<see Part 1 for disclaimers>
Red Moon Series, Book 8
Frau Hunter Ash
Part 2
# # #
Willow and Tara pulled up to the curb just as Joyce and Giles pulled into the driveway. Buffy’s jeep was already in front of the house and lights were on downstairs.
The small group found Buffy lying on the sofa and Demmy on the floor with a pillow. Remnants of pizza boxes, a bowl of popcorn kernels, and empty soda cans surrounded the two as they yelled at the TV and the DVD they were watching. Tara smirked as Willow frowned, noting the movie was a bad vampire movie.
“Hey wives and family!” Buffy called cheerfully. “See, told you they’d be late tonight, Demmy. I called them for a pizza night. You don’t have to cook, Mom.”
“What have you two been up too?” Joyce demanded, taking in the black eye on Demmy and the cut lip of her daughter.
“Slaying,” Buffy shrugged.
“S-Slaying?” Giles repeated softly.
“Sure, he’s a Slayer, I’m a Slayer, we went slaying,” Buffy grinned.
“In reality, she threw me out of the jeep and told me to get home,” Demmy corrected. “I didn’t know she was following me.”
“He did fine,” Buffy reassured her Watcher.
“With a little help,” Demmy corrected again. “I lost my hearing in the middle of the fight but Buffy planned for that.”
“How so?” Giles asked, instantly more curious than angry that Buffy had gone against his assessment that they should slowly train Demmy before letting him attempt to slay.
“She shined a flashlight at me and I would follow it, the vampires couldn’t sneak up on me,” Demmy grinned, stretching on the floor.
“And the black eye?” Joyce demanded.
“I said they couldn’t sneak up on me, I still had to fight them,” Demmy shrugged, reminding Joyce of her daughter’s casual approach to Slaying and almost being killed nightly.
“He’s not too bad,” Buffy nodded. “I only stepped in at the end when three of them began working as a team.”
“Yes, well, maybe we should accelerate his training then,” Giles suggested, cleaning his glasses.
“I think so,” Buffy agreed with a smile for Demmy. “Sunnydale can always use another Slayer.”
# # #
“Demmy, no! Demmy, let him go now!”
Demetri blinked and looked around, suddenly blushing as he realized he had some teenage boy pinned to the wall by the throat, his feet dangling and kicking.
Demmy dropped the boy, letting Buffy pull him back.
“What the devil is going on here?” a strong male voice demanded.
Demmy dropped his head as a black male stormed down the hall of the school towards them. The students that had crowded around the sudden fight, began evaporating, leaving Buffy, Demmy and the coughing student to face the authority figure.
“Well?” the man demanded, towering over Buffy.
“I’m sorry, I came in to help Demetri bring his model in for biology the student said something that kinda set him off,” Buffy tried to explain, feeling like she was a teenager once again in front of Principal Snyder.
“All of you, follow me,” the man ordered, turning on his heel.
The man led them to the principal’s office and Buffy noticed the name on the door as Principal Woods.
“Well, Jason?” he demanded.
“I didn’t say nothing, he just went nuts, like his sister,” the student muttered.
“Excuse me?” Woods growled. “You had better start explaining. You know just touching another student in a violent manner or threat earns you a three day suspension.”
“I didn’t touch him!” Jason yelled, pointing at Demmy. “He went bananas and attacked me! Just like she used to!”
“I’ve never seen you before,” Buffy growled. “I graduated from the first Sunnydale High a couple of years ago.”
“You used to beat up my brother!” Jason snapped.
“He called her a psycho bitch whore,” Demmy muttered. “She’s my friend.”
Woods eyes narrowed. “You’re Buffy Summers, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Buffy acknowledged.
“The day it exploded,” Jason added. “They said she was responsible for that too! Burned down her first high school and then she blew up Sunnydale High.”
“Shut up, Jason,” Wood said absently. “Clean yourself up and go to class. Ask Mrs. Parsons for a note excusing you for being late. By the way, if I hear that kind of language out of you again, especially about a guest to this school, I’ll pin you to the flagpole and leave you hanging there, got me?”
“Yes, Principal Woods,” Jason muttered, glaring at Demmy one last time.
“Now, Miss Summers, you said you were here to help Demetri?”
“Yes, he’s new to the country and staying with my Mom and step father,” Buffy nodded. “We already turned his records over to the board and he completed his testing.”
Principal Woods looked through the folder the secretary brought in and then at Demmy. “Your tests show a more than average dedication to school, want to explain the outburst of violence? It won’t be tolerated here, son.”
“Yes, sir,” Demmy said softly, dropping his eyes.
“I’m still waiting for an explanation,” Woods said firmly.
“He insulted Buffy,” Demmy muttered.
“And it won’t happen again, correct?” Woods suggested firmly.
“No, sir,” Demmy agreed.
“I’m going to assign your free period to my secretary for a week, you can help acquaint her with the computer as your punishment for touching Jason. After that you may choose what extra activity you would like for that period,” Woods declared.
“I’d like to work in the library, sir,” Demmy said softly.
“That can be arranged,” Woods nodded. “Violence against other students won’t happen again, will it?”
“No, sir,” Demmy nodded.
“Now, go see Mrs. Parsons for your punishment. I want to talk with Miss Summers for a moment,” Woods smiled gently.
“Hang in there, Demmy,” Buffy said softly as the tall youth left the inner office. She felt her own nervousness rising as Woods seemed to inspect her.
“You know that your record is required reading for any administrator in the system,” he commented.
Buffy’s eyes widened. “I, uh, most of that was… uh,” she stammered.
“Very colorful,” Woods continued. “Excellent scores, grade fluctuation, fights, running away, suspensions, special honors at the prom by your fellow students, very colorful.”
Buffy didn’t have a clue how to respond.
“You seem to be able to handle Demmy and his record is beginning to be colorful,” Woods commented.
“He was taught mainly by tutors, his social skills may need some work,” Buffy explained. “Demmy’s new to the country and us and settling in. He was kinda protective of me.”
“That’s a good sign as long as it doesn’t get violent again on school grounds,” Woods nodded. “Shows he’s bonding to you.”
“Uh, yeah, I think he’s a good kid, just needs some guidance and self esteem building,” Buffy added. “Also connected with Dawn Rayne-Giles, she’s my step-sister.”
“Her record is excellent and she’s fitting in well,” Woods said after a moment. ‘Tell me, Miss Summers, do you have any spare time during the week?”
“I, uh, what?” Buffy responded, definitely confused.
“I’m young for a principal but I’m still out of touch with some of our more… colorful students, those with records much like yours,” Woods began. “I need someone to act as a go-between with the students and the faculty and administration. Not quite a guidance counselor but more like a peer advisor.”
“I’m not their age so I’m not exactly their peer,” Buffy countered. In truth, she and Giles were more than anxious to get into the new high school. Being built on top of the old school, which was on top of the Hellmouth, made both Watcher and Slayer uncomfortable. It didn’t help that Tara and Willow added that the gate was unstable and constantly struggling to be opened again.
“No, but you have a reputation of being a problem student and you made it through school, they might be able to relate to you,” Woods countered. “There’s also mention in the records of you helping some of the more isolated students while here. One Willow Rosenberg, seen as an honor student but lacking in self-esteem and socialization, now she’s an honor student at Sunnydale U and being recruited for her computer skills. Alexander Harris, barely getting through some of his subjects, described as an outcast and potential drop out. Noted as being your friend and his grades, attendance, and confidence improved. You stopped a student from killing himself and a murderous plot to poison all the students the same day. Also several incidents of stopping marauding drug gangs from destroying the school and injuring students and faculty. You know Sunnydale is the only city in the United States where we have marauding drug gangs?”
“Uh, Xander stopped the poisoning,” Buffy explained, blushing slightly at the description of her teen years.
“And he wouldn’t have been there without your influence,” Woods smiled. “I’d like you to work with the problem or isolated students. A couple of hours a week, the pay would be very minimal though.”
“I’ll take it,” Buffy said firmly. It was a perfect opportunity to get back into the high school and spot any problem areas.
“Like I said, very little money,” Woods emphasized.
“I’ll still take it,” Buffy said just as firmly.
“Excellent, I’ll work around your school schedule and the classes here,” Woods grinned, leaning forward to shake Buffy’s hand.
“You know that I’m still in school?” Buffy asked, surprised.
“Yes, I was planning on approaching you with the position so I checked your progress out at Sunnydale U,” Woods nodded. “You’ll be dealing with my kids, I wanted to be sure my instincts about you were right.”
“Instincts? We’ve never met, Principal Woods,” Buffy frowned, wondering suddenly if he was a nice guy or if this was a trap.
“No, but I read your record and I think you’re very much like my mother. She was a rebel of sorts,” Woods smiled sadly. “You’ve had some problems at college but that seems to be leveling out.”
“Principal Woods, there’s something that we should discuss before you offer the position,” Buffy said slowly. “It’s well known around Sunnydale U that I, uh, I’m… my off campus life can be described as…”
“Progressive? Liberal? Unusual? Perverted?” Woods suggested with a smirk. “I’ve heard the rumors, Miss Summers, and I don’t care. Might even go over better with some of the isolated students struggling with their own sexual identities. Just no making out on campus.”
Buffy knew she was blushing a bright red. “Of course not!”
“Now, do you think that your step-father might be approachable about a job?” Woods asked, surprising Buffy yet again.
“Giles? What kind of position? He owns the Magic Box but has a partner,” she asked.
“As part time librarian,” Woods smiled. “I understand that he loves books.”
“I think he’d love it a few days a week,” Buffy smiled.
“Excellent, I’ll call him tonight,” Woods said, standing up and shaking Buffy’s hand again. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Miss Summers.”
“Please call me Buffy,” the Slayer smiled.
“I’m Woods or Woody,” the principal smiled.
# # #
# # #
Within a week, Giles was once again in the library and Buffy was at one of the tables talking with some of the students.
Willow’s computer research had shown Principal Woods to be a dedicated but stern school teacher turned administrator who appeared to be what he seemed on the surface. Further digging revealed he was an orphan, father unknown and mother killed in a subway attack when he was a boy. Raised by a grandmother to be an honor student, he had dedicated himself to teaching other problem students.
The main mystery was why he was in Sunnydale instead of New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans or other metro school system where his talents were obviously needed.
With a smile, Giles leaned against his door jam at his office, watching his Slayer interacting with the students. The only thing missing was Willow and Xander bounding in, he reflected.
As if on cue, Dawn entered the library and threw her backpack on the table next to Buffy. “Hey, sis, giving Justin a hard time?”
Demmy and Dawn, with Buffy’s help, had settled into school much easier than the group had anticipated. During his short time in the Summers’ home, they had discovered that there were times when the young Russian had a very short fuse. After some talking and prodding, Giles discovered that Demmy suffered from headaches that were causing his short temper and they were working on different medications to discover how to reduce the boy’s pain.
Dawn was quickly becoming one of the more popular students although she kept bugging Buffy about watching her slay. The Slayer and Watcher held firm in refusing her.
During the evenings, Buffy and Giles worked on Demmy’s Slayer training. Also advancing the plans of opening a self-defense academy and expanding the Magic Box. Willow and Tara helped Dawn with her homework and the more interesting aspects of computers.
Buffy and Giles concentrated on working with each of Demmy’s reoccurring disabilities, finding ways around each one that would help keep the boy alive during a fight, especially a fight with vampires, demons, werewolves and sorcerers.
Buffy watched as Demmy worked with a wooden sword against a dummy in the back of the Magic Box. Giles entered from the front of the shop and joined his Slayer. “He’s not bad at all,” he commented.
“No, not at all,” Buffy smiled, watching the teenager. “It’s hard though. The headaches are getting worse.”
“I know,” Giles said softly. “I don’t think he’ll ever be at your level, or even Faith but he’s not the reject the Council thinks he is.”
Buffy watched her young friend with a pang of familiar pain. He was a lot like Willow had been; quiet, shy, intelligent, and awkward. For being born to be a Slayer, Demmy was clumsy at times.
# # #
Dawn was surprised to see Buffy standing by her jeep after school one Friday. “Hey, what’s up?”
“Well, I thought we’d spend some time together,” Buffy shrugged. “You’re important to Giles and Mom, they’re important to me. Maybe find a way to get along a little bit better?”
Dawn hesitated, appearing to consider the offer. Even though she had settled in fairly well in the Summers-Giles house, school and with the others, something hadn’t clicked with the two witches and Buffy.
“Okay, what do you have in mind? Shopping?”
“No, the last time we tried that I had to play for the blouse you ripped apart,” Buffy smirked. “I was thinking pizza, talk and a graveyard. A very long talk about anything you want, especially about Giles and how he fits into my life other than step-dad.”
“A graveyard? You’re going to take me slaying?” Dawn asked excitedly.
“Yes,” Buffy answered, opening the jeep door.
“Fantastic!” Dawn squealed, throwing her backpack behind the seat.
“In exchange, we talk about you growing up with Ethan Rayne and what exactly he told you about us and Giles,” Buffy added.
Dawn pouted for a moment and then nodded. “Okay.”
Two hours later Dawn was surprised to find herself on top of a tomb with holy water, large cross, walkie talkie and firm orders to stay put, no matter what happened.
Giles had met the two girls at the gate of Restfield Cemetery and Dawn could tell he didn’t approve of her presence there but he didn’t say anything. He helped Buffy set Dawn up safely on top of a tomb, leaning heavily on his cane.
Buffy had noticed he was more business-like than usual and knew he was worried about Dawn being there, both for her physical safety and for her possible rejection of what he did.
The Slayer didn’t have a chance to discuss it with him before two vampires sprang out of the shadows at both of them.
Dawn cried out in surprise and fear, her eyes widening as Giles spun, pulling the tip off his cane, and revealing a sharpened end. He ducked as the vampire clawed at his face and drove the cane stake into the vampire’s chest.
Buffy traded blows with her large male vampire easily, sending him flying over a tombstone with a kick under his chin.
Dawn started to yell a warning when Giles moved to stand with his back to the tomb, three more vampires stepping out of the shadows.
“Relax, Giles, I’ve got these,” Buffy grinned.
The Slayer relaxed into the fight as the vampires crowded in. Kicking one, back handing another, taking a blow across her cheek, smashing a fist across that one’s nose. The rest of the world faded as Buffy took out first one vampire and then another. The one she had knocked senseless earlier joined the fight, bringing the number up to two again.
Buffy grinned and dodged a knife slash. “Hey, no fair! You’ve got claws and fangs, no pointy objects!”
“S-she jokes about this?” Dawn asked Giles, leaning over the edge of the tomb. “They really, really want to kill her don’t they?”
“Yes, and us,” Giles nodded as he held his cross up, discoursing either vampire from approaching him and his daughter. “Anyone they could get their fangs in, actually.”
“They’re kind ugly,” Dawn said thoughtfully.
“That’s the demon that takes the body when someone is killed by a vampire. Most demons look even worse,” Giles added.
“But Anya is an ex-demon and she’s cool,” Dawn protested, watching Buffy kill the unarmed vampire.
“She wasn’t pleasant in demon form,” Giles countered. “She caused torment for over hundred of years. The fact that she’s human now is an extreme rarity. The demon she was had no mercy or compassion for her victims.”
“Buffy does this every night?” Dawn asked as Buffy took another hard hit across the jaw. “That would have hurt a normal person, wouldn’t it?”
“Either knocking them unconscious or a broken jaw, yes,” Giles sighed. “On Buffy it’ll be a bruise tomorrow and gone tomorrow night, fortunately. That’s one of the benefits of being the Slayer.”
“The downside being?” Dawn asked, perking up.
“Dying young,” Giles said firmly. “Buffy died at age sixteen. She was beaten by a Master vampire, drained and left to drown. Xander found her in time to administer CPR.”
Giles glanced up, seeing Dawn blink. “D-died? If Xander hadn’t found her?”
“I would have found her and buried her,” Giles said calmly. “Reported into the Council that the Slayer had fallen and probably would have been reassigned back to England. I would have grieved and… and probably lived a bachelor’s life.”
“And J-Joyce?”
“Would have mourned her daughter, thinking she had failed and Buffy had been a bad kid,” Giles responded.
“But she’s alive and the oldest Slayer, right?’ Dawn’s voice was almost a whine.
“Yes, tonight she’s alive,” Giles said bluntly. “She’s faced death so many times we probably couldn’t even track them any more. She has family and friends and that’s helped keep her alive but it won’t forever. The odds are very against her, Dawn. Kendra was killed very shortly after being called and Faith would have died if she hadn’t teamed up with Buffy to defeat an ancient vampire.”
“Ethan hates all of this,” Dawn said softly as Buffy finished off the last vampire and began scanning for more. “He hates that you left and went back to school.”
“Yes,” Giles nodded. “What did he tell you about us? About what happened?”
“That you two did magic and wild stuff together,” Dawn said slowly, climbing down from the tomb. “That things went wrong, somebody died during a ritual and you ran.”
“That’s the simple explanation,” Giles sighed. “Was Ethan good to you?”
“Yeah, he was the tops,” Dawn grinned. “He didn’t really talk trash about you, just could tell he was right bitter about some things.”
“Yes, so am I,” Giles said softly, his eyes narrowing. “I was an idiot along with Ethan when we were young. Not much older than you right now. Someone did get killed. My brother and one of our friends and it was gruesome, horrible and shattering. I realized I didn’t like myself or the path I was on and went back to my destiny of being a Watcher, Ethan never understood that calling.”
“Like Joyce doesn’t understand being a Slayer?” Dawn ventured.
“Something like that,” Giles agreed. “It’s a selfish but natural reaction. We want our friends and family to fit into what we want them to be. Joyce naturally wouldn’t want Buffy to be the Slayer and facing danger every single day and night.”
“Or you as a Watcher,” Dawn added and Giles raised his eyebrows.
“I hadn’t thought much on that, we’ve never talked about it,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ve always been a Watcher around her. In fact, she hated me at times, feeling I was helping take Buffy away from her.”
“Weren’t you?”
“In a way,” Giles said slowly. “I was also trying to keep Buffy here in Sunnydale with her mother, unlike other Slayers. I also didn’t fight against her having friends like other Watchers would have.”
“Buffy says being my age was rough,” Dawn said as they walked, following the alert Slayer.
“Being your age is rough for anyone, Dawn,” Giles said gently. “It was harder because of her being the Slayer, yes.”
“She’s kinda cool,” Dawn shrugged. “She said I could hang with her and she’ll teach me some self defense stuff.”
Giles smiled, pleased that Buffy and Dawn seemed to have reached a level of relating to each other.
# # #