Hunters of the Past to Slayers of the Future

[ILLYRIAN]

Hunters of the past to Slayers of the future.

In the final hour before the school was going to open Mr. flutie picked the top letter from his IN tray, it was a letter stating that the new girl who was meant to be starting at the school that day had gone missing. The next letter stated that another girl by the name of Molly Cartwright would be starting that school that day, the schoolgirls carer was her Auntie. The Auntie had been given a position of Wheelwright at a local Equestrian Centre.

In Cornwall, near the city of Penzance, UK. The girls Auntie, Scherry had told Molly about them going to America the previous day, Scherry apologized about the lack of warning but as she told Molly she had only just found out that the Vampire Slayer who was meant to be going to Sunnydale was nowhere to be seen.
“So I am going there to keep the Vampire Slayers place open, in case she is found," said Molly.

Then Molly smiled.
"That is okay, Buffy was good to me the last time I was there,” she said.
“You've met her before?” asked Scherry.

“In a later time frame, when the First wanted to end everything, I went to Buffy's house as a potential, what I never understand was why the Vampire Slayer was so unlike us," asked Molly. “The Vampire Slayer is this times Demon Hunter, the Vampire Slayer has more power than others of your kind do but when they die that's it for them, except for the one who was going there,” said Scherry.

“The next one of her kind might be called to go to another part of the world,” continued Scherry.
“So who will my contact be when I get there?” asked Molly.
“When we get there others will know me as your Aunt,

Though I will still be your Goddess, I will have eight of the Elite as my guards,
this time though they will be at your call if you need them.
Your contact and instructor will be the Librarian until I say otherwise, his name is Mr. Rupert Giles.”

Molly smiled, “When I was there before I was invited to refer to him as Giles, he was the Watcher for Buffy.
When do I officially meet him?” asked Molly.
“Tomorrow," stated Scherry.

"We will live at 397 Maidens Way. A stone circle will be placed in the basement, and before you make any odd comments you will be going to school again.
Keep it quiet about what and who we are for now,” said Scherry.

Giles was surprised when Molly introduced herself to him at the Library.
The following morning Molly went to see the principal and had to face the lecture about being a good girl and not a trouble maker.
Molly was on her best behaviour though, she didn't say how old she was or how many demons she had killed.

Her classes were fun as she had to learn what was being taught before she knew what she was meant to know.
"She kept being asked questions that she didn't know the answer to, luckily the class involved history of England
but she had to act dumb even though she knew all the answers."

During the midday break she went to the library report to Giles.
Stood behind the counter he looked up at her. “Can I help you miss?” he asked.
“I was told to report to you, I'm new here, my name is Molly.”

“Molly, Molly, oh yes, sorry. It's been a confusing time, first I'm told to expect one girl then she can't get here, then when I'm about ready to leave I was told to stay here and be ready for you. So where do you come from?” asked Giles. “I was born in the town of Camelford originally but lately I have stayed near at a place near the city of Penzance.
“I know Camelford that's in Cornwall, not far from Tintagel. There is a hill just outside the village,” said Giles.

“You mean Rough Tor, it is a good place,” said Molly.
“That's the name, I used to like that place. But about here, I've researched the area and the history of this place,” said Giles.
“Do you mean about it being an orifice, the mouth?” asked Molly.

“I do but why do you know it's the mouth of hell?” asked Giles.
“I shouldn't have said that should I, oh well shall we keep that between us,” said Molly.
“What else do you know about this place?” asked Giles.

“Okay then, well, it is becoming active, that's why I was called here.”
"You were when were you told to be here,” asked Giles.
“It was at some point yesterday,” replied Molly. Just then another girl walked in to the library.

Giles turned to look at the girl,
“I remember you, weren't you in here yesterday.
What am I saying, you were the only girl who was in here yesterday!”

“That was probably because of the sign out there just above the doors, 'off limits to all students',” said Willow.
“Sign ? I didn't see any sign,” exclaimed Giles.
“It's a special sign, only the students can see it,” stated Willow.

“Oh yes, very good. What have you come in here for?” he asked.
“I'm trying to find out about that English king who got killed by an arrow in the eye,” said Willow.
“You mean the lies about King Harold the second,” said Molly.

“Lies? Do you know much about English history?” asked Willow.
“Excuse me, but that is how he died, it's famous that story,” said Giles.
“Ever heard of the Bayeaux Tapestry?” asked Molly.

“Of course!” exclaimed Giles.
“That is the Tapestry that depicts the battle isn't it?” asked Willow.
“Which was organised by the wife of William the Conqueror, if you look at it you'll see that the one with an arrow in his eye is a norman lord,” said Molly.

“I'm going to the 'Bronze' tonight, its a night club, sort of. I'll tell you who's who round here, if you can tell me more about the English history,” said Willow.
“Sounds as though it's okay Willow, I'll see you there,” said Molly.
After Willow had left Molly spoke to Mr Giles, “That place we talked about, is it very far from here?”

Later that evening Giles waited in the 'Bronze' to meet Molly.
Molly was making herself accustomed to the streets in Sunnydale,
getting closer to the place that was referred to as the Bronze Molly noticed Willow,

She and some-one else had been cornered by six vampires.
Molly flew her winged White Unicorn down to near where they were.
She thought to them and the Elite came to help Willow and her friend.

Letting Scherry know what was happening Molly guided her unicorn to land behind where the vampires.
“It's okay now Willow, I am here, you and your friend are not alone,” called Molly.
Willow and her friend stared open mouthed to her.

“You know her?” asked Xander.
“I met her in the library today, but who is she, what is she wearing!” exclaimed Willow.
“You bloody vampires, at least pick on some-one who knows what they're doing,” said Molly.

The vampires moved to attack, as they did the Elite Guards became visible, crossbows at the ready
the vampire became dust, each one was despatched.
Xander gripped Willow's arm, “She is as friend?” “Where did all the others go?” asked Xander.

Giles had heard the commotion and had come to see what was happening.
“There you are, are you alright.” Willow and Xander stared at him.
“What's wrong?” he asked.

Willow pointed to Molly. “It was her,
less than a minute ago she wasn't by herself and
she wasn't wearing those clothes, where did those others go?” asked Willow.


To Be Continued

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Hunters of the Past Slayers of the Future Part 2

As they were walking to the house where Molly had told them she was living Xander stated to Giles, “Like Willow asked, I'd like to know more about Molly as well?” asked Xander. “This could be good for each one of you,” said Molly. As they walked to where Molly lived very little was said. Willow felt the need to look behind her several times, she was sure that something was behind following them.

As they wandered along the path of the house the front door it opened for them although there was no one inside the door. In the front room of house Scherry was sat in the lounge waiting for them. “Have a seat, I was told to expect you, I've made a hot drink for each of you,” said Scherry. Giles whispered to Willow, “How did you she know how many cups to make?”

Molly looked to Scherry. “I am so glad that you made us drinks these drinks, you can't blame me for letting them know about us.” Giles faced both of them, tentatively he asked, “What else is going on?” “After you have accepted these drinks, it is important for me to know you are comfortable here,” said Scherry.

Seeing as they had begun to relax Scherry told them, “The girl who was originally coming here was Buffy Ann Summers was chosen by a higher power than other humans are she is what is known as a Vampire Slayer. Mr. Rupert Giles is to be her Watcher, the Slayer was meant to work in secret so please do not tell others about her as I hope she will be found.

“Yesterday Quentin rang you Mr Giles to tell you that she had gone missing,” said Scherry. Giles looked to Willow and Xander before he faced Scherry, “How on earth did you know all that?” Scherry smiled, “Because the other in me told Quentin what was happening. The Watchers, they, you are human right?” asked Scherry. “Of course we are human, oh, does that mean you are not.”

“The one who was meant to be here, the vampire slayer, the Chosen One, she who has the spirit of a demon, she is a human though those who created her a vampire slayer are not.” “Okay so possibly not human, which begs me to ask this, are you a human?” asked Giles. Molly lightly touched Willows knee, “This excuse should be good,” she said.

“Okay, there is another in me, she is the Goddess Medsera.” Looking towards Molly she then ordered her to change, Molly immediately appeared with her battle uniform on. “That is it Giles, that is what she was wearing earlier,” said Willow. “So am I right to say Molly is not a human,” said Giles. “She is, just as your girl is.

It is just that she is a Demon Hunter, an earlier form of Vampire Slayer. Giles, Willow, Xander, you have seen the evil, now see the good.” The whole room was suddenly bathed in a bright light, as the light faded Scherry stood in front of them, though her body was now shrouded with light. “When you see me like this I am the Goddess Medsura the others you saw before they are my guards they are from the Elite.”

The eight of the Elite took form. “They are who we saw with Molly,” said Xander. “Yes, they are of the Elite, they number seven hundred, there are also two hundred and sixty nine others of me, the Riders, each one of us are immortal so we will never cease to be,” said Molly. “Please know this that in this battle against evil you are not alone,” said the Goddess.

“A couple of questions do come to mind, first though, why are you here?” asked Giles. The light around the Goddess faded away, she stood in front of them as they were. “As you see me now know that I am Scherry. As to why we are here, Sunnydale is a mouth of hell and it is starting to become active so somebody needed to be here.

We don't understand why, but your vampire slayer that was meant to be here didn't get here yet she was looking forward to coming to this town.
“I was told that she has died, yet you behave as though she has not, why?” asked Giles. “She simply vanished no news was given so we think the evil has taken her, that being so when she is returned all will go back to the way it was, you should see us as helpers.”

“Yes but there still lies the unknown, what are you helpers to?” asked Giles. Scherry smiled to him, “The vampire slayers are now the first line of attack, if we think they need or they ask for our help we will help, and do so without any-one knowing except for now,” said Scherry. “You have said how many you are but I still need to understand details. It is much easier to say, than try to explain it for someone to accept it."

"Where did your people begin?” asked Giles. “We were formed by the Powers That Be based on the battles of a human, that human was formed by her battles with the Roman Army, she was known as Queen Boudicca, her daughters and the Tribes of the Iceni. We were the beginnings, now there is the Vampire Slayer, the Vampire Slayer is human and she will die."

"Should all the Vampire Slayers and those destined to be vampire slayers die we will take their places,” said Scherry. “Thank you,” said Giles. “Something that you were never told is that what you teach her will help her for-ever, although she won't recognize you after she is dead.” “Getting back to now, what is going to happen, do you want me to be a watcher to Molly?” asked Giles.

“Now you are assuming that you are by yourself again, but accept that you are one in a vast army. Where I am from I do the same as you for I am Molly's See-er what you call her Watcher, Molly is different from the slayer the vampire slayer has more respect yet a demon hunter lives longer.
“The immortal Demon Hunter,” said Giles.

“Immortal is an easier way to explain her but the Demon Hunters were all born, her best friend is Hope, she was born in the year thirteen seventy two, in France, she isn't an immortal yet Molly is. Molly was born in a hamlet known as Camelford created near Rough Tor in the year six hundred and thirty. The times like now add to her age, yet when she does not live on earth she returns to be in a stone in a stone circle.

“Which one of the Stone Circles?” asked Giles. “Why, do you like our Stone Circles?” asked Scherry. A big smile spread across Giles' face, “I loved everyone of them, my favourites were Stonehenge, the one near the towns of Compton, and near Penzance. “Know this then Stonehenge is used for bondings, weddings in this time, and funerals."

The stone circle near Little and Long Compton is the Rollright Stone-circle and near the one near Penzance is the Merry Maidens Stone-circle, that is the home of Molly,” said Scherry. “I always knew there was something about those circles,” said Giles. “Then know this, for after this time Molly will not age at all for she will become a true immortal.

She is one of the Merry Maidens, the Stone-circles are transportation for all with demon in them. “How on earth did you find out about that?” asked Giles. “One of our demon friends told us, a vampire,” Scherry stood upright, she looks as though she can see someone very far away then looks to Giles, it appears as though it has already happened.”

“All what?” asked Giles. “The girl that you were expecting before, she has just been found, it appears as though she had been here for a couple of years. What was thought to be an accident wasn't an accident, there is a demonic trace. So Mr. Giles, do you have you got a head for heights, a fear of flying?” asked Scherry. “No, and no, why?” asked Giles.

“Because Molly is a Rider and no doubt she will invite you to go flying with her.” Giles felt himself become embarrassed, “It is wrong for me to be embarrassed isn't it?” asked Giles. “You do realise Molly is one thousand three hundred and ninety five years old don't you?” Giles looked surprised, “So so where is it that she keeps her plane?” asked a flustered Giles.

“I am sorry to say this but you are wrong again, Molly rides a winged white Unicorn. Oh, quick Mr. Giles write down our phone number and who we are, Scherry at the Myth Investigators, Hillhouse, Totnes, South Devon, UK.” She smiled to him, “Now be in your office,” said Scherry. “What is it?” asked Giles, he looked around and and saw no one else.

“Where are you?” he asked. Giles was stood in the library, he looked around and saw he was by himself . Bewildered he glanced at the note on his desk on it was an address for the Myth Investigators. He wandered out into the schools courtyard, Buffy Willow and Xander were sat on a bench. “Whatcha doing Giles?” asked Willow. “I'm not sure, I've just found this note with this address on it, do any of you recognize it?” he asked.


To Be Continued

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Hunters of the Past to Slayers of the Future Part 3

Dawn looked out from the rear windows of the yellow school bus, she was trying to catch a glimpse of her sister, at that point she would even have called Buffy, her big sister. Taking a quick glance at the others on the bus. Once or twice she thought she saw her sister running on the roof tops, but she dismissed the notion as she was hoping to see a car following them.

Feeling less than hopeful, she kept watching from the rear window. Faith and Willow came to sit beside her, they tried to console her, unsuccessfully. Faith stood, just as she started to make her way to the front, something hit the roof of the bus then bounced. Faith turned to Dawn. "It is Buffy I can feel it is her," said Dawn as she allowed a smile onto her face, beginning to relax Dawn went to help Vi in helping the injured.

The bus was now heading out of the town. Behind them Xander could see that the town of Sunnydale was falling into a chasm, it was disappearing. Andrew just sat on the seat, staring ahead, constantly shaking his head, I'm alive, how?" Giles kept talking to Robin, trying to keep his mind active so that he could concentrate on driving the bus and not on his wounds.

Xander stared into nothing his mind clouded with memories of Anya, subconsciously he watched the scratch on the window and the side of the road, as he lurched forward he realised that the bus was slowing down. Buffy jumped down from the roof of the school bus, still clutching the scythe. It was as if the scythe was a remender of that what had happened did happen, that they had won against the evil, but she didn't understand how.

Slowly at first her friends alighted from the bus. Dawn ran to be with her, seeing what was before her Buffy hugged her sister. "I don't remember that being there," said Dawn. "It wasn't there yesterday," replied Buffy. "I don't understand," said Giles failing to comprehend the enormity of what he was seeing, what did this."

Buffy looked at the hole as a Welcome to Sunnydale sign fell from their sight. "Spike did, or at least it was the amulet that he wore." "Where did Angel say Liz Taylor's sparkler came from?" asked Faith. "Think he said that it came from that Wolfram and Hart place." "That doesn't sound right Buffy, why would that evil place give us something that would destroy the evil?"

"Good question Faith, I'll put it on my list of things to ask Angel." "So where are we going now Buffy?" asked Dawn. "I hear there's another hellmouth in Cleveland," said Giles. Willow grinned, "Did he just smile then?" asked Willow. "It wouldn't surprise me if he did," commented Dawn. "Back on the bus every-one, let's see where the road takes us."

As they began to get onto the bus, not far in front of them a light began to form on the road, the light grew in intensity, then slowly it faded leaving four figures visible to them. "Who are they?" asked Giles. "I'll tell you in a minute," said Buffy. She took a few paces towards them stopped and noticed that Faith and Willow were at her side, smiling she then noticed Dawn.

"I'm not letting you out of my sight again," said Dawn. Buffy kissed her sister on the forehead, "I missed you as well." Suddenly the four figures were right in front of them. "Buffy, Faith, Willow, Dawn, I'm pleased to meet you." "Who are you, and what was the glowing?" asked Buffy. "These who are with me are Molly, Hope and Graeves, I am Scherry.

We used the glowing to help us be here,” said Scherry. Giles stared ahead as the road began to fade. "I'm looking at, what is it that is just happening?” Vi looked from behind them, where are they, where did they go?" she asked. The eight figures stood on a light brown dusty soil. The view in front of them was changed, the road had gone, even the type of plants had changed.

"What is that thing behind us?" asked Dawn. They all turned, "It is like a big metal bird," said Molly. Buffy looked strangely at her, "Who are you?" "I am Molly, a Demon Hunter, like what you are but I'm different time, I am an immortal, a Rider. Hope is like me although Graeves is a vampire.” “So can someone tell me what is this big metal bird?" asked Dawn.

Above them in the galley of the big metal bird River had just turned to face Mal. "They are here!” exclaimed River as she announced it to everyone there. "What is she going on about now?" asked Jayne. "Explain yourself sweetie, who is here River,?" asked Kaylee. River looked to her and smiled. "There is a vampire, two demon hunters, a witch, a Goddess, two more like me and Dawn."

"You said she was better now doc, what happened?" asked Jayne. "Who is like you, River?" asked Simon. River looked at them as though they had lost their minds. "Buffy and Faith are like me, yet as they are five hundred years older than me, so I suppose it must be me who is like them, they are outside, in front.”

"This I gotta see," remarked Jayne and he ran down to the ramp. The others with River walked to meet them. "Who is it, whose the oldest?" asked Jayne. "I am." Jayne looked to Scherry. "So that's what? Fifty or so years older, huh?" "No, older than that." "Really, how old then?" asked Jayne. "Not to sure, several thousand years older, at least," said Scherry.

"Nah! really?" asked Jayne doubting what she had said. River glanced at Inara, then looked to Jayne as if he had just turned up for an intellectual game of marbles, without his marbles. Inara returned the look visually agreeing with River. River walked to Scherry and knelt to her. "Stand up River," she said. River faced Mal, "I didn't tell her my name, I didn't say who I am Mal,” said River.

”Hey, don't look at me I didn't tell her either," said Jayne. "I can feel her, she's like us Faith she is a vampire slayer," said Buffy. "That is why those Alliance men did tests on me Simon," said River. "In this time, River is the Chosen One," said the Scherry. Molly moved forward, then knelt to River. "Why is she doing that?" asked Buffy.

"Molly is a demon hunter, a Rider that is why. She is like the rest of us she comes from the same time line as you,” said River. "She just said she is a rider? Do you know what she is a rider of?" asked Dawn. "Winged white unicorns," said River. "Does she have one here, how will we know if she is about to ride it?" asked Buffy.

"Her clothes will change to be like an old battle uniform," said Willow. "How will we know what her uniform will look like?" asked Buffy. Molly looked to Scherry, "Doesn't she know?" asked Molly. Scherry shook her head. "So why are you all here?" asked Zoe. "To help you make this place your home, to help you begin the fight against the Alliance," replied Scherry.

So we're gonna live here?" asked Jayne. "That is the plan," said Mal. “I'm a bit unsure about this Molly but you do seem a bit familiar," said Willow. "I used to live with you in Sunnydale, I was one of the potentials that Giles brought from England. We wanted to see if you needed any help," said Molly. "Oh we did need some help," said Buffy.

"I know, that is why we sent you the amulet." said Molly. Buffy was stunned at last she knew where the amulet had come from, “er thanks,” replied Buffy. "River! That picture you drew for me. You said you saw the object in your head, but you didn't know exactly what it was," stated Kaylee. Puzzled, River looked at Kaylee as she continued.

"Well, that girl is holding it!" exclaimed Kaylee. Buffy looked down to wat she was holding. “Oh yes, I forgot I was still holding this," said Buffy. She held up the scythe to be in front of her. "I've seen that as well," said Zoe. "You now?" asked Jayne. “It was in a comic I read as a child, it was a tale from a battle a great many years ago, the tale was about a battle that was fought.

It was when the good fought and the First and . . . oh heck! It was led by Buffy the vampire slayer." Zoe faced Mal. "When I read the comic I thought it was a made up tale," said Zoe. "So did I yet here she is, proof of it," said Mal, then he began to smile. "Maybe we can use that, if we can show that we have the scythe then the Alliance can be stopped."

"If it'll help, you can keep the scythe here, if we need it we'll get a message to that other, the Goddess Medsera," said Buffy. Scherry grinned, “Just tell me what you want her to know, I will pass the message on,” said Scherry. “Thank you but how will you know her?” asked Kaylee. Scherry stared to Kaylee, “Because the other me is the Goddess.”

“You are her as well?” asked Kaylee. “There is another here who has the same problem, not knowing she is another.” "What is River doing now?" asked Mal. "I'm not sure, I haven't seen this before, I think River is teaching herself electronics," said Simon. "That'll help," responded Mal, "I just wish there was more here like her."

"There is another like me," responded River "Who is?" asked Mal. "She is," said River pointing to Echo.


To Be Continued

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Hunters of the past to Slayers of the Future Part 4

"I need the signal Mal," said River. "Why?" he replied. "So that these will work again," said River. "No! they won't, they are broken, they won't work again," said Mal. "Oh hi, what you guys doin' in here?" she asked. "Hmm I know you, you are Faith," said Mal. River looked at Mal as though he was an idiot, "It's not her,” said River." "She is, you are you aren't you?" asked Mal.

"Yes I am, I am me but I am not the me you think I am," she replied. "She is the her who will teach me more," said River. "She's getting bad again," Mal muttered to Simon. "Just because you don't understand me Mal, don't think that you know any better." Mal faced Simon, “Help.” "How did she get here?" asked Dawn. "Who are you referring to?" asked Simon.

"Faith or do I mean Echo, how did she get here before me?" asked Dawn again. "We are staying here for now," said River. "So? Is that a problem?" asked Simon. River looked skyward, eyes closed, shaking her head. "She just took the screen from Serenity," announced River. "She did! Who did and when?" asked Mal. "Not her, the other one that Dawn saw before," River looked at Mal then raised her eyebrows, "she'll be here soon."

"Did you follow that doc?" asked Mal, "Hi you are?" asked River. "I am Faith." "I knew that," said Mal. "Why are they here, River?" asked Simon. "Waiting, she won't be long, with a screen but a small one," said River. "Oh great another one of them," stated Mal. "No Mal, not like her, not like any here," said River. "What was that?" "De-ja vous?" asked Dawn.

"No, she was more like Echo," said River. Most of them there turned to see who's voice it was. "She looks like me," said Faith. "She is you, from a different time," said Scherry. "A different time?" asked Dawn. "Where female toys who aren't action figures live," said River. "But why if it is her why is she here?" asked Zoe.

"I wanted her to be here, to teach River," said the Goddess. "How, is she trained?" asked Jayne. "No trained Jayne, she was programmed," said River. "Not another robot," exclaimed Dawn. "No," said River. "Who is she then?" asked Simon. "She doesn't know who she is, she is programmed to be who she is needed to be."

"Sounds like something the alliance would do," said Inara. "She is from before them, ever heard the saying, if you can't beat them join them. The government tried to do it, but for their benefit not for humanity's," said Scherry. "What you said, that's why we are here isn't it?" asked Faith. "Even though you don't know it Mal, this is where it all starts."

"The scythe has just become important again," said Zoe. "I'm going up against the Alliance again, will I win?" asked Mal. "The scythe will be that, that which is the start, this is the place of the start, others will follow you, now the start begins." "How long will you be here?" asked Simon. "Until they are ready to leave, when the first waves have been defeated," said River.

"You are right, River," said Scherry, "but we should leave you now River. Now all that you can today, for tomorrow we will need the early warning system." "I'll put the screen back in the morning, so that Serenity can deliver them," said Echo. "What should we do?" asked Jayne. "Prepare the ground defenses, when they get the signal out we will need them," said Mal.

"Are we going to be attacked that quick?" asked Jayne. "It's not for them, it's to give confidence to those who would join us, can you come with me, Mal, Buffy, Faith?" asked Scherry. "What is it?" asked Zoe. "It'd be best if we left them alone to do the electronics. They can do the satellites as well, I think we should organize the ground defenses," said Scherry, "Mal what would you do?"

"First up, there's the distance from base of the mountain we're on a look out would be good, then maybe some observation places on top of the hills around here, enough for a 360 degree view. In each place we have a central table on a map with a compass to mark where any-one else is." "Those places should have a radio link," said Zoe.

"We could use the two shuttles for moving between the look out posts. I don't like using ground forces, and we don't have enough people here," said Mal. It went quiet as they thought of different scenarios. "Sir, if the engines on Serenity are used to make deep, wide trenches. We would need to find where the soft ground is first though," said Zoe.

"That being so, by the time they come over the trenches we'll have had time to get to our places," said Faith. "Just how many are we?" asked Mal.
"I count 16 all up sir." "Of those that are seen, yes. Then there is my guards and Molly's charge," said Scherry. "What?" asked Mal. "I have 8 guards here." The Elite became visible, Molly's charge, the winged white unicorn appeared as well.

Plus there are our advantages. The Elite, Molly and the other Riders are immortals. “Plus I cannot die,” said Scherry. "How certain of that are you?" asked Mal. "If you want to doubt me I suggest you shoot me, Mal." Mal shot Scherry in the middle of her forehead. There was no noticeable reaction from Scherry.

"As I told you, I cannot be harmed," said Scherry, " Graeves is a vampire so I wouldn't be to surprised if his girlfriend is here." "Who is that?" asked Zoe. "Must be Hope," said Buffy. "Why do you think that?" "She is the only other girl with you," said Mal. "That you see," said Scherry. "He does interest me," said Blue, as she took form.

"And who are you?" asked Mal. "I am Blue, also known as The Blue Lady.” "Is your friend Jessica here as well?" asked Scherry. Blue smiled,
"She is." "Who is this Jessica?" asked Buffy. "Lady Jessica Eleanor Parker," said Blue, "neither of us are fighters but we can go unseen into an enemy camp, and get any plans that they have."

"Handy," said Zoe. "The trenches, can they be made so that access to them can only be done in two places?" asked Buffy. "It's possible, not to sure who would be able to do that though." “River,” Zoe faced Mal, Sir?" "Where have you been, Zoe are you aware that River says she is Serenity," said Mal. "Yes sir," replied Zoe, sarcastically.

"If Mal makes the look-outs, then River can do the trenches, then when the satellites are in place, we'll release the signal," said Buffy.
"What will the signal be?" asked Zoe. "Short and simple, a visual of Mal holding the Scythe, then have him hitting a rock with it. And display the words, 'This is the Scythe, the real Scythe of the Vampire Slayer'.

Join me and see it's secret," said Buffy. "What are it's secret's?" asked Mal. "There are 14 here that no-one knows of, I can make them appear at your request," said Scherry. "That would convince most folk," said Zoe. It was 4 days before the signal was sent. Soon a reply came, then soon after that came the first visitors.

Mal went to greet them, waiting till they came down from their craft. "Fanty, Mingo, welcome to my home." "So this is your new home is it?" asked Fanty. "Yes Fanty." "He's Mingo, I'm Fanty." "No, he's Fanty." "Told you, I don't know how, but he's always right." "You've got the Scythe, where did you get it from?" asked Mingo.

"The last person to use it, gave it to me," said Mal. "Oh right, a secret is it, not going to tell us?" asked Fanty. Buffy emerged as Mal handed the Scythe to her. "You! You are Buffy?" asked Fanty. Willow stood before him, "That is Buffy The Vampire Slayer to you." "No . . . no . . . .that would make you . . . and no-one lives that long," said Mingo.

"And you handed it to Mal?" asked Fanty. "Yes, but it isn't his it belongs to the present slayer," said Buffy. "Who is that?" "I am," said River. Suddenly River appeared before them. Buffy gave her the Scythe, it shimmered, emitting a high frequency whine. "What are you going to do?" asked Fanty. "Not me, the Scythe will make the 'verse as it should be," said River.

"Fanty, Mingo, are you with the Scythe or against it?" asked Mal. "With it?" they both instantly replied. "Then you can see it's secrets." The area around them glowed with a glorious light, then people began to appear. Fanty turned to his brother then to River.
"All that my brother and I have, is yours."



To Be Continued

 

[ILLYRIAN]

Hunters of the past to Slayers of the Future Part 5

Mal looked at the screens, “Each of the beacons had been put in place.” Mal and River continued to fly Serenity back to the base. "The look-outs Mal, where have you put them?" asked River. "On hill tops, and on the bases of the hills," said Mal. "There'd be a lot of manpower needed, the way I see it you'd need at least five, and another to communicate to them.

Then if they are doing shifts, that would be most of us tied up. How about Echo and I setting up a visual reader." That would be good as that'd free up lots of people. We can hover above the base, see what can't be seen," said Mal. "As soon as the alert is made all the base lights go off so we can't be seen, all our satellite bins have sensors that will lock on to a spaceships engines or it's life support system or.......” said Mal.

"Good thinking, great, but you overlooked one thing, the base could then be hit by the falling spaceship..” said River. “What? what? oh! I know, don't interrupt," said Mal." The base lookout has a light gun fitted, Jayne operates it and the door locks behind him." "So how does he get out?" asked Mal. "The door is voice activated, it only works if Jayne says "I got one of the little suckers," said River.

"That'll teach him to be nice to you, speaking of being nice, would you like to go for a meal?" asked Mal. "Ooh! do I get to choose the place? I've been told that Miranda has a lot of quiet corners, just right for a pair of young ones like us," said River, happily. "I er, like the kitchen, but I'll do something!" said Mal. "Is that all? I hoped you take me out somewhere nice, you'll be my first boyfriend," said River.

Mal stepped back, "Can I get dressed up for our date? Will there candle stick holders on the table?" asked River. Back in the base, just after they had wandered into the communications room. "You and River been having fun?" asked Faith, smiling knowingly at Mal. "Not you now," said Mal. "Set the day did he River?" asked Zoe.

"Hey! Enough!" stated Mal he appeared to be getting annoyed. "Captain ahhhh, that's lovely. I always knew you were just a big fluffy bunny," said Kaylee. "That's it, enough, now stop it!" "I agree, that's enough," said Dawn. "Thank you Dawn," said Mal. "Can I be one of your bridesmaids River?" asked Dawn, happily. "That's it! I'm going," said Mal.

Jayne walked past Mal, allowing him to see Faith standing in his way she was holding a now empty tray, yet she was smiling. As Mal and Jayne walked out into the open they passed Buffy and Zoe, Buffy looked up at the sky, then to Zoe. They were all having fun watching Jayne trying to get some form of understanding of 3D draughts, unfortunately for him he was being taught by River.

Had he realised that River still held a willingness to see him belittled in any way possible he may have asked some-one else to teach him. Echo walked into the room. "The intruder alarms have just activated,” said Echo. "At last! I hope there is an attack," said Mal. "Yes on the hilltops around the base, the lookouts began to resemble actual lookouts, the guns began to be directed to the approaching forces.

On a far side of the base Molly and Zoe began to run to their posts. Zoe shouted to Molly. A dream that she had, she said about a dream, of girls who fought," Molly and Zoe stopped. "What the?" A figure appeared in front of them, the figure was glowing. Molly knelt and bowed. "Goddess?" "Zoe, if you have questions, ask them."

Scherry created a vision for Zoe to see. The vision was of Buffy, Faith and Echo. They were standing still, making no sound. "What are they doing?" asked Zoe. "Echo is being re-programmed, she is being given the knowledge of the slayers battles, when that is done Buffy and Faith will leave and I will call upon them from our time to be with Echo and they will give her the knowledge of control."

"How many do we face, there are only fourteen of us here!" "Look again there are sixteen," said the Goddess. "Against the three thousand, we face them all so how can we win?" "Would you like more?” asked the Goddess, then she directed a wave of her arm to Molly. “Molly, change. River, come here," stated Scherry.

Zoe stared incredulously at River "That, that is the scythe, and that is how the slayer carried it in the comics, so how is it that you carry it now?" The Goddess smiled to Zoe, "That is why the comics were printed, so that she would be followed. As for now you need to be prepared. Molly search, tell River to go and join your others.

Guards, be seen, go to your others. Zoe, look to the gates." Not completely understanding why Zoe faced the gates as Riders on their charges began to appear as did those on foot, the Elite, the hunters and the slayers. “Feel better Zoe?" asked the Goddess. "Goddess?" declared Zoe. "Zoe, after this battle I will leave. Fanty will bring others, when news of this battle spreads on the wave, others will join you from many of the planets."

"So who will lead us, all of us?" asked Zoe. "That is why Echo is being given that what she needs." Zoe was about to ask when her attention was drawn to the lookouts as they began firing. She turned to see River walking towards her. "River? Are you alright?” asked Zoe. Zoe noticed that the alliance troops were running towards their positions.

"River?” asked the Goddess. River smiled then faced Zoe, “You've always taken care of me, you, Simon and the others..............my turn!" declared River. Zoe watched as River's body disappeared, she re-appeared with the others of her kind, watching the Alliance run towards them. She waited until they ran into the trench, then she began to walk forward, as the first heads of the Alliance troops appeared.

"NOW,” screamed River. Two thousand of her forces ran screaming towards the Alliance. Even though they took heavy fire, the injuries didn't stop them. As they ran their clothes changed to that of the battle dress, releasing their swords, raising them above their heads. They caused fear to the troops of the Alliance who slowed then stopped at the sight of the clothes changing, then the fear in them grew.

The flashes of lights from the swords as the girls ran into them, the black of the darkness took them all. Fanty flew towards the base in his spaceship, he saw the bodies of the thousands of Alliance, landing at the complex he was met by Echo, Jayne, Mal and Zoe. Fanty was stunned by what he saw, "Are any of you injured?"

"No, not one of us," said Zoe. Fanty continued to look at them. "Those who I have brought want to join you," said Fanty. Sixty four people walked from the ship, as River walked from the battle field and towards them, still with the blood of the alliance on her, still wearing her battle dress, still carrying the Scythe.


THE END