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

[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.​

 

[Lillie Jones]

So Giles traded his Eyeghon for the soul thing Jennoff at the casino, while Si Doyle & Buffy Summers have a somewhat teachable moment ( as Buffy wanted Si Doyle him to be her watcher a nice compliment by the way for "chosen one "Slayer Buffy Summers ( 16)yr old( Sarah Michelle Gellar).
Which Si Doyle was outvoted in going into the casino even though he spell by Mary McClay and trying to Wesley to impress them, haha!
Anyway as Buffy Summers had a few reservations for her new watcher Giles with Si Doyle giving somewhat clarification as ( his inner thoughts suggested that Angel & Buffy needed different kinds of guidance. Besides not letting her fight the Master alone till January date and her arrival in Sunnydale high school.
We'll see how it goes next Si Doyle & Fred, Lorne, Angel ( Anne Steele ) and Liam in "Something to Atone For "`at the meantime.
Catch ya later
Cheers!

P.S. R.I.P Uhura ( Star Trek) Nicole Nichols

 

[Flightless Man]

So Giles traded his Eyeghon for the soul thing Jennoff at the casino,


P.S. R.I.P Uhura ( Star Trek) Nicole Nichols

Click to shrink...

I thought it was pretty clever to trade Egyhon for Gunn's soul.

A true loss.

 

[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.​

 

[Psyckosama]

You really should consider Souling Dru as well as Spike and Darla.

Yeah, would be a lot for her to get over but, and lets not be lie, a second Seer would be invaluable.

 

[Reven]

"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.

Click to shrink...

Pretty sure there is enough valley girl in Buffy that comment might actually hold a bit of weight and be taken super seriously.

The rest of you is gonna suffer something fierce though. But then again it should be obvious if you go demon mode.

Still yeah a lot of people are going to lose a bit of money.

If you go full demon mode your stronger then a flegling vampire and maybe a bit more durable.

So that alone would give you 30 seconds

the fact that Buffy does not have a weapon to just finish the fight like she would a vampire Adds another minute Maybe two if she can't adjust.

If she really does avoid your face and hair for one reason or another that adds another 15 to 30 seconds cause she can't just knock you out.

The we add in that Irish grit and stubborness and maybe 20.

So if we are going with you having no notable skill you should last 2 to 3 minutes with a chance of winning.

My advice would be to use her own weight and leverage against her. She can be ten times stronger then you but it does not change the fact that she is maybe 180 while wet and has half your hight and reach.

Keep In mind Buffy was supposed a short blond and considering she is only 15 she should be under just under 5 foot tall. Her older self toping out at 5,4

Keep her off the ground with throws or on the floor preferably on her stomach to keep her from being able to leverage her strength fully.

If you can't do that use your reach aim for her limbs to weaken her blows and choose what hits to take and what to back off from.

You have a chance of not just lasting but winning since this is young Buffy who has yet to work out her weaknesses and bad habits. Most things she have fought either could barely fight(Fleglings 99% of Lothos gang), are much weaker then her (the humans Gunn's crew) Or chose to rely on their greater strength and tricks (lothos)

I don't think Buffy has had a chance to fight something that is close to her level that she could not just quick shot with a steak. Considering I bet she worked up a minor sweat against the rest of the gang she is coming to you at a minor disadvantage already being slightly winded and you being fresh and considering she can't just kill you meaning this might be a endurance test for Buffy something I think she has not had to deal with before. She might end up burning up her stamina before she can fully wear you down. No rounds or water breaks in this match up after all. Considering your strength any hit you do land she is actually going to feel or struggle to block.

Wow sorry just actually thinking about it you have a real chance of winning. While she has advantages you have your own that even things out a lot more then I thought originally. If it's Traditional blocking and kicking aka the stuff you see in the series then it will be a drawn out she won't be able to put you down any faster then you could her it would literally be an endurance test and I don't think Buffy would be up to snuff to even outlast a halfdemon just yet.

Now if you try to make this a MMA grapple fight then the first one to get a good hold basically wins this Spar and I am damn sure Buffy has never been trained for holds or that type of grappling and such thoughts would probably never even enter her head as that is not how she fights. Nor does she have the weight or the reach to properly pull off anything she does try.

I guess if you win or not is decided by how quickly she can adjust to fighting something on par with her physically without any weapons to end the fight quickly. To take hits that actually hurt and do damage that can restrict her movements.

Regardless neither one of you is going to walk away from the fight without really feeling it the next few hours.

Honestly you and Buffy could not have asked for a better sparing partner as you will both only grow stronger from it.

Slightly different note have you given any thought to their exact numbers when it comes to stats?

Like for me a flegling vampire is automatically pushed to just shy of Olympic levels in strength speed and agility. Not world record levels but but high enough to be competitive. So let's say can lifts 4 to 5 hundred pounds numbers that only grow with age like Spike and Liam in the 7 to 8 hundred range. With the master being in the thousand.

Let's say Buffy for example is in the 5 to 6 range.

Does that sound about right?

Also really enjoy the story and sorry for the long post.

 

[Lillie Jones]

" JUST NOT THE FACE BUFFY" SAID SI DOYLE , AHH! ( ME AND MY BIG MOUTH) ,HAHAHA!
While Si Doyle proves to be an interesting sparring match up against the young Slayer Buffy Summers ( Sarah Michelle Gellar).
As everyone else is either hedging their bets between the Si Doyle & Buffy Summers( considering that Buffy Summers has a decent amount of experience in the Vampires patrol with her Slayer powers and Si Doyle might have a somewhat few tricks up his sleeve for the young Slayer Buffy Summers ( in the 5 or 6 range) sparring round on the mat.while Tara had a little crush on the unsuspecting Slayer Buffy Summers too. Including Wesley not lasting long on the mat either, haha!.
We'll see how it goes next time for our resident Si Doyle and Buffy Summers schooling substitute teacher Si Doyle on the mat ( whomever wins) next chapter episode in "Something to Atone For " at the meantime.
Catch ya later
Cheers!

 

[Flightless Man]

You really should consider Souling Dru as well as Spike and Darla.

Yeah, would be a lot for her to get over but, and lets not be lie, a second Seer would be invaluable.

Click to shrink...

I have considered it. I'm giving the Soul Curse some limitations (You have to specifically want vengeance on the target or it isn't going to work.). So Drusilla is safe until we find a caster who wants revenge or she does something worth it. Darla can still be cursed by the Romany for her part in the old crime.

Pretty sure there is enough valley girl in Buffy that comment might actually hold a bit of weight and be taken super seriously.

The rest of you is gonna suffer something fierce though. But then again it should be obvious if you go demon mode.

Still yeah a lot of people are going to lose a bit of money.

If you go full demon mode your stronger then a flegling vampire and maybe a bit more durable.

So that alone would give you 30 seconds

the fact that Buffy does not have a weapon to just finish the fight like she would a vampire Adds another minute Maybe two if she can't adjust.

If she really does avoid your face and hair for one reason or another that adds another 15 to 30 seconds cause she can't just knock you out.

The we add in that Irish grit and stubborness and maybe 20.

So if we are going with you having no notable skill you should last 2 to 3 minutes with a chance of winning.

My advice would be to use her own weight and leverage against her. She can be ten times stronger then you but it does not change the fact that she is maybe 180 while wet and has half your hight and reach.

Keep In mind Buffy was supposed a short blond and considering she is only 15 she should be under just under 5 foot tall. Her older self toping out at 5,4

Keep her off the ground with throws or on the floor preferably on her stomach to keep her from being able to leverage her strength fully.

If you can't do that use your reach aim for her limbs to weaken her blows and choose what hits to take and what to back off from.

You have a chance of not just lasting but winning since this is young Buffy who has yet to work out her weaknesses and bad habits. Most things she have fought either could barely fight(Fleglings 99% of Lothos gang), are much weaker then her (the humans Gunn's crew) Or chose to rely on their greater strength and tricks (lothos)

I don't think Buffy has had a chance to fight something that is close to her level that she could not just quick shot with a steak. Considering I bet she worked up a minor sweat against the rest of the gang she is coming to you at a minor disadvantage already being slightly winded and you being fresh and considering she can't just kill you meaning this might be a endurance test for Buffy something I think she has not had to deal with before. She might end up burning up her stamina before she can fully wear you down. No rounds or water breaks in this match up after all. Considering your strength any hit you do land she is actually going to feel or struggle to block.

Wow sorry just actually thinking about it you have a real chance of winning. While she has advantages you have your own that even things out a lot more then I thought originally. If it's Traditional blocking and kicking aka the stuff you see in the series then it will be a drawn out she won't be able to put you down any faster then you could her it would literally be an endurance test and I don't think Buffy would be up to snuff to even outlast a halfdemon just yet.

Now if you try to make this a MMA grapple fight then the first one to get a good hold basically wins this Spar and I am damn sure Buffy has never been trained for holds or that type of grappling and such thoughts would probably never even enter her head as that is not how she fights. Nor does she have the weight or the reach to properly pull off anything she does try.

I guess if you win or not is decided by how quickly she can adjust to fighting something on par with her physically without any weapons to end the fight quickly. To take hits that actually hurt and do damage that can restrict her movements.

Regardless neither one of you is going to walk away from the fight without really feeling it the next few hours.

Honestly you and Buffy could not have asked for a better sparing partner as you will both only grow stronger from it.

Slightly different note have you given any thought to their exact numbers when it comes to stats?

Like for me a flegling vampire is automatically pushed to just shy of Olympic levels in strength speed and agility. Not world record levels but but high enough to be competitive. So let's say can lifts 4 to 5 hundred pounds numbers that only grow with age like Spike and Liam in the 7 to 8 hundred range. With the master being in the thousand.

Let's say Buffy for example is in the 5 to 6 range.

Does that sound about right?

Also really enjoy the story and sorry for the long post.

Click to shrink...

It probably just became the motto for Slayer vs Slayer fights in the future.


You really hit the nail on the head. Buffy's already tired from sparring for around half an hour. Her reaction times are going to be slower and this is Doyles best chance at not making a fool of himself.

If Doyle tries trading blows back and forth, he's going down first. But if he can grapple so his weight comes to bear or get Buffy in the air, he has an actual chance of winning.


My own personal scale of strength for the fic. Weak human is a .5, normal human is a 1, strong person is a 1.5. Fledgeling under 10 years is a 2 (twice as strong as an average person), Minion is a 3 (up to a century.) Brachen form Doyle/Spike/Luke is a 3.5-4. Connor would be a 4(maybe a 4.5), Liam/Buffy are 4's right now (but will move up to 5 with a few years, and a Primal infused person is between a 4-5). Full Brachen like Doyle's dad is a 6. Lothos/The Master/Kakistos are in the 7 range (along with Lycanthropes). Olaf/Turok Khan/Hamilton is an 8, Weakened Illyria/Adam/Empowered Caleb are a 9, Glory is a 10 while bound to Ben/The MAyor is for the first hour of his transformation.

A Slayer freshly called is at about a 4 and will increase to a 5.5 over 5 years. Kind of tops out at that point.

Full power Olvikan/Full Power Illyria/Full Power Glory are 11++ and the scale doens't matter anymore. Only a handful of beings can actually notice a difference at this level of power.
I didn't include people like Anyanka/Dhoffryn, Dracula, Drusilla, Sahjahn, Jasmine, or anyone who fights more via other means than pure strength. That's a whole different scale of danger.


Thank you so much for the in depth response. It means a lot to know you care so much.

" JUST NOT THE FACE BUFFY" SAID SI DOYLE , AHH! ( ME AND MY BIG MOUTH) ,HAHAHA!
While Si Doyle proves to be an interesting sparring match up against the young Slayer Buffy Summers ( Sarah Michelle Gellar).
As everyone else is either hedging their bets between the Si Doyle & Buffy Summers( considering that Buffy Summers has a decent amount of experience in the Vampires patrol with her Slayer powers and Si Doyle might have a somewhat few tricks up his sleeve for the young Slayer Buffy Summers ( in the 5 or 6 range) sparring round on the mat.while Tara had a little crush on the unsuspecting Slayer Buffy Summers too. Including Wesley not lasting long on the mat either, haha!.
We'll see how it goes next time for our resident Si Doyle and Buffy Summers schooling substitute teacher Si Doyle on the mat ( whomever wins) next chapter episode in "Something to Atone For " at the meantime.
Catch ya later
Cheers!

Click to shrink...

It's going to do so much to improve both of us. I have someone I don't have to hold back on and she can actually fight full speed (or very close to it).

I felt it only fair everyone bet on Doyle since he's been gambling so much.

Tara is about a year away from coming out, so she's just all kinds of obsessed right now.

 

[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. ​

 

[Kaiserfrost]

Ben Wilkinson is Glory's host.

 

[Flightless Man]

Ben Wilkinson is Glory's host.

Click to shrink...

Are you saying Ben and Glory have a connection?

 

[Flightless Man]

Interlude 8: Turnpike​

After travelling across the country on his chopper, Pike pulled into the first well lit gas station he saw. Sleeping by day and riding straight through the nights, the Slayer's ex boyfriend has finally arrived on the East coast just a couple hours before sunrise.

"Just enough time to scope out the area and grab some food." His eyes warily scanned the empty lot for trouble of the biting variety.

After he finds none, a relieved sigh escaped the brunette biker. But the feeling didn't even last long enough for his tank to finish filling.

Angry shouts are shrieked out the front door as the culprit made a dash for freedom. The teenage girl only a few years Pike's junior tried to escape with her snacks, only for her frantic steps to send her tumbling to the asphalt.

He stared down at a face filled with raw terror. But instead of ratting her out like Faith feared he would, Pike pulled her up with a firm grip.

"Hop on."

The offer should have been rejected out of hand. Yet Faith seeing no other option, let the handsome stranger pull her onto the bike.

"Names Pike." He wasted no time in roaring the engine back to life and raced into the street before the clerk could stop them.

Several blocks passed in tense silence before Faith relaxed enough to provide her own name and a brief cover story. The nervous stutter did little to convince Pike and he brought her to Quiznos for answers.

"Now you want to tell me what's got you so freaked out?" His curious stare settled on the hungry girls face mid bite and notices the way her eyes bugged out.

A tired hiss escaped the dark haired girl in grade eight, her face pale from the horror of whatever occurred."... You wouldn't believe me, the cops didn't. They just hung up and told me to stop wasting valuable resources."

"Try me." Having lived through his own brand of insanity, Pike's expression was nothing but open.

So she did. With watery eyes that occasionally became actual tears, Faith explained the recent changes in her life.

"After mom got arrested in May, her brother and his wife had been looking after me..." Grief filled the teen's entire body as she broke down in the restaurant, no care for any onlookers as she sobbed into a stranger's arms. "It hasn't been easy, Irene miscarried and I know it was because of the stress."

Not having heard a reason for the cops the hang up yet, Pike could only respond with vague words of support. None of his bog standard phrases are enough and he could only listen to the whole sad story.

"But when I was about to sneak back in tonight..." Faith's hands shake so hard it spread to the rest of her body. "I could hear her screaming and looked in the kitchen window first."

Anguished beyond anything Pike could comprehend, Faith explained the scene of horror. "They killed my uncle. He must have had every single knife in the kitchen shoved through his back."

"Who did it?" Having already made the logical conclusion, Pike only wanted to here the younger girl say it first.

"Not who..." Faith's head shook firmly from side to side, not a shred of doubt in her voice. "What."

When Pike didn't flinch away or start laughing like the police did, she relaxed enough to describe the monsters' faces. The forehead ridges and glowing yellow eyes, with deadly fangs drinking the blood from her sobbing aunt.

"If those aren't vampires, what is?" Completely sure of herself, Faith scarfed down the rest of her sandwich before she the ridicule began.

"You serious?" A tired groan escaped Pike. "I left California to get away from those freaks. I guess I really do have to go to Ohio if I want a safe life."

"Ohio? What's so great about that place?" Confused by the random complaint, Faith is desperate to find out what he meant by safe.

"Only place I know of without any vampires. They avoid the place like the plague according to the people in the know." His grumbles at the unexpected danger Boston has become, Luke realizes this is probably the person Whistler told him about. "I was going to stick around for a few days and see the sights. But now I'm not so sure."

Faith's eyes dart once more to the front door when some road workers dropped in for coffee. But once she was confident they aren't going to turn into monsters, she managed to relax again.

"But if Boston is this dangerous, I think I should probably just turn around after we finish eating." Tired fingers scratched at Pike's scruffy chin as he made a show of thinking something over carefully. "If you want, I can give you a ride out of this hellhole."

Not sure what's so special about you. But you do fit every single description that I was given when Whistler woke me up in my motel.

Still unconvinced this girl could be a hero like Buffy, Pike doesn't want to just leave her in downtown Boston. If she really is just a normal girl with shit luck, I'll leave her with foster care in Broadview Heights and start looking again.

"Uh..." Faith has swivelled around one more, only this time her voice is filled with valid concern. "People are supposed to have reflections, aren't they?"

The dark haired man who just entered looks frantic as he sniffs the air. As he comes closer to the pair's table, Pike's gaze is directed to the empty mirror beside the new guy.

"Yeah. That's a vampire." His hand slide up his sleeve to emerge with a stake. "Stay close to me and get ready to run for the bike if he makes a move. I'll deal with him if he tries anything." It's only one, I should be able to handle him.

"But he's a monster!" Shocked at the strangers bravery, Faith doesn't have enough of her own to reject the offer.

"And I'm not mean enough to ignore someone who really needs help." Pike couldn't help but think back on the words of his favourite teacher. "As long as I don't ignore the people around me, I'm doing my part."

With his signal, the duo made a frantic dash for the door. Pike ignored the mans calls to wait and led his new friend to the bike, only leaving once she has her helmet securely fastened. Mister Doyle's not even around to see, why do I care?​

 

[Chazamataz7]

Interlude 8: Turnpike​

"Uh..." Faith has swivelled around one more, only this time her voice is filled with valid concern. "People are supposed to have reflections, aren't they?"

The dark haired man who just entered looks frantic as he sniffs the air. As he comes closer to the pair's table, Pike's gaze is directed to the empty mirror beside the new guy.

"Yeah. That's a vampire." His hand slide up his sleeve to emerge with a stake. "Stay close to me and get ready to run for the bike if he makes a move. I'll deal with him if he tries anything." It's only one, I should be able to handle him.

"But he's a monster!" Shocked at the strangers bravery, Faith doesn't have enough of her own to reject the offer.

"And I'm not mean enough to ignore someone who really needs help." Pike couldn't help but think back on the words of his favourite teacher. "As long as I don't ignore the people around me, I'm doing my part."

With his signal, the duo made a frantic dash for the door. Pike ignored the mans calls to wait and led his new friend to the bike, only leaving once she has her helmet securely fastened. Mister Doyle's not even around to see, why do I care?​

Click to shrink...

Looks like Liam just can't catch a break.

 

[Gindjurra]

Enough that why Buffy's

Click to shrink...

that *when

This one guy Wilkinson,

Click to shrink...

Oh this is going to be a… Glorious mess…

 

[Lillie Jones]

An interesting Turnpike Adventure ( as the misunderstanding continues between Faith Lehnan & Liam( formerly Angel) while our unlikely dark Slayer Faith unexpectedly runs unto Pike on the road and from Kakistos minions.
We'll see how it goes next time for our Angel and Faith, Pike and his unlikely misunderstanding with the ensouled vampire Liam ( Angel) in the meantime. Beforehand our Si Doyle made an impromptu progress for the half demon substitute teacher Doyle on the mat ,besides the young Slayer a run for her money alongwith hyperion Hotel gang as Buffy Summers underestimated Si Doyl Brachen half stamina on the betting pool and suddenly disappeared of Giles mystery tattoo ( of a Beacon something) is confirmed by Si Doyle.


Catch ya later
Cheers!

P.S . (Although I think that Buffy Summers has a decent one sided crush on Si Doyle or she 's hiding it very well ,despite her young age and hasn't officially met with Angel yet in season 1 ( I found be wrong though ,reading too much into it after the previous sparring match up ) ?

 

[Flightless Man]

Looks like Liam just can't catch a break.

Click to shrink...

It was a way for me to put Faith on the bus until she's a little bit older.

that *when



Oh this is going to be a… Glorious mess…

Click to shrink...

And as a Half demon, Doyle's mind is muddy on the topic of Glory/Ben. He knows Ben is connected to Glory. But he has no idea how or if it's good/bad.

An interesting Turnpike Adventure ( as the misunderstanding continues between Faith Lehnan & Liam( formerly Angel) while our unlikely dark Slayer Faith unexpectedly runs unto Pike on the road and from Kakistos minions.

Buffy Summers underestimated Si Doyl Brachen half stamina on the betting pool and suddenly disappeared of Giles mystery tattoo ( of a Beacon something) is confirmed by Si Doyle.


P.S . (Although I think that Buffy Summers has a decent one sided crush on Si Doyle or she 's hiding it very well ,despite her young age and hasn't officially met with Angel yet in season 1 ( I found be wrong though ,reading too much into it after the previous sparring match up ) ?

Click to shrink...

It was Liam in Quiznos trying to save Faith. Pike just ended up rescuing her from the one good vampire.

I hope I've been doing a good job showing Doyle progressing at a believable pace.

She definitly has one (but is trying to hide it). Buffy has a thing for older men and Doyle's only 22.

 

[Gindjurra]

And as a Half demon, Doyle's mind is muddy on the topic of Glory/Ben. He knows Ben is connected to Glory. But he has no idea how or if it's good/bad.

Click to shrink...

Mystically, almost all demons in both series are half-demons. Pyleans might not be, old ones certainly aren't, but even vampires are half demon spirit and half human. If a vampire can see that Glory is Ben, a half-Brachen almost certainly could too.

 

[Flightless Man]

Mystically, almost all demons in both series are half-demons. Pyleans might not be, old ones certainly aren't, but even vampires are half demon spirit and half human. If a vampire can see that Glory is Ben, a half-Brachen almost certainly could too.

Click to shrink...

Not half exactly. But yes pretty much all of them have some human. Vampires are unnaturally immune to telepathy, so they aren't a good basis for avoiding the effects of the Glory/Ben thing. I think it's because technically the Blood demon is pure in spirit, it's just in a completely mortal shell.

The main issue is that Doyle spends more time in his human form, so any immunity to the effects will be weaker most of the time.

 

[Gindjurra]

The main issue is that Doyle spends more time in his human form, so any immunity to the effects will be weaker most of the time.

Click to shrink...

I can totally see it:

Doyle: *ACHOO!*
Doyle: "Holy crap! Ben is Glory!"
Doyle: *reverts to human form*
Doyle: "Wait, what was I just thinking about? Oh well, probably not important."

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 47: Alliterative Assignment Assessment​

After Russel notices how stiff I'm moving on our patrol through the halls, he actually has a bit of a scowl when he asks about my weekend. "So you I hear you've been spending an awful lot of time with Jennifer."

The perpetual grating tone I've learned to live with from my balding friend, turns up the scorn by a few degrees. But I really can't think of what I've done wrong and admit it.

"What are you talking about?" She came over once and spent the weekend doing magic with the girls.

Scoffing at my claim, Russel's face takes on a pinched look. "The librarian claims the two of you saved her."

"She's new in town. Fred and I decided to show her around." Not aware the words make his frown deepen, I allow my nose to work it's magic on the students who are trying to avoid my notice.

"Fred?" I can't tell if his voice is filled with envy or just regular irritation at all the students crowding us.

"My girlfriend, I swear I've told you about her." My quick answer gets an audible sigh of relief from the shorter man.

Nodding stiffly, Russel concedes the fact. "Just not by name. Was starting to think you had a whole group of friends I didn't know about."

"One second." Catching a whiff of something that doesn't need to be within a hundred feet of Snyder, I turn to point a stern finger at one of the smokers. "Not on campus Kyle! I've already given you one warning, now you're going help me scrub the showers after school."

"But that's not fair!" The bully slams a hand against the closest locker.

"I can always bring you down to the office and make a little phone call right now..." I let the threat hang in the hallway, his fellow smokers starting to panic behind him. "You decide who punishes you."

The overpowering scent of weed hangs around him like a cloud, his blue shades doing very little to conceal the red eyes. But as much as he tries to act tough, the teen wavers after only a few seconds of eye contact.

"Fine. You win..." Grumbling at his choice, the scruffy teen can only curse my nose.

"Better be in my class five minutes after the bell. You aren't going home until we get every single stall sparkling." Refusing to bend after having a nearly identical conversation last week, I stare down the teen until he shuffles off with his friends.

"What did he do?" Glaring at the teens' backs, Russel's voice loses some of it's earlier edge. "I didn't see anything."

Knowing the vice principal will take it way too far, I play dumb with a shrug. "He knows what he did. Otherwise he would have actually put up a fight."

"Why didn't you bring him into the office?" The first bell rings and yet Russel isn't going anywhere until I share the gossip. "I could have had the punk squealing by the end of first period."

"Because he's smart enough to hide the evidence." He didn't smell strong enough to actually have anything on him. "Just too stupid to keep his antics at home."

He chases after a straggler and lets me enter my classroom, the students nearly all seated already. It's easy to see the shift in the groups seems to becoming a more permanent thing and I feel a tad guilty about it. Those three had been best friends forever, didn't really think I could mess that up with just a few conversations.

Sitting with the jocks and cheerleaders near the window, Xander's popularity seems to be sticking. Butt even if Jesse is no longer giving him the stink eye and has followed his lead, Willow looks completely heartbroken in the back row.

Amy and Warren have replaced the two slackers at the desks flanking the redhead and the lovebirds are right in front of them. The rift between the friends is something I really have no idea how to mend, not when Jesse refuses to even talk to me outside of class. He needed to hear it.

The message seems to have stuck at least and I haven't seen the lanky teen bothering Cordelia once since the zoo. But if his new friend Percy is any clue of his intentions, I'm going just to end up pissing him off again in a few weeks. No point patching things up yet.

Jesse's going to hate me if I get rid of the new coach right after he joins the swim team. And since I'm not just going to let the guy experiment on students, I know it's an eventuality I can't avoid.

"Who likes poetry?" Starting my lesson with a question I know will mislead most of the students, I smirk when the majority fall into my trap.

Only a few hands go up with confidence and I give Willow a grateful nod when hers is the first to rise. A couple more hands only go halfway up and with a whole lot of hesitation, with nervous glances darting around the class for any sign of judgment.

"Why don't you like it Larry?" Calling out one of the many teens without a hand in the air, I let the footballer speak his mind.

"Because it's lame girl stuff." The way he instantly looks around for his friends support is incredibly telling and I have no idea how he's managed to get away with his persona for so long. "Why would I care?"

"Was Kurt Kobain lame for writing it? What about Tupac or Freddie Mercury?" The jock has no verbal response and can only shake his head weakly. "If you like music, you like poems."

"I want you all to bring in the lyrics to your favourite song next class. You're each going to dissect to words of one and tell me what you think they mean." I even manage to head off any smart asses by setting a few limitations. "No curses and any sex talk better be metaphorical enough I can play dumb if Flutie asks."

Once I give the homework, we spend the rest of the class going over the various figures of speech. With the everyone getting drawn into it once I pull out the bag of candy.

"Longest example of alliteration gets a chocolate bar and everyone who gets at least seven words can grab a Halloween candy." Plopping the clear bag plastic bag I got super cheap the morning after the holiday down on my desk, I give everyone three minutes to write something down.

Calling time, I have them all pass the papers to the right to avoid any last minute additions. Quickly going around the room, I have the students read out the rushed attempts.

When I get to Cordelia and ask her to read out Xander's, the Queen of Sunnydale High blinks at the amount of words. "I don't think you want me reading this out loud."

"It can't be that bad." Walking over to her desk with an outstretched hand, I notice Xander sinking down into his seat. Maybe it can.

"Let me see it." Pink in the face, Cordelia happily hands over the sheet of loose leaf.

Instantly I'm impressed at how words he got in a single sentence that all start with the letter S. But as I start reading the words out loud, the crudeness makes me want to run the science lab and use the eye station.

"Stupid Snyder sucks slimy slugs, sensually seducing seventy six shitty sacs-" that's as far as I get before I decide to just give Xander the win.​

 

[Reven]

Nice chapter over all.

Love this new insight on the Troll.

Curious if the troll god's hammer will give the guy a Thor effect. Aka while holding the hammer he suddenly Taller and bulks out a bit.

Though really when I think of it Snyder was many things but a coward is not one of them.

The man gives Zero fucks who or what you are. Maybe not the smartest man but he still took one look at at the mayor turned old one and proceeded to talk down to him and give him a ear full before he was well eaten.

 

[Gindjurra]

Stupid Snyder sucks slimy slugs, sensually seducing seventy six shitty sacs-

Click to shrink...

Aw, c'mon Xander, tell us how you really feel!

 

[Flightless Man]

Nice chapter over all.

Love this new insight on the Troll.

Curious if the troll god's hammer will give the guy a Thor effect. Aka while holding the hammer he suddenly Taller and bulks out a bit.

Though really when I think of it Snyder was many things but a coward is not one of them.

The man gives Zero fucks who or what you are. Maybe not the smartest man but he still took one look at at the mayor turned old one and proceeded to talk down to him and give him a ear full before he was well eaten.

Click to shrink...

Thank you.

It's a challenge making him a little sympathetic but still a very difficult guy to be around.

Olaf will show up eventually, so we may find out.

I think Wilkins ate him because even he had to respect the spine. Most people got smacked with the tail/crushed.

Aw, c'mon Xander, tell us how you really feel!

Click to shrink...

He was trying, I just wasn't reading anymore out loud.

 

[Lillie Jones]

AN UNEXPECTED NICE CHAPTER!

True Snyder had balls( spine) to against the Ascend Mayor Wilkins ( even though he wasn't ever one's favorite person at Sunnydale high ( can't say went down in an epic Sunnydale style Ha! )
Whilst another day for resident Si Doyle and bff Snyder ( as Si Doyle clarified he took out ms Calendar, but forgot to mention Fred and another group of friends hmm? ) .
As Brachen half power is available in blood hound trail of the smoking weed by the students and unlikely Princple Fluttie ( assessment of the situation in the hallway ,besides hidden evidence of the contrary.
Meantime, Si Doyle found that breaking up of Jesse and Xander had more of an effect than he realized ( wasn't sure if a little more negative consequences on thier friendship, despite Xander 's recent popularity ( which hopes its going to Xander 's head yet though.? ) Unfortunately that won't get Xander in Buffy Summers in his good graces( friendship) with her supposed arrival to Sunnydale High school. Including Olaf( Thor's hammer incident episode)
Alongside winning the poetry ( rap) lyrics which an unexpected Snyder ( still Xander gave own personal flair for the poetry words,
But think Cordelia Chase came a close second round possibly in verse lyrics against the vice Princple Snyder at Sunnydale high school.
We'll see how it goes next Si Doyle, Fred, Lorne, and Angel ( liam) and Scooby gang in" Something to Atone For " at the meantime.
Cheers!

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 48: Amy's Mom​

"Just remember this when a plan needs me to go on a pretend date with George Clooney." Glaring at the magic jacket on our kitchen table, Fred exhales with more than little frustration.

"He's hot and charming as hell," Retorting without consideration for my audience, I have to roll my eyes when a few of the teens gasp. "You better let me come if that happens."

She snorts in relief before taking a deep breath. "It's not fair, you aren't jealous."

"I trust you. Doesn't mean I'm not taunting every hot guy we see in my head." That seems to do the trick and Fred's expression becomes a more relaxed grin.

"Did he just say..." Shocked at my words, Amy's eyes are darting back and forth between Warren and Willow.

Nodding slowly, Willow whispers her agreement. "I think he's a little bit gay."

"And I think you two have been staring at the screen for almost an hour. You any closer to getting a working program?"

The Jewish genius goes pale and shakes her head with a frown. "I don't think we're going to. I don't think the original Ted ever came up with one."

"The android has been walking around for a few decades. I think it's safe to say he had software written." But probably burned it once he finished.

"That's not what she means." Jenny interrupts with a frown and even Amy is nodding along beside her. "Ted wasn't just scientific. Somehow the scientist uploaded all of his memories into the metal shell."

"Like what my mom is trying to do." It looks like Amy is doing everything she can right now to hold in a scream of fury.

Going green in the gills, Fred realizes what that could imply. "Does that mean I killed Ted?"

"I think so..." Jenny pulls away Ted's scalp to reveal a cracked sapphire. "It looks like this is how he stored his essence. Going to be pretty expensive to get a replacement and experiment."

"That sounds like something straight out of a horror movie." Pulling in on herself, Willow is very unsettled by the turn in conversation.

An idea blossoms in my brain and I can't ignore it despite my best efforts. "How do you feel about animal testing?"

"Allen!" A month into her newfound vegetarianism, Fred is shocked at my blase attitude.

"Yeah, that probably sounded pretty horrible." Cringing at the looks my students are giving me, I hurry to clarify my point. "I was talking about magic animals. This would give us an off switch if they can't be reasoned with."

Not sure how intelligent a Primal actually is. But I feel bad they're just locked up in a zoo and intend to try getting them away from Weirick.

"What, something like a Chupacabra?" Trying not to laugh, Warren lets his greenness show.

"Maybe farther South. But they aren't very common on this side of the Rockies." Not realizing it was rhetorical, I repeat the same thing I found in one of the magic books in my meagre collection.

The conversation cuts of suddenly when the porch light flickers on. It doesn't become an awkward silence though as a key opens the door with no problem.

"Thanks for walking me home. I really didn't want to go to that party." Slightly dishevelled from an evening at the Bronze, Angel lets the absent Xander inside.

"Jesse was mad I didn't bring him last week. This time he can have the stories for tomorrow, maybe he'll finally get that bug out of his butt." In another one of Liam's dress shirts and slacks, Xander at least looks apologetic when he sees everyone else already here. "Oh. Hey guys."

"It's not like this was anything important." I can hear the barely concealed hurt in Amy's voice as she tries to play it off. "We're just trying to make sure I get to keep my body!"

Guilt explodes on his face as Xander does nothing to deny it. "I know and I'm really sorry. I've been letting all the attention go to my head, totally wasn't cool of me."

"So why are you here now?" Willow isn't letting him off with just a quick apology, her arms crossed with a fierceness foreign to the redhead. "Got tired of Harmony's tongue?"

"Devon wasn't really taking no for an answer. So I told him I'd walk our teacher's sister home so he could go party with Harmony." Nervously he runs a hand through his gelled back hair.

Earning at least a small favour from Fred, Amy decides to give him a chance. "Well since you turned down one sure thing tonight, want to seduce my mom?"

"Uh..." Blinking at the sudden change in topic, Xander's entire face crinkles in concern. "This is a trap, right?"

"Just grab the jacket and walk me home. She'll be so shocked I actually brought a boy home, she probably isn't going to remember you." Amy's firm words are followed without question and before he knows it, Xander is heading right back out the door.

"Just get her to the museum. I'll be waiting inside with Jenny and Amy." With everyone else far enough away to avoid making any big moral choices tonight.

"The seal will really block Cathryn's magic?" Always the curious one, Willow of course has some last minute questions.

Using the cover story we came up with in Los Angeles, Jenny takes the burden of lying off my shoulders. "Long enough so we can send her to the Hyperion for treatment."

"I guess I'll be living with my dad for a while." Amy really doesn't look upset by that realization in the slightest and soon a smile is splitting her face. "No more insane diets."

"You really aren't going to get mad at me if she gets a little grabby?" Trying to cover his bases, Xander makes Amy say yes three times before he lets them leave.

"You know all know what to do?" Handing out the walkie talkies, I give them all wary looks. Don't need any of you running inside tonight.

"Keep the kids out of sight and let you know if a Latino guy tries to get inside." Fred grins at my mothering antics and reassures me they aren't going to try fighting the Mummy's protector. "We aren't going to try stopping him, don't worry so much Al."

Letting a wheeze of dark laughter escape me, I share how much pressure I truly feel right now. "Can't help it. Anything goes wrong and it's kind of all my fault."

"Not all..." Trying to help, Jonathon blurts out the first part before he realizes how his words sound. "I just mean, Cathryn is the one doing this. So you can only take half the blame at most."

​

 

[Gindjurra]

Did he just say..." Shocked at my words, Amy's eyes are darting back and forth between Warren and Willow.

Nodding slowly, Willow whispers her agreement. "I think he's a little bit gay."

Click to shrink...

Everybody who can be trusted to dress themselves is a little gay - if they weren't, they wouldn't have a clue what looked good on their own gender.

Which means that the straightest guys are actually the walking fashion disasters who think they are God's gift to women.

 

[Lillie Jones]

Yes Xander ( It's not a Trap ) / Amy mom is a just complete ( Witch) Ha!
Luckily to see the popularity hasn't gone through your head at moment, including having Fred & Si Doyle ( with George Clooney gay vibes) mentioned by supposed girlfriend Fred Burkle and Ted had a soul( essence) ( couldn't happened to an nicer guy ) not!
While bff Willow gave him the 3rd degree about it, but I 'll admit it ( what Sunnydale high schooler doesn't want to be popular at the age especially in Hellmouth central) although Xander ( Zippo) could have handled it better, Willow got no room to talk either( hears looking at you( Dark Willow) but those situations are for later.
We'll see how it goes next time for Si Doyle Scooby gang and worlds worst mother Catherine Friday switcheroo back up plan in the meantime.
Catch ya later
Cheers

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 49: Phase Three​

Once Fred and her group are in position around the museum, I strong arm one of the side doors open. Using the janitors cleaning supplies as a marker, I lead Jenny quietly towards the exhibit.

Finding the best spot to wait is behind the princess, we have to freeze both times a security guard checks on the room. But before my knees really start to get stiff from the awkward position I chose, familiar voices can be heard whispering.

"Looks like the plan worked." Hisses Jenny, pointing at the middle aged woman clinging to the sophomore.

Amy was supposed to tell her mom Xander was going to take her to the museum and Cathryn drove them like we figured she would. In distance from the parking lot to the museum, the mother had interposed herself on Xander's arm.

Watching Cathryn simper after the teenager is only amusing for a few minutes. Quickly growing uncomfortable at how forward the mother is being, I try to stay quite.

Waiting for our moment of confrontation, I make sure Jenny has the primal spell book ready with a quick glance. Confirming we're ready, I give Amy the signal.

A sharp whistle confuses the mother for a second. But Amy and Xander are both quick to act.

He uses his bulk to hold Cathryn in place, letting her daughter unleash a tongue lashing far beyond her literary capability. Someone helped her prepare that speech.

"First my clothes and now my boyfriend..." Amy blocks off the hallway with sternly crossed arms, while Xander has a strange expression at the title. "What's next Mom? You going to try taking my life?"

"It's not like you're using it." The security lights in the Inca room cast an eerie yellow glow over the enthralled witch as she presses herself against the rapidly paling teen. "Xander will appreciate what a real woman can do with it."

Amy's conviction filled words come only a moment after her mother tauntingly licks her friend's cheek. "I needed to hear you say it first."

"Now!" Jenny urges me into action and I throw myself over the sarcophagus just as Cathryn's eyes start to glow.

Charging at the terrible mother, Xander shoves her right into my arms before the spell can finish. She tries to keep her focus on Amy. But I know what she intends and force her face down towards the desiccated princess.

Struggling in my grip, Cathryn is soon faced with overwhelming demonic strength. Once transformed and at full power, I'm able to use one hand and lock her gaze in place.

"No!" Pure unadulterated terror pours out of Cathryn.
"You wanted to be young again Mom..." Amy growls from behind me as the magic locks onto the sacrificial soul. "Now you can be sixteen forever."

Too late to stop the transferal spell, Cathryn's last words are a terrified shriek. Her essence swaps with the princess, being put to sleep instantly due to the still unbroken seal.

But just to be sure this is permanent, Jenny rushes forward with the pigs blood and starts brushing on the sealing symbols. Amy's rage has vanished along with her mother's soul and Xander uncomfortably pats her back.

Turning towards me with a growing frown, Xander makes it clear he knows what just happened. "I thought the plan was to use the seal. But you put Cathryn in the corpse, didn't you?" His tone isn't judgmental though.

"I protect my students." The vehemence I say it with is something I wasn't prepared for. "From shitty parents and monsters, to things as simple as minimum wage jobs." But I'm not going to deny it now that I've thought it.

Disbelief gives way to respect as Xander slowly nods his understanding. When Amy starts to sniffle, he gives the distraught girl his full attention.

The confused and most likely panicking Princess has suddenly found herself in a modern museum, far away from her ritual sacrifice in both years and miles. As soon as she starts to speak, I realize a problem with my plan.

"Does anybody speak Incan?" Because I can't make heads or tails of her rapid pace use of a dead language.

Making it clear we have no weapons, I try to mime an explanation. But I'm pretty sure I just made her think I want her to eat the mummy based on the disgusted look she gives me in response.

She at least is responding positively to Xander and I get him to hand me the jacket. "Good job you two, Fred will take you home after you finish up here. I need to get the Princess out of here before the girls start falling for me."

Not waiting for them to answer, I offer my arm to a now far more willing woman. Since Cathryn drove Xander and Amy here, I can just take her car to Los Angeles tonight. And drink a couple gallons of coffee before work, otherwise I'll have to stop getting mad at kids falling asleep in my class.

To my great frustration, I find things outside have not gone nearly as well. Jonathon is clinging to the guardian's leg and is being pulled across the pavement as the Latin man pursues Warren with a curved knife.

Scanning the area for the others only makes me furious. A groaning Fred is looked after by Willow and once I make sure it's not from a stab wound, I charge at the man who did it.

I know you aren't supposed to give away the element of surprise. But when he gets close enough to slash at the terrified Warren, I'm left with no choice but to bellow.

Shocked at my arrival, the Incan protector turns to face an actual warrior. He was not prepared for an actual monster though and nearly drops his weapon at the sight of me.

The feeble attempt to cut me is stopped easily and I waste little time crushing the man's wrist in my grip. The roar of agony is darkly satisfying and I follow it up with a knee to the gut.

With his wind knocked into the parking lot, the warrior collapses at my feet gasping for air. The only other sound I can hear over my own heavy breathing, is the sobs of relief from both teen boys.

"Thank you!" Warren throws himself at me and only beats Jonathon to it because the other teen was on his belly. "I thought I was going to die."

"What happened?" Trying to control my rage so I don't hurt the fallen man anymore, I point to Fred with a growl.

"He came up behind Marcie and knocked her out. But Fred just shot him with her stun gun. Pants a shaken Jonathon. "He didn't really seem to notice and punched her out."

Nodding fervently, Warren voices his own contribution. "Willow went to check on Fred and I thought it would be great idea to throw stuff at a guy with a knife."

Finally realizing how much junk is on the ground, I can only let out an impressed whistle. I'm not only amazed they didn't run away. But I'm eternally grateful they protected Fred and can't think of anymore reason to hold Warren at arms length.

"Tell Fred I said you could have a copy of the schematics." Considering how things could go wrong, I do have a firm warning to give though. "You need to figure out how to program the software yourself, no giving the sex-bot sentience, and do not make it look like anyone we know."

Going even paler than the fear made him, Warren looks anywhere but my eyes. "... I'm not making a sex-bot."

"You're fifteen, of course you are." Not actually caring, I let him know that fact. "Everyone masturbates, I'm not judging you for making the best toy on the market. Just remember me when you're a millionaire."​

 

[Lillie Jones]

Well everything went according to plan surprising to plan for Xander boy distracted the Wiccan mother and Amy's was definitely in character for the payback ( even though Xander boys crazy dar was in effect as she hitting on was a bit amusing for Si Doyle but was just feeling off putting vibes regarding her mental state of mind ( and Xander was just the decoy about the whole reliving thing through her daughter is kinda both frustrating and sad really ( doesn't excuse her behavior though ) as she had it coming. Putting her in incan princess mummy herself ( as I get feeling that Catherine will stay in the mummies corpse for long and immediately jump into another young body in latter of season 2 in my head cannon for some payback her daughter's supposed "betrayal " in her eyes ) with an unexpected Catherine vs Amy round 2 fight occurs hmm?


Meantime, Warren and Fred, Marcie had a little trouble of their own with Incan guard that the Fred's taser wasn't up to par for more supernatural undead forces as Si Doyle save d them just in time. As Si Doyle clarified that don't let sex bot thing go your head and forget me when you become a millionaire( billionaire) later on Ha!
We'll see how it goes next time for our resident Si Doyle and Scooby gang in "Something to Atone For "at the meantime.
Catch ya later
Cheers!

P.S .We'll see how Angel Cakes ( liam) is doing in his worst best Slayer misunderstanding adventure with Dark Slayer Faith & Pike trio at the moment. HAHAHA!

 

[Flightless Man]

Chapter 50: Princess And The Peon​

Racing South along the freeway, none of my questions get more than a defiant growl out of the guardian currently restrained in the backseat. Not willing to risk taking off the jacket quite yet, I also have to endure indecipherable flirting.

"Alright, clearly you have big brass balls. So how about I tell you what we did and you can decide if we're still enemies." And to my astonishment, the grim man actually gives me a new response.

It's not vocal. But his slow nod gives me a bit of hope.

With each sentence describing our plan, his defensive posture shifts into one of respect. When I get to the part about the evil mother's fate, he even snorts with amusement at the fitting punishment.

"As long as the seal wasn't broken, our homeland will remain safe from evil." Finally speaking, the middle aged man of Incan descent has decided we are not in fact foes. "You may call me Apo and I am Princess Qullana's guardian."

Hearing her name, the Princess starts listening to to the conversation more closely. Even though she can't make out any words, she's able to catch on to the lowered hostility.

"Didn't really seem fair that such a young girl was sacrificed by her people." Letting a bit of my own judgment show, my lips curl into a sneer. "This let me kill like four birds with one stone."

"She was not sacrificed..." Now with a frown of his own, Apo corrects my claim quickly before it can take root. "Qullana was chosen by the gods to protect us from the evil tainting the lands. When she was fatally injured, she used the last of her power to seal the darkness inside her own body."

Pride, love, and reverence, are directed at the infatuated Princess. Apo has nothing but praise for the woman I thought he hated and it makes me see some uncomfortable parallels with another sixteen year old girl. Was she a Slayer?

That's a chilling thought and makes me wonder about the evil once tainting the Inca empire. Did they seal a Hellmouth down in South America?

"Can you translate?" The tone of the whispers in my ear is getting more seductive and I'm starting to get worried Qullana can physically overpower me if she gets aggressive. "Would really like to take this jacket off before something awkward happens."

"My role was to blend in and follow the Princess around the world. I studied every culture but my own and only know a few words of the old tongue." Regret tinges his voice as Apo uses a few of those words to promise his protection to the woman the world thinks is Cathryn Madison.

"If one of the Watchers can't, I'll chew on a shoe." Those stuffy Brits are always good for useless information like this. "We've set up a rehabilitation clinic and you two can stay as long as you need. They can get Qullana caught up with what's happened and teach her English."

I would. But I've already got enough people depending on me and I really don't have the time she's going to need.

"And after?" Curious about my plans, Apo seems to be leaving the decision up to me.

"All depends on if the Qullana wants this to be a resurrection or a reincarnation." If she wants her memory wiped, the rehab is going to be focused on making her think she's Cathryn with amnesia.

But if she wants to remember who she is, she just needs to learn enough to convince the neighbours. Amy will be living with her dad no matter what happens, I guess Apo can just take her old room.

"These Watchers..." Thinking on the what I've shared, Apo's eyes take on a look of understanding. "They protect the Slayer as my family has the Princess?"

"Yeah. Evil's all over the world and we do our best to smack it down." If I do nothing in the face of my visions, can I really even still call myself a good man?

"You are one of them?" Apo's slicked back ebony hair really makes the scar on his cheek stand out.

Before he gets the wrong idea, I firmly deny the question with a shake of my head. "No, they actually get paid to look after the Slayer. I'm more of an independent contractor with a chosen one of my own to guide."

Not really sure exactly when I took the role on. But at this point it's impossible to deny my involvement in destiny.

I also seem to have picked up more than a few impressionable teens who I know could all use a stable adult. It took Giles far too long to realize he had more than just Buffy's eyes watching him and I'm not going to waste a few years ignoring everyone else.

"I would have thought you a warrior for good in your own right." Groaning for emphasis, Apo finds my claim hard to believe. "Who is this hero you guide and why are did they not help tonight?"

"I'm kind of filling in until he gets back...." Wait a second. Does that mean I'm not just a guide anymore?

Frowning at my own doubt filled tone, Apo has more questions that are increasingly difficult to answer. "When is that?"

"Um..." Shit. "I'm not actually sure, maybe a year or two. I sent him on a test to prove himself a true hero."

"I think this is just as much a test for you." Apo smirks at my sputtering. "By the time he returns to you it will be as partners facing evil together."

Sighing as I realize he's probably right, I can't even put up a token argument. Would really be hypocritical of me to try after I gave how many people the call to adventure?

"Well how come I haven't gotten a guide?" It's not fair if I'm pulling double duty and don't even get vacation time.

Snorting at my growing hysteria, Apo brings me back down to Earth with only a few words. "You said you had visions from the gods. Would that not count as guidance?"

Fine, be all logical. "And the only way I'm getting rid of them is by screwing someone I love over."

"Which is not something a hero would do." Nods the now smiling guardian as he seems to have his suspicions confirmed.

"But I don't want a destiny." I'm pretty sure it's a pitiful whine that escapes my lips. "They all suck."

"You should know better than anyone. The gods only share our fate so it can be changed." Apo's words are full of support and I relish this moment where I can be vulnerable.​