door bell startles me out of my chuckling fit. Must be Willow here to play mad scientist.

"The kids at school are already talking about the show. Don't bother hiding, I'll just tell her we're helping you move." And let the Jewish girl make her own assumption about you wearing makeup.

"Really?" Lorne is almost vibrating at my easy acceptance of the idea.

"You're an adult..." That makes me pause, a curious expression being thrown over my shoulder at the empath demon. "Aren't you?" I'm not actually sure what Lorne's life cycle is like, maybe he's really just a child.

I don't reach a conclusion by the time I open the front door, revealing Willow hasn't come alone. Xander and Jesse flank her.

"Hello?" Stepping aside so they can enter like I explained last night, the teens file into the living room.

"I thought you might like some help moving everything," Willow explains for the boys busy trying to act like it was all her idea. "I printed out the blueprints for the zoo already, so these knuckleheads don't need to waste time trying to draw a map for you."

Xander is aware his art skills are lacking. But the casual comment has Jesse looking hurt.

"Miss Perfect couldn't hack into the museum though. So Jon and Marcie are heading over with a camera right now."

The two friends exchange stuck out tongues, as I let them know the change in plan. With both guys very relieved the physical labour was only a terrible myth.

Fred gets an eager greeting from her study buddy Willow as she and Angel say hello. Only for Jesse to nearly squeal in excitement when he sees Lorne coming down the stairs.

"This is the friend you've been letting crash in the basement?" Rushing over to the green demon, Jesse starts pumping his hand with enthusiasm. "It is so nice to meet you Sir. I'm a huge fan!"

"How come Lorne gets Sir and I only get called Mister?" Trying to keep the whine out of my voice, I think I managed to succeed when Fred laughs.

"Because singers get babes," Xander explains as his friend asks for Lorne's autograph. "And Jesse's been listening every night."

"The show only started a couple weeks ago though?" How can Lorne already have people so invested in him?

Nodding fervently, Willow's answer sets my mind at ease. "And Jesse's already gone from tone deaf to bearable."

"Really?" That's praise worthy I guess.

"Now girls wait until he starts talking before they decide to ignore my pal." Xander teases his friend and realizes he doesn't really have much reason to be here now. "Uh, do you still need help?"

"You want to help me steal a magic jacket tonight?" Lance should be at the Bronze almost every night if his bragging around campus has any truth to it.

Doubting my claim, Xander tilts his head to one side. "What, does it keep you dry?"

"Probably better if you don't know." Either you or Jesse will definitely try borrowing it once I'm finished. "Don't want to tempt you with it."

"Amy's been able to prove she has magical powers." The dark haired teen in Liam's clothing tries to phrase his disbelief carefully. "But vampires, werewolves, and demons? I'm not sure I really buy that nonsense."

Snorting at his claim, Fred stops her discussion with with Willow to point at the radio host. "That's not make up."

"Yeah right." Now thinking he's being screwed with, Xander asks Lorne for permission before running a finger along his flesh. His eyes go wide when no paint comes off and Lorne just smirks.

"Satisfied?" Lorne's tone isn't mean, just amused at the gaping face of Xander.

"I'm not exactly one hundred percent human myself." Knowing it's the kind of secret that would tear a group apart, I make this transformation my slowest one yet.

"Whoa..." Jesse gets over his shock first, his eyes roaming my barbed face with open curiosity. "You look so cool."

Wait, what? "Really?"

"Dude, you have a face full of spikes. That's metal as hell." The McNally snorts as if it's obvious, his short brown hair plastered to his brow from the already intense sun outside.

With it decided Lorne is the one moving instead of all the furniture, we get him and his radio gear moved by dinner time. The offer of pizza was more than enough to get the guys to stop grumbling and Jesse eventually gets that autograph once Lorne's settled into the apartment.

"No offence Allen. But I just need a place of my own to relax." Lorne tries to let me down easily once the last slice is gone. "Even in the basement, I couldn't stop picking up the girls' emotions."

"You trying to say something?" Glaring at the Pylean immigrant, Fred caught that I was excluded from the complaint.

"Just that all humans are a little bit psychic and you really project when dreaming." Lorne's explanation comes with a wince as he picks up on the annoyance in Fred. "The Brachen half muffles Allen so I can sleep."

A look of guilt flickers across my girlfriend's face. "Sorry Lorne. Thought you had already picked up on some Eathly misogyny."

"Are you kidding Winnie? Mr Prickle-Pants here is nothing but tumultuous emotions, you and Angel at least talk about what bothers you." Faking hurt, Lorne slaps a hand onto his left ass cheek. "Cross my and hope to die."

Jesse ends up being convinced to sing some Pearl Jam for the empath demon, his voice admittedly not terrible. But when I see Lorne's expression, it only reinforces my decision to save him from Darla.

"You really need to stop hitting on everything that moves." Lorne is careful not to say anything about a pulse. "It's going to be the death of you one day unless you can learn some self control."

Hearing his possible fate, Jesse decides to stay at the apartment for more answers. So while Fred and Willow take my car back to house, Xander and I walk over to the Bronze.

When I see a guy wearing clothes right out of the movie Grease, I lead the teen into the alley behind the club. The vampire is already in game face and is about to sink his fangs into one of my student's throat.

But when Xander bellows like a very brave man, I take the chance to shove my half a pool cue through the blood demon's back. The cloud of ash makes me sneeze and sends the girl running off before we can be recognized.

"Uh..." Trying not to hyperventilate, Xander forces himself to start breathing normally. "That just happened."

Rolling my eyes, I don't have the patience to keep all of the annoyance from my voice. "Told you about the vampires. That's why you lot should never go out after dark unless you're in a group."

It's no guarantee of safety. But it should at least make most fledges look for a meal somewhere else.

"But you didn't have to stalk out the alley, he was just going to kill her!" His face is white enough I'm starting to worry Xander might pass out. "Is the whole town infested with monsters?"

"Portal to hell is buried in the library." And why I try to avoid the place. "And the Mayor has been planning to sacrifice your grad class for a century."

His jaw hangs low as I shatter his reality with terrifying facts. "Oh."

"Yeah." realizing the teen is close to breaking, I send him inside to keep watch for Lance. "Let me know when he's leaving so I can get ahead of the guy."

May as well take advantage of having such a scary second face. It's not like the kid will recognize me as a teacher, so I just need to do a snatch and grab.

Forced to lurk in the alley until well past midnight, I end up taking care of four more vampires while I wait. It's only when I start thinking Xander got caught up with his new look and the interest I'd seen sent his way during the day that he dashes out the side door.

"Lance and his buddies are walking the Cordettes home!" Crap, that's more people than I was expecting.

"Which way are they going first?" Knowing it's pointless to waste time, I grab Xander by the shoulders and shake him back into coherence.

"You really think Cordelia would let anyone else go first?" The teen snorts and leads me towards the rich part of Sunnydale. "We can cut through Hammersmith Park, it's a shortcut!"

Impressed at how quickly he gets over his own panic and focuses on the matter at hand, I follow Xander's sprint through the park. "Just make sure the girls don't scatter!" Don't want them getting picked off by any vampires just so I can steal the jacket.

Charging ahead of Xander, I let the spikes emerge as I catch sight of the distracted teens. Harmony and Aphrodisia are practically clinging to Lance, even with his horrible mullet his only real standout feature.

Shrieks of fear greet me as I slam into the shocked Lance Brooks, sending him tumbling to the ground in terror. His two friends on the baseball team aren't any braver and take off into the night with one of the rich girls. Aura I think.

But once more I'm impressed by some of the teens. Even as I start tearing the Letterman jacket from the sobbing jock, Cordelia starts smacking me in the head with a very heavy purse.

It's not enough to hurt, only slow me down long enough for Xander to 'save' the day with a tackle. The force of it sends me rolling away with my prize in hand and I don't bother sticking around for the rest of the show.

"Harris?" The shocked gasp makes me peer over my shoulder just long enough to catch a stunned Cordelia Chase staring at her protector. Not sure if she's more shocked Xander was brave or well dressed.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 33: Read Something​

The next day at work while watching the sophomores sit down, I find Xander has become a hot commodity overnight. Lance has already gotten a replacement jacket and insisted the joker take the desk beside him.

"I'm telling you Larry, we've had this guy all wrong for years." Talking up his new favourite person to the other jocks, Lance doesn't even seem to mind that his dates from last night are no longer simpering over him. "Chet and Steve just took off when the gang banger jumped me."

The whole section of popular teens glare at the jocks exiled to the front row, making both boys shrink in on themselves even more. In the moment of distraction, Cordelia takes her chance to really get a good look at Xander's new look.

He's taken to wearing Liam's spare leather duster at all times, with a deep crimson button down underneath it for pop. How is he not sweltering in this heat?

Thinking back on the mean girl with a heart of gold's essays, I can easily see why her face is so conflicted right now. She spent so much time focusing on his lack of fashion, the sudden change must be hard to comprehend.

Getting saved by the guy she also called crueller than half the bullies in school. That's probably left Cordelia's very idea of Xander in shambles.

Not one put off by attention, Xander seems to be thriving under all the praise. "It was no big deal. I just did what any man should have when he heard some beautiful ladies screaming."

"I wasn't screaming Harris." Not willing to let the comment stand unchallenged, Cordelia smirks at the teen she's bickered with for most of her life.

"Guess I wasn't calling you cute," Counters Xander, his eyes flashing with some of that cruelty I read about. "Just the hotties you're friends with."

Glancing at Xander's usual group, I notice the glare Willow has had all day is briefly replaced with a pleased smirk. Jesse's own expression of frustration at how close his friend is sitting to his obsession, seems to shift into a plotting grin with the snarky comment.

"I'm telling you, this guy's face was all messed up like he ran into a porcupine." Lance brings the classes attention back to his 'champion' last night. "But Lex just charged the guy and saved my ass."

"Lance!" Snapping at the teen, I startle him out of his cocky mood with the gruffness. "You want detention with me at lunch scrapping gum off chairs or do you want to hand in an essay on donkeys tomorrow?"

Not daring to challenge me with his wit, Lance lets me finally start teaching the class."Essay sir!"

"Eight hundred words on my desk by first bell." Growling the instructions, I start pacing in front of the class for dramatic effect. "No one likes book reports. It's the same fifty books on the list for every school and I've already marked them all a dozen times."

The students exchange nervous murmurs of agreement, with a couple even trying to start a clap when I tear said list in half. "I'm not marking another report that can be copied from an older sibling. So you are all going to create this classes list."

"What do you mean?" Eager to please, Willow's hand is already in the air before I'm finished speaking. "Write a list of the best books?"

"Literature isn't just in books. I want each student to write down the best thing they ever read, no matter what it is." The comment stuns her into silence and I have to clarify myself before I get in a heap of trouble with Flutie. "No Jesse, it can't be a porno magazine."

Smirking as if he's figured out the answer, Larry waits for me to call on his raised arm. "Does that mean I could write down my favourite birthday card?"

"If it mattered to you, go for it." The closeted jock blinks at my answer. "I don't care if it's a comic book, poem, or a fashion magazine. I care that you read something."

The list I end up getting is quite varied and I grin when I tell them all to select a choice they didn't provide for the class. "Don't groan. I have to read them all before I can mark anything."

Once the bell rings, they all dash away before I can assign any more homework. The sideways glances I get on the way to the teachers lounge come with whispers about me being strict but at least fair.

My regular spot has been saved beside Russel and it takes me a few moments to realize I'm not thinking of Snyder by last name anymore. Oh shit... I'm actually friends with the Troll.

Most of the teachers seem to find a reason to be elsewhere once I pop my food in the microwave and I find only the new swim coach chatting up the nurse. Really need to take care of that creep once I have a chance.

With the room suddenly cleared out, Russel seems to decide now is a good time to share his life story. "So once my.... growth spurt never came in, Mom kicked me right to the curb. It's when I realized the only fairness in the world was the kind I enforced with my will."

"She kicked you out for being short?" That seems a little petty even for Sunnydale.

Glancing around the room to make sure the lovebirds aren't listening, Russel's voice becomes a hissed whisper. "You say you're supposed to keep things safe at the school. But how much do you really know about things here?"

"Enough to wear one of these even though I'm not sure what I believe in anymore." Pulling my collar down to reveal the silver crucifix, I can practically feel Russel relax at the sight of it.

"And you think it's all just scary stuff?" The way the balding man hesitates, has my curiosity surging.

"What, are you a werewolf or something?" Giving him an out, I reassure him I know it's only a three night a month thing.

Russel's mouth twists in a way that must be uncomfortable, his hands wringing as he tries to work up to the truth. "You know how the students like to call me a troll?"

"Yeah..." No way!

"Well that's the growth spurt that never came in." He watches me carefully for any sign of scorn, happy to find not a single shred. "And every time I hear the students call me one, I want to wring those scrawny necks. One eighth was just enough to make me ugly and bald."

Do I actually feel bad for him? The realization that I do, makes me take a very stupid risk.

"Well I'm half Brachen. You really don't want to see what I look like when I don't take my allergy medication."

The admission stuns the normally vindictive man. Eventually his lips turn upwards just enough to call it a genuine smile.

"Really?" The desperation is palpable in his voice.

In for a penny, in for a pound. "Must be why we clicked so fast."

"Glad we did." His smile shifts into a more familiar smirk. "The kids aren't giving me quite so much lip this week."

The door swings open to reveal the frowning face of the techno pagan Jenny. Her eyes dart between the only two occupied tables and I decide to put my own conversation on hold.

"Over her Miss Calendar. I think we can make some room for you." And give me a chance to figure out your schedule.

Russel snickers under his breath at first, only to swallow it when the woman accepts the offer gratefully. "Thanks. I was starting to think I had missed a fire drill or something."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 34: Phase Two​

Waiting for the Sunnydale zoo to close, I'm starting to wish I had just told Jesse to stay at the house. At least Marcie and Jon are quiet.

"It's not fair, Xander should be here helping." Ducked down so no one can see us, Jesse starts repeating himself.

"Xander already helped me get the jacket." I remind him with a raised eyebrow. "And these two already got pictures of the museum. So really it's just you who has to pull his own weight." If I can't trust you to take care of the small stuff, why would I ever bring you out patrolling?

The boy covered with good luck charms crosses his arms, a massive scowl taking over his face. "Ooh, sit in the car and keep watch. Take some pictures and steal a book from Amy's mom, like any of that really matters."

"I didn't ask you to help." In fact I was the one who got begged. "You lot came to me and until I know you can defend yourself, you only get busy work." I refuse to let you come out until you've taken at least a few self defence classes.

"You said the world needed saving." Points out a far less snarky Jonathon.

"I said it was being handled. You want get involved, you need to actually think about how dangerous this will be." I don't want a gaggle of teens only treating this like a social club, that's just going to get a bunch of them killed.

Grumbling from his place squashed between his girlfriend and the budding witch, the shortest boy in the group points out how many seats the car has. "Not like Xander would have any room in here. Unless of course you want him sitting on your lap."

"He's going to the Bronze without me. It's supposed to be bros before hoes, you know?" The whine is pitiful and just makes me more frustrated.

"I know that's only true for one night stands and if that's how you talk to girls..." Scowling sternly, I realize it's time to stuff some actual sense into the pervert's head. "You'll be lucky to even get one of those before college."

Snickers from the backseat are quiet, so I don't bother making the trio stop. But Jesse goes beet red and tries to hold in his anger.

"Hey!" He fails miserably and hisses back at me with hurt in his eyes.

"Confidence is good, you should let someone know you're interested..." Holding up a hand, I make Jesse wait for the rest of my point. "But I've heard Cordelia very clearly state her lack of interest. At this point it's harassment and I'm giving you a final warning."

"But-" Desperate to defend himself, Jesse tries to explain how wrong I've got things.

"No buts!" My voice comes out almost loud enough to be called a yell and Jesse flinches back. "If a girl says no, move on. Otherwise you're going to end up on a watch list one day."

Stunned into silence, Jesse turns away to look out the window. His reflection is nothing but a miserable scowl and I decide it's best if he stays in the car.

"I'm going over the wall. Set off a flare if the cops show up and hoof it back to the house." No point in you all getting arrested.

"Uh, Mister Doyle..." Marcie's sudden reminder almost makes me gasp. "That's like fifteen feet. How are you going to climb that?"

That makes me blink a few times before I let my lips twist into a smirk. "I was going to try jumping first." It's not that high, should be able to grab onto the ledge.

"I think this spell could help," Amy interrupts her frantic reading to hold up the open page of 'Remedial Witchcraft'. "It should muffle any sound you make until the candle stops burning. I just need some help with the ritual."

"What kind of help?" Eager to do magic, Jonathon's foot starts tapping rapidly.

"You three get to do the chanting," The slightly overweight girl explains before telling them the phrase. "I have to focus on the magic, otherwise all the sound will be heard at the same time."

Not liking the sound of that, I try not to let it rattle me. None of these kids think anyone believes in them and sometimes that's all you need to pull off the impossible.

"You can do it Amy." Feigning confidence, I try reassuring her.

It doesn't work as well as I would have like though and she starts wringing her hands nervously. "How can you be so sure?"

I'm not." The honest admission stuns her into silence, her jaw hanging low enough to catch flies. "It's not the end of the world if you screw up, I'm pretty fast. So just give it your best shot and know I appreciate the help."

"All this for some book?" Grunts a very nervous Marcie, my eyes nearly sliding over her until she says something.

"We need a way to lock down her magic." Which the book on Primals should have an answer for. "Otherwise Cathryn might decide she wants revenge on all of you."

The explanation is almost enough to satisfy all of my students, with it surprisingly being Jonathon who questions me. "So why did we have to take pictures at the museum?"

"Unrelated." Or at least that's what I'm telling anyone without Madison blood. "But the Mummy's seal is going to come in handy one day."

Once the last of the day staff leave, the three teens start to chant as soon as Amy lights the yellow candle. With a running start I'm easily able to leap up and grab onto the top of the wall.

The lack of noise is a little disconcerting at first. But once I focus, I realize I can still hear everything. It's just as muffled as I assume my own sounds are right now.

Glancing back at the car, I give the chanting teens a salute and drop down to the grass. I don't bother trying the stupid three point landing and just let myself drop into a roll. Now lets find the Hyena house.

The plans Willow printed off have been roughly memorized and I dart towards the largest landmark she marked down. Taking up most of the west side of the zoo, the zebra pen is filled with the stinky beasts. Definitely calling in sick if Flutie wants me to chaperone the field trip here.

Knowing the special hyenas are still in Africa is comforting as I reach the locked doors. But when I snap the lock with a flick of my wrist, the entire place is just bare rock.

I find no symbols painted on anything and get frustrated by my screw up. Why the hell did I think he just left his spell books at work?

Growling to myself, I don't notice when I step through a red light. The clutter I find in the zoo keepers office is almost as bad as what I woke up to the first day and it takes valuable minutes to riffle through everything for a clue.

When I finally do find something with an address on it, I double check to make sure it has the right name on it. Doctor Weirick is apparently a world renowned expert on spotted Hyenas and that's really all I have to narrow down the search.

"If the books not at his house, I might need to confront Jenny a little earlier than I had planned." Shoving the guy's prescription into my pocket, I decide it's probably time to get back to the teens.

OF course I only make it halfway back around the zebra pen before all that muffled sound releases with a thunderous bang. Every single animal is instantly awake and shrieking like it's the end of the world, forcing me to turn my jog into a sprint.

Using a bench for a boost, my desperate leap brings me clear over the brick wall. Thankfully the bush on the other side cushions my fall and the animals are still making enough of a racket to blanket my own noise.

Sirens can be heard approaching from downtown and I frantically dash across the street. Amy tries to apologize about how fast the wax melted. But I ignore her until we're a few blocks away.

"No more testing out spells in the field. We practice with them first." Trying not to bite her head off, I force myself to thank Amy for the nearly twenty minutes of silence.

 

[Flightless Man]

Interlude 5: Wolf Watch​

Waiting outside Hemery High as the last of the buses drive off, Billy Fordham is nothing but confident in his decision. "You have no idea what it's like Buffy, how much pain I go through every day."

"But I told you the odds. Is it really worth going rabid?" The petite slayer hasn't been able to come up with any other ideas and is really just complaining about how unfair life is.

"Of course it is." Shrugging at his childhood friend's expression of anguish, Billy attempts to keep the mood light. "Should you really be going out every night to hang out with a gang leader?"

Suddenly pink at the accusation, Buffy looks anywhere but at Billy. "... It's not every night."

"Buffy needs back up," Tara defends her hero with more passion than her classmates usually see from the meek witch.

"We could help her." Crossing his arms, Billy is getting a little defensive. "The Slayer, a witch, and a werewolf, would be a kick ass vampire hunting team!"

Tara tries to say correct him and it ends up taking her a few moments to work up the nerve. "I kind of already have been. Charles wants my mom to turn the main floor into a walk in clinic. And we've been stopping in most nights to stitch them up after patrol."

"I thought the Council was going to use it for mystical rehab?" A very confused Buffy points out.

Turning to her friend with a blush, Tara explains what she was told of the zoning bylaws. "Mister Sirk said they need to run some kind of legitimate business to keep the bills low. So until they have enough patients to go private practice, Charles thought this would keep the city off his back."

Before much more time has passed, Mary pulls up in her second hand minivan. The trio climbs inside to greet the mother already in her scrubs.

"You better be careful tonight Buffy," Cautions the grey haired mother, knowing how much more dangerous a lycanthrope is than the Slayer's normal foes.

"Gunn and Giles will both have tranquilizers ready." Impressed at the Watcher she first thought the stuffiest and his willingness to go into the field with her, Buffy has already given Merrick her answer. "I just need to play bait and go for a little night jog."

"It could take up to twenty minutes before the drugs kick in," Mary's explanation finally gets a look of concern on Buffy's face. "You might need to turn it into a marathon."

Now anxious about the hunt tonight, Buffy is desperate for answers when they arrive at the Hyperion. "Why didn't anyone tell me how long these things could take?"

Holding up one of the rifles, Buffy thrusts it into a nervous Wesley's face. It doesn't get an answer out of the junior Watcher any faster. But it makes the cheerleader feel a whole lot better.

"We um..." Once the Slayer backs away, Wesley starts furiously cleaning his glasses in an attempt to distance himself from the anger. "The Council doesn't usually bother ourselves with werewolves. We don't exactly have extensive records on the beasts."

"You definitely all come with a different set of skills." Chuckles Charles Gunn as he saunters down the stairs with the prim and proper Gwendolyn Post. "Giles might be the only one of you with any balls. But damn does Gwendolyn know how to tune up a guy's ride."

"Now see here!" The youngest Watcher on staff gets red in the face when he notices Alonna snickering with some of the crew. "Just because we aren't all trained for field work, does not mean the rest of us are of any less value to the crusade against evil."

Shaking his bald head, Gunn fires back with just a hint of heat at the guy he knows is trying to make a move on his baby sister. "Post knows her stuff, she's like an encyclopedia on any kind of mystical artifact."

The praise makes the woman with the tightest bun this side of the Atlantic smirk. "Generalizing ones skills, generally ends up with a Watcher dead."

"Lydia has already gotten the crew a new target," Continuing with the praise of everyone except his rival, Gunn reminds Wesley who found out Russel Winters was a vampire. "And Sirk at least has an eye for the business side of things, even if he is slimy as all hell. But are you here to do do anything but creep on my sister?"

By the time the hunter from the streets is finished, Wesley can do little more than meekly meet Gunn's stare. "... Demonology."

"Well start finding us some and maybe I'll stop giving you such a hard time." Rolling his eyes at the timid display, Gunn joins the only person he knows can whoop him with her eyes closed. "You ready for the show? Giles has the thing tracked to Encino."

"We sure it's not just Brendan Fraser? Not that I'm going to complain if it is." Buffy quips playfully.

Giles grabs the rifle from the Slayer, a stern look of disapproval plastered across his face. "Well my expertise just so happens to be research. The only thing I have yet to determine is which breed we are dealing with."

"They have more than one kind?" Starting to get frazzled at all the last minute tidbits of information, Buffy is really wishing she wore better shoes.

"Five varieties are common to Eurasia." Trying to make up for his earlier whimpering, Wesley shows he isn't completely useless. "With another two in Africa, with the northern subspecies migrations not being unheard of."

"Well this is America, so what am I going to be dealing with?" Overwhelmed by all the possibilities, Buffy tries to focus on the plausible.

Giles is unable to ease the girl's worries and can really only stoke the fire of anxiety. "That's the problem. America is the land of immigrants and that means it could be any kind from around the world."

"Great..." Swallowing her doubt over this being a smart choice, Buffy turns to her fellow hunters. "So just be ready for anything?"

"Probably best if you get used to that," Agrees Giles as he checks to make sure the darts are loaded correctly. "It's rarely a vampire that ends the life of a Slayer."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 35: Ground Rules​

"It was too quiet last night without Lorne," Admits Fred as she grabs the other side of the orange couch, lifting carefully after she gives me the okay. "I had to turn his show on just to fall asleep."

"I kind of liked being able to have a warm shower this morning." Between the two of you, I was lucky to have five minutes to fight with Angel over.

The teen agrees with a half smile and moves to help Fred with her side of the load. "I'm just going to start taking mine at night."

"I don't think we're going to get this finished before Willow shows up." Wiping sweat from my brow with an arm once we drop the couch off on the curb, I notice a few things from the free pile have already been taken.

"That's alright. We've kind of hit a wall once we realized the entire memory was fried." Fred chuckles bashfully, knowing full well she's the reason. "I didn't think a stun gun would do much damage. But Ted had practically no insulation."

Beating me to the answer, Angel speaks up with a confidence I wish she had with anyone else. "He was built in the fifties. A lot less loose wiring he may have run into back then."

"Well until we can create new software that works on such an individualized system, we're pretty much done for now." Fred starts to wave at someone behind me, getting me to whirl on the spot.

A bushy tailed Willow is leading a very uncomfortable looking Xander towards the house. The brunette has slumped shoulders and is trying very hard to avoid meeting my eyes.

"He said it was fine Wills, why do I have to help him move some junk?" Even though he's trying to claim otherwise, it's obvious Xander feels at least a bit guilty over bailing on the break in at the zoo.

"What, rather have Harmony drooling all over you again instead?" The bite Willow delivers the cutting retort with is surprising until I notice the hurt in her emerald eyes.

"Jesse told me to say yes," He's trying to keep his whining low. "Why are you both so mad today?" But my ears are just good enough to pick it up. "He wouldn't even pick up the phone."

Before he reveals anymore, I provide what I feel is the likely answer. "That might be my fault. I kind of yelled at him in the car last night."

"Why?" Suddenly defensive of the missing teen, Xander is now fine meeting my eyes with a firm glare.

"Because if someone didn't let him know how creepy he was being, Jesse will end up with a half dozen restraining orders by the time college is over." Not concerned by Xander's growing scowl, I just shrug. "It's my job to turn you into functioning adults. Get used to me caring."

His shock quickly morphs into a playful smirk as he turns to the red head at his side. "I think you forgot to wake me up. I have to still be back in bed dreaming, because those just aren't words our teachers know how combine in that order."

"You should like the new computer teacher. I think you have a class with Miss Calendar next semester." Maybe I should see if she wants to work on a robot?

"The hottie?" Xander starts to ask, only to stop at the sight of my frown. "What, it's a compliment?"

"Do you want me to start just using a description to describe you, Mister Butt-Chin?" Already fired up from my dressing down of Jesse last night, I don't really give Xander any slack. "Because frankly, I'm thinking I need to talk to Flutie about teaching a class on communication. Any other school and half of you kids would be on permanent suspension."

"Glad someone finally told those two off," I can hear Willow hissing to the two women I live with, her voice just low enough to escape Xander's notice. "It's like they forget I'm a girl half the time."

Xander blinks a few times before shaking his head in annoyance. "You better not!"

"So does that mean I'm going to start hearing you use peoples names." Not budging on my point, I stare down the teen's dark eyes.

"... Yes." When he glances at the girls for any sign I'm being irrational, Xander is faced with three looks of firm agreement.

Once that's settled, the duo help us move the rest of Ted's antiques out of the basement. The help makes it go a lot faster and we end up finishing with hours to spare.

Willow has clearly been on the same page as Fred about the software problem. But as a local, she knows a few people who are more specialized.

"Warren is kind of obsessed with robots. He's even been bragging about working on his own the last few months, I just never believed him before." As she stares at the android on the floor, Willow is forced to admit she may have been to hasty with her judgment. "But I'm starting to think he might be telling the truth."

"I guess I can talk to the kid." See if he's already a clear lost cause or if I have enough time to intervene.

"I'm kind of relying on this plan to keep a lot of people alive." I guess if Warren's already working on April, I can just get him to give her the face I need instead.

Trying to get out of the doghouse, Xander tosses a playful grin towards his best friend. "See Wills, told you not to worry. You're helping save the world to."

"Technically she's the one paying for my services right now." You lot came to me for help with Cathryn, I didn't recruit you to my cause. "Because so far everything else has just been to help Amy."

"She made sure to tell her mom she's staying over next weekend," Angel reminds me with a voice barely above a whisper, making even me strain to hear her over the sound of Mario Kart. "So Amy can come with us to Los Angeles for the magic lessons."

"Thanks, want to make sure she has a teacher with some sense in her head." I know what Amy can turn out like. Which means I need to find her an alternative role model if I'm going to let the witch become involved.

Once a competitive Fred laps Xander, he hands off the controller with a grumble. "When can I hunt vampires with you? You said you go out and patrol for them, you should have some help."

"If you choose to fight evil, I really can't do anything to stop you." My comment gets a smirk of pride from the teen, one that I'm about to turn into a scowl. "But I'm not letting you come with me until you've taken at least a few self defence classes."

"How much is that going to cost? Concerned at trying to convince his parents, Xander gives me conflicted look.

Holding in the growl at how much I hate his parents, I force my face to stay neutral. "I'll cover the sign up fee. You just have to go to five lessons before I let any of you help out with the real stuff."

The fairness of my offer gets a relieved grin to show itself on Xander's face. "I can do that."

"Good. Because while I have my demon strength, you kids are just way too fragile." And I'm still going to be training with Buffy once she shows up.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 36: Outranked​

Once I finish explaining about the android in my basement, Warren immediately whirls on Willow for any sign of ridicule. "Are you setting me up because I beat you on one stupid math test?"

"We need help with the programming. But if you don't want to..." Knowing how to tweak a fellow nerd's interest, Willow has taken control of the conversation with a confident smirk.

"I didn't say that!" Hands shoot up in a pacifying motion as Warren interjects with just a hint of panic in his voice.

Even though her disbelief is less visible, it's clear Jenny Calendar hasn't been convinced either. "It's just an incredible claim. You can't blame either of us for being skeptical."

Pulling the pictures out of a manila envelope, I had the stack over for Jenny's examination. Warren is quick to peer over her shoulder and both pairs of eyes grow wide long before Willow hands over the schematics we found in the basement.

"He was built in fifty seven and has been running just fine the whole time." Willow has a far better grasp of the science and I happily go silent while she goes over the major points. "But nobodies been able to find any files on the programming. Not even sure if they still exist."

"This is real. You aren't just screwing with us." Finally starting to accept the insanity on film, Jenny looks over at me with a single raised eyebrow.

"As real as an angel getting cursed by gypsies." My comment draws a hiss from the undercover witch and I decide it's probably best to have the rest of this conversation privately. "Willow, can you bring Warren by after school? Sometime after six?"

Nodding slowly as she notices the chilly mood now coming from the other teacher, Willow shoves the pictures back into the envelope. "No problem."

Grabbing Warren by the arm, she drags him out of the room with barely a chance to call out his own goodbye. Jenny's glare doesn't budge an inch the entire time, she just waits for the door to slam shut behind the kids.

"Do you want to waste my time with more lies?" Jenny's hands clench at her sides. "Or would you like to tell me what this is really about?"

"Not a lie, we really do need help getting Ted working again." Shrugging at her snort of disbelief, I try my best to convince the woman only a few years my senior. "But just like you, I'm in Sunnydale for a reason. It's kind of ironic we're both here to annoy the same vampire though."

Dark eyes watch me carefully for any hint of a lie. "... What do you want with Angelus?"

"You're elders sent you to make sure he stays miserable, the Powers sent me to turn him into someone worthwhile." Ignoring her gasp of shock, I keep going with my half truth. "He got his century of vengeance, now it's time for you to finish the job."

"Kill him?" Fear fills the techno pagan's eyes at such an idea.

Shaking my head calmly, I remind her that Angelus wasn't alone in his crime against her people. "Did you know Darla is in Sunnydale right now? Why did the clan never repeat the curse on her?"

I'm not thrilled about the idea of making an innocent soul experience a blood demon's crimes. But once she gives me directions to the Master's lair, I'll give Darla a choice.

Wipe her memories with something like Lethe's bramble. Spend some time at the Hyperion learning how to be human again. Or if she just can't handle existence, I'll stake her myself.

"The knowledge was lost to us long ago." Now on the defensive, Jenny has doubt filling her face.

I had considered just using one of the newer minions so the soul had fewer horrors to witness. But Jenny's the only one I trust with the casting. It's a vengeance curse that possesses the caster. That's something I'd much rather leave to the experienced practitioners instead of a beginner like Willow.

"Well you should probably call that uncle of yours and see if he can send you whatever they have on it." Otherwise you're going to be out of a purpose pretty soon.

"Is that a threat?"

Trying not to growl in annoyance, I take a deep breath before answering. "It was supposed to be a friendly suggestion. I sent Liam to Africa a few days ago and when he comes back, that soul is finally going to be locked down for good."

"He's a monster!" Her voice rises along with her fiery temper.

"Angelus was and the Romany locked him up a hundred years ago. Now it's time for his lethal injection." Standing my ground, I make it clear my charge is out of her clan's grasp. "Sorry Janna. But my bosses outrank the Kalderash."

A challenging stare meets my own firm one. "Is that so?"

"Gods are quite a few challenge ratings above us mere mortals." Still not exactly sure which ones are responsible though. "Enyos wants to argue, he can take it up with the Powers That Be. I'll even bring him to the Oracles so he can complain directly." Well, more directly.

"You know an awful lot about us." Crossing her arms stiffly, Jenny's curiosity begins shining through the anger.

"Liam's my charge. The Powers gave me all the knowledge I was going to need to guide him." Just wish I had written it all down. "The important stuff. Like how if Liam loses his soul, you're one of the first victims."

Horror flickers across her face for a moment. But Jenny does an admirable job of shoving that concern aside for later.

"So why did you start out with the robot talk?" Her breathing has slowed back down to an almost normal pace. "Was that just so I would lower my guard?"

"It's supposed to make people like you more if you ask them for a favour." Read that in a psychology book somewhere. "Figured I should get as many brownie points as possible before this confrontation."

"So what about the students?" Jenny gets an unreadable expression as she considers Willow and Warrens presence earlier. "What dirt do you have on them?"

My turn to frown, I fill Jenny in on one of the more tame horrors concealed in Sunnydale. "Amy Madison's mom is trying to steal her body."

"The blonde who was talking to Willow?" With only a couple days under her belt and no classes with them yet, Jenny tries to place the name.

"Yeah." The fierceness of the growl surprises even me. Guess I'm really getting into the job.

She catches the one name I left out of the group of friends. "What about Warren?"

Seeing no way to sugarcoat it, I lay out the blunt truth. "He's working on a sex robot."

"Oh..." Jenny looks like she's holding in a gag.

"Not sure if he just needs some friends or serious therapy. But it's probably best if someone keeps an eye on him."

A pale Jenny nods slowly. "... Good idea."

"If he really wants one, all I care about is making sure Warren doesn't make the thing sentient." He'll make millions by the end of the decade. "And that he doesn't start thinking of people like robots."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 37: No Laughing Matter​

"I feel like an idiot." Xander pulls on the borrowed tie around his neck. "No way this is actually going to work."

Feeling bad about missing out on the zoo, Xander is starting to regret his offer of a make up assignment. The clipboard of fake survey questions his only weapon against the zookeeper.

"You two just need to keep Weireck talking as long as you can, so I'm counting on you Xander." I'm just hoping Angel manages to get through the introduction. "I'll be fast."

The four story apartment is one of the older red brick variety and comes with a black iron fire escape for an easy way to reach the top floor. Hope it's not too loud.

"Wait till I give the signal." Climbing out of the car, I carefully duck into the alley.

Nothing unusual greets me so close to dinnertime. But I make sure to pull the ladder down as quietly as possible.

With only a couple screeches hopefully dismissed by anyone inside, I start the climb towards the zookeeper's open window. When I'm ducked down just outside, I motion for the waiting teens to approach the door.

The voice inside is mid conversation. But since I can only hear one side of it, I can only assume it's a phone call. "I've gotten everything approved for the import. You just need to make sure the hyenas are replaced before February, I don't want any more regular ones."

The buzzer gets Weireck to let out a string of curses and tell the person to call back later. His grumbles about the delivery being early cut off when the door slams behind him.

Time to talk your ass off Xander. Use that superpower for good.

After a quick glance inside, I waste no time climbing through the window. The place is the very definition of a man cave, with week old dishes everywhere.

Pelts of various animals adorn the walls, with the odd skull on a shelf to really increase the creepy factor. Moving fast, I shove all four books with a strange name into my bag and move to the next room.

Urns filled with a pink paste give me an eerie feeling when the smell is far too much like blood. "Hope one of the girls can figure out what this stuff is."

One of the smaller urns goes into the bag next, once I make sure the lid is secure of course. I choose to ignore the pristine human skull on the desk and focus instead on the obsidian knife.

It has a rune covered handle made of unknown bone and looks like it could carve through pretty much anything. Mine now.

Not bothering to be neat, I rip the drawers right out of the shelves. upturning them for a faster search, everything gets poured out onto the never vacuumed carpet. A strange doll made of what looks like human hair, gives off a very strong stench of catnip.

The one bedroom apartment doesn't reveal many more secrets in my frantic search. Only a shaman's robes made from a collection of different animal hides stands out. And really that's just because of the overpowering musk.

My mad dash back down to the street is completely unnecessary. I end up being the one waiting, while Xander ad lib's through all the plank pages I used to make the questionnaire look more official.

I even start getting anxious enough to consider honking. Thankfully even Xander runs out of pointless questions and has to let the zookeeper go back inside before I give away my position.

The pair of teens power walk towards the car and I peel away the moment both asses are buckled into a seat. They try to ask questions. But I ignore each and every one of them until the apartment is gone from my mirrors.

The hammering in my chest continues for a few more blocks and I have to force myself to start breathing normally. "I think I got everything important. Good job you two."

"Really?" An expression full of self doubt is plastered on Xander's face. "But we barely gave you any time."

"You gave me plenty. Besides, it was way better than my original plan of breaking in tonight while he was sleeping." And you didn't set off a magical air horn during my escape, so you still did better than Amy. "Thanks for suggesting it."

Xander lets a grin of pride grow enough that I catch it out of the corner of my eye. "My plan worked, what do ya know."

Trying to to stomp all over his good mood, I do have to raise a concern. "Still not sure if boxing is a good idea."

"Well the self defence class was only for girls, they wouldn't let me register." Shrugging of my caution, I can tell Xander has the wrong idea in his head. "You did say this was about me getting punched in the face a lot."

"I still think Judo would be better. Pretty much everything we'll be fighting is stronger than you." Boxing would just be like bashing his face against a brick wall.

Stubborn in his choice, Xander's jaw grits with determination. "I just need to float before I try to sting."

"Why do you need to help me patrol so badly?" Frowning as I realize something is bothering the teen, I bring up how all his friends seem fine with the busy work. "You don't have to do this."

"Not smart enough to work on Ted." Shrugs a blushing brunette. "What else am I going to do?"

Angel turns back and gives Xander a supportive smile. "I'm going to start learning magic with Amy. You probably could too."

"I've seen how many books you're bring to Los Angeles..." Horrified at the amount, Xander firmly shakes his head from side to side. "That's just not enough pictures for me. You know?"

Searing pain ignites in my skull and I barely have time to pull my foot off the pedal. "I know you should probably grab the wheel."

Shocked my the sudden roar of pain, Xander still manages to safely pull us over. I'm not paying attention though and can only feel the burning sensation of acid being poured over my body.

The middle aged woman I find myself in the shoes of, only struggles for a few moments before the vision fades away. Angel's panicked shouting is the first thing I comeback to, with Xander's anxious mumbles almost going unnoticed.

"Here Allen, chew on these." Angel presses on of the herb soaked squares of bark to my lips and I gratefully bite down. "Xander, grab a pen!"

"What the hell was that?" Fumbling with his backpack, Xander eventually gets something to write with.

"That was a vision..." Panting from the adrenaline, I tell him the address before the image fades from my mind. "They really suck."

Nodding with a pale face, Xander is quick to agree. "Even that kid Morgan doesn't have migraines like that." He doesn't make mention of it when I reach up and wipe away my tears, Xander just continues with grimace of sympathy. "And he's even gone home a few times because of them."

I can't place the name as an important one and shrug once I give up trying. Got enough on my plate right now, I'll check in on this kid once Amy's safe.