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

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 38: Park And Pool​

"We can help!" Xander tries to insist when I make a quick stop back at the house for my gear. But I don't pay it any head, only asking Jenny if she can take the students home.

"What's going on?" The not so secret Romany isn't keen on just taking some random commands.

Dialing Merrick's number, I let the group eavesdrop while I fill the Watcher in on the details of my vision. "Looked kind of like a bullfrog, just without the tongue. It was crawling around on six legs and swallows some woman whole."

The startled Watcher doesn't waste time with pleasantries and gives me the two possibilities he's encountered before. The only thing he makes sure I know, is to keep an open flame away from either.

"Be careful if it's a Grenlar." Caution fills his voice as he warns me of the more mobile subspecies. "They're not very strong, but the stomach acid is some of the strongest known to the Council. Really more of an ambush predator."

"That would explain why it's lurking in the dog park." It gets two meals for the price of one.

Making my heart pound faster, Merrick shares a final tidbit. "Well they come out at dusk, you better get moving if you want to get it tonight."

"Great," The growl I let escape only gets the older man to snort in amusement.

"You still coming by the hotel on Friday? Or is this going to keep you busy?" The way he hesitates before asking, makes me realize he's not alone right now.

"Hey Buffy, I'll see you this weekend. Things going alright?" The way I switch from impatience to an almost tender tone, gets Fred to grin with bemusement.

The sound of her fighting for the phone is soon replaced by her eager voice. "Billy hasn't had a headache since he woke up this morning. It worked!"

"Really?" The joy in her voice makes it impossible to keep a smile of my own face. "That's fantastic news!"

When I finally say goodbye and replace the phone with my bat, I realize everyone is waiting by the front door already. The looks of anticipation have me concerned though and I have to speak up.

"Uh..." I realize it's not just Fred who is planning on coming and try to put my foot down. "What are you all doing?"

"I'm getting proof you're working for who you claim." Jenny's stare doesn't waver and I'm forced to concede. "Not calling home with only some wild claims."

Weighing my options, I know the teens aren't going to just sit around my house. "Fine. Make sure the kids stay in the car." Not quite ready to lose a student.

I know four have already gone missing since I started working at the high school. But not having met any of them personally, it's just enough emotional distance for me to avoid any guilt.

Fred is thankfully the only one in my car who even tries to get out, leaving Angel and the lovebirds in the backseat. But Jenny doesn't do the same, followed out of her car by both Willow and Xander before I can say anything. A very nervous Warren is last to dart into the safety of the Corolla.

"Might as well all wait in the same car." Xander shrugs at my annoyed expression. "We made a deal, I'm sticking to it."

"Thanks, already got enough of a headache right now." Rubbing my temple, I watch a determined Jenny pull a tire iron from her trunk.

She gives it a few test swings and nods with satisfaction. "The guy on the phone just said to hit it a bunch, right?"

"That seems to work on most of them," Agrees Fred as she makes sure her own gadgets are in easy reach.

Once the teens are all waiting safely in my car, the rest of us make our way into the dog park warily. Only a handful of people are still outside at this time and it looks like most are heading back to the parking lot. Guess even the sheep can sense some kind of danger.

By the time we get around the small pond, only one other woman is still in the park. The dalmatian has broken free from her grip, leash bouncing along the grass as it vanishes into the gloom.

Her desperate cries are interrupted by splashing as the demon heaves itself from the pond. The wave created knocks the woman right off her feet, and sends her sliding towards a mouth opened wide enough to swallow a whole pig.

It only takes me a few seconds to close the distance. But it's more than enough time for the demon to have one of the woman's calves in it's mouth.

Her shriek of terror keeps me focused and I bring my bat down onto the Grenlar's head. The sound of cracking makes me grit my teeth in frustration, each swing recreating it with even greater volume.

By my fourth swing the bat snaps in half, the bladed side landing in the water with a splash. But I don't stop and turn my fifth into a downward thrust.

The sharpened handle goes right through the demon's skull and makes it thrash wildly. Before it finally dies, I get tossed backwards and skid along the wet grass.

Fred and Jenny use my opening to grab the woman and get her clear of the beast. The sobbing doesn't stop and I limp my way over to them.

Once I reach them, I discover why the redhead is still screaming. The skin and muscle have been eaten away in only the few seconds the demon had her. With bloody bone visible in more than a few places, shock starts to set in.

"We need to get her to the hospital!" No way an ambulance will show up tonight.

While Fred takes the teens home and Jenny races through more than a couple red lights, I do my best to keep woman stable. It's such a stressful situation, I don't realize it's the school librarian until nurses are pulling her from the car.

After she's taken away, Jenny escorts my very solemn form back to her car. "It would have been pretty hard to set that up."

"That mean you believe me?" Even though tonight wasn't a perfect win, I'm still riding high on the fact that I was on time.

"It means I'll come see these Oracles with you Irish." Her dark eyes seem to pierce right through me and I shift uncomfortably under the gaze.

"Not really a fan of the whole nickname thing." My grimace is completely genuine. "I have three names, take your pick."

Amused at the denial, Jenny does relent. "Fine Francis, be boring."

"You just watched me kill a demon..." I can't help but stare at her incredulously. "In what world am I boring?" Well I guess the one I was born in.

 

[Flightless Man]

Interlude 6: Rumors Spread​

The girls scent is just different enough from her peers to really make Faith stand out of the crowd. Just like when he first was graced with the sight of Buffy Summers back in Los Angeles, something primal inside Liam stirs him to stalk.

The thirteen year old stays out long after dark, her stalker passing concerned hours ago. Aren't her parents worried?

The curly haired brunette has more than enough attitude to fit in with the troublemakers and gives just as many cutting insults as she. The curses Faith flings at her friends are just as fiery and Liam has to hold in a chuckle when one is exceptionally crude.

The vampire doesn't interfere in the mischief being caused. When the spray paint come out and lookouts posted, Liam can't help but notice the artistic talent help by his target.

The smoking parrots she works on are incredible and incredibly detailed. It leaves the champion stunned, unable to understand how the texture was created without a brush.

And they're so fast.. Eyes wide as he absorbs how much of the brick wall has already been covered, Liam picks up the sound of sirens first.

"Sooie!" The warning call gets repeated by the whole group of teens, the vitriol coming off in palpable waves.

By the time the red and blue lights are blocking off the alley, only wet paint waits for them. The teen artists scatter with practiced ease and Liam is forced to follow his target by smell alone.

Faith's strain of anxiety is mixed with her citrus shampoo and stands out from her friends. The trail leads Liam through a park he wouldn't let a crackhead play in before eventually heading behind a gas station.

Worming through a gap in the chain link fence, Liam knows the smaller girl must be back on the road by now. She's done this more than once.

The opening leads right into a thorn bush the vampire would need to be a foot shorter to crawl under safely. But knowing this is all just to slow him down, Liam charges through with a string of his own profanity.

He ignores the pricks of discomfort across his body, only bothering to shield his face with a raised arm. This ends up being the right choice as he just barely makes it to street in time to see Faith climbing onto a city bus.

The sprint he turns his jog into, doesn't close the distance in time. The bus pulls away from the curb and sends the vampire into a mad dash to beat the public transportation to it's next stop.

It takes three whole blocks before he manages the feat. But eventually a very annoyed Liam is dropping change into the meter.

Something about his presence makes Faith sit up and take notice. She even slides her headphones back far enough to hear both the music and her surroundings.

Angelus has his own way of getting close to people. So Liam does the exact opposite and feigns a look of disinterest. A scoff later and he plays the encounter off like Faith was the one bothering him instead.

Once he slips a hand into one of the straps, the bus starts moving again. The tension on the bus rises when they pass one of the squad cars from earlier, Faith ducking down in her seat until the cops are long out of sight.

When Liam senses his target is about to reach for the pull cord, he beats Faith to it with a swift motion. The girl isn't tipped off about her personal observer since he gets off first and makes a show of speed walking in his chosen direction.

The second he rounds the corner, he starts acting like he lost his wallet. Patting his jeans, Liam closely 'examines' the sidewalk as the bus pulls away. He doesn't immediately follow Faith onto her street, instead letting her relax while he 'finds' his wallet.

Hanging back long enough for Faith to be out of sight, Liam finally starts following her scent home. She feels confident enough to go straight towards a duplex with peeling blue paint and a yard overgrown with weeds.

It's a lower middle class neighbourhood and seems at odds with the hooligans Faith was with earlier. But Liam doesn't judge and slinks into the yard quiet as a cat.

Yelling from upstairs is directed at the returning teen almost the second she shuts the front door. The words filled with drunken slurring and very little love.

Faith holds her own and screams right back at the terrible parents, the words actually coherent. The slamming of a door is followed by furious stomping down the stairs. A raging Faith flicks on the light to her basement room and punches another hole into the connect a dot drywall.

Watching her for almost an hour until she lets out a yawn, Liam starts rifling through the trash for a family name he can provide Allen. When he finally does get a bill with the name and address both on it, Liam departs back for the motel.

Unknown to the champion, his presence in Boston has not gone unnoticed. The Worst of the Worst has had him watched since the second day. With the Master of Boston's patience finally burnt through, his right hoof vampire is waiting inside for Liam.

The dark skinned and incredibly suave Mister Trick greets his contemporary with a cold smile. "Angelus, what is an Aurellian doing in our turf? You must have a good reason for this breach of etiquette."

"Just passing through..." Watching Trick and the bulky vampire with him for muscle, Liam tries to inch towards a weapon.


"And I heard you aren't really on the best terms with Nest." Stroking his chin, Trick makes up his cruel mind. "So he's not going to care if I question you for the boss. Find out what really down in Los Angeles."

Grabbing the cheap white chair and swing with a single motion, Liam shatters it over the big vampire's head and drives one of the legs into his chest. The could of ash warns Trick this isn't going to be the easy feat he first thought and he roars for his goons.

The five vampires who burst in from outside are joined by another two from the bathroom. The sudden change in numbers is more than enough to overwhelm Liam in such close quarters.

A burlap hood is forced over his head, with his legs being swept out from under him shortly after. Once he's pinned on his belly, the mocking words of Trick promise plenty of pain to come.

Spoiler: Old Version

Interlude 6: Rumors Spread

​

Spoiler: Old Version

While Liam's plan had been to spend a few weeks looking around for Faith. The vampire with a soul's arrival in Boston is discover before he can actually call his find in to Doyle.

The rumors out of Los Angeles have stirred the local master's interest and Kakistos sends his right hand vampire to determine the truth. Mister Trick the dark skinned and suave killer wastes no time finding the motel.

The gang of five stop by for a surprise visit just after sunset, the largest hammering his fist against the cheap door. "Open up Aurellian, Boss wants to talk to you!"

Knowing Kakistos by a terrible reputation nearly as ancient as his own bloodline, Liam goes right for a weapon.. It's only once a flimsy chair is secure in his grip, the wary champion responds with plenty of scorn.

"I'm not with the Master, just passing through." That ends up being the exact wrong thing to say and draws hisses of irritation from outside.

Tutting in disappointment, Mister Trick gives the signal to break down the down. "Only one master in Boston and he really doesn't like being told no. Get him boys."

The door crashes inwards, with the first vampire through trying to rush his target down. But after one quick swing, the cheap wooden chair is turned into scrap.

"Always got to make things difficult for the working demon..." Scowling at the melee, Trick motions for the shotgun.

The thunderous blast knocks the champion of his feet and gives the minions a chance to grapple Liam properly. Smirking down at the struggling Irish vampire, Trick can't help but think of his coming reward.

"I just wanted to talk." Tracing a clawed finger along the captive's cheek, Trick's tone turns sickeningly sweet. "Find out what you're searching for so desperately and maybe offer a fellow sadist some help."

Digging his nails into Liam's soft flesh, Trick revels in the blood being drawn. But the lack of any whimper of pain is very unsatisfying and he tries to twist the emotional knife instead.


"But you aren't one of us anymore Angelus. So we're going to find out why you're really after here in Boston." Releasing his bloody grip on his captive, Trick licks the crimson from his claws.

"Throw him in the trunk. We need to get out of here before the cops show up." A heavy boot slams into Liam's face, shattering the bone as his vision is replaced with black.

When he does finally come back to awareness, it's to find himself wrapped in heavy chains. The smell of the ocean hangs thick in the air and Liam realizes he's on a boat with the rocking beneath his feet.

A rough hand grabs him by the back of the neck and tears a burlap hood off Liam's head. The bright lights of the yacht make the captive wince even before he catches sight of the brutish Kakistos.

Cloven hands and a permanently monstrous face mark the massive vampire as ancient. "What is one of Nest's spawn doing here?"

"I think he's here to get an answer to the same question we've had the last couple months..." Mister Trick's calculating eyes watch the prisoner for any stray twitch. "He must be here to find out if you're the one who took out Lothos."

Growling at the words, Kakistos can perfectly picture the bald vampire's head being crushed underfoot."... Which would mean that Nest was not behind our rivals demise."

"The Slayer was trying to set you against each other," Agrees a smirking Trick.

"Such insolence will not go unpunished!" Roars the massive monster. "Once you learn anything useful, drop Angelus overboard. We have preparations to make."

Not liking the sound of that, Liam starts struggling the moment Kakistos steps off the yacht. The behemoth's loss of weight makes the boat noticeably rock and lets Liam disguise his movement.

When the Cuban vampire left behind makes a move to begin the questioning, Liam surges into action. The rusty chains snaps with a roar and he throws himself at his captor.

By the time Liam works through his frustration on the no longer moving vampire, the other minions have returned. It turns into a brawl far more desperate than the one at the motel, with Liam able to fight his way outside successfully.

Once he reaches the night air, Liam wastes no times in dropping himself into the back waves below. The splash is covered up by the minions' yells, giving Liam a chance to escape his execution.

Not requiring air, Liam stays underwater until he reaches the pier. Once he does, the crowd above covers any noise made climbing up it's frame. Not even the surprised seagulls draw any attention and let him slip away into the night.

Wet boots squelch with every step as Liam returns to the neighbourhood he found Faith. Passing more than a few houses that should have been condemned years ago, the vampire with a soul can't help but scowl.

Yelling reaches his ears long before he creeps into the overgrown yard of the duplex. Insults fly back and forth between the thirteen year old girls parents, with the vitriol making even him feel sympathy.

But the light in basement room makes him sigh in relief. Dropping down to his belly, Liam crawls to the dirty glass. His supernatural vision the only reason Liam can make out more than curse words smeared on the glass.

The girl trying to lose herself in her homework mostly fits the description he was given of Faith. But the style is completely off and it's taken him a few days to make up his mind. She's young, still time for a personality change or two.

Once the girl can't take the fighting above anymore, she makes a sudden angry move towards the window. Forced to back away fast or risk discovery, Liam barely gets himself concealed in the cedar bush separating the yards.

Yellow light spills across the lawn as the disgruntled Faith Lehane pulls herself out the window and raises a middle finger towards the fighting inside. "Let's see how long it takes you to notice I'm gone this time."



Notes: I pulled my neck while sleeping and it was really hard to write. Sorry for cutting this one so close to the end of the day.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 40: On The Road Again​

With the car loaded for the weekend trip, we only have our last passenger to wait for. A very anxious Amy was over before I even had breakfast ready.

The relief at getting away from her mom, is something even a normally bubbly Fred picks up on. So while I set another place at the table, Amy explains what she overheard last night.

"Mom signed me up for fat camp over the Christmas break." Her face is tight with betrayal as Amy unconsciously bares her teeth. "But everything in the suitcase is her old stuff."

Angel's worried eyes shoot towards her friend. "You're running out of time."

"Tell me something that doesn't fill me with existential dread." To spite her mother's plan, Amy ignores her diet by grabbing the good syrup.

Challenge accepted. "I'm getting a new car this weekend."

Snorting at the non sequitur, Amy tries to relax enough to enjoy her waffles. The discussion slowly covers our plans in Los Angeles and how they'll have most of Saturday to themselves.

I can only smile to myself when one of Fred's feet starts brushing against my own and try not to get distracted. "Jenny and I will hit the Oracles after we drop you off at the Maclays. Get that out of the way before I introduce her to everyone."

"And we're going to have our magic lesson on Saturday?" The witch in training is eager to finally have someone who can answer all her questions.

Nodding my confirmation, I glance over at a smirking Fred. Her toes dance across the top of my foot as I try not to blush.

"Angel and Fred will have the afternoon to themselves. But we'll all meet back up at the Hyperion for dinner." Apparently Merrick wants to talk to me about something before patrol and I figure it will just be easier for me to order a dozen pizzas.

Buffy even said please when she called last night. Which means this is more important than just showing off the finished rehab room Billy has on reserve.

I let the teens take care of the clean up when they offer. Very relieved I didn't even have to make a passive aggressive remark, the peaceful moment washes over me. And I let it.

A grin spread across my face as I revel in the way things have turned out. Despite waking up in a death world only a couple of months ago, somehow I've managed to find happiness.

The bonds I'm forming may be new. But fighting beside someone really does forge them faster. Too late for me to just walk away now, I'm in this for the long haul.

Caleb isn't going to just forget me and I still have my own demon army to banish. Is that even the right choice though?

Pylea has innocent people too and the Scourge isn't going to spare any of them. It was all I could think of when I was fighting alone. But I'm not alone anymore, am I?

Maybe I should be using this trip to ask for help. The sudden honking outside pulls me from me morose thoughts and back to the moment.

"Jenny's here, last chance to pee." After a first life filled with road trips growing up, I am not taking any chances with a car cram packed with five people.

Both Angel and Amy dart out at my reminder, leaving me and Fred a rare moment alone. Not going to have many of these this weekend.

"Lorne made us a mix tape." The grinning genius pulls said cassette out of her purse and winks playfully. "He said if he's not going to be keeping the radio safe, it's the least he can do to protect us all from your terrible taste in music."

"See if I get him a present now." Grumbling to myself, I ignore Fred's snort of laughter and follow her outside.

Already waiting beside the Corolla with her Dufflebag, Jenny waves once we make our appearance in the morning sun. "You ready to put your money where your mouth is?"

After a couple bets that turned out exactly like I knew they would, Willy had gotten me enough of a nest egg that I can actually start making some real investments. It's one thing to tell people what stocks to buy, it's a whole other matter to provide the capital yourself.

If things don't turn out like I expect, that's fifty grand down the drain. But even if it does pay off, it's not like I'll see the money for at least a decade. Guess I can always fund the new Council if everything still goes to hell.

"You're always welcome to bet on a real team." Smirking at the more technically inclined teacher, I tease her for being a staunch supporter of her own hockey team. "You know, if you want to make some money this year."

"Loyalty means something where I come from." Jenny laughs off my comment, tossing her bag at me when I get close enough.

After the teens rejoin us, it doesn't actually take that long to get on the road. The ballads that start belting out once Fred slides in the tape are somehow just what we all needed. Of course Lorne knew that.

At first we just all hum low in an attempt to gauge each other's interest. But once 'The Time of My Life' plays, even I find it impossible to keep myself quiet.

The miles whiz by with laughter and I know these are the moments I'm fighting for. Being able to smile in the face of so much evil and pain in the world. That's the real battle we all need to fight and I'm finally ready to try again.

Half an hour outside Los Angeles, the tape finishes and conversation resumes. With me realizing now is probably the best chance to get some female opinions on a potential creep.

"So what do you think of Warren?" I couldn't notice anything that screamed problematic yet. "Is it alright if he comes over again with Willow on Monday?" But I wasn't the one working on the robot.

Amy is the one who's known him longest and considers her words carefully. "I think he's amazed at how many girls can keep up with him. Because he's not nearly as rude as I remember him being in chemistry last year."

Well that sounds like a good thing. "He's not creeping anyone out?"

"Not anymore than Jesse does each time he opens his mouth." Rolling her eyes in a mix of annoyance and interest, Amy doesn't say anything about Warren that I find damning.

"He still sulking?" I know he took my words hard, just hope he gets over it soon.

Black lips curl into a grin as Angel answers. "Not anymore. He's spending all his time trying to get on a team now."

"Which one?" I hope it's not swimming.

"Whichever one he can," Explains a very amused Amy. "He's already tried out for both baseball and track."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 41: Fatel Attraction​

Once we drop everyone off at the apartment, I waste no time bringing Jenny to the Oracles. I wasn't sure how to find them at first and even started to worry I was going to look like an idiot.

But the second I made finding them a conscious effort, the directions appeared in my head. Like I had always known the way, my body instinctively steers us towards an empty lot.

"So is this when you hack me to pieces?" Wary at our surroundings, Jenny gives me a scowl when I shut off the engine.

"If I really wanted you out of my way, I would have just thrown you at the Grenlar." It would have gotten rid of any evidence.

Nodding cautiously, Jenny takes a few seconds to detect the magic nearby. "... Oh."

"They like privacy." In the time it takes me to explain, the empty lot shimmers as the illusion encompasses us. "And they aren't so fond of 'lowly' mortals. So be on your best behaviour please."

While she hums her non commitment to the request, I open the trunk for the last thing we need before entering the marble door inlaid with gold. It seems to be attached to nothing and yet I know it holds a touch of divinity beyond it.

The stolen jacket is carefully removed from the dry cleaners bag I've been hiding it in. Sliding it onto my shoulders with barely a grimace of distaste for it's original purpose, I can only hope it will help today. Even an Oracle has to be lonely sometimes.

The second the jacket is on, a wave of interest surges from Jenny. It's so instant and overwhelming, I almost consider slapping her. Not worth it even if it does work.

"Stay focused. I told you about this thing already." Growling at her lack of convincing response, I can only roll my eyes in annoyance. "... Not my fault if you forget any questions."

"Nothing could ever be your fault Francis, don't be silly." The simpering is cringe inducing.

Best to just get this over with. "Can I get that in writing? Might come in handy if Enyos ever comes to town."

"My uncle will be here just after Easter. The Elders have already booked his flight." Jenny's quick infatuation only makes me more sure of my theory.

The jacket must create some kind of feedback loop. The more mystical energy a girl has, the more intense the attraction.

It would explain how half the female half of the student body could still function when Lance actually came to school. And why Willow, Anya, and Buffy have such immediate reactions when they encounter RJ. Each one is chock full of power.

The intricately carved marble splits down the middle and opens inwards. A chorus of children singing invites us to enter with any queries and we do so.

A long hallway of the same white stone eventually leads us to a round room. A single bronze brazier set in the middle casts a warm glow of orange light.

Shadows dance along the walls as the voices singing start to age. Soon wails of the elderly replace the once joyous music and I try not to shudder.

Before us the orange light morphs into an eerie green and casts it's sickly glow on us. But in the time it takes to blink, the light is once more the comforting orange.

The voices are gone and so are the dancing shadows. Both now merged into a pair of golden siblings, runes of pale blue glow faintly against the metallic sheen.

Togas of the darkest brown humbly cloth the duo as they have very intense looks focused on me. The scowling brother is about to speak first, only for his more curious sister to interrupt with a gesture.

"You intended to seduce fate?" The voice that comes out of her golden lips echoes faintly with bells. "To what end?"

"He clearly intended to bend you to his will!" The sneer of her brother slides right off me. "Just like all of the mortals, the seer is flawed." But it doesn't stop him from trying to melt me with it.

My snort thankfully is loud enough to cover up Jenny's mystically induced snark. "Of course I am."

"At least this one knows his place. How meaningless he truly is in the face of existence." Smugness fills the brother's entire being as he stares me down.

"Well see that's where you're wrong..." Confident in myself, I let the gleaming siblings know exactly why. "Someone above you thought I was worth gambling on. Because unless you think it's Jasmine sending me these visions, you know we have the same bosses."

Shock and fear mix in equal measures as the twins recoil away from the name. The entire foundation of the temple shuddering around me to make sure I know that name is forbidden.

"But you seek to change more of the plan than you are shown," Grumbles the now less pompous brother as he starts treating with me with an actual scrap of respect. "You reach too far."

"And if the Powers thought I should follow the plan closer, they wouldn't have let me see such a detailed outline of the next eight years." MY confidence roars hot as I finally vocalize my plans to someone who might actually care.

"As long as I live, I'm going to spend every single day trying to make things a little bit better!" The fear and pain I experience with every vision has made me care about strangers in a way I never thought possible before. "The Powers want me to follow the plan more closely, they better just lobotomize me."

The speech hangs in the air, both siblings examining everything about me in silence. But when they turn to each other in unison, I'm confused by the proud smiles they share.

"He is an..." The brother's voice actually sounds teasing right now and I have to blink away the shock. "Adequate choice. I withdraw my complaints dear Sister."

"As I knew you would." Her response is equally playful as the sister turns back to me. "Now I believe you came here for a purpose Seer."

Nodding carefully, my voice comes out filled with trepidation. "I did."

"So ask." Now seeming to be amused by me, the sister runs a a golden hand along my cheek. "And we may answer."

"But not until he offers proper tribute first. We are not a charity." Her brother stares me down with a smirk taking over his every feature.

"Uh..." Kind of forgot about that. "You want anything in particular?"

Stepping away with a sorry look, the sister explains with a gentle whisper. "It must be gold."

Only have one thing that fits the bill. "Alright."

Reaching into my jacket pocket, I pull out the wedding ring. Regret fills me for a moment until I remind myself the ring is Doyle's past and the answer to the question my future.

"Will this do?"

Taking the ring without a word, the brother closes his eyes to focus on something. "It will. You may ask your questions now."

"What makes the visions transfer?" Blunt with my words, I can barely contain my anticipation right now.

"Love," Explains the sister at the exact moment her brother contradicts the answer with his own.

"Death."

Growling at the vague non answer, I cross my arms to stop myself from getting physical. "I gave you one ring. I want one answer."

"When you make the choice that leads to death, love will ensure the visions endure." Smiling even as her brother grumbles, the golden sister explains in more clear terms. Still not crystal though.

"So Fred and I just have to worry about the other kind of accident?" That's a strangely mundane relief.

"And can you let Jenny know Liam's off limits to her family." Remembering the reason I'm not here alone, I tune out while the Oracles explain things to her.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 42: Magical Morality​

The awkwardness felt when Fred presses a goodbye kiss to my lips is more than worth it after the wait. Angel's giggles don't even bother me. But before I can get carried away, she pulls away with a grin that promises more later.

"You all better still be in this dimension by dinner." Her eyes dart to the book I recovered from Seidel back when we first met and shift into a concerned frown. "That book doesn't give me any good feelings and I don't want to have to come looking for y'all."

"I've decided good old fashioned violence will probably be effective against the Scourge..." Everyone looks horrified when I finally reveal what happened with Lucas. "Besides, they'd probably just come back with a bigger army."

But to my great relief, none of them seem upset with my failure to act. They all have varying degrees of hatred expressed towards the demon supremacists.

"That's what you need Liam's help with?" Jenny took the words of the siblings' well enough and has the Book of Kelsor ready for study on the kitchen table.

It was all the Oracles would give me when I asked for information on Mohra demons. So it better have something useful inside those pages.

"One of them." Admitting that out loud makes Jenny's expression soften unexpectedly.

"I'll help anyway I can." My fellow teacher's voice is filled with conviction as she meets my gaze. "And I bet Willow will even help make you a whole pack of those robot dogs." Wonder how the search for that dalmatian is going?

It's only her mention of the Jewish girl that makes me realize the source of her sudden passion for my cause. Her people went through the exact same thing.

"We actually deal with my mom and you can count me in." Amy doesn't hesitate to add her own voice to the mix.

"We should probably let you get on with that," Interrupts a blushing Fred. "Meet you all at the hotel around six?"

"Make sure to get a Hawaiian for me." Easiest way to get nearly a whole pizza to myself is cover it in pineapple.

Gags of disgust great my request just making a smirk take over my face. "You don't like the order, you can always pay."

Jenny actually seems to consider it until she adds it all up in her head. "As long as the rest are edible."

The door closes behind my girlfriend and ward, leaving me alone with four eager witches. Tara has been devouring the book on primal magic all night and though Mary seems most interested in the museum photos, she gives me her full attention.

"Lets start with a few basic rituals. Some simple stuff to gauge your potential." The mother studying to retake her nursing exam puts away the more advanced books I brought and leaves only two on the table.

"Glad you had the sense to ignore the title." Opening up the copy of 'Remedial Witchcraft' that Amy has been using, Mary smiles at all the sticky notes marking certain pages. "Only a few spells actually care about male and female. This is one of the better books to start out with."

Amy and I exchange intrigued looks before I respond with curiosity flowing from me in a torrent. "Really? I thought that kind of thing would have been important."

"A few care about the body. But those all have very specific results." Mary's explanation doesn't get any argument from Jenny and I soak in the information. "Some care about the soul, really only a handful though."

The pages stop flipping as Mary finds the ritual Amy performed at the zoo, the book being held up towards a chuckling Jenny. "Do we all learn this spell first?"

"Any witch with thin walls," Agrees Jenny, her dark her shaking with each laugh.

"What are you talki-" About to ask for clarification, Amy suddenly stops as her face goes cherry red. "... Oh."

Deciding it's best to play dumb, I force any look of understanding from my face. "Must really help with sneaking out to do those midnight rituals under the moon."

"Exactly." Winking at the smirking mother behind me, Jenny deftly avoids any further awkward discussion on the subject.

"If you're going to be my tutor..." Frowning at the insisted upon delay, Amy turns to the techno pagan with a frown. "Why did you make me wait until today before you'd teach me anything?"

"It's too easy for beginners to reach beyond themselves on a Hellmouth. So many demons are waiting to fill the gap if a spell's power is too far beyond the caster, it's safer to find yourself at a distance first."

Good time to answer my own concerns. "I'm not going to get hooked on magic, am I?"

"Only the darker magics will give you withdrawal symptoms. But in general, the dependence comes from how easy everything becomes." Mary gives her daughter a stern look that implies previous conversations on the subject.

Taking over while the family have a silent back and forth, Jenny finishes the warning. "People are lazy and most will take the easy way out. That's what is truly so addicting about magic."

Incense is lit and a cloud of chalk tossed on me. The sneeze bringing out my spikes is nearly instant and is followed by my annoyed mutters.

Forced to sit through over twenty minutes of meditation, I barely feel more than a slight tickle on my skin. "Is something supposed to be happening? I mean besides the headache."

"Just like I thought..." Giving me a look of pity, Mary tries finding the words that will let me down gently. "Most of your potential is being used to make the visions clearer."

"Most of my magic is being used like rabbit ears?" That's incredibly lame.

"You're the only case in recent record where a seer has more than just the visual." Jenny's look is completely lacking any of her former distrust. "And the only one I know of who got all five senses." Snorting at her assessment, I still can't help but be jealous of everyone in the room.

"Point of view horror movies aren't really that much fun." Would definitely trade a few senses for the ability to make a fireball.

Trying to soften the news, Tara proves she's the sweetest one of the whole lot. "You use your magic to make helping people easier. You really are a hero, auras don't lie."

"Since I'm not going to be learning how to do it myself, this is my plan..." I explain how all the different pieces are supposed to go together, with Mary being surprisingly fine with it.

"A mother tries taking her daughter's body to regain her lost youth?" A devious look fills her eyes as Mary agrees to help. "I can't think of a punishment more fitting."

When Jenny is focused on her own studies with Amy, I take the chance ask for help with the memory spell. Don't want Jenny to know it was me who ruined her second vengeance.

 

[Flightless Man]

Interlude 7: Boston Breakout ​

Iron chains dig into Liam's wrists, suspending him over a dunk tank apparently filled with holy water. The week long interrogation has left him moaning with inarticulate pain each morning. But he is allowed no respite, the agonizing process just begins once again at sunset.

The shadows growing on the warehouse walls are Liam's only sense of time as he waits for the torture to resume. Another hour and Trick will be back.

The pain coursing through him is nothing compared to the feeling of failure. They have Faith's address.

Whenever Liam gathers enough strength to make another attempt at escape, his muscles just strain uselessly against the restraints. Unable to use his increased strength without leverage, the champion still gives it his all each time.

"Almost..." Teeth grit against the burning in his shoulder blades, Liam tries with all his might to snap the metal.

Even with all his remaining effort, he soon hangs feebly in the air. Groans are the only sound the distraught vampire can make as he waits for Trick's eventual return.

The sound of a bird whistling goes unnoticed for a few minutes, the despondent Liam ignoring anything but his own discomfort. But when the music gets both sharper and picks up an accompanying chorus, it becomes impossible to miss.

"Well isn't this quit the bind you found yourself in." The smirking face of Whistler is suddenly in the warehouse, the hacksaw he has making short work of the chain.

With incredible reaction time, the balance demon snatches the chain before Liam can plummet into the possibly acidic water. Strength far beyond a normal human's is used to carefully lower the champion to the floor.

"Whistler?" Disbelief at his saviour's sudden appearance fills his voice as Liam accepts the hand up. "What are you doing here?"

"Saving you..." Smirks the guide sent by the Powers, his smarmy voice straight out of a fifties detective movie. "Can't let Allen get away with all that slander."

Blinking as his pain washes away as quickly as Whislter arrived, Liam strains his ears for any sound of Trick's minions. When he doesn't hear anything, the champion can finally relax a single degree.

"Slander is lies. You really didn't tell me anything important."

"Wasn't my call to make at the time." Shrugging off the ire, Whistler doesn't have a single shred of shame below his tacky fedora. "But things have changed and it looks like you don't need me anymore. I probably wasn't supposed to interfere, just figured you deserved a face to face goodbye."

"... Thanks?" The vampire with a soul gives his former guide a wary look.

"Don't look so glum. Things are looking a whole lot better for you now, if not everyone else involved." Walking him out of the warehouse, Whistler casually steps over a few piles of ash on the way.

Something about the tone triggers a warning bell in his head and has Liam's brow crease into a scowl. "Who?" Buffy better be fine!

"You used to have such a cram packed destiny, I really didn't know how one vampire was supposed to pull it all off." Whistler hands Liam a patio umbrella, after transforming the a drink one to full size with just a snap of his fingers. "But now I get it. Not sure I approve of the ethics personally though."

"What are you talking about?" Confused and growing more annoyed by the second, Liam barely controls his glee at the sight of his Camaro waiting on the boardwalk.

"Well I hope you know how to share. Because by the time you're back in America, that destiny will be split three ways." The words should be lighting a competitive fire inside him, Liam is fully aware of the balance demon's intent.

But he doesn't care and snatches the keys from his former guide. "Vampire used to be both the plural and singular. The prophecy doesn't have to be talking about the same vampire, Doyle already explained it to me."

"Did he explain his plan to deal with the Master is going to get somebody killed?" As a last ditch effort to steer him back to California, Whistler attempts to create a rift between the Irish demons. "Or how the prophecy says it's supposed to be the Slayer?"

Grit teeth and a snort are Liam's initial response, his following words just as conclusive. "Yep. That's why he's dealing with the Master before she moves."

"Alright. Good luck Liam." Whistler doesn't get in the passenger seat and gives a visibly sad wave goodbye. "Sorry I wasn't allowed to tell you anymore. But I was always rooting for you, please know that."

In the space of a blink, Liam is nearly deafened by a shrieking train whistle. But when his eyes flicker back open, nothing is different on the pier except for the absence of Whistler. Guy sure knows how to make an exit.

Angry yelling notices him and when Liam sees Trick with his minions, a feral smirk fills his face. Oh... This is going to be satisfying.

Roaring towards the vampires at top speed, the champion internally cheers at how many go over his hood. His only regret is that Trick managed to avoid the road rage and he actually considers switching into reverse for a second try.

When guns come out however, Liam decides it's not worth replacing his car and continues back onto the pavement. Faith's home takes nineteen minutes to reach, with every single second feeling like agony to the vampire with a soul. She has to be okay!

The two extra cars in the driveway are far too fancy to be any of the Lehanes' friends, making Liam realize with roaring guilt it may already be too late. He slams against an invisible barrier, not relaxing in the slightest when it happens. Only one of them still needs to be alive.

The noise brings company from inside. With two burly vampires already in game face ready to fight by the time Liam is back on his feet.

"Thought it was the girl..." The Cuban vampire snorts at the sight of the roughed up Liam. "You better get inside if you want a drink of the mom, she's only got a couple litres left. Dad kicked the bucket a few hours ago."

"Thanks." Liam feigns gratitude only to stake the pair when they turn back inside.

He does the same to the female vampire drinking from the moaning mother, only to watch Mrs Lehane fade before he can reach her. With a growl of self hate, Liam grabs a few of Faith's things before leaving. Better be able to pick up her scent before Trick finds her.





Notes: If this interlude wasn't any better, I'm going to try doing the next one in 1st​ person.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 43: Cards On The Table​

A head of platinum blonde hair makes my eyes widen in surprise as soon as we enter the lobby. When she turns to greet us and reveals Angel with a bigger grin than I can ever recall seeing before, I take full stock of her new look.

Long and flowing black leather skirt, blood red corset, and fishnets are what really pop. But most importantly, I can clearly see how much she enjoys the appreciative looks from the braver members of the Gunn Show. Glad Angel's finally starting to crack out of her shell.

As I notice the curly haired brunette beside the girl everyone thinks is my sister, I'm forced into stunned a double take.

Guarding two pizza boxes from the hungry hands of the crew, Fred looks simply stunning. "About time you got here, these guys eat like Lorne."

"Did you go to the salon with Angel?" Her black leather pants are tight enough that I can feel the strain and I know Fred can see me staring based on her pleased smirk.

"You actually noticed that?" Snorts a Charles Gunn as he proves why he's the leader of the crew, his hand sneaking away with one of my Hawaiian slices. "Cause if I didn't like you so much, no way I could resist the new look."

With no reason to get mad about such an obvious compliment, I just nod back with a knowing grin. "I know the whole world has eyes, that's why I didn't waste any time asking. Just amazed she said yes."

"So am I." A playful smirk lets me know he's just playing around and decide to return the favour.

"How are the Brits?" I haven't seen any of the Watchers yet and want to get an honest opinion of them.

"Gwen got a snowplow on my truck and it's been great." To my shock, Gunn is a lot happier to be working with them than I had expected. "I can go right through a pack of vamps now and ever since she told me to replace the wheels with solid rubber, I haven't been replacing them every few nights."

Is he talking about Gwendolyn Post? The crazy woman who wanted the lightning glove?

A grim feeling settles in my gut as I start planning to search the cemeteries. Can't really take chances on something like this. I need to find the Glove of Myhnegon before she makes an excuse to check out Sunnydale.

"-nd I guess Sirk's alright." While distracted I missed out on Gunn's opinion on Giles. "He's been the one handling the resale of anything we find in a nest, gives everyone a fair cut." But I do start listening again in time to hear about a name I don't recognize.

"The junior ones? How are they?" Buffy said they're pretty green.

"Lydia knows her vampires," Answers a contemplative Gunn. "She got us right on this guy Winter's trail."

He noticeably doesn't have anything positive to say about the final Watcher. "Wesley is just a prick too full of himself to listen to common sense. He's too much of a pansy ass to even come on patrol with us."

"He was supposed to take a bullet for you." Blunt with my words, I notice Gunn go slack with shock. "But I think I probably screwed that up along with Alonna getting turned. So I'm still going to call that a net positive change for you."

"You've had visions about us?" His hand is shaking when I feel it grab my shoulder desperate for the truth.

"You've been in a few. The crew not so much." Really hope I changed that.

His eyes go hard and his grip tightens. "What about Alonna?"

"It's why I gave you the apartment. Vamps couldn't get her inside the threshold." The conversation continues around us, with Fred the only one close enough to really hear the words.

"You saved Alonna..." Gunn's lip trembles right before he pulls me into a desperate hug. "You ever need anything. Anything at all and I'm already on it."

Before he can let go, I take him up on the offer. "Want to help me kill some demon Nazis?"

"Hell yes I do!" His roar of encouragement is carried by the rest of the guys and it's only then that I realize the crew has actually grown in size. Even got a few girls hanging around now.

The front doors swing open, Buffy and the tweed brigade entering with a smattering of greetings. Once I lock eyes with the Slayer, I know this is my best chance to be honest with Gunn.

"Before you get too carried away, it's about time I told you my whole story. We're friends and I want you to trust me as much as I do all of you." Hope that helps convince them all to listen.

"Already do, you're as good as family Doyle." The words mean a lot and I hope they aren't about to be taken back.

"Well you see I'm not one hundred percent human." Rip the Band-Aid off fast. "My mom got taken advantage of by a Brachen demon and I popped out ten months later."

For the first few sentences, everyone looks ready to pounce on me. But once I soften the blow with the tale of Doyle's origin, I branch out into the subject of friendly demons.

"It's not common. But it's not a rare occurrence either." To my amazement, Wesley is the one to come to my defence with the facts. "The Council has friendly relations with several different demon clans around the world."

"You for real?" Gunn is having a hard time rationalizing such conflicting world views. "Some demons are good?"

Again it's Wesley who steps up to the plate and earns my gratitude. "I have made contact with the Kwaini here in Los Angeles. I could bring you to my next check in with the tribe."

"Wait a second..." Alonna interrupts with shock pouring from her. "Is that what you do when we all patrol? You go talk to friendly demons?"

Shrugging at all the stunned expressions, Wesley admits his own duties in the city. "... The Council wasn't sure how you would all react. So I was assigned the role of making contact with the more tolerant species and told to keep them away from the patrol routes."

"Why?" Still not fully convinced, Gunn stares down the bespectacled Watcher.

"Just because someone looks different, doesn't mean they're a monster. It's what we do that defines us." Allowing my demon side out, I draw the full attention of everyone in the lobby. "I kind of thought you'd know that. But if you really want me gone just say so, I'll never come back."

Buffy looks like she wants to defend me. But Merrick silences his Slayer with a stern look she actually responds to.

No one gives Angel any such signal though and she has issue with me possibly being kicked out. "You even think about saying anything nasty right now and you better have insurance on this place."

The words are delivered evenly and with no hint of backing down. But instead of making Gunn or his crew furious at the threat, hoots of approval start to ring out.

"I'm not dumb enough to argue with your sister. Even if I start winning, you got another one and that niece who can back her up." The Maclay woman give firm nods of agreement.

"And I'd have a few angry things to say about it," Adds Buffy as she cracks her knuckles, implying her own brand of revenge would also be in store for the crew.

"Anyone got a problem with Doyle?" The promise of violence in Gunn's voice brings a smile to my face. "You got one with me!"

"Well if that's the case..." Something has been worming it's way through my brain every single time I see Gunn and in this moment I finally remember the cause. "After we deal with my demons, how about we go handle yours." Pulling him in for another hug, I whisper so only Gunn can hear the final part. "You know, get that soul back for you."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 44: Adjusting The Deal​

Even after I hype everyone up with the idea of taking out the Scourge, I have to admit that I only have a single piece of circumstantial evidence to lead me right now. But Gunn is happy to have busy work he can send his sister on instead of coming to the casino.

Once Alonna left with Fred and Angel to go investigate the shelters, any sense of good humour fled from Gunn. "Jenoff has more than enough muscle to take us out. This is just going to get everyone killed, it's not worth it."

"Yes you are." The first one to argue is Buffy and her glare bores right into her bald ally.

"You all know what to do?" Trading a soul for a truck should be just enough of a loophole to get this done safely. "Mary?" Can't believe Sirk thought of it with such little information.

The silver fox nods stiffly and looks up from her huddle with the other witches. "Almost ready to start the ritual."

"Any particular reason I'm not coming inside with you?" The Slayer isn't happy at being stuck with the job of keeping the witches safe in the parking lot and reminds me with yet another tense growl. "This spell should make you useless."

Well I'm not sure you're ready to handle the truth of the Slayer's origin. "Because it's a casino and you're sixteen."

"Well sure, if you want to be all logical." Her eyes roll in irritation, quickly followed by her tongue blowing a raspberry my way.

"I'm hoping Jenoff will be reasonable and just let me buy what we need. But if he wants to be difficult..." Cracking my neck to loosen up, my firm stare meets Gunn's nervous one. "I'll have Wesley kick his ass." That should ruin his reputation for at least a decade.

"Me?" Blinking in horrified shock, the youngest Watcher in Los Angeles rapidly pales. "But I've only fought one vampire before and that was under controlled circumstances!"

"Fine, Rupert can be the useful one." I was trying to give you a chance to impress.

Gunn interrupts with loud cough before putting the kibosh on that plan. "This is my screw up, I'll be the one who gets his hands dirty."

"Wear this." Gwendolyn's ever present scowl softens a shade, a gaudy emerald amulet in her hand.

"What does it do?" With no hesitation, the crew leader slips the gold chain over his neck.

The question just makes the prim watcher snort with amusement. "Absolutely nothing except glow. But it will make the demons think it's what's stopping Jenoff from hurting you."

"So the demons will try attacking us instead?" Gulping at the idea, Wesley's left leg starts vibrating. "That's just wonderful."

Mary thankfully explains the specifics. "The pacifism spell will return the pain meant to be inflicted three fold. A demon tries hitting you hard enough and they may just keel over dead." Can't have Pyleans killing each others cows after all.

"Shouldn't you bring in some support?" Trying to restore some authority, Wesley looks over the three of us warily. "This Jenoff may have humans in his employ and they will be free to commit violence."

"You will be just as restrained by the spell," Giles admits he has found a flaw in my plan. "Shouldn't you be waiting outside?"

Not going to happen. "It's my plan, not putting anyone else on the chopping block if things go tits up."

"As admirable as that is, it's equally stupid," The older English man counters with a confidant smirk. "You will just be a liability Allen."

The blunt truth makes me close my eyes and take a deep breath to steady myself. "... Alright, you win. I'll wait out here."

With a final wish of good luck, Gunn and Giles enter the casino once Mary gives the signal. The tension among us waiting in the lot grows by the second.

When it gets nearly unbearable, Buffy needs to distract herself with words. "Did I pick right with Giles?"

The weight suddenly pressing down on me when I notice her desperate stare, nearly sends me to my knees. Buffy really cares what I think.

Really need to be careful how I phrase this. "I'll always be around if you need help. But you can't depend on me to make choices for you."

"I'm just worried about the move. Mom's having a hard time finding anything affordable." Anxiety surges through me as Buffy fills me in on the divorce proceedings. I have way less time than I thought!

"How long?" I'm not letting you face the Master.

"Just after the exams." So I have until the end of January.

"Well if you want to keep being a cheerleader once you transfer, you should know the girls at Sunnydale do more than just shake tail feathers." You really need to step up your game if you want those pom poms.

She doesn't seem nearly as bothered as I thought and shrugs it off with an easy grin. "Not really sure that's for me anymore. I've been spending most of my free time writing."

"Oh?" I really do need to watch what I say around these kids, they're like sponges.

"It really does help me calm down after a patrol and Mom loves my new hobby. So thanks for suggesting it Doyle." She's dropped the Mister for now and I make a note to remind her she'll need to bring it back in the classroom. "Dad was even talking about sending it to one of his publisher friends once I finish."

"Giles is a good choice, I couldn't have picked better myself." Admitting that gets Buffy to sigh with relief.

Her tapping foot finally stops and Buffy tries to hide the full scope of her smile. "Really?"

"He's not as stuffy as you think." My words only get Buffy to snort in disbelief. "I mean it. He's an actual person under all the tweed and you'll probably even like him."

"I just don't want him to get hurt." The guilt in her voice leads to a question I've been dreading. "Why can't you just be my Watcher?"

"I'm not really qualified." You and Liam need different kinds of guidance. "I was actually going to ask if I could join you for training. Since I seem to keep ending up in the hospital, figured I should learn how to fight like a girl."

"Oh..." The petite powerhouse frowns for a few seconds, only for the expression to morph rapidly back into one of triumph. "So does that mean I'll be the teacher?" Her eyes go wide with delight. "You'll have to call me Miss Summers!"

Before I have a chance to correct her assumption, the doors of the casino swing open. The sight of Gunn and Giles with arms around each others shoulders is strange. But we Giles actually kicks his heels on the way down the stairs, I realize something unexpected happened.

"That was fast..." Checking my watch to see only forty minutes have passed, my only clue is the way Giles scratches at his forearm.

"Ended up having something more valuable than a truck." Gunn grins up at the British man, the gratitude so thick I can taste it.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 45: This Is Going To Hurt​

"You get this thing and I have to take away all your cool points..." Gunn stares incredulously at the brown minivan with a strip of wood paneling. "This is for soccer moms."

Ignoring his attitude, I focus on the fact it has seven seats. "I have to drive a bunch of teenagers around, pretty much am one now."

"Can you keep a secret?" He's tense enough that I don't take offence and wait for Gunn to gather his thoughts. "Being around all you smart guys has got me thinking maybe I should think about getting my grade twelve."

"You need any help?" Ecstatic at the news, I try my hardest not to overwhelm the eighteen year old.

Gunn shakes his head and lets me know his plan. "Didn't you say to give Wesley a chance? I figure he helps me with the books, I help him not be such a wuss."

"Why you want that kept quiet?" Wouldn't Alonna love to hear that she's not the only one going back to school?

"Not sure I can do it." It takes a lot of courage for Gunn to admit that and his fingers dance across the side of the van. "Never been anything but the muscle before."

He's been tense even with his soul restored. But I can't quite put my finger on the reason and try to feel the guy out carefully.

"Takes more than muscle to plan everything." Scowling at his self defeatist tone, my hand firmly grips his shoulder in support. "An idiot couldn't have done everything you have."

"But I still would have gotten Alonna killed!" Unable to shake my words from last night, Gunn locks frantic eyes with me.

Guess it's time for some cold hard truth. "It could still happen, world's a dangerous place. I know it's only a matter of time before I make the wrong call and someone winds up dead." And I have to figure out how to live with that guilt.

Once the paperwork is signed, the two of us make a few stops on the way back to the Hyperion. I make sure to replace my bat with a pair of metal ones before getting a few things with sharp edges.

The address Merrick gave me is one of the few places with combat ready weapons instead of just fancy props. It takes all my resolve to only get what I need. But I know this will become one of my regular stops each month.

A few swords of various sizes, a couple different axes, one of those fancy trench shovels, and an assortment of wicked looking knives, all get bundled into a crate for a very affordable price. I even get Gunn an authentic looking roman blade when I notice the trail of drool puddling beneath him.

"Can't wait to try this thing out on a fang banger." He gives it a few practice swings, an expression of pure glee on his normally stern face. "It's going to hack heads right off."

"You ever going to tell me what happened with Jenoff?" Shoulder checking as I turn back into the street, my curiosity rears it's ugly head.

"You going to tell us what happened in Vegas?" Countering with a cocky grin, Gunn diverts away from an actual answer. "Tara just goes red whenever we try asking."


As much as I'd like to just drop the subject, I need to know Giles is safe to be around. "Pretty sure I have a rough idea what happened. So I'm just going to ask if you think it's over."

It takes a few minutes for my passenger to make up his mind. But eventually he decides I've earned that much at the very least.

"It's over. Didn't even take Jenoff up on his offer of a free roll."

"Good." Dropping the topic with a firm nod, I pull into the hotel's lot. "Saves me from having to figure out tattoo removal later."

"You got any lotto numbers?" Gunn's grin is only teasing.

Yet I can't resist the urge to show off. "Not great with numbers. But you want to make so fast cash, Red Wings are going to win the cup the next two years."

"For real?" His eyes are gleaming with excitement, knowing all about my own investments this weekend.

"Until the angels start paying us, consider this our dental plan."

We share a laugh and head inside to find a sweat drenched Wesley sparring with Buffy. Several crew members already moaning in pain on the mats nearby as the eighteen year old Watcher somehow finds the will to stay on his feet for a whole nine minutes.

The padded suit absorbs most of the force. But Buffy's not holding back and each of her strikes lands with precision. Each time she knocks him over, the gasping Englishman forces himself back into a ready position.

"Is that all you got?" Swaying from what may be a concussion, Wesley has confused the Slayer with a hat rack. "Well I guess it's my turn now!"

With a gasp I assume was supposed to be a savage roar, Wesley shuffles forward with all his pitiful speed. When he's within arm's reach, the junior Watcher throws himself at the hat rack.

The bulky suit snaps the antique wood like a matchstick, one end flying up to smack Wesley in the face. His yelp of pain doesn't get any of the expected laughter and after he finally stays down, a few of the guys actually clap.

"Doyle!" Noticing my presence, Buffy eagerly pulls me onto the training mats for my turn. "You got here just in time. You did say you wanted to spar with me."

Me and my big mouth. "Well this is going to be embarrassing."

"Don't worry," Alonna remarks from the sidelines with a teasing grin directed at her brother. "Not even my brother can last two minutes with Buffy out of the fat suit."

"Two minutes seventeen seconds, thank you very much." Corrects an indignant Gunn, his arm crossing annoyed with a huff.

"So I'm not allowed to leave until I can beat that." Shaking out my demon side, I know the increased strength is just going to make Buffy hit harder. "Someone set a timer."

"Ten bucks says Buffy drops him in thirty seconds!" One of the new guys who missed out on the homecoming battle holds up his bet eagerly.

Thankfully some people have a little faith in me and Fred proves it. "Make it twenty."

Angel and Gunn end up making bets I know are only to spare my feelings. But Tara gives me a sorry look as she puts her allowance down on Buffy beating me down in under a minute.

"Sorry Allen. But she's incredible, you're just awesome." Avoiding direct eye contact with either of us, Tara has turned a very interesting shade of pink.

"Just remember I need to teach tomorrow. So no touching of the hair or face." Smirking as I make another reference only I can recognize, we begin to circle each other.

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 46: Progress​

The way Buffy instantly shifts back into a ready stance has me wary. But to my surprise, I'm not torn apart in a few seconds.

Fighting vampires and demons for a few months seems to have improved my reflexes. Enough that why Buffy's lightning quick punches start to fly, I actually manage to block about a quarter of them.

The rest still get delivered with painful force that knocks me around the mat, getting hoots from everyone who bet against me. But when Buffy switches things up with a kick, I do what Liam already showed me.

My arms clamp around her calf and the valley girl gasps when I use her momentum to toss her over my shoulder. The silence in the lobby is deafening and it takes Fred's excited cheering to snap the crowd out of the shared stupor.

"You use that on Allen all the time!" Her good mood is infectious and soon Angel is calling out her own encouragement.

Gritting her teeth, Buffy just springs back up ready for more. "You've gotten better."

She launches at me with no more sign of holding back. Her punches are coming faster by the second, leaving me few openings to even look up.

After she lands one that I know my ribs will be complaining about tonight, I stop acting like it's even possible for me to win. Once I give up on blocking focus on my own strikes, a few start slipping through Buffy's guard.

"We can all be better than yesterday and I've had a few." Panting for breath, I can't hold back the grin even as Buffy tries her best to wipe it off my face.

"It's just weird thinking you did homework." Hopping over a desperate leg sweep, Buffy is clearly enjoying this just as much. "And it was for gym."

A sharp pain in my gut is followed by all my air being forcibly expelled. Buffy's knee drives into my chest as she catches me off guard, sending me down hard as Tara lets out an excited squeal. Traitor.

While at first I think Buffy lets me have a few seconds to recover out of kindness, when I manage to get back on my feet, I see her signs of exhaustion.

Red in the face and panting like I've never seen before, Buffy has actually broken a sweat. "Brachen have incredible stamina Miss Summers. Don't give Allen a chance to catch his breath!"

Wesley's warning isn't ignored and send the Slayer right back towards me. The punches are a little slower than before. But I'm not in a condition to still match the pace and quickly get pushed to the edge of the mat.

The chain of attacks ends with a snap kick to my jaw, making me smash through some of the new drywall when I do finally stop flying through the air. Cackles of laughter are mixed with a smattering of groans as bets are claimed.

"Wait!" Interrupts the action with a thoughtful expression. "Didn't you say no face shots?"

"Indeed we did." Scowling at her wrist, Gwendolyn reminds us the other term. "He was only supposed to last two minutes..." Everyone glances at the clock long forgotten over on the counter. "The Seer nearly managed four."

Forced to agree, Giles starts cleaning his glasses to avoid making eye contact with his soon to be Slayer. "I do believe that means Allen wins the bet."

Watching him pull a crisp fifty out of his wallet and hand it over to Jenny makes me do a double take. Was her initial interest in his bumbling genuine? It wasn't just some way to get closer to the vampire with a soul?

"This was a lot of fun. When are you coming back for round two?" Trying not to look to hopeful, Buffy gives me a cautious look from the corner of her eyes instead.

"Just before Christmas," My explanation is quickly followed by my intention to bring the Maclays to Sunnydale for the winter break. "One of my students has a pretty shit night planned and I'll feel terrible if they have to sleep outside."

Fred's already got a flight booked to go see her parents back in Texas. But I managed to correctly argue it was too soon me me to join her for a family holiday.

Not that I actually had to try very hard. I think she needs a break from all the strange.

"We should have the pool filled. This place might actually start looking decent by the time you come back." Alonna stares with crossed arms at her now twitchy brother.

"But it's going to cost so much and for what?" Not seeing the same potential reward as his sister, Gunn blinks in surprise when Buffy speaks up.

"Well I'd start going for a swim after most patrols. Especially if you get the hot tub cleaned out."

Her casual comment gets a few of the other watching girlfriends to voice agreement. The shift in mood makes Gunn realize why people waste money on such a luxury and he stops arguing.

"Guess it's not such a terrible idea..." His eyes dart over to the Watcher only a few months older than him and his voice becomes a whispered threat only I end up hearing. "As long as Wesley keeps his eyes to himself."

Rolling my eyes at the rivalry, I try not to let the amusement reach my face. "You want her kept safe, I already told you the safest place in America."

"Already got her an open ended bus ticket," Retorts a grumbling Gunn, one hand rubbing his smooth head anxiously. "She wasn't too happy about that."

"You really want to turn this place into a clinic, you're going to need more than one nurse." That should help keep her out of the action for a few years.

Aware of the problem already, Gunn fills me in on the current plan."Sirk's talked to a few grad students. This one guy Wilkinson, he's even agreed too check the place out next week."

"That's great!" I'm not even faking the excitement. It's obvious one of my students has the symptoms of a brain tumour and I want to give Morgan the same chance Billy got.

"And don't worry, I'll keep the crew looking out for the Scourge. You'll know the hour we do." After giving him back his future, Gunn has been very intent on returning the favour.

So has Giles now that I think about it. Which is really all the confirmation I need about his tattoo being gone. Not sure if his friends are still targets, but Giles isn't going to be a beacon now.